RTHK: Myanmar junta court rejects Suu Kyi corruption appeal A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi against a five-year sentence for corruption handed down last week. Since a coup ousted her government in February last year, plunging Myanmar into upheaval, Suu Kyi has been in military custody and faces a raft of charges that could jail her for more than 150 years. Last week the Nobel laureate was convicted of accepting a bribe of US$600,000 cash and gold bars a charge she said was "absurd", according to her lawyer. The junta's "Union Supreme Court rejected the appeal of her sentence," said junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun. Suu Kyi will challenge the latest decision in a higher court, a source with knowledge of the case said after the ruling. She had "decided to continue till the end of the process to check the situation of the rule of law here," the source said. There was no date given for the fresh appeal, which will be heard in the Union Supreme Court in front of two judges. Before her corruption conviction, the 76-year-old Suu Kyi had already been sentenced to six years in jail for incitement against the military, breaching Covid-19 rules and breaking a telecommunications law. Appeals against those convictions are currently pending in the courts, the source said. Suu Kyi will remain under house arrest at an unknown location in the military-built capital Naypyidaw while she fights other charges. She faces a raft of other trials, including for allegedly violating the official secrets act, several counts of corruption and electoral fraud. Journalists have been barred from attending the court hearings and Suu Kyi's lawyers have been banned from speaking to the media. The rejection of the appeal marked "another stage in the show trial," said David Mathieson, an independent analyst working on Myanmar. "This is sport in a court, a form of mental cruelty." Under a previous junta regime, Suu Kyi spent long spells under house arrest in her family's colonial-era lakeside mansion in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city. Today, she is confined to an undisclosed location in the capital, with her links to the outside world limited to brief pre-trial meetings with her lawyers. The junta has rebuffed requests by foreign diplomats to meet Suu Kyi while she is on trial. The coup last year sparked widespread protests and unrest that the military has sought to crush by force. Fighting has flared with established ethnic rebel groups in border areas and across the country "People's Defence Forces" have sprung up to fight junta troops. According to a local monitoring group, the crackdown has left more than 1,800 civilians dead while over 13,000 have been arrested. Suu Kyi has been the face of Myanmar's democratic hopes for more than 30 years, but her earlier sentences already mean she is likely to miss elections the junta has said it plans to hold by next year. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-05-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 89 percent of imports raw materials for domestic production: Ministry Up to 89 percent of the imports in the first four months of this year are raw materials and accessories for domestic production with a combined value of 106.6 billion USD, up 16.8 percent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) It reported on May 4 that Vietnams total imports expanded 15.7 percent year-on-year to an estimated 119.8 billion USD in the period. In April alone, the figure was estimated to reach 32.2 billion USD, down 1.5 percent month-on-month and up 15.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The import of energy products strongly surged, partly due to scarce supply. Notably, the import turnovers of gasoline and oil, coal, crude oil and liquefied natural gas surged by 146.9 percent, 123 percent, 63.7 percent and 62.7 percent, respectively. In addition, the import of other items also increased sharply such as petroleum products (up 30.3 percent), chemicals (up 29.3 percent), chemical product (26.71 percent), fertiliser (73.3 percent), rubber (34 percent), mobile phones and accessories (20.8 percent). China was the largest market of Vietnam in the first four months, with an estimated turnover of 36.78 percent, up 8.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Vietnam also imported goods from the Republic of Korea, ASEAN, Japan, EU, and the US with respective values of 23.3 billion USD, 16.4 billion USD, 8.2 billion USD, 5.3 billion USD and 4.7 billion USD./. 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. Turkish Foreign Minister to visit Israel at the end of May Erdogan: Stances of Turkey and Kazakhstan on resolving Ukrainian crisis coincide Armenia PM lays wreath to cross-stone in memory of Armenian Genocide in Netherlands Armenia PM arrives in Netherlands Resistance Movement organizes march through central streets of Yerevan Georgia submits second part of questionnaire for EU accession talks Resistance Movement holds another rally on France Square in Yerevan Shanghai subway shut down amid COVID-19 outbreak in city Consultations on Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral cooperation planning held in Yerevan Emir of Kuwait accepts PM and government's resignation Macron urges Hungarian PM to agree to embargo on Russian oil imports Borrell hopes for conclusion of agreement on EU oil embargo against Russia US State Department comments on protests in Armenia Turkish Defense Minister urges Greece to solve bilateral problems through dialogue Armenia has new head of mission to NATO Iran considers Turkey's construction of dams unacceptable Dollar, euro fall in Armenia France ambassador: We support Armenia government efforts to establish peace in region EU Delegation head urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to refrain from 'conspiratorial thoughts and plans' Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrives in Turkey Ruben Rubinyan, several envoys discuss Armenia-Turkey normalization process Ambassador-at-large: Armenia 6-point document transferred to Azerbaijan includes Artsakh status, security issues 35 people apprehended so far during Tuesdays civil disobedience actions in Yerevan Japan imposes sanctions on 71 Russian companies Turkey plans to open consulate in occupied Armenian Shushi city of Artsakh Police apprehend opposition marchers near Lake Yerevan 26 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia past 1 week Armenia 2nd-President Kocharyan, ex-deputy PM and now lawmaker Gevorgyan court session is held behind closed doors Armenia Resistance Movement coordinator: Any incident of violence is reprehensible to us Situation gets tense during Resistance Movement march in Zeytun district of Yerevan Over 200 injured in mass protests in Sri Lanka Unidentified Indians fire rocket-propelled grenades at police department Armenia premier heads for Netherlands on official visit Armenia ex-President Kocharyan, former-deputy PM and now MP Gevorgyan trial to reconvene Azerbaijan establishes new border protection organization New South Korean president urges North Korea to denuclearize Azerbaijan FM says he had 2 telephone conversations with Armenia counterpart Resistance Movement kicks off marches in Yerevan Azerbaijan FM says Armenia's proposals cannot be called proposals Azerbaijan MFA: Armenia authorities have not refused to normalize relations despite opposition protests Azerbaijan hopes to get 7 villages in Armenia Bayramov: Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed in Karabakh Azerbaijan FM speaks against Armenia opposition China's central bank cuts yuan against dollar to new low in a year and a half Azerbaijan ignores points added by Armenia on agenda of forthcoming talks Process of including Armenian church in UNESCO World Heritage List is discussed in Irans Isfahan Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD lying once again American Armenians stage demonstration outside Armenia consulate Newspaper: Notification to be sent to Armenia Patrol Guard Service head today Quake hits Georgia-Azerbaijan border zone, also felt in Armenia Biden signs Lend-Lease Act to defend democracy in Ukraine Newspaper: 44-day war military casualties parents are summoned for questioning at Investigative Committee EU considers additional funds for eastern countries for a deal to ban Russian oil Armenia PM to visit Netherlands Germany's finance minister warns that wage increases could further fuel inflation Ursula von der Leyen travels to Hungary to persuade Orban to support sanctions on Russia NEWS.am digest: Armenia marks May 9, Shushi liberation; Azerbaijan opens fire on Sotk gold mine Ursula von der Leyen says unanimous vote on key areas of EU policy no longer makes sense Resistance movement marches through central streets of Yerevan US First Lady meets with Slovak President North Korea urges citizens to strictly adhere to antiviral measures in connection with COVID-19 Armenian TV host dies after falling into river Javelin manufacturer to double production of anti-tank missile systems Sri Lankan Prime Minister submits his resignation to the President Marukyan: There should have been half million people on streets now if people really wanted change of power in Armenia Russia envoy to Armenia: Everyone should avoid steps that could aggravate situation Oil prices drop in Saudi Arabia after COVID-19 outbreak in China Armenia army general staff ex-deputy chief: I will say its a lie if someone says it was possible to win 44-day war Georgia condemns presidential elections in South Ossetia ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party official says authorities plan to divide Armenian diaspora Azerbaijan continues attempts to appropriate Armenian Dadivank Monastery Bitcoin is trading at a low since the summer of 2021 Armenia ambassador-at-large: Whoever says 'they want Artsakh to be part of Azerbaijan' probably wants it Turkeys Erdogan to attend Teknofest in Azerbaijan System Of a Down members welcome opposition Resistance Movement actions in Armenia (PHOTOS) Journalist attacked in Baku 19 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia in past 5 days Novak: Russia has already started selling oil to a number of new buyers Putin: NATO countries did not want to hear Russia Two Chinese ships enter Japanese territorial waters China assures Australia of peaceful intentions in cooperation with Solomon Islands Holy Etchmiadzin clergy visit Victory Park memorial in Yerevan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Let us live for new victories Armenia ex-defense minister: Wedding at Mountains ideologically impossible after change of power NATO Secretary General urges Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine Karabakh negotiation process did not fail under Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan, says Seyran Ohanyan Armenia ex-defense minister: Resistance Movements breakthrough moment already passed Karabakh President visits Stepanakert Memorial on May 9 anniversaries Armenia Investigative Committee chief on including PM Pashinyan as defendant: We have just accepted proceedings Heavy snowfall recorded in Armenia rural community, in May! Karabakh President: Shushi is in captivity again, Artsakh must always be Armenian and impregnable Armenias Pashinyan to Russias Putin: Memory of great past obliges us to strengthen our inherited friendly ties Armenia PM arrives at Victory Park accompanied by enhanced security Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan: For stateless servile creatures, cost of peace is homage paid to enemy Azerbaijanis desecrate Armenian church in occupied Togh village of Artsakh (VIDEO) Armenia PM: Blood of our martyrs who gave their lives to Motherland should not be forgotten Armenia premier, president, others are at Victory Park Armenia marks May 9 Armenia PM visits Yerevan military pantheon Zelenskyy and German Parliament Speaker discuss heavy weapons supply to Ukraine From left: Sera, Christine and Casey Giles. Crossing the Stage at All Walks of Life Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 40-5744-7193 | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu Giles family proves you can graduate at any age Christine Giles cant believe she finally pulled it off. A journey that started 12 years ago built off a 40-year old dream is set to culminate on Saturday as she walks across the stage at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Giles, 58, will be a college graduate. In the crowd will be two young women who watched Giles every step of the way and were inspired to further their own education because of her determination. Casey and Sera Giles, two of Christines six children, will applaud as their mother earns her bachelors degree after years of work. Sera, the youngest, will have just received her own bachelors degree hours before, becoming the first of the Giles kids to become a college graduate. Casey, who was able to go back to college at 25 thanks to a tuition waiver from Christines job at Oklahoma State University, will watch, knowing they will all get together again next spring when she graduates with her bachelors degree. The Giles are a tightknit clan. Casey lives next to Christine and worked alongside her at OSUs LASSO Center. Sera often visits them both at the center, and though none of them are in the same degree program, they will talk about schoolwork as if they were a study group. Its not something any of them take for granted and definitely couldnt have imagined five years ago, let alone a decade ago. In 2010, Christine was just taking a few classes here or there and not really thinking about a degree in any specific subject. I was taking a lot of things that I just really was interested in and feeling like if I just got the ball rolling, that I would be able to move it in some direction at some point, but not knowing at the time really what direction to move it in, Christine said. The Giles matriarch graduated high school from Harrah, Oklahoma, in 1981 and married Don Giles, an OSU graduate and former Pistol Pete, before starting a family. Christine homeschooled her kids and eventually started thinking about education herself. Don, a Stillwater native who had originally come to OSU on a wrestling scholarship before suffering a shoulder injury that ended his career, was happy to see Christine get to live her dream. In fact, his mother, Nancy Giles, had also gone to college later in life. When his father, Richard, and mom moved to Stillwater in the 1950s, Richard attended OSU and graduated, eventually becoming fire safety director and assistant fire chief for Stillwater while Nancy worked for the dean of agriculture. In the 1970s, Nancy went to college at the age of 37 and graduated as a nontraditional student, too. So when Christine started going to school, Don knew his mom would have been proud. To come back and see my wife and two daughters going through the system, that will just give a guy some orange pride, said Don, who graduated in 1984 and went into a career in fire protection like his dad. It has been really great to see. My buttons are popping off my chest from being proud. Christine Giles, 58, is graduating with a degree in geography on Saturday. Christines first class was at the Moore Norman Technology Center, where she was working part time. The class, Microsoft Excel, gave her college credit at Oklahoma City Community College. Eventually, she settled on Rose State College for the bulk of her classes. English composition, Spanish, sociology, philosophy, Christine dabbled in a little bit of everything. I took one class at a time for several semesters, Christine said. And each time I would make an A, I would say, 'Hmm, can I do that again?' And it took me years to build up my confidence and really realize, you know what, I got this. In 2016, the family decided to move to Stillwater from their home in Midwest City, Oklahoma, to care for Richard then in his 80s who had suffered a number of falls. Christine said the only worry she had was Sera finishing her high school somewhere else. As the only one of them to have attended public school, Sera was going to Carl Albert High School but was content to spend her senior year at Stillwater High School, her dads alma mater. Christine got a job as a senior administrative support specialist in the LASSO Center. After her first year, she was eligible for the employee tuition waiver and decided on a degree program she was passionate about: geography and global studies. I was a homeschool mom for many years and one of my favorite things to teach was history and geography, Christine said. So it's always been interesting to me and then learning about how foundational geography is to so many other things, how it ties into just everything involving humans, economics and politics and how we grow our food and culture and just so many, many things kind of dovetail with it. Christine said her one regret was not taking more general education classes when she was at Rose State since she had to take them when she came to OSU. But once she had been at the university for a year, her tuition waiver kicked in and she was able to take more classes. Casey Giles, 28, will be graduating with a degree in psychology next spring. About that time, Casey moved back to Stillwater after a few years in San Antonio, Texas. She had initially taken some classes at Rose State, as well, but had to take some time away to focus on her mental health. While living in San Antonio, Casey worked as a preschool teacher and thought about going back to school some day in the future. During her time there, she started seeing a physicians assistant who told her she was dealing with unaddressed anxiety and stress. Through her visits, Casey realized she wanted to be in the medical field and help people, like her PA had helped her. When she found out about OSUs tuition waiver, she decided it was time to start working toward a degree and eventually become a PA herself. It was intimidating at first because I felt competent as an adult and had those kinds of real-world experiences, but I had to relearn how to do simple things like college algebra and the MLA format, Casey said. Just switching from working full time and being independent to being a full-time student was a definite pace change. But I love school and I've loved being able to work at OSU and actually work at the LASSO Center with my mom. Casey said she is looking forward to 2023 to get her degree in psychology before going to PA school. "I would say before that even started, I've been interested in psychology and neuroscience since I was in high school, and I'd always planned to become a doctor, Casey said. But then just because my route changed a little bit, I didn't know how that was gonna happen. I just knew it was going to, I knew that's what I wanted. And then when I researched different career paths, I came upon PA, which is just basically a step down from a doctor, but you still get to do a lot of the same things. There's a lot of overlap. So I knew that was perfect for me, because it was a shorter school time it's only three years and then I can immediately practice. ... So it made a lot more sense to me, but I'm still going to be able to do everything I want, which is treating patients, really getting to know them and building those long-term relationships. While Casey was starting her degree, Sera had taken a more traditional path after graduating from Stillwater High School and was in the midst of her management and entrepreneurship degree at OSUs Spears School of Business. Sera Giles, 22, is graduating with a degree in management and entrepreneurship on Saturday. Sera, who had moved into the Kappa Delta sorority house, said that even though she didnt get to see Casey and Christine at home anymore, it was heartwarming to see them around campus. It's definitely interesting and something not really comparable to most of my friends, Sera said. While it's not unheard of for people to go back, most of my friends don't have experiences in their world where a family member has. So it's definitely unique talking to my sister who's so much older about things that I talk to my friends that are my age about and same with my mom. It's kind of cool. It kind of gives us an understanding we wouldn't have had in our relationship before. She said seeing what her mom and sister have done is proof that you can do anything you set your mind to. I mean, there's really no excuse if you look at my family as an example, Sera said. We are just at three completely different phases of life and we got it done. And it definitely took different timelines for each of us. But you just have to make it work and it is worth it in the end." In her OSU career, Sera served first as a liaison and eventually president of the Panhellenic Council, laying the groundwork for her first job out of college. She will be working for the national headquarters of Kappa Delta and will spend her time traveling the country visiting chapters. First, she has to walk at commencement. When Sera walks at the business graduation, she will be taking in the moment but also looking forward to when her mom graduates later that day at the College of Arts and Sciences ceremony, she said. I honestly think I'll probably be a little more proud of her than me because I had it easy, comparatively, Sera said. She's doing it while working full time and being a mom. It's pretty much the bare minimum for me I feel like. It's just expected to be done. I definitely think it'll be really cool to watch her. It's just almost like hard to believe that she's done because she's just been working towards it for so long. Casey feels the same way and said she will be filled with pride for her sister and mom as she watches the ceremony alongside her dad and siblings Andy, Matt, Aaron and Kelly. It's cool to watch how differently they attain the same end goal, because they both worked so hard and had such different struggles, but they both overcame all of those, Casey said. Don said it will be hard to contain his excitement at either ceremony. I will not be able to keep the rules hold your applause and your yelling till the end. That's just not going to happen, Don said. I won't be able to help myself from yelling, screaming, applauding and celebrating with two of my women that I love so dearly while watching them hit their goals. You see someone you love do something really arduous, really tough, and you're happy when it's over, but you're especially happy when the score is a win. For Christine, she will be filled with relief and joy when she finally earns that diploma. Plus, thanks to OSUs tuition waiver, she will be graduating with no college debt. As for whats next after 12 years of taking classes a little bit at a time? A masters degree, of course. Now that my kids are grown because they weren't grown when I started, Sera was about 10 it became more of a thing of Hmm, maybe I could have a second act career, Christine said. Maybe I could actually do something with this college thing. Maybe it could actually lead somewhere. So that's why I decided, yeah, let's go ahead and go for the master's program. Although it has been a long journey, Christine said she doesnt regret how she got here. The only thing she wishes people knew more when deciding if they should go back to school is to be confident in themselves. It is something that took her a long time to realize and with the help of her daughters, she is able to live her dream. "I would say go for it. And I would say, don't do it as slowly as I did, Christine said. The only reason I did it as slowly as I did was because it took me a long, long time to really become confident. And that was something that I really had to fight for and keep fighting for and realize, yes, you've got this; you can do this. New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/PNN): After the success of Sharda Yamuna Khadar Pathshala, Delhi, with 270 children, EKA Foundation announced the adoption of another school from the current academic year (April 2022) as a part of Right to Education under EKA's Project Sharda. Through this project, they will continuously look at opportunities to provide free quality education to underprivileged children with a proper school infrastructure and value adds. The school is founded under the vision of Mehboob Malik, who is constantly trying to meet the day-to-day needs of running the school. With its community initiative Project Sharda, EKA Foundation has stepped in to provide the required support. EKA brings free and quality education to the underprivileged, value adds in terms of infrastructure, innovation in education, recreational activities, and the right exposure for our children, who can then learn and grow. On the recent Success, Project EKA's founder & chairwoman Puja Rawat said, "In the loving memory of my friend & mentor Sharda, we have started "Project Sharda" to fill in for the fundamental right to education and to reach out to as many children as we can, provide them with a clean, sustainable, and safe school environment, and help them grow under the guidance of our renowned educationists and mentors. Our vision is to build 100+ such schools in the coming year." Sharda Ma Tujhe Salaam Primary School is now running in Sharda Nagar, Kanpur, U.P, India. At present, the school takes care of about 50 children, and they are encouraging more families to send their children to school and help them shape their future. The man behind this novel, Mehboob Malik, is very passionate about education and child welfare and towards this has been putting 80 per cent of his income from the tea stall to provide free education to children of families who cannot afford it. Various institutions have rewarded malik for his work, including the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Project Eka Foundation is a philanthropic non-governmental organization (NGO) that intends to conceptualize and carry out a variety of boots on the ground projects on various societal causes for societal upliftment. EKA's vision is to create a community that builds human capacities. They believe that the day every individual gets access to basic infrastructure and facilities, can make a livelihood, and no one is left out in this journey. Only then will they be able to build a self-sustainable society. This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 5 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Vida Heydari Contemporary is pleased to invite all to the opening of the latest solo exhibition, Raaz by Iran's top artist, Khosrow Hassanzadeh, displaying mixed media drawings at VHC from May 5 to June 16, 2022. In his first ever solo exhibition in India, Hassanzadeh presents a series of drawings, revealing his personal stories through a poetic and mesmerizing union of Persian Calligraphy and Miniature paintings. Artist, Hassanzadeh will be present on the opening night. KHOSROW HASSANZADEH - ARTIST STATEMENT (excerpt) "A poetic, vibrant, and often melancholic take on Persian calligraphy, Miniature painting, and popular Faal-e-Hafiz divinations, Khosrow Hassanzadeh revisits his identity by writing down his memories as poems whose dancing lines fuse together to form a cursive script whose content remains an undisclosed secret. Using ink and pastel materials dear to him since the earlier days of his artistic practice, and painting on large pieces of paper, a technique that goes back to his earliest works, Khosrow digs deeper into his past, seeking what he believes has been lost to him." This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/GPRC): Pune's MYSP Enterprises Pvt Ltd. company has always been one of the top most financial institutes with the powerful leadership of founder and CMD Sachin Bamgude and this time also he has proved his mettle with new big achievement. In a well-organized award function arranged at hotel Lemon Tree, Pune by HDFC Ltd they felicitated their DSA's contribution in the last financial year and S P Arthvishva Financial proved to be the No. 1 in its category and other financial categories. With this success Sachin Bamgude has once again made it clear that MYSPE and its other financial agencies/services are one of the best of its category. For the event around 100 performing DSA's from Pune region were called. From among all the categories Pune based corporate agency S P Arthvishva Financial has grabbed the first and top most position. The awards in this event were distributed by the hands of Suresh Pohuja, National Head, TPDSA channel. For this event HDFC Regional Head, Kartik Iyer was also present with many HDFC officers. MYSPE Founder and CMD Sachin Bamgude and Director Rajesh Parkhi received the awards from MYSPE by the hands of HDFC's Nisha Java. Sachin Bamgude has been serving the best finance services with his MYSP Enterprises Pvt Ltd since 2008 not only in Pune but in various cities like Mumbai, Nashik, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Bhopal, Surat, Jaipur, Goa, Indore etc. They have helped and trained many entrepreneurs. The firm has also created a special app called 'Apna Rupee' for people who wants to become DSA, Bank DSA, Loan DSA, Bank Connector or Counsellor. People can benefit and connect through this app. Not only this but firm has 2nd app as well named 'S. P. Enterprises Partner' app. People can connect through this app as well and it can benefit them on many levels. It's also highly encouraging self-employment on a very big scale. Also, in Pune MYSP Finance Enterprises's Apna Rupee Properties are also there for people who are interested in property selling and people who wants to pursue a career in property business can also connect through this. Now with the success of S P Arthvishva Financial, it's a one more milestone achieved for the founder and the agency. This story is provided by GPRC. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/GPRC) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 5 (ANI/NewsVoir): Nutty Yogi, the clean-label health food brand, today announced raising Rs 50 million in Seed funding led by Multiply Ventures. Nutty Yogi offers a range of over 200+ healthy and organic food products across categories like daily essentials, healthy snacking, condiments, breakfast mixes, and immunity-building products. Pallavi Gupta, founder of Nutty Yogi said, "Healthy and nutritious eating and the need to nourish oneself is a growing trend. However, the gap we identified in the market was that the consumers are being made to make a selection between either health or taste as there is no brand that offers the goodness of health with a no-compromise taste experience. With our strong R&D, we also made sure that consumers did not need to alter their existing pallets to meet their health goals. Since our launch, we have created a group of loyal and repeat consumers and created a robust pipeline of products and are now a complete AM to PM health food brand." The Bengaluru-headquartered company currently selling through all popular e-commerce market places and their own website www.nuttyyogi.com will use the raised funds to expand its footprint beyond a direct-to-consumer model, launching in major brick and mortar retailers across the country Since its launch the company has served and made a million consumers healthier and looking to extend its reach to all states of India This investment and association with Multiply Ventures and the team, offer a very strategic state of mind for Nutty Yogi as they have a lot of heart for the brand and its mission. Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Partner at, Multiply Ventures said, "We are absolutely aligned with the mission of Nutty yogi and that is to make organic, healthy food accessible to a large set of consumers. One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is by eating right. This seems simple and straightforward but the challenge is to find all kinds of products that meet a consumer's needs & palette. We believe Nutty Yogi has a chance to fulfil the gap and be the brand of choice. The company has grown well and that too profitably. This is rare to see in a VC bull market. We are excited to partner with Pallavi and the team in building Nutty Yogi." Nutty Yogi believes that 'backward is the new forward' when it comes to food. The brand takes a step back in time to preserve the good old-fashioned goodness of nutrients while adding a dash of convenience that makes it relevant in our times. With a wide variety of staples, snacks, condiments and meal-add ons, they are committed to making every meal nutritious, delicious and of course with the help of ancient wisdom and every grandmother's stamp of approval. Multiply Ventures is a thesis driven, early-stage VC fund focused on consumer tech. The vision is to invest and support ambitious entrepreneurs who are embarking on launching products and services, that serve the large Indian consumption basket very early in their journey. For more information, please visit www.multiplyventures.com. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/Mediawire): As businesses become increasingly more connected, it is almost inevitable they will encounter cybersecurity threats such as ransomware - an insidious form of malware that holds systems and files hostage until financial bounties are paid. In fact, in 2022, malware is the number one rated cyber threat in India, costing on average millions of dollars to remediate. Every year these attacks become more prevalent and sophisticated and businesses need to be building their defenses to keep these attacks at bay. According to a 2022 Threat Report by global cybersecurity leader Sophos, criminal organisations are joining forces to conduct coordinated assaults on companies. Together, they are using seemingly benign methods to gain initial access to victims' systems like phishing, insecure configurations, and exploiting unfixed bugs. Going forward, there will increasingly be a social aspect to these attacks. Criminals are progressively teaming up, learning from each other, and borrowing from peers' playbooks. Not only are there more threat actors bringing ransomware within the reach of previously less-skilled or well-funded attackers; strategically, there has also been an increasing shift in their approach to ransomware activities, from encryption to extortion. In other words, before blocking access to your files, criminals are also working to steal as much information as possible to see what other types of leverage they can apply. According to Sophos, there are 10 types of pressure tactics are commonly wielded against ransomware victims today, including threats like publicly releasing sensitive data or exposing unwanted information to the press. These points of rising concern are only expected to grow in scope and intensity in 2022 and beyond. Of course, such attacks take considerable effort to manage and execute. Even though firms with at least $100 million in annual revenue are often hackers' preferred targets, small and mid-sized companies are also at risk. So while many ransomware attacks may start with an initial access broker (who actively breaks into systems), that sort of threat actor is generally just the tip of the iceberg. Taking a nod from traditional organised crime networks, forward-thinking ransomware groups will often outsource tasks, such as finding victims, installing malware, and laundering ill-gotten proceeds (often delivered in the form of cryptocurrency) to other miscreants. Thankfully, this activity leaves digital trails of breadcrumbs that well-trained IT security pros and artificial-intelligence-powered tools can trace. Sophos provides solution-based services that can provide comprehensive, around-the-clock protection, including Rapid Response, which offers specialists who can contain and neutralise active cyberthreats; Extended Detection and Response (XDR), which contextualises and analyses environmental data; and Managed Threat Response, which automatically sniffs out and counteracts digital dangers. At Sophos, we're making it simpler to stay on top of, sift through, and pounce on potential challenges. While it is important to conduct regular penetration testing, scan for malware, and anticipate and address potential points of network failure before they occur if your company wants to stay cybersecure, it is also critical to keep an eye on and investigate even seemingly innocuous alerts that may pop up. Mounting a successful response against high-tech hazards at enterprise scale does not just require businesses to stay well-attuned to what is happening across their apps, systems, and networks at every turn. It also requires businesses to use smart technologies to gain deeper visibility and insight into IT operations and identify patterns indicative of potential breaches and intrusions. It is more crucial than ever to protect businesses against ransomware adversaries and Sophos can help businesses build solid digital defensesto keep attackers at bay. For more information, please visit https://www.sophos.com/en-us This story is provided by Medawire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Mediawire) Public policy think-tank CUTS International said on Thursday that it has signed agreements with the Australian Risk Policy Institute and the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore, to develop an ethical framework for 6G technology. CUTS International said it has bagged a grant under the second round of the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) programme coordinated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for its project 'Ethical 6G - Identifying Elements of an Ethical Framework for 6G and Creating Opportunities for India and Australia'. The purpose of the AICCTP is to encourage and strengthen practical cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in order to shape a global technology environment that reflects a shared vision of an open, free, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Congratulating the grant recipients funded under the second round of the AICCTP, Australia's High Commissioner to India, Barry O'Farrell, tweeted: "The AICCTP is an Aus$ 2.7 million initiative that contributes to Australia's priorities to promote a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific." The programme promotes Australian and Indian organisations working together to contribute to the global development of ethical standards around critical and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, next-generation telecommunications, Internet of Things, quantum, synthetic biology, blockchain, and big data. According to Pradeep Mehta, Secretary General, CUTS International, "Bilateral cooperation in cyberspace and technology is a critical pillar for strengthening India-Australia's comprehensive strategic partnership and will contribute to the larger objective of a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific." "The AICCTP grant strengthens and furthers the goals of collaboration between India and Australia outlined under the Australia-India Framework Arrangement on Cyber and Cyber-Enabled Critical Technology Cooperation, and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement", he added. The project aims to actualise practical cooperation and collaboration between India and Australia on developing critical telecommunication technologies, specifically 6G, to create an enabling environment in India and Australia for their contributions to 6G standard making and to strengthen understanding of an ethical framework. While many countries are still in the process of deploying the Fifth Generation (5G) telecommunication technology, some movements on the 6G standard making have begun. In this context, countries like India and Australia can take early steps and enjoy the first-mover advantage, CUTS International said in a statement. "6G communication systems augmented by Artificial Intelligence, that connect humans and machines more intimately, need to be carefully deployed with appropriate ethical controls for appropriate deployment. We at IIITB, are glad to be an academic partner with CUTS in this project to define the landscape for 6G systems in India, Australia, and the entire Indo-Pacific region", said Professor V Sridhar of the International Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Tony Charge, President, ARPI, said, "ARPI is very pleased to partner with CUTS International to develop an ethical framework for 6G, under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership program. This is a great opportunity for a bilateral approach to integrate effective data management with user and device protection against vulnerabilities which would otherwise detract from 6G innovation." (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir [India], May 5 (ANI/NewsVoir): A hidden gem in the bustling streets of Raghunath Bazaar, Baniya Super Market has spread its wings to become India's premier destination for Sund Panjeeri. The delicacy's success and some great business strategies have led the company to grow exponentially. Once a sole and simple retail shop, the brand is now a chain store in Jammu and Kashmir as well as a high-traffic online store that ships all over India. Moreover, the demand for the product was so high that the company decided to open a new store at the airport to enable easier access for customers. You may know Sund Panjeeri as a renowned Jammu-speciality and classic nutritional supplement. It typically consists of whole wheat flour, ghee, and dry fruits. However, the recipe varies between households and sellers - which is why Baniya Super Market's Kesar Sund Panjeeri stands tall amongst other options. The store's recipe is a unique offering. A peek at the label on Baniya Super Market's Baniyadihatti Kesar Sund Panjeeri will tell you that it is a 100% vegetarian product with a tempting mix of almonds, cashews, raisins, and saffron with dry fruit sugar and pure desi ghee. Furthermore, the product is also enriched with essential vitamins and minerals. But what makes it unique is that the item is a homemade Panjeeri with kesar, in addition to its organic and farm-fresh dry fruit. And its hearty benefits contribute to a healthier lifestyle, to say the least. Sund Panjeeri is known for warding off colds by generating more heat in the body. But what most people do not know is that the dry fruits also help alleviate body and muscle aches and lubricate joints. In fact, nutritionist Lovneet Batra also recommended it as a delicious snack for new moms, as it works as an excellent post-pregnancy body healer. On top of that, Baniya Super Market's Kesar Sund Panjeeri is also cherished as a supplement for its ability to boost energy and immunity levels. Sahil Aggarwal, one of the Managing Directors of Baniya Super Market, hints that the store's growing success also lies in its founding mission and variety of offerings. He says, "The store is steadfast in its principle of producing and providing a wide range of healthy and organic foods among other household and personal care products. This dedication to creating a healthier India has garnered interest and won the hearts of our customers." He added that Baniya Super Market has a range of top offerings that are in high demand in the Indian market, including Ayurvedic products, personal care products, sweets, eatables, and toys! Its best-selling products include dry fruits, Kashmiri shawls, Kesar, pure Shilajit, and of course, Kesar Sund Panjeeri. Additionally, the store's a pioneer in marketing organic dry fruits, earning a reputation for their quality right from their humble beginning 35 years ago. The main factor behind their quality is that they are individually selected and harvested at their peak by experienced growers. The fruits are then gently dried and sealed in a manner that maintains their natural freshness. This efficient packaging system makes it feel like the dry fruits are delivered directly from farms to your doorstep. According to a report published in the Economic Times, India imports around 36,000 tonnes of dry fruits and spices annually. The importing of dry fruits often leads to products being available at higher prices and that is where Baniya Super Market's attractively priced options come into play. Customers are ensured quality products at honest rates. It does help that dry fruits are extremely nutritious and contain more fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants than most other types of food. In fact, studies by Penn State University have found that dry fruits are composed of various ingredients that contribute to better health. They also provide valuable nutrients and special flavours that appeal to everyone, more so to health-conscious consumers. And they can stay fresh for a long period, so consumers can rest easy and store them without worry. Baniya Super Market is an all-purpose retailer that specializes in the production of organic and healthy products. Its commitment to quality and wellness has made the business a household name in North India and a reputed presence online. Since being established in 1982, the business has catered to consumers over successive generations, and now wants to further its reach all over India. If you would like to know more, you can explore their products at baniyasupermarket.com. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/Oswaal Books): The competition will be fierce because the NRA CET 2022 will be a single test used to screen/shortlist candidates for subsequent rounds. Therefore, candidates must prepare adequately for the exam by studying diligently. The NRA CET test will be conducted at three levels: Class 10, 12, and Graduation. As a result, the exam pattern will most likely differ. On the other hand, the NRA CET 2022 is believed to be based on the test patterns of all three organizations - IBPS, RRBs, and SSC. There would be four subjects on the test paper. Because the NRA CET 2022 exam is likely to begin in July 2022, all government job applicants should get their socks up as soon as possible. Because this will be a new experience for most students, they are eager to learn about the preparation strategy and tips. However, before going on to the study plan, students must first realize that NRA CET 2022 is similar to any other preliminary exam that must be passed to advance to the subsequent tier of examinations held by recruitment associations such as IBPS, RRB, and SSC. What is the Importance of an NRA CET 2022 Preparation Strategy for IBPS SSC & RRB? * You can create procedures for analyzing mock tests that are both efficient and effective. * While planning the strategy, you will learn the major and important chapters of each section. * You will have sufficient time to concentrate on your weak areas. * You can come up with a foolproof strategy for covering the whole course. * You will be able to complete the curriculum on time successfully. * You can take 30-40 full-length mock exams. * You'll have plenty of time to go further into the conceptual chapters. * You can come up with an excellent revising strategy. As official notice didn't come up with any dates of NRA CET so, its an opportunity for the aspirants to prepare much & get better results for the same. Students can also start preparing with NRA CET Question Bank | Previous Year Solved Paper | For RRB IBPS & SSC Exams 2022. Where students can get several benefits like: * Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Concept Notes & Practice questions for systematic learning * Blended Learning (Print and online support) * Tips & Tricks to crack the Exam in first attempt * Concept-wise videos through QR Codes * NRA CET Phase -1 Common Exam Benefits * Mind Maps and Mnemonics Here is the recommended link for NRA CET Question Bank | Previous Year Solved Paper | For RRB IBPS & SSC Exams 2022 Click here https://bit.ly/3vLLPop General Tips for NRA CET 2022: * Examine the test pattern and curriculum thoroughly to determine which subjects are simple and which are challenging. * Take frequent short rests to re-energize oneself. * Take free online mock tests for a variety of government examinations for NRA CET 2022. * Make a simple schedule that you can stick to. Divide your time so that you may devote equal amounts of attention to each topic. * Begin with the most important subjects. * Understand your attention span to determine how long you can focus productively and make changes as needed. * When answering mock test questions, one must counterbalance swiftness and precision. One should also concentrate on different Vedic strategies. NRA CET 2022 Preparation Tips: Subject-wise: English Language * This portion will put your vocabulary, grammar, and verbal aptitude to the test. * Reading, Comprehension, Synonym, Antonym, Sentence Correction, and other types of questions might be asked. * To do well in this area, you must be well-versed in grammatical rules. * Read the editorial pages of newspapers, periodicals, magazines, and books to expand your vocabulary. * To enhance your speed, make reading a habit. This will assist you in answering questions about reading comprehension. General Intelligence & Reasoning * Any competitive exam's most significant portion is this one. * The General Intelligence and Reasoning section assesses the applicants' analytical and problem-solving abilities. * Focus on Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Seating Arrangement, and other related concepts. * Begin with simple themes and work your way up in difficulty. * Take as many practice tests as you can to gauge your readiness. * When it comes to puzzles, be mindful and pay special attention. Quantitative Aptitude: * This portion is designed to assess the candidates' fundamental mathematics abilities. * Number Systems, Ratio and Proportion, Mensuration, Interest, Profit & Loss, Algebra, and other essential subjects are covered in this part. * Tables up to 20, squares up to 40, and cubes up to 30 are all necessary items to keep on hand. * Prior to getting into harder areas, make sure you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals. * Instead of answering problems orally, make it a habit to complete paperwork to practice. This will aid in enhancing accuracy and reducing the margin for mistakes. * Make a list of formulae and quick tactics that you use regularly and review them on a daily basis. * Above all, concentrate on taking practice tests. General Awareness: * This section contains questions based on various topics/areas, including both current and static GK. * Make it a habit to watch or read the news every day to keep up with current happenings. Choose one newspaper to read and read it thoroughly. * This portion is very scoring; therefore, go over the NRA CET 2022 syllabus extensively to discover the pertinent areas. * In this part, analyze your strong areas and prioritize those issues first. * Include one subject every day and revise regularly. This story is provided by Oswaal Books. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Oswaal Books) Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 5 (ANI/NewsVoir): Indian global automotive components manufacturer ADVIK Hi-Tech Private Limited today announced that it has signed a Joint Venture (JV) with Australian clean energy company Pure Hydrogen Corporation Limited (ASX: PH2 or 'Pure Hydrogen'). The JV will see the parties establish a Joint Venture Private Limited Company ("JV Co") in India, with ADVIK holding a 51% share and Pure Hydrogen a 49% share in the Private Limited Company. JV Co will establish a hydrogen production facility in India, which intends to sell, transport, and distribute hydrogen across India. The company will also be in a position to supply HFCEV buses and trucks, which could put India at the forefront of hydrogen production, sale, and distribution globally. ADVIK is a well-established automotive components company with over USD 100 million in annual revenues. The company has a leading position in high technology components for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and two-wheeler as a core supplier to almost all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs.). ADVIK additionally has a JV with H2X Global Pty. Ltd., and together with Pure Hydrogen, will take a leading position in India for the development and production of a hydrogen ecosystem from hydrogen fuel to hydrogen powered generator units and hydrogen powered vehicles. The two companies are hoping to revolutionize the heavy vehicle market in India by providing green hydrogen fuel and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCEVs) to help reduce emissions and costs. JV Co also plans to tender for Government contracts involving Bus supply & hydrogen refueling. There is also the opportunity for the PowerH2 Generators to be an alternative to Diesel-powered generators. Further, ADVIK has been approved by the Government of India for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the hydrogen fuel cell system. PLI focuses on emerging industry capabilities as it aims to push forward India's transition to clean energy and the JV will benefit from this PLI. Aditya Bhartia, Managing Director of ADVIK expressed, "ADVIK is delighted to partner with Pure Hydrogen for developing the hydrogen eco-system in India. It is encouraging to see Pure Hydrogen set up multiple projects in Australia to manufacture & transport hydrogen. The Indian government is focusing on hydrogen as a fuel and intends to be a major production and export hub. In addition to the green hydrogen, this JV will utilize technologies like turquoise hydrogen - produced by methane pyrolysis and emerald hydrogen - produced from waste. With this collaboration, we aim to be an end-to-end solution provider for the hydrogen ecosystem, from hydrogen generation to hydrogen-powered mobility and stationary solutions." Managing Director of Pure Hydrogen Scott Brown said, "We are excited to be partnering with ADVIK in India and with Pure Hydrogen expertise in hydrogen eco-system, will give the JV a major strategic advantage in India and a big head start to become a leading player here. India is obviously a massive market and it makes good commercial sense to build a presence in India with an established and respected local company. We believe India would be a world leader in hydrogen economy in the future and this JV is a strategic fit to our global business plan." ADVIK Hi-Tech Private Limited is a leading & Global automotive components manufacturer. We have been catering to the needs of a number of domestic and overseas customers across four continents in the passenger car, commercial vehicle, stationary engine and two wheelers segment for the past two decades. ADVIK provides products to our customers, keeping in mind their needs and specifications. Our customer base includes leading automotive original equipment manufacturers in India, Europe, UK, USA and ASEAN Region. For further details, please visit: www.advik.co.in. Pure Hydrogen is an Australian focused Clean Energy Company with hydrogen, Gas and mobility businesses including a strategic interest in H2X Global Limited. The Company has 5 hydrogen projects under development and 3 gas projects, Windorah Gas Project in the Cooper Basin, Australia's most prolific onshore producing petroleum basin, Project Venus CSG in the Surat Basin in Queensland and the Serowe Project CSG in Botswana. For further details, please visit: www.purehydrogen.com.au. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/TPT): An emerging entrepreneur, Rahul Kaushik has recently launched his new blockchain-based platform with the name 'Meta Whale World.' The grand event took place in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Foundation on April 28, 2022. The programme was held at a mass level at the luxury 5-star hotel, Sahara Star, in India's financial capital. Several renowned personalities from various fields graced the event with their august presence. These personalities included Shambhaji Raje (Member of Rajya Sabha), Gulshan Grover (Bollywood Actor), Ameesha Patel (Bollywood Actress), and Vaishali Samant (Indian Music Composer). The platform was launched to allow users to build and monetize their gaming experience. The Binance Blockchain powered the platform and uses MTW's utility token. Metawhale World will allow actual ownership of the creation to all its existing gamers, and they even promise to reward every participant with their exclusive utility token-MTW. Further, for data protection and ensuring security, they have developed a decentralized control system that will restrict creator ownership in the current gaming market. Talking about the need to launch Meta Whale World, Rahul Kaushik, the founder of this unique platform stated, "Well, it is a fact that this is an era of Digitization, Metaverse and Blockchain are merely not just buzzwords but a modern-day reality. My objective behind launching Meta Whale World is to develop the world's first open source decentralized metaverse. Our idea is to bring something realistic as the actual reality with the help of virtual reality and extended reality. We also want physical marketplaces that are currently happening in our current economy and Web 3.0 economy to run their marketplaces in the metaverse as well. We will be working for the Web 3.0 foundation and governance and make this digital place a safer and interesting space." Meta Whale World, a virtual platform, will allow its community members to have complete control over their work, ranging from 3D arts to gaming assets. The newly-launched robust platform is easy to use and has a wide adoption that validates the network. The platform also allows all kinds of brands to promote their services and products. This story is provided by TPT. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/TPT) Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], May 5 (ANI/NewsVoir): SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, is a multi-stream research university focusing on diverse fields. Faculty members with PhD from renowned Universities in India and abroad fulfil the university's mission of disseminating world-class knowledge and creating a culture of innovation. To promote research in higher education, SRM University-AP is offering an MTech programme with a 100% tuition fee waiver and Rs. 72,000 stipend per year. Joining SRM University-AP for MTech gives an opportunity for students to work on cutting edge research projects with industrial collaborations. SRM University-AP has industry-standard labs, and working in them will prepare students to be industry-ready by the time they graduate. MTech is offered in the following specialisations: Computer Science Engineering: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science Electronics and Communication Engineering: VLSI - Very Large-Scale Integration, IoT - Internet of Things Mechanical Engineering: Materials and Manufacturing Engineering Students taking admission for MTech in Computer Science Engineering will have the opportunity to work with the NVIDIA DGX machine, a turnkey AI supercomputer with 80 core Intel Xeon E5-2698 and 8 V100 32 GB RAM GPUs. In addition, Lab components are embedded into the programme where students get to work with software such as Prolog logic programming using SWI Prolog and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning using Jupyter notebook. Students are trained to install the lab software on their laptop computers to complete the lab exercises so that the learning never stops. The ECE department enables MTech students to work in the Cadence lab that has 40 licence research bundles with front-end and back-end tools. VLSI students are in great demand in various core companies like Intel, IBM, Texas Instruments, Cadence, Synopsis, and Mentor Graphics. Students pursuing MTech in IoT will go through a multidisciplinary approach to designing, developing, and simulating IoT-based systems. MTech in Mechanical Engineering Department at SRM AP allows working on one of the many industrial projects the faculty researchers execute in Materials and Manufacturing. The department collaborates with reputed industries such as Tanishq Jewellers, Amara Raja Batteries, Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers, Indsat corporations etc. For more information and admissions, please visit: srmap.edu.in. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) "We care deeply about the safety of creators and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence," Netflix's spokesperson said. The incident between Chappelle and the man occurred near the end of his evening appearance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Variety reported. Video footage circulated during Chappelle's comedy set showing the man rushing onto the stage and tackling the performer to the ground. After the incident, in the later stage of the footage, the same man is then seen to be dragged away by security personnel and members of Chapelle's team. A spokesperson for Chappelle's production company also issued a statement in the aftermath of the attack. "Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl. This run ties Chappelle with Monty Python for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70k fans of diverse backgrounds during the first Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival, and he refuses to allow last night's incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment," the statement read. Controversies and Chappelle go hand in hand. His 2021 Netflix special 'The Closer' led to company walkouts and protests last October as he apparently targeted the LGBTQ+ community. (ANI) Shah is coming here for a two-day state visit on Thursday. Before returning to Delhi on Friday night, he is scheduled to attend an official programme at the iconic Victoria Memorial. Although Governor Jagdeep Dhanker has been invited to attend the programme, no such invitation has been sent to the Chief Minister till Wednesday evening. Senior Trinamool Congress leader and MLA Tapas Roy pointed out that as per the protocol, the Chief Minister should be invited at a government programme where the Union Home Minister would be present. "But expecting political courtesy from the BJP and the current Union government is a waste of time," he added. Reacting to Roy's comments, BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh said that even the Chief Minister does not show any courtesy of inviting BJP Lok Sabha members and MPs at government programmes in their respective districts. --IANS src/arm ( 188 Words) 2022-05-04-21:36:03 (IANS) The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the state prison authorities to keep an appropriate oversight on the literature available in prison libraries to ensure that inmates are not influenced negatively. Reiterating to enforce effective prison administration and strengthening security arrangements in all prisons of state and Union Territories, the Ministry has asked them to implement the 'Model Prison Manual 2016' effectively. In an advisory issued on May 2, the Ministry asked them that the medical facilities in jail hospitals/dispensaries may be strengthened and improved in such a manner that reduces the requirement of referral of inmates outside the prison complex. Psychological assessment of inmates by competent medical professionals may be encouraged to reduce depression in prison inmates and provide them with a positive outlook in life, the MHA said. Noting that the training of prison and correctional staff plays a significant role in the efficient management of prisons, the Ministry directed the states and UTs to identify and establish suitable training institutes for providing training to Prison personnel on varied aspects of prisons and correctional administration on a regular basis. The advisory also recommended that the first time offenders and repeat offenders may be segregated and should be housed in separate wards or prison complex with a view to ensure that habitual offenders are not able to negatively influence the first time offenders. It also advised the state governments and prison authorities to take effective steps to prevent prisons from becoming breeding ground for anti national activities, for which regular inspection of prisons may be conducted. The inmates may also be motivated to leave the life of crime and become responsible citizens of the nation, it added. With an aim to prevent corrupt practices in jails, the Ministry further said that the prison staff may be rotated on a regular basis. Inter Jail (and not Intra Jail) transfer of staff every two years is considered desirable. The MHA also directed for a periodic check of the background of NGOs involved with prison activities. Appropriate oversight may also be kept on the literature available in prison libraries to ensure that inmates are not influenced negatively. To restrict the illegal use or access of the mobile phone by the inmates, the Ministry also recommended that effective jamming solutions with the use of modern day advances in technology may be used in all jails effectively. --IANS ams/pgh ( 409 Words) 2022-05-04-21:40:06 (IANS) Stressing the need of protecting trees in cities, the Delhi High Court has observed that trees, that form an essential part of people's lives, are not allowed to be cut needlessly or wantonly. "In this capital city with its ever-burgeoning populating, the cacophony of voices and rampant commercialisation of every other street - robbing the residents of the familiar ambience of their residential neighborhood, the ever-increasing motor-vehicular traffic, the choking air pollution and the ever-creeping concretisation, trees hold out as welcome and assuring living entities of hope, sanity, environmental redemption and even companionship. The more solitary the tree, the greater its significance," said Justice Najmi Waziri in an order dated April 28. The observation came after advocate Aditya N. Prasad, petitioner's counsel in a contempt case informed the court that a tree is cut down every hour in Delhi under official sanction. "This is a worrying issue because on the one side, the endeavour is said to be underway to maintain and augment the green cover of Delhi while simultaneously fully grown trees are allowed to be cut down. This self-defeating exercise by the Forest Department, GNCTD needs to be arrested at the earliest," he argued. The bench said: "In the circumstances, it would be appropriate that the Tree Officer(s) give due consideration to transplantation of each tree which is sought to be cut, before granting any further permission for cutting of trees. This would entail inspection of the trees which are sought. The reason for grant or denial of permission would have to be spelled out in the order of the Tree Officer along with photographs of each tree." The matter will be further heard on Thursday. --IANS jw/vd ( 295 Words) 2022-05-04-22:04:02 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on Wednesday that Governor R.N. Ravi has forwarded the National Eligibiliy-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Exemption Bill to the Union Home Ministry. Announcing this in the state Assembly, Stalin said he was informed by the Governor's secretary that the NEET Exemption Bill has been forwarded by the Governor to the Union Home Ministry for President Ram Nath Kovind's assent. Stalin said the next step in the struggle against NEET is to urge the Central government to get the President's assent for the Bill. The Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed the Bill on September 13, 2021, but the Governor had returned it to the Speaker for reconsideration of the Assembly on February 1, terming it against the interest of the students. In a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, it was said that the Governor was of the opinion that the Bill was against the interest of the students, especially the rural and economically poor students of the State. According to the statement, Ravi came to the conclusion after detailed study of the Bill for admission to undergraduate medical courses seeking exemption from NEET, and the report of the high-level committee constituted by the state government in this regard. However, the Tamil Nadu Assembly reconsidered the Bill and passed it again. The Bill was again forwarded to Ravi for onward transmission for President's assent in February 2022. The Bill was pending with Ravi for a long time, forcing Stalin to say that not forwarding the NEET Exemption Bill to the President is an act of 'insulting the people'. --IANS vj/arm ( 277 Words) 2022-05-04-22:16:03 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to notify the local bodies election programme in two weeks. A bench headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar said: "Accordingly, the election programme of such local bodies must proceed and the State Election Commission is obliged to notify the election programme within two weeks from today in respect of such local bodies including to continue with the process from the stage as on March 10, 2022, on the basis of the delimitation done prior to coming into force of the Amendment Act(s) w.e.f. March 11, 2022". The bench, also comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and C.T. Ravikumar, added that the delimitation as it existed prior to March 11 in respect of local bodies concerned be taken as notional delimitation for the conduct of overdue elections and to conduct the same on that basis in respect of each of such local bodies. The top court was hearing a challenge to amendments passed by Maharashtra, taking over the process of delimitation and creation of new electoral wards. In March, the Maharashtra government passed amendments to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act and Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats, Industrial Townships Act, 2022, allowing the state government to take over the power of delimitation, which was earlier with the SEC. The bench, in its order, said: "We observe and hold that the process of delimitation, being a continuous exercise, may be continued by the state of Maharashtra, subject to the outcome of these petitions, but that would be relevant only for future elections after such exercise is completed." On the aspect for reservation for other backward classes (OBCs), the bench added that compliance of triple test as predicated by it in Vikas Kishanrao Gawali Vs State of Maharashtra (2021) must be adhered to. "Absent such compliance, no reservation can be provided in the local bodies for that category which may go for elections with immediate effect in terms of this order," it added. The top court clarified that until the delimitation is done by the state government in terms of Amendment Act(s) of 2022, the SEC shall give effect to this order also in respect of upcoming elections in respect of local bodies which would become due by efflux of time. It scheduled the matter for further hearing on July 12 and sought a compliance report from the SEC. The top court sought explanation from the SEC, why the elections in a large number of local bodies (2,486) across Maharashtra, though overdue, and in some cases, even overdue for two years, have not been taken forward despite the peremptory direction given by the court vide successive orders. The SEC contended that it had taken steps in right earnest until the amendment act(s) came into force; and further until the delimitation was done by the state government under the stated amendment act(s), it was not possible for it to proceed in the matter. --IANS ss/vd ( 511 Words) 2022-05-04-23:10:03 (IANS) "Let the DSLSA give a detailed tabulation indicating cases where no offence has been made, cases where compensation has been paid, and cases where compensation is yet to be paid. The affidavit shall also indicate further steps taken by DSLSA in that regard," said Justice Jasmeet Singh in an order dated April 26. The bench took note that Kanwal Jeet Arora, Secretary, DSLSA, and counsel for DSLSA submitted that they have collated a list of 87,405 FIRs between January, 2012 to December 2017 wherein the FIRs were not forwarded from Delhi Police to the DSLSA. He submitted that out of 87,405 FIRs, there may be some cases in which no offence has been made out and there may be some cases where compensation has been paid. The matter will be heard further on May 31. --IANS jw/vd ( 178 Words) 2022-05-04-23:20:03 (IANS) After some veterans from the armed forces complained that their pension for the month of April has has not disbursed till now, the Defence Ministry said that banks could not confirm identification of 58,275 pensioners and neither their identification was received directly on SPARSH by the time of monthly closing. The ministry said to avoid hardships to such pensioners, a one-time special waiver has been accorded to these 58,275 pensioners to get their identification done by May 25. The ministry, including the Defence Accounts Department, is undergoing a major transformation with an aim to bring transparency and efficiency in various processes and procedures. With the broader agenda of digitisation and modernisation of legacy systems, the System for Pension Administration (Raksha) [SPARSH] as an initiative of the Ministry of Defence was envisaged to provide comprehensive solution to the administration of pension to the defence pensioners in line with the government's vision of Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. The ministry said that all pensioners were told to complete annual identification in order to continue receipt of monthly pension, which is usually done in the month of November (2021) by all banks acting as pension disbursing agencies. Due to the Covid situation, the government had extended the window for annual identification due on November 30, 2021 up to March 31, 2022. Accordingly, SPARSH has been successfully disbursing monthly pension to over five lakh pensioners, including 4.47 lakh pensioners who migrated from legacy system to SPARSH up to March 31, 2022. However, during the processing of pension for the month of April 2022, it came to light that annual identification of around 3.3 lakh pensioners was not updated. A list was shared with all the pension disbursing banks to share updated identification data, if any, and as a result identification status of more than 2.65 lakh pensioners was updated on SPARSH by April 25, leading to successful processing of pension for all these pensioners. However, the banks could not confirm the identification of 58,275 pensioners and neither was their identification received directly on SPARSH by the time of monthly closing, so the pensioners were not paid their April pension by April 30. --IANS sk/arm ( 382 Words) 2022-05-04-23:28:02 (IANS) India currently has more than the required quantity of wheat in stocks to sustain for a year, informed Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD). "After meeting the requirement of welfare schemes in the year ahead, on April 1, 2023, India would have stocks of 80 LMT of wheat, well above the minimum requirement of 75 LMT. India would have surplus wheat even though production was expected to 1050 LMT, slightly lower than the initial estimate of 1110 LMT in Financial Year 2023," Pandey said. While briefing the reporters on Thursday in the national capital, DFPD Secretary, said that no move has been taken by the central government to curb wheat export. "Till now 40 LMT wheat has been contracted for export and about 11 LMT has been exported in April 2022. Egypt, and Turkey had also given approval for the import of Indian wheat. From June, wheat from Argentina and Australia would start arriving in the international markets, so this was the opportune time for exporters to sell wheat in the international markets," he said. He further clarified that edible oil stocks are also sufficient in the country and after a temporary ban by Indonesia, the palm oil imports are expected to start again soon. "This would soften the edible oil prices in the country," he added. Responding to a question on procurement of wheat, Pandey said that due to higher market prices, a large quantity of wheat was being bought by traders at a higher rate than MSP (Minimum Support Price), which was good for the farmers. "This year due to an increase in market prices and higher demand by the private players both for the domestic as well as export purposes, the purchase by the government agency is less. But that goes in favour of the farmers. Farmers are getting a good price for the wheat," the Secretary said. He said that earlier the farmers had no option but to sell to the government but "now they are selling only that quantity to the government which they are unable to sell in the private market. Therefore, from that perspective, the government procurement has reduced," he added. (ANI) A total of 150 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party workers were arrested in Nashik district of Maharashtra for creating "communal tension" in the district, informed local police officials. The arrests are part of 'Preventive actions' undertaken by the state police to maintain a law and order situation amid MNS chief Raj Thackeray's appeal to play Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker outside mosques. "150 MNS workers have been arrested so far for creating communal tensions in Nashik. Preventive actions are being taken against those involved in such activities. Police have been deployed in all sensitive spots to ensure law and order situation," said BG Shekhar Patil, Inspector General of Police, Nashik on Wednesday. Over the issue of removal of illegal loudspeakers, IGP said, "We are taking action as per rules laid down by the law. If there is any loudspeaker in operation without the permission of authorities then action will be taken against them." Earlier on Wednesday, Raj Thackeray reiterated his protest against loudspeakers and said that "Hanuman Chalisa will continue to be played outside mosques till the time government acts and address the issue in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines on loudspeakers." "As far as I know, there are over 1,140 mosques in Mumbai. Out of these, 135 mosques played azaan at 5 am violating the guidelines. We want peace in the state. I want to ask the police, you are taking action only against our workers. My point is that all illegal loudspeakers should be removed from mosques, until they are removed we will continue our agitation," said Raj Thackeray. The MNS chief further said: "It's not only about mosques, there are several temples where illegal loudspeakers are running. I have already made it clear that it's (illegal loudspeakers) not a religious issue but a social issue." "MNS leaders will continue to play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques at the time of Azaan until all illegal loudspeakers will be removed," he added. The loudspeakers row started when the MNS chief on April 12 gave an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3, failing which, he warned, MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers. A case was filed against Raj Thackeray on Tuesday when he appealed to people to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers in the areas where loudspeakers are used for 'Azaan'. (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) while opposing the bail plea of Shiv Sena leader and former encounter specialist of Mumbai Police Pradeep Sharma in Bombay High Court said that he was paid Rs 45 lakhs from suspended Mumbai Police officer Sachin Waze to kill Businessman Mansukh Hiren. NIA in its affidavit to Bombay High Court on Wednesday termed Sharma the "main conspirator" in the Mansukh Hiren murder case. Earlier in a chargesheet NIA had said, "On March 3, 2021, accused Sachin Waze met accused Pradeep Sharma at Police Station Foundation office, Andheri (East), Mumbai during evening time and handed over a rexine bag containing a large amount of cash (bundles of Indian currency note of Rs 500 denomination). Thereafter accused Pradeep Sharma called accused Santosh Shelar to ascertain the registration number of the vehicle arranged by him. Accused Santosh Shelar conveyed the details as to accused Sachin Waze." The chargesheet had also revealed that on realising that the investigation relating to the planting of an explosive-laden SUV at Carmichael Road in South Mumbai, near the house of industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence on February 25, was getting transferred to a senior police officer, Waze pressurised Hiran to take up the responsibility for the said crime, so that the investigation of the case can be vitiated in his favour. But the proposal was turned down by Hiran, stated the chargesheet. NIA arrested Waze in March 2021 in connection with the investigation into the recovery of explosives from a car parked near Mukesh Ambani's house in Mumbai. Waze is the prime accused in placing an explosives-laden vehicle near Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani's house Antilia in Mumbai on February 25, 2021. He is also accused in the murder of Mansukh Hiren case, the owner of the vehicle that was found containing explosives materials outside Antilia. Hiren was found dead on March 5 in Thane. (ANI) Days after the Lalitpur rape case sparked a row across the state, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav held the BJP government accountable for the incident and demanded strict action against the culprits in the case. In a conversation with ANI on Wednesday, Yadav said, "The victim's mother wants justice and protection. This incident took place at a Police Station where she went to seek justice. This is not the first time that such an incident took place. The rape incidents of Chandauli and Hathras are in front of you." Yadav on Wednesday met the family of the Lalitpur rape victim. The Samajwadi Party chief claimed that Uttar Pradesh records the highest fake encounters and custodial deaths. "BJP government is responsible for this. The walls of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's house are unable to hear the problems of people. We want strict action and those involved should go to jail. Uttar Pradesh records the highest fake encounters and custodial deaths. Police stations have become the center of chaos," said Akhilesh Yadav. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested the Station House Officer (SHO), who allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old rape survivor when she had gone to the police station to file a complaint in Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur district. The SHO Tilakdhari Saroj, who was absconding after the victim lodged a complaint against him, was arrested from a place near the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj on charges of sexually assaulting the minor rape survivor, said Prayagraj Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Prem Prakash. On April 22, the minor girl was lured by four youths and was taken to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, where she was allegedly gang-raped. (ANI) All prohibitory orders and restrictions issued on April 10 were removed with immediate effect on Wednesday evening following a peace committee meeting by the administration, said Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Milind Dhoke. On Wednesday, the administration had relaxed the curfew for 11 hours - from 6 am to 5 pm. "From Thursday onwards, all religious places and shops will be open," the SDM said. On Tuesday, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and Akshaya Tritiya, people are asked to celebrate the festivals at home and a curfew was imposed during the day. In the violence that erupted on April 10, several people, including police personnel, were injured when groups of people pelted stones at each other during a Ram Navami procession. (ANI) Kohima police also intercepted one suspicious vehicle and 49 packets of heroin during the routine checking of vehicles at Peducha. "We have intercepted one suspicious vehicle and recovered 49 packets of suspected heroin weighing around 615 grams valued at Rs 3 crores in the international market. Two persons were arrested in connection to the seizure," police said. (ANI) Police informed that the girl entered India illegally on April 24 along with other women and stayed in Kolkata for about three to four days with a person named Munir. Munir sent the victim to Visakhapatnam where Vineet and Dhanlakshmi introduced her to prostitution and confined the girl to a house, police said. "The victim entered India illegally on April 24 along with other women. For about 3-4 days, she was in Kolkata with a person namely Munir who created a fake Aadhar Card number and sent her to Visakhapatnam, where Vineet and Dhanlakshmi introduced her to prostitution," Srikanth, CP Visakhapatnam told ANI. However, the girl informed her brother in Dhaka about her abduction, who in turn shared it with the city police officials. "When she learnt that she was confined to a house and wanted to go back, they did not release her. She sent a frantic message to her brother in Dhaka, who in turn shared it with us ultimately. We're sharing this information with other agencies to look into this human trafficking issue," Srikanth said. After getting information about the girl's abduction, police immediately responded and rescued the girl. (ANI) Amid the ongoing communal tension in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, the BJP state in-charge Arun Singh has asked former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who was recently seen in a nightclub in Nepal, to visit the violence-hit Jodhpur and ask Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to not indulge in "appeasement politics". Speaking to ANI, Singh, who is also the party's national general secretary, said, "Rahul Gandhi had defined Hindutva and Hinduwadi in Rajasthan. He and Priyanka Gandhi should visit the state and witness the violent incidents. He should instruct the state government to maintain law and order and not indulge in appeasement politics." "I would urge Rahul Gandhi to return from Nepal at the soonest and visit Rajasthan to take stock of the situation and direct the officials to take action against the culprits, including the Chief Minister if he is one," Singh added. Appealing for peace in Rajasthan, he held the Rajasthan government responsible for the violence in Jodhpur, alleging "intelligence failure". "We appeal for peace in Rajasthan. The incident took place in Jodhpur at night. Why did the government not impose a curfew immediately after it? Ashok Gehlot's intelligence has failed. His mind is only filled with appeasement politics," he said. Sharply hitting out at the Chief Minister for his allegations against the BJP for violence in the state, Singh said that Gehlot should not resort to "blame game" to "hide his own failures". "We have heard such allegations before. Akhilesh Yadav also said this in Uttar Pradesh where there were frequent riots before 2017. Now, the Rajasthan government is stating the same thing. Should a Chief Minister resort to a blame game to hide his own failures?" he said. Asked if a BJP delegation would visit Jodhpur, Singh said, "Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, national president JP Nadda are also visiting the place." Meanwhile, the curfew that was imposed in Rajasthan's Jodhpur following incidents of violence has been extended till May 6, as per an order issued by the District Police Commissioner. Meanwhile, internet services remain suspended in the district. Tension gripped Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. (ANI) A battle of videos has broken out between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena, with both claiming the legacy of Bal Thackeray. Shiv Sena has hit out at Raj Thackeray by sharing a video of the party founder Bal Thackeray in which he is seen taking a veiled jibe at the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief. This comes soon after Raj Thackeray shared a video of Bal Thackeray wherein he is seen speaking against the use of loudspeakers. Raj Thackeray has warned that the MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers. The loudspeaker row in the state broke out after the MNS chief issued an ultimatum to the state government to remove the loudspeakers from the mosques by May 3. Following the end of the deadline, the Mumbai Police seized loudspeakers from the MNS office and detained the party's Chandivali unit president Mahendra Bhanushali and others on Tuesday. The Police also registered a case against Raj Thackeray over his speech at a rally in Aurangabad held on May 1 where he reiterated his ultimatum. In the video shared by the Shiv Sena leader, Bal Thackeray is heard saying, "People say, someone has copied my style of oratory, I don't know who? One day they will say that I have copied him if I speak in the same style. It reminds me of a joke on this." The Shiv Sena founder is further heard saying, "One boy during his exams submitted blank answer sheet, another boy complained to the professor about the first boy submitting blank answer sheet. Professor asked him, so what? The second boy said I am just telling you to know that I have also submitted a blank answer sheet, so you should not say that I have copied from him. Now he raises the Marathi issue, Marathi... I had raised this Marathi issue when you were not even born. You can copy someone's oratory style but the thought is important behind everything. But let it be. There are many issues..." Notably, Raj Thackeray had recently posed in Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's trademark attire in a social media post. Raj Thackeray is incidentally attempting an image makeover to revive his political fortunes in the state by embarking on hard Hindutva. In the video, shared by Raj Thackeray, Bal Thackeray is heard saying that the Shiv Sena will not rest until it is successful in preventing people from offering namaz on roads when it comes to power in the state. "We (Shiv Sena) will not stop until we are successful in preventing the people from offering namaz on roads when we will form the government in Maharashtra," Bal Thackeray said in the video posted by the MNS chief on his Twitter handle today. "If someone has any complaint about the Hindu religion, then they can come to us, and we will solve the issue. Loudspeakers will be removed from the mosques," Bal Thackeray said in the video shared by Raj Thackeray. (ANI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday accused the BJP and RSS of instigating violence in several parts of the state, saying that the state government took action on "time". Gehlot also said that the Rajasthan government will not spare the culprits of the Karauli, Jodhpur and Ramgarh incidents. "They (RSS and BJP) are setting the agenda. They were planning to incite riots in Karauli, Jodhpur and Ramgarh. We took timely action and due to that only small incidents occurred but we've arrested the culprits and will not spare anyone. We will not allow violence in the state," the chief minister told media persons. Rajasthan has been witnessing various incidents of violence over the past two months leading to disturbed law and order situation in the state. Tension gripped Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. In Karauli, violence broke out after the stone-pelting incident took place at a religious procession in April this year, while a 300-year-old temple was demolished using a bulldozer in Alwar's Rajgarh. (ANI) An FIR under the section of riots was registered in connection with a quarrel between two groups at New Delhi's Photo Chowk, Welcome said the Delhi police on Thursday. The police have arrested three people while detained 37 in connection with the incident. "An FIR under the section of riots has been registered in connection with the quarrel between two groups at Photo Chowk, Welcome. Three people have been arrested and 37 people have been detained. Further investigation is underway", the police said. According to the police, a quarrel broke out between the children from two communities resulting in stone-pelting. Soon after receiving information about the incident at around 10 pm on Wednesday night. "First the quarrel took place between the children, then it spread to the people of two communities," said the police. "We got info that there was a quarrel between two groups at Photo Chowk Welcome, after which police team reached the spot. Preliminary investigation revealed that there was a fight between children while playing in the park," said Sanjay Kumar Sain, DCP North East Delhi. The police official also informed that some miscreants were identified. Action is being taken under IPC and 108 CrPC, said the police. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who returned on Thursday after completing a three-day tour of three European countries is set to chair an important meeting to review the preparedness for the rising temperatures as well as the upcoming monsoon season, according to government sources. The Prime Minister is likely to hold seven to eight meetings during the day, the sources said. Several parts of the country have been reeling under an intense heatwave for the past few weeks with temperatures soaring to an all-time time high at several places. Average maximum temperatures reached 35.9 and 37.78 degrees Celsius in northwest and central India respectively with both the regions of the country experiencing the hottest April in 122 years. A hailstorm and rainfall lashed parts of Delhi on Wednesday bringing much-needed relief from the unrelenting heat. The heatwave are likely to return after May 7 as per the predictions of a senior scientist at India Meteorological Department (IMD), RK Jenamani. Heatwaves are common in India in the spring and early summer, especially in May, which is typically the hottest month. But they are often relieved by the onset of the monsoon season from late May through September. The heatwave began in late March for northern India and spread into the first weeks of April. Although heatwaves are not uncommon in this region during the pre-monsoon season from April to June, residents and meteorologists have noted that this heatwave was the earliest they could remember. The average temperature in India in March 2022 was about 33 degrees Celsius, the warmest March ever recorded since records began in 1902. In major cities such as Delhi temperatures went up to over 45 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the normal high temperatures for April, and approached the all-time record temperatures for the month. Temperatures in major metropolitan areas can be further exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, increasing local temperatures a few degrees higher than the surrounding countryside. (ANI) An auto-rickshaw driver in New Delhi sported a verdant green look to his auto by planting various plants on its roof to overcome the soaring heat. "I have been driving the auto-rickshaw for last 25-30 years, and have kept plants on its roof from past two years," Mahendra Kumar, auto-rickshaw driver told ANI on Wednesday. "The Auto-rickshaw used to get simmer during summers but now it remains cool. I have kept a cooler and a fan in it," he said. Kumar also mentioned how people laud his efforts for his efforts toward the environment and combating the heat. "Apart from relief from the heat, the auto provides me with extra benefits, as people often give 10-20 extra bucks to me. They come to my auto happily and often click selfies with it," he added. Asserting it as his very own idea, he said the act is very easy to make happen. He mentioned that he has planted 25 varieties of plant on the roof of his vehicle. A visitor from Kerala, who got impressed by Kumar's idea to combat the heat, said, "I have seen such a thing for the first time and it seems a great idea". However, several parts of the National Capital got relief from the severe heatwave (that continued for weeks) after receiving rainfall on Wednesday. (ANI) Day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the people to contribute to the humanitarian relief material that is supposed to be sent to Sri Lanka in their economic crisis situation, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday announced that the party's MP will be donating their one month salary to the Chief Minister's fund for Sri Lanka. For this, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution, seeking permission to supply rice and essential medicines as an aid to Sri Lanka, which was approved by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar had said that Tamil Nadu Government's assistance can supplement what is being provided by the Government of India and informed that Sri Lanka prefers inclusive distribution. On the proposal by the Tamil Nadu government to provide humanitarian assistance to the Island nation, Jaishankar had noted that the state government can direct TN Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Centre for supplying the relief material. Presently, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well. (ANI) A suspect in a chain-snatching case, Manipalli Appa Rao, was found hanging in the station's bathroom, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahul Dev Sharma. "The accused was brought to the station on May 1 in a theft case. He had gone to take a bath on May 4 when the incident took place. He took a curtain along with him which he used as a pillow and hung himself inside the bathroom," Sharma said. "The accused was then rushed to the hospital. But he died during the treatment," he added. Police have registered a custodial death case and have taken up an investigation. "A custodial death was reported. As per rules and regulations action will be taken," the SP said. (ANI) Peeved by the death of two minor siblings, an irate mob of villagers on Wednesday ransacked the Manikpur Primary Health Center (PHC) leaving the on-duty medical officer Pranab Debbarma grievously injured at Dhalai district in Tripura, said police. The villagers alleged that the medical negligence caused the lives of the children. According to the villagers, both the kids--Darmita Tripura (8) and Dharmanjay Tripura (5) were admitted to the PHC with complaints of fever. After the primary check-up, Medical Officer Pranab Debbarma who was on-duty administered injections followed by one oral medicine. The family members of the kids alleged that after the medicines were given their health condition began to deteriorate and at around 2 pm in the afternoon, both the children breathed their last. Aggravated by the untimely deaths, the local villagers ransacked the primary health centre and assaulted Dr Debbarma. Speaking on the issue, Dr P Koloi, Chief Medical Officer Dhalai district said, "The parents of the patients were made aware of their critical condition. They had been advised to shift them to a better hospital but the parents refused. Preliminary symptoms of the patients suggested that they were infected with Malaria parasite." However, he maintained, that after a certain period of time both the children breathed their last. The hospital authorities also arranged an ambulance to shift them but in vain, he added. Dr Koloi claimed that it was a case of late arrival for treatment. The parents of the kids had also understood the fact and they even started for their home with mortal remains but all of a sudden, an irate group of villagers gathered in front of the hospital and launched vandalism. Hearing about the incident, the local MLA reached the spot and placated the angry villagers. But as soon as the MLA left the spot, about 40 to 50 people once again barged into the hospital and thrashed Dr Pranab Debbarma. "He sustained serious injuries on his head and other parts of the body. He was first rushed to Chailengta hospital for treatment but given his critical condition, the doctors referred him to GBP hospital for advanced treatment," Dr Koloi said. According to Dr Koloi, Police and TSR troops had been deployed in the area to avert any deterioration of the situation. "The police first rescued Dr Debbarma and later shifted him to hospital for treatment. To build confidence among the other health workers, security of the hospital premises has been tightened," he added. (ANI) Mumbai's Borivali Court on Thursday issued the release order of Independent MP Navneet Rana and her husband and MLA Ravi Rana, who were arrested after they declared that they would recite Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's residence. The legal process of furnishing Rs 50,000 each for the Rana couple's surety amount has been completed in court. From the Borivali court, one team of lawyers of the Rana couple left for Taloja Jail to release Ravi Rana, and another team for Byculla Jail, where Navneet Rana is lodged. Navneet Rana's lawyer dropped a copy of Rana's release order in the bail box placed outside Byculla Jail. Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana, who were granted bail on Wednesday morning, were not released from jail yesterday as their release orders could not be obtained from the concerned magistrate court in due time. The MP-MLA were arrested on April 23 from their Mumbai residence after declaring that they would recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside Uddhav Thackeray's home in Bandra. On Wednesday, Navneet Rana, who was arrested on charges of sedition and promoting enmity, was shifted from the Byculla Jail to the JJ Hospital for her spondylosis treatment. Later she was taken back to the jail in the evening. Rana's lawyer provided details of her health and wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Byculla Jail on Monday stating that she has spondylosis which is increasing due to continuously sitting and lying on the floor in jail. He said that Rana needs to undergo a CT scan so that the doctors can understand the seriousness of her condition, adding that the jail authorities denied permission for the same. The couple was booked in two FIRs lodged on charges of sedition, promoting enmity, and assaulting a public servant to prevent discharge of duty. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday said that it will first decide the issue of whether the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the offence of sedition under Section 124 A of the Indian Penal Code should be referred to a larger bench or not. A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices Hima Kohli and Surya Kant posted the matter on May 10 for arguments on referrals of the petitions to the larger bench. It also granted a last opportunity to the Centre to file its affidavit on the pleas by Monday morning. The matter will be taken up at 2 pm on Tuesday next week and the bench said the arguments will be limited to the aspect of reference to a larger bench. The bench made it clear that no adjournment will be granted. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought more time to file a reply in the case challenging the constitutional validity of sedition law saying the draft response on sedition law has been prepared by lawyers and it needs to be approved by the competent authority before filing. Solicitor General requested the court to adjourn the hearing to let the government file its response. Attorney General of India KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court that the sedition law should not be struck down but there is a need for guidelines on this section. What is permissible and what is impermissible and what can come under sedition need to be seen, said the Attorney General. "See what is happening in this country. Yesterday someone was detained under this section against people who recited Hanuman Chalisa. So guidelines have to be there, to prevent misuse," said Attorney General. Venugopal while defending the constitutional validity of Section 124A and the 1962 five-judge judgment of the apex court in Kedar Nath Singh v/s State of Bihar said that the Kedar Nath Singh judgement upholding the validity of Section 124A is a well-thought-out one and needs to be upheld. Venugopal argued that the misuse of sedition law has been brought under control. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, submitted that many people are in jail due to the provision and it needs to be struck down since it was a colonial law to protect their rule in India. He added, "We are in free India and we are not serving any masters. Each day a journalist or someone else spends in jail due to this then how does it fair. We are not subjects of the crown anymore." On April 27, the apex court had posted for May 5 for the final hearing of the pleas as it granted time till last week's end to the Centre to file its response after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, sought two days to file a reply. The bench posting the matter for final hearing on May 5 also had made it clear that no adjournment would be granted in the case. Earlier, the top court issued notice to the Centre on the plea filed by former army officer Major-General SG Vombatkere (Retd) challenging the constitutional validity of the sedition law. Former Union minister Arun Shourie, NGO PUCL, Editors Guild of India, Journalists Patricia Mukhim and Anuradha Bhasin had also approached the apex court against sedition law. Last year, CJI Ramana questioned the Central government on the requirement of sedition law even after 75 years of independence and observed that it was colonial law that was used against freedom fighters. While pointing out that sedition law was used against freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the apex court had asked Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, why it can't be repealed. It had observed that the Centre has repealed many stale laws and enquired why the government is not looking into repealing Section 124A (which deals with the offence of sedition) of the IPC. The Bench had asked AG, "It's a colonial law, it was meant to suppress the freedom movement, the same law was used by British against Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak etc. Is this law still required to exist after 75 years of independence?" It had further said that the court was concerned about the misuse of such laws. Chief Justice of India had also said that the apex court will look into the plea challenging the Constitutional validity of section 124A while adding that the "situation on the ground is grave... if one party does not like what the other is saying, Section 124A is used... It is a serious threat to the functioning of individuals and parties." Attorney General had told the bench that section 124A need not be struck down and only guidelines are set out so that section meets its legal purpose. CJI had said, "use of sedition is like giving a saw to the carpenter to cut a piece of wood and he uses it to cut the entire forest itself". The top court had further told Attorney General that the conviction rate under Section 124A is very low. Major-General Vombatkere (Retd) challenged the Constitutional validity of the sedition law on the ground that it causes a "chilling effect" on speech and is an unreasonable restriction on free expression, a fundamental right. Arun Shourie sought direction to declare the sedition law unconstitutional arguing that it is "heavily abused". Shourie in his plea had said that cases are being filed against citizens for "exercising their freedom of speech and expression". Section 124-A (sedition) under the IPC is a non-bailable provision. Earlier, a different bench of the top court had sought a response from the Centre on a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of sedition law, filed by two journalists -- Kishorechandra Wangkhemcha and Kanhaiya Lal Shukla -- working in Manipur and Chhattisgarh respectively. (ANI) AMIGA TRANSPUTER PROJECT Imagine being able to create the most powerful artwork on the Amiga. In 16 Million Colors. With Unlimited Resolution. Imagine 24-bit RAM animation, NTSC/PAL, RS178, Analog RGB/Composite video, 10 RISC MIPS/1.5/MFLOPS, 19 MB/S drawing speed, 8MB BLIT Operations. For more performance, the graphics board connects to our Transputer Processor Boards, each capable of a max performance of 120 RISC MIPS. Each transputer chip is capable of addressing four gigabytes of memory. Unlimited expandability. Amiga World, December 1989 - Full page advert from Digital Animation Productions If you were an Amiga owner during the late 1980s it is likely that you were excited by the mere mention of 'Transputer'. The Transputer was an 1980s term describing hardware that directly supported parallel processing. This enabled the transparent connection of multiple processors that would be used to work upon a single task. However, information on these boards has become increasingly elusive. On this page I attempt to catalogue every transputer card that has been sold or announced. If a board is missing or you can provide additional graphics or information on an Amiga Transputer projects, e-mail me using the address on the main page. Avalon Transputer Binaerdesign Computer-Grafik Kasmin Zorro2 card Metacomco Transputer Micro Anvika MicroComputers Transputer Sang Transputer Visiona Highpaint graphics card AVALON TRANSPUTER Developer: XPert Computer Services GmbH (Muenchen) Date: Unknown A 1991 catalogue confirms the existence of 5 Avalon transputer boards, designed for A500, A2000 & A3000 machines. Product information suggests a transfer rate of 1Mb/s. A newsgroup post suggests development was frozen in April 1991 as a result of problems with their software supplier. Product: AVALON Junior Designed for: A500 Hardware: 1x T800 Memory: 8Mb RAM maximum Product: ALALON T1 Designed for: Zorro II and Zorro II slots Hardware: No description Memory: Unknown Product: AVALON T4 Designed for: Zorro II and Zorro III slots Hardware: 1 - 4 T800 Memory: 4Mb RAM Product: AVALON M64 Designed for: Zorro II and Zorro IIII Hardware: AS T1 & T4 Memory: 64Mb RAM maximum Product: AVALON MODULAR Designed for: Zorro II and ZorroIII Hardware: Flexible design according to user requirements. A choice of modules is available: T800 with 1MB DRAM T800 with 4MB DRAM T800 with 8MB DRAM T800 with 128KB no wait-state SRAM T800 with 1MB no wait-state SRAM T800 with 2MB no wait-state SRAM T800 with 2MB DRAM and 32KB no wait-state SRAM (double module width) T800 with 4MB DRAM and 128Kb n.w-s. SRAM (double module-width) T801 with 160kb n.w-s SRAM (double module width) Additional Information: AVALON MODULAR is compatible with INMOS standard B008. This allows a maximum of 10 T800's to be mounted onto a single board. It is recommended for use with the Visiona graphics card. The following software was available: TRANSPUTER-ASSEMBLER with an AMIGA specific set of Commands and LIBRARIES PARALLEL-C Compiler HELIOS (Operating System for transputers) The INMOS development system Raytracing application Miranim Marashading Sabrina TOP BINAERDESIGN COMPUTER-GRAFIK Developer: Binaerdesign Computer-Grafik (Germany) Date: Late 1980s During the early 1990s Wuertzburg-based Binaerdesign Computer-Grafik sold a range of transputer hardware & software. Product: Amiga Transputer Workstation Performance: 10 MIPS + 1.5 MFlops pro 20Mhz T800 Transputer Description: Internally expandable up to 5x T800. HeliOS available. Display: 1280 x 1024/256 Colours or 800 x 900/16.7million. The company also sold the following transputer-related software: Application: Sabrina Description: 3D modeling in 16.7 million colours. Support for multiple transputers Output in pal res.or in 8000 x 8000 (slides) Application: Miranim Description: Script-Oriented Animation system using the Cinemira-2 language. VLAN-compatible control of single frame video recorders. Display: Output or 24Bit Amiga Graphics (TurboSilver, Sculpt3D, DigiView, TIFF, TGA, Miranim, 3DProfessional, Calgari, etc.). Export in IFF TGA and Miranim formats. TOP KASMIN ZORRO 2 CARD Developer: Team 4 Video? Date: Early 1990s? Ian Dibsdall provides an overview of the Kasmin Zorro2 graphics card. The "Kasmin" is a Zorro2 24bit framebuffer card, with integrated RGB video digitiser and driven by a 25MHz T800 transputer. It is capable of storing 2 frames of full PAL resolution (768 x 576) in memory, and supports KasminPaint and TVPaint. I have two cards, one (pictured) is a prototype. Sadly non-functional (damage to the tracks on the back, possibly repairable?). The other is one of (I believe) five cards actually made, and fully working. Kasmin appeared at around the same time as the Harlequin, and in fact they share a lot in development. It uses the "grafexa.library", which is like a very early RTG system, allowing different cards to share a common software interface. I have a reprint of an Amiga Format review, which was glowing in praise of the card and in particular the digitiser (but noted you need RGB video, which was more pro/studio than home use then.). Curiously there is no date on the review, so I can't tell if is was published or not. My card came from Team4 video in London, where I believe it was used in an A3000 with TVPaint for stills work. I now have it in an A4000, which didn't work at first, but with an incredible stroke of luck I was put in touch with the original software developer, who fixed it for me. TOP METACOMCO TRANSPUTER Developer: Metacomco Demonstrated: 1988/1989 The Amiga Transputer was proposed by Tim King (who had previously ported TripOS to the 68k) and several others at Metacomco. The company had developed the custom OS, Helios to interact with the host operating system. The project was demonstrated at several Commodore Amiga shows, but the company never bought the technology. It was later sold as the Atari Transputer. Dave Haynie gave the following thoughts in a posting to the TeamONE mailing list: Subject: Re[2]: Amiga Transputer query Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1998 23:25:33 -0400 (EDT) The Transputer was certainly interesting. InMOS (the parent company at the time, the same guys making the original RAMDAC used for the IBM VGA card) seemed to want to make Transputers work essentially as front ends to every piece of your system. Rather than talk talk to a hard disc, you'd talk to a Transputer fronting the hard disc. Same with video and other I/O. So conceptually, the processor could be used like an embedded CPU. It had about 4K of on-chip RAM (not cache), a built-in RAM controller ( glueless, just add DRAM), and it could boot from a network link (so, in theory anyway, you only had to boot one Transputer in a network by conventional means). You generally programmed Transputers using Occam, a language designed specifically for/with the Transputer. Occam supported thread-style tasks (the Transputer had no MMU, thus no heavy-weight tasks) in the language, and used FIFOs/Pipes for communication, so you wrote code the same way, regardless of whether you were talking to tasks on the same Transputer or one over a link. It was an interesting approach to loosely coupled multiprocessing. The chink in the armor was the price. You paid around $400 for a T800, when the 68030, at nearly the same performance (based on our benchmarks), cost under $100 in quantity. So Transputers didn't function, in practice, the way they were designed to work. At $10-$25, it would have been practical to build a system with several, working as specified, fronting I/O subsystems and all. The other problems were in software. Without memory protection, it wasn't going to fly as a high-end system. The Helios OS had a UNIX-like look, but it wasn't UNIX. Loosely coupled multiprocessing isn't as general purpose as tightly coupled multiprocessing, since the communications overhead is high, and thus best suited for problems that can be broken up into lots of separate chunks. A company called Meiko sold a Transputer array for graphics rendering, at least back then (the Meiko Computing Surface), which was pricey, but no less reasonable than an 8000 node iCOMP from Intel. For our work, it didn't fly. > I believe at > this point Tim went on to sell the concept to Atari, where it became the > Atari Transputer. Atari hooked up with the Perihelion guys, who had developed the system that eventually became the Atari Abaca. Basically, they were graphic chip guys (some of the same folks made the Atari Jaguar, and now work at VM Labs), but in an effort, I suppose, to do something different, they went for the Transputer. Needing an OS, they turned to Tim and the Boys, with Atari doing the usual "here's some money, we can sell this" song and dance. I hear they made a few hundred Abacas. Jerry Everett provides further information on the Transputer board in an excerpt from an e-mail to Joe Torre: What I know of the transputer is that it was demoed at the spring 1988 developer's conference in an off the shelf A2000. The board looked very clean and neat. There was only one hand wired jumper on it, so the project must have been fairly mature. It had a 32bit IMS T-414 or T-900 transputer chip running at 15MHz (10 MIPs), with 2k of on-chip RAM and one to four megabytes of external on-board DRAM. It communicated to other transputers via four on-chip serial links. In a 2000 you could have up to 4 other transputer daughter boards with 4 transputer chips on each. The on chip links could be used to connect to other transputer equipped 2000s to create a Lan without the need for a network controller card. The practical limitation was on the order of 500 transputer chips. The OS they were using was a partially com- pleted version of "Helios". The only thing they could demo was a Dhrystone test. It was very impressive for the time, and not bad even by today's standards. I was really pissed when CBM just dropped development (why spend money on something more advanced when you could make money selling what you had in hand). Last I heard the Inmos technology was owned by Phillips, I don't know what they did with it. TOP MICRO ANVIKA Developer: Micro Anvika Announced: October 1992 In his 1992 Amiga UK DevCon report, Eddy Carroll describes a Zorro III transputer board being developed by London-based Micro Anvika. If the developer is to be believed, the Transputer would have offered 'up to 40 times the performance of a 68040 when fully loaded with transputers'. TOP MICROCOMPUTERS TRANSPUTER Developer: MicroComputer Timeline: Late 1980s In addition to the MetaComco solution, an Italian company developed a second solution to the problem. In a TeamONE posting, Rudi Chiarito describes it's development. 08 Jul 98 23:53:09 +0100 Back in the late '80s, Andrea De Prisco, the coordinator for the Amiga section of MicroComputer (the best selling computer magazine here and a good read at those times) developed with a few guys ADPNetwork. It was a *ring* network of Amigas, running on serial cables. They went as far as writing a network messaging API and a handler/filesystem (mind you, this was in the 1.3 days). They successful had demos at Amiga expos: you probably remember them at the DevCon in Paris, with their Boing ball bouncing across the displays of the three networked Amigas. They had a lot of fun issuing COPY commands from the Shell, disconnecting the cable while the transfer was in progress and then reconnecting it to let the COPY continue without a glitch. Again, in those days it seemed like science fiction! They weren't satisfied with the CPU power wasted by the network layer, also because each Amiga had to receive and pass along even packets that were directed to another machine! So they developed a Zorro board with a fast serial port and a Transputer (a T400, IIRC), which switched packets on its own, leaving the CPU free. A working prototype was built and there were also plans for more powerful versions and a library to 'share' the Transputer(s) among applications for small routines (like the A3000+ DSP). Eventually, without any explanations, the project was abandoned and ADP left the Amiga. Sadly enough, last time I read MicroComputer, years ago, he was writing articles like "How to do this and that with Photoshop"... *sigh* TOP SANG TRANSPUTER Developer: SANG Computer systems Gmbh Date: Late 1980s A German product list from 1990 describes the following transputer products manufactured by SANG Computers System. All prices reflect their cost in Gernaby Deutsch Marks during March 1990. Products: MEGA-Link-Interface Designed for: Zorro II Description: Interface card required to connect Sang transputer boards to the Amiga. Driver software is also included. The MEGA-Link card is required for the transputer boards listed below. Price: 400 DM Product: MEGA-Link01- Plus Designed for: Zorro II Description: Transputer board fitted with 4x T800 CPU. Memory: 1 - 8Mb RAM per processor. Price: 13,600 DM Product: MEGA-Link02 Designed for: Zorro II Description: Transputer board fitted with 1x T425/T800 CPU, colour video controller (operates at 110 MHz and capable of 16.7 Million colours. A port is available for framegrabber or U-Matic video machine. Multiple boards can be linked up in parallel to increase processing power. Memory: 8Mb RAM maximum Price: 8,000 DM Product: MEGA-Link03 Designed for: Zorro II Description: Low-cost version of the MEGA-Link01 Plus with only one T425/T800 CPU. Memory: 32Mb RAM maximum Price: 4000 DM TOP VISIONA HIGHPAINT GRAPHICS CARD Developer: Unknown Launch: January 1991 (doubtful release date) A web site (that has sadly bit the digital dust) suggests a T800 transputer was planned for the Visiona graphics card. The card would have been used for the A3000. TOP Additional References For more information on Transputers visit RAM's Transputer home page , or click here to read Dave Haynie's criticism of early Transputer design. BACK Last Update: 16/02/2003 A total of 211 people have been arrested in connection with incidents of communal clashes in Rajasthan's Jodhpur ahead of Eid celebrations that left several people injured while 19 cases have been registered, said police. Of the 211, 191 have been arrested under section 151 of the India Penal Code (IPC). Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP) ML Lather said that the situation in Jodhpur is under control and ensured that steps are being taken to maintain law and order. "Situation in Jodhpur is under control. Police are taking all possible steps to maintain peace, law and order. A total of 211 persons have been arrested so far, and out of these 191 arrested were under section 151 and 20 persons in other cases," the Rajasthan DGP said. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Jodhpur, Chakravarti Singh Rathore said that the investigation is being done from every angle. "We will produce the arrested accused before the court to demand their police custody," he added. The curfew imposed in Jodhpur Commissionerate area on May 3 has been extended till May 6. Tension gripped Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. Following the incident, Jodhpur Police issued orders imposing a curfew besides suspending mobile internet services to check the spread of rumours. The situation was brought under control in the early hours of Tuesday with heavy deployment of police but tension escalated again in the morning after prayers at an Eidgah. Shops, vehicles and houses were pelted with stones near the Jalori gate area. (ANI) Independent MP Navneet Rana was released from Byculla Jail on Thursday afternoon and was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a medical check-up. Earlier in the day, Mumbai's Borivali Court issued the release order of Navneet Rana and her husband, Ravi Rana, MLA, who were arrested after they declared that they would recite Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's residence. The legal process of furnishing Rs 50,000 each for the Rana couple's surety amount has been completed in court. From the Borivali court, one team of lawyers of the Rana couple left for Taloja Jail for the release of Ravi Rana, and another team for Byculla Jail, where Navneet Rana was lodged. Navneet Rana's lawyer had dropped a copy of her release order in the bail box placed outside Byculla Jail. Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana, who were granted bail on Wednesday morning, were not released from jail yesterday as their release orders could not be obtained from the concerned magistrate court in due time. The MP-MLA couple was arrested on April 23 from their Mumbai residence after they declared that they would recite Hanuman Chalisa outside Uddhav Thackeray's home in Bandra. On Wednesday, Navneet Rana, who was arrested on charges of sedition and promoting enmity, was shifted from the Byculla Jail to the JJ Hospital for her spondylosis treatment. Later she was taken back to the jail in the evening. Rana's lawyer provided details of her health and wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Byculla Jail on Monday stating that she has spondylosis which is increasing due to continuously sitting and lying on the floor in jail. He said that Rana needs to undergo a CT scan so that the doctors can understand the seriousness of her condition, adding that the jail authorities denied permission for the same. The couple was booked in two FIRs lodged on charges of sedition, promoting enmity, and assaulting a public servant to prevent discharge of duty. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Thursday allowed the withdrawal of a petition of gangster Abu Salem, who claimed his extradition was illegal and liable to be cancelled because of a breach of terms by Indian authorities. The bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar on Thursday allowed the Counsel appearing for the petitioner to withdraw the petition after noting his submission that the issue is now pending before the Supreme Court. Earlier, Abu Salem's counsel stated that in view of the alleged breach of the terms of extradition by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Bureau of India (CBI), his further detention of him in India has become illegal. The bench of Justice Sidharth Mridul and Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani earlier, asked the Advocate S Hari Haran appeared for Abu Salem to 'place on record' the relevant judgements and documents in referring to 'how habeas corpus petition is made out in this case'. Earlier the bench had orally observed that once a court of law held Abu Salem guilty, he could not say that the custody was illegal. The bench further observed that even if initially his detention was bad in law, after his conviction by a court of law, his custody does not remain illegal. The plea further stated that in view of the breach of solemn sovereign assurance given by the Respondents seeking the extradition of the Petitioner and which formed the basis of his extradition to India. Habeas Corpus petition of Gangster or Underworld don Abu Salem seeks court appropriate direction declaring his detention as illegal and be released and repatriated to Portugal Last year, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a petition of Abu Salem and said "We dismiss the plea under Article 32 with the liberty to approach High Court". In SC, the plea also sought a direction to transfer Salem from Taloja jail to Tihar jail so that amicus curiae can speak to him and procure some documents. Salem argued that the Indian authorities had violated the extradition treaty. Salem, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, had been extradited from Portugal on November 11, 2005, after a prolonged legal battle. The gangster is serving a life sentence in jail after being convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts that had killed 257 and injured 713 people. He has also been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2002 extortion case by Delhi Court. (ANI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday booked an Indian national accused of killing his employer and his wife in Kuwait for allegedly withholding his passport and making him undergo circumcision surgery against his religious belief. It was alleged that the victims were withholding the accused's passport to prevent him from leaving them and also forced him to undergo circumcision surgery against his religious belief. According to an FIR, in the year 2012 the wanted person Santosh Kumar Rama allegedly murdered Kuwait Nationals Fahad Ben Nasser Ibrahim and his wife Salama Faraj Salem for whom he worked as a servant. As per the allegation, the victims were holding the accused person's passport to prevent him from leaving them and also forced him to undergo circumcision surgery against his religious belief. After the murder, he allegedly retrieved his passport by intentionally destroying the safe owned by the victims, read the FIR. The case has been registered on a reference from the Ministry of External Affairs in December 2016, following a request from the authorities in Kuwait to extradite the accused, Santosh Kumar Rana. The Ministry of External Affairs has received a request from the Kuwaiti authorities through their embassy in Delhi for the extradition of Santosh Kumar Rama for the alleged offence of murder for which he has been sentenced to death(execution) by the State of Kuwait Court of First Instance Felonies in a judgment given in absentia on February 29, 2012. It further mentioned the alleged act of murder is an offence inviting punishment of more than one year's imprisonment in both India and Kuwait, thus making it an extraditable offence as per the Treaty. (ANI) Senior BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP from Bihar's Madhubani Hukumdev Narayan Yadav on Thursday took a jibe at Prashant Kishor calling him a "political businessman", while also stating that he has started a "new business to get some fame". Earlier today, Ace poll strategist Prashant Kishor put paid to speculations of him floating a new political platform stating that he is set to embark on a 3000 km 'padyatra' that will start from Mahatma Gandhi's ashram in Bihar's Champaran on October 2. Speaking to ANI, Hukumdev Narayana a former Union minister said, "Don't call Prashant Kishor a strategist, he is a political businessman and it is not right for people to discuss businessmen in such an important way. It is not an important thing. He runs the business by roaming around and these days he has not got any business, so he started a new business to get some fame." Taking a jibe at Kishor for announcing his 'padyatra' from Mahatma Gandhi's ashram in West Champaran, the former BJP MP said that it is his illusion that kickstarting his journey from the place would get him the vision of the freedom fighter. "In my political journey of 60-62 years, I saw many people and I also saw many political businessmen. Many people have come and gone. Many will come and go but one thing I say is that if those travelling from Champaran of Gandhiji's place believe that they will get the vision of Gandhi, then it is their illusion," he said. "It took years to become Gandhi and Gandhi is not made in a day. Lohia ji had said that Gandhi comes in 1000- 2000 years. I have seen the time of Gandhiji, Ram Manohar Lohia, Deendayal Upadhyay, Jayaprakash Narayan and now the Prime Minister of India is Narendra Modi," Hukumdev Narayan added. Earlier today, Kishor said he will launch a 'Jan Surraj' (Good Governance) campaign in the next three to four months into which he will rope in eminent personalities of Bihar who want to bring about a positive change in the state. "If a large number of people come together on one platform, and collectively decide on the need for a political party, then the announcement of that party would be made. Even if that party is formed, then it will not be Prashant Kishor's party, but every such person's party who wants to accompany in the formation of the political party. This work should be completed by August or September," the poll strategist said. "In the coming three to four months, I will meet most of these people personally and discuss the methods to implement the idea of Jan Suraaj (good governance). My experience says that nearly 90 per cent of people agree that there is a need for a collective new effort," he further added. (ANI) Earlier on Wednesday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met the family of the Lalitpur rape victim. The Samajwadi Party chief claimed that Uttar Pradesh records the highest fake encounters and custodial deaths. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested the Station House Officer (SHO), who allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old rape survivor when she had gone to the police station to file a complaint in Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur district. SHO Tilakdhari Saroj, who has been absconding after the victim lodged a complaint against him, was arrested from a place near the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj on charges of sexually assaulting the minor rape survivor, said Prayagraj Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Prem Prakash. On April 22, the minor girl was lured by four youths and was taken to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, where she was allegedly gang-raped. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved an order on extradited gangster Abu Salem's plea raising the issue that as per the extradition treaty between India and Portugal, his jail terms cannot extend beyond 25 years. A bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh reserved the order after both parties concluded their arguments. The bench also sought to know from the government what is the starting point of detention. Meanwhile, during the hearing, the court remarked that when it was reading some other cases from the UK, it found that India has never violated the extradition assurance. Abu Salem's advocate apprised the Supreme Court of India that the Supreme Court of Portugal had stated that if the requesting state (India) exceeds the terms of the agreement, then the accused (Abu Salem) shall be extradited again back. Abu Salem's advocate apprised the SC that there is a violation of the terms of the agreement and assurance given to Portugal. SC observed that the exercising of power by the executive and by the court is different. Abu Salem's advocate also apprised the court that his client was in custody in Portugal since 2002. Abu Salem was also arrested on the virtue of a red corner notice, the lawyer said. He also apprised the court that his extradition started in 2003 and went for almost 2 years and custody was handed over in 2005. Centre had earlier submitted that the Central government honouring its assurance will arise only when the period of 25 years is to expire. The Centre had said the compliance of the assurance given to the Portugal government during the extradition of gangster Abu Salem will be done at an "appropriate time" and the judiciary, as the Constitution of India envisages, is independent in deciding all cases in accordance with the applicable laws. The Supreme Court was hearing the plea of Abu Salem which contended that as per the extradition treaty between India and Portugal, his jail terms cannot extend beyond 25 years. The Home Secretary also clarified that the Government of India will abide by the assurances in accordance with the law and subject to the remedies as may be available at that stage. Explaining the Extradition Act, 1962, the Centre, in its affidavit, said it is an Act enabling the executive of one State [the term "State" being used in the parlance of international law] to deal with another State to extradite the accused/ convict persons and these powers are executive powers and while exercising such powers, it is an inherent understanding that it would bind the executives of the respective States. The government also said that before the said date, the convict appellant Salem cannot raise any arguments based on the said assurance. The Centre Government remarked that the contention of the petitioner about non-compliance of assurance is premature and based on hypothetical surmises and can never be raised in present proceedings. Salem has raised issues that the 2017 judgment of a Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) Court sentencing him to life imprisonment was against the terms of the extradition treaty. Salem's advocate Rishi Malhotra had said that on December 17, 2002, the Government of India gave a Solemn Sovereign assurance to the Government of Portugal that if the appellant Salem is extradited for trials in India he would neither be conferred with the death penalty nor be subjected to imprisonment for a term beyond 25 years. He had also said that the TADA Court were not according to the extradition order. He further added that the Government can exercise its powers under section 432, 433 CrPC to commute the sentence of Life imprisonment in order to bring down within the ambit of assurance of the sentence of not more than 25 years as the execution of the sentence was purely in the domain of Government. The petitioner had also said that the government should ensure to bring down punishment consistent and commensurate with the assurances but it cannot be said that the Court's hands were tied in not awarding punishment to Salem for more than 25 years.(ANI) The anti-encroachment drive in Shaheen Bagh was postponed on Thursday due to the unavailability of an adequate police force. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) chairman, Central Zone Rajpal Singh said, "We've already informed police about our program and our officials. Bulldozer also reached there (Shaheen Bagh area) but due to the non-availability of sufficient force, we postponed today's program." The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) began the first phase of the demolition drive on Wednesday. The first phase of the drive will continue till May 13. The demolition drive will cover several parts of South Delhi. The drive on Wednesday started from Karni Singh Shooting Range area in Tughlakabad. Police staff is required to carry out the drive, said SDMC Mayor Mukesh Suryan. During the anti-encroachment drives, deployment of police force is necessary for maintaining law and order in the area, he added. Suryan said that the people of Delhi support this drive. "South MCD will hold the first phase of the demolition drive from May 4 to May 13 in several parts of south Delhi. Letters have been written to the south and southeast Deputy Commissioners of Police in this regard," Rajpal Singh, Standing Committee chairman central zone told ANI on Wednesday. As per the demolition drive plan, it will be carried out in and around Mehrauli Badarpur Road and Karni Singh Shooting Range today. On May 5, encroachments from Kalindi Kunj main road and Kalindi Kunj Park to Jamia Nagar Police Station will be removed. On May 6, the demolition drive will be taken up in Srinivaspuri Private Colony to Okhla Railway Station Gandhi Camp. Thereafter, following a gap of two days, the demolition drive will take place from Shaheen Bagh G Block to Jasola and Jasola Nale to Kalindi Kunj Park. On May 10, the demolition drive will be carried out from New Friends Colony to Buddh Dharm Mandir and in and around Gurudwara Road. On May 11, it will extend to Lodhi Colony, Meherchand Market in and around Sai Mandir, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, on May 12, in and around areas of Dhinsen Marg, Iskcon Temple Marg. On May 13, encroachments will be demolished at the Khadda colony. "For demolishing unauthorised encroachments, instances of road grabbing, there is no requirement of notice," Rajpal Singh added. (ANI) Highlighting the Centre's efforts in adopting the most advanced technology for border security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Modi government's basic goal is to make the country's internal and external security impenetrable and soldiers posted in the border area face the least difficulty. Shah, who is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, on Thursday attended the 'Seema Prahari Sammelan' at Haridaspur BOP (border outpost) on the Indo-Bangladesh border. He inaugurated the Narmada, Sutlej and Kaveri floating border posts to protect the inaccessible areas of the Sundarbans on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Addressing the event, the Union Home Minister said, "Modi government's basic goal is to make the country's internal and external security impenetrable. We are working to provide our soldiers with the world's most advanced technology for border security. Today Sutlej, Kaveri and Narmada floating BOP has been dedicated to the nation." "Equipped with all modern facilities and safety equipment, the front part of these BOPs is made bulletproof for the safety of our jawans. The Modi government is determined that our soldiers posted in the border area face the least difficulty. We will leave no stone unturned to make the lives of soldiers' families better," added Shah. Shah also flagged off a boat ambulance at a floating border outpost (BOP) at Haridaspur in the state. The number of floating BOPs has been increased to enhance the surveillance in the inaccessible areas of Sunderbans of West Bengal. Apart from this, the services of boat ambulance are also being commenced to provide medical assistance in this inaccessible area of Sundarbans from Saheb Khali (West Bengal) to Shamsher Nagar (Bihar). On Friday, the Home Minister will visit Teen Bigha and interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at BoP Jhikabari in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district. (ANI) Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir in its final order on Thursday has recommended additional seats for Kashmiri migrants and displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Delimitation Commission, headed by the retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai met today to finalise the Delimitation Order for Jammu and Kashmir. The Gazette notification for the same has also been published and the order will come into effect from the date announced by the central government. As per the final Delimitation Order, out of the 90 assembly constituencies in the union territory, 43 will be part of Jammu region and 47 of Kashmir region. Nine seats have been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) for the first time - six in the Jammu region and three in the Kashmir Valley. Seven seats have been reserved for Scheduled Castes. The constitution of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state did not provide for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Tribes in the legislative assembly. All five parliamentary constituencies will have an equal number of assembly seats for the first time. Jammu and Kashmir has been treated as a single entity for the purpose of delimitation. "One of the parliamentary constituency has been carved out combining the Anantnag region in the Valley and the Rajouri and Poonch of the Jammu region. By this reorganisation, each parliamentary constituency will have equal number of 18 assembly constituencies each," an official release said. Names of some assembly constituencies have also been changed keeping in view the demand of local representatives. The release said patwar circle is the lowest administrative unit which has not been broken. All assembly constituencies will remain within the boundary of the concerned district. The Commission recommended at least two members (one of them must be female) from the community of Kashmiri migrants in the Legislative Assembly. It said such members may be given power at part with the power of nominated members of the legislative assembly of UT of Puducherry The Commission said that the central government may consider giving displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir some representation in Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly by way of nomination. The Commission has Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra and Jammu and Kashmir State Election Commissioner KK Sharma as ex-officio members. (ANI) Amid the power crisis, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced that subsidised electricity in the national capital will be given only to those who ask for it. The new rule will be implemented from October 1. "Now cheap electricity will be optional in Delhi. From October 1, the Delhi government to provide electricity subsidy to only those who ask for it. We will give options to people whether or not they need electricity subsidy," Kejriwal announced in a press conference. He added that "the work of asking people about subsidised electricity will begin soon." At present, consumers in the national capital get ''zero'' power bill up to 200 units of electricity and a subsidy of Rs 800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month. Addressing the press conference, Kejriwal also announced that the Delhi cabinet has passed the 'Delhi Startup Policy' which will also help Delhi youth run a business in Delhi with the help of financial assistance provided by the government. "Creating entrepreneurs and business leaders out of our youth is a subject very close to my heart. Our youth has tremendous potential. Given the right opportunities, they can compete with anyone in the world. Not just India, we will see Delhi become the startup destination of the world," added the Delhi CM. "The government will provide financial help to start-ups through a collateral-free loan, financial parts of rent and employee salaries. It will form a panel of agencies and experts to provide free help to new start-ups in trademark registration and fulfilling other formalities," he said. Kejriwal said that the Business Blaster program, currently being run in Delhi government schools, will be extended to college students so they could work on their business ideas. According to Kejriwal, students of state-run institutes can take off for 1-2 years to focus on a business. "The 20-member task force, having a government officer, academics and business and trade representatives, will decide on registration applications from start-ups," Kejriwal said. (ANI) The Central Election Committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party has given its approval to Pushkar Singh Dhami for the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly by-election 2022, read the press note issued by BJP. Earlier, BJP MLA Kailash Gehtori had resigned from the Champawat Assembly seat paving the way for Dhami to contest assembly by-polls. Despite the BJP winning the 2022 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand with a majority, Dhami lost the Khatima seat to Congress candidate Bhuwan Chandra Kapri. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the by-polls in three assembly constituencies in Odisha, Kerala and Uttarakhand. According to the Election Commission, the polling in these seats will be held on May 31 while the counting of votes will take place on June 3. (ANI) The sister of the man who was killed allegedly by his wife's brothers, held the Mominpet police responsible for her brother's death. Speaking to ANI, Nagaraj's sister Ramadevi said, "My brother got married to girl three months back. Soon after that, we filed a complaint at Mominpet police station regarding life threats from the girl's family. Due to the negligence of the police, today I lost my brother." "There is no one to take care of my family now. He was the sole bread earner in the family. We need justice," added Ramadevi. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sridhar Reddy of Lal Bahadur Nagar, said that two persons involved in the crime have been arrested while the family said that there are more people involved in this case. "Further investigation into the case is on," added the ACP. According to ACP Reddy, deceased Billapuram Nagaraju and Syed Ashrin Sultana were collegemates and got married in January this year. Sultana changed her name to Pallavi after the marriage. "The deceased was traveling on a bike with his wife. They got married recently and both belonged to different communities. Brothers of the deceased's wife today assaulted Nagaraju and then attacked him with a rod and killed him on the spot. Two brothers of the deceased man's wife have been identified as the accused and the police have formed special teams to nab them," the police. (ANI) Gujarat court on Thursday has sentenced Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and 12 others to three months imprisonment and a fine under section 143 Indian Penal Code (IPC) over a 2017 case of carrying out Azadi march without permission. MLA Jignesh Mevani, Reshma Patel, Kaushik Parmar of National Dalit Adhikar Manch, Kaushik Parmar, Subodh Parmar including 10 others have been sentenced to three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs.1000. Out of the total 12 accused, 1 accused has died and the other accused is a fugitive. Soon after the verdict, Mevani said, "We organized a freedom march in Mehsana to mark the one year anniversary of Una Kand. I along with Reshma Patel have been sentenced to three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1000. The man who is the plaintiff investigated the case. The place has not been commissioned by the investigating officer. We were told that we would be acquitted in a simple matter like not getting permission for a rally. I respect the judiciary and we will appeal to the Sessions Court. I hope, I get justice in this matter." Mevani and his associates led an 'Azadi Kooch' from Mehsana to Dhanera of the neighbouring Banaskantha district in 2017. In 2017, the Mehsana police registered a case of unlawful assembly against Mevani and others under Section 143 of the Indian Penal Code. On May 4, after having served a jail term of 9 days in Assam, Mevani threatened a Gujarat Bandh on June 1 if the 2022 exam papers leak is not probed, if cases lodged in Una (against Dalits), Vadgam, north Gujarat against those fighting are not withdrawn and strict action is not taken into the matter of drugs found at Mundra Port. He appreciated the judiciary for terming FIR filed against him for assaulting a policewoman as "frivolous". Earlier, the Gujarat MLA was granted bail by the Assam court. He was arrested in connection with his purported tweets against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mevani was arrested by an Assam police team from Palanpur town in Gujarat over a couple of his tweets. The Assam state Congress unit had protested the arrest of the Gujarat legislator. Elected as an independent MLA, Mevani had extended his support to Congress in September 2019. (ANI) The Delhi Cabinet on Thursday approved a start-up policy that seeks to provide youth with financial assistance provided by the government in setting up companies to make Delhi the startup destination of the world. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced, "The Delhi cabinet has passed the 'Delhi Startup Policy' which will also help Delhi youth run a business in Delhi with the help of financial assistance provided by the government." "Creating entrepreneurs and business leaders out of our youth is a subject very close to my heart. Our youth has tremendous potential. Given the right opportunities, they can compete with anyone in the world. Not just India, we will see Delhi become the startup destination of the world," added the Delhi CM. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said the government will subsidise basic amenities such as internet and office space rent. "The startups will also be helped to pay their staff if need be, along with providing them with a credit line to help them avail of collateral-free loans with the first year being interest-free. It will form a panel of agencies and experts to provide free help to new start-ups in trademark registration and fulfilling other formalities," said Kejriwal. He said that Delhi Startup Policy is hiring agencies and professionals to help startups free of cost. These professionals, including the likes of lawyers and chartered accountants (CAs), will help startup founders with trading legal proceedings such as trademark registration, GST filing, and so on. Kejriwal said that the Business Blaster program, currently being run in Delhi government schools, will be extended to college students so they could work on their business ideas. "In Delhi's schools, from 9th to 12th, we have launched the 'Business Blasters' campaign, under which participants are given small seed capital to create a business," he said. According to Kejriwal, students of state-run institutes can take off for 1-2 years to focus on a business. "The 20-member task force, having a government officer, academics and business and trade representatives, will decide on registration applications from start-ups," Kejriwal said. Speaking of unicorns in Delhi, Kejriwal said, "I hope the youth of Delhi will create unicorns of their own. I expect to see a boom in startups over the coming years." (ANI) Ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit to Telangana, banners were seen around Hyderabad asking if he was ready to accept the 'white challenge' by Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president KT Rama Rao. This comes after Rahul Gandhi's video went viral on various social media platforms, showing the Congress leader attending a party. Rahul Gandhi reports said he was apparently in the viral video at a Lord of Rings, a nightclub in Kathmandu. However, there was no independent authentication of the contents of the viral video. The white challenge was started by Congress MP and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Revanth Reddy in September 2021, for politicians and celebrities aiming to eradicate the drug menace in the state. TRS leader Krishank said that state Congress chief Revanth Reddy has been asking political leaders to accept drug tests which KT Rama Rao accepted, but now he has also asked the Rahul Gandhi who is visiting Telangana to take up this challenge and KTR is ready to come wherever he wants to give his tests. "Why not Rahul Gandhi accepts the 'white challenge' which his own party leader Reddy has put forward," TRS leader Krishan said. "Is Rahul Gandhi ready to accept the 'White challenge' initiated by his own party leader?" asked the TRS leader "Why congress leader Rahul Gandhi is visiting Telangana. The youngsters in Hyderabad have been putting banners asking Rahul Gandhi to accept White Challenge which was initiated by their own congress leader Revanth Reddy. So the youngsters are asking if Rahul Gandhi is ready to take the challenge or not?" he added. Rahul Gandhi will visit Telangana for a two-day visit on May 6 and 7. Earlier on Monday, Revanth Reddy said that Rahul Gandhi will meet the members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in the Chanchalguda jail who were detained for staging a protest outside the administration building of Osmania University in Hyderabad. The NSUI members protested outside the University seeking permission for Rahul Gandhi's visit to the campus on May 7, following which the police detained them and registered a case for 'obstructing the public servant in conducting their duty'. On Sunday, Ramesh Naik, Circle Inspector said that 18 people who were protesting were taken into custody. "Eighteen people who were protesting in the administration's building have been taken into custody. When we tried to stop the agitators, they pushed our staff including lady constables. Agitators pelted stones to break the glasses on the window and went inside the building. A case has been registered under obstructing the public servant in conducting their duty," said Ramesh Naik, Circle Inspector. (ANI) Hours after terror suspects were detained in Haryana's Karnal, Home Minister Anil Vij on Thursday said that the terrorists received explosives from Pakistan through drones and were given the task to transport them to Adilabad in Telangana. He said that the State police has arrested four terrorists along with a huge amount of explosives in Karnal district today. Speaking to ANI on the incident, the Home Minister said, "Four terrorists were going in the Innova vehicle was nabbed by the police near the Bastara toll plaza in Karnal. On search of the vehicle, the police recovered three IEDs, a country-made pistol, 31 live cartridges, 1.31 lakh cash and six mobile phones recovered from them. They got explosives from Pakistan through drones and were tasked with carrying them to Adilabad in Telangana." Among the arrested accused Bhupinder Singh is from Ludhiana and the other three Gurpreet Singh, Parminder Singh and Amandeep Singh are from Ferozepur and were headed to Adilabad in Telangana to deliver a consignment of explosives. "They were in touch with a Pakistan-based man Harvinder Singh Rinda, who is involved in terror activities and who used to send locations through an app to them to deliver explosives and weapons. Rinda used to drop weapons and explosives at a pre-designated location in the fields in Ferozepur with the help of drones," said Vij. He further added that the investigations in the case are underway and police were conducting an in-depth probe. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that it is yet not clear if the accused are terrorists or pawns of the terror organisations being used to transport explosives from one place to another. Earlier today, Superintendent of police Karnal Ram Poonia said that the accused were taking the current consignment of explosives to a place near Nanded from Ferozepur, Punjab. A case under the Explosive Substances Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been registered. "The accused were in touch with a Pakistan-based man who asked them to drop arms and ammunition at Adilabad, Telangana. Accused Gurpreet received explosives sent from across the border using a drone in Ferozepur dist. Earlier, they dropped explosives at Nanded," said SP. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday slammed the Trinamool Congress for spreading rumours about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said that the Central government will implement it once the COVID-19 pandemic ends. The Home Minister, who is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants that the refugees who have come to Bengal should not get citizenship. "TMC is spreading rumours about CAA that it won't be implemented on the ground, but I would like to say that we will implement CAA on the ground the moment the COVID-19 pandemic ends. Mamata didi only wants that the infiltration continues and the refugees who have come to Bengal should not get citizenship. CAA was reality, is reality and is going to be a reality," said Shah, while addressing Paschim Bango Samman Samavesh in Siliguri, West Bengal. The CAA allows persecuted minorities belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to avail Indian citizenship. Shah also thanked the people of Bengal for helping raise BJP's tally in Assembly to 77 from three and said that the party will continue to fight against the "atrocities" of TMC. "When we fielded in the last Bengal assembly elections, we had only 3 seats. You increased the BJP from 3 seats to 77 seats. By giving 2.28 crore votes to BJP in the assembly elections, you have strengthened the party in every village. BJP will not stop its fight unless and until Didi will not stop the rule of atrocities, corruption, catastrophe, syndicate on the people of Bengal," he said. The Home Minister further attacked the ruling TMC in the state and said, "People of Bengal gave a mandate for 3rd time to CM Mamata Banerjee. We thought Didi will get better, but corruption, syndicate, and killings of BJP workers are yet to stop. Mamata Didi shouldn't think that BJP won't fight back." The Home Minister alleged that after the post-poll violence in Bengal, the Human Rights Commission said that there is no rule of law in Bengal, it is the rule of the ruling party. "Here 101 people were killed, 1829 people were injured and TMC goons were found guilty in more than 168 cases," he said. He asked why the Chief Minister didn't send a delegation to Birbhum where 8 women and a child were burnt alive. "She sends a delegation whenever an incident happens across the country, but why didn't she send a delegation to Birbhum where 8 women and a child were burnt alive, aren't they her people?" asked Shah. The Home Minister said that the Bengal has the highest electricity prices in the entire country and the highest petrol price. "Even today, the poor of Bengal do not get the benefit of Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Mamta didi does not implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme out of fear of the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added. He further said that Banerjee always misled the Gorkha brothers and sisters. "I have come today to tell the Gorkha brothers and sisters that if there is one party which thinks in the interest of Gorkhas, it is only BJP. We have said that a permanent political solution to all the problems will be found within the limits of the Constitution," he added. On Friday, the Home Minister will visit Teen Bigha and interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at BoP Jhikabari in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district. (ANI) A total of six fire tenders are present at the spot to douse the flame. Fire fighting operations are underway. No casualties or injuries reported yet, informed Mumbai Fire Brigade. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Soon after the internal party meeting, Nadda will visit the NVS degree college in Mehboobnagar for a public meeting. Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay, BJP national vice president DK Aruna, Madhya Pradesh BJP in-charge P Muralidhar Rao, BJP official spokesperson NV Subash, state BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy and other party leaders will take part in the internal meeting. An office-bearers meeting will also be held at the Annapurna function hall in the Mehboobnagar district. (ANI) Beating all odds, the daughter of a vegetable vendor in Madhya Pradesh's Indore has cleared the recruitment examination of the civil judge exam. Speaking to ANI, Judge Ankita Nagar said, "I wanted to become a doctor but medical studies cost much more so I began to prepare for civil judge examination instead. I did most of my studies on a government scholarship." Ankita used to help his father sell vegetables to make both ends meet after finishing her studies. "Got a lot of time to study during the lockdown. I studied online on YouTube. Although I received a scholarship from the government, there was financial trouble," she added. "To those children who do not study despite the privilege, I would like them to focus on their goal. There was a financial crisis to fill the form during and after the lockdown but I managed. Many people said, get married, but my parents asked me to concentrate on my studies," she said. Ankita secured 5th rank in the SC category of the Civil Judge exam. Ankita's father Ashok Nagar is a vegetable vendor in Musakhedi area of the city. "We wanted to give our daughter a fair chance in life. We compromised a lot in the past six years for her education. She studied without any privilege and cleared the exam. We are proud of her. No one should force their daughters to marry but rather get them educated," said her parents. Ankita's father Ashok Nagar, while speaking to ANI, said his family struggled a lot and saved money for her daughter's education. "We have no words to express our happiness. We struggled a lot and didn't have much money but still saved little money and taught our daughter Ankita," he said. "People differentiate between son and daughter. I would ask them not to do it. A daughter is better than a son. Today everyone is coming to congratulate me. I have three children, one son has done MBA, the youngest daughter is married, and the middle daughter Ankita studied and became a judge. Girls should also get educated," added Ashok. Laxmi Nagar, Ankita's mother said, "Our family runs only by selling vegetables, we used to keep the money for the daughter's education. The last 5-6 years were very difficult for our family. I have given equal importance to my sons and daughters and educated them." (ANI) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown the world how the pandemic can be successfully managed. Mandaviya was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day "Swasthya Chintan Shivir" at Gujarat's Kevadia. Mandaviya started his address by stating that "the Statue of unity, a symbol of "Ekta" represents India's federal structure, working in a well-aligned democracy". "This summit, organized to do "chintan" on Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav will provide us a collective and collaborative vision of the central and state governments and a roadmap for the next 25 years - the Amrit Kal of India's Independence," said Mandaviya at 14th Central Council of Health and Family Welfare Conference (CCHFW) in Kevadia, Gujarat. "This Chintan Shivir is the best example of federal democracy. Best practices from various states should be implemented at the national level. This is a platform for learning from each other," he added. Underscoring the importance of moving forward with a holistic approach in the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Health Minister reminded us that when the world is still grappling with COVID, India under the leadership of the Prime Minister has shown the world how the pandemic can be successfully managed. "It is only through the joint and holistic efforts of the Centre and the States that we have tackled the COVID19 pandemic," he added. 'We made robust guidelines to tackle COVID and implemented them effectively. Now many countries are still witnessing COVID waves with staggering economies. We controlled Covid during 3rd wave through a holistic approach," said Mandaviya. The Health Minister informed that the Centre and States are increasing their health budgets so that affordable healthcare can be made available to all. He highlighted that through PM-ABHIM, the Centre has allotted Rs 64,180 crore for strengthening public health infrastructure across all states and UTs while the overall health budget in the last six-seven years increased from Rs 37,000 crore to Rs 86,000 crore. Praising India's COVID warriors and frontline workers, Mandaviya said, "The entire world is appreciating India's COVID management model and vaccination drive. To achieve first dose coverage of vaccines for 95 per cent of all adults is hugely commendable." The Health Minister further said that Health Mela should be conducted in every Block where Ayushman Bharat card should be issued along with identifying the ailments in the people. On the occasion of Chintan Shivir, the Union Health Minister released the National Report of the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and the Rural Health Statistics Publication for the year 2020-21. The NQAS (Net Quality Assurance Standards) portal of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis portal was launched at the event. Mandaviya presided over the 14th Conference of the Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW), an apex advisory body of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), named "Swasthya Chintan Shivir", at Kevadia, Gujarat today in the presence of Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog. Health Ministers and Lieutenant Governor of 19 States and UTs are participating in the 3-day conference. The objective of the three-day conference is to review the implementation of policies and programmes relating to the medical and public health sectors and to recommend ways and means for better implementation of these policies/programmes for benefit of the common people. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director AIIMS New Delhi and other senior officials of the Health Ministry and States were also present at the meeting. (ANI) Hyderabad's Saroornagar police arrested two relatives of Ashrin Sulthana alias Pallavi for their involvement in the murder of Billipuram Nagaraju on Thursday. The accused have been identified as Syed Mobin Ahmed, brother of Ashrin Sulthana and Mohammed Masood Ahmed. Both the accused were arrested on Thursday and are being produced before the Hon'ble Court for judicial custody, stated the Saroornagar police. "Case registered under IPC Section 302, SC/ST Act. The probe is to be concluded soon. We'll apply at fast track court so that its trial is concluded soon, and accused are punished. The deceased's family will be provided with monetary benefits, job", said DCP of LB Nagar. A newlywed couple riding a bike was attacked with an iron rod and stabbed on Wednesday at 9 pm resulting in the man being killed on the spot at Panjala Anil Kumar Colony of Saroornagar in Hyderabad. According to police, both the accused developed grudge against the deceased, as he had married the sister of the accused Syed Mobin Ahmed. "The deceased Billipuram Nagaraju, who belongs to SC-Mala Community, and Ashrin Sulthana of the Muslim community were in love for more than five years. They were classmates from school and both studied in the same school and college. She is the sister of the accused Syed Mobin Ahmed. Sensing that his sister was in love with the deceased, Mobin had warned her. On 30.01.2022 she came out of her house situated at IDPL Colony, Balanagar leaving her mobile phone in her house itself. On the next day Nagaraju and Ashrin Sulthana got married at Arya Samaj in Old City, Hyderabad", read the police statement. "The accused hatched a plan to kill Nagaraju. One month ago, the accused tried to locate the deceased but failed to identify his location. Again, on 4-05-2022, the accused started searching the location of the deceased and initially they found him at Maruthi showroom, Malakapet. But it was not convenient there to assault the deceased. Then, they followed the deceased on their scooter and found the deceased at Panjala Anil Kumar colony, Saroornagar", said the police. "They stopped Nagaraju while he and his wife Ashrin Sulthana were on their bike. Mobin pushed him and after he fell, they started beating him with an iron rod on his head indiscriminately. Mobin then gave the iron rod to Masood Ahmed. Mobin then took a knife that was carried with him and started stabbing. Thus both the accused brutally murdered Nagaraju by beating him with a centering iron rod and stabbing him with a knife. After confirming his death, they fled", said police. The deceased's wife Ashrin Sulthana said, "Syed Mobin Ahmed and five other people were there when the incident happened. I only recognized my brother and I don't know the others." "We had a love marriage and he was my classmate since Class 10. I liked Nagaraju a lot. He even told my mother that he will convert his religion and will marry me but my mother didn't listen. I know Nagaraju for 11 years", she added. "Nagaraju was beaten by five members at the signal. I begged everyone to let us go. Why did the public come now? He was killed in front of everyone, can't the world see? At the signal, I requested people for help. If I would have died I wouldn't have felt sad. I tried to save Nagaraju by covering him. But there were five other people pushing me away from him and other people were beating him. Nagaraju was wearing a helmet but despite that, they injured his skull. The ACP LB Nagar along with his team apprehended Syed Mobin and Masood Ahmed within hours and seized the centering iron rod and knife used in the crime. (ANI) Stepping out of the Byculla women's prison a day after getting bail, Independent MP from Amravati, Navneet Kaur-Rana, was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital after she complained of back and chest pain, officials said here on Thursday. Her husband and Independent MLA from Badnera in Amravati district, Ravi Rana, was also released from the Taloja jail in Raigad district on Thursday, from where he went straight to the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra where his wife is admitted. The couple had secured conditional bail from a sessions court on Wednesday, but they could not go home the same day as the formalities were not completed. A weary Navneet Kaur greeted the media and her supporters outside the prison with folded hands, but didn't say anything. From there she was driven to the hospital for various tests and treatment. Meanwhile, BJP activist Kirit Somaiya slammed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), calling it a government of Uddhav Thackeray's 'goons' who ensured that Navneet Kaur spent 12 days in jail because she wanted to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa', and then had to be taken to the hospital. Her lawyers said that she was suffering from high blood pressure, and chest and back pain. The Ranas were arrested from their home on April 23 after they threatened to go to 'Matoshri', the private residence of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Bandra East, to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa'. Their plan led to massive tensions as their supporters and Shiv Sena activists prepared for a conflict even as the Mumbai Police deployed heavy security. Though the couple later withdrew their plan in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai the following day (April 24), the police slapped various charges, including sedition, on them. The couple was remanded to 14-day judicial custody. --IANS qn/arm ( 311 Words) 2022-05-05-19:02:01 (IANS) A meeting of the Congress Working Committee will be held on May 9 ahead of the party's 'Chintan Shivir' in Udaipur. The meeting would deliberate on the agenda for the Chintan Shivir. "A meeting of the Congress Working Committee will be held on Monday, the 9th May 2022 at 04.30 PM at AICC Office, 24 Akbar Road, New Delhi, to discuss about the "Nav Sankalp Shivir - 2022" to be held from 13th to 15th May, 2022 at Udaipur, Rajasthan," party general secretary KC Venugopal said in a tweet. The Chintan Shivir is being held in the backdrop of the party's drubbing in the elections to five state assemblies earlier this year. The party has witnessed several electoral losses in the elections held in the past eight years. Congress has also seen the exit of some of its prominent faces. Following a presentation and discussions with poll strategist Prashant Kishor, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had constituted an Empowered Action Group 2024 last month and invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He had declined the "generous offer" and said that "more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms". The Congress will also be going for organisational polls this year to elect a new party chief. (ANI) Election officials said that maintaining previous trends, there was no untoward incident reported in the elections to the MADC, one of the three tribal autonomous district councils in Mizoram. In all, 85 candidates are contesting the tribal autonomous body polls, which are seeing a multi-cornered contest, as the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), the BJP, the opposition Congress and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) have put up candidates. The MNF, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, has put up candidates in all the 25 seats while the BJP and the Congress have fielded 24 and 23 candidates, respectively. The ZPM is contesting in eight seats. Ahead of the next year's elections in the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, the MADC elections in Siaha district are crucial for both the ruling and the opposition parties. In the last elections in May 2017, the Congress secured 17 seats in the 25-member council but in 2019, 15 Congress members and a few members of Mara Democratic Front joined the BJP facilitating the saffron party to govern the autonomous body. In all, 42,342 people, including 21, 969 women, were eligible voters in the council area. Counting of votes will be held on May 9. --IANS sc/vd ( 244 Words) 2022-05-05-20:02:04 (IANS) As the threat from drones to the Amarnath Yatra poses a major challenge for the security forces, they are procuring hardware to counter the drones and thwart terrorist designs. Admitting that a possible threat from drones is looming over the Amarnath Yatra this year, sources in the Central Reserve Police Force said that they have been preparing to thwart the threats. With the Amarnath Yatra commencing on June 30 after two years, the forces have to gear up to ensure foolproof security for the annual pilgrimage. Sources also said that security agencies are on the highest alert as an attack by drones is the new component in the terror domain. The security grid has been asked to put in all efforts to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Cave incident-free. Highly placed sources in the security grid said that the anti-drones mechanism will be put along the routes up to the cave and at the assembly points at the base camp in Baltal and Pahalgam. Sources have revealed there are possible threats from Lashkar-e-Taiba and TRF and therefore, security will be tightened right from entering at Lakhanpur border. The individual or public vehicles carrying the pilgrims will be given a RFID tag so that the security agencies can know their location. They also indicated that the anti-drone systems will be deployed at the key checkpoints of the Yatra to thwart any threat from drone attacks. As of now, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the National Security Guard (NSG) have the drone detection system and they will also be roped in to sensitise the routes. The first drone attack took place at an IAF station in Jammu on the intervening night of June 26-27 last year. Apart from this, there were incidents in Jammu and Kashmir where drones coming from the Pakistan side carried arms, ammunition and IEDs in October last year in Jammu. --IANS ams/uk/bg ( 331 Words) 2022-05-05-20:38:02 (IANS) Cyber fraudsters are targeting complainants at Bihar Chief Minister's Janata Darbars. The conmen are using mimicry artists to impersonate Nitish Kumar and demand money from the complainants to address their grievances. As per the notification, the Bihar government has already announced that no fee is required for registration or hearing of complaints in the Janata Darbar. One such incident was reported from Muzaffarpur district where Mintu Upadhyay, a native of Sikandarpur under the Town police station, complained to the District Magistrate's office about such a demand. "I had filed an online application for the hearing in Janata Darbar on April 8 this year. I have not received any calls from Janata Darbar but I received two calls from the fraudsters. The first call was received on April 14 and second call on May 4. On both the times, the caller called me in the voice of CM Nitish Kumar and asked Rs 5,500 be deposited in an account as a registration fee to address the issue in 10 days," he claimed. "When I argued with him, telling him that Janata Darbar did not want any registration fee for hearing, he tried to convince me and said that whatever problem I have would be addressed soon in my favour. As it looked fishy, I denied. I have filed a complaint in Janata Darbar to address a property dispute," Upadhyay said. Muzaffarpur DPRO Kamal Singh confirmed that such a complaint had come to the notice of the district administration. "Janata Darbar of Nitish Kumar does not require any fee. It is a free of cost initiative of our Chief Minister. If anyone is contacting you and asking for payment, file complaints with police or district administration. We are forwarding this case to the cyber cell for the investigation," Singh said. --IANS ajk/vd ( 311 Words) 2022-05-05-20:42:02 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday praised the people of Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura for generating the least plastic waste as per a study by NITI Aayog, terming it a good example of responsible consumption and production. Addressing the 16th convocation of the Mizoram University in Aizawl, he said that despite busy traffic, the dutiful people of Aizawl refrain from honking and this practice is worth appreciating and may be adopted by people in other cities too. Kovind also said that with the second-highest literacy levels in the country, Mizoram is a truly modern state ready to take off for higher achievements. According to the 2011 census, literacy rate in Mizoram is 91.58 per cent. He also said that Mizoram is blessed with natural resources in abundance. "A region which is rich in biodiversity offers vast opportunities for research and development. However, it is our responsibility to strike the right balance between development and sustainability," he said adding that the environment in this state as well as the other northeastern states needs to be preserved with care. The President said that according to progress on Goal - 4 of UN Sustainable Development Goals which pertains to providing Quality Education, NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2020-21 shows that Mizoram with a score of 60 performed better than the national average of 57. "An interesting point that figured in the analysis was that the score for Goal - 4 ranked Aizawl as the top performer among all districts of the northeastern states." He urged the people of Aizawl to handhold and encourage the people in the other districts of the state to improve their social indices and participate in the process of national development. The President said that the entrepreneurship development activities and establishment of "Technology Incubation Centers" in the Mizoram University extending support to the budding entrepreneurs to nurture their ideas with innovation and creativity is a step in the right direction. He appreciated those initiatives of the university to promote innovation and transform it into enterprise. "This is the key to bring about change in our society and economy." Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, who is also Chief Rector of Mizoram University and Chief Minister Zoramthanga among other dignitaries were present in the convocation. The Mizoram University, which was set up in 2001, was accredited 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 2019 and it was ranked as one of the top 100 Universities in India, assessed by the National Institutional Ranking Framework rankings in 2016, 2017 and 2018 under Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Education Ministry). --IANS sc/vd ( 444 Words) 2022-05-05-21:48:05 (IANS) The Election Commission on Thursday issued notice to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's brother and state MLA Basant Soren in the mining lease issue. Basant Soren is the MLA from Dumka. The ECI has already sent a notice to Hemant Soren seeking his stand on charges that he issued a mining lease in the state in his favour. In the notice, the Commission said that his act prima facie violates Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, which deals with the disqualification of a lawmaker for the government contract. In April, the Commission also contacted the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, asking him to authenticate documents related to the lease allotment. The Commission has already started examining a set of documents and details furnished to it from the state government in the last week of April on a stone mining lease allotted to the present CM of the state by state authorities. Section 9A of the PR Act says that a person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, there subsists a contract entered into by him in the course of his trade or business with the appropriate government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any works undertaken by that government. On April 28, the Chief Secretary submitted an entire set of documents related to the mining lease to the poll body. The EC will examine the reply of the notice sent to Soren before taking a final view on the matter and will be sending the same to the Governor. --IANS ams/vd ( 275 Words) 2022-05-05-21:50:04 (IANS) Moreover, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is among the top five ASNs (autonomous system numbers) hosting DDoS botnet agents (at 5 per cent) among others, claimed the DDoS 'Threat Report 2022' by US-based tech firm A10 Networks. DDoS weapons are on the rise and the threat intelligence research team tracked 15.4 million unique DDoS weapons in 2021. "Recent events underscore the often devastating impact that cyber-attacks have on governments and businesses around the world," said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO of A10 Networks. North America has twice as many DDoS weapons per person compared to Asia, the report noted. During the second half of last year, the 'Log4j' vulnerability became a key concern for the organisations worldwide. There was an increase of over 100 per cent, year-over-year, of more obscure potential amplification weapons, including Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), which was used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On March 21, the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration issued guidance urging organisations to act quickly to protect against cyber attacks and state-sponsored cyber warfare given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. --IANS na/uk ( 228 Words) 2022-05-05-19:28:05 (IANS) Bangladesh-India relations enjoy cooperation and development in almost every area. Moreover, the relative success in economic advancement and strong pursuit of connectivity of both the countries have evoked to think about a comprehensive economic partnership as well. As both the countries are experiencing high growth and stable rise, they have embarked on signing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which has been titled as Bangladesh-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), to reap the benefits of mutual trust and understanding in a range of bilateral issues. It is timely as Bangladesh is going to come out from LDC and facing the challenges emanating from it. Over the past twelve years, the Bangladesh-India bilateral economic relationship has been going well and has entered a new terrain with the strengthening of traditional ties and foundations being laid to deepen and broaden the partnership in going forward. India is the second-largest trade partner of Bangladesh and Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner in South Asia. Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily and the exports of Bangladesh have tripled over the last decade. Notably, the talks on a CEPA began informally since 2018, in the backdrop of increasing Chinese investments in Bangladesh. It was also discussed due to the fact that regional free trade arrangements, like South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), have become dysfunctional. Later, an expeditious commissioning of a joint study on the prospects of entering into a bilateral CEPA was devised during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in October 2019. The original timeline for completion of the joint study was September 2021. In addition, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bangladesh visit in March 2021, the two countries had agreed to enhance trade and the joint statement underscored the need for the removal of non-tariff barriers, need for predictability of trade policies, regulations and procedure, visit of a high-level team from Bangladesh from March 1-4, 2022 after a Joint Study Group (JSG) for examining the feasibility of the CEPA submitted its recommendations. Understanding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) The proposed CEPA between Bangladesh and India has three dimensions, namely trade in goods, trade in services, and investment. The main target of the proposed CEPA is to reduce the huge trade gap between Bangladesh and India and open up new economic opportunities including connectivity, new market and cooperation and partnership. Moreover, the CEPA is planned to resolve the issues and challenges of anti-dumping duties and rules of origin through the perspective of multi-modal connectivity and deepening of cooperation in the context of the sub-regional cooperation. It recognizes the significant benefits of bilateral economic and commercial ties. According to an official statement released by India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the CEPA will incorporate a variety of issues of mutual interest, including the development of railway infrastructure, port infrastructure, Border Haats, regional connectivity through Multi-Modal Transportation, Harmonization of Standards, Mutual Recognition Agreement. Further, the agreement is looking forward to step up cooperation in new areas such as green technologies, renewables, and IT and digital platforms under CEPA. A CEPA will also strengthen the scope of investment as it includes the new areas and ways of cooperation. It will give a significant boost to two-way trade. In addition, the agreement is focusing on four areas for strengthening India-Bangladesh partnership which include: a) connectivity and maintaining uninterrupted supply chain, b) joint production of defence equipment, c) exploring potential areas of investments and d) joint manufacturing of vaccines and other medicines. Benefits of CEPA Trade in Services Investment Trade in Goods Connectivity and supply chain Joint production of defence equipment Exploring investments Joint manufacturing of vaccines and other medicines Focus Areas of CEPA The specific benefits of CEPA may be identified in the following section. Firstly, in the backdrop of growing bilateral trade, the trading regime between the two countries, including imports, exports, related rules and regulations will get new momentum as the agreement has instruments to work jointly on trade, supply chain and production. If the CEPA is operationalized, bilateral trade potential would be USD 40 billion. India's strong exports in services and Bangladesh's exports in goods are a good cause to have a CEPA. Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi asserted CEPA is very important in the long run, for expansion of trade and commerce. After the withdrawal from RCEP, India is looking forward to make several bilateral FTAs with neighboring countries. Secondly, the agreement will boost up bilateral and sub-regional connectivity that Bangladesh is championing in its policy initiatives. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rightly asserted that "Connectivity is productivity". The CEPA will produce a cluster of connectivity which will shape the future trade through the Asian Highway Network routes (AH-1 and 2), BBIN, BCIM and BIMSTEC connecting India and Bangladesh at the Petrapole-Benapole, Fulbari-Banglabandha and Dawki-Tamabil points, and a new rail link between Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Agartala (India), among others. The agreement will ease personal, passenger, and cargo vehicle travel across the borders once fully implemented. This will be most visible in bordering areas of Bangladesh where the price of goods could decrease by more than 4.5 per cent. More trade and transit will inspire new economic activity that will raise income and lowers costs for businesses and consumers. Connectivity facilities will have some trickle-down effects on other connectivity projects in the region. For instance, the BIMSTEC Conclave of Ports agreement linking Thailand's Ranong Port with ports in Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, and Kolkata, a BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and a BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement will bring more than 2 billion people - 22% of world's population-together into an economic region. It will pave the way for concluding FTAs and PTAs with other neighboring countries of South Asia when Bangladesh is embarking on signing FTAs with Bhutan. Reports suggest that Bangladesh is planning to conclude trade agreements with Thailand and Nepal. Thirdly, the agreement will create new venue for cooperation and partnership and open up opportunities for joint production hub and creating uninterrupted supply chain. When the production hub and supply chain will be materialized, then it will create new market for both the countries and the investments will get a new boost in coming days. Bangladesh has already set up three Special Economic Zones for Indian investors and Indian companies are investing in various sectors including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, FMCG and automobiles sectors in Bangladesh. These are seen as offering a significant backdrop to the more intense bilateral engagements in trade and investment that India and Bangladesh are chalking out through the CEPA. In addition, a thriving CEPA will support Indian Northeast states to have access to Bangladesh for chemical fertilizer, raw jute and jute manufactures, frozen fish and readymade garments (RMG). Fourthly, as Bangladesh prepares for its dual graduation journey (middle-income graduation and LDC graduation), the agreement will be important to harness the potential opportunities by addressing the attendant concerns and leveraging the initiatives. Fifthly, CEPA will generate revenues for both Bangladesh and India as the connectivity and trade along territorial and maritime borders will increase. Sixthly, increased level of exchanges of goods, people and services due to the free movements will increase flourish tourism and other industries which have effects on employment generation and human capital development in Bangladesh and India. The joint production of pharmaceutical items and defence equipment will yield immense benefits for Bangladesh and India as both the countries have great pharmaceutical bases and expertise. What is to be done? Some measures may be suggested for the implementation of CEPA. Firstly, to reap the benefits of any economic partnership agreement, infrastructural conditions are crucial as these are the foundations of connectivity, trade and exchanges. CEPA is equally linked to the issue of infrastructure and connectivity to streamline the logistics challenges. Secondly, informal trade between the two countries should be reduced to formalize economic relations between the two countries. Thirdly, connectivity schemes should be continued through materializing transport networks. Fourthly, tariff and non-tariff barriers and rules of origin should be removed to fully explore mutual benefits. The dumping and antidumping of jute, lack of formalization of customs, time consuming approach of loading and unloading at no man's land should be addressed. Fifthly, appropriate measures should be taken to support the sectors facing the competition from Indian companies. Modernization of bureaucracy, trade facilitation and customs efficiency in Bangladesh and India must be improved. Sixthly, legal barriers may also pose challenges. As per the WTO regulations, all border duties and restrictive restrictions must be eliminated covering at least 90 per cent of trade in goods with partner countries and service must cover substantially all sectors (under Article XXIV of GATT 1994 and Article V of GATS) to conclude an FTA. Seventhly, to fully harness the benefits of a FTA, one country should have diversified export items that can balance the trade volume. Notably, apparel constitutes more than 80 per cent of country's total export and it is mainly exported to developed countries. Moreover, there is little demand of apparels in Indian market. Therefore, diversification of export products is a pre-requisite of achieving success in the proposed CEPA. Lastly, domestic compulsion and internal political dynamics should not pose any challenge to implement CEPA. Throughout 2018 and 2019, special interest groups lobbied against India joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. It might be a challenge in harnessing full spectrum of economic benefits from CEPA. The CEPA will be a game-changing agreement given the economic and geographical potentials between the two countries. From trade to connectivity and socio-economic to infrastructural arena, the agreement may bring forth profound sense of cooperation and partnership as Bangladesh and India are both embarking on economic development and connectivity schemes. Constructive steps must be undertaken towards triangulation of trade, transport, and investment connectivity to develop the production networks and establish the backward and forward value chains that serve the interests of trade, business and commerce--both bilateral and beyond. Moreover, a time-bound road map is needed to take advantage of the emergent window of opportunity. (ANI) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, experiencing mild symptoms and will be isolating himself at his home, conducting his work virtually. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon via a PCR test," a US Department of State press statement informed. "The Secretary is fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus and is experiencing only mild symptoms. He tested negative on Tuesday and again as recently as this morning," the statement added. The statement further informed that Secretary of State Blinken "has not seen President Biden in person for several days, and the President is not considered a close contact according to guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." "In accordance with the CDC guidelines and in consultation with the Department's Bureau of Medical Services, the Secretary will isolate at home and maintain a virtual work schedule," the statement said, adding that Blinken "looks forward to returning to the Department and resuming his full duties and travels as soon as possible." Secretary of State Blinken extended his gratefulness to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who provide the State Department workforce with exemplary health services around the world and encourages all Americans who are eligible to get fully vaccinated and boosted in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from developing severe COVID-19 disease, the statement said. Blinken joins a number of high-profile administration officials who have tested positive in recent weeks and months. Vice President Kamala Harris announced she had contracted the virus last month, and in March, White House Press Secretary Psaki cancelled her plans to travel with the President to Belgium and Poland after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time, CNN reported. (ANI) Condemning the civilian deaths in Ukraine and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, India and France on Wednesday also expressed concern at the risk to the global food security and nutrition in light of the ongoing conflict. Issuing a joint statement at the end of the discussions between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris, India and France said that they are committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict in Ukraine. "India and France express deep concern about the current aggravation of global food security and nutrition, already impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially in developing countries," the joint statement read. The statement further said that the two countries are committed to addressing the risk of an aggravated food crisis, "including through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), which aims at ensuring well-functioning markets, solidarity and long-term resilience." In the joint statement, France reiterated "its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces." "The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue," the statement read. Earlier, addressing a press briefing after the talks between PM Modi and French President Macron, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that "the two leaders agreed that close coordination and engagement was important so that both India and France can play a constructive role in the evolving situation (in Ukraine)." "The two leaders also exchanged views very extensively on the cascading effect of the situation in Ukraine, in terms of the global food shortages, shortages of commodities such as fertiliser, and how the two countries can partner together in order to address some of these challenges which are very real and felt on the ground," Kwatra said. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that "there is a very clear understanding of each other's position (on Ukraine) and they (PM Modi and French President Macron) did agree to stay in touch and coordinate very closely (on the issue)." The comments came on the final day of the three-day Europe visit of PM Modi, during the course of which the Prime Minister visited Germany and Denmark, before making a brief stopover in Paris. "In sum, it was a short but substantive visit," Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, adding, "for us a path for accelerated progress in the relationship lies ahead of us." He also informed that Prime Minister Modi has invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest possible oppurtunity. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday (local time). (ANI) The Taliban regime in Afghanistan prohibited dozens of Shia mosques from holding Eid prayers on Tuesday, local media said. The reports of prohibition were reported from the major cities of Herat and Kabul with some Shia Muslims also forced to break their fast prior to the announcement of Eid by their mosques. "#Taliban forces prohibited dozens of #Shia mosques from holding the #Eid prayer on Tuesday. Some Shia followers also reported of being forced to break their fast prior to shia announcement of Eid. Shia activists has reported this violation of religious' rights in #Herat, #Kabul," a local journalist claimed on Twitter. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities. In the past few weeks, a series of deadly blasts, especially targetting minorities have hit Afghanistan, with the latest major blast targeted at a mosque on Friday afternoon in Kabul killing at least 30 people and injuring many others. The series of blasts and vulnerable security conditions, especially for the minorities has drawn worldwide condemnation, including from the United Nations (UN), the EU, US and others. Afghanistan is also grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. (ANI) India and France reaffirmed their commitment to building one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In a joint statement following the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "They share a vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on a commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions and conflicts." Indo-France Indo-Pacific partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability. Besides bilateral cooperation, India and France will continue to develop new partnerships in various formats with like-minded countries in the region and within regional organisations. The first Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum was held in Paris in February 2022 during the French presidency of the Council of the EU. The Forum launched an ambitious agenda at the EU level based on the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo Pacific. India and France reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and look forward to closely working together in the implementation of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and the decisions made at the India-EU Leaders' Meeting in Porto in May 2021. Both sides welcomed the recent launch of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council which will foster high-level coordination on strategic aspects of the trade, technology and security as well as the restart of negotiations on India-EU Agreements on Trade, Investment and Geographical Indicators. India and France also expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights in Afghanistan while calling for an inclusive and representative government in the country. Issuing a joint press statement after the talks between the two countries during the visit of PM Modi, the two countries "reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan." "India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs," the joint statement read. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities. The statement also informed that Prime Minister Modi has invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest possible opportunity. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday. (ANI) Taking forward the "great" tradition of over 60 years of technical and scientific space cooperation, India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue to address the contemporary challenges that have arisen in space, in particular, maintaining its secure access. "India and France have agreed on setting up a bilateral strategic dialogue on space issues," read a joint statement by the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday after the talks between the two countries during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. This dialogue will see the corroboration of various experts from space and defence agencies. Furthermore, the first India-France strategic dialogue on space issues will be held in 2022 at the earliest. "It will bring together experts from space and defence agencies, administration and specialised ecosystem to discuss security and economic challenges in outer space, the norms and principles applicable to space as well as unveil new areas of cooperation. The two sides agreed to hold the first dialogue this year at the earliest," the statement added. Moreover, the countries also advanced their partnership in the cyber security space. Both sides hailed peaceful, secure and open cyberspace. In an increasingly digitalised world, "India and France have strengthened cooperation between their cyber security agencies". Based on a convergent outlook, they agreed to "join forces in promoting cyber norms and principles in order to counter cyber threats and agree to upgrade their bilateral cyber dialogue with a view to contributing to a peaceful, secure and open cyberspace." India and France also reaffirmed their commitment to building one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Indo-France Indo-Pacific partnership encompasses defence and security, trade, investment, connectivity, health and sustainability. Besides bilateral cooperation, India and France will continue to develop new partnerships in various formats with like-minded countries in the region and within regional organisations. Issuing a joint press statement after the talks between the two countries during the visit of PM Modi, the two countries "reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan". "India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs," the joint statement read. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities. Both the countries also showed their commitment to tackling climate change and their resolve to achieve the objectives of the International Solar Alliance. "India and France also agreed to explore opportunities to jointly work on just energy transition pathways including under G7 to accelerate the deployment of renewables and access to affordable and sustainable energy," the statement said. The statement also informed that Prime Minister Modi has invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest possible opportunity. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday. (ANI) After concluding his three-day, three-nation tour of European countries - Germany, Denmark and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday. As per government sources, he will immediately attend office and hold seven-eight meetings during the day and also chair an important review meeting for the preparedness for the monsoon season and heatwave. During his three-nation European tour, the Prime Minister held talks with the newly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing a range of bilateral issues, including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation and people-to-people linkages, as well as regional and global issues. "My visit to France was brief but a very fruitful one. President @EmmanuelMacron and I got the opportunity to discuss various subjects. I thank him and the French Government for the warm hospitality," the Prime Minister tweeted before his departure. PM Modi held several high-level engagements with the leadership of Germany, Denmark and France, during the course of his visit, while also interacting with the Indian diaspora in all three countries. The Prime Minister also held interactions with the business leaders in Germany and Denmark during the course of his visit. PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Monday where he held bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, before participating in the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The Prime Minister said the Inter-Governmental Consultations were productive. A total of nine agreements were signed between India and Germany, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Green and Sustainable Development Partnership under which Germany agreed to make an advance commitment of 10 billion euros of new and additional developmental assistance to India until 2030. On the second day of his visit, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Copenhagen, holding talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, and discussed bilateral issues, including trade between the two countries and cooperation on environmental action. A number of agreements were formally signed between the two countries, including a Declaration of Intent (DoI) on Migration and Mobility, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of skill development, Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship and the launch of energy policy dialogue at ministerial level between the two countries. On the third day of his visit, PM Modi attended the second India-Nordic summit with the Prime Ministers of Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. During the Summit, the Prime Ministers pledged to continue to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India and focused their discussions on key issues related to international peace and security, including the conflict in Ukraine, multilateral cooperation, green transition and climate change, the blue economy, innovation and digitalisation. (ANI) Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi, who visited Chile as part of her ongoing eight-day visit to South America, met with the Chilean business delegation and discussed the bilateral cooperation and investment opportunities. Taking to Twitter, the MoS said, "Delighted to interact with Chilean business delegation. Thank Mr Richard Von Appen, President of SOFOFA, (Federation of Chilean Industry) for organising the meeting. Discussed our growing bilateral cooperation in trade & commerce, investment opportunities for Chile companies and advantage of doing business with India." The Minister also visited the Parliament of Chile and attended the parliamentary session. The MoS also held productive talks with the Speaker of the Chilean President of the Chamber of Deputies (Lower house in Chile Parliament), Raul Soto Diputado. Both sides discussed the growing partnership between the two countries. "Visited the beautiful Parliament of Chile and witnessed a session of the Chilean parliament. Had a productive meeting with the Speaker of the Chilean President of the Chamber of Deputies Raul Soto Diputado. Discussed our growing bilateral relations & parliamentary cooperation between India & Chile," she tweeted. She also met with the President of the India-Chile Parliamentary Friendship Group, Member of Parliament Ciccardini. They exchanged ideas on women empowerment and child care. Lekhi has been on an official visit to Panama, Honduras and Chile since April 28, and the visit is scheduled to culminate on May 5. This is her first visit to these countries. Earlier she had visited Colombia in September last year. (ANI) Pakistan has witnessed a 24 per cent rise in the number of militant attacks in the month of April as compared to March 2022 with most of the attacks taking place in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) followed by main Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. As per the latest statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), only in the month of April, a total of 34 militant attacks were carried out in which 55 people were killed. In addition, a total of 25 people were injured including 11 security personnel and 14 civilians. In the month of March, the militants carried out 26 attacks across the country in which 115 people were killed and 288 injured, reported Dawn. The data released by the Pakistan institute recorded 16 militant attacks in April in FATA in which 31 people were killed, including 21 security personnel, seven militants and three civilians, while 10 people were injured including six security personnel and four civilians. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in the same month, militants carried out 10 attacks in which 17 people were killed, including 12 security personnel and five civilians, while six people were injured, of which three were civilians and three security personnel. While most terrorist attacks in Pakistan are carried out by religious groups based in Afghanistan, Baloch militancy is also on the rise. In Balochistan, four militant attacks left one security official and one civilian dead while five people were injured including one security official and four civilians, as per the media outlet. The third-largest province of Pakistan, Sindh also reported numerous militant attacks. In Sindh province, four militant attacks took place in which four civilians and one militant were killed. Karachi, which is witnessing a rising number of street crimes, is also facing militant attacks. The largest Pakistani city, Karachi witnessed the suicide bombing of a Chinese teachers' van at the University of Karachi. The incident grabbed eyeballs across the world with condemnation pouring in from all over. Meanwhile, Pakistan's border state Punjab saw respite as no militant attacks took place during the month of April. Though no militant attack took place in Punjab yet most of the arrests were from there. The Pakistani security forces carried out 22 actions against militants in which 11 suspected militants were arrested and 27 others were killed. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his "fruitful and successful" three-day visit to three European countries - Germany, Denmark and France. He said that PM Modi's visit will further scale up economic linkages, and cultural and defence cooperation with these countries. "PM Modi's 3-day Europe visit has strengthened India's friendship with Germany, Denmark & France. His visit will further scale up economic linkages, and cultural and defence cooperation with these countries. I congratulate PM on his fruitful & successful visit," tweeted Defence Min Rajnath Singh. During his three-nation European tour, the Prime Minister held talks with the newly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing a range of bilateral issues including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation and people-to-people linkages, as well as regional and global issues. PM Modi held several high-level engagements with the leadership of Germany, Denmark and France, during the course of his visit, while also interacting with the Indian diaspora in all three countries. The Prime Minister also held interactions with the business leaders in Germany and Denmark during the course of his visit. PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Monday where he held bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, before participating in the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The Prime Minister said the Inter-Governmental Consultations were productive. A total of nine agreements were signed between India and Germany, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Green and Sustainable Development Partnership under which Germany agreed to make an advance commitment of 10 billion euros of new and additional developmental assistance to India until 2030. On the second day of his visit, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Copenhagen, holding talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and discussing bilateral issues including trade between the two countries and cooperation on environmental action. A number of agreements were formally signed between the two countries including a Declaration of Intent (DoI) on Migration and Mobility, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of skill development, Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship and the launch of energy policy dialogue at ministerial level between the two countries. On the third day of his visit, PM Modi attended the second India-Nordic summit with the Prime Ministers of Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. During the Summit, the Prime Ministers pledged to continue to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India and focused their discussions on key issues related to international peace and security, including the conflict in Ukraine, multilateral cooperation, green transition and climate change, the blue economy, innovation and digitalisation. (ANI) India and Australia underlined their commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation while condemning terrorism in all its forms, besides stressing the importance of bolstering international collaboration to combat terror. During the 13th meeting of the India-Australia Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Wednesday that was held in-person in Canberra, Australia, both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They emphasized the need for strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. Both sides also condemned the use of terror proxies for cross-border terrorism. Mahaveer Singhvi, joint secretary for counter-terrorism at the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Roger Noble, Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, led the respective delegations of experts to discuss the ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries. Both sides underlined their commitment to coordinate and collaborate on this important element of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They underlined the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, verifiable and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks and to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks. Australia reiterated its condemnation of terrorist attacks in India, including 26/11 Mumbai, Pathankot and Pulwama attacks, and showed its support for the people and the government of India in the global fight against terrorism. India and Australia exchanged views on various areas of cooperation in the sphere of counter-terrorism, including countering radicalization and violent extremism; combating the financing of terrorism; the proscription of terrorist individuals and entities as a tool to combat terrorism; preventing the exploitation of the internet for terrorism; law enforcement cooperation; information sharing and capacity building. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to respond to these challenges and discussed ways to deepen engagement between their respective counterpart agencies to further advance interaction, cooperation and information sharing in the sphere of counter-terrorism. The two sides also discussed counter-terrorism cooperation in multilateral fora such as the UN, G20, GCTF, ARF, IORA and FATF, as well as with Quad partners, and ways to further enhance this cooperation. Australia looked forward to hosting India at the next Quad Counter-Terrorism Tabletop Exercise in October 2022, while India welcomed Australia's participation in the proposed No Money for Terror Conference in New Delhi, scheduled for later in 2022. (ANI) Aid delivery to the Afghan people has not been very efficient under the Taliban regime as the projects to improve health and education are in shambles. As per the latest report published (April 2022) by the Europe Asia Foundation (EAF) titled "Can 'Softly-Softly' address the Afghan crisis?", the aid given by the world is not distributed efficiently by the Taliban, moreover, war-torn Afghanistan is facing a dearth of funds after sanctions were imposed by donor nations after the Taliban took control of the Country. The report informs that international humanitarian aid to the tune of USD 1.88 billion pledged since mid-2021 has not been distributed efficiently and more than half of all Afghans go hungry. Similarly, the World Food Programme (WFP) is finding it difficult to find donors to fund its USD 4.4 billion plans, according to a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG). This raises the moot question: if the intention of the international community is to use aid and assistance as leverage to obtain the Taliban's good behaviour, has the move succeeded? The answer is a resounding no based on factors like the closure of girls' schools and the ban on girls/women from attending schools and colleges. This March the Taliban cited a technical hitch to indefinitely postpone the reopening of girls' secondary schools. Today Afghan women are completely out of the education system and the World Bank has suspended a USD 600 million investment in Afghan schools! To the international community, this is a no-no as it goes against Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) relating to quality education for all and gender equality, reported POREG. The lack of inclusivity with regard to women is just one aspect of the social malaise in Afghanistan. There are ethnic divisions - divisions within the Pashtuns and within the Taliban also. This has led to a lack of cohesive decision-making on issues like women's education claims the EAF report. Moreover, the European Parliament has been helping Afghan women to maintain a high media profile, hosting a series of topical events featuring women who have formerly held important positions in Afghan society. But that is neither here nor there. More so as the evidence on the ground suggests that no amount of Western pressure is likely to get the Taliban, with its Pakistan backers, to relent on social or economic reform that would help the Afghan people. This has led to an international reticence to engage with Afghanistan. Only 13 countries today maintain their Embassies in Kabul, with the EU being the only grouping to have a presence amongst non-Asian countries. Mere presence in Afghanistan is insufficient to surmount the scale of humanitarian tragedy that is unfolding, reported POREG. Notably, today all foreign aid to Afghanistan stands halted, except for the assistance that is being given to international aid agencies and NGOs to directly help the Afghan people. The sudden stopping of aid caused a severe liquidity crisis and imports of urgently needed food and medicines could not be funded. (ANI) The local Taliban commander reportedly rejected the Google maps put forward by Pakistani Army officials to assert their claim on the area. Afghans continued to object to the construction of border fencing and the creation of a new post. The Pakistani officials maintained that the fence and post were necessary to tackle the increasing terrorist attacks in the area. Incidentally, the Pakistani Army was learnt to have cancelled all leaves of its troops deployed at the Pak-Afghan border in view of the continued armed clash with the Afghan forces. The two countries have been at loggerheads over the nearly 2,400 kilometres of Durand Line which has always been a matter of conflict and chaos between the two sides especially after Pakistan started erecting fences on the line. The flare-up of the Durand line disagreement has the potential to lead to a change of equations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is surprising that much before the Taliban-led regime in Kabul completes one year in office, Pakistan and its western neighbour Afghanistan are falling apart. That arbitrary line which Mortimer Durand drew in 1893 on a small piece of paper continues to bleed Afghanistan and hound the world. The Durand Line passes through the present-day Pakistani provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (NWFP), Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan. It also includes 10 provinces in Afghanistan. (ANI) In a big embarrassment for the new Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, the Balochistan region is witnessing fresh protests and acts of retaliation by the armed groups as the Pakistani security forces continue to carry out "extrajudicial killings". Pakistani security forces, in a recent incident, opened fire at unarmed, innocent Baloch people, killing six. People who protested the killings the next day too were shot at. There have been protests going on to fight for the rights of the Baloch people. Earlier, the National Assembly was rocked by the protests over the recent incident of extrajudicial killings by the Pakistani Army in Balochistan's Chagai. Hassan Baloch, a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) senator said, "The cheapest thing available in the country right now is the blood of the Baloch people." PM Shehbaz Sharif inaction on the Chagai killings case has agitated the Baloch people even more. The only help that the Pakistani PM provided was saying that he would raise the issue with "powerful quarters", an indirect reference to Pakistan's Army, reported Al Arabiya. New Shehbaz government and the one before it led by Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, both have been unsuccessful in addressing the plight of Baloch people. Defence Minister Khwaja Asif accepted that fact about excesses in Balochistan however, he refused to blame the army, and rather justified the killings saying the military "institution is fulfilling its duties". Baloch people have long fought for their rights but even after several regime changes, the issue remains unaddressed. The oppression and "genocide" of the people of Balochistan have raised serious concerns in the global community. People of Balochistan have been blaming successive governments in Islamabad, which had been mostly dominated by the leaders from Punjab and Sindh. The people of Balochistan are losing hope as the reality appears grim. Statistics and surveys too suggest that Balochistan is far behind on many human development parameters compared to other provinces in Pakistan. Pakistan government's survey on the social and living standards of 2019-20 showed that the situation of education in Balochistan was extremely dismal as compared to other provinces, as per the media outlet. (ANI) Moscow [Russia], May 5 (ANI/Sputnik): Russia has declared seven employees of the Danish Embassy in Moscow personae non-gratae, the diplomats have two weeks to leave the country, the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday. "The [Danish] ambassador was informed that, as a response measure, seven employees of the Danish Embassy in Russia were declared personae non gratae. They must leave the country within two weeks. A diplomat of the Danish diplomatic mission was also denied visa," the ministry said in a statement. Russia also reserves the right to take additional steps in response to the unfriendly actions of Copenhagen, which will be communicated to the Danish side later, the statement added. (ANI/Sputnik) An Inshore Patrol Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command had detected a suspicious-looking dinghy in the Saukkadu sea area while on a routine operation, reported the Colombo page. Further, when the Navy searched the dinghy, it recovered about 492 kgs of Kerala cannabis, stuffed in 15 sacks, in 225 packages. Supposedly, the gross street value of the recovered cannabis is worth Rs 123 million. The 20-year-old accused, who was arrested for trying to smuggle the cannabis, was a resident of Jaffna. The alleged suspect, accompanied by the seized Kerala cannabis and the dinghy will be handed over to the Vaddukoddai Police for further investigation into the matter, reported the Khama press. The Sri Lankan Navy has been conducting regular search operations to put a stop to the prevent illegal activities like drug smuggling via the various sea routes. (ANI) "It is high time to do it," Zakharova told the Solovyov Live show on YouTube commenting on Russia's possible retaliatory measures against UK media, adding that Russia had been "very patient." On Wednesday, the UK Foreign Office announced sanctions against Russia's state-affiliated broadcasters VGTRK and Channel One, as well as a number of other Russian media, journalists, and war correspondents Evgeny Poddubny, Alexander Kots, and special correspondent Dmitry Steshin. To date, the UK has imposed sanctions against more than 1,600 Russian individuals and entities. (ANI/Sputnik) Fourteen armed men attacked a Christian school in Sheikhupura city in Pakistan's Punjab province and demanded extortion money from the principal of the school as well as issued death threats if the school authorities failed to make payment. The incident took place on April 29 at Global Passion School. School Principal Simon Peter Kaleem said that the armed men stormed the school, tortured staff and damaged their vehicles. The school, managed by Presbyterians, has been providing free education and food to Christian students from brick kiln families since 2018, reported Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA news). The attackers hurled chairs at the children while they were praying in the hall at 11.30 am, according to the school Principal. "They attacked the security guard and demanded 100,000 rupees (USD 536) in extortion money every month, threatening that if their demand was not met they would forcibly stop Christian worship and the school's operations," Kaleem said in a first information report to local police. "They misbehaved with the female staff and issued death threats if we failed to make payment in two days. They also damaged staff cars and motorcycles parked in the building, causing an estimated total loss of 350,000 rupees." Kaleem, who was also tortured, was due to hold a press conference with Sheikhupura district police and political leaders at the school on May 2, reported UCA news. "Many of our religious and political leaders, while visiting other countries, say that minorities and Christians are safe in Pakistan. After what happened to us today, I will never say that. Our security guard can't even walk now. Our community is threatened to keep silent," Kaleem said in a video posted on social media. "A few among the neighbouring Muslim community have always tried to stop us from praying. They literally demanded stopping the noise and 'kanjar khana' (brothel). We want to be treated equally. Please pray for us." Last week's assault is the third attack on a church institution in Punjab province this year, reported UCA news. In March, police in Lahore arrested a Muslim youth who climbed onto the rooftop of One in Christ Church and sat on the cement cross chanting "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is great) while trying to pull it down. In January, police charged four people with blasphemy for ransacking St. Camillus Church in a village in Okara district in Punjab province. According to parishioners, the raiders tied up the Christian watchman and threw pictures of the Holy Family, Eucharist, Bibles and the Ark of the Covenant on the floor. The Christian community, which constitutes roughly 1.6 per cent of the population of Pakistan, suffers from both racism and religious intolerance. Christians continue to suffer targeted violence and other abuses, including land-grabbing in rural areas, abductions and forced conversion, and the vandalization of homes and churches. (ANI) Mawlawi Sharafuddin Muslim, the Deputy Minister of Natural Disaster Management has stated that the disastrous flood in Afghanistan has destroyed dozens of houses. The natural calamity has washed away more than 100 livestock, while incurring heavy financial losses to the Afghan civilians as well, reported the Tolo news. "We have 18-20 dead and 30 wounded due to the floods. Two people have been missing. More than 100 livestock were lost and 100 residences were destroyed," said the Afghan Deputy Minister. According to the deputy governor of Parwan, Mohammad Idrees Anwari, over 100 houses were completely ruined while many others were partially damaged. The worst affected regions include Parwan, Badghis, and Baghlan. The severity of the floods, accompanied by heavy rainfall was witnessed in Helmand, Kandahar, Parwan, and other provinces too, reported the Tolo news. Meanwhile, to cope with this terrible situation, the flood victims have requested the Afghan government with essential aid. "Two of my children are missing. My wife and daughter are under mud," said Abdul Malik, a Parwan resident. Earlier, the Afghanistan Meteorological Department had warned that at least 27 Afghan provinces would witness heavy rainfall. According to the department, the rainfall ranges between 20-60 mm in several parts of the country. Parts of war-torn Afghanistan including the capital city Kabul experienced downpour and flooding on Tuesday night. (ANI) The Indian delegation was led by Prakash Gupta, Joint Secretary (UN- Political) Division along with officials from the Ministry of External Affairs. The UK delegation was led by Jo Lomas, UK Commonwealth Envoy, and officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the British High Commission in Delhi. Both sides exchanged views and agreed to deepen their cooperation on a wide range of issues relating to the Commonwealth. They also discussed arrangements and outcome documents to be adopted during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in the week beginning June 20, 2022. (ANI) At a token handover ceremony held at the State Guest House Padma, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque handed over a few boxes of medicines to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sudharshan D.S. Seneviratne, Xinhua reported. Momen described the supply of medicine as an expression of solidarity and friendship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, at a time when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, Seneviratne said Sri Lanka values the friendly relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to further strengthening it. Essential Drugs Company Limited, state-owned Pharmaceuticals Company in Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries, have each contributed medicines worth 100 million takas as gifts to Sri Lanka, Xinhua reported citing the statement from the Bangladesh foreign ministry. The statement further said that the medicine is expected to reach Sri Lanka in a few days. Sri Lanka is facing one of the worst economic woes since gaining independence in 1948. It is grappling with food and electricity shortages, affecting many people, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has left the country unable to buy enough fuel, with people facing an acute scarcity of food and basic necessities, heating fuel, and gas. (ANI) "We remain committed to accelerate the implementation of the Economic and Investment plan to ensure Moldova's long-term recovery, and build up its resilience," Oliver Varhelyi, the EU commissioner for neighborhood and enlargement, said. The money will pay for the implementation of Moldova's association and trade integration with the EU. The initiatives aim to improve the eastern European nation's business climate and fund the green transition. This amount comes on top of tens of millions promised to Moldova as it struggles to process Ukrainian refugees. Moldova will also receive 150 million euros in the coming months under an EU loan scheme. (ANI/Sputnik) Bangladesh on Thursday commemorated Doppa Day and held countrywide protests against the persecution of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese government. On May 5, every year Uyghur communities around the world observe Doppa Day. Doppa is a traditional hat worn by the Uyghurs to celebrate and protect their cultural heritage. Bangladesh, a Muslim majority country, also shows its solidarity with the Uyghur Muslims of Xinjiang. Every year, NGOs all around the country celebrate this day to share their spirit of Ummah with minorities of Xinjiang province. Some of the programmes to commemorate the day are as follows: The BBSS Welfare Association observed Uyghur Doppa Day in solidarity with the Muslim Uyghurs of Xinjiang, China. A bicycle rally and protest meeting were organized by BBSS Welfare Association. The rally started from Police Plaza at Nikunj in Gulshan-1 went to Gulshan Avenue 1 and 2 and ended at Police Plaza. Later a brief protest meeting was held. Students of different schools and colleges, journalists and leaders and activists of political parties took part in it. The protest meeting was presided over by the founding chairman of the organization Tawfiq Ahmed Tafsir. Emdadul Haque Chalek, central leader of JatiyaSwechchhasebak Party, Mohiuddin, central leader of Bangladesh Jasdar party, Nasir Uddin Munshi, central leader of Jatiya Party participated in the brief discussion conducted by Shafiqul Islam, secretary-general of the organization and producer of Gazi TV. Open Dialogue Bangladesh(ODB) through a group of theatre artists organized a street play in front of the National Press Club staged by Samad Bhuiyan and his team to mark Doppa Day. The team creatively used Uyghur masks and Samad Bhuiyan to convey the sufferings of Uyghurs, which still continues in Xinjiang, violating all provisions of the UN Genocide Convention. Later, the artists were seen distributing Doppa hats. A demonstration was organized by Muktijoddha Mancha at GEC More, Chattogram (3 pm), to protest against China's excesses on Uyghur Muslims in East Turkistan. Minority Uyghurs' Doppa (Hats for Muslims - which were banned in China) Day celebration was commemorated by highlighting the Chinese suppression of this Muslim community, through banners and posters explaining and displaying their inhuman conditions prominently. Muktijoddha Mancha organized another protest on the same issue at Saheb Bazaar, Rajshahi. Muktijoddha Mancha also pasted posters and painted walls, depicting human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims, prominently, all across the Dhaka University campus, especially in front of the Confucious Centre and Institute of Modern Languages (which houses the Chinese Language Centre). Later, Muktijoddha Mancha submitted a petition to the UNHRC and Amnesty International calling attention to these human rights violations. Bangladeshis took part in these demonstrations just after the Eid celebrations on May 3 to show solidarity with Uyghur Muslims of Xinjiang province in China, understanding their plight. (ANI) Memon, in his statement, has urged the federal government to pay heed to the ongoing water shortage prevailing in the Sindh province, reported the Express Tribune. He added that Sindh which has always played a crucial role in Pakistan's agricultural economy is now facing challenges. "There is a severe shortage of drinking water in the province along with problems in irrigation canals," said the provincial minister. "The economy will face more difficulties if the situation is not addressed," he added. Further, expressing his concerns over the severe water woes, Memon stated that the water scarcity is severely impacting "agricultural production and orchards," reported the Express Tribune. "Farmers and cultivators are worried as the costs of crops were not being met," said Memon. In addition, the Sindh Information Minister has also urged the federal government that the water supply to Sindh should be ensured under Pakistan's Water Apportionment Accord of 1991, reported the Express Tribune. Meanwhile, Pakistan is estimated to be in the top 10 list of the world's countries facing water scarcity. Stressing on the cause of water issues, a UN representative cited climate change, floods, and drought as the reason. (ANI) Last month, the militants carried out 34 attacks, in which 55 people were killed, including 34 security force personnel, 13 civilians and eight militants, according to figures released by Islamabad-based think-tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The militants carried out 26 attacks across the country in March, in which 115 people were killed and 288 people injured, Xinhua news agency reported citing the PICSS report. According to the report, most of the attacks took place in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), now part of the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, followed by other parts of KP and southwest Balochistan province. In April, PICSS recorded 16 militant attacks in erstwhile FATA, in which 31 people were killed, including 21 security force personnel, seven militants and three civilians, while 10 people were injured, including six security force personnel and four civilians. In KP, militants carried out 10 attacks, in which 17 people were killed, including 12 security force personnel and five civilians, while injuring six people, three civilians and three security force personnel, according to the report. In Balochistan, four militant attacks were witnessed, in which one security force personnel and one civilian were killed, while five people were injured, including one security force personnel and four civilians, the report added. (ANI) Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has urged Afghan refugees to participate in the census to be conducted in the country as according to the United Nations about 780,000 Afghan refugees migrated to Iran following the Taliban takeover last year. The Iranian Minister has urged the "Afghan nationals to cooperate", reported the Khama press. According to him, the non-participation of Afghan civilians in the census will be considered "illegal". Every few years, Iran conducts a census to quantify the number of its population. According to the authorities of the Islamic Republic News Agency, they are demanding to know the exact number of Afghan migrants who are presently residing in Iran after the Taliban seized Afghanistan. Presently there are over 780,000 Afghan refugees inhabiting Iran, the United Nations announced, as reported by the Khama press. The Afghan refugees were repeatedly targeted by the Iranian government. Iran also deported thousands of Afghan civilians trying to escape from the oppressive Taliban rule. Cruelty and starvation have resulted in the rising number of Afghan refugees in Iran. The Islamic Republic and the Taliban already have had a strained relationship since the Taliban's emergence in the 1990s. Iran also harbours turbulent relations with the extreme Islamist group as well, reported the Khama press. A number of protests were witnessed in Afghanistan post the treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran. It resulted in Iran closing its consulates in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, more and more Afghan civilians are attempting to cross borders into neighboring countries to escape the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has also helped Tajikistan in the event of an influx of Afghan refugees, including by creating camps for their accommodation. (ANI) The incident took place at 12:24 p.m. in Wangcheng District in Changsha on April 29. Public security authorities on Sunday detained nine people, in connection with the incident. According to police in the provincial capital of Changsha, the owner of the building surnamed Wu, and three others in charge of building design and construction surnamed Long, Ren and Xue were suspected of the crime of causing a major-liability accident. Investigations also showed that an engineering testing company issued a false house safety appraisal report to the guesthouse in the building on April 13. The legal representative of the company surnamed Tan, and four technicians surnamed Ning, Tang, Liu and Gong were suspected of the crime of providing false documents, Xinhua reported. (ANI) People of Thatta, a city in the Pakistani province of Sindh, staged a sit-in protest on Thursday, blocking the National Highway on account of the acute water shortage in the Sindh province. The angry mob of protesters chanted slogans against the water scarcity complaining that the water canals were dry, reported Ary news. "The canals are dry and water is unavailable for drinking as well as for irrigation of crops," the complained the protesters. A special assistant to Sindh's chief minister, Riaz Shah Sheerazi, had a talk with the group of protesters regarding the pertaining issue. Post the government official's assurance that they will look into the matter, the protesters concluded their demonstration and allowed vehicular movement on the highway, reported Ary news. Earlier, Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh instructed the irrigation minister to hold discussions with the protesters in a bid to resolve the water woes prevailing in Sindh. Murad Ali Shah also urged the irrigation minister to take necessary measures to address the agricultural water shortage in Thatta. Further, Sharjeel Memon, Sindh's information minister also made an appeal to the federal government to supply Sindh's share of irrigation water, reported Ary news. He added that the water crisis in Sindh has been affecting fruit orchards and agricultural crops, worrying the farmers. "Sindh has a key role in the agriculture economy of the country. An economy which is already facing formidable challenges would have to address more problems," stated Menon. Meanwhile, Pakistan is estimated to be in the top 10 list of the world's countries facing water scarcity. 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. (ANI) The victim, 46-year-old Simion Benedict Dickson, resident of Manthivu in Puttalam died, soon after he was admitted to Puttalam base hospital, reported the Daily Mirror. The Norochcholai police confirmed that the parliamentarian was inside the vehicle when the incident took place. Further investigations revealed that the MP's vehicle knocked the pedestrian over while he was attempting to cross the street. According to the police, the MP's car was being driven at an excessive speed when the accident occurred. The driver's haphazard driving was the reason for Dickson's death, reported the Daily Mirror. Post the accident, the driver was taken into custody. Further, the Puttalam Senior Superintendent of Police(SSP) Division handed over further investigations of the accident to the Puttalam police. (ANI) Man enjoys life after being saved from large facial tumour A man in the northern central province of Thanh Hoa is living a healthy and happy life after a large facial tumour was removed thanks to support from many doctors and kind donors. Le Trung Tuan now works as a driver and runs a convenient shop with his wife in Thanh Hoa Province A decade ago, 15-year-old Le Trung Tuan and his poor parents made a call for help to save him from a growing tumour on Dantri/Dtinews. Despite Tuan's health being normal during the first ten years of his life, a tumour started appearing on his face in 2009 when he was 11. Tuan's parents took him to many hospitals across the country where doctors all said he suffered from fibrous dysplasia of the bone, a life-threatening disease. The tumour kept growing rapidly and the prospects for a successful recovery were small. The boy was losing lots of weight as the tumour grew. He weighed only 20 kilos at the age of 15 and doctors said he could not undergo surgery at that time due to his health. However, the boy's parents didn't give up. Living on a limited income, they kept seeking help from various sources to save their son. And they nurtured a hope that Tuan could have an operation to remove his tumour. The tumour became smaller and he gained weight with the help of a traditional medical practitioner in Quang Ninh Province. Tuan was given some kinds of traditional herbal medicine in two months and his health improved. After being informed about the boy's improvement, an American surgeon, Dr Mckay McKinnon came to Vietnam to help remove the tumour. The American surgeon was then already famous in Vietnam after successfully removing a 90-kilo tumour from the leg of a young man from Da Lat City. Thanks to financial support from many individuals and organisations including Virtual Medical Miracle Network from Canada, Vovicare from Australia, VinaCapital Foundation and Detech Group in Vietnam, and the skilled hands of Dr McKinnon and other doctors at the Hanoi-based Vinmec Hospital, the boy was saved after a nine-hour operation on July 23, 2013. After that, Dr McKinnon returned to Vietnam three more times to conduct three operations to rebuild Tuans face. The final surgery was completed successfully in December 2016, giving the boy a new life after eight years of suffering. Le Trung Tuan at the hospital 10 in 2013 When expressing his thanks to the doctors and kind donors for saving his son, the father, Le Trung Ha, said that the first thing Tuan did after recovering from the disease was to learn English so that he could talk and send his gratitude to Dr McKinnon. And the ailing boy has grown to become a healthy man. Now at 25, he is working as a driver and has just got married to his girlfriend. Tuan on his wedding day "I'm really lucky to have received such big love and support from the wider public to survive a deadly disease," Tuan said. "Ill try to live a good life as a way to repay kind donors and doctors." "At that time I could not imagine my son could have this happy life," the father remembered. "My wife and I had agreed to donate his organs if he died during the surgery. After paying for his treatment, we had shared part of the money that donors sent to support Tuan with people facing similar situations." The Biden administration has appointed a special envoy for food security to address recent disruptions to global supply chains caused by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday. "Cary Fowler, a noted agriculturalist, has joined the Department of State as US Special Envoy for Global Food Security," Blinken said in a statement. "The mission of the Special Envoy for Global Food Security is to advance US food security, global hunger, and nutrition objectives, through diplomatic engagement with allies and partners in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora." Blinken noted that Fowler is taking the post -- which has existed but not since 2016 -- at a time of "unprecedented stress on global food systems." According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Russia and Ukraine were among the top global exporters of various types of staple foods, including wheat and corn, in 2021, while Russia was also a leading exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second major supplier of potassium fertilizers and the third-largest supplier of phosphorous fertilizers. The organization has noted that Ukraine's food production is being threatened by factors such as disruption of logistics, loss of access to agricultural lands, labour shortages, damage to crops due to hostilities, and destruction of food system assets and infrastructure. As a result, global food prices soared to record highs in March, and the International Monetary Fund warned in April that global food prices would likely rise further in the future due to the conflict in Ukraine. (ANI) The minister told parliament that the country needs 4,000 metric tons of diesel per day. However, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is currently only releasing 1,000 to 1,500 metric tons a day, Xinhua news agency reported. Currently, there is no shortage of petrol supply in the country, he said, adding that around 3,000 metric tons of petrol has been released on a daily basis, and that a ship carrying 40,000 metric tons of petrol arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday night. Sri Lanka has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Finance Minister Ali Sabry said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka only has less than 50 million U.S. dollars in usable foreign reserves. Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well. (ANI) Chinese President Xi Jinping's dominance over Tibet has resulted in the formation of 'Tibetan bodies with Chinese communist minds' as a part of his campaign for Tibetans to adapt to "Chinese Socialist Characteristics". Even a month after China established its hold on Tibet, Tibetans have been committing self-immolation, condemning the Chinese rule in the Tibetan lands, noted the Hong Kong post. Previously, the annual report of the Dharamshala-based Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) showed President Xi Jinping's attempt to remove the traditional religious, social, and cultural identity of the Tibetans. The report further mentioned a 'widespread crackdown on the right of freedom of expression and information' inside Chinese occupied Tibet. In fact, 'ethnic nationalities' in China account for a mere 8 per cent while that of China's own ethnicity, Hans, records 92 per cent of China's population, reported the Hong Kong Post As means of oppression, China's Ministry of Education released a set of rules wherein it is compulsory for a Tibetan student who aspires to take admission to a school to formally give an undertaking about his or her "political attitude and ideological morality". This regulation is China's strategy to end any uprising of anti-China or pro-Tibetan independence activities or religious rituals, as stated by the Hong Kong Post. Further, Chinese administrators in China-ruled Tibet have also made it mandatory for Tibetan students to be fluent in the Chinese Mandarin language. To curb the spread of the Tibetan language, many Tibetan schools run by enthusiastic Tibetan individuals have been closed or demolished as well. As means of establishing its diktat on Tibet, China has even banned keeping a photo of the spiritual leader, Dalai Lama. It is considered to be an 'unpatriotic' crime and a 'splitist' act. The ban has been extended to cell phones as well. One could face up to 7 years of prison if they fail to comply with this rule, noted the Hong Kong Post. In the name of education, communist brainwashing and loyalty to the CCP are rampant in Tibet. If President Xi Jinping succeeds in his mission of transforming Tibetans into people with Chinese characteristics, he will be able to achieve a much higher goal in the future of turning Tibetans into following the Chinese ideals. (ANI) Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Wednesday said, "The government has requested Saudi Arabia not to withdraw its deposits given to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and extend its oil facility for Pakistan." He said that the promises made by the former prime minister Imran Khan's government to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were against the interests of the nation adding that "Those promises are no less than landmines." The Express Tribune reported. Miftah alleged the Imran Khan government of corruption and questioned why transfers and postings were done on the instructions of Farah in Punjab. He said, "Bushra Bibi's friend Farah Gogi and Shehzad Akbar left the country immediately after the PTI's government's tenure came to an end." The Express Tribune reported. The minister added that Imran had left behind load-shedding in the country. (ANI) As Sri Lanka battles with one of the worst economic crises, Saliya Pieris PC, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), urged all the Sri Lankan politicians to act as statesmen and avert the imminent crisis. Speaking at a press conference, Pieris urged all the politicians of Sri Lanka to unite as one and work towards a solution to restore the economic and political imbalance of the island country, reported the Daily Mirror. The press conference was attended by Balapatabendi, the BASL Secretary Isuru, Anura Meddegoda PC, BASL Deputy President, Mehran Careem, BASL Assistant Secretary, and Vishwa De Livera Tennakoon, Attorney-at-law. "All politicians have to come together to work out a solution because the economic crisis is dire. We believe this is the time for politicians to act as statesmen," said the BASL President. Pieris, in response to a query, stated that BASL is willing to discuss the thirteen-point proposals with the political authority within the next few days, reported the Daily Mirror. He added that BASL has already extended the proposals to the high-ranking Buddhist monks, Mahanayake theros. The proposals have also been given to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) as well. The proposals of BASL include the abolition of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, repeal of the executive Presidency, an advisory council, and a cabinet of ministers comprising 15 members accompanied by the adoption of a Common Minimum Programme, reported the Daily Mirror. According to BASL, the primary objective of the proposals is to drag Sri Lanka out of the dire economic crisis by establishing economic, political, and social stability. It aims in creating a stable Government that possesses the ability to implement domestic reforms and negotiate with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposals made by BASL are also meant for multilateral agencies and friendly countries to help Sri Lanka in its difficult times. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's economy has been in a free fall since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the crash of the tourism sector. The country is presently facing a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a food, fuel, power, and gas shortage, and has sought the assistance of friendly countries for economic assistance. (ANI) Israel Ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Thursday appreciated the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Independence Day celebration just after his arrival from Europe tour and said it is a token of friendship between the two countries. Gilon called the India-Israel friendship as a wonderful winning combination and said," I think the testimony for that was the fact that EAM came here, just landed from Europe and came to honour us. We really appreciate it. I think it's a token of friendship between our countries." Terming the relations outstanding, the envoy said, "We have wonderful formal relations between our countries, really very wide in all fields and we've wonderful people to people relations between our old civilisations." On the occasion of the 74th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day and to mark the 30th anniversary of the India-Israel full diplomatic relations, the embassy organised an event which was graced by EAM Jaishankar. On Israeli PM Naftali Bennett's visit to India, Gilon said, "We are hoping to have him soon. It is on the plan, assuming that the political situation in Israel will enable it. I hope it will happen sooner rather than later." Israeli actor Tsahi Halevi of 'Fauda' web series fame also was present at the event and earlier in press interaction said he would be happy if he gets an offer from the Indian film industry, as he emphasised that art and cinema can ''act as a bridge'' between two nations. India and Israel are strategic partners. India had announced its recognition of Israel on September 17, 1950. (ANI) As May 5 marks Uyghur Doppa Cultural Festival, commonly referred to as Doppa Day, Uyghurs have been increasingly wearing their doppas as part of cultural preservation and symbolic national resistance against the campaign of colonization, genocide, and occupation being waged in their homeland by the Chinese government. This statement was made by the Executive Council of the East Turkistan Government in Exile. Doppa Day is celebrated mainly by Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples originating from East Turkistan as a marker of their unique Uyghur/Turkic culture and East Turkistani national identity. The statement said that across the world, various ethnic groups and nations have a unique dress (clothing) that symbolizes that particular nation and ethnic group's culture and identity. Different colors and patterns are also seen in a specific ethnic group or nation's shared dress/clothing to distinguish certain regions or towns within a geographic area inhabited by that particular nation or ethnic group. As a result of globalization, the historical dress/clothing of different nations and ethnic groups have primarily disappeared from everyday use. More often than not, they are only being worn by artists, musicians, actors, or on special occasions such as national holidays, weddings, cultural events, etc, the statement said. The Doppa is a square and sometimes round skullcap originating in Central Asia. For thousands of years, the doppa was primarily worn by Turkic peoples across Central Asia and the Seljuk Turks who migrated and settled in Anatolia (modern Turkey). Today the doppa is mainly worn by Uyghurs, Uzbeks, Tatars [in the Tatarstan Republic in the Russian Federation], and Tajiks. "Like other nations' national dress/clothing, the wearing of the doppa has also been affected by globalization, but also the Chinese government's attempts to stamp out Uyghur cultural and national identity," the statement said. Inside East Turkistan, the doppa is mainly worn on national holidays or special occasions like traditional weddings, funerals, and other social events. At the same time, in remote villages across East Turkistan, as recent as a decade ago, it still had a prominent presence locally. According to the statement, as part of China's ongoing campaign of genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples, the wearing of the doppa has mainly been curtailed from various aspects of public life in East Turkistan. Uyghurs in East Turkistan, especially those in the global diaspora, have pushed back against the Chinese government's efforts to stamp out their cultural and national identity by bringing back the wearing of the doppa into fashion, especially among the youth. It has now been widely seen as a symbol of East Turkistani/ Uyghur cultural and national expression, the statement said. "Uyghurs in the diaspora, young and old, male and female, have been increasingly wearing their doppas as part of cultural preservation and symbolic national resistance against the campaign of colonization, genocide, and occupation being waged in their homeland by the Chinese government." Given that the doppa is a symbolic but straightforward way of expressing East Turkistani / Uygur national identity, the East Turkistan Government in Exile has encouraged Uyghurs and other East Turkistanis to wear their doppas daily. The doppa has essentially transformed into a symbol of resistance to China's attempts to eradicate the unique culture, national identity, and very existence of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples, the statement said. (ANI) The Colombo Chief Magistrate's court on Thursday further extended the travel ban imposed on former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. In the notice issued, Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala ordered Cabraal to appear in court on May 23. Cabraal is facing a legal challenge after a case was filed against him in court by a former Southern Province governor through a private plaint filed under the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. On April 18, the Colombo chief magistrate issued an order to extend the travel ban on Cabraal to May 2, after a previous travel ban imposed on him expired. Cabraal, on April 7 was issued a notice to appear before the court on May 2, however, the hearing was adjourned as the day was declared a public holiday by the government. The local media reported that the Court made this order pursuant to a request made by former Southern Province Governor Rajith Keerthi Thennakoon through a private plaint filed in terms of section 136(1)(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act. The petitioner in his complaint said that Cabraal is responsible for the country's crippling economic crisis since he took measures to pay a 500 million US dollar sovereign bond. The petitioner stated that the Central bank of Sri Lanka had incurred losses between Rs 10.4 - 10.6 Billion from 2005 to 2015 to the Sri Lanka Government, whilst Ajith Nivard Cabral was the head of the Central bank. He alleged that Cabral has committed a punishable offence under section 388 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust and is also liable for committing offences under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance, the Daily Mirror reported. Cabraal was appointed as the central bank governor in September 2021 and resigned from his position in April after the resignation en masse of cabinet ministers. Cabraal has been under criticism partly for his reluctance to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while lacking foreign currencies has led to fuel shortages and hours-long power cuts in the country. (ANI) India and Israel have a truly special relationship and since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country in 2017, the relationship had really taken off, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday. Addressing the gathering here for the celebration of 74 years of independence of Israel, Jaishankar said, "When I look back at our relationship, in the last several years that I have been associated with, for me the goosebumps moment in a way was at Tel Aviv when the PM visited Israel in July 2017, first Indian PM to visit Israel. And, since then our relationship has really taken off." Jaishank said that both the countries are focussing on expanding the knowledge-based relationship which includes cooperation in innovation and research. He further said that Israel is an integral part of 'Make in India' initiatives Referring to the India-Israel relationship, the EAM said that both the countries shared a special relationship and despite geographical distance, the natural affinity between the people is 'so visible'. Jaishankar mentioned Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon statement and said that both the countries share a civilization bond that goes back to several centuries. "India has a long history of the presence of Jewish community amongst us and our societies have been enriched by their contribution, be there famous actors, industrialist, teachers and general," he added. Referring to the bilateral ties, the EAM said that both the countries are working together on different sectors ranging from security, agriculture, technology, water, and innovation. He further said that the relationship is built on history and culture. "As I see the future of this relationship for me one of the most encouraging signs is intellectual, students in huge numbers are going from here to there, research project we are doing," Jaishankar said. He also acknowledged the Israeli government's initiative in allowing work visas to Indian students who are working in Israel. Referring to the 74 years of independence, the EAM said, "This occasion is particularly special for us because we are celebrating 30 years of the establishment of full diplomatic relationship between India and Israel. We are also celebrating 75 years of our own Independence and these significant milestones in our respective journeys help us together to look at the horizons of our expanding relationship." Referring to the new Quad consisting of India, Israel, UAE and the US, Jaishankar hoped this group can play an important role in furthering economic cooperation in that region. (ANI) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill, who suffered minor injuries in a car crash on Thursday, said he was attacked and his vehicle was chased and deliberately hit. The accident took place on M-2 Motorway near Khanqah Dogran interchange, Sheikhupura when Gill accompanied by three other people, was travelling from Lahore to Islamabad, the Dawn reported. Gill, who is former prime minister Imran Khan's chief of staff, said it was a murder attempt. "I want to tell those who attacked me; I am alive because of the Almighty and the prayers of my people. My car was chased and deliberately hit. This was done under a plan," Gill said in a statement on Twitter after the incident, according to the report. "I had said just a day ago that the most you could do is to get us killed. Do it. But, I will not betray [my cause]," he added. Gill said the "local handlers" -- who, according to him, were part of a foreign conspiracy to topple the PTI government -- knew that Imran Khan and his associates would not keep mum. "They will make all attempts to silence us," he said, according to the Dawn. PTI leader said that he stood with Imran and would remain with him and claimed that the same elements would also attack Imran. "God willing, we will expose everyone," he said. (ANI) Ties between the two countries soured after Lavrov reportedly said that Adolf Hitler had Jewish heritage to explain Moscow's operation in Ukraine. "Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke today with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Prime Minister presented the President with a humanitarian request to examine various options for evacuation from Azovstal in Mariupol," the Prime Minister of Israel said in a statement posted on Twitter. "The two discussed Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's remarks. The Prime Minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying his attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust," the statement added. Putin congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the occasion of Israeli Independence Day. Bennett thanked President Putin for his wishes on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day of the State of Israel. Earlier, Israel and several Western nations had slammed Lavrov for comments made on Sunday claiming that "Hitler also had Jewish blood" and that "some of the worst antisemites are Jews," according to the Times of Israel. Lavrov made the remarks in an interview while attempting to explain Russia's position that it started a military operation in Ukraine to "de-Nazify" a country. (ANI) Johannesburg [South Africa], May 6 (ANI/Xinhua): South Africa is going to host the International Labour Organisation (ILO) global conference on the elimination of child labour later this month, announced Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Thursday. "The time is therefore opportune for the global community to converge on African soil to find solutions that will help our continent, in particular, to deal with the reported highest prevalence and the largest number of working children," Nxesi said. South Africa reported nearly 600,000 children employed in child labour in 2015, with children aged 16-17 years more likely to be employed in child labour than other age groups. Globally, more than 160 million children were still working as child labor, according to the ILO. Approximately, a third of these children are not in school. The agriculture sector was credited with accounting for the largest proportion of child labour around the world. The Director of the ILO Decent Work Team for Eastern and Southern Africa Joni Musabayana said Africa was one of the most child labour-burdened regions in the world, and the conference must come up with solutions to deal with key drivers. Its focus is on facilitating the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025, along with the eradication of forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking by 2030. The conference will be held from May 15 to 20. (ANI/Xinhua) Calling the relationship between India and Israel "truly special", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel in 2017 was a "goosebump moment" for him. Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing the gathering here for the celebration of 74 years of independence of Israel. "When I look back at our relationship, in the last several years that I have been associated with, for me the goosebumps moment in a way was at Tel Aviv when the PM visited Israel in July 2017, first Indian PM to visit Israel. And, since then our relationship has really taken off," the EAM said. Jaishankar said that both the countries are focussing on expanding the knowledge-based relationship which includes cooperation in innovation and research. He further said that Israel is an integral part of the 'Make in India' initiatives. Talking about the future prospects, Jaishankar mentioned, "As I see the future of this relationship for me one of the most encouraging signs is intellectual, students in huge numbers are going from here to there, research project we are doing." Jaishankar also touched upon the aspect of the new Quad consisting of India, Israel, UAE, and the US, where he hoped this group can play an important role in expanding economic cooperation in that region. Israel's envoy to India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan Naor Gilon appreciated Jaishnakar's presence on the occasion of Israel's 74th Independence Day, and also on 30 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. "I've to quote our Guest of Honour who during his visit to Israel last October said that relations between us didn't start 30 years ago. It's a connection between very old civilizations which is probably the basis for very healthy bilateral relations, the two modern countries are having," Gilon said in his speech. "This occasion is particularly special for us as we're celebrating 30 years of our full diplomatic relations between India and Israel. We're also celebrating 75 years of our own independence and these significant milestones help us together to look at horizons of our expanding relationships," he added. Jaishankar mentioned the contributions of the Jewish community in India in various fields in his address and also appreciated Israel's role in the 'Make in India' initiatives. "Focus is on knowledge-based relationship and Israel is an important partner in 'Make in India' relationship," EAM highlighted. (ANI) McNally Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, and state Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, this week announced the appropriation of $72 million in the newly adopted state budget for the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute in Oak Ridge. The General Assembly made an initial appropriation of $8 million for the institute last year. The combined $80 million will complete the states investment to fully establish the institute eight years ahead of schedule. "The institute was established in 2019 and is set to expand into one of the nations top research and education centers with this appropriation," stated the news release from the Tennessee Republican Caucus. "An initiative of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the institute is launching in response to Americas need for a stronger pipeline of STEM talent. UT-ORII will attract and produce top engineers, researchers and innovators to meet the emerging challenges facing the nation and the world." Ken Yager I am tremendously grateful to see the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute fully funded and ahead of schedule. This institute will be a beacon for STEM talent, discovery, education and innovation, McNally stated in the release. The Oak Ridge technology corridor will only expand and increase its reputation and reach once this vision is fully realized. I would like to thank the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Gov. Lee for making this a truly transformational institution for the benefit of Tennessee. The institute is expected to train more Tennesseans for high-paying jobs in manufacturing, energy and data science, and become a national model for collaborative research, interdisciplinary education and workforce development, according to the release. The Oak Ridge Innovation Institute is leading the way in making Tennessee a STEM hub and is elevating UT-Knoxville to one of the nations leading research facilities, Yager stated in the release. The institute will also be a regional economic driver. This is a transformative investment for the Oak Ridge Corridor that will help advance our state and country for generations to come. Story continues UT-ORII will prioritize three main focus areas: research, education and workforce development. "The institute will recruit the best and brightest researchers from across the country; it will form partnerships to advance research throughout university campuses, private industry and government; and it will fund joint research opportunities," the news release stated. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: $80M in state funds allocated to Oak Ridge institute Cinco De Mayo is much bigger in the US than it is in Mexico. Don Ryan/AP Cinco de Mayo has roots in Mexico, but it's become more widely celebrated in the US. In Mexico, celebrations are smaller, and the day typically focuses on a military win. But in the US, the day's festivities have become commercialized and focus on drinking and eating. Cinco de Mayo doesn't celebrate Mexican Independence Day as many in the US believe. It's not the equivalent of the Fourth of July. Anthony Vazquez/AP Photo Though many Americans assume Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, that's not true. But it does have a military history. On May 5, 1862, French troops about 6,000 in number led by General Charles de Lorencez attacked a small town in east-central Mexico called Puebla de los Angeles. In response, Mexican President Benito Juarez sent around 2,000 of his men to fight. In the short battle, the French were losing far more soldiers than the Mexican army, and they withdrew. The win didn't end Mexico's war with France, but the victory did become a symbol of resistance against French imperialism. The actual Mexican Independence Day is September 16. In the US, Mexican-Americans started observing Cinco de Mayo during the Civil War as a way to celebrate their heritage. US celebrations started in Southern California. Getty Images / Kevork Djansezian Although many use Cinco de Mayo as another day to party today, the holiday is an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity, promote ethnic consciousness, and build community solidarity. In the 1860s, some Americans of Mexican heritage in Southern California took inspiration from the victorious battle to fuel the Union's efforts in the American Civil War. The fifth of May was originally celebrated with festivities like parades, dances, banquets, and bullfighting by those Californians. Today, some of the largest festivals take place in Chicago, Denver, Portland, and St. Paul. In Mexico, the holiday is pretty much only celebrated regionally. The holiday honors the Battle of Puebla. Eduardo Verdugo/AP Photo Today, Cinco de Mayo isn't observed throughout all of Mexico. It's primarily celebrated in Puebla, where the battle the holiday celebrates took place. In America, it's become a pretty commercialized affair. Story continues The holiday is an excuse for many to eat and drink. Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Throughout the early- and mid-1900s in the US, the holiday was largely community-based and centered on celebrating Mexican heritage. But by the 1980s, the day of festivities started to become commercialized. Several alcohol companies also started taking advantage of the opportunity to capitalize on the holiday, expediting this shift. Some children get off school for the holiday in Mexico. But it isn't a federal holiday in the country. Shutterstock It's not a federal holiday in Mexico, so banks and other establishments aren't closed. But students in Puebla get the day off from school. The day also isn't a federal holiday in the US, and schools don't close. In America, many have started celebrating it as a drinking holiday. The day has been co-opted by Americans. Bryan Steffy/Getty Images Cinco de Mayo is reportedly one of the top five drinking holidays in America, with many celebrations including tequila, beer, and margaritas. Parties might include Mariachi bands and even traditional Mexican dancing. But just like other holidays in the US, it's led to a lot of cultural appropriation, like wearing ponchos and sombreros to take tequila shots while totally ignoring their important role in Mexican culture. In some parts of Mexico, it's seen more as a holiday around the military. It's seen as an observance of the Battle of Puebla. Shutterstock Military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla, and other festivities take place in the Mexican city. The Cinco de Mayo Parade is one of the main events for that day in Puebla and usually boasts over 20,000 participants, featuring Mariachi bands, colorful costumes, dancing, and fireworks. In America, it's often celebrated with Mexican-inspired food. Food has also played into the commercialization of the holiday. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images People in the US have also used the holiday as an excuse to eat Mexican-inspired food like tacos, enchiladas, and chile rellenos though how authentic the food people celebrate with is certainly up for debate. In Mexico, festivities sometimes intersect with the Mole Festival. Mole is a sauce that's popular in some Mexican cuisine. Shutterstock / JuanSalvador Alongside Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the city of Puebla has also held the International Mole Festival in late April and early May for several years. The festival celebrates mole poblano a dark, red-brown sauce typical in some Mexican cuisine with culinary discussions; exhibitions; and tastings from international, national, and regional chefs. Read the original article on Insider May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration of Americans from all over the continent of Asia and from the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. AAPI Month is held in May because it was on May 7, 1843, that the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the U.S., and because the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., worked on by mostly Chinese workers, was completed on May 10, 1869. Buy, sell or hold? How to decide what to do with a plummeting stock In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, In The Know by Yahoo hosted four entrepreneurs to discuss what it was like starting their businesses and how theyve been able to incorporate their culture and community into their work. How Evan Mock manifested his rapid ascent to stardom: The event was held on May 3 in Manhattan at the Chinese restaurant Phillipe Chow and was moderated by In The Knows Poppy Shen. The speakers included Christine Chang, the co-founder of the beauty brand Glow Recipe; Sean Ro, the co-founder of Lunar Hard Seltzer; Trisha Sakhuja-Walia, founder of Brown Girl Magazine, and Jason Wang, CEO of Xian Famous Foods. From left to right: Sean Ro, Poppy Shen, Christine Chang, Trisha Sakhuja-Walia and Jason Wang. Credit: In The Know During the discussion, each of the panelists highlighted how they carved out a space in their respective markets and introduced new flavors, ingredients and stories to a wider audience. People like food, they just dont want to try something they dont know anything about, Wang told the audience. It was about making [the food] accessible to people. Xian Foods was started in 2005 by Wangs father as a food stall in a basement in Flushing in Queens, N.Y. He served food from his hometown that he missed and wanted to eat, and the timing was fortunate people were traveling more than ever and Chinese culture was having a moment. Wang, who was working a corporate job at the time, decided to set up a small website and advertise a translated menu to help his dads business. Now hes CEO, and almost 20 years later, he runs nine locations all over the city. Story continues A lot of what we do is tied to our culture, and thats very fulfilling, he said. Its not just about being a business, its about being an institution. Thats also how Ro felt when he started Lunar Hard Seltzer, the first Asian-American hard craft seltzer. The market for hard seltzer was already established and arguably, oversaturated but by introducing flavors that he grew up with, Ro and his co-founder were able to find a niche in the market. Lunar now has four flavors none of which are the typical lemon-lime or black cherry flavors that Ro credits with leaving people with seltzer fatigue. Instead, Lunar uses real, premium fruits and ingredients from Asia, like yuzu, plum, passion fruit and lychee. Its a mainstream medium, but with new flavors and no artificial flavoring, Ro explained. Were bringing in something different to the industry. Chang also adopted Ros strategy of bringing something different to an established industry. She worked at LOreal right after college and grew up with a love for skin care, but after moving back to the U.S. from Korea, she didnt understand why so many Americans hated washing their face. Why isnt skin care a joyful ritual? she asked herself at the time. Glow Recipe initially started as a marketplace for Korean beauty products, now a familiar as K-beauty. Chang and her co-founder noticed that the U.S. seemed to be looking to Korea for the latest in beauty products, but the educational element Chang grew up with, the information on the role of certain ingredients and why it was even important to wash your face in the first place seemed not to be widely known. Glow Recipe is arguably one of the biggest names in beauty products right now. While the brand doesnt consider itself K-beauty, it does take from it certain elements: being cruelty-free, clean and using fruit-focused ingredients. K-beauty is everywhere, and has trickled down to every possible medicine cabinet and beauty brand, Chang added. We are bringing together [a K-beauty] philosophy just as a New York beauty brand. Sakhuja-Walia, who grew up in the New York suburbs as an Indian American, said that at the time she discovered Brown Girl Magazine, she couldnt believe brown girls were writing about themselves across the U.S. She was trying to go to law school and writing for the publication on the side, and when the original owner wanted to shutter the operation, Sakhuja-Walia stepped up to buy her out. I want Brown Girl Magazine to be accessible in every shape and every form, she says, explaining that until that point, Nobody was thinking about running this as a business. Since then, Sakhuja-Walia has edited thousands of pieces of writing and worked with hundreds of freelance writers. Brown Girl Magazine has published around 10,000 pieces of original content, she says, and continues to grow. I am truly grateful to the platform that weve built using community-driven, user-generated content, she told the audience at the panel. I would not be here if not for the thousands of brown girls who contributed their love and time. Watch footage from the event in the video above to learn more about the panel. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, In The Know by Yahoo is highlighting changemakers who are impacting the world through cultural advancement, community leadership and entrepreneurial innovation. See all of our coverage here. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' runner-up Miz Cracker has a simple, 5-step beauty routine: The post AAPI leaders share how, by starting their businesses, theyve honored their culture and heritage appeared first on In The Know. More from In The Know: I tried the popular face moisturizer Sephora shoppers rave about, and my skin has never been softer or looked better Drop what you're doing and grab this spacious kate spade tote while it's $100 off at Nordstrom TikToker reveals the strangest things about living inside England's famous Tower of London Teachers make shocking discovery after hearing scratching sounds coming from kids' book bags: 'The poor thing' Quinta Brunson is teaming up with Box Tops to give back to her old elementary school, Andrew Hamilton in Philadelphia. (Photo: Press image) Quinta Brunson knows all too well that success doesn't happen overnight. The Abbott Elementary creator is celebrating after having a successful Season 1 of her mockumentary-style sitcom, which documents the lives of five Philadelphia-based teachers. In its first season, the show received a 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated television shows on the site. "The popularity of Abbott, that was surprising and I was excited that people liked the show that much. Sometimes, with sitcoms, you're kind of waiting for a while for people to catch on to your show, but it really felt like people came to Abbott right away," Brunson tells Yahoo Life. While the show's instant success shocked the actress, her meteoric rise from viral social media comedian to executive producer did not. "This was always what I was working toward," she says. For years, Brunson built a comedic fanbase on Instagram, where she would post humorous skits, namely her "Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date" series. She also freelanced for Buzzfeed before joining the team as a video producer, focusing on humorous sketches illustrating the ups and downs faced by many 20-somethings. In 2019, she starred in the first season of Robin Thede's comedy series, A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO. Now at 32, Quinta has her own show. Abbott Elementary premiered in 2021 and focuses on the lives, careers and hijinks of the teachers of Abbott Elementary, one of the worst schools in Philadelphia. With a name inspired by Brunson's own sixth grade teacher, Joyce Abbott, the show also illustrates the often thankless work that teachers do and was inspired by and While plenty has changed for the actress since sixth grade, many of the lessons and practices she learned in school still play a role in her life to this day. "I had this one teacher, Mr. Connor, who told a student who was calling another student a liar ... [that] 'when you call someone a liar, you're making a comment about their whole character. If someone tells a lie, then that's the thing that they did. But if you call someone a liar, then you're naming them as a character; you're kind of changing who they are as a person.' That just always stuck with me, like the power of words in how we define others and how we judge others; how we can be quick to define the character of other people. It's something I think about all the time, kind of not judging a person by a minor wrongdoing that they did, but trying to see them as a full person. I think about that a lot." Story continues Brunson has always been vocal about teachers' instrumental role in students' lives. That is why she chose to partner up with Box Tops for Education during Teacher Appreciation Month. Together they'll be donating $20,000 to her old elementary school, Andrew Hamilton in Philadelphia, in support of real teachers making a difference every day. Shoppers can also download the Box Tops for Education app and enter code "TEACHERSMAKEUSBETTER" during registration to earn $5 for their school of choice when they scan a receipt. "There wasn't a part of me that felt like I shouldn't be involved, or the show shouldn't be involved with giving back in some way, and Box Tops has been such an important part of my education for a very long time," she says. "For the last 25 years, they've really been instrumental in believing that a child's education is the foundation to achieving their fullest potential. Teachers play such an instrumental role in that development. That's part of why Abbott was made. So advocating for education is like a core Box Tops mission. And that's kind of a core mission of my own, as you can tell by my show, and so it made sense to partner with them during this TeachersAppreciation Month to shine a spotlight on these teachers who changed lives." Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Africa's top public health body urged all those purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for the continent to place orders with South Africa's Aspen Pharmacare, saying the market was key to developing vaccine manufacturing on the continent. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was doing everything it could behind the scenes to prevent a situation where Aspen closes its facility due to a lack of orders. Aspen negotiated a licensing deal in November to package and sell Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine and distribute it across Africa. This was hailed as a game-changing moment for an under-vaccinated continent frustrated by sluggish Western handouts, but Aspen's COVID-19 vaccine plant now risks shutting down after receiving not a single order, a company executive said on Saturday. "We have said from the very beginning of the conversation on local production that market, market, market is the key to ensuring that we have a thriving local production, manufacturing enterprise," said Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, deputy director of the Africa CDC. "Our message is that we need to have all those who are purchasing vaccines at the global level for African countries, they need to purchase those from African producers first," he said at a regular media briefing. (Reporting by James Macharia Chege and Estelle Shirbon) Ukrainian air defense systems neutralized two Russian missiles late on May 4 (illustrative photo) Read also: Russia launches missile strike on Ukraine's Zakarpattia for the first time since the full-scale invasion began "Unlike the night before, last night was a quiet one, despite the air raid alert, Taburets wrote. Our air defenses shot down two missiles near Cherkasy," he added. Read also: Ukrainian military shoots down a Su-25 attack aircraft and nine Russian UAVs No one was injured during the incidents, he said. Russia again launched missile strikes across the territory of Ukraine on the night of May 4. The center and residential areas of the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast were targeted by the enemy, and the Russian military also attacked the city of Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine. In Kyiv Oblast, near the town of Brovary east of the capital, the Ukrainian military also shot down an enemy missile. Read also: Railways are being repaired after Russian missile strikes, reports Ukraines rail company Matt Blank, interim CEO of AMC Networks, said the company has no plans for ad-supported tiers of its family of targeted streaming services including Shudder, Acorn TV and AMC+. If the business changes, he said during the companys quarterly conference call with Wall Street analysts, we believe we do have the opportunity to be nimble and adapt. More from Deadline In its first-quarter report, AMC Networks said it reached 9.5 million total streaming subscribers by the end of the quarter on March 31, up a half-million from the previous quarter. Blank did not mention Netflix by name, but he was asked about AMC Networks exploring cheaper, ad-supported versions of its services, which are on track to reach internal forecasts for 20 million to 25 million cumulative subscribers by 2025. Thats the playbook followed by HBO Max and Disney+, and Netflix Co-CEO Reed Hastings dropped the bombshell last month that the company would finally pursue advertising after steadfastly rejecting it for years. The revelation was offered as a ray of hope for investors during a disastrous quarterly report. Netflix posted its first loss of subscribers since 2011 and issued a bleak outlook suggesting its long-dominant global streaming machine has hit a wall, at least for the time being. Its funny, Blank said. When you hear of one other large player having trouble all of a sudden an ad tier is going to solve all problems. We dont think thats true, but well certainly monitor it. Analysts also asked about profitability, given that Netflixs recent loss of two-thirds of its market value has raised urgent questions about the viability and profitability of the overall streaming business. AMC Networks, which is an exponent of the cable business controlled by the Dolan family, stewards of Cablevision, has said streaming will be its leading source of revenue by 2025. Cord-cutting has been eroding linear results across the entire media landscape, and indications are that 2022 will see an acceleration in those traditional subscriber losses, and with it distribution and ad proceeds. Story continues CFO and COO Christina Spade declined to offer any specific guidance as to streaming profits and said the company makes decisions on programming with its entire operation in mind. Were really looking at the holistic monetization cycle, she said, and that includes streaming, linear, international distribution and licensing. As the company looks to ramp up its streaming operation, that will continue to build and help go against the headwinds were seeing on the linear side. We feel very bullish on the future as streaming momentum continues and the linear situation settles out. Spade highlighted pricing power as an important lever for AMC Networks, which is starting to phase in price hikes on some of its services. The move is based on what were seeing in our content communities, the exec said. Subscribers are loyal to us, they love the content. A splashy recent move to favor the companys own streaming outlets came when IFC Films shifted its pay-1 window to AMC+. Plans for one original movie release every Friday night are due to start this week with the debut of Clean, starring Adrian Brody and RZA. Films will either segue from theatrical runs after 90 days or, in some cases, premiere day-and-date in theaters and on AMC+. (IFC was a pioneer of day-and-date in the pre-streaming days of pay-TV on-demand.) We have a gem there with IFC, in my view, Spade said. Asked about the impact on the overall balance sheet of the output shift, she replied, Relative to profitability mix, thats at a size or scale where it doesnt have a material impact. Instead, she added, the goal is the subscriber growth were able to get for AMC+. Blank said the No. 1 objective of the company is to get proprietary and compelling programming in front of our streaming subscribers. Because they are rigorously targeted at specific audiences, Spade noted, Were not trying to be everything to everyone, were trying to be everything to someone. Blank also agreed with a sentiment raised by one analyst on the call, who noted that AMC Networks is playing a different game in terms of its budget for programming. While players at the top end of streaming have all tried to step up to Netflixs level of spending $18 billion in 2021 and a projected $20 billion this year the results havent been commensurate with that outlay. And one of Netflixs many mea culpas in its quarterly report was about its lack of financial discipline. I think rather than focus on spend, we like to focus on new content that were delivering, Blank said. We know we can be more efficient on the spend side and, you know, its a hard measurement at the moment because weve seen that you can spend $18 billion on content and that doesnt necessarily make you a better business. Best of Deadline May 4JEFFERSONVILLE An upcoming event will combine exercise, fundraising and family fun. The American Heart Association is presenting CycleNation on Saturday, May 14 at the Clark County YMCA in Jeffersonville. This is the second year of the Southern Indiana event, but it is the first time it has been presented in-person, since it took place virtually last year due to the pandemic. Whitten Montgomery, heart challenge director for the American Heart Association in Louisville, said attendees will be "riding together to promote heart and brain health." CycleNation will feature two hours of cycling on stationary bikes with teams of four to eight. Those on teams of eight will ride for periods of 15 minutes, and those on teams of four will ride 30 minutes. "It's a basically all about continuous motion and promoting healthy ways we can get the community to move together," Montgomery said. The event also acts as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Last year, about $84,000 was raised virtually for the event. So far, about $74,000 has been raised for this year's campaign, and the goal is to raise at least $10,000 more. The money raised for the American Heart Association will support research for cardiac care. Martin Padgett, president and CEO of Clark Memorial Health, is the chair of the CycleNation event. The event brings awareness of preventive measures to address issues such as heart disease, and he notes the importance of "having individuals change their lifestyles, whether it's eating habits or whether it's exercise." "These types of events really emphasize making our communities healthier, whether it's cardiac research or overall living a better, healthier lifestyle," he said. CycleNation will feature a tricycle race for kids ages 2 to 8, and the event will offer a variety of games and activities.Clark Memorial Health will provide health screenings, and University of Louisville Health will raise awareness by sharing stories from survivors. Story continues After the cycling is complete, there will be an afterparty at Upland Brewing Company in Jeffersonville, where attendees will receive "pedals of honor" awards featuring categories such as "most miles traveled" and "most spirited." Montgomery said many people do not know about the organization's efforts with the American Stroke Association, which is connected to the American Heart Association, and the event will include information on topics such as ways to identify a stroke. She wants the event to help people realize "how healthy lifestyles make a huge improvement." "I hope everyone will come out and learn a little bit more and see how we can have fun together with athletic things that keep the body moving," Montgomery said. "We can embrace knowledge with the community together, so we can all try to help each other in the future," Montgomery said. Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on March 21, 2022. AP Photo/Evan Vucci Republican lawmakers have accused "the left" of leaking the court's draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. It's unknown who leaked the document, and there's no concrete evidence to suggest it was a progressive. "I never said I know who the leaker is," said Hawley, despite calling the leak an "assault" by "the left." When Politico first published a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade on Monday night, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri was the first US senator to publicly weigh in, focusing on the extraordinary breach in court norms. "The left continues its assault on the Supreme Court with an unprecedented breach of confidentiality, clearly meant to intimidate," he tweeted at 9:05 pm, within an hour of the story's publication. "The Justices mustn't give in to this attempt to corrupt the process. Stay strong." He followed up shortly thereafter with praise for Associate Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion, which he called "voluminously researched, tightly argued, and morally powerful." By the next day, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was echoing Hawley's assumption, arguing in a statement that "by every indication" the nearly unprecedented leak constituted "yet another escalation in the radical left's ongoing campaign to bully and intimidate federal judges and substitute mob rule for the rule of law." And by Wednesday, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas had confidently declared that "there was one woke little left-wing twit" at the high court who had decided to "sneak it out in order to put political pressure on justices." But no concrete evidence has emerged in the public domain that points towards the left or the right, for that matter as the source of the leak. "I never said I know who the leaker is," Hawley said on Thursday when Insider pressed him for evidence to support his claims. Story continues Still, a slew of prominent Republican lawmakers in Washington have raged at the political left over the leak, in some cases insisting that the leak itself is more important than the possible revocation of a constitutional right. 'It's cute, but I think the odds are vanishingly small' Various theories abound as to the provenance and motivations behind the leak, which is now under investigation by the court itself. Conservative opinion writer Ross Douthat has posited that the leaker could have been a conservative who hoped to "freeze a wavering justice" into not changing their vote "by making it seem like the very credibility of the court rests on their not being perceived to cave under external pressure." "There was a moment when I thought somebody from our side might have leaked it to get it over with," Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota told Insider on Tuesday, with a laugh. "But I'm kind of coming to the conclusion that probably wasn't the case." Others have even speculated that Chief Justice John Roberts may have leaked the opinion himself in an attempt to warn his conservative colleagues about the potential for backlash, given that he reportedly does not want to overturn Roe v. Wade. Hawley speculated that the White House and Democratic senators were complicit in the leak. Screenshot / Twitter Equally plausible is the theory, advanced by several Republican senators, that a liberal clerk or justice leaked the opinion in order to generate public backlash and pressure the conservative justices to alter their decision. But Democratic senators have declined to speculate on the leak, focusing instead on the substance of the opinion and moving ahead with a likely-doomed vote to codify abortion protections into law next week. "The thought of leaking any document from the Supreme Court would've been unimaginable to me as a law clerk," Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal who clerked for Justice Harry Blackmun, the author of the original Roe opinion said at a press event outside the Senate on Tuesday.. "But even more unimaginable would have been the language of this draft opinion." Asked by Insider for evidence behind his theory on Wednesday, Cruz said it was "common sense" that the leak came from the left, given Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's declaration in 2020 that justices would "pay the price" for voting to overturn abortion rights, as well as calls from progressives to add more justices to the court. Cruz speaks to reporters at the Senate on Wednesday. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images When presented with the possibility that it came from a conservative clerk, Cruz dismissed it as a "left-wing talking point" while pointing to the fact that the leak was immediately met with praise from Brian Fallon, the executive director of the pro-court expansion group Demand Justice. "I think the odds are overwhelming, it is a law clerk for one of the three liberal justices. That's a universe of 12 people," said Cruz. "The urgency with which those on the left, including in the media, have tried to say no, no, no, this is really a conservative I think it's cute, but I think the odds are vanishingly small." Hawley, on the other hand, denied that he ever blamed the left for the leak at all. "Well I don't know where it came from," he told Insider. "But I can see how the left is using it, which is to threaten the justices, to go after them and their families, and try to influence the deliberations of the court." In addition to several tweets insinuating that the leak was part of a "coordinated" effort by both the White House and Democratic senators, Hawley argued in a Fox News op-ed on Wednesday that the leak "looks like an effort to derail" Alito's opinion which is "everything a constitutionalist could hope for" from becoming final. "Listen, this could easily be solved," Hawley told reporters on Tuesday. "All of the Supreme Court justices should talk to all of their clerks and staff, and they should all issue statements today saying whether or not they leaked it." On Thursday, Hawley was adamant that he hadn't assigned any blame for the leak, despite his initial insinuation. "Asked and answered," he quipped as he boarded an elevator. 'If it's a conservative, you're a traitor to the cause' Several other Republican senators have also claimed without evidence that the leak is part of an ongoing assault by the political left on the institution of the Supreme Court. "It's difficult to think this was anything but an escalation in the radical left's campaign to bully the Supreme Court into delivering decisions in line with the priorities of the Democrat Party," said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the 2nd-highest ranking Republican in the chamber, during floor remarks on Wednesday. "The SCOTUS brief leak is part of a studied effort by the pro-abortion left to intimidate the Supreme Court," tweeted Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana on Wednesday. "This leak is an egregious attack on the institution of the Supreme Court of the United States," declared Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas in a video in front of the court on Tuesday. "But we really shouldn't be surprised by that. This is what Democrats do when they lose a ballgame. They try to change the rules." Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) May 3, 2022 But other prominent Republicans have been more cautious. "To the person who did this if it's a conservative, you're a traitor to the cause," said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina in a Tuesday night appearance on Sean Hannity's Fox News show. "If it's a liberal, you're the dumbest person in Washington you're not going to scare any conservative judge away from repealing Roe v. Wade." Insider reached out to each of their offices for comment, asking for evidence to support their claims. McConnell's office declined to comment, while the offices of Sens. Thune, Thune, Cassidy, and Marshall did not respond. Read the original article on Business Insider An Illinois state auditor general review of the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 elderly military veterans at the LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020 blames Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Public Health department for failing to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak. Department of Public Health officials didnt show up at the LaSalle home until 11 days after the outbreak began on Nov. 1, 2020, even though department leaders had been receiving near daily updates on the deteriorating situation at the home, according to Auditor General Frank Mautinos review, which was released Thursday. The public health departments visit came only after top agency staff members were told that Pritzker was very concerned and wanted them to go to the facility, the report said. The public health departments failure to intervene early at the home after the outbreak had been detected was notable, the audit said, because all but four of the 36 residents who died were positive prior to the agencys first site visit on Nov. 12, 2020. Mautinos review, requested by the General Assembly, also said an inspector generals report ordered by Pritzker and released in April of last year that blamed management failures at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the LaSalle home was too narrowly focused on the VA and was flawed because it largely excluded the public health departments role in the crisis. That report, from the Department of Human Services inspector general, contended the significance of the outbreak was not being meaningfully tracked by the chief of staff for Veterans Affairs chief of staff when, in fact, auditors found the chief of staff provided detailed information that was used by former state Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike in her daily COVID-19 briefings, the auditor general report said. The inspector general investigation also wrongly concluded that an absence of any standard operating procedures in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak was a significant factor in why the coronavirus was not contained at the LaSalle home when, in fact, hundreds of pages of guidelines existed, the state audit said. Story continues Overall, the state audit points to a massive bureaucratic failure involving the administrations response to the pandemic and the LaSalle deaths. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. Auditors recommended that the Department of Veterans Affairs work with the Department of Public Health and the governors office during COVID-19 outbreaks to advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of the veterans who reside in the homes under IDVAs care. The report represents a major embarrassment for Pritzker, a Democrat, as he seeks reelection in November. Pritzker won office in 2018 in part by attacking his predecessor, one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, for his failure to take quick action after a series of repeated outbreaks of Legionnaires disease at the Quincy Veterans Home led to the deaths of 14 veterans. The auditor generals report recounted the failure of the state health department to respond to constant updates of growing infections and deaths due to coronavirus at the LaSalle home provided by the Veterans Affairs chief of staff, Anthony Kolbeck. Kolbeck resigned a year ago, before the release of the inspector generals report that faulted mismanagement at the Veterans Affairs agency for the outbreak. Criticisms of the VA departments handling of the LaSalle outbreak led to the resignation of the agencys director, Linda Chapa LaVia, who was accused by the inspector general of abdicating her responsibilities to Kolbeck, a nonmedical chief of staff who was also criticized in that report. Officials at the home also were fired by Pritzker, including the homes administrator, Angela Mehlbrech, in December 2020. Auditors reviewed emails and documentation and conducted meetings and determined that although IDPH officials were informed of the increasing positive cases almost on a daily basis, IDPH failed to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak, Mautinos audit said, using the acronym for the Illinois Department of Public Health. From the documents reviewed, IDPH officials did not offer any advice or assistance as to how to slow the spread at the home, offer to provide additional rapid COVID-19 tests and were unsure of the availability of the antibody treatments for long-term care settings prior to being requested by Kolbeck, the audit said. Four positive COVID-19 cases were identified at the LaSalle home on Nov. 1, the initial indication of the outbreak, and Kolbeck reported them to the state medical officer at public health and the governors office that day, the audit said. By Nov. 4, a total of 46 residents and 11 staffers had tested positive for COVID-19 and by Nov. 13 Kolbeck reported in an email that 83 residents and 93 staffers were positive and that there had been 11 resident deaths and three residents and one employee were hospitalized, auditors said. It was Kolbeck, the audit said, who ultimately had to request assistance by inquiring about a site visit by public health, the availability of rapid tests and antibody treatments. It wasnt until Nov. 11, 10 days after the outbreak began, when a site visit by IDPH was scheduled after state public health officials noted the governor was very concerned and wanted IDPH to visit the home. The site visit was conducted on the following day. The audit said that while the Pritzker-ordered inspector general investigation concluded a lack of policies and procedures was a significant contributing factor to the homes failure to contain the virus, auditors identified numerous policies and procedures and therefore, there was no evidence to support that a lack of policies and procedures resulted in a failure to contain the virus. The virus hit the home very quickly with a large number of residents and staff positive within a few days. As a result, it was unclear whether non-adherence to policy caused the virus to spread so quickly or whether the rapid spread was due to other factors, including a Halloween gathering at the LaSalle home, the high positivity rate during that time in the community and guidelines that at the time did not require rapid testing before entering the facility. While the inspector general relied heavily on interviews to support its findings auditors said they collected documentation that was contrary to many of the statements used to reach its conclusions. The audit acknowledged some of the findings of the inspector general report, which noted that the initial site visit by the public health department found insufficient staff and visitor screening, lack of timely testing results, the use of a non-alcohol based hand sanitizer and improper usage of protective gear. But it said a follow-up visit five days later, on Nov. 17, found improvements in a number of areas, including staffing strategies, removal of the improper sanitizer, proper use of gowns, masks and face shields, and screening and testing for symptoms. The audit said that, all told, between Oct. 23 and Dec. 8, 2020, 109 or 85% of the homes 128 residents and 88 or 38% of the homes 231 staff had tested positive for COVID-19. In March, families and the estates of 26 of the homes veterans who died of COVID-19 or coronavirus-related illnesses began filing lawsuits in LaSalle County. The suits, which allege negligence and wrongful death, could cost the state millions of dollars. rap30@aol.com Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has criticised Australia and praised China in a speech to parliament Australia has defended its ties with the Solomon Islands, after the Pacific nation's leader made a scathing attack on critics of a new China pact. On Tuesday, Solomon Islands PM Mannasseh Sogavare said foreign governments were undermining his country over the security deal. Australia and the US fear China could build a naval base in the region. Australian leader Scott Morrison denied any interference towards his country's Pacific "family". In a wide-ranging speech to parliament, Mr Sogavare lashed critics of the agreement, questioned the West's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and lauded China's treatment of Christians. Without specifically identifying an aggressor, he also suggested invasion was a potential threat to his country, "We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in Solomon Islands if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands," Mr Sogavare said. "In other words, we are threatened with invasion." On Thursday, Mr Morrison said: "Of course we haven't threatened [that]." The Solomon Islands has experienced social unrest in recent years. In November, Australia - its biggest aid donor - sent police and troops to help quell riots there. "We are their primary security partner. We are their first call when they face these sorts of challenges," Mr Morrison told the Nine Network. "We continue... supporting the Solomon Islands, and we will always do that." A leaked draft of the security pact said Chinese warships would be permitted dock on the islands and that Beijing could send security forces "to assist in maintaining social order". Details of the final agreement - signed last month - have not been released. A world map showing the location of a key countries in the Indo-Pacific. Mr Morrison has previously warned that China establishing a military base there would be a "red line" for Australia, but he has refused to clarify what that means. Story continues US National Security Council official Kurt Campbell has also said America would "respond accordingly". Mr Morrison said Australia would deal with the increasing tensions calmly and rationally. "That's how sensible, professional, adult governments respond to challenges like this," he said on Thursday. Mr Morrison - who is currently campaigning for re-election, in part on a platform of national security - has faced criticism over the pact, which the Labor opposition says shows his government has dropped the ball on security in the Pacific. On Wednesday, Mr Morrison said he had not yet contacted Mr Sogavare since the deal was signed. Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12. Bankoff, a Delaware-registered company with operations in Azerbaijan, had been a way around harsh Western sanctions for ordinary Russians. No more. The company provided virtual debit cards that could be topped up with USDT, a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin. (A virtual card is like a regular debit card, except its an app rather than a piece of plastic.) That allowed Russian citizens, cut off from the global financial system after Visa and Mastercard blackballed Russia, to keep buying things when traveling abroad. Read more: Crypto Becomes Lifeline for Russian Emigres Opposing Putins War in Ukraine On Tuesday, Bankoff clients received emails saying that the service had ceased operations, blaming Visa and the Silicon Valley payments unicorn Stripe. Today weve received a letter from Visa and Stripe that Bankoff Card services have been suspended due to the high volume of active users and transactions from Russia. It means our cards are no longer supported for any offline and online payments, the message said, adding that the company is trying to access funds that have been frozen in our USA account. Unbanked once again. What a life! tweeted the pseudonymous crypto influencer Banteg on May 3, adding: F**k Visa. However, some users expressed doubts about Bankoffs story. Users get suspicious Its not clear what U.S. bank Bankoff used, if any, or what kind of relationship it had with Stripe. Neither Bankoff nor Visa nor Stripe responded to CoinDesks request for comment by press time. CoinDesk spoke to five people who said their money was stuck in Bankoff accounts some said they successfully used the service before to pay for online subscriptions and even food in a brick-and-mortar store outside Russia. I paid for some services in Europe and Turkey and also for food via ApplePay in a grocery store abroad, said Alexander Kotin, product manager at blockchain project Lachain who used Bankoff. Like many other users, he lost just a small amount of money, around $60, he said. Story continues In the meantime, some posters on online forums have speculated the company could have simply absconded with users money. Bankoff never published the letters it allegedly received from Visa and Stripe and has given no further updates since May 3. The service had been working fine before, several users told CoinDesk, and allowed them to send payments via virtual cards. However, in comments on Bankoffs blog posts, users often complained about waiting many days before their deposits became available. Many believe that Bankoff was a scam. I think of myself as an advanced user, but I havent found any clear proof that they actually were a scam, said Anton Jdanov, CEO of virtual reality startup 360MAX. Jdanov told CoinDesk he tried to use his Bankoff account to receive a payment from a client in Canada. However, he never got the money a little less than $1,000 left his clients account but never landed in his own, he said. Wallet action From looking at block explorer sites, users noticed that Bankoffs crypto wallets had been emptied before the shutdown. However, some said this is not a definitive sign of an exit scam because Bankoff, apparently, needed to cash out the USDT it got from users to put fiat money on their virtual cards. The company most likely did it via two major crypto exchanges: FTX and Binance. Bankoff users provided CoinDesk with two addresses where they sent USDT, one on the Tron blockchain, the other on Binance Smart Chain (BSC). According to Tronscan, an explorer site for the Tron network, the wallet users identified as belonging to Bankoff regularly sent USDT to several addresses. These appear to be deposit addresses, which exchanges assign to users to put crypto in their accounts for trading. Some of the addresses sent money exclusively to addresses marked on Tronscan as belonging to FTX (1, 2, 3, 4) and some to Binance (1, 2). According to blockchain analytics service Bitquery, the Bankoff wallet received a cumulative $6.12 million in USDT on Tron since Bankoff was founded in August 2020. By Thursday, its balance had dwindled to $751.22, according to Tronscan. The BSC address identified by users as Bankoffs sent large sums of money to wallets that appear to be FTX deposit addresses (1, 2), according to a review of BscScan. According to Bitquery, around $2.47 million in USDT went through Bankoff's BSC wallet in total. The address held $699.50 worth of USDT on Thursday. Stripe, Tron and Wells Fargo Bankoff was founded in August 2020, according to Crunchbase, and gained popularity among users in Russia this spring, after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and Russia became subject to heavy international sanctions. After Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia, Russians living or traveling abroad struggled to find ways to buy goods and services, from software licenses and online services to airline and hotel bookings. Russian expatriates found themselves cut off from their own bank accounts in Russia. Bankoff came to the rescue with its virtual debit cards. According to a March 3 post on Bankoffs Facebook page, the company recently crossed the 10,000-user threshold. To get a card, a user needed to sign up through a bot in Telegram, WhatsApp, Metas Facebook Messenger or Instagram. Then, Bankoff would issue a virtual debit card and let the user top it up by sending USDT to its address on the Tron or BSC blockchain. The service also taught users how to use Binances peer-to-peer marketplace to buy USDT and how to send it to Bankoff's own wallet, said Andrey Vilchinsky, chief technology officer at marketing firm BrandLink. He used Bankoff to book a hotel; however, the payment never went through, so he had to pay with cash upon arrival, Vilchinsky told CoinDesk. According to a Telegram group chat among Russian Bankoff users, Bankoff used a Wells Fargo account. One user posted a screenshot of banking details Bankoff provided for transfers with Wells Fargos information. The SWIFT code in the screenshot matches one for international transfers on Wells Fargos website. The bank did not respond to CoinDesks questions by press time. Screenshot of Bankoff's banking information, provided by a user Its not clear how exactly this scheme worked or whether Bankoff possessed any licenses to provide such financial services. The companys website provides no information regarding licensing. A legal entity named Bankoff Company was registered in Delaware in April 2021, and its street address matches the one on Bankoff's website. A legal entity named Bankoff Company was registered in Delaware in April 2021. The About Us page is now unavailable. Bankoffs LinkedIn page lists 14 employees, all based in Azerbaijan, including founders Elmir Aliyev and Mahammad Oruc. Both also co-founded Botbox, an IT firm creating messenger bots. Aliev and Oruc did not respond to CoinDesk's messages by press time. Sage D. Young contributed reporting By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of at least a dozen U.S. senators met on Wednesday to review tax credits for clean energy initiatives, as a part of broader legislation to boost U.S. energy independence and address climate change, lawmakers said. The lawmakers, including at least four Republicans, examined a lengthy list of proposed tax credits to spur initiatives including offshore wind technology, as well as carbon capture and storage, during a 90-minute meeting in the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers said their aim is to produce a proposal by late June that could pass the Senate with bipartisan support. The group is examining provisions from President Joe Biden's so-called Build Back Better legislation that passed the House of Representatives last year but died in the 100-seat Senate. "We're trying to make sure that we have the energy independence of our country, how do we use what we're using in a cleaner fashion and how do we help the next technologies," Senator Joe Manchin, who is leading the effort, told reporters. "This is a big lift," said Manchin, one of two centrist Democrats whose opposition helped kill Biden's legislation. "Were looking at everything we can." Republican Senator Kevin Cramer said the next step for the group is to consult experts to determine the environmental and economic benefits offered by clean energy technologies contained in several pages of proposals. "Clearly we can't fund all of it. It's just a giant wish list. It reads like what Santa looks at leading up to Christmas," Cramer told reporters. Cramer said the discussion touched upon a proposal to bring more of the supply chain for solar panels to the United States. "If we're going to do more business with our allies and bring more things to the United States ... there's some other residual benefits that I think deserve some value," he said. (Reporting by David Morgan and Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Chris Reese) Birds can't seem to get a break. Last year, a mysterious illness killed thousands of songbirds throughout the eastern United States. Now, a particularly severe strain of avian influenza virus (the cause of "bird flu") is surging throughout the country. Avian influenza virus primarily infects birds, which can pass it to each other through contact with other birds or their droppings. This year, the virus has been found in over 800 wild birds and 36 million domestic poultry throughout the United States. Although people can become infected with the virus, it's rare. Only one human case has been confirmed from this outbreak to date. So what does this mean for backyard birds? Should you do anything differently to help keep wild songbirds and pet chickens safe? Courtesy of Anne Readel Do you need to take down bird feeders and waterers? Many of us delight in seeing songbirds visit our feeders and waterers. But when a disease outbreak occurs, one of the first questions we ask is "do I need to take them down?" In the case of bird flu, there have been some mixed messages. The University of Minnesota Raptor Center and at least three states (Michigan, Illinois, and Montana) have recommended taking feeders down. But other states haven't followed suit. And the leading wild bird organizations, including Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, haven't issued any sweeping guidance, stating only that you should follow your local agency recommendations. If you're confused about what to do, you're not the only one. Bryan Richards, emerging disease coordinator at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, helps clarify the situation. He says that you can choose to take down your bird feeders and waterers "out of an abundance of caution." However, he notes that songbirds appear to have a low risk of infection. "The virus is having substantial impacts on wild birds," says Richards. But it primarily infects waterfowl, shorebirds, and carrion-eating birds like raptors, not songbirds. This year, two blue jays and 30 crows have tested positive for avian flu, comprising a very small proportion of confirmed cases. During the last avian flu outbreak in 2014 and 2015, only one chickadee and one European starling tested positive. Story continues So why aren't songbirds at high risk of catching the virus? It all makes sense when you think about how the virus is transmitted, says Richards. Waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts for the virus and they pass it to each other by pooping in water. When an infected waterbird dies, a raptor may make a meal of it and become infected in the process. However, because none of these birds visit feeders, songbirds that feeders do attract don't come into much contact with the virus. Not every situation is the same, however. If you live next to a pond with geese and ducks or next to a large commercial poultry facility, then birds visiting your feeders "may have an enhanced risk," says Richards. That's because living so close to high-risk birds makes them more likely to catch the virus from ducks, geese, or chickens, then spread it to other songbirds at the feeders. So what about those organizations and states that say to remove feeders until the virus subsides? Richards notes that when you dig into their recommendations, they're generally also couching it as a cautionary approach. For example, Michigan told residents that they may want to remove bird feeders "from a place of abundance of cautionbut it isn't yet a critical step." If you decide to leave your feeders and waterers outside, make sure to clean them regularly. "Even if [avian flu] transmission at these backyard feeders or waterers is a low-risk proposition, there are plenty of other pathogens out there," says Richards. Regular cleaning of feeders and waterers with a bleach solution makes "a ton of sense across the board." Courtesy of Anne Readel Should you be worried about your backyard chickens? While songbirds have a low risk of infection, that's not the case for your backyard chickens. "The virus strikes chickens very quickly," says Casey Ritz, a professor and poultry extension specialist at the University of Georgia. Millions of domestic chickens have died of the avian flu over the last few months. While most deaths have been at commercial facilities, backyard flocks are also at risk. "First thing people notice is that their chickens look healthy one day and the next day they're dead or dying in mass," says Ritz. Infected chickens can also show a variety of other signs, such as coughing and discolored wattles and combs. To keep backyard flocks healthy, Ritz notes that it's very important "to minimize interactions with sick birds" and adopt some basic biosecurity measures. That means you shouldn't visit other flocks or share equipment with your neighbor who also keeps chickens. When you tend your flock, wear a dedicated pair of shoes and clothes. And if you want to bring new chickens home, make sure to purchase them from an NPIP-certified source, which means the chickens have been tested free of avian flu and other infectious diseases. Backyard birds bring so much joy. It makes sense to take extra precautions while avian flu is raging, especially for backyard chickens. Since it's always a good idea to frequently clean feeders and waterers regularly, why not start that practice now? Exercising just a few extra precautions can help keep bird flu at bay and our feathered friends healthy. The last thing Allyson Mauney saw was a bear pick up Snuggie, her miniature schnauzer, by the neck and drag him into the woods. It happened Monday night in Pickens County as she let Snuggie and Gracie, a lab mix, out before she went to work third shift at the U.S. Postal Service in Greenville. She had seen the fur stand up on their backs as they ran out and charged a deer feeder, where in previous years bears would come to feed on corn. She got a flashlight and ran toward the woods. She hoped the dogs would see the light and run back. She heard rustling in the leaves. Snuggie yelped, then screamed. Mauney ran down the hill and saw a small bear holding Snuggie by the back of the neck. Mauney screamed. Loudly. The bear shook Snuggie violently. Thoughts whirled through her head. Is it a baby? Is the mother around? How can she get to the dog she considers her son? As she moved closer, the bear charged her. I wasnt moving, she said. I wasnt backing up. I was not leaving my son. The bear got so close, she could feel its breath. She prepared for attack. They stared each other down. Then the bear picked up Snuggie and ran into the woods. That feeling was something I cant describe and something I do not ever want to feel again, she said. Her sisters boyfriend, Paul, convinced her not to go into the woods. There was no telling what or who was in there. She took Benadryl and went to sleep. She woke Tuesday morning to Paul running into her room. Hes alive! Hes alive! I found him! Lets go! He had been searching since sunrise. They sped off to the vet. Snuggie has come through the attack, but the vet said his back legs are paralyzed. God already worked a miracle and isnt done, she said. Mauney said she hopes the story of Snuggie will be a reminder to people that they live in bear country not the other way around. This bear did nothing wrong, she said. It was protecting itself and the last thing in the world I want is for people to take any negative action towards any wildlife. Story continues Bears are leaving hibernation and roaming all over South Carolina, including one seen recently in Laurens. Last year, Snuggie repeatedly chased a young bear. She told Snuggie. One day they are going to realize that they are bigger than you and thats gonna be a bad day. EXCLUSIVE: WOW Presents Plus has unveiled its latest original series Bring Back My Girls and shared that the upcoming project will be filmed live at DragCon LA 2022. Bring Back My Girls will feature a series of exclusive DragCon panel conversations with the casts of RuPauls Drag Race (Season 12), RuPauls Drag Race vs. The World, RuPauls Drag Race UK (Seasons 1 & 2), RuPauls Drag Race Down Under, Canadas Drag Race (Seasons 1 & 2) and Drag Race Holland (Seasons 1 & 2), hosted by TV personality and LGBTQ+ activist Ts Madison. The live tapings, filmed live from May 13 to May 15, will be open to all DragCon LA attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bring Back My Girls marks the first time DragCon will provide fans a firsthand, behind-the-scenes look at the making of a World of Wonder production. Audiences will also have the chance to directly ask the queens during each panels Q&A portion. The final conversations will be transformed into a 7-part episodic series slated to stream globally on WOW Presents Plus later in the Fall. More from Deadline World of Wonders Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey. Its a drag, drag, drag, drag world and we are so excited to be welcoming a record number of queens from all over the world to RuPauls DragCon this year, said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. We cannot wait to showcase them in the new WOW Presents Plus series Bring Back My Girls. These conversations will make you laugh and cry while serving you T from a global perspective. The featured panelists will include the following queens: Aiden Zhane, Brita, Crystal Methyd, Dahlia Sim, GiGi Goode, Heidi N Closet, Jackie Cox, Jan, Nicky Doll, Rock M Sakura & Widow VonDu, Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Janey Jacke, Jimbo, Jujubee, Lemon, Mo Heart & Pangina Heals, Baga Chipz, Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, Sum Ting Wong, Vinegar Strokes & The Vivienne, AWhora, Lawrence Chaney, Tayce, Tia Kofi, Art Simone, Etcetera Etcetera, Kita Mean & Maxi Shield, Anastarzia Anaquway, Ilona Verley, Jimbo, Juice Boxx, Kiara, Lemon, Priyanka, Scarlete BoBo, Tynomi Bank, Adriana, Beth, Gia Metric, Kendall Gender, Eve 6000, Kimora Amour, Oceane Aqua-Black & Synthia Kiss, Envy Peru, Janey Jacke, Pierre Alexandre FKA Love Masisi, Sederginne & Vanessa Van Cartier. Story continues The series is presented by World of Wonder and RuPauls new cocktail and mocktail line House of Love. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. By Brian Ellsworth and Zarrin Ahmed MIAMI (Reuters) - The British Virgin Islands on Thursday swore in Natalio Wheatley as the British overseas territory's new premier following the removal of ex-premier Andrew Fahie, who was arrested on drug charges in Miami last week. The move may help the territory move beyond the scandal created by Fahie's embarrassing arrest, but the British Virgin Islands still faces scrutiny over corruption that may lead the United Kingdom to assume direct governance from London. "This swearing-in ceremony represents another important and necessary step in renewing our cherished democracy and reforming out institutions," said Wheatley, the former deputy premier who will also hold the post of finance minister. "It is my hope that this day will be remembered as the day we began a new era of democratic governance." Governor John Rankin in a speech said he had revoked Fahie's mandate following a no-confidence vote in the House of Assembly. Theresa Van Vliet, a lawyer representing Fahie in Miami, declined to comment. In a court hearing on Wednesday, she said Fahie will plead not guilty to the charges. A commission of inquiry last week said the territory's elected government should be dissolved and its constitution suspended for two years due to systematic dishonesty. The commission's report concluded that millions of dollars in state funds were being spent without proper processes, adding there was evidence of widespread abuse in appointments. The report was not directly linked to Fahie's arrest, but British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said his detention demonstrated the importance of the inquiry. Fahie, 51, was arrested at a Miami airport along with the managing director of the territory's Ports Authority, Oleanvine Maynard. The U.S. Department of Justice says Fahie in recorded meetings with a confidential source from the Drug Enforcement Administration agreed to help smuggle cocaine through the territory in exchange for a portion of the proceeds. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth and Zarrin Ahmed,; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Richard Pullin) (Reuters) - The House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands on Thursday approved a vote of no-confidence against Premier Andrew Fahie following his arrest in Miami last week on drug charges. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth and Zarrin Ahmed in Miami) (AFP via Getty Images) After another magical night at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti put their incredible run to the Champions League final down to a never-say-die attitude that is part of the clubs fabric. Real were on the brink of elimination against Manchester City on Wednesday, but fought back to win 3-1 after extra time and 6-5 on aggregate in an enthralling semi-final. It was the third consecutive time they had come from behind in this seasons knockout stage, following previous fightbacks against Paris St Germain and Chelsea, to stay on course to win Europes elite club competition for the fifth time in the last nine years. The greatness of this club is this. It is a club that does not allow you to lower your arms when it seems that everything is over, Ancelotti told Movistar Plus in his usual calm manner. It is a feeling that gives you the strength to continue, to continue to believe... We played a match against a very strong rival, solid, competitive... When everything seemed to be over, we looked for the last bit of energy to match it. If you equalise in the last minutes you have a psychological advantage. You enter another dynamic and in front of our fans that is fatal to the visitors. We eliminated three teams capable of winning the title. It has been a success. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro said the club enjoyed a major confidence boost from clinching the LaLiga title on Saturday and celebrating with their fans for the first time since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. We have spent two years without contact with our fans, we need to enjoy them because they are the ones who give us energy to play like we did tonight, Casemiro said. The great virtue of this club is never giving up fighting until the end. Its in our anthem: Until the end we go, Real! That is our spirit, never surrender. Real will now face Liverpool in the final in Paris on May 28. Casemiro, who was part of the team that won the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool in Kyiv, thinks beating the Premier League side will be a complicated task. Story continues Ancelotti agreed, heaping praise on an opponent that he knows well from his time spent in charge of Everton. Im very happy to participate in another final against a great team, I played against them as a player and as a coach. Ive lived in Liverpool for two years, for me its like a derby, Im still an Evertonian so it feels personal to me. Fernando Kallas for Reuters Border authorities seized 16,000 rounds from a vehicle attempting to enter Mexico from the United States earlier this week, saving "countless lives," according to one official. The seizure took place on Tuesday at the Hidalgo International Bridge, located in southern Texas near McAllen. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducting outbound enforcement operations at the bridge encountered a white Chevrolet pickup truck driving southbound to Mexico. MODERATE DEMS UNMOVED BY BIDEN ADMIN'S PLAN TO COPE WITH POST-TITLE 42 MIGRANT SURGE An officer referred the vehicle for further inspection, which involved the use of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. The search yielded 3,000 rounds of .38 caliber pistol ammunition and 13,000 7.62x39 rifle ammunition hidden within the vehicle, CBP Said. CBPs Office of Field Operations (OFO) unit seized the ammunition and vehicle. The case remains under investigation by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). "Our CBP officers prevented this ammunition from landing in the streets of Mexico, helping to save countless lives all thanks to their diligent inspection work," said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez. "The undeclared exportation of weapons and ammunition into Mexico is illegal." Additional details about the driver were not released. Fox News has reached out to CBP seeking more information but did not hear back before publication time. (Reuters) - The Chinese and Russian central banks will discuss the use and promotion of their respective national payment systems in both countries, Beijing's envoy to Moscow told the TASS news agency in an interview published on Thursday. "Regarding the promotion and use of the Mir and China UnionPay national payment systems in both countries, this question will be decided by the two sides' central banks at consultations," Zhang Hanhui said. Mir and UnionPay are among the few options left for Russians to make payments abroad since Russian banks were isolated from the global financial system in response to what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Visa Inc and MasterCard Inc are among the many Western companies to have suspended operations in Russia. China has refused to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine and has criticized the unprecedented Western sanctions on Moscow. The two countries have bolstered ties in recent years, including announcing a "no limits" partnership in February. The ambassador said China would make use of a clearing bank for operations in yuan on Russian territory to ensure the sustainable development of national trade, which Russia expects to reach $200 billion by 2024. He also said that China and Russia were not advocating for the rejection of U.S. dollar and euro settlements in bilateral trade. (Reporting by Reuters) (Bloomberg) -- Corporate ESG heads need to police their own organizations and crack down on internal efforts to mislead them, according to Desiree Fixler, the former head of sustainability at DWS turned whistleblower. Most Read from Bloomberg The job of a corporate sustainability officer isnt a marketing role, Fixler said on Thursday at the Bloomberg Intelligence ESG Investment Forum in London. Whoever holds that position needs to crack the whip to ensure their employer lives up to all ESG claims being made, she said. Fixler, who now chairs VentureESG, said shes seen a lot of posturing when it comes to environmental, social and governance claims. She also said ESG reporting data needs to be combined with other corporate financial data. We live in a world of incomplete data sets, so companies need to be transparent about their sources, about how they aggregate information and what their methodologies are, she said. Fixler has alleged that DWS misrepresented its ESG business. DWS, which is being investigated in the U.S. and Germany, has vehemently rejected the allegations. JPMorgan Carbon Executive Warns of Greenwashed Loans (2:10 p.m.) Andre Abadie, managing director at JPMorgans Center for Carbon Transition, said that a lot of the ESG loans that he sees appear to be greenwashed. Many of the sustainability-linked loans that Abadie sees being pitched to JPMorgan are not really fit for purpose, he said. So Id say theres a lot of greenwashing going on. Frankly, its a bit of a wild west, because there is variability in the quality of the narrative that companies are coming to market with, he said. Andurands Mark Lewis Calls Out Simplistic Carbon Math (1:45 p.m.) Story continues Mark Lewis, head of climate research at Andurand Capital, said investment managers looking at coal companies in Europe should keep in mind that theres a built-in carbon cap that regulations in the region enforce, making such firms viable sustainable investments. Looking at how companies score today is simplistic without looking at the longer-term policy horizon, Lewis said. Lewis said German coal-powered generator RWE AG, for example, will be aligned with net zero, because European Union Allowances are intrinsically aligned to that. Buying and holding EUAs now means an investor is being managed toward net-zero by policy makers as such allowances become more scarce, he said. He also said that decarbonisation and security of energy supply go hand in hand because one of the many virtues of renewable energy is that it is locally produced, you dont have to import it. Chris Hohn of TCI Says Engagement Achieves Nothing: ESG Update (12 noon) Trying to get companies to live up to environmental, social or governance targets using so-called engagement strategies ultimately achieves nothing, said Chris Hohn, the chief executive of hedge fund TCI Fund Management. To me, if you want to achieve change, you need a harder mechanism, a forcing mechanism, he said. The bottom line is that talk doesnt work, voluntary doesnt work, there need to be forcing mechanisms. Read More: Hedge Fund Boss Chris Hohn Rips Into Failed ESG Strategies Its therefore in the interest of investors to force companies to target decarbonization given the existential stakes involved, Hohn said. Companies that resist decarbonization face a more hostile environment when it comes to regulation, taxation, and employees who dont want to work for dirty companies, Hohn said. Also, customers dont want to do business with companies that pollute, he said. Its obvious to us that pressures are increasing dramatically, he said. Carine Smith Ihenacho of Norways Wealth Fund Says Voting Is Key to Engagement (11:15 a.m.) Carine Smith Ihenacho, the chief corporate governance officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, said we absolutely vote against company boards when we believe they really have not addressed key sustainability challenges. The wealth fund divested from 52 companies last year because they didnt improve, despite efforts at engagement, Ihenacho said. CEO of Candriam Says Downside Risk on ESG Much Lower (10:40 a.m.) Naim Abou-Jaoude, the CEO of Candriam, said that companies embedding ESG are creating long-term value. Candriam also considers so-called double materiality in its models, Abou-Jaoude said, meaning it looks not only at how ESG risk affects assets, but how an asset impacts its environment. When it comes to sovereigns, Candriam looks at human, social and natural capital, he said. Engagement is key. We do it as a company and collectively with other companies, try to push them, measure them, educate them and see positive result on society, Abou-Jaoude said. And finally we measure impact. We believe we have to practice what we preach. With regard to returns, Abou-Jaoude said the downside risk is much lower with ESG than with non-ESG strategies. Clients used to challenge that notion about a decade ago, but less now, he said. The biggest challenge facing ESG fund manages is the alphabet soup of regulatory acronyms, he said. Carol Ward of Man GLG Says ESG Is Becoming Embedded in Everything (10:25 a.m.) Ultimately, ESG is becoming embedded in practically everything we do across the firm, said Carol Ward, president of Man GLG, a subsidiary of Man Group Plc. Were quants and like to backtest things, she said. There are very few in-depth studies that have structural proof of how ESG strategies play out. Some of it comes from 10 years ago when the approach was to divest and exclude, and in reality its a lot more nuanced now. A lot about managing the transition and engaging with companies and investing in some of the dirtier companies, but actively driving the regime forward. Also, Ward said that Man would argue that you can use shorting as a strategy, as well as engaging with companies. Ninety One CEO Says ESG Data Is Imperfect, Judgment Needed (10:13 a.m.) We assume data is imperfect and try to encourage a level of judgment in often data-poor markets, Ninety One Chief Executive Officer Hendrik du Toit said. In terms of the biggest risks facing ESG fund managers today, du Toit said that mislabeling is the real point. Theres such commercial pressures if you just call yourself integrated in the context of SFDR, he said. So the industry has to ask itself hard questions. David Blood Says Active ESG Management Can Provide Better Results (9:56 a.m.) David Blood, the co-founder of Generation Investment Management, said the higher fees active managers charge create an obligation to demonstrate value. Our engagement isnt just about fees, but because we think itll enhance long term results, Blood said. Everything we are doing from an investment perspective will be evaluated over a long time horizon. And while passive investment options remain very important in terms of broader asset allocation -- and passive is a critical part -- but so is active. ESG is not a tool to enhance active management, other than we believe ESG provides incremental data and understanding of the business and management teams, and therefore should provide better results, he said. Mark Carney Sees Climate Crisis Dwarfing Current Hardship (9:20 a.m.) The geopolitical fallout from Russias war on Ukraine has laid bare the dysfunction of global energy markets, according to Mark Carney, who also warned that the climate shock ahead will dwarf todays hardships. Carney, who is the vice chairman of Brookfield Asset Management and a former governor of the Bank of England, said the war and its ramifications have put into sharp relief the many failings of our global energy system. The 57-year-old said fossil fuels have become a weapon in a horrific and unjust war. And as the rest of the world struggles to fill the energy gap created by Russias hostility, the climate crisis is still worsening, Carney said. Were building future costs that will dwarf current hardships, he said. The goal, therefore, is to seize this moment and move away from fossil fuels, even though the transition will be complex, he said. Its risky and itll be disruptive but it can no longer be delayed. Carney also spoke of the multi-decade investment boom that the renewable energy market represents. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. There are a few ways to celebrate the often-misunderstood Mexican celebration of Cinco de Mayo Thursday. Load up your plate with free tacos, burrito deals, margarita specials, free delivery and even a few pizza discounts. Cinco de Mayo recognizes the Mexican armys 1862 victory over France, but its not considered a Mexican federal holiday. Its also not Mexico's Independence Day, which is celebrated Sept.16. According to a consumer survey by Numerator, 44% of U.S. consumers plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and 67% expect inflation and product shortages to affect their plans. The survey also found 42% of consumers expect the pandemic to impact plans down from 78% in 2021. LAST-MINUTE GIFTS: Mother's Day 2022: There's still time to shop these 75+ best gifts for all kinds of moms DAILY MONEY NEWSLETTER: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here This week has been one with a lot of deals. Teacher Appreciation Week also continues through Friday, which also is Nurses Day. Cinco de Mayo 2022 freebies and deals The following offers are available at participating locations nationwide Thursday unless otherwise noted. Some businesses require consumers to have restaurant apps or to be signed up for emails or loyalty programs. To be on the safe side, always check with your closest location before heading out. 7-Eleven Cinco de Mayo deal 7-Eleven has new Mini Spicy Breakfast Empanadas, an all-day breakfast item, and a limited-time deal for 7Rewards members. Now through May 24, 7Rewards members can pick up three Mini Spicy Breakfast Empanadas and any size coffee for $4. Taco Bell Cinco de Mayo deal, free taco and bonus points For Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell is offering 15% off any Party Pack on its app for in-store and drive-thru pickup orders. Also, for a limited time, new Taco Bell Rewards members get a freebie for signing up. As of Thursday, the deal was a free Doritos Locos Taco for joining at Tacobell.com/rewards. Story continues Members can receive 80 bonus points for recycling sauce packets through May 31. The points will be activated in mid-June. Learn more at Tacobell.com/terracycle. TACO BELL PIZZA RETURNING: Mexican Pizza is back: Taco Bell to relaunch popular menu item in May CINCO DE MAYO 2022: How did the holiday become more popular in the United States than Mexico? Chipotle free delivery Cinco de Mayo deal Through Friday, Chipotle Mexican Grill is offering no delivery fee nationwide with digital orders of $10 or more on the chains app or website with promo code DELIVER. The free delivery is on orders up to $200 excluding tax and fees. Chipotle says in its fine print that higher menu prices are charged for delivery and additional service fees are applied at checkout. The offer is for participating locations. Chilis Cinco de Mayo margarita and beer $5 deal Chilis has five different drinks for $5 Thursday including Presidente Margarita, Cheers to Patron Rita, Cuervo Blue Rita and Frose Rita and select draft imports. Chili's Presidente Margarita is discounted on Cinco de Mayo. Moe's Cinco de Mayo rewards deal Thursday is Cinco de Moes at Moes Southwest Grill and the chain is offering loyalty members five-times points on all purchases made on the Moe Rewards app or website. Del Taco Cinco de Mayo BOGO free burrito Del Taco Del Yeah! Rewards members who buy one Epic burrito can get one free when they order in the app or chains website Thursday. The chain also says it will have free delivery Thursday on delivery orders placed through the app or online. Laredo Taco Company Cinco de Mayo free taco 7-Elevens restaurant concept, Laredo Taco Company, is giving away free Chicken or Beef Fajita Tacos on Cinco de Mayo. To get this deal, you need to sign up to join the taco club by texting tacos to 88388 or find the coupon on the chains social channels or website. Each customer can redeem the offer one time at participating locations. CB2 X AZEEZA COLLECTION: CB2 and fashion designer Azeeza want to take your outdoor celebrations from hot to haute Qdoba free guac and queso for Cinco de Mayo This deal from Qdoba isn't just on Cinco de Mayo but the chain's guacomaole and queso are free daily with every entree. Join the new rewards program to get free chips and queso at Qdoba.com/rewards. Hungry Howies Cinco de Mayo deal Through Sunday, Hungry Howies has a deal on its Howie Bread at participating locations. With any online carryout order of $15 or more, get Howie Bread for 99 cents with promo code CINCO at checkout. Round Table Pizza Cinco de Mayo $5.50 deal Only on Thursday, Round Table Pizza is offering loyalty members a Cinco de Mayo deal. Purchase a large or x-large pizza and get a $5.50 personal pizza with up to four toppings for dine-in, carry-out and delivery. Taco John's Cinco De Mayo $5.55 taco deal Taco John's is offering five softshell or crispy beef tacos for $5.55 for customers with the app that are enrolled in the chain's loyalty program Thursday. Jamba Cinco de Mayo smoothie deal Through May 31, Jamba loyalty members can get a medium Electric Berry Lemonade smoothie for $5. Rewards members can also get delivery fees waived on orders placed on the app and website through the end of the month. McDonald's Cinco de Mayo deals with app McDonald's has several ongoing deals on its app and with the MyMcDonald's Rewards program. Offers and daily deals can vary by account and region. Don't have the app? McDonald's says on its website that for a limited time you'll get free fries for downloading and registering. Then after your first purchase, you get the choice of Hash Browns, Vanilla Cone, McChicken or a Cheeseburger free. KFC Cinco de Mayo free chicken sandwich Kentucky Fried Chicken has a freebie on its app now through June 5. Get a free Chicken Sandwich when you purchase $12 or more online or through the KFC app. The offer allows for one free sandwich per day, per account at participating locations nationwide. Domino's deal: $3 coupon for carryout orders For a limited time, Domino's will give you a $3 "tip" to order your pizza online and pick it up yourself instead of choosing delivery. Make a carryout order through May 22 and get a $3 coupon code to redeem the following week on a carryout order of $5 or more before tax and gratuity. Also, earn points to redeem for free pizza with the chain's Piece of the Pie rewards program that you can sign up for at Dominos.com. Carryout customers who order online can claim a $3 tip to use on their next online carryout order, Cinco de Mayo free drink rebates The following offers are for consumers 21 and older and are not available in all states. Topo Chico Margarita Hard Seltzer free 12-pack Through Sunday, text a photo of your shot glass necklaces and similar apparel to CINCO (24626) or visit https://www.topochicohardseltzerusa.com/swapshop to get Topo Chico Margarita Hard Seltzer for free. The rebate is while supplies last and valid on one 12-pack up to a $15 rebate. Check the fine print as this rebate is not offered in all states. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson launched his Teremana tequila brand in 2020. Its name translates as spirit of the earth, from the Latin word terra, meaning earth, and the Polynesian word mana, meaning spirit. Teremana and The Rock Cinco de Mayo deal The tequila brand founded by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is giving away up to $1 million with the Guac on The Rock to celebrate Johnsons birthday and to support local restaurants. Through Sunday, consumers 21 and over who purchase a Teremana cocktail with an order of guacamole will be reimbursed up to $10. Youll need an itemized receipt and once approved the money will be sent to your Venmo account. Visit GuacOnTheRock.com for the full terms and conditions. Crook & Marker Margarita Cinco de Mayo rebate Through May 31, buy any Crook & Marker Margarita product and get one free through a digital rebate. Terms apply. Rebate amount may vary by applicable state laws. Learn more at Cincobogo.com/en/desktop. Casa Sauza Cinco de Mayo contest Through May 31, Sauza fans 21 and up can enter for a chance to win the Ultimate Casa Sauza Experience, which includes a trip for two to the Sauza distillery, located in Tequila, Jalisco (Mexico). The winners will be treated to a VIP tour of Casa Sauza, Mexican cuisine and live Mexican music. Learn more and enter at CasaSauzaVipSweeps.com. Jose Cuervo Cinco de Mayo tip Jose Cuervo is giving away $10 to tequila lovers across the country so they can "Tip it Forward" this Cinco de Mayo and show their bartenders kindness. To request to "Tip it Forward through Thursday, go to Cuervo.com/tipitforward. There youll enter your name, email address and phone number. Daily winners will be randomly selected and sent $10 through Venmo before the giveaway closes at 9 p.m. ET Thursday. Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cinco de Mayo specials near me: Chipotle, Taco Bell, Del Taco, Chili's The Daily Beast Lauderdale CountyCasey White, the dangerous murder inmate who bolted from an Alabama prison with his jailer, has told detectives that the lovebirds spent most of their time on the run holed up in a cheap Indiana motel and plotting where to go next.Casey White, 38, and Lauderdale County assistant director of corrections Vicky White, 56, were captured on Monday night after a dramatic police chase in Evansville, Indiana, just a five-hour drive from the Florence prison they absconded from 11 days ea BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombia extradited the alleged head of the feared Gulf Clan, who had been the country's most wanted drug lord before his capture, to the United States Wednesday where he faces indictments in three federal courts. Colombian President Ivan Duque said Dairo Antonio Usuga David is "comparable only to Pablo Escobar, referring to the late former head of the Medellin drug cartel. He is not only the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world, but he is murderer of social leaders, abuser of boys, girls and adolescents, a murderer of policemen, Duque said accompanied by Colombia's military leaders whom he congratulated for guarding Usuga David and capturing him in October 2021. The former rural warlord, better known by his alias Otoniel, had stayed on the run for more than a decade by corrupting state officials and aligning himself with combatants on the left and right. He was transferred Wednesday in handcuffs and wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest from a prison in Bogota to a heavily guarded military transport air field. Hes long been a fixture on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations most-wanted list. He was first indicted in 2009, in Manhattan federal court, on narcotics charges and for allegedly providing assistance to a far-right paramilitary group designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Later indictments in Brooklyn and Miami federal courts accused him of importing into the U.S. at least 73 metric tons of cocaine between 2003 and 2014 through countries including Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Honduras. Usuga Davids also cycled through the ranks of several guerrilla groups, most recently claiming to lead the Gaitanist Self Defense Forces of Colombia, after a mid-20th century Colombian leftist firebrand. The Colombian government began the capos extradition after the State Council lifted a provisional suspension of an order by Duque endorsing the move. The high court dismissed a petition from a group of Usuga David's victims who argued that his extradition would violate their rights to justice and reparation. They wanted him to first face the more than 128 proceedings against him in Colombia. . Story continues Duque said that from the United States, Usuga would continue collaborating with the Colombian authorities in the investigations against him and once he completes his sentences for drug trafficking, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes he committed. The Gulf Clan's army of assassins terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and onto the U.S. As he defied authorities for years, his legend as a bandit grew alongside the horror stories told by Colombian authorities of the many underage women he and his cohorts allegedly abused sexually. One of Colombia's most notorious drug lords pleaded not guilty to trafficking charges in a New York court Thursday following his extradition to the United States. Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as "Otoniel," did not ask for bail during the arraignment in Brooklyn. The 50-year-old Usuga was the leader of Colombia's largest narco-trafficking gang, known as the Gulf Clan. The United States accuses Usuga and the Gulf Clan of illegally bringing at least 73 tons of cocaine into the country between 2003 and 2012. He was the most-wanted person in Colombia until he was arrested last October in the northwest of the country after a massive military operation. On Wednesday afternoon, a convoy of five bulletproof police vehicles transported him from a prison in the capital Bogota to a military airport, where he was handed over to US Drug Enforcement Administration officials. He landed in New York around 11:30 PM (0330 GMT Thursday). Usuga wore orange prison garb and was handcuffed during his first appearance in the Brooklyn federal court. He has been charged with criminal enterprise and international cocaine manufacturing and distribution. Usuga asked to be held in detention until his trial and judge Vera Scanlon set a date of June 2 for the defendant's next court appearance. af-pdh/caw NEW JERSEY COVID-19 vaccines remain unavailable for children under 5 in New Jersey and the United States. But Pfizer offered a sign that its shot for the age group could reach the public sooner rather than later. Pfizer hopes to submit information about its COVID vaccine for young children by late May or early June, according to the Associated Press. The pharmaceutical corporation is testing three extra-small doses of its vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years after two shots didn't prove strong enough. Moderna, meanwhile, asked regulators last week to authorize its low-dose vaccine a two-dose regimen for children younger than 6. The company said it would finish submitting data to regulators by Monday, The New York Times reports. The drugmaker has already requested authorization for its COVID vaccine for ages 6-11 and 12-17. COVID cases continue to climb in New Jersey, as the state averaged 3,000 infections per day in the past week a 140 percent increase over that timeframe a month ago, according to federal data. New Jersey has a transmission rate of 1.19, meaning that every new case is leading to roughly one other new case. That doesn't count positive results from at-home test kits, which aren't reported to authorities. While the rise in at-home testing has made it easier for many to see if they're positive for the virus, public health experts believe it's contributed to an undercount of cases. Children have been the least likely to die or get hospitalized from COVID. In New Jersey, those younger than 18 have accounted for 2.2 percent of the state's COVID hospitalizations since the pandemic began, with only 17 deaths reported in the age group. But a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published in March shows that during the omicron surge, children under 5 were hospitalized at a rate about five times higher than they were during the delta spike. Growing evidence also suggests that getting fully vaccinated may substantially cut the risk of long COVID longterm health problems that can arise from even a mild COVID infection. COVID Vaccine For NJ Tots May Be Close As Pfizer Readies Data For FDA originally appeared on the Wayne Patch Comedian Tehran Von Ghasri was one of the many ticket holders who were in attendance when Dave Chappelle was attacked Tuesday evening and now he's sharing what he saw as a festival-goer. According to Von Ghasri, he claims that security "dismissed" his "concern." "At the Dave Chappelle show, I was merely a fan," Von Ghasri, who is a staple at Los Angeles' Laugh Factory, shared with Fox News Digital. "I was in the audience in the pool section, which is the closest section to the stage that you can possibly be. It was intended for VIP, industry and celebrity guests, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of that selection. "And as a person watching this show this phenomenal show, Jeff Ross as the host, Jimmy Carr, Earthquake, Jon Stewart, then the surprise guest, Chris Rock, the Jabbawockeez performed. And then Dave Chappelle gave an amazing performance, and it was just so wonderful. Such a fantastic, beautiful night," he recalled. Von Ghasri shared that Chappelle was wrapping up his show, just about to introduce the hip-hop group Mos Def and Talib Kweli, who sing "Black Star," when he saw a man "jump the barrier" and claimed he looked "suspicious." COMEDIAN DAVE CHAPPELLE ATTACKED ON STAGE WHILE PERFORMING AT HOLLYWOOD BOWL IN LOS ANGELES "I see that there is a young person, a young man walks up with intent, slides over the barrier that separates the pool area, which is the closest area to the back area, slides over that barrier within three feet of me," the comedian shared. "I turn to the person to my left and I expressed, 'That's very suspicious.' He agrees and says, 'That is very sketch.'" Von Ghasri continued: "As the person jumps over the barrier, he then walks directly to the stage front with intent. And because of that, I did my best to alert the security guard who was immediately behind us and expressed with concern, 'This person jumped over the barrier. This person walked to the front, We should do something. Alert somebody.'" Story continues Comedian Tehran Von Ghasri was one of the many ticket holders who were in attendance when Dave Chappelle was attacked Tuesday evening and now he's sharing what he saw as a festival-goer. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images He then goes on to give the shows security the benefit of the doubt, claiming that since it was the end of Chappelles show, and "there was so much going on," he believes the security "didnt have time". "At least keep your eye on them," Von Ghasri said to the security. He alleged, "to which, to be honest, the security dismissed my concern," Fox News has reached out to the LA Phil, which operates The Hollywood Bowl, for comment. "Within 30 seconds of all this, the assailant leaps over the barrier to get on the stage, runs aggressively toward Dave Chappelle, and knocks right into him," he continued. "Now, if it wasn't for his own clumsiness and Dave Chappelle's personal strength he's been working out I think it could have been much, much worse. This person, clearly it was premeditated. It was pre-orchestrated and it was organized." "This was an attack on Dave Chappelle, which is an attack on comedy, which is an attack on all comedians, and to be honest, is an attack on freedom of speech," Von Ghasri continued. "Because what else is liberty but the right to say things that people do not or may not want to hear? And that's what makes comedy so amazing." Dave Chappelle attends the opening night party presented by "Netflix Is a Joke: on April 28, 2022, in Hollywood, California. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Netflix Von Ghasri then shared that he was able to talk to Chappelle after the attack and "thank him for what he did as a comedian". "I spoke to Dave myself," he began. "I thanked him for what he did as a comedian. I shook his hand and told him he's a 'G' for going through what he did and brushing it off like it was nothing and was just glad that he was safe. And the last thing I told him was, he's such a better person than I am because he was still being so compassionate and kind." The comedian shared that "everybody was there," including Jamie Foxx and Busta Rhymes, and in the background were stars such as P. Diddy, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. "Rihanna walked to the back with ASAP Rocky, so they walked into the back. And this is before the attack happened," he said. Von Ghasri shared that he was able to talk to Chappelle after the attack and "thank him for what he did as a comedian". Paul Archuleta/Getty Images When Von Ghasri was asked what does this mean for the future of comedy, he responded, "For the future of comedy in the landscape? This does not change anything because this is what comedians are. "This is who we are as people. We are fearless. We say the things whether the audience needs to or wants to hear it or not. We're the heroes that you need, not the ones you always deserve. And to be very honest, as comedians, we are becoming increasingly more afraid of hecklers coming on stage. This is becoming a much more common occurrence, and especially at places like the Laugh Factory." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER He continued: "The stage is a safe place and a safe space not only for the comedians, but for the audience as well. So an attack on one comedian is an attack on comedy as a whole. And as anyone knows, whenever a tyrant or a dictator comes in, comedy is so important that the comedians are the first group of people they attempt to silence. Do not silence the comedians. Protect our comedians. Protect our First Amendment rights." While some comedians have taken to Twitter to point the proverbial finger at Will Smith, Von Ghasri doesnt believe that Smith is to blame for the violent act at the comedy show. In March, Smith approached the stage and slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head. Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggle with alopecia. "I don't believe that Will Smith started a precedent. I think Will Smith was part of a symptom," he said. "And just because you are offended doesn't mean you're right. But just because you're offensive doesn't mean you're funny. The fine line in between, that's where great comedy lays and that's where all the comedians that I know want to be." Fox News' Larry Fink contributed to this report DAYTONA BEACH Madison Tenore, a student-athlete at Daytona State College, got her first look at her future home, a $16 million residence hall, the first on the Daytona Beach campus. She was among more than 200 people to tour the four-story hall Thursday at a ribbon-cutting event that's been years in the making. "Like wow, I'm going to live somewhere that's brand new and right there on campus where everything is in walking distance," Tenore said. Recruited to Daytona State from her hometown of Destin, Tenore is a member of the national championship-contending women's golf team. She said the new dorm was part of the reason she chose Daytona State. Madison Tenore, a Daytona State College student, stands in front of the school's new residence hall, the first on the Daytona Beach campus. Tenore, a member of the women's golf team, will live there starting in August. The hall houses 252 students, and college President Tom LoBasso said there's a waiting list of more than 800 and, as of Thursday, just six beds left to fill. As a scholarship student-athlete, Tenore has already claimed her spot when the fall semester starts in August. DSC dorms: Daytona State College's new dorms will soon be under construction. Who will live there? A smaller group of students attending summer classes will be the first to move into the building starting on June 29. "I love it. I liked the common areas," Tenore said. "They're big and have a lot of seating where you can hang out with other people, get to know them. The dorms, granted, they're a bit small, but they're nice and cozy." Student Stanley Souverain, a health science student about two years into his pursuit of a bachelor's degree, said he was thinking about applying for a room. "I'm not 100% yet if I'm going to (live) here yet, but walking around, after seeing everything here, I'm definitely considering dorming here in the fall," Souverain said. "Man, you just see the vibrant colors. Everything is beautiful in there. You can smell the newness. It's beautiful." LoBasso said the college had to consider lots of issues in moving forward with a residential component to the longtime commuter college, such as establishing quiet hours, fitness center usage policies, and ensuring dining facilities will be open for dinner and weekends. The school also hired a residential life coordinator. Story continues "When it was first introduced about five years ago in the master plan, all of our studies showed that student demand would accommodate an on-campus residence hall," LoBasso said. "Fast forward to 2022, and the news is filled with headlines of housing shortages and soaring rental costs that are squeezing out college students. In this climate, it's more important than ever that we offer students an affordable housing option and stay true to our mission for providing open access for a college education for everyone." The largest number of residents are from Volusia County, 194, followed by Flagler County, with 43. Applicants are also being made from students in other states New York, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and Texas while 14 international students have applied, including five from Japan, LoBasso said. Staff celebrates the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the new student residence hall at Daytona State College, Thursday, May 5, 2022. New DSC dorms conveniently placed on campus School officials anticipate student housing will increase student retention, with the library, Writing Center, Academic Support Center and Career Services all within walking distance. Randy Howard, chair of the DSC Board of Trustees, called the building a "stunning success." "The building truly complements the architecture and beauty of the campus and helps take Daytona State College to the next level," he said. "This idea, this project, has been in the works for a long time and we owe a lot to those board members who helped to plant the seeds well before my time on the board," Howard said. The project was completed through the Daytona State College Foundation and the newly established DSC Housing Corporation. "These students who choose to live here are making a bold statement and will bring new energy to our college," said Garry Lubi, a trustee and chair of the Housing Corporation. "They are excited to come to Daytona State to get their degree and they are eager to be part of the new Falcon experience." Never miss a story: Subscribe to The Daytona Beach News-Journal using the link at the top of the page. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DSC unveils first residence hall as students seek affordable housing Hours after Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon's office declined to file felony charges against a man who tackled comedian Dave Chappelle onstage at the Hollywood Bowl, City Atty. Mike Feuer announced late Thursday afternoon that his office had filed four misdemeanor counts against the suspect. Isaiah Lee, 23, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and was being held on $30,000 bail. On Wednesday, police released photos of a replica gun with a knife that Lee allegedly had in a bag during Tuesday night's incident. The district attorneys office referred the case to the Los Angeles city attorneys office for misdemeanor filing consideration. After reviewing the evidence, county prosecutors concluded that, although criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct. The district attorney's office does not prosecute misdemeanor crimes within the city of Los Angeles. According to a declination filed by the district attorney's office, Lee did not use the weapon in the assault and Chappelle was not injured, so a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon was not warranted. Lee now faces one count each of battery, possession of a weapon with intent to assault, unauthorized access to the stage area during a performance, and commission of an act that delays the event or interferes with the performer, according to court documents. "This alleged attack has got to have consequences, and this afternoon, my office has filed charges," Feuer said in a video statement. "My office takes protecting public safety extremely seriously and we are going to vigorously prosecute this case." In the declination, county prosecutors noted that Lee, an aspiring rapper, recorded a song in 2020 titled "Dave Chappelle" but "none of the lyrics, tone or language of the song suggested any threats or hatred towards the victim Dave Chappelle," according to the document. Story continues Deputy Dist. Atty. Michelle Dodd wrote that Lee admitted to being under the influence of alcohol during the incident. The declination stated that Lee was somehow able to get through the security screening process with a weapon described as a replica gun containing a folding knife with a roughly 3-inch blade. Prosecutors noted that the knife doesn't qualify as a dirk or dagger under state law because it was a folding knife in a retracted position, and that a stalking charge can't be proved beyond a reasonable doubt because "no evidence was presented of a previous credible threat that might have caused [Chappelle] to be in reasonable fear of his safety." After he was tackled, Chappelle got back on his feet quickly and pushed Lee away, according to the declination. Lee then ran backstage, where he was detained by security. Lee "sustained injuries that required medical attention and he was transported to a local hospital," according to the document. "There were conflicting media reports about whether the suspect brandished the weapon prior to or during the assault on Chappelle." Prosecutors noted that a slow-motion review of video footage showed Lee didn't have the weapon in hand when he tackled Chappelle. A security guard said that after Lee ran backstage, he reached for his waistband, according to the document. The security guard said he grabbed Lee's hand, causing the weapon to fall to the ground. "The security guard believed that the weapon was a gun, so he tried to empty the chamber, but was unsuccessful because the weapon lacked a chamber or ammunition," the document stated. The guard then realized that the gun was a replica with a folding knife in a retracted position, according to the document. Chappelle wasn't injured. Investigators are still trying to determine how Lee evaded several layers of security at the Hollywood Bowl and managed to get onstage and attack the comedian. Los Angeles Police Department sources told The Times that detectives are reviewing videos to better understand Lee's movements that night. The Bowl, which is owned and operated jointly by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn., uses metal detectors to screen visitors. The safety of our artists, visitors and staff is the L.A. Phils top priority, Sophie Jefferies, the philharmonics director of public relations, said in a statement Wednesday. The incident ... remains an active investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time." Jefferies later added that the philharmonic is reviewing existing internal and external procedures "with the assistance of outside experts" in order to continue providing a safe, secure environment at the Hollywood Bowl. "We have implemented additional security measures, including an increased number of security personnel on-site to assist with bag checks and other security procedures," she said. "We continue to cooperate with authorities in their ongoing investigation." Despite not being credentialed, Lee got onto the stage without being challenged, LAPD sources said. An entrance without metal detectors and searches exists but is not publicly accessible, according to the sources. Security inside the venue is provided by a contractor. A video of the incident shows a man, later identified as Lee, rushing from the left side of the stage as Chappelle is about halfway through his performance. The man appears to put his head down as he charges at the comedian, knocking Chappelle backward and retreating across the stage as security swarms him. Video also shows paramedics putting the restrained man, who appeared to have an arm injury, onto a stretcher. Fans booed as paramedics wheeled him to an ambulance. After the man rushed the stage, several people came to Chappelles aid, including actor and comic Jamie Foxx. Public records show Lee most recently lived in Redondo Beach with his brothers. He was arrested by the LAPD under the name Arias-Lee in August 2019 in Hollywood on suspicion of misdemeanor battery but was never charged in that incident, according to booking and court records. He told police during his arrest that he was homeless and was working as a laborer, records show. According to a lawsuit filed by one of Lees brothers, Lee and his four siblings were deemed wards of the state and raised by their grandmother in Brooklyn, N.Y. Lee's brother told Rolling Stone that Lee did write a rap about Chappelle but described Lee as a gentle person. I dont have anything negative to say about Isaiah. Hes a performing artist who tries to stay as positive as possible. He does have a history of mental health issues. He does take medicine. Maybe he missed out on taking his prescription. But hes not the type to just lash out. I dont understand, Aaron Lee told Rolling Stone. Times staff writers Matthew Ormseth and Hannah Fry contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Watch: Trailer for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Note: This article is packed to the brim with spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so if you're from a universe in which you haven't seen it yet, look away now. The time has come for. Five months after Spider-Man: No Way Home rode a wave of nostalgia, fan service and multiversal cameos all the way to $1.9bn (1.5bn) at the global box office, Marvel is leaning even further into that ethos with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. As the film begins, Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) finds himself and Wong (Benedict Wong) fighting to save teenager American Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) from a selection of multiversal demons. It turns out America has an unpredictable ability to travel the multiverse, and this power is coveted by someone evil who, as it happens, is Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) determined to travel to a universe where her children are still alive. Read more: Elizabeth Olsen opens up about Wanda's MCU future The movie then follows Strange as he attempts to thwart the increasingly powerful Wanda while she endeavours to track Chavez down and exploit her power. But Wanda's heel turn isn't the only surprise in store in director Sam Raimi's movie written by Loki creator Michael Waldron which overflows with easter eggs and surprise cameos... Benedict Cumberbatch leads fans into chaos in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Marvel) The Illuminati Let's start with the biggie. As has been heavily teased in the trailers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the movie makes a journey at one point to another universe in which a variant of Doctor Strange helped to introduce the Illuminati in order to vote on tough decisions. And one of those tough decisions was the choice to eliminate that universe's Stephen Strange when he became corrupted by the Darkhold. Read more: What is the multiverse? But it's the make-up of the Illuminati panel that will have tongues wagging. We're introduced to the group by Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is the Sorcerer Supreme in this universe and imprisons Strange and Chavez when they arrive. Bizarrely, given Mordo's villain origin arc at the conclusion of the first Doctor Strange movie, we don't get any hint of continuation for that in this film. It's a totally different Mordo. Story continues He leads Strange to the Illuminati chamber, flanked by Ultron guards, and then tells us who's on the panel without a Simon Cowell or a golden buzzer in sight. Hayley Atwell returns in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as the Captain Carter character she voiced in What If...? (Disney+) Mordo's colleagues in the Iluminati include Captain Carter, played by Hayley Atwell in a reprisal of the alternative universe hero role she played in animated series What If...? last year. There's also the shockwave-voiced Black Bolt, portrayed again by Anson Mount five years after he led short-lived TV series Inhumans as the character. They're joined by a Captain Marvel variant in which Lashana Lynch's Maria Rambeau has become the hero. Then comes confirmation of a long-standing casting rumour as John Krasinski shows up as the super-stretchy Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. Krasinski said in 2020 that he'd be delighted to play the role and was just waiting for a call from Marvel. It seems the call came. John Krasinski finally proves those Reed Richards rumours true in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Getty/Paramount) Finally, Patrick Stewart is revealed as Professor X, as just about everybody worked out when his distinctive vocal timbre showed up in the film's trailer. He's the same as we remember from the X-Men movie franchise, but for the fact he has traded in his wheelchair for the yellow hoverchair seen in X-Men: The Animated Series. It's him who trusts Strange and sends him to find the Book of the Vishanti in order to combat Wanda. Unfortunately, despite their eye-catching presence, the Illuminati members don't last very long. Thankfully, Carter gets a fist-pump "I can do this all day" moment before she is dispatched. Michael Stuhlbarg Michael Stuhlbarg returns as Dr Nicodemus West in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Jay Maidment/Marvel) It might not be quite as much of a talking point as the Illuminati, but it was certainly nice to see Michael Stuhlbarg appear early in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The star reprises the role of Dr Nicodemus West a rival surgeon to Stephen in a scene set at Christine Palmer's (Rachel McAdams) wedding. West explains that he lost his brother and several pet cats during the five years of The Blip and asks Strange to confirm that the route they took to defeat Thanos was indeed the only way they could've achieved it. Earth-616 In the world of the Marvel comic books, Earth-616 is understood to be the primary universe in which most of the action takes place, with the term first officially used in the 1980s and credited to Alan Moore and Alan Davis. The number has occasionally popped up in the MCU, including as the storage area where Ant-Man's van was being held at the beginning of Avengers: Endgame. Jake Gyllenhaal's Mysterio previously mentioned Earth-616 in Spider-Man: Far From Home. (Disney/Sony) When Spider-Man: Far From Home toyed with the multiverse via the charlatan character Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal), he made reference to the MCU's main reality being Earth-616. Multiverse of Madness confirms this, with the incarnation of Christine Palmer in the Illuminati universe stating that she lives on Earth-838, while Strange's reality was classed as 616. Palmer also makes reference to the Baxter Foundation, which is usually the government-funded institute which serves as the base for the Fantastic Four. Given the appearance of Reed Richards, as mentioned earlier, there's definitely some sort of thread to be pulled there. Perhaps the eventual Fantastic Four movie which will now not be directed by Jon Watts will take place in this universe? Rintrah Bull-headed sorcerer Rintrah is introduced to the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Marvel) An early scene in Multiverse of Madness requires all of the world's most talented sorcerers to unite in an attempt to defend Kamar Taj against Wanda. Among those to join the assembled forces is a bizarre, bull-headed creature glimpsed in the trailer. The character is Rintrah, who is an extra-terrestrial from a world whose residents resemble green-skinned Minotaurs. In the comics, Rintrah befriends Doctor Strange and becomes an apprentice of his, learning sorcery at Kamar Taj and even living with Strange. There isn't much of him in the movie, but it's a nice nod for fans of the comics. Three-Eyed Strange A three-eyed incarnation of Stephen Strange appears in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Marvel) Trailers for Multiverse of Madness teased a three-eyed variant of Cumberbatch's character, referred to as Sinister Strange. That character ultimately fights with the Earth-616 version of Strange in the movie and is defeated. In the final scene of the movie, though, Strange appears to sprout a third eye of his own and scream in pain. When Strange returns in the post-credits scene, though, he seems to have learned to control the eye. The eye has a history in the comics. It's often a manifestation of the Eye of Agamotto, which Strange has always worn in a pendant around his neck and previously housed the Time Stone. It appears that the events of Multiverse of Madness in which our version of Strange battled the three-eyed sinister variant have allowed him to unlock the Eye, which has had various powers including showing truth, replaying recent events, seeing through disguises (including the shape-shifting Skrulls, which could prove to be useful in future) and probing minds. Evil Dead Doctor Strange pops up in zombie form during the events of Multiverse of Madness. (Marvel) Given the involvement of Sam Raimi, many fans hoped that Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness would send the MCU into the world of horror. There's certainly a heightened sense of violence in the movie and some seriously gruesome sequences, as well as an overt nod to The Ring in a scene in which Wanda emerges from a reflection. Watch: Benedict Wong says Sam Raimi brought "a lot of goo" to Doctor Strange The most obvious elements of Raimi, though, come through in the scenes in which Strange puppeteers a zombie variant of himself, who Chavez had brought into the 616 universe to prove her multiverse abilities. Rumours of a connection to the zombie-themed episode of What If..? were mostly unfounded. These scenes feature plenty of grotesque zombie effects, as well as some of Raimi's trademark zany, racing camera shots and some Deadite-like floating demons. You can take the director out of the zombie film, it seems, but you can't take the zombie films out of Sam Raimi. Bruce Campbell Bruce Campbell gets a cameo from his director buddy Sam Raimi in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. (Getty) If you're watching a Sam Raimi film, you can be pretty certain that Bruce Campbell will show up eventually. The star of the Evil Dead franchise popped up in Raimi's Spider-Man films in the noughties and he gets his moment to shine during Multiverse of Madness as well. Amid Strange and Chavez's universe-hopping exploits, they cross paths with Campbell as a pizza vendor in a world where fast food is served in balls. Read more: Sam Raimi reveals whether he'd make more Evil Dead An altercation occurs, which results in Campbell's character being covered in mustard and bewitched to punch himself repeatedly in the face another nod back to Evil Dead II, in which Campbell's Ash scuffled with his own hand. Campbell appears once again in the final post-credits sequence of the film, just minutes after the first credits scene unleashes another major cameo. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is in UK cinemas now. Watch: Benedict Cumberbatch is sick of defending Strange's Spider-Man spell (Cindy Ord / David Livingston/Getty Images) Dr Phil McGraw has opened up about how grateful he is for his friendship with Oprah Winfrey and revealed why he has continued to send her thank you letters every year. McGraw, 71, discussed his bond with the television host during a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, praising Winfrey, 68, for helping him throughout his career. He recalled how their friendship first started when Winfrey was on trial in 1997, after a group of executives at a Texas cattle industry filed a lawsuit against her for making statements about the beef industry that they believed were false. She won the case in February 1998. As McGraw was on her legal team and a frequent guest on her show, he said that she played a huge role in helping him start his program, Dr. Phil, which really changed his life. Oprah and I met in the late 90s when she was on trial, and I was on the trial team, then I started doing the show, and started doing the show a lot, he explained. And then we launched the [Dr. Phil] show, and it really changed my life a lot. I had a great life when I met her, and Ive got a great life now, but she changed a lot of things, he added. According to McGraw, its been quite vital for him to sit down and send Winfrey an annual letter to thank her for her guidance, which hes been doing for over two decades. Its just been really important to me, every year to stop, sit down and write her a letter, and say, Thank you for the impact youve had on me and my family, the television host explained. And Ive done it every year for 25 or 26 years. He then remembered how thankful Winfrey was for the gesture, as he said that when he first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, he told her that it was the first time she ever received a thank you from anyone. And once he became a talk show host himself, McGraw said that he came to understand Winfreys sentiment. The first time I launched a book on her show, I sent her a huge flower arrangement and a thank you note and stuff, he said. I think she had been on the air 17 years at that point, and called me and said, You know, out of all the things that Ive done, all the books and stuff, this is the first time anybody has ever said thank you. Story continues And I thought, Wow thats hard to believe, he continued. And now [that] Ive had my show for 20 years, I understand what she means. McGraw emphasised that his letters are his way of letting Winfrey know how much he appreciates everything shes done to help him at the start of his career. Ive got this value, Dont forget who brung you to the dance, he added. And Ive never let her think I forgot who brung me to the dance. McGraw has previously discussed his friendship with Winfrey and how often they stayed in touch back in 2018 with Closer Weekly. We talk to and see each other on a regular basis, he said at the time. Oprah is one of our dearest friends, and someone both my wife [Robin McGraw] and I treasure because we can be totally candid with her. PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Germany for a first official visit after his re-election on Monday, the Elysee told Reuters on Thursday. The talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will focus on defense and energy policy, the Elysee added. (Reporting by Michel Rose, editing by Tassilo Hummel) MarketWatch My question is, do I need to retain a financial advisor for a 1% fee or can I navigate my retirement financially with an accountant only? Answer: Firstly, understand the differences in what an accountant can do for you, and what a financial adviser can. An accountant could help with taxes, but is unlikely to address anything else, says Julia Kramer, certified financial behavior specialist and certified public accountant at Signature Financial Planning. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries are "almost there" in agreeing the bloc's proposed new package of sanctions against Russia, including an oil embargo, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday. "I hope that they will get an agreement. They are almost there. And we need this agreement because we have to push still more our economic and financial pressure on Russia," Borrell told an event in Italy. (Reporting by Kate Abnett; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten) TipRanks A series of headwinds have inflamed worries lately, as investors try to find a path through geopolitical turmoil and the threat of recession in the mid-term. Worse are the stubborn inflationary pressures, rising prices that show no signs of slowing down. Taken all together, these factors are straining the economy and have pushed the S&P 500 well into correction territory this year, down by 15% so far. All of this has investors moving heavily into defensive stocks. Watching the market conditions Nearly two years after violently arresting a 73-year-old woman with dementia, former Colorado police officer Austin Hopp was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday as part of a plea agreement to lessen his jail time. The June 2020 arrest left Karen Garner with a broken arm, sprained wrist and separated shoulder, CBS Denver reported. In Larimer County Court in early March, Hopp pleaded guilty to an assault charge that was punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison. That avoided the minimum 10 to 30 or more years in prison he would have faced with a trial and conviction. Hopp first encountered Garner after being dispatched to a report of an attempted theft at a Loveland Walmart, according to CBS Denver. Garner, who has dementia, allegedly tried to steal less than $15 worth of goods from the store. When confronted by Walmart staff, she returned the items and walked out of the store. Former Loveland, Colorado police officers Austin Hopp, left, and Daria Jalali. / Credit: Austin Hopp and Daria Jalali Body camera footage from Hopp showed the officer approaching Garner as she walked home. Carrying a wildflower in her hand, she failed to comply with multiple orders to stop. Hopp is then seen grabbing Garner by the arm and forcefully taking her to the ground, CBS Denver reported. As fellow officer Daria Jalali responded to the scene, Hopp allegedly separated Garner's shoulder by forcing her arm behind her back and up near her shoulder blades, CBS Denver said. An audible pop is heard on the camera, something Hopp acknowledged hearing in footage later released by Loveland police. Related video: Mental health mobile response teams offer alternative to Aurora police Garner was taken to a holding facility at the Loveland Police Department, where she complained multiple times about having injuries, CBS Denver reported. She was allegedly forced to sit in a holding cell without medical attention for hours, even after Hopp, Jalali and another employees were heard on security footage acknowledging that she may have injuries. After a brief investigation, Hopp resigned from the Loveland Police Department, as did Jalali. Both were arrested and charged with crimes related to Garner's arrest. Story continues As first reported by CBS Denver, the Larimer County District Attorney's Office elected to move forward with a plea agreement against the will of the Garner family. The family felt the video in the case proved Hopp was guilty on all counts beyond a reasonable doubt. Senate to vote on a bill that would enshrine abortion access in federal law: CBS News Flash May 4, 2022 Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on the state's pre-Roe v. Wade abortion law Rep. Adam Schiff on Roe v. Wade, Kevin McCarthy, war in Ukraine Viral Facebook post: White House physician demands Bidens immediate resignation following his obvious cognitive decline. PolitiFact's ruling: False Here's why: Misinformers frequently share video clips of President Joe Biden with his actions or comments taken out of context implying that he shakes hands with thin air, or portraying him as confused. Now, a social media post falsely suggests someone with official access to Bidens medical information is calling for him to resign. "White House physician demands Bidens immediate resignation following his obvious cognitive decline," says an April 30 post on Facebook. The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. The post, which does not cite or link to a source for its claim, mischaracterizes who has called for Bidens resignation. The current White House physician, Dr. Kevin OConnor, said in November that Biden is fit to carry out his duties. OConnors assessment followed a full medical evaluation. There is no evidence, such as news reports, that OConnor has expressed concern about Bidens cognitive abilities. However, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, who was the White House physician under former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump and is now a Republican representing Texas 13th Congressional District, has called for Bidens resignation, saying he has declined cognitively. Jackson was the subject of a years-long investigation by the Department of Defense, which found that he "made sexual and denigrating comments about a female subordinate, violated the policy on drinking alcohol on a presidential trip and took prescription-strength sleeping medication that prompted worries from his colleagues about his ability to provide proper medical care," the Associated Press reported in March 2021. Jackson and other Republican lawmakers have demanded that Biden take a cognitive assessment. Their efforts are part of a years-long campaign by Trump and his allies to paint 79-year-old Biden as weak and senile. Story continues Our ruling A Facebook post says, "White House physician demands Bidens immediate resignation following his obvious cognitive decline." The post misleads about who has called for Bidens resignation; it is not the current White House physician. The current physician has said Biden is fit to carry out the duties of his office. The demand came from a former White House physician, who is not Bidens doctor and who has joined a chorus of Republican voices that try to paint Biden as senile. We rate this claim False. Our Sources Associated Press, "Pentagon probe slams ex-White House Dr. Jacksons behavior," March 4, 2021 Daily Wire, "Obama White House Doctor Calls For Immediate Biden Resignation: Not Cognitively Capable Of Leading," March 12, 2022 New York Post, "Dozens of Republicans again call for Joe Biden to take cognitive test," Feb. 9, 2022 New York Times, "Biden Declared Healthy and Vigorous After His First Presidential Physical," Nov. 19, 2021 PolitiFact, "Biden was gesturing towards his audience, not shaking hands with thin air," April 19, 2022 PolitiFact, "Cheap fakes: Viral videos keep clipping Bidens words out of context," Feb. 14, 2022 PolitiFact, "How misinformers manufacture and embellish embarrassing presidential moments," April 12, 2022 PolitiFact, "Ronny Jackson," accessed May 3, 2022 Washington Post, "Ronny Jackson said Trump aced a cognitive test. Now hes demanding Biden take one, citing mental impairment," June 18, 2021 This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Fact-check: Did White House physician call for Biden's resignation? Nearly three months after a 16-year-old girl was thrown to the ground in a violent arrest by Rialto police, her family has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit seeking $10 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, alleges the officers used excessive force and battered the girl during the arrest, among other claims. Court documents name as defendants two Rialto police officers, Police Chief Mark Kling, the city of Rialto, San Bernardino County and 10 people whose identities are not yet known to the plaintiff. The teen was arrested Feb. 11 after police stopped her for riding an illegal motorized bike in a residential neighborhood at high speeds, Kling said days after her arrest. Police launched an investigation into the officers' actions and apologized to the girls family. A portion of her arrest was captured on bystander video, which shows the officers grab her arms and then fling her to the ground. One officer appears to grab her neck. The officers were not named in the days after the arrest, but court documents claim that an officer named Ivan Delgadillo Arce choked and struck the teen while another officer, identified only as Zamora, failed to intervene. Zamora is also accused of conspiracy "for attempting to cover up the brutal battery on the minor and for furtherance of conspiracy by arresting the minor and lying to her father and grandfather," according to court documents. The girl, identified in court documents only as "SAJ," was riding a homemade "mini-bike" with her twin brother near their home, documents stated. "Kids riding homemade mini-bikes are commonplace in Rialto, and as long as the youths wear helmets, local law enforcement usually turns a blind eye, but this day marked a change to this unwritten policy," the lawsuit states. The girl was stopped around 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at the intersection of South Linden and Pinedale avenues by the officers, who accused her of speeding. Story continues Delgadillo cursed at the girl repeatedly and questioned her sexuality, "creating a negative tone for what could have been a deadly encounter," the lawsuit alleges. According to a transcript included in the lawsuit, Delgadillo accused the girl of lying after she told him she was 17. She was later determined to be 16. The exchange became more heated as the officer asked her whether she wanted to keep the bike and had someone to pick her up. "Stop being a smart ass," Delgadillo said, according to the transcript. "You're not talking to your DaDa or your Mama [in a mocking tone]. You're talking to police officers. Ok? Stop being a smart ass and we can treat you like a young lady. Ok?" The officer accused her of going 40 mph on the bike. "I'm not asking you, I'm telling you, because we were following you," Delgadillo said. "We had to get up to like 80 to catch up to you. We're trying to tell you that you're detained right now for a crime. The crime is you can't be riding these things like that." Delgadillo told Zamora to make sure the teen got her helmet off, according to the transcript. "Put it to the side before she grabs you and hits you with it as a weapon," Delgadillo said. The girl called out to another minor across the street, telling the minor to get her brother. The officers, meanwhile, moved to arrest her. "I'm communicating," the girl said. "No, come on, I'm communicating with you." Delgadillo told her to stop several times, according to the lawsuit. "Do I have to tase you," he said. "I don't wanna tase you. ... Stop resisting. Stop resisting. I don't wanna hurt you." As he spoke, Delgadillo threw the girl to the ground, according to the suit. She landed on a shoulder she had recently had surgery on, the lawsuit says. Delgadillo put his knee on her chest and said, "Did you just try to bite me?! Handcuff her. Handcuff her now." Delgadillo said the girl tried to bite him a second time, and the officers put the girl in their patrol vehicle as her grandfather walked up, according to the suit. At the same time, Delgadillo "forcefully, intentionally and without regard for the minor's life, struck her directly in the throat, sucker punch style, while she was handcuffed and in the patrol unit," the lawsuit alleges. The strike is visible on Delgadillo's body-camera video but not on a bystander's cellphone video, according to the suit. Zamora told the girl's grandfather that they tried to detain her and that he and Delgadillo "talked to her very nice." The grandfather asked whether she was going to jail for resisting. "No, she's going to jail for assaulting an officer," Delgadillo said. "Are you kidding me?" "She's under arrest for disrespecting us," Zamora said to the girl's father, who had also walked up, according to the transcript. "He hurt my neck," the girl said. "He hurt my neck! He hurt my neck! He put his hand around my neck!" "We were as polite as we could possibly be to her," Delgadillo said. The lawsuit acknowledges that Kling apologized shortly after the girl's arrest but says "words without actions are hollow and are received as such." The police chief failed in his handling of the incident, the suit alleges, because the assault occurred while the girl was handcuffed and seated in the back of a patrol vehicle. "While this explains why [he] refuses to release the damning body worn camera footage, it does not explain why [he] has not fired defendant Delgadillo for the brutal battery on the minor," the suit says. The lawsuit also states that the girl was booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of assault and battery on the officer and imprisoned for four days without cause. The family's attorney, Caree Harper, is asking the court to award $10 million in damages plus attorneys' fees and any other relief the court deems appropriate. Adan Ortega, a Rialto spokesperson, said the city and Police Department do not comment on pending litigation. In a February statement, Kling said he viewed officer body-camera footage "and although the video depicts the juvenile resisting officers, we are investigating the officers decision to trip the juvenile to the ground and later placing his hand on the juveniles throat during the arrest." A San Bernardino County spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. For the record: 10:02 p.m. May 8, 2022: An earlier version of this article said the lawsuit alleges that Officer Ivan Delgadillo Arce created a negative tone for what could have been a negative encounter. The lawsuit says a deadly encounter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The family of a Black woman who bled to death from a routine C-section, after giving birth to a baby boy at Cedars-Sinai, is claiming in a lawsuit that racism played a part in what happened. Video shows Kira Johnson kissing her oldest son goodbye before she headed into the operating room at Cedars-Sinai for a planned C-section on April 12, 2016. Kira died in the operating room, 12 hours after delivering her son Langston. "I trusted this place with the thing in my life that was most precious," her widower, Charles Johnson, said. Johnson stood with his attorneys and community advocates outside Cedars Wednesday after filing a civil rights lawsuit against the hospital. He said Kira would be alive today if she were white. "Because of the things we have learned through this incredibly painful process, there's no doubt in my mind that my wife would be here today and be here Sunday celebrating Mother's Day with her boys if she was a Caucasian woman," Johnson said. He added that doctors found three liters of blood in her abdomen after the C-section. According to the complaint, "The surgery was done recklessly. The time, start to finish, was a mere 17 minutes." Johnson said he pleaded with nurses for hours to get her a CT scan after noticing blood in her catheter, and remembers pleading for help with one nurse in particular. "She said, 'Sir, your wife just isn't a priority right now,'" he said. When Kira did finally get to the operating room, Johnson said it was too late. "When those doors to the operating room closed behind her, that was the last time I saw my wife alive," he said. The widower went on to say that his wife's story is one of many backing up the statistics that Black women are four to six times more likely to die from childbirth in California than white women. His attorneys released what they said was damning employee testimony on the hospital's practices. Story continues "When things go bad, we just ship them to ICU and if they die there, it doesn't count against us," Kimberly Gregory, a nurse at Cedars, said in her deposition. In her deposition video, Angelique Washington, a surgical technologist at Cedars-Sinai, admitted to saying an extra prayer when Black patients came into the hospital. "That has been my creed of my career, that all goes well, because you do have racism," she said. Nick Rowley, with Trial Lawyers for Justice, said the evidence against the hospital is clear. "...and has given us what we need to prove, based on their testimony, their literature, their evidence, that Kira died because she's Black," Rowley said. As for Johnson, he said will not stop fighting for the wife he lost. "I will not be satisfied until every single mother in the United States receives the dignified, safe birthing experience that she deserves." Cedars-Sinai released a statement that read: "Cedars-Sinai was founded on the principals of diversity, inclusion and quality healthcare for all. We reject any mischaracterization of our culture and values. While disparities exist throughout our society, we are actively working to eradicate unconscious bias in healthcare and advance equity in healthcare more broadly. We commend Mr. Johnson for the attention he has brought to the important issue of racial disparities in maternal outcomes. While federal privacy laws prevent us from responding directly about any patient's care, we have a longstanding commitment to making any changes to ensure we provide patients with the highest level of care." Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel on the state's pre-Roe v. Wade abortion law Rep. Adam Schiff on Roe v. Wade, Kevin McCarthy, war in Ukraine Trump Defense secretary on "ridiculous" border plan The leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion this week that would overturn the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade has raised fresh questions about when, if ever, a court ruling can safely be considered settled law. One bedrock of American law is the doctrine of stare decisis, the principle that courts are generally bound to abide by past rulings. Yet the Supreme Court has also left itself wiggle room, repeatedly noting that adherence to precedent is not an inexorable command. The current clash over the fate of Roe is the not the first time the court has wrestled with the tension between deference to past rulings and flexibility to maneuver. Here are five big historical examples of when the Supreme Court has reversed itself. Plessy v Ferguson (overruled by Brown v. Board of Education) The Supreme Court ruled in Plessy V. Ferguson (1896) that race-based segregation was legal, a decision that was not overturned for more than 50 years. The Plessy decision got its name from Homer A. Plessy, who challenged a Louisiana law that created separate rail cars for Blacks and whites, arguing it violated the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause. In the case, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of segregation, so long as it was separate but equal. In 1951, 13 parents, with Oliver Brown named as a plaintiff, sued Topekas Board of Education in Kansas in a direct challenge to the precedent. The court in 1954 ultimately overturned Plessy V. Ferguson, establishing that race-based segregation was unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children, wrote Chief Justice Earl Warren in the unanimous opinion. To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone, Warren continued. Story continues Lochner v. New York (overruled by West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish) The state of New York passed the Bakeshop Act in 1896 in an effort to support labor rights. The law established limits on workday schedules, including a policy barring an employee in a bake shop from working more than 60 hours in a week. Joseph Lochner, the owner of a bakery shop, was charged with violating the law, and he took a case challenging it all the way to the Supreme Court. In Lochner v. New York (1905), the court ruled the law interfered with employer-employee contracts and was government overreach, as well as a violation of the 14th Amendments Due Process Clause. Until 1937, the rule was the law of the land. Courts adhered to the precedent, striking down similar labor cases. West Coast Hotel Co. v. Parrish (1937) brought labor rights into a fresh spotlight. The case concerned a new minimum wage hike from the Washington governments Industrial Welfare Committee and Supervisor of Women in Industry. They raised the minimum wage to $14.50 for each work week of 48 hours for female workers. Elsie Parrish, who worked for West Coast Hotel Company, sued the company for not giving her the new basic minimum wage standard. The Supreme Court, considering whether a minimum wage law violated the Fourteenth Amendments Due Process Clause, ruled it was constitutional to establish a minimum wage law. The ruling ended the Lochner era and the courts long avoidance of regulating business. Bowers v. Hardwick (overruled by Lawrence v. Texas) Michael Hardwick was arrested by a police officer in Georgia in 1982 for sodomy and sued, challenging the states law and naming then-Attorney General Michael J. Bowers in ths suit. The Supreme Court ruled in 1986 that there was no constitutional protection of sodomy and states could outlaw homosexual intercourse. In Lawrence v. Texas (2003), the court reversed the decision entirely. In a 6-3 ruling, justices ruled for John Lawrence, who had been convicted under a sodomy law. The court said making it a crime for two men to have sex violated the Fourteenth Amendments Due Process Clause. The decision would also pave the way toward the landmark 2015 ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S. Wolf v. Colorado (overruled by Mapp v. Ohio) In the 1949 case. Wolf vs. Colorado, Julius A. Wolf, Charles H. Fulton and Betty Fulton were charged with conspiracy to perform an abortion. Wolf challenged the evidence used against him, arguing it was seized illegally and in violation of his Fourth Amendment right. The court, however, said illegally obtained evidence did not have to be excluded from court by default. Years later, Mapp v. Ohio (1961) saw another stunning reversal from Supreme Court precedent. In that case, justices ruled in favor of Dollree Mapp, who was convicted of possessing obscene materials during an illegal police search of her home for a separate investigation into a missing fugitive. Mapp had challenged the case and evidence against her based on a violation of her Fourth Amendment rights. The justices concurred with her argument. The ignoble shortcut to conviction left open to the State tends to destroy the entire system of constitutional restraints on which the liberties of the people rest, wrote Justice Tom Clark in the majority opinion. Having once recognized that the right to privacy embodied in the Fourth Amendment is enforceable against the States, and that the right to be secure against rude invasions of privacy by state officers is, therefore, constitutional in origin, we can no longer permit that right to remain an empty promise, Clark added. Pace v. Alabama (overruled by Loving v. Virginia) Pace V. Alabama (1882) concerned Tony Pace, an African American man, and Mary Cox, a white woman, who were charged with adultery and fornication in Alabama under a law that severely punished interracial relationships. Pace took a legal challenge to the Supreme Court, arguing it violated the Fourteenth Amendments Equal Protection Clause. Justices ruled that Alabamas law was not in conflict with the Constitution, despite more severe punishments levied against African-Americans in violation. In Loving v. Virginia (1967), the Supreme Court reversed that ruling in another case nearly 100 years later. Mildred Jeter, a Black woman, and Richard Loving, a White man, were arrested in Virginia and sentenced to a year in jail for violating a law banning inter-racial marriages. Loving challenged the statute, arguing it was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court agreed. Under our Constitution the freedom to marry, or not marry, a person of another race resides with the individual, and cannot be infringed by the State, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in the majority opinion. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Bloomberg Journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines, who was co-winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for her "courageous fight for freedom of expression," discusses how social media platforms are affecting politics and elections in her country and globally. Philippine voters began casting their ballots in a presidential election that could see the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos take the highest seat of power more than three decades after his father was ousted. Ressa, chief executive officer of Philippine investigate media outlet Rappler, speaks on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia." (There were some connection issues) May 4A Centerville man and former police officer was found guilty of sex charges from his high school years for which a jury in December couldn't reach a verdict. Peyton Kocevar, 24, was convicted Tuesday of two counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. A jury last year found him guilty of one count of rape and not guilty of four counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. He will be sentenced May 17 on the convicted charges from both trials. Kocevar was accused of sexual misconduct involving multiple teens while he was in high school in Centerville and Kettering. The incidents reportedly took place between 2012 and 2016 during the time when he would have been between 14 and 17 years old, Centerville police and prosecutors said. Kocevar in 2019 joined the Waynesville Police Department as a part-time officer. He was fired in 2020 after his indictment. Multiple victims reported Kocevar forced himself on them, according to the prosecutor's office. Kocevar's defense team previously said he denies the accusations. Kocevar had remained free on a $100,000 bond but was taken into custody Tuesday following his conviction and booked into the Montgomery County Jail. Four teenagers charged as adults for a carjacking that left a 73-year-old woman dead pleaded not guilty Wednesday. John Honore, 17; Briniyah Baker, 15; Marquel Curtis, 15, and Lenyra Theophile, 15, have all been charged with the second-degree murder of Linda Frickey, the Orleans Parish District Attorney announced Friday. On March 21, the teens allegedly stole Frickeys car, but she got stuck in her seatbelt when they tried to speed off. Frickey was dragged a block until her arm was severed, according to police. This was one of the most violent carjackings weve ever seen; these young people dragged Mrs. Frickey, severing her arm as they all fled the scene in her car, District Attorney Jason Williams said in a statement Friday. (This) grand jury decision to indict these young people for second-degree murder is fair and ensures they are appropriately held accountable. He also said that trying them as adults would ensure that these young people are appropriately held accountable for taking a life. If convicted, all four will face mandatory life sentences in prison with the possibility for parole after 25 years. Frank Langella is claiming hes a victim of cancel culture, calling his firing from a forthcoming Netflix series over alleged misconduct not just and not American. The 84-year-old actor offered his first public remarks since being fired from The Fall of the House of Usher last month over accusations of unacceptable conduct on set, as first reported by Deadline. In a Thursday letter published in Deadline, Langella wrote, I have been canceled. Just like that. According to Langella, he was forced out of the lead role after performing a love scene with the female co-star who played his wife on the eight-episode series based on an Edgar Allen Poe short story. Both of us were fully clothed. I was sitting on a couch, she was standing in front of me. The director called cut. He touched my leg, said the actress. That was not in the blocking, Langella wrote. She then turned and walked off the set, followed by the director and the intimacy coordinator. I attempted to follow, but was asked to give her some space. I waited for approximately one hour, and was then told she was not returning to set and we were wrapped, the Tony Award winner said. Langella said approximately a week later, he was contacted by phone by a human resources representative. Before the love scene began on March 25, said the questioner, our intimacy coordinator suggested where you both should put your hands. It has been brought to our attention that you said, This is absurd! Yes, I said, I did. And I still think so. It was a love scene on camera. Legislating the placement of hands, to my mind, is ludicrous. It undermines instinct and spontaneity. Being a leading actor, Langella contended, required that he set an example by keeping the atmosphere light and friendly. Langella wrote, Nevertheless, these were some of the allegations: 1. He told an off-color joke. 2. Sometimes he called me baby or honey. 3. Hed give me a hug or touch my shoulder. Story continues You cannot do that, Frank, said our producer. You cant joke. You cant compliment. You cant touch. Its a new order. Langella said he was later fired without being given a hearing with Netflix. A Netflix spokesperson didnt immediately respond to ITKs request for comment. My request to meet one-on-one with the actress was denied. The directors and the producer stopped answering my emails and phone calls. Within 30 minutes of my firing, a letter went out to cast and crew and a full press release was sent immediately. My representatives and I were given no opportunity to comment or collaborate on the narrative, Langella said. He called the impact on his career and reputation incalculable, before railing against cancel culture. Cancel culture is the antithesis of democracy. It inhibits conversation and debate. It limits our ability to listen, mediate, and exchange opposing views, he said. This is not fair. This is not just. This is not American, Langella wrote. Most tragically, he said in his letter, it annihilates moral judgment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Good Morning America Alabama murder suspect Casey White has been interviewed extensively since he was apprehended on Monday, ending an 11-day, multistate manhunt, and is cooperating with the investigation, authorities said. After escaped inmate Casey White, 38, and Lauderdale County Assistant Director of Corrections Vicky White, 56, were spotted at an Evansville, Indiana, hotel on Monday, they led police on a car chase in a Cadillac, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding said. The crash ended in a wreck and Vicky White was hospitalized for injuries from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials said. (Reuters) -The French environment and energy minister, Barbara Pompili, on Thursday said she was confident European Union member states will reach a consensus on how to end Russian oil imports by the end of this week. "Some countries are more dependent on Russian oil than others, and so we must try to find solutions so that they can come on board these sanction," she told France Info radio. "But I think we should be able to do it." France has this week hosted an emergency meeting of EU energy ministers to discuss how to deal with Moscow's decision to halt gas supplies to Bulgaria and Poland for not paying in roubles. The EU has proposed a phased embargo of Russian oil but Europe's complex distribution network and challenges in tracking crude may make it tricky to implement. If implemented, the plan would take effect in six months for crude, and in eight months for diesel and other oil products. It would follow U.S. and British oil bans and be a watershed for the world's largest trading bloc, which remains dependent on Russian energy amid rising civilian casualties in Ukraine. (Reporting by Sarah Morland, editing by Tassilo Hummel and Tomasz Janowski) A friend of accused killer Gary Perry testified Wednesday that he got vague answers when he asked him what happened to their friends, Scott Alex Gaffney and Brennen Julian Fairhead. Gaffney and Fairhead, both 21-years-old, were shot multiple times in the Woodward Lake neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2017. Their bodies were found by neighbors who were startled by a volley of gunshots. Perry, 26, is on trial for their murders, and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if found guilty. Perrys friend Adrian Salazar met with him soon after the killings and was shocked to find out his friends were dead. I asked him what happened, Salazar testified. And he gave me the run around. Then he saw Perry being arrested by police. Detectives questioned Salazar too. They showed him a video taken from a restaurant near the scene of the murders. The person in the video was wearing a puffy jacket with fur in the hood, jeans and bright red sneakers. Witnesses told police the man acted very anxious when he walked in and asked to use the restroom. They asked me if that was Gary Perry and I said yes, Salazar said. Police have accused Perry of shooting and killing his two friends after completing a drug deal near Fresno State on the night of Dec. 14. After the transaction was done, Perry, Fairhead, Gaffney and the person who set up the deal, Michael Rackney, drove back to the Woodward Lake area to drop Rackney off, according to the prosecution. Rackney testified on Tuesday that as he was getting out of Fairheads Honda, Perry began shooting, striking Fairhead first, then Gaffney and finally trying to shoot him. He managed to escape without getting shot, he said during his testimony. Fresno detective Bart Ledbetter testified that Perry used a Glock 26 with an illegal 33-round magazine to shoot the two men. The victims were shot multiple times and were dead by the time neighbors ran to check on them. Shawn Autry, a resident who lives on Grouse Run, is an emergency room nurse who quickly assessed the situation. I approached one victim who was in the middle of the road and who appeared to have head trauma, Autry said. There was no pulse. I then went to the other gentleman on the sidewalk and he had two gsws (gun shot wounds) to his chest. I felt for a pulse and there was none. The trial resumes on Monday in Department 50. Cary Fowler, known as the father of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, was announced Thursday as the food security envoy for the State Department. A statement from the department said the noted agriculturalist will be the U.S. special envoy for global food security, charged with working with allies and partners to tackle food shortages in the U.S. and around the world. Fowlers experience includes working at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Global Crop Diversity Trust. Fowler is beginning his new role as food insecurity is increasingly threatened by climate change, as well as the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and Russias invasion of Ukraine. Groups working on global food security have said the war in Ukraine is expected to have far-reaching impacts on hunger, as the country is known as the breadbasket of Europe for its wheat and grain exports, which supply many countries in Africa and the Middle East. The war in Ukraine is supercharging a three-dimensional crisis food, energy and finance with devastating impacts on the worlds most vulnerable people, countries and economies, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. Fowler will also fill the role of deputy coordinator for diplomacy under the U.S. Agency for International Developments Feed the Future initiative. I will count on Dr. Fowlers strategic vision and advice as we advance efforts with the international community to address the many challenges to global food security, nutrition, and food systems, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. May 4JACKSON The way Mississippi holds its politicians accountable for skirting state campaign finance laws is convoluted with large gaps in the enforcement process. And it appears that won't change anytime soon. Gov. Tate Reeves recently vetoed legislation that would have transferred the power to levy fines against candidates who fail to file campaign finance reports on time from the state Ethics Commission to the Mississippi Secretary of State's office, which helps administer elections. "The potential for abuse of power by the eight member Ethics Commission is far less when juxtaposed with a single elected official who could seek to unscrupulously weaponize the power to further his political ambitions," Reeves wrote in his veto message. Mississippi law requires candidates running for state office to list campaign donations and expenditures over $200 in a report with the Secretary of State's office. But if candidates file that form late or don't file it all, they could get slapped with a hefty fine. The snag in the current process is that it forces three different state organizations the Secretary of State's office, the Attorney General's office and the state Ethics Commission to share responsibilities for issuing fines, leading to a confusing process. This system has led to real money from candidates going uncollected. A Daily Journal analysis in 2021 found that Mississippi candidates owed nearly $150,000 in unpaid fines related to campaign finance reports. Republican Secretary of State Michael Watson, a Republican, is the state's chief elections administrator. He said in a statement that it was unfortunate the governor vetoed the legislation because the reform was needed to streamline the enforcement process. "I believe we should return the penalty assessment power back to an elected official accountable to the public on Election Day, not an administrative body," Watson said. Story continues Within five days of a reporting deadline, Watson's office compiles a list of those who have not filed, notifies them of their failure, and sends the list to the Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission only beings issuing fines on the 10th day after the report is due. An additional $50 fine is added per day the report is late, up to a maximum fee of $500. The commission can waive a fine if the person couldn't file due to a severe health issue or similar unforeseeable problem. Fine payments are deposited into the state's general fund. The Ethics Commission is supposed to send the Mississippi Attorney General's Office a list of people who have not paid their fines after 120 days, and the AG can file a lawsuit "to compel payment," according to the law. Tom Hood, the director of the state Ethics Commission, declined to comment on the governor's veto, but he told the Daily Journal last year that he had not sent the AG's office a list of candidates recently because the commission voted to delay issued fines for violations during the pandemic. It's unclear if the commission has sent the AG's office a recent list of candidates who have failed to file a report. State lawmakers could vote to override the governor's veto the next time they convene. taylor.vance@djournal.com Colin Firth and Toni Collette on HBO's "The Staircase." Courtesy of HBO Max HBO's sensational new drama "The Staircase" premieres Friday, and is based on a real-life story. In 2003, novelist Michael Peterson was convicted of killing his wife Kathleen after a highly-publicized trial. Colin Firth stars on the new show as Peterson, while Toni Collette plays the ill-fated Kathleen. Kathleen Peterson's death at the bottom of a stairwell in 2001 shocked the small North Carolina town where she lived with her husband Michael and eventually led to the gripping documentary "The Staircase," which followed Michael as he was put on trial for and later convicted of Kathleen's murder. "The Staircase" has become a true-crime classic in the years since its release, and now, HBO Max is bringing the tragic case to life once again with its dramatized adaptation of the same name. Starring Colin Firth as Michael and Toni Collette as Kathleen, the new drama premieres Thursday, May 5, and also features Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Turner, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Parker Posey. Here's what to know about the show and the real crime it's based on before watching. Colin Firth and Toni Collette on "The Staircase." Courtesy of HBO Max HBO's version is split between several timelines While the primary focus is on Kathleen's death and Michael's subsequent trial, the show also takes viewers back in time to the months leading up to Kathleen's murder. Her complicated relationship with Michael is portrayed, as well as Michael's failed attempt at a career in local politics. As the drama shows, Kathleen's December 2001 death immediately raised suspicions. Authorities were called to the Peterson home after a frantic 911 call by Michael upon arriving, they found Kathleen unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase in the home, covered in blood. Michael told police that she'd fallen down the steps. Investigators soon identified the former novelist as a person of interest, and Michael later turned himself in after being indicted for Kathleen's murder. Following a lengthy and highly-publicized trial, Michael was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2003. Story continues Colin Firth (center) on HBO's "The Staircase." Courtesy of HBO Max Michael and Kathleen's blended family is portrayed on the show The couple raised five children together: sons Todd and Clayton, from Michael's first marriage to ex-wife Patricia Sue Peterson; Kathleen's daughter Caitlin, from her first marriage to ex-husband Fred Atwater; and their adopted daughters, Martha and Margaret Ratliff. The Peterson and Ratliff families became close while both were living in Germany, and Michael adopted Martha and Margaret after the death of their parents, before marrying Kathleen. On HBO's "The Staircase," Todd and Clayton are played by Patrick Schwarzenegger and Dane DeHaan, respectively, while Olivia DeJonge portrays Caitlin, Sophie Turner plays Margaret, and Odessa Young portrays Martha. And the makings of 'The Staircase' documentary are also shown on HBO's adaptation Shortly after Michael's indictment, a crew of French filmmakers began following Michael and the rest of his family as they navigated the upcoming trial, and the aftermath of Kathleen's death. This later became the real-life docuseries "The Staircase," which is currently available to watch on Netflix. As in the actual documentary, Michael's defense team also makes appearances on the dramatized version, including his attorney David Rudolf (played in the HBO series by Stuhlbarg). HBO's "The Staircase" premieres Thursday. You can watch the trailer below. Read the original article on Insider KABUL (Reuters) - Heavy rain and flooding has killed 22 people, destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged crops in Afghanistan, which is already facing a humanitarian crisis, a disaster management official said on Thursday. The Taliban government, struggling to cope with the disaster that has affected more than a third of its provinces, will approach international relief organisations for help, officials said. "Due to flooding and storms in 12 provinces, 22 people have died and 40 injured," said Hassibullah Shekhani, head of communications and information at Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority. The rain and flooding was particularly severe in the western provinces of Badghis and Faryab and the northern province of Baghlan. Afghanistan has been suffering from drought in recent years, made worse by climate change, with low crop yields raising fears of serious food shortages.The weather has exacerbated problems of poverty caused by decades of war and then a drop in foreign aid and the freezing of assets abroad after the Taliban took over, and U.S.-led forces withdrew, in August. Shekhani said 500 houses were destroyed, 2,000 damaged, 300 head of livestock killed and some 3,000 acres of crops damaged. He said the International Committee of the Red Cross was helping and officials would approach other international organisations for help. The international community is grappling with how to help the country of some 40 million people without benefiting the Taliban. (Reporting by Kabul newsroom; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Robert Birsel) JD Vance, donald trump Eli Hiller/Bloomberg via Getty Hillbilly Elegy author, venture capitalist and first-time Republican candidate J.D. Vance won Ohio's Republican senate primary Tuesday with help of his party's standard-bearer, Donald Trump. The former president gave Vance, 37, his highly influential and sought-after endorsement in April, despite comments Vance had made about Trump during his 2016 presidential run. "I'm a Never Trump guy," Vance said in an interview with Charlie Rose in 2016, according to Politico. "I never liked him." Vance had also called Trump, 75, "unfit for our nation's highest office," "an idiot," "noxious" and "reprehensible," with policies that ranged from "immoral to absurd." Trump, however, let bygones be bygones as Vance, for his part, refashioned himself publicly in the style of the former president, who then backed Vance in a statement and appeared with him at a rally. "Like some others J.D. Vance may have said some not-so-great things about me in the past, but he gets it now, and I have seen that in spades," Trump said in April. "He is our best chance for victory in what could be a very tough race." RELATED: Ron DeSantis Says Implying He Attended the WHCD Where Trevor Noah Ribbed Him 'Is a Lie' THANK YOU OHIO! J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) May 4, 2022 With a little more than 32 percent of the vote, Vance claimed victory over Josh Mandel, a former state treasurer, as well as state Sen. Matt Dolan and others. "I thought this would feel good. It feels even better than I thought it would," Vance told supporters in a victory speech Tuesday. "I have absolutely got to thank the 45th, the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump." Trump called Vance to congratulate him on his win, The Washington Post reports. Story continues Vance will face Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan in November's general election for a seat in the evenly divided Senate, CNN projected. RELATED: Santa Claus of North Pole, Alaska, Is Running Against Sarah Palin and Others for Open House Seat Also in Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine defeated his Republican challengers in the gubernatorial primary. He will now face the winning Democrat, former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley, in November. And President Joe Biden congratulated a candidate he endorsed, Rep. Shontel Brown, who defeated activist Nina Turner in an Ohio rematch between the Democrats on Tuesday. "Shontel Brown's primary victory last night was an important step forward toward building a better Ohio and a better America," Biden said. "I'm proud of Shontel and her demonstrated record of fighting for the people of Ohio, and I thank her for her continued work in service to the American people." In western Michigan, Robert Regan, a Republican candidate for state House District 74, lost the election to Democrat Carol Glanville in what The Detroit Free Press called an "upset." robert regan JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Robert Regan Regan had whipped up intense backlash for a comment he had made about rape during a live event that streamed on Facebook in March, which he has said was misconstrued. When a panelist said it was "too late" to continue challenging the 2020 presidential election results, Regan appeared to insinuate that "if rape is inevitable, you should just lie back and enjoy it." He later clarified the remark on his campaign website, saying it was "intentionally truncated to make it look like I said one thing when in fact I was saying the exact opposite." RELATED: Madison Cawthorn Continues to Face Criticism Amid String of Controversies "Here are my exact words," he said. "'That's kind of like I have three daughters, and I tell my daughters if rape is inevitable, you should just lie back and enjoy it. That is not how we roll. That is not how I won this election. We go right at it.'" And in Indiana, former Vice President Mike Pence's older brother, Rep. Greg Pence, was victorious in his Republican primary on Tuesday. greg pence Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Trump backed the older Pence in his House re-election bid, despite the former president's criticism of his vice president for refusing to participate in a plan to overturn the 2020 election results. "I'll stand by my brother now and forever. I love my brother. I'll stand by him," Greg told CNN in February, after his brother said in a speech that Trump was "wrong" to say the vice president had a right to reject electoral votes presented during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, because of baseless claims of fraud. In endorsing Rep. Pence, Trump did not mention the vice president. "Congressman Greg Pence is doing a great job representing the people of Indiana's 6th Congressional District," Trump wrote. "He is Strong on the Border, Protects Life, Defends the Second Amendment, and Supports our brave Military and Vets. Greg Pence has my Complete and Total Endorsement!" Vesnaandjic / Getty Images When it's time to remodel, many homeowners head to home improvement stores like Lowe's to buy the supplies they need to complete their home projects. It's a smart idea, especially since the right projects can put more money back into your pocket. See: 10 Kitchen Renovations That Will Hurt Your Home's Value Discover: Unplug These Appliances That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill However, home renovation costs can be substantial: The average bathroom remodel alone costs between $6,000 and $35,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Meanwhile, a kitchen remodel ranges from $4,500 to $50,000. If you want to choose the best home renovations, here are several that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when the time comes to sell. yunava1 / Getty Images Remodel the Kitchen "If it's more than 15 years old, upgrading the kitchen floor, cabinetry and appliances to modern standards will net you more money during [the] time of sale," said Joe Polyak, founder and realtor of Rise Homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many families view the kitchen as the center of the home. So, minor kitchen renovations can drastically increase your property's value -- the Remodeling report showed a 65 percent national recoup on average. This renovation can also increase home enjoyment for the entire family. If you have an outdoor kitchen that needs to be renovated, consider updating the appliances. For example, Lowe's offers savings on high-quality appliances. "Outdoor entertaining and grilling go hand in hand," said Jule Eller, director of trend and style at Lowe's. "So bring the heat, and fire up that backyard flavor with a modular grill. You can choose add-ons like a sink, side burners or refrigerator to create a complete outdoor kitchen." Still, renovators should take care not to go overboard with kitchen remodel costs. "Upgrading the appliances to a certain level of luxury -- KitchenAid versus Bosch, for example -- can significantly increase value," said Polyak. "Be careful, though. You don't need to put Wolf appliances in a condo in a blue-collar condo complex. That won't add value." Story continues Options: 6 Alternative Investments To Consider for Diversification in 2022 Tyler Olson / Shutterstock.com Build an Outdoor Deck "This can be a fairly inexpensive project that can add a lot of value in the eyes of potential homebuyers," said Polyak. Specific features tend to vary in popularity by geographic location, and the national average cost for this upgrade is about $10,000 for wood and $17,000 for composite materials, according to Remodeling's report. Of that amount, a homebuyer can hope to recoup about 71% and 65%, respectively. "In Arizona, people like a nice fire pit with a beautiful outdoor area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, they like a nice deck with landscaping," he said. "You can hire someone to do the work, but depending on how handy the homeowner, this can definitely be a fairly inexpensive do-it-yourself project." Tiplyashina Evgeniya / Shutterstock.com Create a Paver Patio You might also consider adding a paver patio to your home. "Building a paver patio or walkway is a simple way to make your landscape more inviting and define an outdoor living space," said Eller. "Best of all, you can install the paving stones yourself. You can also integrate landscape lighting to add ambiance and dimension." Eller recommends purchasing 10 percent more blocks, pavers or stones than you anticipated. "The excess should account for breakage, the material you need to cut and replacements for future repairs," she said. Volodymyr Plysiuk / Shutterstock.com Upgrade Lighting Fixtures Most fixtures can be purchased for a few hundred dollars or less, but when you're working with electrical wires, you'll also want to make sure to bring in a professional. Most homeowners spend about $318 to bring in an electrician, which will increase overall remodeling bills, according to HomeAdvisor. Still, prospective buyers are likely to appreciate the enhanced lighting, making it one of the best home renovations on a budget. You might also want to upgrade your outdoor patio lighting with string lights, lanterns, candles, outdoor table lamps or floor lamps to bring your patio to life. Or, perhaps you have a deck? You'll probably want to upgrade those lights as well. The good news: It won't cost you a lot of money at stores like Lowe's. "From setting a festive mood to offering a soft glow after dark, outdoor lighting is a great way to make your outdoors warm and inviting," said Eller. "Check out these battery-operated LED step lights or these bronze solar LED post lights." karamysh / Shutterstock.com Replace the Entry Door Installing a new steel entry door has the largest cost versus resale value, according to Remodeling's report. It's about a $1,400 project that's likely to boost your home's value by the same amount. Bold colors can always replace a traditional door like a bright yellow and high-gloss black. To make this change buy some inexpensive door and apply paint to it yourself. There are plenty of affordable door options you can find online. ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com Install or Repurpose Flooring "Updated hardwood floors or new carpeting can help sell a home," said John Bodrozic, co-founder of digital home management tool HomeZada. "But a lot of the determination of whether the project pays for itself depends on how much money people put into the project." According to HomeAdvisor, existing carpets can be cleaned for about $174, and the average hardwood refinishing cost is $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Installation of new flooring increases the cost: $1,583 for carpet and $4,397 for wood. However, you can reduce these sums. "If you have the skill or are willing to learn, you can save labor costs if you can do some of the work yourself," said Bodrozic. "If you do hire a contractor, make sure you get three to five bids and make it known to the contractors that they are competing for the business. Depending on the marketing conditions and timing of your project, you could save yourself some money." Volodymyr Plysiuk / Shutterstock.com Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Features "I'm noticing a big trend toward energy-efficient appliances, LED lights and tankless water heaters," said Diana George, a vice president at Century 21 Real Estate Alliance. "These products save homeowners money and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint." A tankless water heater can be installed for about $4,200 in a 2,200-square-foot home, and LED converter bulbs can be bought for about $14 per light, said George. You don't have to wait until you move to reap the financial benefits that accompany an energy-efficient upgrade. A tankless water heater can cut a homeowner's water heating bill by about a fifth each year. A switch from incandescent to LED bulbs, meanwhile, can save a homeowner a surprising $300 per year. Energy-efficient upgrades might not be the most exciting of home improvement projects, but they can have an almost immediate impact on a home's overall bottom line. Kingarion / Shutterstock.com Replace Vinyl Siding It's not everyone's idea of a dream renovation project, but new vinyl siding can dramatically enhance a home's curb appeal, which can make or break a homeowner's prospects when selling on the open market. Newer siding can also help curb heating and cooling costs and reduce occurrences of mold, fungus and mildew. New vinyl siding generally costs around $14,000 and will increase a home's resale value by about $11,000, according to Remodeling. Hintau Aliaksei / Shutterstock.com Remodel a Bathroom "Bath renovations are always worth the money invested," said Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP in Warwick, New York. "If the home has good bones and quality finishes, the home seller will reap most, if not all, of the cost." A homebuyer can expect to pay about $18,000 for a mid-range bathroom renovation and recoup about 65 percent, according to Remodeling. However, making smaller changes can also bring big rewards. "The impact a new light fixture can make can take a house from being dated to feeling new," said Gray-Plaisted. "I find upgrading light fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens to be worth every penny spent." In the end, a home renovation choice is about more than just the value you'll eventually recoup. Consider projects that will keep your home properly maintained, but also that your family will enjoy. A house is more than an investment; it's also the place where your family will build memories for years to come. piovesempre / Getty Images Open the Floor Plan An open floor plan is one of the more sought-after features for homebuyers today. However, older homes typically have many walls and narrow hallways, said Polyak. The good news is that it can be surprisingly inexpensive to knock down a wall and create a more cohesive space. An interior demolition costs about $3,000 on average, according to HomeAdvisor. Even load-bearing walls can be removed, preferably by a skilled contractor who can then place a beam in the ceiling for support. Even with the added home renovation costs, this improvement can still add significant value to a home, said Polyak. Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com Paint the Interior Most homeowners spend between $996 and $2,721 on home interior paint costs, according to HomeAdvisor. At that price point, it's easy to recoup the cost when it's time to sell. Even so, it might be worthwhile to consult a professional before selecting a color. Still, professional advice doesn't have to add to the cost of the project. Many national paint retailers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer free paint consultations. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back Hong Kong has emerged a more unequal city, its freedoms curtailed and international shine dulled after five years with Carrie Lam at the helm, analysts say, as her turbulent leadership draws to an end. Lam, Hong Kong's first woman leader, took office promising to heal divisions and tackle livelihood issues, especially a housing crisis. Her term was instead dominated by massive democracy protests and Beijing's subsequent crackdown, as well as a zero-Covid pandemic strategy that kept the city isolated while rivals reopened. She is on track to depart at the end of June with the lowest approval ratings of any leader since the handover from Britain. In her final policy address last October, Lam described Hong Kong as "much stronger than ever" after China intervened to ensure stability. Her government survived the mass protest movement, but many say she failed to deliver on life improvement pledges -- which even China's leadership says are at the heart of the city's "deep-rooted social conflicts". Last year, 1.65 million Hong Kongers -- nearly one in four -- were living below the government's official poverty line, which for a one-person household means HK$4,400 ($560) a month. This was the highest level since records began 12 years ago. "The grassroots have been very neglected," said Sze Lai-shan, deputy director of the Society for Community Organization. "Sometimes it feels like (the government) is living on a different planet." Even pro-establishment figures have been unimpressed. "You may say (Lam) has been working very hard, but little has been achieved in solving the deteriorating livelihood issues and Hong Kong's deep-rooted conflicts," senior Beijing advisor Lau Siu-kai told AFP. - World's most expensive property - Last July, China's top official on Hong Kong affairs Xia Baolong gave a speech widely seen as a reflection of Beijing's growing impatience with the housing crisis, something every leader since the 1997 handover has failed to solve. Story continues The city, Xia said, must "say goodbye" to cage homes and the tiny shared apartment rooms where some 220,000 Hong Kongers still dwell. Hong Kong has long held the title of the world's most unaffordable housing market, where a study this year showed the median property price is 23 times the median household income. Lam increased public housing supply, more than her predecessors, but demand still outstripped supply with the wait time increasing to six years. Chan Kim-ching, a land-use researcher at the Liber Research Community, said Lam overly prioritised building flats to buy. "By putting home ownership as the goal, it exacerbated the wealth inequality in society," Chan told AFP. "(Lam's) policies do not target those in the greatest need. There is a mismatch." - Exodus - The last two years of Lam's term also witnessed a historic outflow of people -- fleeing either the political crackdown or some of the world's strictest pandemic controls. The departures surged further this year when Hong Kong's zero-Covid policy collapsed as the more transmissible Omicron variant broke through, killing more than 9,000 people, mostly under-vaccinated elderly. A net 160,000 people departed Hong Kong in the first three months of the year. Lam recently acknowledged that the curbs had caused a brain drain among foreign businesses, saying it was an "undeniable fact". Meanwhile, Beijing's ongoing efforts to reshape Hong Kong's political landscape sparked another emigration wave among locals. After the 2019 protests were crushed, China imposed a sweeping national security law that criminalised dissent and transformed the once outspoken city. Police arrested 182 people under the security law. Most of the city's prominent democracy activists are either in jail or have fled overseas. In the annual international press freedom chart released this week by Reporters Without Borders, Hong Kong plummeted from 80th to 148th place. Frances Hui, an activist granted asylum in the United States, described Lam as an "obedient enforcer" of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's agenda. "She accelerated the suppression of freedoms," Hui told AFP. The Hong Kong diaspora is steadily growing in places like Britain, Canada and the United States. "I didn't expect that taking part in activism will lead to me having to seek asylum," Hui said. "That's a reflection of how far Hong Kong has fallen." hol/jta/qan/je HOLLAND Hope College held a celebration for a large class of graduates from its education department Tuesday, coinciding with national Teacher Appreciation Day. The class of 73 graduates presented their teaching portfolios in classrooms around campus before gathering in Maas Auditorium for award presentations and a social. Black River teacher Ericka Foreman (left) speaks about Outstanding Student Teacher Award winner Abigail Hamilton during a celebration of Hope College education department graduates Tuesday, May 3. Education Professor Susan Brondyk congratulated the graduates on their achievement and hard work in going through the program. I am so excited for you and I know how hard you have worked, she said. We are so excited for you as a department. Welcome to the greatest profession in the world. Susan Brondyk, chair of the Hope education department, speaks during an event Tuesday, May 3. Annie Bruebach was recognized for receiving a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach in Bulgaria. Abigail Hamilton was awarded the Outstanding Student Teacher Award for her work at Black River High School this year. More: Hope grads helping address teacher shortage Subscribe: Receive unlimited access to your local news coverage Several soon-to-be graduates spoke with The Sentinel after the event Tuesday and shared what drew them to the field. Madison Tingle, a special education major, said an experience working with students while she was in middle school sparked a passion for education. That was the first experience I had that made me realize the power of education, Tingle said. How it can open doors for anyone, how its an opportunity for everyone if youre doing it in the right way. When you have a passion for working with kids or young people and you know theres an opportunity there to help them grow, you have to chase it. The Hope College education department celebrated a class of 73 graduates Tuesday, May 3. Gina Lynch shared the joy in seeing young learners be excited to discover new things. Im in early childhood education, Lynch said. They just get so excited about learning. It never gets old for them. I love seeing their passion, because it makes me really passionate about it, too. Alec Driscol, who plans to teach social studies at the secondary level, wants to make a difference for students. Story continues I wanted to do something where I could make an impact on kids, on people, said Driscol, who noted he considered several majors. Education is a powerful means in everything in our society today. To be a part of that and find a way to build those relationships and be part of something bigger is ultimately the goal there. Sara Hoeve, director of student teaching and teacher certification at Hope College, highlighted Annie Bruebach for earning a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship during a Tuesday, May 3, event. The future teachers acknowledged managing behaviors and focusing on social and emotional learning as challenges for new teachers. Especially with the young ones, I think COVID has affected their ability to regulate their emotions, Lynch said. They havent had as many social experiences as before. Weve had to be very explicit about social emotional learning. The Hope College education department celebrated a class of 73 graduates Tuesday, May 3. For me, the biggest thing for me this semester has been behavior management, Driscol said. Its learning how to set that boundary between building those positive relationships, but also being the authority figure and being able to set those clear expectations. The highlights for each, throughout their student teaching and other department experiences, have been building relationships and helping students grow. The highlights are the relationships with kids, Tingle said. Getting to know them, getting to see them grow is just wonderful. Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Hope College celebrates large class of future teachers An image has been widely shared on social media in Kenya alongside a claim that it shows Deputy President William Ruto grinning while viewing the body of Kenyas third president Mwai Kibaki in Nairobis parliament building. But the photo has been digitally altered; the original image published by Kenyan media does not show Ruto grinning. The post, captioned Ruto laughing at kibaki body (sic), was published on Facebook on April 26, 2022. On the same day, it was published on Twitter where it has been retweeted more than 60 times. Screenshot showing the false post, taken on May 3, 2022 The image was also shared in other Facebook posts (here and here). Some of the posts on Facebook featured a screenshot of a now-deleted tweet by political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi. Who SMILES with all 32 TEETH when the nation is MOURNING? The BROKE man is LYING, the tweet read. Ngunyi, a popular online influencer, has expressed support for Rutos political rival Raila Odinga. Kenya is preparing to hold general elections in August 2022, with Odinga and Ruto seen as front-runners in the presidential race. Kibaki served as Kenyas third president from 2002 to 2013, taking over from more than two decades of authoritarian rule by Daniel Moi. He died on April 21, 2022, at the age of 90. Kibakis rule saw the most violent election in Kenyas history when more than 1,100 people died in ethnic clashes following the disputed December 2007 polls. However, he also oversaw the adoption of a new constitution with reforms aimed at preventing such conflicts. Kibaki's body lay in state at parliament for three days for public viewing before he was buried in Othaya, Nyeri county on April 30, 2022. But the photo shared in the posts has been digitally manipulated to create the impression that Ruto was grinning during a moment of mourning. No laughing matter AFP Fact Check found no evidence of Ruto smiling while paying his last respects to Kibaki. A reverse image search conducted by AFP Fact Check found the original version of the photo published on the Capital News website on April 25, 2022. Story continues Screenshot showing the original image posted on the Capital News website, taken on May 3, 2022 A closer examination shows that Rutos image was digitally manipulated and his head replaced with a photo in which he is grinning. Comparison screenshots of the altered image (L) and the original picture Video clips broadcast by local Kenyan news organisations (here and here) also show Ruto without a grin while respectfully passing Kibakis body. Good Morning America Melissa Gilbert might have more in common with her "Little House on the Prairie" character than fans realize. The 58-year-old actress, who played Laura Ingalls Wilder on the beloved series, which first aired in 1974, opened up to "Good Morning America" on Tuesday about embracing the aging process and finding love later in life. Gilbert recalled how she and husband Tim Busfield, whom she married in 2013, said goodbye to Hollywood to live in "a very rural part of Michigan" for five years before ultimately settling in upstate New York, where they now reside and are enjoying a "sweeter, simpler, more comfortable life." JERUSALEM (AP) If, during your travels in the Holy Land, you decide to take the next step with your Palestinian sweetheart, you should notify the Israeli military within 30 days. That's what it says on page 30 of a new 97-page policy released by COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank. The policy, set to take effect later this year, specifies that the "start of the relationship" is the engagement, the wedding or when you move in together. The wide-ranging policy imposes new restrictions on foreigners who marry Palestinians or who come to the West Bank to work, volunteer, study or teach, further extending Israel's nearly 55-year military rule into nearly every corner of Palestinian life. The rules do not apply to people visiting Israel or the more than 130 Jewish settlements scattered across the West Bank. Its outrageous that the Israeli military thinks it can micromanage Palestinian society to this extent, to decide whos qualified to teach at a university, who is entitled to have foreign volunteers," said Jessica Montell, director of the Israeli human rights group HaMoked. Her group filed a legal petition with lengthy objections to the policy, leading Israeli authorities to delay its implementation from May 20 until early July. The policy could also anger the United States, which has long refused to enter into a visa waiver program with Israel, in part because Israel treats Palestinian-Americans differently than other U.S. citizens. The State Department said it was studying the new procedures and engaging with Israeli authorities to understand their applications. COGAT said the procedures formalize the application process and expand the range of permitted purposes for entering the area. It said the procedures are part of a two-year pilot program and that certain parts are already being re-assessed. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, and Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. The new policy refers to the territory as Judea and Samaria, the biblical name favored by Israeli nationalists, including Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who consider it the historical heartland of the Jewish people. Story continues Palestinians from abroad who wish to visit the West Bank would have to list the names and ID numbers of family members and say whether they themselves own property in the West Bank or stand to inherit any. Many fear that could pave the way for their land to be seized by settlers. Its like youre informing on your own family or friends that you visit. You could be giving information that would pave the way for Israel to steal your property, said Ahmed Abofoul, an international lawyer with the Al-Haq human rights group. The policy would limit the number of visiting professors to 100 and the number of students to 150. A visiting lecturer would need to convince an Israeli military official that she contributes significantly to academic learning, to the Areas economy, or to advancing regional cooperation and peace," the policy says. In 2020, 366 European students and faculty secured grants to study or teach in the West Bank through the EU's Erasmus+ exchange program. More than 1,800 Israelis studied in Europe under the same program that year. The EU representative office in Jerusalem declined to comment on the new procedures. COGAT said the quotas apply to teachers and students who want to stay longer than one semester and will be re-evaluated from time to time. Nearly all foreigners, including those in the private sector, would be forced to leave after 27 months and then wait another nine months before re-applying for entry. They would be limited to a total of five years in the territory, making long-term employment virtually impossible. Volunteers approved by the Israeli military could come for 12 months, but would then have to wait another year before applying for re-entry. Birzeit University, one of the main institutions of higher education in the West Bank, said the policy puts Palestinian universities under siege and divests them of basic control over their academic decisions. The rules do not apply to Israeli institutions, including Ariel University, which is built in a sprawling settlement deep inside the West Bank. For thousands of foreigners who have married Palestinians and started families in the West Bank, the policy threatens to further complicate an already precarious life in which they could be separated from their families at any time. Israel, which controls the population registry, rarely approves residency applications submitted through the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank. Under the new rules, most foreign spouses would only be able to enter the West Bank on visitor permits valid for three to six months. Then they would have to leave for six months no matter if they have jobs or children in school. A small number may qualify for spousal permits renewable for up to 27 months. California-born Morgan Cooper has been navigating the system for nearly 20 years, first as a teacher at Birzeit and then as the wife of a Palestinian and the mother of their two children. She applied for residency five and a half years ago, after her first child was born. But the application is still pending and she still relies on temporary visas approved by Israel's military to remain with her family. Travel is never easy she can recount story after story of permit delays, last-minute flight changes and being stranded in Jordan and her return is never guaranteed. You normalize occupation," Cooper said, because if you don't, it will overwhelm your mind with how unjust and absurd and cruel it is." "This machine that is Israeli occupation is constantly shifting the way it works, and those rules are rarely published to us, and theyre never clear." On several occasions, Israeli border officers have suggested that she and her family, all of whom have American citizenship, simply move to the United States. Palestinians say that's the whole purpose of these rules to force them out. Even under the current system, Cooper could be deported and barred from returning at any time for overstaying her visa, for alleged security violations, or at the discretion of COGAT. When I travel out, I leave my home as if Im not ever coming back, as if I can call somebody and say heres where I put my valuables," she said. "Heres my valuable papers, heres jewelry I want, and please send me my aunts hand-made quilt. Its all together. By Gavin Jones ROME (Reuters) - An Italian parliamentary panel has opened an investigation into "disinformation" on television amid a heated debate over the frequent appearance of Russian guests on the country's news programmes during the war in Ukraine. The Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (Copasir) which oversees the intelligence services, said on Wednesday it had summoned the heads of Italy's state TV network, state security agency and communications watchdog. The panel said it was looking into "foreign interference and disinformation activity ... with particular reference to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine". Prime Minister Mario Draghi has taken a tough line on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 but opinion polls show that in Italy - unlike in Europe's other G7 states Britain, France, and Germany - there is little public support for sending weapons to Ukraine. Italy's public broadcaster RAI as well and its four main private channels regularly host Russian journalists on their talk shows to debate with their Italian counterparts about the war, an approach that has heightened divisions in the country. While some commentators say it is right to hear both sides of the conflict, others condemn giving air space to what they call Russian "propagandists". The dispute has intensified since Sunday, when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov chose Italy's private channel Rete 4 to give his first interview with a European television network since the invasion began. Critics said the interviewer failed to challenge or interrupt Lavrov enough. Some said the Russian minister should not have been interviewed at all. Draghi himself weighed into the debate the following day, saying the interview was "not much good". Italy has no tradition of aggressive television interviews with politicians. Some pundits and experts have begun refusing to participate on talk shows in protest at space being given to what they define as Russian propaganda. Story continues Nathalie Tocci, head of Italy's Institute for International Affairs, on Tuesday declined to appear on a programme because a fellow guest was from Russia's defence ministry, saying she was "not willing to become an accomplice to disinformation". On the other hand Lucio Caracciolo, one of Italy's most prominent geopolitical experts and founder of Limes, a respected world affairs journal, continues to make daily talk-show appearances on private channel La7. Caracciolo dismissed the Copasir investigation as "a joke," saying "if we want to take it seriously we would have to think they want to set up a Ministry of Truth". Moscow says the Western media have provided an excessively partial narrative of the war. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" to disarm Ukraine and protect it from fascists. Ukraine and the West say the fascist allegation is baseless and the war is an unprovoked act of aggression. (Editing by Frances Kerry) John Bolton, who served as former President Donald Trumps national security adviser during the height of Venezuelas presidential crisis in early 2019, said that the one-term president was right to try and overthrow the Maduro regime. The former national security advisers remarks were delivered on Thursday while he addressed an audience of young conservatives at an event organised by the American Enterprise Institute, a right-wing Washington, DC-based think tank where Mr Bolton serves as a senior fellow, Politico first reported. [Trump] was right to try and overthrow the Maduro regime, Mr Bolton reportedly said, according to Politicos Alex Ward. I have absolutely no regrets about that. My only regret is we didnt succeed, although we came close. Mr Bolton also added that hed thought that regime change in North Korea wouldve been slightly easier than the Latin American country because South Korea, a strong military ally of the US, could instal a government that could run the peninsula. Throughout his tenure as president, Mr Trump often found himself at odds with his hawkish national security adviser when it came to foreign quagmires, particularly so when it came to the situation of President Nicolas Maduro and the crisis in Venezuela in early 2019. John Bolton: Was right to try & overthrow the Maduro regime in Venezuela. I have absolutely no regrets about that. My only regret is we didn't succeed, although we came close. Also said regime change in North Korea slightly easier bc govt in South Korea could run peninsula. Alex Ward (@alexbward) May 5, 2022 In January 2019, the US became the first of what would later become 60 countries around the world to back the national assembly leader Juan Guaido as the countrys interim president following his assertion of legitimacy. The crisis arose after the 2018 re-election results for embattled president Maduro, who remains in power through support from the nations powerful military, were largely branded as fraudulent, both by the international community and the countrys assembly. Story continues In his personal memoir, The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir, from his time within the Trump administration, Mr Bolton similarly expressed his frustrations with Mr Trumps dithering on the Venezuela file, noting that he at one point even contemplated an all-out embrace of Maduro. For his part, Mr Trump openly bashed Mr Bolton for his interventionist stance while the two were still employed in the White House and held his former national security adviser partially responsible for the failure of the US-backed effort to oust Mr Maduro from office. With the change of administration, the sanctions that Mr Trump levied against Venezuela in an effort to put pressure on Mr Maduro remain in place under the Biden administration, while Mr Guaido, who just rung in another year as acting president, remains no closer to gaining any official control of the nation. At the same Thursday AEI event, Mr Bolton also quipped that the former presidents geopolitical strategies were near non-existent, saying he didnt have a foreign policy but neuron reactions. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy standing behind then-President Donald Trump. Alex Wong/Getty Images New audio shows House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy privately discussing Trump's responsibility for Jan 6. He opposed evoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump, saying it would take "too long." In public, McCarthy has presented himself as an adamant Trump ally and downplayed Jan 6. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said he opposed removing then-President Donald Trump from office under the 25th Amendment in the wake of the Capitol riot because it would "take too long," according to new audio published by CNN. In the January 8, 2021, call with Republican House leadership, McCarthy is heard describing Trump's actions on January 6 as "atrocious and totally wrong" but saying he was opposed to impeaching him. The audio is one of a series released by the New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns and described in their new book, "This Will Not Pass," which chronicles the tumultuous end of the Trump presidency. In the call, a House GOP staffer is heard saying that Democrats were divided about what to do, and some were discussing seeking to invoke the 25th Amendment. "That takes too long too. It could go back to the House, right?" McCarthy said, according to the audio. Under the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, the vice president and cabinet have the power to remove the president from office if they are "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." However, the president can object to the removal, and refer the issue to Congress where a two-thirds majority from both chambers must ratify the decision for the removal to go ahead. The 25th Amendment has never been used in US history. At the time of the conversation, the country was reeling in the aftermath of the Capitol attack, and lawmakers had expressed concern that Trump could abuse his office during his remaining two weeks in power to stir further chaos. McCarthy also expressed opposition to impeaching Trump, saying that it would further divide the nation. Story continues "The only best way, I think, for everybody as Americans moving forward is to focus on the future, not the past, trying to bring us together," McCarthy said. "And I do think the impeachment divides the nation further and continues the fight even greater." Trump was eventually impeached for the second time by the Democratic-controlled House over his role in the riot, but was acquitted when the Senate did not meet the two-thirds majority vote required to convict. As Trump's popularity with GOP voters has held firm after his presidency, McCarthy has presented himself as one of his most loyal allies, and has opposed the House commission investigating Trump's role in instigating the riot. McCarthy is seeking to become House speaker if the Republican Party wins control of the lower chamber in November's midterms. Yet, as previous recordings have made clear, McCarthy believed in the immediate wake of the riot that Trump was to blame and at one point told House Republicans that he was going to urge Trump to resign. McCarthy visited Trump last week at Mar-a-Lago in a show of loyalty in response to the revelations, with the former president having sought to punish other Republicans who have criticized him over the Capitol attack. Read the original article on Business Insider Gennadiy Fuzaylov Gennadiy Fuzaylov/Facebook Gennadiy Fuzaylov Boston physician Dr. Gennadiy Fuzaylov is on a mission to help the war-wounded children of Ukraine access vital medical care even if he has to bring them across the ocean to do it. "So far I have been able to bring five kids to the U.S.," Dr. Fuzaylov, who works out of Massachusetts General Hospital and Shriner's Hospital in Boston, tells PEOPLE. It is, he believes, "the first effort to treat injured patients during the conflict," as opposed to those with long-term conditions such as cancer. "The kids came from Mariupol, Lviv, Kyiv and Mykolaiv, so four different cities," Fuzaylov adds about his patients, who range in age from 1 to 18 and have a mixture of domestic and war-related injuries, he says. RELATED: Russian Attack on Ukraine Theater Killed 600, Investigation Finds 'They Thought They Were Safe' Gennadiy Fuzaylov Gennadiy Fuzaylov/Facebook Gennadiy Fuzaylov with a colleague and patient "One of them I was able to bring to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and four are here in our hospital in Massachusetts," he says. "It is a very complicated evacuation path. Two of the children in our hospital were bombed on their way to the airport. Their car was bombed. They were terrified and just so glad to have finally reached the aircraft." Now that the children are in the U.S., "They feel safe, they feel taken care of," says Fuzaylov. "They feel like God has taken them away from hell." Yet it's not just the physical wounds of the patients that Fuzaylov and his team are having to treat. As minors, the children have all traveled to the U.S. with their mothers to ensure they always have close family nearby. Having also lived through the horrors of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, however, the moms need care of their own. RELATED: How a 17-Year-Old California Girl Raised $20,000 for Ukrainian Students and Their Teacher Story continues Gennadiy Fuzaylov Gennadiy Fuzaylov/Facebook One of Fuzaylov's air ambulances "So along with treating the kids we're also providing comfort for mothers who have escaped the war and the bombing, and the ritual of having to get your family inside a shelter multiple times a day just to remain safe," Fuzaylov explains. Once the medical treatment is completed Fuzaylov estimates it'll take between one and four months for each patient, depending on the type and severity of the injury the kids and their moms will return home to their families in Europe so they can rebuild their lives in countries such as Poland and Romania. This level of support doesn't come cheap, however: To facilitate the health care for the refugees, Fuzaylov has so far relied on the generosity of donors to pay the estimated $90,000 cost of flying a wounded child from Ukraine to the U.S. For two children the cost is even higher, at up to $150,000 per flight, Fuzaylov says. "It is a lot of money, but if they need medical assistance and are not stable then they need to be supervised by a physician and nurses," he says. "A regular airline will not accept them either because of their medical condition. RELATED VIDEO: Ukraine Nurse Who Lost Legs in Blast Dances With Husband During Wedding Ceremony Gennadiy Fuzaylov Gennadiy Fuzaylov/Facebook One of Fuzaylov's patients "For instance, the kid I brought to Georgia was successfully airlifted with a blast injury from Mariupol. He had multiple fixators on his extremities, so they were not able to fit him in a small aircraft," Fuzaylov says. "Basically, his fixators were too big, so we couldn't just put him on a regular stretcher." To continue this work of helping children who can't currently access medical care, Fuzaylov now hopes to create a network of hospitals across the U.S. that can provide vital treatment. He's also aiming to extend the reach of the non-profit Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, which he co-founded in 2005 when a young Ukrainian girl came to Shriners Hospital for treatment on burn injuries she sustained in a fire while saving her younger sister. Since then, the DCTOHC has coordinated the treatment of multiple child burn victims both in the Ukraine and the U.S., with Fuzaylov most recently visiting the country in February 2022, just before the Russians launched their invasion. As with his most recent initiative, the injured kids all receive treatment in the U.S. free of charge. At the same time Dr. Fuzaylov is also motivated to help because he believes Ukraine is now on the cusp of a major health crisis created by the combination of widespread injuries and a devastated healthcare system, he says. "I don't know where the kids in Ukraine currently get treated, because the Ukrainians do not have the capacity at the moment to develop a full picture of what's going on," he says. "There are not a lot of sick or injured Ukrainian kids following the refugee paths to Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. But after 71 days of war there should be far, far more." That alone is a worrying sign. "Kids are currently living in the occupied or blocked areas, and as soon as these areas are unblocked there will be a huge flow of injured and sick children needing help," Fuzaylov says. "We hope that more hospitals will participate in helping them because it's going to be a huge crisis with tens of thousands of patients of all ages needing care. "I know the resources are strained everywhere but hopefully more hospitals and physicians will be able to help," he adds. "People need to see the hope and these kids need help." The Russian attack on Ukraine is an evolving story, with information changing quickly. Follow PEOPLE's complete coverage of the war here, including stories from citizens on the ground and ways to help. Some Charlotte banks recently reduced their number of branches in the area, while smaller local players are still looking to expand. The citys biggest bank, Bank of America, is shrinking its local footprint with a handful of permanent branch closures. Others, like JP Morgan Chase, are rapidly adding locations, hoping to build their customer base here. A DEEPER LOOK: Why incoming Fifth Third CEO called North Carolina one of the banks most important investments These changes reflect broader industry trends where branches are becoming less critical for customers thanks to digital banking options but remain valuable for boosting retail business in a new location. Most (banks), when they look at their branch networks, they want to be smaller, said Nathan Stovall, a Charlotte-based banking analyst with S&P Global. Those who are adding are going to new markets. Thats why youll see more new locations from Chase, which holds less than 1% of all deposits in the metro area, than Bank of America, which controls nearly two-thirds of the market. Heres which locations are closing and where new branches are popping up so far in 2022. Which bank branches are closing in Charlotte? Bank of America makes up the bulk of permanent Charlotte branch closures so far this year. Its filed paperwork with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency related to five local branches. The bank is permanently closing three local branches that had been temporarily shuttered for two years during the COVID pandemic and never reopened: 9700 Monroe Road, Charlotte 4415 Sharon Road, Charlotte 1530 Providence Road South, Waxhaw Employees at those branches have already been relocated to other bank locations. Bank of America has already permanently closed a couple other branches this year, including the branch at 3021 Prosperity Church Road in January, and the branch at 6611 Carmel Road last month. The Carmel Road location was also closed in the early months of the pandemic. Story continues The closures are part of a plan put in place well before the pandemic to optimize Bank of Americas branch and ATM networks, the bank told The Charlotte Observer in a statement. Bank of America made a handful of other closures in Charlotte and elsewhere in North Carolina late last year. Customers are interacting with the bank online 90% of the time,the bank said. It also considers activity levels and proximity to other locations before closing a branch. And a handful of shuttered locations only make a small dent in the banks extensive branch network here: according to its website, Bank of America still has 46 branches in Charlotte. Wells Fargo is also permanently closing the branch at its Customer Information Center campus in north Charlotte. Similar to some Bank of America closures, the branch shut down during the pandemic and will not reopen. Truist, the Charlotte-based combination of SunTrust and BB&T, also closed branches in the first quarter of the year, the bank confirmed earlier this year. Those merger-related branch consolidations, which resulted in 15 local branch closures, wrapped up in March. Where are bank branches opening? While hometown banks like Truist and Bank of America are shrinking their local footprint, smaller competitors are adding locations. JP Morgan continued its rapid expansion through the metro area in the first few months of the year. As of November, the bank had 13 branches here that number was zero just over two years ago. LOOK BACK: JP Morgan opens its first branch in Charlotte, directly across from Bank of America HQ Its adding four more locations, according to this years OCC filings. Theyre at: 13733 Conlan Circle in Charlotte 187 Williamson Road in Mooresville The intersection of Brookshire Boulevard and Smith Farm Road in Charlotte 1255 Concord Parkway in Concord The Conlan Circle and Concord Parkway branches opened this year, the bank confirmed. The others dont have an opening date yet. Branches remain incredibly important, Racquel Oden, JP Morgan Chases head of market expansion, said in a statement. Were proud to continue our expansion into Charlotte. Other banks adding branches here include U.S. Bank, which is opening in SouthPark mall at 4525 Sharon Road. The date of that branchs debut has not been determined. U.S. Bank has been slowly growing its retail presence in Charlotte. What about temporary closures? During the coronavirus pandemic, a number of branches temporarily closed due to COVID outbreaks, staff shortages or other reasons, to some customers surprise. Although COVID cases have been waning, theres still a chance you could stop by your bank branch to find it closed for the day. The citys largest banks said temporary closures still happen occasionally but theyre less frequent and arent always related to the virus. Currently, branch closings may be related to an array of business-as-usual reasons and not specifically to COVID, Truist said in a statement to the Observer. Bank of America added that temporary closures have occurred in areas where were seeing fewer visits; or where our staffing is not sufficient for all to remain open. And Wells Fargo said that although it experienced temporary closures late last year during the omicron wave, the vast majority of branches are open today. Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Truist all have an online branch locator tool that can be used to check if your location is open before visiting. And those banks have dozens of other locations across the city. Linda Coffee, a lawyer who represented Jane Roe in the landmark Roe v. Wade case, warned it would be a giant step backward in American history if the Supreme Court decided to remove a constitutional right to privacy, including as it relates to a persons right to seek an abortion. My co-counsel Sarah Weddington and I forged for American women the right to privacy, not just in abortion law, but in all parts of ones personal life, Coffee wrote in The New Republic on Wednesday. Unless the court decides to strike down harsh state laws restricting abortion, Coffee noted, the federal standard established with Roe will likely no longer hold. As a result, after half a century of the freedom to exercise their constitutional right to privacy, women who desire an abortion will need to travel to abortion-friendly states, trips that will cost time, money, and emotional turmoiltrips that some will not be able to make, Coffee wrote. People from marginalized groups who have limited access to health care will be most affected if the Supreme Court overturns Roe, according to data reviewed by The Associated Press. But perhaps most important, the loss of the right to privacy and the ability of American women to make their own decisions about pregnancy signifies a loss of dignity. It is a giant step backward in American history, Coffee wrote. Oklahoma became the latest red state to limit abortion this week. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the Oklahoma Heartbeat Act, which bans abortion at around six weeks or after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The Supreme Court has not officially announced its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which is based on a Mississippi law that bans abortion at 15 weeks. But a leaked draft of the majority opinion authored by Justice Samuel Alito shows the court is poised to strike down both Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a later ruling on abortion rights. Roe was egregiously wrong from the start, Alito wrote in the draft, which Politico published Monday . We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives. Story continues President Joe Biden said Wednesday that such a ruling would have far-reaching consequences. This is about a lot more than abortion, Biden said. The idea that somehow there is no right of privacy ... What happens if you have a state that changes the law, saying that children who are LGBTQ cant be in classrooms with other children? Coffee echoed Bidens worries about what constitutional rights could be attacked next. What other freedoms will Americans see retracted if the right to privacy ends in America? Coffee wrote. We must think fast and deeply about what it means to undermine this and any right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitutionbefore its too late. Read Coffees full piece in The New Republic here. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... The leader of Haitis 400 Mawozo gang, which claimed responsibility last year for kidnapping a group of missionaries, has been charged in the United States along with three others. Joly Yonyon Germine, 29, Eliande Tunis, 43, Jocelyn Dor, 29, and Walder St. Louis, 33, are each facing counts of smuggling, money laundering and conspiracy, the Justice Department announced Wednesday. While Germine has been imprisoned in Haiti since 2018, the Justice Department said he has been running the 400 Mawozo gang from behind bars via unmonitored cell phones. The gang leader, who is a Haitian national, was extradited on Tuesday to the United States Dor and St. Louis are also Haitian nationals while Tunis is a U.S. citizen. All three live in Florida and were taken into custody in October and November 2021. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to a newly unsealed indictment from last year, Germine ordered the group to purchase a range of firearms including rifles, shotguns and pistols to send to Haiti in support of the 400 Mawozo gang. The men obliged, according to the Justice Department, shipping the weapons in barrels packed full of other items like clothes, shoes, and Gatorade. Germine is additionally accused of communicating with another Haitian national and a leader of 400 Mawozo, who was identified only as Individual 2. He has allegedly claimed responsibility for kidnapping 17 Canadian and American missionaries in October 2021. One Canadian and 16 Americans were captured last year by the 400 Mawozo gang in Croix-des-Bouquets, a northeast suburb outside the nations capital city of Port-au-Prince, which is part of the region controlled by the kidnappers. The group, made up of 12 adults and five children, including an 8-month-old, had just visited an orphanage as part of their mission work through Christian Aid Ministries. In wake of their abduction, gang members demanded $17 million $1 million per person in exchange for their safe return. The first two hostages were released in November and another three were freed in early December. Later the same month, the remaining 12 hostages were freed. Its not clear whether any of the funds were paid. American apparel company Levi Strauss & Co has joined a growing list of organisations pledging to support their employees as the US Supreme Court is set to announce a verdict that could overturn the Roe v Wade decision that legalised abortion rights. Levi Strauss & Co on Wednesday expanded its current medical benefits to allow reimbursment of travel expenses for full and part time employees who would need to travel to other states for health care services, including those pertaining to abortion. Given what is at stake, business leaders need to make their voices heard and act to protect the health and well-being of our employees. That means protecting reproductive rights, the company said in a statement. Under our current benefits plan, Levi Strauss & Co employees are eligible for reimbursement for healthcare-related travel expenses for services not available in their home state, including those related to reproductive health care and abortion, it added. Many other US companies, including Amazon, Apple, HP and Yelp, are offering similar benefits amid growing anger over the Supreme Courts forthcoming final ruling on the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade case that legalised rights to abortion. The upcoming decision has dominated headlines and stirred protests because a draft of a Supreme Court majority opinion on the decision had leaked on Monday that suggested the conservative-controlled court is poised to overturn the 1973 ruling. A final ruling, however, is not expected until late June or July. We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled, Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito wrote in the document obtained by Politico, labelled as the Opinion of the Court. The nearly 100-pages-long draft also added: It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives. Levi Strauss has pushed back against the potential restriction on womens reproductive rights, by saying restriction or criminalisation of access to women to abortion will jeopardise that progress and disproportionately affect women of colour, putting their well-being at risk and impeding diverse hiring pipelines. Story continues Women in some states would have fewer rights than women in others, and our country would be consigned to a more unjust and inequitable future, it added. Moreover, companies would need to have different health policies for different locations including coverage for time off and travel across state lines to ensure employees can access reproductive health care. If the ruling goes forward and Roe v Wade is overturned, the law to access abortion will be left to individual states discretion, unless Congress codifies the right on a national level. Amazon, the USs second-largest private employer, has told employees it will cover up to $4,000 in travel expenses yearly for non-life threatening medical treatments, with elective abortions among them. Yelp, an online review platform, said it will cover expenses for its employees and dependents who need to travel to another state for abortion services starting from May. May 4Minnesotans for Pipeline Cleanup (MPC) is urging property owners along the route of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline to contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to ensure the pipeline's proper decommissioning, whenever that day may come. According to a release, the landowners should "request that Enbridge be required to set up an adequate pipeline decommissioning fund so those who own the property are not financially liable when the pipeline eventually stops operation." "Late last year, the PUC opened docket CN-21-823 to take comments about how much funding Enbridge should set aside for the abandonment of the new Line 3 pipeline," the release said. "But broad public awareness among landowners along the new Line 3 route is lacking." However, according to Juli Kellner, Enbridge communications specialist, the company is in regular contact with landowners and has no intentions of leaving any decommissioning costs to landowners now or in the future. "Enbridge builds and maintains its pipeline system as a long-life asset," Kellner explained. "Enbridge is responsible for its pipelines, whether they are in operation or not." She explained that when a pipeline is "decommissioned" it is taken out of service safely and permanently after oil is removed. The pipe is then thoroughly cleaned, remaining in place while other existing or new pipelines in the same right-of-way continue to provide service to end users. "Enbridge uses the same monitoring program in place for active pipelines as we do for decommissioned pipelines," she added. "Enbridge remains responsible and monitors the decommissioned pipe in perpetuity at no cost to the landowner." The Canadian government has required Enbridge to set aside $1.3 billion to pay for any costs related to decommissioning the pipeline, but currently, there is not a fund in place in the U.S. According to Kellner, in its order approving a certificate of need for the Line 3 Replacement Project, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission directed Enbridge to create and fund a trust for the decommissioning of the pipeline and Enbridge is committed to the establishment of the decommissioning trust. Story continues "It's an ongoing relationship, it's not just a one and done kind of thing for us," Kellner said. "Due to the novelty and complexity of this issue," MPC says that landowners should request that the PUC initiate a contested case hearing and require that Enbridge notify all easement holders about this docket. Unless a contested case is called, landowners have until May 19 to submit comments on the size and terms of the trust fund. Comments to the PUC must include the docket number 21-823 and can be submitted online at mn.gov/puc/consumers/public-comments , by email at publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us or by mail to the Public Advisor at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101. (AFP via Getty Images) Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah said they have a score to settle with Real Madrid after the Spanish side set up a repeat of their 2018 Champions League final by securing a comeback win against Manchester City on Wednesday. Salah left the field in tears in the final four years ago following a heavy fall under a challenge by Sergio Ramos, with Real going on to clinch the title with a 3-1 victory. We have a score to settle, Salah posted on social media after Real eliminated City 6-5 on aggregate. Liverpool claimed their place in the final with a 5-2 win over two legs against Villarreal on Tuesday, with Salah saying that he was eager to face Real again. I want to play Madrid, the Egyptian told BT Sport. We lost in the final against them, so I want to play against them and hopefully win it from them as well. Liverpool, who trail City by a point in the Premier League, host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Reuters Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable presides over a Star Wars themed wedding for Julie Samuels and Jared Bernstein of Beachwood on Wednesday at the Highland Theater in Akron. For Julie Samuels and Jared Bernstein, the wedding march was a bit played out. Instead, the couple walked down the aisle to "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)." The Star Wars superfans were among seven couples wed by the Akron Municipal Court on Thursday: a holiday coined by the sagas fans as May the Fourth as a nod to the famous May the force be with you line exchanged among the lightsaber-wielding Jedi knights. Judge Ron Cable presided over the weddings at the historic Highland Theater, which projected the 1977 debut film A New Hope on the single screen as couples were married. Newlyweds Julie Samuels and Jared Bernstein of Beachwood are photographed by Nicole Hagy, community outreach coordinator for the Akron Municipal Court, in front of the Highland Theater after their Star Wars-themed wedding Wednesday in Akron. I was probably on the phone 20 minutes after I saw they were doing this, Bernstein said. We already knew we wanted our anniversary to be May the Fourth, so it felt like a cosmic, galactic coincidence. He and Samuels began dating in 2017. At the time, Samuels was living in Virginia, so their long-distance relationship began with virtual movie dates over video calls during which they watched all the Star Wars movies. Its just something we connected about very early on, Samuels said. We both grew up with it and had great memories attached. Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable presides over a Star Wars themed wedding for Julie Samuels and Jared Bernstein of Beachwood on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Akron, at the Highland Theater. When she returned to Ohio, they put their love for Star Wars on full display in their shared Beachwood home. Their green bathroom walls are adorned with art from the films, their living room features a Millennium Falcon rug and large Lego displays of iconic machinery such as AT-ATs and X-wing Starfighters are scattered throughout their rooms. What I love about Star Wars is it lets you dream and think about what else could be out there, Bernstein said. They built this world that so many people care about. Akron Municipal Court's previous theme wedding days have included Halloween and Valentines Day, as well as unions at special venues like Jillys Music Hall in Downtown Akron. The court will even host a Harry Potter themed wedding at the Summit County Historical Society on the protagonists birthday weekend this July. Story continues I really enjoy doing these weddings, Cable said. You know, a lot of the time people arent so happy to be in a courtroom before a judge, but these events are always so happy and upbeat. I feel fortunate to be able to officiate such a special day. Ashly Bitter and Michael Codispoti walk under lightsabers as they head down the Highland Theater isle to be married by Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable in a Star Wars themed wedding on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Akron. While some, like Bernstein and Samuels clothed in matching shirts with Han Solo and Princess Leias profession of love in the Empire Strikes Back (I love you I know) were dreaming of the unique experience, many couples appearing at the theater on Thursday were in for a big surprise when they saw an archway of green and blue light sabers waiting for them at the end of the aisle. We didnt know, said Eric Kakimbekov, who intended to marry his now-wife Zhanar Makhambetova in a courthouse wedding when he was told ceremonies were being held in the Highland Theater. They were unfamiliar with the films as they exchanged rings with the opening credits rolling behind them. What a unique ceremony. Something to remember. Eric Kakimbekov and Zhanar Makhambetova of Columbus are married by Akron Municipal Court Judge Ron Cable on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Akron, at the Highland Theater. You know, its really cute, said Ashly Bitter of Hudson. Ive seen all the movies; I wouldnt call myself a super fan, but I like Star Wars and its just a fun way that makes the day a little more memorable. Reporter Abbey Marshall is a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms. Learn more at reportforamerica.org. Contact her at at amarshall1@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Star Wars fans marry at Akron courts May the Fourth weddings Madonna wants more than a little prayer she wants to discuss some important issues with Pope Francis. On Thursday, the queen of pop tweeted the vicar of Christ asking him if he would be willing to meet up with her for a chat, even though her last confession was a little while ago. Hello @Pontifex Francis, Madonna began laying out her case. Im a good Catholic. I Swear! I mean I dont Swear! Madonna, whose 40-year-career is equally known for both chart-topping hits and clashes with the Catholic Church, acknowledged that its been a few decades since my last confession, but she still wanted to try. Would it be possible to meet up one day to discuss some important matters? the Like a Prayer singer and Sex book author wrote. Even though Madonna didnt clearly specify what those matters were, she hinted at what she might want to talk about. Ive been excommunicated 3 times, she wrote. It doesnt seem fair. A few years ago the 63-year-old mother of six, who was baptized and raised Catholic, told The Late Late Show host James Corden that she had been excommunicated, like, three times. The casual revelation happened during an appearance on a Carpool Karaoke segment, which aired in December 2016, between renditions of Bh Im Madonna and Papa Dont Preach. Its unclear if the Grammy Award-winning musician was being serious. However, throughout her career, Madonna has proudly capitalized on controversies sparked by her take on topics such as sex, same-sex love, and Christian symbolism. When her record-breaking Blond Ambition World Tour arrived in Italy in the summer of 1990, for example, then-Pope John Paul II urged Christians not to attend the tour, calling it one of the most satanic shows in the history of humanity. Several Catholic groups, as well as the Italian bishops conference, called for the shows cancellation, calling it disgusting, immoral, blasphemous and infamous. Francis has yet to respond to Madonnas request. May 5AUBURN The nursing programs at Maine's community colleges plan to double their capacity and add night and weekend classes beginning as soon as this fall, thanks to $5 million in new funding from a public-private partnership between the state and two of Maine's largest health care networks. The total enrollment in the nursing programs at the state's seven community colleges is expected to increase to about 480 students per year. Gov. Janet Mills included $2.5 million for the expansion in the supplemental state budget, which she signed last month. MaineHealth and Northern Light Health matched the state's funding, bringing the total to $5 million, according to the Maine Community College System. MCCS President David Daigler said the expanded program is "key to increasing the number of skilled nurses in Maine." "Some of our nursing programs have hundreds of applicants that are turned away because classes are full," Daigler said in statement released to the news media. "At the same time, demand for nurses is at a crisis level." Beginning in January, Central Maine Community College in Auburn is expected to increase its capacity by nearly two-thirds, bringing the total enrollment to 104 students, from 64. CMCC is also set to add eight nursing faculty positions and three support staff positions. The additional staffing would allow CMCC to add night and weekend classes, President Betsy Libby said Wednesday. Because the main issue has been staffing, not space, the expanded program will be able to utilize the existing teaching facilities and nursing labs. "What the additional funding has allowed us to do is to have the faculty to manage the additional students," including during clinical rotations at local hospitals, Libby said. "So we'll be doing what we already do in the lab, but just all day long and in the evening and on weekends like, the lab will never, never shut down. Story continues "The nursing program is a commitment. It is a full-time commitment to be a successful nursing student. And some students, for many reasons, can't commit to a day program. So this just opens the door for students who need another option." Pat Scherle, the chief nursing officer for St. Mary's Health System in Lewiston, described the additional funding and enrollment expansion as "exciting" and "wonderful." Like many hospitals and health care centers across the state and nation, St. Mary's Health, which includes St. Mary's Regional Medical Center and St. Mary's d'Youville Pavilion in Lewiston, is dealing with a long-standing shortage of nurses, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Scherle said the expansion is expected to "help solve the issue, at least for this region in Maine." Every semester, St. Mary's welcomes nursing students from CMCC and other nursing programs. "That relationship with the college is strong," Scherle said. "And it's just exciting news for all of health care in Maine, absolutely." The funding is to be distributed across Maine's community college campuses, including those in Androscoggin and Somerset counties. Kennebec Valley Community College in Fairfield expects to increase its nursing enrollment by eight seats this fall and another eight the following semester, bringing the total enrollment to 56. It is also set to hire additional faculty and staff members. The Maine Community College System also has campuses in Bangor, Calais, Presque Isle, South Portland and Wells. Bailiffs lead Trevor Bowie out of the courtroom Thursday, March 31, 2022, after jurors begin their deliberation over whether Bowie is guilty of trying to shoot two Lafayette police officers, as well as other charges. LAFAYETTE, Ind. Trevor Bowie will be in his 60s by the time he's served his 57-year sentence for trying to kill at least two Lafayette police officers. Tippecanoe Superior 1 Judge Randy Williams sentenced Bowie, 21, to 57 years in prison for his April 21, 2020, attempt to shoot at officers who chased him into the parking lot of the health department on North Sixth Street. Williams did not suspend any of the sentence. When Bowie first aimed a stolen pistol at a Lafayette police officer, the officer shot Bowie, who then tried to aim the pistol at officers a second time, and two Lafayette police officers shot Bowie. Jurors convicted Bowie on March 31 of a slew of charges stemming from that night's chase, including attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, to name only two of the 12 charges for which jurors convicted Bowie. Jurors also convicted Bowie of sentence-enhancing charges of being a habitual offender and using a firearm in the commission of a crime. Bowie, who has been incarcerated for two years, turns 22 years old in December. He will have to serve three-quarters of the sentence in prison. With credit for the time already spent in jail, Bowie will spend another 40 years in prison before he's released. He'll be 61. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Man who tried to shoot Lafayette police officers sentenced to 57 years MANHATTAN, IL Two small businesses in Manhattan received a total of $45,000 in aid from Illinois' Back to Business program, according to a news release sent Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office. Grants were awarded in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, based on a percentage of losses each business experienced during the pandemic, according to the release. "Illinois responded to the pandemic by providing $1.5 billion in economic relief for childcare providers, local government services, and so many hard-hit small businesses that shape our communities," Pritzker said. "These are investments that preserve jobs and Main Streets and dreams. When we put our state's fiscal house in order, we can invest taxpayer dollars in building a stronger Illinois for all who call her home." The grant program used funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help small businesses rehire staff, cover operating costs, afford additional customer safety precautions and cover other expenses needed to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the release. Those small business in Manhattan that received the grants were: Agave Azul Mexican Restaurant - $25,000 Fitness Premier Manhattan - $20,000 As of Wednesday, $250 million in funds through the Back to Business program were awarded through about 6,500 grants to small businesses in more than 475 cities and more than 90 counties across the state, with 96 percent of awards delivered to businesses in disproportionately impacted communities or in the hardest-hit industries, according to the release. A full list of the Back to Business grant recipients can be viewed by following this link. Manhattan Small Businesses Get Boost From State Grants originally appeared on the Manhattan Patch The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced Tuesday it would seek the death penalty for a man accused of murdering a Sheriff's deputy. In a statement, the office said Clinton Robert Hurley is accused of murdering Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Juan Johnny Ruiz while attempting to escape custody on October 9, 2021. A grand jury indicted Hurley on 16 felony counts this February, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and theft of means of transportation. Seeking the death penalty is the most serious decision entrusted to the County Attorney, said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. On Oct. 9, 2021, Deputy Juan Ruiz was simply doing his job and he paid the ultimate price trying to keep our community safe. This office will seek justice for Deputy Ruiz and his family. More: Man accused of attacking, killing MCSO deputy booked into Pinal County Jail This is the first time Mitchell has announced an intent to seek the death penalty since she was recently appointed County Attorney by the board of supervisors. In the indictment, dated Feb 10, 2022, the county attorney's office stated the murder took place "on or between October 9, 2021 and October 11, 2021." They allege that Hurley "acting either alone or with one or more persons, committed or attempted to commit robbery, and in the course of and in furtherance of such offense, or immediate flight from such offense, Clinton R Hurley or another person did cause the death of Deputy Juan 'Johnny' Ruiz.'" Citing state law, the county attorney's office says the offense is a "dangerous felony" because it involves the use of deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to harm someone. In the state's notice of intent to file the death penalty, dated May 2, Deputy County Attorney Ellen Dahl accuses Hurley of committing the offense "in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner." According to Maricopa County Superior Court records Hurley's case is in the pre-trial stage and a trial is currently scheduled for October 2022. Story continues Background on the case Maricopa County Deputy Juan Miguel Ruiz, a three-year department veteran, died after being beaten unconscious as he was putting Hurley into a holding cell in October 2021. Calls had been received about a suspicious person near 339th Avenue and Salome Highway, and police determined it was Hurley, and there was a warrant out for his arrest for parole violations. After he was arrested, Ruiz was transporting Hurley to Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's District 2 substation near Van Buren Street and Dysart Road after he had been apprehended. When they returned to the station, Ruiz removed Hurley's handcuffs to place him in a holding cell and then Hurley turned on the deputy and a fight ensued, Maricopa Count Sheriff Paul Penzone said at a news conference shortly after the incident. Ruiz tried to use his radio to request assistance multiple times but was unsuccessful. After beating Ruiz unconscious, Hurley took the keys to the deputy's vehicle, crashed through the gate and fled the area, Penzone said. A manhunt followed, and Hurley was ultimately arrested. "Johnny's passion to learn, ability to care and his desire to protect should be what every public servant should strive to be," Francisco Ruiz, Juan Ruiz's older brother, said at his celebration of life in 2021. Have a news tip on the criminal justice system? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County Attorney seeks death penalty for man accused of murdering deputy LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the besieged steel plant in Mariupol, as Russian forces attempted to finish off the citys last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. The bloody battle came amid growing suspicions that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a major battlefield success or perhaps announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. That is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Ten weeks into a devastating war, Ukraines military claimed Thursday it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putins ambitions. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village, as Moscow struggles to gain momentum in the eastern industrial heartland of the Donbas. Russia switched its focus to that region where Moscow-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for years after a stiffer than expected resistance bogged its troops down and thwarted its initial goal of overrunning the capital. In an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said he hadnt expected the Russian offensive to drag on this way. Some Russian troops used ally Belarus as a launch pad for the invasion on Feb. 24, and Lukashenko publicly supported the operation. This satellite image taken by Planet Labs PBC shows smoke rising at the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it, the authoritarian leader said. In the most searing example of how Ukrainian forces have slowed Russias progress, Ukrainian fighters are holed up in the tunnels and bunkers under the sprawling Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol the last pocket of resistance in a city that is otherwise controlled by Moscows forces. Civilians, believed to number around a few hundred, are also trapped inside the plant. Story continues Ukraine said its fighters drove back a Russian assault into the giant mill, which was also being bombed from above. Videos shared online appeared to show the steel mill targeted by intense shelling at dawn Thursday. The Russian troops entered the territory of Azovstal, but were kicked out by our defenders, Oleksiy Arestovych, a presidential adviser, said in remarks on Ukrainian television. We can say that the fighting is ongoing. The Kremlin denied that there was any ground assault. A woman walks past tanks of Donetsk People's Republic militia in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov) Mariupols fall would be a major battlefield success for Moscow, depriving Ukraine of a vital port and allowing Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. With his troops making slow progress elsewhere, Putin may be looking to declare a win at the plant in time for Victory Day. Some have also suggested he could use the celebrations to expand what he calls the special military operation. A declaration of all-out war would allow the Russian leader to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. The Kremlin has dismissed the speculation. The city, and the plant in particular, have come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The Russians have pulverized most of Mariupol in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. Civilians sheltering inside the plant have perhaps suffered even more. About 100 of them were evacuated over the weekend the first time some saw daylight in months. A Ukrainian officer leading defenders at the last Mariupol bastion urged the global community to pressure Russia into allowing more civilians to be rescued along with wounded soldiers. It is unclear how many Ukrainian fighters are still inside the plant, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. Wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment, Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, the deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, said in a video statement. Donetsk People's Republic militia members look at bodies of Ukrainian soldiers placed in plastic bags in a tunnel, part of the Illich Iron & Steel Works Metallurgical Plant, the second largest metallurgical enterprise in Ukraine, in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatist forces in Mariupol, Ukraine, Monday, April 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov, File) The Russian government said it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. As the battle raged in Mariupol, Russian forces shelled elsewhere in the Donbas and also kept up their bombardment of railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country part of an effort to disrupt the supply of Western arms, which have been critical to Ukraines defense. Ukrainian forces said Thursday they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. Five people were killed and at least 25 more wounded in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks damaged houses and a school as well. A day after Russian attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast, air raid sirens sounded anew Thursday in the western city of Lviv, which has been a gateway for western arms and served as a relative safe haven for people fleeing fighting farther east. An assessment by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces were struggling to gain traction. Ukrainian defenses have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, it said late Wednesday. Russian forces intensified airstrikes against transportation infrastructure in western Ukraine (on Wednesday) but remain unable to interdict Western aid shipments to Ukraine, it added. The war has flattened swaths of cities and destroyed roads and bridges, and driven millions from their homes, including many who have crossed into other countries. With the challenge of rebuilding and demining after the war in mind, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday announced the launch of a global fundraising digital platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raise $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Belarus announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The British Defense Ministry said it does not anticipate that the drills currently posed a threat to Ukraine, but that Moscow will likely use them to fix Ukrainian forces in the north, preventing them from being committed to the battle for the Donbas. Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey announced major plans for infrastructure investment today. He says living and working in a city of bridgessomething needs to be done when it comes to the aging roads and bridges. He rolled out a plan that will allocate funds to improve and sustain that infrastructure, and a team to monitor the problem spots. He highlighted the need for widespread bridge improvements. We will have someone leading a team that will get up everyday and think about the safety, integrity of our bridges, said Mayor Gainey. Mayor Gainey revealed they put in a request for proposal for a comprehensive bridge asset management program. He says they are allocating funds to get work done, developing a list of bridges that need repairs, strategizing a plan, developing recommendations on how to implement those repairs and a bridge asset manager will then report to the citys chief operating administrative office. This all comes on the heels of the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse where nearly a dozen people were injured in January. Just last week, Channel 11 covered a story on the Swindell Bridge after multiple viewers reported major concerns. Its riddled with giant potholes, exposed rebar and fencing is rusting away. Mayor Gainey says he is well aware and had it inspected to avoid another tragedy. Were willing to go out and have a conversation with the community and continue to do whatevers necessary. LookI dont ever wanna wake up again to what I woke up during Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. I dont wanna do that again. Mayor Gainey say they are planning a redesign and thorough rehab of the Swindell Bridge. They are focused on deck work at the moment. The Mayors office said for now, inspections and analysis indicate that the current restrictions on the bridge are working to keep the weight of vehicles where it should be. Upon notice from an inspector that the bridge is unsafe, the city will close the bridge immediately. Story continues He did not reveal how much money would be put towards it at this point. TRENDING NOW: Homicide investigation underway after 9-year-old boy found dead in Westmoreland County Crane falls onto building in Shaler Man facing charges after allegedly fleeing police, wrecking into Port Authority bus VIDEO:Channel 11 explores how lottery proceeds benefit older Pennsylvanians DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The Biden administration has quietly begun expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans to Mexico under the Title 42 public health order that denies migrants the chance to seek asylum, officials say. The US struck an agreement with Mexico to expel up to 100 Cubans and 20 Nicaraguans a day from San Diego, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. This was done due to the exponential increase in arrivals from both countries to Mexico and the United States, a Mexican official told the Washington Post on condition of anonymity. The move shows US border officials are expanding use of the pandemic-era emergency measure which denies migrants a chance at asylum on the grounds of preventing the spread of Covid-19, even as the White House says publicly it is trying to unwind the power. Lifting Title 42 has proven controversial as midterm elections near, with Democrats in swing states such as Arizona and Georgia coming out strongly against the move amid concern that the US is unprepared for an anticipated increase in migrants seeking asylum. The latest expulsions began 27 April 27 and will end 22 May, the day before Title 42 is set to expire. It comes as the number of Cuban and Nicaraguan migrants arriving at the border has hit record highs in recent months. Migrants pass through a gap in the border wall near Yuma in Arizona (file) (Associated Press) Nearly 35,000 Cubans were stopped at border crossings in April, the second largest figure from a single country. Some 12,500 Nicaraguans were apprehended in April. Overall, authorities stopped migrants more than 234,000 times in April, the highest mark in 22 years. Due to frosty relations between the US and the Cuban and Nicaraguan governments, it is almost impossible to expel migrants to those countries. Nearly 2 million migrants have been expelled from the US since the Trump administration implemented the emergency public health order in March 2020. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The Independent it is continuing to operate within the provisions of Title 42 while it remains in place. Our ability to expel individuals under that authority may be limited for several reasons, including Mexicos capacity to receive those individuals. The Associated Press contributed to this report Taxi driver caught robbing Russian tourists in Hanoi Police in Hanoi arrested a taxi driver for robbing two Russian tourists on Thursday. The place where the two tourist took the taxi According to police at Hang Bong Ward in Hoan Kiem District, they received the two tourists who were crying when reporting about their mobile phones being stolen by a local taxi driver early Thursday morning. The two tourists said that they called a taxi at around 3 am on Hang Bong Street. When the taxi arrived, the two young women got in and asked the driver to help them charge their mobile phones. After running for a short distance, the two tourists got out and asked the driver to wait while they went to exchange some USD dollars for Vietnam Dong to pay. However, the taxi driver suddenly drove away with their two mobile phones. The women cried for help and were guided by some local people to the police station. The two tourists receive their mobile phones back at the police station on May 5. Photo by VNA "We arrested the driver at 11 am the same day," police said. "At the police station he returned the phones to the two tourists. We are further investigating the case." The two Russians had only been in Hanoi for two days. Minerva High Schools Alumni Hall of Fame plans its 2022 induction ceremony for June 11 at Minerva United Methodist Churchs Wesley Hall. Set for induction in 2022 are James F. Arrasmith, Class of 1959; Rev. Ronald Lee, Class of 1959; Laurie McClellan, Class of 1971; and Donald Stafford, Class of 1959. Reservations to attend the event are due by May 31. The ceremony will include a family-style roast beef dinner. Activities will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available weekdays at Clark, Clark and Chaddock, 201 N. Market St., 330-868-4210; or by calling Ted Isue at 330-494-0220, Patricia Miller at 330-868-3400, Robert Gallina at 330-868-4243, Beverlee Palmer at 330-868-5303 or Mary Grunder at 330-862-2626. Tickets may can be obtained by writing to Minerva Education Foundation, P.O. Box 42, Minerva OH 44657, or by emailing minervaeducationfound@gmail.com. Minerva Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2022 biographies James F. Arrasmith Arrasmith earned a bachelor of science in biology from Mount Union College and a masters in biochemistry. He was a master of martial arts, earning a doctorate under the advisement of Dr. Master Andrew Tamper. He spent 46 years in martial arts training and was a martial arts instructor for hundreds of students and law enforcement officers. Within the Village of Minerva, he served as president of Minerva Public Library Board, director of the Chamber of Commerce, and was a staunch supporter of the Minerva YMCA. Rev. Ronald R. Lee Rev. Ronald R. Lee Lee graduated with honors from Mount Union College and earned a master of divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Lee had advanced certification in conflict resolution, and his career often focused on the renewal of congregations in conflict and decline. He also had success as a charitable fundraiser, with an article in the Wall Street Journal lauding his ability. Laurie McClellan She earned a degree from Kent State University in radiology technology, and was then employed as a radiology technologist at Alliance City Hospital and Westwood Urgent Care Center. In 1987, McClellan joined the Board of Directors of Consumers National Bank. In 1998, she was appointed chairman of the board, and under her leadership, the bank increased its assets from $131 million to $500 million. McClelland is active in community service supporting the Minerva Area Historical Society, Minerva Area Community Charitable Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Minerva 20/20 Vision, Minerva Relay for Life, Kent State University Salem, Minerva/Alliance Red Cross, and the Minerva YMCA. Donald E. Stafford Stafford earned a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science from Kent State University. He also graduated from the U.S. Army officer training program in 1965 and the U.S. Army Aviation Training Program in 1966. Stafford graduated from advanced helicopter training and was assigned to Vietnam as a pilot of a Huey helicopter. While in Vietnam, he was involved in a serious crash that demolished his helicopter, and later was rescued from the jungle. Another time, he was shot down by Vietcong machine fire. Stafford returned to the states and became a flight instructor at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He retired from the military in 1990 after serving his country for about 25 years. In 2008, he received the master pilot award from the Federal Aviation Agency for 50 years of civilian flying without an accident. This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Minerva alumni to add four to Hall of Fame MILAN Remo Ruffini, chairman and chief executive officer of the Moncler Group, on Thursday laid out a new strategy for the luxury brand but it got a quick thumbs down from analysts, who pushed the companys shares down by almost 6 percent in the plan. Four years after the launch of Moncler Genius, Ruffini is shifting gears and turning his attention to the Grenoble brand and Monclers main collection. More from WWD Moncler Genius has become a hub of creativity, freedom and global communication. I strongly believe in the Moncler Genius Model and in its perennial development, said Ruffini at the groups Capital Markets Day in Milan on Thursday. However, from today, Moncler Genius means also art, music, movies, sports, and much morethe way you combine them, makes a brand unique. Gino Fisanotti, chief brand officer, echoed Ruffinis words, touting the next phase of the brand, which he sees becoming stronger and more connected with the community. Genius is a platform for creativity and after pairing with high-end designers, from Pierpaolo Piccoli to Simone Rocha, it will expand as a platform into other businesses and industries, and allow more people to express themselves, although details were not divulged. Analysts seemed skeptical, however, with Moncler shares falling 5.6 percent to close at 44.60 euros on the Milan Stock Exchange. Moncler Grenoble will reboot as a high-performance brand. Fisanotti pointed to the groups legitimacy. The brand is part of our DNA, it truly belongs to us and now we will double down on the technical aspect. A summer proposition will be explored as consumer behavior has changed toward the mountains and a technical collection [works] year-round, said Fisanotti. Ruffini said that Moncler Genius accounts for between 5 and 10 percent of total sales. Footwear, and sneakers in particular, are seen as an avenue of growth, as this division is well below its real potential, said Ruffini, aware of the critical role of the category in some markets such as the U.S. Story continues Acknowledging the importance of building know-how in the category, Luciano Santel, chief corporate and supply officer, underscored that any potential takeover to this end would entail an acquisition of manufacturers, not brands. In fact, responding to the possibility of adding other brands to the group, Ruffini said there is still a lot to do with Moncler and Stone Island. I dont see any [additional] aggregation in the midterm. Ruffini highlighted his goal for the group to become a community magnet, going one-for-one, one-for-all digital, and to embed sustainability across the board. Consumers are simply people who have a transactional relation with the brand, they just come and go. We believe in the power of building and engaging with communities through long-term relationships, he said, adding that we will go beyond tier-one cities in their traditional luxury districts. In sync with this concept, Stone Island will focus on building a direct-to-consumer business. At Stone Island, the wholesale channel in the first quarter accounted for 76 percent of total sales, as reported. The transformation will reflect what we did with Moncler early on, but we need to change the culture of the company and of people, said Ruffini. The goal is to open 100 stores in three years with a new concept, less transactional and more experiential, he said. The first store to be unveiled with the new blueprint will be in Chicago during the fall and 50 percent of the network will be refurbished in two to three years. As of March 31, the network of monobrand Stone Island stores totaled 54 retail stores and 35 monobrand wholesale stores. Carlo Rivetti, chairman and CEO of Stone Island, said the new concept will hinge on new sustainable materials and that Chicago will allow the brand some fine-tuning before launching it globally in high-visibility cities. He also noted that, over the past five years, Stone Island had already been cleaning up its wholesale distribution and that these additional steps were not killing the channel, but improving it. Celebrating 40 years, Stone Island with the help of Moncler will be able to spread its culture, talk with different audiences and languages and move into new territories, said Rivetti. The year 2022 is also a year of celebration for Moncler, which turns 70. Asked about whether he planned to stage an event during Milan Fashion Week with the new Genius format, Ruffini said there are plans to mark the anniversary in September in Milan, followed by seven weeks of other events around the world. The Capital Markets Day was held after the release the evening before of the groups first-quarter results, which saw the company registering a 61 percent jump in revenues, amounting to 589.9 million euros, compared with 365.5 million euros in the first quarter of 2021. Sales rose 58 percent compared to the same period in 2019. Sales at the Moncler brand amounted to 473.4 million euros, up 30 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021 and up 27 percent at constant exchange rates compared to the same period of 2019. Revenues of the Stone Island brand, which the group bought in 2020 and was consolidated from April 1, 2021, were up 32 percent to 116.5 million euros, compared with 88.1 million euros in the first quarter of 2021, and up 67 percent compared to the first quarter of 2019 at constant exchange rates. Santel said that analysts consensus, which sees revenues totaling 2.4 billion euros this year and 2.7 billion euros in 2023, was reasonable, if the lockdowns in China wind down by the end of July. We are aiming at a growth in sales of between 20 and 25 percent if conditions return to normal in China, he said. By 2025, Ruffini said the U.S. should account for 20 percent of sales, up from the current 15 percent and China needs to represent 25 percent from the current 20 percent of total revenues. Santel was not worried about the complexity of the supply chain. We are used to delivering on a monthly basis, with special projects. The key is to protect the know-how, technology and craft. He cited the set-up of two academies to generate new technicians. He also said that, by 2025, the group expects to employ more than 50 percent low-impact raw materials. Roberto Eggs, chief business strategy and global market officer, said the group is treasuring the lessons learned during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and that it will move into omnichannel 3.0 by the end of the year, elevating the consumer experience. Moncler has internalized its e-commerce in the past 12 months. We have built on our live-chats from the stores. Distant sales represented 17 percent of business and could become 25 percent of retail, leveraging our 2,500 client advisers and 250 stores, said Eggs. We need to push this information. A new experiential store format was launched in Chengdu, to be followed by Shibuya, in Tokyo. The group has partnered with the LeBron James Family Foundation to promote more diverse and inclusive projects, and with former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive on innovative solutions and design, said Fisanotti. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. In the fall, Patrice Douglas was looking for a change. She decided to move from Philadelphia to Austin, Texas, a modern-day mecca for liberal-minded young professionals like herself. She started working in the gaming unit of a technology company and soaked up the citys youthful energy. But on Monday, after Politico published a leaked draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade, Douglas felt appalled. She is a strong supporter of reproductive rights, and she was shaken by the idea of living in one of the 23 states that could ban abortions if the 49-year-old landmark decision is reversed. I am questioning my decision to move, said Douglas, 29, but it also makes me want to be more involved in local politics. She is one of an untold number of progressive-leaning Americans who, faced with the stark possibility of a post-Roe world, find themselves second-guessing having settled in liberal enclaves or academic sanctuaries in otherwise red states. Id always had my eye on the city because of the growth of the tech industry. Its been listed as one of the top places for people in their 20s and 30s, Douglas said. The culture of downtown Austin, around the University of Texas thats not the stereotypical Texas, Douglas said. But as soon as you get outside the city limits, thats where you experience more of the conservative perspective. New residents grow fearful The rapidly shifting political environment is especially jarring for the many young people and restless professionals who moved during the height of the pandemic, seeking solace in rural communities or new opportunities in thriving blue-tinted cities like Austin, Atlanta and Nashville, Tennessee. Exactly a year ago, Theresa Francisco and her husband, Sean Curtis, packed their bags and drove from Los Angeles to Greenbackville, Virginia, a rural seaside community near the Maryland border. They enjoy their new small-town idyll. The rustic peace is a welcome change after nearly a decade of urban hustle and bustle. The rent is cheaper. They continue to work remotely for employers based in California. Story continues Image: Protesters carry signs and listen to speakers as they demonstrate near a federal court on May 3, 2022, in Richmond, Va. (Steve Helber / AP) But since the draft Roe opinion was leaked, Francisco and Curtis, both 31, have grown increasingly alarmed. They do not want kids, and the thought of being forced to go ahead with an unwanted pregnancy terrifies them. Im in a privileged position. I have a good support group, Francisco said. But this could jeopardize the life that Ive built for myself and the life that weve built together, and thats extremely scary. Curtis said he realized he needed to take steps to avoid scenarios he and his spouse consider untenable. Two days after the Politico report was published, Curtis said he made an appointment to have a vasectomy. Virginia is one of 11 states where abortion would be restricted but not completely banned if Roe is overturned. We have Gov. [Glenn] Youngkin. We have a Republican attorney general, Curtis said, later adding: We live in a rural, deep red area, where liberals like us are few and far between. (Youngkin did not make specific positions on abortion policy this week, but he has identified himself as pro-life.) Virginia isnt nearly as extreme as, say, Texas or Louisiana, Curtis said, but this whole debacle has shaken any faith or optimism in it staying that way. Moment of reckoning for some progressives Many conservatives across the U.S. were heartened by the news on Roe. Republicans and conservative leaders have fought for decades to undo a legal precedent they believe was wrongly decided, and many anti-abortion advocates believe the procedure is deeply immoral. Numbers from a recent NBC News poll show that a majority of Americans 54 percent believe that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. That number rises to 65 percent for younger Americans, ages 18 to 34, who believe abortions should be legal; 32 percent disagree. The leak from the Supreme Court represented a moment of reckoning for progressives who felt they were beginning to find their footing in red-skewing areas of the country. Twelve years ago, Arielle Kuperberg needed a job. She was nearing the end of her graduate studies in sociology, but the job market, still reeling from the Great Recession, looked bleak. She received one promising offer: a tenure-track position at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Kuperberg accepted the faculty role, although the Northeast native felt uncomfortable with the politics of North Carolina. She was opposed to the states rightward tilt on social issues like LGBTQ rights, for example, but she took the job and made a home in Greensboro, giving birth to two daughters. The city grew on her. Abortion rights supporters protest outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday. (Valerie Plesch for NBC News) But the news about Roe sent her into a panic. She feels it would be unacceptable to remain in North Carolina if abortion is effectively outlawed. The state Legislature is completely controlled by Republicans, Kuperberg, 39, said in a phone interview this week. We have a Democratic governor right now, but the second a Republican wins an election, I feel like abortion is going to be gone. The politics here were barely tolerable before, and now its getting to the point where its endangering my daughters, Kuperberg said, letting out a heavy sigh. Kuperberg is strongly considering moving to a solidly blue state maybe Oregon, Washington, California or somewhere in New England even if it means abandoning her tenured position and changing professions. Were going back 50 years Austin has had an influx of new residents over the last decade, offering them a left-leaning home inside a deep-red state. Texas' archconservative governor, Greg Abbott, signed a law last year that bars abortions after six weeks, before some women even know they are pregnant. The laws here are f---ing crazy. Theyre scary, said a woman who moved to Austin in November and requested anonymity because she fears being harassed for her views. Austin is a liberal bubble: Its queer, its creative, theres good music, theres good food. But you get two seconds outside this bubble and youre very much in Texas. I feel unsafe because Im a queer-representing female who comes from a hippie commune, so I dont feel comfortable in a place where human rights are in question, she added. In the summer of 2018, Tara Brooke, who had left the U.S. for Spain after the election of Donald Trump, decided to move to Austin for her career, too. Brooke, 44, a trained doula who co-founded Born Into This, a nonprofit organization that supports birth workers and reproductive freedom, said she was not shocked by the content of the leaked opinion. The leak itself was a surprise. But most of us who work in reproductive health knew this was coming, Brooke said in a phone interview. Republicans arent shy that this is what theyve wanted for a really long time. Image: Demonstrators gather near the federal courthouse to protest the news that the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide on May 3, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (Eric Gay / AP) But the idea of living in a GOP bulwark during what could prove to be the final months of Roe still gives her pause, and she is especially fearful for women in Texas who will be most vulnerable if Roe is tossed out particularly people of color, the economically disadvantaged and other marginalized groups. The stakes feel personal, too. Im a mother of three children. I think its really unfortunate that my children will enter their teen years and not have access to abortion, Brooke said. Im a white woman and I have resources available, so I know they would be able to get an abortion in another state or Mexico. But its still really sad. Were going back 50 years in time. Brooke is committed to living in Austin and doing whatever she can to push back against a rising tide of anti-abortion legislation that she finds abhorrent. Im not leaving, Brooke said. I was a doula for a long time, and I saw that the country was so behind in education about the body. Im really focused on getting the next generation to have bodily autonomy and understand their own anatomy. Thats why Im not going to leave now, she added. Im going to stay and fight. May 4A house fire in Athens drew multiple fire crews to the scene at Kirby and Yarborough, after a call came in shortly after 7 a.m., May 4, with a report of one person injured. Fire crews responding to the call included Elkmont, Piney Chapel, East Limestone and Ardmore. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office was also on the scene. The investigation is ongoing and this story will be updated as more information becomes available. Visit enewscourier.com for updates. The Nashville Public Library launched a campaign urging readers to check out "banned books" a push that comes as two Tennessee school districts are removing critically acclaimed works from their curriculums. The NPL's "Freedom to Read" effort is seeking to sign up 5,000 new Davidson County residents for library cards in the month ending on May 26. The newly minted supporters will receive a "limited edition 'Banned Books' library card," according to the NPL. I want Nashvillians to know: Nashville Public Library will always respect your Freedom to Read to independently determine what you read, and dont read, and to exercise your role in determining what your children read, NPL Director Kent Oliver said in a statement. Limited edition 'Banned Books' library card from Nashville Public Library. (Nashville Public Library) In launching the campaign, NPL specifically mentioned two Tennessee school districts for their recent decisions to remove some high-profile work. McMinn County Schools in January removed Art Spiegelmans graphic novel Maus from curriculum while Williamson County Schools took away Sharon Creechs Walk Two Moons" in February. "The reason why we specifically mentioned those (school districts) is because it's here, it's happening at home," NPL spokesman Ed Brown told NBC News on Thursday. "This isn't something theoretically happening in a New York school or a California school. It's a Tennessee school and it's something real, impacting Tennesseans." The NPL isn't explicitly criticizing those districts, Brown said, but reminding those parents, residents and students that they could pick up "Maus" or "Walk Two Moons" in a Music City branch. "This campaign is not meant to criticize their decision or push back on it or try to reverse it. That decision was made with the input of parents and the school board and that's how it should be," Brown said. "Where we're coming from is even though it was a majority opinion of 'Hey, we don't want this here,' there's still a minority of folks who are saying, 'Yeah but I want to read it, I want our children to read it.' And we want to draw attention to the fact that, 'Well, at NPL you can.'" Story continues Representatives for McMinn County Schools and Williamson County Schools could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday. In recent weeks, Tennessee has become a focal point of national debate on whether governments should play a bigger role in restricting works available in schools and public libraries. When Republican state Rep. Jerry Sexton was asked if hed go as far as physically destroying books he deemed as inappropriate, the lawmaker responded: I dont have a clue, but I would burn them. A Shasta Lake couple were sentenced to federal prison Monday after physically and psychologically abusing Guatemalan immigrants and forcing them into hard labor at their restaurant and cleaning service, prosecutors said. Nery A. Martinez Vasquez, and Maura N. Martinez, both 54, were sentenced to 6 years in prison and 3 years in prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to conspiring to force a mother and her two daughters into labor. The couple were also ordered to pay fines of $25,000 and $300,000 in restitution to seven victims, including the family and others the couple had abused and forced into labor. The prison sentences and indictments stem from offenses against the mother and her two daughters, ages 8 and 15. The Martinezes were indicted in 2019 on charges of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, harboring an alien for financial gain and conspiracy to commit alien harboring. These defendants used the promise of a better life to lure a mother and her children to travel to the United States, only to betray their familial relationship and exploit the victims precarious situation to cruelly oppress and degrade them, and to turn a profit off their backs, Assistant Atty. Gen. Kristen Clarke said in a U.S. Department of Justice release. The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 2016 and 2018, when the couple owned and operated the restaurant and janitorial service in Shasta Lake. "In August 2016, the defendants convinced the victims, a Guatemalan relative and her two minor daughters, ages 15 and 8, to come to the United States by falsely promising the victims a better life and arranging for them to enter the United States and overstay their temporary visitor visas," federal prosecutors said. The couple imposed debts on the victims that they would then have to work off by laboring in the restaurant or cleaning service seven days a week with minimal or no pay, officials said. Court records indicated that the woman and older daughter worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Story continues The two daughters were kept out of school, and the Martinezes told them immigration authorities would find and arrest them if they attended, prosecutors said. "Nery Martinez Vasquez beat the children with a stick that had the childrens name and nickname written on it along with the phrase 'what goes up, must come down,'" prosecutors said, and the family was kept in a "dilapidated and unheated trailer with no running water." The family was threatened with deportation and arrest when the mother spoke up about their treatment and expressed a desire to return home, according to prosecutors. We hope todays sentencing will offer the victims confidence as they continue to reclaim their lives, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the Sacramento field division said in the release. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Usually, when one insider buys stock, it might not be a monumental event. But when multiple insiders are buying like they did in the case of Jayride Group Limited (ASX:JAY), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. See our latest analysis for Jayride Group Jayride Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Alexander Waislitz bought AU$202k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.22 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$0.17 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. While Jayride Group insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Jayride Group is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Are Jayride Group Insiders Buying Or Selling? We saw some Jayride Group insider buying shares in the last three months. Independent Non-Executive Director Yifat Shirben shelled out AU$12k for shares in that time. It's great to see that insiders are only buying, not selling. But the amount invested in the last three months isn't enough for us too put much weight on it, as a single factor. Story continues Insider Ownership of Jayride Group Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Jayride Group insiders own 20% of the company, worth about AU$6.1m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Do The Jayride Group Insider Transactions Indicate? Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders own shares in Jayride Group and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. At Simply Wall St, we've found that Jayride Group has 4 warning signs (1 is significant!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis. Of course Jayride Group may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. 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. A Defiance, Ohio, man was arrested Tuesday in Texas after shooting a police officer and causing a standoff with police. The Brady Police Department said officers were called to a home after reports of a disturbance. When they arrived, the suspect, Decoda Blake, 35, opened fire hitting a Brady Police officer. TEXAS MAN SLASHED WITH MACHETE RUNS INTO TACO SHOP FOR HELP The officer was not seriously injured. Police said they were able to take Blake into custody following a standoff with officers. TEXAS RANCHERS FEAR TITLE 42 ROLLBACK, STRUGGLE TO FIND WORKERS DUE TO BORDER ISSUES Blake was booked into the McCulloch County Jail for an outstanding warrant out of Ohio. Police said additional charges are still pending. Some people walked in solidarity with formerly incarcerated men and women seeking second chances. Others walked together in the name of unity and peace. Prison Fellowship's Second Chance Prayer Walk and Stronger Together OKC's Peace Walk were held on different days and drew different crowds, but they had something in common. Both events served as literal symbols of the power of walking in tandem with one's neighbors. The walks also symbolized the power of prayer and solidarity. "Today is about prayer but also about public witness," the Rev. John-Mark Hart told an enthusiastic crowd at the Peace Walk on May 1 in south Oklahoma City. Seeking second chances Ashley Hale prayed as she walked through the streets of downtown Oklahoma City. Hale said she was 19 when she was incarcerated on a drug-related offense and she spent three and a half years in prison. Released in 2010, she said she knows firsthand the many hurdles the formerly incarcerated face when they re-enter society. "I was challenged because I am a felon," Hale said. "I had to retake my driver's test to get a driver's license. I had to rely on people for rides just to get a job to pay my bills. There's just such a stigma on people who have made some bad decisions but that's not who we are that's not who we have to be." Dozens gather and walk through downtown Oklahoma City as part of the Prison Fellowship's Second Chances Prayer Walk on Saturday, April 30, 2022. That personal knowledge of such barriers motivated her to participate in Prison Fellowship's Second Chance Walk on April 30. She was among a crowd of about 150 people who walked from Kerr Park, 102 Robert S. Kerr, to the Oklahoma County jail, singing and praying along the way. Leaders with Prison Fellowship said their national prison outreach organization and more than 650 churches, businesses and other groups participated in Second Chance walks during the month of April, designated as Second Chances Month. Teresa Stanfield, a former offender who currently works for Prison Fellowship-Oklahoma, said she was excited to see so many people participate in the walk. She said the event was a way to bring people together to pray for and raise awareness about millions of Americans and their families whose lives are impacted because of incarceration. Stanfield, along with many others, said she hoped that people incarcerated in the jail, 201 N Shartel, could hear the words of encouragement, music and prayer that was part of the walk finale at the detention center. Story continues The Rev. John-Mark Hart, senior pastor of Christ Community Church, walks alongside Gloria Torres, executive director of Calle Dos Cinco-Capitol Hill, at Stronger Together OKC's Peace Walk on May 1 in south Oklahoma City. As the walkers made the trek toward the jail, they stopped at several points to pray and to hear former offenders share their personal testimonies. Two of them were Aaron Cosar and Jeryka Castelli. Cosar said one of the obstacles he faced upon his release 12 years ago was learning how to be a good husband to his wife, who had stood by his side. Cosar said he was incarcerated for 25 years and found that life after imprisonment was difficult. He said prison ministry volunteers and other friends helped connect him to the counseling he needed. Castelli, who was connected to Stand in the Gap ministry, said she had a longtime drug addiction that ultimately led to her incarceration. She said after her release eight years ago, she had to get help opening a bank account and obtaining a driver's license. "One by one, those barriers were removed by all the people in my life," Castelli said. She said she now has a husband, a child and a job at a local hospital. Hale said she, too, has built a successful life after incarceration. She said she has earned two associate degrees and has a job she loves. She's also working with Prison Fellowship to help other former offenders upon their release from prison. Walking for peace Hart, senior pastor of Christ Community Church, and the Rev. Clarence Hill, founder of the Stronger Together movement, said the recent Peace Walk was the first of several Peace Walks that would be conducted across Oklahoma City through November. The inaugural walk was held on the city's southside to give participants an opportunity to hear from ministers and other residents from the Hispanic community as they talked about the needs and dreams of people living in their part of the city. Participants included prominent ministers, business and community leaders from different part of the metro area, as well as people from a diverse group of congregations. The event began at 101 SW 25 and participants walked south toward Scissortail Park and the Myriad Gardens. Participants were given booklets with prayers to offer up during the walk Before the trek began, Hart, Hill and other local ministers spoke to the crowd. Gloria Torres, executive director of Calla Dos Cinco in the Capitol Hill District, also talked to participants. "Welcome to the neighborhood," she said. Two men who grew up in south Oklahoma City spoke about their personal journeys. They identified themselves as "Dreamers," a term used to describe people who successfully applied for the temporary provisions and protections of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The next walk, to be led by the Rev. Derrick Scobey, will be 4 to 6 p.m. on June 5 in northeast Oklahoma City. Scobey, For more information about the Peace Walk series, go to the "Events" link at https://www.strongertogether.global/. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Walks for peace, the formerly incarcerated take place in Oklahoma City A map of Orange County shows where deputies were in a standoff with a man outside an In-N-Out in Foothill Ranch A standoff between Orange County sheriff's deputies and a man in a vehicle at an In-N-Out Burger parking lot in Foothill Ranch continued late into Wednesday night. Deputies were called around 8:20 p.m. to a home on Sweetbrier Lane in Mission Viejo for a man in violation of a domestic violence court order, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The man fled in a car after deputies arrived. Deputies gave chase and the pursuit ended by the In-N-Out, deputies said. The restaurant is at the intersection of Alton Parkway and Towne Centre Drive. The man was alone in his vehicle and did not take any hostages, said Lt. David Holloway, an Orange County Sheriff's Department watch commander. "The restaurant and surrounding streets have been evacuated and closed," the Sheriff's Department said on Twitter. "Tactical teams, crisis negotiation and the Behavioral Health Bureau are on scene." Deputies continued to negotiate with the man past 11 p.m. Further information was not available. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Virginia business owner withheld taxes from her employees paychecks for years, but she never paid them to the Internal Revenue Service, prosecutors said. Instead, she bought a 60-foot yacht, a boat and a Jeep for her daughter. She pleaded guilty and now may face prison time. On May 3, Wendy Brockenbrough, from Virginia Beach, pleaded guilty to willfully failing to pay over taxes to the IRS, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Brockenbroughs attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on May 5. The 53-year-old is the owner of three businesses in Virginia, according to court documents obtained by McClatchy News. As a majority owner, her responsibilities included managing the books and finances of her companies as well as withholding employment taxes from her employees paychecks and paying that amount over to the IRS. Prosecutors said between 2011 and 2019, the woman failed to pay over the taxes she collected from her workers paychecks. For years, authorities said she also failed to file Form 941, Employers Quarterly Federal Tax Return. While Brockenbrough withheld an appropriate amount of payroll taxes from her employees paychecks, she never sent the payments to the IRS, and instead kept the money for herself, court documents show. Brockenbrough had ample funds in her companies bank accounts to make the required payroll tax payments, prosecutors said. Instead of paying the taxes, prosecutors said the woman lived a lavish lifestyle, which included buying a 60-foot yacht worth about $820,000, a $126,000-center console boat and a $41,000 Jeep Wrangler that she gave to her daughter. Authorities said they estimate Brockenbrough cheated the IRS out of $2,721,268. Prosecutors said accountants at the firm repeatedly reminded the owner of her responsibilities to pay the taxes. Court documents state Brockenbrough lied to the accountants, claiming she made the payments using a company credit card. Story continues Court documents show the woman altered a bank statement to pretend the taxes had been paid. She also provided her accountants with false W-2s forms and false QuickBooks entries to reflect bogus payments. By submitting one of the false W-2 forms to the IRS, Brockenbrough once received a tax refund of about $27,000, prosecutors said. Parts of the scheme began to come to light after the Commonwealth of Virginia audited Brockenbrough in 2018 and 2019, with officials finding she owed the state about $500,000 in unpaid state payroll taxes. The woman paid a $200,000 lump sum and sent $20,000 each month to the state. However, after her audit, prosecutors said she continued to falsify QuickBooks records and didnt tell her accountants about the audit. Brockenbroughs sentencing is scheduled for September 8, according to the release. She faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, though typical sentences are shorter than the federal maximums. As part of her plea agreement, the owner agreed to file true and correct tax returns for the year(s) 2017-2019 within sixty days and to pay all taxes, interest, and penalties for these years. Phony tax preparer stole from small-business owners who spoke little English, feds say Woman lied about feeding kids in low-income families and pocketed $100,000, feds say Millions of TurboTax users were deceived by ads, officials say. Now company will pay Man stole millions in COVID funds then bought Tesla, hotel stays and more, feds say The Pennsylvania State Police announced Wednesday that they arrested Trooper Joseph Czachorowski on charges related to the possession of illegal controlled substances. According to police, a U.S. postal inspector intercepted a package addressed to Czachorowski and got a federal search warrant for it. While searching it with a PSP trooper, they discovered 30 Oxymetholone pills and two vials of Trenbolone acetate. Both drugs are steroids and Schedule III controlled substances. Police also said that a search warrant on Czachorowskis home turned up more controlled substances. Czachorowski is charged with misdemeanor counts of possessing a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, a small amount of marijuana and instruments of crime. Police said Czachorowski enlisted in the PSP in November 2014 and is a member of the 141st cadet class. He is assigned to Troop K, Philadelphia and has been suspended without pay pending the resolution of the criminal charges against him. Czachorowski was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Scott Massey and released on $7,500 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is set for May 17. TRENDING NOW: Man dies after tree falls on several cars, Sunoco during storm in Upper St. Clair Driver rescued after car crashes into pole along Route 51 in Whitehall; part of road shut down Power outages, road closures after storms move through Pittsburgh area Tuesday Police searching for man accused of shooting girlfriend, sparking hours-long SWAT situation DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts The death of David Bennett Sr., who received a pig heart in place of his own, may have been hastened by another thing he got from the pig: a common virus. In Bennett's weakened state, the virus called pig cytomegalovirus, or CMV, might have been one of several factors that contributed to his eventual demise, according to Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, who co-led the University of Maryland Medicine team that performed the Jan. 7 transplant. Bennett died two months after receiving the pig heart, which itself was a last-ditch effort to save his life. Bennett's autopsy suggested that while the pig heart had been pumping well, scar tissue was building up in the organ, thickening it and preventing it from fully relaxing after pushing through the blood. Examination also revealed the presence of pig cytomegalovirus, the porcine version of a very common human virus usually kept in check by the immune system. A PCR analysis of tissue from Bennett's heart showed some viral DNA, though researchers found no clear signs of infection. The pig CMV clearly came from the transplant and was not something Bennett caught earlier, Mohiuddin said, although the pig had been checked for the virus using all available testing methods. No scientific evidence suggests a pig CMV infection could cause the thickening seen in Bennett's heart, he said, but it can't entirely be ruled out. Information about the presence of pig CMV was first reported by Technology Review, based on a presentation Mohiuddin's colleague gave at a scientific conference. It was one of three or four factors that could have contributed to Bennett's death, Mohiuddin said, pointing particularly to the Maryland man's weakened state before, during and after the transplant surgery. "All these things were going on and all contributed to his up and down condition," said Mohiuddin, whose team plans to publish its findings shortly in a scientific journal. "Whether all of them contributed a little bit (to his death) or one contributed more than another, that's the difficult part." Story continues Before Bennett's experience, it wasn't clear whether the human body would immediately reject a pig heart, even one from a pig that had been gene-edited to reduce rejection risk. Understanding precisely what led to Bennett's death will help the field avoid similar situations in the future, he said. So-called xenotransplantation is being developed as an alternative to human-to-human transplantation, which is not readily available enough to meet the demand for new organs. More than 100,000 people sit on organ transplant wait lists and many, like Bennett, never qualify at all. The only way to make xenotransplantation a viable alternative for people in dire need of new organs, Mohiuddin said, will be to keep trying the approach in volunteers like Bennett and to keep learning from them. "This needs to continue," he said. "We may have some obstacles in our way, but we won't find out about them unless we do these kinds of experiments." Dave Bennett Sr., left, and David Bennett Jr., right, are photographed on Jan. 12. Dave Bennett, 57, agreed to be the first to risk experimental surgery, the first time a gene-edited pig has been used as an organ donor. Historic but risky procedure Bennett had a rocky last five months. He began experiencing severe chest pains and severe shortness of breath in October, which eventually led him to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For 40 days, Bennett was kept alive by a machine that took over the function of both his heart and lungs. He was not considered a good candidate for a heart transplant because he hadn't always followed doctors' orders in the past. Because of the scarcity of hearts available for transplant, only people likely to do well with the new organ are considered eligible. An irregular heartbeat also made him a poor candidate for an artificial heart pump. So in late 2021, doctors at the University of Maryland approached him with a never-before-tried option. They could replace his heart with one from a pig that had been gene-edited to make it less likely to be rejected by the human body. The procedure had been tested before in baboons but never in humans and, like most medical firsts, it was unlikely to buy him much more time, Bennett was told. But Bennett, 57, who had spent time in prison for stabbing a man in a barroom brawl in the 1980s, decided to take one more shot at life. Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin directs the program in cardiac xenotransplantation at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The Jan. 7 transplant procedure went well overall, but during the operation, his aorta, the body's main artery, began to come apart. Surgeons had to quickly implant a graft and a stent to shore it up. That procedure might also have been a contributing factor to his eventual death. For 49 days, though, the new heart, which had once beaten inside the chest of an genetically modified adolescent pig, seemed to be working just fine inside Bennett. "He was sitting up in the chair, waving at us," said Mohiuddin. Bennett got to watch one more Super Bowl, on Feb. 13, as the Rams beat the Bengals, singing along with "America the Beautiful." His recovery to that point had seemed steady but was not perfect. Twice after the transplant, surgeons had to go into his abdomen to relieve an intestinal infection. They also reduced his immune-suppressing medication for a time worrying that a rampant infection might kill him and gave him antibodies to help him fight infection. On day 49 after the surgery, he started to go downhill and spent his last days back on a heart-lung machine before dying on March 8. David Bennett Jr., left, Dave Bennett Sr., center, and Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, director of the Program in Cardiac Xenotransplantation at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, are photographed on Jan. 12, 2022. Dave Bennett, 57, of Maryland, agreed to be the first to risk experimental surgery, the first time a gene-edited pig has been used as an organ donor. Mohiuddin said there wasn't one obvious cause of Bennett's death. The fact that he was on a heart-lung machine for so long before the transplant clearly weakened him and could have contributed to his death. The aorta problem during surgery could also have been a factor, as could the reduction in anti-immune medication, along with the CMV, Mohiuddin said. Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said the presence of the pig virus highlighted a long-term concern that using pig organs will transmit viruses to people. "The public has little appetite for experimenters folly-prone, blind tinkering that wastes lives, time, and money, while potentially exposing the public to new viruses that mutate as they jump from species to species," PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo said in a statement. "Xenotransplantation should be relegated to the garbage heap of arrogant, speciesist vanity projects that harm more than they help." But Bennett's death did not discourage the field of xenotransplantation, Mohiuddin said. "I'm more hopeful than ever before," he said. Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com. Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pig heart transplant: Pig virus may have had role in patient's death An Atlanta police officer was shot in northwest Atlanta Thursday morning and is in the hospital after responding to a call of a possible burglary at the A Ma Maneire shoe store on Marietta Street. Police investigators said when officers arrived at the store, they immediately went around to the back where they found burglars had broken through a back wall to the store. Once they got to the back, they said the suspects ran away. While that was happening, police said a security guard fired one shot. That shot hit the officer who was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he was reported to be recovering. Were currently speaking with him, reviewing video and looking at all aspects to give us the clearest picture of what transpired this morning, said Assistant Police Chief Darin Schierbaum Early Thursday afternoon, Atlanta Police announced that they had arrested the security guard, 41-year-old Paul Augustin. Augustin is facing charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct in relation to shooting the police officer. Aggravated Assault, [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] At Ardens Garden, located next door to the sneaker store, employees told Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach they were surprised that someone had shot at police. But they also said they were not surprised that the high-fashion, clothing and shoe store was targeted again by burglars. In March, 2021, a group of thieves stole a UHaul truck and drove it through the front of the Arden Gardens store front. They rammed it so hard that they went through the wall and busted down the wall between us and next door. They went in and took things and then ran away, Holly said. TRENDING STORIES: Story continues Another neighbor in the shopping plaza told Gehlbach their store has been hit more than a dozen time in just the past couple of years. The neighboring shop said its gotten so bad, they had to hire their own security. Schierbaum said that police are still trying to piece together the sequence of events in the shooting and burglary incident. He expressed his thanks to the officers than helped their injured comrade and said that all officers are trained to lend emergency trauma care at crime scenes as needed before medical help can arrive. While this training was crafted to serve the citizens of Atlanta, Shierbaum said. Today it was applied to one of our officers to help save his life. West Melbourne police are searching for two people they say tried to use a stolen truck to steal an ATM from a local bank. Officers found an empty Ford F-250 and an ATM in a grassy area just north of the Chase Bank on Palm Bay Road. Officers also found chains that appeared to have been used in the attempted theft of the machine. Police said two unknown people were seen on security footage but had fled the area before investigators arrived. READ: Man sentenced after committing sex act in front of sleeping stepdaughter Police said the F-250 was recently reported stolen out of Ocoee. Anyone with information about this incident or the individuals involved is asked to contact the West Melbourne Police Department or remain anonymous by contacting Crimeline at 1800-423-TIPS. READ: Cleanup underway after dozens of fish killed at Orlando lake 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. A stolen car hit a police cruiser Wednesday afternoon in Winton Hills, according to Cincinnati Police. Police said the four suspects stole the car from the BP gas station at 249 West Mitchell Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the car was driving down Gray Road. Police said that is when the suspects took off and hit a parked police cruiser. At least one suspect fled on foot and was taken into custody. Officals have not named the suspects, and no injuries were reported, according to police. The Enquirer will update this story when more information becomes available. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Stolen car crashed into police cruiser in Winton Hills STORY: The event is co-hosted by Poland and Sweden and aims at raising funds for Ukraine. He added Ukrainians are fighting not only for their "homeland, independence and freedom, but also for ours." 6.5 billion dollars were raised to help the war-torn country, Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said. Countries such as Finland, the Czech Republic, Croatia and others pledged millions of euros to support humanitarian and military efforts in Ukraine as part of the conference hosted by Poland and Sweden. The European Commission also pledged 200 million euros in aid for displaced people in Ukraine, it said in a statement. Pope Francis appeared to partly blame the West for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in an interview published this week, suggesting that the "barking of NATO at Russia's door" may have forced Putin's hand. "An anger that I dont know if you can say was provoked, but maybe facilitated," the Pope told the Italian Corriere della Sera newspaper. Pope Francis holds his homily during a Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany at St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2022, in Vatican City, Vatican. AleVatican Pool/Getty Images Francis also condemned the weapons industry and said the "arms trade is a scandal" that "few oppose." "I can't answer, I'm too far away, to the question of whether it is right to supply the Ukrainians," Francis said. "There are international interests in every bit. One cannot think that a free state can wage war on another free state. In Ukraine it was the others who created the conflict." RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES The Pope has so far declined to condemn Putin, though he has called for an end to the war and said this week that he wants to go to Moscow. A June meeting between Francis and Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill in Jerusalem was called off recently over concerns that it would send an "ambiguous" signal, but the two did talk for 40 minutes over videoconference in March. Francis said Kirill spent half of that March meeting reading off "all the justifications for the war" and said that Kirill must not "transform himself into Putin's altar boy." The relationship between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church could be further strained by sanctions that were proposed Wednesday by the European Union on Kirill. Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vladimir Legoyda suggested that sanctions would only delay peace. "You have to be completely unaware of the history of our church to think that its possible to scare its clergy and believers by putting them on some kind of lists," Legoyda said Wednesday. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Reuters Dozens of inmates were killed during a riot early on Monday as rival gangs clashed in a jail in the Ecuadorean city of Santo Domingo, the government said, the latest episode of prison violence that has rocked the South American country. One hundred and eight prisoners remain at large and 112 have been recaptured, Interior Minister Patricio Carrillo told reporters. Authorities said the riot broke out after a gang leader was transferred to Santo Domingo's Bellavista prison following a court order, which may have caused unrest among prisoners. MILWAUKEE (AP) The slumping Cincinnati Reds are piling up losses on and off the field. The Reds removed outfielders Tyler Naquin and Nick Senzel from the starting lineup for Wednesdays game at Milwaukee and placed both on the injured list. They were added without injury designations, an indication that both are sidelined with COVID-19-related issues. Star first baseman Joey Votto was added to the IL for COVID-19 on Tuesday, although manager David Bell said Votto hadn't tested positive at that point. Bell said Wednesday that Votto would likely be out for more than a couple of days. The Reds selected outfielders Albert Almora and Ronnie Dawson from Triple-A Louisville as substitute players to fill the open roster spots. Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez moved into Cincinnatis starting lineup with Naquin and Senzel unavailable, while other players changed from their original positions. The last-place Reds had lost seven straight and 18 of 19 heading into Wednesdays game, dropping to 3-20. There was one bit of good news for the Reds. Right-hander Luis Castillo struck out seven and allowed three hits over 4 1/3 shutout innings for Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday in his third rehabilitation appearance as he recovers from a shoulder strain. Bell said Castillo is expected to make his major-league season debut Monday. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who was the Republican nominee for president in 2012, this week said that former President Trump would very likely be the GOPs nominee if he seeks another White House term in 2024. I dont delude myself into thinking I have a big swath of the Republican Party, Romney, who has been a frequent critic of Trump, said during an interview with Politico. Its hard to imagine anything that would derail his support. So, if he wants to become the nominee in 24, I think hes very likely to achieve that. Trump has teased a potential run for president in 2024 but has not publicly announced his plans beyond this years midterm elections. He has instead used his influence over the partys base to boost candidates in Republican primaries who have pledged support from him, most notably J.D. Vance in the Ohio Republican Senate primary on Tuesday. I think were going to have a tremendous season. I think were going to win a lot of races with great candidates who are going to go on to big numbers in the fall, Trump said this week following Vances victory. Romney has been a vocal of critic of Trump dating back to the 2016 presidential race, during which he called the real estate mogul and then-GOP hopeful a fraud. The senator was the lone Republican to vote to convict Trump during his first impeachment and has since lamented the former presidents influence over voters in the Republican Party. He will have an enormous impact on our party going forward. I believe the great majority of people who voted for Donald Trump want to make sure that his principles and his policies are pursued, Romney said after the 2020 election. But I think if you look at the numbers and look at the pickup that Republicans had in statehouses across the country and Congress and holding the Senate so far, versus our loss in the presidency, youd suggest that the presidential race was more a matter of a referendum on a person. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Actress and Strictly Come Dancing champion Rose Ayling-Ellis is to become the first celebrity to sign a CBeebies bedtime story this Sunday. Ayling-Ellis, 27, who has been deaf since birth, will tell the tale Can Bears Ski? in British Sign Language (BSL), to mark Deaf Awareness Week. The story of a young bear draws on the author's own experience to show how it feels to be deaf in a hearing world. Ayling-Ellis said she hoped it would inspire children to learn to sign. Can Bears Ski? was written by Raymond Antrobus and illustrated by Polly Dunbar, and follows the journey of a son and father as they discover and manage deafness. It will be the first ever BSL-signed story on CBeebies and it will see Ayling-Ellis only speaking twice throughout the entire programme. Once at the beginning to introduce the story, and at the end to wish the audience goodnight. The story will also have subtitles. Ayling-Ellis said: "I am super excited to read my first CBeebies bedtime story in British Sign Language and it's even more wonderful to share a story written by a deaf writer. "I hope deaf children enjoy the story and it inspires hearing children to want to learn BSL more." Ayling-Ellis found fame starring as Frankie Lewis in BBC soap EastEnders and went on to become the first deaf contestant to win Strictly. She was also nominated for the Must See Moment of the Year at the 2022 Bafta Awards for her Couple's Choice dance routine with partner Giovanni Pernice, which included a section where the pair danced without music to honour of the deaf community. The actress has actively campaigned for BSL to be recognised as an official language and to be given legal status in the UK. Her story will air on Sunday to mark the end of Deaf Awareness Week, and will be the first of two stories she has recorded for CBeebies. Other readers of the CBeebies Bedtime Story have included Dolly Parton, Tom Hardy and Ed Sheeran - who read a story about a boy with a stutter, as he did as a child. Story continues In 2018, Catastrophe actor Rob Delaney became the first person to tell a CBeebies Bedtime Story in Makaton - which was another first for the programme. The Duchess of Cambridge became the first royal to present the show earlier this year. CBeebies Bedtime Stories airs daily at 18:50, with episodes signed by a BSL interpreter shown every Saturday and Sunday. (Reuters) - Russia said on Thursday that its artillery struck multiple Ukrainian positions and strongholds overnight, killing over 600 fighters. "The armed forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation in Ukraine", the defence ministry said. "Over 600 nationalists and 61 units of weapons and military equipment were destroyed". The defence ministry also said its missiles destroyed aviation equipment at the Kanatovo airfield in Ukraine's central Kirovohrad region and a large ammunition depot in the southern city of Mykolaiv. 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 Guy Faulconbridge) The sculpture Fearless girl in New York, wearing a Ukrainian flag. May 4, 2022. Moscow is continuing its efforts to capture the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as well as maintain a land link to annexed Crimea, the General Staff said. At the same time, the Kremlin is attempting to ratchet up tensions around Moldovas Transnistria and in Belarus. Read also: Russian special services reportedly prepared printing of fake newspaper to push for Transnistrian entrance into Russo-Ukrainian war On temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russian troops are stealing the produce from agricultural businesses and are staging publicized sham humanitarian aid handouts to locals. Russia continues to target Ukraines logistical infrastructure with missile strikes, attempting to disrupt the flow of military and humanitarian aid from the West, the General Staff said. Read also: Russian invaders break into Mariupol's Azovstal, journalists say Some regiments of the Belarusian army have been put on high alert, for inspection purposes. In Kursk region, the Russians are establishing defensive positions near the border with Ukraine. A Russian attempt to regain recently lost ground near Kharkiv, around Staryi Saltov, has failed. Mounting personnel losses are forcing Moscow to bolster its military medical infrastructure; some civilian hospitals near Kharkiv are being used as military medical facilities. As part of their hitherto unsuccessful attempts to improve their tactical situation near the city of Izyum in Kharkiv Obast, Russian forces continue to shell nearby settlements. Read also: Russia continues its advance towards Donbas from Izyum in Kharkiv Oblast In Donetsk region, the Russians tried to capture Popasna and establish full control over Rubizhne, but did not succeed. Moscow continues to filter Ukrainian nationals in temporarily occupied areas, preventing locals from fleeing to safer parts of Ukraine, the General Staff said. The Kremlin is also speeding up the training of its professional soldiers, in order to recover from the high rate of casualties on the battlefield. Editor's note: This page recaps the news from Ukraine on Thursday, May 5. Follow here for the latest updates and news from Friday, May 6, as Russia's invasion continues. Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in heavy fighting Thursday in the battle for the sprawling steel mill that represents the last holdout in the beleaguered city of Mariupol, as signs pointed to an increasingly dire situation for the resistance. Kateryna Prokopenko, the wife of Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, a leader of the Azovstal steel plants defenders, said he told her in a call from inside that he would love her forever. "It seemed like words of goodbye, she said. Earlier Thursday, the deputy commander of the regiment, Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, pleaded for the evacuation of civilians in a video statement from a bunker and said wounded soldiers are dying in agony" due to the lack of medical care. The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph or announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. That is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. The estimated 2,000 Ukrainian fighters and a few hundred civilians remaining at the steel mill after weeks of ferocious bombardment were betrayed by an electrician who showed Russian troops the underground tunnels that lead to the factory, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines Internal Affairs Ministry. Russian forces first breached the compound Tuesday. Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer, Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. USA TODAY ON TELEGRAM: Join our Russia-Ukraine war channel to receive updates straight to your phone Latest developments: The U.N. food aid agency is appealing for Black Sea ports in Ukraine, blasted by Russian missiles and artillery, to be opened to permit shipping of wheat and corn exports, which many poor nations depend on. Corn and wheat prices have ballooned since the war began. Story continues Zelenskyy launched global initiative United24, including a fundraising platform for making one-click donations from anywhere in the world in support of Ukraine. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who has expressed support for Russia in the war and whose country has been used as a staging ground for Russian troops, said he hadnt expected the Russian offensive to drag on this way. U.S. intelligence helped sink Moskva, report says Targeting data provided by the U.S. helped Ukrainian forces last month sink the Moskva, flagship of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, NBC News reported Thursday, citing unnamed U.S. officials. The Moskva's sinking April 14 after being hit by two Neptune missiles represented a considerable military loss and even bigger embarrassment for Russia. The guided missile cruiser, named after the country's capital, was the largest Russian vessel lost in combat in at least 40 years. The U.S. confirmed the ship's location to Ukraine but was not involved in the decision to strike it, the officials told NBC News. Israel says Putin apologized for his minister's offensive remarks Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Thursday for offensive remarks made by a top Kremlin official, according to an Israeli readout of a phone call between the two leaders. The Russian account of the call did not mention any apology over the remarks, made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to an Italian TV station Sunday, including saying that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler "had Jewish blood.'' Lavrov was arguing that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is meant to "de-Nazify'' the country even though its president is Jewish. "For some time we have heard from the Jewish people that the biggest anti-Semites were Jewish," Lavrov added, speaking to the station in Russian. The comments incensed the Israelis, who called it "unforgivable and outrageous'' and demanded an apology. Israel's readout of the meeting between Bennett and Putin says, "The Prime Minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying the President's attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust.'' The Russian readout says they talked about "the situation in Ukraine'' but makes no mention of Lavrov's remarks or an apology. Another Mariupol evacuation under way, UN says Some more residents are being allowed to flee from the bombarded Ukrainian city of Mariupol and its surroundings through a new safe passage operation, the United Nations said. Humanitarian spokesman Saviano Abreu told The Associated Press the organization is coordinating the evacuation with the warring parties and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is not clear how many people are part of the evacuation and Abreu would not say whether anyone at the Azovstal steel plant is involved. A similar joint evacuation effort allowed 160 civilians to leave the plant and areas nearby over the weekend. Another one brought out more than 340 people from Mariupol and communities around it Wednesday. Ukraine claims repelling attacks in Kharkiv and Donetsk; Russia says it did major damage in Luhansk Military leaders for both Ukraine and Russia claimed battlefield accomplishments Thursday. The Ukrainian General Staff said in a Facebook post that Russian troops made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, and added that the invading forces continue to launch missile strikes on transport facilities to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military-technical assistance. The Ukrainians also said they have regained control of several settlements bordering the Kherson and Mykolayiv regions. The Russians said their air force destroyed 45 Ukrainian military facilities while hitting Ukrainian troops and weapons concentrations and an ammunition depot in the eastern Luhansk region. The claims could not be independently verified. Ukraine accuses Russia of stealing grain, equipment As the price of some food items around the world surges due to difficulty of obtaining Ukrainian grain, authorities in the country accused Russian invaders of stealing grain and farm equipment. Ukraines deputy agriculture minister, Taras Vysotskiy, claimed "several hundred thousand tons of grain in total were taken out of the Zaporizhzhya, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Emine Dzheppar, first deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, put the total amount of grain stolen by Russia at 400,000 tons, or about one-third of all reserves in the region. "They force farmers to transfer agricultural machinery to 'collective farms' ownership, just like it was in the USSR," Dzheppar tweeted. "Those who refuse to cooperate are threatened with physical violence and confiscation of grain and equipment." Patriotism or profit? Gun groups conflicted on Russian ammo ban All Russian ammunition was banned from import into the U.S. as of Sept. 7, 2021. But the cheap 7.62 x 39 mm bullets favored by many Americans for target practice with semiautomatic rifles have kept flowing because of a State Department loophole allowing existing and pending import permits to stand. Russian brands such as Wolf, TulAmmo and Barnaul are easy to find at gun shops and U.S.-based online retailers. The Biden administration announced the ban in August 2021 in reaction to the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny the year before. The ban also came as intelligence agencies reported Russia amassing 100,000 troops at the Ukrainian border. The sanctions and the grandfathered Russian imports have split the top firearm lobbies and gun owners: Some take a hardline Second Amendment view, some fall on the side of democratic support for Ukraine, some seem to be torn between the two. Read more here $300 million superyacht seized in Fiji Authorities in Fiji executed a U.S. warrant "freezing" a superyacht valued at over $300 million allegedly owned by a Russian oligarch, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday. A judge in Fiji permitted seizure of the 348-foot-long Amadea pending legal challenges from oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, sanctioned for alleged money laundering. The seizure was coordinated through the Justice Departments KleptoCapture, a task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions and economic countermeasures imposed in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. This ruling should make clear that there is no hiding place for the assets of individuals who violate U.S. laws. And there is no hiding place for the assets of criminals who enable the Russian regime, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. The Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable those who facilitate the death and destruction we are witnessing in Ukraine. Ukrainian blogger accused of treason is arrested, freed on bail in Spain Pro-Russian blogger Anatoly Shariy, accused of treason by his home country of Ukraine, was detained in Spain before being freed on bond. Ukraines security services announced the arrest Thursday and said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, a frequent critic of Ukraine's government, tweeted Tuesday that "my only crime is that I have exposed you thieves too little." "This detention is another testimony to the fact that every traitor of Ukraine will sooner or later receive the deserved punishment," the Ukraine agency said in a social media post. "It is irreversible." Visiting refugees: First Lady Jill Biden to meet Ukraine refugees near war zone: 'They are not forgotten' Kherson shows signs of long-term Russian control The Ukrainian city of Kherson is showing signs that Russia could be in control for the long term. The Russian currency is being introduced and reports are mounting that a sham referendum would be held to legitimize Russian annexation, some locals say. Military checkpoints are everywhere. Kherson, a southern city of about 280,000 and home to ship-building industry on the Dnieper River, became the first major Ukrainian city to fall to Russian forces on March 2. Since then, Russia's actions to cement control and warnings from U.S. and Ukrainian officials of possible annexation plans have ramped up fear and uncertainty in the strategic provincial capital. After weeks under Russian occupation, Tetiana Danets decided it was time to flee Kherson. If we dont go now ... we go never, Danets, 22, told USA TODAY by phone on Monday from Romania, just over two weeks after she fled by car. Read more here. Chris Kenning Belarus announces start of military exercises Belarus said it started military exercises Wednesday, insisting it has no plans to threaten any neighbors. Russia used Belarus as a staging ground in its invasion, and the U.S. government warned citizens not to travel to Belarus and closed its embassy there due to its involvement in the invasion. The military exercises would assess the readiness and capability of the countrys armed forces, and the militarys ability to operate on unknown terrain in a rapidly changing situation, the Belarusian Defense Ministry said. It said the maneuvers do not threaten the European community in general and any neighboring countries in particular. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ukraine: Soldiers at steel mill 'dying in agony' Iryna Balachuk - Thursday, 5 May 2022, 08:32 The bodies of 5 civilians have been found after the Russian shelling of Luhansk Region on Wednesday, 4 May. Source: Serhii Haidai, Head of Luhansk Regional Military Administration, on Telegram Quote from Haidai: "The enemy carried out 24 devastating attacks on the region's peaceful civilians. So far 5 bodies have been found and identified." Details: 2 of the civilians killed were men from Novoivanivka who came under the Russian shelling on the evening of 3 May. A man from Toshkivka and a woman from Voievodivka were killed on the morning of 4 May, while a man from Popasna was killed in the afternoon of the same day. Haidai noted that these are not final numbers because many houses are on fire in Popasna and the Hirske municipal territorial community [hromada]. In the last few days, at least 8 buildings have been destroyed or damaged in Hirske alone, 3 in Komyshuvakha, and at least 4 apiece in Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Novodruzhesk. On 4 May, Russian troops carried out 7 heavy artillery attacks on Sievierodonetsk, 7 on Popasna and Hirske municipal territorial communities [hromadas], and 4 on Lysychansk. At the same time, defenders in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions repelled 11 aggressor attacks in the past 24 hours, and destroyed 5 tanks, 7 armoured combat vehicles and 5 motor vehicles. Air defence units shot down 2 enemy Su-30 aircraft and 2 Orlan-10 and ZALA-421 unmanned aerial vehicles. The invading forces are attempting to launch offensives on the Sievierodonetsk and Popasna fronts, but are unsuccessful. Associated Press The son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte are the new leaders of the Philippines, an alliance that ushers in six years of governance that has some human rights activists concerned about the course their country may take with the pair in power. Here is a look at the new president and vice president of the Philippines, who ran in separate races for their posts. A former provincial governor, congressman and senator, the 64-year-old son who goes by his childhood nickname Bongbong has managed to return his family to the presidency 36 years after the People Power revolt ousted his father and sent him into exile for filching billions and mass human rights abuses. President Joe Biden met with Amazon Labor Union president Christian Smalls, Starbucks union organisers and other union workers during a task force meeting with labor officials to discuss their extraordinary efforts to organize unions in their workplaces, according to a White House description of the meeting. Mr Smalls, who addressed a Senate Budget Committee on union-busting efforts earlier on 5 May, said on Twitter after the meeting: Just met the President lol he said I got him in trouble. Last month, while promoting congressional efforts to protect the right to organise a union, the president told a union conference Amazon, here we come. On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh met with members of Starbucks Workers United, United Paizo Workers and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, among others. The president stopped by the discussion and thanked the worker organizers for their leadership in organizing unions, the inspiration they offer to workers across the country who may want to organize, and their contributions to the worker organizing momentum that is growing across the country, according to a White House description of the meeting. Workers discussed their demands for fair wages, paid leave and healthcare benefits, and the desire for basic dignity and respect as important motivators for their organizing efforts, according to the White House. Amazon workers at the JFK8 warehouse facility in Staten Island, New York won a union election on 1 April, the first successful US union election within the worlds largest online retailer. A majority of workers at the LDJ5 facility next door voted against unionising, according to preliminary results on 2 May. Just met the President lol he said I got him in trouble gooooooooooood @amazonlabor Christian Smalls (@Shut_downAmazon) May 5, 2022 The labor union represents 8,300 workers at the JFK8 facility, following a months-long union campaign against the companys alleged anti-union efforts, including so-called captive audience meetings encouraging workers to reject the union and attempts to undermine Mr Smalls and other union leaders, who have filed several complaints with the National Labor Relations Board over federal labor law violations. Story continues Mr Biden, who has pledged to be the most pro-union president in history, has urged Congress to pass the Protecting the Rights to Organize Act, which would expand labour protections related to employees rights to organise and collectively bargain in the workplace. The measure passed the House of Representatives last year but has stalled in the Senate. The president previously voiced his support for an Amazon union campaign in Alabama without naming the company, saying last year that workers in Alabama and all across America are voting on whether to organise a union in their workplace, what he called a vitally important choice and one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers. That election failed, and a federal labour board authorised a new election after a regional director determined that Amazon showed a flagrant disregard for the mail-in ballot election, arguing that the company essentially highjacked the process and gave a strong impression that it controlled the process. The union and the company challenged the results of a second election at that warehouse held earlier this year. This is a developing story Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito canceled an appearance at an upcoming judicial conference, two days after a draft decision he authored overturning landmark abortion protections in Roe v. Wade leaked to Politico. Reuters first reported that Alito was set to appear at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference this week. The event hosts judges from the region, which encompasses Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Alito is the justice assigned to hear emergency Supreme Court appeals from the 5th Circuit. Patricia McCabe, the courts spokesperson, confirmed to the wire service that Alito would not be attending, but gave no further information about why he had canceled. Alito, a member of the courts six-justice conservative bloc, authored the draft majority opinion overturning the 1973 Roe decision, calling it egregiously wrong from the start. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Photo: via Associated Press) Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Photo: via Associated Press) We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives, the draft reads. The courts official ruling on the matter is only final when published in the next two months, and justices can change their votes up until that point. Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the draft was authentic on Tuesday, sparking national condemnation from Democrats and civil rights advocates. The fact that the draft opinion leaked at all is shocking, and its extremely rare to get an insight into the courts thinking before an opinion is published. Roberts vowed to investigate the leak, saying it amounted to a betrayal. Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas were expected to speak at a similar judicial conference for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta, although its unclear if they will actually attend, according to Reuters. The circuit conferences are the first in-person events since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Story continues This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... BAGHDAD (AP) Hundreds of Iraqis rushed to hospitals with breathing problems Thursday and the Baghdad airport suspended flights for several hours as a thick sandstorm blanketed the country, the fifth to engulf Iraq within a month. Iraqi state media said most of the patients suffered respiratory issues as clinics across the country's north and west struggled to keep up with the influx. Authorities urged citizens to stay indoors. Iraqis awoke to an ochre-colored sky and a thick blanket of dust covered the roads and buildings with an orange film. Visibility was low and drivers kept car headlights on to see the road. Flights scheduled to depart overnight and on Thursday morning were postponed, an airport official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. Flights resumed by the afternoon, when the dust began to clear. Iraq is prone to seasonal sandstorms but experts and officials are raising alarm over their frequency in recent years, which they say is exacerbated by record-low rainfall, desertification and climate change. However, Azzam Alwash, head of the Nature Iraq non-profit organization, warned that climate change alone doesnt give the whole picture and that inappropriate farming practices and mismanagement of water resources have contributed to the problems. Climate change has become a very convenient excuse for officials to avoid responsibility for not taking action over the last 20 to 40 years, he said. Desertification, resulting from old irrigation practices dating back to the Sumerian age, and rising water salinity are also factors, he said. These are policy issues." The World Bank has warned that Iraq could suffer a 20% drop in water resources by 2050. Issa al-Fayad, an official with the Environment Ministry, said Iraq could face 272 days of sandstorms a year in the coming decades. At least 700 people sought medical care in Iraq's western province of Anbar, and dozens more in the provinces of Kirkuk, Salahaddin and Najaf, state TV reported. At the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Baghdad, people lined up outside the emergency room and staff stocked up on more meds as weather forecasts predicted the storms would continue throughout May. Ayat Haitham, a nurse, was busy treating patients but also tried to reassure them that all the drugs used for treating breathing difficulties and also oxygen were available in big quantities. A Seattle man is accused of exposing himself to children, masturbating in public, and repeated stalking. But despite his alleged rap sheet, hes only facing misdemeanor charges and has even faced no charges during previous incidents. Victims say hes a sexual predator that terrorizes the Lake City community. The 21-year-old is known in the area by the nickname Vee. One Seattle mom only learned of Vee after he allegedly exposed himself to her 7-year-old daughter and another 9-year-old girl. The mother says she was horrified after learning of his criminal history from police. They just kind of casually mentioned, yeah weve probably arrested him 10, 12 times for the same thing, says the mother. She posted about the incident on Facebook, where she was quickly connected with more victims. Alaina was one of the victims who reached out. She accuses Vee of exposing himself on a daily basis outside her apartment building and stalking women in the area. Within weeks, Alaina says Vee began to target her and in one instance, he attacked her. He came at me. I was running away from him. He grabbed me. Injured me, says Alaina. Vee was arrested, only to return days later to the complex. Alaina says he does not live at the complex; he just comes to harass residents. Scroll down to continue reading More news from KIRO 7 DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP At another apartment complex in Lake City, a woman named Staci calls his harassment relentless. Every time I leave my apartment building, I look for him, says Staci. Were terrorized by this man every single day. And the courts should be ashamed. The man is currently in custody for indecent exposure, having been arrested for indecent exposures in the past. At times, he has been conditionally released. However, the victims mother says his history shows a cycle of being arrested, released, and then reoffending. Story continues He knows that he can get released in this loophole in a system that we have, says the victims mother. And ultimately somebodys going to get hurt. A woman or a child will be hurt by him. She believes that Vee should face felony charges for exposing himself to her young daughter. A statement from the Seattle City Attorneys Office on this case states: This case was picked up and referred as a felony to the King County Prosecutors Office. After determining that it did not meet the filing standards for a felony (pursuant to RCW 9A.88.010), KCPAO (King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office) referred this case to our office. Our office worked closely with King County Jail and Seattle Police Department to ensure that [Vee] would be rebooked on misdemeanor charges and not released. Vee instead has pending gross misdemeanor charges. The King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office tells KIRO 7 that decision falls with local police. The King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has never had a felony case involving [Vee] referred to us by Seattle Police, or any police agency. We need a case referred to us by police in order to file charges that could lead to jail or prison time for a felony crime. If police do refer a felony case to us, of course we would address it immediately, says director of communications Casey McNerthney. But the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, which handles felony crimes, cannot file a case that hasnt been sent to us. The Seattle Police Department tells KIRO 7 that it is limited by the legal framework of each law. In most cases, indecent exposure is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, not a felony. The mother and three victims who spoke with KIRO 7 asked for anonymity. They expressed fear that Vee would continue to target them if he makes bail. I walk around with a knot in my stomach knowing hell be released soon, says the victims mother. Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, will lead a U.S. delegation to attend the inauguration of South Korea's next president, Yoon Suk Yeol. (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will travel to Seoul on Sunday, leading the U.S. delegation to the inauguration next week of South Korea's next president, Yoon Suk Yeol, a White House official said. The trip is Emhoff's first to a foreign inauguration and third foreign excursion since his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, took office in January 2021. Emhoff led a delegation to Tokyo in August, representing U.S. leadership at the Paralympic Games. He traveled with Harris to France in November. Emhoff is the first male in his role but has otherwise been a fairly traditional second spouse, serving as a high-level ambassador, attending political events and keeping up a brisk domestic travel schedule to build support for the administration's agenda. The inauguration is Tuesday. The delegation also includes Martin J. Walsh, the labor secretary, Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.) and several diplomats. South Korea is an important U.S. ally and security partner. It shares a border with North Korea, an unpredictable adversary with a nuclear weapons program. President Biden is scheduled to visit South Korea and Japan later this month. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Russian MiG-29i fighters fly over Moscow during a rehearsal for the Victory Parade on May 4, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) A column of Russian Iskander-M missile launchers prepare for Russia's Victory Day parade, which will take place May 9, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russian Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft release smoke in the colors of the Russian flag while flying over Moscow during a rehearsal for Victory Parade on May 4, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russian servicemen march as they take part in a rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 4, 2022. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images) A T-34 tank is transported along the Garden Ring road toward Red Square for a rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade on May 4, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russian MiG-29SMT jets form the symbol Russian MiG-31BM jets, a Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bomber and an Ilyushin Il-78 aerial refueling tanker fly over Moscow during the rehearsal. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russian MiG-29 fighters and an Ilyushin Il-80 airborne command-and-control aircraft fly together during a rehearsal for the Victory Parade. Russia will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2022. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images) A Russian T-90M tank, front, and other military vehicles head toward Red Square for the parade rehearsal. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russian Tupolev Tu-95 and Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft fly over Red Square on May 4, 2022. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images) Ilyushin Il-76MD military transport aircraft fly over Red Square. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images) A column of Russian S-400 Triumf air defense systems drive toward the Red Square in central Moscow on May 4, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) A Russian T-72B3M tank, front, and other military vehicles prepare for a rehearsal of Russia's Victory Day parade. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher drives along the Garden Ring road toward the Red Square. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Russia will celebrate the 77th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2022. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images) MSTA-S self-propelled howitzers and other military vehicles drive along the Garden Ring road toward the Red Square for a rehearsal of the Victory Day military parade on May 4, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) The invasion of Ukraine means that fewer Russian tanks and other military hardware will rumble through Moscows Red Square on Monday, when the country marks its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. This years Victory Day wont just honor a conflict that ended 77 years ago. Many Russians will be thinking about the thousands of troops fighting in neighboring Ukraine. Signs of support for the military have grown across the country since the invasion began Feb. 24, with the letter Z appearing on billboards and signs in the streets and subways, and on television and social media. The Kremlin has refused to refer to the fighting in Ukraine as a war, instead calling it a special military operation. Some observers believe that President Vladimir Putin could use the holiday to finally declare the operation to be a war in order to bolster Russias national commitment to the effort. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims as nonsense on Wednesday. War and remembrance The Soviet Union lost a staggering 27 million people in World War II, which it calls the Great Patriotic War. The conflict, which devastated cities and the countryside, caused enormous suffering and left a deep scar in the national psyche. Victory Day is a rare event in the nations divisive post-Soviet history that is revered by all political players, and the Kremlin has used that sentiment to encourage patriotic pride and underline Russias role as a global power. The annual celebrations feature a massive military parade on Red Square showcasing the latest armaments from tanks to fighter jets to nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, the array of weapons to be displayed in the parade has been significantly curtailed from last year in an apparent reflection of the militarys heavy engagement in Ukraine. In ordering the invasion, Putin declared that it was aimed at the demilitarization of Ukraine to remove a perceived military threat to Russia by neo-Nazis rhetoric condemned by Ukraine and the West as a fictitious cover for a blunt act of aggression. Story continues To try to back up the claim, Putin and his officials have pointed to the adulation by Ukraines right-wing groups of nationalist leaders Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevych, who sided with the Nazis during World War II and their perceived use of Nazi units symbols. The rhetoric also has been used by the Kremlin to try to bolster public support for the war amid heavy losses of troops and equipment as well as massive economic damage from Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, has derided the Kremlin denazification claim. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov fired back by drawing a parallel between Zelenskyy and Adolf Hitler a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from Israel. Rushing the offensive? Some in Ukraine and the West expected Putin to try to seek quick gains before the May 9 holiday in a possible attempt to present it as a decisive victory and use it as an exit from what increasingly looks like a disastrous quagmire bleeding Russias resources and threatening its stability. After a failed attempt to storm Kyiv and other big cities in Ukraines north in the early stages of the war, the Kremlin has shifted its focus to the eastern industrial heartland known as the Donbas, where Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian government forces since 2014. That conflict erupted weeks after Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. The Russian military has rearmed and resupplied its forces withdrawn from Kyiv and moved them to Donbas in an apparent attempt to encircle and destroy the most capable and seasoned Ukrainian troops concentrated there. But that offensive in the east has faced staunch Ukrainian defenses and made only incremental advances, dashing Kremlin hopes for a quick victory. Significant gains look all but impossible before May 9. In an interview this week, Lavrov said: Our military isnt going to artificially link its action to any date, including Victory Day. Upping the ante Some Russian hard-liners have criticized the Kremlin for using only a limited force and urged a nationwide mobilization effort. Some Western officials and observers believe Putin may use May 9 to formally declare a war and announce a total mobilization of the population to boost troop numbers for an offensive. Russian authorities have claimed that only volunteer contract soldiers have been fighting in Ukraine, even though many conscripts were taken prisoner in the wars initial days. Russias military has about 1 million service personnel 400,000 of them contract soldiers, including 147,000 in ground forces. Western officials estimated the initial strength of Russias invasion force at about 180,000. The military acknowledged losing 1,351 soldiers as of March 25 and hasnt updated its casualty numbers since then. Western officials have said Russian losses were much heavier and estimated that up to a quarter of Moscows initial attacking force was made unfit for combat. If the war drags on, the current Russian troops numbers in Ukraine could be insufficient to sustain the operations, forcing the Kremlin to rely on poorly trained conscripts or call up reservists. The Kremlin faces a stark choice between trying to win the war with a limited force or attempting to bolster its troops in Ukraine with draftees and reservists, a move that could bring public outrage and potentially destabilize the political situation. More than 40 million Americans carry student loan debt today, totaling roughly $1.75 trillion. Members of a Senate Committee on Thursday heard from financial experts about the economic impact of the debt and potential solutions. READ: Next battle over access to abortion will focus on pills Instead of achieving the American dream, borrowers are trapped in economic debt and economic instability, said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. The Biden administration has the power to change the financial lives and future of millions of borrowers by forgiving meaningful portions of student loan debt. The panel heard from two witnesses echoing that call for student loan debt forgiveness. Higher education and hard work should pay off. But in reality, many borrowers can't get out from under their student loan debt no matter how hard they work. Borrowers from across the country are sharing with us how student debt impacts their lives: https://t.co/3ZzkkcVKaE Senate Banking and Housing Democrats (@SenateBanking) May 3, 2022 Rising debt produces fewer homeowners and more credit card debt, jeopardizes secure retirements, and drives intergenerational debt, said Mike Pierce, Executive Director of the Student Borrower Protection Center. Canceling student debt is just. It is equitable. It is legal and it is the only appropriate response to decades of government mismanagement and industry abuse. Last month, the U.S. Department of Education announced fixes to the income-based repayment (IDR) plan which will bring relief for some borrowers. Federal Student Aid (FSA) estimates that these changes will result in immediate debt cancellation for at least 40,000 borrowers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, the U.S. Department of Education said in a statement. Several thousand borrowers with older loans will also receive forgiveness through IDR. More than 3.6 million borrowers will also receive at least three years of additional credit toward IDR forgiveness. Story continues READ: Student loan debt: Upward of $6.8 billion has been forgiven, more to come, says DOE But progressives in Congress and outside Washington say thats not enough and called for more widespread student loan forgiveness. We need full debt cancelation, and we need it yesterday, said Dr. Jalil Mustaffa Bishop, Co-Founder and Assistant Professor for Equity Research Cooperative & Villanova University. Republicans on the committee, however, said student loan forgiveness would lead to an unfair burden on taxpayers. Even President Obamas top Education Department lawyer agrees: the president does not have the legal authority to cancel federal student loan debt via executive order.https://t.co/CKc5XG7ayo Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) May 5, 2022 Lets be clear about what canceling student loan debt means, said Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Its a massive wealth transfer from taxpayers to a small subset of mostly wealthy individuals. One witness urged Congress and the Biden administration not to institute broad loan forgiveness but to instead consider other solutions like holding colleges more accountable. READ: US mortgage rates rise; 30-year at 5.27%, highest since 2009 Loan problems do not justify drastic actions such as sweeping cancelation which would create bigger problems from helping the well-to-do to exacerbating tuition inflation and workforce distortions, said Dr. Neal McCluskey, Director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. Congress could also institute skin in the game in which colleges pay a share of their defaults. President Biden has said he is considering taking executive action to broadly cancel student loan debt but so far, no final decision has come down from the administration. 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. A woman working at an elementary school in south Georgia has been arrested after police learned she was taking medication from the nurses office. Representatives with Lowndes County Schools said they began noticing a discrepancy in the medication inventory at Dewar Elementary School last week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] School officials were able to quickly determine the number of missing pills and obtain video footage to determine who took them. The Lowndes County Sheriffs Office says that woman was 33-year-old Shandel Davies from Valdosta. They say she worked at the school, but did not clarify what her position was. LCS and LCSO have a long-standing relationship of cooperation as both entities are invested in protecting children and the community we serve. Though we are extremely saddened this occurred, we are thankful for the expeditious response of LCSO and our ability to protect our students, said Sandra Wilcher, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. TRENDING STORIES: Davies was arrested and charged with six counts of felony burglary and five counts of felony possession of a schedule II drug. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: MADRID (Reuters) -A Spanish judge on Thursday ordered the release of a pro-Russian Ukrainian blogger who was detained the previous day on an international arrest warrant for suspected treason, but barred him from leaving the country pending an extradition hearing. Spain's High Court said in a statement that Judge Jose Luis Calama had ruled Anatoliy Shariy, an aspiring politician and vocal critic of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his pro-Western government, should present himself to the nearest court twice a month and surrender his passport. The judge said there were not enough reasons for keeping him in custody, considering that he has taken roots in Spain. A police source said the 43-year-old had been detained in the coastal city of Tarragona in Catalonia. Earlier, Ukraine's SBU security service said in a statement Shariy was detained on Wednesday in an operation coordinated between Ukrainian authorities and Spanish police on suspicion of committing treason and the crime of "breaching the equal rights of citizens" based on race, nationality or other attributes. "SBU investigators consider that Shariy carried out unlawful activity detrimental to Ukraine's national security in the information sphere. There are reasons to believe that Anatoliy Shariy acted on orders of foreign bodies," it said. Ukraine declared Shariy a suspect a year before Russia's invasion of its neighbour on Feb. 24. After his investigative reports featuring frequent criticism of Ukrainian authorities led to problems with the law and following an attempt on his life, Shariy has lived in self-imposed exile in the European Union since 2012: first in Lithuania, then in the Netherlands and in Spain. Shariy has taken a particularly pro-Russian stance since the 2014 Maidan uprising in Ukraine and Russia's annexation of Crimea. A frequent guest on Russian state TV channels, he supported the Kremlin's narrative of Ukraine being a Western "colony" dominated by Russian-hating neo-Nazis in his videos, justifying the invasion and accusing the Ukrainian media and Zelenskiy of manipulating public opinion in the West. Story continues In 2019, he registered a Ukrainian political party, called The Party of Shariy, which won a few dozen seats in several regional assemblies. Ukraine's National Security Council suspended the party, along with several others linked to Russia, in March following Russia's invasion. (Reporting by Belen Carreno and Andrei Khalip; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson) COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankas beleaguered government won a key vote in Parliament on Thursday as a ruling coalition-backed candidate was elected deputy speaker, despite growing public pressure on the government amid the worst economic crisis in decades. The vote was seen as crucial to demonstrate that the government still has majority support in the 225-member Parliament after 40 governing coalition lawmakers said last month they would no longer vote according to coalition instructions. It was feared that their move would significantly weaken the government and that it might also lose a majority. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, who was backed by the ruling coalition led by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, defeated opposition candidate Imithiaz Bakeer Markar. Siyambalapitiya received 148 votes and Marker got 65 votes. Siyambalapitiya previously held the post of deputy speaker before resigning last month when his Sri Lanka Freedom Party defected from the government. But his party has agreed to work with the government to try to resolve the economic situation. The comfortable victory for Siyambalapitiya comes as the Rajapaksa government faces nationwide protests over its failure to resolve the country's economic woes. For several months, Sri Lankans have endured long lines to buy fuel, cooking gas, food and medicine, most of which come from abroad. Shortages of hard currency have also hindered imports of raw materials for manufacturing and worsened inflation, which surged to 18.7% in March. As oil prices soar during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the island nations fuel stocks are running out. Authorities have announced countrywide power cuts extending up to 7 1/2 hours a day because they cant supply enough fuel to power generating stations. Sri Lanka is on the brink of bankruptcy and has suspended payments on its foreign loans. Its economic miseries have brought on a political crisis, with the government facing protests and a no-confidence motion in Parliament. Story continues The opposition United Peoples Force handed over the motion to Parliament on Tuesday, saying the government had failed in its constitutional duty to provide decent living standards. Officials say the countrys foreign reserves have plummeted to a record low of less than $50 million. The country has been holding talks with the International Monetary Fund about possible rescue programs, including a rapid financing instrument needed to urgently resolve shortages of essential goods. The country is due to repay $7 billion this year of the $25 billion in foreign loans it is scheduled to pay by 2026. Protests have spread demanding the resignations of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who heads an influential clan that has held power for most of the past two decades, and his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. An occupation of the entrance to the presidents office by protesters demanding the Rajapaksas resign was in its 27th day on Thursday. So far, the Rajapaksa brothers have resisted calls to resign, though three other Rajapaksas who are lawmakers stepped down from their Cabinet posts in mid-April. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday denounced the leak of a draft decision overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion as absolutely appalling. Roberts predicted the disclosure of the ruling, which he reportedly opposed, would not change any minds among the nine judges on the panel or affect the top courts work. The chief justice blamed a lone bad apple for revealing the draft ruling which was penned by conservative Justice Samuel Alito and said he hoped it would not affect popular perception of the court. He said it would be foolish to think that the leak would have any affect on the final ruling, suggesting he expects the five judge majority that backed the decision would stick to its guns and not back away from the radical pro-life stance that would end nearly a half century of legal precedent. Roberts was speaking in Atlanta at a meeting of lawyers and judges at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference. The deeply divided Supreme Court will meet again on May 12 to continue their closed-door deliberations on the abortion case and other matters. A final ruling in the abortion case would be expected to be released publicly before the courts summer recess. Democrats and civil rights advocates have erupted in outrage at the sharply worded draft decision that eviscerates Roe and the right to privacy that it declared should be inferred from the constitution. Alito notes that the constitution makes no mention of abortion. But its not clear the procedure was known in the 18th century or that womens right to choose would have been a concern to the all-white male group including several slaveholders that drafted the document. Republicans have focused their outrage on the leak itself, perhaps in hopes of deflecting public attention from the dramatic impact the decision could have on American life, including potential roll backs of gay and civil rights measures that rest on Roes jurisprudence. May 5Suspected killer still awaiting trial A man charged in the 2021 shooting death of David Harris has entered a change in plea in Mower County District Court Wednesday. Keith Lavandas Forrest, 21 Nathan Lavandas Forrest, 21, pleaded not guilty to second degree aiding and abetting murder without intent and first degree aggravated robbery in September of last year, however, on Wednesday he changed his plead to guilty on the murder charge. There has been no date set for sentencing. The suspected murderer in the case, Miguel Nunez Jr., 19, was arrested on July 8, in Sioux Miguel Nunez Jr., 19 Falls, South Dakota and is facing felony second-degree murder with intent and two counts of felony second degree murder without intent. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts. Harris was shot in June of last year and died at the scene of his home in the 100 block of 12th Street Northeast. According to court documents, Harris was shot when Nunez allegedly tried to steal drugs from the home. A witness at the home said Harris had heard the commotion, grabbed a gun and entered the room where he was shot three times. Nunez is currently in Mower County Jail, held on $1 million bail. He is slated for a jury trial on July 11 of this year. The suspect accused of attacking comic Dave Chappelle on stage at a performance in Los Angeles on Tuesday will not be charged with felony assault, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office said on Thursday. Suspect Isaiah Lee, 23, was arrested after attacking Chappelle on stage and initially held for assault with a deadly weapon. However, while police said Lee was carrying a fake gun that conceals a blade, the D.A.s office will not file felony charges. Lee was carrying the replica gun in a bag and didnt appear to use it during the attack, which was one reason why he wasnt charged with a felony, sources told the Los Angeles Times. Isaiah Lee is transported into an ambulance after comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage in Los Angeles, Calif., May 3, 2022. The Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office has referred the case to the Los Angeles City Attorneys Office for misdemeanor filing consideration, L.A. County D.A. spokesman Greg Risling told Fox News. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct, Risling said. The District Attorneys Office does not prosecute misdemeanor crimes within the city of Los Angeles. A motive for the attack remained unclear as of Thursday. Footage from the event showed Chappelle continuing to perform in the immediate aftermath, joking that he thought that was part of the show. As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show, Chappelles spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News. More from National Review Tennessee firefighters descended into a cave to rescue a dog that became trapped after falling down a 35-foot shaft on Monday, authorities said. The Waldens Creek Volunteer Fire Department (WCVFD) responded to English Mountain at daybreak to plan how to rescue the hunting dog named Storm, the department said. GEORGIA POLICE SEARCHING FOR MAN ALLEGEDLY CAUGHT BEATING DOG ON VIDEO Assistant Chief Schmidt and Captain Lanier, both WCVFD Rope Technicians, along with Sevier County Rescue Squad Rope Technician Boroughs used a high-angle rope system to rappel down the 35-foot shaft and locate Storm. The crew put Storm in a harness and lifted him to safety. No injuries were reported. Rescuers shared a photo with Storm and said they were "thrilled" that the hunting dog was safe. English Mountain is in the western foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains region of East Tennessee. Its peak rises to 3,629 feet. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants to challenge a Supreme Court decision that requires states to offer free public education to all students, including undocumented immigrants. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he expects a challenge to a key Supreme Court education decision. The case, Plyler v. Doe, requires states to offer free public education to all students, including children of undocumented immigrants. Abbott's comments come just days after a leaked document appeared to show the Supreme Court ready to overturn its previous Roe v. Wade decision. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he thinks his state will "resurrect" and "challenge" a 40-year-old Supreme Court decision requiring states to offer free public education to all children, including undocumented immigrants, the Austin American-Statesman first reported. The Supreme Court case in question, Plyler v. Doe, was brought to the court after Texas passed a law prohibiting the state from using public funds to educate children who came into the country illegally. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision in 1982 that the state's actions violated the 14th Amendment's "Equal Protection Clause" and struck down Texas' law. Abbott's comments came during a right-wing radio talk show, The Joe Pags Show, after the host complained about the "burden on communities" that he argued immigrants create. "The challenges put on our public systems is extraordinary," Abbott replied. "Texas already long ago sued the federal government about having to incur the costs of the education program, in a case called Plyler v. Doe. And the Supreme Court ruled against us on the issue about denying, or let's say Texas having to bear that burden." Abbott continued: "I think we will resurrect that case and challenge this issue again, because the expenses are extraordinary and the times are different than when Plyler v. Doe was issued many decades ago." The governor's radio show appearance came days after Politico published a leaked copy of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion which appeared to show the court ready to overturn the country's federal abortion protections from the Roe v. Wade court decision of 1973. Story continues "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled," the draft opinion said. While the draft was not final, and Roe v. Wade has yet to legally be overturned, legal experts told Insider's Natalie Musumeci that the leaked opinion could be used as a "roadmap" to strike down other court decisions and rights also protected by the 14th Amendment. "There is a roadmap to saying that, hey, if judges have created laws that don't explicitly exist in the Constitution, and if you don't think they're fundamental, they can go away tomorrow," said Maxwell Mak, a political science professor at New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In a statement to Insider, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Oni Blair, lambasted Abbott's idea. "The state is responsible for ensuring equal access to education for every child. Blocking access to schools and refusing to provide education for all children would be a complete abdication of the role of government," Blair said. "The Constitution requires public schools to provide equal access to education for all students regardless of immigration status." Natalie Musumeci contributed to this article Read the original article on Business Insider The third time was not the charm for the City of Beavercreeks push to get voters to pass a one percent income tax. Beavercreek is one of three cities in Ohio that does not have an income tax. City leaders and residents reacted to the vote no response. We thought wed get over the hump this time and actually, we went the other way around, Beavercreek Mayer Bob Stone told News Center 7s Haley Kosik. 55 percent of voters were against the income tax, which was a three percent increase from when they said no in 2020. Stone said city leaders listened to residents on what to change and made the adjustments. Not a single thing. Nothing was adjusted. The structure was the exact same, Auston Hensley, Beavercreek resident, said. Hensley runs the Facebook page Vote No Beavercreek Income Tax. City officials told News Center 7 this years income tax proposed a 50 percent further reduction in property taxes, compared to 2020s. What I see is a one percent income tax is essentially an $18 million slush fund, Hensley said. >> May 3, 2022 Primary Election Results City council members put it on the ballot saying the new tax would lower property taxes and increase services. But Stone said now they will be unable to get the resources they desperately need. It will not give us the five new officers we so desperately need, it will not give us the five new public works employees we so desperately need, Stone said. The city will not generate the money it said it needs to pay for improvements for things like roads and sewers. The retirees would have handed themselves a tax break and the working families and businesses would have paid up, Hensley said. Stone said with outrageous inflation rates to add another burden is a lot and that could have possibly been why voters shot it down. Stone said leaders will go back to the drawing board, he isnt sure whether or not they will try for a fourth time to pass the levy. I would encourage everyone, city council, retired members and those who are opposed to it to come together in the next few weeks or months. Lets have some real constructive proposals. Lets get some good ideas on the table, Henley said. Support local journalism. Unlock unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com Click here and subscribe today. For just over four months, Linda Lowery-Johnson avoided opening her sons Christmas gifts, as she waited for more information about just how the 40-year-old ended up shot to death by a still-unnamed Titusville police officer. I havent heard nothing. Nothing since they told me they killed my son," Lowery-Johnson said of the Dec. 26, 2021 shooting death of James Lowery in Titusville. Since then, she said requests to have someone talk to her about the case have been ignored; police reports have been blacked out, and she still doesn't know whether the officer who shot Lowery even remains on the police force. My son got killed that Sunday, the day after Christmas, and that following Tuesday, the chief came to my home and said he was very sorry. But they didnt tell me anything," she said. "I feel like they should talk to us, tell us, so I can see what happened with my son. Linda Lowery Johnson, mother of the deceased. Civil rights attorneys Benjamin Crump, Natalie Jackson, and other speakers, including family members of the deceased, gave a press conference in February at the Historic Titusville Courthouse, suggesting that the fatal shooting of James Lowery by police in December was a case of mistaken identity. They were demanding more information about the events of that night. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is the state agency typically called in to investigate officer-related shootings across the state with few exceptions, turned over its report to the Brevard County state attorneys office last week. That means prosecutors will review FDLEs report on bodycam footage, interviews, the autopsy report, and forensics before making a decision about whether the shooting was a justifiable use of deadly force. A decision could come within weeks, along with the release of video that could give Lowery-Johnson the basic information on what happened to her son. Civil rights attorneys file suit: Crump files public records lawsuit against Titusville PD in officer-involved shooting 'An unfortunate situation for everyone': Brevard prosecutors won't pursue murder charge against woman who fatally shot sister The Shooting The deadly shooting took place after sundown, the day after Christmas, in a neighborhood off the 1500 block of Gayle Avenue. It was about 7 p.m. and police received a 911 call describing a domestic disturbance. Police have not publicly released the call nor played it for the family. Story continues In a news release, police included a narrative that an unidentified man "violently assaulted," a woman in the roadway near Gayle Avenue. The police report about the incident was not publicly released. The news release described that an unidentified patrol officer spotted "the suspect" running on foot and that there was a physical altercation. The pair darted through the darkened streets of the neighborhood. At some point, the officer discharged his firearm. Police withheld information about where the man was wounded. The officer was placed on administrative leave. Titusville police, who have the discretion to release certain records and videos under state law, opted not to share the information with the public or show the family bodycam footage from the shooting. The shooting happened as the department was under growing criticism from some in Titusville's minority community over a spate of gun violence and street shootings in the riverside town of 45,000 people. "The police constantly ask for cooperation, but don't provide any answers when it's something they are involved with," said Dwight Siegler, a longtime community activist who alerted high-profile civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump's office about the shooting. "We need answers and should have gotten them. It's been four months." 'I feel like they should talk to us' Titusville Police Chief John Lau, who heads the 135-officer agency, cited the ongoing investigation and FDLE's handling of the case as the reasons for not releasing any further information or showing any videos to the family. Last month, Lau attended a closed-door meeting called by the North Brevard branch of the NAACP to update select residents about the incident. Lau said his agency is waiting for the state attorney's office to conduct its own review. Once finished, Lau said Titusville police will complete its own internal investigation into the shooting. Lowery-Johnson, however, wants her voice heard. She believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. "My son was trying to get home to me," she said. "I told the chief that they got the wrong person. I asked him to be truthful and I asked who killed my son and he wouldn't tell me. I feel like (the police) are trying to hide something." Her attorneys have moved to have an independent autopsy to get preliminary information about her son's injury. She said that even a phone call outlining findings early may not have eased her pain, but could have helped her understand more about the shooting. Family, community ask for transparency Natalie Jackson, one of the attorneys representing the Lowery-Johnson family, said law enforcement and prosecutors could do more. The family has been waiting to find out what happened to their son and their brother. The family just wants some transparency. It wouldnt hurt for police or prosecutors to set up a meeting or something or have a phone call, she said. All weve seen from Brevard following these officer-related shootings is a lack of transparency and a lack of empathy for the parents, said Jackson, who is also working with Crump on the Nov. 13, 2020 shooting case that left two Cocoa teens dead in a mistaken traffic stop. In that case, Angelo Crooms, 16, and Sincere Pierce, 18, were shot to death by a deputy. The shooting was not publicly acknowledged by the Sheriffs Office for four days as the parents raised questions. The parents were not told about the whereabouts of the bodies or offered assistance, Cynthia Green, one of the mothers, said. 'We're still fighting for justice': It's been a 'year of hell' say parents of Cocoa teens killed in mistaken shooting by Brevard deputy Nationally, in wake of the George Floyd in-custody death in 2020 and questions over how police attempted to shape the narrative of Floyds death in the hours after the deadly incident, law enforcement agencies involved in officer-related shootings have moved to release more information in such cases. In Indian River County, the Sheriffs Office released its video within three days of a hospital incident in which a 29-year-old man armed with scissors, was shot to death by deputies. The Sheriff's Office has gone to court to ask a judge to order Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital's emergency room video of the incident publicly released. It's not been decided. "Across the nation, many are understanding that to inspire trust in the community, you need transparency," Jackson said, who joined Lowery-Johnson and others in front of the Titusville Historic Courthouse in February, calling for justice in the case. "The family has been waiting long enough." Lowery-Johnson says her son was a good man who had just turned 40 a few days before he was killed. She misses his smile and his presence. "Now," she said. "All I want is justice. I want justice for my son." J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop. Support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Family of Florida man fatally shot by Titusville police seek answers Tom Cruise made an epic landing in a helicopter at the Top Gun: Maverick world premiere in San Diego on Wednesday (3 May). The 59-year-old actor landed on the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier in a chopper that read Tom Cruise. Top Gun: Maverick. Despite earlier reports that Cruise flew the helicopter himself, the actor confirmed to ET Online that he didnt fly the chopper at the premiere. No, not today. I do fly that helicopter, but not today, Cruise said. Last week, the first reactions to Top Gun: Maverick came in and they are supremely positive. Cruise introduced the film, which is directed by Joseph Kosinski, via video link at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday (28 April). Absolutely loved #TopGunMaverick. Blown away by the cinematography and flying scenes and of course @TomCruises performance. Rest of the cast was great with special props to @Miles_Teller and @glenpowell. This is the kind of movie you want to see on the biggest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/PIfs2aGi2v Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) April 28, 2022 It was then shown to a crowd of cinema exhibitors and journalists, who proceeded to heap huge praise on it when it ended. It was also revealed that Cruise put the cast of Top Gun: Maverick through gruelling flight training while preparing to shoot the film. In behind-the-scenes footage from the movie, Cruise explained how the cast undertook challenging and all-encompassing aviation training for the film at his request. We worked with the Navy and the Top Gun school to formulate how to shoot it practically, Cruise said, adding, because if were gonna do it, were gonna fly in the F-18s. The actors learnt how to operate the cameras while inside the jets. Cruise said: I had to really teach them cinematography and the lighting so they understood whats gonna look good on camera Im very proud of what we all accomplished. Each one of them are extraordinary. The two Democrats running to replace retiring Democratic state Rep. Mary Mascher answered questions on key political issues from a small crowd Wednesday. Tony Currin, a labor activist, and Elinor Levin, a private writing tutor and former English teacher, participated in the League of Women Voters of Johnson County forum at The Center, making their pitch as to why they should be the one to succeed the longtime state representative in Iowa House District 89, which covers southern Iowa City and University Heights. Abortion, home rule, the environment, socialism and the Republican Party's trifecta control of state government were some of the main issues discussed. The forum was moderated by LWV member Shannon Patrick. The LWV is a nonpartisan organization and regularly holds these forums before elections. Democratic voters will pick the winner of this race in the June 7 primary election. That candidate will likely go on to run unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election. A full video of the voter forum is available on the City Channel 4 YouTube and Facebook page. Iowa House District 89 More: Iowa US Senate candidates visit Johnson County ahead of June 7 primary Questions on home rule and other topics prompt attacks on Republican Party control The candidates were first asked their thoughts on local control of governments and the idea of "home rule," or the ability of city or county governments to exercise powers of governance rather than leaving it up to state or federal government. Currin answered by referencing how a mayor has neighbors, not constituents. He quickly shifted to saying Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is grabbing power from local governments. "We need to restore home rule and we need to fight for that as well as get more Democrats in power," he said. Currin, who is the affirmative action chair for the Johnson County Democratic Party, focused much attention on calling for change in who leads the state government. He left questions on key issues largely unanswered. Story continues Tony Currin, Iowa House District 89 candidate, poses for a photo, Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. When asked how to solve Iowa's water quality issues, Currin said Republicans are locking out Democrats from making decisions and said if he gets nominated his solution would be to build up the number of Democrats in the Legislature. "So that even if we don't become the majority, they have to talk to us," he said. Currin told the Press-Citizen in January that he wants to be a candidate in this safe Democratic seat who helps other Democrats get elected statewide, a mantle that he tried to push Wednesday. "We cannot continue to do the same thing and effect a different result. We have to send a different person forward to break the monopoly that is being spread by the Republican Party," he said. When Levin was asked about home rule, she said that the government that is closest to the problem is what should be offering an effective solution. She said state government should work in support of local government, and gave education and minimum wage as examples of what issues should be left to local governments. "If a local government feels it is appropriate to raise the minimum wage in a certain county, the state government has no place stepping in and saying that is not an option that they have," Levin said. Levin's comment was a not-so-subtle reference to Johnson County's unenforceable minimum wage law, which was recently increased to $11.56 per hour by the Board of Supervisors. The county's minimum wage is largely a suggestion, whereas the state's minimum wage of $7.25 is enforceable and is the same as the national minimum wage, which hasn't changed since 2009. Elinor Levin, Iowa House District 89 candidate, poses for a photo, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Wetherby Park in Iowa City, Iowa. Levin also did not shy away from criticizing the other political party and said she hopes Democrats can once again gain power in the state. When asked about water quality, Levin said she thinks the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and state agricultural boards are working together and have united goals. She said the state needs to listen more to organizations that do work to reduce nitrates, lead and other pollutants in Iowa's water. Levin argued in her opening statement that her combination of compassion and communication skills is what is needed to make a change in the direction Iowa is heading. "We need legislators who are going to talk to voters, who are going to make sure things change, so that voters see what state government can be doing for them," she said. More: One year after opening, the GuideLink Center in Iowa City takes stock of accomplishments Currin and Levin respond to U.S. Supreme Court possibly overturning Roe v. Wade The candidates were asked to respond to the recent leak of a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. This decision would allow states to institute bans on abortion. Levin said "bodily autonomy" is not up for debate. "We cannot force people in this country to donate organs against their will. We cannot force people in this country to give up their body for the betterment of someone else, even when they are on life support," she said. "What's the difference when we're talking about pregnancy, a fertilized embryo, a fetus?" Levin said she's been fortunate to never have to seek an abortion but has supported people who have sought one. "We never need to have the government in that decision-making process," she said. Currin said, when bodily autonomy is up for debate, the government is considering making pregnant people second-class citizens. "This is not going to stop abortions. The coat-hanger solution was around before Roe vs. Wade and will always remain. This is going to drive up death," he said. Currin said banning and criminalizing abortion will be comparable to cases of Black Americans being denied healthcare access. "This is what we would do to women," he said. More: If Roe v. Wade is overturned, here's how abortion laws in each state will stand Candidates laugh off 'socialist' label When asked by an audience member what each of them do when the label of "socialist" is thrown at them, Currin joked that he has played a socialist in theater productions but isn't truly one himself. "There is the words social and society. There is a responsibility of government to society. We cannot ignore it," he said. Currin referenced President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the "fireside chats" in which he spoke to constituents during the Great Depression. He said the problems of that era are still plaguing the country and the U.S. has to learn from them. "Pure capitalism doesn't work. Pure communism doesn't work. Pure socialism doesn't work. Because nobody is pure. We have to blend," he said. "I'm not afraid of being a socialist, because I socialize." Levin said she is not concerned with labels, using the anecdote of a conversation she had with a District 89 constituent who called her a "totalitarian utopian." Levin asked what people are afraid of and concerned about when they say the word socialist. She said use of the word often reflects a fear from the middle-class that they will lose out while continuing to improve the lives of richer people. "That's not the goal of socialism and, second of all, it's certainly not my goal," she said. More: Lawmakers are fighting over private school funding. Here's how much Iowa already spends. More candidate forums planned before primary Three more forums are scheduled over the next two weeks for contested races in the June 7 primary. Two for the Democrats running for Senate District 45 and Johnson County Supervisor will be on May 9 in The Center and a third for House District 91 Republicans will be held on May 12 in the Clear Creek Amana Middle School cafeteria. More info on the primary election, how to register to vote and how to vote early are available on the Johnson County Auditor's website: https://johnsoncountyiowa.gov/auditor/elections. More: Former police officer sues Iowa City, alleging his resignation was coerced George Shillcock is the Press-Citizen's local government and development reporter covering Iowa City and Johnson County. He can be reached at (515) 350-6307, GShillcock@press-citizen.com and on Twitter @ShillcockGeorge This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Democrats Tony Currin, Elinor Levin debate issues at Iowa City forum The Senator leading the charge on Democrats attempt to codify abortion protections criticised Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowskis alternative legislation as insufficient. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut is the main sponsor of the Womens Health Protection Act, which would enshrine protections for abortion within law. The push to pass protections for abortion came after Politico leaked a draft opinion by the Supreme Court that signaled the courts intention to overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that guaranteed a womans right to an abortion. Roe and Planned Parenthood v Casey, the 1992 ruling that affirmed the right to an abortion, remain the law of the land until there is an official ruling. But the potential for access to abortion significantly curtailed in many states expedited Democrats desire to pass some legislation despite the fact they do not have sufficient votes to pass the Womens Health Protection Act and efforts to pass the legislation earlier this year failed. Mr Blumenthal said that the legislation proposed by the Republican senators from Alaska and Maine wont do enough to protect access to abortion. They're too many gaps and loopholes that would easily enable TRAP laws, that impose requirements, for example, that mandate width of hallways, admitting privileges, Mr Blumenthal said. But also permit six week bans, eight week bans. I think our legislation really fully and admirably protects reproductive rights in ways that draft doesn't. Some conservatives say the width of hallways is important to ensure patient safety while supporters of abortion rights say it has little or nothing to do with it. TRAP laws refer to Targeted restrictions on abortion providers meant to make it harder for people to seek one. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) speaks during an event on the leaked Supreme Court draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on the steps of the U.S. Capitol May 3, 2022 (Getty Images) According to the American Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, admitting privileges are formal agreements where a physician and a hospital that allow the hospital to directly admit patients to the hospital to provide services to the patient. The organisation says they are not necessary for the continuity of care. Story continues Many states, including Texas and Oklahoma, have already passed legislation to significantly curtail abortion. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation earlier this week banning nearly all abortions past six weeks of pregnancy while Texas passed similar legislation last year, which led to people who wanted an abortion traveling up north to Oklahoma. I think our legislation fully and adequately protects reproductive rights in ways that that draft doesnt, Mr Blumenthal said. When asked whether he would work with either Ms Collins or Ms Murkowski to draft a compromise, Mr Blumenthal said Im happy to talk and Im hoping that we will talk because any pro-choice Senator should back the Womens Health Protection Act. Ms Collins criticised Mr Blumenthals legislation, saying his legislation supersedes federal and state protections for whether or not a provider can choose not to participate in an abortion for conscience reasons, such as religion. Susan Collins a NO on D bill to codify abortion rights. Says its too broad and doesnt protect the right of a Catholic hospitals to not perform abortions. That right has been enshrined in law for a long time. She voted against similar bill in Feb. The bill will stall next week Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 5, 2022 The Maine Senator reiterated that point to CNNs Manu Raju, saying the law would not protect the right of Catholic hospitals to not participate in an abortion. But Mr Blumenthal refuted that claim. Theres nothing in there that requires any provider to provide any kind of care, he said. The Collins-Murkowski legislation, known as the Reproductive Choice Act, says it would codify Roe and Caseys rulings and says states cannot impose an undue burden on a womans right to an abortion before fetal viability but would allow states to impose restrictions after fetal viability and would allow states to enact regulations to protect womens health and safety. But Mr Blumenthal said that does still allow for severe curtailing of access to abortion. Under the Womens Health Protection Act, state governments would not be allowed to restrict a providers ability to prescribe certain drugs for abortion, offer abortion services via telemedicine or immediately provide services if its determined a delay could harm a mothers life. The legislation also prohibits state governments from performing unnecessary medical procedures; require providers disperse misinformation about abortions; have credentials and regulations that do not have anything to do with abortion; or carry out all services related to one. This bill basically preserves the status quo in Roe v Wades protection of a womans right, Mr Blumenthal said. Ms Collins also said she was worried that Mr Blumenthals legislation could roll back the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the federal government from using federal dollars to pay for abortions. Theres nothing in this legislation about the Hyde amendment, he said. There is nothing in this measure that detracts in any way from existing protections based on conscience, religion. It doesnt mandate that a hospital, or a doctor or any other provider do anything that is against religious principles or conscience. Alex Woodward contributed to this report It has been 36 years since Tom Cruise donned his aviators, jumped into a fighter jet and ascended Hollywood's A-list with "Top Gun" -- and, finally, a sequel is about to land. "I was a little slow -- sometimes I'm a little slow," Cruise joked to AFP at the world premiere of "Top Gun: Maverick," held aboard a retired US aircraft carrier in San Diego on Wednesday. Slow is not usually a word associated with Cruise, arguably the world's biggest movie star, who landed via helicopter onto a red carpet that was rolled across the USS Midway's sprawling top deck for the occasion. In his new film, out in US theaters May 27, Cruise's hotshot pilot Maverick returns to the Navy's elite TOPGUN fighter weapons school where he earned his wings to train the latest batch of cocky young aviators. Among them is Rooster, son of Goose, who was killed in the 1986 original in a moment that still haunts Maverick, even as he must prepare his charges for a deadly mission. "The sense of romance, the sense of adventure -- there's a world that you want to be in," said Cruise, on returning to "Top Gun" at the age of 59. "And obviously, there's always something about aviation." Cruise's original film popularized the concept of the "wingman", and he said viewers particularly connected with the closeness of relationships in the world of aviation. "The culture in this world is very unique... and it's really interesting that people can just connect with the friendships," he said. While the movie opens with a nostalgic throwback sequence set on an aircraft carrier, and features a brief return for Val Kilmer alongside Cruise, it otherwise rests on a group of relatively unknown young actors. "I always knew that's how I wanted to open the movie, right from the beginning, just to allow the audience to go 'you're gonna get what you (want), trust me,'" said Cruise. Story continues It also incorporates technological advances such as fighter drones, which Cruise -- who has long held a pilot license in real life -- said he spent decades looking at and evaluating. "It has to be an evolution," he said. - 'Go lower' - In "Top Gun: Maverick," female fighter pilots have joined the elite squadron, including Monica Barbaro's Phoenix. "I got to learn from some incredible female aviators," said Barbaro, who along with her male and female co-stars underwent training from US Navy pilots. "They're smart, they're intelligent, they don't have to prove themselves in any aggressive way. They just are incredible." According to director Joseph Kosinski, the Navy had been "wary" when the original was shot but was fully supportive and helpful for the sequel. "The first 'Top Gun' was a reason a lot of these guys signed up for the Navy," said Kosinski. "The decision-makers in the Navy today are guys who signed up in the '80s because of 'Top Gun.'" The movie largely shuns computer-generated effects and the actors were filmed inside fighter jet cockpits, enduring intense G-forces as the planes swooped dangerously low above the Earth's surface. Still, according to Kosinski, Cruise "always wanted to go lower." "There's a sequence in this film where we went so low, I guarantee you'll never see anything quite like it ever again. "He was always pushing... but I think he was happy with where we ended up." amz/aha/lb House Majority Whip James Clyburn and fellow Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar hold San Antonio Spurs jerseys during a campaign event on Wednesday Eric Gay/AP Rep. James Clyburn defended his decision to campaign for a Democratic lawmaker who opposes abortion. "We have a big-tent party," the House majority whip told reporters in Texas. Clyburn's support comes as the Supreme Court's conservative majority appears ready to nix Roe v. Wade. House Majority Whip James Clyburn on Wednesday night defended his decision to campaign for Rep. Henry Cuellar, an embattled Texas Democrat who opposes abortion, in the wake of the leaked decision that the Supreme Court is ready to overturn abortion rights. "We have a big-tent party, and if we're gonna be a big-tent party, we got to be a big-tent party," Clyburn, the No. 3 House Democrat, told reporters, according to The Texas Tribune. "I don't believe we ought to have a litmus test in the Democratic Party. I think we have to bring as many people into the party as we possibly can." While there were once many anti-abortion Democratic lawmakers, few remain in Congress. Cuellar was the only one in his party to vote against a bill last year that would codify Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey into law. It passed on extremely narrow margins, but it's unlikely to become law. President Joe Biden and other top party leaders have put renewed attention on that legislation given that the Supreme Court may soon end a federal right to an abortion. Clyburn's event was planned before the bombshell news but that hasn't stopped Cuellar's challenger from noticing. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also supports Cuellar and has previously stumped for him. Progressive Jessica Cisneros, who has received endorsements from the likes of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for the party's leadership to withdraw their support before Clyburn came to the state. She made her appeal after Politico's extraordinary publication of a draft Supreme Court opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that would explicitly overturn Roe and Casey. Cisneros and Cuellar are locked in a tight run-off race that will decide the future of the South Texas seat on May 24. Story continues "At every turn, my congressman has stood in opposition to the Democratic Party agenda from being anti-union to anti-choice and with the House majority on the line, Cuellar could very much be the deciding vote on the future of reproductive rights in this country," Cisneros said in a video statement posted on Twitter. "And we just cannot afford that risk." Cuellar responded to the publication of the draft ruling by restating his personal opposition to abortion and slamming conservative justices for not basing their draft ruling "on precedent" and for not being "incremental in nature." He also emphasized that he does not support an outright ban on abortions. "As a lifelong Catholic, I have always been pro-life," Cuellar said in a statement. "I do not support abortion, however, we cannot have an outright ban. There must be exceptions in the case of rape, incest, and danger to the life of the mother." He summed up his views by saying, "My faith is clear: abortion must be rare & safe," a nod to former President Bill Clinton's famous four-word answer about his views on abortion. In recent years, Democrats have split over how to treat anti-abortion views within their party just as Republicans have struggled with how to treat pro-abortion views in theirs. In response to the draft opinion, many Democrats made an explicit appeal to midterm voters telling them abortion rights would be on the ballot. "At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law," Biden said in a statement. Read the original article on Business Insider The Kennewick teen accused of killing his 70-year-old neighbor was ordered Wednesday to undergo an evaluation by state psychiatric officials. Hector Munguia, 18, is charged with stabbing Zale Underwood outside his home on April 22. He is being held on $1 million bail in the Benton County jail as he faces one count of first-degree murder. Munguia turned himself in, with the help of his mother, to the Benton County Sheriffs Office two days after the attack. He told police that he knew what he did was wrong, but didnt care, according to court documents. Investigators have not said if Munguia has given a reason for the attack. Fridays homicide victim Zale Underwood, 70, had lived in the South Gum Street neighborhood much of his life. On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Dave Petersen agreed to Munguias attorney, Karla Kanes, request for an evaluation of his competency by officials from Eastern State Hospital. 2019 stabbing The confrontation is not the first time Munguia is accused of attacking someone with seemingly little reason, according to court records. Two years ago, he was convicted of an equally mysterious stabbing of another 70-year-old just one mile from where Underwood was killed. Munguia was 16 at the time. That attack happened just before 5 p.m. on Dec. 4, 2019, when he approached Lydia Cassaway as she was getting out of her car at an apartment building on South Washington Street. He asked her for money, but Cassaway told him she didnt carry any cash. He told her that he was hungry. He then asked her if he could tell her something. She said, OK, and his response was to poke her with something in back, Kennewick police wrote in a report at the time. She screamed and the teen ran off. Then, she started feeling pain in her back and noticed she was bleeding, but it was only after she ran to a safe spot that she realized she had been stabbed. In 2019, Hector Munguia was arrested for stabbing a 70-year-old woman during a robbery attempt outside of the Desert Villa Apartments in Kennewick. 2019 arrest She went to the fourth floor of the apartment building and started knocking on doors until someone came to help her. Her wound was not life-threatening. Police ended up catching Munguia because he was suspected of stealing beer from a nearby Circle K. The store had security photos that investigators showed to Cassaway, who identified him as her attacker. Story continues He was living at the same home on the 1100 block of Gum Street when he was arrested. Munguia eventually was convicted of second-degree assault and sentenced to a Washington state juvenile justice facility for up to 2 1/2 years. The state Department of Children, Youth and Families wouldnt say when contacted by the Herald this week when he was released from custody. Cassaway, a retired certified nursing assistant, died in January 2021. Hector Munguia, 18, walks into Benton County Superior Court on April 26. He is accused of killing his neighbor. Underwoods Death Underwood had lived next door to the Munguia family for years, according to public records. Sheriffs detectives are still investigating what brought Munguia to Zale Underwoods yard shortly before 5 p.m. on April 22. Initial reports were that Underwood was outside mowing his lawn at the time. Its believed Munguia stabbed Underwood several times before dropping the bloody knife and running away, according to court documents. By the time police arrived, Underwood had died from his wounds. Trump stands with now-Justice Amy Coney Barrett at the White House after she was sworn in on October 26, 2020. Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images Trump took some credit for the fact that SCOTUS appears poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. "Some people maybe say it's my fault and some people say, 'Thank you very much,'" he said. Trump cemented the high court's 6-3 conservative majority by appointing three new justices. Days after the unprecedented leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion showing a majority of justices in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade, former President Donald Trump took some credit for the potential loss of constitutionally protected abortion rights. Trump echoed other Republicans in condemning the fact that the opinion was leaked at all during an interview with Christian Broadcasting Network on Wednesday. Until then, Trump had stayed uncharacteristically quietsince Politico published the draft opinion on Monday night. "I will say the leak was a terrible thing," Trump said. "You're just not used to that for the Supreme Court. It was very shocking. I think it was a very bad thing for the court." The former president also said that the opinion is "something that they're working on I would imagine, I don't think anyone made it up." The court confirmed the validity of the document on Tuesday and Chief Justice John Roberts announced an investigation into the leak. Trump was then asked about Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer blaming Trump for the likely gutting of reproductive rights. In a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Schumer laid the responsibility for the revocation of abortion rights at the feet of both the former president and Senate Republicans, who had stacked conservative judges on the lower federal courts and the Supreme Court. "The party of Lincoln and Eisenhower has now completely devolved into the party of Trump," said Schumer. "Every Republican senator who supported Senator McConnell and voted for Trump justices pretending that this day would never come will now have to explain themselves to the American people." Story continues Trump was apparently unfazed by the comments. "Well, a lot of people are very happy about that," Trump said of the court potentially overturning Roe. "So some people maybe say it's my fault and some people say, 'Thank you very much.'" While anti-abortion rights activists would celebrate the reversal of Roe, a majority of Americans actually oppose overturning the 1973 landmark ruling that guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion, according to public opinion polling. Anti-abortion rights advocates have for decades pushed the high court to throw out Roe and have had some success in restricting access to abortion in red states across the country. Conservative legal groups, at the same time, have strategically promoted judges who've made their opposition to abortion known. Trump, when running for president in 2016, pledged to put anti-abortion justices on the Supreme Court and that if elected, Roe would "automatically" be overturned. All three of Trump's Supreme Court appointees Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett voted in the majority to overturn Roe v. Wade, Politico reported. The court is expected to take a final vote and issue a final opinion by late June on the major abortion-rights case, Dobbs v. Jackson's Women Health Organization. The case concerns a Mississippi law that seeks to ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, challenging the 24-week standard set in Roe, commonly referred to as viability. Before Trump entered the political scene, he supported abortion rights. During an NBC News interview in 1991, Trump described himself as "very pro-choice." Read the original article on Business Insider Image from surveillance video of attempted armed robbery at a Compton smoke shop last month. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) Authorities are asking for the public's help in locating two suspects involved in an armed robbery at a Compton smoke shop last month that left one man dead and another wounded. Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators released video footage this week that shows four suspects inside the smoke shop in the 1500 block of South Wilmington Avenue on April 3, with one pointing a handgun at an armed security guard behind the counter. At least three other guns are visible in the footage. The employee then draws his weapon and a gun battle ensues. The employee is shot and wounded but also shoots one of the suspects, who was later pronounced dead at Martin Luther King Jr. hospital. The guard was treated for gunshot wounds to his face and neck and was later released from the hospital, sheriff's officials said. One of the suspects was arrested the next day and has been charged with felony murder, said sheriff's Sgt. Mark Boskovich. The two outstanding suspects, identified as Kahlel Malik Lundy, 23, and Keith Terrion Rachel, 21, are wanted for murder. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Sheriffs Departments Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Internet service provider Frontier Communications must back up its speed claims, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said in a proposed order on Thursday, accusing the company of charging "high-speed prices for slow service." The agency said the proposed final order, which it approved 4-0, was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. "Frontier lied about its speeds and ripped off customers by charging high-speed prices for slow service," Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement. "Today's proposed order requires Frontier to back up its high-speed claims. It also arms customers lured in by Frontier's lies with free, easy options for dropping their slow service." The FTC alleged that Frontier failed to provide many consumers with the maximum speeds they were promised and that the speeds they received often fell far short of what was touted in the plans they purchased. (Reporting by Paul Grant; Editing by Tim Ahmann and Howard Goller) Intelligence shared by the U.S. helped Ukraine sink the Russian cruiser Moskva, U.S. officials told NBC News, confirming an American role in perhaps the most embarrassing blow to Vladimir Putins troubled invasion of Ukraine. A guided missile cruiser carrying a crew of 510, the Moskva was the flagship of Russias Black Sea Fleet. It sank on April 14 after being struck by two Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missiles, U.S. officials said. Moscow said the vessel sank after a fire. The Moskva was the largest Russian warship sunk in combat since World War II. American officials said there were significant Russian casualties, but they dont know how many. The attack happened after Ukrainian forces asked the Americans about a ship sailing in the Black Sea south of Odesa, U.S. officials told NBC News. The U.S. identified it as the Moskva, officials said, and helped confirm its location, after which the Ukrainians targeted the ship. The U.S. did not know in advance that Ukraine was going to target the Moskva, officials said, and was not involved in the decision to strike. Maritime intelligence is shared with Ukraine to help it defend against attack from Russian ships, officials added. The U.S. role in the sinking has not been previously reported. But NBC News detailed last month how American intelligence shared with Ukraine had been instrumental in Ukraines successes to date, including in helping Ukraine target Russian forces and avoid Russian attacks. Smoke billows from the damaged Russian ship Moskva on April 15, 2022. (OSINT Technical via Twitter) American officials have expressed concerns that reporting about U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine could anger Putin and provoke an unpredictable response. The White House did not immediately provide a comment to NBC News. In a statement released after this story was published, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said the U.S. did not provide Ukraine with "specific targeting information for the Moskva." "We were not involved in the Ukrainians decision to strike the ship or in the operation they carried out," Kirby added. "We had no prior knowledge of Ukraines intent to target the ship. The Ukrainians have their own intelligence capabilities to track and target Russian naval vessels, as they did in this case." Story continues The revelation about the Moskva comes on the heels of reporting by The New York Times that intelligence shared by the U.S. had in some cases helped Ukraine kill Russian generals. American officials did not dispute that, but pushed back strongly on the impression that the U.S. was explicitly providing information with the intent of striking Russian military leaders. We do not provide intelligence on the location of senior military leaders on the battlefield, Kirby told reporters Thursday, adding that the U.S. shares intelligence with Ukrainian forces but does not tell them who or what to attack. Current U.S. policy expressly forbids the sharing of lethal targeting intelligence about Russian civilian and military leaders, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter told NBC News. The Moskva was considered Russias most lethal warship, rippling with cannons and missile systems, some of which were designed to defend it from attack. The credible account that it was hit and sunk by anti-ship missiles was widely seen as a deep humiliation for the Russian military. In the early days of the war, the Moskva was part of what became an iconic incident, when officers on board ordered Ukrainian border guards on Ukraines Snake Island to surrender. Russian warship, go f--- yourself, the guards answered. They were captured and later freed in a prisoner exchange. The sinking of the Moskva has reignited a longstanding debate among naval experts about just how vulnerable ships are to missiles and kamikaze drones. In the aftermath, the Russian Navy pulled back from the Ukrainian coast, U.S. defense officials told NBC News. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -A third operation is under way to evacuate civilians from the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and the besieged Azovstal steel plant, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday as Russia accused the West of waging an economic World War. The United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have so far helped nearly 500 civilians flee the area during two operations in the past week. At a briefing to the U.N. Security Council, Guterres declined to give details on the new operation "to avoid undermining possible success." "I hope that the continued coordination with Moscow and Kyiv will lead to more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting and aid to reach those in critical need," he told the 15-member council. "We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes." Since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24 - in what Moscow calls a "special military operation" - the United States and western allies have hit back with tough sanctions. "It is as if you were eagerly awaiting this moment to unleash repression against Russia," Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council. "If we were to talk about World War, then without a doubt it is being waged at the economic level today." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, accused Russia of lying to the Security Council. "Russia alone started this war and Russia alone can end it. Silence the guns, withdraw from Ukrainian territory, and embrace diplomacy," she said. Guterres has also warned that the war in Ukraine was putting even more pressure on the developing world. He told the Security Council he was ready to facilitate talks on "reintegrating Ukraine's agricultural production and the food and fertilizer production of Russia and Belarus into world markets, despite the war." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols at United Nations; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Richard Pullin) Johnson U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, responded to a man claiming COVID vaccines give people AIDS by telling him "everything you say may be true." Johnson was speaking to Todd Callendar, who bills himself as an "international lawyer" and "leader of a group trying to stop the Biden regime's effort to destroy the U.S. military via injections of the so-called vaccine that contains HIV." During Callendar and Johnson's conversation on the rightwing video-sharing platform Rumble, Callendar again claimed the various COVID vaccines give users AIDS and that health officials need to be "held accountable." "You've got more than a hundred doctors here, all of whom will tell you these shots caused vaccine-induced AIDS," Callendar said, even though no reputable doctor has made such a claim. "They purposefully gave people AIDS...this is criminal intent." Johnson interjected, but not to refute Callendar's lies about the vaccines. Instead Johnson said Callendar and other anti-vaxxers have to continually spread falsehoods about the shots so they can convince people they give people HIV or AIDS. "That's way down the road," Johnson said about criminalizing health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical advisor to the president. "You got to do one step at a time. Everything you say may be true but right now the public views the vaccines as largely safe and effective." Johnson, up for reelection this year, is one of the most rightwing members of the Senate. He has pushed for the veterinary drug Ivermectin to be used to fight against COVID though no evidence exists of its efficacy and he even suggested mouthwash could defeat the disease that has killed nearly 1 million Americans, reports the Wisconsin Examiner. Johnson's conspiracy theories and delusion have touched on HIV and AIDS before his discussion with Callendar. He infamously said in December that Fauci "overhyped HIV" and AIDS in the 1980s. Over 36 million people have died of AIDS-related complications since the beginning of that pandemic. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Major U.S. airlines, business and travel groups and other companies urged the White House on Thursday to abandon COVID-19 pre-departure testing requirements for vaccinated international passengers traveling to the United States. "Given the slow economic recovery of the business and international travel sectors, and in light of medical advancements and the improved public health metrics in the U.S., we encourage you to immediately remove the inbound testing requirement for vaccinated air travelers," said the letter signed by American Airlines, Carnival Corp, Marriott International, Walt Disney Co's Disney Parks, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Travel Association and others. Airline executives say many Americans are not traveling internationally because of concerns they will test positive and be stranded abroad. The letter to White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Ashish Jha said "the economic costs associated with maintaining the measure are significant," saying international travel spending is down 78% compared with 2019 levels. The letter noted many foreign governments "with similar infection, vaccination and hospitalization ratesincluding the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canadahave eliminated pre-departure testing requirements for vaccinated travelers." The letter noted that the Biden administration does not require negative tests for entry at land-border ports of entry with Canada and Mexico but only for air travelers. The White House did not immediately comment. On April 18, a federal judge declared the 14-month-old transportation mask mandate unlawful and the Biden administration quickly stopped enforcing the rules on airplanes and in transit hubs like airports. In December, the Biden administration imposed tougher new rules requiring international air travelers arriving in the United States to obtain a negative COVID-19 test within one day of travel. Under prior rules, vaccinated international air travelers could present a negative test result obtained within three days of their day of departure. (Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and Marguerita Choy) LONDON (AP) The militaries of Britain and Japan will work more closely together under a defense deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced during talks with his Japanese counterpart Thursday. Johnson hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the British leaders 10 Downing St. residence. He noted the strong stance Japan has taken against the Russian aggression in Ukraine and drew a parallel with the security situation in Asia. There is direct read across from the actions of autocratic, coercive powers in Europe to what may happen in East Asia, Johnson said. That's why we want to work more closely together. Johnson's office said the deal will allow the armed forces of the two Group of Seven countries to deploy together for training, joint exercises and disaster relief. The prime ministers agreed that democracies around the world needed to stand in unity against authoritarian regimes, the office said after their meeting. Kishida's first official visit to the U.K. as prime minister was marked with an overflight of London by three Royal Air Force planes. Japan has condemned Russias invasion and joined Western nations in imposing sanctions against Moscow. Japan also has supplied Ukraine with helmets and other non-lethal military aid. Japan is concerned Russias invasion of Ukraine could have an impact in East Asia, where Chinas military has grown increasingly assertive and threatened to unite with Chinese-claimed Taiwan by force if necessary. Britain has announced an Indo-Pacific tilt in its foreign policy in the wake of its departure from the European Union in 2020, and sees Japan as its key East Asian ally. Chris Hughes, a professor of international politics and Japanese studies at the University of Warwick, said Kishidas visit will further consolidate a U.K.-Japan 'quasi-alliance that has been worked on for the last decade or more. He said U.K.-Japan relations are becoming much stronger in security, but they will be tested by seeing how far Japan will be forthcoming to do more in security with the U.K. outside its own East Asia region and, likewise, how far the U.K. can sustain substantive cooperation with Japan outside its region with the ongoing Ukraine crisis. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was on Friday left reflecting on a string of losses at local elections in England, in a mid-term test of his popularity after a string of scandals. Johnson conceded Thursday's vote had produced a "mixed" set of results for his ruling Conservatives, including the loss of three London councils long considered the Tory "crown jewels". The main opposition Labour party defeated the Conservatives in Barnet, northwest London, at Margaret Thatcher's "favourite" council Wandsworth in the south, and in Westminster for the first time since 1964. With 144 of the 146 English councils declared, the Conservatives had lost 341 councillors countrywide, with Labour up 54, and the smaller Liberal Democrats gaining 191, the BBC reported. "We had a tough night in some parts of the country," Johnson conceded as he visited a school in his constituency on the outskirts of the capital. But he vowed to stay on and tackle the "economic aftershocks" of Covid, and a spiralling cost of living crisis that has squeezed household incomes and exercised voters. And he denied the Tories had suffered a heavy defeat, despite months of anger at revelations of coronavirus lockdown-breaking parties at Downing Street that saw repeated calls for him to quit. Johnson was fined by police for attending one such gathering, making him the first UK prime minister to have been found to have broken the law while in office. Labour leader Keir Starmer, visiting Barnet, hailed what he called "a big turning point" as his party looks towards the next general election, which is due by 2024. - Historic vote - Council elections were held in much of England, all of Scotland and Wales, and for the Northern Ireland Assembly in Belfast, where the pro-Irish nationalists Sinn Fein are poised for a historic first ever win. By 1845 GMT, Sinn Fein -- the former political wing of the IRA paramilitary group, which wants a referendum on British sovereignty -- had secured 16 seats at the 90-seat legislature. Story continues The party's vice-president, Michelle O'Neill, has set a target of 28 to claim the symbolic role of first minister. The Electoral Office for Northern Ireland said there will be no overall result on Friday evening and counting would resume on Saturday morning. In Scotland, the Scottish National Party consolidated their grip at a local level, winning 22 more seats on the nation's 32 councils, while Labour became the second-biggest party, adding 20. The Scottish Conservatives lost 63 councillors. In Wales, Labour added 71 seats with most of the 22 councils declared. Analysis by polling expert John Curtice calculated that if every region of the country had taken part in the vote, Labour would have gained 35 percent of the vote -- five percent more than the Tories. Curtice told the BBC it was Labour's best lead in local elections for a decade, and showed the Tories were "now electorally weaker than at any point" since Johnson won his 80-seat general election majority in 2019. - Police probe - The Conservatives are hoping to extend their 12 years in power nationally for another term at the next general election but whether their Brexit champion Johnson will lead them remains to be seen. He was already facing a potential vote of confidence earlier this year as "Partygate" claims mounted, until the Ukraine conflict -- and his hawkish response -- took the sting out of the mutiny. He has apologised for being fined but still faces the prospect of more penalties to come as London police investigate more events. Meanwhile police in Durham, northeast England, on Friday said they had launched a formal probe into Starmer. The lawyer and former chief public prosecutor is accused of breaking Covid rules with a beer and curry gathering with party activists in 2021. He said he was "confident no rules were broken", although the probe puts him in a delicate position as in January he called for Johnson to quit for being under criminal investigation. On Saturday, all eyes will be on Northern Ireland, with a Sinn Fein victory presenting potentially huge constitutional implications for the four-nation United Kingdom. But there are doubts about whether the largest pro-UK unionist party, the DUP, will agree to work with them, raising the prospect of paralysis and lengthy negotiations. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said the UK government in London should rip up post-Brexit trading arrangements in the province, which unionists argue threatens its place in the wider UK. "The government need to act decisively on the protocol and until they do, I won't be nominating ministers to the executive," he told the BBC. jit-cjo-phz/am/gw The flag of the UK in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine The agreement can be extended by mutual agreement of both parties, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine noted. Read also: EU to suspend all tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian exports for one year It will now be possible for Ukrainian producers to sell flour, grain, dairy products, poultry meat and semi-finished products, tomato paste, honey, corn, wheat, juices, mushrooms, sugar, etc. to the UK without duties. These are the goods that Ukraine traditionally sells to the UK. The agreement will also increase the flow of foreign exchange earnings in the country, the Ministry of Economy said. Read also: UK PM Johnson says he is 'not optimistic Putin wants peace' Meanwhile, in the coming weeks, the UK will provide Ukraine with Brimstone ground attack missiles and armored vehicles for the evacuation of civilians, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said during his video address to the Verkhovna Rada on May 4. KYIV (Reuters) - The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine urged residents on Thursday to avoid public gatherings this weekend, or leave the city if they can, for fear of Russian missile strikes. His announcement followed warnings by Ukrainian officials that Russia might step up its offensive in Ukraine before May 9, when Moscow commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv said in a video posted online that he had cancelled all official events in Ivano-Frankivsk on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. "We have certain information, the enemy unfortunately wants to conduct further missile strikes, therefore on the 7th, 8th, and 9th there won't be any public events, including prayers," he said. "For your safety, I urge you ... on these three days to stay at home ... or out of town if you are able." He cited no evidence for the assertion that there could be missile strikes and gave no details of the "information" he referred to. Russia did not immediately comment on his remarks. Moscow has denied targeting civilians and has said its military actions in Ukraine are not tied to a specific date. The Kremlin has dismissed speculation that President Vladimir Putin might declare war against Ukraine on May 9. He characterises Russia's actions as a "special military operation". Ukraine's defence ministry said on Wednesday Russia was trying to accelerate its offensive in the east of the country, but a Ukrainian presidential aide said on Thursday he did not expect Russia to achieve any "significant results" by May 9. In a further sign of unease in Ukraine before Russia marks "Victory Day", local authorities in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia said a curfew would be enforced from 7 p.m. on May 8 until 5 a.m. on May 10. (Reporting by Natalia Zinets and Max Hunder, Editing by Timothy Heritage) LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the possible supply of longer-range weaponry by Britain to Ukraine's armed forces in a call on Thursday, a spokesperson for Johnson's office said. "The leaders discussed developments on the battlefield and the Ukrainian armed forces' requirements, including the provision of longer-range weaponry to prevent the bombardment of civilians," the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, editing by James Davey) HAVANA The U.S. Embassy in Havana has resumed processing visas for Cubans, though on a limited basis, more than four years after stopping consular services on the island amid a hardening of relations. The resumption comes as the number of Cubans trying to emigrate illegally to the United States surges. A State Department official on Wednesday told The Associated Press that for the time being U.S. officials in Havana will only process visa requests from Cubans who are the parents of U.S. citizens, under a category known as IR-5, and that the Biden administration in the future will evaluate expanding the services to others. The official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name, said the U.S. government decided to process only visa requests from this group because of "the unique age, health, and mobility challenges for this category of applicants." Any other applicants should apply for visas through the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, as they've done since 2018, when the administration of former President Donald Trump withdrew embassy staff from Havana. 'Havana Syndrome' led to withdraw from Cuba Operations at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba started being reduced in 2017 following reports of unexplained health problems among some employees, which became known as the "Havana Syndrome" and was a major issue during the Trump administration. Trump increased sanctions against the Caribbean island, from the cancellation of permits to send remittances, to penalties for companies from third countries that operate in Cuba, to limitation of flights and the punishment of oil tankers bound for Cuba. The sanctions affected the rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba that had been initiated by former President Barack Obama. President Joe Biden had promised to relax the tough measures, but so far this has not happened. Summer 2021: Cuba government rallies thousands of backers following big protests The resumption of visa processing in Havana came less than two weeks after the U.S. and Cuba held their highest-level diplomatic talks in four years, focused on migration. Story continues The State Department said the talks covered areas of successful cooperation on migration but also identified obstacles to ensuring safe, orderly and legal migration. U.S. border authorities reported last month that the number of Cubans seeking entry had doubled from February to March to 32,500 and is now five times the number it was in October. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Embassy in Cuba resumes some visa processing after 4 years An Ohio mother and child died in West Virginia after the woman intentionally drove her vehicle into a river an incident that also resulted in the death of a young volunteer firefighter who tried to rescue them, officials have said. Investigators have determined that LaTonya Bell careened her vehicle into the Elk River in Sutton, West Virginia around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, while she and 8-year-old Havana Pipkins were inside, state Fire Marshal officials announced earlier this week. SUSAN SMITH, MOM WHO KILLED TWO SONS IN 1994, SENDS ROMANTIC LETTERS TO BOYFRIEND FROM PRISON: REPORT Local affiliate FOX 11 identified the woman and child as mother and daughter from Cleveland, Ohio. WEST VIRGINIA MAN CONFUSES METH FOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION DURING TRAFFIC STOP Gassaway Volunteer Firefighter John D. Forbush, 24, heard news of the emergency over the department radio feed and rushed to the scene, which was located roughly a mile from where he was at the time, marshals said. He arrived and reported back that he saw what looked like victims trapped inside "and immediately jumped into the river to rescue the victims," officials said. None of the three could be saved. Forbush's body was pulled from the river about two hours later. The victims' remains were taken to a local medical examiner's. Braxton County Sheriffs Office investigators determined Bell "intentionally drove her vehicle into the Elk River." Officials have deemed the case a murder-suicide. Forbush, a 4-year volunteer firefighter, "selflessly gave his life for strangers in need," fire marshals said. "His service to the community will forever be remembered." A GoFundMe page created in his honor describes him as having a 1-year-old daughter with his significant other. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Artists take part in the reenactment of the Battle of Puebla in Mexico City, on May 5, 2017 PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images French Emperor Napoleon III had planned to trade weapons for cotton with Confederate states during France's invasion of Mexico. However, Mexico's resolve at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 prevented France from supplying weapons to the Confederacy during the Civil War. France retreated to Veracruz for a year giving the Union Army enough time to rack up victories against the Confederacy and end the war in 1865. As people across the country indulge in Cinco De Mayo celebrations with margaritas and tacos, few may know about the connection the holiday has to US history. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. This prevented French Emperor Napoleon III from supplying weapons to the Confederacy during the Civil War. Napoleon III had planned to trade weapons for cotton with the Confederate states during France's invasion of Mexico. But upon arriving at combat, the French found that they were unprepared to battle the resolve of the Mexican army. Emperor Napoleon III wanted to claim Mexico for France. In 1860, Mexico was dealing with bankruptcy and told their European creditors that they would be pausing payments for two years while they got their affairs in order. That upset the French, Spanish, and British, so in 1861, the three countries sent their military forces to Mexico to collect their debts. The British and the Spanish eventually settled the issue of debt, but France was not satisfied. Napoleon III wanted to make Mexico a colony of France. Spanish and British forces eventually withdrew from Mexico once Napoleon III's ambitious plans were made known. Knowing he wouldn't face any resistance from the other European forces and that the US was in the midst of the American-Native Wars and the Civil War, he decided to press on. In 1862, French General Charles de Lorencez marched his forces into the port city of Veracruz with the goal of capturing Mexico City. However, on May 5th, French forces were decimated at Puebla at the hands of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza and his troops. Story continues Losing at the Battle of Puebla forced French forces to delay their weapons trade with the Confederacy. The French retreated to Veracruz where they stayed put for over a year. That decision has led some historians to believe France's year-long delay to go back into combat gave the Union Army time to rack up enough victories against the Confederacy before Napoleon could send artillery and ammunition. However, others believe that the Battle of Gettysburg was about to begin at the time of France's retreat and that the Union Army was already in a good position to wrap up the war by year's end. "Even if French were able to set their supply lines by mid-1863, it would have made very little difference in the outcome of the Civil War," Eric Rojo, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and commander-in-chief of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, an organization composed of descendants of Union officers in the Civil War, told History.com. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 freeing enslaved Black people. Mexican Americans living in California at the time saw the connection between the Union army's victory and the Battle of Puebla as a fight against slavery. Before the state became a part of the US, many Mexicans who lived in California voiced their opposition to slavery as early as 1829. Once the Mexican army prevailed, according to WBUR, they celebrated with fireworks and drinks, and thus, Cinco de Mayo was born. Read the original article on Insider Hours passed before an unconscious woman who had been choked and run over by a vehicle in a parking lot in Colorado was discovered. The woman died six weeks later, and now police have arrested a man the woman had just met. Aurora police found a woman with serious injuries in a parking lot at 4:30 a.m. March 4. She told officers she had met a man who drove her to the lot and choked her until she was unconscious. He then pushed her out of his vehicle and ran her over, according to a May 4 news release from police. The man then left her in the parking lot, police said. The woman, police said, was hospitalized several times following the incident. She died from her injuries on April 19, and the homicide unit took over the investigation, the release said. The womans name has not been released. Jordan Howard, 24, was arrested on May 3 and charged with first degree murder, according to jail records. Investigators believe there may be additional people who have been assaulted by Howard, and urge them to contact police at 303-739-6714. Aurora is about 10 miles east of Denver. Man killed neighbor who confronted him about truck, Texas cops say. Now hes arrested Sunbathing woman is run over by deputy patrolling beach in SUV, Florida sheriff says Woman tied up and forced to lure friend to apartment during carjacking, Texas cops say A new mobile cocktail business located in Lynchburg specializing in celebrations has launched. Lyndsey Bennett, owner of A la Cocktail, said she loves making her own unique, specialty cocktails for friends and family. Her drinks were such a hit that instead of going to a bar, her friends just went to Bennetts house for happy hour. Ive always had a hard time finding restaurants with good cocktails so my friends would just come to my house and I would make them," she said. "I love mixing unique flavors like blueberry lemonade lavender." With the encouragement from her friends and husband, Bennett had a mobile bar made and pressed go on the business. She also is an ICU nurse and mother to an 18-month-old daughter, so she calls A la Cocktail her "fun job." I love getting people together, I love entertaining and I love making drinks, she said. Bennett creates the simple syrups, recipes and menu cards. She provides everything except the alcohol, per Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control guidelines. For now, she is doing small parties, such as bridal and baby showers, but down the road may do larger events, such as weddings. I felt like there was a need for this. People like this kind of stuff, she said. Rachael Smith 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. UPDATE: Virginia State Police on Friday identified a man killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday morning. Christian N.W. Goff, 22, of Appomattox, died following the crash on Doss Road, just east of White Oak Road in Concord, according to a state police news release. Goff was headed east on Doss Road when his 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, ran off the right side of the road again and came to rest in a ditch, according to the release. He was wearing a helmet. The crash remains under investigation. EARLIER: One person died after a motorcycle crash Thursday morning in Concord, police said. Virginia State Police said they were alerted at 7:30 a.m. to the crash in the 800 Block of Doss Road, which is in Campbell County off U.S. 460. Police confirmed the fatality but had no additional information to release. From staff reports Lynchburg police are investigating after a man who had not been seen in several weeks was found dead Friday morning inside a city home. Officers discovered a body "in an advanced stage of decomposition" at 9:24 a.m. Friday at a house in the 600 block of Harrison Street after they were called to check on the man's welfare, according to a Lynchburg Police Department news release. The man was identified as Roy Mitchell Hicks III, 58, of Lynchburg. An autopsy will be performed at the medical examiner's office in Roanoke. Virginia State Police responded to the scene to help collect forensic evidence. The news release states there is no perceived threat to the community. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Davis at (434) 455-6166 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. Enter an anonymous tip online at p3tips.com or use the P3 app on a mobile device. From staff reports Nikkei - May 05 Russia said Wednesday it will ban the entry of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and many high-ranking officials for an indefinite period in a fresh round of sanctions against Japan, amid rising tensions between the two countries over the crisis in Ukraine. Chapter LP of the P.E.O. SisterhoodChapter LP of the P.E.O. Sisterhood met on April 26 in the Social Hall of Our Saviors Lutheran Church to hear the second program in a year-long series Celebrate Council Bluffs during its 176th birthday anniversary. The program featured researcher, writer and speaker Linda Knell, who presented a captivating look into the life and accomplishments of historical figure Amelia Bloomer and her husband, Dexter. The Bloomers relocated from New York where they met and married to Ohio, later to settle in the territory of Council Bluffs in the mid 1800s, where Dexter opened a law practice and took an active role in the local educational system. During this time, Amelia was busily engaged in writing articles for a prominent eastern newspaper, primarily on the subject of Womens Rights. To set the stage and fully illustrate the person and time of Amelia Bloomer, Knell was attired in a period costume that included pantaloons which were later renamed bloomers as a fitting compliment to Amelias dress of that time and place. As it was noted and of particular importance, Bloomer helped to found the Iowa Woman Suffrage Association, serving as its president in 1871. Many years later, she was inducted into the Iowa Womens Hall of Fame in 1975. Of added interest, Linda Knell has taken an active role in assisting Bloomer School in acquiring a grant to properly and officially designate the school in honor of both Amelia and Dexter Bloomer at an upcoming date yet to be announced. Prior to the program, members and visitors were treated to refreshments courtesy of chapter hostesses, Pauline Larsen and Nancy Lougee. Following the program, members of the chapter gathered for their business agenda under the direction of Beverly Fletcher, president, with designated assistance from Monica Sciortino, vice president. Top agenda items included the description and nomination of new members, the approval and passing of amended ByLaws and Standing Rules, and the discussion of current and upcoming fundraising projects in the generation of college grants and scholarships in support of eligible students, in keeping with P.E.O.s educational mission. Chapter LP will meet again on Tuesday, May 10, with guest speaker and presenter Adam Van Osdel, creative director with PACE of the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center. The program will include the discussion of early works by well-known artists from the museums permanent collection who depicted the territory of Council Bluffs as it appeared in its formative years. The program is open to the public and will be held at 1 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 600 Bluffs Street. 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. Moroccos exports of phosphates and derivatives doubled in the first quarter of 2022 reaching $2.4 billion against $1.3 billion reported same period last year. According to latest data published by Moroccan Exchange Control Office, the positive financial results achieved by the state-owned phosphate OCP group are due to fertilizers higher prices which surged from $296 per ton in Q1 2021 to $737/T the past three months of the current year. Since the end of 2021, fertilizer pricing has trended up, reflecting the tight supply/demand situation as well as further supply constraints related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Belarusian sanctions. According to OCP outlook, phosphate market conditions are expected to remain strong in 2022, benefitting from consistent high demand in key grain-exporting markets, namely Brazil and North America, where crop prices are at record levels, and in India, thanks to the recent increase in subsidies. Raw material prices are set to increase in 2022, as sulfur inventories remain limited and high natural gas prices and shortages are pushing up ammonia prices. According to experts, the phosphate supply situation will remain very tight, in the first half of this year. To meet growing demand, OCP is planning to increase output volumes by approximately 10% in 2022 using existing capacity. The Company has activated its mini capacity expansion program expected to bring on 3 million tons of additional capacity in 2023. An explosion Wednesday in a cement plant located in the Kasserine governorates, west-central Tunisia, caused injuries to 12 workers according to the first count, reports say. The tragedy occurred after a machine exploded during the production process, reports note citing labor union at the plant located in the town of Feriana. The office of the prosecutor at the Kasserine Court of First instance has reportedly launched a probe into explosion to identify responsibilities. Nebraska leaders enjoy a strong legal position in turning the unfinished 1894 Perkins County Canal into reality, Gov. Pete Ricketts said Wednesday in North Platte. He reiterated during a morning town-hall meeting that completing the irrigation canal from Colorados Sedgwick County into Keith County likely will take eight to 10 years even if unchallenged. But should Colorado dispute Nebraskas right to build the canal, itll have to contend with the clear language of the 1923 South Platte River Compact, Ricketts told about 45 people at NebraskaLand Banks headquarters. The compact is pretty straightforward. Its only about seven pages long, he said. While Colorado might try to do something to challenge this, were on pretty strong ground with this agreement. Ricketts also heard from the other side of the state line during the town hall, during which he touted a newly enacted tax-cut bill and other measures passed by the 2022 Legislature. They included Legislative Bill 1015, which invokes Nebraskas right to finish the canal. The compact only requires Colorado to put water in it if Nebraska builds it, Ricketts said. Jim Tolentino, who lives in the Sedgwick County seat of Julesburg, said farmers and ranchers there feel caught between Nebraskas canal project and the Front Ranges demands for more South Platte River water. How are we in northeast Colorado going to protect our water rights, not only from Nebraska but from Denver as well? he asked Ricketts. Im not saying dont build it. We want to help Nebraska, he added. But we want to keep our livelihood. The Colorado Legislatures northeastern members would have to work in that body for Sedgwick Countys interests, Ricketts replied. But its likely, he added, that some water from a completed canal will percolate into Sedgwick Countys groundwater as its expected to do in Keith County and benefit agricultural producers in both counties that way. Tolentino invited Ricketts to come to Julesburg and meet with people there about the canal. The Nebraska governor visited more with him after the hour-long town-hall session. After the meeting, Tolentino said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has ignored farmers and ranchers east of the Front Range and has never traveled east of Fort Morgan since his 2018 election. Our water rights in our area are going further and further west, not east, said Tolentino, who grew up near Ovid and whose father worked on Sedgwick County farms and ranches. Through a spokesman, Polis in February called the Perkins canal a canal to nowhere and a boondoggle that is unlikely to ever be built. Tolentino said helping Nebraska preserve its share of South Platte water can help his county, which is building a new school in Julesburg and stands to benefit from North Plattes Sustainable Beef LLC meatpacking plant. The producers along that river are more than willing to help with the canal, Tolentino said. If were going to protect our interests, we need to help Nebraska protect theirs. The 1923 compact allows Colorado unlimited rights to tap the river from its sources to the Logan-Washington county line between Brush and Sterling. From there to the state line, the Perkins canal if completed would have senior water rights to Lower Division Colorado water users whose rights are dated after Dec. 17, 1921. Colorado also may reserve 35,000 acre-feet of water in that area under the accord, ratified by Congress in 1926. The abandoned canal, also known as the South Divide Canal, must generally follow its original surveyed Sedgwick County route under the 1923 compact. Perkins County pioneers dug about 16 miles there in 1894 before funds ran out. Once in Nebraska, the canal and a series of small storage reservoirs are expected to run through southern Keith County. The compact says Colorado would have to supply it up to 500 cubic feet per second of water from mid-October through the end of March. Colorado must send Nebraska 120 cfs in the river itself during irrigation season. Nebraska officials say water would return to the South Platte through return flows from irrigators land and the canals end in either Keith County or Lincoln County. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources is just starting design work, Ricketts said Wednesday. The Legislature provided $53.5 million for startup costs but will need to allocate at least $500 million in all to build it, he said. So there wont be anything people will see as far as moving dirt or anything any time over the next couple of years, the governor said. Lincoln County Commissioner Joe Hewgley, one of several local leaders at the town-hall meeting, thanked Ricketts for fighting to ensure Nebraska retains its share of South Platte water. Though 500 cfs over half the year is a trickle, Hewgley said, for us to get a trickle, you have to get that trickle through the Julesburg area. On other subjects, Ricketts said: Construction of a 100-slip marina at Lake McConaughy should proceed relatively quickly. Senators cleared the way with LB 1023, the product of a special Unicameral committee including water projects statewide. That one I expect to move faster than the Perkins canal, Ricketts said, because we dont have to go through a lot of hoops. Lawmakers passage of a major tax-cut package (LB 873) means more than one-fifth of Nebraskas state budget is being devoted to property tax relief through tax credits. Ricketts said he has stayed true throughout his eight years in office to the idea that state tax revenue especially when it comes in above projections isnt my money. Its not my agencies money. ... Its your money. The next governor and Legislature must follow through with replacing the aged Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln with an all-new replacement facility elsewhere. Senators set aside $270 million for a replacement prison but failed to appropriate the funds for use as they fought over likewise-thwarted sentencing reforms. At some point, Senator, you and your colleagues are going to have to tackle that one, Ricketts said to North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, whom he appointed Feb. 23 and who hosted the town hall at his bank. County Commissioner Chris Bruns, one of Jacobsons two opponents for a full District 42 term, also attended the session. Brenda Fourtner is the third candidate in next Tuesdays primary. 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. Three Lincoln County residents are seeking to be Legislative District 42s next state senator in a district geographically larger than at any time in recent memory. Appointed Sen. Mike Jacobson, Brenda Fourtner and County Commissioner Chris Bruns are seeking an initial four-year term in the seat held by North Plattes Mike Groene most of the past eight years. One of the three will be eliminated in next Tuesdays primary election, with the other two advancing to the Nov. 8 general election. Legislative redistricting after the 2020 census added Thomas, Hooker, McPherson and Logan counties and northern and eastern Perkins County to District 42. It long had been confined to Lincoln County. Groene, who was term-limited, resigned Feb. 21. Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Jacobson Feb. 23 to finish the rest of Groenes second term, which expires Jan. 3, 2023. Jacobson lives in North Platte, while Bruns, who represents County Board District 4, lives north of the city. Fourtner lived in North Platte until a recent move to Maxwell. Following are basic biographical facts on each District 42 candidate and their edited responses to questions submitted by The Telegraph. Chris Bruns Age: 36. Address: 8515 W. Foothill Road, North Platte. Family: wife, Ashley; three children. Education: North Platte High School, 2003; bachelors degree in business administration-entrepreneurship (magna cum laude), Creighton University, Omaha. Occupation: small rancher; insurance and financial services; formerly U.S. Marine Corps. Previous elected offices: Lincoln County commissioner, District 4, elected 2020 (current County Board chairman). Organizations: member and trustee, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1504; member, American Legion Post 279; board member, North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corp.; member, North Platte Area Economic Development Committee, Lincoln County Agricultural Society, Lincoln-Logan-McPherson County Extension, University of Nebraska; North Platte Optimist Club. Brenda Fourtner Age: 45. Address: 310 E. Plumer Ave., Maxwell. Family: divorced; two daughters, one son, one granddaughter. Education: associates degree in business administration, Mid-Plains Community College; licensed certified nursing assistant and cosmetologist. Occupation: self-employed independent provider (disability support services/direct support professional) for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Previous elected offices: none. Organizations: volunteer work, Jaycees; numerous community fundraisers, volunteer and initiative petition circulator, Restore the Good Life and Voices of Nebraska. Mike Jacobson (incumbent) Age: 68. Address: 3020 W. Leota St., North Platte. Family: wife, Julie; two adult children. Education: bachelors degree in agricultural economics and agricultural education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Occupation: founder, president and CEO, NebraskaLand Bank. Previous elected offices: North Platte Airport Authority; elected 2012, 2018 (former chairman). Organizations: Board member, Great Plains Health; member, North Platte Noon Rotary Club; North Platte Ambassadors; former chairman, North Platte Community Redevelopment Authority; former chairman, North Platte Development Corp. Questions 1. Please describe how you believe your life and professional experiences best equip you to be District 42s next member of the Nebraska Legislature. Jacobson: I have been involved in production agriculture all my life. After college, I spent four years as a vocational agriculture teacher and subsequently 42 years in banking. I have lived in the district for 28 years, started a community-minded bank that now has over 100 employees and have volunteered my time in the community in many capacities. As former chair of the North Platte Community Redevelopment Authority, I worked with other local leaders to attract the Walmart Food Distribution Center (now employing over 600 in the district and attracting over 400 trucks to North Platte daily), Menards, Hobby Lobby, the North Platte mall redevelopment and Sustainable Beef. As chair of the North Platte Airport Authority, our board attracted SkyWest Airlines to North Platte, which offers round-trip jet service to Denver. Total enplanements have grown to record levels, and residents in the region now have reliable jet air service. My professional experience now also includes serving as the state senator for District 42. In my short time at the Legislature, I was able to demonstrate the relationship-building and learning skills that are necessary to be an effective senator. By working with my fellow senators, we were able to pass the largest tax reduction bill in state history and provide funding for critical projects impacting District 42, including $30 million for the Hershey/North Platte industrial rail park, $20 million for Sustainable Beef and $53.5 million for work on the Perkins County Canal project. I believe my commitment to community, demonstrated teambuilding in business and lawmaking and my proven conservative voting record best equip me to continue to serve as your District 42 Nebraska state senator. Bruns: As a U.S. Marine, Ive fought in combat, led international humanitarian aid operations in the South Pacific, trained a generation of Marine officers and learned what true leadership is from working for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and commandant of the Marine Corps. I truly know what it means to fight for our individual liberties and how to coalesce diverse groups of people together to accomplish great things. I married my high school sweetheart, and together we raise our three children on a small ranch in rural Lincoln County, so I know the challenges that our agriculture producers face each and every single day and will work hard to support our No. 1 industry. I also have the privilege of serving as the chairman of the Lincoln County commissioners. I have a strong, conservative record of controlling spending, maximizing efficiencies and cutting taxes a record that consists of more than merely casting a vote. I also have a proven record of fighting against government overreach, like when I championed Lincoln County both in becoming a Second Amendment sanctuary county and standing against President Bidens 30x30 initiative. And I am also working hard to grow our regional economy through projects like Sustainable Beef and our industrial rail park and the creation of an inland port district. This is the type of work that I will continue doing at the state level for the hard-working people of District 42. Fourtner: I have an associates degree in business management, and I am self-employed. What I am not is a polished politician or CEO of a well known bank. As a taxpaying citizen, I know firsthand the struggles of being a single parent raising two kids on my own. Having had my mother pass away when I was 16 and nothing in my life handed to me. I am accustomed to earning everything. I feel as though I am now on a journey of showing Nebraskans in general how to stand up for their God-given human rights and that it is time. I deal with social anxiety and panic attacks that I have had to overcome in order to publicly stand against vaccine mandates, the mask mandates on our children, in speaking at the State Board of Education meetings against critical race theory and the health standards and speaking out against the discrepancies in our voter registration rolls, as well as shining a light on the federal and state government overreach. I have gone from just wanting to live my best life and not be recognized by the public as anything more than just a God-loving American to an activist not willing to go silently into government slavery, which is why I am a co-sponsor of the Constitutional Carry initiative. I have also been collecting signatures for stand your ground, full-access carry, immunity from prosecution, medical freedom and more freedom initiatives. 2. With redistricting, District 42 is no longer confined to Lincoln County and its interests. How will you balance the more diverse interests of Lincoln County (particularly North Platte) with those of the Sandhills ranching counties to the north and the farming interests in Perkins County to the west? Bruns: Good and effective elected officials must be actively involved in the communities they represent in order to understand the issues that affect people they serve, and I have a record of doing just that. I strive to be completely accessible, welcome communication from my constituents and listen to the diverse concerns of those that I serve, and I will continue that approach as your next state senator. As I have been preparing for this role over the past nine months and listening to people from all over the district, I have found significant commonality in the interests of the citizens throughout the district. People throughout west central Nebraska want strong, safe and thriving communities. The people are tired of government overreach and interference into their daily lives. Parents want the best possible educational opportunities for their children and a strengthening of their parental rights and choice in that process. Consistently, the need for greater economic development is at the forefront of the conversation. Closely related is the need for more workforce housing and quality child-care options. In nearly every conversation, frustration of our high taxes, especially property taxes, is conveyed a frustration that I share. As your next state senator, I will work to control spending, lower taxes, grow our economy and fight for our individual liberties. Fourtner: I grew up in Broken Bow. I lived on a small ranch that my parents rented, with cattle, sheep, quarter horses and fowl. Not having the social and political connections of my opponents, I have been learning the concerns of each community by listening to the questions asked in the forums and researching. I have found that listening to the everyday people, farmers and ranchers that struggle to survive daily, are the best resources for information. I plan to have frequent town halls and stress my open-door policy for constituents concerns and needs, along with responding to emails and phone correspondence in a timely fashion. I cannot promise to have all the right answers, but I do promise to listen and try my best to find solutions alongside them and make sure their voices are heard in the Unicameral. Jacobson: Before they were my constituents, the residents of District 42 were my customers. My work in finance connects me to consumers and businesses in the rural and urban parts of the district. This connection, combined with my lifelong experience in production agriculture and conservative values, have provided a good foundation upon which I am building stronger relationships with the voters in District 42. Ultimately, those in District 42 share many of the same needs: good jobs that support a comfortable lifestyle, a fairer and smaller tax burden, economic development, mobile and broadband connectivity, access to quality education opportunities and less government intrusion. There is much work to be done on the areas we can all agree on, and those are my priorities in the Nebraska Legislature. 3. While western Nebraskans nonetheless have many issues in common, which would you consider the top three issues for District 42? How would you work to make progress on those issues in the 2023 Legislature, since neither you nor your opponents have served even one full session in Lincoln? Fourtner: 1. Property, income and inheritance taxes: Get rid of them and as well as the entities in state and local government that cant seem to stay within a small budget and produce the necessary outcomes. It is past time to trim the fat and have less government and more freedoms. 2. States hold the power over the federal government: Make Nebraska self-sustaining. The state of Nebraska has depended on the federal government far too long. Our health care system is in collapse due to letting the federal government make laws and mandates on our workers and care facilities. Our school systems are deteriorating due to indoctrinating our teachers and students. The Nebraska Legislature also needs to stop putting unnecessary regulations on schools such as those found in Rule 10. If small rural schools didnt have to be so concerned about the number of certain encyclopedias and magazines, maybe they could focus that money on paying teachers more or offering incentives such as child care and housing stipends and not have their school accreditations pulled. Education funding should follow the child, be it in homeschool, private schools, or public schools. The federal government makes laws and regulations that are meant to hold us down and restrict our abilities. 3. Production of products: All of Nebraska has the same basic needs; food, water, jobs and energy. Smaller productions spread throughout the state could help every community. This also allows for growth. If we all share the burden as well as the rewards, then we all stand together. Smaller processing plants, distributed throughout, save on fuel costs for farmers and ranchers, which would also save the cost to the consumers and provide jobs. We have processing plants that are already built but are out of business. State funding could have gone to help these plants become operational while getting rid of federal regulations that are not necessary. Nebraska is fortunate to have soil temperatures that have been proven to be ideal for greenhouses that are built just feet underground, with hydroponics, which is a smart use of natural resources. With the aquifer, hydrogen power can be used to produce cleaner energy than any source of power. This is the same source of energy Japan uses, and they cherish every drop of water they get. With the energy abundance, this could also be sold to states that are rich in valuable resources, which would lower our cost immensely. Nebraska would also benefit from firearm and ammunition manufacturing within the state. Jacobson: Although I have only served half of the 60-day session in the 107th Legislature, I have already developed strong relationships with many returning senators within the Unicameral and am ready to hit the ground running in the next biennium. I believe that the top three issues for District 42 are lowering property taxes, mobile and broadband connectivity and supporting workforce development. The Legislature continues to take significant steps to reduce the tax burdens on Nebraska families, including property taxes. For the 2022 tax year, taxpayers will receive $548 million in property tax relief through an income tax credit based on the amount of property tax paid to support property taxes for school districts and community colleges. Although this is real savings, I will work with my colleagues to explore other tax reforms that can put more money in the pockets of District 42 residents, including increasing tax credits, broadening the tax base, shifting taxes and making spending reductions. It will take a bold idea and a strong coalition to solve the tax problem in Nebraska, and I will be working with my fellow senators over the interim to prepare for the 2023 session. As with taxes, we should be taking a comprehensive approach to expanding connectivity in rural and urban Nebraska. Now more than ever, mobile and broadband access is a critical component to our daily lives. We should be supporting more mobile towers in rural areas and using both wireless and fiber technologies to provide high-speed Internet to every home now. Millions in federal infrastructure dollars will be coming to Nebraska in the next few years, and the Unicameral needs to work with the Public Service Commission to efficiently disburse these funds. Finally, the Unicameral can support workforce development in several ways: subsidize workforce housing, create more high-end jobs with great benefits, keep our schools staffed, grow health care services and reduce government regulations that impede the recruitment and licensing of professionals. None of these issues are easily solved, but I am already working with leaders in the Legislature to make positive progress for District 42. Bruns: My first area of focus includes growing our economy in west central Nebraska. I am actively involved in many significant economic development projects for our area, and we must expand that work to diversify and significantly grow our economy not just in North Platte, but throughout the district. My second area of focus includes protecting the taxpayers by controlling spending; making government smaller, more effective and less intrusive; and cutting taxes. As someone with fiduciary experience, the taxpayers must be front-of-mind in all decisions. Our tax policy must become more competitive both regionally and nationwide. It must also be focused on modernization, accountability, fairness and economic growth. My third area of focus, and the most important of the three, includes protecting Nebraskans individual liberties, property rights and our natural resources. I will work to introduce and get passed good legislation that furthers these areas, but more importantly, I will work hard to stop legislation that is counter to my priorities and our shared values. I know the legislative process, have strong relationships with sitting senators and have the skills to be able to work effectively with others to get things done to further these areas of focus while not sacrificing my principals and integrity. But make no mistake: I will be an ardent, watchful and tenacious force willing to fight for District 42 when the time inevitably calls for it. 4. Nebraskas unique one-house Legislature is designed to be nonpartisan in its organization, but that doesnt prevent political parties from influencing its actions. If elected, would you act first as the senator for all people in District 42 or a member of your registered political party bound to advance your partys interests? Jacobson: My first responsibility is to the people of District 42. Already, I have worked on a nonpartisan/bipartisan basis with more progressive colleagues on issues where we have common interest. For example, I co-sponsored Legislative Bill 741, introduced by Sen. Wendy DeBoer to authorize the State Child Death Review Team to review stillbirths and add medical and government records of stillbirths to the records which can be obtained by the team for purposes of such review. Although there are many bills where I differ with Sen. DeBoer, she and I remain friends today and worked together to get LB 741 passed. Respect and professionalism go a long way in the Legislature. Similarly, I joined Sen. Mike McDonnell as a co-sponsor of the bill to fund the Sustainable Beef project. Through our joint work, we were able to get the funding raised from the governors proposed $15 million to $20 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. In the Legislature, the successful senators seek out ways to find common interests and then work together to get bills passed that benefit our districts. I have spent my entire career building teams that go on to build successful projects. This is second nature to me and has already served me well in the Nebraska Legislature. Bruns: A political party is not who casts votes in this election. The people do. To be sure, I dont care what outside influences think regarding who should represent District 42 or how we should vote once in office. Instead, I care about who the people of west central Nebraska think best represents them. I will work for the hard-working, blue-jeans-wearing people of District 42 as a citizen legislator, and that will be where my focus is. Too often, the Unicameral passes laws that cause most Nebraskans to scratch their head because radicals in that legislative body know how to use the rules to their advantage. I am a conservative who is committed to advancing the interests of our region and ensuring that the laws that I help craft and pass are in line with the values of west central Nebraska here in District 42. Fourtner: This is a tricky question. You cant please all the people all of the time. That being said, I believe the silent majority have been silent far too long. We have tried to get along with both sides. Our small-town ethics and morals are being cast off to the side in the name of keeping the peace. The majority of District 42 people are not big business owners, big cattlemen, big farming operations or big banking corporations. Just because these entities are financially able to yell the loudest doesnt make them more important. I would be the voice for the people that voted for me. I am not there to make friends. I am there to represent my constituents. 5. Urban and rural Nebraskans regularly clash over their differing views and cultures, and yet they also have issues in common. How would you go about building bridges and finding common ground with metro-area senators, or do you believe its more important to confront them rather than to compromise to the extent one can? Bruns: Nebraskans have far more in common than we have in opposition to each other. I will work together with anyone that I can find common ground with, because I believe that good legislation can have a positive impact across the state a high tide rises all ships. Relationships are important to cultivate and build in order to be effective for our district. I am fortunate to have great friendships already with both rural and urban legislators. Communication and learning will be important to build new relationships in that body with those that I have not yet met. However, the urban/rural divide is real, and I am willing to take off the gloves when needed and be the strong, conservative voice that our rural communities need fighting for them. Fourtner: I think its important to represent the people that elected you. I stand firm on the Constitution. It is not meant to be compromised. Jacobson: All too often, people oversimplify the rural/urban divide. I find that we face many of the same challenges, but the solution may not be one-size-fits-all. Rural senators ought to be unified on the needs of our districts, but we must work with our urban counterparts to achieve our goals. I believe the key is to be solutions-based. My successes in the Legislature had more to do with being a collaborator instead of confrontational. Meanwhile, I remained steadfast in my convictions, and my voting record demonstrates that. My focus this last session was to be respectful, yet clear and firm about the needs of District 42. I believe that I have helped to restore the image of District 42 in this past legislative session and secured meaningful change for the district. I look forward to having the opportunity to continue serving all my constituents of District 42. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you. The North Platte Public School Board of Education offers two contested races in the May 10 primary election. In Ward 1, Ivan Mitchell is not running and three candidates have thrown their hats into the ring Marcy Hunter, Cynthia OConnor and Anna Junker. Ward 3 will have four candidates vying for that seat incumbent Mark Nicholson, Emily Garrick, Suzanne Donnally and Mitch Wagner. There are two candidates in Ward 2, Jo Ann Lundgreen and Thomas Hagert II, who will face off in the general election in November. Following are answers to questions sent to the candidates. Questions: 1. What do you see as the most important issue facing the school board in the next year? What do you see as the solution? 2. Are you satisfied/not satisfied with the current board and what it has accomplished over the past year? What would you do differently? 3. Do you believe the board has done a good job of managing its budget and done all it could to keep the tax levy to a satisfactory level? Why or why not? 4. Are you in favor of/opposed to sex education being taught in the schools at any level elementary through high school? Why or why not? 5. What do you perceive is the level of quality education students receive at NPPS? Briefly explain your answer. Ward 1 Marcy Hunter 1. The pandemic the last two years has been very challenging for our school board, students and staff. The biggest challenge for the school board now is to get everything back to normal. The solution to this is to put the focus back on our students and what is best for our students. We need to focus on what matters, which is them, and their enrollment and growth. 2. As a working mother of three NPPS students, I understand how hard the past two years were on our children and how important in-person learning is for them. This past year the board kept our doors open and allowed our students the best opportunity for educational growth and involvement in extracurricular activities, both of which other schools in the state struggled with. The board showed solidarity during tough times and even managed to hire a new NPPS superintendent, Dr. Todd Rhodes, known for being student focused and will be key in getting us back to normal. 3. Over the past five years there has been a decline in enrollment and in turn a decline in funding. Not only did the board maintain within their budget, they worked to get an increase in state aid and expanded programs for the kids during this time. Quality education has been provided for a low tax payer expense. 4. The board already announced that they would not adopt the state standards and are going to continue with their current sexual education standards. Having children at NPPS, I can say that I agree with their current standards and I back the board on this decision. 5. Having students at Lake, Madison and Adams gives me a wide point of view of the NPPS system and the quality of education throughout this district. 100% of our elementary schools are classified as a Great status, all secondary schools are classified as a Good status. Those classifications show that what they are doing is working and it will only continue to improve when we can get back to normal and put the focus back on the kids. Anna Junker 1. The most important issue facing the school board in the coming year is gaining back the trust and cooperation of the parents and teachers, I believe the best way to achieve this is to start to really listen to the concerns of parents and validate their thoughts. We need to start giving answers rather than just citing information out of the handbook. We need to do some rearranging of the school board meetings to allow the public to ask questions and get some answers. The board needs to reach out to teachers within our district and get some honest answers from them. These teachers spend more time with the students than their parents do in some cases. There needs to be an honest open line of communication between teachers and the school board. Teachers and parents alike need to feel heard and not just listened to. 2. I am not satisfied with certain members of the current school board, which is why I am running. I honestly do not feel that the current board has accomplished much more than losing students to surrounding schools, upsetting parents, and driving away some of our best teachers/administrators. I want to actually find out why students and teachers are choosing to leave our district. I believe that we owe it to those students and teachers still in our district to get some answers so we can learn what we need to change to stop any further losses. 3. I believe that this year the board has done a better job of maintaining its budget than it has in the past few years. To my knowledge there was no discussion of closing any additional schools in the district nor was there discussion of being millions of dollars short. 4. I am 100% against the proposed sex education in our schools at any level. It is my opinion that the information in this new curriculum would directly contradict what these children are being taught within their homes and churches. The results of implementing this curriculum would only drive more students out of our district as well as would result in the loss of many more amazing teachers. It is parents and guardians responsibility to decide if and when their child is ready to handle information about sex and gender. 5. I believe that the quality of the education that graduates receive from NPPS is sub par at best. The NPPSD has an average math proficiency score of 41% compared to the average of 52% for Nebraska public schools and the reading proficiency is 35% compared to the state average of 52%. I do not believe that the sub par scores have anything to do with the quality of teachers but rather the problem is with the curriculum that our district uses. Cynthia OConnor 1. It takes hard work to understand the full range of issues facing a school district. With student enrollment down, that will cause the state aid to also be lower. I would say funding is one of the top issues. I have been working for North Platte Public Schools for 17 years in the payroll/ bookkeeping department. I feel that my experience working in the Business Department has given me some insight with school spending. I do feel that there are many ways to cut spending in the district without taking away from students and their learning. I firmly believe that my experiences working for the school district have given me insight into several areas that can be improved, streamlined, or better managed to benefit the students and the community. 2. This is a good question but I really cannot answer it. School boards are responsible to all the people in our community and all the students. In general, school districts are not well served by school board members who play the Lone Ranger or Rambo. I feel being visible is important for all school board members. Go to school activities, events and be informed. Listen to the community and staff members. I do feel it is time for new faces on the board. 3. I do not feel that the school board is really informed with all the spending that goes on in the district. It would be hard for a board member to know what they are looking at, with only viewing the claim payments once a month. The largest expense the district has a month is payroll. We have 365 certified staff and 269 classified staff. I feel there are other areas aside from staff that the district can cut costs. For example, cosmetic changes to buildings. 4. I am not in favor of the new health education standards that the Nebraska Department of Education is proposing. Our very young students, (kindergartners, first, second and third graders) should not be exposed to this from the district. My feeling is that it is up to parents, guardians or family members. 5. I viewed the Nebraska Department of Education going onto the NSCAS 2021 Report. One area that I viewed was on mathematics proficient percentage and this is what I found: North Platte percentage all grades: 50%. Kearney Public Schools all grades: 56%. Elkhorn Public Schools: 76%. Anyone can sign onto this site and look. By viewing this, there is room for improvement. What is Elkhorn Schools doing that we are not? Below is the link that I viewed. In closing, I will be retiring from the district at the end of 2022. I would be honored to serve as a representative on the board. Ward 3 Suzanne Donnally 1. Rethinking the decision for having only one school available for seventh and eighth graders. Reason I have first-hand experience of the weekly fights that break out among students. Very unsettling and leaves one with grave concerns about the long-term safety of students, educators, and staff. Also might want to rethink changing from Chromebook to systems with Windows Operating Systems. More adaptive technologies are written for the OS system, i.e., dyslexia, math processing and more. 2. I am not satisfied with the current board. I believe the accomplishments show improvement could be made. Id like to see more data points used for analysis in decision making and use of business tools Lean, Six Sigma and others to run a lean and mean school district. Rethink the vision, mission statement and strategic goals to assure all education services acquisitions align with the strategic goals. Develop 5-Year plan and measure board success against it. 3. I believe more can be gained through using proven business tools, techniques, (continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) to minimize costs and deliver excellent education services. The budgets need to run lean and mean to keep the tax levy on par with school districts similar to NPPSD. 4. I am opposed to teaching the mechanics of sex to students at any level because students and educators will come from many backgrounds and cultures where mechanics of sex differ as well as the cultural norms around sex. These discussions are best left to experts in medical, social work and psychology. I am not opposed to having a social worker or psychologist under contract should a child privately express a need for some help in this area. Also, I am opposed to any educator expressing a personal opinion to the students. I consider the personal opinions to be noise on the signal line interference along with any education services not aligned with federal, state, county and local legislated curriculum. Those under contract are expected to deliver education services aligned with the NPPSD core curriculum and North Platte culture. 5. For the area, I believe the level of quality of education can improve. This is a board issue to develop the vision and build the brand that NPPSD wants to project to stakeholders. Then look at the courses offered and do these align with the brand and needs of businesses at local, county, state and national levels. In a digital age, teaching for the industrial age does not make sense. Emily Garrick 1. I believe our schools need to focus on improving our culture and examining why we are losing the number of students and teachers we are losing each year. The solution is going to be uncomfortable for some. It requires asking the tough questions and honestly acknowledging and addressing problems. We need to create a culture of transparency and support and hold ourselves accountable where we fall short. If we can do that, I believe we can build the framework needed to tackle not only current issues our district faces, but future issues that will come our way as well. 2. Being a school board member is not a career aspiration of mine, so I would not be here running if I thought everything was going perfectly. There are several areas I identify that the board has not met my expectations as a taxpayer. To start with, I strongly feel the board should be approachable and transparent and should also be encouraging our parents and community to be involved in education. This is the first thing I would do differently. As a board member, I want to see people at board meetings. I want the board meetings to be easily accessible to watch after the fact. And I want an engaged community. 3. As a small government individual who advocates for lower taxes and also a former educator, I understand that it can be a tricky balance to provide our teachers and students with what they need while also being responsible with taxpayers dollars. I think there is always room for improvement when it comes to budget management. I would like to see our tax levy lowered, of course, but I think this needs to be done thoughtfully and responsibly to not jeopardize the quality of education our children receive nor the support that our teachers need. 4. I am opposed to the proposed health standards, and I am disappointed in our current state board for not voting a resounding No against them. As a former educator myself and the mom of the little one, I can say with confidence that it is not appropriate for an elementary student to be taught the concepts proposed in those standards, and I will fight tooth and nail against curriculum like that being taught in our schools. I will acknowledge this: It is important that young children learn about their bodies and when to tell a trusted adult if something is wrong, so that we can protect them from abuse and grooming. Aside from that, sex education should be reserved for older students who have the maturity and brain development to process that kind of information. Within that sex education, its imperative that students are not taught to keep medical and safety issues from their own parents, and that the school maintains an appropriate boundary between what is educational and what is sexualizing our children. 5. The numbers speak for themselves. Our test scores leave room for improvement, as do the numbers of students leaving our district. I dont say this as an attack on anyone or anything in particular, but it is a problem, and it needs to be acknowledged and addressed as such. We need to start with holding children accountable, involving parents in their childrens education, and allowing teachers to get back to the basics of education that they are trained in and passionate about. Mark Nicholson (Incumbent) 1. The most important issue facing the school board will be adequate funding for not just educational programs, but all other programs developed to ensure the health and well being of the kids dependent upon the district. This is always one of the most prominent problems for a school board for a couple of reasons. The first is that our society has made the school system largely responsible for caring for those kids during the day while parents work. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is how reliant we have become on sending kids off to school in combination with several after-school programs funded by various grants. It is the closest thing we have to a free day care system, and with that kind of pressure, it falls to the school board to keep it going. The second relates to a high poverty rate across the North Platte Public Schools, and the number of kids who rely on the system for basic needs. Food, clothing, and even shelter are largely sourced through the school system for some of the students of NPPS. I commend the administrators, teachers, and support staff who do everything within reason for the most vulnerable of our society. The reason this plays so heavily on my mind is the number of state candidates who have been speaking out about our over-burdensome property tax system. I pay these taxes, and I understand the concern, but any plan to lower said taxes has to come with an equally viable concept to continue the funding to an institution we have already placed a great deal of pressure on. As a school board member, I try to remind county and state officials of this reality and need. We can watch the budget, depend on the finance department to appropriately distribute funds with our oversite, and continue to stress the importance of our public school systems. It isnt a one year problem. It is the most prevalent of all issues with a public school district. 2. Overall, I would have to say that I am satisfied with the work of the board over the previous year. It has been a trying time in the wake of COVID-19 and the search for a new superintendent. Hopefully, the pandemic is behind us. I believe Dr. Todd Rhodes will be a great administrator for the district who continues on positive programs and leads us as new opportunities arise. Over my tenure, many challenges have presented themselves. Shortly after joining, the funding issue with the previous county clerk caused the district to take out loans costing them interest. This crisis feels like a hundred years ago even though it occurred in 2019. For a school board, there is no lack of challenge. There is always more work to do, but I feel the current board has dealt with these as well as they could. To be frank, I really dont have a concrete answer on what to do differently. Everyone says we need to respect teachers and the work they do more. I agree and plan to push this narrative even more. It is not just their good work. Maintenance, food service, and tech support all deserve aplomb for the work they are doing. We deliver this message at every meeting. Our arduous director of communications, Tina Smith, also works hard to let the public know about these things on a daily basis. We all want respect in life, and I think a message of respect for this great public service is something I want to promote. 3. I believe the school board has done a very good job of controlling the budget and keeping the levy low. In my time on the board, we have kept the request steady to slightly lower and paid off the high school bond with the Lake School bond to follow shortly. To be clear, the school board does not set the levy. We simply make a request that falls within guidelines from the state and county and is then officially set by the county commissioners. The reason for this stability and sound fiduciary acumen is a stalwart financial department led by Stuart Simpson and supported by amazing people across the district. In as much as I want to heap praise on the other employees of the district, these are the people making your tax dollars work to aid the next generation in becoming productive members of society. State audits always come with high marks, and board member questions are answered with expediency and accuracy. 4. To be clear, the question of sex education standards comes from a mistake made by the state board in offering up a framework that was not at all what the people of North Platte or Nebraska wanted. As a school board, North Platte rejected this concept immediately with no plans to adopt anything that would go against community standards. Whether or not sex education should be taught in our school system is still a question for everyone given the sensitivity on the topic. When I was in school, 30 years ago or so, we were given the class on puberty in the sixth grade, but had to get our parents permission. I dont remember it being overly traumatic (a copious amount of giggling is the only thing I actually remember) and something with this kind of reasonable bounds, given support from the people of North Platte, would be adequate. 5. The quality of education being received by NPPS students is strong and growing. Testing standards intended to measure the progress of students has been steadily improving. Some of these scores did suffer when the pandemic caused us to stop having in-person class. This was all the more reason that the district took the most responsible route to having kids in classrooms in the fall of 2020. North Platte has people working at all levels to ensure that kids are getting everything that can be offered for their future. High ability learners, special education, and the basics of learning are all a focus within the district. Just pointing to the variety of programs available at the high school gives us an idea of how good the education is. FFA, shop courses, drama, speech, music, job internships, and several extracurricular programs complement the foundation of math, science, English, and social studies. A student has a chance to explore many paths on the way to whatever future they wish to carve. They also offer career prep. Starting with a solid base of core subjects and working out to these varied subject matter gives the students of NPPS the best chance for a bright future. Mitch Wagner 1. The most important issue facing this or any school board is the amount of state and federal bribery. You want more money, and all boards do, then you must do as we at the federal and state level say. The public school system in this country was built on the idea of local control. With our dependence upon state and federal monies, we cannot make the best decisions for the students within the North Platte school district. We must wean ourselves from this sort of dependence. We must stop rushing to the almighty dollar at the expense of our students. We need to make sure the superintendent and administrators have a real understanding of our students and their needs. Along with this, parents need to be fully informed on all of the issues involving their students all of the time. If elected to the school board, I would make this a top priority. The current board has not made communication with parents a point of emphasis. 2. The current board has failed in almost every imaginable way. They seek money over all. They botched the pandemic. They do not listen to parents or have any discussion with them. If elected, I would stand on principle. I would place the importance of excellent teachers at the forefront. I would push to stop overpaying for administrators who do not understand the needs of our local students. Again, I would make communication with parents a priority. If elected, I would also push for school choice through a tax voucher system. Choice leads to accountability for school districts! 3. I think budget is the sole concern of the board. Money over education is the current boards mantra. They took an $8.5 million bribe to mask, track and vaccinate our school communities. So, I guess, they excel at getting money yet they are not very open with the taxpayer as to how they spend that money. Obviously we overpay for superintendents and administrators as we think we are in competition with Lincoln and Omaha. Instead, we should be making sure those in positions of power have principles rather than a love of money. We need to make sure the superintendent and administrators have a real understanding of our students and their needs. 4. I believe sex education is between students and their parents. If the school would like to offer sex education starting in ninth grade, it could be done. Any sex education course would require full disclosure of curriculum and methodology to parents prior to their child taking said course. 5. I think we have some quality teachers and students within our public schools. Do I believe our focus has been on quality education from the top down? I do not. Our board and administrators have been far too focused on maximizing their income. Make a board up of those focused on academic excellence, excellent administrators, excellent teachers, and parental involvement, and communication, and our schools will flourish. 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. By 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, preliminary numbers showed $370,851 given to 68 organizations for the annual North Platte Giving Day. North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust topped the list, having received $63,366. No. 2 on the leaderboard was the Prairie Arts Center with $49,590 and the Pickleball Courts in third with $47,013. Each year, Giving Day brings in funds for numerous nonprofit organizations across the community. The Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation has hosted the event for seven years. Eric Seacrest, executive director, said the deadline for donations to count towards the Giving Day totals ended at midnight on Wednesday. We will have the final numbers as soon as possible, Seacrest said. The foundation gives out 50 prizes for various goals met by the gathering of funds. Seacrest said Giving Day gives a boost to the eligible organizations that raise funds all year long to keep their operations running. Donors get to decide who they want to give to and how much, Seacrest said. We try to make it easy and with the sponsored cash prizes each gift, no matter what size, can help win more money for the nonprofit donors pick. He said 13 of the 50 prizes have been awarded as organizations have reached certain goals. 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. NORFOLK -- Three Norfolk residents are facing misdemeanor charges after they allegedly buried a stillborn infant. On April 26, Norfolk Police began investigating an allegation that a 17-year-old girl, who had been pregnant, gave birth prematurely to a baby who died at home, Capt. Michael Bauer said in a news release. It was alleged that the girl carried out a plan to bury the child's body at an undisclosed location. Investigators learned that two people helped the girl transport and bury the body, Bauer said. On April 29, the suspects led a Norfolk police detective to the location of the baby's body north of Norfolk. Norfolk Police worked with the Madison County Sheriff's Office to recover the body. An autopsy was performed the next day, Bauer said, and confirmed that the baby was stillborn. On Tuesday, the suspects were issued misdemeanor citations. The 17-year-old girl was cited on suspicion of concealing the death of another person and false reporting. A 41-year-old Norfolk woman also was cited on suspicion of concealing the death of another person and false reporting. A 21-year-old Norfolk man was cited on suspicion of concealing the death of another person. BEATRICE A man who was shot by a Beatrice police officer in a confrontation following a high-speed chase over the weekend has died, Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang said. Lang said Bradley Allen, 35, of Lincoln, died Tuesday afternoon nearly three days after the Saturday night shooting. The incident began when a Gage County sheriffs deputy tried to pull Allen's car over, and a chase of more than 100 mph at times ensued, Lang said. Once police disabled the vehicle, the driver fled on foot, the chief said. Allen was later confronted by a Beatrice officer, who said Allen yelled that he had a gun. An officer tried unsuccessfully to use a stun gun on Allen, police said. When Allen reached into his waistband, an officer fired several shots, hitting Allen several times. No gun was found on Allen after the shooting, police said. Allen was taken to a Lincoln hospital, and police later said he was in critical but stable condition following surgery. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the shooting. Allen had pending arrest warrants from Nebraska and Kansas at the time of his death, police said. Officials have not named the officer who shot Allen, but say he has been placed on administrative assignment pending the outcome of the investigation. 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. Yuenglings Ice Cream Corporation ATLANTA, GA, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire Yuenglings Ice Cream Corporation (Yuenglings) (OTC PINK: ARSN) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Definitive Agreement to acquire all the equity of Revolution Desserts, LLC (Revolution). Yuenglings signed a new Letter of Intent on April 20, 2022, and the execution of the Definitive Agreement is one more step in the process of closing the acquisition. Several closing conditions remain, such as SEC approval of Yuenglings Reg 1-A, so the timing of the closing is unknown. Founded by Robert Carlson and Luciano Vitali Alves, and currently operated by Mr. Carlson and Charles Green, Revolution owns or licenses the Gelato Fiasco, Sweet Scoops, Art Cream, and SoCo Creamery brands. Mr. Carlson and Mr. Green will remain with Yuenglings following the closing. Gelato Fiasco is a premium gelato product with two stores and is available in more than 600 retail locations. Sweet Scoops, a producer of all-natural frozen yogurts, is sold in Whole Foods, Roche Bros and approximately 100 independent stores. Art Cream, an organic artisan ice cream with unique and often unconventional pairings, is currently sold in MOMs Organic Market and other natural/organic retailers. SoCo Creamery is an all-natural super-premium ice cream, gelato and sorbet distributed from Maryland to Maine in stores such as Whole Foods, Roche Bros, Big Y, Stop & Shop, other select retailers, and four Sysco distribution centers. Yuenglings has been working with the SEC for the past several weeks to update its Reg 1-A and answer questions regarding the proposed acquisition. Yuenglings President and CEO Rob Bohorad commented, While we are anxious to move the transaction forward, we understand and appreciate that the SEC is doing its job to make sure investors are provided with the information needed to make an informed investment decision. After considerable back and forth, we hope to receive SEC approval of our Reg 1-A soon. Story continues Chuck Green and I look forward to working with Rob to not only advance the Revolution brands but also get started on the expansion of Yuenglings, stated Bob Carlson, President of Revolution. We still have some work ahead of us, but we feel the five brands and combined management team are more valuable together, so we will continue working hard on the outstanding conditions needed for closing. About Yuenglings Ice Cream Yuenglings Ice Cream was founded by American businessman Frank D. Yuengling in 1920 to help support the family brewery during Prohibition, which lasted from January 1920 to December 1933. Spun off as a separate company from the brewery in 1935, Yuengling's maintained a strong tradition of making exceptional gourmet ice cream products in central Pennsylvania. The fan-favorite brand advanced its legacy and its renowned dairy quality by using locally sourced dairy ingredients that contain no added hormones. The company discontinued production in 1985 when no family successor emerged. In 2014, the brand was revived and an American classic was re-born. The Yuengling's Ice Cream Corporation, as it has been since 1935, is a separately owned and operated company from D. G. Yuengling & Son, Inc Brewery. Safe Harbor Statement This communication contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Yuenglings Ice Cream Corporation and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully, and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results. For More Information Contact & Media Inquiries: IR@yuenglingsicecream.com Phone: 570-968-4352 www.yuenglingsicecream.com SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Advocates for legalizing recreational marijuana in South Dakota on Tuesday submitted petition signatures to the secretary of state, saying they were confident they had collected enough to place the initiative on the November ballot. South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws, the organization that launched the campaign, has scrambled in recent days to gather the nearly 17,000 signatures of registered South Dakota voters required to get a proposed law on the ballot. Campaign director, Matt Schweich, said the organization has evaluated the petitions and estimates it has at least 19,250 valid signatures. We are confident that we are going to qualify for the ballot, he told the Associated Press, as he made his way to Pierre to submit the signed petitions. The proposed law would allow people 21 years old and over to use and grow pot for personal use. It would place a 1 ounce (28 gram) limit on the amount that people could use or share. Secretary of State Steve Barnett will take a random sample of the petition signatures to evaluate whether the campaign collected enough. If the measure is certified, its signature count can still be challenged within 30 days. Marijuana legalization has spurred political fights among South Dakota's dominant Republican party in recent years and tested faith in a form of direct democracy the ballot measure. A citizen-proposed constitutional amendment known as Amendment A to legalize cannabis passed by 54% in 2020, but Gov. Kristi Noem sponsored a lawsuit to challenge it and the state Supreme Court ruled last year that it violated the state Constitution. Noem has continually decried recreational pot legalization, but Schweich argued that Noem's actions have only given the campaign energy. I think what happened to Amendment A has angered many voters in this state, even those who are not passionate about cannabis reform, he said. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. China sets up world's highest automatic weather station Xinhua) 08:24, May 05, 2022 * Chinese scientific researchers established the world's highest automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma on the China-Nepal border. * An expedition team reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma and measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time. * The new comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma is the country's first scientific research above an altitude of 8,000 meters on the peak. Photo taken on May 4, 2022 shows a view of Mount Qomolangma. Chinese scientific researchers reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma Wednesday and established an automatic meteorological monitoring station on it. (Xinhua/Sun Fei) MOUNT QOMOLANGMA BASE CAMP, Tibet, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientific researchers on Wednesday established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of over 8,800 meters, making it the world's highest of its kind, on Mount Qomolangma on the China-Nepal border. It has replaced the station sitting at an altitude of 8,430 meters on the south side of the mountain, set up by British and U.S. scientists in 2019, to become the world's highest, according to the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Including the new weather station, eight elevation gradient meteorological stations have been set up on Mount Qomolangma -- one of the main tasks in China's new comprehensive scientific expedition on the world's highest peak at a height of 8,848.86 meters. Zhao Huabiao, a researcher with the ITP, said the monitored meteorological data will support scientific research and mountaineering activities. Also on Wednesday, 13 members of the expedition team reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma. At the summit, the squad measured the thickness of the ice and snow using high-accuracy radar for the first time, and collected samples for further research. Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team establish an automatic meteorological monitoring station on Mount Qomolangma May 4, 2022. Chinese scientific researchers reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma Wednesday and established an automatic meteorological monitoring station on it. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje) TAKING RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS The new comprehensive scientific expedition on Mount Qomolangma, as part of China's second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is the country's first scientific research above an altitude of 8,000 meters on the peak. More than 270 scientific research members from five teams are participating in the expedition. The glacier and pollutant research team led by Kang Shichang, a researcher with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources under CAS, will spend a month monitoring pollutants, the Rongbuk glacier and ice lake changes, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions from rivers and lakes covering the high-altitude area from the Mount Qomolangma base camp to the East Rongbuk glacier. Kang said studying the changes to the glacier aims to clarify the impact of global warming, which is beneficial to mounting a global response to climate change. "Through the study of glacier changes and glacier air pollutants, we can see the impact of global and regional human activities in the Qomolangma area," Kang said. Kang Shichang, a researcher with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, checks supplies at the Mount Qomolangma base camp on May 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) FEAT OF HUMANITY Zhu Tong, head of the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering of Peking University, led his team to explore the impact of an ultra-high altitude environment on human health. The team of 27 scientific researchers is monitoring the health condition of 50 volunteers positioned at varying altitudes: 5,200 meters, 5,800 meters, 6,350 meters and 8,848 meters. "As you rise in altitude, your body will change accordingly, which makes this intuitive data valuable," said Zhu, 59, who is also an academician at CAS. The team will collect blood, urine, saliva, feces and other samples, measure blood pressure, and monitor the pulse wave velocity of the volunteers, including Zhu himself, to provide samples for follow-up research. Members of a Chinese scientific expedition team conduct scientific research on Mount Qomolangma on May 4, 2022. Chinese scientific researchers reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma Wednesday and established an automatic meteorological monitoring station on it. (Xinhua/Sonam Dorje) With the most disciplines covered, the highest number of scientific research participants, and the most advanced equipment utilized, the expedition is the largest since surveys of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau started in 2017. "The ultra-high altitude comprehensive scientific expedition in the Qomolangma area is a feat of humanity," said Yao Tandong, an academician at CAS and team leader of the second scientific research survey of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Following the team's summit on Wednesday, scientists and researchers cheered and clapped inside the expedition's headquarters at the Mount Qomolangma base camp. Outside the camp, Tibetan snowcocks that often visit the camp crowed, reverberating across the valley. People celebrate at the Mount Qomolangma base camp on May 4, 2022. Chinese scientific researchers reached the summit of Mount Qomolangma Wednesday and established an automatic meteorological monitoring station on it. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Notice body On Thursday, May 12, from 4-6 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama, the public is invited to celebrate murals painted by an Auburn University class and regional artist Chris Johnson. The mural painted by nationally recognized artist and Auburn studio art professor Wendy DesChene and her students, which stands at 35x13 feet, celebrates local agricultural history and features imagery of historic equipment, advertising, local agricultural pioneers, the east Alabama landscape, farmers and farm culture. DesChene said the experience prepares students for the job market, fosters their creativity and inspires confidence in themselves as artists. One of my favorite learning outcomes of this project is to teach that art belongs everywhere. Artists should make space for themselves in their community, DesChene said. Unlike musicians or performers who get applause, that type of feedback usually does not happen for visual artists. However, with mural painting, the community responds as soon as you are painting it or putting it on the wall. That type of feedback that appreciates your unique skills is vital for a young artist to know and feel. The agricultural mural is sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities and the Department of Art & Art History at Auburn University. It was installed this spring at the Whatley Agricultural Pavilion where Old Nancy, the museums turn-of-the-century steam tractor, is on display. Chris Johnsons history of East Alabama mural will also be dedicated at this Mays celebration and can be viewed on the Avenue A side of the museum. The May 12 celebration is free and open to the public. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body For the first time ever, the Auburn University College of Nursing will celebrate National Nurses Week as a college. Since its inception in 1979, nursing at Auburn has been a school. The university Board of Trustees agreed in February to reclassify nursing as a college. The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences and the Harrison School of Pharmacy were also renamed as colleges. This years National Nurses Week is celebrated between May 6, National Nurses Day, and May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The primary reasoning for the new classification is to signify growth. Auburn nursing moved into a new 89,000-square-foot building only five years ago because it had vastly outgrown Miller Hall. Back then, Miller could only accommodate faculty and administrative offices and limited skills and simulations labs. Classes were held across campus. The new nursing building on the southwest corner of South Donahue Drive and Lem Morrison Drive houses offices, labs and classroom space, but it was designed to adjust for continued growth in faculty, students and programming. Welcoming growth Auburn nursing has been doing its part to address the national nursing shortage for decades. With more classroom and faculty space in the nursing building, Auburn has been able to add additional faculty and enroll more students, with the hope of preparing more nurses for the workforce. The college now has nearly 40 full-time faculty members and one part-time faculty member, including an associate dean for research, who is committed to increasing scholarship and research in the college. Three tenure-track faculty positions, each with a research focus, were added last year. As nursing moved into its new home in 2017, the college was able to admit more students110 to 115 twice a yearto its baccalaureate degree program. The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, curbed the growth, forcing the college to admit approximately 100 students twice a year. The dip was temporary, however, as the college now is back to pre-pandemic enrollment numbers. Just five years ago, nursing offered two degrees: the traditional four-year bachelors degree and a joint masters degree with the nursing school at Auburn University at Montgomery. Since then, Auburn nursing has added an online RN-to-BSN program, aimed at assisting registered nurses, or RNs, who have an associate degree but want to further their education with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, or BSN. In 2020, the college created a concurrent RN-to-BSN, allowing students who completed Auburns prerequisites and started an associate degree program to concurrently take online baccalaureate courses and complete the BSN one semester after completing the associate degree. The RN-to-BSN program has grown from five students in 2018 to more than 60 currently. Auburn and AUM stopped administering the joint masters program in 2017, allowing each campus to offer separate degree programs. For Auburn, this has meant offering a masters program, with nurse practitioner and nurse educator tracks, as well as certificate programs for nurse practitioner and nurse educator. These options are administered via distance education. Auburn has also added a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, which many consider a national solution for the long-standing need for enough well-qualified advanced practice clinicians, executives and clinical faculty. In April, Auburns Board of Trustees authorized the college to create a new Doctor of Philosophy program. The new degree will support the increasing demand for professional nurses and nurse educators and address the health care needs across the State of Alabama and beyond by providing the advanced education and clinical experiences necessary to develop more strategic patient and population-centered care. Unforeseen challenges The COVID-19 pandemic impeded nursings growth because health care facilities limited or prohibited student placements for clinical experiences. The number of available clinical sites was lessening before the pandemic because of higher demand. More nursing programs with more students were seeking practice locations. These circumstances meant Auburn would rely more on its state-of-the-art EAGLES Center. EAGLES stands for Engaging Active Group Learning Environments in Simulation. The EAGLES Center is a simulation suite and a major component of the new building. It includes seven individual rooms designed to represent inpatient care areas, such as intensive care, labor and delivery, medical-surgical and pediatrics, and one community room representing a patients home. Each room has an observation window, audio/visual capture and access to a central medication and supply rooms, as well as control booths. Simulation-based experiences are designed to achieve specific course objectives and program outcomes while allowing students to practice making real-time decisions in a controlled environment without the risk of harm to a patient, said Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs and the St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Professor. When COVID-19 restricted in-person instruction at Auburn, nursing faculty quickly pivoted. Videos of simulated patient-care scenarios were produced for faculty to facilitate small-group clinical learning. As students watched the recordings, faculty facilitated discussions about the next best step and potential consequences. This delivery format allowed students to continue making real-time decisions about patient care, said Hunt. COVID-19 restrictions are lifting as the endemic lessens, but many hospitals continue to limit the size of clinical groups. Pre-COVID-19, Auburn could send eight students per group, but now are allowed to send only four to six students per group. Nursing faculty continue to locate additional sites, but it is challenging. Hunt said the clinical environment ideally provides students with a wide range of experiences, including practicing skills, exercising clinical judgment and interacting with patients, families and a health care team. However, the environment is unpredictable, and learning is episodic. In the last decade, high-fidelity simulation has emerged as a leading strategy to ensure clinical education needs are met while posing no risk to patients. Hunt said simulation-based experiences allow faculty to ensure that all students receive hands-on experience with specific clinical scenarios they may encounter in the real world, without the risk of harming a human patient. Simulation has and will continue to be an essential part of nursing education at Auburn. New equipment Auburn nursing used this years Tiger Giving Day to enhance its simulation equipment. Faculty sought to raise $123,000, its most ambitious goal to date, to purchase two birthing simulators and three medication dispensing systems. The college exceeded its goal and hopes to receive the new equipment later this year. With fewer clinical sites, opportunities for nursing students to experience specialty areas such as labor and delivery are limited. The addition of two birthing simulators will replicate that experience and allow nursing faculty to run multiple scenarios at one time, doubling the number of students who can attend each session. Faculty will integrate the new medical dispensing systems into simulation experiences, allowing students to practice administering medications and create a foundation of safe patient care. Hunt called a medication dispensing system an essential component in training nursing students for everyday clinical practice. Medication safety procedures are critical to patient safety and care. Integration of the medication dispensing system into simulation-based experiences will allow students hands-on practice administering medications to build a foundation of safe patient care, said Meghan Jones, associate clinical professor and EAGLES Center director. Also, the college intends to add virtual reality, or VR, equipment this year. Assistant Clinical Professor Tiffani Chidume said utilization of VR can serve as an additional layer of practice and repetition for essential psychomotor skills and procedures taught at Auburn. Psychomotor skills in nursing include taking blood pressure and inserting an intravenous line. Additional practice for psychomotor skills using VR can help bridge the gap between the current allotted lab time and clinical experiences, she said. The plan is to have open practice lab times with the VR equipment, allowing students structured practice to develop skill proficiency and mitigate the decay of fundamental skills. Creating the most realistic student experiences is our ultimate goal in simulation and skills, said Chidume. The benefits extend beyond skill mastery, improved communication and increased interdisciplinary teamwork, as these interactions occur in a safe and replicable environment. This leads to reduced clinical errors and greatly improves patient safety for both acute care and community health needs. Adjusting strategies The pandemic also brought telehealth to the forefront. When patients were unable to visit a health care provider, providers used telephone or video capabilities to provide virtual care to patients. Auburns undergraduate nursing students participate in mental health telehealth simulations with nursing students at Southern Union State Community College. This experience prepares our students to communicate in a simulated environment to assess and identify community resources to assist the person dealing with mental health issues, explained Hunt. Masters students in the primary care nurse practitioner courses are introduced to telehealth in multiple modalities. Simulation exercises introduce these students to both video chat and telephone telehealth encounters. This provides real-world experience of emerging health care technologies and delivery modalities, said Rachael Sweeney, assistant clinical professor and nurse practitioner coordinator. Interprofessional education has always been a major component of Auburn nursing, but it has gotten more prominent in recent years. Hunt called interprofessional collaboration crucial for optimal patient outcomes. Health care professions are seeing the importance of these collaborations and increasingly including them as a requirement of professional health care programs, she added. Nursing students in their fourth semester attend an interprofessional education community clinical with students from pharmacy, social work, nutrition and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. The interdisciplinary student team plans care for clients with complex needs at clinics, primarily in rural areas. Hunt said the experience facilitates development of students communication and collaboration skills. These students also participate in two robust interprofessional simulations: a poverty simulation and a disaster simulation. At the beginning and end of each simulation, students complete a survey. Results have consistently shown students perceived improvement in confidence, collaboration, communication and teamwork in working within interprofessional teams, said Hunt. Another interprofessional experience involves fifth-semester nursing students participating in a virtual simulation with Auburns speech language pathology students during which students observe pre-recorded nursing care of a patient requiring nursing and speech and language interventions. Faculty from both programs facilitate collaboration among students throughout the virtual experience. Around campus and beyond The animal-assisted therapy program, called Canines Assisting Rehabilitation and Education, or CAREing Paws, in nursing has grown tremendously since its inception in 2010. Associate Clinical Professor Stuart Pope taught eight nursing students in the initial class. Now, the elective course is open to other majors across campus, and it fills to capacity every semester. Pope used to share his office in Miller Hall with the programs dogs. In the new building, Miller, CHOA, Daisy and Tucker get their own space across from Popes office. Pope was the only instructor until 2016, when Assistant Professor Morgan Yordy joined the faculty with experience working with animal-assisted therapy teams. Recently, with more students in the class each semester and fewer clinical sites to visit, Yordy created a simulation experience involving animal-assisted therapy, allowing students to practice visiting patients in hospital and home settings. During the pandemic, when students couldnt visit patients in clinical settings, Pope and Yordy went to specifically provide much-needed therapy to clinic staff, who were experiencing high stress and burnout. Our dogs have not been able to visit with patients in clinical settings due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we hope to get back to that in the fall, said Hunt. They are visiting more places on campus, however, including the colleges of engineering, sciences and mathematics and business, as well as other student events on campus. Their motto is, have dogs, will travel. As a land-grant institution, outreach is fundamental at Auburn. Beyond campus, the College of Nursing currently has 31 projects in rural Alabama. Faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students and community partners reach nearly 20,000 individuals each year. In 2021 alone, nursing connected through screenings, education, vaccinations and community initiatives targeting health disparities and improved access to care to meet the needs of 19,776 individuals. Next steps The pandemic positioned health care workers and Auburn nursing alumni on the front lines of the battle against an unknown foe. Auburn students saw this and were not deterred. Like nurses in the field, students learned to adapt. They adapted and they succeeded. More than 90% of the Class of 2021 had a job at the time of graduation. They also achieved a 97.78% NCLEX pass rate. The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, is a national exam to determine competency and preparedness to enter nursing practice. All state boards of nursing across the United States use the NCLEX as a requirement for licensure. Auburn nursing boasts a three-year NCLEX pass rate average of 98.56%, the highest in Alabama for baccalaureate nursing programs. Students have many reasons for wanting to be a part of Auburn nursing, said Hunt, including the high NCLEX pass rates, a reputation of excellence, the variety of clinical experiences in different specialty areas and locations, faculty and staff who are committed to student success and job placement at graduation. Johnny Depp chuckles when Amber Heard is asked about taking off his boots. #JohnnyDepp testified that #AmberHeard insisted on taking off his boots, Heard mentions she did it to show love but he could have taken them off himself if he wanted. @LawCrimeNetwork pic.twitter.com/6BPu1cbKfi Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) May 4, 2022 . #AmberHeard: first time #JohnnyDepp hit her - she asked him what his tattoo said on his arm (used to say Winona that he turned into Wino). He told her it said "Wino". She laughed. She says Depp slapped her across the face. Her reaction was to laugh thinking it must be a joke pic.twitter.com/6I64HiaquN Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) May 4, 2022 [ TW: SA ] - Amber claims he went into the bathroom, came out, and asked here Where are you fucking hiding it?. Amber didnt know what he was talking about, and Depp kept asking the question. Amber alleges he started patting her down, ripped her dress, touching her breast and thighs. Amber makes a point to note that at the time, she had just dyed her dress, and she remembers thinking I just dyed this thing. Amber alleges that Depp took her underwear off, and proceeded to do a cavity search on her. Amber says he says she was looking for his cocaine, and says were gonna conduct a cavity search. Amber says, I just stood there staring at the stupid light. I just stood there, while he did that. She says she didnt say stop. Amber almost breaks down at this point - at this point, Depp stopps doodling, but still only looks at her through the screen - he visibly shakes his head at around 6:42:20, and again at 6:42:50. Depp vs. Heard continues, and today, Amber Heard finally took the stand and began to share her side of the story.As well as this, Dr. Hughes, finished her testimony and was cross-examined by Depp's team.As always, a trigger warning for domestic violence. Amber also spoke of sexual assault in her testimony as well - I have put this under a spoiler cut, so please do not feel pressured at all to read this as you can still gauge the case without knowing the full details of her accusations.- Depps attorney, Wayne Dennison begins his cross examination of Dr. Hughes. He notes that yesterday, Hughes said you have to be careful about gender stereotypes with IPV. Dennison says that nearly every time she referenced a victim, she used she. Hughes says she used she while referring to Amber Heard. It should also be noted that Hughes did state yesterday that IPV can happen in sexual violence, and be perpetrated by women against men, but statistically women in heterosexual relationships are more likely to suffer abuse.Dennison asks,. Hughes says thats not true. Dennison,. Hughes:- Dennison asks,Hughes responds,- Hughes is asked if she makes hundreds of thousands of dollars a year testifying. She says this isnt true - most of the work is behind the scenes with evaluations etc. Hughes says she only testifies in court once or twice a year. She does say that she is being paid $500 per hour on this case, and she was hired by Ambers legal team after having worked with the same team in the past.- Hughes did not speak to Depp, but read his texts, read transcripts, and watched his depositions.- Hughes is asked about her interview with Ambers mother, Paige Heard, who passed away in 2020. Hughes agrees that Paige still loved Johnny even after Ambers abuse allegations. It should be noted that Paige Heard remained with her husband, who abused both her and her daughters, until her death. According to Amber, her parents both suffered from substance abuse issues.- Dennison asks Hughes about a knife that Amber bought Johnny, that had Until death inscribed on it. Dennison asks,Hughes says there is context, and that Amber told her it was because Depp would say to her that the only way out of this relationship was death. Amber speaks to this in her own testimony later - it should also be noted that Amber alleges Depp first became violent with her in 2013, and the knife was bought in 2012.- Dennison pulls up a note, where there is a list of Intimate Relationships. James Franco is written on this list. Hughes says that Amber and Franco were friends, but became more friendly in December 2015. The note appears to readThe same note also mentions that Amber met Elon Musk at the 2016 Met Gala in May 2016 - Dennison points out that this is when she filed for divorce from Johnny, Hughes says they began dating after her divorce. The comment for Musk reads- Back to the Australian incident, Dennison asks,. Hughes responds,- Hughes assessed that Amber had PTSD in 2019, 2020, and then again in 2021 when she used the CAPS-5 method. Hughes said that when she asked Amber what the worst traumatic experience of her life was, Amber said it was the IPV from Johnny. Hughes says that she did not diagnose Amber with childhood trauma, only adult trauma.- Dennison asks Hughes if she can say whether Johnny Depp has been abused. She says she can testify that Depp has- I want to note that in the four hours that Amber is on the stand, Depp does not look at her. He is mostly seen doodling, but sometimes he looks at her through the screen at his table. He occasionally showed some reactions to her testimony - it's hard to post screenshots of this as he is looking down, but I will include timestamps of anything notable, just as I did with Amber. I also noticed that while Depp largely referred to Amber as "Miss Heard" during his testimony, Amber only refers to him as "Johnny."- Amber begins her testimony by introducing herself to the jury, and her lawyer asks why she is in court, she says its because her ex-husband is suing her for an op-ed she wrote. Her lawyer asks her how she feels about this, and she responds,Bredehoft asks her about the UK Libel Trial, Amber says that she was a witness, and- Amber says that she auditioned for The Rum Diary in 2008. Amber was 22, Depp was 44. When she met Depp for the first time, they talked about books, poetry, and obscure writers. Heard describes him as very well read and charismatic. She saysDepp called her personally to tell her that she got the role, though he was also a producer on the film.- Amber, like Depp, said that they didnt really have much interaction on set until they did a kissing scene. Amber says,Amber says that as an actor, theres certain things that you dont do in kissing scenes to keep it professional, such as not using tongue. Amber says,Bredehoft asks if he used his tongue, Amber says he did.- Amber says that for her 23rd birthday (April 22nd), Depp gave her poetry books and a vintage bicycle.- She talks about a trailer visit where it became flirtatious. Amber had said that they had bonded over a love of wine, and she had brought him a bottle of a cheap wine that she had said she enjoyed. Amber said that when she went to leave his trailer, Depp kicked up the back of her bathrobe. She says she turned around and giggled, but she didnt know what to make of it at the time. Depp playfully pushed her on the sofa and said Yum. OP notes that both claim to have not had much interaction on set prior to the filmed kiss. During Ambers testimony, she says that after the previously mentioned filmed kiss they would hang out in his trailer often, usually with the director of the film. In Depp's testimony, he said that they kissed in his trailer on the same day as their filmed kiss, and afterwards they did not interact often and she did not visit him in his trailer again. Amber did not mention a kiss.- Amber confirms that both of them were in relationships at the time. She says that she felt a chemistry between them, and Depp had indicated to her that he felt the same in many different ways.- Amber says that after filming, she didnt hear from him again until Johnny called her on the phone and invited her over to his home, saying they could get the director to come over andAmber turned him down, saying her friends were in town. He called her again, but Amber did not answer.- Amber says that after filming the movie, Depp sent her several gifts. One was a dress from the film that she loved - Depp mentioned this in his own testimony, but nothing else. She says that Depp brought her a few gorgeous, expensive collectible books, and while she was away filming he sent her some guitars. The items werent successfully delivered, and her ex-partner Tasya Van Ree intercepted the Attempt to Deliver card. She called Amber asking what to do, and Amber told her to send it back. Tasya told her there was another attempted delivery prior to this, and Amber says she wouldnt have accepted it anyway.- The press tour started in the fall in 2011, about 2 and a half years after filming. Amber was 25 at this point. Amber says that at the beginning of the press tour, Depp invited her and the films director to his hotel room for a drink. Amber says that as soon as she got there, Depp said the director wasnt going to be there. They talked about how they had both split with their partners, drank red wine, and talked. Amber saysShe says that when she got up to leave, Depp kissed her, and she kissed him back. Heard says that they fell in love over the press tour, which took place over a month, and it was on.- Amber describes the press tour as a whirlwind romance as they traveled the world, but they had to keep it secret it wasnt public knowledge that Depp and Vanessa Paradis had split. Amber says she did wonder if this was troubling, but that Depp told her that they hadnt shared a bed for a year, but they were protecting their children from the press. Amber says that Depp pointed out that people would blame her for the split even though it was not her fault. The two didn't go public until over a year later in 2013.- Amber says,- Amber says that they werent doing normal life stuff, they were hiding in places around the world - at her home, at Depps many houses. She says,- In mid-2012, Depp was shooting The Lone Ranger, and Amber was shooting Machete Kills. Amber visited him on set, and this was the first time that Depp told her he had a health issue with his liver.- Amber states that he would come to her house for days, and they would play music, read poetry, Depp would paint her. She says thenShe says at one point he disappeared, came back, and said he was dealing with a health issue, and asked her to come to his Bahamas island with him.- Amber is asked about Depps testimony about how Amber would take off his boots when hed come home from set while filming The Lone Ranger. Amber says that she did this, and she was happy to, Anything I can do to show love. She says if he wanted to take off his own boots he certainly could, Depp is seen smiling at this.- Amber is asked about the knife she bought Johnny in 2012 when he was filming The Lone Ranger. She said that Depp loved turquoise and knives, and when he loves things, he buys a lot of it. She says that Depp bought her daggers, and he had a knife and gun collection. Amber states that she bought him this knife and had it engraved with a saying that Johnny said to her all the time, which was Until death in Spanish. She says that she thought it was romantic at the time, but she realises the irony now.- When asked about Depps relationship with her family, Heard says that Depp loved her Dad. She says that Depp all of a sudden had a southern accent that he never had before after bonding with Ambers father, and would give her dad gifts including guns and knives. She says that her Dad was working class and was floored, and Depp showered him with gifts. Amber says that Depp also gifted her mother with jewelry, and did the same with her sister, Whitney. She says that Depp had a bond with Whitney, and did everything he could to make them feel special. Depp spoke highly of Ambers family during his testimony, and also indicated that he was close with Whitney, calling her Sis.- Amber says that Depp was also generous when it came to her friends. Extravagant trips, gestures, he showered them with generosity. He even flew people when necessary. She says that Depp insisted on buying her a horse - Heard turned him down, but he got a hold of her father to determine what horse to buy.- Talking about the relationship throughout 2012, she said the relationship - Amber says Depps behaviour would change whenever he would return from disappearing. She says shed say something, and Depp would accuse her of saying something else. Amber states that the main thing was her clothing and her work. She says she found herself not trying to talk about auditions because it would change the mood dramatically, and hed make comments about Amber whoring herself out.- Amber states that Depp loves to break furniture. OP notes that its been well documented that Depp has trashed hotel rooms as far back as the 1990s. Amber says hed throw a glass at her, but never hit her at this stage of their relationship. Hed go away, come back sober, and be the kind and funny man she knew.- Amber is asked about the first time Depp hit her. Amber says that she will never forget it and that it changed my life. She says that it happened in 2013 - it was a normal conversation, but Heard did notice that there was a jar of cocaine on the coffee table, though she never saw him use it. Amber asked him about a tattoo on his arm, not knowing it was the Wino Forever tattoo. Depp told her it said Wino, and she says she laughed because she didnt even think the tattoo looked like it said that and she assumed he was joking. The next paragraphs are what she says almost verbatim, but the full moment can be scene atin the stream.- Amber breaks down while discussing this, while Depp - who still hasn't looked at Amber once during her testimony - raises his eyebrows when Amber says "He slapped me across the face", and then makes a comment to his lawyer and laughs while shaking his head after Amber says she didn't react- Amber says that she stood up, and Depp started crying, saying to herAmber says she left without saying anything, went to her car, and after a long time of sitting in her car she drove home - eventually she told her therapist. She says eventually Depp started calling and texting her apologising,Eventually she agreed to a talk, with the understanding that it was over and she was done. Depp came over with gifts, including cases of the Vega Cecilia wine that she liked, but couldnt afford at the time. She says he told her thatAmber says she wanted to believe him, so she chose to and she stayed with him.- Amber says she doesnt know how long it was until things got bad again. She says he started drinking again, disappearing, coming to her house in the middle of the night often drunk. She said theyd go through a cycle of this, and then going on an upswing of sick, sweet, velvety love. Amber says that shed go on an audition, and come back and Depp would be angry at her, eventually accusing her of cheating. Depp began to punch walls constantly. Amber says that it would escalate until the point that he would push her down, she would get back up and look him in the eye as my way of defending myself at that time. She says that Depp would ask her if she wanted to go again, shove her back down, and then eventually he began hitting her when she did this. Amber says her best way to cope with the escalating violence was to- Amber says that Depp hit her in the face when she denied having an affair with my ex-wife, ex-partner, Tasya. She says that Johnny told her he had proof, she denied it. Amber alleges she walked out of the bathroom, and he slapped her across the face. She says that she said to Depp,Bredehoft moves to submit a picture of Ambers face to evidence, Depps team objects and the picture is not submitted.- Amber says in 2012 the violence kept moving relative to how it started, there was slapping and backhanding. Fights would start because there would be a rumor of Amber being with a friend, or if she was photographed standing next to a male. She says she never quite knew what she was defending herself against.- Amber said she began talking to her mother, Paige Heard, about the psychological abuse from the very beginning - she mentions the control, Depps disappearances, his accusations, and the fact that she was a secret (Amber wasnt even able to tell her friends, due to Depp saying that Heard would be blamed for his split from Paradis if their relationship became public). Amber says,Amber says eventually she began to open up to her mother about the physical abuse. This begins a lot of objections from Depps teams in regards to conversations with her mother. - According to Amber, March 2013 was like a never ending fight. Throughout the month, Depp was convinced she was having an affair with her ex Tasya Van Ree. She had a painting of Van Rees on the wall, which Depp took as proof that they were having an affair. One night, Depp stayed up all night drinking and taking cocaine, taking the painting and attempting to burn it - he was unsuccessful.- Amber is asked about the Disco Bloodbath incident . She says again, Depp was accusing her of having an affair - with a musician she knew, and a friend she travelled through Spain with. During the fight, Amber alleges Depp backhanded her. She says she felt her lip go into her teeth, and she saw a little blood on the wall. She says that she walked away from him, and that made it worse. After a shouting match, Depp did this thing with his body where I could tell he was going to hit me again. Amber says she picked up a little vase and threw it in his direction, and got away before he got me. She says Depp grabbed her by the arm, held her by the arm on the floor, and screamed at her. She sent the below image to her mother the following day of a bruise on her arm, and when asked why she sent this, Amber says that she wanted help.- Amber says that he was also constantly accusing her of having an affair with Tasya, and wanted her to admit to this affair that in Ambers words, she wasnt having. She woke up the next day, and her table was covered in cocaine - this is what the below image was from, that was mentioned in Depp's testimony. Depp implied Amber staged the photo.- Amber claims that Depp was refusing to leave her home, despite the fact that he had something to film that day at his own home. Amber texted her sister Whitney, as she had a buddy buddy relationship with Depp and had used cocaine sometimes, so Whitney could come over and try to get Depp to leave. Amber says she also had to contact his assistant to try make Depp leave, and eventually he leaves in the early evening, but he wanted Amber to go to his shoot with him. Amber says she went with him as to not antagonize him, and says at one point Johnny started howling out the window, and then grabbed Boo (His dog) and held him out the window out of the moving car as he howled. Depp is seen somewhat shaking his head at this. She said other people were in the car too (She doesnt name exactly who), and says that everyone froze and went silent - no one reacted. Amber alleges she slowly grabbed the dog and brought him back in. She says that when they got to the house, despite the fact that Depp was almost an entire day late and multiple people had been texting Amber about his lateness, no one said a word to Depp about it. The below picture is reported to have been taken that night at Depp's home.- When asked about the Hicksville incident , Heard claims that Kelly Sue leaned on her as she was high on MDMA, and Amber had a mushroom at that point. Johnny,. She says she thinks Kelly began to cry at this point - Depp grabbed her wrist, twisted them, and saidAmber stepped in, and took him to the trailer. Depp accused her of having a relationship with this woman, and then turned on the rage to the trailer itself, and just started smashing things. He broke a sconce, smashed things off the table, and caused massive damage to the property.- Amber says the next morning she just wanted it to be okay, whatever fucking weird trip excuse me to end and be normal.- Amber says that by June 2013, she had never felt so in love, becauseShe said shedShe begins to break down, and says- Depp shows some slight reactions to this as well. When Amber says he'd lose control of his body, he raises his eyebrows at this comment. He does this again when Amber mentions that he'd lose control of his bowels, and then makes a comment to his lawyer and pulls away laughing. He laughs again when Amber said he was her soulmate- Amber said she wrote letters to herself, thinking maybe she could say it to him in an intervention, and he would thank her for saving his life like he used to.- On a flight to Russia in June 2013, Amber decided to do drugs with Johnny for the first and last time, doing MDMA on the plane. She says she was against his use of cocaine, and his alcohol abuse, but she thought of MDMA as a lovey drug and hadnt known anyone to get violent as a result of using it. She says,- Amber statesAmber said Depp offered the flight attendant MDMA, she initially said no, and after Depp persisted the flight attendant took the drug. She says that it was the same as the Hicksville incident - the flight attendant got MDMA-friendly with her and leaned into her a bit, and Depp grabbed her hand and told the flight attendant not to touch Amber. She says Depp grabbed her by the wrist, slammed it down on the table, told her he could break her wrist, and Amber says she remembers thinkingShe says this cycle continued forward with other people - whether it be an action or a suggestion from another person. She says the flight attendant cried and denied it and left the pair.- She says that nothing violent happened on the plane, but she felt very nervous and anxious as Depp had adue to Amber having previously been in a relationship with a woman. She says once they got to the hotel room, Johnny once again accused her of causing the incident. Amber states that he shoved her onto a glass table, and eventually whacked her in the face. She says she doesnt remember feeling pain, possibly due to the drugs and alcohol she assumed. Amber is a little fuzzy on the details, due to the drug use and also likely as it was almost 9 years ago, but after Johnny left the hotel room, Amber says she remembers walking out to the hallway and seeing Johnnys head of security at the time, Jerry Judge. She says Jerry gestured to her nose as she had blood on it, pulled out a handkerchief, and Amber says she felt embarrassed over this (Jerry Judge has since passed away).- Amber is asked about meeting Depps children at The Lone Ranger premiere June 2013, where she met his children (Lily-Rose and Jack) for the first time. At this point, she takes a moment to collect herself (Having previously spoken about her love for Johnny), apologising for this. She says she was dying to meet them after having been with Johnny for over a year and a half at this point, and that she even had their art on the fridge and she felt like she knew them because of how much Depp talked about them.- Amber is asked about a yacht ride in the Bahamas with Depp and his children, and an unnamed friend. This incident was spoken about by Depp's estate manager, Tara Roberts, in her testimony . Amber says she quickly developed a bond with the kids and loved them. This was also the same yacht Depp was selling to JK Rowling as he couldnt afford it, and Amber says that he wanted to have a goodbye on the yacht. Amber claims that Depp was upset about needing to sell the yacht, and that he was off the wagon again but didnt want to tell his children so he was hiding it from them". Amber says that Depp was hiding alcohol in his coffee cups, and drinking regularly. He became obviously more drunk and Lily-Rose, who was 14 at the time, started to get more panicky and started to ask Amber questions about his drinking - the questions part is objected to by Depps team, which is allowed by the judge.- Amber continues, saying Lily-Rose was upset, and Johnny took a jump off the boat in a dead fish kind of way, whichShe says that Lily-Rose started to cry, and becameShe says that she was holding Lily-Rose and comforting her, and when Depp returned to the boat and saw this he became angry. Amber states that Depp accused Amber ofShe denies having done this.- According to Amber, Depp slammed her up against the wall by her neck, and said that, and called her an embarrassment and thatAmber says that she was, and that calling her an embarrassment and the names he used stuck with her more than the death threat, which she took as a hyperbole. Ambers not able to say what Lily-Rose said to her when she saw her again (As this is would be objected to by Depps team due to hearsay), but the next thing they did was call a helicopter and they left. She says Lily-Rose was crying as they lifted off, and Jack decided to stay back at the last minute. Get that lady from Australian 60 minutes who interviewed that influencer who lied about having cancer on her ass. Reply Thread Link Tara Brown! She said, you wont spread this shit on 60 Minutes, Belle. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I've always been raised as being currently a 26 year old... well I live knowing as I've always known that I would be 26 Bitch w h a t Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is always the wildest interview to watch lmaooo SHE CANT EVEN ANSWER THE AGE QUESTION!!! Reply Parent Thread Link This interview is iconic. Reply Parent Thread Link Im eternally 26 years old LMAO. Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO the interviewer's face to the age answer. and random, but i love their accents so much. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Tara absolutely slayed her! Reply Parent Thread Link i def rec the maintenance phase episode about her. i think they came to the conclusion that she was a compulsive liar just because of the scope/breadth of her lies lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The Maintenance Phase episode about her was WILD and so good Reply Parent Thread Link this is a lot her poor wife Reply Thread Link Her brother Eric too! Poor guy being painted this nasty asshole, even in the face of their parents. Reply Parent Thread Link god, I love mess so much Reply Thread Link this is beyond mess. jfc Reply Parent Thread Link I know, I made the comment before I got to the worst parts Reply Parent Thread Expand Link some people can't help but be shit stains. how do people exist with such little shame? Reply Thread Link this is what i want to know. how the fuck can you lie like that so much? Reply Parent Thread Link the biggest scams i've pulled is to claim i have a migraine at work when in fact i needed to attend a class. How do these people not just.... die of stress and shame? or fear of being caught? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's so shameless and disgusting, and she clearly knew what she was doing and how harmful it was. Reply Parent Thread Link All of this is insane, but this: Beyers friends sided with Finch as they felt Beyers mental state improved with Finch. Finch also hired Carly, Beyers trusted therapist who had now moved on to private practice, completing taking away Beyers support system. In order to keep her children, Beyer needed Carlys reports stating she was stable so to keep her children, Beyer was advised to remain in her marriage to Finch. Beyers condition to stay was that Finch admit her lies to everyone. is especially horrific. Finch is a monster. Reply Thread Link Yeah I honed in on that as well. Absolutely horrifying. Reply Parent Thread Link she kept reaching out for love and support and everyone was letting her down. i really hope she takes every penny from finch in the divorce and gets the help she needs Reply Parent Thread Link How, in any interpretation of professional ethics or best practices, was it ok for her therapist, especially one who was so trusted and relied upon by her, to take on her friend/new girlfriend/wife as a client? And then, when a major conflict between the spouses arises, which would seemingly require her to chose one or the other, she chooses the newer, less bonded patient (who if she is in any way competent she must have suspected was guilty of the accusations, and suspected even before the accusations might be a liar, or more)? Did the therapist by that point have any kind of professional/creative relationship with Finch (like writing a script together or being connected by her to showrunners)? Reply Parent Thread Link That is incredibly abusive. I hope Jennifer dropped all those friends. Reply Parent Thread Link It's so sad, she went to a clinic to get help after being traumatized by an abusive and gaslighting relationship just to end up being in a new abusive relationship. Finch knew she needed Carly's support to keep her children, so she manipulated her. Reply Parent Thread Link How is it even ethical for a therapist to see both parties in a marriage? Most therapists won't do it, stating a conflict of interest. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link infuriating Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah that was particularly infuriating to read, poor Beyer. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, when I got to the parts with her wife my gossip glasses came of real quick, just absolutely horrifying. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link yeah this is so much worse than the already irredeemable, despicable things she was doing! Reply Parent Thread Link A mess. Who would've thought that the bts of GA could become a show of its own Edited at 2022-05-05 09:32 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Mar Vista/Lifetime I can have this script written in a week! Greenlight me!! Reply Parent Thread Link Absolutely insane. This is more unbelievable than shit on Greys Reply Thread Link lol @ "a source told Vanity Fair that Paquin has nothing to do with Finchs kidneys". This is insane. Reply Thread Link i am dying to know how many messages paquin got from fam/friends alone this week Reply Parent Thread Link I left it out but she also claimed to own part of Anna Paquin's house, which the source also denies lol Reply Parent Thread Link And "told the Greys staff that she was going to Hawaii to reunite with her dead brothers illegitimate Filipino baby whose mother was in Hawaii." Reply Parent Thread Link yes that happens to me all the time! Reply Parent Thread Link At no point I knew where that sentence would end Reply Parent Thread Link Sounds like a Soap Opera story line. Reply Parent Thread Link Insanity. And how do you even keep track of your huge web of lies????? Reply Thread Link That is honestly something Im always.. impressed is not the right word but for lack for a better one with. I just listened to the podcast Sympathy Pains about another women who was a compulsive liar / had Munchausen syndrome who spent decades lying about having different severe ailment such a cancer, SMA, muscular dystrophy and she had different ailments with different social groups and its like how do you keep it all straight? She also went to a camp for disabled adults claiming MD had essentially fully paralyzed her and so staff had to do everything for her basic care bathing, feeding, changing menstrual products, and its like how do you keep that up and not accidentally scratch your nose when it itches or something? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link RIGHT?? I'm so bad at keeping stuff to myself I'd be itching to say 'lol guess what' to someone. Reply Parent Thread Link This is what gets me too! I can't remember what excuse I used last week to get out of an after-work event and I'm now in constant fear of bumping into the person I lied to at work and having her ask me a follow up question. HOW do people juggle this level of deception without fucking up?? Reply Parent Thread Link that's so disgusting Reply Parent Thread Link Omg I remember seeing an episode of some show about her, the camp part really stood out to me. Reply Parent Thread Link Right? The other day I wanted to stay home from class and give a vague reason why but couldn't even lie by omission and was just like "my period is really bad I can't leave my house." I get a headache trying to imagine that many serious lies!! Reply Parent Thread Link they dont and they cant imo Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Generally when someone like this trips up and misremembers their fake detail they assert themselves so confidently the other person thinks theyre mistaken and misremembering. I was in a group chat with a catfish and it took literal years to catch them in a definitive lie. Even after I corroborated with two other people and confronted the catfish in the group chat they still wouldnt admit it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I just - for once!- want one of these liars to have a huge binder where they meticulously planned out their lies and we only find out about it bc they died. This woman couldnt even commit to shaving her eyebrows for her cancer story Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I mean tbh it sounds like she didn't, like she clearly wasn't covering her tracks if she had Facebook photos up blatantly contradicting the story she was telling that's I think what makes me inclined to believe this is some kind of compulsion for her rather than simply a calculated effort to get ahead because like... a calculated effort would involve some level of effort, surely? or maybe she's just dumb and lucky lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I have a relative who is a pathological liar and it is crazy. I would confront her knowing I was right & with facts & somehow she still managed to wiggle out of certain things. She had her whole friend circle believing I was a liar & thief until one of them confronted me, and I found out about the lies she had been telling. We did a group confrontation; everyone walked away not believing each other. It wasn't u til she did similar things to a couple of them that they realized she was the problem, and ended up cutting ties with her & being friendly with me. They apologized & everything, it was crazy. I am no longer in touch with anyone in that situation but supposedly the relative has changed her ways after being in jail. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Finch would even dramatically wince when for example someone complained their idea was shot down. Im exhausteddfdf Reply Thread Link Lmao this got me too. The dedication! Reply Parent Thread Link Id be thrown out of the writers room for rolling my eyes every single time Reply Parent Thread Link Wow that was a wild read. I hope Jennifer Beyer finds healing. Fuck this lady for taking advantage of a person who is already so vulnerable. Reply Thread Link Idk how people can lie about serious things like... I've lost track of how many times I lied to guys but it's always harmless shit. I can't even joke about being pregnant or sick bc I full on believe karma would bite me in the ass and gimme exactly what I joked about lol And then you have someone like this woman who lied about something as painful and heartbreaking as fucking cancer? For fuck's sake, lady. I wonder if her story will end up becoming a netflix show or something. Reply Thread Link Yeah, this the worst part for me. Like, having watched my mom die from cancer, who in the world would pretend to have it? To deal with that amount of pain and suffering? Its insulting to be honest. It minimizes those who are actually living with it and it takes away focus from those who need it for real. And this will make people wonder if others who have chronic/terminal illnesses are faking too. Fuck her. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm surprised they never asked her to prove anything bc (at least here) if you take any health leave, you need to prove it with legit documents from doctors. I'm really sorry about your mother, and I'm also sorry you came across this shitty woman's story today. Reply Parent Thread Link I could never. I generally do not lie, but recently I (kinda randomly) lied about my age. It was to my child's classmate's mom. I only shaved off one year (why, why did i do this???), but the woman (kinda rudely, in my opinion) went on and on about how she could not believe i was sooo young. So, she will definitely remember my age now. It is theoretically possible that we may see each other again, and the topic of age may come up. And this is killing me!!!!! Why??? Why????? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Finch shaved her own head and started wearing a bandage over where presumably a port scar from chemotherapy was. WHAT????? Reply Thread Link Absolutely vile behavior to do this to people, like truly something must be wrong with her to go to such lengths. Reply Thread Link What kind of made up bullshit have people told you, ontd? One of my best friends in high school had an at home birth a couple of days before freshman orientation. Her baby daddy was her next door neighbor whose parents were both doctors and they all were in the witness protection program. He and the baby had to leave soon after she was born. The mob or someone found them. They moved to California where we found out about them when the daughter wouldve been 5 or 6? A semi flipped over onto their convoy of navigators killing them all except the baby daddy who was able to hold on for the 2.5 hours it took my friend to get to him so he could say he loved her one last time. And scene. Reply Thread Link When I worked for a major cable network there was a woman in my group who said that while it was a fun job for her, she really didn't have to work because her husband was supposedly a high profile executive. She would say that he was "networking at the East Bank Club (an exclusive, members only gym)" and how he was always going out of town on business. A year later, I saw her working at Walgreens. I was talking to a mutual and she said that basically that woman had a lying problem and none of her stories were true. I've met a few people like her over the years and peaced out the instant I found out they were lying, and some of those folks lied about everything. If I can't believe a word that comes out of your mouth why bother? Reply Parent Thread Link Why do so many people do this? I've had a few coworkers who said they were rich but were working this menial, minimum wage job for "fun" or for "something to do" like okay! Reply Parent Thread Link I knew this girl online who lied about everything (at least I didn't believe any of it), she claimed to constantly meet celebrities, she once said she bumped into Jude Law on a street corner and made it seem like they were in a romantic comedy, I lost count how many careers she had, at some point she said she was writing a memoir. She once lied about her boyfriend dying (on the same day she went to a party) and later she posted about his death elsewhere and suddenly his death was two months later than before. lol One of the weirdest lies I heard irl was this guy claiming that he went to a party where approx. 100 people were and before he left he shook everybody's hand bc it was rude to leave without doing that and I'm sure he didn't even end up talking to at least half of them. Edited at 2022-05-05 10:21 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My first job was at a restaurant and there was a guy there who my bf bought weed from him and I ended up getting drug (lol) to his apartment a lot and he always sketched me out. Anyway he told a lot of lies in hindsight, but the biggest one was that he had brain cancer. He shaved his head and CUT AROUND HIS SKULL WITH A KNIFE to make a scar. I found out like 2 years after the fact and it floors me every time I think about it. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The content of the lie wasn't super crazy but a friend (more like friendly acquaintance but we hung out pretty regularly) of mine completely made up that she was dating another friend of mine. The audacity of lying about something that could so easily and inevitably be disproven really shook me lol. I cut her off immediately Reply Parent Thread Link I worked with a compulsive liar. First, a friend of hers left a newborn baby on her doorstep, so she was going to adopt the baby. A week or two later, the baby was a toddler that she was babysitting while the friend/mother was in rehab. A short time after that, the baby was a baby again, and it was her baby and her current boyfriend (who also worked the same place) was going to raise the baby as his own. She then quit and the now ex boyfriend said there never was a baby/toddler, and said that she needed more help than shes willing to admit. It was really kinda sad. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link my former friend dated this total loser dude who lied to them about EVERYTHING and after the two of them broke up, they wrote their ex a letter about all the lies (which i only knew some of) and it was bonkers. some things i remember: -that he was part japanese (he was italian american, we knew his parents) -that he was part of the yakuza -that he used to date a japanese girl (like in this lie where he lived in japan) named keiko and maybe also that this was his first sexual experience (???) -that he cut someones head off with a katana -that he knew how to fly a plane (we were in 10th grade) -that he spoke 4 languages (he knew english) and so on for like 3 pages. me and my friends would pass the letter around too lmao like at one point i had it taped to my wall it was so funny i also used to be bffs with a guy who lied about having cancer and it was hell. he was trying to guilt me into dating him and like 10 years out of this? i just get annoyed like why is he not dead already and i had a friend in hs who wasn't a crazy liar (like lying about illnesses or lying about insane stuff like former friend's ex bf), but he was a serial one-upper a la tyra banks. although i did love the one time i called him out on it and he was like "yeah! and what are you gonna do about it?" and i was stumped lmao. i think he grew out of it i just learned to never bother remembering anything he said bc he was gonna change the story the next time i saw him. i think it helped though that i found it pretty funny and we weren't great friends anyway though. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My roommate my sophomore year of college was a somewhat compulsive liar. She bragged about her grades even though she got Cs, she said one of the sororities was begging her to join but they left a nasty message on our answering machine basically telling her to knock it off. Nothing serious but lots of little things to the point where you couldn't really believe anything she said. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I don't remember a lot from my childhood but I do have a very vivid memory of going home with my friend to her house and I asked her mom a question (I can't remember about what, but it was clearly some shit my friend had made up) and her mom looked me dead in the eyes and said "Yeah (redacted) has a lying problem" We must've been like 7 and her mom already knew, I think back on that and I'm like....damn lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link My dad convinced me he was dying of cancer when I was like 9. I still have a journal entry about it. He still acts like hes sick in other ways and always acts like he doesnt have much time left. I have absolutely no patience when he says things now and I come off like an asshole for it. I recently had a colonoscopy last fall and they found 4 polyps, one which turned out to be precancerous (im only 35). When i told my dad he made it about himself and said that he was behind on getting his colonoscopy and he probably has 30-40 polyps. He finally got his and surprise surprise he didnt but they supposedly had to biopsy one. I dont even know what to believe Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Weirdly, I've had two completely unrelated people lie and try to convince me they're in a relationship with a Jonas Brother. One was dating Kevin and the other Nick. In all fairness, I think the second one was being catfished by "Nick" and honestly believed it. Reply Parent Thread Link ooh oooh ooh I have a story for this I had an Australian exchange student in high school who claimed she was the (secret) half sister of Travis Garland. it was so specific and he was someone I'd never heard of so I had no reason not to believe her but one of my friends was hosting one of the other exchange students who was like "yeah that story she's telling about her half brother is definitely not true, she's a compulsive liar" she was nice and we're still friends on Facebook, I have no ill will towards her but lmao Reply Parent Thread Expand Link A former "friend" of mine catfished a girl for years, she used a photo of a guy who was in a lesser known boyband. The girl eventually stumbled across an article of the band and called her out. It was insane, I think even her sister was in on it and they would send her postcards and call her with a prerecorded male voice. Reply Parent Thread Link I was friends with a pathological liar. It was something. The main one I remember, is that she was up for the role of Rose in Titanic. She had signed the contract and everything but had to turn it down. So she was being sued by Lionsgate! This was in 2007!! We used to laugh about it when she wasn't around. Oop! Reply Parent Thread Link Not told me personally, but back in 2010 when Twilight fanfiction was a big thing, there was an 18-year old author who was fairly popular named Daddy's Little Cannibal, and she faked her own death, only people thought she really died. She had her half-sister/cousin come onto her account to let everyone know about her dying and then a couple of weeks later it turned out that she was the half-sister/cousin and it had all been a hoax. The Twilight Moms were freaked out. Reply Parent Thread Link I worked with this guy who was just genuinely the worst person I have ever met. Massive dude, obsessed with guns, obsessed with the military (and cops, any kind of authority), racist, misogynist, and extremely full of shit. He would apparently tell people he was attacked at his father's funeral by some 'thugs' for reasons he would not elaborate on, he used to be a pro-golfer, he was in the ~cyber-reserves for the army because he was such a 1337 hacker. He had endless stories that often contradicted each other depending on who he was telling them to. What an insane piece of shit. Finally I told him he needed to shut his racist ass up when he was at the office and he had a meltdown about a woman telling him what to do or whatever. He resigned not long after, lied to everyone about his plans (again, multiple contradicting stories) and fucked off. Then his shitty new employer tagged him on LinkedIn and everyone at work saw he was lying, lmao. We still darkly joke about him coming back to shoot up the office. Reply Parent Thread Link In HS, my then-friends boyfriend sat me down and revealed how hed gone on a holiday to Northern Ireland as an 11 year old and the day hed arrived, his hosts handed him a gun (AK-47, naturally) and turned him into a child soldier. He also got shot, but never told his parents about any of this because he didnt want them to worry and luckily they didnt notice the big bullet scar on his back - which he showed me - because it was conveniently in the exact location where hed had a precancerous mole removed. My friend was holding his hand and looking adoringly at him the whole time. I solemnly thanked him for sharing his trauma, and didnt tell him that the peace accords were signed in 1998. Reply Parent Thread Link Idk where to even start, for some reason these types of weirdos always gravitated toward me lmao. Had a roommate who told everyone she survived childhood cancer. I mentioned it once when her mother and sister were around, and they gave me a very weird look like they had no idea what I was talking about. Roommate would also claim various illnesses to get out of cleaning or etc, even once claiming she had an E. coli infection (but then she went to a party the next night). She had a shitty boyfriend (he was legitimately a douche) and when they broke up because he cheated on her with our other roommate's sister (what drama!) she told everyone he assaulted her and she got pregnant with his child and then aborted it, but then also later told everyone she has always been infertile from the cancer treatments. She also quit her job but told everyone she was fired so we had to cover her portion of the rent because she was "broke," but then she would spend money on lingerie and random shit for her shitty boyfriend. Eventually, because she stopped paying for her portion of the rent and bills, a couple of us were like "I'm sorry but unless you can start paying again, you're going to have to move out." She actually took that really well, and when her mom and sister came over to help her move I also helped, and it was all pleasant. Later, I found out she told the other roommates that I had told her to "get your shit and get out," lmao. Nowadays, she'll tell stories about how she had to wear a heart monitor during the time she lived with us and how much it annoyed her roommates because it would go off all the time, but that never happened. She also got back with the shitty boyfriend and has a couple of kids with him, despite being infertile. During the last pregnancy they started a GoFundMe because her health was so frail that the pregnancy might kill her and they needed help with medical bills, meanwhile her boyfriend was always posting photos of the new sports car he had bought. A mutual friend also once told me that she had told him her car was shot up when she accidentally passed through a gang fight once. Miraculously, when he saw her car just a couple of days later, there were no bullet holes! I have a million more stories about her lmao. Reply Parent Thread Link I briefly worked with this woman in her late 40's at Victoria's Secret and her FB was her stealing meme jokes, or well-circulated tumblr/twitter jokes, passing them off as her own. Everyone was like, wow you are SO FUNNY!!!! and she's like, "thanks, I just think of them :)" And I'm like... statistically, this isn't possible that you keep forgetting to add " " or acknowledge it's not your joke!!! It genuinely creeped me OUT. She had teen girls too, like, WHAT??? Reply Parent Thread Link The OPEC+ group agreed on Thursday to leave its production plan unchanged, aiming to boost crude oil production in June by 432,000 barrels per day (bpd), in a move widely expected by the market. Following a very short virtual meeting, the OPEC+ ministers decided to keep the production plan as-is, continuing the modest monthly increases in nominal production. This was the third OPEC+ meeting since one of the key members of the alliance, Russia, invaded Ukraine. For a third consecutive month, OPECs press release on the record short meeting read that it was noted that continuing oil market fundamentals and the consensus on the outlook pointed to a balanced market. The meeting further noted the continuing effects of geopolitical factors and issues related to the ongoing pandemic, OPEC said. The action of the OPEC+ group, or rather, the inaction, could be justified this time, due to persistent market concerns about slowing oil demand in China, on the one hand, and the possibility that losses of Russian supply would only pile up from now on, on the other hand. Oil prices will remain elevated in the coming months as current supply losses from Russia at around 1 million bpd could double this month, BPs chief executive Bernard Looney told CNBC earlier this week. Moreover, the European Commission on Wednesday officially proposed a full ban on Russian crude and oil product imports by the end of the year. While OPEC+ is sticking to its policy of modest monthly increases, many of its members are not pumping to their quotas and the group overall is around 1.5 million bpd below its quota. Per todays decision and the production table OPEC provided, OPEC+ will have a quota of 42.558 million bdp for June. Saudi Arabia and Russia, the leaders of the OPEC and non-OPEC groups in the pact, will each have a quota of 10.663 million bpd. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: With many global producers constrained in their capacity to boost production fast, oil prices are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future. OPEC recently warned that markets could see the loss of more than 7 million barrels per day of Russian oil and other liquids exports. Russian oil production is falling. In March, it shed half a million bpd, which by the end of April reached a full 1 million bpd, according to BPs CEO, Bernard Looney. And this may well grow to 2 million bpd this month. These barrels may not be returning to the market any time soon. As the European Union targeted a barrage of sanctions on Moscow, oil was excluded as a direct target but financial and maritime sanctions affected the industry. Now, the EU is proposing a full oil embargo, save for a handful of member states too dependent on Russian oil to comply, and this will mean a further loss of barrels at a time when the global oil market is already stretched thin. "We could potentially see the loss of more than 7 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil and other liquids exports, resulting from current and future sanctions or other voluntary actions," the secretary-general of OPEC, Mohammed Barkindo, told the European Union last month. This does not appear to have made any lasting impression on the decision-makers in Brussels, who are moving full steam ahead with the oil embargo. Meanwhile, alternative suppliers would struggle to fill the void left by Russian oil. Russia expects it could lose some 17% of its pre-war oil production this year, Reuters reported last month, citing a document from the countrys economy ministry. The report noted this would be the biggest production drop since the 1990sa tumultuous time for Russia following the breakup of the Soviet Union. That would be close to 2 million bpda figure similar to Looneys forecast and also to a forecast made by Rystad Energy about lost Russian oil production between 2021 and 2030. If the Rystad projections are right, the fallout from the EU oil embargo would be limited and most Russian production will simply be redirected as it already is. If, however, production declines more, this could see international prices spike much higher. When European buyers started refusing to accept Russian oil cargoes, those cargoes had to return home to be stored somewhere. According to local reports, however, storage space is limited, and this has probably forced the idling of some wells, which if idled, can see their ability to produce in the future affected. Related: Upstream Oil Industry To See Highest Profits Ever In 2022 But there is also danger ahead for Russias future production. This may also not materialize as previously planned because of the exit of Big Oil majors from the country, Dan Dicker, host of The Energy Word, told Yahoo Finance earlier this week. Their exit, combined with financial sanctions on Russian banks, will make developing new resources in eastern Siberia more challenging. Meanwhile, OPEC is producing less, rather than more, oil, and U.S. producers are under fire from legislators for alleged profiteering from the oil price rally and struggling with shortages of materials, equipment, and workforce. U.S. oil production will rise by only 800,000 bpd this year, according to the Energy Information Administrations latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. Thats not good news for Americas European partners. Its not good news for Americans, either, because it means prices will likely remain high. Except for OPEC and the United States, there are few producers large enough to spare oil for Europe, if any. Brazil is expanding its oil production but its total stands at around 3 million bpd, which is what the EU was importing from Russia before the war in Ukraine began. That leaves the Central Asian producers, who are parties to the OPEC+ agreement and firmly within the Russian sphere of influence, too. What all this means is that with the loss of 2 million bpd of Russian production, a lot of the world is in for prolonged oil price pain, which means all-price pain as well. The beneficiaries are China and India, who are buying Russian crude at a discount, with no logical reason for them to stop, despite threats from Washington. But Russias oil production could still fall by more than 2 million bpd. Europes dependence on Russian energy has been a deliberate and decades-long and mutually beneficial relationship. In this early phase of sanctions and embargoes, Russia will benefit as higher prices mean tax revenues are significantly higher than in recent years, said Daria Melnik, senior analyst at Rystad Energy. Pivoting exports to Asia will take time and massive infrastructure investments that in the medium term will see Russias production and revenues drop precipitously, she added. With most producers constrained in their capacity to boost production fast, should this scenario play out, oil could become a lot more expensive with little in the way of downside pressure, including electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are about to experience a shortage of batteries and still higher prices. There are some really interesting times ahead. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Finland is prepared that it could be next on Russias list for cutting off gas deliveries for European Union members, as the Russian neighbor to northwest is expected to decide within weeks whether to apply to join NATO. Finland is prepared for the possibility that gas deliveries from Russia would end, Finnish Minister of European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen told Reuters on Thursday. Russia has already halted natural gas supply to two EU members as it insists customers start paying in rubles for its gas. Last week, Gazprom stopped gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria, saying supply was cut off due to absence of payments in rubles. Finland has refused to pay in rubles, which could result in its Russian supply being cut off, all the more so that Russia has warned Finland, as well as Sweden, against applying to join NATO. The Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed the previously relatively neutral EU members Finland and Sweden to consider joining the Western military alliance. Russia, for its part, has cited NATO expanding to its borders as a reason to consider it a threat to its interests. Related: Germany Will Have First LNG Import Capacity By Years End Both Finland and Sweden are expected to decide whether to apply for NATO membership in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a Russian army helicopter violated Finlands airspace on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Finnish defense ministry told AFP. In the interim, NATO announced on Thursday that it would provide extra security and increase its presence in the Baltic Sea while the fate of Finland and Swedens NATO membership is being decided. Finland gets up to 70 percent of the gas it uses from Russia, although gas doesnt have a large share in the overall energy mix. Getting ready to be cut off from Russian gas, Finland has been preparing to use alternative energy sources. Last month, the Governments Ministerial Committee on Economic Policy recommended that Finland lease a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal ship in cooperation with Estonia. As a result of the war in Ukraine, we must also be prepared for gas imports to stop. A floating LNG terminal is an effective way to secure the gas supply for our industry, Economic Affairs Minister Mika Lintila said in April. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: The full process for replenishing the SPR will take years. CNN: Delivery of those first 60 million barrels would be paid for with revenue received from sales of emergency oil. The Biden Administration will purchase 60 million barrels of crude in Q3 in an effort to replace volumes in the U.S. strategic petroleum for the first time in nearly 20 years, CNN reports, after authorizing a record release over six months. Citing an unnamed Energy Department official, CNN said what is referred to as a long-term buyback plan for oil would be announced later on Thursday. Delivery of those first 60 million barrels, according to CNN, would be paid for with revenue received from sales of emergency oil, while the time frame is not specific beyond future years. Oil jumped to $111.5 per barrel for Brentthe highest price since late Marchand over $108 for WTI on news of the buyback plan, along with results of an OPEC+ meeting earlier today in which the cartel refrained from increasing output quotes beyond 423,000 bpd for June. The full process for replenishing the SPR will take years. Bloomberg cited UBS Group commodity analyst Giovanni Staunovo as saying that the market is now pricing in what amounts to U.S. plans to buy when the market is tight and inventories and spare capacity are low. On March 31st, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the release of 1 million barrels of oil from the countrys strategic reserves per day for six months in a bid to bring down soaring oil prices as a result of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Over the next six months, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the U.S. together are set to release a total of 240 million barrels of crude oil from their respective strategic reserves. During Thursdays meeting, OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo said combined strategic reserve releases would mean that the equivalent of over 1 mb/d for a period of eight months would be made available to the global market. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Some 20 years after Boeing arrived in Chicago, the defense contractor and airplane-maker is moving its global headquarters out of the city, the company said Thursday. Boeing will relocate its headquarters to its campus in Arlington, Virginia, and will also create a research and technology hub nearby. The move will bring company executives closer to federal officials. Advertisement The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement. The move will not lead to major Chicago job cuts or relocations, and the company will continue to employ more than 400 people in the city, Boeing spokesman Paul Lewis said. Still, the company will cut office space, needing less as telecommuting has led to more flexible work options. Advertisement The move was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Boeing corporate headquarters at 100 N. Riverside Plaza on May 5, 2022, after a report the company would be moving its headquarters to Virginia. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) Boeing is the latest company to shrink its space in Chicago, as the citys downtown and office market reel from two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In December, United Airlines announced it would move 900 employees more than a quarter of its downtown workforce from its Willis Tower headquarters to Arlington Heights. Boeings headquarters have been at 100 N. Riverside Plaza since 2001, when Chicago beat Denver and Dallas in a high-profile contest to win the corporate office. The move brought relatively few jobs, but a great deal of prestige for Chicago. It also came with a price tag: both Illinois and Chicago offered controversial incentive packages scheduled to last 20 years, the Tribune reported at the time. Lewis said Boeing applied for the incentives annually, and did not pursue any in the final tax year. Boeing will not receive any state incentives from Virginia. A spokeswoman for the Arlington County economic development office did not immediately respond to questions about whether Boeing had been offered local incentives, The Associated Press reported. Boeings downsizing will now open another hole in the downtown Chicago office market. The company occupies 285,000 square feet on 13 floors in the 36-story riverfront tower, which totals more than 1.1 million square feet, according to CoStar Group. And even though thousands of office workers recently began streaming back to the Loop for at least several days a week, more empty spaces keep popping up in 2022, a sign that the market still hasnt recovered from the two-year-old pandemic. The downtown vacancy rate jumped to 19.7% by the end of March, according to a report from commercial real estate firm Colliers International, up from 17.9% at years end. Advertisement But a Colliers office broker said Boeings exit doesnt raise fears that a larger corporate exodus is starting. This isnt really about downtown Chicago as much as its about Boeings need to be near Washington, D.C., where many of their contracts come from, said David Burden, a Colliers principal. Chicagos high vacancy rate largely stems from a lot of empty spaces throughout older office buildings in places such as the Central Loop, he added, but eager tenants keep moving into gleaming new towers along the Chicago River and to the west in Fulton Market, the citys hottest market. 100 North Riverside was 15 years old when Boeing bought it for $165 million in 2005, but it has qualities that should get office users in the door, especially if it undergoes a renovation, according to Burden. There are a lot of tenants that are now looking for 100,000 square feet or so in the next three years, and the Boeing building would be an attractive option, Burden said. Tenants want to be by the river and near the (Metra) trains, or in Fulton Market. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city expects announcements of major corporate relocations and expansions in the coming months. She said 173 corporations relocated or expanded in Chicago in the past year, and 67 had done so since the start of 2022. Boeing corporate headquarters at 100 N. Riverside Plaza on May 5, 2022, after a report the company would be relocating its headquarters. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune) What remains to be true is that Chicago is a major hub for global corporations that recognize our diverse workforce, expansive infrastructure and thriving economy, she said in a statement. Advertisement Still, Boeings move will be felt in Chicago. Such companies help fuel Chicagos economic engine and our iconic position on the global stage, said Farzin Parang, executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago, in a statement. Though its absence will be felt, Boeings tenure in Chicago is a testament to our citys civic-mindedness and the strength of the public-private partnerships that brought them here, he said. We have many such strengths, and as long as we continue to invest in our competitiveness, our businesses and residents will prosper. Boeings move comes as the company has faced a slew of challenges in recent years and a strained relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing 737 Max airliners were grounded for nearly two years beginning in 2019 after two crashes killed hundreds of people, and production flaws have halted delivery of 787 Dreamliners. In late April, the company reported a first quarter loss of $1.2 billion. It said it had increased production and deliveries of its 737, and submitted plans for FAA certification of the 787. When it moves, Boeing will join rival defense contractors including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which are already in the D.C. area. Boeings move may make sense from the perspective of wanting to be closer to the government decision makers in Washington as well as international customers, a production facility in South Carolina and NASA missions in Florida, travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt said. Advertisement But the move would take company leaders farther away from their large manufacturing facility outside Seattle, while the companys production problems suggest executives should have greater oversight of the production process, said Harteveldt, principal at Atmosphere Research. Boeing also needs new airplanes to fill gaps in its lineup, while its main competitor Airbus continues to do well. What concerns me is that Boeing leadership needs to be closer to its employees, Harteveldt said. Its clear that by not being on site things arent going as well at Boeing. The message it sends to people in Seattle is, youre just not that important. Advertisement The Associated Press contributed sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com brogal@chicagotribune.com rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com Germany has begun construction on its first LNG import terminal, and in the meantime, has rented four mobile floating tankers as it scrambles to rid itself of the need for Russian natural gas. Construction of the LNG import terminal has been fast-tracked, with German Economics Minister Robert Habeck hoping to complete this at Tesla speed, in less than a year. The terminal is being built in Wilhelmshaven on the German North Sea, and officials are aiming to see the first LNG tankers dock at it by the end of this year. Additional LNG import terminals are being planned in two other regions. The terminals will receive LNG from the United States and the Middle East as Germany vows to replace Russian gas at lightning speed in the wake of a Wednesday proposal by the European Union for a full ban on Russian oil. We have a good chance of achieving something that is actually impossible in Germany: to build an LNG terminal within about ten months and to connect it to the German gas supply, Habeck said, as reported by Deutschland.de. But the first LNG to Germany will arrive via four newly chartered FRSUs. Also on Thursday, German officials announced they had chartered four FSRUsFloating Storage and Regasification Unitsto regasify large volumes of LNG at deep water ports, Euractiv reports. Related: OPEC+ Agrees To Boost Production By 432,000 Bpd In June According to Euractiv, the first chartered FSRU, from Norway, will be in Wilhelmshaven and be operational before the end of the year, with an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic meters. A second FSRU, also from Norway, will be online by early next year. Two additional FSRUs, both from Greece, will follow. In total, Germany is hoping to build up a regasification capacity with the four charters of around 20 BCM per year, approximately half of its Russian gas import volume. Combined, all of Germanys LNG project plans foresee a total import capacity of 68 BCM, surpassing the amount of Russian gas generally piped into the country. Several weeks ago, Germany released some 3 billion euros for LNG mobile terminal charters. Germanys Energy Ministry is hoping to declare the country completely independent from Russian oil within a matter of weeks, replacing supplies and rerouting them through the German Baltic Sea port of Rostock and the Polish port of Gdansk. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads from Oilprice.com: Japan would be hard placed to follow in the EUs footsteps and embargo Russian oil and oil products, the countrys economy, trade, and industry minister Koichi Haguida said today, as quoted by Reuters. The comments come after the U.S. president said he would discuss further sanction pressure on Russia with fellow G7 members. The U.S. itself banned all Russian oil and refined product imports last month. Earlier this week, the European Unions executive arm, the European Commission, proposed a gradual six-month phase-out of Russian oil imports, with the deadline for refined products set for the end of the year. "Given Japan has its limit on resources, we would face some difficulty to keep in step immediately," Haguida told media on the sidelines of a visit to the United States, where he asked Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for a boost in U.S. LNG deliveries to Japan. According to Reuters, Russian oil accounts for just 4 percent of Japans total oil imports. In this context, Haguidas comment basically suggests Japan cannot find an alternative supplier for those 4 percent, at least not quickly. To compare, the EU imports about 26 percent of its crude oil from Russia. Earlier this year, amid the mass exodus of Western businesses from Russia, Japan said it was not going to quit oil and gas projects in the country where it is a minority shareholder. Japan is a shareholder in the Arctic LNG 2 project of Novatek as well as the Sakhalin 2 LNG project, which Shell exited earlier this year. The country is also involved in the Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 oil projects. We are concerned that if Japan withdraws from the project and the concessions are acquired by Russia or a third country, it could further boost resource prices and benefit Russia, which will not result in effective sanctions, minister Hagiuda said in April. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Libyas Zueitina port has received its first oil tanker after temporarily lifting force majeure last week to free up storage space. While Libyas National Oil Company (NOC) did not issue a statement, NOC sources told LIbyan media that the Melos 21 oil tanker had docked at Zueitina for loading, after which it will sail to China. Libya declared force majeure on Zueitina, along with its largest oil field, Al-Sharara, and the El Feel oilfield in mid-April amid anti-government protests over the way oil revenues are distributed. On April 30th, the NOC issued an urgent statement warning that the situation at the Zueitina terminal was critical, calling for force majeure to be lifted for safety and to prevent excessive damage to storage system, which can leak when crude oil levels reach a certain level, noting that bottom of the tanks cannot bear the weight. A day later, the NOC was given permission to temporarily resume operations at Zueitina, with two vessels reportedly allowed to load. Libya is now losing some $60 million per day due to the production shutdowns, according to the countrys oil minister. Production has fallen by about 600,000 barrels a day, half of the prior level, Oil Minister Mohammed Aoun told AFP last week. Calculating the sale price at $100 a barrel, losses are at least $60m daily, he said. Since last week, things have been quiet on the political front in Libya, as the leaders and backers of two rival governments jockey for position behind the scenes both internally and with external power brokers. Russias war on Ukraine has further muddied the waters. Until recently, prime minister-designate Fathi Bashagha from the east seemed confident that he, backed by General Hafter of the Libya National Army (LNA), would be able to march into Tripoli and take over the government peacefully. Lately, however, he has been silent, as Haftar loses favor due to the support Russia affords him, along with the Wagner mercenary force fighting in both Libya and Ukraine. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is expected on vote later on Thursday on a bill that would allow the U.S. to sue OPEC for antitrust behavior and market manipulation, and chances appear high that the bill could get committee approval. The so-called No Oil Producing and Exporting Cartels Act (NOPEC) has been an on-and-off topic for U.S. lawmakers and Administrations for nearly two decades but has never moved past discussions at committees in Congress. Forms of antitrust legislation aimed at OPEC were discussed at various times under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but they both threatened to veto such legislation. Now, with gasoline prices in the United States hitting their highest levels since 2014, the NOPEC legislation is again under discussion among lawmakers. Last week, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, said that the bipartisan NOPEC bill was scheduled for consideration at the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. Begging oil cartels for help is not the answer to combatting sky high ga$ price$, Senator Grassley said on Twitter, adding that We should hold cartels accountable for price-fixing/market manipulation. Yet, its unclear if the bill even if it gets approval in the Senate Judiciary Committee would be moved for discussion at the Senate, or then to President Joe Bidens desk, and its unclear whether he would sign such legislation into law. Still, Its prospects for passage look better than they have in 15 years, Kevin Book, managing director of ClearView Energy Partners, told Bloomberg on Thursday. Major trade groups have expressed opposition to the bill, arguing it could backfire on Americas oil and gas industry and U.S. interests. The bill could have an unintended negative impact on Americas oil and gas industry, the American Petroleum Institute (API) said in a letter seen by Reuters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce addressed on Wednesday the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, saying it opposes the bill, known as S. 977. Although S. 977 is intended to be limited to restraint of trade in oil, natural gas or petroleum products, the Committee should be wary of the precedent it would create. Once sovereign immunity has been eliminated for one action of a state or its agents, it can be eliminated for all state actions and the actions of agents of the state, the Chamber of Commerce said. Under reciprocal legal regimes, the United States and its agents throughout the world could be tried before foreign courts perhaps including the military for any activity that the foreign state wishes to make an offense, it added. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: There's no denying the numbers: Even with spotty reporting, Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising again in the United States. Cases are trending up in most states and have increased by more than 50% compared with the previous week in Washington, Mississippi, Georgia, Maine, Hawaii, South Dakota, Nevada and Montana. In New York, more than a quarter of the state's population is in a county with a "high" Covid-19 community level, where the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends indoor masking. Average daily hospitalizations are up about 10% since last week, according to data collected by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The culprit this time appears to be a spinoff of Omicron's BA.2 subvariant called BA.2.12.1, which was first flagged by New York state health officials in April. BA.2.12.1, which is growing about 25% faster than its parent virus, BA.2, accounts for nearly 37% all Covid-19 cases across the US, according to new estimates from the CDC. BA.2 caused an estimated 62% of all Covid-19 cases last week, down from 70% the week before. US, South Africa contend with faster new variants BA.2.12.1 isn't the only Omicron offshoot that scientists are watching. After weeks of declines, South Africa saw its Covid-19 cases rise steeply in the past two weeks. Test positivity and hospitalizations have also popped up as scientists have watched two relatively new subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, dominate transmission in that country. Taken together, they accounted for almost 60% of all new Covid-19 cases by the end of April, according to South Africa's National Institute of Communicable Diseases. These new Omicron subvariants are spreading around the globe. BA.4 sequences have been reported in 15 countries and 10 US states, while BA.5 has been picked up in 13 countries and five US states, according to the website Outbreak.info, which maintained by a coalition of academic research centers and is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health. Like BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 have a growth advantage over BA.2. Omicron subvariants escape immunity A new preprint study, published ahead of peer review, is pointing to why BA.4 and BA.5 are gaining ground: They can escape antibodies generated by previous infections caused by the first Omicron virus, BA.1, the variant responsible for the huge wave of infections that hit many countries in December and January. They can also escape antibodies in people who've been vaccinated and had breakthrough BA.1 infections, though this happened to a lesser degree than seen in people who've only been infected. Researchers in South Africa tested the ability of antibodies in blood to disable BA.4 and BA.5 viruses in a lab. In people who were unvaccinated but recently recovered from a BA.1 infection, they saw a more than seven-fold drop in the ability of their antibodies to neutralize BA.4 and BA.5 viruses. In people who'd been vaccinated but recently had a breakthrough infection caused by BA.1, the drops were smaller, about three-fold lower. By way of comparison, the World Health Organization uses an eight-fold drop in neutralization as the threshold for the loss of protection that requires an update to seasonal influenza vaccines. The study results led the researchers to write that "BA.4 and BA.5 have potential to result in a new infection wave," making Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots crucial to stopping the next wave. "Our conclusions from this are, first, that Omicron by itself is not a great vaccine, right?" said Alex Sigal, a virologist at the Africa Health Research Institute who led the study. "Just because you were infected does not mean you have a lot of protection from what's coming next." Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist who is the founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, praised the research, pointing out that this lab was also the first to characterize the first Omicron variant: "They've been first-rate all the way through the pandemic." He said that overall, the finding was not good news. Even people who recovered from a Covid-19 infection as recently as December or January can be reinfected by these new subvariants. "That dropoff of immune escape or immune evasion was pronounced in people who were unvaccinated," Topol said, pointing out that only about 1 in 3 people in South Africa have been vaccinated against Covid-19. For those who are vaccinated, "those people are also not as bad, but they also have to face BA.4 and BA.5 with less solid neutralizing antibody response," he said. "The mutations in BA.4 and BA.5 are playing out to be a challenge to our immune response." Only a few dozen sequences of these viruses have been reported in the US and Canada. Researchers say it's just too early to know whether BA.4 or BA.5 will take off in the United States. It wouldn't be surprising if they do, said Andy Pekosz, a virologist and professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University. "We've seen this over and over again. As a variant becomes dominant in another country eventually ends up here in the US and spreading globally," Pekosz said. In the meantime, Topol said, we have our own sublineage to deal with: BA.2.12.1. "It may simulate the problems of BA.4 and BA.5," Topol said. "We don't know yet because there's no study like this one from the Sigal lab." Shared mutation The BA.4 and BA.5 viruses and BA.2.12.1 have mutations at location 452 of their genomes. This region codes for a part of the viruses receptor binding domain -- the part of the virus that docks onto a door on the outside of our cells. The Delta variant and some others have picked up mutations in this location. Researchers believe that changes there help the virus bind more tightly to our cells and hide from frontline immune defenders called antibodies that try to block the virus from invading our cells. "That may make it transmit better perhaps between our cells as well," Sigal said. BA.4 and BA.5 also have changes at location 486, which is a bit of a head-scratcher because previous viruses that changed in this location didn't do well. They fizzled out. "Suddenly, this guy manages it. So we don't know what that does," Sigal said. "My suspicion is that's a heavy escape mutation," meaning it helps the virus hide from our immune system. Scientists have begun work to try to better understand BA.2.12.1, which has been detected in 22 countries, though most of the sequences have come from the United States. Pekosz said he has been growing copies of BA.2.12.1 in his lab and has recently shipped samples of the virus to other research groups for study. He said scientists have just started talking about experiments they want to do to try to answer two key questions: How quickly is it copying itself, and how well does it escape our immunity? Before the SARS-CoV-2 virus, scientists thought coronaviruses didn't change much. Pekosz said that, looking back, we didn't know what we didn't know. As long as the virus continues to find hosts to infect, it will continue to evolve. "This virus has shown that it mutated slowly, but when it started to pick up good mutations, they just kept coming and coming and coming," he said. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Sluggishness, poor compliance with existing rules and little help from state public health officials crippled the response by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration to a November 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at a northern Illinois veterans home that claimed 36 lives, according to a state audit released Thursday. The review by Auditor General Frank Mautino contends the Illinois Department of Public Health did not identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak." For nearly two weeks after the problem was identified Nov. 1 at the LaSalle Veterans Home, IDPH officials failed to visit the site and offered no assistance. LaSalle staff testing for the virus was slow and poorly coordinated, the review said. In total, 85% of the home's 128 residents and 38% of its 231 staff members contracted the illness during the outbreak, which Mautino noted occurred when infections statewide were rising rapidly and there was yet no preventive vaccine. Pritzker, a Democrat, blamed Republicans who opposed tactics to stop the spread of COVID-19, suggesting non-compliant visitors unwittingly carried the virus into the LaSalle home. We were working against Republican elected officials who told people to defy mitigation efforts..., Pritzker told reporters at the Capitol. Republicans told them that they did not need to wear masks. They told people that they didnt need to get vaccinated. They told people that COVID wasnt serious. Those lies put peoples lives at risk, especially the most vulnerable. But an April 2021 report by the inspector general of the Department of Human Services reported that during an onsite visit, which didn't occur until Nov. 12, officials discovered ineffective, alcohol-free hand sanitizer in abundant use and no one responsible for replacing it, staff members reporting for duty by taking their own temperatures and initialing results, and scant availability and use of personal protective equipment such as face coverings. Mautino reported that LaSalle administrators had reams of COVID-19-specific guidelines for stopping the spread available from both federal and state experts, as well as long-established pre-pandemic infection control policies. Pritzker, who later acknowledged some management faults were to blame and said that as governor, I understand that these agencies are my responsibility, maintained that he held staff accountable, including firing LaSalle director Angela Mehlbrech in December 2020. However, he said that to the extent that IDPH is at fault for not providing more assistance, the agency controlled the entire state response during the pandemic's worst surge and was dealing with hot spots in every direction. But at no time during the fall of 2020 or at any time during the pandemic did Pritzker or his team suggest IDPH couldn't keep up. IDPH couldn't have been caught off-guard despite the precipitous statewide surge. The audit reports that the Pritzker administration was monitoring COVID-19 in 710 long-term care facilities across Illinois. The first week of November, 2020, only four of them reported more than 50 new cases and LaSalle was the only facility with more than 100. That was a red flag that should have generated an alert and immediate administration response, Mautino said in an interview. Rep. Lance Yednock, an Ottawa Democrat who led the House call for Mautino's audit, lamented a breakdown in inter-agency coordination which very likely led to more sickness and deaths." However, he acknowledged that the terrifying speed of infection might have rendered the best preparation inadequate. Mautino's auditors found that last year's inspector general's report had wrongly tainted Anthony Kolbeck, then chief of staff for Veterans' Affairs. Instead of tracking the outbreak, Mautino reviewed scores of emails and determined that Kolbeck reported to IDPH regularly on the situation from its inception. When IDPH didn't act, the audit said Kolbeck requested the agency make a site visit and sought information on rapid tests and antibody treatments. Kolbeck nonetheless resigned in the weeks following the outbreak's fallout. So did then-Veterans Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia, whom Pritzker replaced in spring 2021 with Terry Prince, a 31-year Navy veteran and former senior adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General. Steve Levin, a Chicago attorney representing 27 families who filed a lawsuit against the state for the loss of loved ones at LaSalle, said the audit's finding of extreme negligence is another painful reminder to the families that this was a preventable tragedy. He demanded Pritzker negotiate a settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle. Follow Political Writer John OConnor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Constructed four generations ago, the massive rock and clay dam at El Capitan Reservoir is capable of storing over 36 billion gallons of water, enough to supply every resident in San Diego for most of a year. Today, it's three-quarters empty, intentionally kept low because of concerns it could fail under the strain of too much water. During a big earthquake, you never know whats going to happen, if this is going to hold, said Samuel Santos, a longtime resident who frequently fishes near the dam. Seismic instability and a spillway in need of significant repair" led El Capitan to be added to a growing list of dams rated in poor condition or worse that would likely cause deaths downstream if they failed. An Associated Press analysis tallied more than 2,200 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition across the U.S. up substantially from a similar AP review conducted three years ago. The actual number is likely even higher, although it's unclear because some states don't track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release details about their dams' conditions. The nations dams are on average over a half-century old and often present more of a hazard than envisioned when designed because homes, businesses or highways have cropped up below them. Meanwhile, a warming atmosphere can bring stronger storms with heavier rainfall that could overwhelm aging dams. All of a sudden, youve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail," said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing, he said, adding that without investment in upgrades, that number will continue to rise. Decades of deferred maintenance has worsened the problem. But a changing climate and extreme floods such as the one that caused the failure of two Michigan dams and the evacuation of 10,000 people in 2020 have brought a renewed focus to an often overlooked aspect of Americas critical infrastructure. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs. It marks a tremendous leap and jump of funding, said Kayed Lakhia, director of the National Dam Safety Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet it's still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the almost 89,000 dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lists about 92,000 dams in its nationwide database, most of which are privately owned and regulated by states. Dams are classified according to the risk posed by failure, ranging from low to significant to high. A high hazard means lives could be lost if the dam fails. Dams also are assessed by their condition. Those in the worst shape categorized as poor or unsatisfactory can have a variety of problems including cracks and erosion that could undermine a dam, or spillway outlets unable to release all the water after extraordinary rainfall. The number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition has risen partly because of stricter regulation. Some state programs, infused with millions of additional dollars, have stepped up inspections, reassessed whether old dams endanger new downstream developments and worked to identify dams long ago abandoned by their owners. Some also are updating the precipitation tools used to evaluate the risks. New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams in poor condition as it did in 2018, when the AP collected data for its earlier analysis. The increase came as officials pushed to assess all high-hazard dams that were previously unrated. The number of high-hazard dams in deficient condition in South Carolina rose by a third from 2018 to 2021, after lawmakers more than doubled annual funding for the state's dam safety program. More than 70 dams failed in the state amid heavy rains in 2015 and 2016. Since then, South Carolina has ramped up staffing, undertaken more regular inspections and begun mapping potential flood zones for low-hazard dams to determine if they should be reclassified as high hazard. When you had a storm of that magnitude and you have it happen again the next year, and dams continue to fail, weve got to be able to provide a response, said Jill Stewart, the states director of dam safety and stormwater permitting. Rhode Island examined the capacity of all its dam spillways after five dams failed during a storm in 2010. A 2019 study found that a quarter of its high-hazard dams couldn't hold up to a 100-year storm an event with a 1% chance of happening any year and 17% couldn't pass a 500-year storm, which has a 0.2% chance of occurring in a year. The state was sharing the findings with dam owners and could require some to upgrade their spillways to meet state regulations. Many old dams are undersized for the kind of storms that were getting today and will be getting in the future, said David Chopy, administrator of the Office of Compliance and Inspection at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Since 2019, California regulators have downgraded four of San Diegos water supply dams from fair to poor condition because of deterioration and concerns they could fail because of an earthquake or extraordinary rainfall. As a result, the high-hazard dams at El Capitan, Hodges and Morena reservoirs all are restricted to holding less than half their capacities. The dam at Lower Otay Reservoir, also high hazard and in poor condition, is not restricted. The lower water means Santos, who has been coming to El Capitan Reservoir since childhood, can't find relief from shade trees when he fishes from the receding banks. His children don't want to join him because it's so hot. Its sad to see it, because its just like a duck pond compared to what it used to be, said another longtime resident, Bob Neal, who said his father-in-law helped build the dam in the 1930s. The dam's poor condition also means less water is stored to prepare for drought, which has become particularly severe in the West. San Diego gets an average of just 10 inches of rain annually. These reservoirs are very important, said Republican state Sen. Brian Jones, whose district includes the El Capitan and Lake Hodges dams. "We need to start spending the money on them to retrofit them, to get them up again back to full capacity. For many dams, problems develop gradually and risks can be reduced by temporary measures, such as lowering water levels, until repairs can be made, said Ryan Stack, chief engineer at Missouris dam safety program. Unsatisfactory doesnt necessarily mean helicopters and bells-and-whistles and everything going off for an immediate crisis, Stack said. But the risk from old, inadequate dams has become painfully evident in recent years. In 2019, a rural Nebraska dam failed under extreme pressure from a raging flood of ice chunks, killing a man whose home was beneath the dam. An independent investigation determined that state regulators should have classified the dam as high hazard," which could have led to a plan to increase its flood capacity and better warn residents downstream. The public utility that owned the dam agreed this year to a $2.5 million settlement for the man's family while a lawsuit continues against the state. In 2020, central Michigans Edenville Dam also failed following heavy rainfall. The rupture unleashed a torrent on the Tittabawassee River, leading to the failure of Sanford Dam and damaging two other downstream dams. More than 10,000 people were evacuated. The high-hazard Edenville Dam, built in 1924, had been rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 and lost its federal hydropower license due to a variety of issues, including a spillway incapable of standing up to a severe flood. An investigatory report released Wednesday found that Edenville dam had deficiencies that could have been been caught and corrected. Rather than blaming any particular person or organization, investigators cited shortcomings in the overall system for financing, designing, constructing, operating, evaluating, and upgrading the four dams over nearly 100 years. After the dam failures, Michigan beefed up its 2022 budget with $19 million for dam safety, plus money to hire more regulatory staff. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation providing an additional $250 million for dams, including about $200 million to repair those damaged by the 2020 floods. The plan prioritizes high-risk dams that can be ticking time bombs if they are not addressed, said state Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican whose district experienced flooding from the dam failures. "Dragging our feet or failing to get it done will only open the door to other catastrophes down the line. Other states also are pumping more money into dam safety. After Kansas exempted thousands of dams from state regulation in 2013, its allotment of annual federal dam safety funds plunged, leading to a decline in staffing and delays in handling permits and inspections. A budget passed by the Legislature this year will double state funding and staff for the dam safety office. Facing a projected 20-year backlog of work, Missouri lawmakers last year added $75,000 to hire an additional dam safety engineer. But it's taken 10 months to find someone qualified to fill the position. Addressing the problems posed by old, unsafe dams can be challenging. Repairs can be costly and take years to complete. Attempts to remove dams and empty the lakes they hold back can spawn legal battles and a public outcry from those who rely on them for recreation or to sustain nearby property values. A pair of high-hazard dams built in the mid-1800s near Cleveland are among those in need of major repair. Upper Shaker Lake, commonly known as Horseshoe Lake, was drained as a precaution after it developed sinkholes and cracks. The cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, which jointly manage the dams, last year approved a $28.3 million plan to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam, return the area to a free-flowing stream and rebuild Lower Shaker Lake Dam. But the plan faces backlash from community members who formed a nonprofit to try to save Horseshoe Lake. They hired a law firm and engineering company, launched a fundraising drive and gathered about 2,000 online petition signatures. The lake is a beautiful, calming feature that is the central park of the Heights neighborhood, said musician Bert Stratton, a resident helping to lead the efforts. Its where people come to congregate, and they have for over 100 years. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which manages stormwater projects, said Horseshoe Lake provides little flood-control benefit and that the district wont pay to rebuild it. People need to understand there is a major risk at this facility, including the probable loss of life if the dam blew out, said Frank Greenland, the districts director of watershed programs. Decades of procrastination on repairs has led to the deterioration of other dams across the country. Some owners find it difficult to justify the costs of improving structures without facing an emergency. Theres an attitude among some dam owners of oh, well take care of it next year; oh, well take care of it in three years; oh, lets put together a plan, said Bob Travis, managing partner of Risk Management Matters LLC, a consultant for community associations. Meanwhile, that dam is getting older and older and older. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Casey from Boston; and Minkoff from Washington, D.C. Associated Press photographer Gregory Bull in San Diego, and reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Nick Geranios in Spokane, 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. Even as he sees long-term changes to how people work and travel for business, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said international and business passengers are coming back strong. Travel across the board is expected to be busy this summer, and the carrier is taking steps to address typical summer flight challenges such as bad weather and full flights, he told reporters during a visit to Chicago. But operations still might not run as smoothly as pre-pandemic. Advertisement Its still going to be a challenging summer, Bastian said. I think were going to do a really good job, but its not going to be like pre-pandemic. As demand for travel has returned, airlines have been tasked with ramping up flight schedules and staffing back up after pandemic cuts. Passengers have encountered higher airfares, especially in recent weeks as carriers contend with fluctuating oil prices, and a looming pilot shortage could pose particular challenges for smaller, regional flights. Advertisement Delta continued to fly less during the first quarter of the year than in 2019. Its capacity was 83% of 2019 levels, the company said in its first quarter earnings report in April. Weve tried to be much more stable and grow within our means, Bastian said this week. Staffing is at good levels, Bastian said. The carrier has hired 15,000 people since the start of last year, and is still hiring pilots and flight attendants. But summer thunderstorms and air traffic control challenges could mean headaches for passengers. And the airline has recently been flying very full planes, Bastian said, which means there could be little room to rebook passengers whose flights are canceled. Delta has taken steps to try to address that challenge, including building in more crew rest and firebreaks that will allow it to catch up with its schedule, he said. He anticipates flight loads could stabilize next year. Even as Delta looks to the busy summer travel season, business travel has already returned, Bastian said during a lecture at Northwestern University. The volume of business travel is more than 80% of where it was pre-pandemic, and revenue is nearing 100%. Corporate travel was especially hard hit during the pandemic, as people were quicker to plan vacations than business trips and employers delayed reopening offices as the delta variant, then the omicron variant, of COVID-19 surged. The rise of Zoom and other technology in business will eliminate some traditional business travel, he said. But shifts in the workplace will drive other, new types of business travel. Advertisement Bastian doesnt foresee companies returning to traditional office workweek schedules soon. That means new types of business travel, such as workers living and working in different places who must travel to get to their offices, he said. I do think youll see some shift of the reasons for travel, he said. More changes are in store for OHare International Airport travelers flying Delta. The airline is moving from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5, as part of an $8.5 billion expansion of the airport that includes an overhauled and expanded Terminal 5 and replacement of Terminal 2 with a new global terminal. sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) Tens of thousands of protesters blocked streets and gathered around government buildings in Armenia's capital on Wednesday to demand the prime minister's resignation over his calls for a formal peace agreement with neighboring Azerbaijan. The demonstrators used cement mixers and trucks to close off roads and bridges leading to the center of Yerevan. They marched, chanting Armenia without Nikol, referring to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Clashes broke out with police and several arrests were reported. Anti-government demonstrations have taken place almost daily since April 17. The prime minister became a renewed target of rancor after he spoke in parliament about the need to sign a peace deal with Azerbaijan. The two countries have clashed for decades over the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is part of Azerbaijan but has been under Armenian control since early 1990s. During a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan reclaimed control over some of the region before signing a Russia-brokered truce with Armenia. We can speak with the authorities about only one thing their immediate departure, said opposition politician Ishkhan Saghatelyan, vice president of the country's parliament. He called on all Armenians to join the civil disobedience and for protests to continue daily. Police arrested some of the protesters, and security officials warned them against trying to storm the parliament building, but they massed outside, as well as near the Interior Ministry and elsewhere in the capital. Inside parliament, opposition politicians demanded Pashinyan's resignation in his presence. He said he would address the grievances but opponents walked out before he could do so. This story has been corrected to show that the protesters were blocking roads and bridges, not Armenian authorities. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. J.D. Vance, the Trump-backed candidate in Ohio's contentious GOP Senate primary, has won the nomination, CNN projected Tuesday. Even as most candidates in the race ran toward former President Donald Trump, the primary was the first Senate contest of the year to test the power of his endorsement. In the other marquee race of the night, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has won the GOP gubernatorial primary, CNN projected, beating back challengers from his right flank as he seeks a second term. While Trump did not endorse in the gubernatorial primary, he played a big role in the contest to replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. He upended the race in mid-April when he backed Vance, the venture capitalist and "Hillbilly Elegy" author who was an unabashed critic of Trump in 2016 but now says his initial judgment of him was wrong. Trump called Vance to congratulate him on his win Tuesday night, according to a source familiar with the call. CNN's Gabby Orr reported that the former President monitored the election results with friends and aides at Mar-a-Lago, one of whom said he was "relieved" by Vance's come-from-behind win. Trump's endorsement of Vance had created a jolt of momentum for the author, helping him roughly double his support between a Fox poll in March and another one in April. Vance thanked Trump in his victory speech Tuesday night, saying the 45th President had shown America an example "of what could be in this country," pointing to an upward trend in wages when Trump was president. After a bruising primary race filled with negative ads in the closing weeks, Vance devoted part of his speech to calling for unity in the GOP, taking time to compliment several of his top rivals. When Vance mentioned former state treasurer Josh Mandel -- leading some in the crowd to boo -- the author held up his hand and said, "No," signaling for them to stop. He called Mandel "a dedicated public servant from the Marine Corps to the state treasurer's office" and told Mandel supporters that he hoped to earn their support. "We need to unify to fight Tim Ryan," Vance said, referring to the Ohio congressman who won the Senate Democratic primary, CNN projected Tuesday night. Ryan defeated Morgan Harper, an attorney and former senior adviser at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "It's our Republican Party, ladies and gentlemen. It's the party of working people all across the state of Ohio, and it needs to fight and it needs to win," Vance said. In a preview of the general election battle to come in a state that Trump won by 8 points in 2020, Vance tried to tie Ryan to President Joe Biden. In his own election night speech, Ryan made a broader call to voters of all political persuasions -- a nod to the reality that he'll need Republican support to win in November. "Look, I'm not here to get in a fight. I'm not going to win on Election Day and try to punish 50% of the people that are living in this state or in this country," Ryan said. "We are here to heal, we are here to become Americans, we are here to come together." "It's not about finding our differences; it's not about hate. We have to love each other, we have to care about each other, we have to see the best in each other," Ryan added. "We have to forgive each other, we have to show some grace." Most of the other top GOP candidates vying for Ohio's Senate seat -- including Mandel, businessman Mike Gibbons and former state party chair Jane Timken, who all sought Trump's endorsement -- had hammered Vance for his past statements about Trump, arguing that they raised questions about his authenticity as a conservative. Club for Growth Action, which had supported Mandel, pounded that theme in the closing days of the race -- seeking to capitalize on the fact that roughly a quarter of GOP primary voters were still undecided, according to the April Fox poll. Half of those who had expressed a candidate preference in that poll had said they could change their minds. State Sen. Matt Dolan, the only Republican who had urged the GOP to move on from the 2020 election and rejected Trump's false claims about the results, saw his support increase in that poll from the previous month and pulled off a stronger-than-expected finish Tuesday night -- just behind Mandel -- with about 23% of the vote. The Vance win is likely to embolden Trump as he looks ahead to other opportunities in the midterm calendar. Some of Trump's closest allies believe Vance's win could have a ripple effect on other May primaries featuring Republican candidates backed by Trump. "People want to be on the winning team, and I think you'll see voters coalesce behind other candidates now that Trump has proven that his guys win," the Trump ally said. But at least two Trump-backed candidates in other races this month -- gubernatorial hopefuls David Perdue in Georgia and Janice McGeachin in Idaho -- face uphill climbs against incumbents they are challenging. Trump had pointed to the power of his endorsements during a Nebraska rally last weekend where he mentioned his chosen Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, celebrity surgeon Mehmet Oz, and Vance, though he mangled Vance's name -- appearing to confuse the author with Mandel, Vance's chief rival, before correcting himself. (Oz is in a tight race with former hedge fund executive David McCormick in Pennsylvania, which holds its primaries on May 17.) Addressing Vance's past criticism during a tele-rally for him on the eve of the election, Trump said Vance has "said some negative things about me, but he's made up for it in spades." "I think I can say that he's 1,000% with us," the former President added. Ohio gubernatorial primaries DeWine, who has built deep ties in Republican circles over many years of public service in Ohio, overcame challenges from former US Rep. Jim Renacci and farmer Joe Blystone. The governor won national acclaim in the early days of the pandemic for his careful handling of the rise in Covid-19 cases. But as pandemic restrictions became more polarizing, he became a frequent target of the right and of Trump, which appeared to make him vulnerable as he set out to win a second term as governor. But as the heated political debate over masking, vaccine mandates and pandemic-era public health protocols had receded, DeWine had maintained a wide lead in recent polls, in part because Renacci and Blystone were splitting the anti-incumbent vote on the Republican side as they promised to protect Ohioans from what they say is government overreach. On the Democratic side, former Dayton mayor Nan Whaley defeated former Cincinnati mayor John Cranley, CNN projected. She'll face an uphill climb against DeWine in November. In Ohio's 11th Congressional District, Democratic Rep. Shontel Brown has won her rematch against Nina Turner, CNN projected. The incumbent had won the backing of Biden as well as some moderate-aligned outside groups. Turner, a former Ohio state senator who was a key player on the presidential campaign of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, had hoped to galvanize progressives to carry her to victory in the newly drawn district, which includes more of Cleveland. In Indiana, GOP Sen. Todd Young and Democrat Thomas McDermott, who is the mayor of Hammond, ran uncontested in their respective Senate primaries on Tuesday. This story has been updated with additional developments. The-CNN-Wire & 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Paul LeBlanc, Gabby Orr, Dan Merica and Ethan Cohen contributed this report. 'Seemed like goodbye': Mariupol defenders make their stand LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters at Mariupols pulverized steel plant are holding out against Russian troops in an increasingly desperate effort to keep Moscow from taking the strategic port city. The wife of one of the fighters said the troops would not surrender and her husband told her words of goodbye. Thursday's bloody battle came amid growing suspicions that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a major battlefield success in time for Victory Day on Monday, which marks the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Elsewhere, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other Russian attacks in the east. The Russians say they destroyed dozens of Ukrainian military targets. Its Chief Justice Roberts' Court, but does he still lead? WASHINGTON (AP) John Roberts is heading a Supreme Court in crisis. The chief justice has already ordered an investigation into the unprecedented leak this week of a draft of a major abortion opinion. What comes next could further test Roberts leadership of a court. The addition of three conservative justices during Donald Trumps presidency means there are now five conservative justices to Roberts right who no longer need his vote, and perhaps his moderating influence, to prevail in a case. The abortion decision could be another example of that, with the courts other conservatives prepared to go further than Roberts. He's said repeatedly that he prefers decisions where the court comes to a broad agreement on narrow grounds. FDA restricts J&J's COVID-19 vaccine due to blood clot risk WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. regulators are strictly limiting who can receive Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine due to a rare but serious risk of blood clots. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&Js vaccine. The decision is the latest restriction to hit the company's vaccine, which has long been overshadowed in the U.S. by the more effective shots from Pfizer and Moderna. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended using the Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&Js because of its safety issues. Police boss journal cites early angst in Ronald Greene death The Louisiana State Police superintendent wrote himself an ominous note days after the deadly 2019 arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene: Realize there is a problem must address immediately. Excerpts of a personal journal made public Thursday show Col. Kevin Reeves considered aggressive action after his troopers beat, stunned and dragged Greene. State police didnt launch an internal investigation for another 462 days. A legislative committee is now seeking to hold Reeves in contempt for refusing to turn over his full journals. His lawyer says Reeves is cooperating and the delays in the Greene case are not his doing. Official: US gave intel before Ukraine sank Russian warship WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. says it shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of the Russian missile cruiser Moskva prior to the strike that sank the warship. The incident was a high-profile failure for Russias military. An American official said Thursday that Ukraine alone decided to target and sink the flagship of Russias Black Sea Fleet using its own anti-ship missiles. The official says that given Russias attacks on the Ukrainian coastline from the sea, the U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of those ships. NBC News first reported the U.S. role in the sinking of the ship. Tornadoes strike Texas, Oklahoma, cause widespread damaged SEMINOLE, Okla. (AP) A storm system spawned several tornadoes that whipped through areas of Texas and Oklahoma, causing damage to a school, a marijuana farm and other structures. There were no reports of serious injuries following the Wednesday night tornadoes, but the system was causing flooding in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Significant damage was reported in the Oklahoma city of Seminole where Gov. Kevin Stitt said drones are being used to assess the damage and in the rural Texas community of Lockett. More stormy weather took place Thursday as a sheriff says a tornado damaged several campers and buildings at an East Texas RV park. The severe weather was to continue Friday in parts of the South. 3 Israelis killed in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli officials say at least three people have been killed in a Palestinian stabbing attack near Tel Aviv. Israeli police say the assailants fled in a vehicle on Thursday night. Security forces set up roadblocks in the area of the attack, which took place in the town of Elad, and helicopters hovered overhead. The attack came as Israel marked its Independence Day, a festive holiday when people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared in recent weeks. Earlier in the day, there was new Israeli-Palestinian unrest at a sensitive religious site in Jerusalem. 53 dead in China building collapse, search for trapped ends BEIJING (AP) Chinese state media say that 53 people died in a building collapse one week ago in central China and 10 were rescued. Authorities said Friday the search had ended for people trapped from the collapse. The last survivor was pulled out shortly after midnight on Thursday, 5 days after the residential and commercial building in the city of Changsha suddenly caved in on April 29. At least nine people have been arrested in connection with the collapse on suspicion of ignoring building codes or committing other violations. All of the survivors were reportedly in good condition after being treated in a hospital. Marcos redux? Dictator's son may win Philippine presidency MANILA, Philippines (AP) The presidential campaign of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is resonating in the Philippines. The son of the late dictator and his running mate, who is the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, are leading pre-election surveys despite his family's history. Their carefully choreographed appearances whitewash the past and are short on specifics about their vision for the future. Instead their campaign has deftly used social media, primarily TikTok and YouTube, to push the simple slogan of unity and framing them as beyond politics and disagreements. Marcos has taken advantage of the average age in the Philippines, which is 25 and leaves many voters with no personal memory of his father's brutal authoritarian rule which his son refuses to acknowledge. Virus found in pig heart used in human transplant Researchers trying to learn what killed the first person to receive a pig heart transplant have found the organ harbored an animal virus. But University of Maryland doctors cannot yet say if the virus played any role in the man's death. David Bennett Sr. died at age 57, two months after the groundbreaking experimental transplant. His surgeon says DNA of a pig virus was later found in the heart but no signs that the bug caused an active infection. Still, a major worry about animal-to-human transplants is the risk of spreading new infections. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Kentucky's Democratic governor filed suit Thursday seeking to block a new state law that gives Republican officials the power to appoint a majority of members to a key ethics commission. Gov. Andy Beshear's legal challenge warns that the reconstituted membership on the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission could launch politically based, meritless investigations. The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville, claims the measure violates Kentucky's constitution. The legal fight comes a year before Beshear will be on the statewide ballot in seeking a second term in a state increasingly dominated by Republicans. It's the latest in a series of court confrontations over Republican-backed laws that would weaken the Democratic governor's executive authority. Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Thursday called the new ethics commission-related law a good-government measure and said it passes constitutional muster. Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said it prevents a governor from stacking the ethics commission with his cronies. In their recently ended session, GOP lawmakers passed the measure over Beshear's veto to revamp the ethics commission's membership. The measure, House Bill 334, gave Republican statewide officeholders the authority to select five of the newly expanded commission's seven members. The governor would appoint two members. Previously, the governor appointed all five members. Beshear's suit claims that the governor would become subservient to the new commission. Under HB334, the commission could launch politically motivated investigations without any merit, and make findings and impose civil penalties in those matters, and the governor has no power to remedy such conduct and ensure the law is faithfully executed, the suit said. Under the measure, five statewide officeholders currently all Republicans each would make one appointment to the ethics commission. Those officials are the attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor and agriculture commissioner. By stripping the governor of his executive authority to appoint the majority of the members of the commission and giving it to officers who are not the chief magistrate, HB334 prevents the governor from faithfully executing the laws as prescribed by the state constitution, the suit said. Beshears lawsuit noted that he issued an executive order giving others a role in selecting commission members. Under the order, two of his appointments were made from a list of nominees provided by the attorney general and state auditor, the suit said. Republican officials quickly defended the measure being challenged by the governor. This bill is a good-government measure that keeps partisan politics out of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, Cameron said in a statement. And it is constitutional. Im disappointed that the governor sued to undermine the independence of this important government agency. Adams praised the measure for allocating appointments among statewide constitutional officers. The governor is at his best on the occasions when he comes out of his partisan bunker, recognizes we are a two-party state and treats others with respect, Adams said in a statement. The suit seeks a temporary and permanent injunction blocking the new law's enforcement. It requests an expedited review, since the measure is set to take effect in mid-July. At that time, terms of the commission's current members will expire, and the new members will begin their terms. Beshears suit also challenges the bills removal of commission member David Karem before his term expires. Karem, a former longtime Democratic lawmaker, joined Beshear as a plaintiff in the suit. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. ELLSWORTH, Maine (AP) A former Maine gubernatorial candidate charged with possession of child pornography can get back online, a judge ruled Tuesday, even as an affidavit was unsealed indicating the defendant possessed thousands of videos of young children being sexually abused. The affidavit indicated law enforcement began investigating Eliot Cutler upon learning of a video showing child exploitation that was allegedly linked to the IP address of Cutler's home in Brooklin. That was the tip of the iceberg. A search of the home yielded flash drives, USB drives and external hard drives, and investigators found more videos of children being sexually assaulted, according to the affidavit by Glenn Lang, special agent with the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Task Force. The affidavit didnt indicate Cutler was involved in making or distributing child pornography just that he possessed it. The court documents were unsealed Tuesday as a defense attorney attended an initial court appearance on behalf of Cutler. During the hearing, Hancock County Deputy District Attorney Toff Toffolon described the defendant as having a longstanding, untreated and severe addiction to child pornography. Defense attorney Walter McKee used the hearing as an opportunity to ask the judge to modify bail conditions so Cutler could have access to the internet for banking and other legal activities. Justice Robert Murray granted Cutler access to an internet-connected laptop and smartphone under a monitoring plan with special software that produces alerts if sexually explicit images are accessed. It was the first court appearance since Cutler, 75, was arrested on March 25, two days after the search of the Brooklin home and another home in Portland. No plea was entered Tuesday. Cutler was released on $50,000 bail after his arrest on four counts of possession of sexually explicit material of a child under 12. The charges were a shock. Cutler ran for governor twice as an independent and used his personal wealth to bankroll both campaigns. In his first campaign, he lost by less than 2 percentage points to Republican Paul LePage in a multi-candidate race in 2010. He lost again four years later. Years ago, Cutler served as an aide to the late Democratic U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie and later as former Democratic President Jimmy Carters top adviser for environmental and energy issues. Cutler went on to serve as an environmental attorney and helped found a law firm in Washington. The arrest followed a two-month investigation that started with a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When nearly a dozen law enforcement officers arrived to execute the search warrant, Cutler explained to his wife in the presence of investigators that the search warrant was for child pornography and that investigators "would probably find some on one of his computers, the affidavit said. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The oldest son of former President Donald Trump has met with the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. That's according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private session. The interview with Donald Trump Jr. took place Tuesday. He's one of nearly 1,000 witnesses interviewed by members of the House committee as they work to compile a record of the worst attack on the Capitol in more than two centuries. He's the second of Trumps children known to speak to the committee. His sister Ivanka Trump sat down with lawmakers for eight hours in early April. The first three installments of HBO Maxs The Staircase are now streaming. Ive seen five of the eight in this limited series, based on the long-form documentary of the same name. The short-form review of the adaptation? Exceptionally good. Advertisement Amid a river of true-crime dramatizations featuring big names side-eyeing their co-stars while contemplating murder, or their characters tragically misunderstood innocence, this one knows what its doing. It sets a tone, gets everybody in the same movie and focuses on character interaction in long, fluid takes, glance by glance, bizarre development by development. Series creator, screenwriter and director Antonio Campos does the best work of his career here, intertwining past and present in ways that might look vexing or needlessly fussy on the page, but unfold effortlessly on screen. He connects narratively the members of an extended family whose individual, uneasily blended lives were yanked further out of joint by what happened one night in December 2001, in the Forest Hills district of Durham, N.C. Advertisement The what is plain enough. Kathleen Peterson (Toni Collette), a business executive married to novelist, columnist and aspiring politician Michael Peterson (Colin Firth), died either by bloody accident or a brutal murder committed by her husband. There are other theories, one known as the owl theory, but that arrives later in The Staircase. Despite a facade of togetherness and regular, wisecracking family dinners, the Petersons had their secrets, Michael especially. He kept his sexual encounters with men to himself, more or less. From his defense attorney David Rudolf (Michael Stuhlbarg) and his family, he withheld a whopper of a fact regarding the fate of an old family friend from Germany, when Michael was in his first marriage. This is no spoiler, since its in the trailer, but: What are the odds that one man, who lied about his military record and many other things, was the last person to see not one but two women alive before they expired, in a heap, at the bottom of two different staircases decades apart? The Staircase follows Michaels legal travails across many years, as well as the shifting dynamics within a family benumbed by secrecy. Michaels sons from his first marriage, Todd (Patrick Schwarzenegger) and Clayton (Dane DeHaan, a stealth MVP here in a very fine ensemble), stake out their financial and emotional holds on their increasingly cash-strapped father. They and the other children, Margaret (Sophie Turner), Martha (Odessa Young) and Caitlin (Olivia DeJonge), veer between loyalty to Michael and gnawing questions about how Kathleen died. All this was explored in the French-made documentary released in its initial form in 2004, when Michael was behind bars but before . well, again, its in the trailer. Over the years, with new developments afoot, that documentary (also titled The Staircase) expanded into a 13-part nonfiction account now streaming on Netflix. Colin Firth, background center, portrays accused murderer and novelist Michael Peterson in the HBO Max true-crime drama "The Staircase." (AP) No point in seeing it right now, I think. The Campos dramatization on HBO Max deserves its own audience without too-fresh memories of the documentary for competition. For a time, the HBO Max treatment was in development with Harrison Ford in the Michael Peterson role. That wouldve been a considerable dramatic stretch in more than one direction; Fords more of a one-note-at-a-time movie star, and this Michael Peterson never played fewer than three or four simultaneously. Firths simmering interpretation of this extremely dodgy personality is a low-keyed triumph, and takes care of your needs straight off, primarily by not making the armchair guessing game of Petersons guilt or innocence too easy. (Oddly, the documentarys copious footage of Peterson across the years tips things far more clearly toward: Do not believe this man.) If director Campos had prioritized finding someone more physically akin to Peterson, hed have gone for someone like John C. McGinley, a first-rate actor who tends to play a characters inner tensions on the surface. Firth, fully engaged and on his game here, creates a man not so much multifaceted as blandly inscrutable, weirdly chipper and, in the end, a riddle even to himself. The scripts by Campos and his fellow showrunner Maggie Cohn tee up the visual approach. Often were switching from events prior to Kathleens death to events long afterward. But the toggling back and forth is anything but predictable or conventional. In Episode 2, for example, the same physical space (the Peterson home) plays host to a political fundraiser hosted by Michael and Kathleen as well as a crime-scene investigation taking place years later. With Campos expert staging and a snakelike camera roaming the mansion halls, we get the sense of disorientation we need to make sense of a timeline that, to Michael, at least, must have felt disorienting, all right. Well see how and where Campos and company take it in the final three episodes. So far The Staircase makes the wearyingly popular true crime genre look easy. Advertisement Colin Firth, left, and Toni Collette in a scene from the series "The Staircase." (AP) The Staircase 3.5 stars Content rating: TV-MA (violence, language, sexual material) Running time: Eight episodes, approximately eight hours. How to watch: First three episodes now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes weekly through June 9. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic. mjphillips@chicagotribune.com Advertisement 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. LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) Firefighters slowed the advance of the largest wildfire in the U.S. as heavy winds relented Wednesday, while President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration that brings new financial resources to remote stretches of New Mexico devastated by fire since early April. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez announced the presidential disaster declaration during an evening briefing by the U.S. Forest Service about efforts to contain the sprawling wildfire in northeastern New Mexico, which has fanned out across 250 square miles (647 square kilometers) of high alpine forest and grasslands at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. It will help us do that rebuilding and it will help us with the expenses and the hardship that people are facing right now, the congresswoman said. We're glad it happened this quickly. Fire bosses said they are seizing upon an interlude of relatively calm and cool weather to keep the fire from pushing any closer to the small New Mexico city of Las Vegas and other villages scattered along the fires shifting fronts. Airplanes and helicopters dropped slurries of red fire retardant from the sky, as ground crews cleared timber and brush to starve the fire along crucial fronts. Bulldozers for days have been scraping fire lines on the outskirts of Las Vegas, population 13,000, while crews have been conducting burns to clear adjacent vegetation. Aircraft dropped more fire retardant as a second line of defense along a ridge just west of town in preparation for intense winds expected over the weekend. An estimated 15,500 homes in outlying areas and in the valleys of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that border Las Vegas have been affected by mandatory evacuations. The tally of homes destroyed by the fire stands around 170. The president's disaster declaration releases emergency funds to recovery efforts in three counties in northeastern New Mexico where fires still rage, as well as portions of southern New Mexico where wind-driven blazes killed two people and destroyed over 200 homes in mid-April. The aid includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other relief programs for individuals and businesses, a statement from the White House said. Local law enforcement officials acknowledged the physical and emotion toll of prolonged evacuations. Las Vegas Police Chief Antonio Salazar said his officers would provide burglary patrols of evacuated areas and help maintain order at a local Walmart as people line up to purchase supplies. Repopulation, that's one thing we're very interested in, San Miguel County Sheriff Chris Lopez said. Everybody wants to get back home. Dan Pearson, a fire behavior specialist with the federal government, said weather forecasters are anticipating two days of relatively light winds before the return of strong spring gales. Our prayers are working because we've had advantageous winds throughout the fire area today, he said. We'll take advantage of this fact over the next few days. ... What we can do is build resilient pockets." The fire was contained across just 20% of its perimeter. Its flames on Wednesday were about a mile (1.6 kilometers) away from Las Vegas, where schools were closed as residents braced for possible evacuation. Officials at Los Alamos National Laboratory were warily tracking another wildfire that crept Wednesday within about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of facilities at the U.S. national defense laboratory based in Los Alamos. Fire crews worked to widen a road that stands between the fire and Los Alamos while clearing out underbrush and treating the area with fire retardant. Wildfires have become a year-round threat in the drought-stricken West moving faster and burning hotter than ever due to climate change, scientists and fire experts say. Fire officials also point to overgrown areas where vegetation can worsen wildfire conditions. Nationally, the National Interagency Fire Center reported Wednesday that a dozen uncontained large fires have burned about 436 square miles (1,129 square kilometers) in five states. Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Associated Press writers Paul Davenport in Phoenix and Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this report. Attanasio is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues. Follow Attanasio on Twitter. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A 35-year-old man was fatally shot by Beatrice police following a high speed chase over the weekend, authorities said. On Saturday, Bradley Allen of Lincoln had led local authorities on a chase through Gage County and into Beatrice at speeds that exceeded 100 mph, said Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang. When Allen's vehicle entered the community of 12,300, police successfully deployed stop sticks, which slowed Allen's vehicle down to about 30 mph, Lang said. The pursuit continued through Beatrice at about 30 mph for a prolonged period before Allen came to a stop and got out, Lang said. In a confrontation with authorities, Allen reached toward his waist and told the police and Gage County Sheriff's officers who had been following him that he had a gun. Lang said that Allen ignored several commands to move his hand away from his waist band and instead continued to tell authorities he had a weapon and "Don't make me do it." An officer fired, wounding Allen, who died Tuesday afternoon. The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating the shooting. Allen did not have a gun, Lang said. 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. The latest financial reports are in for the fast-approaching 2022 gubernatorial primary, and top contenders for the Republican nomination did not slow their fundraising or their spending last month. The reports cover the period April 6-25. Conklin CEO Charles W. Herbster continued to pour money from his own pocket into his campaign, contributing $2.4 million in the April reporting period. Neither of the other two front-runners, Jim Pillen or State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, contributed to their own campaigns during that time, though Lindstrom loaned his campaign $50,000. Herbster has reported contributing a total of $11.3 million cash since the start of 2021 to his largely self-funded campaign. His contributions continued to dwarf those he received from other sources. He got over $17,300 from individuals during the last reporting period and $6,000 total from two Omaha-based businesses (Art of Honor LLC and The Lund Company). As of Wednesday, he had reported about $42,000 in late contributions after the reporting period closed. In contrast, Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent, reported more than $296,000 in cash donations from individuals and nearly $281,000 from other sources. Lindstrom reported nearly $135,000 cash from individuals and just under $311,000 from other sources (a category that includes businesses, unions and political action committees) during the last period. Among Pillens biggest donors in April were First National of Nebraska Chairman Bruce Lauritzen, who gave $100,000 (the Lauritzen Corporation gave another $100,000 the same day). OTB Arizona LLC also gave $100,000 and listed an address at Nebraska Crossing in Gretna, which is owned by Rod Yates. Lindstroms big donors last month included Norman Timmerman of McCook, who gave $50,000. So did Carpenters Interior Systems Local Union 1306. His biggest donation, at $170,000, came from Washington D.C.-based Prosperity Alliance. Its mission is to be committed to building a stronger economy for all Americans through enacting pro-growth economic policies, according to Open990, which compiles information from nonprofits. In all, Pillen had received about $4.5 million cash from individuals and $2.8 million cash from other sources as of April 25. Lindstrom had received nearly $2.1 million from individuals and just over $410,000 from other sources. Herbster had gotten just under $260,000 from individuals and over $33,000 from other sources. Pillen has since reported about $253,500 in late contributions, including $100,000 from CL Werner, founder of Werner Enterprises. Lindstrom has reported about $187,500 in late contributions, including $100,000 from Exodus Movement Inc. One of Pillens recent donations ($10,000) came from Utah-based Nomi Health, which was awarded tens of millions of dollars in no-bid state contracts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Republican campaigns also continued to spend big on advertising, consultants and other costs. Herbster spent just under $2.2 million during the April reporting period and has spent just under $8.7 million overall. He ended the reporting period listing nearly $772,000 cash on hand. Pillen spent just over $2 million during the period and has spent over $6.9 million throughout the campaign. He ended this reporting period with nearly $1.5 million cash on hand. Lindstrom spent a little over $590,000 during the period, has spent a total of about $1.6 million, and ended the reporting period with about $486,000 cash on hand. Former Sen. Theresa Thibodeau, whos also running for governor as a Republican, had raised a total of about $211,000 cash from individuals and $39,000 from other sources as of April 25. She contributed $15,000 to her own campaign. Democratic candidate Sen. Carol Blood had raised a total of about $124,000 from individuals and nearly $22,000 from other sources. 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. BLOOMINGTON Five Republican candidates for the McLean County Board have been struck from the June 28 primary ballot, after a judge ruling issued Wednesday. Candidates Annette Fellows, Catherine Metsker, Hannah Blumenshine, John McIntyre and Vicki Shultz faced seven objections to their filing petitions because they did not number their signature petition pages, which is required by Illinois election law. Last month, a three-member McLean County Officers Electoral Board unanimously overruled the objections because the technical error did not show a potential for fraud, members said. But the five constituents who made the objections filed a lawsuit in McLean County to overturn the local electoral board decision. Judge Jonathan Wright of Logan County heard the case Wednesday because local McLean County judges had recused themselves. Judge Wright ruled that the board erred when they denied the petitions so he overruled that decision and struck the name of all five candidates from the ballot for the June 28 GOP primary, said Jim Ginzkey, attorney for candidates facing objections. While the Illinois Election Code states petition pages must be numbered, Ginzkey noted the appellate court cases that typically see cases related to pagination are in the First and Second District "Cook County and the collar counties." In Chicago, you have to have 25,000 signatures from registered voters. Here in McLean County the required number of signatures is 24; that's two and a half pages, Ginzkey said. It strikes me that the pagination requirement of the law does make sense when youve got literally hundreds of signature pages, but when youve got six or less, I dont think that pagination requirement should be strictly construed. He said he advised his clients to allow the decision to stand instead of appealing it because early voting begins in two weeks and it would be a huge logistical problem to hold the ballots longer. And second, I believe Judge Wrights reasoning is sound enough that we wouldnt prevail on appeal anyway, Ginzkey said. McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, a member of the McLean County Officers Electoral Board, said her office had been waiting on this decision so they could move forward on proofreading, approving and printing the June ballots. Early voting begins May 19, but Michael said overseas ballots have to be mailed by May 13. McIntyre, Metsker, Blumenshine and Schultz have filed as write-in candidates, and Michael said Fellows has until seven days before the primary to file under Illinois election law for a special instance like this. If the write-in candidates receive 24 votes in the primary election and carry their district within the party, their names will be on the ballot on Nov. 8. Without candidates on the primary ballot, the McLean County Republican Party will then have until July 25 to appoint candidates to appear on the ballot in the November general election. In a statement, the local party chairman Connie Beard said the Republican Party will make sure they are still on the ballot in November, calling the filing objections and appeal a waste of time and tax dollars. Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. METAMORA Illinois State Police are looking for a 47-year-old man who escaped a hospital transport van Wednesday night in Woodford County. Officials said Javier Aguirre, of Hoopeston, escaped the van at approximately 11:21 p.m. on Interstate 39 near milepost 28, near Minonk. State police air operations and K-9 units searched the area for Aguirre but were unsuccessful. Trooper Haylie Polistina from ISP's public information office said Aguirre is not in prison and that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. Aguirre is considered a danger to himself and others, according to police. Officials said that if he is seen, people should immediately notify authorities and avoid approaching him. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 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. WHEATON A Kentucky man who was convicted of abducting, sexually assaulting and robbing a college student in suburban Chicago will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a judge sentenced him to 101 years in prison. Justin Dalcollo, 37, was sentenced Tuesday, five months after he was found guilty by a DuPage County jury of abduction, criminal sexual assault, aggravated battery, armed robbery and unlawful use of a weapon. Under state law, Dalcollo, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, who formerly lived in DuPage County, must serve 85% of his sentence, or a little more than 85 years in prison. According to authorities, the 21-year-old woman was leaving a suburban Chicago shopping center on March 22, 2019, when Dalcollo used a gun to force his way into her car and ordered her drive to an ATM to withdraw money from her bank account. He then forced her to drive to various locations before he ordered her to pull into the Grand Victoria Casino parking deck in Elgin, where he raped her. The woman then drove herself to a hospital, where she reported the attack to police. Dalcollo, who has sexual assault convictions in Ohio, was arrested the next day in Chicago. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD As rain steadily fell in Springfield Thursday morning, there was a somber feeling among the law enforcement officers and elected officials who gathered at the Illinois State Library to honor 11 fallen officers killed in the line of duty in 2021. I have a heavy heart when I think about the loss of these 11 individuals; its a sad day for all of us, Secretary of State Jesse White said. The 11 officers honored were Officer Joseph T. Cappello III of Melrose Park Police Department; Officer Gary Steven Hibbs of Chicago Heights Police Department; Trooper Todd A. Hanneken of Illinois State Police; Lt. James J. Kouski Jr. of Hometown Police Department; Officer Allen Serta Giacchetti of Cook County Sheriffs Police Department; Officer Christopher Neil Oberheim of Champaign Police Department; Officer Brian Russell Pierce Jr. of Brooklyn Police Department; Officer Ella Grace French of Chicago Police Department; officer Tyler Nathaniel Timmins of Pontoon Beach Police Department; Deputy Sean Ian Riley of Wayne County Sheriffs Office; and Sgt. Marlene R. Rittmanic of Bradley Police Department. Family members of the fallen officers were presented with plaques from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and received a wreath to commemorate their loved one. Amber Oberheim, widow of Officer Christopher Oberheim, said in a follow-up interview that the event speaks volumes to lawmakers and elected leaders because when someone loses a loved one while on duty, they all feel it. I think the sheer magnitude of people who were here with an expectation for some change and support for law enforcement, I think will speak volumes, hopefully, to our leaders, she said. Officer Oberheim was shot and killed at 3:20 a.m. May 19, 2021, while responding to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex in Champaign. He served with the Champaign Police Department for 13 years. In an emotional tribute to fallen officers, Comptroller Susana Mendoza said the job is too often thankless and the individuals willingly choose to take an oath to protect and serve people they have never met and are willing to give their life to protect others. This is a horribly difficult and painful thing, Mendoza said. Theres nothing any of us, certainly not us politicians, can say to make you feel better. Mendoza said she believes its important that all officers take care of their mental and physical well-being due to the toll the job can take. She shared the story of her brother, who worked at the Chicago Police Department for more than 20 years on third shift, didnt always make the healthiest lifestyle choices and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In November 2020, Mendoza said her brother was hospitalized for more than 17 days with COVID-19 and struggled with life-threatening conditions, such as a stroke and losing both kidneys. She said he survived and is slowly recovering, but that his life will never be the same. Mendoza said she wants every officer to understand that youre human and its OK to ask for help when needed and to lean on others for support, and that mental and physical well-being should be the utmost priority. Speakers went on to give thanks to officers for making immense, and even sometimes ultimate, sacrifice to protect those in and around their community. Pritzker also recognized Knox County Deputy Nicholas Weist, who was killed in the line of duty April 29, 2022. According to a news release from the Illinois State Police, Weist was responding to an emergency call about an individual with a gun at a Circle K Gas Station in Galesburg when he was hit and killed by the suspect vehicle as he was setting out spike strips. Each of these officers' communities has been forever altered, teams forever bereaved, families that will never be made whole again, Pritzker said. The names of the fallen officers will be engraved on the memorial statue that sits on the west lawn of the State Capitol. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 KEWANEE A western Illinois man was attacked and killed by his own dog, police say. Juan Ruiz, 66, of Kewanee, died April 29 after he was attacked while breaking up a fight between his pit bull and another dog in his home, Kewanee Police Chief Nicholas Welgat said Monday. Henry County Coroner Melissa Watkins said that no autopsy was performed because it was evident Ruiz died from wounds sustained in the attack. Ruiz reported the attack to his family, which was out of town and advised him to seek medical attention, police said. He told them he had bandaged his wounds and that he was OK. When they returned around midnight, they found Ruiz dead. The second dog is still being evaluated and treated for injuries and could be released back to owners after 10 days, the Kewanee Star Courier reported. The breed of the second dog isn't clear. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The 1.5 % electronic transfer levy was implemented on 1st May 2022. In practical terms, this will increase mobile money transfer fees to 2.25% for customers who transact amounts greater than GHS100.00 per day. Vodafone Cash customers, however, will only be required to pay the 1.5 % e-levy as the Telco continues to waive ALL transfer fees to any network. Vodafone Cash customers can send any amount to other mobile money users across the various networks and only pay the mandatory 1.5% e-levy, instead of the expected 2.25% transaction fees charged by other Telcos. Since the implementation of the e-levy on 1st May 2022, Ghanaians have shared numerous positive comments and commendations on social media concerning Vodafone Cashs continued free transactions initiative. In July 2020, Vodafone Cash took the unprecedented step of waiving all charges on any Vodafone Cash transfers to reduce the financial burden on customers brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commenting, Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, said: At Vodafone, we understand that our customers are faced with financial difficulties due to the economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This free service will help our customers navigate these challenges. We want our customers to confidently send money, be it for accessing health services, educational purposes, or urgent remittances to family and loved ones in remote parts of the country without worrying about transfer charges. We are excited that this service has brought great financial relief to our customers and small businesses across the country. Vodafone Cash has earned a name for itself by providing leadership through innovative financial products. In 2021, the free transfer service was awarded the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG) Product of the Year, and won the Most Innovative Product of the Year at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards (GITTA). Prior to this initiative, Vodafone Ghana was the first network operator to allow customers to continue to enjoy free charges on interoperability transactions (transactions to other networks) below GHS100.00 even after the Bank of Ghana lifted a directive for operators to waive the charges. To send money to other networks, Vodafone Cash subscribers should dial *110#, select option one Send Money, select option two Other Networks and follow the steps. Customers who have not subscribed to the service yet can simply dial *558# to register. Non-Vodafone customers can purchase a SIM card from any Vodafone Agent or Retail Shop, register with a Ghana Card and then activate their cash wallet. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 22-year-old drivers mate has been remanded into Police custody by the Asante Juaben Circuit court for defiling a 15-year-old girl at Kenyase-Bosore in the Kwabre East Municipality. Abdul Ganiru Adamu was said to have defiled the girl in her parents bedroom and afterwards took away large sumS of money and other valuable items from the room. He pleaded not guilty and would reappear before the court presided over by Nana Asantewaa Attakorah on May 13, this year. Police Chief Inspector Effah told the court that the complainant was the father of the victim, who was a JHS one student. He said the victim resides with her parents at Bosore, while the accused was a former employee of the complainant. The prosecution said on December 13, 2021, at about 1100 hours, the accused went to the complainants house and met the victim and her three-year old sister in the house. Mr Effah said the accused lured the victim into her parents room and had sexual intercourse with her leaving her bleeding badly. The prosecution said after the act, the accused tied the victim unto the bed and gagged her. He then ransacked the room and took away GHc 12, 000.00 belonging to the complainant and bolted. According to the prosecution, the victim managed to untangle herself and informed some young men who were working on a nearby house. Chief Inspector Effah said one of the workers used his phone to call the complainant to inform him of what had happened to the daughter. The prosecution said the complainant then informed one of his employees called Antwi, to inform the Kenyasi police. The prosecution said while Antwi was on his way to the Police station, the accused called and informed him that he had stolen huge sums of money from the complainant so he (Antwi) should come for enjoyment. Chief Inspector Effah said on April 26, this year, the accused was spotted at Meduma and was arrested by the Kenyasi Police. He said the accused admitted the offence in his cautioned statement and was charged and brought before the court. 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 Chicago police are questioning a person of interest following the fatal hit-and-run involving a 22-year-old bicyclist on Wednesday night as bike advocates sound the alarm for the number of car-related deaths to cyclists in the city this year. Nick Parlingayan, 22, of Chicago, was at least the third bicyclist fatality in 2022 when he was struck by a vehicle in the 3800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in the Old Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side around 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, law enforcement said. Advertisement And thats three too many, according to advocates for better biking infrastructure and safety. My message to the city is that paint in plastic posts are not (enough) protection for people who are biking, said Courtney Cobbs, co-founder of Better Street Chicago. People who live in the area have said that the bike lane has faded in that area and that recent construction has made biking in the area even more dangerous than it already was before. Advertisement Meanwhile, a person is being questioned, Chicago police said Thursday evening. No charges have been announced. Investigators were looking for a black Nissan that was likely a 2020 to 2022 model, according to police. The Nissan should have front passenger bumper damage as well as headlight damage, police said. If the vehicle is located, authorities ask people to call 911 with information. A small memorial is started on the 3800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago's Old Irving Park neighborhood where a bicyclist was killed on May 5, 2022. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) Parlingayan was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition, officials said, but was pronounced dead at 10:10 p.m. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chicago has had an average of about six bicyclist deaths per year since 2016, said Ken McLeod, policy director of the American League of Bicyclists, which is based in Washington. (Chicago) had an average of nearly 47 pedestrians killed each year, McLeod said. In 2020, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chicago had eight bicyclist deaths, which is the most that its had from 2016 to 2020. And if you ask me, that is a big number for a city. Although no official data from NHTSA is available for 2021 yet, Streetsblog Chicago reported that there were 10 bicyclists deaths on surface streets through their Fatality Tracker. More than 1,200 people lost their lives in preventable bicycle incidents in 2020 (in the U.S), which was a 16% increase compared to 2019, said Heidi Simon, senior program manager of mobility safety strategy at the Itasca-based National Safety Council. Over the past decade, preventable bicycle deaths have increased 44%. Simon said protected bike lanes, physical barriers and appropriate speed limits will all make bike lanes safer for cyclists. And Cobbs, of Better Street Chicago, said that infrastructure changes for biking are critical for these collisions to be prevented. Advertisement Im hoping that the city doesnt just sigh and look at this as like, Oh, thats really unfortunate and chooses not to do anything, Cobbs said. We need to respond to these preventable incidents by fixing the streets and making them truly safe for people. The hit-and-run remains under investigation by the major accident investigation team. Anyone with additional details or surveillance video is asked to call 312-745-4521. The Government of Ghana has reiterated the need for a collaboration between the media and state actors to fight the spate of disinformation in the country and address once for all the poor economic conditions of journalists. This comes at the back of the downgrade in Ghanas 2022 press freedom ratings by International Ratings Agency, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) from 30th to 60th. The dip in the ranking was largely influenced by two of the new parameters introduced by the RSF, namely, the Economic Context and Safety of Journalists where the country scored 47.22% and 62.25% respectively. Responding to the ratings for the first time, Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged that to address the RSF concerns, a lot more needs to be done particularly by stakeholders in the media space to up Ghana's rankings on the new model. He said one of the ways to address the concerns is for state actors to work in collaboration with the National Media Commission (NMC) to deepen the execution of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists to oversee the safety of journalists. This the Minister said the newly created office needs a lot more support than it is currently given by stakeholders to function properly. The Minister also maintained that on the governments part, it will continue to lend support to media associations to improve the working and economic conditions of journalists. However, he called on stakeholders to also assist this exercise towards creating sustainable incomes for media men and women in the country. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has reacted to the Supreme Courts dismissal of an application seeking to injunct the implementation of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). The MP, one of the vocal persons against the tax handle, posted a cryptic message on his social media handle, employing the proverbial Lady Justice. According to him, there is a reason the Lady Justice is blindfolded but in Ghana, the blindfold appears to be off. He referred to Ghana as Umofia a proverbial reference first used by Nigel Gaisie. Lady Justice, who holds the scales of justice and a sword is blindfolded. In dispensing justice, she must be blind to the power, wealth, status or politics of any party before her. The blindfold appears to be off in Umofia, the lawmaker tweeted with a photo of the Lady Justice. Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and two colleague MPs filed an application against the passage of the E-Levy. But on May 4, the court via a 7 0 decision dismissed a move to injunct the implementation of the Levy that started on May 1. Haruna, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Mahama Ayariga are challenging the constitutionality of the processes leading to the passage of the E-Levy law. The substantive case is yet to be heard even though the implementation injunction has been dismissed. Government through the Ghana Revenue Authority, GRA, on May 1 started implementing the 1.5% charge on mobile money and other electronic transactions. According to the court, Ghana stood to suffer greatly if they granted the injunction against the implementation of the levy even if temporarily. The panel was composed of Nene Amegatcher as President, with the other justices being: Mariama Owusu, Professor Ashie Kotey, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, Lovelace Johnson, Yonny Kulendi, and Professor Henrietta Mensah Bonsu. Lady Justice, who holds the scales of justice and a sword is blindfolded. In dispensing justice, she must be blind to the power, wealth, status or politics of any party before her. The blindfold appears to be off in Umofia. pic.twitter.com/kDKhLIYP2c Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) May 4, 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 Mr. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast South Constituency has urged all, particularly Muslims to make their religion a springboard for national peace and co-existence. He said the essence of the Muslim fast must be felt across all areas especially in the promotion of peaceful co-existence among all types of religions. He was speaking in Cape Coast at the Festival of Eid-ul Fitr, festival celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan, the one-month fasting period. He congratulated all Muslims for their steadfastness in the fasting and praying, adding that he believed the results of their prayer would be felt in all aspects of national development. The MP further urged Muslims to commit leaders of the country in the hands of God for divine wisdom in ruling the people of Ghana. Alhaji Alhassan Kofi Ansu, Cape Coast Circuit Ahmadiyya Muslim Missionary, said the essence of their fast was to spiritually equip themselves on their religious journey most especially on the need to keep their faith alive in the fear of Allah. He underscored the need for all to sit and analyse critically their purpose for the fasting and prayer was fulfilled as Muslims The fast and prayers, he said was an all-important aspect of Islamic worship when everybody desired to be presented sinless, faultless, and blameless before the almighty Allah. He said fasting must bring a total transformation to the life of every Muslim adding it is a special season of cleansing, which means these cleansing must be felt in our attitude and in our old, bad way of living. Whatever thing you stopped doing during Ramadan must be continued and built upon for your own good, so that you may please God and stay peacefully in the society in which you live, he said. He urged all to see the need to contribute their quota to national development, peace building and coexistence. Living together with all others whether Christian or traditionalist was an integral part of their religion, Alhaji Ansu said and urged all to be law abiding and peace loving. He further said, the society we live in, is where Allah has planted us, lets do our bit to ensure that we are at peace with each other for development to thrive. 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 The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has cautioned journalists to be wary of their news reportage about individuals against the background of media freedom. Mr. Acquah, formally a media practitioner, said the fact that the media is considered the Fourth Estate of the Realm it does not grant the journalist an unchecked power to the extent of tarnishing the image any member of the public. According to him, the journalist in the face of the freedom, has a responsibility which must be fulfilled in the discharge of his duties. I must say that the freedom of the journalist is very important but the journalist must know that every right comes with responsibility he stressed in an interview granted Ahenkan FM in Oda. Explaining his point, the MP said journalists have the capability to ruin the reputations of people, however, the victim of such treatment may have options available including rejoinder to address the issue but may be faced with many limitations going forward. Lets say you are a politician and the journalist speaks about you disparagingly, and you want to prove your worth, you should be able to issue a rejoinder. But the extent to which the reputation of the person may have been damaged, how would the politician be able to exhaustively explain himself with the rejoinder? So, at the end of the day if we want to rely on the provisions of the rejoinder and allow the journalist to publish or broadcast whatever he so desires, then we are failing ourselves, Mr. Akwasi Acquah said. Meanwhile, Ghana has relapsed to a problematic state from a state of satisfactory on the situational index recorded in the latest press freedom rankings. This was arrived at after the the index saw the country drop 30 places to the 60th position out of 180 countries that were studied. The massive drop makes the ranking the lowest to be recorded by the country. According to Reporters Without Borders, the association responsible for compiling the rankings, Ghana scored 67,43 which is the third heaviest drop after ranking 66th in 2005 and 67th in 2002. The report was released to commemorate International Press Freedom Day. 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 The Elections Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Thursday announced the long awaited national and regional elections will be held simultaneously on Friday, June 24, 2022, at all designated polling centres across the country. The list of polling centres and a detailed calendar of activities are to be advertised in the media in the coming days. A press release issued by the association Thursday morning said the finalisation of the election date follows the successful resolution of petitions submitted before the GJA Elections Adjudication Committee (EDAC. The election process will begin with the publication of the GJA register in the national dailies on Monday, May 9, 2022. A copy of this list will be circulated to all Regional Branches, Chapters and media houses at least (30) calendar days before the election. This will be followed by an engagement with officials of the Electoral Commission of Ghana to discuss the entire Election and Electoral Processes. In the meantime, the Vetting of Candidates by the Panel set up by the Election Committee, has begun its formative work and will come up with Rules of Procedure for the activity. This will be published shortly. The Panel has the following as members: Col. M'bawine Atintande (rtd) - Chairman Mr. Osei Kwadwo Adow Esq- Member Mrs. Vicky Wireko-Andoh - Member Ms. Doris Adabasu Kuwornu - Member Dr. Ebo Afful - Member Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko - Member/Secretary The press release said after the national and regional vetting, successful candidates will be formally introduced to members of the association, and that the elections committee is in the process of setting up a platform to facilitate the campaigning process by the candidates. It is anticipated that the elections will be held at both the national and regional level on Friday, June 24, 2022 and the results declared that same day. The Swearing in of the National and Regional Executives will be held on Thursday June 30, 2022. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Cabinet has approved a policy on aflatoxin control in food and feeds to help protect human and animal health and also increase the incomes of food value chain actors in the country. The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Kwaku Afriyie, who made this known at a press briefing in Accra on May 4, 2022, said the policy, which was approved last year, would reduce aflatoxin in food and feed. According to him, his outfit in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Health were in the process of developing the policy. He said aflatoxin contamination was rife in the country, and that it could affect the exportation of grains if measures were not put in place to contain the situation. Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain moulds found in food that could cause liver damage and cancer. STEM policy Dr Afriyie said the ministry had also developed a science, technology and innovation (ST&I) policy to strengthen the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the country. He said the policy, which was currently under review, would effectively respond to emerging issues in science and technology and also cater for linkages to other sectors. The policy is being reviewed to incorporate government policy direction for the strengthening of STEM to effectively respond to emerging issues such as frontier technology and linkages to other sectors, especially education," Dr Afriyie added. He said the South African Department of Science and Innovation, through an Evi-Pol project, was providing technical support on some aspects of the review process, which would culminate in the revision of the national science, technology and innovation action plan, in line with the policy. Dr Afriyie further said that a space policy, which had also been approved by the Cabinet, would guide the use and development of space science technology (SST) for technological advancement towards sustainable development through education, cutting-edge research and commercialisation. He said the country was situated close to the Equator and, therefore, had to leverage its location to expand space science technology. Appiatse issue Touching on the recent dynamite explosion that resulted in the loss of lives and properties at Appiatse in the Western Region, Dr Afriyie said the ministry would provide both technical and financial support for the community. He said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had conducted two environmental impact assessment exercises to determine ammonium nitrate levels in the area and had given approval to the district assembly for work to begin. "The EPA is continuing with strict enforcement, as per its mandate, to prevent future explosions," the minister further said, adding that the agency was considering emergency escort services for licensed transporters and dealers in hazardous substances. Furthermore, he said, the MESTI, through the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), carried out surveys and prepared a local plan expected to house about 870 people on a 160-acre land. Empire Cement Responding to questions later on concerns about the operations of Empire Cement Ghana Limited, located at Weija in Accra, under unethical environmental conditions, Dr Afriyie said the committee he formed to look into the issue had just presented its report. He, however, declined to reveal the contents of the report to the media. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Mozambique is planning a new law that will regulate churches' activities, impose taxes on them, and require them to have a minimum number of 200 signatures in order to register. Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Minister Helena Kida said a government analysis had revealed warning signs amid a runaway proliferation of churches. Mozambique has a total of 900 officially registered religious denominations, but a lot more exist. The Christian Council of Mozambique (CCM) is backing most of the provisions of the proposed law, saying it recognizes that the government wants to "bring order". The provision to tax churches however worries the churches. Its an aspect that was talked about, but we didnt reach any consensus, says CCM President Felicidade Chirindza, noting that churches have never been taxed. Source: BBC 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. BRAND South Africas Country Head for the United Kingdom (UK), Pumela Salela, has again been recognised for her sterling work in managing the reputation of the country. Brand South Africa is the official custodian of South Africas nation brand with behind its drive in the UK. The hardworking Salela was awarded the prestigious Euroknowledge Leadership Award 2022 on April 9. Let me thank from the bottom my heart those who saw me fit to be deserving to have this award bestowed upon me, she said with doses of humility. It was totally unexpected and pleasantly surprisinged. , I was diligently doing my work when I received such correspondence from the organisers. The award is given specially to very dynamic business leaders with a great track record of creating and building great global institutions that have made far-reaching and positive contributions to several nations. Besides flying the South African higher in the UK, Salela has on many occasions spoken about how she has also prioritised positioning Africa to be force to be reckoned with in the world. I have travelled to about 37 African countries, and my goal is to travel to all of them. Africa is at the centre of my dreams vision and I know it is going to be possible for me to do this. I am someone whos very patriotic and love playing a role in showcasing Africa as a continent that is equally capable in the global space. Organisers of the prestigious Euroknowledge award lauded Salela when they said: This award is given specially to very dynamic business leaders with a great track record of creating and building great global institutions that have made far-reaching and positive contributions to several nations. Euroknowledge said it had had followed Salelas great leadership and business track ek record of building lives and top organization to achieve success. We are also beyond impressed that you continue to invest your resources, skills, experience into new ventures internationally, read the message. The Brand South Africas head in the UK was presented the world renowned Euroknowledge Leadership Award at The House of Lords, London United Kingdom at a glittering event that was graced by doyens of the business community, policy makers, entrepreneurs, politicians, opinion leaders and the media. What work of excellence motivated the organisers to bestow such a prestigious accolade on her? My role at Brand South Africa A is to market South Africa in the UK, attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa, mobilise Global South Africans (GSA) abroad and to manage the brand reputation of South Africa, said Salela. The high flying South African brand leaders star has always been among the brightest in the contienent. In 2018 she was featured as a Powerhouse in Destiny magazine. She is the 2018 recipient of the African Achiever Award. In 2019 she received the BRITISH Award for African Development. Prior to serving in this role Salela was the Chief Director for Economic Policy Development and Planning at the then Department of Economic Development in South Africa. The list of achievements goes on. The Rockefeller Foundation acknowledged Salelas contribution and innovation in formulating systems which address poverty by selecting her to be one of the 18 global recipients of its inaugural Global Fellowship on Social Innovation which made her the only South African to receive such an honour. Africas respected competitive identitynation brand specialist Pumela Salela also worked as a Consultant for the World Bank, based at the organisations headquarters in Washington D.C., United States. These were preceded by her meteoric rise at the then Department of Trade and Industry where she was a Director: Business Procvess Outsourcing (BPO) after she served time as a Deputy Director for Investment Promotion at the Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA). A thought leader on competitive identity, Salela has also been a lecturer in Strategic Brand Management at VEGA The School of Branding. This was based on a background solid with colourful academic credentials. She completed her MBA with distinction (cum laude) in England after receiving a Nelson Mandela Scholarship. Upholding the legacy of Africas global icon after whom the scholarship is named, the diligent and highly gifted Salela didnt just pass her examinations with distinction, but also received the Council Award for being the Best MBA student. She has since been elected the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Scholarship Alumni Association and a Mentor to the Graca Machel Scholars. Her lustre was canonised in 2013 when she was featured in the book with an apt title: South Africas Most Inspirational Women. And the 2018 recognition by Destiny was a follow up to her 2012 profile as one of South Africas Young and Powerful Achievers and the 2013 the showcase as one of the Top 40 young leaders, innovators and job creators in South Africa. Her passion for entrepreneurship is insatiable. She has also served as an On-air Advisor to investors on an Entrepreneurship Television Show called Rize Mzansi (Rise South Africa). With this experience, expertise and commitment to contributing to brand positioning South Africa as a viable destination for investment and tourism while at the same time helping to open market access opportunities for Made in South Africa service and product brands, nobody will have a whiff of doubt that our country is well represented in Salela. Source: Phathisani Moyo and Saul Molobi 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 Some fishers in the Cape Coast Metropolis have condemned the politicisation of premix fuel that was collapsing the work of artisanal fishers. According to them, the short supply of the commodity, mismanagement and the sharp decline in a fish caught over the years have increased hardship in fishing communities. Already, there is a shortage, t the little that comes is highly politicised, the culture of politicising everything is getting out of hands, we need to be treated equally, after all, it is not for free Mr Yaw Tenkorang, a Fisher at Abrofompoano in Cape Coast, said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Wednesday. He said it was unfortunate fishers have not been able to go for fishing expeditions in preparation for the closed season in July because of the short supply of fuel at landing beaches. Mr Suleiman Tahiru, a canoe owner noted that premix fuel diversion and the mismanagement of the distribution of premix fuel appeared to have reached their peak. Adding his voice, Nana Kweigyah, President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CAFGOAG) was worried about the politics in the sale of the fuel which he noted had remained the driving force behind the mismanagement of premix fuel. He said fuel supply and its related issues were a serious threat to the successful implementation of the 2022 closed fishing season. We look forward to the planned automation of the distribution and sale of premix fuel by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development to bring relief We also appeal to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the National Premix Committee to as a matter of urgency, engage the LBCs, investigate them and take the necessary action, he further added. 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 25-year-old man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the locker room of a public pool on the Northwest Side where they both worked as lifeguards in 2018, prosecutors said Thursday. Hector Coz appeared in court Thursday before Judge Charles Beach, who set bond at $275,000. Coz, who is charged with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, will need to pay $27,500 in order to be released until his next court date on May 25. Advertisement Coz became the second person charged criminally in the wake of a scandal at the Chicago Park District that led to the resignation of CEO Mike Kelly. The Park Districts Office of Inspector General in 2021 detailed a probe into assault and harassment allegations in the lifeguard program over several years. At least seven cases of alleged sexual assault were reviewed, according to a report on the matter, and some 15 employees were fired, resigned or were asked to step down. The inspector general also found leadership failed to act on accusations within the program. Advertisement Charged last year was onetime Park District lifeguard supervisor Mauricio Ramirez, who was accused of the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. In court Thursday, Coz was also ordered on electronic monitoring. Youll be on house arrest in Cook County. You cant leave unless Sheriff Dart gives you permission, Judge Beach told Coz. Coz and the alleged victim first met in summer 2018 when the girl was 17 and she began working at the Park Districts Jefferson Park pool, where Coz was her supervisor and in charge of scheduling shifts. Coz would often make sure they worked together, prosecutors said. At first, Coz began making inappropriate comments, according to the allegations. Around July or August 2018, they worked the same morning shift when only a few people would be at the pool. One day, just before work, she went into the girls locker room to change and when she opened the door to leave, Coz allegedly was standing there. He walked into the locker room with her and locked the door and began sexually assaulting her while pinning her against a locker, according to prosecutors. She said no multiple times, but the assault continued until she was able to get away, prosecutors said. Advertisement The teen didnt initially tell anyone about it, but in August 2020 she told another female lifeguard, also employed by the Chicago Park District. This lifeguard allegedly told her that Coz had touched her the same way, and also in the same locker room, back in 2016, prosecutors said. Before making his ruling, Judge Beach noted that while no charges had been filed with the earlier victim, that victims situation lent credibility to what allegedly happened to the current victim, who is now 21. Additionally, Beach said Coz, who was in a position of power made sure he would be isolated with the victim and by locking the door, he was further able to confine her. A public defender representing Coz said this was his first arrest and he lives in Naperville with his fiancee. Formerly he did live in Cook County for about nine years. After graduating from Prosser Career Academy in 2015, he attended Illinois State University, where he studied to be a Spanish translator, the public defender said. Coz is employed, and also volunteers as a DJ for community events. The public defender contended there was no physical evidence the assault happened and the complaint made by the victim was delayed. rsobol@chicagotribune.com The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has urged the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to educate the public on the importance of the neutrality allowance to its members. The CLOGSAG on April 21, 2022, declared an indefinite strike to press home their demand for the government to pay the neutrality allowance as agreed in January this year. Some persons and labour unions have criticised the action by the CLOGSAG and the justification for asking to be paid neutrality allowance for their inability to partake in partisan politics as civil and local government staff. Mr Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General of the GFL, however, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Tema that the CLOGSAG must sensitise the public on why its members deserved to receive the allowance and its importance to the successful running of government. Mr Koomson said: The CLOGSAG must let the public understand that the controversial neutrality allowance has nothing to do with the political affiliation of any civil servant. Because by the terms of employment, civil servants are debarred from showing political biases on the job. According to him, the tag of the allowance to neutrality was a wrong description adopted by the government to provoke public condemnation of it. He also called on other labour unions, especially those with membership from public institutions to throw their support behind the demand of the CLOSAG as they also stood to benefit when implemented. He said raising issues against the neutrality allowance by the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), and Public Service Workers Union (PSWU) was wrong, as that would affect negotiations between CLOGSAG and the government on the issue. It was not proper for workers organizations like TUC and PSWU to publicly complain about benefits to be enjoyed by counterparts to undermine the ongoing negotiations between CLOGSAG and government, he stated. The GFL Secretary-General indicated that strategically, the best approach was for the TUC, and PSWU to have waited for the implementation of the allowance for CLOGSAG members, and then other public sector workers could legitimately demand an extension of the allowance to cover their departments and sectors. Meanwhile, Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena, the Head of Civil Service, has affirmed that CLOGSAG members and other public servants have contributed immensely to the development of the country and must, therefore, be given what they deserved. He indicated that the neutrality allowance has been a matter of discussion since 2019, adding that out of 48 proposed allowances tabled by CLOGSAG, only eight were accepted by the government and consolidated into what has come to be known as the neutrality allowance. 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 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yofi Grant, has called for strong collaboration among stakeholders in the housing space to help bridge the country's over 1.8 million housing deficit. He explained that the efforts should precede the creation of a robust housing industry that thrive on a solid policy with inputs from all stakeholders. Opening a breakfast meeting by the GIPC- United Nations Development Programme in Accra, Mr Grant said the most compelling evidence of progress in an economy was housing and shelter because housing was a critical element of development. "We have got to a point where we need to engage constructively to build a housing industry that will serve the people and bring hope for prospective home buyers," he said. The breakfast meeting brought together various stakeholders to identify and explore cooperative action plans for attracting investments to bridge gaps in the housing and infrastructure sectors. It hosted speakers such as CEO of the National Home Ownership Fund, Dela Zumanu; Managing Partner of KPMG, Risk Consulting, Kwame Barnieh, and CEO of Saka Homes, Kwadwo Saka. Focus on housing Mr Grant noted that for the country to bridge its infrastructure gap, it needed approximately $9.3 billion every year with 20 per cent directed to the housing sector. It means that there is a need for significant investment in the infrastructure and housing sector. Inasmuch as the government was committed to focus on infrastructure such as roads and railways, housing is very important, he said. Little impact A Director at the Ministry of Works and Housing, Rev. Stephen Yaw Osei, stated that attempts by successive governments to address the housing needs of the citizens had had little impact. He said the housing sector had not adequately met the housing needs of the masses especially the low-to-middle income groups. That, he said, had resulted in a housing deficit currently estimated in excess of 1.8 million housing units. He said that had made accessibility and affordability the key factors affecting the housing sub-sector in the country. The 2021 Population and Housing Census report on housing characteristics has revealed that approximately 12.7 per cent of the total structures counted were vacant housing units, giving a clear indication that our housing supply has outpriced the average person in Ghana and failed to address the housing needs of a significant segment of our society, he said. He said statistics revealed that 60 per cent of Ghanas urban population would need some form of government intervention to support them get access to housing He said there was the need for direct government support to provide housing targeted at the 60 per cent urban population in short to medium term and the remaining 35 per cent in the long term. Infrastructure growth The Deputy United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Ghana, Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, stated that numerous studies including ones conducted by UNDP had proven that infrastructure growth and services could play a critical role in economic growth and poverty reduction-and also enhance human security, particularly of poor people This, he said, could be done by contributing to their food security, job security, health security community security, personal security, and environmental security. Today we are here to look at the emerging investment opportunities in the areas of housing and infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Works and Housing, Ghana has a housing gap of about 85,000 housing units yearly, and this number is on the rise with an average annual population growth rate at 1.9 per cent, he added. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Russia has lost its first female soldier during the war in Ukraine after a frontline medic was killed by mortar fire in the battle for Mariupol. Valentina Galatova, 27 and a mother-of-one, died fighting in the Black Sea port city last month though her death was only confirmed by Russian media on Wednesday. Galatova was born in Siberia but moved to Voronezh, around 170 miles north-west of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, when she was young. Galatova studied psychology in Donetsk and graduated in January this year. Her husband, who was serving in the armed forces of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, died in cross-border fighting with Ukrainian forces last year. After Putin attacked Ukraine for a second time in February this year, Galatova volunteered for the DPR armed forces and was sent into Ukraine. Read Full Story .... dailymail.co.uk >>> : 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 commercial driver, Bright Boso, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing harm to his girlfriend, Grace Amezando, by attacking her with acid. Justice Lydia Osei Marfos Court after convicting the accused person imposed the sentence which is to be served in hard labour. The Court as part of its judgment observed that the victim, Grace Amezando, as a result of the acid attack, suffered serious injuries and would require an urgent surgical procedure in order to save her eyesight to prevent her from going blind. I plead with civil society and philanthropic organisations to help fund the surgery cost of the victim is about GHC60,000.00; GHC6,000.00 of which is needed immediately to restore her sight before she goes blind, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo said in her ruling. Brief facts of the case The brief facts of this case according to the prosecution are that the victim Grace Amezando is a 24-year-old woman who used to be in a romantic relationship with the accused Bright Boso, a commercial driver. The victim cohabited with the accused in a kiosk on undeveloped land in Christian Village, Accra and they have two children. Sometime in December 2020, Boso, accused the victim of cheating on him with one Gyan who lived in their neighbourhood. On 11 May 2021, the accused and the victim quarrelled over the same issue and the victim left the house. She joined a bus heading towards Ashongman Estates but the accused followed her by joining the same bus. She alighted at the Ashongman Estate last stop and the accused did the same. He then verbally abused her in public and told her that she was cheating on him because she was beautiful. Boso threatened her that she would soon look like an old woman. On 13 May 2021, the accused went to work and returned sometime after midnight (which was about 12:00 am on the 14h of May 2021). He entered their kiosk, poured an acidic liquid on the victim who was sleeping at the time and stepped out again. A few minutes after he had stepped out, the victim started feeling burning sensations on her skin and pain in her eye. The victim run out of the kiosk for help and she was rushed to the hospital and eventually referred to the Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment. She suffered an injury to the eye and burns on her face, chest, breasts and two arms. Upon his arrest, the accused admitted the offence and narrated how after repair work on the battery of his vehicle, he poured some of the acid taken out of his battery and stored it in a container. He also stated that he poured the acid he had collected on the victim when he returned from work after midnight on 14 May 2021. 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 Former Mayor of Tamale, Iddrisu Musah affectionately called Musah Superior, has condemned the General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu for reportedly describing him as proud. John Boadu who is seeking re-election, and speaking in an interview on Neat FM's 'Me Man Nti' programme said: "you've not brought a pesewa to support the party . . . what was your relationship with the party? when you were given the position what did you do? No party member could even go to his office". Musah Superior speaking on the same platform said it doesn't matter the words used by John Boadu to describe me; "I'm very humble, I'm not arrogant". "I'm surprised that a General Secretary will describe a fellow party member as arrogant . . . I'll leave that and allow the public to judge him. He should check himself . . . " . . but I'm not ready to get into the gutter with him. He's not able to defend his record so the only thing for him is to come at me. Make your case and stop calling people arrogant". Meanwhile, John Boadu is facing strong competition from about four other candidates including Musah Superior. 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 It may well be a flashback of the similar political environments between Ghana in 2022 and Ghana in the early years of the countrys independence when discussions around a one-party state were being deliberated on under Kwame Nkrumah. In Ghana today, the conversations are predominantly around the unestablished, yet undeniable fact that there are only two main political parties in the country, and while the other smaller political parties in the country reject any such existence, it would not be the first time any such thing would occur. In a video shared on YouTube by Adeyinka Makinde and attributed to Getty Images, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, the leader of the United Party, which was the main opposition party in early Ghana, speaks about what he thought of the idea of a one-party state. I have no doubt from recent events and from what has been said in Ghana by members of the government is that the aim is to have a one-party state. My belief is, and the reason why I continue in the opposition is, that we will in the end be able to stop this. We will continue to organize and agitate until, and keep in the forefront as we are doing now, before people in Ghana and before the world, that a one-party state tramples upon civil liberties, he said in the video. From 1969 to 1972, Kofi Abrefa Busia was the Prime Minister of Ghana, but continued with NLC's anti-Nkrumaist stance and adopted a liberalized economic system. The Alliance Compliance Order which forced about half a million Nigerians out of Ghana and the devaluation of the cedi by 44 per cent in 1971 met with a lot of resistance from the public. 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 presidential hopeful seeking to represent the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has held a rally inside a river in Ondo state. Sowore had, on March 1, declared his intention to contest the presidency. He was also the candidate of the AAC in the 2019 general election. Sowore, who was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on August 2, 2019, was granted bail by different courts, but the agency had failed to release the activist until December 2019. In October 2019, a federal high court in Abuja had granted a N100 million bail to Sowore, convener of #RevolutionNow Movement. Source: today.ng 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 Simon Cowell is reportedly set to tie the knot with his fiancee Lauren Silverman next month. According to The Sun, the Britain's Got Talent judge, 62, has set the date for June and their son Eric, eight, will be 'front and centre'. A source told the publication: 'Simon cannot wait to have Lauren as his wife and didn't see the point in delaying it. He has taken charge of the planning and the date has been set for June. 'The ceremony is going to take place in London, with their son Eric front and centre, naturally. 'It's been a long time coming and now Simon wants to get Lauren up the aisle as quickly as he can.' Simon Cowell proposed to his socialite girlfriend Lauren, 44, on Christmas Eve in Barbados. He said he decided to propose to his long-time girlfriend in January after feeling like they were already engaged while living together during lockdown. He also described the Covid-19 pandemic as a 'make or break' moment for relationships and said lockdown helped him and Lauren to grow closer and realise how much they get on. Simon, who has never been married, admitted that he can't see himself dating ever again as he leaves his bachelor lifestyle behind to tie the knot with Lauren. He told The Sun: 'I also just couldn't see myself ever dating anyone again. The idea of going out on a first date now is too weird.' The Britain's Got Talent judge revealed another reason he decided to propose was because he felt it was the right thing to do for their son Eric. 'For Eric, as he gets older, he will be asked more and more about his parents, and I thought it was the right thing to do for him,' he added. American socialite Lauren also has son Adam, 16, from her previous relationship with businessman Andrew Silverman. 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 Ghanaian actor, Anthony Woode has opened up about his fears on set in a movie he shot with renowned actress and producer Yvonne Nelson. Mr Woode has revealed that upon receipt of a script, he realised there will be a kissing scene and it was to happen with no other than Miss Nelson. As someone who was shooting with one of the big women in the business, he needed to put out a good impression. He, therefore, had to brush his teeth a couple of times just to ensure he had a good breath before the shot. Mr Woode who has been featured in the lead role in YN productions new movie, Fifty-Fifty which premieres on May 21, 2022, disclosed this in an interview on Accra-based Pluzz FM. I remember when we were shooting the film before we went on set, I read the script and realised I had to kiss Yvonne Nelson. I played the role but I had to brush my teeth a couple of times before I shot that scene, he said amid laughter. Anthonys revelation comes a few months after Yvonne narrated how she declined a kissing scene over an actors mouth odour. According to her, she perceived the mouth odour during rehearsal and immediately requested the director to edit the script. This she explained was because she couldnt put herself in an uncomfortable situation because an actor failed to observe personal hygiene. Source: Gertrude Otchere 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 Chicago police officers investigate the scene of a double homicide on the steps of Friendship Baptist Church on Aug. 13, 2017, in the Austin community. Emmanuel Fleming was one of two men gunned down on the steps of the West Side church and was a witness to a 2016 fatal shooting. In 2016, Fleming was wounded in a July shooting near the church. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune) A woman who was present when her brother was slain nearly six years ago has filed a federal lawsuit against the Cook County states attorneys office after she was thrown in jail for weeks for failing to answer a subpoena to participate in trial prep against the accused killer. The lawsuit filed by Latoya Ware in U.S. District Court on Wednesday centers on a common practice in the Cook County criminal justice system where prosecutors get judges to issue court-ordered subpoenas to witnesses to get them to come in for interviews in advance of a criminal trial. Advertisement The suit alleged prosecutors have been systematically abusing the subpoena process by threatening witnesses with contempt and jail time if they fail to comply, even though the case was not on trial on the day they were being ordered to give testimony. (Ware) is not the only victim of the Cook County states attorneys illegal practice of issuing fake subpoenas for court dates that do not exist, the suit stated, Rather, the practice is widespread and routine and has been for many years. Advertisement Ware, 20, who has a 2-year-old daughter, alleged prosecutors violated her constitutional right barring unlawful searches and seizures. She wound up testifying this week when the case went to trial at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. In all, she was held for about three weeks without bond at Cook County Jail, where she was separated from her family without due process and subjected to possible COVID-19 infection, according to the suit. Wares attorney, Scott Rauscher of the Loevy & Loevy law firm, wrote in the lawsuit that the states attorneys office should have been focused on bringing the killer of Wares brother to justice and providing her with the support that victims of crime and their families need. Instead, the (prosecutors) victimized her all over again, Rauscher said. In addition to monetary damages for Ware, the suit seeks an order barring the states attorneys office from issuing prep subpoenas or effectuating arrests based on alleged noncompliance with such subpoenas in the future. A spokesperson for States Attorney Kim Foxx was not immediately available for comment. The lawsuit was filed the day after Ware testified in the trial of Eric Black, who is accused of fatally shooting her brother, Artivis Gladney, 18, and wounding another man, Emmanuel Fleming, outside a house party on the West Side in July 2016. With scores of murder cases to handle each year, it is extremely common for prosecutors to subpoena witnesses to come to the Leighton Criminal Court Building for trial preparation, and it is not unheard of for judges to throw them in jail if they dont comply. Advertisement The 2019 trial of two men for 9-year-old Tyshawn Lees murder presented an extreme example. The Tribune reported at the time that Judge Thaddeus Wilson ordered four prosecution witnesses into custody ahead of trial after they failed to obey subpoenas. Some of them were locked up for weeks. Ware, meanwhile, was served at her home on Aug. 17 with a subpoena signed by Cook County Circuit Judge Peggy Chiampas, court records show. It ordered her to to appear to testify at 9 a.m. on Aug. 20 in Chiampas third-floor courtroom at the 26th and California courthouse to testify in the Black murder case. The document, however, further instructed her to please come to room 12B32 first which is a room within the states attorneys offices, not the courthouse itself. On the paper was also a routine but clear warning: YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN RESPONSE TO THIS SUBPOENA WILL SUBJECT YOU TO PUNISHMENT FOR CONTEMPT OF THIS COURT. After Ware failed to appear for the trial prep, prosecutors requested that Chiampas issue a no-bail warrant, which the judge did, according to court records. Ware was arrested on the warrant on Feb. 22, more than six months later, by Chicago police and ordered held without bond on a charge of indirect criminal contempt. In a hearing before Chiampas on March 4, Douglas Stoll, an assistant public defender, asked the judge to quash the subpoena because Ware had never refused to come to court to testify at the actual trial. Advertisement You can do a subpoena to require someone to appear in court, Stoll said, according to a transcript of the hearing. Trial prep is a completely other matter. My client has a right to not speak to anybody about this case except when sworn to testify before this court, before a jury, or a judicial hearing. In response, Assistant States Attorney Kimellen Chamberlain confirmed that issuing trial prep subpoenas is done every day in this building. Its an order to get trials ready to go to trial so that were not waiting until the date of trial, Chamberlain said, according to the transcript. She also said that Wares mother, Latanya, had been telling her daughter that there was a warrant out for her and that she should bring herself into court. Chiampas ruled that the subpoena was valid and ordered Ware continued to be held without bond, saying prosecutors had gone above and beyond to warn Ware of the consequences of not showing up. All Ms. Latoya Ware had to do was get in contact with the state, give them a heads-up. She didnt do that, Chiampas said. Ware remained in jail for another two weeks before Chiampas granted a motion to reduce the bond and she was released on electronic monitoring, according to court records. Advertisement The suit alleged that while Ware was on electronic monitoring, she received another subpoena from prosecutors, again for trial prep. That subpoena was eventually withdrawn after multiple requests by Ms. Wares counsel, and the original contempt charges were dismissed. Rauscher told the Tribune on Wednesday that Ware did wind up meeting with prosecutors to prepare for trial without another subpoena being issued. On Tuesday, nearly six years after her brothers killing, Ware finally took the witness stand in Blacks murder trial. Miss Ware, come right on in, Chiampas said in a courteous tone. Dressed in a light pink sweatshirt, Ware testified so quietly that Chiampas twice had to urge her to speak up. She said shed been sitting inside on a couch with a newborn baby in her arms on the night of July 17, 2016, when she heard an argument outside, and a minute or two later, loud noises. Gunshots, she said, in a hushed tone. Six or seven. Advertisement I remember me falling to the ground because I was trying to protect the newborn baby, she said. After I fell to the ground, I was on the ground for 30 to 35 seconds, then I got back up and I saw Emmanuel in the kitchen. He was holding his wounds. On further questioning from prosecutors, Ware said she did not remember ever speaking to detectives, much less telling police that she saw a shooter in a red sweatshirt aiming at her brother. Ware did remember hearing an ambulance, and going outside to see her brother on the ground. As prosecutors wrapped up their questioning, she leaned forward with her elbows on the witness stand. Did you ever see a man with a red sweatshirt that night? Chamberlain asked. I dont remember, she said. In all, Ware was on the witness stand for less than 15 minutes. Advertisement Chicago Tribunes Maria Paula Mijares Torres contributed. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com " " Women perform a traditional dance during Cinco de Mayo. Junko Richie/EyeEm/Getty Images Most Americans have heard of the holiday Cinco de Mayo, but not everyone knows what it celebrates. It is not, as some believe, Mexico's Independence Day. (That's September 16). The festivities that occur on the fifth day of May commemorate a battle that was fought almost 50 years after Mexico declared its independence from Spain a battle fought against the French in 1862. Cinco de Mayo (which literally means the fifth of May in Spanish) is actually a minor holiday in Mexico. But in cities across the United States wherever there are large groups of people of Mexican descent, you'll find Cinco de Mayo celebrations going on that honor Mexican culture and heritage. The fifth of May means partying in traditional Mexican style, but its significance goes beyond mariachi bands and pinatas. In this article, you will learn about the roots of Cinco de Mayo and how this holiday is celebrated in the U.S. Advertisement Cinco de Mayo History " " A young girl pulls a Mexican flag at a Cinco de Mayo parade on May 4, 2014, in Detroit, Michigan. Paul Warner/Getty Images After the 1846 Mexican-American War, in which boundaries were clarified after Texas became the 28th U.S. state, Mexico entered a period of political and financial hardship. The Mexican civil war lasted from 1858 to 1861 and left Mexico without a stable support structure. To supplement a deflated economy, Mexico borrowed a great deal of money from other countries. Among those countries were England, Spain and France. In 1862, all three European powers came to collect. Their navies arrived in Mexico to demand payment and land to settle the debts, but Mexico offered vouchers instead, essentially asking for more time. England and Spain accepted and went home; France invaded, seeking total control of Mexico. Under Napoleon III, French troops began at the shore and tried to make their way to Mexico City. Before they could get to the capital, they were stopped at the state of Puebla, where a major battle took place on May 5, 1862: La Batalla de Puebla. Outnumbered and outarmed, the Mexican soldiers at Puebla, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, managed to defeat the French forces. Ultimately, the Mexican victory at Puebla only delayed the French invasion of Mexico city, and a year later, the French occupied Mexico. But the Mexican men who fought at Puebla nonetheless defied the odds to defend its independence. Cinco de Mayo celebrates that bravery and determination, and commemorates Mexico's fight to ward off imperialist forces. The first celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the U. S. was in 1863, in Southern California, as a show of solidarity with Mexico against French rule. The French had supported the Confederate Army during the American Civil War that was going on at the same time. Zacapoaxtlas Local Indians from the Puebla region joined Zaragoza's army. With no formal military training, and little, if any, weaponry, the Zacapoaxtlas joined the Mexican soldiers to defeat the French forces. Advertisement Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in Mexico and the U.S. " " Martin Tellez (L) teaches his daughter Rebecca Tellez drum rhythms after participating in a performance depicting Aztec culture and history at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in Forest Lawn memorial park May 5, 2003, in Glendale, California. David McNew/Getty Images Cinco de Mayo is not a public holiday in Mexico, but it is observed there, most intensely in Puebla, where the actual battle took place. In Puebla, there is a reenactment of the battle. Men dress as French and Mexican soldiers and generals, and women wear the clothing of the soldaderos, the women who cooked for and looked after the soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry machetes and old gun-powder rifles, and the French soldiers carry bags with wine bottles sticking out. In other reenactments, fruit is used as ammunition, so the worst injury possible is an apple to the head. In addition to the parades, there are fiestas featuring Mexican food (like the regional specialty Mole Poblano), Mexican music, including mariachi bands, pinatas for the kids and fireworks at the end of the day. Tequila is not the drink of choice: It's agua fresca (fruit juices and flavored waters) [source: Avakian]. Cinco de Mayo became popular in the U.S. in the 1960s when Chicano activists in America raised awareness of the holiday, relating to it as a battle of indigenous Mexicans triumphing over imperialist European forces. In cities like San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, St. Paul, Chicago and Los Angeles, you'll find Cinco de Mayo celebrations featuring carnivals, street fairs and multiday festivals. Parades, food, dancing and music round out the festivities. There might also be hot pepper or jalapeno-eating contests and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants. The largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world is in Los Angeles. There, Cinco de Mayo festivities attract hundreds of thousands of people. Red, white and green the colors of the Mexican flag are the dominant tones on the blocks around City Hall, and a portrait of General Zaragoza adorns the stage where the mayor of Los Angeles delivers a speech in Spanish. In recent years, there has been some backlash about the Cinco de Mayo holiday from some Mexican-Americans objecting to its cultural appropriation by whites and other non-Hispanic Americans. (The holiday only came to national consciousness in 1989 in a Cinco de Mayo-themed ad for the Mexican beer Corona) [source: Yobage]. Today, almost every bar and Mexican restaurant in the U.S. has some kind of promotion for Cinco de Mayo and people will often don sombreros and fake mustaches to "get into the spirit" of the day. "Along with the ubiquitous use of stereotype in Cinco de Mayo, the holiday only celebrates Mexican culture as a consumable culture: Mexico is a drink, a taco, the lime in the Corona.... The awareness of Mexican culture simply serves as a guise for people to get drunk on a Tuesday night," wrote essayist Feliks Garcia in 2015. Others point out it's OK to celebrate at a Mexican restaurant but it sure wouldn't hurt to bone up on the history of the holiday and on Mexican culture in general. But please, no sombreros or fake accents. Advertisement Related Articles Advertisement More Great Links Advertisement Originally Published: May 1, 2019 Philippine social media has exploded with support for presidential election favorite Ferdinand Marcos Junior, driven by a massive misinformation campaign aimed at revamping the family brand and smearing his top rival. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA/AFP via Getty Images) Disinformation has already become an out-of-control monster on social media. From what started as a buzzword (along with its more informal term fake news), especially in the 2016 Philippine national elections, disinformation has ultimately controlled peoples opinions across all demographics. It comes in many forms from fake quote cards, manipulated images, spliced videos, and questionable news articles, to actual statements by our very own national leaders during their public speeches. This destructive monster, essentially, is on the loose. There have been some efforts by journalists and even volunteer fact-checkers to combat this growing monster. The likes of ABS-CBN, Rappler, and PhilStar are known for their regular fact-checking posts that attempt to counter especially viral or trending malicious and dubious posts. Rappler also holds regular fact-checking sessions with volunteers. While all these fact-checking efforts are incredible, we have to acknowledge that they are no longer enough. There have just become too many pieces of disinformation in the social media sphere. There can never be enough journalists and fact-checkers to fact-check all fake news. A Washington Post report published on April 12 cited research by scholars from the University of the Philippines that found that the Marcoses' online revisionism project dates back to as early as the 2000s, through the more popular social networking sites back then like Friendster, Flickr, and other now-defunct websites. The report said that, as far back as the 2000s, there has already been some messaging online that argued that the Marcos family has been unfairly maligned. This tells us that the kind of messaging that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is using today is nothing new. They have long been spreading content content that attempt to whitewash the atrocities of the Marcos regime especially during Martial Law that are favorable to them for around two decades by now. How do you combat something that has already become ingrained in millions of Filipinos minds for years now? Story continues This political strategy of using social media to spread disinformation becomes even more effective in social-media-savvy countries like the Philippines, where 68% of the country's population has access to the internet and where there are over 92 million recorded social media users. Per day, an average Filipino user spends 255 minutes on social media alone the most among Southeast Asian countries. These facts alone show that the country can really become susceptible to a political strategy that heavily uses social media. While all these fact-checking efforts are incredible, we have to acknowledge that they are no longer enough. There have just become too many pieces of disinformation in the social media sphere. There can never be enough journalists and fact-checkers to fact-check all fake news. To combat disinformation, social media platforms must step up and do more than just tagging or flagging dubious posts. After all, tagging or flagging questionable posts does not remove them entirely from the platform. More than just mere tagging and flagging, social media sites should urgently and automatically remove any post and all other posts that display the same words and images of the original post (surely social media sites AI tools can identify them) that violate their community guidelines. Sure, Facebook's parent company Meta may have recently announced that they have already taken down up to 400 accounts from the Philippines that were engaging in malicious activities ahead of the May election, but this is not enough as, surely, there are thousands more among the 91,000 users in the Philippines in mid-2021, or 2.93 billion active Facebook accounts worldwide as of early 2022. Again, social media platforms should urgently and automatically deactivate any account that is found to have been violating their community guidelines. Emerging AI tools like object detection and visual recognition can certainly be used by these platforms in quickly acting against any questionable content. Should the user behind an account that was taken down want to argue that their page and posts are valid, they can raise a claim to the site, and that is when the more detailed review happens. I know that there will be accusations of how this move will snub our democratic rights to free speech and how this might reflect digital terrorism, but this move will teach any user to understand whats right and whats wrong. Soon, social media platforms should be seen as bastions not only of free speech but also of intelligent and facts-based content creation. Ultimately, social media platforms should acknowledge that they are no longer just sites for fun and all. They have got a lot of content that hugely affects a nations political spectrum, hence they must see themselves more highly because they have really become an important and crucial institution already, whether they like it or not. Social media should act like they are the fifth pillar of democracy, or the Fifth Estate. They have become an important institution that affects many countries democracies and power, so it is only right to act pursuant to the protection of a nations democratic liberty. They need a dedicated effort to anticipate, understand, and implement imaginative, cross-functional solutions. Journalists Sheera Frankel and Cecilia Kang described it perfectly in their book An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebooks Battle for Domination. There, they said, Facebook needed to go on the offensive. It should no longer merely monitor and analyze cyber operations; the company had to gear up for battle. But to do so required a radical change in culture and structure. Journalists and fact-checkers should have a bigger role in all this. They must be working with social media sites in terms of accurately identifying which posts are not backed by accurate facts and information. Journalists and fact-checkers are the only persons who have the skills and work experience that are needed to do so. Social media companies should take a closer look at themselves and realize their impact on the world. I will go as far as saying that social media should act like they are the fifth pillar of democracy, or the Fifth Estate. In fact, a dedicated Wikipedia page has already been created to define non-traditional media including social media as such. They have become an important institution that affects many countries democracies and power, so it is only right to act pursuant to the protection of a nations democratic liberty. But can social media really act like they are the Fifth Estate? Historically speaking, Facebook, for one, always reminded itself that they are not a government or intelligence agency, hence it was not its place to insert itself in international relations. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, according to Frankel and Kang in their book and multiple reports for the New York Times, also never really minded politics too much. If a social media companys leadership is not interested and keen on acknowledging the cruciality of its role in nation-building, we have a problem. Juju Z. Baluyot is a Manila-based writer who writes in-depth special reports, news features, and opinion-editorial pieces for a wide range of publications. He covers cultures, media, gender, and the 2022 Philippine elections. The views expressed are his own. Watch more videos on Yahoo: Normal mouse stomach epithelium (above) versus epithelium with p57 overexpression (below) at day 3 post-injury with high-dose tamoxifen (HDT). The epithelium is stained for chief cells (magenta), neck cells (green), and proliferating cells (white). Credit: Lee/Koo/CellStemCell/IMBA. A stomach adult stem cell population can fulfill two distinct functions: either help with digestion under normal conditions or take the lead on injury response. Scientists at IMBA, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, demonstrate that these functions are two sides of the same coin. Upon injury, one molecular switch is enough to propel the stem cells from one state to the other. The findings, now published in Cell Stem Cell, could be instrumental in improving our understanding of gastric pathologies. The interest of scientists in adult stem cells resides in their ability to self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into all cell types making up the organ where they reside. Increasing evidence suggests that these are not the only functions of adult stem cells. Some may also play a key role in the normal functioning of organs, a phenomenon called homeostasis, while still maintaining their ability to regenerate damaged tissue upon need. Hence, adult stem cells are more complex than we might have thought, and we might only be starting to scratch the surface of their functional diversity and versatility. A specific adult stem cell population in the stomach body is called chief cells. These cells act as reserve stem cells under normal physiological conditions, meaning they do not divide but only secrete digestive enzymes. However, in the event of tissue damage, the cells suddenly switch to a rapidly proliferating state and regenerate the damaged tissue. "We knew that this behavior must depend on a switch, and we aimed to unveil the precise mechanism of this switch," states IMBA Group Leader Bon-Kyoung Koo, the corresponding author of the study. Normal mouse stomach epithelium in the absence of injury (homeostasis, left) and on day 3 post-injury with high-dose tamoxifen (right). The epithelial tissues are stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Credit: Lee/Koo/CellStemCell/IMBA. The researchers devised a robust action plan to answer their questions. Together with collaborators from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, U.S., and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Republic of Korea, they developed a mouse model to trace the effects of stomach tissue injury at a single-cell level. The team was thus able to characterize all the transcribed genes on a single-cell basis (an approach called transcriptome analysis) and trace the lineage of the cells in the regenerating mouse stomach tissue. "With this strategy, we identified one molecule, p57, as the potential molecular switch we had been looking for," states Ji-Hyun Lee, lead author and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Koo lab at IMBA. "We confirmed that, upon injury, the level of p57 rapidly decreases in the chief cells and that this is followed by a peak of proliferation within the chief cell lineage." To test their hypothesis further and strengthen their findings, the team overexpressed p57 in stomach organoids. This allowed them to induce a long-term reserve stem cell state in the organoids and an increased level of enzyme secretion. In other words, the high p57 levels in the organoids made the reserve stem cells behave more like mature, secretory chief cells, that do not proliferate. "Organoids are usually highly proliferative because of the growth factor cocktail that they need in culture. However, once we introduced p57, the organoids suddenly stopped growing," explains Lee. "In a second step, we reduced the expression of p57, and to our delight, the organoids started proliferating again," she carries on before summing up: "This means that the cells did not lose their stemness due to p57. They merely went into a reserve state, exactly mimicking our in vivo observations." Mouse stomach epithelium in the absence of injury (left) versus at day 3 post-injury (dpi3) with high-dose tamoxifen (HDT) (middle). Right: epithelium with p57 overexpression at dpi3 with HDT. The epithelium is stained for chief cells (magenta), neck cells (green), and proliferating cells (white). Below: Insets from the three panels above showing the pits of the gastric glands. Credit: Lee/Koo/CellStemCell/IMBA. The molecule p57 belongs to a larger family of proteins, the so-called CDK inhibitors, that inhibit the cell cycle and proliferation. Drugs with this function have been developed to treat some cancers. Hence, the team led by Koo and Lee tested the effect of other molecules of this family on stomach organoids to check if their findings are truly specific to p57. Unlike p57, the other molecules did not induce a reversible reserve stem cell state in the organoids but simply caused them to die. "Our findings show that p57 is a gatekeeper that imposes the reserve stem cell state of the stomach chief cells in homeostasis," says Koo, confirming that p57 is, indeed, the molecular switch they had been looking for. The findings could have an important impact on understanding gastric pathologies. Lee mentions one such known condition, spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM), a chronic condition known to be pre-malignant, or that could lead up to cancer. "Although SPEM is a chronic condition and our experimental setup only allows us to test the effects of acute injury, we now believe that SPEM is derived from the stomach chief cells. Hence, understanding the activation of these cells ultimately helps us understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of SPEM," says Lee. Explore further Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids Provided by IMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Credit: CC0 Public Domain The number of fires inside protected conservation areas across the island of Madagascar shot up dramatically when COVID-19 lockdowns led to the suspension of any on-site management for five months during 2020. The findings suggest that governments should consider keeping some staff in protected areas at all times as an "essential service", even during periods of health crisis and travel restriction, argue the scientists behind the study. They say that more attention must be paid to the management of protected areas, not just expanding their coverage, at the long-delayed convention to set international biodiversity goals later this year. Madagascar is a renowned biodiversity "hotspot", home to species such as its famous lemur populations that don't exist anywhere else. The island is also a frontline in the fight between wildlife protection and habitat loss. The study, published today in Nature Sustainability, is the first to gauge the effects of the pandemic on protected conservation areas. An international team of scientists led by Helsinki and Cambridge universities used historical and contemporary fire and weather data to predict rates of burning in Madagascar's protected areas for every month during 2012-2020. They compared this data modeling to counts of actual blazes collected by satellites to detect periods when fires raged far beyond what might be expected from the climate and previous patterns of burning. When the first lockdowns of 2020 halted the on-site management of protected areas, the numbers of firesmuch of it in threatened forest habitatsoared by 209% in March, 223% in April, 78% in May, 248% in June and 76% in July. However, burning quickly returned to normal levels as predicted by the modeling once management operations resumeddespite continued border closures and economic hardships as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Researchers describe this scale of burning inside protected areas as "unprecedented" in recent Malagasy history. The only comparable periods were during two spells of civil unrest in 2013 and 2018 in the run-up to elections, but even then the fieriest month was just a 134% increase in burning. "The disruption caused by COVID-19 clearly demonstrates the dramatic impact that interruptions to the management of protected areas can have on habitats," said senior author Prof Andrew Balmford from the University of Cambridge. "Over the last twenty years, excess fires in Malagasy protected areas have been limited to occasional blocks of one or two months. "When all staff were pulled out of protected areas in March 2020 the fires spiked dramatically and continued at a ferocious level for an unprecedented five months, falling away exactly as staff started to return," he said. While the team says they cannot know for sure what caused all the fires during the early months of COVID-19, lead author Dr. Johanna Eklund from the University of Helsinki said that local communities already struggling economically would have come under further pressure from lockdowns. "Madagascar has very high rates of poverty, and has a history of conflict between the livelihoods of vulnerable people and saving unique biodiversity," said Eklund, currently a visiting researcher at Cambridge. "The pandemic increased economic insecurity for many, so it would not be surprising if this led some to encroach on protected lands while on-site management activities were on hold." Eklund suggests that a lack of on-site patrolling to prevent any fires from spreading combined with communities resorting to "swidden"or slash-and-burnagriculture may be behind much of the spike in lockdown fires. These techniques clear vegetation for crops and cattle-grazing but are illegal inside protected areas. "Importantly, the study did not measure fires outside conservation sites, so we cannot measure how much protected areas actually mitigated burning compared to areas without protection," Eklund said. The team used imaging data from NASA satellite systems capable of detecting "thermal anomalies" and noted for near real-time fire management alerts. Eklund, who has conducted research in Madagascar for close to a decade, realized she could still remotely assist those protecting the forests. "Satellites pick up fires really well and show where protected areas are under pressure." Co-author Domoina Rakotobe, former coordinator for the Malagasy organization Forum Lafa, the network of terrestrial protected area managers, added: "The high levels of burning during the lockdowns clearly shows the value of on-the-ground management, with protected area teams working with communities to support local livelihoods and safeguard natural resources." Explore further Protected areas don't always boost biodiversity More information: Johanna Eklund, Elevated fires during COVID-19 lockdown and the vulnerability of protected areas, Nature Sustainability (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00884-x Journal information: Nature Sustainability Johanna Eklund, Elevated fires during COVID-19 lockdown and the vulnerability of protected areas,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00884-x Credit: Omar M Entiauspe NetoOmar M Entiauspe Neto, Steffen Reichle, Alejandro dos Rios, Ecology (2022). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3724 A trio of scientists, one with Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, another from Museo Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado and a third independent researcher, report evidence of several Bolivian river dolphins playing with a Beni anaconda in the Tijamuchi River in Bolivia. In their paper published in the journal Ecology, Omar Entiauspe-Neto, Steffen Reichle and Alejandro dos Rios describe photographs they took of the encounter. Bolivian river dolphins, as their name suggest, live in rivers rather than the ocean. They are related to the Amazon River dolphin and live in the Upper Madeira Basin of the Bolivian part of the Amazon. Little is known about these endangered dolphins due to the murkiness of the waterthey tend to spend most of their time below the surface. The Beni anaconda is a boa species known to live only in parts of Bolivia, in and around many of the same places as the Bolivian river dolphins. Adults are known to grow to approximately two meters in length. In this new effort, the researchers were conducting fieldwork when they observed several of the dolphins making unusual appearances above the surface of the river. Intrigued, they took multiple pictures. They did not realize that an anaconda was involved until they looked at the pictures in their lab. Analyses of the activity and the timeline involved showed that the dolphins were handling the snake in a way they described as playing with it, because they did not seem intent on eating it. Instead, they gave it to one another, passing it around. They also found that the dolphins played with it in different ways. At some points, they played with it in a synchronized way as they were carried downstream for approximately 80 meters, and at other times, play was individualized. They also noticed that the adult males in the group had grown sexually excited as they played with the snake. The researchers suggest the adults could have been using the opportunity to teach the younger members of their group more about the snake. They also noted that the snake was held underwater for long periods of time and that it did not appear to be moving, suggesting it had likely died during the encounter. Explore further Amazon river dolphins threatened by mercury pollution More information: Omar M. EntiauspeNeto et al, A case of playful interaction between Bolivian River Dolphins with a Beni Anaconda, Ecology (2022). Journal information: Ecology Omar M. EntiauspeNeto et al, A case of playful interaction between Bolivian River Dolphins with a Beni Anaconda,(2022). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3724 2022 Science X Network Cattle of the Dinka people in Juba, South Sudan. Credit: Ranjit Bhaskar/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 In March 2022, violent clashes between farming communities and cattle herders broke out in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan. It was the latest incident in months of cattle-related violence in the area, which is in the country's southern region. Dinka Bor herders from the neighboring Jonglei State were pushed south into Eastern Equatoria's Magwi County after floods submerged grazing lands. In just days, however, farmer-herder conflict displaced more than 14,000 people. The Equatoria region hosts South Sudan's capital, Juba. It is inhabited by more than 30 different ethnic groups, most of them farmers. It was the birthplace of the southern rebellion against Sudan's Khartoum. Economically, it is the strongest region of South Sudan, with immense agricultural potential. However, the militarisation of cattle raiding since the 1990s has led to frequent eruptions of violence. These raids were originally regulated by cultural authorities. But political elites have armed ethnic groups to advance their interests, leading to a proliferation of guns in the region. Today, the presence of Dinka herders in Equatoria is used to project historical and ideological disagreements about state structure and identities in South Sudan. As a result, what looked like local, inter-communal violence between farming host communities and displaced herders in March led to heated national debate. The Equatoria caucus in South Sudan's Transitional National Legislative Assembly held a joint press conference to condemn the Magwi attacks. The importance given to the Magwi conflict can be seen as the result of irreconcilable visions of the state by Equatorian and Dinka elites in South Sudan. My Ph.D. research into Equatorian political identity traces how these visions emerged. Equatoria as a resistance identity More than an administrative territory, Equatoria is a context-dependent idea. It is, first, a fragile, unfinished political identity. It is used as an umbrella term to attempt to unify heterogeneous political elites coming from the colonial-era Equatoria province. Equatorian leaders have been asking for more autonomy to run their own affairs. Its leaders feel marginalized at the national level, which is heavily tilted towards the predominant Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups. Unlike the creation of a Kalenjin political identity in Kenya, the Equatorian political identity has struggled to become a reality. It has a weak popular base and no political party. Its more prominent leaders have been co-opted into government. Second, for many regional elites in Juba, the term Equatoria represents a political project: federalism. These elites want to create political space for their region in the power-sharing agreement between Dinka and Nuer elites. This was not always a priority for them. Equatoria as a political identity emerged in the 1970s as a consequence of the perceived political marginalization of its elites. Members of this group had previously defined themselves first as South Sudanese. They defended unity as long as they were in power. However, they began to warn of a growing Dinka nationalism when Abel Aleir was appointed head of the autonomous region of Southern Sudan in 1972. Equatoria as an identity of resistance gained momentum alongside the ethnicisation of politics in the 1970s. The presence of Dinka cattle herders in the predominantly farming region became the proxy through which political grievances were expressed. The Kokora systemthe redivision of Southern Sudan into three provinces at the request of Equatorian elites in 1983was primarily a way to expel the Dinka and their cattle from Equatoria. My interviews in Juba found that the war against Khartoumwhich was started by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in 1983is still perceived primarily as an anti-Equatoria movement led by Dinkas, rather than as a liberation movement. As a result, for Equatorian elites, the history of liberation and the roots of South Sudanese identity are contested. Challenging central rule Following power-sharing agreements in 2015 and 2018 after years of war, Dinka and Nuer politicians divided major political positions largely among themselves. The Sudan People's Liberation Movement has emphasized the importance of "South Sudan-ness' to foster a sense of national unity. Claims for institutional and political autonomy from the central state are viewed as threats to the young state. While Equatorians have been speaking of regionalism, the liberation movement has labeled it "localism" to emphasize how contrary to the idea of nation it is. Yet Equatorians have long felt marginalized within the South Sudanese political system. They have also been blamed for trying to divide the country. Additionally, an unsuccessful attempt to form an alliance with the Nuer in 2016 and implement a federal system gave birth to radical Equatorian factions calling for secession. This discussion is somewhat performative in the sense that Equatorians' ultimate ambition is not to create their own state, but rather to be included within existing structures. Yet, demands for federalism are high. Equatorian elites portray it as the only system that could liberate them from what they see as Dinka domination. As a result, Equatorian elites have used cross-border cattle-related violence to call for a hardening of internal boundaries. It has also been used to challenge centralized power. The defense of Equatorian farmers represents a much-needed unifying cause for a grouping divided by internal disagreements on whether to cooperate with the government or not. The government has also been accused of arming herders to target populations that are not inclined to support its actions. This is becoming more prevalent as politicians get ready for potential elections in 2023. The Equatorian political identity draws on existing fault lines of culture and historical memory. If the feeling of marginalization persists, however, a strong movement could establish a community with separatist aspirations. This could endanger efforts to stabilize the world's youngest nation. Explore further Study: Political divisions have deepened globally This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers from Concordia University and HEC Montreal published a new paper in the Journal of Marketing that explains how the development of markets towards greater concerns for esthetics and craftwhether it be the search for the perfect espresso shot or the creation of a visually complex tattooresults from interactions between craft and commercial firms. The study is titled "A Practice Perspective on Market Evolution: How Craft and Commercial Coffee Firms Expand Practices and Develop Markets" and is authored by Pierre-Yann Dolbec, Zeynep Arsel, and Aya Aboelenien. Barbering, beer, coffee, fragrances, meat, hand soaps, tattoos, and even ice cream. The craft movement is everywhere. It seems like everything is now becoming artisanal, boutique, custom, and handcrafted. How did we get there, and how can firms take advantage of this trend? Consider the coffee market. Dolbec explains that "In this market, like others, craft firms aim for aesthetic perfection while commercial firms try to maximize profits. For example, craft coffee shops target coffee connoisseurs by tailoring brewing recipes to specific coffee beans to perfect the taste of the coffee. Commercial firms target mainstream consumers by creating products that can be efficiently produced at a profit, such as sugary delights like the Pumpkin Spice Latte." Craft and commercial firms innovate and adapt each other's innovations to their respective goal of aesthetic perfection or profit maximization. For example, commercial firms such as Dunkin' have borrowed from craft firms and automated the production of 'handcrafted' coffee. In contrast, craft coffee shops have esthetically elevated the pumpkin spice latte, using artisan syrup and curated spices that ideally match the taste characteristics of a specific coffee bean. Over time, innovations by and adaptations between craft and commercial firms led to many new products and ways of making coffee and resulted in the expansion of craft in the market. Coffee is widely marketed as handcrafted, consumers have become connoisseurs, and baristas are artisans. The pursuit for aesthetic perfection by craft firms is also being caricatured in ads such as McDonald's "Madness," which makes fun of overly complicated ways craft coffee shops make coffee. So, how can firms take advantage of the craft movement? Arsel says that "It depends on whether they are commercial or craft firms and their targeting strategy. In addition to being driven by aesthetic perfection or profit maximization, the study proposes that craft and commercial firms can target narrow or broad consumer preferences. Specialist firms target narrow consumer preferences while generalist firms address broad consumer preferences." "By intersecting goals and targets, our study proposes four types of firms: craft specialists, craft generalists, commercial specialists, and commercial generalists. Strategic implications depend on firms' targets and goals. Craft specialists can innovate or adapt innovations by focusing on addressing the characteristics of their narrow target and pursuing aesthetic perfection," adds Aboelenien. For example, craft specialists market products that support the pursuit of the best coffee possible, such as KRUVE, which makes coffee sieves to create highly precise and uniform grinds that improve the taste of espressos. Craft generalists also pursue aesthetic perfection, but target broader consumer preferences. An example is Colonna Coffee, which offers instant coffee and coffee capsules that feature award-winning coffee from specialty roasters and pursue consumers who vary in their coffee expertise. Such consumers might desire esthetically oriented coffee, but lack the skills, knowledge, or products to create it themselves. Craft generalists have introduced products that palliate differences in expertise, such as specialty coffee pods or specialty instant coffee that aims at simplifying the pursuit of aesthetic perfection for a wide range of consumers. Commercial firms focus on maximizing profitability. In contrast to craft firms, attaining aesthetic perfection is not of concern. At the time of its introduction, Nespresso represented an example of a commercial specialist: It targeted a niche segment of consumers interested in paying a premium to simplify coffee-making, with less regard to coffee quality compared to craft firms. Over time, the broadening of options for pods and coffee machines to address almost every taste in the market has transformed the firm into a commercial generalist. Commercial generalists focus on broad targets. For example, Dunkin' and McCafe together have about 40% of the market share for out-of-home coffee consumed in the US even though coffee arguably is not their core business. Commercial generalists can use automation to cater to a wide range of consumers while maximizing profitability. For example, 7-Eleven has introduced touchscreen coffee and beverage machines for customers to "be their own barista." The CSP Daily News shared how 7-Eleven is drawing inspiration from the craft movement while relieving their employees from having to make coffee, thus contributing to higher productivity and margins. Explore further Does coffee help protect against endometrial cancer? More information: Pierre-Yann Dolbec et al, EXPRESS: A Practice Perspective on Market Evolution: How Craft and Commercial Coffee Firms Expand Practices and Develop Markets, Journal of Marketing (2022). Journal information: Journal of Marketing Pierre-Yann Dolbec et al, EXPRESS: A Practice Perspective on Market Evolution: How Craft and Commercial Coffee Firms Expand Practices and Develop Markets,(2022). DOI: 10.1177/00222429221093624 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Discussing climate change in relation to caring for others and working together to find solutions could strongly resonate with England's older generation, a new paper in Frontiers in Communication explains. Conducted by MA Climate Change: History, Culture, Society graduate, Briony Latter, the research brought over 65s together from across England to discuss narratives surrounding climate change. As the UK's population is getting older and over 65s are the demographic with the highest percentage of voters, the paper acknowledges the important role that older people could play in addressing climate change. When discussing climate change, older people in the study felt it's important to bring communities together to create positive changes and there should be a big focus on protecting the environment. There also needs to be more emphasis on who should take responsibility for climate change, and although there is disagreement across the age group about who is to blame and who should take action, some recognize their own power to make positive changes. Overall, the research found that there are four key themes that older people find the most important when discussing climate change and how to address it. These were consideration and responsibility, community, power, and an international outlook. "Whilst there's rightly been a lot of focus on the younger generation in recent years, there's been much less attention on older people despite the important role they could play and the impacts that climate change will have on them. This means it's imperative that we have a better understanding in how to engage this group when we talk about climate change," says Briony Latter. Latter's research was conducted as part of her MA dissertation and won King's Best Thesis Award in 2018. She is currently a PhD researcher Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) at Cardiff University, where she works on public engagement as well as academic culture and practices in the context of the climate emergency. More information: Briony Latter, Climate Change Communication and Engagement With Older People in England, Frontiers in Communication (2022). Briony Latter, Climate Change Communication and Engagement With Older People in England,(2022). DOI: 10.3389/fcomm.2022.848671 Zero gravity: Scientists at the University of Ulm during a melting test in the Zero-GAirbus of the company Novespace. Credit: Airbus Defence and Space Researchers will soon be studying materials samples on the ISS. The materials in question are super-hard and corrosion-resistant alloys of palladium, nickel, copper and phosphorusalso known as metallic glasses. A high-tech company from La Chaux-de-Fonds, which produces materials for the watch industry, is also involved. These materials have the color of white gold, but are hard like quartz glass and at the same time exhibit high elasticity. Their smooth surface is free of crystalline structures which makes the materials resistant to salts or acids. Individual piecesfor medical implants, for examplecan be produced using 3D printing, while larger seriesfor watch cases, for exampleare manufactured using injection molding. This is roughly how the material of their dreams is described by the scientists that are currently researching. They are talking about bulk metallic glass. At Empa, Antonia Neels, head of Empa's Center for X-ray Analytics, has been working on these mysterious materials for about 15 years. Her team investigates the internal structure of metallic glass using various X-ray methods, thereby discovering correlations with properties such as deformability or fracture behavior. Even for professionals in materials science, metallic glasses are a tough nut to crack: "The closer we look at the samples, the more questions arise," says Antonia Neels. This spurs the researchers' ambition all the more. Together into space In a few months, a sample of metallic glass will be studied in the microgravity of the International Space Station (ISS). A group of researchers with Empa participation has prepared the samples and registered them with the European Space Agency ESA for space flight. The special alloy is supplied by the PX Group company from La Chaux-de-Fonds, which produces materials for the watch industry and dental technology. The team also includes researchers Markus Mohr and Hans-Jorg Fecht from the Institute of Functional Nanosystems at the University of Ulm and Roland Loge from the Laboratory of Thermomechanical Metallurgy at EPFL in Neuchatel. The production of metallic glass is not entirely simple: Compared to window glass, the specially selected metal alloys must be cooled up to a hundred times faster so that the metal atoms do not form crystalline structures Only when the melt solidifies extremely quickly is it able to form a glass. In industry, thin sheets of metallic glass are produced by pressing the melt between rapidly rotating copper drums. Researchers sometimes cast their samples in molds made of solid copper, which dissipates heat particularly well. But larger, solid workpieces made of metallic glass are not feasible using these methods. Antonia Neels, head of Empa Center for X-ray Analytics is an expert on metallic glasses and will analyze the samples from the ISS. Credit: Empa 3D printing helps One possible way out of the dilemma is 3D printing using a process known as powder bed process. A fine powder of the desired alloy is heated for a few milliseconds with a laser. The metal grains fuse with their neighbors to form a kind of foil. Then a thin layer of powder is placed on top, the laser fuses the freshly applied powder with the underlying foil, and thus a three-dimensional workpiece is gradually created from many briefly heated powder grains. This method requires a fine dosage of the laser pulse. If the laser burns too weakly on the powder, the particles do not fuse together, and the workpiece remains porous. If the laser burns too strongly, it also melts the lower layers again. The multiple melting allows the atoms to rearrange themselves, forming crystalsand that's the end of metallic glass. X-ray methods and their extraordinary diversity At Empa's Center for X-ray Analytics, Antonia Neels' team has already analyzed several such samples from 3D printing experiments. Meanwhile, the results always raise new questions. "Some evidence suggests that the mechanical properties of the glasses do not deteriorate, but on the contrary actually improve, if the sample contains small crystalline fractions," says Neels. "Now we're looking into the question of how large this crystal fraction in the glass needs to be, and what kind of crystals need to form to increase, say, the pliability or impact strength of the glass at room temperature." To track crystal growth in an otherwise amorphous environment, Empa experts use a variety of X-ray methods. "With radiation of different wavelengths, we can learn about the structure of the crystalline portions, but also determine close-order phenomena of the atoms in the samplein other words, determine the properties of the chemical bonds," Neels explains. In addition, X-ray imaging analysis, known as micro-CT, reveals details about density fluctuations in the sample. This indicates phase segregation and crystal formation. However, the density differences between the glassy and crystalline regions are extremely small. Detailed image processing is therefore needed to visualize the three-dimensional distribution of the crystalline portions. Astronauts installed the Electromagnetic Levitator (EML). Here, glass glass droplets float longer. Credit: ESA Parabolic flight in the Airbus But material samples from the 3D laser printer alone cannot completely solve the puzzle of metallic glasses. "We need to know at what temperatures these crystals form and how they growin order to use them to define stable manufacturing processes," explains X-ray specialist Neels. Important information is provided by thermo-physical parameters of the melt, such as viscosity and surface tension. Experiments on the ISS offer ideal conditions for these analyses. Preliminary experiments take place in parabolic flights. As early as 2019, the first droplets of metallic glass have floated on an experimental basis. A specially converted Airbus A310 from the company Novespace flew a zero-gravity flight with a material sample. On board were scientists from Ulm and a small, metallic glass droplet from the PX Group company in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The metallic glass that the research group is studying consists of palladium, copper, nickel and phosphorus. In the experiment called TEMPUS (crucible-free electromagnetic processing under zero gravity), the glass droplet was held in suspension by means of a magnetic field and heated up to 1500 degrees Celsius by induction. During the cooling phase, two short pulses of induction current caused the glowing droplet to oscillate. A camera recorded the experiment. After landing, the material sample was analyzed at Empa's Center for X-ray Analytics. Why the ISS delivers more results The analysis of the video from the parabolic flight allows conclusions to be drawn about the viscosity and surface tension of the dropletimportant data for better controlling the production of metallic glasses with specific properties. But the time of microgravity during the flight lasts only 20 secondstoo little for a detailed analysis. That can only be done on the ISS. So now a sample of the same material has been registered for a flight in the European COLUMBUS module of the ISS. The ISS-EML electromagnetic levitation furnace has been installed there since 2014. In each case, 18 material samples fly along, are automatically exchanged and can be observed by researchers on Earth via video stream. The metallic glass from Switzerland will go into space with the next batch of samples. New casting processes The researchers plan to generate a computer simulation of the melt from the far more detailed data obtained during the space flight. This will bring all the answers together in a single model through a combination of experiments on Earth and in space: At what temperature is there what viscosity and surface tension? When do crystals of what composition, size and orientation form? How does this internal material structure influences the properties of the metallic glass? From all these parameters, the researchers want to develop a manufacturing method together with the industrial partner PX Group, in order to be able to produce the coveted material in a defined form. So there is still a lot for the materials researchers to do in the next few years. Explore further Quicker, more precise way to find metallic glasses The experiments took place at the European XFEL. Credit: European XFEL/Heiner Muller-Elsner A research team was able to generate polarized X-rays with unprecedented purity at the European XFEL in Hamburg. The experiments involved scientists from the Helmholtz Institute Jena, a branch of GSI, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf. The method is supposed to be used in the coming years to show that even vacuum behaves like a material under certain circumstancesa prediction from quantum electrodynamics. The polarization of electromagnetic radiation describes in which plane in space a wave oscillates. While everyday electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight, is unpolarized, lasers produce polarized radiation. This is an important requirement for a wide range of experiments from solid-state physics to quantum optics. Additional polarizers, such as those being developed at the Helmholtz Institute in Jena, have the purpose of further improving polarization purity, but for a long time the limit of a few 10-10 could not be pushed any further. In 2018, Kai Schulze, first author of the paper now published in Physical Review Research, found that the divergence of synchrotron radiation is the reason for this limit. "So to get a further improvement in purity, we needed a source with better divergence," says the physicist, who leads work on vacuum birefringence at HI Jena and is jointly responsible for related DFG research projects at the University of Jena. "The commissioning of the European X-ray laser, European XFEL, in Schenefeld near Hamburg set the course for this." Together with scientists from the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena and the Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf, Schulze and his team developed an experiment setup at the European XFEL that set a new purity record of 810-11 thanks to special polarizer crystals, a very precise alignment and a stable setup. This new purity record has already enabled a number of experiments on quantum optics in the X-ray range and on charge distribution in solids. However, special interest is devoted to the detection of the so-called vacuum birefringence. The experiment set-up HED (High Energy Density Science). Credit: European XFEL/Jan Hosan The interaction of light with light was described as early as 1936 by Werner Heisenberg and Hans Euler, but has not yet been directly observed on Earth. "Vacuum birefringence is currently the most promising effect to directly detect light-light interaction," Schulze explains. "In this process, the polarization of a sample beam changes when it collides in vacuum with a very intense second light beam. The vacuum thus acts like a birefringent crystal, which also affects the polarization; hence the name. The effect is extremely small, but grows with decreasing wavelength of the sample beam. Precise polarizers in the X-ray range therefore provide a good tool to detect the effect." The High Energy Density instrument at the European XFEL will provide the ideal conditions for such an experiment in the future, Schulze further explains. And the research team now has a setup with which the smallest polarization changes can be measured. The detection of vacuum birefringence would not only further underpin the foundations of quantum electrodynamics, but, if deviations from theoretical expectations emerge, also provide clues to previously unknown elementary particles (such as axions, or millicharged particles). "We hope to be able to launch the first experiments in the next few years." Detection of the phenomenon would also be interesting for future experiments at the FAIR particle accelerator center. "If we succeed in measuring vacuum birefringence, this will help interpret the measurement data from FAIR. Among other things, vacuum polarization will play a role there, which is closely linked to vacuum birefringence," Schulze said. Explore further Collisions of light produce matter/antimatter from pure energy More information: Kai S. Schulze et al, Towards perfectly linearly polarized x-rays, Physical Review Research (2022). Kai S. Schulze et al, Towards perfectly linearly polarized x-rays,(2022). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.013220 Provided by GSI Helmholtzzentrum fur Schwerionenforschung GmbH Cars drive on West Cermak Road on May 2, 2022, along the would-be parade route for the Cinco de Mayo Parade in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The parade was canceled for the fifth consecutive year. (Raquel Zaldivar / Chicago Tribune) While some might have been looking for drink specials and taco twofers on Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican communities in Chicago, for 40 years, celebrated the holiday by commemorating the Batalla de Puebla in Little Village with a parade on Cermak Road and a festival. Until 2018, when the tradition was derailed. Advertisement They havent been able to organize the parade and festival since 2018 because of misunderstandings that happened between the organizers and 12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas when he showed a lack of support for the event. Hector Escobar, president of both Casa Puebla and the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, said, These issues were in the past. Cardenas declined to comment. 2022 was going to be the year of its comeback, but COVID-19 had other plans. Advertisement A costumed participant in the 2016 Cinco de Mayo Parade runs to catch up with her float. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Casa Puebla and the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, the organizations that plan the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Little Village, had been planning the return of the parade and festival since November. The organizations had invited bands, school groups, charros, mariachis, dancers, ornamented floats, local businesses to have food and handcraft stands and 4,000 people from Puebla, Mexico, to participate in the parade that would have happened on Sunday, May 1. They were expecting around 100,000 people from the Little Village community and all around Chicago to come to enjoy the parade and a festival in Douglass Park, as they had been doing since 1978. Everything got canceled after an early April COVID-19 outbreak in the organizers office. All 12 in-person workers got sick with the virus, and the Casa Puebla director has been in a critical health state since then, Escobar said. Health goes first because without health we have nothing and that is the biggest thing this pandemic has taught us, Escobar said in the cancelation announcement. It is a real shame that were not able to do the festival and parade this year because we were going to integrate new cultural and educational elements to the parade to teach people what really happened in the Batalla de Puebla on Cinco de Mayo. What happened on Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo is not a big celebration in Mexico certainly not as big as its commercial presence in the United States but it is a very big holiday in the state of Puebla, where Escobar is from. La Batalla de Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, near Puebla City during the Second French Intervention in Mexico. The battle came on the heels of then-President Benito Juarezs decision to stop paying interest on money owed to France and other countries. So French troops moved in to take over the country, according to the Smithsonian. The battle ended in a victory by the Mexican troops formed mostly of local Poblanos and Indigenous groups who were outnumbered by the French. (This battle) was against the very, very powerful French army, and so really (Mexico) should not have won that battle, but because they were very animated in defending their land they were able to defeat the French, said Cesareo Moreno, visual arts director and chief curator of the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. That battle really inspired the rest of the country to rally together against the more powerful French army that was invading. I cannot help right now but think about whats happening in Ukraine: Theres a very powerful world country that is trying to take over a smaller country and this foreign country seems to be holding its own. So, theres a lot to be said about defending your own land against an invader and the strength or the power that can come from a few early victories in battle. Advertisement The French eventually overran the Mexicans in subsequent battles, but the Mexican victory at Puebla against a better-equipped force provided a patriotic boost to the Mexicans. People in other parts of Mexico celebrate it with bailables (dances) at school commemorating the date, but not as big as Poblanos do. During Cinco de Mayo, Chicagos Little Village transforms into a little part of Puebla, celebrating it just like they do back at home for the more than 50,000 Poblanos who live throughout Chicagoland and others from the community who join in to celebrate their Latinidad. But there are many people from Mexico living in the U.S. who are weirded out by how important this celebration seems to be. (Cinco de Mayo) has perfect timing because its sort of like springtime and people are excited to get out and start doing things again, and it precedes Memorial Day, which is like the official beginning of summer, Moreno said. I think its really become this sort of commemorative day in the United States, where people kind of confuse the facts and they oftentimes think that it is a Latin American celebration. My family is from northern Mexico, and it was never a thing we celebrated in my community, said 22nd Ward Ald. Michael Rodriguez. Jorge Rios, manager at Mi Tierra en La Villita, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, on May 4, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Jorge Rios, manager of the restaurant Mi Tierra en La Villita, who is originally from the state of Guerrero in Mexico, echoed the alderman. Advertisement People in the U.S. think that this day is the independence of Mexico, but that is actually on Sept. 16, Rios said. However, Rios and Rodriguez both agreed that if this holiday supports Mexican businesses, theyre not against it as long as people know what theyre celebrating. I dont want people to stop celebrating one or the other, its just that I would like people who celebrate it (here in the U.S.) to know what Cinco de Mayo is about and when is really our Independence Day and that they celebrate both! Rios said. Jorge Arceo, owner of El Nuevo Taconazo restaurant, 2350 West Cermak Road in Chicago, on May 4, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) For Jorge Arceo and Ariana Quintana, owner and manager of El Nuevo Taconero on Cermak Road, this event has transformed into a big celebration not only of Mexicans but all people of Latin American ethnicity in this country and it also helps Latin American-owned businesses. Cinco de Mayo used to be one of our busiest days with more flux of clientele with the people that came to the festival, but since it has stopped, it has affected us a lot, Arceo said. Advertisement Cinco de Mayo is a very busy day for Mi Tierra en La Villita as well, Rios said, but since the pandemic began, the attendance of the restaurant suffered a lot. Now, it is beginning to surge again, and he thought that with the parade happening, it would have been back to pre-pandemic levels. Ana Salas, a server at La Casa de Samuel on Cermak Road, said that since she arrived in the U.S. more than three decades ago from Jalisco, Mexico, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo called her attention. Restaurant server Vania Orozco Ramirez prepares tortillas at La Casa de Samuel on May 2, 2022. (Raquel Zaldivar / Chicago Tribune) Restaurant server Ana Salas, right, speaks to a patron at La Casa de Samuel on May 2, 2022. (Raquel Zaldivar / Chicago Tribune) It seemed a bit weird that they celebrated it so much because that is not how it is in Mexico, but I liked it a lot because people (in Little Village) celebrate the culture, music, food and traditions, she said. I did ask myself why (they celebrate it so big) and to this day, I still dont know. Salas and Arceo both think the festival and parade shouldnt have been canceled. It shouldnt have been canceled because people wait for it for a long time and have expectations, and then they get disappointed when they dont do it, Salas said. Also, Lollapalooza and all the other festivals in the city are still happening. Why shouldnt the Cinco de Mayo one still happen? Arceo said. We all have been affected by the pandemic and a lot of people have lost loved ones, but like people say: The show must go on. Advertisement Escobar, the events organizer, said that once all of the festival employees get better and back on their feet, they will begin organizing next years Cinco de Mayo parade and festival. Primero Dios that next year the pandemic is more controlled and we can do our events without worries, he said. tmijares@chicagotribune.com This artist's illustration shows supernova 2013ge, with its companion star at lower right. The companion star is impacted by the blast wave from the supernova, but not destroyed. Over time astronomers observed the ultraviolet (UV) light of the supernova fading, revealing a nearby second source of UV light that maintained brightness. The theory is that the two massive stars evolved together as a binary pair, and that the current survivor siphoned off its partner's outer hydrogen gas shell before it exploded. Eventually, the companion star will also go supernova. Credit: NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak (STScI) NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered a witness at the scene of a star's explosive death: a companion star previously hidden in the glare of its partner's supernova. The discovery is a first for a particular type of supernovaone in which the star was stripped of its entire outer gas envelope before exploding. The finding provides crucial insight into the binary nature of massive stars, as well as the potential prequel to the ultimate merger of the companion stars that would rattle across the universe as gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself. Astronomers detect the signature of various elements in supernova explosions. These elements are layered like an onion pre-supernova. Hydrogen is found in the outermost layer of a star, and if no hydrogen is detected in the aftermath of the supernova, that means it was stripped away before the explosion occurred. The cause of the hydrogen loss had been a mystery, and astronomers have been using Hubble to search for clues and test theories to explain these stripped supernovae. The new Hubble observations provide the best evidence yet to support the theory that an unseen companion star siphons off the gas envelope from its partner star before it explodes. "This was the moment we had been waiting for, finally seeing the evidence for a binary system progenitor of a fully stripped supernova," said astronomer Ori Fox of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, lead investigator on the Hubble research program. "The goal is to move this area of study from theory to working with data and seeing what these systems really look like." Fox's team used Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 to study the region of supernova (SN) 2013ge in ultraviolet light, as well as previous Hubble observations in the Barbara A. Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST). Astronomers saw the light of the supernova fading over time from 2016 to 2020but another nearby source of ultraviolet light at the same position maintained its brightness. This underlying source of ultraviolet emission is what the team proposes is the surviving binary companion to SN 2013ge. This infographic shows the evolution astronomers propose for supernova (SN) 2013ge. Panels 1-3 show what has already occurred, and panels 4-6 show what may take place in the future. 1) A binary pair of massive stars orbit one another. 2) One star ages into its red giant stage, getting a puffy outer envelope of hydrogen that its companion star siphons off with gravity. Astronomers propose this is why Hubble found no trace of hydrogen in the supernova debris. 3) The stripped-envelope star goes supernova (SN 2013ge), jostling but not destroying its companion star. After the supernova, the dense core of the former massive star remains either as neutron star or black hole. 4) Eventually the companion star also ages into a red giant, maintaining its outer envelope, some of which came from its companion. 5) The companion star also undergoes a supernova. 6) If the stars were close enough to each other not to be flung from their orbits by the supernova blast wave, the remnant cores will continue to orbit one another and eventually merge, creating gravitational waves in the process. Credit: NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak (STScI) Two by two? Previously, scientists theorized that a massive progenitor star's strong winds could blow away its hydrogen gas envelope, but observational evidence didn't support that. To explain the disconnect, astronomers developed theories and models in which a binary companion siphons off the hydrogen. "In recent years many different lines of evidence have told us that stripped supernovae are likely formed in binaries, but we had yet to actually see the companion. So much of studying cosmic explosions is like forensic sciencesearching for clues and seeing what theories match. Thanks to Hubble, we are able to see this directly," said Maria Drout of the University of Toronto, a member of the Hubble research team. In prior observations of SN 2013ge, Hubble saw two peaks in the ultraviolet light, rather than just the one typically seen in most supernovae. Fox said that one explanation for this double brightening was that the second peak shows when the supernova's shock wave hit a companion star, a possibility that now seems much more likely. Hubble's latest observations indicate that while the companion star was significantly jostled, including the hydrogen gas it had siphoned off its partner, it was not destroyed. Fox likens the effect to a jiggling bowl of jelly, which will eventually settle back to its original form. While additional confirmation and similar supporting discoveries need to be found, Fox said that the implications of the discovery are still substantial, lending support to theories that the majority of massive stars form and evolve as binary systems. One to Watch Unlike supernovae that have a puffy shell of gas to light up, the progenitors of fully stripped-envelope supernovae have proven difficult to identify in pre-explosion images. Now that astronomers have been lucky enough to identify the surviving companion star, they can use it to work backward and determine characteristics of the star that exploded, as well as the unprecedented opportunity to watch the aftermath unfold with the survivor. Credit: SCIENCE: Ori Fox (STScI) As a massive star itself, SN 2013ge's companion is also destined to undergo a supernova. Its former partner is now likely a compact object, such as a neutron star or black hole, and the companion will likely go that route as well. The closeness of the original companion stars will determine if they stay together. If the distance is too great, the companion star will be flung out of the system to wander alone across our galaxy, a fate that could explain many seemingly solitary supernovae. However, if the stars were close enough to each other pre-supernova, they will continue orbiting each other as black holes or neutron stars. In that case, they would eventually spiral toward each other and merge, creating gravitational waves in the process. That is an exciting prospect for astronomers, as gravitational waves are a branch of astrophysics that has only begun to be explored. They are waves or ripples in the fabric of spacetime itself, predicted by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. Gravitational waves were first directly observed by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). "With the surviving companion of SN 2013ge, we could potentially be seeing the prequel to a gravitational wave event, although such an event would still be about a billion years in the future," Fox said. Fox and his collaborators will be working with Hubble to build up a larger sample of surviving companion stars to other supernovae, in effect giving SN 2013ge some company again. "There is great potential beyond just understanding the supernova itself. Since we now know most massive stars in the universe form in binary pairs, observations of surviving companion stars are necessary to help understand the details behind binary formation, material-swapping, and co-evolutionary development. It's an exciting time to be studying the stars," Fox said. "Understanding the lifecycle of massive stars is particularly important to us because all heavy elements are forged in their cores and through their supernovae. Those elements make up much of the observable universe, including life as we know it," added co-author Alex Filippenko of the University of California at Berkeley. The results are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Explore further Revealing the lonely origin of Cassiopeia A, one of the most famous supernova remnants More information: Ori D. Fox et al, The Candidate Progenitor Companion Star of the Type Ib/c SN 2013ge, The Astrophysical Journal Letters (2022). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Letters Ori D. Fox et al, The Candidate Progenitor Companion Star of the Type Ib/c SN 2013ge,(2022). DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ac5890 A mix of non-native and native colonial ascidians compete for space on a settlement plate as part of a scientific study. Credit: Ben Rubinoff, UC Davis Native species in California's estuaries are expected to experience greater declines as invasive species interact with climate change, according to a study from the University of California, Davis. The study, published in the Ecological Society of America's journal, Ecology, said these declines are expected not only because of climate-related stressors, but also because of the expanding influence of new invasive predators whose impacts are occurring much farther up the estuary. "Our study found that climate change and biological invasions can interact in coastal estuaries in unpredictable ways," said lead author Benjamin Rubinoff, a Ph.D. student in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy when the research was conducted. "This increased risk of predation makes it difficult for native species that are already dealing with increasingly stressful environmental conditions." The researchers tested the influence of environmental stress and predation on sessile invertebrates in Tomales Bay, California during the summer of 2019. Sessile invertebrates are animals without backbones that attach to reefs or seagrasses and barely move, such as bryozoans and ascidians. Their predators include sea stars, crabs, and snails, among other species. Study lead author Ben Rubinoff holds a sea lemon, a predatory nudibranch that eats sponges, at Tomales Bay in Northern California. Credit: Courtesy Ben Rubinoff Estuaries a unique environment In estuaries, changes in salinity and water temperature strongly influence the distribution of many invertebrate species, from mussels to crabs to sea squirts. These gradients can be especially steep in the estuaries of California, which are highly vulnerable to climate change and invasive species. In most estuaries, stressful conditions for marine organisms such as low salinity and high temperature increase as you move inland from the ocean. With increased stress, native predators typically consume fewer prey. But the study found that biological invasions are changing this equation, since many non-native predators tolerate stress better than native ones. So highly stressed native prey species are subjected to large numbers of stress-tolerant invaders that compete with them for resources, if not consume them. A study site in Tomales Bay, where UC Davis researchers deployed caged and uncaged treatments to better understand how climate change affects predator-prey dynamics in the estuary. Credit: Ben Rubinoff, UC Davis Stressful situation "The stress gradients typical of West Coast estuaries are being rapidly altered by climate change," said co-leading author Edwin "Ted" Grosholz, a UC Davis professor with the Department of Environmental Science and Policy and the Bodega Marine Laboratory. "These changing gradients are scrambling the historical predator-prey landscape, creating novel matchups and putting native prey at much higher risk from invaders." Grosholz adds that such changes are hard to predict, and only experimental studies like this can disentangle the interacting effects of climate change and invasions on struggling native species. For the study, the researchers deployed square plates made of PVC with different caging treatments at three locations across Tomales Bay from June to October 2019. Some plates were protected from predators while others allowed predator access. At the end of the period, the researchers brought the plates back into the lab and identified organisms using a microscope and determined percent cover. Explore further Climate change could shrink oyster habitat in California More information: Benjamin G. Rubinoff et al, Biological invasions alter consumerstress relationships along an estuarine gradient, Ecology (2022). Journal information: Ecology Benjamin G. Rubinoff et al, Biological invasions alter consumerstress relationships along an estuarine gradient,(2022). DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3695 This photograph shows a lunar soil sample returned by Chinas Change 5 spacecraft. Credit: Yingfang Yao Soil on the moon contains active compounds that can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, scientists in China report May 5 in the journal Joule. They are now exploring whether lunar resources can be used to facilitate human exploration on the moon or beyond. Nanjing University material scientists Yingfang Yao and Zhigang Zou hope to design a system that takes advantage of lunar soil and solar radiation, the two most abundant resources on the moon. After analyzing the lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft, their team found the sample contains compoundsincluding iron-rich and titanium-rich substancesthat could work as a catalyst to make desired products such as oxygen using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Based on the observation, the team proposed an "extraterrestrial photosynthesis" strategy. Mainly, the system uses lunar soil to electrolyze water extracted from the moon and in astronauts' breathing exhaust into oxygen and hydrogen powered by sunlight. The carbon dioxide exhaled by moon inhabitants is also collected and combined with hydrogen from water electrolysis during a hydrogenation process catalyzed by lunar soil. The process yields hydrocarbons such as methane, which could be used as fuel. The strategy uses no external energy but sunlight to produce a variety of desirable products such as water, oxygen, and fuel that could support life on a moonbase, the researchers say. The team is looking for an opportunity to test the system in space, likely with China's future crewed lunar missions. Photovoltaic-driven water electrolysis catalyzed by lunar soil. Credit: Yingfang Yao "We use in-situ environmental resources to minimize rocket payload, and our strategy provides a scenario for a sustainable and affordable extraterrestrial living environment," Yao says. While the catalytic efficiency of lunar soil is less than catalysts available on Earth, Yao says the team is testing different approaches to improve the design, such as melting the lunar soil into a nanostructured high-entropy material, which is a better catalyst. This photograph shows the research team at Nanjing University holding the lunar soil sample. Credit: Yingfang Yao This schematic shows how lunar soil can work as a catalyst for extraterrestrial photosynthesis to make oxygen and fuels needed for long-term survival on the moon. Credit: Yingfang Yao Previously, scientists have proposed many strategies for extraterrestrial survival. But most designs require energy sources from Earth. For example, NASA's Perseverance Mars rover brought an instrument that can use carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere to make oxygen, but it's powered by a nuclear battery onboard. "In the near future, we will see the crewed spaceflight industry developing rapidly," says Yao. "Just like the 'Age of Sail' in the 1600s when hundreds of ships head to the sea, we will enter an 'Age of Space.' But if we want to carry out large-scale exploration of the extraterrestrial world, we will need to think of ways to reduce payload, meaning relying on as little supplies from Earth as possible and using extraterrestrial resources instead." Explore further Australia plans lunar rover to help NASA find oxygen on moon More information: Zhigang Zou, Extraterrestrial photosynthesis by Chang'E-5 lunar soil, Joule (2022). www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(22)00178-7 Journal information: Joule Zhigang Zou, Extraterrestrial photosynthesis by Chang'E-5 lunar soil,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2022.04.011 By precisely etching hundreds of tiny triangular nanoresonators in precisely configured concentric circles on a microscopic film of zinc oxide, photonics researchers at Rice University created a metalens, a transparent, solid-state device thinner than a sheet of paper that bends light like a conventional lens. Rices metalens converts 394-nanometer ultraviolet light (blue) into 197-nanometer vacuum UV (pink) and simultaneously focuses the VUV output on a small spot less than 2 millionths of a meter in diameter. Credit: M. Semmlinger/Rice University Rice University photonics researchers have created a potentially disruptive technology for the ultraviolet optics market. By precisely etching hundreds of tiny triangles on the surface of a microscopic film of zinc oxide, nanophotonics pioneer Naomi Halas and colleagues created a "metalens" that transforms incoming long-wave UV (UV-A) into a focused output of vacuum UV (VUV) radiation. VUV is used in semiconductor manufacturing, photochemistry and materials science and has historically been costly to work with, in part because it is absorbed by almost all types of glass used to make conventional lenses. "This work is particularly promising in light of recent demonstrations that chip manufacturers can scale up the production of metasurfaces with CMOS-compatible processes," said Halas, co-corresponding author of a metalens demonstration study published in Science Advances. "This is a fundamental study, but it clearly points to a new strategy for high-throughput manufacturing of compact VUV optical components and devices." Halas' team showed its microscopic metalens could convert 394-nanometer UV into a focused output of 197-nanometer VUV. The disc-shaped metalens is a transparent sheet of zinc oxide that is thinner than a sheet of paper and just 45 millionths of a meter in diameter. In the demonstration, a 394-nanometer UV-A laser was shined at the back of the disc, and researchers measured the light that emerged from the other side. Study co-first author Catherine Arndt, an applied physics graduate student in Halas' research group, said the key feature of the metalens is its interface, a front surface that is studded with concentric circles of tiny triangles. "The interface is where all of the physics is happening," she said. "We're actually imparting a phase shift, changing both how quickly the light is moving and the direction it's traveling. We don't have to collect the light output because we use electrodynamics to redirect it at the interface where we generate it." Violet light has the lowest wavelength visible to humans. Ultraviolet has even lower wavelengths, which range from 400 nanometers to 10 nanometers. Vacuum UV, with wavelengths between 100-200 nanometers, is so-named because it is strongly absorbed by oxygen. Using VUV light today typically requires a vacuum chamber or other specialized environment, as well as machinery to generate and focus VUV. "Conventional materials usually don't generate VUV," Arndt said. "It's made today with nonlinear crystals, which are bulky, expensive and often export-controlled. The upshot is that VUV is quite expensive." In previous work, Halas, Rice physicist Peter Nordlander, former Rice Ph.D. student Michael Semmlinger and others demonstrated they could transform 394-nanometer UV into 197-nanometer VUV with a zinc oxide metasurface. Like the metalens, the metasurface was a transparent film of zinc oxide with a patterned surface. But the required pattern wasn't as complex since it didn't need to focus the light output, Arndt said. "Metalenses take advantage of the fact that the properties of light change when it hits a surface," she said. "For example, light travels faster through air than it does through water. That's why you get reflections on the surface of a pond. The surface of the water is the interface, and when sunlight hits the interface, a little of it reflects off." The prior work showed a metasurface could produce VUV by upconverting long-wave UV via a frequency-doubling process called second-harmonic generation. But VUV is costly, in part, because it is expensive to manipulate after it's produced. Commercially available systems for that can fill cabinets as large as refrigerators or compact cars and cost tens of thousands of dollars, she said. "For a metalens, you're trying to both generate the light and manipulate it," Arndt said. "In the visible wavelength regime, metalens technology has become very efficient. Virtual reality headsets use that. Metalenses have also been demonstrated in recent years for visible and infrared wavelengths, but no one had done it at shorter wavelengths. And a lot of materials absorb VUV. So for us it was just an overall challenge to see, 'Can we do this?'" To make the metalens, Arndt worked with co-corresponding author Din Ping Tsai of City University of Hong Kong, who helped produce the intricate metalens surface, and with three co-first authors: Semmlinger, who graduated from Rice in 2020, Ming Zhang, who graduated from Rice in 2021, and Ming Lun Tseng, an assistant professor at Taiwan's National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Tests at Rice showed the metalens could focus its 197-nanometer output onto a spot measuring 1.7 microns in diameter, increasing the power density of the light output by 21 times. Arndt said it's too early to say whether the technology can compete with state-of-the-art VUV systems. "It's really fundamental at this stage," she said. "But it has a lot of potential. It could be made far more efficient. With this first study, the question was, 'Does it work?' In the next phase, we'll be asking, 'How much better can we make it?'" Explore further Record-breaking metalens could revolutionize optical technologies Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Despite successes in reducing poverty globally in the last two decades, almost one billion people are still living without access to reliable and affordable electricity, which in turn negatively affects health and welfare, and impedes sustainable development. Knowing where these people are is crucial if aid and infrastructure are to reach them. A new International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)-led study proposes a novel method to estimate global economic well-being using nighttime satellite images. Researchers have been using satellite images of Earth at night to study human activity for almost 30 years, and it is well established that these imagescommonly referred to as nighttime radiance or nighttime lightscan help map issues like economic growth, poverty, and inequality, especially in places where data are lacking. In developing countries, areas that are unlit at night generally indicate limited development, while brightly lit areas indicate more developed areas like capital cities where infrastructure is abundant. Traditionally, researchers have been more interested in using the data gathered from the lit areas, with unlit areas typically being disregarded. In their study just published in Nature Communications, IIASA researchers and colleagues from several other institutions, however, specifically focused on the data from the unlit areas to estimate global economic well-being. "Whereas previous work has focused more on the relationship between lit areas and economic development, we found that it actually also works the other way around and that unlit areas are a good indicator of poverty. By identifying those unlit areas, we can target interventions for poverty alleviation and places to focus on to improve energy access," explains study author and IIASA Strategic Initiatives Program Director, Steffen Fritz. The researchers used a harmonized geospatial wealth index for households in various countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas calculated by the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program, which places individual households on a continuous scale of relative wealth from poorer to richer. They then combined this data with data from satellite images of global nighttime lights in these countries and found that 19% of the planet's total settlement footprint had no detectable artificial radiance associated with it. The majority of unlit settlement footprints were found in Africa (39%) and Asia (23%). If only rural unlit infrastructure is considered, these numbers rise to 65% for Africa and 40% for Asia. In almost all countries, the results indicate a clear association between increasing percentages of unlit communities in a country and decreasing economic well-being levels. "We were able to map and predict the wealth class of around 2.4 million households for 49 countries spread across Africa, Asia, and the Americas based on the percentage of unlit settlements detected using nighttime light satellite images with an overall accuracy of 87%. Surprisingly, there were also relatively large amounts of unlit settlements in developed countries, in particular Europe. There can be several reasons for this result, including the fact that the satellite overpass is after midnight, but it could also be due to conscientious energy and cost saving policies in Europe by homeowners, governments, and industry," says IIASA Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group Leader Ian McCallum, who led the study. The researchers note that government agencies typically prioritize expanding electricity access for urban rather than rural areas. Rural electrification, however, holds great promise for increasing well-being and can also have significant positive impacts in terms of household income, expenditure, health, and education. The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically include "access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all," and while efforts are underway to achieve this goal, and substantial progress has been made over the past two decades, indications are that governments and industry will struggle to keep pace with expected population growth. In sub-Saharan Africa in particular, projections indicate that over 300 million people will still be living in extreme poverty by 2030. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to push an additional 88 to 115 million people into extreme poverty in 2030, setting back the UN's goals to reduce poverty within around three years. Studies like this one can however help track developing countries as they electrify and developed nations as they reduce their light-energy consumption. "If applied over time, the method we used in our study could provide opportunities to track well-being and progress toward the SDGs. In terms of policy, it can help better inform energy policy around the globe and can also be helpful in shaping aid policy by ensuring that we are reaching those remote rural areas that are likely energy-poor. In addition, it could be useful to detect signs of sustainable and environmental management of lighting in the developed world," concludes Transformative Institutional and Social Solutions Research Group Leader Shonali Pachauri. Explore further Satellite images show poor populations around the world in darkness at night More information: Ian McCallum, Estimating global economic well-being with unlit settlements, Nature Communications (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30099-9 Journal information: Nature Communications Ian McCallum, Estimating global economic well-being with unlit settlements,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30099-9 Cynthia Rosenzweig, 2022 World Food Prize recipient, meets with the media at the Columbia University Climate School in New York City on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Rosenzweig is a senior research scientist and head of the Climate Impacts Group at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Columbia University Climate School. She won the prize because of her work modeling the impact of climate change on food production. Credit: AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey A NASA climate research scientist who has spent much of her career explaining how global food production must adapt to a changing climate was awarded the World Food Prize on Thursday. Cynthia Rosenzweig, an agronomist and climatologist, was awarded the $250,000 prize in recognition of her innovative modeling of the impact of climate change on food production. She is a senior research scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and serves as adjunct senior research scientist at the Columbia Climate School at Columbia University, both based in New York. Rosenzweig, whose win was announced during a ceremony at the State Department in Washington, said she hopes it will focus attention on the need to improve food and agricultural systems to lessen the effects of climate change. "We basically cannot solve climate change unless we address the issues of the greenhouse gas emissions from the food system, and we cannot provide food security for all unless we work really hard to develop resilient systems," she told The Associated Press during an interview ahead of the ceremony. Jose Fernandez, the undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, said more than 160 million people worldwide experienced food insecurity last year, a 19% increase over the year before, and one of the root causes is a decline in food production due to global warming. "Climate change has already had a significant and negative impact on global agricultural production and its impact is only going to get worse. We're seeing rice fields drown in floods. We're seeing other crops wither in drought. We're seeing shellfish die in more acidic oceans and crop diseases are spreading to new regions. We likely would not understand all these problems as well as we do today without the work of Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, this year's World Food Prize laureate," he said. The Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation award recognized Rosenzweig as the founder of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project. The organization draws scientists from around the world and from many disciplines to advance methods for improving predictions of the future performance of agricultural and food systems as the global climate changes. The foundation credited her work with directly helping decision-makers in more than 90 countries establish plans to prepare for climate change. In her work, Rosenzweig has studied how farmers can deal with climate change and how agriculture worsens the problem. For example, she contributed to a research paper published last month that said global agri-food systems create nearly one-third of the total global greenhouse gases emitted by human activity. Rosenzweig said the world needs to reduce such emissions and adapt to the changing climate. She noted that greenhouse gases come from many parts of food production, including the release of carbon and carbon dioxide through the clearing of forests for farmland and the oxidization of carbon through the plowing of fields. The use of fertilizer also releases atmospheric nitrous oxide, farm equipment emits fossil fuels and cattle release methane. Rosenzweig, who describes herself as a climate impact scientist, grew up in Scarsdale, New York, a suburban area that she said led her to seek out life in the country. She moved to Tuscany, Italy, with her husband-to-be in her 20s and developed a passion for agriculture. Upon returning to the United States, she focused her education on agronomy. She worked as a graduate student at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies in the early 1980s, when global climate models were beginning to show the effects of human generated carbon dioxide on the global climate. As the only team member studying agronomy, she researched the impact on food production and has been working since then to answer those questions, she said. Rosenzweig's work led to the Environmental Protection Agency's first projections of the effect of climate change on the nation's agricultural regions in the agency's assessment of the potential effects of climate change on the United States in 1988. She was the first to bring climate change to the attention of the American Society of Agronomy and she organized the first sessions on the issue in the 1980s. She completed the first projections of how climate change will affect food production in North America in 1985 and globally in 1994, and she was one of the first scientists to document that climate change was already impacting food production and cultivation. The research organization she founded, AgMIP, develops adaptation packages, which could include the use of more drought-tolerant seeds and improved water management practices. In Bangladesh the group is working with rice farmers to develop new practices for managing rice paddies to reduce the significant release of methane produced by the existing process. She said even the largest agribusiness corporations have shown a willingness to listen. She said some models colleagues have developed show how businesses could be effected by climate change and how they too have a role to play in reversing impact on climate. "It's really a global partnership of all the global food system to come together to restrain climate change and maintain the food security for the planet," she said. World Food Prize Foundation President Barbara Stinson, who announced the winner, credited Rosenzweig for innovations that helped countries respond to climate change. Nobel Prize laureate Norman Borlaug created the World Food Prize in 1986 to recognize scientists and others who have improved the quality and availability of food. Rosenzweig will receive the award and make a speech during an October ceremony in Des Moines. Explore further Climate-smart policies could see crop yields soar 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 3D-model of DNA. Credit: Michael Strock/Wikimedia/ GNU Free Documentation License The molecules of life, DNA, replicate with astounding precision, yet this process is not immune to mistakes and can lead to mutations. Using sophisticated computer modeling, a team of physicists and chemists at the University of Surrey have shown that such errors in copying can arise due to the strange rules of the quantum world. The two strands of the famous DNA double helix are linked together by subatomic particles called protonsthe nuclei of atoms of hydrogenwhich provide the glue that bonds molecules called bases together. These so-called hydrogen bonds are like the rungs of a twisted ladder that makes up the double helix structure discovered in 1952 by James Watson and Francis Crick based on the work of Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins. Normally, these DNA bases (called A, C, T and G) follow strict rules on how they bond together: A always bonds to T and C always to G. This strict pairing is determined by the molecules' shape, fitting them together like pieces in a jigsaw, but if the nature of the hydrogen bonds changes slightly, this can cause the pairing rule to break down, leading to the wrong bases being linked and hence a mutation. Although predicted by Crick and Watson, it is only now that sophisticated computational modeling has been able to quantify the process accurately. The team, part of Surrey's research program in the exciting new field of quantum biology, have shown that this modification in the bonds between the DNA strands is far more prevalent than has hitherto been thought. The protons can easily jump from their usual site on one side of an energy barrier to land on the other side. If this happens just before the two strands are unzipped in the first step of the copying process, then the error can pass through the replication machinery in the cell, leading to what is called a DNA mismatch and, potentially, a mutation. In a paper published this week in the journal Communications Physics, the Surrey team based in the Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Center used an approach called open quantum systems to determine the physical mechanisms that might cause the protons to jump across between the DNA strands. But, most intriguingly, it is thanks to a well-known yet almost magical quantum mechanism called tunnelingakin to a phantom passing through a solid wallthat they manage to get across. It had previously been thought that such quantum behavior could not occur inside a living cell's warm, wet and complex environment. However, the Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger had suggested in his 1944 book "What is Life?" that quantum mechanics can play a role in living systems since they behave rather differently from inanimate matter. This latest work seems to confirm Schrodinger's theory. In their study, the authors determine that the local cellular environment causes the protons, which behave like spread out waves, to be thermally activated and encouraged through the energy barrier. In fact, the protons are found to be continuously and very rapidly tunneling back and forth between the two strands. Then, when the DNA is cleaved into its separate strands, some of the protons are caught on the wrong side, leading to an error. Dr. Louie Slocombe, who performed these calculations during his Ph.D., explains that: "The protons in the DNA can tunnel along the hydrogen bonds in DNA and modify the bases which encode the genetic information. The modified bases are called "tautomers" and can survive the DNA cleavage and replication processes, causing "transcription errors" or mutations." Dr. Slocombe's work at the Surrey's Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Center was supervised by Prof Jim Al-Khalili (Physics, Surrey) and Dr. Marco Sacchi (Chemistry, Surrey). Prof Al-Khalili comments: "Watson and Crick speculated about the existence and importance of quantum mechanical effects in DNA well over 50 years ago, however, the mechanism has been largely overlooked." Dr. Sacchi continues: "Biologists would typically expect tunneling to play a significant role only at low temperatures and in relatively simple systems. Therefore, they tended to discount quantum effects in DNA. With our study, we believe we have proved that these assumptions do not hold." Explore further A new study reveals that quantum physics can cause mutations in our DNA More information: An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA, Communications Physics (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s42005-022-00881-8 Journal information: Communications Physics An open quantum systems approach to proton tunnelling in DNA,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s42005-022-00881-8 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain While quantum computers represent a revolution in computation, they can't communicate with each other the way regular computers canover the internet. If quantum computers could be connected through a quantum network, they could facilitate perfectly secure communication between more than two parties or combine computing power to solve much harder problems than one quantum computer could do alone. In an invited session at the American Physical Society's March Meeting, two Chicago Quantum Exchange physicists took different approaches to address an obstacle central to the implementation of large-scale ground-based quantum networks: the distance between nodes is limited by how far a quantum signal can travel through optical fiber. A solution to both amplify and prevent data loss Liang Jiang, professor at the University of Chicago, focused on the most widely pursued solution: a quantum repeater. Quantum repeaters would be placed between nodes in a network to regenerate the quantum signal so it could travel longer distances. No one has yet demonstrated a successful quantum repeater, though "there is significant progress in this direction," according to Jiang. Besides regenerating the signal, quantum repeaters could also prevent data loss over long distances through error correction. Error correction codes are commonplace in classical networks, such as Bluetooth and WiFi, where they control the errors that naturally happen in data as a signal carries it from one device to another. But quantum systems are extremely prone to errors because of the sensitive nature of their quantum states, so error correction is a large and important area of study in the field of quantum technology. "There are two important questions to ask, from the theory perspective," Jiang said. "First, what is the maximum amount of quantum information that can be transmitted over a noisy fiber channel? Second, suppose we know that limit. Can we achieve it with good quantum error-correcting code design?" In addition to strategies for quantum error correction in quantum repeaters, as well as their predicted efficiencies, Jiang shared another application of quantum networks: quantum data centers (QDCs), where users on a quantum network can access a classical database for the purposes of quantum computing. The device necessary to retrieve classical data from a database as quantum bits, called a quantum random access memory (QRAM), would likely be extremely expensive, but Jiang sees QDCs as a solution. "We might want to use the QRAM as a quantum server, connecting to users via a quantum network," Jiang said. "All individual users can then query the database via the quantum network without needing to have a QRAM on their side. This could share the cost of such an expensive device." Bringing quantum networks into the air and beyond For Paul Kwiat, Bardeen Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a solution to the problem of fiber optic signal loss could be to take the quantum network off the ground and into the air, via drones, or even into space, with satellites. "At the moment we pretty much only have local fiber networks, with very few exceptions," Kwiat said. "And I have this vision of what we'd like to move toa situation that's much more heterogeneous, where we have connections between all sorts of platforms using satellites, connecting to airborne vehicles, drones, trucks, or boats." He noted that signal loss is much slower through free space than it is through optical fibers, which means that a quantum signal can be transmitted a longer distance. There are many advantages to such a "mobile" quantum network, where the nodes are easy to reposition. Some are scientific, such as conducting large-scale quantum sensing or studying quantum phenomena in different inertial frames to test the relationship between quantum mechanics and relativity. Some are more practical: using airborne vehicles as nodes for quantum communication where fiber connections are not an option, such as on naval ships on the ocean. A quantum network between satellites in space would allow for even more tests of fundamental quantum mechanics, with greater distances and velocities than are possible on earth, and over regions with changing gravitational effects. This past year, NASA helped fund a US-led project called Space Entanglement and Annealing QUantum Experiment (SEAQUE), which will test quantum communication technologies in orbit. It will be the first quantum information science payload on a commercial space station module: Nanoracks Bishop Airlock, which is attached to the International Space Station. It will also be the first flown "integrated optic waveguide source," which is more efficient than previous, similar quantum experiments, since there are no moving pieces that require regular realignment. SEAQUE is currently scheduled to launch in spring 2023. Kwiat's group, leading the project, is responsible for the optical payload and control board for SEAQUE; other elements are being provided by institutions in the US, Canada, and Singapore. "I'm excited because it's a tri-national quantum experiment in space," Kwiat said. "It's been a lot of fun." Explore further Fault-tolerant quantum computer memory in diamond More information: More information on SEAQUE is available at More information on SEAQUE is available at www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/space unications-tech-demo Provided by Chicago Quantum Exchange Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Long-duration space flight alters fluid-filled spaces along veins and arteries in the brain, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University and scientists across the country. The study published today in the journal Scientific Reports. "These findings have important implications as we continue space exploration," said senior author Juan Piantino, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics (neurology) in the OHSU School of Medicine. "It also forces you to think about some basic fundamental questions of science and how life evolved here on Earth." The research involved imaging the brains of 15 astronauts before and after extended tours of duty on the International Space Station. Researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure perivascular spaceor the space around blood vesselsin the brains of astronauts prior to their launch and again immediately after their return. They also took MRI measurements again at one, three and six months after they had returned. Astronauts' images were compared with those taken of the same perivascular space in the brains of 16 Earth-bound control subjects. Comparing before and after images, they found an increase in the perivascular spaces within the brains of first-time astronauts, but no difference among astronauts who previously served aboard the space station orbiting earth. "Experienced astronauts may have reached some kind of homeostasis," Piantino said. In all cases, scientists found no problems with balance or visual memories that might suggest neurological deficits among astronauts, despite the differences measured in the perivascular spaces of their brains. In comparing a large group of deidentified astronauts, the study is the first to comparatively assess an important aspect of brain health in space. Brains in space Human physiology is based on the fact that life evolved over millions of years while tethered to Earth's gravitational pull. Unbound by the forces of gravity, the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain is altered in space. "We all adapted to use gravity in our favor," Piantino said. "Nature didn't put our brains in our feetit put them high up. Once you remove gravity from the equation, what does that do to human physiology?" Researchers decided to find out by measuring perivascular spaces, where cerebrospinal fluid flows in the brain. These spaces are integral to a natural system of brain cleansing that occurs during sleep. Known as the glymphatic system, this brain-wide network clears metabolic proteins that would otherwise build up in the brain. Scientists say this system seems to perform optimally during deep sleep. The perivascular spaces measured in the brain amount to the underlying "hardware" of the glymphatic system. Enlargement of these spaces occurs in aging, and also has been associated with the development of dementia. Researchers used a technique developed in the laboratory of co-author Lisa C. Silbert, M.D., M.C.R., professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine, to measure changes in these perivascular spaces through MRI scans. Piantino said the study could be valuable in helping to diagnose and treat Earth-bound disorders involving cerebrospinal fluid, such as hydrocephalus. "These findings not only help to understand fundamental changes that happen during space flight, but also for people on Earth who suffer from diseases that affect circulation of cerebrospinal fluid," Piantino said. Explore further The impact of long-term spaceflight on cerebrospinal fluid and perivascular spaces in astronauts and cosmonauts More information: Longitudinal MRIvisible perivascular space (PVS) changes with longduration spacefight, Scientific Reports (2022). Journal information: Scientific Reports Longitudinal MRIvisible perivascular space (PVS) changes with longduration spacefight,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11593-y Venture capitalist John Doerr at Renmatix's planned new headquarters and research center, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, in King of Prussia, Pa. Stanford University has received a $1.1 billion. gift from venture capitalist John Doerr and his wife, Ann, to fund a new school focusing on climate change. The gift announced Tuesday, May 3, 2022 will create a new school at Stanford that combines several existing departments and institutes as well as hiring dozens of new faculty members over a decade.Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File Stanford University will launch a new school focusing on climate change thanks to a $1.1 billion gift from billionaire venture capitalist John Doerr and his wife, Ann, the university announced Tuesday. The gift, one of the largest single donations to an American institute of higher education, will open the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability this fall. The school combines several existing Stanford departments and institutes and will hire dozens of new faculty members over a decade, as well as establish an accelerator to provide grants for new projects. "We have designed a school for the future combining knowledge generation and impact, building on the strong foundation established through Stanford's history of scholarship," said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, in a statement. Stanford engaged in a years long process to define a vision for a new school focused on climate change. The Doerrs connected with Stanford after learning about the new school, university spokesperson Mara Vandlik said in an email. "This is the decisive decade, and we must act with full speed, and scale," John and Ann Doerr said in a statement. One of Silicon Valley's most prominent investors, John Doerr is chairman of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, where he has worked since 1980, successfully advocating for early investment in technology companies like Google, Amazon and Slack. He has authored a book published last year "Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now," that outlines technology and policy priorities for attaining a livable future. Ann Doerr is the board chair of the online education provider Khan Academy, as well as an advisory trustee and former board member of the Environmental Defense Fund. Isabelle Leighton, the interim executive director of the Donors of Color Network, hailed the donation, saying it's exciting to see large, new donations related to climate change but urged donors and universities to include communities currently affected by climate change in finding solutions. Her network has asked major foundations who give to climate change causes to pledge 30% of their donations to organizations led by people of color. "While it's really great to invest in research and analysis, you have to make sure that you're looking at the full picture of what we need to do to actually make the change and the shift," Leighton said. "The people who are most directly impacted by what's happening from climate change need to be a very strong voice, if not the leading voice, in what the solution needs to look like." She pointed to renewal energy projects supported by a network of frontline communities, the Climate Justice Alliance, as an example. In addition to the donation from the Doerrs, Stanford received $590 million from other donors. Some of the funds will go toward constructing two new buildings, the university said. The new school would accept gifts from fossil fuel companies or other industries, Vandlik said. "Stanford is committed to conducting research that will accelerate the transition to a decarbonized economy worldwide," she said. "The transition is going to require partnership with industries in order to implement new technologies at the enormous scale required." Explore further Gift or donation? Increase the effectiveness of charitable solicitation through framing charitable giving as gifts 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he could feel the alignment of city, county, state and federal leaders at the new Joliet Gateway Center, a stop on his Wednesday visit to the Chicago area to discuss President Joe Bidens bipartisan federal infrastructure bill. A hub for Pace buses and both Metra and Amtrak trains, the center touches one of the most basic and important parts of our daily lives, the commute to and from work, Buttigieg said. For underserved communities lacking adequate public transportation, generations of disinvestment have meant peoples workdays began on unpleasant terms, he said. Advertisement In America, your ability to get to where you need to be shouldnt depend on your income, Buttigieg said. It shouldnt depend on driving a car. Bus riders deserve to get to doctors appointments, jobs, loved ones, without spending 30 minutes in the snow, or half an hour in blistering heat. Joined by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, Buttigieg helped officially open the Joliet Gateway Center after a 10-year, $9.7 million face-lift. The transit hub was built around the citys old Union Station, which was decommissioned in 2014. Advertisement It is one of the many investments funded in part through Pritzkers Rebuild Illinois plan, an ongoing six-year, $45 billion effort to improve state roads, bridges, rails and public buildings. Pace buses serve about 600 riders a day from Joliet, said Rick Kwasneski, chair of the Pace Suburban Bus Board, and the new center is a considerable improvement, with an indoor, heated and air-conditioned waiting area. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg testifies at a Senate subcommittee hearing on the 2023 budget in Washington on April 28, 2022. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP Getty) Pace buses run through Joliet with routes stretching to Elwood and Bolingbrook. Riders can also catch two different Metra lines that provide quick transit to downtown Chicago. And an Amtrak route from St. Louis to Chicago stops in Joliet. Foster, a Naperville Democrat who represents a district that includes Joliet and Will County, said increasing mobility, especially out here in the far suburbs, will not only ease peoples travels to work, appointments, shopping and restaurants, but also will stimulate the economy. Our communities here in the southern and western suburbs continue to grow as more and more people choose to live here, Foster said. With a growing population, we need to make sure that were keeping up with the demand for safe and reliable public transportation options. And thats what this new transit center represents. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekdays. Better public transportation access means people will be able to get new jobs in and around Joliet or downtown Chicago or anywhere in this region, Buttigieg said. Federal funding will help Pace reach its goal of having all zero-emission buses by 2040, Kwasneski said. The first electric bus arrives next week for testing, and a fleet of 20 electric buses should be up and running early next year, Kwasneski said. Advertisement Rebuild Illinois includes a $4.6 billion investment in mass transit, on top of an estimated $4 billion the state will receive over the next five years from the federal infrastructure bill. Other infrastructure investments already in the works include the Interstate 80 bridge over the Des Plaines River, a $1.2 billion reconstruction taking place just over a mile away from the Joliet Gateway Center. cspaulding@chicagotribune.com Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain You can love something to death. That is one way of thinking about a new Stanford University study that reveals how a common component of many sunscreens worn by coral reef-exploring tourists may hasten the demise of these endangered ecosystems. The surprising findings, published May 6 in Science, could help guide the development and marketing of effective, coral-safe sunscreens. "It would be a sad irony if ecotourism aimed at protecting coral reefs were actually exacerbating their decline," said study lead author Djordje Vuckovic, a Ph.D. student in civil and environmental engineering. "My hope is that our research will help lead the way to developing coral-safe sunscreens." Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreenmore than the weight of 50 blue whaleswash through U.S. reef areas every year, according to the National Park Service. Scientists have known for some time that oxybenzone, an organic compound found in many sunscreens, can damage corals. As a result, sunscreens with this compound have been banned in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii, the island nation of Palau, and Bonaire, an island municipality of the Netherlands, among other places. However, the mechanisms by which oxybenzone does harm have largely remained a mystery, making it difficult to ensure that sunscreen components proposed as alternatives are truly safer for corals. William Mitch, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford, became interested in the issue several years ago when he heard about Hawaii's then-pending ban. With funding from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, he and John Pringle, a professor of genetics in the Stanford School of Medicine, began work to characterize the chemical and biological mechanisms by which oxybenzone harms corals. Protection for humans, damage for corals In their new study, Mitch, Pringle, Vuckovic, and other Stanford researchers used anemones as surrogates for corals, which are harder to experiment with, as well as mushroom corals. Exposed to oxybenzone in artificial seawater under simulated sunshine, the anemones all died within 17 days, whereas anemones exposed to oxybenzone in the absence of simulated sunlight remained viable. "It was strange to see that oxybenzone made sunlight toxic for coralsthe opposite of what it is supposed to do," said Mitch. "The compound is good at absorbing light within the waveband we tested, which is why it's so common in sunscreens." After absorbing ultraviolet light, oxybenzone is designed to dissipate the light energy as heat, preventing sunburn. The anemones and corals, however, metabolized oxybenzone in such a way that the resulting substance formed damaging radicals when exposed to sunlight. In addition to this vulnerability, the researchers found evidence for a coral defense mechanism. Symbiotic algae in corals appeared to protect their hosts by sequestering within themselves the toxins that corals produced from oxybenzone. As ocean waters warm, stressed corals expel their algae partners, exposing bone-white coral skeletons. Thus, in addition to being more vulnerable to disease and environmental shocks, such "bleached" corals would be more vulnerable to the depredations of oxybenzone without their algae to protect them. Ensuring sunscreens are safe for corals and other marine species Oxybenzone may not be the only sunscreen ingredient of concern, the researchers warn. The same metabolic pathways that appear to convert oxybenzone into a potent toxin for corals may do something similar with other common sunscreen ingredients, many of which share similar chemical structures and so could form similar phototoxic metabolites. Many sunscreens marketed as coral-safe are based on metals, such as zinc and titanium, rather than organic compounds, such as oxybenzone. Although these sunscreens are fundamentally different in how they function, it is not clear whether they are actually safer for corals, according to the researchers, who are planning to investigate the matter further. "In environmental science, as in medicine, a sound understanding of basic mechanisms should provide the best guidance for the development of practical solutions," said Pringle. "Our study also illustrates the enormous power of collaborations between scientists with very different backgrounds and expertise," said Mitch. Co-authors of the study also include Amanda Tinoco, a research technician at Stanford School of Medicine at the time of the research; Lorraine Ling, a postdoctoral scholar in genetics at the time of the research; and Christian Renicke, a postdoctoral research scientist in genetics. Explore further Beaches are banning sunscreens to save coral reefs More information: Djordje Vuckovic et al, Conversion of oxybenzone sunscreen to phototoxic glucoside conjugates by sea anemones and corals, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abn2600 Djordje Vuckovic et al, Conversion of oxybenzone sunscreen to phototoxic glucoside conjugates by sea anemones and corals,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abn2600 Colleen M. Hansel, Sunscreens threaten coral survival, Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abo4627. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abo4627 Journal information: Science This global map shows the potential and detected distribution of oil palm plantations using data from the global oil palm map. Credit: GOPM The global trade in agricultural commodities provides food, fuel and fiber to consumers around the world. Commodity production, however, is also linked with negative environmental impacts, including the loss and degradation of forested land. Approximately 90% of global deforestation is driven by agricultural expansiona phenomenon that has roots in the global demand for products such as palm oil, soy and beef. New research reveals how satellites can be used to map and monitor forest-cover changes and help implement effective zero deforestation commitments. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 23% of total human driven greenhouse gas emissions result from agriculture, forestry and other land uses. Therefore, protecting forests is essential to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, 10 of the world's largest commodity traders published a "shared commitment" to halting forest loss, and the European Union published proposed legislation imposing a legal responsibility for trading companies to ensure their sourcing is not linked to deforestation. While many companies recognize the central role forest ecosystems play in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss and have made zero-deforestation commitments, progress in implementing deforestation-free supply chains remains slow. In a new study published in Science Advances, a team of scientists from Europe and the U.S., combined detailed shipping data from Trase with corporate disclosures, farm-level production and remote sensing data to better understand how commodity traders source products on the ground, and how this affects the implementation of corporate zero-deforestation commitments. They focused on commodity trading companies handling the top 60% of exports of four focus commodities: soy from South America, cocoa from the Ivory Coast, palm oil from Indonesia, and live cattle exports from Brazil. The team found that traders commonly source commodities "indirectly" via local intermediaries (aggregators, cooperatives and other middlemen). The leading traders each sourced 1244% for soy, 1590% of palm oil, 9499% of live cattle and essentially 100% of cocoa indirectly. This distinction between direct and indirect sourcing is significant as it's inevitably more challenging for traders to identify the source of its productsand check for deforestation or other sustainability riskswhen the trader is (at least) one-tier removed from the product's origin. Tai National Park is a national park in the Ivory Coast that contains one of the last areas of primary rainforest in West Africa. In recent years, the cultivation of cocoa has led to the loss of vast tracts of forested areas in Ivory Coast and Ghanathe largest producers of cocoa in the world. Credit: Tracking agricultural-related deforestation copyright contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2020), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO Erasmus zu Ermgassen, lead author of the paper and scientist at UC-Louvain, commented, "Indirect sourcing is a major blind spot for sustainable procurement efforts. Indirect sourcing is ignored by many sustainable procurement efforts across the cattle, soy, cocoa, and oil palm sectors. "Efforts to trace commodities from farm to fork should be enabled by producer government policies which prioritize transparency and unlock data on supply chains. In order to deliver on promises to eliminate deforestation sectoral sustainability initiatives, we need to acknowledge, monitor, and report on indirect sourcingand ultimately ensure it doesnt remain a barrier to delivering on sustainability goals." Zoltan Szantoi, ESA's Land Applications Scientist and co-author of the paper, commented, "The research here draws conclusions based on in situ data, showing that indirect sourcing of major agricultural commodities might limit companies' efforts on sustainable procurement, and consequently, on their zero deforestation commitments. "On the other hand, the Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites are providing data which can be utilized for accurately monitoring agricultural areas, as we've shown with cocoa in the Ivory Coast, as well as deforestation and thus, support such efforts." Spotlight on cocoa plantations In recent years, the cultivation of cocoa has led to the loss of vast tracts of forested areas in Ivory Coast and Ghanathe largest producers of cocoa in the world. As noted above, indirect sourcing accounts for essentially 100% of cocoa, and thus, the mapping and monitoring of such plantations is essential, not only for the zero-deforestation commitments and biodiversity loss, but also for production, quality, and sustainability of cocoa in both countries. Findings to support this article partially come from a recently published study in which the authors identified cocoa plantations in both Ivory Coast and Ghana using satellite data from the Copernicus program. The team were able to detect cocoa plantations thanks to Sentinel-1's radar data combined with Sentinel-2's optical imagery in a big data cloud-computing environment. It was reported there that cocoa farms largely encroach intro protected areas, with 20% of the detected cocoa plantation areas located in protected areas. Zoltan explains: "Thanks to the satellite data, we found a successful method to map cocoa farms at a national level and show its potential to be upscaled on a wider scale. Earth observation satellites are instrumental in providing comprehensive information on the full extent and rate of cocoa-driven deforestation. The findings highlight the urgent need for governments and cocoa buyers to address the causes of cocoa-related deforestation." Explore further Chocolate fix: How the cocoa industry could end deforestation in West Africa More information: Erasmus K. H. J. zu Ermgassen et al, Addressing indirect sourcing in zero deforestation commodity supply chains, Science Advances (2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3132 , Erasmus K. H. J. zu Ermgassen et al, Addressing indirect sourcing in zero deforestation commodity supply chains,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3132 , https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abn3132 Itohan-Osa Abu et al, Detecting cocoa plantations in Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana and their implications on protected areas, Ecological Indicators (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107863 Figure illustrates a Cu surface covered with small amount of Zn probed with photoelectron spectroscopy during reaction of CO2, CO and H2 to methanol. Credit: Stockholm University Researchers at Stockholm University have for the first time been able to study the surface of a copper-zinc catalyst when carbon dioxide is reduced to methanol. The results are published in the scientific journal Science. A better knowledge of the catalytic process and the possibility of finding even more efficient materials opens the door for a green transition in the chemical industry. Methanol is currently one of the most important petrochemical basic chemicals, with an annual production of 110 million metric tons, and can be converted into tens of thousands of different products and used for the manufacture of, for example, plastics, detergents, pharmaceuticals and fuels. Methanol also has the potential to become a future energy carrier where, for example, aviation fuel can be produced using captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen from electrolysis of water instead of using natural gas. A future green transformation of the chemical industry, similar to the one with green steel, where wind or solar energy drives electrolytic cells is therefore a possibility. "The challenge has been to experimentally investigate the catalyst surface with surface-sensitive methods under real reaction conditions at relatively high pressures and temperatures. Those conditions have for many years not been achievable and different hypotheses about zinc being available as oxide, metallic or in alloy with copper arose but could not be unambiguously verified," says Anders Nilsson, professor of chemical physics at Stockholm University. "It is fantastic that we have been able to shed light into this complex topic of methanol formation over copper-zinc catalyst after many years of effort," says Peter Amann, first author of the publication. "What is special is that we have built a photoelectron spectroscopy instrument in Stockholm that allows studies of catalyst surfaces under high pressures and thereby directly been able to observe what happens when the reaction takes place," says David Degerman, Ph.D. student in chemical physics at Stockholm University. "We have opened a new door into catalysis with our new instrument." "We have succeeded using our instrument to demonstrate that zinc is alloyed with copper right at the surface and this provides special atomic sites where methanol is created from carbon dioxide," says Chris Goodwin, researcher in Chemical Physics at Stockholm University. "During industrial processes, a small amount of carbon monoxide is mixed in, which prevents the formation of zinc oxide from carbon dioxide." "To have our Stockholm instrument at one of the brightest X-ray sources in the world at PETRA III in Hamburg has been crucial to conduct the study," says Patrick Lomker, Postdoc at Stockholm University. "We can now imagine the future with even brighter sources when the machine upgrades to PETRA IV." "We now have the tools to conduct research leading to possible other catalyst materials that can be used better to fit together with electrolysis-produced hydrogen for the green transition of the chemical industry, which today is completely fossil-based and accounts for 8% of the world-wide carbon dioxide emissions," says Anders Nilsson. Explore further Methanol synthesis: Insights into the structure of an enigmatic catalyst More information: Peter Amann et al, The state of zinc in methanol synthesis over a Zn/ZnO/Cu(211) model catalyst, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abj7747 Journal information: Science Peter Amann et al, The state of zinc in methanol synthesis over a Zn/ZnO/Cu(211) model catalyst,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abj7747 Vaquita porpoises. Credit: Paula Olson/NOAA The vaquita porpoise, the world's smallest marine mammal, is on the brink of extinction, with 10 or fewer still living in Mexico's Gulf of California, their sole habitat. But a genetic analysis by a team of UCLA biologists and colleagues has found that the critically endangered species remains relatively healthy and can potentially surviveif illegal "gillnet" fishing ceases promptly. "Interestingly, we found the vaquita is not doomed by genetic factors, like harmful mutations, that tend to affect many other species whose gene pool has diminished to a similar point," said Christopher Kyriazis, a UCLA doctoral student in ecology and evolutionary biology and a colead author of the research. "Outlawed fishing remains their biggest threat." The small porpoises, which range from 4 to 5 feet in length, often become entangled and die in the large mesh gillnets used by poachers hunting the totoaba, an endangered fish highly valued in some countries for its perceived medicinal properties. While Mexico has outlawed totoaba fishing and made the use of these nets in the vaquitas' habitat illegal, many say the bans are not always enforced. The researchers analyzed the genomes of 20 vaquitas that lived between 1985 and 2017 and conducted computational simulations to predict the species' extinction risk over the next 50 years. They concluded that if gillnet fishing ends immediately, the vaquita has a very high chance of recovery, even with inbreeding. If, however, the practice continues, even moderately, the prospects of recovery are less optimistic. The research is published May 6 in the journal Science. Vaquita porpoises in the Gulf of California, 2008. Credit: Chris Johnson/WWF "Relative to other species, the vaquita has a higher chance of rebounding from an extreme population crash without suffering severe genetic consequences from inbreeding," said colead author Jacqueline Robinson, a postdoctoral scholar at UC San Francisco who earned her doctorate in biology at UCLA. "Genetic diversity in vaquitas is not so low that it constitutes a threat to their health and persistence. It simply reflects their natural rarity." Genetic diversity is a measure of the differences that exist across the genome among individuals in a population. Large populations tend to have many differences, while naturally smaller or decimated ones have fewer, resulting in individuals that are more genetically similar. That similarity can often result in a greater incidence of harmful mutations that endanger the population since individuals are more likely to inherit the same muted gene from both parents, said senior author Kirk Lohmueller, UCLA associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and of human genetics. "A prevailing view in conservation biology and population genetics is that small populations can accumulate deleterious mutations," Lohmueller said. "However, our finding that the vaquita likely has fewer strongly deleterious mutations hiding in the population means that they are better poised to survive future inbreeding, which bodes well for their overall recovery." So what protects the vaquitas from the genetic perils of inbreeding? Much of it has to do with the fact that they have always been a small population in a very small habitat in the northern tip of the gulf, the researchers said. While their historic numbers are unknown, the first comprehensive survey in 1997 counted roughly 570 porpoisesa number that has declined steadily over the last 25 years but which was not large to begin with. "They're essentially the marine equivalent of an island species," said Robinson, who noted that the species has survived for tens of thousands of years with low genetic diversity. "The vaquitas' naturally low abundance has allowed them to gradually purge highly deleterious recessive gene variants that might negatively affect their health under inbreeding." In fact, Robinson said, of the 12 marine mammal speciesincluding vaquitasthe researchers genetically analyzed, vaquitas had the lowest number of potentially harmful mutations. While the interplay among small population size, inbreeding and harmful genetic variations is complex, the approach used by the team in this study can help shed light on these dynamics. "With genomic datasets, we now have the ability to address this complexity," Robinson said. "Species can vary in their levels of harmful genetic variation, and they will not all be affected exactly the same way by reduced population size or inbreeding. There are now many examples of species recovering from extreme declines." "We hope our analysis is useful not only in demonstrating the potential for the vaquita to recover," Kyriazis said, "but also in highlighting a novel genomics-based simulation approach for endangered species." Encouragingly, the surviving vaquitas in the northern Gulf of California are actively reproducing and appear healthy. But poachers' gillnets continue to pose an existential threat to the species, and unless further measures are taken to protect the porpoises, there is a distinct possibility they may go extinct. The loss would be a great tragedy, said the study's senior author, UCLA's Robert Wayne. "The vaquita is symbolic of the unique diversity found in the Gulf of California, which was described by John Steinbeck in his wonderful 1951 book 'The Log From the Sea of Cortez,'" said Wayne, a distinguished professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and a Howard Hughes Medical institute professor. "It represents a unique evolutionary lineagethere is no similar species anywhere in the worldand its loss would rob the ecosystem of an important predator adapted to this unique ecosystem." Co-authors included Phillip Morin of the NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center; vaquita researchers Barbara Taylor of the NOAA and Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho; Sergio Nigenda Morales of the Advanced Genomics Unit in Irapuato, Guanajuato, part of Mexico's National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity; and Annabel Beichman of the University of Washington. Morales and Beichman earned their doctorates at UCLA studying under Wayne and Lohmueller. Explore further Endangered vaquita remain genetically healthy even in low numbers, new analysis shows More information: Jacqueline A. Robinson et al, The critically endangered vaquita is not doomed to extinction by inbreeding depression, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm1742 Journal information: Science Jacqueline A. Robinson et al, The critically endangered vaquita is not doomed to extinction by inbreeding depression,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abm1742 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Gig industry platforms such as Uber, Doordash, and TaskRabbit fail to acknowledge the realities of women workers' experiences, putting women at financial and personal risk, finds a new study. Researchers interviewed 20 women gig workers in Canada and the U.S. and found that womenwho make up approximately half the gig workforce in Canadaoften have to "brush off" harassment for fear of losing work, and available safety tools aren't very effective. Authors Drs. Ning Ma, a postdoctoral fellow, and Dongwook Yoon, assistant professor, from the UBC department of computer science, discuss what gig companies can do to improve women workers' experiences and reduce risk. What are the realities of women gig workers' experiences? NM: Women gig workers who participated in our study believe they faced a disproportionate amount of harassment and bias, with incidents including people following women delivery workers to their house to yell at them, and men refusing to leave vehicles. We identified that such problems stem from gender-agnostic designs on the platformdesigns that ignore gendered experiences. For instance, the platforms have no clear policies to support women drivers to set clear boundaries when interacting with riders: when is it okay to kick someone out of the car without being penalized by a low rating from that rider? DY: We also identified unique values women workers provide to the platform. For instance, women passengers often feel safer with women drivers, which also adds to the perceived safety of the platform as a whole. However, the dispatching algorithms of gig platforms do not acknowledge or reward such values, including by dispatching women gig workers to women customers to improve their access to work and potentially avoid harassment. Conversely, gigs in areas traditionally dominated by men, such as furniture assembly or heavy lifting, are often paid more. Women workers who had previous experience in male-dominated environments felt more comfortable taking on these tasks, resulting in increased pay and feeling safer in these environments. Why don't current anti-harassment measures work? NM: The most common security measure is an emergency button that triggers a 9-1-1 call. The vast majority of harassment does not escalate to that level but is often much more subtle, for instance, inviting women to customers' residences or inappropriate verbal requests. Calling 9-1-1 wastes time for the women gig workers, who need to get to the next ride or food order to earn money. Time is essential in this type of work, so this largely led to women "brushing off" harassment. Subtle harassment is still unacceptable, and there needs to be an intermediate step to support women gig workers. What can companies do to make things better? DY: Platforms should treat gig workers as legitimate stakeholders in the platform design, rather than exploiting them as materials for marketing their equity and inclusion agendas. On the macro level, this means paying attention to women gig workers' experiences and challenges when designing platform features and workflow. Specifically, this could take the form of having clear guidelines on how workers can manage the interaction with customers, for instance, when is it okay to stop service, and signs displayed in vehicles outlining this policy. In addition, platforms could allow drivers to give context for negative ratings, and incorporate this into allocation algorithms. NM: Platforms could also allow women customers to match with women workers at certain times of the day, for instance, late at night. These platforms are a new form of workplace, and they need to start viewing gig workers as 'workers' and invest in their safety and comfort. The research was published in the proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. Explore further Covert and overt forms of sexism are equally damaging to working women More information: Ning F. Ma et al, "Brush it Off": How Women Workers Manage and Cope with Bias and Harassment in Gender-agnostic Gig Platforms, CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (2022). Ning F. Ma et al, "Brush it Off": How Women Workers Manage and Cope with Bias and Harassment in Gender-agnostic Gig Platforms,(2022). DOI: 10.1145/3491102.3517524 Dairy cows graze on a farm near Oxford, in the South Island of New Zealand on Oct. 8, 2018. New Zealand, Thursday, May 5, 2022, is on the verge of eradicating a bacterial disease from its herd of 10 million cows, with only a single farm left with the disease Mycoplasma bovis. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker New Zealand is on the verge of eradicating a painful disease from its herd of 10 million cattle after a four-year campaign that has cost hundreds of millions of dollars and resulted in more than 175,000 cows being killed. Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said Thursday that 271 farms had been cleared of Mycoplasma bovis and only a single farm in the country still had the bacterial disease. New Zealand would be the first country that has managed to wipe it out completely. In an interview with The Associated Press, O'Connor said it had been a traumatic process for affected farmers. If an infection was found on a farm, even healthy cows were killed to ensure the disease was stamped out. "I'd say every farmer was very unhappy about having to see their herd be culled," O'Connor said. "These are people who have strong connections, commitment and investment in their animals." Farming is the nation's biggest export earner and vital to its economy. When Mycoplasma bovis was first discovered in New Zealand in 2017, it prompted a huge response from the government, which concluded there was a one-off opportunity to wipe out the disease before it spread widely. Found in cattle in the U.S. and Europe, Mycoplasma bovis is a bacteria that can cause cows to develop mastitis, pneumonia, arthritis and other painful conditions. The bacteria is not considered a threat to food safety, but the resulting diseases in cows can cause distress and result in lower milk and beef yields. Cows are attached to a rotary milking machine on a farm near Oxford, New Zealand on Oct. 8, 2018. New Zealand, Thursday, May 5, 2022, is on the verge of eradicating a bacterial disease from its herd of 10 million cows, with only a single farm left with the disease Mycoplasma bovis. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker O'Connor said the final farm with the disease was a feed yard where cattle came to be fattened before slaughter. He said the farm would be cleaned of the disease later this year, and it would take several more months of monitoring around the country after that to declare victory. He said the New Zealand campaign was groundbreaking. "It is hugely significant, and I think there are other countries that have M. bovis that will be seeking to find out more about their options to eradicate as well," O'Connor said. He said the final cost for the eradication program will likely come in slightly under the budgeted 886 million New Zealand dollars ($580 million), money that has gone toward operations, surveillance and compensation. The government is picking up most of the tab, with farmers and the cattle industry also contributing. A sign on a farm limiting access to the property as part of the MPI surveillance program for the disease Micoplasma bovis, in the central Hawks Bay of New Zealand on June 15, 2018. New Zealand, Thursday, May 5, 2022, is on the verge of eradicating a bacterial disease from its herd of 10 million cows, with only a single farm left with the disease Mycoplasma bovis. Credit: Duncan Brown/Hawke's Bay Today via AP It's unclear how the disease first entered New Zealand, which has strict biosecurity controls. One theory is it arrived in imported bull semen. Fiona Doolan-Noble, a senior research fellow at the University of Otago who studied the eradication program, said government officials at first could have done a better job listening to the expertise of local veterinarians and farmers, but she thought communications had improved over time. She said there was a chance the disease could re-enter New Zealand, although the country's experience not only with the disease but also with COVID-19 had raised awareness for the need of more stringent biosecurity measures. New Zealand has 6.3 million dairy cows and 4 million beef cattle, making its total herd twice the size of its human population. Milk products represent the country's largest single export, with much of it sold to China where it is used in infant formula. Dairy cows graze on a farm near Oxford, in the South Island of New Zealand on Oct. 8, 2018. New Zealand, Thursday, May 5, 2022, is on the verge of eradicating a bacterial disease from its herd of 10 million cows, with only a single farm left with the disease Mycoplasma bovis. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Baker New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visits the Ngahinapouri farm with owner Jim van der Poel, right, chairman of Dairy NZ, near Hamilton, New Zealand, Thursday, May 5, 2022. New Zealand is on the verge of eradicating a bacterial disease from its herd of 10 million cows, with only a single farm left with the disease Mycoplasma bovis. Credit: Jed Bradley/New Zealand Herald via AP Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the government's partnership with those in the farming industry had been crucial to the success of the program. "When we took our one shot to eradicate we did so to protect our national herd from a painful disease, our economy from a sharp shock, and our rural communities from widespread anxiety," Ardern said. Explore further New Zealand to kill 150,000 cows to end bacterial disease 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. GLENS FALLS A Glens Falls man was arraigned on Thursday morning in City Court in the robbery of a Glens Falls bank branch in late March. Joseph L. Skellie, 34, was charged with felony charges of third-degree robbery and second-degree grand larceny. He is being held in Warren County Jail without bail on the Glens Falls charges, as well as on charges related to incidents in Vermont. The judge issued orders of protection for five bank employees and two others in the bank robbery case. Authorities had previously said an unarmed man slipped a note to a bank teller at Glens Falls National Bank on Broad Street in Glens Falls, demanding an undisclosed amount of money. At the time of the crime, cameras at the bank revealed the man to be wearing a tan-colored jacket, green pants with a white logo on the left leg, a camouflage bandana, a gray hoodie and dark sunglasses. Police described the suspect as a white man between 5 feet and 5 feet, 4 inches tall. After the man received the money, he exited the bank and fled by foot on Mission Street heading north, police had said. Check back with poststar.com for more on this story. Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at 518-742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com. 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. GLENS FALLS A Glens Falls man was arraigned on Thursday morning in City Court in the robbery of a Glens Falls bank branch in late March. Joseph L. Skellie, 34, was charged with felony charges of third-degree robbery and second-degree grand larceny in connection with the robbery at the Glens Falls National Bank on Broad Street. Terry Comeau, undersheriff at the Warren County Sheriffs Office, said that Skellie was arrested by the Warren County Sheriffs Office following a domestic incident in early April. Seth French, detective lieutenant with the Glens Falls Police Department, said the department was made aware of Skellies whereabouts after his arrest, but did not bring charges forward right away in order to conduct a more thorough investigation into the bank robbery. Skellie is being held in Warren County Jail without bail on the Glens Falls charges, as well as on charges related to incidents in Vermont. Sarah Superneau, detective corporal with the South Burlington Police Department, said that a charge of attempted robbery related to the incidents in Vermont may be issued when he is brought in to court. Superneau said that Skellie had attempted to enter a Northfield Savings Bank branch, which was closed at the time. She said court prosecutors will decide whether the charge is issued. City Court Judge Gary Hobbs issued orders of protection for five Glens Falls National Bank employees and two others in the bank robbery case. Authorities had previously said an unarmed man slipped a note to a bank teller at the Glens Falls National Bank branch on Broad Street in Glens Falls, demanding an undisclosed amount of money. At the time of the crime, cameras at the bank revealed the man to be wearing a tan-colored jacket, green pants with a white logo on the left leg, a camouflage bandana, a gray hoodie and dark sunglasses. Police described the suspect as a white man between 5 feet and 5 feet, 4 inches tall. After the man received the money, he exited the bank and fled by foot on Mission Street heading north, police had said. No injuries were reported from the incident, according to a news release. An investigation by the Glens Falls Police Department determined that the robbery took place at roughly 10:25 a.m. on March 28. In the days following the robbery, the department began its investigation. Police said that detectives were later able to pinpoint Skellie as a suspect after receiving a tip that was provided about an unrelated incident. According to a news release, there were multiple warrants executed and there is overwhelming evidence that was discovered during the investigation linking Skellie to the bank robbery. Through the search warrants, French said the department was able to track some of Skellies movements. He said that Skellie left the Glens Falls area for South Burlington, Vermont, a day or two after the robbery. Additional crimes were committed by Skellie in Vermont, where he is charged with attempted kidnapping, unlawful restraint and aggravated assault. We were working with South Burlington detectives as well. They came down here investigating their incident and their cases. We were able to link that it was the same suspect in both cases, French said. According to a news release from the South Burlington Police Department, Skellie attempted to kidnap a woman at knifepoint on April 1. The woman said that Skellie approached her from behind, holding a knife to her stomach and demanded that she give him her keys, police said. The woman said he told her he was going to take her for a ride, police said. The woman was able to free herself, throw her keys and call for help, and Skellie fled on foot, police said. Skellies whereabouts were unknown following the incident in Vermont. He was arrested on April 4 by the Warren County Sheriffs Office related to a domestic incident involving Skellies brother at a Queensbury residence, police said. Comeau said the Warren County Sheriffs Office responded to a call for a domestic incident at the residence at roughly 2 a.m. According to Comeau, Skellie is charged with felony charges of menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, as well as a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of breathing for that incident. Skellie is also faced with violating parole, according to Comeau. Looking like a total of a weeks span, French said of the time frame of incidents. Close to a week is when all of this occurred before he was in custody. Skellie has not been arraigned on the charges against him in South Burlington, where he has a court date set for May 19. He has a court date for May 16 at 11 a.m. in Queensbury Town Court for prosecution of the charges stemming from the domestic incident in Queensbury. Skellie is due back in Glens Falls City Court on June 2 at 9 a.m. on the bank robbery charges. Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at 518-742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com. 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. LAKE LUZERNE A Gloversville man was charged with sexually assaulting a teenager that he was acquainted with, police said. Police said the Warren County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit on April 27 received a report of a sexual assault involving Albert Pelkey, 40, of 45 South Main St., and a teenager. The incident occurred in a remote wooded location in the town of Lake Luzerne, according to a news release. Police said an investigation determined that Pelkey originally met the victim on social media. Pelkey was sent to Warren County Jail without bail and has a court date scheduled for May 11 in Lake Luzerne Town Court. Police said the investigation was handled by members of the Warren County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit and the Sex Offender Management Unit. A Warren County Level 3 sex offender was arrested on Tuesday for failing to register. Scott M. Habshi, 56, was charged with felony charges of failure to register and failure to verity. Police said that the Warren County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit began an investigation involving Habshi on March 18. The investigation found that Habshi had failed to update his photo for the New York State Sex Offender Registry, which is required every year since he is a Level 3 offender. Further investigation determined that he also failed to verify his address with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, according to police, which is also part of his requirements. Habshi was arraigned in Warren County Centralized Arraignment Court and sent to Warren County Jail. He has a future court date set for Queensbury Town Court. The investigation was conducted by the Warren County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Unit. The Illinois Veterans' Home in LaSalle on Dec. 14, 2020. The deadly coronavirus outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans' Home killed 36 veterans. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) An Illinois state auditor general review of the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 elderly military veterans at the LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020 blames Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Public Health department for failing to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak. Department of Public Health officials didnt show up at the LaSalle home until 11 days after the outbreak began on Nov. 1, 2020, even though department leaders had been receiving near daily updates on the deteriorating situation at the home, according to Auditor General Frank Mautinos review, which was released Thursday. Advertisement The public health departments visit came only after top agency staff members were told that Pritzker was very concerned and wanted them to go to the facility, the report said. The health departments failure to intervene quickly at the home after the outbreak had been detected was notable, the audit said, because all but four of the 36 residents who died were positive prior to the agencys first site visit on Nov. 12, 2020. Advertisement Mautinos review, requested by the General Assembly, also said an inspector generals report ordered by Pritzker and released in April of last year that blamed management failures at both the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the LaSalle home was too narrowly focused on the VA and largely excluded the public health departments role in the crisis. That report, from the Department of Human Services inspector general, contended the significance of the outbreak was not being meaningfully tracked by the chief of staff for Veterans Affairs when, in fact, auditors found the chief of staff provided detailed information that was used by former state Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike in her daily COVID-19 briefings, the auditor general report said. The inspector general investigation also wrongly concluded that an absence of any standard operating procedures in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak was a significant factor in why the coronavirus was not contained at the LaSalle home when, in fact, hundreds of pages of guidelines existed, the state audit said. Overall, the state audit points to a massive bureaucratic failure involving the administrations response to the pandemic and the LaSalle deaths. Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons. Auditors recommended that the VA work with the public health department and the governors office during COVID-19 outbreaks to advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of the veterans who reside in the homes under IDVAs care. The state agencies accepted the auditors findings and recommendations. The report represents a major embarrassment for the Democratic governor as he seeks reelection in November. Pritzker won office in 2018 in part by attacking his predecessor, one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, for his failure to take quick action after a series of Legionnaires disease outbreaks at the Quincy Veterans Home led to the deaths of 14 veterans. Auditor General Frank Mautino, center, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Jan. 29, 2020. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Republicans had been critical that the inspector generals report was not wider in scope, and central Illinois lawmakers who represent the LaSalle region said the auditor generals review vindicated their criticisms, while also calling for legislative hearings on the matter. Advertisement The governors investigation into the matter was flawed, too narrowly focused, and purposely removed him and IDPHs leadership team from scrutiny until todays independent findings, said state Rep. David Welter of Morris, a sponsor of the legislation that led to the auditor generals review. The governor can no longer cover up the truth and he must be held accountable for his collapse of competence. State Sen. Sue Rezin, also a Morris Republican, said the latest findings show Pritzker abdicated his responsibilities to protect the veterans of this state, and tried to hide it with an investigation he arranged with a predetermined outcome, ensuring his office escaped all accountability. Criticism also came from the governors own party, as Democratic state Rep. Lance Yednock of Ottawa said he was frustrated and disappointed there wasnt better coordination between state agencies to recognize and address the increasingly serious infection rate at LaSalle as it was happening. Pritzker, at an unrelated Springfield news conference Thursday, said the LaSalle outbreak occurred at the dawn of the worst surge of the pandemic and that public health officials at that time were not making in-person visits to long-term congregate care facilities because the threat of unintentionally spreading COVID was significantly greater than the potential benefit of a visit. But Pritzker also sought to blame LaSalle-area Republicans who opposed his coronavirus mandates for contributing to the spread of the virus in the surrounding community and into the VA home. We were working against Republican elected officials who told people to defy mitigation efforts. We told people that they needed to follow those mitigations. But Republicans told them that they need not wear masks. They told people that they didnt need to get vaccinated. They told people that COVID wasnt serious. Those lies put peoples lives at risk, especially the most vulnerable, Pritzker said. Advertisement The governor said the inspector general report he ordered was intended specifically to look at the LaSalle home, its management, and the management of the state VA in light of the outbreak. The Department of Public Health, he said, was the central responsible agency for the entire pandemic. So just while this veterans home was having its outbreak, (outbreaks also) were occurring all over the state, in schools in other nursing homes, in other congregate care settings. In fact, auditors reported that as of Nov. 8, seven days after the LaSalle outbreak began and four days before the site visit, data showed that of the 710 long-term care facilities in the state, LaSalle was the only one that had more than 100 cases of COVID-19. All but four others had 50 or fewer cases, if any at all. Republicans running for governor noted Pritzkers 2018 campaign criticism of fatal mismanagement by Rauner over the Quincy Legionnaires outbreaks. The bottom line is that by his own definition four years ago, Pritzker is unfit to serve as governor, said cryptocurrency venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan of Petersburg, one of the five major GOP contenders for governor. The GOP contenders have opposed Pritzkers COVID-19 mitigation mandates in favor of local control. Advertisement The auditor generals report recounted the failure of the state health department to respond to constant updates of growing infections and deaths due to coronavirus at the LaSalle home provided by the VAs chief of staff, Anthony Kolbeck. Kolbeck resigned a year ago, before the release of the inspector generals report that faulted mismanagement at the VA for the outbreak. Criticisms of the VAs handling of the LaSalle outbreak led to the resignation of the agencys director, Linda Chapa LaVia, who was accused by the inspector general of abdicating her responsibilities to Kolbeck, a nonmedical chief of staff who was also criticized in that report. Officials at the home also were fired by Pritzker, including the homes administrator, Angela Mehlbrech, in December 2020. Auditors reviewed emails and documentation and conducted meetings and determined that although IDPH officials were informed of the increasing positive cases almost on a daily basis, IDPH failed to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak, Mautinos audit said, using the acronym for the Illinois Department of Public Health. From the documents reviewed, IDPH officials did not offer any advice or assistance as to how to slow the spread at the home, offer to provide additional rapid COVID-19 tests and were unsure of the availability of the antibody treatments for long-term care settings prior to being requested by Kolbeck, the audit said. Four positive COVID-19 cases were identified at the LaSalle home on Nov. 1, the initial indication of the outbreak, and Kolbeck reported them to the state medical officer at public health and the governors office that day, the audit said. Advertisement By Nov. 4, a total of 46 residents and 11 staffers had tested positive for COVID-19 and by Nov. 13 Kolbeck reported in an email that 83 residents and 93 staffers were positive and that there had been 11 resident deaths and three residents and one employee were hospitalized, auditors said. It was Kolbeck, the audit said, who ultimately had to request assistance by inquiring about a site visit by public health, the availability of rapid tests and antibody treatments. It wasnt until Nov. 11, 10 days after the outbreak began, that anyone from the public health department scheduled a visit, and then only after officials noted the governor was very concerned and wanted them to visit the home. The site visit was conducted the following day. The audit said that while the inspector general investigation concluded a lack of policies and procedures was a significant contributing factor to the homes failure to contain the virus, those policies existed and there was no evidence to support that a lack of policies and procedures resulted in a failure to contain the virus. The virus hit the home very quickly with a large number of residents and staff positive within a few days. As a result, it was unclear whether non-adherence to policy caused the virus to spread so quickly or whether the rapid spread was due to other factors. Those factors included a Halloween gathering at the LaSalle home, the high positivity rate during that time in the community and guidelines that at the time did not require rapid testing before entering the facility. Advertisement While the inspector general relied heavily on interviews to support its findings auditors said they collected documentation that was contrary to many of the statements the IG used to reach its conclusions. The audit acknowledged some of the findings of the inspector general report, which noted that the initial site visit by the public health department found insufficient staff and visitor screening, lack of timely testing results, the use of a non-alcohol based hand sanitizer and improper usage of protective gear. But public health officials said a follow-up visit five days later, on Nov. 17, found improvements in a number of areas, including staffing strategies, removal of the improper sanitizer, proper use of gowns, masks and face shields, and screening and testing for symptoms. In March, families and the estates of 26 of the homes veterans who died of COVID-19 or coronavirus-related illnesses began filing lawsuits in LaSalle County. The suits, which allege negligence and wrongful death, could cost the state millions of dollars. Steve Levin of Levin and Perconti, the law firm handling the suits, said in a statement that the audit outlined the states extreme negligence in what was a preventable tragedy. It is time for the governor to be accountable to the families and settle the lawsuits with them. The evidence is overwhelming and it is wrong to make the families endure the added trauma of a lengthy legal battle, he said. Advertisement Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner contributed from Springfield. rap30@aol.com Police: Sex offender did not register A Warren County Level 3 sex offender was arrested on Tuesday for failing to register. Scott M. Habshi, 56, was charged with felony charges of failure to register and failure to verity. Police said that the Warren County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Unit began an investigation involving Habshi on March 18. The investigation found that Habshi had failed to update his photo for the New York State Sex Offender Registry, which is required every year since he is a Level 3 offender. Further investigation determined that he also failed to verify his address with the Warren County Sheriffs Office, according to police, which is also part of his requirements. Habshi was arraigned in Warren County Centralized Arraignment Court and sent to Warren County Jail. He has a future court date set for Queensbury Town Court. The investigation was conducted by the Warren County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Unit. Man accused of teen sex assault LAKE LUZERNE A Gloversville man was charged with sexually assaulting a teenager that he was acquainted with, police said. Police said the Warren County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Unit on April 27 received a report of a sexual assault involving Albert Pelkey, 40, of 45 South Main St., and a teenager. The incident occurred in a remote wooded location in the town of Lake Luzerne, according to a news release. Police said an investigation determined that Pelkey originally met the victim on social media. Pelkey was sent to Warren County Jail without bail and has a court date scheduled for May 11 in Lake Luzerne Town Court. Police said the investigation was handled by members of the Warren County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Unit and the Sex Offender Management Unit. Police: Man broke protection orderQUEENSBURY A Queensbury man was arrested on April 28 after police said he violated an order of protection. State police said Jason R. Bradway, 39, got into a physical altercation with the victim during a domestic incident on April 24. Bradway was located four days later in the town of Queensbury. Bradway was charged with felony first-degree criminal contempt and misdemeanor second-degree harassment. GREENWICH The Greenwich Central School District Board of Education has chosen its new superintendent. The board will appoint Jennifer L. Steimle at its next meeting on May 9. Steimle has been the director of K-12 humanities and elementary instruction at Saratoga Springs City School District since 2018. Dr. Steimle is a proven leader who has excelled as both an educator and an administrator. Shes going to bring great energy and passion to the position, and we look forward to her leading Greenwich Central School into the future, Michael Conlin, board president, said in a news release. Steimle had previously worked in the Greenwich school district in 2006 as the assistant elementary principal. Before moving to Saratoga Springs, she worked in the Queensbury and Corinth school districts. The board is offering Steimle an initial salary of $152,000, and she will start her new position on July 1. I look forward to working with the board, the leadership team, staff and the community to continue the excellence in education GCSD is known for, Steimle said in a news release. Steimle has a bachelor of science in elementary education psychology and a master of science in reading specialization from SUNY Plattsburgh. She also has a doctorate from Russell Sage College. Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Superintendent James Dexter coordinated the search on behalf of the district. Steimle will succeed Mark Fish, who was superintendent since 2014. He announced his retirement in December. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LAKE GEORGE How the Lake George Central School District should address issues of inclusion and diversity was a major topic at a Meet the Candidates Night held on Tuesday at the junior-senior high school. Seven candidates are seeking three, 3-year seats on the Board of Education. Maryanne MacKenzie is seeking reelection and also running are Linda Clark, Lisa Doster, Mario Fasulo, Chris Picard, Donna Prime and Gregg Sawdy. Clark and Doster are running as a ticket in opposition to the district adopting a diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policy. The board is still working on the policy. The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County hosted the event. Each candidate began with an opening statement in the order in which they will appear on the May 17 ballot. Sawdy served in the U.S. Navy and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting and a masters degree in business. He is running on a platform of parents rights because he is concerned that parents get zero say in much of the policies and curriculum that go on in the school, he said. Lisa Doster is a 20-year business owner in the region who believes she is a good problem-solver with solid analytical skills. She wants to help students recover from the pandemic. Our focus should be getting our children back on track where they have fallen behind socially academically, mentally and physically, she said. Prime has a degree in economics and worked as director of business and administration at a school before transitioning into a 22-year career as a physicians assistant. She has been mostly in family practice but spent three years working at a school-based health center. I believe my professional expertise and my sincere interest in and concern for continuation of a solid program of learning and social and physical development for the students of this district will make me a strong contributor to the Lake George Board of Education, she said. Fasulo grew up in Queensbury and has owned a few different businesses in Lake George. He said the school has made a difference in his three girls lives and he wanted to give back. I do believe that the school has a ton of positives going for it and I really want to be part of that group to keep that momentum moving forward and build upon it, he said. Picard also owns and operates three businesses in Lake George. He is a Marine Corps veteran and has a bachelors degree in electrical engineering technology. He is running on a platform of fiscal responsibility, parental and stakeholder input on all policies, growing the skilled trades, and infrastructure improvements such as the bus garage. The skills that I learned in the Marine Corps, having two daughters in the school, along with being invested in the community, make me an ideal candidate for the board, he said. Clark is a retired teacher who has over 30 years in education and has been active in the union, including serving as president of the association. She is running because she believes the DEI policy is a Trojan horse to implement a radical agenda such as critical race theory, which is an academic concept that views American history through the prism of race and believes the country is racist in its founding. It radically changes curriculum regarding our countrys history and sexual education, indoctrinating children and exposing them to concepts inappropriate to their age and maturity levels, she said. MacKenzie said she her pride has deepened for Lake George during her three years on the board. She has learned a lot of about the districts culture, policies and practices. If reelected, I will bring integrity, continuity and an ongoing insistence on accountability and healthy process. I will continue to listen, observe and advocate with an open mind and objectivity, she said. After the opening statements, candidates had answered questions that had been submitted by the community, with the first one being the DEI. Clark said she has spoken with parents who said they would take their children out of school if the DEI were implemented. She said she believes some of these concepts are already being introduced, such as teachers suggesting that all white students are intrinsically racist, and teachers sharing information about sexual preferences and identification. MacKenzie said there are already policies against harassment and discrimination, and the DEI policy builds on the districts mission statement to empower all students to be lifelong learners and global citizens. Were asking us to be accountable to these concepts and to be able to celebrate what are we doing well. We can always be doing better for our students and this policy is in line with our mission, vision and values, she said. Sawdy said he believes the policy is redundant. He does not believe it is going to change anything. He said he wants to get the government out of the schools as much as possible. I believe DEI is a communist program that is designed to divide us and then create resentment between each other and then the kids will suffer, he said. Doster agrees that the policy is unnecessary. We dont have a problem, so this unmandated policy should not be going forward as fast as it is if its not mandated or needed, she said. Fasulo said diversity is more than just about race, it is also about socioeconomic status, of which there is a huge disparity in Lake George, and learning disabilities. He said the district can still refine the DEI policy DEI was a recommendation from the Board of Regents. Luckily, the school can tailor that recommendation to what we need, he said. Prime said she has talked to parents of nonwhite students when she was circulating her candidate petitions and they shared a different view. Their students have been treated differently and sometimes unintentionally just from fellow students that arent aware of their culture, he said. Another issue is the districts warrior head symbol of an Indian headdress. The Board of Education in November voted to designate the Indian logo as a heritage symbol. The matter came up during the yes or no question part of the forum. Clark, Sawdy, Picard and Doster supported keeping the Indian logo, while Prime, Fasulo and MacKenzie did not offer an opinion. Prime said the culture of the school is more than just a symbol. The student who is anxious to go to school but shows up every day is a warrior, as is the kid who has a learning disability and has to work three times as hard. Sawdy and Linda supported banning books. MacKenzie, Prime and Fasulo said no, and Doster and Picard passed on answering the question. All the candidates supported continuing livestreaming and recording of school board meetings and teaching civics in schools. They all believed the district prepared students for college and careers. All candidates except for Sawdy said they would support green initiatives to save money. The candidates agreed that they did not want to explore consolidation or sale of school buildings in the wake of declining enrollment. Michael Goot is night and weekend editor of The Post-Star. Reach him at 518-742-3320. Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 6 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 nurse, who works full time at Glens Falls Center and per diem at Fort Hudson Health System, said the last two years working as a nurse during the pandemic have been very stressful and chaotic, challenging. Towers was one of 10 nurses honored Wednesday morning at The Post-Stars Nurses: The Heart of Health Care event held at SUNY Adirondack. Towers, of Corinth, received the Kristen L. Stevenson Readers Choice Award, named for a nurse in the cardiac catheterization lab at Glens Falls Hospital who died in a tragic accident in January 2021. In February, The Post-Star encouraged the public to nominate nursing professionals who made an impact on the lives of loved ones and the community at large. Nine nurses were chosen from more than 300 nominations. The 10th winner Towers was chosen by Post-Star readers. It couldnt be a more important time across the country to recognize and appreciate nurses for what they do every day, said Donna Kirker, chief nursing officer at Glens Falls Hospital. Nurses stepped up to the challenge during the coronavirus pandemic, Kirker said. Weve seen every area of nursing practice transform itself, whether its in the classroom, whether its in the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department, the practices, the nursing homes, our Infusion Center, every area has had to change the way we deliver care, and that really I think is hallmark of what nursing is, Kirker said. Nurses are the heart and soul of hospitals, clinics, schools, residential facilities and in-home care, said Michelle Rice, president and director of local sales and marketing for The Post-Star. Nurses educate, console, relate, comfort, and endear themselves to patients and families, Rice said. Nursing is a demanding profession that requires extraordinary skill and compassion. Heidi Halliday, a registered nurse case manager with Fort Hudson Homecare, brought her daughters, Avary and Mya, to the awards breakfast Wednesday. Its special to be able to share this with the kids, said the Queensbury mom. Its not often that we get to feel like a big deal in front of our kids. Nurses show up every day not just to do their work, but also with a special presence for their patients and their co-workers, said Kirker. Its not a job, its who we are as professionals, Kirker said. Its not something we can separate from. Gretta Hochsprung writes features and hometown news. She can be reached at 518-742-3206 or ghochsprung@poststar.com. Love 5 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. GLENS FALLS U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin and his running mate Alison Esposito stopped in Glens Falls to hear concerns and speak to locals residents about his gubernatorial campaign while partaking in breakfast at Poopies DiMannos Lunch on Wednesday morning. Zeldin is running for the Republican nomination for governor. Other names on the Republican primary ballot include Andrew Giuliani, Rob Astorino, Michael Carpinelli, Derek Gibson and Harry Wilson. Zeldin and Esposito were eating breakfast at Poopies and speaking to constituents about their concerns heading into the election this November. Energy policy is a big concern for people, he said. He said that they were talking about the high gas prices. Whether its filling up your gas tank, its the cost of diesel, its filling up your oil tank at home. We were talking about the policies coming out of Albany. They are looking at passing a ban on all gas hookups statewide on new construction, which is a terrible proposal. I couldnt possibly disagree with that idea any more, Zeldin said. He said he didnt forget about forms of renewable energy. Zeldin said that a balance needs to be found with oil and renewables. He cited a strong investment in renewable energy, which he has supported in New Yorks 1st Congressional District in Long Island that he represents, from the science and transformative technology company Brookhaven National Laboratory. He noted that Stony Brook University, also in his district, does the same research as Brookhaven. Looking for new energy, businesses should always pursue ways, find ways to become more energy-efficient. There are a lot of homeowners who are always seeking ways to become more efficient, he said. Zeldin said that the pair have been traveling throughout the state. They unveiled a 10-point Reform Albany plan in Syracuse and Binghamton on Monday, and again in Albany on Tuesday. The 10 points in the plan include establishing term limits of two four-year terms for all statewide offices including governor, overhauling the states Joint Commission on Public Ethics and enacting voter identification. We want to see New Yorkers staying, not fleeing. We want to see them trusting their government again, Zeldin said. He said that accessibility will help regain that trust. Zeldin made mention of the recent New York state budget of $220 billion. He recalled seeing members of the media trying to get former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin to answer questions about the budget. They couldnt get him to just stop and answer the medias questions, he said. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado will serve as the next lieutenant governor in New York. The news came after Benjamin resigned from the position following his arrest on federal corruption charges, which he denies. The appointment of Delgado came one day after a law allowing Benjamins name to be removed from the ballot in the states Democratic primary was signed by Hochul. Zeldin said that the state Legislature threw a lifeline to Hochul by allowing Delgado to be added to the ballot. Kathy Hochul really needs to account for all of the scandal that is always around her, that she is always either complicit or out to lunch, he said. Draft abortion ruling Leaked U.S. Supreme Court documents indicating that five of the nine justices on the court agree with a ruling that would overturn Roe v. Wade, which stated that Americans have the constitutional right to a safe and legal abortion, were published by Politico on Monday. Zeldin said the way this has transpired is uncommon in terms of the law. Weve always, to protect the institution, separated law and politics. This is not even a final decision, he said. In 2019, New York signed the Reproductive Health Act into state law. The purpose of the law was to codify Roe v. Wade protections into state law, according to the state Senate. Zeldin said that the state codified more than what the initial ruling in Roe v. Wade provided. New York is different than Mississippi, he said. In some of these other states its going to be more of a debate within the state, but the fact is that far more than Roe is already codified inside of New York. Zeldin said the fact that this is unfolding in front of the public eye in this way is inappropriate, adding that he is glad it is being investigated. There will always be important, consequential, controversial cases before the United States Supreme Court. If we start getting into the situation where if you dont like the decision you just start leaking out drafts before its even finalized, it is going to deeply erode the institution, he said. Zeldin said there are issues such as COVID restrictions, crime and public safety, and education that the current governor wont talk about. Before leaving Glens Falls, he said he had a message for Hochul. No matter how hard she tries, she is not going to be able to run away from the debate about how important it is to improve public safety, to secure our streets and our subways, to fight for our kids in school, to protect freedom and to make it more affordable to live in New York, Zeldin said. Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at 518-742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com. Love 1 Funny 1 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. ATLANTIC CITY For seven summers, Gregory Dredgie Wood has served fish platters and sandwiches from his Fish Heads food truck set near the back bay in Atlantic City. Now, the only Black-owned business in picturesque Gardners Basin is facing eviction at the hands of the state and city in a dispute over state Green Acres rules. Listen, Im going to tell you, Wood said in an interview this week. I have the best crab cakes in Atlantic City, the best shrimp. I give good quality seafood to people. They need to know these people are going to be mad and frustrated that Im not open. Fish Heads has been in Atlantic City for 25 years, and was at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Adriatic Avenue prior to moving to Gardners Basin seven years ago, where its food truck replaced Scales Restaurant, which had been destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Gardners Basin is designated a state Green Acres area, a preservation program run by the Department of Environmental Protection, which subjects it to open space restrictions that previously led to the 2017 eviction of a handful of crafters. The city received $300,000 as part of the designation. But two other restaurants have been allowed to stay, Back Bale Ale House and Gilchrist, a popular breakfast location, which bid for the two allowable spots. Both draw people to the Basin, which is surrounded by commercial and charter fishing boats, a sea wall popular for fishing, the Atlantic City Aquarium, and whale and dolphin tour boats. And Scales runs The Woody Bar out of a shipping container across from Fish Heads. The city said it was consulting with its legal team before commenting on whether the bar was also being asked to leave., Out of the three, you mean to tell me the Black one has to leave? Wood said. Wood and more than 1,000 other people are asking that in a petition seeking to stop the eviction. Wood also has the support of other restaurateurs in town, most prominently John Exadaktilos of Ducktown Tavern, state Sen. Vince Polistina, former mayor and current Assemblyman Don Guardian, and plenty of loyal customers. It breaks my heart, said Kim Turner-McDuffie, an Atlantic City Realtor who greeted Wood with a big hug Wednesday outside the Fish Heads sign. You not only have a great restaurant and great food, but the people love you. She said Wood has hired the children of her clients from Pennsylvania who have bought summer homes in nearby neighborhoods. Hes a pillar, she said. Construction underway for Atlantic Cape Community College's new Innovation Center MAYS LANDING Construction is underway on the new Innovation Center at Atlantic Cape Commun Mahen Gunaratna, Gov. Phil Murphys communications director, said the governor had no comment at this time about whether he supports removing Fish Heads or sees a possible resolution. But it has been the city that has been notifying Wood that his Basin time is up. Mayor Marty Small Sr. says the city attempted to help Wood move to a different location, either by the seawall or at Tanger Outlets The Walk. The city says Wood did not bid on the two existing slots for restaurants allowed by the state. Wood says the slots were always going to the other restaurants. Wood says none of those negotiations ever progressed, and that he wishes to simply stay in Gardners Basin and open seasonally. He said he was open to another possible location, or taking his operation truly mobile. Some in Atlantic City think the mayor is retaliating against Wood due to an unrelated personal disagreement, which Small denies. Right now were not going to move anything, Wood says. His season was set to start Memorial Day weekend. Polistina, R-Atlantic, said in an interview Wednesday that he thinks the DEP statement left some room for compromise, in that it noted that the Green Acres agreement allows for food trucks at events. He said he has been trying to work with the state to reach a resolution. No tolerance policy trickier than it seems for Atlantic Avenue It was 9 a.m. Tuesday, and many who filed inside Pay Less Liquor as soon as the doors were u Hes been in Atlantic City for 25 years, Polistina said. Theres no reason why we should be forcing him to move. He should be part of Gardners Basin. Polistina said it would be difficult to get the Basin out of the Green Acres pact, because the 12-acre waterfront parcel would be too valuable to substitute other land. But he said putting these restrictions on what has been a lively and beautiful gathering spot makes no sense. In 2017, a similar dispute involving Green Acres and National Park Service regulations led to the eviction of 10 crafters who occupied little wooden huts, which currently stand empty, along with several other nearby buildings. Caryn Shinske, a spokesperson for the DEP, said it was the city that issued a request for proposal in March to lease the two primary restaurant sites. The department understands that the city then advised the Fish Heads food truck operator that remaining on site would not comply with the Green Acres and National Park Service restrictions, and that the food truck would have to move elsewhere, she said. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. CAPE MAY A proposal for the East Lynne Theater Company to use the historic Allen AME Church on Franklin Street received a warm welcome from City Council at an April meeting. A lot remains to be worked out, but officials said they liked the idea of the theater company operating out of the historic African Methodist Episcopal Church, which the city took over last year. While some city properties end up being leased for $1 a year, the company has proposed a $120,000 lease for 10 years. Founded in 1980, East Lynne Theater Company came to Cape May in 1988. The company presents original works focusing on history and revivals of plays from Americas past, primarily at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May. Its a beautiful space, Susan Tischler, the president of the theater company, told City Council. She said the theater members enjoy sharing the space with the congregation. However, East Lynne needs a permanent home in which we do not have to strike the set every Saturday night for Sunday services, work around funerals, weddings and all the other activities that a thriving church is engaged in. Having a new home would allow for more adventurous theater sets, she said, and the company could offer matinees. She proposed the city not just lease the space to the company, but to enter a partnership that could also allow the site to be used for lectures, events and other activities when not in use, and to be a caretaker of the building. The church has stood since 1888, and was long a center for the citys Black community, with a history steeped in civil rights, gender equality and the local community. Tischler said church members, members of the citys Historic Preservation Commission and Cape Mays Center for Community Arts worked to keep the historic church from being demolished to become a parking lot. We were thrilled when members of the Center for Community Arts asked us if we were interested in the space following the fire. We are still thrilled and hope you as members of City Council share our excitement to bring this empty building to life, Tischler said. Bernadette Matthews, a lifelong member of the AME church and a recent board member of East Lynne Theater Company, also spoke to council about the proposal, describing the church as an important part of Cape Mays history. She also spoke about the history of the AME church in the United States, beginning with a rejection of racism in the late 18th century decades after the American Revolution. Matthews said the plan would breathe new life into the church. She said it has been decommissioned as a church and needs a use. We would produce plays each season with an eye on diversity, Matthews said. The first play under consideration is James Baldwins Amen Corner. That would be our kickoff if we were to hopefully be there at Allen AME Church. Arts and theater help bring people back to Cape May year after year, she said. Like our partners Cape May Stage and the Physick Estate, wed be custodians of city property, while providing community access to it, Matthews said. She said the company is a non-profit equity theater, meaning complete with cash. Were not asking for any handouts. That element seemed to reassure Mayor Zack Mullock at the meeting. Personally, I think its a great proposal, he said. Keating Weinberger, also a member of the theaters Board of Trustees, told council the theater would pay $80,000 of the $120,000 for a 10-year lease up front. Once the company gets the keys, the lease would begin. He added that grants the city secures to help preserve the building could help the theater, and said the theater is also searching for grants to help preserve the building. We cant get the same grants that youre going after, he said. Were helping that this will facilitate the revitalization and the physical stabilization of the property. He said the theater has contracted with an architect. Once plans are complete, he said, talks could begin with the city and with the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission on the next steps. At least one of the grants the city has secured so far requires public access to the building, Mullock said. That would have to be included in the contract. Council member Stacy Sheehan also expressed concern that the theater not do anything with the building that would jeopardize its historic status. She said a preservation plan for the building needs to be completed. She added that she would not want additions put on the outside of the historic church. The whole idea is to keep it simple, she said. The city leases the Emlen Physick Estate to Cape May MAC, Cape May Stage leases the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on Lafayetter Street, Mullock said, and the Nature Center of Cape May also leases property near the harbor for $1 a year. I dont even know it they send us that dollar, Mullock said. The leases work well, he said, providing services and programs to visitors and residents while keeping up the properties. East Lynne Theater hopes to be ready to open in the new location by June of 2023. Efforts to restore the church hit a serious setback in June of 2018, when a downed utility pole set the wooden structure ablaze. No one was hurt, but the building was badly damaged inside and out. In April of 2021, the city took over the stewardship of the church, with an eye toward improvement of the entire block. Diagonally across the street is the Franklin Street School, another historic building planned to become the citys branch of the county library system, and at the end of the block is the Harriet Tubman Museum, which was a former parsonage for the Macedonian Baptist Church. That building was getting close to collapse before it was renovated as a museum, which also presents details of the history of Cape Mays Black community and the citys place in the abolitionist movement. A house built and owned by Stephen Smith, a Black businessman and philanthropist, as well as an abolitionist and agent of the Underground Railroad, also stands nearby. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill 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. WILDWOOD Boardwalk strollers and bike riders wont need to detour around a work zone come Friday afternoon, with the early conclusion of a three-block rehabilitation project from Oak to Maple avenues. As the work to re-deck the Boardwalk continued over the winter, city officials said repeatedly that the project would be completed in time for Memorial Day weekend. On Thursday, Mayor Pete Byron amended that to Mothers Day weekend. I am delighted that businesses can open their storefronts and visitors can stroll the Boardwalk two weeks earlier than expected, Byron said. The Boardwalk section is set to open by 3:30 p.m. Friday. City officials have said for years that the Boardwalk needed extensive work. The structure is more than a century old. The project was the first step in what officials hope will be a complete re-decking of the Boardwalk, to be competed over the course of years a few blocks at a time. This first phase of the Boardwalk overhaul was funded by a $4 million state grant. In 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy promised to help Wildwood complete the project. Gov. Murphy has consistently acknowledged that the Boardwalk is a key asset to the city and a uniquely important attraction to the Jersey Shore. The refurbished substructure, new decking and rails clearly shows the governors sincere commitment to the city of Wildwood, and we cant overemphasize our gratitude, Byron said. The city recently announced that another $4 million is proposed in Murphys 2023 budget in addition to a $3.2 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant. The $7.2 million is expected to rehabilitate five more blocks from Maple to 26th Avenue. The project is slated to start in October to allow sufficient time to be finished by May 2023 to avoid any serious disruptions for local businesses. The Boardwalk has always been an important attraction that allows the city to help keep the local tax base stable, said Krista Fitzsimons, Wildwoods commissioner of revenue and finance. It is incumbent upon us not to burden our taxpayers to fix the Boardwalk. I am incredibly proud that this administration has been able to secure $11.2 million in funding for this project. The third member of Wildwoods governing body, Commissioner Steve Mikulski, is also a local business owner. Our Boardwalk business owners have been incredibly patient, not only during this winters reconstruction but also during the previous years the Boardwalk sat in disrepair. Being two weeks ahead of schedule is a win for everyone, Mikulski said. Officials say a formal opening will take place later this year, when Murphy can be on hand. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill 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. WILDWOOD CREST Flex and Quest are on their way to Wildwood Crest, with their noses at the ready. The two police dogs are in training; one to sniff out drugs, the other explosives. They will be part of the departments first K-9 unit. The K-9s are scheduled to complete their initial training May 26 and are expected to be on patrol in time for Memorial Day weekend. Police officials announced the program to the public during the April 27 meeting of the borough Board of Commissioners. The two police dogs, along with their handlers, are currently undergoing extensive training in narcotics and explosives detection at the John Sonny Burke Police K-9 Academy in Atlantic County, according to borough officials. A recently formed nonprofit, the Wildwood Crest K-9 Association, will fund the new program, according to Joseph Schiff, Wildwood Crests commissioner of public safety, so the addition will not mean an increase to the Police Departments budget. The total amount of the donation was not immediately available Wednesday. Owner cited after boat sinks off Cape May Authorities cited a boat owner after his vessel sank last week off Cape May, resulting in 10 I firmly believe the addition of our K-9s will further add to the boroughs already intensive public safety efforts, Schiff said. To be able to bring another level of safety and security to our residents and visitors at very little to no cost to our taxpayers makes this program a very valuable additional tool in the boroughs policing measures. The Wildwood Crest K-9s are a 9-month-old Czech Shepherd named Quest and a 16-month-old German Shepherd named Flex. Quest, assigned to Officer Tyler Lavender, is in training for narcotics detection. Once graduated from the K-9 Academy, Quest will be proficient in detecting the presence of narcotics, including ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, according to Crest officials. After the summer, Quest and Lavender will return to the K-9 Academy to complete patrol training, which includes instruction in tracking, building searches, article searches and criminal apprehension. Lavender has been a patrol officer in Wildwood Crest since 2018. Flex, assigned to Officer Zack Magnavita, is in training for explosives detection. Once graduated from the K-9 Academy, Flex will be fully trained to alert the presence of a variety of explosives, including gunpowder, black powder, C-4 and TNT. Magnavita has been a patrol officer in Wildwood Crest since 2019. Proceeds from Wildwoods Walkathon to benefit Ukrainian relief WILDWOOD Those participating in the Wildwoods Walkathon next week will have a little extra In addition to adding an additional layer of security to the borough on a daily basis, the K-9s will play a vital role in the many public safety measures taken at events, festivals and other gatherings that regularly take place throughout the borough, according to Crest officials. This program has been developed to enhance public safety from routine patrol to special events, police Chief Robert Lloyd said. As laws and crime trends change, the Police Department must adapt and deploy new resources to continue to meet the expectations of the community we serve. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill 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. Chinese embassy rebukes Washington's false claims against China over Ukraine issue Xinhua) 08:38, May 05, 2022 WASHINGTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in the United States on Tuesday rebuked the U.S. State Department's recent false claims that Chinese officials and media "routinely amplify Kremlin's propaganda, conspiracy theories, and disinformation" on the Ukraine issue. Asked by the press to comment on a statement posted Monday on the U.S. State Department's website, the embassy's spokesperson said "China's position on the Ukraine issue is impartial, objective and beyond reproach." "When it comes to spreading disinformation, the U.S. side should seriously reflect on itself," the spokesperson said, noting that "Over the years, the U.S. has waged wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, killing 335,000 civilians. This is not disinformation." "The vast majority of countries in the world stand for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and negotiation, and none of them wants to see the situation escalate or even get out of control. This is not disinformation," the spokesperson added. "In the working document submitted by the U.S. to the meeting of the State Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in November 2021, the U.S. admitted that it has 26 biolabs in Ukraine. According to the fact sheet released by the Department of Defense in March 2022, the U.S. is supporting 46 facilities in Ukraine," the spokesperson said. "These are not disinformation." The spokesperson urged Washington to welcome joint verification by the international community under the UN and the BWC, adding that "blaming and smearing just won't solve the problem." (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) One of the biggest campaign races in Cook County ratcheted up Wednesday as Kari Steele, the top challenger to first-term incumbent Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, received a $1 million contribution from a political fund backed by the influential operating engineers union. The contribution from the Fight Back Fund is the largest yet in the assessors race. It occurred after Steele who is president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago lent herself $100,001, a move designed to break the state-mandated caps for campaign donations. Advertisement The Fight Back Fund is affiliated with the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers, a union that benefits from building and development. Many in the countys real estate industry are opposing Kaegi for what they say are unfairly high and business-quashing commercial valuations of property. Kaegi maintains he is simply evening the playing field following years of mismanagement and misguided assessments of properties that hurt lower- and middle-class families. Steele has garnered other union support in her bid to unseat Kaegi. In April, the Chicago Federation of Labor endorsed Steele, bucking the Cook County Democratic Partys support of Kaegi even though the federation is usually close with the party. Advertisement Metropolitan Water Reclamation Commissioner Kari Steele talks to reporters outside the Jardine Water Purification Plant in Chicago on May 27, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) Im fortunate to have a broad base of support from people who want to see a change in the failed status quo that is damaging our economy and the taxpayers of Cook County, Steele said in a statement. Working families have chosen to support my campaign because they understand how carelessly my opponent is managing the finances of Cook County residents. In his own campaign statement, Kaegi shot back that Steeles supporters are supporting the old way of doing business to benefit corporate landlords. Every nickel of that money aims to undo our reforms that made the system fairer for homeowners and small businesses, Kaegi said. We know why my opponent and her allies are coming after me its because Im fighting to end a corrupt property tax racket that benefited political insiders and made the rich richer for too long. In the latest quarter that ended on March 31, Kaegi reported about $874,200 in cash on hand while Steele had about $107,100, according to state records. Since then, Kaegi has pulled in about $25,200 and Steele about $1.1 million, though all but $14,000 came from the loan from herself and the Fight Back Fund contribution. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi addresses members of the City Club of Chicago on Jan. 21, 2020, at Maggiano's Little Italy in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Also on Wednesday, Kaegis campaign released the first TV ad of the race, depicting a hot dog receiving a generous squirt of ketchup a divisive sight in Chicago as a symbol of the tenure of his predecessors. He does not mention Steele in the commercial. Corrupt politicians shifted the tax burden away from wealthy downtown landlords on to middle-class families, drenching you with sky-high property taxes, Kaegi said. As a Democrat, that left a bad taste in my mouth. The ketchup-less Chicago-style hot dog, meanwhile, flashes on the screen in an attempt to show what Kaegi describes as reforming the system. ayin@chicagotribune.com Thursday will be the warmest and calmest day for at least the following five days. A soaking rain will be around the first half of Mothers Day weekend, with wind and likely tidal flooding for the second half, and beyond. Thursday will start off with a good amount of sunshine and a mild start, generally in the low 50s everywhere. Winds will be from the north, keeping the air dry. The power of the very strong early May sun, similar to early August at this point, will bring our temperatures up. The inland towns will get to around 70 degrees. However, I do expect a cooling sea breeze at the shore to develop, which will cap temperatures in the low 60s midmorning. As the day goes on, clouds will move in ahead of a snaking warm front that will push into the Virginias. The clouds will thicken overnight. That would typically keep us warmer than usual, but winds will turn onshore, which will blow the mid-50s ocean air our way. The result will be us staying around 50 for lows, spot on seasonable. Get used to the onshore wind. Between Friday and at least Tuesday, that will be the wind direction. That will continue our cooler than average streak that began in mid-April. That will also lead to tidal flooding and, in combination with a surface low-pressure system passing through this weekend and then meandering off the Southeastern Coast into the middle of next week, will bring strong winds and rain. Heres what to know about each aspect of the forecast. Rain The wettest part of the forecast will stretch from noon to 2 p.m. Friday to 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Off-and-on showers will then be around for the remainder of the day, ending for good around midnight Saturday. Stories behind covering and living through tornadoes | Across the Sky podcast It's only the start of May and we've already had an active tornado season in various parts of the country. That makes this week's topic of the Across the Sky podcast even more timely. We need the rain. In all, between a half-inch to an inch will fall for most. However, those in Cumberland or Salem counties may pick up 1 inches. After that, were dry, as the low pressure drifts farther away and high pressure in Atlantic Canada influences us again. Wind Winds will be strongest Saturday into Mothers Day. Winds will be sustained 20 to 30 mph, highest along the coast, both days, dropping a bit at night. A low-level jet stream of windier conditions will exist Saturday, which would put shore gusts in the 40s. It wont be damaging winds, but it will be a nuisance and not good for any holiday weekend events. Otherwise, Friday, Monday and Tuesday will see breezy but not strong winds. Itll be sustained 15 to 25 mph. They should all be from the northeast. Coastal flooding Find tide times, coastal flooding forecast for the Jersey Shore here Below are Jersey Shore locations with previous and forecast tide data. The forecasts show wh Onshore winds that are strong and pulling from a long distance, out past Maine, should, unfortunately, bring us multiple rounds of tidal flooding between Sunday and Wednesday. I expect this to mostly be in minor flood stage, the nuisance flooding that happens roughly two dozen times a year. However, moderate flood stage cannot be ruled out in the back bays, which will be unlikely to drain out. That would bring water damage to unraised homes and businesses. It could be worse. Since our winds will be northeasterly, we wont get the full push of water onto shore, thanks to Long Island and Cape Cod to our northeast, especially Ocean and Monmouth counties. Furthermore, its the quarter moon, which brings astronomically lower tides. Have a plan to keep your car safe from the floodwaters. Plan alternative routes as well for the two hours or so on each side of high tide. Temperatures Itll be chilly for early May. Highs will be between 55 and 65 degrees. The warmest temperatures will be far inland, while Atlantic City, Barnegat Light and the coast will likely not poke above 60 degrees. (tncms-asset)2ab0bfa2-cbc7-11ec-a4b5-b7c40c9ce15b[9](/tncms-asset) y, our latest Something in the Air podcast is out, recapping April with New Jersey State Climatologist, one of my two weather parents and birthday buddy (May 13) Dave Robinson. Check it out at PressofAC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Contact Joe Martucci: 609-272-7247 jmartucci@pressofac.com Twitter @acpressmartucci Local Weather Get the latest local weather, meteorologist Joe Martucci's 7-day forecasts, podcasts, and severe weather alerts. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CAMBRIDGE A former Geneseo middle school science teacher was sentenced to seven years in prison on a Class X felony child pornography charge Thursday in Henry County Circuit Court. Brian W. Duwe, 55, of Orion, was also sentenced to 18 months of mandatory supervised release. He must also pay a $1,000 fine and register as a sex offender upon his release. Duwe pleaded guilty to the single felony count in February. Seven other counts of Class X child pornography and one count Class 3 felony child pornography were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. During Thursday's court proceeding, Duwe described having time on his hands during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and resorting to a phone app two or three nights a week in which gay men posted "anything and everything." He said on Oct. 14, 2020, a 30-year-old man started chatting with him and asked him to send pornographic photos of young boys "to get him going." Duwe said he knew it was morally wrong, but he was aroused by the 30-year-old man so he forwarded the material to him. Good decision-making played no part in this act, he said. I convinced myself it could not be illegal if (the online app) Kik allowed it to be posted. He said he never looked at the video himself except for the starting frame. I realize now how I was a teacher, I was a mandatory reporter of child abuse, he said. I never googled or searched the internet for child pornography. He said after mid-November of 2020 he deleted his Kik phone application and was glad to be rid of it and glad to get back to my normal life again. I know it was wrong, he said. I could never knowingly hurt a child in any way. I can't believe I was so stupid. Henry County State's Attorney Catherine Runty sought a 10-year prison sentence. In pronouncing his sentence, Judge James Cosby noted Duwe's "zero criminal history" not even a speeding ticket and said his conduct was caused by an unknown individual who became a part of Duwe's life. Cosby noted that a psychologist found Duwe to be "not just a low risk to (re-offend), he scored Mr. Duwe as a very low risk to re-offend. I don't think I've ever seen that, the judge said, adding Duwe struck him as being deeply ashamed. Cosby said Duwe had lost his home, his job, his reputation and his friends as well as his teaching and education license. He's basically hiding in his home at this point in time, Cosby said. He also said had the case been in any way related to Duwe's teaching job, his decision might have been different, but from all pertinent information, it had nothing to do with his job. So that's an important consideration as well, the judge concluded. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 After a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport will host a Blue Mass in honor of the Quad-City regions first responders on May 18. The Blue Mass is to promote peace and justice through faith and unity with God and community, as well as celebrate and honor public safety professionals, said Mark Gassen of the Knights of Columbus of St. Paul the Apostle, one of the organizers of the event. Its for anybody who is a first responder in an emergency, including police, firefighters, medics, highway patrol, corrections officers, sheriffs deputies and dispatchers he said. There are a lot of people who think that this is a memorial, Gassen said. Its not. This is a time for the community to show their appreciation for what our first repsonders do. This is a happy time. This is a time to shake hands and say, thank you. Remember, when youre running away from danger, look whos running in, he said. Davenport Police Sgt. Eric Gruenhagen said the Mass was needed. At this time of division and conflict in our country we need the Blue Mass more than ever to bring people together and restore our sense of community, he said. The Mass is a time for our community to openly thank, and more importantly, pray for our first responders, Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski said. This outward support and Godly support to our first responders is vital, he said. Our police officers, firefighters and other first responders work day-in and day-out helping our community in sometimes the darkest hours of peoples lives. We see and experience things that most people in our community will never know, Sikorski added. As a first responder knowing our community supports us and openly prays for our physical and mental health and safety is both very welcome and is healing in nature. I ask our community to take an evening and come out and show your support to our officers, firefighters and medics, those who sacrifice so much to keep you all safe, Sikorski said. Each horrific incident we deal with leaves a scar on our heart. We are human beings that feel, care and hurt sometimes. The open and outward signs of support help to heal those wounds and make us whole again, make us stronger. This is not just for the Iowa side of the Quad-Cities, Gassen said. If youre a first responder please come join us. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 designating May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. The law was amended by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton, directing that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year. The Mass will begin at 6 p.m. Everyone of all faiths are welcome to attend. Father Bruce DeRammelaere, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle, will preside over the Mass. A reception will be held after the Mass at Denning Hall at St. Paul the Apostle. Love 2 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. An Eldridge man awaits sentencing after accepting a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in a child pornography case. Nicholas Robert Walker-Bennett, 33, pleaded guilty to a charge of receiving and distributing child pornography, according to federal court records. As part of the plea agreement, a second charge of possessing child pornography will be dropped by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Iowa when he is sentenced. Sentencing is set for Aug. 29, according to court records. Walker-Bennett was initially arrested by the Scott County Sheriffs Office in September and charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor- promotion and 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor- possession first offense. His arrest was the result of an investigation that began after the sheriffs office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Eldridge Police Department assisted Scott County deputies during the investigation. Federal records state Bennett was indicted on Dec. 8, and Scott County records state the local case against him was dropped Dec. 9. Between May 27, 2010, and May 25, 2021, Bennett knowingly received and distributed and attempted to receive and distribute a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the federal indictment. The allegations underlying the possession charge state that on or about Sept. 13, 2021, Bennett knowingly had one and more items containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to the indictment. Those items had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce. He pleaded guilty on April 14, according to federal court records. 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. With little fanfare, Davenport City Council members recently approved the liquor license for GD Xpress, a gas station and liquor store on the corner of West 46th and Pine streets that was the site of a fatal February shooting. Council members in March postponed a vote on a routine approval of the business' liquor license to "bring attention to the fact that there was a homicide there" and to receive more information on why it happened at the business, Ward 8 Alderwoman Judith Lee said. Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski told council members at a March City Council meeting that GD Xpress owner Jasveer Saini has cooperated with police during the investigation into the homicide and other incidents. When asked, Sikorski said it didn't appear there was anything the owner could've done to prevent what happened. He added that calls for service to GD Xpress didn't appear to be "alarmingly more than any other place." "After five weeks, there was no reason not to pass it on," Lee said Wednesday. Lee, though, said she still wanted more information on the fatal shooting that killed 25-year-old Corey Martin. Demetrius Ray Howard Jr., of Davenport, is accused of shooting Martin after they fought at the gas station and convenience store at 4607 N. Pine St., according to Scott County court records. "Was it a coincidence they ended up there? Or was it planned? Why did it happen there?" Lee asked. Lee added that revoking the liquor license wouldn't have been the ultimate vehicle for addressing gun violence, but it "certainly was able to bring attention to the issue." Saini said he was glad the City Council approved the liquor license and realized there was little they could've done to prevent the tragedy. "A family lost a loved one," Saini added. "We try our best to not let that happen here, but sometimes these things are out of our control." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Davenport is taking a tentative step forward with a plan for a riverfront "Destination Play Area," using $6 million in federal COVID-19 dollars. The proposed park project, heralded by several on Davenport City Council as a quality-of-life amenity that would attract people and private businesses to Davenport, still leaves some questions to be answered because of a pending railway merger that could triple train traffic cutting through the area. "I still have some reluctance about spending a lot of money to create an area that's going to have some potential access issues," Ward 6 Alderman Ben Jobgen said. Aldermen are expected to vote next week to give city staff the go-ahead to enter into negotiations with Colorado-based architecture and engineering firm Sasaki on the scope of the project and anticipated budget. The council would then vote on whether to award a contract for Sasaki to complete a design. Davenport asked for architecture and engineering firms to submit a proposal to complete a park design. City staff said 12 firms submitted proposals, and five were interviewed by a selection committee comprised of city staff and stakeholders. Following a second interview, the list was narrowed to three firms, with the committee recommending Sasaki. At-large Alderman Kyle Gripp, one of two council members on the selection committee, said members were impressed with Sasaki's portfolio, which included designing other riverfront parks, such as 32-acre Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is designed to withstand floodwaters from the Ohio River. "Upfront, we told all of the candidates, whatever you build here has to be impressive," Gripp said. "OK. We cannot put something here that doesn't have a 'Wow' factor. It has to be flood resilient. It has to be unique to Davenport. It has to be for multi-generational use. This is not simply a children's park. It's multi-generational, and then we couldn't get into the budget. But, we were very clear that (when) you see the budget, that's the budget." Council members Derek Cornette and Judith Lee raised the question of the effect of added rail traffic in the downtown on the feasibility of the project. Canadian Pacific and Kansas Southern railways closed on a $31 billion merger in December, setting in motion what could become the first single-line rail company network linking the United States, Mexico and Canada, pending federal review. Canadian Pacific and cities along the Mississippi River are currently in negotiations over measures to address the impact of the pending merger, which could triple the amount of train traffic passing through the Iowa Quad-Cities. "(N)ot only noise but also, if we have a problem with the park, can we get emergency management to that site in a hurry?" Lee asked. Gripp, who has been supportive of the riverfront park in its years-long debate, said he understood questions of the impact of more train traffic near the riverfront but that the plan was far from final. And, if new information comes from the negotiations with Canadian Pacific that would make the project impossible, the council can still "pull the string" on the project, Gripp said. Should the council approve the current stage of the project, city staff and Sasaki would "negotiate the contract, and the railroad negotiations will come to a head at some point," Gripp said. "It's beginning to look like they might come to a head roughly the same time and we'll be able to make a very informed decision of what the railroad is going to do and what we're going to do," he said. "I understand that concern. And we'll continue to keep that in mind as we move forward." Parks and Recreation Director Chad Dyson said city staff had yet to identify specific elements to include in the park but pointed to riverfront parks such as the one in Ohio, which connects trails, benches, terraces, play features and landscaping features along the riverfront. He cited Smothers Park in Owensboro, Ky., which features an expansive playground along a riverfront, and Maggie Daley Park in Chicago. Third Ward Alderwoman Marion Meginnis said the new park would also be an amenity for people living in or near the downtown and was close to two of the lowest-income census tracts in Davenport. "We're making something that's going to be extraordinary not just for not just for visitors, which will be great, but also for people who live in this area that will be close and accessible to them," Meginnis said. "It is the single most valuable piece of land in our city," Gripp said. "It is our greatest asset and it needs to be brought up to that standard so we can continue to be competitive in retaining and attracting people in Davenport." Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. SPRINGFIELD Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other top state leaders gathered at the Illinois State Library on Thursday to honor the lives of 11 fallen Illinois police officers. Pritzker, joined by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Secretary of State Jesse White and Comptroller Susana Mendoza, directed comments to the families of the officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2021. Please know our state can never fully repay you, but we will spend every minute of every day trying because you deserve nothing less, Pritzker said. The 11 officers honored were: Melrose Park Police Officer Joseph T. Cappello III, Chicago Heights Police Officer Gary S. Hibbs, Illinois State Police Senior Master Trooper Todd A. Hanneken, Hometown Police Department Lt. James J. Kouski Jr., Cook County Sheriffs Police Officer Allen S. Giacchetti, Champaign Police Officer Christopher N. Oberheim, Brooklyn Police Officer Brian R. Pierce Jr., Chicago Police Officer Ella G. French, Pontoon Beach Officer Tyler N. Timmins, Wayne County Sheriffs Deputy Sean I. Riley, and Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene R. Rittmanic. Amber Oberheim, who has in the past year become an advocate for law enforcement, attended the ceremony with her family. Her husband, Chris Oberheim, was shot and killed while on duty in May 2021. Oberheim said she hopes the memory of her husband and the other officers spurs change in Springfield. We're one big family, and when one falls, we all feel it, she said to reporters after the ceremony. I think the sheer magnitude of people who were here with an expectation for some change and support for law enforcement must speak volumes, hopefully, to our leaders. Oberheim wasnt alone in calling for action. Rather than words, I think we as elected officials need to do more to stand up for our men and women in law enforcement, to speak up for our men and women in law enforcement, Mendoza said. Mendoza became emotional when talking about her brother, Chicago Police Department Sgt. Joaquin Mendoza, who contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and is still recovering from the illness. She asked the officers in attendance to not be afraid of asking for help. I also want to acknowledge the toll that this line of work can take on ones physical and mental health, Mendoza said. We dont talk about that enough. You know, asking for or seeking help when you need it is a sign of strength. Her remarks were met with a standing ovation from most of the crowd. Dave Johnson, president of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee, said he hopes the families of the fallen officers know their loved ones memories will be kept alive. We come here and do this every year not to honor how your loved one died, but how they lived their lives, because thats the true mark that they left on this world, Johnson said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nebraska State College System Chancellor Paul D. Turman will be Chadron State Colleges Spring Commencement speaker. The combined undergraduate and graduate ceremony will be in the Chicoine Center Saturday, May 7, at 10 a.m. It is a distinct honor to speak to Chadron State graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. I always enjoy my visits to Chadron and look forward to being on campus and being a part of such an important event, Turman said. Turman, who joined the NSCS in 2019, has worked with the governor and legislature to create the Career Scholarship Initiative, approved funding for Chadron States Math Science addition and renovation, extended bond funding to address maintenance and repair needs at State Colleges, implemented the 2025 Strategic Plan, and led the State Colleges through the 2019 flood and the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to joining the NSCS,, Turman worked for the South Dakota Board of Regents for eight years. He began as the Director of Academic Assessment in 2006 and became the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2008. As the System Vice President for Academic Affairs, he provided leadership for the academic and research functions of the system by managing initiatives targeted at improving student preparation, progression, and completion through efforts to improve time to degree, increase affordability, and foster collaborative programs. Previously, as System Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Turman provided leadership to advance grant, research, and scholarly goals by working with state government leaders. Turman earned his doctorate in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, his masters degree from South Dakota State University in Communication, and his bachelors degree from South Dakota State University. He serves on the University of Nebraska Medical Center Rural Health Advisory Committee, the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission, Nebraska Workforce Development Council, and the Nebraska Information Technology Commission. Two hundred eighteen Chadron State College undergraduates will receive bachelor's degrees and 65 graduate students will receive masters degrees in a combined ceremony in the Chicoine Center Saturday at 10 a.m. The event will be available on CSC Live.. Swaranga Fernando of Colombo, Sri Lanka, will offer the opening moment of reflection, and Estabon Bozeman of Inglewood, California, will offer the closing moment of reflection. Army ROTC cadet Harrison Perchal of Omaha will also receive his commissioning during the ceremony. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This week, team of the award-winning Streamed & Screened, fresh off its win as Best Podcast by the Iowa Newspaper Association, talks about "Doctor Strange" as well as the new Liam Neeson movie "Memory." Plus: Bruce scored a fantastic interview with Disney animator Samantha Vilfort, one of the subjects of the new Disney+ show "Sketchbook," who talk about the process of character creation for the movie "Encanto." Do they talk about Bruno? You'll have to listen to find out! We talk about the final season of "Ozark" and also have some big thoughts about the current state of Netflix's business affairs which could be described, generously, as "troubled." Streamed & Screened is a podcast about movies and TV hosted by Bruce Miller, an entertainment reporter for multiple decades who is now the editor of the Sioux City Journal, Jared McNett, a reporter for the Sioux City Journal, and Chris Lay, the podcast operations manager for Lee Enterprises. More from Bruce Miller: Where to watch: Links to other fun stuff we talked about in this episode: Follow the show: You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A Tinley Park man feared his 17-year-old daughter was hiding secrets from him and no longer loved him before he went out of control and severely beat her, according to a court document outlining details in the death of the girl, Mia Maro. Mohammed Almaru, 42, is charged with murder and remains hospitalized, and is alleged to have killed his own daughter in an extremely violent manner inside the Tinley Park home they shared, according to the document. Advertisement The Cook County states attorneys office, in the document filed Wednesday in the case, states that a sister of Almaru found her niece, Maro, in the home Sunday afternoon covered in a blanket, with her father on the floor next to her with an arm draped over his daughters body. The girl was cold to the touch when first responders arrived, summoned by another sister of Almaru, according to the document, which requests Almaru be held without bond once he is able to make an initial court appearance. Advertisement The court document notes the girl, a senior at Andrew High School, was covered in numerous bruises including injuries to her head, arms, legs and feet. Maro had suffered extensive hemorrhaging and bleeding of the brain, and evidence suggests her father used multiple objects to inflict the wounds, according to the document, intended to buttress the states argument that Almaru be held without bond. A bent metal pole and a mallet, both covered in blood and hair, were found in the home, according to the document. Several minutes before first responders came to the home, in the 7800 block of 167th Street, Almaru texted his son a photo showing him holding a letter in which he blamed his incapacitated wife for leading their daughter to believe her father no longer loved her, according to the court filing. Almaru said he had searched his daughters phone and allegedly found information she had not been truthful about, and that he had to beat the information out of her, according to the document. It was not clear whether the wording was from the text or the letter Almaru was purportedly holding. He told his son that he had beaten Maro and accidental hit her in the head and then I laid down with her was uncontious (sic) and woke up to her cold body, according to the document. Almaru provided his son with a code to his safe and his banking information, and told him to withdraw money. I (fouled) up big time Im sorry, he told him, according to the filing. When first responders arrived at the home, they found Almaru with superficial wounds to his wrists and neck and a box cutter was found nearby, according to the filing. Advertisement Police said that Almaru had also taken several narcotic pills and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he remains hospitalized. In seeking that Almaru be held without bail, prosecutors note that he poses a real and present threat to the community at large, according to the document. Short of incarceration in advance of a trial, there are no conditions that can reasonably assure the safety of others. A judges order agreed with prosecutors and ordered that Almaru be held without bail. Tinley Park police, in announcing the murder charge against Almaru, said they had no prior calls for incidents at the home apart from a medical call involving Maros mother. Prosecutors, in the court filing, said that Almaru was known to his family members to be abusive and controlling. Advertisement Just days before her death, Maro had received permission from her father to attend Andrews senior prom on April 29, but he then rescinded his approval, according to the filing. On April 26, while Maro was driving her fathers car, she accidentally rear-ended another vehicle and texted one of her aunts that she feared serious repercussions from her father. According to the court filing, Almarus wife, who is also Maros biological mother, had suffered a medical emergency in the spring of 2019, leaving her mostly nonverbal and requiring round-the-clock care. Almarus two sisters were the womans primary caregivers, according to the document, and would often be at the Tinley Park home. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > One of the sisters became concerned after her niece did not respond to texts she had sent Maro, and that she drove by the home April 30 and noticed the blinds in the home were closed, according to the filing. The woman thought it was odd because it was Maros habit, in the morning, to open the blinds in the home. The sister drove by the home that evening and the blinds were still closed and Maro did not respond to another text message, according to the court filing. One of Almarus sisters went to the home the following day, Sunday, and when her brother answered the door he appeared to be disheveled and asked his sister to sit with his wife so that he could complete some paperwork, according to the filing. Advertisement After a time, the woman went to the door of her brothers bedroom and began to hear gurgling coming from inside, and when she opened the door found her brother and niece on the floor, according to the document. A GoFundMe page established by one of Maros aunts said that the girl played a primary part in her mothers care. The page had, as of late Thursday, raised more than $33,000 toward a goal of $20,000 to pay for Maros funeral and ongoing care for her mother and Maros two brothers. Mia was a beautiful soul and the light of our lives, the aunt says at the page. mnolan@tribpub.com An improving weather forecast for the next week should lead to better fishing prospects throughout the area as settled conditions allow spring spawns to play out in a somewhat predictable fashion. With the weather fluctuations and accompanying winds, lake fishing has been hit and miss throughout the region both in terms of angler participation and a more desirable fish feeding frenzy. Hopefully, May will change that. On a positive note, area streams continue to produce plenty of trout activity, particularly at lower elevations where waters are less muddy and more receptive to various presentations. Here is a brief look at whats been happening. Angostura Reservoir: Water temps have climbed into low 50s, a situation that should help the walleye bite assuming there is one to be had as fish have been difficult to locate thus far. There has been some perch, crappie and catfish activity on occasion. Belle Fourche Reservoir (Orman): The lake will be busy this weekend as the annual Center of the Nation Walleye Tournament will take center stage on Saturday and Sunday. As to whether bountiful numbers of hungry walleye await the appearance of the 80 teams scheduled to compete remains to be seen as the spring spawn has been impacted by the weather and the bite has been slow. Reports do indicate that milking mails have been showing up in the channel. Black Hills Area Streams: Spearfish and Rapid Creekbelow Pactola--are fishing well. Nymph fishing has the best of it though dry fly fishing opportunities exist as well. Water levels have risen off recent snow and rains. Nymphs remain the best option in most locales. Custer State Park Lakes: Trout activity in most spots. Shorelines can be muddy and unpleasantly accessible. Deerfield Reservoir: Fishing activity has been light due to weather concerns though improving conditions should enhance the perch bite. Worms, minnows and spinner baits should do the trick. Pactola Reservoir: Rainbow trout remain active responding to a variety of presentations. Veterans Point and south marina have been serving up trout and perch. Some pike activity in bays though remains somewhat limited. Sheridan Lake: Perch and trout bite has picked up considerably over the last week or so though, as elsewhere, weather continues to influence. In addition, a few largemouth bass have been taken as well. Minnows and trout spinners have been working best. Stockage Lake: Reports have been sketchy though perch and bass are typically active this time of year when weather conditions settle. Lake Oahe: Walleye bite remains on the slower side as weather and wind has curtailed activity. Lower water temps have hampered spawn though warmer weather upcoming should hasten activity. Walleye caught have been responding to minnows and crankbaits. Shore fishermen are finding pike and catfish action. Due to low water level, boaters are using lower water ramps. Lake Sharpe: Walleye bite has been fair to middling when weather allows. Fish are shallow and responding to jigs and minnows. Lake Francis Case: Some walleye activity reported in Chamberlain area. Fish have been located in 12-15 feet of water and responding to minnows, jigs and bottom bouncers. Bite has been somewhat better farther south in the Platte area. AREA FISHING TOURNAMENTS Angostura Spring Walleye Tournament: May 14 th & 15 th . Pre-registration only. Call Cal @ 605-484-1391 for additional information. Jared Roe Memorial Walleye Tournament: June 4 th , Angostura. Call Jerry Roe (605-484-3494) for additional information. First Fathers Day Tournament conducted by Fall River Swim Team: Angostura Reservoir, June 17 th and 18 th . Three-person teams ($120). Registration is 6 p.m., Friday, June 17 th at picnic shelter, Call Stacy Reetz (605-890-1484) for additional details. For State Wide Fishing Tournaments, visit South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website: gfp.sd.gov/events/. Dakota Angler & Outfitter, 513 Seventh St., Rapid City; The Rooster, 1441 W. Main St., Rapid City; Wheel in Bait Shop, 18696 Fishermans Road, Fruitdale, and West Prairie Resort, 28354 182nd, Pierre (605-264-5303) have contributed to this report. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 An author of one of five book titles removed from classrooms and that could be destroyed by the Rapid City Area School district said Wednesday he will provide free copies of the books to any Rapid City high school senior who requests them. Dave Eggers, author of "The Circle," said beginning Thursday, Rapid City high school seniors can receive any of the titles at no cost to them by emailing Amanda Uhle via amanda@daveeggers.net. Eggers said the books will be shipped to students from independent bookstores. "The Circle" was deemed to be inappropriate by RCAS school administrators. Thirty copies of "The Circle" along with 185 copies of "How Beautiful We Were: A Novel" by Imbolo Mbue, 35 copies of "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" by Alison Bechdel, 75 copies of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky and 30 copies of "Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel" by Bernardine Evaristo were pulled from 12th grade English classes. The school district's collection of the five books were listed as surplus property and marked "to be destroyed." Tuesday, the RCAS Board of Education voted unanimously to delay a decision to destroy the books and will seek the advice of legal counsel before proceeding. The mass destruction of books by school boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking young people of South Dakota shouldnt be subjected to it," Eggers said. "Every high school student should have unfettered access to literature, so if youre a Rapid City high school senior, email our office and ask for any of these titles. For every copy the school board destroys, lets add a new one to the local circulation. RCAS Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation Valerie Brablec Seales told the Board of Education that the books were deemed inappropriate by school administrators shortly after they were ordered last summer. She said the books were requested by teachers who sit on the district's Instruction Council and were planned to be used as possible reading material for a new English 12 course. Seals said the books were ordered and sent to a warehouse before being distributed to the three high schools. Seales said the first concern on one of the book titles became apparent in August. "The first question arose when one of the three high school principals sent me an image of a page in one of the books, an excerpt, and expressed concerns about not wanting it in their classrooms," she said Tuesday. Seales said a second email came from another building administrator shortly after. She said she instructed the high school principals to "pull the books and do a review of them." In all, the five books listed as surplus were questioned by district administrators and pulled from school inventories. The district then marked the books as "to be destroyed" rather than sold or donated. Eggers has started and been part of numerous youth education projects over the years. In 2002, with Ninive Calegari, he co-founded 826 Valencia in San Francisco, which inspired more than 60 youth writing centers around the world. In 2018, he co-founded, with Amanda Uhle, the International Congress of Youth Voices. Recently, Eggers began the Young Editors Project which involves school-aged students in the publishing process, and he's the winner of the Muhammad Ali Award for Education, the National Book Award's Literarian Award, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize all honors connected to his work to support young readers and writers. Eggers has been involved in partnerships like First Book and other programs that donate books to schools, libraries and students. Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 11 Funny 4 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. Putting up a tipi for South Dakota Mines Native Honoring Ceremony is a way for Robert Cook to give back to students and honor his own heritage. Cook, who goes by Wazihanska meaning tall pine in Lakota professionally, has put up the tipi for the ceremony for about a decade and resumed the tradition for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Today the tipi, we no longer live in tipis, but the tipi is the act of (resistance today), Cook said. Its an act of connection and reclaiming of our culture, our language, our history. All of those things that have been forcibly taken out through an education system that was never our own. He said during protests, such as those against the Dakota Access Pipeline, people would use tipis as a symbol of resistance and a connection to who they are as Native people in a time of invisibility. However, it also symbolizes people that never had access to an education, that were called savages. Cook said theyve moved from the government controlling schools that wanted to assimilate and kill the Indian and save the man to young leaders getting their own schools. The honoring ceremony was established in December 2008 by South Dakota Mines Office for Inclusion to celebrate and honor the schools Native American graduates through a traditional graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, which this year will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Surbeck Center Ballroom, graduates are led in by an inter-tribal color guard. The graduates sit down, draped in star quilts sewn in the school colors by Lakota quilters. Relatives then provide an eagle feather or plume, which is blessed by a traditional elder member of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota community during the Yuonihan or Lakota-style honoring ceremony. Cook said putting up the tipi is his way of giving back from having his own opportunity to get an education and to teach the almost-lost art of erecting a tipi. He said he was the first of his family to go to a four-year college and university, Brigham Young University, in 1978. Because of this, his grandfather gave Cook his own Indigenous name Wazihanska. He actually went to Carlisle, was forced to go to Carlisle Indian School, as a young boy, Cook said. When he came back, he was one of the very first Indian contractors, he had his own construction company, he had a big family. Cook said his mother had 13 siblings. Eventually, after being forcibly removed for the Badlands Bombing Range and the Dawes Act, his mother and father settled in New Underwood. He said it was important to them to stay connected with family on the reservation for Sundance and powwows. He said he was always interested in his history and culture, and eventually became a teacher in the subject. But it wasnt just his interest in the subject that moved him on that path. Cook said in school he was treated as a young brown kid in a mostly all white small town. Nobody had really any expectations for me except my parents, and myself, I wanted to do that, he said. It was really important to be able to give back as a teacher because I didnt want students to feel how I felt. I wanted my students to have a teacher that looked like them, that came from where they came from, that understood the issues that are impacting our community historically and today. Cook said hes carried his grandfathers name with him all these years, and in 2018, he decided to use it professionally to carry on his name and legacy, and what he experienced in education. Contact Siandhara Bonnet at siandhara.bonnet@rapidcityjournal.com You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. 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. FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) An escaped Alabama inmate had a "special relationship" with the jail official authorities believe assisted in his escape, a sheriff's office said Tuesday. A manhunt was underway for Casey White, who was awaiting trial on a capital murder case, and Vicky White, a jail official, after the pair vanished after leaving the Lauderdale County Detention Center on Friday morning. The two are not related, authorities said. "Investigators received information from inmates at the Lauderdale County Detention Center over the weekend that there was a special relationship between Director White and inmate Casey White. That relationship has now been confirmed through our investigation by independent sources and means," the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to news outlets. The office did not elaborate on the nature of that relationship. On Friday morning, Vicky White, 56, told coworkers the 38-year-old inmate needed to go to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation. She was escorting the inmate alone, which the sheriff said is a violation of department policy. That afternoon, when she was not answering the phone, authorities discovered the two were missing, and no such evaluation had been scheduled. Her patrol car was found abandoned in the parking lot of a shopping center. A warrant was issued Monday for Vicky White's arrest on charges of assisting in an escape. Family members and colleagues said they are bewildered by the involvement of Vicky White, who had worked for the sheriff's office for 16 years, with the inmate who was already serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other crimes. "I just can't picture Vicky running off with that man," her former mother-in-law, Frances White, said in a telephone interview. She remained fond of her daughter-in-law decades after she divorced her son in 1991. He died earlier this year. She said her former daughter-in-law was kind and always wanted to help others, but added that she was sometimes private. "Vicky was a person who kept all of her thoughts and troubles to herself," she said. Vicky White had no children, her former-mother-in-law said, and had recently sold her house, a sprawling property of 4 acres (1.6 hectares) she had originally bought to be close to her parents. The property, which included a trailer and barn, was "really too big" for one person, Frances White said. WAAY reported Vicky White sold her home for $95,500 just 12 days before disappearing. The purchase price was below the market value for the area, the station reported. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said Monday that Vicky White had announced plans to retire and the day she disappeared would have been her last day at work. "This is not the Vicky White we know, by any stretch of the imagination," Singleton said Monday. The U.S. Marshals Service on Tuesday said the pair might be traveling in a 2007 orange or copper colored Ford Edge with minor damage on the rear left bumper. Authorities have said Casey White, who stands 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall, should be recognizable by his size. Authorities warned that anyone seeing the pair should not approach them. "The subjects should be considered dangerous and may be armed with an AR-15 rifle, handguns and a shotgun," the Marshals Service said in the bulletin. Casey White was serving time for a string of crimes that included attempted murder, robbery and burglary. While in prison, he had confessed to the 2015 stabbing death of a 58-year-old woman, authorities said, which caused him to be brought to the Lauderdale County jail for court proceedings. The sheriff said they believe White plotted an earlier escape from the jail in 2020 when they found a makeshift knife. *** You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Justice Departments Office of Justice Programs, presented the Volunteer for Victims Award to Linda Stambaugh, a court-appointed special advocate from Newell. The award honors individuals for their extraordinary and selfless efforts resulting in positive and lasting changes in the lives of crime victims, according to a Department of Justice release. Ms. Stambaugh devoted countless hours to securing the safety and well-being of four young children, making the equivalent of a round-trip cross-country drive while their case was open to bring them to school, counseling, court proceedings and supervised visits with their parents, said Amy Solomon, principal deputy attorney general of OJP. She demonstrated great compassion and incredible perseverance in her heroic work on behalf of these neglected siblings. It is a privilege to honor her volunteer service that went above and beyond. Stambaugh, a court-appointed special advocate for the Fourth Circuit Court of South Dakota, had been working for nine days as a volunteer advocate when she received her first child abuse and neglect case. Four siblings between two and six years old had been found wandering the streets unsupervised on several occasions. They were placed in foster care while their parents tried to regain custody. Stambaugh made 470 contacts on behalf of the children during the one-and-a-half years the case was open. She facilitated many visits, even transporting the children to sibling visits in two separate foster homes in two different communities so they could spend time together. She also drove the children to supervised visits with their parents, counseling sessions and school, logging more than 7,000 miles. She continued to work with the children and their parents to try to secure a successful reunification at the time of trial. When Stambaugh saw that the children were not thriving in the care of their parents, she effectively communicated this to the court, which ultimately found them a caring family, who adopted them together. Ms. Stambaugh was the one constant in these childrens lives during a period of tremendous change, loss, uncertainty and confusion, said Kristina Rose, director of OVC. Her steadfast dedication and support helped stop the cycle of child abuse and neglect for these four children and put them in an environment where they can begin to safely heal and grow. Every April, OVC observes National Crime Victims Rights Week. President Ronald W. Reagan proclaimed the first Victims Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This years observance took place April 24-30, and featured the theme, Rights, Access, Equity, for All Victims. Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Rapid City police officers who shot and killed a man on March 26 were justified in their use of deadly force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and Attorney General's Office announced Wednesday. DCI released the official summary of the shooting that killed 51-year-old Barney Leroy Peoples, Jr., in which investigators say Peoples pointed a scoped rifle at officers before they shot him. According to the investigation report, Peoples sustained six bullet wounds that killed him. DCI said the two RCPD officers fired a total of 15 shots. The incident began at approximately 1:34 p.m. on March 26 after a homeowner called 911 to report someone was in his home. He had returned home after being out of town for a few days and said that it appeared the residence had been broken into and he suspected someone was still inside the residence, which was "trashed." When police arrived, the homeowner showed them a broken window and told officers there were several guns as well as ammunition in the home. According to the incident summary, five uniformed RCPD officers arrived and met with the homeowner who described the layout of the house and explained that he believed someone was still on the upper level. A sixth uniformed RCPD officer, who is a canine (K9) handler, also arrived at the scene. Officers entered the home through a doorway on the ground floor and announced themselves verbally as police and told anyone inside to make themselves known. The report said the officers continued to work their way to the main floor and the upper level, announcing themselves as they went. The K9 unit joined the group as they moved to the upper level where they could hear footsteps and music. The officers identified themselves again and warned that if anyone in the house did not announce their presence the police K9 would be deployed. Officers kicked the door to the master bedroom open and saw Peoples seated on the floor pointing a scoped rifle at one of them. The officers told Peoples to drop the weapon and the first officer took cover beside the doorway. At that point, Peoples aimed at a second officer. The officers then fired at Peoples. He died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The report did not name the officers who shot Peoples or the other officers who responded to the call. Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. A Ravalli County man challenged the eligibility of a county attorney candidate in a lawsuit filed Tuesday. Jason Liechtys lawsuit claimed candidate Joan K. Mell doesnt meet the residency requirement and has not been a registered Montana lawyer long enough to qualify for the position. Ravalli County incumbent county attorney Bill Fulbrights campaign circulated a short press release about the lawsuit Wednesday. It has come to our attention that a petition has been filed in District Court contesting the eligibility of Joan Mells candidacy for County Attorney in Ravalli County, wrote Ron Ehli, the Fulbright campaign treasurer. In response to the lawsuit, Mell issued a statement that said she has resided in Montana for 37 years and has been licensed to practice law for 31 years. Mell took issue with being served the civil petition by a county sheriffs deputy that I would have accepted via e-mail for free. Their heavy-handed misuse of county resources is one of the reasons Im running." In a written statement, Mell said Fulbright wastes county resources on meritless arguments and threats against anyone who asserts their rightsBecause he is predictably vindictive, I was prepared for this kind of attack and did my research before submitting my candidacy. Liechtys lawsuit said state law's eligibility requirements for full-time county attorney in counties with a population larger than 30,000 (which includes Ravalli County) include being a U.S. citizen, residing in the state for two years immediately before taking office, and being admitted to the practice of law at least five years before the date of the election. Following the general election on Nov. 8, the newly elected county attorney will take office on Jan. 1, 2023. The lawsuit said that means the candidate must have been a resident of Montana since Jan. 1, 2021 and been admitted to practice law since Nov. 8, 2017. Mell registered as a voter in Washington State on Oct. 4, 1990, the lawsuit said. On Nov. 2, 2021, she voted in Washingtons general election. Washington State requires a person to reside in the state for at least 30 days immediately preceding the election. Thus, Joan Mell did not reside in the State of Montana on Nov. 2, 2021 because she exercised her right to vote in the State of Washington on that date, the lawsuit stated. Mell did not register to vote in Ravalli County until Feb. 25, 2022. In response, Mell said the law requires that a candidate resides in Montana for two years before taking office. She said she has resided in Montana for 37 years having graduated from grade school, high school and college in the state. She moved back to Ravalli County in 2003 and has "considered it home ever since. My opponent questions how I could qualify to vote in Washington while living in Montana, Mell wrote. The answer is simple the law allows it. I am a Montana resident under Montana law because Montana is where I live when not called elsewhere for labor. Liechtys lawsuit said Mell was not admitted to the practice of law in the state of Montana until October 2019. It claims that Mell falsely swore under oath that she possesses the qualifications prescribed by Montana law for the office of Ravalli County Attorney. It asks the court to find that Mells oath has been proved invalid and that no votes for Mell should be counted. In her statement, Mell said the law requires that a candidate be admitted to the practice of law for five years. She has been licensed to practice law for 31. I have an established law practice in Hamilton, Mell wrote. I have employed people in Montana. I have fought for the constitutional and property rights of the people of Ravalli County Bottom line is that I am a Montanan and a capable attorney ready, willing and legally qualified to give back to this great place we call home. While a decision hadnt been made Wednesday, Mell said she probably will file a motion to dismiss the case for failure to state a claim. The lawsuit was filed in Ravalli County District Judge Howard Rechts court. Love 3 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. You are here: Business German imports from China in March rose 15.8 percent compared to the previous month to 16.3 billion euros (17.2 billion U.S. dollars), the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said on Wednesday. Including exported goods worth 9.1 billion euros, China remained Germany's biggest foreign trade partner in March, according to Destatis. Germany's total imports grew 3.4 percent month-on-month to 117.4 billion euros in March. The country's exports, meanwhile, fell by 3.3 percent to 120.6 billion euros. The United States continued to be Germany's largest customer country as goods worth 11.5 billion euros were exported to the United States in March, slightly up from February, according to Destatis. Due to sanctions against Russia in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as "further measures to restrict exports, and unsanctioned behavior of market participants," German exports to Russia slumped 62.3 percent in March to 0.9 billion euros. German imports from other member countries of the European Union (EU) fell by 3.0 percent to 56.7 billion euros in March. The country's EU exports also decreased slightly to 66.6 billion euros. (1 euro = 1.05 U.S. dollars) After a career as a pioneer in emergency medicine the last two on the front lines of a pandemic Dr. Frank Ramsey retired in April. However, at age 80, he is embarking not on a restful retirement but an 18-month medical mission in Portugal. He and his wife, Darlene, who leave in June, are answering a calling to serve a mission as a couple for their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ramseys role will be as a medical adviser to other church missionaries in Portugal. They will be paying their own expenses. My wifes been with me for 55 years and nine kids, Ramsey said; the Chesterfield couple also have 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. I decided its time to spend some real focused time with her. Were excited. She speaks German and French and is working on her Portuguese. And Ramsey himself retains some of the Portuguese he learned when he served a church mission in Brazil as a young man. Its amazing how much is still there, he said. The Ramseys have been in the Richmond area since 1984, when Frank took a job at Chippenham and Johnston-Willis hospitals. He believes he was the first residency-trained, board-certified emergency physician in the state. Hes worked here ever since, savoring the lives saved and agonizing over the ones lost, weathering the pressures of the job and embracing the astonishing technological tools CAT scans, MRIs, ultrasound, angioplasty, scores of new medications and on and on that have been developed during his career. Frank is just The Doc, said Dr. Mike Boyle, medical director in the emergency department at HCA Virginias Chippenham Hospital who was hired by Ramsey about 30 years ago and returned to Richmond in 2020 to become Ramseys boss. The guys career is incredible. *** Ramsey came along at a time when emergency medicine as a specialty was in its infancy. While providing emergency care goes back literally forever, the history of emergency medicine as a specialty dates back only to the 1960s, according to a 2012 article in the World Journal of Emergency Medicine. Before that evolution, hospital emergency rooms were generally staffed by a rotating cast of other staff physicians from other specialties, as well as residents and interns. There was neither coordination of hospital care nor organized pre-hospital care, according to the article by Dr. Robert E. Suter, a professor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He noted a majority of all ambulance services were run by morticians or funeral directors because they had vehicles that could transport people horizontally, often using untrained staff. In 1961, reflecting the need for specialists in emergency medicine, four physicians left their private practices to staff an emergency department in Alexandria, coinciding with a similar effort by physicians in Pontiac, Mich., according to the article. The American College of Emergency Physicians was founded in 1968. That same year, Ramsey was accepted into medical school in Graz, Austria. But long before all of that, Frank Ramsey had been an unfocused student, by his own account, uncertain of a direction for his life: maybe a jet pilot or a firefighter or perhaps even a physician, though he knew that would take a supreme amount of commitment. He joined the California National Guard and enrolled at Brigham Young University he had converted at age 16 to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and while in school, at age 21, left to go on a church mission to Brazil. Those two years changed my life, he said. It really helps you learn to discipline yourself, he said. I came home and said to myself, You could do this on a mission; why dont you try this in your personal life? I came back off my mission and really started cracking down and studying. He decided to focus on medicine, but when he applied to medical school, he didnt get in. So, he took a job in pharmaceutical sales good salary, new car and all seemed set until one day he heard a small voice say, clearly and unmistakably: Youre going to medical school. Meantime, a friend from his BYU study group who had enrolled in an Austrian medical school wrote him a letter encouraging him to apply there. Ramsey and his wife talked and prayed about it, and decided he should apply. He was accepted around the same time the Soviet Union led an invasion of Warsaw Pact troops into Czechoslovakia, Austrias neighbor. It wasnt until 1969 that the Ramseys and their first child could relocate to Graz. While there, he volunteered for the Austrian Red Cross as a student physician, basically functioning as a paramedic, as he rode along on ambulances, making diagnoses and performing procedures. It was a learning experience like no other, and he loved it. I got to play doctor, Ramsey said with a laugh. It was extremely rewarding for me, and got me interested in emergency medicine. He returned home to California for the summer of 1972 and worked for an ambulance service in Long Beach. He observed the paramedics often had more knowledge about emergency medicine than the physicians in the hospitals, and he made a commitment then to try and make a difference in the quality of emergency medicine. He later was accepted into a family practice residency program in Flint, Mich., but his heart was in emergency medicine, so he moved to an emergency medicine residency program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit in 1976. At the time, he says, there were only five such residency programs in the United States. It wasnt until 1979 when emergency medicine was formally approved as a medical specialty and the American Board of Emergency Medicine was established, according to the World Journal of Emergency Medicine. He joined an emergency medicine management group that in 1984 won the contracts for Chippenham and Johnston-Willis hospitals, and he was offered the job of medical director of emergency medicine for both facilities. He worked for both hospitals for his first decade in Richmond, and then later continued at Chippenham where he was the emergency department medical director for the next 32 years. Through it all, he has worked as an emergency physician and as an operations medical director with multiple rescue squads. In his role as a regional director at the emergency medicine management group Emergency Consultants Inc., he directed 23 emergency department start-ups in multiple states. Ramsey played a big role in integrating the use of advanced cardiac life support procedures for example, how to revive heart attack patients not only in his hospital emergency departments but among area paramedics, Boyle said. That sort of early intervention is critical because, as Boyle said, If you dont resuscitate somebody in the field, theyre going to die and chances of survival without brain damage are much lower. *** Dealing with life-and-death situations on a daily basis, Ramsey has had a hand in saving countless lives through the years and still runs into those patients at grocery stores and other places. Its kind of hard to give up emergency medicine, he said. Not many careers you go home most days and can say, I think I saved a life today. He paused. Then there are the ones you lose. In particular, he said, You never, ever forget a pediatric death. In one month [at a Michigan hospital], I had three. I was ready to quit emergency medicine. I thought, I cannot go into another room and tell another mother that her child is dead. Thats hard. For a physician, theres a balancing act of controlling your emotions and learning from the situation, said Dr. Raymond Makhoul, chief medical officer for Chippenham Hospital. Human nature is to dwell on losses, but you have to move on and learn so you can help the next patient, he said. I think thats obviously something he did. Great emergency department physicians must possess a certain demeanor and personality, Makhoul said, so they can act quickly under pressure but also remain calm. They also must have strong interpersonal skills in order to speak with patients and families in a caring manner at what might be the worst moments of their lives. Ramsey, Makhoul said, is a great emergency room physician. Ramsey served as medical director in the emergency department at Chippenham until 2014. He then worked clinically at both Chippenham and Johnston-Willis until a couple of years ago, when he again assumed the role of medical director of the emergency department at Chippenham just in time for COVID-19. I did not know what I had stepped into, he said with a laugh. As the hospital was inundated with patients he said the overwhelming surge reminded him of the days after the remnants of Hurricane Isabel hit the region, except COVID went on for two years Ramsey treated the sick and sat with the dying. Despite heart issues and having survived cancer three times, he never got COVID. At first, they wouldnt let me see COVID patients, trying to protect me, he recalled. But then the bottom just fell out. Sick patients overflowed the emergency department, and Ramsey waded into the fray. He was right there with us, said Catherine Tapp, a registered nurse and throughput manager at Chippenham who has worked with Ramsey for more than two decades. His ability to roll with changes and handle anything thrown his way was invaluable during that period, she said. Younger staff call him Papa Frank. At the end of his last shift on his last day, Ramseys colleagues lined the hallway, applauding as he walked past them for the final time. It was very emotional, especially for those of us who have that opportunity to work with him for so many years, Tapp said. Hes a fixture. A few days later, remembering the bittersweet gauntlet, Ramsey recalled, I was pretty teared up myself by the time I got out. On the day I spoke to Ramsey, he was still growing accustomed to the life of retirement. What does it feel like? Another day off, he said with a laugh. Perhaps you recall the most peculiar strategy of all to stop Russias war against Ukraine. The scheme originated right here in the Blue Ridge. Basically, it consists of mailing a single sock to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in care of Russias embassy in Washington, D.C. The strange tactic is rooted in Harry Potter novels, and it was conceived by Curtis Ray Cox Sr. of Blacksburg. He got the idea from a Harry Potter movie the one with an elf named Dobby, whos a dead ringer for the Russian dictator. In the plot, Dobbys under a spell cast by some evil wizards that causes him to take deplorable actions. When Dobby happens to catch a sock thrown by another character, it breaks the spell and frees the elf from the diabolical wizards control. Coxs idea is that if Americans send socks to Putin at Russias U.S. embassy, itll cancel the apparent spell thats propelled Putin to reestablish the Russian empire as it existed in the glory days of the czars. And thatll give the despot a face-saving way out of the mess hes created in his so-far unsuccessful war. Because hell be able to blame the invasion on a supernatural spell. Is this idea ridiculous? Most certainly. Its at least as weird as any fantasy expounded by followers of the QAnon conspiracy. But its also kind of fun. And can we say for certain its had no effect on the war? Not exactly. The Russian invasion has been foundering ever since the first sock was mailed to Vald the Conqueror by Jerry Moles, from Raleigh Court post office on Grandin Road. Meanwhile, Cox mailed another sock, as did (according to Cox) retired Virginia Tech professor Jim Wightman. And we know what happened in Ukraine shortly thereafter. First, the Russian army withdrew from its ineffectual attempts to seize Kyiv, Ukraines capital city. Second, the flagship of the Russian navys Black Sea fleet, the missile cruiser Moscow, suddenly exploded and sank off the coast of Odessa. Were now up to at least 10 socks Western Virginians have sent to Russias embassy in Washington. Is it a coincidence that 10 Russian generals seem to have perished so far in Russias unprovoked war? Four of the recent socks bright orange ones were mailed by Willie R. Thomas of Blacksburg. That occurred after Thomas met a Ukrainian woman during two West Coast cruises he sailed aboard early this year. She worked on the ship, Thomas said. The first cruise in February, from California to Mexico, occurred before the invasion. Thomas met the woman at that time. He told her he was sailing on the same ship to Hawaii in March, and that he might see her again. She replied her employment contract was ending and she planned to return home to Ukraine after the Mexican cruise. But when Thomas returned in March for the cruise to Hawaii, she was still on board. By then, Russias invasion had prompted the womans sister in Ukraine to flee to Poland, the cruise worker told Thomas. And shes unable to join her sister there, because she lacks a Polish visa. She said, I have no home to go to. [The cruise line] allowed me to stay on the ship, Thomas recalled. That just touched me. It is so sad. He said he chose orange because its associated with Ukraines 2004-05 Orange Revolution. Thats when Ukrainians voted out pro-Russian President Victor Yanukovych after Yanukovychs election victory was ruled rigged by Ukraines highest court. Paul Manafort (the later-pardoned felon who managed Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign) worked closely with Yanukovych on the checkered 2004 election. Thomas told me when addressing his package to Putin, he inserted an English nickname (which typically corresponds to Richard), in between Putins given and surnames. Thanks for the timely article with the address needed to send socks to that dhead, he added. Margaret Cusson, who lives in the Hollins area of Roanoke County, sent a package, too. She was kinder, though. Mailed out my sock to the Russian Embassy yesterday, she wrote April 25. It was clean with a small hole in it. In my note I mentioned Harry Potter lore, in case Putin hasnt had time to watch the movies or read the books. Putin probably hasnt had a lot of time on his hands lately. As his army attempts to occupy Ukraine, hes been busy attending funerals for dead Russian soldiers. Western sources estimate the number of Russian troops killed at about 15,000 so far. Another spell-breaking package was posted by Florence Quinn. A sock for Vlad is on its way from a really old old lady in Ferrum. she wrote. What a swell idea. Quinn also included a note in her package. It said Fie on Vlad. Its important to note that this effort has been enthusiastically endorsed by the No. 1 civil servant in the Roanoke Valley, Salem Tourism Director Cary Harveycutter. Just think if we all sent that extra sock we find in the dryer now and then, the embassy would be flooded with socks! Harveycutter wrote me April 24. His encouragement spurred me to mail my own package to the nations capital Tuesday from the Raleigh Court post office. I addressed it to Vlad the War Criminal, in light of some recent news about Russian efforts in Ukraine. It contained a blue-and-white striped sock, and a note on which I scribbled a hoary riddle: Vlad, Q: You, Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un all jump off a cliff. Who wins? The punch line: The human race. For good measure, I added, Get out of Ukraine! If youd like to join us, you can mail socks to Putin in care of The Russian Embassy, 2650 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007. When you do, snap a photo of the package before you post it, and email the photos to me, along with your name and locality. Im keeping track of all the Harry Potter patriots from Appalachia. 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. Debate around abortion rights has erupted across Virginia after a Supreme Court draft majority opinion was leaked to Politico this week. The news organization published the opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, in full. If the draft goes into effect, the courts 1973 ruling on Roe v. Wade would be overturned. Roe v. Wade established abortion access as a constitutional right making it impossible for states to completely ban abortions. This new ruling, if it went into effect, would reverse that decision and send the choice back to individual states, where as many as half seem ready to ban or heavily restrict abortions. Youre gonna have a real patchwork of different laws and thats going to have dramatic consequences for women, especially women who are in a state thats banned abortion and who dont have the financial resources or the ability to travel to a state that does allow that option, Roanoke College political science professor Todd Peppers said. Its going to be really fascinating, six months from now, what America will look like in terms of reproductive freedom. Molly Rivera, communications director for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which includes the Roanoke and Charlottesville locations, said her organization has been preparing for every possible outcome in this case. Rivera said Planned Parenthood has been sounding the alarm for decades as states in the South have passed laws that walked right to the line of what federal law allowed. She said the organization is doing everything they can to keep their health centers open, but even with Roe v. Wade in place, abortion access was not available to everyone equally. It really depended on where you live, how much money you have in your bank account, often times the color of your skin, Rivera said. But its really devastating and overwhelming to see it written down on paper. It would be such a departure from what generations have been living with and it just represents a true turning point. Peppers, who has extensively studied and researched the Supreme Court, said circulating a draft opinion internally is common practice. After the justices discuss the case and vote, one from the majority will write up the opinion and send it to the others for comment. It isnt uncommon for justices to change their vote throughout the process, but many have speculated whether the opinion was leaked to lock the conservative votes in place. Others have theorized that it could be to drum up public outcry and influence the courts decision the opposite way. Conservative lawmakers are focused on the issue of the leak. Rep. Morgan Griffith R-Salem, said in a statement that the person who leaked the draft should be held accountable for deliberately violating the judicial process. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement, I am in utter disbelief that the sacred confidentiality of the Supreme Court would be violated in this manner. Sadly, this leak was done in order to cause chaos and to put pressure on justices and elected officials. Youngkin describes himself as a pro-life, but has told reporters he would support exceptions in cases of rape or incest. Griffith said he is a proud supporter of the right to life. In Virginia, abortion is legal in the first and second trimesters. After that, state law requires the physician to consult with two other doctors to determine if the continuation of the pregnancy would impair the womans health or result in death. Rivera said Virginia does not seem to be a state where abortion would immediately become illegal. But she said its still hanging by a thread depending on what happens in upcoming elections. Last year, Republicans won the House of Delegates and the governors seat. Some say this could create challenges to protect abortion access in the event Roe v. Wade is overturned later this year. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va, said new restrictions would set a dangerous precedent and take away a basic right. He said changes could drive women to seek out abortions in unsafe ways and go against what he thinks the majority of Americans want: safe, legal and rare abortions. My fear is, by the Supreme Court jumping feet first into these culture wars, that this womans right to choose may just be the first step, Warner said. Is the next step going to be rolling back any kind of rights women have to obtain contraceptive devices? Does it mean that gay rights or marriage equality will be the next battlegrounds? Ann Russell, CEO of the Blue Ridge Womens Center, said the decision will not affect the services her organization provides. The womens center has been in Roanoke since 1984 and does not provide abortions or referrals for abortions. We really stay out of the politics, Russell said. It doesnt impact how we serve the men, women and students who walk through our doors. And no matter whats going on, were just going to continue to provide for them all of the services that we offer, free of charge, in a non-judgmental environment. Russell said the center provides a safe space for women to consider their options. If they do decide to terminate their pregnancy, the center is still open for them to return for classes or loss counseling. Russell said she doesnt know whether the center will have more patients in the event Roe v. Wade is overturned, but the staff will be ready for them. We are life-centric, meaning we believe in full and abundant life for that man, that woman and that child, knowing that we dont make a decision for anyone, Russell said. Were just going to continue doing what we do, offer them the same services, help them to navigate and be that safe place for them. 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. Forty-one students will walk the stage Saturday in Roanoke to celebrate the end of their time at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Some are heading to other states to complete their residencies while 14 are staying in Virginia. Eight matched with Carilion Clinic. One of them is Jane Gay, who is following in her familys footsteps and starting her career at Carilion. Her brother Sam Gay is an anesthesiologist with Carilion, and her dad, William Gay, has been a pediatric cardiologist there since 1990. When Jane Gay walked into the room for her first day of orientation, she was more than nine months pregnant. Two days later, she gave birth to her son Desmond. Gay, a Roanoke native, had worked toward her medical degree ever since she graduated college. She spent several years working as a scribe at Carilion and had dreamed about being a dermatologist. Once she learned her due date would be just before school started, people told her to defer a year. But she didnt want to fall behind. When I got in, it really felt like I got this dream that I had been working toward for so long, she said. I had a lot of people that helped me throughout that journey and I did not want to let down those people that fought for me to achieve it. Gay left her 5-day-old son at home and attended the first day of school with the rest of her class. She said she cried almost every day the first week as she tried to figure out when she could spend time with her son, study and get enough sleep. She spent the first few weeks wondering whether she was doing the right thing. She said she knew her son wouldnt be a baby forever and worried she was missing out on an important part of his life. Thankfully her partner and Desmonds dad, Kevin Dugan, stepped in to help her get through it all. There were definitely times where I hit a wall of studying so late, and then getting up in the middle of the night, that I almost felt like I couldnt function, she said. He would always pick up that slack. Because I realized there did become a point where I would have so little sleep, so many days in a row, that I couldnt even think in school. Her mother moved back from Maryland to help her with Desmond and her father, brother and sister-in-law stepped in when she and Dugan needed them the most. She has worked incredibly hard during medical school and her dad and I are so proud of her, her mother Patricia Treffinger said. She truly has done everything in her power to do well while being a mother and has sacrificed so much to achieve her goals of matching into dermatology. As Desmond grew up, Gay started to achieve the right balance between family and school. While at VTC, she started a clinical trial studying surgical site infections for Mohs surgery, a procedure used to treat skin cancer. Over the course of the study, Gay will enroll 1,600 patients in total. She said she will be able to continue the project during her residency at Carilion. Ive loved school, Ive loved studying, Ive loved learning and its really just been the highlight of my life, Gay said. Its been hard balancing my family, but I really learned how much I love medicine and how much its a part of me and who I am and what I want for the rest of my life. I just couldnt imagine my life without it. From Galax classroom to Mass General Natalia Sutherland, an upcoming graduate, is the first VTC student to be matched into a residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard-affiliated institute in Boston. She plans to study and practice internal medicine there. Dean of Students Aubrey Knight said the Massachusetts General residency is arguably the top internal medicine program in the country. Her matching there is a testament to her work ethic and I have no question that she belongs there and that she is going to thrive there, he said. When she finishes her residency, multiple doors are going to be open to her to determine what the next phase in her career will be. The day Sutherland decided she was going to medical school, she was sitting in the back of her moms classroom. Her mother was teaching native Spanish speakers how to say simple phrases like my back hurts or my stomach hurts in English before they headed to a doctors appointment. After the class left, Sutherland asked her mom, Doctors are so smart. Why cant they just learn Spanish? Her mom turned to her and said, Well you already know Spanish, why dont you be a doctor? Sutherland was only 8 years old at the time and becoming a doctor had never occurred to her. Growing up in the small town of Galax, there werent many female doctors, let alone female Hispanic physicians. Id never seen that role filled by someone who looked like me, she said. So I felt like I was navigating uncharted waters for a little bit, but somehow it worked out and Im here. Sutherland said she is torn between pursuing primary care medicine and becoming an oncologist. Both of her parents are teachers and for a long time, Sutherland expected to do the same. After she graduated with a degree in chemistry from Emory and Henry College, she worked at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute doing neuromuscular research related to Lou Gehrigs disease. She worked there while she decided whether to pursue a medical degree or a Ph.D. Ultimately, she wanted to have that interpersonal relationship with patients that comes with being a physician. She said the lessons of communication and teaching she learned from her parents will help her be a doctor who can teach people to better understand their bodies and their diagnoses. I like being able to boil it down and make it a little bit less scary and more approachable, she said. What I hope to do is help people understand themselves so that they can better incorporate a chronic disease or a scary diagnosis into their lives. That way it doesnt have to define them. With that same goal in mind, Sutherland pursued research into brain cancer during her time at VTC. In March, she received a letter of distinction for her work. Sutherland studied one of the most common and aggressive forms of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme. The cancer grows so rapidly, and is so resistant to treatment, that doctors struggle to catch it early. Current treatments can usually only extend a patients life by a few months. Now that she is graduating, Sutherland hopes another student can continue the research. The research project taught me a lot of things, but most importantly, how to dive through the literature and not just read the things that we know, but to look between the lines and understand what we dont know yet, she said. I think its really important for physicians to have that skill because otherwise how are we to improve on the field of medicine? Sutherland will be moving to Massachusetts this summer to begin her residency. She said the skills she learned from medical school, her research projects and her moms classroom in Galax will come together in the next phase of her life. Knight said she has flourished in school becoming a natural leader who has earned her place not only at VTC, but in the medical field. She is empathic by her very nature, he said. It just exudes from her. Shes the complete package and I cant wait to hear of the impact shes going to have on medicine through her career. 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. CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. BATON ROUGEResearchers who recently developed " Octo-Tiger ," a breakthrough astrophysics code that simulates the evolution of star systems, have been granted access to the supercomputer Fugaku in Tokyo. Announced by The Research Organization for Information Science and Technology, researchers from LSU and the University of Stuttgart have been awarded resources to test the Octo-Tiger code on Fugaku, exploring the novel architecture and benefiting from the world's fastest supercomputer, to progress large simulations more expediently and possibly at a higher resolution. "This is a great opportunity for Octo-Tiger to be able to run large simulations even faster than previously experienced," said Patrick Diehl, LSU Center of Computation & Technology researcher. Developed from a unique collaboration between experimental computer scientists and astrophysicists, the Octo-Tiger code models stellar collisions more expeditiously than the established code used for numerical simulations. Project members for the Fugaku Access Project include LSU Center of Computation & Technology research scientists Patrick Diehl, Hartmut Kaiser and Dominic C. Marcello; LSU Department of Physics & Astronomy postdoctoral researcher Sagiv Shiber; and University of Stuttgart researcher Gregor Daiss. "Thanks to the awarding of resources to access Fugaku, we will be able to substantially reduce the computational time to complete a simulation with Octo-Tiger," Shiber said. Octo-Tiger is currently optimized to simulate the merger of well-resolved stars that can be approximated by barotropic structures, such as white dwarfs or main sequence stars. The gravity solver conserves angular momentum to machine precision, thanks to a correction algorithm. This code uses HPX parallelization, allowing the overlap of work and communication and leading to excellent scaling properties to solve large problems in shorter time frames. Published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, "Octo-Tiger: A New, 3D Hydrodynamic Code for Stellar Mergers That Uses HPX Parallelisation," investigates the code performance and precision through benchmark testing. The authors, Marcello, Shiber, Diehl, Kaiser and LSU Professors Juhan Frank and Geoffrey C. Claytontogether with collaborators Orsola De Marco, professor at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia and Patrick M. Motl, professor at Indiana University Kokomocompared their results to analytic solutions, when known, and other grid-based codes, such as the popular FLASH. In addition, they computed the interaction between two white dwarfs from the early mass transfer through to the merger and compared the results with past simulations of similar systems. The research outlines the current and planned areas of development aimed at tackling several physical phenomena connected to observations of transients. The supercomputer Fugaku, jointly developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu since 2014, was completed on March 9, 2021. On the same day, Fugaku became available for shared use, providing access for a wide range of researchers and users in academic and industrial fields. View the animation here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dN_iIhKKqI. Provided by Louisiana State University You are here: China The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, came into force in China on Thursday. The Marrakesh Treaty, the first and only human rights treaty with copyright so far, aims to eliminate copyright-related obstacles for print-disabled people in obtaining works. It was adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization on June 27, 2013, and entered into force on Sept. 30, 2016. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, adopted a decision on ratifying the Marrakesh Treaty in October 2021. Hear me clearly, America is not a racist country. I have personally experienced the pain of discrimination being pulled over for no reason and followed around in stores. This contradictory statement was made by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina in 2021. Unsurprisingly, fierce reactions ensued immediately, with both sides of the political spectrum aggressively weighing in on social media. Hashtags such as #UncleTim, which were quickly removed from Twitter, and other intensely abrasive terms were hurled toward the senator from the left side of the political spectrum. The response from the political right was complimentary and endearingly laudatory. While there were a number of things to take issue with Scotts rebuttal, it was the comment that America is not a racist country that opened a Pandoras box of commentary. To be sure, Tim Scotts life is distinctive. In his rebuttal speech to President Joe Bidens first joint address to Congress, he spoke about his upbringing and how he was raised in poverty by a single mother. Moreover, he is a darling son of the Tea Party wing of the Republican Party. He defeated the sons of the legendary, multiple-term, hard-core segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond and the popular, former Governor Carroll Campbell, is revered by Donald Trump, and won election in what is the staunchest Republican state in the South, arguably in the nation. The biggest problem is not Scott, even though his rhetoric is sometimes laced with intellectual dishonesty, but rather the frantic attempt by Republicans to convince others that they are not racist by employing conservative Black people like himself, including right-wing pundits Star Parker, Jason Whitlock, Candace Owens, Shelby Steele and Doreen Borelli to name a few. In essence, they provide cover for and espouse largely offensive commentary that many right-wing white conservatives do not dare to say in public. In other words, they tell racists what they want to hear as opposed to what they need to hear. This is not to say all Black conservatives demonize other Black people for profit. Republican strategist Raynard Jackson and the late Colin Powell are examples of Black individuals who resided on the political right of the spectrum yet had no problem calling out what they saw as the shortcomings of the conservative movement regarding its disconnect with large segments of the Black electorate. As a Black person born and raised slightly above abject poverty in hyper-segregated South Carolina -- this region has always been hostile toward governmental assistance regarding upward mobility, especially Black upward mobility -- Scott is (or certainly should be) aware of the devastating impact that poverty, sophisticated or subtle discrimination, and lack of access to mainstream society can have on the victims of such social inequities and inequalities. Economic and structural racism are undeniable factors in the lives of many poor people of color. The truth is that racism does exist in America. Most sane, rational and honest Americans know this, regardless of their race or ethnic background. The question is not whether America is a racist nation, but whether we need to utilize legislation, government programs, and other forms of protection to target racism. The fact is that Tim Scott and other Black conservatives, especially those over 45 years of age, know this all too well. But instead of acknowledging such brutal facts, they resort to espousing and promoting a dangerously misguided form of bootstrap politics that too often places the responsibility for change on those who are being disregarded and marginalized. The truth is one must have boots to be able to strap them. Such old-fashioned, buck up, forge forward, rugged individualism language is filled with nothing but empty platitudes. Its a disturbing act to witness to see these far-right Black conservatives resorting to the blame the victim mindset. No reasonable person can deny that systemic and systematic racism are potently repulsive forces in American life. They are evident in our health, educational, environmental, judicial, and political systems. There is far too much concrete evidence to indicate otherwise. Deep down, more than likely, Tim Scott and other Black conservatives (as well as their white conservative cohorts) know this to be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Elwood Watson is a professor of history, Black studies, and gender and sexuality studies at East Tennessee State University. He is also an author and public speaker. FLORENCE, S.C. Starlee Alexander always knew she wanted to be a business owner but didnt necessarily know what type of business. It takes hard work and dedication to become a successful and lasting business owner, she said. It has to be the right fit. As the country celebrates National and Florence Small Business Week, Alexander looks back on her 37-year career as a State Farm agent. One day her husband, Rep. Terry Alexander, who then worked in former Congressman Robin Tallons office, came home from work and told her that State Farm was looking for agency owners. He told her he thought she should apply. She was chosen over several other candidates. Alexander said it takes a two-year internship/commitment before you can become an owner. After training two years, she was given her contract. I started out on July 1, 1985, on Evans Street, she said. The parking wasnt good so she moved back to Irby Street in 2011. Her agency is at 2027 S. Irby St. It has been wonderful, she said. I enjoy it. Alexander said she enjoys dealing with clients and helping them find their insurance needs. Some days are more challenging than others. The most difficult part of being a business owner, Alexander said, is keeping up with technology, making sure every customer is taken care of. Just managing a business is challenging, she said. Alexander works with a staff of two full time employees and one part-time employee. She said State Farm is celebrating its 100th year of being a good neighbor this year. It has been a privilege to be a State Farm agent, she said. It is rewarding to be an entrepreneur. Id do it over again. I love working with people and counseling them on their insurance needs. Her advice to clients would be make sure your family is taken care of and make sure you have life insurance to do that. Some of the best advice she received along the way was to pay yourself, your taxes and your expenses. Alexander said a person has to have the mindset to stick with it. Perseverance is necessary to making a success of any small business. She said you need a mentor, someone to seek help and advice from. Networking is important, too, she said. Alexander said she is fortunate that State Farm has a brand, but if your business doesnt have one then networking is even more important. Alexander is a former Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year. She has served on the chamber board, as an ambassador and chairwoman. Alexander said she is active with the United Negro College Fund and was head of it locally for about 10 years. She has put a lot of her energy in the organization. She has also served on the McLeod Health Foundation as a past board member. She said giving back to the community is important. The Florida native went to Florida A&M University, where she received her degree in business management. She said she met her husband at a conference in Atlanta, and they moved to Florence 38 years ago. They have a daughter, Terrell, and a son, Mathew, both graduates of Francis Marion University. They have two grandchildren, Tori, 20, and Charlee, 4. She said they all live in the Florence area and enjoy getting together. For more information, contact State Farm at 843-662-4164. 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. Boycott des produits Diaary par Frapp Le secretariat executif national (SEN) du FRAPP invite au boycott des produits Diaary, apres l'arrestation de Gas El Salvador a Saint-Louis. "Il lui est reproche d'avoir eu le courage de se poser des questions sur la fortune suspecte du ministre-maire-beau-frere du president Macky Sall : Mansour Faye et sa fille. Devant l'augmentation du nombre de detenus d'opinion et de detenus politiques au Senegal, il est urgent de refuser les derives liberticides, democraticides du president Macky et de son clan", denonce Frapp dans un communique. Sexual violence against women and girls has triggered many protests in Indian cities A police officer in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl who went to police to report she had been gang raped. A criminal case has been registered against him and he has been suspended, a senior police official said. The girl alleged that she had been gang raped by four men last month. The report has led to outrage in India with many people expressing anger on social media. State authorities have ordered a high-level probe into the incident and have asked for a report within 24 hours. The National Human Rights Commission has also sought a report from senior police officials within four weeks. In his complaint to the police, the girl's father alleged that four men had taken his daughter to the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh where they sexually assaulted her for four days. The men then brought her back to her village in Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) before they fled. The next day, the officer in charge of the local police station raped the girl when she went to the police station with her aunt to lodge a complaint, NDTV news channel reported. Lalitpur district police chief Nikhil Pathak told reporters that the girl, who was brought to his office by the Childline charity, told him what had happened. "When I was informed, I made sure a case was filed," he said. Uttar Pradesh | A minor has alleged being raped by four boys on April 22. When she was brought to the police station, the SHO raped her as well. Case has been registered against six accused including SHO. One accused caught, SHO suspended: Nikhil Pathak, SP, Lalitpur (2.05) pic.twitter.com/ZkySIlI2nT ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 3, 2022 The police officer, who had been on the run, was arrested on Wednesday. He was charged under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Story continues The news of the incident has caused outrage with many questioning law and order in India's most populous state. In a tweet in Hindi, senior Congress party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked "if police stations are not safe for women, then where will they go to complain"? "Has the UP government seriously thought to increase the deployment of women in police stations, to make police station safe for women?" she added. Rapes and crimes against women have been in the spotlight since December 2012 when a young woman was brutally gang-raped on a bus in the capital, Delhi. She later died from injures sustained during the attack. The incident made headlines around the world and led to mass protests in Delhi. India was forced to introduce tough new laws to deal with crimes of a sexual nature. Four men were executed in 2020 after being found guilty of the crime. But despite the increased scrutiny, thousands of rapes continue to be reported in the country every year. In 2020, the last year for which crime data is available, 28,379 women and girls were raped in India - that's an average of a rape every 18 minutes. Campaigners say the actual numbers are much higher as many are not even reported, often because the first respondents - the police - are unsympathetic. The state of Uttar Pradesh is especially criticised for the way authorities respond to crimes against women. In 2020, the state made headlines after a 19-year-old woman died after reporting that she had been gang-raped and brutally assaulted. The police and administration officials cremated her body in the middle of the night without her family's consent. Despite overwhelming evidence, officials keep insisting that she wasn't raped. 4125.44 61% 47.45 417.6% 434.2 4143.6 9.9% 468.3 4660.1 19.53% 454.114 426.12 FIT HON TENG3059.2 1.69 A 742 mood 51296 60 200 544618.2% 24 59 4313 10%6% 14% 2%3.1% LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters in the tunnels underneath Mariupols pulverized steel plant held out against Russian troops Thursday in an increasingly desperate and perhaps doomed effort to deny Moscow what would be its biggest success of the war yet: the complete capture of the strategic port city. The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph or announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. Victory Day is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Some 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russia's most recent estimate, were holed up at Mariupol's sprawling Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of resistance in a city largely reduced to rubble over the past two months. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped there. The defenders will stand till the end. They only hope for a miracle," Kateryna Prokopenko said after speaking by phone to her husband, a leader of the steel plant defenders. "They wont surrender. She said her husband, Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, told her he would love her forever. I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye, she said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was preventing the evacuation of civilians remaining in the plants underground bunkers. Just imagine this hell! And there are children there, he said late Thursday in his nightly video address. More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death. The Russians managed to get inside with the help of an electrician who knew the layout, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines Internal Affairs Ministry. He showed them the underground tunnels which are leading to the factory, Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer. The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant. The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, pleaded on Ukrainian TV for the evacuation of civilians and wounded fighters from the steelworks, saying soldiers were dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. The Kremlin has demanded the troops surrender. They have refused. Russia has also accused them of preventing the civilians from leaving. The head of the United Nations said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and the plant was underway. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes." More than 100 civilians were rescued from the steelworks over the weekend. But many previous attempts to open safe corridors from Mariupol have fallen through, with Ukraine blaming shelling and firing by the Russians. Meanwhile, 10 weeks into the devastating war, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putins ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Russian forces are making only plodding progress in the Donbas. The head of Britains armed forces, Chief of the Defense Staff Adm. Tony Radakin, said Putin is trying to rush to a tactical victory before Victory Day. But he said Russian forces are struggling to gain momentum. Radakin told British broadcaster Talk TV that Russia is using missiles and weapons at such a rate that it is in a logistics war to keep supplied. This is going to be a hard slog, he said. On Thursday, an American official said the U.S. shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of a Russian flagship before the mid-April strike that sank it, one of Moscow's highest-profile failures in the war. The U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of warships, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the decision to target the missile cruiser Moskva was purely a Ukrainian decision. Fearful of new attacks surrounding Victory Day, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged residents to leave for the countryside over the long weekend and warned them not to gather in public places. And the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. In other developments, Belarus authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview with The Associated Press but said he didnt expect the conflict to drag on this way. Lukashenko, whose country was used by the Russians as a launch pad for the invasion, said Moscow had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But he also created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the conflict and referring to it as a war a term Moscow refuses to use. It insists on calling the fighting a special military operation. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. As the battle raged there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian bombardment Thursday hit dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including troop concentrations in the east, an artillery battery near the eastern settlement of Zarozhne, and rocket launchers near the southern city of Mykolaiv. Five people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said, with shells hitting schools, apartments and a medical facility. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces "have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. But the war has devastated the country's medical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said in a video link to a charity event in the U.K., with nearly 400 healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed. There is simply a catastrophic situation regarding access to medical services and medicines, in areas occupied by Russian forces, he said. "Even the simplest drugs are lacking. With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses. In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild. Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Bad news for guacamole lovers, especially on Cinco de Mayo: Avocado prices are through the roof. Last week, prices for a carton of 48 Hass avocados hit a high of about $78.75 on average, according to ProduceIQ, a digital marketplace for produce buyers and growers, which uses USDA data. That reflects the price for avocados coming into the United States from Mexico at the Texas border. This time last year, avocado carton prices were in the $40 range, according to ProduceIQ. "It's been high all year ... and it's maintained historic highs," said Mark Campbell, CEO of ProduceIQ. Several factors have led to higher prices this year, he said. In February, the United States briefly suspended imports from Mexico's western state of Michoacan after a U.S. official received a threat. It didn't take long for the U.S. government to reinstate imports, but the brief disruption still drove prices up. And a few months later, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott required "enhanced safety inspections" of commercial vehicles entering Texas for a week. That disruption resulted in hundreds of millions of lost dollars and delays in shipments and raised avocado prices. That's on top of less rain in the region, which has resulted in lower yields and smaller avocados, said Campbell. Meanwhile, demand has been strong, noted David Magana, senior analyst for horticulture at Rabobank. That's not just due to typical spikes around the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo, but also because more Americans are interested in in avocados year-round, he said. "Per capita consumption in the US has more than doubled over the last decade," he said. "And I still think there is some room for growth." The good news is that prices have already eased off their highs and could continue to fall. The Peruvian avocado season has started, Campbell noted, which means that overall supply will increase and could bring prices down further. And later this year, the U.S. government will start accepting avocados from Jalisco, another region in Mexico. Previously, the U.S. allowed imports only from Michoacan. So what does all of this mean for consumers? Some restaurants or retailers are already passing their costs onto customers. During an analyst call in April, Chipotle noted that higher avocado prices contributed to the company's decision to raise menu prices this year. "Consumers are seeing some slightly elevated prices in supermarkets," said David Rossi, fresh produce research analyst at Gro Intelligence, an agricultural data analytics firm. But, he noted, retailers can decide to absorb the cost and lessen the impact on consumers, reducing the impact on shoppers. CNN's Alicia Wallace, Vanessa Yurkevich and Karol Suarez contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 During his State of the Union speech in March, President Joe Biden announced a test-to-treat program that allows people who suspect they have COVID-19 to get tested at certain pharmacies and, if positive, obtain a prescription for one of the new oral COVID medications on the spot, without a separate trip to a doctors office. None of that, however, was new to Donald Klepser and his colleagues at the University of Nebraska Medical Centers College of Pharmacy. For years, UNMC and its collaborator, Ferris State University in Michigan, have been training and certifying community pharmacists to conduct test-to-treat, which initially involved influenza and strep throat. Klepser, the pharmacy colleges associate dean for academic affairs, said the collaborators as of a year ago had trained more than 5,000 pharmacists and pharmacy students in the protocols. This is the kind of thing that todays pharmacist wants to be doing, he said. The idea grew out of the last pandemic, the H1N1 flu of 2009. Klepser and his brother, Michael Klepser, a professor of pharmacy at Ferris State, wondered what pharmacies could do to prepare for the next outbreak. Their first thought involved stockpiling antiviral medications. But they decided it would make more sense if they could find a way to test people and quickly treat those who were ill. Really, it was about increasing surge capacity and increasing access, Klepser said. The collaborators held their first training in 2012. At the time, there was little legal clarity or consistency around testing or treating, Klepser said. The federal government authorized licensed pharmacists to order and administer FDA-approved COVID tests several months after the pandemic began. Earlier this year, federal health officials authorized pharmacists to administer covered COVID-19 treatments. Pharmacists dont write the prescriptions themselves but work under protocols set by prescribing physicians under state laws. The two oral antiviral pills now are available to treat COVID-19 through the test-to-treat program, Paxlovid and Lagevrio, or molnupiravir, both can prevent severe illness and hospitalization and are recommended for vulnerable people. As with flu medications, however, the COVID treatments are most effective if theyre given within a few days of symptom onset. If a person has to wait several days to get tested and then a couple more to see a physician, the treatments are less effective. Currently, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness lists 10 pharmacies in Nebraska offering the test-to-treat option. The Biden administration announced plans earlier this week to double the number of locations that carry the antiviral pills. Some consumers, the Washington Post reported, have told of having difficulty finding a doctor to prescribe the medications or a pharmacy that carries them. As for whether the federal program is directly based on the UNMC program, Klepser said its difficult to say for sure. But the collaborators were the first to publish papers on the process. And its almost certain whomever advised federal officials on the COVID test-to-treat program has read those manuscripts and seen what the researchers have done. The researchers have been working with large pharmacy chains for a decade or more. For now, some barriers remain to pharmacies being able to offer the service, which is why not all pharmacies can offer test-to-treat for COVID. We hope this is a place where pharmacies knock it out of the park and we can get rid of all those barriers, Klepser said. SAN DIEGO Sometime around 14,000 years ago, the first humans crossed the Bering Strait to North America with canines, domesticated dogs they used for hunting, by their side. But long before the canines arrived here, there were predatory doglike canid species who hunted the grasslands and forests of the Americas. A rare and nearly complete fossilized skeleton of one of these long-extinct species was recently discovered by paleontologists at the San Diego Natural History Museum. This fossil belongs to a group of animals called Archeocyons, which means "ancient dog." It was embedded in two large chunks of sandstone and mudstone unearthed in 2019 from a construction project in San Diego County. The fossil dates to the late Oligocene epoch and is believed to be 24 million to 28 million years old. While the fossilized remains are still awaiting further examination and identification by a canid researcher, its discovery has been a boon for the museum's scientists, including the curator of paleontology Tom Demere, post-doctoral researcher Ashley Poust and curatorial assistant Amanda Linn. Because the existing fossils in the museum's collection are incomplete and limited in number, the Archeocyons fossil will help the paleo team fill in the blanks on what they know about the ancient dog mammals that lived tens of millions of years ago. Did they walk on their toes like today's dogs? Did they burrow in the ground or live in trees? What food did they prey on and what animals preyed upon them? How did they relate to extinct doglike species that came before them? And, potentially, is this an entirely new undiscovered species? This new fossil is providing scientists with a few more pieces of an incomplete evolutionary puzzle. Archeocyons fossils have been found in the Pacific Northwest and Great Plains states, but almost never in Southern California, where glaciers and plate tectonics have scattered, destroyed and buried deep underground many fossils from that period of history. The chief reason this Archeocyons fossil was found and made its way to the museum is a California law that requires paleontologists be onsite at major construction projects to spot and protect potential fossils for later study. Pat Sena, the San Diego Natural History Museum's paleo monitor, was observing during the construction project in San Diego County nearly three years ago when he saw what looked like tiny white fragments of bone protruding from some excavated rock. He marked the rocks with a black Sharpie marker and had them moved to the museum, where scientific work soon ground to a halt for nearly two years because of the pandemic. On Dec. 2, Linn started work on the two large rocks, using small carving and cutting tools and brushes to gradually pare away the layers of stone. "Every time I uncovered a new bone, the picture got clearer," Linn said. "I'd say, 'Oh look, here's where this part matches up with this bone, here's where the spine extends to the legs, here's where the rest of the ribs are.'" Poust said that once the fossil's cheekbone and teeth emerged from the rock, it became clear that it was an ancient canid species. In March, Poust was one of three international paleontologists who announced their discovery of a new saber-toothed catlike predator, Diegoaelurus, from the Eocene epoch. But where ancient cats had only flesh-tearing teeth, omnivorous canids had both cutting teeth in front to kill and eat small mammals and flatter molar-like teeth in the back of their mouths used to crush plants, seeds and berries. This mix of teeth and the shape of its skull helped Demere identify the fossil as an Archeocyons. The new fossil is fully intact except for a portion of its long tail. Some of its bones have been jumbled about, possibly as the result of earth movements after the animal died, but its skull, teeth, spine, legs, ankles and toes are complete, providing a wealth of information on the Archeocyons' evolutionary changes. Poust said the length of the fossil's ankle bones where they would have connected to the Achilles tendons suggests the Archeocyons had adapted to chase its prey long distances across open grasslands. It's also believed that its strong, muscular tail may have been used for balance while running and making sharp turns. There are also indications from its feet that it possibly could have lived or climbed in trees. Physically, the Archeocyons was the size of today's gray fox, with long legs and a small head. It walked on its toes and had nonretractable claws. Its more foxlike body shape was quite different from an extinct species known as Hesperocyons, which were smaller, longer, had shorter legs and resembled modern-day weasels. While the Archeocyons fossil is still being studied and not on public display, the museum does have a large exhibit on its first floor that features fossils and a large mural of animals that lived in San Diego's coastal region during ancient times. Poust said one the animals in the mural painted by artist William Stout, a foxlike creature standing over a freshly killed rabbit, is close to what the Archeocyons may have looked like. Once the Archeocyons fossil was partially identified in February, Demere had Linn stop work on the fossil, leaving it partially embedded in the rock. He didn't want to risk any damage to the intact skull until it can be further studied by a world-renowned carnivore researcher. "Nothing makes a curator happier than having visiting researchers to the collection," Demere said. "Hopefully, someone comes along. A nearly complete skeleton like this can answer all sorts of questions, depending on who's interested." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa -- A woman charged with killing a Lake Park, Iowa, woman has chosen to have a judge rather than a jury decide her case. Allison Decker on Wednesday waived her right to a jury trial. District Judge Shayne Mayer instead will determine if Decker is guilty or not guilty. Decker, 27, of Sioux City, is scheduled to stand trial May 17 in Dickinson County District Court. She has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit second-degree theft in connection with the Dec. 21, 2020, death of 25-year-old Angel Bastman, whose body was found the following day at her home at 104 Maple Ave. in Lake Park. If found guilty of first-degree murder, Decker would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Decker and Justice Berntson were arrested in July after months of investigation. According to court documents, Bastman was killed at approximately 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Authorities have declined to comment on the cause of death. Court documents filed Monday indicate that a woman who had conversations with Berntson after Bastman's death told authorities Berntson told her that he got into an altercation with Bastman and "didn't mean to" kill her. Berntson allegedly said he "couldn't do it all the way and this girl finished it," apparently in reference to Decker's role in Bastman's death. Berntson has admitted that same fact to authorities under oath during a proffer and deposition, court documents said. Berntson, 25, also was charged with first-degree murder, but pleaded guilty in December to attempted murder. In exchange for his guilty plea, he has agreed to testify against Decker. He will be sentenced after Decker's case is resolved. Four days after Bastman's body was found, police spotted Berntson driving her missing rental car in Sioux City. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and Berntson, who gave an Elk Point, South Dakota, address at the time, was arrested after crashing the car. Court documents say Berntson and Decker both were found in possession of property belonging to Bastman and her family. Witnesses and electronic communications records showed that both Berntson and Decker made statements that they were involved in Bastman's death. Love 0 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. Rodriguez-Chavez was arrested in April 2021 in O'Brien County. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, he had been removed from the United States in 2003, 2004, twice in 2016 and in 2020. He was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument in Arizona in 2006. SIOUX CITY The first Sioux City school district mariachi band has students stepping outside of their comfort zone. The North High Mariachi band, the first of its kind in the district, started this year with 20 students. The ensemble will have their inaugural performance Thursday, which coincides with Cinco de Mayo Day. The performance takes place at 5 p.m. in the North High School Auditorium. Many of the students are trying out a different instrument than they are used to playing, as well as welcoming students who have never participated in band at all. Kamal Talukder, director of the North High band, started the mariachi band after students watched a performance by a Denison mariachi group in March. Talukder said in other parts of the state there are competitive mariachi groups. He said it has also been something the community has asked for. Its definitely an ensemble made by the kids, for the kids, and were really excited to have that, he said. At this point in the band season, the musical extracurricular activities are wrapping up, and the new mariachi group will provide another opportunity. Any North student was welcome to join the group. Talukder asked his mother what the quintessential mariachi songs are. When he was a child, he remembers waking up on Saturday mornings to clean, listening to a variety of mariachi songs and band music, an experience many Hispanic children remember. He has played in a few mariachi bands in the past, and arranged the music to work for the students and their skill levels. "La Raspa" is a classic mariachi song that many will recognize, Talukder said as well as, "De Colores" which is one of his favorite songs from his childhood. They are very, very traditional mariachi, traditional folk songs from Mexican culture, he said. "Nunca Es Suficiente" is another song the student will perform, which is a more modern song that was requested by students and arranged by Talukder. While the students learn the songs, Talukder has also been teaching the students the English translation of the Spanish lyrics. (The students ask) why is it so dramatic, he said. Because Mexican music is dramatic, its lyrical, its passionate. Luz Espinoza, a freshman at north high, joined because as a Hispanic student there are not a lot of opportunities to celebrate his culture. Espinozas sisters danced as part of the Denison performance. She has been playing violin since fourth grade and said she likes how the instrument contributes to the mariachi music. Its beautiful, she said. Jose Valladolid, a junior at North who plays trumpet in the band, said he grew up with mariachi music and was excited to join when the band was created. It just felt natural to me, he said. Many of the instruments are traditionally part of a mariachi band, but Talukder wanted to make sure the group was open to anyone, so there are a few untraditional instruments in the group. Due to a grant, the group has a traditional mariachi instrument called a guitarron, a Mexican six-string acoustic bass In the future, Talukder hopes to include choir students and dancers in the performance. 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. 'Seemed like goodbye': Mariupol defenders make their stand LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters at Mariupols pulverized steel plant are holding out against Russian troops in an increasingly desperate effort to keep Moscow from taking the strategic port city. The wife of one of the fighters said the troops would not surrender and her husband told her words of goodbye. Thursday's bloody battle came amid growing suspicions that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a major battlefield success in time for Victory Day on Monday, which marks the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Elsewhere, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other Russian attacks in the east. The Russians say they destroyed dozens of Ukrainian military targets. Its Chief Justice Roberts' Court, but does he still lead? WASHINGTON (AP) John Roberts is heading a Supreme Court in crisis. The chief justice has already ordered an investigation into the unprecedented leak this week of a draft of a major abortion opinion. What comes next could further test Roberts leadership of a court. The addition of three conservative justices during Donald Trumps presidency means there are now five conservative justices to Roberts right who no longer need his vote, and perhaps his moderating influence, to prevail in a case. The abortion decision could be another example of that, with the courts other conservatives prepared to go further than Roberts. He's said repeatedly that he prefers decisions where the court comes to a broad agreement on narrow grounds. FDA restricts J&J's COVID-19 vaccine due to blood clot risk WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. regulators are strictly limiting who can receive Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine due to a rare but serious risk of blood clots. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&Js vaccine. The decision is the latest restriction to hit the company's vaccine, which has long been overshadowed in the U.S. by the more effective shots from Pfizer and Moderna. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended using the Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&Js because of its safety issues. Police boss journal cites early angst in Ronald Greene death The Louisiana State Police superintendent wrote himself an ominous note days after the deadly 2019 arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene: Realize there is a problem must address immediately. Excerpts of a personal journal made public Thursday show Col. Kevin Reeves considered aggressive action after his troopers beat, stunned and dragged Greene. State police didnt launch an internal investigation for another 462 days. A legislative committee is now seeking to hold Reeves in contempt for refusing to turn over his full journals. His lawyer says Reeves is cooperating and the delays in the Greene case are not his doing. Official: US gave intel before Ukraine sank Russian warship WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. says it shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of the Russian missile cruiser Moskva prior to the strike that sank the warship. The incident was a high-profile failure for Russias military. An American official said Thursday that Ukraine alone decided to target and sink the flagship of Russias Black Sea Fleet using its own anti-ship missiles. The official says that given Russias attacks on the Ukrainian coastline from the sea, the U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of those ships. NBC News first reported the U.S. role in the sinking of the ship. Tornadoes strike Texas, Oklahoma, cause widespread damaged SEMINOLE, Okla. (AP) A storm system spawned several tornadoes that whipped through areas of Texas and Oklahoma, causing damage to a school, a marijuana farm and other structures. There were no reports of serious injuries following the Wednesday night tornadoes, but the system was causing flooding in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Significant damage was reported in the Oklahoma city of Seminole where Gov. Kevin Stitt said drones are being used to assess the damage and in the rural Texas community of Lockett. More stormy weather took place Thursday as a sheriff says a tornado damaged several campers and buildings at an East Texas RV park. The severe weather was to continue Friday in parts of the South. 3 Israelis killed in stabbing attack near Tel Aviv JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli officials say at least three people have been killed in a Palestinian stabbing attack near Tel Aviv. Israeli police say the assailants fled in a vehicle on Thursday night. Security forces set up roadblocks in the area of the attack, which took place in the town of Elad, and helicopters hovered overhead. The attack came as Israel marked its Independence Day, a festive holiday when people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared in recent weeks. Earlier in the day, there was new Israeli-Palestinian unrest at a sensitive religious site in Jerusalem. 53 dead in China building collapse, search for trapped ends BEIJING (AP) Chinese state media say that 53 people died in a building collapse one week ago in central China and 10 were rescued. Authorities said Friday the search had ended for people trapped from the collapse. The last survivor was pulled out shortly after midnight on Thursday, 5 days after the residential and commercial building in the city of Changsha suddenly caved in on April 29. At least nine people have been arrested in connection with the collapse on suspicion of ignoring building codes or committing other violations. All of the survivors were reportedly in good condition after being treated in a hospital. Marcos redux? Dictator's son may win Philippine presidency MANILA, Philippines (AP) The presidential campaign of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is resonating in the Philippines. The son of the late dictator and his running mate, who is the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, are leading pre-election surveys despite his family's history. Their carefully choreographed appearances whitewash the past and are short on specifics about their vision for the future. Instead their campaign has deftly used social media, primarily TikTok and YouTube, to push the simple slogan of unity and framing them as beyond politics and disagreements. Marcos has taken advantage of the average age in the Philippines, which is 25 and leaves many voters with no personal memory of his father's brutal authoritarian rule which his son refuses to acknowledge. Virus found in pig heart used in human transplant Researchers trying to learn what killed the first person to receive a pig heart transplant have found the organ harbored an animal virus. But University of Maryland doctors cannot yet say if the virus played any role in the man's death. David Bennett Sr. died at age 57, two months after the groundbreaking experimental transplant. His surgeon says DNA of a pig virus was later found in the heart but no signs that the bug caused an active infection. Still, a major worry about animal-to-human transplants is the risk of spreading new infections. 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 An author of one of five book titles removed from classrooms and that could be destroyed by the Rapid City Area School district said Wednesday he will provide free copies of the books to any Rapid City high school senior who requests them. Dave Eggers, author of "The Circle," said beginning Thursday, Rapid City high school seniors can receive any of the titles at no cost to them by emailing Amanda Uhle via amanda@daveeggers.net. Eggers said the books will be shipped to students from independent bookstores. "The Circle" was deemed to be inappropriate by Rapid City school administrators. Thirty copies of "The Circle" along with 185 copies of "How Beautiful We Were: A Novel" by Imbolo Mbue, 35 copies of "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic" by Alison Bechdel, 75 copies of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky and 30 copies of "Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel" by Bernardine Evaristo were pulled from 12th grade English classes. The school district's collection of the five books were listed as surplus property and marked "to be destroyed." Tuesday, the Board of Education voted unanimously to delay a decision to destroy the books and will seek the advice of legal counsel before proceeding. The mass destruction of books by school boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking young people of South Dakota shouldnt be subjected to it," Eggers said. "Every high school student should have unfettered access to literature, so if youre a Rapid City high school senior, email our office and ask for any of these titles. For every copy the school board destroys, lets add a new one to the local circulation. Rapid City Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation Valerie Brablec Seales told the Board of Education that the books were deemed inappropriate by school administrators shortly after they were ordered last summer. She said the books were requested by teachers who sit on the district's Instruction Council and were to be used as possible reading material for a new English 12 course. Seales said the first concern on one of the book titles became apparent in August. "The first question arose when one of the three high school principals sent me an image of a page in one of the books, an excerpt, and expressed concerns about not wanting it in their classrooms," she said Tuesday. Seales said a second email came from another building administrator shortly after. She said she instructed the high school principals to "pull the books and do a review of them." In all, the five books listed as surplus were questioned by district administrators and pulled from school inventories. The district then marked the books as "to be destroyed" rather than sold or donated. Eggers has started and been part of numerous youth education projects over the years. In 2002, with Ninive Calegari, he co-founded 826 Valencia in San Francisco, which inspired more than 60 youth writing centers around the world. In 2018, he co-founded, with Amanda Uhle, the International Congress of Youth Voices. Recently, Eggers began the Young Editors Project which involves school-aged students in the publishing process, and he's the winner of the Muhammad Ali Award for Education, the National Book Award's Literarian Award, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize all honors connected to his work to support young readers and writers. Eggers has been involved in partnerships like First Book and other programs that donate books to schools, libraries and students. Contact Nathan Thompson at nathan.thompson@rapidcityjournal.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DUBLIN, Calif. (AP) For months, inmates and staff say, their calls for help were ignored. And in this aging prison of deep despair a place where sexual abuse has been rampant, authorities acted with utter indifference and the workforce was deeply demoralized the cries for help had been many and varied. Just weeks earlier, an Associated Press investigation had revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups that had persisted for years at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, a women-only facility called the rape club by many who know it. Because of AP reporting, the head of the federal Bureau of Prisons had submitted his resignation in January. Yet no one had been named to replace him, so he was still on the job. Now he was responding to the problems in Dublin but only after an angry congresswoman had called him to complain. So early March found the lame-duck administrator, flanked by a task force of senior agency officials, arriving at the prison after flying in to meet inmates and staff in person. According to Dublin inmates, this was how he faced them as he toured the facility: You wanted my attention, Michael Carvajal said, so here I am. TRUST HAS BEEN BROKEN Its horrible. Its absolutely horrible. Ive never experienced anything like this. In my career, Ive never been part of a situation like this. This is really unprecedented. Those words, spoken about the troubled Dublin facility, come not from an activist or inmate advocate, not from any elected official, not from anywhere outside the prison walls. They come from Thahesha Jusino, its newly installed warden. Her predecessor, Ray J. Garcia, is one of five Dublin employees who have been charged since last June with sexually abusing inmates. Weve really lost a lot of credibility through all of this, which is understandable, because its appalling what has happened, Jusino said in an interview with the AP. This story is based on interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the visiting task forces work, the prisons operations and the abuse crisis. They include current and former inmates, employees, lawyers, government and union officials. Many spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation or because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The AP visited Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, during the same time as the task forces visit, the week of March 7. Lawmakers, disturbed by reports of abuse, also traveled there shortly after. Carvajal and some task force members returned to Dublin in April. In one sign of progress, the agency replaced both of the prisons associate wardens. Carvajal, a Trump administration holdover, submitted his resignation Jan. 5 but said he would stay on until a successor is named. He joined the task force for the first three days of its weeklong first visit to Dublin. But even as the task force was arriving, and as scrutiny from the outside appeared finally to be at hand, things did not seem to be proceeding in a positive direction. Officials moved inmates out of the special housing unit so it wouldnt look as full when the task force got there. And they lied to Carvajal about COVID-19 contamination so inmates in a certain unit couldnt speak to him about abuse. Those who managed to get to Carvajal didnt hold back. In one emotional scene, a woman who said she was abused by prison officials tearfully confronted him in a recreation area as he and members of the task force were meeting with inmates. The woman shared graphic details of her alleged abuse. She spoke for about 15 minutes and grew increasingly upset, calming down only after prison officials brought her tissues. She was eventually taken out of the room and brought to a prison psychologist, where she was offered immediate release to a halfway house. She objected. She wanted to wait so she could tell her story publicly to congressional leaders expected at the prison. But people at the prison say she wasnt able to thoroughly express her concerns. Bureau of Prisons and Justice Department officials told the woman that because she was a potential witness, she couldnt talk about the investigation, the people said. The woman was moved to a halfway house soon after the tour. In another charged moment, a group of Dublin workers lashed out at Carvajal for putting Garcia in charge of a womens prison when hed already had a reputation in prison circles as a misogynist. You created this monster, one worker told Carvajal. Asked another: Why did you create this toxic environment? Why did you pick Garcia as the warden? Garcia is accused of molesting an inmate on multiple occasions from December 2019 to March 2020 and forcing her and another inmate to strip naked so he could take pictures while he made rounds. Investigators said they found the images on his government-issued cellphone. His lawyer refused an interview request. Garcia is also accused of using his authority to intimidate one of his victims, telling her that he was close friends with the person investigating staff misconduct and boasting that he could not be fired. He has pleaded not guilty. Carvajal promoted Garcia from associate warden to warden at Dublin in November 2020, after Garcias alleged misconduct but before the agency said it knew about it. Carvajal told the workers that if he had known about Garcias reputation or alleged abuse, he wouldve chosen a different warden. Speaking to inmates about Garcia, however, Carvajal said something a bit different that he believed in innocent until proven guilty. AN UNEASY HISTORY FCI Dublin is one of just six women-only facilities in the U.S. federal prison system. As of Wednesday, Dublin had about 785 inmates, many serving sentences for drug crimes. It opened in 1974 as a federal youth center in which men and women ages 18 to 26 lived in a campus-like setting. The concept was later abandoned. In 1977, the Bureau of Prisons converted the facility into a traditional adult prison first for female inmates like the high-profile heiress Patty Hearst and then, in 1980, for men and women. It went back to being a womens prison in 2012. Throughout FCI Dublins existence, it has been troubled by sexual abuse. In 1996, three female inmates sued the Bureau of Prisons, alleging they were sold like sex slaves by correctional officers who placed them in a male unit, unlocked their cells and allowed male inmates to rape them. No one was arrested; the agency agreed to settle the lawsuit for $500,000. Separately, in the late 1990s, four officers were charged with engaging in sexual conduct with inmates. And in the early 2010s, about a dozen Dublin employees were quietly removed for sexually abusing inmates. None was arrested, according to a person working there at the time. One worker was allowed to retire after videotapes were found in his locker of him having sex with inmates. More recently, two of the five employees charged since last June with sexually abusing inmates have pleaded guilty, and the investigation continues: On March 20, a food service foreman was arrested for allegedly touching an inmates breasts, buttocks and genitals in October 2020. Since March, nine other workers have been placed on administrative leave by the Bureau of Prisons. New inmate sexual abuse and staff employment discrimination complaints were filed during the task forces visit. FBI agents conducted searches at the prison and an employees home in mid-April, and at least six internal affairs investigators have been on site investigating claims. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who is being briefed regularly on issues in the beleaguered federal prison system, said the Justice Department was committed to holding BOP personnel accountable, including through criminal charges. Said Monaco: Staff misconduct, at any level, will not be tolerated, and our efforts to root it out are far from over." Attorney General Merrick Garland, asked about Dublin at a U.S. Senate budget hearing Tuesday, said it was Monaco's idea not Carvajal's to form a task force to investigate and determine the procedural failures at the prison. He cited the prosecution of accused employees, an ongoing internal investigation and the selection of Jusino as warden as steps toward improving conditions. This is another really terrible set of events," Garland said. Justice Department spokesperson Kristina Mastropasqua said the task force that visited Dublin had reported allegations of misconduct to the prison systems internal affairs office, where investigators opened a case file for each allegation. Also during the task forces visit, numerous complaints were filed by inmates and staff members alleging sexual harassment, misconduct and violations of the Prison Rape Elimination Act and federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws. How many complaints were received? Asked by the AP, the Bureau of Prisons said it couldnt say. REAL CHANGE, OR PERFORMANCE? For all the disturbing details the March task force took in, it was hardly the whole truth partly because inmates and prison workers do not trust the leadership and refused to speak candidly, and partly because officials hid some of Dublins problems. Inmates whod been in the special housing unit for disciplinary issues were returned to the general population so the place wouldnt look nearly as full. Officials also lied to Carvajal and told him he couldnt visit a particular housing unit where inmates wanted to talk to him about abuse. They claimed, falsely, that it was contaminated with COVID-19. Carvajal did seem taken aback by the lack of security cameras in critical areas an issue the prison's union had been raising for six years and pledged to speed the process for installing them. Though Dublin does have some cameras, there were none in some of the hallways and rooms that Carvajal toured, including areas where some inmates were sexually abused. Several times the director asked, Where are the cameras? On a recent afternoon, inmates from Dublins minimum-security prison camp could be seen congregating on a walking track outside the prisons fences with no visible supervision and no perimeter cameras. The Bureau of Prisons has faced scrutiny in the last few years after dozens of inmates escaped from its prisons, with many simply walking away from low-security areas. Making infrastructural improvements, such as adding additional cameras, to protect the safety and security of inmates and staff is a priority, the Bureau of Prisons said in response to questions about Carvajals visit. But seven weeks later, not one new camera has been installed. Precisely what actual progress the task forces visit produced and who ultimately had access to its members while they were there is not entirely clear. Susan Beaty, a lawyer for Dublin inmates, said advocates had information to share with the task force but were shut out of the visit. Beaty said several abused inmates were immigrants and that predatory prison employees were targeting women facing deportation. The Bureau of Prisons is never proactive. Theyre reactive. Theyre only doing this because Congress is on their ass and they know they have to act, Dublin union president Ed Canales said. Canales said the prisons staff was not impressed with the visit and wasnt expecting any changes, in part because some senior managers who ignored or encouraged abuse are still working at the prison. Beaty said correctional officers staged a charade during the visit, exhibiting their best behavior while the task force was present and cursing at inmates as soon as the visitors left the room. Some inmates saw the task forces visit not as an actual, good-faith way to fix Dublin but as window-dressing ahead of U.S. Rep Jackie Speier's return to the prison with two other members of Congress on March 14. One inmate asked: Is this just for show so that you can say you came before the Congress comes back? Observed another: It is just as I thought. The task force was here to head them off and tell them that they were on top of issues that were raised. CONGRESS IS WATCHING Congress has been increasingly critical of the Bureau of Prisons, an agency plagued by myriad problems in recent years, including many revealed by AP reporting. The bureau formed its Dublin task force after the AP investigation in February revealed a toxic culture of sexual misconduct and cover-ups at the prison. Carvajal announced the task force in an internal memo on March 2, just days before its work began. But he did not disclose it publicly until the AP asked about it. Carvajal wrote that the group 18 women, including a warden and officials from human resources and internal affairs was being sent to observe and assess the climate of the institution and assist the agency in redressing identified issues and increasing performance. Speaking to inmates, Carvajal acknowledged that pressure from Congress prompted him to act. He said Speier, D-Calif., had called him after she visited Dublin in the wake of the APs reporting. Speier, Carvajal said, was upset with how inmates were being treated and complained that prison officials stonewalled her when she tried to speak with them directly. Dublins union and inmate advocate groups said the bureau and Justice Department had ignored their earlier cries for help. The union said it had been begging agency leaders to visit Dublin since FBI agents raided the former wardens office last July. In February, more than 100 inmate advocacy organizations sent a letter to the Justice Department calling for swift, sweeping action to address abuse at Dublin, including an independent investigation and the release of victimized inmates to prevent further trauma, but never got a response. Speier and Reps. Karen Bass and Eric Swalwell, two other California Democrats, visited the facility after the task force and said they were encouraged by its work but still had concerns, including a lack of adequate medical and psychological services at the facility. They applauded recommendations to add more security cameras and a dedicated email address for inmates to report abuse. They also called for special training for employees in womens prisons. There is literally a culture there that is toxic and one that needs to be addressed, Speier said in an interview. Bass, Speier and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced legislation last month to improve the treatment of women in federal prisons such as Dublin, including providing adequate medical care and examining efforts to retain female officers. Among other things, the Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act would require minimum standards of care and conditions for federal prison facilities where women are held, temporary release of inmates for medical services such as care from a sexual assault nurse examiner and training for federal prison workers in trauma-informed screening and care. Each one of those changes would improve conditions at Dublin. Together, they could begin to overhaul it entirely. WILL ANYTHING HAPPEN? As the crisis continues at Dublin, questions remain about whether the Bureau of Prisons is serious about fixing it or even capable of doing so. And the wake of the task forces visit offers little in the way of optimism. After the visitors left in March, Dublin officials started enforcing more exacting prison uniform rules and cracking down on inmates few luxuries. Blankets, issued to keep inmates warm in drafty cells, were confiscated. Robes purchased from the prison commissary were banned. Inmates were told to wear bras, cover their bodies and avoid tight pants. Some felt they were being punished to keep prison workers from leering at them. Inmate advocates say the task force ignored them entirely. Local union officials, seeing the whole trip as a smokescreen to placate Congress, said theyd been begging agency leaders to visit for months, to no avail. Prison workers came away from the week doubting anything would change. Does the new person in charge offer any hope? Perhaps its too soon to tell. Jusino, Dublins first permanent warden since Garcia was put on administrative leave prior to his arrest, started a week before Carvajal and the task force arrived. The daughter of a former federal prison warden, she has worked in federal prisons since 1998. She was an associate warden at two prisons and was the warden at a federal prison in Victorville, California, about 71 miles northeast of Los Angeles, before being assigned to Dublin. She is adamant that change will come that it must. The trust has been broken with our inmate population, which is beyond unacceptable. Its been broken with our staff, and it has been broken with the public, Jusino says. We need to show that were committed to this. On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at http://twitter.com/mikesisak and Michael Balsamo at http://twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ 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 HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) It's been two months since the contentious, once-a-decade process to redraw Pennsylvania legislative districts wrapped up, and now a couple hundred candidates hoping to unseat or succeed state lawmakers are rushing headlong into the homestretch of a primary election that will greatly cull their numbers. The state's legislative redistricting commission produced a map reflecting dramatic shifts in demographics and giving Democrats hope they can gain seats in a General Assembly that has been controlled by Republican majorities for nearly all of the past three decades. For many incumbents, the changes are requiring them to introduce themselves and sell themselves to thousands of potential new constituents. Going before voters in the May 17 primary election will be candidates for all 203 House and 25 of 50 Senate seats. In the House, 32 members are not seeking reelection, including a handful running for Senate or other offices. Five Senate seats, all held by members of the Republican caucus, are open because of retirement. More than 60 state representatives and four senators face no primary or general election opposition, so they effectively have already won another term, simply by qualifying for the ballot. In 24 House and two Senate districts, the incumbent faces only a primary challenge, so even if they lose their party will keep the seat. All told, voters can expect a choice in the fall between a Republican and a Democrat in about half the House and in 19 Senate districts. GOP primary challengers have targeted some veteran incumbents, among them Speaker Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County and Appropriations chair Stan Saylor of York County. In both districts, no Democrat is running. In his primary race, Cutler is defending how he has handled former President Donald Trump's defeat in 2020's presidential election, fetal tissue research funding and the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic -- maybe surprising for a Republican chosen as leader after years of being a reliable conservative vote in Harrisburg. Cutler said that voters current mood in his rural district seems driven by the pandemic, and that he has tried to direct that displeasure toward the states Democratic governor and Democratic majority Supreme Court. The concern from the electorate is very real in terms of frustration with government, Cutler said. I just think we need to focus more appropriately on the true causes. Three pairs of House incumbents are fighting it out after being drawn into districts together. In a rural area northwest of Harrisburg, Rep. Perry Stambaugh faces a GOP primary against his neighbor to the north, Rep. Johnathan Hershey. And southwest of Allentown, the battle between Reps. Ryan Mackenzie and Gary Day has raised eyebrows among fellow Republicans. Mackenzie, who has served in the Republican caucus with Day for a decade, put up a website attacking Day as greedy, gutless and insufficiently conservative on guns and taxes. Philadelphia Democratic Reps. Isabella Fitzgerald and Chris Rabb are running against each other, along with a third Democrat. A Republican is also on the ballot. In an Allegheny County district, newly sworn-in state Rep. Martell Covington has four Democratic opponents, his reward for winning a special election last month after Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey left the Legislature. Its been a unique challenge for me personally with trying to assume office and still campaign, Covington said this week, the morning after participating in two candidate forums. Its definitely been a balancing act. But its been exciting. Redistricting's effects are showing up in the Harrisburg suburbs, where two Republican-held House seats will definitely flip to Democrats later this month. GOP Reps. Sue Helm and Andrew Lewis both decided not to seek reelection after redrawn boundaries made their districts overwhelmingly Democratic. Republicans did not field primary candidates in either race. The redrawn lines have attracted four challengers to Harrisburg Democratic state Rep. Patty Kim, whose district now straddles the Susquehanna River. There are two other Democrats in the primary and a pair of Republicans facing off to run in the fall. Four state representatives are hedging their bets, seeking reelection while pursuing higher office: Democratic Reps. Summer Lee for Congress in Pittsburgh, Austin Davis for lieutenant governor and Malcolm Kenyatta for U.S. Senate; and Republican Rep. Russ Diamond for lieutenant governor. Two other lieutenant governor hopefuls, Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso, R-Allegheny, and Rep. Brian Sims, D-Philadelphia, are relinquishing their legislative seats. In the state Senate, unopposed in both the primary or general elections are Democrats Christine Tartaglione of Philadelphia and Wayne Fontana of Allegheny, and Republicans Pat Stefano of Fayette and Camera Bartolotta in Washington. There are five Senate districts without an incumbent. Republican Sens. Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks, Bob Mensch of Montgomery, Jake Corman of Centre and Mario Scavello of Monroe all opted against running again, as did the chamber's lone independent, Sen. John Yudichak of Luzerne, who has caucused with Republicans. Corman, the Senate's highest-ranking leader and a candidate for governor, saw his district get moved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to the West Shore suburbs of Harrisburg, where population is growing. Yudichak opted not to run again after being drawn into a district with Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne, and his seat was moved to the Lehigh Valley. 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 WARSAW, Poland (AP) War-ravaged Ukraine received pledges for $6.5 billion more in humanitarian aid Thursday at an international donor's conference in Warsaw that sought to get Ukrainians urgent help while still planning for the country's post-war reconstruction. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a co-host of the conference, announced that $6.5 billion was raised in donations, eliciting applause from leaders and other officials attending the one-day meeting, including representatives from the United Nations and companies such as Google. The pledges came from countries and businesses, many of whom attended the conference at Warsaw's National Stadium in person and others who made their pledges remotely. His co-host, Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, said the sum exceeded their expectations. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown even more acute. In addition to thousands of killed in the war millions of people have been displaced. Morawiecki said Ukraine needs over 12,000 tons of humanitarian aid every day, but that only 3,000 tons are getting through. He said the conference shows that the world is not indifferent to Russia's genocidal war. Andersson said the aim was to help Ukraine both now and later. Ukraine will win this war and we will stand by your side, she said. European Council President Charles Michel said he hoped the conference could be a starting point for a Marshall Plan for Ukraine, referring to a U.S.-sponsored plan that helped revive European economies after World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the conference by video, echoed Michel in saying that funds for Ukraine mirror the Marshall Plan and repeated the hope that Ukraine could join the EU. He said funding that Ukraine is receiving would be an investment in security for the entire region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said hundreds of billions of euros and reforms are needed to build Ukraine anew and pave its way into the EU. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who attended in person, said he was grateful for the crucial help that's coming at a time when the fate of our state is being decided. He described his government's post-war plans to build back better with technologically modern urban areas and energy efficient buildings. "The new Ukraine will be an example for the world," said Shmyhal. Google and COVID-19 vaccine maker AstraZeneca joined the nations in pledging aid. Follow all AP stories on 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Associated Press has updated its exclusive 2018 dataset on hazard levels, condition ratings, inspections and emergency action plans for dams in the United States. With that, our digital center has created maps and searchable databases for our readers to look at the condition of more than 2,000 dams throughout the country including those in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. In Woodbury County, there are 11 dams with a hazard rating of "high" which means that the likely loss of human life is high if dam failure occurs. One of those, "Smokey Hollow Subwatershed Site 4," is marked as being in fair condition while the other 10 have a satisfactory rating. Condition ratings range from good down to unsatisfactory. A dam in unsatisfactory condition has safety deficiencies requiring immediate action. A dam in poor condition typically has safety deficiencies that may realistically occur, meaning repairs are necessary. A dam in fair condition has no safety deficiencies in normal conditions but could have problems in extreme events, meaning owners may want to consider making improvements. A dam in satisfactory condition has no safety deficiencies, with acceptable performance in all circumstances. The hazard rating for the 12 dams in Union County, South Dakota, that are included in the data set, all have low hazard ratings. For Dakota County, Nebraska, there are two dams with high hazard ratings: "Pigeon-Jones Creek 15" and "Hubbard Dam." Both are marked as satisfactory. Take a look at all of the dams here. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 0 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) The Walgreens pharmacy chain has reached a $683 million settlement with the state of Florida in a lawsuit accusing the company of improperly dispensing millions of painkillers that contributed to the opioid crisis, state officials said Thursday. State Attorney General Ashley Moody said the deal was struck after four weeks of government evidence was presented at trial. Walgreens was the 12th and final defendant to settle with Florida, which will bring in more than $3 billion for the state to tackle opioid addiction and overdoses. We now go into battle armed and ready to fight back hard against this manmade crisis, Moody said at a news conference in Tampa. I am glad that we have been able to end this monumental litigation and move past the courtroom." Walgreens, based in Deerfield, Illinois, said in a statement the company did not admit wrongdoing in the deal, during which $620 million will be paid to the state over 18 years and a one-time sum of $63 million for attorney fees. Walgreens operates more than 9,000 stores in all 50 states, according to the company website. About 820 of those locations are in Florida. OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has a tentative nationwide deal that includes $6 billion in cash from members of the Sackler family who own the company. In all, settlements, civil and criminal penalties around the country since 2007 have totaled over $45 billion, according to an Associated Press tally. The Florida case hinged on accusations that as Walgreens dispensed more than 4.3 billion total opioid pills in Florida from May 2006 to June 2021, more than half contained one or more easily recognized red flags for abuse, fraud and addiction that the company should have noticed and acted upon. The opioid epidemic has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, counting those from prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and generic oxycodone as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally produced fentanyl. In the same case, CVS Health Corp. and CVS Pharmacy Inc. agreed to pay the state $484 million. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. agreed to pay $195 million and Allergan PLC more than $134 million. Florida has previously obtained millions of dollars in opioid settlements involving McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Johnson & Johnson Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. 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 An Omaha man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday in a hearing that took only slightly more time than it did for him to kill a well-known and well-liked local real estate agent. More than 15 family members and friends of Omaha Realtor Mickey Sodoro filled two rows of a courtroom gallery and watched as Ross Lorello, 44, declined to address them or the judge. No apology. No regret. No acknowledgment of the overwhelming evidence that led jurors to convict him of first-degree murder in the Dec. 28, 2020, shooting death of Sodoro, 70. Booted by his girlfriend from her fathers house and strapped with bad credit, Lorello had conned Sodoro into renting him a house in southwest Omaha. He essentially made an appointment to kill Sodoro. Prosecutor Brenda Beadle said it was a half-baked plan hatched out of Lorellos desperation and his dumb belief that if he killed Sodoro and dumped his body somewhere, Lorello could convince others that Sodoro had left the house alive before his disappearance. In Lorellos mind, that would leave him with a rental house and with no one to dispute that he was the lawful tenant. After both men arrived at the house near 193rd Avenue and W Street, Sodoro led Lorello inside. Three minutes later, according to a neighbors doorbell camera, Lorello left the house alone. He then moved Sodoros truck and began trying to cover his tracks. He did a terrible job. After shooting Sodoro and hiding his body under a crawl space/storage area in the garage, he left a blood-soaked neon orange sweatshirt in the pantry. He then was caught on camera at a gas station and other places, dumping Sodoros belongings. And his ex-girlfriends car showed his path from her house to the rental home to the gas station. The three-minute encounter snuffed the life of a man who was successful in real estate and counted scores of Omahans as his clients and friends. Sodoro was known for working long hours and eventually became a mentor to numerous real estate agents, lending guidance to younger professionals in what can be a territorial field. He was nothing but a loving man, husband, father, grandfather, said Beadle, chief deputy Douglas County attorney. His work ethic was beyond reproach. He continued to work at 70 just because he loved what he did. He gave the defendant a chance because of his bad credit. And the defendant lured him to his death. Lorello declined to speak when asked by Judge Russell Bowie if he had anything to say. His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Korey Taylor, pointed out that Lorello has six children, no felony record and no history of alcohol or drug use. In some ways, Beadle said, that makes this killing more chilling. It shows a selfish, narcissistic man with no conscience, she said. Beadle noted that a probation officer preparing a presentence report for the judge also asked Lorello if he had anything to say. It wasnt, Im sorry to the Sodoro family, Beadle said of Lorellos comments. It wasnt, I take full responsibility for my actions. It was, Please ask the judge to limit the media at my hearing. Judge Bowie did not limit the news media, who sat in the jury box, or Sodoro's family members, who glared at Lorello from the front row of the courtroom. Sodoro is survived by his wife Cheryl, who wept throughout Wednesdays hearing, five children and six grandchildren. Friends have remembered Sodoro as caring and hard-working. He was the first to the office but also was insistent on taking his grandchildren to school. Told by his children that his grandkids had rides to school, Sodoro pushed back. But I like taking em, he insisted. Longtime friend Joe Daly, an Omaha attorney, said Sodoro shrugged aside others concerns about whether he should rent to Lorello, who had a terrible credit history and had skipped appointments with Sodoro twice before the night of the killing. He saw a guy in need and he was going to help him, Daly said Wednesday. Just like he did for everyone else. Daly, who spent his career as a law partner with Sodoros brother John, said he still cant believe Mickey is gone. The two had discussed retirement but dismissed it; neither had any idea what they would do with themselves, Daly said. He was a very young 70 if you saw Mickey, you would have never guessed he was 70, Daly said. He lived a full life, but it wasnt long enough. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 You are here: World Flash The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that 63 Japanese citizens, including top officials like Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have been "permanently" barred from entering Russia. "The administration of Kishida has launched an unprecedented anti-Russian campaign, allowing unacceptable rhetoric against the Russian Federation, including slander and direct threats," the ministry said in a statement. "It is echoed by public figures, experts and media representatives of Japan, who are completely biased towards the attitudes of the West regarding our country," it added. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi are also blacklisted, among other government officials and lawmakers. In addition, the entry ban applies to some media executives and university professors. Cedrick Ondrell Smith said he fired off three or four shots from his 9 mm pistol after he was pummeled in the head by his cousin and shot at while he sat in his car outside a Waterloo convenience store. Chief Justice John Roberts has confirmed the accuracy of a leaked document that revealed an initial majority vote to overturn Roe vs, Wade. In that memo, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the 1973 case overturning restrictive state abortion laws was egregiously wrong from the start. So where do the 64 million babies aborted in the U.S. since that historic decision go for justice? The leak of the SCOTUS internal document is hardly unprecedented, but it is rare, and the person who leaked it almost certainly had a political motive. Chief Justice John Roberts, whose vote was not revealed in the memo, must assemble the entire court, including clerks, and discover the one responsible for the leak. At a minimum they should be fired or prosecuted if they broke any law or violated any condition of employment. Predictably, those supporting abortion were swift to react. Were they prepared for the leak? Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a joint statement in which they lamented the loss of a womans bodily autonomy. What about the babys bodily autonomy, especially those that have developed sufficiently to live outside the womb if given the chance? Some believe that Roe has led to a modern version of Old Testament child sacrifices to pagan gods. Modern gods are more sophisticated. We worship pleasure and wrong decisions without consequences. The widespread availability of contraceptives, pregnancy help centers and adoption services for those who have unplanned pregnancies do not deter the pro-choicers. To them, abortion is a faux sacred rite. Whats next? Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was quick to issue a statement calling on the Senate to get rid of the filibuster so a majority might codify Roe in legislative law. Assuming the draft memo reflects the Supreme Courts intent and especially if Chief Justice Roberts joins with the majority, making it a more substantial 6-3 outcome there is the matter of enforcement. The issue will return to the states as things were prior to Roe. California and New York, along with some other states, will surely pass laws reflecting the content of Roe. Voters will then decide whether to punish or reward their legislators. What about states that have or will have restrictive abortion laws, including outlawing the procedure in most or even all cases? Will women seeking an abortion within those states be arrested and prosecuted? Will those who perform them be similarly dealt with? An abortion pill is likely to become more widely available so that women who wish to abort at home wont have to visit a medical facility. The media can be counted on to look for any situation featuring an arrested woman or abortion provider and craft it in a way that promotes the pro-choice position. The hysterical reaction from many on the left again reveals their belief that they are the sole arbiters of all things and those who disagree must conform or be smeared with what have become familiar pejorative labels. A Gallup survey in 2010, reported in USA Today, found that "support for making abortion broadly illegal (was) growing fastest among young adults." This was "a sharp change from the late 1970s, when seniors were substantially more likely than younger age groups to want abortion to be illegal." The number of pro-life young adults has likely grown in ensuing years, especially now that high-grade sonograms show details of the unborn child. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, it wont be the end of abortion, but it is likely to sharply reduce the number. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Its entirely consistent to oppose public money going to private schools while supporting Medicaid dollars being spent at private hospitals or scholarship grants that can be used at private colleges. If Gov. Kim Reynolds plan to permit up to 10,000 Iowa children to use tax money to attend private K-12 schools becomes law, the states public schools wont immediately wither. Educators will work hard to re-balance class sizes and teach any student who comes in the door, just as they have while enduring a pandemic, lean budget years and high-profile criticism of their moral judgment. But if the proposal becomes law, a die will have been cast. The states singular commitment to making a robust public education available to every child will be breached, with about 1.6% (for now) of school funding redirected to private institutions. Untangling such a program even after its folly becomes apparent will be complicated if not impossible. Public school boards, administrators, faculty and other workers will have more difficulty than ever before plugging the holes. This issue is holding up the conclusion of this years legislative session. Despite holding overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the Legislature, Republicans are struggling to muster enough support to pass one of Reynolds top priorities. The Iowa Senate has already approved the bill creating student scholarships/education savings accounts (advocates have not settled on the most palatable branding) with just one defection from their 32-member caucus. But among the 60 Republicans in the House, at least 11 have publicly expressed trepidation about the proposal, according to a tally published by the conservative Iowa Standard blog. The holdouts are right to fret about the consequences of forking over $55 million or more to private schools coffers. Theyre listening to concerns of public school leaders. Those leaders admittedly have a significant bias in this debate, but they know they have precious few tools for paying for staff, facilities and services outside the Legislature-managed per-pupil funding formula especially compared with private institutions that set tuition rates and undertake massive fundraising campaigns. The pros and cons of the plan are well-trodden ground. In fact, this is the editorial boards second crack at the issue in three months. But at this critical stage, we want to surface a few new points and reinforce some others. The effect of this legislation would vary wildly in different regions of the state. Iowa is divided into nine Area Education Agency districts for the provision of various services. The Northwest agency includes about 8% of the states students; about 18% of Iowas private school buildings are within its boundaries. In contrast, the Green Hills agency, covering portions of southwest Iowa, also has about 8% of the states students, but only 3% of private school facilities are located there. Even at that, half of those private schools, including the only high schools, are in Council Bluffs. It seems unlikely that families from Bedford, Diagonal or Mount Ayr will trek there or to the plentiful Des Moines-area private schools. Altogether, 76 of Iowas 99 counties have no private high school. The means test for eligibility for scholarships is generous a family of four could earn up to about $111,000 annually. While its correct to say the legislation could provide new options to the poorest Iowa families, it might also serve to simply free up some disposable income for families who could fit private school tuition in their budgets. Even without receiving public money, private schools often provide substantial tuition assistance to needy families. Its entirely consistent to oppose public money going to private schools while supporting, say, Medicaid dollars being spent at private hospitals or scholarship grants that can be used at private colleges. Health care and higher education function differently from K-12 education and cant always be directly analogized. Ensuring proper education for all children is part of our social compact, and that obligation is embedded in the Iowa Constitution: to provide for the education of all the youths of the state. A more apt comparison is with the tax-supported police and fire protection available to everybody, regardless of the degree to which any particular resident makes use of those services. The permutations for how the school choice standoff at the Statehouse could play out are many. But any compromise offer that Democrats and holdout Republicans receive that retains this dangerous idea should be rejected. Extend the session into sweltering summer days. Start the new fiscal year in July without a state budget. Whatever consequences would follow, they would be more tolerable than cracking the foundation of Iowas tradition of quality public education. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 In Spring Awakening: Those Youve Known, a new HBO documentary from director Michael John Warren, 37-year-old actor John Gallagher Jr. reflects on the journey of a fictional 19th century German teenager named Moritz. Fifteen years after playing that deeply troubled teen onstageand earning a Tony Award for Moritzs anguished sobs and impressive high notesGallagher timidly admits: If I were offered a part with this [type of] arc today, I might pass. That arc, which includes paternal abuse, extreme sexual anxiety, academic failure, and, eventually, suicide, shows the results of teenage angst and parental negligence taken to its nadir. But Moritz isnt the only adolescent tortured in some way in the smash hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening, which ran to sold-out audiences from 2006 to 2008. Other characters face unrequited love, schoolyard violence, sexual abuse, an illicit abortion, social ostracization, and the mundane horror of a dad knocking on the bathroom door while his sons jerking off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the Slate Culture Newsletter The best of movies, TV, books, music, and more, delivered to your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Its a doozy of a show: a dizzying, devastating rock musical adapted from a play by Frank Wedekind, whose story has caused a stir just about everywhere its appeared since the plays publication in 1891. When the show exploded into the theatrical zeitgeist in 2006, it turned its young performers (all in their late teens or early 20s) into major starsand, most importantly, folk heroes for youth all over the world experiencing the exquisite pain of growing up. But all that fame and adulation didnt exactly soften the emotionally brutal nature of the show; in the film, Gallagher describes departing the stage after his characters suicide by gunshot one night and collapsing into his costume dressers arms. Most fans already knew Spring Awakening as a show thats equal parts exhilarating and exhausting for its ensemble. Hearing about it from Gallagher himself underscores it in a more visceral way than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Those Youve Known documents Spring Awakenings rise from tiny workshop concert to hyper-emotional Broadway megahit, a look back prompted by its 15th anniversary. The 90-minute nostalgia trip sparkles when it digs deep into stories like Gallaghers and the unbreakable bonds developed among the musicals cast members; it drags when recounting the somewhat dull business journey of an unusual musical becoming a phenomenon. But where Those Youve Known is at its most affecting is when it intercuts performances from 2006 with footage from a one-night-only anniversary restaging with the original cast in November 2021, held at Broadways Imperial Theatre as a benefit for the Actors Fund. Youd have to be a staunch cynic not to be moved by these self-assured adults returning to the frayed nerves of characters they literally grew up with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The one-off anniversary events documentary companion isnt a shameless ploy for public reminiscence; its a testament to how powerful it can be when grown-ups allow themselves to indulge their long-forgotten teenage feelings. Even though John Gallagher Jr. concedes that he probably wouldnt take on a role like Moritz again, he couldnt resist one last chance to play Moritz, especially when it was the original castthat original crew of people who went through the emotional wringer with himwho came knocking. Its a rare opportunity to watch all these thirtysomethings, some of whom have kids of their own now, chase that naive but daring pluck that earned them eight Tony Awards all those years ago. To its benefit, the film has ample performance footage from 2006 and 2021 to make use of, and it does. The moments shown from the original Broadway show are propulsive and fearless, particularly during songs like The Bitch of Living. In a casual hangout scene filmed in the bar that the cast would frequent during the original run, present-day Lea Michele describes the casts fearlessness back then as akin to a childs ability to zoom down a ski slope without a second thought. And while the 2021 performances also have a kinetic quality to them, the real present-day gems of Those Youve Known are found in clips from the casts three days of rehearsal before the reunion concert. Its a rare opportunity to watch all these thirtysomethings, some of whom have kids of their own now, chase that naive but daring pluck that earned them eight Tony Awards all those years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout that chase, there are tears. Boy, are there tears. At the moment of their first reunion, while watching other cast members return to these songs, in talking head interviews about how the show changed their livesand, if youre Jonathan Groff, from when you attempt to recite the line How have you been doing? while in character again for the first time in ages. He makes it halfway through the question before blubbering, then punctuates his line with a warm and resigned Fuck! (Any theater kid can understand!) Advertisement As these adults stumble through the intense feelings they once endured onstage eight times a week, they marvel at their youthful selves. Take Lauren Pritchard, who originated the role of Ilse, a runaway who suffers sexual abuse at the hands of her father, and was tasked with singing the brutal song The Dark I Know Well every night when she was just shy of 20 years old. In a talking head, she shares that she was molested at a young age by a family member, much like Ilse. The devastating disclosure highlights Pritchards teenage resilience while emphasizing the safe space fostered among the Spring Awakening cast both at that time and now. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Pritchard recently described how much harder it was to sing The Dark I Know Well as an adult and as a mother than it was to sing it on Broadway. As a viewer, I was in awe of her strength and moved by her decision to artistically return to that trauma, aided by the warm embrace of a trusted community. But this heart-wrenching moment is ultimately undermined as the film stitches Pritchards brave words together with the musicals trouble to secure a producer and its potential economic failure. Advertisement Advertisement Where Those Youve Known does successfully integrate the shows development with a personal story is in Jonathan Groffs journey to coming out as gay. Groff, raised in a religious household in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was in the closet when he took on the role of the charismatic and decidedly heterosexual Melchior. He loved the role, he said, but also lived in fear that audiences would discover from his performance that their leading man wasnt straight. In between stories about the anxiety of the closet, Groff and Michael Mayer, the director of the original production and the 2021 reunion, and a gay man himself, share the minutiae of choreographing Springs intimate, controversial sex scene at the end of Act 1. By moving between Groffs individual journey and the very deep care that Mayer took while staging such a potent scene, the film underscores how essential a sensitive leader was for tackling heavy thematic material, especially when young, extremely green actors are the ones tasked with figuring itand themselvesout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film makes it increasingly clear that a core part of the creative processand the musicals successis dependent on tapping into that depth of care and comfort. All the cast members attempt to confront their characters extreme feelings from a rational adult remove, but as the rehearsal process continues, they come to realize they can only perform this piece if they really let loose, just like when they were young. The shows knockout number, Totally Fucked, is the best example of that release. Onstage in November 2021, the castmates exchange knowing smiles and bob their heads to a roaring guitar as Groff sings with a coquettish lilt: Theres a moment you know / Youre fucked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the song approaches its anthemic blah blah blahs, a youthful defiance inhabits the actors bodies. They dance, jump around, flip their hair, and flail their limbs all over the stage. On the last group exclamation of TOTALLY FUCKED! they hoist their middle fingers in the air. The crowd roars, and the people who brought Spring Awakening to life get to relish a true return to their brave, silly, deeply feeling past selvesand so do we, the superfans who remember how seen and understood we were by the show all those years ago. For more on how the Spring Awakening documentary revived online debate about star Lea Michele, listen to this recent episode of ICYMI. In the days after Kim Kardashian attended the Met Gala in the exact same slinky number that Marilyn Monroe immortalized when she wore it in 1962 to perform for President John F. Kennedy, reports began to emerge that fashion archivists and Monroe scholars, among others, were not happy. I could see their point: They were aghast that such a fragile dress had been removed from the vault and worn by a reality star, who, even if she didnt bust a seam, was exposing the dress to any number of elements that could damage it. How dare Kardashian desecrate an object of untold historical significance? It was tacky, reckless, unethical. What kind of person thinks one night on a red carpet is more important than preserving history? Advertisement These arguments all crashed into another fact I learned around the same time: The dress permanent home is at Ripleys Believe It or Not in Orlando, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, a place whose other attractions include 100 shrunken heads and a dance party room where you can take selfies with wax figures is the keeper of this precious artifact. Did the conservationists understand that they were rebuking the ethics of Ripleys Believe It or Not, the company that sells books to elementary schoolers who want to read about a cat with 28 toes? Ripleys purchased the dress at an auction in 2016 for $4.8 million and normally displays it at one of its museums in Orlando. But these museums, of which there are 29 around the world, are not museums in the sense that the Met is a museum. Ripleys is a corporation, said Katie Stringer Clary, a historian at Carolina Coastal University who has worked in museums and teaches museum studies. Theyre a company; theyre not a museum. Some of Ripleys other most expensive acquisitions have included a $450,000 lightsaber from Star Wars and, in the 1980s, $2 million for a Rolls-Royce once owned by John Lennon. Ripleys also owns aquariums; the one in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is home to a penguin who issues yearly Super Bowl predictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the types of items these places exhibitthey emphasize some controversial curiosities and retain some of the circus-like flair of the odditorium Robert Ripley debuted at the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fairthe biggest reason that they dont qualify as real museums is that they are privately owned and for-profit. Stinger Clary pointed to the American Alliance of Museums and the International Council of Museums as bodies that have come up with definitions for what constitutes a museum: The latters, for example, reads, A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, a museum like the Met adheres to a set of rules and ethics about its collection, rules that would not allow it to lend out and potentially damage a historic dress. The Daily Beast pointed out that conservator Sarah Scaturro wrote, in an Instagram caption about Kardashian wearing the Monroe dress, When I was the head of the Costume Institutes conservation lab I had to swat off requests by people (including Anna Wintour) to have irreplaceable objects in the collection be worn by models and celebrities. But the dress in question was not part of the Mets collection. Would the Met have allowed this to happen to something in their collections as a museum? Stringer Clary asked. Im pretty sure their collections policy would not allow that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If officials at the Met had advance knowledge of what Kardashian was wearing, one might argue that ethics should have compelled them to intervene. But thats the Met; Ripleys is not playing by the same rule book. When I asked the company if it has an ethics policy, a spokeswoman didnt directly answer, but responded with a statement attributed to John Corcoran, director of exhibits and archives at Ripleys Believe It or Not. The most relevant thing it said was: We take great pride in owning the Happy Birthday dress and consulted with multiple textile experts and conservators on this endeavor. While conservation practices are inherently conservative, their input helped us craft a set of precautions and procedures for the Met Gala. This caution proved to be sound, as no damage occurred at the event. Advertisement Its no wonder really that Ripleys lent out the dress: Its objective is not to educate or to preserve artifacts for the good of the humanity. Its to make money. The whole reason the company bought the dress was likely that it presented an opportunity to do more of that by attracting visitors in Florida. In that light, letting Kardashian wear its dress was likely a sound business decision: Think of all the exposure. The dress may even be more valuable now: Kim Kardashian has added to the pop culture significance of Monroes iconic dress, reads a press release on Ripleys website, alongside an announcement that the company will move the dress to its Hollywood location and display it there for a limited time beginning Memorial Day weekend. Cha-ching. Advertisement Advertisement Maybe youre thinking there should be rules against this sort of thing, that a private company shouldnt just be allowed to buy a priceless artifact and put it at risk of being damaged or destroyed. And that makes sense, until you really think about it. I dont know if it could be regulated or should be regulated, said Stringer Clary. Who would define whats too important to be owned privately on account of being part of our collective cultural heritage? Individuals and companies own all sorts of things and have the right to sell them to the highest bidder if they so wish. They can donate them to real museums or be choosey about who they sell them to, but ultimately, theres no stopping capitalism. Ripleys owns the dress fair and square and can do whatever it wants with it. If the company wanted to cut up the dress and make crystal-studded curtains of it, that would be its right. (There are some exceptions to this rule for works of visual art, granting living artists the ability to prevent their work from destruction, but there is no precedent for these carve-outs applying to dresses worn by Hollywood legends.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And to be fair, Ripleys said it did try to protect the dress: We basically had many conversations with Kim and her team and put a lot of requirements in place with security and with the handling of the dress, Amanda Joiner, a vice president of licensing and publishing at Ripleys, said to the Daily Beast. The dress was never with Kim alone. It was always with a Ripleys representative. We always ensured that at any time we felt that the dress was in danger of ripping or we felt uncomfortable about anything, we always had the ability to be able to say we not were going to continue with this. Besides, for Stringer Clary, theres another, potentially thornier element of the story thats going under-discussed: I saw that they [Ripleys] gave Kim a lock of Marilyn Monroes hair, said the professor, who also researches museums and human remains, which happens to be an extremely knotty area of museum policy: I wondered where they got it, first of all. The year was 1748, the place was Philadelphia, and the book was The Instructor, a popular British manual for everything from arithmetic to letter-writing to caring for horses hooves. Benjamin Franklin had set himself to adapting it for the American colonies. Though Franklin already had a long and successful career by this point, he needed to find a way to convince colonial book-buyerswho for the most part didnt even formally study arithmeticthat his version of George Fishers textbook was worth the investment. Franklin made all sorts of changes throughout the book, from place names to inserting colonial histories, but he made one really big change: adding John Tennents The Poor Planters Physician to the end. Tennent was a Virginia doctor whose medical pamphlet had first appeared in 1734.* By appending it to The Instructor (replacing a treatise on farriery) Franklin hoped to distinguish the book from its London ancestor. Franklin advertised that his edition was the whole better adapted to these American Colonies, than any other book of the like kind. In the preface he goes on to specifically mention his swapping out of sections, insisting that in the British Edition of this Book, there were many Things of little or no Use in these Parts of the World: In this Edition those Things are omitted, and in their Room many other Matters inserted, more immediately useful to us Americans. One of those useful Matters was a how-to on at-home abortion, made available to anyone who wanted a book that could teach the ABCs and 123s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this weeks leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, The inescapable conclusion is that a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nations history and traditions. Yet abortion was so deeply rooted in colonial America that one of our nations most influential architects went out of his way to insert it into the most widely and enduringly read and reprinted math textbook of the colonial Americasand he received so little pushback or outcry for the inclusion that historians have barely noticed it is there. Abortion was simply a part of life, as much as reading, writing, and arithmetic. [Read: Alitos Leaked Draft Fully Overruling Roe Is Unprecedented] Advertisement Franklin wasnt even the first issuer of a math textbook on either side of the Atlantic to include among its materials a recipe for abortion, though his book certainly had the most reliable and explicit one. William Mathers 1699 Young Mans Companion also has one (the London book would inspire the very first arithmetic book to be printed in the colonies in 1705, by Franklins old boss Andrew Bradford). In Mathers book, though, the recipe was short, misleading, and ineffective. It includes an entry for Terms provoked, a heading also found under comparable medical books with abortifacient concoctions (where the term, or period, needs provoking). Unfortunately for Mathers readers, however, he prescribes stinking Arach, or goosefoot, which is an emmenagogue (an agent to stimulate or regulate menstruation) but not a reliable abortifacient. He also makes the even more dubious suggestion to take a draught of White wine under a full moon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Franklins choice to get Tennents pamphlet into the hands of readers all over the colonies meant that anyone learning to read, write, and calculate with his book would also have access to the leading available treatment for ending a pregnancy. Tennents handbook prescribes angelica, an herb known to be an effective abortifacient in the early stages of pregnancy for thousands of years, and which was frequently recommended across early modern herbal books.* Moreover, the recipe refers to several herbal abortifacients known at the time: Advertisement Advertisement For this Misfortune, you must purge with Highland Flagg, (commonly called Bellyach Root) a Week before you expect to be out of Order; and repeat the same two Days after; the next Morning drink a Quarter of Pint of Pennyroyal Water, or Decoction, with 12 Drops of Spirits of Harts-horn, and as much again at Night, when you go to Bed. Continue this 9 Days running; and after resting 3 Days, go on with it for 9 more. Advertisement Advertisement The entry combines attention to potent herbs with careful accounting of dosage to treat the misfortune. Here the entry recommends acting early before someone might expect to be out of order with their next period. This is consistent with the timing for maximum efficacy for angelica, aka Bellyach Root, a plant member of the carrot family. Likewise, pennyroyal was known even to the ancient Greeks as a form of birth control; Harts-horn, or century plant, was also commonly recommended at the time as part of concoctions for abortions and expelling afterbirth. The entry concludes by advising that the patients shoud be cautious of taking Opiates too often, or Jesuits-Barka remedy for malaria sometimes mistakenly thought to be an abortifacientand just in case anyone was not clear on what caused this malady, nor must they long for pretty Fellows, or any other Trash whatsoever. So: avoid sex. Advertisement Advertisement The recipe details, moreover, assume that these unmarryd Women had the kind of knowledge of arithmetic that the books earlier instructional sections had taught. The recipe insists on careful attention to measurement and counting. And it asks the preparer to work with repeated multiples of three. Franklin had a track record of promoting female education, and of arithmetic for them in particular. He advocates for it in his early, anonymous Silence Dogood articles, and in his Autobiography singles out a Dutch printers widow who saved the family business thanks to her education. There, Franklin makes an explicit call recommending that branch of education for our young females. He likely hoped that his American Instructor would reach audiences that included women and girls; and based on his choice of which medical book to reprint, he may also have understood that the Dutch widow would have needed to know how to end an unwanted pregnancy just as much as she would need to know how to balance an account book. Advertisement Advertisement In a 1760 edition of The American Instructor held by the American Antiquarian Society, a reader has pulled out the page that included the abortion recipe, either to save it from or to save it for prying eyes. Another copy, held at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, shows that the Gilbert family treasured the book so much that they used it as kind of a family Bible starting in 1755, with Thomas Gilbert entering the names and birthdates of his children into it, even including the five-day duration of Rachel Gilberts labor with their daughter Sarah. Births, abortions, arithmeticall of them were wrapped up together and taken for granted in this colonial American book, which thanks to Franklin circulated far and wide and for generations, including among enslaved Americans. In 1771, two Black men, both fugitives from enslavement, left at night from Nanjemoy, Maryland, in search of freedom and took with them a gun, powder, and two books, one of which was Fishers Arithmetick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an early American literary critic who works on the history of numeracy, I thought of Franklins book multiple times while I read the news this past week. Florida legislators want to excise social and emotional learning exercises from math textbooks for children, as though presenting arithmetic without context has ever been helpful or even the norm. And now, should some version of this draft Supreme Court opinion hold, the ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health will render abortion effectively illegal for myself, my students, and my daughters here in central Ohio, where new Intel factories are about to require tens of thousands of workers with advanced quantitative skills. For many of us, abortion access is an essential part of STEM education. It keeps us in school; it keeps the kids we already have fed and housed while theyre in school. And it is simply health carelike treatment for the umpteen other maladies listed in the colonial medical handbook. Alitos draft argues that Roe and Casey must be overruled, pointing out that the Constitution makes no reference to abortion. Maybe so, but for the Framers contemporaries who learned to count with Franklins help, safe and accessible abortion was a matter of simple math. The leaked copy of Justice Samuel Alitos draft majority opinion overruling Roe v. Wade has unleashed a wave of concern about what the opinion would mean, not only for people who depend on the availability of abortion care but also for people who depend on other fundamental rights related to the 1973 ruling. As President Joe Biden and legal commentators pointed out, Alitos stated reasons for overruling Roe could seemingly be applied to overrule other precedents ranging from Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized a right to marriage equality, to Lawrence v. Texas, which recognized a fundamental right for intimate relationships between consenting adults including adults of the same sex, to Griswold v. Connecticut, which recognized a fundamental right to contraception. Advertisement While conservative commentators have sought to minimize these fears, one of their main responses has exposed Alitos draft majority opinion as nothing more than a lawless exercise of political power. They now claim that the court wouldnt overrule those other precedents because, among other things, those other precedents are politically popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The Original Sin of the Religious Right] This, to be clear, is not a legal distinction. Its merely a statement that public opinion and politics will dictate what the courts conservative supermajority thinks it can get away withrespect for the law and neutral principles be damned. The leaked draft opinion seemingly puts several other constitutional rights squarely in the courts crosshairs. As Mark Joseph Stern argued, Alitos broadside attack against unenumerated rights that arent deeply rooted in American history could be deployed against the right of same-sex couples to be intimate or to get married. Like the right to decide to have an abortion, the right of same-sex couples to be intimate or to get married isnt explicitly mentioned in the text of the Constitution. There arent state constitutional provisions or state or federal court cases from the 1800s or early 1900s recognizing those rights either. And these other opinions, like Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, are reasoned at a high level of generality, invoking concepts like dignity, destiny, and defining ones own existence. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, that these concepts appear in the other opinions is one of the reasons Justice Clarence Thomas dissented in Lawrence, and why Thomas and Alito dissented in Obergefell. And given the Dobbs draft opinions cursory treatment of the doctrine of stare decisis, which ordinarily calls for the court to respect decisions around which people have built their lives, people rightfully worry about what fundamental rights the Supreme Court would come for next. Advertisement Theres no reason for concern, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board and some conservative legal commentators have insisted. According to the Journal, unlike Roe, the decisions protecting contraception and marriage equality, have broad public acceptance as evidenced by Gallup polls. And, commentators claimed, public opinion on abortion remains deeply divided, whereas same-sex marriage and contraception apparently now have broad public support. These claims, however, are at best factually incorrect. At worst, they amount to willful misdirection. A CNN poll from January shows that 69 percent of Americans want to keep Roe, and the Journal noted that 70 percent of Americans support marriage equality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to conservatives, the reason the conservative justices wont follow up an opinion overruling Roe with opinions overruling Obergefell, Lawrence, and Griswold is not because the law or legal reasoning distinguishes those cases from one another. Its because public opinion doesand the court will apparently overrule prior decisions only when it thinks it can get away with overruling them. Put another way: In an attempt to quash the criticism of Alitos radical opinion, conservatives have instead shown just how political and lawless it is. Leaked draft aside, the concern over the fate of other rights is warranted. Several conservative justices have already laid bare their views on birth control and same-sex marriage. Thomas and Alito have already called for the court to revisit Obergefell. And in his confirmation hearings, Justice Brett Kavanaugh referred to birth control as abortion-inducing drugs. In a previous majority opinion, Alito concluded that the federal contraception mandate was illegal because employers could reasonably view contraception as an abortifacient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican legislatures, for their part, havent even waited until the ink is dry on a final opinion in Dobbs before beginning their push to overrule other rights as well. More than a dozen states are clamoring to enact anti-LGBTQ legislation like Floridas dont say gay law just as quickly as they are enacting abortion restrictions. Two days after the leak, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas voiced support for revisiting the courts 1982 ruling that held states may not exclude undocumented children from public education. The Texas legislature has already given notice for public hearings to review any applicable precedents, and the legal landscape regarding the education of migrant children in Texass public schools. Louisiana Republicans voted out of committee a bill making abortion a crime of homicide from the moment of fertilization and allowing prosecutors to charge patients with murder. Advertisement Advertisement Its also worth remembering that Republicans insisted, against all evidence, that none of the justices they were appointing would overrule Roe even while promising to appoint justices who would. President Donald Trump famously proclaimed to then-candidate Joe Biden that Biden had no idea where Trumps nominee to the Supreme Court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, stood on abortion. You dont know her view on Roe v. Wade, the former president said. In the confirmation hearings for Kavanaugh, Republican Sen. Ben Sasse called it hysteria for progressives to stage protests calling attention to the future of Roe v. Wade. Advertisement If the Overton window on overruling Roe could move as quickly as it did, the same is surely possible for Obergefell, Lawrence, and Griswold. It would be a relief if these (deeply contestable) assurances of the limited impact of a ruling like the draft opinion in Dobbs turn out to be true. But whether or not the potential fallout materializes, the conservative rhetoric only underscores that whats really going on here is not the Supreme Courts application of neutral legal principles, but rather a brazen assertion of raw political power. Read more of Slates coverage on abortion rights here. Flash The European Union (EU) will phase out Russian crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday, announcing the sixth package of sanctions against Russia. "We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined," von der Leyen told lawmakers in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The package also includes a new list of sanctioned Russian military officers and other individuals, the "de-SWIFTing" of Russia's biggest bank Sberbank and two other major banks, the cutting-off of three Russian state-owned broadcasters from European airwaves and a ban on services of EU-based accountants and consultants to Russian companies. The sixth sanction package aims to deprive the Russian economy of "its ability to diversify and modernize," von der Leyen said. The European Commission president also pledged financial support to address Ukraine's immediate needs but gave no further detail about its amount. Though the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is not yet final, the pro-life movement has already begun to celebrate the outcome as a victory for religious advocacy. But morality of abortion aside, overturning Roe comes with heavy costs for the religious right. To put it in theological terms, the relationship between the religious right and abortion is stained by original sin. Theres a widespread but mistaken belief that the battle over abortion rights in America is fundamentally a conflict between religious conservative values and progressive ideals of gender equality. This misconception is bolstered by a persistent myth that the religious right was born out of Roe. As the story goes, citizens of faith who shared a commitment to the value of human life and dignity could no longer stand on the political sidelines, and came together in coalition, sparking a movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Jerry Falwell, one of the movements early leaders, recounted, I sat there staring at the Roe v. Wade story growing more and more fearful of the consequences of the Supreme Courts act and wondering why so few voices had been raised against it. Powerhouse evangelical organizations like the Moral Majority were then supposedly catalyzed by the American moral descent epitomized in Roe, and thus emerged the religious right as we know it today. In this light, the leaked Supreme Court draft decision is the culmination of 50 years of passionate religious organizing in defense of life. A compelling narrative, if only it were true. [Read: A Former Pro-Life Activist Has Regrets] Historians like Randall Balmer have meticulously detailed a more complicated reality. Of course, religious opposition to abortion is real but it was also cultivated. Moreover, it was cultivated for purposes most religious Americans today would find morally abhorrent. As a movement, members of the religious right have been exploited by its architectssubjected to manipulation and propaganda that turned their most sacred values into a political tool. Advertisement Advertisement When Roe was decided in 1973, sizable majorities of both Protestants and Catholics supported legalizing abortion. Indeed, the movement to legalize abortion included religious conservatives. In 1968, 26 theologians, physicians, and sociologists convened for a Protestant symposium on the control of human reproduction, organized by the Christian Medical Association and Christianity Today. The consensus they settled on read, Whether or not the performance of an induced abortion is sinful we are not agreed, but about the necessity and permissibility for it under certain circumstances we are in accord. Advertisement A few years later, in 1971, delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution to work for legislation that will allow the possibility of abortion under such conditions as rape, incest, clear evidence of severe fetal deformity, and carefully ascertained evidence of the likelihood of damage to the emotional, mental, and physical health of the mother. (It reaffirmed that position in 1974 and again 1976.) Just nine days after the Supreme Court issued its decision in Roe, an analysis of the outcome published in the Baptist Press hailed Roe as not merely permissible, but as a positive advancement of religious liberty: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 72 decision that overturned a Texas law which denied a woman the right of abortion except to save her life, has advanced the cause of religious liberty, human equality and justice. Religious bodies and religious persons can continue to teach their own particular views to their constituents with all the vigor they desire. People whose conscience forbids abortion are not compelled by law to have abortions. They are free to practice their religion according to the tenets of their personal or corporate faith. The reverse is also now true since the Supreme Court decision. Those whose conscience or religious convictions are not violated by abortion may not now be forbidden by a religious law to obtain an abortion it they so choose. In short, if the state laws are now made to conform to the Supreme Court ruling, the decision to obtain an abortion or to bring pregnancy to full term can now be a matter of conscience and deliberate choice rather than one compelled by law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This view is echoed still in some religious circles todayand for good reason. For many, deciding whether, when, and with whom to create a family is a decision of sacred importance, deeply tied to their faith and spiritual relationships. So too are beliefs about when a childs life begins, and when the end of a mothers life may be permissibly risked. Widespread resistance to the legalization of abortion from the religious right did not emerge until years after Roe. Republican resistance, too. While Democrats largely supported legalizing abortion, support was actually higher among Republicans, 68 percent of whom thought the decision should be between a woman and her medical provider, compared with 59 percent of Democrats. The movements early leaders were indeed motivated by a desire to dismantle an emerging legal landscape, but it was the progeny of Brown v. Board of Education that spurred them to collective actionnot Roe. Two decades earlier, the Supreme Court ruled in Brown that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Change on the ground, however, was painfully slow. Immediate desegregation would not be required by the court until 1969, and even then private schools continued to discriminate. Many had been founded with the express purpose of evading integration post-Brown. Falwell himself founded just such a school in 1967 in direct response to local public school integration. But in the 1970s, the Internal Revenue Service took steps to revoke the tax-exempt status of private segregated schools, nearly all of which were religiously affiliated. Advertisement In 1975, the IRS moved to revoke the tax-exempt status of Bob Jones Universitya flagship evangelical institutionon precisely these grounds. As the ensuing legal battle unfolded, those who would become the leaders of the religious right grew increasingly anxious; from their point of view, racial integration was unacceptable, and the revocation of segregated Christian schools tax-exempt status was an infringement on religious liberty. Advertisement This, not Roe, was the catalyst to political action. In the immediate wake of Roe, those who were pro-life were all arguing that that decision was one more reason why Christians had to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. But, as Katherine Stewart put it, building a new movement around the burning issue of defending the tax advantages of racist schools wasnt going to be a viable strategy on the national stage. Defending unborn life was a more palatable rallying call for a change in administration. And so, in 1979, evangelical leaders put abortion on their agenda. This move marked a decisive shift in Republican politics. In an analysis of congressional voting, data scientist Greg Adams found that until 1979 abortion wasnt a particularly partisan issuebut a polarizing split emerged soon after. In the 1980 presidential election, conservatives traditional libertarian agenda played second fiddle to the new rights anti-abortion focus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through manipulation and propaganda, abortion transformed from a complicated question of individual liberty, conscience, and public healthwith a diversity of answers from conservatives of faithinto a religious litmus test with the express purpose of building a powerful voting bloc. The strategy worked. Today, 30 percent of pro-life Americans are single-issue voters, compared with only 19 percent of pro-choice Americans. Those who have hoped and prayed for the end of Roe, regardless of their politics limited efficacy in protecting life, may be tempted still to consider this moment a victory, however it came about. But consider this bit of history from Americas tradition of religious liberty: In 1785, the Virginia General Assembly considered a proposed tax, the proceeds of which would be used to support teachers of the Christian religion. James Madison, who later drafted the First Amendment, advocated in vigorous opposition. For Madison, separation of church and state is an inextricable element of religious liberty. Not only does it protect equality, but it protects religion itself from political degradation and manipulation: Advertisement During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. What influence in fact have ecclesiastical establishments had on Civil Society? In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny; in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people. Advertisement Madisons warning of what might be wrought by the government entangling itself with religion applies with equal force to religious institutions that seek to entangle themselves in the government. Ordinary members of the religious right are no doubt sincere in their convictions to end Roe, but the movement itself was born out of temptation to power. And victory by way of such corruption carries a poison pill. Manipulation of this sort is antithetical to both religious integrity and religious freedom. Its not a coincidence Madison also warned that requiring others to live by our values can do more to harm religions reach than to encourage others to uphold it. And indeed, consistent with Madisons predictions, the binding of the religious right to the Republican Party has already driven Americans away from organized faith. Slate has relationships with various online retailers. If you buy something through our links, Slate may earn an affiliate commission. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. All prices were up to date at the time of publication. From The Urge: Our History of Addiction by Carl Erik Fisher, published by Penguin Press, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright 2022 by Carl Erik Fisher. Advertisement On June 17, 1971, in the midst of another heroin epidemic, Nixon formally declared his war on drugs. That year, Americans listed heroin addiction as the nations thirdmostpressing problem, behind only the seemingly endless war in Vietnam and the stagnating economy. (By comparison, in 2019, even during the widely publicized opioid overdose crisis, drugs and drug addiction were rated the 12th most important problem facing the nation.) Worsening the panic further, heroin was widespread in the Vietnam War, toomore than one-third of all U.S. enlisted personnel had tried heroin. Street peddlers stuffed vials of 95percentpure heroin in the pockets of GIs as they strolled around downtown Saigon, and even a congressional commission with a uniformed Army escort was approached several times by dealers. (Its important to note that heroin was widely available because the CIA had reportedly protected and participated in the opium cultivation businesses of its strategic allies in the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia.) In 1971, two congressmen gave several highprofile press conferences reporting that as many as 10 to 15 percent of servicemen were addicted. In keeping with the ominous mood, in the television broadcast announcing the drug war, Nixon predicted that drugs would destroy the country, and he claimed, falsely, that heroin users were responsible for $2 billion in property crime every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the amazing thing about Nixons war, from todays perspective, is how much it was oriented toward a therapeutic response to addiction: When Nixon made his declaration, it was the only time in the history of the war on drugs that the majority of funding went toward treatment rather than law enforcement. Nixon also presented a relatively young psychiatrist named Jerome Jaffe (yet another alumnus of Narco, the massive prison-hospital that was essentially the only home of addiction medicine in midcentury) to the country as the first drug czar, and the administration subsequently took control of the entire federal response to drug addiction treatment, pouring massive funding into those efforts. One of Nixons advisers called it the Camelot period of drug policy, and one scholar has even called Nixon the first therapeutic president. Advertisement Yet within the federal government, there remained serious opposition to therapeutic approaches to addiction, especially treatment in the form of methadone. From its Harry Anslinger days, when the nation was singularly focused on prohibitionist crackdowns, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN) had opposed maintenance, to the point of flexing its might internationally to prevent it: In the early 1940s, the Mexican government tried to establish legal opioid maintenance, but Anslinger imposed a total embargo on morphine, thus quashing the Mexican experiment within six months. Federal prosecutors had long enforced their own ban against maintenance treatmentnever mind that they had created the ban out of sheer force and it had no real basis in law. So when the FBN heard of the experiments of Vincent Dole and Marie Nyswander on methadone, they were not pleased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dole and Nyswander had conducted crucial research on methadone for people with opioid addiction, and they found that the medication could abolish drug cravings, block the euphoric effects of opioids like heroin, and help their patients return to functional, meaningful lives. Soon after Dole and Nyswander started this work, the FBN sent an agent to harass Dole, who found the agent arrogant and a little comical as he pounded the table and insisted, Youre breaking the law. Dole knew that was a lie. A savvy, seasoned academic leader, Dole had already secured New York Gov. Nelson Rockefellers support. In the process, their attorneys had learned, to their total surprise, that there was never any definitive law or court case prohibiting maintenance treatment. Dole was placid. As he later recalled, he looked back at the incensed agent and calmly suggested, You ought to take me to court so we can have a determination on this point. The agents face abruptly changed; Dole had called his bluff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the ensuing years, methadone seemed to have won a secure place in the halls of medicine. Though the FBN continued its oppositionincluding starting a rumor campaign implying that Dole and Nyswander had fabricated their datamoney poured into methadone programs. But the money was both a blessing and a curse. Programs expanded so rapidly that they far outstripped what their actual competence allowed. In New York, even the most ardent methadone advocates urged the health department to slow down. There were unscrupulous physicians who ran pill mills, but more commonly, gas station programs did little more than dispense medications, providing none of the wrap around rehabilitative services that Dole and Nyswander included in their original version, such as job training and other social supports. A New York Times reporter twice walked into a clinic and, without any evidence of addiction (or even any identification), bought 280 milligrams of methadone for a $30 fee (the usual starting dose is 20 to 30 milligrams). Nonmedical use of methadone, including some overdose deaths, increased. Dole and Nyswander, who had worked so hard to establish warm, holistic, rehabilitative programs, looked on in dismay: Dole bemoaned the stupidity of thinking that just giving methadone will solve a complicated social problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prohibitionists in the federal government used these problems to fuel their opposition to methadone. In addition to their harassment of Dole and Nyswander, they sounded the alarm about black markets for methadone, played on methadones symbolic association with Black and Brown innercity drug use, and counterattacked with a flurry of amendments and regulations meant to limit its use. They couldnt kill methadone, but they could hamstring it and turn it into a system of control. In just a matter of years, methadone treatment was transformed into something more like an arm of law enforcement than medicine: Private physicians could no longer offer officebased treatment, and only special federally approved and licensed programs could prescribe methadone for addiction treatment (and only under the looming threat of constant scrutiny from federal drug enforcement). In 1981, the former Communist Marie Nyswander wryly noted that she was sounding like a Republican in criticizing the extraordinary federal controls on methadones use. Today, methadone treatment has significant problems, but many of them stem from overzealous regulation with roots in this period: rigid, arbitrary dosing policies, inflexible schedules, exorbitant fees, and inadequate psychotherapy and other recovery services. Advertisement Advertisement Methadone also remains one of the strongest examples we have of the stark racial disparities in the understanding and treatment of addiction. Black and Brown communities have long had to fight for treatmentfor example, in the 1970s, Black and Puerto Rican community groups staged numerous sitins and protests to force hospitals to open drug treatment facilities. One demonstration had to occupy the community psychiatry division of St. Lukes Hospital in Harlem for four days to obtain drug treatment for teens. Addiction in communities of color, perennially a major problem, is too often explained in a stigmatized way that justifies prohibitionist approaches: portrayed as selfchosen and irresponsible. On a structural level, addiction is explained away as the intractable effect of poverty or other root causes, treated as inevitable and expected, and thus left to the criminal legal system. Meanwhile, other explanations of addiction fuel entirely separate tiers of addiction treatment. Advertisement Advertisement The medication buprenorphine was first proposed as an addiction treatment by Narco researchers in 1975, but it was long sidelined by antimedication stigma, especially the regulatory restrictions that were built around methadone. As the scholars Samuel Roberts and Helena Hansen have documented, it was only when the opioid epidemic emerged as a supposedly white problem that buprenorphine was made available. In the late 1990s, treatment advocates warned Congress that narcotic addiction is spreading from urban to suburban areas, and the current system of methadone treatment was a poor fit for the suburban spread of narcotic addiction. Congress accordingly passed legislation that carved out a special regulatory category for buprenorphine as an officebased treatmenta pharmaceutical and clinical intervention rather than a punitive onebut only through specially waivered physicians who were more likely to take only selfpay and private insurance. Sure enough, three years after buprenorphines approval, roughly 90 percent of U.S. patients taking it were white. (In fact, some of the only opposition to the buprenorphine legislation came from members of Congress who correctly identified that buprenorphine would be available only to those with financial resources, and lowerincome people with addiction would be left in the lurch.) Today, white people are still far more likely to receive buprenorphine, and the medication largely functions as one piece of the entirely separate system for responding to white and upperclass drug use, relegating the majority of socially marginalized patients to the system of control enacted in the 1970s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antimedication stigma has also, ironically, permeated some of the 12step communities so central to addiction recovery today, creating an unnecessary tension between therapeutic and mutualhelp approaches that need not be in opposition to each other. Early Narcotics Anonymous leaders spoke favorably about methadone, such as Father Daniel Egan, featured widely in the news in the early 1960s as the junkie priest for his work ministering to people with addiction in New York City. But the crackdown on methadone drove antimedication attitudes in 12step communities to an unhealthy extreme, and in time, methadone patients in NA werent allowed to hold a service commitment or even speak at meetings. Soon, people on methadone began avoiding NA groups or keeping their methadone treatment a secret. As recently as 1996, NAs board of trustees strongly suggested that people using methadone should not be allowed to be speakers or chair meetings, and to this day, official communications from NA have consistently specified that patients receiving medications for addiction treatment are not clean. Advertisement That same antimedication stigma bled outward to all psychoactive medications. In part, mutualhelp groups and people in recovery were having a reasonable response to the overprescription of drugs like amphetamines, barbiturates, and benzodiazepinesas early as the 1940s, AA publications recognized sedative addiction as chewing your booze. Also, its important to note that the culture of 12step communities is dynamic and heterogeneous, and these attitudes vary by group and continue to evolve today. Still, and especially in treatment settings strongly influenced by 12step fundamentalism, people are sometimes pressured to stop psychiatric medications in search of the everelusive ideal of being drugfree. Ive heard of abstinencebased programs that have refused to accept people on heart medication. Advertisement Medications for addictionespecially for opioid addictionsave lives. Study after study, from carefully controlled clinical trials to massive investigations of everyday practice, have shown that buprenorphine and methadone cut the rate of death among opioidaddicted patients by half or more. A recent, massive study of more than 40,000 patients has found that among all treatmentsmedications and therapy alike, including intensive outpatient and residential rehabsbuprenorphine and methadone are the only ones that reduce opioid overdoses. (Another, newer medication for opioid use disorder, extendedrelease naltrexone, is also useful, and it suffers from comparatively less antimedication stigma.) There are signs of some softening among previously unreceptive communities to allow for medication treatments, but it is slow in coming, and often incomplete. In 2012, Hazelden, the first residential addiction recovery program in the 12-step-based Minnesota Model, announced that it would provide buprenorphine. But, like many other treatment centers, it does not allow its clients to use methadone. State of Mind is a partnership of Slate and Arizona State University that offers a practical look at our mental health systemand how to make it better. When serial entrepreneur Wil Lee first heard about nonfungible tokens, after Mike Winkelmann (aka Beeple) sold one for more than $69 million at Christies in March 2021, he waved them off as a money-laundering scam. But after noticing that they were showing up on his radar again and again, he began to pay attention. In June 2021, almost four years after he became involved in the crypto industry, Lee decided to buy his first NFT. Within a week, he had transferred his entire portfolio into the NFT ecosystem. Within a month, he had sold one of his real estate properties and moved all of the money from the sale into NFTs. Advertisement After spending a few months investing, Lee decided to launch his own NFT project, the littles. Like many other NFT creators, Lee was in charge of his entire project: the tech, the community, the art, and the marketing. Every day Im just on Discord, making sure that it has not been hacked and that everything is performing and okay and on schedule, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite taking as many precautions as possible, Lee found that it didnt take long for his worst fears to become reality. During a giveaway, he realized that hackers had infiltrated his website: I thought, is everything Ive built for the past couple of months going to trash because of this exploit? But the scariest part of this mishap wasnt that he could lose everythingit was that it could hurt the people in his community who had put their faith and money in his project. That was when I realized that this was going to be a rough ride, Lee stated. Advertisement Advertisement Although NFTs have been around since 2014, when artist Kevin McCoy minted the first-known NFT, Quantum, on the NameCoin blockchain, most people had no idea they existed until the high-profile sale by Beeple in 2021. Since then, multiple major brands from Taco Bell to Gucci have jumped on the bandwagon and released their own NFTs. For many observers, the entire NFT industry is a pointless joke that has gone on for far too long. Activists have also heavily criticized NFTs because most are minted using the energy-intensive proof-of-work method. In February, the World Wildlife Fund U.K. ended its NFT sale following backlash from environmentalists. Advertisement For enthusiasts, though, the backlash is just noisethey believe NFTs offer major cant-miss opportunities. The community, innovation, and investment market are seductive, but the space moves quickly, and watching other people rave about their success makes it easy to feel like time is running out and youre being left behind. The pressure to move quickly (and the FOMO that comes with it), the way the ecosystem is set up, and the chance that the entire field of NFTs could all come crashing down at any moment is leading to collectors and creators pushing as hard as they can to succeed. But you cant push yourself forever. Eventually, you begin to burn out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being in the NFT world, of course, means competing to buy NFTs. But to get even a chance of acquiring some of the most-sought-after ones, you have to get onto a projects whitelist: a list of the people who get first dibs on NFTs, often for a cheaper price and sometimes even for free. Getting onto a whitelist isnt always easy, and every project has its own set of instructions users must follow in order to get whitelisted, like filling out a Google form, inviting people to a Discord community, or signing up to a lottery system that picks addresses at random. Advertisement Advertisement Applying for a single whitelist can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to a few hours. While some people will only apply for projects theyre really excited about, other investors will apply for multiple whilelists per day. This process is referred to as whitelist grinding, and burnout often follows close behind. Advertisement Advertisement Rita is an NFT collector and creator who is known online as ritanevermind. During the worst stages of her lead-up to burnout, Rita stopped taking breaks so she could be more productive, and even began skipping meals. Last time I had FOMO [that] led me to burnout, I was trying to get on the whitelist on one of the new NFT projects that are launching soon, she told me. I was logged in their Discord literally 24/7 for a week. I got whitelisted, but the [psychological] price was tremendous. My free time, my time for making art, my family time, everything was replaced with my phone. I slept on average four hours per night because I had to stay active there. Advertisement Although Rita mostly enjoyed participating in the Discord channel and chatting with fellow community members, being on social media all day made her feel like she was missing out on real-life experiences. As a result, she ultimately decided to leave the channel: Im not there anymore because its not worth it. My life is not worth wasting on some Discord server to get a presale opportunity Im not even sure Ill buy. Advertisement Advertisement Many investors come into the space trying to flip NFTs for profit after reading success stories about other investors becoming instant millionaires by investing in the right projects. But while the stock market includes a blueprint of how to evaluate investments, NFT projects have no such thing. As a result, many investors resort to going with their gut when it comes to deciding which projects to invest in. This means that even for experienced investors, figuring out which project to invest in can be difficult. Advertisement Flur is a whale investor in the NFT space, which means he holds a large collection of NFTs. (Whale investors get their name because their movements within the NFT space can disturb the waters that smaller fish swim in.) Flur is well known within the community for having one of the best NFT collections; it currently includes more than 10,000 assets. His tweets have a reputation for driving people to new and upcoming projects. However, despite his wealth of experience in the space, Flur still sometimes finds himself struggling with how quickly the space is moving. The NFT community is experiencing exponential growth, which means nonstop new projects and information, he said. Its very hard to keep up with, but the potential payout and the rewards are huge when it comes to catching the next big blue chip early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people decide to enter the NFT space when market confidence is high because they see others making a profit and want to get in on it. When Beeple made headlines in March 2021, the NFT market skyrocketed, and it has been volatile since then. Prices rose again in January of this year following an influx of celebrity collaborations, then slumped again sharply, reaching a low in March. Now, it looks like sales are on the up againbut how long this will last is anyones guess. That doesnt stop people from making speculations: Last weekend, OpenSeathe largest NFT marketplaceset a new daily trading record of $476 million in Ethereum. A couple of days later, the Wall Street Journal reported that the NFT market is collapsing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For founders bearing the weight of an entire community made up of thousands of new investors relying on their art to get rich, the responsibility can feel overwhelming. The people and the investors within this space are very green, and they fall for anything and everything, Lee said. And once they buy into your project at a very high price and they dont see action right away, or they see any type of misinformation, they panic and sell at a loss. Advertisement Loopify is an NFT artistturned-collector who founded Treeverse, an open-world fantasy in the metaverse. He also owns Interleave, an NFT production team. Thanks to NFTs, Loopify has become a millionaire. But that doesnt mean he is immune to the stressors that come with being an NFT creator and investor. Around a year ago, the market was stale for quite a bit, he said. This happens quite often when the price is down. Because the market slowed down, it means engagement slowed down. People stopped responding to my posts and less things were happening. My art wasnt selling, nor were some of the things I collected. Advertisement Loopify described this event as his first burnout moment. He began to question his involvement in the NFT community altogether. But just when he had begun to rethink his decisions, the market slowly began to recover, and engagement and sales returned. Even when things are going well, it can be tricky to keep your investors and followers satisfied. Loopify said, You have people that continuously ask questions on every social media [platform]. Even if you answer them a hundred times, theyll keep coming. But not everyone chooses to return to the NFT space after taking some time away. For one anonymous NFT collector, it all became too much. This space has become so toxic, they told me. People are saying WAGMI [we are all gonna make itan acronym used widely within the crypto community] but thats a baldfaced lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They tell me that the NFT industry has changed significantly over the past yearand not in a good way: So many devs mint then make promises and never deliver. In the NFT world, minting digital assets is the process of uniquely publishing a token on the blockchain so others can publish it. This allows creators to monetize their work. Or they take forever to do so, which in this space is a death sentence, they continued, seemingly confirming the fears of many creators who told me they feel like theyre falling behind. When I asked if they had any advice for newbies in the space trying not to burn out, they emphasized the highs and lows of the market and encouraged people not to panic and sell when prices are low. But their final piece of advice fell along the same lines as the advice from everyone else that I spoke to: Always put in real life first. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. This story originally appeared in Mother Jones and has been reprinted here with permission. Lets say youre like me: a person between the ages of 18 and 50 with a uterus. Imagine you work a job that pays the bills, but you dont have as much time off as youd like, and working from home isnt an option. When you find out youre pregnant, you decidefor any number of valid reasonsthat you want to terminate that pregnancy. Advertisement For many people, that got easier in December. Until then, the Food and Drug Administration mandated in-person visits before patients could receive mifepristone, a hormone blocker used in medication abortiona non-invasive alternative to surgical abortions thats growing more and more popular. The restriction was first lifted temporarily, as one of the agencys pandemic measures; its now permanent, which signifies a major expansion of access to abortion by mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You may already know all that. But you may also live in Texas, Georgia, or Mississippi, states with draconian abortion lawsand just three of the 19 where telemedicine for abortion is outlawed. (Or you may live in a state with a trigger law that would ban abortion should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, as the leaked draft opinion suggests will happen.) And the nearest clinic might be at capacity, or out of state altogether, and you cant afford the costs of travel. Advertisement Advertisement So you try the next quickest option: googling how to buy abortion pills. You might encounter a site like Aid Access, launched by Dutch doctor Rebecca Gomperts, who conducts telemedicine appointments and arranges shipments of mifepristone and misoprostolanother drug used in medication abortionfrom abroad. As you search, your phone and computer log your every move: the search history stored on your Google Chrome browser, your internet service providers record of incoming and outgoing requests, the financial details tracked by your payment processor, the emails you send, and more. You might not think much about your digital footprintafter all, your searches are private, right? Not really. As the line between our digital and physical selves fades, surveillance researchers and reproductive rights advocates increasingly see our data as the next big front in the war on abortion. Law enforcement has new tricks to land convictions for miscarriages or post-ban abortions; anti-abortion activists are making sophisticated updates to tried-and-true methods of stalking, harassment, and disinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Until the FDA loosened its rules, getting a medication abortion in some parts of the country meant flouting the lawand leaving an incriminating digital trail. Gomperts, who also provides surgical abortions in international waters, has had her boat tracked and chased away from ports of call, and payments to her organization blocked. Ursula Wings online sales of low-cost mifepristone earned her a $10,000 fine, a raid of her home, two years probation, and the seizure of all her electronics; she thinks being listed in an online database contributed to her getting caught. (The online sale of mifepristone was legalized a year into her sentence.) Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance doesnt just show up in cases like those. Search histories mentioning abortion medication have been entered as evidence in fetal death cases prosecuted as crimesa scenario that, like targeted harassment by anti-abortion protesters, crops up much more often. Today, law enforcement has more data extraction tools at its disposal than ever, and privacy regulations still trail behind. Advertisement Advertisement Civil rights attorney Cynthia Conti-Cook, a technology fellow at the Ford Foundation, researches the use of digital footprints as evidence in prosecutions for fetal death or improper disposal of fetal remains. Law enforcement, she saysdrawing on tech justice group Upturns study of mobile device forensic toolscan easily duplicate all data on a users phone into one convenient, searchable, thousands-of-pages-long file. Advertisement Advertisement Such tools, Conti-Cook says, arent futuristic or speculative at all, and have few limits on the scope of their use. In fact, more than 2,000 government agenciesfrom police departments and prisons to public schools and housing authoritiesuse them to extract and share data in investigations of all kinds. In an analysis of public records, Upturn found that 44 law enforcement agencies alone had extracted data from 50,000 phones between 2015 and 2019, using their findings in prosecutions for sex work, public drinking, shoplifting, cannabis possession, and more. Advertisement News coverage of digital forensics often celebrates its role in prosecuting serious felonies. But when it comes to reproductive rights, Conti-Cook says, the same tools will be a powerful [asset] to police and prosecutors in a more criminalized landscape for abortion seekers. Conti-Cooks research examines the cases of pregnant women whose personal data helped secure their convictions. In 2017, Latice Fisher, a Black woman, arrived at a Mississippi hospital after losing a pregnancy at home. Because she had admitted during an earlier gynecological exam that she was pregnant but never returned for an ultrasound, suspicious medical officials handed her medical records to police, who launched an investigation. Since Fisher had voluntarily surrendered her phone, prosecutors were able to scrape her search history, which included searches for misoprostol, and used it as evidence that she had intentionally killed her fetus. She was charged with second-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conti-Cook argues that Fishers case isnt an anomaly but a sobering forecast of whats to come. Large carve-outs and exceptions give law enforcement wide latitude to utilize mass extraction tools, she says, which will inevitably expose everyonenot just pregnant peopleto this sort of digital self-incrimination. Even in the realm of reproductive rights, its not just abortion at stake: Conti-Cook says shes recently heard from home-birth advocates worried about similar surveillance. Digital tracking of pregnant people and abortion providers doesnt stop with law enforcement. The anti-abortion movement has its own forensics operation: Individuals will film people who visit or work at clinics, recording details like license plate numbers as patients and their escorts come and go. Christian fundamentalist anti-abrotion group Operation Rescue maintains a database, AbortionDocs.org, that lists the names, workplaces, and sometimes home addresses of abortion providers. Advertisement In the late 1990s, the Nuremberg Files websitean AbortionDocs.org precursor run by militant anti-abortion activist Neal Horsleylisted the personal information, home addresses, phone numbers, and photos of 200 abortionists with fake wanted posters. That had real-life ramifications. In 1993, David Gunn and George Patterson, two Florida doctors whose home and clinic addresses Horsley published, were shot to death within five months of each other. Advertisement Advertisement After a prolonged legal battle, a federal appeals court ruled Horsleys site a threat lacking First Amendment protections, and ordered it taken down. Today, there are relatively few restrictions on private surveillance, and courts often wont grant injunctions to targets of anti-abortion surveillance or other monitoring. Some advocates see that as tacit encouragement to groups like Operation Rescue. Advertisement Other forms of surveillance, such as geofencingthe use of location data to target people in a given areaare completely legal and widely used by all sorts of businesses. (Its the same technology that sends you Target coupons when you walk inside a Target, says Conti-Cook.) Advertisement Advertisement We have this idea of what privacy means that comes from a time when to violate it was more work. Weaponized by anti-abortion activists, it can yield more destructive results. People anxiously waiting at a clinic, scrolling on their phones, have been served ads from crisis pregnancy centers, religious anti-abortion operations that often target low-income women with misleading information on abortion reversal, an unsafe, unscientific method of stopping medication abortions by flooding the body with the hormone progesterone. As Mother Jones Stephanie Mencimer reported, one California center was caught using surveillance tech to send targeted ads. Advertisement So far, Massachusetts is the only state to ban geofencing near clinics, the result of a 2015 lawsuit in which a Boston technology company was barred from sending targeted ads on behalf of anti-abortion clients. And anti-abortion groups, many flush with cash, can easily pay to fill the first few pages of Google search results with crisis pregnancy centers. Thats just how Google ads work, says the digital security expert who spoke to me. It means that anybody with enough money can willfully distort access to a free and open internet. Meta (formerly Facebook) has netted more than $140,000 from ads pushing abortion reversal, which have been viewed more than 18 million times, predominantly by minors. Advertisement Advertisement Weve decided in America that abortions are a consumer good, said a digital security expert I spoke with, and not a right. (The expert requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of their work around abortion rights.) In a recent report, the Center for Intimacy Justice, which advocates equality in advertising for sexual health and wellness, found that businesses serving the health needs of women and gender-diverse populations faced unequal, often more severe monitoring and regulation of their digital ads. Advertisers under the categories of pregnancy, fertility, or pelvic pain frequently had their ads flagged as adult content and removed from Facebook, while ads for erectile dysfunction treatments or anti-abortion propaganda stayed online. Meta told the New York Times that it doesnt enforce a blanket ban on adult content but maintains stringent semantic distinctions on how sexual and reproductive health companies can promote products. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers attempts to regulate whats said and done online can cut into what limited protections do exist. The EARN IT Act, first introduced in 2020, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in February. If enacted, it would revise the Communications Decency Actwhich grants internet providers immunity for illegal third-party contentwith measures meant to curb online child abuse, such as compelling companies to provide the government with backdoors around any and all encryption, and requiring internet providers to scan much or all of their users activity for potential red flags. The bill has been decried by privacy advocates, who argue that it would endanger activists, sex workers, and other marginalized people. Advertisement Advertisement Another extreme bill in Oklahomas Legislature would establish a statewide government database of all people seeking abortions. Each person would be assigned a unique identifying number and connected with a pre-abortion resource assistant who is legally barred from referring actual abortion services. Advertisement But theres also growing legislative momentum around consumer data protections. In 2018, California passed the California Consumer Privacy Act, one of the most stringent privacy laws in the country, which allows users to opt out of the collection and sale of their data. And Democratic House Reps. Anna Eshoo and Jan Schakowsky, alongside Sen. Cory Booker, recently introduced the Banning Surveillance Advertising Act, which would curb ads targeted on the bases of protected class information, such as race, gender, and religion, and personal data purchased from data brokers. Location data, though, would still be fair game. In order to completely evade this multipronged ecosystem of surveillance, the digital security expert says, pregnant people would have to think and act like spies: concealing their browsing activity with a virtual private network, using an encrypted search engine, creating decoy emails, buying prepaid debit cards with cash, and mailing abortion medication to locations other than their home addresses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have this idea of what privacy means that comes from a time when to violate it was more work, the expert says. More realistically, they say, pregnant people, providers, and support networks can learn their rights and engage in small-scale disruptions to avoid detectionespecially in states that reward family, friends, or medical professionals for snitching on abortion seekers. That might mean using a public Wi-Fi connection or a decoy email to figure out how to break up this long chain of data. Digital Defense Fund, for example, provides cybersecurity resources and trainings to people seeking and providing abortions. In these ways and others, Conti-Cook says, digital autonomy and bodily autonomy are very closely related. And as their overlap grows, she sees a new opportunity to reevaluate what it means to give eitheror bothaway. The digital security expert I spoke to is frightened by what a post-Roe future would bring, not only for abortion access but for the right to privacy in the technological age. Cases like Griswold v. Connecticut, which protects married peoples rights to contraception, or Lawrence v. Texas, which strikes down laws that criminalize same-sex sexual conduct, draw on the same right to privacy the court carved out in Roe when it established the right to abortionand which the current courts draft opinion seems to dismiss. If I dont have a right to myself, says the digital security expert, then I sure as fuck dont have a right to my phone. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Jobs should be offered to Ukrainians at refugee centres, says expert. The need for more high-skilled workers is particularly acute in Slovakia's health care, IT, and manufacturing sectors. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled On March 9, two weeks into Russias invasion of Ukraine, Lilia Koveina arrived in Slovakia, escaping the war. Now, she is trying to also earn enough money to live a decent life and financially support her relatives who remained behind. With degrees in international economic relations and English from two universities in Dnipro, central Ukraine, where she lived before the fighting began, the English teacher thought it would not be difficult to find a job in Slovakia. Popular service returns. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Kosice airport is gearing up for new flight destinations after two years of the coronavirus pandemic, as the summer season arrives with flights announced to eleven destinations in eight different countries. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Kosice Airport spokesperson Karolina Linhartova said the first flight of the summer season, expected to begin at the start of June, will be to Antalya, Turkey. Related article Related article Flights to Zagreb, Sicily and Dalaman. Summer flight schedule in Bratislava airport launched Read more "We are very happy that after two challenging seasons significantly influenced by the pandemic, this summer will see the return of a holiday atmosphere to our airport," said CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kosice Airport Thomas Dworschak. Meanwhile, a popular packing service has been reintroduced at the airport, while its play area for children has been improved to include new books from a local children's library. Related article Related article Kosice restores direct flights to Germany Read more Routes from Kosice Airport which will be operated during the summer include to: Burgas, Bulgaria; Brac, Croatia; Larnaca, southern Cyprus; Ercan, northern Cyprus; Hurghada and Marsa Alam, both Egypt; Corfu, Crete, and Rhodos, Greece; Antalya, Turkey; and Monastir, Tunisia. Currently, five companies operate regular flights from Kosice, including Austrian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Eurowings. Flash The Chinese Embassy in the United States on Tuesday rebuked the U.S. State Department's recent false claims that Chinese officials and media "routinely amplify Kremlin's propaganda, conspiracy theories, and disinformation" on the Ukraine issue. Asked by the press to comment on a statement posted Monday on the U.S. State Department's website, the embassy's spokesperson said "China's position on the Ukraine issue is impartial, objective and beyond reproach." "When it comes to spreading disinformation, the U.S. side should seriously reflect on itself," the spokesperson said, noting that "Over the years, the U.S. has waged wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, killing 335,000 civilians. This is not disinformation." "The vast majority of countries in the world stand for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and negotiation, and none of them wants to see the situation escalate or even get out of control. This is not disinformation," the spokesperson added. "In the working document submitted by the U.S. to the meeting of the State Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in November 2021, the U.S. admitted that it has 26 biolabs in Ukraine. According to the fact sheet released by the Department of Defense in March 2022, the U.S. is supporting 46 facilities in Ukraine," the spokesperson said. "These are not disinformation." The spokesperson urged Washington to welcome joint verification by the international community under the UN and the BWC, adding that "blaming and smearing just won't solve the problem." Flash A leaked draft majority opinion from the Supreme Court on abortion rights has sent a jolt through the United States. According to the internal document obtained by Politico and published on Monday night, the Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Rejection of abortion rights The draft opinion "is a full-throated, unflinching repudiation" of the 1973 decision which guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights, and a subsequent 1992 decision -- Planned Parenthood v. Casey -- that largely maintained the right, Politico wrote. "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start," Justice Samuel Alito stated in the document, labeled as the "Opinion of the Court." "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled," the conservative argues. "It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives." A person familiar with the court's deliberations told Politico that four of the other Republican-appointed justices -- Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett -- had voted with Alito in the conference held among the justices after hearing oral arguments in December, and that line-up remains unchanged as of this week. The three Democratic-appointed justices -- Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan -- are working on one or more dissents, according to the person. How Chief Justice John Roberts will ultimately vote, and whether he will join an already written opinion or draft his own, remains to be seen. Not yet a court decision The Supreme Court confirmed the authenticity of the document on Tuesday but underlined "it does not represent a decision by the Court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case." "To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed," Roberts said in a statement. Noting that "the work of the Court will not be affected in any way," the chief justice also directed the court's marshal to launch an investigation into the source of the leak. Jonathan Peters, a media law professor at the University of Georgia, tweeted that the U.S. Supreme Court "has kept its secrets and has kept confidential its internal processes and deliberations," adding that leaks from the institution "are rare and remarkable, but they are not unprecedented." The draft majority opinion, if adopted, would effectively eliminate abortion protections at the federal level and hand authority over abortion access to the states. Biden's reaction U.S. President Joe Biden weighed in on the bombshell on Tuesday, saying that he believes that "a woman's right to choose is fundamental." "Roe has been the law of the land for almost fifty years, and basic fairness and the stability of our law demand that it not be overturned," the Democrat stressed. "If the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation's elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman's right to choose." Top congressional Republicans have flocked to condemn the leak, calling it a coordinated campaign to intimidate and obstruct Supreme Court justices. "Last night's stunning breach was an attack on the independence of the Supreme Court," Senate Minority and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. "This lawless action should be investigated and punished as fully as possible." Partisan disputes With the midterms just six months away, the Democratic and Republican leaders also went at each other on the Senate floor on Tuesday. "The Supreme Court is poised to inflict the greatest restriction of rights in the past 50 years not just on women but on all Americans," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. "Under this decision, our children will have less rights." "The far left has been shamelessly attacking it," McConnell responded. "Democrats in Congress have endorsed partisan plans for partisan court-packing, sent the Justices threatening legal briefs, scheduled sham hearings to smear judges." Neal Katyal, former acting solicitor general of the United States, described it as "the first major leak from the Supreme Court ever." "Once the draft is circulated, the justices in dissent will write an opinion," Katyal tweeted. "But the tenative vote seems strong, and Chief Justice Roberts is irrelevant if the 4 + Alito hold with their tentative votes." "So there is the possibility an opinion can flip after oral argument and the tentative vote, so it's theoretically powerful the Alito opinion won't be the vote of the Court," he analyzed. "But it would require a Justice BESIDES Chief Justice Roberts to flip." Protesters of opposing sides gathered outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, holding posters while chanting slogans. Capitol Police tweeted at noon that they have temporarily closed roads around the area "out of an abundance of caution, in order to keep the public safe." The draft opinion under scrutiny was in response to a case stemming from a 2018 Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case before its term ends in late June or early July. Potential impact and survey results Without Roe, abortion would immediately become illegal in at least 13 states across the United States, while Republican-led states are already moving to pass and enact restrictive laws. A new ABC News/Washington Post poll found that majorities of Americans support upholding Roe, say abortion should be legal in all or most cases and see abortion as a decision to be made by a woman and her doctor, not by lawmakers. In the poll completed last week, by contrast, 57 percent of Americans oppose a ban after 15 weeks; 58 percent say abortion should be legal in all or most cases; and 54 percent say the court should uphold Roe, compared with 28 percent who say the ruling should be overturned. Regarding state-level action, 36 percent say laws on access to abortion in their state should be left as they are now and 33 percent say access to abortion should be easier than it is now. Fewer, 25 percent, say abortion access should be harder than it is currently. The Supreme Court is the final appellate court of the U.S. judicial system, with the power to review and overturn lower court decisions, and is also generally the final interpreter of federal law, including the nation's constitution. Justices circulate draft opinions internally as a routine and essential part of the high court's confidential deliberative work. Besides abortion, the Supreme Court will rule on cases involving other major issues, including affirmative action and guns this summer. It is that time of the year when school gives way to all sorts of outdoor activities and the second Blood Drive in 2022, said Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department EMT Barb Keegan. The Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting the blood drive on May 11 at the fire hall. If you are 18 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health, please consider scheduling your blood donation, said Keegan. The Western Nebraska Blood Center (WNBC) will be drawing blood from 7:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. with the process being very similar to recent events, Keegan said. If you reserve a time in advance, the entire activity should take about 30 minutes. Blood drawn by WNBC stays in the region, with blood supplies going to Box Butte General Hospital, Regional West Medical Center and other hospitals throughout the Nebraska Panhandle so each unit donated is helping a neighbor in need. You may go online to www.volunteersignup.org/Y78AD to reserve a time for your donation, said Keegan. If you do not have access to an electronic device or have questions, you may call Jim at 308-760-4503, Barb at 308-760-0804 or any HVFD member to assist you in this process. Our goal is to send back 45 units of blood so we can give others the gift of another tomorrow, Keegan said. Stay safe. 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. Snow-Redfern Foundation is honored to announce that eight high school seniors have been selected as scholarship recipients for the Snow-Redfern Foundation managed scholarship funds. Three young people were selected by the Snow-Redfern Foundation to receive the Hempel Family Scholarship in the fall of 2022. Braelyn Shrewsbury, of Alliance, will be pursuing a degree Veterinary Technology from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Emma Wood, of Alliance, will be attending University of Nebraska at Omaha for a bachelors degree in Secondary Education and masters degree in School Counseling. Julie Johnson, of Hemingford, will be attending Western Nebraska Community College to pursue a degree in Social Work. Four students were selected for the K.M. Dahlstedt Scholarship, to be awarded for the fall of 2022. Zane Stoike, of Alliance, will attend Western Nebraska Community College to pursue a degree in Powerline Construction and Maintenance. Braelyn Shrewsbury, of Alliance, will be pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Abigail Burri, of Alliance, will attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney in pursuit of a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Luna Gonzalez, of Alliance, will be attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha in pursuit of a bachelors degree in Nursing Science. The sole recipient of the Kevin Horn Scholarship was Liliana Cuevas, of Hemingford. She will be attending Western Nebraska Community College to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Preference for these three scholarship programs is given to young people attending Hemingford or Alliance Public Schools, with plans to remain in Nebraska following completion of their higher education. We are honored to offer this opportunity, which pays tribute to the memory of Edward M. and Eda S. Hempel and K.M. Dahlstedt, and honors or former board member, Kevin Horn. We are pleased to award this scholarship to students, such as Braelyn, Emma, Julie, Liliana, Zane, Luna, and Abigail- all whom possess impressive qualities, including leadership, service, and dedication to academic studies, commented Sara Nicholson, Executive Director of Snow-Redfern Foundation. We have been blessed with the opportunity to award the ongoing generous gifts honoring Mr. and Ms. Hempel, who were consistently generous contributors to Snow-Redfern Foundation, formerly the Nebraska Boys Ranch. Mr. Hempel was a long-time board member and he and his family supported the youth at Nebraska Boys Ranch through service and contributions intended to impact the lives of the youth placed at the Ranch, shared Snow-Redfern Foundations Grant & Scholarship Committee Chairperson, Andrew Hunzeker. This year we were also honored to received two additional scholarship gifts and are thankful to the Dahlstedt family and Kevin Horn for supporting the future success of these students. Snow-Redfern Foundation believes in the power of opportunity and invites those interested in creating impact for youth to Join them in investing in the good life for kids. Join us by investing in the good life for kids - https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/snow-redfern-memorial-foundation/donor-campaign In conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week the Scottsbluff Public Schools Foundation will be hosting the second annual Staff Appreciation Festival Friday, May 6. The event will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the 18th Street Plaza. Food vendors and family friendly activities will be available as well as live music featuring the sounds of Daniel Martinez and Jarana. This event is free and open to the public. The community is encouraged to attend to show appreciation for SBPS teachers and staff. This event is made possible by sponsor Riverstone Bank and the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Shanghai FTZ's Lingang new area welcomes first foreign bank Xinhua) 08:42, May 05, 2022 Aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows a view of Lingang new area of the Shanghai free trade zone. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) SHANGHAI, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The administrative committee of Lingang new area of the Shanghai free trade zone (FTZ) has announced that United Overseas Bank (UOB) China is expected to open in the third quarter of this year. The landing of the first foreign bank shows that foreign investors are full of confidence in the development prospects of Lingang and China's financial market, according to the administrative committee. UOB China said it will continue to provide one-stop financial services for Chinese and foreign enterprises with its business network strength in ASEAN, while focusing on creating cross-border financial innovation solutions with the policy advantages in Lingang. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) SCOTTSBLUFF Regional West recently welcomed two new surgeons to its medical staff. Eduardo Gonzalez Barreda, MD, is a plastic surgeon at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative care while ensuring confidentiality and professionalism. Dr. Gonzalez Barreda earned a medical degree from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Medical School, Monterrey, Mexico, and completed plastic surgery residency training at NYU School of Medicine Hansjorg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York, New York. Rodney Samuelson, MD, is a neurosurgeon at Regional West Physicians Clinic-Neurosurgery & Spine Center. As the areas only neurosurgery practice, Dr. Samuelson and his colleagues provide compassionate, comprehensive neurosurgical care for diseases of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, including chronic pain and degenerative diseases of the neck and lower back. Dr. Samuelson earned a medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, and completed neurosurgery residency training at Medical College of Virginia Hospital, Richmond. He completed an endovascular neurosurgery fellowship at the University at Buffalo Department of Neurosurgery, Buffalo, New York; and an open cerebrovascular/skull base fellowship at Barrow Neurosurgical Associates, Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Samuelson is board certified in Neurological Surgery. To learn more about these physicians, visit rwhs.org/find-provider. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Riverside Discovery Center announced the death of one of its 5-year-old Grizzly Bears Thursday morning. Anthony Mason, executive director at Riverside Discovery Center (RDC), told the Star-Herald, that Bandit, one of two 5-year-old Grizzly Bears at the zoo died this week after battling an illness. Bandit and his brother, Smokey, arrived at the facility when they were approximately 10 months after their mother had been killed in Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park, when they were just a few months old. According to Mason, animal care staff noticed Bandit had a loss of appetite and immediately notified the zoos veterinarian. The veterinarian examined Bandit and started him on medication that day but the bears health continued to decline. After 24 hours, zoo staff transported Bandit via the RDC carnivore crate to Colorado State Universitys (CSU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital for further testing. Bandit returned to RDC with a treatment plan that was a coordinated effort from their own veterinarian, a team at CSU and veterinarians from around the world specializing in the treatment of bears. After a week of extensive effort, supportive care and medical treatments, Mason said, Bandit quietly died at RDC in the night. This is an incredibly tough loss for all of the staff, Mason said. The staff and everybody involved with the effort did everything they could. We did the best we could and left no stone unturned. A necropsy has been done by the facilitys veterinarian and testing has also been done at the Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. The tests revealed that Bandit succumbed to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain usually due to infection. At this time, we have been able to eliminate many causes but there has been no firm conclusion as to the cause of the encephalitis, Mason said. The zoo's second bear, Smokey, has been under close observation and no unusual activity or change in appetite has occurred. He has also been getting multiple enrichment opportunities throughout the day and extra attention from RDC staff. Mason said that Smokey is doing well, going about his days as he normally would. Its not very often you meet an animal that seems like they can see into your soul, but Bandit was that animal for me, Sierra Spears, RDC zookeeper, said. Bandit pushed me to be a better keeper for him and try to find new ways to challenge him every single day. Mason said every member of the RDC team is heartbroken at this time. This was unexpected and I want to assure the community that we did everything we could for Bandit. Nicole Heldt is a reporter with the Star-Herald, covering agriculture. She can be reached at 308-632-9044 or by email at nheldt@starherald.com. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 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 Scottsbluff Rural Fire Department is holding its annual pancake breakfast Saturday, May 7. The breakfast will be held from 7-11 a.m. at the fire station, 1717 E. 15th St. Admission is $7; children 4 and under, free. Firefighters will be serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, breads and beverages. There will also be several raffle items. Proceeds will support purchases of supplies, equipment and fire prevention education. Firefighters will be available for burn permits and to answer questions about becoming a volunteer firefighter and fire prevention. Smoke detectors will also be available. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form As it will be in communities across all 50 states, individuals will join together in prayer in Marion for this country Thursday. A gathering of pastors and individuals is scheduled to occur at noon at the flagpole next to Marions town hall on Main Street. The National Day of Prayer observance was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed by President Harry Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan set the day on the first Thursday of May. President Joe Biden is expected to issue a presidential National Day of Prayer proclamation Thursday. The 2021 proclamation, in part, read: Today, we remember and celebrate the role that the healing balm of prayer can play in our lives and in the life of our Nation. As we continue to confront the crises and challenges of our time from a deadly pandemic, to the loss of lives and livelihoods in its wake, to a reckoning on racial justice, to the existential threat of climate change Americans of faith can call upon the power of prayer to provide hope and uplift us for the work ahead. As the late Congressman John Lewis once said, Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet. The 2022 theme is Exalt the Lord Who has Established Us based on the theme verse, Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB), which reads: Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force, the theme is set against the backdrop of a painting created exclusively for the National Day of Prayer by Christian artist Ron DiCianni. The image, according to DiCianni, illustrates Gods people joining His angels in exalting Him as we pray, because He is God Almighty. We have bold access to His throne and passionate confidence as we pray because he has established us in this nation and is working in the heavenlies to accomplish all that He has purposed as we pray for America! Marions National Day of Prayer event is organized by Ken Heath, and Heath said in a news release that he is anticipating a strong turnout. Weve commemorated this day every year I can remember, he said, even during the pandemic, and each time, our community has come together for continued blessing even when our events were virtual. Being able to gather again is always a celebration, and this event is one of the most important ones on my personal calendar as we gather to give thanks and ask for mercy, forgiveness, and continued blessings for myself, our community, our nation and our world. All area pastors are invited to participate in offering a prayer. The program will conclude with a singing of hymns. Our praise of His unchanging attributes and remembrance of His blessings has helped Americans remain steadfast in faith even through the most challenging of times, said National Day of Prayer Task Force President Kathy Branzell. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we do not waver today in this practice of praise and expressions of faith, love, and thanks as we unite in prayer across America on this National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer broadcast, produced this year in collaboration with Pray.com and The Museum of the Bible, will air on television and radio, and will be streamed through social media at 8 p.m. ET. For station and social media information, visit www.nationaldayofprayer.org. CLARK COUNTY A Longview man will serve 28 days in Clark County Jail for a Woodland Interstate-5 accident that occurred in March. Landon J. Sexsmith pleaded guilty Monday in Clark County Superior Court to vehicular assault and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In addition to receiving jail time for the felony of vehicular assault, Sexsmith also was sentenced to 24 months of work crew for the gross misdemeanor of driving under the influence. Sexsmith was 19 years old when he was arrested March 5 after causing a single-vehicle crash on I-5 near Woodland, which injured his 14-year-old passenger, according to the Washington State Patrol. The Washington State Patrol reports Sexsmith attempted to pass on the left shoulder, lost control and crashed his 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup into a cable barrier. Sexsmith was not injured, but his passenger was transported to the hospital. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 1 Jacob Cole will be moving from Alaska to serve as the next director of the Longview Public Library. Longview officials Tuesday announced Cole's selection as the new library director beginning June 1. Cole has been working as the assistant director of the Anchorage Public Library since 2019 and served as Anchorages interim library director for three months in 2021 while the city went through its own hiring process. Cole helped other librarians go through training and goal-setting exercises when he was working in Florida. When he was participating in the exercises with them, he always set the same long-term goal: become a library director in the Pacific Northwest. Cole has family in the Portland area and said he was inspired by a mentor to become a hands-on leader for a library. I love trying to figure out how to go from a concept or an idea and make it a reality. Ive always liked the whole idea of being the person who is able to do all that, Cole said. A native Floridian, Cole holds a master's degree in library and information science from the University of South Florida. Cole said he started his career working at two local library systems in Florida where he gained experience as a childrens librarian, a reference librarian and a technology specialist. Given his long-standing career in library services, Jacob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the library, city manager Kurt Sacha said in the statement announcing the hiring of Cole. Cole replaces Chris Skaugset, who stepped down in January after 19 years as library director. Cole visited the Longview Public Library twice this spring, once as a detour from a national library conference held in Portland and once to be interviewed for the director's position. Cole said he was impressed by the beauty of the library building, which celebrated its 96th anniversary last week, and Longview in general. One of the immediate things Cole wants to do is bring the library up to full staffing and return to pre-pandemic business hours. After that, Cole said he plans to talk to people around town to see what they want the library to focus on. You get to facilitate a communitys vision of what they want the library service to be like. You do so by building relationships with people, talking to them and putting it all together to create something everyone can be proud of, Cole said. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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 driver swung open the yellow school bus doors, allowing a buzzing crowd of incoming students to jump aboard for their first bus ride at this years Kinderpalooza. The event Tuesday evening at Coweeman Middle School in Kelso saw 357 attendees who came with their children to meet their teachers, talk to the school nurses, get snacks and learn more about early learning options in the Kelso School District. Were excited to get to know the teachers, and get her on a school bus, said Makenzie Hougaard, who attended so she could consider transitional kindergarten for her 4-year-old daughter. We thought that would be fun for her. It was Hougaards first Kinderpalooza, as her daughter is just about to enter the school system. She heard about the event from a mailed-in flyer and decided attending would help get the family acquainted with their school district. Federal Title I funds and the states Learning Assistance Program pay for Kinderpalooza, said event coordinator Jan Rauth. These programs set aside money for the district to host family outreach events, Kinderpalooza being a prime example. Some people from the community and district, like the bus drivers, volunteered their time on Tuesday evening, she said. We all know the importance of parent-family engagement, Rauth said. The event came as both Longview and Kelso districts are faced with dropping enrollment even after students returned to the classroom this school year. Transitional kindergarten programs are relatively new and highly encouraged within the school district, said Kathy Kegler, a transitional kindergarten teacher at Barnes Elementary School. Certified teachers and paraeducators set up a booth to speak to parents who had questions about the program, which hosts 90 students across six classrooms in the Kelso School District. Kegler said the goal in these classrooms is to prepare them for kindergarten by teaching them some literacy and math skills, but also kindness and respect in the classroom. I cannot believe the growth my students have made, Kegler said. Kristal Paul, transitional kindergarten teacher at Butler Acres Elementary School, said she has students who, at 4 years old, are able to write their names and some full sentences, a skill that will help them when they start as kindergarten students. Theyre just like sponges at that age ... Theyre making such tremendous progress, Paul said. Applications to register 4-year-old children in transitional kindergarten opened April 25 and close Nov. 10, with classes set to begin Jan. 4, 2023. Each classroom has a limit of 15 students, and completing an application does not guarantee placement. Booths for other early learning and community resources set up at Kinderpalooza so parents could ask about Preschool Pups, Kelso Virtual Academy, the family resource center and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, said Kim Yore, director of teaching and learning. There are a lot more community resources this year, and its a lot more organized, Yore said. Attendance grew from last years Kinderpalooza, which saw 303 families who checked in, Rauth said. School nurses also attended to answer caregiver questions about their students health, and district employees also were there to confirm for parents which school their student was zoned to attend. Parents can get their questions answered, and they have that personal connection before they get to school, said April Huff, registrar at Kelso Virtual Academy who helped with the booths at Kinderpalooza. Parent Amanda Corbin said she came with her 5-year-old son to check out the Wallace Elementary School booth and give him a chance to ride the school bus. So far its been good, its interesting, Corbin said of her first Kinderpalooza. I think at some point they should push to maybe have it at the schools so you can actually see inside. But overall its a good idea. 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. Apple Inc. was hit by a formal antitrust complaint from the European Union over how it handles iPhone payment services Apple Inc. was hit by a formal antitrust complaint from the European Union over how it handles iPhone payment services, an area where regulators say the tech giant favors its own technology over rival platforms. The European Commission sent a so-called statement of objections alleging that the company abuses its control over mobile wallets by limiting how third-party firms can provide services on the iPhone. The move escalates a probe that began nearly two years ago. If confirmed, the company could face hefty fines under EU antitrust rules. Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here. Also read: The issue centers on Apple Pay, which customers can use via the iPhones near field communication chip. That allows them to tap to pay, something that isnt available for rival services, such as PayPal. Apple is planning to open up the technology so vendors can use it to accept payments, but customers still wont be able to use the tap feature to make payments with rival services -- a more pressing need for most phone owners. The situation would seem to create an unequal playing field, EU regulators said. We have indications that Apple restricted third-party access to key technology necessary to develop rival mobile wallet solutions on Apples devices, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in a statement Monday. The EUs charge sheet makes a preliminary finding that the company may have restricted competition, to the benefit of its own solution. The decision to ramp up its probe comes weeks after the EU approved sweeping new rules to rein in how U.S. tech firms operate in the region. The measures, designed to work alongside traditional antitrust powers, aim to prevent companies from abusing their power as gatekeepers to digital technology. The Apple Pay probe was one of two cases that the European Commission opened in June 2020, part of efforts by Vestager to rein in powerful tech companies. It follows the EUs decision in 2016 to hit Apple with a record 13 billion-euro ($13.7 billion) tax bill, which is subject to a pending court case following the companys successful appeal at a lower EU court. Read more: Apple keeps payments tech for itself and Europe has had enough Apple defends its approach by noting the popularity of rival services on the iPhone. That includes PayPal, which is widespread in Europe, and some other options that are more popular than Apple Pay in certain European countries: MobilePay (Denmark), Swish (Sweden) and Payconiq (Belgium). The company also said it gives all banks equal access to the payment system, with 2,500 banks in Europe connected, as well as smaller fintech companies and upstart financial services. We designed Apple Pay to provide an easy and secure way for users to digitally present their existing payment cards and for banks and other financial institutions to offer contactless payments for their customers, Apple said in a statement, saying it will continue to engage with the commission to ensure European consumers have access to the payment option of their choice in a safe and secure environment. The EU move could pave the way for multibillion-euro fines and an order to change how Apple does business. But the company will have the chance to contest the EUs findings in writing and at a hearing. Coinbase Global Inc. and 2TM Participacoes SA scrapped talks over a possible purchase by the exchange of the Brazilian cryptocurrency brokerage, people familiar with the matter said. Coinbase Global Inc. and 2TM Participacoes SA scrapped talks over a possible purchase by the exchange of the Brazilian cryptocurrency brokerage, people familiar with the matter said. The negotiations, which 2TM had hired JPMorgan Chase & Co. to advise in, could have resulted in a controlling acquisition or a minority stake sale. 2TM declined to comment on the deal. Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here. Also read: Coinbase is committed to the Brazilian market and has local tech and business leadership in place, a company spokesperson said in a statement. The U.S. crypto exchange hired former Uber and PicPay executive Fabio Tonetto Plein as a country director for Brazil last week and is expanding local hiring there. The 2TM deal would have helped Coinbases push into international expansion, which it believes will help it generate more active users. The crypto exchange is also reportedly in talks to buy Turkish crypto exchange BtcTurk. 2TM raised $50 million in November from investors including 10T Holdings, a U.S. private equity firm focused on the digital asset ecosystem, and Tribe Capital, a San Francisco-based venture capital fund. It also secured a $200 million capitalization from the Softbank Latin America Fund in July that valued the company at $2.1 billion, making it the second crypto unicorn in Latin America. The company is most known for being the parent of Mercado Bitcoin SA, the first crypto brokerage firm in Brazil. Coinbases stock closed at $123.56 on Tuesday, up almost 2% from a day earlier. The Sun fired a massive X-class solar flare, says NASA. It missed the Earth by mere inches- in terms of space distance! Know what could have happened if it struck our planet. NASA, on May 3rd, tweeted that it observed a solar flare peaking at 9:25 AM EDT (6:55 PM IST) and it was caught in its Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) footage. While the space agency did not discuss any specific guidelines regarding its effects on Earth, it revealed that the solar storm missed Earth by a very small distance. Given that the solar flare captured was a one, the resultant solar storm could have led to some damage to communications infra on Earth. With the solar maximum nearing close, the intensity of solar storms have also been on the rise with radio blackouts and GPS interruptions happening every other week. The event took place on the sun's lower left side. As reported by Space.com, the solar flare has been registered as an X1.1-class. This is the second such incident in a week coming from the Sun. Another active region of the Sun which has since turned away from Earth unleashed an X1.1-class flare on April 30. For the unaware, the solar flares classes are in the sequence of A, B, C, M, and X. The A is the tiniest, and the X is the largest. All the categories have nine subdivisions starting from the form A1 to A9 and ending at X1 to X9. Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here. Also read: "Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation. Harmful radiation from a flare cannot pass through Earth's atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground. However when intense enough they can disturb the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel." NASA tweeted about the event. Massive solar flare sets off in Sun, misses the Earth by a narrow margin According to SpaceWeather.com, the sunspot from the location of the flare has not yet been named. The source is said to be a new unnumbered sunspot emerging over the Sun's southeastern limb. Generally, auroras on the Earth are seen after a solar flare when the charged particles are released in outer space in the form of coronal mass ejection (CME) and interact with the Earth's upper atmosphere. When the Earth is in the direction of the outburst, the particles move across our planet's magnetic field lines and excite molecules higher up in the atmosphere, creating a colourful display of lights. But auroras are not the only thing these storms cause. They can also damage satellites, disrupt GPS systems, mobile connectivity and internet services as well as cause power grid failures depending on how powerful they are. The sun activity was high through April, and it displayed multiple groups of sunspots while throwing flares in the range from moderate-sized to the X-class sized, which is the largest. The sun appears to be transitioning from the cycle while moving towards its peak of solar activity as forecasted by 2025. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are the American government agencies frequently monitoring the sun for its solar weather to determine its effects on Earth and other places within the solar system. The Parker Solar Probe, a sun closeup mission by NASA, is trying to understand more about the superheated outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona. In this Feb. 9, 2021, photo, the Bitcoin logo appears on the display screen of a cryptocurrency ATM at a store in Salem, N.H. California on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, became the first state to formally begin examining how to adapt to cryptocurrency and related technologies, following in the path laid out by President Joe Biden in March. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File California, which has a economy larger than all but four countries and where much of the world's technological innovation is born, on Wednesday became the first state to formally begin examining how to broadly adapt to cryptocurrency and related innovations. Following a path laid out by President Joe Biden in March, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for state agencies to move in tandem with the federal government to craft regulations for digital currencies. It also calls for officials to explore incorporating broader blockchain computer coding into the government operations. Evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency technology "is potentially an explosive creator of new companies and new jobs and new opportunities," said Dee Dee Myers, a senior advisor to Newsom and director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. "So there are a lot of opportunities," she said. "There's also a lot of unknowns in the industry and so that's another reason we want to engage early." Newsom's order says the statehome to Silicon Valley and financial innovators like PayPal and Squareshould be out front in figuring out how to adapt to new technologies. "Too often government lags behind technological advancements, so we're getting ahead of the curve on this, laying the foundation to allow for consumers and business to thrive," Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. California has about 39 million residents and its economy is more than $3.1 trillion, larger than the United Kingdom and India. Newsom said his order is a step toward making it the nation's first state "to establish a comprehensive, thoughtful, and harmonized regulatory and business environment for crypto assets." Cryptocurrencies, which are built on blockchain database technology, have exploded in popularity in recent years. About 16% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrencies and the percentage is much higher among younger men. Biden's executive order in part asks the Federal Reserve to consider whether it should create its own digital currency. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., on Jan. 10, 2022. California on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, became the first state to formally begin examining how to adapt to cryptocurrency and related technologies, following in the path laid out by President Joe Biden in March. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for California agencies to move in tandem with the federal government to craft regulations for digital currencies. Credit: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli Blockchain creates the underlying transparency of a decentralized but publicly viewable ledger. The technology can also be used to record other types of information, such as property records. The records are held on many computers that together form a global network so that no one and no institution can control them. There is heavy disagreement about the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, even among some of the world's richest people. Elon Musk is an avid supporter of dogecoin while Warren Buffet recently said he wouldn't pay $25 for all of the world's bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Each bitcoin is currently valued at about $38,000 but fluctuates wildly. California's approach will help to legitimize the technology and bring it into the mainstream, said cryptocurrency skeptic Hilary Allen, a financial regulation professor at American University in Washington, D.C. But she doesn't think it's the best approach for the state and its residents. She said private investors are most likely to benefit, while state government should seek simpler technological solutions rather than turning to technology that "is by its very nature complex and inefficient." "While this approach will create more of a market for crypto ... it is unlikely to produce the best outcomes for users of public services in California," Allen said. California may be first to try to develop a comprehensive approach, but Ohio was the first to attempt to accept virtual currency for government services in 2018, though the program was soon discontinued because few people used it. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, said in February that his state would begin accepting cryptocurrency for government services later this year. California lawmakers are among many around the the U.S. who have offered related legislation. But a bill by Democratic Sen. Sydney Kamlager to allow California to accept crypto assets for state services failed in its first committee this year and a similar bill by Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is stalled. An advertisement for Bitcoin cryptocurrency is displayed on a street in Hong Kong, on Feb. 17, 2022. California on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, became the first state to formally begin examining how to adapt to cryptocurrency and related technologies, following in the path laid out by President Joe Biden in March. Credit: AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File Similar measures have been introduced in Arizona, Wyoming and other states. Despite the potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency, Newsom's order says California should take the lead in figuring out how to adapt to the technological evolution. His order builds on a July 2020 report by the California Blockchain Working Group, which examined the use of blockchain along with its risks and benefits. California that same year created a new Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from what had been the Department of Business Oversight, with a goal of evaluating emerging risks and opportunities while protecting consumers. Newsom's order calls for the department to develop guidelines for disclosures by companies when they offer financial products and services related to cryptocurrencies. It will also provide guidelines for state-chartered banks and credit unions regarding crypto-related products. The department will respond to consumer complaints, work with crypto companies to resolve consumer complaints and take enforcement action when needed. It will also publish consumer education materials, including advice on avoiding crypto-related scams and frauds. Newsom's order directs a separate agency to solicit proposals for how best to use blockchain to help the state and the public. "It is critical that we engage early with industry and start learning the pros and cons of innovative technology early," said Amy Tong, secretary of California's Government Operations Agency. "We can take the next steps towards getting ahead of the curve and harnessing potential of these tools to make government better." Explore further UK plans rules for some cryptocurrencies amid global effort 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain While some white-knuckle over the turbulence made by billionaire Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, one University of Central Florida student is flying high without any worry. UCF freshman Jack Sweeney caught the attention of the social media platform and Musk himself in 2020 after he created the aviation tracking Twitter bot account @ElonJet, which tracks the flight patterns of Musk's private jet and has 432,000 followers. Earlier this year, Musk reached out to Sweeney asking him to remove the account because of privacy concerns, offering the UCF IT major $5,000 to take it down. Sweeney countered with $50,000. He said Musk told him he would think about it but negotiations ended soon after. With Musk's $44 billion Twitter purchase, fans of @ElonJet are concerned the platform acquisition could ground the account's activities but Sweeney said he's not concerned about Musk shutting him down. "I'm not too worried about it, for myself," he said, focusing on other changes Musk might bring to Twitter. "I think it will do good for the platform. He wants to get rid of spam, make it more transparent. He likes to listen to customers and try to make things better. I think it's good for Twitter." Although, if Musk does remove the account, Sweeney has prepared contingency platforms where fans can continue to observe Musk's aerial movements. Still, Sweeney doubts the account will be removed because of Musk's comments about keeping the internet free. Musk tweeted his thoughts on the subject in favor of returning Twitter to a place of free speech without fear of banned accounts. While Musk has yet to release a plan for how he intends to run Twitter, he suggested there must be a heavier crackdown on fake Twitter accounts or Twitterbots. "He's always talking about freedom of speech, so if he did do something and shut (me) down, people would call him out on it," Sweeney said. Sweeney first made @ElonJet while he was in high school, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was interested in what the aerial information might reveal about potential Musk's business dealingsbut mostly because Sweeney was stuck inside and bored. "I was a fan of him, SpaceX and Tesla and all that. I knew about flight tracking and I knew he had a plane and thought it would be interesting to see where he goes," Sweeney said. Musk uses blocking software to stop people from tracking his flights but all takeoffs and landings are public information. So, Sweeney got to work on manually trying to identify Musk's flight patterns. Two months later, Sweeney launched @ElonJet, and soon after the account began to gain followers. Sweeney has run several other accounts tracking Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and others, but his Musk tracker remains the most popular. In September 2020, Sweeney caught his first whiff that Musk knew of his account when @ElonJet spotlighted Musk's plane in Hawaii. Twitter users began commenting on how Musk wouldn't take a vacation, and they were right. Musk explained he was there meeting business investor and Oracle Corporation co-founder Larry Ellison. Earlier this year, Sweeney said his phone notified him of a Twitter message from the "Dogefather" himself, Musk. "Can you take this down? It's a security risk." the message said. Then, Sweeney did what any person would do when being directly reached out to by one of the most powerful individuals in the world. Sweeney put his phone down and went to sleep. He left Musk unread until the following morning. Then, the two communicated back and forth talking about Musk's privacy concerns and exposure to potential threats. Sweeney discussed different blocking software Musk might be interested in using. Eventually, Musk offered Sweeney $5,000 to delete the account. Sweeney countered, asking for $50,000. He said Musk thought about it and eventually replied, "It doesn't feel right to pay to take it down." Last week, Sweeney noticed he couldn't locate Musk's jet, and realized Musk was attempting to hide his flight patterns from the @ElonJet using the blocking software Sweeney had recommended to him. "In some ways, it hides him more from other people, but since I know so much about the program and his movements, it actually made it easier for me to find him," Sweeney said. "There's only so many people with that blocking program filter and planes with it. His jet is always in Austin, Brownsville and (Los Angeles). He's the only person who does that on Earth." Sweeney does make money from ElonJet, "but it isn't a lot," he said. "It's rewarding in other ways. Like, I have my own community now." Best-case scenario, Sweeney hopes @ElonJet continues to soar through the open skies of a free speech internet and maybe even bring him to a land of opportunity. "I mean, I hope he reaches out to me again. Maybe he'll give me a job at Twitter." Sweeney laughed. Explore further Musk offloads $4 bn in Tesla shares after Twitter deal 2022 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. In February 2021, Texas suffered a major power crisis after severe winter storms caused failures across the states troubled power grid. The transition above shows NASA satellite images of nighttime lights in Houston before (Feb. 7) and after (Feb. 16) power outages caused by the storms. Some four million customers across the state were without power during the crisis. Credit: State of the Planet Though skeptics may characterize cryptocurrency as "fake money," "worse than tulip bulbs," or outright fraud, it is a very real business. The market capitalization of the almost 19,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation is currently around $1.75 trillionabout the same as the gross domestic product of Italy, the world's eighth largest economy. Even though you might not be able to buy a loaf of bread with Bitcoin at the corner store, many investors are putting a lot of legal tender money into cryptocurrencies. But crypto has a dirty little secret that is very relevant to the real world: it uses a lot of energy. How much energy? Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, currently consumes an estimated 150 terawatt-hours of electricity annuallymore than the entire country of Argentina, population 45 million. Producing that energy emits some 65 megatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annuallycomparable to the emissions of Greecemaking crypto a significant contributor to global air pollution and climate change. And crypto's thirst for energy is growing as mining companies race to build larger facilities to cash in on the 21st century gold rush. "Bitcoin mining operations are in an arms race between time, the volume of miners, and the efficiency of the machines they use," said Joshua D. Rhodes of the Center on Global Energy Policy. "When it comes to Bitcoin's energy use, it's currently something of a 'wildcatter' market. The Texas grid operator ERCOT estimates that crypto miners may increase energy demand by up to 6 gigawatts by mid-2023, roughly the equivalent of adding another Houston to the grid." As Bitcoin mining increasingly comes under fire for its growing energy use, the phenomenon may be approaching a tipping point where, in order to prove to be a true game changer, crypto will need to come clean and go green. The line goes up Bitcoin enthusiasts, or miners, earn coins by using computers to solve puzzles in the decentralized database that underpins it, the blockchain. In the early days of Bitcoin, about a decade ago, miners could use home computers to mint new coins that were worth a few dollars, at least on a screen. As the market grew over time, the puzzles the miners had to solve to earn new coins grew more and more complex, requiring increased computing power and, by extension, energy. Today, Bitcoin mining is a highly competitive business, with sprawling, climate-controlled facilities that house tens of thousands of high-tech computers operating around the clock. Though highly volatile, this year the value of a single Bitcoin has hovered around $40,000. Value of a single Bitcoin in USD (area) and trading volume (bars at bottom), Jan 1, 2016 May 2, 2022. Credit: Yahoo! Finance Like any evolving industry, cryptocurrency mining companies have sought to streamline their operations and maximize profits as they've scaled up. Finding cheap, plentiful energy is a key part of this strategy, and a deciding factor in where mining operations choose to set up shop. Until recently, about 75% of all Bitcoin mining took place in China, which offered access to both cheap electricity and hardware. But, citing concerns about fraud, economic instability, and meeting its climate goals, China's government abruptly pulled the plug on decentralized digital currencies in 2021. Mining companies raced to find suitable locations with more lenient policies. Today, the lion's share of Bitcoin mining takes place in the United States, where 35% of Bitcoin's hashratethe total computational power used to mine and process transactionsis now located. Unfortunately, China's crackdown on digital currencies appears to have made crypto mining even dirtier. Some mining operations in China had reduced their carbon emissions by taking advantage of cheap and abundant hydropowera renewable energy sourceduring the rainy season. But after China's crackdown, the share of natural gas used in Bitcoin's electricity mix doubled to 31%. And Kazakhstan, now the world's second largest Bitcoin hub, gets about 50% of its energy from high-emissions coal-powered plants. Perhaps even more concerning, some companies in the U.S. are now bringing retired power plants back online in order to cash in on crypto. Greenidge Generation, a natural gas-powered Bitcoin mining plant in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, is a controversial example of this trend. Local groups point out that the plant not only pollutes the air, but also harms the Seneca Lake ecosystem by discharging up to 135 gallons of hot water a day into New York's deepest glacial lake. More broadly, there are concerns the plant may be a canary in the crypto mine both for New York State and the nation. Digital dollars and sense Like other disruptive new technologies, cryptocurrency has caught governments unprepared and unsure how to regulate the explosive new market. Though Plattsburgh, NY, became the first U.S. city to temporarily ban cryptocurrency mining in 2018, currently there is no federal legislation that specifically focuses on crypto mining. However, despite opposition from the crypto industry, last week the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would impose a two-year moratorium on energy-intensive proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining facilities that receive behind-the-meter power from fossil fuel power plants. "Such a moratorium is important because it would give New York the time to assess the environmental risks of the state's expanding cryptocurrency mining industry, including the industry's potential impacts on the state's ability to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and to develop appropriate regulations in response," said Jacob Bryce Elkin. Elkin is a fellow at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law who authored a paper on the topic in March. A corresponding bill currently awaits approval in the state Senate. However, the fate of the existing Greenidge plant remains unclear. Greenidge Generation's air quality permit expired last September, but the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has twice delayed making a decision on the renewal. During this time, Greenidge has raced to install thousands of new computers and dramatically increase its power generation capacity. Though it prohibits expansion, if passed in its current form the state's moratorium would not apply to existing mining facilities. However, critics of the Greenidge plant, including DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, have pointed out that it conflicts with New York's landmark Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030. It's been estimated that crypto mining could account for as much as 7% of all carbon emissions in New York State by the end of the decade. The deadline for a decision on Greenidge's permit has now been set to June 30two days after statewide primary elections. In the meantime, Greenidge's mining operations and expansion continue. Map of the percentage of Foundry USAs Bitcoin hashrate by U.S. state, March, 2022. Credit: Foundry The future of cryptocurrency: Can gold go green? Proponents of digital currencies and the blockchain point out that they are innovative technologies, and that we've only just begun to explore their potential. "There are certain inefficiencies in our financial services industry that can be alleviated using blockchain technologies, enabling us to tackle important issues such as equity, access and costs," said R.A. Farrokhnia, the executive director of Columbia's Advanced Projects and Applied Research in Fintech. "With the right safeguards, oversight, and responsible deployments of innovation, we could couple advances in fintech and blockchain with ever-more sophisticated data analytics tools, in particular machine learning and AI, to create and offer robust products and solutions more efficiently, intelligently, ethically, and inclusively." Still, such promise may not be enough for skepticsespecially when it comes at such a high price. But crypto may have another opportunity to prove its value beyond its financial portfolio: by becoming a leader in the transition to sustainable energy sources. "Some of my research has shown that, if the mines are willing to be flexible, they can pair well with renewables by quickly adjusting their energy use depending on current grid conditions," said Rhodes. "However, it is not a given that they will do so. It is important for crypto mining to support the development of renewable (or other zero-carbon) energy because otherwise it will just be another industry contributing to the climate crisis." Like other industries, the cryptocurrency space will face many challenges if it attempts to go green, such as acknowledging its impact on the environment, integrating truly sustainable practices (such as the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism) into its operations, and ultimately eschewing the pursuit of profit at any cost. If the crypto community is willing to meet these challenges it may yet prove itself to be truly transformative by harnessing both finance and technology to spur the transition to sustainable energy sources. If not, then perhaps the skeptics are right: when the Bitcoin bubble finally bursts, it may not only leave investors but the planet itself holding the bag. Explore further Crypto miners' electricity use in Texas would equal another Houston This story is republished courtesy of Earth Institute, Columbia University http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu. The helical antenna in its fully deployed state. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder As the space industry evolves its focus from large satellites to smaller ones with the same functionality, there is a growing need for the hardware on board to shrink as well. A group of mechanical engineering seniors at the University of Colorado Boulder have helped meet that need by designing a compactable antenna that would allow for more powerful radio communications on smaller satellites. Lockheed Martin Space is sponsoring the project. The team of students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering designed and built the prototype for their Senior Design project. "Our whole team has a passion for the space industry, and we wanted to be a part of the change and innovation that is occurring," said Gillian Grace Brachoki, the team's project manager. "We found the push for deployable items in smaller units really interesting." The team's prototype is a deployable helical antenna that starts in a compressed state. Current satellite antenna hardware is fully deployed upon launch. Those systems can be large and not aligned with the industry's goal for smaller hardware. "Small satellites and micro-satellites lead to a nimbler industry," said CAD Engineer Isaac Nagel-Brice. "If you're developing a satellite over two years instead of a decade, you're able to get smaller buses up into orbit quicker and at a cheaper cost. That can push innovation and progression on a much faster scale." The students designed their antenna to deploy once it is in spaceactivated by an on-board computer. This would trigger the device's antenna component to extend four times its compressed height from 3.5 in. to nearly 20 in. for full functionality. The team accomplished this by designing the antenna with the properties of a mechanical spring, which is an idea the industry has rarely attempted to build before. The students explained that optimizing the prototype to be both a spring and an antenna was difficult to do. They had to take geometry, material and frequency band all into consideration. The students used spring calculators and high frequency structure simulator software to build an antenna that could stow and deploy with the properties of a mechanical spring. "The antenna geometry resulted in a powerful spring," said Nicolas Garzione, one of the electromechanical engineers on the team. "Part of our requirements is that it has to survive the equivalent of an Atlas V launch, which is pretty violent. We spent a lot of time on that restraint mechanism, which is a key part of our project for viability and safety." Lockheed Martin Space also required that the prototype needed to be scalable. Therefore, the students designed every part of the deployable antenna to be scaled plus or minus 50%. The size of the device would also dictate the radiofrequency bands transmitted through the antenna. A larger spring circumference would require higher frequencies. "I think this prototype could lead to a shift in the industry," said Nagel-Brice. "Our antenna has some interesting design geometry, but it's very intentional so that it can be built larger or smaller." The students have completed antenna functionality, deployment, mechanical shock and vibration tests on their prototype. The radiofrequency testing was done at First RF, a company specializing in antennas and radiofrequency systems, while the vibration testing happened at Lockheed Martin. The team said that working with Lockheed Martin Space on this project has been both inspiring and informative. It has allowed the students to combine their mechanical engineering background with new skills they have learned on the job. "It's a lot of cutting-edge technology that hasn't been implemented in this manner until now, thanks to some creative problem solving," said Systems Engineer Hector Calar. "Shrinking the hardware down means the industry can add more advanced instrumentation, since you have more free space. Freeing up that space on rockets and satellites allows us to do more with the science of engineering." The team can now say that they are a part of that push for cutting-edge, compact technology. With their own innovative design assembled into a potentially revolutionary prototype, the students are well on their way to equipping the space industry for greater scientific impacts. The Senior Design team presented their deployable helical antenna at the College of Engineering and Applied Science Engineering Projects Expo 2022 on April 22. Explore further Mechanical engineering students aim to make silicon wafer inspections more efficient This Handout photo provided by Yuman Gao and Rui Jin on May 4, 2022 shows a new flight path planning system enables drone swarms to fly through crowded forests without collisions. A swarm of 10 bright blue drones lifts off in a bamboo forest in China, then swerves its way between cluttered branches, bushes and over uneven ground as it autonomously navigates the best flight path through the woods. The experiment, led by scientists at Zhejiang University, evokes scenes from science fictionand the authors in fact cite films such as "Star Wars," "Prometheus" and "Blade Runner 2049" in the opening of their paper published Wednesday in the journal Science Robotics. "Here, we take a step forward (to) such a future," wrote the team, led by Xin Zhou. In theory, there are myriad real world applications, including aerial mapping for conservation and disaster relief work. But the technology has needed to mature so that flying robots can adapt to new environments without crashing into one another or objects, thus endangering public safety. Drone swarms have been tested in the past, but either in open environments without obstacles, or with the location of those obstacles programmed in, Enrica Soria, a roboticist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, who was not involved in the research, told AFP. "This is the first time there's a swarm of drones successfully flying outside in an unstructured environment, in the wild," she said, adding the experiment was "impressive." A new flight path planning system enables drone swarms to fly through crowded forests without collisions. Credit: Yuman Gao, Rui Jin The palm-sized robots were purpose-built, with depth cameras, altitude sensors and an on-board computer. The biggest advance was a clever algorithm that incorporates collision avoidance, flight efficiency and coordination within the swarm. Since these drones do not rely on any outside infrastructure, such as GPS, swarms could be used during natural disasters. For example, they could be sent into earthquake-hit areas to survey damage and identify where to send help, or into buildings where it's unsafe to send people. It's certainly possible to use single drones in such scenarios, but a swarm approach would be far more efficient, especially given limited flight times. Another possible use is having the swarm collectively lift and deliver heavy objects. There's also a darker side: swarms could be weaponized by militaries, just as remote-piloted single drones are today. The Pentagon has repeatedly expressed interest and is carrying out its own tests. Overview of the proposed aerial swarm. Credit: Science Robotics (2022). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abm5954 "Military research is not shared with the rest of the world just openly, and so it's difficult to imagine at what stage they are with their development," said Soria. But advances shared in scientific journals could certainly be put to military use. Coming soon? The Chinese team tested their drones in different scenariosswarming through the bamboo forest, avoiding other drones in a high-traffic experiment, and having the robots follow a person's lead. "Our work was inspired by birds that fly smoothly in a free swarm through even very dense woods," wrote Zhou in a blog post. The challenge, he said, was balancing competing demands: the need for small, lightweight machines, but with high-computational power, and plotting safe trajectories without greatly prolonging flight time. For Soria, it's only a matter of a few years before we see such drones deployed in real-life work. First, though, they will need to be tested in ultra-dynamic environments like cities, where they'll constantly come up against people and vehicles. Regulations will also need to catch up, which takes additional time. Explore further Helping drone swarms avoid obstacles without hitting each other More information: Xin Zhou et al, Swarm of micro flying robots in the wild, Science Robotics (2022). Xin Zhou et al, Swarm of micro flying robots in the wild,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abm5954 Enrica Soria, Swarms of flying robots in unknown environments, Science Robotics (2022). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abq2215 Journal information: Science Robotics 2022 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain Algorithmically curated playlists on streaming platforms are becoming the most important format for music consumption. Many see this as a threat to the value of recorded music as an autonomous art form and perceive a passive relationship between consumers and recordings. A decline of music journalism and criticism has also been noticedtheir diminishing influence both as a music business supporter and as an evaluator, interpreter, explainer and producer of meanings in music culture. Madis Jarvekulg, who recently defended his doctoral thesis at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School of Tallinn University, discusses the impact of social media on the Estonian music landscape. In a situation where global digital platforms have taken hold of a large share of advertising revenue that used to feed legacy media companies, it is very difficult to maintain a meaningful local cultural journalism scene. This problem is exacerbated by a process that inevitably emerges in the digital media ecosystem: the fragmentation of audiences. "With this frame of reference, it is interesting to observe what music journalists, music industry professionals and music enthusiasts are doing on the most popular social network in EstoniaFacebook," says Madis Jarvekulg on the background of his research. "Does this platform allow for meaningful music debates, which many consider to be less and less present in the 'old media,' and what is the role of this platform in the activities of local music businesses?" Many music journalists, experts and businesses operate in very different roles in the local music industry system at the same time. One person can work as a radio host, critic, event organizer, manager, musician and more. Facebook makes it possible for these roles and identities to both multiply and merge into one another. "These potentials can be considered 'affordances' of this platform, which can be used strategically in different ways, such as to increase visibility among the target audiences," explains Jarvekulg, "after all, attention is the key resource for success which is fought over in today's oversaturated market." Facebook seems to be especially important to so-called niche music cultures and micro-independent players, who are good at creatively using the "affordances" of the platform for marketing purposes, and less for the leaders of the mainstream music industry. Facebook enables music fans to engage in community activities that are more related to the pre-digital world of musicactive groups have organized around well-defined music genres, record collecting, music quizzes and music analysis, sharing memories, etc. These context-sensitive so-called narrative and social practices seem to counteract the trend of music datafication (and algorithmic personalization) that is being led by streaming platforms like Spotify. A certain understanding of the autonomy of roles through which the relationship between the "industry" and music press, for example, was addressed in the pre-digital music world has become largely redundant today. Jarvekulg finds that as the Estonian market is very small, the multiplication and convergence of roles is partly inevitable. "At the local level, our music industry also needs consistently reliable data on both music consumption and the activities of music business specialists," he said. The results of the doctoral thesis conclude that although the impact of social media on culture is often considered to be rather negative, in the context of the Estonian music industry, positive effects can also be seenwhat happens on Facebook is in many ways meaningful to communities, supportive of diversity and because of this, perhaps even "culturally valuable." "These are things to keep in mind when making decisions about media and cultural policy," Jarvekulg sums up the broader context of his research. Madis Jarvekulg defended his doctoral thesis "Facebook as a digital music platform: Communicative reorganization of Estonian music culture" on April 18. Explore further Facebook signs deal with music label Universal Music Provided by Estonian Research Council Graphical abstract. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2022). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201299 Research led by the University of Strathclyde suggests that solar energy can be accessed and converted into hydrogena clean and renewable fuel. Greenhouse gas emissions need to be significantly reduced to avoid potentially catastrophic effects of climate change, with access to clean and affordable energy needed to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels. The U.K. Government plans to replace fossil fuels through the use of hydrogen, a storable fuel. Green hydrogen Most hydrogen is still made from natural gas, producing greenhouse gasses, and green hydrogen production is urgently needed. Green hydrogen is produced from water using a photocatalysta material that drives the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The study, "Photocatalytic overall water splitting under visible light enabled by a particulate conjugated polymer loaded with iridium" is published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a journal of the German Chemical Society. It suggests that using a photocatalyst under simulated sun light facilitates the decomposition of water when loaded with an appropriate metal catalystin this case iridium. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen does not emit any greenhouse gasses at the point of use and can help decarbonize sectors such as shipping and transportation, where it can be used as a fuel, as well as in manufacturing industries. Solar energy study Principal investigator Dr. Sebastian Sprick, from Strathclyde, said: "An abundant renewable energy resource to address the challenge of sustainable energy exists in the form of the sun, with the energy reaching Earth's surface eight thousand times greater than the entire annual global energy need of our societies. "The reported photocatalyst can access solar energy through energetically unfavorable processes to generate a storable energy carrier in the form of hydrogen from water. The hydrogen then can be converted cleanly into electricity in a fuel cell with water being the only side-product. This is a significant step forward for us as previous systems have relied on using so-called sacrificial reagents to drive the reaction. Sacrificial agents are the electron donors which reduce the recombination tendency of electrons and accelerate the rate of hydrogen generation. Although these allow us researchers to understand systems, they made them energy-negative. "This study provides a way forward to optimize further as it is not sacrificial. The photocatalysts (polymers) are of huge interest as their properties can be tuned using synthetic approaches, allowing for simple and systematic optimization of the structure in the future and to optimize activity further." Researchers say another potential advantage is that polymers are printable, allowing the use of cost-effective printing technologies for scale upjust like newspaper printing. Dr. Sprick added: "This will also be important to produce hydrogen at scale to address climate change effectively." Explore further Hydrogen fuel cell, transportation firm to move HQ to Ohio More information: Yang Bai et al, Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting Under Visible Light Enabled by a Particulate Conjugated Polymer Loaded with Palladium and Iridium, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2022). Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition Yang Bai et al, Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting Under Visible Light Enabled by a Particulate Conjugated Polymer Loaded with Palladium and Iridium,(2022). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201299 Credit: CC0 Public Domain University of Central Florida scientists are charging on with an experimental battery capable of reinventing how automobiles and spacecraft are made. By reworking the idea of energy sources, a UCF research group is creating a lightweight battery that would double as the outer shell of a vehicle in what the group is calling its "power suit" project. Led by UCF College of Engineering Professor Jayan Thomas, the group plans to accomplish this with nanotechnologysupercapacitor composite material involving graphene arranged over carbon fiber in a fan-like structure, Thomas said. "The advantage is it's lightweight, and can increase the mileage because you're reducing the weight of the car, and in addition to that, you can store energy like your battery in the same composites," said Thomas, who conducts his research at UCF's NanoScience Technology Center. While reducing weight, the suit is thought to increase an electric car's range by 25% to 30%; equating to about 200 miles per charge, Thomas said. The suit would get its power through charging, like a battery, as well as when the car brakes. "Its charge-discharge cycle life is 10 times longer than an electric car battery," Thomas said. The suit's ability to repurpose energy captured while braking is why a member of the research group, Deepak Pandey, relates their power suit to the science fiction of Marvel's Black Panther. "Black Panther, you know whatever you shoot at him, his suit absorbs the energy and repurposes it. That's exactly the thing we're doing," said Pandey, a Ph.D. student who's been working on the project since it started four years ago. "When you're braking, [the suit] absorbs the energy and then when you see a green light and press the gas, it immediately discharges and gives a high burst of current to give you that initial push acceleration." The Wakanda King, T'Challa, used his power suitcapable of storing energy from concussive blowsto chase down a Lexus through the neon streets of Busan, South Korea. UCF isn't looking to do anything quite as explosive. Actually, quite the contrary. The UCF vehicle power suit wouldn't be explosive at allat least that's the goal. After all, having the battery on the outside of a car is potentially problematic in the event of a collision, but explosions wouldn't be a threat in the case of UCF's suit. "In this case, we use a water-based electrolyte. So, then you don't need to worry about gasoline or any kind of material that could catch fire," Thomas said. But with water lies a problem of its own, as batteries can't hold as much of a charge per cell. However, by using a technique called "asymmetric supercapacitors" the battery can come pretty close to a standard charge per cell. A typical lithium ion battery can hold 3.4 volts per cell. UCF's asymmetric supercapacitors can hold 2.2, Pandey said. "And we believe we can enhance that further," he said. For the moment, the research group has only developed a small prototype for a remote control carthe suit itself looks almost reminiscent of Black Panther's the way the black-scale surface shimmers in the light, and although the carbon fiber material is not as expensive as Marvel's fictional metal "vibranium,"it is still pretty expensive. Aerospace companies are moving toward using carbon fiber as building material since it is both light and strong. For UCF's purposes, carbon fiber is great for conducting electricity. However, the power suit is looking down the road toward other less expensive shell material. "Basically we are still working with some of these materials that would be 10 times cheaper than carbon fiber and would be useful for this type of research," Thomas said. Thomas didn't reveal what those materials might be as they're a bit of a trade secret for now, he said. Thomas' group saw success in its composite material powering the wheels of a toy car after charging for about a minute. As the composite material hooked up to a toy car with batteries, its wheels whined at a high pitch while quickly rotating, to the delight of Thomas and Pandey. The group is working in tandem with NASA scientists in developing the technique for future space travel and satellite development. However, NASA declined to comment on the story, explaining it had legal concerns about disclosure. However, in a story published by UCF, co-author of the project's study Luke Robinson said, "There are lots of potential infusion points within the economy as well as for future space exploration.... This is, in my mind, a huge advancement of the technology readiness level to get us to where we need to be for NASA mission infusion." As for readiness, the project is near the desired level for NASA's use; but commercial use development could take around five more years, Thomas said. But an unnamed car manufacturer has already expressed interest in the power suit and is in discussions with Thomas and his group about its applications. "For this product to be on an electric vehicle or spacecraft, that is the dream, right?" Thomas said. 2022 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. US tech giants are out to make stolen passwords such as these displayed as part of The Glass Room pop up exhibition in San Francisco tech world relics with new standards providing a more secure way to access accounts or devices. Apple, Google and Microsoft said Thursday they are looking to get rid of passwords and replace them with a more secure way to access accounts or devices. The US tech titans jointly announced support for a common standard that will let people sign in by unlocking their mobile phones, say, with fingerprint or face recognition. "The complete shift to a passwordless world will begin with consumers making it a natural part of their lives," said Microsoft vice president Alex Simons. "By working together as a community across platforms, we can at last achieve this vision and make significant progress toward eliminating passwords." Reliance on passwords alone is decried as a major security flaw on the internet, with people keeping them overly simple or using the same one repeatedly to make it easier to manage many accounts. Adopting standards created by the FIDO Alliance and the Word Wide Web Consortium will let websites and device makers build secure, passwordless options into their offerings, the groups said in a release. Using secure keys instead of passwords would stymy phishing scams that trick people into disclosing log-in credentials and hackers that steal such data. "Today is an important milestone in the security journey to encourage built-in security best practices and help us move beyond passwords," US cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency director Jen Easterly said. Support for password-free log-ins will be woven into Android and Chrome software over the course of the coming year, said Google product manager and FIDO Alliance president Sampath Srinivas. Apple and Microsoft announced plans to do likewise with their software. "This will simplify sign-ins across devices, websites, and applications no matter the platformwithout the need for a single password," Srinivas said in a blog post. "When you sign into a website or app on your phone, you will simply unlock your phone." Mobile phones will store a FIDO credential referred to as a "passkey" that will be used to unlock online accounts, Srinivas explained. "To sign into a website on your computer, you'll just need your phone nearby and you'll simply be prompted to unlock it for access," Srinivas said. Eliminating passwords was billed as more secure than two-factor authentication that involves getting one-time passcodes texted or emailed as secondary confirmation when logging into sites or services. Explore further Ready to say goodbye to passwords? Users will no longer need one for Microsoft accounts 2022 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain Telecommunications industry groups on Wednesday ended their bid to block California's net neutrality law that prevents broadband providers from throttling service. In a federal court filing in Sacramento, the groups and California Attorney General Rob Bonta jointly agreed to dismiss the case. The move followed a January decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing enforcement of the 2018 law, which bans internet providers from slowing down or blocking access to websites and applications that don't pay for premium service. "The case is finally over," Bonta said in a statement. "With this victory, we've secured a free and open internet for California's 40 million residents once and for all." Messages seeking comment from an attorney representing the groups weren't immediately returned. The law was signed by former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown after regulators during the Trump administration killed federal net neutrality rules designed to prevent AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and other major internet providers from exploiting their dominance to favor certain services or apps over others. In response, seven states and Puerto Rico enacted their own net neutrality policies. The most expansive effort was in California, which started enforcing the law last year, with potentially significant consequences for the rest of the U.S. In addition to barring internet providers from throttling service or charging companies like Netflix for a faster route to customers, the California law banned some forms of "zero rating"a term for when a cable or phone company exempts a service from data caps. Net-neutrality advocates say such programs undermine competition by potentially tilting users to the sponsored app and away from rivals. Big telecom companies fought the measure fiercely in court. They argued that the regulations can undermine investment in broadband and introduce uncertainty about what were acceptable business practices. The Trump administration sued to block California's 2018 law, preventing it from taking effect for years, but the Biden administration dropped that lawsuit. 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, the American Stroke Association selected Kyler Lewis of College Station as the Stroke Hero for 2022 after the teenager used social media as a platform to document his recovery from a stroke at age 15 in 2020. Stroke Heroes are nominated by the public and are awarded to anyone younger than 18 who has survived a stroke and used that experience to educate, inspire and bring awareness to strokes, according to Kassandra Hunt, the senior director of Community Impact through the American Heart Association. Kyler has used this experience and become a huge champion for stroke awareness, she said. He shares in his videos what the signs of strokes are and that is why he was selected. We rely heavily on community members and volunteers like him and his family to be able to be the voice to the community about stroke awareness, signs and symptoms. One afternoon in April 2020, Kyler and his mother, Raylene, were driving down State Highway 6 in College Station and Kyler couldnt remember why he was in the car or how he got there. The night before he had a headache and said he was in the worst pain of his life. I couldnt stop crying, I was yelling; it was awful and terrible. I woke up the next day and I was still in pain the next morning and we got in the car, he said. As we were going down the road, I forgot who I was and I dont remember anything after that. The next thing I know I am in the hospital with a tube coming out of my head a shunt and it was draining spinal fluid. Raylene had taken him to a pediatricians office nearby and was told he had a migraine; she decided there was something more severe going on and drove an hour and a half to the nearest hospital. Upon arrival, after a drug test ruled out any substance use, Raylene urged doctors to look deeper and give him a CT scan. Within less than five minutes of the scan, they came back and started working on Kyler and I was told my son had a mass in his brain and he was bleeding in his brain and needs emergency surgery, Raylene recalled. The CT scan revealed Kyler had an acute spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage from a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that he unknowingly had when he was born, according to an article by the American Stroke Association. A brain AVM is a condition that is not inherited. AVMs are a random occurrence due to a gene malfunction in utero where a mass of arteries connect directly to veins. Kyler received life-saving external ventricular drain (EVD) surgery to control the fluid build-up in his brain. After Kyler went home eight days after his stroke, he said he knew his life would be changed forever and had to let his family take care of him. I told my mom I was putting my life in her hands, he said. I dont know what I would do without her. Kyler and his mother said they thought only adults had strokes. Since Kylers diagnosis, they have been sharing their story to spread awareness about pediatric strokes and AVMs. The AVM in Kylers brain is still present and Raylene has been trying to find a cure for him. A brain AVM is like a ticking timebomb because it could rupture again at any moment, and there are three ways to treat them. Until [the AVM in his brain] is gone, it can rupture again and cause another stroke, she said. I went from being someone who sells houses and focuses on that 24/7, to spending all my waking hours learning about brains and the AVM and trying to come up with a solution. During the COVID-19 quarantine period in 2020, Raylene said she interviewed 16 neurosurgeons across the United States and Germany for feedback about ways to treat Kyler. Currently Kylers AVM is being treated through radiation at the University of California, San Francisco, and it will take three to eight years to see if the radiation has shrunken his AVM enough for it to be removed, Raylene said. It is really hard as a parent because it is like a choose your own adventure book, but you are playing with somebodys life, she said. I started a Cure for Kyler and got involved in the community and continued my research and the organization TAAF (The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation) reached out to me and said they could help navigate his diagnosis. Medical bills have reached into the millions, Raylene said, but organizations such as Miracle Flights, Family House or the Ronald McDonald House have helped take care of some of their expenses while Kyler travels for his radiation and chemotherapy. He also was diagnosed with epilepsy, and in May 2021 he paired up with his service dog, Sammy, who has become his best friend and helps with his seizures, PTSD and potential swelling in his brain. Kyler said he looks at life differently after experiencing the stroke. He strives to help young people and adults who have experienced this and wants to reassure them they are not alone. I have talked to lots of kids; I message them and ask how they are doing. I want to reassure them that they are OK and that I can be right beside them if they need me, he said. I talk to adults too because they are also scared. Through social media platforms Kyler created, people can share their stories so they feel less alone in their diagnosis, he said. On his YouTube channel, he makes videos explaining how different procedures and treatments are done before and after a stroke for those who may not know what to expect. In the future, he hopes to become a nurse to help others in need. Raylene said being involved in the community has helped her not lose hope, and as a 1999 Texas A&M graduate she said she hopes to reach out to the Aggie Network for feedback on how to bring awareness to pediatric strokes and brain AVMs. When you have this diagnosis, you have no guarantee of anything. We cannot live our life on something we have no control over, she said. So instead we focus on things we do have control over, which is educating people. In his free time, Kyler enjoys going on outdoor adventures with his friends and takes Sammy with him everywhere he goes. He strives to live his life to the fullest as he hopes to find a cure, he said. I felt so gullible [before the stroke] because I was just going on with my life and not paying attention to anything, and now I realize I could have done so much more, Kyler said. Its hard when I see people not take care of their bodies, because now I wish that I was in their position and they are just throwing stuff away. I think that is what upsets me, because I talk to kids who cant talk, who cant walk, and kids that live off a machine and it is really hard. I would hope people know their health is important and they need to take care of themselves. To find out more or donate, visit AVM Alliance: A Cure for Kyler & Friends on Facebook or caringbridge.org/visit/kylerlewis. 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. Disney is coming to the Brazos County Expo Complex on Saturday sort of. This years Relay for Life of the Brazos Valley, benefitting the American Cancer Society, will have a Disney theme, adapting the song When You Wish Upon a Star to be Wish Upon a Cure. The south arena of the Expo will be decorated and designed to look like Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom, complete with areas for Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland and Liberty Square. This year marks the 26th annual Relay for Life in Brazos County, but this year it changed its name to the Brazos Valley to include surrounding counties and Texas A&M where annual Relay for Life events have not returned since the COVID-19 pandemic. Its really just a time to get together, honor people whove been affected by cancer, which basically ends up being everyone because everybody knows somebody, co-chair Cari Horn said. The last two years of the local fundraiser were adapted and scaled back due to the pandemic, but this year will represent its return to a fully in-person event. The event is scheduled for 4-10 p.m. Saturday. Since 1996, the Brazos County now Brazos Valley event has raised more than $2.1 million for the American Cancer Society, co-chair Amanda Godfrey said. The Relay for Life fundraiser began in 1985 when Dr. Gordon Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Washington, walked on a nearby track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 192 participants registered, and the 27 teams had raised more than $42,000 toward the events lofty pre-pandemic goal of $150,000, Godfrey reported. In the midst of the themed activities and events will be the annual luminaria ceremony in which luminaria bags decorated in memory of people who have been affected by cancer are lit with glow sticks. At dark, so about 8:45, we turn out all the lights and all the luminarias are lit with the glow sticks and are lining the track, Horn said. Its very solemn, but its kind of emotional too because it honors everybody. The impact of seeing all those lights in the dark, you know, kind of also symbolizes hope. Throughout the six-hour event, which is scaled back from the typical 12- or 24-hour events, attendees will walk laps at the Expo, continuing to raise money. The fundraiser is free to attend, and there are ways people can donate inside by purchasing items from teams or purchasing a luminaria bag for $5 each. The teams, which range from one or two people to nearly 50 people, are asked to raise at least $100, Godfrey said, but some are close to or have surpassed $10,000. Some raise money throughout the year, while others do more as the Relay date gets closer. Were just trying to make a difference and start making sure our community knows that every little bit helps, Godfrey said, noting 1.9 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2022. Even if theyre just there supporting those cancer fighters and survivors and the caregivers and letting them know that we care and we have their backs because sometimes thats what its about. Its about those people who are battling cancer knowing that they have someone besides family members that are supporting them. Baylor Scott & White is this years sponsor, and with the event using the Expo Complex and its resources, Godfrey said, the money raised from the teams, luminaria sales, the silent auction and other donations will benefit the American Cancer Society and its work. She said the organization advocates with the Cancer Action Network and lobbies for cancer research money, funds grants that work on finding cures and medication for cancer, helps set guidelines for cancer screenings, provides gas cards for patients and also funds Hope Lodges, a free place for cancer patients and their caregivers to stay. Each person typically has a reason to participate in Relay. Horn, executive assistant to the superintendent in the College Station school district, said the Central Administration building has a list in the hallway of survivors, employees who are fighting cancer or are caregivers and those who have lost their cancer fight. Every time she walks by, she said, she is reminded of how someone in the district has been affected by cancer and said new names are added every day. For Godfrey, assistant principal of MC Harris High School in Bryan, her grandmothers were cancer survivors, but she first got involved after seeing the battle a first-year teacher fought in the early 2000s when they were at Anson Jones Elementary School. She said the teacher was diagnosed with brain cancer, and they began fundraising to help her. Ultimately, she died a few years later. She was able to teach a couple more years, but it was just really hard when you lose someone in their 20s, she said. This year, one of the attendees is a 2 year-old battling cancer. While an important fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, Godfrey said Saturdays event also will have fun activities set up in all the different areas. Fantasyland will include a Disney castle backdrop for photos and also a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique style station where volunteers will be doing makeup, painting fingernails and applying temporary tattoos. People also can buy food and drinks, lightsabers and Disney World-styled buttons. The buttons will be in styles for survivors, caregivers, first-time Relay attendees and buttons to honor those who have been affected by cancer. There also will be an ACS Chase, which will challenge participants to complete different activities and find the Hidden Mickeys. Tomorrowland will have activities specifically for survivors, because we want everyone to have a tomorrow, Godfrey said. Godfrey said people can go to cancer.org for more information about the American Cancer Society; a 24-hour hotline is available at 1-800-227-2345 for those who have been recently diagnosed or are waiting for results of a cancer screening. The opening ceremonies will begin about 4 p.m. to honor survivors and caregivers, followed by a survivor meal. Godfrey encouraged people to wear costumes of traditional Disney characters or from the Star Wars or Marvel universes. 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. LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. Most of the fatalities were in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. In a report released on Thursday, the U.N. agency's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the figure as "sobering," saying it should prompt countries to invest more in their capacities to quell future health emergencies. Scientists tasked by WHO with calculating the actual number of COVID-19 deaths between January 2020 and the end of last year estimated there were between 13.3 million and 16.6 million deaths that were either caused directly by the coronavirus or were somehow attributed to the pandemic's impact on health systems, like people with cancer unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients. The figures are based on country-reported data and statistical modelling. WHO did not immediately break down the figures to distinguish between direct deaths from COVID-19 and others caused by the pandemic. Full story here: *** VIRUS BY THE NUMBERS Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Being a first-time director is stressful, according to two Grand Island Senior High students who should know. Kaden Renner and Laila McComb are directing two of the one-act plays that will be presented Saturday in the GISH Auditorium. Renner, a senior, is directing The Coven, which he also wrote. Renner, whos an experienced actor, says directing is very stressful, but it also is a great experience to be on the other end of it and watch all of the amazing, talented people I know that are in this school. Unfortunately, those students have to listen to me and then do what I say, Renner said, smiling. That can be kind of tricky when the actors are his peers. But my cast has done a really good job with listening and focusing and being there and ready to put on, hopefully, a good show, Renner said. Its also helped me learn how I can improve my acting, by watching people who are also great at what they do. McComb, a junior, is directing Its Not You, Its Me. She agrees that directing can be difficult, but its also a lot of fun. My cast is super-sweet, and Im really lucky to have them. They are working hard, McComb said. GISH students will present a total of four act-one plays Saturday. Each show will be performed twice. The first performances run from 1-4 p.m. The second go-round will last from 5-9 p.m. With Its Not You, Its Me, McComb is assisted by Kevin Parra Vazquez and Zeke Fetzer. GISH purchased the rights to the comedy, which was written by Don Zolidis. The play is about breakups, specifically cringey breakups, Parra Vazquez said. McComb says the breakups are relatable and very funny. Some are relatable, some not so much, she said. When McComb read the play for the first time, she couldnt stop giggling. Its Not You, Its Me caters to all ages and preferences, and overall its just a good time, McComb said. Another comedy is a parody of the film Napoleon Dynamite. The show is written and directed by Tim Troxel, with Haley Wiemers serving as assistant director. The remaining show, Dantes Inferno, was co-written by Keith Stewart and Aspen Poltack, who also direct the play. Renner says The Coven is a very serious play about serious topics. All of us, he said, are probably familiar with the Salem witch trails and how gruesome and unjustified they were, he said. In Renners play, Theres a coven, and theyre trying to find their 13th member to be at full power. But that 13th member has a little bit of mischief going on. The goal at the end of the show is to unite the humans and the witches together, so that they dont have to fight anymore and witches and humans can fulfill their greatest achievements, he said. In September, Renner will enroll in the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. In The Coven, Anne Martinez plays a human who is married to a witch. Martinez, incidentally, has earned a full ride to Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Renner and Martinez have known each other since middle school. Martinez, he said, is a hard-working, intelligent student whos involved in many different activities and deserves all of her success. With The Coven, Renner is assisted by Ayva LaBrie and Emma Smidt. Payton Stuchlik appears in both The Coven and Napoleon Dynamite: A Parody. With the latter show, the students took the funniest moments from the movie, threw them all together and just made a play, Stuchlik said. The students have worked hard, Renner said. Gathering five days a week, theyve refined their work over 22 rehearsals. Renner was asked why people should attend Saturdays performances. Itll be a chance to see very talented people, who live in the same city you do, show off their craft, he said. Missing that opportunity could be a disservice to you, Renner said, because the shows might spark an idea that starts you off on a journey of your own. 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. This has absolutely nothing to do with climate change, but the Rocky Mountains are taller than they were a year ago. For the second year in a row, Newell Elementary fourth-graders covered a little more than three miles on foot Tuesday, pretending they were pioneers from 1849. For the purposes of their journey, Tornado Hill at Grand Islands Ryder Park, serves as the Rocky Mountains. Newell fourth-grade teacher Danielle Dudo had students go a little higher on Tornado Hill this year. So from their perspective, the Rockies were higher. About 60 students took part in the event, which is meant to duplicate the Oregon Trail. The students break into groups of three or four, pushing about 15 shopping carts that are outfitted to look like covered wagons. The fourth-graders pushed the carts up the Tornado Hill path that sledders use during winter months. They then pull the carts down the hill, using a rope. Dudo decided to send the students to a higher elevation this year just to make it a little more of a challenge. We felt like last year they were too successful. So we wanted them to struggle a little bit more, and work a little bit harder as a team. The organizers opted for a little harder challenge to see if they were up for it, Dudo said. This year, students were restricted to using only ropes to pull the carts down the hill. Last year, some of the students attached bandannas and clothing to the shopping carts. Because of the new rule, It definitely was more of a challenge getting down the mountain, Dudo said. The students, from all three of Newells fourth-grade sections, departed from Newell shortly after 9 a.m. During the course of the day, the students were meant to be traveling from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon. After descending the mountain, the kids had lunch and took a break at Ryder Park, which was meant to be Fort Laramie. Earlier, they stopped at Walnut Middle School, which served as Fort Kearny. At the fort, the kids played old-fashioned games, sang, danced and did pioneer-era chores. The teachers also introduced students to about 15 locations and landmarks along the way. For instance, we went through the sandhills of Nebraska, which was an alleyway, Dudo said. CHI St. Francis stood in for Chimney Rock. Thirteenth and Faidley streets also had major significance. Each of those streets portrayed one of the major rivers that the pioneers would have crossed, Dudo said. Newell students spent the past month and a half learning about the Oregon Trail why people made the trek and the hardships they endured. They learned that about one in 10 people didnt survive the trip. The students experience firsthand what the pioneers actually went through to get to Oregon, Dudo said. The kids love the project, which also wears them out. We get back and theyre tired and exhausted, Dudo said. But theyre also super-excited, she said. Dudos son, a fifth-grader, took part last year and he still talks about it today, she said. When the fourth-graders returned to school Tuesday, they were welcomed back by Newell second-graders. Those students will look forward to taking the trip themselves in two years, she said. Newell brought the idea to Grand Island after Dudo saw the idea on Twitter. She then talked to two Kearney teachers whod done the same thing. A couple of years ago, the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation awarded the school $850 to buy supplies, which Newell plans to keep using every year. Developer Ray OConnor provided the shopping carts, formerly used at Shopko, at an attractive price. Even though rain and snow fell Monday, the Newell group knew they were making the trip Tuesday. The adventure was originally scheduled for last Friday, but was postponed because of a gloomy forecast. This time of year, school days are limited. So, as bad as the weather looked Monday night, Dudo knew they were going Tuesday, no matter what. We told the kids to bundle up, dress warm, she said. The kids were cold Tuesday morning, but the temperature warmed up by the afternoon. Besides, they were pushing covered wagons, which provided a handy place in which to throw unwanted clothing. 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. School Data Breach 565 Schools, Over 1M Students in NY Impacted by Illuminate Data Breach, NYSED Says; 2nd Colorado District Notifies Parents Investigation Launched into Illuminate Data Protection Practices, Official Tells THE Journal The New York State Education Department says 565 schools in the state including over 1 million current and former students were among those whose private student data was compromised during a January cyberattack on Illuminate Educations systems, and officials have opened an investigation, NYSED told THE Journal. The list of New York schools impacted by the data breach was sent to THE Journal today in response to a Freedom of Information request; NYSED officials said the list came from Illuminate. New York state has just over 4,400 schools in all, according to NYSEDs website. Under New York law, each local education agency impacted by a breach must file a detailed report with NYSED within a week confirming the number of current and former students and/or staff whose data was compromised. That process is ongoing, according to the email received today from the NYSED Records Office. Also this week, another district in Colorado has announced it, too, was impacted by the Illuminate data breach. According to 9News KUSA-TV in Denver, Douglas County School District Colorados third largest with 64,000 students sent a note to parents this week. The district said the company, Illuminate Education, provides apps and tech support to schools across the country, including the Douglas County School District, 9News reported. They said an unauthorized third party gained access to a dataset containing student information. The letter did not specify how many students had been impacted. Douglas County is the second in Colorado to notify parents it was impacted by a data breach within Illuminate Educations systems; Mesa County Valley School District 51 in Grand Junction, Colo., with enrollment of about 21,000. A district in Connecticut, Coventry Public Schools, with enrollment of about 1,650 also has announced it was impacted by the Illuminate data breach. List of All NY Schools Impacted By Illuminate Data Breach In response to a Freedom of Information request by THE Journal, New York State Education Department officials released a list of all schools in New York known to have been affected by the Illuminate data breach stemming from a January cyberattack targeting the ed tech provider. Read More. Thus far, 17 local education agencies in New York 15 districts and two charter school groups have filed their data breach reports with NYSED showing that 179,377 current and former students had their private data stolen during the incident, according to the document sent to THE Journal. That total does not include the number impacted at NYC Schools, where officials said in late March that about 820,000 current and former students had been impacted by the Illuminate breach. All but one of the agencies whose data breach reports have been filed with the state show more students impacted than currently enrolled; for example, Success Academy Charter Schools, which has nearly 3 dozen schools in its network, reported 55,595 students affected by the breach, while the enrollment figures on NYSEDs website total just under 20K. Earlier this week, a NYSED official told THE Journal that its Chief Privacy Officer on April 1 launched an investigation into the data breach. The exact number of New York students impacted by the data breach was not readily available, Deputy Director of Communications J.P. OHare said: According to the information that NYSED has obtained to date, at least 1 million New York State students have been impacted. OHares email came in response to questions from THE Journal about a data breach notification letter template that NYSED posted on its website to guide New York schools in telling parents about their students private data being compromised during the Illuminate cyberattack. Because districts and BOCES schools make decisions locally about which software to use in their schools, NYSED is not yet certain how many schools use Illuminate Education half-dozen K12 software products all of which were off-line for a week or more during the January cyberattack, according to its service status site. The companys website states that its K12 ed tech solutions including IO Classroom (previously named Skedula), PupilPath, EduClimber, IO Education, SchoolCity, and others serve over 5,000 schools nationally with a total enrollment of about 17 million U.S. students. New York law requires any third-party contractor with access to student data to encrypt the student data at rest and in motion, OHare said, citing Education Law 2-d and Commissioner of Education regulations 8 NYCRR 121.3 (c)(6) and 121.9(a)(7). When a breach of student data occurs, state law authorizes NYSEDs Chief Privacy Officer to investigate and potentially impose civil penalties; order that a third party contractor be precluded from accessing student data from the educational agency with which it contracted, or the state of New York; determine that a third-party contractor is not a responsible bidder; and/or require the third party contractor to provide training, OHare explained. Effective Management of Information Security and Data Privacy in K12 Special guest Rod Russeau is somewhat of an expert in the changing data privacy regulatory environment: His state and a handful of others have new laws requiring district IT leaders to significantly step up oversight of student data protections, by district systems and by ed tech providers. With concerns about student data privacy being discussed in legislatures across the nation and at the federal level, could the new role of student data privacy policing now assigned to K-12 IT leadership in a handful of states be a harbinger of whats to come nationally? What should IT leaders be mindful of now, and what should they be prepared for in the near future as policymakers consider more regulations to protect student data privacy? Presenter: Rod Russeau, CETL, CISM, CISSP, CDPSE, Director of Technology & Information Services, Community District 99, Illinois, and Chairperson of the CoSN Cybersecurity Initiative. FULL AGENDA: Session 1: 9:00 - 9:45 AM PT Effective Management of Information Security and Data Privacy in K12 Session Break 9:45 - 10:00 AM PT Session 2: 10:00 - 10:45AM PT Red Pill Cyber Insights from 3,000 Schools Like Yours: Cyber Threats Facing K12 Schools and How a Defense-in-Depth Approach is the Antidote Session Break 10:45 - 11:00 AM PT Session 3: 11:00 - 11:45 AM PT Technology for Equity: How IT Leaders Can Be a Force for Change Time: 9:00 AM PT Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. 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 Rain threatened cyclists in the early morning Saturday but by midday more than 100 riders on the Northeast Texas Trail between Roxton and Clarksville enjoyed sunshine and mild temperatures for a celebratory Gran Fondo 50 ride. The days events in Roxton, Paris, Reno, Detroit, Bagwell and Clarksville celebrated the completion of the longest hard surface portion of the 130-mile trail between Farmersville and New Boston, which when completed will be the longest recreational trail in Texas and the fourth longest in the United States. JACKSON COUNTY A domestic battery call led to a search with K-9 units, a drone and a plane Tuesday. At 1:53 p.m. the Jackson County Sheriffs Office responded to a residence in rural Ava for an alleged aggravated domestic battery, police said. Before deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect allegedly fled. The area was then searched by deputies with a drone, a K-9 unit from the Carbondale Police Department and a fixed-winged airplane from the Illinois State Police. The suspect, identified as Ryan Owens, was found and charged shortly after 9 p.m., police said. Owens was charged with aggravated domestic battery great bodily harm, aggravated battery and interfering with the report of domestic violence. Owens was taken to the Jackson County jail where he is awaiting incarceration. The incident is still under investigation. 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. HARRISBURG An LGBTQ youth group is coming to Harrisburg and they are looking for volunteers. Locals are teaming up with the Tri-State Alliance and the Southern Illinois AIDS Coalition to create an LGBTQ youth group for teenagers that will meet once a week to provide them with support, local ally and trainer Elizabeth Cook said. As a mental health professional I am very aware of the statistics for LGBTQ youth, especially in rural communities, Cook said. They're extremely more likely to attempt suicide. They're much more likely to become homeless. They're much more likely to be the victims of violent crime. Anything we can do to help prevent any of our local teenagers from becoming a statistic like that is a good step in that direction. We're all very passionate about providing that support. I know that a lot of the teens in our community that are somewhere in that LGBTQ spectrum feel like they're very alone. I want all of them to know that they're not alone. We as adults, are taking up that serious role of protecting them, and making them feel like they belong in our community. The idea originated in part from a high school paper ad. Part of the idea came about when one of the teenagers that I know had talked about having a Tri-State Alliance ad in the school paper, Cook said. The school superintendent was like, I don't know that that's a good idea. It's not even in our service area. So we said, 'Well what if it was in our service area? We kind of stemmed from there.' Another factor is that for two decades, gay, lesbian and transgender teens have traveled to Evansville, Indiana to attend the Tri-State Alliance and the Southern Illinois AIDS Coalition for Saturday night youth group meetings. Several local teens were also known to go to one of the two Pride Proms put on in Evansville. It was through advertising on her lawn for one of those events that Cook really saw an issue of violence that arose in the community. With my house being close to the high school in Harrisburg, I put up signs to advertise for Pride Prom, and they were destroyed by teenagers from high school, and repeatedly destroyed to the point that we've gotten cameras, Cook said. There were Snapchat stories of kids that were gathering the signs from around town to make a bonfire. There were teenagers who filmed themselves destroying signs in on private property and put them on Snapchat. It made a lot of the teenagers that I know that are part of that group feel really threatened ... So I that was why I put the permanent signs in my yard and got the cameras. I wanted them to know that they do have support just right next to the school. There are a lot of other people in the community that do support them. Because of the issue with the signs, safety has become an important factor in the creation of the group. All locations for facilitator training and initial support group events will not be posted publicly but will need to be requested by the group for those interested in attending. The location will also be at a neutral location to avoid students getting outed by attending. All facilitators will also go through an application process, background check and training before they can monitor an event, Cook said. The new group will start meeting one night in Harrisburg soon. In doing so Cook hopes she can get prove to the LGBTQ students that they are seen and loved. We see you, Cook said. We want you to be safe. We accept you for who you are, regardless of how your family or classmates may feel. The group is in need of facilitators and volunteers. Training for adult volunteers has been scheduled for Monday, May 9 at 6 p.m. in Harrisburg. For more information, please email 3statealliance@gmail.com, send a message to the Tri-State Alliance on Facebook Messenger. You can also call or text 812-480-0204. Those interested in volunteering but who cant attend the training should still contact the group. Donations to support the group can be sent to Harrisburg Youth Group c/o Southern IL AIDS Coalition P.O. Box 3595 Carbondale, IL 62902 or can be made online at https://tsagl.org/donate.html. 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. WASHINGTON -- The French novelist Honore de Balzac was right: "The secret of great fortunes with no obvious source is a crime, forgotten because it was well-executed." In the United States, Southern plantation slavery has dominated historical memory. But Harvard University's 134-page report on how slavery benefited the nation's oldest, richest and most prestigious institution of higher learning bluntly illustrates a crime many Americans prefer to ignore: The whole nation, not just the South, grew rich and powerful from the unpaid labor of enslaved African Americans. Between Harvard's founding in 1636 and the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts in 1783, "Harvard faculty, staff, and leaders enslaved more than 70 individuals," the report says. But that is only the beginning. More important is the fact that many major donors -- whose gifts "helped the University build a national reputation, hire faculty, support students, grow its collections, expand its physical footprint, and develop its infrastructure" -- made their money from the profits of slavery. Let me quote one key passage from the report, released this past week, at length: "These financial ties include donors who accumulated their wealth through slave trading; from the labor of enslaved people on plantations in the Caribbean islands and the American South; from the sale of supplies to such plantations and trade in goods they produced; and from the textile manufacturing industry in the North, supplied with cotton grown by enslaved people held in bondage in the American South. During the first half of the 19th century, more than a third of the money donated or promised to Harvard by private individuals came from just five men who made their fortunes from slavery and slave-produced commodities." The crucial acknowledgment that Harvard makes is that this slavery-derived wealth compounded over the decades and centuries, much as money in an interest-bearing bank account grows in a steepening curve over time. The same thing happened on a far grander scale to the wealth that the nation as a whole realized from the coerced, uncompensated labor of enslaved Black men, women and children. The bounty that industrial-scale agricultural slavery produced in the South benefited the North as well. Some of the biggest slave traders were based in Rhode Island. The cotton grown in Alabama and Mississippi supplied the mills of Massachusetts. Financing slavery-based agriculture and trading in its products were so profitable for Wall Street that the powerful mayor of New York, Fernando Wood, lobbied -- unsuccessfully -- for the city to remain neutral during the Civil War and continue doing business with the South. Universities have taken the lead, among U.S. institutions, in admitting the ways in which they benefited from slavery and are beginning to redress some of the grievous harm they caused. Universities Studying Slavery, a consortium of 94 schools founded by and based at the University of Virginia, meets twice yearly to further efforts at scholarship and atonement. One of the most egregious episodes in the sordid history of financing higher education through slavery happened at Georgetown University, one of the premier Catholic universities in the nation. In 1838, with the university facing financial ruin, the Jesuits who ran the school sold 272 enslaved Black people to plantations in Louisiana, where living and working conditions for the enslaved were as harsh as anywhere in the country. The money from that sale kept Georgetown afloat. Like most U.S. colleges, Georgetown discriminated against African Americans in admissions and hiring well into the 20th century. "Slavery's legacies persist in racial disparities in education, health, employment, income, wealth and the criminal justice system," Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow and Harvard Radcliffe Institute Dean Tomiko Brown-Nagin wrote this week in The Post. "The question before us now is how best to reckon with these realities and atone for our past. Acknowledging the truth is not enough. We have a moral obligation to take action." The authors pledged that Harvard will spend $100 million to marshal "Harvard's intellectual, reputational and financial resources ... to address the harms of the university's ties to slavery," with most of the money apparently earmarked for research and education. The Georgetown revelations prompted even more concrete action: The Jesuit order has promised to raise a $100 million fund administered in partnership with the descendants of the 272 enslaved workers Georgetown sold. Some of that money will fund other organizations, but it will also support both education and elder care for the posterity of Georgetown's former slaves. Acknowledgment, research and scholarships are a start. And Bacow and Brown-Nagin may be right that "we can never fully remedy the incalculable damage caused by America's 'original sin.' " But they and their peers could try a lot harder. Most deserving Black students, after all, cannot identify an ancestor who was enslaved by a well-endowed major university. The whole nation stole centuries of labor and wealth from African Americans. Any real recompense requires the nation as a whole to come to terms with this monstrous crime. Orangeburg native and Pulitzer Prize winner Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BAMBERG An 18-wheeler smashed into a Bamberg business while people were inside on Wednesday afternoon. Im surprised no one got hurt, Bamberg Police Chief James Smoak said. A 74-year-old Sumter man experienced a medical episode at about 4 p.m. as his truck struck an unoccupied SUV and then crashed into Waynes Auto Clinic at 3738 Main Highway. Three people were inside the building at the time of the collision, Smoak said. None were physically hurt. Kenneth Utz was riding next to the tractor-trailer when it began to swerve. He started to swerve to the left, we kept swerving with him, blowing the horn. He eventually came across the grass, hit the back of the Jeep and came straight through the columns, Utz said. We had to stop to keep him from hitting us, he said. Utz said he was the first one to enter the building and luckily, nobody was hurt. One man left through the back door, Utz said. He said he heard a noise, didnt think to look, nothing, he was just like: Jump! Jumped out the back door. Employee Edward Henderson said, I was over there working and heard a noise come through and when I jumped up, I saw something come through. I kept running through the back. I dont know how I cleared my own toolbox. I didnt make no sense. It scared the hell out of me and Im still nervous. Law enforcement was quick to respond to the scene as a Bamberg County sheriffs deputy was near the building and heard a loud noise, Smoak said. The deputy called for help. The damage to the building is estimated at about $50,000. Other agencies that responded to the scene include the Bamberg County Sheriffs Office, Bamberg County EMS and the S.C. Highway Patrol. Smoak said the driver of the tractor-trailer wont face any charges in the incident. T&D Web Editor Larry Hardy contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 5 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. The new president of South Carolina State University says his priorities include everything from developing a new strategic plan to using data to retain students. Alex Conyers was named the institution's 13th president on April 28. Now that the board has made this decision, you will see very intentional plans to get after many of these things, from the master plan, to the review of salaries, a new strategic plan, recommendations on the capital campaign plan, Conyers said. He spoke to university trustees during their Wednesday meeting. Conyers said he will most immediately work to fill the vacant position of vice president of finance and management. My most critical vacant leadership position at this time is the vice president of finance and management, Conyers said. In the meantime, the president said he has a plan to prioritize enrollment and retention. We must utilize data-driven decisions for our retention. I certainly have great concerns about our retention. I'm looking to make a decision based on whether we're losing students due to finances, academics, or a combination, and then putting in force all of the wrap-around services to mitigate our current retention numbers, Conyers said. The university's current retention numbers are hovering around what national retention rates are, but that's not good enough for us, he said. We need to be better than that. I don't want to get back to normal because, quite frankly, normal was not good. So it's not my intent to get back to normal because normal, again, was not good enough, Conyers said. Campus upgrades will continue throughout the summer in an effort to make the campus more attractive, the president said. We're conducting all of our summer school classes virtually this summer so it would give us an opportunity to really get into every dorm and upgrade the dorms and get those dorms flipped so that when our returning students show up on campus in August, we have done the best possible work we can for those students and their families, he said. Improving housing options is also a priority for Conyers. Public-private partnerships will be explored. I'm certainly aware of my aggressive campaign to bring in more students this semester. I know we must balance that with housing and the availability to house them. We will certainly do that, but beyond this year we must explore the public-private partnership to get after a way of building new dormitories, Conyers said. "We know to do that, we must have the numbers. We must demonstrate the capacity for new housing," he said. Conyers said there will also be increased branding of the university over the summer. Conyers said the university is also working to improve its compliance with Title IX requirements. If you've driven by the softball field, that's a part of it. We've done some major renovations to the softball field for our ladies' softball team, the president said. He is also working on finding an off-site location for professional development activities for faculty. He intends on meeting with S.C. State Provost Dr. Frederick Evans and Faculty Senate President Dr. Alexander Thierry on the initiative. It's very important that our professional development is ongoing so that we can address those issues that our faculty need to be aware of, Conyers said. The president himself will be attending a course for new college presidents this summer at Harvard University from July 8-13. We've already started increasing our faculty and staff professional development off campus as well, he said. He thanked the board for allowing him to serve as president, an opportunity he said he and his wife, Agatha, are not taking for granted. Agatha and I remain grateful and humbled by this opportunity. For the past nine months, while serving as interim, I've had an opportunity to fully assess the university's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, as well as threats. I look very much forward to being very intentional about the changes needed to really take advantage of the opportunities and to mitigate or negate the weaknesses that we have, Conyers said. I sent a message early this week thanking the faculty and staff for all of their amazing accomplishments over the nine months that ultimately led to me being able to be selected for this position. It was certainly the work of the entire faculty and staff that led to many accomplishments during my time as interim that played a huge, huge contributing factor into my selection," he said. Community engagement Conyers said the university has taken advantage of visits from U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm and U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, as well as alumni who have excelled in their fields like Dr. Monifa Bellinger, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools. Thats the largest school system in Maryland. She's looking for some partnerships with our education students. ... Not only that, Dr. McKnight shared some opportunities where our current students can serve as virtual substitutes for the Montgomery County school system from here, or from anywhere for that matter, at almost $200 a day for those students who have the time to substitute while sitting here, Conyers said. I had a chance to speak this weekend at Greenville, South Carolina at a conference. That conference provided the university $5,000, and I'm grateful for the Sixth District of Omega Psi Phi for that $5,000 donation, he said. Conyers also spoke to Trinity Baptist Church in Florence, which provided the university with a $2,000 donation. The president was also recently appointed to the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board. That's huge. That will give us an opportunity to be in the room to look at additional opportunities and know early on what those opportunities are when it comes to financing projects for HBCUs, Conyers said. Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow "Good News with Gleaton" on Twitter at @DionneTandD Love 5 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. CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire has a new resource to get small business owners the business advising and technical assistance they needfor free. New Hampshires Community Navigator Program has launched the website www.nhcommunitynavigator.org to make it easier for entrepreneurs and business owners from traditionally underserved communities to access key business resources, such as business counseling, marketing, and access to capital. The website is not only a portal to resources, but it will also connect these microenterprises, cooperatives, and businesses in the early stages of development to community partners that are focused on connecting with underserved communities. The Community Navigator Program is the next evolution for New Hampshire's small business development ecosystem, said Katherine Easterly Martey, Executive Director of the Community Development Finance Authority. These resources will support our collective efforts to break down barriers to accessing resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them grow. The Community Navigator Program is an American Rescue Plan initiative designed to reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face when trying to recover, grow, or start their businesses. The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) was awarded a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to launch the program and is one of 51 grantees selected from more than 700 submissions nationwide. CDFA will serve as the statewide hub for implementation, working alongside established microenterprise technical assistance providers covering each region of the state, New Hampshires SBA office, statewide training and language-access partners, and on-the-ground community partners to achieve the goals of the program. Addressing Barriers to Business Success Here in New Hampshire, small businesses are the engine of our economy. Investment in business development for very small businessesthose with five or fewer employeescan be a way to increase opportunities for full-time employment, increased wages, and wealth-building for low- and moderate-income business owners and their families. The Community Navigator Program directly targets the barriers encountered by socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses by enabling regional partners to focus on reaching out to small businesses that are owned by historically vulnerable community members, specifically Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); immigrants and refugees; veterans; women; disabled, formerly incarcerated, and LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people. The program also seeks to build on what works, using previous program strengths and resources to proactively support communities of high need and potential that traditional economic development efforts have been unable to successfully connect with capital and technical assistance in the past. Building a successful small business requires strong community relationships and access to capital with the help of friends and family, said Easterly Martey. Community members impacted by intergenerational poverty and the racial wealth gap are unfortunately faced with barriers that diminish their access to these types of resources and networks. These inequities in small business development and asset building are diminishing a small business potential. It is critical in this moment that we take the opportunity to break down these barriers through the Community Navigator Program. To this end, the programs website is designed to not only provide information about resources, but to directly connect business owners to people who can help. Site visitors can reach partner programs immediately by clicking the Access Resources button at the top of the page and providing their email address. They will also find information about the program and the services offered. Building on Community Partnerships The program builds on years of CDFAs investment in microenterprises throughout New Hampshire. In the past two years, CDFA has offered technical assistance through community partners, including more than $2.6 million in federal Community Development Block Grants. Another $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funding has been allocated to microenterprise support in 2022. To maximize the reach of the program, partner organizations around the state are ready to help small businesses and entrepreneurs. These key regional partners include: Investing in local organizations and understanding the needs of businesses around the state goes a long way in earning the trust and building relationships with businesses in traditionally underserved communities, said Easterly Martey. This pilot program will enable our regional partners to better reach and meet the needs of those who have traditionally lacked access. To learn more about New Hampshires program, reach out to a partner organization, and sign up for news and updates, visit www.nhcommunitynavigator.org. For more information on resources available to New Hampshire nonprofits, municipalities and businesses through CDFAs programs, visit www.nhcdfa.org. About the Community Development Finance Authority The Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) is a statewide nonprofit public authority focused on maximizing the value and impact of community development, economic development and clean energy initiatives throughout New Hampshire. The organization leverages a variety of financial and technical resources, including the competitive deployment of grant, loan and equity programs. Those resources include New Hampshire state tax credits, federal Community Development Block Grant resources and the CDFA Clean Energy Fund. For more information about CDFA and its programs visit www.nhcdfa.org or call 603-226-2170. Two weeks after experts from one of the countrys top nuclear research centers presented before the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the state announced that it has partnered with the company operating the facility as part of its effort to attract next-generation energy industries. Under the agreement, the state of Wyoming and Battelle Energy Alliance, the contractor operating the Idaho National Laboratory, will collaborate in the research, development, demonstration and deployment of advanced energy technologies and approaches, including nuclear and hydrogen, the governors office said. Youve always been the (energy) capital here in the United States, if not the universe, and theres no reason why that shouldnt change, Richard Boardman, a program director at the Idaho National Laboratory, told state officials on April 19. And thats exactly where Wyomings leaders are aiming. While the Natrium project the advanced reactor that developer TerraPower hopes to build in Kemmerer is a great start, it is my intent that we are also able to establish a nuclear industry and a sophisticated and advanced manufacturing capacity using Wyoming uranium, Wyoming technology and Wyoming workers, Gov. Mark Gordon said in a statement. During their April presentation, the Idaho National Laboratory presenters urged the state to continue distilling its vision for the future of energy and identify where, exactly, it most wants to lead. The five-year memorandum of understanding, signed Wednesday by John C. Wagner, director of the Idaho National Laboratory, and Glen Murrell, executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, specifies 14 shared areas of interest. Nuclear and hydrogen, which account for about half the items on the list, are accompanied by a range of other energy technologies and issues, from net-zero advanced industrial production and advanced energy system manufacturing to economic modeling and workforce recruitment. According to the memorandum, the shared target is to collaboratively develop a path to global leadership in a carbon-constrained economy and place the state at the forefront of the advanced energy sector. Its an agreement that formalizes and structures a relationship that has been developing over several years, Murrell said in a statement. The Idaho National Laboratorys expertise and impartiality, Murrell went on, will play a critical role in the ongoing execution of Wyomings all-of-the-above energy strategy. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. Some University of Wyoming employees might be seeing a pay raise, the school announced Thursday. The universitys board of trustees will look at the plan next week. Base pay raises would range between $1,400 and $1,900. Some employees could see additional salary increases based on merit, market and compression issues. Pay compression means that some new employees might currently make close to, or sometimes more than, what longer-tenured employees make. The raises would go into effect starting July 1 if university trustees approve the plan. Its the first broad-based raise for UW employees since the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the school said in a statement. An approximately $8 million annual appropriation from the Wyoming Legislature would pay for the increases. That amount would be divided into two pools. The first would provide salary increases for employees earning below $150,000. Employees earning below $80,000 would get a $1,900 increase. Employees earning between $80,000 but under $150,000 would get a $1,400 increase. Those earning above $150,000 wouldnt get an increase from this pool of money. The second pool would pay for raises based on merit, market and compression issues. Employees earning below and more than $150,000 could be eligible for these raises. Department heads would decide how funds from this pool would be distributed. The provost for academic colleges and the appropriate president for nonacademic divisions would have to sign off on these decisions. State-funded graduate assistant minimum stipend amounts would also increase by about 4%, the statement said. A salary administration, classification and compensation working group which included faculty, staff and senate leadership was appointed by UW President Ed Seidel to develop the salary distribution plan. The schools board of trustees will make the final decision on the plan. Across state government, officials have been looking at ways to bump worker salaries amid concerns about recruitment and retention. 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. A Laramie County woman is suing the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and one of its officers after being accused of growing marijuana on her hemp farm, court filings show. Debra Palm-Egle and her son, Joshua, were charged in 2019 with growing and intending to deliver marijuana after DCI agent Jon Briggs said samples from their Albin farm were above the legal THC limit in Wyoming. THC is the psychoactive chemical that gives marijuana its high. Hemp, like marijuana, is also a cannabis plant, but has much lower concentrations of THC. Their case was dismissed less than a year later after the court found there wasnt enough evidence to proceed. Palm-Egle filed the lawsuit against Briggs, DCI and the Wyoming Attorney Generals Office in April in Laramie County. It was moved to federal court on Tuesday, since it deals with a claim of civil rights violations. The farmer was a vocal proponent of hemp legislation passed in 2019, which allows Wyoming residents to grow and possess the plant as long as its THC content is below 0.3%. The Wyoming Supreme Court found in 2021 that Briggs had lied about an exchange he had with one of Palm-Egles contractors, who had provided three test results showing legal amounts of THC to Briggs while the officer was executing a search warrant on the farm. Briggs testified in a hearing that he remembered the tests as possibly showing an illegal amount of THC. The suit alleges Briggs lied in an affidavit used to obtain a search warrant for the farm, and had begun investigating the Palm-Egles based on insufficient information. Court filings state the investigation started after Briggs received a tip from a neighbor who had a hunch that marijuana was being grown on the farm after seeing a greenhouse being built there. Palm-Egles maintains the November 2019 search of her farm, and DCIs seizure of around 700 pounds of hemp, were illegal. The prosecutor in the original case, Assistant District Attorney David Singleton, was publicly censured last May by the state bar association for failing to correct what he knew was false testimony. Singleton was appointed as a part-time hearing judge to the Cheyenne Municipal Court in the fall. According to the complaint, two claims Palm-Egles filed with the state were rejected in May and September 2021. Now, shes asking for $250,000 in damages the standard amount for tort claims under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act. In addition, shes seeking around $55,000 for attorney fees and court costs from the initial case. Other damages could be awarded if she wins the suit. Attorneys for Palm-Egles and Briggs, as well as DCI Director Forrest Williams, did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Love 1 Funny 1 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. SHERIDAN Wyomings most populous county moved a step closer Thursday to losing nearly all of its delegates to the Wyoming Republican Party convention. The state GOPs credentials committee recommended the Laramie County Republican Party lose most of its delegates over a rules violation. The vote was 15-8. At the same time, the committee rejected attempts to punish four other counties for minor rule-breaking, raising questions again of selective enforcement. The credential committees decision is only a recommendation, and the full body will vote on the matter Saturday morning before the main business of the convention kicks off. If the body votes in favor of the recommendation, Laramie will have its delegates reduced from 36 to the minimum three. Thursdays vote is the latest episode in a broader battle between traditional and hard-line elements within Wyomings Republican Party. The number of delegates each county is afforded is based on population. Laramie is the most populous in the state, but would have four fewer delegates than the smallest county in the state Niobrara has seven delegates to the convention. The size of a countys delegation can affect its influence in the broader policy discussions held at the convention, which includes votes on party platforms, resolutions and rules. The decisions made and adopted at the convention can influence the states politics including which bills are brought to the Wyoming Legislature. Laramie is in the crosshairs because the party admittedly broke a rule at its county convention. Critics of punishing Laramie say that the infraction did not affect the business of the convention. Some have suggested Laramie Countys clashes with the partys hard-line leadership is motivating Thursdays action. In the case of Laramie County, the state GOPs executive committee received a complaint that alleged the delegate and alternate delegate selection that took place at that partys GOP convention violated party bylaws. Specifically, Laramie County did not accept nominations from the floor or use secret ballots. The county chair is going to have to go back to her own voters and explain why she disenfranchised them, said Susan Porden, Sheridan County GOP credentials chairwoman, who voted in favor of cutting Laramies delegates. We did not. She did. The motions on seating Laramies delegates sparked a debate over the philosophies of the Republican Party. I feel that as a Republican that we want local rule and county rule, said Mary Martin, chairwoman of the Teton County GOP, speaking in opposition to removing Laramies delegates. Those in favor of cutting the delegates argued that it was under the purview of the state party, while those against it argued the contrary. Minor breaches in rules has not been scrutinized in the past, but this year theres been a new emphasis put on it among the state and county-level Republican parties. I think were trying to kill a fly with a sledge hammer, said Michael Madden, a Johnson County Republican and former state lawmaker. At a Wyoming GOP executive committee meeting in early April, the panel unanimously passed a motion that stated that the party will vigorously support and enforce all state and county bylaws at the 2022 State Convention. The focus on rule-following and enforcement on the Laramie County GOP spurred a call for state party officials to treat all counties equally when it comes to punishment. We really need to be careful, said Jeb Hanson, a Niobrara Republican delegate. We could be opening the door to allow any faction of the party to target any county that they dont like. And it is not viable to audit each and every county. This is cherry picking. When it became clear last week that Laramie was at risk of losing its delegates, Gail Symons, a Sheridan Republican, filed a complaint with the state party alleging that Sheridan, Sublette, Albany and Crook Republican parties also broke minor rules. At the credentials committee meeting Thursday immediately following the vote on Laramie County, Elizabeth Bingham, chairwoman of the Sweetwater County GOP and a Laramie ally, made a motion to not have Albany, Crook or Sublettes Countys delegates sat. Ive been quietly sitting back and watching how we cherry pick, Bingham said. Bingham told the Star-Tribune that she didnt want to be making such motions, but after the Laramie vote she was spurred to speak up. I think this is all utter nonsense and we should be working together, she said. Olsen agreed. I do absolutely believe that every delegate should be seated, Olsen said following the Albany County vote. However, a precedent has been set. Only Laramie County allies voted in favor Albany and Crook counties losing their delegates: Bingham, Laramie GOP Chairwoman Dani Olsen and Natrona County Republican Party Secretary Lesley Hendry. The Sublette County matter was a voice vote, but also failed. Olsen said the Sublette County result shows obvious bias against Laramie County because their offenses were similar. Natrona County, the second most populous in Wyoming, has already lost most of its delegates to the convention over lack of dues payments. That county has also clashed with Wyoming Republican Party leadership. Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 5 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. Three Missouri hunters who were found not guilty Friday of trespassing in Carbon County in 2021 face new charges for a similar corner-crossing incident from the year before. Circuit Court Judge Susan Stipe issued summons April 25 to Bradly Cape, Phillip Yeomans and Zachary Smith to appear, virtually if necessary, before her on June 6 to answer to new trespass charges. According to information filed with the court, the three each face one count of violating Wyomings criminal trespass law or the states trespassing-to-hunt statute. A six-person jury acquitted them and John Slowensky on Friday of violating the same laws during a separate incident in 2021. The hunters admitted they corner-crossed to hunt on public land without touching private land. Last weeks trial centered on the 2021 excursion when the men hunted on BLM and Wyoming state land near the Elk Mountain Ranch owned by North Carolina resident Fred Eshelman. The new charges allege a similar set of circumstances for three of the hunters, but in 2020. All four also face a separate civil suit in federal court for the 2021 incident. Corner crossing involves stepping from one piece of public property to another at the common corner with two pieces of private property without stepping on that private land. The checkerboard pattern of land ownership found in many parts of Wyoming and the West creates numerous such common corners. Carbon County Prosecutor Ashley Mayfield Davis argued unsuccessfully during the trial that violating the airspace above Eshelmans ranch amounted to trespass. Jury members would not comment on their reasoning for reaching the not-guilty verdict. The three hunters are expected to enter pleas on June 6, perhaps starting anew a series of proceedings and a trial similar to the one that the jury concluded Friday. In launching their hunting expeditions, the Missouri men said they used onX hunting maps that employ Global Positioning System technology to locate survey monuments marking the corners they crossed. By finding the survey monuments, the men avoided relying exclusively on GPS, which can have a several-foot margin of error, according to defense attorneys arguments. In 2021, the four used a ladder to climb over two T-posts driven into the private land near the first corners. The posts were chained together, creating an obstacle the ladder overcame. Each post had a No trespassing sign and the Elk Mountain Ranch phone number. At other corners, the hunters apparently did not need a ladder to step across survey monuments without touching private land. Deputy Carbon County Attorney Mark Nugent filed court papers setting out the circumstances leading to the new charges. The charges allege the trespass occurred between Sept. 15, 2020, and Oct. 15, 2020. In an affidavit dated Feb. 15, 2022, Sheriffs Deputy Patrick Patterson tells of how another deputy Roger Hawks, who no longer works for the sheriffs office investigated a trespass complaint by Elk Mountain Ranch property manager Steve Grende in 2020. Grende complained the hunters had shot a bull elk. Mr Grende explained that the area where the three hunters had shot the elk was only accessible to the hunters by means of crossing the private land of the Elk Mountain Ranch, the affidavit reads. Grende had spoken to the hunters, the affidavit states, but when Hawks and Grende went to the spot of the conversation, they found neither the elk nor the men. After an unsuccessful search for the hunters, Grende and Hawks went to see landowner Eshelman, the affidavit states. Hawks told Eshelman he would complete an investigation and refer the case to the Carbon County Attorneys office, which would determine if charges would be filed. Mr. Eshelman was unhappy with this explanation and wanted citations written, or for the hunters to be arrested, the affidavit reads. The next day, Oct. 3, 2020, Hawks found the hunters in their camp on BLM land near a county road. The hunters stated that they had been coming to Wyoming for the past few years and were aware of corner crossing laws. the affidavit reads. They admitted that they were crossing at the intersection of private and public lands, but expressed that they did not intend to trespass. They stated repeatedly that their intentions were to corner cross, but not to trespass, the document reads. Cape also admitted that the two common corners they crossed were marked with T-posts and No trespassing signs, the affidavit states. They provided Hawks with photographs of the signs and posts, the affidavit states. Although the hunters provided these images to law enforcement, the group of hunters nonetheless stated that their intentions were to corner cross and not to trespass, the affidavit reads. Apparently neither Hawks nor any other law officer issued citations to the hunters in 2020 as the affidavit makes no mention of any. Judge Stipe signed the summons Monday, April 25 and a deputy served them to the three hunters on April 27, just before Stipe began the voir dire jury selection process in Rawlins. According to two sources who either witnessed the serving or heard it described to the judge, the deputy handed the summons to the defendants in front of most of the 58-member jury pool while the defense attorneys, prosecutors and the judge were in a conference in a separate room. Because of the new trespass charges and the ongoing civil case Eshelman brought against the four 2021 defendants, attorneys and hunters would not comment on the new charges for the record. One attorney did say justice has been served through Fridays not-guilty verdict regarding the 2021 incident. (T)he six-person jury returned a fair, just, and unanimous verdict that my client, Phillip Yeomans, and his friends, Bradly Cape, John Slowensky, and Zachary Smith did not commit the crimes of criminal trespass or trespass to hunt under Wyoming law when they accessed public lands in the Checkerboard, defense attorney Ryan Semerad wrote in a statement. This decision is not precedent, but it fairly reflects the good faith in which these men lawfully and conscientiously hunted public land, the statement reads. There is more work yet to be done for these men and to ensure public access to public lands. But this verdict was an essential first step to restoring access to the public domain to the public, he wrote. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Facing challenges: Frustrated fishermen raise their empty fuel drums, in protest against the increased price of fuel, yesterday at the Guayaguayare Fishing Port. The fisherfolk told the Express the price of fish is on the decline as fuel prices go up, and they are now pleading for a fuel subsidy for all fishermen. Photo: DEXTER PHILIP AFTER finding his wife in a hotel room with another man hiding under the bed, an Arima man n The two separate cases of teenaged girls who went missing last week and were found in shacks Constructed four generations ago, the massive rock and clay dam at El Capitan Reservoir is capable of storing over 36 billion gallons of water, enough to supply every resident in San Diego for most of a year. Today, it's three-quarters empty, intentionally kept low because of concerns it could fail under the strain of too much water. During a big earthquake, you never know whats going to happen, if this is going to hold, said Samuel Santos, a longtime resident who frequently fishes near the dam. Seismic instability and a spillway in need of significant repair" led El Capitan to be added to a growing list of dams rated in poor condition or worse that would likely cause deaths downstream if they failed. An Associated Press analysis tallied more than 2,200 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition across the U.S. up substantially from a similar AP review conducted three years ago. The actual number is likely even higher, although it's unclear because some states don't track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release details about their dams' conditions. The nations dams are on average over a half-century old and often present more of a hazard than envisioned when designed because homes, businesses or highways have cropped up below them. Meanwhile, a warming atmosphere can bring stronger storms with heavier rainfall that could overwhelm aging dams. All of a sudden, youve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail," said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing, he said, adding that without investment in upgrades, that number will continue to rise. Decades of deferred maintenance has worsened the problem. But a changing climate and extreme floods such as the one that caused the failure of two Michigan dams and the evacuation of 10,000 people in 2020 have brought a renewed focus to an often overlooked aspect of Americas critical infrastructure. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs. It marks a tremendous leap and jump of funding, said Kayed Lakhia, director of the National Dam Safety Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet it's still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the almost 89,000 dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lists about 92,000 dams in its nationwide database, most of which are privately owned and regulated by states. Dams are classified according to the risk posed by failure, ranging from low to significant to high. A high hazard means lives could be lost if the dam fails. Dams also are assessed by their condition. Those in the worst shape categorized as poor or unsatisfactory can have a variety of problems including cracks and erosion that could undermine a dam, or spillway outlets unable to release all the water after extraordinary rainfall. The number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition has risen partly because of stricter regulation. Some state programs, infused with millions of additional dollars, have stepped up inspections, reassessed whether old dams endanger new downstream developments and worked to identify dams long ago abandoned by their owners. Some also are updating the precipitation tools used to evaluate the risks. New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams in poor condition as it did in 2018, when the AP collected data for its earlier analysis. The increase came as officials pushed to assess all high-hazard dams that were previously unrated. The number of high-hazard dams in deficient condition in South Carolina rose by a third from 2018 to 2021, after lawmakers more than doubled annual funding for the state's dam safety program. More than 70 dams failed in the state amid heavy rains in 2015 and 2016. Since then, South Carolina has ramped up staffing, undertaken more regular inspections and begun mapping potential flood zones for low-hazard dams to determine if they should be reclassified as high hazard. When you had a storm of that magnitude and you have it happen again the next year, and dams continue to fail, weve got to be able to provide a response, said Jill Stewart, the states director of dam safety and stormwater permitting. Rhode Island examined the capacity of all its dam spillways after five dams failed during a storm in 2010. A 2019 study found that a quarter of its high-hazard dams couldn't hold up to a 100-year storm an event with a 1% chance of happening any year and 17% couldn't pass a 500-year storm, which has a 0.2% chance of occurring in a year. The state was sharing the findings with dam owners and could require some to upgrade their spillways to meet state regulations. Many old dams are undersized for the kind of storms that were getting today and will be getting in the future, said David Chopy, administrator of the Office of Compliance and Inspection at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Since 2019, California regulators have downgraded four of San Diegos water supply dams from fair to poor condition because of deterioration and concerns they could fail because of an earthquake or extraordinary rainfall. As a result, the high-hazard dams at El Capitan, Hodges and Morena reservoirs all are restricted to holding less than half their capacities. The dam at Lower Otay Reservoir, also high hazard and in poor condition, is not restricted. The lower water means Santos, who has been coming to El Capitan Reservoir since childhood, can't find relief from shade trees when he fishes from the receding banks. His children don't want to join him because it's so hot. Its sad to see it, because its just like a duck pond compared to what it used to be, said another longtime resident, Bob Neal, who said his father-in-law helped build the dam in the 1930s. The dam's poor condition also means less water is stored to prepare for drought, which has become particularly severe in the West. San Diego gets an average of just 10 inches of rain annually. These reservoirs are very important, said Republican state Sen. Brian Jones, whose district includes the El Capitan and Lake Hodges dams. "We need to start spending the money on them to retrofit them, to get them up again back to full capacity. For many dams, problems develop gradually and risks can be reduced by temporary measures, such as lowering water levels, until repairs can be made, said Ryan Stack, chief engineer at Missouris dam safety program. Unsatisfactory doesnt necessarily mean helicopters and bells-and-whistles and everything going off for an immediate crisis, Stack said. But the risk from old, inadequate dams has become painfully evident in recent years. In 2019, a rural Nebraska dam failed under extreme pressure from a raging flood of ice chunks, killing a man whose home was beneath the dam. An independent investigation determined that state regulators should have classified the dam as high hazard," which could have led to a plan to increase its flood capacity and better warn residents downstream. The public utility that owned the dam agreed this year to a $2.5 million settlement for the man's family while a lawsuit continues against the state. In 2020, central Michigans Edenville Dam also failed following heavy rainfall. The rupture unleashed a torrent on the Tittabawassee River, leading to the failure of Sanford Dam and damaging two other downstream dams. More than 10,000 people were evacuated. The high-hazard Edenville Dam, built in 1924, had been rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 and lost its federal hydropower license due to a variety of issues, including a spillway incapable of standing up to a severe flood. An investigatory report released Wednesday found that Edenville dam had deficiencies that could have been been caught and corrected. Rather than blaming any particular person or organization, investigators cited shortcomings in the overall system for financing, designing, constructing, operating, evaluating, and upgrading the four dams over nearly 100 years. After the dam failures, Michigan beefed up its 2022 budget with $19 million for dam safety, plus money to hire more regulatory staff. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation providing an additional $250 million for dams, including about $200 million to repair those damaged by the 2020 floods. The plan prioritizes high-risk dams that can be ticking time bombs if they are not addressed, said state Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican whose district experienced flooding from the dam failures. "Dragging our feet or failing to get it done will only open the door to other catastrophes down the line. Other states also are pumping more money into dam safety. After Kansas exempted thousands of dams from state regulation in 2013, its allotment of annual federal dam safety funds plunged, leading to a decline in staffing and delays in handling permits and inspections. A budget passed by the Legislature this year will double state funding and staff for the dam safety office. Facing a projected 20-year backlog of work, Missouri lawmakers last year added $75,000 to hire an additional dam safety engineer. But it's taken 10 months to find someone qualified to fill the position. Addressing the problems posed by old, unsafe dams can be challenging. Repairs can be costly and take years to complete. Attempts to remove dams and empty the lakes they hold back can spawn legal battles and a public outcry from those who rely on them for recreation or to sustain nearby property values. A pair of high-hazard dams built in the mid-1800s near Cleveland are among those in need of major repair. Upper Shaker Lake, commonly known as Horseshoe Lake, was drained as a precaution after it developed sinkholes and cracks. The cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, which jointly manage the dams, last year approved a $28.3 million plan to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam, return the area to a free-flowing stream and rebuild Lower Shaker Lake Dam. But the plan faces backlash from community members who formed a nonprofit to try to save Horseshoe Lake. They hired a law firm and engineering company, launched a fundraising drive and gathered about 2,000 online petition signatures. The lake is a beautiful, calming feature that is the central park of the Heights neighborhood, said musician Bert Stratton, a resident helping to lead the efforts. Its where people come to congregate, and they have for over 100 years. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which manages stormwater projects, said Horseshoe Lake provides little flood-control benefit and that the district wont pay to rebuild it. People need to understand there is a major risk at this facility, including the probable loss of life if the dam blew out, said Frank Greenland, the districts director of watershed programs. Decades of procrastination on repairs has led to the deterioration of other dams across the country. Some owners find it difficult to justify the costs of improving structures without facing an emergency. Theres an attitude among some dam owners of oh, well take care of it next year; oh, well take care of it in three years; oh, lets put together a plan, said Bob Travis, managing partner of Risk Management Matters LLC, a consultant for community associations. Meanwhile, that dam is getting older and older and older. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Casey from Boston; and Minkoff from Washington, D.C. Associated Press photographer Gregory Bull in San Diego, and reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Nick Geranios in Spokane, 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. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. PHOENIX Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says his self-proclaimed pro-life position covers only abortions and not executions even those carried out in the name of the state. And Ducey said Wednesday that he believes in the death penalty in certain rare situations. The statements come as Arizona is set to conduct its first execution this coming week since 2014 and the issuance of a death warrant for a man convicted decades ago of killing a Tucson girl. The states last execution occurred before Ducey was elected. Arizonas next execution is contingent on whether the Arizona Supreme Court concludes Clarence Dixon is mentally fit. Meanwhile, a death warrant has been issued for a second Arizona inmate, Frank Atwood. Hes set to be put to death on June 8. Atwood was convicted of the 1984 murder of Vicki Lynne Hoskinson in Tucson. Hoskinson disappeared while riding her pink bicycle to mail a letter for her mother. Authorities eventually tracked Atwood to Texas, where he was arrested on charges of kidnapping. Murder charges were added after Vickis Lynnes skull and some bones were found in the desert northwest of Tucson the following year. More rulings expected There is a possible last reprieve for Dixon. His attorneys argue that Dixon cannot understand why he is being executed because of he is mentally incompetent. That was rejected by Pinal County Superior Court Judge Robert Olson. In a ruling released Wednesday, Olson said that Dixon is rational, a decision likely to be appealed to the Arizona State Supreme Court. Dixon was convicted of the 1978 killing of Deana Bowdin, a student at Arizona State University. She was found murdered in her bed with a macrame belt around her neck and blood on her chest. While police found DNA, they were unable to find a match. The break came in 2001 when Tempe police matched it to Dixon. He was was serving a life sentence in prison for a 1986 rape at the time he was linked to Bowdins killing. Dixon had lived across the street from Bowdin at the time of the murder, officials say. Courts have so far rejected claims by defense attorneys that the state has not proven it has the lethal drugs necessary to conduct both executions in a safe fashion. Strictly speaking, Ducey cant do anything on his own to halt either execution. That is because the legislature decades ago removed the unilateral power of governors to issues pardons or commute death sentence to life in prison. That can occur only on the recommendation of the Board of Executive Clemency, something that has not happened in either case. Ducey said he is just doing his job. I took an oath to uphold the constitution and enforce the laws, he said. But what does Ducey, who was raised Catholic, believe in his heart? I believe in certain situations, the death penalty is justice, he said. And the governor said he has been briefed on both cases by Anni Foster, his legal counsel. Each of these crimes is egregious beyond the pale, Ducey continued. This is the law and it will be completed. Innocence vs. justice When I talk about pro-life, I talk about the innocence of life at birth, the governor told Capitol Media Services Wednesday. What you are talking about is justice that is coming 40 years delayed to families that suffered enormous grief at the hands of murderers, Ducey said. And the state is going to see that justice is done. The governors comments on the scope of his pro-life beliefs come on the heels of a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court indicating that a majority of the justices are willing to overturn Roe v. Wade. The historic 1973 ruling concluded women have a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. That would return the decisions to each state. And Arizona still has its pre-Roe law on the books that outlaws all abortions except to save the life of the mother. When pushed for whether he wants an outright ban or the 15-week law to take effect, the governor said the courts will decide. +1 +1 Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. In an effort to get rid of the legal pressure against its land-clearing on the Santa Rita Mountains west slope, Hudbay Minerals Inc. is giving up a suspended Clean Water Act permit it has had for three years for the neighboring Rosemont Mine site The Toronto-based company cited the relinquishing of the permit when it asked a federal judge this week to toss out an effort by tribes and environmentalists to get an injunction halting the companys clearing and grading activity on the west slope for its planned Copper World Mine. That injunction effort is connected to the Clean Water Act permit even though the permit was for a different mine. Thats because some of the land that would be graded for the Rosemont permit is also at issue for Copper Worlds grading. Hudbay has decided to relinquish our 404 permit for Rosemont to relieve ourselves and the government of the burden of defending a permit that we do not need in ongoing lawsuits, the company said Wednesday in a statement to the Star, referring to the permit granted under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Rosemonts ploy is nothing more than an attempt to evade judicial review, Stu Gillespie, an attorney for the three tribes seeking an injunction, said Wednesday. Lawsuits moot In a brief filed Tuesday for U.S. District Judge James Soto, who is hearing this case, Hudbays lawyers said because the company is giving up the permit, effective relief can no longer be granted by the Court, mooting the lawsuits. Given the status of the permit, including the uncertainty about its reinstatement, Rosemont decided to voluntarily surrender the permit. Accordingly, by letter dated April 28, 2022, Rosemont formally notified the Corps that it surrenders the permit, Hudbays attorneys said. As a result, the Permit which is the subject matter of the lawsuits no longer exists and is not effective. But despites Hudbays action, the permit remains in effect until it expires or until the Army Corps of Engineers which issued the permit modifies, revokes or reissues it, said Gillespie. He represents the Tohono Oodham, Pascua Yaqui and Hopi tribes. The motion to dismiss the case, filed by Rosemont Copper, Hudbays Arizona subsidiary, came after the company, the Army Corps and the tribes posted detailed briefs over the past week, over why Soto should or shouldnt halt grading and clearing that Hudbay began April 12. The tribes and several conservation groups have argued that the clearing should be halted until the Army Corps conducts a thorough analysis of Copper Worlds impacts. The mining company and the Corps say no such analysis is needed because Hudbay hasnt filed a formal application with the Corps to grade and because, Hudbay says, the washes that would be graded on the privately owned Copper World site arent worthy of federal regulation. Finding of harm Hudbays decision to give up the permit is based on that same view: that the Copper World and Rosemont sites dont contain washes over which the federal government has Clean Water Act authority. We never believed there were jurisdictional waters in the area and still dont. Our 404 permitting effort was based on us voluntarily consenting to the Corps jurisdiction and accepting a permit for the project rather than contesting jurisdiction, the company told the Star. The only determinations of Clean Water Act jurisdiction that exist are the ones from March 2021 that found no waters of the United States, Hudbay said, referring to a Corps decision that found none of the washes at Rosemont qualify for federal regulation. Relinquishing our 404 permit simplifies the permitting and litigation path for the Rosemont project. Hudbay remains committed to developing a domestic supply of the copper we need to build the innovative materials and technologies that will power a greener energy future. Gillespie, however, said Corps regulations keep the permit in effect until the agency acts to alter or revoke it. As for the March 2021 Corps decision forsaking authority over Rosemont, its no longer valid because the federal rule on which it was based was overturned by another Tucson-based federal judge last August, he said. District Judge Rosemary Marquez concluded the Trump administration rule, which barred federal authority over ephemeral streams like those at Rosemont which flow only after storms, would cause serious environmental harm. The rule contained fundamental, substantive flaws that cannot be cured, Marquez wrote. Evasion claimed When Hudbay accepted the Rosemont permit, based on a 2010 preliminary Corps finding that it had jurisdiction over that areas waters, it agreed that those are jurisdictional waters of the U.S, Gillespie said Wednesday. Thats the legal term used in the Clean Water Act to describe water bodies that qualify for federal regulation. They know the process here. They are just evading, Gillespie said of the mining company. This is exactly why the Corps need to do a comprehensive supplemental environmental impact statement at Copper World, take a hard look at the facts and make a decision. It cant turn a blind eye. The Corps told Hudbay in early 2022 that it can no longer rely on the agencys March 2021 finding that it lacks authority over the mine site. Yet the agency has rejected efforts by mine opponents to reverse that decision, saying it remains valid for five years from when it was issued. The Corps didnt respond Wednesday to questions from the Star about Hudbays relinquishing its permit. The agency suspended the permit in August 2019, weeks after Judge Soto tossed out the U.S. Forest Services approval of the mine on unrelated grounds. The Corps continues to tell Hudbay that the company shouldnt violate its terms at Copper World. Disputed scope Until now, Hudbay has gone along. Some washes planned for clearing for Rosemont would also be impacted by Copper Worlds grading, particularly a utility corridor on which power and water lines for Rosemont will be built. But last month, the company agreed in a letter to the Corps not to clear wash areas at Copper World that are covered under the Corps Rosemont permit. Much of the mine opponents legal case against Hudbays Copper World clearing is based on arguments that the clearing violates the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. There also are assertions that the Army Corps failed to do proper environmental analysis and tribal consultation before the clearing began. Hudbay has argued that those laws only apply to federal actions. These statutes do not apply to Rosemont and cannot serve as a basis to enjoin Rosemonts private land use activities, Hudbay said in a brief opposing the litigation. But the tribes have argued that because part of the Copper World area is covered by the now-suspended Rosemont permit, Rosemont cannot therefore build its project absent a valid Section 404 Permit. Despite the fact that the Corps has not reinstated, modified, or revoked the Section 404 Permit, Rosemont abruptly started grading, clearing, and discharging fill material in furtherance of its expanded mining project, Gillespie argued, in seeking a halt to the grading. Contact Tony Davis at 520-349-0350 or tdavis@tucson.com. Follow Davis on Twitter@tonydavis987. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. 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. Amber Heard says she knew she should leave Johnny Depp the first time he hit her, but she couldnt bring herself to do it. Heard took the stand in her own defense Wednesday as part of a libel lawsuit Depp filed against her. Heard says Depp slapped her multiple times after she laughed at one of Depp's tattoos. She says she walked away but a few days later Depp came back with an apology, a few cases of her favorite wine, and a promise hed never do it again. Heard says multiple acts of abuse from Depp later followed, including sexual violence. Depp has denied ever hitting Heard and says he was the abuse victim. 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 The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Arizona school funding was a major issue discussed in a recent debate by Republican candidates for state superintendent of public instruction. All three candidates had different opinions on whether to use some of the states projected $5.27 billion surplus to address issues in both public and charter schools. Our current state Legislature appears to be in the same quandary. Funding education should be a priority. Any discussion about investments in education should address funding for early education through higher ed, teacher recruitment and retention, and providing adequate support to low-income students and students with special needs. A funding solution should also address a long-term fix for the aggregate expenditure limit for K-12 and community colleges. These are the spending caps voters passed in 1980 that are limiting the ability for schools and community colleges to spend the money they already have. Additionally, Proposition 123 will expire in fiscal 2025, which will lead to a drop in K-12 funding. The ideological debates over curriculum, school privatization and the effects of the pandemic have wreaked havoc on our teachers and students alike. Facility maintenance has been delayed, technology is not up to date or available for all, and long-term substitute teachers have become the norm in many districts. Some of the proposed legislative fixes would make cuts to funds used for teacher retention and pay, cut school transportation funding and would make permanent the bonuses that schools receive for earning an A or B letter grade, which gives funding to the schools that need it the least (typically higher-income areas). Additional proposals include an option for public school districts to opt into a charter school funding system that would require an initial voter approval for increased property taxes but a prohibition against any further requests. There is even a proposal that would allow charter schools (some of which are owned by out-of-state corporations) to take control of public schools with low state-assigned letter grades. School funding is a complicated and contentious issue, but this is our future we are talking about here. To have the resources to make an impact (with required accountability to students, parents and taxpayers) and not use them seems to be the wrong decision to me. I want our local and state economy to thrive on businesses staffed and run by well-educated employees and entrepreneurs. I want the benefits of the taxes paid by those employees and businesses. I want the quality of life for all residents of our community to rise. I know that it is only through a sustainably well-funded education system that we can achieve that goal. I urge you to let your legislators know that you want the same. Mark Hanna is a retired TUSD educator, former member of the Pima Community College Governing Board, and current member of the Metropolitan Education Commission. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. MEXICO CITY The Mexican government is snubbing Texas and moving a proposed border rail link to New Mexico after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott backed up border crossings with state inspections in April. Mexican diplomats met Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and touted a rail line linking Mexican seaports on the Pacific with the San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa crossing in New Mexico, about 20 miles west of El Paso, Texas. Mexico had considered a route through Texas, but in recent days officials have said they can no longer rely on that state. Abbott had required all commercial trucks from Mexico to undergo extra inspections, tying up traffic and causing millions in losses. Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Mexicos director for North American affairs, wrote in his Twitter account about the meeting in Washington. There is a regional vision and management of migration, legal pathways and more development options, as well as advances in infrastructure with New Mexico that will allow us to develop immediate alternatives to commercial traffic that currently passes through Texas, Velasco Alvarez wrote. Mexicos Economy Secretary Tatiana Clouthier was more forceful last week on the fate of a proposed rail line linking the Pacific coast port of Mazatlan in Mexicos Sinaloa state with the U.S. and Canada. There is a very important project that will hopefully be finished soon that will connect Sinaloa and, we used to say Texas, but I dont think were going to use Texas anymore because we cannot put all our eggs in one basket and be held hostage to those who want to use trade as a political issue, Clouthier told a business conference. So we are going to look for another connection point because we cannot go through again what we went through a few weeks ago, she said. Some truckers reported waiting more than 30 hours to cross during the state inspections. Others blocked one of the worlds busiest trade bridges in protest. Abbott, who is up for reelection in November and has made the border his top issue, fully lifted the inspections after reaching agreements with neighboring Mexican states that outline new commitments to border security. But those Mexican states have little authority or manpower to intercept drugs or migrant smuggling the two issues Abbott cited in implementing the inspections, though state officials found little of either so the agreements were seen as a way of pressuring Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to act. Lopez Obrador, has described Abbotts actions as vile. But Abbott hasnt backed down, and has said he is considering invoking defense powers by declaring that Texas is being invaded. On Monday, Lopez Obrador brushed it off, saying, Now that there are elections, some politicians in the United States are making accusations. But how are they going to talk about an invasion? Lopz Obrador said, referring to the fact that Texas like much of the rest of the U.S. Southwest once belonged to Mexico. Oasis Fresh Market in Tulsa is the first metropolitan store to offer a special healthy food incentive program to customers. It is called Double Up Oklahoma (DUO), which matches the value (up to $20 per day) of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars spent for fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and grocery stores. Oasis Fresh Market will celebrate the DUO offering at a pop-up event from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the market, 1725 N. Peoria Ave. In August 2019, Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) took over management of the Double Up Oklahoma program and re-imagined opportunities for it. Historically, the program had been available at farmers markets, but HFO has expanded it to nine grocery stores across the state, including Oasis Fresh Market, which began offering DUO in mid-April. Saturdays event will include music, vendors, giveaways, cooking demonstrations and SNAP sign-ups. Double Up Oklahoma is a program of Hunger Free Oklahoma and is funded by the USDA GusNIP Program and through the support of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Ascension St. John and Tulsa Area United Way. Oasis Fresh Market had its grand opening in May 2021, with Mayor G.T. Bynum, City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and others attending. The roughly $5 million, 16,500-square-foot Oasis Fresh Market was established to address the areas food desert. Owned by A.J. Johnson, it benefits principally low- and moderate-income people, according to guidelines approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Related from August 2021 Throwback Subscribe to Daily Headlines Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A man who was pepper-sprayed while handcuffed and face down on the ground can continue to pursue a federal lawsuit against the police, but another civil case involving a mentally ill man who was fatally shot by deputies has been dismissed. The two rulings, in unrelated cases, were issued Tuesday in separate federal courts. In the latter case, a federal judge ruled for Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado and three deputies who were sued in their official capacities in the 2017 death of Joshua Barre. The 29-year-old man apparently was having a mental illness crisis when he was shot by Tulsa County deputies as he tried to enter a northside convenience store armed with two butcher knives. U.S. District Judge William G. Young ruled in favor of Regalado and the three deputies, finding that they did not violate Barres civil rights when they fatally shot him. Young, in a 54-page ruling issued Tuesday, wrote that while it is tragic that Barre suffered from uncontrolled mental illness and was not apprehended earlier, objectively the Deputies acted reasonably, finding that Barres constitutional rights were not violated. A law firm representing Barres estate said it was reviewing the decision in regard to an appeal. We knew the case would be a challenge under the current state of the law, but it was a challenge worth pursuing, attorney Dan Smolen said in a written statement. The mental health system failed Barre, Smolen wrote. The District Court ultimately found that the Mental Health Teams clear failures do not amount to a constitutional violation, the statement continues. We believe this case underscores the lack of protection mentally ill citizens are afforded under the law. In an unrelated case, whose events also date to 2017, a three-judge federal appellate court panel has overturned a lower courts dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a Tulsa man against the city of Tulsa and three police officers. In a published opinion issued Tuesday, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a Tulsa federal court ruling that granted summary judgment to the city of Tulsa and the officers. In its ruling, the appellate court disagreed with the lower courts finding that the officers were entitled to qualified immunity because they did not use excessive force. A reasonable jury could find that the officers use of pepper spray was excessive force, the appellate court panel wrote in its 21-page opinion. The decision sends Ira Lee Wilkins excessive force lawsuit back to Tulsa federal court for further proceedings after the panel found that Wilkins was not resisting, was not a threat to officer safety and was under the officers control when he was pepper sprayed. Because the officers were not entitled to qualified immunity, we reverse summary judgment in their favor, the opinion says. The city of Tulsa declined to comment on the ruling, citing the pending litigation. Smolen, meanwhile, whose firm is also representing Wilkins, said the firm was extremely pleased with the ruling. This is a victory for civil rights advocates throughout the region. We have always believed that Mr. Wilkinss case involved blatantly excessive force perpetrated by Tulsa Police Department officers. In Barres case, deputies with the Sheriffs Offices Mental Health Unit tried twice in the days before his death to place Barre in protective custody so he could be taken to a mental health facility for evaluation and possible treatment. On both occasions, the deputies left Barre after he yelled at and threatened them when they tried to talk to him at his home. Days later, on June 9, 2017, deputies were patrolling the area when they received a call indicating that a shirtless Barre, carrying two butcher knives, was walking in the middle of a neighborhood street, according to the ruling. When Barre reached a convenience store in the 4600 block of North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard one deputy used a Taser on him, but Barre shrugged it off somehow, according to court records. Just as Barre opened the door to the convenience store, the two deputies and a Tulsa police officer fatally shot him. The police officer is not a defendant in the lawsuit. The deputies claimed that they feared for the lives of those inside the store as Barre was in a highly psychotic state and they believed he posed an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death to anyone who was in the store, according to the ruling. The judge called the incident tragic but noted that neither the deputies nor the sheriff in his official capacity violated Barres state or federal constitutional rights when he was fatally shot. Regalado issued the following statement when asked to comment on the ruling: We agree with the Judges decision to dismiss this lawsuit. We have maintained from the beginning that our deputies acted appropriately under the circumstances and upheld their oath to protect the lives of the citizenry we serve. That being said, it does not make this incident less tragic and our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Barre family. We hope that this incident will further highlight the very real need for additional mental health and addiction services in Oklahoma. In Wilkins case, the three-judge appellate court panel sided with the plaintiffs version of the events. The officers contend that no reasonable officer would have thought the use of pepper spray on a suspect who continued to resist and prevent the search of his pockets would be unlawful, the ruling states, quoting citys court filings. But their argument presumes their version of facts, not Mr. Wilkinss, which we must accept at summary judgment, the ruling states. Under the proper view of the facts, Mr. Wilkins did not resist after the officers forced him to the ground, the ruling continues. Shooting pepper spray into his face violated clearly established law. Our precedent clearly established that force against a subdued suspect who does not pose a threat violates the Fourth Amendment, the ruling continues. The ruling states that the district judge was required to accept Mr. Wilkinss version of events so long as it was not blatantly contradicted by available video. The lower court ruling indicated that pepper spray was reasonable due to Wilkins continued movement and resistance. But the appellate court indicated that its review of bodycam video of the incident found no blatant contradiction of Wilkins account. At trial, the factfinder will have to decide whether Mr. Wilkins resisted but at this stage, we view the facts in light most favorable to Mr. Wilkins and draw all reasonable inferences in his favor, the court stated, citing earlier court rulings. 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. The case against the main suspect in the 45-year-old murders of three Tulsa-area Girl Scouts is only growing stronger with time, authorities say, with DNA testing results recently made public pointing right at him again. Gene Leroy Hart, who died in 1979 while in prison on unrelated charges, was acquitted for the slayings two years earlier of Lori Farmer, 8, Michele Guse, 9, and Denise Milner, 10, at Camp Scott near Locust Grove. But over four decades later, the latest DNA testing in the case, although officially inconclusive, strongly suggests Harts involvement, officials say, while eliminating several other potential suspects. Mayes County Sheriff Mike Reed said, Unless something new comes up, something brought to light we are not aware of, I am convinced where Im sitting of Harts guilt and involvement in this case. Reed said the results of the DNA tests have been known since 2019, part of an effort to raise private funds from Mayes County residents to have evidence reexamined. He didnt go public with them, however, until asked to do so by the victims families as part of an upcoming ABC News documentary series about the case. The four-part series, which will release on Hulu, is expected to premiere around the 45th anniversary of the crimes on June 13, although no official release date has been announced. The Tulsa World also participated in the series. Reed, who spoke at length to ABC, said the latest DNA testing resulted in several partial profiles of the killer. No full DNA profile has ever been developed in the case, so officially the testing results are considered inconclusive. But inconclusive does not mean unhelpful, Reed said, and partial profiles can be used to eliminate suspects. Reed said authorities originally questioned over 130 potential suspects in the case, and other names have surfaced through the years. Over time, DNA has been collected from potential suspects. The latest testing was able to eliminate several who had not been previously eliminated, he said. In fact, Reed added, at this point, Hart excepted, theres no suspect attached to this case that has not been excluded in one way or another, whether its DNA, whether its alibi, whether its polygraph test, whatever. Meanwhile, significantly, the latest testing could not eliminate Hart, whose DNA matched the partial profiles, Reed said. One previous DNA effort, in 1989, also produced a partial profile matching Hart. Officials said at that time that only 1 in 7,700 Native American males would have matched the profile. Reed said the latest DNA tests most likely are the last that will be done in the case, as testable evidence has been all but exhausted. He said you can never rule out touch DNA or DNA from skin cells left behind by human contact. But evidence collection and preservation in the 1970s was not done with the care and precision that would make touch DNA valuable in this case, he said. Every piece of evidence likely has picked up skin cells from dozens of people over the years. Reed said the only reason he decided to relook at the decades-old case was that the families asked him to after he was elected in 2012. He shared the DNA results with them in 2019 and only recently decided to make them public at their request. It was also at their request that Reed, who previously declined to do interviews on the case, participated in the ABC News series. Even without DNA, he added, the case against Hart remains rock-solid. Everything else that Ive been able to see and look at and dissect points to him, Reed said. And that actually carries more weight for me. While satisfied of Harts guilt, he remains open to new information. My ears are open, and I will listen to what anybody has to say. 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. LEBANON, Ind. (AP) A central Indiana man charged with murder in connection with the March death of his wife is one of three candidates who advanced in a primary election this week for a township board. Andrew Wilhoite, 40, of Lebanon received 60 of the 276 total votes Tuesday for Republicans for three positions on the Clinton Township Board, Boone County election results show. Indiana township boards consist of three members, state officials said. The local Republican primary race drew only three candidates and no candidates filed for the Democratic primary ticket, The Indianapolis Star reported. Wilhoite was arrested in late March in the death of 41-year-old Elizabeth Nikki Wilhoite. Hes been held since then in the Boone County Jail without bond. Indiana State Police have said Andrew Wilhoite struck Nikki Wilhoite in the head with a blunt object, knocking her out. He then put her in a vehicle and drove to a creek a few miles from their home and dumped her body there, police said. Police found Nikki Wilhoites body on March 26 partially submerged in about 3 feet (1 meter) of water. Court records indicate Nikki Wilhoite filed for divorce on March 17. The couple had been married for 12 years. Andrew Wilhoite's jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 29, online court records show. If he is convicted of a felony before the Nov. 8 general election, he would automatically be removed from the ballot. No Democrats have filed for the Clinton Township Board. Under our legal system, every person is innocent until proven guilty, said Brad King, co-director of the Indiana Election Division. A message seeking comment on the charges Wilhoite faces was left Friday by The Associated Press for Wilhoites attorney. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Legislation sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday would bar state government from doing business with financial institutions that boycott energy companies unless doing so would cost the state money. House Bill 2034, by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, appears to be part of a larger national effort to shield fossil fuel industries from disinvestment by banks and other lenders. A critic of the bill, Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, noted that HB 2034 was three pages long when it left the House earlier this spring and came back from the Senate at 19 pages most of which, Fugate said, seemed to be cribbed from other states bills. McBride said the new language was added at the request of the state treasurer, state pension fund managers and the Oklahoma Bankers Association to assure the legislation works for all Oklahomans. Fugate, though, pointed out that the word Oklahoma doesnt appear in the bill and asked if it would not actually work to the benefit of state oil and gas producers competitors. He also asked how it would apply to institutions that boycott Russian oil and gas. McBride waved aside such questions and said the bill is good for Oklahoma. The bill requires the treasurer to maintain a list of financial companies that boycott energy companies. Governmental entities, including pension funds, are to divest themselves of investments in those institutions unless the institutions show they are not discriminating against fossil fuel-related companies. The bill allows exceptions, though, in cases in which divestiture would not be in the states best financial interests. The House sent HB 2034 to the governor one day after passing a resolution seeking to expand the states feud with ice cream-maker Ben and Jerrys. Two years ago the House passed and Stitt signed legislation barring the state from doing business with companies boycotting Israel because of its treatment of Palestinians. A year ago Ben and Jerrys said it would no longer sell ice cream in the occupied West Bank, prompting U.S. Sen. James Lankford to call for Oklahoma to bar the state from doing business with the popular brand and to ban it outright in the state. Tuesdays HR 1063, also by McBride, broadens the attack to Unilever, Ben and Jerrys parent company, which the resolution indicates has basically ignored the states demands to comply with the state law. Also sent to the governor on Wednesday was HB 2974, by Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, which will require county election boards to identify addresses with more than 10 registered voters and refer them to local district attorneys for investigation. The bill exempts nursing homes, veterans centers, medical facilities, multi-unit housing, military installations and other locations authorized in writing by the Secretary of the State Election Board. Not sent to the governor were eight medical marijuana bills that remain a high priority for the House. House authors rejected Senate amendments on all eight, which means theyre headed for further negotiations with time now becoming an issue. Constitutional deadline for final adjournment is May 27 but could easily occur before then if a budget agreement is reached. Featured video: 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. Just days after Gov. Kevin Stitt sued Swadleys Bar-B-Q restaurants over questionable spending, an investigative story uncovered another problematic contract that has attracted federal auditors. A list is forming of trouble-plagued state vendor contracts, especially those tied to the pandemic. It includes $5.4 million for PPE that never arrived, $2.6 million for hydroxychloroquine that remained shelved, and a pandemic center with a rocky and late opening. Journalism nonprofits Oklahoma Watch and The Frontier published a story this week examining the spending of the Governors Emergency Education Relief fund, which came from the federal CARES Act. Stitt had about $40 million and created five programs. One, called Stay in School, put $10 million toward private school vouchers. Another was Bridge the Gap to provide $8 million to low-income families for school supplies, tutoring, technology or curriculum. At the time, we disagreed with Stitts decision to shore up private education, which benefited about 0.02% of all Oklahoma school-age students. It remains an ineffective use of funds intended for a greater reach. Now it appears that Bridge the Gap was fraught with problems. The journalism nonprofits found that more than half a million dollars was spent on items like car stereo equipment, televisions, coffeemakers, pressure washers, exercise gear and smartwatches. In addition, $3 million was returned to the federal government because it wasnt spent in time. A federal report says there was a lack of oversight on spending and possible violations of federal grant and state purchasing requirements. Auditors are now investigating how Stitts administration awarded the contract and issued the money. Some of those answers are known. The no-bid, single-source contract with Florida-based ClassWallet to oversee the Bridge the Gap distribution was secured by Ryan Walters in the months before he was appointed by Stitt as secretary of education. Walters was executive director of the nonprofit Every Kid Counts Oklahoma. The funds were supposed to flow through the nonprofit to the contractor due to a federal rule prohibiting states from giving money directly to families. That pass-through didnt happen, according to the story. As education secretary, Walters oversaw the project. When the vendor asked for clarification on approved items, an email from Walters said to give blanket approval with vendors on your platform. That was a lost opportunity to provide guidance and supervision. In response to the story, Stitt has notified ClassWallet that he intends to pursue damages for any contractual or legal failings, pledging to recoup misused funds. The contractor blames state officials for not setting limits. Stitt shows that he will go after vendors for misappropriated money, and thats good. But its always more difficult to recover funds after the damage is done. Oklahoma may get back some or all of the funds. But a pattern is emerging that shows a need to bolster oversight and hold responsible the state officials who fail to do that. Subscribe to Daily Headlines Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Update (noon): A flash flood warning is in effect for northeastern Oklahoma. Doppler radar indicated strong storms moving northeast at 55 mph. "Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring," a flood statement reads. Wind gusts are up to 40 mph with penny sized hail. "Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible," a special weather statement reads. Strong thunderstorms will affect portions of southern Rogers, southwestern Mayes, Wagoner, north central Okmulgee and southeastern Tulsa Counties through 1 p.m. Doppler radar indicated strong thunderstorms extending from near Catoosa to 3 miles southwest of Stonebluff at 35 mph. Update (10:40 a.m.): Radar indicates a strong thunderstorm with the potential for nickel-sized hail late Thursday morning for portions of northern Okmulgee, northwestern Muskogee and southeastern Tulsa counties. Winds are expected to gust to 40 mph, according to National Weather Service Tulsa. "Gusty winds could knock down small tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible," a special weather statement reads. Update (8:45 a.m.): A river flood warning is in effect for the Arkansas River near Muskogee and Verdigris River near Lenapah. The Arkansas River is expected to rise above flood stage later Thursday morning to a crest of 31.6 feet this evening, according to forecasters for National Weather Service of Tulsa. Flooding in Bixby has closed multiple roads: Eastbound: East 191 Street South & South Memorial Drive Southbound: South Mingo Road & U.S. Hwy 64 (East 171 Street South) Southbound: East 129 Street South & U.S. Hwy 64 (East 171 Street South) Update (6:15 a.m.): Flood warnings are in effect in the Tulsa area through 3 p.m. with 1-4 inches of rain already having fallen. "Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. It will take several hours for all the water from these storms to work through local drainage systems in urban areas. The flooded roadways will impact the morning commute," according to forecasters with National Weather Service Tulsa. In Muskogee, public schools will be virtual on Thursday due to flooding, according to an early-morning post from district administrators. Flood warnings are in place through 5 p.m. for Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee and Sequoyah counties. Update (5:30 a.m.): As of 4:21 a.m. extensive flooding was reported across portions of Okfuskee, Okmulgee and Muskogee counties. "Between 3 and 8 inches of rain have fallen across much of the warned area with localized amounts near 10 inches. Additional rainfall amounts around one half inch are expected in the warned area early Thursday morning," according to National Weather Service Tulsa. Area gauges at flood stage: Deep Fork River near Beggs (moderate), Illinois River near Tahlequah (moderate), Polecat Creek near Sapulpa (minor). In the Meadows neighborhood in Muskogee, residents report being trapped by flooded roads, with some being evacuated by boat. Elsewhere in the city, Peak Boulevard (State Highway 165) to York Street is reported to be impassable. As of 2:30 a.m., Muskogee County Commissioner Ken Doke reported flooded roads have blocked all access to the Gooseneck Bend area. "Im getting messages from friends in Muskogee saying that their homes are flooding (from flash flooding). Im sure thats the case for many people across the county right now," Doke said on social media. "All unnecessary travel this morning is strongly discouraged across Okmulgee County due to flooding," according to state officials. Oklahoma Department of Transportation has reported multiple flooded roads: ADAIR COUNTY US-62 closed 1 mile east of the Cherokee County CHEROKEE COUNTY SH-80 west of Hulbert is closed. SH-80 in Hulbert south of SH-51 US-62 closed near the SH-51 in Eldon MUSKOGEE COUNTY US-69 at US-62/Okmulgee St. in Muskogee now open US-62B at US-62/Shawnee Bypass in Muskogee SH-165 at York St. in Muskogee now open SH-10 at the railroad underpass in Fort Gibson SH-10 at Maynard Bayou now open US-64 2 miles south of Haskell now open US-62 closed just south of US-64/SH-16/SH-72 junction (Jamesville Y) in western Muskogee County OKFUSKEE COUNTY SH-48 is closed just south of I-40 at the N. Canadian River near Bearden. OKMULGEE COUNTY All unnecessary travel this morning is strongly discouraged across Okmulgee County due to flooding. The following are closed: SH-56 about 4 miles west of Okmulgee near Dripping Springs Lake US-75A/SH-16 at the railroad underpass east of Beggs US-75A at the railroad underpass north of Beggs now open US-62 about 2 miles east of Morris now open PITTSBURG COUNTY SH-31 is closed between the US-270 Jct. west to Haywood Rd. Update 11:00 p.m.: Several schools in Seminole County have announced they will not have classes due to tornado damage or power outages. Seminole Public Schools Superintendent Bob Gragg said all schools will be closed Thursday and Friday "Our prayers are with you and your loved ones as we pull together and begin to assess damages and make repairs to homes, schools, churches, businesses and infrastructure," he said in an announcement on the school website. The Academy of Seminole, a charter school in eastern Seminole, said on its Facebook page that it took a "direct hit" and will not be in session Thursday. Staff who were at the school when the tornado hit are all safe, the school said. Butner Public Schools in Cromwell also announced they will be out of school Thursday. Update 10:40 p.m.: The tornado warning in Okmulgee County was allowed to expire. Update 9:42 p.m.: Just as the first tornadic storm cell passed by Okmulgee County, a second tornado-warned cell is entering. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 4 miles west of Weleetka in Okfuskee County moving northeast at 20 mph. The tornado warning will remain in effect until 10:30 p.m. Update 9:34 p.m.: All tornado warnings in Okmulgee and Muskogee counties were allowed to expire. That storm cell is leaving Okmulgee County and is becoming less tornadic as it enters Muskogee County. Severe thunderstorm warnings are still active in Muskogee and Wagoner counties, however, due to 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. A tornado warning is still in effect in Okfuskee County until 9:45 p.m. Update 9:20 p.m.: The tornado warnings for Okmulgee and Muskogee counties are set to expire at 9:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 4 miles northwest of Schulter moving northeast at 20 mph. Muskogee County deputies said on Facebook a Smith Ferry Road bridge between 45th Street and 55th Street is at risk of collapsing. Smith Ferry Road is closed between those cross streets. Update 8:45 p.m.: The tornado warning has been extended into central Okmulgee County, north-central McIntosh County and western Muskogee County. Update 8:40 p.m.: A damaging tornado has been confirmed on the ground in and east of Earlsboro in eastern Pottawatomie County just south of Interstate 40. A storm that has already produced multiple tornados in central and eastern Oklahoma is now headed into northeastern Oklahoma, the National Weather Service reported. Southwestern Okmulgee County is now under a tornado warning as the storm that blew through Seminole earlier Wednesday night moves northeast. Damage is being reported throughout the Seminole area, including downtown. At 6:25 p.m. the first tornado was confirmed 5 miles west of Maud. The storm then blew through Seminole about 7 p.m., before turning toward Cromwell. At 8 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located in Cromwell, heading northeast, forecasters said. That storm then blew across Interstate 40 west of Okemah and went north of Okemah before entering Okmulgee County. The storm does not have any confirmed tornadoes at this time, but a strong low-level rotation capable of producing a tornado was moving northeast in southwestern Okmulgee County at 20 mph. Areas in the path of the storm include Okmulgee, Okemah, Okfuskee, Henryetta, Dewar, Schulter, Grayson, Bearden, Hoffman, Castle, Clearview, Okmulgee State Park and Pharoah. A second tornado-warned storm with a radar-confirmed tornado located near Brooksville is also entering Seminole County, according to the National Weather Service. Both tornado warnings in Okmulgee and Seminole counties are set to expire at 8:45 p.m. Police in Hanoi have arrested a taxi driver who reportedly stole properties from two Russian tourists early on Thursday morning. Officers in Hang Bong Ward, Hoan Kiem District confirmed on Thursday afternoon they had apprehended a local cab driver for stealing from two Russian passengers. The arrest was made after the story of the incident was shared on social media earlier the same day. Preliminary information shows that two Russian women, who arrived in Vietnam about two days ago, booked a taxi on Hang Bong Street, located in the famous Old Quarter in Hanoi, at around 2:50 am on Thursday. The foreigners asked if they could charge their phones and left the devices, along with other belongings, in the car. They told the driver to wait for them as they needed to exchange some money. However, the taxi driver sped away along with the visitors phones and belongings. After hearing the victims cry for help, local residents tried to ask them about the incident and offered help. Some of the eyewitnesses later posted the story on social media. Police officers arrested the suspect at around 11:00 am the same day and confiscated the two phones that he stole from the victims. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang on Wednesday successfully saved a patient who was hospitalized with acute liver failure caused by the long-term use of paracetamol. The patient was 27-year-old B.T., hailing from central Quang Ngai Province. T. had been suffering from jaundice, fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting for 15 days prior to being taken to Hoan My Da Nang Hospital. Doctors performed diagnostic tests for hepatitis B and C and other hepatitis viruses, all of which came up negative. Meanwhile, T.s medical history showed that he had taken two paracetamol tablets every day for two months about 80 tablets in total in order to treat back and shoulder pains caused by heavy labor. Dr. Le Quoc Tuan of the intensive care unit at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital diagnosed T. with severe, acute liver failure as his liver enzymes and bilirubin test results were abnormal and his blood clotting functions had been seriously disturbed. Doctors treated the patients severe, acute liver failure with plasma exchange and supportive treatment. After eight days of treatment, T.s health is now stable, his appetite has returned to normal, and his jaundice state has improved. Dr. Tuan advises people to use paracetamol, which can be easily purchased in Vietnam, in accordance with doctors' prescription. People with itching, jaundice, poor appetite, and vomiting after taking paracetamol should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment. Dr. Tuan also warned of paracetamol overdose, which can cause liver damage, hepatitis, and even acute liver failure or death if not treated promptly. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnam Fisheries Society (VINAFISH) has strongly protested against Chinas unilateral ban on fishing in the East Vietnam Sea, deeming it a wrong and null action taken in Vietnamese waters. Standing vice-president of the VINAFISH Nguyen Chu Hoi on Wednesday sent a document to the Government Office and relevant ministries to express the organizations opposition to Chinas unilateral fishing ban in the East Vietnam Sea in 2022. China recently announced that the ban would take effect on May 1 and was expected to last for three months, with affected areas including Vietnams Gulf of Tonkin and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago. This is a unilateral, repetitive, and unreasonable action by China which seriously infringes upon Vietnams sovereignty and violates Vietnams rights and interests in the countrys exclusive economic zone, Hoi stressed in the document. It also goes against international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related legal documents, as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea (DOC). The issuance of the annual ban increases the risk of clashes between Vietnamese fishing boats and the Chinese coast guard, and hinders regular activities of Vietnamese fishermen in the Vietnamese waters, he underlined. The VINAFISH strongly opposes such a wrong, unilateral, and repeated action by China, asserting that it is invalid and demanding that China immediately end the unreasonable fishing ban in the East Vietnam Sea. The VINAFISH asked competent authorities to take necessary measures to stop such a prohibition. The agency will also coordinate with relevant units to encourage local fishermen to continue their operations and comply with the law when fishing at sea, as well as to protect the fishers legitimate rights. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! As the dry season takes hold in Hanoi, low-income residents are beating the heat by trading in their winter hair style for a fresh summer cut thanks to a group of young people who offer free haircuts in the capital citys Cau Giay, Tay Ho, Thanh Xuan, and Hoang Mai Districts. We welcome people from all walks of life, especially drivers and workers, said Ha Huu Tam, a 22-year-old barber who offers up his hair styling skills on the citys streets each afternoon. Tams words ring true people from all walks of life truly do make use of the free haircut initiative, especially Ha Huy Hoang, a 70-year-old handyman who has regularly gotten his hair cut for free on the streets over the last few years. In fact, Hoang has visited free streetside barbers so often over the years that he jokes about being a guinea pig for young barbers in need of practice. These young barbers not only make people feel beautiful, but they also help the community," said Hoang. "I truly feel more handsome after they cut and style my hair." Hoa is another happy customer who appreciates the work of these young barbers. The 71-year-old Cau Giay resident recently visited one of Hanois free barbers for the first time and only had good things to say. I decided to try it out on my way to the market," Hoa shared. "The barber was so fun to chat with and he really made me feel comfortable. Nguyen Van Nam, a 27-year-old novice barber from Bac Ninh Province, said that he often cuts hair free of charge on the streets as a way to hone his craft. After showing different hairstyles to my guests, I give them a cut and style," said Nam. "Their happiness makes me happy too. Meanwhile, Nguyen Thanh The, a 20-year-old from Quang Ninh Province, spent a year studying hairdressing before taking to the streets of Hanoi to offer some post-COVID relief to the community. The majority of my customers are motorbike taxi drivers," The said. "Offering them complimentary haircuts helps them save some money. The only payments we want are the compliments from our guests." Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A made-in-China toy drone was found on the apron of an airport in Vietnam on Tuesday, with authorities suspecting that it had flown into the airport before crashing. The drone was detected at Da Nang International Airport by Ho Quoc Trung, a staff member of the Vietnam Airport Ground Services Company Limited, while he was on duty in the aircraft parking area on Tuesday afternoon, a source told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Trung then handed the drone over to airport authorities who said it might have lost control and landed at the airport. The UAV, a Y20 Y-series Drone with no camera or memory card, was identified as a toy, airport authorities said. Based on CCTV footage, Da Nang Aviation Security Center initially determined that the drone crashed at 12:31 pm on Tuesday. The incident did not disrupt any airport operations but was a potential risk to flights, airport operators said. The unauthorized use of drones and superlight aircraft in the airport area is an act that seriously threatens air security and safety, according to the Ministry of Transport. In recent times, there have been cases of drones infiltrating Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat International Airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) reported. Some kinds of superlight UAVs with high-tech features can carry, lift, and lower heavy objects and are controlled remotely by radio waves, according to the CAAV. They can fly at an altitude of 5,000 meters at a maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour and carry objects weighing up to ten kilograms for a distance of up to seven kilometers for 40 minutes without stopping, CAAV general director Dinh Viet Thang cited the Ministry of Public Security. Saboteurs can use such facilities to crash into works or aircraft at airports, or carry weapons or explosives for their sabotage schemes, Thang warned. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Beyond Rights has recently finalised a series of factual and kids programming packages, totalling 1000 hours, with major broadcasters in Australia and New Zealand. Beyond Rights EVP of sales for Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Joanne Azzopardi said, I am delighted to bring some of the worlds best factual and kids programming to leading broadcasters in Australia and New Zealand. Beyond Rights growing catalogue continues to offer an enticing selection of content across a wide range of genres, ensuring that individual broadcasters and platforms can find the right programming to support their channel brands and provide their audiences with a variety of appointments to view. Foxtel has taken packages for its A&E, History and Fox Docos channels. A&E will be airing new seasons of shows such as Highway Thru Hell (series 9 & 10: 36 x 60) and Bangers & Cash (series 3 & 4: 28 x 60), as well as season one of Ultimate Rides (20 x 30). History will premiere the latest seasons of Abandoned Engineering (S7 & 8: 24 x 60) and will also become home to titles such as Britains Lost Battlefields (6 x 60), Underground Worlds (10 x 60) and Bismarck: 24 Hours to Doom (1 x 60). Meanwhile, Foxtels new Fox Docos channel has acquired a range of Beyond Rights most recent and high-profile documentaries, including The Prince and the Paedophile (1 x 60), Britains Biggest Families (1 x 60), Sugar Babies (1 x 60) and Caroline Flack: her Life & Death (1 x 60). SBS has also acquired Caroline Flack: Her Life & Death (1 x 60), Sugar Babies (1 x 60) and Bismarck: 24 hours to Doom (1 x 60). In addition, it has taken several new series, including Secret Life of Lighthouses S2 (3 x 60), Underground Worlds S2 (10 x 60) and Countdown to War (3 x 60). SBS Food has acquired Patis Mexican Table S10 (10 x 30), as well as renewing all five series of Gourmet Farmer (50 x 30) and series one and two of Shane Delia (20 x 30). Free TV Australia, which broadcasts in the Pacific Islands, has acquired three series of reality title Beach Cops (18 x 60), in addition to nearly 150 hours of kids content: History Hunters (26 x 30), two series of fun science show Lab Rats Challenge (130 x 30) and the pre-school kids series Pipsqueaks (135 x 30). Finally in Australia, ABC pre-bought Days Like Thesewith Diesel (12 x 60), a new music documentary series produced by Beyond Entertainment and Bloodlines Music. Each episode features a seminal concert by a quintessential Australian band, such as Icehouse, Jet or the Baby Animals and explores, with the help of new interviews conducted by musician Diesel plus incredible behind the scenes footage, what made each of these milestone events so special. Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia in partnership with Speech & Drama Pictures has secured the rights to develop Paul Kellys classic How to Make Gravy into a Christmas film. Originally released in 1996, the song tells the story of a prisoner named Joe who writes a letter to his brother Dan about his longing to be with family at Christmas. Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia recently moved into drama production with adaptations of European dramas Love Me and The Twelve, both for Foxtel. Speech&Drama Pictures is the production company of screenwriter & director Nick Waterman and musician / screenwriter Megan Washington. Paul Kelly said, Dan and Joe and Rita and Angus and Dolly and all the others have been stuck inside that song so long, Im glad theyre going to get a chance to live life a different way! Michael Brooks, Managing Director of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia, said: In Australia, December 21st is known as Gravy Day. Few songs have risen to cult status and secured a date on the festive calendar, which is why Paul Kellys How to Make Gravy is so special. Its a privilege to be given the opportunity, alongside our partners Megan and Nick at Speech & Drama, to unravel the mystery and meaning captured in Pauls now iconic lyrics and bring this incredible story to the screen. Nick Waterman and Megan Washington said, Pauls beautiful song is the perfect recipe for a feature film. Its characters are already beloved by many who have imagined the story behind Joes letter themselves theres so much to be found in the space between what he must be feeling in prison at Christmas and what he writes in his letter to his brother. This song holds a special place in our hearts. Its an honour to bring it to life. It isnt yet clear which broadcaster / SVOD will screen the film. By Bridgett Dillenburger 23 Two University of Dayton students received 2022 Barbara A. Horwitz and John M. Horowitz Undergraduate Research Awards from the American Physiological Society and presented their research at the annual international Experimental Biology Conference, April 2-5, in Philadelphia. Paige Kompa, a junior pre-medicine major from Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Nicole Hetrick, a senior pre-medicine major from Massillon, Ohio, were awardees for the Outstanding Undergraduate Abstract Award. Both students worked under the guidance of Anne Crecelius, associate professor of health and sport science. Kompa was among the top 10 finalists for her abstract Effects of Systemic Hypoxia on Motor Control Performance and Brain Blood Flow in Healthy, Young Humans. She worked with the Integrative Human Physiology Laboratory and the Empower Lab in the mechanical engineering department. Her work is part of a multi-university research initiative (MURI) project supported by the Office of Naval Research. Kompas research focused on the need of blood flow to the brain for daily functions and motor skills. Hypoxia, or low-oxygen air, is associated with increases in the fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervous system and can impact heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow to the brain. Kompa said few studies have researched these impacts of hypoxia on motor control performance. Kompa and her team hypothesized that motor control performance would be impaired by hypoxia, despite increased blood flow. She measured motor control performance in 14 participants, including fellow members of the UD EMS squad, through a 90-minute process using a computer joystick. Subjects performed the task with either hypoxic gas, which is 10% oxygen, or normal air, which is 21% oxygen. Then, they repeated this process with the opposite stimulus to compare effects. Kompa said it was rewarding to obtain data with the advanced measuring tools and techniques. Kompa said she was fortunate to have the opportunity to work on this project. She praised Crecelius for her mentorship. Dr. Anne Crecelius has played a pivotal role in several aspects of my life, even beyond the laboratory setting, she said. She has been an extraordinary mentor to learn from and I can sincerely say she has been my biggest influence at the University of Dayton. Kompa will continue researching alongside Crecelius and hopes to present at future conferences next year. She plans to attend medical school after graduation. Having the experience of working on a prolonged research project, being involved in a grant of this magnitude and Dr. Crecelius mentorship has driven me to be a lifelong scientist and pursue research while attending medical school, Kompa said. One of the biggest lessons I have learned and a skill I am constantly working on is thinking scientifically and outside the box while problem solving. Research allows me to practice this on a daily basis. Crecelius said Kompa has successfully balanced her research with other commitments, including mentoring other students. By the end of her time in the lab, she'll have a vast amount of projects she's been involved in, particularly for an undergrad, Crecelius said. She really has been key to my efforts in our funded MURI work. Hetrick focused her research on cognitive differences between competitive gamers and non-gamers regarding fitness and stress responses. Hetrick concentrated on esports, a form of competitive gaming involving video games. Nicole really demonstrated her initiative and independence in her project, recruiting a select population of competitive gamers and implementing a new cognitive testing software into the lab, Crecelius said. In her esports research, Hetricks participants completed six cognitive tests for problem solving, visual tracking, spatial recognition and decision making. Hetrick monitored the stress responses of the sympathetic nervous system through heart rate and pressure. Participants also were measured based on their fitness skills: muscular strength through a hand-grip tool, muscular endurance through a sit-up test, flexibility through a sit and reach test and aerobic capacity through a treadmill. Other skills measured included power, balance and hand-eye coordination. While there were no significant differences seen in the fitness tests, there were significant differences in the cognitive tests. Hetrick said this experience will be beneficial when she attends medical school at Marian University after graduation. She connected her research to her on-campus activities as well, such as working as an EMT and a supplemental instructor for the University. These opportunities have allowed me to help others through acquiring new knowledge, caring for others, and helping teach and support other students, Hetrick said. This research has given me the opportunity to learn more about the process of acquiring new knowledge and findings, and it has given me a better understanding of the scientific method. I think this will be very important as I plan to continue gaining further research experience in medical school. Hetrick credits Crecelius guidance for her Horwitz/Horowitz awards recognition. Nicole demonstrates true joy and enthusiasm towards research and the learning process, Crecelius said. She took what was just an idea and shepherded it to a successful project, working fairly independently most of the time. I'm excited to see what great things lie ahead for her in medical school and beyond. Crecelius said experiences such as the Experimental Biology Conference and Horwitz/Horowitz awards help students prepare for their future careers. Both students were able to engage with a variety of interviewers and speak about their work, preparing them for future similar interactions with professionals in the field, she said. In addition, I think that any time hard work is recognized, it helps to support the dedication and effort that has been put into the project. Crecelius said these awards help bring national recognition to the University and related programs. Both students were supported by the Honors Program and the Deans fellowship awards, which comes from the Deans Excellence Fund. In Philadelphia, during the APS undergraduate poster session, more than a hundred people from some of the biggest and best institutions got to see Paige and Nicole's names, along with University of Dayton when they received their awards, Crecelius said. It becomes clear that our institution is providing exceptional opportunities to undergraduate researchers. Photo (left to right): Nicole Hetrick and Paige Kompa Emerging young talents carry forward traditional Chinese culture 08:44, May 05, 2022 By Shen Feng, Wang Xuetao, Chen Zhihao ( Xinhua * On April 21, China released its first white paper centered on its youth, "Youth of China in the New Era." This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC). * Nowadays, young Chinese identify more and more with the splendors of Chinese civilization. They are deeply proud of the Chinese nation, and are more active in promoting traditional Chinese culture and boosting cultural confidence across society. * China has pledged to go all out to preserve and develop its excellent traditional culture, eyeing a "marked boost" in the international influence of Chinese culture by 2025. TAIYUAN/LHASA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Sitting in a self-designed, ancient-style courtyard, Liu Kai, 30, draws Chongfu Temple, a cultural structure steeped in history and now under state protection in north China's Shanxi Province. Hailing from a farming family in Zhuge Village, Shanxi's Linfen City, Liu has a passion for ancient China's awe-inspiring architecture, especially the buildings in the culture-rich province. Over the past eight years, he has recorded over 50 historic structures on paper, depicting himself in front of each old building. "It is me, like countless others who have looked up to the heritage through the ages," Liu said. On April 21, China released its first white paper centered on its youth, "Youth of China in the New Era." This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC). China's youth draw nutrients from the best of China's traditional culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture, and gain strength from the time-honored Chinese civilization, said the document. Young Chinese identify more and more with the splendors of Chinese civilization. They are deeply proud of the Chinese nation, and are more active in promoting traditional Chinese culture and boosting cultural confidence across society, according to the white paper. File photo provided by Liu Kai shows a painting of his depicting a view of the Tayuan Temple on Mount Wutai in north China's Shanxi Province. (Xinhua) Over the years, China has placed great emphasis on the passing on and promotion of its culture, with a raft of guidelines and proposals launched to fuel the nationwide protection, innovation and spread of its invaluable culture. Liu is not alone in his passion for China's past. After posting his paintings online, his artworks have wowed netizens and attracted collectors across the country. China has pledged to go all out to preserve and develop its excellent traditional culture, eyeing a "marked boost" in the international influence of Chinese culture by 2025. According to the guidelines issued by the central government in 2017, major achievements are expected to be registered in traditional culture-related research, education, protection, inheritance, innovation and exchanges by 2025. China's top design to rejuvenate its fine culture has received an enthusiastic echo from the public. At a Virtual Reality (VR) exhibition hall in Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, an eight-minute video introduces visitors to the history and development of Zhentang Sherpa dance, a form of national intangible cultural heritage. The videography and translation involved the efforts of 23-year-old Sidar, who is of Sherpa descent. His hometown Zhentang, deep in the Himalayas and bordering Nepal, is home to more than 2,600 Sherpa people. The young man's mother is a practitioner of Zhentang Sherpa dance. When Sidar was a child, he used to watch his mother teach locals of all ages the ancient steps of the dance. File photo taken by Sidar shows Sherpa villagers enjoying liquor made from Eleusine Coracana in Zhentang of Xigaze, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, on July 16, 2019. (Photo by Sidar/Xinhua) Scholars have frequently visited the sleepy town to conduct studies of the unique local culture. "The Sherpa culture is diverse and rich. Scholars make academic achievements, but the responsibility of real cultural inheritance falls on the shoulders of local youths like Sidar," said Tarring Namgel, an associate professor at the College of Art of Tibet University. He traveled to the region to research Mani Drama, another time-honored form of Sherpa cultural heritage. Increasing participation in such trips inspired Sidar to record local culture through his lens. Old gadgets of the Sherpa people, dancing and vibrant festival celebrations have since become the subjects of his videos. "Our culture is like an ancient river that flows inside us from history to today," Sidar said. It is his dream to make a documentary and establish a museum of Sherpa folk culture. More and more young Chinese people have joined efforts to preserve cultural heritage thanks to China's blockbuster documentaries and television shows such as "Masters in the Forbidden City" and "National Treasure." When Zhu Xiaocong, now an ancient calligraphy and painting conservator, landed his job at Shanxi Museum seven years ago, he only had three or four colleagues. But now, the team has expanded to about 30 people, with its members mostly born after 1990. Zhu's studio may seem like a kitchen to the untrained eye, as a variety of brushes hang on the walls, knives rest in drawers and pots of different sizes litter the counter. Lying on his workbench is a piece of calligraphy dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), spoiled by faint stains and cracks. Zhu Xiaocong, a restorer for painting and calligraphy, works on an artwork at the Shanxi Museum in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, April 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Xuetao) Zhu is "performing surgery" on the delicate artwork. He scrapes off the stains with a knife and sticks thin white strips to the back of the paper on damaged areas. "It can take days to merely open the frames of articrafts using tweezers, as ancient Chinese people used to write and draw on fragile materials," Zhu explained. "Young people are energetic, but they can lack experience when it comes to artifact restoration," said Guo Zhiyong, deputy director of the museum's cultural artifact conservation and research department. "However, their techniques can be greatly improved through training, teaching guides from their seniors, and field trips." Over the past seven years, Zhu has single-handedly restored over 100 ancient paintings and calligraphy works. "All my efforts are worthwhile when I see the artifacts restored to their former glory and appreciated by museum visitors," he said. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) BEIRUT, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Thursday urged Lebanese to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections, said Lebanon's Council of Ministers in a statement. "We call on everyone to vote with integrity and freedom of conscience," Mikati said when he inspected the operation room set by the country's Foreign Ministry to monitor expatriates' voting, which will start on Friday. The elections within the Lebanese border are scheduled for May 15. The prime minister said that only 220,000 Lebanese expatriates registered to take part in the elections while the number of expatriates is "in millions," urging "those registered to vote massively in order to have their voices heard and to bring about change." The Lebanese have been waiting eagerly for parliamentary elections in the hope to introduce changes to Lebanon's political system and save the country from its current plight. Lebanon has been facing a major financial crisis, plunging over 70 percent of the Lebanese into poverty. FILE PHOTO: Flags of German power supplier EnBW Energie Baden-Wuertemberg AG are pictured at the company's headquarters in Karlsruhe FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German utility EnBW, whose VNG unit is one of the country's largest importers of Russian gas, is fully prepared for the ban on coal the European Union has imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, its CEO said. "We already started broadening our procurement base for coal late last year. And we are fully prepared for the embargo that the European Commission is imposing from August," Frank Mastiaux said during the group's annual general meeting. EnBW in March said it received 3.6 million tonnes, or 86%, of its hard coal supply from Russia, adding it started to diversify procurement at the end of last year, while existing stockpiles will ensure supply well into 2022. The EU plans to ban Russian coal from mid-August as part of sanctions designed to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. It is also debating a crude oil embargo that would take effect in six months. Gas, which is the most critical energy source for Europe and Germany in particular, has so far not been banned, and the bloc does not yet have plans to do so. "Regarding gas, too, we are working hard towards a significant diversification of supply sources," Mastiaux said. EnBW has said that 20% of the 495 terawatt hours of gas it procured last year came via direct agreements with Russian suppliers, adding those volumes would decrease from 2023 onwards. (Reporting by Christoph Steitz, Editing by Miranda Murray and Barbara Lewis) The Singapore State Courts. (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore) SINGAPORE A man was sentenced to five years' jail on Thursday (5 May) for committing unlawful sexual acts with two teenage boys while he was a member of a religious order of the Catholic faith. The Singaporean had pleaded guilty to one charge of voluntarily having carnal intercourse against the order of nature and one charge under the Children and Young Persons Act. Two other charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. According to The Straits Times, the man is not a priest. Details about the man and his victims cannot be disclosed due to a gag order, which also covers the man's designation and appointment and the address of the incident location. The Straits Times reported that Deputy Public Prosector Sarah Siaw had asked for four to six years' jail for the man, saying that it was clear the victims had trusted him and he had abused his position of trust. For voluntarily having carnal intercourse against the order of nature, the man could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined. For committing an offence under the Children and Young Persons Act, the man could have been jailed for up to two years and fined up to $5,000 on a first conviction. Archbishop of Singapore expresses 'sadness and regret' Following the man's sentencing, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore released a statement by Archbishop of Singapore William Goh expressing his "sadness and regret" on the case. "Like many of you, I am dismayed, shocked, and ashamed," he said in the statement. "I humbly apologise on behalf of the Church. My heartfelt sympathy to those who have suffered on account of this crime. I pray that they will find healing and closure, and we journey with them as a Church through this pain. May justice be rendered accordingly." Archbishop Goh said that the Archdiocese takes the provision of a safe environment very seriously, especially where children and young persons are present. Story continues For example, it has established the Professional Standards Office in 2011 to protect the interests of the vulnerable, and regularly reviews its protocols to provide a safe environment. "We pray that we all be more vigilant and mindful as leaders and members of the church," he said. "Let this incident be a wake-up call for us all to take our spiritual life seriously and be awakened from a complacent faith." Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland joined forces with a community group as part of his campaign to tackle loneliness in the town. SOUTH Swindon MP Robert Buckland joined forces with a community group as part of his campaign to tackle loneliness in the town. The Swindon Smile group regularly sends out cards to people in the community who may be suffering from loneliness and isolation. The group sent out a 70th birthday card to a victim of modern slavery here in the town through the Medaille Trust charity. Originally from Mauritius, she was lured over to the UK on the promise of a nannying role many years ago but ended up in an abusive domestic servitude situation until she was rescued by police and referred to the safe house. Not wanting her to have a lonely birthday, Medaille Trust service manager Katie Zaccaro put out an appeal for help and members of the Smile group were happy to help. The group regularly sends out Get Well cards to those who are suffering from ill-health and live alone, as well as Birthday cards. Gail Collins who began the Smile group in December 2021, said: During Covid, I thought a lot about people who were alone and without anyone to talk to, and also those who are in this situation all of the time. I decided to form the Smile group to let people know that they dont have to be alone, people do care, and that people will reach out to them. I then decided to extend the group to help people with other issues such as illness, grief, and depression. So many people have joined the group to help me do this, and I am so grateful to them. I could not do this alone. Mr Buckland added: Sending a card is such a small gesture, yet it means such a lot to the people we have reached out to. "I have been working with Swindon Seniors Forum for over four years now on a local campaign to tackle loneliness, with the aim of bringing together key organisations in and around Swindon to discuss the excellent work that is already taking place locally, as well as discussing what further can be done to tackle loneliness. I am delighted to be joining forces with the Swindon Smile Group and would like to encourage others to become involved in this excellent local initiative. You can the Swindon Smile Group on Facebook It was an action-packed day in the 5,300 Main Event at the 2022 PokerStars European Poker Tour presented by Monte-Carlo Casino with over 12 hours of poker being played. Over the course of six and a half levels, the field was dwindled down from 332 players to just 85 by the time chips went into the bag. Leading the way is none other than Niall Farrell who bagged a whopping 1,175,000, winning one of the larger hands of the tournament in the last couple of hands of the night. The Scottish poker pro already has one EPT Main Event title from back in 2015 in Malta where he took home over 530,000. There is still a long way to go, but grabbing an elusive second EPT title would not only tie him for the most ever, but would also be his largest career tournament victory. Farrell will be joined atop the leaderboard by Ferenc Deak (1,137,000) and Ole Schemion (1,046,000) as the only players with a seven-figure chip stack. Deak spent the last two hours on the feature table where he accumulated the majority of his chips, while Schemion made an impressive comeback from less than 50,000 chips in the opening level of Day 2. The day began with 332 players in their seats after a few late entries before registration closed. Many of the short stacks quickly hit the rail and would do so throughout the first few levels. The money bubble started to loom as dinner break approached and the action came to a screeching halt. One of the biggest stories of the day belonged to Ana Marquez who was down to just 17,000 chips on the bubble but managed to spin up a stack of 442,000 by the day's end. Ana Marquez survived the money bubble with 4 big blinds Some notables to hit the rail before even getting a sniff at the money bubble included Victoria Cohen Mitchell, Dominik Nitsche, Kitty Kuo, Mustapha Kanit, Andre Akkari, and Patrick Antonius. Cohen Mitchell was looking to become the only three-time EPT winner but unfortunately, that will have to wait for another time. Just two players off of the money, Harpreet Gill and Danny Pyke were both eliminated at the same time before the hand-for-hand process could even begin. That burst the money just moments before players went on dinner break and the short stacks quickly followed them out the door after securing a min-cash. Another comeback story from Day 2 belonged to Gaelle Baumann who had a rollercoaster of a day. Baumann picked up a pot on the first hand of the day but just 10 minutes later, found herself down to just seven big blinds after losing a key all-in pot to Julien Martini. Baumann didn't falter though as she managed to find an above-average bag of 464,000 at the end of the day. Martini, on the other hand, wound up with just 170,000 but will be returning for Day 3. A few notable to reach the money but will not be moving on to Day 3 include Davidi Kitai, Leo Margets, Timothy Adams, Rainer Kempe, Benjamin Spragg, and 2021 WSOP Main Event champion Koray Aldemir. The action is slated to resume at 12 p.m. noon on Thursday, May 5 with just 85 players returning to their seats. It is expected that they will be playing another six and a half levels with a 20-minute break after every level and a half. The PokerNews live reporting team will be back on the tournament floor to bring you all of the live updates throughout the Main Event. A murder suspect had a "special relationship" with a prison officer who is believed to have helped him escape from jail in the US, according to a sheriff's office. Casey White, who was awaiting trial on a capital murder case, disappeared with Vicky White after leaving a detention centre in Florence, Alabama, on Friday. The pair are not related. Ms White, 56, told colleagues the 38-year-old inmate needed to go to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation. Later that afternoon, when she was not answering her phone, the authorities discovered no such evaluation had been scheduled. Ms White's patrol car was also found abandoned at a shopping centre. In a statement, the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office said: "Investigators received information from inmates at the Lauderdale County Detention Center over the weekend that there was a special relationship between Director White and inmate Casey White. "That relationship has now been confirmed through our investigation by independent sources and means." The office did not give further details about the nature of the relationship. White was serving a 75-year sentence for a string of crimes that included attempted murder, robbery and burglary. Authorities said White was facing a murder charge over the stabbing of a 58-year-old woman. A warrant has been issued for Ms White's arrest on charges of assisting in an escape. Family members and colleagues said they are bewildered by the alleged involvement of Ms White, who had worked for the sheriff's office for 16 years. "I just can't picture Vicky running off with that man," her former mother-in-law, Frances White, said. She added her former daughter-in-law was kind and always wanted to help others. A partnership between the University of North Georgia (UNG) and Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) will add 280 nurses to the workforce over the next five years beyond the nurses UNG already trains. Applications are open through Aug. 31 for the inaugural 40-student cohort for UNG's accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track for students who already have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field. That initial group will start in January 2023 and graduate in May 2024. The following four cohorts, which will also start in January and graduate 15 months later, will each include 60 students. The additional 280 nurses over the next five years will benefit the community at large because roughly 80% of BSN graduates stay in the north Georgia region in practice after graduation, Dr. Carolynn DeSandre, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions, said. The track will be based on the Gainesville Campus. "It's another great way to partner with Northeast Georgia Health System that empowers UNG to fill a workforce gap and helps NGHS achieve their mission of improving the health of the community in all they do," DeSandre said. Historically, there has always been a problematic nationwide shortage of nurses and COVID-19 exacerbated the situation, DeSandre said. MOSCOW, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia has announced the expulsion of seven Danish diplomats in a retaliatory move, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The Ambassador of Denmark to Russia Carsten Sondergaard was summoned to the ministry in protest over Denmark's decision to declare 15 Russian employees working at the Russian Embassy in Denmark and the Russian Trade Representation in Copenhagen "personae non gratae" and Denmark's military support to Kiev, according to the ministry. The seven diplomats were ordered to leave Russia in two weeks. The ministry said Russia reserves the right to take additional retaliatory measures against future unfriendly actions. Deploying Microsoft Enterprise Apps with AWS Launch Wizard As applications become more complex, deploying them correctly becomes increasingly critical. In the past, Amazon has offered its Launch Wizard as a tool for guiding admins through the process of deploying Active Directory and other services in the AWS cloud. Recently however, Amazon has retooled the Launch Wizard so that it can assist admins with the deployment of mission-critical applications such as Microsoft's Internet Information Server (IIS) and Microsoft Exchange Server. You can find the Launch Wizard in Compute section of Amazon's list of services. When you open the AWS Launch Wizard, you are taken to a dashboard display that lists the various deployments that you can perform. As you can see in Figure 1, these deployments currently include Microsoft SQL Server, SAP, Active Directory, Remote Desktop Gateway, Amazon EKS, Exchange Server and Microsoft IIS. [Click on image for larger view.] Figure 1: AWS Launch Wizard now supports Microsoft Exchange Server and IIS. As you look at the figure above, you will notice that the Pricing section indicates that Launch Wizard is a free service, but you are required to pay for your use of underlying resources such as EC2 and EBS. Deploying Exchange Server To deploy Microsoft Exchange Server using the Launch Wizard, just click on the Exchange tab and then click the Create Deployment button. When you do, AWS will ask you if you want to deploy Exchange into a new VPC or use an existing VPC. This is where things get interesting. If you have ever set up Microsoft Exchange Server from scratch, then you know that doing so is not a simple process. Depending on the Exchange Server version that you are deploying, there are several dependencies that must be put into place. Additionally, optimal edge transport server and mailbox server placement is something of an art form, as is the process of making the Exchange deployment highly available through clustering. The Launch Wizard handles all of these complexities for you. When you deploy Exchange Server into a new VPC, AWS walks you through the process as though you were starting from scratch. The first step in the process is to provide a deployment name and to configure your network. This means choosing the number of availability zones that you want to use, providing a CIDR for the VPC and then defining a series of subnets. The next thing that the Launch Wizard does is to walk you through the process of setting up the Active Directory. Microsoft Exchange Server has a direct dependency on Active Directory, so if you don't already have an Active Directory environment in place, the Launch Wizard will help you to create one. As you can see in Figure 2, this means entering things like admin credentials, domain controller names and the domain's DNS name. Once you have populated all of the Active Directory related fields, the Launch Wizard asks you how many remote desktop gateway hosts you want to deploy, before moving on to the Exchange configuration. The Exchange Server configuration options are relatively straight forward. You will need to select your Exchange Server version, and choose whether or not you want to deploy Ede Servers or enable the ReFS file system. You will also need to choose the volume type and size, and choose whether to enable volume encryption. [Click on image for larger view.] Figure 2: These are the configuration options that exist for Exchange Server. Once you have finished choosing the configuration options that you want to use for Exchange Server, you have the option of enabling the network load balancer. The Launch Wizard also steps you through the process of configuring failover clustering, as shown in Figure 3. [Click on image for larger view.] Figure 3: The Launch Wizard can also automate the deployment of failover clustering. Deploying IIS IIS is a much simpler platform than Microsoft Exchange, so it stands to reason that setting it up through the Launch Wizard is a bit less involved. If you are deploying IIS into a new VPC, then many of the configuration tasks are the same as for Exchange Server. You will need to name your deployment, configure your network, provision the Active Directory, and choose the number of remote desktop gateway hosts that you want to use. The actual IIS configuration process is really simple. It essentially just involves providing the name of the S3 bucket containing the web site's code. The only other thing that you have to do is to set up an auto scaling group, which requires little more than specifying the number of servers that you want to use, specifying a CIDR, and selecting a load balancing scheme. You can see what the process looks like in Figure 4. [Click on image for larger view.] Figure 4: These are the configuration settings for deploying IIS. Conclusion While there is nothing stopping you from manually deploying Exchange Server or IIS, the Launch Wizard greatly simplifies the process. Even so, a manual deployment may be preferable in situations in which you need granular control over the deployment and all of the configuration options. A Waco jury found an Austin man guilty Wednesday of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault of a peace officer and evading arrest, stemming from an Aug. 19, 2019, altercation with an off-duty Waco police officer at Richland Mall during a robbery. They quickly sentenced Andre Duane Boyd, 48, of Austin, to 50 years for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently. Boyds stun-gun defense theory, which led to a deadlocked jury during his first trial in March on the robbery and assault charges, failed to connect with this jury. I borrowed the Taser defense from my client, Boyds defense attorney Alan Bennett said after closing arguments Wednesday. Bennett argued during the defense phase, and reiterated in closing, that after receiving several 10,000s of volts from a stun gun four times, Boyd could no longer control his bodily functions. The defense attorney argued Boyd was not legally responsible for anything but the theft of $789 worth of clothing from the Dillards department store. During closing, Bennett asked the jury to find Boyd guilty of only the lesser included charge of theft and not the three charges of which the jury did convict him. During the trial, Boyd admitted to taking crack in Austin the morning of the robbery. He went on to say that his dealer asked him to run an errand in Belton. He ended up in Waco. This was the kind of information (we) would have tried to get him to say during cross (examination), prosecutors Will Gray and Duncan Widmann said after the verdict. Bennett and his client also stated during the trial that Boyd was a career thief and he only stole from businesses whose policy was not to pursue a thief. What this man from Austin didnt count on was trying to steal in a community where law and order still matters, Gray said during closing. Gray and Widmann added the felony evading arrest charge after the March trial. They put Precinct 5 Deputy Constable Roy Luna on the witness stand during the prosecution phase of the trial. Luna was working security at the Dillards, confronted Boyd during the robbery and received painful injuries to a leg during Boyds attempt to flee in an SUV. Prosecutors and witnesses, with the aid of security video and other video, told the jury during prosecution phase that Luna, who was wearing a his police badge, spoke to Boyd as he was walking out of the store with clothing he had not paid for. Gray and Widmann said during closing arguments that Boyd argued, resisted, and while attempting to flee in an SUV dragged Luna outside the vehicle, endangering his life and injuring his leg. Prosecutors said Luna had attempted to stun Boyd at least two or three times. Bennett said Boyd received a fourth shock while in the SUV and that all of the stun-attempts together made him legally responsible only for the theft. Gray said during closing that Luna, who was being dragged and trying to keep his legs from getting run over by the SUVs wheels, could have tried to stun Boyd again just to stay alive. Prosecutors said several times during closing that Boyd chose to steal the clothing from the Dillards and chose not to go quietly with Luna. It was only Boyds hands on the steering wheel and the gear shift, Gray said. No one else pushed the gas pedal, both prosecutors emphasized during closing arguments. Unlike the March jury, the jury on Wednesday did not find reasonable doubt in Boyd and Bennetts stun-gun defense that deadlocked that first jury. The jury Wednesday found him guilty and sentenced him 50 years for each charge. Because of Boyds status as a repeat offender, longer sentences were available to the jury and they chose 50 years for each charge. 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. Grassroots Waco has proposed a $5.5 million, 26-home development for the city-owned Sanger School site, but infrastructure improvements are needed before it could proceed, an official said. Waco put out multiple requests for proposals in 2017 and 2018 to develop the 3.2-acre site along Sanger Avenue between 17th and 18th streets. Sanger Avenue Elementary School, which opened in 1904 and closed in the 1970s, stood on the site before burning down in 2008. After two rounds of requests without a pick, the city council selected Grassroots Waco, the only applicant to a third request, in 2018. The local nonprofit has a history of building affordable houses in North Waco. But officials with the city and the nonprofit did not disclose details of the proposed development. A presentation to city officials last week, related to implementing the citys strategic housing plan, shows a $5.5 million estimate for the proposed Grassroots development, with $854,000 for infrastructure improvements. Six of the 26 townhomes would be reserved as affordable units. Grassroots Waco Director Mike Stone said the city of Waco has not yet signed a contract with the nonprofit to carry out the proposed development. Sanger Avenue Elementary School stood at the site for more than a century before falling victim to arson. The city razed what remained of the building in 2010, except for a stone arch that still stands in the field. City officials discussed what to do with the property on and off for years. Stone said at first Grassroots Waco proposed building more traditional single-family homes at the site, but the Waco City Council requested a denser design that fit more units onto the property. Other than that, the citys request for proposals was fairly open-ended and did not specify what kind of housing should be built at the site, he said. Stone said the firm that designed the proposed development took inspiration for the denser design from pocket neighborhood developments in Austin. Stone said before the project can move forward, the block needs to be outfitted with water and wastewater line extensions to support 26 homes. The block was designed to supply water and sewer to a school, Stone said. There are just a lot of infrastructure issues were trying to figure out. He said Grassroots Waco is still in discussions with city staff, trying to finalize the design and plan around wastewater line repairs the city has planned along 17th and 18th streets. Were trying to marry our work with their work so we dont have to tear it up twice, Stone said. 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. Nearly 6,000 McLennan County voters have already cast their ballots in the May 7 election, signaling what may be a higher than usual turnout for a May election. Early voting ended Tuesday with 4,165 people casting ballots at the five early voting centers in the county. An additional 1,705 voted by mail. At least 138 more ballots were pending correction after notification of improper identification by election workers. The early turnout nearly matches the entire vote total from the May 2021 elections, when voters cast 5,835 ballots, 2,478 of which were from early voting with 124 mail-in ballots. Early voting in 2018 May elections, before the COVID-19 pandemic, totaled 993 votes, 443 of which were mail-ins. Early turnout also was high for the Connally Independent School District bond election on Saturday, with 690 votes cast at the districts administration building, the elections polling place. Connally is holding its own election, while other schools and cities are paying McLennan County to conduct their elections. Early turnout for Connally approaches the total of 868 votes cast in November, when the $39 million bond issue to build a new elementary school lost by 64 votes. The early voting period in McLennan County also turned up a faulty ballot in the Waco Independent School District boards District 4 race, where one early voter living in the district received a ballot that did not have the District 4 candidates listed. Elections Administrator Jared Goldsmith said the problem was a coding error that apparently affected potential voters living in two blocks near the 3000 block of Reuter Avenue. He said he does not think the problem was a result of last years redistricting process that saw district boundaries change for certain districts. However, a portion of the Landon Branch neighborhood in District 4 north of North 30th Street was moved to District 2 during redistricting. Goldsmith said elections office workers checked the names of those who had already voted and did not find others living in the affected blocks. Wed remind our voters that if theres something missing on their ballot, they should inform the poll worker before casting their ballot, Goldsmith said. If youve cast your ballot, theres nothing we can do about it. District 4 candidate Hope Balfa-Mustakim said a voter informed her the District 4 race was not on her ballot and had contacted the elections office, but knew of no other voters with a similar problem. A breakout of votes cast at the five early voting centers has the West Waco Library with the highest number cast, 1,508, followed by Hewitt City Hall with 1,026, the McLennan County Elections Administration Office with 744, the Waco Multipurpose Community Center with 446 and the Robinson Community Center with 438. Saturdays election administered by the county includes contested city council races in Waco, Woodway, Lorena and McGregor; school board races in the Waco, La Vega and Lorena school districts; sales tax reauthorization in Bellmead; and consideration of two Texas constitutional amendments. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 34 vote centers across the county. Polls for Connally ISDs bond election will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the district administration building, 200 Cadet Way. Campaign finance reports Campaign finance reports for April submitted by WISD school board candidates on April 29 before the Saturday election show at-large candidate Angelo Ochoa reporting $525 in contributions in April and $5,986.39 in expenses with Marlon Jones reporting $375 in contributions for the same month and $416.74 in expenses. District 4 candidate Jonathan Grant reported $3,950 in contributions, the largest a $1,500 donation from Lyndon Olson, and $3,272.22 in expenditures. Balfa-Mustakim reported $1,352.73 in contributions, the largest a $500 donation from Robert Callahan, and $843.63 in expenditures. District 5 Trustee Emily Iazzetti, running unopposed, reported $250 in contributions for April, but no expenditures. In earlier reports covering January through March 2022, Ochoa reported $10,392.58 in contributions, the largest a $2,912.81 donation from Karen Crovetti, and $4,038.81 in expenditures. Jones reported $3,685 in contributions, the largest a $250 donation from Mary Allen and a $250 donation from Natoya Alexander, with $3,599.64 in expenditures and $2,296.13 in expenditures from personal funds. In the earlier filings, Grant reported $7,350 in contributions, the largest a $1,000 donation from Jackie Baugh Moore and a $1,000 donation from Lyndon Olson, and $4,391.71 in expenditures. Balfa-Mustakim reported $3,758.25 in contributions, the largest a $250 donation from Robert Callahan and a $250 donation from Joel Scott, and $3,538.16 in expenditures and $438.48 in expenditures from personal funds. Emily Iazzetti reported $925 in contributions, the largest a $250 donation from Carol Young, and $73.57 in expenditures. Current District 4 Trustee Angela Tekell, who is not seeking reelection, donated $500 to both Grant and Ochoa, while Cuevas Peacock, listed as Jones campaign treasurer, donated $60 to Balfa-Mustakim. 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. WATERLOO A Waterloo man who crashed into a tree and then claimed his vehicle had been stolen has been sentenced to prison. DAlan Ramone Thurmond, 41, of Waterloo, pled guilty April 25 to one count of insurance fraud following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau. He was sentenced to up to five years in prison. The time will run concurrent with a federal sentence for a supervised release violation connected to a 2005 firearm charge. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. We all pay for insurance fraud in the form of higher insurance costs, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. I appreciate the hard work of our fraud bureau and the Black Hawk County Attorneys Office in the prosecution of this case so Mr. Thurmond was held accountable for his actions. According to court records, Thurmond was driving a Dodge Charger in 2019 when he hit a tree at a Kwik Star convenience store. He left, and when later questioned by police he claimed his vehicle had been stolen when he went to the store. He also filed an insurance claim indicating the car had been stolen before the crash. Police officers who contacted Thurmond the night of the crash noticed that he was wearing the same clothing that the store surveillance camera showed the driver was wearing, according to court records. He later admitted to an Iowa Insurance Division investigator that he had crashed the vehicle, records state. Anyone with information about insurance fraud is encouraged to contact the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau at (515) 654-6556. Love 0 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. WATERLOO Around the time theyre graduating from high school, children in foster care are also aging out of the states system. As the 18-year-olds placements with families end, not all of them are able to celebrate the milestone of graduation with a party. But, for the 14th year, a group of local volunteers is preparing to honor seniors graduating from various schools in Black Hawk County and the surrounding area who are aging out of foster care. The event is being held 4:30-6 p.m. June 2 at Hawkeye Community Colleges Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center, 120 Jefferson St. Thats a change from the past two years, when gifts for participating graduates were dropped off at homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the students can be congratulated in-person by community members, who are welcomed to bring cards or gifts if theyd like. Were going to have seven, Ellen Vanderloo, one of the volunteer organizers, said of the participants, including four boys and three girls. Students are graduating from Cedar Falls, West, Union and Gladbrook-Reinbeck high schools as well as Bremwoods Lied Education Center, among other schools. Committee representatives come from programs such as Court-Appointed Special Advocates, House of Hopes Pillars, Four Oaks Aftercare, Cedar Valley Angels, Allen Womens Health Center, the Iowa Department of Human Services and Hawkeye Community College. They plan the gathering and collect donations for gifts. Practical items are needed that can help the young people to live independently along with monetary donations. In the past, the committee has presented graduates with a microwave, a set of pots and pans, a pillow and pillow case, a laundry basket, mixing bowls, hangars, place settings, a can opener, a silverware set, a surge protector, measuring cups and spoons, and other items. Last year, it was $235 plus tax, said Vanderloo, that was spent on each student an amount thats expected to be higher this year. Monterrion Smith participated in the foster care graduation celebration last spring. The member of West High Schools class of 2021 appreciated the very thoughtful celebration. That helped me during that time in so many different ways. It was so much money and gift cards, he said, along with the practical gifts for his home. Smith first went into foster care in 2010, when he was in second grade, and lived with the same family the whole time. Now, 19, he has been working since graduation as a certified nursing assistant for an agency that places him at various facilities for aging people. He was enrolled for an initial semester at Hawkeye Community College before taking a break, but plans to return. I want to get my nursing degree, he said. At the celebration, Vanderloo said a brief program is planned and refreshments will be served. Someone from Hawkeye is expected to speak, and were hoping to have one of our juvenile court judges speak, as well. Individuals or organizations are invited to make donations toward the gifts for students. Checks payable to Success Link can be sent to Ellen Vanderloo, 3608 Inverness Road, Waterloo, IA 50701. If additional information is needed, call Vanderloo at (319) 290-0005. While donations are appreciated, she hopes that people attend the event after two years of not being in-person. We really want people to come, thats the most important thing, said Vanderloo. 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. WATERLOO It didnt take much time after Rona Berinobis was introduced as the keynote speaker Thursday at the Waterloo Schools Foundation breakfast for her to begin talking directly to students in the audience. The 1979 East High School graduate, who is a vice president for Athene USA in Des Moines, got off the stage at the Sparking Academic Excellence Breakfast and headed toward some of the students she had just asked to stand up. What does respect mean? she inquired, getting an answer from one of the youths. She turned to other kids in the crowd to ask about accountability, inclusion and living with positivity. All responded with definitions in their own words. When you think about the four things that I just talked about and these students had answers for, these are fundamental, Berinobis said. Education is incredibly important. I was committed to my academics, she noted, along with sports, clubs and other high school activities. These four things were at the foundation of what I believe helped me prepare for it. The fundraising breakfast was back in person at the Waterloo Convention Center for the first time since 2019. Along with the address by Berinobis, retiring Superintendent Jane Lindaman spoke about the State of the District during the event for the last time. She recalled being at the breakfast eight years ago as the districts incoming leader and highlighted programs that have flourished during those years. Lindaman called Waterloo Schools one of the most diverse, future-focused districts in the state. She also acknowledged Jared Smith, the districts next superintendent, who stood to applause. Foundation Executive Director Hannah Luce told the crowd of more than 300 people that the organization hopes this year to invest our two millionth dollar into the Waterloo Community Schools because of you. Attendees were invited to fill out pledge cards as part of a fundraising campaign that was already underway. It was wrapping up at 9 a.m. Friday 24 hours after the end of the breakfast event. She challenged those in the audience to donate toward raising another $9,000 for the foundation. Combined with $6,000 being given by the Locke family, the hope was to raise $15,000 in 24 hours. That would bring the total campaign amount to $65,000. It would be a record-breaking goal if were able to do that, she said after the event. Donate online at wcsfoundation.org or by calling (319) 269-5129. Berinobis was speaking as an example of where a district education can take someone. In her job, she leads Athenes foundation, community relations, talent development and employee engagement initiatives. Previously, she worked for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in human resources, sales, account management, and marketing. Prior to joining Wellmark, she held sales and marketing leadership roles with United Health Care and Mercy Health Services. During the address, she traced her journey after high school that included a semester at the University of Iowa before coming back to Waterloo, getting married and starting a family. After a few years, though, Berinobis decided to continue her education. She received training at the Business Institute of Technology and was hired in an administrative role for a Des Moines insurance company. She was prepared for changes in her job, though, and was able to stair-step up over the years. I think its because I raised my hand, she noted, ready to take on new tasks and challenges. Speaking up is powerful when it comes to growing your career. Building relations is also a powerful component of growth and building a career. Berinobis earned a bachelors degree from Upper Iowa University and a masters degree in leadership from Bellevue University as an adult learner an approach she doesnt recommend. She has also earned several certifications. She emphasized that everyone possesses a uniqueness that helps them to achieve and offered this advice for her young friends in the audience: Lean into what you love. 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. ABOUT THE AP INVESTIGATION An ongoing Associated Press investigation has uncovered deep, previously unreported flaws within the Justice Departments largest law enforcement agency, the federal Bureau of Prisons. Its secrets have long been hidden within its walls and barbed-wire fences. The APs reporting has revealed layer after layer of abuse, neglect and leadership missteps. Serious problems include rampant sexual abuse by workers, severe staffing shortages, inmate escapes and the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Such revelations led directly to the agencys director announcing his resignation earlier this year. DUBLIN, Calif. (AP) For months, inmates and staff at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, say their calls for help were ignored. And in this aging prison of deep despair a place where sexual abuse has been rampant and authorities acted with utter indifference the cries for help had been many and varied. An Associated Press investigation revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups that persisted for years at the all-women prison, called the "rape club" by many who know it. Because of AP reporting, the head of the federal Bureau of Prisons had submitted his resignation in January. Yet no one had been named to replace him, so he was still on the job. Now he was responding to the problems in Dublin but only after an angry congresswoman had called him to complain. So early March found the lame-duck administrator and a task force of senior agency officials arriving at the prison after flying in to meet inmates and staff in person. According to Dublin inmates, this was how he faced them as he toured the facility: "You wanted my attention," Michael Carvajal said, "so here I am." This story is based on interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the visiting task force's work, the prison's operations and the abuse crisis. Many spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation or because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The AP visited Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, during the same time as the task force, the week of March 7. Lawmakers, disturbed by reports of abuse, traveled there shortly after. Carvajal and some task force members returned in April. In one sign of progress, the agency replaced both of the prison's associate wardens. FCI Dublin is one of just six women-only facilities in the U.S. federal prison system. As of April 28, Dublin had about 785 inmates, many serving sentences for drug crimes. Since last June, five employees, including former warden Ray J. Garcia, have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Two have pleaded guilty, and the investigation continues: On March 20, a food service foreman was arrested for allegedly touching an inmate's breasts, buttocks and genitals in October 2020. Since March, nine other workers have been placed on administrative leave. New inmate sexual abuse and staff employment discrimination complaints were filed during the task force's visit. FBI agents searched the prison and an employee's home in mid-April, and at least six internal affairs investigators have been on site investigating claims. Carvajal, a Trump administration holdover, joined the task force for the first three days of its weeklong visit. But even as the task force was arriving, things did not seem to be proceeding in a positive direction. Officials moved inmates out of the special housing unit so it wouldn't look as full, and they lied to Carvajal about COVID-19 contamination so inmates in one unit couldn't speak to him about abuse. Those who managed to get to Carvajal didn't hold back. In one emotional scene, a woman who said she was abused by prison officials tearfully confronted him in a recreation area as he and members of the task force were meeting with inmates. She was eventually taken out of the room and offered immediate release to a halfway house. She objected. She wanted to wait so she could tell her story publicly to congressional leaders expected at the prison. But people at the prison say she wasn't able to thoroughly express her concerns. Officials told the woman that because she was a potential witness, she couldn't talk about the investigation, the people said. In another charged moment, a group of Dublin workers lashed out at Carvajal for putting Garcia in charge of a women's prison when he'd already had a reputation in prison circles as a misogynist. "You created this monster," one worker told Carvajal. Garcia is accused of molesting an inmate on multiple occasions from December 2019 to March 2020 and forcing her and another inmate to strip naked so he could take pictures while he made rounds. Carvajal did seem taken aback by the lack of security cameras in critical areas an issue the prison's union had been raising for six years and pledged to speed the process for installing them. But seven weeks later, not one new camera has been installed. An ongoing AP investigation has uncovered deep flaws within the Bureau of Prisons, including severe staffing shortages, inmate escapes and the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the AP's findings: Criminal misconduct: More than 100 Bureau of Prisons workers arrested, convicted or sentenced for crimes since the start of 2019, but the agency has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct, in some cases failing to suspend them after their arrests. Staffing crisis: Nearly one-third of federal correctional officer positions are vacant, forcing prisons to use cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates, hampering the response to emergencies, including as inmate suicides. Escaping inmates: 29 prisoners escaped from federal prisons in an 18-month span, with nearly half still at large. At some institutions, doors are left unlocked, security cameras are broken and officials sometimes don't notice an inmate is missing for hours. Superspreader executions: An unprecedented string of federal executions likely acted as COVID-19 superspreader events, just as health experts warned could happen when the Trump administration insisted on resuming executions during a pandemic. Crumbling infrastructure: A rare look inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center, the federal jail in Manhattan where Jeffrey Epstein died, revealed squalid, unsafe conditions including falling concrete, freezing cold temperatures, busted cells and broken pipes. The AP's reporting has forced lawmakers to take notice. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced legislation that would require the Bureau of Prisons to fix broken cameras. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, went to the Senate floor and read AP stories into the congressional record as he demanded Attorney General Merrick Garland fire Carvajal. A few weeks later, the AP broke the news that Carvajal and his top deputy were resigning. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Activists to Pray for an End to Abortion Violence at the Supreme Court on the National Day of Prayer NEWS PROVIDED BY Stanton Public Policy Center/Purple Sash Revolution May 4, 2022 WASHINGTON, May 4, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- The prayer gathering will be in front of the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 5, at 12:00 PM. The vigil is being organized by Stanton Public Policy Center/Purple Sash Revolution Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Chief Strategy Officer for Purple Sash Revolution states; "With the release of the leaked Supreme Court Draft calling for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the sidewalks in front of the court have become the epicenter of the cultural fault lines in America as thousands gather daily. What better place to gather for the National Day of Prayer. "We will be praying for an end to abortion violence and also for God to bring healing and justice to our nation. Through prayer, we can see God shift, shape and transform history." For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 SOURCE Stanton Public Policy Center/Purple Sash Revolution CONTACT: Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 DES MOINES Iowa Democrats are pledging to reform their famous presidential precinct caucuses in an attempt to keep their first-in-the-nation status or close to it. The state party Wednesday announced plans to make the quadrennial caucuses for winnowing the Democratic presidential hopefuls more accessible and simpler, but offered no details. National Democratic Party leaders are in the process of reorganizing Democrats presidential nominating schedule for the 2024 elections. No longer is Iowa Democrats prized first-in-the-nation status a given, as all states are being allowed to apply for consideration as one of the early voting states. The Iowa Republican caucuses, however, are likely to remain first in the nation regardless. Iowa Democrats sent a letter to national leaders making the case for why Iowa should remain first, or at least among the first few states to make its choices for president. State leaders pledged to make changes to the caucuses in hopes of addressing issues national party leaders have raised: primarily, that caucuses can be difficult for some people to attend and participate. We recognize that changes must be made in order to make the caucuses more straightforward and accessible, Scott Brennan, the Iowa Democratic Partys representative on the national rules and bylaws committee that is exploring the changes, said during a news conference Wednesday. And we indicate in the letter that we are willing to make significant procedural changes, as well as expand ways to participate. Neither Brennan nor state party Chairman Ross Wilburn offered specific changes Democrats will propose. They said the letter sent Wednesday is just the first step in a robust application process to remain an early-voting state. In June, the state party will submit to the national rules and bylaws committee its formal application for consideration as an early-voting state. At some point in late June, the state party will have an opportunity to make its case to national leaders, Brennan said. Weve got a lot of work to do ahead of us in the next few weeks, but Im going to fight like hell for Iowa, Wilburn said. And Im going to look forward to making our case before the rules and bylaws committee. Caucuses are different from primary elections because participants are required to physically attend at a prescribed time and location, and the events can last for hours. This has raised concerns that the caucus process can exclude people who are unable to commit to physical attendance. Critics also contend Iowas electorate the state is 91% white, according to census figures is not representative of the Democratic Party nationally. In the letter to national party leaders, Democrats say the states caucuses are worthy of a first-in-the-nation status because they require presidential candidates to engage in grassroots campaigning, and that candidates do not need to raise hefty amounts of money to advertise in Iowas media markets. The letter also argues that Iowa and the other current early-voting states New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada collectively are representative of national Democratic voters. Wilburn said the state party plans to engage Iowa stakeholders to explore substantive changes to the caucuses that would make them simpler and more accessible. Its important to us to continue to evolve Iowas caucuses so that as many people as possible can participate in this proud tradition, Wilburn said. Pressure from national leaders of both major parties to remove Iowas first-in-the-nation status has been around for years. But that pressure increased exponentially after the 2020 Democratic caucuses, when a new results reporting program designed by a private company failed, leaving the state party without official and complete results for weeks long after the candidates had left for last-minute campaigning for New Hampshires primary election. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX CITY -- A Sergeant Bluff man was sentenced Tuesday to 35 years in prison for fondling a girl on several occasions at a Sergeant Bluff home. Benjamen Mixdorf, 36, pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse, which were amended from second-degree sexual abuse as part of a plea agreement, and two counts of lascivious acts with a child. The prison sentence was spelled out in the plea agreement. Mixdorf also must register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for life and will serve a lifetime special sex offender sentence after he completes his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent back to prison. Mixdorf was arrested in July after authorities were notified that a girl under age 12 had reported being sexually abused. Mixdorf admitted in court Tuesday that on at least four separate occasions from July 1, 2020, through July 31, 2021, he performed a sex act by force or against the will of the victim or touched her inappropriately. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use. This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it. Ukrainian prisoner Vadim Zholko spoke about the quality of ATGMs supplied from the USA misfires, explosions, only one in four shoots. A soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine told about his disappointment in American weapons. The muchvaunted grenade launchers Jawelin and NLAW, which are very much advertised, have shown themselves to be different in practice, the captured soldier said. According to him, shells often exploded before reaching the target, and most of the batteries of missile systems were expired. The very training of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in handling Western weapons took place quickly, but even during the exercises there were misfires. Video of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation WtR The weapons, such as howitzers, do not get used against the Russian army. They are at best used once or twice and basically against civilians in Donbass and against their own people to terrorize them This is why Russia keeps asking for the west to stop it It only kills more Ukrainian citizens The Ukraine army shells villages without Russian soldiers in them. No one but village people.why do they do it? They hate their own people That is what you support in the west. Does that make you happy? WtR So one of the heads of the Hydra (UK) that I have talked about several times and I talk in a rhetorical sense. For I have no idea yet as to what Evil has taken the West into its embraces and is driving it to its death The head that we will call UK is not the immortal head of the Hydra. But the UK is doing what it is told and doing it very well, like a good puppy following its master. Yet it really has no choice for with multiple heads of the Hydra they are all attached and have to go where the lead head goes Now again what am I talking about? Well lets look at the UK First lets visit Boris the Hair of UK LONDON NATO should expand its geographic scope to the Indo-Pacific, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Saturday as he urged European allies to ramp up their defense investments. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Johnson said Western allies do not fully know what Russian President Vladimir Putin intends. But he warned that the omens are grim and a further Russian invasion of Ukraine poses extreme danger to the world. If Ukraine is invaded, the shock will echo around the world, Johnson said, warning that authoritarian regimes in Asia and beyond would draw the conclusion that aggression pays and that might is right. Source: Boris Johnson calls on NATO to go global POLITICO Hmm.this was before the war started and the ideas are planted. The West had stated, Global NATO Want some eyeopening reading? https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/index.htm That link above should scare the piss right out of you. The press releases, the meetings, the exclamations, the desires and the needs of the few are laid out for all to see. You just have to read and accept that NATO is not a defensive organization, but an offensive device to Rule the world, for the Empire of Lies. What you read at that link is a fact that will happen. All for the wants and whims of the elite Now lets look again at UK ignorance just a few days ago. This is just the latest in the same subject and the same idea of Global Dominance by the Western Empire Britains Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said the defence of one by all at the heart of the Nato alliance must become a global security and economic principle.Ms Truss told leaders at Mansion House in the City of London that the new geopolitics after the Russian invasion of Ukraine meant that Nato countries should operate defence alliances beyond Europe. I mean that Nato must have a global outlook, ready to tackle global threats, she said. We need to pre-empt threats in the Indo-Pacific, working with allies like Japan and Australia to ensure that the Pacific is protected. Ms Truss said the G7 countries should adopt a similar approach, collectively defending our prosperity. Source: Liz Truss seeks a global Nato approach to allies My my we are in Global NATO mode and that is that Tell me I am wrong? You cant What does this all mean and why it is important? First off if it isnt obvious that the West has decided to cut its throat to destroy Russia and damn to all if you do not desire to suffer for the good of the Western Empire of Lies desires If Mr Putin were victorious, there would be untold further misery across Europe, and terrible consequences across the globe. Ms Truss said Europe must cut itself off from Russian energy supplies and stop sending millions of dollars into Mr Putins war chest. There must be nowhere for Putin to go to fund this appalling war, she said. That means cutting off oil and gas imports once and for all. Now that should make you feel warm and fuzzy for the West. We must cut off Energy supplies from Russia and we must do it now.this is in the face of reality. The EU cannot replace Russian energy and that is that. Try it and you EU humans will suffer and die. But hey, we gotta kill Russia, Right? Have you asked, Why? Have you asked yourself, Why Global NATO?, Why NATO at all?, Why must you suffer?, Why must we Police the world?, Why is China bad?, Why is Iran bad?, Why did we build a Neo-Nazi power in Ukraine?, Why is Russia bad?, Why are we so good and righteous?, Why do we bomb indiscriminately and act like we are the good guys?, Why do we even want to rule the world? and Why? must we be so stupid and do all that we hear from our politicians? Most of all ask, Who gave us (US) the right to tell the world how to live, act and be? Us in the above paragraph is the Western Empire of Lies, by the way NATO is the cause of all we have happening right now *** Now ask about Rules Chinas ministry of foreign affairs has accused NATO of messing up Europe and stirring up conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, after the UKs foreign secretary told China it should play by the rules. Source: China says Nato has messed up Europe and warns over role in Asia-Pacific | China | The Guardian The Western Empire of Lies has told China that it should play by the rules Ask yourself, Why?and by whose desires and rules? I ask when did God make you the boss, Mr. Empire of Lies? Then the answer is obvious, God has nothing to do with this, but something is aloft and it sure is not good for humanity We can stop it, just get off your ass and wake up to the facts WtR *** PS: Never forget that NATO is strictly 100% USA and the USA is The Empire of Lies.that should tell you all you need to know! Majesty: a term normally reserved for addressing the sovereign ruler of a nation, historically titled the King or Queen. Representing royal power. Happy Birthday, Queen Elizabeth II At the time of writing this, it was the Queens actual birthday 21 April. Fun fact/side note Queen Elizabeth II has two birthdays! There is her actual birthday in April, and then there is her official birthday coming up on 11 June 2022. Almost 100 years ago, our Queen was born on April 21, 1926 thus this April date is the real birthday. Celebrations at this time of year are a private family affair for her. In June, the official celebration is more public and the Trooping of the Colour military parade is held. The short answer to why there are two separate dates is tradition at work previous monarchs have also had two birthdays, beginning with George II in 1748. He moved the public birthday celebrations to coincide with the annual Trooping of the Colour, which is always held during the warmer Summer time of May-June. Majesty in the Godly sense But this is all a sidestep to our main topic majesty. The association of the term has always been shared. While we will typically think of Kings and Queens and rulers here on earth, we of course have the greater meaning of majesty as a term of reverence to God. Rulers of nations do not have exclusive claim to loyalty, affection, respect and obedience. In fact, you can argue, in this early 21st century that modern society, particular taking the monarchy in Britain and the Commonwealth, has gradually been challenging that historical claim of loyalty, affection and more so, respect and obedience. Monarchs have ruled nations over the period of their lifetime or for specific durations, unless forcibly removed by usurpers or revolution. In world history, we have seen many rulers come and go. Of course, our Queen Elizabeth II is about to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee/70 years, which has seen her reign witness the many comings and goings of Prime Ministers ruling in her name! However, in short, national/royal heads of state do not hold office on a permanent basis. God, however, is ruler of the universe because He created it, established our world, and put in place the world order as we know it today. God is our permanent ruler and this truth prevails whether or not we acknowledge or agree with it. Even if we are non-believers who ignore, disbelieve, disrespect or even rebel against God, it doesnt change the fact that He remains ruler and sovereign over all creation. Splendour of God As Isaiah chapter 2 verse 2 says In the last days, the mountain of the Lords temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. The temple referred to here was built on the mountain of the Lord, Mt Moriah, which was highly visible to the citizens of Jerusalem. Isaiah prophesised that in the end times when God would judge the world, his temple would attract the world, not because of its fine architecture or prominence, but because of Him Gods presence and influence. Part of the prophet Isaiahs goal was to warn the nations and help them to understand the majesty, splendour and power of God. Later in the book of Isaiah, the fear of Gods anger would reinforce the power, splendour and authority of God his majestic presence. Voice of God There is majesty in the voice of God. God reveals his power tin nature and we can trust God to give us both the peace and strength to withstand the challenges of life the storms. Throughout history, God has revealed his power through miracles over nature. That the voice of God could break cedar trees (Psalm chapter 29 verse 5) is super impressive. Majesty of Christ One of the titles of Jesus is King of Kings, and this reinforces the fact that majesty is doubly applicable to Him. He commands perpetual respect, love and obedience from us all. And if we choose Him, He is always there when we need Him. Jesus, as part of his ministry on earth, was never shy in explaining his divine nature. His claims to be one with God the Father, and that both Son and Father were the one being (John chapter 10 verse 30, I and my Father are one) were clearly understood and offensive to the Jewish audience at the time. And this too reinforces the fact the majesty of Jesus is that He is Gods only begotten Son. Further, the majesty and glory of Christ is found in the fact that He is our Lord. Jesus utmost obedience to the Father further amplifies both his majesty and Gods majesty. Responding to Gods Majesty Reflecting on the majestic nature of God/Jesus demands a response from us we cannot just read and forget. As we ponder the eternal majesty of God as the glorious and victorious Lord of all, let us come before Him in worship, repentance and gratitude. For whenever we call him Saviour and Lord, we proclaim our relationship as a child of God. May every day be a day we can proclaim his majesty and glory over our lives. Parts of this article were influenced by my own fathers writing on the topic of majesty some 25 years ago the recent discovery of the script inspired this article. The caregivers here are still quiet when I tell them that because all caregivers have limitations, it is a good idea for them to intentionally set limits on how much they give to any one family member to try to be fair to all. I say this is the best way to sustain caregiving over time. A few of them look at me curiously. How can they set those limits, they seem to be asking, in a way that causes minimal guilt? Here are some ideas. When guilt is unavoidable, choose freely Faced with their limitations, some caregivers try to overcome them even making believe they dont exist by sleeping less and pushing themselves harder to do more for all the people they feel responsible for. This often leads them to wear down and then feel guilty that they have failed or are insufficiently loving. If they are fortunate, at this point a sad truth will dawn on them: It is impossible for them to be everything to everyone. As consolation, they do have the choice to be some things to everyone (e.g., call Mom on the phone but stay home to be near the struggling teenager) or all things to someone (e.g., devote themselves to Mom but have a spouse care for the teen). Do such compromises still cause guilty feelings? Very much so. But when there are no perfect options, the only pragmatic thing to do is to prioritize needs and choose to use your available energies for the most good in a given instance. Paradoxically, exercising that power of choice can feel freeing. Conservation isnt neglect When caregivers set limits on what or how much they do for an aging parent, they rarely do so with a begrudging spirit. Rather, caregivers are bowing to the reality of the multiple pressures they are under, given the circumstances of their lives. Being smart and strategic about the choices they make can help them do more, not less, for a parent in the long run. For example, allowing themselves to sleep more may mean they are cheerful, not haggard, when in the parents company. Getting their teenager on a better track may mean they can then bring their full attention to a parents concerns. The ultimate imperative It is sometimes hard for caregivers to accept that their responsibility is to help safeguard a parents emotional and physical well-being as they age, not provide all necessary care themselves (regardless of what that parent might prefer). Setting limits doesnt undermine that commitment. Even if a parent is living with the caregiver and wants only that caregiver to provide necessary hands-on assistance, it is still okay to ask others (a home health aide; another family member) to provide that help at times. We all must find other pathways toward caring for the people who raised us and all other family members as best as possible, whether we feel a little guilty about it or a lot. Barry J. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist, family therapist and health care consultant, is the coauthor of Love and Meaning After 50: The 10 Challenges to Great Relationships and How to Overcome Them and AARP Meditations for Caregivers. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. My friend Dani (not her real name) recently had a dilemma. She and her boyfriend, Troy (not his real name) were both in their mid-20s and had been Christians for years. Theyd been together since they were teenagers. He played keyboard for the choir at their church and she served in various ministries including working with young people. Shed felt God telling her for some time, in dreams and in confirmations through people and events, that she and Troy needed to break up but she wrestled with it. She felt God say that Troy was getting in the way of His purpose for her life. She and Troy spent many, many hours together and communicated obsessively, each had made the relationship an idol. Because of Troy, Dani didnt have time for the young people. When many came to her to talk about a situation they were going through, she had neither the time nor interest to focus on listening. But things came to a head when God sent her a message she couldnt ignore. She broke things off with Troy. She was angry at God and would at times dissolve into bouts of tears. She asked me: why would God tell her to give up her best friend? A man she knew loved her? She struggled. A new woman came into Troys life- one God had warned Dani about in a dream. One day, in exasperation, she asked me: why would God ask me to do such a hard thing? Her question made me think of chapter 4 of Ezekiel which Id just read in my devotion time. In it, the prophet Ezekiel was told by God to do a hard thing. The story of Ezekiel God gave Ezekiel the following instructions in chapter 4: take a brick and set it before you. On it portray a city, Jerusalem; and put siegeworks against it, and build a siege wall against itThen take an iron plate and place it as an iron wall between you and the city; set your face toward it, and let it be in a state of siege, and press the siege against it. This is a sign for the house of Israel. Then lie on your left side and place the punishment of the house of Israel upon it; you shall bear their punishment for the number of the days that you lie there. For I assign to you a number of days, three hundred ninety days, equal to the number of the years of their punishment; and so you shall bear the punishment of the house of Israel. When you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side, and bear the punishment of the house of Judah; forty days I assign you, one day for each year. You shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and with your arm bared you shall prophesy against it. I am putting cords on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege. Imagine spending your days lying on one side for 390 days and then turning to the next side and lying there for another 40 days. God wasnt done. He went on to tell Ezekiel he had to eat meagre rations of food to signify lack of food in a time of famine. God told him to bake a barley-cake over human dung! (Ezekiel chapter 4 verse 12). An appalled Ezekiel protested and God relented and basically said fine, use cow dung then (Ezekiel chapter 4 verse 15). I pictured the grimace of disgust on Ezekiels face. When I read chapter 4, my first thought was: Im glad Im not Ezekiel. What also came to mind was the prophet Hosea who God told to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer, who was believed to be a prostitute. Gomer constantly abandoned and cheated on him and Hosea was always commanded by God to go after her to bring her back home. Gods aim was to illustrate the Israelites unfaithfulness to Him. On the face of it, what Ezekiel and Hosea were instructed to do seems harder than what we Christians face today. But the truth is, for each of our situations, what God may ask us to do will feel hard. Something that may be easy for one person feels nearly impossible for another. What is your hard thing? Whatever difficult thing God asks you to do, its vital that we do it. God says obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel chapter 15 verses 22-23). Why should you do it? Because God is good. Because God intends it for your good, even if He never tells you the specific reason. For Dani, over the past few months, she has had more time on her hands and is now seen as more approachable by the youngsters at church. She confided to me: Girl, these kids are going through some stuff! Grappling with things like abuse at home and thoughts of suicide. Dani has made time to focus on helping the youngsters around her. I know Im making a difference, she tells me. It is still hard though to see Troy at the keyboard every Sunday accompanying the choir, to watch him talking to the new girl who recently started coming to church, laughing among their mutual friends. But she confided last week that three persons individually came to her and told her they had heard from God that everything will work out in the end. She and Troy will get back together but for now the break was needed for the benefit of them both. Troy needed to grow in his faith, without having Dani as a spiritual crutch. In this season, room had been created for God to draw Troy closer to Himself, without the distraction of Dani. Though every day is still hard, Dani battles feelings of loneliness and misses Troy, but she keeps going, making sure to honour what God wants. I believe their story will end well. Yours will too, once you fulfil what God asks of you. Once you do the hard thing. Exceptional Anode Results Using Mechanical Processes Only Sydney, May 5, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd ( ASX:MNS ) ( FRA:U1P ) ( OTCMKTS:MNSEF ) is pleased to announce the latest results for its high quality, high performing green anode materials using no chemical, acid or thermal purification and via mechanical processes only.Recent Results and Performance of Nachu CSPG AnodeThe electrochemical battery performance of Nachu CSPG anode has been extensively tested, validated and qualified using commercial graded Lithium-ion battery cells. These full cells have had over 1000 cycles while retaining at least 90% of its initial cell capacity which demonstrated an excellent lifespan of the Nachu CSPG anode material and its readiness for the next step of commercialisation.Proprietary Anode Processing TechnologyMagnis has demonstrated the production of a commercial graded Lithium-ion battery grade (>99.95%) CSPG anode with the help of its technology partner, Charge CCCV (C4V) LLC.C4V has developed and patented the graphite anode processing technology at its pilot facility located at the Binghamton University in New York operating over the last six years.C4V's 'greener' processing technology employs a mechanical approach during the Micronisation, Purification and subsequent Spheronisation of high purity Nachu concentrate feedstock eliminating the toxic chemical and energy-intensive thermal purification steps.Moreover, C4V's innovative scalable processing technology has been able to obtain a much higher anode product yield (~70%) at the pilot scale compared to the conventional graphite anode plant yield (~30-40%).Magnis has exclusivity around C4V's proprietary anode processing technology.Ultra-High Purity Graphite FeedstockMagnis has been able to produce an ultra-high purity (+99%) natural flake graphite (NFG) concentrate feedstock from its wholly-owned Nachu Graphite Project in Tanzania without any nasty and dirty chemical purification process.The inherent crystal structure and unique characteristics of Nachu NFG ore enables facile processing of high-purity concentrate into an ultra-high purity (+99.95%) CSPG anode product with a high yield.Magnis Chairman Frank Poullas commented: "We are blessed with such an amazing resource. Being able to produce a high quality, high performing green anode product at +99.95% purity or above without any acid, chemicals or thermal purification while using mechanical processes only, is truly remarkable."*To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/9AP2EFJG About Magnis Energy Technologies Limited Magnis Energy Technologies Limited (ASX:MNS) (OTCMKTS:MNSEF) (FRA:U1P) is involved in and has strategic investments in several aspects of the electrification supply chain including manufacturing of green credentialed lithium-ion battery cells, leading edge battery technology and high quality, high performance anode materials. The company's vision is to enable, support and accelerate the green energy transition critical for the adoption of Electric Mobility and Renewable Energy Storage. Collaboration with von Holzhausen to Develop Vegan Leather Perth, May 5, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Nanollose Limited ( ASX:NC6 ) ( FRA:N0L ) a leading bio-materials company, focused on commercialising scalable technology to create fibres and fabrics with minimal environmental impact, is pleased to advise that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with innovative vegan leather and materials company, von Holzhausen Inc. ("von Holzhausen") (www.vonholzhausen.com/pages/technik-leather).von Holzhausen is a material innovation company with a mission to make leather extinct through the development of next-generation materials made from plants and recycled materials. The group's vegan leather products replicate the essence of leather but offer superior performance and a dramatically lower carbon impact. Based in California, the company has factories in the US and Italy which utilise their alternative materials including Banbu Leather and Technik-Leather created from plants and recycled fibres, and designed to be biodegradable in a landfill. The company has earned a strong reputation for the sustainability and luxuriousness of their products and have been covered in world-renowned publications such as Forbes, FastCompany, and Vogue.Nanollose will provide von Holzhausen with samples of treated and processed microbial cellulose in various forms for testing as potential alternatives to leather or other materials either in their initial state or after further processing by von Holzhausen. As part of the collaboration agreement, each party will work closely together liaising regularly to exchange information and key specifications to advance the collaboration.The term of the agreement is from execution until the earliest to occur of one year, or completion of the development period. This term can be extended by the written agreement of both parties. Either party may terminate the agreement by providing no less than three months prior written notice. If the collaboration is successful in developing commercially viable project materials, Nanollose and von Holzhausen will work together in good faith to agree on a supply agreement or other relevant commercial agreement to jointly commercialise the project materials.The vegan leather market is a large market opportunity which has seen exponential growth in recent years. Increasing awareness on the ethical and environmental concerns over the impact of traditional leather production among consumers is a key driver for individuals adopting vegan culture and products. The market is expected to continue its strong growth and be valued at US$89.6 billion by 2025.A successful collaboration with von Holzhausen will provide Nanollose with a footprint in this large market opportunity with a proven and trusted partner.The vegan leather project is independent of Nanollose's collaboration with Birla Cellulose as, unlike its Nullarbor(TM) technology, it does not require the production of fibre. Consequently, the project provides Nanollose with valuable technology and business diversity.The agreement adds to Nanollose's strong network of collaborators, which has rapidly advanced following the completion of its first pilot spin of the Company's Nullarbor-20(TM) forest-friendly lyocell fibre with Birla Cellulose (refer ASX announcement: 28 February 2022). Each collaboration has been secured with a partner that fits within the Company's criteria as a market leader across key segments of the fashion and textile industries. The Company alongside fashion consultant, Carla Woidt, is progressing through a large number of inbound enquiries and is advancing discussions with additional potential partners including several leading global fashion and textile brands.CommentExecutive Chairman, Dr Wayne Best, said: "We're delighted to be working with von Holzhausen to develop vegan leather. Microbial cellulose is not only vegan, but also natural and biodegradable, making it an ideal component for sustainable vegan materials. Nanollose's expertise in microbial cellulose combined with von Holzhausen's expertise and track record in developing and commercialising vegan leathers makes this an exciting opportunity. I look forward to providing updates to our shareholders on this and other emerging opportunities for Nanollose in the near future."von Holzhausen CEO, Vicki von Holzhausen, said: "Our exciting partnership with Nanollose furthers our commitment to solving the urgent issue of climate change by transforming waste materials into premium ones that can be used across multiple industries. We believe that partnering with Nanollose's bacterial cellulose technology will accelerate our goal of making leather extinct."About Nanollose Limited Nanollose Limited (ASX:NC6) is an innovative Australian company that uses a low cost and eco-friendly fermentation process to grow fibres that could become a sustainable alternative to conventional plant-derived cellulose fibres. The Company's process, which uses streams from various large-scale industries like sugar, wine and food, has the ability to produce 'Plant-Free' Cellulose. Cellulose is the hidden building block polymer most consumers know nothing about, but forms a huge part of items used in their everyday life such as clothing, paper and hygiene products. EP136 Operational Update Sydney, May 5, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Tamboran Resources Limited ( ASX:TBN ) has secured Ensign Rig 970 to spud the Maverick 1H (M1H) well in the 100 per cent owned and operated permit, EP 136 during third quarter of calendar year 2022, subject to final Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approvals.The M1H well will be drilled with an optimised well design over a planned 1,000-metre horizontal section and is targeted to include up to 20 fracture stimulated stages.The final well design for the M1H well has benefitted from additional data provided by the Tanumbirini 2H (T2H) and 3H (T3H) flow rest results. This increases management's confidence in achieving potentially commercial flow rates.The 2D seismic acquisition program planned for EP 136 was reduced from 250 kilometres to ~90 kilometres following consultation with key stakeholders to minimise land disturbance. This is expected to commence during the June quarter, subject to receiving relevant consents.The Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) has provided a final determination regarding the terms of the Land Access and Compensation Agreement (LACA) for Tanumbirini Station covering EP 136. This determination allows Tamboran to commence calendar year 2022 activities at Tanumbirini Station on EP 136.Tamboran Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, said:"Tamboran has secured the Ensign Rig 970 to drill the M1H well that is anticipated to spud during the third quarter of calendar year 2022, subject to EMP approvals. Spudding of the well will be a major milestone for the Company as we seek to unlock the full potential of the Beetaloo Sub-basin in the Northern Territory.The team is working with full focus on delivering initial production rates by the end of calendar year 2022."We have signed key contracts to undertake the 2022 seismic and drilling campaign within EP 136. This includes contracting the Ensign Rig 970 to drill the M1H well. The 90-kilometre 2D seismic acquisition program is expected to commence in coming weeks, subject to receiving relevant government consents."Tamboran's M1H well design aims to considerably increase the fracture stimulation intensity, which we expect will unlock the true deliverability of the shale within the Mid Velkerri 'B shale' formation of the Core Beetaloo Sub-basin. The design includes a 1,000-metre horizontal section within the Mid-Velkerri 'B shale' formation, with up to 20 fracture stimulation stages at tighter intervals and increased proppant intensity when compared to the T2H and T3H wells drilled by Santos in the adjacent EP 161 permit."The design is supported by our proprietary intellectual property, which was built on the Tamboran team's experience of having drilled more than 5,000 unconventional wells in North America and validated by leading shale independent consultants. This was further validated with the initial flow results of the T2H and T3H wells drilled in EP 161."In addition to our drilling plan, our team has worked in close consultation with our key stakeholders to support reduction of land disturbance within our acreage. This has resulted in an approximately 65 per cent reduction to our planned 2D seismic acquisition program to approximately 90 kilometres within our operated EP 136 permit."We are excited to commence the pathway towards commercialisation of our vast acreage, which we believe will play a leading role in supporting Australia's energy security for decades. We expect the Beetaloo Sub-basin to play a major role in alleviating the East Coast gas market shortfall, which revised Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) data has indicated could be as early as the winter of 2023.The acreage also has the potential to supply gas for LNG exports, given the global shortage following recent geo-political events."We are pleased to have received a positive determination in respect of the LACA for Tanumbirini Station following comprehensive proceedings and review in the NTCAT. The determination provides what we believe to be fair compensation for the pastoral leaseholder. Importantly, the determination allows us to commence our calendar year 2022 activities at Tanumbirini Station in our 100 per cent owned and operated EP 136 permit within the 'Core' Beetaloo Sub-basin. "The terms of the LACA are applicable until termination or expiry of EP 136 and allow for the minimum amount of compensation to be payable to the pastoral leaseholder for the drilling of a well. Proceedings in relation to a LACA for Beetaloo Station is ongoing in the NTCAT and an application has been made for an appeal in the NT Supreme Court for both stations concerning the NTCAT's decision."We believe that Australians deserve access to affordable gas as the country transitions towards renewable energy sources. This can only be delivered by developing our significant local gas resources. Without this, Australian households and businesses on the East Coast could be exposed to the increasing price of global LNG, which has already resulted in materially higher prices in Europe."*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Tamboran Resources Limited Tamboran Resources Ltd (ASX:TBN) is a natural gas company that intends to play a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future by developing low CO2 unconventional natural gas resources in the Beetaloo Sub-basin within the Greater McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory of Australia. Tamboran's key assets are a 25% working interest in EP 161 and a 100% working interest in EP 136, EP 143 and EP(A) 197 which are located in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The City of Las Vegas, New Mexico will open Sealed Proposals at 2:00 pm am/pm, May 26 , 2022 at the City Council Chambers, 1700 North Grand Avenue, Las Vegas, New Mexico, or other designated area at the City Offices; ON THE FOLLOWING: ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS SERVICES Proposal Forms and Specifications may be obtained from the following location: City Clerks office at 1700 N GRAND AVE, LAS VEGAS, NM 87701 Mailed proposals should be addressed to the City Clerk, 1700 N. Grand Ave., Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701; with the envelope marked ANIMAL SHELTER MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS SERVICES Opening No. _2022-26 ; on the lower left-hand corner of the submitted envelope. It shall be the responsibility of the Offeror to see that their proposal is delivered to the City Clerk by the date and time set for the proposal request. If the mail or delivery of proposal request is delayed beyond the opening date and time, proposal thus delayed will not be considered. Proposals will be reviewed at a later date with possible negotiations to follow. The City of Las Vegas reserves the right to reject any/or all proposals submitted. CITY OF LAS VEGAS, LEO J. MAESTAS, CITY MANAGER SCOTT AARON, CITY ATTORNEY CASANDRA FRESQUEZ, CITY CLERK DOMINIC CHAVEZ, DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR HELEN VIGIL, PURCHASING OFFICER Opening No. 2022-26 Date Issued: April 29, 2022 Journal: May 4, 2022 Writing songs has been a constant for Colin Hay since he was a teenager. Decades later, Hay is still writing the songs and touring the country. Im deeply grateful for the life I have, says Hay. I think my natural tendency has always been towards optimism and humor. Lately, though, Ive had to be more intentional about it. Ive had to actively seek out the positive, to let new rays of hope shine on some seemingly dark situations. The acclaimed songwriter is currently on tour in support of his latest album, Now and The Evermore. The tour makes a stop in Albuquerque at the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. Hay burst onto the music scene in the 1980s with the Australian band Men at Work and has gone on to release 15 solo albums since 1987. Hays journey with the album has been long, yet fruitful. He began working on the new material prior to 2020. With the pandemic, touring was out of the question; his record label really wanted him to tour around it. They were keen on me being on tour with an album release, he says. The tours before had been canceled or pushed to a later date. Weve been out on tour and its been fun. Of course, I miss my family. That never gets easier. Hay wrote 20 songs, eventually paring them down to 10. Hes especially proud of the record because of the messages and sound. I think the faster you move, the more things you can miss, he says. The older you get, the more aware you become of your mortality. Im writing this album from a place of optimism. In life, theres a little bit of trickery. Sometimes its a little hard to feel positive or keen on the work that is done. Im trying to connect with listeners because were all living life and go through similar situations. When it comes to planning a set list for tours, Hay admits that its a difficult process because he has more than 40 years of music behind him. I did this cover record last year, so I play a few covers, he says. I had this long set list ready. Then it all changes when you begin to play live. The set that Im doing on this tour presented itself to me. It runs from Men at Work songs to the new album. Its a fun mix of all of the music Ive done. Now 68, Hay takes time to look back at his career in music and is grateful. Hes toured the world, had successes and failures. Through it all music has been his foundation. I started to write songs when I was 14 and thats basically what I still do, he says. I sit around and mess around with songs. The phone is brilliant because you get an idea and can record. I dont think the process of coming up with songs has chanced since I was young. I feel I enjoy the process more as Ive gotten older. Like the freedom of having a studio. Its one of my favorite places. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Up-and-coming Albuquerque middle-schoolers got their own soapboxes to speak on issues they cared about for top education officials Tuesday. In an inaugural civics bee for Albuquerque, 10 middle-schoolers put their knowledge of the rights and duties of American citizens on display for an audience that included parents, state lawmakers and New Mexico Education Secretary Kurt Steinhaus. Im proud of you, Steinhaus told the students. You are a finalist and you did an incredible job today. The 10 middle-schoolers were named finalists out of over 220 essays submitted on topics of their choosing. The competition was held by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Students competed against each other across three rounds of questions in the bee. In the first two rounds, they answered multiple-choice questions and were ranked on a leaderboard on a large screen for all to watch. Desert Willow Family School seventh grader Anna Richardson broke ahead early in those rounds, finishing with a perfect score. She was joined in the top three by Harrison Middle School seventh grader Elian Diaz Erives and 21st Century Public Academy eighth grader Oliver Rich-Jackson. In the third round, the three students answered judges questions on their entry essays. Richardson wrote about refugee needs, Rich-Jackson about the plummeting water level in Elephant Butte reservoir and Diaz Erives about the faults in the education system. Richardson was crowned champion and was awarded an oversized $1,000 check. Rich-Jackson came in second and received $500, and Diaz Erives was awarded $250 for third place. They each also received round-trip Southwest Airlines tickets for any impromptu celebratory trips. I didnt really want to do it, but this is a topic that Im really interested in, that really means a lot to me. So I was excited to come here and Im very happy that I won. I wasnt really expecting to, Richardson said. This is a good way to make it more public. The three finalists received a standing ovation for their performances. All 10 finalists received trophies. The other seven finalists were: Adam Burianek and Elise Hays of Desert Willow; Jareth Torres and Lilly Woods of the Albuquerque School of Excellence; Leah Dye of Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School; Rhea Holliday of Mission Achievement and Success Charter School; and Briley Stanford of Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School. Essays were graded by a panel of 19 judges made up of community and business leaders, including APS board member Crystal Tapia-Romero, and chamber of commerce president and CEO Terri Cole. The bee was one of six across the country, event organizers said. It was sponsored by the Daniels Fund, which gave a grant of $3.5 million to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for this years bees, and to extend them across 50 states next year. The end goal, said civics bee chairman Kyle Beasley, is to rival the national spelling bee. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said in a video message to the students that civics is instrumental to both local and national communities. Civic engagement is something that truly takes an individual and makes them an owner of the community theyre in, he said. That actually makes our communities better and, by extension, (makes) America a better place to live. After five years of investigations by the IRS, Homeland Security Investigations and the Albuquerque police Vice Unit, authorities say the vast majority of Asian massage parlors in Albuquerque operate as houses of prostitution. The assessment is in a federal search warrant affidavit that led to the March 29 arrest of Lily Bai, 40, of Corona, California, on racketeering and money laundering charges. Shes accused of running a prostitution ring through eight illicit Asian massage parlors in Albuquerque, Farmington, Las Cruces and Silver City since 2014. According to the affidavit, undercover officers were offered sex acts at least eight times at Bais parlors between 2017 and 2022. But most troubling is the allegation Bais employees rarely licensed massage therapists are coerced into performing sex acts to earn money for basic living expenses. If true, thats human sex trafficking. Court records state Bai told an undercover APD officer posing as a prospective buyer its harder to make money with the same girl and suggested having new workers every month. The case raises the question of how many more vulnerable women are being exploited as sex workers in New Mexico massage parlors. A check with city officials shows around 190 state-licensed massage businesses in Albuquerque as of May 2020. While many are clearly legal therapeutic operations, the affidavit says some are not. We hope authorities are actively investigating those other massage parlors because Bai isnt an outlier if the vast majority of Asian massage parlors are engaged in prostitution. After years of this ugly open secret, its time to step up investigations and stamp out any human sex trafficking taking place in these parlors. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. More than a thousand years ago, Indigenous people created a vibrant community at Chaco Canyon, in what is modern-day New Mexico, where they celebrated spiritual traditions, observed the heavens using ancient observatories, and developed an urban center unlike any other. For more than 300 years, the people of Chaco worked extensive agricultural lands, built massive stone buildings containing hundreds of rooms, worshiped in ceremonial kivas and created a powerful economic center for the region. Today, Chaco Canyon continues to be a place of prayer, healing and pilgrimage for many pueblo and tribal communities throughout the nation. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chaco Canyon tells an ancient and powerful story of the rich history, culture, spirituality and resiliency of Indigenous communities throughout the American Southwest. Since time immemorial, these communities have had a deep and sacred connection to the land, water and wildlife of this important area. The sweeping desert landscapes that surround Chaco provide critical wildlife habitat for a diverse array of species ranging from elk and mule deer to cougars and bobcats and a wide variety of birds, reptiles and plants. Put simply, Chaco Canyon is an unparalleled treasure of cultural, spiritual, historical and ecological values. Unfortunately, in recent years, excessive oil and gas development near Chaco has put all of this in jeopardy. The roads, pipelines and other infrastructure fragment critical wildlife habitat and threaten water supplies, while continuous development and the use of fracking threaten some of the most important pre-Columbian artifacts in the nation. A health impact study released last summer has also shown that methane and other toxins released from the oil and gas sites near Chaco have caused numerous negative health impacts for the children and families living in the region. As faith leaders from New Mexico, we must speak up to ensure this spectacular sacred region is cared for into the generations. It is our moral responsibility as a nation, and our sacred task as spiritual leaders, to speak out and work to protect places of such remarkable cultural, spiritual, historical and ecological significance. Thus, we are writing in strong support of increased protections for the cultural treasures, wildlife and local communities of the Chaco Canyon from the serious harms that are posed by runaway oil and gas development. The Biden administration has proposed a 10-mile buffer zone around the Chaco Culture National Historical Park where new oil and gas leasing on federal lands would be banned. This will safeguard thousands of sacred sites that lay in and around the park, protect 350,000 acres of wildlife habitat and unique biodiversity, and ensure cleaner air, land and water for nearby communities. The administration is also working with Indigenous and community leaders to find ways to better manage existing energy development while building a more collaborative management system that can lead to a sustainable economic future for the region. We understand that people are concerned about higher gas prices and jobs, but being good stewards requires us to be smart about when, how, where and what energy is developed. Threatening an ancient cultural treasure with increased development is short-sighted and unconscionable and its why the protective buffer zone must be created. The administration is currently soliciting feedback from the public about the proposal to ban new leases in the Chaco region. We have joined over 250 other faith leaders from around the country in supporting the administrations common-sense plan to protect one of the most magnificent sacred landscapes in the American Southwest. We hope all people of faith will join us in this support. The Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire is shaping up to be one of the largest and most destructive blazes in state history. Heres a look at significant fires in New Mexico. Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire Gila National Forest 297,845 acres May 16, 2012: The Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire set a record as New Mexicos largest wildfire. It destroyed 12 homes and injured eight people, none fatally, before burning out in July 2012. Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire Santa Fe National Forest 160,104+ acres April 6: The Hermits Peak Fire started as a prescribed burn, which got out of control. The cause of the Calf Canyon Fire is still under investigation. The two fires merged on April 22 and fire officials say the blaze could easily grow to 200,000 or more acres. It has already destroyed at least 166 homes in San Miguel County, has burned part of the city of Las Vegas watershed and is threatening the city and village of Mora. An estimated 15,500 homes are currently under mandatory evacuation orders due to the fire. Las Conchas Fire Santa Fe National Forest 156,293 acres June 26, 2011: A gust of mountain wind toppled a 60-foot aspen tree onto power lines in the Jemez Mountains. Over the next 36 days, the Las Conchas Fire grew to 156,293 acres, destroying 63 homes and 49 outbuildings, forcing the evacuation of Los Alamos, and threatening Los Alamos National Laboratory. Fire tore through parts of Jemez, Cochiti and Santo Domingo pueblos, Bandelier National Monument and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. SILVER FIRE GILA NATIONAL FOREST 138,546 ACRES June 7, 2013: The lightning-caused fire blackened 138,546 acres in the Gila National Forest near Silver City. The Silver Fire forced some ranchers to ship their cattle out of state as the blaze burned through grazing areas. Donaldson Fire southeastern New Mexico 101,563 acres June 28, 2011: The Donaldson Fire blackened 101,563 acres south of Hondo in southeastern New Mexico. The lightning-caused fire burned until July 9, 2011. Little Bear Lincoln National Forest 44,330 acres June 4, 2012: The Little Bear Fire burned 44,330 acres and destroyed an estimated 254 homes and buildings in and around the Lincoln National Forest northwest of Ruidoso. The lightning-caused fire was contained by July 30, 2012. Cerro Grande Fire Los Alamos 43,000 acres May 4, 2000: The Cerro Grande Fire destroyed an estimated 260 residences in Los Alamos and damaged portions of Los Alamos National Laboratory. The fire started as a controlled burn within the Bandelier National Monument that became uncontrolled due to high winds and drought conditions. The fire spread quickly, forcing the evacuations of Los Alamos and White Rock. It was declared extinguished on July 20, 2000. Trigo Fire Manzano Mountains 13,700 acres April 15, 2008: The Trigo Fire burned about 13,700 acres and destroyed 59 residences in the Manzano Mountains in Torrance County before it was extinguished in May 2008. Federal investigators said the blaze may have been ignited by turkey hunters on the west side of the Manzanos. The fire then spread to the populated east side. A mother has been arrested and charged with reckless child abuse resulting in death after taking her 16-year-old daughter to University of New Mexico Hospital dead. Authorities suspect the girl, who was blind and non-verbal, died from lack of medical care, inadequate supervision, living in a filthy environment, malnourishment and maltreatment. Doraelia Loera Espinoza, 32, was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday. Its unclear who her attorney will be. Espinozas husband told the Journal on Wednesday night that the accusations against her are a lie, insisting she took care of all of her children, and her disabled teenage daughter had always been small. He said Espinoza called him right after she found out her daughter was dead. Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies were sent to the hospital to investigate Tuesday night. According to a criminal complaint attached to a motion to keep Espinoza in jail while she awaits trial, the teenager who is identified only as ME was unresponsive and in full cardiac arrest when she arrived at UNMH. Detectives said she appeared to be much younger, was very skinny and had no fat or muscle. The girl also had maggots in her body, which investigators said had been there for at least four days. Espinoza told the nurse she had noticed her daughter was not acting right and put her in the shower to try to wake her up. Then, she said, when she didnt respond she took her to the hospital. Espinoza left UNMH but detectives found her at her South Valley apartment. In an interview conducted in Spanish, Espinoza told detectives that ME was blind and non-verbal and had special needs. The girl had been attending a residential school for children with special needs in Alamogordo but was sent home at the beginning of the pandemic and remained in Albuquerque, doing classes online. Espinoza told detectives she had four other children and her second oldest helped take care of the disabled girl while she was working. However she said right now she is in between jobs. On Tuesday Espinoza had heard ME moaning as if she was in pain, according to the complaint. She said she tried to give her Pedialyte and put her in the shower and then took her to the hospital. While en route to UNMH, Doraelia said she noticed that ME stopped breathing, the complaint states. She attempted to wake her up and yelled at her to get a reaction but ME did not respond. When she got to the hospital, the doctors told her ME was dead. Doraelia failed to ensure ME was safe and left her in the care of her juvenile sister, the detective wrote. She also admitted that ME was her responsibility. She further admitted that ME had lost weight since the last time she had checked or seen her. Doraelia also gave conflicting statements about her activity throughout the week but admitted to being at the residence everyday and never checking on her. When detectives searched the house, they said it was filthy, covered in animal or human feces and smelled of urine. Espinozas husband said her remaining children, the youngest of who is about 3, are with their uncle. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WILL BE HEARD BY THE ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCIL: O-22-23 Adopting A Uniform Administrative Code And Technical Codes Prescribing Minimum Standards Regulating The Construction, Alteration, Moving, Repair And Use And Occupancies Of Buildings And Structures And Building Service Equipment And Installations Including Plumbing, Swimming Pools, Electrical, Mechanical, Signs, Solar, Energy Conservation, Building Conservation And The Abatement Of Dangerous Buildings Within The City Of Albuquerque; Providing For The Issuance Of Permits And Collecting Fees Therefore; Repealing Chapter 14, Article 1, ROA 1994, The Present Uniform Administrative Code And Technical Codes Including The Building Code, The Plumbing Code, The Swimming Pool Code, The Mechanical Code, The Solar Energy Code, The Electrical Code, Providing For Penalties For Violation Of The Code. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting is on Monday, May 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Vincent E. Griego Chambers at the Albuquerque Government Center, Basement Level, 1 Civic Plaza NW. This meeting will be streamed live on various platforms including GOVTV on Comcast Channel 16, on the GOVTV webpage at https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/govtv. If you have questions please contact the City Council Office at 505-768-3100 during business hours, Monday Friday, 8am 5pm. For a copy of the agenda items for this meeting, please call 505-768-3100 or visit our website at www.cabq.gov/council. Notice To Persons With Disabilities: If you have a disability and require special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Council office at least one day before the meeting date at 505-768-3100 (voice). TTY users may access the voice number via New Mexico Relay Network by calling toll free 1-800-659-8331. Journal: May 5, 2022 The New Mexico State Fair Commission is now accepting sealed proposals for the Rodeo Stock Contractor RFP. Proposals are due on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 2:00 PM local time. Requests for proposals may be picked up at the administrative office of Expo New Mexico between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The Procurement Codes, Sections 13-1-28 through 13-1-199 NMSA 1978, imposes civil and criminal penalties for its violation. In addition, the New Mexico State criminal statutes impose felony penalties for illegal bribes, gratuities, and kickbacks. New Mexico State Fair reserves the right to refuse any or all proposals. Expo NM, P.O. Box 8546, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87198-8546, (505)-222-9700. Journal: May 5, 2022 1 A voice for the Voiceless: Dine composer wins the ... ABQnews Seeker Notice is hereby given that the meeting of the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) will convene at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022. The meeting location, as well as the method for public attendance, will be posted on the NMFAs website as soon as reasonably practicable. The agenda will be available at the NMFA office at 207 Shelby Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico and the web site (www.nmfinance.com) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, or if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed, please contact the NMFA at 505-984-1454 at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Journal: May 5, 2022 STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF CURRY NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Case No. D-905-CV-2020-00171 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, v. JUAN AGUILAR; ROSALINDA LOPEZ, AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEFINA AGUILAR; AND ANTONIA VELASQUEZ, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 24, 2022, at the hour of 10:00am the undersigned Special Master will, at the main entrance of the Curry County Courthouse, 700 N. Main St., Clovis, NM 88101, sell all the right, title and interest of the above-named Defendants in and to the hereinafter described real estate to the highest bidder for cash. The property to be sold is located at 2917 HARRISON AVE, CLOVIS, NM 88101, and is situate in Curry County, New Mexico, and is particularly described as follows: LOT NINE (9) IN BLOCK FIFTY-THREE (53) OF UNIT NO. 4 STAGNER FOURTH ADDITION TO THE CITY OF CLOVIS, CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO, AS SHOWN BY THE OFFICIAL RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. as the same is shown and designated on the plat thereof, filed in the office of the County Clerk of Curry County, New Mexico, including any improvements, fixtures, and attachments, such as, but not limited to, mobile homes, (hereinafter the "Property"). If there is a conflict between the legal description and the street address, the legal description shall control. THE FOREGOING SALE will be made to satisfy a judgment rendered by the above Court in the above entitled and numbered cause on April 6, 2022, being an action to foreclose a Deed of Trust on the above described property. The Plaintiffs Judgment, which includes interest and costs, is $114,148.09 and the same bears interest at 3.25% per annum from April 6, 2022, to the date of sale. The Plaintiff and/or its assignees has the right to bid at such sale and submit its bid verbally or in writing. The Plaintiff may apply all or any part of its judgment to the purchase price in lieu of cash. The sale may be postponed and rescheduled at the discretion of the Special Master. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that in the event that the Property is not sooner redeemed, the undersigned Special Master will, as set forth above, offer for sale and sell the Property to the highest bidder for cash or equivalent, for the purpose of satisfying, in the adjudged order of priorities, the judgment and decree of foreclosure described herein, together with any additional costs and attorneys fees, including the costs of advertisement and publication for the foregoing sale, and, reasonable receiver and Special Masters fees in an amount to be fixed by the Court. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the real property and improvements concerned with herein will be sold subject to any and all patent reservations, easements, all recorded and unrecorded liens not foreclosed herein, and all recorded and unrecorded special assessments and taxes that may be due. Plaintiff, its attorneys and the Special Master disclaim all responsibility for, and the purchaser at the sale takes the property subject to, the valuation of the property by the County Assessor as real or personal property, affixture of any mobile or manufactured home to the land, deactivation of title to a mobile or manufactured home on the property, if any, environmental contamination on the property, if any, and zoning violations concerning the property, if any. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the foregoing sale may be postponed and rescheduled at the discretion of the Special Master, and is subject to all taxes, utility liens and other restrictions and easements of record, and subject to a one (1) month right of redemption held by the Defendants upon entry of an order approving sale, and subject to the entry of an in rem order of the Court approving the terms and conditions of sale. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the purchaser at such sale shall take title to the above described real property subject to a one (1) month right of redemption. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS AT SALE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE THEIR OWN EXAMINATION OF THE TITLE AND THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY AND TO CONSULT THEIR OWN ATTORNEY BEFORE BIDDING. Witness my hand this 27th day of April, 2022. By: /S/ Robert Doyle Robert Doyle, Special Master Legal Process Network P.O. Box 279 Sandia Park, NM 87047 (505) 417-4113 Journal: May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2022 LONDON The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. Most of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, according to a WHO report issued Thursday. The U.N. health agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the newly calculated figure as sobering, saying it should prompt countries to invest more in their capacities to quell future health emergencies. WHO tasked scientists with determining the actual number of COVID-19 deaths between January 2020 and the end of last year. They estimated that between 13.3 million and 16.6 million people died either due to the coronavirus directly or because of factors somehow attributed to the pandemics impact on health systems, such as cancer patients who were unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients. Based on that range, the scientists came up with an approximated total of 14.9 million. The estimate was based on country-reported data and statistical modeling, but only about half of countries provided information. WHO said it wasnt yet able to break down the data to distinguish between direct deaths from COVID-19 and those related to effects of the pandemic, but the agency plans a future project examining death certificates. This may seem like just a bean-counting exercise, but having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one, said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious diseases specialist at the Yale School of Public Health who was not linked to the WHO research. For example, Ko said, South Koreas decision to invest heavily in public health after it suffered a severe outbreak of MERS allowed it to escape COVID-19 with a per-capita death rate around a 20th of the one in the United States. Accurately counting COVID-19 deaths has been problematic throughout the pandemic, as reports of confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the devastation wrought by the virus, largely because of limited testing. Government figures reported to WHO and a separate tally kept by Johns Hopkins University show more than 6.2 million reported virus deaths to date. Scientists at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington calculated for a recent study published in the journal Lancet that there were more than 18 million COVID deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. A team led by Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3 million uncounted coronavirus deaths in India alone. WHOs new analysis estimated that missed deaths in India alone ranged between 3.3 million to 6.5 million. In a statement following the release of WHOs data, India disputed the U.N. agencys methodology. Indias Health and Family Welfare Ministry called the analysis and data collection methods questionable and complained that the new death estimates were released without adequately addressing Indias concerns. Samira Asma, a senior WHO director, acknowledged that numbers are sometimes controversial and that all estimates are only an approximation of the virus catastrophic effects. It has become very obvious during the entire course of the pandemic, there have been data that is missing, Asma told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. Basically, all of us were caught unprepared. Ko said the new figures from WHO might also explain some lingering mysteries about the pandemic, like why Africa appears to have been one of the least affected by the virus, despite its fragile health systems and low vaccination rates. Were the mortality rates so low because we couldnt count the deaths, or was there some other factor to explain that? he asked, citing the far higher mortality rates in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Bharat Pankhania, a public health specialist at Britains University of Exeter, said the world may never get close to measuring the true toll of COVID-19, particularly in poor countries. When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died, he explained. Pankhania said that while the estimated COVID-19 death toll still pales in comparison to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which experts estimate caused up to 100 million deaths, the fact that so many people died despite the advances of modern medicine, including vaccines, is shameful. He also warned that the cost of COVID-19 could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of caring for people with long COVID. With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it, he said. There was not an enduring immunological condition that were seeing right now with COVID. We do not know the extent to which people with long COVID will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems, Pankhania said. ____ Krutika Pathi and Ashok Sharma in New Delhi contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic The Albuquerque fitness sect is getting ready to join the exploding popularity of running races that now require more than just fleet feet. An intrepid group of men, women and even youngsters will tackle and climb, maneuver, leap, jump and even swing the Ultimate Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, May 14. The 3-kilometer, fiendish route will wend its way through the North Valley to and from the Ultimate Ninja Obstacle Gym as competitors will attempt to conquer about 25 different obstacles along the way, said race director Bob Clark. The course is shorter than many, similar type of races, he said, but enlivened by more obstacles. To me, it makes it more fun, he said. Its not quite as much running, but more obstacles and more fun. The obstacles are fairly standard fare, Clark said, like swinging across rings, climbing a rope and hitting a bell, flipping a tire, negotiating a cargo net, a water bucket carry or carrying weight ball. We have strength items and agility items, he said. Its a variety of different types of obstacles but theyre all doable types of obstacles. That combination was enough to attract 45-year-old Albuquerque resident Von Trullinger to give it a try. I kind of started doing the ninja stuff, American Ninja Warrior, like you see on TV, when I was 40, he said. Then I decided, OCR looked pretty cool. Ninja-type obstacles running, I thought that would be another good sport for me to try out. The ninja is pretty hard obstacles and can be pretty hard on the body, but the OCR is a little more maintainable long term. It all kind of fits in with his energetic lifestyle, Trullinger said. I also do a little bit of biking and mountain biking, he said. My main thing that I like doing is being active, just trying to stay in shape long term and being able to do these things and to be able to do them for a long period of time and staying healthy and being active. Shannon Lawson, 45, of Albuquerque, just picked up the sport in January after being inspired in part by her child who has participated in ninja events. So far, so good, she said. It trains me in different ways that normal work out classes dont do so it has helped me. What it does is trains muscle groups that are not used to training in normal exercise classes, small muscle groups mixed with agility and balance that are not really used in typical exercise classes. Additionally, being a competitor, Lawson said there is another person in the class that she would very much love to leave in her dust. There is this 40-year-old thats always competing, always turning everything into a competition and I want to beat him, she said with a laugh. I just want to make myself better. While age-group winners will get the chance to go to Las Vegas, Nevada, in July to compete in nationals, Trullinger said hes just happy he has the chance to compete in his home town. Im really excited. I really wish Albuquerque had more OCR races, he said. We really only have a couple, so Im really excited for the opportunity to participate in an OCR race locally. What makes it fun and challenging, Trullinger said, is the combination of running and the obstacle course. I like the obstacles more, he said. The run can be a challenge. Another aspect that makes it hard is when you combine run with obstacles because the run gets you really tired and then you have to do an obstacle that wouldnt be challenging if youre completely rested. Clark said hes hoping several hundred competitors will eventually sign up, particularly because the proceeds go to the local Wings for Life, an organization that aims to transform lives and break the generational cycle of incarceration. The organization looks for ways to rebuild assets in the lives of children who have a parent or parents in prison. Anchorum St. Vincent, the nonprofit organization that has a 50% ownership stake in Christus St. Vincent, announced a full-time CEO and president on Monday to lead the organization going forward. The Anchorum board appointed Jerry Jones to full-time CEO, effective immediately, after he had served in the interim CEO role since the fall of last year. Jones replaces Peter Bastone, who served as CEO since September 2017 a month before Jones had also joined the organization. (Im) incredibly humbled to be in the role of CEO and to continue the work weve started, Jones told the Journal. We started some incredible initiatives and I know that well have the ability to have greater impact with this new strategy. Jones joined the organization initially as vice president and chief financial officer, helping Bastone lead the organization in a new philanthropic direction. That change of direction came in 2018 when Anchorum St. Vincent had changed its name from SVHsupport and created a new strategic plan for the next few years that allowed the organization to continue to support some of the work thats happening at the hospital but allow them to go outside the four walls and start working with nonprofit service providers in the region to help combat some of the social determinants of health, Jones said. One of Anchorum St. Vincents first moves under the direction of the new strategic plan was to partner with Christus St. Vincent and the Santa Fe Community Foundation to create a new funding alliance, now known as the Community Health Funder Alliance. The partnership among the three entities has a focus on health disparities across communities in New Mexico. The organization has also worked with Homewise and Enterprise Bank & Trust on affordable housing, with Anchorum pledging about $5 million in loans, Jones said. We have used these last three years of our current strategy to really prove how we can work with organizations in a really dynamic way, Jones said. Jones said the organization is in the process of refining its strategy, providing more grant money to help other organizations with staffing issues in the health care industry. Jones, before joining Anchorum St. Vincent, had worked as the interim president and CEO of the Santa Fe Community Foundation where he had also served as a board member for more than a decade. He graduated from the University of New Mexico and has been a certified public accountant since 2003. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal On Saturday, Nicole Sanchez texted her mom about Mothers Day and the two made plans to have lunch with Sanchezs boyfriend Jarrod Jackson and his mother this weekend. And Sanchez filled her mother in on the latest regarding the couples roommate and his dog. Amy Melek told the Journal on Wednesday that the dog had bitten Jacksons mother and they were arranging to have it taken away the next day. It was the last straw. A short time later, Albuquerque police say, the roommate shot Sanchez and Jackson, killing both of them in the house they all shared on Girard and Constitution NE. Now, a warrant has been issued for 21-year-old Samuel Archuleta, charging him with two counts of murder. He has not been arrested. Shortly before 11 p.m., Archuletas stepmother called police to say Archuleta had told his father that he shot his roommates. When police arrived at the house, they found Sanchez and Jackson, both 25, dead. According to the arrest warrant affidavit filed in Metropolitan Court, Archuletas father told detectives his son had called and said he was sorry, he needed help and he couldnt deal with it any more. Archuletas father told detectives his son drinks a lot of alcohol and had been having issues with his roommates because they were breaking into his room and abusing his dog. Archuletas car was not at the house when his parents arrived and his gun was missing from its black gun box, according to the complaint. The Journal could not reach Archuletas family. Sanchez and Jackson had been together for about four years and had a dog of their own, a German shepherd mix named Chief, Jarrods mother Sylvia Jackson told the Journal. She said one of their good friends has now adopted Chief. He loved fishing and hiking, going to the skate park, skating with his friends, Sylvia Jackson said of her son. I went to the skate park that night on May 1 and they had things to say he helped them from being homeless, he would tell them to sleep on the couch, dont worry about it until you find something. If you need someone to help you move, hed help you move. Sylvia Jackson owned the house and was renting it to her youngest son, his girlfriend, Archuleta and a fourth roommate. The couple had hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at their house last year with Archuleta and their families, Melek said, adding that they were excited to cook and be all grown up and host. They used to take their dogs to the mountains every week on their day off and let the dog run around, Melek said. They liked to get out of town, liked to go up to the mountains, liked to go to the mesa and go shooting. Sylvia Jackson said Archuleta had been friends with her son when they started living together, but he and Sanchez had been having problems with him for a while and were worried he was neglecting his dog. Then, on Saturday, while the 4-foot, 11-inch Sylvia Jackson was at the house pulling weeds, Archuletas dog bit her on the leg enough to leave a bruise and appeared to be trying to attack her. She said she waited until her son got home from his job and told him about it, suggesting they call a pound. Jarrod Jackson posted twice on Facebook about his roommate neglecting the dog in the hours before he was killed. Melek said that, when they talked about the situation Saturday evening, she wasnt necessarily afraid for her daughter, but she said she didnt like what was going on. I was telling her not only should you get rid of the dog, but you guys should really think about kicking the roommate out, too, if hes going to disrespect you both like that and not respect the rules of the house, Melek said. That was the last time She didnt respond to that. Claudia Sandoval left her heart in Hatch. The acclaimed chef brought her series, Taste of the Border to Hatch and Las Cruces for an episode last year. The series is currently airing on Discovery+. Through her series, Sandoval is on a mission as she traverses the U.S.-Mexico border, exploring the diverse culinary landscape of often-overlooked border towns. When you hear about the border, our minds often go to the political divide, Sandoval says. There are borders that separate us. What I wanted to show with the series is that food makes it all borderless. Sandoval says with the country divided, food remains the unifier. Her trip to New Mexico was her first and she was immediately in love. I left my heart in Hatch and I was literally having this conversation with my mom, she says. I told her that we have to come back for the Hatch Chile Festival. Sandovals family owns a poblano pepper farm in Mexico. Being in Hatch for the four days during filming brought plenty of emotions for Sandoval. To see where our food comes from, its amazing, she says. With the Hatch green chile, you find it a certain time of the year. I got to see them roasted and instantly the smell of my childhood came back. Sandoval visited Grajeda Farms in Hatch, where she sees first-hand how the chile is harvested. Im still amazed that there arent machines used to harvest, she says. I learned a lot more about chile while down there. During the episode, she also visited The Pepper Pot, where she had a green chile relleno and a green chile cheeseburger. I had the Hatch chile relleno, and of course, it was kind of spicy. Where I live, we get Anaheim peppers. Im not joking. A month or two, we have Hatch chiles. We get them seasonally. I literally came back home and went to Sprouts and there was Hatch chiles. I totally made chile rellenos. Also in the episode, Sandoval travels south to Las Cruces, where she visits Lujans Bakery. There she tries empanadas and the biscochito. New Mexico is the first state to have a state cookie, she says. It was so good to taste. The flavor on it was perfection. Sandoval is looking forward to a return trip to New Mexico so she can get her chile fix. New Mexicans are so lucky to have the chile so readily available, Sandoval says. I think because its so close, many people dont realize how lucky they are. SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal The local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union filed a complaint with the State Ethics Commission on Wednesday against Public Regulation Commission Chair Joseph Maestas for accepting a $250 donation from New Energy Economy (NEE) Executive Director Mariel Nanasi. Maestas, who said Thursday he now plans to return the contribution, is one of five elected PRC commissioners who oversee state regulation of local utilities and, as NEEs attorney and director, Nanasi is directly involved in most utility cases at the PRC. With the PRC set to be overhauled starting next year under a constitutional amendment passed by state voters in 2020, Maestas is currently running for state auditor. He is squaring off against fellow Democrat Zack Quintero in the June 7 primary election, with the winner set to face only a write-in candidate in the November general election. IBEW Local 611s assistant business manager, Shannon Fitzgerald, says Maestas violated campaign laws by accepting an election donation from an individual who heads an organization that is impacted directly by decisions Maestas makes as a PRC commissioner. This sort of pay-to-play action by Maestas is evidence of his lack of integrity and morals, and he should immediately withdraw his candidacy for state auditor, Fitzgerald said in a statement. If this is how he behaves as a candidate, what type of auditor will he be? New Mexico deserves a clean election and an auditor that is above moral reproach. NEE is one of the most active nonprofit organizations that intervenes in PRC regulatory affairs and is currently involved in about a dozen cases at the commission. It has also had a direct influence on many commission decisions, including the PRCs rejection in December of the proposed merger between PNM Resources and energy giant Avangrid. Those companies have since appealed that decision at the state Supreme Court and NEE has now intervened in the appeal proceedings in support of the PRC decision. But Maestas said NEE is not an entity that is regulated by the PRC and it was Nanasi herself who made a personal donation to the campaign, not the organization she heads. Its also hypocritical, he added, for the union which was a supporting party in the merger case to complain about Nanasis donation when Local 611 offered Maestas a $5,000 donation for his campaign last fall, prior to his ruling on the merger case, which all five PRC commissioners unanimously rejected. Maestas said he declined to accept the unions donation. I showed integrity by refusing their donation prior to the PRC vote on the merger, Maestas told the Journal. In contrast, Nanasis donation came after any PRC decisions that Nanasi was involved in and, quite frankly, $250 is a very small percent of the total donations Ive received. Its miniscule. Fitzgerald did not respond directly to Maestas claims, but said the IBEW did previously endorse Maestas campaign for state auditor, although Fitzgerald said the union did not make a contribution. However, after discussing the IBEW complaint with the Journal, Maestas called back to say he ordered his campaign treasurer on Thursday to return Nanasis donation to avoid any distractions from his campaign. Nanasi said she and her husband donated jointly to Maestas campaign, independently of NEE. In any case, she said, as individuals, they are not regulated by the PRC, nor is NEE, which intervenes as a nonprofit organization in commission proceedings. Its legal and theres no personal benefit from our donation whatsoever, Nanasi told the Journal. Still, Local 611 attorney Justin Lesky said the donation needs to be investigated. Nanasi appears before the PRC and Commissioner Maestas a lot, Lesky told the Journal. We need transparency on the relationship that goes on outside the PRC and, if there is any connection between the donation and what Nanasi and Maestas do at the PRC, that must be investigated. The union is impacted directly by many PRC decisions, such as in the merger case. It represents many Public Service Company of New Mexico employees, as well as electric workers outside of PNM who benefit from utility-related work. Commissioner Maestas and the current PRC have made decisions that affect jobs for my members and their families, and they harm the businesses we work for, Fitzgerald said in an email to the Journal. If you are a hardcore street food lover, you surely can't miss this unbelievably chatpata, zaikedar, and WOW food adventure with Zee Zests new food show - Taste Ki Gully thats all set to feature some of the countrys most popular lip-smacking street food, with a twist. Unlike any other, Taste Ki Gully brings a unique perspective on street food thats drizzled with and dipped into the world of flavours, as this flavourful rollercoaster boasts its own swag. From tandoori momos to pani puris to fire paan, every dish promises to be zara sa hatke from the jhatpat, jhakaas & atrangi street food world and has been levelled up with tempting visuals and delicious taste, sure to get you drooling for more! Tune in to Taste Ki Gully on Zee Zest every Monday and Tuesday at 2.30 pm from 9 th May 2022 onwards. Whether you like it meetha or khatta, or are always seen asking the pani puri wala for aur theeka bhaiyya, street food in India offers it all. And bringing together this very essence is Taste Ki Gully, with Chef Smit Sagar as host on this one-stop thela-shop, where incredible innovations in the street food space across India will be showcased. Each episode of this series is bound to create an entertaining and mouth-watering experience with its authentic taste, rustic yet quirky, light-hearted mood, and an innovative, fresh take on recipes from various cities of India. Elated with the launch, Amit Nair, Business Head, Zee Zest says Indian street food is as diverse and colorful as our culture and rituals. Known worldwide for its taste, diversity and easy accessibility, it is a great equalizer as it observes people from all classes and economic backgrounds line up waiting for their food. With every bite being so unique and nostalgic, be it at weddings, festivals, parties or events, street food today has defined a place for itself. And so, as Zee Zest always looks to UNLIMIT experiences, were pleased to bring the unlimited flavors of the Great Indian Street Food, with the launch of Taste Ki Gully. The show begins with the host, Chef Smit Sagar as he takes the viewers on a masaledaar and swad bhari khoj of unique, innovative & popular delectable recipes for unique desserts, snacks, chaats, refreshing drinks, and much more. So while our enthusiastic chef will be seen enjoying the process of cooking, this food journey also welcomes viewers to cook along and try their hand at these flavorful recipes from the comfort of their homes. A food enthusiast and an aspiring culinary artist, Chef Smit Sagar will be seen bringing to the show his bright and cheerful personality as he keeps the conversation fun, entertaining and street style. Born & raised in Dubai and now settled in Rajkot, Gujarat, hes a trained professional from ICCA Dubai, where he evolved from casual dishes to exotic cuisine, as did his appreciation, from kitchen experiments and training to him thinking out of the box. Through his food journey, he has had the privilege to be a contestant and a Judge on Gujarats First Food Reality Show The Great Gujarat Cooking Competition and has also had the pleasure to host an OTT show The Hidden Taste of Gujarat. A true professional with a fun persona indeed, Chef Smit Sagar is all set to spin his charm as together one explores the best of Indian street food, at this one-stop thela shop Taste Ki Gully. So get ready to discover the WOW! factor with the mouth-watering flavors of the gully with Zee Zest. Tune in to Taste ki Gully from 9 th May at 2.30 pm every Monday and Tuesday on Zee Zest SD and HD, along with ZeeZest.com. Goafest 2022, Indias most definitive advertising, media and marketing symposium, returns after a two-year hiatus, featuring some of the industrys brightest minds along with prestigious industry awards felicitating notable creative thinkers from South Asia. The three-day festival kickstarted with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the unveiling of AAAIs new logo. It also marks Goafests 15th edition. Marking it as a special year, it is the first time ever that the Abby Awards have collaborated with The One Show. With an underlying theme of celebrating The SuperPower Within, delegates at Goafest 2022 were welcomed with a champagne launch by Zoom TV and a live musical performance by Sukhbir - Prince of Bhangra. AAAIs new logo, created by Tempest Advertisings art director, Lohidasu, was unveiled during the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The agencys design was chosen amidst 200 entries. The logo effectively brought the past, the present and the future of both AAAI and advertising in unison. The official unveiling of the redesigned logo at the Goafest, was done by Rohit Ohri, Chairman and CEO of FCB Ulka and actress Yami Gautam. Further, the Industry Conclave presented by ABP Group marked the beginning of the festival with the first session of the day, witnessing Yami Gautam in a one-on-one conversation with Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 & Vice President of The Ad Club. The two enthralled the audience by speaking about films, values and the need to imagine and build a life beyond numbers. This tete-a-tete was followed by a super talk from Vineeta Singh, Co-founder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics & Shark, Shark Tank India, who highlighted the importance of building a brand with quality products and content before focusing on advertising. She also emphasised on the power of empowering a team, which mirrors the ethos of SUGAR, passionately stating, Empower them and let them go rule the world! The next session witnessed Ankush Sachdeva, Co-Founder & CEO, Sharechat & Moj, chatting with Vikram Sakhuja, Group CEO, Madison Media & OOH at Madison World. The duo engaged in a meaningful conversation highlighting the mission that Sachdeva, a Messiah for the creator and influencer community, is on. He spoke about how short-form content is going to be the future of content consumption and while addressing the advertisers, he said, If you do not catch the attention of the consumer in 2 seconds, you have lost them. He also emphasised the advantage of reaching the mass audience using regional content. Following this up was a knowledge session in partnership with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), wherein Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary (CA), Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Food Distribution spoke with Piyush Pandey, Chairman of Global Creative Ogilvy Worldwide & Executive Chairman, Ogilvy India, discussing the importance of consumer protection and its responsibility that we have as professionals. The session was moderated by Subhash Kamath, Chairman, ASCI & CEO, BBH, India, who asked poignant questions and received crucially important answers regarding brands promoting and marketing misleading information, bait advertising, and those compromising consumer interest. Rohit Kumar Singh ended on a high note stating, If we dont look after the interest of the consumer, who will? Thereafter, another super-talk was given by Dr Kiran Bedi, Former Lt Governor Puducherry & Ex-IPS Officer, who highlighted the importance of leadership, emphasising, Leadership is internal you start with yourself; if you cant lead yourself, you cant lead people. She also added that one must live by what they say and they automatically will have followers. She further shared her TEA Mantra, stating that a leader must be trustworthy, empowering, and accountable. The crowd roared and cheered as she launched her second book, Fearless Governance. This year, for the first time ever, The Advertising Club collaborated with The One Show, taking the ABBY Awards to global standards of recognition. With the coming together of this partnership, participating agencies as well as jury chairs have shown immense enthusiasm towards it. Speaking about Goafest 2022, Anupriya Acharya, President, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), said, Its been a tough two years, and its great to be back on-ground not only in terms of organising the festival, but also where achievements are concerned. We are thrilled to have everyone back, bonding and celebrating this festival. With an enthusiasm-filled venue, we had a successful day one. And now, looking forward to a power packed day 2 and 3! Jaideep Gandhi, Chairman, Goafest 2022 Organising Committee, said, Goafest has undoubtedly grown into one of the most prestigious conventions in South Asia, bringing together some of the most talented and brightest creative geniuses from all walks of life to celebrate the ad-land spirit. We are looking to keep the overall exuberance of this years festival about enjoyment, about people coming together to celebrate and connect. As a result, we will be able to understand the true essence of organising a festival after experiencing two major setbacks in the past. The Goafest festival gives young talent the chance to interact and learn from some of the industrys stalwarts. These people have played a crucial role in paving the way for them, making the event worthwhile. In addition to these benefits, it serves as a place where young people can engage and network cohesively with the entire media and advertising fraternity. Discussing the ABBY Awards at Goafest 2022, Partha Sinha, President, The Advertising Club, said, 2022 is definitely a landmark year because of the collaboration of the ABBY Awards with The One Show, and this is a game-changing proposition. It gives a platform to a plethora of agencies, enabling it to become more global. We owe it to the industry to bring something of global standing especially when we are one large world. Speaking about the ABBYs Awards, Rana Barua, Chairman, Abby Awards Governing Council 2022 & Vice President of The Ad Club, said, A staggering number of participants has been witnessed, surpassing all previous records. In addition to agencies that have participated since our inception, we have also seen those returning every year. Overall, the numbers are higher this month since we had to package everything together in one month. This year and henceforth, Goafest will be considerably bigger and more extravagant. From an eclectic platter of knowledge sharing sessions and Masterclasses from renowned speakers across various fields to ABBYs digital presentations, Goafest 2022 presented by the The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has once again raised the standards in recognising and appreciating excellence in creativity across mediums and categories. Google has released its annual report on its efforts to prevent malicious use of its ads platforms. In a blog Google emphasised on how user safety is at the top of its list when it makes decisions about ads and monetised content on its platforms. User safety is at the top of our list when we make decisions about ads and monetized content on our platforms. In fact, thousands of Googlers work around the clock to prevent malicious use of Googles advertising services and help make them safer for people, businesses and publishers. This is done because an ad-supported internet means everyone can access essential information. And as the digital world evolves, policy development and enforcement strategies evolve with it helping to prevent abuse while allowing businesses to reach new customers and grow. Google has continued to invest in its policies, teams of experts and enforcement technology to stay ahead of potential threats. In 2021, Google introduced a multi-strike system for repeat policy violations. The Internet major added or updated over 30 policies for advertisers and publishers, including a policy prohibiting claims that promote climate change denial and a certification for U.S.-based health insurance providers to only allow ads from government exchanges, first-party providers and licensed third-party brokers. In 2021, Google removed over 3.4 billion ads, restricted over 5.7 billion ads and suspended over 5.6 million advertiser accounts. The Internet giant also blocked or restricted ads from serving on 1.7 billion publisher pages, and took broader site-level enforcement action on approximately 63,000 publisher sites. Suspending triple the number of advertiser accounts As per its 2020 report, Google has seen an increase in fraudulent activity during the pandemic. In 2021, it continued to see bad actors operate with more sophistication and at a greater scale, using a variety of tactics to evade our detection. This included creating thousands of accounts simultaneously and using techniques like cloaking and text manipulation to show Googles reviewers and systems different ad content than theyd show a user making that content more difficult to detect and enforce against. Google is continuing to take a multi-pronged approach to combat this behaviour, like verifying advertisers identities and identifying coordinated activity between accounts using signals in its network. It is actively verifying advertisers in over 180 countries. And if an advertiser fails to complete its verification program when prompted, the account is automatically suspended. This combination of efforts has allowed Google to match the scale of its adversaries and more efficiently remove multiple accounts associated with a single bad actor at once. As a result, between 2020 and 2021, Google tripled the number of account-level suspensions for advertisers. Preventing unreliable claims from monetizing and serving in ads In 2021, Google doubled down on its enforcement of unreliable content. The Internet major blocked ads from running on more than 500,000 pages that violated its policies against harmful health claims related to COVID-19 and demonstrably false claims that could undermine trust and participation in elections. Late last year, Google also launched a new Unreliable Claims policy on climate change, which prohibits content that contradicts well-established scientific consensus around its existence and causes. It has stayed focused on preventing abuse in ads related to COVID-19, which was especially important in 2021 for claims related to vaccines, testing and price-gouging for critical supplies like masks. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Google has blocked over 106 million ads related to COVID-19. It has also supported local NGOs and governments with $250 million in Ad Grants to help connect people to accurate vaccine information. Introducing new brand safety tools and resources for advertisers and publishers Maintaining advertisers brand safety remains a top priority. Last year, Google added a new feature to its advertiser controls that allow brands to upload dynamic exclusion lists that can be automatically updated and maintained by trusted third parties. This helps advertisers get access to the resources and expertise of trusted organisations to better protect their brands and strengthen their campaigns. Advertisers care about all the content on a page where their ads may run, including user-generated content (UGC) like comment sections. Thats why Google holds publishers responsible for moderating these features. It has released several resources in the past year to help them do that including an infographic and blog post, troubleshooters to solve UGC issues and a video tutorial. In addition to these resources, Google has made targeted improvements to the publisher approval process for more efficient detection and to block bad actors before they could even create accounts. As a result, it reduced the number of sites that needed site-level action compared to previous years. Responding to the war in Ukraine Though the report only covers 2021, Google also shares an update on its response to the war in Ukraine given it is top of mind for so many around the world, including its enforcement teams. Google acted quickly to institute a sensitive event, prohibiting ads from profiting from or exploiting the situation. This is in addition to the Internet giants longstanding policies prohibiting content that incites violence or denies the occurrence of tragic events to run as ads or monetize using its services. Google has also taken several other steps to pause the majority of its commercial activities in Russia across its products including pausing ads from showing in Russia and ads from Russian-based advertisers, and pausing monetisation of Russian state-funded media across Googles platforms. So far, over 8 million ads related to the war in Ukraine have been blocked under Googles sensitive event policy and separately removed ads from more than 60 state-funded media sites across our platforms. Looking ahead to 2022 A trustworthy advertising experience is critical to getting helpful and useful information to people around the world. And this year, Google plans to continue to address areas of abuse across its platforms and network to protect users and help credible advertisers and publishers. Providing more transparency and control over the ads people see is a big part of that goal. Googles new About this ad feature is rolling out globally to help people understand why an ad was shown and which advertiser ran it. They can also report an ad if they believe it violates one of our policies or block an ad they arent interested in. On the occasion of commemoration of Satyajit Rays Birth Centenary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has initiated various activities across its different Media units to pay tributes to the legendary filmmaker. Films Divisions Mahadev Road Auditorium, New Delhi is having a three day film festival starting from 2 May. The festival will showcase films made by & made on Satyajit Ray.The audiences will appreciate a slate of films that celebrate Rays life and also they will get to experience his celebrated films on big screens. The film festival was inaugurated by the well-known Hindi writer Shri Pankaj Bisht and Smt. Neerja Sekhar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting presided over the opening ceremony. Pleased with the enthusiasm of the attendees Smt Shekhar said the ministry feels great pleasure in celebrating Satyajit Rays birth centenary, the pandemic kept the Ray lovers from the excitement of a physical celebrations and finally there are festivals and events round the country and people are watching the maestors art work all over again. In future too Ministry plans to arrange shows of Indian films of importance to the viewers. Shri Pankaj Bisht, said During the 80's and 90's Satyajit Ray was a name, nobody could miss, he was a phenomemon. He spoke about the quality of understatement in Ray's cinema citing the scene from Pather Panchalis Sarbojaya enacting a muted expression when Harihar's communicates the news of the elder child -Durga's death. The opening film 'Agantuk' was seen by the capacity viewers and the subtle drama and humour was liked by them. The films to be screened during these celebrations include NFDCs Agantuk, GhareBaire, Ganashatru directed by Satyajit Ray & Music of Satyajit Ray directed by Utpalendu Chakraborty, Nemai Ghosh A Ray of Light directed by Anirban Mitra &Tirtho Dasgupta. It also includes Films Divisions documentaries & shorts as Inner Eye, Rabindranath Tagore directed by Satyajit Ray, Satyajit Ray directed by Shyam Benegal, Creative Artists of India Satyajit Ray, directed by B.D. Garga. Government of West Bengals Pather Panchali print from the Academy Film Archives landmark restoration of the film from negatives nearly lost in a fire is screening is the closing film. The highlight of the celebrations are newly restored versions of films Sonar Kella, Seemabadha, Hirak Rajar Deshe all directed by Satyajit Ray,these films are restored by National Film Archives of India, Pune a film media unit of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. V Spark Communications, Indias first boutique & leading Brand Management Company in Delhi NCR, has attained the digital communications mandate for Trucknetic. The organisation will look after Trucknetics digital and brand upgrade duties by creating strong communication networks to increase its public engagement. Trucknetic is Indias first online platform which provides all kinds of trucks for FTL and PTL movement pan India. It's a one-stop platform for trucks. It is redefining the digital freight industry by establishing a marketplace using artificial intelligence, automation, and other software services to efficiently connect shippers and carriers. Arham Pratap Jain, Founder and Chief Trucking Officer, Trucknetic said, In this era of digitization, we actively required an agency that thoroughly understands the digital industry and has expertise in their field of work. Hence, we chose to associate with V Spark Communications exclusively for our digital marketing and brand making needs because they have got that proficiency and dedication. We are pleased to have V Spark Communication as our digital partner and hope to accelerate our business with their extraordinary services. Kanika Chabbra, co-founder and director, of V Spark Communications, said, "We are honoured to be selected as the strategic communications partner for Trucknetic. As a team, we deeply understand the needs and communication strategies required for different organizations. We will endeavour to devise sustainable communication campaigns that help raise awareness among end consumers on the one hand and establish the organization as a major thought leader in the logistics sector. Apart from Healthcare, V Spark Communications also specializes in other sectors that include Energy, Retail, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Lifestyle, Hospitality and Technologies. The agency, which completed a decade in its business, has been serving as a communication partner for a series of premium organisations like FoodPanda, Sharp sight eye hospitals, StayHappi, Goodyear Lubricants, Mosaic, Super Tech and others. If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, desperate Democrats hope they've found their next George Floyd. In 2020, a presidential election year, Floyd's death while in the hands of Minneapolis police "sparked" protests (AKA bloody riots) in Democrat-run cities across the country. Democrats may angle for something similar should Justice Alito's draft majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade be issued. Leaking Alito's draft upending Roe v. Wade was suggested as a rogue left-wing law clerk's attempt to scuttle the opinion's issuance. Don't buy it. The leak was orchestrated to impact the 2022 midterm elections. At the very least, Democrats to fire up their feminist base. Facing disaster in the midterms, Democrats aim to fall back on their 2020 playbook: manufacture fear and uncertainty. Lie and lie a lot in that ending Roe v. Wade, they'll claim, denies a woman her "sacred" constitutional right to kill the baby whom she acted to make. And stoke unrest belligerent protests and, perhaps, havoc hoping voters will cast ballots for Democrats to sue for peace. Security fencing has already gone up around the Supreme Court. Protests materialized there instantly. Remember when Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer made this threat about abortion cases coming before SCOTUS? I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price! You won't know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions. On Tuesday, Schumer's remarks made it clear that Democrats intend to turn Court decision ending Roe against Republicans. Schumer branded the Court's conservatives as "extremists" and "far right." From Fox News, May 3: Make no mistake, the blame for this decision falls squarely on Republican senators and the Senate Republicans as a whole, who spent years pushing extremist judges, spent years confirming three far right justices to the Supreme Court, but who claimed somehow this day would never come[.] ... But this day has come and we will fight it all the way. Democrats won't just make life hell for the justices who strike down Roe and for Republicans. They'll make hell for the rest of America to demonstrate that opposing "progressive" aims comes with heavy costs. Civil unrest related to Roe v. Wade might broaden out. We may see mobs materialize to oppose a range of conservative positions (guns, climate, school sex indoctrination) and notable persons (Trump and DeSantis). Alito's opinion, if issued, won't end ghoulish abortion on demand in America. It'll simply devolve the issue to the states. As was the case preRoe v. Wade, states will craft their own laws on abortion. Federalism at work translates to state-based abortion laws that may impose prohibitions or restrictions or permit unfettered abortion. But facts don't matter to Democrats, who've turned against our founding, becoming, to varying degrees, Leninists. What matters to them is the narrative, which is tailored to shape perceptions and outcomes. What Democrats want is abortion on demand and the power to brook no opposition. Government is to facilitate indeed, subsidize that "right." Government should compel religious-affiliated health care institutions and insurers to provide abortion procedures and coverage. Opposition to supporting and participating in abortions is to cease; abortion takes precedence over constitutionally safeguarded acts of conscience. The Little Sisters of the Poor will be rudely shoved aside, along with their constitutional guarantees. Isn't that where Democrats are going, abridging Americans' constitutional rights to favor their ideology and agenda? Their unremitting attacks on our founding (1619 Project); our history (racist); our institutions (racist); and, finally, the Constitution (the construct of a privileged white patriarchy) occur because all are considered roadblocks to "resetting" America. The nation must eventually acquiesce to a globalist cabal's schemes. First, constitutional guarantees, checks and balances, and federalism must be bulldozed. Absolute consolidation of power in Washington is a requisite step. As the Democrats' agenda from January 2021 forward amply demonstrates, their aim is the unrestricted imposition of a leftist (unfree) worldview on Americans. You will submit or be canceled. To that end, perhaps Homeland Security's new, creepy "Disinformation Governance Board" will brand arguments for life and against abortion as disinformation worthy of censorship? After all, killing a baby in the womb is an unalienable right. Democrat-aligned social media will be in the vanguard. Pro-life expressions are to be restricted to places of worship and homes. Public expression of pro-life support will meet with penalties. Perhaps pro-life demonstrators will be tarred as insurrectionists, subject to arrest and incarceration? Why wouldn't Democrats finally act to brand speech advocating for life and peaceful assembly against abortion as "threats to democracy"? Nowadays, does any of that seem far-fetched? What would odd Nina Jankowicz say in an unguarded moment? The George Floyd riots in the summer of 2020 were orgies of destruction, looting, and bloodshed. The cost in property destruction was upwards of $2 billion. The costs were the worst in U.S. history. Thirty-five people were killed. Corporate media, always eager to shill for Democrats and the left, spun the riots and bloodshed as "mostly peaceful protests." Many of the riots if not all of them were stoked by BLM and Antifa. Democrat mayors and city councils stood down police as mayhem and terror ruled the streets. The riots served a critical purpose for Democrats, 2020 being an election year. Donald Trump had to be defeated. Trump was the problem. Doddering Joe Biden was the solution. The riots, along with the COVID pandemic scare and related draconian shutdowns, were means of injecting voters with fear and anxiety. Authoritarians to totalitarians and Democrats are somewhere on that spectrum see fear, disruption, and conflict as tools in their quest for power. Bad news for Democrats is unrelenting. There's literally no major issue where Biden and Democrats enjoy the confidence of an American majority. Newt Gingrich believes that Democrats could lose up to 70 U.S. House seats. Four or five Senate seats could swing the GOP's way. If Democrats lose Congress, their only alternative is to push the White House to govern aggressively by executive order, meaning fiat. Constitutional limitations be damned. The U.S.-Mexican border is a clear example of the Biden administration governing against laws as it wishes. But Democrats will not surrender Congress without a fight, above and below board. Never forget that mail-in ballot chicanery is a distinct possibility in this year's contests, depending on the states. For instance, Pennsylvania is ripe for mail-in ballot fraud on a scale comparable to 2020. The commonwealth's Supreme Court (Democrat-controlled) overturned a lower court's sensible verdict that wide-open mail-in balloting violates Pennsylvania's constitution. But Democrats can't rely on election fraud alone or won't, anyway. They're seeking ways beginning with a Roe ruling to foment civil unrest, which may escalate to chaos, violence, and property destruction. Democrat cities may not be exclusively targeted this time. If you thought that the summer of 2020 was a one-off, you're sadly mistaken. The 2020s have just begun. They promise to be a tumultuous, convulsive decade. Democrats the leftist and oligarchic elements that comprise the party's core are at war with America, an intensifying cold civil war. They mean to secure total victory. If they triumph, per their terms, the vanquished those many millions of Americans who embrace life and liberty will have but one choice: submit or suffer. That simply can't be allowed to happen. J. Robert Smith can be found regularly at Gab @JRobertSmith. He also blogs at Flyover. Image via Max Pixel. After the fourth email of Putins hand flapping crossed my desk, I gave in and started my research. Those dozens of dust-binned claims of Putin being on deaths door might even have some credibility. But what do all of those mean? And why me? Just because I spilled the beans on the public evidence that Felonia Milhous von Pantsuit likely suffers from Parkinsons Disease? Now everyone thinks Vlad has it, too? Lets get one thing clear from the beginning. That hand flapping tremor in the video just doesnt look like Parkinsons. PD usually has a pill rolling tremor, which is much smaller than the one in the video. This agrees with multiple neurologists who are reported to have concluded that whatever Putin may have, PD doesnt appear likely. Putins is a whole-hand flapping tremor of sufficient violence to blow papers off a desk. And at this point, we must make the standard disclaimers. I have not examined Vladimir Putin. I have not verified the tremor video, but since it came from several usually reliable sources, it appears legit. And that puts me in the same position as our national intelligence analysts. We must make the most reasonable conclusion possible from admittedly inadequate evidence. In other words, it has become my job to rush in where angels fear to tread. As Willie Edwards from Swamp People says about us trying to wrangle alligators, Good luck with that. What follows is informed speculation. Flapping tremors are called asterixis and are most commonly a result of alcoholism and liver failure. The tremor is not what should bother us. Rather, the metabolic consequences of lifetime vodka consumption should concern us. That gradually causes liver failure and increased blood ammonia levels. And while ammonia makes glass clear, it does the opposite for thinking. Its a sedative. And that takes us to something were all familiar with: intoxication. But before we get there, we must take a small side trip. Vladimir Putin is well known as a Stalinist. He believes that the greatest geopolitical tragedy in history is the fall of the Soviet Empire. He would like nothing better than to impose the Kremlins iron gauntlet around the neck of all those nations that broke away beginning in 1989. His invasions of Georgia and Crimea seem to be just preludes to dragging many free peoples back under his steel boot. And as a KGB officer, he is well aware of the mechanisms to keep control once it is established. His murder of Alexander Litvinenko, multiple reporters, and attempted murders of Alexei Navalny and Sergei and Yulia Skrupal show us a completely amoral authoritarian. Imagine this evil character when a bit intoxicated. Alcohol may be a sedative, but vodka doesnt put you to sleep at first. Instead, it knocks out your self-control centers. The true you comes through. In vino veritas! We are familiar with this from movies where an angry drunk gets into fights. Now imagine that drunk with an army and nuclear weapons. Image: Puffy Putin clutches a table. YouTube video. Ammonia in the blood acts as a sedative. Its quite gradual and, at low levels, we can expect it to behave like alcohol. But it doesnt go away easily. A failing liver keeps on making it, and the chemistry of the brain locks it in. Here comes the liver flap. The control centers slowly go to sleep while the rest of the brain keeps going. Now we have Ivan the Terrible. The parallels with Adolph Hitler are worthy. While he had Parkinsons Disease, the loss of judgment is similar. His generals kept telling him the war was lost, but he insisted they push forward to the glorious victory as thousands of Hitler Jugend died for nothing. Loss of judgment due to liver failure in a powerful megalomaniac is a little different. He believes that he is destined to restore a permanently lost glory. But he has no respect for life in the quest. It matters little that most of his forces are combat ineffective due to casualties. It matters less that years of armor production have become steel alloy salad at the hands of the Ukrainian army. The sinking of his Black Sea flagship is of no consequence. If Ukraine will not surrender, he will bomb it into the Stone Age in his rage. Transnistria and Moldova will join the cauldron. If twenty generals die on the front lines because his army is incompetent, so what? Ill send the twenty-first. There is only one possible outcome: Victory! If NATO sends weapons against Putin, then they become legitimate targets. He will strangle their energy supply to bring them to their knees. Every setback becomes reason for another escalation. As his path to victory disappears, he threatens the ace in the hole: nuclear weapons. Faced with such manifest evil, there can be no surrender. The destruction he would cause is far greater than the idiocy of lockdowns in the face of COVID. It would be Venezuela and Cuba on steroids. It even stimulates discussion of assassination to end the threat. Speaking of steroids, there is credible reporting that Putin is taking them because of back pain from a fall from a horse. Psychosis is a significant concern with chronic use, and it would make all weve discussed that much worse. Before we run off believing that this stream of consciousness is actual fact, there are a couple of bits suggesting otherwise. We havent seen Putins eyes become jaundiced. And he doesnt have any apparent ascitesa belly full of fluid from liver failure. But those dont necessarily prove the negative. Vlad recently visited the hospital for undisclosed reasons. There are several possibilities related to the theory that could explain it. One other fact must be considered. Liver failure tends to be progressive. So, if Putin is going to live up to his destiny, he doesnt have all that much time to make it happen. Maybe thats why he made the push now. But why dont the oligarchs rise up to tend to their problem child? Perhaps its because the ones who stand up once arent ever able to do it again. And this sort of brutal reign of terror seems to be Putins goal for the world. So, what can be done? Thats a question for our Dear Leader. Does the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have enough on the ball to get the job done? Or maybe his puppet master? Inquiring minds want to know. Ted Noel MD is a retired Anesthesiologist/Intensivist who podcasts and posts on social media as DoctorTed and @vidzette. His DoctorTed podcasts are available on many podcast channels. The UN has become, as Volodymyr Zelensky on April 5, 2022, told the UN Security Council, a venue for conversation, not one for action to stop aggression by Russia, a country that has turned the right of veto into a right to die. The question can be raised of whether it has become a negative factor in the search for international justice and peace. The partiality of the UN was shown in the past by its disproportionate behavior. The UN General Assembly held a moment of silence to honor North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. It refused to honor Vaclav Havel, freedom fighter, who died the day after Kim in 2011. The UN has been more often prominent for its lack of efficiency in preventing conflicts and in being the venue for expressions of anti-Semitism and appeasement, than in championing international justice. The UN General Assembly has condemned Russia twice in non-binding resolutions over its aggression in Ukraine, and Russia has been suspended from membership of the UN Human Rights Council. But it is meaningful that only 93 members of the UNGA voted to condemn Russia. The reality is that a majority of the members of the UN did not vote for condemnation. The Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, of Portugal, is obviously well meaning and emotionally disturbed by the horrific scenario and images of dead civilians in the streets of Bucha that he visited on April 28, 2022. He called Russian aggression, an absurdity in the 21st century. The war is evil. There is no way a war can be acceptable in the 21st century. Guterres supported calling on the International Criminal Court and appealed to the Russian Federation... to cooperate with the ICC, International Criminal Court. Similarly, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, declared she had been horrified by the images of Bucha, but only commented that the reports emerging from Ukraine raise serious and disturbing questions about possible war crimes as well as grave breaches of international humanitarian law and serious violations of international human rights law. The prosecutor of the ICC, Karim Khan, who was chosen in February 2021, said on March 27, 2022 at the UN in New York, that he favored neither Russia nor Ukraine. In the search for truth, the law is above us, and if the law is not above us, theres nothing below is, except the abyss. In a statement more appropriate coming from Groucho Marx, prosecutor Khan said there were reasonable grounds to believe that crimes had been committed in Ukraine., and the focus is on alleged crimes committed in Ukraine. The UN is ineffective and helpless, disregarding the admonition by Zelensky to the UN Security Council on April 6, 2022, You need to act immediately. In contrast, British foreign secretary, Liz Truss, stated in a speech on April; 27, 2022, that the war in Ukraine is our war, it is everyones war because Ukraine victory is strategically imperative for all of us. We will keep going further and faster to push Russia out of the whole of Ukraine. The Russian response to Truss is that the UK should clear off from Europe and eat their porridge, and stop stealing fish and chips from Russia. More depraved is the communique of foreign minister Sergey Lavrov that Zelensky is a Nazi despite being Jewish, and that Hitler had Jewish blood. More defiant is the Russian pronouncement that strategic stability will only be possible after the special operation in Ukraine is finished. However, the free world has recognized that the special operation against Ukraine is part of the struggle between the West and Russia. The struggle has been more uncertain for a variety of reasons. First there is the Western and indeed global dependence on Russian energy. The EU has paid more than 35 billion euros to Russia since the special operation began. Germany is still not willing to ban Russian gas, but may ban Russian oil. Hungary, under Viktor Orban, who has opposed economic sanctions on Russia, will not ban both Russian oil and gas. Secondly, the difficulty for the UN is of understanding the true relationship between Russia and China. At the meeting of Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing on February 4, 2022, this axis of autocracy stated the two countries were bound by increasingly close partnership. The countries called for NATO to abandon its ideologized Cold War approaches, and for all to respect the sovereignty, security, and interests of other countries. Though Ukraine was not mentioned in any joint statement, the countries pledged to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries. Countries have refused to condemn Russian for various reasons. India obtains most of its arms from Russia and may, after clashes with China, need Russia as protector against advances by China in the Himalayas. Muslim majority countries have criticized the West, especially the U.S., for hypocrisy and double standards, for invading Iraq in 2003, for prolonging the civil war in Yemen, and for arming the Royal Saudi Air Force which conducts airstrikes in Yemen. African countries have benefited from supplies of Russian arms, which they do not recognize as a form of neo-colonialism. In the Middle East, Syria has supported Russia, largely responsible for the survival of president Bashar al-Assad. Surprisingly, though supposedly friends of the West, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have not opposed Russian aggression and have been relatively mild in their criticism. The ruler of UAE, crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed, is friendly with Putin Russian aggression presented the opportunity for the UN to generate global consensus. But it has been ineffective. Instead, the aggression has revived arguments for the reform, even the elimination of the UN, starting with the removal of the veto power which has been a tool of Russian diplomacy, and membership of the Security Council. Zelensky told the UN it was an utter failure. If it couldnt work to end Russian aggression it should dissolve itself. That would stop the clowns in the UN from laughing. Image: United Nations By now it is widely known that Disney will be adding many LGBT characters to help groom our kids for early sexual activity of all kinds (with the likely unintended consequence of helping prepare many for sex traffickers and pedophiles). In Virginia, news coverage of parents protesting the indoctrination of their children in the woke CRT and LGBT agendas at school board meetings in Loudoun County helped close some doors to the sex-obsessed left who want to hypersexualize our kids from K-12. The Loudoun County protests also resulted in an unexpected loss for (former VA governor and fundraiser for the Clintons) Terry McAuliffe (D) in his run for governor against a political novice, Glenn Youngkin (R). McAuliffes defeat was assured only after he reinforced the leftist notion that parents have no say in what their children are taught. With a new supportive governor and control in the House we Virginians at least thought the door to the public-school gender fluidity indoctrination of our youth was finally under control. However, an email bulletin sent out by Family Foundation of Virginia president Victoria Cobb on 4/14/2022 warned that the left has found another way to reach kids with sexually explicit materials. Once again the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is promoting instructional material that contains links to websites that are peddling objectionable and lewd content -- this time to school administrators, school nurses, teachers, and other school personnel, who in turn can share the materials with children attending public schools. (snip) Included among the Sexual Health resources is a link to the website for Advocates for Youth Advocates for Children and Youth, which promotes campaigns like Abortion Out Loud and Free the Pill Youth Council; offers resources for abortion access; and provides an animated video series called Amaze aimed at young kids that talks about issues like abortion, sex, sexuality, and sexual identity -- all topics that should be reserved for parents. It is noteworthy that the Amaze video series mentioned above was also cited by Tucker Carlson several weeks ago regarding one of their videos recommending porn as a healthy activity for kids. And Amaze is not the only school resource available for sexual indoctrination of kids. A year ago, Jonathan Koeppel, a teacher in the Saint Tammany Parish school district in Louisiana, voiced similar concerns about the cute animated videos from another school resource called BrainPOP that also include sexually explicit material. His powerful message at a school board meeting was picked up by Fox News, PragerU, and many others. He said This isn't a political indoctrination camp, okay? It's public education. We want to teach education, not left-wing ideas that aren't backed up by facts or science." The larger question is what has happened to turn our public schools into radical leftist indoctrination centers? The aforementioned involvement by the Virginia Department of Health is likely connected to a new program the CDC is pushing. Some related research by Glenn Beck provided this connection. Glenn and his team uncovered the origin of the progressive plan to move from universities straight to kids in K-12. Glenn and his researchers traced back as far as possible and have landed point-blank at the government, through the CDC. (snip) The government's solution came directly from the Centers for Disease Control in the form of an education model called Whole School. Whole Community. Whole Child. The model began to change the role of schools and teachers into places of therapy. This model is based on the assumption that every child has some issue. The trick was to identify what it was, then push them into one of their little oppressed or oppressor groups, Obviously, the D.C. swamp is deep and wide so when one door closes for the radical left, another opens. For example, Joy Pullman wrote in the Federalist about Emily Drabinski, who was elected president of the American Library Association by the organizations members. She is a self-described Marxist lesbian. She said about her first librarian job, At Sarah Lawrence, absolutely everybody was queer There were so many ways to be gay And it was my job to teach those students how to find themselves in our library catalog, she said. She described queering the library as critical thinking and thinking critically about the catalog. The above information may help explain why so many libraries sponsor drag queen reading time for young kids, but not why parents would allow their kids to attend. Discovery+ is also promoting a new series called Generation Drag about youth drag queen wannabees. The trailer from executive producer Tyra Banks hits the streaming service on June 1 in honor of Pride Month. Note to parents; I would not let your kids watch nor would I recommend scheduling a trip to Disneyworld in June. One known Marxist purpose is to undermine the traditional family unit and belief in God. Both could take power away from their dream of establishing an all-powerful socialist one-world government. The push to normalize the LGBTQ lifestyle in this country made a giant leap forward when then President Obama lit up the White House with rainbow colors after forcing the military to accept transgenders and use taxpayer dollars to pay for the conversion surgery of those who request it. Nonetheless, the most pressing question is how to stop it. Jen Psaki indicates that the Biden administration fully supports it and will be a major hindrance. Kirk Cameron suggests more homeschooling and is producing a video to explain it. Cameron has a trailer of The Homeschool Awakening on YouTube. However, in my opinion homeschooling may be impossible for most parents. That leaves only concerned parents and (un-woke) teachers with the courage to investigate and stand up at school board meetings as the only real solution and of course it also requires the rest of us to show up to vote the rascal leftists out at the next opportunity. Image: Pixabay Most people believe the coronavirus was a Black Swan, an unexpected event of large magnitude with unprecedented consequences. But Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who coined that metaphor, disagrees. Coronaviruses were well known, though the SARS-CoV-2 strain that hit humans was new. And the pandemic wasnt unexpected. Experts had been warning of one though not of the coronavirus per se for some years. In 2019, the government had even conducted months-long pandemic preparation drills. Talebs annoyance is at the diminution of his coinage to a cliche. There was, however, a real Black Swan event in 2020, says Carol Roth in her book The War on Small Business: How the Government Used the Pandemic to Crush the Backbone of America. It was the U.S. governments reaction to the pandemic with unprecedented decisions and a lockdown that forced people to stop working and doing business for months on end. The pandemic became a pretext for a politically motivated campaign against small businesses and individuals to hasten the consolidation of power in Big Business, Big Tech, and Big Government. That is the hook and weighty claim with which Roth begins her book. A recovering investment banker, Roth has seen how Wall Street undermines Main Street by working with government through lobbyists and lawyers. Her book explores two big ideas. First, that the ills of capitalism the concentration of immense wealth in a few individuals, for example cannot be cured by central planning (or more government) because the real problem is the government. Second, the more the government has tried to protect us from big, bad wolf-esque corporations, the more powerful they have grown. This happens because central planning is all about control: a few powerful figures, reminiscent of the cliques and nomenklatura of the Soviet Union, decide on everything. Since control of the few is easier, small businesses competitive, resolute, and representing the true, independent spirit of capitalism must be broken. The battle for power and control, Roth stresses, is the background against which readers should see her tour dhorizon of the impact of the pandemic response. A well-established system of cronyism the very antithesis of testing business ideas in the market has been bent on killing small businesses, individual rights, and ultimately, freedom. It did not waste the opportunity it saw in the fifteen days to flatten the curve, which dragged on to almost a year and crushed hundreds of thousands of small businesses. She says it ensured that the government declared war on small business, while doing everything to favor big business. Roth points out several biased inconsistencies in lockdown rules. Large corporations never shuttered; in fact, they prospered during the year. The government allowed large-box retailers to remain open, while smaller stores possibly environs of lesser infectivity were penalized for opening. The book reports on fighters like Shelley Luther, of Dallas, TX, who went to jail for keeping her salon open, though she maintained strict safety protocols. Driven to desperation, she and her staff had decided to work. Feeding my kids is not selfish, she told the judge. If you think the law is more important than getting kids fed, please go ahead with your decision but Im not going to shut the salon. Through examples like Luthers, the book raises many questions. Why should a large pet store that grooms dogs be open while nail salons were ordered shut? How could businesses that sold alcohol and marijuana be declared essential? Why close houses of worship (or limit the number of worshippers) when more people could gather in large grocery stores? How could left-wing, Antifa and BLM protests, where demonstrators violated masking and social-distancing rules and turned violent, be granted permission? Why did police hold back when these protestors looted, vandalized or set fire to small businesses? What began as government helping society became a power grab that enforced arbitrary standards. Capitalism has been under attack for quite some time, says Roth. President Barack Obama infamously opined: If youve got a business, you didnt build that. Somebody else made that happen. Indeed, everyone pays taxes. But the statement disingenuously refuses to acknowledge the hard work and constant innovation that goes into entrepreneurship. The free market unlike a socialistic dictatorship or oligarchy that miserably divides up available resources allows participants to choose their terms for production, labor and risk-taking, correcting those choices through competition, innovation, and the forces of demand and supply. Inequality in the marketplace is not necessarily a bad thing. Creative destruction an idea formulated by Joseph Schumpeter is part of this game, and inefficient or undesired products and businesses die away. Prices fall, quality improves. The matching up of a business owners self-interest with that of the consumer results in a win-win situation. Besides, the free market creates jobs and wealth. In this, the role of a democratic government, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers, says Roth, is that of creator and enforcer of laws upholding freedom and the rights of individuals. It is not its job to become a central planner or act in our best interests. What has happened, though, she says, is that cronyism has steadily crept into our capitalism. Now, its based on relationships that place government, not the free market, in the position of choosing winners and losers. Lobbyists, ideology-driven NGOs, and influence groups financed by corporates use all means including pious claims of diversity and social justice to obtain favorable legislations, subsidies, policies, tax treatments and bailouts. Large corporations can pay for such influencing, so its not a level playing field. Politicians fill their coffers for reelection and seek post-retirement jobs, perpetuating a vicious cycle that is disrupting the efficiency of the free market. What is happening now in the U.S. is not very different from the centralized planning of socialist disasters like the U.S.S.R., Yugoslavia and many others. In those countries, a few powerful people would decide what is to be produced, regardless of demand. They dictated how individual citizens and society should behave and what they should value. They ensured everyones minimal needs were met. The result was rank inefficiency, dependency, lack of oversight and checks and balances, and no incentive for people to work hard or innovate to lift themselves out of poverty. During the pandemic shutdown, says Roth, there was an attempt to destabilize independent economic entities. Polices favored large companies and many businesses were made dependent on government handouts. Relief programs were heavily slanted towards big business, while small businesses were ordered closed, sending their customers to bigger companies. The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill, was based on past income, not on need. Small businesses received less than 20% of the overall relief package even though they account for half of the economy and were disproportionately forced to shut down. Of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) allocation of $521 billion, 75% was garnered by the largest 13.5% applicants. Monetary policy, too, favored large entities. The Federal Reserve, a central planning mechanism insulated from market forces and voters, took decisions that let Main Street suffer while Wall Street gained. In 2020, Apples stock rose 81%, Amazon 76%, and Tesla 700%, while small businesses suffered massive losses and closures. The number of small business owners fell 22% the largest drop on record. Roths analysis justifies her claim that the pandemic was opportunistically used. She warns Americans to wake up to cronyism and central planning a sure route to Orwellian tyranny. Beijing set to strengthen battle against COVID China Daily) 08:48, May 05, 2022 Medics take swab samples from residents for nucleic acid testing at Aoyuncun Subdistrict in Chaoyang District, Beijing, capital of China, April 29, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] The number of infections in Beijing's latest COVID-19 outbreak since April 22 has surpassed the total tally in the city's Xinfadi outbreak in 2020, and interventions will be further strengthened to cut potential transmissions, a senior official said on Wednesday. The Xinfadi outbreak in the summer of 2020, which was related to a wholesale market of agricultural produce in the capital and involved 335 patients, was the largest COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing before the latest. Beijing reported 52 new local confirmed cases between 3 pm on Tuesday and 3 pm on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections to 505 since April 22, according to the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control on Wednesday. "Beijing has done several rounds of mass nucleic acid testing at the community level in most districts," said Xu Hejian, spokesman for the municipal government, on Wednesday. "The city has been reporting around 50 daily cases successively for several days." The transmission chains have not yet been completely cut off in Beijing, as new cases were continuously detected during the mass testing at the community level, Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing CDC, told the news conference. In some cases, infected people who displayed symptoms still tested negative, she added. Among the 52 new infections, 45 were reported in controlled zones, six were found during community testing and one went to a hospital because of sore throat. Of the total 505 infections, Chaoyang district registered 201 cases, the most in the outbreak, followed by Fangshan, which has reported 130 cases since April 22. Starting on Wednesday, 63 bus lines have stopped operation and 48 have changed routes to avoid infection risk in locked-down and controlled zones in Chaoyang, as part of epidemic control measures. Up to 389 bus stops were affected, said Rong Jun, spokesman for Beijing's transportation commission. Around 3.5 million people in Chaoyang and people in other areas affected by public transportation adjustments should work from home starting on Thursday, the first workday after the May Day holiday, the municipal government announced. Previously, dozens of bus lines in Fangshan and Tongzhou made adjustments to reduce infection risk. In addition, more than 60 subway stations on 14 subway lines have closed starting on Wednesday. Passengers cannot enter or exit from those stations but still can transfer inside. To serve residents who need to go to the hospital or have other special needs, the authority has organized taxi teams for emergency use. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) The Biden administration likes to tout its commitment to Native American communities, hiring an incompetent to lead the Interior Department based on her Native American heritage instead of her qualifications and, worse still, dispatching Jill Biden to repeatedly visit the largest of the Native American communities, the Navajo Nation. Biden won the Navajo vote in Arizona supposedly by a wide margin. The press hailed the Navajo "success" at COVID vaccine compliance. Here's a gushing report from the Washington Post last year: Now [Jill Biden] was on Navajo (as residents of the reservation call it) to say that the administration was keeping that promise. "In Indigenous communities, if you're not from the community, your role is to listen," says Tsosie, the early-childhood program director, "but you don't typically get that from a lot of leaders." (Tsosie praised Biden afterward, saying, "She listened most of the time.") Listened? Did she ever. But it might have been in the way the lady thought she was listening. According to Vice News, the Bidenites and their little pawns at the CDC specifically targeted the Navajo Nation for COVID lockdown and vax compliance. Their report begins, emphasis mine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bought access to location data harvested from tens of millions of phones in the United States to perform analysis of compliance with curfews, track patterns of people visiting K12 schools, and specifically monitor the effectiveness of policy in the Navajo Nation, according to CDC documents obtained by Motherboard. The documents also show that although the CDC used COVID-19 as a reason to buy access to the data more quickly, it intended to use it for more-general CDC purposes. Did I read that right? They were targeting the Navajo Nation for COVID policy compliance? Like prison wardens? The Native American nation that voted for Biden supposedly in large numbers? Vice dug into exactly what that might mean: The CDC used the data for monitoring curfews, with the documents saying that SafeGraph's data "has been critical for ongoing response efforts, such as hourly monitoring of activity in curfew zones or detailed counts of visits to participating pharmacies for vaccine monitoring." The documents date from 2021. The data were supposedly anonymized, but Vice noted that the data could be de-anonymized. Why the Navajo were targeted for specific surveillance, when there are 300 million people in this country, is a mystery, but it sure as heck smacks of racism, the kind the Bidenites claim to oppose. It smells of persecution of a small ethnic minority that did nothing wrong, the kind of patronizing awfulness that the English colonialists at their worst practiced. Seriously, why did they target people for special surveillance based on the color of their skin? Why didn't they employ that tracking on the illegals and terrorists they're releasing into the interior of the country these days, the gamy characters they have "lost track of"? Worse still, Vice reports that the CDC didn't limit its surveillance ambitions on the Navajo to just COVID compliance how many people are going into clinics for vaxxes, how many people are traveling around in defiance of curfews? The bigger plan was this: Zach Edwards, a cybersecurity researcher who closely follows the data marketplace, told Motherboard in an online chat after reviewing the documents: "The CDC seems to have purposefully created an open-ended list of use cases, which included monitoring curfews, neighbor-to-neighbor visits, visits to churches, schools and pharmacies, and also a variety of analysis with this data specifically focused on 'violence.'" (The document doesn't stop at churches; it mentions "places of worship.") Motherboard obtained the documents through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the CDC. The documents contain a long list of what the CDC describes as 21 different "potential CDC use cases for data." They include: "Track patterns of those visiting K-12 schools by the school and compare to 2019; compare with epi metrics [Environmental Performance Index] if possible." "Examination of the correlation of mobility patterns data and rise in COVID-19 cases [...] Movement restrictions (Border closures, inter-regional and nigh curfews) to show compliance." "Examination of the effectiveness of public policy on [the] Navajo Nation." What? And Biden has the nerve to criticize the Chinese about their heavy hand of surveillance on the Uyghurs? News like this spying-on-Navajos is now a whatabout Chicom talking point. The Navajo are a heroic nation, having played a highly pivotal role in World War II, when their "code talkers" used their own Dine Native American language to thwart surveillance from the Nazis and Japanese, who had no idea how to translate it. President Trump honored these great Code Talkers and treated them as his fellow Americans. Joe Biden played Paleface Twoface to them and spied on them behind their backs. Image: Screen shot from Good Morning America via YouTube. It is no secret that the founding of the United States of America has profoundly and beneficially impacted the prosperity of the entire world. By extension, the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is one of the key tools, and last resort, to ensure that prosperity continues. According to the American Enterprise Institute: In the decades that followed World War II, America exercised its leadership to underpin and shape globalization in a manner that ensured economic prosperity both at home and abroad. This international economic system, which could not have been created without America, has been responsible for lifting nearly a billion of people [sic] out of poverty at a pace never before seen. We did this by promoting lower international trade barriers, fairer trade standards, and consistency. Our conservative and capitalist values and the strategic use of military power ensured the safe and cost-effective movement of goods throughout the world. The exceptions, at first, were socialist countries and other dictatorships that sought to exert absolute control over the local production of goods and food. They sought absolute control over their citizens, too. Although it is not the case today, during the height of the Cold War, the U.S. shipped millions of tons of grain to the USSR, which could not sufficiently feed its own people. In 1985 alone, the U.S. sold 85 million tons to the USSR. The USSR's dependence on imported grain became one of the driving factors behind perestroika. Economic reforms and the collapse of the Soviet Union's centralized economy led to Russia and Ukraine being major exporters of grain today. In other words, freedom and capitalism matter, and the drift of the U.S. toward socialism is a huge threat to global prosperity. The U.S. Constitution is based upon limited government, the primacy of the people, personal freedom premised on a capitalist economic system, and the moral precepts of Judeo-Christianity. To ensure the primacy of the people over the inevitable encroachment of the government into our lives, the Founders enshrined the Second Amendment into the Bill of Rights. Contrary to popular belief, this amendment is not so hunters may hunt or for the sake of protecting shooting sports. The Second Amendment exists so that the people can protect themselves from government encroachment. It took a decade of frustration with England's actions in the American colonies after the French and Indian War for free-minded conservatives like the Founders to decide to act and act they did. Despite attempts to work with the English government to stay a part of the United Kingdom, over time, the Founders saw no alternative than to declare independence. By force of arms and a tragic war, the United States was born. It was as much a civil war as a war with England. Is there still time to use political means to shift our trajectory back to the principles that made our country the "shining city on the hill" that so many others have tried to imitate? I pray for the political answer but take some comfort in the fact that our Second Amendment is there as a backup. War is a horrible thing and a very last resort for preserving our freedoms, realigning our principles, and staying in a leadership position in the world. If we fall to socialism, so too will the rest of the world. Once is an accident. Twice, a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. But four times is an act of war. Who has declared war on us by setting fire and explosions to America's food processing plants? In the last four months, 16 major fires have erupted at food industry facilities and plants. Sixteen. This does not seem to be a conspiracy theory. It seems to be a conspiracy. In a General Mills plant in Iowa this month, two major incidents within 48 hours took place. One was a roof fire, the other at a General Mills facility in Covington, Georgia, where a small plane crashed into the plant. Azure Standard, less than a week ago, burned to the ground in a massive fire. CEO David Stelzer is admitting that all Azure Market liquid products will be out of stock for the foreseeable future as a result. Around the same time, an important food processing plant in Salinas, California experienced a four-alarm fire. Taylor Farms California Foodservice production facility burned almost to the ground. In March in Arizona, 50,000 pounds of food were lost to a fire at the Maricopa Food Pantry. Also in March, the Rio Fresh onion-packing facility in San Juan, Texas experienced a significant structure fire. In April, New Hampshire's East Conway Beef and Pork slaughterhouse had a major fire. Here are more fire reports just since January: Penobscot McCrum potato processing plant in Belfast, Maine. Hot Pockets at a Nestle plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Walmart fulfillment center, Plainfield, Indiana. Shearer's Foods potato chip plant in northeast Oregon. Wisconsin River Meats site in Mauston. Cargill-Nutrena plant in Lecompte, Louisiana. A poultry processing plant in Hamilton, Ontario A food processing plant in San Antonio, Texas. Maid-Rite Steak Company meat processing plant in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. JVS USA beef processing plant in Grand Island, Nebraska. Patak Meat Products in Cobb County, Georgia. Tyson Foods River Valley Ingredients rendering plant in Hanceville, Alabama. Kellogg's plant in Memphis, Tennessee. Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in Monmouth, Illinois. Deli Star meat processing plant in Fayetteville, Illinois. These could just be coincidences, albeit suspicious ones. But maybe not. Note this long list from a Twitster: This is absolutely not coincidental. pic.twitter.com/6pJsOEGIjd Kween Josie (@KweenJosie) April 23, 2022 This list is not complete, and some of these fires have been officially listed as accidental or inconclusive. Some dubious "fact-checkers" have debunked a conspiracy. But don't these fires seem a bit much in such a short time? At a time when fertilizer supplies are getting dangerously threatened, and at a time when prices are sky-high due to Bidenflation, and at a time when America's wheat supply looks bad for her breadbasket status, what is happening here? I would love to see a statistician calculate the odds of all these fires happening coincidentally during a four-month period. The SCOTUS abortion ruling story has sucked all the oxygen out of the news cycle since two nights ago. Few are paying attention to how these cumulative food processing fires and rising wheat prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war are affecting America's food supply. Radio ads featuring packaged survival food that will keep for years are on the increase as well. Although all of this can be a grand coincidence or a giant conspiracy theory, it does not seem so. There are also food chain problems: when Biden closed the pipelines to kowtow to the Greens, he shorted our own supply. It drove the price of gasoline sky-high. Combine that with his policy of paying people not to work, and this created a truck-driver shortage, which in turn created a food chain problem: if truck drivers are staying home, who will drive the food trucks to food purveyors? This vicious cycle, combined with the fires and wheat shortages and increased food prices, have created a perfect storm that threatens our food supply. The radical left are now realizing that their self-inflicted desperate times may call for desperate measures in view of the likely November Red Tsunami threatening their chokehold on American culture and politics. SCOTUS provides an opportunity to rally the addled troops to a greatly exaggerated abortion-ban threat. It also, just coincidentally, provides a welcome diversion to take American eyes off the increasingly dangerous food shortage or food insecurity problems America now faces. If all eyes are focused on SCOTUS, those are eyes not focused on why our food supply is being threatened. Then again, it could be nothing. Image: Screen shot from KPIX CBS SF Bay Area video via YouTube. The Motorola Frontier may launch on May 10. The company posted a cryptic teaser on its Weibo page, saying something big is coming on May 10. A tipster shared that teaser, suggesting it could be the Motorola Frontier. The Motorola Frontier could launch on May 10 with Qualcomms new SoC The Motorola Frontier is the companys rumored flagship smartphone, though were not convinced Motorola will announce it on May 10. Why? Well, that phone is tipped to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ SoC, and that chip hasnt launched yet. Theres always a slim chance Motorola wont mention that chip by name, or may use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 instead. This smartphone will feature extremely thin bezels, and a curved display. A centered display camera hole will also be included, along with three cameras on the back. The camera island on the back will protrude quite a bit, especially that huge main sensor. Advertisement A 6.67-inch OLED display will be included, and it will support a 144Hz refresh rate. That will likely be a fullHD+ panel, by the way. The device will also include 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM, while UFS 3.1 flash storage is also expected. The phone will feature 125W charging, and a 194MP main camera Android 12 will come pre-installed on this smartphone, while a 4,500mAh battery will also be a part of the package. The device is tipped to support 125W wired charging, along with 30W or 50W wireless charging. A 194-megapixel main camera will sit on the back, and be backed by 50 and 12-megapixel secondary shooters. Those will likely be ultrawide and telephoto cameras, in case you were wondering. Advertisement A 60-megapixel front-facing camera was also mentioned. Thats basically all the spec information that we have at the moment. Do take this information with a grain of salt, though. If the Motorola Frontier ends up sporting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+, its not as likely it will launch on May 10. Well see, though. A well-known analyst has just revealed the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 colors. This information comes from Ross Young, a display analyst who is usually very accurate with his information. A well-known analyst revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 4 & Z Fold 4 colors He went to Twitter to share the color variants of the two phones. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 will be available in Gold, Gray, Light Blue, and Light Violet color variants. The Galaxy Z Fold 4, on the other hand, will come in Beige, Black, and Gray colors. So, it seems like the Galaxy Z Flip 4 will offer more color options from the get-go. It will also have more interesting colors, based on these names. Light Blue and Light Violet sure sound nice, especially if youre tired of plain colors. Advertisement The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 are expected to arrive in Q3 this year. Their predecessors launched in August last year, so its possible these two phones will arrive in August this year. That is usually when Samsung hosts its second Unpacked event of the year. The company usually announces at least one Note device during the event, but the Galaxy Note lineup is a thing of the past. The foldables took over. These two phones will likely resemble their predecessors The Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 will likely resemble their predecessors quite a bit. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is said to sport a larger outer display, though, slightly larger. Both devices are also expected to come with a new and improved hinge. Advertisement Samsungs Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 handsets do have a rather pronounced crease. Other OEMs managed to take care of that problem by using a different hinge. Samsung likely wont go down the same route due to water resistance, but the company is planning to tackle the crease issue. Both of these smartphones will be quite powerful, needless to say. Some rumors are saying they may even be more affordable than their predecessors, but it remains to be seen. (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 4 - North Korea's continued missile tests are concerning, Premier Mario Draghi said after talks in Rome Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. "Italy, the European Union and Japan concur on the importance of stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region," he said. "We shared with Premier Kishida our concern for missile tests by the North Korean regime. "We must continue to show a united and resolute front in defence of the international rules based order, also with reference to the Chinese Seas and the Strait". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 5 - Italy must do more on renewable energy sources, President Sergio Mattarella said Thursday. "Italy is working hard, but we must step up the development of alternative sources (of energy)," the head of State told students of the European Parliament ambassador schools in Rome. "Portugal has done so. "We must do much more and the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) goes in that direction, now we must implement it swiftly". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 5 - Italy is to see four days of rain, thunderstorms and unstable weather, meteorologist Andrea Garbinato of the iLMeteo.it website said Thursday. The downpours will start in the centre and north and then spread t the south, he said. Sardinia and Sicily, meanwhile, will be lashed by high winds due to a vortex from Algeria. North Africa will also send a fresh dumping of desert sand and warm air which, meeting up with maritime polar air coming down from the Netherlands, will spur widespread rainfall across most of the Boot, Garbinato said. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, MAY 5 - Defence Minister Lorenzo Guerini said Thursday that Italy intends to continue to give military support to Ukraine, including via the supply of weapons capable to taking out Russian positions. "On the basis of what is stated by the law and in relation to developments on the ground, Italy will continue to support Ukraine in its defence from the Russian aggression, including with devices capable of neutralizing the positions from which Russia bombards cities and the civilian population indiscriminately," Guerini told a joint session of the House and Senate defence committees. The minister said it was possible that the conflict would intensify over the next few days as Moscow may want to have "tangible results" to show by May 9, the day Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. He said hostilities must stop for there to be serious negotiations for peace. "Today Russia must acknowledge the results of the military campaign and rethink its position with respect to the international community in order to favour negotiations," Guerini said. "Real negotiations cannot start without a ceasefire, without the Russians ceasing to bomb". The minister said Russia's goals may depend on the level of residence its forces encounter from the Ukrainians and that, if Kyiv's forces gave way, the Russians may well advance as far as Odessa to deny Kyiv access to the Black Sea. (ANSA). ROME - President Sergio Mattarella said that is wrong to go through life focusing exclusively on one's own patch on Thursday during a meeting with a group of students and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. "The response to migratory flows worry some," Mattarella said. "The EU is an oasis of liberty, democracy and prosperity. "This attract young people seeking a future, above all. "Collaboration with African counties is indispensable in this regard. "This is developing but it needs to be pushed further. "This regards the whole EU. "There is a future of cooperation. "Woe betide those who think the future is in their own yard. It's a con. The future is global". TEL AVIV - More clashes occurred on Thursday between Palestinian protestors and police at the al-Aqsa Mosque complex (called Temple Mount by Jews) in Jerusalem. The site is holy to both Muslims and Jews and was reopened on Thursday to visits by Jews after they had been stopped by police for several days during the celebrations following the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan, and due to violent clashes there in recent weeks, especially during Muslim Friday prayers. The Palestinian news agency WAFA claimed that dozens of Jewish settlers had taken the al-Aqsa mosque by assault. In Gaza, Hamas has called on Palestinians to oppose the visits, threatening Israel if they were to be allowed. Spain saw 4 million visit from abroad for tourism in March Over 9.6 million arrivals in first quarter (ANSAmed) - MADRID, 05 MAG - Over four million international tourists visited Spain in March. In the same month last year there were just over 490,000, according to the Spanish institute of statistics. The high increase in visits from abroad has been aided by the return of British tourists. In March some 826,399 people arrived from the United Kingdom. Over half a million people visited Spain from Italy. A total of 9.6 million foreign tourists visited Spain in the first quarter of 2022. A year before this number had been almost 3.3 million. (ANSAmed). Hamas calls Jews at al-Asqa mosque 'provocation' After latest clashes in Jerusalem (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, 05 MAG - "The entrance of settlers into the al-Aqsa Mosque is a serious escalation and provocation," a Hamas official in Gaza reportedly said after the resumption on Thursday of visits by Jews to the al-Aqsa Mosque Complex (known as Temple Mount to Jews) after a period during which they had been barred due to the final part of the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan. "The government of the occupiers," Hamas continued, according to local sources, "is entirely responsible and this will result in the blowing up of the situation." (ANSAmed). More clashes with police at al-Aqsa Mosque complex Visits by Jews resume after closure in recent days (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, 05 MAG - More clashes occurred on Thursday between Palestinian protestors and police at the al-Aqsa Mosque complex (called Temple Mount by Jews) in Jerusalem. The site is holy to both Muslims and Jews and was reopened on Thursday to visits by Jews after they had been stopped by police for several days during the celebrations following the Muslim holy month of fasting, Ramadan, and due to violent clashes there in recent weeks, especially during Muslim Friday prayers. The Palestinian news agency WAFA claimed that dozens of Jewish settlers had taken the al-Aqsa mosque by assault. In Gaza, Hamas has called on Palestinians to oppose the visits, threatening Israel if they were to be allowed. (ANSAmed). Syria's Assad has released 252 prisoners so far, says SOHR Activists and dissidents freed in several cities (ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, MAY 5 - The number of Syrians, mostly activists and dissidents but others as well, that have been released in recent days by the government as part of an unprecedented amnesty for political prisoner has risen to 252. The amnesty, decided by President Bashar al-Assad, had been announced in recent days. The news was reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), which noted that the number of people released since Sunday was expected to rise in the coming days and weeks. The gradual liberation is expected to last a few weeks. This is the first time since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011 that Assad has decided to release those arrested on the basis of a controversial anti-terrorism law that was enacted in 2012 to justify the repression of activists and dissidents. SOHR said that some 969,854 political prisoners are still in Syrian jails, including 155,002 women, all of whom have ended up in prison since March 2011, when the first popular protests began against the government run by members of the Assad family for the past half a century. SOHR added that, since 2011, at least 105,000 prisoners had been killed in jail, 83% of whom between May 2013 and October 2015. (ANSAmed). Future goes beyond your own yard Mattarella tells students The future is global says president (ANSAmed) - ROME, MAY 5 - President Sergio Mattarella said that is wrong to go through life focusing exclusively on one's own patch on Thursday during a meeting with a group of students and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. "The response to migratory flows worry some," Mattarella said. "The EU is an oasis of liberty, democracy and prosperity. "This attract young people seeking a future, above all. "Collaboration with African counties is indispensable in this regard. "This is developing but it needs to be pushed further. "This regards the whole EU. "There is a future of cooperation. "Woe betide those who think the future is in their own yard. It's a con. The future is global". (ANSAmed). Spanish intel chief responds to MPs over Pegasus spyware Before parliamentary commission in closed-door session (ANSAmed) - MADRID, 05 MAG - The director of Spain's central intelligence center, Paz Esteban, was on Thursday morning taking part in a session of the parliamentary "secrets" commission: a body established by Spanish law to enable members of parliament to ask questions about secret services activities. At the center of the debate are cases of alleged spying against Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Defense Minister Margarita Robles, and several other politicians and Catalan separatist activists via Pegasus malware. The meeting of the commission was being held behind closed doors. Some separatist MPs, Spanish media reported, have expressed perplexity over whether this commission is useful for shedding light on cases involving the Pegasus spyware. (ANSAmed). Watch: Duchess of Cambridge presents Queen Elizabeth Award at Design Museum The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in an edgier-than-usual dress for a fashion event on Wednesday and fans have been quick to comment on how much they love the satin midi dress. Kate, 40, opted for the 785 teal-green dress, which featured belt detailing and bows at the sleeves, by British-Canadian designer Edeline Lee to present the Queen Elizabeth Award for British Design at the Design Museum in Kensington. The teal green pebbled textured fabric added an unexpected edge to the high-necked midi dress, whilst the gold belted buckle cinched in the duchess waist. The Duchess of Cambridge wore the teal green dress for an event at the Design museum in Kensington. (WireImage) Read more: Duchess of Cambridge rewears Christening dress for Anzac Day service The tie detailing on the sleeves added a feminine touch and the teal green colour suits Kate to a tee. Fans were quick to take note of the slightly unusual style for the duchess. She took a risk and I like it! one user wrote underneath a photo of Kate on Instagram, whilst another agreed and chimed in: Love this look, the green is perfect! The duchess completed her look with an Emmy London clutch, dark velvet court shoes, and golden drop earrings by Nadia Irena. The Duchess of Cambridge was among many fashion faces present for the event, including British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. (Getty Images) Read more: Was the Duchess of Cambridge's Caribbean Royal Tour wardrobe her best yet? "The dress looks great on Kate, she looks very modern!" wrote a fan of the duchess' outfit, whilst another declared that the mum-of-three is "a true style icon". Edeline Lee founded her eponymous label in 2014 after graduating from Central Saint Martins. Since, she's found fans in a number of celebrities including Amanda Holden, Emma Willis, Helen Skelton, Ellie Goulding and Helen Mirren, so it's only fitting that Kate would add the British-Canadian designer to her royal wardrobe. The duchess had her hair in its signature blowdry and fans were quick to comment on how glossy it looked. "Hair envy!" one Instagram user wrote, whilst another commented on the middle-part/side-part debate: Does this mean we all have to do the centre part now? Looks so good on her!" The Duchess of Cambridge awarded the The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design on Wednesday. (Getty Images) The Duchess of Cambridge was at the Design Museum in Kensington to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award to an emerging designer on behalf of Her Majesty, so it makes sense that she would be looking to wear something a bit different. The recipient of this years award at the fashion-filled event, where British Vogue editor Edward Enninful was also in attendance, was British-Guyanese designer, Saul Nash. The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design aims to recognise the cultural and trade role the British design and fashion industry has played throughout the monarch's reign. Polls have closed following elections across the UK, with party leaders facing a nervous wait to see how they have fared. Council seats are up for grabs in Scotland, Wales and many parts of England, while Northern Ireland is electing its new assembly. Boris Johnson appeared in good spirits as he voted in Westminster, despite predictions that the Conservatives could lose hundreds of council seats. The elections take place following the partygate scandal and with concerns about a cost-of-living crisis underlined by grim economic forecasts from the Bank of England on polling day. Mr Johnson was not with his wife Carrie but was accompanied by their dog Dilyn, taking part in a tradition of recent years of people taking their pets with them when they vote. The excited Jack Russell cross leapt up and licked a photographer attempting to get a shot of the Prime Minister. Vote @Conservatives today for lower council tax and better local services. pic.twitter.com/8MjjJyfYGu Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 5, 2022 Social media users have been sharing photos of their dogs at polling stations across the UK since they opened at 7am. After voting, Mr Johnson tweeted a video in which he said he voted for his party because its Conservatives who deliver, Conservatives who get the bins collected. Sir Keir Starmer held hands with his wife Victoria as he arrived at a polling station in Kentish Town, north London, to cast his vote in the local elections for Camden Council. The Labour leader tweeted afterwards: Today is our chance to send the Tories a message they cant ignore: Britain deserves better. Sir Ed Davey, casting his vote at Surbiton Methodist Church in south-west London, said the Conservatives will be punished in the local elections for their handling of the cost-of-living crisis. Wearing a lapel badge of the Union and Ukrainian flags, the Liberal Democrat leader arrived on foot, having made the walk from his constituency office where he passed a hearse with its back door open. The Lib Dems are hopeful of causing an upset in Hull by dislodging it from Labours control, while also vying for victory against the Tories in places such as Wokingham and Sutton. The Kingston and Surbiton MP said while taking Hull City Council could be a problem because its in the north and its against Labour, there is still a possibility of doing so, joking: We have an affinity with Kingston-Upon-Hull, were in Kingston-Upon-Thames. Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey leaving the polling station at Surbiton Methodist Church (Jonathan Brady/PA) Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the case to vote for the SNP at her local polling station in Glasgow while her Welsh counterpart Mark Drakeford wore a red tie for Labour as he cast his ballot in Cardiff. The Conservatives will find out in the coming days as votes are tallied whether they will be made to pay the price for the so-called partygate saga in Downing Street, which has seen Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak fined for breaking coronavirus laws. A former Conservative minister revealed that he voted Labour for the first time since Tony Blairs 1997 general election landslide. Nick Boles, a former MP for Grantham and Stamford who left the Conservative Party in 2019, tweeted: First time Ive voted Labour since an equally glorious May morning in 1997. (PA Graphics) Tory supporters are likely to be anxiously watching out for results in true-blue London local authorities such as Wandsworth under Conservative control for the past 44 years Westminster and Barnet, where pollsters YouGov believe Labour could cause an upset. As well as partygate, the Tories have been hit with a string of other controversies, including former Wakefield MP Imran Ahmad Khan being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage boy and veteran MP Neil Parish quitting after admitting he watched pornography in the Commons. Meanwhile, there have been Tory calls for Durham Police to look into whether Sir Keir broke Covid rules while campaigning before the 2021 Hartlepool by-election. But the Labour leader claims it is a smear to suggest he breached the regulations while having a takeaway and a beer while I was working late at night. (PA Graphics) In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections. Meanwhile, tensions are high in Northern Ireland for the Stormont election, where voters went to the polls across 18 constituencies to elect 90 MLAs. Opinion polls have suggested Sinn Fein is likely to top the poll,while the Alliance Party is tipped to see a surge in support. As the country awaits the Supreme Court's decision about whether to overturn Roe v. Wade, prominent companies have already taken political and financial stands against the erosion of reproductive rights. The issue gained more urgency Monday after Politico published a leaked draft of the high court's pending majority decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization that indicated a majority of justices have voted to take away the constitutional right to an abortion. The case, which questions the constitutionality of state bans on elective "pre-viability" abortions, is one of the court's most controversial cases in decades so much so that the highly charged and personal debate over a right to an abortion is spilling over into the corporate sphere. Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Bumble (BMBL), Citigroup (C), Levi Strauss (LEVI), Match Group (MTCH), and Yelp (YELP) reimburse travel expenses incurred to obtain abortion care that's legally unavailable within their home state. Meanwhile, Salesforce (CRM) is offering to pick up moving expenses for its employees who live in a state with an abortion ban exceeding that of Roe, and move to another without such restrictions. Sarah Goggans holds her four-month-old daughter Lilith Centola during a protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court, after the leak of a draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito preparing for a majority of the court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision later this year, in Washington, U.S. May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein And Uber (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) adopted similar policies that reimburse their drivers for legal fees to defend lawsuits in the event that they are accused of aiding and abetting an illegal abortion. 'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start' The draft, written by Justice Samuel Alito, appears to overturn the federal right to choose to terminate a pregnancy during the first two trimesters as guaranteed by the landmark 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade, and affirmed by the subsequent 1992 case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. In his draft opinion, Alito holds otherwise, reasoning that Mississippi was entitled to adopt a 2018 law that banned abortions at the beginning of the second trimester, after 15 weeks. "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start," Alito wrote. If the decision stands as drafted, more U.S. companies may be pressed to take a public position on the matter. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-choice research organization, states that adopted more restrictive laws after Roe v. Wade include, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah, and Texas. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on Twitter @alexiskweed. Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, SmartNews, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. Find live stock market quotes and the latest business and finance news For tutorials and information on investing and trading stocks, check out Cashay After three weeks of testimony from Johnny Depp's side, including the actor's memorable four days on the stand, it's Amber Heard's turn to tell her story. The Aquaman star, 36, sat before a jury on Wednesday afternoon and accused her ex-husband of physical abuse and sexual assault. Throughout her three-hour testimony, Depp, 58, kept his head down and never looked at her on the witness stand. "I am here because my ex-husband is suing me for an op-ed I wrote," Heard began. "I struggle to find the words to describe how painful this is. This is horrible for me to sit here for weeks and relive everything ... this is the most painful and difficult thing I have ever gone through." Heard is being sued for $50 million as Depp claims she defamed him in a 2018 op-ed published in The Washington Post. The actor's legal team presented its case that he lost at least $40 million in earnings and that the article was "catastrophic" for his career. The Pirates of the Caribbean star testified that he "never" abused Heard, or any woman, and that she was the violent aggressor in their relationship. According to Heard, that's not the case. She testified that Depp was volatile after they started dating. "It started with throwing things, destroying the property and screaming at me," she claimed. It turned physical in 2013. "It's seemingly so stupid, so insignificant. I will never forget it. It changed my life," Heard told the jury about the first time she was hit. "I was sitting on the couch and we were talking, we were having like a normal conversation. There was no fighting, no argument, nothing. He was drinking and I didn't realize it at the time, but I think he was using cocaine. ... I asked him about the tattoo he has on his arm." Depp's tattoo read "Wino Forever," which he changed from "Winona Forever." (The actor previously dated Winona Ryder.) When Depp told Heard what it said, she laughed. "He slapped me across the face and I laughed. I laughed because I didn't know what else to do. I thought this must be a joke. This must be a joke because I didn't know what was going on. I just stared at him kind of laughing still, thinking that he was going to start laughing too ... but he didn't," Heard declared. Depp purportedly yelled at her "You think you're funny, bitch?" "He slapped me again. It was clear it wasn't a joke anymore. I stopped laughing but I didn't know what else to do. ... He slapped me for no reason it seemed like," Heard continued, adding that Depp slapped her a third time "hard." She remembered how "dirty" the carpet was as she was laying there face down. Heard became emotional on the stand, claiming Depp told her he'd "done it before" and "thought I put the monster away." The actress left the house, but not the relationship. She said Depp later begged for forgiveness and told her, "I'll never lay a hand on you again." When Depp testified two weeks ago, he claimed this whole incident never happened. In fact, there's practically nothing the actors agree on except that when they kissed filming The Rum Diary in 2009, their chemistry was "remarkable." "It didn't feel like a normal scene anymore, it felt more real," Heard recalled. That's where the similarities end. Heard told the jury about how on movie sets, "you don't use your tongue" as to keep things professional. "Those lines were blurred. He grabbed my face and pulled me into him and really kissed me. But we were filming a scene," she said, confirming that Depp slipped her his tongue. Alluding to more unprofessional behavior, Heard claimed that one time when she was wearing a bathrobe on set "he kind of picked up the back of my robe with his boot." "I didn't know what to make of it at the time, I just kind of giggled and batted it away playfully," she explained. Depp testified that he and Heard kissed one time off-camera in his trailer, and that while she wanted to stay, he knew it was a bad idea as they were in other relationships. Heard had a different story. She said Depp "playfully" pushed her on a bed in his trailer in a "flirtatious" way. "I giggled, laughed it off and batted him away," she claimed. Heard and Depp didn't see each other for almost two years, although she says he sent her lavish gifts in the interim. When they reunited for the film's press tour in 2011 they were both single. Heard said Depp invited her up to his hotel room under the guise of having a drink with the director, but when she arrived, the director wasn't there. They drank wine and hung out for hours on the couch. "As I went to leave he grabbed both sides of my face, similar to what he did [during filming]," She said. "He kissed me and I kissed him back ... then we fell in love." By March 2013, according to Heard, violence was becoming routine in their relationship. She claimed in one instance, Depp hit her and "my lip went into my teeth and it got a little blood on the wall." Heard said she was attacked on another occasion that month: "He grabbed me by the arm and he kind of just held me on the floor screaming at me. I don't know how many times he hit me in the face, but I remember being on the floor of my apartment and I remember thinking, 'How could this happen to me again?'" Heard testifies #JohnnyDepp held her by the arm during a fight and hit her in the face. She says that's where this bruise on her arm came from. #AmberHeard@LawCrimeNetworkpic.twitter.com/NBnVxKbBUI Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) May 4, 2022 Heard claims she wasn't just physically assaulted, but that she experienced sexual violence, too. (Depp testified he never sexually assaulted any woman.) The alleged incident happened in May 2013 when they were doing drugs with a group of friends in Joshua Tree, Calif. (It's been dubbed the "Hicksville" incident during trial.) In the trailer where they were staying, the actress testified that she was digitally penetrated by Depp when he was searching for cocaine. "He ripped my dress ... he's grabbing my breast, he's touching my thighs, he rips my underwear off and then he proceeds to do a cavity search," Heard emotionally recounted. "He said he was looking for his drugs, his cocaine." Heard told the jury she "didn't do cocaine and was against it." "Why would I hide his drugs from him?" she continued, claiming Depp "shoved his fingers inside me." Heard said she "just stood there staring at this stupid light." "I didn't know what to do. I just stood there while he did that. He twisted his fingers around. I didn't say stop or anything I just," Heard added, becoming emotional. "I froze." Heard still didn't leave Depp after the alleged incident calling him the "love of my life" at the time. "I had so much hope," she explained. The relationship didn't improve that summer as Heard testified about two more alleged abuse incidents. After a flight where they supposedly both took MDMA, and fed a pill to a flight attendant, he gave her a bloody nose. While in the Bahamas with his children, Heard claims Depp slammed "me up by my neck and holds me there for a second and tells me that he could f****** kill me and that I was an embarrassment." Heard's testimony has wrapped for the day. She will be back on the stand on Thursday. MORE: Johnny Depp's testimony concludes, says "The only person I've abused in my life is myself" International travel is back, and operators are cashing in on years of pent-up demand. After two years of putting off travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of passengers going through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint is almost near pre-pandemic levels at nearly 2 million on average over the past week. Eager to capitalize on this explosion of demand, international airlines are scrambling to not only restore pre-pandemic routes, but to also build up new routes. For instance, Qantas (QABSY) recently announced ultra-long-haul flights between Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by the end of 2025. Emirates, which hasnt restarted its nonstop ultra-long Dubai to New Zealand flights, told the New Zealand Herald that its been amazed at how demand has been. Singapore Airlines (SINGY), which also operates ultra-long nonstop flights from Singapore to various parts of the U.S. from Newark to San Francisco, has rapidly ramped up routes in recent weeks, now operating more than ten flights daily from multiple airports in the U.S. The company operates six non-stop flights to North America from Singapore, which includes New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, Seattle, and Vancouver. Additionally, plane ticket sales are already on the rise reflecting the demand. According to travel booking site Kayak, domestic flight prices are up roughly 25% year-over year, while international flight prices rose by about 41%. 'Demand has been better' than expected Joey Seow, who is Singapore Airlines' regional vice president for the Americas, told Yahoo Finance that passengers appetite for travel has been insatiable. Because the demand has been tremendous, weve been quick to scale up our services to the U.S., Seow told Yahoo Finance in an interview. Were probably one of the few carriers to the U.S. that has restored our capacity to our pre-COVID capacity. The latest First Class suite option for travellers is unveiled on the tarmac during the Singapore Airlines New A380 Launch on December 19, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images) With many Asian countries like Singapore, which often serves as a jumping off point for travelers hoping to visit other countries in Southeast Asia, relaxing COVID restrictions such as pre-departure testing and on-arrival testing, theres been a sharp uptick in travelers, Seow noted. It facilitates a lot more corporate travel, he said of the country loosening entry requirements. As a result, he added, our business class and premium cabins are doing extremely well." According to the company, the airlines luxury suites which sets one back upwards of $15,000 are sold out through the next month. An economy class round-trip from JFK to Singapore is roughly $1,140, according to Hopper, which is up 19% from last year and up 8% from 2019. At the same time, travelers are shelling out big bucks to splurge on more comfortable seats. In the past, people would buy economy first before upgrading to Premium Economy, Seow said, but thats since been reversed, and now demand has been better than what we had expected. Nonstop flights also tend to be costlier, Madhu Unnikrishnan, editor at Airline Weekly, told Yahoo Finance. Part of the willingness to spend more on premium seats could be due to people having more in savings, or having deferred travel for many months during the pandemic, he said. He noted that Lufthansa (DLAKY) had reported success in selling business and premium economy seats to leisure travelers to offset the loss of business travelers, . Cabin crew members serve drinks to media members at the Singapore Airlines' media preview of their new Boeing 737-8 cabin products, at Changi Airport in Singapore November 16, 2021. REUTERS/Caroline Chia Additionally, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr even noted during an earnings call in 2021 that bookings for the previous summer had "been so strong" that they expected passenger numbers to go back up to 50% of pre-pandemic levels. Still, operating an ultra-long-haul flight amid the surge in fuel prices is a challenge: An 18-hour flight from Singapore to New York a 9,530-mile journey requires around 100 tons of fuel, according to the Points Guy. Fuel efficiency becomes especially key for these routes, Seow said, with the company using newer aircrafts such as the Airbus 350-900 Ultra Long Range, which burns 30% less fuel than earlier models. Qantas has also ordered Airbus planes for its long-haul flights, opting for a dozen Airbus A350-1000s. Where are Americans going this summer? Back home, where are Americans traveling to this summer? Hopper said that Americans are planning international trips to nearby destinations with locations like Cancun, Mexico, and San Juan, Puerto Rico emerging as top destinations this year. Demand for travel to Mexico and Central America has doubled compared to 2019, the companys Hayley Berg said. There was also significant growth to Canada and islands in the Caribbean, she added. Aarthi is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. She can be reached at aarthi@yahoofinance.com. Follow her on Twitter @aarthiswami. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Flipboard, and LinkedIn The Northern Ireland Protocol, the possibility of a border poll, the cost-of-living crisis and the future of the Stormont powersharing Executive were among the key issues during the Northern Ireland election campaign. The Northern Ireland Protocol DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said repeatedly that the post-Brexit protocol has cast a long shadow over Northern Irelands politics and it has been at the heart of debate throughout the campaign. Sir Jeffreys party quit the powersharing Executive earlier this year in protest at the new trading arrangements which unionists see as an Irish Sea border and he has vowed not to re-enter government until his concerns are addressed. (PA Graphics) The DUP leader has joined with TUV leader Jim Allister at several rallies in opposition to the protocol. However, Doug Beattie, leader of the Ulster Unionists, which also opposes the protocol, has refused to take part in the rallies, claiming they are increasing tensions in loyalist areas. Nationalist parties and the cross-community Alliance Party have played down the importance of the protocol as an election issue, stating voters on the doorsteps are more concerned with bread-and-butter issues. They have said the protocol is a result of Brexit and was introduced to mitigate some of its impacts. They claimed issues with the protocol will be resolved between the UK Government and the EU, and it is not a reason to collapse the Stormont Executive. Border poll The potential of a referendum on Irish unity has emerged as a theme during the election campaign. Parties have clashed over the prospect of a poll on Irish unity (Brian Lawless/PA) However, it has been the unionist DUP which has forced it to the forefront of the agenda, repeatedly claiming that Sinn Fein would use any electoral victory as a mandate to call on the Secretary of State to set a date for a border poll. Sinn Feins vice-president Michelle ONeill, while acknowledging her partys desire for a united Ireland, has sought to play down the issue in the short term, instead focusing on issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, the economy and health service waiting lists. Other parties have accused the DUP of trying to scare people into voting for them by claiming that they are the only party which can stop Sinn Fein from topping the poll. The future of the Stormont Executive Northern Ireland has been without a functioning Executive for several months after DUP First Minister Paul Givan quit his post in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol. There has been no functioning Executive at Stormont since the DUP quit the first ministers post in protest at the Northern Ireland Protocol (Paul Faith/PA) That position could be set to continue after the election as the DUP has insisted its concerns over Northern Irelands place within the UKs internal market be addressed before they agreed to form an Executive. Sinn Fein, the SDLP and Alliance Party have all called for an Executive to be formed immediately after the completion of the election. The Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie has said he wants to see a period of intensive negotiation over a programme for government before he agrees to join an Executive. Both the DUP and UUP have also refused to state if they would nominate for the position of deputy first minister in the event that Sinn Fein won the election and was entitled to nominate for first minister. Cost-of-living crisis All of the main parties have pledged measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. Soaring energy prices have impacted families in Northern Ireland (Lauren Hurley/PA) Surging fuel and food prices have impacted most families in Northern Ireland and it has become a prevalent issue during election canvassing. Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance Party and the UUP have said that Stormont currently has 300 million which could be used on short-term measures to tackle soaring prices, but it cannot be spent because there is no powersharing Executive. The DUP has disputed this and claims the money can be spent by ministers without an Executive. All of the parties have called on the Westminster government to do more to alleviate the suffering caused by the cost-of-living crisis. Hospitals in Northern Ireland have been under severe pressure (Liam McBurney/PA) Health service Northern Ireland currently has the longest hospital waiting lists in the UK and emergency departments, GPs and ambulance services have been under intense pressure in recent months. All of the parties agree that services need to be reformed and are in need of increased funding. However, several party leaders have raised concern this cannot happen while Northern Ireland is without a functioning Executive. Earlier this year, Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy attempted to introduce a three-year budget with a priority given to health service funding, but he said the budget could not be progressed after the Executive collapsed. What is a hot brown? This melty turkey, bacon and tomato sandwich is baked to perfection and served up to Kentucky Derby guests. (Photo: Getty Creative) The iconic Kentucky Derby, an annual horse race held at the Churchill Downs racing complex in Louisville, Ky., is the longest-running sporting event, dating back to 1875. The Derby is the jewel of the Triple Crown, a series of horse races for thoroughbreds, and evokes visions of wide-brimmed hats, festive garb and classic Southern food. But there may be nothing more synonymous with Derby day than a fresh mint julep. Chris Goodlett, director of curatorial and educational affairs at the Kentucky Derby Museum, says the history of this refreshing cocktail, made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, water and crushed ice, goes back further than you might think. "The word 'julep' was first used in the Middle Ages, referring to medicinal drinks such as rose water taken to stave off illness and promote good health," Goodlett tells Yahoo Life. "The mint variety of the julep is an American innovation, first popularized in the Coastal South of the Carolinas and Virginia in the 1800s. Mint juleps were the good southerner's morning constitutional, but they were also prescribed by physicians for various ailments before the idea of anti-inflammatories emerged." Goodlett says the mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1939, but the drink's ties to the race date back to the first running in the 1870s. "It is believed that Churchill Downs founder, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grew mint behind the clubhouse because juleps were a popular drink in the late 1800s," he says. According to Goodlett, it's estimated that more than 120,000 mint juleps are consumed over the course of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks (the fourth-highest attended horse race in the U.S. behind the Triple Crown, also held at Churchill Downs). The entire month of April is also celebrated as Mint Julep Month. Goodlett says Derby-goers were stealing the souvenir glasses their mint juleps were served in, so Churchill Downs started selling the glasses as well as the drinks. (Photo: Getty Images) And those signature souvenir glasses race attendees bring home after their day of julep-sipping? They got their start due to a bit of thievery. "When patrons of the track started taking glasses from the clubhouse in the late 1930s, track leadership decided to embrace these ingenious thieves instead of fighting them," Goodlett shares. "The first souvenir mint julep glass was sold in 1939 and has been a collector's item ever since." Dustin Willett is executive chef at the Brown Hotel in Louisville: the birthplace of another Derby day classic, the "hot brown" sandwich. "The hot brown was invented at the Brown Hotel in 1926, so it has been going strong for almost 100 years," Willett shares. "It's our most popular dish and the popularity only increases around the Derby you almost can't think about the Derby or a hot brown without thinking about the other." The sandwich contains turkey, bacon and tomatoes and is baked in Mornay sauce, a creamy bechamel-style sauce with cheese. While the dish has been copied by many other restaurants in the area and around the country Willett and the hotel owners aren't worried. "I have talked with many people over the years who have driven for hours just to have a hot brown at the Brown Hotel," he says."It really is a bucket list item for a lot of people and imitation is the most sincere form of flattery." Kimmery Martin, an emergency room doctor-turned novelist who lives in Charlotte, N.C., grew up in Berea, K.Y. and lived in Louisville during her college years. As a native Kentuckian, Martin shares her favorite Kentucky Derby dish is a simple sandwich that transports her back to her college days. Benedictine tea sandwiches, made with cucumber and a savory cream cheese spread, are a Kentucky Derby staple. (Photo: Getty Creative) "Good food is almost a religion in Louisville," she says, "but the dish that more than anything reminds me of my days there are the Benedictine tea sandwiches." Benedictine tea sandwiches are made with crisp cucumber and a rich thick cream cheese spread made with fresh herbs like dill, parsley and chives, originally invented by a caterer in Kentucky. The tiny sandwiches are such a Derby day staple that Martin says many of Louisville's gourmet grocery stores have pre-made sandwiches ready to go for eating on what is considered a holiday in the town. Still, she says they're simple to make from scratch. "You can also easily make your own," Martin says, "Benedictine is such a unique and recognizable taste: The first bite of one of these scrumptious sandwiches instantly takes me back to my beautiful home state." The Kentucky Derby isn't only about horse racing: Classic menu items like pimento cheese, hot brown sandwiches and mint juleps are race day essentials. (Photo: Getty Images) As a former chef at Churchill Downs, David Danielson is an expert on Kentucky Derby food. While he's since moved on to working as a chef at restaurants Dant Crossing and Log Still Distillery, he remembers his days at the Derby fondly. "I have a few favorite derby dishes," Danielson shares. "Shrimp and grits, sweet potato salad and pimento cheese are each dishes I have been preparing for many years that were created for the Derby to be served in Millionaires' Row (Derby seating for celebrities and members of high society, boasting the best vantage points on the track)." "The Derby is such an amazing event," says Danielson. "The energy of the day as you walk through the track seeing all the fashion and the guests having a wonderful time. As the day builds toward the race, we would take all the chefs up to the roof and look out over the track, just taking it all in. Nothing can compare to 160,000 fans yelling as loud as they can as the horses come racing down to the finish." Want to make your own Derby spread at home? We asked our Kentucky Derby cuisine experts to share some of their favorite Derby day recipes. (Photo: Tabitha Booth) Mint Julep courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum Ingredients 1 - 2 ounces simple syrup, to taste (recipe below) 4-5 fresh mint leaves 2 ounces bourbon garnish: mint sprig Instructions In a julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint and simple syrup with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. Add the bourbon and pack tightly with crushed ice. Stir until the cup is frosted on the outside. Top with a mint sprig. Mint Simple Syrup: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup water Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Let cool and pour into a jar and seal tightly with a lid. Simple syrup will keep, refrigerated, for about one month. (Photo: The Brown Hotel) The Hot Brown courtesy of the Brown Hotel Ingredients 2 ounces butter 2 ounces all-purpose flour 8 ounces heavy cream 8 ounces whole milk cup of pecorino romano cheese, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish Pinch of ground nutmeg Salt and pepper 14 ounces sliced roasted turkey breast, sliced thick 4 slices of Texas toast, crust trimmed 4 slices of crispy bacon 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half Parmesan cheese Paprika Parsley Instructions In a twoquart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over mediumlow heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 23 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in pecorino romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. For each hot brown, place two slices of toast with the crusts cut off in an oven-safe dish: one slice is cut in half corner to corner to make two triangles and the other slice is left in a square shape. Then cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional pecorino romano cheese. Place the entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley and serve immediately. (Photo: Kimmery Martin) Benedictine Tea Sandwiches courtesy Kimmery Martin Ingredients Large cucumber, peeled with seeds scraped out and finely chopped 8 ounces cream cheese (optional: replace 4 ounces with good quality goat cheese) 2 tablespoons minced parsley 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion (can also use grated sweet yellow onion) 1 tablespoon mayo Dash of cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste Instructions Combine ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Garnish with a bit of reserved parsley or green onion. Spread on thin white bread cut into a circle (use a cookie cutter) with a slice of cucumber, or serve with crackers or toasted pita bread. Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. On stage from left, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff stand for the national anthem during an event with the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden on Wednesday hailed Team USA for bringing a bit of unity to a pandemic weary nation as he hosted a White House celebration with about 600 athletes from this year's Winter Olympics in Beijing and the coronavirus-delayed Summer Games held in 2021 in Tokyo. Among the athletes at the South Lawn ceremony were swimmer and seven-time gold medalist Katie Ledecky, celebrated bobsledder Elena Meyers Taylor and ice dancer Zachary Donohue, as well as competitors from the past two Paralympic Games. Biden noted the Team USA athletes won some 260 medals in Beijing and Tokyo. Equally impressive as their performances, Biden suggested, was the athletes' ability to unite Americans during a period marked by the unrelenting coronavirus pandemic and deepening partisanship after the 2020 election. You represent the very soul of America, Biden told the athletes. It's been a very divided nation ... but you brought us together. No matter the divisions, when we see you compete, we feel a common pride in those three letters: USA." The Tokyo Games were delayed one year due to COVID-19 and took place last summer, largely without spectators. First lady Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation to Japan. At the Beijing Olympics this past winter, also held largely without spectators, the United States staged a diplomatic boycott due to China's human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Jill Biden, in her remarks Wednesday, hailed the athletes for persevering under challenging circumstances, saying Americans were grateful for the gifts they gave the country at a difficult time. Now I know that these Games may not have been exactly as you once imagined with stadiums packed with people and all of your loved ones screaming from the sidelines, she said. Olympian or a Paralympian is a rare accomplishment in a normal time, but you did it during a global pandemic. You are forever one of the most elite, most celebrated athletes in this world. The president also recognized that the unusual and largely fan-free games were a hardship for the athletes. Im sorry you had to wait that year. I mean, youve been through so damn darn much, Biden said. America has a violence problem. And it doesnt seem to be going away anytime soon. Late last month, on April 22, a gunman in Washington, D.C., opened fire at a college prep school from across the street, riddling it with more than 200 bullets and wounding four people. A mall shooting in South Carolina that same week wounded 10. A shooting on a Brooklyn subway earlier that month wounded over a dozen. New Orleans recently reported its bloodiest weekend in nearly 10 years. Overall, recent data shows that the U.S. experienced its largest-ever recorded annual increase in homicides in 2020, compared to 2019, according to statistics from the FBI. The homicide rate rose nearly 30% in 2020 and increased again by 5% in 2021. Violent crimes such as mass shootings and assaults have also increased since 2019. The pandemic is taking a toll on Americans A COVID-19 vaccine and testing booth outside Yankee Stadium in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) In interviews with Yahoo News, several experts attributed the spike in violence to three factors. They say the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of life, forcing nationwide lockdowns that led to increased stress and anxiety among the population. Dr. Howard Kurtz, professor of sociology and criminal justice at Southwest Oklahoma State University, believes that as people were locked away from the outside world, violence and frustration ensued. There was this plague mentality that has to take a toll on people, Kurtz told Yahoo News. Then you start seeing increases in violent crime with a lack of social interaction. While COVID cases have plunged in the past few months and most lockdowns have ended, new variants and continued mask restrictions are still disrupting everyday life. Two years after lockdowns began, people still cannot agree on mask guidance, and many are reaching their breaking point, Kurtz argued. We have people that are on edge. People that dont want to wear masks on public transportation, in crowded indoor settings, he said. The climate lends itself to people taking matters into their own hands. Political polarization, distrust in institutions fuel discord Supporters of former President Donald Trump shop for merchandise at a rally he held on April 29 in Greenwood, Neb. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Experts believe another reason for concern is the growing political polarization and distrust in U.S. institutions. Alongside this distrust is also a sense of lawlessness stemming from police violence. Americans' lack of trust in law enforcement, education, the government and the economy feeds social discord, Dennis Kenney, a professor at John Jay College told Yahoo News. The factors over the last couple of years have begun to erode the social contract that many people had formed, he said. As a result, you see conflict in society. In many ways, Americans are feeling frustrated with the U.S. government, the economy and their fellow citizens. According to a March study from Gallup, roughly three-quarters of Americans are dissatisfied with where the country is heading. This has risen significantly since 2002, where the situation was nearly reversed, the study shows. Political polarization is pushing a narrative that Americans need to take matters into their own hands. Liberals and conservatives are slowly beginning to see each other as enemies rather than fellow Americans, Dr. Kurtz claimed. You have this group on the right that wants to take back the country and a group on the left that wants to defund law enforcement, he said. People who disagree are going to lash out. Sometimes very violently. Guns play a significant role in violent crime Police and emergency responders gather at the site of a reported shooting of multiple people outside of the 36 Street subway station on April 12 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Looking back at many violent crimes that have happened in the past year, a common theme is gun violence. According to the FBI, over 38 million guns were sold in 2021, an increase of over 10 million since 2019. Violence can quickly turn into a homicide with the presence of firearms, according to a University of California at Irvine criminology professor Charis Kubrin. Its a really potent combination of both rise in violence and sales in guns, she said. Absent a gun, you might just have an assault. Absent a gun, you might just have a robbery. Gun violence has dominated headlines in the past two years. The laws vary by state, the United States is one of the few countries where you can legally purchase and carry a firearm. Were in an environment where you can just buy a gun, Kurtz said. The more frightened we are, the more likely we are to buy more guns. Where do we go from here? Its all not bad news. Studies show murder rates are still 30% lower than they were during peaks in the 1970s and 1990s. As rates of COVID-19 continue to drop in 2022, experts say a trend in the pandemics effects on crime and violence may follow. The reduction of COVID restrictions will take some of the pressure off all our shoulders, Kenney said. Josh Meyers is a student at Syracuse University. Scottish writer Ali Smith in Milan. (Leonardo Cendamo / Getty Images) It is remarkable to be alive at the same time as Scottish writer Ali Smith. No one else, I would argue, captures our ongoing contemporary nightmare in a manner that is both expansively imaginative and the perfect mirror of its abrupt absurdity. After five years of writing and publishing her seasonal quartet an experiment in real-time fiction, both news-driven and profoundly thoughtful Smith could be forgiven for taking a pause. And yet, only two years after the quartets concluding volume, Summer, here is Companion Piece, a new novel equally focused on present-day anxieties. Smith recently told the BBC that while writing the series, I knew there was a wild book at the back of it waiting, which was connected but not connected. Given Smiths propensity for wordplay, it is safe to assume that Companions title is more than just a wink at the quartet. As much as its possible to read this stand-alone novel as the series coda, companion, like many of her touchstone words, carries multiple meanings. Distilling the movement of Smiths books into a neat summary is not only a challenge but somewhat beside the point. In her 12 novels, plot is often secondary to perspective and the cumulative impact of emotional, social and cultural entanglement. Nonetheless, Ill try: Sandy Gray, a single queer painter in her mid-50s, usually lives alone in an inland region of the United Kingdom, though she is currently caring for her fathers dog while he is hospitalized with heart trouble. Each is all the other has of family in the world; Sandys mother left them when Sandy was a girl. Their devotion survives despite their differences, of which there are many. Although her father sacrificed to send Sandy to university, he thinks little of her art: all that learning, and all youve done with it is make a lifes work of for Christ sake painting words on top of one another so nobody can even read them. Father and daughter do not share the same notion of success. The life you couldve had, he says. But no. Part time work. To fund your nonsense. Visual representations. Her fathers condition is serious but not critical, though given his advanced age and the looming threat of COVID-19, this could change at any moment. Masked and gloved herself as the medical staff is wearing bin bags for lack of proper PPE, Sandy visits her father, who lies in a kind of hiatus between conscious and un, so tired he was still partly elsewhere. Tasked by his nurse, Viola, to speak with him, Sandy pauses to think, He was some place I couldnt get into, its windows all dark to me. Or maybe it was me who was in the dark place and he was in a bright elsewhere. Sandys occupation is a familiar one for Smith. Her seasonal quartet shined a spotlight on several actual women artists, but in Companion Piece, its our central fictional heroine who creates. Sandy likes her chosen life, her discipline, as she tries to make her father understand. Her art grants her a purpose she doesnt find in the companionship of others. Yet her fathers illness destabilizes that sense of self-sufficiency and separateness particularly during a season of pandemic isolation. Its during this fragile moment that a tenuous connection resurfaces. Martina Gelf, a college classmate whom Sandy hadnt spoken with since college, calls out of the blue. The two were never friends, having shared but one conversation about a poem by e.e. cummings. Remembering it, Martina reaches out to Sandy, calling on her nimble mind to unravel a mystery. She couldnt have made up a story more likely to hook me, thinks Sandy. Now an assistant to the curator at a national museum, Martina was detained at border control on her return from abroad because the passport she offered wasnt the one shed used on departing. Is one country not enough for you? an agent snapped. Then the agents checked her baggage and found the Boothby Lock, a cumbersome and menacing 16th century English lock and key. Assuming it was a weapon, they took Martina to an interview room, detaining her in isolation for seven and a half hours. This all sounds more or less straightforward until now. While left alone for hours, Martina began to hear a voice stating: Curlew or curfew, then, You choose. Now Martina and Sandy, reunited acquaintances, begin to parse the words meanings. Sandy considers the connection in a riff that's Dan Brown by way ofJudith Butler: [If] we think for a minute, I said, about the short span but the apparent freedom in the life of a bird, juxtaposed with the notion that what we do with our allotted time can be, or arguably always is, dictated or controlled one way or another not by nature alone but by outside forces like economics, history, social constraint, social convention, personal psychology and political and cultural zeitgeist. And if we think about the proffered choice, curlew or curfew, between nature and an authoritarian shaping of time, which is a human invention, or between the environment and our control of harmful and expedient use of the environment " at which point Martina interrupts with laughter and says, You havent changed a bit. Smiths books often force one to think along such streams of consciousness before breaking the wave with a swell of emotion. Leaping from deep investigations of words and ideas to cultural references as lofty as Keats and as basic as Paul McCartneys Wings (specifically, the song Let em In, if you must know), Smith is intellectually rigorous yet democratic, warm and crucially playful. What follows Sandys critical analysis is a family squabble involving Martinas intense and hilarious twin young adult children; a history lesson in blacksmiths, the bubonic plague and the curlew bird; the story of a 14th century woman branded and expelled by her community; the acceptance of a lack of closure; and the discovery of the surprising resilience of tenuous bonds. Throughout the novel, Smith returns to the power of stories and simple gestures that heal or unlock the damaged world weve inherited. She riffs, for instance, on the word hello how it holds its story ready, waiting. Thats pretty much all the story there is. And, recognizing the capacity of any person or thing to become ones companion, she draws from her well of wit and empathy to assemble a novel both enigmatic and inviting, begging to be read and reread. With its sweeping and incisive vision, its proof that you can trap lightning in a bottle, Companion Piece shares the best qualities with the quartet to which it plays companion, offering a clever, erudite and humane portrait of our intense contemporary moment. Leaping from mythology to etymology, history to literature, she also makes the granular elements of daily movement the stuff of life-sustaining art. She shows, again, what exceptional fiction can do in troubled times that nothing else can. LeBlanc is a book columnist for Observer. She lives in Chapel Hill, N.C. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LONDON As Russias invasion of Ukraine enters its 10th week, the Kremlins Ministry of Defense said its forces had practiced nuclear-capable missile strikes on the Baltic coast in Kaliningrad, near European Union members Lithuania and Poland. Meanwhile in Ukraine, Russia announced a three-day ceasefire in the besieged city of Mariupol to allow civilians to safely evacuate. War games A missile fired by the Russian military, seen in a video screengrab dated April 30. (Russian Defense Ministry/TASS via ZUMA Press) Russias Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its forces had delivered mock missile strikes with the crews of Iskander operational-tactical missile systems. More than 100 servicemen reportedly took part in the exercise. Mariupol ceasefire The Kremlin has announced a three-day ceasefire at the Azovstal steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in order to allow civilians to evacuate the plant. However, Ukrainian officials alleged that Russia is trying to destroy the remaining soldiers in the steel plant, claiming Kremlin-led forces had resumed the offensive to seize the plant. A still image from a video showing rising smoke after a possible shelling of the Azovstal complex in Mariupol on Thursday. (Ministry of Internal Affairs Donetsk People's Republic/Handout via Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putins spokesman denied that troops are storming the steel plant. Asked during a press conference on Thursday whether soldiers had broken into Azovstal, Dmitry Peskov said, You were witnesses, the president gave the order to refrain from an assault. No other orders were announced and the (humanitarian) corridors are working today. EU pledges support for Moldova The EU has pledged to considerably increase its military support to Moldova, said Charles Michel, president of the European Council. It comes after a series of explosions occurred in the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria in Moldova. Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, shakes hands with Moldovas president, Maia Sandu, in Chisinau, the capital, on Wednesday. (Bogdan Tudor/AFP via Getty Images) We plan this year to considerably increase our support to Moldova by delivering additional military equipment to its armed forces, Michel said alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu.The EU stands in full solidarity with your country, Moldova. It is our European duty to help and support your country and to increase our support for your stability, security and territorial integrity. He added: We will continue to deepen our partnership with you to bring your country even closer to the EU." Transnistria is a 248-mile narrow strip of land in Moldova that borders Ukraine and has a population of 470,000. The region is more or less equally divided between Ukrainians, Russians and Moldovans, a former Moldovan ambassador to the U.S. told the Swiss outlet LIllustre. Russians, however, occupy the highest positions in the administration and form the military and economic elite, the ambassador said. _____ What happened last week in Ukraine? Check out this explainer from Yahoo Immersive to find out. The port city of Kherson and its surroundings in southern Ukraine, one of the first regions to come under Russian occupation, is increasingly showing signs of what the Kremlin has in mind: long-term control. Khersons elected mayor was deposed last week and replaced by a Moscow-approved appointee after he refused to collaborate with Russian forces. Shortly afterward, it was announced that the Ukrainian hryvnia would make way for the Russian ruble as the areas dominant currency. The region is gradually being cut off from information coming from the rest of Ukraine. Last weekend, as it was plagued by internet and cell service outages, major Russian state TV channels, one of the main media of Kremlin propaganda, started broadcasting there. Meanwhile, Soviet flags and Lenin statues have popped up in central squares of several towns in the region after years of efforts by the Ukrainian government to rid the country of communist symbols possibly part of Moscows effort to rouse nostalgia ahead of Victory Day on Monday, when former Soviet countries traditionally mark their joint struggle against Nazi Germany. Moves like the introduction of the ruble and connection outages amount to consolidation of the occupation in the region, said Volodymyr Fesenko, a Ukrainian political analyst. Its another reminder that Russia is not going to give these territories back to Ukraine. It is all lent greater urgency by warnings from Ukraine and its allies that Russia plans to stage a sham referendum that could lay the groundwork for Moscow to formally enforce its rule, either by turning the region into a peoples republic akin to the eastern Ukrainian breakaway territories Russia already controls or even by annexing the area directly, as it did the nearby Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Kryvyi Rih District, Home Of Industry And Zelensky, Offers Aid And Refuge To Displaced (John Moore / Getty Images) With Russia increasingly seeking to distance the region from its Ukrainian past and present, the uncertain future is keeping residents on edge and driving some to flee. Vanda Chernyshova escaped Kherson last month, leaving her mother and her sister behind. Chernyshova, 28, first spoke with NBC News in early March, when she took to her citys streets alongside hundreds of other people to protest the Russian occupation and declare that Kherson was part of Ukraine. But with fears of a possible annexation growing, Chernyshova decided to leave for Odesa, another port city more than 120 miles to the west that is under Ukrainian control. Its relatively safe, although Chernyshova, who works stints as a receptionist on international cruise ships, said a residential building in her new neighborhood was recently hit by a missile strike. There is no safe place anywhere, Chernyshova said. But at least here in Odesa, you dont have armored vehicles with letter Z driving under your windows. The Russians seized Kherson, 280 miles southeast of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in early March. Residents said back then that they were afraid to leave their homes, instead hiding in their hallways with food and medicine dwindling as Russian troops patrolled the streets. Chernyshova said most of her friends have left the city, fearing what awaits them under Russian occupation. Kherson is a strategically important city of almost 300,000 people with a major ship-building industry that serves as a gateway to broader control of the south. Located at the confluence of the Dnieper River and the Black Sea, just a two-hour drive from Russian-annexed Crimea, it is critical to establishing a land corridor from Russian-controlled areas in the east all the way to Odesa in Ukraines southwest and Moldovas breakaway region of Transnistria which analysts have said may be one of the goals of Russias invasion. Analysts have argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin might seek some sort of victory in Ukraine in time for Victory Day next week. As his military is struggling to secure one on the battlefield, some movement on the status of territories in southern Ukraine could be presented as a win for Russia. Indeed, the introduction of Russian currency in the region is just one sign of Russias intentions to establish long-term control, experts said. Using the Russian ruble is a way of emphasizing Russias dominance over everyday life and to get citizens used to the idea, said Emily Ferris, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a defense and security think tank in London. Its also a matter of functional necessity, Fesenko said, to deal with processes like paying pensions and salaries to create a semblance of normal life under Russian control. Meanwhile, Ukraine said Wednesday that internet services had been fully restored in the city. Dear Kherson, the problems with service were temporary; as well as Russian occupation, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraines vice prime minister, who also runs the Digital Transformation Ministry, tweeted bullishly. But the British Defense Ministry has warned that Russias recent moves signal its intent to exert strong political and economic influence in Kherson over the long term. There has been rampant speculation that the Russians plan to formalize that influence by holding a referendum in the region to create a so-called Peoples Republic of Kherson, after the model of the two pro-Russian breakaway territories in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine. Last month, Ukraines Defense Ministry said ballots, forms, brochures, posters and booklets were already being printed for that purpose. NBC News couldnt confirm the existence of the materials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy threatened to exit any negotiations with Russia should a pseudo-referendum be announced. Meanwhile, Ukraines Western allies have also sounded the alarm. The U.K. Defense Ministry said last week in an intelligence update that Russia was planning a staged referendum to justify its occupation, and Michael Carpenter, the U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has also warned that Russia could be planning such a vote. Moscow held a disputed referendum in Crimea before it annexed it eight years ago, in which nearly 97 percent of voters backed joining Russia. The results werent recognized internationally. Manipulated referendums, as in Crimea in 2014, are a slightly cynical way of rubber-stamping Russias control over a territory without many people seriously believing their legitimacy, Ferris said. Kryvyi Rih District, Home Of Industry And Zelensky, Offers Aid And Refuge To Displaced (John Moore / Getty Images) Unlike in Crimea, the overwhelming majority of people in the Kherson region will oppose any such eventuality, experts said. There are very few people in the Kherson region who have pronounced pro-Russian views and are ready to collaborate with the Russians, said Fesenko, the political analyst. Zelenskyy vowed over the weekend that Kherson and all other occupied communities where the Russians are now pretending to be masters will be liberated. Russia has been silent about any plans to hold a referendum in Kherson. On Thursday, Kirill Stremousov, whom Moscow installed last week as deputy chairman of the regions so-called military-civilian administration, said that there have been no talks about the referendum and that no such vote was on the cards. But, he said, the region is distinctly moving toward becoming a subject of the Russian Federation without any referendums. Back in Odesa, Chernyshova is determined to maintain her Ukrainian identity no matter what the Russians have planned. She is worried about what will happen to her home region and about the possibility of a sham vote that could alter its fate for years, if not decades. We are all against it, she said. Its a nightmare. Smoke rises from the besieged Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, Ukraine, where the city's last fighters continue to try to repel Russian forces. (Alexei Alexandrov / Associated Press) As Russian troops struck across eastern Ukraine on Thursday and mounted a new push to kill or capture the last remaining Ukrainian fighters defending the besieged port city of Mariupol, new evidence emerged that the U.S. provided intelligence that helped Ukraine sink a formidable Russian warship last month. An American official told multiple major news outlets, including the Associated Press, that the U.S. has provided "a range of intelligence" to Ukraine, including the location of Russian ships on the Black Sea. The official said Ukraine decided on its own to use that information to target the Moskva, the missile cruiser whose sinking was a strategic and symbolic defeat for Russia. The Biden administration has increased intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and has ratcheted up its shipments of arms to the war-torn nation, which was invaded by Russia on Feb. 24. The stepped-up involvement comes as Russia appears intent on seizing control and possibly annexing large stretches of eastern Ukraine. Analysts say the Kremlin is eager to proclaim victory in Mariupol, in the southeast, before Monday, when Russia commemorates its role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II. Russian soldiers are battling the last Ukrainian holdouts in Mariupol, a group of several hundred fighters holed up at the Azovstal steel plant, which is also housing hundreds of civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded Thursday for a cease-fire to allow the evacuation of civilians who remain trapped beneath the plant in a sprawling complex of subterranean bunkers and tunnels. In an address to the nation, Zelensky said time was still needed to lift people out of those basements." "In the present conditions, we cannot use heavy equipment to clear the rubble away. It all has to be done by hand," said Zelensky, who also asked for more help from the United Nations, which has joined with the International Red Cross to usher civilians to safety from the plant. He said 344 people had been evacuated from Mariupol on Wednesday and taken to Zaporizhzhia, around 120 miles northwest. Ukrainian officials said the situation has become more dire because Russian soldiers had penetrated the plant's grounds. The Kremlin has so far denied that its troops have breached the complex. An apartment building that was destroyed by overnight shelling in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Thursday. (Andriy Andriyenko / Associated Press) Meanwhile, fighting raged in the east along a crescent-shaped, 300-mile-long front line in the Donbas region. The Russian military said its air force struck dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including multiple concentrations of Ukrainian troops and an ammunition depot near the city of Luhansk. It said it had killed 600 Ukrainian fighters, a claim that could not be independently verified. Posting on Telegram, Luhansk Gov. Serhiy Haidai said Russian missiles hit homes, killing five people and injuring 25. Even as Russia continued its assault from the air, Kyiv said its forces had regained control of "several settlements" between two key southern districts, Kherson and Mykolaiv. Kherson was the first major city to fall to the Russians and remains in their hands. The Ukrainian-held city of Mykolaiv, near the Black Sea, has been a bulwark against Russian forces moving toward the principal seaport of Odesa. Ukraine's military said it had also retaken Staryi Saltiv, about 27 miles northeast of Kharkiv, the nation's second-largest city, which lies near the northeastern border with Russia. Still, analysts feared that Ukraine was poised to lose control of Mariupol, a strategic prize that would allow Moscow to stitch together a land corridor connecting Russia, Crimea and western Ukraine. The once-thriving city of about 430,000 people has lost more than three-quarters of its population. It has been the site of some of the war's biggest tragedies and the subject of some of its most forceful negotiations. A woman walks past tanks of Donetsk People's Republic militia in Mariupol. (Alexei Alexandrov/Associated Press) Moscow said that for three days beginning Thursday it would open a humanitarian corridor for civilian evacuations from the besieged steel plant. Russia appears eager to proclaim victory in Mariupol before Monday, when President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate in the major annual ceremony commemorating Russia's role in the outcome of World War II. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Western reports of Russia using the holiday to launch increased attacks and strengthen its troop presence in Ukraine were "nonsense." Before the war began Feb. 24, he had described U.S. warnings of a Russian invasion of Ukraine as false "hysteria." Bedraggled civilians who have made their way from the Mariupol steelworks to Ukrainian-held territory in recent days have recounted a terrifying ordeal punctuated by heavy bombardment, with food, water and medical care almost impossible to obtain. Ukrainian officials said a bloody battle for the plant was continuing. The plant sits above a vast multistory tangle of tunnels and below-ground bunkers dating to the Soviet era. A Mariupol mayoral aide, Petro Andryushchenko, described "nonstop shelling and assault, even at night with the adjustment of fire from drones. In some areas, hostilities are already beyond the fence of the plant." He said "the last 11 square kilometers of freedom" in Mariupol about four square miles, the area covered by the plant on the Sea of Azov had been turned into "hell." Ukrainian authorities Thursday reported 629 child casualties including 221 deaths in fighting to date, warning that the tally was low because full information is not available from Russian-held areas. Altogether, official military and civilian casualty numbers for both nations have exceeded 15,000. Russian tanks and military vehicles roll toward Moscow's Red Square for a rehearsal of Monday's Victory Day military parade. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press) In its daily analysis Thursday, the British Defense Ministry suggested that new military exercises announced by Russian ally Belarus would be used to fix Ukrainian forces in the north, preventing them from being committed to the battle for the Donbas. The ministry said it did not expect Belarus, whose territory Russia used to stage its invasion, to join in fighting. With Western officials and leaders in both nations signaling that the war could drag on for months, international sanctions on Russia have increased each week, largely focused on oligarchs, banks and the energy industry. The chief executive of the European Union said Wednesday that the bloc should ban Russian oil imports, a proposal that would require unanimous approval from the union's 27 member nations. The ban would take months to implement and would likely include exemptions for Hungary and Slovakia. A similar move against Russian natural gas imports is also on the table. EU officials met Thursday to discuss the proposed oil ban. A deal could be finalized this week. King reported from Kyiv, Kaleem from London and Linthicum from Mexico City. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now Svitlana Karpenko, 53, shows her house, that according to her was destroyed by shelling, amid Russian invasion of Ukraine in Sloboda, (Reuters) - Russian forces were battling for control of the last Ukrainian stronghold in the besieged city of Mariupol, Ukrainian officials said, while the EU proposed its toughest sanctions yet against Moscow, with a phased oil embargo. ECONOMIC IMPACT * Oil prices jumped on the proposed EU ban on Russian oil imports, which needs approval by member states. The Kremlin said it was looking into various options in response. Germany said prices could go up considerably. [O/R] * The Czech Republic and Bulgaria will seek exemptions from the ban, while Hungary and Slovakia say they need a three-year transition. * U.S. President Biden said he would speak with leaders from the G7 advanced economies this week about more sanctions. * The number of people globally facing a severe lack of food increased by a fifth to 193 million last year. The Ukraine war means the outlook will worsen, a U.N. agency said. FIGHTING * Ukrainian fighters inside Mariupol's Azovstal steel plant are fighting "difficult, bloody battles" against Russian troops, a Ukrainian commander said. * More than 300 civilians were evacuated from Mariupol and other areas in southern Ukraine as part of a joint U.N.-Red Cross operation, the United Nations said. * The United States has provided intelligence that has helped Ukrainian forces kill about 12 Russian generals, the New York Times reported on Wednesday. * The armed forces of Ukraine's neighbour Belarus began sudden large-scale drills to test their combat readiness. * Russia is also trying to increase the tempo of its offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said its forces had disabled six railway stations there used to deliver Western arms. Reuters could not immediately verify reports of battlefield developments. DIPLOMACY * The Kremlin dismissed speculation that President Vladimir Putin would declare war on Ukraine and announce a national mobilisation on May 9. Russia describes its invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation". QUOTES "My position is simple: every euro paid to Russia for gas, oil or other goods ends up as rounds of ammunition in Ukraine to kill my compatriots," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Austrian TV channel Puls 4. (Compiled by Philippa Fletcher, Rosalba O'Brien and Michael Perry) A Virgin Atlantic aircraft turned back to Heathrow after it emerged the first officer had not completed his final flying test. The Airbus A330 jet was nearly 40 minutes into its journey to New York on Monday when the two pilots on board became aware of the rostering error, the airline said. Flight VS3 had reached the skies above Ireland before returning to Heathrow, touching down more than one-and-a-half hours after it took off. A replacement for the first officer was found, and the plane departed again for New York. Virgin Atlantic insists safety was not compromised. The initial first officer joined the carrier in 2017. He was fully qualified under UK aviation regulations but had not completed a final assessment flight which is part of the airlines internal requirements. Flight VS3 turned back as the captain had not been designated as a trainer. Control of an aircraft is usually shared between a first officer and the captain, but the latter holds ultimate responsibility for what happens on a flight. A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman said: Due to a rostering error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday 2nd May shortly after take-off. The qualified first officer, who was flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced with a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantics training protocols, which exceed industry standards. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers, who arrived two hours and 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change. A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority said: Virgin Atlantic has made us aware of the incident. Both pilots were suitably licensed and qualified to undertake the flight. Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. EMERGE 2022 international tech conference will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, on June 1-2. The event will be attended by over 2000 IT sector representatives from USA, countries from Western and Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Central Asia. The speakers include representatives from TechCrunch, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Snap Inc., Pinterest, Google Deepmind, Glovo and many other international companies. The conference aims at introducing specialists, founders and investors on IT development trends, as well as becoming a platform for forming networks between top specialists. The speeches will focus on two directions #trendwatching and #founderstories. The participants also will have an opportunity of matchmaking - a face to face meetings with speakers and investors. Another key component of the conference is the annual EMERGE CHALLENGE competition, the winners of which will receive investments and awards by Amazon Web Services. During last years conference the startups attracted over 5 million Euro investments. EMERGE conference is dedicated to new technologies, startup issues and global IT trends. The conference will take place in Gabriel Sundukyan Theater of Yerevan. English is the official language of the event. Among speakers are Mike Butcher (TechCrunch, Techfugees), Aliona Doletskaya (journalist, ex-Vogue) Davit Baghdasaryan (Krisp), Kris Farber (Openface), Mikayel Vardanyan (Picsart), etc. Tickets are available online. Conference partners are Dom-Daniel, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Inecobank, Semrush, the Untitled, Vibranium VC, BigStory VC, Team Telecom. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of the State of Israel Naftali Bennett on the occasion of Independence Day. Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, On behalf of the people of the Republic of Armenia and on my personal behalf, I warmly congratulate you on the public holiday of the State of Israel, the Independence Day. The resurgence of the Jewish statehood after a two-thousand-year hiatus proves that historical justice always wins in the end, against all tragedies and disasters. One month ago, we marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. I am hopeful that in the near future the Armenian-Israeli relations will flourish, opening a new page in the chronicle of our centuries-old ties. Please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, my best wishes for peace and prosperity to you, the people of Israel, PM Pashinyan said in the letter published by his office. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government is lifting the state duty for the exports of copper and molybdenum concentrate and molybdenum from January 1, 2023. Instead, a new royalty system will be introduced. Finance Minister Tigran Khachatryan said at the Cabinet meeting that the new component of royalty system will be applied when the profits of the companies will exceed a certain threshold. As a result, the companies paying royalties in conditions of up to 10% profitability will not experience any increase of tax burden in terms of royalties against the royalties that were in place prior to the application of the state duties, he said. He said the move is aimed at making the royalty system of the exploitation of metal mines more fair and effective. The additional royalty will be 15% in conditions of profitability exceeding 10%. The mining companies spending in terms of royalty payments in the first and second components, financial expenditures, accountability and transparency will be taken into consideration before taxation. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. During todays Cabinet meeting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan commented on the rumors about how the government became the owner of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine. Some consider this a suspicious, corruption deal. This is very surprising. If any ruler or a rulers cousin became the owner of that property with offshore, no one would worry, as it always happened, but when the state acquired property seems doubtful, I dont know why. What is suspicious? An investor, who acquired share from the old shareholders, decided to make a donation to Armenia, and Armenia gratefully accepted that donation, the PM said. Recently in the Parliament the Prime Minister said that the Republic of Armenia, the people are the owner of the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Commenting on the question whether a new meeting is planned between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan told reporters today that there are still issues, and they will start discussing the potential meeting of Pashinyan and Aliyev only after having the answers to these questions. Before the meeting with the assistant to the Azerbaijani president Hikmet Hajiyev in Brussels on May 2, Mr. Grigoryan said that if the meeting is held in a constructive environment, it will be followed by the meeting of Pashinyan and Aliyev. There are issues, and we will start discussing the possible meeting of the leaders of the countries only after their answers. We still continue the discussions. And when the discussions reach some stage and the possible meeting is outlined, a public statement will be made, he said. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan says he hasnt seen Azerbaijan publicly rejecting Armenias 6-point proposal. Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Grigoryan reminded that Armenia submitted to Azerbaijan a 6-point proposal in response to Bakus 5-point proposal. Azerbaijans proposed points were not unacceptable for Armenia. With its 6 points Armenia proposed that there should be a resolution also to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in order for comprehensive peace to be possible. Now, our approach is that these two packages, 5+6 points must be joined with each other and start negotiations over a peace treaty in order to find a long-term solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Grigoryan said. He reiterated Armenias position on prioritizing a solution to the security, defense and rights of Armenians living in Artsakh and that the status of Nagorno Karabakh should be developed in accordance. I havent seen a public rejection of this package. There is an understanding in our discussions that these two packages should be joined and that negotiations should start. Both the Azerbaijani side and all other international partners have this understanding. Starting negotiations over the 5+6 points is a legitimate approach and weve seen that understanding, Grigoryan said. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. A demonstrator in Yerevans France Square died from cardiac arrest, the Yerevan State Medical University Chief of Staff Shushan Danielyan said in a statement. A short time ago, an unidentified person with cardiac arrest was hospitalized by ambulance from one of the tents in France Square. All necessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures were immediately taken in the hospital, but unfortunately the efforts of the medics failed and the patient was pronounced dead, Danielyan said. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. On the morning of April 21, President Xi Jinping delivered via video link a keynote speech titled Rising to Challenges and Building a Bright Future Through Cooperation at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022 held in Boao, Hainan Province. President Xi pointed out that right now, changes of the world, of our times and of history are unfolding in ways like never before. These changes are posing challenges that must be taken seriously by humanity. A review of human history shows that the more difficult things get, the greater the need grows to stay confident. No difficulties could ever stop the wheel of history. Faced with the many challenges, we must not lose confidence, hesitate or flinch. Instead, we must firm up confidence and press ahead against all odds. President Xi stressed that for us to break through the mist and embrace a bright future, the biggest strength comes from cooperation and the most effective way is through solidarity. Over the past two years and more, the international community has been working extremely hard to respond to the COVID-19 challenge and boost global recovery and development. The hardships and challenges are yet another reminder that humanity is a community with a shared future where all people rise and fall together, and that all countries need to follow the trend of the times featuring peace, development and win-win cooperation, move in the direction of building a community with a shared future for mankind, and rise to challenges and build a bright future through cooperation. We need to work together to defend people's lives and health. For humanity to clinch a final victory against the COVID-19 pandemic, more hard efforts are needed. It is essential that countries support each other, better coordinate response measures and improve global public health governance, so as to form strong international synergy against the pandemic. We must keep COVID vaccines a global public good and ensure their accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China has provided over 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations, and will follow through the pledged donation of 600 million and 150 million doses of vaccines to Africa and ASEAN countries respectively, as part of our effort to close the immunization gap. We need to work together to promote economic recovery. We should stay committed to building an open world economy, increase macro policy coordination, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, all in an effort to promote balanced, coordinated and inclusive global development. We should follow a people-centered approach, and place development and people's well-being high on the agenda. We should advance practical cooperation in such key areas as poverty reduction, food security, development financing and industrialization, in a bid to address uneven and inadequate development, and promote solid implementation of the Global Development Initiative. We need to work together to maintain peace and stability in the world. The Cold War mentality would only wreck the global peace framework, hegemonism and power politics would only endanger world peace, and bloc confrontation would only exacerbate security challenges in the 21st century. China would like to propose a Global Security Initiative, that is, to stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work together to maintain world peace and security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality, oppose unilateralism, and say no to group politics and bloc confrontation; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, uphold the principle of indivisible security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the pursuit of one's own security at the cost of others security; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises, reject double standards, and oppose the wanton use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction; stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity. We need to work together to tackle global governance challenges. Countries around the world are like passengers aboard the same ship who share the same destiny. For the ship to navigate the storm and sail toward a bright future, all passengers must pull together. The thought of throwing anyone overboard is simply not acceptable. In this day and age, the international community has evolved so much that it has become a sophisticated and integrated apparatus. Acts to remove any single part will cause serious problems to its operation. When that happens, both the victims and the initiators of such acts will stand to lose. We need to embrace a global governance philosophy that emphasizes extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, promote the common values of humanity, and advocate exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations. We need to uphold true multilateralism, and firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. It is particularly important for major countries to lead by example in honoring equality, cooperation, good faith and the rule of law, and act in a way befitting their status. President Xi emphasized that over the past decades, Asia has enjoyed overall stability and sustained rapid growth, making possible the Asian Miracle. When Asia fares well, the whole world benefits. Therefore, we need to continue developing and strengthening Asia, demonstrate Asia's resilience, wisdom and strength, and make Asia an anchor for world peace, a powerhouse for global growth and a new pacesetter for international cooperation. First, we should resolutely safeguard peace in Asia. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, first advocated by Asia, are all the more relevant today. We should honor such principles as mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, follow a policy of good-neighborliness and friendship, and make sure that we always keep our future in our own hands. Second, we should vigorously advance Asian cooperation. The entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the opening to traffic of the China-Laos railway have effectively boosted institutional and physical connectivity in our region. We should seize these opportunities to foster a more open Asia-wide market and make new strides in mutually beneficial cooperation. Third, we should jointly promote Asian unity. We should cement ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and uphold a regional order that balances the aspirations and accommodates the interests of all parties. Countries, no matter their size and strength, and both in and outside the region, should all add splendor rather than trouble to Asia. All should follow the path of peace and development, seek win-win cooperation, and contribute to an Asian family of unity and progress together. President Xi noted that the fundamentals of the Chinese economy its strong resilience, enormous potential, vast room for maneuver and long-term sustainability remain unchanged. They will provide great dynamism for the stability and recovery of the world economy and broader market opportunities for all countries. China will fully apply its new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development paradigm, and redouble efforts for high-quality development. No matter how the world will change, China's faith in and its commitment to reform and opening-up will not waver. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, and always be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. Xi concluded his speech with an old Chinese saying, Keep walking and one will not be daunted by a thousand miles; make constant efforts and one will not be intimidated by a thousand tasks. He noted that as long as we join hands and never slacken in efforts, we will be able to build great synergy through win-win cooperation, overcome the various challenges along the way, and usher in a brighter and better future for humanity. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Catholicos Karekin II of the Armenian Apostolic Church departed on May 5 to the United Arab Emirates on a brief pontifical visit, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatsin said in a press release. YEREVAN, 5 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 5 May, USD exchange rate up by 9.86 drams to 464.49 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 13.72 drams to 492.31 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.41 drams to 7.02 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 13.64 drams to 582.70 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 502.36 drams to 27831.19 drams. Silver price up by 6.65 drams to 337.43 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Argentine newspaper La Nacion published an article on the Armenian Genocide, emphasizing that Turkey's denial should be a call for sobriety for Turkey's NATO allies. As reported by ARMENPESS, the article reminds that April 24 marked the 107th anniversary of the Turkish state's attempt to exterminate the Armenian people in 1915. "More than 1.5 million Armenians were persecuted and killed, which Pope Francis described as the first genocide of the 20th century." It is stressed that Turkey's denial of its responsibility for the genocide committed as a state policy should be a call for sobriety for its NATO allies. The article recalls Cavusoglu flashing the "Gray Wolves" sign at Armenians in Uruguay, emphasizing that it is a racist, militarized, far-right Turkish organization that denies the fact of genocide. In the context of the Armenian Genocide, the article emphasizes that the new perpetrators of crimes against humanity also intend to conceal their actions by presenting them as a war. "The Republic of Argentina, home to the largest Armenian community in Latin America, has set the recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a state policy and should continue to fight for it in the international arena," the article reads. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Today, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Compulsory Enforcement Service to attend a solemn event organized on the occasion of the Day of the Compulsory Enforcement Officer. Minister of Justice Karen Andreasyan, the Chief Compulsory Enforcement Officer Sergey Meghryan and other officials were also present. Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulated those present on the occasion of the Day of the Compulsory Enforcement Officer, emphasizing that the service in our reality either did not exist in the past or existed very weakly. "There are many important civilizational nuances here. Due to this circumstance, if you remember, initially there was a lot of negativity about the Compulsory Enforcement Service, because it was perceived that a service was created that takes away, or cuts forcibly something from the people? This is a very important fact. But the reality or mission of the Compulsory Enforcement Service is a little different. Here we should keep in mind that the main mission, which is very important for the state and the public, is that, after all, the Compulsory Enforcement Service is the executive body of justice. And when he takes it, he does it to restore justice; in essence, he gives it to those who have been wrongfully deprived. And when it takes away something, it does it to restore justice; in essence, it gives it to those who have been wrongfully deprived. And secondly, it is very important to have such a civilizational subtlety, which, with great difficulty, nevertheless is fulfilled by your service. That civilizational subtlety is the following. Each of us must understand and record that our actions, behavior, lifestyle bring with them certain consequences. And it is when we find out our relationship with these consequences that we have to formulate the public relations that we are all striving for. In this regard, I will consider the rightful work of the Compulsory Enforcement Service not only purely legal, but there are many important civilizational nuances here. Because, yes, sometimes it is very unpleasant when there are traffic jams or various fines. Because, yes, sometimes it is very unpleasant when one receives traffic or other fines. But our message from this must be that as a result of all this, as a result of this relationship, we must be able to adjust our daily life, our customs, our discipline in such a way that we find the right balance between the public and personal interests. In this respect, the Compulsory Enforcement Service is extremely important. It is very important that this point of view is realized by both the service and the public," Nikol Pashinyan said. According to the Prime Minister, due to objective and subjective circumstances, the image of the Compulsory Enforcement Service is obviously improving, because it is this perception that people are beginning to understand that this is a very important tool for protecting the legitimate interests of the state, law, individuals, organizations. "I must say that in many cases the negative attitude that exists and will still exist towards the Compulsory Enforcement Service, unfortunately, does not depend on the service itself, because it is already conditioned by to what extent the judicial acts made by the courts are credible for the public. Of course, the problems in our judicial system, the negatives that come from them, unfortunately, often fall on you. Here, too, it is very important that we do our best to make the judicial acts in the Republic of Armenia as credible as possible, so that the atmosphere around the Compulsory Enforcement Service becomes more and more positive, the Prime Minister said. Nikol Pashinyan noted that when assessing, planning the activities of state institutions, developing their strategies, one should not consider only the mechanical side of the issue, because they ensure the rule of law, have important civilizational significance, important significance in correctly balancing the individual-society, individual-law, individual-individual relations. "I hope that we will continue to follow this path, because I know that this perception becomes more and more present in our government every day. I must emphasize one more circumstance. We attach great importance to another dimension of the Compulsory Enforcement Service, because in the 2021 report on the activities of the Government, we emphasized that in the previous year, as a result of the activities of the service, the state budget received 600 million AMD. And we have set a goal to increase the revenues that are used to meet public needs. Having said all this, I want to thank all of you for the work and service, I want to thank you for the willingness to face the shortcomings, to be ready to correct those shortcomings, to wear the shoulder board with honor. I would like to express my conviction that as a result of the work carried out within the framework of this ideology, the reputation of that uniform, shoulder board, service will continue to rise, and finally we will come to the public conclusion that the Compulsory Enforcement Service acts not against, but for the sake of the citizen, right, law and justice," said the Prime Minister. The solemn swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Compulsory Enforcement Officers took place, after which the Prime Minister handed over medals and letters of gratitude to a group of employees of the Compulsory Enforcement Service on the occasion of their professional holiday. Considering Indias time-tested friendship with Russia, consultations on Ukraine between President Macron and Mr Modi are seen as crucial Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held extensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Indo-Pacific and terrorism, as they agreed on an ambitious agenda for the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership. Modi, who arrived here from Denmark on the final leg of his three-nation European tour, on Wednesday night held one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Macron, who was re-elected to the top post over a week back. Modi and Macron held discussions on the entire range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in defence, space, blue economy, civil nuclear and people-to-people ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release. "Delighted, as always, to meet my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. We talked at length about bilateral as well as global issues. India and France are proud developmental partners with our partnership spread across different sectors," Modi tweeted in English and French languages along with a photograph of him and Macron hugging each other. The two leaders also took stock of the regional and global security outlook and discussed ways to work together in making the India- France Strategic Partnership a force for global good. The Prime Minister's visit to France displayed the strong friendship and goodwill not only between the two countries but also between the two leaders, the release said. Tweeting a photograph of his meeting with Modi, Macron said, "Tonight, with @NarendraModi, we discussed the different ongoing international crises as well as our strategic partnership. We also talked about food security issues and the FARM initiative, in which India will play a key role." Prime Minister Modi invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest opportunity, the MEA release said. According to a joint press statement issued after the meeting, India and France -- in a post-pandemic world, facing global geopolitical challenges -- reaffirmed their commitment to prepare for the future together by further deepening their cooperation, expanding it in new domains to meet emerging challenges and broadening their international partnership. Besides bilateral cooperation, India and France will continue to develop new partnerships in various formats with like-minded countries in the region and within regional organisations, it said. "India and France have built one of the premier strategic partnerships for advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They share a vision of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation and a region free from coercion, tensions and conflicts," the statement noted, amidst China's aggressive moves in the strategically important region. The two leaders also expressed serious concern at the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. "They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to bring parties together to promote dialogue and diplomacy to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," the statement said. Both countries underlined the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue, it said. On Afghanistan, India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasising respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. "They called for an inclusive and representative government, and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities. They also reaffirmed the UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) and emphasised on zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world, and agreed to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council," the statement said. Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office said that the meeting between the two leaders will add momentum to the India-France friendship. Macron held a tete-a-tete with Modi before the delegation-level talks at the Elysee Palace - the official residence of the French President. "PM @narendramodi and French President @EmmanuelMacron had a warm and detailed conversation. Agreed on an ambitious agenda for the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership. Underlined that the India-France partnership is a force for peace, progress and prosperity," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. "A meeting between two friends. An opportunity to translate the renewed mandate of President @EmmanuelMacron into a renewed momentum for the India-France Strategic partnership," Bagchi had tweeted at the start of the meeting. Modi's visit comes amid the Ukraine crisis, which has united much of Europe against Russia. On Tuesday, Macron spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and urged Moscow to rise to the level of its responsibility as a permanent member of the US Security Council by ending this devastating aggression, an Elysee statement said. The Ukraine issue also figured prominently at the second India-Nordic summit attended by Prime Minister Modi and his counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday. Modi has said that India believes no country would emerge victorious in the Russia-Ukraine war as all will suffer losses and there will be a "more serious" impact on developing and poor countries. Soon after his arrival here, Modi had described France as one of India's strongest partners, with both countries cooperating in diverse areas. Diplomatic sources said Modi's meeting with Macron days after his election victory is highly symbolic. It sends a powerful signal that the two leaders want to make the Indo-French partnership a guiding principle of their foreign policy for the years to come, they said. It's also a demonstration of the level of personal chemistry between the two leaders, which gives impetus to our joint actions across all fields of cooperation, they said. Modi was among the first few world leaders to meet President Macron after his re-election last week. He had congratulated Macron after his re-election. His visit comes during the French presidency of the European Union. It also coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and France. This is Modi's fifth visit to France after August 2019, June 2017, November 2015 and April 2015. Macron visited India in March 2018. Both leaders also met on the sidelines of the G20 Rome Summit in October 2021, G20 Osaka Summit in June 2019 and G20 Buenos Aires Summit in December 2018. India and France, which are strategic partners since 1998, have a multifaceted partnership across the spectrum in defence, civil nuclear, economy, space and maritime security, clean energy and environment, counter-terrorism, people-to-people ties. India and France are founding members of the International Solar Alliance announced by Prime Minister Modi at UN Climate Change COP21 in November 2015. Both the countries enjoy a robust economic partnership with a bilateral trade of USD 7.86 billion (2020-21) and cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of USD 9.83 billion since April 2000. Over a thousand French businesses are present in India across sectors like defence, IT, consulting, engineering services and heavy industries. Over 150 Indian companies in France employ more than 7,000 people. A thriving Indian diaspora in France deepens the cultural connect between both countries. Modi, who arrived here from Copenhagen, held "productive talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday and also attended a business summit to discuss economic linkages. Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday attended the second India-Nordic summit that primarily focused on post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, renewable energy and the evolving global security scenario. On the sidelines of the summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Modi held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. Kishor said he will launch a Jan Surraj (Good Governance) campaign into which he will rope in eminent personalities of Bihar Patna: Ace poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday put paid to speculations of him floating a new political platform stating that he is set to embark on a 3000 km 'padyatra' that will start from Mahatma Gandhi's ashram in Bihar's Champaran on October 2. He said he will launch a 'Jan Surraj' (Good Governance) campaign in the next three to four months into which he will rope in eminent personalities of Bihar who want to bring about a positive change in the state. Prashant Kishore, popularly referred to as PK, said that there are no elections in Bihar in the near future and so he is not launching a political party for now. However, he did not comment on future plans on his own political platform. "It is being speculated that I will form a new political party, I will not make any such announcement today. My role in the coming days will be to meet the people who are connected to the social and political life of Bihar and who understand Bihar's problems and bring all of them together on one platform. We have identified and contacted nearly 17,500 people in the past four to five months," Kishor said. He added: "If we will decide in future that we need to make a political party then it won't be Prashant Kishor's party. It will be a people's party". "If a large number of people come together on one platform, and collectively decide on the need for a political party, then the announcement of that party would be made. Even if that party is formed, then it will not be Prashant Kishor's party, but every such person's party who wants to accompany in the formation of the political party. This work should be completed by August or September," the poll strategist said. "In the coming three to four months, I will meet most of these people personally and discuss the methods to implement the idea of Jan Suraaj (good governance). My experience says that nearly 90 per cent of people agree that there is a need for a collective new effort," he further added. Kishor, had recently turned down an offer to join the Congress stating that the grand old party was in need of leadership. On May 2 he had posted a cryptic tweet on his timeline in which he said, "My quest to be a meaningful participant in democracy and help shape pro-people policy led to a 10yr rollercoaster ride! As I turn the page, time to go to the Real Masters". Hitting out at Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Lalu Prasad Yadav led RJD for their respective tenures as chief ministers, Kishor said that it is an undeniable truth that "Bihar is the most backward and poorest state" of the country. "The amount of truth that is there in their claims of development of Bihar during their respective tenures, it is also a truth that even after the 30-year rule of Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar, Bihar is the most backward and the poorest state of the country. Bihar still stands at the lowermost step in most of the parameters of development. If Bihar has to come in the category of advanced states, we cannot reach there walking on the same path as in the past 10 to 15 years," he said. "Those who are connected to this land and understand the issues pertaining to this state and have the capability to solve the problems and who want to change Bihar, most of such people need to come together and make a new effort," Kishor added calling upon the people to join him in his campaign. Assuring the people of the state of his dedication, he struck down the question of "quitting in the middle". "I want to assure the people of Bihar that I am dedicating everything that I have for the betterment of the people. There is no question of quitting in the middle or backing down because of the troubles," Kishor said. Talking about the possibility of contesting the elections in alliance with any other political party, he said that he has no such plans yet. "I have no thoughts about contesting the election in Bihar with any political party. If contesting elections was my target, then it could be fought by forming a party a year before the polls. I don't need any such experiment with four years to go for the polls," he said. Asked about his Chief Ministerial ambitions in the future after the formation of his own party, Kishor said that he is not sure if he would hold any key positions like the president in the party. "If we form the party, I cannot say that I will be the face of the CM candidate or the chief of the party," Kishor said. Kishor has been key in victories in Bihar, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and the latest in West Bengal elections. In the armed forces, no one looks at your faith, caste or ethnicity Warriors of the Indian armed forces, past or present, tend to take its unique value system for granted. Little is it realised how ignorant and impervious the majority of the public is, which knows very little about all this. This value system is imbibed by one and all among those who wear the uniform. Different aspects contribute to the value system; there is basic discipline, unquestioning attitude towards orders and the willingness to defend the honour of the nation and the cap badge that warriors adorn on their embellishments. The spirit of pluralism that prevails at every level of the warrior community is one of the most valuable of these aspects. In the armed forces, no one looks at your faith, caste or ethnicity. Its immaterial whether you are a part of a mixed or a single class entity, or from which faith or region you hail. The only thing important is that you are serving the regiment you belong to and the nation. This is such an important quality of our armed forces that its a pity that a large segment of the Indian public is unaware of something that should make them all proud. The principle of unity in diversity, one of the most beautiful of Indias characteristics, is best epitomised by its warriors. For officers, there is a very simple saying the faith of the officer is the faith that his jawans follow. This is something quite alien to all those outside the forces. Many do not realise that I, as a Muslim, will follow every ritual of my troops, who are all Hindu. My troops have equal respect for my faith, and will go to great lengths to ensure that every sensitivity of mine is respected, just like I respect theirs. It is sometimes amazing how much the troops know about faiths other than their own, without any formal instruction. In a profession where life and death are based upon the trust and faith between the leader and the led, there is little scope for choice of spirituality. All along the Line of Control troops following different faiths ensure they maintain and respect the hundreds of Pir Babas related to the Sufi faith. As an unwritten rule, no warrior consumes non-vegetarian fare or liquor on Thursdays, which has been designated as Pir Baba day by no order or edict. It does not need a Sufi cleric to say the prayers if you happen to visit a Sufi shrine in the precincts of an Army post or even in a garrison. Every soldier is a cleric and the unit religious teacher (RT) will happily lead the prayers and distribute the prasad (its actually called prasad, and why shouldnt it?). I never tire of relating that my parents, in their time, and my wife and I in ours, inevitably led the pooja of my parental unit, comprising the most devout Hindus from Uttarakhand, men of the Garhwal Rifles. I made the pilgrimage to Badrinath many times, but also necessarily out of compulsion as the head of the regiment in senior ranks. That is because Badri Vishal, the personification of Lord Vishnu, happens to be our presiding deity. My men and I went into every operation with the name of Badri Vishal on our lips and, when necessary, screaming our war cry Bol Badri Vishal Ki Jai (victory to the followers of Lord Vishnu). Could I be less of a Muslim by being also a follower of Lord Vishnu? That is nothing unique because officers belonging to faiths other than Muslim who command Muslim sub-units in the Grenadiers, Rajputana Rifles or the Rajput Regiment always ensure they keep all rozas through the period of Ramzan, and even say their prayers with the troops five times a day. Young officers of all regiments visit their recruiting areas to learn of the culture of the region from where their men hail, thus imbibing details from every practical angle. None of this appears to be known to ordinary citizens in India because the armed forces remain isolated in their own unique culture and never wish to be affected by much of the negativity that is prevailing outside. Little wonder then that when the customary iftar function is held in Jammu and Kashmir and the Army plays host to some local people, there are objections posted all over by the owner of a right-wing extremist television channel. Ordinarily, the Army would ignore it as just another shenanigan. This time, its Jammu-based PRO, unlettered in the ways of the social media, decided to take down the photographs which he had rightly posted to showcase the Armys unique inclusive culture and respect for local customs. Taking down a social media post is akin to endorsing the viewpoint of those who had objected to its contents. That is where the controversy started. Many vouched for the Armys culture but equally many questioned the need for the Army to hold such events. Thankfully, we have an Army which does not wilt. In less than 48 hours, it posted a photograph of the Chinar Corps commander (an appointment which I once held very proudly) saying the traditional Id prayers at the JAK LI Regimental Centres Mandir-Masjid-Gurdwara (commonly called MMG) in the company of officers of different faiths. That is a unique institution where a Sikh granthi may lead the namaz or the prarthna, with total approval of all. The photograph went viral and helped expose the Armys truly inclusive culture. To the question why an iftar was organised for the locals, there is a simple answer. Its not for nothing that the Army follows the principles of Military Civic Action and pursues Operation Sadbhavna (goodwill) in all border areas affected by irregular threats. Let everyone understand that the centre of gravity of CI/CT campaigns is always the people of that geographic sub-region; anything and everything done to win their hearts and minds contributes to the Armys overall intent of neutralising enemy propaganda and keeping the people strongly on our side. Success in this does not come easy, but then success in anything the Army pursues does not come easy. It does, however, expect the people of the nation to support those efforts. Its own unique inclusive culture is a natural bond with local people. However, the people in the rest of the nation can surely understand this better and not work against the intent of what their Army is pursuing with such passion and heart. Unity never hurts a nation; that is what your Army is pursuing and truly showing the way. The dashboard monitoring system was started in 2019 when Vijay Rupani was the chief minister Politics apart, this new 'trend' shows that state governments are now willing to overlook partisan politics and seek expertise from wherever it is available. (Representational Image/ Pixabay) Kerala chief secretary V.P. Joys recent visit to Gandhinagar to study the dashboard system for e-governance in Gujarat is full of portent for good governance if picked up by other states. The dashboard monitoring system was started in 2019 when Vijay Rupani was the chief minister. Apparently, Mr Joy was impressed with it and said it was good for monitoring the delivery of services and collecting citizens feedback. It is evident that Mr Joys visit had the support of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of Kerala, even though Opposition parties in the state read politics in the visit. But clearly, the Pinarayi Vijayan government believes that adopting e-technology for good governance transcends partisan politics. Sources have informed DKB that the decision to study the Gujarat model was taken after a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Vijayan in the capital. After returning to Kerala, the chief minister directed Mr Joy to study the system. Interestingly, a similar experiment by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann when he sent a team of state IAS officers to the Delhi government for training has been criticised by Opposition parties and some sections of the public for being against the interests of the state. Mr Mann was accused of being remote-controlled by the AAP government led by Arvind Kejriwal. Yet, politics apart, this new trend shows that state governments are now willing to overlook partisan politics and seek expertise from wherever it is available. Shah Faesal blames it on idealism After resigning from the civil service in 2019, Kashmiri IAS officer Shah Faesal is back in babudom and now blames his misplaced idealism for his action. Sources have informed DKB that the Centre has accepted Mr Faesals application for withdrawing his resignation and reinstated him in service early last month. Mr Faesal was the first Kashmiri to top the civil services exam and served in the state in various capacities including in the education and power development departments. He had resigned in protest after the Centre repealed J&Ks special status. After a failed attempt at forming a political party, the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Movement, Mr Faesal had tried to go to the United States but was detained at Delhi airport and sent back to Srinagar and placed under detention, which was revoked four months later. For some time, he had been dropping hints of his return to bureaucracy. The home ministry and the department of personnel and training (DopT) accepted his plea and reinstated him. His new posting will be announced soon. Interestingly, another IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan, from Kerala, too, had resigned from service to protest against the abrogation of Article 370. He has become an activist. Not quite an interim woman The uncertainty has finally ended. Following the superannuation of J.B. Mohapatra, the Centre has appointed Sangeeta Singh as interim chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for three months or until the appointment of a regular chairperson. It is widely accepted that she will be regularised after some time. There had been intense speculation in Delhis babu corridors on whether the government would retain Mr Mohapatra or let him retire. In the end, it let him go. Sangeeta Singh was one of the two women members of CBDT eligible for Mr Mohapatras job, the other being Pragya Sahay Saksena, member, legislation and systems. Before her elevation, Ms Singh was member, audit and judicial. Even in the run-up to the appointment, many believed that Ms Singh had a slight edge over her rival for having held two additional charges. Moreover, she is in the good books of the powers that be. The new chairperson has also edged out two other senior CBDT members Anuja Sarangi and Nitin Gupta, on the way to the coveted post. by Sumon Corraya Three novices of the LHC Sisters professed their vows in St. Peter's Cathedral a few days ago. For the superior, the desire for consecrated life stems from daily relationships and detachment from the values of modernity and social networks. The return to the village of Sister Sumali Cecilia Tripura, welcomed with dances and flowers by the entire community. Barishal (AsiaNews) - The Church in Bangladesh is growing, also in terms of vocations, drawing ever greater strength from the tribal populations where the thirst for faith and the discovery of an encounter with Christ is driving more and more people to the consecrated life, especially among women. On April 29, three novices, belonging to the congregation of the Little Handmaids of the Church (LHC Sisters) and coming from families of new converts, pronounced their vows in St. Peter's Cathedral in Barishal, in the south-central part of the country. They are: Sr. Sumali Cecilia Tripura, of the diocese of Chattogram, coming from the indigenous community of Tripura; Sr. Gouri Murmua and Sr. Shaphaly Lucy Hasda, both indigenous Santal coming from the diocese of Rajshahi. Their superior Sister Mamata Palma says the vocation was born with the meeting and in the daily relationship that has developed over time, in visits to families and in the invitation to the girls to embrace the consecrated life. "At one time," she emphasizes to AsiaNews, "vocations came largely from Bengali families, now largely from tribal families. This year we have three new sisters and they all come from tribal families" many of whom have encountered the faith only in recent years, are newly converted, thanks to the work of evangelization promoted by local and foreign missionaries. This vocational path does not stop, but continues with renewed vigor since today there are "eight aspiring nuns and a novice" who are preparing to enter "our congregation, and then become nuns," emphasizes the religious. In these times marked by a decline in vocations in many nations, adds Sister Mamata, this is a "surprising" fact. She continues, the reason being "many of them, especially among the younger ones, want to return to the root [of faith and life] in these modern times characterized by social media. Some of them find peace in a simple life, tired of frequenting the web and social media themselves, of this modernity." We, explains the nun, enter "personally in contact with the young people, we present our experience and invite them to follow it. Many of them accept our proposal and enter the community, where "we sisters try to be an example. The Lhc Sisters are a local religious community of nuns, founded in 1956 by a group belonging to the Sisters of the Holy Cross. To date there are 33 sisters part of the congregation. On May 3, Sr. Sumali Cecilia Tripura, one of the novices who took her vows and the fifth of eight children, visited her family in the village of Pishai Chandrapara, in the parish of Bolipara, Bandarban district, where she was welcomed with dances and wreaths by the entire community. A celebration for the first vocation born in the village where 18 Catholic families now live. "My parents, who in the past worshipped thousands of deities," 23-year-old Sister Sumali tells AsiaNews, "were a source of inspiration in my choice to become a nun. It takes four hours to travel from the village to the parish of Bolipara. My mother's sister is also a nun. I have always loved the consecrated life." A woman religious, she continues, lead "a simple life and that's what I wanted for myself as well." A testimony that is worth a thousand words, an example that the youngest sister Anjoly Tripura also intends to follow, given that some time ago she entered as an aspiring novice among the Missionaries of Charity. In 2021, Internet was shut or slowed down at least 182 times around the world, mostly in Asia. While the longest shutdown was reported in Pakistan, most were in India, particularly in Kashmir, followed by Myanmar. Governments sought to silence the opposition, but the economic loss was huge. Milan (AsiaNews) Last year, the Asia-Pacific region saw 129 internet shutdowns in seven countries up from 114 in five countries in 2020. The disturbing data comes from a report released by a coalition of advocacy groups called KeepItOn. The research indicates that India is clearly the leading offender with 106 Internet shutdowns, 85 in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Myanmar comes in second place with 15 internet shutdowns, followed by Iran and Sudan with five, and a string of countries in Africa and the Middle East. Asia can also claim another unenviable record, that of the longest shutdowns. At the top of the list, we have 2,026 days (almost four years) in Pakistans Federal Administration Tribal Areas (FATA), followed by 593 days in Myanmars Rakhine State, and 551 days in Indias controlled Jammu and Kashmir (2019-2021) following its loss of autonomy. As the report admit, the data for India are incomplete because of the lack of government transparency. Local authorities have shut or slowed internet access, blocked communication platforms and otherwise interfered with online information sharing during periods of peak tensions in order to suppress dissent and maintain control. In India, the report looked into the gap between the reasons given by the government and the real causes of the shutdowns. In 60 cases, the Internet was switched off ostensibly on national security grounds when in fact political unrest was the actual cause. A couple of times the Internet was not available on national holidays, at another because officials were visiting. In at least four cases, the official reason was to prevent students from cheating on exams, while in all other cases, the aim was to stifle dissent and/or stop information sharing on social media (see infographic). Repression in Myanmar followed the military coup of 1 February 2021, which sparked the ongoing civil war. Between 15 February and 28 April 2021, the ruling military junta imposed several curfew-style nightly shutdowns. During such periods, the military increased its violence against civilians, using rubber bullets as well as live ammunition and tear gas against protesters. On 3 March, during a nationwide shutdown, at least 38 protesters were killed in what the UN envoy to Myanmar called the bloodiest day since the coup. In the former Burma, connections were deliberately halted to prevent international bodies from investigating war crimes committed by the military during shutdowns, soldiers torched homes and the air force carried out air strikes, displacing thousands of people. In order to arrive on time, rescue teams had to rely on human messengers to know when and where to intervene to treat the wounded. Because of this, groups like Witness Myanmar were unable to document human rights violations and gather evidence for future international legal procedures. The research not only highlights the repressive practices of many Asian governments, in particular India, traditionally seen as the largest democracy in the world, but underscores the huge economic damage shutdowns cause. In Kashmir, the shutdown lasted 18 months, before the pandemic struck, forcing many businesses to close. Some of the people left without work found jobs in the so-called gig economy as riders, while the small independent businesses that survived turned to social media, in particular Instagram, to stay afloat. Shutdowns bit hard on some; for example, Gatoes, an online food and grocery delivery service, lost US$ 1,000 a day when shutdowns were in place. in Kashmir, the local restaurant industry lost up to US$ 9,000 a day. In 2020, Internet shutdowns cost India US$ 2.8 billion. by Dario Salvi The auxiliary of Milan, Msgr. Paolo Martinelli, replaces Msgr. Hinder in southern Arabia, who resigned having reached the age of retirement. A breath of vision that "embraces all Christians" and a particular "concern" for Yemen. The "historical" value of the document on Brotherhood, keeping its "memory alive". A "different" migrant Church, but part of "one people". Milan (AsiaNews) - The first thought, upon learning of the appointment, "went to Yemen" because if the pastoral commitment "embraces all Christians and different realities", the situation of the Republic and its inhabitants, priests and nuns who "with courage" have remained is a source of particular concern. Mgr. Paolo Martinelli, newly appointed Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen), replacing Mgr. Paul Hinder, who resigned due to age limit, looks with admiration "at the nuns of Mother Teresa of Calcutta" who chose to "remain in the region, even though they knew the risks they ran. However - he tells AsiaNews - fidelity to a mission to be carried out with love, with pure charity, remaining close to disabled people who needed their help prevailed." The reference of the prelate, from May 2014 to today auxiliary of Milan, is to the tragedy that struck the religious in Aden on March 4, 2016, when their home for the elderly and needy was attacked by a jihadist group. In the assault four nuns (photo 2) and 12 other people were killed "for reasons of faith", in addition to the kidnapping of the Indian Salesian Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil then released after more than a year of imprisonment thanks to the mediation of Oman. "Their thought - underlines Msgr. Martinelli - has been recurrent and dominant, a spirit that gives me the strength to embrace this new mission. Since the day the appointment was made official [last May 1, ed] I always carry with me, in a pocket of my habit, an image of the religious." The new vicar was born in Milan on October 22, 1958, and 20 years later he entered the Capuchin Friars Minor of the Province of St. Charles in Lombardy. Ordained a priest in September 1985, he has taught theology in several pontifical universities. On May 24, 2014, he was appointed auxiliary of Milan, and on June 28 of the same year, he was consecrated in the city's cathedral, where he held numerous positions including episcopal vicar for consecrated life and Catholic schools, as well as delegate of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) for consecrated life and healthcare. In the coming months he will take possession of a Church in a particular reality, which embraces Yemen, the Emirates and Oman, for a total of about one million baptized people, equal to 2.3% of a population with a very large Muslim (Sunni) majority. In which Catholics are almost exclusively migrants from Asia (Philippines, India, Bangladesh) or Africa, distributed over a territory of over 900,000 km2. In which he will pick up the baton of Msgr. Hinder, among the architects of the historic joint signature of the pope (Francis) and the imam (of al-Azhar Al-Tayyeb) to the document on "Human Brotherhood". The text, notes Msgr. Martinelli, has a "historical" value and it is "the task of us who work in that land" that hosted the signature "to keep its memory alive." It is a "prophetic" act generated by the meeting "of two enlightened men", which cannot remain isolated and extemporary "but must keep us awake". The objective is to "continue to deepen the message" and bring out "all the implications of that gesture" on a cultural, social, interreligious and economic level. It is "an integral part of the plural character of this land" and is important "not only on a geopolitical level," but must be capable of "embracing different realities." The bishop welcomed the appointment "with great serenity and enthusiasm" and is ready to bring with him to the new mission the work done in the diocese of Milan where both Card. Scola before, and Archbishop Delpini today, "have promoted the value of the encounter between different cultures". The capital of Lombardy, he said, "is an extraordinary place" of experiences and people and now he will be called upon to "expand the knowledge gained so far". He also counted on the common affiliation to the Capuchins that characterizes his predecessors in the land of Arabia, from Msgr. Hinder to Msgr. Giovanni Bernardo Gremoli. "Out of about 70 priests in the vicariate," he observed, "at least 45 come from the order of Friars Minor. In these weeks of preparation, one of the priorities will be to deepen the knowledge of the territory, of a "composite and ethnically very diverse" reality, to which instill "the awareness of being one people, of being part of the Church, of a closeness to the mystery, of the ecclesial consciousness... the intercultural value of faith." "To the Christians of that land and to the faithful of Islam - he concludes - I want to send a message of greeting, especially to those - priests, nuns, lay people - who are active on the level of pastoral care." In his message for next Sundays World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the pontiff warns against the mentality that would separate priests and laity, considering the former as protagonists and the latter as executors. Citing a proverb from the Far East, he says that God calls on everyone to put their potential at the service of the common good noting that this is no utopian vision. Vatican City (AsiaNews) The Holy See Press Office published a message by Pope Francis titled Called to Build the Human Family to mark the 59th World Day of Prayer for Vocations next Sunday. In it the pontiff explains that, in the Church, vocations are not a personal thing, but a way to make Gods dream come true. He writes that At the time when the cold winds of war and oppression are blowing and when we frequently encounter signs of polarization, we as a Church have undertaken a synodal process: we sense the urgent need to journey together, cultivating the spirit of listening, participation and sharing. Together with all men and women of good will, we want to help build the human family, heal its wounds and guide it to a better future. To this end, We must beware of the mentality that would separate priests and laity, considering the former as protagonists and the latter as executors, and together carry forward the Christian mission as the one People of God, laity and pastors. The Church as a whole is an evangelizing community. The word vocation should not be limited to those who follow the Lord in a specific form of consecration. In fact, All of us are called to share in Christs mission to reunite a fragmented humanity and to reconcile it with God. As We are called to be guardians of one another, to strengthen the bonds of harmony and sharing, and to heal the wounds of creation lest its beauty be destroyed, our fate is to become a single family in the marvellous common home of creation, in the reconciled diversity of its elements. In this broad sense, not only individuals have a vocation, but [so do] peoples, communities and groups of various kinds as well. Each individual vocation is thus part of a broader process. According to a proverb from the Far East, Francis writes, a wise person, looking at the egg can see an eagle; looking at the seed he glimpses a great tree; looking at the sinner he glimpses a saint. That is how God looks at us: in each of us, he sees a certain potential, at times unbeknownst to ourselves, and throughout our lives he works tirelessly so that we can place this potential at the service of the common good. Thus, Everything becomes a vocational dialogue between ourselves and the Lord, but also between ourselves and others. A dialogue that, experienced in depth, makes us become ever more who we are. In the vocation to the ordained priesthood, to be instruments of Christs grace and mercy. In the vocation to the consecrated life, to be the praise of God and the prophecy of a new humanity. In the vocation to marriage, to be mutual gift and givers and teachers of life. Christians are therefore called to act together, not only individually. Each is lovely in itself, but only when they are put together do they form a picture. Therefore, it is not just about choosing this or that way of life, devoting ones life to a certain ministry or being attracted by the charism of a religious family, movement or ecclesial community. It is about making Gods dream come true, the great vision of fraternity that Jesus cherished when he prayed to the Father that they may all be one (Jn 17:21). In the Church and in society, each vocation contributes to a common objective: to celebrate among men and women that harmony of manifold gifts that can only be brought about by the Holy Spirit. Priests, consecrated men and women, lay faithful: let us journey and work together in bearing witness to the truth that one great human family united in love is no utopian vision, but the very purpose for which God created us. Lastly, Let us pray, brothers and sisters, that the People of God, amid the dramatic events of history, may increasingly respond to this call. Let us implore the light of the Holy Spirit, so that all of us may find our proper place and give the very best of ourselves in this great divine plan! Today's headlines: The ban on fertilizers and the Ukrainian war torpedo Sri Lanka tea exports; in Dandong hundreds of North Korean workers in China undergo mass testing for Covid-19; Manila, the Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo supports the Marcos-Duterte candidacy; over the skies of Moscow in flight "Putin's plane" ahead of the May 9 parade; in Kazakhstan a law on cyber-bullying threatens to limit freedom of expression. IRAQ At least 700 families have abandoned Sinjar, in northern Iraq, following clashes between the Iraqi army and militias of the Sinjar Resistance Unit, a militia affiliated with the Kurdish PKK movement (terrorist according to the US and Ankara). In the fighting died a soldier and dozens of Yazidi militiamen. Now the situation in the area, where tensions have been simmering for months, seems to be back under control. SRI LANKA Exports of tea, one of Sri Lanka's main resources, have reached their lowest level in 23 years. A collapse linked to the fertilizer ban and the war in Ukraine. In the past, the market was worth over 1.2 billion euros. Production has fallen by 18% on an annual basis. According to duty data, it will go from 69.8 million kg between January and March 2021 to 63.7 million in 2022. CHINA - NORTH KOREA About 800 North Korean workers in Dandong, northeast China, in hard lockdown for a week, spent the May Day holiday in factories undergoing tests for Covid-19. In the past few days about 20 of them had shown symptoms. There are almost 100 thousand migrants from across the border. Pyongyang has always declared the country Covid-free. PHILIPPINES The Iglesia ni Cristo, an influential Christian sect that has been active for 101 years and has three million followers, has declared its support for the candidacy of the tandem Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte. For its leaders, the choice has a "biblical basis" and must be respected by the members. A group made up of about a thousand bishops and Catholic priests does not name names, but asks people to vote according to principles and for a "moral choice". TURKEY The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the head of the Russian nuclear giant Rosatom met yesterday in Istanbul. Talks centered on the safety of the plants in Ukraine, in particular that of Zaporizhzhia NPP. Rafael Grossi and Alexei Likhachyov are verifying the procedures for sending a team of experts from the UN agency. RUSSIA Vladimir Putin's special Il-80 (Maxdome) aircraft was seen flying at low altitude over the skies of Moscow. Of Soviet construction, known as the "doomsday" plane or even the "flying Kremlin", inside the president can rule the country in case of atomic war from within. It is expected to be used in the May 9 parade. KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan's President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev signed the law to protect minors from cyberbullying. However, according to several observers it will tighten restrictions on freedom of expression, blocking all content from various sites and social networks deemed dangerous. by Mathias Hariyadi According to health authorities, the disease of unknown origin affecting children has been reported recently in the United States and Europe and is now in Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Singapore) as well as Japan and the Maldives. Jakarta (AsiaNews) A new strain of hepatitis of unknown origin is affecting children worldwide, and Asia is struggling with it. In Indonesia, local health authorities recently reported the death of three children in Jakarta due to the disease. All three were admitted to the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital after symptoms related to acute hepatitis appeared. As in the other cases reported in the United States and Europe, this strain differs from others commonly known. Given the situation, the Indonesian Ministry of Health issued a countrywide warning about the risks of this unknown disease which has affected children aged six months to 15 years. While we are still investigating the case, we strongly urge our fellow citizens to take precautions to avoid the possibility of contracting the virus, said Dr Siti Nadia Tarmizi, spokeswoman for the ministry. To this end, people should wash their hands, eat well-cooked food, and avoid physical contact with patients, she added. According to the latest data released by the World Health Organisation, some 228 cases were reported in 20 countries in recent weeks. In Asia, in addition to Indonesia, other cases have been reported in Japan, the Maldives, and Singapore. U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming and Jacob Soboroff, NBC News and MSNBC correspondent will be taking part in this year's Aspen Ideas Festival. Nebraska and West Virginia will hold their 2022 primary elections on May 10, and its important to know which candidates support racing when going to the polls or voting early. For information on voting in the primary (including absentee and early voting), registering to vote and identifying your lawmakers and the candidates running in 2022, visit SEMAs vote racing page. The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, enjoys strong support from Nebraska and West Virginia members of Congress. The bipartisan RPM Act guarantees the right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles and safeguards the industrys right to offer parts that enable racers to compete. For more information on the RPM Act, click here. Below is a list of federal lawmakers who have co-sponsored the RPM Act in the 20212022 session of Congress and are running for re-election in 2022. Nebraska Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) West Virginia Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) Rep. Alex Mooney (R-WV) Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) For more information, contact erics@sema.org. Source: SEMA WLTP New European Driving Cycle NEDC On public roads and in less-than-ideal weather conditions, the seven-seat family car posted a 10.86-second run to 60 miles per hour. Thats 97 kilometers per hour in the metric system, and looking at the bigger picture, thats nothing to write home about. Fill er up with kids and luggage, and the Jogger is going to struggle on every single overtake at highway speeds.The increase in speed you get when you floor this car in sixth gear is about as discernable as the hour hand on a clock, said Mat Watson of carwow. Trashing the small-displacement engine isnt particularly economical, but on the other hand, European automakers love three-cylinder turbos. Cheaper to manufacture than four-pot mills, this engine architecture usually emits fewer grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer in the so-calledSince September 2018, the European Union has required passenger cars to be approved under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure that replaced the very unrealistic. Although its a huge improvement over, WLTP still is a little bit optimistic compared to the Environmental Protection Agencys fuel economy testing procedure.Take, for instance, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback with the 5.0-liter V8 and six-speed manual transmission. Detuned to 450 ps (444 horsepower) in Europe, this lump drinks 11.8 liters per 100 kilometers (19.9 miles per gallon). Over in the United States, the Coyote cranks out 450 horsepower (456 ps) and averages 18 miles per gallon (13.1 liters per 100 kilometers).Only available with three-row seating in the United Kingdom, where Mat Watson and carwow are based, the Jogger is the most affordable seven-seat car on sale right now. Pricing starts at 15,345 for the Essential trim level, which is $18,950 at current exchange rates. The range-topping Extreme SE featured in this review starts at 17,745 pounds sterling or 21,905 dollars. Out of the German compact executive sedan triumvirate, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer has the oldest surviving member of the current generation roster. Unlike the G20 BMW 3 Series sedan (seventh generation), which has been in production since late 2018, or the fifth-generation W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is even newer, the B9 Audi has grown longer in the tooth.There is a six-year difference between the C-Class and A4, for example, as the formers latest iteration has been around since last year while the latter was unveiled in 2015 and went into production for the subsequent 2016 model year. Sure, it is not as old as Dodges Challenger , if you need an extreme, but we all know the muscle car competition is a bit different from the monster world of premium German sedans.Naturally, that also means Audi is well on its way with the testing procedures for the B10 generation, as our partner spy photographers most recently caught the 2024 A4 Avant station wagon flaunting its shrunken grille around. Still, even virtual automotive artists take things logically, so we first need to unofficially decipher the design for the traditional sedan body type.The virtual artist better known as SRK Designs on social media has decided to play with another premium member of the German triumvirate after dabbling with both the X7 LCI and taking the 2024 BMW 5 Series for a CGI spin with the new split-headlight design style. But the smaller 2023 A4 sedan eschews any sort of controversy.And instead, it adopts a subtle digital transformation akin to what Mercedes blandly did with the C-Class. So, is this evolutionary design shown during the authors latest behind-the-scenes making-of video (embedded below) more to your liking or do you prefer the M3-style craze? Set to debut a little over two weeks from today, on May 20, the 2023 BMW M4 CSL celebrates BMW Ms 50th anniversary. It is a lighter, more powerful, and quicker version of the M4 Coupe and M4 Competition Coupe that follows in the footsteps of its iconic predecessors, including the E92 M3 GTS and E46 M3 CSL.In terms of styling, it will easily stand out next to the regular versions of the new-gen M4, featuring headlights developed by the M Division, with a yellow-ish hue, similar to those of the bigger M4 CS. The taillights should be exclusive too, and so will the large kidney grille up front, with horizontal slats, chin spoiler attached to the bumper, likely made of carbon fiber, ducktail spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, new diffuser, and quad exhaust pipes.Wed expect several logos, otherwise limited to this model , to further bedeck the body. The wheels should be on the bespoke side too, and it will definitely launch with new color options, like the matte grey with black racing stripes seen in the teasers that have since been removed from the brands social media channels. The upgrades will continue in the cockpit, with new front seats, exclusive upholstery and trim, and maybe additional carbon fiber accents to further emphasize its sportier nature.Besides the visual upgrades, the 2023 M4 CSL is understood to feature a tweaked chassis with stiffer suspension. Uprated brakes will definitely be on deck, too, helping the car stop quicker. The German car firm has yet to release any details about the powertrain, but it is expected to get a more powerful version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six powering the M4 Competition Coupe.In the latter, the engine is good for 503 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, enabling a 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in 3.8 seconds when ordered with rear-wheel drive and 3.4 seconds in the all-wheel drive model. The M4 CSL , expected with around 540 hp, is rumored to launch with the xDrive rear-biased all-wheel drive system and an automatic gearbox. However, some believe that it might get the six-speed manual transmission as an option, though wed take it with the proverbial pinch of salt.Subsequent to its unveiling, the first units of the 2023 M4 CSL should start arriving at dealers in the coming months. In the United States, it might touch down this fall, and it will be more expensive than the M4 Competition xDrive Coupe, the current range-topper of the series, which carries an MSRP of $79,000. The M4 Competition Coupe starts at $74,900, and the M4 Coupe at $72,000. This 1967 example, however, looks to be a very solid candidate for a full restoration, yet it still fails to answer some important questions that could qualify it for such a job.Before everything, its important to know the car spent no more, no less than 29 years in a barn. This Pontiac GTO was parked for long-term storage in 1993, and eBay seller l88b39 says they lived close to the previous owner, who initially refused to sell the car.When the two finally agreed on the sale, it was more or less too late for this GTO, as it ended up struggling with the typical issues of a car spending decades in hiding.While it does look solid overall, it exhibits the usual rust issues, especially in the trunk. The floors also show spots of rust, while the headliner comes with a mouse hole close to the visor. The frame is still solid, the seller explains.As for the part that so many people are interested in, in charge of putting the wheels in motion both then and now is a 1967 400 that hasnt been started in years. Its current condition is currently unknown, but youd rather not expect it to run anyway.This GTO is unlikely to sell for cheap, and while the auction starts at $1,000, the seller has also enabled a reserve. However, the Buy It Now price is $15,000, and most likely, the reserve isnt very far either. We cant tell if the car continued to be entirely original and if any big parts are missing or not.Anyone who wants to see the car in person needs to head over to Baldwinsville, New York, where the GTO is currently parked. Of course, taking care of towing is also required, given the engine isnt likely to be running. That's exactly what happened to YouTube's "Fully Loaded Kustoms," who went ahead and caught everything on camera for us to see. What are all these old cars doing here, you ask? Well, that's a question we cannot answer. They've been sitting here for decades and by the looks of things, whoever brought them here won't return to retrieve them anytime soon.We also don't know the exact location of this place, but apparently, it's somewhere in Alberta, Canada. Which explains why the hoard includes no fewer than three Pontiac Parisiennes.If you're not familiar with the nameplate, it was introduced as a sub-series of the Laurentian in 1958 and became a separate model in 1959. A Canada-only nameplate, the Parisienne looked like a U.S. Pontiac, but it was built on a Chevrolet chassis.The Parisienne soldiered on until 1987 when it was replaced by the Bonneville. Pontiac eventually offered the nameplate in the United States from 1983 to 1986.All three cars discovered here are Canada-only vehicles. There's a second-gen Parisienne from the early 1960s, a third-gen version from the late 1960s, and a final-year, third-gen car from 1970. You'll recognize the latter by its vertical, beak-style grille and horizontal quad headlamps.Are these Ponchos rare? Well, not exactly, but we could describe them as "exotic" since they weren't sold in the U.S.But that's not all. This forest is also home to four Ford Mavericks . Again, not the most desirable nameplate, but a short-lived one since Ford only offered it from 1970 to 1977. And yes, the Maverick was also built in Canada, where it was assembled at two different factories in the Ontario area. Sadly, they're not in great condition and one was left sitting on its roof.If you're more into trucks, you'll see quite a few of them. The turquoise 1958 Chevrolet Apache is probably the coolest, but the hoard also includes an early first-generation C10, as well as a third-gen truck with a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) V8 under the hood. Such a shame it's in bad shape because these 350-equipped haulers were plenty potent at 250 horsepower.There's also a GMC version of the third-gen C/K and a completely wrecked Apache from the late 1950s. And if you're surprised that there are no Impalas here (I swear they're everywhere nowadays), there's a 1958 Biscayne to fill that spot. As a one-year wonder, this one's pretty rare. But far from desirable compared to the Impala from the same model year.Granted, none of these vehicles are worth saving and they'll probably rust away until they're (almost) completely gone in this place, but it's still a cool find. Check it out in the video below. At the beginning of the year, Jaguar Land Rover debuted a new ad for the Defender , called Above and Beyond Land, which came with the tagline wherever you find yourself. You can see it in full at the bottom of the page, but never before in this particular form on UK television because the ASA has banned it ASA is the body that analyzes viewer complaints and decides whether ads are misleading or otherwise in breach of the UK Code of Broadcasting Advertising, also known as the BCAP Code. This ad was found in violation of the Code for misleading advertising and motoring, British tabloid The Sun reports. It all boiled down to imagery of a Defender parking near the cliff edge, next to two others.The ad shows three Defenders arriving by ship and heading straight for adventure. They drive off the ship directly into the water, scale the rocky side of the dock, run through the desert, go off-road, wash under waterfalls, and finally come to rest in a cliffside parking spot. As the camera zooms in on a Defender in the process of parking, the use of the parking sensor is highlighted, with the implication that its the only thing that keeps the vehicle from toppling into the void.Despite the use of obviously fictionalized elements like the traffic light in the middle of nowhere or a traffic cop standing between dunes, it was this bit in the ad that got viewers upset enough to complain to the ASA. It was only two of them, but ASA is forced to analyze all complaints , regardless of number, and apparently, they were in the right: a parking sensor alerts to obstacles, not empty space, as it was shown in the video.ASAs conclusion was that the ad was misleading and, because of the wherever you find yourself tagline, customers could take it that they could rely on parking sensors to back into a space that would pose a serious danger, even if it wasnt a massive drop like in the video. This could be a smaller hill edge or a drop before water found in on-road areas, both in urban and more rural settings, ASA said.In response, JLR said that the sensor beeped in the ad because it had detected the boulders on the ground, but the argument failed to convince ASA. The ruling is upheld, and the ad wont ever air in the UK under this form.We are very disappointed with the ASA decision to uphold this complaint in the UK as the vehicle, technology and the scene represented is factual, JLR says, but we will of course abide by their ruling which was based on only two complaints. And of course, considering its price tag (the Galaxy S22 Ultra gets close to $1,500) and its flagship label, customers would expect nothing but a flawless experience on absolutely all fronts.Unfortunately, this doesnt seem to be the case as far as Android Auto is concerned, as the Galaxy S22 has been struggling with a mysterious black screen ever since its launch in February.Both Google and Samsung have more or less remained tight-lipped on the whole thing so far, even though the number of complaints from customers across the world has skyrocketed in the last few months. Most users explain that connecting the Galaxy S22 to their head units fails to launch Android Auto , and instead only produces a black screen that shows nothing.In an announcement recently, Samsung has finally acknowledged the glitch, explaining that it only happens on some Pioneer head units. At first glance, this looks to be a compatibility problem, and Samsung says Google is also aware of it.Furthermore, Google and Samsung are currently working on a fix, and the South Korean phone maker says an update is supposed to be released at a later time.Based on the advice from our research and development team, we have raised this issue with Google and are currently investigating the issue together with Google. We would expect an application update/software update to be released in the future to resolve this issue, a response on the Samsung forums reads Unfortunately, nobody knows precisely when this highly anticipated fix could go live, but Samsung recommends customers make sure they install the latest Android Auto and operating system updates to get the patch as soon as its live. The force is strong in this plane. Roc has successfully landed back at Mojave Air and Space Port and our team is already busy analyzing the data gathered today. #Maythe4thBeWithYou #LetsRoc pic.twitter.com/XK7jz6SEET Stratolaunch (@Stratolaunch) May 4, 2022 The aircraft , which has a wingspan of 385 feet (117 meters), soared to the skies once again. This mammoth plane climbed to an altitude of 22,500 feet (6,858 meters) and stayed in the air for almost five hours.This successful test flight is getting Roc one step closer to launching Stratolaunch's rocket-powered Talon-A, which are reusable vehicles designed by the company for "hypersonic research, experiments, and operational missions ." Once operational, the vehicles will be able to carry various payloads and fly at speeds higher than Mach 5.The recent test flight saw Roc take off with a new pylon fitted on its center wing. The hardware, which will be used to carry and release the hypersonic vehicles, weighs around 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) and consists of a mini-wing and adapter.The pylon takes up 14 feet (4,2 meters) of the aircraft's center wingspan. But Roc is massive, so there's enough room between fuselages to safely deploy the hypersonic testbeds. Apart from carrying and releasing them, the hardware includes a system that will lift the vehicles onto the platform from the ground."The pylon is a crucial component of our combined launch system, and I am proud of the team's timely and quality integration work that occurred since our last test flight. It is through their dedication that we continue to make steady progress toward achieving our next milestones of Talon-A flight tests later this year,"?said Dr. Zachary Krevor, Stratolaunch President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement.During the flight, the team not only assessed the newly-installed pylon but also verified the aircraft's overall performance and its landing gear.Stratolaunch has made significant progress with two Talon-A test vehicles, called TA-0 and TA-1, and began to work on TA-2 as well, which is set to be the first fully reusable hypersonic test vehicle. The company expects Talon-A vehicles to be fully operational next year. In what could be described as a proverbial and most spectacular fall from grace, the worlds richest men are rushing to hide their assets from international authorities, as their names are added to sanctions list. Alisher Usmanov, described by the media as President Putins favorite oligarch, is one of them. He was also among the first billionaires to be included on sanctions list after the start of the war in Ukraine.In mid-April, Usmanov lost his most prized toy, when Dilbar, the largest superyacht in the world, was arrested in Germany , at the shipyard where it was undergoing refitting. Authorities also seized armored cars and private jets from Usmanov, but thats not to say that he still doesnt have stuff he wants away for safe-keeping One such asset is another impressive megayacht, Alaiya (formerly TIS and Lady Gulya). Alaiya may be smaller and less expensive than Dilbar, but its a record-breaking, gorgeous and opulent vessel nonetheless. Priced at $300 million, it is a 2019 build from Lurssen, with styling by Winch Design, and the most recent refit in 2020.The 365-foot (111.5-meter) Alaiya has been missing for several days now. Its last known location was near the Maldives, heading towards Male, and then off the coast of South Africa, sailing at less than 4.5 knots (5.2 mph / 8.3 kph). Various tracking websites using AIS data show that it is currently out of range, which means tracking for it has been switched off. This allows the vessel to travel unseen (and illegally) in what is a newly-emerging trend for Russian oligarchs to disappear their floating palaces And Alaiya is definitely a floating palace, with accommodation for 18 guests and 28 crew. Decked in marble and real 24-karat gold finishes, it boasts fancy amenities like private cinema, spa and beauty salon, tea room, elevator, a fully-equipped gym, and formal dining areas. It is powered by twin diesel MTU 4,963 hp engines that can take it as fast as 18 knots (20.7 mph / 33.3 kph). A 2021 model, it is going to need much more than thoughts and prayers in order to return to its original condition. According to iaai , which has it for grabs, the repair cost is estimated at almost $60,000, and the vehicle is valued at more than $100,000.Anyone who has that much cash to blow on a super truck probably isnt interested in this crashed Ram 1500 TRX , as they could get a brand new one from $77,880, before destination. Pre-bidding is currently open, and it will go under the gavel next Monday, May 9, at 12:00 p.m. CDT (1:00 p.m. EST / 7:00 p.m. CET). At the time of writing, someone had bid $4,400 on it and assuming that it will go for a four-digit sum, then it might be worth saving.In terms of damages, the winning bidder is looking at a new front end, complete with the grille, bumper, headlights, and hood. The chassis likely needs some work too, as the impact with the undisclosed object (likely a tree or a pole) was so severe that it has also affected the engine, which is listed as a secondary damage in the ad.It is likely that with a lot of work, and new internals and peripherals, the power unit can be saved, but thats just pure speculation. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 found under the hood of the 1500 TRX has 702 hp and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque bouncing off its walls. At 4.5 seconds, which is truly incredible for a truck, the 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) acceleration is something to write home about, but the top speed isnt, yet it is not disappointing either, as the automaker says that it will max out at 118 mph (190 kph). Eugene Shvidler stands out among the sanctioned oligarchs due to having American citizenship. He felt so much at home in the U.S. that only a few years ago, he was making headlines for his inconsiderate gesture of parking his mammoth superyacht in front of the Statue of Liberty. People in the area were saying, at the time, that although its not illegal, its rude because it blocks the view.Now, the whereabouts of that very same pleasure craft is unknown, with Puerto Rico being its last registered location. Shivdlers Le Grand Bleu was born for greatness. More than two decades old, its almost iconic in the industry. Its one of the early creations of Stefano Pastrovich, who would become one of the most acclaimed architects in the world. He recalls having completed the sketch in just five days, with the main indication being that it had to look like a Mercedes.The 370-foot (113 meters) vessel is not only one of the longest superyachts in the world, even to this day, but was one of the fastest custom projects in history, completed in just 14 months at the Vulkan shipyard in Bremen, Germany. Remember that this was the year 2000, and Le Grand Bleu was one of the few to have not one but two helipads, two mega-tenders, an owners bed with a sliding ceiling over it, and a glass-bottomed observation lounge.Initially built for an American millionaire, Le Grand Bleu was sold to Abramovich, who then apparently gifted it to his friend and business partner, Shvidler. Like many other oligarchs, the two made a fortune during the privatization process of the 1990s in the oil industry. But this successful partnership would get Shivdler sanctioned by the UK. In March, his two private jets were seized while the iconic Le Grand Bleu is still in hiding. Folks, recent news about a Swiss company looking to revolutionize the yachting industry has popped up. The name alone, AirYacht , should be more than enough to tell you all you really need to know about what we'll be talking about here today. Yes, it's a superyacht and one that can take to the skies at a whim's notice.AirYacht is a crew started up by two engineers out of a passion for flying. Coupled with some business and technical experience, the two decided to create the machine before us today. And while all we have are renders, orders for this behemoth are open, and delivery of the first AirYacht vessel is planned for 2026.To fully understand what's going on here, we need to break down the design a little bit. Overall, AirYacht is a two-part machine , and each part can function solely on its own. Part of the design is the actual blimp or "rigid airship," which will be filled with helium and requires no "ground structures" to land. This simply means that no terrain is off limits unless there's some sort of no-fly zone.As traditional as this airship may appear, you have to consider that there will eventually be a superyacht attached to its belly. This implies an array of intricate systems so that swooping down, securing a superyacht to you, and then flying off again can be achieved; a tricky venture nonetheless. But, AirYacht seems to be sure that they have what it takes to deliver.Part two of this tale is built upon a structure often seen on autoevolution, the superyacht, or as AirYacht refers to it, the "residence." Why use this word to describe a superyacht? Simply because that's what yachts are for many millionaires and billionaires; the most luxurious summer homes. With that, future owners will have access to 750 square meters (8,073 square feet) of inside living space and 350 square meters (3,767 square feet) of terrace. AirYacht states that it's "the equivalent to a 60-meter yacht," but it isn't clear if that's how long the vessel really is.While the images in the gallery don't reveal much of the interior design of this concept, you can bet your bottom dollar that if some millionaire invests in this project, it's all going to be custom and peak luxury. After all, it seems like the sort of idea that, if executed, it better be the absolute peak of what mankind has to offer in terms of style and luxury . Still, we can see that the ship features spaces like a beach club, helicopter pad, and multiple levels for areas and activities.But there's more to this story than meets the eye. Judging by the renderings AirYacht reveals, it would appear that this ship is suitable for more than just cruising the world's oceans; it can be set up on dry land too. It would appear that the hull features a support system that allows the ship to remain upright while on the ground; that's limitless exploration For a moment, just imagine what it may be like to be sitting around on a yacht, floating through the Caribbean, and by this same time tomorrow, you can be living on some private island, hidden among trees, out of that very yacht. Next week, the itinerary shows the southern tip of Chile and a flight over the Andes mountains on the way. Maybe you travel down to Antarctica, I don't know. All I know is that the AirYacht will be an industry milestone if and when it's pulled off. At one point in time, the stunning 1941 Indian Chief pictured above this paragraph was little more than a pile of rust, though thats far from being the case nowadays. Having been purchased by the current owner as a non-running project back in 2005, this vintage pearl got resurrected through an elaborate overhaul covering the powertrain, aesthetics and everything in between.Before the restoration ensued, the bikes original front fender was corroded beyond repair, as were its oil and fuel tanks. Thus, its been deemed necessary to have them replaced with fresher alternatives, and the entire bodywork was subsequently cloaked in a two-tone color scheme and black pinstripes. On the other hand, the frame and 16-inch wheels were powder-coated to complement the new paintwork.The Chief s suspension is comprised of leaf-spring forks up front and plunger shocks down south, all of which have been serviced during the refurbishment. At twelve oclock, we notice a chromed headlight bucket replacing the OEM component, and the cockpit area features a custom handlebar built by the owner. For the more intricate mechanical upgrades, the old-school beauty was handed over to Indian Motorworks of Bayfield, Colorado.First things first, its numbers-matching 74ci V-twin mill was bored out to accept a pair of oversized pistons, while the stock valves, cylinder heads and main bearings have all been swapped with modern hardware. One may also find a youthful generator, new engine cases and an aftermarket flywheel, among a myriad of other premium items.Even though the exhaust may appear to be the factory part, it is, in fact, an accurately-constructed replica with ceramic-coated pipes. This majestic 41 MY Chief is currently listed on the BaT (Bring a Trailer) platform , where you may check it out within the next two days. The auctioning deadline is set for May 7, and the highest of the ten bids submitted so far is placed at $12,000. Still, it happened. An Airbus A330 from the Virgin Atlantic fleet , flight VS3, scheduled to take off from Heathrow in London for JFK airport in New York, had to divert back to Heathrow some 40 minutes into the flight. The reason was that the first officer / co-pilot had just informed the pilot that he had not completed training by taking the final test flight, Sky News reports.This sounds way worse than it was, which is why its ok to laugh at the incident.The co-pilot was fully licensed and certified to fly, but had not yet completed standard training required by the airline. He had joined the company in 2017.On the other hand, the pilot didnt have trainer status and, even though he has thousands of hours in the air and 17 years with Virgin, the duo could not legally operate the aircraft together. As spokespersons for Virgin and the Civil Aviation Authority tell the media outlet, the co-pilot was in breach of internal training protocols only, not of international and national regulation.Still, the plane was summoned back and held on the runway until a replacement for the co-pilot was found. It then carried through the flight as originally intended and arrived in NYC with a delay of more than two and a half hours.In a statement to the press, Virgin Atlantic blamed the snafu on a rostering error that paired the trainee with a pilot who did not have trainer status, saying that the decision to divert the flight was made in order to be in full compliance with company policies. The airline also apologized to the passengers on board VS3 for the delay and the trouble. SUV A declared fan of the Americana, Wiz Khalifa also let himself be drawn to the magic and luxury of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan . The majority of Khalifas garage is a nod to American brands, but, now and then, he opts for a foreign modern if he likes it enough.And theres nothing not to like about the Cullinan. With imposing looks, the luxurymarks Rolls-Royce's first high-rider. The British marque introduced it in 2018 and it instantly became a hit among the rich and famous. With a starting price of over $350,000, the Cullinan is not just luxurious and comfortable, but also powerful and fast.Rolls-Royce fitted the Cullinan with its powerful 6.75-liter V12 engine. Mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the power unit sends 563 horsepower (570 ps) at 5,000 revs and a maximum torque of 627 lb-ft (850) to both axles.The SUV can reach 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed limited to 155 mph (250 kph). However, the SUV is usually meant to be enjoyed from the back seat. And it looks like this is exactly what the rapper is using it for comfort and luxury. Hes always been seen in the back seat of the vehicle, enjoying all its features.But when it comes to driving, he usually goes for a Chevrolet Corvette C4 Convertible , at least just recently. The classic is his go-to vehicle on his way to the gym, for a casual drive, or simply to pose on social media.Besides the two, Khalifa owns a wide range of muscle cars, including several Chevrolet Impalas, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS, and a couple of Dodges from the SRT series. But the Cullinan and Corvette are his latest favorite rides and who could argue with that? This is one of those strange situations where you have to see it to believe it. Luckily, we do have proof of that, courtesy of the Portland Maine Police Department. The official Facebook account for the police department shared on Saturday, April 30, footage of a Toyota stranded on the police stations stairs.So, what happened there? According to the information provided by Portland, Maine PD, a 26-year-old female driver drove through the Police Departments garage and ended up stranded after trying to drive down the stairs to Middle Street.The same post explains the woman blamed the GPS and shared she was following GPS instructions. But the officers had a different opinion. After testing her, they found out that the GPS wasnt actually the issue, but the excessive blood alcohol level.Tale as old as time, drinking and driving dont mix together. And a lot of people in the Facebook comment section were wondering just how much she had to drink to end up right on the police stations stairs. Others gave more reasonable explanations that her GPS mustve been set on walking mode, which offers other alternatives than regular GPS. But common courtesy wouldn't have let you drive down a flight of stairs without some alcohol.Nevertheless, she was naturally hit with an OUI, which stands for operating under the influence, commonly known as a DUI or driving under the influence.The police continued that no one was hurt in the incident and that she was fortunate she didnt strike anyone. There was some property damage involved, but it couldve been worse. They ended the short caption by advising everyone not to drink and drive. Iranian lawmaker reiterates importance of U.S. guarantee in nuclear talks Xinhua) 09:13, May 05, 2022 TEHRAN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- An Iranian lawmaker reiterated on Wednesday the importance of seeking a reliable guarantee from the United States in the talks to salvage the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Zohreh Elahian, a member of the Iranian parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, told the semi-official Mehr news agency that Iran must get a "reliable guarantee" from the U.S. to prevent Washington from scrapping the agreement again and reimposing sanctions on Tehran. "There is currently no reliable guarantee," Elahian said, adding that the guarantee should ensure "if the other side reinstates the sanctions or imposes new sanctions on our country, and the sanctions on Iran are intensified, we will also suspend our commitments and start enrichment and take other steps to revive the nuclear industry." In 2015, Iran signed the JCPOA with world powers including the United States. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran, including freezing some of Iran's assets abroad, prompting the latter to drop some of its nuclear commitments. Since April 2021, several rounds of talks have been held in the Austrian capital between Iran and the remaining JCPOA parties, namely Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany, to revive the deal. The latest round of talks continued until mid-March when the parties involved announced a pause. Iran demands guarantees from the U.S. over the verifiable and permanent lift of all sanctions, and the removal of terror designation on Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Washington has said that if Tehran accepts some "extra-JCPOA" concessions on its regional influence, the U.S. would consider delisting the IRGC from "terrorist organizations", which Iran rejected. "The only way I could see it (IRGC designation) being lifted is if Iran takes steps necessary to justify the lifting of that designation," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week. In a fresh diplomatic attempt to save the 2015 nuclear deal, the European Union (EU) coordinator for the Iran nuclear talks Enrique Mora may visit Tehran. Mora has asked Iran for renewed talks with the EU to open a pathway through the impasse and is still waiting for Iran's reply, according to media reports on Sunday. Mora visited Tehran in late March when he held talks with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian over the thorny remaining political issues, although no progress was reported. On Tuesday, Amir-Abdollahian confirmed that negotiations over reviving the 2015 nuclear deal are underway through the exchanges of written messages. Making the remarks in an interview with Yemen's Arabic-language Al-Masirah television network, the Iranian minister said the talks in Vienna have not stopped. They are going on in a process to lift the unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran, through the exchange of written messages with the Americans via the European Union's representative, he noted. The top Iranian diplomat said his country seeks to reach a "strong" and "lasting" agreement through the talks, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Along with the work of Gary Knerr, the Bakersfield Art Association's Art Center will host another show featuring the work of local high school You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @idesai98 on Twitter. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Colombia extradited the alleged head of the feared Gulf Clan, who had been the country's most wanted drug lord before his capture, to the United States Wednesday where he faces indictments in three federal courts. Colombian President Ivan Duque said Dairo Antonio Usuga David is "comparable only to Pablo Escobar, referring to the late former head of the Medellin drug cartel. He is not only the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world, but he is murderer of social leaders, abuser of boys, girls and adolescents, a murderer of policemen, Duque said accompanied by Colombia's military leaders whom he congratulated for guarding Usuga David and capturing him in October 2021. The former rural warlord, better known by his alias Otoniel, had stayed on the run for more than a decade by corrupting state officials and aligning himself with combatants on the left and right. He was transferred Wednesday in handcuffs and wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest from a prison in Bogota to a heavily guarded military transport air field. Hes long been a fixture on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations most-wanted list. He was first indicted in 2009, in Manhattan federal court, on narcotics charges and for allegedly providing assistance to a far-right paramilitary group designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Later indictments in Brooklyn and Miami federal courts accused him of importing into the U.S. at least 73 metric tons of cocaine between 2003 and 2014 through countries including Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Honduras. Usuga Davids also cycled through the ranks of several guerrilla groups, most recently claiming to lead the Gaitanist Self Defense Forces of Colombia, after a mid-20th century Colombian leftist firebrand. The Colombian government began the capos extradition after the State Council lifted a provisional suspension of an order by Duque endorsing the move. The high court dismissed a petition from a group of Usuga David's victims who argued that his extradition would violate their rights to justice and reparation. They wanted him to first face the more than 128 proceedings against him in Colombia. . Duque said that from the United States, Usuga would continue collaborating with the Colombian authorities in the investigations against him and once he completes his sentences for drug trafficking, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes he committed. The Gulf Clan's army of assassins terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and onto the U.S. As he defied authorities for years, his legend as a bandit grew alongside the horror stories told by Colombian authorities of the many underage women he and his cohorts allegedly abused sexually. WASHINGTON (AP) The release of Trevor Reed from a Russian prison last week was cause for unadulterated celebration for his family. For Elizabeth Whelan, the experience was far more bittersweet. When Whelan learned in an early-morning phone call from U.S. government officials that Reed was on his way home but that her brother, Paul, also imprisoned in Russia, was not, she says she uttered words that cannot be repeated," threw her phone onto the sofa in exasperation and knew she'd have to call her parents in their 80s to break the difficult news. This is not something a normal family, just an everyday family, has to ever deal with. It is horrific," said Whelan, whose brother is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage-related charges that his family says are bogus. The U.S. government also considers Whelan's detention unjust and officials have called on Russia to release him. Once we finally calmed down later in the morning, Elizabeth Whelan said, the family recognized that "we need to get in touch with the (Reeds) and let them know we're not upset about Trevor coming home. We're upset about Paul not coming home." Reeds release in a surprise prisoner swap triggered similar mixed emotions for the families of Americans wrongfully detained overseas. It has also emboldened them: They hope to build off that rare burst of momentum and employ the same publicity tactics that worked for the Reeds. I do think that the fact that they couldnt get them both out at the same time has re-energized that effort, and I hope it brings back the attention to all of these cases, Whelan said. On Wednesday, relatives of American captives in countries including Venezuela, Iran and Rwanda gathered outside the White House to plead for the Biden administration's attention and to launch a new initiative to get their loved ones home. Several also urged the administration to consider additional prisoner swaps like the one that brought home Reed, who was exchanged for a convicted Russian drug trafficker. Everett Rutherford, whose nephew, Matthew Heath, is jailed in Venezuela, said the Biden administration needs to display courage and moral fiber." He said no one in Congress will ever bash" President Joe Biden over a deal that gets a wrongfully jailed American home. And we need action from the man who occupies the house behind me, Rutherford said, referring to Biden. Heath, a former U.S. Marine corporal, was arrested in 2020 at a roadblock in Venezuela and accused by President Nicolas Maduro of being a terrorist and spying for Donald Trump. His family and supporters maintain that he is innocent. Responding to the families' concerns, State Department spokesman Ned Price said Wednesday that the administration is doing everything it can almost all of it unseen, almost all voted unsaid in public to bring home American hostages and detainees. Reed's release came one month after his parents traveled to Washington and stood outside the White House in hopes of getting a meeting with Biden, whose attention they had earlier tried to attract during a presidential visit to Texas. The Reeds got the meeting they sought, giving other families incentive to try to get in front of the administration too. You have to go the president the one who's going to have to make the tough decisions to solve these particular cases, Elizabeth Whelan said. Either that, or there needs to be a better approach to wrongful detention so that were not constantly knocking on his door. The last week has yielded an unusual flurry of activity. Besides Reeds release, Biden met at the White House on Monday with the parents of Austin Tice, an American journalist abducted in Syria in August 2012. Their meeting came after Tices mother, Debra, attended the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on Saturday night. The following day, the State Department announced that it had reclassified Brittney Griner, a WNBA star imprisoned in Russia on a drug-related charge, as wrongfully detained. The designation assigns her case to the office of the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, which negotiates for the release of hostages and wrongful detainees. Price, the State Department spokesman, declined to offer specifics about the reclassification, but said that factors for designating someone as wrongfully detained include an indication of innocence; if the detention is based on someone being a U.S. national; and if the detainee's due process has been sufficiently denied or impaired. In March, the U.S. secured the release of an American oil executive in Venezuela, Gustavo Cardenas, as well as another American jailed there. But five other of Cardenas's colleagues, known collectively as the Citgo 6 for the Houston oil company where they all worked, were left behind. Alexandra Forseth, whose father and uncle remain jailed in Venezuela as part of the Citgo 6, said there's always a roller coaster of emotions from joy that a prisoner is being released to terror over how much political capital the U.S. government may have expended to make a deal happen, and whether enough will remain for additional deals. If you think of it as a pressure system pressure builds and they take action, because their policy right now is very reactive, Forseth said. They just let off some off some pressure by reuniting Trevor," she added. So our question, is, OK, now we're kind of starting again: How much pressure do we need to build before they take another action, and how many more times do we have to do that before all the families are free?" ____ Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Nearly 40 law enforcement officials, tribal leaders, social workers and survivors of violence have been named to a federal commission tasked with helping improve how the government addresses a decades-long crisis of missing and murdered Native Americans and Alaska Natives, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced Thursday. The committee's creation means that for the first time, the voices guiding the Interior and Justice departments in the effort will include people most affected by the epidemic, said Haaland, the first Native American to lead a cabinet department. She said the panel includes members with diverse experiences and backgrounds, representing communities from Alaska and Washington to Arizona, Oklahoma and Michigan. It will craft recommendations on how the government can better tackle a disproportionately high number of unsolved cases in which Native Americans and Alaska Natives have disappeared or been killed. It will take a focused effort and time to unravel the many threads that contribute to the alarming rates of these cases, Haaland said during a virtual event. Some members of Congress have expressed concern that work to address the crisis as required under the law isnt on track. In the case of appointing members to the commission, federal officials are more than a year behind schedule. The Not Invisible Act, signed into law in October 2020, required that the commission be named by February 2021 and that findings be made public last month. Another law signed around the same time directed the U.S. Attorney Generals Office to find ways to increase cooperation among law enforcement agencies, provide tribes resources and address data collection. Savannas Act was named for 22-year-old Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who went missing while pregnant in 2017 before her body was found in a North Dakota River. U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, who faces a tough reelection campaign; Jon Tester of Montana; and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, the vice-chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, outlined their concerns in a letter earlier this week. Both of these laws outlined specific time frames and deadlines for implementation; however, it is unclear which provisions have been undertaken, and it appears that almost every deadline has been missed, the lawmakers wrote. Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Thursday the naming of the commission marks a major milestone that follows ongoing work by a separate steering committee to marshal more federal resources to address the problem. She also announced the creation of a new position within the executive office of U.S. attorneys that will be responsible for working with victims and families to ensure they have a voice while navigating the criminal justice system. Federal officials also plugged work being done by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which now has 17 offices across the country that have at least one agent dedicated to solving casing involving missing or slain Native Americans. As for the 37-member commission, its mission includes tracking and reporting data on missing-person, homicide and human trafficking cases and increasing information sharing with tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands. The commission is expected to hold hearings and gather testimony before making recommendations to the Interior and Justice departments to improve coordination among agencies and to establish best practices for state, tribal and federal law enforcement. The panel also is tasked with boosting resources for survivors and victims' families. Meanwhile, some communities already have created their own response plans to address the problem. In New Mexico, officials on Thursday rolled out the state's plan, highlighting goals that include building more support services for survivors and families, doing more outreach on education and prevention and leveraging resources for tribal judicial systems. Fawn Sharp, president of the tribal advocacy group National Congress of American Indians, said during Thursday's virtual event that although funding for law enforcement in Indian Country has increased in recent years, it doesn't come close to meeting the needs. She pointed to research showing that failure to provide funding undermined the ability to provide adequate public safety in tribal communities. Having the authority to hold perpetrators accountable is an important first step, but tribal nations cannot follow through to hold bad actors accountable without adequate and consistent funding for tribal justice systems," she said. Other advocates said they were hopeful the federal commission's recommendations will cover the need for safe housing for victims of domestic violence and other social services and health care that could help prevent violence. ___ Fonseca reported from Flagstaff, Arizona. Its time for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect to place India on the global map of cinema! Putting the legendary ISRO space scientist Nambi Narayanan on the international stage, where it rightfully deserves to be seen, R Madhavan's much-awaited directorial debut, biographical drama Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, will receive its World Premiere during the 75th Cannes Film Festival. The Palais des Festival premiere will take place during a prime-time slot at 9pm on Thursday 19th May as part of the celebration of India as the official country of honour at the Cannes Film Market this year an inaugural tradition that will be continued at future editions. The launch of the festival tradition is particularly significant during its 75th year, coinciding with 75 years of Indian independence. Indias Ministry of Culture has officially selected Rocketry: The Nambi Effect for its Red Carpet World Premiere at the prestigious venue. Actor-turned-filmmaker R Madhavan plays the role of the eponymous Indian scientist, Nambi Narayanan, a former ISRO scientist and aerospace engineer, and has also directed, produced and written the film. Speaking about Rocketry: The Nambi Effects world premiere at Cannes Film Festival, R Madhavan said, Im in a daze! I just started by wanting to tell the story of Nambi Narayanan and Im unable to believe all thats happening. With Gods grace, weve waited long and Im grateful and thrilled to watch all good things happening for the film. As a debut director, my nervousness is making it difficult for me to breathe & all I hope is to make India proud!" Capturing the iconic ISRO space scientist Nambi Narayans story of struggle, determination and triumph, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, has been shot simultaneously in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil and English. Its theatrical WORLDWIDE release, scheduled for 1st July, will also feature Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada versions. Staged on a mammoth scale, the film has been shot in India, France, Canada, Georgia and Serbia. With a powerful ensemble star cast comprising of acclaimed international actors like Phyllis Logan, Vincent Riotta and Ron Donachie and with special appearances by superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Suriya. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is produced by TriColour films, Varghese Moolan Pictures and 27th Investments. The film is being distributed by UFO Moviez and Red Giant Movies in India and will be distributed internationally by Yash Raj Films and Phars Film Co. The 8th Behindwoods Gold Medals Awards will be held this year on May 15 and 22 at the Island Grounds in Chennai from 6pm to 11.30pm. Ticket booking for this is currently underway. Link to pre-booking the show ticket - https://www.behindwoods.com/bgm8/ 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. LISTING1.jpg A neighbor's home on Prince John Drive can be seen in the distance through trees beside the property that is the subject of complaints to the PITTSFIELD The local NAACP chapter is calling on Pittsfields elected leaders to overhaul how the city responds to people in the throes of a mental health crisis and to consider shifting that duty away from police. The group is speaking out in the wake of the fatal police shooting of Miguel Estrella on March 25. Change cannot wait. Our communities of color continue to experience trauma as a result of law-enforcement officers actions and the inaction of our elected leaders, the chapter said in a statement Thursday. It is irresponsible and dangerous to allow these circumstances to persist, the statement said. Dennis Powell, the chapters president, said in an interview that the groups leaders believe much more can be done to prevent violence. We never thought this would happen in our community, but it has. We have to come to some solution, he said. What we know is that what we have isnt working. The chapters statement was recently approved by its executive committee, after being drafted by its political action committee. The chapter asks Pittsfields elected officials, both municipal and state, to take specific steps. They include: An assessment of Pittsfield Police Department functions, led by people named to an advisory commission who, the group says, represent the citys diversity and have lived experience of the issue. That group, the chapter says, will be tasked with researching non-violent crisis response best practices and models and, authorized to recommend for adoption a new city department appropriate to the circumstances of Pittsfield. Steer any new state funding to strengthen responses to people in mental-health crises not to the police department but to an independent peer and practitioner-led, mobile crisis unit. Support proposed legislation, known as the ACES Bill (H. 2519), that would increase the availability of non-law-enforcement, unarmed community-based response options for calls to 911. The bill was filed in February 2021 by Lindsay N. Sabadosa, D-Northampton. State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, is a co-sponsor; the bill was referred last year to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee after a hearing last summer. Alternative programs The clinician who has augmented the Pittsfield Police Departments response to people in crisis had just ended a shift on the night Estrella was shot outside his apartment building on Onota Street. The chapter says that program is insufficient, echoing calls from others locally in the wake of Estrellas death. Pittsfield lacks adequate, appropriate, racially and culturally responsive mental health services, the chapter said Thursday. Currently, access to crisis counseling and response is limited to an unknown crisis 1-800 number or the over-utilized emergency room at Berkshire Medical Center. The statement asserts that city officials should not rely mainly on police to respond to mental-health calls and points to programs elsewhere in Massachusetts and in Oregon. There are many [alternatives in] responding to non-violent emergency calls every day in this country, the chapters statement says. It points, for example, to the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets (CAHOOTS) program in Eugene, Ore. That programs staff, the statement says, handle social service type calls for service, including crisis counseling and transport for people who are intoxicated, mentally ill, or disoriented. Mobile crisis response teams serve our neighbors. Our current co-responder program in Pittsfield does not, the statement says. The proposed advisory commission would be asked to examine programs already up and running that use people other than police officers as first responders for mental health emergencies. Were just really trying to put our heads together and look at the models, Powell said in the interview Thursday. We dont have to reinvent something if there are sound projects that are working. Lets see if we can adopt some of that into our community. By lived experience, the chapter means that the commission should interview those who have seen firsthand the challenge of providing safe and proper responses to crises. You should talk to people who have used a crisis response, to see whether or not it was working for them. This is all about building trust. Powell recently joined the citys Police Advisory and Review Board. He said that group also intends to consider reform in how Pittsfield responds to people in crisis. PITTSFIELD The Berkshires, with all its natural beauty, is no stranger to bird sightings. But a bird of a different sort has just made its home in Pittsfield. Last week, a fleet of sleek, silver and blue electric scooters known as Birds arrived in the citys downtown. Since then, the scooters have been used for 905 rides as part of a soft launch, officials said Wednesday. Its part of a profit-sharing agreement between Bird, based in Santa Monica, Calif., and the city of Pittsfield. Im really excited that this new business has chosen our city as a place where we can have multiple modes of transportation, Mayor Linda Tyer said during a press conference to formally roll out the program. I dont know about you, but every time I see someone on a scooter or see one of them parked, it makes me smile. Bird, which launched in 2017, operates in more than 400 communities around the world and is dedicated to supporting e-scooters as an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Pittsfield officials said they did a double take when the company reached out last fall offering to bring scooters to the city. Public Services and Utilities Commissioner Ricardo Morales said he had to make sure it wasnt a spam email. In the months since, the city and company have worked out the details, and when the scooters hit the streets last week, Pittsfield became the first city in Massachusetts to have a full-time e-scooter program, the company said. Heres everything you need to know about catching a ride on the citys newest form of transportation: How to take a ride The key to start up a Bird scooter is the app. Riders have to download the app off the App Store or Google Play Store and create an account. Then riders have to pick a payment method and preload the account with funds to cover the cost of future Bird rides. Photos: Bird e-scooters on North Street The Bird e-scooters on North Street in Pittsfield are drawing attention. They require an app on your smartphone to use. Also, they should be r Once logged in, the next step is to find a scooter. The Bird app hosts a live map of where every active scooter in the city is parked. From this map you can see where the scooters are, how much charge they have and if theyre available to reserve. When youve picked and found a scooter, open the app and hit the blue scan button at the bottom of the live map. Scanning the QR code on the top of the scooter unlocks it and turns it on. Everything you need to power the scooter is located on the bikes handlebars. On the right is an accelerator you can control with your thumb, on the left is a hand brake similar to a bicycles. To get going, riders stand on the scooter, give it a good push forward and then slowly press down on the accelerator. What are the rules? Scooters are meant to be ridden in the citys existing bike lanes. In Pittsfield, the speed limit for e-scooters is 15 mph. Bird recommends using a helmet, but state law doesnt require it for bike or scooter riders. The scooters can be left anywhere in the city as long as the scooter is upright, out of the right of way and isnt blocking sidewalks, doorways or accessibility ramps. How much does it cost? Each ride has a base fee of $1. Once someone starts riding the scooter, an additional usage cost of 39 cents per minute is tacked on. Think of these costs as the base fare for getting in a taxi and then the mileage fare for how far you drive. A moderately paced ride lets say 10 mph between the Berkshire Medical Center campus and the Berkshire Museum or roughly the length of North Street, will cost around $4 before tax. Most of that money is going to Bird, but a small part of the cost for every ride comes back to city coffers. Under its profit-sharing agreement with Bird, the city gets 15 cents per ride. Morales said the arrangement is similar to a state tax on ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft, which have to pay 20 cents per ride to the commonwealth. Combined with other programs that are related to the same thing shared mobility and micromobility we can use that money to accomplish things that improve safety and the experience while using those modes of transportation, Morales said. Where can I go? The scooters can cover 35 miles on a single charge, a distance that can easily take you from one end of the city to the other several times over. Morales said the scooters are really meant for commuting. Is not recreational although people may use it recreationally, Morales said. The focus is really commuting and we want that to be the goal: to improve access between places. While city officials hope that scooters help get people to places current transportation systems dont, its not exactly a free-for-all when it comes to scooter use in Pittsfield city limits. Scooters arent allowed in city parks including the citys skate park. These areas are geofenced by Bird and marked with a red border on the map. The scooters are tracked by GPS technology inside the scooter so even when no ones riding Bird employees know where each scooter is at all times. If a rider enters into a no-ride zone, the scooter will slow down to a stop and the app will notify the rider that they cant ride in the area. So can anyone use it? Not quite. Bird does have programs for people without smartphones or wireless payment options. But the company draws the line at riders under the age of 18 sorry, kids. Right now, riders have to check a box when they set up their account to confirm theyre over the age limit, but city officials and company representatives are working to roll out a feature of Birds app that would require riders in the city to verify their ID before they use the scooters. Whos taking care of these things? Pittsfield has two fleet managers: Jim Sevigny and Tim Lanfair. The men are responsible for charging, maintaining and wrangling 122 scooters. The managers work to rotate the scooters in and out of use so that only about 40 scooters are available to rent at a given time. Sevigny and Lanfairs days are spent picking up scooters in need of charging or repair and monitoring an app for any notices of an unlicensed move thats anytime the GPS on the scooter notes that its moving without a rental. That means that somebodys moving it without permission, Sevigny said. Well get a ping and those are a priority for us. Lanfair said these pings are happening already. Last week, he got a notice of an unlicensed move and used his fleet manager app from his living room to set off an alarm on the scooter. He let the alarm ring as a deterrent for any further movement until he was able to pick up the scooter. This management system is how Bird keeps its scooters from being stolen or vandalized. Sevigny and Lanfair said theyre hoping this kind of monitoring only ends up being a small portion of their day to day. Theyd much rather be charging Birds up and getting more people on scooters. I like technology and I like that its actually doing some good, Lanfair said. Less carbon footprint, less people in cars is a good thing. So I actually feel like Im doing a little something to help out. For the $11.5 million renovation of Fort Bradshaw, a dormitory can house 13 grad students in the Williams College art history program and was concluded in early 2021, much of the investment was spent to make it one of the most energy efficient buildings in the region. GREAT BARRINGTON Residents who use Housatonic water might get reimbursed for filters or bottled water, if town officials get their way. Quote A group of residents are now circulating a petition to Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and other state officials and regulators asking for a takeover by eminent domain as well as other measures. Drinking water concerns prompted the town on Tuesday to ask Housatonic Water Works Co. to pay for bottled water and filtration systems for residents, or reimburse them for those items. The Select Board approved a draft letter from Town Manager Mark Pruhenski to James Mercer, co-owner and treasurer of the company, to ask the waterworks to help residents who struggle with frequent bouts of discolored water that is sometimes as dark as coffee. The letter also cites recent instances of elevated levels of a chlorine byproduct linked to cancer that exceeded a safety threshold set by regulators. The levels of that compound, haloacetic acid, or HAA5, appear to be falling, according to the company. The waterworks says it was an anomaly sparked by record rainfall in July. Board member Garfield Reed wanted the language in Pruhenskis letter strengthened to say the town expects a response from Mercer. Mercer did not return a call this week requesting comment about the letter and whether the company would be willing to help residents with the expenses. Sign-up for The Berkshire Eagle's free newsletters Sign up Pruhenski said the town continues to work with legal counsel on a possible takeover of the private company, after getting no help from regulators like the state Department of Public Utilities. Officials also had previously written Gov. Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey for help, to no avail, they say. Meanwhile, a group of residents is now circulating a petition to Baker, Healey and other state officials and regulators asking for a takeover by eminent domain as well as other measures. That petition is also online. What are residents petitioning for? A petition to Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey as well as regulators and lawmakers asks for the following: HWW to be taken over by eminent domain, converting it to a quasi-governmental organization with an independent board and oversight. Rejection of approval for additional funding for HWW, whether by MA or through higher fees, as nearly 50% of every dollar goes into the pocket of two private owners. If GBFD were to take over HWW, it would need infrastructure funding to remedy the immediate situation(relocation of the four foot lake draw, a new filtration system, and a staged pipe replacement program). Residents for Clean Water authored the petition as well as a survey distributed by postal drop asking residents for health information to determine whether there is a cancer cluster in Housatonic. Community concerns about the companys aging system have reached a fever pitch in the last few years over bouts of roily water that the company says are caused by excessive manganese in the Long Pond source. The January revelation of elevated HAA5 gave residents newfound worry about safety. The companys notice said those who are vulnerable should speak to their doctor about whether they should drink the water. Despite longtime assurances from regulators that the water is safe to drink, overall suspicion and worry about the safety of the water persists in the community. The state Department of Environmental Protection in 2020 gave the company a long list of what needs fixing and replacing in order to continue providing safe drinking water. Animal studies indicate that it takes many years of exposure to HAA5 to develop health problems. But some researchers have said that the correlation in humans is understudied. Of the many reactions to a Pittsfield Police officers fatal shooting of Miguel Estrella, Melissa Helms has stuck with us for its simple truth: No one should have to lose their life because they are experiencing a mental health crisis. Helm is the executive director of the Berkshire County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Pittsfield Police Department study finds officer was justified in fatal March shooting of Miguel Estrella An internal investigation by Pittsfield police finds that the officer who shot and killed city resident Miguel Estrella on March 25 followed use of force guidelines and that Estrella posed an immediate threat as he came at an officer at a fast pace with a raised knife. And yet, the circumstances of Estrellas March 25 death are becoming all too familiar. According to news reports, police were summoned to Estrellas apartment building twice that night because Estrella, a beloved and engaged member of his community who also had a history of mental illness, was intoxicated and cutting himself with a knife. A family member called 911 and told the operator that Estrella needed to be hospitalized. The first encounter that evening between Estrella and police ended peacefully. The police returned shortly after the first encounter to find the 22-year-old again armed with a knife. Police allege that Estrella moved toward the officers, prompting deployment of Tasers. When those failed to incapacitate Estrella, an officer fired two shots, hitting him in the chest. Estrella died at the hospital. The incident is similar to other recent shootings of people in crisis and holding a knife by police in the commonwealth. In January, Springfield officers killed Orlando Taylor III, a 23-year-old man experiencing a severe mental health crisis. That same month, a middle-aged Burlington man holding in the midst of a mental health crisis was shot and injured by police. In February, Lexington police shot and killed a 35-year-old resident of a group home for people with mental illness. These tragic incidents exemplify what is wrong with our systems of public health and safety and are testament to the dire need for alternatives to our over-reliance on law enforcement intervention in mental health crises. A 2016 study of police responses to mental health crises published in Police Quarterly noted that more than 90 percent of officers have an average of six encounters with individuals in crisis per month and that seven to 10 percent of all police encounters involve people affected by mental illness. A 2016 Boston Globe investigation found that nearly half of all people fatally shot by police in Massachusetts between 2005 and 2015 were suicidal or living with mental illness. Family, friends and supporters march and rally for Miguel Estrella in Pittsfield. They want answers and reform after his fatal shooting by Pittsfield police Chanting "Justice for Miguel" and "We need change," well over 100 people rallied in support of Miguel Estrella, who was shot and killed by city police late last month. The gathering led by Estrella's family marched from Persip Park on North Street to City Hall and the police headquarters, ending at Park Square. As we continue to deal with the social, economic and political effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must act quickly to meaningfully expand community-based mental health services and ensure comprehensive non-police responses to mental health emergencies to prevent future tragedies. A new Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts report starkly detailed the pandemics toll on Massachusetts adults: 35 percent of residents aged 19 and older reported needing behavioral health care for themselves or a relative in the past year. The level of need was disproportionately high among those aged 19 to 39, people of color, and those with lower family incomes. And our mental health crisis may not abate any time soon, as 27 percent of adults expected to need behavioral health care over the next six months about the same level of need reported over the past year. If were to make mental health services more widely available, accessible to all, and high quality, we must begin by increasing our investment in them. Currently, there is a mental health care workforce crisis in Massachusetts in which more outpatient clinicians are leaving positions than are being hired, according to the Association for Behavioral Healthcare. Given that, its concerning that bills to improve the delivery of behavioral health care in the commonwealth are proceeding slowly if not stalled in the Legislature. We must also ensure that people experiencing mental health crises get the appropriate response to 911 calls. The Alternatives For Community Emergency Services (ACES) Act would provide grants to communities seeking to provide a mental health response to certain emergencies. Social workers and other allied professionals are highly skilled at building rapport and deescalating emotionally fraught situations, thus freeing police in certain circumstances from responding to emergencies that can be handled by other professionals. In cities with ACES-type programs in place, 911 dispatchers divert nonemergency, mental health, substance use and other behavioral-related calls to behavioral health specialists. Such a program is being piloted in Lynn and other communities in the commonwealth. Since launching less than two years ago, a pilot program in Denver, Colo., has responded to 2,294 calls for service that would have otherwise been dispatched to police. The paramedics and behavioral health clinicians who respond to behavioral health emergencies in Denvers program have never had to call for police backup due to a safety issue. If we agree that a call for help should not result in the loss of life, then we must invest in services to improve and protect the mental health of people in our communities. Therefore, we must ensure the availability of the proper personnel to respond to the range of emergencies involving people in psychological distress. 3. The 95 Theses Werent Meant to Travel the Globe When Martin Luther was writing his disputation, he could not have imagined the effect they would have on the Catholic church, let alone how they would change the face of religion. The story goes that he nailed them to a church door and with each swing of his hammer, all of Europe were alarmed. Most likely he glued the theses to the church door at Wittenberg, but we dont know. What we do know is that Luther was wanting to discuss the issues of the day and placing the theses on the church door meant others would see it and prepare their own thoughts. Due to the invention of the printing press, Luthers theses were copied and sent all over Europe. All of the known world would know what was happening in the Catholic Church and how one man felt about it. 4. The First Two Theses Are the Inspiration for The Other 93. All 95 theses are important but the first two are what sets the tone for the other 93. In theses number Luther says, 1. When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in saying, Repent ye, etc. intended that the whole life of believers should be penitence." 2. This word cannot be understood of sacramental penance, that is, of the confession and satisfaction which are performed under the ministry of priests. In both of these theses, Luther is speaking about the truth which is that salvation is only obtained through faith. They both show that God desires all believers to seek him and repent. The rest of Luthers theses are concerned with indulgences and how they do not line up with theses one and two. He even touches on the St. Peter scandal in theses 86. Again, Why does not the pope, whose wealth is today greater than the wealth of the richest Crassus, build this one basilica of St. Peter with his own money rather than the money of poor believers. Luther wanted the people to understand that selling indulgences was not what Christ spoke about in Scripture. God wanted his people to have salvation by faith and live a life that exemplified who He was. He wanted the people to know that only God can give forgiveness, not man. No amount of money would save them from their wicked ways. Photo credit: Unsplash/Juliana Kozoski Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye That is, in such a concise and short way, without much speaking and vain repetitions; making use of such like words and expressions as the following: not that Christ meant to pin down his disciples to these express words, and no other; for this prayer is not a strict form, but a pattern of prayer, and a directory to it, both as to brevity, order, and matter; for we do not find the disciples ever making use of it in form; and when it is recited by another Evangelist, it is not in the selfsame words as here; which it would have been, had it been designed as an exact form. Besides, Christ does not bid them pray in these very words, but "after this manner"; somewhat like this: not but that it is very lawful to use the very express words of this prayer in any of the petitions here directed to; and which indeed were no other than what good people among the Jews did frequently make use of; and which were collected and singled out by Christ, as what he approved of, in distinction from, and opposition to, other impertinent expressions, and vain repetitions, which some used; as will appear by a particular consideration of them. Our Father which art in heaven. This may be looked upon as the preface and introduction to the prayer, and regards the object of it, and his character, which is an epithet of God, often to be met with in Jewish writings, and particularly in their prayers; for thus they F11 say, "(Mymvbv wnyba) , "our Father which art in heaven", show mercy "to us, because thy great name is called upon us." Again F12, let the prayers and the requests of all Israel be received by (aymvb yd Nwhwba) , "their Father, which is in heaven". They seem to have a regard to this prayer, when they apply that passage in ( Proverbs 3:35 ) "shame shall be the promotion of fools", to the nations of the earth, who, they say F13, ``do not consider the glory of the law; and how, say they, "our Father which art in heaven", hear our voice, have mercy on us, and receive our prayer?'' Mymvbv wybal F14 F15 So in confessions, thanksgivings, and sacrifices of praise, they required, and looked upon it, as the main thing, for a man to direct his heart () , "to his Father which is in heaven." By "father", our Lord means the first person in the Trinity, who is the Father of all men by creation, and of the saints by adoption; who are to address him in prayer under the character of "our Father", partly to command a reverential fear of him, and partly to secure boldness and liberty of speech before him; and also to express fiducial confidence in him, faith of interest in him, and relation to him; which arises from some experience of his paternal love, and requires the witnessings of the Spirit of adoption; and inasmuch as the direction is not to say "my Father", but "our Father"; it shows that we should pray for others as well as for ourselves, even for all the dear children of God. It is a rulewith the Jews, ``that a man ought always to join himself in prayer with the church;'' upon which the gloss says, ``let him not pray the short prayer ( Mybr Nwvlb ala dyxy ) ( Nwvlb ) , "in the singular, but in the plural number", that so his prayer may be heard.'' The object of prayer is further described by the place of his residence, "in heaven"; not that he is included in any place, but that the heaven of heavens is the place where he most eminently displays his glory: and this may teach us to look upwards in prayer, and seek those things which are above; and also, that this earth, on which we dwell, is not our native country, but heaven is, where our Father dwells. Next follows the first petition, hallowed, or sanctified be thy name; so the Jews F16 in their prayers, ``( Kmv vdqty ) , "let thy name be hallowed", or "sanctified by us", O Lord our God, before the eyes of all living.'' F17 And very often ``let his great name be magnified and sanctified in the world, which he hath created according to his will.'' F18 And again ``let us sanctify thy name in the world, as they sanctify it in the highest heavens.'' By the "name" of God is meant he himself, the perfections of his nature, and the several names by which he is known, and which we are to think and speak of with holy reverence. By sanctifying his name, is not meant a making him holy, but acknowledging, and declaring him to be holy, and a glorifying him, and all his perfections. He is sanctified by himself, by declaring himself to be holy; by glorifying his perfections in his works; by implanting grace and holiness in the hearts of his people; by restoring the purity of his worship; by diffusing the knowledge of himself in the world; and by taking vengeance on the wicked: and he is sanctified by others, when they fear him, believe in him, call upon his name, use it reverently, submit to his will, acknowledge his mercies, regard his commands aud ordinances, and live a holy life and conversation; all which is earnestly desired by truly gracious souls. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, don't know much about history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The CM underscored the need to remit free power charges into the bank accounts of the beneficiary farmers so that they would, in turn, pay to the Discoms through DBT. (Representational Image/DC) Vijayawada: Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said on Wednesday that AP would get 93 million units of power -- 45mu from Solar Energy Corporation in three years and 48mu from local power units shortly -- to help overcome the power shortage in the state. The CM chaired a high-level review meeting on energy with minister Peddireddy Ramachandra and top officials. He said that following the signing of a pact with SECI, they would get 18mu towards the end of 2023 in phase-I, followed by 18mu in phase-II and nine mu in the third phase. He said AP would also get additional power to the tune of 800mw from Krishnapatnam and 800mw from VTPS in addition to getting 30mu if 85 per cent plant load factor is taken into consideration. This will take the total availability of 48mu of power in the state soon. He directed the officials to expedite completion of the new power project with a capacity of 1,350mw at Sileru. The officials informed the CM that they would call the tenders for the Sileru power project soon as the DPR was already prepared. They promised to get 800mw of power from the Krishnapatnam power project by July-August. The CM asked officials to speed up the works on Polavaram hydel power project of 800mw capacity, so that AP could realise the dream of having surplus power. The CM directed the officials to ensure continuous supply of power to the industrial sector to avoid any negative impact on the states economy and laid stress on the preparation of an action plan involving stakeholders to supply power as per need. He stressed that AP should not face power crisis in the next summer. The CM asked officials to adopt the best alternative mode of power generation by taking up pumped- storage hydro power projects as AP was conducive for initiation of such projects at 29 places, and felt the need to take up land acquisition for such projects. This would help generate 33,240mw of power from these projects. He said once these projects were executed, it would help the state avoid power purchase at higher rates to overcome shortage of power during peak hours. Once these projects are executed, they would keep supplying power for 90 years, Jagan added. The CM underscored the need to remit free power charges into the bank accounts of the beneficiary farmers so that they would, in turn, pay to the Discoms through DBT. He laid stress on quality power supply. The officials informed the CM that a pilot project taken up in Srikakulam to fix meter for free power connection was successful. The farmers were paying charges directly from their accounts. A total of 101.51 mu of power was consumed for 26,083 power connections in the district in 2020-22. The number of connections had gone up to 28,393 by 2021-22 with power consumption recorded at 67.76mu. The reforms and the direct payment by the farmers helped save 33.75mu of power even as the number of power connections went up. The CM asked official to implement the YSR Jala Kala in a transparent manner and said they were providing equipment worth Rs 2 lakh for electrification works in addition to offering a motor free of cost. On the other hand, the officials briefed the CM about the short supply of coal nation-wide. This, they said, was having its impact on the power sector and that several states were facing short supply of coal due to disruption in supply chain. They said that the railway authorities were unable to arrange adequate number of rakes for transport and vessels were also not available as per requirement. The Centre has hinted about a continuation of the coal crisis for the next two years. In response to this, the CM asked officials them to come up with an action plan, keeping in mind the demand for purchase of coal. The officials also informed the CM they purchased power by paying Rs 36.5 crore per day on an average in March and 34.08 crore in April to avoid any trouble to the power consumers. We purchased 1,268.69mu of power at Rs 1,123.74 crore in March and 1,047.78mu of power at Rs 1,022.42 crore in April. The curriculum includes coursework in the medical humanities, focusing on the role of public-funded physicians Taiwan-based National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) recently held the opening ceremony for the Post-baccalaureate Programme in Medicine, during which NTHU president Hocheng Hong said that the new programme will train students to meet the challenges of tomorrow by focusing on the ABCs of the medical science of the future, viz., Artificial intelligence (AI), Big data, and the Cloud-based internet of things. The Post-baccalaureate Programme in Medicine belongs to the College of Life Science, the dean of which is Kao Ruey-ho. Dean Kao said that the first batch of students will include twenty-three publicly-funded students, sixteen of which will be based in the Natural Science Group, and seven in the Information Technology Group. Dean Kao also mentioned that the Programme has already appointed over 100 full-time and joint-appointment faculty members, and that all the required facilities will soon be ready for use, including a dissection room with nine dissection tables. The Programmes curriculum conforms to international standards. Dean Kao observed that departments of medicine in Taiwan traditionally divide the curriculum into independent subjects, such as physiology, pharmacology, pathology, cardiology, nephrology, and urology. By contrast, NTHUs Programme takes more of a systems approach, in which basic and clinical courses are combined, as in the course on the cardiovascular system which integrates such related areas as pharmacology. Indian biopharma industry HITS Rs 33K Cr WITH 13% GROWTH in 2020-21 Amidst the pandemic, the Indian Biopharma Industry, with over 300 companies, has witnessed a good growth of 13 percent, 2 percent less than the previous years 15 percent growth rate. This growth was largely driven by the performance of the Indian biopharma companies which have done very well as against multinational companies. As a result, the Indian Biopharma Industry has crossed the Rs 33,000 crore mark for the year 2020-21 over the previous years figure of Rs 29,176 crore. The Indian Biopharma industry, comprising hormones, insulin, blood products, and vaccines recorded a sales revenue of Rs 33,067 crore for the year 2020-21. Expansion provides access to a high-growth, emerging digital advertising industry with significant expansion opportunities across East Africa Maggie Ndirangu Julian Jordaan Entravision (NYSE: EVC or the Company), a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company, has announced its expansion into Kenya. This expansion provides Entravision, through its Africa-based digital business unit, Entravision 365 Digital, a presence in East Africa, as it looks to expand its breadth of digital solutions, media representations and creative services to new emerging markets.With the expansion into Kenya, the company also welcomes Maggie Ndirangu as its newly appointed managing director of Kenya operations. Ms Ndirangu has regional expertise and extensive knowledge of the digital landscape across Africa. This expansion aligns with Entravision's goal to position Entravision 365 Digitalas a local digital marketing solutions powerhouse, serving African companies and local leaders with advanced branding, performance, and creative needs.Were thrilled to launch Entravisions operations in Kenya, an exciting market for our African expansion, said Julian Jordaan, CEO of Entravision 365 Digital. With the third-highest connected consumer base in sub-Saharan Africa, and growing at a rapid rate, we believe that these numbers will only continue to climb and ultimately represent 17% of the digital advertising industry within the sub-Saharan market by 2023. Kenya also has incredible talent and an advertising ecosystem primed with opportunity.Jordaan continued, We are also pleased to welcome Maggie Ndirangu as managing director of our Kenyan operations. Maggie is an exceptional leader who brings with her years of knowledge in the marketing and advertising industries. She will be taking our partnerships, media representations and services to brands across the Kenya market."Kenya has become a technology powerhouse in Africa over the last few years, with many global companies setting up sub-Saharan African headquarters here. I'm honored to be joining Entravision to lead the companys expansion into East Africa and deliver marketing solutions that help businesses reach consumers, drive engagements and promote positive business impact across this region, said Maggie Ndirangu.Sub-Saharan Africa is an attractive digital marketplace with nearly 500 million digitally connected consumers. Importantly, the sub-Saharan African customer is young, tech-savvy and digitally connected. By combining the companys platform and publisher partnerships with technology-driven design service, or 365 Studio, Entravisions evolution continues into a leading marketing technology service provider in the worlds highest growth economies.Entravision is a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers. Its dynamic portfolio includes digital, television and audio offerings. Digital, the companys largest revenue segment, is comprised of four business units: a digital sales representation business; Smadex, a programmatic ad purchasing platform; a branding and mobile performance solutions business; and a digital audio business. Through the digital sales representation business, the company connects global media companies such as Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Spotify with advertisers in primarily emerging growth markets worldwide. Smadex is the companys mobile-first demand side platform, enabling advertisers to execute performance campaigns using machine learning. Entravision also offers a branding and mobile performance solutions business, which provides managed services to advertisers looking to connect with global consumers, primarily on mobile devices, and its digital audio business provides digital audio advertising solutions for advertisers in the Americas. In addition to digital, Entravision has 49 television stations and is the largest affiliate group of the Univision and UniMas television networks. Entravision also manages 46 primarily Spanish-language radio stations that feature nationally recognised, Emmy award-winning talent. Shares of Entravision Class A Common Stock trade on the NYSE under ticker: EVC. Learn more about the companys offerings at entravision.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn Entravision 365 Digital is an African online media and ad-technology business with a rich heritage in the African advertising industry. For 21 years the business has represented the largest publishers and platforms in Africa and have helped global brands reach connected consumers and drive business impact. With a mission to connect publishers to brands, and brands to consumers, Entravision 365 Digital helps brands reach audiences at scale through its exclusive partnership with leading platforms like TikTok, Anzu, Boomplay, Triton Digital and many more. Entravision 365 Digital is a business unit of Entravision, a leading global advertising, media and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers. Learn more about all of our innovative media, marketing and technology offerings at entravision365digital.com or connect with us on LinkedIn This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this press release. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from these expectations, and the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements made by the Company. From time to time, these risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.For more information please contact:Investors:Christopher T. YoungChief Financial Officer310-447-3870Kimberly EsterkinAddo Investor Relations310-829-5400Julian JordaanChief Executive Officer, Entravision 365 Digital+27 21 555 1975Maggie NdiranguManaging Director Netcare has been recognised with two top awards from the South African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) for its contribution to environmental sustainability. The urgency of investing in sustainability United Nations Race to Zero 2050 The private healthcare group and its national environmental sustainability manager have subsequently been nominated by the SAEEC for the 2022 regional and international Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Awards.The 2021 SAEEC award for Commercial Corporate Company of the Year was awarded to the Netcare Group in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the energy industry. Andre Nortje, national environmental sustainability manager at Netcare, received the SAEECs Young Professional of the Year award.Netcare won the same corporate award in 2018 and went on to win the international 2019 AEE sub-Saharan Africa Region Corporate Energy Management award, becoming the first healthcare group in Africa to be recognised in these highly prestigious global awards, regarded as the Oscars of the energy industry.The SAEEC is the Southern African affiliate of the AEE, and the awards aim to promote best practice, innovation and leadership in the energy-efficiency industry. The SAEEC puts forward these South African environmental sustainability solutions to the global industry to help develop energy-efficient engineering internationally.Ongoing innovation in energy efficiency can help to prevent or limit the deleterious effects of climate change in South Africa and across the globe, but only if the corporate sector recognises the urgency and the value of investing in sustainability, and if they were to act now, says Dr Richard Friedland, chief executive officer of Netcare.Nortje concurs: When I started my engineering career, energy efficiency as a business strategy was not well understood by corporates or investors. It is encouraging to see how such initiatives are rapidly gaining momentum and recognition as viable and sustainable business opportunities.Since 2013, Netcare has placed considerable emphasis on improving energy efficiency at its facilities throughout South Africa and has implemented more than 194 environmental sustainability projects.As of the end of the 2021 financial year, our Group was able to achieve a 28% energy intensity reduction per hospital bed, surpassing its original target of 22 to 25% set for 2023. We have eliminated more than R820m in energy, water and waste costs since 2013, says Nortje.Netcare currently has the second biggest installed base of Solar PV of all private/commercial companies in South Africa. Last year alone, our environmental sustainability projects added additional yearly electricity savings of more than R21m, while also reducing Netcares reliance on fossil fuels and the national power grid.The Groups environmental sustainability programme has demonstrated an impressive return on investment to date, illustrating the commercial opportunities in environmentally conscious engineering, explains Nortje.Netcares ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability is evident. Last year, Netcare was the first private healthcare organisation in Africa to pledge support to the UNs Race to Zero 2050 initiative.Netcare has also achieved the distinction of being the only healthcare institution in the world to have won gold medals the highest accolade in all four categories in both the prestigious 2020 and 2021 Health Care Climate Challenge Awards, organised by Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH). The global awards for Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Energy), Renewable Energy, Climate Resilience, and Climate Leadership solidified the Groups standing as a worldwide leader in the global community of environmentally conscious healthcare institutions.Dr Friedland commended the Netcare environmental sustainability team and the staff at Netcare facilities responsible for implementing and running the various projects for their dedication and passion for finding sustainable solutions. The award to Netcare serves as encouragement that corporates can make a difference, and will hopefully help to generate broader awareness of the highly viable solutions developed right here in South Africa.Andre and his team, together with Theuns Langenhoven, general manager of Netcares property division, have been instrumental in continually driving the process and reinforcing the critical importance of environmental sustainability throughout the different project streams, he says.Netcare has set ambitious 2030 environmental sustainability targets to achieve zero scope two emissions, as well as zero waste to landfill by 2030. We are already seeing the devastation and tragedy climate change can wreak in our country and around the world. Global warming is no longer a buzzword, it is an emergency requiring urgent action and international knowledge sharing, Dr Friedland concluded. Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), the corporate and investment banking business of FirstRand Limited, today announced that Emrie Brown has been appointed chief executive officer, effective 1 October 2022. Source: Supplied. Emrie Brown, RMB's new chief executive officer, effective 1 October 2022. Humbled and honoured Brown will take over from current chief executive, James Formby, who will hand over the role after seven years as RMB CEO.Said current RMB CEO, James Formby: I am delighted to be able to pass the baton to someone of Emries talent and experience. The time is right to hand over and I have the right person to hand over to.Brown began her career with RMB in 2001 as a transactor and became head of Leveraged Finance in 2006. In 2009 she moved to Cape Town to head up the Western Cape investment banking team. She relocated to Johannesburg after being appointed as co-head of the Investment Banking Division in July 2015.Brown is currently the Head of RMBs Banking Division (which includes Corporate Transactional Banking, Investment Banking and Coverage), which represents the most significant portion of RMBs total earnings. She has extensive experience in investment banking and holds strong, long-term client relationships.Said Brown: I am humbled and honored to be appointed as the next CEO of RMB. I am following in the footsteps of remarkable CEOs before me that have built a business that I am proud to have been a part of for most of my banking career. I look forward to working with our diverse and high-performing teams to deliver a distinctive experience to our clients."Formby has a number of options available to him within the broader group, which he is considering.Said FirstRand Limited chief executive officer, Alan Pullinger: Emrie taking over as RMB CEO endorses the groups approach to succession planning, which is designed to ensure strategic and operational continuity at our customer-facing operating businesses. Her long and successful track record in the business and the quality of her client relationships, combined with the fact that she is already overseeing the largest business unit within RMB, mean that she is the natural successor to James.The group is grateful to James for his stewardship of RMB, which, during his tenure, continued to be a leader in the markets where it operates, generating growth and returns for FirstRand shareholders. The One Club has announced the 12 leaders in the creative community who will receive the prestigious Manship Medallion at the ADC 101st Annual Awards. Image supplied: The Manship Medallion honourees for 2022 The Manship Medallion honourees Gail Anderson, celebrated designer and chair of BFA Design and BFA Advertising at the School of Visual Arts, past host of ADC Saturday Career Workshops, current board member of The One Club. Brian Collins, CCO at Collins, ADC board member who initiated the clubs annual Designism: Design for Social Change forum and Designism Cube special award for work that promotes positive societal and political change, organised numerous exhibitions and talks at the ADC Gallery, current One Club board member and treasurer. Myrna Davis, ADC executive director emeritus, served 13 years as ADC executive director. Olga Grisaitis, who served 22 years as ADC associate director, director of operation, acting director and executive director. George Lois, ad legend, ADC past president when ADC and The Copy Club joined forces to create The One Show, initiated the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame when president, ADC Hall of Fame laureate. Philippe Meunier, cofounder/creative chief at Sid Lee, ADC past president when ADC came together with The One Club to form The One Club for Creativity. Bill Oberlander, ADC past president, co-creator of ADC Young Guns, now a premier global competition for creatives age 30 and under, responsible for moving the Art Directors Club to the ADC Gallery space. Georg Olden, graphic designer who was the first African-American member of the ADC, served as an ADC officer and contributed to the design of ADC Annuals. Paula Scher, legendary designer, partner, Pentagram, ADC Hall of Fame laureate who designed a number of Annuals and reiterated the clubs monogram in 2002. Eileen Hedy Schultz, professor of Graphic Arts, School of Visual Arts, was the first and only woman to serve as ADC president, a champion for arts education during her ADC tenure. Rich Tu, GCD at Jones Knowles Ritchie, Young Guns 8 winner, a perennial active supporter of club initiatives, cofounder and underwriter of Young Guns Colorful grant programme for BIPOC creatives Richard Wilde, former chair BFA Advertising and BFA Design departments at School of Visual Arts, ADC Hall of Fame and The One Club Educators Hall of Fame laureate, past ADC board member, actively involved in the early years of the clubs Saturday Career Workshops for high school students. When ADC was founded as the Art Directors Club in 1920, its highest award accolade was the medallion created by famed sculptor Paul Manship, renowned for the Prometheus sculpture in New Yorks Rockefeller Center. The medallion trophy was later replaced with todays ADC Cube.In celebration of ADCs first century, The One Club has revived the Manship Medallion, but with a different focus: to honour a select group of industry innovators who played a significant role in ADC history and development over the years.As ADC moves into its second century, we thought it was the perfect time to bring back this historic medallion, not to award work but as a rare honour bestowed upon a select group of creative leaders who have played enormous roles in shaping ADC throughout its first 100 years, said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. While congratulations are in order, a sincere thanks is also appropriate. Without the efforts of these honorees, ADC would not have played such an important part in the world of advertising and design.ADCs commitment to the ideal of art is underscored by the choice of Manship (1885-1966) to design the Art Directors Club's first award medal. He had a strong personal style with elements of both the realist academicians and the avant-garde. The Manship Medallion depicts Apollo, god of the sun and leader of the Muses, flying on Pegasus, a symbol of inspiration. The Muses are represented by the strings of his lyre. In South Africa youth unemployment sits at a staggering 66,5%, with 35 in 100 South Africans unemployed. Over the last four years, the Black Wolf Group has developed youth and provided training through their Black Wolf Youth Agency, a non-profit division within the company. Source: 2oceansvibe 2oceansvibe Black Wolf Group works to develop youth and provide training through their Black Wolf Youth Agency An education solutions hub It partners with universities and businesses to provide brand marketing challenges that form part of the curriculum and are assessed for marks. Learning management systems in partnership with human resource departments, where youth are taught culturally relevant learning techniques that can be used across scalable online training platforms Training and mentoring for graduates, who are given opportunities to service real clients. The agency partners with industry professionals to provide free coding classes for young marketers interested in expanding their 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills. Numerous benefits Increasing the skills of students entering the workforce. Promoting entrepreneurship. Empowering the countrys future leaders by setting a solid foundation. Unemployment has risen steadily over the last few years. The micro and small business sector provides a great foundational incubator for skills training, says Sven Wolf, MD at Black Wolf Group.We are not unaware of the many barriers of entry to the workforce, especially in larger corporates, which is why all our programmes support the learning journey with a focus on training and development within the marketing discipline.Officially founded in 2020, Black Wolf Youth Agency is the official strategic partner to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), specifically within the institutions marketing and work-integrated learning department.The agency operates as an education solutions hub, providing training, mentorship, and placement to university students and graduates from across the country. Currently, the youth agency offers programmes in work readiness, such as:Prompted by the impacts of Covid-19, the non-profit has assisted in upskilling 120 students annually since 2020 through digital learning applications, with 11 students receiving placements at Black Wolf after the completion of the programme.In collaboration with CPUT, it also launched its marketing society at the beginning of April. The society exposes students to industry leaders through online and offline events and the launch saw more than 170 students receive guidance and insight on their career paths.As more and more youth find it difficult to secure work, Black Wolf Youth Agencys programmes aim to meet the governments goal of bringing more people into the mainstream economy through skills training that, while focused on marketing, are sought after by South African and global employers, adds Wolf.And the benefits are numerous:Students are also able to volunteer to be part of the youth agency to be upskilled in digital marketing within a working environment.The agency currently counts Primi, Reebok, and TEDxCapeTown as partners in this initiative, and is open to further collaboration with like-minded organisations and brands looking to address the youth unemployment crisis head-on and bridge the gap between skills training and experience. Graphic Designer Remuneration: negotiable basic salary Location: Durban, Riverhorse Valley Job level: Junior/Mid Type: Permanent Reference: #GD-05-05-22 Have the relevant qualification and a strong portfolio. Be a team player, be motivated, have great initiative, exceptional attention to detail, and must be able to work under pressure. Be highly creative with great initiative. Be able to prepare and set up artwork files for print across various platforms. Have great communication skills and have a go-to, positive attitude. InDesign Illustrator Photoshop Multimedia design / Video editing Illustration The Fire Tree Design Company is looking for a Junior to Mid-Weight Graphic Designer to join our creative team. A minimum of two to three years experience is required.A knowledge of traditional and digital advertising is a must. Proven experience in corporate branding, packaging, magazine layout, web design, social media content design, store branding, signage, vehicle branding, and print processes is essential.Please submit a portfolio along with your CV.Should you not hear back from us by 30 June 2022, please consider your application unsuccessful. Posted on 05 May 12:59, Closing date 4 Jul Manager Operations Remuneration: negotiable negotiable depending on experience Location: Cape Town Remote work: Not Applicable Education level: Degree Job level: Mid/Senior Own transport required: Yes Type: Permanent Reference: #CBC MANAGER Company: Cape Business Centre Assumes the role of the main point of communication between the client and all departments within the business both in pre-planning and on-site Manages assigned operational functions within the business consistent with the strategic plan and vision for the property Manages the delivery and measurement of guest service consistent with the company core service standards and brand attributes Work directly with clients on room set-up, cost and billing details and other requirements pertinent to their event Ensures that necessary meeting facilities are reserved where applicable Source prospective clients, working with the sales team to promote the business Creates a work environment that promotes teamwork, performance feedback, recognition, mutual respect, and employee satisfaction Performs all job-related duties as assigned, and lend a hand where needed Create function sheets, invoices, and conferencing packages Strategize with owner and sales team to set goals and the execution thereof Update data bases and keep record of members, monthly invoicing of membership packages Market and approach potential clients to ensure growth of the business Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate or equivalent) Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent Three+ years work experience in medium size convention/conference/events business Valid drivers licence and own transport Excellent communication skills/ bilingual Proactive, decisive, innovative, creates support from others and is devoted to quality Client focused with market orientation Solid financial and business acumen Has strategic insight and is strong at planning and implementation Strong ability to multi-task Ability to problem solve quickly Tradeshow experience advantageous Well-groomed, presentable and professional manner It is the primary responsibility of the Business Centre Manager to ensure the complete coordination of all conference meetings, working closely with the client to ensure successful planning, set-up, and service. If you are a dynamic and highly organized individual with entrepreneurial attributes this is an exciting opportunity for you.Kindly forward updated CV, contactable refences and recent photo to az.oc.cbepac@egni Posted on 05 May 11:29, Closing date 4 Jul Port officials said the Empress will arrive at the Visakhapatnam port on June 8 and passengers will be taken for sightseeing in the city till evening. The ship will leave Visakhapatnam for Puducherry at 8 pm on the same day and reach its destination on the morning of June 10. Travellers can go sightseeing till evening in Puducherry. The ship will depart Puducherry at 7 pm and reach Chennai the next morning. Representational image/By arrangement Visakhapatnam: Cruise liners are all set to operate to and from Visakhapatnam, as promised by the Andhra Pradesh tourism department. The first line Empress will dock at Visakhapatnam port on June 8. Cruise liners usually carry between 1,500 and 1,800 passengers. Empress will sail from Visakhapatnam to Puducherry via Chennai and return to its city of origin. Fares would be based on the class of travel chosen by passengers. Visakhapatnam port officials approached the JM Baxi group to operate the service and the latter have agreed to it, according to Visakhapatnam port chairman K. Rama Mohana Rao. Port officials said the Empress will arrive at the Visakhapatnam port on June 8 and passengers will be taken for sightseeing in the city till evening. The ship will leave Visakhapatnam for Puducherry at 8 pm on the same day and reach its destination on the morning of June 10. Travellers can go sightseeing till evening in Puducherry. The ship will depart Puducherry at 7 pm and reach Chennai the next morning. The ship has a host of attractions, such as food courts, restaurants, a swimming pool as well as a fitness centre. Casino, spa and liquor would be available on board but are not included in the ticket cost. The cruise liner would be operated to Visakhapatnam on June 15 and June 22 as well. The port will not facilitate the sale of tickets. Meanwhile, the international boutique cruise ship Silver Discoverer docked at the Visakhapatnam port on January 25, 2019. The dawn to dusk visitor, the seven-star liner, built in Russia, came from Trincomalee in Sri Lanka via Chennai. Nearly a hundred tourists from the US and European countries were given a grand welcome by top officials, led by Union shipping secretary Gopala Krishna. Digital Account Manager - Sales Remuneration: R40000 - R50000 per month negotiable cost-to-company Benefits: Medical, Pension Location: Johannesburg Remote work: Remote work allowed optional Education level: Matric Job level: Mid Travel requirement: Occasional Reference: #IM/CS/RS Company: Recruitment Dynamix Job description Achievement of targets Portfolio management Excellent client service Teamwork Maintain good relationships internally and externally Effective communication and administration Good knowledge of the FMCG sector Understanding of the retail environment Must have knowledge of digital Requirements Must have a proven track record in digital media Must be able to prove that you have consistently met targets in previous positions Identify, establish and maintain new direct business Build sound client relationships Liaise at all levels Provide excellent after sales service to secure repeat business Excellent written proposal and presentation skills Professional and articulate, with strong interpersonal skills Company Description This is a really exciting opportunity to work with a vibrant, growing commercial team alongside marketers, campaign managers, paid media specialists and a through-the-line team. The Digital Era is disrupting the way we communicate, and this team are on-top of all latest developments and trends.They play a critical role in partnering with their clients to maximise their marketing/advertising/digital investments. You will consult with, support and grow clients within the FMCG and related sectors. Dealing with Digital and Advertising Agencies as well as client direct.This is very much a consultative sales role. You will be responsible for identifying and developing relationships with new clients, helping them analyse their challenges and needs, and working with them to develop and deliver cutting edge g solutions that address them.We are looking for a creative, experienced Advertising specialist who has client centric sales skills.vibrant, growing commercial team alongside marketers, campaign managers, paid media specialists and a through-the-line team. The Digital Era is disrupting the way we communicate, and this team are on-top of all latest developments and trends. Posted on 05 May 14:24, Closing date 4 Jul Patna: Ace poll strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday put paid to speculations of him floating a new political platform stating that he is set to embark on a 3000 km 'padyatra' that will start from Mahatma Gandhi's ashram in Bihar's Champaran on October 2. He said he will launch a 'Jan Surraj' (Good Governance) campaign in the next three to four months into which he will rope in eminent personalities of Bihar who want to bring about a positive change in the state. Prashant Kishore, popularly referred to as PK, said that there are no elections in Bihar in the near future and so he is not launching a political party for now. However, he did not comment on future plans on his own political platform. "It is being speculated that I will form a new political party, I will not make any such announcement today. My role in the coming days will be to meet the people who are connected to the social and political life of Bihar and who understand Bihar's problems and bring all of them together on one platform. We have identified and contacted nearly 17,500 people in the past four to five months," Kishor said. He added: "If we will decide in future that we need to make a political party then it won't be Prashant Kishor's party. It will be a people's party". "If a large number of people come together on one platform, and collectively decide on the need for a political party, then the announcement of that party would be made. Even if that party is formed, then it will not be Prashant Kishor's party, but every such person's party who wants to accompany in the formation of the political party. This work should be completed by August or September," the poll strategist said. "In the coming three to four months, I will meet most of these people personally and discuss the methods to implement the idea of Jan Suraaj (good governance). My experience says that nearly 90 per cent of people agree that there is a need for a collective new effort," he further added. Kishor, had recently turned down an offer to join the Congress stating that the grand old party was in need of leadership. On May 2 he had posted a cryptic tweet on his timeline in which he said, "My quest to be a meaningful participant in democracy and help shape pro-people policy led to a 10yr rollercoaster ride! As I turn the page, time to go to the Real Masters". Hitting out at Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Lalu Prasad Yadav led RJD for their respective tenures as chief ministers, Kishor said that it is an undeniable truth that "Bihar is the most backward and poorest state" of the country. "The amount of truth that is there in their claims of development of Bihar during their respective tenures, it is also a truth that even after the 30-year rule of Lalu Yadav and Nitish Kumar, Bihar is the most backward and the poorest state of the country. Bihar still stands at the lowermost step in most of the parameters of development. If Bihar has to come in the category of advanced states, we cannot reach there walking on the same path as in the past 10 to 15 years," he said. "Those who are connected to this land and understand the issues pertaining to this state and have the capability to solve the problems and who want to change Bihar, most of such people need to come together and make a new effort," Kishor added calling upon the people to join him in his campaign. Assuring the people of the state of his dedication, he struck down the question of "quitting in the middle". "I want to assure the people of Bihar that I am dedicating everything that I have for the betterment of the people. There is no question of quitting in the middle or backing down because of the troubles," Kishor said. Talking about the possibility of contesting the elections in alliance with any other political party, he said that he has no such plans yet. "I have no thoughts about contesting the election in Bihar with any political party. If contesting elections was my target, then it could be fought by forming a party a year before the polls. I don't need any such experiment with four years to go for the polls," he said. Asked about his Chief Ministerial ambitions in the future after the formation of his own party, Kishor said that he is not sure if he would hold any key positions like the president in the party. "If we form the party, I cannot say that I will be the face of the CM candidate or the chief of the party," Kishor said. Kishor has been key in victories in Bihar, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and the latest in West Bengal elections. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is keenly watching the political developments in the state after national leaders from Congress and BJP started making a beeline to Telangana. (Photo: Twitter) Hyderabad: The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is reportedly confident of getting the support of students and farmers despite the onslaught by Opposition parties. The Congress and BJP have intensified political activity in the state by roping in their respective national leaders to highlight the growing rate of unemployment, agrarian crisis and farmers' suicides under the TRS regime. The TRS leadership is assessing the likely impact of Rahul Gandhi, BJP national president J.P. Nadda and Union home minister Amit Shah's visits to Telangana from May 5 to 14. According to party sources, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is keenly watching the political developments in the state after national leaders from Congress and BJP started making a beeline to Telangana. He is trying to gauge the possible impact on TRS prospects in the next Assembly elections following the virulent attacks by opposition leaders. Rao deliberated on the latest political developments with some ministers and senior party leaders here on Thursday, sources added. They are understood to have felt that the decisions taken by the state government in March to issue job notifications to fill over 84,000 posts and procure paddy in rabi for MSP after the Centre refused to purchase boiled rice, have turned the tide in their favour and lowered the resentment among students and farmers. Students were angry at TRS for having failed to issue job notifications since 2016 while farmers fumed at the delay in paddy procurement in rabi due to its row with Centre on the boiled rice issue. While the job notifications for Group-I and police recruitment have been duly issued, the paddy procurement process is underway across the state. The party believes that students are so busy preparing themselves following the job notification that they would be reluctant to participate in agitation programmes being planned by opposition parties on the unemployment issue. (Support Free Thought) - It is no secret that Elon Musk is shaking up the established order. What seemingly started as a joke about buying Twitter has morphed into reality and the establishment left is in complete panic over the fact that they may soon have to defend their ideas in the public sphere. As a result of this panic, the mainstream media has taken to waging a massive smear campaign against the eccentric billionaire. Over the weekend, CNN went into full meltdown as David Zurawik ranted about how the establishment needs to keep control of the narrative that Musk threatens. Theres a bigger problem here about how were going to control the channels of communications in this country, Zurawik tellingly stated, adding that Musk allowing free speech on a single social media platform is dangerous. CNN's David Zurawik: "Dangerous" with Elon Musk buying Twitter, we need to look to Europe. "You need regulation. You cannot let these guys control discourse in this country or we are headed to hell. We are there. Trump opened the gates of hell and now theyre chasing us down." pic.twitter.com/QubyKZwVCQ Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 1, 2022 After CNN melted down and exposed their true intentions of complete information control, the blowhards at NBC have taken to comparing Musk and other supporters of free speech to Nazism and far right fascism. NBCs @mehdirhasan on @elonmusk: "If [the neo-Nazi faction" of the GOP expands in Nov.], we may look back on this .. as a pivotal moment, when a petulant & not-so-bright billionaire casually bought one of the most influential messaging machines & just handed it to the far-right pic.twitter.com/bIpiIlFlwR Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) May 2, 2022 The idea that NBC is fear mongering over Musk being able to fix elections by controlling the flow of information on Twitter is outright laughable given the fact that the entire Big Tech apparatus, along with a large chunk of the US intelligence community conspired together in 2020 to do just that with the Hunter Biden story. Burying the laptop story arguably swung a large portion of votes toward Biden that may have otherwise gone to third parties or Trump. In reality, free speech is a danger to no one except for the people with hateful and illogical ideologies. As we have pointed out time and again, racists, woke cultists, and staunch statists all hate free speech because none of their ideas hold up to being challenged in the public sphere. In order to spread their obstinance and hatred, they must silence others from easily exposing their philosophy as the garbage that it is. Public discourse is what reduced racism and hatred over the years, not censorship. In fact, censorship has proven repeatedly to do the exact opposite by driving racists and extremists into dark private spaces where their illogical and hateful ideas are shielded from the public sphere, allowing them to fester. Anyone who thinks discourse is dangerous is the real danger. Whats more, CNN and NBC both have a long and dangerous track record especially when it comes to sexual predators in their ranks. Last year, CNN fired a top producer for training girls as young as 7 to be sexually submissive. Lets not forget that NBC not only has a history of sex abuse among their ranks but they also have a history of covering it up, as Musk conveniently pointed out this week. Same org that covered up Hunter Biden laptop story, had Harvey Weinstein story early & killed it & built Matt Lauer his rape office. Lovely people. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 2, 2022 As the establishment media attempts to smear a man whose innovations are making the world a better place, many inside their ranks are doing the exact opposite. In fact, just this week, an NBC News anchor, Zach Wheeler was busted allegedly trying to meet a child for sex. Before being busted over the weekend and fired, Wheeler was an anchor and News Director at NBCs WETM in New York. Last week, Wheeler was caught by the 607 Predator Hunters a vigilante group who hunts child predators by posing as children online attempting to meet a 15-year-old boy for sex. When the folks from 607 confronted Wheeler, he denied all of it as he is heard telling him, heres the thing, I was not looking to meet him. The man filming then tells Wheeler, thats not what the chat logs say. Wheeler then shifts gears and claims to be meeting with the boy to help him and says he has no intention of having sex with the child. Im not here to have any kind of sexual relations with a young person. I was here to talk to this kid to get him off of these apps. Listen, Im not having sex with anybody. He said, Im not a pedophile. Wheeler then he tries to claim victimhood, saying that this group is targeting gay and lesbian folks as if sexual preference is an issue when youre trying to rape children. Why they do this to gay and lesbian people? asked Wheeler to which the vigilante group members respond they do it to everybody. Are you guys here to ruin peoples lives, Wheeler asks at another point, noting that the group was going to ruin my whole entire life and he is going to lose my job and everything. At another point, Wheeler argues that the group is engaging in cancel culture because of his job. But the group did nothing to cancel Wheeler. It was Wheeler who decided to meet a 15-year-old boy for sex, not anyone canceling him. When the group begins reading out the sexually explicit messages Wheeler sent, he then asks them if they need money or help to catch more predators or to get their organization on television. The video of Wheeler was enough, however, to get the group all the exposure they need. BUSTED: NBC News Anchor, Zach Wheeler drove 3 hours to meet what he thought was an underage child. Upon arrival he was met by the 607 Predator Hunters. I was here to talk to that kid to get him off of these apps EVERY PEDOPHILE EVER pic.twitter.com/DIWhf2cVIC Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) May 2, 2022 Full video below: Earlier this year, Wheeler was named the News Director for WETM a position he no longer holds thanks to his alleged affinity for children. Rest assured, as the attacks continue to unfold on Musk, NBC will likely choose to remain entirely silent on stories like this one. Shameful indeed. China responsible for two in three BEVs sold worldwide in Q1: study Xinhua) 09:26, May 05, 2022 BERLIN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Two out of three battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold worldwide in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022 found new owners in China, according to a study published by the auditing and consulting services company PwC Strategy& (Germany) on Wednesday. China's BEV market has more than doubled in size year-on-year, hitting the one-million-unit mark in Q1, according to the study. "Growth rates in China continued to outperform other key electric vehicle markets." Germany remained Europe's largest BEV market in terms of units sold, but the BEV market share was higher in the United Kingdom largely due to greater product availability. In the top five European markets, BEV sales grew by 46 percent year-on-year to 210,940 units, according to the study. Within one year, German carmakers had doubled their share in the Chinese BEV market to 4 percent, PwC expert Felix Kuhnert told Xinhua on Wednesday. Global BEV sales in Q1 rose by 107 percent compared to the first quarter of last year. "Much of that rise can be attributed to China," PwC Strategy& said. German carmaker BMW, for instance, has just announced that its BEV sales in China had tripled year-on-year. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Tirupati: AP police placed several opposition Telugu Desam, BJP, Jana Sena and communist party leaders under house arrest in view of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys one-day visit to Tirupati on Thursday. BJP spokesperson G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, who had been detained by police at his residence, accused the state government of miserably failing in protecting women and children from molestation and rape. Speaking to media persons from his house, he alleged that the government has laid more focus on revenues from liquor than paying attention to protecting women from molestation. After being confined to his home, former TUDA chairman Golla Narasimha Yadav of Telugu Desam slammed YSR Congress party for suppressing the voice of opposition using police forces. We are living in a democratic country, where people and opposition parties have right to protest. The ruling party is, however, suppressing the voice of opposition by misusing the police department, he pointed out. On the other hand, TD youth leader Ravi Naidu staged a unique protest in front of his parked car in Tirupati late on Wednesday night. He had also been placed under house arrest. Post this, he placed a placard on his car and held one in his hand. He asked devotees visiting Tirupati to be cautious, as officials could forcibly seize their vehicle. Incidentally, the car of a group of devotees had been recently seized and deployed for providing logistical support to CM's convoy during Jagan Mohan Reddys recent visit to Prakasam district. Amazon announced on Monday that it will pay up to $4,000 in travel expenses annually for employees to get abortions. The move came after a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito came out suggesting that Roe v. Wade will be overturned. From Reuters, "Amazon to reimburse U.S. employees who travel for abortions, other treatments": Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O), the second-largest U.S. private employer, told its staff on Monday it will pay up to $4,000 in travel expenses annually for non-life threatening medical treatments including abortions, according to a message seen by Reuters. The decision makes the online retailer the latest company after Citigroup Inc (C.N), Yelp Inc (YELP.N) and others to respond to Republican-backed state laws curbing abortion access, helping employees bypass them. It shows how companies are eager to retain and attract talent in locations that remain important to their operations despite legal changes impacting employees' health. Some 170+ CEOs in 2019 signed onto an open letter stating that abortion bans are "bad for business." Corporate America needs round-the-clock, "day in and day out" abortions to keep their businesses "thriving." Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram. Standing in front of stacks of Javelin missiles at an Alabama factory, President Joe Biden told workers assembling the weapon, which has been wreaking havoc on Russian tanks in Ukraine, that they are part of a historic battle for democracy. "These weapons touched by the hands, your hands, are in the hands of Ukrainian heroes, making a significant difference," Biden said at the Lockheed Martin facility in Troy, Alabama, which has produced more than 50,000 of the tank-busting rockets in the last two decades. Biden told workers they should be "proud" of their role in the mammoth US and allied Western push to arm Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion. With the West's help, Ukraine's forces are "making fools of the Russian military in many instances," he said. Biden called on Congress to pass quickly his request for a mammoth new aid package worth $33 billion -- the majority of that in more weaponry and some of the funds going simply to replenishing the US military's own stocks. "This fight is not going to be cheap, but caving to aggression would be even more costly," Biden said. - Wider war for democracy - So far, the United States has shipped 5,500 Javelins to Ukraine, part of more than $3 billion in military aid since the start of the war in February. Mentioning stories from Ukraine of parents calling newborns Javelin or Javelina in honor of the fearsome weapon, Biden likened the approximately 300 staff in the audience to the workers behind the military industrial machine that helped turn the tide of World War II by churning out American firepower to fight Japan and the Nazis. The US government today likes to pretend that it is the perennial champion of political independence for countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain. What is often forgotten, however, is that in the days following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Washington opposed independence for Soviet republics like Ukraine and the Baltic states. In fact, the Bush administration openly supported Mikhail Gorbachevs efforts to hold the Soviet Union together rather than allow the USSR to decentralize into smaller states. The US regime and its supporters in the press took the position that nationalismnot Soviet despotismwas the real problem for the people of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Indeed, in the case of Ukraine, President George H.W. Bush even traveled to Kyiv in 1990 to lecture the Ukrainians about the dangers of seeking independence from Moscow, while decrying the supposed nationalist threat. Today, nationalism is still a favorite bogeyman among Washington establishment mouthpieces. These outlets routinely opine on the dangers of French nationalism, Hungarian nationalism, and Russian nationalism. One often sees the term nationalism applied in ways designed to make the term distasteful, as in white nationalism. When nationalism is convenient for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its European freeloaders, on the other hand, we are told that nationalism is a force for good. Thus, the US regime and mainstream media generally pretend that Ukrainian nationalismand even Ukrainian white nationalismeither dont exist or are to be praised. When nationalism is convenient for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its European freeloaders, on the other hand, we are told that nationalism is a force for good. Thus, the US regime and mainstream media generally pretend that Ukrainian nationalismand even Ukrainian white nationalismeither dont exist or are to be praised. In 1991, however, the US had not yet decided that it paid to actively promote nationalismso long as it is anti-Russian nationalism. Thus, in those days, we find the US regime siding with Moscow in efforts to stifle or discourage local nationalist efforts to break with the old Soviet state. The way it played out is an interesting case study in both Bush administration bumbling and in the USs foreign policy before the advent of unipolar American liberal hegemony. The Antinationalist Context In the late 1980s, it was already apparent that the Soviet Union was beginning to lose its grip on many parts of the enormous polity that was the USSR. Restive nationalists within the Soviet Union were beginning to assert local control. For example, by 1989, ethnic Armenians and Azeris were already embroiled in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh that continues to this day. Deadly ethnic violence flared, but Moscow, in its weakened state, put off taking action. Yet, in January 1990, Moscow did act in what is known in Azerbaijan today as Black January. Soviet tanks rolled into the Caspian Sea port city of Baku and killed as many as 150 Azerismany of them civilians: The ostensible aim of the intervention was to stop Azeri massacres of Armenians, but the real goal was to prevent the Azerbaijani Popular Front from taking power.1 The Popular Front was the chief political arm of anti-Moscow nationalism in Azerbaijan, and its leader stated, The goal is to drive out the army, liquidate the [Moscow-controlled] Azerbaijani Communist Party, establish a democratic parliament. Yet instead of Washington pundits instructing Americans to announce I stand with Azerbaijan, we were told the real threat was nationalism. As Doyle McManus wrote at the Los Angeles Times in 1990: An ancient specter is haunting Europe: untamed nationalism. From Baku to Berlin, as the Soviet Bloc has disintegrated, ethnic conflicts that once seemed part of the past have suddenly returned to life. These old nationalistic impulses, one official from the State Department averred, are dangerous ghosts from Europes past. Arch establishment foreign policy advisor Zbigniew Brzezinki was on hand to claim that ethnic tensions could lead to geopolitical anarchy. Bush administration officials were worried that smaller national groups might replace the Soviet Union. At the time, it was not uncommon to hear that nationalism in Europe would bring about a situation similar to that which supposedly caused World War I. As one senior Bush advisor said, Its 1914 all over again. So, when the Soviet tanks showed up to crush a potential coup that might free some Soviet subjects from Moscows yoke, the feeling in Washington was one of relief rather than dismay at Moscows aggression. Washington was clinging to the idea that the answer to nationalism was to ensure the continued existence ofas Murray Rothbard put ita single, overriding government agency with a monopoly force to settle disputes by coercion. That agency was the USSR. The US Against Independence for Ukraine and the Baltics That was in early 1990. By late 1990, on the other hand, it was increasingly apparent that the Soviet state was in deep trouble and events were spiraling beyond the control of either Moscow or Washington. The situation in the Baltics was especially acute. On March 30, 1990, Lithuania declared independence and seceded from the Soviet Union. The Soviet state responded with a blockade. Latvia and Estonia began moving toward independence as well, although these two countries would not formally secede until late August 1991. Yet, even in early August 1991, Washington under George H.W. Bush was still obsessed with the nationalist threat. In early 1990, the Soviets had claimed that Baltic independence was a threat to European stability, and this position, according to the Los Angeles Times, had won considerable sympathy within the Bush Administration and in West European capitals. This preference for Moscow-coerced unity and order over nationalist decentralization was again on full display on August 1, 1991. This was when George Bush delivered his notorious Chicken Kiev speech. In this address to the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian USSR, Bush harangued the Ukrainians on the need to accept rule from Moscow and reject nationalism, stating Yet freedom is not the same as independence. Americans will not support those who seek independence in order to replace a far-off tyranny with a local despotism. They will not aid those who promote a suicidal nationalism based upon ethnic hatred. In other words, the nationalist bogeyman was invoked to hold the Soviet Union together. Bushs finger wagging at the secessionists was received well by moderate pro-Moscow communists. But it was less well received by Ukrainian nationaliststo put it mildlyand Baltic secessionists were horrified as well. But few were waiting for approval from the Americans. Less than six months later, all of the Baltics had seceded from the USSR, and a Ukrainian referendum on independence passed easily. (Lackluster support for secession continued in the Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.) In delivering this speech, Bush was essentially acting as Gorbachevs message boy, and Bush clearly supported Gorbachevs All-Union Treaty, which was supposed to create a new, enlightened version of the Soviet Union that would replace the old USSR. Yet if the Soviet Union was going to hold together, it was going to require the participation of the Ukrainians. That didnt happen, and Foreign Affairs concluded in 1992, It was Ukraine, led by President Leonid Kravchuk, that ultimately provoked the unraveling of the Soviet empire: Ukraines refusal to sign Mikhail Gorbachevs union treaty precipitated the collapse of the U.S.S.R. Through most of it, the US had repeatedly warned against the dangers of secession and the threat of nationalism. Instead, the party line in Washington appeared to be that the old Soviet Union could be reformed into a new large state where democracy would keep the Lithuanians, the Ukrainians, the Azeris, the Armenians, and countless others in line. After all, from the point of view of Washington, the end of large state is not a rebirth of freedom, but an outbreak of chaos and instability. Thus, Moscow was treated as a far greater friend of Washington than secessionists in Kiev or Riga. The panic over nationalism in the former USSR didnt persist, however. Washingtons about-face on all this came when Washington realized it could extend its unipolar moment by expanding NATOin spite of the promise to not extend NATO eastward. Once it became clear that nationalism could be harnessed to serve the ends of NATO expansionists, then nationalism became a feature of sovereignty and the rules-based order. But as weve seen with the badmouthing of Polish and Hungarian efforts to control their borders and assert independence from Brussels, nationalism is intolerable whenever it inconveniences the European Commission or the White House. Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute. Ryan has a bachelors degree in economics and a masters degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado. He was a housing economist for the State of Colorado. He is the author of Commie Cowboys: The Bourgeoisie and the Nation-State in the Western Genre. This article was originally published on Mises Institute. According to a ludicrous COVID-19 law sponsored by radical Road Island Senator Samuel W. Bell, parents whose kids are unvaccinated will be fined and their income taxes doubled unless they acquire an exemption. On March 1, Bell presented Senate Bill S2552 (read below) in Rhode Island. The bill, which had not been enacted into law as of last week, is presently being reviewed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. S2552 mandates that all qualified Rhode Island citizens be immunized against COVID. They may incur a $50 monthly penalty and double the state income tax should they refuse. There are additional sanctions for parents who have children under the age of 16 who have not been vaccinated. The bills text runs as follows: This act would mandate all residents sixteen (16) years or older to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If a resident is under sixteen (16) years of age, the resident would be required to be immunized against COVID-19, with the responsibility for ensuring compliance falling on all parents or guardians with medical consent powers. Additionally, any person who violates this chapter would be required to pay a monthly civil penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) and would owe twice the amount of personal income taxes. Bell told the Boston Globe about the bill, asserting: The reason I introduced the bill is we have a crisis with the pandemic. Thousands of Rhode Islanders have died. Ive had really painful calls from constituents who cant go to the store because theyre immuno-compromised, who have lost loved ones to this pandemic, who are really ill and not fully recovered, suffering long-term effects. Bell has received a lot of backlash for introducing the measure. He shared an email he received from an enraged Rhode Islander on Twitter. More input from the antivax advocates, this time with an allusion to attacking our son. It wont work. Theyll learn what everyone else whos tried to bully me learned: I was a nerd in middle school, so I know how to handle it. pic.twitter.com/OTBoRO0gxw Sam Bell (@SamuelWBell) April 20, 2022 Adults being fined and paying additional taxes for not being vaxxed, or perhaps even their children not being vaxxed, is a tremendous government infringement. Furthermore, the vaccine is not without risk, particularly for children. Dr. Robert Malone, a virologist and immunologist who has helped develop mRNA vaccine technology, has stated: Think twice before you vaccinate your kids. Because if something bad happens, you cant go back and say, whoops, I want a do-over.' After going a full administration without a new war to fill their coffers, the D.C. defense industry has finally found their next big prize. After dismissing the prospect of diplomacy between Ukraine and Russia, the Biden Administration continues to flood Ukraine with an endless supply of military hardware, while using extraconstitutional means to perpetually lengthen the size and scope of Americas involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson had their time to shine, but now its the defense contractors time to hoover up all it can from the taxpayer-funded Beltway regime. Welcome back to your place in the spotlight, and hop on back aboard the U.S. taxpayer gravy train, Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed, and friends. Theres an ongoing inter slavic conflict 5,000 miles away from our shores, and the war machine is ready to eat. This chart shows military aid to Ukraine during month 1 of the war pic.twitter.com/FqQKtTJgOn Samuel Ramani (@SamRamani2) April 22, 2022 We just kicked off a historic meeting more than 40 countries gathered together to help Ukraine win the fight against Russia's unjust invasion. Our goal is to leave here with a common, transparent understanding of Ukraine's short-term and long-term security requirements. pic.twitter.com/sRuhu7aPis Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) April 26, 2022 On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (who served on the board of Raytheon prior to his appointment) kicked off what he deemed a historic meeting of more than 40 allied countries, with the purported goal to help Ukraine win the fight against Russias unjust invasion. And how exactly will Lloyd Austin accomplish such a task? That will be pursued, according to the Pentagons brightest minds, through arming up Ukraine with an endless supply of military supplies, such as heavy weapons, vehicles, fighter jets and the like. The criminals and quacks who run Pfizer are getting filthy rich through the sale of their mRNA injection to governments, which, since 2020, have used taxpayer funds to place endless purchase orders for what was once described as a cure to the novel coronavirus, but is now quite clearly a failed product. Pfizer posted a sharp rise in revenue for the first quarter, thanks largely to its Covid-19 vaccine. https://t.co/NkduNEcuc6 Barron's (@barronsonline) May 3, 2022 In a stunning earnings report published Tuesday, Pfizer announced they had logged $26 billion in Q1 sales, marking a quarterly profit of $7.86 billion. Revenue went up 77% while profit was up 61%. The company is on track to bring in over $100 billion in revenue and $32 billion in net income this year, and the vast majority of cash is coming from the American taxpayer and other government customers via their taxpayers, who have virtually no say in the matter. Pfizer just posted a profit of $7.86 billion in Quarter 1. That's not revenue. That's PROFIT. It seems like the only thing being boosted is revenue.https://t.co/CQLf7FLq6A king Keith (@KaConfessor) May 3, 2022 More than half of their revenue ($13.2 billion) came from sales of their COVID vaccine, which has produced no actual demand in a consumer market. Another $1.5 billion came in sales of its oral COVID treatment Paxlovid, another product that is being financed entirely by governments. Pfizer Q1 profit, revenue soar on COVID-19 vaccine sales https://t.co/e6snIPCueL pic.twitter.com/W6gx1fRPI1 New York Post (@nypost) May 3, 2022 Its an impressive haul for a company that made most of its money off of a once-claimed immunizing vaccine the mRNA COVID shot that doesnt currently work. Most countries are now on shot 4 of the Pfizer miracle cure. The mRNA injection, branded as Comirnaty, has never been reformulated. It was designed in January of 2020 for an early strain that was reported out of Wuhan, China. That strain has not been identified in any human beings for about two years. In order to keep profits soaring and expand its customer base, Pfizer is currently seeking authorization for three doses of its failed, expired vaccine for children under 5 years old, who are not statistically threatened by COVID-19. Many parents are not philosophically opposed to the concept of vaccination and do not object to every vaccine. However, they are philosophically opposed to government health officials having the power to intimidate, threaten, and coerce them into violating their deeply held conscientious beliefs in the event they conclude that either vaccination in general or, more commonly, a particular vaccine is not appropriate for their children. The principle of informed consent to medical treatment, which has become a central ethical principle in the practice of modern medicine and is applied to medical interventions which involve the risk of injury or death. Implicit in the concept of informed consent is the right to refuse consent or, in the case of vaccination laws, the right to exercise conscientious, personal belief or philosophical exemption to mandatory use of one or more vaccines. Informed Consent: An Ethical Principle The right to informed consent as an overarching ethical principle in the practice of medicine for which vaccination should be no exception. We maintain this is a responsible and ethically justifiable position to take in light of the fact that vaccination is a medical intervention performed on a healthy person that has the inherent ability to result in the injury or death of that healthy person. The Paternalistic Medical Model Under Challenge The reason that informed consent has been increasingly adopted, since World War II, as the guiding ethical principle governing the patient-physician relationship, is as deeply rooted in the comparatively new discipline of political science as it is in more ancient philosophies. At the heart of medicine's struggle to come to grips with a human being's right to informed consent to medical intervention, is a challenge to one tenet of the Hippocratic philosophy in the practice of medicine, that is, that the physician and the physician alone should determine which medical intervention will benefit the patient. This traditional paternalistic medical model is increasingly being rejected by today's more educated health care consumers and, along with this challenge, is also an historic challenge to the supremacy of the allopathic medical model as the only means of maintaining health and preventing disease. The movement toward a more diversified, multi-dimensional model health care system is a phenomenon occurring not only in the United States but in many technologically advanced countries. These are contentious and sometimes frightening days, both for consumers and health care providers fighting for the right to have better information and more health care choices, as well as for medical doctors and the institutions they dominate, who understandably do not like the intrusion or disruption of the status quo. While social change is never easy for the challenger or the challenged, in an enlightened society, change can often present a remarkable opportunity for growth and renewal for everyone if perspective is maintained and neither side engages in a take-no-prisoners mentality. Together with a general rejection of the historically paternalistic character of the patient-physician relationship in favor of one based on truth-telling and a more equal decision-making partnership, the post-World War II concept of the right to informed consent has centered on an acknowledgment of the inviolability of the individual's human right to autonomy and self-determination. This ethical concept, born out of unparalleled tragedy, has emerged as the single most important force in shaping modern bioethics. From Aristotle to Kant: Defining Moral Virtue In the centuries prior to World War II, religious scriptures as well as some of the greatest philosophers in history have acknowledged that the very meaning of life itself in great part hinges on the ability of the individual to choose his own fate. Aristotle, that masterful defender of empirical knowledge and creator of virtue ethics, insisted that wisdom and moral virtue comes from within each individual, from cultivating the feelings that cause us to act in compassionate, truthful, and noble ways. Aristotle's respect for man's unique ability to reason and choose to be virtuous convinced Thomas Aquinas, who in turn convinced a threatened Catholic Church that religion did not have to be afraid of acknowledging man's ability to discover truth through reason and sense experience, as well as through spiritual revelation. After the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, when individual responsibility began to be considered more important than obedience to religious doctrine, the 16th and 17th centuries saw dramatic scientific discoveries such as those by Galileo and Isaac Newton that spawned a new breed of philosopher like Thomas Hobbes, who developed a scientific system of ethics emphasizing organized society, the state and political structures. Toward the end of the 18th century, the great German philosopher Immanuel Kant maintained that the ultimate moral principle, which is known as the categorical imperative, is the golden rule in its logical form, that is, Act as if the principle on which your action is based were to become by your will a universal law of nature. Kant insisted that no human being should ever treat another human being as a means to an end no matter how good or desirable that end may appear to be. Utilitarianism: A Political Doctrine Turned Into a Pseudo-Ethic But Kant was challenged by British philosopher Jeremy Bentham, a contemporary of Dr. Edward Jenner. Bentham developed an ethical and political doctrine known as utilitarianism. Utilitarianism, which is a consequentialist theory, judges the rightness or wrongness of an action by its consequences and holds that an action that is moral or ethical results in the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. With its emphasis on numbers of people, Bentham created utilitarianism primarily as a guide to state legislative policy and, according to Arras and Steinbock, modern cost-benefit analyses are the direct descendants of classical utilitarianism. Utilitarianism, which was a philosophical influence on Marxism, was implemented in its most extreme and tragic form by those in control of the German state during World War II. In a remarkable series of articles by physician bioethicists and lawyers published in a November 1996 issue of JAMA, there is a compelling description of how physicians in service to the state employed the utilitarian rationale that a fewer number of individuals can be sacrificed for the happiness of a greater number of individuals (39,40). In scientific experiments designed to find ways to cleanse the German state of all infection of it by individuals the state had decided harmed the public good, including physically and mentally handicapped children and adults as well as those suffering from serious diseases, physicians and public health officials played a leading role. The Nuremberg Code: The Rights of Individuals Must Come First Out of the Doctors Trial in Nuremberg came the Nuremberg Code, of which Yale law professor, physician and ethicist Jay Katz has said if not explicitly then at least implicitly, commanded that the principle of the advancement of science bow to a higher principle: protection of individual inviolability. The rights of individuals to thoroughgoing self-determination and autonomy must come first. Scientific advances may be impeded, perhaps even become impossible at times, but this is a price worth paying. In another article, Dr. Katz said that the judges of the Nuremberg tribunal, overwhelmed by what they had learned, envisioned a world in which free women and men, after careful explanation, could make their own good or bad decisions, but not decisions unknowingly imposed on them by the authority of the state, science, or medicine. Bioethicist Arthur Caplan concurred when he said, The Nuremberg Code explicitly rejects the moral argument that the creation of benefits for many justifies the sacrifice of the few. Every experiment, no matter how important or valuable, requires the express voluntary consent of the individual. The right of individuals to control their bodies trumps the interest of others in obtaining knowledge or benefits from them. The First Principle of the Nuremberg Code is The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential. This means that the person involved should have legal capacity to give consent; should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, overreaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion; and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision. The Nuremberg Code, which speaks most specifically to the use of human beings in medical research but also has been viewed by bioethicists and U.S. courts as the basis for the right to informed consent to medical procedures carrying a risk of injury or death, was followed by the passage in 1964 of the Helsinki Declarations by the World Medical Association. Like the Nuremberg Code, the Helsinki Declarations emphasized the human right to voluntary, informed consent to participation in medical research that may or may not benefit the individual patient, science or humanity. Judeo-Christian Ethical Tradition Protects Freedom of Conscience But even if the Nuremberg Code and Helsinki Declarations had never been promulgated and pointed us toward the morality of accepting the human right to informed consent to medical interventions that can kill or injure us, there is the strong Judeo-Christian ethical tradition that protects the sacred right of the individual to exercise freedom of conscience even if it conflicts with a secular law of the state. This freedom is considered so inviolable in Catholic canon, that the definition of moral conscience is discussed in detail in the catechism of the Catholic Church, which holds that Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right. It is by the judgment of his conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescription of the divine law. In even stronger terms, the Catholic Church warns that a human being must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience. If he were deliberately to act against it, he would condemn himself. In the Old Testament of the Bible, which is the basis for Jewish law and the guide for each believer in Jewish law to discover the will of God, Abraham is asked by God to sacrifice his son to demonstrate his faith. Although Abraham is willing, God does not force Abraham to sacrifice his son. In fact, God makes it clear that human sacrifice to demonstrate allegiance is not appropriate . Why should physicians in a modern state have the power to ask more of a parent than God asked of Abraham? Bioethics: Humans Are Not Objects or Means to an End Bioethicists George Annas and Michael Grodin said Whenever war, politics or ideology treat humans as objects, we all lose our humanity. Or, as Elie Weisel said, When you take an idea or a concept and turn it into an abstraction, that opens the way to take human beings and turn them, also, into abstractions. In any war, whether it be a war using humans armed with guns in an attempt to defeat other humans, or a war using humans injected with vaccines in an attempt to eliminate microorganisms, it is easy for those in charge to view the instruments of that war - human beings - as objects and a means to an end. But the great moral tradition of Judeo-Christian western thought does not support this dangerous concept. David Walsh, an ethicist and political scientist, who spoke at the May 1996 Institute of Medicine Risk Communication Workshop, made it clear that the only time the state has the moral authority to override a human being's inviolable right to autonomy and force him to risk his life for the state, is when the very survival of the community is at stake. When, during a workshop break, several participants asked him to define what that means in terms of communicable disease, Dr. Walsh replied when the number of deaths caused by a disease in a community outweigh the number of births. It is interesting to note that no plague in history, not even the Black Plague and certainly not any vaccine preventable disease we have today, nor the AIDS epidemic, meets that standard. Philosopher Hans Jonas, in one of the most brilliant and moving essays I have ever read on the subject of bioethics, reminds us that a state may have the right to ask an individual to volunteer to die for what the state has defined as the common good but rarely, if ever, does a state have the moral authority to command it. Like Dr. Walsh, Jonas warned of the extraordinary emergency circumstances that should be in effect before the state can ethically override individual autonomy. He concluded: Let us not forget that progress is an optional goal, not an unconditional commitment, and that its tempo in particular, compulsive as it may be, has nothing sacred about it. Let us also remember that a slower progress in the conquest of disease would not threaten society, grievous as it is to those who have to deplore that their particular disease be not yet conquered, but that society would indeed by threatened by the erosion of those moral values whose loss, possibly caused by too ruthless a pursuit of scientific progress, would make its most dazzling triumphs not worth having (50). Even Bertrand Russell, a confirmed agnostic and sometime devotee of the utilitarian ethic, warned that our conduct, whatever our ethic may be, will only serve social purposes in so far as self-interest and the interests of society are in harmony. He added, It is the business of wise institutions to create such harmony as far as possible. Mandatory Vaccination Laws Force Violation of Moral Conscience I would suggest that it is not in the best interest of the citizens of this free society or of public health officials in positions of authority in the federal or state government to use the heel of the boot of the state to crush all dissent to mandatory vaccination laws and force individuals to violate their deeply held conscientious beliefs. It is not in the best interest of those of you, who deeply believe in the rightness of using vaccines to eliminate microorganisms, to be mistrusted and feared by the people being forced to use the vaccines you create and promote for universal use. It is very hard for people to trust government officials who track and hunt children down to ensure compliance with mandatory vaccination laws that are now equating chicken pox with smallpox and hepatitis B with polio. It is terrible when Americans live in fear of state officials who show up on parents' doorsteps with subpoenas charging them with child abuse for failing to vaccinate; who threaten parents for refusing to vaccinate their surviving children with the same vaccine that injured or killed another one of their children; who strip, handcuff and imprison a teenager for failing to show proof he got a second MMR shot; who deny children the right to go to school; who deny poor pregnant mothers the right to get food or welfare unless all their children are vaccinated with all government recommended vaccines. How can the people believe or want to do what public health officials say when they live in fear of them? We as parents, who know and love our children better than anyone else, we, by U.S. law and a larger moral imperative, are the guardians of our children until they are old enough to make life and death decisions for themselves. We are responsible for their welfare and we are the ones who bear the grief and the burden when they are injured or die from any cause. We are their voice and by all that is right in this great country and in the moral universe, we should be allowed to make a rational, informed, voluntary decision about which diseases and which vaccines we are willing to risk their lives for - without fearing retribution from physicians employed by the state. Argue with us. Educate us. Persuade us. But don't track us down and force us to violate our moral conscience. This article, originally written many years ago and recently updated by NVIC, came to our attention as we were doing some research on informed consent. I was so taken with the way the issues were presented, that I received permission from NVIC to republish it here. To see the full reference list, please go here. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. NEW YORK (AP) The company behind the TurboTax tax-filing program will pay $141 million to customers across the United States who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services, New York's attorney general announced Wednesday. This Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 photo shows a display of TurboTax software in a Sam's Club in Pittsburgh. Under the terms of a settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Mountain View, California-based Intuit Inc. will suspend TurboTaxs free, free, free ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, Wednesday, May 4, 2022.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) NEW YORK (AP) The company behind the TurboTax tax-filing program will pay $141 million to customers across the United States who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services, New York's attorney general announced Wednesday. Under the terms of a settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Mountain View, California-based Intuit Inc. will suspend TurboTaxs free, free, free ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. James said her investigation into Intuit was sparked by a 2019 ProPublica report that found the company was using deceptive tactics to steer low-income tax filers away from the federally supported free services for which they qualified and toward its own commercial products, instead. "For years, Intuit misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit. Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable for scamming millions of taxpayers, and were putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of impacted Americans," James said in a statement. "This agreement should serve as a reminder to companies large and small that engaging in these deceptive marketing ploys is illegal." As part of the agreement, Intuit admitted no wrongdoing, agreed to pay $141 million to put this matter behind it, and made certain commitments regarding its advertising practices," representatives for Intuit said in a blog post Wednesday. Intuit already adheres to most of these advertising practices and expects minimal impact to its business from implementing the remaining changes going forward." Until last year, Intuit offered two free versions of TurboTax. One was through its participation in the Internal Revenue Service's Free File Program, geared toward taxpayers earning roughly $34,000 and members of the military. Intuit withdrew from the program in July 2021, saying in a blog post that the company could provide more benefits without the program's limitations. The company also offers a commercial product called TurboTax Free Edition that is only for taxpayers with simple returns, as defined by Intuit. According to documents obtained by ProPublica, Intuit executives knew they were deceiving customers by advertising free services that were not in fact free to everyone. The website lists Free, Free, Free and the customers are assuming their return will be free, an internal company PowerPoint presentation said. Customers are getting upset. Under the agreement, Intuit will provide restitution to consumers who started using the commercial TurboTax Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file even though they were eligible for the version of TurboTax offered as part of the IRS Free File program. Consumers are expected to receive a direct payment of approximately $30 for each year that they were deceived into paying for filing services, James said. They will automatically receive notices and checks by mail. We empower our customers to take control of their financial lives, which includes being in charge of their own tax preparation, an Intuit spokesperson told ProPublica in a statement in 2019. The spokesperson added that a government-run pre-filled tax preparation system that makes the tax collector (who is also the investigator, auditor and enforcer) the tax preparer is fraught with conflicts of interest. Michael McCain, chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Foods, is stepping down from his position at the company, according to a Globe and Mail report late Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertise With Us Michael McCain, chief executive officer of Maple Leaf Foods, is stepping down from his position at the company, according to a Globe and Mail report late Wednesday afternoon. After 27 years working at the helm of Canadas largest meat producer, McCain is handing the top job to president Curtis Frank. McCain, 63, backed by the Ontario Teachers Pension plan, acquired the business in 1995 from a British holding company and transformed a collection of regional businesses into a leading North American food producer. With 13,500 employees between 21 facilities including a Brandon facility that employs more than 2,200 workers Maple Leafs market capitalization under his authority has more than tripled to $3.5 billion. McCain became a household name in 2008, when listeria from a Toronto plant contaminated its products and more than 20 people died. He was able to earn respect for personally taking responsibility for the crisis. McCain was also an early and committed champion of sustainability and the building of a driven corporate culture. He said his proudest moment as CEO came in 2019 when Maple Leaf Foods became the first major food company in the world to be carbon-neutral. "Compared to the largest U.S. producers, were the equivalent of a corner store. However, across the industry, we are recognized as leaders on sustainability," McCain said. On Wednesday afternoon, McCain announced he will become executive chair and will hand over CEO responsibilities to Frank by next years annual meeting. The Sun contacted Maple Leaf Foods late Wednesday afternoon but didnt receive a response by press time. The Brandon Sun The past two years at Maple Leaf Foods have been a wild ride while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bunmi Alabi. Advertisement Advertise With Us The past two years at Maple Leaf Foods have been a wild ride while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bunmi Alabi. The health and safety manager, who joined the Brandon Maple Leaf Foods facility in February 2020, said stepping into the role just as the pandemic was declared was incredibly daunting. "It was different because there wasnt a template for the pandemic. Everybody in the world was learning on the fly," Alabi said. He said the company was scrutinized by the union and the province at first to make sure Maple Leaf Foods was doing everything in its power to keep employees safe. Following a COVID-19 outbreak in August 2020, the company has since mandated full vaccination requirements for every employee by March 2022, and has stepped up to increase the safety of employees and employees families by running vaccination clinics, using dividers and managing social distancing in production. With North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) in full swing, Alabi said it is a time to celebrate Maple Leaf staff for getting the plant to where it is today in a safe manner. "Its been fantastic in terms of seeing the resilience, the innovation, thought process of everyone and the dedication to keeping people safe and keeping the business running," he said. "Health and safety is one of the cornerstones of our business." Over in the maintenance department, Dean Rodwell, a tradesperson with Maple Leaf for 22 years and the chief union steward of the plant for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 832, said the beginning of the pandemic was fearful for a lot of his coworkers. "The unknowns, not knowing what was going to happen, and then you hear [of] people dying," Rodwell said. TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN Workers at Maple Leaf Foods visit a wellness trade show put on by Maple Leaf as part of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week on Wednesday. "The company and the union had lots of conversations and the company put a lot of things in place to keep things extremely safe. I have no problem saying this from day one, outside of my home, this was the safest place I felt." NAOSH week, which originally launched in 1997, is commemorated through the first week in May in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Plant manager Jim Brown said the week has been full of events at the facility, including a town hall discussion on health and safety where employees could voice their concerns over mental health and the workplace environment. The manager said a common concern this week was employees expressing feelings of how to overcome loneliness and isolation as a result of staying home during the pandemic. "I know a lot of the commentary around mental health was that we were able to keep running, coming to work was a mental relief to be able to do something outside of home," Brown said. Upstairs in the plant on Wednesday afternoon, dozens of employees were in attendance for the 12th annual trade show, which the company held to coincide with NAOSH week. Spokespersons from Dynamic Physiotherapy, GoodLife Fitness, Westman Immigrant Services, Brandon Smiles Dentistry and other services filled the event space, in a function that has not been held since 2019. For the 2,200 hourly workers employed at the Brandon facility, Brown said having each business in attendance gave new employees and families a chance to experience what the city has to offer for a support system and networking. Lorna Lockhart, a community mental health worker for the Child & Adolescent Treatment Centre, said mental health is a critical part of health care right now at her booth. "[Its] being able to connect with people and let them know we are available any time for support," Lockhart said. "[Its to] also address the stigma that people have around mental health and mental health care. Kids are a part of our community, and we want to help them." TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN Maple Leaf Foods worker Jocelyn Rodriguez enters a draw at a wellness trade show put on by Maple Leaf as part of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week on Wednesday. Lynsey Jensen, a mental health liaison nurse for Westman Crisis Services, said an event like this that gets everyone together in the same room is great to bring members of the community up to speed on every organization like theirs in Brandon. At the Exhale Therapeutic Massage booth, Jodi Douglas and Paige Mains were excited to showcase their new business with their two additional co-workers. After opening in mid-March, both women said the exposure for their employees at the event is second to none. "Even if its just coming in for an hour, just like a quiet time, its benefiting anyone in any way I feel like personally, you cant go wrong with a massage," Mains said. Brown, who has worked in three Maple Leaf facilities during the pandemic Hamilton, Winnipeg and Brandon said from a production standpoint, the company has not slowed down to keep up with demand. He noted the work that goes in every day to break the language barriers at a facility that is home to seven official languages all diverse in nature. English, Spanish, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Hindi, Gujarati and Tigrinya are all spoken at the Brandon plant, and each of those languages is used by at least 100 employees. "Weve gone out of our way to set up language classes. We have interpreters on staff here that help settle in newcomers that struggle with English as a first language," he said. Over the past week, Brown said three Ukrainian refugees were able to settle in Brandon and be welcomed as new employees at the facility. The Brandon plant continues to remain in touch with the Ukrainian Association in the community, following the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, he said. The facility has continued to offer support to its Ukrainian employees in the form of time off or other measures to keep mental health in check, including a donation table of money and clothing. The company is also continuing its employee and family assistance program (EAP). "The program is setup to help our staff with challenges in their personal lives, if they struggle, be it anything from addiction, family issues, whatever types of issues they may have," Brown said. "We have EAP there to help them outside of whatever company benefits we provide to help them as a first line." jbernacki@brandonsun.com Twitter: @JosephBernacki I have to wonder whether Premier Heather Stefanson ever had aspirations to be a magician when she was a kid. She certainly has learned a few handy tricks about disappearing and reappearing in plain sight. CHELSEA KEMP/THE BRANDON SUN Premier Heather Stefanson (second from right) stands next to Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest as she listens to representatives from Koch Fertilizer at an event Wednesday. I have to wonder whether Premier Heather Stefanson ever had aspirations to be a magician when she was a kid. She certainly has learned a few handy tricks about disappearing and reappearing in plain sight. Over the past three days, Premier Stefanson and several of her ministers have been blitzing western Manitoba locales to hand out some cash, while trying to grab a few good positive vibes and headlines from local news media, with a few cheerful grip-and-grins at every stop. Although this three-day sunshine tour through western Manitoba came as something of a surprise to Winnipeg media, here at the Sun we were waiting for the press releases to begin. During her last trip to Brandon, during the state of the province speech she gave at a Brandon Chamber of Commerce event, we had been forewarned the premier and a number of ministers were planning a three-day tour of Westman part of what she called a "break" from the Manitoba legislature. Consider, too, that it was only just last week Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont filed a formal complaint in the Court of Queens Bench alleging Premier Stefanson violated conflict of interest rules when she failed to disclose selling property for about $31 million. This, plus any number of other ongoing political issues that reporters regularly harangue her about, no doubt gave her more than enough impetus to avoid pesky questions for a bit, and avoid having to give out a few answers under the legislature spotlight. I also note that during her previous trip to Brandon for her state of the province speech, Premier Stefanson had expressed an interest in sitting down with the Sun for a one-on-one interview with our political reporter when she returned. Of course, when you work in Manitobas second-largest city, such promises always come with a large dose of salt. But I digress. And so on Monday, unsurprisingly, Stefanson made her way to Dauphins city hall, where she announced a $13-million commitment to rebuild Highway 5A, the main access route into that city. As a Winnipeg Free Press columnist noted earlier this week, this was a "clever bit of political strategy" that gave her a good-news announcement without any nasty news media from Winnipeg or Brandon, I might add to rain on her parade. Then on Tuesday, the premier was originally scheduled to tour the Russell Health Centre chemotherapy unit expansion as part of $700,000 in funding from the province to help the Expanding Community Care Committee meet its $2.5-million goal. In actuality, deputy premier Cliff Cullen took her place likely much to the chagrin of those government lackeys in charge of issuing press releases who were apparently not told of the change in plans. The premier, we were told, had decided instead to join Turtle Mountain MLA and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Doyle Piwniuk in viewing flood-affected areas. Where precisely this was taking place, we were not told. Cue the late-afternoon notice issued by said lackeys at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday correcting the official record. Clearly, Brandon was supposed to be the last stop on their whirlwind Westman tour. And sure enough, the release went out regarding a ribbon-cutting planned at the Koch Fertilizer plants new administration building, with the premier, Mayor Rick Chrest and economic development director Sandy Trudel in attendance. Media had been invited to join the event, with the notice of a "media q&a [question-and-answer]" in the press release. This was one of several media events in Brandon involving government ministers yesterday. But since last Friday, we had been having trouble reaching Premier Stefansons press secretary for a green light on a specific interview date and time for our one-on-one. Late Tuesday, I personally reached out and finally learned the premier was planning to be in eastern Manitoba for most of the day. She still planned to be at the Koch Fertilizer event, however. On Wednesday morning, I received a text from one of the Sun staff who attended the 9:30 a.m. announcement at the YMCA with Minister Eileen Clarke, stating that Premier Stefanson was no longer planning to be in Brandon at all that day, and instead would be touring flooded regions in eastern Manitoba. And yet, much to our surprise and the apparent surprise of many of the dignitaries in attendance at the Koch ribbon cutting Premier Stefanson showed up anyway. And then promptly refused to take questions from media in attendance, including representatives from the Western Producer and the Sun. And without any fanfare, the premier promptly moved on to tour the new Koch facility, with media only learning then and there that we were barred from joining. So much for the "q&a." Quite clearly, we were dodged, just as she has been attempting to avoid difficult questions in Winnipeg for the past number of days. I dont doubt that in light of poor poll results over the last several months, the premier has her eyes on shoring up support for the party outside the capital where Progressive Conservative votes remain strong. But this disappearing-reappearing schtick shes got going on to confuse her critics seems quite effective. Perhaps she should change careers. Matt Goerzen, editor Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Book critics Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction releases. Here are their reviews. Fiction pick of the week Credit: The Colony Audrey Magee, Faber, $29.99 Audrey Magees latest novel is set on a tiny island off Irelands west coast where the dwindling local population still speaks Irish as their first language. Two outsiders arrive one summer in 1979. Mr Lloyd is a London artist whose marriage and career are in a rut; he has rented a cottage to paint the rugged coastal landscape. Jean-Pierre Masson is a French linguist, a defender of endangered languages, who has devoted successive summers to recording spoken Irish there. James, one of the islands few teenagers, becomes a go-between when the two men take an instant dislike to one another, and as his artistic talent becomes clear, the terrorist violence of the Troubles rears its head. The Colony is a luminous neo-colonial parable, though its light is blanched and wan and draws bleak relief from the weight of Irish literary tradition. Advertisement Credit: Careering Daisy Buchanan, Sphere, $32.99 The double meaning in the title of Daisy Buchanans second book encapsulates it in a word. Careering is about spiralling out of control, but also partakes of the millennial trend for performative verbification: it covers careering in the same sense as adulting. Buchanan has written a sharp-eyed satire on toxic work culture in journalism and publishing. Two women, Harri and Imogen, are exploited by the industry they love. Harri has slaved away at Panache magazine, sacrificing her happiness in pursuit of ambition, only to be sidelined when the top editing job comes up. Sex blogger Imogen has always had to hustle to survive as a writer among the precariat, and when Harri offers her a secure gig, it seems like a lifeline. But dream jobs dont exist, and the novels savage, black comic critique of contemporary workplace culture would make anyone look twice at the anti-work movement. Credit: The Teeth of a Slow Machine Andrew Roff, Wakefield, $29.95 Advertisement South Australian writer Andrew Roff debuts with a suite of speculative short stories that blends formal invention and dark humour, often using bizarre gambits to capture the absurdity and melancholy of the way we live now. Its a rangy collection featuring everything from capitalist satire to more intimate experimental stuff. Clandestine operatives of a KFC-like fast-food company plot vengeance on any who would dare steal the corporations secret recipe. An archaeologist paid by a mining company to work against Indigenous cultural interests is visited by a strange disorder that makes her faint and commit extraordinary acts of kindness. Other stories offer the keys to love through puzzle-like narrative structure or computer code. Roff writes with precision, and this volume possesses an imaginative scope that consistently defies category, upends expectation and rebels against any sort of formula or received idea for what Australian fiction should look like. Credit: Run and Hide Pankaj Mishra, Hutchinson Heinemann, $32.99 Class tensions and the rising tide of illiberalism in contemporary India are laid bare in Pankaj Mishras Run and Hide. Translator Arun and his friends come from poor backgrounds one is a Dalit, an untouchable, who becomes a Wall Street billionaire, another has reinvented himself as a novelist and pundit who speaks to the petit-bourgeois aspirations of Indias sizeable middle class. But Arun himself resists the pursuit of wealth and, while he proves a stark observer of the rise of nationalist sentiment that swept Modi into power, of the corruption and arrogance of Indias elites, his perspective can also be annoyingly schematic and lacking in nuance. Advertisement Mishra imbues him with a single-minded social imagination, less apt for fiction than one capable of delving deeply into complexities of human experience, and the novel is hamstrung by it. Non-fiction pick of the week Credit: The Jane Austen Remedy Ruth Wilson, Allen & Unwin, $32.99 While Ruth Wilson would never make such a claim for herself, she emerges from this discreet, wry memoir as quietly defiant as any heroine from the Jane Austen novels she so admires. A passionate reader who had absorbed Austens ideas about companionable partnerships, she was shocked to feel like a second-class citizen in the republic of marriage. She had expected to be the author of her own life, but it was the 1950s and her husband had the final word. In her seventies, she finally began to grapple with the malaise that had slowly overtaken her, retreating to a cottage in the country where she revisited Austens oeuvre. With her favourite author as her guide, she found a way to live on her own terms. All lovers of literature will relish Wilsons skilful study of how the books we love become woven into the fabric of our lives, evolving with us as we age and helping us to keep growing up. Advertisement Credit: How to Lose Friends and Influence White People Antoinette Lattouf, Vintage, $34.99 Youre not here to make friends, or keep the ones you have, a powerful male media figure told Antoinette Lattouf, journalist and outspoken co-founder of Media Diversity Australia. Were these words of encouragement, warning or both? Living with these mixed messages is part of life for Lattouf, who knows too well the consequences of speaking truth to power about racism. Giving an ironic twist to the self-help classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, she offers savvy and hard-earned advice on how all of us can play a part in challenging and dismantling the systems and assumptions scaffolding white privilege. Real change starts, she argues, with self-education, especially on the part of whites, and with the understanding that it wont always be easy or comfortable. A valuable roadmap for venturing beyond our comfort zones, as individuals and as a society. Credit: Rebel Rahaf Mohammed, Macmillan, $34.99 Advertisement A close friend of Ben Roberts-Smith has come under pressure about why he deleted an email from the war veteran as he denied the pair colluded about the evidence he would give in Roberts-Smiths defamation case. Person 29, a former Special Air Service soldier and godfather to one of Roberts-Smiths children, has backed his former comrades account of a key mission in Afghanistan as he gave evidence in the defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. Ben Roberts-Smith outside the Federal Court last month. Credit:Oscar Colman He denied on Thursday that he was lying to support his friend but agreed he was angry, frustrated, dismayed, disappointed about war crimes allegations levelled against Roberts-Smith by the newspapers. The Federal Court has heard that written outlines of the evidence that the men proposed to give in Roberts-Smiths case were due to be filed in court on July 12, 2019. The court heard that, on July 3 that year, Person 29 received an email from Roberts-Smith and had also received a video from the former soldier via file sharing site Dropbox. Gold Coast residents fined for parking on grass outside their homes Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss The son of NRL player John Hopoate was arrested at gunpoint in Sydneys south after police listened to him unpacking a consignment of white powder in the back of a truck and intercepted him as he tried to flee with some of the substance in a backpack. Jamil Hopoate, 27, pleaded guilty on Thursday to supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug after he was caught in the police operation in May 2021. Leanne Mafoa, 34, who drove Hopoate from the scene, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact. Jamil Hopoate leaves court on Thursday after pleading guilty. Credit:Rhett Wyman According to agreed facts, Border Force officers discovered almost 570 kilograms of cocaine concealed in six toolboxes from Britain during a scan at Sydney Airport on May 15. Two days later, police switched the cocaine for an inert substance and the consignment was delivered as normal. At 7.30am on May 18, a man in a truck picked up the toolboxes from Matraville and drove to a quiet, leafy street in Pagewood where he parked and walked away. Had a stranger to Kooyong wandered into the Hawthorn Town Hall on Thursday and copped an earful of the debate between Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and independent rival Monique Ryan, they might not have realised that one of them is an experienced politician and the other an amateur aspirant. Such is the confidence with which Ryan is laying siege to what was, not that long ago, considered a forever Liberal seat, she was prepared to swap policy barbs with the treasurer about Australias economy, relations with China and even tax reform. Yet, as much as the former Royal Childrens Hospital neurology director made a good fist of things throughout the hour-long televised debate, it was a woman in the audience who cut to the heart of this increasingly rancorous campaign with surgical precision. I see highly skilled professionals, said Vanessa Daly, a Brazilian-born swim teacher and new Australian citizen preparing to vote in her first Australian election. Dr Monique, a very amazing doctor, and Josh, treasurer of Australia. Washington: Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has encouraged Australians to vote for independents if they reflect their values, a month after he declined to say if he would vote for Liberal MP Dave Sharma in his old seat of Wentworth. In an intervention likely to infuriate the ex-colleagues Turnbull led to victory in 2016, the former Liberal leader has entered the fray in a speech concluding that even if the members of a political party cannot escape from the thrall of the dominant faction, their traditional supporters in the electorate can do so by voting for an independent who has a real chance of success. Malcolm Turnbull, right, with former Liberal prime minister John Howard, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and former treasurer Peter Costello in March. Credit:Oscar Colman Due to address the Washington Harvard Club at 8am Friday (AEST), Turnbull is expected to say that the Liberal Party had once been a broad church of liberal and conservative traditions, but since his deposition in 2018, moderate voices had become increasingly marginalised, especially on the toxically controversial issue of climate change where the political right, supported by [Rupert] Murdochs media, have opposed effective action for many years. In a copy of the speech provided to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, he notes there is also growing grassroots support for small-l liberal independent candidates who are typically progressive on climate and social issues and are now threatening his former colleagues in once-safe Liberal seats. Marina di Carrara, Italy: The Italian police are in a race to finish investigating the ownership of a $US700 million ($965 million) superyacht, which US officials say is linked to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, before the vessel is put to sea and able to elude possible sanctions. They may be running out of time. After spending months dry-docked in the Tuscan port of Marina di Carrara, the 459-foot (139 metre) vessel, called the Scheherazade, was put into the water again on Tuesday. Crew members milled about topside as water slowly filled the dry dock. The British captain, who had previously spoken to reporters, did not respond to questions. The Scheherazade 459-foot superyacht docked at the shipyard in Marina Di Carrara, Italy. Credit:Bloomberg A former crew member said that the ship could be ready to sail immediately but that first it was likely to undergo sea trials to check its equipment common for a ship that has been under repair and, in this case, in port since September. Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he accepted an apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Israel time, for controversial remarks about the Holocaust made by Moscows top diplomat. The two leaders talked over the phone, after which an Israeli statement said Putin had apologised. Sorry: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit:Pool Sputnik Kremlin The Russian statement about the call made no mention of an apology. Instead, it said the leader emphasised the importance of marking the Nazi defeat in World War II, which Russia celebrates on Monday. Bennett emerged as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine shortly after Moscows invasion. But that role was thrown into doubt this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made comments about the Holocaust that were deeply offensive to Jews. Latest News Higher property prices boost owners' equity Residents renovating to add value, broker says Ebury branches into foreign exchange options Chance for brokers to earn higher commissions The Melbourne property market is showing signs of cooling down, says a Port Melbourne broker. Chris Howitt (pictured), from Mortgage Choice Port Melbourne, said prior to Christmas last year people were rushing to buy property and the market was super-hot. I have noticed now buyers can take their time and buyer volume has decreased, Howitt said. Properties are also sitting on the market for a longer period of time, returning to the standard four-to-six-week mark. Howitt said supply and demand was levelling out and the heat was leaving the capital city market. Read more: A big deal: Chris Howitt The mortgage broker said he was working with lots of first home buyers and owner occupiers upgrading their homes. During COVID, many people were upgrading their homes and using their newfound equity to springboard into their next property, Howitt said. He worked with first home buyers, many of whom were eligible for the First Home Guarantee Scheme. However he found it challenging due to the lack of spots available for his clients. I have lots of clients who are qualified for the scheme and there are plenty of spots for new builds or off the plan properties, Howitt said. With only 10,000 spots available each release, it is very competitive amongst eligible buyers. With the median price of a house in Port Melbourne approximately $1.5m, compared to a unit at $700,000, Howitt said his first home buyer clients were choosing units based on their price point. Although houses are still popular within our area, the popularity of units and townhouses are growing and almost on par with houses, Howitt said. Read more: Payments rising for mortgage holders The broker said he was struggling with bank wait times recently and was unsure of what questions banks would be asking of clients for loan applications. Sometimes silly questions can slow things down. I can put the same deal in at the same bank, two different assessors will pick the file up and come back to me with two different questions on the same deal, he said. Howitts advice for fellow mortgage brokers was to speak to their customers regularly. It is important to keep clients educated on rates and provide them with the right information. Keep in front of your clients as you can easily lose a client if you are not offering them a better refinance deal, he said. This is a crucial part of our roles as mortgage brokers. India's newest airline on Thursday announced it has chosen reservation systems provider Navitaire so that it can run reliable operations and offer affordable travel options to its passengers. Akasa Air, backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, and aviation veterans Vinay Dube and Aditya Ghosh, is expected to begin its commercial operations in July. In a statement, Anand Srinivasan, Co-founder and Chief Information Officer at said, We are convinced that globally proven solutions like New Skies and SkyLedger will power our tech-enabled strategy and help us run reliable operations and offer affordable travel options to our customers. New Skies is Navitaire's order-based reservation and retailing system and SkyLedger is its revenue accounting system. said Navitaire will "power its digital retailing strategy". Navitaire's systems are currently used by over 60 airlines across the world, the statement mentioned. Akasa Air had in August last year received the no-objection-certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate commercial flights. Three months later, the airline signed a deal with US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 72 Boeing 737 Max planes. (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.) Tech giant has stopped accepting payments via debit and credit cards in India. has stopped accepting cards for subscriptions, and purchases using credit cards issued by banks in India. will also not accept payments for ad campaigns on Apple Search using credit cards issued by . All campaigns will be put on hold from 1 June. The change has come as a result of the new auto-debit rules from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) that came into force last year and is disrupting recurring online transactions. In an email to users, Apple said: Due to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations, Apple Search Ads will soon no longer accept payments from credit cards issued by banks in India. The company also said: Starting 1 June, all campaigns using a issued from a bank in India will be placed on hold. To avoid a lapse in serving ads to your customers, you can use a issued by a bank outside of India. You can update your payment method by going to the billing tab in your account settings. An email sent to Apple India regarding payment options available for businesses and users remain unanswered. Many users also stated that they were unable to make payments for Apple subscriptions like iCloud. Users were unable to pay from the Apple ID accounts as well. In April this year, Apple had also allowed users in India to make payments using Apples ID account using UPI and netbanking. However, that too had its share of problems. This will impact developers running campaigns on Apple Search Ads as their ads will not show up during search. So, if you were searching for a dating app, TrulyMadly advertisements will not show up as payments have been stopped, said Snehil Khanor, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), TrulyMadly.com. Khanor also said that other platforms such as Meta (Facebook) and Google have provided several other payment options for users and businesses. Business Standard spoke to some developers who clarified that a minor share of revenue comes from Apple, and a chunk of business comes from Android. The impact of the latest problem, hence, was difficult to explain. Since the RBIs mandate came into effect, platforms like Apple, Google, Meta, OTT players and all other merchants have had to alert customers via an e-mandate. Customers now need two-factor authentication. People also have to set up a fresh e-mandate for recurring payments. The rules also require customers to give their consent each time they need to pay a subsequent payment of above Rs 5,000. PARIS (Reuters) -French power group EDF hopes to seal a deal to equip six next-generation EPR in India "in the coming months", a group spokesperson said on Thursday. The company confirmed a report by BFM television which emerged after French President Emmanuel Macron met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The French state-controlled power group last year had made a binding offer to help build six third-generation EPR at the Jaitapur site in India's Maharashtra region. If confirmed, it would be one of the biggest-ever export deals for the French energy giant who is also gearing up to ensure the planned construction of several new EPR reactors at home. EDF last year said the project, which would cover the annual consumption of 70 million Indian households while avoiding the emission of 80 million tons of CO2 per year would have an installed capacity of 9.6 gigawatts (GW). It would generate up to 75 terawatt hours (TWh) per year, according to EDF. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, editing by Tassilo Hummel) (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has secured about $7.1 billion of new financing commitments for his proposed $44 billion takeover of Twitter, winning the backing of some of the worlds largest investors. He was also expected to serve as temporary chief executive officer of for a few months after he completes the deal, CNBC reported on Thursday. The equity commitments come as the Tesla billionaire marshals capital to bankroll one of the biggest tech industry takeovers. The investors named in the filing on Thursday include crypto exchange Binance, Brookfield Asset Management, Fidelity Management & Research, and Qatar Holding. Musk has also won the support of fellow entrepreneur and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, who has a big stake in Tesla and a seat on its board. Ellisons trust has committed $1 billion to finance Musks takeover. shares rose 3.63 per cent in intraday trade. The worlds wealthiest person reached an agreement on April 25 to acquire using a financing plan thats alarmed some Tesla investors. In addition to pledging tens of billions of dollars worth of his Tesla shares to support margin loans, Musk vowed to line up some $21 billion worth of equity. That number has risen to $27.25 billion, according to Thursdays filing. Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of the board at Kingdom Holding Company and one of Twitters largest backers, has agreed to commit almost 35 million shares in Twitter worth $1.9 billion to retain a stake in the company following Musks takeover. He previously rejected Musks bid, stating that it failed to come close to the intrinsic value of Twitter. Musk is also in discussions with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey on contributing some of his shares toward the acquisition. Musks latest backers includes a bevy of traditional asset managers, venture capital firms, boutique hedge funds, and one of the worlds largest pools of capital. Qatar Holding, a unit of the nations wealth fund, has agreed to commit $375 million. Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, who has publicly feuded with Dorsey on Twitter, has agreed to commit $400 million via his fund A16Z. Fellow venture firm Sequoia Capital is putting up double that, with $800 million. Smaller investors include Witkoff Capital, the real estate-backed family office, and Cartenna Capital, a hedge fund set up by Peter Avellone, a former Millennium Management portfolio manager. & Housing Finance Limited (PCHFL) is targetting to hire almost 6,000 fresh employees as part of its aggressive expansion plans in the current financial year 2022-23. The company is simultaneously looking to increase its branch network from about 300 to nearly 400 pan India during the same period. We estimate to add 5,000 to 6,000 new employees to our workforce in the next 12 months. Our aim is to ramp up our branch network to 700 to cover 1,000 cities in the next 3-4 years, managing director Jairam Sridharan told Business Standard here on Thursday. He informed the company would convert its existing and new branches into multi-product centres to include MSME lending as well in the portfolio in addition to the housing loans. Of the 300 odd branches, about 85 branches pan India are already offering MSME loans. We want to increase this number to optimise our operations, he added. The company would also increase its second hand car finance operations across the country. Meanwhile, will add 1,000 new employees to its rolls in Uttar Pradesh alone by the year end. Under Project Sangam, a programme focused on the cultural and business integration of Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL) with Piramal, the company has already integrated around 1,000 employees in UP. At present, the PCHFL has a loan book of around Rs. 2,100 crore in UP, and 21 branches covering all the key markets in the state. Sridharan said the company was witnessing a robust demand for low priced housing units across different geographies. He said Piramal was focussing on low ticket size loans of around Rs 15-16 lakh to gain traction in the tier II and III towns. Lucknow constitutes the 8th largest market for us and still has a lot of potential to grow in the coming years, he observed. Piramal Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Limited. Following the acquisition of DHFL, Piramal Capital is now among the leading players in the domestic retail lending segment. expects the penetration of (EVs) will account for 25-30 per cent of its small commercial vehicles (SCVs) by 2030. The availability of battery operated vehicles in the intra-city segment will make the transition possible, said the companys top official. The flagship took the wraps off the Ace EV on Thursday. It will commence deliveries of the model from the September quarter as it seeks to tap the growing demand for sustainable last-mile delivery vehicles by e-commerce . sells 150,000 units of the Ace per annum. Of this, e-commerce firms buy close to 20,000 units annually. There are unknowns in the form of supplies and demand, but I wont be surprised to see a 25-30 per cent penetration on SCVs, Girish Wagh, executive director, Tata Motors, told Business Standard. The Ace EV will mark a new beginning in the CV business of the company, said Wagh, who was instrumental in developing the Ace 17 years ago, a model that in many ways revolutionised the last-mile delivery segment. On whether the CV business will go the passenger vehicles way and carve a separate company for EVs and raise funds, Wagh said PV had demonstrated the possibilities. Right now, our focus is on building capabilities and strengthening the business. The inherent valuation will continue to go up. So we are not looking at that as a milestone. In addition to electric, Tata Motors is working on hydrogen and LNG technologies for its range of commercial vehicles. The EV Ace is the companys first offering in the cargo segment. Tata Motors has sold close to 645 electric buses running across nine cities. Cumulatively, these buses have travelled 34 million kilometres. The prices of the electrified version of the Ace, the sub-one tonne offering launched in 2005, will be revealed at the time of the commercial launch. Tata Motors has signed an agreement with a clutch of e-commerce companies, including Amazon, Big Basket, City Link, DOT, Flipkart, LetsTransport, MoEVing, and Yelo EV. Cumulatively, it has bagged an order for 39,000 units from these for the Ace EV. Sustainable mobility is a trend as well as an imperative and is irreversible. Its a global mega trend. At the Tata Group, and Tata Motors in particular, we have embraced this fully and made it into a business model that integrates sustainability as one of the key pillars, N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, said at the unveiling. The Ace has been a category creator and the company is deeply encouraged by the interest the EV version has generated. Tata Motors will continue to engage and build e-cargo solutions not only on the ACE platform but also in other categories, said Chandra. Based on the companys EVOGEN powertrain that offers an unparalleled certified range of 154 kms, the EV ACE claims to offer a safe, all-weather operation with an advanced battery cooling and regenerative braking system to boost the driving range. The Ace EVs container is made of light weight and durable materials to meet the requirements of e-commerce logistics. Leading research-driven pharmaceutical company Venus Remedies has dispatched the first batch of essential medicines worth USD 30,000 to . The company has also launched a social media campaign to motivate people in India and abroad to make voluntary contributions for the noble cause. Venus Remedies employees have responded enthusiastically to the appeal by coming forward with donations in large numbers, as per a company statement. "With millions of people bearing the brunt of this devastating war, it is a humanitarian crisis that calls for the need to rise to the occasion and reach out to Ukrainians with life-saving essential supplies," said Akshansh Chaudhary, President, HR, Venus Remedies, who flagged off the relief aid from the company's premises in Panchkula on April 28. Appreciating the gesture, the Ukrainian Embassy in a statement issued on May 2, said that Venus Remedies has "proved that it is not only a business-oriented company but also a responsible organisation which has always stood firm for such noble causes to help people around the globe". "We thank Venus Remedies for providing aid to the people of in their most difficult times and readily accepting our request to supply us life-saving drugs free of cost," it said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has put the number of Covid-19 deaths in India at around 4.7 million, which the highest in the world. The deaths, according to the report released on Thursday, could be directly due to the disease or indirectly caused by the pandemics impact on health systems and society. Indias Covid toll is approximately a third of the global death number, the report said. The WHO estimate of Covid deaths in India is 10-times the official count, and the government has strongly rejected the figure and the methodology. In an official statement, the Union Health Ministry said that India had been consistently objecting to the methodology adopted by WHO to project excess mortality estimates based on mathematical models. Despite Indias objection to the process, methodology and outcome of this modelling exercise, WHO has released the excess mortality estimates without adequately addressing Indias concerns, the Health Ministry said. Indias official Covid is 481,486 between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The WHO report pegs Covid deaths in India at precisely 47,40,894 during 2020 and 2021. The coinciding pandemic death figure (described as excess mortality) globally is approximately 14.9 millionranging between 13.3 million and 16.6 million. Excess mortality is calculated as the difference between the number of deaths that have occurred and the number that would be expected in the absence of the pandemic based on data from earlier years. The WHO has also released the methodology followed by it to arrive at these numbers. It said: We consider the most complex sub-national scenario in which the number of regions with monthly data varies by month, using India as an example. For India, we use a variety of sources for the registered number of deaths at the state and union territory level. The information was either reported directly by the states through official reports and automatic vital registration, or by journalists who obtained death registration information through Right To Information requests. India had released the Civil Registration System (CRS) report on births and deaths by the Registrar General of India (RGI) earlier this week. The Health Ministry said that India had informed WHO that in view of the authentic data published through the CRS by RGI, mathematical models should not be used for projecting excess mortality numbers for the country. India said that registration of births and deaths in the country is extremely robust and is governed by decades-old statutory legal framework - Births & Deaths Registration Act, 1969. The CRS data of 2020 published by RGI on May 3, 2022 clearly reveals that the narrative sought to be created based on various modelling estimates of Indias Covid19 deaths being many times the reported figure is totally removed from reality, the government said, adding that this data was shared with the WHO for preparation of excess mortality report. Despite communicating this data to WHO for supporting their publication, WHO for reasons best known to them conveniently chose to ignore the available data submitted by India and published the excess mortality estimates for which the methodology, source of data, and the outcomes has been consistently questioned by India, the Union Health Ministry stated. WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, These sobering data not only point to the impact of the pandemic but also to the need for all countries to invest in more resilient health systems that can sustain essential health services during crises, including stronger health information systems. He added that WHO is committed to working with all countries to strengthen their health information systems to generate better data for better decisions and better outcomes. WHO said that most of the excess deaths (84 per cent) are concentrated in South-East Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Some 68 per cent of excess deaths are concentrated in just 10 countries globally. Middle-income countries account for 81 per cent of the 14.9 million excess deaths (53 per cent in lower-middle-income countries and 28 per cent in upper-middle-income countries) over the 24-month period, with high-income and low-income countries accounting for 15 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. It also said that the global was higher for men (57 per cent) than females (47 per cent) and higher among older adults. The absolute count of the excess deaths is affected by the population size. The number of excess deaths per 100,000 gives a more objective picture of the pandemic than reported Covid-19 mortality data, WHO noted. The Indian government said that it had objected to WHO classifying India into a Tier II country. Tier classification is a simple grouping of countries based on mortality data availability. According to WHO Countries are classified as Tier 1 if complete and nationally representative monthly all-cause mortality data for the specified period have been made available to WHO. Countries categorized as Tier 2 include countries for which WHO does not have access to the complete data and thus requires the use of alternative data sources. The health ministry said that despite its contention that it does not 'deserve' to be placed in Tier II countries category, WHO till date has not responded to India's contention. Also, India said it has consistently questioned WHO's own admission that data in respect of seventeen Indian states was obtained from some websites and media reports and was used in their mathematical model. "This reflects a statistically unsound and scientifically questionable methodology of data collection for making excess mortality projections in case of India," MoHFW said. Further, the test positivity rate (a key variable used by WHO) for Covid19 in India was never uniform throughout the country at any point of time, the Health Ministry claimed. "Such a modeling approach fails to take into account the variability in COVID positivity rate both in terms of space and time within the country. The model also fails to take into account the rate of testing and impact of different diagnostic methods (RAT/RT-PCR) used in different geographies," India said on Thursday. India reasoned that owing to its large area, diversity and a population of 1.3 bn, it has consistently objected to the use of 'one size fits all' approach and model, which may be applicable to smaller countries, but cannot be applicable to India. "The model assumed an inverse relationship between temperature and mortality, which was never substantiated by WHO despite Indias repeated requests...... In spite of these differences, India continued to collaborate and coordinate with WHO on this exercise and multiple formal communications (10 times from November 2021 to May 2022) as well as numerous virtual interactions were held with WHO," the health ministry statement read. has issued a on heat wave and power outages in India, asking its citizens to follow instructions of local health authorities. A heatwave (sic) is affecting India. The heatwave has caused wildfires, power outages and damaged harvests. Wildfires may also affect transportation, leading to train service suspension and highway closures, said the Canadian advisory on Wednesday. It urged Canadian citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities especially in areas affected by smoke from wildfires and asks them to be prepared for change in travel plans on short notice including cutting short or cancelling the trip. The Indian Association of Tour Operators however does not see a significant impact of this advisory on tourist arrivals. Indian government is currently not issuing e-visas to Canadians and this has limited the number of tourists travelling to India, said Rajiv Mehra, president of IATO. The Indian Meteorological Department in its latest update has said that Northwest and Central India experienced hottest April in 122 years with average maximum temperatures reaching 35.9 and 37.7 degrees Celsius. The department has also predicted that states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana would experience above normal temperatures in May as well. Annoyed with the delayed promotions , the officials of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) on Wednesday said that they will go on strike from May 15 if their demands including the delay in promotions are not sorted out. In a letter written to the Secretary of (DoPT), the CSS officials gave an ultimatum saying that if their demands are not met, they will go on strike from May 15. The officials have been demanding an expedited decision on promotion of cadre officers which is delayed by six years. They also said that as a mark of protest from Wednesday, they would work in slow mode, will not be sitting in the office beyond 6 p.m., and will attend office in black clothes once a week. According to CSS officials, there are 6,210 officers in the rank of Section Officer, Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Director while a total of 1,839 posts are lying vacant in these officers' cadres. These employees have been complaining that nearly 30 per cent positions in the CSS are vacant in middle to senior management rank in various Central government ministries as the DoPT has not promoted officials of the CSS cadre in the past six years. An employee on the condition of anonymity said that they have petitioned the (DoPT) to issue promotion orders as many officials have retired in recent years that deprived them of enhanced salary and pension benefits. Considered as the backbone of the Central government offices as most of the files, documents and orders are processed by these officers, their promotions have been stuck on the pretext of pending court cases. However, with an aim to ease the crisis, the DoPT promoted 2,770 officials on an ad hoc basis recently as out of 4,400 officers, more than 60 per cent have been working on an ad hoc promotion. --IANS ams/pgh (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.) members of Parliament will donate their one month's salary towards aid for the crisis-hit Sri Lanka, the party said on Thursday. This follows an appeal from Chief Minister M K Stalin, also president of the ruling DMK, for donations to help the Lankan people, even as the party has already announced Rs one crore towards this purpose. "The DMK's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will contribute their one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund," a party release said. Stalin had on Tuesday appealed to the people to donate to the government to buy essentials such as food and ship it to to help its people, who are battling the impact of a battered economy. (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.) Four suspected Pakistan linked on their way to Telangana to deliver explosives were nabbed in Haryana's Karnal on Thursday and arms, ammunition and IEDs were recovered from the vehicle they were travelling in, senior police officials said. They were allegedly in touch with a Pakistan-based man, who is involved in terror activities and who used to send locations through an app to them to deliver explosives and weapons, Superintendent of Police, Karnal, Ganga Ram Punia told reporters in Karnal. Director General of Police P K Agrawal said the four were arrested in a joint operation carried out by and Punjab police based on intelligence inputs of central agencies. "In an intelligence-led operation, Punjab Police and Police arrested four persons today at Karnal with the recovery of 3 IEDs weighing 2.5 Kg each and one pistol. Further investigation is on," the Punjab Police said in a tweet. The four -- all residents of Punjab -- were nabbed near Bastara toll plaza, Karnal Range Inspector General of Police, Satender Kumar Gupta, said. "Three containers each weighing 2.5 kg suspected to contain RDX, a pistol and 31 round live cartridges, besides Rs 1.3 lakh cash have been seized from the vehicle," Gupta told PTI over phone. Punia told reporters that the four identified as Bhupinder Singh from Ludhiana and Gurpreet Singh, Parminder Singh and Amandeep Singh from Ferozepur were headed to Adilabad in Telangana to deliver a consignment of explosives, "They were in touch with a Pakistan-based man Harvinder Singh Rinda, who is involved in terror activities and who used to send locations through an app to them to deliver explosives and weapons. Rinda used to drop weapons and explosives at a pre-designated location in the fields in Ferozepur with the help of drones," he said, adding "we are ascertaining the terrorist outfit with which they were associated with". Punia said Gurpreet Singh, the key accused, had met Rajbir Singh, an associate of Rinda, in jail. "Rinda is involved in terror activities, he supplies arms and drugs and sends location to them and their task is to transport these explosives and arms..," he said. They will be produced before a court and taken on police remand after which they will be questioned in detail. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Rohtak, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said investigations in the case were underway and police were conducting an in depth probe. Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij told reporters that "four were going in the Innova vehicle. We arrested them on the basis of inputs and arms and ammunition has been recovered. Further probe is on". "Preliminary investigations have revealed certain things, which we need to cross check and ascertain more categorically," Director General of Police, P K Agrawal told PTI. When asked if the arms and ammunition they were transporting were dropped in the fields in Ferozepur in Punjab using a drone from Pakistan, the DGP said, "That is what they have told, but these details we need to verify and establish the veracity of these facts". After the vehicle was intercepted in Karnal, a bomb disposal squad and forensic experts reached the spot, police said. Haryana Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team to conduct further probe. A case under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and under the provisions of the Arms Act and the Explosive Substance Act has been registered. (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.) From October 1, the government will provide subsidy on to consumers who opt for the scheme, Chief Minister said on Thursday. The consumers at present get "zero" power bill up to 200 units of and a subsidy of Rs 800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month. "The government will now ask people whether they want to avail subsidy on . From October 1, only those consumers who opt for it will be provided the subsidy," he said during an online briefing. (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.) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has given in-principle approval to a mass transit system project to facilitate travel of pilgrims between and Vrindavan, MP said on Wednesday. The mass transit system project, the BJP leader said, will help reduce traffic congestion between the two cities, and also pave the way for proper utilisation of railway land. Thanking Vaishnaw for the improvement in passenger amenities at the Junction, Malini said she has presented a proposal for the development of a tourist facilitation centre at the railway station. "During a meeting, the railway minister, in-principle, has given nod to both the projects on my request, MP Malini said. On the transit system, she said that Union ministry for road and transport highway has agreed to bear the expenses of this project provided the land is given by the railways on a lease of 30 years extendable for another 20 years. (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.) and have discussed ways to jointly increase the mobility of students, professionals and while strengthening their efforts to combat irregular between the two countries. According to a joint statement issued on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, the two countries are fully committed to pursuing the implementation of the Partnership Agreement on and Mobility, which entered into force on October 1, 2021. The agreement aims to facilitate temporary circular based on mobility and the encouragement for a return of skills to the home country. "Recognising the benefit of bilateral student mobility, maintains the objective of 20,000 Indian by 2025 which will create opportunities for new businesses, start-ups and innovation between the two countries," according to the joint statement. Both sides will also continue to work jointly to increase the mobility of students, graduates, professionals and while strengthening their efforts to combat irregular migration, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi, who was in Paris for the final leg of his 3-nation tour, discussed with French President Macron issues of bilateral and mutual interests as well as regional and global developments. Prime Minister Modi left for home early on Thursday after concluding his European tour during which he held a series of bilateral meetings in Germany and Denmark to boost ties in a range of areas including trade, energy and green technology. (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.) and the five Nordic countries on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and "unequivocally condemned" the in the eastern European country. At the second India-Nordic summit, Prime Minister and his counterparts from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden, discussed the "destabilising effect" of the conflict and its broader implications while agreeing to remain closely engaged on the situation, according to a joint statement. In his address, Modi invited the of the Nordic countries to invest in and noted that New Delhi's Arctic policy provides a good framework for the expansion of cooperation in the Arctic region. The statement said and the Nordic countries affirmed their support for a rules-based international order and for multilateral institutions and their commitment to work towards making them more inclusive, transparent, and accountable with the aim of addressing global challenges more effectively. The summit in Copenhagen reviewed overall ties and vowed to boost cooperation between the two sides in areas of blue economy, clean energy, climate change, innovation and digitalisation. The joint statement said the "Nordic prime ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian forces." "The prime ministers expressed their serious concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They unequivocally condemned in Ukraine," the statement said. It said the leaders reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and emphasised that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states. "They discussed the destabilising effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue," it said. The prime ministers agreed that a strong partnership between India and Nordic countries can help promote innovation, economic growth, climate-friendly solutions and mutually beneficial trade and investments, it said. Besides Modi, the Denmark-hosted summit was attended by Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, PM of Katrn Jakobsdottir Jonas Gahr Stoe of Norway, PM Magdalena Andersson of and PM Sanna Marin of . "India-Nordic Summit will go a long way in boosting India's ties with the region. Together, there is much that our nations can achieve and contribute to global prosperity and sustainable development," Modi tweeted.The joint statement said the leaders agreed that pressing challenges such as tackling climate change, the COVID-19 and increasing food and energy insecurity across the world required international cooperation, a collective response and global solidarity. "India and the Nordic countries were committed to doing so and to working together in multilateral fora to promote international cooperation and promote human rights as well as equal opportunities for all people without prejudice," it said. The prime ministers reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a driver for achieving inclusive growth and realising sustainable development goals. At the summit, the two sides underlined the need for reform of the UN including the Security Council, to make it more effective, transparent and accountable. They also favoured reform of the World Trade Organisation, as well as strengthening collaboration on global health issues, while the Nordic Countries reiterated their support for India's Permanent Membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. "The prime ministers agreed that the blue economy can deliver economic growth, new jobs, improved nutrition, and increased food security if managed sustainably," the statement said. "As leading ocean nations, India and the Nordic countries agreed on the benefits of partnering on transforming the shipping industry towards a low carbon future through the exchange of good practices and technology transfers," it said. The leaders discussed the potential of stimulating business cooperation and investments in sustainable ocean industries in India and the Nordic countries, including in the maritime, marine, and offshore wind sectors. "India and the Nordic countries were committed to follow up on the historic decision at UNEA 5.2 for negotiating an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution with an ambition to completing the work by 2024," the statement said. The summit welcomed the Indian government's commitment to innovation and digital initiatives. Several synergies related to India's rich pool of talent as well as growing innovation environments were identified at the summit. "The importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system, open and inclusive trade as drivers for innovation was underlined. India and the Nordic countries emphasised the importance of green technologies and industry transition with Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) as a notable example," the statement said. It said transport systems, including aviation knowledge exchange, maritime solutions and port-modernisation were important for enhancing trade between the Nordic countries and India. "There was a shared interest in stimulating investment in innovative and sustainable solutions as well as identifying new opportunities in sectors such as food processing and agriculture, health projects and life sciences," it said. On digitalisation, the prime ministers noted that technology has never been more prevalent in the lives of people around the world. The leaders noted that 'Digital India' is an example of government services made more easily available to citizens electronically. "Nordic know-how in harmony with initiatives such as Made in India supports digitalisation efforts and ensures that the technological future belongs to all citizens, everywhere," the statement said. It said the prime ministers see opportunities for increased co-operation in the Arctic on polar research, climate and environmental issues. "The summit emphasized the importance of strong people-to-people contacts through education, culture, labour mobility and tourism all areas where the cooperation between India and the Nordic countries are expanding," the statement said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The that was imposed in Rajasthan's Jodhpur following incidents of in the district has been extended till May 6, as per an order issued by the District Police Commissioner. "The imposed in Jodhpur Commissionerate area on May 3 has been extended till May 6...Raikabagh Palace Bus Stand and Raikabagh Railway Station have been excluded from the curfew," read the order. The students and teachers appearing for the examination have been exempted from the . Also, personnel engaged in medical services, bank officials, Judicial officers and media personnel are exempted from the curfew. "Newspaper hawkers will also be allowed to distribute the newspapers," the order added. Meanwhile, internet services remain suspended in the district. "The decision to resume mobile internet services will be taken after assessing the law & order situation. Currently, mobile internet services remain suspended," said Himanshu Gupta, Jodhpur District Magistrate. Currently, the situation in the district is 'peaceful' and 140 persons have been arrested in connection with the that erupted in the district hours before Eid. "Currently, the situation is peaceful. Till now, around 140 persons have been arrested and 14 cases have been registered. A meeting was held with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders today and they have suspended their protest for now," said Hawa Singh Ghumaria, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). Tension gripped Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. The state Chief Minister has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. Following the incident, Jodhpur Police issued orders imposing a curfew besides suspending mobile internet services to check the spread of rumours. The situation was brought under control in the early hours of Tuesday with heavy deployment of police but tension escalated again in the morning after prayers at an Eidgah. Shops, vehicles and houses were pelted with stones near the Jalori gate area. Members of the minority community were installing Eid flags and they put up a flag on a roundabout alongside the statue of freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa. This led to a confrontation as members of the other community alleged that a saffron flag, which they had put up there ahead of Parshuram Jayanti, had gone missing. The issue snowballed into stone-pelting and clashes, officials said. The police rushed to the spot to control the situation during which five policemen were injured, the police said. The police had to lob tear gas shells to disperse the mob. Mobile internet services were suspended in the area to check the spread of rumours, the officials 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.) Central Bank of India, a state-owned commercial bank, reportedly plans to shut 13 per cent of its branches to improve financial health. India, the world's top importer of vegetable oils, is said to be considering cut the agricultural infrastructure and development cess on crude palm oil imports. LIC's IPO set to be fully subscribed as valuation drives demand A 210 billion rupee ($2.7 billion) record share sale by state-run Life Insurance Corp. of India is poised to be fully taken up by investors four days before the offering closes as a low valuation and deep retail discounts drive demand. By Thursday, the second day of the offering, investors had already put in orders for 90% of the shares for sale in Indias biggest IPO. Around 35% of the total issue is reserved for retail investors and 83% of that tranche was sold 3:15 p.m. in Mumbai, stock exchange data showed. Read more Central Bank of India to close 600 branches by March 2023, says report Central Bank of India, a state-owned commercial bank, plans to shut 13% of its branches to improve its financial health, which has been under pressure for several years, according to sources and a document seen by Reuters. The bank is looking to reduce the number of branches by 600 by either shutting down or merging loss-making branches by the end of March 2023, according to the copy of a document reviewed by Reuters. Read more Top importer India may cut taxes on edible oils to cool prices: Report India is planning to cut taxes on some edible oils to cool the domestic market after the war in Ukraine and Indonesias ban on palm oil exports sent prices skyrocketing, according to people familiar with the matter. India, the worlds top importer of vegetable oils, is looking to cut the agriculture infrastructure and development cess on crude palm oil imports from 5%, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. Read more Valuation to growth potential: highlights of Delhivery's Rs 5,235-cr IPO Logistics major Delhiverys Rs 5,235-crore initial public offering (IPO) opens for subscription on Wednesday. It will be the second-biggest offering this after, Life Insurance Corporations. Delhiverys market value, on a post-diluted basis, will be Rs 35,284 crore at the upper end of the price band of Rs 462-487 per share. Read more Mumbai's power woes to end with new transmission line set for commissioning The electricity supply woes of Mumbai are set to get over with a new transmission line to connect the national grid with the metropolis, getting commissioned by the year end. The transmission line from Kharghar to Vikhroli costing Rs 1,900 crore will be commissioned by the year-end, while the Aarey to Kudus line transmission project, with an investment of Rs 7,000 crore, getting ready by FY26. With this, the metropolis will get additional lines to connect to the national grid thereby getting access to high quality, cheaper electricity, said state government officials. Read more Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi, who visited Chile as part of her ongoing eight-day visit to South America, met with the Chilean business delegation and discussed the bilateral cooperation and investment opportunities. Taking to Twitter, the MoS said, "Delighted to interact with Chilean business delegation. Thank Mr Richard Von Appen, President of SOFOFA, (Federation of Chilean Industry) for organising the meeting. Discussed our growing bilateral cooperation in trade & commerce, investment opportunities for Chile companies and advantage of doing business with India." The Minister also visited the Parliament of Chile and attended the parliamentary session. The MoS also held productive talks with the Speaker of the Chilean President of the Chamber of Deputies (Lower house in Chile Parliament), Raul Soto Diputado. Both sides discussed the growing partnership between the two countries. "Visited the beautiful Parliament of Chile and witnessed a session of the Chilean parliament. Had a productive meeting with the Speaker of the Chilean President of the Chamber of Deputies Raul Soto Diputado. Discussed our growing bilateral relations & parliamentary cooperation between India & Chile," she tweeted. She also met with the President of the India-Chile Parliamentary Friendship Group, Member of Parliament Ciccardini. They exchanged ideas on women empowerment and child care. Lekhi has been on an official visit to Panama, Honduras and Chile since April 28, and the visit is scheduled to culminate on May 5. This is her first visit to these countries. Earlier she had visited Colombia in September last year. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid a row over use of loudspeakers at religious places, the police have requested automobile manufacturers to lower the sound limit of vehicle horns, in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions on noise pollution, an official said. Currently, the volume of vehicle horns is in the range of 92 to 112 decibels, which violates the apex court's guidelines, he said. "We recently held a meeting with various automobile manufactures and asked them to reduce the sound of vehicles horns in order to check the noise pollution," he said. The city police are also taking action against loud honking by vehicle drivers, the official said, adding that honking at night will also be checked. He said the police would also hold a meeting with automobile dealers, with an aim to make the metropolis free of noise pollution. The police had recently also met various builders and developers and asked them to curb noise pollution arising out of construction work, and enable citizens to have noise-free Sundays, 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.) Live news updates: has launched a global fundraising initiative, United24, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Finland and Sweden are getting security assurances from the U.S. if threatened by if they apply to join NATO, Swedens foreign minister said. Some 344 people have been evacuated in and around the besieged city of Mariupol, Zelenskiy said. A daytime cease-fire is due to be in effect for three days even Ukrainian officials say Russias trying to destroy the remaining soldiers in the Azovstal steel plant, including with new air bombardments. Russian forces have been slowed by supply line and morale problems in the southern and eastern parts of Ukraine, the Pentagons chief spokesman said. India defended its continued purchases of Russian oil on Wednesday, saying they were part of its long-standing effort to diversify its supplies and arguing a sudden halt to imports would jack up world prices and hurt its consumers. Attracted by discounts, the world's third-largest crude oil importer has bought more than twice as much oil from since it invaded as in the whole of 2021. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. India will not provide concession under the free trade agreement with Australia on 29.8 per cent of its tariff lines or product categories, including dairy products, food grains, precious metals, jewellery and most of the medical devices. Given the sensitivities of the specified products for the domestic industry, India has included various tariff lines under the exclusion list, said FAQs prepared by the commerce ministry on the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA). The pact, signed on April 2, has not yet come into force. "India has kept 29.8 of its tariff lines under exclusion list," as per the FAQ. It said India has kept many sensitive products in the exclusion category without offering any concession. Some of these are milk and other dairy products, chickpeas, walnut, pistachio nut, wheat, rice, bajra, apple, sunflower seed oil, sugar, oil cake, gold, silver, platinum, jewellery, iron ore and most medical devices. "This is a major gain for India in this agreement," it said. 'Exclusion list' refers to a list of products or services that are excluded from the extension of tariff preferences under a trade pact. As per the FAQ, with the trade pact coming into force, the bilateral trade in goods and services for both countries is expected to rise from the existing USD 27.5 billion to USD 45-50 billion. The IndAus ECTA is likely to create about 10 lakh jobs over the next 5 to 7 years, as the labour-intensive sectors are likely to gain the most. Indian exports to Australia primarily consist of consumer and manufactured goods. Major gains for goods will be in terms of tariff liberalisation by the Australian side, aided by gains from fast track approval for Pharma products in Australia. Australia is offering zero duty access to its 100 per cent tariff lines for exports from India. "Zero duty on 96.4 per cent value of our exports immediately (98 per cent of Tariff Lines) i.e., for these tariff lines, Indian exports will have immediate market access @ Zero duty from day one of the entry into force of the Agreement," the FAQ said. In the area of services, the Government of Australia has agreed to amend Australian domestic taxation law to stop the taxation of offshore income of Indian firms providing technical services to Australia. "Once the amendment is made, the Indian Tech Companies would no longer be required to pay taxes on offshore revenues in Australia thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the international market," the FAQ added. For Indians granted temporary entry and temporary stay under certain categories for one year or longer and who have a spouse or dependant, Australia shall grant the accompanying spouse or dependant the right of entry and temporary stay, movement and work for an equal period to that of the natural person, the FAQ said. On the salient features of Australia's commitments to services, the FAQ said, among other things, the pact provides for post-study work visas for up to 4 years for Indian students and an annual quota for chefs and yoga instructors. (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 sheer scale of disinformation on platforms is harming youths in India with no serious efforts shown by companies to combat the menace, says a new report. The report titled Politics of Disinformation, released on Thursday by the Delhi-based non-profit Future of India Foundation, follows discussions with youths in eight states to understand their habits and the impact of harmful content and misinformation on them. Seventy per cent of Indias internet users are aged below 35. They are 65 per cent of its population. Public discourse, which is the entry point for youths in politics and democracy, has been marred by disinformation, said Ruchi Gupta, co-founder and director of Future of India Foundation that works at the intersection of youth issues, politics and technology. The discussions with youths were centred on Covid-19. In one instance, a youth in Rajasthan revealed that he stopped buying fruits from a vendor while admitting that he may have accepted misinformation on how the disease spreads, said Saurabh Sharma, founder of the non-profit Josh that works with youths on issues of transparency and accountability. From the discussions it emerged that anti-minority hate has been mainstreamed and legitimised; communities have become divided and polarised; and disinformation has confused peoples minds, causing political alienation, the report said. platforms are the dominant source for information for smartphone users, while TV news in regional languages is the only similar source that is more dominant than them, it said. A majority of social media users are passive consumers, and even active ones who demonstrate agency invariably lapse into passive consumption of information through their platform feed, it added. Most users do not differentiate between news and personal/partisan posts due to low digital literacy and low credibility of institutional media. The report said that most users were passive and showed little impetus to fact-check information irrespective of their level of digital literacy. This reinforces broad narratives with limited attention to detail. Source of content is a significant driver of how the information is received users are more receptive to content, especially which runs counter to their worldview, when received through trusted affiliates, it found. The report observed that virtually all misinformation could be linked to narratives propagated by organised political and business entities instead of existing in isolation. It also pointed out that efforts by the platforms to combat misinformation were anaemic. Gupta explained that fact-checking by social media firms only represents a sliver as the vast amount of content remains unchecked and unreviewed. Besides, there is no distinction between vetted and non-vetted content, as a result of which platforms that play the role of distributors have become more impactful than publishers (such as news organisations), she added. The report noted that social medias response to the growing harm in India has been marked by a lack of urgency. This is in contrast to the US, where the platforms rolled out integrity measures during the 2020 US presidential election. The difference in the companies stance in India was made apparent by Facebook whistle-blower Frances Haugen who leaked internal research that showed increased prevalence of inflammatory content in late 2019 and early 2020, around the time of the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the Delhi Assembly elections and subsequent riots in the capital. Eighty-seven per cent of Facebooks global budget for classifying misinformation is earmarked for the US, while only 13 per cent is allocated for the rest of the world although North American users make up only 10 per cent of the social networks daily active users, the report cited, adding that the platforms have also created a false binary between getting rid of misinformation and free speech advocacy. For the social media tech giants, free speech is a business model. Platforms compete with traditional news publishers for advertising revenue while enjoying the double advantage of speed (to get content to users) and protection from liability (for unvetted content). Since advertising revenue is directly proportional to the amount of time users spend on the platforms, platforms have exploited this twin advantage to boost user engagement without caring about the deleterious impact of a surfeit of misinformation on the information ecosystem and wider democracy, it said. The report observed that the platforms are moving towards becoming publishers, and are starting to pay for original content to increase user stickiness, thus completing their transition to a media corporation and made several recommendations as a way forward (see box). At the launch, Right to Information activist Nikhil Dey said that the platforms have made it difficult to distinguish between journalism and propaganda, and political parties are unlikely to fight the situation as they cannot afford to alienate social media. Apar Gupta, executive director, Internet Freedom Foundation, pointed out that unlike in India, the European Union is looking at greater regulation with legislation such as the Digital Markets Act. Interventions will remain at the policy level if you ignore the political reality, he added. A senior official of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have affected the of millions of people. "A pandemic has thrown an unprecedented spotlight on . An armed conflict is profoundly affecting the of millions of people," Xinhua news agency quoted the WHO's European Regional Director Hans Kluge as saying here. More than two months of conflict in Ukraine has led to incalculable uncertainty, insecurity, grief and loss, said the official. He added that health care facilities in the country were damaged seriously, leaving thousands of people with no access to services. Neighbouring countries to Ukraine are also experiencing a significant increase in demand for health services, including mental health services, as a result of the massive influx of refugees, he said. The UN body also voiced its concern about the food crisis raging in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. --IANS 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.) Prime Minister on Thursday said steps be taken to reduce deaths due to and fires, adding that response time to such incidents should be minimal. Chairing a review meeting on preparations for heat wave management and monsoon preparedness Delhi, Modi called for regular fire safety audits of hospitals in view of rising temperatures and taking steps to reduce vulnerability of forests against fire hazards. The Prime Minister also advised all states to prepare Flood Preparedness Plan for monsoon and Heat Action Plan for summers, according to a government statement. Modi called upon the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to develop its deployment plan in flood-affected states. Active use of social media for sensitization of communities has to be widely adopted, the Prime Minister said according to the statement. Modi also directed officials that in view of upcoming monsoons, arrangements for monitoring the quality of drinking water need to be ensured to avoid contamination and spread of water-borne diseases. The meeting also discussed ways and means to effectively coordinate between Centre and states for any incidents in the wake of and upcoming monsoons. The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, advisors to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, secretaries to the ministries of Home, Health, Jal Shakti and other top officials of NDMA and IMD. Last week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in an update said that Northwest and central India experienced their hottest April in 122 years with average maximum temperatures reaching 35.9 and 37.78 degrees Celsius respectively. Addressing a press conference, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said parts of northwest and west central India--Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana--will continue to experience above normal temperatures in May as well. Overall, in the country as a whole, the temperatures in April 2022, was the fourth highest in the last 122 years. The heatwave, Mohapatra said, could have a negative impact on agriculture and could lower the yields of several standing crops particularly in Punjab, Haryana and West UP. He also said in May nights would be warmer in most parts of the country, except some regions of south peninsular India, Mohapatra said. According to the IMD, the temperatures have risen abnormally in March and April this year largely due to absence of any western disturbance which could bring about some rains and cooled down the temperatures. Rainfall in March and April this year was 84 per cent deficient over Northwest India, 54 per cent short over Central India but 40 per cent excess over East and North-East India and 38.5 per cent excess over Southern India. On monsoon, the met department in its April forecast had said that southwest monsoon over the country as a whole in 2022 is expected to be normal at 99 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). The LPA for the June to September months has now been revised at 87 centimeters based on data collected between 1971-2020. Earlier, private weather forecasting agency, Skymet, had said that the southwest monsoon in 2022 was expected to be 'normal' at 98 percent of the Long Period Average (LPA). Skymets forecast too is with an error margin of plus and minus 5 percent. President arrived in Aizawl on Thursday on a two-day visit to Mizoram, an official said. He was received by state Home Minister Lalchamliana and senior officials at Lengpui airport, he said. The president will attend the convocation ceremony of University at 4 PM on Thursday. He will leave for Delhi at 10.45 AM on Friday, the official said. This is Kovind's second visit to the northeastern state after he assumed office in July 2017. In his previous visit in November 2017, he had addressed a special session of the state assembly, and inaugurated housing complexes for economically weaker sections. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister on Wednesday held a meeting with AAP MLAs who were asked to seek suggestions from people of their constituencies for the state budget 2022-23. He is also learnt to have asked the legislators to propagate the recent decisions of the state government in their constituencies. In the meeting, the chief minister also heard issues raised by the MLAs of their constituencies and assured to resolve them. AAP's Rajya Sabha MP was also present during the interaction. Almost all legislators of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and cabinet ministers participated in the meeting, said party sources. It was basically an interactive session, said Amritsar East legislator Jeevan Jyot Kaur. The Bhagwant Mann-led government in had on Monday said it would seek suggestions from the general public for the state budget for the year 2022-23 and called it the 'Janta budget'. A portal has also been launched for seeking opinions of all sections of the society. The legislators were also asked to maximise their efforts to encourage farmers to go for direct seeding of rice and get Rs 1,500 per acre as announced by the state government to check depleting underground water table. The state government had announced to give Rs 1,500 per acre as financial assistance to each farmer sowing paddy through direct seeding of rice technique. The AAP MLAs were also asked to gear up for the upcoming municipal elections. Patiala MLA Ajit Pal Singh Kohli said the MLAs raised issues of their constituencies. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema told reporters that the agenda of the meeting was to hear issues of all the legislators. Speaking on 'Janta budget', Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak noted that it is the first government which is seeking suggestions from the people on the state budget. (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 Thursday said it would hear on May 9 a fresh plea against an event scheduled to be held at Talkatora Stadium here where a resolution for "Hindu Rashtra" is proposed to be made. A bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar, Abhay S Oka, and C T Ravikumar posted the matter for hearing after the counsel for the applicant mentioned that an event is slated for Thursday evening and sought prohibition orders. The apex court asked the petitioner to apprise the authorities of its orders on the issue. The fresh plea said the key speaker of the event scheduled to be held at Talkatora Stadium is one Nischalananda Saraswati who has in the past frequently given hate speeches. Despite repeated representations, such events are openly held and satisfactory preventive or consequential action is seldom taken, the plea said adding that the growing rate of hate speeches is sufficient to create a chilling effect on religious minorities of the country. "It has now come to the knowledge of the Petitioners that an event is being organised at Talkatora Stadium, Delhi on May 5, 2022, at 5:00 pm wherein one Shankaracharya of Puri and 'Mahant' of the Sri Govardhan Math, Nischalananda Saraswati, will, according to this web poster released by the Sudarshan News channel, publicly proclaim and affirm a resolution for India to be turned into a . "A video of Suresh Chavankhe (of Sudarshan News channel) asking Hindus to attend the said event is also available on social media," the plea said. The apex court had earlier expressed concern that incidents of hate speeches keep occurring in the country despite apex court guidelines on preventive measures to be taken by government authorities. The top court was hearing a petition filed by journalist Qurban Ali and former Patna High Court judge and senior advocate Anjana Prakash, who has also sought a direction for an "independent, credible and impartial investigation" by an SIT into incidents of hate speeches against the Muslim community. (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 a spike in cases of COVID-19 in Delhi, north corporation has taken a slew of measures to contain the spread of infection, including setting up separate registration counters for suspected patients at its health facilities, officials said on Wednesday. In a statement, the North Municipal Corporation (NDMC) also said it is "all set to provide one month's advance medicines to patients suffering from chronic diseases". In view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the city, the corporation has stepped up its preparedness to control the spread of the virus. "The civic agency has made elaborate arrangements at its hospitals and health centres like setting up separate registration counters for suspected Covid patients, separate waiting rooms, separate queues for medical consultations, dedicated lab testing facilities and separate counters for free distribution of medicines besides making people aware through IEC (information education communication) activities," it said. Treatment of patients at hospitals and health centres will take place following appropriate Covid guidelines and protocols, the statement said. Authorities at all hospitals and health centres have been asked to make proper arrangement of signages on the premises of hospitals and health units, it said. All medical officers or in-charges have been asked to ensure that health care staff would follow Covid-related guidelines and norms. They have also been directed to maintain adequate stock of essential medicines and essential items like PPE kits, masks, gloves, sanitisers, liquid soaps, pulse oximeters, among others, officials said. To meet any emergency requirement, oxygen supplying units and PSA oxygen plants set up at hospitals have been asked to "remain in operational mode," the statement said. Sufficient number of oxygen cylinders and concentrators have been made available to make sure uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the patients. In OPD, all the patients suspected of COVID-19 are to be sent for testing at the nearest designated testing facility, if the same is not available at the health unit or hospital, officials said. The civic body has given priority to the care of senior citizens. It has been decided to provide one month's advance medicine to the patients of non-Covid and chronic diseases at the hospitals and dispensaries, officials said. At this juncture when there is sudden spurt in Covid cases, chances of infection is more among senior citizens due to their lower immunity. If they get medicines in advance, they will not have to go to hospitals owing to which there will be less chances of Covid infection, the statement said. The corporation has also made it mandatory for patients visiting every flu clinic to get their body temperature tested with an infrared thermometer. Also, the civic agency has appointed a nodal officer at each hospital whose work will be to ensure sanitisation, infection prevention and proper management of biomedical waste, it added. reported 1,354 COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 7.64 per cent and one fatality due to the disease on Wednesday, according to data shared by the city health department. on Tuesday had reported 1,414 COVID-19 cases, around 31 per cent more than a day ago, while the positivity rate had stood at 5.97 per cent. One death had been recorded due to the disease. (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.) Taking note of the recent violent clashes between two communities in various states, the National Commission for (NCM) on Wednesday said some people, not any political party, are trying to disturb peace in the country and asked the law enforcement authorities to identify them and unearth the "conspiracy". "I would not blame any political party. But, for these clashes, I will definitely blame some elements, a small number of people. They are trying to disturb the peace with some ulterior motive. They should be identified, their conspiracies should be unearthed and action be taken against them," NCM chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura said while responding to queries at a press conference here. Speaking on the violent clashes between two groups in Patiala district of Punjab recently, the NCM chairperson said the state government could have prevented it. "Untill the state government's report comes, we can only react on the media reports. The Punjab government has shifted the IG, SP, other concerned officer," he said. Punjab is suffering since 1978 and the state government should be vigilant of this aspect to ensure that they do not allow any group to disturb peace and tranquillity of the region, the NCM chief said. "Patiala incident was an apparent failure of the Punjab government to prevent crime which is the most important aspect of law and order maintenance. There was some lackness (deficiency on the part of state government)" he said. The NCM chief said that the Commission has taken cognizance of all the recent incidents of violence and called for a detailed report from the state governments including Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Bihar. Replying to questions on the recent communal clashes in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, he said the commission has asked the state chief secretary to ensure a through probe into the incident it so that the conspiracy to disturb peace is unearthed and those involved in it are brought to justice. "Criminals have no religion," he said. Taking cognizance of the media reports about lynching of two persons on allegations of cow slaughter in Madhya Pradesh, the NCM chief said, the commission has written to the state chief secretary calling for a report on the incident. Lalpura said that he along with other members of the commission had recently visited violence-hit Jahangirpuri area in Delhi. "We met the concerned party. They are living very happily there. Muslims say they organise the functions of Hindus while Hindus say they organise the Eid and other functions of the Muslims," Lalpura said. They said there were "some miscreants" involved in the incident of violence in Jahangirpuri and demanded that action be taken against them, he said. "None of them was there to support them. They are living peacefully," Lalpura said, adding, "we have called for a report from Delhi police commissioner (on Jahangirpuri violence). The report is awaited." Responding to questions on the row over use of loudspeakers at mosques and other religious places, the NCM chief said law pertaining to noise control should be implemented. "No body can stop azan in the world. But , with my prayer, I have no right to disturb you," he said. The NCM chief also supported the demolition drive undertaken by the BJP-ruled civic bodies in the national capital, saying "it is a process to create new things, improve the things and remove the illegal encroachments, not to punish anybody. (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.) Booker Prize winner on Wednesday compared today's India to a plane moving in reverse, the one which she argued is "headed for a crash". She was speaking at the launch of the book titled "Why do you fear my way so much?", a selection of poems and letters written by jailed human rights activist G N . Roy said from spearheading "truly revolutionary movements" in the 1960s for redistribution of wealth and land, its leaders are now seeking votes -- and winning elections -- in the name of distributing "5 kg rice and 1 kg salt". "Recently, I asked a pilot friend of mine, 'Can you fly a plane backwards?'. He laughed out loud. And I said this is exactly what is happening here where the leaders of this country are flying the plane in reverse, everything is falling, and we are headed for a crash," said the author of bestselling novels "The God of Small Things" and "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness". The 62-year-old writer described India as a land of "sophisticated jurisprudence", the one where laws are applied differently depending on your "caste, class, gender and ethnicity". "What are we doing here today? We are meeting to talk about a professor who is paralysed 90 per cent and has been in jail for seven years. That is what we are doing. That is enough. We do not have to speak anymore. That is enough to tell you what kind of country we are living in. What shame is this?," she said. Saibaba, who has over 90 per cent physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 by a sessions court in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district for having maoist links and engaging in activities amounting to waging war against the country. The court held and others guilty under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His service as assistant professor at Delhi University's Ram Lal Anand College was terminated on March 31. CPI general secretary D Raja, who released the book at Jawahar Bhawan, reiterated his demand for the immediate release of . He said the government of the day is highly mistaken if it thinks it can defeat a communist by labelling him a 'terrorist' or putting him behind the bars. "The government of the day thinks by labelling some people as 'urban maoists', 'urban naxalites' , 'anti-nationals', 'terrorists' or putting them in prison or torturing them in prison, they can succeed. I warn them they can never succeed. A communist can be killed, but a communist can never be defeated, Mr Modi," he added. The book launch was also attended by Saibaba's wife Vasantha. She recounted how her husband who was born into poverty in the town of Amalapuram in Andhra Pradesh overcame his disability to top his university and become a highly regarded professor. She also talked in detail about wheel-chair bound Saibaba's alleged inhuman treatment in Nagpur Central Jail's solitary confinement, his poor health, including a cardiac condition and chronic and severe spinal pain, and multiple parole refusals even for a few days to attend his mother's funeral. The book, published by Speaking Tiger, is priced at Rs 450 and available for sale on offline and online stores. (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 delegation of the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) visited Amritsar, Punjab to understand the process of procurement, testing and transportation of wheat from to . Dr Stephanie Heard, Loss Prevention Officer at WFP, said that the delegation is in to familiarise themselves with the process of the as has transported 10,000 MTs of wheat to . "We are here to see the initiative that the Government of India has taken for the people of Afghanistan," noted Sandro Banao, Commodity Specialist at the UN World Food Programme. He praised India for helping with humanitarian aid, saying "it is very kind of India to send wheat to Afghanistan". Citing the increasing demand for wheat globally, Banao also showed interest in UN WFP ramping up its cooperation with India. "Also, our interest is to scale up our partnership with the Government of India due to the increased requirement of wheat globally," he added. Notably, India till now has delivered the first tranche of 10,000 MTs of wheat to Afghanistan successfully and delivery of the next batch of 10,000 MTs of wheat is in the pipeline, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last August which has caused economic disarray and food shortages, pushing the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis. V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, said India has historical and civilizational ties with Afghanistan. India's development partnership with Afghanistan included projects spread across each of the 34 provinces of the country in critical areas such as power, water supply, road connectivity, health care, education, agriculture and capacity building. "In the last two years, India has contributed to the humanitarian requirements of the people of Afghan. This includes 75,000 MTs of wheat (2020), COVID related medical supplies (June 2020) and 500,000 doses of COVID vaccines (January 2021)," he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister will travel to seven states in the next three weeks as part of a mega cross-country tour, during which he will attend public, political and official events, officials said on Thursday. Shah, who is currently in West Bengal for a two-day visit, will be travelling to Assam, Telangana, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. He will be visiting Assam on May 9 and 10, during which he will attend several functions, including one to mark the first anniversary of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government in the state, the officials said. On May 14, the Union home minister will tour Telangana, where he will address a public meeting in Ranga Reddy district. The meeting will mark the conclusion of the second leg of state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar's 'Praja Sangrama Yatra'. During his visit to Kerala on May 15, Shah is expected to attend meetings of the and also meet with party leaders, apparently in an effort to galvanise the party cadre for the 2024 general elections. On May 20, Shah will undertake a day-long visit to Uttarakhand, where he will attend both official and party functions, and interact with BJP workers. He will travel to Arunachal Pradesh for two days (May 21-22) to attend a number of official events, the officials said. On May 27, Shah will tour Maharashtra. He will be visiting Gujarat during May 28-29. In both the states, the Union home minister will attend a number of official and party functions. (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 Secretary of State tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, experiencing mild symptoms and will be isolating himself at his home, conducting his work virtually. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon via a PCR test," a US Department of State press statement informed. "The Secretary is fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus and is experiencing only mild symptoms. He tested negative on Tuesday and again as recently as this morning," the statement added. The statement further informed that Secretary of State Blinken "has not seen President Biden in person for several days, and the President is not considered a close contact according to guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)." "In accordance with the CDC guidelines and in consultation with the Department's Bureau of Medical Services, the Secretary will isolate at home and maintain a virtual work schedule," the statement said, adding that Blinken "looks forward to returning to the Department and resuming his full duties and travels as soon as possible." Secretary of State Blinken extended his gratefulness to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who provide the State Department workforce with exemplary health services around the world and encourages all Americans who are eligible to get fully vaccinated and boosted in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from developing severe COVID-19 disease, the statement said. Blinken joins a number of high-profile administration officials who have tested positive in recent weeks and months. Vice President Kamala Harris announced she had contracted the virus last month, and in March, White House Press Secretary Psaki cancelled her plans to travel with the President to Belgium and Poland after testing positive for Covid-19 for the second time, CNN reported. (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.) There has been a 45 per cent growth in active users' in since 2019, according a study by Nielsen, a global company for audience measurement, data and analytics. The Bharat 2.0 report said that female active users grew by 61 per cent since 2019. The report said that India has 646 million active aged 2 years and above as of December 2021. has 352 million internet users--almost 20 per cent higher than urban. The study also revealed that almost 60 per cent of the rural population is still not actively using the internet, paving headroom for further growth. Urban India on the other hand has registered a 59 per cent penetration growth with 294 million active . Dolly Jha, managing director, Nielsen India, said that there is the availability of budget smartphones and affordable mobile data along with the Indian governments efforts to strengthen the existing digital infrastructure. These are through compelling initiatives such as Digital India and powered by one of the cheapest data prices in the world enabled by the Telecom companies. These have led to enhanced and faster levels of internet adoption across the country, said Jha, in an interview. I do expect that with the launch of 5G happening somewhere this year, there are certain categories which are really going to be seeing a significant upsurge. The government has a very aggressive digital agenda in terms of the number of Gram Panchayats which have to be brought under the ambit of internet adoption. Because all the initiatives which government has built (including) direct benefit to the consumer really hinges on internet connectivity. As per the study, the number of active Internet users is 592 million who are aged 12 years and above. Compared with 2019, the active internet user base for 12 years and above has shown an impressive growth of about 37 per cent. The rural users growth at 45 per cent continues to outshine urban users growth at 28 per cent over 2019. The female users growth in the last 2 years is a whopping 61 per cent as compared to male users who grew at 24 per cent. Also, 1 in every 3 female internet users in rural India, are actively using the internet. The study showcases a strong upsurge in the number of female active internet users across rural India, this coupled with rural Indias willingness to adopt technology at a faster pace, said Jha. The study revealed that almost 90 per cent access the internet on a daily basis. 50 years and above users too are active and are not left behind with 81 per cent accessing it daily. Mobile phones have remained the key device for all internet usage across sectors. Other trending activities on the internet (for 12+ years) include video watching. While Social networking or chatting remains the top activity on the internet across India with 503 million active internet users, video watching and listening to online music, are among the top 5 activities done on the internet. Close to 440 million users watch videos on the internet of which 54 per cent are from . The Male to Female split among active internet users is 60:40. Also, despite 56 per cent of active internet users belonging to rural India, online shopping remains to be heavily dominated by its urban counterpart. 47 per cent of the online shoppers are from NCCS A (New Consumer Classification System--affluent users). NCCS is used to classify households in India on the basis of two variables -- education of chief wage earner and number of consumer durables in the family. E-commerce has seen significant evolution. There is social commerce and quick commerce, said Jha. There are going to be more consumers catching on to these. I believe social commerce is really going to become big as well as e-commerce. Then there are other areas such as gaming, where we are going to see a massive expansion. The other trend is related to online banking and digital payments. The study revealed that the users of Online Banking and Digital Payments have been identified as urban, affluent users (from NCCS A) with 2/3rd of the users belonging to the age bracket of 20 to 39 years. While the usage is higher in urban areas, 46 per cent of its users are from rural India. This activity is more common among males as the male to female divide is 69:31. There was a significant surge in digital payments, when it was adopted during Covid, said Jha. But that trend is here to stay as we expect more population to come under the ambit of digital payments. Bharat 2.0 Study is designed to establish the Internet penetration and user profile for the country. The methodology is composed of face to face systematic stratified random survey across all states and town/villages. This was carried out from September 2021 to December 2021 covering about 110,000 household members across about 27,900 households. The road transport and highways ministry aims to construct a record 18,000 km of highways in 2022-23 at a pace of 50 km per day, said minister said on Thursday. The FY23 target is 33 per cent higher than that last fiscal. The target is ambitious as the ministry in 2021-22 set a 40-km per day construction goal, but later revised it to 32 km per day at 12000 km for the full fiscal. This is a target Im not giving a guarantee that we will achieve it. But targets are always high, and it will push us to try and meet them, said Gadkari at an event. The government also plans to award construction contracts of 18000 km in FY23, he added. Sandwiched between two waves of Covid-19 and monsoon rains, the government, through its implementing agencies, reportedly constructed 10,457 km of national highways in 2021-22, which was a 24 per cent decrease from the previous fiscal. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget speech, had said that the government will add 25,000 km to the national highways network. Later, road transport and highways secretary Giridhar Aramane clarified that it contains both new construction, widening works, and conversion of state highways into national highways. While Indias construction trajectory has largely been on the upside, sector experts have previously expressed concern that 50 km per day construction could prove a tall order, even with the governments infrastructure push. Gadkari also said that the 1400-km Delhi-Mumbai expressway has already seen 60 per cent completion, and will be completed 90 per cent by December. In the Budget session of the Parliament, the minister had said that four key highways, including Delhi-Mumbai, will be fully completed by December. The expressway, which experts believe can be a game-changer for logistics, is being built at a cost Rs 1 trillion. India has raised concerns at the (WTO) over a host of trade barriers built in by Indonesia, including export restrictions on and import curbs on bovine meat and automotive (auto) parts, holding that such measures have adversely impacted India. India remains concerned with the Indonesian import substitution programme and export policies. is maintaining a number of restrictions on imports, as well as exports, which is affecting Indian businesses both in terms of exports, as well as supply-chain disruptions. We have raised the matter in the Committee on Market Access and the Council for Trade in Goods at the . However, has not provided any clear response in the bilateral talks, said a government official privy to the talks. last week banned the export of crude and refined amid global shortage of the edible oil after Russias invasion of Ukraine. After Malaysia, Indonesia is the second-largest source of for India. India imported 42 per cent (or 3.4 million tonnes) of its total palm oil imports from Indonesia in 2021. Before the ban, Indonesia had put in place a high export duty and an export levy on palm oil, as well as adopted export-curbing procedures, pushing up the prices of palm oil and edible oils in India. India had requested Indonesia to take necessary action by not resorting to increasing the reference price of palm oil, said the official quoted earlier. Indonesia has also reduced the annual quota on bovine meat import. There are port restrictions on such imports, leading to an increase in export cost. A delay in the issuance of horticultural product import recommendations for agricultural products like onion, potato, etc has also affected Indias exports. We have also asked Indonesia to lift restrictions on the export of ginger, added the official. India exported bovine meat worth $262 million and vegetables worth $30 million in 2021. Indonesia has also placed quantitative restrictions on the import of autos and components. A delay in the issuance of permits for the import of Indian commercial vehicles could adversely affect Indian auto companies. Indonesian policies remain a concern for Indian chemicals and pharmaceutical products, said the official. In 2021, India exported autos and parts for $366 million, organic chemicals for $$536 million, and pharmaceuticals for $$119 million to Indonesia. Overall exports to Indonesia in 2021 rose 43.1 per cent to $8.1 billion, while imports increased 39.1 per cent to $16.7 billion during the same period, leading to a trade deficit of $8.6 billion. Central Bank of India, a state-owned commercial bank, plans to shut 13% of its branches to improve its financial health, which has been under pressure for several years, according to sources and a document seen by Reuters. The bank is looking to reduce the number of branches by 600 by either shutting down or merging loss-making branches by the end of March 2023, according to the copy of a document reviewed by Reuters. It is the most drastic step the lender has taken to improve its finances and will be followed by the sale of non-core assets such as real estate, said a government source who did not want to be named. The closure of the branches has not been reported previously. The more than 100-year old lender currently has a network of 4,594 branches. Central Bank along with a clutch of other lenders was placed under RBI's prompt corrective action (PCA) in 2017 after the regulator found some state-run lenders were in breach of its rules on regulatory capital, bad loans and leverage ratios. Since then all the lenders except Central Bank have improved their financial health and come off RBI's PCA list. "The bank is struggling to come out of PCA of due to poor performance on profit since 2017 and to utilise manpower in more efficient and effective manner," the document dated May 4 sent out by the headquarters to other branches and departments stated, detailing the rationale behind the move. did not immediately reply to emails and calls seeking comment. A bank under PCA faces greater scrutiny by the regulator and may face lending and deposit restrictions, branch expansion and hiring freezes and other limitations on borrowings. The introduced these norms at a time when Indian lenders were battling record levels of soured assets, prompting the to tighten thresholds. "Central bank of India's move is in line with the set strategy of lowering loss-making assets in its books," the government official said. In the December quarter, the lender reported a profit of 2.82 billion Indian rupees ($37.1 million) versus 1.66 billion rupees in the previous year in the same quarter. It gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio remains high compared with its peers however, standing at 15.16% as of the end of December. The bank was placed under the PCA framework in June 2017 and in that quarter the lender had registered a loss of 7.50 billion rupees while its GNPA ratio was at 17.27%. (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.) U.S. Senate Budget Committee Chairman on Thursday slammed .com Inc and its chairman at a hearing on the company's labor practices as he pushed the White House to end government contracts for the retailer. " has done everything possible - legal and illegal - to defeat union organizing efforts," Sanders said. But the company won bipartisan support at the hearing, including from Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, a state with a large presence. "I don't think Amazon is an organized criminal syndicate," Kaine said, adding he backs efforts to make it easier for workers to unionize. "Amazon employs a million Americans - not everybody hates their jobs at Amazon." Sanders addressed Amazon Chairman Jeff Bezos, who had been invited to testify but did not appear. "Given all your wealth, how much do you need? Why are you doing everything in your power, including breaking the law, to deny Amazon workers the right to join a union so that they can negotiate for better wages, better working conditions and better benefits?" Sanders asked. "How much do you need?" Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The committee heard testimony from several people including Christian Smalls, who heads the Amazon Labor Union. "Imagine being a new hire at Amazon. Your second day, you don't even know your job assignment and the first thing they do is march them into an anti-union propaganda class," Smalls alleged. Senator Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the panel, criticized Sanders for singling out Amazon. "This is an effort to get an outcome you want using the United States Senate as your vehicle. This is very dangerous," he said. "You can have oversight hearings how you like but you determine Amazon is a piece of crap company. That's your political bias." Graham said must be allowed to express their views about unions. He noted that Boeing Co workers have not unionized in South Carolina, where they build the 787. "The idea that Boeing can't argue the merits of a right-to-work environment for their business is ridiculous and I think patently illegal." Sean O'Brien, general president of the Brotherhood of Teamsters, said one of the ways to hold Amazon accountable is for the government to take back contracts with "until they are a responsible employer." Later in the day, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will host a White House meeting with Smalls and labor leaders seeking to represent workers at Amazon, Starbucks Corp and other employers. A White House official said the meeting aims to show that the administration "is supportive of their efforts to empower workers." Last week, Sanders urged President Joe Biden to issue an executive order cutting off federal contracts to Amazon, saying the online retailer "has become the poster child for illegal anti-union behavior while raking in billions in federal contracts." Workers at an Amazon warehouse in New York City recently voted to form the first union at the second-largest U.S. private employer and join the Amazon Labor Union under the leadership of Smalls, a former worker who has argued for higher pay and job security. Amazon workers voted against unionizing a second warehouse in New York City, a ballot count on Monday showed, representing a defeat for labor organizers just weeks after they celebrated their first U.S. win at the online retailer. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Nandita Bose in Washington Editing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday he was following security officials' advice in managing bilateral relations with the after the South Pacific neighbour's leader alleged he'd been threatened with invasion. Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament on Wednesday that opponents of his new security pact with China had threatened his country and insulted it. Sogavare did not name the United States or . Both countries have told the Solomons that a Chinese military presence in the Solomons less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off the northeast Australian coast would not be tolerated. We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands, Sogavare said. In other words, we are threatened with invasion, Sogavare added. On the threat of invasion, Morrison said: Of course, none of that's true. Morrison rejected the center-left opposition Labor Party's advice to telephone Sogavare. I can tell you very clearly that I am following very carefully the advice that I get from our security intelligence agencies in how we are responsibly managing the issues in relation to this matter, Morrison told reporters. That is exactly what I'm doing. Morrison added that he had had contact with Sogavare "in the last few months, but did not specify when. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has promised closer engagement between and its South Pacific neighbors if Labor wins elections on May 21. The fact that the prime minister hasn't picked up the phone to Prime Minister Sogavare says an enormous amount ... about what is needed in terms of that relationship, Albanese said. The government has dropped the ball on the Pacific right now, Albanese added. Morrison said last month that and the United States shared the same red line when it came to opposing a Chinese military base on the Solomons. Neither Australia nor the United States have said how they might respond to such a Chinese presence. Sogavare has maintained that there would be no Chinese base in his country. We are being treated as kindergarten students walking around with Colt .45s in our hands, and therefore we need to be supervised. We are insulted, Sogavare said on Wednesday. Morrison said Australia needed to be calm and composed in dealing with the Solomons. Mr. Sogavare has entered into a secret arrangement with the Chinese government, he has done that with a number of his Cabinet ministers, Morrison said. That did not come as a surprise to our government and so now we just work responsibly with our partners to manage that situation to first protect the security interests of Australia but also of the Solomon Islands, Morrison said. We are very concerned for the . We're very concerned for the broader security in the Southwest Pacific. Other leaders that I've been in regular contact (with) are equally concerned, Morrison added. Labor has condemned the China-Solomons pact as Australia's biggest foreign policy failure in the Pacific since World War II. Morrison said Australia remained the Solomons' preferred security partner despite the new pact. Australia already has a bilateral security pact with the Solomons and Australian police peacekeepers have been in the capital, Honiara, since riots in November. (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 has named Indian American Richard Verma, who is also a former ambassador to India, to a body that advises the president on the effectiveness of the country's sprawling intelligence community. Biden also named retired Admiral James A. "Sandy" Winnefeld as chair of the body - President's Intelligence Advisory Board, - and Janet Napolitano, a former secretary of the department of homeland security (a cabinet position) and Gilman G. Louie as members, like Verma. The said the advisory board serves as an independent element within the executive office of the and that it exists exclusively to assist the president by providing him with an "independent source of advice on the effectiveness with which the Intelligence Community is meeting the nation's intelligence needs and the vigor and insight with which the community plans for the future". Verma is currently with Mastercard as its general counsel and head of global public policy. He was sent to India as ambassador by President Barack Obama in 2014 - he was the first Indian American to be named US ambassador to India. He had earlier served in the state department as assistant secretary of state and National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader. Verma was an active member of Biden's 2020 presidential campaign and led the team's outreach to the Indian American community. --IANS yashwant/shs (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.) California, which would have the world's fifth-largest economy if it was a country, on Wednesday became the first US state to formally begin examining how to broadly adapt to cryptocurrency and related innovations, following a path laid out by President in March. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for state agencies to move in tandem with the federal government to craft regulations for digital currencies. It also calls for officials to explore incorporating broader blockchain computer coding into the government operations of the state where much of the world's technological innovation is born. Evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency technology is potentially an explosive creator of new companies and new jobs and new opportunities, said Dee Dee Myers, a senior advisor to Newsom and director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. So there are a lot of opportunities, she said. There's also a lot of unknowns in the industry and so that's another reason we want to engage early. Newsom's order says the state home to Silicon Valley and financial innovators like PayPal and Square should be out front in figuring out how to adapt to new technologies. Too often government lags behind technological advancements, so we're getting ahead of the curve on this, laying the foundation to allow for consumers and business to thrive, Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. has about 39 million residents and its economy is more than $3.1 trillion, larger on its own as a U.S. state than the United Kingdom and India. Newsom said his order is a step toward making it the nation's first state to establish a comprehensive, thoughtful, and harmonized regulatory and business environment for crypto assets. Cryptocurrencies, which are built on blockchain database technology, have exploded in popularity in recent years. About 16% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used and the percentage is much higher among younger men. Biden's executive order in part asks the Federal Reserve to consider whether it should create its own . Blockchain creates the underlying transparency of a decentralized but publicly viewable ledger. The technology can also be used to record other types of information, such as property records. The records are held on many computers that together form a global network so that no one and no institution can control them. There is heavy disagreement about the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, even among some of the world's richest people. Elon Musk is an avid supporter of dogecoin while Warren Buffet recently said he wouldn't pay $25 for all of the world's bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Each bitcoin is currently valued at about $38,000. While may be first to try to develop a comprehensive approach, Ohio was the first to attempt to accept virtual currency for government services in 2018, though the program was soon discontinued because few people used it. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, said in February that his state would begin accepting cryptocurrency for government services later this year. lawmakers are among many around the the U.S. who have offered related legislation. But a bill by Democratic Sen. Sydney Kamlager to allow California to accept crypto assets for state services failed in its first committee this year and a similar bill by Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is stalled. Similar measures have been introduced in Arizona, Wyoming and other states. Despite the potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency, Newsom's order says California should take the lead in figuring out how to adapt to the technological evolution. His order builds on a July 2020 report by the California Blockchain Working Group, which examined the use of blockchain along with its risks and benefits. California that same year created a new Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from what had been the Department of Business Oversight, with a goal of evaluating emerging risks and opportunities while protecting consumers. Newsom's order calls for the department to develop guidelines for disclosures by companies when they offer financial products and services related to . It will also provide guidelines for state-chartered banks and credit unions regarding crypto-related products. The department will respond to consumer complaints, work with crypto companies to resolve consumer complaints and take enforcement action when needed. It will also publish consumer education materials, including advice on avoiding crypto-related scams and frauds. Newsom's order directs a separate agency to solicit proposals for how best to use blockchain to help the state and the public. It is critical that we engage early with industry and start learning the pros and cons of innovative technology early, said Amy Tong, secretary of California's Government Operations Agency. We can take the next steps towards getting ahead of the curve and harnessing potential of these tools to make government better. (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 oldest son of former President has met with the congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol, according to two people familiar with the matter. The interview with Jr. took place on Tuesday. The two people who confirmed the interview insisted on anonymity to discuss a private meeting. Trump Jr. is one of nearly 1,000 witnesses the committee has interviewed as it works to compile a record of the attack, the worst on the Capitol in more than two centuries. He is the second of Trump's children known to speak to the committee after his sister Ivanka Trump sat down with lawmakers for eight hours in early April. Trump Jr. was seen backstage at the rally on the White House Ellipse that took place shortly before Trump supporters marched to the Capitol and breached the building. In several social media videos posted at the time of the attack, Trump Jr. was seen with his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and other members of his family as his father prepared to speak to the crowd. The House committee has also released text messages from January 6 in which Trump Jr. pleaded with the White House to get his father to forcefully condemn the riot. "We need an Oval address. He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand," Trump Jr. wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. (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 European Union's top official on Wednesday called on the 27-nation bloc to ban oil imports from and target the country's biggest bank and major broadcasters in a sixth package of sanctions over the war in Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, proposed having EU member nations phase out imports of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets, von der Leyen said. The proposals must be unanimously approved to take effect and are likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Von der Leyen conceded that getting all 27 member countries some of them landlocked and highly dependent on for energy supplies to agree on oil sanctions will not be easy. The EU gets about 25% of its oil from Russia, most of which goes toward gasoline and diesel for vehicles. supplies about 14% of diesel, S&P Global analysts said, and a cutoff could send already high prices for truck and tractor fuel soaring. If approved, the ban on oil imports would be the second package of EU sanctions targeting Russia's lucrative energy industry since the country invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. In a video message posted on Twitter, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed Von der Leyen's proposal for an oil embargo. He said Ukraine is not happy it will be delayed for several months, but it's better than nothing. I think what should be clear now is that (the time) for half-sanctions or half-measures when it comes to sanctions is gone, Kuleba said, arguing that the EU can no longer support Ukraine on one hand by imposing sanctions, while continuing to pay Russia for oil and gas and support their war machine. As long as Russia continues to receive revenues in billions ... from the ... we cannot speak of defeating Russia," he said. "They will continue financing their war machine from oil and gas revenues. In addition to sanctions on various entities and individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of his family, the EU previously approved an embargo on coal imports. The EU has started discussions on a possible natural gas embargo, but consensus among member countries on targeting the fuel used to generate electricity and heat homes is more difficult to secure. The region gets about 40% of its natural gas from Russia. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they wouldn't take part in any oil sanctions. Von der Leyen didn't elaborate on whether they would receive an exemption from the sanctions, although it appeared likely. Ukraine's Kuleba said that any country which continued to oppose the embargo on Russian oil could be considered complicit in the crimes committed by Russia in the territory of Ukraine. "Whatever their arguments are, if they oppose (an) oil embargo, it means one thing: They play on the Russian side. They share responsibility for everything that Russia does in Ukraine, full stop, he said. The EU and Russia are playing a game of chicken. It is hard to say who will swerve/blink first. The Russians for fear of running out of money. Or Europe for fear of the lights going out, James Nixey, the director of the Russia and Eurasia program at London's Chatham House think tank, said. Von der Leyen also said that the EU should target high-ranking military officers and others who committed war crimes in Bucha, a suburb of the capital Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have alleged that retreating Russian troops carried out mass killings of civilians in Bucha. This sends another important signal to all perpetrators of the Kremlin's war: We know who you are. We will hold you accountable. You're not getting away with this, von der Leyen told the lawmakers. EU diplomats confirmed that the European Commission's plans also include an asset freeze and travel ban on the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow. The diplomats have direct knowledge of the discussions but were not authorized to speak publicly as negotiations continue. Kirill is a longtime Putin ally and has justified Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In March, he described the conflict as part of a struggle against sin and pressure from liberal foreigners to hold gay parades as the price of admission to their ranks. Von der Leyen said that Putin's intention is to wipe out Ukraine from the map, but predicted he will fail in his deadly enterprise. Ukraine has risen in bravery and in unity," she said. And it is his own country, Russia, that Putin is sinking. Banks are also in the EU executive arm's sights, and notably Russia's biggest, Sberbank. Von der Leyen said the aim is that we de-SWIFT Sberbank." SWIFT is the major global system for financial transfers. We will also de-SWIFT two other major banks in Russia. By that, we hit banks that are systemically critical to the Russian financial system and Putin's ability to wage destruction," she said. Von der Leyen added that those alleged to be spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine would be targeted. We are banning three big Russian state-owned broadcasters from our airwaves. They will not be allowed to distribute their content anymore in the EU, in whatever shape or form, be it on cable, via satellite, on the internet or via smartphone apps, she said. Von der Leyen didn't name the broadcasters but branded the television channels as mouthpieces that amplify Putins lies and propaganda aggressively. We should not give them a stage anymore to spread these lies. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has secured $7.14 billion in from a group of that includes Oracle Corp co-founder Larry Ellison and Sequoia Capital to fund his $44 billion takeover of Twitter Inc, according to a filing on Thursday. Saudi Arabian investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who had initially opposed the buyout, also agreed to roll his $1.89 billion stake into the deal rather than cashing out, the filing showed. The move comes as Musk's margin loan was reduced to $6.25 billion from $12.5 billion announced earlier, according to the filing. Musk's $21 billion financing commitment was also revised to $27.25 billion. Musk will continue to hold talks with existing shareholders of Twitter, including the company's former chief Jack Dorsey, to contribute shares to the proposed acquisition, the filing showed. Qatar Holding and Dubai-based Vy Capital, also an investor in Musk's other venture The Boring Company, are also part of the investor group. Reuters last week reported Musk was in talks with large investment firms and high net-worth individuals about taking on more financing for his Twitter acquisition and tying up less of his wealth in the deal. Larry Ellison, a board member at Tesla and a self-described close friend of has committed $1 billion for the . Twitter's shares were up about 2.9% at $50.5 before the bell, still below Musk's offer of $54.20. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) (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.) Germany's dependency on Russian energy resources has been significantly reduced, German President Frank Walter Steinmeier has said during a visit to Bucharest. Germany's dependency on Russian oil is currently 15 percent, Steinmeier told a joint press conference on Wednesday with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis, Xinhua news agency reported. The Romanian President said that his country supports the European Commission's proposed ban on Russian oil, which would be implemented through a phase-out period of six months. Authorities in Bucharest are now working on sustainable solutions that can be rapidly mobilized, Iohannis said. "Romania wants to play an active role in achieving the EU's strategic objectives for diversifying its natural gas supply," he said. Talks between the two leaders also focused on the support granted to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, support for the EU accession of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, and Romania's expectations regarding accession to the Schengen area. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Tuesday on retaliatory sanctions against individuals and entities in response to their "unfriendly actions" over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russian government was ordered to compile a list of individuals under sanctions within 10 days. --IANS int/shs (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has witnessed a 24 per cent increase in the number of militant attacks in April as compared to March 2022, according to data released by a think-tank. Militants carried out 34 attacks in April, killing 55 people, including 34 security forces personnel. Thirteen civilians and eight militants were also killed in these attacks, while 25 people -- 11 security personnel and 14 civilians -- were injured, Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in a press release on Wednesday. Militants carried out 26 attacks across in March 2022 in which 115 people were killed and 288 injured. Most of the attacks took place in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) or tribal region followed by main Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, the release said. PICSS recorded 16 militant attacks in erstwhile Fata in which 31 people -- 21 security personnel, seven militants and three civilians -- were killed. Six security personnel and four civilians were injured in these attacks. In KP, militants carried out 10 attacks in which 12 security personnel and five civilians were killed. Three civilians and as many security personnel were injured in these attacks, the release said. In Balochistan, four militant attacks left one security official and one civilian dead, while one security official and four civilians were injured. In Sindh, four militant attacks took place in which four civilians and one militant was killed. The attacks in Karachi also included the suicide bombing of a Chinese teachers' van at the University of Karachi. In Punjab, no militant attack took place in April. Meanwhile, security forces carried out 22 actions against militants in which 11 suspected terrorists were arrested and 27 were killed. Most of the arrests took place in Punjab, according to the PICSS report. (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 met French President here and the two leaders discussed at length about bilateral as well as global issues and agreed on an ambitious agenda for the next phase of the India- Strategic Partnership. Modi, who arrived here from Denmark on the final leg of his three-nation European tour, on Wednesday night held extensive talks with Macron, who was re-elected to the top post over a week back. "Delighted, as always, to meet my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. We talked at length about bilateral as well as global issues. and are proud developmental partners with our partnership spread across different sectors," Modi tweeted in English and French languages along with a photograph of him and Macron hugging each other. Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office said that the meeting between the two leaders will add momentum to the India- friendship. Macron held a tete-a-tete with Modi before the delegation-level talks at the Elysee Palace - the official residence of the French President. "PM @narendramodi and French President @EmmanuelMacron had a warm and detailed conversation. Agreed on an ambitious agenda for the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership. Underlined that the India-France partnership is a force for peace, progress and prosperity," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. "A meeting between two friends. An opportunity to translate the renewed mandate of President @EmmanuelMacron into a renewed momentum for the India-France Strategic partnership," Bagchi had tweeted at the start of the meeting. Modi's visit comes amid the Ukraine crisis, which has united much of Europe against Russia. The two leaders are expected to have discussed how to ensure cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and mitigate the global economic consequences of this conflict. On Tuesday, Macron spoke with his Russian counterpart and urged Moscow to rise to the level of its responsibility as a permanent member of the US Security Council by ending this devastating aggression, an Elysee statement said. The Ukraine issue also figured prominently at the second India-Nordic summit attended by Prime Minister Modi and his counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday. Modi has said that believes no country would emerge victorious in the Russia-Ukraine war as all will suffer losses and there will be a "more serious" impact on developing and poor countries. Another focus area of the talks was believed to be to unitedly deal with the challenges in the Indo-Pacific, amid China flexing muscles in the region. Soon after his arrival here, Modi had described France as one of India's strongest partners, with both countries cooperating in diverse areas. Diplomatic sources said Modi's meeting with Macron days after his election victory is highly symbolic. It sends a powerful signal that the two leaders want to make the Indo-French partnership a guiding principle of their foreign policy for the years to come, they said. It's also a demonstration of the level of personal chemistry between the two leaders, which gives impetus to our joint actions across all fields of cooperation, they said. Modi was among the first few world leaders to meet President Macron after his re-election last week. He had congratulated Macron after his re-election. His visit comes during the French presidency of the European Union. It also coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between and France. This is Modi's fifth visit to France after August 2019, June 2017, November 2015 and April 2015. Macron visited India in March 2018. Both leaders also met on the sidelines of the G20 Rome Summit in October 2021, G20 Osaka Summit in June 2019 and G20 Buenos Aires Summit in December 2018. India and France, which are strategic partners since 1998, have a multifaceted partnership across the spectrum in defence, civil nuclear, economy, space and maritime security, clean energy and environment, counter-terrorism, people-to-people ties. India and France are founding members of the Solar Alliance announced by Prime Minister Modi at UN Climate Change COP21 in November 2015. Both the countries enjoy a robust economic partnership with a bilateral trade of USD 7.86 billion (2020-21) and cumulative (FDI) of USD 9.83 billion since April 2000. Over a thousand French businesses are present in India across sectors like defence, IT, consulting, engineering services and heavy industries. Over 150 Indian companies in France employ more than 7,000 people. A thriving Indian diaspora in France deepens the cultural connect between both countries. Modi, who arrived here from Copenhagen, held "productive talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday and also attended a business summit to discuss economic linkages. Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday attended the second India-Nordic summit that primarily focused on post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, renewable energy and the evolving global security scenario. On the sidelines of the summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Modi held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland. (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 paid visit to France on Wednesday on his way back from the second India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen. In Paris, Prime Minister Modi and French President held meeting in one-on-one and delegation level formats where they discussed wide range of issues including situation in Ukraine and . The two leaders held discussions on the entire range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in defence, space, blue economy, civil nuclear and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also took stock of the regional and global security outlook and discussed ways to work together in making the India- France Strategic Partnership a force for global good. The Prime Minister's visit to France "displayed the strong friendship and goodwill not only between the two countries but also between the two leaders". Prime Minister Modi invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest opportunity. During meeting, France reiterates its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces. India and France expressed serious concern at the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They "unequivocally" condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to bring parties together to promote dialogue and diplomacy to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people. Both countries underlined the need to respect UN Charter, law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict in Ukraine and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue. Further, India and France express deep concern about the current aggravation of global food security and nutrition, already impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially in developing countries. "The two countries are committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict in Ukraine, including through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), which aims at ensuring well-functioning markets, solidarity and long-term resilience," reads a statement. On Afghanistan, India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs. They called for an inclusive and representative government, and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities. Both the countries also reaffirmed the UNSC Resolution 2593 (2021) and emphasised on zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world, and agreed to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council. They welcomed the ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains. Joint exercises (Shakti, Varuna, Pegase, Desert Knight, Garuda) illustrate efforts towards better integration and interoperability wherever possible. Meanwhile, maritime cooperation between India and France has "reached new levels of trust and will continue through exercises, exchanges and joint endeavours throughout the Indian Ocean". --IANS sk/shs (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.) Russia moved to obstruct the flow of Western weapons to Ukraine by bombarding rail stations and other supply-line targets across the country while the European Union weighed whether to further punish Moscow with a ban on oil imports. Heavy fighting also raged Wednesday at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol that represented the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the ruined southern port city, according to the mayor. A Russian official denied that Moscow's troops were storming the plant, but the commander of the main Ukrainian military unit inside said Russian soldiers had pushed into the mill's territory. The Russian military said it used sea- and air-launched missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine. Artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of resorting to the missile terrorism tactics in order to spread fear across Ukraine. Air raid sirens sounded in cities across the country on Wednesday night, and attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. In Dnipro, authorities said a rail facility was hit. Videos on social media suggested a bridge there was attacked. There was no immediate word on casualties or the extent of the damage. Responding to the strikes in his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: All of these crimes will be answered, legally and quite practically on the battlefield. The flurry of attacks comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. The world is watching for whether Russian President will use the occasion to declare a victory in Ukraine or expand what he calls the special military operation. A declaration of all-out war would allow Putin to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculation as nonsense. Meanwhile, Belarus, which Russia used as a staging ground for its invasion, announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu complained that the West is stuffing Ukraine with weapons. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon's assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around the western city of Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been no appreciable impact on Ukraine's effort to resupply its forces. Lviv, close to the Polish border, has been a major gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. Weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces thwart Russia's initial drive to seize Kyiv and seems certain to play a central role in the growing battle for the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that Moscow now says is its main objective. Ukraine has urged the West to ramp up the supply of weapons ahead of that potentially decisive clash. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions. The EU's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports, a crucial source of revenue. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposal needs unanimous approval from EU countries and is likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions. They could be granted an exemption. The EU is also talking about a possible embargo on Russian natural gas. The bloc has already approved a cutoff of coal imports. Russia's economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas exports. In Mariupol, Mayor Vadym Boychenko said that Russian forces were targeting the already shattered Azovstal plant with heavy artillery, tanks, aircraft, warships and heavy bombs that pierce concrete 3 to 5 meters thick. Our brave guys are defending this fortress, but it is very difficult, he said. Ukrainian fighters said Tuesday that Russian forces had begun storming the plant. But the Kremlin denied it. There is no assault," Peskov said. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Ukrainian Azov regiment that's defending the plant, said Russian forces got into the plant's territory. Prokopenko said in a video that the incursions continued for a second day, and there are heavy, bloody battles. The situation is extremely difficult, but in spite of everything, we continue to carry out the order to hold the defense, he added. His wife, Kateryna Prokopenko, told The Associated Press: We don't want them to die. They won't surrender. They are waiting for the bravest countries to evacuate them." Meanwhile, the United Nations announced that more than 300 civilians were evacuated Wednesday from Mariupol and other nearby communities. The evacuees arrived in Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest, where they were receiving humanitarian assistance. Over the weekend, more than 100 people including women, the elderly and 17 children were evacuated from the plant during a cease-fire in an operation overseen by the U.N. and the Red Cross. But the attacks on the plant soon resumed. The Russian government said on the Telegram messaging app that it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous such assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. It was unclear how many Ukrainian fighters were still inside, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. A few hundred civilians also remained there, the Ukrainian side said. Mariupol, and the plant in particular, have come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The Russians have pulverized most of the city in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. The city's fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. (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.) Nearly 300 government leaders including 50 heads of state or government are expected to attend the Annual Meeting later this month in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos and the Indian participants would include Finance Minister as well as three chief ministers and over 100 CEOs. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, his Karnataka counterpart Basavaraj S Bommai as well as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jaganmohan Reddy are expected to be in Davos for the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting 2022 from May 22-26. Maharashtra minister and chief minister Uddhav Thackeray's son Aditya Thackeray and Telangana minister and chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's son K T Rama Rao would be there too. Besides, the Tamil Nadu government is likely to set up a special lounge in Davos for the duration of the WEF summit, while leaders from some other Indian states are also likely to visit the Swiss resort town at that time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some senior union ministers are also expected to participate in the WEF's Davos summit, one of the most high-profile congregations of world leaders globally, but there has been no official announcement so far regarding their participation. At least 100 Indian CEOs, as well as hundreds of business and political leaders from across the world have already registered for the five-day event. The annual meeting is expected to be attended by over 300 public figures, including heads of state and government from across the globe. The annual summit, which was originally scheduled to be held in January but had to be postponed due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, will start on May 22 and continue till May 26. The meeting will be held under the theme of 'History at a Turning Point: Government Policies and Business Strategies' and the organisers expect it to "offer time and space for meaningful, in-person exchange that has been impossible on this scale since the onset of the pandemic". "More than 2,000 participants, including global leaders from business, media and civil society, will contribute their expertise and insights to over 400 sessions. The meeting will also convene 300 public figures, comprising heads of state and government and heads of organizations as well as ministers of foreign affairs, economy, finance, trade, energy and a range of additional portfolios from G7, G20 and other relevant economies," the WEF said in an update. Geneva-based WEF, which describes itself as an organisation for public-private cooperation, has been hosting its annual meeting in Davos every January for nearly 50 years, but it could not take place in a physical format in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2022 edition had to be postponed from January to May. The participants already registered from India include a large number of CEOs and other public figures. These include Adani Group's Gautam Adani, Reliance Industries' Mukesh Ambani and his two children Isha and Akash, Bajaj Finserv's Sanjiv Bajaj, Aditya Birla Group's Kumar Mangalam Birla, Tata Sons' N Chandrasekaran, Axis Bank's Amitabh Chaudhry, HCL Tech's Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Infosys's Salil Parekh, Serum Institute's Adar Poonawalla, Wipro's Rishad Premji, Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma, ReNew Power's Sumant Sinha and Tata Steel's T V Narendran. It is expected to be the first event of this scale attended by leaders from all sections of the society, including from the government, business and civil society sides since the pandemic. Several sessions at the week-long summit are expected to focus on India, in addition to issues of global importance such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. More than 100 Indian participants are expected to participate, making it one of the biggest blocks globally at the event, which is also expected to be attended in large numbers by government and business leaders from the countries such as the US, UK, Germany, France and China. One of the official sessions would be on 'Strategic Outlook on India', while there would be another on 'India's energy transition'. Nearly 2,000 global leaders from business, media and civil society have confirmed their participation for nearly 450 sessions spanning the future of global cooperation, the economic outlook, building healthy and equitable societies, safeguarding the planet, transforming industry and enhancing technology governance. On the weakening recovery, the summit will hear from leaders including Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund; Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank; and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization. A core group of G7 and G20 leaders will focus on the current geopolitical, climate change and pandemic challenges, the organisers said. "Over 30 heads of state and government from Europe will underline the seriousness in security caused by the war in Ukraine and the energy challenges facing the region. There will also be a strong Ukrainian delegation. A senior group from the United States Senate and Congress will join the world's key finance, trade and foreign ministers," the WEF 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.) RTHK: Zelenskyy asks UN chief to 'save' Mariupol survivors Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday asked the head of the United Nations to help "save" the lives of the remaining wounded Ukrainians trapped underneath the giant Azovstal steel plant in battered Mariupol. "The lives of the people who remain there are in danger," Zelenskyy told Antonio Guterres by phone, after thanking him for a successful UN and Red Cross-led evacuation this week. "Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them." He called on the UN to "assist in the removal of all the wounded from Azovstal". The statement came as the long-awaited evacuations led by the Red Cross and the UN continued from Mariupol and nearby towns. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on Telegram that a total of 334 people had been evacuated from the area on Wednesday. "It's another small victory for us," she wrote. Meanwhile, fierce battles with Russian troops continued to rage at the Azovstal plant, where Ukrainian soldiers had been holed up for weeks. Moscow, which has denied any storming of the plant was taking place, said its forces would cease fire at the plant to open a humanitarian corridor for civilians for three days beginning on Thursday. "The Russian armed forces will from 8 am to 6 pm (0500 GMT to 1500 GMT) on May 5, 6 and 7 open a humanitarian corridor from the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant to evacuate civilians," the defence ministry said on Wednesday. Civilians sheltering at the plant will be allowed to travel to Russia or Kyiv-controlled territory, the statement added. In his conversation with Guterres, Zelenskyy said that this week's evacuations showed the world "that international organisations can be effective". He "expressed hope for a successful continuation of the ongoing evacuation operation". (AFP) This story has been published on: 2022-05-04. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Russia threatens to attack NATO vehicles delivering military supplies in Ukraine Xinhua) 09:44, May 05, 2022 MOSCOW, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Any vehicle of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that arrives in Ukraine with weapons or material for the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces is considered by Russia as "a legitimate target for destruction," Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. Shoigu made the remarks at a meeting with Russia's top defense officials, noting the United States and its NATO allies are continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine. Russian troops together with the forces of Lugansk and Donetsk are controlling more areas of Donbass, and they will continue to fulfill their tasks, according to the minister. For the safe evacuation of civilians from combat zones, humanitarian corridors are opened daily, he said, adding that the Russian armed forces are actively providing humanitarian assistance to residents living in cities controlled by the forces. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) is facing a shortage of diesel as the ongoing worsens in the island country, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on Thursday. The Minister told Parliament that the country needs 4,000 metric tonnes of diesel per day, reports Xinhua news agency. However, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is currently only releasing 1,000 to 1,500 metric tonnes a day. Currently there is no shortage of petrol supply in the country, he said, adding that around 3,000 metric tonnes of petrol has been released on a daily basis, and that a ship carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of petrol arrived in on Wednesday night. has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Finance Minister Ali Sabry said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka only has less than $50 million in usable foreign reserves. --IANS 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.) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Kiev will not agree to any deal that would lead to a "frozen conflict" with Russia, the Ukrinform news agency reported. "We will not settle for a frozen conflict... I am against it. We will definitely not have such a document," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Zelensky said that the Minsk agreements, which had put an end to the intense military stage of the Donbass conflict several years ago, proved to be ineffective. withdrew from the Minsk agreements, when it attacked Ukraine on February 24, Zelensky said. The Minsk agreements, reached in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively, outlined the steps needed to end the conflict in Ukraine's eastern region of Donbass that started in April 2014. --IANS int/shs (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.) and the UK have signed an agreement on the abolition of import duties and tariff quotas, the Ukrinform news agency said, citing the Ukrainian Ministry. " and the UK have legally enshrined the abolition of import duties and tariff quotas in bilateral trade by signing an agreement," the ministry was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The preferential trade agreement, which will be in place for 12 months, is set to boost the exports of high value-added goods from Ukraine, including flour, grain, dairy products, poultry, tomato paste, honey, corn, wheat, juices, mushrooms and sugar. Last month, the decided to abolish tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian industrial goods and foods. --IANS int/shs (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.) Retail wealth management firm Prudent Corporate Advisory Services on Thursday set a price band of Rs 595-630 per share for its Rs 539-crore initial public offering (IPO). The three-day initial share-sale will open for public subscription on May 10 and the bidding for anchor investors will open on May 9, according to the company. The initial share-sale of 85,49,340 equity comprises an offer for sale of 82,81,340 equity by Wagner Ltd and up to 2,68,000 equity by Shirish Patel. At present, investor Wagner owns 39.91 per cent shareholding, and Shirish Patel, a Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, has 3.15 per cent stake. At the upper end of the price band, the firm will raise around Rs 538.61 crore via . Prudent Corporate Advisory Services is one of the leading independent retail wealth management services group (excluding banks) in India and is amongst the top mutual fund distributors in terms of average assets under management and commission received. It offers a technology enabled, comprehensive investment and financial services platform with end-to-end solutions critical for financial products distribution and has presence across both online and offline channels. Half of the issue size has been reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 15 per cent for non-institutional investors and 35 per cent for retail investors. Besides, equity shares worth up to Rs 6.5 crore have been reserved for employees. Investors can bid for a minimum of 23 shares and in multiples thereof. As of December 31, 2021, the company's assets under management (AUM) from the mutual fund distribution business stood at Rs 48,411.5 crore with 92.14 per cent of their total AUM being equity oriented. The company provides wealth management services to 1,351,274 unique retail investors through 23,262 mutual fund distributors on their business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform and are spread across 110 locations in 20 states. The number of AMFI Registration Number (ARN) holders empanelled with them stands at 23,262, representing 18.46 per cent of the industry. ICICI Securities, Axis Capital and Equirus Capital are the book running lead managers to the issue. (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.) Shares of continued to reel under pressure, hitting a 18-month low of Rs 52.30, down 1 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays firm market. In comparison, at 11:10 am, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 1.4 per cent at 56,468 points. The stock was quoting lower for the sixth straight trading day, down 6 per cent during this period. Thus far in calendar year 2022, it has underperformed the market by falling 23 per cent as compared to a 4.6 per cent decline in the benchmark index. The BSE has sought clarification from with reference to the media report appearing on May 02, 2022 titled "2 passengers in ICU after turbulence, crew off roster for probe''. The reply is awaited. SpiceJet operates a fleet of Boeing 737s, Q-400s & freighters and is the countrys largest regional player operating 63 daily flights under UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The majority of the airlines fleet offers SpiceMax, the most spacious economy class seating in India. The airline also operates a dedicated air cargo service under the brand name SpiceXpress offering safe, on-time, efficient and seamless cargo connectivity across India and on international routes. Meanwhile, according to a Business Standard report, a Boeing 737 Max aircraft operated by SpiceJet returned to Chennai shortly after flying to Durgapur after its pilots shut down an engine due to a technical issue. DGCA sources said that the aircraft had been grounded and was being investigated, the newspaper reported. CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT In the past one year, the stock price of Spicejet has declined 17 per cent, as against a 16 per cent rally in the S&P BSE Sensex, on weak operational performance. For the nine months ended December 2021 (9MFY22), SpiceJet had reported a consolidated loss of Rs 1,259 crore due to rising operating expenses. It had a loss of Rs 773 crore in 9MFY21. Total revenue from operations grew 44 per cent year on year to Rs 4,733 crore from Rs 3,283 crore. Adani Total Gas: The company reported consolidated net profit of Rs 76 crore in Q4 FY22 from Rs 145 crore in Q4 FY21. Revenue rose to Rs 1065 crore from Rs 614 crore. Havells India: The company reported 17% rise in standalone net profit to Rs 353 crore in Q4 FY22 from Rs 302 crore in Q4 FY21. Net revenue rose 33% to Rs 4417 crore from Rs 3331 crore. Tata Consumer Products: The company reported 117% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 289 crore in Q4 FY22 from Rs 133 crore in Q4 FY21. Revenue rose 5% to Rs 3175 crore from Rs 3037 crore. ABB India: The company reported standalone net profit of Rs 370 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 151 crore in Q4 FY21. Net revenue rose to Rs 1968 crore from Rs 1629 crore. Sona BLW Precision Forgings: Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has partnered with US-based C-Motive Technologies ("C-Motive") to develop electrostatic drive motors for electric vehicle (EV) applications. SJVN: The company bagged the full quoted capacity of 1000 MW and was issued Letter of Award ('LOA') from IREDA. The company issued the Letter of Award for EPC Contract to Tata Power Solar Systems for the development of 1000 MW (AC) of ground mounted Solar Project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Hind Rectifiers: Hind Rectifiers has secured orders of Rs 57.79 crore in the month of April 2022. The company is having all-time pending orders in hand of Rs 384.02 crore as of 30 April 2022. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) SJVN has been issued letter of award by India Renewable Energy Development Agency for development of grid connected solar PV power project of 1000 MW capacity under CPSU scheme. Further, the company issued the letter of award for EPC contract to Tata Power Solar Systems on 04 May 2022 for the development of 1000 MW (AC) of ground mounted solar project in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The scope includes end to end delivery of the commissioned solar plant to SJVN including arrangement of land on outright purchase basis, power evacuation system up to the ISTS sub station and operation and maintenance of the solar PV plant for 3 years. The composite cost for construction / development of cumulative 1000 MW (AC) projects is Rs 5,491.89 crore and the project is expected to generate 2454.55 MU's in the 1st year and on cumulative basis approximately 56838.32 MU's would be generated over a period of 25 years. The project is slated to be completed in 24 months from the issuance of EPC Contract i.e by May 2024. The LOA awarded to Tata Power Solar Systems is the India's largest Solar EPC Project of 1 GW for a value Rs 5,491.89 crore. The commissioning of this project is expected to reduce 27,85,077,680 kg of carbon emissions in 25 years. This project will assist SJVN in achieving its ambitious shared vision of 5000 MW by 2023, 25000 MW by 2030 and 50000 MW by 2040 and simultaneously contribute towards RE capacity addition target of 500 GW by 2030 set by Government of India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and 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 The (AAP) on Thursday demanded a probe into the Chandauli and Lalitpur incidents in Uttar Pradesh, saying that justice is not possible otherwise as policemen are involved in these cases. "Policemen are accused in both these cases. Therefore, justice cannot be achieved through any police investigation. We ask the government to get the Chandauli and Lalitpur cases investigated by the under the supervision of the High Court," said AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who is in-charge of party affairs in UP. The AAP will stage protests across UP on May 7 on these incidents and submit a memorandum to demand a inquiry into them, Singh said while talking to reporters here. In Chandauli, a young woman had died under suspicious circumstances during a police raid on May 1 after which a case of culpable homicide was registered against six police personnel. Her family members had alleged that she was raped. In Lalitpur, a 13-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by four people, was allegedly raped again by a station house officer of a police station where she had been left by her attackers. The SHO was arrested on Wednesday. The AAP leader also alleged that the Central government has created the power crisis in the country. "The country is at number three in the world in terms of coal production. An artificial coal crisis has been created in the country so that coal can be procured from Adani," Singh said. Singh said on the lines of RSS, his party will organise 'Tiranga shakhas' in UP from July 1. There will be talks about love, unity and brotherhood in our shakhas. Our slogan is that the tricolour and the Constitution of India are the identity of every Indian," he said. Preamble of the Constitution will be read by placing the tricolour in front of our shakhas. India will not be run by the decree of Yogi-Modi, but by the Constitution of India. As many as 10,000 shakhas will be organised in the state from July 1," he said. On party's preparations for the upcoming municipal elections in UP, Singh said, "There are about 12,000 wards in the entire state and also there are posts of mayors and chairpersons. The AAP will contest on all seats. (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.) West Chief Minister on Thursday said her government takes strict action against illegal activities regardless of political colour, unlike . Speaking at a state government programme here she said, "A tortured woman who has been trying to lodge a complaint has again been tormented in . In Bengal, nobody dares to do something like this. Here, we take strict action against those involved in illegal activities without looking at political colour." The Trinamool Congress government has also been facing criticism over a series of alleged rape cases. Attacking the BJP-led central government for hiking prices of petrol and diesel, Banerjee said, "The Centre is defrauding common people by fuel prices. (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 returned home on Thursday after concluding his three-nation European tour during which he held a series of bilateral meetings to boost ties in a range of areas including trade, energy and green technology. "PM @narendramodi's 3-day, 3-nation tour was immensely productive. - Advanced trade & investment ties - Forged new green partnerships - Promoted collaborations for innovation and skill development- Strengthened the spirit of cooperation with our European partners," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted along with a picture of Modi waving before boarding the plane for departure. In a tweet earlier, the prime minister described his visit to France as "very fruitful". "My visit to France was brief but a very fruitful one. President @EmmanuelMacron and I got the opportunity to discuss various subjects. I thank him and the French Government for the warm hospitality," Modi said. Modi, who was in Paris for the final leg of his tour, held extensive talks with the French President, who was re-elected to the top post over a week back. He discussed with Macron issues of bilateral and mutual interests as well as regional and global developments, amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Macron held a tete-a-tete with Modi before the delegation-level talks at the Elysee Palace - the official residence of the French President. The Ukraine issue also figured prominently at the second India-Nordic summit attended by Prime Minister Modi and his counterparts from Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in Copenhagen on Wednesday. Earlier in Berlin, Modi had said that India believes no country will emerge victorious in the Russia-Ukraine war as all will suffer losses and there will be a "more serious" impact on developing and poor countries. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) president has reiterated that has turned into a state which tops in "ease of committing crime and not business". In a statement on Thursday, he again attacked the ruling BJP over what he described as a spurt in cases of sensational crime. Listing a number of incidents of crime that have been taking place, the SP president said: "Criminals are having a free run in the state while the police are looking the other way." The SP president has now started to reach out to crime survivors and families of victims. He met the victim and her family in Lalitpur on Wednesday evening and sought protection for the family. "Police are turning a blind eye to heart wrenching appeals of the crime victims and the worse is that the men in khaki are now being accused of criminally exploiting them," he said, citing the Lalitpur rape case in which a Dalit minor was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped and when she went to the police station to lodge an FIR, she was sexually assaulted by the station in charge. "In its second run of the Yogi Adityanath government, the crime situation is twice as bad as it was during the party's first stint in power and needs urgent attention," he said. Taking a dig at the state government for using bulldozers to raze illegal property of criminals and crime accused, Akhilesh said such actions were not being initiated against those individuals who are close to the ruling BJP and as a result of which-- despite the use of bulldozers-- the UP police has failed to reign in crime and criminals. --IANS amita/shb/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister on Thursday accused the ruling Trinamool Congres (TMC) in West Bengal of spreading canards about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, and said that the law would be implemented once the Covid-19 pandemic has ended. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not rest till it uprooted the tyrannical rule of the TMC and restored democracy in West Bengal. Addressing a public rally in Siliguri town of North Bengal he also said that the saffron party would continue to fight against the cut-money culture (extortion), corruption and political violence. I want to thank the people of north Bengal for raising BJP's tally in Bengal Assembly to 77 from three. The BJP won't rest till it uprooted the TMC's tyrannical rule. We had hoped that Mamata Banerjee would rectify herself after being voted to power for the third time. We waited for an entire year for her to rectify herself, but she didn't change. It is the ruler's law that prevails in the state, he stated. The Union home minister claimed that Banerjee always misled Gorkhas for vested political interests. Didi has always misled Gorkha brothers and sisters. I have come today to tell them that if there is one party that thinks in the interest of Gorkhas, it is the BJP, he said. We have given assurance that a permanent political solution to all problems will be found within the limits of the Constitution, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tech billionaire has been invited to testify in the Parliament regarding his proposed $44 billion acquisition of the micro-blogging site . In a letter, Julian Knight, the Chair of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee requested the Tesla CEO to appear before lawmakers to discuss the proposal. "At a time when social media companies face the prospect of tighter regulations around the world, we are keen to learn more about how Mr Musk will balance his clear commitment to free speech with new obligations to protect Twitter's users from online harms," Knight said. "Appearing before the committee will give Mr Musk an ideal opportunity to set out his proposals for in more depth and we would look forward to welcoming him," he added. Knight mentioned that his Committee has noted Musk's proposed acquisition of the micro-blogging site and they are interested in the developments he has proposed. "In particular, your intention to roll out verification for all users echoes our calls on the Government as part of proposed legislation, which we hope will restore the UK public's trust in digital platforms," Knight said in the letter. Recently, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an entity wholly owned by Musk for $54.20 per share in cash in a transaction valued at nearly $44 billion. Upon completion of the transaction, Twitter will become a privately-held company. The purchase price represents a 38 per cent premium to Twitter's closing stock price on April 1, which was the last trading day before Musk disclosed his nearly 9 per cent stake in the platform. --IANS vc/ksk/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI/SRV): Nitte (Deemed to be University) is one among eight Indian Universities to rank in the Top 300 of the world's Universities in the 2022 edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings released on April 27, 2022. The university is ranked 92nd in the category of Good Health and Well Being and placed in the Top 200 in the categories of Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water & Sanitation, said Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, Vice-Chancellor, Nitte DU. This ranking assesses Universities for their social impact based on the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by all member states of the United Nations Organization (UNO) in 2015. These goals provide a framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings uses this unique framework to recognize the efforts of Universities towards achieving these goals. The rankings assess parameters such as sustainable development through teaching, research, outreach, and partnerships in 17 different domains. The Times Higher Education Group is an international organization which publishes one of the most influential World University Rankings. Nitte (Deemed to be University) is also ranked 77th in NIRF 2021, features in the 401-450 rank band of QS Asia University Rankings and is graded "A+" by NAAC. Nitte (Deemed to be University) has its roots in a group of Institutions established by the Nitte Education Trust. The Trust was established in 1979 by Late Justice KS Hegde, Judge in the Supreme Court and Speaker of the Lok Sabha, with the mission of empowering rural youth through quality education and healthcare. The Trust has established 40+ institutions spread across three campuses at Nitte, Mangalore, and Bangalore and has over 20000 students and 4500 faculty. Nitte offers a total of 130 programs in the disciplines of medicine, allied health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, speech & audiology, biological sciences, media & communication, engineering, management, architecture and hospitality services. It has a healthcare network of 2 hospitals that includes an NABH accredited 1000-bed multi-specialty hospital , a rural Psychiatry Centre at Nitte & 21 rural health centres. All the institutions managed by Nitte are approved by the respective statutory councils and have excellent infrastructure. For more information visit: (https://nmamit.nitte.edu.in/?utm_source=SRV+PR & utm_medium=Hindu & utm_campaign=NITTE) This story is provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The streets of the usually bustling Chaoyang district remain muted as Beijing tightened Covid controls and added three more rounds of compulsory testing to battle the ongoing outbreak. The local government has suspended nonessential services in Chaoyang, forcing anyone who lives or works there to telecommute. Beijing reported more than 70 new local cases on Monday May 10, 2022 04:07 PM According to KSA Prince and Ambassador to the US and UK, the world oil price crunch is all on the Biden administration why everything is sinking into chaos. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman disregarded the US president by ignoring when the US requested to increase oil products. To add insult to injury, the Prince entertained Russian president Vladimir Putin. Middle East Allies Don't Like the White House In the same month, US media reported that Riyadh was negotiating with Beijing about pricing some of its oil in yuan, a prospect that may kill the petrodollar, reported Sputnik News. Saudi Arabia's former ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as the former director-general of the Kingdom's General Intelligence Directorate, Prince Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud, has shed light on the major causes of the unprecedented cooling of Saudi-US relations under Joe Biden. He went on to say that the challenge is the Houthis' utilization Red Sea, the Arabian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea as a means to undermine Saudi Arabia, as well as the security and stability of international sea lanes, noted Arab News. One of the reasons for the trouble is President Joe Biden not listing them as a foreign terrorist organization shortly after coming into office in early 2021. This world oil price crunch could have been avoided had it not been for the Biden administration's mistakes that made everything worse. Read Also: Volodymyr Zelensky Children: Does the Ukraine President Have Kids? Also, the ending of US military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen; made the militia more aggressive in the attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Last month, the Saudi-backed government in Yemen was dealt a major setback when Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, Yemen's exiled former president, fled to Riyadh in 2015. Prompting Saudi Arabia and a coalition of Gulf allies to launch a years-long military campaign to restore him to power, he announced his resignation, cited Press TV. According to Prince Turki, our relationship with the United States has always been viewed as strategic. There have been ups and downs over the years, and perhaps now is one of them, especially since the US declared that it would make Saudi Arabia a pariah state during his electoral campaign. Tehran has officially declared solidarity for the Houthis in the fight against Saudi Arabia but has rejected reports that it is aiding Shia militias, noting the Saudi-led coalition's air and naval embargo of Yemen. Crisis Caused by the US When asked about the recent energy disruptions that the US and its allies have experienced, Prince Turki indicated that Washington's energy generated the predicament of failed policy and geopolitical strategy. He went on to say that the US government's policy under the 46th president was to remove all ties to the so-called oil and gas industry. The United States has stopped producing oil and gas, despite being the world's largest producer of these two energy resources in recent years. All the EU and US sanctions directed at the Russian oil industry have added to the increase in oil prices. All of the EU and US sanctions targeting the Russian oil industry have contributed to the rise in oil prices. The princes' position in the Ukraine crisis was to condemn the aggression of Russia but offered to mediate, and the Kingdom enjoyed good relations with the conflicted nations. A world oil price crunch is due to the mistakes of the Biden administration that led to the energy woes of all nations. Related Article: Zaprozhye Arms Depot Containing Western Supplied Arms Demolished by Russian Missile Attack @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CAMEROUN :: NeXttel : Progressive return of Vietnamese partners. :: CAMEROON Following a well thought out decision by the chairman of Viettel Cameroun SA El Hadj Alhadji Baba Danpullo to restart the process of ironing out differences with his Vietnamese partners Viettel Global (VTG) early this year, things are getting into high gear with the arrival of a team of Vietnamese experts from VTG in the country Monday night. The team made up of twenty highly skilled technicians and engineers in the telecom industry, marketers, business oriented specialists and financial scouters for financing, is a second in a series which started in early March 2022. According to El Hadj Baba Ahmadou Danpullo opening up to his Vietnamese parters is part of an ongoing process to jump start NeXttel and get back its rightful share and place in the Cameroonian Telcommunications market. El Hadj Baba Danpullo states that the interest of the Cameroonian and his desire to provide affordable and state of the art telecommunications services to the clients motivated his determination to sit down and talk with his Vietnamese partners on the need for VTG to come back and work together with BESTCAM. It will be recalled that in early March of this year a high level delegation from Vietnam headed by the Director General of Viettel Global Mr Dat held a series of meetings with El Hadj Baba Danpullo in Douala and Yaounde following which they agreed to have technicians and sales force sent from Vietnam to Cameroon to start the process of doing business. Since then El Hadj Baba Danpullo has been facilitating the entry of Vietnamese into Cameroon and ensuring that their work in NeXttel goes on hitch free to the satisfaction of the Vietnamese experts. To show proof of their determination to work together, the Director General of VTG Mr Dat also had a courtesy call on the Minister Deputy Secretary General at the presidency Mr. Mustapha, who has been following the amicable settlement process between BESTCAM and VTG. During discussions, Mr Dat was reassured by the minister of government support to the amicable settlement process and reiterated that Cameroon is good enough for their business and they shuld nurse no doubts about of government support for BESTCAM and VTG. The team which arrived Monday night will be doing evaluation both technical and marketing in prelude to the relaunch of business activities. The local partner BESTCAM and Viettel Global are looking forward to doing good and great business in Nexttel with the sole ambition of capturing back its client through confidence building mechanism which shall be seen through excellent telco services and at very competitive rates. It is also worth noting that this exercise is intense and shall take the evaluation teams all over the country in a bid to see exactly what has to be done and how fast the technical spread will be done. Both BESTCAM and VTG are confident about the future of NeXttel. News at 4Cs Cape Cod Community College Uses GenCyber Grant From the National Security Agency (NSA) to Inspire the Next Generation of Cyber Stars Cape Cod Community College has received a grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to launch GenCyber programming for middle school students across the region. GenCyber is designed to bring cybersecurity camp experiences to local communities and teachers, igniting and increasing awareness of K-12 cybersecurity content, career opportunities, and post-secondary college options. The Cape Cod Regional STEM Network and Center for Corporate and Professional Development are coordinating a GenCyber Space Challenge happening throughout the year at the college, with a free Summer camp taking place in August 2022. The Colleges two week-long GenCyber Summer exploration program is a continuation of its ongoing Summer of Science series. Over the two week program, students entering grades 7,8, and 9 will have the opportunity to discover the importance of cybersecurity and exploring networks while engaging in a space challenge with a rocket launch mission. Students will build a robot rover and program it for a Mars surface exploration. "I am excited we were selected to receive this highly competitive grant from the National Security Agency. The GenCyber Space Challenge is a great way for students, and their families, who are interested in cybersecurity to learn what cybersecurity careers and educational pathways are all about, said Bridget Burger, 4Cs GenCyber Space Challenge Program Director, "Our theme this year is on the Mars rover mission, and we are going to have a lot of fun. We want to make it clear that everyone is welcome, and no experience is necessary. Demand for this program is usually very high so I encourage families to apply early." Registration is open for the GenCyber Summer program. Click here to apply. Cybersecurity is a booming field locally, nationally, and internationally, said John Cox, President of Cape Cod Community College. We are thrilled to receive this grant to continue to bring more students and the families to our door to learn about educational opportunities, including our Cybersecurity Degree at 4Cs, and long-term career paths. Its a critical piece of STEM education for our students and future students and we are delighted to be able to welcome so many members of our community to the College to experience it. The GenCyber program is financially supported by the National Security Agency (NSA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal partners on an annual basis. For more information on GenCyber program at 4Cs, click here. We also have the program information in Spanish and in Portuguese. Intuit, the company that owns tax filing software TurboTax, has reached a settlement with all 50 states to pay $141 million for misleading customers about its free tax-filing services. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday, according to a CNN report. The settlement indicates Intuit must also suspend its "free, free, free" ad campaign for falsely luring customers with the promise of free tax preparation services. It also stated that around 4.4 million customers were "unfairly charged." In a statement, Intuit said that as part of the agreement, it "admitted no wrongdoing" and that the adjustments required in the future will have a "minimal impact" on its company. A 2019 ProPublica report accused the firm of pushing eligible consumers away from federally supported tax filing services by making them harder to find in internet searches, instead of leading them to the company's paid filing services, according to James' office. Filers who utilized TurboTax's Free Edition from 2016 to 2018 will receive a reimbursement of $30 for each year they were charged when they should have been able to use services for free. Low-Income Americans Were the Victims In a press release, James noted that "Intuit cheated millions of low-income Americans out of free tax filing services they were entitled to." She added that for years, the company "misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit." "Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable for scamming millions of taxpayers, and we're putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of impacted Americans," the attorney general said. Intuit representatives stated in a blog Wednesday that the company agreed to pay $141 million "to put this matter behind it, and made certain commitments regarding its advertising practices." As per documents obtained by ProPublica, executives at Intuit were aware that they were misleading customers by advertising free services that were not actually free to all customers, per US News. An internal company PowerPoint presentation stated, "The website lists Free, Free, Free, and clients are assuming their return will be free. Customers are becoming upset." Read Also: Trump Organization Agrees To Pay $750000 To Settle Involving 2017 Inauguration Funds Intuit Said It Was Fair to Customers CBS News reported that Intuit spokesperson Derrick Palmer stated in an interview that "Intuit's free tax preparation offering has helped nearly 100 million Americans file their taxes completely free of charge" in the past eight years. Palmer also claimed that the company is "clear and fair with our customers" and "transparent" in its advertising practices. The spokesman added that Intuit's participation in the Free File program "was done in compliance and with the oversight of the IRS." Intuit also pointed out a "government-run pre-filled tax preparation system" that makes the tax collector, who also functions as an investigator, inspector, and enforcer, the tax preparer is plagued with "conflicts of interest." Free File, a collaboration between the IRS and commercial tax-preparation firms, was designed to allow roughly 70% of US taxpayers to file their taxes for free. As per IRS data, less than 3% of filers utilized Free File in the 2020 tax year. Senator Elizabeth Warren has termed the program a failure and accused commercial tax-preparation corporations, such as TurboTax, of sabotaging it. In March, the Federal Trade Commission sued Intuit, alleging that the company's advertisements deceived consumers. Related Article: SNAP Benefits 2022 Update: New Jersey, North Carolina, Wisconsin and More States Giving Out Payments This May @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On Wednesday, Amber Heard, an actress defending herself against a defamation case filed by her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, testified, detailing how a passionate relationship that began on a movie set devolved into a pattern of violence perpetrated against her by the actor. Amber Heard testified that the couple met on the set of 'The Rum Diary,' a film that Depp produced and starred in, in 2009, and that they fell in love during the film's publicity tour. Despite her protestations, she claims Depp began accusing her of adultery in 2012, and his rage would sometimes escalate into violent attacks. Amber Heard Testifies Against Johnny Depp Amber Heard recalled Johnny Depp punching walls near her head, shoving her to the ground, and repeatedly slapping her. Amber Heard became tearful many times during her testimony as she described the physical confrontations in vivid detail. She appeared chagrined at points as she explained why she stayed in the relationship despite her reservations. Johnny Depp denied ever striking Amber Heard or any other woman during four days of testimony in Fairfax County Circuit Court earlier in the trial. He accused her of being the aggressor in the relationship, claiming she struck him and hurled things at him on several occasions. Amber Heard, on the other hand, has denied ever assaulting Jonny Depp, save in self-defense or to defend her sister, and she has given a different narrative of their relationship, which ended in divorce in 2017. According to her, Depp was prone to jealous anger, especially when he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Once in 2013, Heard recalled, Depp accused her of an affair and then slapped her with the back of his hand, on which he wore rings. Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018, in which she defined herself as a "public figure representing domestic abuse." Heard, 36, countersued Depp, 58, alleging that he publicly humiliated her when his previous lawyer made remarks claiming that her abuse accusations were false, according to New York Times. Read Also: Extreme Heat Wave in India Kills 25, Highlighting Threat of Rising Temperatures Caused by Climate Change Amber Heard Recalls Leaving Johnny Depp With His Daughter After "death threat" Amber Heard said in court that Johnny Depp hit her frequently during drug and alcohol-fueled rages, which she claimed transformed her ex-husband into a monster. Amber Heard detailed her early beginnings and her initial meetings with the charismatic Johnny Depp on the set of the 2011 film 'The Rum Diary in Puerto Rico during several hours of court evidence in Virginia on Wednesday. Several years later, the two met on a press tour for the film, during which Ms. Heard said they fell in love. Ms. Heard attempted to depict Mr. Depp as a loving and gentle person who, when under the influence of drink or narcotics, would fly into rages - sometimes over imagined infidelity. She said he tried to hide his substance misuse, which included anything from drinking alcoholic beverages to using large amounts of cocaine, BBC reported. Amber Heard also told the court that she and his daughter Lily-Rose had fled Johnny Depp's private island after the star furiously informed her that he could kill her after a violent dispute. In the couple's multi-million dollar defamation trial, Heard testified that she joined Depp and his children to the Bahamas in July 2013 for a final excursion on his boat before he sold it to JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter. However, she said that Depp became enraged when his daughter began questioning Amber Heard about her father's drinking while on vacation and hiding booze in coffee cups. Johnny Depp testified that his daughter, the eldest of his two daughters with Vanessa Paradis, did not attend his 2015 wedding to Heard, as per Independent. Related Article: Johnny Depp Lost $22.5 Million for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 After Amber Heard's Claim; Guard Says He Saw Actress Punch the Actor in Face @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Photo: Contributed Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas If you are in public office, polls are increasingly part of the territory. Governments themselves increasingly pay for polling data. In 2020 it was revealed the Liberal government tripled its spending on polls. One of the reasons why governments spend your money on polling is to determine what decisions and policies will be more politically popular with certain voting demographics. As an example, right before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the pandemic election last year, polling by Ipsos revealed roughly 80% of Canadians supported the idea of mandatory vaccine mandates. More than 70% supported the idea of vaccine passports. As we know, Trudeau campaigned heavily on these things during the election, despite previously rejecting the idea of vaccine passports, claiming they would create "divisive impacts on community and country." Another poll, this one from Angus Reid and reported by the Financial Post, also caught my attention. It showed 86% of Canadians support a national pharmacare program. This of course was one of the announced objectives in the recent deal made between the Liberals and the NDP in Ottawa. A recent Leger poll, however, asked the question differently. If a national pharmacare program came with a hike in the GST to pay for it, support drops down to just 40%, (according to the Leger poll). The purpose of my column this week is not actually about polling, despite the increasing use being a topic of interest. It is actually about the promise of a national pharmacare program, as promised by the Liberal/NDP agreement. Although pharmacare is a provincially funded and delivered program, I seldom hear complaints from (constituents) about the lack of availability of drugs or coverage from those in need. That is likely because B.C. already has its income-based, fully functional Fair Pharmacare program that works well and B.C. (taxpayers) are already paying for it. That was a point raised by Premier John Horgan, who on behalf of all provincial premiers, has publicly pointed out federal transfers for health care are the priority to deal with surgical backlogs over new federal program spending, such as pharmacare. This is consistent with what I hear from constituents with increasing alarm. The long surgery waitlists and lack of family doctors are pushing our provincial health care system to its limits. My question this week: Where do you see a greater needmore doctors or a national pharmacare program? I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - A cargo van drives near the entrance to Miami Opa-locka Executive Airport, Friday, April 29, 2022, in Opa-locka, Fla, where British Virgin Island Premier Andrew Alturo Fahie and director of ports, Oleanvine Maynard, were arrested Thursday, at the airport by undercover DEA agents. Fahie who is accused of drug-smuggling charges following a U.S. government sting in South Florida, was released Wednesday, May 4, on a $500,000 bond. In a surprise decision, federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes in Miami rejected prosecutors argument that Fahie would flee the U.S. if released pending trial on cocaine charges. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File) The premier of the British Virgin Islands, whom U.S. prosecutors described as corrupt to the core, was given a $500,000 bond that could see him released from prison as he awaits trial on charges tied to a U.S. narcotics sting. In a surprise decision, federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes rejected prosecutors argument that Andrew Fahie may flee the U.S. and possibly engage in criminal activity if he is freed. Instead, she said he could remain in Miami, confined to the rented apartment of his two college-age daughters, if he and his family surrender their passports and he wears an ankle bracelet monitor in addition to paying the sizable corporate surety bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederic Shadley said the government would appeal the decision, meaning its unclear when and if Fahie would be released. Fahie, 51, was arrested last week at a Miami airport during a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sting after being given what looked like $700,000 in cash, but what was in reality fake bill notes, that were to be flown back on a private jet to the British Virgin Islands on Fahies behalf. Also arrested was his ports director, Oleanvine Maynard. Fahie stood handcuffed shaking his head in disagreement as Shadley described in court how the politician had bragged in recorded conversations with a DEA informant that he had 15-20 years of criminal activity under his belt. Oh, no no no, not my first rodeo at all, NOT, MY FIRST RODEO, AT ALL, Fahie can be heard laughing in the recording, according to a government filing prior to Wednesday's bond hearing. Posing as a member of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, a DEA informant met on several occasions with Fahie, Maynard and Maynards son to discuss a deal that would send thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through the British Virgin Islands and on to Puerto Rico, Miami and New York, according to the complaint. In exchange for bribes and 10% or about $7.8 million for each 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) load of cocaine sold in Miami, Fahie and his co-defendants allegedly agreed to provide safe passage for the drug shipments and create a network of shell companies to launder the proceeds. So, this is the full seven?" Fahie allegedly asked the DEA informant who accompanied him to the Miami airport where he was arrested. According to the criminal complaint, Fahie told the DEA informant that he was close to a known drug smuggler on the Caribbean island as well as an unidentified political associate from Senegal whom he agreed to approach about smuggling firearms. In the course of those conversations, he asked the DEA informant to pay upward of $100,000 to settle a debt with the Senegalese man, the complaint says. Hes shown in this case that hes corrupt to the core and believes hes above the law, Shadley said. He was a public servant sworn to uphold those laws but he broke them over and over again. Fahies attorney, Theresa Van Vliet, disputed that characterization and said her client would plead not guilty when hes arraigned later this month. She asserted that because the British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory, U.S. courts have no jurisdiction over Fahie. To back up the assertion, she entered as evidence what she called a "diplomatic note, signed by an unidentified official from the premiers office in Road Town requesting his immediate and unconditional release. The request was sent to the Justice Departments office of international affairs. Fahie's former allies appear to have disavowed the letter, however. In a brief announcement Wednesday, acting Premier Natalio Wheatley said the letter was sent erroneously by a rogue official, and did not reflect the government's position. Van Vliet also presented copies of correspondence showing that the premiers office had asked Miami International Airport to provide protocolar assistance to Fahie and his wife when they traveled to the U.S. on April 24 for official business. Prior to arriving in Miami, Fahie was scheduled to travel to Barbados to attend a banking conference alongside Rep. Maxine Waters, chairwoman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, and other unidentified members of Congress, according to the correspondence. While Judge Otazo-Reyes sidestepped the immunity issue, she seemed convinced by Van Vliet's argument that Fahie's continued detention would make it impossible for him to carry out his official duties at a critical juncture for the islands, as officials weigh suspending the territorys constitution in an attempt to clean up rampant corruption. These are the most serious of duties that he could and should be performing, said Van Vliet, the former head of the Justice Department's narcotics division in Washington. Even before his arrest, Fahie was under pressure from a special United Kingdom-led commission of inquiry investigating corruption on the string of islands east of Puerto Rico home to about 35,000 people. Gov. John Rankin, who is Queen Elizabeth IIs representative to the islands and its ultimate executive authority, said the arrests prompted him to release earlier than originally intended the commission's report, which concluded that officials, including allies of the premier, fraudulently spent millions of dollars on projects of no public benefit. In a bid to clean up the government, the commission recommended suspending the islands' constitution for two years and returning the territory to home rule by officials in London. In an address over the weekend, Wheatley said he wants to avoid direct rule by Britain but supports working swiftly with Rankin and opposition lawmakers in the islands to address concerns about good governance. Direct rule is not an acceptable option to us, Wheatley said. He said it would undermine all the progress that our people have made over generations since 1950, when a local legislative body was launched. If convicted, Fahie faces a minimum of nearly 20 years in prison. Photo: The Canadian Press Billionaire Elon Musk has strengthened the equity stake of his offer to buy Twitter with commitments of more than $7 billion from a range of investors, including Silicon Valley heavy hitters like Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. The Thursday filing also said that Musk is in ongoing talks with other parties including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who is the second largest individual stakeholder in the company after Musk. Other investors include Sequoia Capital Fund, which pledged $800 million, and VyCapital, which pledged $700 million, according to a Thursday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. But Ellison, who is also a and Tesla board member, is making the biggest contribution, pegged at $1 billion. Technology venture capitalist Ben Horowitz said his firm, known as Andreessen Horowitz or a16z, is investing $400 million because it believes in Musks brilliance to finally make it what it was meant to be. While Twitter has great promise as a public square, it suffers from a myriad of difficult issues ranging from bots to abuse to censorship, Horowitz tweeted Thursday. Being a public company solely reliant on an advertising business model exacerbates all of these. Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud has pledged 35 million in Twitter shares in support of Musk, according to the filing. Musk in earlier regulatory filings revealed that he has sold roughly $8.5 billion worth of shares in Tesla to help fund the purchase. Musk later tweeted that he doesnt plan any further sales of the companys shares, meaning he would need outside commitments to help fund the $44 billion deal. Because of the new funding listed in the SEC filing Thursday, Musk will cut the $12.5 billion in margin loans against his Tesla shares in half, to $6.25 billion. The transaction is also now being funded by $27.25 billion in cash and equities, up from $21 billion. Shares of Twitter Inc. have remained below the per-share offering bid by Musk of $54.20 because there are still doubts on Wall Street about whether the deal will go through. The new round of funding pushed the price of Tesla shares closer to what Musk is paying, with the stock jumping almost 4% at the opening bell, to $50.85. In this game of high stakes poker the Ellison and impressive list of backers will remove more of an overhang from Tesla shares as the Musk leverage of shares now becomes less onerous," wrote analyst Dan Ives who follows Twitter for Wedbush. This was a smart financial and strategic move by Musk that will be well received across the board and also shows the Twitter deal is now on a glide path to get done by the end. Photo: The Canadian Press Maxwell Johnson A British Columbia Indigenous man and his granddaughter who were arrested as they tried to open an account at the Bank of Montreal have settled a human rights complaint. A statement says the settlement agreement includes a monetary payment from BMO to Maxwell Johnson and his granddaughter, a private apology, and a pledge from the bank to update its policies on how Indigenous status cards are handled. Johnson and his granddaughter, who are from the Heiltsuk First Nation, were trying to open an account when police were called over suspicion they were using a fake status card. A retired judge who led a disciplinary hearing against the two arresting officers said in a decision released last month that they "recklessly" arrested Johnson and the girl, who were held and handcuffed on a busy street in front of the bank. Johnson announced the settlement today in the same location he was arrested, adding that he would also be closing his account. He says it's been a difficult journey getting to this point, advocating for himself and his family, and he hopes institutions and the public educate themselves about Indigenous culture. The man and his granddaughter still have a complaint pending against the Vancouver Police Department in the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. Mayor Vadym Boichenko of Mariupol, the besieged city in Ukraine, said they had lost contact with soldiers who were bunkering down inside a steel plant against Russian military forces. The official said that the troops were in the middle of a heavy firefight with Moscow's forces on Wednesday. In a statement, Boichenko confirmed that there was "heavy fighting" in the Azovstal steel plant. Contact With Mariupol Soldiers Boichenko said that city officials could not contact Ukrainian forces who were still inside the plant and had no way of knowing what was happening and whether or not they were safe. On Tuesday, the Ukrainian military said that Russian forces launched an offensive to rout troops inside the steel plant. The incident comes shortly after the United Nations, and Red Cross confirmed that more than 100 civilians were evacuated from the steel plant. On the other hand, Russia confirmed that it was assaulting Ukrainian positions at the plant using artillery and aircraft. But on Wednesday, the Kremlin denied that its forces were storming Azovstal, as per CBS News. The Mariupol mayor said that Russia used heavy artillery, tanks, warplanes, and warships to attack the city. Boichenko said that there were local residents in the area, including more than 30 children. The region is one of the worst-struck cities amid the unprovoked Russian-Ukraine invasion. Read Also: Russian Defense Ministry Says Its Forces Score Major Victories Against Ukrainian Claims of Destroying Various Military Assets It was believed that busloads of families who were holed up in Soviet-era tunnels underneath the steel plant were among the evacuees over the weekend. The agreed-upon ceasefire allowed for civilians to escape to the relative safety of Ukrainian-held territory in the city of Zaporizhzhia. According to CNN, evacuees headed straight for tents that the Ukrainian government set up to help them with the next part of their journey. President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his nightly address on Tuesday that 156 people arrived in the city. The Situation in the Port City The evacuees also described the horrors they experienced while under siege in Mariupol and surrounded by Russian forces. Women and elderly civilians said they had lived for more than a month without sunlight as they feared for their lives and had food shortages. The UN humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, said that the evacuees saw the sunlight for the first time in a long time and saw the destruction of their city. A red-haired woman who was among the evacuees said that she had trouble believing the reality of her escape from Mariupol. As she tried to speak, tears filled her eyes, and she just shook her head, saying she had no words to answer questions. If Russia successfully takes control of Mariupol, it would mark a significant victory as the Azovstal steel plant is the last Ukrainian redoubt in the region. Furthermore, the port city is critical for Russia's hopes of forming an unbroken land corridor that stretches from the eastern Donbas region that borders Russia to the Crimean peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014. Hundreds of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be held up in the plant and are holding back the Russian assault, the Washington Post reported. Related Article: Russian Advanced T-90M Main Battle Tank Allegedly Deploys in Ukraine With the Threat of Anti-Tank Missiles Against It @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Photo: The Canadian Press B.C. Supreme Court has ordered one man extradited to the United States to stand trial for alleged cocaine trafficking but a U.S. request for another man has been denied. Tenny Guon Lim and Dario Baruca were sought for alleged conduct amounting to the Canadian-equivalent offence of conspiracy to traffic in a controlled drug. Justice Jeanne Watchuk said Lim is the alleged leader of a cross-border drug trafficking organization that trafficked cocaine and MDMA (ecstacy) between Canada and the United States. She said the U.S. alleges the organization would arrange for couriers to deliver MDMA to associates in Los Angeles and/or pick up cocaine that U.S.-based associates had sourced from Mexico. U.S. investigators were able to infiltrate the crime group by securing the cooperation of two co-conspirators turned cooperating witness. Baruca is alleged to have conspired to traffic cocaine with an unidentified associate of the organization and Lim, known by the name Orange Tang. Watchuk said Orange Tang discussed drug trafficking with an undercover Los Angeles Police Department officer posing as an associate of one cooperating witness with connections to cocaine suppliers. The judge said during these discussions, Orange Tang told an officer to call him; however, when the officer called the number Orange Tang provided, a man using the name Ventura answered the phone. The officer then spoke with Ventura about a cocaine trafficking deal. Watchuck said Ventura was a nickname associated with Baruca. The U.S. submitted that Baruca and Lims membership in one or more drug-trafficking conspiracies can be reasonably inferred from its evidence. The court heard there had been discussions about opening drug transportation lines in Australia and Europe. Watchuck said the evidence for the committal hearing was largely circumstantial. Here, most of the evidence consists of encrypted messages and recorded phone calls regarding the trafficking of cocaine and MDMA, she said. Watchuk said there was evidence admissible of Lims conduct that, had it occurred in Canada, would justify a conspiracy-to-traffic-drugs trial. As such, she committed him to custody for extradition. Lim has various options of appeal before any deportation takes place. She found that standard for committal was not met with Baruca. A Dario Antonio Baruca had been facing multiple drug trafficking charges in Vancouver Provincial Court but a stay of proceedings was entered April 22. Photo: Rob Kruyt, BIV Pandemic emergency contracts awarded by the B.C. government originally worth a combined $13.25 million are now worth a combined maximum of $24.25 million Pay increases for suppliers the BC NDP government hired on emergency, no-bid contracts have bumped up the original cost of the agreements by 83%. A list showing some of the Ministry of Healths pandemic contracts valued at $10,000 and up includes 17 deals related to the ImmunizeBC program and one for sourcing personal protective equipment were originally worth a combined $13.25 million. Amendments to the contracts mean they are now worth a combined maximum $24.25 million. Most were signed in the first quarter of 2021. One of those involves the public face of the ImmunizeBC program, B.C. vaccine czar Penny Ballem. BC NDP Health Minister Adrian Dix originally gave Ballem the $250-an-hour assignment in January 2021 for 10 months at a maximum $220,000 through her numbered company that does business as Pendru Consulting. The government has quietly boosted the maximum value of her contract by 245%. By the end of last October, Ballem had already been paid $405,000 for organizing the vaccine distribution network and clinics, nearly double the original amount. The list shows that at the start of November, her contract was extended to the end of May 2022 and increased to a maximum $760,000. In December, Dix reappointed Ballem as chair of Vancouver Coastal Health Authority for three more years. For the year ended last March 31, 2021, that post paid Ballem $55,309 in stipend, meeting fees and expense reimbursement. Members of Ballems team also got hefty increases. Mary Conibear and IPS Consulting were hired originally for $56,000 each, but their contracts were extended to respective maximums of $487,000 and $431,600. 4276159 Canada Inc. (a.k.a. Bristol Management) was also contracted for $56,000, but is now capped at $160,963. Lizette Parsons Bell and Associates Inc. and John Hedley McLaughlin were originally contracted for $140,000 each. Bells maximum is now $438,273 and McLaughlins $257,225. Conibear, Bell and McLaughlin were executives of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics organizer VANOC, where Ballem was a Vancouver city council-appointed member of the board of directors. Four companies were hired for vaccine distribution: McKesson Canada ($980,000), Imperial Distributors and Kohl and Frisch Ltd. ($260,000 each) and uniPharm Wholesale Drugs Ltd. ($120,000). The BC Pharmacy Association has a $600,000 contract for its role in the booster dose program. The original $150,000 contract for St. John Society (B.C. and Yukon) to provide emergency first aid at Lower Mainland vaccination clinics climbed to $460,000 and the $200,000 contract for B&M Tax and Accounting Services Ltd. became $550,000. The company that manages the Vancouver cruise ship terminal, Ceres Terminals Canada ULC, saw a $500,000 bump in its contract to $8.125 million. Its main job was staffing the provinces biggest clinic at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Pacific Destination Services Inc. was hired to operate clinics in West Vancouver and Sea-to-Sky for $1.1 million. But its contract was topped up to $5.5 million. The Ministry of Health communications department did not respond to questions about the contracts and the total cost to date of the coronavirus immunization program. Total payments to contractors are expected in the summer release of the provinces public accounts sunshine list. As of April 28, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control said 11.6 million vaccine doses had been administered. A fourth round of vaccinations is continuing for adults. Health Canada is considering whether to approve shots for children under five. The biggest pandemic-related increase listed in the report was to KPMG. Originally hired for $750,000 on May 7, 2020, the firms agreement is now worth $4.034 million for PPE sourcing for short-term needs and long-term stockpiling. Pakistans producers contend with soaring costs 05 May 2022 In the first nine months of the current financial year (9MFY22), Pakistans cement producers sold 40.8Mt of cement, down 2.5Mt or 5.8 per cent on the same period a year earlier. While local dispatches have remained stable at 36.1Mt, exports have fallen by 35 per cent. With costs continuing to soar, domestic cement producers are reporting a mixed bag of results as the industry reels from the economic fallout of the pandemic and ongoing crisis in Ukraine. According to estimates by research house Topline Securities, total cement dispatches for FY22 are expected to come in at 54Mt, a decline of six per cent YoY, followed by 51Mt in FY23, a further contraction of five per cent YoY. In the 9MFY22 Lucky Cement posted an unconsolidated net profit after tax of PKR11.3bn (US$60.85m), down three per cent on the same period a year earlier. Despite sales expanding by 25 per cent YoY over the same period, raw material costs jumped 39 per cent while finance costs rose by 10 per cent. The company is currently expanding its capacity at Pezu (North) by 3.15Mta with major plant and machinery expected on site in the 1QFY23. DG Khan Cement Co reported unconsolidated net profit after tax of PKR3.6bn in the 9MFY22, an uptick of 27 per cent YoY. Over the same period, net sales advanced by 32 per cent to PKR43.29bn but administrative expenses leapt to PKR552m from PKR476m in the same period a year earlier, distribution costs increased, and taxation costs rose by 65 per cent. Fauji Cement Co saw its sales rise by 31 per cent in the 9MFY22 to PKR22.92bn with the company posting good results despite higher finance and taxation costs. Kohat Cement also saw a healthy surge in sales, rising by 32.4 per cent YoY to PKR23.58bn, resulting in an 83 per cent YoY increase in net profit after tax to PKR4.6bn. This comes despite distribution costs advancing from PKR58m to PKR85m and administrative costs expanding from PKR233m to PKR257m. Construction of the companys greenfield cement production line in Khushab, Punjab, is reportedly progressing as planned. Cherat Cement saw its taxation costs jump by 62 per cent YoY in the 9MFY22 to PKR1.27bn. Net sales over the same period advanced by 23 per cent to PKR22.58bn, giving a net profit after tax of PKR3.4bn, up 55 per cent YoY. The company hopes that investments in new lines, equipment and renewable energy will not only improve operational efficiencies but also reduce costs. Garibwal Cement as seen its net profit after tax rise to PKR1.69bn, compared to PKR1.17bn in the same period a year earlier. Sales over the nine-month period came in at PKR11.45bn, up from PKR8.71bn in the 9MFY21, while administrative costs advanced from PKR281m to PKR363m. Improved selling prices in the local market resulted in Maple Leaf Cements consolidated turnover improving from PKR26.035bn in the 9MFY21 to PKR34.09bn in the same period a year later. Consolidated pretax profit advanced from PKR3.65bn to PKR5.79bn, while the consolidated tax component jumped from PKR805m to PKR1.46bn. Due to slower economic activity in Afghanistan, and the combination of high production costs and shipping costs, Maple Leaf Cements export volumes fell by almost 64 per cent in the 9MFY22 to 89,225t, compared to 243,493t in the same period a year earlier. A project to expand capacity at the companys Line 4 has begun and is reportedly progressing as scheduled. Published under This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions A clergy group that has been in the news lately helped put Weston Wamp over the top in the tight three-way GOP county mayor race in Tuesday's election. Sources in the black community said they were notified ahead of time that the Chattanooga Clergy for Justice was going to help Mr. Wamp out maneuver political veteran Sabrena Smedley and highly successful businessman Matt Hullander. As promised, a "text blast" went out at election time. It said: "Text Blast to Hamilton County Democrats: "Election Day is today and there is still time to pull a Republican primary ballot to choose the best county mayor option available - Weston Wamp. "As the Free Press editorial says, "At least until August, there is only one clear and logical choice for county mayor - Weston Wamp. Where Wamp really shines is in his passion for education, and especially trades education." https://afc.zone/be3 "Ask for a Republican ballot on Tuesday, and mark it for Weston Wamp. You can make a difference." The text blast targeted church parishioners and key black voter districts. Traditional Democratic Party voting citizens were told to jump over to the Republican side for this particular race. Many of them did. It is calculated that the gambit produced more than the 314 votes Mr. Wamp needed to edge out Ms. Smedley in the final tally. The Chattanooga Clergy for Justice also - second handedly - got involved in the race which Coty Wamp, the sister of Weston Wamp, was waging against incumbent Neal Pinkston. The group last week asked DA Pinkston to ask for a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of the condition of inmates at the Silverdale jail operated by the Sheriff's Office as well as a traffic stop of a black man by a white officer in Collegedale. DA Pinkston, who has been warring with Sheriff Jim Hammond for months, complied with both requests. That sent Sheriff Hammond into attack mode against the DA and also stirred up Collegedale officials, who said they stand behind the officer. It also sent still more voters into the ranks of Coty Wamp, who wound up walloping the incumbent. The Concerned Clergy for Justice has no visible leader. Their website gives no names, and their press releases only stress the group itself, not any one individual. The website, which features a photo with Defund the Police and Prosecute the Police signs, says, "Our supporters are formed from numerous groups across Chattanooga and surrounding areas in Georgia. We aspire to advocate for those who have been continuously brutalized by the officers charged with protecting them. It is time that law enforcement take accountability for their crimes against the people of Chattanooga." Asked what the clergy would want from Mr. Wamp in return for delivering the winning vote, it was stated, "They just want equality. They just want justice." From time to time, someone is described as a man (or woman) of faith. That sounds nice, but occasionally Im inclined to wonder, Faith in what? Because the world around us gives us so many options. For instance, there are numerous religions the big, name-brand ones, as well as obscure ones seemingly invented by somebody that had nothing else to do. And even a cursory look at them shows they advocate very different precepts and dogmas. Some people have faith in government, although I suspect their numbers are steadily declining for a variety of reasons. We can have faith in ourselves, but honestly, we know were not always as reliable or trustworthy even for ourselves as wed like to think we are. Having faith in family members and friends can present a similar dilemma. Since theyre imperfect human beings as we are, inevitably theyll fail to keep commitments or live up to our expectations. That might not be their intent, but thats reality. Then theres the all-inclusive, You just have to have faith! Sounds encouraging, but again, the question arises: faith in what, exactly? The cosmos? Good fortune? Perfect timing being at the right place at the right time? Serendipity? Kismet? Theyve actually made movies about the last two if you dont believe me, just take it on faith, okay? Even atheists act upon a kind of faith multiple times every day. Driving down a two-lane road, we all must believe the oncoming car wont suddenly veer into our path. If we didnt trust other drivers to stay in their own lanes with the awareness that on occasion some have not wed never leave the garage. Boarding an airplane is an act of faith, trusting in the competence, skills and experience of the pilot and crew, the integrity of the aircrafts design, and myriad other factors necessary for achieving a successful flight. Belief is looking at a commercial jet and saying, Yes, I believe that if I got on, it could take me to New York City. Faith requires acting upon that belief by actually boarding the plane, sitting down, getting buckled in and fully expecting to arrive in the Big Apple on schedule. Im not discounting or disparaging faith. Its important, and like the old American Express commercial used to say, we shouldnt leave home without it. But as our pastor commented recently in starting a series of messages on genuine faith, its not about blind optimism or wishful thinking. Christianity, of course, is rooted in faith. The Scriptures clearly assert, again and again, what or rather, who is the basis of our faith. The Bibles declarations about faith begin in the book of Genesis and continue through its concluding book of Revelation. One entire New Testament chapter is focused exclusively on the subject of faith. Hebrews 11 opens with the declaration, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Chew on that for a moment. I like the New King James translation of it even better: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Because in the physical world, things that we hope for lack substance until weve obtained then, and evidence thats not seen wouldnt hold up well in a court of law. But thats exactly how the Scriptures describe genuine, life-transforming faith. The remainder of Hebrew 11 is a parade of examples of people through the Scriptures who lived out their faith in extraordinary ways. The list starts with Abel, the son of Adam and Eve who was killed by his brother, Cain. Of Abel it says, by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead (verse 4). Verse 6 tells us how important faith is to the Lord: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Everyday life gives us numerous opportunities to exercise our faith, realizing that despite our best efforts, much of what is transpiring around us is beyond our control. Hebrews 11s hall of faith cites numerous other individuals, including Enoch, who did not experience death; Noah, who labored many years to build an ark at Gods command, saving his family from the global flood; Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, and even a prostitute named Rahab. Abraham is a classic example of faith, of whom it says, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). It says he was rewarded for his obedience, being blessed with a son Isaac by his wife, Sarah, after they were well-advanced in years: And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as murderous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore (verse 12). The existence of the nation of Israel today and the presence of Jews all around the world stand as proof that this promise to Abraham continues to be fulfilled. This incredible chapter closes with the acknowledgement that the objects of faith are often long in coming, sometimes not even realized during ones earthly life: These were commended by the faith, yet none of them received what they had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (Hebrews 11:39-40). At the same time, as we study the Scriptures, we find hundreds of instances when deep, unwavering faith in God was indeed rewarded. And these should serve as encouragement and inspiration for us all. As God declares in Jeremiah 33:3, Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. That sounds wonderful to me. How about you? * * * Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net. Ill admit I know so little about Roe versus Wade that I did not know which side of the argument over abortion either party represented yet I am intensely interested in anything that draws this much passion from the American people. I am an on-line subscriber to the Nashville Tennessean, along with several other news sites that I include in my Morning Readings, and Mariah Timms, who writes on legal matter for the Tennessean, has just authored a column, What happens in Tennessee is Roe v. Wade is overturned. Its terrific. But first, here is the background ROE VERSUS WADE (From Wikipedia) Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. The decision struck down many U.S. federal and state abortion laws. Roe fueled an ongoing abortion debate in the United States about whether or to what extent abortion should be legal, who should decide the legality of abortion, and what the role of moral and religious views in the political sphere should be. It also shaped debate concerning which methods the Supreme Court should use in constitutional adjudication. The decision involved the case of Norma McCorveyknown by the legal pseudonym "Jane Roe"who in 1969 became pregnant with her third child. McCorvey wanted an abortion but lived in Texas, where abortion was illegal except when necessary to save the mother's life. Her attorneys, Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee, filed a lawsuit on her behalf in U.S. federal court against her local district attorney, Henry Wade, alleging that Texas's abortion laws were unconstitutional. A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas heard the case and ruled in her favor. Texas then appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. In January 1973, the Supreme Court issued a 72 decision in McCorvey's favor ruling that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides a "right to privacy" that protects a pregnant woman's right to choose whether to have an abortion. It also ruled that this right is not absolute and must be balanced against governments' interests in protecting women's health and prenatal life. The Court resolved this balancing test by tying state regulation of abortion to the three trimesters of pregnancy: during the first trimester, governments could not prohibit abortions at all; during the second trimester, governments could require reasonable health regulations; during the third trimester, abortions could be prohibited entirely so long as the laws contained exceptions for cases when they were necessary to save the life or health of the mother. The Court classified the right to choose to have an abortion as "fundamental", which required courts to evaluate challenged abortion laws under the "strict scrutiny" standard, the highest level of judicial review in the United States. * * * WHAT HAPPENS IN TENNESSEE IF ROE V. WADE IS OVERTURNED? HERES A GUIDE Written by Mariah Timms of The Nashville Tennessean (This article appeared in the Nashville Tennessean on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.) The U.S. Supreme Court is on the verge of overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision legalizing abortion across the nation, according to a draft opinion obtained by Politico. The published draft has set off a renewed round of fierce controversy around one of the nation's most divisive issues. Here's what to know about it and how it could impact Tennessee. DID THE COURT OVERTURN THE ROSE V. WADE DECISION? No. Abortion is still legal in all 50 states. The justices are set to release a ruling in a lawsuit challenging a Mississippi law this summer. The suit could act as a direct challenge to the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that found abortion rights are constitutionally protected. Politico reported late Monday that a leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito would overturn the decision. On Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a statement confirming the authenticity of the draft opinion and ordered an investigation into what he called an egregious breach of trust. Although the document described in yesterdays reports is authentic, it does not represent a decision by the Court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case," Roberts said. To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed, he said in the written statement. He added: I have directed the Marshal of the Court to launch an investigation into the source of the leak. The opinion did not surprise court watchers, who have long said the conservative bench is likely to overturn Roe before long. IF ROE IS OVERTURNED, DOES THAT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN ABORTION IS ILLEGAL? No. Overturning Roe returns the decision on reproductive health care access back to the states. Tennessee is one of nearly two dozen states certain to ban abortion in the event of Roe being overturned. Voters amended Tennessee's state constitution in 2014 to specifically remove access to abortion as a fundamental right in the state. The state in 2019 also passed a "trigger law" that would institute a de facto abortion ban should the Supreme Court overturn its Roe decision. If the law is activated, the Attorney General would notify the Tennessee Code Commission. Then, within 30 days of that notice, the state would officially have an abortion ban in place. The measure would make it a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion, while women seeking abortions would be exempt from prosecution. Research shows attacks on the foundation of federal abortion access protections have rapidly increased since 2011, according to the Guttmacher Institute. More anti-abortion laws 90 of them were passed nationwide in the first half of 2021 than in any year since the Roe v. Wade decision was handed down in 1973, research has shown. The Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that women have the right to an abortion during the first and second trimesters but that states could impose restrictions in the second trimester. Years later, the court allowed states to ban most abortions at viability, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, which is about 24 weeks. Since then, states have pushed to define viability at earlier and earlier stages, in many cases now tying it to the moment a "fetal heartbeat" can be detected. IS ABORTION LEGAL IN TENNESSEE? Yes. Although Tennessee has several restrictive abortion access laws on the books, it remains legal to terminate a pregnancy in the state. The state's new abortion laws are being challenged in federal court. IS ABORTION LE4GAL IN NASHVILLE? Yes. Nashville does not have separate reproductive health care laws on its books from those of the state. The city's top prosecutor, Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk, issued a statement hours after the leaked opinion began circulating. In the fall of 2020, Funk declared he would not pursue criminal charges against any patient or doctor for seeking or performing a procedure at their request. "With regard to reproductive issues, the criminal law must not be used by the State to exercise control over a womans body," he wrote in 2020. On Monday, the eve of election day where he hoped to hold on to the seat, he stood by the statement. "I am appalled that this assault on a woman's personal health decisions is in jeopardy," Funk said in an emailed statement Monday evening. Funk's two opponents also criticized the draft ruling. Sara Beth Myers, a former federal prosecutor, said she was "outraged" at the possible ruling. "I proudly support a womans right to access safe abortion care...There is a right to privacy in the Constitution that protects the right to an abortion, and as District Attorney I will never use the law to violate someones civil rights," Myers wrote in a statement posted on social media Tuesday morning. P. Danielle Nellis, a former assistant district attorney now in private practice, echoed the others in the race. "I stand with women and our right to exercise autonomy over our own bodies," Nellis wrote in a statement posted to social media Tuesday afternoon. "I stand with women as we exercise that autonomy whether it be through choice and family planning, escaping a domestic violence situation, healing after a sexual assault, or existing without the interference of politics that place us at risk in so many situations." Neither Myers nor Nellis issued a statement specifying whether they would prosecute charges under a ban. WHAT ARE TENNESSEES ABORTION LAWS? A slate of restrictive abortion laws have led Tennessee's legislative agenda for the past few years, including a comprehensive package passed in 2020 with full support from Gov. Bill Lee. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld a 48-hour waiting period passed under previous Gov. Bill Haslam that had lingered in the courts since 2015. The law requires a patient seeking an abortion first to be counseled by a doctor in-person and then wait at least 48 hours before returning for an abortion procedure. Tennessee's 2020 laws include requiring abortion clinics to post a sign in the waiting area and in patient rooms informing people that it may be possible to reverse a medication abortion. There is no medical consensus that reversing such a procedure is possible. While there is an exception to the restrictions if a woman's life is in danger, there are no exceptions for rape or incest. If the courts strike down the six-week ban, before most people know they are pregnant, the 2020 legislation automatically enacts cascading abortion bans in conjunction with the detection of a fetal heartbeat at eight, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 weeks of gestation. The law also prohibits abortions if the doctor knows the patient is seeking the procedure due to the fetus' sex, race or Down syndrome diagnosis. The laws remain tied up in the courts. In February, a federal appeals court reinstated the so-called reason ban. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the request by the Tennessee attorney generals office to reverse course and temporarily allow the so-called reason ban to be enforced. The 6th Circuit had blocked that provision in September after previously allowing it to go into effect in 2020. Tennessee bans the use of telehealth for medication abortion and limits when state and public insurance can cover abortion services. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, said in a Tuesday statement the General Assembly has passed some of the most "aggressive pro-life legislation" in the nation. "We have challenged current court precedent with Gov. Lee's landmark heartbeat bill and we have prepared for an overturn of Roe by passing a trigger law that goes into effect immediately upon reversal," McNally said. "Whatever the court ultimately decides, Tennessee will continue to be one of the most pro-life states in the nation whether under the current court precedent or a new one. ARE THERE ABORTION CLINICS IN TENNESSEE? Yes. But with fewer than a dozen clinics across Tennessee that offer services and similarly few in neighboring states accessing abortion care may be out of reach for low-income or rural pregnant women who struggle to get in to see a doctor, let alone at short notice. Nonpartisan organization Healthy and Free Tennessee maintains a list of abortion care providers, including: * -- Memphis: CHOICES Memphis Center for Reproductive Health; Planned Parenthood - Memphis Health Center * -- Knoxville: Mountain Access Brigade; Knoxville Center For Reproductive Health; Planned Parenthood - Knoxville Health Center * -- Bristol: Regional Women's Center * -- Nashville: carafem Health Center Nashville; Planned Parenthood - Nashville Health Center * -- Huntsville (Ala.): Alabama Women's Center DO AMERICANS SUPPORT ABORTION? About 49% of the nation said that abortion should be "legal and accessible" in USA TODAY/Ipsos poll published this month. Only about a third of Republicans felt that way, compared with 73% of Democrats. (The Associated Press contributed to this report. Melissa Brown contributed. Reach reporter Mariah Timms at mtimms@tennessean.com or 615-259-8344 and on Twitter @MariahTimms.) * * * royexum@aol.com Donald Trump Jr., the son of former United States President Donald Trump, appeared and testified before the House Select Committee regarding the unprecedented attack on the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. A person close to the former president's oldest son revealed the news on Wednesday and noted that Don Jr., appeared by videoconference and talked with the committee for two hours. The source added that the discussion was considered to be "pretty uneventful." Donald Trump Jr.'s Testimony On the other hand, a spokesperson for the committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the testimony. Don Jr., through a spokesperson, also declined to comment on the matter. Lawmakers have been eager to speak to the son of the former president and question him regarding his father's alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. They also wanted to ask him about his efforts to press his father, through then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, to quell a pro-Trump mob that was responsible for assaulting Capitol Hill, as per NBC News. The situation comes as the chair of the committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson said this week that Ivanka Trump, the former president's daughter, helped "fill in a lot of the gaps" with her testimony in April. He noted that she revealed the role her father played in the insurrection conducted by his supporters. Read Also: Trump Organization Agrees To Pay $750000 To Settle Involving 2017 Inauguration Funds In a statement, Thompson said that Ivanka, who was also Trump's former top aide in the White House, answered questions about what she was doing at the time that the riot was happening. Investigators of the committee asked certain questions about Ivanka's awareness of what her father was doing at the time. According to People, the 40-year-old was reportedly forthcoming in her testimony and did not invoke the Fifth Amendment or executive privilege similar to what other Trump allies and administration officials have done. Her testimony lasted for roughly eight hours and was conducted remotely on Apr. 5. Investigation of Capitol Hill Riot Thompson added that Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, who also served in the Trump White House, did not testify against the former president or gave away any "trade secrets." He said that they corroborated the testimony of other witnesses who alleged former President Trump was reluctant to intervene to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol building. During an interview, the committee chair said that the couple supported the fact that the Republican businessman was told he had to do something to alleviate his supporters' anger. They allegedly told the former president that he had to be public about his statements. The series of questioning comes as the committee continues to seek testimonies from key GOP lawmakers and has set 8 days of public hearings in June. Lawmakers planned to send requests for testimonies to individuals, including three House members who previously refused to cooperate with the investigations. Furthermore, the panel plans to send new interview requests to several other Republicans, including at least one senator. Thompson did not reveal who the committee wanted to question other than House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Jim Jordan, and Rep. Scott Perry, CNBC reported. Related Article: Donald Trump Congressional Allies Under Investigation Over Jan. 6 Capitol Riot [Full Details] @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Early Matters Chattanooga is asking residents and businesses to join communities across the nation on Friday as they thank local child care providers for their efforts in the classroom. "Provider Appreciation Day is celebrated the Friday before Mothers Day each year to recognize child care providers, teachers and other educators of young children everywhere," officials said. "The purpose is to amplify our nations collective gratitude for those who support the social, emotional and physical care of our youngest children. "Research shows that 90 percent of a childs brain growth happens before they start kindergarten. Child care teachers work year-round to provide quality, consistent care and education to young children during that time. In Hamilton County, there are at least 15,000 children for whom both parents work full-time, which means they need access to quality early childhood education, while both working families and employers rely on their consistent care for parents to participate in the workforce." We invite the larger community to join the Early Matters coalition in thanking and celebrating child care providers across the nation, said Katie Harbison, president/CEO at Chambliss Center for Children. Help us recognize the tireless efforts of those who care for young children. They are an integral piece of children's education and allow parents to go to work each day. Our economy could not function without them, and we are so grateful for their commitment to this profession. Across the country, child care providers are working at a reduced capacity, due to a staffing crisis, said TN Child Care Resource and Referral Southeast Coordinator Charlotte Hubert. Now more than ever, we need to thank those early childhood teachers who remain in the classroom and are working hard to cover the gaps and still show up smiling every day for the young children they serve. On their website, Early Matters shares ways you can thank your favorite child care teacher or center: Handwritten note of thanks; Pool together with your office and cater breakfast or lunch for a provider near you; Gift cards; Sponsor an employee volunteer day and work at the child care center for a few hours; Care closets or monthly snack carts; or Let your social followers know how much you appreciate your childs child care teachers using #thankyouchildcare. A video featuring local leaders and families thanking child care teachers for their role in educating the communitys youngest residents will be shared on the Early Matters website on Friday. Riverbend Festival announced the addition of iconic hip-hop group Arrested Development to their 2022 lineup. Review for Arrested Development: Arrested Development, based out of Atlanta, are two-time Grammy Award winning, groundbreaking music group and hip-hop pioneers. True Hip-hop trailblazers since 1991, Arrested Development has been cultural champions of consciousness and empowerment across the globe. Their representation of eclectic and vibrant African sounds and clothing has produced a unique clash of rhythms and style that continue to contrast the expected look and sound of hip-hop culture. Arrested Development continues their forward march of curating music that is about self-reflection and igniting change. Their new album is no exception. The 17-track album features a selection of legendary musicians including, Big Daddy Kane, The Sugar Hill Gang, Masta Ace, and Monie Love and is executively produced by Speech for Vagabond Productions and Configa. The album brings incomparable positive lyricism, storytelling, and cognizant awareness delivered in a fashion only Arrested Development can carry through. In addition to winning two Grammys, the group has also won two MTV awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and the NCAAP Image Award. In 1992, Rolling Stone named them Band of The Year in 1992, and they were dubbed as one of the Greatest Hip-hop Artists of all Time by VH1. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame named Tennessee as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. Arrested Development is set to perform on Saturday, June 4. Riverbend Festival takes place June 3-5 on the Chattanooga riverfront at Rosss Landing. Three-day and single day wristbands are on sale now. All wristbands are non-refundable, shows are rain or shine, and all sales are final. For questions and more information, visit the FAQ page on the Riverbend website. Edwin Richard Kind, 76, of Snellville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Katherine Melhorn Kind; and loving daughter, Kristy Kind; brother-in-law, Bill Melhorn (Vicki); nephew, Josh Melhorn (Erin); and great nieces, Ally and Eden Melhorn of Chattanooga. Ed was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Edwin and Lena Kind of Columbus, Ga., who raised him to be the perfect gentleman he became, and Bella, his devoted, loving chocolate lab. Ed was a 28-year veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country throughout the United States and Germany. He loved books, movies and documentaries about WW I and II, war planes and the American Wild West. Ed loved spending time with his family in the Smoky Mountains, the Gulf of Mexico or attending his daughters sporting events. He was truly happy in the outdoors while trout and deep sea fishing, dove and deer hunting, snowmobiling in Jackson Hole or hunting arrowheads on the banks of the Tennessee River. Relic hunting with his metal detector brought him many hours of enjoyment. When not outdoors, you might find him listening to music by Andrea Bocelli, The Beatles, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and any other 60s era music. If you ever met him you would never forget him because of his extremely strong handshake. Ed was a Tennessee Vols Fan and never missed a chance to say Go Big Orange. He grew up in the Fountain City area of Knoxville, and attended The Lutheran School and Central High School. While living there he was a member of The First Lutheran Church in Knoxville which still held many memories including his confirmation into the Lutheran religion. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America during his younger years. His family later moved to Columbus, Ga., where he graduated from Jordan High School and attended Columbus College and was a graduate of Cleveland State Community State College in Tennessee. Prior to his career in the United States Army, Ed was a police officer with the Columbus and the Chattanooga Police Departments. Ed was a man of great faith and derived great strength and comfort from his relationship with God. The world is a little darker without the light of Ed Kind. His quick wit, deep wisdom and his genuine and unconditional love will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. He and his family attended Snellville United Methodist Church. There will be a graveside service with full military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on May 17, at 12:30 p.m. An Honor Guard Company from Ft. Campbell, Ky., his last duty station before retiring at Ft. McPherson, Ga., will provide the ceremonial detail for the graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be held in Snellville, Ga., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eds honor to The First Lutheran Church and School, 1207 N Broadway, Knoxville, Tn. 37917 or a personal charity. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, Ga. 30039, 770 979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements. CPD's Narcotics Unit announced on Thursday the indictments of 14 people for their roles in nine separate overdose death cases that have occurred in Chattanooga going back as far as 2020. These investigations have been long in duration and extensive in scope. Investigators have been challenged with these cases as they require a level of persistence and an ability to adapt to changing environments not often seen in other areas of investigation. Officials said, "Today that persistence and determination is paying dividends and we are proud to announce the results of their hard work thus far." Assistant Chief over Investigations Zac McCullough said, " These cases represent just a small fraction of a horrible epidemic that is sweeping our country, and impacting our community. We hope by bringing these offenders to justice that the families can have some closure, and our community can feel a little safer." Here are the indictments: Overdose Death 8-14-2020 Indicted: Skylar Lewis B/M 8-2-1991 Charges: second-degree murder Overdose Death 9-11-2020 Indicted: Hunter Rogers W/M 10-9-1996 Charges: criminally negligent homicide, tampering with evidence Indicted: Genea Davis W/F 11-02-1977 Charges: criminally negligent homicide, tampering with evidence Overdose Death 4-22-2021 Indicted: Dustin Parris W/M 11-5-1980 Charges: second-degree murder, delivery of Fentanyl Indicted: Mistee Howard W/F 4-10-1977 Charges: facilitation of second-degree murder Overdose Death 6-20-2021 Indicted: Joshua Santana W/M 11-07-1997 Charges: delivery of Methamphetamine Indicted: Skylar Lewis B/M 8-2-1991 Charges: delivery of Fentanyl Indicted: Nathan Hudson W/M 2-4-1978 Charges: delivery of Fentanyl Indicted: Malik Massey B/M 10-18-1996 Charges: delivery of Fentanyl, tampering with evidence Indicted: Keith Pointer B/M 4-28-1981 Charges: delivery of Methamphetamine, facilitation to deliver Heroin, tampering with evidence Overdose Death 8-27-2021 Indicted: Taylor Neely W/F 4-11-1997 Charges: second-degree murder Overdose Death 9-20-2021 Indicted: Kori Konran W/F 9-11-1992 Charges: second-degree murder Overdose Death 11-29-2021 Indicted: Joshua Wilson W/M 10-13-1990 Charges: second-degree murder Overdose Death 2-9-2022 Indicted: Cheyenne Anglea W/F 4-18-1993 Charges: second-degree murder Overdose Death 2-17-2022 Arrest Warrant: Ryan Blainey W/M 10-25-1987 Charges: second-degree murder If you know anyone who is struggling with addiction, you can contact the Hamilton County Coalition or the Chattanooga Police Department for assistance. Governor Bill Lee announced the appointments of Deputy Governor Butch Eley to also serve as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Jim Bryson to serve as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration (F&A). As Transportation Commissioner, Mr. Eley will lead strategic infrastructure modernization to prepare the state for continued growth. He will continue to advise Lee as Deputy Governor and maintain an office in the State Capitol. As Tennessee experiences unprecedented growth, were prioritizing record investments to modernize infrastructure and prepare our state for the future, said Governor Lee. Butchs significant private sector experience and service as our chief financial officer make him well-positioned to lead the Department of Transportation during this critical time for Tennessees development. Governor Lees slate of strategic investments to prepare for the states growth, including $619 million to support major economic development projects and increase mobility in Tennessees fastest-growing counties, can be found here. Mr. Bryson will succeed Mr. Eley as commissioner of Finance and Administration. Jim is a dedicated public servant who will bring valuable expertise to the Department of Finance and Administration, said Governor Lee. His vast experience in the private sector and state government will ensure Tennessee makes sound investments and continues our commitment to conservative fiscal management. Mr. Eley is currently serving as deputy governor and the commissioner of Finance and Administration. In his role as the states chief financial officer, Mr. Eley has developed multiple state budgets and works closely with legislative leaders of the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group (FSAG) to oversee and allocate the influx of federal relief funds provided to Tennessee over the past two years. Mr. Eley previously served as Chief Operating Officer in the Governors office from January 2019 to May 2020, where he led the states first four-year strategic planning process. Prior to joining the Lee Administration, Mr. Eley was a founder and CEO of Infrastructure Corporation of America (ICA). Headquartered in Nashville, ICA was one of the nations leading infrastructure asset maintenance management companies with comprehensive asset management contracts throughout the country. Mr. Eley earned his bachelors degree and Master of Business Administration at Belmont University. Mr. Bryson is currently the deputy commissioner of the Bureau of Parks and Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Prior, he was the founder and president of 20/20 Research, Inc., a market research, consulting, project management and technology firm based in Nashville. He also served as a state senator in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2003 to 2007. He earned his bachelors degree from Baylor University and master's of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Eley and Mr. Bryson will begin their new roles on June 15. A Tennessee man was arrested on Thursday for assaulting a law enforcement officer and breaking a window and damaging a door during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His and others actions disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election. Edward Kelley, 33, of Maryville, Tn., is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers, civil disorder, destruction of government property, and related offenses. He was arrested in Knoxville and is to make his initial appearance on Thursday in the Eastern District of Tennessee. According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Kelley was among a crowd of rioters illegally gathered at the Capitol Building. He was wearing a gas mask and green tactical helmet and had a backpack secured across his chest. Kelley moved to the scaffolding over the stairs of the West Front of the Capitol Building, where he and two other men got into an altercation with a Capitol Police officer. Kelley also pushed and pulled on a metal barricade as he made his way to the outside of the Senate Wing Door. He then used a piece of wood to breach the window adjacent to the Senate Wing Door. He was the fourth rioter to enter the building through the window. After entering through the breached window, Kelley moved to the still closed Senate wing door and kicked it open, which allowed other rioters to enter. As he moved through the building, Kelley changed from the gas mask into a red, white, and blue medical mask, eventually entering the Rotunda. Kelley left the building approximately 40 minutes after he first broke in. This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The case is being investigated by the FBIs Knoxville Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBIs Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Capitol Police. In the 15 months since Jan. 6, 2021, nearly 800 people have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 250 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov. An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union announced it has been selected as one of Elans 50 credit union credit card partners to participate in Elans Across the Country Charitable Giving program. "As one of 50 selected partners, we were able to choose two local charities to receive a generous $6,250 donation on our behalf," officials said. At TVFCU, we are delighted to share that we have selected Partnership for Families, Children and Adults (Partnership) and YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga YCAP, said Todd Fortner, president and CEO, TVFCU. Both the Partnership and YCAP serve vital roles in the Greater Chattanooga community and we are grateful to Elan for helping us support their efforts to help strengthen our community. "The Partnership works to improve the lives of its neighbors through a continuum of emergency, stability and self-sufficiency services so that we have a strong, safe and informed community," officials said. This generous gift of $6,250 from Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union will fuel Partnerships mission of empowering people and building communities, said Pam Ladd, chief executive officer, Partnership. With community donations, we helped more than 7,000 of our neighbors improve their lives last year, and this will help us do even more going forward. YMCA YCAP is an early intervention and prevention program for youth ages 10-15 who have been referred to us either through the juvenile court system or the school system. Each student and their family has a personalized treatment plan which addresses their educational, behavioral and spiritual needs, including mentoring, tutoring, hot meals, family nights and group therapy. The YMCA YCAP of Chattanooga, TN would like to thank Elan on behalf of the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union for investing into the YCAP work, said Andy Smith, regional executive director, YMCA YCAP. Because of this gift, the YMCA YCAP staff will be able to continue to transform lives to those kids who are most vulnerable in our community. The YCAP Program prides itself in turning tragedies into triumphs, one child, one family and one community at a time. Thank you, Elan, and TVFCU for investing in our work. Elan Senior Vice President and General Manager John Owens added, We are so proud of our partnership with TVFCU and we are grateful to both Partnership and YMCA YCAP for their dedication to the community. We hope this hope this donation can be leveraged to make an even more meaningful impact. "If you would like to learn more about Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, and YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, visit their websites. We are grateful to Elan for this opportunity and continued partnership," officials said. John Anthony Shiver, 25, was tried and convicted of rape and child molestation on Dec. 1, 2021 in Walker County after a two-day jury trial. The trial was presided over by Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson. Judge Thompson on April 27 sentenced Shiver to Life in prison with 25 years to be served without the possibility of parole. The victim was Shivers sister whom he had molested and raped over a five-year period from ages six through eleven. The Shiver family moved to Northwest Georgia in 2013 from South Florida settling initially in Catoosa County. It was here that the sexual assaults against his six-year-old sister began. Shiver continued to rape and molest his sister intermittently over the next five years until the family settled in the Rossville area of Walker County. It was only after Shiver had moved to the State of Washington that his sister made disclosure of the abuse to their parents. The disclosure was immediately reported to the Walker County Sheriffs office, where Detective Sergeant Zach Simpson was assigned to investigate the case. The victim was taken to the Child Advocacy Center where a forensic interview was conducted and a medical examination performed. A roommate of the defendant testified that they overheard the defendant talking about how to groom young children to make them more pliable for sexual abuse and also observed defendant looking up grooming techniques online. Defendant was also observed to have bragged about how he had control over a young girl. The case was tried by Assistant District Attorney Bruce Roberts. District Attorney Arnt noted that this case further illustrates the offices dedication to protecting children and holding sex predators accountable. ADA Roberts and the team of administrative assistants, victim advocates, the Childrens Advocacy Center and the Walker County Sheriffs Department, did a tremendous job working on this case and preparing the victim to face her abuser in court, said officials. The A Million Little Things recap of season 4 episode 18, Slipping, includes the return of two guest stars. Maggie Bloom (Allison Miller) and Gary Mendez (James Roday Rodriguez) deal with a surprise visit from Maggies mom, Patricia (Melora Hardin). Meanwhile, Katherine (Grace Park) is thrown off by a visit from Shanice Williamson (Nikiva Dionne). Will it affect her relationship with Greta (Cameron Esposito)? Heres our breakdown of ABCs A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 recap of Slipping. [Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers from A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18, Slipping.] A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 Recap: Melora Hardin returns A Million Little Things: James Roday Rodriguez as Gary and Melora Hardin as Patricia Bloom | ABC/Darko Sikman When A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 opens, Gary worries that the universe is trying to tell them something after the results that his sperm count is very low. However, Maggie insists that she wants to try IVF. Melora Hardin returns to the A Million Little Things cast to reprise her role as Maggies mom, Patricia Bloom. Viewers hadnt seen Maggies mother since season 2 when she visited Maggie and Eric (Jason Ritter). She unexpectedly appears at Maggies job and sees a notification of an IVF appointment on her daughters work computer. Then Patricia insists the real reason she came is because she doesnt feel connected to her daughter. Maggie throws it back in her face and points fingers at her mother for not being there for her during her abortion. Although Maggie and her mother often argue, Garys famous for lightening the mood. Later, he tells Patricia that she needs to show up for Maggie. She returns the advice by telling Gary to show up for the IVF and not worry about his low sperm count. Maggie invites her mom to their next IVF appointment, so were sure to see Melora Hardin in A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 19. Shanice Williamson returns for A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 A Million Little Things: Grace Park as Katherine and Nikiva Dionne as Shanice Williamson | ABC/Darko Sikman RELATED: How Old Theo is on A Million Little Things and Why Fans Cant Stop Arguing Over His Age and Maturity Level Viewers met Shanice in A Million Little Things season 3 when she took the part of Regina (Christina Moses) in Romes (Romany Malco) movie. However, the network shut down the production of Romes film. Shanice returned in season 4 with her daughter and became friends with Katherine. When the famous actor told Katherine she would be leaving for Miami, Katherine was upset. They shared a tender kiss before Shanices departure. She returns in A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 for the premiere of her movie. While the two reconnect before the premiere their children spend time together. Viewers should recall that Theo Saville (Tristan Byon) told Kiana that he liked her in the Game Night episode before she left for Florida. She told him the feelings were mutual. (Jaeda Owens portrayed Kiana in early season 4, but Melody Nosipho Niemann plays Kiana in the back half of season 4). Before Katherine left Greta, she told her bits and pieces of her history with Shanice, but she left out the kiss and romantic feelings. When Shanice touches Katherines tattoo, she doesnt tell the movie star that shes dating the person who gave it to her. After the premiere, Shanice and Kiana invite Katherine and Theo to stay over night. She asks permission from Greta without mentioning her history with Shanice. Then Theo drops the bomb that Greta is Katherines girlfriend. When Shanice confronts Katherine about not mentioning her girlfriend, Katherine questions whether Shanice is ready to reveal her sexuality to the world. She insists that the actor wouldnt come within 10 feet of her at the premiere while the press was around. Katherine and Theo head home after the challenging discussion, but Shanice insists she keep the bracelet. The next day she comes out to Hollywood and the world. Anna walks in on Sophies support group about Peter instead of an AA meeting Luckily, viewers found out in A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 17, 60 Minutes, that Anna Benoit (Erin Karpluk) did not kill Peter Benoit (Andrew Leeds). However, Eddie (David Giuntoli) found out that she has a drinking problem. He tries to help Anna begin her recovery by giving her the first chip he received after he was sober for 24 hours. But shes not very receptive. When he finally talks her into going to an AA meeting, she shows up at Sophies support group instead. A Million Little Things: Shayna Virginillo, Lizzy Greene, Liana Liberato, Lisa Kimberley, and Jelena Milinkovic | ABC/Darko Sikman Sophie (Lizzy Greene) scheduled a time to meet at the local library to talk with other students who might have gone through the same sexual assault she did with Peter. Four other girls show up at the meeting. Amanda (Jelena Milinkovic) opens up about how Peter made her get into her swimsuit and the girls have a moment where they laugh about how unoriginal he was. However, Kai (Liana Liberato) cant laugh, but she wont share either. Sophie suspects something more went on with her and Peter. When Anna walks in to the meeting the other girls are upset. Anna admits that she felt powerless and apologizes to the women for not knowing what was happening. Theyre receptive and invite her to join their circle. Sophie tries to talk to Kai after the meeting, but she drives away. Then viewers see Kai watching Anna and Peter. Regina talks to Tyrell about a new love interest In A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18, Tyrell (Adam Swain) has a new love interest. Regina returns home to grab a pan that she forgot to find Tyrell with a girl in his room. Later, at the food truck, Regina and Valerie (Andrea Navedo) realize that Tyrells new girl is Valeries daughter, Valley. Valerie worries that her daughter might repeat her mistakes by unexpectedly getting pregnant. That night, Regina and Tyrell talk about safe sex. However, Regina thinks they might be jumping into a relationship too fast. Rome helps a student reveal his truth in A Million Little Things Season 4 Episode 18 Meanwhile, Rome supports Maddox (Ash Spencer) in opening up to their friends and family. He begins by explaining how great their video was. Rome explains that if their friends cant accept who they are, then theyre not really friends. However, Rome panics and calls Maggies radio show. Hes worried that the other kids at the school are brutal. Maggie suggests that Rome might be letting the past get in the way of the present. The student might get hurt, but they will learn from it. The kids at school accept Maddox, but her family does not. According to IMDb, A Million Little Things Season 4 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC and is available for streaming the next day on Hulu. RELATED: A Million Little Things: 3 Plot Holes That Truly Bother Fans in Season 4 Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski is the culinary expert on the show. He has a lot of knowledge on how to whip up amazing dishes, but Porowski recently shared some relationship advice as well. Find out below how Porowski is making things work with his boyfriend, advertising director Kevin Harrington. Antoni Porowski | Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for IMDb Antoni Porowski and Kevin Harrington were first linked in late 2019 Porowski and Harrington were first linked in late 2019 after they were spotted together at various events, including Bette Midlers Hulaween event and Heidi Klums Halloween party. Previously, Porowski dated graphic design artist Joey Krietemeyer for seven years before parting ways in 2018. Then, he dated interior designer Trace Lehnhoff for a few months in 2019. Porowski and Harrington post about each other a lot on social media. They have shared many photos of their travels to places like Italy and Switzerland. Antoni Porowski reveals the key to their really good relationship Porowski recently opened up to People about his relationship with Harrington. The celebrity chef shared that their romance escalated quickly due to the pandemic. Relationships were forged, relationships changed, and they were broken [in the pandemic], he said. Shortly before the pandemic hit the U.S., Porowski was filming Queer Eye in Austin and Harrington was visiting him. Porowski explained, It came to a shutdown in New York there was no toilet paper and we decided to stay in Austin and fostered a dog. We went from being in a relationship and each having our own apartments and not having a dog, to living in the same place with a dog. It escalated quickly, Porowski said. But I dont have any complaints, which is kind of nice. When something is stable and really good and you communicate a lot, and you check in with each other and with your own therapist about it I feel like thats kind of the key. Antoni Porowski once talked about vulnerability in his relationship Gigi hadid, antoni porowski and Kevin Harrington attend the 11th annual AKC meet the breeds at Javits center in NYC pic.twitter.com/W2xnu46QCF Gigi Hadid Source (@MyqueengigiIG) January 26, 2020 In a 2021 interview with Glamour UK, Porowski admitted that he used to struggle a lot with being vulnerable. Ive had many therapists throughout my life, but the one Im with now, Carol, I saw for a few months prior to the show [Queer Eye] coming out, he explained. I had this recurring thing of always needing everybody to love me, always wanting to please everybody and not being necessarily honest about my feelings, whether it was in relationships or friendships, because I just wanted to be agreeable. Porowski added, In my relationships, I just didnt want the person to leave me. I wouldnt say I was having a bad day. I just wanted to be a version of them. According to Porowski, he has been learning to be more open about himself with Harrington, which has been beneficial for them. Now with my boyfriend I can say, Hey, Im having a sh*t day. I dont want you to do anything about it, but Im just letting you know that Im going through it, he shared. The first time I did that with him was the hardest, I just got chills thinking about it because it was a vulnerability that Id never really felt before, being openly honest without the fear of rejection, which I always had before. RELATED: Queer Eye Star Antoni Porowski Reminds Some Fans of Another Handsome Celebrity A top member of Oath Keepers, a far-right anti-government militia group, pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy after making a bombshell testimony in court on Wednesday. The leader of the North Carolina chapter of the Oath Keepers, William Todd Wilson, said that the group's leader, Stewart Rhodes, tried to get in touch with former United States President Donald Trump after the Capitol Hill riot. Wilson said he heard Rhodes make repeated calls to the Republican businessman. Oath Keepers Member Pleads Guilty The Oath Keepers member said their leader wanted Trump to call upon groups such as the far-right group to forcibly oppose the transfer of power. The phone call allegedly occurred when Rhodes and other members were in a private suite at a Washington, D.C. hotel on Jan. 6 shortly after the chaos. The filing said that after the end of the call, Rhodes told the group that he "just wanted to fight." The leader of the Oath Keepers pleaded not guilty and two of his lawyers said on Wednesday that they were not aware of any time their client had direct contact with Trump and did not know about the alleged phone call, as per CNN. Read Also: Donald Trump Jr. Voluntarily Meets With House Select Committee To Testify About Jan. 6 Capitol Hill Riot Wilson, 44 years old, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other members of the Oath Keepers to stop the transfer of power to President Joe Biden after the 2020 elections. On Friday, 44-year-old Brian Ulrich from Guyton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the same charge. Joshua James of Arab, Alabama was the first member of the far-right group to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy. The seditious conspiracy charge is rarely employed as before January, the last time that American prosecutors brought such a case was in 2010. At the time, an alleged Michigan plot by members of the Hutaree militia was believed to have planned to incite an uprising against the federal government. Trump's Alleged Involvement in the Capitol Hill Riot According to ABC News, Wilson, who has been a member of the Oath Keepers since 2016, is described as a military and law enforcement veteran, the details of which were not included in the filing. The document noted that some members, similarly to the suspect, believe that the government has been "co-opted" by a cabal of elites that were actively trying to take Americans' rights. Based on court records, Wilson drove to a hotel in Tysons Corner in Virginia on Jan. 5, 2021, with an AR-15-style rifle, a 9mm pistol, about 200 rounds of ammunition, body armor, pepper spray, and a large walking stick that he allegedly planned to use as a weapon. The Oath Keepers member stashed the weapons as part of teams of "quick reaction forces" hiding away in various hotels outside of the District. Wilson's plea agreement, which gives him credit for cooperating with authorities, estimates that his likely sentencing range is from 63 to 78 months in prison. Prosecutors appear to be slowly but steadily connecting the groups who organized themselves before the Capitol Hill riot, including the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys, with individuals connected to the Trump White House, the Washington Post reported. Related Article: Donald Trump Congressional Allies Under Investigation Over Jan. 6 Capitol Riot [Full Details] @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial is making headlines daily, with pop culture fans and celebrity critics alike taking to social media to weigh in on the buzzworthy court case. With weeks still to go, lots of evidence has to be uncovered, and many fans still havent made up their minds whether to believe Heards claims that Depp physically abused her, or to side with Depp in his suit against Heard for defamation of character. Some of these outspoken critics have been active on social media, debating and discussing why they refuse to side with one celebrity over the other. The case is also causing some shock waves to echo through Hollywood, with at least one other major lawsuit emerging in recent weeks. Johnny Depp in court | Jim Watson/Getty Several critics wont take sides in the trial Depp and Heard had a tumultuous relationship from the beginning, culminating in divorce in 2017. After their divorce, Heard wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post, where she detailed her experience as a victim of domestic abuse. The op-ed eventually resulted in Depp suing Heard for defamation, claiming that his ex-wife cost him his high-profile status in Hollywood. The case went to trial in April 2022, and with cameras allowed in the courtroom, fans worldwide have watched as Depp related his side of the story. While the trials outcome remains very unclear, as Heard only recently took the stand to recount her experiences, some fans on social media have remained steadfast in their desire not to take sides. Gossip blogger Perez Hilton recently wrote on Twitter, I do NOT support Amber Heard. I dont support Johnny Depp either. Podcast host and reality TV expert Kate Casey took to Twitter at the end of April to write, If Johnny Depp is friends with Marilyn Manson I have issues. Marilyn Manson is suing Evan Rachel Wood Happy Halloween. Photo by Travis Shinn pic.twitter.com/2IOYMOrwtA Marilyn Manson (@marilynmanson) November 1, 2020 Depp and Marilyn Manson have been good friends for yearsthe two have supported each other at various public events and reportedly even have matching tattoos. That isnt the only thing they have in common. Both have been accused of abuse by their ex-partners. Actor Evan Rachel Wood, who was in a relationship with Manson from 2007 through 2010, has gone on the record to claim that Manson groomed and abused her, and that he used their large age difference against her. Now, just as Depp is suing Heard, Manson has taken legal action against Wood. According to Variety, Manson cited defamation over Woods sexual abuse allegations against him, in advance of the release of her HBO documentary, Rising Phoenix. The documentary features Wood recounting her own alleged abuse at the hands of Manson, as well as her meetings with those who have also spoken out against the shock rocker. Variety reports that Wood is confident in her truth and that she is not scared about the lawsuit. Now that Manson and Depp are both embroiled in defamation suits against exes who have claimed abuse, its easy to see why fans are taking to social media to discuss their association, even if many arent sure what to make of things just yet. Several former celebrity couples have battled it out in court While Depp and Heards court case is one of the most public examples of contentious Hollywood divorces, several other former celeb couples have ended up in court as well. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorced in 2016 and have been dealing with the details of their split ever since. According to Hollywood Life, the two have had a hard time determining custody arrangements for their six children, which has led to the case lasting much longer than it probably should have. Model Heidi Klum and her ex-husband, Seal, are another example of exes who had a hard time in court after they split. Hollywood Life reports that the custody battle between the pair got contentious at times, causing Klum and Seal to end up in court on several occasions after their 2014 split. RELATED: Marilyn Manson Said This Song of His Is About Hurting Evan Rachel Wood Outlander star Sam Heughan wants fans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with him this year. The actor is encouraging fans to join him virtually for a special celebration, where he will toast the holiday with his recently launched Sassenach Select Tequila. Heres how you can spend Cinco de Mayo with the Outlander star. Sam Heughan | Jerod Harris/FilmMagic The Outlander star launched Sassenach Spirits in 2020 As many Outlander fans already know, Heughan is the owner of a company called Sassenach Spirits. The Scot launched the brand in early 2020 by introducing a premium blended Scotch whisky The Sassenach that he created. And its been so successful that Heughan is expanding. In late 2021, the Outlander star announced that he was launching his Sassenach Select Double Wood Reposado tequila in collaboration with Mexican tequila distillery El Tequileno. So thrilled and so excited to introduce our latest @SassenachSpirit baby! The Sassenach Select, Heughan tweeted. The perfect blend of our cultures and passion, a partnership steeped in tradition, heritage, and a love of good tequila! How can Outlander fans join Sam Heughan for Cinco de Mayo? The Sassenach Select social media team recently announced that Heughan would be going live on May 5 Cinco de Mayo to celebrate the day with his recently launched tequila. In an Instagram post, they invited Outlander fans to join the actor for a virtual toast and encouraged them to buy their own bottle of Sassenach Select so they could join in. Its time to get your bottle of award-winning Sassenach Select! the Sassenach Select team wrote. Cinco de Mayo is around the corner and in celebration of this very special day, Sam Heughan will be live on Instagram for a toast and a sip (or three). Join us on Thursday May 5th at 1PM PST / 4PM EST / 9PM BST and enjoy a sip of the Sassenach Select. For fans who dont know, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held annually on May 5 to commemorate the anniversary of Mexicos victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Sam Heughans new tequila has already won an award Heughans Sassenach Select tequila is officially called El Tequileno: The Sassenach Select. The Scotsman discovered the Mexican spirit during a pre-pandemic visit to Tequila, Mexico, and the El Tequileno distillery. And that visit led to a collaboration. Even though the combination of a Scottish brand with a Mexican spirit might seem a bit odd, Heughan says there are a lot of similarities between the two cultures. Its a very dear place and theyre very similar actually, the Mexican culture and the Scottish culture. This love of storytelling and celebration and family. We just feel really honored to be part of that family, Heughan told Forbes. Just weeks after the tequilas launch, Heughan revealed that it won a Masters Medal from the Global Spirits Masters, making it clear this is top-shelf liquor. We in the UK dont really understand tequila and Im trying to educate, Heughan wrote on Twitter. Its incredible stuff. Sam Heughan and the rest of the Outlander crew are currently in production on season 7. RELATED: Outlander Star Sam Heughan Has Some Big Plans For Life After Jamie Fraser As the circle of life goes, planning is sometimes impossible. Every day, people are faced with unexpected tragedies and unforeseen circumstances that could suddenly end it all. Despite our perceptions, celebrities and movie stars are not bulletproof or an exception. Natalie Wood, River Phoenix, and Heath Ledger were just a few actors from Hollywood who suddenly died while actively working on films. Amongst the list of talent-involved tragedies was the rising movie star, James Dean. James Dean | Richard C. Miller/Getty Images The details behind James Deans tragic death Dean had a reputation for racing, and ultimately, it seemed like the stars fast and furious ways got the best of him. Driving his Porsche that he fondly nicknamed Little Bastard on September 30th, 1955, Dean crashed the Little Bastard and died. Dean died at the age of 24, and the tragic news shocked Hollywood and the world. James Deans best friend voiced one scene in Giant after his tragic death At the time of Deans death, he had just finished filming for the movie Giant, but the production wasnt yet complete. James Dean was killed in a car crash #OTD in 1955 in California. The news appeared on many newspaper front pages the next day, though this edition of the @latimes was one of the few to have it as the main headline. Read the full front page on our site: https://t.co/8bxljh1KZ3 pic.twitter.com/4xbaPudd1K Newspapers.com (@_newspapers) September 30, 2019 In Ferber: Edna Ferber and Her Circle, a Biography, Julie Goldsmith Gilbert wrote about Giant writer Edna Ferber, and explained the unusual circumstance: Dean never completed his work on Giant. His scenes on camera were in the can, but since one of them, in particular, was inaudible, he was scheduled to come back for looping a post-production technique that involves dubbing in clarified dialogue to match the picture Dean was not available to do this for one of his key scenes. It was the banquet speech George Stevens and William Hornbeck, the film editor, recruited Deans former roommate and best friend, a young actor named Nick Adams, to complete the vocal role of Jett Rink (Deans character). Though it was far from ideal, it was likely a meaningful touch to be able to find someone who was close to Dean to help finish the production and his part. A closer look at Nick Adams career A Pennsylvania native, Nick Adams path to stardom was a unique one. The actors debut role came in the 1952 film Somebody Loves Me. In his earlier acting days, Adams admitted to having trouble finding consistent opportunities. To help him gain some momentum, he joined an actors workshop that was being run by Arthur Kennedy, but in 1952, Adams enlisted in the coast guard. Ironically enough, this led to his 1955 role in Mr. Roberts. With the help of his agent, at the age of 23, Warner Brothers offered him a contract. The actor was given a small part in the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause. Oddly enough, in 1959, he was cast in a recurring role on a television show titled The Rebel. Throughout the 1960s, Adams continued to land role after role. Young Dillinger and The Killing Bottle were two films he appeared in during this period. However, unfortunately, similarly to his good friend Dean, Adams life was also cut short. In February of 1968, Adams was found dead in his Beverly Hills home. Unfortunately, a lot of mystery and unanswered questions still surround the stars death. The autopsy listed Adams cause of death as a result of a mixture of paraldehyde and promazine intoxication. The information surrounding these drugs and warnings involving their interactions was not nearly as prevalent as it is today. With that being said, on Adams death certificate there was also a note indicating accident suicide undetermined. The exact cause of his death is still a mystery. Some of Adams loved ones even speculated the possibility of murder, according to HuffPost. RELATED: Elizabeth Taylor Kept a Haunting Secret About James Dean Jill Zarin from The Real Housewives of New York City agreed with Bethenny Frankel and said a winning RHONY cast would consist of the original group. And while she would love to see the original five women return, shes confident at least one person would never appear on the show again. Some RHONY fans have long wondered if Alex McCord would return, especially after she moved to Australia. Kelly Bensimon, who said shed love to join the RHONY spin-off Legacy cast hoped McCord would also return. Zarin isnt confident fans will see McCord on RHONY any time soon. Jill Zarin agrees with Bethenny Frankel about the RHONY cast but doesnt think Alex McCord will return Frankel previously said the OG cast would be a good programming move. I heard about what she said and I couldnt agree more. I agree, Zarin said on the Hot Takes & Deep Dives with Jess Rothschild podcast. Bethenny Frankel, Alex McCord, Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer and Jill Zarin | Ben Gabbe/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Absolutely 100% I think shes right, Zarin continued. And I dont think theyre going to be able to do it. I dont think theyre going to get Alex. I think she moved to Australia and has a beautiful life with her family. The only thing that would bring her back is a lot of money and I dont know if they would do it. And I still dont know if money would motivate them, she added. I know money motivated Bethenny to [return]. Im sure money could motivate me to do it. Yes. I just dont know if money would motivate them. Luann de Lesseps said she wouldnt film with Alex if she returned Even if McCord returned, Luann de Lesseps made it clear shed never film with her. Alex and Simon, theyre not going to be back any time soon when asked who she wouldnt film with on the Two Ts in a Pod podcast. She also thought Frankel was more judgemental of McCord and her husband Simon van Kempen, even though de Lesseps mocked McCords fashion choices. When McCord departed from the show, she and de Lesseps were not on good terms and it appears they never repaired their fractured friendship. No, I do not regret telling Alex McCord Louis Vuitton makes mistakes because those shoes were just bad, she said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2020. Why isnt Bethenny Frankel likely to return to RHONY? While Zarin doesnt envision McCord making a return to RHONY, she also doesnt think Frankel would return because she said New York was too dangerous. Frankel sold her Manhattan apartment and moved out of the city. Theres something else that Bethenny said is interesting is that she really said that New York City, you know, she would never want to live here now and how dangerous she felt it was, Zarin remarked. By the way, I dont agree with her at all, she continued. I think that was an isolated incident. I think if you live in a big city with 8 million plus people, youre going to have crazies. And yes, weve been very lucky that we staved off so many catastrophes that its a miracle, really. You know, once in a while they sneak in. Zarin added, But I think by saying that, its like, how could you come back on New York City Housewives? Like, if you say that you dont want to be here or you dont want to be part of that culture. I never left my roots there. I live in Florida now, but I still have a place in New York because Im a New Yorker and I always will be. And even if they struggle with hard times, it doesnt mean Im going to abandon her. RELATED: RHONYs Jill Zarin Dishes Her RHUGT Season Is Much More Volatile (Exclusive) The Johnny Depp trial in Virginia began relatively quiet, surprisingly enough. Spectators who wanted to sit in court managed to gain entrance without an issue, but that has totally changed in recent days. Since the first day of the Johnny Depp trial, courtroom observer and podcast host Danielle Danielle DellOlio would arrive outside the courthouse at a pre-dawn hour to line up for court. She made a few friends and saw familiar faces but something shifted in recent days. DellOlio started filming the growing crowds, massive numbers of people leaning against the hard courthouse walls which appeared to be more like people waiting for concert tickets than court. Crowd numbers continue to grow with each day and DellOlio is capturing it all. The Johnny Depp trial attention is becoming massive DellOlio describes the environment outside the courtroom as turning into a circus she saw a spectator dressed as Depps signature Pirates of the Caribbean character Captain Jack Sparrow strolling down the breezeway. Initially, she was surprised that the trial wasnt a circus considering the main players involved. But now, its becoming a competitive sport to get into the courtroom. Johnny Depp |Paul Morigi/Getty Images So Ive been averaging about two or three hours a night of sleep, she told Showbiz Cheat Sheet. If Im lucky four. And it is kind of like a cattle call. It got kind of crazy today. There was a Jack Sparrow impersonator there. Id never seen anything like that until today. Because getting into court is so competitive, DellOlio wouldnt share when she would arrive at the courthouse to get in line. But usually, we just line up and start to get our wristbands around 7 [am] is when they start passing those out, she said. And the first 100 people that are in line, they are who gets into the courtroom. Theres 50 for the overflow room, which is where I was today. Every other day Ive been in the courtroom, but today, no. And I will say about the overflow room, I hadnt been in it yet and that was actually super fun because in court youre not supposed to give any reaction at all. And the overflow room, they dont care. So it was kind of funny to hear the reactions of people as things were being dropped. And it was fun. It was a more fun experience. Who is arriving at pre-dawn hours for the Johnny Depp trial? The court isnt distinguishing between spectators and press, DellOlio said. So courtroom eyewitnesses are reporting the testimony in blogs, podcasts, and TikTok, like DellOlio. She currently has more than 1.1 million TikTok followers and provides daily Depp trial updates. DellOlio has made a few friends in line, including a dedicated Depp superfan who arrives before anyone. My favorite person in the world right now is Yvonne. She is Johnny Depps number one fan, she dished. Shes there every morning. First one in line. You wont be able to beat that woman. Shes there! I dont know how she keeps up with them. Shes his age. Shes wild. And he knows who she is. Shes been to so many meet and greets and everything. So its cool to see her there supporting him because shes been supporting him for years. Some Johnny Depp trial spectators are domestic abuse survivors DellOlio said many spectators are Justice for Johnny supporters, but also some are survivors of domestic abuse. For the most part, I will say the people that Ive been surrounding myself with have been the other Justice for Johnny Depp creators, she shared. And theyre mostly domestic violence survivors, including myself. So thats a case that were super passionate about, especially since were extremely hurt that Amber [Heard] has told so many lies. So its something that has been really important to us, and weve just been really glad that after years of researching it, because Ive been researching this case for over two years now, to be able to go in and visualize the people that weve been reading about. I mean, even his security guards, his sister. Today we heard from Ambers nurse. Its people you just have read about, you never saw a photo of or anything else and hear their side of the story of what happened between the two of them. Depp is suing ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation after her op-ed in the Washington Post destroyed his reputation, his familys reputation and cost him millions in lost jobs. Hes seeking $50 million in damages and the trial is ongoing. RELATED: Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard Trial Courtroom Insider Shares Gut Reaction to Who Could Win [Exclusive] Queen Elizabeth is undisputedly one of the most fashionable British royals. Queen Elizabeths meticulous outfits always radiate elegance, and whatever she chooses to wear, she always has a reason for it. With her consistent, bold color blocking, she frequents the best-dressed list. She clearly knows what suits her best and what to avoid. Queen Elizabeth II | Jane Barlow/Getty Images What does the Queen wear? The 96-year-old prefers dresses and skirt suits when on duty. The queens love for brightly-colored skirts and dresses is unmatched (which she compliments with matching hats and coats.) But why bright colors? Well, to make it easy for the public to recognize her. According to Page Six, the queen is rarely seen in public with pants. In fact, she wore the garment in 1970 on an official tour to Canada. She sported a silk troupe suit designed by Ian Thomas. Why? Well, she wanted to modernize her look. But since then, shes never opted for trousers when on duty. Elizabeth, however, wears slacks during her private time; when shes vacationing, at sporting events like riding horses, or for leisure. While the queen favors bold colors, the choice of her attire depends on the surroundings. For instance, if shes attending a tree-planting event, she will avoid a green ensemble because she will be camouflaged in the background. Elizabeths hats match all her outfits. Rachel Trevor-Morgan, the Queens milliner, has special instructions not to design her hats too wide that her face is covered or too tall (she may get stuck when getting out of the car.) Her scarves and waterproof umbrellas, just like her hats, complement all her fabrics. She prefers floral scarves to those with one solid color, and she wears them primarily to sporting and outdoor events. Elizabeth has maintained the same style for over 50 years when it comes to her shoes. Her shoes are handmade by Anello & Davide, a footwear company based in London. The companys team customizes the Queens shoes. Her shoes preferably black, have a buckle at the front and a heel measuring two and a half inches. The real reason why Elizabeth never wears slacks Royal tradition dictates that women wear skirts and dresses. While Kate Middleton seems to follow the Queens lead, Meghan Markle, on the other hand, sees things differently she has worn trousers to many of her official engagements. The Firm, as the royal family is called, has clear-cut rules observed by the royals from the color of their nail polish to their clothes. While the royals mostly follow the stipulated protocols, a few rule-breakers, like Middleton and Markle, go against the rules once in a while. So, how are the royals expected to groom? What is the royal dress code? As far as nail polish is concerned, natural or nude colors are the Queens go-tos. She favors Essies Ballet Slippers (7.99,) which she has worn since 1989 (Meghan Markle wore the same at her wedding). Each royal is expected to stock their wardrobes with black outfits in case they attend funerals. When traveling, the queen always packs an all-black outfit in the event a tragedy occurs in the world that demands a solemn outfit. Also, while rules govern what the royals do and say in public, their outfits are symbolic diplomatic tools. For example, the Duchess of Sussex sported a green Givenchy dress on her first trip to Ireland. Royal little lads always dress in shorts, according to The Sun. He notes that the tradition goes back to the 16th century, and its around this time when princes were transitioning from wearing gowns and dresses until they were eight years, then switched into knee pants. Also, during weddings, men wear military uniforms. For example, Prince Williams garment was the uniform of the Irish Guards on his Wedding Day to Kate Middleton. Royal tradition instructs that only married women or royal brides should wear tiaras. Additionally, little girls most preferred mode of dressing is wearing dresses. Weve spotted Princess Charlotte with plenty of beautiful dresses. But have you seen the glamorous princess in trousers in public? Not yet. The royal girls mostly wear smocked dresses when theyre little. RELATED: Queen Elizabeth Has a Not Normal Way of Eating Meat, According to Former Butler HBO Maxs The Staircase is a dramatized retelling of Kathleen Petersons death and her husband, Michael Petersons murder charges. Many first learned of Michael in in the Netflix true crime docu-series from French director Jean-Xavier de Lestrade. Both shows recount Kathleens gruesome death in her Durham, North Carolina home and Michaels legal battle. HBO brings us the Peterson familys point of view as they pick up the pieces in this retelling starring Colin Firth and Toni Collette. Time Guinee as Michaels brother, Sophie Turner as Margaret, Colin Firth as Michael, Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin, and Patrick Schwarzenegger as Todd | HBO Max Michael Petersons bisexuality is at the forefront of HBO Maxs The Staircase Michaels bisexuality comes up in the Netflix series, but that narrative becomes a mainstay in the HBO Max version. Firth perfectly captures the underlying insecurity of a man living a double life. Scenes of Michaels sexual escapades often align with Kathleens work struggles, the growing estrangement with her daughter Caitlin Atwater (Olivia DeJonge), and the problems with their sprawling Durham home. Michaels moments of infidelity help bolster the story much of the public wanted to buy into a cheating husband whose wife found out and he ruthlessly murdered with a blow poke. The Staircase on HBO Max explores the divide between Michael and Kathleen Petersons kids The Petersons had a blended family of five children. Michael has two boys from his first marriage, Clayton and Todd. He also has two adopted daughters Margaret and Martha Ratliff. Kathleen also had a child from a previous marriage, her daughter Caitlin. Where the Netflix docu-series focuses on the legal side of Petersons case, the HBO series pokes at a family falling apart amid tragedy. DeJonge evokes Caitlins plight, that of someone who initially supported Michael, as she shifts to stand with Cullen Moss district attorney Jim Hardin after seeing Kathleens autopsy photos. The series doesnt ignore the distance Caitlin put between her Peterson siblings. As she pushes them away, they struggle to rally around each other thanks to their own suspicions. This is especially true of the Ratliff sisters, whose mothers death almost mirrors Kathleens. HBO Max series doesnt bury the owl theory Netflixs The Staircase touched on almost every aspect of Michaels legal battle except for the owl theory. Michaels lawyer David S. Rudolf recounts his experience representing Michael on his website. In one post, he breaks down the owl theory the Netflix series only mentions in a digital short. Exsanguination was the cause of death, he writes. Not blunt force trauma to her brain, not a fractured skull, not strangulation. Loss of blood. Initially, the injuries on Kathleens scalp were presumably caused by her fall and impact on the wall or floor. The Netflix series intent was to expose a flawed criminal justice system and what Rudolf called junk science without presenting the owl theory. HBOs The Staircase does both. This time, the story leans into the owl theory without ignoring the junk science part. Medical examiners find pine needles on Kathleens body from the start. At the same time, blood splatter analysts spend hours trying to recreate the crime scene. Eventually they do, painting a picture of a legal system manipulating evidence to twist the narrative in the court room. The Staircase is a refreshing dramatization of Michaels case in the form of a family drama. You know the story of Kathleens murder and Michaels trial. Now, glimpse the impact such trauma has on a familys collective heart. The first three episodes of The Staircase are available on HBO Max. RELATED: Under the Banner of Heaven: Whats Real vs. Fiction in the First 2 Episodes Hollywood is full of well-known families; many actors have famous parents, siblings, and grandparents. Sometimes the younger generation grew up in the spotlight and never knew a life outside of the glare of fame. Other times their rise to stardom was more subtle. Eden Brolins last name may make some Yellowstone fans wonder about her connections. Were here to clear up the mystery: Yes, Eden is Josh Brolins daughter. Eden Brolin plays Mia in Yellowstone Yellowstone premiered in 2018, bringing the drama of the Dutton family, a ranching family in Montana who faces constant threats against their land from those who would like to see their Western dynasty come to an end. During Season 3, fans met Mia, a barrel racer and part of the rodeo circuit that features in the show. Her introduction to the series came amid drama and injury as she had a promising interaction with Jimmy Hurdstrom (played by Jefferson White) before he was whisked away to perform in a rodeo that ended with tragedy. When he found himself in the hospital following the event, Mia was there to nurse him back to health. However, the pair eventually parted ways when, as Fandom reports, Jimmy decided against returning to the rodeo circuit and eventually took work in Texas. When Season 4 wrapped up with a big blowout between Jimmy and Mia (after Jimmy returned to town with his new fiancee), fans have wondered if Mias character will return for Season 5. With Jimmy likely on his way to leading the 6666 spinoff, Mias character would need some new material to keep her in the mix. Eden Brolin is the child of Josh Brolin and Alice Adair Yellowstone actor Eden Brolin at the 28th Annual SAG Awards | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Yellowstone may be a breakout role for Eden Brolin, but the actor comes from an accomplished family of stars. Her last name offers a clue, but shes actually the product of not one but two famous parents. Josh Brolin has been married three times and has children with two of his wives. His first marriage was to fellow actor Alice Adair, who he wed in 1988. As IMDb reports, she was most active as an actor in the 80s. The pair welcomed two children during their marriage: Trevor in 1988 and Eden in 1994. The same year they had Eden, Josh and Adair divorced. Later, the No Country for Old Men star married fellow actor Diane Lane a relationship that ended with some bitterness. Josh and Lane were married from 2004 to 2013 and had no children together. In 2016, Josh wed Kathryn Boyd, a relationship that raised some eyebrows because of their 19-year age gap. In 2018, they couple welcomed a daughter, Westlyn Reign Brolin. Then, in 2020, Josh and Boyd had another daughter, Chapel Grace Brolin. Josh Brolin and Eden Brolin both started acting as teens My whole aesthetic is now Josh Brolin in Goonies pic.twitter.com/5TEXBDR5s1 Alex Blagg (@alexblagg) March 20, 2020 If Mia is exiting the Yellowstone universe, it will give Eden Brolin more time to work on other projects. Shes had plenty of those in the works in recent years. It looks as if shes following in her famous dads footsteps. In fact, both Eden and Josh got their start at around the same age. Josh, as IMDb reports, was born in 1968 and saw his first role in 1985s hit The Goonies when he was about 17 years old. Meanwhile, Eden was born in 1994 and IMDb reports that her first full-length acting credit was in 2012s Ruby Sparks, making her around 18 years old at the time. Whether more Yellowstone filming remains in Edens future, well see her star on the big screen in horror movie Candy Land and Montauk, a drama about childhood friends going on a mysterious adventure a little reminiscent of The Goonies. RELATED: How Long Was Thanos Actor Josh Brolin Married to Diane Lane? An increasingly large share of portable energy needs will be supplied by mobile energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries. Arkema, CNRS, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University and CPE Lyon have just created iHub Poly-9. This joint laboratory will be dedicated to the design of new high-performance materials based on fluoropolymers, which will be used in future generations of batteries. With electric cars, smartphones and laptops, the need for mobile energy storage devices is constantly increasing. This demand is met by lithium-ion batteries. They are composed of two electrodes that do not touch each other thanks to the presence of a separator, all of which are immersed in an electrolyte. Different fluorinated polymers, a family of molecules to which KYNAR PVDF belongs, offer excellent cost/performance ratios as cathode binders and separator coatings, making it possible to improve battery performance: energy density, power, storage capacity, life span, reliability, etc. The Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials research laboratory (CP2M, CNRS/CPE Lyon/Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1) has been conducting research on polymers manufactured under high pressure for more than 30 years, with a focus on fluoropolymers for the past ten years. This has led to the alliance today between Arkema, CNRS, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and CPE Lyon, within a new joint laboratory: iHub Poly-9. This laboratory works in partnership with Arkema's newly created battery center of excellence at the Pierre Benite site. "I am delighted with this partnership with Arkema, which is part of a long history of cooperation. We are pursuing a constant policy of developing joint laboratories with companies of all sizes, as confirmed by the more than 200 joint laboratories already in existence. This ambitious form of collaboration between business and academia is based on fundamental research to provide a response to major industrial challenges," said Antoine Petit, President and CEO of CNRS. "This laboratory is another joint initiative in the long-standing collaboration between Arkema and the CNRS. It is a perfect illustration of Arkema's ongoing commitment to open innovation and partnerships with the academic world. This enables us to draw on the best expertise to develop sustainable, high-performance materials in strategic areas such as batteries and hydrogen," says Armand Ajdari, Arkema's Director of Research and Development. The scientists involved are particularly interested in polyvinylidene fluoride and its copolymers. This family of polymers is extremely stable chemically and electrochemically. Their synthesis, which takes place in a water-dispersed medium, requires high pressures that can exceed 100 bars, an expertise that CP2M has at its disposal, with reactors capable of reaching these pressures in complete safety. The collaboration with Arkema mainly involves five PhDs studying the synthesis and design of fluoropolymers for the energy sector, including one thesis funded by the Auvergne Rhone Alpes region, and three CIFRE theses funded by the company, as well as the purchase of equipment for a 50 m laboratory dedicated exclusively to iHub Poly-9 within the CP2M premises. In a challenging environment, specialty chemicals company LANXESS made a strong start to the year 2022. It confirmed the preliminary figures for the first quarter released on April 19. LANXESS is also confident going into the second quarter, in which the Group expects EBITDA pre exceptionals of between EUR 280 million and EUR 350 million. In the prior-year quarter, the company had generated EUR 277 million. For the full year, LANXESS still expects EBITDA pre exceptionals to be significantly higher than in the previous year. However, the guidance does not take into account potential further impacts of the war in Ukraine and the contribution of the acquisition of IFFs Microbial Control business. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter. With our focus on specialty chemicals, we have built up strong market positions in recent years, which are particularly paying off in the current situation. We can thus pass on higher raw material and energy costs via our selling prices. However, it is impossible to predict the impact of the war in Ukraine on future business performance. We are therefore monitoring the further developments very closely, said Matthias Zachert, Chairman of the Board of Management of LANXESS AG. In the first quarter of 2022, EBITDA pre exceptionals increased considerably and amounted to EUR 320 million, 32.2 percent higher than the previous years figure of EUR 242 million. All the companys segments contributed to the growth, with the Specialty Additives segment performing particularly well. LANXESS passed on the significantly increased raw material and energy costs via higher selling prices. The successful acquisitions, especially that of Emerald Kalama Chemical, likewise made a positive earnings contribution. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals came to 13.2 percent, against 14.3 percent a year ago. Group sales amounted to EUR 2.432 billion in the first quarter, up 43.7 percent on the previous years figure of EUR 1.693 billion. Net income reached EUR 98 million, after net income from continuing operations of EUR 63 million in the previous year. Higher raw material and energy costs passed on in all segments Sales in the Advanced Intermediates segment rose by 35.6 percent from EUR 452 million in the prior-year quarter to EUR 613 million.The sales development was in particular the result of higher selling prices as LANXESS passed on the significantly increased raw material and energy prices. The segments EBITDA pre exceptionals amounted to EUR 87 million, up 24.3 percent on the previous years figure of EUR 70 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals was 14.2 percent, compared with 15.5 percent in the prior-year quarter. In the Specialty Additives segment, higher selling prices and generally improved demand resulted in a positive development of sales and EBITDA pre exceptionals. This was due in particular to good demand from the construction, oil and gas industries and the continuing recovery of the aviation industry. The development of exchange rates, especially of the U.S. dollar, likewise had a positive effect. The segments sales amounted to EUR 730 million, up 41.2 percent on the previous years figure of EUR 517 million. EBITDA pre exceptionals increased by a considerable 83.8 percent from EUR 74 million in the previous year to EUR 136 million, reaching the highest figure in the companys history. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals increased to 18.6 percent, against 14.3 percent a year ago. The Consumer Protection segments sales and earnings improved compared with the prior-year quarter. The new Flavors & Fragrances business unit made a particularly positive contribution here. This unit comprises the business with specialty chemicals for the consumer goods sector from the acquisition of U.S. company Emerald Kalama Chemical. In addition, all the segments business units achieved higher selling prices. The development of exchange rates had a positive effect, too. Lower sales volumes due to a generally difficult logistics situation had an opposite effect. Sales amounted to EUR 506 million, up 48.4 percent on the prior-year quarters figure of EUR 341 million. EBITDA pre exceptionals grew by 13.2 percent from EUR 76 million in the previous year to EUR 86 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals reached 17.0 percent, against 22.3 percent a year ago. The development of the Engineering Materials segments sales and earnings in the first quarter was influenced by the sharp rise in selling prices, which resulted from the pass-through of increased raw material and energy prices. Sales amounted to EUR 576 million, up 52.8 percent on the previous years sales of EUR 377 million. EBITDA pre exceptionals grew by 13.6 percent from EUR 59 million in the previous year to EUR 67 million. The slightly weaker demand from the automotive industry due to supply shortages led to a volume-driven decline in earnings, especially in the High Performance Materials business unit. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals decreased from 15.6 percent in the previous year to 11.6 percent. Commentary: Inaction in face of pandemic orphanhood throws U.S. government's credibility into doubt 10:11, May 05, 2022 By Deng Xianlai, Xu Yuan ( Xinhua WASHINGTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 240,000 children in the United States have lost a parent or caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Imperial College London's orphanhood calculator showed. However, the American political elite is showing little interest in confronting the issue more than two years into the pandemic. Referred to as "pandemic orphans," these children are at increased risk of alcohol and substance abuse, dropping out of school, descending into poverty and committing suicide, according to studies. Inflicting a secondary pain on these pandemic orphans is the lack of attention to their immense suffering and the lack of urgency by government officials at all levels to do something about it. For a government that boasts of defending human rights, turning a blind eye to vulnerable children in its own country throws its credibility into doubt. A memorandum issued in early April by U.S. President Joe Biden only vaguely promised to lend federal support to pandemic orphans, who appear to be included as "individuals and families experiencing a loss due to COVID-19." Throughout the memorandum, which vows support for individuals and families suffering long-term effects of COVID-19, a clear and purposeful federal-level strategy to address COVID-19 orphanhood is nowhere to be found. Reading through the lines of the presidential memorandum, one may also easily and regretfully discover that the White House has failed to present a plan to address the psychological challenges faced by the pandemic orphans. It is undeniable that psychological intervention is among the most vital kinds of help that orphans now need. "Deprived of parental care, (orphans) can endure physical, psychological, emotional and social harm, with consequences that last a lifetime. These children are also more likely to experience violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation," read a July 2021 statement by Henrietta Fore, then the executive director of UNICEF. "To prevent and respond to this crisis for children in the immediate and long-term, it is vital that governments provide families with the emotional, practical and financial support they need," Fore said. It may already be too late. Mary Wall, a senior policy adviser on the White House's COVID-19 Response Team who will serve as the "bereavement lead," told the Atlantic magazine that the program would not have a dedicated team. Wall said additional funding might be needed at a certain point for the program to fulfill its aim. But in reality, Congress is so divided on approving additional COVID-related spending packages that lawmakers cannot even reach consensus on providing funding to ensure a continued supply of treatments, tests and vaccines -- all basic resources needed in the fight against COVID-19. A presidential strategy to combat the HIV epidemic, in which a big chunk of congressional appropriation is pledged for kids orphaned by AIDS, has been in place since 2003. But missing with COVID-19 orphans is a sense of responsibility and the will to help those hardest hit by the pandemic. "If we wanted to focus on children at home, we could absolutely do that," said Rachel Kidman, a social epidemiologist at Stony Brook University. "The expertise is there if the will is there." With another pandemic resurgence now pending, Congress has been preoccupied with funneling weapons and funds into Ukraine to help the country in the fighting that is half a globe away from the United States. The situation is dire, and government inaction will needlessly prolong the immeasurable suffering of innocent children. Unlike COVID cases that may rise and fall, orphanhood cannot come and go. Once orphaned, any sense of normalcy is likely gone forever. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Multi-billionaire Elon Musk announced that Twitter, which he recently bought, could soon charge fees for some users. In a tweet, Musk said that the social media platform will "always be free for casual users. However, "commercial/government users" might be charged with a "slight cost," according to a report from CNN. Musk said in a tweet the platform will "always be free for casual users," but there might be a "slight cost for commercial/government users." Last week, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, agreed to purchase Twitter for $44 billion. The possible huge announcement comes as a follow-up to a more mysterious tweet he posted on Tuesday, which pointed out that essentially, the Freemasons' downfall happened by "giving away their stonecutting services for nothing." Twitter will always be free for casual users, but maybe a slight cost for commercial/government users Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 3, 2022 Musk's proposal that Twitter might start charging some business and government users came as Twitter employees and millions of users waiting for details on how the takeover will affect the site he's now attempting to privatize. Over the past week, politicians in the United States and Europe have been raising concerns about Musk's acquisition of the 16-year-old social media site. Musk has noted his plan to improve "free expression" on Twitter, though he has not provided specifics on how he wants to implement it. He also informed his 90 million Twitter followers that he is working to make Twitter Direct Messages end-to-end encrypted. It's unclear how much Twitter payments would be for businesses and governments, or whether some groups, including non-profits and journalists, will be exempted. Getting Twitter Back On Top Twitter has consistently underperformed other social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in terms of revenue. Musk, who has 90.7 million Twitter followers, recently stated that he wants to improve the platform further by adding "new features." Twitter is already testing a paid subscription service called Twitter Blue in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Users may undo tweets and bookmark tweets using the premium service, which costs $2.99 per month in the United States, per CNBC. Read Also: Transnistria Says Weaponized Drone Attack Thwarted, Fears Russia Will Use the Breakaway Region of Moldova Last month, Musk said he wanted to lower the price of Twitter Blue and make improvements to the service, including removing commercials. Musk has proposed various changes to Twitter in recent tweets, including making the algorithms that curate what users see on the platform "open source," meaning it would be transparent to developers and users, as per a report from The Guardian. Musk reportedly told banks last week that he would create new ways to monetize tweets and cut executive pay to save costs on the social media platform. He also plans to develop features that will boost business income, like new methods to generate revenues from tweets on important information or go viral. Business As Usual Musk claimed at the Met Gala in New York on Monday that Twitter's reach was "niche" and that he wanted a far larger percentage of the American people to be on it. Globally, Twitter has 229 million daily users. In relation to the takeover, Twitter stated in its most recent filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that "Until the transaction closes, it is business as usual for us, including with respect to our products." The company indicated in its filing that it is "always iterating" to make their online platform "the best it can be" for its users. "When there are changes, we will be sure to communicate as we always have," Twitter said. Related Article: Elon Musk Net Worth 2022: Tesla CEO's Value Grew from $2 Billion to $279 Billion in 10 Years! @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products are displayed at a store in San Francisco on May 17, 2018. The U.S. government is set to release its long-awaited plan to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. On Thursday, April 28, 2022, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf previewed the announcement in congressional testimony, saying the proposal would reduce disease and death among smokers and help many quit. This piece was adapted from Russell Moores newsletter. Subscribe here. From all indications, the Supreme Court seems poised to overturn the almost-50-year precedent enshrining legal abortion as a constitutional right. As expected, this does not sit well with those who support Roe v. Wade (which is much of the country, according to most polls). Some are suggesting this is a manifestation of a kind of soft theocracythat those of us who are pro-life are now imposing our religious views on the rest of the country. For others, the charge is not that pro-life Americans are too consumed with abortion, but that abortion is just a stalking-horse for the real issues, which are white supremacy and Christian nationalism. The first argument is one that goes back almost to the days of Roe itself: the idea is that most people who oppose abortion do so because of a religious commitment. Sure, there might be an atheist pro-lifer here or there, the argument goes, but most people at the March for Life or working at the crisis pregnancy center near you are Roman Catholics, evangelical Protestants, or, sometimes, Orthodox Jews. According to this reasoning, to oppose legal abortion is to impose a certain religious viewpoint upon other people, and thus violate the religious freedom of those who dont believe the fetus to be a human person. That would be true, of course, if what anyone sought to do was to impose a religious dogma. Thats why I oppose, for instance, public school teachers offering a gospel invitation at the close of a class period or municipal governments declaring that the Trinity is the truth. A religion cannot and should not be coerced. I believe in religious freedom for everybodyJews, Muslims, Wiccans, atheists, my fellow evangelical Christians, etc.because I believe in the founding principles of this country. But I also believe in it because I believe, on the basis of biblical revelation, that the gospel must be received by faith, not by force. I care about not coercing people to accept my religious doctrines, not only because I think thats demonstrably bad for society, but because I think it confuses the gospel and hurts the church. But that doesnt mean religious motivations shouldnt inform what Christians, or others, care about. There are all sorts of issues one could be concerned with today. The question is always why someone is motivated to pay attention to some of them. In my community, working with Afghan refugees, helping them to resettle, find work, and provide for their families, is carried out by people with multiple different motives for doing so. One person might be, like me, an evangelical Christian who believes that because my storyline in Christ includes being on the run from Pharaoh and Herod, that I ought to care about people in a similar place of vulnerability. Someone else might care about these refugees because she was a refugee from Cuba a generation ago and feels a kinship with those hurting in that way. One person might be an Afghanistan War veteran who saw the humanity of the Afghans suffering under Taliban rule and so wants to help them. Someone else might find President Joe Biden politically offensive and is motivated by his blaming the administration for the suffering after pulling out from the country. Each of us is serving refugees for very different motivationsones we often do not share with each other. That tells you why each of us is spurred to action, but it doesnt tell you whether the action is right or wrong. In some places, laws are being written to criminally charge homeless people for sleeping in public parks. The person who opposes this because he realizes that he cant mistreat homeless people when Jesus himself was homelessis he imposing his religion on everyone else? No. Hes telling you why hes motivated to care about certain human beings. Article continues below His religion dictates his responsibilities to the homeless neighbor in front of himand the notion that they are human beings is not a specifically religious teaching. The fact that the Quran tells Muslims to care for the poor doesnt make homeless shelters the outworking of Sharia Law. The fact that the Bible tells Christians to care for widows and orphans in their distress (James 1:27) doesnt make foster-care safety nets a sign of theocracy. The second charge often leveledthat the pro-life issue is really about white supremacyis plausible to many people right now. That is because we have seen awful realities revealed in the church and the world over the past several years, which Ive written about repeatedly. Christian nationalism is real. It is a threat to the witness of the church, and its a repudiation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And, yes, weve seen the pro-life issue sometimes used by people whose viewpointsabout women, refugees, the disabled, and other vulnerable peopledo not in any way reflect a holistic pro-life vision with any integrity or consistency. In his bookBad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right, historian Randall Balmer argues against the idea that Roe v. Wade mobilized evangelicals into political action, saying that this a myth. Balmer contends that the motivating factor was, in fact, religious conservatives backlash against Carter administration initiatives to remove tax exemptions from racist all-white segregation academies run by church groups. Balmer is hardly the only one to make this case. Almost 30 years ago, historian Godfrey Hodgson quoted pastor Ed Dobson, a key lieutenant of Jerry Falwell Sr., as saying: The Religious New Right did not start because of a concern about abortion. I sat in the non-smoke-filled back room with the Moral Majority, and I frankly do not remember abortion ever being mentioned as a reason why we ought to do something. Over the past several years, a lot has been revealed. We have seen many moral causes championed by Christian leaders who later didnt seem to care about those things, but only wanted the power those issues could bring with them. It can be disorienting. Maybe you watched a pastor preach about evangelism and now you find he was really just trying to amass numbers for his own personal empire. But does that cynical use of the Great Commission mean the Great Commission is a lie? Using the call to evangelism was cunning precisely because that pastor was exploiting something true for false ends. That doesnt mean everyone who has witnessed door to door or mustered the courage to talk about faith with their neighbors is motivated by ego and power. Even with the most cynical view possible, the question is not whether some leaders used abortion when their real objectives were contradictory, immoral things instead. The question is, if thats the case, why emphasize abortion? Why not simply mobilize people to protect segregation? One can only mobilize people with something they actually care about. When one looks past the power brokers and politicians, one can see countless small pro-life ministries around the country, where people genuinely believe in caring for the suffering of their neighborfor the unborn child in danger of dying, the pregnant woman in peril of facing violence or poverty, or the born child in need of food or a home. Are there those who use abortion as simply a cudgel to say, If you dont vote for otherwise reprehensible candidates or policies, you are guilty of murder? Yes. And are there pro-choice employers who pressure women to abort because they refuse to provide the support and benefits for women with small children? Sure. Does either case nullify the central question? Are there people who support democracy because its the way they can get votes to hold office? Yes. Does that mean thats all democracy is? No. Article continues below Do not let your allies determine who your neighbor is. Once, while putting together an event on human dignity from womb to tomb, someone told me that he would participate, but only if I promised not to mention race, refugees, or migrant children. He said it was because he thought pro-life applied only to abortion. I asked if we could also talk about adoption and foster care. He said yes. I asked if we could talk about the wrongness of euthanasia. He said yes. About the sexual exploitation of women and girls? Yes. About genetic engineering and other bioethical questions? Yes. I realized he didnt want anything mentioned about race or migrants or refugees because that would get him in trouble with his political allies. I was urged to make some people invisible because an acknowledgement of their presence would be inconvenient to someone with power. But to me, that sounded exactly like the abortion culture, and I refused to avoid talking about those inconvenient people. Ive seen it work the other direction too. People will work diligently on matters of migrants, refugees, the trafficked, or the poor but who will blanche at the mention of the unbornnot because they dont believe the unborn are persons deserving of protection, but because it would put them in a camp with people they dont like or respect. Whichever way that goes, Jesus told us that defining our neighbors according to the expectations of our tribal allies can lead to nowhere good. Thats why Jesus chose a Samaritan as the neighbor in his parable about the man by the Jericho Road. Its also why Jesus did not care that his fellow Jews thought he shouldnt talk to Zacchaeus because he was a tax collector who collaborated with Rome (Luke 19:110). Jesus cared about Zacchaeus, not about his tribal standing. And neither should we. If the unborn are made in the image of God, and I believe they are, lets care for them. If women are in the image of God, and I believe they are, lets care for them. If white supremacy and Christian nationalism are of the Deviland I believe they arelets oppose them. Lets be pro-life even if that makes some of our pro-justice allies uncomfortable and lets be pro-justice even if that makes some of our pro-life allies uncomfortable. And whenever our group tells us that the price of admission is to make some other category of person invisible to us, then lets tell them that price is too high. Russell Moore leads the Public Theology Project at Christianity Today. Lebanon County Christian Ministries (LCCM) had to pivot to a new model for housing homeless families in a matter of hours. LCCM is the only family-based shelter for people temporarily without housing in its southeastern Pennsylvania community. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry worked with about a dozen churches, rotating families from congregation to congregation for two weeks at a time. But Bryan Smith, who spent 25 years as a paramedic before becoming the executive director at LCCM, watched as the coronavirus arrived in the US in early 2020 and quickly swept across the country. He knew he had to figure out an alternative. On March 13, 2020, the day President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency, Smith reached an agreement with a local hotel. He informed the management that LCCM would transfer guests in the next week or two. Two hours later, at 3 p.m. on a Friday, the contact person at the current host church informed Smith the congregation was shutting down its building and wouldnt be able to house anyone that week. We immediately called the hotel and said, Yep, now, Smith recalled. We moved our guests into the hotel that night, and that really changed the next two years of our shelter. Today, LCCM is not planning to go back to the old model. The ministry has a temporary shelter, which opened in February 2022, as it explores possibilities for a permanent location. Churches send volunteers to help, and LCCM continues to assist the congregations of Lebanon County in reevaluating how they will serve the community. LCCM isnt the only homeless ministry where temporary changes have become permanent. Across the country, organizations serving people experiencing homelessness have had to adjust. And many of them have changed for good. COVID-19 hit the rotational shelter model suddenly and hard, said Cara Bradshaw, chief impact officer with Family Promise, a New Jerseybased nonprofit with more than 200 affiliates in 43 states. Family Promise is not faith-based but has worked closely with religious congregations since it started in the 1980s. For more than 30 years, Bradshaw said, congregations have provided emergency and temporary shelter, hosting homeless families overnight, preparing meals, and welcoming them into their community. Family members leave to spend the day at work, in school, or in day centers and return to the church or synagogue. COVID-19 disrupted that model. The shelter model is highly dependent on volunteers, and a lot of the congregations have older, retired members who were involved, she said. Of course, those folks, understandably, may not have felt comfortable spending the night in close proximity. Affiliates had to quickly secure hotels, motels, vacant apartments, and even second homes and rental cabins to house homeless families, Bradshaw said. The change was meant to be temporary, but affiliates were surprised to find that there were some advantages to housing people in hotels instead of rotating them through churches. Resolving a homeless familys situation can take up to six months, and under the rotational model, that family moves from one host congregation to another every week or two. That can be disruptive and add complications to an already complicated time in peoples lives. Despite the uncertainty and the dramatic change for affiliates, religious communities maintained a similar level of involvement all through the pandemic, Bradshaw said, delivering meals to someones apartment or motel, trying to figure out transportation solutions. They still tried to find a way to stay committed to the mission and to help families. Churches mourned the loss of connection to the people they were helping, though. Vintage Church in Lawrence, Kansas, was so committed to temporarily housing people that the nondenominational church had also made space available to Family Promise for staff and leadership training, according to Deacon Godsey, the lead pastor. But that all went away, Godsey said. The number of his churchs volunteers with Family Promise decreased out of necessity during the pandemic, according to the pastor, but the number of people donating to help the homeless increased. Still, it was difficult to see one of the churchs fundamental values unfulfilled. That was hard for everybody to not be able to welcome the community into our space and to meet people and let our people interact with them and to honor the dignity of their humanity with a basic conversation and a shared meal, he said. It was the right thing to do because of the danger involved, but it was still a big challenge. Another church in the area, First Baptist, is putting more energy into food security now. If the congregation cant house people, it can still feed them, said senior pastor Matt Sturtevant. He has noticed that losing regular contact with the individuals and families his church serves causes volunteers to not be quite as energized at times. But during the pandemic, he and his congregation have rediscovered how essential relationships are in ministering to their community. When there are moments of connection, Sturtevant said, they seem to be even more powerful and more beautiful. Dana Ortiz, executive director of Family Promise of Lawrence, Kansas, who coordinated housing with 13 hosting congregations in the community, has heard this a lot in recent days. They miss that contact with the familiesso, that personal connection, which I think is a beautiful testament to how they viewed this work, she said. It wasnt just transactional; it was relational. But she is also hopeful and grateful because the last two years have raised awareness about homelessness and led toforced, evennew models for homeless ministries and organizations. The challenges with providing shelter during COVID-19, Ortiz said, have placed a focus on the importance of stabilization and prevention in helping homeless families. Both sides of the equation have become really critical to us, she said. Thats the solution. The complication of that when it involves our churches is figuring out ways we can incorporate that loving community into that equation. After more than a decade working to serve families experiencing homelessness, though, Oritz is especially glad to put the last two years behind her. Its been a hard two years, she said. It feels like a decade and a half for all of us. When Wai Lin Wong arrived in Bristol from Hong Kong in April 2021, one of the first things she did was look for a new church. I logged onto Facebook; I searched Google, she said, and found churches with webpages translated into Chinese, groups of other Hong Kongers, and sanctuaries full of people like me. That happened a lot, said Mark Nam, an Anglican priest in Bristol. As the Chinese government clamped down on the democratic freedoms of the former British colony in 2020, thousands of Hong Kongers fled to the UK thanks to a visa program that allows them to live and work in Britain with a pathway to full citizenship. Hundreds of churches announced they would welcome the Hong Kongers with open arms. They did. And cities like Bristol have since seen their churches swell with newcomers, Nam said. Anglican parishes, Chinese Protestant churches, and evangelical congregations all grew dramatically in the last year. Its been wonderful to see the welcome, Nam said last year. In recent months, UK Christians responded to another influx of refugees, this time from Ukraine. The Sanctuary Foundation, which supports potential sponsors and assists the government in rolling out its Homes for Ukraine program, said over 2,000 churches, businesses, and schools plugged into their programming or volunteered to help in some way since March. But in both cases, along with the surge of compassion, support programs, and congregational growth, there have come a host of challengesfrom bureaucratic inertia to worrying signs of prejudiced double standards. Sanctuary Foundations founder Krish Kandiah, who has been working with refugees since the 1990s, said his organization has been seeing churches welcome thousands of newcomers from Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. The outpouring of generosity by congregations, individuals, and local organizations has been immense. Amid the rush from Ukraine alone, more than 1,000 UK churches stepped up to host refugees, he said. However, enthusiasm on the part of Britains churches has not always been met with efficiency or empathy by their government. Shifts in public opinion in recent years have resulted in new legislation and changes in the UK Home Offices asylum policies. Particularly since Brexit in 2019, Britain has tried to revamp the control of its borders, stem the flow of migrants, and build more checks and balances into the asylum application process. This has meant that even if a visa program is in placesuch as in the case of Hong Kongers or Ukrainiansprocessing can be agonizingly slow. Nevertheless, migrants and asylum seekers continue to come. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a total of 133,094 refugees and 61,968 asylum seekers were living in the UK in 2019. In 2021 alone, the UK received 48,540 asylum applications, the highest total in nearly two decades and 63 percent more than in 2020. But the root and branch change of the immigration system since Brexit has made it more and more difficult to come to the UK and claim asylum, said Kandiah. This has led to a fair share of frustration among British Christians looking to warmly welcome the stranger. Even as thousands of households, numerous institutions, and many churches signed up to host and help make newcomers neighbors, many then stood by as visa applications were processed in a timespan ranging anywhere from five weeks to nine months or more. That can be frustrating, Kandiah said, but it can also be doubly-traumatizing for those fleeing conflict, political repression, or persecutiontheir lives existing in limbo as applications laboriously make their way through an overstretched system. Although Kandiah sympathizes with the discontent, he said that churches must remain patient. Likening the UKs revamped immigration system to an oil tanker headed in one direction for the last three years, he said that it will take time to turn the ship around. The UK built a system that is designed to turn away as many people as we can, he said. Now, we are trying to accept as many people as we can, as fast as we can. There is also noticeable exasperation about what looks like a two-tier system for those seeking asylum. Nathaniel Jennings, area mobilizer with OMF Internationals mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland, said it was particularly ironic timing when Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government announced a plan to partner with Rwanda to manage migration even as Johnson touted the UK as a a beacon of openness and generosity for Hong Kongers, Ukrainians, Syrians, and Afghans. Under the plan, announced mid-April, some asylum seekers who cross the English Channelwith a focus on single men arriving on boats or in truckswill be sent directly to Rwanda, a landlocked country in central Africa, for processing. From his vantage point in Belfast, Jennings said it is frustrating to see that while we are opening our nation to some people, we seem to be closing it down to everyone else. While he said the situation with people from Ukraine and Hong Kong caught peoples hearts, imaginations, and minds, it is disheartening to still see hotels full of asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East that were pretty much neglected. He hopes that as Christians respond and welcome people from Hong Kong and Ukraine into their homes, churches, and lives, it might also stir them to rethink how they are treating others. Jennings said, Its awful what is happening. We arent taking any joy in it, but God can bring good out of this. Echoing Kandiah, he said this process will take time and courageous leadership from pastors and parishioners in local churches and networks across Britain. Jennings pointed to groups like Welcome Churches, whose vision is for every refugee in the UK to be welcomed by their local church. He said they have been exemplary in facilitating church sign-ups and helping churches respond to pressing refugee and asylum seeker needs. For their part, the West of England Baptist Network (Webnet) took the step of hiring pastor Candy Choy to assist with ongoing arrivals of Hong Kongers in the southwest of England. A pastor in Hong Kong for 20 years, Choy now works with Webnet to establish and encourage connections between new arrivals from Hong Kong and local congregations. As Hong Kongers pay a personal, professional, and financial price to make a new life in the UK, Choy said it is important for various civil society institutions to provide support to help them polish their English, buy property, or find jobs. She pointed to initiatives like the Bristol Friendship Festival scheduled for May 21 and the website UKHK.org as prime examples of how the government can provide what she called physical living guides for Hong Kongers while the church provides mental, spiritual, and emotional care. With more asylum seekers expected this summer, Choy said churches are preparing Alpha courses, providing bilingual English and Cantonese services, offering empty chapels for use by Hong Kongers, or revamping their youth ministries to receive children and teenagers coming with their families. There are different models, but most churches see it as a golden time to reach newcomers, Choy said. They have been open and welcome to Hong Kongers and invest a lot of themselves for us. Kandiah said it is important for Christians to focus on good examples like these in what he said is an incredible cultural moment for the UK. Exhorting Christians to attack the policies and not the politicians, Kandiah said its important to partner with a wide range of partners in civil societyfrom the government to the media and local industryto mobilize forces for good and catalyze positive change so that the country will be ready for the next influx. There are naysayers that say its just trendy that people care about Ukraine or Hong Kong, Kandiah said, but I say its better to catch someone doing good and encourage them in the right direction rather than just critiquing the process. Sudanese couple face flogging for adultery' after court nullifies marriage over Christian conversion A young Christian couple in Sudan who have two children together face 100 lashes on charges of adultery after a Sharia (Islamic law) court nullified their marriage due to the husbands conversion to Christianity, according to a report. The couple, 34-year-old Hamouda Tia Kafi and 25-year-old Nada Hamad Shukralah from Al Jazirah state, got married in 2016 when both were Muslims and troubles began two years later after Kafi put his faith in Christ, Morning Star News said. Shukralahs family filed a case in a sharia court, which dissolved their marriage, as apostasy was a crime punishable by death at the time, it explained. In 2021, Shukralah also converted to Christianity and returned with their two children to her husband, as Sudan had decriminalized apostasy a year after the end of President Omar al-Bashirs Islamist regime. Both are members of a Baptist church. However, socially, conversion was still not accepted. Shukralahs brother charged them with adultery under Article 146 of Sudans 1991 criminal law based on the Sharia courts annulment of their marriage, leading to the couple's arrest last August. While the couple got bail four days later, the charges remained. The court has interrogated the couple after two of the witnesses told the court that the marriage between the couple is illegal. As a result, they are accused of adultery, their attorney was quoted as saying. Amid growing threats from hardline Muslims, in particular Shukralahs brother, their next hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, the attorney said. In the case of adultery by an unmarried person, Article 146 calls for a sentence of flogging and expulsion from the area. If the convicted is married, adultery is punishable by death by stoning under Article 146. After regularly being included among the worst countries in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, Sudan was removed from the U.S. State Departments list of countries of particular concern" in December 2019. The "CPC" list designates nations that tolerate or engage in egregious violations of religious freedom. However, advances in religious freedom lasted for only two years in Sudan until a military coup last October. The coup brought back fears of repression and harsh implementation of Islamic law, as an Islamist deep state rooted in former President al-Bashirs 30 years of power remains influential. Sudan is still the worlds 13th most dangerous country for Christians, according to the Open Doors 2022 World Watch List. Journey Church day care workers charged with child abuse: Like something out of a horror story' Chief Assistant District Attorney C.J. Robinson of the 19th Judicial Circuit said the abuse suffered by at least seven children under the age of 2 at the hands of three former workers at a day care run by Journey Church of the River Region in Prattville, Alabama, was like something out of a horror story." "You look at this and it's a sickening level of abuse," Robinson said at a press conference Monday, as reported by The Montgomery Advertiser. The former workers Alice Sorrells, Leah Livingston and Susan Baker, who previously worked for East Memorial Baptist Church's day care center before it closed in December have all been charged with one count each of felony child abuse and failure to report child abuse as a court-mandated reporter. The investigation of the abuse allegedly meted out to the children began after a potential employee who was shadowing the former day care workers witnessed inappropriate behavior and reported it to the director of the day care, who alerted Prattville police. "The safety and well-being of our children is and remains our top priority," LeeAnn Manning, a spokeswoman for the church, told The Montgomery Advertiser. "Immediately upon our discovery of misconduct, we terminated all 3 three individuals. We promptly contacted law enforcement as well as all state entities to which we report, and we have been fully cooperating and working together with law enforcement and its investigators. Manning further noted that the church also met with parents of the abused children. We have been and continue to pray for the families involved, she said. Robinson confirmed that both leaders of the church and the day care center have been cooperative with law enforcement. "As soon as there were allegations of abuse they contacted Prattville police. They have done everything you would expect to assist in the investigation, he said. Robinson said when the abuse was first reported to the director of the day care, they pulled footage from the last 30 days. They claim to have found multiple incidents of child abuse going back to Feb. 22, according to AL.com. The videos showed shoving and striking of the children though none of them suffered serious physical injuries as a result. These are non-talking children, most of these are non-walking children, so they cant go home and say so and so hurt me, Robinson said. We are relying solely on the footage we have. Robinson further noted that he intends to call a special grand jury later this month and anticipates up to 40 counts of felony child abuse between the three suspects. I cried. I hated it for these children. No child should go through that, Robinson said about the emotions he experienced while watching footage of the abuse. And then immediately after that, I was enraged, he added. Since turning these people over to the parents of these children is not an option based off the oath Ive sworn, then my job is to hold them accountable. Oregon schools place tampons in boys' and girls' restrooms for 'menstrual dignity' State advises schools to say 'menstruating students' instead of girls Schools in Oregon will place menstrual products in all student restrooms, including the boys bathroom, reportedly to affirm the right to menstrual dignity for their transgender, intersex, nonbinary, and two spirit students. The Oregon Department of Education released a Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit in March, instructing schools to place womens hygiene products in the boys and girls restrooms by the end of the 2023 school year. All education providers must also provide instructions on how to use the products in a way that is "medically-accurate" and affirms students gender identities. The toolkit also advises schools to use gender-affirming language" when talking about menstruation, such as menstruating students instead of girls. During puberty education, staff members should say, someone with a uterus and ovaries may begin to menstruate instead of girls may begin to menstruate. In addition, the document says that schools should use the term menstrual products instead of feminine hygiene products for the sake of inclusivity. When referring to students, the toolkit suggests using students, folks everyone, learners, or they/them instead of boys and girls or he or she. Oregons Department of Education appears to be complying with House Bill 3294, The Menstrual Dignity Act, signed into law last year by Gov. Kate Brown. The act requires schools to provide free menstrual products for all students in elementary, middle and high school. The legislation also created the Menstrual Dignity for Students Program to alleviate the economic and experiences of shame that can prevent access to period products. A statement released in support of the bill cited a joint study conducted by Thinx Inc., a period solutions company known for creating period-proof underwear; and PERIOD, a youth-led nonprofit that combats period-related stigma. The study analyzed 1,000 U.S. teens ages 13 to 19 and their access to menstrual products. The survey suggested that one in five teens cannot afford the cost of menstrual products, and one in four have reportedly missed class due to a lack of access to period products. While the study said economic barriers pose a significant barrier, it asserted that cultural and structural obstacles are also part of the problem. Under the act, schools were required to provide dispensers in at least two restrooms per school and all restrooms by this upcoming July. Roseburg High School published a November article in its student newspaper, Orange R, titled, Students Perspective: Menstrual Dignity Act. Sage Acree, a sophomore at the time, said she found out about the free products via a school email and then saw them in the bathroom. Im glad they added products in the bathroom for the girls, but when the products are literal garbage, it doesnt really help a lot of people, she said in a statement to the paper, noting the poor quality of the feminine hygiene products. Another student, Jaiden Cerda, also a sophomore at the time, provided a guys point of view about the presence of womens hygiene products in the boys bathroom. The teen disclosed that many boys were using the products in a disrespectful way rather than how they should be used. Its not good because its against the law, and if you get caught, you can get into huge trouble, Cerda. Oregon is not the only state to require schools to place menstrual products in the boys and girls restrooms. House Bill 156 in Illinois was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last August, requiring schools to provide free menstrual products in boys and girls restrooms for grades four through 12. During debates about the Illinois legislation, Washington Examiner reported that State Rep. Kathleen Willis said the bill is necessary to address the health needs of female students who identify as the opposite gender. If you are biologically a female, but identifying as a male, youre going to menstruate and youre going to need these products, Willis said. Christian organizations, like Focus on the Family, believe that God only created two genders, encouraging Christians and encourages Christians seek to live in grace and truth. Though your child may be confused or influenced by messages to the contrary, we believe theres comfort in the assurance that God created your child in His image distinctly male or female," the organization stated in a 2017 document. While the organization contended that there is no quick fix or easy answer for individuals who may be suffering from gender dysphoria, it proposed prayer, counsel and the power of the Holy Spirit as potential tools for helping children embrace their biological sex. As a parent, you have the opportunity to encourage and nurture your child toward embracing this truth and pursuing Gods design for his or her life, Focus on the Family wrote. The US Department of Education approved $6.8 billion in student debt relief for more than 113,000 borrowers after President Joe Biden made some revisions to its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. President Biden modified the program in October, allowing nonprofit and government employees to have their federal student loan debt wiped after ten years of payments, or 120 installments, according to a Bloomberg report. While the debt forgiveness will be welcomed by individuals who qualify, it only accounts for 0.26 % of the 43.4 million Americans overwhelmed by the US student loan debt. As the deadline for the student loan payment moratorium comes at the end of August, Biden was under pressure to fulfill his campaign promise to cancel $10,000 in student loans per borrower. Biden stated that he would either extend the moratorium, which has been in effect since the outbreak of COVID-19, or forgive some debt before then. Additionally, we should forgive a minimum of $10,000/person of federal student loans, as proposed by Senator Warren and colleagues. Young people and other student debt holders bore the brunt of the last crisis. It shouldn't happen again. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) March 22, 2020 The White House is reviewing Biden's legal authority to waive student loan debt through executive action. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, the president is considering restricting his student loan forgiveness scheme to people with income below $125,000 per year. A $10,000 per borrower forgiveness would clear loans for 15 million people. Tips for Those Who Want To Avail Student Loan Forgiveness Higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz advised people wanting to take advantage of the program to act immediately because the Biden administration's new guidelines for public service loan forgiveness are set to expire on October 31. Suppose you have a Federal Family Education Debt (FFEL) or a Federal Perkins Loan, which don't ordinarily qualify for public service loan forgiveness but do now. In that case, you'll need to consolidate them with your servicer into direct loans. According to Kantrowitz, consolidation takes 30 to 45 days. He said that borrowers should accomplish this process "even if they don't expect to have 120 payments by the deadline, as the previously ineligible payments will count only if they do this." Read Also: Turbo Tax To Pay Customers $141 Million For Misleading Free Tax-Filing Services It is also required for borrowers to establish that their effort was considered public service for any period that they want to be considered toward forgiveness, as per a CNBC report. To do so, submit an employer certification form to your servicer for each employment you've had throughout your timeframe. Kantrowitz added that borrowers who are now unemployed or not employed in the public sector may still be eligible for amnesty if they have made 120 qualifying payments in the past. Is Amnesty for All Student Loans in the US Possible? Within weeks, Biden will decide on whether or not to forgive all student loans. If Biden eradicates student loans, he'll have to deal with various issues as well. Per Forbes, since the legislative option is not viable, expect Biden to pursue either executive action or a regulatory change if he decides to cancel student loans. Moreover, anticipate eligibility limits if Biden cancels $10,000 in student loans for debtors. This might include, for example, limiting student loan relief to only federal and college student loans. There may be income restrictions, which might rule out student loan debtors with higher earnings. Related Article: Twitter Payments Coming Soon? Elon Musk Hints "Slight Cost" for Business, Government Users @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Retired pastor charged with stealing $357K from Pennsylvania church A former pastor at a church in Pennsylvania has been charged with stealing over $357,000 from the congregation he served for 40 years. The Rev. Wayne Peck, who retired from being the pastor of Community House Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh in 2017, turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Peck was charged with receiving stolen property and theft, with the former pastor having allegedly stolen $357,478 from the church. Detectives said Peck took the large sum from the churchs account at First National Bank via checks made payable to himself and deposited into accounts controlled by himself and his wife. The Peck family then allegedly used the $357,000 taken from the churchs account to pay their mortgage, travel and meals, and utility bills, the Post-Gazette reported. The congregation and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Presbytery of Pittsburgh reached out to the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office after they became aware of irregularities in their finances, according to news outlet WPXI. Julia Gitelman, attorney for Peck, was quoted by WPXI as saying that she believed it was shocking that the Pittsburgh Presbytery has chosen to resolve an honest dispute in this manner. Peck and his congregation have ties to the More Light Presbyterians, an LGBT advocacy group that successfully lobbied for the PCUSA to change its official position against homosexuality and same-sex marriage. In 2012, Peck and Jan Leo of Community House Presbyterian received the National More Light Church Award for their efforts, according to the TribLive news site. On its official Facebook page, Community House Presbyterian describes itself as a progressive community full of intellect and passion. We celebrate and share the gracious love of God who welcomes everyone to the table of grace, peace and light, stated the church. At our church, you find more than an intimate community of acceptance and a sense of belonging: you also find your authentic spiritual home. According to CBS Pittsburgh, the church has about 50 members. Social justice is injustice The Christian left objects to inequality of incomes and wealth because they want justice, they say. In other words, people earning different amounts of income violates justice. The left makes up only about 10% of evangelicals, but they enjoy the favor of the mainstream media and so are much noisier than the majority. Pinning down a definition of justice is difficult these days. It means something different to everyone while socialists work overtime to create as much confusion as possible. And they have done well. Take for instance the phrase climate justice. What does that even mean? Still, many take it for granted that inequality is injustice. Former President Barak Obama said, Ive been told of the injustice in the growing divide between Main Street and Wall Street by the lowest-paid workers and the wealthiest billionaires. Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, wrote in Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street, For three decades, we have experienced a social engineered inequality that is really a sin of biblical proportions. We have indeed seen class warfare, but this war has been waged by the wealthy and their political allies against the poor and the middle class. Tim Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, expresses a similar view: "If you do not actively and generously share your resources with the poor, you are a robber. You are unjust. He makes a similar claim in his article, The Gospel and the Poor, saying, To fail to share what you have is not just uncompassionate, but unfair, unjust. Christians can study all that philosophers from Plato to Plantinga have written on the subject and will be more confused than when they started. The philosophers goal seems to be to hammer the concept of justice into the idol of their idea of a good society. Instead, Christians should be concerned with how God defines justice. Theologians have labored to obscure the topic as much as philosophers but this aint rocket surgery. The Hebrew Bible has two primary words they say mean justice, tsadaqa and mishpat. The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote of tsadaqua the following: Tzedek/tzedakah is almost impossible to translate, because of its many shadings of meaning: justice, charity, righteousness, integrity, equity, fairness and innocence. It certainly means more than strictly legal justice, for which the Bible uses words like mishpat and din. Tzedek: Justice and Compassion The Evangelical left conflate the two Hebrew words, tsadaqa and mishpat, in order to claim that giving to the poor is not charity but justice, meaning that to not give is theft. This tradition began early in Christian history. The Church Father Ambrose wrote, It is no less a crime to take from him that has, than to refuse to succor the needy when you can and are well off. And Chrysostom wrote, Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs. In other words, property doesnt exist. If we take those comments literally then the poor should be able to go to court and sue the rich for more charity because the lack of concern for the poor is the same as breaking into our neighbors house and stealing his wifes diamond necklaces. The Christian left doesnt want that. It wants the state to take from the rich and distribute to the poor. But is that what God had in mind with the concepts involved in tsadaqa and mishpat? This is where Greek can help clarify because it tends to be more precise than Hebrew. The Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, usually translates Mishpat by nouns derived from krino, such as krisis, krineis,krima, meaning to judge, punish, vindicate, and obtain justice, according to the Dictionary of New Testament Theology (DNTT). Judges were called kritai. The Louw and Nida Lexicon says krino means to decide a question of legal right or wrong, and thus determine the innocence or guilt of the accused and assign appropriate punishment or retribution. The Septuagint usually translates Tsadaqa as dikaiosune, or righteousness. The DNTT says, Righteousness in the OT is not a matter of actions conforming to a given set of absolute legal standards, but of behavior in keeping with the relationship between God and humans. To summarize, the Hebrew mishpat and the Greek krisei, krisis, krineis, and krima refer to judicial activity in courts of law when applied to humans. Tsadaqa and dikaiosune refer to personal righteousness in relation to God and other people that doesnt involve courts or legal standards. Of course, there is some connection. Righteous people will want to implement justice and evil ones to pervert it. Legal justice is the lower standard of morality, but that doesnt mean they are synonyms. The Bible often uses the words together, signaling that they refer to different concepts. In the following verses, the Hebrew word is given first followed by the Greek in parentheses. Leviticus 19:15 says, You shall do no injustice in court (mishpat, krisei). You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness (tsadaqa, dikaiosune) shall you judge (tishpot, verb of mishpat, krineis) your neighbor. (ESV) Psalm 89:14 says, Righteousness (tsadaq, dikaiosyne) and justice (mishpat, krima) are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Psalm 106:3 states, Blessed are they who observe justice (mishpat, krisin), who do righteousness (tsadaqa, dikaiosune) at all times! When justice (mishpat, krima) is done, it is a joy to the righteous (tsadaqa, dikaion) but terror to evildoers. (Proverbs 21:15,) Amos 5:24 demands, But let justice (mishpat, krima) roll down like water, righteousness (tsadaqa, dikaiosyne) like an ever-flowing stream. Learn to do good; seek justice (mishpat, krisin), correct oppression; bring justice (mishpat, krisin) to the fatherless, and please the widow's cause, (Isaiah 1:17). God often condemned the rich in the prophetic books for dealing unjustly with the poor and the Christian left interprets those passages to mean that a society is unjust if poverty exists. In reality, the princes who governed the nation bribed judges in courts to pervert the law and steal the lands of the poor. The injustice the prophets railed against was legal injustice, not the lack of charity. Justice is the only job of government, and the nation of Israel perverted it. The Bible never recommends, let alone requires an equal distribution of wealth. Why? Because people are sinners and if the government redistributed wealth indiscriminately, as the US does today, it would reward laziness, drunkenness, criminal behavior and drug use, the chief causes of poverty in the book of Proverbs. Some of the confusion over social justice derives from ignorance of economics and clinging to the medieval view of wealth that one person can grow wealthier only at the expense of others. Before the advent of capitalism, most wealthy people stole their wealth from others. Afterwards, the West outlawed those methods so that people must create wealth honestly through commerce. But what about the Torah poor laws? Keller wrote in Justice in the Bible, The Sabbath year law required that every seventh year all debts were cancelled (Deuteronomy 15:7-10). An even more radical law was the law of the Jubilee year. Every 50 years, the land went back to its original allotments (Leviticus 25:8-55).Then there were the laws of gleaning. Landowners were not to harvest out to the edges of their field, maximizing profits for themselves, and then later out of their great wealth, help the poor only through philanthropy. Theologians like Calvin have taught that the basic theological ideas about wealth and justice reflected in the Mosaic laws are abiding. As a result, we can say that to be radically generous is not only a matter of mercy, but of justice. Justice in the Bible Pastor Keller would be right if in ancient Israel the poor could take a farmer to court for not leaving enough gleanings or disobeying the Sabbath year and Jubilee laws. But we know from scholars that the government of Israel, the courts, did not adjudicate such laws. They handled the civil laws, thou shalt not steal or murder, and left the moral and poor laws and tithing to God to enforce. Still, even if socialists learned better economics and interpreted the Torah laws appropriately, they would demand that the state redistribute wealth more equally. The only motivation for it would be envy. Those who insist they want to redistribute wealth because they care about justice have merely redefined envy as justice. Biden speaks of new hope, moment of renewal in National Day of Prayer Proclamation President Joe Biden spoke of the United States having a new hope and a moment of renewal as the nation observes the National Day of Prayer. In a proclamation issued the day before the observance, Biden explained that, on the Day of Prayer, we recognize the healing power of prayer, especially as we recover from the trauma and loss of the COVID19 pandemic. Today we find ourselves in a moment of renewal of lives saved, of new jobs created, and of new hope for rebuilding America, stated Biden. The president said the day calls for a moment of reflection when we are called to address some of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced." He listed climate change, attacks on democracy at home and abroad and living up to national principles like justice, liberty and equality as examples. I call upon the citizens of our Nation to give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for Gods continued guidance, mercy, and protection, he continued. Last year, Biden garnered controversy for his Day of Prayer proclamation, the first that he issued as president, due to the official statement omitting any direct mention of God. Joe Bidens National Day of Prayer Proclamation has been released and it doesnt even mention God once! Christian Broadcasting Network Chief Political Correspondent David Brody commented on Twitter last year. How do you release a proclamation about prayer and not mention God at all? Of course it mentions climate change & racial justice. Truly, this is pathetic ... and not surprising. In contrast, former President Donald Trumps 2020 proclamation directly mentioned God 11 times, while former President Barack Obamas 2016 proclamation directly mentioned God twice. Created in 1952 by an Act of Congress, the National Day of Prayer is held every year on the first Thursday in May and has had the official endorsement of presidents from both major parties. In addition to the proclamation, the Day of Prayer often includes tens of thousands of local events across the U.S. aimed at praying for the nation's well-being. The observance has not been without controversy, as some secular groups have argued that the proclamations violate the separation of church and state and thus should be discontinued. At one point, the prominent atheist organization the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed suit against the Obama administration over the proclamation practice. Although one judge ruled in the organization's favor in 2010, the decision was overturned in 2011 via a unanimous ruling from a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Seventh Circuit Chief Judge Frank Easterbrook authored the panel opinion, concluding that the FFRF lacked the standing to sue Obama over the prayer proclamation, stating that hurt feelings differ from legal injury. Plaintiffs have not altered their conduct one whit or incurred any cost in time or money. All they have is disagreement with the Presidents action, wrote Easterbrook. But unless all limits on standing are to be abandoned, a feeling of alienation cannot suffice as injury in fact. Most Americans want Roe upheld but over half favor 15-week abortion ban, polls suggest A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll suggests that most Americans do not want the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, but a recent Fox News poll shows that about half of registered voters favor banning abortions past six weeks gestation. The national survey from ABC News/Washington Post, released Tuesday, polled a random sample of 1,004 adults by phone from April 24 to April 28. The poll, which had a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points, asked Americans for their thoughts about the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The poll report maintains that support for upholding Roe is 6 percentage points lower than in an ABC/Post poll conducted last November but contends that views on whether abortion should remain legal have been mostly stable in polling over the past 27 years. In the most recent ABC/Post poll, 54% said the Supreme Court should uphold Roe and 28% wanted it overturned. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances, while 37% thought that it should be illegal in all or most cases. When asked whether they would support a law in their state banning abortions after six weeks gestation, 58% of respondents indicated that they would oppose it. Fifty-seven percent of participants said they oppose banning abortions abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but how late into the pregnancy those surveyed think abortion should be available remains unclear. A majority of participants (82%) believed that abortion should be legal when the womans physical health is at risk, with 12% opposed. And 79% thought it should be legal if the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest, while 16% did not. Sixty-seven percent said abortion should be legal if the unborn child has serious birth defects, with 23% opposed. Forty-eight percent said they support legal abortion in cases where the mother cannot afford a child and 45% disagreed. A Fox News poll conducted from April 28 to May 1 by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research suggests that 54% of over 1,000 registered voters surveyed believed their state should ban abortions after 15 weeks of gestation, while 41% opposed such a ban. Exactly one-half of respondents expressed support for banning abortions after six weeks of gestation, while 46% thought abortion should remain legal beyond the first six weeks of pregnancy. The poll has an error margin of +/-3 percentage points. Pollsters completed their surveys in advance of a Monday Politico report on a leaked draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health, authored by Justice Samuel Alito. The draft opinion, which is not final, called for a reversal of Roe as part of a ruling upholding Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. Michael J. New, researcher and associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute, told The Christian Post that he believes the poll released by ABC News is a flawed assessment of Americans views on Roe. First, it fails to explain that Roe v. Wade effectively legalized abortion on demand for all nine months of pregnancy, New wrote in a Wednesday email to CP. This is a policy position that only a small percentage of Americans support. A 1976 document authored by Grover Rees III titled State Protection of the Viable Unborn Child After Roe v. Wade: How Little, How Late? outlined the standards for fetal viability found in Roe and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton. Roe permitted states to ban abortion after viability, which the court stated is is usually placed at about seven months (28 weeks) but may, occur earlier, even at 24 weeks. Doe ruled that the states must allow post-viability abortions if the pregnancy, based on a physicians best clinical judgment, poses a risk to the womans health. It defined these potential risks as anything relevant to the well-being of the patient, such as physical, emotional, psychological and familial complications or the womans age. The court bolstered Roe and Doe in its 1992Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, affirming that states must make exceptions for post-viability abortions if the womans life is at risk. Critics of U.S. abortion law, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have asserted that the standards for abortion set forth by Roe and Doe, and later upheld by Casey, permit abortion for any reason and during any stage of pregnancy. According to a January 2022 Marist poll commissioned by the Knights of Columbus, nearly three-quarters (71%) of Americans believed that elective abortion should only be allowed during the first trimester of pregnancy, in cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother. Only 17% of those surveyed said abortion should be legal throughout every trimester and for any reason. New mentioned that, since 1996, six Gallup polls suggested that at least 80% of Americans felt that abortion should be generally illegal during the last three months of pregnancy. According to those same polls, at least 64% of Americans thought abortion should be generally illegal during the second trimester. Another issue New noted regarding the ABC News/Post survey is that it does not appear that pollsters explained to participants what happens if the court overturns Roe. As the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute pointed out, overturning Roe would allow individual states to determine the legality of abortion, a fact not everyone seems to know. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, abortion is not banned, the pro-life scholar explained. According to a 2019 study published in the Sexuality Research and Social Policy Journal, 65.7% of Americans sampled thought that overturning Roe would make abortion illegal across the entire country. The study authors recommended researchers use comprehensive mechanisms when assessing a complex issue like Roe. They also advised policymakers to avoid making decisions based on data from single, simplistic items. Overall, this recent ABC News poll provides little insight about U.S. attitudes toward legal abortion and only serves to mislead people, New added. Democrats push for adding justices to Supreme Court following leak of draft opinion on abortion Chief Justice John Roberts calls leak a 'betrayal,' orders investigation The leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade is leading to renewed calls from Democratic lawmakers to expand the number of justices on the court and pursue legislative means to legalize nationwide. On Monday, Politico published a story unveiling the contents of a draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization authored by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. The draft opinion, which fellow Republican-appointed Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas signed on to, concludes that Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which established and upheld a right to abortion, respectively, must be overruled. Top Democrats in Washington reacted with contempt to the draft opinion, which was dated Feb. 10 and is still subject to change, as the courts official ruling in Dobbs has not been released. In a statement released by the Supreme Court on Tuesday verifying the authenticity of the draft opinion, the court said it does not reflect a final ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. said whoever released the draft, committed a "betrayal" and called for an investigation into the leak. "To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed," Roberts said. "The work of the Court will not be affected in any way. He continued: "We at the Court are blessed to have a workforce permanent employees and law clerks alike intensely loyal to the institution and dedicated to the rule of law. Court employees have an exemplary and important tradition of respecting the confidentiality of the judicial process and upholding the trust of the Court. This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here. "I have directed the Marshal of the Court to launch an investigation into the source of the leak." President Joe Biden issued a statement Tuesday stressing that we do not know whether this draft is genuine, or whether it reflects the final decision of the court. He vowed that his administration will be ready when any ruling is issued. If the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nations elected officials at all levels of government to protect a womans right to choose, Biden added. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., issued a joint statement Monday evening warning: If the report is accurate, the Supreme Court is poised to inflict the greatest restriction of rights in the past fifty years not just on women but on behalf of all Americans. They also maintained that a Supreme Court decision overturning Roe would go down as an abomination and one of the worst and most damaging decisions in modern history. Ahead of the Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs, which deals with a 15-week abortion ban in Mississippi, Democratic senators threatened that any decision overturning Roe v. Wade would lead to an acceleration in their push to add justices to the Supreme Court, a process critics refer to as court-packing. Now that a draft opinion has surfaced indicating that a majority of justices seem inclined to overturn Roe, those threats are resurfacing. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., took to Twitter Monday to call for drastic action to stop this horrifying injustice in this tracks, which included a demand to Expand the Supreme Court. Warren also expressed a desire to end the filibuster and codify #RoevWade with a national law protecting rights. While the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives has already approved the Womens Health Protection Act, which would codify Roe into law and restrict the ability of states to pass abortion restrictions, the measure died in the Senate. End the filibuster. Codify #RoeVWade with a national law protecting abortion rights. Expand the Supreme Court. Stop this horrifying injustice in its tracks. Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) May 3, 2022 The Democrats have a narrow 50-50 majority in the Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote, and the filibuster rule requires most legislation to secure 60 votes for passage. However, Schumer indicated Tuesday that the Senate would hold another vote on the Womens Health Protection Act. "This is as urgent and as real as it gets": Senate Majority Leader Schumer vows to hold a vote codifying Roe v. Wade in the wake of a leaked draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court over the longstanding law. https://t.co/2zmItOkuofpic.twitter.com/dtKPQkBk4N MSNBC (@MSNBC) May 3, 2022 Warren is one of three Senate Democrats who have signed on as cosponsors to the Judiciary Act of 2021, which would increase the number of Supreme Court justices from nine to 13. Since the court currently consists of six judges appointed by Republican presidents and three justices appointed by Democratic presidents, adding four new jurists to the bench would nullify the Republican-appointed majority. While the idea of adding justices to the Supreme Court has gained traction among many on the Left, it received a cool reception from one of their most beloved icons: the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In a 2019 interview with NPR, the late Supreme Court justice, who consistently voted to uphold existing abortion precedent during her tenure on the bench, asserted that Nine seems to be a good number. Its been that way for a long time, she noted. Specifically, the Judiciary Act of 1869 set the number of justices at nine and the size of the court has remained the same ever since. Describing increasing the number of judges as a bad idea, Ginsburg predicted that it would make the court look partisan. She denounced the idea of one side saying, When were in power, were going to enlarge the number of judges, so we have more people who would vote the way we want them to. While calls to add more justices to the Supreme Court have intensified as the prospect of significant changes to abortion law looms large, the Judiciary Act of 2021 predates the courts announcement that it would hear the Dobbs case. The initial efforts to expand the size of the Supreme Court stem from outrage over the Senates handling of vacancies on the bench that have materialized in recent years. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a co-sponsor of the Judiciary Act of 2021 in the House, first called for an expansion of the Supreme Court following the confirmation of the Barrett, a Trump appointee, to the court in October 2020, just a week before the 2020 presidential election. Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, elaborated on the source of Democratic outrage surrounding the appointments of Barrett and Gorsuch. On Feb. 13, 2016, Republican-appointed Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died unexpectedly, York recalled. On March 16, [then-President Barack] Obama nominated then-Judge Merrick Garland to replace Scalia. But Republicans had a 54-seat majority in the Senate. Then-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell refused to consider the Garland nomination, arguing that the decision on who should be on the court should wait for the next president, York added. "McConnell cited the fact that it was a presidential election year as the justification for his position. Republican Donald Trump ultimately won the election and therefore got to appoint Scalias replacement. From a Democratic point of view, the first of Trumps choices, Gorsuch, was illegitimate, because it filled the seat Obama should have been allowed to fill, York explained. When another Supreme Court vacancy popped up a month-and-a-half before the 2020 presidential election following Ginsburgs death, the Republican-controlled Senate worked to swiftly confirm Barrett, even though it had argued four years earlier that voters should decide who should pick the next Supreme Court justice if a vacancy occurs in an election year. York contended that the Democrats also view Barrett as illegitimate. The fact that two presidents who did not win the popular vote but won the Electoral College appointed four of the five justices voting to overturn Roe in the draft opinion only compounds Democrats concerns about the courts legitimacy and the nature of our political institutions, York added. Pro-life groups continue legal battle against NY law forcing them to hire pro-choice job seekers A church and two pro-life groups are continuing their legal battle against a New York state law that, according to them, will force them to hire people who support abortion. CompassCare, First Bible Baptist Church in Hilton, and the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates filed their notice of appeal last week with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. At issue is a New York Labor Law that bans employers from discriminating against employees based on their reproductive healthcare decisions, including having an abortion. The plaintiffs are being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a law firm that has argued and won religious liberty cases at the U.S. Supreme Court. It is imperative religious employers be able to continue to hire like-minded individuals who share their core beliefs, and no government can force faith-based organizations to contradict those convictions, said ADF Senior Counsel Denise Harle in a statement Friday. We are asking the 2nd Circuit to uphold the constitutionally protected freedoms of our clients as they fulfill their critical service to the community. In November 2019, then New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed Senate Bill 660, which became Labor Law 203-e and, among other things, barred employers from requiring employees to sign a document that purports to deny an employee the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions and also denied them access to an employees reproductive health history. Shortly after the law was signed, the three groups filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, claiming that the law was a transparent attempt to meddle in the affairs of religious and pro-life organizations by forcing them to employ and associate with those persons who do not share or live by the organizations beliefs regarding abortion, contraception, and the impropriety of sexual relations outside the context of a marriage between a man and a woman. In late March, U.S. District Judge Thomas McAvoy permanently enjoined the state from enforcing a provision of the law that required the groups to communicate the law in employee handbooks. Liberty U faces federal investigation as another student claims rape allegation was mishandled Another former student has claimed that Liberty University failed to properly investigate her allegation of sexual assault, prompting the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the school's handling of assault allegations. The lawsuit, filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, argues that Liberty failed to provide Plaintiff with services or reasonable accommodations required under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act, and other laws. According to the complaint, student Jane Doe was raped by another student on April 27, 2021, at an off-campus student housing complex called The Oasis. The lawsuit claims that the university didn't investigate the claim and later accused her of violating the student code of conduct. The lawsuit comes after a class-action lawsuit was filed last year by a dozen students who made similar allegations. The U.S. Department of Education is now investigating Liberty University's handling of reported sexual assaults and the school's compliance with the Clery Act, which requires schools to support victims of sexual violence. The incident involving Doe was said to have occurred following a party at the pool and courtyard of the apartment complex. "Excessive and underage drinking" allegedly occurred for hours "unabated and unmonitored." The alleged perpetrator was accused of being intoxicated and following Doe to her room when she went to change clothes. Inside the room, Doe alleges she was raped and strangled despite her best attempts to escape. The lawsuit makes clear that the advances were unwanted. Doe said she texted friends to come to help her escape the situation, and Doe immediately reported the crime to campus authorities. Despite their knowledge of the incident, Liberty failed to investigate the matter and did not take any action or protective measures in response, claimed the lawsuit. Instead, Liberty demonstrated systematic deliberate indifference, retaliated against the Plaintiff, and perpetuated a sexually hostile and dangerous environment on and around campus. The complaint states that because of Libertys conduct, Plaintiff Jane Doe suffered immense damages, including damage to her academic standing, being ostracized from the university community and being accused by the administration of violating the 'Liberty Way' (Libertys code of student conduct). [Jane Doe] lived in regular fear of encountering her assailant on and around campus, and dealt with daily mental, emotional, and psychological trauma, continued the complaint. Ultimately, Plaintiff was forced out of Liberty University. A Liberty University spokesperson told The Christian Post in an emailed statement Monday that the university has not reviewed the lawsuit and therefore declines to make a specific, public comment on the suit at this time. Liberty University will certainly address these claims in court," the statement reads. Also listed as plaintiffs are companies that have owned and operated The Oasis off-campus "students only" housing complex. "No security or other personnel of The Oasis took any measures to prohibit the excessive and underage drinking that took place for hours in the common areas of the complex," the lawsuit claims. Hours after the alleged rape, the plaintiff went to a local hospital to undergo forensic examination and filed a police report with a Campbell County Sheriffs Department deputy. The lawsuit claims photographs were taken of numerous bruises and lacerations on her body and she was discharged the next day. Doe also reported the assault to Liberty University campus police but was told that campus police would not investigate the incident because it was outside of their jurisdiction. Doe claims she was told to file a report with the school's Title IX office. Despite contacting the Title IX office, Doe alleges the school didn't investigate her claims for the rest of the semester. The lawsuit claimed Doe was contacted in late May about an investigation into another student's "substance use policy. "[The school's] outreach had nothing to do with the rape and assault reported to Liberty, but rather was the beginning of a months-long effort by Liberty to harass, intimidate, and retaliate against the Plaintiff," the lawsuit alleges. The lawsuit comes after 12 women filed a class-action lawsuit against Liberty last Jule, accusing the Lynchburg-based higher education institution of failing to adequately investigate credible claims of sexual assault. The complaint argued that Liberty created an unsafe campus environment by misusing its honor code, The Liberty Way. The code, among other things, prohibits extramarital sex, consuming alcohol and attending events where alcohol is served. The Liberty spokesperson directed CP to a statement from last October, in which Liberty President Jerry Prevo defended the evangelical Christian schools code of conduct. The Liberty Way should never be misused to cover up wrongdoing. It is also the case that as a Christian university we will remain unwavering in our commitment to cultivating a culture in our Liberty community that honors Gods Word and embraces Gods principles for life, stated Prevo at the time. While The Liberty Way must never be used to discourage victims from reporting wrongdoing, we also believe that we do not have to choose between embracing our code of conduct as a Christian university and in complying with our legal Title IX obligations. We can do both at the same time, and we will do so. A Liberty University spokesperson said the school "welcomes" the Department of Education's investigation into its Cleary Act compliance program and pledged "full cooperation." "We have also committed to work collaboratively with the Department to address any potential compliance gaps identified through the review," the spokesperson said in a statement sent to WDBJ7. "Our Clery Compliance Officer, in the Office of Equity and Compliance, works closely with the Liberty University Police Department and campus partners to prioritize campus safety and fulfill the requirements of the Clery Act." The war in Ukraine reminds us that the founding of Israel was essential Alla Oleshko, an 86-year-old Jewish woman living in Kharkiv, Ukraine, remembers when the bombs began to fall. The Russians were aiming for the TV tower right in front of her house. The first time, only the windows of the house blew out. The second time, the front door was demolished by a blast, Oleshko told us. She lost both of her legs a few years ago, making it difficult to escape to a shelter. This is not the first time, however, that Oleshko has found herself in the middle of a war. She lived through the terrible siege of Leningrad during World War II and recalls how the Nazis bombed the city. Her father died shortly after fighting on the frontlines, and her little brother got hypothermia during their evacuation and died. I survived the Holocaust when I was a child, and here again the war came to my door, Oleshko says. Sadly, her story is not unique. The team from my organization, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, which is currently on the ground in Ukraine, has heard many similar heartbreaking stories from Jews in the country. These stories remind us that many are suffering all over again and are looking for a place of refuge and are finding it in Israel. As I write this, Israel is preparing to celebrate its 74th birthday. Yom HaAtzmaut Israels Independence Day begins sundown on May 4 and ends on the evening of May 5. In some ways our celebrations look like those in America on July 4: we gather in parks, enjoy fireworks at night, and grill meat (though the fare is usually kebabs instead of hamburgers and hot dogs). Of course, we reflect on our remarkable history as a modern democracy in the Middle East, of all places. We reflect on how many paid the highest cost to ensure our freedom (a fact that we recognize just a day prior on Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day). Independence Day in Israel is a day both to celebrate our political achievements and a deeply spiritual day when we reflect on Gods promises and thank Him for His endless mercy. Many recognized the establishment of the modern state of Israel as an act of God. For millennia the Jewish people yearned to return to their ancestral homeland. So, on Independence Day we sing not just our national anthem but also traditional psalms of praise recited on other Jewish holidays. Yom HaAtzmaut commemorates biblical history as much as political history our return from spiritual exile as well as physical exile. Israels Declaration of Independence made it clear that the doors of Israel would always be open to all Jews. The fathers of our nation wrote, We appeal to the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to rally round the Jews of Eretz-Israel in the tasks of immigration and upbuilding and to stand by them in the great struggle for the realization of the age-old dream - the redemption of Israel. As I watch the events unfolding in Ukraine I wonder if Israels founders knew that their appeal would be repeated over and over again throughout history. And that, time and again, Jews from every corner of the world would respond to it. Im proud to say that The Fellowship has been a leader in promoting and funding aliyah (immigration to Israel) for many years and weve been able to do so because of the generosity of Christians who love Israel and the Jewish people and give sacrificially to support them. Right now, with the help of these generous friends, organizations continue to help thousands of Jews make aliyah, fulfilling the vision of the biblical prophets and Israels founding fathers. Alla Oleshko was recently one of those who returned to her biblical homeland. Whats happening here is like some kind of miracle, she said shortly before her flight to Tel Aviv. It was in fact the first time she was coming to Israel. I survived these two wars World War II and this war in Ukraine, she says. I am happy I am alive. I continue to believe in miracles. Israels independence is a miracle thats blessing Jews fleeing Ukraine at this very moment. Im confident it will continue to be a blessing for people around the world for generations to come. Russian priests risking fines, arrest for opposition to Ukraine invasion continue to speak out Two Russian Orthodox priests remain publicly opposed to Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, even though one was fined and could face prison time if he continues to criticize the war openly. Father Georgy Edelshtein and Father Ioann Burdin are among the priests from the Russian Orthodox Church speaking out against Russias military campaign in Ukraine since it began on Feb. 24. The church leader, Moscow Patriarch Kirill, has backed the war in a series of sermons, calling for Russians to rally around the authorities, accusing enemies of attempting to destroy the unity between Russia and Ukraine. By speaking out against the war, the pair of Orthodox priests are also speaking out against the church patriarch. In a video interview released Saturday by Agence France-Presse, Edelshtein maintained that Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine the victim of aggression. Im afraid I am a bad priest. Ive never been against all wars, he said. But Ive always been against any land grabbing, aggressive war. As AFP reported, the pair's protests began on Feb. 25, a day after the invasion, when Edelshtein signed a letter written by Burdin condemning the war. The letter was posted on the website of Burdins church in the village of Karabanovo in the Kostroma region before it was deleted. The blood of Ukrainian residents will remain on the hands not only of the rulers of Russia and soldiers carrying out this order. Their blood is on the hands of each of us who approve this war or simply remain silent, the post read. A highly placed monk, Metropolitan Ferapont of Kostroma, claimed the pair are only two priests out of 160 in the region that oppose the war, condemning the letter. Still, the two priests have maintained their position about Russias military operations in Ukraine. The responsibility for what is happening is not borne only by the one who gave the order, by the one who kills and sheds blood, but by all of us who approve or keep the silence, Burdin said in an interview with AFP. The priest said that the commandment Thou shalt not kill is unconditional to him, just like the rest of Gods Ten Commandments. Thats to say, it has no other interpretations, no matter what one tries to put into it, no matter how one distorts or limit it, he said. On March 6, Burdin, who heads the Christs Resurrection Church in Karabanovo, preached about the human cost of the ongoing fighting before police detained him on that same day for questioning. According to the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group, police arrested the priest based on a new code of administrative offenses implemented in early March. Police accused Burdin of discrediting the Russian armed forces by speaking about Russias military presence in Ukraine and its ongoing shelling of Ukrainian civilians. On March 10, the Krasnoselsky District Court found Burdin guilty and imposed a fine of over $400, according to AFP. A repeat offense for the charge of discrediting the Russian armed forces is punishable by up to three years in prison. Burdin claims that police have photographed his house and car. In early April, he withdrew from active service and is considering whether to stay in the church. Edelshtein remarked that Burdin is braver than me, I am retired because he does not face any sanctions for signing his friends letter. While still allowed to hold services, Edelshtein has mostly retired from the Church. On March 1, 280 priests and deacons of the Russian Orthodox Church also called for an immediate end to Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine. In a letter, they wrote that they mourn the ordeal to which our brothers and sisters in Ukraine were undeservedly subjected. According to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 3,153 civilians in Ukraine have been killed since the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24. About 3,000 others have been injured, while over 11 million people have fled their homes. The Orthodox Public Affairs Committee, which combats the persecution of Christians worldwide, released a March 21 statement condemning the Russian Orthodox leadership's response to the invasion. The group was launched in 2020 and led by George Gigicos, who served as the director of the White House Office of Presidential Advance under President Donald Trump. Patriarch Kirill, his possible successor, Metropolitan Tikhon of Pskov, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokomansk, who heads the Public Relations wing of the Moscow Patriarchate; the Department of External Church Relations (DECR), and the Rev. Nikolai Balashov, a priest of the DECR and long-time accomplice to Kirill, are all complicit in not only supporting the invasion of Ukraine, but also in perpetuating the lies of the government against their own people, the statement reads. The group contends that Russian Orthodox leaders have abandoned the Orthodox People of Ukraine, who make up 1/3 of their flock, and are as blameworthy for the deaths of innocent children and civilians as the soldiers acting on orders from the Kremlin. OPAC also called for sanctions against the Russian Orthodox Church leadership, a stance shared by Archbishop Yevstratiy of Chernihiv and Nizhyn of the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine. Yevstratiy insisted that Kirill, Tikhon, Hilarion and Balashov be included in the international and Ukrainian sanctions list alongside Russian ministers, propagandists and Putins oligarchs. He characterized the four church leaders as the main supporters of the idea of the Russian World, a neo-imperialist plan that created the ideological background of Russian aggression against Ukraine. NEW YORK (AP) The three major U.S. banking regulators said Thursday they a plan to rewrite much of the outdated regulations tied to a decades-old banking law designed to encourage lending to the poor and racial minorities in the areas where banks have branches. The stated aim of the overhaul of the Community Reinvestment Act by the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is to strengthen and modernize the law and end years of uncertainty about its regulations for both the banking industry and advocates for traditionally underserved communities. The Community Reinvestment Act was passed in 1977 to address redlining a racist practice used by the financial industry to avoid lending to certain neighborhoods. Redlining still happens to this day, with banks large and small avoiding lending to low- income areas, even though they take money from those neighborhoods through deposits. When the CRA was enacted, bank branches were one of the few ways to measure a banks presence in a community. The law was last revised in the mid-1990s, when online banking was in its infancy. But there are now banks that have zero physical branches, making it more difficult to measure what constitutes a bank's presence in a community under the law. Under the current law, banks are assessed on how well they lend where they are physically located. That has led to a large amount of community reinvestment dollars flowing into places like Salt Lake City, a popular place for digital banks to headquarter their operations, while neglecting cities where these banks might actually be making their loans. In addition, the law rewards banks that make mortgages and small-business loans in their communities but is murky about what other types of loans or activities can count as community reinvestment. It has been 27 years since the government made a meaningful effort to keep Community Reinvestment Act rules up to date with the convulsions of technology, financial industry consolidation and other key changes to how Americans work and live, said Jesse Van Tol, president of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an umbrella group for local groups who use CRA to push banks to do more types of low-income lending. Weve seen how much harm such lags can do as economic chasms of race and class have persisted and even expanded," he said in a statement. While banks and community groups agreed an overhaul was needed, the three bank regulators were unable to agree on how to overhaul the regulations. Under the Trump administration, the Comptroller of the Currency made its own proposal on how to rewrite the CRA. The proposal was not accepted by the Fed or FDIC, and was scrapped in the early days of the Biden administration. The CRA is one of our most important tools to improve financial inclusion in communities across America, so it is critical to get reform right, said Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard, in a statement. The biggest focus of the new CRA regulations would be to address banks that lend nationally but do not have branches, like SoFi or Goldman Sachs' Marcus division. These companies would now have to comply with CRA regulations even though they do not generally take in deposits from local communities. Traditional banks, which have long felt competitive pressure from non-branch banks and non-bank mortgage lenders, welcomed the new proposal. The increased certainty on what will and will not count toward CRA compliance is also being considered a positive development. Were pleased to see the proposal focus on providing banks with the clarity, consistency, and transparency necessary to continue delivering on CRAs important mission for years to come, said Richard Hunt, president of the Community Bankers Association, an industry and lobby group for the larger retail banks. Banks get tested how well they comply with the CRA every three years. While banks don't face any stiff fines for failing a CRA exam, a bank that does not pass will not typically get approval to do mergers or further grow its operations. The new proposal will go into a public comment period this summer, and will be revised, and likely will be finalized later this year. The CDPAP is a program that only exists in New York state. It works alongside Medicaid. If you want to look into it and use it, you must use Medicaid as well. We will talk about some common questions people have about the CDPAP in the following article. What Precisely is the CDPAP? CDPAP means the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Basically, it pays someone to watch over you if you're on Medicaid and need daily assistance, but you don't want to hire a home health aide. If you use the CDPAP, you can appoint a caregiver who you choose. You can use a family member, so long as they meet certain qualifications and go through a brief training program. If you've got a particular family member or friend in mind, and they're thinking about that training, they needn't worry. It does not take long to complete, and it's nowhere near as challenging as becoming a registered nurse or medical doctor. A family caregiver you use through the CDPAP program will probably make you feel a lot better than if you had to use a stranger to care for you. That person might have to help you dress or undress, bathe yourself, and so forth. It's understandable if you want a friend or family member to do that instead. Who Can Use the CDPAP? If you live in New York state and also use Medicaid, you are probably eligible to use the CDPAP. However, you also need a doctor or another qualified medical professional to say that you need home healthcare. Many conditions could qualify you. You might have a physical problem. Perhaps you lost a limb to diabetes, or you had a severe car crash and lost bodily functions. You might also have cognitive decline and need someone to care for you. If you have mental impairment and can't choose someone using CDPAP to care for you, you might need a family member to decide who to use instead. How Can You Become a Home Health Worker Through the CDPAP? As for who can become a helper through the CDPAP, you'll need to meet certain qualifications for that as well. For instance, a child can care for their parent, but that child must be at least 18 years old. Another relative can do it too. For instance, you might appoint a nephew, niece, cousin, uncle, aunt, etc., to do the job. You should know that you can't use a spouse to care for you as part of the program. A spouse can certainly care for you if you want them to, but they can't get money through the CDPAP. You also can't get money as a parent caring for a child under age 21 through the CDPAP. You will have to go through the training, but you will also need someone from the program to examine you. It's a quick process. All they'll do is make sure you can lift things and perform other physical tasks the person in need might require. Why the CDPAP and Not a Home Health Aide? You might wonder at this point why you'd want to use someone through the CDPAP and not just hire a home health aide. There are a couple of reasons. We already touched on the first one. Most people like it more if they have someone care for them who they know. The other reason probably matters more to most people, though. Home health aides can always quit at any time. They might get a job that pays them more, or maybe they move across the country. The position has a fairly high turnover rate. That's not likely to happen if you have someone you love caring for you. A family member will probably not abandon you suddenly. They will stick with you, even if your situation declines. That's why the CDPAP offers you peace of mind. Also, home health aides can do a lot for you, but they can't legally do certain things. For instance, they can't administer oxygen to you if you're someone who needs that. They also can't give you insulin. You'll want someone who can do that, and that means using a family member or friend and the CDPAP. If you can't find that, you might have to go to a nursing home since a home health aide can't help you in the way you need. Licenses or Certifications You don't need a license or certification to start getting money through the CDPAP. All you have to do is go through the training. To start the process, you start filling out a form on the CDPAP website, or else you can call the number you'll find there. New York state has 62 counties, and you can use CDPAP in all of them. You can visit the CDPAP locations all over New York state if you have questions that you can't find the answers to on the website. However, you can usually get answers in the FAQ section, or you can call and speak to a live operator. You can definitely send them an email and expect a rapid response too. How Much Money Do You Get Through CDPAP? You also might wonder about the CDPAP pay rate. After all, it's a job, even if you get to stay at home and care for a friend or relative. You're still working, and you should still get adequate compensation. The pay rate depends on various factors. For instance, if you sign up for the program, the admins will look at where you live, your age, your prior healthcare experience, if any, and other things. You can usually expect between $13.20 and $19.19 per hour, while you can get $19.80 to $28.63 per hour for overtime. You will have to talk about the specific pay rate with the program if you feel like you want to move forward. Why Take Part in the CDPAP? You should not expect the CDPAP to make you rich. It's a job, and it pays, but most people don't do it for the money. They do it because they know someone who has needs, and they don't want a stranger to care for them. If you know someone who needs assistance that the CDPAP can provide, you might do it because it's gainful employment, but you'll also probably grow closer to them. They need you in a very real and meaningful way, and you will likely spend many hours per day with them. It's not always easy work, but you may connect with someone like never before when you do it. Whether you're related to that person by blood, marriage, or you're just a friend or neighbor, you might form an unshakable bond as you help them get through their daily life and the challenges it presents. Also, you may find that in later years, if you cared for a person through the CDPAP, and now you want to move on to something else, you might want to care for another person in a similar way. Maybe you won't find someone else and care for them through CDPAP, but the program might inspire you to pursue registered nursing or the home health aide profession. You might find that you like to help people. You can restore their dignity and make them feel human and even loved. More CDPAP Information Before you decide whether or not to pursue this program, you should know a few more things about it. The program's idea dates all the way back to the 1970s, and it started gaining steam in 1979. Its first year was 1992, and it got the CDPAP name soon after that. You should know that it keeps growing in New York state as more time passes. Every year, more people sign up for it and benefit from it. At this point, every New York state county has individuals who use it. You should understand that if you're on Medicaid and you want to sign someone up for this program, you can sit down with them and talk about what they'll do for you. No two individuals who use the program will probably need precisely the same services. You might have an assistant who cooks and cleans up around the house in addition to helping with your physical needs. You should know that this is an at-will program for both those who need it and people who sign up for it and receive the proper training. If a time ever comes when either or both of you feel like the arrangement doesn't work anymore, you can change the conditions or part on good terms. If you need daily help and have Medicaid, think about this program, especially if you know someone who wants to care for you and needs a job. You can both get something you need. You get the help you deserve, and your family member or friend gets financial compensation as they care for you. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ Healthcare Realty Trust Inc. (HR) on Thursday reported a key measure of profitability in its first quarter. The results did not meet Wall Street expectations. The real estate investment trust, based in Nashville, Tennessee, said it had funds from operations of $68.3 million, or 43 cents per share, in the period. One major criticism that has come alongside Elon Musks bid to purchase Twitter for nearly $44 billion is that under Musk, Twitter will become a privately-owned company. Shareholders have not been shy about voicing their concerns with Musk, a number of them even suing the billionaire for a delay in his disclosure of how much stock he really had in Twitter, just weeks before he put in his offer to purchase the entire company. But it seems as though Twitter shareholders, employees and the masses wont have much to fret about longterm when it comes to Musks future plans for the company. Per a new report from the Wall Street Journal, Musk said that within a matter of a few years, he plans to make Twitter a publicly traded company again. Related: Elon Musk Offers to Buy Twitter for $43 Billion: 'It's a High Price and Your Shareholders Will Love It' Musk said he plans to stage an initial public offering of Twitter in as little as three years of buying it, according to people familiar with the matter, WSJ reported on Wednesday. The outlet pointed out that Musk has been speaking to several companies to become potential investors in helping him front the cost for the all-cash deal he promised upon his bid at purchasing Twitter. Of these potential investors includes Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm, a company that could potentially help Musk with funding and internal restructuring before bringing the company public again. Related: Mark Cuban Says There's an Ulterior Motive Behind Elon Musk's Twitter Offer Prior to coming to Twitter with his proposal to purchase all of Twitters shares for $54.20 a pop, Musk was quickly swiping up shares of the company to the point that he became majority shareholder of Twitter, owning just shy of 10% of the companys shares. Since making my investment I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form, Musk penned in a letter to Twitter Board chairman Brett Taylor in a letter via the SEC filing where he first offered to buy the company. Twitter needs to be transformed as a private company Twitter has extraordinary potential. I will unlock it. Musk also unpopular said last month that he would stop paying Twitter Board members if he purchased the company in an effort to cut costs and increase efficiency. Currently, Twitter Board members are paid between $250,000 to $300,000 annually, which totals around $3 million per year. Twitter was down 8.4% at close on Wednesday. Related: It's Official: Elon Buys Twitter Copyright 2022 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved PITTSFIELD A Pittsfield teenager was being held Thursday in Pike County Jail after his arrest on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault. Dylan C. Guthrie, 18, of Pittsfield was arrested after an investigation Wednesday into a sexual assault in rural Pittsfield, according to Pike County Sheriff David E. Greenwood. U.S. airlines are seeing record bookings as COVID-19 restrictions lift across the country and consumer demand for travel rises in time for summer. The surge in travelers has left carriers scrambling to adjust. Pilots and open cabin seats are in short supply, as is space inside airport frequent flyer clubs where patrons pay to enjoy amenities and quietude away from busy terminals. The resulting overcrowding has led Delta Air Lines to announce it will begin metering Sky Club members' access to its lounges prior to takeoff. According to The Points Guy's Zach Griff, Delta announced Wednesday it will soon allow Sky Club members to enter lounges only three hours before their departure time. Different levels of Sky Club membership can be purchased for a yearly or monthly fee and access to lounges is automatically offered to Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card members. The club's new three-hour policy does not extend to passengers connecting to other flights or those whose flights are delayed. Passengers facing delays will be allowed to stay inside the club until their rescheduled departure. Those most affected by the change will be business-oriented individuals looking to hang out and get work done in the Sky Club more than three hours ahead of their flight. The new policy also bars standard Sky Club members from accessing the lounge after deplaning at their destination. This privilege remains intact for long-haul business class Delta One members, however. Delta's amended lounge policy is the most restrictive among major carriers and will go into effect on June 1, 2022. The news of Delta's new policy has rankled some frequent flyers, who took issue with the abruptness of the airline's change and its application to high-level club members. "Seriously @Delta ??????" tweeted Twitter user Michael Jett. "Limiting sky club access to 3 hours before your flight for even your most high level medallion status??? I love you guys but youre going to regret this decision and the blow back from us Diamond and platinum medallion customers will be fierce." "Hey @Delta this is LAME!!!" wrote Twitter user @HumbleMechanic. "Working at the sky club on a travel day is the main reason I have it." In April Delta CEO Ed Bastian extolled the "phenomenal" demand the company was seeing from travelers in 2022. The average price of airfare aboard the carrier rose 40 percent from January to April. "We've never seen, in our company's history, the level of demand for our products and services that we are [at currently]," Bastian said during an appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box. "Consumers are ready to go." Trooper Raymond Kieffer of the Manistee Post of the Michigan State Police was honored as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year last night by the Mason County Optimist Clubs. The Scottville and Ludington Optimist Club chapters honored the officer for his professional service to the community and involvement in numerous law enforcement programs as part of their clubs ongoing Respect for Law program. Senior Citizen Month About 150 people attended Sundays open house which was a kickoff to Senior Citizen Month at the senior center. Members of the Manistee County Council of Aging Board greeted attendees with each person receiving a monthly calendar of activities at the center. 60 YEARS AGO Water needs Two possible answers for meeting Manistees short and long-range water supply needs were presented to the city commission during a lengthy special session last night two representatives of a Grand Rapids engineering firm retained to help solve local water problems. One proposal, designed to take care of immediate local industrial needs and provide adequate fire protection was contained in a $400,000 package. The other, suggested as a possible plan to be submitted to a federal agency for grant and loan participation, would involve expenditure of about $700,000 and would utilize Lake Michigan as a water source for the citys system. 80 YEARS AGO Sugar ration is slow Registration for sugar ration books moved slowly in Manistee County yesterday, the opening day. Out of an estimated 20,950 people in the county, registrations were reported for only 2,892 altogether a number of rural schools had not made their reports on the first days work. Chapman elected Elizabeth Chapman, a Manistee High School junior, was elected to the office of president of the high school student council in the all-school election held yesterday. She is the first girl to hold the office since the inauguration of the council in 1937. DUBLIN, Calif. (AP) For months, inmates and staff say, their calls for help were ignored. And in this aging prison of deep despair a place where sexual abuse has been rampant, authorities acted with utter indifference and the workforce was deeply demoralized the cries for help had been many and varied. Just weeks earlier, an Associated Press investigation had revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups that had persisted for years at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, a women-only facility called the rape club by many who know it. Because of AP reporting, the head of the federal Bureau of Prisons had submitted his resignation in January. Yet no one had been named to replace him, so he was still on the job. Now he was responding to the problems in Dublin but only after an angry congresswoman had called him to complain. So early March found the lame-duck administrator, flanked by a task force of senior agency officials, arriving at the prison after flying in to meet inmates and staff in person. According to Dublin inmates, this was how he faced them as he toured the facility: You wanted my attention, Michael Carvajal said, so here I am. ___ TRUST HAS BEEN BROKEN Its horrible. Its absolutely horrible. Ive never experienced anything like this. In my career, Ive never been part of a situation like this. This is really unprecedented. Those words, spoken about the troubled Dublin facility, come not from an activist or inmate advocate, not from any elected official, not from anywhere outside the prison walls. They come from Thahesha Jusino, its newly installed warden. Her predecessor, Ray J. Garcia, is one of five Dublin employees who have been charged since last June with sexually abusing inmates. Weve really lost a lot of credibility through all of this, which is understandable, because its appalling what has happened, Jusino said in an interview with the AP. This story is based on interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the visiting task forces work, the prisons operations and the abuse crisis. They include current and former inmates, employees, lawyers, government and union officials. Many spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation or because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The AP visited Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, during the same time as the task forces visit, the week of March 7. Lawmakers, disturbed by reports of abuse, also traveled there shortly after. Carvajal and some task force members returned to Dublin in April. In one sign of progress, the agency replaced both of the prisons associate wardens. Carvajal, a Trump administration holdover, submitted his resignation Jan. 5 but said he would stay on until a successor is named. He joined the task force for the first three days of its weeklong first visit to Dublin. But even as the task force was arriving, and as scrutiny from the outside appeared finally to be at hand, things did not seem to be proceeding in a positive direction. Officials moved inmates out of the special housing unit so it wouldnt look as full when the task force got there. And they lied to Carvajal about COVID-19 contamination so inmates in a certain unit couldnt speak to him about abuse. Those who managed to get to Carvajal didnt hold back. In one emotional scene, a woman who said she was abused by prison officials tearfully confronted him in a recreation area as he and members of the task force were meeting with inmates. The woman shared graphic details of her alleged abuse. She spoke for about 15 minutes and grew increasingly upset, calming down only after prison officials brought her tissues. She was eventually taken out of the room and brought to a prison psychologist, where she was offered immediate release to a halfway house. She objected. She wanted to wait so she could tell her story publicly to congressional leaders expected at the prison. But people at the prison say she wasnt able to thoroughly express her concerns. Bureau of Prisons and Justice Department officials told the woman that because she was a potential witness, she couldnt talk about the investigation, the people said. The woman was moved to a halfway house soon after the tour. In another charged moment, a group of Dublin workers lashed out at Carvajal for putting Garcia in charge of a womens prison when hed already had a reputation in prison circles as a misogynist. You created this monster, one worker told Carvajal. Asked another: Why did you create this toxic environment? Why did you pick Garcia as the warden? Garcia is accused of molesting an inmate on multiple occasions from December 2019 to March 2020 and forcing her and another inmate to strip naked so he could take pictures while he made rounds. Investigators said they found the images on his government-issued cellphone. His lawyer refused an interview request. Garcia is also accused of using his authority to intimidate one of his victims, telling her that he was close friends with the person investigating staff misconduct and boasting that he could not be fired. He has pleaded not guilty. Carvajal promoted Garcia from associate warden to warden at Dublin in November 2020, after Garcias alleged misconduct but before the agency said it knew about it. Carvajal told the workers that if he had known about Garcias reputation or alleged abuse, he wouldve chosen a different warden. Speaking to inmates about Garcia, however, Carvajal said something a bit different that he believed in innocent until proven guilty. ___ AN UNEASY HISTORY FCI Dublin is one of just six women-only facilities in the U.S. federal prison system. As of Wednesday, Dublin had about 785 inmates, many serving sentences for drug crimes. It opened in 1974 as a federal youth center in which men and women ages 18 to 26 lived in a campus-like setting. The concept was later abandoned. In 1977, the Bureau of Prisons converted the facility into a traditional adult prison first for female inmates like the high-profile heiress Patty Hearst and then, in 1980, for men and women. It went back to being a womens prison in 2012. Throughout FCI Dublins existence, it has been troubled by sexual abuse. In 1996, three female inmates sued the Bureau of Prisons, alleging they were sold like sex slaves by correctional officers who placed them in a male unit, unlocked their cells and allowed male inmates to rape them. No one was arrested; the agency agreed to settle the lawsuit for $500,000. Separately, in the late 1990s, four officers were charged with engaging in sexual conduct with inmates. And in the early 2010s, about a dozen Dublin employees were quietly removed for sexually abusing inmates. None was arrested, according to a person working there at the time. One worker was allowed to retire after videotapes were found in his locker of him having sex with inmates. More recently, two of the five employees charged since last June with sexually abusing inmates have pleaded guilty, and the investigation continues: On March 20, a food service foreman was arrested for allegedly touching an inmates breasts, buttocks and genitals in October 2020. Since March, nine other workers have been placed on administrative leave by the Bureau of Prisons. New inmate sexual abuse and staff employment discrimination complaints were filed during the task forces visit. FBI agents conducted searches at the prison and an employees home in mid-April, and at least six internal affairs investigators have been on site investigating claims. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who is being briefed regularly on issues in the beleaguered federal prison system, said the Justice Department was committed to holding BOP personnel accountable, including through criminal charges. Said Monaco: Staff misconduct, at any level, will not be tolerated, and our efforts to root it out are far from over." Attorney General Merrick Garland, asked about Dublin at a U.S. Senate budget hearing Tuesday, said it was Monaco's idea not Carvajal's to form a task force to investigate and determine the procedural failures at the prison. He cited the prosecution of accused employees, an ongoing internal investigation and the selection of Jusino as warden as steps toward improving conditions. This is another really terrible set of events," Garland said. Justice Department spokesperson Kristina Mastropasqua said the task force that visited Dublin had reported allegations of misconduct to the prison systems internal affairs office, where investigators opened a case file for each allegation. Also during the task forces visit, numerous complaints were filed by inmates and staff members alleging sexual harassment, misconduct and violations of the Prison Rape Elimination Act and federal Equal Employment Opportunity laws. How many complaints were received? Asked by the AP, the Bureau of Prisons said it couldnt say. ___ REAL CHANGE, OR PERFORMANCE? For all the disturbing details the March task force took in, it was hardly the whole truth partly because inmates and prison workers do not trust the leadership and refused to speak candidly, and partly because officials hid some of Dublins problems. Inmates whod been in the special housing unit for disciplinary issues were returned to the general population so the place wouldnt look nearly as full. Officials also lied to Carvajal and told him he couldnt visit a particular housing unit where inmates wanted to talk to him about abuse. They claimed, falsely, that it was contaminated with COVID-19. Carvajal did seem taken aback by the lack of security cameras in critical areas an issue the prison's union had been raising for six years and pledged to speed the process for installing them. Though Dublin does have some cameras, there were none in some of the hallways and rooms that Carvajal toured, including areas where some inmates were sexually abused. Several times the director asked, Where are the cameras? On a recent afternoon, inmates from Dublins minimum-security prison camp could be seen congregating on a walking track outside the prisons fences with no visible supervision and no perimeter cameras. The Bureau of Prisons has faced scrutiny in the last few years after dozens of inmates escaped from its prisons, with many simply walking away from low-security areas. Making infrastructural improvements, such as adding additional cameras, to protect the safety and security of inmates and staff is a priority, the Bureau of Prisons said in response to questions about Carvajals visit. But seven weeks later, not one new camera has been installed. Precisely what actual progress the task forces visit produced and who ultimately had access to its members while they were there is not entirely clear. Susan Beaty, a lawyer for Dublin inmates, said advocates had information to share with the task force but were shut out of the visit. Beaty said several abused inmates were immigrants and that predatory prison employees were targeting women facing deportation. The Bureau of Prisons is never proactive. Theyre reactive. Theyre only doing this because Congress is on their ass and they know they have to act, Dublin union president Ed Canales said. Canales said the prisons staff was not impressed with the visit and wasnt expecting any changes, in part because some senior managers who ignored or encouraged abuse are still working at the prison. Beaty said correctional officers staged a charade during the visit, exhibiting their best behavior while the task force was present and cursing at inmates as soon as the visitors left the room. Some inmates saw the task forces visit not as an actual, good-faith way to fix Dublin but as window-dressing ahead of U.S. Rep Jackie Speier's return to the prison with two other members of Congress on March 14. One inmate asked: Is this just for show so that you can say you came before the Congress comes back? Observed another: It is just as I thought. The task force was here to head them off and tell them that they were on top of issues that were raised. ___ CONGRESS IS WATCHING Congress has been increasingly critical of the Bureau of Prisons, an agency plagued by myriad problems in recent years, including many revealed by AP reporting. The bureau formed its Dublin task force after the AP investigation in February revealed a toxic culture of sexual misconduct and cover-ups at the prison. Carvajal announced the task force in an internal memo on March 2, just days before its work began. But he did not disclose it publicly until the AP asked about it. Carvajal wrote that the group 18 women, including a warden and officials from human resources and internal affairs was being sent to observe and assess the climate of the institution and assist the agency in redressing identified issues and increasing performance. Speaking to inmates, Carvajal acknowledged that pressure from Congress prompted him to act. He said Speier, D-Calif., had called him after she visited Dublin in the wake of the APs reporting. Speier, Carvajal said, was upset with how inmates were being treated and complained that prison officials stonewalled her when she tried to speak with them directly. Dublins union and inmate advocate groups said the bureau and Justice Department had ignored their earlier cries for help. The union said it had been begging agency leaders to visit Dublin since FBI agents raided the former wardens office last July. In February, more than 100 inmate advocacy organizations sent a letter to the Justice Department calling for swift, sweeping action to address abuse at Dublin, including an independent investigation and the release of victimized inmates to prevent further trauma, but never got a response. Speier and Reps. Karen Bass and Eric Swalwell, two other California Democrats, visited the facility after the task force and said they were encouraged by its work but still had concerns, including a lack of adequate medical and psychological services at the facility. They applauded recommendations to add more security cameras and a dedicated email address for inmates to report abuse. They also called for special training for employees in womens prisons. There is literally a culture there that is toxic and one that needs to be addressed, Speier said in an interview. Bass, Speier and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced legislation last month to improve the treatment of women in federal prisons such as Dublin, including providing adequate medical care and examining efforts to retain female officers. Among other things, the Women in Criminal Justice Reform Act would require minimum standards of care and conditions for federal prison facilities where women are held, temporary release of inmates for medical services such as care from a sexual assault nurse examiner and training for federal prison workers in trauma-informed screening and care. Each one of those changes would improve conditions at Dublin. Together, they could begin to overhaul it entirely. ___ WILL ANYTHING HAPPEN? As the crisis continues at Dublin, questions remain about whether the Bureau of Prisons is serious about fixing it or even capable of doing so. And the wake of the task forces visit offers little in the way of optimism. After the visitors left in March, Dublin officials started enforcing more exacting prison uniform rules and cracking down on inmates few luxuries. Blankets, issued to keep inmates warm in drafty cells, were confiscated. Robes purchased from the prison commissary were banned. Inmates were told to wear bras, cover their bodies and avoid tight pants. Some felt they were being punished to keep prison workers from leering at them. Inmate advocates say the task force ignored them entirely. Local union officials, seeing the whole trip as a smokescreen to placate Congress, said theyd been begging agency leaders to visit for months, to no avail. Prison workers came away from the week doubting anything would change. Does the new person in charge offer any hope? Perhaps its too soon to tell. Jusino, Dublins first permanent warden since Garcia was put on administrative leave prior to his arrest, started a week before Carvajal and the task force arrived. The daughter of a former federal prison warden, she has worked in federal prisons since 1998. She was an associate warden at two prisons and was the warden at a federal prison in Victorville, California, about 71 miles northeast of Los Angeles, before being assigned to Dublin. She is adamant that change will come that it must. The trust has been broken with our inmate population, which is beyond unacceptable. Its been broken with our staff, and it has been broken with the public, Jusino says. We need to show that were committed to this. ___ On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at http://twitter.com/mikesisak and Michael Balsamo at http://twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ A Collinsville man accused of murder and attempted murder in November in Farmersville says the jail he's housed in is overpopulated. Robert J. "Bobby" Tarr wrote April 8 to Montgomery County Circuit Judge Jim Roberts and said the county jail has been overpopulated since he arrived in November, and that the judge is contributing to the issue. Tarr is being held in lieu of $3 million bail in the Montgomery County Jail on three counts of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Leslie Reeves, and one count of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting of her date, Chris Smith, the night before Thanksgiving last November. Read more: Well known Troy businesswoman and advocate killed, ex-boyfriend charged "I've been here since [Nov. 26] and this facility has been overpopulated everyday since then by Illinois County Jail Standards," Tarr wrote to Roberts. "With you being the person deciding bonds raised or lowered ... I feel the need to bring this/these violations to your attention." Tarr cites the language of the code and claims the Montgomery County Jail can accommodate up to 42 detainees, but says there has been no less than 46 and at one point had 53. "I'm afraid I will be filing a civil suit about these violations and several others that are violated as well," Tarr wrote. Tarr didn't stop there. He filed a motion on his behalf also handwritten requesting personal property taken as evidence when a search warrant was issued be "dismissed." Tarr lists his vehicle, a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, a Glock 43 9mm pistol, 1,300 rounds of ammunition, an iPhone 10, laptop, wallet and three pairs of shoes. Read more: Accused killer left home twice the night of Farmersville homicide South Jacksonville trustees are scheduled to meet in regular session at 7 p.m. today in Village Hall, 301 Dewey Drive. Among the items on the agenda are: JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Alaska lawmakers are running out of time this session to pass legislation aimed at resolving the annual debate over what size dividend should be paid to residents from the states oil wealth fund. Legislative leaders have said they see resolving the divisive debate as critical. But lawmakers have yet to agree on what a new formula should look like or on what other elements should accompany it, such as taxes. A dividend bill in the Senate was bumped from the floor for further work Wednesday when it lacked the votes to pass, Senate President Peter Micciche said. Recent high oil prices have prompted rosy revenue forecasts after years of deficits, complicating any talk of taxes as part of a long-range fiscal plan. A working group tasked with making fiscal policy recommendations last year included such things as a new dividend formula, constitutional certainty around a dividend, new revenues and revised spending limits as necessary parts of a comprehensive plan. Senate Minority Leader Tom Begich, an Anchorage Democrat, said Thursday that he's a little less optimistic that we'll get a plan or even an element of a plan this year ... but I have not given up." Less than two weeks remain in the session that began in January. All but one of the Legislature's 60 seats are up for election this year. Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy is seeking reelection. Micciche, a Soldotna Republican, said he will continue having discussions with colleagues to see if agreement can be reached on a dividend approach that could garner at least 11 votes, the minimum necessary for Senate passage. Whether the bill resurfaces remains to be seen. House Speaker Louise Stutes, a Kodiak Republican, told reporters last week that if a bill were to pass the Senate and be sent to the House, we will address it to our best ability in the time remaining in session. Dividends traditionally have been paid using earnings from the oil wealth fund, the Alaska Permanent Fund. For years, the dividend was calculated using a formula based on an average of fund income. But in 2016, amid deficits, then-Gov. Bill Walker vetoed a portion of the amount available for checks. The next year, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that absent a constitutional amendment, dividends must compete for annual funding like other state programs. Lawmakers have been setting the amounts, which ranged from a low of $992 to a high of $1,606 between the years of 2017 and 2021. In 2018, the Legislature began using fund earnings to help pay for government in a state that has long relied on oil revenues. Lawmakers sought to limit annual withdrawals for dividends and government, adding to tensions over how the money should be divided between the two. Withdrawal amounts are based on a percentage of the fund's market value. The limit for the upcoming fiscal year is about $3.4 billion. Because of the 2017 court decision, some lawmakers contend the only way to resolve the dividend debate is with a constitutional amendment. Not all lawmakers think a dividend belongs in the constitution. But without tying the dividend to the Constitution, youre really not doing anything. You just arent," said Senate Majority Leader Shelley Hughes, a Palmer Republican who was part of the working group. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who in 2018 ran in support of a dividend in line with the old formula, has urged splitting the yearly withdrawals 50/50 between dividends and government. That approach would mean checks of about $2,500 this year. Dunleavy also has pushed for a supplemental divided of about $1,250 this year as a way to help Alaskans with high fuel and food costs. The working group composed of members from along the political spectrum recommended lawmakers work towards" a formula that dedicates half the draw to dividends as part of a broader plan. The Senate is expected to begin debate next week on a budget package that proposes a roughly $2,500 dividend this year, in line with a 50/50 approach. The budget that passed the House called for a roughly $1,250 dividend plus $1,300 as an energy relief payment. While the total proposed amounts are similar, Stutes said a concern is whether lawmakers want to set a precedent in paying a dividend at the 50/50 level. Senate Finance Committee Co-chair Bert Stedman said while oil prices currently are high, prices are volatile and the state has a wide range of obligations it has to meet. The dividend bill that sputtered Wednesday called for 25% of the draw going toward dividends starting next year. It called for transitioning to 50% of the draw toward dividends in 2027 if the state revenue commissioner and Legislative Finance Division director by mid-December 2026 agreed that measures expected to generate at least $800 million in new annually recurring revenue had been enacted. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For the health care industry, last year was like no other, and nurses took their care to another level. To recognize their service, stamina and dedication, the Houston Chronicles annual Salute to Nurses Top 150 nurse award nominations flowed in, with nominations penned by medical professionals and patients from specialty clinics to community health care centers, from suburban hospitals to the global health care leader Texas Medical Center, and from the regions schools and facilities. Due to the pandemic and safety measures, instead of a luncheon, a drive-thru celebration was held on Thursday, May 6, at the Houston Chronicle. The exceptional Top 15 Nurses were presented a personalized award and a $250 gift card, and three exceptional nursing students received a $1,000 scholarship. This event is traditionally held during National Nurses Week, which is held May 6-12, to mark the birthday of nursing founder Florence Nightingale. Every year, area hospitals, clinics, schools and patients are excited to recognize the most dedicated nurses in Houston's health care community. The Top 150 nurses were selected by a panel of educators, professionals and leaders in the field for their work. Nurses are at the forefront of dedicated health care in the greater Houston area, and last year was an example of how these professionals deliver outstanding, compassionate care, said Henry Ford, chief revenue officer at the Houston Chronicle. During our Salute to Nurses celebration events, online and print sections, we will share their stories and celebrate 150 of Houstons Top Nurses, and highlight the Top 15 nurses. All of our honorees have been on the front lines of the pandemic, making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. They are truly deserving of this honor. In addition, this year Salute to Nurses is partnering with Susan Gibson, BMI songwriter of the year for Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks, and her Compassionate Combat initiative. 2021 SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor: Houston Methodist Diamond Sponsor: UT Physicians Gift Bag Sponsor: Texas Children's Hospital Education Sponsor: San Jacinto College Cookie Sponsor: Memorial Hermann Top 15 Nurses Sponsor: U of H Nursing Dessert Sponsor: St. Luke's Health See More Collapse We are proud to help bring a larger voice to this powerful initiative and Susans commitment to nurses across Texas, said Linda Schaible, VP of marketing and strategic development at the Houston Chronicle. Her site, CompassionateCombat.com, houses the COVID stories of nurses and places a point on the need for programs like Salute to Nurses not only in Houston, but everywhere. For more, visit chron.com/salutetonurses2021. HC Custom Publishing Group The $44 billion Twitter acquisition by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, hasn't even been finalized yet, but UK lawmakers have already sent a letter to Musk inviting him to appear in front of a parliamentary committee to discuss his plans for the social media company. The invite was issued in an open letter on Wednesday, May 4, by Member of Parliament and Chair of Parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Julian Knight. In the letter, the UK DCMS Select Committee Member of Parliaments (MPs) expressed their interest in hearing Musk's intention to roll out verification for all users. The letter stated that it echoes MPs' call on the government as part of proposed legislation. MPs Seek to Discuss Balance Between Freedom of Speech and Censorship Knight, in his letter, listed topics for discussion, including Musk's intention to roll out verification for all users, greater transparency around bots and spam accounts, and the need to balance civil liberties like freedom of expression while tackling online harms, as per CNET report. "Our 2020 Report on Misinformation in the Covid 'Infodemic' called for greater transparency of bots and automated and spam accounts, whilst our recent Report on the UK's Online Safety Bill discussed ways to balance civil liberties like freedom of expression with the need to tackle pernicious, pervasive online child sexual exploitation and abuse," Knight stated in the letter. We've invited @ElonMusk to discuss the future of @Twitter in Parliament. Chair @JulianKnight15: "Appearing before the Committee will give Mr Musk an ideal opportunity to set out his proposals in more depth and we would look forward to welcoming him. : https://t.co/HpYduMAcZY pic.twitter.com/UTU2wu1jnV Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (@CommonsDCMS) May 4, 2022 The statement suggests that the MPs are looking forwards to discussing the balance between freedom of speech and censorship on Twitter. They also want to know how Musk plans to tackle it. The Tesla CEO previously described himself as a "free-speech absolutist," and it remains to be seen if and how that will change Twitter's moderation practices, as per Engadget report. Musk isn't legally required to attend as the MPs letter is only an invitation. DCMS has a history of summoning CEOs who don't show up in the end. Despite this, they keep on trying to get execs to talk. For instance, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg previously refused their requests. Zuckerberg only sent a representative to appear before the DCMS. Read Also: Twitter Is Now More Open To Negotiate with Elon Musk's Acquisition Offer Twitter Might Start Charging Users from Government and Businesses Under Musk's ownership, Twitter might start charging government and businesses to embed tweets from verified accounts. More recently, Musk tweeted that the website will remain free for casual users. However, it might start charging business entities and government agencies. Musk also reportedly suggested changes to Twitter Blue, the website's subscription service, to make it more appealing to paying users, according to Engadget. In addition, he reportedly entertained the idea of securing financing for his buyout. He will implement job cuts in talks with banks. On the other hand, critics fear that Musk's control of Twitter will result in silencing the voices of those he may disagree with, although the Tesla CEO has previously said that his main concern with the social media platform is the company's censorship of free speech. Musk was known to block his critics from his personal account. Related Article: Businesses and Government May Not Be Free To Use Elon Musk's 'Free Speech' Twitter WASHINGTON (AP) The Army must put more money and effort into repairing poorly maintained and substandard base housing for military service members and their families, U.S. senators demanded Thursday, amid persistent reports that mold and other issues threaten troops' health. One after another, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee pressed top Army leaders during a hearing to spend money on military housing in their states. We have all heard the horror stories of substandard on base housing, military families across the country, living with black mold and collapsed ceilings and electrical and fire hazards and a lot of other substandard conditions, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. We need to fix our shameful military housing problem, and we need to do it as quickly as possible. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth repeatedly told senators that housing is a priority, but that it competes for funding in the Army and defense budgets with other key needs, including equipment and weapons modernization and training. She said that due to the Army's vast size, it's impossible to get to all the problems in one year. The Army, she said, is requesting nearly $2 billion for military housing in the 2023 proposed budget, and has a 10-year infrastructure plan. That plan would have the Army invest $27 billion in infrastructure over the next decade. We have a very large footprint with a large number of bases. All of them have housing. And I would love nothing more than to be able to renovate all of the housing around the country that needs to be renovated in a single year. But we are not able to do that, she said. The housing focus comes on the heels of a massive fraud case involving one of the largest providers of military housing in the United States. Balfour Beatty Communities LLC, which oversees about 1,700 homes at bases in Georgia and Texas, faced widespread claims of negligence and failure to do repairs. The company pleaded guilty in December to committing fraud against the United States from 2013 to 2019, was ordered to pay $65.4 million in fines and restitution and was placed under an independent compliance monitor for three years. A Senate panel earlier this year found that the company continues to respond inadequately to mold and other structural problems. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., criticized Army leaders for not addressing problems at Fort Leonard Wood, saying he's been given conflicting reports on what, if any, housing replacements would be funded at the base in his state. I was told last year there were $341 million that were going to be allocated towards replacing housing. Then I was told later only $50 million would be available to Fort Leonard Wood. And then I was told after that it would be zero, Hawley told Wormuth during the hearing. You can imagine Im not very happy about it. Wormuth promised to nail down the correct answer, but again warned that repair money for the base may not be in the budget for fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. We try to look where the need is most pressing and sort of develop a schedule, she said. But Id be happy to look into it. And I understand that youre frustrated hearing different things at different times. Officials noted that the Army submitted a separate request to Congress that outlined projects that aren't funded in the budget that would also be priorities, and thy include an additional $330 million for housing issues. That additional money, said Warren, should be included in the Army's base budget, if, indeed, housing is a priority as leaders say. And she questioned why the $1.9 billion total for housing in the main budget request is 40% smaller than the current budget would provide. According to the Army, the $1.9 billion budget request is actually a 12% increase over last year's request. Congress, however, voted to add nearly $1.5 billion in military construction funds to that request, resulting in a total of more than $3.2 billion for the year. Congress has not yet acted on the proposed budget, so has not added funds. Gen. James McConville, the chief of staff of the Army, told senators the Army is doing all it can to ensure quality housing and other services for troops. When our soldiers get the call that its time to deploy, we want them laser focused on their mission, knowing that their families will be well taken care of at home, McConville said. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indiana State Police said Thursday that their detectives have arrested an Indianapolis man in connection with the death of a woman found dead along Interstate 70 just east of Indianapolis. Detectives arrested Jason Rhea, 45. He has been charged by the Marion County prosecutor with murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, police said. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) A proposal to allow high school seniors statewide who have failed to reach graduation requirements to do so by meeting other, easier standards an idea aimed at helping students whose performance suffered because of the coronavirus pandemic was rejected Thursday by the state's education board. The Advocate reports that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's vote was 5-3 in favor of the bill. But it needed six votes of the 11-member board. Three members were absent. About 2,400 students statewide do not qualify for graduation because they were unable to pass end-of-course exams designed to ensure that they have a minimal understanding of U. S. history, math and other key subjects, according to The Advocate. Supporters of the waiver said the coronavirus pandemic's disruptions of classes since 2020 justified academic leniency. Member Holly Boffy of Lafayette said the policy would benefit students who are ready to enter the workforce and become contributing members of society. Ronnie Morris, a BESE member who lives in Baton Rouge, opposed the statewide waiver request. He said students need to be ready to enter the global economy. While the policy was rejected for students statewide, BESE did approve waivers for the roughly two dozen school districts affected by Hurricane Ida, which struck on Aug. 29. Students in those districts will be able to graduate by getting a composite score of 17 on the ACT, which measures college readiness, or a 17 on the subjects where they failed to meet the benchmarks. BESE members who supported the statewide waiver were Boffy; Preston Castille, of Baton Rouge; Belinda Davis, of Baton Rouge; Thomas Roque, of Alexandria and Doris Voitier, of Metairie. Those opposed were Morris; Sandy Holloway, of Thibodaux and Jim Garvey, of Metairie. Absent were Kira Orange Jones, of New Orleans; Michael Melerine, of Shreveport and Ashley Ellis, of Monroe. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota agencies can use their present budgets as a starting point for drafting new two-year spending plans, and although agency heads should consider inefficiencies, they won't have to identify potential cuts, Gov. Doug Burgum said Thursday. The Republican governors guidelines come with the state flush with cash from soaring oil prices and revenue far exceeding forecasts. In remarks at a meeting of department administrators at the state Capitol, Burgum said agencies should take a conservative approach to budgeting. He signaled he intends to include a state employee pay raise in his next two-year budget recommendation, though he did not provide details on how much he will suggest to lawmakers, who may adopt an equal raise for themselves. The guidelines will be used by North Dakota departments to write spending plans for the 2023-2025 budget cycle. Burgum will use the blueprints to draft his own spending plan for the Legislature, which lawmakers will get during their organizational session in December. Burgum said his guidelines would not affect proposals for one-time projects, such as technological improvements. The former software executive said the state is under-invested in digital infrastructure that causes inefficiencies in state government. He said there is too much stuff in the state were still doing manually. State spending has expanded dramatically in recent years as revenue from oil production has fattened North Dakotas coffers. The states current $17 billion two-year budget is its biggest ever and about $2.1 billion larger than the previous one. The increase in the current budget largely reflects an additional $2 billion the state received in federal coronavirus aid. State general fund revenues for the current budget cycle are running 13.1%, or more than $200 million ahead of forecast. The states general fund is spent on an assortment of programs, including education and human services, and is financed mostly by state taxes on income, sales and energy. Oil prices are a key contributor to the wealth of North Dakota, which is the No. 3 oil producer behind Texas and New Mexico. North Dakota budget officials estimate that every dollar in price that a barrel of oil increases or decreases has a more than $40 million impact on the state treasury annually. Lawmakers last spring assumed oil prices would be $50 a barrel when they crafted the present two-year budget. North Dakota oil has been fetching about $100 a barrel in recent weeks. VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis authorized spending up to 1 million euros to free a Colombian nun kidnapped by al-Qaida-linked militants in Mali, a cardinal testified Thursday, revealing previously secret papal approval to hire a British security firm to find the nun and secure her freedom. Cardinal Angelo Beccius bombshell testimony could pose serious security implications for the Vatican and Catholic Church, since he provided evidence that the pope was apparently willing to pay ransom to Islamic militants to free a nun, who was eventually let go last year. Ransom payment are rarely if ever confirmed, precisely to dissuade future kidnappings, and it's not known how much if any Vatican money actually ended up in the hands of the militants. Prosecutors have accused a Becciu co-defendant of embezzling around half the amount on high-end luxury items for herself. Becciu, who was once one of Francis top advisers as the No. 2 in the Vatican secretariat of state, had withheld his testimony from the Vatican tribunal for nearly two years as a matter of state and pontifical secret. But he spoke freely Thursday in his own defense after Francis released him from the confidentiality requirement, providing the most anticipated testimony of the yearlong trial to date. Becciu is one of 10 people accused in the Vaticans sprawling financial fraud trial, which originated in the Holy Sees 350 million euro investment in a London property and expanded to cover other alleged crimes. Prosecutors have accused the defendants of a host of crimes for allegedly fleecing the Holy See of millions of euros in fees, commissions and bad investments. Becciu, the lone cardinal on trial, is accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering, all of which he denies. On Thursday, his testimony covered the charges concerning his relationship with an Italian self-styled intelligence specialist, Cecilia Marogna. Marogna has told Italian media that she helped negotiate the release of Catholic hostages in Africa on behalf of the Holy See. Vatican prosecutors accuse her of embezzling 575 million euros, citing bank records from her Slovenian holding company that show nine wire transfers from the Vatican in 2018-2019 for unspecified humanitarian ends, and expenditures out of the account at Prada, Luis Vuitton and fancy hotels. Marogna has said the transfers were reimbursements for expenditures and compensation for her services. Becciu testified Thursday that he hired Marogna as an external security consultant, impressed by her grasp of geopolitical affairs and the trust she enjoyed of two of Italys top secret service officials, Generals Luciano Carta and Gianni Caravelli, who accompanied her to a meeting with Becciu in the Vatican in October 2017. Becciu said he turned to Marogna for help following the February 2017 kidnapping of a Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, in Mali. She had been kidnapped by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which has bankrolled its insurgency by kidnapping Westerners. During her captivity, the group periodically showed Narvaez on video asking for the Vatican's help. Becciu said he had heard from the Vatican's nuncio in Colombia as well as other sisters from the nun's religious order asking for help. He said he brought the matter to Francis as well as Marogna, who he said advised him that she could work with a British intelligence firm, The Inkerman Group, to secure the nuns release. Becciu testified that Francis authorized him to proceed with the Inkerman operation, and forbade him from telling anyone else about it, including the Vaticans own police chief. Francis was concerned about the security and reputational implications if the news leaked, Becciu said. Becciu said he and Marogna met with Inkerman officials at their London office in mid-January 2018. Inkerman officials said there were no assurances of success and that the total expenditure could reach 1 million euros, Becciu said. Because the Vatican wanted to remain external to any operation, Marogna became the key intermediary and the one to receive periodic payments from the Vatican secretariat of state for the operation, Becciu testified. Becciu said he provided Francis a preliminary oral readout of the London meeting on Jan. 15, 2018, while the pope was en route to Peru. He listened to me and confirmed my intention to proceed, Becciu testified. In a subsequent meeting with the Holy Father, once in Rome, I spoke to him in more detail about the conversation we had with the Inkermans and the sum that we should have estimated in broad terms: about 1 million euros, part to pay for the creation of a network of contacts, and part for the effective liberation of the nun. I pointed out that we shouldnt have gone beyond that figure. He approved. I must say that every step of this operation was agreed with the Holy Father, Becciu testified. Narvaez was released in October, 2021, after more than four years in captivity. Soon after, she met with Francis at the Vatican. Vatican prosecutors say they have evidence that the secretariat of state, in addition to the transfer of 575,000 euros sent to Marogna's Slovenian accounts, sent an equivalent amount directly to a British bank account held by Inkerman. Becciu also responded to claims against him concerning Cardinal George Pell, who left his job as the Vaticans financial czar in 2017 to face historic sex abuse charges in his native Australia, for which he was ultimately acquitted. Pell clashed repeatedly with Becciu during his time at the Vatican and has repeated Italian media claims that Becciu approved money transfers from the Vatican to Australia that in some way aided in the sex abuse prosecution against him. Becciu on Thursday produced two letters to refute the claims: One from the current secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, explaining that the 1.46 million euros that was wired to Australia was to pay for a domain name .catholic. And the other, a Sept. 11, 2015 letter authorizing that expenditure, signed by none other than Pell. GODFREY The playful Diesel is a 3-year-old male pointer mix at 5A's. He loves to play in water and play fetch with a ball, and will need a fenced-in yard. He is skittish around new people, making him a bit defensive with new people, but compassion and love will help Diesel get over his jitters and fear of the unknown. He was adopted three years ago from 5A's, and just recently returned to the shelter, but not for disciplinary reasons. To adopt an animal from Alton's Five As, which stands for Alton Area Animal Aid Association, come out to the shelter and visit the animals. The no-kill shelter is open daily from 11a.m.-3 p.m. Come visit with the animals, fill out some needed paperwork and pay the adoption fee. 5A's is located at 5430 N. Alby St., in Godfrey. If an animal requires surgery, you will get the animal day of surgery; if they have had their surgery, they are available for adoption that day. The nonprofit no-kill shelter was organized and opened in 1956 and is an affiliate member of Illinois Federation of Humane Societies and the American Humane Association based in Denver, Colorado. A premier humane shelter in the Riverbend, 5A's has served the area for more than 60 years, providing compassion and care to abused, unwanted and abandoned animals. The shelter serves Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto, East Alton and Wood River, as well as other adjoining communities. 5A's places approximately 500 "forever friends" into "forever homes" every year. Check out its website regularly for new incoming pet pics and fun upcoming events. Also, to support the shelter, don't forget to check out the area's largest thrift shop, "The 5As Thrift" in Wood River. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A federal judge has sentenced a former Janesville hospital executive to 3 1/2 years in prison for a multi-million dollar kickback scheme. Fifty-seven-year-old Barbara Bortner, of Milton, earlier pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion. Investigators say that while Bortner was vice president of marketing and public relations at Mercyhealth in Janesville, she and co-defendant Ryan Weckerly devised a scheme in which Weckerly submitted inflated invoices to Bortner for his marketing work on behalf of Mercyhealth. According to court documents, once Bortner approved the invoices, Weckerly was paid by Mercyhealth and he then provided money to Bortner in cash or checks which totaled more than $3 million. And Bortner agreed to use Weckerly's marketing company as the primary agency for Mercyhealth. At a sentencing hearing Wednesday, Judge William Conley said Bortner earned a generous salary at Mercyhealth and had no pressing need for the money she stole. Conley said the crime was motivated entirely by greed. Weckerly earlier pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return and will be sentenced by Conley on May 17. The judge also scheduled a restitution hearing for Bortner and Weckerly on July 21. The charges are the result of an IRS investigation. HOUSTON (AP) A Houston man remained hospitalized Thursday after being charged with allegedly firing at two officers during a traffic stop, wounding one of them, according to police. Jimmy Bryan, 23, is facing two counts of aggravated assault of a public servant following Wednesday's shooting, Houston police said. Officer J. Sallee, who was shot in his lower pelvic area, remains in stable condition & continues to recover at an area hospital," Houston police said in a Thursday tweet. Court records didn't list an attorney for Bryan who could speak on his behalf. At 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Sallee and another police officer pulled over a truck driven by Bryan. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said Bryan had been the focus of a multi-agency drug investigation and had a warrant for his arrest. After the truck had stopped at the gas station in southeast Houston, the officers asked the driver to get out of his vehicle. Bryan is accused by police of firing at the two officers after getting out of his truck. The officers fired back, hitting Bryan. While Sallee was hurt, the other officer was not injured. Both officers were placed on administrative leave while police and the Harris County District Attorneys Office investigate the shooting. JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he accepted an apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday for controversial remarks about the Holocaust made by Moscow's top diplomat. The two leaders talked over the phone, after which an Israeli statement said Putin had apologized. However, the Russian statement about the call made no mention of an apology. Instead, it said they emphasized the importance of marking the Nazi defeat in World War II, which Russia celebrates on Monday. Bennett emerged as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine shortly after Moscow's invasion. But that role was thrown into doubt this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made comments about the Holocaust that were deeply offensive to Jews. Asked in an interview with an Italian news channel about Russian claims that it invaded Ukraine to denazify the country, Lavrov said that Ukraine could still have Nazi elements even though its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is Jewish. In my opinion, Hitler also had Jewish origins, so it doesnt mean absolutely anything. For some time we have heard from the Jewish people that the biggest antisemites were Jewish, he said, speaking to the station in Russian, dubbed over by an Italian translation. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who has harshly criticized Russia over the invasion, called Lavrovs statement unforgivable and scandalous and a horrible historical error. The Jews did not murder themselves in the Holocaust, said Lapid, the son of a Holocaust survivor. The lowest level of racism against Jews is to blame Jews themselves for antisemitism. He demanded that Russia apologize, and Israel summoned the Russian ambassador in protest. Bennett, who has been more measured in his criticism of Russias invasion, also condemned Lavrovs comments. On Thursday, he said Putin had apologized. The Prime Minister accepted President Putins apology for Lavrovs remarks and thanked him for clarifying the Presidents attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust, Bennett's office said in a statement. Evoking Russia's deeply-rooted narrative of suffering and heroism in World War II, Putin has portrayed the war in Ukraine as a struggle against Nazis, even though it has a democratically elected government and a Jewish president whose relatives were killed in the Holocaust. Israel gained independence in the wake of the Holocaust and has served as a refuge for the worlds Jews. The Holocaust and its remembrance remain central to Israel's national identity, and the country marked its annual Holocaust memorial day last week. The Nazis and their collaborators killed 6 million Jews during World War II. Israel has tried to maintain ties with Russia despite the war, in part because Russia has a large military presence in neighboring Syria, where Israel routinely strikes suspected Iranian military targets. Israel and Moscow coordinate their actions in Syria to avoid coming into conflict. That paved the way for Bennett to be able to try to mediate between the sides in Ukraine, a role he seems to have resumed this week. Bennett's office said he and Putin discussed plans to evacuate civilians from a besieged steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. That came after a call between Bennett and Zelenskyy on Wednesday. The statement from Bennett said Putin "promised to allow the evacuation of civilians, including wounded civilians, through a U.N. and Red Cross humanitarian corridor. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERUSALEM (AP) 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. The verdict, issued late Wednesday as Israel largely shut down for its Independence Day, marks the end of a more than two-decade legal struggle by Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta region of the southern West Bank to maintain communities they say go back decades. Without warning in the middle of the night, the Israeli High Court of Justice published a verdict with unprecedented consequences, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which has represented the residents throughout the process, said in a statement. The High Court has officially authorized leaving entire families, with their children and their elderly, without a roof over their heads, it said. Roni Pelli, an attorney at the association, said the verdict is final and it's not clear if there are any further legal steps that can be taken. The forcible displacement of the communities could happen at any time, she told The Associated Press. The military declared the area a firing and training zone in the early 1980s. Israeli authorities have argued that the residents only used the area for seasonal agriculture and had no permanent structures there at the time. In November 1999, security forces expelled some 700 villagers and destroyed homes and cisterns, the association said. The legal battle began the following year. In its ruling late Wednesday, the Supreme Court sided with the state and said the villagers had rejected a compromise that would have allowed them to enter the area at certain times and practice agriculture for part of the year. The military said the ruling had confirmed that the firing zone was duly declared in accordance with the Military Commanders authority, due to military and security needs. The families say they have been there for decades, from long before Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. They practice a traditional form of desert agriculture and animal herding, with some living in caves at least part of the year, but say their only homes are in the hardscrabble communities now at risk of demolition. The occupation court just decided: My community will be destroyed, tweeted Basel Adra, a prominent activist from the area. The army can now place us on trucks, 2,400 people, and expel us from our ancient villages, one by one. The West Bank has been under Israeli military rule for nearly 55 years. Masafer Yatta is in the 60% of the territory where the Palestinian Authority is prohibited from operating. The Palestinians want the West Bank to form the main part of their future state. Jewish settlers have established outposts in the area that are not officially authorized by Israel but are protected by the military. Last fall, dozens of settlers attacked a village in the area, and a four-year-old boy was hospitalized after being struck in the head with a stone. Israel halted plans to formally annex parts of the West Bank in 2020, but it retains overall control over the territory, with the Palestinian Authority administering major population centers and cooperating with it on security matters. Nearly 500,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, which is home to nearly 3 million Palestinians. David Mintz, one of the Supreme Court justices issuing the verdict on Masafer Yatta, lives in the West Bank settlement of Dolev. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is opposed to Palestinian statehood and routinely refers to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, the biblical name of the region. He and other nationalist leaders view the West Bank as the historical heartland of the Jewish people. The last serious peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down more than a decade ago. Bennett's government has ruled out any major initiative to end the conflict but has taken steps to improve economic conditions for the Palestinians. Three major human rights groups have said Israel's policies, particularly in the West Bank, amount to apartheid, allegations Israel rejects as an attack on its very legitimacy. One of those groups, the Israeli organization B'Tselem, said that in the Masafer Yatta ruling the justices once again fulfilled their role in Israels regime of Jewish supremacy and paved the way for the crime of forcible transfer to be committed. We might know more about Google's first consumer smartwatch in just a few weeks. Google is allegedly preparing to tease or reveal its worst-kept secret, the Google Pixel Watch, at the upcoming Google I/O event on May 11 to 12, according to a recent CNET report. The Pixel watch was previously leaked by Reddit user u/tagtech414 through Android Central and the Reddit forum r/Google Pixel. Google's Plans With Pixel Watch CNET's report suggests that Google might be introducing the Pixel Watch during its next I/O event, but the company has yet to decide how it would do it. On the one hand, it could go like its usual reveals where Google would introduce each of the Pixel Watch's features one by one, just as it does to most of its products. On the other is a teaser meant to keep the mystery surrounding the Pixel Watch. This approach is plausible as Google already set a precedent with how they slowly revealed the Pixel 6 smartphone in 2021, per a separate CNET report. Read More: Xbox Series X Controller Now Comes in Deep Pink Days After Release of Scotland-Inspired Design Should Google go through with this approach, it is highly likely it will do so during the event's keynote address, which provides the company with an opportunity to reveal a few tidbits about the development of a product without piercing the veil of mystery. Reliable leaker Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech claims on his Twitter page that Google could go through with the latter approach to launch the Pixel Watch during the fall alongside the Pixel 7 smartphone. Android Central also theorized that the Pixel Watch could be released with the Pixel 7 in November while being announced on Google I/O 2022. What We Know About the Pixel Watch So Far From what we have gathered so far, the Pixel Watch looks identical to images leaked by Prosser in December 2021. It features a minimalist design with little to no bezels, has a rotating crown, and potentially two hidden buttons, which could be used to turn the device off and on, return to the home screen, or a shortcut to view recently opened apps. It could also come with a microphone or an altimeter sensor to track its user's stair climbing. Google's first commercial smartwatch could also come with a longer battery life thanks to its 300 mAh battery. To put that into perspective, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 only has a 247mAh battery that lasts 40 hours with regular use, per Tom's Guide. The smartwatch is also rumored to support cellular connectivity on top of a heart rate sensor, which is a welcome tool for people trying to watch their heart rate. Tom's Guide revealed in a separate article that it expects the Pixel Watch to be in the mid-priced category despite the lack of reference on the matter. While the Apple Watch Series 7 and Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 start at $399 and $249, respectively, the Pixel Watch could cost between $200 and $350 depending on the size and LTE variants. Related Article: Pixel Watch Leak: Will Its Battery Life Last Longer Than the Galaxy Watch 4? JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli police entered a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem to clear away Palestinian protesters on Thursday, after Jewish visits that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed. Recent weeks have seen several rounds of clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site for Muslims, which is built on a hilltop that is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. It lies at the emotional heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the visits resumed, dozens of Palestinians gathered, chanting God is greatest. Scuffles broke out when the police went to arrest one of them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on the sprawling esplanade as some Palestinians sheltered inside the mosque itself. The police could later be seen just inside an entrance to the barricaded mosque. The police said they responded to dozens of people who were shouting incitement and throwing stones, and that one police officer was lightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were taken to a hospital after being struck with batons. Unlike in previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there was no sign of rock-throwing initially. Some of those who sheltered inside the mosque began throwing stones and other objects when police entered the building. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. The Islamic endowment that administers the site said police detained around 50 Palestinians. It said around 600 Jews visited the compound. The situation was calm again by mid-morning. Under informal arrangements known as the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there. In recent years, they have visited in ever-increasing numbers with police escorts and many have discreetly prayed, angering the Palestinians as well as neighboring Jordan, which is the custodian of the site. The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to eventually take over the site or partition it. Israel says it is committed to maintaining the status quo, and accuses the Islamic militant group Hamas of inciting the recent violence. The visits, by mostly nationalist and religious Jews, resumed Thursday after being paused for the last 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Thursday is also Israel's Independence Day, and in recent days fringe groups had called on Jewish worshippers to celebrate by waving Israeli flags at the holy site. The calls were widely circulated by Palestinians on social media, along with calls to confront any such display. A Jewish group shared a video that appeared to show a group of visitors singing Israel's national anthem as police escorted away a boy who had an Israeli flag draped over his shoulder. The video appeared authentic. Hussein al-Sheikh, a senior Palestinian official who serves as the main liaison between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, tweeted earlier this week that raising the flag would show outrageous disregard for Palestinian feelings and mark the continuation of extremist racist campaigns. Hamas warned Wednesday that Israel was playing with fire and dragging the region into an escalation for which the occupation bears full responsibility. Clashes in and around Al-Aqsa last year helped ignite an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas. The compound is in the Old City, which houses major religious sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Old City is part of east Jerusalem, which Israel captured in the 1967 war along with the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their future state. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the international community, and it considers the entire city its capital. The West Bank has been under Israeli military rule for nearly 55 years, and Gaza has been under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. The Palestinian Authority administers parts of the West Bank and cooperates with Israel on security. It is barred from operating in east Jerusalem. MEXICO CITY (AP) Another journalist was found dead in northern Mexico on Thursday, the ninth media worker killed in the country so far this year. Prosecutors in the northern state of Sinaloa said the body of Luis Enrique Ramirez Ramos was found on a dirt road near near junkyard in the state capital, Culiacan. Prosecturs said his body was wrapped in black plastic, and that he died from multiple blows to the head. Ramirez Ramos, 59, was the ninth reporter or photographer killed this year in Mexico, making the country the most dangerous place in the world for the press outside war zones. Ramirez Ramos news website, Fuentes Fidedignas, or Reliable Sources, said that he had been abducted near his house hours earlier. Prosectors said that he had not been reported missing to police. The Committee to Protect Journalists said it lamented the killing and calls on authorities to urgently investigate this act. Ramirez Ramos is listed as founding director of the website, which has reported relatively little on the drug cartel violence that plagues Sinaloa, which is home to the cartel of the same name. Fuentes Fidedignas did, however, report on local political disputes, which is often a risky subject for reporters in provincial Mexico, especially in Sinaloa. But the website also includes a section on good news about Sinaloa, and in its mission statement says just as we denounce vices and corruption, we also cover the industrious, hard working and generous nature that our good people give the state. Francisco Chiquete, a fellow reporter in Culiacan, said Luis Enrique Ramirez was a very professional and capable journalist and noted he had expressed fears about retaliation for his work as long ago as 2015. Prosecutors said he had not reported threats at the time to police. Chiquete said he wasnt aware of any more recent threats against his colleague, who also wrote columns for the Sinaloa newspaper El Debate. Many killings of journalists in recent years in Mexico have been blamed on drug cartels, and journalists in the most violent cities, like Culiacan, often avoid the topic of cartels for their own safety. But in a 2015 interview with MVS radio station after the killing of fellow reporter Humberto Millan, Ramirez Ramos said I don't write about narcos, I speak neither good nor ill of the narcos. Humberto Millan didn't either, and that was not enough to keep him alive and working. What is happening? Humberto Millan and I only write about politicians, and now it turns out that we can't write about politicians either, so what are journalists in Sinaloa going to write about? he said at the time. Mexico's state and federal government have been criticized for neither preventing the killings nor investigating them sufficiently. While President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised a zero impunity program to investigate the killings, on Thursday the head of that program listed only six killings of journalists this year, even though there have been eight. And the president continues his frequent verbal attacks on journalists whose stories he dislikes, calling them conservatives" and mercenaries, and using information from supporters and apparently tax agencies to publicize the income of reporters he dislikes. Press groups say Lopez Obradors daily criticisms of journalists make them more vulnerable to violence. In February, the Inter American Press Association called on the president to immediately suspend the aggressions and insults, because such attacks from the top of power encourage violence against the press. And in March, the European Union approved a resolution that calls on the authorities, and in particular the highest ones, to refrain from issuing any communication which could stigmatize human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, exacerbate the atmosphere against them or distort their lines of investigation. GLASGOW, Ky. (AP) A Kentucky judge has held the states child welfare agency in contempt for the second time this year, according to a published report. Barren County Family Court Judge Micah Wood Pence said her order stems from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services failure to follow a court decision to return a child to her mother, the Courier Journal reported. Pence also found two cabinet employees in contempt for lying under oath at a hearing about their role in the case and directed a formal complaint to the Kentucky Bar Association against the cabinets lawyer, Jennifer Clay, the newspaper reported. In response to a question about the findings, cabinet spokeswoman Susan Dunlap issued a brief statement. The cabinet is reviewing the judges orders and considering our legal options, she said. We are also looking into the judges findings with regard to cabinet personnel. Pence told the newspaper she took the unusual step of making her order and the family court case public on Monday instead of keeping it confidential in hopes of preventing a similar situation. The only way for this and similar situations to be remedied, so that the interests of a child are not adversely affected in the future, is for the court to clearly outline where things went wrong and request CHFS take steps to implement alternate procedures aimed at ensuring this does not occur again in the future, the order said. The child in the case has since been returned to her mother. Pence also found the agency in contempt on Feb. 8 for not providing enough staff and resources for the local child welfare office to manage caseloads. When Midland resident Susi Sadek heard about the leaked Supreme Court majority opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood, she said she felt angry and sick to her stomach. Sadek is concerned about poor women not having the means to travel to places where they can get safe, legal abortions, causing a rise in dangerous, unsafe abortions. So, she attended a rally to voice her rights as a woman. Michigan is good for now, (but) who knows what is going to happen in the next few years? Sadek said. I know that we have somebody that is going to fight for women in Michigan, but it is terrifying for the women of this country. About 150 people gathered Wednesday outside the Midland County Courthouse to voice their fears, anger and drive against the leaked opinion that could turn over a 50-year precedent protecting reproductive rights for women in the U.S. The rally, held by the Women of Michigan Action Network, featured speeches from many Midland political leaders and reproductive experts in front of a boisterous crowd. One of these speakers was Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Bay City commissioner and state senate candidate for the 35th district, which includes the city of Midland. She is also a practicing Catholic and a mother of six children, including four daughters. She spoke about Michigans 1931 law on abortion that would go back into effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned. According to a Detroit Free Press story, this law would make abortion illegal and would classify it as a felony. The ban contains no exceptions for rape or incest, but does allow abortion to save the life of a pregnant woman. McDonald Rivet said this law would also ban the use of the "morning after pill," or "Plan B," a regular procedure for survivors of sexual assault, and it would put doctors in jail. She said the majority of people want abortion to be legal and women should not have their rights taken away. I have had the protection of Roe v. Wade my entire reproductive life, McDonald Rivet said. What I worry about is the life of my four daughters and granddaughters that are going to come after that. Dr. Audrey Stryker, an OB/GYN who works in Bay City and Saginaw, said access to abortion is already tough in some areas of the state due to a lack of clinics. She sees patients in Bay City from as far away as Gaylord and Grayling who have no nearby options. Giving access to abortions is one part of Stryker's work, but she also works with infertility, helps women who are trying to get pregnant, delivers babies and does surgeries. By completely removing access to abortion, Stryker said the 1931 Michigan law would put women in danger of dying from dangerous pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Stryker said before Roe took effect in the 1970s, women were dying left and right because they could not get access to safe abortions. Do they not care at all about women? Stryker said. Do they not care at all about the mother's life? I mean, this is the reason why Roe came to be in the first place. She also said that politicians should not be making medical decisions for women. As a obstetrician, Stryker works to meet her patients where they are at on abortion, contraception and family planning. She said no one should dictate another person's choices. We are not going to be having your religious beliefs, or your reproductive beliefs, pushed on everybody, Stryker said. It cannot happen like that. If that was the case, then we would have this minority of people putting those impressions on all of us. Chairperson for the Midland County Democrats Jennifer Austin gave a passionate speech criticizing some GOP figures who she said have attacked reproductive health care rights. I am here as a person with a uterus speaking for myself, my daughter, for trans-men, non-binary persons and everyone, everywhere with a uterus to tell the far-right radical GOP to keep their bans off my body, Austin said. She also has concerns that the apparent majority opinion of the Supreme Court against abortion could also indicate opposition to same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, birth control rights, and same-sex intercourse. She added that women in minority groups and poverty would be most affected by an abortion ban, and that people should channel anger they may have over the leaked opinion to support activist groups, nonprofits and campaigns. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Planned Parenthood have filed separate lawsuits in Michigan courts to strike down the state's abortion ban. Austin supports the actions Whitmer has taken and believes the Democrats can take both the State House and State Senate in Michigan in November to make a legislative difference regarding abortion. Sadek is hopeful that the governor's lawsuit is successful, and said she thinks the governor has womens best interests in mind. She added that since unwanted pregnancies are invasive for women, maybe vasectomies, which are less invasive and can be reversed, should be mandated for men. Austin said the far-right faction of the Republican Party seems to be interested in waging a war on women. At Wednesday's event, there were petitions circulated for a state ballot initiative to amend the state's constitution to legally allow abortion access. Petitioners must collect 425,000 valid signatures by July 11 to put the initiative on the ballot in November. It is really disheartening that they seem to have it out for women (and) minorities of every stripe, whether we are talking race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, Austin said. It seems to be an attack from every direction for them, to try to drag people down. I am not entirely sure what their purpose is, or why they feel so hateful, but that definitely does seem to be the case. BOSTON (AP) A military college student said in a lawsuit filed Thursday that armed services officials deemed him unfit for service because he tested positive for HIV. The 20-year-old student from Revere, Massachusetts, said in the complaint against state and federal military officials that he tested positive for HIV in October 2020 during his sophomore year at the nation's oldest private military college, Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. The student, who is identified in the lawsuit only as John Doe, said in the complaint filed in federal court in Burlington, Vermont, that he was deemed unfit for service and dropped from the Reserve Officers Training Corps and the Vermont Army National Guard despite being healthy, asymptomatic and on a treatment regimen that renders his viral load undetectable. His lawsuit notes he was informed he would not be able to get a scholarship through the ROTC or be entitled to other benefits related to military service, such as a state tuition waiver and medical and dental coverage. Lawyers for Civil Rights, a Boston-based group that filed the lawsuit on the students behalf, provided redacted copies of the student's discharge documents, which show he was terminated from the guard in January for being not medically qualified. Spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Defense and the Vermont National Guard, which are both named in the suit, declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. Under Department of Defense regulations, HIV is among a lengthy list of health conditions that automatically disqualify a person from enlisting, being appointed as a commissioned officer or enrolling as an ROTC scholarship cadet. The students lawyers argue the militarys HIV policies date to the 1980s when little was known about the condition, which, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS. A generation after they were first developed, the militarys policies are highly anachronistic and fail to reflect current medical reality, the Lawyers for Civil Rights organization argues in the lawsuit. Advances in medical treatment and prevention have transformed HIV from a progressive, terminal disease to a manageable condition. A federal judge in Virginia ruled last month that service members who are HIV-positive cannot be discharged or barred from becoming an officer solely because theyre infected with the virus. Sophia Hall, deputy litigation director with Lawyers for Civil Rights, said the student's case is unrelated because the Virginia ruling only applied to those already in military service. The student, in a statement provided by his lawyers, said he hopes to restore his military standing in order to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncles who served in the armed forces. The lawsuit also asks the court to invalidate the military regulations and policies that led to his dismissal from the National Guard and ROTC. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to create a framework for distributing about $300 million that the state is receiving as part of a settlement with opioid distributors and manufacturers. Counties and cities across Minnesota will be receiving a portion of the settlement, including more than $42 million to Hennepin County, the state's most populous county, $10 million to the city of Minneapolis and $8 million to St. Paul. About a quarter will go to the states Opioid Response Advisory Council while the rest of the funds about $222 million are meant to flow to cities and counties for treatment and prevention against the addictive painkillers, which have claimed the lives of more than 5,400 Minnesotans since 2000. The Senate passed the bill on a 66-0 vote. Unfortunately, there is a tremendous amount of work ... that needs to continue in stopping the illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl in our communities, Republican Sen. Julie Rosen, of Fairmont, the bill's chief author, said on the Senate floor before the vote. But for now, we can be assured that there is compensation for the abuse we have endured at the hands of these large companies. The money is part of a $26 billion nationwide settlement with manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson last year to resolve more than 3,000 lawsuits against the four companies. Minnesota will receive about $296 million over the next 18 years with larger payment amounts frontloaded in the first five years. The bill also extends the states license and registration fees imposed on opioid manufacturers by the Legislature in 2019. The fees were created to fund the advisory council and won't expire until the state has collected $250 million from the companies, which Rosen estimates won't be until 2031. The League of Minnesota Cities, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities and Association of Minnesota Counties sent a joint letter to lawmakers urging them to pass the legislation and get the funds to local governments to bolster treatment, enforcement and prevention efforts. The cities and counties worked with lawmakers and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to determine how much of the funds would go to local governments before landing at 75%. Ellison, who represented Minnesota in the legal action against the companies, thanked lawmakers for moving the legislation forward and told reporters he hopes the funds start flowing to local governments as soon as possible. Ellison also thanked local Minnesota prosecutors for playing a role in the litigation by filing their own lawsuits against the companies. That's another thing that's just been a team effort, because we believe public safety is public safety wherever it might be, he said. Rosen told reporters after the vote that the House is expected to quickly pass the legislation, and the money is expected to start flowing to local governments as soon as Democratic Gov. Tim Walz signs the bill into law. ___ Mohamed Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Elon Musk has strengthened the equity stake in his $44 billion offer to buy Twitter with commitments of more than $7 billion from a diverse group of investors including Silicon Valley heavy hitters like Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. A regulatory filing Thursday also said that Musk is in talks with others for additional funding, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, the social media platform's second-largest individual stakeholder after Musk. Ellison, who is also a board member of electric vehicle maker Tesla, is making the biggest contribution, pegged at $1 billion. Musk is Tesla's CEO and biggest shareholder. Other investors include tech investor Sequoia Capital Fund, which pledged $800 million, and VyCapital, which committed to $700 million, according to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Also, Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud has pledged 35 million Twitter shares, according to the filing. The 18 investors are a who's who list of Wall Street and Silicon Valley investment firms, said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, who follows Twitter and Tesla. Before Thursday's announcement, Ives gave the deal a 75% chance of closing, but now it's 90% or 95%, he said. The high profile investors show "that it's not Musk single-handedly trying to turn around Twitter, Ives said. Other investors backing Musk are technology venture capitalist Ben Horowitz, who said his firm, known as Andreessen Horowitz, or a16z, is putting in $400 million because it believes in Musks brilliance to finally make it what it was meant to be. While Twitter has great promise as a public square, it suffers from a myriad of difficult issues ranging from bots to abuse to censorship, Horowitz tweeted Thursday. Being a public company solely reliant on an advertising business model exacerbates all of these. Sequoia has invested in Zoom, DoorDash, Apple, Netflix and others. We help the daring build legendary companies, is a headline on its website. The firm has a long history with Musk. It was an early investor in what would become PayPal, which Musk co-founded and was sold for $1.5 billion in 2002. A $500 million commitment from cryptocurrency exchange Binance raised the possibility that Musk plans to incorporate cryptocurrencies and related technologies into his vision for Twitter, in the mold of so-called Web3 businesses that aim to create a new stage of the internet. Andreessen Horowitz has also in recent years prioritized investing in cryptocurrency startups. Were excited to be able to help Elon realize a new vision for Twitter, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said in a statement Thursday. We hope to be able to play a role in bringing social media and web3 together and broadening the use and adoption of crypto and blockchain technology. Qatars sovereign wealth fund, which is contributing $375 million, declined comment Thursday. The Saudi prince tweeted that Musk will be an excellent leader for Twitter and said he looked forward to rolling about $1.9 billion worth of shares into the company. It was a sharp change of tone from last month, when the prince publicly criticized Musks takeover proposal and Musk responded by questioning Saudi Arabias record on journalistic freedom of speech. Originally Musk had committed to borrowing $12.5 billion with Tesla stock as collateral to buy San Francisco-based Twitter. He also would borrow $13 billion from banks and put up $21 billion in Tesla equity. Money from the new investors cuts the amount borrowed on the value of Tesla stock to $6.25 billion, according to the filing. The Tesla equity share could go from $21 billion to $27.25 billion. But Ives said he expects Musk to reduce the equity share with money from more investors. Musk is balancing any adverse impact on Tesla stock against his desire to buy Twitter, Ives said. He wants Twitter, but you can't sacrifice the golden child to get it, Ives said. Tesla shares closed Thursday down 8.3% at $873.28 as the broader markets fell. Analysts say investors are concerned that the Twitter bid may distract Musk from Tesla, SpaceX and his other companies. Twitter shares closed up 2.7% at $50.36, edging closer to Musk's offer of $54.20. Musk in earlier regulatory filings revealed that he has sold roughly $8.5 billion worth of shares in Tesla to help fund the purchase. Musk later tweeted that he doesnt plan any further sales of the companys shares, meaning he would need outside commitments to help fund the $44 billion deal. Last November, Musk began selling shares, which he said on Twitter would go to pay for his tax obligations on stock options that are part of his all-stock compensation package. Last year he sold more than 15 million shares worth roughly $16.4 billion. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina state employees will get an extra day of vacation for receiving a COVID-19 booster, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday as state government uses a new incentive to increase vaccination rates. Cooper signed an executive order that provides the leave to permanent, probationary or time-limited workers whose Cabinet-level agencies report to him. The extra time off will be given to those who have already received the first COVID-19 booster or those who show documentation by Aug. 31 of receiving one. ESSEX, Md. (AP) Police officers responding to a disturbance at a Maryland home fatally shot a man who moved quickly toward them with two knives, officials said Thursday. Baltimore County police officers responded to a home on Boundbrook Way in Essex around 4 p.m. on Wednesday after a 911 caller reporting a physical domestic disturbance said a man was throwing items at a family member, the Independent Investigations Division of the Attorney General's Office said in a news release. STATESVILLE, N.C. (AP) No charges will be filed in a shooting at the North Carolina home of rapper DaBaby, police said Thursday. Troutman police said on social media that the investigation into the April 13 shooting has been completed, news outlets reported. According to the post, investigators consulted with the Iredell County District Attorneys Office in determining no charges will be filed. AMD is confirming the release of Ryzen 700 and the all-new Zen4 processors. The company is preparing to release numerous products under these two new products. The tech company continues to develop not just heavily for gaming, but also release competitive processors for laptops and mobile phones. AMD Ryzen 7000 AMD has stated that a new class of laptop CPUs will be available in 2023 as part of the company's planned Ryzen 7000 series. Known internally as the Dragon Range, the series targets power consumption of 55 watts or higher and is designed to compete with the highest-end gaming notebooks. Although AMD did not provide any details on the manufacturing process at its press briefing, the company did confirm that it will be based on the Zen 4 processor architecture. The company's head of technical marketing, Robert Hallock, stated that the company is aiming to be the leader in gaming and multi-threading with the product. According to Digital Trends, Zen 4 is expected to ship utilizing TSMC's 5nm manufacturing process, despite its refusal to discuss the specifics of the manufacturing process. Though it has not done so in the past, it's feasible that the business will use various manufacturing procedures for the different laptop and desktop product lines going forward. Additionally, the company is developing its Ryzen 7000 desktop processors, which are code-named Raphael. It is currently unclear whether or not these CPUs will include the 3D V-Cache technology that it just introduced with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. AMD also announced during the conference that its desktop processors, Ryzen 7000, release date, will be available in the second half of 2022, with support for DDR5 memory. The Dragon Range and Phoenix mobile processors are scheduled to be released in 2023, respectively. Although it is unknown when the chips will be available, AMD's briefing hints that they will be available at the beginning of the year. AMD claims to be aiming for the "highest core, thread, and cache ever for a mobile gaming CPU," despite the fact that specifics are limited. Read Also: Did Intel Just Release Its Alder Lake Chips Early? Reddit Users Claim to Have Bought Two Chips Ahead of Release AMD Zen4 Release Date When AMD Zen 4 CPUs are released, tech enthusiasts will finally be able to use PCIe Gen5 and DDR5 gaming RAM on its Ryzen processors for the first time. Since Alder Lake was released in 2021, AMD's processor offerings have been aligned with Intel's, which has supported both technologies since the release of Alder Lake. AMD Zen 4 processors are expected to be released in gaming PCs later this year. As is always the case until the company unveils its Zen-3-based Ryzen 5000 replacement, its Ryzen 7000 processors will compete with Intel's Raptor Lake for the title of best gaming CPU in the second half of 2022. AMD Earnings AMD posted its earnings for the first quarter of 2022, yesterday, May 4, exceeding expectations from both earnings and revenue projections from analysts. The company reported first-quarter earnings of $1.13 a share, excluding certain factors, a significant increase over the $0.92-cent consensus estimate of market experts. Sales increased by 71 % which totals to $5.9 billion. It was previously forecasted to have a $5.3 billion revenue this first quarter, however, this 71% increase proves the wide margin of how significant the company is to its market. The chipmaker expects to generate $26.3 billion in yearly sales in 2022. This yearly sales is a 60 % increase over the previous year's figure. In comparison, an average estimate of $24.1 billion was provided. It is gaining headway among the world's largest consumers of computer processors, including the owners of the massive data centers that serve as the internet's nerve center. As CNBC reports, the company CEO Lisa Su stated that the company believes it has gained market share in PC chips for eight consecutive quarters Related Article: Meta's Facebook Will End Releasing Podcasts' - Removing It All Starting June 3 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters in the tunnels underneath Mariupols pulverized steel plant held out against Russian troops Thursday in an increasingly desperate and perhaps doomed effort to deny Moscow what would be its biggest success of the war yet: the complete capture of the strategic port city. The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph or announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. Victory Day is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Some 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russia's most recent estimate, were holed up at Mariupol's sprawling Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of resistance in a city largely reduced to rubble over the past two months. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped there. The defenders will stand till the end. They only hope for a miracle," Kateryna Prokopenko said after speaking by phone to her husband, a leader of the steel plant defenders. "They wont surrender. She said her husband, Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, told her he would love her forever. I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye, she said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was preventing the evacuation of civilians remaining in the plants underground bunkers. Just imagine this hell! And there are children there, he said late Thursday in his nightly video address. More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death. The Russians managed to get inside with the help of an electrician who knew the layout, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines Internal Affairs Ministry. He showed them the underground tunnels which are leading to the factory, Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer. The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant. The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, pleaded on Ukrainian TV for the evacuation of civilians and wounded fighters from the steelworks, saying soldiers were dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. The Kremlin has demanded the troops surrender. They have refused. Russia has also accused them of preventing the civilians from leaving. The head of the United Nations said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and the plant was underway. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes." More than 100 civilians were rescued from the steelworks over the weekend. But many previous attempts to open safe corridors from Mariupol have fallen through, with Ukraine blaming shelling and firing by the Russians. Meanwhile, 10 weeks into the devastating war, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putins ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Russian forces are making only plodding progress in the Donbas. The head of Britains armed forces, Chief of the Defense Staff Adm. Tony Radakin, said Putin is trying to rush to a tactical victory before Victory Day. But he said Russian forces are struggling to gain momentum. Radakin told British broadcaster Talk TV that Russia is using missiles and weapons at such a rate that it is in a logistics war to keep supplied. This is going to be a hard slog, he said. On Thursday, an American official said the U.S. shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of a Russian flagship before the mid-April strike that sank it, one of Moscow's highest-profile failures in the war. The U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of warships, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the decision to target the missile cruiser Moskva was purely a Ukrainian decision. Fearful of new attacks surrounding Victory Day, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged residents to leave for the countryside over the long weekend and warned them not to gather in public places. And the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. In other developments, Belarus authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview with The Associated Press but said he didnt expect the conflict to drag on this way. Lukashenko, whose country was used by the Russians as a launch pad for the invasion, said Moscow had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But he also created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the conflict and referring to it as a war a term Moscow refuses to use. It insists on calling the fighting a special military operation. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. As the battle raged there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian bombardment Thursday hit dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including troop concentrations in the east, an artillery battery near the eastern settlement of Zarozhne, and rocket launchers near the southern city of Mykolaiv. Five people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said, with shells hitting schools, apartments and a medical facility. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces "have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. But the war has devastated the country's medical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said in a video link to a charity event in the U.K., with nearly 400 healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed. There is simply a catastrophic situation regarding access to medical services and medicines, in areas occupied by Russian forces, he said. "Even the simplest drugs are lacking. With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses. In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild. ___ Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MADRID (AP) A court in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician and blogger who was arrested after being accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday near the coastal city of Tarragona under an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Citing the circumstances of the case and Shariys connections to Spain, the judge declined to keep him in custody. Instead Shariy was ordered to surrender his passport, report regularly to authorities and remain in Spain, where he has reportedly lived since 2019. The court said the measures would remain in place for 40 days in order to allow Ukraine to formally request Shariy's extradition. His arrest in Spain was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, the founder of a political party considered by many in Ukraine to be pro-Russian, has been a vocal critic of Ukraines government. As recently as Tuesday he tweeted that he had been warned that Ukrainian intelligence was trying to track him down. Ukrainian media reported that a member of Shariys political party said in February, prior to the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, that Shariy had been granted asylum in the European Union. It was not immediately possible to confirm that report. ___ Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Two historically Black schools Jackson State and Tougaloo College will share in $4 million in federal funding to help support academic and community programs, officials announced Thursday. U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson visited Jackson State to present the ceremonial checks to fund projects at the two schools located in his district, The Clarion Ledger reported. These two investments here its about students, said Thompson, who is a graduate of both colleges. Its about making them the best they can be ... Hopefully with these investments we will prepare our students for the world of work and the lives which they will lead after leaving these institutions. Jackson State will receive $3 million for its Center for Living, Learning and Cultural Engagement. President Thomas Hudson said the center will be a space for business innovation, student learning, cultural engagement and community resources. We do believe this center will inspire others and it certainly aligns with our historical mission to develop our community, provide resources and learning opportunities for our students, he said. Tougaloo will receive $1 million for the Reuben V. Anderson Institute for Social Justice, which was named for the first Black justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court and a Tougaloo graduate. President Carmen Walters said the institute was founded in 2016 and focuses on community engagement, public policy, pre-law and leadership to address issues such as poverty and economic injustice. Were teaching them to be the leaders and change-makers of America, Walters said. Hudson and Walters both said the funding will help provide a central space to house all of the centers and institutes programs. They said the funding will also help with digital upgrades, such as digitizing the library at Tougaloo and archives at Jackson State. Thompson said the federal money will help level the playing field for HBCUS, which have been historically underfunded. MANISTEE Hundreds are set to gather later this month in Manistee for a day designed to salute U.S. military veterans. After a two-year hiatus, Tight Lines for Troops is set to make its return with some changes in store. The annual fishing tournament and dinner spans over two days, while veterans are invited to enjoy a free fishing trip on Lake Michigan. The tournament began in 2009 when Bob Guenhardt, an Army veteran and former ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, organized a group of volunteers to show appreciation for veterans. For 10 years, veterans gathered each May, before the coronavirus pandemic led to the event being canceled in 2020 and 2021. Guenhardt said he would have never expected Tight Lines for Troops to become as popular as it has become. I was just (going to) take a few veterans out fishing I had a charter boat at the time, Guenhardt said. I mentioned it to a couple of friends and they said, that sounds like something we'd want to do. We ended the first year a lot better than what we thought it was going to be and it just snowballed from there. The tournament is slated to return May 20-21 and event organizers say they are looking to enlist as much help as they can to make it a truly special outing for local and visiting veterans. More volunteers are needed to help with things like meals, event set-up, registration and clean-up. Volunteers can still register through signup.com/go/yvXzxcr or contact organizers through the groups Facebook page. The two-day event begins at 5 p.m. on May 20 with a mandatory meeting, where participating veterans are assigned their boats, meet the captains and enjoy a complimentary dinner. For the first time, organizers will be holding the tournament at the Manistee Iron Works. This year, the registration, meeting, event staging, post tournament awards, meal and activities are planned to take place at 254 River St. The tournament is scheduled to start at 6:30 a.m. on May 21, following a send-off. Veterans ar scheduled to fish for six hours, then gather in the harbor before proceeding up the Manistee River. A highlight of the day is when community members line the Manistee River channel to welcome veterans back to shore, typically with American flags in hand. Organizers encourage residents to come out and show their support by lining the riverwalk area starting at 12:30 p.m. Members of Rolling Thunder Michigan are expected to be on hand to provide loaner flags at several distribution points along the Manistee Riverwalk. For event organizer and veteran John Stocki, Tight Lines is about more than providing veterans with a free fishing excursion it's a chance for people to show their gratitude for those who served in the armed forces. For some of these vets, this is the only welcome they got, Stocki said. The Vietnam vets, when they came back those guys never got a welcome home ever. It brings tears to a lot of these guys that havent done this before just to see the welcome home they get coming back. A weigh-in is set for 1 p.m. at the fish cleaning station near First Street boat launch. A dinner and awards ceremony are scheduled to take place immediately following the weigh-in. Money raised from the event is also given back to charitable veterans organizations. While the tournament was canceled during the pandemic, the Tight Lines committee was still able to donate $15,000 to support veterans charities in 2021, including the Manistee Veterans Memorial Park Fund, Northern Michigan Blue to Gold Star Mothers and the Northern Michigan Veterans Coalition, Region 3. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) People in Britain voted Thursday in local elections that will decide the makeup of local authorities across the country and possibly the fate of embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Polling stations were open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. (2100GMT) in contests for thousands of seats on 200 local authorities in in England, Scotland and Wales. Most results are due Friday. Opinion polls suggest the governing Conservatives will lose hundreds of seats in elections that are considered a barometer of public opinion. In Northern Ireland, voters are electing a new 90-seat Assembly, with polls suggesting the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein could win the largest number of seats, and the post of first minister, in what would be a historic first. The local-authority elections will decide who collects garbage, fixes potholes and handles other essential services across the country. Johnson, who voted at a polling station near his 10 Downing St. residence accompanied by his dog, Dilyn said in a social media video that its Conservatives who deliver, Conservatives who get the bins collected." But many voters also have other things on their mind. Across the U.K., the elections are dominated by increasing prices for food and fuel, which have sent household bills soaring. Opposition parties are demanding the government to do more to ease the cost-of-living crunch driven by the war in Ukraine, COVID-19 pandemic disruption and economic aftershocks from Britains exit from the European Union. Both left-of-center Labour and the centrist Liberal Democrats advocate a windfall tax on energy companies, which have reported record profits amid rocketing oil and gas prices. Johnsons Conservative government argues taxing big firms like Shell and BP would deter much-needed investment in renewable energy thats key to meeting Britains climate commitments. The election also comes after months of turmoil for Johnson, in which he became the first prime minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law in office. He was fined 50 pounds ($62) by police for attending his own surprise birthday party in June 2020 when lockdown rules barred social gatherings. Johnson has apologized, but denies knowingly breaking the rules. He faces the possibility of more fines over other parties police are investigating a dozen gatherings and a parliamentary investigation into whether he misled lawmakers about his behavior. The prime minister also faces discontent within his own party. A bad result for the governing party on Thursday could lead Conservatives to try to replace Johnson with a less tarnished leader. Many will be anxiously watching to see whether Labour can win key Conservative-held councils in London and win back voters in working-class northern England - areas that Johnson successfully wooed in the 2019 general election. Labour leader Keir Starmer said the government was consumed by a constant drip-drip of sleaze and scandal. Their failure to get on with their jobs would be shameful at any time, Starmer wrote in the Daily Mirror newspaper. But during a once in a lifetime cost-of-living crisis, its a disgrace. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to unite and end the war in Ukraine on Thursday, calling it senseless, ruthless and limitless in its potential for global harm. The top U.N. human rights official said even a one-day cease-fire would prevent dozens of civilian deaths and injuries and allow several thousand others to flee Russian attacks. The U.N. Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine heard a briefing from Guterres on his recent meetings with the Russian and Ukrainian presidents that led to the first two evacuations this week from the besieged southeastern city of Mariupol and its last Ukrainian stronghold, the Azovstal steel plant. Humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said a third convoy left for Mariupol Thursday, expects to arrive Friday morning, and hopes to evacuate civilians from the plant. Guterres said he did not mince words with Russian President Vladimir Putin that his countrys Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine is a violation of the countrys territorial integrity and the U.N. Charter and it must end for the sake of the people of Ukraine, Russia and the entire world. In his meetings with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Guterres said he also focused on the need for quick action to ensure a steady flow of food and energy in open markets. He stressed that a meaningful solution to global food insecurity requires reintegrating Ukraines agricultural production and the food and fertilizer production of Russia and Belarus into world markets, despite the war. Russia and Ukraine together produce 30% of the worlds wheat supply, 20% of its corn, and 75% of its sunflower seed oil. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law keep increasing every day. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, she said, 6,731 civilian deaths and injuries have been recorded and the real figures are considerably higher. From late February for about five weeks, she said, Russian forces in areas around Kyiv targeted civilian men whom they considered suspicious, detaining, beating, summarily executing them and in some cases taking them to Belarus and Russia. In other Russian-controlled areas including the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, she said her office continues to document arbitrary detentions and possible enforced disappearances of local officials, journalists, civil society activists, retired members of the armed forces and other civilians by Russian troops and affiliated armed groups. As of May 4, my office has documented 180 such cases, of which five victims were eventually found dead, Bachelet said, adding that her staff has also heard about cases of women raped by Russian armed forces in areas under their control, and other allegations of sexual violence by both Russians and Ukrainians. A one-day cease-fire would spare the lives of at least 50 civilians, prevent 30-70 civilians from being injured and a dozen from becoming disabled, and allow several thousand civilians to safely leave areas where they are currently trapped in hostilities. Most importantly, a cease-fire will show that the horror in Ukraine can be stopped, Bachelet said. Griffiths, the U.N. human rights chief, said the reverberations of this war are being felt worldwide, and the U.N. which has reached more than 4.1 million people with some form of aid across the country will try to get food and medical supplies to more Ukrainians. The U.N. will also keep pushing for more civilians to leave Mariupol and the Azovstal plant, and explore all options to reach more people in places where needs are the greatest, in other parts of Ukraine where civilians are so deeply impacted by fighting, he said. Russias U.N. Amassador Vassily Nebenzia responded accusing the West of waging a world war at the economic level and flooding Ukraine with weapons, saying the speed with which this happened leaves us with no doubt that youve been preparing this for a long time. Russophobia has become the main domestic national product for the Ukrainian authorities and Ukraines main export, he said. Nebenzia said humanitarian corridors for evacuating civilians from the Azovstal steel plant have been open, and were open on Thursday. He accused Ukrainian fighters in the plant of using civilians as human shields and demanding that they be provided with one ton of food and medicine for every group of 15 liberated hostages. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) Central California authorities arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly intentionally starting a house fire that killed his 18-month-old niece and 5-month-old nephew and severely burned their mother. The fire was reported early Tuesday in the San Joaquin Valley city of Fresno. The 32-year-old mother, whose name was withheld, was fighting for her life, the Fresno Police Department said in a Facebook post Wednesday. She remained in critical condition Thursday, according to police Sgt. Diana Vega. Police identified the niece as Cataleya Hurtado and the nephew as Calyx Hurtado. Their father was at work at the time of the fire. The suspect, Filimon Robert Hurtado, was admitted to a hospital under guard because he also received substantial burns, the statement said. He was charged Thursday with two counts of murder with special circumstances and one count of arson causing great bodily injury, the Fresno County District Attorney's office said in a statement. It was not immediately known if Hurtado had an attorney. Police said he had no prior criminal history. When investigators interviewed the suspect, he made admissions to setting the house on fire because he wanted to kill everyone in the home, the statement said. He had no reasonable explanation as to why he committed this horrendous act. COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) The University of Missouri has proposed disciplinary sanctions against 13 students as part of its investigation into an October fraternity pledge party that left a student from Minnesota with brain injuries. Federal student privacy law keeps the school from naming the students or providing details about the disciplinary decisions, tut the sanctions could include suspension or expulsion, the university said in a statement Thursday. Andrew Harnik/AP WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon's cyber arm says a team spent months working with officials in Lithuania to help protect government networks there from cyberattacks. The U.S. Cyber Command mission, known as a hunt forward operation, involved a specialized team that worked side-by-side with Lithuanian officials to identify vulnerabilities and root out any malicious cyber activity on the networks of the country's foreign affairs ministry and defense systems. It ended this month. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and 16 other democratic governors call on the United States Senate to pass an act that would make abortion federally legal. This comes after it was revealed that the Supreme Court is expected to roll back or completely reverse Roe v. Wade this summer, kicking abortion policy to the states. "Today, I'm proud to join my fellow governors and call on Congress to immediately put protections offered by Roe v. Wade into federal law," Whitmer tweeted on Wednesday. "This legislation is critical. We must act at the state and federal level to protect the right to legal abortion." The Womens Health Protection Act, which would put the protections offered by Roe into federal law, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in September. "We call on honorable members of the Senate from both parties to pass this measure and for Congress to immediately take other steps needed to codify the protections prescribed in Roe v. Wade," read a letter sent by the 17 governors to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The full letter can be found here. On Monday, Politico reported that the Supreme Court voted in December to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision which guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights. The Supreme Court draft opinion becoming public is the first in the modern history of the court to be disclosed publicly while a case was still pending. The document was noted as being dated Feb. 10, Politico reported. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed its authenticity on Tuesday. "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start," the leaked draft of the majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, obtained by Politico, read. The ruling also overturns Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a decision that cemented Roe. "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled," Alito wrote in the draft. "It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives." The draft effectively states that there is no constitutional right to abortion services and would allow individual states to more heavily regulate or ban the medical procedure. Four of the other justices on the Supreme Court voted in December with Alito, including Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, Politico reported. Whitmer said she'll "fight like hell" to protect abortion access in Michigan after the court leak on Monday. Other Michigan officials were pleased to see that the Supreme Court voted in December to overturn Roe v. Wade in the leaked draft opinion. "The ruling in the leaked document would uphold the right to life for unborn children in this country and I hope the final ruling will confirm that," Congressman John Moolenaar said in a statement on Tuesday. "This would be an incredible victory for everyone who has worked hard to protect the unborn, including millions of women across America who are united in opposition to abortion." President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the "basic fairness and the stability of our law demand" the court does not overturn Roe. Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Biden said he hoped the draft wouldn't be finalized by justices, contending it reflects a "fundamental shift in American jurisprudence" that threatens "other basic rights" like access to birth control and marriage, according to reporting by The Associated Press. A decision to overrule Roe would have sweeping ramifications, leading to abortion bans in roughly half the states, sparking new efforts in Democratic-leaning states to protect access to abortion and potentially reshaping the contours of this years hotly contested midterm elections, according to reporting by the AP. The court is expected to rule on the case before its term ends in late June or early July. Last month, Whitmer filed a lawsuit to ask the Michigan Supreme Court to immediately resolve whether Michigans Constitution protects the right to abortion. The lawsuit asks the court to recognize a constitutional right to an abortion under the Due Process Clause of the Michigan Constitution. It also asks the court to stop enforcement of the 1931 Michigan abortion ban. "The abortion ban violates Michigans due process clause, which provides a right to privacy and bodily autonomy that is violated by the states near-total criminal ban of abortion," Whitmer's office stated in a press release. "It also violates Michigans Equal Protection Clause due to the way the ban denies women equal rights because the law was adopted to reinforce antiquated notions of the proper role for women in society." Qualcomm WiFi 7 promises game-changing blazing fast speed, which could go as high as 33 Gbps without any sweat. Qualcomm WiFi 7 The next-generation Wi-Fi protocol that goes by the name Wi-Fi 7 has yet to launch. Despite that, the giant chip maker, Qualcomm, already revealed what consumers could expect from it once it starts hitting the shelves. One of which is the blazing fast speed that the new WiFi technology readily supports. According to a recent report by Android Authority, it is notably three times faster than the current offering of WiFi 6. To be more precise, WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E only support the maximum speed of roughly around 10 Gbps. On top of that, the American chipmaker also says that the WiFi 7 expands the number of devices that could connect to the wireless network. It is worth noting that it far exceeds what the current technology offers with WiFi 6. WiFi 7 Scalability Qualcomm says that the upcoming WiFi 7 technology allows up to 500 users to connect to the network with a single channel alone. The senior vice president and general manager for the Wireless Infrastructure and Networking of Qualcomm, Nick Nick Kucharewski, said that the all-new WiFi 7 innovation is a versatile solution. The Qualcomm exec further elaborated on it, saying that it provides "powerful connectivity networks for large public venues." Apart from that, it could also serve as a whole-home mesh. WiFi 7 Better Latency On top of that, the tech firm also touted the new WiFi 7 to upgrade the overall connection with its "incredible low latency," which benefits most users with the emergence of both mobile gaming and video calls. Essentially, the all-new WiFi solution improves both the speeds and the latency of what the current 6 and 6E offer consumers. Read Also: iPhone WiFi Threat Allows Hackers to Take Over Your Phone Remotely: Here's How to Avoid the Security Risk Qualcomm WiFi 7 Networking Pro According to a recent report by The Register, Qualcomm has already unveiled its WiFi 7 products, which should start seeing the light of day not later than in 2023. It includes the Networking Pro 620 with a peak wireless capacity of 10.8 Gbps, which is roughly similar to what the current WiFi 6 offers. There is also the Networking Pro 820, which could go as high as 13.7 Gbps, whereas the Networking Pro 1220 could reach up to 21.6 Gbps. Lastly, the top-of-the-time option, the Networking Pro 1620, supports game-changing speeds of up to 33.1 Gpbs. It is to note, though, that even if Qualcomm is going to start providing the WiFi chipsets on 2023, the final draft for the new wireless technology protocol will not be available until 2024. Related Article: Slow Wifi? Improve Internet Speed With These Troubleshooting Tips Google is making it easier for people to remove their personal information from its search results. People can ask for their contact details like a phone number, email or street address to be stripped from appearing in search results by submitting a removal request. Google announced the change on April 27. The company previously would remove content from search results "in limited cases" if it was "highly personal content" that would "cause direct harm to someone if made public." For example, in cases of doxxing, or information like bank account or credit card numbers that could be used for financial fraud, according to the company. The policy expansion also allows for the removal of additional information that may pose a risk for identity theft, such as confidential log-in credentials, when it appears in search results, according to the company. "The availability of personal contact information online can be jarring," Michelle Chang, Google's global policy lead for search, said in a statement as she announced the change. She noted that the data could result in "unwanted direct contact or even physical harm." For those looking for removal instructions, you'll find those here. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost $5.8 billion to scammers last year, a jump of 70% from the previous year. Much of that fraud is perpetrated through online scams, such as romance swindles, as well as through telephone solicitations and identity theft. Michigan consumers have experienced these types of scams. According to a new report from the online investigation service Social Catfish, Michigan was the No. 12 most scammed state in 2021 due to romance scams, losing $20 million last year. "Its important to remember that removing content from Google Search wont remove it from the internet, which is why you may wish to contact the hosting site directly if you're comfortable doing so." Chang continued in the statement. Chang said Google will "evaluate all content on the web page to ensure that were not limiting the availability of other information that is broadly useful, for instance in news articles." Google will not remove your information from search results if it is part of a public record, such as a court filing or a government website. The world's tallest dog is now a "gentle giant" hailing from the Lone Star State. Guinness World Records announced Wednesday that "Zeus," a two-year-old grey and brown Great Dane from Bedford, Texas now holds the record for the tallest living male dog. The achievement was confirmed after the towering canine's height 3 feet and 5.18 inches was measured and verified by his vet. For comparison, the Guinness World Record for the tallest dog ever belongs to a Great Dane named Zeus, who grew to be 44 inches tall before dying in September 2014 at the age of five. "This has been a whirlwind and unexpected," Zeus' owner Brittany Davis told Guinness about the achievement. "We never thought we would own the largest living dog." Davis said she had always dreamed of owning a Great Dane. Her dream came true when her brother Garrett gifted her Zeus at just 8-weeks-old. "Zeus has absolutely changed our family," Davis told Guinness. "He brings so much joy. He is such a loving, loving dog." Even as a pup, Zeus has always been huge, Davis said. He was born to a grey and white merle sire and brindle dam and was the largest puppy in a litter of five, according to Guinness. "He's been a big dog since we got him, even for a puppy," Davis said. "He had huge paws." Davis told Guinness that at first, she was nervous about having such a large hound around the house, "but we fell in love with him and here we are." Guinness World Records Just like his humongous size, Zeus has an equally large appetite. He uses a sink as his water bowl and eats 12 cups of large breed dog food every day, according to Guinness. Sometimes, Zeus can be stubborn, Davis said, adding "he doesn't do anything unless he wants to." While Great Danes were originally bred for hog hunting, Davis said Zeus has a more laid-back personality and enjoys walking around the neighborhood, snoozing next to the window and roaming local farmer's markets where he's become a bit of a celebrity. He "loves everybody," Davis said, but one of Zeus's favorite humans is Davis' teenage son, whom he sleeps with in a queen-sized bed. "You don't find one without the other," Davis told Guinness. "They love being together." Guinness World Records Zeus's colossal height earns lots of fascinated stares and surprised reactions in public, but Davis said he loves being the center of attention. "The comment that we hear most often is 'Wow, that's a horse! Can I ride him?' or 'Does he have a saddle?'" Davis told Guinness. "The answer to all those questions is 'no.'" While he is generally well-behaved, sometimes Zeus's height gets him into trouble. "He likes to steal the baby's pacifier off the counters and any food left on the counters is definitely free reign for him," Davis said. Guinness World Records Despite any differences in height, Zeus is friends with creatures of all sizes. He lives with three miniature Australian Shepherds and a cat. One of the shepherds is his best friend, Zeb, who he loves wrestling with. Davis told Guinness that she and her family are proud of the record Zeus has earned, which she said emphasizes just how special he really is. "It's kind of cool to be able now to say, "Yes, it's definitely the tallest dog you've ever seen," Davis said. "He's a Guinness World Record holder." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) It took two trips over state lines, navigating icy roads and a patchwork of state laws, for a 32-year-old South Dakota woman to get abortion pills last year. For abortion-seekers like her, such journeys, along with pills sent through the mail, will grow in importance if the Supreme Court follows through with its leaked draft opinion that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and allow individual states to ban the procedure. The woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was concerned for her familys safety, said the abortion pills allowed her to end an unexpected and high-risk pregnancy and remain devoted to her two children. But anti-abortion activists and politicians say those cross-border trips, remote doctors' consultations and pill deliveries are what they will try to stop next. Medication abortion will be where access to abortion is decided, said Mary Ziegler, a professor at Florida State University College of Law who specializes in reproductive rights. Thats going to be the battleground that decides how enforceable abortion bans are. Use of abortion pills has been rising in the U.S. since 2000 when the Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone the main drug used in medication abortions. More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills, rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Two drugs are required. The first, mifepristone, blocks a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. A second drug, misoprostol, taken one to two days later, empties the uterus. Both drugs are available as generics and are also used to treat other conditions. The FDA last year lifted a long-standing requirement that women pick up abortion pills in person. Federal regulations now also allow mail delivery nationwide. Even so, 19 states have passed laws requiring a medical clinician to be physically present when abortion pills are administered to a patient. South Dakota is among them, joining several states, including Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Oklahoma, where Republicans have moved to further restrict access to abortion pills in recent months. Those moves have spurred online services that offer information on getting abortion pills and consultations to get a prescription. After the woman in South Dakota found that the state's only abortion clinic could not schedule her in time for a medication abortion, she found an online service, called Just The Pill, that advised her to drive across to Minnesota for a phone consultation with a doctor. A week later, she came back to Minnesota for the pills. She took the first one almost immediately in her car, then cried as she drove home. I felt like I lost a pregnancy, she said. I love my husband and I love my children and I knew exactly what I had to say goodbye to and that was a really horrible thing to have to do. Besides crossing state lines, women can also turn to international online pharmacies, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. Some women also are having prescribed pills forwarded through states without restrictions. It allows for someone to have an abortion without a direct role of a provider. Its going to be much harder for states to control abortion access, she said, adding, The question is how is it going to be enforced?" Abortion law experts say its an unsettled question whether states can restrict access to abortion pills in the wake of the FDAs decision. "The general rule is that federal law preempts conflicting state law, said Laura Hermer, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. There is no question that the FDA has proper authority to regulate the drugs used in medication abortions. The question is whether a state can make a viable, winning argument that, for public health purposes, it needs to further regulate access to the relevant medications. Hermer said she doesnt think there is a valid public health reason because the published evidence is that the drugs are exceptionally safe. But if the Supreme Court overrules Roe v. Wade and a state gives embryos and fetuses full rights as people then all bets would be off. The Planned Parenthood regional organization that includes South Dakota doesnt believe it can legally mail abortion pills to patients there. Telemedicine providers have to abide by the laws of the state where the patient is, said Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States in St. Paul. She acknowledged that some organizations disagree. But, she added, we dont feel like we have liberty to mail pills from Minnesota to other places in the country where its illegal to provide medication abortion. Sue Leibel, the state policy director for Susan B. Anthony List, a prominent organization opposed to abortion, acknowledged that medication abortions have "crept up on Republican state lawmakers. This is a new frontier and states are grappling with enforcement mechanisms, she said, adding, The advice that I always give if you shut the front door, the pills are going to come in the back door. Leibel maintained women should not be prosecuted for seeking abortions, keeping with a long-standing principle of many abortion opponents. She suggested the next target for state enforcement should be the pharmacies, organizations and clinics that provide the abortion pills. She also said abortion-rights opponents should focus on electing a presidential candidate who would work to reverse the FDAs decision. The FDA said a scientific review supported broadening access to the drugs and found complications were rare. The agency has reported 26 deaths associated with the drug since 2000, though not all of those can be directly attributed to the medication due to existing health conditions and other factors. However, with new legal battles on the horizon and abortion seekers going to greater lengths to obtain the procedure, Donley, the law school professor, worried that state lawmakers will turn their attention toward the women who get the pills. Indeed, a Louisiana House committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would make abortion a crime of homicide for which a woman ending her pregnancy could be charged, along with anyone helping her. Many anti-abortion legislators might realize the only way to enforce these laws is to prosecute the pregnant person themselves, Donley said. ___ Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski contributed from St. Paul, Minnesota. California Rep. Eric Swalwell took to Twitter earlier this week to deliver what is undoubtedly one of the more milquetoast takes on the current furor surrounding abortion rights. There is one and only one way to preserve #RoeVWade and protect a women's right to choose and that's to #VoteBlueIn2022," he tweeted. The replies to that tweet were filled with people pointing out the obvious: Democrats control Congress and the White House. Users reiterated that Swalwell should try speaking with Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, whose opposition to removing the Senate filibuster has been a perennial roadblock to Democratic initiatives for the last 18 months. Also, users said, simply voting harder does nothing for folks in red states where access to the ballot box has been severely restricted. One of the more eyebrow-raising replies, though, came on Tuesday. It was interesting not because of its substance, but because of its author: Actress Susan Sarandon, famous for supporting Sen. Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries and not supporting Hillary Clinton in the general election. She quoted Swalwells original tweet with this response: A lot of good that did in 2020. Dems are going to use this to fundraise and get you to vote for them again despite sitting on their hands for the last two years. Instead of actually standing for anything, their only strategy is scaring you into voting blue. Shes not wrong in saying Democrats will use this moment as a fundraising opportunity (Ive received five texts asking me to donate to Democrats since the Supreme Court opinion leaked on Monday) but it's sort of difficult to figure out what her point is. Whats the alternative, Susan? Should people who oppose Roe v. Wade being overturned vote for Republicans instead? Instead of seizing a chance to absolutely blast her, or to at least point out the things Democrats do stand for, Swalwell this time from his professional account replied with, Can everyone all at once tell @SusanSarandon to sit this one out? Shes caused enough trouble. Us real progressives will take it from here. People did though perhaps not because famously progressive Eric Swalwell told them to. Here's a tweet that Swalwell retweeted from his personal account: The chick has learned NOTHING since 2016. And the Dems dont have to scare us into voting for them. Were scared by the real life #HandMaidsTale coming due to twits like Sue who face ZERO life-altering consequences for their bad faith digs at Democrats. Heres another one that Swalwell retweeted: Susan, with all due respect, take a seat. In fact take every fucking seat you can find within your eyesight. While we do enjoy Swalwells pettiness, the exchange could easily be characterized as the most unproductive Twitter spat of the week on this issue. Its only Wednesday, though, so theres still time for someone to one-up it. RALEIGH, N.C. U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn on Wednesday night acknowledged the authenticity of a video posted to a website and social media showing him naked in bed with a friend. A new hit against me just dropped, Cawthorn tweeted in response. Years ago, in this video, I was being crass with a friend, trying to be funny. We were acting foolish and joking. Thats it. Cawthorn, who at 26 is the youngest member of Congress, is a conservative Christian who has accused his colleagues in Congress of having orgies, claimed Democrats are destroying the nuclear family and criticized transgender people. American Muckrakers PAC, a group trying to defeat Cawthorn, posted the explicit video on its website FireMadison. That video, appearing to show a nude Cawthorn on top of the other person, making fast motions and loud noises while someone filmed, was shared on social media. Madison Cawthorn should resign from Congress today, the groups president, David B. Wheeler, wrote on the site, adding that the video was passed to us by a former supporter and big donor of Rep. Cawthorn that wishes to remain anonymous. Cawthorn has been the center of numerous scandals in recent weeks, including for bringing a loaded gun to an airport, facing charges of driving with his license revoked, saying his colleagues on Capitol Hill participate in orgies and cocaine use, being accused of insider trading, having photos leaked of him wearing lingerie during a cruise ship game show and calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a thug. Cawthorn, however, said these scandals are part of a drip campaign led by the Republican establishment to ensure he doesnt get reelected. Im NOT backing down, Cawthorn said on Twitter. I told you there would be a drip drip campaign. Blackmail wont win. We will. When asked about the latest video, Cawthorns spokesman, Luke Ball, directed McClatchy to the same tweet. Hours earlier, Cawthorn posted a seven-minute video responding to some of the scandals and allegation and blaming the drip campaign and the fake news. Scott Olson/Getty Images Gov. Greg Abbott is considering challenging a U.S. Supreme Court decision that requires states to offer free public education to the children of all residents, including those of undocumented immigrants. Just a few days after a leaked draft majority opinion revealed that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, Abbott confirmed on conservative radio talk show The Joe Pags Show that he has his eyes on Plyer v. Doe next. The Republican governor brought up the possibility of challenging the education ruling after Pagliarulo questioned what more could be done to reduce the "burden on communities" of educating the children of undocumented migrants in the Lone Star State. WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Austin San Antonio has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northeastern Burnet County in south central Texas... * Until 1030 AM CDT. * At 946 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Watson, or 9 miles southeast of Lampasas, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Sunnylane, Lake Victor and Watson. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 1027 AM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central Burnet County through 1045 AM CDT... At 1027 AM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Kempner, or 8 miles southwest of Copperas Cove, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Burnet County. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for south central Texas. LAT...LON 3103 9790 3100 9789 3097 9802 3101 9811 3103 9809 TIME...MOT...LOC 1527Z 229DEG 27KT 3102 9801 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Van Zandt County in north central Texas... Northeastern Henderson County in central Texas... * Until 1130 AM CDT. * At 1027 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Brownsboro, or 13 miles east of Athens, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...Quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is possible. * Locations impacted include... Athens, Chandler, Brownsboro, Edom and Moore Station. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and north central Texas. For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 511 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 545 PM CDT FOR SOUTHWESTERN WILLIAMSON AND NORTH CENTRAL TRAVIS COUNTIES... At 511 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Leander, or near Cedar Park, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Public. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Anderson Mill, Windemere, Leander, Liberty Hill, Jonestown, Brushy Creek, Wells Branch, Jollyville and Seward Junction. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for south central Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central San Jacinto County in southeastern Texas... Southern Polk County in southeastern Texas... * Until 545 PM CDT. * At 512 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over western West Livingston, or near Livingston, moving east at 40 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Livingston, Onalaska, Goodrich, Seven Oaks, Lake Livingston State Park, Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, West Livingston and Leggett. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern If on or near Lake Livingston, get away from the water and move indoors or inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 15 miles from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not be caught on the water in a thunderstorm. ...Ozone Action Day For Friday... The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria area for Friday...May 6 2022. Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone pollution in the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas on Friday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes, conserving energy and keeping your vehicle proper tuned. For more information on ozone: Ozone: The Facts www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozonefacts.html EPA AirNow: www.airnow.gov/?city=Houston&state=TX&country=USA Take Care of Texas: www.takecareoftexas.org/conservation-tips/keep-our- air-clean _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Hill County in central Texas... Navarro County in north central Texas... * Until 1030 AM CDT. * At 927 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Hubbard, or 19 miles southeast of Hillsboro, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Corsicana, Kerens, Hubbard, Trinidad, Blooming Grove, Dawson, Angus, Barry, Navarro, Rice, Retreat, Oak Valley, Mildred, Mount Calm, Eureka, Malone, Goodlow, Penelope, Powell and Emhouse. This includes Interstate 45 between mile markers 221 and 242. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Volkswagen (VW) car wanters will have to wait next year to be Volkswagen car havers. According to VW CEO Herbert Diess, the company has sold more than 90,000 electric vehicles (EVs), or its entire inventory of EVs, in Europe and the United States for 2022, leaving those who wish to purchase one to wait until next year to get their order, per the Financial Times. Other car brands under the VW Group, such as Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bently, and Bugatti, are also sold out. Volkswagen Car Sell Out Details The Financial Times' report mentioned that VW sold out its entire electric vehicle in Europe and the US due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage and the production issues due to China's Zero-COVID policy and its resulting shutdowns and quarantine procedures. You may remember that China was forced to seal off cities with confirmed cases of COVID-19's Omicron variant to contain the virus, per BBC. The Chinese government also placed ts largest city and financial center, Shanghai, in quarantine. Shanghai houses some of VW's 33 production plants in China, according to VW's press release. The sell-out gave VW a long backlog of orders that the company expects to continue growing. However, due to the previously mentioned challenges, VW found it difficult to cater to them on time. Read More: Google Could Either Tease or Reveal Pixel Smartwatch on Next I/O Event The semiconductor shortage has forced some of VW's remaining plants to halt or slow down production. Some automakers have even resorted to removing some features from various EVs to ship them out as soon as possible. Currently, VW has an EV backlog of 300,000 cars in Western Europe alone, according to Ars Technica's report. Meanwhile, Carsoops reported that the company has a backlog of ID.4 orders in the United States, which are imported from Europe. Fortunately, a VW spokesperson told Carscoops that the automaker would be producing ID.4s in Chattanooga this summer, adding that the locally produced cars will be MY23s. The spokesperson did not say when the cars from Chattanooga would be available for purchase. Race Towards The Top The Financial Times also reported that VW wants to out-perform Tesla's sales during the first quarter of 2022 but wasn't unable due to the previously mentioned constraints to its production line. Although VW managed to sell more than 90,000, it wasn't able to break the 100,000 mark, which is way under Tesla's 310,000 delivered vehicles in the same period. The company previously aimed to sell around 700,000 EVs for the whole of 2022 to keep up with Tesla's sales. However, VW is working on increasing production by increasing its presence in the US, as evidenced by its spokesperson's announcement cited earlier. Diess also told The Verge earlier in 2022 that the company is trying to expand its presence in the US, saying that he expects VW's growth in the US will mostly come from EVs. Additionally, VW CFO Arno Antlitz expressed his confidence that VW's electric business would eventually come up to speed, saying that the company is expecting "a constantly growing battery electric vehicle volume and share in every quarter of 2022." Related Article: Volkswagen ID Buzz Revealed: When Will It Arrive in The US? WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Lamar County in north central Texas... Northern Fannin County in north central Texas... * Until 200 PM CDT. * At 106 PM CDT, a two severe thunderstorms were located in a line from north of Windom to east of Ravenna moving northeast at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Bonham, Dodd City, Ravenna and Windom. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHERN LAMAR AND NORTHEASTERN DELTA COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 115 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Southern Harrison County in northeastern Texas... Western Panola County in northeastern Texas... Rusk County in northeastern Texas... Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas... Southern Gregg County in northeastern Texas... Northeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas... * At 109 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Hallsville to near New Salem, moving east at 45 mph. Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Kilgore, Carthage, White Oak, Hallsville, Overton, Tatum, Timpson, New London, Clarksville City, Beckville, Elysian Fields, Pinehill, Joinerville, Turnertown, Minden, Liberty City and New Summerfield. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or small interior room. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ TORNADO WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Tornado Warning for... Northern Limestone County in central Texas... * Until 145 PM CDT. * At 114 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles east of Mart, or 10 miles west of Groesbeck, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This dangerous storm will be near... Fort Parker State Park around 125 PM CDT. Mexia around 135 PM CDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL GREGG COUNTY IS CANCELLED... The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern Texas. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 130 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL MARION...SOUTH CENTRAL CASS AND NORTHWESTERN HARRISON COUNTIES... At 114 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Linden to near Berea to 6 miles west of Woodlawn to near Hallsville, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Jefferson, Berea, Lodi, Kildare, Fairview, Nesbitt and Pruett. A tornado watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, if one is spotted act quickly and move to a place of safety inside a sturdy structure, such as a basement or small interior room. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING Flash Flood Statement National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 307 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 315 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN MCLENNAN, SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES... New flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. However, earlier rainfall may continue to run off and cause flooding of streams and creeks as well as other low lying and poor drainage areas. Please continue to heed remaining road closures. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Tornado Warning for... Southeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas... * Until 330 PM CDT. * At 307 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Carthage, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Panola County, including the following locations... Midyett and Front. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Trinity County in southeastern Texas... Central Montgomery County in southeastern Texas... San Jacinto County in southeastern Texas... South central Houston County in southeastern Texas... Western Polk County in southeastern Texas... Walker County in southeastern Texas... * Until 500 PM CDT. * At 423 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Lovelady to 9 miles east of Huntsville to Panorama Village, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Conroe, Huntsville, Willis, Livingston, Trinity, Shepherd, Panorama Village, Onalaska, Cut And Shoot, Groveton, New Waverly, Coldspring, Point Blank, Lovelady, Montgomery, Riverside, Sebastopol, Lake Livingston State Park, West Livingston and Huntsville State Park. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ TORNADO WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Shreveport LA 148 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY... At 148 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Henderson, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. Locations impacted include... Church Hill. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Miller County in southwestern Arkansas... Lafayette County in southwestern Arkansas... Western Columbia County in southwestern Arkansas... Northwestern Webster Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Northwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Eastern Cass County in northeastern Texas... * Until 245 PM CDT. * At 148 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 9 miles south of Wake Village to 6 miles north of Waskom, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. * Locations impacted include... Shreveport, Bossier City, Texarkana, Springhill, Stamps, Lewisville, Vivian, Blanchard, Benton, Cullen, Plain Dealing, Cotton Valley, Oil City, Sarepta, Fouke, Mooringsport, Bradley, Taylor, Hosston and Buckner. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southwestern Arkansas...northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Tornado Warning for... North central Freestone County in central Texas... South central Henderson County in central Texas... Northwestern Anderson County in central Texas... * Until 230 PM CDT. * At 148 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Fairfield, moving northeast at 40 mph. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Freestone, south central Henderson and northwestern Anderson Counties. This includes Interstate 45 between mile markers 200 and 209. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. ...FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues. * WHERE...Portions of Hill, Navarro, Ellis, and Kaufman counties. * WHEN...Until 330 PM CDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as well as flooded low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Waxahachie, Ennis, Terrell, Hillsboro, Kaufman, Mabank, Crandall, Palmer, Combine, Italy, Itasca, Talty, Seven Points, Kemp, Maypearl, Bardwell, Grays Prairie, Alma, Cottonwood and Carl's Corner. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ TORNADO WARNING The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Tornado Warning for... Northwestern Panola County in northeastern Texas... East central Rusk County in northeastern Texas... * Until 230 PM CDT. * At 200 PM CDT, a tornado producing storm was located 8 miles southwest of Tatum, or 11 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This tornadic storm will be near... Beckville around 220 PM CDT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL FREESTONE...SOUTH CENTRAL HENDERSON AND NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON COUNTIES IS CANCELLED... The rotation associated with the storm that prompted the Tornado Warning has weakened, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado. Therefore the Tornado Warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and north central Texas. TX . TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP BELL BLANCO BOWIE BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET CAMP CASS CHEROKEE CORYELL ELLIS FALLS FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE LEON LIMESTONE LLANO MCLENNAN MADISON MARION MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD ...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN MCLENNAN, SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES... At 205 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicates that the heavy rain has mostly come to an end. Flooding of low lying and/or poor drainage areas may continue for a few hours until the water has had a chance to recede. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flooding of highways, streets, underpasses, creeks and streams as well as other poor drainage and low lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Waco, Hillsboro, McGregor, West, Italy, Valley Mills, Crawford, Bynum, Carl's Corner, Gholson, Milford, Frost, Abbott, Leroy, Ross, Malone, Penelope, Mertens and Aquilla. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR EAST CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY... At 205 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located southwest of Tatum, or 13 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Rusk County. Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW! _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Shreveport LA 213 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN CASS COUNTY IS CANCELLED... The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southwestern Arkansas...and northwestern Louisiana. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Central Smith County in northeastern Texas... Upshur County in northeastern Texas... Southeastern Wood County in northeastern Texas... * Until 515 PM CDT. * At 214 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Tyler, Gladewater, Gilmer, Lindale, Big Sandy, Hawkins, Hoard, Rosewood, West Mountain, Noonday, Winona, Midway, Red Springs, Pritchett, Grice, Bettie and Carroll. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY IS CANCELLED... The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern Texas. ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 230 PM CDT FOR NORTHWESTERN PANOLA COUNTY... At 215 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Beckville, or 11 miles northwest of Carthage, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of northwestern Panola County. To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern De Soto Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Southwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana... Southeastern Harrison County in northeastern Texas... Northeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas... * Until 345 PM CDT. * At 257 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Deberry, or 18 miles northeast of Carthage, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Shreveport, Greenwood, Stonewall, Midyett, Keithville and Spring Ridge. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Southwestern Rusk County in northeastern Texas... Northwestern Nacogdoches County in eastern Texas... Northern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas... * Until 400 PM CDT. * At 258 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Maydelle, or near Jacksonville, moving east at 55 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. Jacksonville, Henderson, Rusk, Ponta, Sacul, New Salem, Minden, Maydelle, New Summerfield, Cushing, Mount Enterprise, Gallatin, Reklaw, Chapman, Concord, Glenfawn, Brachfield and Laneville. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for eastern and northeastern Texas. ...A line of thunderstorms may produce strong wind gusts across. portions of northwestern Grimes, northwestern Burleson, Brazos and western Madison Counties through 330 PM CDT... At 258 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 15 miles west of Centerville to 8 miles north of Kurten to 7 miles north of Caldwell. Movement was east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Northern College Station, Bryan, Madisonville, Kurten, Wixon Valley, Kyle Field, Normangee, Iola and North Zulch. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern Texas. LAT...LON 3073 9662 3070 9656 3074 9646 3093 9633 3107 9605 3109 9585 3094 9588 3060 9609 3062 9684 TIME...MOT...LOC 1958Z 250DEG 19KT 3123 9623 3091 9631 3064 9670 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas... * Until 430 PM CDT. * At 407 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northeast of Tenaha, or 11 miles southeast of Carthage, moving northeast at 15 mph. HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Deadwood. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 PM CDT FOR NORTHWESTERN WILLIAMSON AND NORTHEASTERN BURNET COUNTIES... At 408 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Shady Grove, or near Burnet, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Georgetown, Burnet, Bertram, Florence, Mahomet, Sunnylane, Joppa, Watson, Andice, Briggs, Sun City and Shady Grove. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for south central Texas. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather 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 May the fourth be with you! It's no coincidence that Lucasfilm and Disney+ released the latest trailer of "Obi-Wan Kenobi" on May 4, just in time to celebrate Star Wars Day. Lucasfilm and Disney+ offered another look at the upcoming "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series featuring Ewan McGregor. New 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' Trailer Offers More Footages Than the Previous One Compared with the first teaser, the new "Obi-Wan Kenobi" trailer has more footages suggesting what to expect in the series that is set to premier on May 27. A snippet of a conversation between Obi-Wan (Ewan McGregor) and Owen Lars (Joel Edgerton) about training young Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi can be seen. According to Engadget, there's also a look at Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) being pieced together, which is much more than the breathing cameo from the previous trailer. The new trailer reinforces one of the show's main story threads as well, where in an attempt to wipe out the Jedi once and for all, the Empire is desperately trying to hunt down an on-the-run Obi-Wan, as per Engadget report. Along with several shots of the villains, there's a very brief appearance of Kumail Nanjiani, whose character is intriguingly and interestingly wearing Jedi-style robes. The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series, has been a hit among viewers. It is expected that it should be an easier for Disney+ to sell "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Read Also: Star Wars: Rogue One Themed Commercial Goes Viral; Melted Hearts Wordwide Anticipated Clash Between Obi-Wan and Darth Vader Expected to Happen in the Series The trailer teases the anticipated clash between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Lord Darth Vader. The iconic Star Wars villain was shown in the trailer, and Hayden Christensen is reprising his role as a badly burnt Anakin/Vader. The story in the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series begins 10 years after the events of "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith." The six-part limited series will fill in some of the narrative gaps between the prequels and the original trilogy. In the "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith," Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat, the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader, as reported by the Deadline. Obi-Wan Kenobi is an upcoming American television miniseries created for the streaming service Disney+. It features the "Star Wars" character of the same name. The series is directed by Deborah Chow, with Joby Harold serving as the showrunner. The executive producer is Ewan McGregor who also stars as the title character, reprising his role from the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy alongside Hayden Christensen, Joel Edgerton, and Bonnie Piesse. Moses Ingram, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, and Sung Kang also star in the series. Filming of the series began by May 2021 in Los Angeles, using StageCraft video wall technology, and wrapped by September. The main theme was written by "Star Wars" film composer John Williams while Natalie Holt composed the rest of the score. Hold became the first woman to score a live-action "Star Wars" project. Related Article: 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Latest Update: Trailer Will Be Released Soon? Here Are The Details Starbucks is exploring blockchain and Web3 by releasing a series of NFT collections that upgrade a new level of loyalty program for their customers. Howard Schultz, Starbucks'CEO, and Brady Brewer, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, explained to investors during their Q2 2022 earnings presentation that the coffee company will incorporate new concepts such as ownership and community-based membership models in the Web 3 space. Following the retirement of Kevin Johnson, who had been serving as Starbucks CEO since 2017, Howard Schultz is back in the post as interim chief executive officer. During his three-decade tenure at the coffee chain, Schultz guided the firm through its growth from 11 stores and 100 workers to 28,000 locations in 190 countries and territories. Starbucks NFTs As reported by The Verge, Starbucks plans to create a series of branded NFT collections, the ownership of which initiates community membership and allows for access to exclusive experiences and perks. To make the NFT collection possible, the coffee company will collaborate with artists and other like-minded brands that both share the same artistic expression. The company believes NFTs have broad potential to create an expanded, shared-ownership model for loyalty programs, capable of offering unique experiences, community building, storytelling, and customer engagement. The company hopes that by doing this, it will become a source of accretive business that can benefit a number of stakeholders in the process, while creating a new type of digital ecosystem to complement Starbucks' current digital platform offering. Starbucks has always been known as a company that evolves in tandem with technology and the rapidly changing market. This move made the company accessible and appealing to mass audiences, which resulted in attracting more customers globally. Using our experience with loyalty, mobile payment, and mobile ordering, the company has learned how to engage customers at scale in order to create new possibilities. In this area as well, the Starbucks Digital Community Web3 platform has the potential to be the first to combine an approachable, widely accessible front-end with the correct blockchain technology that is both efficient and economical. Read Also: Avoiding Zelle Scams: Here Are 3 Ways To Keep Your Money Safe Starbucks' Plans Moving Forward The company reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $674.5 million, or 58 cents per share, a significant increase compared to the earnings in the same period last year of $659.4 million, or 56 cents per share. As reported by CNBC, net sales increased by 14.5 percent to $7.64 billion, exceeding analysts' projections of $7.6 billion for the quarter. Global same-store sales climbed by 7% in the third quarter, with robust growth in the United States driving the increase. In the United States, same-store sales increased by 12% as customers paid more per order and visited more frequently.In addition, the company's active membership in its loyalty program has increased by 17 percent to 26.7 million customers. The company continues to grow, and it stated that they will still embody its commitment to sustainability. The firm stated that it will develop its NFT community on an "environmentally friendly" web3 platform-a decision that it said would be more in accordance with its previous sustainability objectives. The company intends to take a staged approach to entering the blockchain industry. It plans to move quickly, experiment, learn, and collaborate. Lastly, it plans to launch the NFT collection, an improved loyalty program, and a community later this year, with a focus on coffee art and storytelling. Read Article: Top 5 Most Expensive NFT Art Sold - Pak, Beeple, CryptoPunk, Who Got the Top Spot? The boom in data science continues unabated. The work of gathering and analyzing data was once just for a few scientists back in the lab. Now every enterprise wants to use the power of data science to streamline their organizations and make customers happy. The world of data science tools is growing to support this demand. Just a few years ago, data scientists worked with the command line and a few good open source packages. Now companies are creating solid, professional tools that handle many of the common chores of data science, such as cleaning up the data. The scale is also shifting. Data science was once just numerical chores for scientists to do after the hard work of undertaking experiments. Now its a permanent part of the workflow. Enterprises now integrate mathematical analysis into their business reporting and build dashboards to generate smart visualizations to quickly understand whats going on. The pace is also speeding up. Analysis that was once an annual or quarterly job is now running in real time. Businesses want to know whats happening right now so managers and line employees can make smarter decisions and leverage everything data science has to offer. Here are some of the top tools for adding precision and science to your organizations analysis of its endless flow of data. Jupyter Notebooks These bundles of words, code, and data have become the lingua franca of the data science world. Static PDFs filled with unchanging analysis and content may still command respect because they create a permanent record, but working data scientists love to pop the hood and fiddle with the mechanism underneath. Jupyter Notebooks let readers do more than absorb. The original versions of the notebooks were created by Python users who wanted to borrow some of the flexibility of Mathematica. Today, the standard Jupyter Notebook supports more than 40 programming languages, and its common to find R, Julia, or even Java or C within them. The notebook code itself is open source, making it merely the beginning of a number of exciting bigger projects for curating data, supporting coursework, or just sharing ideas. Universities run some of the classes with the notebooks. Data scientists use them to swap ideas and deliver ideas. JupyterHub offers a containerized, central server with authentication to handle the chores of deploying all your data science genius to an audience so they dont need to install or maintain software on their desktop or worry about scaling compute servers. Notebook lab spaces Jupyter Notebooks dont just run themselves. They need a home base where the data is stored and the analysis is computed. Several companies offer this support now, sometimes as a promotional tool and sometimes for a nominal fee. Some of the most prominent include Googles Colab, Githubs Codespaces, Azure Machine Learning lab, JupyterLabs, Binder, CoCalc , and Datalore, but its often not too hard to set up your own server underneath your lab bench. While the core of each of these services is similar, there are differences that might be important. Most support Python in some way, but after that, local preferences matter. Microsofts Azure Notebooks , for instance, will also support F#, a language developed by Microsoft. Googles Colab supports Swift which is also supported for machine learning projects with TensorFlow. There are also numerous differences between menus and other minor features on offer from each of these notebook lab spaces. RStudio The R language was developed by statisticians and data scientists to be optimized for loading working data sets and then applying all the best algorithms to analyze the data. Some like to run R directly from the command line, but many enjoy letting RStudio handle many of the chores. Its an integrated development environment (IDE) for mathematical computation. The core is an open-source workbench that enables you to explore the data, fiddle with code, and then generate the most elaborate graphics that R can muster. It tracks your computation history so you can roll back or repeat the same commands, and it offers some debugging support when the code wont work. If you need some Python, it will also run inside RStudio. The RStudio company is also adding features to support teams that want to collaborate on a shared set of data. That means versioning, roles, security, synchronization, and more. Sweave and Knitr Data scientists who write their papers in LaTeX will enjoy the complexity of Sweave and Knitr, two packages designed to integrate the data-crunching power of R or Python with the formatting elegance of TeX. The goal is to create one pipeline that turns data into a written report complete with charts, tables, and graphs. The pipeline is meant to be dynamic and fluid but ultimately create a permanent record. As the data is cleaned, organized, and analyzed, the charts and tables adjust. When the result is finished, the data and the text sit together in one package that bundles together the raw input and the final text. Integrated development environments Thomas Edison once said that genius was 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. It often feels like 99% of data science is just cleaning up the data and preparing it for analysis. Integrated development environments (IDEs) are good staging grounds because they support mainstream programming languages such as C# as well as some of the more data sciencefocused languages like R. Eclipse users, for instance, can clean up their code in Java and then turn to R for analysis with rJava. Python developers rely on Pycharm to integrate their Python tools and orchestrate Python-based data analysis. Visual Studio juggles regular code with Jupyter Notebooks and specialized data science options. As data science workloads grow, some companies are building low-code and no-code IDEs that are tuned for much of this data work. Tools such as RapidMiner, Orange, and JASP are just a few of the examples of excellent tools optimized for data analysis. They rely on visual editors, and in many cases its possible to do everything just by dragging around icons. If thats not enough, a bit of custom code may be all thats necessary. Many data scientists today specialize in specific areas such as marketing or supply-chain optimization and their tools are following. Some of the best tools are narrowly focused on particular domains and have been optimized for specific problems that confront anyone studying them. For instance, marketers have dozens of good options that are now often called customer data platforms. They integrate with storefronts, advertising portals, and messaging applications to create a consistent (and often relentless) information stream for customers. The built-in back-end analytics deliver key statistics marketers expect in order to judge the effectiveness of their campaigns. There are now hundreds of good domain-specific options that work at all levels. Voyant, for example, analyzes text to measure readability and find correlations between passages. AWSs Forecast is optimized to predict the future for businesses using time-series data. Azures Video Analyzer applies AI techniques to find answers in video streams. Hardware The rise of cloud computing options has been a godsend for data scientists. Theres no need to maintain your own hardware just to run analysis occasionally. Cloud providers will rent you a machine by the minute just when you need it. This can be a great solution if you need a huge amount of RAM just for a day. Projects with a sustained need for long running analysis, though, may find its cheaper to just buy their own hardware. Lately more specialized options for parallel computation jobs have been appearing. Data scientists sometimes use graphics processing units (GPUs) that were once designed for video games. Google makes specialized Tensor Processing Unit (TPUs) to speed up machine learning. Nvidia calls some of their chips Data Processing Units or DPUs. Some startups, such as d-Matrix , are designing specialized hardware for artificial intelligence. A laptop may be fine for some work, but large projects with complex calculations now have many faster options. Data The tools arent much good without the raw data. Some businesses are making it a point to offer curated collections of data. Some want to sell their cloud services (AWS, GCP, Azure, IBM). Others see it as a form of giving back (OpenStreetMap). Some are US government agencies that see sharing data as part of their job (Federal repository). Others are smaller, like the cities that want to help residents and businesses succeed (New York City, Baltimore, Miami, or Orlando). Some just want to charge for the service. All of them can save you trouble finding and cleaning the data yourself. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Russia bans Japanese top officials from entry Xinhua) 10:13, May 05, 2022 MOSCOW, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that 63 Japanese citizens, including top officials like Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have been "permanently" barred from entering Russia. "The administration of Kishida has launched an unprecedented anti-Russian campaign, allowing unacceptable rhetoric against the Russian Federation, including slander and direct threats," the ministry said in a statement. "It is echoed by public figures, experts and media representatives of Japan, who are completely biased towards the attitudes of the West regarding our country," it added. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi are also blacklisted, among other government officials and lawmakers. In addition, the entry ban applies to some media executives and university professors. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Veteran actress Kang Soo-yeon was transported to a hospital in Seoul after she was found in a state of cardiac arrest Thursday, the local emergency service said. Kang, 55, currently remains unconscious at the hospital. First responders found her in a state of cardiac arrest at her home in southern Seoul at 5:48 p.m. after she complained of unspecified pains, according to the service. Her family reported to the emergency service. Making her silver screen debut at only age 4, Kang has risen to international preeminence through much-acclaimed films, such as "Come, Come, Come Upward" (1989). (Yonhap) Primeste notificari pe email Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele Consultant national pentru elaborarea conceptului unui program guvernamental de stagii pentru tinerii din diaspora - studenti sau absolventi ai institutiilor universitare de peste hotarele tarii Each month, Covering Climate Now speaks with a different journalist about their experiences on the climate beat and their ideas for pushing our craft forward. This months guest is Karyn Pugliese, the new executive editor of Canadas National Observer, a digital news outfit with a sizable audience that has put climate change front and center in its coverage. Pugliese is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation in Ontario. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Follow Pugliese on Twitter. Tell us a bit about yourself and your path to this new job at the Observer. Well, Ive been in journalism for about twenty years. The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network was my first serious job. And that was trial by fire, because at the time there wasnt a lot of money at the network. I was in Ottawa, and we didnt have editing suites, so to feed tape to APTNs headquarters in Winnipegthe internet wasnt fast enough yetwe had to paper edit, meaning wed write down what we wanted to do with the tape and then put our notes with the tape in the mail. Pretty quickly, though, I found I loved working for small, alternative news agencies, because you get to be much more hands-on with every part of the story, from conception through production, than you might sometimes at a larger outlet. After APTN, I went over to Vision TV, where they had this very serious current affairs show that helped nail down my interest in investigative journalism. Later, at ichannel, a small television network, I got to work on documentaries and some fun political shows. And then I learned APTN was looking for a news director. My heart was still there; I felt like that newsroom and the journalists there were so good, and they werent getting the attention they deserved. I thought I had something to give back, so I returned and I worked there for seven years, from 2012 to 2019. I was lucky to get a Nieman fellowship and go down to Harvard for a year. And then I went to the public broadcaster, CBC, where I oversaw the investigative unit. But that was more management, less editorial. So when this opportunity at the National Observer came up, it felt a bit like what had always attracted me to APTN. Theres such a talented staff here, and theres so much opportunity to build. Its often said that Indigenous people are at the forefront of climate changeboth in that their communities are often the first affected and that theyre often leading the charge on climate action. At APTN, did you feel exposed to the climate story earlier than it caught on in most news outlets? In 2000, when I was first hired at APTN, they sent me up north to Nunavut. Id never been thereIm a city girland I found climate was being talked about in a big way. The Inuit felt very much like they were the canaries in the coal minethey were already seeing the effects on their land. Theres one story we did, in a community called Barrier Lake, where the permafrost had been melting around a lake, and once it did melt, the whole lake just disappeared. People there were very concerned but felt like nobody was listening to them. The Inuit would say, you know, We think that you people down south think of this as some sort of benefit. You brag and joke about how much nicer the winters are for you. Another early story I did was about loggingand that turned out to be kind of a template for a story that repeats itself over and over in Canada. In northern Quebec, a chief had cut a deal with loggers, and this split the community in two. There were people who said, Well, development is gonna happen anyway, so we might as well get what we can out of it. And others thought, But this is going to destroy our land and our way of life. The agreement that was signed was supposed to give the First Nation a lot of control over where trees were cut and how much was cut, but that wasnt necessarily being honored. You see this now with a lot of the pipeline debates, too. Any Indigenous community that you go into, these issues drive a wedge right down the middle, because the community is often choosing between development that many dont agree with and feeding their kids. Its heart-wrenching. Whats your assessment of how well the media is covering climate? My general assessment is that were still not taking this anywhere near seriously enough. I sometimes sit here and think: Weve talked about causing irrevocable damage to the planet as we know it. Youd think that would be the top story on the news every single night! The similarity I see to what Ive done before in my career is typically nobody has taken Indigenous stories seriously either. CBC did recently start an Indigenous unit. The Globe & Mail had zero Indigenous reporters, and now they have a few. But this has taken years. At APTN, I always insisted that our stories be very well-done, because if we got the stories right, that pushed the industry to take the Indigenous stories we covered seriously. I learned theres a way for even a small news agency to influence not just audiencesyou can get people to sign up and follow your reportingbut also other media. At the Observer, we want to do more solutions journalism. Its always a balance between convincing people of how important climate change is and giving people hope. Because there is hope. Theres not much point in doing anything if we dont think we can solve problems. From the outside looking in, the Observer is a rare case of a general-interest publication not founded specifically to cover climate that has nevertheless leaned fully into climate. Are there aspects of the Observers approach to climate that youve found especially compelling? Ive been having one-on-ones with the journalists here, and weve been talking about ways of better engaging audiences. And whats interesting is we have kind of a split. There are the people who maybe dont have the science or technical backgrounds on climate but want to join the conversation. Then there are those whove been dedicated to environmental news for so long that theyre practically expertsthey could read a scientific journal and follow along. I think the answer to the tension between these audiences is to find the most impacted humans in a given situation and explain how theyre affected by the issues at hand. Well pick up the science and well pick up the relevant policy details on the way, but first we focus on telling the human story well. One area were really interested in is food, which I think is a really undercovered area of the climate storybut also one that links many different groups together. Youve got farmers in Canada who, I would say, tend to be more politically conservative. And then in Toronto weve got the hipsters who eat their food, people who will pay a little more to know that the food theyre eating was grown in a way that puts less stress on the environment. To me, thats an interesting connection we can make through our journalism, between people who might not have anything else in common. Its really interesting to me how separate people in cities feel from nature. Like, they honestly believe theyre not part of it. When it comes to Indigenous perspectives, which again are central but only sometimes represented in journalism, how do you think about telling those stories in ways that resonate with audiences everywhere? I was at the Native American Journalism Association Awards last year. We were talking about recent stories wed covered, like Standing Rock and various pipeline projects. And people were saying, For a long time, Indigenous people have known that were caretakers of the planet. They were saying, with climate change, This is our role right now, this is why were here. Were here to stand up and show the rest of the world why this is important and how to do it. Its really interesting to me how separate people in cities feel from nature. Like, they honestly believe theyre not part of it. But were animals, just like every other creature on this planet. When we make decisions that are bad for the fish and the trees, its bad for us, too. When it comes to climate, I think theres this belief out there that at the last minute somebodys going to come up with a technological solution that will save us and allow us to keep living at the same speed weve been living. But theres only so much that ingenuity can do. Its just not gonna happen that way. So weve got to start doing something about climate change now. Its become somewhat common to see in journalism that Indigenous solutions are essential to the climate fight. But this is often stated vaguely, like an article of faith. I think when people imagine First Nation solutions, theyre thinking in this romantic waythey picture going back and living the way people lived a hundred years ago or something. And look, I dont want to give up my cellphone. Or my coffee. But we can shift our worldview a bit, so the decisions we make about development, how we invest money, how we produce food, take into consideration Indigenous knowledge of how our actions impact the life around us. In 2006, for example, I was walking through the bush with First Nation representatives who were advising loggers where to cut. And they were showing me that they didnt want the loggers cutting near eagle nests. They didnt want them cutting near a bear den. Then we came upon some staghorn sumac, and it looked nibbled on. They told me moose eat the tips of the plant when theyre not feeling well, and they said, This is where the moose are coming to get their medicine right now. Were going to tell them not to cut here. Separately, they were able to tell the loggers to cut only certain types of trees, which would actually be healthy for the forest because it was becoming too thick. And they advised to replant a certain kind of tree because it grows fast and would help maintain the integrity of the forest. That shows: we can develop but in a responsible way. Climate is a difficult beatthere are the existential aspects of the story, and then sometimes journalists grow frustrated that, however well we report the story, action remains far behind. As a leader, how do you think about keeping up morale among your team? I honestly believe journalists at the Observer enjoy what theyre doing. They came here because they felt our approach to journalism can make a difference. We dont have a central assignment desk, necessarily, so a lot of times our reporters are coming to the table and pitching the stories they feel are important to cover. Theres power in that. I think it gives the team a lot of energy and a feeling that theyre really contributing to the public conversation. My message, if they ever do have that moment of discouragement, is: one story at a time, one truth at a time, is how we make a difference. At the Observer, we really are helping lead the climate conversation in Canada. Its just a matter of keeping the conversation up, and that happens one truth, even one word, at a time. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Covering Climate Now is a global journalism collaboration co-founded by CJR and The Nation, in partnership with The Guardian, strengthening coverage of the climate story. Follow CCNow on Twitter and visit coveringclimatenow.org. gettyimagesbank By Anna J. Park Controversy is brewing surrounding Upbit, the country's largest cryptocurrency exchange, as criticism has arisen as to whether the firm should return interest rate profits that it gained from its huge number of customer deposits. According to the electronic disclosure system of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), won-denominated currency deposited in the country's four major coin exchanges Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone and Korbit stood at over 7.6 trillion won ($6 billion) as of the end of last year. Over 76 percent of the money, or some 5.8 trillion won, is deposited in Upbit accounts, followed by 1.4 trillion won deposited in Bithumb, 278 billion won in Coinone and 70.7 billion won in Korbit. While the total amount of deposited money at the cryptocurrency exchanges have grown many times over the past year, there's no clear rule about the money deposited at customers' accounts, thereby causing the recent controversy. Out of the country's major coin exchanges, only Upbit receives an annual interest of 0.1 percent from K bank, which has been providing the coin exchange with real-name bank accounts from their joint partnership. Other exchanges, including Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit and Gopax, have each partnered with commercial banks on their customers' accounts, yet they do not receive any interest from the deposited money from the banks. Against this backdrop, some are raising questions as to whether it is right for Upbit to solely take the interest it received from K bank as part of the company's net profit. As of the end of last year, the coin exchange is estimated to have received 5.8 billion won from K bank as interest on its customers' deposited money of 5.8 trillion won. While some criticize the cryptocurrency exchange for appropriating the money, the exchange argues that the lack of a legal framework regulating the cryptocurrency industry prevented it from distributing the interest profits back to customers. "Coin exchanges are not categorized as a financial institution that can be involved in the businesses of receiving savings and deposits. If the exchange gives out interest for the account's deposits, there's a high chance that the company would be violating the country's capital market act," an official from Upbit told The Korea Times. The official explained that it has been focusing on various ESG programs instead. "With the lack of a proper legal framework in the sector, Upbit is focusing on ESG activities to return the benefits back to society." The official added that Dunamu the operator of Upbit plans to spend 100 billion won on ESG activities by 2024. The company has spent over 47 billion won until this year in various investor protection and youth credit recovery activities. The European Union is seeking to go beyond an import ban on Russian crude, targeting insurers in a move that could dramatically impair Moscows ability to ship its oil anywhere in the world. The bloc is proposing to ban European vessels and companies from providing services including insurance linked to the transportation of Russian oil and products globally as part of its new sanctions package, according to officials and a draft document seen by Bloomberg. While member states are still wrangling over the terms, its a potentially powerful tool because 95% of the worlds tanker liability cover is arranged through a London-based insurance organization called the International Group of P&I Clubs that has to heed European law. Without such cover, Russia and its customers would have to find alternatives for risks including oil spills and mishaps at sea that can quickly run into multi-billion-dollar claims. The cover from the International Group is a basic part of contracts for the transportation of most oil cargoes. The IG, as its known, provides reinsurance if claims exceed what the groups 13 individual member clubs cover. And theres precedent: Insurance is one of the key means by which the U.S. and Europe successfully limited Irans oil exports. Individual countries responded to those steps by organizing cover directly, although IG insurance is widely preferred by most big companies. The move if implemented in full dramatically increases the stakes with Moscow. The insurance measures come on top of the EUs plan to ban imports of Russian crude and refined products by the end of the year. The restrictions on services would extend to providing directly or indirectly, technical assistance, brokering services, financing or financial assistance, or any other services, related to the transport, including through ship-to-ship transfers, to third countries of crude oil and petroleum products which originate in Russia or have been exported from Russia. The bloc wants this part of the package to come into effect by early June, though member states are still debating the details and sign-off has to come from all countries. Experts from the various member states will be going over the texts today and providing feedback before ambassadors reconvene Thursday for the next round of discussions, a diplomat said. The diplomat said it was difficult to predict what the final agreement would look like before negotiations began in earnest, but noted that the restrictions on shipping to third countries would need to work in tandem with an EU phaseout of Russian oil. The proposed rules also ban European citizens and companies incorporated in Europe from transporting Russian oil anywhere in the world, not just to the continent. This means that vessels owned, chartered or controlled by European entities and individuals, even if they dont fly the flag of one of the EUs member states, cant transport crude oil and petroleum products which originate in Russia. Greece, Cyprus and Malta raised questions about the ban and whether it would help Europe achieve its aims without harming European businesses, according to two diplomats familiar with the matter. Greece and Cyprus have large shipping industries while Malta is a so-called flag state, where companies can register their vessels for ownership purposes. With assistance from Ewa Krukowska, Maria Tadeo, Jack Wittels, Alex Longley and John Follain. Photograph: Oil pumping jacks, also known as nodding donkeys, in an oilfield near Neftekamsk, in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Photo credit: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. A group that won a victory over energy major Shell last year with a Dutch court order to deepen greenhouse gas cuts has warned the companys board of possible personal responsibility if it fails to implement the verdict. The Hague District Court last year ordered Shell to reduce carbon emissions produced by it, its suppliers and customers by 45% by 2030 from 2019 levels, a landmark decision that could have implications for energy companies around the world. Shell is appealing against the ruling. The group Friends of the Earth/Milieudefensie said it sent a letter to the companys boards and individual representatives on Sunday, including CEO Ben van Beurden, saying it was not acting to implement the verdict. Shell has appealed, but the court declared the judgment provisionally enforceable, which means the necessary climate action cannot be suspended pending the appeal, the group said in its letter, a copy of which was seen by Reuters. Milieudefensie believes that Shells directors risk future personal liability by failing to take action in line with the goal of almost halving worldwide CO2 emissions by 2030. Shell has not said it will follow the courts ruling. However it said on Monday that its current climate strategy and actions position us well toward meeting the courts obligations and that it is reviewing the Mileudefensie letter. The court gave Shell a broad discretion as to how to meet the reduction obligation by its 2030 deadline, the company said. The company did not address the question of whether board members might have personal liability in complying with the ruling. In its appeal filed in March the company argued that it had wrongly been held responsible for emissions by customers, which it said it cannot control. Shells targets include cutting its emissions by more than 50% by 2030, though its strategy includes using carbon storage and offsets rather than outright reductions. (Reporting by Toby Sterling;Editing by Robert Birsel and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki speaks during his farewell meeting with journalists at the ministry in Sejong, Wednesday. Yonhap By Yi Whan-woo Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki has expressed hope for the incoming government to maintain the Korean New Deal, a signature economic initiative of President Moon Jae-in. Speaking at his farewell press conference at the ministry in Sejong, Wednesday, Hong's comment came amid rampant speculation that the new administration will most likely target the Korean New Deal in scaling down assistance for Moon's key economic projects. Such speculation comes as President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol struggles to finance trillions of won in relief funds that had been promised to small business owners. Accordingly, the incoming administration is seeking to squeeze out money from the 2022 budget worth 608 trillion won ($480 billion) approved by the Moon government. "It is something that we will need to embrace after all considering the global trend and the domestic economic situation," Hong said when asked about the fate of the Korean New Deal. "It may be on the list of the ongoing economic projects that are not prioritized by the next government, but even so, the direction and goals pursued through the initiative should be maintained." He went on to say the budget allotted for the Korean New Deal should be maintained as well. Moon introduced the Korean New Deal in 2020, to foster digital technology and green energy that have been seen as key ways to revitalizing the economy in the pandemic era. The Moon administration initially budgeted 160 trillion won to visualize the Korean New Deal by 2025 but later expanded the amount to 220 trillion won. Hong picked the Korean New Deal among the three issues he finds most memorable from his term that has lasted for three and a half years. The two others were the COVID-19 pandemic and Korea's response measures against Japan's export curbs. Meanwhile, Hong's successor-to-be Choo Kyung-ho said he will not scale down assistance for Moon's ongoing economic policies over political differences. Choo won approval from the National Assembly, Tuesday, after being nominated for the post in April. During an Assembly hearing on Monday, Choo said whether to reduce such assistance will be made solely on an economic basis and that the economic projects initiated by the Moon government will be maintained as long as they have merit. A major North Korean propaganda website denounced on Thursday South Korea's incoming president Yoon Suk-yeol, who has vowed to take a tougher line on weapons tests by Pyongyang, describing him as "pro-United States", and "confrontational". The North's state media have yet to make formal comments on Yoon, a conservative who is set to take office on May 10, but the website Uriminzokkiri issued scathing criticism ahead of his inauguration. "Yoon Suk-yeol had aroused shock with such preposterous remarks as 'preemptive strike' and 'main enemy,' and stirred up confrontational madness trumpeting a 'stronger South Korea-U.S. alliance,'" it said. It was referring to comments by Yoon that he would allow a pre-emptive strike on North Korea if signs of attack were imminent, and his description of the neighboring nation as a "main enemy". That description of the North has been shunned by outgoing progressive President Moon Jae-in, who had sought to improve relations. The propaganda site's remarks are a departure from past practice, when state media have trumpeted news of a missile test by the North on the day following, but have this time kept silent, instead, about Wednesday's weapons test. The propaganda site criticized Yoon and his picks for ministers of defense, foreign affairs and the unification portfolio as "pro-U.S. toadies" who had sought confrontation while serving in previous conservative governments. "There's nothing strange for him to nominate pro-U.S. toadies seeking confrontation with the same people," it added. On Wednesday, South Korea's military reported the North's 14th known weapons test this year, which analysts said could aim at testing its reconnaissance satellite technology. In March, South Korea said a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) exploded mid-air soon after liftoff. State media made no mention at the time, but another, presumably successful, ICBM launch took place days later. "North Korea might not announce failed tests, but it's too early to say that's the case, and the latest launch appeared rather successful as it showed some progress," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul. (Reuters) President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, right, and Ahn Cheol-soo, chairman of Yoon's presidential transition committee present the incoming administration's 110 policy proposals during the committee's general meeting in Seoul's Jongno District, Tuesday. Yonhap By Lee Hae-rin The Yoon Suk-yeol administration plans to build an aerospace administration akin to the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, to consolidate the country's position in the space race. According to the presidential transition committee, the incoming Yoon administration has selected space development as one of its 110 policy proposals and plans to create a separate administration to create far-reaching effects from the country's space program in national defense, security, social and industrial sectors. Unlike leading countries in space development, Korea lacks an independent government organization or research institute specialized in aerospace operations that reports directly to the president. Similar to NASA, the new administration will consolidate the country's space projects and policies currently spread across several ministries, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is in charge of space research and development, while the National Space Council led by the prime minister makes decisions on relevant policies. While running in the presidential race, Yoon pledged to ramp up the country's space development by building an independent aerospace administration in Sacheon, where the country's leading aerospace company Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is based. By restructuring aerospace governance and establishing a space industry cluster in Sacheon, it plans to foster the research and development of space technology and enforce policies to propel the country to join the ranks of seven space powers, including the United States, Russia, the European Union, China, Japan, and India, according to the committee. However, Yoon's pledge to build the control tower in Sacheon has met with opposition from the scientific circle, as most of the country's research institutes that contribute to space innovation, including KARI and the Agency for Defense Development, are located in Daejeon and South Chungcheong Province. The committee's decision to choose Sacheon over Daejeon is regarded as part of the incoming administration's course to encourage cooperation with the private sector. Several aerospace enterprises, such as KAI, Korea Testing Laboratory's (KTL) aerospace parts testing center, and Korean Aerospace Valley are located in Sacheon. A total of 73 aerospace companies, including KAI and Hanwha Aerospace, asked the transition committee in March to establish the control tower in North Gyeongsang Province. The committee said the incoming administration expects the establishment of the aerospace administration in Sacheon to encourage international cooperation in space development and help the successful launch of Korea's first domestically developed space launch vehicle (SLV) known as "Nuri" in June and the lunar probe in August. The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations voted to approve the nomination of new U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg on Wednesday, putting the nomination to a vote by a Senate plenary session. When the nomination will be put to a vote in a Senate plenary has yet to be known. If appointed, Goldberg will replace Harry Harris who stepped down early last year when President Joe Biden took office. Goldberg is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, the highest diplomatic rank in U.S. foreign service. He previously served as coordinator for implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution on North Korea in 2009-2019 before serving as U.S. ambassador to the Philippines between 2013 and 2016. The U.S. diplomat, who has also served as assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research, has been serving as ambassador to Colombia since September 2019. (Yonhap) Chinese Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming, left, shakes hands with South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, May 3. AP-Yonhap China said it is ready to strengthen cooperation with the incoming South Korean administration for progress in efforts to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue. Beijing's foreign ministry expressed the commitment in a note on the results of talks between the two countries' top nuclear envoys in Seoul on Tuesday. Liu Xiaoming, special representative for peninsula affairs, visited Seoul for a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk. "China is prepared to strengthen communication and coordination with the new ROK administration to jointly push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," it read. ROK is the acronym for South Korea's official name, Republic of Korea. Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled to be inaugurated as South Korea's president Tuesday. Liu was quoted as telling Noh that China does not want to see an escalation of tension on the peninsula and disapproves of actions by any party that could aggravate the situation. North Korea has carried out a series of major missile tests, mostly recently on Wednesday, when the Chinese envoy was in South Korea. The United States is seeking additional U.N. sanctions on the North, while China has apparently maintained a rather tepid stance. Liu noted that Beijing and Seoul "share similar positions and broad common interests" on the peninsula issue and that China supports the two Koreas in improving their relations, as it highly commends the active efforts made by the Moon Jae-in administration and the outcomes it achieved, according to the statement posted on the ministry's website. (Yonhap) Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News and Info from our Community Partners Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. This combined photo shows likely candidates for the incoming Yoon Suk-yeol administration's ambassadors to the U.S., China, Japan and Russia, respectively. From left are Cho Tae-yong, Chung Jae-ho, Yun Duk-min and Chang Ho-jin. Korea Times file Yoon likely to fill crucial diplomatic posts with political appointees By Nam Hyun-woo There were no career diplomats named for the key posts in national security and foreign policy, including for foreign minister, in President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's earlier nominations for Cabinet ministers. Yoon's alleged preference more for political appointees with years of experience in related fields over career diplomats may also continue in his forthcoming nominations of ambassadors to four crucial countries namely the United States, China, Japan and Russia often called in Korea "the four great powers" having a relatively greater say on Korean peninsula issues. More civilian experts are emerging as the incoming Yoon administration's first ambassadors to these countries. In the past, there were incoming presidents who gave diplomatic positions to politicians who helped his or her election campaign, as rewards for their services. It seems that President-elect Yoon is tapping into related experts and scholars many with previous experience in government for these jobs, in a bid to be practical in handling relations with those key diplomatic partners. According to those with knowledge of Yoon's diplomatic team, Rep. Cho Tae-yong of the People Power Party (PPP) has been mentioned as the sole strong candidate for Seoul's ambassador to the U.S. He is an exception in Yoon's alleged preference for political appointees for key diplomatic posts. Cho, a diplomat-turned-lawmaker, served for more than 30 years as a career diplomat before he was elected a lawmaker. Under the previous Park Geun-hye administration, Cho served as the first vice foreign minister and Cheong Wa Dae's first deputy director of national security. Before that, Cho was Seoul's chief envoy to six-party talks aimed to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program. During his time in the Park administration, Cho mostly engaged in talks with key officials of the Barack Obama administration, including current Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Since many of these officials are now serving under President Joe Biden, pundits said that Cho has an advantage in forming networks with U.S. government officials. Cho assisted Yoon's presidential campaign, helping him to design his foreign policy principle of having a stronger Seoul-Washington alliance as the basis of South Korea's diplomatic strategy. President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, second from left, poses with U.S. special representative for North Korea Sung Kim, third from left, during their closed-door meeting at the home of National Assembly Deputy Speaker Rep. Chung Jin-suk, left, in Dogok-dong, Seoul, on April 20. On right is Rep. Cho Tae-yong, who is Yoon's pick for the new South Korean ambassador to the U.S. / Courtesy of Yoon's aide 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. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Chinese Special Representative on Korean Peninsula Affairs Liu Xiaoming, left, shakes hands with South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, on May 3. AP-Yonhap China said it is ready to strengthen cooperation with the incoming South Korean administration for progress in efforts to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue. Beijing's foreign ministry expressed the commitment in a note on the results of talks between the two countries' top nuclear envoys in Seoul on Tuesday. Liu Xiaoming, special representative for peninsula affairs, visited Seoul for a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk. "China is prepared to strengthen communication and coordination with the new ROK administration to jointly push forward the process of political settlement of the Peninsula issue," it read. ROK is the acronym for South Korea's official name, Republic of Korea. Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled to be inaugurated as South Korea's president Tuesday. Liu was quoted as telling Noh that China does not want to see an escalation of tension on the peninsula and disapproves of actions by any party that could aggravate the situation. North Korea has carried out a series of major missile tests, mostly recently on Wednesday, when the Chinese envoy was in South Korea. The United States is seeking additional U.N. sanctions on the North, while China has apparently maintained a rather tepid stance. Liu noted that Beijing and Seoul "share similar positions and broad common interests" on the peninsula issue and that China supports the two Koreas in improving their relations, as it highly commends the active efforts made by the Moon Jae-in administration and the outcomes it achieved, according to the statement posted on the ministry's website. Meanwhile, Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of China's foreign ministry, said Beijing is in talks with Seoul over the idea of sending a high-level Chinese representative to Yoon's inauguration ceremony. (Yonhap) I once worked for an international company that was headquartered in Switzerland and have always been fascinated by languages and dialects. I enjoyed the frequent exchanges with Swiss colleagues who knew four or five different languages. Their emails gave me a tantalizing taste of another culture. Im also half Italian and exchange frequent emails with Italian relatives. When the person Im emailing is more comfortable writing and reading in their native tongue than in English, I dont let my own inability to write in that language slow me down. I simply use Microsoft Translator to translate my emails for them and their emails for me. Not only does it expand my view of the world, but it also gives me the chance to sharpen my Italian as I watch how Translator turns Italian into English and English into Italian. If you want to translate text in Outlook emails, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PowerPoint presentations, its easy to do. Maybe you work for an international company, like I did, or perhaps you communicate with colleagues or customers who are more comfortable writing in their native language. None of this is a problem for Office, which offers translation courtesy of an AI-powered Translator service that can translate a selection of text or an entire document, file, or message between many different languages. A note on the many versions of Office Microsoft Translator in its current form is built into the Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint desktop clients for Windows under a Microsoft 365 or Office 365 subscription. Most, but not all, of the features described below are also available in the Mac desktop apps with a Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscription, in the non-subscription Windows or Mac apps in Office 2019 or later, and in the web versions of the various Office apps. If you use the web apps or have a recent version of the desktop apps on either Windows or Mac, you should be able to follow along with most of the instructions below, although some steps may differ slightly. If you use a version of Office that doesnt support all the current Translator features, you may still have access to some translation capabilities, albeit less polished, and they may require an add-in. See Microsofts Translate text into a different language support page for more information. The Translator service is accessible across multiple Microsoft products and technologies on the consumer and enterprise sides. Translator is integrated into Bing, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Microsoft Edge, Skype Translator, and Visual Studio. Microsoft Translator is also available as an app for iOS/iPadOS, Apple Watch, Android OS, and Android Wear. Translator supports more than 100 languages, including more common languages, such as English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic, and some less common languages, including Fijian, Haitian Creole, Icelandic, Kurdish, Maltese, Serbian, and Ukrainian. The accuracy of Microsoft Translator is evaluated using a BLEU (Bilingual Evaluation Understudy) score. This score measures the differences between a machine-based translation and a human translation of the same source text. One report from 2018 measuring Chinese to English translation gave Microsoft Translate a grade of 69 out of 100, which is a high score compared to human translation. This will likely improve with time, too, at least according to a Microsoft Translator blog post from November 2021 that explains how the company is working to advance its machine translation technology. Now, heres how to use the translator in the different Office applications. Translate in Microsoft Outlook on the desktop If youve purchased Outlook 2019 or later for Windows as a standalone app or as part of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, the translation functionality is built in. To set it up, click the File menu and select Options. In the Outlook Options window, select Language. The window now displays your default display language for Office. Scroll down to the Translation section. Here, you can decide how to handle messages received in other languages, opting to always translate them, get asked before translating, or never translate. Next, select the target language if its not your default language. Then click the Add a Language button and select any languages for which you dont want to see a translation. IDG You can tweak the translator settings in Outlook to better manage the feature. (Click image to enlarge it.) Close the Options window and return to the main Outlook screen. Open an email you want translated into your native language. Depending on the options you chose, the email will automatically be translated or give you the ability to have it translated. Either way, you should see a link in the message to translate the message to your language. If not, click the Translate button on the Ribbon and select the Translate Message command. IDG Outlook should offer to translate a message automatically. If not, you can manually trigger the translation. (Click image to enlarge it.) Run the translate command, and the entire message appears in your native language. You can then switch back and forth between the translation and the original text and turn on automatic translation if its not already enabled. IDG You can easily jump between the translated message and the original text. (Click image to enlarge it.) What if you want to take the reverse trip and translate an email youre composing from your own native language to a different language? Unfortunately, Microsoft currently offers no reliable or workable way to do this in Outlook. The easiest workaround is to translate the text in Word, then copy and paste it into your message in Outlook. Translate in Microsoft Outlook on the web The translation service is also accessible for Outlook on the web. To set it up here, sign into Outlook with your Microsoft or business account. Click the Settings icon at the top right. In the Settings pane, click the link for View all Outlook settings. In the Settings window that pops up, select Mail and then Message handling. Scroll down to the Translation section and youll find the same settings as in the desktop version of Outlook. IDG Outlook on the web offers the same translation settings as the desktop version. (Click image to enlarge it.) When you receive a message in a different language, the Translate feature will offer to translate it for you. Click the link to translate it. You can then switch back and forth between the original text and the translation. As with the desktop flavor of Outlook, the web version presently offers no workable method for translating a new email from your own native language to a different language. Again, translating the text in Word is your best bet. Translate in Microsoft Word The translation feature in Microsoft Word works much the same way in the desktop and online versions. Open a document that you want to translate, either in full or in part. Select the Review tab on the Ribbon. To customize the feature before using it, click the Translate button and select Translator Preferences. In the Translator pane that appears on the right, confirm that the switch is set to Yes for Offer to translate content that isnt in a language I read. You can also add any languages that you dont want translated. If you only want certain text translated, select the text. Click the Translate button in the Ribbon and choose Translate Selection. In the Translator pane on the right, make sure the correct source language is detected. If its not correct, click the down arrow for the target language and change it. Hover your mouse over each word in the translation, and the feature will show you the translation just for that word. To add the translation to your current document, click the blue Insert button at the far right. IDG Select the text you want translated and then run the Translate command. (Click image to enlarge it.) Similarly, to translate the entire document, click the Translate icon in the Ribbon and select Translate Document. In the Translator pane, make sure the Document tab is selected. Confirm that the target language is correct. Click the blue Translate button at the far right. A new document is created and pops up with the complete translation. IDG In Word, you can opt to translate the entire document as well as selected text. (Click image to enlarge it.) Translating from your own language to another works much the same way. Select the text you want to translate (or dont make a selection if you want to translate the entire document), then click the Translate icon in the Ribbons Review tab and select either Translate Selection or Translate Document. In the Translate pane, set the target language in the To: field. Any selected text is automatically translated and appears in the pane. To translate a document, click the blue Translate button. Translate in Microsoft Excel The translation for Excel works only in the desktop version of the program. Select a cell or multiple cells that contain text you want translated. Click the Review menu and select Translate. In the Translate pane, make sure the source and destination languages are correct. You can then hover over each word to see its individual translation. IDG In the desktop version of Excel, you can select one or more cells to translate text. (Click image to enlarge it.) To insert the translated text into a cell in your spreadsheet, select and copy the translation in the pane. Click the target cell and then paste the text. Translate in Microsoft PowerPoint As with Excel, translation for PowerPoint is available only in the desktop client. PowerPoint can translate selected text (not a whole presentation); it works just like translating selected cells in Excel. PowerPoint also offers a handy feature that can translate your presentation as you speak it, which is great if you have an audience that is more comfortable in another language. The translations appear as subtitles as you deliver the presentation. To get started, click the Slide Show menu and check the box for Always use subtitles. Then select Subtitle settings. In the web version of PowerPoint, click the Slide Show menu and select the down arrow next to Always use subtitles. Select or confirm the spoken language. Then select the subtitle language. Go back to the subtitle settings menu to choose where you want the subtitles to appear overlaid on the bottom, overlaid on the top, above the slide, or below the slide. IDG In PowerPoint, you can choose a language for translated subtitles and decide where the subtitles should appear. (Click image to enlarge it.) When you display the presentation as a slideshow, speak the words from each slide or from your own commentary. Subtitles for your spoken words will appear in the language you chose. A proposal to shorten the workweek for employees in California has apparently been put on hold. The California State Assemblys Labor and Employment Committee declined to advance Assembly Bill 2932, according to the Wall Street Journal, preventing it from moving forward during the current legislative session. The California bill could return at some stage, however. Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Dist. 28), one of the legislators who has been pushing the idea, said he will now consult with stakeholders on changes to improve the bills chances in the future. The bill, introduced last month by Low and Assembly Member Cristina Garcia (D-Dist. 58), sought to amend existing legislation in the state and reduce the typical workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours. Under the proposals, employers would have been required to pay employees the same amount for 32 hours as they would for 40. This would enable staff to work the equivalent of four eight-hour days, rather than five. The change would apply to businesses with more than 500 workers, with certain exemptions, including having a collective bargaining agreement with a union. Similar rules have been proposed at the federal level by US Rep. Mark Takano, (D-CA.), who last year proposed legislation that would also shorten the workweek. Interest in a four-day has grown in recent years, though the idea has been discussed off and on for decades. Trials are underway at companies including Kickstarter, Qwick, and Unilever. Hospitality gig-work platform Qwick, for example, began a trial last month. Workers have switched from their typical five-day, 38-hour week to 32 hours a week spread over four days with the same level of pay. In March, Job posting site Indeed told Computerworld that less than 1% of job postings on March 11 included the term four-day week." A Gallup survey of full-time U.S. employees in March 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic upended many business practices indicated that only 5% put in four days a week, with 84% working five days (and 11% working six days a week). Microsoft Edge has passed Apple's Safari to become the world's second most popular desktop browser based on data provided by web analytics service StatCounter. In February, Microsoft Edge was on the cusp of catching Safari with less than a half percentage point (9.54% to 9.84%) between the two browsers in terms of popularity among desktop users. StatCounter's latest figures show Edge is now used on 10.07% of desktop computers worldwide, 0.46% ahead of Safari; the latter dropped to 9.61%. Google Chrome still holds the top spot by a long shot, at 66.58% of all desktop users. And Mozilla's Firefox had just 7.87% of the share, a significant drop from the 9.18% share it held in February. The new data was first reported by MacRumors. Edges lead on other browsers differs greatly depending on location. For example, in the US, Edge is well behind Safari Edge has just 12.55% market share while Safari claims 17.1%. In Europe, Edge long ago passed Safari, with 11.73% and 9.36%, respectively. StatCounter World's most popular desktop browsers according to StatCounter Firefox never really had much market share to begin with. And it doesnt have the marketing clout of either Microsoft or Google, which means lower brand recognition and virtually none outside the techie community, according to Jack Gold, principal analyst at research firm J. Gold Associates. So I dont think Firefox will ever be more than a niche alternative to the other guys, Gold said. Of course, Safaris lane is mainly as a default browser on Apple's iPhone and iPad tablet. On those devices, its a very different story. Chrome has 63.57%, Safari nets 24.82%, and other various browsers account for the remainder. Some web analytics services already have Edge even further ahead of browsers except the ever-dominant Chrome. For example, Net MarketShares most recent data has Chrome at an eye-opening 73.24% market share, Edge at 12.93%, and Firefox at 4.73%. Safari isn't even in the top four browsers. The adoption of Edge has been slow. Initially, it suffered from performance and compatibility issues across the web, which pushed many users to Chrome, according to Gold. Now, however, Edge is relatively comparable to Chrome in term of performance largely because it is built on the underlying Chromium engine. In 2020, Microsoft relaunched Edge, recasting it with the same browser code that powers Chrome. Not only did Microsoft make Edge a Chrome copy, it also expanded support to versions of Windows other than 10, including macOS and Linux. "When Microsoft switched to a Chromium engine, Edge got a lot faster and more compatible with more websites that, because of the preponderance of Google Chrome browsers, were built to be compatible with Chrome and not the older Edge (it had some unique requirements for full compatibility)," Gold said. Microsoft has also been adding features to Edge, such as enhanced security and privacy, coupons for those use it to shop, and performance enhancements, Gold noted. Edge also doesnt have some of the issues earlier versions had handling some websites. And you are no longer compelled to have Bing as the search engine, Gold said. While users were never actually forced to use Bing, Microsoft did make it difficult to switch to Google. Edge has also been the default browser with Windows 10 and 11, and so with the improvements to it, theres less reason for users to switch. I think many people just dont bother to download Chrome. Edge does pretty much everything they want/need, Gold said. Last June, Apple unveiled a substantial redesign of Safari at the company's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Many of those changes, however, were met with quick criticism from users who described them as "counterintuitive." Apple went through several iterations over the summer both on mobile devices and desktops and allowed users to largely revert to the previous Safari design prior to the release of iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey. In February, Jen Simmons, an Apple evangelist and developer advocate on the Web Developer Experience team for Safari and WebKit, took to Twitter to ask users for feedback on why Safari was unpopular and to ask that they point out specific issues. "Everyone in my mentions [is] saying Safari is the worst, it's the new IE, Simmons tweeted at the time. Hoping to get to the bottom of the anger, Simmons asked Twitter users to point to specific bugs and missing support that frustrate them or make it harder for them to create websites or apps. Bonus points for links to tickets, she wrote. Specifics we can fix. Vague hate is honestly super counterproductive, she added. Unlike some rival browsers, such as Firefox, Apple's updates to Safari are sparse, with major upgrades coming just once a year. So most new features are rolled out in a single instance. While that may appeal to those who dislike frequent browser updates, it also means upgrades and/or fixes for Safari are rare. In recent years, however, Safari has borne a raft of complaints about the browser's bugs, user interface and experience, and website compatibility, according to MacRumors. In March, Apple launched Safari 15.4 beta, which was purportedly packed with 70+ new features, such as lazy loading images to reduce page load times; a dialog element that represents a part of an application that a user interacts with to perform a task, such as a dialog box or window; and Cascade Layers, which offers users a way to organize styles, such as resets and defaults, up to highest-priority styles, such as components, utilities, and overrides. Even with improvements, though, Safari faces an uphill climb. Since Safari is Apple specific, unless someone is a major Apple fan, they probably dont use Safari, Gold said. Windows machines are still way more popular than Macs, so the sheer numbers of PCs means Edge (and Chrome) have a huge installation advantage over Safari, Gold said. I didnt see much Safari on Windows uptake. 05/05/2022 Photo (c) Andriy Onufriyenko - Getty Images COVID-19 tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 81,630,729 (81,514,062) Total U.S. deaths: 996,746 (994,781) Total global cases: 515,733,220 (515,017,808) Total global deaths: 6,245,723 (6,241,347) U.S. cases are rising, but hospitalizations and deaths arent By the early days of March, new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. were sharply lower than their peak in January. Now, cases of the virus are rising again thanks to the more transmissible subvariants of Omicron. But an analysis of data compiled by the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University suggests that most of the new cases are not producing symptoms that are as severe as in earlier strains. Hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus are stable or falling in some areas. The U.S. is closing in on 1 million COVID-19 deaths, but it's adding fewer deaths each day. The seven-day average of deaths on Wednesday was 568. On May 4, 2021, the seven-day average of deaths was 723. CDC recommends masks on planes A federal judge ended the requirement that passengers on planes and other networks wear masks at all times to protect against COVID-19. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week renewed its recommendation that everyone mask up. In an update, the CDC said it recommends a mask for everyone age two and older in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, etc.). The agency said it also encourages everyone to wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated locations, such as airport jetways. CDC reportedly bought access to data to track peoples movement In the early days of the pandemic, the CDC reportedly purchased access to cell phone data that would allow it to track members of the Navajo Nations compliance with curfews and lockdown orders. Documents obtained by the technology publisher Motherboard reportedly show that the purchase would have provided data from millions of devices. According to the report, the data can show where a person lives, works, and goes. While the data the CDC purchased was more general in nature and not linked to an individual person, Motherboards report raised the concern that the data could be deanonymized and used to track individuals. The report cites documents showing that the CDC planned to use location data from a highly controversial data broker called SafeGraph. The CDC reportedly paid $420,000 for access to one year of data. Around the nation Congratulations, nelsonericdog65@gmail.com got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Nelsonericdog65@gmail.com scored 80 Social Media Impact. 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Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United States held phone talks Thursday and agreed to closely cooperate to enhance the allies' combined defense posture, Seoul's defense ministry said, a day after North Korea's ballistic missile launch. During the talks, Defense Minister Suh Wook and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, condemned the North's launch as a "clear" violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and an act that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, according to the ministry. "(They) agreed to closely cooperate on deterrence through the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance and enhancement of the combined defense posture," the ministry said in a press release. Austin reaffirmed the U.S.' "iron-clad" security commitment to the defense of South Korea, the ministry said. On Wednesday, the North fired the missile, which flew 470 kilometers at a top altitude of 780 kilometers and a speed of Mach 11. It marks the North's 14th show of force this year and came less than a week before the inauguration of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol. (Yonhap) Joe Biden spent 36 years in the US Senate, plus eight years as vice president, before becoming POTUS. Some would say that anyone with a political career that long should be barred from holding office again and instead be forcibly confined to a retirement home, but this means that, no matter what anyone else says about Biden, no one accuses him of inexperience. In that, he's unique among all presidents from this century. George W. Bush had been a politician less than five years when he announced his candidacy for president, having become governor of Texas in 1995. Donald Trump, of course, had no political experience at all. Barack Obama had just two years in national politics when he ran for president, as he'd joined the Senate in 2005, and unlike the other two, he had no pre-politics fame propelling him forward. So though the elections of 2000 and 2016 were weirder that 2008's, for many reasons, the rise of Obama was its own special kind of weird. Many strange factors combined to send Obama to the White House. Such as, for example, Star Trek's Jeri Ryan complaining that her husband pressured her to have sex in public. In 2004, you see, when Obama ran to become the senator from Illinois, his opponent was Jeri Ryan's ex-husband Jack. We don't know which of the two would have won because Jack dropped out, after the Tribune shared a document Jeri had filed during the pair's divorce. India eyes rise in wheat exports amid Russia-Ukraine conflict 10:20, May 05, 2022 By Pankaj Yadav ( Xinhua NEW DELHI, May 4 (Xinhua) -- India is expected to export more wheat grains to international markets due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The prevailing situation is proving a boon for Indian farmers, who are getting a better price for their crops than in previous years. Payments are more prompt, with private players picking up their crops directly from the fields. Wheat output overall has risen, and demand for Indian wheat has also grown. Additionally, Indian wheat is cheaper than other countries, say experts. "Indian traders have signed wheat export deals at between 330-350 U.S. dollars a tonne. This is nearly 50 U.S. dollars a tonne cheaper than rival suppliers as the rally in global prices and large surplus stocks at home have made it easier for Indian suppliers to offer a discount, but still well above domestic prices," a media report quoted a New Delhi-based trader Rajesh Paharia Jain as saying. Traders opine that India's wheat exports could jump to 12 million tonnes in the financial year 2022-23, thus making it a serious player in the world's wheat markets. India's wheat exports have seen a record surge this fiscal year, and the federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry has asked wheat traders to scale up shipments to avert global supply chain disruptions. According to sources in the ministry, India is in discussions with various countries to commence wheat exports. Indian wheat exports witnessed a massive surge of 387 percent to 1.74 billion dollars from April 2021 to January 2022 compared to the previous year. India was the second-largest producer of wheat in 2020, with a share of around 14.14 percent of the world's total production. Still, India accounts for less than one percent of the world's wheat exports, although its share has increased from 0.14 percent in 2016 to 0.54 percent in 2020. According to official figures, India produces around 107.59 million metric tonnes of wheat annually. A significant chunk of it goes towards domestic consumption. The major wheat-growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat. This year wheat production is expected to rise to 110 million Metric Tonnes, according to one survey. Although India is not among the top wheat exporters in global trade, its growth rate has surpassed other countries, indicating the rapid strides taken to reach new markets worldwide. According to a report published in the Economic Times, following a bumper harvest of wheat this season, India's exports are helping offset a supply shortfall resulting from "Ukraine-driven disruptions in the Black Sea region, crop cuts in Canada and quality downgrades in Australia." As India hopes to see a rise in wheat exports, the country could be in a position to replace the depleted wheat supplies expected from both Ukraine and Russia, which account for more than 25 percent of the global wheat trade. Both Russia and Ukraine are among the world's top wheat exporters. "Disruption of exports from these countries does provide India an opportunity to increase our export of wheat," India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said in March. In March, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged stakeholders to prepare themselves to meet the growing demand for wheat. "The globe's attraction towards India's wheat has increased of late. Are our financial institutions, export-import department and the shipping industry ready for this? Are they making comprehensive attempts to cash-in on the big opportunity that has arisen for India," Modi said. According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, the top 10 importing countries for Indian wheat in 2020-21 were Bangladesh, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Afghanistan, Qatar, Indonesia, Oman and Malaysia. They accounted for more than 99 percent of India's wheat exports in 2020-21. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Chung Yoo-ra, center, sobs, after arriving at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno District, May 5, to sue four high-profile personalities for defamation. Attorney Kang Yong-seok, left, and Kim Sae-ui, a rightwing YouTuber, are with Chung to assist her while speaking to journalists. Newsis Former justice minister Cho Kuk, two high-profile liberal journalists among the accused By Ko Dong-hwan Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of former President Park Geun-hye's confidante who is in jail for her involvement in the 2016 corruption scandal that led to Park's impeachment, filed a complaint on Wednesday against high-profile politicians and journalists for defamation. Years ago, Chung had received favorable treatment at schools thanks to her mother's influence, being accepted into the prestigious Ewha Womans University, and received good grades despite not attending classes or taking exams. According to a court decision in 2018, Samsung Group was found to have offered 3.6 billion won ($2.84 million) in bribes to Chung's mother, Choi Soon-sil, at the request of the former president, to purchase three horses and pay for Chung's equestrian training in Germany.?Chung won a gold medal in the team dressage event at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Those revelations sparked public outrage and Chung ended up becoming the despised symbol of social inequality and corruption among the privileged class. Former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Rep. Ahn Min-suk and liberal journalists Kim Eo-jun and Joo Jin-woo are among the high-profile liberals who have been accused this time. Kang Yong-seok and Kim Sae-ui, two front-men of the right-wing YouTube channel Hoverlab, accompanied Chung to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to file the complaint. Kang, who is also a lawyer, and Kim have been making numerous claims against celebrities and politicians on their YouTube channel over the years. The former justice minister has been accused of quoting Chung out of context. He revealed to the public what Chung, out of malice, said to her friend in 2014, which drew widespread public criticism and turned her into "the worst witch in the country." The comments, which Chung made after arguing with her friend, were loaded with Chung's scornful derisions that included the flaunting of money and the power that her mother had. Chung's comments, revealed by the former justice minister, included, "Being rich is also a talent" and "Blame your poor parents for your shortcomings instead of complaining to my wealthy parents." "Chung was just a second-year high school student back then, and what she had said were impulsive words after having an argument," Kang said. "The words were also never meant for members of the public to know. But Cho had picked only a tiny piece from a lengthy piece of content and revealed it on Facebook in 2017, which contributed to rousing the ire of the nation against former President Park and Choi that led to Park's impeachment and Choi's imprisonment," Kang said. The lawyer added that Chung has accused Rep. Ahn, Kim and Joo of making false claims without checking the facts. "Rep. Ahn spread a baseless rumor that Choi's family hid 300 trillion won ($236 billion) somewhere outside the country. Now he says that he never said such a thing," Kang said. "Kim and Joo (who each hosts a news radio show on TBS and KBS, respectively) have also been making false claims against Choi's family. Joo, in particular, often hinted that Chung is a daughter of (former President) Park" who never married. A teary-eyed Chung told reporters that her life has been "ruined because of the lawmakers' irresponsible claims (against me and my family) without proof and the journalists who merely wrote down what they heard instead of investing time for fact-checking." A cyberespionage group whose targeting has historically been aligned with China's geopolitical interests has been targeting European and Russian entities using topical spear-phishing lures connected to the war in Ukraine. The group, tracked as Mustang Panda, RedDelta, Bronze President or TA416 by different cybersecurity firms, has been active since at least 2012 and over the years has targeted organizations in EU member states, the United States and Asian countries where China has interests. The targets have included diplomatic entities, think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious organizations, telecommunication companies, and political activists. The group is known for crafting its phishing lures based on current events that might be of interest to its targets. These have included the COVID-19 pandemic, international summits, and political topics. Recent attack campaigns observed this year by researchers from Cisco Talos and several other security firms used reports from EU institutions about the security situation in Europe both before and after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to a new report from Cisco Talos, in January the group used a lure document with conclusions from the Council of the European Union on the European security situation. After Russia invaded Ukraine at the end of February, the group switched lures to European Commission reports on the security situation at the border with Ukraine and later Belarus. The researchers also spotted Mustang Panda distributing a malicious file with a Russian name referencing the Blagoveshchensk Border Guard Detachment. Blagoveshchensk is a city close to Russia's border with China and is home to Russia's 56th Blagoveshchenskiy Red Banner Border Guard Detachment. This lure suggests the group was potentially targeting Russian-speaking officials or organizations with knowledge of the country's military. How Mustang Panda operates Mustang Panda's most used malicious implant is a Trojan program called PlugX and this continues to remain the group's preferred spying tool. However, the ways in which it has been delivered and loaded on systems have evolved over time. The attacks observed this year have primarily used a malicious downloader wrapped inside an archive. When unpacked and executed on a system, this downloader drops several components. First, it opens the legitimate document expected by the target as a decoy. In the background it launches a benign executable whose only goal is to deploy a malicious DLL using DLL sideloading. DLL sideloading, also known as DLL search order hijacking, is a technique that relies on attackers planting a DLL file in a location and with a specific name that's expected by a legitimate application or service with the purpose of the application loading it in memory instead of spawning a new unknown process that could trigger detection from security products. The DLL is a loader itself and its goal is to further decrypt and load the final payload -- usually a variant of PlugX, which is a modular Trojan that can load different plug-ins to extend its functionality. In March, researchers from security firm ESET reported attacks by Mustang Panda using a previously undocumented version of PlugX, also known as Korplug. However, the Cisco Talos researchers warn that the group doesn't always deploy PlugX and instead has been seen using other malware stagers, implants such as Meterpreter from the open-source penetration testing framework Metasploit, and even simple reverse shells. In late February, Mustang Panda used a Ukrainian-themed executable with a name written in Ukrainian that roughly translates to official statement from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, the researchers said. "This infection chain consisted of activating a simple, yet new, TCP-based reverse shell using cmd.exe." Meterpreter has been used by the group as an access mechanism to deploy additional payloads from command-and-control servers between 2019 and late 2021. Starting this year, the group seems to have shifted to using custom stagers in the form of DLLs in some of its campaigns. This was seen in February in an attack against targets in Southeast Asia through a campaign that used a malicious archive file pertaining to the ASEAN Summit as bait. Another technique Mustang Panda used until March 2021 in its attack campaigns in Asia involved LNK (Windows shortcut) files instead of executables. The rogue LNK files contained all the components of the infection chain inside themselves. First, they extracted and executed a malicious BAT script which then extracted a JavaScript payload and executed it via Windows' wscript.exe. The JS payload then extracted a malicious DLL-based stager that established a connection to a command-and-control server. While the most-recent attacks used malicious executables stored inside archives as the first stage, Mustang Panda also used malicious Word documents (maldocs) in the past that relied on macros to execute a DLL payload and start the infection chain. Those past attacks primarily targeted organizations in Asia. Mustang Panda is a versatile threat actor All these techniques are worth mentioning because they showcase the versatility of the group and its ability to customize its delivery mechanisms and implants based on what might be most successful against its intended targets. The group could switch between these different components, shells, stagers and Trojans at any time. "Over the years, Mustang Panda has evolved their tactics and implants to target a wide range of entities spanning multiple governments in three continents, including the European Union, the U.S., Asia, and pseudo allies such as Russia," the Cisco Talos researchers said. "By using summit- and conference-themed lures in Asia and Europe, this attacker aims to gain as much long-term access as possible to conduct espionage and information theft." FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) Gov. Andy Beshear sounded increasingly confident Thursday that he will have the leeway to take "at least some executive action to make medical marijuana legally accessible in Kentucky. It was the governor's strongest signal yet that he might singlehandedly allow medical marijuana for Kentuckians suffering from certain medical conditions. His prediction comes as his legal team reviews his options on a long-running issue that stalled in the legislature. The Democratic governor first floated the possibility of executive action about a month ago, and since then the latest bill to legalize medical marijuana died in the Republican-dominated state Senate. The legal analysis is not yet finalized, but I do think that there is going to be room for at least some executive action, Beshear said Thursday when asked for an update at his weekly news conference. The governor maintains that legalizing medical cannabis has strong support among Kentuckians. He didnt specify Thursday what actions might be at his disposal to make it legally available. Whatever steps were able to take, we want them to be clear," the governor said. "We want it to serve a purpose. It is not a back-end way to allow recreational marijuana. So we want to make sure that we do it right. Beshear said there are folks out there suffering who could benefit from medical cannabis. He said he spoke recently with a woman whose son suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after multiple deployments with the military. Thats the type of help we ought to be providing, the governor said. Beshear didn't offer a new timetable for a decision, having previously said a decision could come this summer on possible executive action. He instructed his legal team to analyze potential options for executive action that could create a framework to allow medical cannabis in the state. The governors office set up a website for public comments on the issue, and a medical cannabis advisory committee is being formed to gather public input. The challenge is that there are thousands of people who want to be a part because there are thousands of people who feel very, very strongly about this issue, he said. A bill aimed at allowing Kentucky to join the majority of states that have legalized medical marijuana passed the Kentucky House this year but died in the Senate. Republicans have supermajorities in both chambers. The bill would have strictly regulated the use of cannabis for a list of eligible conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy and chronic nausea. Instead, a measure creating a cannabis research center at the University of Kentucky won final approval from lawmakers. Key lawmakers resisting the legalization of medical cannabis pushed for the center as an alternative. They said it would allow more time to study the effectiveness of marijuana in treating certain ailments. The governor has said he sees value in the cannabis centers formation, but said he wont wait for it to do cannabis studies before deciding whether to take action. Beshear has received pushback from some prominent Republicans for considering executive action. Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said recently that Kentuckians should be concerned that the governor thinks he can change statute by executive order. He simply cant legalize medical marijuana by executive order; you cant supersede a statue by executive order because its a constitutional separation of powers violation, Stivers said. Beshear has said he would prefer that lawmakers pass a measure legalizing medical marijuana but said they failed to get the job done. WATERBURY A city man was injured Tuesday night after a shooting on Willow Street, acccording to police. Authorities did not release the mans name Wednesday morning, but said the 47-year-old victim was in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Waterbury police spokesman Lt. Ryan Bessette said officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Willow Street around 11:38 p.m. after receiving a report of shots fired in the area. They located the victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound, Bessette said. Police said the incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Waterbury Police Detective Bureau at 203-574-6941 or Crime Stoppers Anonymous tip line at 203-755-1234. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs wasted nearly $2 million when most of the smartphones bought during the pandemic for homeless veterans went unused, according to an inspector general's report. The report, released Wednesday, found that the Veterans Health Administration spent nearly $7 million to purchase 10,000 phones with unlimited prepaid calling plans but that 85% of the phones gathered dust. As a result, it lost $1.8 million in wasted data plan costs. The inspector general also found that $571,000 was wasted on data plans due to poor oversight of its purchase of nearly 81,000 iPads. The smartphones and iPads were purchased as part of the efforts to increase homeless veterans' access to telehealth, a program that saw video visits increase from about 2,500 in February 2020 to 38,000 in September 2020. The veterans were enrolled in a Department of Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive housing program. The inspector general concluded that Veterans Health Administration officials, who were part of the Connected Care program, made a good faith effort to help veterans get smartphones. But they found there was a lack of information for officials to be able to determine the quantity needed for the targeted veteran population. The inspector general recommended improvements in the storage of smartphones and tablets. It called for the VA to establish a realistic goal for days in storage along with a process for closely monitoring days in storage for each data plan provider and taking corrective actions when the goal is not being met. It also called for a cost-benefit analysis, in coordination with contractors, to create a process that starts the data plan charges only after the device has been issued to a veteran. In the case of the iPads, Connected Care officials purchased 80,930 with prepaid data plans for around $63 million. But these iPads remained in storage on average for 17 days, the inspector general found, which ended up costing the VA more than $571,000 in wasted data plans. Officials could reduce wasted data plan costs by establishing a realistic goal for days in storage, closely monitoring days in storage for devices with each type of data plan, and then taking corrective actions when necessary, the report said. The VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But in the report, the VA's undersecretary for health concurred with the recommendations. The agency said it plans to work with its Denver Logistics Center to analyze inventory, tablet use and shipments over the past year. It then will propose guidelines for how long a device should be in storage, a system to monitor that and corrective actions when storage goals are not met. It also plans to consider a new process that either will launch data plans when devices are issued or consider other ways that data plan costs can be reduced. The VA said the Connected Care program was also transferring excess loaner iPhones to the Veterans Health Administration Homeless Program Office, so that coordinators could provide an iPhone to any veteran lacking stable housing and needing a device. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Little doubt remains about what the Supreme Court plans to do with Roe v. Wade. But uncertainty abounds about ripple effects as the court nears a final opinion expected to overturn the landmark 1973 case that created a nationwide right to abortion. A leaked first draft of the majority opinion in the case, authenticated Tuesday by the Supreme Court, suggests that a majority of justices are poised to toss out Roe. The drafts provocative rhetoric also is generating concern that LGTBQ advances and other matters based on the right to privacy could be vulnerable in a newly hostile political environment. This is about a lot more than abortion, President Joe Biden warned Wednesday, saying the courts draft opinion could jeopardize same-sex marriage, access to contraception and LGBTQ rights. What are the next things that are going to be attacked? Because this MAGA crowd is really the most extreme political organization thats existed in recent American history, Biden said. Court opinions can change in ways big and small throughout the drafting process. So while the eventual ruling in the abortion case appears all but assured, the written rationale and its implications may still be a hotly debated subject inside the courts private chambers. The drafts potentially sweeping impact could be tempered by the other justices, or it could emerge largely unchanged with what advocates and Biden say could bring even more severe consequences. The draft opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the courts 6-3 conservative majority, argues that unenumerated constitutional rights those not explicitly mentioned in the document must be deeply rooted in the Nations history and traditions." And it says abortion doesnt meet that standard. Biden and others are sounding alarms that the same logic could be used to toss out other protections. The president said he believed the conservative justices on todays court would, like failed Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork in 1987, disagree with the courts ruling in Griswold v. Connecticut, which said that a right to privacy exists that bars states from interfering in married couples right to buy and use contraceptives. Cases like Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down sodomy laws criminalizing same-sex intimacy, and Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized gay marriage, are based at least in part on that same right to privacy. Alito, in the draft opinion, explicitly states that the court is only targeting the right to abortion, not those other matters. We emphasize that our decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and no other right, the draft states. Nothing in this opinion should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion. Obergefell is different from Roe in that hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples have relied on it to wed and created legal bonds, like shared property, inheritance rights and settled expectations about the future, said Teresa Collett, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and director of its Prolife Center. Courts are usually loath to undo that kind of precedent. It stands in contrast to abortion, which is usually "a response to unplanned circumstances," Collett said. Obergefell, moreover, relies on the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause as well as the right to privacy. The current Supreme Court abortion case specifically concerns a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks before the viability standard set in the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which itself moved beyond Roes initial trimester framework for regulating abortion. At arguments in December, all six conservative justices signaled they would uphold the Mississippi law, and five asked questions suggesting they supported overturning the right to abortion nationwide, leaving the issue up to individual states. Only Chief Justice John Roberts seemed prepared to take the smaller step of upholding the 15-week ban, in essence overturning the courts ruling in Casey, while leaving in place the right to an abortion in Roe. Until now, the court has allowed states to regulate but not ban abortion before the point of viability, around 24 weeks. The courts three liberal justices appeared certain to be in dissent. Still, the language and tone Alito uses overall could encourage more challenges, said Jason Pierceson, professor of political science at the University of Illinois, Springfield. If the right to privacy is deconstructed or is hollowed out, or is minimized, then those cases in particular have less standing, Pierceson said. A challenge to same-sex marriage could come before the high court on religious liberty grounds, for example, such as someone arguing their religious faith prevents them from recognizing same-sex marriage. Cases along those lines have been mostly about exceptions to anti-discrimination laws so far, Pierceson said, but one could see potentially a broadening of the argument to the fact that maybe same-sex marriage laws are unconstitutional in the first place. LGBTQ rights have made rapid progress over the past decade, and public opinion overall has become much more supportive. But especially over the past year there has been a wave of bills in state legislatures aimed at transgender youth sports and healthcare, as well as talking about LGBTQ issues in certain classrooms. Backers of those bills generally argue theyre needed to protect kids and the rights of parents. Against that backdrop, the draft opinion, if finalized, could send up a flare to conservative activists, said Sharon McGowan, legal director at Lambda Legal. Overturning Roe will be most dangerous because of the signal it will send lower courts to disregard all the other precedents that exist, she said. Its starting with abortion. Its not going to end with abortion, said Mini Timmaraju, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. So everyone needs to be very vigilant. Critics could also take a page from the anti-abortion playbook, which involved multiple measures over the decades that tackled the issue from different angles, imposed limits rather than sweeping prohibitions and employed unusual strategies like the civil-enforcement mechanism thats already essentially allowed Texas to ban abortion, said Alison Gash, a professor at the University of Oregon. It opens the door for all sorts of stuff that I think were probably going to see now that weve got a court that seems willing to support that kind of creativity, she said. Its all speculation, but it seems perfectly plausible for us to see Republican experimentation on a whole bunch of policies that could be affected by this. Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said that what comes through loud and clear in the draft is that the agenda is not just to get rid of abortion but to ban contraception, to eliminate all the important progress that weve made about LGBTQ rights, about the rights of trans children, and also about racial equality. ___ Associated Press writer Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report. Ron Chapple / Getty Image NEW LONDON Two firefighters were sent to the hospital with minor injuries after battling a structure fire at a historic inn Tuesday afternoon, according to the New London Fire Department. The fire department was called to the Light House Inn on Guthrie Place at 2:40 p.m. The first engine to arrive noticed smoke coming from the second floor and called for additional resources, according to the fire department. A child points at messages written by students at Boramae Elementary School during a class event at the school in Dongjak District, Seoul, Wednesday, a day before the 100th anniversary of Children's Day. Yonhap By Nam Hyun-woo Korea is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Children's Day in the country, Thursday, but it appears that children here are not as happy as adults. National Human Rights Commission of Korea Chairperson Song Doo-hwan issued a statement on Wednesday and criticized the quality of life and lack of happiness of Korean children. "Korea has been commemorating Children's Day for a century but the quality of life and happiness felt by children remains at a worrisome level," Song said. "One of the reasons behind this is the lack of social awareness that children are independent individuals like adults." gettyimagesbank According to a survey by the Korea Bang Jeong-hwan Foundation, Korean children's subjective happiness index stood at 79.5 points last year, being placed at the bottom of 22 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Leading the pack were the children of the Netherland scoring 115.21 points. In a 2018 Ministry of Health and Welfare survey on children's life satisfaction, Korea scored 6.57 points out of 10, which was the lowest among all OECD members. In the report, 70.4 percent of surveyed children and teenagers aged between 9 and 17 said they "always lack time because of school assignments and other studies." Of them, 16 percent said "they feel a great deal of stress every day," citing homework and tests as reasons. A woman walks past photos of Jung-in, a 16-month-old baby girl who was killed in 2020 as a result of abuse by her adoptive mother, near the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office in Seoul, April 28. Yonhap WEST HARTFORD The Board of Education heard from Chief Richard Velky of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation on Tuesday, who said he was OK with the towns high schools keeping the warriors and chieftains nicknames. The Board of Education voted in February to change the nicknames, seven years after they had voted to keep the names but remove all Native American imagery previously associated with the Conard High School and Hall High School sports teams. The decision was made in line with new state legislature passed last June, which would deny funding from the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund to any school that uses any name, symbol or image that depicts, refers to or is associated with a state or federally recognized Native American tribe or a Native American individual, custom or tradition, as a mascot, nickname, logo or team name. West Hartford would receive around $28,000 in funding should it comply with the law. Velky was invited to the meeting along with the leaders of Connecticuts four other recognized tribal nations: the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribal Nation, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegan Tribe and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation. Only Velky accepted the invitation to appear. I want to tell you tonight why we supported the use of your warriors and chieftains and why the Schaghticoke still supports it tonight, even having other tribes step up against it, Velky said. When somebody says to us, are you offended by a symbol, are you a offended by a logo. Im saying no. What offends me is what happened to us and what continues to happen to us. While other tribal leaders chose not to or were unable to attend the meeting, the Mohegan Tribe did send a written response, which board chair Lorna Thomas-Farquharson read at the meeting. The email said they wouldnt be giving any towns consent to use Native American-associated nicknames. Mohegan tribal leadership has spoken about this matter numerous times, the email said. Mohegan leadership was never involved with the drafting of the state legislation which created deadlines for communities in Connecticut. Nor do they wish to be asked to adjudicate on behalf of all Native American people what is offensive on its face. They have made the decision not to offer any certificates of compliance based on this new Connecticut law and will therefore not be attending. We deeply hope that your community faces this issue with tolerance and understanding that no person or group should be subjected to an environment that allows hate to thrive. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation responded saying the original letter they sent to West Hartford remains their opinion on the matter. The tribe said at the time that while it opposes the use of any and all Native American-related nicknames, mascots and imagery, that non-specific terms like warriors could be acceptable should they receive written consent of a federal or state-recognized tribe that is located in the same geographic region or has some historical connection to the school/sports team. Velky said he was OK with the use of Native American-related nicknames, mascots, imagery and chants as long as its not done in a mocking way. Everybody has things that offend them differently. I think its all in the presentation. If youre presenting it to offend us, Im against you. Velky said. Im afraid for you not to use them. What are we not going to use 20 years from today? Will the students coming into the classes in first and second grade even know what Native Americans are any longer? Clare Neseralla, a board member and educator, said West Hartford does include lessons on Native Americans in the curriculum. We honor them by teaching each generation about the value that the Native Americans brought, and also some of the conflicts, Neseralla said. Theres a fifth grade unit thats been developed and its totally integrated. Every explorer follows with a Native American tribe that was impacted by that explorer. The folk tales in one grade are now not about Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed, but they are Native American folk tales. Board member Jason Chang said hes seen offensive uses of the Native American names in West Hartford. We have to undo the stereotypes and the mythology around Natives in the state, Chang said. How do we really expand this, given that many times Native names are used to ridicule. Weve seen that from testimony from parents, from students here. That goes against our stated policy on equity in the schools. Velky responded to that, saying that he thinks the curriculum can be used alongside the team nicknames. The education is going to give the understanding of the symbol, Velky said. Both of them have got to be mixed together. If you leave one behind, forget about it. Marry them together and the curriculum is 100 percent right. Board member Dr. Gayle Harris said she would like to see the town keep the names in alignment with education. We could keep this names and also at the same time educate our own students as to why these names and your history and your culture are so honorable, Harris said. I guess in a certain way we havent done that when a student walks into a school and feels that the word chieftain is somehow demeaning to her. Weve failed in not being able to educate our students that these are honorable and dignifying names. The Board of Education didnt take any action on the matter Tuesday night. In February, after voting to remove the nicknames, the board said it would work with a committee of school administrators, teachers, employees, students, parents and members of the school communities to create new nicknames by June 7. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) _ Bandwidth Inc. (BAND) on Wednesday reported a loss of $6.8 million in its first quarter. The Raleigh, North Carolina-based company said it had a loss of 27 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 9 cents per share. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 9 cents per share. The enterprise software developer posted revenue of $131.4 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $125.7 million. For the current quarter ending in July, Bandwidth expects its results to range from a loss of 9 cents per share to a loss of 5 cents per share. The company said it expects revenue in the range of $132.5 million to $134.5 million for the fiscal second quarter. Bandwidth expects full-year earnings in the range of 10 cents to 14 cents per share, with revenue ranging from $551 million to $557 million. Bandwidth shares have declined 64% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, shares hit $26.03, a drop of 79% in the last 12 months. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on BAND at https://www.zacks.com/ap/BAND BRIDGEPORT - A former top city fire official is accused of initiating the rape of a military veteran who volunteered to give him a ride home from a bar. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Harold Clarke Sr., 57, a veteran of more than 30 years in the Bridgeport fire department, allegedly invited several men to his home that February day who then beat and raped the woman. Clarke recently retired as an assistant fire chief after being notified he was under investigation. He was charged Thursday with one count of aggravated first-degree sexual assault. During his arraignment Thursday afternoon, Clarke stood calmly beside his lawyer, Susan Hanken, as Senior Assistant States Attorney Nicholas Bove urged Superior Court Judge Peter McShane to set a high bond for Clarke. Hanken then argued leniency for her client, pointing out his long career as a firefighter and the lack of a criminal record. He has a history of doing charitable work, Hanken continued, citing Clarkes search and rescue work at the World Trade Center site following the plane attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. She said Clarkes family also serves meals to the poor on Thanksgiving. A smaller bond would be appropriate, she told the judge. But McShane said he was concerned about the seriousness of the allegations and ordered Clarke held in lieu of $250,000 bond. He denied Hankens request to let her client be released after posting 10 percent. The judge continued the case to May 24 and ordered Clarke to have no further contact with the victim. Hanken declined comment as she left the Golden Hill Street courthouse. According to the arrest warrant affidavit of Detective Walberto Cotto Jr., on Feb. 17, police were called to St. Vincents Medical Center where a rape victim was being treated. The affidavit states that the victim, a 55-year-old military veteran, told police that after leaving a funeral she had stopped at a local bar where she met Clarke. The victim agreed to give Clarke a ride to his home because she believed him too intoxicated to drive, the affidavit states. When they got to his home, Clarke invited the woman inside and gave her a glass of water, the affidavit continues. But soon after drinking the water, the woman became disoriented and unable to stand, the document states. At that point, the affidavit states, Clarke invited other unidentified men to his home and the three of them repeatedly beat and raped the victim. The affidavit states that the victim had numerous bruises on her face, body and limbs consistent with being held down. Clarkes DNA was found in the victim along with the DNA of two unidentified men, the affidavit states. The affidavit states that Clarke also had bruises on him consistent with the victims claims that she had attempted to fight him off her. City Spokesman Scott Appleby said the investigation remains open and active, and that more arrests are plausible. He declined to release further details on the case, citing the investigation. City officials said in a news conference on Feb. 17 that a high ranking member of the fire department had been placed on leave following a report of a sexual assault, but did not identify Clarke then. Staff writers Ethan Fry and Peter Yankowski contributed reporting. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Djordje Vuckovic, Stanford University and Bill Mitch, Stanford University (THE CONVERSATION) Sunscreen bottles are frequently labeled as reef-friendly and coral-safe. These claims generally mean that the lotions replaced oxybenzone a chemical that can harm corals with something else. But are these other chemicals really safer for reefs than oxybenzone? This question led us, two environmental chemists, to team up with biologists who study sea anemones as a model for corals. Our goal was to uncover how sunscreen harms reefs so that we could better understand which components in sunscreens are really coral-safe. In our new study, published in Science, we found that when corals and sea anemones absorb oxybenzone, their cells turn it into phototoxins, molecules that are harmless in the dark but become toxic under sunlight. Protecting people, harming reefs Sunlight is made of many different wavelengths of light. Longer wavelengths like visible light are typically harmless. But light at shorter wavelengths like ultraviolet light can pass through the surface of skin and damage DNA and cells. Sunscreens, including oxybenzone, work by absorbing most of the UV light and converting it into heat. Coral reefs around the world have suffered in recent decades from warming oceans and other stressors. Some scientists thought that sunscreens coming off of swimmers or from wastewater discharges could also be harming corals. They conducted lab experiments that showed that oxybenzone concentrations as low as 0.14 mg per liter of seawater can kill 50% of coral larvae in less than 24 hours. While most field samples typically have lower sunscreen concentrations, one popular snorkeling reef in the U.S. Virgin Islands had up to 1.4 mg oxybenzone per liter of seawater more than 10 times the lethal dose for coral larvae. Likely inspired by this research and a number of other studiesshowing damage to marine life, Hawaiis legislators voted in 2018 to ban oxybenzone and another ingredient in sunscreens. Soon after, lawmakers in other places with coral reefs, like the Virgin Islands, Palau and Aruba, implemented their own bans. There is still an open debate whether the concentrations of oxybenzone in the environment are high enough to damage reefs. But everyone agrees that these chemicals can cause harm under certain conditions, so understanding their mechanism is important. Sunscreen or toxin While laboratory evidence had shown that sunscreen can harm corals, very little research had been done to understand how. Some studies suggested that oxybenzone mimics hormones, disrupting reproduction and development. But another theory that our team found particularly intriguing was the possibility that the sunscreen behaved as a light-activated toxin in corals. To test this, we used the sea anemones our colleagues breed as a model for corals. Sea anemones and corals are closely related and share a lot of biological processes, including a symbiotic relationship with algae that live within them. It is extremely difficult to perform experiments with corals under lab conditions, so anemones are typically much better for lab-based studies like ours. We put 21 anemones in test tubes full of seawater under a lightbulb that emits the full spectrum of sunlight. We covered five of the anemones with a box made of acrylic that blocks the exact wavelengths of UV light that oxybenzone normally absorbs and interacts with. Then we exposed all the anemones to 2 mg of oxybenzone per liter of seawater. The anemones under the acrylic box were our dark samples and the ones outside of it our control light samples. Anemones, like corals, have a translucent surface, so if oxybenzone were acting as a phototoxin, the UV rays hitting the light group would trigger a chemical reaction and kill the animals while the dark group would survive. We ran the experiment for 21 days. On Day Six, the first anemone in the light group died. By Day 17, all of them had died. By comparison, none of the five anemones in the dark group died during the entire three weeks. Metabolism converts oxybenzone to phototoxins We were surprised that a sunscreen was behaving as a phototoxin inside the anemones. We ran a chemical experiment on oxybenzone and confirmed that, on its own, it behaves as a sunscreen and not as a phototoxin. Its only when the chemical was absorbed by anemones that it became dangerous under light. Any time an organism absorbs a foreign substance, its cells try to get rid of the substance using various metabolic processes. Our experiments suggested that one of these processes was turning oxybenzone into a phototoxin. To test this, we analyzed the chemicals that formed inside anemones after we exposed them to oxybenzone. We learned that our anemones had replaced part of oxybenzones chemical structure a specific hydrogen atom on an alcohol group with a sugar. Replacing hydrogen atoms on alcohol groups with sugars is something that plants and animals commonly do to make chemicals less toxic and more water soluble so they are easier to excrete. But when you remove this alcohol group from oxybenzone, oxybenzone ceases to function as a sunscreen. Instead, it holds on to the energy it absorbs from UV light and kicks off a series of rapid chemical reactions that damage cells. Rather than turning the sunscreen into a harmless, easy-to-excrete molecule, the anemones convert oxybenzone into a potent, sunlight-activated toxin. When we ran similar experiments with mushroom corals, we found something surprising. Even though corals are much more vulnerable to stressors than sea anemones, they did not die from oxybenzone and light exposure during our entire eight-day experiment. The coral made the same phototoxins from oxybenzone, but all of the toxins were stored in the symbiotic algae living in the coral. The algae seemed to absorb the phototoxic byproducts and, in doing so, likely protected their coral hosts. We suspect that the corals would have died from the phototoxins if they did not have their algae. It is not possible to keep corals without algae alive in the lab, so we did some experiments on anemones without algae instead. These anemones died about two times faster and had almost three times as many phototoxins in their cells compared than the same anemones with algae. Coral bleaching, reef-safe sunscreens and human safety We believe there are a few important takeaways from our effort to better understand how oxybenzone harms corals. First, coral bleaching events in which the corals expel their algal symbionts because of high seawater temperatures or other stressors likely leave corals particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of sunscreens. Second, its possible that oxybenzone could also be dangerous to other species. In our study, we found that human cells can also turn oxybenzone into a potential phototoxin. If this happens inside the body, where no light can reach, its not an issue. But if this occurs in the skin, where light can create toxins, it could be a problem. Previous studies have suggested that oxybenzone could pose health risks to people, and some researchers have recently called for more research into its safety. Finally, the chemicals used in many alternative reef-safe sunscreens contain the same alcohol group as oxybenzone so could potentially also be converted to phototoxins. We hope that, taken together, our results will lead to safer sunscreens and help inform efforts to protect reefs. [Understand new developments in science, health and technology, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations science newsletter.] This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/corals-and-sea-anemones-turn-sunscreen-into-toxins-understanding-how-could-help-save-coral-reefs-182311. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Disaster-level instability in the Atlantic herring industry has prompted the federal government to give $11 million to commercial fishermen and shore-side infrastructure in four states. A scientific assessment in 2020 found that herring are overfished, and quotas for the fish were reduced dramatically. The federal government declared a fishery disaster in November, clearing the way for assistance. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO (AP) Just a day after Democrats forcefully recommitted to protecting abortion rights, a U.S. House leader swooped into Texas on Wednesday to defend and stand side-by-side with Rep. Henry Cuellar, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in Congress. The small campaign rally in San Antonio, where Cuellar is in the toughest reelection fight of his 17 years in office, put on full display the awkward timing of House leadership showing unwavering support for an abortion opponent as the party simultaneously rages over a leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision from 1973 that legalized abortion. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the third-ranking Democratic leader in the House, rejected that his campaigning for Cuellar undercuts the urgency of the the partys election-year promises to defend the constitutional right to an abortion. I would ask anybody, which is more important: to have a pro-life Democrat or an anti-abortion Republican?" Clyburn said. Because come November, that could very well be the choice in this district." But making it on the November ballot is far from a guarantee for Cuellar. He must first get past a May 24 primary runoff against Jessica Cisneros, an immigration lawyer who supports abortion rights, and who finished roughly 1,000 votes behind Cuellar in March, when neither candidate met the majority threshold to win outright. Cisneros called on House leaders to drop their backing of Cuellar in the heavily Hispanic district that runs to the U.S.-Mexico border. The stakes are high. Theyre absolutely high, Cisneros said in an interview this week with The Associated Press. South Texans deserve a champion for their rights and freedom. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has also previously affirmed her support for Cuellar, an endorsement that Cuellar played up in front of his supporters. Cuellar said the draft opinion goes too far and that there must be exceptions in cases of rape, incest and dangers to the life of the mother. He waved off whether the leak surfacing just weeks before the runoff would impact the outcome. There's always issues that come up," Cuellar said. Every time you have an election there's always things that happen. You just go with your position and move on. Cuellar's campaign had announced the rally with Clyburn before Politico published the leaked draft late Monday. It is one of the congressman's biggest events during his campaign since FBI agents searched his home in January as part of an investigation related to the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan. Cuellar has denied wrongdoing, and his lawyer said last month that federal authorities told them Cuellar is not the target of an investigation. The draft Supreme Court opinion on abortion was written in February, and the language could change before the court issues its final ruling. As written, it would give states the power to decide the legality of abortion. In Texas, that would mean an outright ban that would take effect almost immediately. Cuellar was the only House Democrat last year to vote against the Women's Health Protection Act, which sought to bolster access to abortion. It was just one more example of how Cuellar's centrist record has sometimes put him more aligned with Republicans, including with his support for gun rights and his criticism of President Joe Biden's handling of the border. Back in March, despite months of outrage by Democrats over Texas' restrictive new ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, abortion had largely receded from the spotlight in the state heading into the first round of voting between Cuellar and Cisneros. Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, thinks the leaked Supreme Court decision could change that dynamic. She described the Cisneros race as critical. We think this is going to be very motivating," she said. People are very angry. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter, https://twitter.com/ap_politics This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ATLANTA (AP) John Gordon's Republican primary challenge to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr offers an exceptionally clear contrast over the 2020 election. Gordon, who spent most of his career in business, came back to the legal world to try to prove Donald Trump was cheated out of victory in Georgia. Carr, the incumbent, says flatly that the problem with the 2020 election was not that Democrats stole it, but that the Republicans lost. As a Republican, I didnt want our team to lose in 2020," Carr said. "I didnt want either one of our senators to lose. I didnt want the state to go to Joe Biden. But the world I live in is based on fact, evidence and law. Trump has endorsed Gordon, furthering the former president's obsession with spreading lies about Georgia's election. Gordon promises to open an investigation into Trump's false claims of election fraud. We will expose the fraud and we will prosecute the people that are responsible for this not to redo 2020 that ship has sailed," Gordon said. "But we will expose this so that will never happen in our country again." The winner of the May 24 Republican primary will face one of two Democrats running in their party's primary Atlanta lawyer Christian Wise Smith and state Sen. Jen Jordan of Sandy Springs. Carr, appointed by Nathan Deal in 2016, was earlier chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and state economic development commissioner. He counts his top achievements as prosecuting human trafficking, securing a $636 million opioid settlement, and defending the 2021 Georgia voting law. Carr has repeatedly sued President Biden's administration and joined an earlier lawsuit that unsuccessfully sought to void former President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul. If the federal government overreaches and either goes beyond what its authority is, or acts inconsistently with federal law, somebody needs to push back," Carr said. Carr resigned as chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association in 2021 after the association's political arm sponsored a robocall urging Trump supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 to stop the steal. The call raised questions about the group's culpability for the ensuing riot. Carr says neither he nor any other attorney general in the group authorized the call. Months later, over Carrs objections, other Republican attorneys general elected the person who had authorized the call to run the association. I was infuriated. I thought it was one of the dark days in American history to see the attack on the Capitol as that occurred, Carr said, explaining why he resigned. If reelected to another term, Carr said, he wants to nurture a gang prosecution unit authorized by the General Assembly this year. Gordon, though, says Carr is unresponsive. He blames Carr for a settlement agreement standardizing signature verification on absentee ballots, for allowing ballot drop boxes and for letting Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger mail out absentee ballot applications. Carr and others question whether Gordon has been an active member of the state bar for seven years, as required by the state constitution to serve as attorney general. Gordon became a lawyer in 1979 and says he has 15 to 20 years of active membership. However, he declined to provide documents, and the state bar only has records back to 2000. I dont need to provide you documentation, Gordon said. Gordon has been sued by people who rented the Atlanta mansion where Gordon is registered to vote, saying Gordon took rent and kicked them out without returning the money. Gordon dismisses the dispute as sour grapes from bad tenants. On the Democratic side, Jordan said she's running because she feels Carr isn't prioritizing the people of the state. She said his challenge to the health care law could have "resulted in serious and significant harm to the people that he was elected to represent. Jordan cites her work suing companies for mistreating consumers, saying part of the attorney general's job should be going after bad guys that are really ripping off people that live in the state. People need to vote for the person that they think can beat Chris Carr, ultimately, and I think Im the only one who can do that, Jordan said. Wise Smith is a former Fulton County assistant district attorney. He founded the National Social Justice Alliance, which works with prosecutors to end police brutality. In 2020, he finished third in the Democratic primary for Fulton County district attorney. Wise Smith said he wants to use the attorney general's office to work with district attorneys and law enforcement to divert more low-level nonviolent offenders into treatment and rehabilitation, focusing on prosecuting more serious crimes. Im running to change the face of justice in the state of Georgia, to make our justice system one that truly strives for justice for all," Wise Smith said. ___ Follow Jeff Amy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffamy. GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina man has been jailed on a $12.4 million bond on multiple sex charges involving a child, a sheriff's office said Thursday. The Pitt County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that John William Lovelace, 66, of Ayden was arrested on Wednesday by Winterville police officers and detectives with the sheriff's office. Lovelace was charged by Winterville police with four counts of second-degree forcible sex offenses and three counts of sexual battery. The sheriff's office charged Lovelace with two counts of statutory sex offense with a child less than 15 years of age and indecent liberties with a minor. He was being held on Thursday in the Pitt County jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 11 and May 18. A public defender in one of the two cases declined comment on his client's case. The Seoul city government said Thursday it will begin resuming late-night public transportation operations in the city, two years after they were reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city government plans to extend daily subway operation hours through 1 a.m., instead of midnight on weekdays, starting sometime in June. The plan, which excludes weekends and holidays, comes amid a public outcry over the difficulty of grabbing taxi cabs at night following the significant easing of social distancing restrictions. The late-night service has been suspended since April 1, 2020, leading to an average 30 percent decrease in the number of public transportation users for that time. The capital's night bus schedule, which has also been scaled back due to COVID-19, will also begin to be normalized Monday. The time of the last bus on intra-city routes of Seoul's 11 major spots will be pushed back until 1 a.m. beginning Monday as well, officials said. Citizens have been suffering from a shortage of taxi services, as the government has lifted almost all major coronavirus-linked regulations on private gatherings and the operations of pubs and restaurants. (Yonhap) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MIAMI (AP) Jeffri Davila-Reyes says hes still mystified how he ended up serving hard time in a U.S. federal prison. His cocaine bust at sea was closer to his homeland of Costa Rica than the United States, and the few kilos of drugs he was carrying were bound for Jamaica rather than American shores. His plight is similar to hundreds of foreigners swept up by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters every year, most of them poor, semiliterate fishermen from Central and South America driven to smuggling with offers of more money than theyve ever seen in Davila-Reyes case $6,000. Nobody can be blamed for being born poor, he wrote in a recent letter to The Associated Press. But now, seven years into his 10-year sentence, Davila-Reyes conviction has been thrown out in a little-noticed ruling that threatens a key weapon in the United States war on drugs: A decades-old law that gives the U.S. broad authority to make arrests on the high seas anywhere in the world, even if the drugs arent bound for the U.S. Its a law that helps the U.S. bolster its drug-interdiction numbers and flex its maritime muscle in a region where drugs are trafficked most. But since it often targets smugglers at the lowest rungs of the drug trade, it has yet to make a dent in the huge volumes of narcotics flowing into the U.S. It is a waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars to have these costly misadventures as we play drug police to the world, said Eric Vos, head of the public defenders office in Puerto Rico where Davila-Reyes case began. Our enforcement efforts and multibillion-dollar expenditures should concentrate exclusively on drugs actually entering America. At issue is the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, passed by Congress in 1986 at the height of the crack epidemic. It defines drug smuggling in international waters as a crime against the United States and gives the U.S. unique law enforcement powers anywhere on the seas whenever it determines a vessel is without nationality. But how a vessel is deemed stateless sometimes gets messy. When the Coast Guard chased down Davila-Reyes speedboat in the western Caribbean in 2015, he and two cousins who were seen frantically trying to dump packages of cocaine overboard identified their vessel as hailing from Costa Rica, according to the FBIs summary of the investigation. But other than the markings on the boats side resembling Costa Ricas flag, the men lacked any documentation proving its nationality. When the U.S. asked the Costa Rican government to confirm the vessels registry, it responded 12 weeks after the bust that it could neither confirm nor refute the claim. A few weeks later the men were charged and eventually pleaded guilty to possessing narcotics on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The conviction would have gone unnoticed if not for a challenge brought by a group of dedicated public defenders in Puerto Rico, where many of the drug cases are tried. A three-judge panel of the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston ruled in January that the laws provisions equating a nations equivocal response to an outright denial of a captains claim of nationality were an unconstitutional extension of U.S. policing powers beyond Americas borders. Tellingly, almost none of those prosecuted under the law had ever set foot in the U.S. nor were they charged with trying to import cocaine. In Davila-Reyes case, the five to 15 kilograms of cocaine he was convicted of transporting were purportedly bound for dealers in Jamaica. Despite the ruling, Davila-Reyes remains behind bars as the Justice Department seeks reconsideration by all of the First Circuits nine judges. His two co-defendants were released in 2018 and 2020 after completing sentences of around five years each. ENDLESS WAR From the moment President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1971, the U.S. Coast Guard has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop illegal narcotics from entering the U.S. Today, it spends more than $2 billion annually as part of that effort. Other federal agencies the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Patrol, the Departments of State and Justice kick in billions more. The aim of the high-seas busts is to seize cocaine at a vulnerable choke point and inflict heavy losses on traffickers, limiting the amount of drugs that make it onto U.S. streets. But, almost from the start, that goal has proven elusive. Cocaine prices, a gauge of supply, have been hovering at historical lows for more than a decade as cocaine production from Colombia has soared to record highs. In a good year, barely 10% of cocaine shipments in the waters off Central and South America where the bulk of the worlds cocaine is trafficked are actually seized or destroyed, according to the U.S. governments own estimates. Despite that poor record, U.S. officials continue to tout their success at sea. A 2020 Coast Guard report said at-sea interdictions are the most effective way to combat cartels and criminal networks. Since 2017, the amount of cocaine it has seized or destroyed exceeds 959 metric tons. We are hitting the drug traffickers where it hits them most -- in their pocketbooks, Rahul Gupta, the White House drug czar, said at news conference earlier this year in Fort Lauderdale to welcome a U.S. Coast Guard cutter home from a three-month deployment that yielded seizures of 30 metric tons of cocaine and marijuana worth $1 billion. But nowhere to be seen among the drugs piled neatly on deck were the 86 foreign drug runners responsible for the contraband, some of whom had been offloaded and jailed the day before. Prosecutions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act exploded last fiscal year to 296 nearly five times the number a decade ago, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which collects Justice Department data. But since each case involves multiple defendants, the actual number of foreigners detained at sea last year was 635 the highest tally since 2017. Each offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years because of the large amounts of cocaine involved. Critics of U.S. drug policy say most such smugglers fell into the job because of poverty and are hardly worth locking up for so long when legions of their poor compatriots stand ready to take their place. Davila-Reyes, for example, had to quit school in the third grade to help support his family, eventually finding hand-blistering construction work for $10 a day. These are not masterminds like Pablo Escobar or Chapo Guzman, said Kendra McSweeney, an Ohio State University geographer who has spent years researching U.S. drug policies. But if youre trying to hit numbers, and nobody is measuring the importance of those numbers, then all the incentives are there to keep going, she said. It makes people feel good about themselves but its egregiously ineffective. FLOATING PRISONS After Davila-Reyes bust, he said he was mistreated while adrift at sea, allowed to bathe just once a week, and served spoiled, foul-smelling plates of beans. I couldnt eat this food, he wrote in a series of letters in Spanish to the AP from his West Virginia prison. AP was unable to verify Davila-Reyes account but attorneys appointed by the courts to represent foreign drug runners say such tales are commonplace. Miami defense attorney Bert Dominguez pointed to courtroom testimony last year in which a Coast Guard officer described how detainees are shackled by their leg to the deck of a cutter. The restraints are removed only to allow the detainees to use the bathroom, take a shower or for a short amount of daily exercise. Theyre treated like warehoused fruit, Dominguez said. The U.S. Coast Guard rejects that characterization and says all suspects have regular access to medical treatment, personal hygiene products, shelter from the elements and regular meals after being detained. The Coast Guard treats each person entrusted to our care with dignity and respect, said Cmdr. Matt Kroll, a spokesman. Whats undisputed is that 19 days passed from the time of Davila-Reyes detention until he made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate in Puerto Rico. By the standards of justice in drug boat cases, thats actually fast: nationwide, the average delay is more than 23 days, according to an AP analysis of 28 cases this year involving 89 foreign nationals. In one case, the wait lasted 46 days. U.S. criminal proceedings mandate that suspects, even those apprehended outside the country, be brought before a judge without unnecessary delay. Typically, that means no more than 48 hours after arrest. Kroll said the Coast Guard seeks to ensure a timely transfer of suspects but justified the prolonged detentions because of the need to maintain ongoing law enforcement operations across vast geographical distances. The government is operating under this fiction that theyre not really arrested when theyre taken into custody and chained to a deck of a Coast Guard cutter, Miami public defender Tracy Dreispul said during the hearing last year where the Coast Guard witness testified. But we all know what arrest means. LEGAL FALLOUT Neither the Coast Guard nor Justice Department would comment on Davila-Reyes appeal but experts say its too early to judge the fallout from the landmark ruling. Currently Vos office in Puerto Rico is preparing 14 motions for dismissal in other boat cases on behalf of jailed defendants from Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The ruling has also been cited in at least five proceedings outside the First Circuit. Of the 28 interdictions on the high seas this year, 10 involve a claim of nationality for the vessel that a foreign government was unable to confirm or deny, according to an AP analysis of court records. In only five cases there was no nationality claimed and in the remaining 13 the court records did not say. Its definitely a chink in the armor, said Roger Cabrera, a court-appointed attorney in Miami seeking to leverage Davila-Reyes to appeal his own clients conviction. But like most chinks, Im sure the federal government is already looking for a workaround. For now, U.S. law enforcement continues to conduct regular search and seizures on the high seas with little indication of concern. In court filings, attorneys for the U.S. government have argued that the procedures for boarding a vessel and determining whether a claim of nationality is legitimate are governed by bilateral treaties, including one with Costa Rica, which has never complained that its sovereignty was being violated. Further, they said holding up interdictions to wait for an unequivocal denial of registry from a foreign nation before declaring a vessel stateless would be impractical and quickly encourage traffickers to claim their vessels are from small Micronesian states, or North Korea, where diplomatic contacts are limited. Anyone involved with bringing dangerous drugs into the United States will be held accountable, no matter their position in the drug distribution network, said Justice Department spokeswoman Nicole Navas Oxman. These offenders are an intricate part of drug-trafficking networks, which pose a direct threat to the health and safety of American communities. ___ Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, fourth from left, and Kim Jin-tae, right, the People Power Party (PPP)'s candidate for Gangwon Province governor, visit Chuncheon Station, Gangwon Province, Wednesday to inspect railroad infrastructure. Yoon was accompanied by local election candidates from the PPP during his regional tour, which sparked controversy over the lack of political neutrality of the president-elect. Yonhap By Kwon Mee-yoo President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol wrapped up his tour of the country on Wednesday, visiting some 29 cities over 50 days. The last province he visited was the nation's northeastern province of Gangwon. Yoon's stated purpose was to listen to the voices of the people and reconfirm his regional pledges and balanced development policies. Yoon's nationwide listening tour has sparked controversy among some lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), not because of his purpose, but because of the timing of his national tour. His tour came ahead of the June 1 local elections, prompting the DPK to state that the real goal of his tour is, in fact, an effort to influence the election results in favor of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). On Wednesday, Yoon visited Gangwon Province with Kim Jin-tae, the PPP's candidate for the Gangwon Province governor post, and vowed to develop the region more. "Gangwon Province hasn't developed properly and the people of Gangwon had disadvantages. I pledged during my presidential campaign that I would designate Gangwon as a special economic province and lift restrictions to encourage development," Yoon said during an inspection of the railroad infrastructure at Chuncheon Station, Gangwon Province. Yoon promised to extend the GTX-B line to Chuncheon and expand other infrastructure in Gangwon Province when he was with Kim and other PPP candidates, who are running for other positions in the province. However, Yoon did not go any further with his pledges, saying "I will soon be inaugurated as president and the local elections are just ahead, so I cannot recite my presidential pledges here," during his visit to a traditional market in Gangwon the same day. When Yoon visited Gyeonggi Province on May 2, the PPP's candidates for Gyeonggi Province governor, Kim Eun-hye, and for Yongin mayor, Lee Sang-il, accompanied the president-elect and Kim Young-hwan, the PPP's candidate for North Chungcheong Province governor, and Kim Tae-heum, the PPP's candidate for South Chungcheong Province governor, were with Yoon during his visit to Chungcheong Province from April 28-29. The DPK criticized Yoon for abusing his position to allegedly benefit the PPP. "A president-elect whose inauguration is just a week away has influence equivalent to a president and should remain politically neutral. Yoon should be more cautious about endorsing candidates from his party ahead of taking presidential office," Lee So-young of the DPK said, Wednesday. According to Rep. Jo Seoung-lae of the DPK, the National Election Commission (NEC) had earlier officially stated that the president-elect should refrain from involvement in the local elections. Rep. Jo had inquired at the NEC earlier in February, before the presidential election, to check whether election laws banning public servants from meddling with or influencing local elections applied to the president-elect, in the case that a DPK candidate were to win the election. The NEC had answered that considering the status of the president-elect, a president-elect should refrain from such activities as involvement in local elections, whether the election law on public servants applies to the president-elect or not. However, the PPP dismissed the DPK's claims as "petty and embarrassing." Chairman Lee Jun-seok of the PPP said, "The DPK always objects (to the PPP) and is sullen over President-elect Yoon's tour around the country. They should stop it now." President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol enters the presidential transition committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday. Joint Press Corps President-elect picks 19 presidential secretaries By Nam Hyun-woo President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday announced the appointments of 19 secretaries who will assist his administration. He also announced the creation of a new office for policy coordination and plans to pursue synergy in various government policies. According to the spokesperson of the president-elect, Yoon named six secretaries under the senior secretary for economic affairs, two under the senior secretary for political affairs, four under the policy coordination and planning office and seven under the chief of staff. It was the first round of nominations for secretary-level aides, and Yoon will finish naming the others by Sunday, the spokesperson's office said in a statement. From left are presidential policy coordination and planning officer nominee Jang Sung-min, secretary for planning nominee Park Sung-hoon, secretary for speechwriting nominee Kim Dong-jo and secretary for future strategy nominee Kim Yoon-il. Yonhap Of them, the new office for policy coordination stands out as noteworthy. Yoon's current chief of staff Chang Je-won said the new office will be "in charge of collecting medium- and long-term policy tasks explored by policymaking departments, coordinating short-term tasks and preparing Yoon's schedules and messages." The new office will be led by Jang Sung-min, Yoon's special adviser for political affairs. Jang served as a political affairs secretary during the liberal Kim Dae-jung administration in the late 1990s, but helped Yoon's campaign, providing advice to the conservative president-elect. With Jang heading the new office as policy coordination officer, which is a senior secretary-level job, Park Sung-hoon, an economic adviser of the president-elect, will become secretary for planning. Kim Dong-jo, head of Velocity Investors & Company and the current speechwriter for Yoon, was named as secretary for speechwriting, and Kim Yoon-il, former Busan vice mayor for economic affairs, was tapped as the future strategy secretary who will be in charge of Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo. Clockwise from left, secretary for general affairs nominee Yoon Jae-soon, protocol secretary nominee Kim Il-bum, secretary for government tasks nominee Lim Sang-jun, secretary for legal affairs nominee Joo Jin-woo, secretary for public office discipline nominee Lee Si-won and secretary for state affairs monitoring nominee Han Oh-seop. Courtesy of office of president-elect's spokesperson For secretaries supporting the presidential chief of staff, former prosecution officials made their presence felt, reflecting Yoon's background as former prosecutor general. Yoon Jae-soon, former head of the management and support division at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, was selected as secretary for general affairs. Lee Si-won, a former prosecutor at Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, was tapped as secretary for public office discipline. Also under the chief of staff, Kim Il-bum, former vice president of the SK Supex Council Global Growth Committee, will be protocol secretary, and Lim Sang-jun, director of planning and coordination policy at the Office of Government Policy Coordination, will be secretary for government tasks. Under the senior secretary for political affairs, former lawmaker Hong Ji-man will be secretary for political affairs and North Chungcheong Province Vice Governor Seo Seung-woo will become secretary for self-governing and administration. From left are secretary for economy and finance nominee Kim Byung-hwan, secretary for industry policy nominee Kang Kyung-sung, secretary for SMEs and startups nominee Kim Seong-seop, secretary for agriculture and oceans Kim Jeong-hee, secretary for land and trasport nominee Baek Won-gook and secretary for science and technology nominee Cho Seong-kyung. Yonhap Boris Johnson must be the luckiest leader alive. He should be miles behind in the polls, but he isnt. The explanation is simple: Sir Keir Starmer. Imagine if Tony Blair were Labour leader now. I mean the fresh-faced, engaging Prime Minister who hadnt been written off by many for misleading the country about the true dangers posed by Saddam Hussein. He would have slaughtered Boris. When that version of Blair declared in 1997 that he was a pretty straight sort of guy, most people were prepared to believe him. It took voters years to realise that he was about as straight as a corkscrew. The early Blair was able to see off the Labour Left, define clear policies, and successfully portray the Tories as a bunch of crooks. He was an outstanding communicator who persuaded the electorate that he was likeable, trustworthy and competent. Admittedly such gifted leaders I write as an inveterate critic of Blair dont emerge often. Labour could hardly expect more of them to keep on rolling off the production line. But they might have reasonably hoped to do better than they have with Sir Keir Starmer. The moraliser always has further to fall when exposed as a hypocrite. The best thing that can be said about Boris Johnson is that he doesn't pretend to be better than he is Imagine if Tony Blair were Labour leader now. I mean the fresh-faced, engaging Prime Minister who hadn't been written off by many for misleading the country about the true dangers posed by Saddam Hussein. He would have slaughtered Boris. Several of the Labour leaders shortcomings were evident during an interview he gave on Radio 4s Today programme two days ago. This was meant to be his chance to lay out his stall before todays local elections. Yet he came across as robotic and evasive. When asked whether he thought defence spending should be increased, he replied that his party would consider any new proposals. He said: I think the Government needs to come back and Parliament needs to look at the proposals they put before us and we will take a view on it. Thats brave of him! Foreign Secretary Liz Truss recently suggested that, in a world made much more dangerous by Vladimir Putin, Britain should spend more on defence. Although a member of the Government, she is prepared to stick her neck out. The leader of Her Majestys Opposition is not. Confusion On taxation Sir Keir was all over the place. He wouldnt say whether Labour would undo the recent hike in National Insurance, which it has robustly opposed. He had some vague ideas about how 12 billion a year might be found if the increase were reversed. He might plunder stocks and shares and dividends. Or he might claw back the 11.8 billion lost to fraud and bad contracts during the pandemic. But even if this money were recoverable, it would be a one-off. Sir Keir seemingly believes that the missing 11.8 billion can be clawed back year after year. In other words, he hasnt thought it through. Two years after Sir Keirs election as leader, Labour doesnt have a taxation policy. On ITVs Good Morning Britain yesterday, he created further confusion (and alarm in some quarters) by apparently being open to an increase in the top rate of tax. Despite the mess, I submit that we may be sure of one thing. Although under this Government the overall rate of tax is higher than for more than 70 years, under Labour it would be higher still possibly significantly so. For the second day running, Sir Keir struggled to answer questions about the event at Durham Miners Hall, which took place at a time when almost all indoor socialising was banned Last night a picture emerged of what may have been his official car (above) in Durham that evening. This raises the prospect that his police protection team might be able to provide bombshell testimony, in the same way that officers are being asked for their recollections of 'Partygate' events in Downing Street Sir Keirs championing of a windfall tax on energy companies shows where his heart really lies. Such a tax would make foreign investors think again. Who wants to do business where you can be clobbered by an unexpected levy? There are other countries in which to operate. Ah, I hear some people say. Sir Keir may be vague on policy, and keen on taxing people and businesses, but at least he is straight and honest unlike the Prime Minister. But is he? To an extent, I was once taken in myself. A former Director of Public Prosecutions could surely be relied upon. Whatever his shortcomings in the charisma department, Sir Keir appears solid and dependable a more trustworthy companion in a trek across the Gobi Desert with a half- empty water bottle than Boris Johnson. Unbelievable I wonder, though. The leader of the Opposition presents himself as a sensible and moderate man, but in the recent past the elections of 2017 and 2019 he moved every muscle to secure the election of an anti-American, anti-Nato, hard-Left enemy of capitalism under whose leadership Labour welcomed anti-Semites. I mean Jeremy Corbyn. Many of us embrace causes in our youth which we grow out of. But Sir Keirs Corbynista past was the day before yesterday. Theres no evidence that he was a half-hearted cheerleader for Corbyn. Is he entirely sincere in the part he is currently playing of a responsible Social Democrat? Will the real Sir Keir Starmer stand up? And that brings me to Beergate. I dont think his critics would be so exercised by his apparent double standards if he hadnt perched sanctimoniously on his high horse, accusing Boris Johnson of dishonesty and lying over his alleged partying. The moraliser always has further to fall when exposed as a hypocrite. The best thing that can be said about Boris is that he doesnt pretend to be better than he is. Largely as a result of this newspapers efforts, it has been established that Sir Keir Starmer and some 30 officials had some kind of meal, during which beer was drunk, while supposedly working in a building in Durham on April 30 last year. Despite previous denials, Labours deputy leader, Angela Rayner, was present. But Sir Keir's Corbynista past was the day before yesterday. There's no evidence that he was a half-hearted cheerleader for Corbyn The meal appears to have been in contravention of Covid regulations at the time which Sir Keir backed enthusiastically. Until yesterday, he had maintained that the eating and drinking marked a break in the proceedings before he and his industrious officials returned to the grindstone, even though it was past 10pm. Now the story has morphed so that we are asked to believe that the assembled company ate while they worked. It has been reported that 200 worth of Indian takeaway curries were ordered. Is Sir Keir asking us to accept that he and his officials toiled away rather than socialised as they grappled with naans, chutney and bottles of beer? Its unbelievable. The rules were, of course, thoroughly stupid, but the Labour leader has excoriated the PM for less namely, not eating a cake when he attended an impromptu birthday party in the Cabinet Room at No 10 which had been injudiciously organised by his wife. Opaque I dont imagine Beergate will finish off Sir Keir, not least because Durham Police are stubbornly refusing to reopen the case. Very oddly, Sir Keir repeatedly refused to say on Tuesdays Today programme whether they had been in touch with him again. They havent. Why didnt he simply tell the truth? Although I suspect hell survive, this incident may open peoples minds to the possibility that the leader of the Opposition isnt quite as honest as he would like us to think he is. Not entirely straight, either, in the policies he espouses or in his account of his own behaviour. An unusually opaque man. I expect the Labour Party will do well in todays English local elections. It could win the next General Election. But if it does, it will be because the Tories contrive to lose it. Sir Keir is not a winner. Human rights lawyers and campaigners are fond of posing as the champions of compassionate morality. Idealists driven by nothing more than the pursuit of the public good. Yet by their self-serving, destructive actions, they all too often make a mockery of justice and humanity. Behind all their shrill rhetoric about the rule of law and the protection of the vulnerable, what they really seek is to impose their political ideology even against the will of the British public through the ruthless exploitation of our ramshackle legal system. These ideologues care nothing for our national interests, only for the triumph of their dogma and the humiliation of the elected government. A UK border force official directs two children with water bottles in Dover (pictured today) On few occasions has this agenda been more clearly demonstrated than by their appallingly irresponsible stance over the recent surge in illegal crossings of the English Channel, organised by people traffickers. Last year, the number making the hazardous journey reached a record 28,500, and this year 7,400 have already reached our shores by this route 700 in just three days this week. A little girl is held by a Border Force officer as she awaits processing in the UK Action is desperately needed to tackle this illicit trade, not least because of the risks posed by taking to the open sea in small craft that are often dangerously overcrowded more than 300 migrants are estimated to have died as a result of sinkings in the Channel since 1999. It is also intolerable for a nation to have a vast, illegal immigration sector run by criminal gangs, where preferment depends on cash rather than a genuine need to reach a safe haven. To its credit, the Tory government has come up with a bold, imaginative scheme to combat this vile trade, the architect of which has been the tough-minded Home Secretary Priti Patel. With the aim of breaking the gangs and deterring the migrant boats, she has reached a deal with the African republic of Rwanda, whereby some asylum seekers will be sent there rather than having their claims processed in Britain. But before Ms Patel's plan could even start to be enacted, the Left-wing lawyers and professional agitators have gone on the offensive, wheeling their artillery of legalistic obstructionism into position. Already an alliance made up of the pressure groups Care4Calais and Detention Action, along with the Whitehall PCS union, has written to the Government to express its concern about this 'reprehensible plan'. Not that it embarks on such an action without legal help. Step forward the law firm Duncan Lewis, which with its army of more than 350 solicitors and consultants boasts that it is 'the largest provider of publicly funded (legal aid) services in the UK'. Border Force rescuers in a rubber dinghy sit alongside migrants after their risky voyage The group's letter marks the formal start of the process leading up to a judicial review challenge, which could result in Ms Patel's policy being overturned by the courts. In a parallel move, the high-profile solicitors Leigh Day, acting for the charity Freedom From Torture, has written a pre-action letter, voicing its 'serious' anxieties about 'the lawfulness' of the Government's approach. The nexus of progressive lawyers and protesters now gleefully contemplates months of legal paralysis before ministers are forced to back down. Priti Patel has been the tough-minded architect of the government's ambitions to rid the Channel of cruel people trafficking But their conduct is a disgrace on so many levels. For a start, by trying to block any crackdown on the illegal racket in the Channel, they are effectively colluding with the criminal gangsters. They rage against the inhumanity of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister, but they have blood on their hands through their support for the trade in human cargo. In truth, they might be called the political wing of the trafficking movement. They think of themselves as virtuous, but where is their fairness to other migrants who try to follow the correct procedures and apply through legal routes? Nor do these parasites show any respect for democracy. By overwhelming majorities, the British people have shown that they want tougher immigration controls and more rigour in the policing of the Channel. Indeed, that is partly why the Brexiteers won and the Tories gained a resounding victory at the last General Election. But in liberal metropolitan circles, the fashionable woke agenda counts more than the verdict of the ballot box. Yet there is a profound dishonesty and hypocrisy about the smugness of the open-border brigade. In their relentless assault on the Government, one of their favourite weapons is emotional blackmail. They constantly tell us that the Channel boat migrants are desperate refugees fleeing for their lives from persecution. But this is pure deceit. These migrants are already living in France, one of the safest, most prosperous and tolerant countries on Earth. Moreover, despite all the heart-tugging propaganda, the vast majority are fit, single men, not families including women and children. There is also the perversity of hearing Left-wingers, who usually love to extol the virtues of every foreign culture, suddenly deciding that Rwanda is a nightmarish hellhole unfit for human habitation. So keen to denounce others for supposed prejudice about Africa, they themselves wallow in crude, negative stereotypes about the republic when it suits them. Some marine experts warned life jackets are potentially being filled with foam by traffickers They obsess about 'decolonising' Britain's heritage, yet they now act like the grandest of colonialists when it comes to the Government's Rwandan plan. What is the Rwanda scheme? What is the scheme? The Government announced plans to send thousands of migrants to Rwanda, in east Africa, last month. The scheme is designed to deter economic migrants by showing even if they reach the UK, they're not allowed to remain here. When they arrive in Rwanda, asylum seekers will have their claims processed and if approved, will be allowed to stay in Rwanda. They will not be allowed to return to the UK. Those who fail in their asylum applications will be deported back to their home country. Who is eligible? People arriving in the UK illegally, including in small boats and lorries, will be considered for relocation to Rwanda. It will apply to anyone who arrived in the UK from January 1, this year, and not just people arriving after the first flights have been arranged. Ministers have said the scheme is meant to be focused on single, young men, but anyone regardless of sex is eligible. The Government says families will not be broken up and unaccompanied children will not be sent. How much will it cost? The Government says the scheme will cost 120 million, but critics have predicted it would cost considerably more. Think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research pointed out that Australia's scheme has cost taxpayers around 5.2 billion since 2013. Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell said housing asylum seekers at the Ritz hotel would be cheaper, putting the figure at 2million per person, per year. When will it start? Boris Johnson said he wanted the first flights to leave at the end of May, but this looks unlikely to happen. The scheme is likely to be challenged in court by human rights lawyers, but ministers believe it is legal under UK and EU laws. Why is it so controversial? Human rights groups, opposition MPs and backbench Tories have said the plan is cruel and expensive. Amnesty International says there are concerns over enforced disappearances, allegations of torture and excessive use of force' in Rwanda. The Government says Rwanda is a safe country with a track record of supporting asylum seekers. Opposition leader Keir Starmer branded the PM 'desperate' and said the plans were 'unworkable, extortionate and will cost the taxpayer billions of pounds'. Advertisement If the Home Secretary had used some of the language deployed by her opponents, she would have been condemned for vicious racism. Laughably The Guardian newspaper, the bible of the liberal lawyers, has carried articles on its travel pages that urge visitors to 'sample delicacies' from Lake Kivu in Rwanda or enjoy an 'affordable safari' that offers 'great game-viewing without the super-high price tag'. But what is good enough for Guardian-reading tourists is clearly not suitable for Calais migrants. The tragedy is that the lawyers and their conspirators may well succeed. Already the Government is talking about months of delays in implementing its scheme. Time and time again over recent decades, deportations have been thwarted by judicial wrangling, especially since the passage of the Human Rights Act in 1998 by the Labour government of the time. When John Reid, as Home Secretary in 2006, tried to deport the Afghans who had hijacked a plane and made it land at Stansted, he was blocked by the courts. This was a decision that Tony Blair rightly described as 'an abuse of common sense', but it was Blair's own legislation that was in part to blame for this outcome. In the same vein, last August a charter flight was due to carry 50 deportees to Jamaica, but legal challenges meant that only seven made the flight. Of the 43 that remained behind were two murderers and a child rapist. And in 2018 a bunch of virtue-signalling passengers prevented the deportation to Turkey of Somalian Yaqub Ahmed, who had taken part in a gang rape of a 16-year-old in 2007. 'How could you defend a rapist? Who are you to interfere with justice?' his victim rightly asked when she learnt of the failed bid to remove her attacker from Britain. What makes the antics of the lawyers even more offensive is the fortune that they can rake in from their opposition to the Government. In the extreme case of notorious hate preacher Abu Hamza, it is estimated that in total 25 million was spent on his case as 15 attempts were mounted to prevent his extradition to the U.S. Indeed legal aid, which was originally conceived of as a means of enabling British people to achieve justice, can now act as a fund for political activism and the denigration of British rights. Perhaps the worst example of this trend was the conduct of Phil Shiner, the energetic Left-wing solicitor who headed the firm Public Interest Limited. Buttressed by colossal sums of legal aid reportedly as much as 5 million along with 2.3 million in payments from the Ministry of Defence, he led a long crusade against the British Army in Iraq, producing a formidable catalogue of more than 3,000 allegations of abuse, even murder, by our soldiers. But the charge sheet was a farrago of lies. Not a single prosecution resulted from his lurid claims. Shiner, once garlanded as a legal hero, was eventually struck off in 2017. But the greed, disdain of the truth, and contempt for our national integrity remains. So does the exorbitant cost of legal aid, which has just seen an increase of 15 per cent to 1.2 billion. Some of that money is now bankrolling the campaign for open borders. We all have to pay the price for their wrecking tactics in the form of issues such as overcrowded schools, NHS waiting lists and housing shortages. The acid of their self-righteousness is corroding our civilisation. Jed Duggar and his wife, Katey, have welcomed their first child just 13 months after tying the knot. Jed, 23, and Katey, also 23, said 'I do' on April 3, 2021, and the pair wasted absolutely no time started a family. This morning, they shared news of the arrival of their first child, a son named Truett Oliver Duggar. 'Hes here! We love you so much, baby True!' they wrote on Instagram. Jed Duggar and his wife, Katey, have welcomed their first child - just 13 months after tying the knot This morning, they shared news of the arrival of their first child, a son named Truett Oliver Duggar Jed and Katey added that baby True was born on Monday, May 2 at 6:34 p.m. weighing 8 lb. 5 oz. and measuring 20.5 inches Jed and Katey added that baby True was born on Monday, May 2 at 6:34 p.m. weighing 8 lb. 5 oz. and measuring 20.5 inches. They picked the name Truett because they say it means 'warrior for Christ,' while Oliver means 'peace.' True's arrival makes him the 22nd grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Oldest son and convicted felon Josh has seven kids with his wife Anna, John David has one child with his wife Abbie, Jill has two and is expecting a third with her husband Derick Dillard, Jessa has four with her husband Ben Seewald, and Jinger has two with her husband Jeremy Vuolo. Joe also has three children with his wife Kendra, Josiah has one with his wife Lauren, and Joy Anna has two with her husband Austin Forsyth. Jed's twin brother, Jeremiah, recently got married. He and his wife have yet to announced a pregnancy. For years, each birth of a Duggar grandchild was documented on TV, first on 19 Kids and Counting and then on the spinoff, Counting On. Jed, 23, and Katey, also 23, said 'I do' on April 3, 2021, and the pair wasted absolutely no time started a family They picked the name Truett because they say it means 'warrior for Christ,' while Oliver means 'peace' But TLC canceled Counting On last year in the wake of Josh's arrest on child pornography charges, for which he was later found guilty. So Jed and Katey documented their own delivery and have shared the first part on YouTube. 'This is the big day we've been waiting for!' they wrote. In the clip, the couple arrives at the hospital, where Katey changes into a gown and poses for Jed, holding the camera. 'I've never felt bigger,' she admits. 'It looks like a tarp!' Jed replies, describing the hospital gown. 'Thank you, you want one?' she replies. For years, each birth of a Duggar grandchild was documented on TV, first on 19 Kids and Counting and then on the spinoff, Counting On - but the show has been canceled Jed and Katey documented their own delivery and have shared the first part on YouTube Unlike some of Jed's sisters, Katey had a hospital birth Labor continued to take a while, and the pair passed the time by playing a card game. At one point, Jed ran out to get Katey McDonald's so she could eat. Despite the teasing, Jed also showed support, telling Katey she was doing great and asking if she was nervous. 'It's like how I felt on our wedding day,' she admitted. Jed kept up the pep talks, telling Katey she was 'doing a great job' as she waited for labor to progress and bounced on a ball. 'I'm glad you're here,' she told him. 'I couldn't do it without you.' Labor continued to take a while, and the pair passed the time by playing a card game. At one point, Jed ran out to get Katey McDonald's so she could eat. The first part of the video ended before she was in active labor. The couple got married exactly 13 months ago and posted photos of the event on Instagram 'We have enjoyed quietly developing our relationship over the past year and every moment together has been amazing!' Jed wrote. 'Im so grateful God brought Katey into my life' Jed and Katey only just tied the knot 13 months ago and announced their pregnancy in September. Jed, who ran a failed campaign for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives in 2020, told fans on Instagram that he and Katey had been dating for a year before the nuptials, adding that he is 'the happiest man in the world' and 'so grateful God brought Katey into my life.' After the wedding, he wrote: 'For a long time I have prayed for my future spouse, not knowing who that person would be. God answered my prayers far beyond what I could have ever imagined in Katey!' 'We have enjoyed quietly developing our relationship over the past year and every moment together has been amazing! 'Im so grateful God brought Katey into my life and excited to share with you all that today she became my wife! Katey, the thought of sharing the rest of my life with you makes me the happiest man in the world! I love you so much!!' he concluded. Part of the ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube, capturing the moment Katey came down the aisle and the vows that the pair recited to one another. They announced their pregnancy in September with a vague spring due date Pointing to photos and videos shared on social media, fans have also speculated that Joy Anna, Lauren, and Kendra may be expecting again Jed cited the bible, saying that the husband is 'the head of the wife' while promising to remain faithful, listen to Katey's needs, and love her whether she is 'healthy or sick, rich or poor, young or old.' Katey, meanwhile, quoted Ephesians 5:22: 'Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.' She promised to 'submit to your authority as you do to Christ,' 'submit to your leadership, pray for you always, trust you, honor you remain faithful to you, be your greatest encourager.' There are certainly more Duggar grandbabies expected in the near future, though only Jill has publicly confirmed her pregnancy with a summer due date. Pointing to photos and videos shared on social media, fans have also speculated that Joy Anna, Lauren, and Kendra may be expecting again. Products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com may earn an affiliate commission. Looking to update your gym kit? Look no further than Zendaya for style inspiration. The Euphoria star was seen in Boston, Massachusetts heading to her latest film project titled Challenger. She was seen clutching a green juice as she was flanked by her team ahead of a busy filming schedule. On her feet were a pair of lavender sneakers from the Swiss label On that feature the brands distinctive sole and minimalist aesthetic. These sneakers count Renee Zellweger and Kristin Wiig as fans so you know they're a wise investment. Shop them for $179.99 and keep the pace with Zendaya's cool style! On running 'Cloudultra' sneakers The sneakers are comprised of a breathable, stretchy mesh upper, while a silicone molded cage wraps around the shoes and helps keep your laces and feet in place Made with ultra cushioned soles for the utmost of comfort. Incredibly versatile trail running shoe. No distance is off-limits. Shop On the move! Zendaya sported charcoal pants, an oversized navy puffer and On running sneakers while making her way to the Challengers set in Boston Add a pair of On 'Cloudultra' running sneakers to your closet today and ensure you stay stylish without compromising on comfort. Wear these to the gym or take them off the trail and wear them casually with a floaty dress or your favorite pair of jeans. They are incredibly lightweight so they're perfect for runners and people looking for ultra lightweight shoes that come in a lovely lavender hue. Look to the following five styles for a stylish alternative to Zendaya's that pack the same punch and won't break the bank! New Balance 'Fresh Foam 1080' sneakers These 'Fresh Foam 1080' sneakers from New Balance delivers top of the line performance no matter what the activity is. Innovative cushioning technology is paired with a lightweight mesh upper. Excellent at breathability and stretch, these sneakers also have strategic supporting elements. Shop Brooks 'Ghost 14' sneakers The 'Ghost 14' sneakers include 'Segmented Crash Pads' that cushions your landing and creates a smooth heel-to-toe transition. 3D Fit Print upper: Balances stretch and structure so the shoe adjusts comfortably to your foot. Shop Adidas 'Cloudfoam Pure 2.0' sneakers These lavender lace up sneakers by Adidas include a mesh upper and a foam footbed for comfort. Contains recycled materials so they are eco-friendly as well! A must have for any woman on the go. Shop Puma Golf 'Laguna Sport' sneakers A stylish pair of lace up sneakers made with a mesh upper and padded sole. Pull loop for easy on and off wear. The midsole delivers superior energy transfer and shock absorption thanks to their unique 'Fusion Foam'. Shop Eagle-eyed shoppers have noticed Aldi's selling a dupe for the hugely popular Dior lip balm in its latest Special Buys. The German supermarket chain will release its highly anticipated Lacura Beauty Ultra Glow Lip Balm for $9.99 on May 7 in shades Sheer Pink, Coral Red or Runway Red. The formulation and packaging share a remarkable similarity with Dior's Addict Lip Glow Lip Balm, which will set you back $57 at Sephora. 'Awaken your lips with instant moisture that delivers an elegant colour for a soft gloss finish,' the description reads on the Aldi website. The German supermarket chain will release its highly anticipated Lacura Beauty Ultra Glow Lip Balm for $9.99 on May 7 in shades Sheer Pink, Coral Red or Runway Red Plenty of women in Australian Facebook groups are excited to give the budget option a try, given many of the Dior tints are currently sold out at Sephora Plenty of women in Australian Facebook groups are excited to give the budget option a try, given many of the Dior tints are currently sold out at Sephora. 'I've actually seen a few different brands use the identical casing component, they probably all come from the same place,' one woman wrote. 'I am definitely going to try this,' said another. On the same day the lip balm launches Aldi will also sell a new range of retinol products. Skincare gurus will love the suite of retinol-infused products including a serum, eye cream and night cream that are all $9.99 each. Aldi Australia is set to launch an budget line of beauty buys including a new range of retinol skincare products for under $10 The new beauty range is part is Aldi's ever-growing award-winning Lacura line and will be available in stores from Saturday, May 7 The retinol line is formulated a combination of active ingredients hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the serums, night cream and eye cream work to leave skin smoother and firmer. There is a $9.99 facial hair remover to remove any unwanted peach fuzz from the lip, chin and cheeks to leave your complexion smooth and providing perfect base for makeup. For those wanting to rejuvenate their dull skin, enjoy a professional-grade facial at home with the $14.99 Brightening Boost Set for dry skin or Active Boost Set for dull skin that includes a cleansing cream foam, clarifying lotion, concentrated serum and a leave on mask. There are two facial sets for $14.99 that includes a cleansing cream foam, clarifying lotion, concentrated serum and a leave on mask Users have said the facial boxes have left their skin feeling moisturised, hydrated and glowing in just five days. There is also a range of makeup products included in the upcoming Special Buys sale like the Lacura Ultra Mascara comes in two varieties to lengthen and define or volumise for $8.99 each. Some beauty buys are returning to Aldi shelves like the $14.99 Ultra-Glow Face Palette with four different shades that blend as highlighters, blushes, bronzers and eyeshadows. To smooth and relieve dry skin and lock in moisture there's the versatile Lacura Multi Wonder cream for $9.99 is also back and can be used on the cheeks, hands, feet, legs, cracked heels and other dry parts of the body. An Australian outdoorsman who saved for years to go to Europe only to have Covid cancel his trip has pivoted the savings into a fashion label for the slopes - and it has seen immediate success. Hugh Wilcox, 24, booked a months-long trip overseas after finishing his university degree in 2020 but the global pandemic didn't allow for the dream holiday to come to fruition. Instead the Victorian graduate looked ahead to the upcoming Aussie ski season - which was later cancelled due to further Covid lockdowns - before he gave up on his desire to travel and decided to pour his money into a business instead. An Australian outdoorsman who saved for years to go to Europe only to have Covid cancel his trip has pivoted the savings into a fashion label for the slopes - and it has seen immediate success Hugh Wilcox (pictured), 24, booked a months-long trip overseas after finishing his university degree in 2020 but the global pandemic didn't allow for the dream holiday to come to fruition Snowbodi, a range of sustainable and effective skiwear, was born in April 2022 after two years of conceptualising, planning, designing and testing, and earned Hugh a whopping $10,000 pay check on the very first day of sales. 'I had been saving and dreaming of this trip to Europe for years. Unfortunately that's when Covid hit and like many others, the dreams of my first Europe trip came crashing down around me,' Hugh told FEMAIL. 'What was devastating to me at the time actually ended up being a blessing as the days we spent in lockdown ended up being the opportunity I needed to realise what I wanted to do.' Initially believing Covid would pass quickly, Hugh shifted his attention from the failed European summer trip to a potential local snow season. Snowbodi, a range of sustainable and effective skiwear, was born in April 2022 after two years of conceptualising, planning, designing and testing, and earned Hugh a whopping $10,000 pay check on the very first day of sales Initially believing Covid would pass quickly, Hugh shifted his attention from the failed European summer trip to a potential local snow season 'This is when I realised there were absolutely no products out there that aligned with my values and also my style. I found that most brands where international but I'm all about supporting Aussie owned,' he said. 'I also feel that technical outerwear is a big investment and should be something you love and own for years to come but I found creative designs were lacking in the industry. 'I had also been doing a lot of research into environmental initiatives and had read about some ethical manufactures that were using recycled materials and could produce high quality outerwear. The idea just snowballed from there.' Hugh planned to launch his fashion label Snobodi before the ski season in 2021 but once again Covid had other plans and most Aussies were forced to cancel their winter trips. 'Once again I was absolutely shattered but once again my failed plan ended up being a huge blessing as it ended up giving us another year to continue to design and also test out the gear overseas in Alaska,' he said. Hugh planned to launch his fashion label Snobodi before the ski season in 2021 but once again Covid had other plans and most Aussies were forced to cancel their winter trips The official launch was April 24, which saw the pieces fly out the door despite no money being spent on formal marketing The official launch was April 24, which saw the pieces fly out the door despite no money being spent on formal marketing. 'We've had absolutely no financial investors. I have always been a saver and juggled multiple jobs whilst studying at uni full time,' he said. 'I had been saving like mad for Europe and was hoping to buy a property in the future. I was super lucky to have had most of my cancelled trip refunded so when the refunds started to come though I used that along with the spending money I had saved to get things started. 'You could say Snobodi has cost me a summer in Europe plus a small house deposit and it's been the best decision I've made.' The wildland jacket is the company's key product which comes in a variation of colours, alongside beanies, scarves and fleeces The wildland jacket is the company's key product which comes in a variation of colours, alongside beanies, scarves and fleeces. Twenty five 600ml recycled water bottles go into making each jacket. 'The colour Tundra has probably been our biggest seller so far,' Hugh added. Hugh already has plans for next year's collection which will include hoodies and puffer jackets. Crow's feet, frown lines and wrinkles are a natural part of growing older, but they leave many feeling self-conscious and desperate for a way to return to their youthful looks. Some learn to love their wrinkles, while others go under the knife or turn to Botox injections to boost confidence and improve visible ageing signs. Now more popular than ever, increasingly younger women are opting for cosmetic injections in a bid to stop the formation of lines and wrinkles before they actually start. But does 'preventative Botox' actually work? Botox injections: When the muscles stop moving, the wrinkles stop forming We spoke to Alice Henshaw, Nurse Practitioner and owner of Harley Street Injectables, to understand everything you need to know before undergoing the anti-ageing treatment, from avoiding that 'frozen' look, who you can trust with your face, and how long it lasts. What does Botox do? 'Botox is a brand name of the medication known as botulinum toxin type A,' Alice tells MailOnline. The formula is injected into the face at different points to relax the muscles and reduce wrinkles, thereby hiding the effects of ageing. 'This injectable substance can temporarily reduce wrinkles, fine lines and refresh your appearance. Moreover, it is approved by FDA and MHRA for its safe use in cosmetic and medical. 'Botox injections are used to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning.' 'Botox has now become synonymous with beauty and wellbeing. It is commonly administered worldwide and has gained popularity among people of all age groups.' Why is Botox so popular? 'There's been a pivotal shift in how women in their 20s are now using anti-wrinkle treatments preventatively,' explains Alice. 'And while the reasons are arguably as multi-faceted as this generation itself, many would agree on one thing: The impact of social media cannot be underestimated. 'For women in their mid-twenties, there's no treatment more popular way to reduce wrinkles than Botox.' The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also cites the 'Zoom Boom,' with people growing self-conscious from seeing, analysing and criticising their appearance on screens during the coronavirus pandemic. She adds: 'According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic injectable treatments such as Botox have increased 28 per cent since 2010 amongst 20 to 29-year-olds.' How young is too young? Alice says that 'people often don't realise Botox is a preventative, not a cure'. She adds: 'As we age, the movement of the muscles under the surface of the skin becomes less dynamic and more static - the fine line and wrinkles become more continuously present and not just during movement. In short, Botox performs best for smoothing fine lines, particularly those caused by muscle movement when you smile or squint; however, it can't fill out or smooth away deeper lines. 'Most women need to start preventative anti-wrinkle injections in their mid-twenties. This prevents 'dynamic wrinkles' or expression wrinkles from turning into 'static' wrinkles.' Botox injections are not designed to erase facial expressions, but instead it softens lines of excessive facial expression How much does it cost? Botox doesn't come cheap. Alice explains 'the standard three areas in the upper face, which is frown forehead, and crows feet' can cost up to 450 a session. 'Botox the brand is much more expensive than other toxins such as Dysport, Xeomin or Azzalure, which is where you will see price discrepancies amongst clinics.' She advises: 'Always ask to see the packaging to make sure you are getting the brand you are paying for.' Is there any downtime or aftercare? Alice recommends the following precautions to allow the anti-wrinkle injections to work optimally in the targeted muscles: 'No rubbing or massaging of the injected area for 6 hours after treatment, including facials. No strenuous exercise for 24 hours after treatment. Keep upright for 6 hours - no lying on your front. 'No makeup on the same day over the area that gets treated, and use gentle skincare products the night of getting injections.' Botox results will not appear instantly. In fact, Alice says that 'the full results of the treatments will then be seen at two weeks'. How long does Botox last? The brand Botox typically lasts three to four months. But as of July this year, there will be a new anti-wrinkle brand available in the UK called Alluzience, which can last up to 10 months. Harley Street Injectables will be one of the first clinics in the UK to offer Alluzience. 'This is a breakthrough for the cosmetic industry,' says Alice. 'Unlike other botulinum toxins on the market, Alluzience does not require reconstitution before its use which allows more precision for practitioners and higher satisfaction for clients. 'It will also last a lot longer than Botox and doesn't have to be injected as frequently as Botox. This is an important milestone for both patients and healthcare professionals. Alice herself points out that the new anti-wrinkle brand will not be for everyone. 'A lot of my clients who are actors or models need to have more expression for movies or photoshoots, so they prefer more short term results which Botox achieves,' she says. 'However, a lot of my clients would prefer longer-lasting results, so Alluzience will be the perfect alternative for them.' Nurse Practitioner Alice Henshaw recommends that you do your research before going under the needle Will Botox wear off quicker if I'm very expressive? Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles and smooths wrinkles for a few months before another dose is needed, but Alice warns it may wear off more quickly in the muscle that you use most frequently. 'Frown lines may appear back more quickly as this is a much stronger muscle on ten face, and you might use it more often,' she says. 'Mature skin with declining collagen may experience a faster wearing off of Botox effects. This is because collagen is a crucial skin component that keeps you looking youthful and prevents lines and wrinkles.' The answer? Alice recommends staying consistent with treatments to prolong its effects. Alice adds: 'Migraine Botox, for instance, has helped many patients who report that their headaches have improved with repetitive treatments.' How can I avoid the Botox 'frozen' face? 'My motto is always fresh, not frozen!' says Alice. 'We can do a natural dose so that you still have movement. 'This is known as 'baby Botox' or micro-tox, which we do to treat wrinkles for a more natural result which is smaller amounts of the toxin at the same strength which can deliver subtle results for a fresh-faced look, something that's become increasingly popular over the last few years.' Do Botox injections hurt? Alice tells MailOnline that patients claim it 'barely hurts', and most people find that the results are well worth any discomfort. Are Botox injections safe for your face? Alice stresses how important it is to do your research and understand what's being injected into your face before going under the needle. 'There is some misunderstanding around the safety of the Botulinum toxin when the treatment first launched,' she says. 'Potentially serious life-threatening symptoms would require 3000units administered into one person when typically you would only administer 30-50 units per treatment. Botox used in the correct hands is safe and has full FDA approval. 'The treatment is only as effective or successful as the skill of the person administering it. Always get a medical professional to inject Botox, whether that is a nurse prescriber, dentist or doctor.' By Kumar Vikrant I recently had the privilege to visit Bodh Gaya (located in Bihar, India), often considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has been known to be the site of Gautama Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, which is located in the Mahabodhi (great awakening) temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I must clarify that I'm neither Buddhist nor religious. What brought me to Bodh Gaya was my adoration for the primary Buddhist philosophy, my love for archaeological sites, and my fascination with history. The first spot that I visited in Bodh Gaya was the Mahabodhi temple. The security at the temple complex entrance was tight, with scanning and inspection being required of myself and the items (e.g., camera) that I brought with me. The tight security is a consequence of the 2013 low-intensity terrorist bombings in the temple complex that had injured two monks. I was glad to see the tight security at the entrance and must commend the associated forces for the top-notch management. Once inside the complex, the visitor is greeted with the majestic view of the central temple tower, whose straight sides are adorned with beautiful Buddhist architecture and those reminiscent of other Hindu and Jain temples. The survival of the main temple over the centuries is quite remarkable, although it must be mentioned that lots of rebuilding and restorations have taken place over the years. The temple's upper portion was shining with the gold gifted by the King of Thailand and other devotees in 2013. The smiling Buddha's image in the main temple was also a beautiful sight. The atmosphere around the Bodhi tree was serene and mesmerizing, with the monks and devotees meditating and chanting. I sat around the tree for a few minutes to appreciate Buddha's primary teachings of the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path. The monks distributed water to the pilgrims, and I was thankful to receive such kindness on a hot summer day. I also had the privilege to see the Diamond throne at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, believed to have been built by the emperor Ashoka between 250-233 BCE. Later, I strolled around the temple complex, saw other archaeological sites, and appreciated its beauty and history. The trip took me to the recently built 80 ft great Buddha statue and the archaeological museum later in the day, where I appreciated the Buddha's teachings and the land's rich history. Of particular interest in the museum were the columns dating back to the Shunga empire (1st century BCE). The sandstone railing posts with intricate carvings dating back to the Sunga period (150 BCE) were fascinating. The stone idols of Lord Buddha, along with other Buddhist and Hindu relics and sculptures in the museum, mesmerized me thoroughly. Before concluding the trip, I also visited some other Buddhist monasteries in Bodh Gaya. I concluded from the tip that our history and particularly the archaeological sites, must be protected and preserved at all costs. Also, the architectural and artistic beauty of the ancient monuments, carvings, and sculptures is breathtaking. Proper education of the youth is needed to appreciate the beauty of such historical items. Finally, Buddha's message of karuna?, self-discipline, and mindfulness continues to be relevant, soothing, and surprisingly practical in today's world, attesting to their eternity and robustness. Kumar Vikrant (kvikrant071@gmail.com; https://www.kumarvikrant.com/) is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul. Two sisters who were diagnosed with breast cancer within six weeks of each are a 'great strength to each other' and have raised 18,000 for Cancer Research doing nine Race For Life 10K runs. Despite being nearly 200 miles apart, with Tracey Pinfold, 50, living in South Cave, Yorkshire, and Cathy Corr, 47, living in Windsor, Berkshire, the sisters have been a constant support to each other. The pair saw their lives turned upside down between December 2016 and January 2017 after they discovered abnormalities on their breasts and discovered they both had stage two breast cancer. Sisters Tracey Pinfold, 50, (left) living in South Cave, Yorkshire, and Cathy Corr, 47, (right) living in Windsor, Berkshire, who were diagnosed with breast cancer within six weeks of each are a 'great strength to each other' Tracey (left) and Cathy pair saw their lives turned upside down between December 2016 and January 2017 after they discovered abnormalities on their breasts and discovered they both had stage two breast cancer Having already lost their father to pancreatic cancer in 1979 and their mother to lung cancer in 2008, Tracey, a specialised personal trainer, and Cathy, a logistics business owner, had gruelling chemotherapy and mastectomies, but showed fierce determination to survive. Now, nearly five years on, after facing the disease together, the sisters are planning to create their own charity to support young women and raise awareness of breast cancer. Tracey, who lives with her marketing director husband, Richard Pinfold, 50, and their severely autistic son, Jacob Pinfold, 21, said: 'Cancer is such a big part of our family and you realise how lucky you are to be alive. Now, nearly five years on, after facing the disease together, the sisters are planning to create their own charity to support young women and raise awareness of breast cancer The pair have raised 18,000 for Cancer Research doing nine Race For Life 10k runs across Hull, Harrogate, Exeter, Windsor, Belfast, Leeds, London, Aylesbury, and York Tracey, a specialised personal trainer, pictured in hospital while going through gruelling chemotherapy after having a mastectomy Cathy sleeping after treatment in 2017. The logistics business owner, found a lump in her right breast and was referred to the breast cancer clinic, which revealed she also had stage two breast cancer 'We are so grateful for the fact we are here to tell our story for our family and do what we can to save other people's lives.' It was around November 2016 when Tracey, then a full-time carer for her 16 year old son Jacob, booked a regular GP appointment to check her left breast, after her husband raised the alarm when he realised she had an inverted nipple. 'I felt tired but I wasn't ill, so I was confident that it was nothing,' she said. But, within 60 seconds of her appointment at the breast cancer clinic on December 7, Tracey was told it would likely be bad news. Tracey: 'She told me she was 99.9 per cent confident I had cancer, I went to the disabled toilets and I couldn't breathe and was hyperventilating. Tracey, who lives with her marketing director husband, Richard Pinfold, 50, said cancer is 'such a big part of our family' It was around November 2016 when Tracey, then a full-time carer for her 16-year-old son Jacob (left), booked a regular GP appointment to check her left breast The siblings lost their father Pat Corr to pancreatic cancer in 1979 and their mother Frances to lung cancer in 2008 (The pair on their wedding day in 1963) On January 12 Tracey had a mastectomy and reconstruction as a preventative measure before beginning six rounds of chemotherapy Tracey revealed once everything started and the battle commenced, she was like, 'We need to deal with this. We can do this' (pictured with Cathy in 2017 before Cathy began treatment) 'I was terrified of dying because my son is so vulnerable. I was just thinking 'I can't die, Jacob needs me'. 'But once everything started and the battle commenced, I was like, 'We need to deal with this. We can do this.' By January 12, as Tracey had a mastectomy and reconstruction as a preventative measure before beginning six rounds of chemotherapy, Cathy became alarmed that something was wrong after finding a lump in her own right breast. She was confident it was nothing, but Cathy was referred to the breast cancer clinic, which revealed she also had stage two breast cancer. The sisters , pictured wearing their wigs after losing their hair, said they are so grateful for the fact we are here to tell their story and 'do what we can to save other people's lives' Cathy, who lives with her wife, Alana Corr, 42, (right) a nursing care home manager, did her best to find the funny side in her 'sharing' breast cancer with her sister, but deep down, found the diagnosis frightening, given their family history 'I burst into tears when she told me,' Tracey said. 'We didn't know it was stage two at that point and my fear was that she was going to die because that would ruin me. 'I was terrified I would be the survivor and she wouldn't be.' Both given a prognosis of 20 years to live, Cathy, who lives with her wife, Alana Corr, 42, a nursing care home manager, did her best to find the funny side in her 'sharing' breast cancer with her sister, but deep down, found the diagnosis frightening, given their family history. Growing up in Maghery, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, with their five other siblings - including Tracey's twin, Tony - the family was forced to deal with grief at an early age. Ten years after losing their father Pat Corr to pancreatic cancer, they lost their youngest sister, Rosemary, in a car crash, aged 13, in 1989. 'We have always been very conscious of cancer in our family,' Tracey said. Growing up in Maghery, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, with their five other siblings - including Tracey's twin, Tony - the family was forced to deal with grief at an early age (Cathy and Tracey with their mum and family) They lost their youngest sister, Rosemary, in a car crash, aged 13, in 1989 (pictured Cathy Tracey and Tony with a bag dedicated to their late sister Rosemary) 'My daddy died very quickly, just 10 days after his 40th birthday, when I was seven and Cathy was four. 'There were two weeks between his diagnosis and his death. 'Our mum, Frances Corr, was a heavy smoker and died when she was 67 from lung cancer in 2008. 'We had two years with her together after her diagnosis before she died, which were really precious.' 'The first thing Cathy said to me when she found out was, 'You can't die on me',' said Tracey. 'But we were a great strength to each other and we could help each other. 'We went to some of each other's appointments together and we would compare symptoms or treatment and that made such a difference. The sisters were all a great strength to each other and they could help each other (pictured the sisters at Cathy's hen do) Their mum, Frances Corr, was a heavy smoker and died when she was 67 from lung cancer in 2008 (Tracey, Patricia and Cathy with their mum in 2007) During her treatment Tracey also juggled her son's transition to a residential school during her treatment, again with the support of her husband and family (pictured with her husband Richard) Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and affects more than two MILLION women a year Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Each year in the UK there are more than 55,000 new cases, and the disease claims the lives of 11,500 women. In the US, it strikes 266,000 each year and kills 40,000. But what causes it and how can it be treated? What is breast cancer? Breast cancer develops from a cancerous cell which develops in the lining of a duct or lobule in one of the breasts. When the breast cancer has spread into surrounding breast tissue it is called an 'invasive' breast cancer. Some people are diagnosed with 'carcinoma in situ', where no cancer cells have grown beyond the duct or lobule. Most cases develop in women over the age of 50 but younger women are sometimes affected. Breast cancer can develop in men though this is rare. Staging means how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. Stage 1 is the earliest stage and stage 4 means the cancer has spread to another part of the body. The cancerous cells are graded from low, which means a slow growth, to high, which is fast growing. High grade cancers are more likely to come back after they have first been treated. What causes breast cancer? A cancerous tumour starts from one abnormal cell. The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is unclear. It is thought that something damages or alters certain genes in the cell. This makes the cell abnormal and multiply 'out of control'. Although breast cancer can develop for no apparent reason, there are some risk factors that can increase the chance of developing breast cancer, such as genetics. What are the symptoms of breast cancer? The usual first symptom is a painless lump in the breast, although most breast lumps are not cancerous and are fluid filled cysts, which are benign. The first place that breast cancer usually spreads to is the lymph nodes in the armpit. If this occurs you will develop a swelling or lump in an armpit. How is breast cancer diagnosed? Initial assessment: A doctor examines the breasts and armpits. They may do tests such as a mammography, a special x-ray of the breast tissue which can indicate the possibility of tumours. Biopsy: A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is removed from a part of the body. The sample is then examined under the microscope to look for abnormal cells. The sample can confirm or rule out cancer. If you are confirmed to have breast cancer, further tests may be needed to assess if it has spread. For example, blood tests, an ultrasound scan of the liver or a chest x-ray. For more information visit breastcancercare.org.uk, breastcancernow.org or www.cancerhelp.org.uk Advertisement 'We are so lucky to have such a good support network though and the whole family did everything they could to support us.' For Tracey, the treatment was particularly gruelling, causing ulcers in her mouth, black nails and sore teeth, while Cathy struggled with aches pains, constant nausea and severe spasms. 'The fatigue was probably the worst bit with the weakness and just everything hurting,' Tracey said. 'I had ulcers in my mouth and my nails turned black which was horrible. 'It was week one which was always the worst and then slowly I would start to feel like I could take on the world again.' Tracey also juggled her son's transition to a residential school during her treatment, again with the support of her husband and family. 'It was super important for me that we didn't deny Jacob any contact with me,' she said. 'We wanted to make sure that he still got access to me, but also that he wasn't leaning on me if I was feeling ill. 'It's amazing when you've got somebody who relies on you how much strength it gives you. 'He gave me a purpose to get out of bed in the morning, even if I didn't feel like it.' In reverse to Tracey's treatment, Cathy had six rounds of chemotherapy in June 2017 before having a mastectomy later in the year and reconstructive surgery in 2018. But despite both losing their hair and having mastectomies and aggressive medication, the sisters continued to work at their respective jobs, both doing around 30 hours a week, with Tracey at David Lloyd in York and Cathy as a regional manager with Vodafone. 'It gave us a purpose and it was a distraction,' Tracey said. 'It got us out of bed in the morning, we didn't want to become people who sat on their beds doing nothing. We are just not those kind of people.' As the sisters got over the worst of their treatment, they began to discuss ways to give back to Cancer Research. Between May and July 2018, Tracey and Cathy both signed up for and ran nine Race For Life 10k runs across Hull, Harrogate, Exeter, Windsor, Belfast, Leeds, London, Aylesbury, and York, raising a whopping 18,000. With each run, the sisters were joined by friends and family across the country, who would run alongside them every step of the way. 'Seeing everybody was so emotional and crossing the finish line with them all was incredible,' Tracey said. 'It felt like a real girl power thing, like women united together.' With both sisters hoping to be given the all clear in June and July, they are making the most of every single day - with Tracey setting up her own rehabilitation personal training company, called Exercise Prescription, which will create plans for people living with a variety of chronic conditions. 'When I came out of treatment, I was really frustrated that I couldn't find any professional help anywhere for personal training for my recovery and I started to realise it was something I could help make available,' Tracey added. Meanwhile, Cathy, who is aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, started her own logistics programme in September 2021, building a team of 55 people with 39 distribution vans, as well as setting up an electric vehicle charging facilities company. Cathy said: 'I treat every day like it's my last day. That's why I took this huge step. It was always my dream to start a company and be my own boss. 'And I have thought if, God forbid, this did come back, I want to be able to go in and say, 'Well, I've demonstrated to my nieces and nephews that no matter what's thrown at you, you can still move forward.' Cathy, who is aunt to 11 nieces and nephews, started her own logistics programme in September 2021, building a team of 55 people with 39 distribution vans, as well as setting up an electric vehicle charging facilities company 'There are so many family members that aren't as lucky as us and that really resonates with us. 'We are very appreciative of the fact that we are still here to tell our story.' Tracey and Cathy are also preparing for three more Race For Life races across Hull, Windsor and Harrogate between May and July this year and have already raised 1,000 for Cancer Research. But as well as their business ventures and racing plans, the sisters are also setting up a charity named What A Pair to raise awareness of breast cancer. 'We want people to check themselves and help save lives,' Cathy said. 'Tracey and I were so grateful to have each other to talk to and discuss the treatment and symptoms and everything, because this is a life changing thing. 'But once you've had your treatment, you get sent off and there is no after care there, so we want to give someone that peace of mind and offer that support mechanism post cancer.' An influencer has proved that sometimes glamorous content is just not worth it, after being left covered in bites from sand flies while posing for photos in the sea. Chelsie Gold, 25, who lives in Ontario, Canada, spent her birthday snapping shots in various bikinis for photos to share on her Instagram page, where she boasts over 32,300 followers. The influencer claims her legs were left covered in bites from pesky sand flies that had been hiding in the hedges on the shore of a private beach in the Melbourne area of Florida. Despite trying to treat the bites with the medicine Benadryl, Vicks VapoRub and Bio-Oil, Chelsie's legs are still covered in scabs and scars over a month after the attack. Chelsie said: 'Not only did I get attacked by sand flies, I also got a kidney infection somehow. Chelsie Gold, 25, (pictured) who lives in Ontario, Canada, has claimed she was left covered in bites after taking photos on the shore of a private beach in the Melbourne area of Florida Chelsie said she has tried to treat the bites (pictured) caused by sand flies using medicine Benadryl, Vicks VapoRub and Bio-Oil Chelsie, who also got a kidney infection during her trip, said she had to fly home early because she didn't have health insurance '[I] had to fly home early because I had no health insurance. I thought, 'What could go wrong on a five day trip?'. 'I was bit on February 18 which was actually my birthday! The bites only came out on around February 22 once I got home, which I was kind of thankful for because I had everything I needed to treat the bites here. 'I was there shooting content at sunset and I was changing in and out of bathing suits. I had my beach bag up by the hedges which is where the sand flies burrow. 'I did notice while I was changing that there were little black specs on me but I thought it was just sand because, to my knowledge, there were no mosquitoes in Florida. Chelsie said she had her beach bag up by the hedges to change outfits, which is where the sand flies burrow 'Going to the doctor when I got back home to Canada, they were confirmed to be sand fly bites - not to be confused with sand flea bites. They are tiny, tiny, microscopic little black flies. 'This itch isn't just a normal mosquito or fly bite itch - it is like the type of itch where you just can't stop scratching until you rip the skin and even though the skin is ripped, you can't feel any pain because you're that itchy. 'I am recovering well, finally - just conquering the scars now. I do want to send a warning to others during sand fly season - I wouldn't wish that experience upon anyone.' Chelsie said the itch from the bites isn't like being bitten by a mosquito or fly, as it's the type that you 'can't stop' scratching until the skin rips Chelsie attempted to cover the remaining scars with fake tan before flying to Cuba on March 17 for a series of photoshoots, but was not able to hide the marks that appear all over her legs and had to have them edited from her shoot pictures. She has urged her fans not to let her experience sway their decision to go to Florida for Spring Break. The influencer has shared her advice for keeping safe from sand flies following her horrific ordeal. She said: 'Don't let my experience in Florida ruin your Spring Break or any other plans because there were a lot of contributing factors as to why this happened to me. Chelsie learned that the sand flies tend to come out after it rains or when there's no wind after doing research following her horrific ordeal 'While I was doing my own research, I did learn that if you do go to the beach, make sure that you're going during the daytime when there's a breeze and not the day after a storm, after it rains or when there's no wind because that's when they tend to come out. 'I also did some research and there was some information on people with O Negative blood type - I don't know how much evidence there is to support this but it just said that people with O Negative blood type attract more insect bites, so that could be another reason why it happened to me. 'I do want to send a warning to others during sand fly season - I wouldn't wish that experience upon anyone.' A Jack Sparrow lookalike has revealed how Johnny Depp's court battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard has affected his career, with him being booked for fewer corporate events because companies worry about their 'reputation'. Speaking during a discussion on This Morning with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, Crawley-based Simon Newton, who doubles as the Pirates of the Caribbean star, explained the ramifications of the case for his career. Depp is suing Heard for $50million, claiming she defamed him and ruined his career after a 2018 Washington Post article in which she described herself as a domestic abuse survivor, but Simon admitted he saw a spike in bookings when the case started. 'Where it probably affects me more are the big corporate events where people are concerned about their reputation', he said. But he's still being booked for private parties by fans of Jack Sparrow, because they're able to separate the character from the actor. Simon Newton, from Crawley, who doubles as a Jack Sparrow lookalike, pictured, said in a discussion with Holly and Phil on This Morning that the latest Depp v Heard trial has had an impact on his bookings for corporate events But the lookalike, pictured speaking to Holly and Phil, said that he is 'quite lucky' to a degree because there is a separation and a disconnect to playing a character like Jack Sparrow Simon said: 'I remember when the first Sun article came out I was doing some walkabout acting at a town centre somewhere,' he said. 'It was all quite lighthearted but you do get the occasional comment like "Beat your wife as well, do you?". But Simon admitted that he is 'quite lucky' to a degree because there is a separation and a disconnect to playing a character like Jack Sparrow. He told Phil and Holly: 'A lot of my bookings are for private events, parties, that kind of thing. 'People who love Jack Sparrow are still going to book Jack Sparrow.' The group were discussing the Depp v Heard trial after Amber took the stand for the first time yesterday. Depp is suing ex-wife Heard for defamation because of a newspaper article in which she accused him of domestic violence, but both parties say they were abused by each other. The group were discussing the Depp v Heard trial, which has seen Depp, pictured in court, sue ex-wife Heard for defamation due to a newspaper article she wrote about him Heard, pictured in court, took the stand for the first time yesterday. The feud at the centre of the trial is that both parties say they were abused by each other Simon was a double for Johnny in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film and Fantastic Beasts. When he and Johnny were filming for the third Fantastic Beasts film, he said: 'One day into filming, when he got fired, so did I.' In the conversation, Holly asked Simon if he is finding the events and trial 'a real worry for his career'. Simon said: 'So far it has been almost a positive thing because of people's prior expectations. Simon, pictured next to Depp as Jack Sparrow, told Holly and Phil that the trial has been more positive than he expected so far because of people's prior expectations 'From what people have been telling me it has been a more positive thing.' Talking of his experiences of meeting the Hollywood star, the lookalike said Johnny is quite quiet, shy and reserved. He added that he has a quirky sense of humour and Holly and Phil rounded off the discussion. They both said they hope that the work continues for Simon, who is the only credited UK photo double for Depp. A grandmother who has been modelling since her teens has racked up a huge online following after embracing her stunning silver locks. Kathi Odom, 62, from Alexander City, Alabama, has been embracing her silver locks for over a decade and has been cast as the glamorous grandma in family shoots She has won a legion of fans since her daughter Sophie Odom, 28, posted a video of her posing poolside for Hilton on TikTok. Kathi said: 'I love it. I feel so much more confident playing my age and not afraid to have my wrinkles or grey show. I get booked to be real. Kathi Odom, 62, (pictured) from Alexander City, Alabama, went viral on TikTok after her daughter Sophie Odom, 28, posted her glamorous look in a video Kathi, who has been modelling from a young age (pictured left), decided to embrace her silver locks (pictured right) when she turned 50 Kathi (pictured right, with daughter Sophie) said she feels 'much more confident' when playing her age and is not afraid to let her wrinkles or grey show 'I was part of the Boomer generation and sort of rode the wave of the changing concept that age is not so bad, growing older was a privilege and to be enjoyed.' Graphic designer Sophie added: 'I was overwhelmed with how proud of her I was. So many people are afraid to get old, but it should be embraced rather than dreaded.' Kathi first started modelling in fashion shows in her local department store when she was still in high school, aged 16. 'I was taller than everyone else and started thinking that this would be fun to do all the time!' Kathi said. She soon started her professional career in Atlanta, Georgia, doing shoots for catalogues and advertising campaigns, and even secured the front cover of national magazine 'New Woman'. Kathi started modelling in fashion shows in her local department store at age 16 and went onto appear on the cover of 'New Woman'. Pictured: Kathi's magazine cover in 1979 Kathi said she was taller than everyone when she was in high school and thought modelling would be fun to do all the time Sophie admits she's 'overwhelmed' with how proud she is of her mother. Pictured left: Sophie and Kathi when they were young, right: Both now Kathi met husband Sonny Odom, 82, (pictured centre) while she was working in Dallas, Texas in 1984 and they married two years later The grandmother-of-three said: 'I could shoot for a big bank, wearing a suit and sitting at a desk and the next day, I'm wearing lingerie, shooting a holiday catalogue for Macy's, then change clothes, run across town to the Ritz Carlton to be in a fashion show for a big fundraiser. 'There was never a dull moment. The thing I've always enjoyed about modelling is meeting new people every day.' She met her husband Sonny Odom, 82, while she was working in Dallas, Texas in 1984 and they married two years later. It wasn't long before she fell pregnant with her daughter Sophie, but having a family never got in the way of her career. Kathi said she would bring Sophie (pictured right) with her to work after she was born and nurse her in between shots Kathi (pictured when she was younger) started dyeing her hair dark brown once a month after a photographer pointed out her grey hairs in her late 20s 'After she was born, I would bring her to work with me!' said Kathi. 'I had a sitter come with me and I'd leave set and nurse her in between shots, she travelled with me everywhere. 'Then, she started modelling as well, it was so much fun to have her do jobs with me. 'She modelled until she was around 14 or so, and stopped to be more involved in school activities.' Sophie, who lives in Birmingham, Alabama, added: 'It was always fun having a model mum and seeing her on TV or billboards or in magazines. 'One day in high school she made an appearance, and the boy sitting in front of me turned around, looked me up and down as if for the first time, and said 'Yo mama fiiiiiine!' 'Makes me laugh every time.' Kathi started noticing grey hairs when she was in her late 20s when a photographer pointed them out to her after a shoot, and she started dyeing her locks dark brown once a month. She said: 'For a model, age has always been the enemy, the industry is focused on youth and selling. Kathi said age has 'always been the enemy' for a model as the industry is focused on youth and selling. Pictured: A young Kathi with her daughter Sophie Kathi said not many other models were giving in to the natural look, when she asked her agent if she could grow out her natural silver tresses at age 50 'I figured I would hit it hard as long as I could and then figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up.' When she turned 50, she asked her agent whether she could grow out her natural silver tresses, and they agreed. Kathi continued: 'Not many other models were giving in to the natural look yet and it was starting to occur to clients that grey hair wasn't just for "grannies", it could be chic and cool.' In 2012, she unintentionally signed up for a shoot to be the grandma for the first time in a Thanksgiving television advert. Kathi said being grey has opened 'so many new doors' for her and the opportunity to work in markets that she couldn't when she was a brunette The model recalled: 'When I showed up on location, one of the stylists there stopped me and said 'Kathi, do you know you are booked as the grandmother?' 'She was so afraid I would freak out and was just warning me. 'I laughed and pointed to my hair, which had grown out to salt and pepper, and said "Yes, girl, and proud of it!". 'Being grey has opened so many new doors for me. I work in markets now that I never could when I was a brunette.' Kathi often gets stopped by strangers who compliment her natural look. Kathi said being grey has been an 'ice breaker' out in public and she encourages other women to take the leap She also been stopped by women who wish they had the courage to embrace their greys and men who wish their wives would too. Kathi said: 'I try to encourage women to take the leap - they won't be sorry! 'It's definitely been an ice breaker out in public, the silver seems to put people at ease. 'I'm happy to share my silver secrets!' Sophie posted a video on her TikTok account of her glamorous mum posing up a storm by a hotel pool with some young children last month. Kathi said she 'couldn't believe it', when Sophie told her a video was racking up over ten million views on TikTok The video of the 'glam-ma' went viral, racking up over ten million views and thousands of commenters complimenting her on how stunning her mum is. Kathi said: 'Sophie messaged me the day after she posted and said we were going viral, I had no clue what she was talking about, I wasn't on TikTok at the time. 'I couldn't believe it! It was crazy and sweet that so many people connected with our story and close relationship. The comments just made me cry!' Sophie added: 'With age comes wisdom and life experience, and that's a pretty decent trade-off for surface beauty, if you ask me. 'My mom is my best friend, and I realize that not everyone is lucky enough to have that kind of relationship with their parent. 'She truly makes lemonade out of lemons, part of why she's aged so well!' Sarah Ferguson made a rare appearance with a foreign royal family member as she joined Prince Albert of Monaco in Gothenburg, Sweden today. The Duchess of York, 62, opted for a little black dress and brown military style jacket with black tights and flats while keeping her red hair down and loose. She was joined by Prince Albert, 64, and actor Billy Zane, 56. Sporting a pin stripe blue shirt and black coat, Albert released a rehabilitated duck into the ocean as part of the inauguration of The Perfect World Foundation's 'Project Ocean'. Sarah Ferguson made a rare appearance with a foreign royal family member as she joined Prince Albert of Monaco in Gothenburg, Sweden today She was joined by Prince Albert, 64, who held onto a rehabilitated mallard duck and set him out to sea The Duchess of York, who lives in the Royal Lodge in Windsor with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, 61, doesn't do official duty for the royal family but does private charity work with the The Perfect World Foundation. Sarah shares daughters Princess Eugenie, 32, and Princess Beatrice, 33, with ex Andrew, who stepped down from royal duty last year following fall out from his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, Albert has been embroiled in his own scandal as his wife Charlene has spent most of the last two years outside of Monaco recovering from 'exhaustion'. Sheltering from the Swedish spring, today the pair huddled under an umbrella as they opened the Project Ocean, which is the is the overall project of non-profit organisation The Perfect World Foundation that focuses on restoring oceans. The Duchess of York, 62, opted for a little black dress and brown military style jacket with black tights and flats while keeping her red hair down and loose. She is pictured with Billie Zane The Duchess of York, who lives in the Royal Lodge in Windsor with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, 61, doesn't do official duty for the royal family but does private charity work with the The Perfect World Foundation. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Sarah, Duchess of York, TPWF Global Ambassador, and actor Billy Zane at the inauguration of The Perfect World Foundation's 'Project Ocean', in Gothenburg, Sweden Opting for a natural look, Fergie let her famous red hair down and sported minimal make-up adding just a touch of shadow around her eye. The grandmother-of-two added a light hoop earring to the look. Meanwhile, father-of-four Albert opted for a warmer look in slacks and boots. It comes after his wife Charlene, 44, returned to the principality following an extended stay away due to health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a 'state of profound general fatigue'. Sporting a pin stripe blue shirt and black coat, Albert released a rehabilitated duck into the ocean as part of the inauguration of The Perfect World Foundation's 'Project Ocean', in Gothenburg. Meanwhile, Albert (pictured) has been embroiled in his own scandal as his wife Charlene has spent most of the last two years outside of Monaco recovering from 'exhaustion' Meanwhile, father-of-four Albert opted for a warmer look in slacks and boots. It comes after his wife Charlene, 44, returned to the principality following an extended stay away due to health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a 'state of profound general fatigue The mother-of-two was reportedly admitted to a private Swiss clinic in late November, within days of her return to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa. The palace said in a statement issued earlier this month stating: 'The next few weeks should allow for Princess Charlene to further strengthen her health, before gradually resuming her official duties and commitments.' The Monaco palace has consistently denied media reports of a rift between Charlene and the principality's ruler Prince Albert, who were wed in 2011, following the princess' long absence. Opting for a natural look, Fergie let her famous red hair down and sported minimal make-up adding just a touch of shadow around her eye. It's been a tough year for the House of Grimaldi, with rumours of strife between Prince Albert and Princess Charlene while the monarch faces yet another paternity suit. Albert is pictured today Sheltering from the Swedish spring, today the pair huddled under an umbrella as they opened the Project Ocean, which is the is the overall project of non-profit organisation The Perfect World Foundation that focuses on restoring oceans As well as his twins Jacques and Gabriella, seven, with Princess Charlene, Albert also has daughter Jazmin, 30, with US estate agent Tamara Rotolo and Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste with his former mistress Nicole Coste, 50. It's been a tough year for the House of Grimaldi, with rumours of strife between Prince Albert and Princess Charlene while the monarch faces yet another paternity suit. The Monaco royal palace released a family photograph for Easter, marking the first time Charlene, 44, has been seen with her children since November. Prince Albert II of Monaco (L) holds a rehabilitated mallard duck before releasing it during the inauguration of The Perfect World Foundation's 'Project Ocean' in Gothenburg The Monaco palace has consistently denied media reports of a rift between Charlene and the principality's ruler Prince Albert, who were wed in 2011, following the princess' long absence. Albert is pictured today The princess spent several months in a treatment facility after being admitted following her return from a 10-month absence in South Africa. She faced a variety of health problems, including what the palace has previously referred to as a 'state of profound general fatigue'. The Monaco palace has consistently denied media reports of a rift between Charlene and the principality's ruler Prince Albert, who were wed in 2011, following the princess' long absence. 'She was clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was overwhelmed and couldn't face official duties, life in general or even family life,' Albert told People magazine in November. Duck, duck and away! Sarah, Duchess of York, TPWF Global Ambassador, and actor Billy Zane And he's off! The mallard duck jumped into the water as part of the rehabilitation Like a duck to water! Prince Albert let the little duck go free in Sweden today Zimbabwean-born Princess Charlene was hospitalised after collapsing in September in South Africa, where she had been living for several months. She underwent surgery in October for an ear, nose and throat infection after checking in under a pseudonym in a Durban hospital, a palace source said at the time. Friends previously told Page Six that the mother-of-two 'almost died' while she was in her home country, while her husband spoke out to say she is suffering from 'exhaustion, both emotional and physical'. Charlene is now back in Monaco, although she has yet to return to royal engagements. Charlene's time away followed fresh allegations last December that Albert had fathered a love-child (which would be his third, if proven) with an unnamed Brazilian woman during the time when he and Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa, were already in a relationship. Neither party is now commenting, suggesting some kind of generous settlement may have been reached, as happened with Albert's earlier love children. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands showed off her sartorial prowess as she stepped out in a stylish get up tonight to attend a concert with her husband King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch Prime Minister in Amsterdam. The royal, 50, travelled to the Royal Theatre Carreto attend the Liberation Concert with her husband, 55 and Mark Rutte, also 55. The annual concert, which commemorates the end of the Nazi rule over The Netherlands was taking place for the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic tonight. For the occasion, the Queen dressed to the nines in a satin floral midi dress with statement feathered sleeves. The colourful number, which reached to her knees was in her signature bright colours with a floral pattern in yellow, blue, red and orange. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands stepped out in a stylish get up tonight to attend a concert with her husband King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch Prime Minister For the occasion, the Queen dressed to the nines in a satin floral midi dress with feathered sleeves. She paired it with brown suede stilettos in black and a orange clutch bag, which matched a pair of pendant amber earrings and the amber bracelet she picked for her jewellery. Her blond locks were styled into a glamourous up do that caught the sunbeams as the sunset on the Dutch capital. Her makeup was glamourous, with some bronze highlighting her natural glow and mascara and eyeliner bringing the focus to her hazelnut eyes. She sported a rosy pink lipstick that completed the look. Maxima's colourful number, which reached to her knees, had glamourous feathery sleeves in pink and a floral pattern in yellow, blue, red and orange. In her glamourous dress, Maxima beamed as she waved at the royal fans who had come to greet her tonight Meanwhile, King Willem-Alexander looked dapper in a blue suit and a crisp white shirt, which he paired with a light green and white tie. The couple looked glamourous as ever for the concert, which concludes this week's commemorative engagements. Yesterday, the couple looked more sober during an official ceremony on Da Sqaure that saw them mark the official end of the Nazi occupation, which takes place every year on May 4. Willem-Alexander looked stylish in a navy suit with a white shirt, left, and Maxima stole the show in the floral number The royal couple looked very stylish tonight as they marked the anniversary of the liberation of The Netherlands in 1945 For the poignant moment, Maxima picked an appropriate navy blue coat dress with matching hat. This week's engagements were a departure from last's week King's Day festivities which officially marked Willem-Alexander's birthday across the country. The couple stepped out with their three daughters, Princess Amelia, 18, Princess Alexia, 16 and Princess Ariana, who just turned 15. The three young royals showed they inherited their mother's impeccable sense of style with three very trendy getups. Maxima led the way in an elegant ankle-length cream cape she wore over an eye-catching pink dress, with nude stiletto. A meal prep queen has shared her quick and easy hack for peeling ginger in seconds - and all you need is a spoon. School teacher Katie Lolas said the 'most efficient way' to peel the spice is to scrape off the rough skin with a spoon from your cutlery drawer. The Sydney mum-of-one, who goes by Lady Lolas online, said the skin will come right off with the method and you won't need any extra equipment. A meal prep queen has shared her quick and easy hack for peeling ginger in seconds - and all you need is a spoon School teacher Katie Lolas said the 'most efficient way' to peel the spice is to scrape off the rough skin with a spoon from your cutlery drawer She tested out the peeling trick on her Instagram page, earning high praise from her foodie followers. 'I've always used a potato peeler. Never tried a spoon. Will give it a go,' one woman said. 'I'm too lazy, I just grate it with the skin on. I'm going to give this a go,' said another. This isn't the first time her fans have been 'wowed' by a food trick from Katie, who just last week spoke about how to effectively peel garlic without even touching it. Meal prep guru Katie Lolas, said the 'most efficient way' to peel garlic is to crush the bulb and shake it around in a container In a clip she uploaded, she crushes her bulb of garlic with her hand to separate the cloves, places it in a container, closes the lid and shakes it around until the skin comes away. 'All you have to do is place the garlic that you want peeled inside a container place the lid on that container and shake and there you have it - peeled garlic,' she said in the video. The quick and effortless hack can shave minutes off cooking time and save you from wrestling with fiddly garlic gloves. In an Instagram clip, Katie crushes her bulb of garlic with her hand to separate the cloves, places it in a container, closes the lid and shakes until the skin comes away Many of Katie's 163,000 followers were wowed by the 'game changing' hack and took to the comments to express their amazement. 'Jaw on the floor!' one exclaimed while a second asked 'What is this sorcery?' 'If this actually works you might have just changed the course of my whole life!?' commented a third. Many of Katie's (pictured) 163,000 followers were wowed by the 'game changing' hack and took to the comments to express their amazement Peeling garlic has proved a headache for many home cooks who have come up with genius solutions to make the process painless. Previously, foodie Jenny Stewart, from the US, demonstrated her miracle garlic peeling method in a YouTube video. All you need is fresh garlic and a microwave to remove the cloves from the peels without a knife. Scroll down for video Rather than wresting with the garlic, pop a whole head or a few cloves in the microwave on high for 20 seconds Rather than wresting with the garlic, pop a whole head or a few cloves in the microwave on high for 20 seconds. The cloves will slip effortlessly right out of the peels and won't leave you with the dreaded 'garlic fingers'. After heating the garlic on high, cautiously pick it up or place it in a bowl as it will be hot. The outer layers covering the garlic slip right off easily or the garlic can be popped right out by pinching one end The outer layers covering the garlic slip right off easily or the garlic can be popped right out by pinching one end. Thousands of foodies on social media standby the tip when cooking in the kitchen as it saves time and effort. 'This is a pretty good method. There is still some peeling involved but this makes it easier,' one person wrote in the comments. 'Omg this made my entire cooking so darn easy,' another added. By Joseph S. Nye, Jr. CAMBRIDGE As Russian missiles pound Ukrainian cities, and as Ukrainians fight to defend their country, some avowed realists might say, "So much for soft power." But such a response betrays a shallow analysis. Power is the ability to affect others to get the outcomes you want. A smart realist understands that you can do this in three ways: by coercion, by payment, or by attraction in other words, the proverbial "sticks, carrots, and honey." In the short run, sticks are more effective than honey, and hard power trumps soft power. If I want to steal your money using hard power, I can threaten to shoot you and take your wallet. It does not matter what you think, and I get your money right away. To take your money using soft power, I would need to persuade you to give me your money. That takes time, and it does not always work. Everything depends on what you think. But if I can attract you, soft power may prove a far less costly way to get your money. In the long term, honey sometimes trumps sticks. Likewise, in international politics, the effects of soft power tend to be slow and indirect. We can see the effects of bombs and bullets right away, whereas the attraction of values and culture may be visible only in the long run. But to ignore or neglect these effects would be a serious mistake. Smart political leaders have long understood that values can create power. If I can get you to want what I want, I will not have to force you to do what you do not want to do. If a country represents values that others find attractive, it can economize on the use of sticks and carrots. The war in Ukraine is bearing out these lessons. The short-run battle has of course been dominated by hard military power. Russian troops swept into the country from Belarus in the north and from Crimea in the south. Ukraine's ability to protect its capital, Kyiv, and to thwart the invasion from the north was determined by its military effectiveness and by the invader's mistakes. Russia is now seeking to take Ukraine's south and east, and it remains to be seen how events will play out in this phase of the war. In the near term, the outcome will be determined by military force including the equipment being supplied by the United States and other NATO countries and by the exercise of hard, coercive economic power. While threats of trade and financial sanctions did not dissuade President Vladimir Putin from launching his military invasion, the sanctions that have been imposed have had a damaging impact on the Russian economy, and the threat of secondary sanctions has deterred countries like China from assisting Russia militarily. But more to the point, soft power, too, has already played a role in the conflict. For years, U.S. officials had pressed Germany to abandon the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, warning that it would make Europe more dependent on Russian natural gas, and that its route under the Baltic Sea would weaken Ukraine. Germany refused. But then came the shock of the Russian invasion. Atrocities against civilians have made Russia so unattractive to German public opinion that the government suspended the pipeline. Similarly, the U.S. had long pressed Germany to honor a NATO commitment to increase its annual defense expenditures to 2 percent of GDP. Again, Germany had been dragging its heels until the invasion, which forced it to reverse its position almost overnight. Moreover, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proved especially adept at wielding soft power. When the U.S. offered to spirit him out of the country, he famously replied that he needed ammunition, not a ride. Zelenskyy's prior experience as a television actor has served him well. With his informal attire and constant communication with Western media and parliaments, he has succeeded in representing Ukraine as an attractive and heroic country. The result was not just Western sympathy but a substantial increase in deliveries of the military equipment that Ukraine needed for the hard-power task at hand. In addition, the disclosure of Russian atrocities against civilians in places like Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, has reduced Russia's soft power and reinforced Western sympathies for Ukraine. The longer-term effects on Russian soft power remain to be seen. U.N. member states have already voted to condemn Russia's actions and to expel it from the U.N. Human Rights Council, though nearly one-third including many African countries abstained. Notably, India, the world's largest democracy, has refrained from criticizing Russia. It does not want to jeopardize its supply of Russian-made military equipment, nor does it want to reinforce Russia's ties with China, which it sees as its major geopolitical threat. As for China, while it abstained from the U.N. vote condemning the invasion, it voted against Russia's removal from the Human Rights Council, and it has lent its formidable media resources to supporting Russia's propaganda campaign. How this will play out in the long term will depend in part on the outcome of the war. Sometimes, memories are short. For now, however, Russia and China seem to have suffered a loss of soft power. In the months prior to the invasion, the two countries solidified their axis of authoritarianism, and China proclaimed that the East Wind was prevailing over the West Wind. Today, that slogan has become much less attractive. Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is a professor at Harvard University and the author, most recently, of "Do Morals Matter? Presidents and Foreign Policy from FDR to Trump" (Oxford University Press, 2020). His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). Veteran radio DJ David Hamilton has been diagnosed with a rare cancer that makes him look like he has a sun tan, MailOnline can reveal. The legendary BBC Radio presenter was left confused last year when friends and family said he had a glow about him and looked healthier than ever. Unbeknownst to him and those around him, the opposite was true. 'Diddy' famous for his presenting gigs on Radio 1 and 2 in their heyday, as well as Top of the Pops was suffering from a deceptive and unusual cancer. The 83-year-old said he was 'caught on the hop' by his diagnosis after suffering no other signs of illness. It wasn't until he started urinating blood one day and was referred to a specialist by his doctor that he was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera. The rare disease causes the body to overproduce red blood cells, causing the skin to develop a 'very rosy complexion'. 'Everybody who sees me says how well I look,' Hamilton told MailOnline. 'Too many red blood cells gives you a very rosy complexion, so it looks like you've got a sun tan.' Hamilton, who lives in Sussex with his wife Dreena, continues to present a lunchtime show on Boom Radio radio six times a week despite his diagnosis. The former BBC Radio 1 presenter, from Sussex, was told he had rare blood cancer polycythaemia vera in November after going to his GP because he spotted blood in his urine. The cancer, which thickens the blood and causes red skin, gave the DJ a 'very rosy complexion' that make it look like he had a suntan Hamilton, who is the oldest person in the UK to be presenting a daily breakfast radio programme, began his career in TV and radio nearly 60 years ago and has also presented shows on Magic and Capital Gold WHAT IS POLYCYTHAEMIA VERA? Polycythaemia vera (PV), also known as erythrocytosis, is a rare blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. Sufferers' red blood cell levels are too high, medically known as erythrocytosis, because their bone marrow is uncontrollably producing too many. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Symptoms include headaches, tiredness, reddening of the skin, stomach pain, high blood pressure and bleed or clots, that can lead to strokes or heart problems. More than nine in 10 cases of PV are caused by changes in the JAK2 gene which makes a protein that controls how many blood cells are made. In most cases, these genetic faults happen during a persons lifetime. The cancer is diagnosed through blood and bone marrow tests. Some patients also undergo X-rays and oxygen tests. Treatments for PV aim to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body. Patients may undergo venesection when around one pint of blood is taken to lower red blood cell levels. They might be prescribed 'chemotherapy drugs' that disrupt the growth of red blood cells. Sufferers may also be told to take aspirin to reduce their risk of developing a blood clot. Many people with PV feel well and only need gentle treatment, as the disorder develops and progresses slowly. Most cases develop later in life, with 60-years-olds being the average age at diagnosis. The average survival rate is 14 years for those who are over 60 when diagnosed, rising to 24 years for the under-60s. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement He is now taking chemotherapy pills to treat the incurable condition, which can lead to a premature death if it's not well controlled. Hamilton added: 'The word "cancer" freaks everybody out. 'But my consultant said to put it in perspective, "if you're going to have cancer, this is the best cancer you could possibly have". That was very comforting.' Hamilton's GP referred him to St Luke's Cancer Centre at Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guilford, Surrey after he complained of blood in his urine last November. His consultant broke the news that he had polycythaemia vera, which is diagnosed through blood and bone marrow tests. Some patients also undergo X-rays and oxygen tests. Polycythaemia vera can cause headaches, blurred vision, dizziness and tiredness as well as red skin particularly in the face, hands and feet. It is usually caused by a change in the genes which causes bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. As more red blood cells are made, the blood becomes thicker which can lead to complications such as gout, bleeding problems and blood clots which can trigger heart attacks and strokes. The average age of diagnosis is 60 and around one in 50,000 Britons are thought to have the condition. Sufferers aged over 60 are expected to live for 14 years after diagnosis, with life expectancy rising to 24 years for the under-60s. Hamilton said: 'I didn't have any other indications, such as dizziness or tiredness, and that's why the diagnosis caught me on the hop. 'When my GP sent me to St Luke's, I said to my wife, "What am I doing here, I don't have cancer?". 'I was feeling perfectly fine, except for I was peeing blood, which is always a worry, but that could have been due to an infection. 'They told me I had too many red blood cells, and I was at risk of a heart attack or a stroke.' He underwent a venesection once a week for six weeks when around one pint of blood is taken to bring down red blood cell counts. The DJ then took two hydroxycarbamide chemotherapy pills a day for six weeks. Hamilton said: 'At the end of that six-week period, I went back to the hospital and they said my red blood cells were unfortunately still above the safe level so I needed to go back and give more blood. 'My spirit sank as it had been quite tough going as my veins weren't so clear and obvious.' His doctor advised him to cut down on alcohol and red meat, and exercise more, so he walks his dog every day and plans on swimming in the summer. He also kept presenting his radio show on Boom Radio a UK-wide national radio station principally aimed at Baby Boomers aged 60 to 75-years-old. Hamilton's doctor advised him to cut down on alcohol and red meat, and exercise more, so he walks his dog (pictured) every day and plans on swimming in the summer The radio DJ said: 'The diagnosis came like a bolt out of the blue. I've had 83 years of the most wonderful health. But I'm on top of it now and I live with it and I know I can handle it. It's a condition you can live with for years' Hamilton said: 'Continuing to work at Boom Radio was important to me because I love my work. Since I started on the day it launched in February last year, I haven't missed a show. 'When I was diagnosed with cancer, it didn't make a difference. I just went to my hospital appointments around my show. It shows that you could go on working.' The DJ also revealed how his wife Dreena, who he married in the Caribbean in 1993, has been 'fantastic' and a huge support. He said: 'I think it was a very good career move of mine to marry someone who was an ex nurse. 'She comes with me to the hospital every time. Sometimes, she drives home because after you give a lot of blood, you shouldn't drive, so she's the chauffeur. 'She's been very concerned about me because she'd never seen me before. I mean, she's known me now for 40 years. She's never seen me have any kind of illness. She's a bit younger at 74, but this came as a bit of a shock to her too.' During a recent check-up, Hamilton was told that the chemo tablets had returned his red blood cells to a safe level. He is waiting to find out whether he needs to keep taking the pills and whether he will require any other treatment in the future. He said: 'That was a terrific relief for me. I need to take the pills for the next six weeks too, and I haven't had any dramatic side effects, just a bit tired. It's fairly mild chemotherapy. 'The diagnosis came like a bolt out of the blue. I've had 83 years of the most wonderful health. But I'm on top of it now and I live with it and I know I can handle it. It's a condition you can live with for years. 'My consultant said this is not curable, but it is treatable. So there's no cure for it. You've got it, and you're stuck with it. It's very rare and very few people have it. From the time of being diagnosed you can live 15 years or more which will take me up to 100. 'The NHS has been absolutely wonderful. I can't speak highly and I know the NHS is greatly criticised. But I've had no waiting. No delays, no postponements. They have been absolutely wonderful. 'When the nurses have difficulty getting blood out of me, I say, my wife says you can't get blood from a stone and she should know. And we all have a chuckle. You've got to see the funny side of it.' www.boomradiouk.com/david-hamilton/ A review into a scandal-hit NHS maternity unit has been thrown into chaos after the woman leading the probe quit after just two weeks. Senior NHS manager Julie Dent has stepped down from the inquiry into Nottingham University Hospitals for 'personal reasons'. She was appointed by Sajid Javid just a fortnight ago in response to criticisms about maternity service failings across the trust. Dozens of children have died or been left permanently brain damaged after errors during childbirth at Nottingham University Hospitals. In a tweet at the time, Health Secretary Mr Javid said he was 'confident' Ms Dent's 'extensive experience' would 'deliver a review that helps address these tragic failures'. But the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed last night that Ms Dent had left the role already. The DHSC added it is working with NHS England to put in place the 'right leadership' to deliver the independent review. The chairwoman of a review into Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust's maternity unit has stepped down for 'personal reasons' just two weeks after her appointment. Pictured: Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham Senior NHS manager Julie Dent (left) was tasked with investigating the trust where 30 babies are thought to have died on April 22. She stepped down yesterday. Families called for an independent review into the unit's alleged failings led by midwife Donna Ockenden (right), who produced the report on Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Coroner slams 'shocking' failings at maternity unit where week-old baby died after his skull was fractured by forceps during birth A coroner slammed care given to a mother whose week-old baby Kaylan Coates died following a catalogue of hospital blunders as 'nothing short of shocking' A coroner slammed the care given to a mother whose week-old baby died following a catalogue of hospital blunders as 'nothing short of shocking'. Tiny Kaylan Coates suffered serious injuries including skull fractures during a forceps delivery and died from a hospital infection days later. Staff at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre ignored pregnant Hayley Coates' pleas for a Caesarean section and did not spot her baby's signs of distress, an inquest was told. Despite being a high-risk patient, she was allocated a newly qualified midwife - and maternity ward staff failed to monitor her properly despite having time to socialise and shop online, a legal representative for Ms Coates told the inquest. A coroner last year ruled that the tragedy, which left the young mother 'broken and in shock', 'could and should have been avoided' and neglect contributed to her baby's death. Kaylan was born on March 23, 2018 at the QMC in the city. During the delivery, he suffered prolonged bradycardia, a slow heart rate, and associated hypoxia, a condition where the brain is starved of oxygen. A pathologist told Nottingham Coroner's Court when Kaylan was finally delivered his skull was fractured by the use of forceps, leading to a bleed on the brain, causing further hypoxia. At the end of a five-day hearing, Nottinghamshire Assistant Coroner Laurinda Bower returned a narrative verdict saying while an infection was the primary cause of death, neglect and 'serious, multiple failings in his care' had contributed to this. Advertisement Ms Dent's appointment was met with concern by the families affected by the tragedies, who said they were 'severely let down, confused, and further traumatised'. They had called for the appointment of independent midwife Donna Ockenden, who produced the landmark report on Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust Britain's biggest ever maternity scandal. Mr Javid met with some of the families involved in the review yesterday and they will be now contacted by the NHS about the next steps. He said: 'I met with families to listen and understand their concerns about the review into maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals. 'My sympathies remain with all those tragically affected by these harrowing failures and I acknowledge the courage and strength shown by all. 'It is crucial that the best possible leadership is in place to deliver an independent review that leads to real change, and I am working with the NHS to deliver on this and ensure no families have to go through the same pain again.' In a statement issued yesterday, the families said they were 'grateful'. 'It is the first time that families have been properly listened to by senior healthcare professionals since Jack and Sarah Hawkins originally whistle blew the problems in maternity care at NUHT back in 2016,' it read. 'Today feels like the first significant step towards ensuring the protection of babies and mothers from death and harm in the future.' DHSC said the NHS recognises there is more to do to improve the engagement and communication with families, and this is a priority as a new review process is established. It added that the NHS remains committed to ensuring that the experiences of families, any themes identified across maternity safety incidents, and concerns raised, all drive rapid improvements in care for women and babies in Nottingham. The current review looking at data from 2006, when the NUH trust was formed, until mid-October 2021 was initiated last summer. It was announced after it was revealed the trust had paid out millions of pounds over 30 baby deaths and 46 infants who were left brain damaged. The review is being led by the local clinical commissioning group (CCG) and NHS England, and is expected to be completed by November 2022. Some 100 mothers wrote to Mr Javid to criticise the review on April 7 this year, arguing not enough had been done over the six months. The families said they were concerned about the independence of the review. They called for Ms Ockenden who exposed the maternity scandal in Shrewsbury and Telford, where at least 201 babies and nine mothers died because of substandard care to lead a separate inquiry. Ms Ockenden told BBC Radio Shropshire at the time that she had responded to the families. She said was 'deeply honoured' by their request to have her chair the review, but added the decision was not for her to make. But the DHSC announced on April 25 it had made changes to the NHS review and appointed Ms Dent as the new chair. The families hit back at the announcement, adding it 'demonstrates a lack of willingness to properly engage with the families affected and is at odds with what is needed from a truly independent review'. They said: 'In fact, since we went public with our grave concerns over the current review nearly three weeks ago not one person from [Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust], the CCG nor NHSEI has been in contact with us. 'We are heartened to have support on Twitter supporting our serious misgivings regarding the appointment process and choice of chair, Julie Dent.' Advertisement America should drop its requirement for all arrivals to present a negative Covid test, a travel boss said Thursday as cases surge 54 percent in two weeks and a top scientist says the youngest children should only get one jab. Glenn Fogel, who oversees Booking.com, warned many travelers especially Europeans were opting to take their vacations elsewhere this year, harming American businesses. The US still requires vaccinated travelers to present a negative Covid test result upon arrival, taken within the previous 24 hours. Those who have not got the vaccine are currently denied entry. It is increasingly becoming an outlier among western nations, with many including the UK, France and Germany having already dropped their test requirement for arrivals. Covid cases in the US have ticked up by half over the previous two weeks on average, with another 105,215 recorded by states, departments and local health chiefs yesterday alone. New York City today became the first area to warn it would bring back face masks and proof of vaccination requirements for restaurants, bars and other indoor spaces if cases continued to rise. Deaths across the country more than doubled on 14 days ago, with another 1,929 recorded. But the uptick is likely due to several states reporting several days of fatalities, with the U.S. still registering 560 deaths a day on average similar to early last month. The number of patients in hospitals climbed 19 percent in a fortnight, to 17,877. It comes as chiefs at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mull over approving two doses of Moderna's Covid vaccine for children less than five years old. A top vaccine scientist who asked not to be named told DailyMail.com they should only approve one dose for the age group because most already have some protection from the virus due to previous infection. Glenn Fogel, who oversees Booking.com, warned many travelers especially Europeans were opting to take their vacations elsewhere this year, harming American businesses (pictured today on CNBC Squawkbox) Covid cases in the US ticked up by half over the previous two weeks yesterday on average. Yesterday another 105,215 infections were recorded by states, departments and local health chiefs. The above map highlights the states where Covid cases are continuing to rise compared to two weeks ago. Only four are still recording a drop in cases The above shows the number of deaths being recorded in the US every day. These are ticking up with almost 2,000 registered yesterday, although the surge is likely due to some states reporting several days worth of data The Federal Government has been coming under growing pressure to drop its Covid testing rule for travelers, with several airline bosses and some scientists arguing the rule should be scrapped. They argued that the prevalence of Covid across all 50 states, the high levels of immunity and high vaccination rates meant it was no longer needed. Earlier last month bosses at US airline Delta hinted that Washington was planning to scrap the rules in 'the next few weeks', however there is yet to be any indication this is the plan from Washington. Russia has faced 130,000 more excess deaths during the pandemic than the U.S., WHO says Russia has recorded 130,000 more excess deaths than the U.S. over the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to top officials at the World Health Organization. Excess deaths are the number of fatalities from all-causes including Covid recorded that are above those expected for a particular time of year. WHO chiefs analyzed official data from every country to establish which had suffered the biggest disease burden. Overall, they estimated up to 16.6million more people than expected had died during the pandemic three times the official Covid death toll. In Russia, they said 1.07million people had died from causes including Covid by December 2021. For comparison, in the U.S. there were 930,000 more fatalities than were expected. By this time the U.S. had recorded 824,000 Covid fatalities, while Russia had declared 302,000 or barely a third of the total deaths estimated. America is expected to cross the grim threshold of a million Covid deaths in the coming weeks officially the most out of any country in the world. But it is likely many other nations including India have faced more deaths due to the virus, but that a lack of testing has left many infections undiagnosed. Advertisement Calling on them to drop the testing requirement, Fogel told CNBC's SquawkBox: 'I really wish the U.S. would eliminate the restriction that requires people who are entering the U.S. '[Currently] you have to take a test a full day before you get on the plane and come to the U.S. I think that's hurting the U.S. travel industry. 'We have people in Europe, for example, who say well I'm not going to go to the U.S. I'm going to go somewhere else. 'These people could come and visit the U.S. and I really hope the administration would look at this and say "is this really the best thing to do?".' The U.S. has not lifted its Covid test requirement since it was imposed more than a year ago. But it has quickly become a money-making racket for testing companies, which often charge well over the odds to rapidly turn around swabs. The travel sector lost more than $220billion in 2020 amid lockdowns and as millions of would-be tourists were forced to stay at home. It is not yet clear how much was lost in 2021, although it is still expected to be in the billions. Travel industry bosses warn that continuing restrictions are harming bookings, further damaging their businesses. It comes as America is now recording about 65,000 cases a day on average, the most since late February in the dying days of the Omicron wave. The surge is being driven by an even more infectious version of Omicron scientifically named BA.2.12.1 which studies suggest is about 25 percent better at transmitting than the original Omicron. But there is no evidence yet that anyone who catches the disease is more likely to face severe disease or die from the infection. Rhode Island is currently the nation's Covid capital, with an infection rate at 53 cases per 100,000 people. It is followed by Maine (also 53), Vermont (52) and Massachusetts (43). New York has the sixth biggest outbreak in the country, at about 40 cases per 100,000, but officials in the state's main city warned Thursday that more Covid restrictions could be imposed if cases continue to rise. Earlier this week the city shifted from a 'low' to 'medium' alert level over rising Covid cases and hospitalizations. This triggered no rule changes, but health officials warned that should the hospitalization rate rise to 10 Covid patients per 100,000 people of if 10 percent of beds were being taken up by Covid patients then they would be forced to trigger the 'high' alert level. It is currently at three per 100,000, and five percent. Under the high alert, face masks will again be required and proof of vaccination will need to be shown to enter bars, clubs and restaurants across the city. Health commissioner Ashwin Vasan said Thursday: 'It is clear that if we moved into a high risk and high alert environment, we'd be seriously considering bringing those mandates back.' It comes as the FDA considers rolling out Covid vaccines to the youngest children under five years old to protect them against the virus. But a top vaccine adviser who asked not to be named told DailyMail.com Thursday that if the jabs are approved, they should only be offered one dose. They said: 'In light of the CDC reporting that three quarters of children have already been infected with Covid, that should give a bit of pause for thought. 'There is actually very good data from a lot of different sources that a person who has had a Covid infection and then receives a first dose from an mRNA vaccine, their response to that first dose looks a lot like the response to a second dose. 'For children who are at high risk of severe disease, it may be reasonable to give them two doses, but for most kids I am not convinced they have to get the same vaccine regimen.' Many scientists have raised concerns over vaccinating the youngest children, pointing out that they are at a vanishingly small risk of death or serious disease from the virus. A total of 1,017 dying from Covid since March 2020, official data shows accounting for around 0.01 per cent of America's almost a million deaths from the virus. For comparison, among people aged 65 and over the death toll is 724million. There are also fears over myocarditis, a form of heart inflammation detected in about one in 20,000 boys following vaccination. Girls are less at risk from the complication. While in most cases the condition is mild, scientists are not yet sure of the long-term effects. America has not suffered the most pandemic deaths in the world, according to estimates from the World Health Organization. The U.S. is expected to become the first nation to cross the grim milestone of recording more than a million Covid deaths in the coming days, with figures from Johns Hopkins University hovering around the 996,000 mark on Thursday. But in the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, statisticians suggest three other countries Russia, India and Indonesia have already suffered a higher death toll. They said the U.S. has recorded 932,000 excess deaths from Covid and due to disruption to healthcare over 2020 and 2021. This was below the tally in India (4million), Russia (1.07million) and Indonesia (1.02million). The above graph shows the ten countries that recorded the most excess fatalities in 2020 and 2021. Excess fatalities are the number of deaths above those expected over the same period. It revealed India has faced the most followed by Russia and Indonesia. The US (shown in red) ranked fourth overall with 932,000 deaths The above graph shows the number of confirmed Covid deaths globally. It reveals the US is about to hit a million deaths, the most out of any nation, but the figures are skewed because of a lack of testing in other countries leaving many fatalities from the virus unrecorded. The graph shows the countries with the five highest Covid death tolls For the report published Thursday WHO analysts looked at excess deaths in 149 countries, or the number from all-causes above those expected for the time of year. This is widely regarded as a better measure of the impact of the pandemic because it takes into account strain on the health system and a lack of testing. The WHO said excess fatalities could either be attributed to Covid or because disruptions to healthcare left people with other conditions such as heart disease unable to access life-saving care. Which countries have recorded the most excess Covid deaths in the world? Country India Russia Indonesia USA Brazil Mexico Peru Turkey Egypt South Africa Excess deaths 4,740,894 1,072,326 1,028,565 932,458 681,267 626,217 289,668 264,041 251,102 238,671 Figures from the World Health Organizaton's report. For the years 2020 and 2021. Advertisement The report did not consider 2022, and the impact of the Omicron wave over the Christmas vacation period. Figures compiled by OurWorldinData suggest the U.S. has already recorded 996,000 Covid fatalities, which is the most in the world. Experts blame the country's high toll on a lack of political leadership early in the pandemic. They add that difficulties accessing healthcare, and poor population health have also contributed to the figure. But the country's size with more than 329million people also explains its position at the top. To even out differences due to population the figures were also considered as deaths per 100,000 people, to allow for comparison between countries. This showed the U.S. ranked 40th globally with a rate of 140 excess fatalities per 100,000 people. Peru had the highest fatality rate (437), followed by Bulgaria (415) and Bolivia (375). On the other end of the scale was the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis (-194), alongside Grenada (-118) and Palau (-111). The WHO report also revealed today that the world's actual Covid death toll is nearly three times higher than the official tally. In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. The UN agency's tally, which misses off the entirety of 2022, includes people who directly died from Covid or the virus's impact on overwhelmed health systems. For comparison, the current official virus death toll is 6.2million, with a third of those logged in the US, Brazil and India. The WHO said 20 countries, including the UK and the US, accounted for more than 80 per cent of the estimated 'excess deaths' over the first two years of the pandemic. This graph shows cumulative excess deaths over time between 2020 and 2021 in the four countries that had suffered the most extra fatalities. These figures can also fall below zero if a country records less fatalities than expected for the time of year Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000). WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the 'sobering' figures should prompt nations to invest in more resilient health systems to quell future crises. Dr Albert Ko, an infectious diseases expert at the Yale School of Public Health, said the WHO analysis 'may seem like just a bean-counting exercise'. 'But having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one,' he said. Seven more cases of hepatitis have been detected in Ohio with one child left needing a liver transplant, doctors have said as the U.S. tally rose to 40 including one death in Wisconsin. The children were all aged between 18 months and 10 years old, and were treated for the disease at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. North Dakota today also confirmed its first case of hepatitis in a child, with health chiefs revealing the patient was now recovering at home. They did not need a liver transplant. A total of 14 states have now reported cases of the mysterious hepatitis, including six liver transplants and one fatality. Scientists are puzzled by what is triggering the spate of cases because none of the infected children have tested positive for the normal hepatitis-causing viruses. The leading theory is that adenoviruses which can trigger the common cold could be behind the spate of illnesses. But suggestions weakened immunity from lockdowns or a previous Covid infection are behind the cases are yet to be ruled out. Ohio and North Dakota have become the thirteenth and fourteenth states to report confirmed or suspected cases of the mysterious hepatitis illness More than 220 cases of the mysterious disease have been reported across the world to date, in countries including the UK, Ireland and Spain. A total of four deaths have been registered so far, with one in the U.S. and three being probed in Indonesia. Q&A: What is the mysterious global hepatitis outbreak and what is behind it? What is hepatitis? Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that is usually caused by a viral infection or liver damage from drinking alcohol. Some cases resolve themselves, with no ongoing issues, but a fraction can be deadly, forcing patients to need liver transplants to survive. Why are experts concerned? Hepatitis is usually rare in children, but experts have already spotted more cases in the current outbreak than they would normally expect in a year. Cases are of an 'unknown origin' and are also severe, according to the World Health Organization. It has caused up to two deaths and 18 liver transplants. What are the top theories? Co-infection Experts say the cases may be linked to adenovirus, commonly associated with colds, but further research is ongoing. This, in combination with Covid infections, could be causing the spike in cases. The WHO reported adenovirus has been detected in at least 74 of the cases. At least 20 of the children tested positive for the coronavirus. Weakened immunity British experts tasked with investigating the spate of illnesses believe the endless cycle of lockdowns may have played a contributing role. Restrictions may have weakened children's immunity because of reduced social mixing, leaving them at heightened risk of adenovirus. This means even 'normal' adenovirus could be causing the severe outcomes, because children are not responding to it how they did in the past. Adenovirus mutation Other scientists said it may have been the adenovirus that has acquired 'unusual mutations'. This would mean it could be more transmissible or better able to get around children's natural immunity. New Covid variant UKHSA officials included 'a new variant of SARS-CoV-2' in their working hypotheses. Covid has caused liver inflammation in very rare cases during the pandemic, although these have been across all ages rather than isolated in children. Environmental triggers The UKHSA has noted environmental triggers are still being probed as possible causes of the illnesses. These could include pollution or exposure to particular drugs or toxins. Advertisement Dr Jorge Bezerra, the director of the Pediatric Liver Care Center in Cincinnati revealed they had seven cases of the disease. He told NB: 'We have seen six, today we're going to see a seventh. They are still coming.' South Dakota yesterday became the twelfth state to report a hepatitis cases. Its epidemiologist Dr Josh Clayton called on medics across the country to keep an eye out for any other children who may have the condition. The other states that have also reported cases of the disease so far are Alabama, Delaware, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wisconsin, California and Minnesota. New York, Illinois and Georgia say they are probing suspected cases of the disease. It is still not clear what is triggering the condition, with experts warning it could take at least three months to find out. Dr Nicole Saphier, a radiologist at the Memorial Sloan Kettering center in New Jersey, today told DailyMail.com it was possible that the cases were down to weakened immunity. She said: 'The last two years children have been shielded from every day pathogen exposure through masking, decreased social interactions and remote learning. '[As a result], it is possible that children being sheltered from the pandemic are now having more severe reactions to common pathogens like adenovirus.' On Tuesday the World Health Organization declared at least 228 probable cases of hepatitis in children had been reported from 20 countries. It said there were more than 50 other cases under investigation. Most cases were from the UK, 145, and U.S., 20, they said, which have some of the strongest surveillance systems. The agency did not reveal which countries had reported the extra cases but other health bodies revealed Austria, Germany, Poland, Japan and Canada have detected cases, while Singapore is probing a possible case in a 10-month-old baby. Indonesia on Tuesday said three children had died from suspected hepatitis of unknown cause. Children struck down with hepatitis in America have generally been less than 10 years old. Those with the condition suffered with vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow , the CDC said. More than half also suffered a fever due to the condition. Most children swabbed have tested positive for adenovirus, fueling theories that this could be behind the spate of illnesses. But some are not convinced, pointing out that it is not uncommon to be infected with this virus. The director of clinical and emerging infections at Britain's health agency the UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand, has told parents the chance of their child developing hepatitis is 'extremely low'. She said: 'However, we continue to remind parents to be alert to the signs of hepatitis particularly jaundice, which is easiest to spot as a yellow tinge in the whites of the eyes and contact your doctor if you are concerned,' she said. Dr Chand added: 'Normal hygiene measures including thorough handwashing and making sure children wash their hands properly, help to reduce the spread of many common infections. 'As always, children experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea should stay at home and not return to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.' Hepatitis is usually rare in children, but experts have already spotted more cases in the UK at the center of the outbreak since January than they would normally expect in a year. Scientists have previously suggested cases could be just the 'tip of the iceberg', with more likely to be out there than have been spotted so far. Searching for an unknown cause is especially hard because cases may have multiple factors behind them that are not consistent across all illnesses. CHINA ROOM by Sunjeev Sahota (Vintage 9.99, 256 pp) CHINA ROOM by Sunjeev Sahota (Vintage 9.99, 256 pp) In 2019 the 38-year-old narrator of Sunjeev Sahotas Booker-longlisted novel returns to his childhood home to help his parents wind up their newsagent business. Looking through photographs, he finds one of his great-grandmother, Mehar, holding him as a baby. The image unlocks memories of his trip, as a troubled, heroin-addicted 18-year-old, to the former family farm in India. This, he came to realise, was the place where his great-grandmothers story and his own converged. As a 15-year-old bride, Mehar came to live on the farm with her harsh mother-in-law, her two brothers-in-law and their wives. Passion and tragedy unfold against the backdrop of political turmoil. A photo of an elderly woman with a baby on the last page of Sahotas hauntingly beautiful novel hints at its origins in his own family history. ASSEMBLY by Natasha Brown (Penguin 8.99, 112pp) ASSEMBLY by Natasha Brown (Penguin 8.99, 112pp) Every few weeks, the young black woman who is the unnamed narrator of Natasha Browns debut is sent out by her employer to promote diversity, visiting schools, universities and womens panels to inspire her audience. There are challenges. Theres hard work, pulling up laces, rolling up shirtsleeves She has done all this, and the result is a glittering list of achievements: Oxbridge, a well-paid City job and a boyfriend who plans to propose at his wealthy familys forthcoming party. Yet the price she pays for her success is huge: a litany of minor and major sexual and racial aggressions that make her feel alienated, not just from the society in which she lives and works, but from her own body. Natasha Browns slim novel is an elegant account of the cost of overcoming, transcending, etc. BEFORE & LAUGHTER by Jimmy Carr (Quercus 8.99, 368pp) BEFORE & LAUGHTER by Jimmy Carr (Quercus 8.99, 368pp) The first time Jimmy Carr met his partner she was organising an audition of comedians, where she was a producer. Since one of her jobs was taking notes on the performances, Carr is in the unusual position of having a written record of his future long-term partners first impressions. She wrote: A one-note comedian with the eyes of a rapist. It was, he observes, like shed known me her whole life. Carrs best-selling mashup of comedy, memoir and life lessons mixes wince-making moments like the time he test drove a Tesla and accidentally ripped the door off with bracing, and sometimes heartfelt, tips on navigating life. His advice on dealing with family trauma: Accept the apology youre never going to get and move on. There, I just saved you 25,000 in therapy. Youre welcome. RUTH & PEN by Emilie Pine (Hamish Hamilton 14.99, 256pp) RUTH & PEN by Emilie Pine (Hamish Hamilton 14.99, 256pp) Pine, an Irish academic, shot to prominence with Notes To Self, a piercing set of personal essays that covered her fathers alcoholism, her adolescent growing pains and her struggles with infertility. The less visible stuff of womens lives is the subject of her impressive first novel, too, which takes place, Ulysses-style, over a single day in Dublin and tracks two women as they wander the city. Ruth, a therapist, is convinced her husband has left her following their unsuccessful battles with IVF; Pen, a teenage girl with autism, is attending a climate change protest with her best friend Alice, on whom she has a crush, and whom she hopes to take on a date later that evening. As both characters struggle to square reality with dreams they had nurtured, Pine explores with great acuity and tenderness the restorative, capacious nature of love. A wise and lovely book. QUARANTINE by Nick Holdstock (Swift Press 14.99, 320pp) QUARANTINE by Nick Holdstock (Swift Press 14.99, 320pp) No prizes for guessing what this new novel from the young independent publishing company Swift is concerned with. Yep, a deadly pandemic, which as the novel begins has receded, thanks to a vaccine, but has left hundreds still infected in a remote quarantine camp where they live out what time remains as best they can. Rebecca, a scientist, fears a new variant might emerge to defeat the vaccine, and travels to the camp under the guise of exploring a cure, to take samples. Alternating between the story of Rebecca and Lukas, who has the virus, Holdstock stealthily explores the ways in which we react to circumstances of extreme pressure (Rebecca is so fearful of contagion she insists on non-contact sex; Lukas, by contrast, sleeps with as many people as possible). The novel runs out of narrative rope in the final third but Holdstocks piquant imagination, particularly during the camp scenes, remains anchored in putative reality. HERE GOES NOTHING by Steve Toltz (Sceptre, 18.99, 384pp) HERE GOES NOTHING by Steve Toltz (Sceptre, 18.99, 384pp) Of the many novels emerging concerned with global disease, few are comedies. Not so the latest from Toltz, who was Booker-shortlisted for his 2008 novel A Fraction Of The Whole, and who here uses the premise of a pandemic to explore big ideas about faith, mortality and the parlous state of civilisation itself. Our narrator Angus is a second-rate criminal, part-time misanthrope and avowed religious sceptic who is bewildered to find himself, if not exactly alive, then certainly kicking in the afterlife after being murdered by a house guest. Unfortunately, it transpires the afterlife resembles all the worst bits of life on earth. Worse, he can also spy on his wife, the mother of his baby daughter, who in her grief, and to his horror, has formed a relationship with his killer. As a fearsome pandemic rids the world of most of its inhabitants, threatening the afterlife with a population crisis, Toltz struggles to keep his story in check with his rambunctious imagination. Much of your enjoyment though will depend on the extent to which you find his synapse-snapping, belligerently comic prose amusing. I didnt, much. Children play in the street in Gapyeong or Chuncheon City in 1952. Robert Neff Collection By Robert Neff In the spring of 1952, Frederic H. Dustin, a 22-year-old American soldier, arrived at Incheon and was quickly transported to his unit in the Gapyeong area. One of his first impressions of Korea was of the children gathered along the railroad tracks asking the soldiers aboard the train for chocolates and change. For the next couple of months, he saw nothing of the country save the countryside surrounding his camp. In July 1952, Dustin received R&R (rest & relaxation) leave and traveled south to Seoul. In a letter to his parents, he described the abject poverty and dismal conditions that greeted him: "One has no idea I'm sure of the horrible plight many of these people are in. Really awful." He went on to describe the great number of "old, broken down, dirty, filthy, foul-smelling" women who approached him on the street begging for food. "In any alleyway or the street, for that matter, are women sitting, naked babies in their arms or laying on the ground, and past the point of even asking for food. They just raise their hands toward their mouth if you look for a minute." Children along the railroad tracks ask soldiers for candy and money in the spring of 1952. Robert Neff Collection He was badly shaken by the experience which he described as being "very depressing and inhuman to my own feelings." He lamented that there were so many desperate people that even if he had a million dollars it would not be enough to ease their suffering. "I am afraid one [eventually] becomes quite cold and indifferent to the sufferings of others." Concluding his description of Seoul, he wrote: "I don't believe I'll ever forget these people." He was glad to leave Seoul and return to his unit in the Gapyeong area where, despite being so close to the front lines, there was a degree of serenity. He took many pictures of children with runny noses and dirty clothing playing with their siblings in the village streets the images of their innocence juxtaposing with the horrors he witnessed in Seoul. A mother nurses her baby in the street in Gapyeong or Chuncheon City in 1952. Robert Neff Collection A mother carries her child through the streets of Chuncheon in 1952. Robert Neff Collection A young boy is delighted with having his picture taken in Chuncheon in 1952. Robert Neff Collection Children study Frederic H. Dustin as he takes their picture in Chuncheon in 1952. Robert Neff Collection The village children swarmed the American soldiers they encountered in the streets and, using their very limited English, asked for chocolates and other candies. Many decades later, Dustin recalled fondly, "God knows how much gum, chocolate and Chuckles [a jelly-like candy that came in five flavors] were handed out [but] we always had our field-jacket pockets stuffed with those commodities." These were not the only children the soldiers encountered there were also the houseboys. Houseboys were usually young teenage boys hired to perform general housekeeping, boot-shining and arrange laundry service. They were paid between $10 and $15 a month a fairly substantial amount of money. Dustin described the houseboys as being much cleaner than the teenagers they encountered on the streets and, as "most of them have had a little schooling," they were more intelligent. Perhaps one of the smartest houseboys was You-soon who, according to Dustin, was "the most educated of the lot, understanding a little written English and able to read the newspaper [Dustin had received in the mail] although not able to understand the words." Dustin took it upon himself to try improving You-soon's English how successful he was is unknown. Dustin described the houseboys as relatively good kids who went everywhere the unit went (sometimes the soldiers had to smuggle their houseboys past the checkpoints). While You-soon may have been the smartest houseboy, he was not the most popular that honor belonged to Cha Sang-gyu. Cha was about 15 years old when he became one of the camp's houseboys. With his ever-present mischievous smile and friendly personality, he quickly won the hearts of all of the soldiers who showered him with gifts of clothing and even an air rifle for his birthday. Cha was different from many of the houseboys not because of his webbed fingers, but because he enjoyed being around the soldiers and often acted as their guide when they received R&R and even invited some of the soldiers to his home and introduced them to his parents and siblings. After the war, Dustin returned to Korea in 1955 to teach English. He offered to help Cha further his education by paying his tuition but Cha declined claiming he was not ready to return to school. Within a couple of years, Cha was dead as Dustin somewhat hazily recalled, a victim of random violence. As mentioned above, Dustin returned to Korea after the war and spent for the most part the rest of his life in Seoul or on Jeju Island. As a young soldier, he swore he would never forget the desperate people he encountered in Seoul in the summer of 1952. He never did. Over the years, Dustin donated large sums of money to various organizations on Jeju Island perhaps it was an effort to make amends for not being able to help as a soldier. A boy and his mother in Gapyeong in 1952 Robert Neff Collection In 2010, when asked about the Korean War, Dustin confided that it was the children he remembered the most. They are "still in my mind [their] smiles and cuteness," he declared and then added, "I guess the young are cute all over the world in peace or war." Dustin died on May 5, 2018 Children's Day. He was 88 years old. I hope that his final moments of life were filled with the memories of smiling children and the comfort of knowing he had fulfilled his promises to make Korea a better place than it was when he first arrived. Rest in peace old friend. Not everyone liked having their picture taken (Chuncheon 1952). Robert Neff Collection Some of the houseboys at the camp near Gapyeong in 1952. You-soon, on the far left, was described as being the best houseboy in the camp. Little Kim, sitting, stayed with the unit for only a short time before he quit possibly because he "was tired of G.I.s" or because of Big Kim (far right). Big Kim spoke English fairly well but apparently tended to get into trouble and left shortly after Little Kim. Robert Neff Collection Frederic H Dustin, Cha Sang-gyu (houseboy) and Tripper (a puppy adopted by the squad) in Gapyeong in 1953 Robert Neff Collection A LADY'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING by Sophie Irwin (HarperCollins 14.99, 352pp) A LADY'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING by Sophie Irwin (HarperCollins 14.99, 352pp) Sophie Irwins debut is delicious frothy, gossipy and glamorous. A Regency Romance with Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer as literary touchstones, it heads into the familiar world of Georgian High Society on the trail of captivating, conniving heroine Kitty Talbot, whos hunting for a very wealthy husband. With shady antecedents, a broken engagement, a house full of sisters and a mountain of debts, Kitty is determined to use her irrepressible charm to save the family from financial and social ruin. Accompanied by her prettiest sister, the poetical, priggish Cecily, Kitty heads to London to try her luck amid the moneyed elite. Against a glittering backdrop of balls and sumptuous suppers, Kitty snares affable, gullible Archibald de Lacy, but her plans are scuppered by the arrival of his brooding elder brother, Lord Radcliffe, who is more than a match for clever Kitty... LION by Conn Iggulden (Michael Joseph 20, 400pp) LION by Conn Iggulden (Michael Joseph 20, 400pp) Pacy and propulsive, Conn Igguldens latest historical epic heads back to the battlefields and warships of the Ancient World for the first instalment of the story of Pericles, the premier Athenian. Crackling with energy, violence and stirring speeches, Lion chronicles power struggles, political machinations and the bloodthirsty ravages of up-close combat as meticulously trained Persian Immortals and Spartan and Greek hoplites, armed with fearsome spears and lethal stabbing knives, fight themselves into myth. Alongside the carefully researched military strategy and its accompanying weaponry, Iggulden delves into the personal motivations of his legendary characters their hopes and fears, the friendships that form and founder and, in the case of persistent, proud Pericles, strife on the home front, as his new wife contests territory with both her husband and his mother. PRIVILEGE by Guinevere Glasfurd (Two Roads 18.99, 352pp) PRIVILEGE by Guinevere Glasfurd (Two Roads 18.99, 352pp) Eighteenth-century France is a dangerous place: political turmoil is fermenting, the King is determined to suppress all opposition to his power, and his censor, Gilbert, is mercilessly punishing the authors and readers of the texts that have been published without royal consent. Headstrong Delphine Vimond and ambitious Chancery Smith largely ignore his advice and head on an increasingly reckless adventure as they attempt to discover the identity of D, a mysterious writer, whose provocative papers were accidentally smuggled into England. Glasfurd deftly, elegantly captures this volatile world of impoverished attic rooms and gilded literary salons, where ideas are incendiary and words have the power to kill. Pressure is mounting on metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta after the UK accounting regulator launched investigations into the audits of his empire. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is probing into bookkeeping by King & King, a two-partner firm with two offices in London, one above a make-up shop on Regent Street. The firm led by Milan Patel, a 58-yearold chartered accountant, has audited scores of companies in GFG, Gupta's collection of businesses. It is little known, and an unlikely group to be found at the centre of a sprawling multi-billion-pound empire. Under pressure: Sanjeev Gupta has been battling to refinance his conglomerate since the collapse in March last year of Greensill Capital, his main lender The FRC said it would comb accounts relating to Liberty Speciality Steels, Alvance British Aluminium and Liberty Steel Newport for the year ending March 2019. It will also look at Liberty Performance Steels Limited statements for the year ended March 2020. If it finds wrongdoing by King & King it can impose sanctions, including fines and a ban on signing off company accounts. The probes are another embarrassment for Gupta, once lauded as the 'saviour of steel' for rescuing factories after the Serious Fraud Office last week raided several of his UK sites as part of a probe into suspected fraud and money laundering. This marked an escalation of its inquiry into Gupta's metals empire launched last May. Gupta has been battling to refinance his conglomerate since the collapse in March last year of Greensill Capital, his main lender. He controls Liberty Steel through GFG Alliance, a group of metals and energy firms that has as many as 35,000 staff worldwide, including 3,000 in UK steel. King & King has a few other big clients, including firms controlled by Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, founder of Middle East hospital operator NMC Health and finance group Finablr. NMC and Finablr have both been accused of fraud. Patel last year refused to answer MPs' queries about GFG or Gupta. GFG said: 'We recognise the importance of strong audit practices and have been evolving our corporate structure and governance.' Standing out from the crowd and harnessing the power of social media is no mean feat in a crowded digital climate. Big businesses are willing to splash out millions of pounds on slick marketing and advertising campaigns in the hope of bolstering their bottom lines. A growing number of big-name brands are utilising the skills of young professionals who have grown up in the digital world and understand what it takes to capture the hearts, minds and wallets of online users. SocialAmp and Fanbytes are two companies making rapid strides in the online digital marketing world and their success indicates there is still space for small businesses to grow and prosper in this sector. In charge: The four SocialAmp founders, from left to right, Andy, Scott, Tom and Matt SocialAmp is a digital marketing agency founded in 2017 by four ex-Facebook employees, Matt Collino, 31, Scott McKenna, 31, Andrew Scrase, 31 and Tom Scrase, 30. Collectively, they had 15-years worth of experience working at online giant Facebook. Fast-forward to 2022 and SocialAmp, which is based in London and Glasgow, has announced record profits and is embarking on plans for its global expansion. The group raked in a 1.5million profit over the past year and its founders think it will reach a profit of 5million by the end of the next financial year. SocialAmp also has ambitions to launch an initial public offering within three years. To date, the company's clients include Boohoo, Pretty Little Thing, MTV, Nickelodeon, Cernucci and Billionaire Boys Club. It harnesses the power of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Google Search, and has, with the help of investment from KM Capital, rapidly made its mark in the world of digital marketing. Co-founder Scott McKenna, who spent seven years working for Facebook and Instagram, said: 'We're dedicated to helping clients harness the power of digital platforms through effective and tailored ad strategies. 'All four of us have distinguished backgrounds in digital marketing, social media and consultancy. We know exactly how to take businesses to the next level and maximise digital performance. Fellow co-founder Andrew Scrase, who started his career as an advertising sales data analyst at Twitter, said: 'It is fantastic being involved in a business that stretches across so many different industries and witnessing the impact the pandemic has had on numerous fields. 'SocialAmp is in a position to help companies transition to digital and survive the pandemic. 'Being part of their journey has been an incredibly rewarding experience for us and has felt like a real privilege to have had the responsibility to help so many businesses get through those tough moments and explore new areas of opportunity.' High-flyers: Fanbytes is run by Timothy Armoo, left, Ambrose Cooke, middle, and Mitchell Fasanya, right Winning the hearts of Gen-Z Fanbytes is another digital marketing company that has enjoyed sizeable success over the last few years. Its website is emblazoned with a simple message about what it does: 'We help the most forward thinking brands win the hearts of Gen Z.' The influencer marketing agency's three founders, Timothy Armoo, Ambrose Cooke and Mitchell Fasanya, are now celebrating becoming millionaires after recently selling, for an undisclosed sum, Fanbytes to Brainlabs, a private equity-backed digital marketing company. The company, which will now operate as the Influencer division of Brainlabs, is backed by former Dentsu executives Jerry Buhlman and Nigel Morris. Fanbytes' 60-strong team is led by chief executive Armoo, who started the company in 2017 while at university and was named last year in Forbes' 30 under 30 Europe list. The firm expanded rapidly to offer services to over 500 brands around the world and has grown 130 per cent year-on-year for the last five years. Fanbytes boss Armoo, who grew up on a south London council estate, said: 'From day one, Fanbytes has been about more than just an ambition to fundamentally change how brands can speak to consumers (and vice versa); but always being one calculated step ahead in how we achieve that. 'From being first advocates of Snap and TikTok before the industry took either seriously, to literally inventing new ways for brands to use those channels, we've always carved our own path, and helped our clients carve theirs, and we're excited to continue this with Brainlabs. 'Through Brainlabs' global network we can supercharge what we do, bringing our technology, expertise and talent to an even bigger audience. We've also found a kindred spirit that shares similar ambitions.' Brainlabs global chief executive, Daniel Gilbert, said: 'I'm super excited about welcoming Fanbytes to Brainlabs, not only because I'm in awe at what they've achieved in such a short space of time but I also see them as an essential piece of the jigsaw in our digital media offering. 'Influencer marketing has rapidly become an integral part of the digital media mix so to be able to offer it alongside our other capabilities under one roof is a huge advantage to our clients.' Armoo spoke to This is Money about the ups and downs of starting a business and why Fanbytes has proved to be so successful. He said: 'A lot of the most challenging times when building a business can be down to the simple fact that you don't know what you don't know. 'You are figuring things out from first principles, which is exciting but also quite stressful as there can be a lot of pressure to have the right answers quickly. For a business to survive you must always be driving forward. 'However I've seen that launching a business can be the best course for personal development. The person you become as a result of breaking through the many barriers that come with this journey is very powerful.' He added: 'We had a focus on solving a key problem for customers - everyday we spent our time doing that, and this maniacal focus served us well. 'We were relentless in how we operated. In fact we got called cockroaches for our ability to survive anything! 'There were times when we thought we might run out of money or lose a client, but we just kept going and going. 'We also hit the market at the right time, we rode a wave that so many were trying (and failing) to surf and we invested in the right people to help us build on that momentum.' Robert Regan (above), a Republican candidate who compared opposition to overturning the 2020 election to telling his daughters 'if rape is inevitable, you should just lay back and enjoy it', has lost his Michigan special election for a state seat that has never been won by a Democrat A Republican candidate who compared opposition to overturning the 2020 election to telling his daughters 'if rape is inevitable, you should just lay back and enjoy it', has lost his Michigan special election for a state seat that has never been won by a Democrat. Carol Glanville defeated Robert 'RJ' Regan by 11 percentage points Tuesday in a Kent County district that her Republican predecessor carried by 26 points in 2020. Regan had been denounced by GOP leaders since shortly after his upset victory in a four-person primary and has been panned for anti-Semitic remarks and for calling Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'fake war just like the fake pandemic' In March, during a Facebook livestream event for the right-wing Rescue Michigan Coalition, Regan responded to GOP strategist Amber Harris saying it was too late to overturn Donald Trump's election 2020 election loss. That prompted Regan to reply: 'I have the same attitude as the parent of three daughters.' 'I tell my daughters, "if rape is inevitable, you should just lay back and enjoy it," so, that's not how we roll and that's not how we won this election.' 'Well if rape is inevitable, you should just lie back and enjoy it. That's not how we roll. That's not how I won this election. We go right at it.' Two of the other five speakers were visibly appalled at the comment and Harris panned the comparison as 'shameful.' Regan said he regretted using the analogy but claimed it was taken out of context by members of his own party and reporters. He told another local outlet, Bridge Michigan, that he was being criticized because he had a point about the election and excused himself by claiming he was 'not a politician.' Regan (bottom left) made the outrageous remarks when panelist Amber Harris (bottom middle) said it was too late to overturn Donald Trump's election loss 'Sometimes, my words arent as smooth and polished as the politicians are because Im not a politician. Im working on it,' Regan said. 'The only reason the (politically) left trolls attack you is because they know you're directly over the target, dropping direct hits on an issue. If you're not scoring hits, they leave you alone.' With Glanville's win, Democrats shaved Republicans' edge in the Michigan House to 57-53. Democrat Carol Glanville (above) defeated Robert 'RJ' Regan by 11 percentage points Tuesday in a Kent County district that her Republican predecessor carried by 26 points in 2020 Glanville, a Walker city commissioner, said voters 'stood up against hate, conspiracies and Republican extremism, and stood up for our shared west Michigan values of decency, community and working together to solve problems.' The House Republican Campaign Committee did not help Regan in the race, unlike its efforts in other special elections Tuesday. The Michigan Freedom Network, an independent political action committee with ties to the DeVos family, spent $3,500 supporting Republican write-in candidate Mike Milanowski. Regan told a conservative talk radio host Wednesday that his loss was a 'big, big win for... the RINO establishment who proved beyond a shadow of doubt that they would rather have a Democrat in office than an America First Republican candidate like me. ... It's just despicable what they're doing.' Michigan Republican Party spokesperson Gustavo Portela responded that Regan was 'possibly the worst candidate Ive ever seen,' tweeting that he failed to coalesce his own party because of his 'gaffes.' He said the GOP will win back the seat, which is changing under redistricting, in November. Regan was also heavily criticized for appearing to sympathize with Russia's autocrat ruler Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine during another point in the livestream. He said Putin 'understands the United States cannot be trusted to protect him against corrupt Ukraine, the money laundering capitol of the world, human and drug trafficking.' The Republican appeared to wade into anti-Semitic territory when he was directly asked by Michigan's News 8 whether he supports Putin's unprovoked and bloody invasion of Ukraine. 'I would not say that I specifically support the activities of Vladimir Putin,' Regan began. His candidacy made national headlines in 2020 when one of his daughters, Stephanie Regan, made a public plea for voters not to choose her father. '[I]f you're in Michigan and 18+ pls for the love of god do not vote for my dad for state rep. tell everyone,' the teenager wrote in a now-deleted Twitter post on June 23, 2020, according to Business Insider 'All I was trying to suggest is when I see someone like George Soros say we absolutely need to support Ukraine and I see all of the news media jump on board and say, "We all need to get behind Ukraine and condemn Putin," weve just been lied to for the last two years.' Soros, a Hungarian-born American billionaire, is frequently invoked by members of the alt-right as a figurehead for what they falsely believe to be a Jewish-controlled elite ruling class. The May special election is not Regan's first bid to represent Michigan's 74th district. His candidacy made national headlines in 2020 when one of his daughters, Stephanie Regan, made a public plea for voters not to choose her father. '[I]f you're in Michigan and 18+ pls for the love of god do not vote for my dad for state rep. tell everyone,' the teenager wrote in a now-deleted Twitter post on June 23, 2020, according to Business Insider. Regan had released a statement claiming he supports his daughter and her right to express her own views. He then blamed their political rift on the 'Marxist' education he said she was getting in college. 'A lot of students when they go off to these liberal university campuses, like the University of Colorado, the University of Texas and Austin -- and she went to the University of Colorado in Boulder -- and you know, they just kind of get sucked into this Marxist, communist ideology and she and I just don't see eye to eye when it comes to the whole socialism, communism, Marxist philosophy,' Regan told The Hill at the time. Former GoldenTree Asset Management COO, William Christian, was reportedly ousted after complaints of 'disgusting sexual comments' and impregnating a subordinate GoldenTree Asset Management's longtime chief operating officer was ousted from the company after complaints that he held meetings with his pants pulled down to his ankles, made 'disgusting sexual comments' and got a subordinate pregnant - and then lied about it. The claims were made public on Tuesday when the company's ex-COO William Christian, filed a lawsuit against the company over the $1.2 million he received following his exit. He claimed he was owed $5 million. But when Christian filed the lawsuit, Mike Segall, the arbitrator hearing Christian's pay dispute, revealed an investigation by GoldenTree that alleges that the former COO engaged in misconduct, falsified expense reports and made 'disgusting sexual comments' to his employees. In court documents filed by GoldenTree and obtained by Business Insider, the company claimed that Christian expensed meals inappropriately, including at least one with a lower-level employee who he got pregnant and took to Spain on a trip that wasn't for business purposes. Christian, who had worked at the hedge fund from 2004-2020, was also known to subject his 'employees to in-person meetings and conversations while his pants were pulled down to his ankles,' the court documents state. Christian was fired in January 2020 for lying during the investigation. Before being ousted, the former COO reportedly showed 'at least one subordinate a picture of his exposed genitals,' and 'hurled frequent and gratuitous insults,' creating a 'hostile work environment' the court documents show. 'Christian subjected employees to in-person meetings and conversations while his pants were pulled down to his ankles,' claiming that he 'needed to ice his knees,' Segall wrote. In court documents filed by GoldenTree, the company claimed that William Christian expensed meals inappropriately, including at least one with an employee who he got pregnant Christian also 'admitted turning on pornography at least briefly on a television in a hotel room full of GoldenTree employees' and violated company policy by asking an assistant to buy biking gear for him on what appeared to be a porn website, according to the court documents. 'In sum, he created a hostile work environment,' Segall wrote. The woman named in the court documents was fired for lying during the investigation and now works at Coremont, according to her LinkedIn page. She did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com. Her immediate supervisor testified that he felt he couldn't discipline her because of her relationship with Christian, who was higher up in the company, according to the documents. Neither GoldenTree nor Christian's lawyers at Adam Russ of Wasser & Russ responded for a comment request from DailyMail.com on Wednesday. GoldenTree, led by billionaire founder Steven Tananbaum, has more than 250 employees GoldenTree, which is led by billionaire founder Steven Tananbaum, has more than 250 employees at eight locations all over the world. The firm's website notes its commitment to the 'professional growth' of women via its internal group called Golden Gals. The firm has donated to charities, including those that are women-in-finance-focused organizations including 100 Women in Finance, Girls Who Invest, and Encouraging Women Across All Borders. A growing number of firms are offering to pay for their staff to have access to abortions, including Levi's, Amazon and Citigroup, in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court draft that could repeal Roe V. Wade. On Wednesday, Levi Strauss & Co said it will reimburse travel expenses for all its employees who need to travel to another state for health care services, including abortions. The apparel company, best known for its jeans, is the latest U.S. company to offer the benefit as various states clamp down on access to abortions. It comes as the U.S. Supreme Court looks set to vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a leaked initial draft majority opinion published by Politico on Monday. 'Given what is at stake, business leaders need to make their voices heard and act to protect the health and well-being of our employees. That means protecting reproductive rights,' the company said in a statement. On Wednesday, Levi Strauss & Co said it will reimburse travel expenses for all its employees who need to travel to another state for health care services, including abortions Other companies have pledged to offer similar support to their U.S. employees who need to travel out of states like Texas and Oklahoma that have restricted access to abortion services. Amazon.com Inc, the second-largest U.S. private employer, on Monday told employees it will pay up to $4,000 in travel expenses yearly for non-life threatening medical treatments, among them elective abortions. Crowd-sourced review platform Yelp, Inc said it will start in May to cover expenses for its employees and their dependents who need to travel to another state for abortion services. Citigroup Inc became in March the first major U.S. bank to make a similar commitment, writing in a filing in April: 'In response to changes in reproductive healthcare laws in certain states in the U.S., beginning in 2022 we provide travel benefits to facilitate access to adequate resources.' Last September, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees that the tech giant's medical insurance plan would cover treatment for its Texas employees - following the Texas Heartbeat Act which almost bans abortions in the state entirely. HP Enterprise, the Hewlett-Packard subsidiary based in Texas, told Wired in January that its insurance plans also cover out-of-state medical care, including abortions. The CEO of the Texas-based Dating tech company Match last year set up a fund that employees can draw from to pay for their travel in abortion cases. Bumble, another Texas based dating app company, has taken a similar approach. Amazon.com Inc, the second-largest U.S. private employer, on Monday told employees it will pay up to $4,000 in travel expenses yearly for non-life threatening medical treatments, among them elective abortions Firms that offer help for staff to access abortions Amazon Apple Bumble Citigroup HP Enterprise Levi's Match Salesforce Yelp Advertisement 'Bumble is women-founded and women-led, and from day one we've stood up for the most vulnerable. We'll keep fighting against regressive laws like #SB8,' the company said in a statement the same week the legislation came into force. At the time, CEO Shar Dubey told her employees: 'I'm speaking about this personally, as a mother and a woman who has fervently cared about women's rights, including the very fundamental right of choice over her body.' Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said that the company would pay for any of its Texas employees to move out of the state entirely following its Heartbeat act. Ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber said in September they would both create legal defense funds to fight potential Texas lawsuits brought against their workers for driving a person to a clinic where she receives an abortion. Lyft also said it would donate $1 million to Planned Parenthood. Amazon's benefit, effective to Jan. 1 retroactively, applies if an operation is not available within 100 miles of an employee's home and virtual care is not possible, the company's message said. It is open to U.S. employees or covered dependents enrolled in Premera or Aetna health plans, whether they work in a corporate office or a warehouse. The reimbursements that Amazon announced on Monday are not specific to abortion. They provide for other non-life threatening treatments such as around cardiology, cellular gene therapies and substance-abuse disorder services as well. Separately, Amazon offers up to $10,000 in annual travel reimbursements for life-threatening issues. It is expected more companies will offer similar benefits following the news that the Supreme Court would likely reverse a landmark 1973 decision ensuring abortion rights nationwide. The court confirmed that a draft opinion signaling a reversal of the Roe v. Wade ruling, published late on Monday by the news site Politico, was authentic. The court said it did not represent the justices' final decision, due by the end of June. An increasing number of U.S. states have introduced restrictions that greatly limit access to abortions, and many are expected to ban the procedure outright should the court's final decision allow individual states to determine whether it is legal. The U.S. Supreme Court looks set to vote to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a leaked initial draft majority opinion published by Politico on Monday Meanwhile, a provider of prescription pills that are used to terminate pregnancy at home has seen a spike in interest from U.S. women this week, nonprofit Aid Access said on Wednesday. Abortion pills, which can be sent by mail to a patient's home rather than requiring a visit to a clinic, are viewed as a way to circumvent such bans. Aid Access is a telehealth service with headquarters in Austria that provides access to medication abortion in the United States. Christie Pitney, CEO of Forward Midwifery, a Washington D.C. telehealth practice that works with Aid Access, said that the number of women requesting prescriptions for abortion pills, or information about their use, through the group's website has tripled since the draft opinion was leaked. In total, the Aid Access website had 38,530 visitors on Tuesday, an almost 2,900% increase from Monday's 1,290 visitors, Pitney said. The new surge this week represents 'insanely higher numbers,' she said. In 20 U.S. states that allow abortion pills to be distributed via telehealth, Aid Access works with U.S. prescribers like Pitney to meet virtually with a patient and send a prescription for the medication to local pharmacies. The group is seeking to add providers to four more states. The remaining 26 states have restrictions on abortion, and 19 of them outright ban or restrict the use of telehealth to get abortion pills. To get around such restrictions, Aid Access works with doctors in Europe who prescribe the pills for patients via a mail-order pharmacy in India. Pictured: Boxes of the drug mifepristone line a shelf at the West Alabama Women's Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. The drug is one of two used together in 'medication abortions' Those practices are not legal, but U.S. state authorities have acknowledged that they have no effective way of policing orders from foreign doctors and pharmacies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the group a warning letter in March 2019 and ordered it to cease mailing pills from abroad. In a medication abortion, a patient takes a drug called mifepristone, which blocks the pregnancy-sustaining hormone progesterone, followed by a second drug called misoprostol, which induces uterine contractions, to end a pregnancy rather than having a surgical procedure. The pills can be used up to 10 weeks in a pregnancy, according to the FDA. Aid Access has not encountered any problems getting supply of the pills, which are made by privately-held drugmakers GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories for the U.S. market. 'I have talked to a number of clinicians who are stocking up (on the pills) to make sure that they have access to it,' Pitney said. GenBioPro and Danco Laboratories did not respond to requests for comment. Medication abortion recently became the most common method of terminating a pregnancy in the United States, accounting for 54% of all abortions in 2020, preliminary findings by the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights advocacy research group, show. There were 862,300 abortions in 2017, according to the group's latest available data. Medication abortion accounted for 39% of them that year. The autistic Louisiana woman who died fused to a sofa in her own excrement, was last seen alive in public about 15 years ago exercising outside her house, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Close neighbor Robert Blades, 59, said he spotted Lacey Ellen Fletcher for the final time carrying small weights around the neighborhood when she would have been around 21 years old. The father of two told DailyMail.com he knew Lacey as 'just a fun, normal kid' before becoming more isolated from her neighborhood friends from the age of about 14. 'When I saw her that last time, she appeared fairly physically normal,' Blades said. 'She was always pretty thin and she was exercising in the road with those small weights you carry. 'I'd see her a few times, gently getting some exercise in the roadway. I didn't say anything to her that final time, there was no reason to.' Lacey Fletcher, 36, had not been seen in public for at least 15 years before her gruesome death, neighbors told DailyMail.com. Her parents Sheila and Clay Fletcher (pictured after posting bond Wednesday) are charged with second degree murder Lacey attended the former Brownsville Baptist Academy in Louisiana where she was featured (top left) on the school volleyball team - as revealed in pictures exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com Former classmates said Lacey began to retreat into isolation in her teens as her autism accelerated and was home schooled after 9th grade Lacey then vanished from view in the small town of Slaughter, Louisiana and died in January aged 36, after secret horrific ordeal in which her emaciated and feces-smeared body wore a hole in a sofa on which she had stayed for 12 agonizing years. Parents Clay and Sheila Fletcher, both 64, both face life in jail without parole after being charged with second degree murder following a grand jury review on Monday at the courthouse in nearby Clinton. The church-going pillars of their community were arrested hours after the decision, but have been released from East Feliciana Parish Jail after a judge ordered a $300,000 bond on each of them. Blades, a retired welder, said he challenged Clay Fletcher over his daughter's whereabouts around five years ago because she hadn't been seen for years. 'I asked Clay because I hadn't seen her for so long. I actually thought maybe she got married and moved on,' he said. Neighbor Robert Blades, 59, told DailyMail.com he last saw Lacey exercising outside her Slaughter, Louisiana house when she would have been 21 'I said, how is Lacey? How's she doing? Has she moved off? Went to college or what? 'He replied, oh no, she's still here. She's fine. And then changed the subject. And that's it. He didn't explain why we hadn't seen her at all. 'I just took him at his word. I had absolutely no suspicions about what actually happened at that house over the road from us. No alerts, nothing.' Blades and his 37-year-old son, also called Robert, both painted a picture of Lacey as a girl who began to retreat into isolation as she grew into her teens. It is believed her autism accelerated when she was around 14 and she was home schooled after 9th grade. She had been a student at the former Brownsville Baptist Academy where she featured on the school volleyball team as revealed in new exclusive DailyMail.com pictures. Lacey is seen beaming with friends in the back row of the 1997-98 team photo. And in a school year book photo for the 9th grade, also obtained by DailyMail.com, she smiles endearingly while wearing an Alice band in her long blond hair. The Fletchers moved into their neat two-story home on a gravel cul-de-sac around 27 years ago, where a then nine-year-old Lacey started to make friends with children who lived on the same road. The couple regularly attend a Baptist church in nearby Zachary. Lacey pictured at her middle school graduation with classmates A photo of the two-story home located on Tom Drive in Slaughter where Lacey lived with her parents Blades, who moved there four years beforehand with his wife Auralia and sons around Lacey's age, said: 'She appeared to be a happy girl, she liked fun things. I never knew there was anything wrong until she became a teenager. 'There then seemed to be a change in her. From hanging out with a lot of kids, she hardly ever had any friends that went over to see her.' Blades's son Robert told DailyMail.com: 'She became different. She just didn't see things the way a lot of other kids did. Childhood friend remembers Lacey Fletcher as 'thoughtful' and 'sweetest people you could ever meet' Lacey Fletcher was 'one of the sweetest people you could ever meet' who welcomed friendships while at her small private school, a former classmate revealed to DailyMail.com. And she made a point of making newcomers at ease at the now closed Brownsville Baptist Academy in Baker, Louisiana, the friend added. 'I remember her as a sweet, kind person,' said the former 9th grade classmate who did not want to be named. 'She was one of the first people that I was friends with when I started at the school and she was already there. 'She was thoughtful, just sweet is the word I keep coming back to. One of the sweetest people you could ever meet, so very kind. 'Lacey could be quiet, but could also be vocal with her opinions.' The friend was a student with Lacey for three years before they both left after 9th grade, the highest offered at the school, just north of Baton Rouge. They then lost touch. Of Lacey's horrific ordeal and death, the friend who still lives in the area said: 'It is probably one of the most awful things I have seen in my entire life. 'It isn't something you could ever imagine happening to anyone, let alone someone you knew and went to school with 20 something years ago. 'The whole thing, it's hard for me to wrap my mind around. Because it is something that you see on TV, almost like fiction. But this is real.' Advertisement 'I last saw her around 15 years ago like my dad. I wouldn't say I was a particular friend. She'd hang out with my younger brother sometimes. 'But she was definitely different from other kids her age. I knew she was not your typical teenager. 'She was smart, she was as smart as hell. But I guess the best way to put it is that she wasn't as mature as us. She still liked children things, not teenage things.' Robert added: 'When she was 17 or 18 she was more into Disney movies and country music. 'She did invite us over to watch Disney movies, despite being more withdrawn. But that wasn't my forte, I was 18. I used to ride motorcycles.' Lacey's body was discovered after her mother rang 911 around 2am on January 3, when it is believed she said her daughter had stopped breathing. Coroner Dr Ewell Bickham was immediately called to the scene after a horrified sheriff's deputy reported back. However, Blades revealed to DailyMail.com that Sheila Fletcher might have been forced to make that call. 'There was one neighbor here, we don't know who it was, had supposedly seen Lacey on the couch like that and told the parents they had to call the police,' he said. 'And that's what we were told. I don't know how much truth there is in that.' Blades reflected on the horror that was happening day and night over the road from his equally neat two-story house. 'I'm shocked about what happened to that baby. I don't believe anybody around here had idea,' he said. 'She was a sweet girl. I wouldn't treat my dogs like that. I would have cried like a baby if I'd have seen her like that. That's just unspeakable. 'My heart goes out to Lacey. I'm saddened to the bone. 'If I had known, I would have called authorities. I wouldn't have had a choice. We have an obligation to each other as humans.' But he added: 'I pray for Clay and Sheila. I don't hate them. I know that God is going to hold us all fully accountable for what we do. You don't know what goes on behind closed doors. 'I don't think they are cold blooded murderers. I think they made some bad decisions. 'Sheila and Clay were well liked people round here. Church every Sunday. As far as I knew they were fine and upstanding. I never in my wildest dreams thought there was anything wrong over there.' Blades spoke out as the Fletchers both made bail within 36 hours of being charged with second-degree murder. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE Sheila walked out of jail late Tuesday night after posting $300,000 bond a little over 24 hours after her arrest The mother, who is facing murder charges over the death of her autistic daughter Lacey, was snapped leaving East Feliciana Parish Jail Sheila walked resolutely out of jail at 10.30pm local time on Tuesday hours after a judge had set the bond. Pictured leaving East Feliciana Parish Jail in exclusive DailyMail.com photos after her release, she looked straight ahead and refused to answer questions we posed as she headed off with a hastily arranged bail bondsman. Clay, meanwhile, was forced to spend another night behind bars in Clinton after his bond money could not be arranged in time - but was released 12 hours later Wednesday morning, DailyMail.com can reveal. The bespectacled mom shed her orange prison jump suit and emerged to her freedom wearing a blue top with white spots and blue pants. Her short blond hair appeared in disarray. A photo showing a close-up of the leather couch Lacey was fused to. The coroner estimates that Lacey was sitting in that hole in the couch for the last 12 years She refused to say if she felt any remorse over Lacey, who died covered in feces and sunk in a hole in a sofa worn by her emaciated body at her parents' otherwise tidy home. The mother, looking gaunt, also just stared ahead when we asked why her daughter did not move from the couch for 12 years a fact revealed by East Feliciana Parish Coroner Dr Ewell Bickham. Clay Fletcher was released at 10.25am local time Wednesday after his $300,000 bond was sorted following the delay the previous evening. Sheila was seen returning to the jail with the same bondsman to pick up her husband around 10am, wearing a dark red top, blue pants, white sneakers and carrying a large gold colored bag. She emerged with Clay after he stripped off his orange jumpsuit and completed the necessary paperwork to allow him to walk to freedom. Dressed in a blue shirt, the husband also just stared ahead as he made his way swiftly to the pick-up truck parked close to the jail's front reception door. Neither of the couple responded to the same questions DailyMail.com asked Sheila the previous evening. The pair's release followed an order by a judge late Tuesday afternoon setting the bond for each parent at $300,000. They used a bondsman, which means they had to put up 12 per cent $72,000 to cover them both. An undated photo of Clay and Sheila Fletcher standing in front of their Christmas tree Clay Fletcher, shown with Sheila in undated photo, is an officer of the nonprofit Baton Rouge Civil War Roundtable, which has a mission 'to educate and foster an appreciation for the sacrifices made by all during the Civil War' The parents were arrested after a grand jury in Clinton agreed with District Attorney Sam D'Aquilla that they should face second-degree murder charges and not manslaughter. East Feliciana Parish Jail houses roughly 250 inmates, with several of them awaiting murder charges. DA D'Quilla told DailyMail.com the couple's first arraignment is likely to be within two months and a trial could commence as early as October. The grand jury were shown extensive images of the conditions in which Lacey was found. Dr Bickham told DailyMail.com they were so horrific and upsetting that medics were on standby for the 12 panel members. He added that the photos of the scene left those in the room speechless. 'When I was presenting the case and showed the pictures and gave the timeline the expressions of the grand jury was utter shock, he said. 'Like the clock on the wall never moved again. 'There was complete silence. Some jurors were gasping in horror. Some were staring in disbelief.' Bickham also told the DailyMail.com that the case has been really hard on him personally and described Monday's grand jury proceedings as 'long emotional day'. He added: 'Seeing those photos again and reliving this traumatic experience again was really hard.' Speaking outside court after the grand jury decision, the coroner revealed that Lacey had been on the couch for at least 12 years. 'Evidence wise, a minimum of 12 years,' he said. 'Could be before that. At least 12 years. A terribly long period of time.' Dr Bickham also revealed the full horrific cause of death. He said: 'The cause of death stemmed from severe medical neglect, which led to chronic malnutrition, acute starvation, immobility, acute ulcer formation, osteomyelitis which is bone infection which led finally to sepsis.' Lacey was suffering from social anxiety and severe autism, he added. The last time she saw a physician was when she was 16. The tragedy is even more of a mystery as Sheila Fletcher worked for authorities who might have helped her daughter. She was a police and court clerk in the small nearby city of Baker and more recently an assistant to the city prosecutor in Zachary, a slighter larger community also nearby. The mom was also on Slaughter's Board of Alderman but quit on January 24 following four years' service and three weeks after the horror discovery. Clay Fletcher is an officer of non-profit Baton Rouge Civil War Roundtable, which has a mission 'to educate and foster an appreciation for the sacrifices made by all during the Civil War'. The couple's lawyer Steven Moore has said in a statement: 'They don't want to relive the pain of losing a child through the media. 'They have been through a lot of heartache over the years. Anyone who had lost a child knows what it's like. The head of the second-largest teachers' union in the U.S. has been mocked for lamenting the damage from two years of remote learning - a policy which she promoted. Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, on Tuesday hosted a Facebook Live discussion entitled: 'Social Media is Having Negative Effects on Kids and Teens.' Weingarten, 64, began by noting how two years of inconsistent schooling during the pandemic have harmed students, pointing out the toll on mental health and learning. She noted that May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 'Our kids are in crisis,' she said. 'And we had a mental health crisis before COVID - but for two years of disruption, two years of looking at the screens, two years of not having a normal kind of routine and rhythm, recovery is really tough. 'It's not a shock that a lot of kids, frankly a lot of adults, are still under tremendous stress and anxiety.' Randi Weingarten is seen on Tuesday speaking during a Facebook Live discussion, under the headline 'Social Media is Having Negative Effects on Kids and Teens' A teacher is pictured at Stark Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut, in September 2020, during an experiment in hybrid learning - part in class, part remote. Weingarten on Tuesday admitted the disruption had been damaging Weingarten's views on school re-openings and remote learning have fluctuated. In January 2021, she wrote a letter urging New York to resume remote learning, amid a COVID-19 surge. Yet four months later, in May 2021, she was demanding that all public school classrooms reopen. 'There is no doubt: Schools must be open. In person. Five days a week. With the space and facilities to do so,' she said. 'We know that's how kids learn best and that prolonged isolation is harmful.' Yet Weingarten's critics seized on Tuesday's remarks, pointing out that in February 2021 her union had corresponded with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pushing for language that appeared to delay the reopening of schools. Emails show Weingarten lobbying the CDC to tighten their policy, managing to include an opt-put for schools in high-transmission areas, and secure remote work concessions for teachers 'who have documented high-risk conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19'. Corey DeAngelis, national director of research at the American Federation for Children, described her remarks as 'peak gaslighting'. 'Teachers unions fought to keep public schools closed for over a year,' he told Fox News. 'At least six studies have found that school districts with stronger teachers unions were significantly less likely to reopen in person. These union-induced school closures hurt kids socially, mentally, and academically. 'Randi Weingarten's union even lobbied the CDC on school reopening guidance to prolong school closures. 'Teachers unions constantly engaged in fear mongering and hypocrisy, while private schools, daycares, and other businesses reopened.' Many took issue with Weingarten's failure to acknowledge the unions' role in keeping the schools closed. 'I'm sure you'll find the culprit someday,' CNN's Mary Katherine Ham tweeted to Weingarten. Ted Cruz, Republican senator for Texas, tweeted: 'Remind me again who wanted to keep schools closed. 'Oh right teachers union boss Randi Weingarten.' Nikki Haley, Donald Trump's former ambassador to the United Nations, called Weingarten's remarks 'nonsense'. 'The teachers unions pushed Biden to keep schools closed, masked our kids, and kept parents out of classrooms,' she said. 'Now they're making excuses and treating us like we don't know better.' Kevin Hern, a Republican congressman from Oklahoma, added: 'Parents, pediatricians, and mental health experts have been saying this for two years. 'What was Randi doing during that time? Lobbying the Biden Administration to keep schools closed and kids home. 'Her faux concern for our children now is insulting.' Daniel Buck, editor of teachers' newsletter Chalkboard Review, said: 'Hmmmm and who's fault could that be? I wonder' Conservative commentator @PolitiBunny said: 'Awful woman. '@rweingarten is trying so hard to pretend she and @NEAToday aren't responsible for those two years ... that they didn't actively work with the CDC to keep kids stuck in front of screens, without normal or routine, for their own political gain.' 'Shameful, Randi.' TV host Jedediah Bila said Weingarten's remarks were 'shameful'. 'Imagine being responsible for so much destruction and acting like you had nothing to do with it and were on the right side all along,' she said. 'Shameful, @rweingarten. Really, really shameful.' Talk radio host Buck Sexton concluded: 'The education arsonist has thoughts on the devastating effect of fire.' Howard Stern slammed the Oscars audience for doing nothing when Chris Rock was slapped by Will Smith after stars came to Dave Chapelle's defense following his on-stage attack in Hollywood. On Tuesday, 23-year-old Isaiah Lee was arrested after he stormed the stage while Chappelle joked that he'd had to increase his security in light of his trans jokes at the Netflix is a Joke festival. Lee was armed with a knife stashed inside a gun and made a bee-line for the comedian to tackle him but Chappelle swerved the attack and was unharmed. On Wednesday Howard Stern (pictured) pointed out how different of a reaction famous audience members had to Chapelle's attack compared to Rock's Oscar slap Dave Chappelle was last night attacked on stage while filming a Netflix special in Los Angeles Longtime comedian Stern commented on the attack during his Wednesday show, saying he has been fearful for a while about doing live shows because 'people are getting nuttier and nuttier and they're going to use these opportunities to attack people,' Stern and his co-host Robin Quivers discussed how comedians are now on high alert following Will Smith's attack on Chris Rock during this year's Oscar ceremony. But according to Stern comedians tend to out their guard down when on stage because they are concentrating on their sets and aren't aware of whether or not people getting close to them. 'When you're doing your job and you're in the zone, you're hyper-focused on it. So being on stage is really weird cause you're not- you can't sit there and go 'I hope no one from the f***ing audience comes up,' he said. But then Stern got upset when he pointed out how different of a reaction famous audience members had to Chapelle's attack compared to Rock's. Following his attack on Chapelle, Lee was tackled and beaten up by security guards, Chapelle himself and actor Jamie Foxx even helped. 'Unlike the Academy Awards, Jamie Foxx came running out on stage and helped Dave Chappelle,' Stern said. 'Now here's the point I want to make about this and how fucked up Hollywood is. Some people in the audience at the Academy Awards still should be very ashamed of themselves. I hope they are.' Stern pointed out that unlike Chapelle's attacker, Smith was coddled and minutes later was able to get on stage and accept an award. 'This guy jumped up on stage and attacked Dave Chappelle. As soon as that happened, did they let him go back to his seat and laugh and sit next to his wife and then give them an award? No! They took him back stage, they broke his arms and hands so bad,' Stern said. Isaiah Lee, 23, is removed on a gurney and in handcuffs after trying to attack Dave Chappelle at his show in Hollywood on Tuesday night Chris Rock, who performed later in the event last night and was similarly subjected to a violent outburst on stage at the Oscars in March, came on stage and joked: 'Was that Will Smith?', with Jimmy Carr standing behind Chris Rock performed later in the event last night and was similarly subjected to a violent outburst on stage at the Oscars in March 'They fucking beat the shit out of him. But! At the Academy Awards everyone came over and consoled Will Smith- because it was live television and Hollywood didn't know what to do about Will Smith,' he continued. 'Listen! You don't treat Will Smith any different than they did the Chappelle attacker. The audience at the Oscars gave Will Smith a standing ovation after the attack, that's the truth. It's on film, it's not fake news. They didn't break Will's hands, they shook them and it's wrong and they all should be ashamed of themselves,' Stern added. Stern, who is friends with Rock, has expressed his frustrations with how Smith was treated after he slapped the comedian on stage after 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 Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologize to the Academy and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Rock has mostly kept quiet on the issue, speaking out only to say he was 'processing' what happened. The incident prompted members of the comedy community, including Jack Whitehall and Kathy Griffin, to voice their fears that performers are no longer safe on stage. The Netflix event is the streaming giant's first ever comedy festival and features performances from big name stars including Seth Rogen, Snoop Dogg, Bill Burr and Pete Davidson. While Lee's motive for the attack remains unclear, Chapelle came under fire last year over jokes about trans people in his Netflix comedy show The Closer. During the controversial special, he made one comment stating that 'gender is a fact', prompting Netflix staff to protest and mass outrage on social media against some of his jokes. He also shared his backing for JK Rowling, who has also attracted criticism for her remarks about biological sex. In the special, he stated that he does not hate transgender people, and tells a long anecdote about a trans woman comic, who he describes as a friend, who came to his defense in earlier entanglements with the community. Chappelle added: 'Every human being in this room, every human being on Earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on Earth. That is a fact.' In the contentious special, Chappelle also joked that women today view transwomen the same way black people might view white women wearing blackface, and remarked that women are entitled to feel anger toward transwomen, since Caitlyn Jenner won Glamour magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year award. 'I'd be mad as sh*t if I was a woman,' Chappelle said. The star also joked about the anatomy of transwomen, joking that they lacked real female reproductive organs and that they did not have blood but 'beet juice'. The comments prompted calls for Netflix to take down the show, but boss Ted Sarandos told staff that 'content on screen doesn't translate to real-world harm'. Those who have criticized Chapelle's jokes have specifically cited the physical danger faced by the trans community as a result of anti-trans ideology. From left, U.S. President Joe Biden, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo. Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG likely to be asked to expand investments in US By Kim Hyun-bin U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly seeking to meet with the heads of Korea's four major conglomerates during his state visit here later this month. The event, if realized, will be a venue for Biden to ask for more Korean investments in the U.S., according to industry officials, Thursday. The U.S. president is scheduled to visit Korea from May 20 to 22, during which he plans to sit down with Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and other high-profile businesspeople in Seoul. At the meeting, the four major conglomerate chiefs will likely be asked to consider new investments in the U.S., including the establishment of a stable supply chain for semiconductors, electric vehicle (EV) batteries and biotechnology. "I know that the U.S. Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) are in contact with individual companies to coordinate their schedules. There are many variables, so it remains to be seen whether the meeting will take place. The reason for the meetings will be similar to past encounters," a senior official at a major business association said on condition of anonymity. "If we look back at what happened in the past, we can gauge what may happen this time." Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with 18 business leaders during his June 2019 state visit and urged them to invest more actively in the U.S. Trump met with the heads of Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, SK Group and CJ Group and thanked them individually for their increased investments. Last year, Biden held several meetings with global semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics via video to actively cooperate in establishing a stable semiconductor supply chain in the U.S. Following the opening of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor plant in Austin, Texas, the company is investing 20 trillion won ($15.7 billion) to build a second semiconductor plant in the nearby city of Taylor. SK Group announced that SK Innovation will establish a joint venture with Ford called Blue Oval SK to produce 6 trillion won worth of batteries for EVs. "We are looking into the matter but have not received an official response from the White House (for the meeting with Chairman Chey)," an official at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said. Chey is chairman of both SK Group and the KCCI. Hyundai Motor has decided to invest a total of $7.4 billion in the production of EVs and the expansion of charging infrastructure in the U.S. LG Group has decided to spend more than 5 trillion won on business cooperation with U.S. partner General Motors for LG Energy Solutions (LGES), including battery production. Biden is also likely to visit one of Samsung Electronics' semiconductor factories during his visit. Samsung has semiconductor factories in Yongin, Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek, and Lee is expected to show him around the production facilities. When contacted by The Korea Times, Samsung, Hyundai Motor and LG officials all declined to elaborate on the matter. A wealthy Labor candidate parachuted in to stand for election in Sydney's west couldn't name three local restaurants while standing in a street full of them. Economist and entrepreneur Andrew Charlton lives in the $16million 'Fintry' mansion in Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs with his barrister wife Phoebe Arcus. He was hand-picked by Labor leader Anthony Albanese to fight for the marginal seat of Parramatta and recently bought a $1.95million home in the constituency. But when he was quizzed by the locals in Harris Park - famous for its streets packed with Indian restaurants - he couldn't name his three favourite eateries in the area. Wealthy Labor candidate Andrew Charlton has been parachuted in to stand for election in Sydney's west couldn't name three local restaurants while standing in a street full of them The video even swings round to show Mr Charlton, 43, standing in front of popular Indian restaurant Billus as the Labor hopeful struggled to come up with a local diner. The candidate managed to muster two names, including Indian street eatery Chatkazz, but when prompted, couldn't come up with a third. 'Whoa,' he said when pushed. 'There are a lot, jeez, there are a lot of good ones...umm...I would...I would have to say...ummm...' He finally says he said he had a 'fantastic' Ramadan-breaking feast at Parramatta mosque but eventually admits: 'I'll have to get back to you on the name...' Mr Charlton was a highly regarded economic advisor to then-PM Kevin Rudd and helped steer policies that guided Australia through the 2008 global financial crisis. Mr Rudd told the ABC: 'He is a highly talented individual, brilliant economist...and he helped me get Australia a permanent seat on the G20.' The Sydney university graduate was a Rhodes Scholar who got his PhD in economics from Oxford University in the UK. He's written books on economics, including Oznomics, which argued for workers' rights and government investment in technology and education. Economist and entrepreneur Andrew Charlton lives in the $16million 'Fintry' mansion in Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs with his barrister wife Phoebe Arcus The stately home boasts spectacular views across the eastern suburbs and Bondi coastline The father of three founded an economics consultancy AlphaBeta which he later sold to global consultants Accenture, prompting the purchase of his $16million mansion with spectacular views across the eastern suburbs and Bondi coastline. The classic six-bedroom property was previously home to MamaMia! founder Mia Freedman and her husband Jason Lavigne, and is just down the road from media magnate Lachlan Murdoch and his wife Sarah. Mr Charlton is fighting to keep Parramatta for Labor after the retirement of the current MP Julie Owens, who won the seat in 2019 with a slim 3.5 per cent margin. In the cringeworthy video, by local ethnic newspaper Indian Link Media Group, he is also asked his favourite Indian meal, and manages to snap back with a quick reply. Andrew Charlton couldn't name local restaurants while standing in front of Billus restaurant (pictured) in the Indian restaurant suburb of Harris Park in Parramatta 'I was a vegetarian for a long time, so I do love a vegetable biryani,' he said, adding that the variety of foods in the area was one of its strengths. 'It reflects the diversity of the community. 'We have people in Parramatta from all over the world and that is what makes this place so exciting and what it's what makes this place so vibrant and so diverse.' A former Brisbane school vice-captain and plane enthusiast was killed just days before he was set to visit his loving family. James Baxter, 24, was killed in a three-vehicle crash on a major Sydney highway at about 8.50am last Saturday. He had been driving on the intersection of the Great Western Highway and Melbourne Street in Colyton when he was rear ended and forced into the vehicle in front of him. Mr Baxter was rushed to Westmead Hospital shortly after the crash but tragically died surrounded by family at about 10.40am on Sunday. Aviation enthusiast and former vice-captain at Brisbane's Aviation State High School, James Baxter (pictured), 24, was killed in a three-vehicle crash on a major Sydney highway at about 8.50am last Saturday He had been the former vice-captain at Aviation State High School, Brisbane, before earning his private pilot's licence and moving to Sydney to work at Swissport at the city's airport for 18 months as a ramp services agent. James had also gained fame in the plane-spotting community and was well-regarded for his aviation photography. Family members told Courier Mail the young pilot had been on his way home from visiting a mechanic as he prepared to move back to Brisbane to start a new job at the international airport and be closer to his family. James had been just two blocks from his Sydney home when police allege a drunk driver hit the back of his Subaru hatchback, causing it to collide with a Toyota van in front. A report by NSW Police states that the driver, a 35-year-old man, who rear-ended James was taken to St Marys Police Station where he allegedly returned a positive result on a breath test of 0.074. Mr Baxter was famous in the plane-spotting community for his aviation photography with one man calling the young enthusiast an 'inspiration' The legal alcohol limit for fully licenced drivers in NSW is 0.05. The driver of the Toyota van, 31, was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been released. James was due to start his drive back home to Brisbane on Thursday at 5am to reunite with his much-missed family. His younger sister, Rachel, described the fond memories she had of her brother. 'When he came home before Easter, he said "I miss you guys" - he missed going out with me and going on drives. We'd play music and go to Grill'd restaurants together,' she told the Courier Mail. James had moved to Sydney to work at Swissport at the city's airport for 18 months as a ramp services agent and was less than a week from moving back to Brisbane to be with family and work at Brisbane international airport Rachel - who is gluten intolerant - said whenever the family went out to eat and there wasn't a gluten-free option, James would insist the family went to a different restaurant so they could enjoy their meal together. 'He always wanted the best for people,' she said. Tributes to James from friends, family and aviation enthusiasts worldwide have flooded social media. 'It's taken me a few days to write this as I'm still in utter disbelief that you're gone,' one woman wrote. 'You are the most incredible, kindhearted person I have ever met in my entire life. Your joy for life was contagious and your passion for aviation was truly inspiring. Rest easy J, I love you.' 'An inspiration to us all. You were the one who sparked my love for night photography and I will never forget your legacy,' another said. 'I will forever cherish the moments we shared and the impact you had on the aviation community.' A family member said James' passion for aviation began at a young age when his mother took him to go plane watching at airport in Hamilton in Victoria and only grew when the family moved to their Brisbane home near the airport. Mr Baxter's friends and family - including little sister Rachel (left) - have shared their fond memories of the late pilot and asked grievers to consider donating blood in his memory Aviation State High School Principal David Munn, 60, said the staff who knew Mr Baxter were 'heartbroken' and described him as a 'decent young man'. 'James was one of our main ambassadors for anything around aviation. If Boeing came to have a talk, he'd lead it. If we went to visit Qantas or Virgin, he would be the one leading with questions,' he said. Mr Baxter's family have asked anyone wanting to pay tribute to their loved one to consider becoming an organ donor or donating blood, something he was passionate about. The young man was a regular blood donor - giving his last donation just before Easter - and donated his liver, lungs, kidneys, corneas, bone marrow, some bones and skin following the tragic accident. Better Health Channel advises one organ or tissue donor can save more than 10 lives and help to forever change the lives of some 1,400 people waiting for a transplant. The driver who crashed into Mr Baxter appeared in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday where he faced upgraded charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death and drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol. NSW defines breath test results between 0.05 to 0.079 as low range. The man did not apply for bail and is due to face court again on July 5. A mysterious flesh-eating ulcer is spreading through parts of Melbourne, with authorities releasing a health warning that it could be passing from possums to humans via mosquito bites. Buruli ulcers, which create a red, oozing cavity inside a painful circle of inflamed skin, are an infection caused by bacteria traced back to possums. Several cases of the disease known as the 'Buruli' ulcer have been detected in Pascoe Vale South and Strathmore, in the city's northern suburbs. This follows previous cases last year that had occurred across inner-Melbourne areas including Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West. Several cases of the disease known as the 'Buruli' ulcer (pictured) have been detected in Pascoe Vale South and Strathmore, in the city's northern suburbs Associate Professor Deborah Friedman (pictured) explained that the Buruli ulcer is a skin infection caused by the bacterium mycobacterium ulcerans - which can come from mosquito bites and possum faeces Despite the warning, Ms Freidman believes the risk of acquiring the ulcer in these areas is low, but they have been flagged as potential areas of concern. Areas such as Rye, Sorrento, Blairgowrie and Tootgarook are the highest risk areas of transmission, according to Victorian health chiefs. Deborah Friedman, Victoria's deputy chief health officer for communicable disease, said that genetic analysis of the bacteria showed it came from a common source - possums. 'The potential source of M. ulcerans in Melbourne's inner north has not been established, although the bacteria were isolated from the faeces of a local possum,' Ms Friedman noted. It's also claimed that the disease is not transmissible from person to person and there is no evidence of transmission from possums directly to humans. There is increasing evidence that mosquitoes play a role in transmission, so reducing mosquito breeding sites and avoiding mosquito bites are both important prevention measures. The lesions (pictured) usually present as a slowly developing painless nodule or papule which can initially be mistaken for an insect bite The lesions usually present as a slowly developing painless nodule or papule which can initially be mistaken for an insect bite. They can progress over weeks to a destructive skin ulcer which is known as Buruli or Bairnsdale ulcer. Ms Friedman said 'early diagnosis is critical to prevent skin and tissue loss.' It's believed everyone can be susceptible to this infection, however Buruli ulcer detections are highest in people aged 60 and over. The incubation period has been estimated to vary between four weeks to nine months, and across Victoria the case reporting peaks between June and November each year. Public health laboratory testing for Buruli ulcer is free for patients. A handling fee may apply for private pathology companies. Buruli ulcer must be notified to the Department of Health within five days of diagnosis. A woman has gone missing after wandering out of her home late at night wearing pyjamas, with police and family appealing for help to find her. Tanaha Direen, 31, left her home on foot in the remote Tasmanian village of Kempton, an hour's drive from Hobart, at 9pm on Wednesday night. Ms Direen hasn't been seen since despite overnight search efforts covering the tiny village with family and locals fearing for her wellbeing. Desperate family and police have described Ms Direen as slim, 175 cm tall with brown hair and pink ends, and say she may have also been wearing a black or white hooded jumper. They have urged motorists along the Midland Highway and those in the area to look out for the woman. Missing woman Tanaha Direen (pictured) left her home late last night on foot in nothing but her pyjamas and a hoody as locals fear for her welfare after a night of near naught degree temperatures Overnight, police used thermal imaging drones to search the public areas of Kempton overnight to no avail. The small town has a population of around 400 and is situated in the lower pastural area of Tasmania, around 40km north-west of Hobart. Locals have thanked the Kempton police for their quick response and overnight efforts but have also expressed their fears for the woman. 'Went missing so late in the evening, I'm very surprised that the police acted so fast and used their technology too! Its a very small town, shocking they didn't find her,' one local wrote online. Police used thermal imaging drones to search the seven-street town (pictured) overnight but found no sign of the missing woman 'Thinking of all her family, hope she is found safe & home with her loved ones,' said another concerned local on Facebook. 'I hope you are okay Tanaha, thinking of you and your family and hoping you are found safe beautiful,' wrote a friend. Kempton village locals are also concerned about the frigid overnight temperatures in the area. 'I hope she's found, it was a very cold night!' 'Hope she is found safe, it was a cold one at Kempton last night.' Temperatures dropped as low as two degrees overnight in the area. As the town is situated between open pastures and hills on all sides, some speculated she couldn't have gone far solely on foot. A local suggested using traffic surveillance to check the vehicles travelling in and out of the township for Tanaha. The town is beside the Midland Highway and otherwise only has one other paved road leading out of the town to the south-west. Family member Monique Direen has also appealed for locals to call the police, still currently searching for Tanaha, if they see her and for her loved one to return home. 'Please can everyone one please keep their eyes out for Nay. If you see her please stay with her and call the police. Nay if you see this we love you and we want you home,' she wrote. Alan Jones claims it will be an 'economic suicide note' if Australia continues to commit to net-zero climate change policies. The veteran broadcaster cast the grim warning during his nightly program on the digital streaming service ADH TV on Wednesday. 'Going net zero will cost Australia,' the conservative media personality said. 'I've called it a national economic suicide note.' Both The Liberals and Nationals agreed to an unlegislated target of net-zero emissions by 2050, following tense negotiations ahead of the COP26 UN climate change conference in late 2021. Labor is aiming for a 43 per cent emissions cut by 2030, exceeding the governments forecast figure of 35 per cent, but falling well short of a 75 per cent pledge by the Greens. Alan Jones has claimed it will be an 'economic suicide note' for Australia if the country decides to adopt a net zero climate change plan Jones said he 'hoped' residents in the Hunter Valley or 'resource-rich' Western Australia were 'making their voices heard' as the net-zero policy would essentially phase out coal. 'If net zero becomes etched into the national psyche, which I fear it has thanks to weak-kneed politicians on both sides, their jobs will be gone,' he continued. The broadcaster then begins questioning what the country would be able to pay for in the near future as both Liberal and Labor 'stick to going net zero'. 'How do we build better roads? How do we build more schools and hospitals? How do we afford to pay for those on welfare? How do we afford better conditions in aged care?' he says. Jones argues that Australians forgot that exporting resources and minerals 'pays for nearly all of this stuff'. Jones said he 'hoped' residents in the Hunter Valley or 'resource-rich' Western Australia were 'making their voices heard' as the policy would essentially phase out coal. (Pictured: A wind farm in Tasmania) The IPA's report alleges that '274billion in unrealised economy activity' and 'over 478,000 jobs' would be lost across the country if Australia heads towards net zero. (Pictured: A power station in La Trobe Valley, Victoria) 'Politicians who've never read a book or a piece of legislation are trying to eradicate coal from the Australian economy, thereby creating a poorer Australia.' After discussing the suggested impacts of net zero emissions in the Hunter Valley, Jones turns his attention to North Queensland, where there is a high proportion of jobs in the resources sector. He cites research conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs that suggests ending resource-related projects already in development would 'stop the creation of 125,000 jobs' in the region. The IPA's report also alleges that '274billion in unrealised economy activity' and 'over 478,000 jobs' would be lost across the country if Australia heads towards net zero. 'The depressing thing is that most major parties are on board with this nation-destroying nonsense,' Jones added. Jones' comments come as Nationals senator Matt Canavan declared a net-zero target 'dead' as Prime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed his partys pledge as 'absolute policy'. Mr Morrison on Wednesday defended the governments target of net-zero emissions by 2050, following comments made by a coalition candidate who described it as not binding. Senator Canavan went further, telling the ABC: 'Net zero is dead anyway. Boris Johnson said he is pausing it, Germany is building coal and gas infrastructure, Italy is reopening coal-fired power plants its all over.' Colin Boyce, the LNP candidate for the Queensland seat of Flynn, labelled the commitment 'flexible' and noted 'wiggle room' within it, a view Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce described as 'completely understandable'. The comments prompted Labor to demand the prime minister clarify the governments position. 'Scott Morrison has a job to do today. Is net zero a firm commitment of the government? Or is it simply a flexible guideline as the candidate for Flynn has said?' opposition energy spokesman Chris Bowen told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday. Nationals senator Matt Canavan has declared a net-zero target 'dead' as Prime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed his partys pledge as 'absolute policy' Labor is aiming for a 43 per cent emissions cut by 2030, exceeding the governments forecast figure of 35 per cent, but falling well short of a 75 per cent pledge by the Greens. Pictured is opposition energy spokesman Chris Bowen with Anthony Albanese Mr Bowen said the coalition was saying one thing on climate change in seats such as Hinkler in Queensland, and another in Higgins in metropolitan Melbourne and Queens Park in eastern Sydney. 'They want to be on both sides of the stream well they cant be.' Mr Morrison claimed Mr Boyce was talking about the pathway to net zero, rather than the strength of the pledge. 'He wasnt talking about the commitment itself, he has clarified that,' he told reporters in Townsville. 'Our commitment to net zero by 2050 is a commitment of the Australian government that I made in Glasgow. It is the governments absolute policy.' Mr Boyce earlier said the net-zero pledge would not be legislated, although moderate Liberal MP Dave Sharma has previously described it as binding. 'It leaves us wiggle room as we proceed into the future. Morrisons statement that he has made is not binding,' Mr Boyce told the ABC on Tuesday. Mr Joyce acknowledged the government was on a pathway to net zero, but insisted major export sectors such as coal could not be exited immediately. 'We have acknowledged that, along that pathway, it is not a lineal form,' he told reporters in Shepparton while campaigning in central Victoria. 'We understand that for this nations economy to prevail, we cannot just step aside from our second biggest export or our third biggest export that would be completely and utterly economically irresponsible.' Asked whether Labors own climate targets were designed to appeal to voters in a number of marginal seats, Mr Bowen said the partys targets would be sold nationwide. But Labors foreign affairs spokesperson Penny Wong said their targets would not be heightened as Pacific nations call for greater actions. Labor had previously pointed to the governments lack of climate change action as one reason the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China. Pictured is Penny Wong Labor had previously pointed to the governments lack of climate change action as one reason the Solomon Islands signed a security pact with China. 'We will be a genuine partner (on climate change) there are obviously areas where people would like us to go further, any minister whos represented the nation knows that internationally,' Ms Wong said. 'But what we will not do is treat them disrespectfully and in the way this government has, which has in part been a contribution to the situation within the Pacific.' Dozens of Naval officers have revealed their suicidal thoughts to a charity after three killed themselves in one week on the USS George Washington last month. Sailors said they discussed killing themselves every day with each other, listed 'drugs, pills, hanging, jumping, driving into a tree, taking a bullet to the skull, slitting our wrists, toaster in the tub', confessed to feeling like their boss 'doesn't care one way or another if you live or die', said they were 'stressed' and 'isolated', and one said they wouldn't mind if a bus hit them. The messages were sent to forces mental health charity the Brandon Caserta Foundation (BCF), set up by the family of Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta, 21, who killed himself in 2018 by walking into a chopper tail rotor. His death prompted the passing of the Brandon Act by the Biden administration, which added a requirement for a mental health evaluation as soon as a service member 'self-reports'. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Brandons mother and president of the BCF Teri Caserta slammed Navy leadership for failing to deal with the mental health crisis ravaging its service members. Xavier Hunter Sandor (above) killed himself on April 15. His father said the sailor slept in his car and drove 8 hours home every other weekend from Virginia to Connecticut to get away Natasha Huffman, 23, (above) killed herself on April 10. Friends said she repeatedly asked for help but was provided with little assistance before ending her life Mika'il Rayshawn Sharp, 23, (pictured) killed himself on April 9. His mother said the youngman was excited to start a family with his new wife Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta, 21, killed himself in 2018 by walking into a chopper tail rotor More than 200 sailors were moved off the USS George Washington aircraft carrier this week following the deaths of seven crew members in the past year including four by suicide. BCF sent out a call last month offering assistance to servicemembers and their families experiencing a mental health crisis, and received a shocking slew of anonymous messages from alleged crew of the Washington carrier. 'Every day, we discuss how we would do it,' one officer wrote. 'Drugs, pills, hanging, jumping, driving into a tree, taking a bullet to the skull, slitting our wrists, toaster in the tub *if you even get to leave to use a tub. I know it would horrify my family, hell, it horrifies me too, but I can't stop, it helps in a f***ed-up way.' Those who died in April have been named as, Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Xavier H. Mitchell-Sandor, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Natasha Huffman and Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Mikail Rayshawn Sharp. Sharp, 23, killed himself on April 9. His mother said the young man had been excited to start a family with his new wife. Friends of Huffman said she repeatedly asked for help but was provided with little assistance before ending her life. Sandors father said his son was so desperate to get away from the ship he slept in his car and drove 8 hours home every other weekend from Virginia to Connecticut. Hannah Crisostomo, 20, (pictured) swallowed 196 pain relievers last May. She said she was overwhelmed by the conditions aboard the USS George Washington, where following her suicide attempt, five other crewmates killed themselves Crisostomo slammed the alleged lack of leadership aboard the boat and failure to tend to the sailors' mental health. She claimed no one came to help her when she sought assistance One damning message lambasted military leadership for trying to 'cover their own a**'. 'Living like this is miserable enough. But knowing the CoC [chain of command] doesn't care one way or another if you live or die beyond the PR bulls**t they will have to send out and the paperwork involved is the cherry on top of the s**t sundae,' the anonymous officer said. 'You get jaded and bitter damn quick. You have to, because trying to empathize isn't going to help you. Every time something bad goes down, or someone offs themselves, the rest of us have to sit through the mandatory 'don't kill yourself' PowerPoint trainings. 'The leadership's only goal is to cover their own ass.' 'Having that many people commit suicide, if you know them or not, it affects us all,' said another. 'it's hard to tell who is on the far end of things, who might be next, when most if not every single one of us is at least a bit suicidal. Nautica Robinson, 23, (above) a crewmate who alsto attempted to kill herself last May, echoed that 'toxic leadership' was to blame for the string of suicides on board the ship Robinson said she repeatedly reached out to leadership to provide better mental health support for sailors, but receieved little aid, even after she said she was sexually abused by another sailor off-base in 2020 The charity said it received the messages on Facebook via Hannah Katze, a mother of a sailor on the George Washington, who used a pseudonym to contact them to avoid blowback from Navy chiefs 'I'm not looking to actually kill myself, but if a bus were to slam into me head on? Don't know if I would mind much.' One officer furiously lashed out at 'PR' and 'politics' that they said is 'killing us'. 'There isn't a shred of support. I feel like I'm drowning in the BS they spit out of their mouths. It's all a lie to try and maintain public perception. 'Perceive this: your PR politics are killing us.' The charity said it received the messages on Facebook via Hannah Katze, a mother of a sailor on the George Washington, who used a pseudonym to contact them to avoid blowback from Navy chiefs. Master Chief Petty Officer Russell Smith acknowledged problems on the ship and said that beating suicide is like beating cancer, there are many causes and it's not easy to find the caus 'These are disturbing messages from servicemembers in need of our help,' said Teri Caserta, mother of Brandon Caserta and president of the BCF. 'Simply moving these men and women from the ship to another location is not the solution. They need encouragement and access to mental health services to determine their condition and prognosis. We must ensure that they are safe and that America is doing everything possible to stop the suicide of men and women in the military.' When I was reading these messages I cried, she added. To read how these poor sailors were talking about how they would choose to die was horrible. The mother and charity head accused Navy commanders of blatant disregard for the welfare of the George Washington carrier sailors. They were trying to get answers about why they have no air conditioning and why they have no hot water and why they have to live in moldy conditions, she said. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy went to the ship and addressed the crew. He said at least you're not with the Marines in a foxhole. Caserta said she believes commanding officers were being unnecessarily vindictive towards the crew, making them stay in squalid conditions on the ship despite it being docked in Virginia with a functioning base nearby. And she said the soldiers who revealed their suicidal thoughts had to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation by their commanding officers. If the command on that ship find anybody's parents or anybody who talked to anybody to get the stories out, theyre going to be retaliated against, the grieving mother said. Her husband went a step further, calling for a change in command on the suicide-struck ship. 'We must see a change in command for the U.S.S. George Washington because it has allowed this toxic environment to take hold,' co-founder Patrick Caserta said. His death prompted the passing of the Brandon Act by the Biden administration, which added a requirement for a mental health evaluation as soon as a service member 'self-reports' The couple said they have tried to schedule a meeting with the Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro to warn of the impending crisis but were ignored. A spokesman for the charity said when they warned they would be releasing the anonymous comments from sailors publicly, the Pentagon asked them to keep quiet. 'They asked us not to release them,' said spokesman David Cruz. 'They asked for more time. But the fact is, they've had enough time.' The Navy has opened an investigation into the command of the Nimitz-class carrier. Commanding officer Captain Brent Gaut started moving officers off the ship Monday. 'We've assigned an investigating officer to look into that and to really to look into the proximate cause. Was there an immediate trigger? Was there a linkage between those events? I expect that to report out this week, and I won't presuppose the outcome of that report,' Admiral John Meier, commander of US Naval Air Force Atlantic, told media on Tuesday. He added that a second investigation with a 'much broader scope' will focus on 'command climate' and 'command culture'. Those who died in April have been named as, Master-at-Arms Seaman Recruit Xavier H. Mitchell-Sandor, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Natasha Huffman and Retail Services Specialist 3rd Class Mikail Rayshawn Sharp. Sharp, 23, killed himself on April 9. His mother said the young man had been excited to start a family with his new wife. Friends of Huffman said she repeatedly asked for help but was provided with little assistance before ending her life. Sandors father said his son was so desperate to get away from the ship he slept in his car and drove 8 hours home every other weekend from Virginia to Connecticut. Suicide rates increased from 20.3 per 100,000 service members in 2015 to 28.7 in 2020 according to an annual Pentagon report released last September. The latest figure is double the national suicide rate of 13.5. In 2021, 384 active duty officers, 77 reservists and 119 National Guard killed themselves. Most were men under 30. Brandon Caserta killed himself at a naval station in Norfolk, Virginia, after an alleged campaign of bullying by his crewmates. He is pictured with his parents Teri and Patrick Brandon Caserta's parents, Teri and Patrick Caserta, Co-Founder of the Brandon Caserta Foundation are pictured at a memorial to their son Family members of Brandon Caserta are pictured at a memorial to their son Brandon Caserta killed himself at a naval station in Norfolk, Virginia, after an alleged campaign of bullying by his crewmates. He trained to be a SEAL but had to drop out after he broke his leg. He retrained has an aviation electrician but was constantly bullied and hazed according to his parents. After dropping out of SEAL training, Caserta retrained as an aviation electrician but was constantly bullied and hazed according to his parents Teri said Brandon wrote a letter about the alleged abuse to his commanding officer a week before he died, but it was ignored. His concerned father, a 22-year Navy veteran himself, called a senior officer on June 25, 2018, and asked him for help. Teri said the Navy chief hung up, found Brandon and berated him in front of everybody. Brandon walked out to the landing strip on the base, told an officer standing by I'm sorry for what you are about to see, then dived head first into a helicopters spinning rear blades, his mother said. Teri told DailyMail.com that from that moment on, the Navy has tried to obfuscate the circumstances around Brandons death. She said the officers sent out to inform the parents of their sons death were ordered by their commanders to lie that he was alive in hospital, which they refused to do, and claimed that gag orders had been placed on officers at the Virginia base to stop them speaking to the parents or the media. The commanding officer told his sailors that if he found out that anybody spoke to us or the media, he would find it mutiny and they would be thrown in Leavenworth prison, she said. That was told to the sailors the night it happened. We were not invited to the commands memorial that they held. The commanding officer requested extra security at the Virginia-based gate so that if we showed up that we would not be able to get on the base. Vladimir Putin unleashed his deadliest missile blitz on Ukraine for almost a month yesterday, killing more than 20 people and causing electrical blackouts in tens of thousands of homes. Officials said more than 20 missiles were fired from the Caspian Sea in the devastating barrage which hit electrical substations close to railways and residential areas, plunging hundreds of thousands of frightened civilians into darkness. Among those killed was a priest in the frontline region of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. The flurry of attacks came as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany. It is feared Putin will use the occasion to declare an all-out war on Ukraine rather than what he currently calls a special military operation. The Russian military said yesterday it had used sea and air-launched guided weapons, including Kalibr cruise missiles fired from submarines, to destroy power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. Strikes in the frontline Donbas area, where an oil depot was hit, killed 21, according to the governor of the eastern Donetsk region. It was the single largest loss of life since a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed 59 a month ago. Vladimir Putin unleashed his deadliest missile blitz on Ukraine for almost a month yesterday, killing more than 20 people and causing electrical blackouts in tens of thousands of homes Officials said more than 20 missiles were fired from the Caspian Sea in the devastating barrage which hit electrical substations close to railways and residential areas, plunging hundreds of thousands of frightened civilians into darkness The flurry of attacks came as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany Shocked residents in the western city of Lviv were rocked by explosions on Tuesday evening, in the first attacks there since mid-April. Officials said six rockets were fired directly on western Ukraine, where millions of refugees have fled since Putins invasion on February 24. Two missiles were shot down by Ukraines air defences, three hit Lviv and one hit the neighbouring region of Zakarpattia. One 24-year-old victim, who needed an urgent operation to remove bomb fragments from his thigh, was parking his motorbike outside his home in Lviv when the blast hit. He said: When I took off my helmet, I saw a rocket flying in my face. It fell behind a concrete wall, about ten metres from me. The garage I was standing near exploded. Only when I ran home did I notice that there were fragments in my leg. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu justified the attacks by saying Lviv had been a gateway for Nato weaponry. A New Zealand man who killed a cat in an act of 'extreme violence' by throwing the beloved pet across a room at a backpackers hostel before bashing a woman has been jailed. Clayton Tamakehu, 35, will spend two years behind bars after he pleaded guilty to the shocking incident while living at the Geeky Gecko hostel in Dunedin in December. The court heard a resident's cat named Heidi was wandering around a shared bedroom when Tamakehu picked up the animal and slammed her into a bunk bed with 'considerable force'. The cat was then hurled across the room and struck a set of metal lockers, Stuff reported. Clayton Tamakehu pleaded guilty to ill-treating an animal and assault with intent to injure Clayton Tamakehu was living at the Geeky Gecko hostel when he slammed a pet cat into a bunk bed before it was sent flying across the room, hitting mental lockers Heidi succumbed to her horrific injuries and died on the floor. Tamakehu was then confronted by a woman, 35, over the violent incident. She was repeatedly punched in face and was left with a black eye cuts, bruises and severe concussion. 'The victim has then dropped to the ground with the defendant still raining punches,' court documents reportedly said. The woman is still emotionally scarred by the traumatic ordeal and read out a victim impact statement in court. 'I can't work due to the psychological impact it has had on me,' she said, according to Stuff. A cat that belonged to one of the hostel residents died from horrific injuries (stock image) Tamakehu fled the scene and initially denied harming the cat and claimed the woman fell out of bed when he was later arrested by police. He later pleaded guilty to ill-treating an animal and assault with intent to injure. The court heard Tamakehu struggled with emotions after he suffered a traumatic brain injury suffered in 2014. Judge Emma Smith noted his guilty plea but said the 'extreme violence' had to be taken into account as she sentenced him to two years jail. 'It is a particularly serious matter,' the judge said. 'You lost control.' 'You have real difficulty controlling mood, emotions and behaviour . . . You simply don't exercise judgment as normal people do,' said the judge. 'That doesn't make it any better for your victim and it doesn't make it any better for Heidi.' A frightening new scam has seen a property buyer lose $732,000 after she opened the wrong email. The woman from Western Australia was finalising the purchase of a new house in Beaconsfield in Perth's south last month when she opened a message from her settlement agent. But the email was actually an authentic-looking fake which asked her to deposit the cash into a bank account that was owned by shady online thieves. The con is known as a 'payment-redirection' scam in which communications are intercepted and then fake documents sent between parties to hijack financial transactions. A 'payment redirection' scam resulted in a woman losing her $732,000 house deposit after she clicked on the wrong email (stock image) The scam usually targets transfers of large amounts such as property purchases or business deals. The WA woman only discovered she had been duped after the real settlement agent sent an email reminding her to send through payment before a final property inspection. At that point she had already transferred the $732,000, leading to the scam being uncovered. Investigators worked out the scammers had intercepted emails between her and the property agents and then mocked up fake documents using the company's logo but including their own account number. The email had been sent from a hotmail address using the name of the company. In WA alone, nine victims have reported losing a total of $1,015,129 in the first four months of 2022, this amount included. The ACCC said the amount lost to payment redirection scams across Australia in 2020 was about $128million. WA Consumer Protection Executive Director Trish Blake urged people to be suspicious of any email asking for a payment of money or advising of a change in bank account details to where payments are sent. 'These scams involve hacking into someone's email account or computer system but it can be difficult to determine exactly where the hack has occurred,' Ms Blake said. 'Victims who may have lost their home deposit that they have been saving for many years or it could be a business doing it tough. 'The hackers may have guessed the password or installed spyware after recipients clicked on attachments or links in scam emails.' The ACCC have listed a number of ways fake or scam emails can be spotted (stock image) She said choosing difficult passwords or changing them regularly is advised, as is avoiding opening suspicious links or attachments. 'We suspect another exposure may be the use of unsecured WiFi connections which may provide scammers with a window of opportunity to break in. 'Especially with many people working from home at the moment, they need to ensure that a secured network is being used and they have up-to-date virus protection software.' An elite state school dubbed the socialist Eton was plunged into fresh chaos last night as it was accused of a litany of failures dating back 18 years. A report into historical allegations at Holland Park School in Kensington, west London, uncovered safeguarding breaches and exploitation within teacher-student relationships. The schools future is already hanging in the balance as it faces staff strikes, pupil riots and a rebellion by parents. The new investigation said very little support was provided to students after traumatic events such as the Grenfell tragedy, and that public humiliation or shouting was used as a behaviour policy. The report, commissioned by the schools governors, also said there had been a culture of fear, favouritism and inequality. An investigation into Holland Park School in Kensington, west London, found safeguarding breaches and exploitation within teacher-student relationships Colin Hall (pictured) was headmaster of the London school for the entire time of the allegations, having retired earlier this year Dozens of former pupils and staff were interviewed and allegations stretched between 2004 and 2021. Colin Hall was headmaster for all of that period before retiring this February. He had been credited with turning the previously failing school around, but his strict discipline methods angered many Left-wing teachers. Last year, staff reported him to the authorities for alleged abusive management, while 100 former pupils signed a letter claiming the school had a toxic environment. Cases of bullying, favouritism and the public humiliation of staff and students were all found in the report One ex-pupil, Zahra Enver, claimed that, aged 15, she found her face on a poster saying: Wanted for poor grades. The board of governors is currently facing backlash from parents over plans to transfer the school into the control of United Learning, a multi-academy trust. Students also held a riot last week in protest, leaving one staff member in tears. A ballot of unionised staff members saw 96 per cent of teachers declare they have no confidence in the governors. They are now considering strike action. The investigation looked into claims of safeguarding breaches, bullying, discrimination and inequality in respect of both teachers and students. Some of those giving evidence were still traumatised by their experiences, the report said. At times, interviewees were extremely distressed in having to revisit their time at Holland Park School. The report said the school had failed to support pupils who had been victims of peer-on-peer sexual abuse. There were also inappropriate responses to the case of a teacher who had a relationship with a pupil. The board of governors said the report was by an independent investigator and that on the balance of probabilities every complaint is found to have happened. These include bullying, favouritism and the public humiliation of staff and students, serious safeguarding failures, dubious spending, the misleading of Ofsted, and vulnerable children and key worker children not being accommodated during Covid lockdowns, it said. Almost all the governors are newly appointed since the period of the allegations. Mr Hall was on 280,000 near the end of his headship. He could not be contacted for comment. Holland Park was nicknamed the socialist Eton because it was favoured by rich Left-wingers. Alumni include Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee and actress Anjelica Huston. By Kim Hyun-bin Lotte Group is in the process of acquiring a bioindustry contract manufacturing (CMO) plant in the U.S., according to the investment banking industry, Thursday. The move comes after the conglomerate declared the bioindustry as its new growth engine. CMOs specialize in producing biopharmaceuticals developed by other companies. Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin McCarthy reportedly wanted to speak with Biden personally to ensure a 'smooth transition' into the Democrat's presidency, new audio revealed on Wednesday evening House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy discussed the idea of removing Donald Trump from office using the 25th Amendment and revealed he wanted to call then-President-elect Joe Biden to ensure a 'smooth transition,' newly leaked audio showed on Wednesday evening. The audio from a private January 8 call is the latest in a series of recorded tapes obtained by the authors of 'This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America's Future' and shared with CNN that shed light on what McCarthy really felt about the former president in the immediate aftermath of the Capitol riot. McCarthy called Trump's actions on January 6 last year 'atrocious and totally wrong.' Those comments were published by the New York Times last month and initially denied by the GOP leader. A new portion shows McCarthy floating the idea of pushing Cabinet members to remove then-President Trump via the 25th Amendment -- before complaining the measure would take 'too long.' Audio reported on last month features McCarthy going a step further in a private call with his fellow GOP leaders, claiming he would speak to Trump about resigning. Wednesday's tape features House GOP floor director John Leganski telling McCarthy, seemingly of Trump, 'I think the options that have been cited by the Democrats so far are the 25th Amendment, which is not exactly an elegant solution here.' McCarthy responds: 'That takes too long too. It could go back to the House, right?' 'Correct. If the President were to submit a letter overruling the Cabinet and the vice president, two-thirds vote in the House and the Senate to overrule the President. So it's kind of an armful,' Leganski can be heard saying. In another portion McCarthy mulls the idea of meeting with Biden, and possibly Trump meeting with Biden, before pouring cold water on the latter idea. He also reportedly wanted Trump to speak with Biden but added 'that's not going to happen' He also appears to rule out the possibility of impeaching Trump -- something he ended up voting against later that year. 'I do think the impeachment divides the nation further and continues the fight even greater. That's why I want to reach out to Biden,' McCarthy said. He added, 'I wanted the President to meet with Biden; that's not going to happen.' 'I want to see about us meeting with Biden, sitting down, make a smooth transition to show that, and continue to keep those statements going.' The Minority Leader claimed a 'smooth transition' would be beneficial to both Biden and his own Republican caucus. 'I'm trying to do it not from a basis of Republicans, of a basis of, hey, it's not healthy for the nation,' McCarthy said. 'That's a conversation I want to have with Biden himself.' It's not clear if he ended up reaching out to the Democrat leader or if such a meeting occurred. DailyMail.com has reached out to both McCarthy's office and the White House for comment. But what is known, is that after publicly denouncing Trump for the riot, McCarthy flew to Florida later that month and visited with the ex-president at his Mar-a-Lago resort -- cementing Trump's political future that at the time had been in question over the insurrection. It comes as the House committee investigating the Capitol riot gears up for a series of public hearings that are set to begin on June 9 More recently, McCarthy traveled to Trump's West Palm Beach estate and met with him for three hours amid fallout from the earlier leaked audio tapes. One of those is a January 10 call between McCarthy, House GOP Whip Steve Scalise and then-GOP Conference Chair Liz Cheney. McCarthy told his colleagues the 'only' message he had for the ex-president: 'I think this will pass, and it would be my recommendation you should resign.' Other audio tapes feature the Republican leaders heaping criticism on pro-Trump lawmakers like Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert. But multiple reports indicate Trump is not angry with McCarthy over the comments, at least in part for how hard the lawmaker has worked to be back in the ex-president's good graces. The California Republican also appeared to weather the fallout within his own conference. Initial speculation that McCarthy would fail in his bid to become House Speaker if Republicans take back the House in the midterms was squashed when he received a standing ovation at a House GOP-wide meeting last week. He reportedly insisted at the meeting that the audio excerpts took him out of context. Multiple lawmakers who previously criticized McCarthy, including Greene and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, suggested they would support his leadership push. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show the maximum security unit where a convicted murderer was being held before he was sprung by a prison guard last week, as sheriff officials say they have been receiving tips from across the country about their whereabouts. Casey White, 38, was serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and animal cruelty at the Lauderdale County Jail in Alabama. He also faced murder charges after confessing to the fatal stabbing of Connie Ridgeway, 58, when he was released from prison by Deputy Vicky White - with whom he is not related and was apparently in a relationship. Casey was being held in Cell A1 in the maximum-security section of the Lauderdale County Jail - which is authorized to house 310 inmates at a time and operates three shifts per day with as many as 18 detention officers. It is unclear whether he had any cellmates. The A Hall had no bars on cells, instead they were made of cinderblock and steel doors with a small window with reinforced glass on each of the cells. Body shackles and hand shackles hung on the wall outside of the maximum-security wing of the Lauderdale County Jail, where convicted murderer Casey White was serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and animal cruelty Casey was being held in Cell A1 in the maximum-security section of the Lauderdale County Jail - which is authorized to house 310 inmates at a time and operates three shifts per day with as many as 18 detention officers The booking room inside the Lauderdale County Jail included a bench with shackles attached A mobile restraining chair was posted near Casey's cell in the maximum security wing of the long-term facility There are three phones for inmates at the Alabama county jail to use to speak to others who are not in jail DailyMail.com went on a tour of the Lauderdale County Jail on Wednesday. Pictured here is the interior reception area The window to the maximum security exterior work out yard was shattered at the Lauderdale County Jail Signs in the interior reception area show that weapons were prohibited inside the building, despite Casey leaving the facility with an AR-15 on Friday The Lauderdale County Jail is equipped with more than 30 cameras watching the move of each of the prisoners Exclusive photos from a DailyMail.com tour of the long-term facility show a mobile restraint chair often used by jail employees for unruly prisoners near Casey's cell, but Director Jason Butler said he wasnt aware that it had been used on Casey. In one area of the hall there was a section where there were restraining shackles, leg irons, handcuffs and belly chains readily available for the correctional officers. Director Butler then showed the path that Casey would have walked out the door to freedom accompanied by Deputy Vicky White. He would have walked down the hallway from cell A1 past the kitchen, and into the booking room. The first and the last place a prisoner sees when they arrive or depart the jail, which is equipped with more than 30 cameras watching the move of each of the prisoners. The photos come just hours after officials released new video of the couple's escape. The footage shows the squad car they were traveling in pass a gas station as Vicky drove Casey to a mental health evaluation appointment, which did not exist. The pair abandoned the vehicle about a half-mile from the gas station. Deputy Vicky White, left, helped inmate Casey White, right, escape the Lauderdale County Jail on Friday morning The Lauderdale County Detention Center operates three shifts per day with as many as 18 detention officers Sheriff Rick Singleton told DailyMail.com he was not surprised that Vicky White and Casey White - who are not related - were in an apparent relationship Surveillance video taken at the Lauderdale County Jail showed the moment Vicky snuck 6ft 9in 'monster' Casey out of the facility before they went on the run with an AR-15 and a shotgun. They made a break for it on Friday after Vicky told superiors she was going to take Casey for a mental health evaluation on her last day before retirement. The 56-year-old widow held the door for the 38-year-old thug - who was still wearing handcuffs - before they got into a black car and sped off at 9.30am on Friday. New video released Wednesday shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape. The latest footage shows them driving through the intersection of Huntsville Road and Cox Creek Parkway at 9.49am on Friday, WAAY reported. The intersection is about a half-mile from the shopping center. The cruiser was found abandoned in the center parking lot several hours after the escape. Vicky is pictured opening an interior jailhouse door. Casey is believed to have been in the hallway at the time Surveillance video previously released showed Vicky helping Casey escape from the Lauderdale County Jail, where he had been incarcerated, on Friday. The pair then fled together Meanwhile, it was revealed on Wednesday that the jailer and confessed killer shared an intimate relationship dating back to 2020. They reportedly shared a 'special relationship' at the time, when Casey was first brought to Lauderdale County for his arraignment. Although Casey was in custody at a state prison ahead of his arraignment and was transferred back to facility immediately after, the pair stayed close, Sheriff Rick Singleton confirmed to DailyMail.com Wednesday. 'As far as we know that was the earliest physical contact they had,' Singleton said of the arraignment. He claims Casey and Vicky continued to communicate after the accused murderer was transferred back to the prison. Vicky visited Casey while he was at the Alabama Department of Corrections (DOC) without the knowledge of Lauderdale County officials. 'I'm sure DOC didn't know where she worked or that she was a corrections officer,' the sheriff added, noting the pair managed to keep their romance very discreet. But inmates alleged Vicky ensured Casey 'was getting extra food on his trays' and 'was getting privileges no one else got,' a claim that Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told CNN has been confirmed by an independent investigation. New video released Wednesday also shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center on Friday where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape US Marshal Services released this picture showing the size difference between Casey and Vicky and a Ford Edge like the one they used Another mock up published by the officials shows the pair - believed to be lovers - compared to a door frame The Lauderdale County Sheriff Department is now receiving tips from all over the eastern part of the United States on escaped convict and accused murderer Casey White, 38 and his alleged accomplice Deputy Vicky Smith, Sheriff Rick Singleton exclusively told DailyMail.com. Sheriff Singleton said, theyve been receiving tips from as far north and Illinois and Ohio and to the east in Kentucky and Tennessee and as far south as Florida. We have the US Marshall fugitive task force following up on every credible lead we get. Singleton believes they are no longer in the copper or orange colored 2007 Ford Edge vehicle with minor damage to the rear left bumper that was identified by US Marshall Service a few days ago. I believe well be finding that vehicle in the coming days and hopefully it may give us some more leads on their whereabouts. Singleton also didnt appear to be too surprised that a correctional officer had a relationship with an inmate. It happens far too often, a correctional officer having a relationship with an inmate, its not the first time its happened and unfortunately it wont be the last, he said. As far as former Deputy Vicky Smith, termination is the least of her worries, she has felony warrants out for her, she has some serious charges to face when she gets back here. Termination is the least of her worriesshe has felony warrants out for her; she has some serious charges to face when she gets back here.' Sir Keir Starmer yesterday opened the door to raising income tax if Labour win the next general election. He said in an interview that if he became Prime Minister he would bring in a fair taxation system for working people. The Labour leader ducked the question when asked whether this included an increase in the top rate of income tax, currently 45p payable on income over 150,000. He did not reject the suggestion, saying merely that he would set out Labours full taxation plans before the election. Labour leader Starmer (pictured in 2020) ducked the question when asked if he'd raise taxes There has been speculation that Sir Keir hopes to revive the 50p top tax rate imposed by the last Labour government. His comments came a day after he vowed to target the middle classes with tax rises on shares and dividends if he wins the next election. The Labour leader described the Prime Ministers national insurance rise as the wrong tax at the wrong time. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme he would target stocks and shares and dividends, although he said it was too early to bring forward details. Sir Keir (pictured yesterday) said he wants a 'fair tax system that would look across the board at how people make their money' Last month, national insurance went up by 1.25 per cent to raise 12billion a year for NHS and social care spending. Sir Keir said: We would have a fair tax system that would look across the board at how people make their money, not just working people in work, not just business people paying national insurance. Stocks and shares and dividends, we would look across the piece at a fair tax system to raise the necessary money. Asked how he would raise the 12billion, the Labour leader said: We would be fair to working people. 'We would go aggressively after money lost to fraud, money lost to bad contracts. Labour yesterday appeared to be in a muddle over whether it wanted to cancel the 1.25 per cent national insurance rise. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves demanded an emergency budget to reverse the increase. But when asked on Good Morning Britain whether Labour would scrap it if they won an election, Sir Keir said: I dont know what the state of the economy will then be. We will set out our plans when we get to the election, in full. Weve set out the principles that will apply it will be a fair taxation system particularly for working people. 'But at this stage, two years out, I dont know what the state of the economy will be. However, Miss Reeves said: The costs of everything in the shops are going up, which is why we need an emergency budget and the national insurance contribution increase should be scrapped. A desperate search is underway for an Australian mother after she vanished in Mexico and her two-year-old daughter was found wandering the streets of Cancun. Tahnee Shanks, 32, originally from the Whitsundays, Queensland, had been living in the Central American country with her partner Jorge Aguirre Estudillo and their two-year-old daughter Adelynn. Ms Shanks' brother, Dan, claimed his niece was 'dumped' at a church in the Mexican tourist town late at night and was found wandering the streets after photos of the little girl emerged online. He has offered a $5000 reward for his sister's safe return and has spent the last two days dealing with Mexican and Australian authorities. Australian mum Tahnee Shanks (pictured with her ex-partner) has gone missing in Mexico Tahnee's two-year-old daughter Adelynn was found wandering the streets late at night. She currently in the care of child protection authorities His last contact with his sister was around 12.40pm on Sunday Australian time, which would have been Saturday in Mexico. 'Has anyone seen my sister? She has gone missing and her daughter was dumped outside a church in Cancun,' Mr Shanks wrote in a Cancun Expats Facebook group. A police public appeal for information about Ms Shanks' whereabouts have been widely shared on both sides of the world. It's understood Tahnee was weeks away from heading home back to Australia with her daughter next month after she recently separated from her partner. Mr Shanks is trying to contact Tahnee's ex-partner, who drives a white Toyota Tundra. Daily Mail Australia doesn't suggest the ex-partner is involved in her disappearance. Her family haven't heard from Tahnee Shanks (pictured with her daughter) in four days. Pictured is one of the last photos she shared with her family on Sunday Tahnee's family raised the alarm after they were made aware of photos being circulated of little Adelynn wandering Cancun alone late at night Tahnee was enjoying a short holiday with her ex and their daughter when she last spoke to her brother Dan and sister-in-law Angela on Sunday. She sent the couple photos of El Cuyo and mentioned they were next heading to Tulum, which is 187km away. Her family raised the alarm after receiving late night phone calls on Tuesday regarding photos which had surfaced online of Adelynn after she was found alone near the Chapel of the San Archangel. 'They're on a little holiday everything seemed fine, I spoke to Tahnee on Sunday at lunchtime,' Mr Shanks told the Daily Mercury. She sent photos of the beaches they were visiting and next minute nothing from her.' Tahnee's family insists she would never leave her little girl, who turned two last November Mexico Police have launched a desperate search for missing Australian Tahnee Shanks Another brother Ben and their mother Leanne will head to Mexico on Friday to join the desperate search. Tahnee had been living in Yucatan capital of Merida. She was waiting to receive her toddler's passport and had booked plane tickets to arrive in Australia on June 22. It's understood little 'Addy' is currently safe and being cared for by child protection agency DIF. Tahnee's family and friends are fearing the worst. 'She's never off social media and she would never leave that girl. That's the scariest thing,' Ben told the publication. We know Tahnee wouldn't leave that girl on her own.' Concerned friends also hold grave fears for Ms Shanks. 'She is a very dedicated mother and would never abandon her daughter. Something serious had to happen for the little girl to find herself alone,' a family friend wrote. The devoted mum's social media pages are full of happy snaps of her little girl. Ms Shanks had been travelling the world since she was 18 and describes herself on social media as a 'Happy Hippy Ginger Ninja meering around the world one country at a time.' Before she went overseas, she worked in Australia as an assistant nurse looking after the elderly, which she described as a rewarding career. 'The travel bug bit me in 2010 taking me on my first 18 month journey through Asia and parts of Europe volunteering and couch surfing my way across the country,' the freelance writer wrote on a travel blog for the Whitsundays. Ms Shanks returned home and saved for two years and then headed back overseas travelling through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and the US before settling in Mexico. She is described as having a fair complexion, and has red hair, light brown eyes, 165 centimetres tall, thin build and has a distinctive tattoo along her right thigh. Elon Musk on Wednesday briefly switched his Twitter profile picture to a $24.4 million NFT, before being asked by the co-head of Sotheby's digital art division to take the image down. Musk, 50, appeared to have taken a screenshot of a collage of an image entitled 'Bored Ape Yacht Club', which sold at auction in September. The NFT features 107 images of cartoon apes, and was bought by an unknown bidder. NFTs are bitcoin-like digital tokens that act like a certificate of ownership, and live on a blockchain. Musk's use of the image was noticed by Michael Bouhanna, the co-head of digital art at Sotheby's. '@elonmusk, as much I admire your work I'd like you to remove your pfp that I created for our Sotheby's sale,' Bouhanna tweeted. 'Or you credit me. 'Happy to send you the original file minted with the buyer approval.' Michael Bouhanna, the co-head of digital art at Sotheby's, noticed on Wednesday morning that Musk has screenshotted his work Half an hour later, Musk appeared to reply to Bouhanna, mocking the NFT community The image Musk used was sold at auction by Sotheby's in September for $24.4 million Musk did not reply directly, but instead tweeted half an hour later: 'I dunno seems kinda fungible.' Several hours later, the ape image was gone, replaced with a photo of a child playing with a rocket. Musk was thought by some to be mocking the NFT industry, one day after The Wall Street Journal reported that the market for the digital art had 'collapsed', with sales down 92 percent from its September peak. By Wednesday afternoon, Musk had switched his profile photo, and instead of the NFT featured a child playing with a rocket The paper cited data from website NonFungible, which reported that sales fell to a daily average of about 19,000 this week - compared to about 225,000 in September. The number of active wallets in the NFT market fell 88 percent to about 14,000 last week from a high of 119,000 in November. There have been significant signs of a drop in interest. An NFT of the first tweet from Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey sold in March 2021 for $2.9 million to Sina Estavi, the chief executive of Malaysia-based blockchain company Bridge Oracle. Estavi put the NFT up for auction earlier this year, but did not receive any bids above $14,000, so cancelled the sale. In April, a Snoop Dog curated NFT, titled 'Doggy #4292,' was sold for $32,000 worth of the cryptocurrency ether. The NFT, an image of a green astronaut standing on what looks like a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, is now up for auction, with an asking price of $25.5 million but the highest current bid is $210. The rapper - a proud owner of a Bored Ape NFT, which he has as his Twitter profile pic, and which he has worn on a sweatshirt on TV - tweeted his support of Musk's interest in the trades. 'Ay @elonmusk! Let's take our Apes 2 the moon. Higher n higher. LFG!!!' he tweeted. Are NFTs over? Bored Ape owners hope not NFTs - Non-fungible Tokens - are digital downloads which are traded; often art, but they can be works of music or any unique creation. Most NFTs are part of the Ethereum blockchain. Ethereum is a cryptocurrency, like bitcoin or dogecoin, but its blockchain also supports these NFTs, which store extra information that makes them work. Buyers usually get limited rights to display the digital artwork they represent, but many see the purchase as a bragging right and an asset to be traded. In February 2021, Christie's sold an NFT by Beeple, announcing the sale as the first purely digital work of art ever offered by a major auction house. The NFT, 'Everydays: The First 5000 Days', went for $69 million - making Beeple one of the top three most-valuable living artists. By the end of 2021, $25 billion had been spent on NFTs. In February 2022, Julian Assange and Paks Clock NFT became the second-most expensive single NFT ever sold when it went for $58 million. The NFT depicts a timer that counts the number of days Assange has spent in prison. Bored Ape launched in April 2021, with their designs costing around $190. Now they are a status symbol: Snoop Dogg, Timbaland, Eminem and footballer Neyman Jr. all use theirs as a Twitter photo, and other famous owners include Jimmy Fallon, Paris Hilton and Justin Bieber. The company behind Bored Ape, Yuga Labs, brands ownership of one of their NFTs like membership of a club, and holds parties and meet-ups for those who can prove ownership - some of the events online, and some at glitzy in-person gatherings. On May 1 the company launched a new spinoff called Otherside - selling 55,000 plots of digital land for the total equivalent of $320 million, making it possibly the largest mint of an NFT project to date. Otherside is a metaverse gaming platform in which users' NFTs could be playable characters. Advertisement Elon Musk is pictured on Monday at the Met Gala, with his mother Maye Earlier on Wednesday, a British parliamentary committee scrutinizing draft online safety legislation invited Musk to discuss his plans to buy Twitter and the changes he's proposing for the social media platform. Parliament's digital committee asked the Tesla CEO on Wednesday to give evidence about his proposals 'in more depth.' Musk thanked the committee for their invitation but declined, saying it was too early to give an answer. 'I am honored and thank the Parliament for their invitation, but it would be premature at this time to accept, given that there has not yet been a shareholder vote' to approve the deal, he said in an email to The Associated Press. The committee said it is interested in Musk's plans, especially his intention to roll out verification for all users, which echoes its own recommendations to the U.K. government. Musk has said he wants Twitter to ' authenticate all humans,' an ambiguous proposal that could be related to his desire to rid the website of automated spam accounts. The U.K. government's online safety bill, which is being examined by lawmakers in Parliament, would give regulators wide-ranging powers to crack down on digital and social media companies. Among the bill's measures aimed at combating online abuse is a requirement for the biggest platforms to give users the option to verify their identity and the choice not to interact with unverified users. It's not the first time the committee has invited a tech boss to testify. In 2018, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg declined an invitation to answer questions as part of its investigation into fake news. Bill Gates warns that Musk could make misinformation on Twitter WORSE after his $44BN acquisition - and refuses to say if he shorted Tesla as Elon suggested he did Microsoft founder Bill Gates warned that his billionaire rival Elon Musk could potentially make Twitter a worse platform - and refused to say whether or not he shorted Tesla, as Musk has alleged. On Wednesday, Gates spoke at The Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit and was asked about Musk's potential impact on Twitter following his $44 billion acquisition of the social media platform last month. Gates said that while Musk has a good track record, he could make misinformation on the platform worse. 'He actually could make it worse,' Gates said. 'That's not his track record. His track record with Tesla and Space X is pretty mind-blowing at putting together a great team of engineers and taking people who work in those fields in a less bold way and really showing them up. 'I kind of doubt that'll happen this time but we should have an open mind and never underestimate Elon.' But Gates did question Musk's intentions with the app. The South African-born billion has said his purchase of Twitter is motivated primarily by a wish to restore the app as a place for the free exchange of ideas, and has repeatedly said he wants to move away from 'censorship' and err on the side of free speech. On Wednesday Gates spoke at The Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit and was asked about Musk's potential impact on Twitter following his acquisition Gates said that while Musk has a good track record, he could make the misinformation crisis on the app worse. Above, Musk appears at the Met Gala red carpet Monday Musk, who calls himself a free speech absolutist, has criticized Twitter's moderation policies. 'You know, what's his goal?' Gates asked. 'When he talks about the openness, how does he feel about something such as "vaccines kill people" or that "Bill Gates is tracking people" is that one of the things he feels should be spread? so It's not totally clear what he is going to do.' 'Are his goals for what it ends up being, does it match this idea of less extreme falsehoods spreading so quickly, weird conspiracy theories, does he share that goal or not?' Gates pondered. Last month Musk dissed Gates' gut on Twitter posting a photo of the Microsoft mogul alongside Apple's controversial pregnant man emoji 'in case you need to kill a boner' Musk appeared for the first time in public since inking his $44 billion Twitter deal Monday, walking the Met Gala red carpet with his mother, the model Maye Musk Gates also refused to say whether or not he personally shorted Tesla 'It's possible the stock went down and whoever shorted the stock made money, I don't know' Gates also added that he has not taken Musk's recent tweets about him personally. Last month Musk dissed Gates' gut on Twitter posting a photo of the Microsoft mogul alongside Apple's controversial pregnant man emoji 'in case you need to kill a boner.' Gates also refused to say whether or not he personally shorted Tesla, saying that climate change was a focus of the Gates Foundation. 'It's possible the stock went down and whoever shorted the stock made money, I don't know,' he said. 'I don't think whether one's short or long Tesla is a statement about your seriousness about climate change,' he added. 'I applaud Tesla's role in helping with climate change. I have nothing but positive things to say about Elon, if he makes Twitter worse, fine, I'll speak out about that, but I wouldn't assume that's what's going to happen,' Gates, the world's third richest man after Musk and Jeff Bezos, took a shot earlier this year at the Tesla CEO after the electric vehicle maker announced taking a $1.5 billion stake in Bitcoin. 'Elon has tons of money and he's very sophisticated, so I don't worry that his Bitcoin will sort of randomly go up or down,' Gates told Bloomberg. 'I do think people get bought into these manias who may not have as much money to spare, so I'm not bullish on Bitcoin. My general thought would be that if you have less money than Elon, you should probably watch out,' he said. Gates has also previously made comments about electric trucks like the Tesla Semi not being viable, which Musk countered. In an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk said he believes that the Microsoft founder had a big short position on Tesla stocks at one point. 'I heard that at one point he had a large short position. I dont know if thats true or not, but it seems weird,' Musk told Rogan. 'People I know who know the situation pretty well, I asked them are you sure? and they said yes, he has a huge short position on Tesla." That didnt work out too well.' The tweet came hours after it was reported Musk is poised to collect a $23billion bonus after electric car company Tesla reported its record quarterly profits. Critics have questioned why Musk, who has enough money to change 'the fabric of American society' has instead decided to spend it on a social media platform. 'It would just be nice if Musk decided to get on board with humanitarian efforts and spend more money on something meaningful, let's say this country's blights of homelessness and poverty. Instead, he bought Twitter,' wrote Suzette Hackney in an OpEd for USA Today. When asked why he has not spent the $44billion on charity, philanthropy or to do 'more good', Musk told Entertainment Tonight: 'Well I do do a lot of things philanthropically and really my companies are intended to do good for the future of humanity.' Musk pointed to his companies, noting how Tesla aims to 'accelerate the advent of sustainable transport and energy' while Space X is 'providing internet to the least served people around the world'. Musk added: 'We've also been able to help Ukraine with the Starlink terminals and give them connectivity in some of the hardest hit areas. 'Aspirationally I am trying to do good for humanity and the future of civilization.' Pupils with three B grades at A-level will be able to study at Oxford if they suffered grave disadvantage, the university announced yesterday. From next year, 50 students will take a foundation year to help them catch up before progressing to a traditional three-year degree. Oxford usually asks for grades of between A*A*A and AAA but entry to the foundation year, for those eligible, will require a minimum of BBB or AAB, depending on the course. It comes after Cambridge University announced a similar plan last week. The Oxford scheme, called Astrophoria, is to help those who have academic potential but experienced grave disadvantage, such as growing up in care. From next year, 50 students will take a foundation year to help them catch up before progressing to a traditional three-year degree at Oxford Meanwhile, the head of Cambridge has said that Oxbridge will admit fewer private school pupils to help increase diversity and inclusion. Professor Stephen Toope yesterday said the universities intend to reduce their privately-educated intake to welcome others. As a result, the premium for attending a top independent school will shrink, he told The Times. Oxford usually asks for grades of between A*A*A and AAA but entry to the foundation year, for those eligible, will require a minimum of BBB or AAB, depending on the course The scheme will target state school pupils who have significant academic potential, but who have experienced severe personal disadvantage or disruptions to their education. The foundation year is aimed at developing their academic skills, self-belief and confidence so that they are equipped to take on a degree. Those that reach the required level of academic standard will progress to an Oxford degree without having to reapply. Professor Stephen Toope, the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University Anyone unable to reach the standard will be supported to apply for degree programmes at other universities. The foundation year is being advertised by UCAS and is available at 10 Oxford colleges. Louise Richardson, Oxford's vice-chancellor, said the scheme would have a 'transformative impact on the lives of the smartest students who have experienced grave disadvantage'. It comes as Oxford's admissions report showed yesterday the proportion of state school pupils gaining a place had risen from 58 per cent in 2017 to 68 per cent in 2021. In the same period, the proportion of ethnic minority students rose from 18 per cent to 25 per cent, while the proportion from disadvantaged areas rose from 11 per cent to 17 per cent. Both Oxford and Cambridge have been under intense political pressure to admit more disadvantaged students, amid claims they are elitist. Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council and a former head of Harrow, said that school type was not 'a proxy for background or an indicator of socioeconomic advantage or disadvantage'. A police marksman who forced himself on a woman he befriended at a pub by showing off his warrant card was facing a lengthy prison sentence yesterday. The victims neighbour raised the alarm after hearing her screaming at 1.30am. The neighbour then spotted Ernesto Ceraldi naked outside her house, a court heard. Yesterday the 43-year-old firearms officer and dog handler admitted attempting to rape the woman and causing her actual bodily harm. His predatory behaviour last night branded nothing short of deplorable by his deputy chief constable is the latest example of male police officers abusing their position to target women. Ernesto Ceraldi (pictured), 43, a specialised firearms officer and dog handler admitted to attempted rape and causing actual bodily harm yesterday Like Wayne Couzens (pictured), Ceraldi showed the woman his warrant card to befriend her and gain her trust Last year Wayne Couzens used his Met Police warrant card to lure marketing executive Sarah Everard into his car before raping and murdering her. Ceraldi, who has served 21 years with Greater Manchester Police, is understood to be married with children. He was off duty on a night out with friends in Edenfield, Lancashire, on April 2, when he met the victim, Preston Crown Court heard. An earlier hearing before Blackburn magistrates was told he won the womans trust by showing her his warrant card and photographs of his police dog. They went to her house where she accused him of pulling her hair, spitting at her and putting his hands around her throat, prosecutors said. At 1.30am a neighbour heard a commotion and saw her outside the house screaming for help alongside a naked Ceraldi. When police arrived he was sitting on the sofa naked. He told officers the sex had been consensual. He was charged with rape and actual bodily harm. The rape charge was later changed to attempted rape. Remanding him back into custody, Judge Simon Medland told him: Inevitably there will be a substantial and immediate sentence of imprisonment. Ceraldi, of no fixed address, also faces being sacked. Afterwards Detective Inspector Carole Langhorn of Lancashire Police said: This was an abhorrent crime. The appalling level of violence was particularly shocking. Manchester Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said his actions were deplorable and he does not represent what we as police officers stand for. Almost 2,000 police and community support officers have been accused of sexual misconduct over the last four years. European Union countries blocking a ban on imports of Russian oil were last night denounced by Ukraine as complicit in war crimes. The European Commission yesterday unveiled plans to target Moscow by phasing out supplies over the next six months. But a number of member states including Hungary and Slovakia demanded exemptions, saying they would not have enough time to adapt. The US and Britain have already announced their own bans on Russian oil imports. Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament she wants to phase out Russian oil over the next six months. But member states including Hungary have opposed the move Ukraines foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said: If there is any country in Europe who will continue to oppose the embargo on Russian oil, there will be good reason to say, this country is complicit in the crimes committed by Russia in the territory of Ukraine. Commission president Ursula von der Leyen put forward the ban on Russian oil imports as she appeared at the European Parliament yesterday. Putin must pay a price, a high price, for his brutal aggression, she told MEPs. Let us be clear, it will not be easy. Russian pipelines supplying oil and gas to Europe (pictured) would be turned off under the new sanctions package, with the possible exception of imports heading to Hungary and Slovakia 'Some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil. But we simply have to work on it. The EU plans require approval among all the blocs 27 states. The row came as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced Russian firms will be banned from using British-based accountancy and public relations firms under fresh sanctions. The measures will also see travel bans and asset freezes imposed on individuals linked to Russian broadcasters and newspapers, and sanctions against mainstream media organisations accused of spreading lies about the war. Miss Truss said: Doing business with Putins regime is morally bankrupt. A man has been charged with a series of child abuse offences - including incest and raping a family member under the age of 10. The Canberra man, 35, was arrested on Thursday and hit with a total of 19 child sex charges after ACT Police raided his home. Police allegedly found disturbing child abuse material the man's electronic devices at his home in the suburb of Palmerston, in the city's north. The man was originally arrested on two counts of possessing child abuse material but subsequent investigations mean he will now face 19 charges including one of incest at the ACT Magistrates Court (pictured) Detectives had received a tip off about the man from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in February. The alleged offender is accused of accessing child abuse material and speaking to sex-criminals online. Police investigated the unnamed man for a further month and were granted a search warrant for his home. Officers found and seized two personal computers and an external hard drive, The AFP believes the devices contain thousands of illegal videos and still images. A joint investigation involving multiple agencies took just a month to bring 19 child sex abuse charges against the man and police will now oppose his bail in court (pictured: An officer of the Australian Federal Police) The man was charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material in February before the police hit him with a further 17 charges relating to child sexual abuses. They include six counts of indecency with a child under 10, and six more counts of using a child to make child exploitation material. The man also faces five counts of intercourse with a child under 10, a count of owning child abuse material and a count of incest with a child under 10. Police say they will oppose bail when the man appears before the Magistrate's Court on Thursday. TV judge Glenda Hatchett's son is suing a hospital for racism after his wife died just hours after childbirth by C-section. Kira Dixon Johnson died on April 12, 2016, from internal bleeding at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and her widower Charles Johnson IV claims she was denied treatment for hours because of the color of her skin. The father-of-two says the renowned hospital offers a lower standard of care to women of color and believes his wife would still be alive if it were not for the 'culture of racism'. At one point, a nurse told him that Kira wasn't a priority despite her desperate pleas to be treated following the 'sloppy' cesarean which was performed in only 17 minutes to deliver their son Langston, according to his lawsuit. The hospital has strongly denied any claims of racism. Charles S. Johnson IV (pictured with their first son Charles V) is suing Cedars-Sinai over the death of his wife Kira (pictured) Judge Hatchett (pictured right and left with her late daughter-in-law) has also claimed Kira's death could have been avoided Kira died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in April 2016 hours after the scheduled C-section delivery of her second son (pictured above) Johnson said in a news conference outside the hospital yesterday: 'There's no doubt in my mind that my wife would be here today and be here Sunday celebrating Mother's Day with her boys if she was a Caucasian woman. 'The reality is that on April 12, 2016, when we walked into Cedars-Sinai hospital for what we expected to be the happiest day of our lives, the greatest risk factor that Kira Dixon Johnson faced was racism.' Johnson died about 12 hours after having the scheduled cesarean section that was performed in 17 minutes to deliver the couple's second son. 'This is sloppy. It was butchery,' attorney Nicholas Rowley said. 'It shocked everybody that we deposed, all the health care providers, even the head of (obstetrics) here, the head of labor and delivery, looked at it and said "No, I've never seen one done that fast."' Despite signs she was bleeding internally and over the desperate pleas of her husband, Kira languished for hours without being readmitted to the operating room until it was too late, the civil rights lawsuit said. Johnson said in a news conference outside the hospital yesterday that his wife should still be alive The hospital, which has fought the malpractice lawsuit, said in a statement that it was founded on principles of diversity She died from internal bleeding - nearly 90 per cent of her blood was later found in her stomach, Rowley said. Her bladder had been lacerated and she hadn't been sutured properly. Glenda Hatchett has also claimed her daughter-in-law's death could have been avoided. She said previously: 'There was this beautiful baby born perfectly healthy. We were all celebrating... and in less than 12 hours, she was dead,' Hatchett said, in tears. 'She was so excited that Langston was coming. She should be here,' Hatchett told KSDK. The lawyer told the news station she believes the deadly complications Kyira suffered could have been avoided. 'They researched, they were in Los Angeles, they knew that Cedar Sinai was a world-class hospital and after she died, they said "Oh, had we gotten her back to the operating room she would be perfectly fine. Oh if we had..." Kira's husband Charles S. Johnson IV (pictured with their first son Charles V) accuses the hospital of not treating women of color to the same standard The couple had welcome their first son in September 2014 before becoming pregnant with their second child in 2015 'Well why the hell didn't they? It was not that she was sick, it's not that she had a preexisting condition, that she had a heart problem or she had a blood clot, none of that was Kira's case,' Hatchett said. The hospital, which has fought the malpractice lawsuit, said in a statement that it was founded on principles of diversity and health care for all and it rejected 'any mischaracterization of our culture and values.' 'We are actively working to eradicate unconscious bias in health care and advance equity in health care more broadly,' the statement said. 'We commend Mr. Johnson for the attention he has brought to the important issue of racial disparities in maternal outcomes.' Kira's death led her husband on a crusade to advocate for reducing maternal mortality, which is especially high for black women. Before the pandemic, which increased deaths of women of color during childbirth, black women died at 2.5 times the rate of white women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Charles Johnson has testified before Congress and at the state Capitol in Sacramento in support of a variety of bills, including a 2019 state law that requires doctors and nurses to identify implicit bias at work, and a recent bill that would lift the cap on medical malpractice awards. Johnson also said his wife was in 'exceptional health' when she died just hours after birth Charles Johnson stands outside Cedars-Sinai Medical Center yesterday as he announced the lawsuit Johnson would not benefit from a change in the malpractice law that currently caps awards at $250,000. The case is scheduled to go to trial May 11, though recent court filings indicated the two sides were close to reaching a settlement. The civil rights case would give Johnson another avenue to collect damages and hold Cedars-Sinai accountable. He's also seeking an injunction that would require the hospital to make changes to protect mothers and women of color. But proving a civil rights violation in health care is difficult because most laws require showing discrimination was intentional, said Brietta Clark, a professor at Loyola Law School. 'Compared to when civil rights laws were enacted, a lot of the kind of unequal treatment that we see in health care today does not seem to be explicit,' Clark said. 'It does not seem to be conscious.' A judge had rejected Johnson's effort to change the malpractice case to add the civil rights action, partly because deposition excerpts did not show the hospital racially discriminated in the treatment it provided. Dr. Kimberly Gregory, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, testified that she lives with 'structural racism' every day and it prevents black patients from receiving the same care as whites, according to court papers. Kira's death led her husband on a crusade to advocate for reducing maternal mortality, which is especially high for black women She also said Kira should have gone back to the operating room sooner. Dr. Sarah Kilpatrick, chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, testified that she told Charles Johnson: 'I'm sorry. We failed your family... This shouldn't have happened.' Angelique Washington, a black surgical technologist, said 'patient safety was out the door' when Kira came into the operating room. Washington, who has more than 30 years of experience, said she routinely witnessed different treatment of black women but was afraid to speak up. 'When I see my black... patients come in, I say an extra prayer,' Washington said. 'I say a silent prayer that all goes well. Because you do have racism very much so in the operating room.' Clark said the evidence identified by the judge as weak were more general statements and not specifically about discrimination by the provider. She said the key thing for Johnson's legal team will be to show a pattern of discrimination. Rowley said the effort to amend the case was a long shot. He has since gathered other evidence from additional depositions and will be able to seek data - such as the number of black women that have died at Cedars - to support his claim in the new lawsuit. 'Kira died because she's black,' he said. 'Women of color don't get the same treatment as white women. That's a fact.' Chinese envoy urges biggest contributor to fulfill UN financial duties Xinhua) 10:40, May 05, 2022 UNITED NATIONS, May 3 (Xinhua) -- China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations on Tuesday urged the organization's biggest contributor to fulfill its financial duties. "The largest contributor has not well-fulfilled its financial obligations to the UN over the years. This is unfair to other countries," Dai Bing told the second part of the resumed session of the Fifth Committee of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, which deals with internal UN administrative and budgetary matters. "Reform initiatives aimed at improving the financial situation of the UN should be strictly in line with the spirit of the UN Charter, adhere to the member states-driven principle, strengthen financial discipline, and improve comprehensive budgetary performance," said the envoy. Dai urged the Secretariat to strengthen the comprehensive budgetary performance, improve internal control and rigorously enforce financial discipline, so as to "make sure that every penny from member states is well-spent, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations." Talking about the UN's financial situation, the ambassador said "there will never be a real solution to the liquidity difficulty as long as the root cause remains unresolved." "Any potential solution should not lead to additional financial burden for member states, especially developing countries," he said. As the largest developing country, China has its own challenges, such as combating the pandemic, developing its economic economy and improving people's livelihood, Dai said. "However, we have still managed to actively fulfill our financial obligations, and recently contributed more than 200 million U.S. dollars to the UN." "We call upon all member states, especially those with the paying capacity, to pay their assessed contributions as well as the outstanding arrears in full and on time, in order to support the UN in playing its central role in global governance," said the ambassador. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during a meeting of the Russia the Land of Opportunity Supervisory Board at the Kremlin in Moscow, April 20. The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed speculation that Putin planned to declare war against Ukraine and declare a national mobilization on May 9 when Russia commemorates the Soviet Union's victory in World War II. AP-Yonhap The Kremlin on Wednesday dismissed speculation that President Vladimir Putin planned to declare war against Ukraine and declare a national mobilization on May 9 when Russia commemorates the Soviet Union's victory in World War Two. Putin has so far characterized Russia's actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation", not a war. But Western politicians and some Russia watchers have speculated that he could be preparing for a major announcement next Monday with a range of possible scenarios ranging from an outright declaration of war to a declaration of victory. Asked about speculation that Putin will declare war against Ukraine on May 9, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "There is no chance of that. It's nonsense." Peskov also said that people should not listen to speculation that there could be a decision on a national mobilization. A leading womens rights campaigner refused to stop giving a talk on free speech yesterday despite students attempting to drown her out with a counter demonstration. Julie Bindel arrived at York University to be met by 120 protesters, mainly women, waving rainbow flags and carrying signs such as no terfs [trans-exclusionary radical feminists] on our turf. Others read trans lives matter and not on our campus. Little over 30 tickets had been sold for the event, but Miss Bindel who has written about feminism and free speech for the Daily Mail was delighted it had gone ahead because university organisers usually cave in and it is humiliating. Women's rights campaigner Julie Bindel (pictured at the University of York) continued to deliver a talk on feminism despite students protesting against her The talk was organised by the University of York's Free Speech Society (university site pictured) She said: It is awful, actually. They seem to have rewritten feminism as though it is anything that is bad for women. I always come to universities when Im invited. Usually, the organisers back down because the bullies are relentless. She claimed university feminist societies were being run by men, whether they identify as women, non-binary or just blokes. The writer, who has argued that sex work is not a job, continued to walk towards the lecture hall as the students chanted fight poverty not prostitutes. An unnamed protest leader said: We are not de-platforming her. She does not have a platform here to start with. She directs hate speech. The talk was organised by the Free Speech Society, part of the students union. Advertisement A Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was forced to turn back to London Heathrow after the co-pilot admitted he hadn't passed his last flying test. The plane was over Ireland when the captain was told that the first officer had not completed his training. The Airbus A330, just 40 minutes into its flight, was ordered to return to Heathrow. Passengers landed in the US almost three hours later than planned after the jet which can carry nearly 300 passengers was forced to wait on the runway while a qualified replacement was found. The airline told travellers the issue had been caused by a rota mistake and apologised. It also assured passengers that safety had not been compromised, with both pilots fully licensed and qualified to operate the aircraft. The co-pilot needed a 'final assessment flight' with a training captain to be able to fly in line with Virgin Atlantic policy. His role as first officer meant he was responsible for maintaining the safety of the flight. As a qualified pilot, first officers are also meant to support the captain with communicating with air traffic control and flying the plane. While the pairing of pilots was not in breach of any aviation or safety regulations, it did not comply with Virgin Atlantic's internal training protocols, which is why the flight was turned back. Julie and Marc Vincent from Bournemouth were on board the flight and told MailOnline how staff blamed the situation on a clerical error. Mrs Vincent said: 'We'd just cleared the west coast of Ireland when the captain announced 'you may have noticed that we have conducted a 180 degree turn' before telling us that we were returning to Heathrow due to an 'administration error' and that they needed to get some paperwork signed off legally to be able to continue our journey. The Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 plane is pictured before leaving London Heathrow Airport for the first time on Monday A view on board the Virgin Atlantic plane after it had touched back down again at London Heathrow Airport on Monday 'We landed back at Heathrow and were naturally concerned as you would expect that a large, long-established company such as Virgin needed to get their paperwork in order. 'I was also upset at losing holiday time as my husband and I were only in New York for three nights. We asked what was going on numerous times and all we were told was that it wasn't legal for us to be in the air and that we needed to return so an engineer could deem us fit to fly. They said it was a problem with paperwork that needed attention from ground staff. 'Panic did set in onboard particularly when upon landing people jumped out of their seats and started to pace up and down wanting more information. At least three people in high vis vests entered the cockpit for an amount of time before curtains were drawn to hide our view. 'We were kept on the plane and offered plastic cups of water while we waited for an update. One of the cabin crew very loudly communicated from one end to the other to say that two ovens were not working. 'The decision was taken and announced to us that the airline was going to feed us our in-flight meal on the ground. They started to serve first class passengers with just one trolley, which took a long time, but before we could be served, the plane took off again. 'If they had continued to feed us all as promised, we would have been outside of the four-hour delay compensation window and Virgin would have had to pay greater compensation to each passenger. Only this morning did I realise that the hold-up was due to the first officer not having completed his training. Incredible.' Julie and Marc Vincent from Bournemouth were on board the flight and told how staff blamed the situation on a clerical error Passengers were also faced with delays at passport control after landing at New York John F Kennedy airport on Monday Another passenger, Mary Ingram, added: 'We had all settled down, boots off, halfway into our first film, with the smell of dinner floating through the cabin when an announcement was made by the pilot saying, 'Some of you have noticed from the flight tracker map that we have made a 180 degree turn and are returning to Heathrow. 'Don't be alarmed, but we are having to return to Heathrow due to an administrative error.' 'The passengers behaved very calmly with no overt frustration or anger. It was unknown what the real cause of the return to Heathrow was, because clearly Virgin would not want to incur the loss of a returned, and therefore delayed, flight due to a paperwork administrative error. 'There was a certain amount of concern that something may have been wrong with the plane, so on landing we were all relieved when that went smoothly. It didn't help that the pilot or co-pilot told us to note our nearest exit in the pre-landing announcement. 'We were not allowed off the plane while we sat on the Tarmac for what was about another half an hour for re-fuelling, and what I now know replacement of the co-pilot.' The Airbus A330, just 40 minutes into its flight to New York, was ordered to return to Heathrow while flying over Ireland And a source told The Sun: 'You could have cut the tension in the cockpit with a knife. The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still in training. 'The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew. It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious.' A Virgin Atlantic spokesman told MailOnline: 'Due to a rostering error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday, May 2 shortly after take-off. 'The qualified first officer, who was flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced with a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantic's training protocols, which exceed industry standards. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers who arrived two hours, 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change.' The Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was on an Airbus A330 but was forced to turn back to London Heathrow (file picture) Sources told MailOnline that the captain on the aircraft had been with Virgin Atlantic for 17 years and had completed thousands of hours of flight time. Wizz Air flies 3.6million passengers in April amid 500% annual increase Low-cost European airline Wizz Air saw a more than 500 per cent increase in the number of passengers carried in April as the recovery in the travel sector picked up pace. The Hungarian airline, which is listed in London, said it carried 3.6million passengers last month, up 542 per cent on the 564,634 who flew with the group a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions hammered demand. Wizz Air recently bought extra slots at Luton Airport from Vueling, boosting services on existing routes to Romania and Poland and adding another 167,000 seats. It said it now has more than 5.6 million seats available on flights for the summer season, with new routes across its network from Italy, the UK, Romania, Poland, Lithuania and Bosnia and Hercegovina to destinations across Europe. New routes offer destinations in Greece, Germany, Denmark and Croatia. Advertisement The first officer joined in 2017 and had been trained, fully licensed and fully type-rated in accordance with UK regulations, but was still pending a 'final assessment' flight with Virgin Atlantic. The flight took off from Heathrow at 9.41am on Monday, before the turnback was initiated at 10.19am, and it then landed back at Heathrow at 11.12am. Sources added that Virgin Atlantic has since reviewed its internal processes and updated them in an effort to avoid the same thing happening again. A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said: 'Virgin Atlantic have made us aware of the incident. Both pilots were suitably licensed and qualified to undertake the flight.' To be qualified to fly the aircraft, an individual must hold an aircraft type rating and a valid licence proficiency check, which the first officer held. With the type rating and licence proficiency check, a pilot can legally and safely operate the aircraft in any geographical area worldwide. Virgin Atlantic devises a line training programme, and it trains these procedures in the first eight flights. The 'final assessment flight' is a company requirement from Virgin Atlantic to ensure that the employee operates using its specific methodology. The staff member in question was recommended as ready for his final assessment flight on their previous flight, having completed 12 recent flights on the A330 after his complete simulator and class room training programme. He was therefore deemed as safe and competent to operate the flight, but the decision for the aircraft to return to Heathrow was made based on Virgin's internal compliance requirements. ** Were you on Virgin Atlantic flight VS3 from LHR to JFK on Monday? Please email: tips@dailymail.com ** Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga will be arraigned before a federal court judge in New York on Thursday. Usuga, the leader of the notorious Gulf Clan cartel, was turned over to Drug Enforcement Agents in the South American nations capital of Bogota on Thursday afternoon and flown to a New York-area airport where he arrived later in the evening. Considered the most powerful capo in Colombia dating back to Pablo Escobar, Usuga and the Gulf Clan are accused by the United States Department of Justice for allegedly trafficking at least 90,000 kilos of cocaine, worth about $2billion in the streets of the U.S., DEA administrator Anne Milgram said during a press conference Thursday. The 50-year-old, who was arrested in the shore city of Necocli near Panama in October 2021, was accused Colombian authorities for the deaths of hundreds of members of the countrys security forces. Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga is escorted by U.S. federal agents at a New York-area airport after his extradition Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear before a federal court judge Thursday afternoon Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga, leader of the Gulf Clan cartel, is escorted by agents in Colombia prior to his extradition Wednesday. The cartel reportedly trafficked 90,000 kilos of cocaine to the U.S., worth about $2 billion in the streets Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga is led into a NYPD helicopter at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday night As many as 90 suspected cartel members were also apprehended following Usugas capture, prompting Colombian President Ivan Duque to proclaim the end of the Gulf Clan. However, four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usuga's arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the world's largest producer and supplier of the drug. Formally known as the Los Urabenos and Clan Usuga, the Gulf Clan is a neo-paramilitary group, in addition to being a drug cartel. It is currently involved in the on-going Colombian armed conflict, having first appeared after the demobilization of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia. 'I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited,' Duque said on Twitter, calling him 'the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world.' Duque described Usuga as a 'murderer of social leaders and police, an abuser of boys, girls and teenagers.' 'Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed,' he added. A member of the Colombian police talks to drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga before he was turned over to DEA agents in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday A military convoy escorts Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga on Wednesday Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga seen inside a DEA jet before it took off from Bogota, Colombia, to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday On Wednesday afternoon, a convoy of five bulletproof police vehicles transported Usuga from a prison in Bogota to a military airport, where he was handed over to the DEA. Perhaps knowing that his days as the country's most powerful drug trafficker were finally over, Usuga's eyes watered up as he sat between security force members in the back of a vehicle, video released by the Colombia National Police showed. His arrest was one of the biggest blows to Colombia's drug trafficking business since the assassination of Escobar in 1993. Usuga was indicted in 2009 in the US, which had offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest. Authorities say he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of members of Colombia's security forces. Following Usuga's arrest and that of another 90 suspected gang members, Duque declared the 'end' of the Gulf Clan. But four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usuga's arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the world's largest producer and supplier of the drug. Formally known as the Los Urabenos and Clan Usuga, the Gulf Clan is a neo-paramilitary group, in addition to being a drug cartel. Colombian security forces surround drug lord Dairo Antonio Otoniel Usuga as he was escorted to an airport in Bogota before he was turned over to the DEA for extradition It is currently involved in the on-going Colombian armed conflict, having first appeared after the demobilization of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia. In 2011, the clan declared war on the Los Rastrojos - a rival cartel - for control over the drug trade in Medellin, and in the decade that followed has grown into the most powerful criminal organization in the country. It is believed to have some 3,000 members within its inner organizational circle. Since his capture, Usuga had been held in a high-security prison in Bogota, and was at the heart of multiple controversies. Recordings of testimony Usuga gave to the Truth Commission - an extrajudicial body investigating the decades-long conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) - were stolen, the perpetrators unknown. Colombian police also halted one of Usuga's Truth Commission hearings, saying the Gulf Clan had organized an escape attempt. 'Who is afraid of Otoniel?' read a headline on Cambio, an independent online news outlet, which claimed that some people in the Colombian government sought to silence the drug lord. The site reported Usuga would have said during his hearings that the army continued to work in complicity with right-wing paramilitaries in some parts of the country. Dairo Antonio Usuga David (pictured center Wednesday) was the leader of Colombia's largest narco-trafficking gang, known as the feared Gulf Clan. He has now been extradited to the US Colombian drug lord and head of the Gulf Clan, Dairo Antonio Usuga - aka 'Otoniel' - boards a plane to be extradited to the US, in Bogota on May 4, 2022 Citing a leaked Truth Commission document, the outlet said Usuga had implicated 63 people as linked to the Gulf Clan, including a former minister, a former national director of intelligence, six former governors and four former members of parliament. Family members of Usuga's victims had asked for the courts to suspend his extradition, arguing he should stand trial in Colombia for 'crimes against humanity.' 'They did not respect the feelings of the victims,' said Marina Sanmiguel, whose husband was killed in a 1997 paramilitary raid. Usuga 'could be a key person to clarify what really happened,' she said. But the Colombian justice system ultimately gave the green light for his extradition, Usuga's defense team said. Duque vowed Usuga would still face justice in Colombia. 'This criminal was extradited to serve drug trafficking sentences in the United States,' the president said. 'But I want to be clear that once those are served, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes committed against our country.' After his capture, claimed to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal that he handed himself in. The JEP was created under a 2016 peace deal with the now demobilized FARC rebel group to try former combatants and members of the military. Usuga's lawyers argued against his extradition, saying he should be allowed to testify before the JEP, confess his role in Colombia's nearly six decades of internal conflict and reveal links between the military and illegal armed groups. The conflict has killed at least 260,000 people. Dairo Antonio Usuga, also known as Otoniel, was extradited from Bogota, Colombia, to NewYork on May 04, 2022. He is shown in the back of an armored vehicle while being escorted by armed police Dairo Antonio Usuga David, alias 'Otoniel', top leader of the Gulf clan, is escorted by Colombian military after being captured, in Turbo, Colombia October 23, 2021 With the weather forecast to brighten, there may be a million and one things more alluring to do than vote today. But the Daily Mail urges every reader to cast their ballot. For these local elections matter. They not only allow people to have their voices heard on vital local issues such as bin collections, planning and traffic schemes, but they are an important gauge of the national political mood. What with cake and wine tomfoolery in No 10, pornography-watching MPs, the soaraway cost of living and a woeful failure to tackle the armada of Channel migrants, this is hardly the moment the Tories would have chosen for the elections. Party chiefs are braced for a horrendous drubbing, fearing Conservative voters will protest by staying at home in droves or, worse, mark their 'X' next to another party. Boris Johnson is no saint, but he's got the big decisions right But this paper asks people to look at the broader picture of the political landscape. Sir Keir Starmer worked himself into a self-righteous lather over Boris Johnson being fined for an impromptu lockdown-busting birthday bash held between work meetings in Downing Street. Yet was that 'offence' really a more serious breach than Labour's leader enjoying a 200 curry and beer feast with up to 30 activists when indoor socialising was banned? Sir Keir pompously promotes himself as a principled QC. But rather than being transparent about Beergate, he shiftily keeps changing his story. If he's done nothing wrong, why writhe like a scorched moth? And for him to whine about Tory 'mudslinging' is truly pathetic. He's been the chief mudslinger over Partygate. If only he hadn't spent months sanctimoniously demanding the Prime Minister resign over an untouched cake, he might not have found himself in such a discomfiting predicament. Sir Keir's attitude is a perfect metaphor for Labour: Hypocritical, dissembling and dripping in double standards. As the country goes to the polls, he is already plotting a class war on business and Middle England, with crippling tax rises. But such economically innumerate madness would wipe thousands of pounds off the value of ordinary workers' pension pots. Meanwhile, the truly wealthy would beat a hasty retreat from Britain, taking with them jobs, investment and their taxes eventually reducing the amount available for ministers to spend on public services. Across the country, there are vivid examples of Labour misrule. Look no further than the bankrupt basket case that is Croydon Council. Meals on Wheels: Axed. Budgets for the poorest: Axed. Payment for its outgoing chief executive: An eye-watering 600,000. It is iniquitous. From seeking to thwart Brexit and install Jeremy Corbyn in No10, to demanding Britain remain under gruelling Covid curbs, insipid Sir Keir has made the wrong calls again and again. He can't even bring himself to say that women don't have penises. Contrast that with Mr Johnson. He's no saint, but he's got the big decisions right. He delivered Brexit, won an election landslide, presided over a world-leading vaccination programme and steered Britain first out of lockdown. On Ukraine, his leadership has been exemplary. And he has dished out many billions to help families with the painful cost of living squeeze. So we urge all Conservative voters not to lose faith. While withholding a vote may give a scintilla of satisfaction, it would be an act of self-harm to take out frustration on hard-working and effective councillors. Tempting as it is to give the Tories an electoral kick in the pants, that could trigger a successful coup against Mr Johnson. When Britain needs stability, it risks a general election and a diabolical coalition of Labour and the SNP. To those contemplating resorting to a protest vote, the Mail respectfully says: Be careful what you wish for. A strange metal object has fallen through the roof of a young couple's home, almost hitting a baby bouncer where their baby daughter was lying moments earlier. Tenika Lawther and Matthew Gardner were left in shock after a weird object penetrated their roof and broke the tiled floor at their Gympie home in Queensland on Wednesday night. 'So it went through the tin on the roof, there's a complete hole, and then a hole straight through our gyprock and then tiles, so two holes and the tiles are smashed,' Ms Lawther said. The 3cm object landed next to a baby bouncer where the couple's five-month-old daughter was laying in moments before. A strange metal object (pictured) has fallen through the roof of a young couple's home, almost hitting a baby bouncer where their baby daughter was lying moments earlier Ms Lawther told the ABC the 'scary' ordeal would've killed her daughter if she was still in the bouncer when it came through the roof. 'We both just looked at each other, and right above his head and my daughter's head was this hole in our roof,' she said. 'It flew straight past my head onto the couch so, yeah, any of us could have died last night and not known it was coming. It was horrible.' 'There was smoke and debris everywhere,' Ms Lawther said. The young mother revealed the falling metal part caused 'smoke and debris' to billow 'everywhere' in their home. Ms Lawther later contacted the police over the incident. 'They said just get up and put a tarp over your roof and then you need to fix it and probably get compensated for it,' she said. Tenika Lawther (pictured) and Matthew Gardner were in shock after a weird object penetrated their roof and broke the tiled floor at their Gympie home. The object landed next to a baby bouncer where the couple's five-month-old daughter (pictured) was lying in moments earlier Tenika and Matthew took photos of the metal object and shared them on their social media profiles, asking friends and followers what they think the object was. The responses included space junk or a loose part from a plane or helicopter They took photos of the metal object and shared them on their social media, asking friends and followers what they think the object was. 'We definitely don't think a bullet; we've ruled that out,' she said. The responses included space junk, a stray bullet or a loose part from a plane or helicopter. The couple believe it most likely came from an aeroplane or helicopter due to the speed at which the object smashed through the roof. Tenika and Matthew are still investigating what the object is and where it came from as they follow up with their insurance and fix the damage caused as a result of the bizarre incident. A deceptively gentle grilling by a local newspaper has embarrassingly tripped up both Liberal and Labour candidates fighting for a crucial seat in Sydney's west. Businesswoman Liberal Maria Kovacic is a captain's pick by PM Scott Morrison to snatch Parramatta in Sydney's west after the retirement of Labor MP, Julie Owens. But when Ms Kovacic was asked to name three favourite local restaurants, she blundered by naming a northern beaches suburb. Maria Kovacic was asked to name three favourite local restaurants by Pawan Luthra for Indian Link Media but blundered by naming a Northern Beaches suburb She'd earlier named local Thai Holy Basil as her first choice and upmarket Ruse Brasserie, where steaks start at $47, but slipped up with her third choice. She said she loved a dessert bar in 'Church Street, Bayview', a wealthy suburb 50km away, close to Church Point and Newport, which overlooks Pittwater. It's believed she actually meant the Bay Vista Dessert Bar in Parramatta's Church Street. Bayview is 50km from Parramatta (above) Maria Kovacic said she loved a dessert bar in Bayview, a picturesque wealthy suburb in Sydney's Northern Beaches It's believed Maria Kovacic actually meant to say Bay Vista dessert bar in Parramatta The slip up follows wealthy Labor candidate Andrew Charlton also being caught out in the deceptively simple test of local knowledge by Pawan Luthra for Indian Link Media. He was interviewed on camera in Harris Park - famous for its Indian restaurants - but couldn't name three favourite eateries despite standing in a street full of them. The video even swings round to show Mr Charlton, 43, standing in front of popular Indian restaurant Billus as the Labor hopeful struggled to come up with a local diner. Wealthy Labor candidate Andrew Charlton has been parachuted in to stand for election in Sydney's west couldn't name three local restaurants while standing in a street full of them The candidate managed to muster two names, including Indian street eatery Chatkazz, but when prompted, couldn't come up with a third. 'Whoa,' he said when pushed. 'There are a lot, jeez, there are a lot of good ones...umm...I would...I would have to say...ummm...' He finally says he said he had a 'fantastic' Ramadan-breaking feast at Parramatta mosque but eventually admits: 'I'll have to get back to you on the name...' The economist and entrepreneur lives in the $16million 'Fintry' mansion in Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs with his barrister wife Phoebe Arcus. He was hand-picked by Labor leader Anthony Albanese to fight for the marginal seat of Parramatta and recently bought a $1.95million home in the constituency. Mr Charlton was a highly regarded economic advisor to then-PM Kevin Rudd and helped steer policies that guided Australia through the 2008 global financial crisis. Mr Rudd told the ABC: 'He is a highly talented individual, brilliant economist...and he helped me get Australia a permanent seat on the G20.' The Sydney university graduate was a Rhodes Scholar who got his PhD in economics from Oxford University in the UK. He's written books on economics, including Oznomics, which argued for workers' rights and government investment in technology and education. Economist and entrepreneur Andrew Charlton lives in the $16million 'Fintry' mansion in Bellevue Hill in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs with his barrister wife Phoebe Arcus The father of three founded an economics consultancy AlphaBeta which he later sold to global consultants Accenture, prompting the purchase of his $16million mansion with spectacular views across the eastern suburbs and Bondi coastline. The classic six-bedroom property was previously home to MamaMia! founder Mia Freedman and her husband Jason Lavigne, and is just down the road from media magnate Lachlan Murdoch and his wife Sarah. Mr Charlton is fighting to keep Parramatta for Labor after the retiring current MP won the seat in 2019 with a slim 3.5 per cent margin. Joe Biden's new 'disinformation czar' dismissed concerns about Critical Race Theory in schools as 'disinformation for profit' - despite parents across the country being worried about the teaching of the philosophy in their children's classrooms. Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation expert who has worked throughout Eastern Europe, was hired on April 27 to lead a Homeland Security Department working group designed to help its different agencies in dealing with disinformation on topics ranging from migration to plots from Russia and Iran. But her appointment has angered Republicans. The Republican National Committee dubbed the committee she heads 'Ministry of Truth' in a nod to George Orwell's novel '1984,' and raised fears that the group will deem as disinformation 'any speech we don't like.' Other critics have seized upon her past comments - noting that she described Hunter Biden's laptop as 'the laptop from hell' and echoed the opinion of national security experts at the time that the laptop was part of a Russian influence operation. It has since been confirmed by multiple news organizations, including DailyMail.com, as authentic. On Wednesday, a clip from a November 2021 address to The City Club of Cleveland was circulated online, which showed Jankowicz downplaying concerns about CRT. Nina Jankowicz is pictured in November 2021, giving a lecture and taking questions at The City Club of Cleveland. She was asked about CRT, and said it was a 'weaponization of emotions' Opponents of the academic doctrine known as Critical Race Theory protest outside of the Loudoun County School Board headquarters, in Ashburn, Virginia, in June 2021 Protesters and their children are seen outside the Loudoun County government center in Leesburg, Virginia, on June 12, 2021 One man in the audience said that Republicans were using Critical Race Theory to divide people, and asked her: 'How do you get people to understand and go beyond the headlines?' Critical race theory, or CRT, is a legal framework taught primarily in law schools which claims that racism is embedded in American political and social institutions. Conservatives have taken to using the phrase as a way to describe lessons on racism and 'equity' across all grade levels - and have criticized the theory for claiming that the U.S. is built on racial animus, with skin color determining the social, economic and political differences between people. CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the introduction of The 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement Advocates, however, say its' teaching is necessary to underline how deeply racism pervades society. Critics say it is divisive and paints everyone as a victim or oppressor. Loudoun Superintendent Scott Ziegler maintains that CRT is not being taught to students, and that parents and other activists are seizing upon the district's equity training for staff and claiming it is being taught in classrooms. Jankowicz, for her part, said at City Club of Cleveland event: 'You're absolutely right that Critical Race Theory has become one of those hot-button issues that the Republicans and other disinformers, who are engaged in disinformation for profit, frankly - there are plenty of media outlets that are making money off this too - have seized on. 'And I live in Virginia, and in Loudoun County that's one of the areas where people have really honed in on this topic. 'But it's no different than any of the other hot-button issues that have allowed disinformation to flourish. 'It's weaponizing people's emotion.' She recommended that the audience be aware of reading articles that made you feel emotional and passionate, and said she supported public media, because they are able to give time and space for debate. Members of the Loudoun County School Board are facing the prospect of being forced from office in November - a year early - after Virginia's new GOP governor, Glenn Youngkin, ordered them to seek re-election. 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, elections for all nine districts of the Loudoun County School Board shall be held on November 5, 2022,' the amendment to HB 1138 reads. The board is made up of nine members, including Jeff Morse, chair of the Dulles District; Ian Serotkin, Vice-Chair of Blue Ridge District; at-large member Denise Corbo; Atoosa Reaser of the Algonkian District; Harris Mahedavi, of the Ashburn District; Andrew Hoyler of the Broad Run District; John Beatty of the Catoctin District; and Tom Marshall of the Leesburg District. The Loudoun School Board has been mired in controversy - beyond CRT. Last year they were in the headlines for covering up a sexual assault on school grounds, which led to an additional assault of a young girl - whose father infamously attended a school board meeting and had to be forcibly removed. They have continued to court controversy, with the board's approval of a $6 million 'equity-training' program last April, as well as the September approval of a study into whether it would be appropriate to give reparations to black people. Loudoun County School Board members (pictured) will be up for election this coming November instead of 2023 following an amendment by Governor Younkin Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (pictured) made an amendment to a bill that moved up the elections of the Loudoun County School Board to November 2022 Shelley Slebrch and other angry parents and community members protest after a Loudoun County School Board meeting was halted by the school board because the crowd refused to quiet down last June Jankowicz has been appointed by the Biden administration to head the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board as executive director Younkin said the amendment was a chance to 'reflect the will of parents' sooner. 'The last few years just absolutely signified some real challenges with the Loudoun County School Board,' Younkin told 7NewsDC. 'And so in the spirit of transparency and accountability, my amendment gives parents the ability to elect their school board.' But the move came as a surprise to school board members. Jankowicz, meanwhile - a Wilson Center global fellow - previously published information that was later found to be false or misleading, and a tweet Jankowicz sent in October 2020 has resurfaced and is making the rounds in conservative circles. 'Back on the 'laptop from hell,' apparently - Biden notes 50 former natsec officials and 5 former CIA heads that believe the laptop is a Russian influence op,' she tweeted at the time. She added: 'Trump says 'Russia, Russia, Russia.' She now says that the tweet was part of her 'live tweeting' a debate between Trump and Biden, just one month before the presidential general election. Republicans, however, are using the post to pounce on her political leanings. 'For those who believe this tweet is a key to all my views, it is simply a direct quote from both candidates during the final presidential debate,' Jankowicz said, defending the original tweet. 'If you look at my timeline, you will see I was livetweeting that evening,' she added. Nina Jankowicz defended her previous casting of doubt on the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, claiming that a tweet she sent in October 2020 was a livetweet of a debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump Woke Nina Jankowicz is now head of Biden's dystopian 'disinformation board' Nina Jankowicz had already made a name for herself before being appointed head of Biden's Russian disinformation unit. Jankowicz, 33, is a successful author who is currently eight months pregnant with her first child. She grew up in New Jersey and is dating Michael Stein. The couple are happily shacked up in a $1 million, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom property they own in Arlington, Virginia. Jankowicz, attended Bryn Mawr College and Georgetown University, before embarking on a glittering career in foreign relations. She managed programs to Russia and Belarus at the National Democratic Institute. Jankowicz also advised the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on disinformation and strategic communications She serves on the Board of Trustees for the Eurasia Foundation and is a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center But the author is best known as a prominent woke voice online. The Biden appointee's latest book, How To Be A Woman Online has just been released, and deals with the topics of internet bullying and trolling. She has complained about hordes of men tracking down her private Facebook and Instagram accounts after she appears on TV to try to follow her and find out more about her life. Jankowicz says she prefers strangers to follow her Twitter account, and speculates that many of those who criticize her online are jealous of her 'verified' blue check mark and media career. She has identified five different types of trolls who target her most, including 'reply guy' types who insist on trying to meddle in all aspects of her life, including in how brown she toasts her bread. Despite claiming to be a free speech campaigner online, Jankowicz has spoken out against the First Amendment. Aligning herself with many online progressives who've begun to call for an end to unqualified free speech, Jankowicz recently tweeted: 'I shudder to think about if free speech absolutists were taking over more platforms, what that would look like for the marginalized communitieswhich are already shoulderingdisproportionate amounts of this abuse.' She also said the prospect of Elon Musk taking over Twitter made her 'shudder.' But Jankowicz - who has a pet dog and a cat - has not joined thousands of other liberals who've vowed to quit the platform as a result of Musk's purchase. Advertisement In one instance, back when the global pandemic was just beginning, Jankowicz quote tweeted a post from Rob Leathern, who worked on integrity products at Facebook. He announced that the company was giving the World Health Organization and other health groups as many free ads as needed to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 response. 'This is good,' she wrote in March 2020. 'Now [I] hope the rest of the adtech industry stops placing ads for masks and worse (straight up disinfo!) on articles and information about coronavirus.' Jankowicz also wrote at the time that 'our country might be too... um, free spirited? to comply with social distancing recommendations unless they're forced upon us. 'So force away! Lock us down. People are not taking this seriously,' she wrote after apparently being within six feet of a high school-aged couple. At the time, Dr. Anthony Fauci and other United States health leaders had advised Americans not to wear masks. They later changed that advice, with Fauci admitting that he was concerned there would not be enough Personal Protective Equipment for frontline health care workers, and others admitting they did not know at the time how contagious the virus was or how it spread. But as America's top doctors discovered more information about the virus, social distancing guidelines were reduced. Jankowicz also claimed online ahead of the 2016 presidential election that a Donald Trump presidency would 'embolden ISIS'. In reality, the Islamic State collapsed under the Trump administration, which also carried out the successful operation to kill head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She further said in February that Russia's invasion of Ukraine 'would have been so much worse under the former president.' And in an August 2020 tweet, Jankowicz apparently hyped up former British spy Chris Steele as he spoke about disinformation. She wrote at the time that she listened to a podcast featuring Steele, saying he 'provides some great historical context about the evolution of disinfo. 'Worth a listen,' she tweeted. But Steele's infamous dossier about Trump allegedly colluding with Russia prior to the 2016 presidential election has since been discredited, with his alleged main source, Igor Danchenko charged with five counts of 'making false statements to the FBI.' Jankowicz has not yet apologized for any of these tweets. They remain available for anyone to see on her Twitter page. Jankowicz has also found herself under fire for some of her controversial videos, including one from December 2015 in which she says: 'I don't want to work, struggle or compromise.' In the video, she asks Santa, 'if you're listening please tell me what to do. 'Who do I f*** to be famous,' adding: 'I've done everything I could and now the rest is up to you.' Another YouTube video from January 2018 features her singing about how she has started a new job advocating for human rights. In one of her old tweets, Nina Jankowicz said she hopes the advertising technology industry would stop placing ads for masks - which at the time America's top health experts were saying were not necessary Jankowicz also tweeted in 2016 that she thought a Donald Trump presidency would embolden ISIS, as she expressed her support for then-candidate Hillary Clinton And in August 2020, she praised Chris Steele, whose Russian dossier was later discredited In March 2020, she suggested that the country is too 'free-spirited to comply with social distancing recommendations' as she advocated for lockdowns after apparently being near two high schoolers on a date She doubled down on the idea of Trump's close ties to Russia in a February tweet, suggesting that the country's invasion of Ukraine would have been worse under the former president Videos posted online show Jankowicz asking Santa to make her rich and famous Another video features her, at left, singing about starting a new career advocating for human rights as she compares herself to Elizabeth Warren The head of the Biden administration's new 'Disinformation Governance Board' Nina Jankowicz sings about 'misinformation' to the tune of Mary Poppins song 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' 'When people tried to silence me, I stood my ground and I persisted,' Jankowicz sang with her group, the Moaning Myrtles, a nod to the ghost from the Harry Potter series. 'Because we need equality and nevertheless, I persisted,' she sang, an apparent reference to then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell trying to prevent Sen. Elizabeth Warren from continuing her speech against naming Jeff Sessions to US Attorney General. 'Wha-oh, wha-oh, I've got a reputation, wha-oh, wha-oh yeah it's cause for celebration,' Jankowicz sings. 'So I'm standing up for the next generation,' she continues, before singing: 'You can call me Myrtle Elizabeth Warren.' When she was younger, Jankowicz, left, co-created a Harry Potter-themed band named The Moaning Myrtles Other videos from the group she co-founded in 2005 included Harry Potter erotica songs, in which she sang about killing the titular character so they can have sex as ghosts, as well as other Harry Potter-inspired songs about life at Hogwarts. More recently, she posted a TikTok video in March 2020, claiming people are not taking COVID restrictions seriously, as she suggested that lock downs are necessary. 'Lock us down. People are not taking this (COVID) seriously,' she said in the video. 'Information laundering is really quite ferocious. It's when a huckster takes some lies and makes them sound precocious,' she sings in the video to the tune of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' 'By saying them in Congress or a mainstream outlet, so disinformation's origins are slightly less atrocious. 'It's how you hide a little, hide a little, little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little, little lie. 'When Rudy Giuliani shared bad intel from Ukraine. Or when TikTok influencers say Covid can't cause pain. They're laundering disinfo and we really should take note. And not support their lies with our wallet, voice or vote oh!' Radio host Ray Hadley has criticised Greens senator Lidia Thorpe's 'vile' deportation protest after revealing the immigrants she was defending are guilty of sex crimes and domestic violence. The Victorian senator staged a viral protest on Tuesday in which she defended 12 'innocent' immigrants that were being transported to the Christmas Island Detention Centre from Melbourne's Immigration Transit Accommodation. During her attack she stood directly in front of uncomfortable police officers and screamed 'How dare you?' while labelling them as 'criminals'. On Wednesday, however, 2GB host Hadley shut down Ms Thorpe's claims about the detainees and labelled her an 'insensitive galoot', saying authorities had told him the 12 people involved had been assessed as 'high-risk detainees'. 'All are either section 501 or section 116 visa cancellations,' he said. Scroll down for the video. 2GB host Ray Hadley has shut down Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe's (pictured) claim that 'innocent people' were deported following her viral protest in Melbourne on Tuesday 'Section 501 states the visa must be cancelled when the visa holder has been sentenced to 12 months of more imprisonment or has been found guilty of a sexually based crime involving a child. The visa holder must also be serving a full time custodial sentence. 'That's called a mandatory cancellation. So much for innocent people. 'Section 116 allows for the cancellation of a visa where the holder poses a risk to the health, safety, and good order of the Australian community or to an individual in the Australian community. 'Many of these cancellations have been in relation to allegations of domestic violence. 'When a visa is cancelled under this section the holder does not have the right to request revocation of the cancellation.' On Tuesday Lidia Thorpe screamed at police officers for deporting 'innocent, Aboriginal people' to Christmas Island Hadley said he had checked with authorities and that the 12 people who were deported on Tuesday from Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation were guilty of sex crimes and domestic violence, and were not Aboriginal In video of the protest Ms Thorpe can be seen shouting at the police officers in attendance. 'Is it not enough you're locking up innocent people? We're talking about innocent people in there; we're talking about Aboriginal people in there. 'You are the criminals. You are the only criminals on this land. 'Do you know how many innocent people are in there? Have you even done your research as officers of the law?' During the barrage Ms Thorpe also claimed officers had 'manhandled' women during the protests and 'pushed' her. But Hadley said authorities had been clear the detainees were anything but the 'innocent' people Ms Thorpe believed she was heroically defending. He also said there were no Aboriginal people on board the vehicle facing deportation and called Ms Thorpe's claim 'a load of rubbish'. A crowd of protesters blocked the entrance to Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation on Tuesday and graffitied government vehicles Mr Hadley slammed Ms Thorpe as an 'insensitive galoot' and said the claims she made during the protest were 'a load of rubbish' 'So much for Lidia Thorpe claiming these innocent people are being dealt with inappropriately by authorities,' Mr Hadley said. 'Let alone the abuse - the vile abuse - hurled at coppers simply doing their job to protect and serve.' Mr Hadley also said Ms Thorpe had been forced to apologise for making sexist and derogatory comments in Parliament towards Liberal senator Hollie Hughes and once claimed to be 'racially profiled' by Virgin Airlines staff at Canberra airport because her carry-on luggage was too heavy. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Senator Thorpe for comment. Scott Morrison has insisted Australia is still the Solomon Islands' preferred security partner after it signed a secret deal with China. The Prime Minister has been accused of the worst foreign policy failure since World War II after the Pacific nation just 2,000km from Queensland announced the pact with Beijing last month. Analysts say the deal will allow Chinese troops to be stationed there - but the Solomon Islands has denied it wants a Chinese naval base on its territory. Mr Morrison also responded to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's criticism of his Government for saying the Solomon Islands is in Australia's 'backyard'. Scott Morrison (pictured eating a pastry on Thursday) has insisted Australia is still the Solomon Islands' preferred security partner after it signed a secret deal with China Mr Morrison said he still has not spoken to Mr Sogavare since the deal was announced but is following all the advice of intelligence officials. He insisted Australia, which has sent AFP officers to help keep peace amid social unrest, is still the preferred security partner. 'I have had contact with (Mr Sogavare) in the last few months. Australia is the preferred security partner, he's communicated that to me consistently,' he said. Earlier this week Mr Sogavare told his parliament the country was being treated like kindergarten students 'walking around with Colt 45s in our hands' who needed to be supervised. He also said it was 'offensive' for Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews to refer to Solomon Islands as being in 'our backyard' because the backyard is where rubbish is kept and burnt. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja on April 13 Mr Morrison said Mr Sogavare is free to express his opinion but it would not stop the Australian government having a relationship with the Solomon Islands. 'We have always been there for the people of the Solomon Islands and we always will be. That doesn't mean the prime ministers will always agree,' he told reporters in Parramatta on Thursday. Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong remains surprised Mr Morrison has not spoken to Mr Sogavare more recently. 'Quite a lot of the way in which Prime Minister Morrison has dealt with this issue has surprised me. Australians have been surprised,' she told the ABC. Labor leader Anthony Albanese said a government he led would have a constructive relationship with Pacific nations, citing his party's policy of people-to-people relationships. 'This is a complex relationship, but the fact that the prime minister hasn't picked up the phone to Prime Minister Sogavare says an enormous amount about what is needed in terms of that relationship,' Mr Albanese told reporters in Sydney. 'The government has dropped the ball on the Pacific right now and during this period we haven't even had serious visits from the foreign minister or the defence minister.' The Delaware computer repairman who handed Hunter Biden's laptop over to authorities - as well as Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani - claimed on Wednesday night that he was forced to flee his hometown and close his shop after media outlets began reporting on its contents. John Paul Mac Isaac, 45, told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that he left his home in Delaware ahead of the 2020 presidential election, the result of accusations levied by numerous publications that he was spreading 'Russian disinformation.' 'I had to get out of town before the election,' he said, adding: 'I had to close the shop in Delaware.' Mac Isaac also spoke out against what he called 'collusion' by mainstream media outlets that accused him of being a puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the New York Post first published revelations from the laptop in the weeks leading up to the election. 'The collusion that took place in mid October of 2020 was just astonishing to me,' Isaac said. 'I couldn't believe it, it was just a unilateral decision to all call this Russian disinformation without even deciding if there was going to be collateral damage, which there was.' 'Initially, people just assumed I was a hacker or a thief mainly because of Twitter labeling the material from the laptop as being hacked, and then banning the subject matter completely,' he explained. 'But after 51 [members] of the intelligence community decided to call me [part] of a Russian disinformation campaign, and Adam Schiff went on CNN to follow that up to express his concerns with the rest of the nation, it was pretty much from that point on I was labeled a "stooge" of Putin, and "Putin thanks me for my service." Mac Isaac is now suing House Intelligence Committee chair Adam Schiff, CNN, Politico and The Daily Beast for spreading the allegations - and is seeking damages of 'at least $1 million. John Paul Mac Isaac, 45, told FOX News host Tucker Carlson Wednesday night how he was forced to flee his Delaware hometown ahead of the 2020 presidential election, when he was being accused of spreading Russian disinformation Mac Isaac said he was forced to close down his laptop repair shop after people started throwing vegetables, eggs and even dog feces at the door In the lawsuit - which was filed in Montgomery County, Maryland on Tuesday and has been obtained by DailyMail.com, Mac Isaac claims that Rep. Adam Schiff defamed him in an interview two days after the New York Post - and later DailyMail.com - began publishing revelations from the laptop. In an interview with Wolf Blitzer at the time, Schiff said - without providing any evidence - that he believed 'the Kremlin' was behind 'a smear campaign' of both then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. 'Well we know that this whole smear on Joe Biden comes from the Kremlin,' he said. 'That's been clear for well over a year now that they've been pushing this false narrative about the Vice President and his son.' Mac Isaac now claims in his lawsuit that CNN knowingly broadcast the 'false and defamatory story,' which caused him significant damage including the closing of his laptop repair store. He is also going after the Daily Beast, which claimed the laptop was 'purloined,' or stolen, in an article. Mac Isaac then reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to the outlet warning it not to print any false and defamatory information, but no redaction was issued, according to the lawsuit. Daily Beast then reportedly published another article in December of that year titled 'The Seeds of Hunter Biden's Current Legal Woes Were Found on His Stolen Laptop,' at which point Mac Isaac sent another cease and desist letter, after which the Daily Beast changed its headline. And, Mac Isaac claims in the lawsuit, Politico also defamed him when it reported that dozens of former intelligence officials believe the laptop was 'Russian disinfo.' His attorney, Brian Della Rocca, told the New York Post on Tuesday that Mac Isaac is now seeking 'at least $1 million in compensatory damages [and] punitive damages, which will be the bigger number and will be determined at trial.' In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer after the laptop was revealed, Rep. Adam Schiff, left, said - without providing any evidence - that he believed 'the Kremlin' was behind 'a smear campaign' of both then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, and his son Hunter. The Daily Beast also published an article at the time claiming the laptop was stolen The lawsuit states that Mac Isaac was forced to close down his computer repair shop near the Biden family homes in Greenville, Delaware following the reporting accusing him of spreading Russian disinformation - when people started throwing eggs, vegetables and even dog feces at his door. He then reportedly went into exile in Colorado for a year. 'CNN's broadcast of the false statement accuses the Plaintiff of committing an infamous crime, i.e., treason by working with the Russians to commit a crime against the United States of America by attempting to undermine American democracy an the 2020 Presidential election,' the lawsuit states. As a result, Della Rocca told the Post: 'He has lost his business, friendships and his honorable standing in his community. 'This lawsuit is to attempt to repair a small portion of that damage caused by the defendants in the suit,' he continued. 'We intend to show that their actions were intentionally malicious.' Mac Isaac, meanwhile, told the Post: 'After fighting to reveal the truth, all I want now is for the rest of the country to know that there was a collective and orchestrated effort by social and mainstream media to block a real story with real consequences for the nation. 'This was collusion led by 51 former pillars in the intelligence community and backed by words and actions of a politically motivated DOJ and FBI,' he added, noting: 'I want this lawsuit to reveal that collusion and more importantly, who gave the marching orders.' He is being backed financially in his efforts by The America Project, a nonprofit founded by Trump loyalists Army Gen. Michael Flynn, his brother Joe Flynn and businessman Pat Byrne. '[We are] honored to sponsor John Paul Mac Isaac in his fight against the injustice that has been done to him when the political elite coordinated with the leftist news media claiming the Hunter Biden laptop was Russian disinformation - which was a blatant lie,' the retired general told the Post. 'The synchronized efforts of these parties to wield their words like weapons are evident through years long continuous coverage that led to extreme backlash against JP and the closing of his business.' Mac Isaac is now suing CNN, the Daily Beast, Politico and Rep. Adam Schiff in a defamation suit seeking damages of 'at least $1 million' Mac Isaac first acquired the laptop in 2019 when Hunter dropped it off at his store and never returned to get it. AUTHENTICATING HUNTER'S LAPTOP DailyMail.com commissioned cyber forensics experts at Maryman & Associates to examine the hard drive to determine its authenticity. The firm's founder, Brad Maryman, was a 29-year veteran of the FBI, served as a Chief Information Security Officer and founded the bureau's cyber forensics unit. His partner, Dr. Joseph Greenfield, is an associate professor at the University of Southern California and helped write their degree program in intelligence and cyber operations. After an extensive analysis of the hard drive, Greenfield and Maryman produced a report for DailyMail.com detailing their findings. Using the same forensic tools as federal and state law enforcement in criminal investigations, they found a total of 103,000 text messages, 154,000 emails and more than 2,000 photos. - They found emails for multiple accounts on the laptop dating back to 2009, and other data which 'appears to be related to Mr. Biden' between 2016 and 2019. - The report's findings were consistent with the known timeline for the hard drive. A Wilmington, Delaware computer store work order with Hunter's signature shows he left his 2017 MacBook Pro laptop there on April 12, 2019. - The Maryman & Associates report said the original 'Macintosh HD' drive was created on March 28, 2018 - Hunter's iCloud email address was added to the laptop's system on October 21 2018, as well as his work email at his firm Rosemont Seneca on February 2 2019. - The same day, a Gmail address he used to log onto sex cam sites, and another personal Gmail address belonging to Hunter, were also added. - Beau Biden's old Gmail account was added on February 7 2019. - Emails addressed to Hunter's various email addresses dating from December 2009 to December 2020 were found on the system. - An iPad with the name 'Hunter's iPad' and three email addresses associated with the Biden family was backed up on the laptop and on iCloud in January 2019 and again a month later. - Greenfield found 818 call logs in this iPad backup with timestamps from June 2016 to February 2019. - There were 8,942 entries in the iPad's contacts book, created between April 2016 and January 2019. - In February 2019 an iPhone XS was also synced with the laptop. Its serial number was consistent with the timestamps of the data on the phone. In conclusion, 'The operating system timestamps appear to be authentic, and no evidence was found to suggest that the timestamps or data were altered or manufactured,' the report said. 'No indications were found that would suggest the data was manufactured.' Advertisement He then turned it over to the FBI, and eight months later, Mac Isaac gave a copy of its hard drive to Donald Trump's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani then reportedly leaked documents and photos from the drive to the New York Post, and also gave a whole copy of the drive to Trump advisor Steve Bannon and his podcast co-host Jack Maxey. By the spring of 2021, DailyMail.com hired Brad Maryman, an expert who founded the FBI's cyber forensics unit, and his firm Maryman & Associates to analyze the laptop. Their report showed the laptop was real. From then on, DailyMail.com began to reveal its sordid and potentially incriminating contents over the following year. Using the same forensic tools as federal and state law enforcement in criminal investigations, Maryman & Associates found a total of 103,000 text messages, 154,000 emails and more than 2,000 photos on the hard drive. Among those files were documents showing Hunter was paid a $1million retainer in 2017 to represent his business partner Patrick Ho, who was being prosecuted by the US government. Other documents show CEFC wired the Biden family a total $5million. One startling email also indicates that the president could have been involved in Hunter's business dealings with the Chinese. In September 2017 Hunter was planning to open a new office for his multi-million-dollar joint venture with CEFC at the House of Sweden, a Georgetown building home to the Swedish embassy. He wrote to a building manager: 'please have keys made available for new office mates: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Jim Biden, Gongwen Dong (Chairman Ye CEFC emissary). 'I would like the office sign ton [sic] reflect the following: The Biden Foundation, Hudson West (CEFC US).' 'We are very excited and honored to welcome your new colleagues!' the manager replied. Those documents are now being used in a federal investigation of suspected tax fraud, money laundering and foreign lobbying violations by Hunter Biden. But originally several mainstream publications suggested the laptop was Russian disinformation, with even President Biden suggesting such. In a 60 Minutes interview shortly before the 2020 presidential election, Biden said he believed that Giuliani, who has touted the laptop around various media outlets seeking publicity, was being used by Russia. 'From what I've read and know, the intelligence community warned the president that Giuliani was being fed disinformation from the Russians,' Biden said. 'And we also know that Putin is trying very hard to spread disinformation about Joe Biden. 'And so when you put the combination of Russia, Giuliani, the president, together - it's just what it is. 'It's a smear campaign because he has nothing he wants to talk about. What is he running on? What is he running on?' Twitter also restricted views to The New York Post's story about Biden, using information obtained from the laptop. It said it was banned for potentially coming from 'hacked materials.' Hunter Biden (pictured) dropped off his laptop to Mac Isaac's shop and never returned for it Documents from the laptop are now being used in a federal investigation of suspected tax fraud, money laundering and foreign lobbying violations by Hunter Biden - with some implicating the president in his scheme The claim led Mac Isaac to sue Twitter for $500 million in damages. He claimed that by invoking the 'hacked materials prohibition, Twitter 'created the belief among members of the community that [Isaac]: (1) committed a crime - hacking, (2) was subject to hatred, ridicule, contempt or disgrace - threats of harm and negative business reviews; and (3) was injured to his trade or business as a result - closed his business.' But a judge ruled in Twitter's favor and granted its motion to dismiss the case because neither The Post article nor Twitter publicly identified Mac Isaac as providing the laptop at the time, according to Law and Crime. The court also found that because his lawsuit was aimed at Twitter's First Amendment right to moderate its own content, it was 'entitled to an award of attorney's fees and costs.' All together, the Post reports, that lawsuit cost Isaac $175,000. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, meets with Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde at the State Department in Washington, May 4. AFP-Yonhap Sweden has received assurances from the United States that it would receive support during the period a potential application to join NATO is processed by the 30 nations in the alliance, Foreign Minister Ann Linde said in Washington on Wednesday. Sweden and neighbor Finland stayed out of NATO during the Cold War, but Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its invasion of Ukraine have led the countries to rethink their security policies, with NATO membership looking increasingly likely. Both countries are concerned they would be vulnerable during an application process, which could take up to a year to be approved by all NATO's members. "Naturally, I'm not going to go into any details, but I feel very sure that now we have an American assurance," Linde told Swedish TV from Washington after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Former Liberal staffer turned political analyst Peta Credlin has shared a three-step plan aimed at helping Scott Morrison win the federal election. The Sky News host, who was chief of staff to Tony Abbott when he was prime minister, listed nuclear power, politically correct education and spending on national security and economic infrastructure as the issues crucial to Mr Morrison being re-elected at the May 21 poll. In an opinion piece for The Australian, Ms Credlin said a Liberal party that embraced these issues would 'not just get my vote but win my enthusiasm'. Ex-political strategist Peta Credlin (pictured) said the Liberal Party needs to lift the ban on civil nuclear power, rid schools of politically correct 'brainwashing' and limit budget spend to national security and economic infrastructure Ms Credlin said nuclear power should be used to generate electricity in Australia to drive net-zero emissions. 'For me, a party that promised to end the ban on civil nuclear power because thats the only way to achieve net zero while keeping the lights on,' she wrote. Credlin said lifting the ban would be the only way to run nuclear-powered submarines crucial to Australia's security. Her comments come after Scott Morrison announced last month that the federal government will hold a study to decide what infrastructure needs to be built to support nuclear submarines from the US and UK as part of the AUKUS pact. AUKUS is the pact made between Australia, the United States, and United Kingdom on September 15, 2021 that will see the US and UK help Australia build eight nuclear powered submarines by 2040. Credlin added the Liberal party needs to rid the education system of 'politically correct brainwashing' to ensure Australian culture and self-confidence is preserved. She said the party determined to scrap 'the insistence that every subject be taught from an Asian, Indigenous and sustainability perspective' would win her vote. The former political advisor further said the 'labor-lite' party should cut new spending and use funds on national security and economic infrastructure to curb the nation's debt. 'No new spending whatsoever except on national security or economic infrastructure other than that funded by savings elsewhere (because thats the only way to get debt and deficit under control and that still matters),' she wrote. 'On both sides its unquestioned that... theres no real problem with government debt skyrocketing towards $1 trillion and deficits for at least a decade.' Ms Credlin criticised the Liberal Party as 'Labor-lite' but said both parties had not addressed the addressed the 'real issues facing our country'. Pictured, Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, on Day 24 of the federal election campaign The political veteran criticised both Labor and Liberal parties for not giving voters a real choice as their campaigns have not addressed the 'real issues facing our country'. Ms Credlin said she would support the political party that brings clarity to the three issues she identified. 'Come to think of it, that used to be the Liberal Party; I hope I live long enough to see this policy clarity return.' A preschool where a toddler was left inside a bus for up to six hours has two signs right out the front warning parents to 'never leave children alone in a car'. Nevaeh Austin, three, was the only child collected in the daycare bus on Wednesday morning and taken to Le Smileys Early Learning Centre at Gracemere, near Rockhampton in central Queensland. But the little girl never made it out of the bus. The worker and female bus driver who were supervising the toddler seemingly forgot she was on it at all, leaving her to suffer inside the scorching vehicle all day. Nevaeh is now fighting for life in hospital with kidney failure after she was found unconscious, steps away from two signs warning of the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. Nevaeh Austin (pictured) is fighting for life with a failing kidney after being locked in a day care centre bus in Gracemere for six hours The centre is littered with signs warning parents of the dangers of leaving kids in hot cars (pictured) The van was parked next to signs warning parents not to leave their children in hot cars (pictured) 'Never leave children alone in a car,' one sign reads. 'Four-and-a-half minutes inside of a car could be as high as 70 degrees.' The warning also outlines health risks, including heat stress, dehydration, brain injury, serious kidney damage, and death. 'Always check your back seat is free of passengers before leaving your car,' the sign reads. Nevaeh was taken to Brisbane Hospital on Wednesday night for an urgent deep brain scan and treatment on a failing kidney. Doctors say her condition is critical, but stable. The centre's owner Michelle O'Rourke - who was not one of the two staff members on the bus - said on Thursday that she had chosen to close the centre in the wake of the tragedy. Police said the centre was under no obligation to close. Ms O'Rourke vowed not to continue the shuttle service to and from the centre in the future. 'I apologise to families for the inconvenience however, Le Smileys Early Learning Centre will no longer be providing transportation in any form, from this point forward,' she said in an email sent to families. Nevaeh Austin was flown to a hospital in Brisbane where she is being treated for kidney failure after she was left in a bus (pictured) for six hours The email was reportedly the first correspondence some parents had received from the school despite the tragedy coming to light hours earlier. Distraught parents arrived to pick up their children on Wednesday afternoon, marvelling at how a task as mundane as the pick up and drop off could go so wrong. One mother claimed she was never contacted about the incident and was instead left to read about it on social media. At the time, the only details available to her online were that an unnamed three-year-old at her own child's day care was fighting for life. Capricornia Police District Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said the facility and the staff members involved have now sought legal advice. Police swarmed the scene on Thursday morning after a little girl was found unconscious in a van (scene pictured) They're assisting the investigation 'to a degree' but contacted lawyers and 'will be going down that path'. Mr Shadlow told reporters on Thursday morning that the investigation was still in its early stages, but it appears Nevaeh appears to have been the only passenger. 'It would appear she was the only child at the time,' he told reporters on Thursday. 'When they returned to the centre, the driver and one other person on the bus have forgotten she was there.' Inspector Shadlow said inquiries indicate there were breaches of policy which led to the incident and detectives will be 'looking at everyone involved in this matter'. 'We will leave no stone unturned in relation to this investigation,' he said 'We have assistance from the crime intelligence command, our child trauma unit in Brisbane, and photographic and forensic officers attending the scene, just so we can get to the base of what has happened.' He said the day care is 'cooperating to a degree' but 'have sought legal advice and will be going down that path'. Inspector Shadlow said her family are understandably 'distraught' and are by her bedside in Brisbane. Five police vehicles were in attendance monitoring access to and from the childcare facility (scene pictured) Cops told Daily Mail Australia there will be a heavy police presence throughout the week as the investigation continues, but the centre is under no obligation to close while inquiries continue. The centre was supposed to open at 6.15am and by 6.45am was still not taking phone calls. Inspector Shadlow said the bus and day care centre have both been declared crime scenes. The bus, which is believed to be owned by the centre, will not be allowed to be used until the declaration is lifted. Distraught parents arrived at the school to pick up their children on Wednesday afternoon, marvelling at how a task as mundane as the pick up and drop off could go so wrong. One mother claimed the school never contacted her to alert her to the incident and she instead was left to read about it on social media. #Gracemere - A three-year-old girl was found unconscious in a vehicle at Gracemere today. The girl was located on a bus out the front of a school on Lucas Street just before 3pm. She was transported in a critical condition to Rockhampton Hospital. Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) May 4, 2022 Capricornia Police District Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said the investigation was still in its early stages, but it appears she was the only passenger A senior Queensland politician has vowed an inquiry into the horrific incident will be launched as questions begin to be asked about how daycare centre staff didn't notice the girl was missing. 'She's the most loudest little girl they tell me... she's the heart of the daycare,' Mr Austin told the Courier Mail. The toddler is understood to have been found 'unresponsive' in the van outside the daycare on Lucas Street about 2.50pm when staff returned to the vehicle to do afternoon pick ups. Queensland Ambulance Service's Central Region operations manager Jason Thompson described the situation as 'traumatic' for crews who treated her and admitted he had 'goosebumps' talking about it. Nevaeh Austin was left inside a vehicle outside Le Smileys daycare centre in Gracemere (pictured) 'On the crew's arrival Queensland Police were already on scene and escorted the crew into the childcare centre where the young child was on the floor in the admin area,' he said. Five police vehicles were in attendance monitoring access to and from the childcare facility. Daycare centre staff are now being interviewed by investigators and the white minivan is undergoing analysis, especially a seat in the middle of the bus. Queensland's assistant minister for education, Brittany Lauga, said 'this simply shouldn't have happened' and vowed an inquiry would follow. 'Tonight is a little girl in Gracemere who is fighting for her life in hospital after being allegedly left on a bus at daycare,' Ms Lauga said in a social media post. 'Families need to have peace of mind that when they send their children off to school, kindy or day care, they will come home safe.' The brother of an Australian women who is missing in Mexico says he had a text conversation with her on social media that 'didn't seem right' just before her two-year-old was left behind, alone, at a church in Cancun. Tahnee Shanks, 32, originally from the Whitsundays, Queensland, has been described as 'always in the company of her daughter and her husband' Jorge Aguirre Astudillo. But Ms Shanks has not been seen since Cancun locals found her daughter Adelynn alone outside a church this week - sparking grave fears for her safety. Her ex-partner has similarly vanished. Ms Shanks's brother, Daniel, told the ABC that Ms Shanks claimed she was on a little holiday with her family in a small fishing village with poor reception but something felt off. 'I'm assuming I was talking to him (Mr Astudillo),' he said. Tahnee Shanks, 32, (pictured right) originally from the Whitsundays, Queensland, is missing in Mexico where she was holidaying Ms Shanks (pictured right) had been travelling with her ex partner Jorge (middle) and their daughter (left) in south Mexico before she was reported as missing Ms Shanks and Adelynn were due to return to Australia in June but now her Australian family is travelling to Mexico to find her after the two-year-old was found by neighbours at the Chapel of the San Archangel (pictured) Tahnee's two-year-old daughter Adelynn was found wandering the streets late at night. She currently in the care of child protection authorities Daniel's comments came as further details emerged about how the two-year-old was found. An urgent message posted to Facebook alerting the local community in the Yucatan province that the girl had bizarrely been found. Daniel said his niece was 'dumped' at a church in the Mexican tourist town late at night and was found wandering the streets. As for his sister, she sent photos of the beaches they were visiting but 'next minute nothing from her'. Daniel has offered a $5000 reward for his sister's safe return and has spent the last two days dealing with Mexican and Australian authorities The last know photos of the Ms Shanks and Mr Astudillo show them in Las Coloradas, one province plus 150 kilometres from where their daughter was found in Cancun on Mexico's tropical southern tip. Ms Shanks has no family in Mexico with her but is normally active on social media. However her family hasn't heard from her for days. Daniel has been trying to contact Mr Astudillo, who drives a white Toyota Tundra. Daily Mail Australia doesn't suggest that the ex-partner is involved in her disappearance. A police public appeal for information about Ms Shanks' whereabouts have been widely shared on both sides of the world. It's understood Ms Shanks was weeks away from heading home back to Australia with her daughter next month after she recently separated from her partner. Witnesses say they saw a man pass Adelynn to a stranger in front of a church in the 220 Quintana Roo district. Another brother, Benjamin Shanks, and their mother Leanne will head to Mexico on Friday to join the search. Ben told 7News he had received a call on Tuesday from Tahnee's former Australian boyfriend who had originally lived with her when they travelled to Mexico. A previous boyfriend of Ms Shanks, and Australian she moved to Mexico with, told Benjamin a video was circulating on Mexican social media pages of a young girl found outside of a Cancun chapel. Benjamin watched the video and the Mackay-based Shanks family recognised the girl as their niece and connected it with Ms Shanks inactive social media accounts. Australian mum Tahnee Shanks (pictured with her ex-partner) has gone missing in Mexico Tahnee's family raised the alarm after they were made aware of photos being circulated of little Adelynn wandering Cancun alone late at night Ms Shank's family insists she would never leave her little girl, who turned two last November Ms Shanks had been living in Yucatan capital of Merida. She was waiting to receive her toddler's passport and had booked plane tickets to arrive in Australia on June 22. It's understood little 'Addy' is currently safe and being cared for by child protection agency DIF. Ms Shanks family and friends are fearing the worst. 'She's never off social media and she would never leave that girl. That's the scariest thing,' Ben told the publication. 'We know Tahnee wouldn't leave that girl on her own.' Concerned friends also hold grave fears for Ms Shanks. 'She is a very dedicated mother and would never abandon her daughter. Something serious had to happen for the little girl to find herself alone,' a family friend wrote. Mexico Police have launched a desperate search for missing Australian Tahnee Shanks Ms Shanks (pictured middle) was on holidays with her ex-partner (right) and her daughter (left) when she vanished in Mexico, a continent away from any of her family Tahnee Shanks' mum and brother are on their way to Mexico to find out what happened to her The devoted mum's social media pages are full of happy snaps of her little girl. Ms Shanks had been travelling the world since she was 18 and describes herself on social media as a 'Happy Hippy Ginger Ninja meering around the world one country at a time.' Before she went overseas, she worked in Australia as an assistant nurse looking after the elderly, which she described as a rewarding career. 'The travel bug bit me in 2010 taking me on my first 18 month journey through Asia and parts of Europe volunteering and couch surfing my way across the country,' the freelance writer wrote on a travel blog for the Whitsundays. Ms Shanks returned home and saved for two years and then headed back overseas travelling through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and the US before settling in Mexico. She is described as having a fair complexion, and has red hair, light brown eyes, 165 centimetres tall, thin build and has a distinctive tattoo along her right thigh. Peter Dutton has claimed Penny Wong would launch a 'charm offensive' with her 'dear friend' Chinese President Xi Jinping if Labor wins power. The Defence Minister made the comments in a debate against Labor's defence spokesman Brendan O'Connor at the National Press Club on Thursday. Senator Wong, Labor's foreign affairs spokesperson, has repeatedly criticised Mr Dutton over his harsh rhetoric on China in recent months, including accusing him of 'amping up the prospect of war' by pledging Australia would fight to protect Taiwan. Penny Wong (pictured) has previously blasted Mr Dutton for his fiery rhetoric over China In Parliament earlier this year Mr Dutton claimed China wants Labor to win the May 21 election and even labelled deputy Labor leader Richard Marles a 'Manchurian candidate', a phrase used to describe a politician working for an enemy. Asked to explain those remarks, Mr Dutton claimed Senator Wong's 'language' was evidence that Labor would appease China. He said: 'Penny Wong believes that she can go to Beijing on a charm offensive and she could change the direction of China under President Xi. 'President Xi, of course, would be laughing under his breath as he was entertaining his dear friend in Beijing'. Mr O'Connor dismissed Mr Dutton's claim as a 'conspiracy theory' and insisted that Labor has the same approach as the Government on China. Peter Dutton (centre) has claimed Penny Wong would launch a 'charm offensive' on her 'dear friend' Chinese president Xi Jinping if Labor wins power 'We know China has changed. We know it's now more assertive, more aggressive, more coercive. 'And in fact, Penny Wong, who has just been verballed by Peter, made that clear in contributions last year where she outlined the significant shift that's happened in the region,' he said. Mr Dutton's inflammatory comment comes after he declared Australia must 'prepare for war' in order to preserve peace in an Anzac Day interview. He said the best way to deal with Russia and China is to 'stand up and stare down any act of aggression'. 'The only way you can preserve peace is to prepare for war and to be strong as a country. Not to cower, not to be on bended knee and be weak. That's the reality,' he told the Today show. 'Curling up in a ball, pretending that nothing's happening, saying nothing - that is not going to be in our long term interests and we should be honest about that. 'I just think that's the lesson of history'. Mr Dutton compared Russian President Vladimir Putin - who launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 - to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. 'We have to be realistic that people like Hitler and others aren't just a figment of our imagination or that they're consigned to history,' he said. 'We have in President Putin at the moment someone who is willing to kill women and children and that's happening in 2022. 'It's a replay in part of what's happening in the 1930s.' Mr Dutton also warned that China was become increasingly determined to project power beyond its shores. 'The Chinese through their actions and through their words are on a very deliberate course at the moment,' he said. Chinese troops at the opening ceremony of a joint counterterrorism military exercise last year in Orenburg, Russia 'We have to stand up with countries to stare down any act of aggression to make sure we can keep peace in our region and for our country.' Since president Xi Jinping came to power, and particularly in recent years, Beijing has pushed an increasingly assertive foreign policy. China has reinforced territorial claims in the South China Sea, killed Indian troops in the Himalayas, and frequently flown fighter jets over Taiwan. Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said Mr Dutton was all about words and not action on keeping Australia safe. 'This is a government which repeatedly fails as it has in its management of relationships in the Pacific, as it has in terms of the Darwin port,' he said. A teen has begged a court to let him see his mother after being arrested and kept behind bars for allegedly speeding in a stolen car while high on drugs. Delroy Francois faced Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday with charges of reckless conduct endangering life, aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle that he used to manoeuvre dangerously through traffic. The 18-year-old was allegedly caught driving at up up to 130km/h in a 60km zone in a stolen car while smoking methamphetamine in April. Delroy Francois (pictured) faced Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday with charges of reckless conduct endangering life, aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle. He was allegedly caught speeding in a stolen vehicle while on drugs A friend of his, who was present in the car at the time of the alleged offending, filmed Mr Francois speeding and taking his hands off the steering wheel. The teen, who has not entered a plea, was refused bail last month due to a high risk of re-offending. He was told in court on Wednesday that he'd remain in custody until May 23, according to the Geelong Advertiser Mr Francois expressed his concerns about remaining in custody, stating that he 'can't wait that long' and wanted 'to see mum'. His lawyer asked for the young man to be assessed for a community corrections order. It was the second time in the day Mr Francois had been charged for allegedly speeding. The 18-year-old (right) was reportedly caught travelling up to 130km/h in a 60km zone in a stolen car while smoking methamphetamine in April. He was told on Wednesday that he'd remain in custody Mr Francois was caught earlier that day allegedly driving 200km/h in a 100km/h zone near members of the public and later doing car doughnuts with his vehicle. At the time of the two offences, he was already out on bail for driving offences and possessing methamphetamine He was caught earlier that same day allegedly driving 200km/h in a 100km/h zone near members of the public and later doing car doughnuts with his vehicle. First Constable Kirby McDonald said that the offending was of the 'highest severity'. Police warned not to grant bail for Mr Francois at the time of the two alleged driving offences due to the risk of re-offending may 'very well kill himself, his associate or members of the public'. At the time of the offences, Mr Francois was already out on bail for similar driving offences and a charge for possessing methamphetamine. Magistrate Peter Mellas advised against a community corrections order and suggested the court assess Mr Francois for a youth justice corrections centre on the basis he entered a guilty plea. The grieving fiancee of a top New Zealander TV cameraman found dead in the UK has penned a heartbreaking tribute to her soulmate saying: 'No one compares to you.' Shattered friends, family and former colleagues on both sides on the world have led an outpouring of tributes after the body of Joseph Day was found three days after he mysteriously vanished. The former TVNZ camera operator's last known whereabouts on Saturday night were in the upmarket Clifton area of Bristol in the UK, where he lived with his partner of five years Kelsey Mulcahy. The search for the New Zealander ended in tragedy after British police found his body at Avon Gorge in Bristol on Tuesday morning local time. His fiancee, who was in London for a girls' weekend, feared the worst after exchanging a final text with him about closing the blackout blinds before bed - but returning home the next day to find them still open and no trace of her partner. As the couple's families make the frantic dash to the UK to bring his body home, Ms Mulcahy shared an emotional tribute to 'my dude' with the beautiful heart and goofy laugh and smile who changed her life forever. Joseph Day has been remembered as empathetic, creative, funny, generous, humble, kind and clever by her devastated fiancee A body has been found during the desperate search for Kiwi cameraman Joseph Day (pictured left with fiancee Kelsey) TVNZ reporters have paid tribute to former camera operator Joseph Day (pictured right next to reporter Jehan Casinader) 'Empathetic, creative, funny, generous, humble, kind, clever, protective, gentle. The most handsome guy in every room by a mile,' Ms Mulcahy began. 'The most beautiful heart and goofy laugh and smile. Committed to becoming a better version of yourself every single day.' The couple has planned to head home to New Zealand later this year to marry in front of loved ones. Ms Mulcahy shared a collage of her favourite photos of her late partner, including his tattoo of her. 'No one could understand how we feel about each other. No one understands that behind closed doors you are only even more wonderful,' she continued. Changed my life forever, no one could ever compare. You made me love myself again. Would take a lifetime of this agony for just one more day with you. I love you I love you I love you. 'I'll never stop, she wrote. 'You're in my heart forever. Wait for me.' Her tribute was flooded with messages of overwhelming support and love. 'He was the most special person. The kindest, most gentle, loving man, with the most infectious smile and laugh. And he loved you so much, soul mates forever,' one friend wrote. Another added: 'Your relationship was one i always admired, the love you both have for each other is unmatched and will forever live with you. You are an amazing woman Kelsey. Joe is a lucky man to have had you by his side in life.' Joseph Day and his fiancee had been planning to marry later this year when tragedy struck\ It comes after a childhood friend revealed on Thursday Mr Day briefly returned to last month to be a groomsman at his wedding. Josh Tasman-Jones and Mr Day went to primary school together and had been best mates ever since. Mr Day was a groomsman at Tasman-Jones' wedding in Dunedin on April 2. He told the New Zealand Herald Mr Day was a kind, softly spoken man who lived by his morals. The mates travelled across America together after they finished school and joined 20 mates on a trip to Thailand a few years later. Another mate Conor Connolly told the publication he'd last caught up with Mr Day for a coffee in London earlier this year. 'Joe was my best friend, we'd been best friends since intermediate school,' he said. 'Disbelief and overwhelming sadness is how I'd describe my feelings.' His shattered fiancee broke her silence to share how he changed her life forever Ms Mucahy was spending the night with friends two-and-a half hours away in London and had been texting her fiance back and forth - with the last being a regular chat about blinds in their home - until he suddenly stopped replying around 8.45pm on Saturday night local time. The couple were new to the Clifton area and had been looking forward to a day trip to Bath Spa on Monday, which was a public holiday in the UK. The couple had just bought tickets to see Chris Rock in London in a few weeks time and were planning to return home to New Zealand at the end of the year to get married. One of Joseph Day's distinctive tattoos was of his partner of five years Kelsey Mulcahy shared her favourite photos of Joseph as she shared an emotional tribute Kelsey Mulcahy had been texting back and forth with her fiance Joseph Day on Saturday night until he suddenly stopped replying Sunday TVNZ reporter Mava Moayyed led the outpouring tributes back home in New Zealand for Joseph Day. Pictured are the pair on an assignment 'This is extremely out of character for him, we always keep in touch every minute of the day. Everyone who knows Joe loves him very much, he is incredibly special to me, and his family and friends,' Ms Mulcahy posted after he disappeared. 'If you have any information at all, if you've seen him anywhere, please reach out and let me or the Avon and Somerset police know.' Mr Day had been been taking a break from the media and was working as a builder in the UK. His fiancee recalled the last text message from him on Saturday after reminding him to pull down the blackout blinds. 'His reply was 'will do' and then he stopped responding but before that we were talking about how we were going to go to London in three weeks,' Ms Mulcahy told Nine Newspapers. Mava Moayyed (second left) described her former colleague (right) as loyal and honourable 'We just adore each other, we have not had problems in our relationship and I would be truly honest if we did.' Ms Mulcahy's worst fears were realised when she returned home on Sunday afternoon to find the blinds still open and a Hello Fresh grocery box outside. 'Something is preventing him from coming back; there's no way he's choosing not to come home to me,' she said. 'His mum hasn't heard from him and he adores his mum.' She told the NZ Herald: 'It's hard because there are so many people that love him in New Zealand, his family and all of his friends adore him he's just the sweetest, nicest guy ever. 'His plan was to have a really nice night in at home, having the flat to himself.' An online fundraising page to help with costs to bring Mr Day's body home has already raised almost $100,000 within 24 hours. 'As close friends of Kelsey Mulcahy and Joseph Day, many of you have reached out wanting to offer your help and support to the family during this unbelievably difficult time,' the page states. 'The money raised will be used to support Joe and Kelsey's family in their efforts in the open investigation, journey to Bristol, and costs related to bringing him home to rest in Aotearoa, New Zealand.' 'We ask the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of Joseph's family at this time.' Mr Day's friends and former TVNZ colleagues back home in New Zealand were rocked by the devastating news, sparking an outpouring of tributes. He followed in the footsteps of dad Peter, who's also a well-respected TVNZ cameraman. Sunday TVNZ reporter Mava Moayyed remembered him as an exceptional camera operator and a wonderful colleague. Former camera operator Joseph Day (pictured) vanished in the UK city of Bristol The former TVNZ camera operator (pictured) had been working as a builder in the UK 'He had the ability to capture angles, lights, and moments that added so much beauty to each story. He was loyal and honourable,' she tweeted 'When we would go out on shoots, the people we were filming adored him. He was humble, hardworking, but work wasn't his life. It was clear how much he loved his family and his fiance. My heart is broken for them. Rest in peace, Joe.' Colleague Jehan Casinader added: 'Whether it was the Christchurch terror attack, a trip to Hollywood... or a schoolboy rugby game in Palmy, you always delivered. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.' 1NewsNZ reporter Andrew Macfarlane was also rocked by the horrible news. 'He had a unique way of getting people to talk with ease in front of the camera, in a situation that can feel absolutely bizarre. A testament to how friendly he was to people. He will be missed,' he said. Hours before police confirmed a body was found, Mr Day's sister Olivia posted that police regard her brother's disappearance as high risk and top priority. 'Thank you to every single person who has spread our message around the world. Now we just need good news,' she wrote on Tuesday. Josh Tasman-Jones said it was out of character for his best mate to not be in touch with his fiancee for so long. A public appeal for Joseph Day's disappearance in the UK was widely shared on both sides of the world Josh Tasman-Jones said it was out of character for his best mate (pictured) to not be in touch with his fiancee for this long after he went missing Republican Senate candidate Kathy Barnette called out Dr. Mehmet Oz during a tense exchange about abortion, revealing she was the byproduct of rape. On Wednesday, candidates for Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary gathered for a debate as they attempt to sway voters before the May 17 primary election. Candidates were asked about their stance on abortion days after Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion nationwide, was leaked. It was then that candidate Kathy Barnette, a conservative political commentator, explained her personal connection to the pro-life movement, revealing she was the byproduct of a rape. Kathy Barnette, a conservative political commentator, explained her personal connection to the pro-life movement, revealing she was the byproduct of a rape Dr. Oz defended his pro-life stance, saying his work as a heart surgeon could never allow him to harm a baby 'I am so very grateful that our nation is having a very important conversation about life,' she said. 'I am the byproduct of a rape. My mother was 11-years-old when I was conceived, my father was twenty-one.' Barnette then voiced her issues with fellow candidate Dr. Oz, accusing him on flip-flopping on the issues of abortion, citing previous comments he made. 'I was not just a lump of cells, as you can see I'm still not just a lump of cells, my life has value and that was one of the reasons why it was very disturbing when I saw Met Oz running for this particular race when I've seen him on numerous occasions and specifically at the Breakfast Club saying that my life was nothing more than an acorn with electrical currents.' 'I am wondering if the good doctor has now since changed his position on that,' she added. 'My life is valuable and so are the many lives that find themselves in the womb of their mother, whether in the womb or towards the end of that life.' Dr. Oz, who won the endorsement of Donald Trump last month, defended his pro-life stance, saying his work as a heart surgeon could never allow him to harm a baby. 'I was a heart surgeon, I operated on small children, a few days old, and witnessed the majesty of their hearts pounding blood even though its ill,' he responded. 'I would never think of harming that child, or even nine months earlier because life starts at conception.' On Wednesday, candidates for Pennsylvania GOP Senate primary gathered for a debate as they attempt to sway voters before the May 17 primary election Three candidates are in a near-tie in a new Monmouth University poll of Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate race Staunchly anti-abortion, Barnette grew up on a pig farm in Alabama with no running water and became the first person in her family to graduate from college and later went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. After working in the financial industry she made a name for herself in the GOP when she became a regular commentator on Fox News during the Obama administration. A new Monmouth University poll shows a near tie between three top candidates, with Dr. Oz barely leading the field with 22 per cent. Close behind was David McCormick, who was recruited by party operatives to get into the race, was at 19 per cent, and Barnette was at 18 percent, putting the trio in a statistical dead heat. Abortion has been a main talking point for conservatives after Alito's draft was made public. 'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,' Alito wrote in the opinion, which was reportedly circulated among the court members and leaked to the public on Monday. 'We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,' he continues in the document, titled 'Opinion of the Court.' Alito's draft does not necessarily represent the sentiments of other justices who did not pen the opinion, but it's been suggested that the court's 5-3 conservative supermajority will likely deliver on the historic reversal. The court is expected to issue a decision by June. The draft opinion calls the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision 'egregiously wrong from the start' Protesters took to the streets across the country this week after a draft Supreme Court opinion was made public indicating that the body may strike down the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade precedent. Above, abortion-rights activists and supporters protest outside Philadelphia's federal courthouse Protesters gather at the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during a rally organized by Planned Parenthood Michigan Pictured: Two anti-abortion protesters, Maxine Onken and a man who declined to be identified, verbally confront patients who arrive at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wednesday May 4, 2022 Nichole McClish of Lansing, Mich., uses a sign to block anti-choice protesters at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during a rally organized by Planned Parenthood Michigan The Supreme Court confirmed the draft was authentic in a late Tuesday morning statement but defended it as 'a routine and essential part of the Court's confidential deliberative work,' nor does it 'represent a decision by the court or the final position of any member.' 'To the extent this betrayal of confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed. The work of the Court will not be affected in any way,' Chief Justice John Roberts said in the statement. 'We at the Court are blessed to have a workforce -- permanent employees and law clerks alike -- intensely loyal to the institution and dedicated to the rule of law. Court employees are an exemplary and important tradition of respecting the confidentiality of the judicial process and upholding the trust of the court.' Roberts announced that the court would open an investigation into the source of the leak. Conservatives throughout the country celebrated the news of a Supreme Court draft opinion that is set to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case - but have denounced the leak as an attempt to 'intimidate' the justices into changing their minds. Australia could ban cigarette sales to certain age groups by 2030, if recommendations from the draft national tobacco strategy are accepted. Australia's 2022-2030 consultation draft smoking strategy wants Australia to consider raising the minimum age of when you can buy tobacco, which is currently 18. Part of the draft report's strategy is based on the experience in other countries - and includes a ban on buying tobacco related products online. A group of friends enjoying a pint and a cigarette on a Thursday night at a Sydney pub The cost of cigarettes in Australia is soaring, with an average packet costing $40 Responsibility for implementing any new policy will be a matter for state governments once the draft strategy moves through the consultation stage and is released to the public. The new policy development comes as a national survey, conducted by the Cancer Council, revealed that most Australians would support a policy that stops retailers from selling cigarettes completely. Only 16.1 per cent of Australians surveyed said a ban would be a 'bad thing', while a staggering 50.8 per cent supported a phase-out, and an overwhelming majority of 61.8 per cent said it should happen within the next decade. Within the study, 75.3 per cent of surveyed Australians also supported the idea of stricter licensing regulations for retailers, while 76.3 per cent wanted more sales restrictions in places where children could enter. Director of Quit Victoria Dr Sarah White says she expects fewer retailers to stop stocking cigarettes regardless of the ban. 'The market might just get to a point where the retailers say: 'There's not enough people buying these products, it's something I have to lock away, it costs me a lot to keep under my counter, we might just give it away ourselves,' she told 3AW. What you could have bought instead of a weekly $40 pack of smokes Two six-packs of VB beer or four pints at any pub in Australia An unlimited calls, 10GB data mobile phone plan for a couple A day at Sydney's Taronga Zoo Two movie tickets at most cinemas A kilo of rump steak from Coles Advertisement 'I've talked to quite a few retailers who are saying they're not sure whether they want to stay in the business because it's not a very profitable business for them.' Australia is already home to the most expensive cigarettes in the world, with a typical 20-pack costing $40. That means those who smoke a pack a day will be shelling out about $12,500 a year for their habit - more than any other country in the world. The Australian government rakes in about $17billion in tobacco tax each year. This has led to a surge in the black market tobacco as organised crime syndicates flood the Australian market with cheap smokes. The illegal tobacco trade is worth about $600 million annually, according to Border Force. In December, New Zealand banned young people from ever being allowed to buy cigarettes in a rolling scheme that aims to make the entire nation of five million smoke-free. People aged 14 and under in 2027 will never be allowed to buy cigarettes in their lifetime under Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's radical new laws. 'We want to make sure young people never start smoking so we will make it an offence to sell or supply smoked tobacco products to new cohorts of youth,' associate health minister Ayesha Verrall said. However, the new law will not impact vaping, with Dr Verrall saying tobacco smoking is more harmful and remains a leading cause of preventable deaths in New Zealand, killing up to 5,000 people each year. The measures will make New Zealand's retail tobacco industry one of the most restricted in the world, just behind Bhutan where cigarette sales are banned outright. Officials in New Zealand have not said how they plan to police the ban, nor which retailers would be barred from selling tobacco products. At the moment, tobacco retailers face fines of between NZ$500 and NZ$1,000 for selling cigarettes to minors. Although many experts have welcomed the move, others have warned that it could cause a 'gradual prohibition' and create a black market for tobacco, prompting a crime wave. There is fresh hope for the toddler rushed to hospital after being forgotten and left strapped in a bus seat for six hours in hot weather. Nevaeh Austin, 3, spoke to her traumatised grandmother, Pamela Parker, from her bed in Rockhampton Hospital where she remains in a critical condition. Ms Parker said little Nevaeh is now breathing without assistance and finally communicating. 'I spoke to Nevaeh, shes good,' said Ms Parker. Capricornia Police District Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow also said Nevaeh's condition has 'stablised a bit'. Nevaeh Austin is pictured with her father Shane Austin. Mr Austin said his daughter was 'the life of the daycare' Earlier Ms Parker admitted being 'numb, mortified and hysterical' when she found out her grand-daughter was somehow left strapped in the bus all day after it collected her for daycare on Wednesday at 9am. Nevaeh was reportedly the only child in the minivan. But somehow she was forgotten by staff and left alone for six hours after the vehicle arrived at Smileys Early Learning Centre at Gracemere, near Rockhampton in Central Queensland. The toddler suffered through temperatures of more than 29 degrees. Ms Parker fought back the tears while explaining how she felt, and said the family wanted answers. 'How does this happen? Why? Why did this happen?' she asked, while speaking with 9 News. '[I'm feeling] lost, hurt, angry, scared. 'I'm worried for my daughter. I'm worried for her mental health and how this is going to affect Nevaeh, at the end of the day and what this is going to do to her mental health.' Ms Parker hopes the youngster won't remember the ordeal, 'but at the end of the day, we don't know,' she added. While speaking with 7 News, the grandmother reminded childcare workers that Nevaeh is 'someone's daughter'. 'This is a little girl,' she said. 'She's someone's granddaughter, she's someone's sister, she's someone's best friend.' Pamela Parker (pictured) fought back the tears as she described the moment she found out what happened to her granddaughter Shane Austin said his three-year-old Nevaeh has a failing kidney and needed a deep brain scan after being locked in a bus for six hours Earlier on Thursday, the youngster's aunt, Christy Atta-Singh, opened up about her heartache (pictured) Ms Parker explained Nevaeh is still in hospital and very tired, but that she's back to her 'happy self'. 'I'm thankful my granddaughter has pulled through but what this must be doing to her, I can't even imagine,' she said. Earlier on Thursday, the youngster's aunt, Christy Atta-Singh, opened up about her heartache. 'Thank you to everyone that has messaged, called or offered help at this horrendous time. It's a disheartening time for all involved,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Vaeh has Austin in her blood so is fighting her little heart out, and has been raised by a tough woman.' 'It's gut wrenching seeing and being bedside to such an innocent child.' Ms Atta-Singh said her niece is 'in the best hands' and has 'all the love and support in the world'. The van was parked next to signs warning parents not to leave their children in hot cars (pictured) The centre has two signs warning parents of the dangers of leaving kids in hot cars (pictured) The bus picked Nevaeh up from her home at about 9am on Wednesday morning, but the worker and female bus driver who were supervising the toddler never helped her off the bus. Nevaeh was left inside the bus in the carpark for six hours - just steps away from two signs warning of the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. 'Never leave children alone in a car,' one sign reads. 'Four-and-a-half minutes inside of a car could be as high as 70 degrees.' The warning also outlines health risks, including heat stress, dehydration, brain injury, serious kidney damage, and death. 'Always check your back seat is free of passengers before leaving your car,' the sign reads. Nevaeh was taken to Brisbane Hospital on Wednesday night for an urgent deep brain scan and treatment on a failing kidney. Nevaeh Austin was flown to a hospital in Brisbane where she is being treated for kidney failure after she was left in a bus (pictured) for six hours Police swarmed the scene on Thursday morning after a little girl was found unconscious in a van (scene pictured) Her father Shane Austin couldn't understand how she was left in the bus. He told the Courier-Mail on Wednesday: She's the most loudest little girl they tell me... she's the heart of the daycare.' Det. Inspector Shadlow said the facility and the staff members involved have now sought legal advice. He told reporters on Thursday that initial inquiries indicate there were breaches of policy which led to the incident, and that detectives will be 'looking at everyone involved in this matter'. 'We will leave no stone unturned in relation to this investigation,' he said 'We have assistance from the crime intelligence command, our child trauma unit in Brisbane, and photographic and forensic officers attending the scene, just so we can get to the base of what has happened.' Nevaeh Austin was left inside a vehicle outside Le Smileys daycare centre in Gracemere (pictured) Inspector Shadlow said the bus and day care centre have both been declared crime scenes. The bus, which is believed to be owned by the centre, will not be allowed to be used until the declaration is lifted. Distraught parents arrived at the school to pick up their children on Wednesday afternoon. A senior Queensland politician has vowed an inquiry into the horrific incident will be launched as questions begin to be asked about how daycare centre staff didn't notice the girl was missing. The toddler is understood to have been found 'unresponsive' in the van outside the daycare on Lucas Street about 2.50pm when staff returned to the vehicle to do afternoon pick ups. Queensland Ambulance Service's Central Region operations manager Jason Thompson described the situation as 'traumatic' for crews who treated her and admitted he had 'goosebumps' talking about it. A 'rare' combination of a humid air mass and cold ocean air is forecast to create a record-breaking storm in Queensland in coming days. The Sunshine State will be anything but as Queenslanders are warned to prepare for wild rainfall totalling between 200mm to 250mm from Thursday through to mid next week. Sky News' Senior Meteorologist Thomas Saunders said some regions in west Queensland are expected to see 'nearly 10 times the monthly average' while other areas are expected to see five times their previous records as storms blanket the state. Queensland will receive heavy rain throughout the state from Thursday into mid next week (graph shows daily rainfall expected on Monday) Sky News' Senior Meteorologist, Thomas Saunders has told Queenslanders to brace for a heavy rain system to blanket the state Rain and potential thunderstorms will begin to move in on the southern regions of the state from Thursday. The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a potential thunderstorm warning for eastern and central Queensland on Thursday. The system is expected to then make its way north over the weekend, hitting central and tropical Queensland along the way. 'Essentially by Sunday night all of Queensland apart from the far western districts will have seen rain and possibly lightning and thunder,' Mr Saunders told news.com.au Mr Saunders warned that regions hit by heavy rain two weeks ago should prepare for flashing floods as water storages remain full. Mr Saunders warned that regions hit by heavy rain two weeks ago should prepare for flashing floods as water storages remain full 'The risk of flooding is heightened due to heavy rain across the state just two weeks ago, meaning catchments are wet and will respond rapidly to further rain,' he said. 'There's just no way heavy rain in the hundreds of millimetres can fall across such a large area and not produce flooding.' The heavy rain is expected to continue to blanket the state heading into Monday. By mid next-week it is expected that non-coastal regions east of Cunnamulla through to Kowanyama will receive at least 50mm of rain, central and northern coastal Queenslanders will see over 100mm, and coastal regions south of Townsville will receive between 200mm and 250mm. A heavy rain system will move over Tasmania through Thursday night before re-developing off the north coast again on Friday and will cover the state into Saturday However residents in southeast Queensland - including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley and the Sunshine Coast - will avoid most of the wet weather. The wild weather has already made a move much further south with heavy rainfall due to hit southeast Tasmania on Thursday afternoon. The system will move over the state through Thursday night before re-developing off the north coast again on Friday and will cover the state into Saturday. Heavy total rainfall between 100mm to 150mm is expected to hit the southeast coast with the rest of the state forecast to receive light to moderate rain. Melbourne is expected to see the occasional shower in coastal regions through to next week The drizzle is forecast to leave Canberra by Friday morning but the capital will remain cloudy heading into next week. Perth is all set to see a mostly sunny finish to the week with partial cloud coverage expected to move in on Sunday. Adelaide will see light showers heading into the weekend and easing on Sunday. Melbourne is also expected to see the occasional shower in coastal regions through to next week. Sydney's grey weather is all set to move away by the weekend with sunshine forecast all the way through to Sunday. A man walks past a destroyed apartment building in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine, May 4. AP-Yonhap Over 300 Ukrainians were evacuated from the battered city of Mariupol on Wednesday as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the U.N. to help to rescue the remaining wounded trapped underneath the giant Azovstal steel plant. Speaking to the nation in his usual evening address, Zelenskyy said 344 people were evacuated from Mariupol and nearby areas and headed northwest for the city of Zaporizhzhia, which is controlled by Kyiv. But earlier in the day, he also pleaded with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres to help rescue the wounded who are still sheltering at the plant. "The lives of the people who remain there are in danger," Zelenskyy told Guterres by phone. Three new Covid sub-variants of Omicron have made their way to Australia. The new strains - known as BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 - have each been detected Down Under and have recently caused a surge in cases in South Africa and the US. All three variants have been detected in NSW, while South Australia has seen infections from the BA.4 and BA.5 strains. The sub-lineages have also been detected in Europe, the UK and the US and appear to be more transmissible. But there isn't any evidence to suggest they are more severe. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the quick spread in other countries didn't mean the same would happen in Australia. The new strains known as BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 have been detected Down Under, and have caused a surge in cases in South Africa and the US (pictured is cafe worker in Perth) 'We are preparing that there will be future waves, but it may be a different variant to BA.4 or BA.5,' she said. Deakin University epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett said it was likely the booster vaccine would offer protection against the new strains as to what was seen with Omicron and earlier sub-variants. She added that due to high levels of infection in Australia, it was possible this would offer more immunity against contracting the BA.4 and BA.5 variants ahead of the winter months. 'We expect less hospitalisations now,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'We know winter increases the risk for respiratory infections and if we have a virus that doesn't need winter to spread, as we have seen with Omicron in summer, we might see a pick up in cases. '(Although) we have seen so many recent infections and given that, it might take the sting out of winter.' The sub-lineages have also been detected in Europe, the UK and the US and appear to be more transmissible but there isn't any evidence to suggest they are more severe University of Melbourne epidemiologist James McCaw earlier warned the rise of new variants meant people who had been struck down with Covid-19 could be reinfected. 'We will get reinfected, and we are most likely to be reinfected by new versions of the virus which are immunologically different,' he told Sydney Morning Herald. 'It's going to happen more and more because it's the only way for the virus to establish itself. It will be around forever because of reinfections.' Stuart Turville, a virologist at the Kirby Institute said it was possible new variants could 'take the edge off the potency' of antibodies that people may have had from vaccines and recent infections. 'This is not unlike what we have seen before where variants emerge with small changes that made them more competitive in breaking through our pre-existing antibody defences or being more transmissible,' Mr Turville said. NSW Health also revealed that more than 11,000 residents have contracted Covid for a second time, and half of these were positive twice in the past six months. A Left-wing police and crime commissioner has branded her own force institutionally racist, in a move which has put her at odds with the chief constable and rank-and-file officers. Emily Spurrell, the elected Labour PCC for Merseyside, insisted that it was right to make the claim and that 'the sooner we just accept that, we can move on to putting it right'. The commissioner said that while the 'vast majority' of officers were 'incredibly dedicated' and 'not racist', the institution had been 'designed by a certain group of people' and 'did not take into account' the experiences of black and ethnic minority (BAME) people. Merseyside Police's Chief Constable Serena Kennedy flatly denied the force was institutionally racist, while Merseyside Police Federation called Ms Spurrell's comments 'deeply disappointing'. Institutional racism was the term used by retired judge Sir William Macpherson in his 1999 report into how the Metropolitan Police dealt with the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the black teenager who was stabbed to death in a racist attack in south-east London in 1993. Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy visit residents in Sutcliffe Street in Liverpool, November 16, 2021 The Macpherson Report labelled the Met 'institutionally racist', defining the phrase as a collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate service to people because of their colour, culture or ethnic origin, manifested in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racial stereotyping. It comes as police leaders are due to publish their national race action plan, which will contain a series of reforms. Chief constables have been in talks about whether to declare policing institutionally racist, with most opposed to such an admission. More than 90% of police officers are white in England and Wales, despite efforts to improve BAME recruitment. Ms Spurrell made the comments in an interview with Policing TV reporter Danny Shaw, who asked the PCC: 'Do you accept that Merseyside Police is institutionally racist?'. She replied: 'I do. I do. And I've had this conversation with my Chief [Ms Kennedy]. Because I think when you look at the definition of institutional racism, it is not about individual officers. 'I know that Mersesyide Police, absolutely, the vast majority are incredibly dedicated, not racist, you know, to me, they are absolutely committed to serving the public, whoever they are. 'And quite often will go out of their way to engage with communities, from minority backgrounds. Constable Serena Kennedy and Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell on a walkabout in Liverpool, November 16, 2021 'So the definition of institutional racism is not about calling individual officers racist, it's about saying, as an institution, like with lots of institutions across the country, it has been designed by a certain group of people, and it does not take into account how, you know, black and ethnic minority people might experience things and how they might get treated.' In the same Policing TV interview, David Lloyd, the PCC for Hertfordshire, said it is 'really unhelpful' to talk about police forces being institutionally racist. And Dorset PCC David Sidwick said: 'The fact that the NPCC (National Police Chiefs' Council) are going to globally say that every police force in the country is institutionally racist, I find quite offensive.' Ms Kennedy told the Liverpool Echo: 'I categorically do not believe that Merseyside Police is institutionally racist. 'The history and impact of racism across policing and the harm this has caused to communities and colleagues is clear. 'There has been a lot of work done nationally and locally to understand and address this. We know that policing, like society, is not free of racial discrimination, bias and disproportionality. 'It still exists in some policies and processes, and we are taking action to change this. We collectively want to improve, we want to progress, we want to be better. We are not institutionally racist.' A spokesman for the Merseyside Police Federation said: 'It is deeply disappointing to hear the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell allege Merseyside Police is institutionally racist. We refute this statement. 'Our members serve Merseyside to the best of their ability, running towards danger to help members of the public during times of emergency. Our members serve a diverse community and are proud to do so.' Advertisement Bloody battles are raging inside the Azovstal steel works at the heart of Mariupol as Ukrainian troops stage a heroic last stand despite being surrounded by Russian forces, their commander has revealed. Lieutenant Colonel Denis Prokopenko, in a video message put out last night, said Russian troops have been fighting inside the sprawling industrial complex for two days in an all-out effort to kill or capture the last of his men and take full control of the port city of Mariupol, which has now been under siege for more than two months. Prokopenko's message emerged as communications were restored overnight, hours after Ukrainian officials warned they had lost contact with the soldiers amid heavy bombardment on the plant using lung-crushing thermobaric rockets. 'There are heavy, bloody battles,' Prokopenko told viewers. 'I am proud of my soldiers for making inhuman efforts to contain the enemy's onslaught. I thank the whole world for the tremendous support of the Mariupol garrison. Our soldier deserve it. The situation is extremely difficult, but we continue to carry out the order to keep the defence despite everything.' Smoke was seen rising from Azovstal early Thursday, suggesting that fighting is still ongoing despite Russian commanders saying that a three-day ceasefire will be put in place to allow hundreds of civilians trapped inside to evacuate. The armistice is due to begin this morning. 'The Russian armed forces will from 8am to 6pm Moscow time (6am to 3pm UK time) on May 5, 6 and 7 open a humanitarian corridor from the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant to evacuate civilians,' the defence ministry said on Wednesday. 'During this period, the Russian armed forces and formations of the Donetsk People's Republic will unilaterally cease any hostilities,' the statement read, adding that civilians sheltering at the plant will be allowed to travel to Russia or Kyiv-controlled territory. Russia appears to be trying to capture Azovstal despite Putin ordering his generals not to storm the plant in order to preserve the lives of his soldiers, perhaps hoping to wipe out the last Ukrainian defenders before a Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9 so the despotic Russian leader can claim a 'victory' of sorts. Smoke rises over the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol as the commander in charge of its defence says 'bloody battles' have been raging inside for two days as Russia tries to seize it Russian commanders claimed a three-day ceasefire would begin at Azovstal on Thursday morning to allow hundreds of civilians trapped inside to escape - though battles appeared to be ongoing in the early hours A woman walks past tanks belonging to the so-called Donetsk People's Republic - a Russian-backed proxy group - parked amid the ruins of the city of Mariupol A tank driven by troops of Russian proxy Donetsk People's Republic rolls into Mariupol, after much of the city was captured Men gather amidst the ruins of apartment blocks that were destroyed by Russian forces attacking the city of Mariupol Tanks of Donetsk People's Republic militia stand next to a damaged apartment building in Mariupol A man cooks next to his house in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, Ukraine Rocket artillery pounds the Azovstal steel complex, at the heart of the besieged city of Mariupol, as the exiled mayor says communications have been lost with the last troops holed up inside Azovstal is a huge industrial complex made up of factories, warehouses and underground tunnels where an unknown number of Ukrainian troops are holed up alongside hundreds of civilians Putin will soon have 'no way back' from nuclear war, propagandist claims Vladimir Putin will soon have 'no way back' but to unleash nuclear weapons on Ukraine, a leading Russian TV war reporter has claimed. Alexander Sladkov advocated dropping an atomic bomb to cause 'a crater the size of several regions' in a 'demonstrative way' to intimidate NATO. Russia has claimed the goal of its military campaign in Ukraine is to 'liberate' it from the control of supposed 'neoNazis' - despite Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky being Jewish and far-right politicians receiving little support in the country. But Sladkov - described as a war reporter and 'propagandist' - told his 730,000 followers the time may be approaching for the 'last resort' due to some 40 countries arming Ukraine with weapons which are being used against the Russians. The Russian president placed Russian nuclear forces on high alert shortly after its invasion of Ukraine began February 24, though the US says it has seen no sign that Putin is preparing to actually use the weapons. And amid increasing Western support to Ukraine, Putin has made thinly veiled threats hinting at a willingness to deploy Russia's tactical nuclear weapons, which Russian military doctrine holds can be used to force an adversary to retreat. 'There is more and more talk about nuclear weapons, and Russia has much to say about it,' Sladkov posted. 'We have a solution for Ukraine. 'There are several, yet we are getting reminded about the last resort - nuclear weapons. If no-one is going to hear us, and 40 countries keep helping the Ukrainian neoNazis, we will have no way back.' Advertisement But the complex is vast - almost four square miles of warehouses and factory buildings, undercut by bunkers and tunnels designed to withstand a nuclear strike - and capturing it is likely to involve a long, bloody, and costly fight. Civilians fled to the complex for safety as Russia surrounded and began bombarding Mariupol in the early days of the war, but found themselves trapped as Putin's men captured the wider city. Ukrainian defenders were eventually pushed back into the complex as well, where they are now staging their last stand. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky night appealed to the head of the UN to help 'save' the lives of the remaining wounded Ukrainians under siege at the Azovstal steel plant. 'The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them,' Zelensky told UN chief Antonio Guterres by phone, after thanking him for successful evacuations earlier this week led by the UN and Red Cross. He called on the UN to 'assist in the removal of all the wounded from Azovstal', civilians and soldiers alike. It is unclear exactly how many people are still inside the Azovstal plant. Ukraine says 'hundreds' of civilians are trapped, while Russia says the number of Ukrainian soldiers inside could be up to 2,000. There was a brief respite in the shelling over the weekend which allowed more than 100 civilians to evacuate via buses to Ukraine-controlled territory northwest near Zaporizhzhia. But shelling commenced again on Sunday night as Ukraine accused Moscow of launching a 'powerful' assault on the industrial zone. Captain Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov battalion which is defending the plant, said an assault on the steel works began Tuesday afternoon with tanks, armoured vehicles, boats and 'large numbers of infantry' moving in. 'We will do everything possible to repel this assault,' he said in his last video message before communications were cut. If Azovstal falls then it will mean Russia seizing control over the whole of Mariupol, making it the largest city to be captured by Putin's forces. It would also provide the Kremlin with a huge propaganda boost ahead of the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, marking the surrender of Nazi Germany. Kyiv said today that Moscow could be planning to hold a parade inside Mariupol itself, in an attempt to claim some semblance of victory after more than two months of fighting. Kyiv said an official from Russia's presidential administration had arrived in the port city, which has been largely destroyed in Russia's more than two-month invasion of Ukraine, to oversee plans for the Victory Day parade. 'Mariupol will become a centre of 'celebration',' Ukraine's military intelligence said in a statement on social media. 'The central streets of the city are urgently being cleaned of debris, bodies and unexploded ordnance. 'A large-scale propaganda campaign is under way. Russians will be shown stories about the 'joy' of locals on meeting the occupiers,' it said. Mariupol mayor Vadym Boichenko later told Ukrainian television there were ongoing 'works' in the city, as if the Russians were preparing for something. 'They are removing signs of the crimes they have committed,' he said. One such 'crime scene' exists on the site of the Mariupol theatre, a building with bomb shelters underneath that was being used to house hundreds of civilians when it was struck by a Russian bomb. Investigators from the Associated Press said today that the attack is now though to have killed at least 600 - including children - which is double the initial estimate put out by the Ukrainians. AP based its estimate on two sets of floor plans of the venue, photographs and video taken inside before, during and after that day, and feedback from experts who reviewed the methodology. Azovstal (pictured Tuesday) has been surrounded and bombarded by Russian troops for weeks, but defenders are well protected in tunnels underneath the plant and are believed to have supplies to outlast a lengthy siege It is unclear exactly how many troops are inside Azovstal (pictured Tuesday), though Russia puts the figure at 2,000 soldiers and 500 wounded - some of them critically The TOS-1 thermobaric launcher is comprised of a tank body with a rack of rockets on top that can be used to bombard an area in order to inflict casualties, destroy defensive positions, and pave the way for a ground assault Thermobaric rockets work by dispersing and then igniting a cloud of fuel, creating a vaccum that will crush the lungs of anyone unlucky enough to be caught in the explosion - but will also produce a blast wave that is much more powerful and destructive than average rocket artillery Another mystery fire breaks out in Russia amid speculation of Ukrainian sabotage operations A mysterious fire has broken out in a Russian industrial zone today, amid mounting suspicion Ukraine is targeting Russian infrastructure. The most recent fire broke out east of Moscow, one of a series of suspected incidents of sabotage reported within Russia over the past few weeks. Footage emerged of a large fire in the Dzerzhinsky industrial zone in the Nizhny Novgorod region, deep within the country. Speculation that Ukraine is responsible for the fires has abounded since the 'accidents' began, though Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the damage. Over a dozen fires in Russia have been reported since the war in Ukraine broke out, with the amount of incidents increasing over the past few weeks as Russia loses ground in Western Ukraine. Advertisement The investigation also refutes Russian claims that the theatre was demolished by Ukrainian forces or served as a Ukrainian military base because none of the witnesses saw Ukrainian soldiers operating inside the building. It likely makes the Mariupol bombing the single-deadliest attack on civilians of the entire war - which was carried out despite the word 'children' being painted in Russian in huge letters outside the building, to warn soldiers that innocent people were taking shelter there. Freed up from fighting in the city, Russian troops could then move north to join the battle for Donbas - widely viewed as pivotal to the outcome of the war. As fighting raged in Mariupol, Russian forces pounded targets elsewhere in Ukraine, targeting train lines used to bring foreign weapons into the west of the country while also stepping up attacks on the eastern front. The Russian military said Wednesday it used sea- and air-launched precision guided electrical substations at five rail stations, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. While the Russian attacks were across a wide swath of Ukraine, some were concentrated in and around Lviv, the western city close to the Polish border that has been a gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. Explosions were heard late Tuesday in the city, which has seen only sporadic attacks during the war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting elsewhere. The mayor said the strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city and disrupting the water supply. Two people were hurt. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said, while his boss, Minister Sergei Shoigu, told top military brass that the West was 'stuffing Ukraine with weapons.' Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces blunt Russia's initial offensive and seems certain to play a central role in the battle for the Donbas, which Moscow now says is its focus following its failure to take Kyiv in the early weeks of the war. Ukraine has urged the West to ramp up the supply of weapons ahead of that potentially decisive battle. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, which had been slow at first to help arm Ukraine, said Wednesday his government is considering supplying Ukraine with howitzers, in addition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns and other equipment. Ukrainian forces have been trapped inside Azovstal since April 25 where they are staging an heroic last stand to prevent Putin moving troops further to the north to join the battle for Donbas (pictured, damage to the plant on May 3) If Russian troops can take Azovstal then it will give them full control over Mariupol, making it the largest city to fall into their hands of the war so-far and giving a major boost to their mission to take the Donbas region Azovstal is a sprawling industrial complex covering four square miles at the heart of Mariupol and is undercut by miles of tunnels designed to withstand a nuclear blast where both soldiers and civilians are sheltering (pictured, damage to some of the plant's main buildings seen on May 3) Heavily damaged factory buildings (bottom) are seen next to buildings that have only medium levels of damage (top) inside the Azovstal steel works in satellite images taken on Tuesday Survivors of steelwork hell humiliated by Vladimir Putin's troops Refugees from Mariupol were subjected to a humiliating interrogation by Russian troops before they were finally freed from the steelworks where they had been hiding for two months. Exhausted survivors told the Daily Mail they were called Ukrainian scum, had their underwear checked and were forced to give their fingerprints at a Russian checkpoint before they were allowed to board Red Cross buses. Dozens of refugees arriving at a UN aid centre in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia yesterday also gave horrifying accounts of their time cowering in bunkers at the Azovstal steelworks. Tonight, there were fears for hundreds of civilians still trapped at the Soviet-era site as Russian bombs rained down in a relentless barrage. Around 156 survivors were rescued in a mercy mission at the weekend after the Red Cross managed to secure a ceasefire. But it emerged that part of the deal with the Kremlin meant the evacuees had to be screened by brutish Russian soldiers at the occupied town of Bezimenne, 30 miles east from Mariupol, before they were released back into Ukrainian-held territory. Advertisement Ukrainian authorities, meanwhile, said attacks in the eastern Donbas region left 21 civilians dead. The governor of the eastern Donetsk region, which lies in the Donbas, said Tuesday was the deadliest day for civilians in his region since April 8, when a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed at least 59 people. Russia has deployed a significant number of troops in the region and appears to be trying to advance in the north, as they try to cut Ukrainian forces off, according to an assessment from the British Defense Ministry. However, Moscow's push has been slow as Ukrainian fighters dig in and use long-range weapons to target the Russians. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the United States have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions. The EU's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports. 'We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets,' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposals need unanimous approval from EU countries and are likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions, but von der Leyen didn't elaborate on whether they would receive an exemption, which appears likely. Von der Leyen also proposed that Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system. But Hungary warned that it could not support the proposed EU ban on Russian oil in its current form as it would 'completely destroy' its energy supply security. The proposal 'cannot be responsibly supported in this form, we cannot responsibly vote for it,' said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a video message posted on his Facebook page. 'This sanctions package would completely destroy the security of Hungary's energy supply,' he said. The EU proposal would ban Russian crude gradually over the next six months and refined fuels by the end of this year, but Hungary and Slovakia - both highly depending on Moscow's oil exports - would get until the end of 2023. Parents who were evacuated from the Azovstal steel works shortly before Russia began its attack embrace with their young child after being evacuated during a ceasefire last week A woman with an injured are is taken off a bus transporting evacuees from the Azovstal steel works to Zaporizhzhia, a Ukrainian-controlled city some 125 miles to the north People tearfully embrace at a reception centre for refugees evacuated from the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, who were brought out during a ceasefire last week just before Russia attacked A tearful reunion takes place between evacuees of the Azovstal steel plant as they arrive in the city of Zaporizhzhia 'The delivery of crude oil from Russia to Europe would be banned, with a short deadline, in the case of Hungary from the end of next year,' Szijjarto said. Ambassadors from the 27 European Union countries met on Wednesday to assess the plan, which will need unanimous approval before going into effect. Szijjarto said Budapest would back the proposal if crude oil delivered via pipelines was exempted from the EU's ban. 'This is not a question of lack of political will, or of intention or timing, but simply this is the physical, geographical, and infrastructural reality,' he said. According to the government, 65 percent of Hungary's oil and 85 percent of its gas supplies come from Russia. Hungary has long ruled out supporting any import ban with Prime Minister Viktor Orban - who has cultivated close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years - citing the central European country's dependency on Russian gas and oil. 'We don't see any plan or guarantee on how even a transition could be managed on the basis of the current proposals, and what would guarantee Hungary's energy security,' the Hungarian government's press office said in a statement sent to AFP earlier Wednesday. The United States has provided intelligence that has helped Ukrainian forces kill several Russian generals since Vladimir Putin's troops invaded the country, senior US officials said. The US officials said that of the approximately 12 Russian generals killed by Ukrainian forces, 'many' had been targeted with the help of US intelligence, reports the New York Times. Washington has provided Ukraine real-time battlefield information on Russia's expected troop movements and the location about Russia's mobile military headquarters, which relocate often. Ukraine has combined those details with its own intelligence, which includes intercepted communications that reveal whether senior officers are located within a base, to conduct artillery strikes and other attacks that have killed Russian generals. U.S. officials declined to specify how many generals had been killed as a result of American intelligence, the newspaper said. Lt Gen Yakov Rezantsev (left), commander of Russia's 49th combined army, was killed in a strike near the southern city of Kherson on March 25, whilst Major General Anton Simonov, 55, (right) died during the attack on a Russian army command post in Kharkiv The US National Security Council slammed the assertion that the United States was helping Ukraine kill Russian generals as 'irresponsible.' 'The United States provides battlefield intelligence to help the Ukrainians defend their country,' NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said. 'We do not provide intelligence with the intent to kill Russian generals.' The heavy loss of high-ranking Russian military officers has stunned Western security officials, who last confirmed an official tally of seven generals in late March, though Ukraine has since announced more. Among the Russian generals confirmed dead are Major General Anton Simonov, 55, who was killed during an attack on a Russian command post near Kharkiv and Lt General Andrey Mordvichev who was killed in Kherson on March 19. Major-General Oleg Mityaev, 47, commander of the army's 150th motorised rifle division, died fighting in the besieged city of Mariupol while Major General Vitaly Gerasimov, 45, was killed on March 7 outside the eastern city of Kharkiv. Meanwhile Major-General Andrey Kolesnikov, Commander of the Guards Tank Kantemirovskaya Division, was also killed in fighting on March 11 and Major-General Andrei Sukhovetsky, 47, was killed during a special operation by a sniper on March 3. In addition, General Magomed Tushaev, a Chechen special forces leader, was killed in an ambush near Hostomel, Lt General Yakov Rezantsev, commander of Russia's 49th combined army, was killed in a strike near Kherson and Major General Vladimir Frolov died in battle. Major General Andrei Sukhovetsky, 47, (left) deputy commander of the 41st Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District, was killed by a sniper whilst General Magomed Tushaev (right) was blown up in the early stages of the war by Ukraine after they joined the Russian invasion Major General Vitaly Gerasimov (left) was first deputy commander of Russia's 41st army, taking part in operations in Syria and Crimea. He was killed in fighting around Kharkiv on March 8. Meanwhile Major-General Andrey Kolesnikov (right), Commander of the Guards Tank Kantemirovskaya Division, was also killed in fighting on March 11 The grave of Major General Vladimir Frolov in Serafimovskoe Cemetery, St Petersburg, after he was killed in battle Blunders early on in the campaign including poor planning and logistics that saw vehicles stall due to breakdowns, run out of fuel and get bogged down in mud are thought to be behind the eye-watering officer death toll - as commanders were forced to the front to fix the problems before being picked off by Ukrainians. In March, Western officials had cited low morale as a reason Russian generals would be so close to the front. They also pointed to potential communications and logistics issues on the Russian side, which could lead senior officers to use unencrypted channels and expose themselves to Ukrainian forces. But the report by the New York Times points to direct assistance from the United States and other Western intelligence services as a major factor in the Ukrainian success. A father and his son examine destroyed Russian tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC) in Dmytrivka village, Kyiv region President Joe Biden's administration has kept the military intelligence it is providing to Ukraine under wraps out of concern it could compromise its sources as well as be taken as a sign by Russia of direct hostility. Earlier in the conflict, the Pentagon was similarly cautious about noting that only 'defensive' weapons and equipment were being provided to Ukraine. But it has since announced shipments of offensive weapons like heavy artillery, helicopters and attack drones. It has also talked of training Ukrainian troops, including in Germany, to use the weapons they are receiving. And instead of saying, as it did in February, that it wants only to help Ukraine survive, Washington now says its goal in the war is to debilitate Russia for the long term. 'We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can't do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine,' US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said after a visit to Kyiv in late April. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to request for comment on the Times report. A naval officer whose ship was sunk by an Exocet missile during the Falklands War today joined growing calls for an inquiry into whether France lied about the existence of a 'kill switch' in its missiles, which killed 46 British sailors. Commander Mike Norman, second in command of HMS Sheffield, said it would be 'terrible' if the French had withheld information that could have saved British lives. Exocet anti-ship missiles allegedly contained technology to disarm them but French president Francois Mitterrand denied any such feature existed. It is not clear how the technology worked, but it is known that arms manufacturers sometimes secretly built disabling 'switches' into weapons so they could be prevented from doing damage if they fell into the hands of a hostile state. Three Royal Navy ships were hit by Exocets during the war with sailors on all three dying. Two ships, the HMS Sheffield and the merchant vessel Atlantic Conveyor, sank. Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of the HMS Sheffield attack, which killed 20 sailors in the first British fatalities of the conflict. Smoke billows from HMS Sheffield after it was struck by an Exocet missile in 1982 during the Falklands War Commander Norman told the Telegraph: 'If it was true and they didn't tell us how we could disarm them, I think it would be terrible, frankly. 'That was the one single weapon the Task Force was really worried about.' Members of Margaret Thatcher's government have also come out in favour of an inquiry, with Lord Tebbit appealing to the French to 'explain themselves'. Former energy minister David Mellor also asked the French to reveal the truth but predicted: 'I'm totally and utterly confident that there is no reason why they would feel any particular concern for us, no reason why they would tell us the truth and no reason they wouldn't brazen it out in a very Gallic way.' Arms manufacturers sometimes secretly build kill switches into weapons so they can be disabled if acquired by a hostile state. Commander Mike Norman, second in command of HMS Sheffield, said it would be 'terrible' if the French had withheld information. He is pictured in 2013 British officials suspected that France did not want to admit they had been installed on Exocets because it could deter possible buyers. MPs want to know what the French government did or did not share with Mrs Thatcher and her Cabinet and whether the missiles could have been remotely deactivated. Tobias Ellwood, chairman of Parliament's defence select committee, said the issue 'warrants further investigation' while former defence secretary Liam Fox said France should be 'open and honest' about what happened in the 1982 war. British officials appealed to its long-term military ally for information about how the Exocet missiles worked and whether they could be disabled as a Royal Navy task force sailed to retake the islands from Argentina. Experts in the UK thought that the missiles contained a kill switch partly through examining earlier versions bought by the Army. The maker of the weapons, French company Aerospatiale, denied the kill switches existed. The Royal Navy ship sank after being hit by one of the French-made guided missiles on May 4, 1982, leading to the deaths of 20 crew members. A further 26 servicemen were suffered injuries, including burns. Above: Argentine forces arming a jet with an Exocet during the Falklands War Mr Ellwood said: 'We don't know the wider decision-making that surrounded this. Indeed, those responsible might not even be alive today. 'As we look to future battles we must learn from past events, and that includes how we work with allies and how we share critical intelligence. 'It certainly would have been game-changing had France chosen to share this characteristic of the Exocet.' Maggie's 'iron finger on the button': Margaret Thatcher threatened to NUKE Argentina unless President Mitterrand provided 'kill switch' codes to disable French-made Exocet missiles after one sank HMS Sheffield in Falklands - as MPs demand inquiry By Harry Howard, History Correspondent for MailOnline A claim that Margaret Thatcher threatened to launch a nuclear attack on Buenos Aires unless France handed over information to disable Argentina's Exocet missiles in the Falklands War has resurfaced on the 40th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Sheffield. The Royal Navy ship sank six days after being hit by one of the French-made guided missiles on May 4, 1982, leading to the deaths of 20 crew members. A further 26 servicemen suffered injuries, including burns. The attack was the first British loss of life in the Falklands War, which took place after Argentine forces invaded the Falklands Islands, on the orders of dictatorial leader General Leopoldo Galtieri. According to a 2005 book by psychoanalyst Ali Magoudi, who met regularly with the French leader from 1982 to 1984, France's then president Francois Mitterrand was approached by Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for information that could disable the missiles. Mrs Thatcher was then said to have threatened to fire a nuclear warhead at Argentina's capital unless the information was handed over. Magoudi's claim was reported again by The Telegraph today. It comes after senior MPs last night called for an inquiry into whether France lied about the existence of a 'kill switch' in the Exocet missiles used by Argentina. In total, the weapons hit three Royal Navy ships, killing 46 sailors. The missiles allegedly contained technology to disarm them, but Mitterrand denied the feature existed. It is not clear how the technology worked, but it is known that arms manufacturers sometimes secretly built disabling 'switches' into weapons so they could be prevented from doing damage if they fell into the hands of a hostile state. Today, a memorial paying tribute to the sailors killed in the attack on HMS Sheffield is to be unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. According to a 2005 book by psychoanalyst Ali Magoudi, who met regularly with the French leader from 1982 to 1984, Mrs Thatcher said to have threatened to fire a nuclear warhead at Argentina's capital unless information about the Exocets was handed over The sinking of the Sheffield was revenge for Britain's attack on the Argentine cruiser the General Belgrano two days earlier, which killed 323 sailors. According to Magoudi's book, which is titled RendezVous - the pschyoanalysis of Francois Mitterrand, Mrs Thatcher demanded to her French counterpart that he hand over codes that could disable the Exocet missiles. Mitterrand is quoted as saying: 'Happily, I gave in. Otherwise, I assure you, that lady's iron finger would have pushed the button.' Mrs Thatcher was said to be 'furious' that France had sold its advanced weapons to the Argentinian regime. They became the Royal Navy's most feared threat and were also used to sink the supply ship the Atlantic Conveyor, killing a further 12 sailors. Another 14 sailors died when the HMS Glamorgan was struck. The ship was repaired and remained in service until 1984. Magoudi, who was one of Mitterrand's closest confidantes, said that, having allegedly agreed to the information request, the French president was then determined to get his revenge on 'those English upstarts'. During the Falklands War, Royal Navy ships carrying WE.177 nuclear bombs were assigned to the task force that sailed to the islands to fight Argentine forces. It remains unclear if they were on board vessels when they engaged in action around the Falklands 'I will destroy their beloved island by linking it with Europe,' he is alleged to have said. 'Despite their inbred desire for isolation, I will make Britain join Europe by building a tunnel under the Channel.' France did eventually pass information on the Exocet to Britain in 1982 which helped the navy to defend itself against further attack in the Falklands War. However, last night MPs called for an inquiry into what the French government did or did not share with Mrs Thatcher, and whether or not the missiles could have been remotely deactivated. Tobias Ellwood, who is chairman of Parliament's defence select committee, said the issue needs 'further investigation'. Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox added that France should be 'open and honest' about what happened. Eight survivors from HMS Sheffield are seen at a ceremony outside Sheffield Cathedral in the year after the attack Prince Charles is seen speaking to survivor John Strange, of Gosport, who was severely burned when HMS Sheffield was hit by an Exocet missile in the Falklands conflict Experts in the UK believed the missiles contained a kill switch partly through examining earlier versions that had been bought by the Army. French company Aerospatiale, which made the weapons, insisted that kill switches did not exist. Mr Ellwood said: 'We don't know the wider decision-making that surrounded this. Indeed, those responsible might not even be alive today. 'As we look to future battles we must learn from past events, and that includes how we work with allies and how we share critical intelligence. 'It certainly would have been game-changing had France chosen to share this characteristic of the Exocet.' The HMS Sheffield was the first British warship to have been lost since the Second World War. The burnt wreckage of HMS Sheffield is seen shortly before it sank while being towed back to shore in the days following the attack Casualties from HMS Sheffield are seen shortly after landing with rescuers via helicopter on aircraft carrier HMS Hermes The ship was hit on its starboard side, ripping a hole 15ft long and 4ft high and instantly killing eight cooks and setting it on fire, which lasted for two days. Twelve crew members were thought to be killed by fumes and several were seriously burned. Six days after it was attacked, the ship sank while being towed back to the shore. Speaking on the BBC today, survivor Andy Stevenson spoke of the moment the Sheffield was hit. 'If you imagine a missile you are expecting a bang. No bang at all. It was like a massive blast of air that blew me out my bunk,' he said. During the Falklands War, Royal Navy ships carrying WE.177 nuclear bombs were assigned to the task force that sailed to the islands to fight Argentine forces. In 2003, the Government admitted that British ships were carrying nuclear weapons, but insisted there was never any intention to use them in the conflict. A rail conductor is suing his ex-employer West Midlands Trains after he was sacked for gross misconduct when he was overheard questioning 'black privilege' after an online diversity training webinar. Simon Isherwood, 60, was dismissed in March last year after he accidentally left his microphone on, meaning his colleagues overheard him criticising the webinar's contents. The session two months earlier was attended by around 80 staff members from East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and Mr Isherwood's former company London Northwestern Railway, which is owned by WMT. At the end of it, Mr Isherwood was overheard telling his wife: 'I couldn't be a**** because I thought, 'you know what, I'll just get f**king angry'. You know what I really wanted to ask?... and I wish I had, do they have black privilege in other countries? So, if you're in Ghana?...'. Ghana has a population that is around 98% black and 2% white, while in the UK 86% are white and 3% are black. Mr Isherwood says he made the private remark because he felt diversity trainers in the session were 'indoctrinating their view on us' that 'implied all white people are racist - but I'm not'. The webinar, which he voluntarily attended, covered topics including what white privilege is, how to 'change the privilege and power structures', and 'how to be an ally'. Simon Isherwood, 60, was dismissed in March last year after he accidentally left his microphone on, meaning his colleagues overheard him criticising the webinar's contents His remarks caused colleagues to complain to bosses that they were 'disgusted' and 'angered', and Mr Isherwood was suspended while an internal disciplinary probe took place. Mr Isherwood was sacked after WMT ruled he had 'caused offence, brought the company into disrepute and breached our equality, diversity and inclusion policy and the code of conduct'. He internally appealed in April last year but this was rejected and no further right of appeal was allowed. He is now taking the company to an employment tribunal, to be held in Watford on Thursday and Friday, suing for unfair dismissal. His case is backed by the Free Speech Union. Mr Isherwood told The Telegraph: 'I've lost my job, my income, my reputation, my health is absolutely shot to pieces. He is now taking WMT to an employment tribunal, to be held in Watford on Thursday and Friday, suing for unfair dismissal. Stock image used 'I'd worked there for 11-and-a-half years and never had anything but promotion, praise and awards and even now I can't believe it. 'All I was trying to do was understand the subject better - we had been asked to think of questions so I did exactly what I was asked to do.' FSU director-general Toby Young told MailOnline: 'Mr Isherwood should not have been sacked for making a joke. 'That's a clear breach of his right to free speech. We intend to fight this all the way.' WMT hearings found that Mr Isherwood had no record of any previous misconduct, and nothing suggested he was racist. It is understood that WMT denies the allegations, believing that Mr Isherwood's remarks were offensively-expressed and that it was reasonable to treat Mr Isherwood's conduct as serious misconduct. WMT declined to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing. Senior doctors have been urged to delay their retirement to help tackle the record Covid-fuelled backlog of patients. In a letter sent to hospital trusts yesterday, NHS England begged older and recently retired medics to keep working part-time or from home operating 'virtual wards'. It also suggests older medics could opt-in to perform operations in their spare time, or stay on to help train the next generation of doctors. The health service is juggling an elective care backlog of 6.2million patients with around 110,000 staff vacancies. Analysts estimate 21,000 doctors will retire in September. Health bosses say the shortages are making it hard to make big dents in the waiting list. But Britons are expecting to see the backlog drop, following a controversial 1.25 per cent national insurance rise to raise billions for the NHS' pandemic recovery plan. The NHS has brought in new initiatives to boost capacity, including asking hospitals to perform 'simple' and 'low-risk' procedures in 'enhanced procedure rooms' rather than surgical theatres. Other steps include encouraging staff to work over-time, removing limits on surgeons' weekly hours and using medical students and vaccine rollout volunteers to take up vacant roles. In a letter sent to hospital trusts yesterday, NHS England begged older and recently retired medics to keep working part-time or from home monitoring 'virtual wards'. It also suggests older medics could have video consultations with hospital patients or stay on to help train the next generation of doctors The graph shows the NHS England waiting list for routine surgery, such as hip and knee operations (red line), hit a record high 6.18million in February. The figure is 46 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels and 1.3 per cent more than in January. Official figures also revealed that the number of patients forced to wait more than two years (yellow bars) stood at 23,281 in February, which is 497 patients (two per cent) less than one month earlier HOW BAD IS THE NHS PATIENT BACKLOG IN ENGALND? The number of patients waiting for routine hospital treatment in England soared to a new record of 6.18million in February. NHS data shows one in nine people were in the queue, often in pain, for elective operations such as hip and knee replacements and cataracts surgery up from 6.1million in January. The figure is 46 per cent higher than the 4.2million people in England stuck in the queue in March 2020, before the pandemic wreaked havoc across the country. Some 3.8million of those in the queue have been waiting for at least four months, while 2.3million have been waiting for more than four months both of which are higher than one month earlier. A total of 299,478 have been waiting for more than a year, according to the February figure, which is down four per cent compared to January. There were a further 23,281 patients who had been waiting more than two years in February, down two per cent compared to a month earlier. Advertisement The letter, sent yesterday, states 'enhancing and expanding the capacity of our workforce' is essential to clearing the Covid backlog. It also instructed trusts to 'create options for all staff' to increase their contracted hours. Options on offer to retiring staff are joining a staff bank to help with elective operations on an ad hoc basis and at a time that suits them. Older medics could also offer virtual outpatient appointments from home, which health bosses believe could help those in the queue manage their condition while waiting for their procedure. And they could harness their experience to teach, supervise and certify thousands of doctors in training. Stella Vig, national clinical director of elective care at NHS England, who sent the letter, said: 'Our staff are our greatest asset in tackling the covid backlog, and already they have made considerable strides with the number of people waiting more than two years almost halving in the last two months. 'But we know there is still a long way to go, which is why it is essential we continue to support our colleagues, harness their collective skill and draw on their ideas to improve things for patients. 'So we are urging those nearing retirement or those who have recently retired to consider staying on to educate and train the next generation of doctors and nurses, as well as the wider NHS - freeing current staff to do more procedures as well as developing the future workforce so the NHS can treat even more patients. 'So as we have said throughout the pandemic, it is vitally important that anybody who has health needs continues to come forward, so that staff can help you with the best options for your care.' In another step to boost health service capacity, NHS England is encouraging trusts to use 'enhanced rooms' to perform straight-forward operations rather than taking up space in England's 3,000 surgical theatres. Health bosses believe these rooms can be used for less-invasive procedures, such as cataract removal and tongue-tie surgery will free up much needed theatre space for the most complex operations. The health service has also urged hospitals to offer their consultants more flexibility with their working hours. Queues for routine operations are expected to peak in 2024 at around 10.7million in the most pessimistic scenario, modelling from the NHS shows. It is because the health service expects many patients who missed operations to now come forward for care Other estimates showed up to 200,000 people could still be on waiting lists for more than a year by 2025 under the most pessimistic scenario. This was despite Health Secretary Sajid Javid saying year-long waits would end by this date Some trusts cap consultants working hours at 40 per week. But the NHS has asked hospitals to let those who want to work longer to do so to help clear the backlog. Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told The Times 'the NHS should not be left to beg doctors to postpone their retirement' and ministers needed to make long-term plans for the NHS workforce. Dr Adrian Boyle, vice president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told the newspaper that hospitals are under unsustainable pressure. He warned workforce shortages are 'exacerbated by an inability to retain staff facing burnout, distress and moral injury'. Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, told The Times that it is important to find ways to boost hospital capacity. 'But we cannot disguise the face that the NHS simply does not have enough staff,' he said. The NHS waiting list soared to a new record of 6.18million in February, latest figures show. The figure is is 46 per cent higher than the 4.2million people in England stuck in the queue in March 2020, before the pandemic wreaked havoc across the country. Ministers announced an elective recovery plan earlier this year, setting out how waiting lists will finally start to fall from March 2024, while two-year waits would be scrapped by the summer. But experts today warned 'it is hard to imagine an end in sight, with lengthy waits for healthcare firmly here to stay'. A 13-year-old girl who went to a police station to report that she had been gang raped was then raped again by the police officer she reported it to, authorities say. The police officer, Station House Officer Tilakdhari Saroj, was later arrested after being caught on the run in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where the crime is alleged to have taken place. The father of the girl alleged to police that four men had lured his daughter away to the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh on April 22 where they raped her over the space of four days. The men then brought the girl back to her village in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP) before fleeing. According to the report filed by police, the girl went to the police station the following day to make a statement accompanied by her aunt. Saroj then took the girl into a room and raped her in front of the aunt, the report says. Station House Officer Tilakdhari Saroj stands accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who went to his police station in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh He was later arrested after being caught on the run in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Lalitpur district police chief Nikhil Pathak told reporters that the NGO Childline brought the girl to his office after she told them what she them her story. 'The SHO is suspended and he is a named criminal so we have formed teams to arrest him,' he said. 'After I was informed of it, I ensured that a case was filed.' Saroj has been charged under the stringent POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act brought in in 2012 which could see him face life in prison if convicted. According to ANI UP/Uttarakhand Saroj is quoted as saying: 'Investigative agencies should be called in to conduct the probe into the matter with utter honesty. 'After the investigation, if it's proven I'm guilty then...I am 100% innocent.' Pathak added that six people were named in the case and four had been arrested, including Saroj, and all officers serving in the police station have been removed. The case has caused predictable outrage in the state of Uttar Pradesh and across India itself. State authorities have ordered a probe into the case to report back in 24 hours, while the National Human Rights Commission, India, has demanded a report from the Government of Uttar Pradesh within four weeks. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed the Uttar Pradesh state government in a tweet. 'The gang-rape of a 13-year-old girl in Lalitpur and then her rape by the police in-charge when she went to file a complaint shows how genuine law and order reforms are being suppressed in the noise of 'bulldozers'. 'If police stations are not safe for women, then where will they go to take complaints?' she said. The POCSO Act was brought in in 2012 after a young woman was gang raped on a bus in New Delhi in a case which shocked the world and put the spotlight on how rife acts of sexual abuse are in India. The young woman later died of her injuries. A survey in 2017 by World Vision India found that as many as half of children in India have been a victim of sexual abuse at some point in their lives. A woman who was accused of calling two workmates a 'f***ing P***' and gypsy c***' has won almost 3,000 in damages after a judge ruled her sacking was unfair. Anita Jarzyna, 29, was summarily dismissed as team leader at a bedding company following a series of complaints from seven staff over her racist language about purchasing manager Daniel Bowler and his girlfriend Erika Mateova. One member of staff said: 'Anita doesn't like anybody. She is mean to most people.' The ex-nightclub barmaid attempted to justify her remarks during a night out in a wine bar, telling colleagues: 'I can say what I like - I am Polish. It's okay to say it in Poland so why is it not okay here?' At a tribunal, an employment judge ruled bosses at Hypnos Beds in Buckinghamshire failed to follow proper procedure after inquiries revealed they took 15 minutes to make a decision to sack her and refused her an appeal hearing. The judge ordered the firm to pay a 'basic' award' of 630 plus compensation of 2,214. He cleared Hypnos of racial and sexual discrimination. No one from the company attended the Watford hearing. Anita Jarzyna (pictured above), 29, was dismissed as team leader at a bedding company in Buckinghamshire following a series of complaints from seven staff over her racist language Ms Jarzyna, from Olsztyn, North Poland, had joined Hypnos in 2015 but fell out with Mr Bowler and and Ms Mateova, who worked as a knitwork designer at the firm. The tribunal was told Ms Mateova had hoped to get the team leader's job but her rival was given the post instead and it caused 'antipathy between them.' In November 2019, Mr Bowler and Ms Mateova raised grievances against Ms Jarzyna over comments she made while speaking to other colleagues in the wine bar the previous month. His complaint read: 'Anita referred to me as the "f***ing P***" in conversation with the others. One of these did say you cannot say that and Anita responded with "I can say what I like, I am Polish".' Ms Mateova said in a statement: 'It was brought to my attention that Anita refers to me as the "gypsy c***" and has said this on a few occasions.' One staff member, Tom White, said: 'I speak to Anita a lot and when we talk about work she often talks about herself. 'She has been annoyed with Danny Bowler for a while, she doesn't get on with him at all and doesn't like him. Her main gripe is with Danny, she doesn't like Erika because she's with him. 'Anita and I were talking while I was working and I said my next job was for Erika, she said "Oh, You're going to see that gypsy c***." She's called her that to me probably four more times on different occasions since then. 'I'd heard she'd been suspended so I called her to make sure she was okay. She told me what had happened and that she'd lost her temper outside and people had heard her shouting "gypsy c***" and "P***". 'She then called them a "gypsy c***" and "P***" to me again. We talked for about 20 minutes. She admitted to me what had happened in the wine bar and what she'd said about Erika. 'She tends to get stressed and react badly to situations. I asked her why she'd said what she did and she said she's Polish and can say what she likes. She said: "It's okay to say it in Poland so why is it not okay here?" 'She clearly doesn't think saying it is wrong. After her suspension she went around everyone trying to find out who had grassed her up, she assumed it was them and then said she'd been grassed up by "that P.*** and gypsy c***".' Another work colleague, Sam Hatt, said: 'We were all sat around the table talking and someone mentioned the word Christmas party and who was going. 'Someone mentioned that Danny and Erika were going and Anita shouted loudly "I'm not going if that gypsy c*** is going". 'We all told her she couldn't say things like that and she didn't say it again that evening.' A third staff member, who is Polish and wished to remain anonymous, said: 'The main problem with Anita is she just doesn't like anybody. 'I've often heard her talking badly about Erika, she always calls her a gypsy to the rest of the sewing team but everybody is too scared to come and tell you. She is mean to most people.' In November 2019, Mr Bowler and Ms Mateova raised grievances against Ms Jarzyna (pictured) over comments she made while speaking to other colleagues in the wine bar The hearing was told Ms Jarzyna attended a disciplinary hearing accompanied by her GMB Union Representative and was asked to respond to the racism claims. The meeting then adjourned for 15 minutes after which she was dismissed for gross misconduct. Ms Jarzyna tried to appeal but no hearing was undertaken. Ms Jarzyna agreed she had gone to the wine bar and gossiped about Mr Bowler but denied calling him a 'f***ing P***'. She claimed Mr Bowler was lying to get her fired and had called her a 'Polish cow.' She said: 'Mr Bowler is English but his skin is slightly tanned. I do not know what his nationality or race is. When we talked about him in the wine bar I swore a lot but didn't call him a P***.' She also denied calling Ms Mateova a 'gypsy c***'. In conclusion, Employment Judge George Alliott said: 'The claimant did use offensive and racist language both in and out of the workplace. 'However, given the burden of proof, I cannot find that the respondent genuinely believed in the reason for dismissal in the absence of any evidence from the respondent. Accordingly, I have to find that the dismissal was unfair. 'I accept an appeal hearing is not mandatory - however, the claimant pointed to an individual who, whilst charged with an offence of theft, did apparently retain his job on appeal. The respondent has not been here to contest the issue.' A technology firm has been caught selling phone location data of people who visited abortion clinics for $160, raising fears that women could be targeted by pro-life activists in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court 'Roe vs Wade' draft opinion. The data up for sale can show details such as where people visiting family planning centers - including Planned Parenthood clinics - came from, how long they spent there, and where they went afterwards. Vice News reported that it purchased the data from SafeGraph, a tech company that obtains location data from every-day apps installed on people's smartphones. Motherboard, Vice's tech investigation team, said SafeGraph treated Planned Parenthood like a 'brand', and that many of its 'customers' could be tracked when visiting one of the abortion provider's locations. For just $160, Motherboard said it had purchased a week's worth of data - that includes more than 600 Planned Parenthood locations from the data company - that could have just as easily been purchased by anti-abortion vigilantes. It said that some, but not all, of the locations provided abortions for women. Following the report, SafeGraph said it had stopped selling location data on visits to abortion clinics, with Auren Hoffman - the company's CEO - saying: 'I think it's good that we were called out.' However, the report has raised concerns that other brokers could sell phone data of women that could later be treated as evidence in the events that abortion becomes a criminal offence, or that could be used by anti-abortion vigilantes. A technology firm has been caught selling phone location data of people who visited abortion clinics for $160. Pictured: A pro-choice activist holds up a sign during a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in response to the leaked Supreme Court draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade May 3, 2022 in Washington DC Vice News reported that it purchased the data from SafeGraph, a tech company that obtains location data from every-day apps installed on people's smartphones. The report has raised fears the data could be used by anti-abortion vigilantes. Pictured: An anti-abortion activist is shown confronting patients outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Milwaukee, May 4 For just $160, Vice's Motherboard said it had purchased a week's worth of data that includes more than 600 Planned Parenthood locations from the data company that could have just as easily been purchased by anti-abortion vigilantes. Pictured: A Planned Parenthood in LA Vice's report came after a Supreme Court draft opinion - that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and allow individual states to ban the procedure - leaked to the public on Monday. Should the Supreme Court follow through with its draft, it is expected women seeking abortions in states where it is banned will travel across borders to undergo the procedure - something anti-abortion activists and politicians they will try to ban. Location data would be able to track women making such trips, with Vice's investigation raising fears that anti-abortion vigilantes could target women making cross-border journeys to abortion clinics in different states. They could also potentially use it to identify clinics providing abortions, with the United States having a history of attacks on family planning clinics. Anti-abortion extremists have killed at least eleven people in the United States, including four doctors and two clinic employees. There have also been more than 40 instances where clinics have been bombed, and over 170 cases of arson. Speaking to Motherboard, Zach Edwards - a cybersecurity researcher - said it is 'dangerous to have abortion clinics and then let someone buy the census tracks where people are coming from to visit that abortion clinic. 'This is how you dox someone traveling across state lines for abortionshow you dox clinics providing this service,' he told the publication after reviewing the data. He said that data showing where, when and how women travelled to family planning clinics was going to become the 'weapon of choice' for anti-abortion vigilantes. How can your location data be purchased? Smartphones collect a vast amount of data about their users, which can be sold on to third parties. This can include location tracking, which records where a person has been with their cell phone and when - down to individual buildings. If a user gives permission to an app on their cell phone to track this data, and also gives permission for that location data to be sold, third parties can then purchase it for their own use. Data broker companies purchase this data from the app developers and re-package it for a number of purposes, such as marketing and advertising - and sell it on further to other companies. But if they can afford it, the data can be purchased and then used by everyone - including law enforcement and members of the public. Vice News reported that it had purchased data from SafeGraph that specifically related to people who had visited abortion clinics. While SafeGraph has said it would stop selling location data relating to visitors of family planning clinics, the report has raised fears that other data brokers could also sell such data. Advertisement SafeGraph obtains location data from run-of-the mill applications on people's smart phones. Many users of apps that track location data will have unwittingly agreed to allow the developers behind such apps to sell this data on to third parties. Developers of apps - such as weather apps, prayer apps or even menstrual cycle tracking apps - install software development kits (SDKs) in their applications, that sends location data to companies for a fee. In some more extreme cases, Motherboard reported that such data has been sold to U.S. military contactors, and also reported earlier this week that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also purchased location data from SafeGraph for the purposes of tracking Covid-19 lockdown compliance. SafeGraph re-packages the location data and sells it to companies in a variety of 'products'. Vice said it was able to purchase the location data under SafeGraphs' 'Patterns' product package. Vice emphasized that Planned Parenthood is not the organization collecting the data from cell phone users, or benefiting from location data financially. Following the report, SafeGraph said that it would stop selling the data specific to visitors to family planning center 'in light of potential federal changes in family planning access,' according to Protocol. When asked why the company was selling such data in the first place, the company said: 'Honestly, it's a good question, so we're reviewing it.' However, SafeGraph's CEO Hoffman said that the company already had researchers complaining about the data's removal, as they wanted to know whether the Supreme Court's leaked draft had affected visits to abortion clinics. 'Once we decided to take it down, we had hundreds of researchers complain to us about it,' the CEO said. 'They want to see, 'do these new laws dampen family planning visits,' and stuff like that. And now we're taking that data away from them.' The possibility of anti-abortion activists getting hold of location data has often been raised as an example for why the sale of this data is problematic, and anti-abortion activists have used location data in the past. In 2016, it was reported that John Flynn, CEO of Copley Advertising, sent targeted advertisements to women's phones while they were in Planned Parenthood locations - in an attempt to get them to change their minds. Protesters gather at the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, May 3, 2022, during a rally organized by Planned Parenthood Michigan in response to the news that the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide CNBC reported that when it contacted SafeGraph about Vice's report, the network was directed to a blog post titled 'Demystifying the SafeGraph Facts'. 'To our knowledge, nobody has ever used SafeGraph Patterns data for malicious purposes,' the post says. The post says that over 15,000 researchers use the service, with its data leading to hundreds of 'major' research papers. 'Some of the brightest data scientists in the world have extensively used Patterns for social good and have never encountered issues with data privacy since we released the data 3 years ago,' the post claims. It continues: 'But there are always extreme hypothetical corner cases, and in some cases these are worth actively preventing. 'In light of potential federal changes in family planning access, we're removing Patterns data for locations classified as NAICS code 621410 (Family Planning Centers) from our self-serve shop and API to curtail any potential misuse of its data.' Long before the leaked Supreme Court draft, data privacy advocates have been warning smart phone owners that collection of their data can be used against them. Phones record a host of information about their owners, including search histories, their private communications, health and body data and location and activity data. Most of the time, this data is used for marketing purposes, and to tailor digital products to their users. But law enforcement agencies are increasingly using digital data to build cases against suspects. However, in many cases this data is also accessible to the public. Last year, a Catholic blog obtained the location information of a priest from the gay dating app Grindr, and outed him as gay by using his data to suggest he was visiting gay bars. Both Apple and Android allow users to turn off location tracking on apps, or for the whole phone. However, this can limit the phone's features. The DailyMail.com has requested comment from SafeGraph. Meanwhile, it was reported on Tuesday that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paid SafeGraph for location data harvested from millions of cell phones to track compliance with COVID-19 lockdown measures, according to a new report. The CDC paid $420,000 for a year of access to the cell phone location data from the data brokerage firm, according to documents reported by Vice News. The CDC paid $420,000 for a year of access to the cell phone location data from the data brokerage SafeGraph, to track compliance with COVID-19 lockdown measures The data was aggregated, meaning that it was intended to show general trends rather than the movements of specific phones, however the move still set off alarm bells with some privacy advocates. According to Vice, the documents show that the CDC planned to use the data to analyze compliance with curfews, track patterns of people visiting K-12 schools, and specifically monitor the effectiveness of policy in the Navajo Nation. The CDC documents describe SafeGraph's data as 'critical for ongoing response efforts, such as hourly monitoring of activity in curfew zones or detailed counts of visits to participating pharmacies for vaccine monitoring.' In the early days of the pandemic, SafeGraph made some of its aggregate data and analysis available publicly to help inform the policy response to the pandemic. The data showed, for example, how visits to bars and restaurants had changed compared to the pre-pandemic average. In an April 2020 blog post, the company described how the CDC was using the free data, including 'to better understand where COVID-19 has the potential to spread the most.' However, by last year SafeGraph had apparently decided to start charging for its location data. The controversial firm is financially backed by Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, the former head of Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency. Billionaire Peter Thiel is also an investor in the company. In June, Google banned SafeGraph from the Android app store, meaning that apps incorporating the company's tracking codes were forced to remove it. SafeGraph collected at least some of its data through codes embedded in other apps. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, waves to the crowds upon arrival in Maiduguri, Nigeria, on May 3. AP-Yonhap United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged international donors to sustain funding for humanitarian operations in Africa and across the world even as they respond to the Ukraine crisis. Addressing reporters in Nigeria as he wrapped up his three-nation tour of West Africa, the U.N. chief said donors should actually increase funding for global aid so as not to "undermine" development activities in Africa and other parts of the world. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine now a full-scale war, many countries have sent relief aid to Ukraine, which its leader President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said needs $7 billion in relief funding per month. "My appeal is for those that support financially the United Nations not to divert funds from other humanitarian and development forms of cooperation to the Ukraine crisis," Guterres said. He urged donor nations to ''put additional contributions for that (Ukraine) crisis and not undermine the efforts in humanitarian and development cooperations that are taking place all around the world.'' Earlier this week Guterres visited the West African countries of Senegal and Niger. In northeastern Nigeria where the impact of the 12-year Islamic extremist insurgency in the country's northeast has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, 8.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, U.N. data shows. However, there are already signs that the war in Ukraine has caused a decline in donations for relief operations in Nigeria, according to Priscilla Bayo Nicholas, a nutrition specialist with the U.N. children's agency. "The situation in Ukraine is affecting us here. (It is) affecting the program in Nigeria because now most of the funding is diverted to respond to Ukraine's crisis. Meanwhile, we also have a nutrition crisis here," said Nicholas in Borno state, the center of Nigeria's humanitarian crisis. A key step in responding to humanitarian crises globally would be to "reform the global financial system designed by the rich, for the rich," said Guterres in Abuja. "As we face a situation that requires urgent action, we must make greater use of all available mechanisms for the benefit of developing countries, including middle-income countries, especially in Africa," he said. While in Nigeria, Guterres visited the northeast region where he met with former extremists who have defected from the camps of the Boko Haram jihadi group and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. The jihadi insurgency in northeast Nigeria is blamed for the deaths of 35,000 people and displacing 2.1 million, according to U.N. In Abuja, Nigeria's capital, Guterres laid a wreath Wednesday in honor of the 23 people who died in 2011 when Boko Haram bombed the United Nations office building in the West African country. Many of those killed were U.N. staffers. "Today, the U.N. family stands in solidarity with the victims' families, as well as the women and men who work at U.N. House every day, to serve and support the people of Nigeria," Guterres said. "And we stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who have endured similar violence in their own communities." (AP) Russia has carried out simulated launches of nuclear-capable missiles from an enclave of territory in mainland Europe, amid growing fears Putin could press the button as the war in Ukraine goes against him. War games currently taking place in Kaliningrad - a chunk of Russian territory sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea - involved 'electronic launches' of Iskander ballistic missiles, Moscow's defence ministry said. Iskander crews practised hitting targets including enemy missile systems, airfields, infrastructure and military command posts, the ministry added, before manoeuvering to avoid a retaliatory strike. The drills did not involve any actual missiles being fired. Russia carried out simulated launches of nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles in Kaliningrad on Wednesday, the defence ministry said (file image) Small but deadly: Russia's Iskander missile The Iskander is a short-range ballistic missile developed by Russia that went into service in 2006 to replace the Soviet-era Scud and Tochka rockets. Iskanders are the workhorse of Russia's missile forces and can perform a wide variety of roles depending on the warhead they are fitted with. Warheads include thermobaric, cluster, armour piercing, bunker-busters, and electromagnetic for taking out radar systems. But the most eye-catching of the Iskander's warheads is a nuclear charge, thought to be around four times as powerful as the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima. The missiles have a range of up to 300 miles and are most-commonly carried by road-mobile launch vehicles, which makes the missiles much harder to find and destroy. Iskander missiles are known to be stationed in Kaliningrad - Russia's central European enclave - and, since the start of the war in Ukraine, in Belarus. Fired from these positions, Iskanders are capable of ranging the Baltic states - Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania - as well as most of Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, and even parts of southern Sweden. Advertisement Drills also involved more than 100 soldiers rehearsing what to do in the event of a nuclear or chemical attack on them. It came at the same time as Belarus - which supported Putin's invasion by allowing Russian troops to attack from its territory - staged its own war games. Minsk announced the 'surprise' drill Wednesday to test the reactive capabilities of its army, the defence ministry said, while insisting it posed no threat to its neighbours. Belarus military units were testing their capacity to "go on the alert, move to predetermined zones and undertake combat training," the ministry said. "The aim is to evaluate the readiness and ability of troops to react rapidly to a possible crisis," it continued, describing the manoeuvres as a "surprise" exercise. It published photos of columns of vehicles, including tanks, moving along roads. The exercise will be closely watched by Kyiv, which has repeatedly accused Belarus of planning to send troops into Ukraine to help Russia's military operation against its pro-Western neighbour. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to respond if Belarus attacks. But British intelligence said early Thursday that such a prospect was unlikely, with the drill being 'in line with seasonal norms'. 'Russia will likely seek to inflate the threat posed by these exercises in order to fix Ukrainian forces in the North,' the Ministry of Defence said. '[But] deviation from normal exercise activity that could pose a threat to allies and partners in the region is not anticipated.' Russia has increasingly resorted to nuclear sabre-rattling as the war in Ukraine has stumbled, with state media issuing near-daily threats last week. Iskander missiles are fired from mobile launch trucks and can range up to 300 miles, putting most of eastern Europe within their reach (file image) State propagandists threatened on at least three occasions to destroy the UK with nuclear weapons, while also suggesting Paris and Berlin could be targeted. Vladimir Putin also issued a threat that was widely perceived to be nuclear - saying any country deemed to be interfering in Ukraine would face a 'lightning fast' retaliation using weapons 'no other country can boast of'. The phrase is assumed to be a reference to Russia's new Samrat 2 nuclear missile, which Putin had tested just days earlier and referred to at the time as 'unique'. It echoes a threat Putin made at the start of the war, saying any nation that seeks to block his 'special military operation' will face consequences 'unseen in their history'. Just a few days later he ordered Defence Ministry Sergei Shoigu to place Russia's nuclear forces on 'special alert' - a phrase that typically means increasing the readiness of nuclear weapons. While some nukes are kept in a state of constant readiness, the majority of warheads are stored separate from their launch systems and in a deactivated state. Increasing nuclear readiness can mean activating warheads and pairing them up with launch systems. It could also mean dispersing those systems across a wide territory to reduce the odds of them being destroyed before they can be used. But, despite Putin's order, US intelligence says it has seen no signs that Russia has actually increased its nuclear alert status. James Heappey, the UK armed forces minister, also dismissed the Kremlin's rhetoric as 'bravado' and said the fact that Russia is resorting to such threats indicates its invasion is not going to plan. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes' evil stepmother tried to kill herself in jail where she is serving a life sentence after torturing, abusing and murdering the six-year-old boy. Emma Tustin and her ex-partner Thomas Hughes inflicted a 'cruel and systematic campaign of cruelty' against his son, which included forcing Arthur to stand for up to 14-hours a day alone, depriving him of food and water and poisoning him with salt. Tustin was given a life sentence with a minimum of 29 years after she killed Arthur by repeatedly slamming his head on a hard surface. Hughes, 29, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of manslaughter - but cleared of murder - for encouraging the killing, including by sending a text message to Tustin 18 hours before the fatal assault telling her 'just end him'. Tustin and Hughes are among five notorious killers having their jail terms reviewed in a hearing at the Court of Appeal. Mary Prior QC, representing Tustin at the hearing, said the convicted murderer had twice attempted to kill herself - once by hanging and another by drug overdose - during her criminal trial. Ms Prior said Tustin made a third attempt on New Years Day, a few weeks after she was sentenced in December last year. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes' evil stepmother Emma Tustin tried to kill herself in jail where she is serving a life sentence after torturing, abusing and murdering the six-year-old boy Arthur Labinjo-Hughes (pictured) was killed by Emma Tustin and Thomas Hughes Ms Prior said: 'Her prison report indicates there been a further episode of attempted suicide. 'On January 1, 2022, she put a ligature around her neck and the records from prison show she is on the hospital wing and has remained on the hospital wing because of significant fears of suicide.' The court was told young Arthur faced 'systematic brutality amounting to torture' leading up to his death. The six-year-old suffered an unsurvivable brain injury while in the sole care of Tustin on June 16, 2020. Tustin and Hughes are appealing against the length of their sentences which are also being challenged as being unduly lenient. Tom Little QC, representing the Attorney General's Office (AGO), said Tustin's case 'merited at the very least consideration of a whole-life order'. He said: 'This was, we accept, not a straightforward sentencing exercise. The trial was plainly a harrowing one for all concerned.' Mr Little said Arthur was 'subjected to the most unimaginable suffering', adding: 'This was an extremely serious example of child murder against the background of that cruelty.' In written submissions, Mr Little said the trial judge failed to properly consider whether Tustin's offences were so serious they required a whole-life order. He wrote: 'In the context of sadistic conduct that preceded the murder, it is submitted that murder itself was sadistically motivated. 'Even if it was not, then (Tustin)'s offending as a whole was so exceptionally serious that it was open to the judge to impose a whole-life order. 'This was not a case involving episodic criminality before the murder but systematic brutality amounting to torture.' Hughes, 29, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of manslaughter - but cleared of murder - for encouraging the killing, including by sending a text message to Tustin 18 hours before the fatal assault telling her 'just end him' The barrister also said the 30-year starting point for Tustin's sentence should have been significantly increased. However Ms Prior, for Tustin, said the sentencing judge took a 'fair and proper approach in this very difficult case'. Ms Prior said the 'toxicity of the relationship' between Tustin and Hughes created a scenario where they both abused Arthur. 'At the very least, Thomas Hughes was encouraging Emma Tustin to be cruel, to assault and to ill-treat his son,' she added. During Wednesday's hearing, senior judges also heard challenges and appeals from disgraced former police officer Wayne Couzens, double murderer Ian Stewart and triple killer Jordan Monaghan. Ex-Met Police constable Couzens was handed a whole-life term last year for the rape and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard after he abducted her in south London on March 3 2021. Double killer Stewart was convicted of murdering his first wife Diane Stewart six years before he went on to murder his fiancee Helen Bailey. Monaghan was jailed in December after smothering his 24-day-old daughter Ruby as she slept in a Moses basket on New Year's Day 2013. Eight months later he smothered his 21-month-old son Logan, and six years after that he murdered his new partner Evie Adams with a drugs overdose. The special court of five judges is considering how whole-life orders - handed down in the most serious cases when a judge believes a criminal should never be considered for release - are imposed. Unusually, the cases are being heard by the same court, one after the other, to produce a judgment on whole-life orders and iron out any disparities in when they are used. People with the names Michael and Emma are most likely to find themselves behind bars in England and Wales, a new study has revealed. Data from the Ministry of Justice has revealed the first names of the 82,000 men and women locked up in prisons in England and Wales. In male prisons, guards are most likely to come across a Michael, Daniel or David, while the same goes for Emma, Kelly or Sarah in women's prisons. In female prisons, where more than 3,000 inmates are being held, the most common name is Emma, of whom there are 57. The pair drove a car into Rigby at 30mph to 40mph before hacking him to death with knives and a meat cleaver near Woolwich barracks, south-east London, in broad daylight in May 2013 Emma Tustin was jailed for life with a minimum term of 29 years in December 2021 for cruelly starving, poisoning and then murdering her six-year-old stepson Arthur Labinjo-Hughes This equates to nearly 2 per cent of the more than 3,000 inmates in the female prison population. It is unsurprising that, with Michael being the most common name for men currently in prison in this country 1,777 in total there are some notorious criminals bearing that name. They include Michael Stone, 61, who from behind bars still claims to be innocent of the murders of Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter Lin, who were killed in Chillenden, Kent in 1996. Convicted murderer Michael Stone yelling as he departs from the Court of Appeal in 2005 in London, England There is also Michael Adebolajo, 37, and Michael Adebowale, 30, who hacked the British soldier Lee Rigby, 25, to death with knives and a meat cleaver outside Woolwich Barracks, London, in 2013. Among the infamous Emmas currently serving jail sentences is Emma Tustin, 32, who was jailed last year for the murder of her six-year-old stepson Arthur Labinjo-Hughes at their home in Solihull, West Midlands. A court heard she poisoned him with salt, subjected him to regular beatings and denied him food and water. Strangely, the ten most popular names among newborns are not found among the most common names found in prisons. It means that a Mark and a Lisa are more likely to be found in a prison yard than, say, an Oliver or Amelia, which are currently among the most popular baby names in England and Wales. This could reflect of the declining popularity of traditional names among mothers under the age of 35, who are increasingly opting for more 'modern and shortened names,' according to the ONS. ****Have you taken your pooch to the polling station today? Email pictures@mailonline.co.uk!**** ****Have you taken your pooch to the polling station today? Email pictures@mailonline.co.uk!**** Advertisement The dogs of Britain were out in full force as their owners queued to cast their votes in the local elections today. Have YOU taken your pooch to the polling station today? Have you taken your pooch to the polling station today? Email pictures@mailonline.co.uk OR lizzie.may@mailonline.co.uk! Advertisement Polling stations up and down the country opened up their doors at 7am this morning, with faithful pups making a quick stop-off with their owners during their morning walks to let them pick their next local leader. The hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has started trending once again on Twitter, with dog owners sharing snaps of their pets in front of the black and white polling station sign. Many of the buildings hosting the votes today do not allow dogs to be brought inside, so users on Twitter shared their pups waiting outside diligently on what has been dubbed 'Super Thursday'. Boris Johnson also got in on the action as he brought beloved dog Dilyn to his nearby polling station at 7.40am on Thursday morning. The Prime Minister appeared to be in good spirits as he appeared at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster to cast his vote in the local elections. He was smiling and wished reporters a good morning, but was otherwise tight-lipped about an election in which the Conservatives are predicted to lose hundreds of council seats. Mr Johnson was not with his wife Carrie. The polling stations are open until 10pm today, with millions of Britons expected to vote in a day full of glorious sunshine ahead of a heatwave next week. The dogs of Britain are out in full force as their owners queued to cast their votes in the local elections today Polling stations up and down the country opened up their doors at 7am this morning, with many faithful pups making a quick stop-off with their owners during their morning walks to let them pick their next local leader. Toffee, pictured, a Dachshund Yorkshire Terrier cross, cast his vote in Wood Green First time voter: Jimmy, the Miniature Schnauzer stopping off at his local polling station in Haringey, north London Another schnauzer heads to the polls: The hashtag #dogsatpollingstations has started trending once again on Twitter, with dog owners sharing snaps of their pets in front of the black and white polling station sign Luna at Clapham Common polling station in London Boris Johnson also got in on the dog action as he brought beloved dog Dilyn to his nearby polling station at 7.40am on Thursday morning Hansel the Wheaten Terrier enjoyed the walk when he made a stop off to vote Labour in Chesterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire It wasn't just dogs at the polling station for Harrogate Borough Council, who shared a picture of a cow chomping on some grass next to the centre The dogs were not the only animals to make their way to the local election voting booths today, with a few people spotting cats wandering in The weather could make a difference on the outcome of the local elections - a Commons report on the impact of the weather on the December 2019 General Election found that turnout compared to 2017, during the summer, had dropped due to rain and less daylight. With an expected high of 21C (70F) today, many parts of the country are to bask in some of the hottest conditions of the year so far. Animal welfare charity Blue Cross have also issued some advice to dog owners on local election day, warning that leaving their dogs tied up outside the polling station can make them a tempting target for thieves. 'We'd also advise people not to leave their dogs in their car - especially with today's temperatures due to be high as this could pose a risk to their pets health,' a spokesperson told MailOnline today. Some polling stations allow dogs inside as long as you and your dog abide by their rules. According to guidance from the Electoral Commission, dogs can enter polling stations in an 'accompanying' role, but they are not allowed to be 'free-range' inside or to disrupt the vote. Anticipating various other animals to make their way over to the polling stations today, Blue Cross have said that horses and ponies should be tethered up outside. No other guidance has been issued by the Electoral Commission on any other animals, so they say its best to ask the presiding officers should you wish to bring your cat or other pet along with you. Conservatives are to find out in the coming days whether or not the Partygate saga in Downing Street will have had an impact on Tory voters. At the same time, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is batting off calls for Durham Constabulary to investigate Beergate claims after he was spotted breaking Covid restrictions during the 2021 Hartlepool by-elections. The Prime Minister appeared to be in good spirits as he appeared at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster to cast his vote in the local elections He was smiling and wished reporters a good morning, but was otherwise tight-lipped about an election in which the Conservatives are predicted to lose hundreds of council seats Mr Johnson was not with his wife Carrie but instead accompanied by his dog Dilyn at the Westminster polling station But to start the day of voting off, dogs have been pictured basking in the sunshine outside their local polling stations as forecasters predict temperatures to rise this weekend. They will peak at 25C (77F) or 26C (79F) in the South in the latter half of next week and the barbecue weather should continue into the following weekend, with the North experiencing temperatures in the low-20s. Many parts of the country will bask in the hottest conditions of the year so far - MeteoGroup forecaster Donal Considine said a surge of warm air would be drawn up from the south as a result of high pressure hovering over central Europe. Mary Clarkson shared a picture of her dog Erik and wrote: 'Erik's first time at a Polling Station and very enthusiastic about Oxford City elections.' Nik Sunil Williams said of his pup: 'Luna is a seasoned pro when it comes to elections. PS she tells you all to vote in her own inimitable fashion.' Many dog owners said their pups were up early to cast their votes to encourage others to do the same, with Bristol Cathedral tweeting a picture of Patrick, one of their 'Cathedral dogs': 'Patrick has been out to vote. If there are local elections in your area today, remember to get out and exercise your right to vote.' Megan Clarke shared a picture of her dog Morris, giving a strong indication for who she was voting for today: 'Morris was up bright and early ready to vote! Treats for the many not the few!' Geoff Baines posted a snap of Max, a dachshund, in the bottom of a buggy: 'Max's first trip to the polls with 'big' brother Cedric.' It wasn't just dogs at the polling station for Harrogate Borough Council, who shared a picture of a cow chomping on some grass next to the centre. Milly and Susie accompanied owner Lisa Schofield at the Polling Station at the Sea Cadets in Bolton on Thursday Merlo posed for a picture outside his local polling station with his owner William O'Donnell in Falkirk Bronte the Basset at a polling station in Bromley with her owner Emma Kerr on Thursday Pug Jack Russell cross Melo posed for his obligatory picture outside his local polling station in Wood Green, London Mary Clarkson shared a picture of her dog Erik and wrote: 'Erik's first time at a Polling Station and very enthusiastic about Oxford City elections' at 8.30 this morning David Herdsone from Crigglestone, Wakefield, shared a snap of his labrador who thought it was far too early for the walk this morning when its owner stopped off to vote This curly-haired pup called Luna was pictured by her owner Nik Sunil Williams, who said: 'Luna is a seasoned pro when it comes to elections. PS she tells you all to vote in her own inimitable fashion' Many dog owners said their pups were up early to cast their votes to encourage others to do the same, with Alex Hancock sharing her pup Jasper Bear excitedly pose next to the sign Bristol Cathedral tweeted a picture of Patrick, one of their 'Cathedral dogs': 'Patrick has been out to vote. If there are local elections in your area today, remember to get out and exercise your right to vote' The first results for the votes cast today are expected just after midnight on Friday morning, and Tory supporters are likely to anxiously be watching out for results in true-blue London local authorities such as Wandsworth, which has been under Conservative control for the past 44 years. Pollsters YouGov believe that Westminster and Barnet could see Labour cause an upset. More than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils in England will be standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales will also be holding elections, with polls open between 7am and 10pm. In Northern Ireland, tensions were high ahead of Stormont elections where voters will go to the polls across 18 constituencies to elect 90 MLAs. Opinion polls have suggested Sinn Fein is likely to top the poll, and the Alliance Party is tipped to have a surge in support. The dogs were not the only animals to make their way to the local election voting booths today, with a few people spotting cats wandering in. One man said 'When your cat follows you to the booths', and another 'Cat' account wrote alongside a picture of a cat laying on the chairs at a church's pop-up polling station: 'Today I am in charge', it said. This fluffy white dog Belle posed on some grass outside her local polling station in Wales this morning One man said 'When your cat follows you to the booths', and another 'Cat' account wrote alongside a picture of a cat laying on the chairs at a church's pop-up polling station: 'Today I am in charge', it said Sir Keir used his election rallying call to highlight the 'constant drip-drip of sleaze and scandal' in Mr Johnson's administration. As well as Partygate, the Tories have been hit with a string of controversies, including former Wakefield MP Imran Nasir Ahmad Khan being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage boy and veteran MP Neil Parish quitting after admitting he watched pornography in the Commons. Sir Keir said the Government had broken the Covid regulations they had put in place 'over and over again' and said the Tory 'failure' to tackle the cost of living crisis had been a 'disgrace', along with the Chancellor's decision to hike national insurance last month. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said voters have a chance to 'send Boris Johnson a message he can't ignore'. Animals have stood as candidates in elections, with Catmando the cat joint-leading the Official Monster Raving Loony Party in a three-year-reign which ended in 2002 after he died in a car accident. In the US last year a nine-year-old Pyrenean Mountain Dog named Duke was re-elected as mayor of the town of Cormorant in Minnesota, US. He is now serving his third term in the position. A pig called Giggles was named as candidate in the 2015 mayoral elections for Flint, Michigan, but failed to get voted in. A jobless painter who murdered his 83-year-old Baronet stepfather was set to inherit part of his 34million fortune, it has been revealed. Thomas Schreiber, 35, stabbed Sir Richard Sutton to death at his 2million country home in Dorset during a murderous spree on April 7 last year. He had been living there rent free, along with his mother Anne, 66, who he also tried to kill in a frenzied stabbing attack, leaving her paralysed from the neck down. A heated row in November 2020 over the inheritance of a chandelier - in which Sir Richard hit Schreiber with a walking stick - was said to have acted as a catalyst which sparked Schreiber's killer motives. At trial at Winchester Crown Court, the jury heard how he began to scour the internet for articles about revenge after becoming 'consumed with hatred' following the argument. It came after Sir Richard had reportedly given Schreiber a 1,000 monthly allowance and offered him a 100,000 deposit for a house. Now, a little over a year after the killing, unearthed legal documents show the ungrateful killer was also named as a beneficiary in his victim's will. But the Forfeiture Act 1982 - which prohibits people from benefiting from their crimes - means he will get nothing. Thomas Schreiber (pictured), 35, stabbed Sir Richard Sutton to death at his 2million country home in Dorset during a murderous spree on April 7 last year. Schreiber lived with the couple (pictured, Sir Richard) at the baronet's Dorset mansion rent free following his mother's divorce from his alcoholic father David An aerial view of Sir Richard's estate about three miles away from Gillingham in Dorset, which was left to Anne Schreiber Sir Richard also owned the luxury Athenaeum Hotel and Spa in London's Piccadilly (pictured) A family photo of Sir Richard Sutton and and Anne Schreiber is pictured before he was murdered Sir Richard Sutton: Baronet and hotelier with 7,000 acres of land and a 301million fortune Sir Richard Lexington Sutton, 83, was estimated to be worth 301million in 2020 and owns around 7,000 acres of land across the UK. He is a baronet, a hereditary honour awarded by the monarch. It is the lowest-ranking hereditary title, but baronets are able to use the prefix 'sir'. The Sutton Baronetcy of Norwood Park in the County of Nottingham, dates back to October 1772. It was created by King George III for politician Richard Sutton. He was the second surviving son of the distinguished diplomat Sir Robert Sutton. The latter was the grandson of Henry Sutton, brother of Robert Sutton, 1st Baron Lexinton. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the family seat was at Benham Place. However, the house was sold in 1982. Sir Richard became the ninth baronet of Norwood Park, Nottingham, in 1981, after inheriting the title from his father. Sir Richard was listed at number 435 in The Sunday Times Rich List in 2020 with an estimated family fortune of 301 million - a rise of 83 million on the previous year. He owned the Sheraton Grand on London's prestigious Park Lane and the Athenaeum in Piccadilly, in addition to other hotels in Bath, Cheltenham and Windsor, and land in Dorset, Berkshire, London, Lincolnshire and Aberdeenshire, and several farming and property businesses. His landholdings include the Benham Estate in West Berkshire and the Stainton Estate in Lincolnshire. Advertisement Details of Sir Richard's estate, published yesterday, showed he had planned to leave an 'unspecified amount' of his 34million fortune to his killer, reports the Express. The Baronet left the Moorhill estate in Gillingham, which would be the scene of his murder, to Mrs Schreiber. Sir Richard was the ninth baronet of the Sutton family, which can be traced back to William the Conqueror, who invaded Britain in 1066. His successful hotel empire included the Sheraton Grand Park Lane and the Athenaeum. After 'sponging' off Sir Richard Sutton for years, Schreiber stabbed him to death with a kitchen knife in a frenzied attack which left the hotelier in a pool of blood. He was also convicted of attempting to murder his mother Anne, who he stabbed at least nine times in the neck and back. He is now serving a minimum sentence of 36 years behind bars. Schreiber lived with the couple at the mansion following his mother's divorce from his alcoholic father David. But despite this, the court heard how he resented them for abandoning his father, who died in 2013. On the eighth anniversary of the death of Schreiber's father, Sir Richard had a knife plunged 12cm into his heart while Mrs Schreiber was repeatedly stabbed. The 'Moorhill' estate in the hamlet of Higher Langham near Gillingham, Dorset, was left looking like a 'warzone' following the murderous rampage. The Sutton family released a statement after the verdict, which read: 'How could any family recover from such a sudden and devastating loss. 'We can never bring back Sir Richard but his spirit will very much live on, alongside the very happy memories we have of our incredible father, brother and grandfather. 'His values of being warm, generous and compassionate to everyone he met will be carried forward by future generations, and will never be extinguished.' At Winchester Crown Court in Hampshire a jury dismissed Schreiber's defence he was suffering from a mental disorder which meant he was not in control on the night of the killing. After four hours and 18 minutes deliberating, they were unable to come to a unanimous decision and were asked to return a majority verdict. Just 33 minutes later, they found Schreiber guilty of the murder of Sir Richard and the attempted murder of Mrs Schreiber by a margin of 11 to one. The killer, wearing a blue suit and pink shirt, stared down at the ground in the dock, as the verdicts were read out. A whispered cry of 'yes' was heard from the public gallery above, where Sir Richard's children Caroline and David Sutton, as well as other members of the family, were sat. During the 14-day trial, Schreiber claimed he picked up the knife when he heard a voice in his head saying 'attack, attack' after he 'completely lost it' when his mother branded him 'drunk just like your father'. Thomas Schreiber (pictured above), 35, was detained by armed police in Chiswick, West London, after Sir Richard, 83, was killed at his north Dorset home After 'sponging' off Sir Richard Sutton for years, Thomas Schreiber (pictured with his mother) stabbed him to death with a kitchen knife in a frenzied attack which left the hotelier in a pool of blood outside his bedroom door A family handout photo of Sir Richard Sutton shows him drinking from a glass and smiling But Mrs Schreiber, the only living witness of the attack which left her paralysed and suffering from poor memory, said she was in a 'good mood' and was cooking in the kitchen when she heard a 'kerfuffle' which made her turn around to see her son walk in and pick up the knife from a block on the kitchen island. Speaking from Salisbury Hospital's spinal unit after the attack, she told police: 'Thomas looked unusual... His eyes were quite weird... I would say almost frightening to look at because they looked terribly, terribly determined. 'I received some stabs from him and I remember looking at the knife in me and being surprised that it didn't hurt more. 'Then I believe - I may be wrong - but I believe Richard comes in to the kitchen from his other living room shouting and screaming. 'He was definitely alive then because I did see him... I 100 per cent believe he was alive then. 'I remember seeing him at least making an entrance, talking in a loud voice. I don't know what happened to Richard. 'You want the truth and honestly I can't say that I saw Richard being stabbed by Thomas but I know I am [being stabbed] that's for sure.' Forfeiture law means killers like Thomas Schreiber cannot benefit from their crimes The Forfeiture Rule is a law which prevents a criminal from benefitting from their crime in any way. So, for example, if someone unlawfully kills another person, they would not then be entitled to benefit in any way from the death of their victim. This means, much like Thomas Schreiber, who stabbed his millionaire stepfather to death, they would forfeit any inheritance they had previously been entitled to, either under the terms of the Will or the Rules of Intestacy. This law has been established primarily to prevent convicted murderers from being able to inherit from their victim's Estate, and the rule is clear in how it is applied in such situations. If one person murders another then they should not be able to inherit anything from them, regardless of the circumstances. What's more, if a property is owned jointly as joint tenants, then if one owner murders the other they will not then be able to take sole ownership of the property. This differs to the usual rules applied to property owned as joint tenants if one owner dies. In normal circumstances, when one joint owner of a property dies, the property would automatically transfer into the sole ownership of the surviving joint owner, regardless of what the Will states. When a person is convicted of manslaughter, the law states that they should not benefit from their crime, unless it would be unfair or unjust to deprive them of a benefit they stand to receive. All the circumstances surrounding the case will need to be considered in order for the judge to make a decision on this. If there has been no conviction at all, then the Court may use their discretion to determine whether to waiver the Forfeiture Rule. Source: Co-op legal Advertisement Mrs Schreiber was found barely breathing in the kitchen by armed police but Sir Richard had managed to limp upstairs, trying to set off an alarm and call the police along the way, before Schreiber picked up a second knife, hunted him down and stabbed him a further five times. His body was found on the upstairs landing, with blood splashed across the wall in front of him. The court heard Schreiber then fled the scene in Sir Richard's Range Rover, leading police on a 135mph chase from Wiltshire to London where he was finally apprehended by officers. After he was forced to stop he began to stab himself with a third knife he had grabbed from the mansion before his escape but he was stunned by a taser to prevent him from killing himself. The jury heard how Schreiber living with the couple at the sprawling country estate became a 'vicious triangle' as Sir Richard became 'consumed' with trying to get rid of the aspiring painter. His daughter Caroline Sutton even revealed the hotelier paid Schreiber 100,000 for a house deposit in a desperate attempt to get him to leave his home. In November 2020, Sir Richard hit Schreiber on the back with a walking stick following a heated family row over the inheritance of a chandelier. This row, the court heard, isolated Schreiber from his family and was a 'watershed moment' in his relationship with them. He began obsessively scouring the internet for articles about revenge and became 'consumed with hatred' towards his mother and Sir Richard. The jury heard how Schreiber told friends he was planning revenge and wanted to 'go out with a bang' just months before the killing. In March 2021 he wrote to his best friend James Reid: 'Simply put I contemplate murdering them all morning day and night. It's not what I want to think about but it's the truth. I want them to suffer.' He added: 'I think and strategise every single day about how best to murder my mother and co... that's how bad my mind is at.' He also told his friend Fedor: 'The short story is, my mum is a gold digging f***ing b****, she is a selfish, manipulative, toxic, gold digging b****. 'We moved here 17 years ago, this huge house, with her partner... she's only there to cook for him and take his money. 'He's a multi multi-millionaire, he's never had to work a day in his life, he inherited everything, all property, all land basically around the world. He's an absolute c***. 'He's horribly racist, horribly backwards, horribly old-fashioned, horribly English... I don't have a good word to say about him frankly and I can't stand him. The boss of BrewDog is privately prosecuting a woman he claims provided false information about people behind 'malicious' comments made about him online. James Watt, 38, chief executive of Britain's biggest craft brewer, has accused model Emili Ziem, 29, at Westminster Magistrates' Court of fraud by false representation. The charge alleges that she breached the Fraud Act 2006 because she 'obtained information about people responsible for malicious communications' about Mr Watt. James Watt (left), 38, chief executive of Britain's biggest craft brewer Brewdog, has accused Emili Ziem (right), 29, at Westminster Magistrates' Court of fraud by false representation Ziem is a Brazilian and Japanese citizen but has a UK address listed in South Queensferry Ziem - who is a Brazilian and Japanese citizen but has an address listed on court papers in South Queensferry, East Lothian - was accused in court of 'intending to make a gain, namely for yourself or another' between May 1 and July 1 last year. She also faces a second charge of 'sending a letter, communication or article conveying false information' under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. This relates to alleged posts on Instagram under the name 'Laurakeller341' which 'conveyed information which was false and which you knew or believed to be false'. The charge dating between May 1 and July 31 last year - says it was 'for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to the recipient or to any other person to whom you intended that it or its contents or nature should be communicated'. A statement made by legal firm Bark & Co on behalf of its client Ziem and sent to MailOnline today said: 'Emili Ziem is entirely innocent of these charges. Ziem has been accused in court of 'intending to make a gain, namely for yourself or another' Ziem is charged with 'sending a letter, communication or article conveying false information' 'She vehemently denies any wrongdoing and intends to defend these allegations robustly at trial in the crown court. On legal advice, Emili will not comment on the specifics of the allegations whilst the proceedings are ongoing.' The Guardian reported that Ziem has no permanent UK address and gave an address in Norway during a pre-trial hearing at the court. She was granted bail. The case has been brought against her as a private prosecution by Watt as an individual rather than Brewdog as a company, which he co-founded in 2007. Brewdog co-founder James Watt received an MBE for services to the brewing industry, and his wife Johanna Basford received an OBE for services to art and entrepreneurship, at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in London in November 2016 Brewdog is Britain's biggest craft brewer and is based in this building in Ellon, Scotland The firm based in Ellon, Scotland - which is valued at about 2billion, runs 111 bars and has 2,000 staff - is said to be currently weighing up a stock market listing. The Crown Prosecution Service has not brought the case against Ziem, but could still take it over if it wishes - and it also has the power to stop it from going ahead. A spokesman for Watt told MailOnline: 'We cannot comment on a live criminal case.' An emotional Amber Heard has recounted the first time Johnny Depp hit her after she asked about his 'Wino Forever' tattoo that referenced his ex Winona Ryder. The actress took the stand yesterday for the first time in her bombshell $100million defamation trial as she launched a defiant fightback following Depp's claims of domestic abuse. The 36-year-old tearfully told the Fairfax courthouse in Virginia during her three-hour testimony she was a regular victim of the Pirates of the Caribbean star's violent outbursts. Asked about the first time she was struck by Depp, Heard said: 'I will never forget it. It changed my life. 'I was sitting on the couch having a normal conversation. He was drinking. I think he was using cocaine because there was a jar - a jar - of cocaine on the table. 'There's music playing, smoking cigarettes and I ask him about the tattoo he has on his arm.' Depp had a tattoo on his upper right arm that initially read 'Winona Forever' as a tribute to his then fiancee in 1990. But the pair split in 1993 and Depp altered the tattoo to 'Wino Forever'. An emotional Amber Heard recounted the first time Johnny Depp hit her after she asked about his 'Wino Forever' tattoo Depp had a tattoo on his upper right arm that initially read 'Winona Forever' as a tribute to his then fiancee in 1990 The pair split in 1993 and Depp altered the tattoo to 'Wino Forever', which Depp claimed Heard didn't like Heard continued: 'To me it looked like black marks, I didn't know what it said. 'I said what does it say. He said it says Wino and I thought he was joking and I laughed. He slapped me across the face and I laughed. 'I laughed because I didn't know what else to do. I thought this must be a joke. Because I didn't know what was going on.' Heard said she stared at Depp and laughed, thinking he was going to laugh and say it was all a joke. 'You think it's funny b****, you think you're a funny b****?' Depp said, according to Heard before slapping her again. 'He slapped me again. It wasn't a joke anymore. I stopped laughing. I didn't know what else to do. He slapped me for no reason. Depp is suing Heard for $50million, claiming she defamed him and ruined his career after a 2018 Washington Post article in which she described herself as a domestic abuse survivor Heard tearfully told the court that in May 2013 she and Depp were on vacation at a trailer park in Hicksville, California near Joshua Tree where he performed 'cavity search,' looking cocaine after he accused her of flirting with another woman 'Second slap I know he's not kidding. It wasn't a joke anymore. I stopped laughing. I didn't know what else to do. He slapped me for no reason.' She said Depp slapped her one more time, hard. 'I lose my balance. I'm all of a sudden realizing the worst thing has happened to me that could possibly happen to you. I wish so much he was joking. It didn't physically hurt me.' Heard described the moments immediately after she was slapped. 'I was sitting there on the carpet, looking at this dirty carpet. I just sat there thinking how much time do I have because god did he just me? No, I didn't want to leave him, to have the man I was in love with leave. I knew it was wrong and I had to leave him and it broke my heard because I didn't want to leave him. 'I wish I could sit here and say I walked out of that house and drew a line and stood up for myself but looking at the dirty carpet trying to will myself to get up and walk out the door. I stood up and looked at him in the eye and looking at him and before I know it he starts crying. I'd never seen an adult man cry.' She said Depp then began apologizing. Amber Heard took the stand to describe her whirlwind romance with Johnny Depp before rampant drug use and alleged domestic abuse soured it 'He's touching my knees, saying I'm sorry baby, I thought I put the f****r away, I thought I put the monster away. He's on his knees. 'I just remember thinking he was crying, he seemed so sorry but I couldn't forgive him because it means it will happen again. I got up in my car and walked to my car and didn't say anything. 'I was heartbroken. I turned the key and drove home.' Earlier in the trial, Depp said the incident never happened and he said he never hit Heard or any other woman. He said he would have no reason to hit anyone over his tattoo but alluded to the fact his ex-wife didn't like the Wino Forever tattoo. He added that Heard then encouraged him to get a tattoo in honor of her, and he inked the pet name 'slim' across his knuckles. He said: 'I was doing what he could to bring a smile to her face rather than a frown.' Heard sobs as she described the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband Johnny Depp That tattoo has since been changed to 'scum' and later 'scam' following their split. Heard also sobbed as she recalled how in May 2013 she and Depp were on vacation at a trailer park in Hicksville, California near Joshua Tree where he performed 'cavity search' on her, looking for cocaine after he accused her of flirting with another woman. 'I remember in the trailer he's accusing me of lying about it, I'm trying to calm him down. He turned all that rage onto the trailer itself and started smashing things. He picked up something on the table and threw it into the glass cabinet,' Heard testified. 'He's screaming at me and eventually I go back into the bedroom area, he comes into the bedroom area. He was looking for something. I went into the bathroom and as I come out he asked me where it is, and how long I'd been hiding it. I was like what you talking about. '(He said) you know what I'm f**king talking about, be honest with me. Where are you hiding it.' Heard became emotional as she described what happened next. She said: 'He starts patting me down, he ripped my dress. He's grabbing my breasts, he's touching my thighs, he rips my underwear off and then he proceeds to do a cavity search. He said he was looking for his cocaine, his coke. Heard cried as she said: 'He just shoved his fingers inside me. I just stood there staring at the stupid light, I didn't know what to do. He twisted his fingers around. I didn't stay stop or anything.' The argument started because earlier in the night they were sitting around a campfire and a woman next to Heard had taken MDMA and put her head on Heard's shoulder. Heard had taken mushrooms. Heard said: 'Johnny gets really activated, really upset. She thought he was kidding. We all did.' The woman said, 'Hey man what are you doing. She giggled and leaned into me more. I knew instantly it wasn't a joke but she didn't. He says it again to her, you think you're touching my f**king girl? That's my f**king girl. He gets louder and louder. 'She kind of started to cry but threw up her hand and Johnny grabbed her wrist and twisted it and pulled her into him. (He said) do you know how many pounds of pressure it takes to break a human wrist. He held her and she looked frozen. She's crying.' Heard stepped in and talked Depp down and they went back to their trailer. She said, 'Johnny tells me I hadn't been honest with him about my relationship with this woman.' Heard told the court that the month of March 2013 was 'really crazy' and was a 'revolving door of accusations' she was having affairs. She called it an 'almost never-ending fight with breaks in it.' She said: 'What kept me in it was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I kept waiting for him to get to the point where it's not supportable and he's ready to get sober as (when that happened) it was pure joy.' Heard told the court that she called Depp's sister Christi who came and helped get him out the house. But as they were driving in their car things took a dark turn. 'He has the window down. At some point he starts howling out the window and (he grabbed) Boo his dog, a slightly chunkier teacup Yorkie. He grabs Boo and holds Boo out the window of the moving car. He's howling like an animal while holding the dog out the window. 'Everyone in the car just froze. No one did anything. I too was torn as to what I should do. I didn't want to do anything to cause him to drop the dog. It's this eerie moment where he's howlingI have a memory of everyone not really reacting to him. No one did anything. I eventually pulled his arms back into the vehicle and got the dog back on the seat.' Palestinian-supporting students at 23 universities have claimed the new president of the National Union of Students (NUS) is the 'victim of a smear campaign' after she was accused of anti-Semitism. Shaima Dallali was voted president-elect of the NUS in March, but Jewish students raised concerns after historic tweets emerged referencing the massacre of Jews in the 628 Battle of Khaybar, modern-day Saudi Arabia. She apologised for the 'wrong' and 'unacceptable' post she wrote as a teenager in 2012 and deleted the tweet. But the NUS opened an investigation into Ms Dallali after former presidents called for an inquiry. Now students in Palestinian societies at 23 universities have written a joint statement calling for the inquiry to be dropped, labelling it a 'smear campaign and harassment', reported the Tab. The inquiry came after the NUS was criticised by Jewish student groups earlier this year after inviting controversial rapper Lowkey to appear at its conference for students from marginalised groups in Liverpool in March. The rapper, whose real name is Kareem Dennis, has previously expressed support for former Labour MP Chris Williamson, who was suspended from the party in 2019 before being kicked out over allegations of anti-Semitism, and Professor David Miller, a former sociology lecturer at Bristol University who was sacked after alleged antisemitic comments. Shaima Dallali was voted president-elect of the NUS in March, but Jewish students raised concerns after historic tweets emerged referencing the massacre of Jews in the 628 Battle of Khaybar, modern-day Saudi Arabia The NUS was criticised by Jewish student groups earlier this year after inviting controversial rapper Lowkey to appear at its conference for students from marginalised groups in Liverpool in March Reacting to a tweet announcing Ms Dallali's election victory, the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) said a number of students had reached out citing concerns over her alleged support for speakers with 'extremely challenging views'. The union said: 'Jewish students have spoken to us and raised their concerns over much of the messaging Dallali has put out on her social media in the past attacking the Jewish community, UJS, and supporting speakers with extremely challenging views. 'We hope that she will come to the table, work with UJS and understand how to support Jewish students. 'There have been many bridges broken between the NUS and Jewish students over the past weeks. 'We call on Shaima and her team to join us in rebuilding those bridges to ensure that NUS becomes a space Jewish students once more feel welcomed into, rather than sidelined and excluded.' A spokesperson for the NUS previously said it was aware of the allegations and revealed Ms Dallali was receiving racist abuse. Addressing the tweet on the Battle of Khayber, Ms Dallali, on March 23, said: 'Earlier today, I was made aware of a tweet I posted 10 years ago. 'During Israel's assault on Gaza in 2012. I reference the battle of Khayber, in which Muslim and Jewish armies fought. I was wrong to see the Palestine conflict as one between Muslims and Jews. 'This reference made as a teenager was unacceptable, and I sincerely & unreservedly apologise.' The statement from the Palestine Societies said: 'We reject the smear campaign and harassment of Shaima Dallali and wish to make it clear that Shaima, as a dedicated and committed anti-racist organiser, has our full confidence to fulfil her duties as NUS President.' A spokesman for the UJS said: 'Jewish students have raised important concerns about racism and inclusion and it is vital that NUS takes this matter seriously to ensure it is an inclusive space for all students.' Last month, universities minister Michelle Donelan said the Government may stop working with the NUS over anti-Semitism claims. She said she was 'deeply concerned by antisemitism within the NUS' and was considering reporting the union to the Charity Commission. Ms Dallali apologised for the 'wrong' and 'unacceptable' post she wrote as a teenager in 2012 and deleted the tweet In an online interview with the anti-Israel activist Asa Winstanley, Lowkey claimed mainstream media had 'weaponised the Jewish heritage of [Volodymyr] Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, to try to stave off these genuine inquiries into the nature of the groups fighting in Ukraine'. Lowkey pulled out of his scheduled appearance, though, with the NUS later releasing a lengthy statement in which it acknowledged the 'strong response' to his announcement as a guest and apologised to students 'hurt by some of the things theyve read about NUS'. In a statement confirming the withdrawal of Lowkey from its annual conference, the NUS said: 'Lowkey was due to speak at our Liberation Conference on 30 March in Liverpool but has taken the decision to pull out. 'This matter has received some social media and press coverage and is connected to some deeply complex issues that are much much bigger than NUS and our events. In the midst of this coverage, our first concerns always lie with students. 'Since we promoted Lowkey as a speaker, there has been a strong response to some of his recent actions and associations. Like with most issues discussed on social media or the press, there is a mix of facts, opinions and misinformation in circulation. 'We are horrified to know that some students in our community, particularly Jewish students, may now be wondering if they will be fully comfortable at our upcoming events. Were very sorry to any students who are hurt by some of the things theyve read about NUS in the last few days.' Advertisement The father of a world-record brood of nonuplets has spoken about the experience of raising nine miracle babies as they celebrate their first birthday. Kader Arby, 36, along with wife Halima Cisse, 27, from Mali, set a new world record last year when Halima flew to Casablanca, Morocco to birth a whopping nine children at the Ain Borja hospital. She displaced 'Octomum' Nadya Suleman, who gave birth two eight babies in 2009, the previous record holder. The nonuplets were only taken off a ventilator in August, five months after they were born, and are now each healthy and happy in a flat close to the hospital in Casablanca with their mother and a team of round-the-clock nurses on hand. 'The nurses help with the nappies that is not really my area,' Arby told The Times. 'They have been bottle-fed since the beginning following the recommendation of the doctor. What kind of person could breastfeed nine babies at the same time?' The brood of five girls and four boys were joined on their first birthday party by big sister Souda, three, a complement of hardworking nurses and lots of cake and candles to be blown out. Kader Arby, 36, with wife Halima Cisse, 27, from Mali, pose with their nine nonuplets on their first birthday May 4 in their Casablanca apartment funded by the Malian government as the babies Each was dressed in their finest, with boys Oumar, Elhadji, Bah and Mohammed VI in baby tuxedos, and girls Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, and Fatouma wearing dresses and tiaras for their first birthday party Each was dressed in their finest, with boys Oumar, Elhadji, Bah and Mohammed VI in baby tuxedos, and girls Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, and Fatouma wearing baby dresses and tiaras for the occasion. Spirits were high and everyone looked delighted to celebrate a minor miracle after fears that there was a less than 50% chance that any of them would survive. Getting them all to sleep at the same time is perhaps the biggest challenge, according to Arby, who serves in the Malian military. It is only the second time he has been able to visit his offspring. Their favourite cartoon is Baby Shark, which is often the best way to keep the piece among them. It was just a year ago that they emerged into this world from a fraught labour weighing between 1lb 2oz (500g) and 2lb 2oz and delivered by a squad of ten doctors, 25 paramedics and 18 nurses. Arby spoke of the difficulties of looking after so many babies, pointing out that even just one is usually a challenge. He explained how each one has a unique personality, with some needing more attention, some needing to be held more and others more easily upset. Kader Arby, serving in the Malian military, has fathered a record brood of nonuplets (NINE babies), born last May in Casablanca, Morocco Arby explained how each nonuplet has a unique personality, with some needing more attention, some needing to be held more and others more easily upset Halima Cisse, 27, (left) is pictured with her husband Kader Arby, 36, (right) and their nine babies in Morocco last year Amongst the record breaking nonuplets, are five little girls that Ms Cisse has dressed in pink and grey and all blue babygrows around six In the brood of nine babies, there were four boys, all pictured together here in camouflage babygrows at the hospital last year The baby girls left to right are: Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, and Fatouma. The boys are Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, Mohammed VI in August last year 'They are all very different, which is entirely normal,' he said. The care bill so far is approaching the equivalent of 1million, and most it has been picked up by the Malian government. Halima almost died from blood loss during the delivery after suffering a haemorrhage of her uterine artery. Doctors estimated that her belly alone weighed almost 30 kg, made up of the babies and amniotic fluid. She gave birth by Caesarean section, accompanied by her sister, Aisha, while her Kader initially stayed behind at their home in Timbuktu, Mali due to Covid restrictions. Giving birth to one child is hard enough but having nine is unimaginable, Halima said previously. Its astonishing the amount of work that is involved in looking after them. Im grateful to the medical team that are doing all the hard work and the Government of Mali for funding this. Describing the birth, Halima said: As the babies were coming out, there were so many questions going through my mind. I was very aware of what was going on and it seemed as if there was an endless stream of babies coming out of me.' Proud parents Ms Cisse and Mr Arby were pictured after the birth wearing facemasks earlier in the babies development but were prevented from getting their pictures taking with all nine of their babies because they were still too weak and staying in incubators After a tough start to life, all born prematurely in May and having to be kept under close observation, they have all put on weight and, now live with their mother and a team of nurses in an apartment near the hospital She had initially spent two weeks in Point G Hospital in Bamako, Malis capital, before she was transferred to Morocco thanks to the intervention of Malis then President of Transition, Bah NDaw. This is why one of the boys is called Bah. Another is named Mohamed VI, in honour of the King of Morocco. The brood are the third instance of nonuplets but the first in which even one of the babies survived. Doctors had ruled out a full-term pregnancy as too risky for Halima the babies had no digestive tracts to absorb food, some of them had underdeveloped livers and kidneys, and all were immunodeficient. Kader, who is a devout Muslim, said: My wife is an only child while I have eight brothers and sisters. There is nothing in our family history to explain how this happened other than Allahs grace. These children are a gift from Him. There is no date yet for when the family will return to Timbuktu as Mali has undergone its second coup in quick succession. Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of SAGE, likened people's former indifference to being hit by their parents to the supposed lack of concern about catching the virus One of the Government's most out-spoken scientific advisers has likened catching Covid to child abuse. Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of an influential SAGE sub-group, compared society's former indifference to parents beating their children to the supposed lack of concern about the virus's long-term harms. The psychologist, from the University of St Andrews, tweeted: 'Years ago, we used to hear "my parents beat me and it didnt do me any harm". 'We dont hear that any more. 'Nowadays many say "Ive had Covid and it didnt do me any harm". As the evidence mounts, they might not be saying that in the future.' His comments came in response to a major Cambridge University study that found being hospitalised with Covid can drastically age the brain. Severely ill patients can suffer problems with their thinking and memory that is only comparable to ageing 20 years, the research claimed. However, Professor Reicher faced backlash on Twitter from some who accused him of misrepresenting the findings based on hospitalised patients at the start of the pandemic, when the virus posed a much graver threat. Covid now causes a mild illness for the majority, thanks to the build-up of immunity from vaccines and numerous waves as well as the milder nature of Omicron. Covid hospital admissions plunge below 1,000 for first time since CHRISTMAS as Britain's wave continues to fizzle out Fewer than 1,000 people are now being hospitalised with Covid every day as Britain's wave continues to recede naturally. It marks the lowest daily admission count since December 11 before Omicron started to take hold, according to the UK Health Security Agency data published yesterday. NHS counts (798 new virus-infected patients) were down by a third on the previous week while deaths fell by 25.3 per cent, despite the country no longer having any restrictions in place. The figures also show just 16,611 new positive tests were recorded over the last 24 hours, down 3.6 per cent on the 17,224 seen last Wednesday. But case numbers logged by the central testing scheme are becoming increasingly unreliable now that free swabs have been stopped for the vast majority of Britons. Experts and Tory MPs have called for the Government to ditch the daily updates as the final part of the 'living with Covid' strategy. In a sign that the constant virus updates may finally be on the way out, officials yesterday confirmed vaccine figures will no longer be published daily. Instead, counts will be published every Monday. Advertisement But dozens of studies have warned about the long-lasting effects of being infected, including damage to brain, heart and lungs. Professor Reicher sits on the SAGE subcommittee SPI-B, which provides Covid-related behavioural science advice to No10. It previously warned against ditching self-isolation, masks and mass-testing, warning it could create 'anxiety' and disproportionately affect poor people. Professor Reicher is also a member of Independent SAGE, a pressure group that only recently stopped calling for a Chinese Communist Party-style 'Zero Covid' policy. Indy SAGE called for a full nation-wide lockdown over Christmas in response to Omicron but quietly softened its stance when that wave proved to be mild. In response to his tweet, Dr Sunil Bhopal, a paediatrician from Newcastle University, noted that being hospitalised with Covid at the start of the pandemic was 'very bad for you'. But he said extrapolating the figures in '2022, post-vaccine' was a reason why Independent SAGE 'can't be trusted'. Dr Mike Casey, a GP in east London, accused the group of lobbying to make sure 'my kid's school was kept closed'. Andy Doyle, a search and rescue helicopter pilot, tweeted: 'I know people who are literally too scared to leave the house. So sad. 'For scientists and psychologists to twist and misrepresent data is unforgivable.' At least seven in 10 people in England have already had Covid, according to official estimates. But experts believe the true toll is even greater, with infections soaring to pandemic highs in April. However, days of a thousand-plus deaths have been consigned to history. The virus now poses a similar threat as seasonal flu, commentators insist. The Cambridge scientists tested the cognitive skills of 46 patients with an average age of 51 who required NHS care when infected with the virus in 2020. A third were hooked up to ventilators. They underwent a range of memory, attention and reasoning tests six months after their illness. Comparing their results against those from 66,000 members of the general public showed the virus survivors had less accurate and slower response times. While the patients had shown some 'gradual' cognitive improvement 10 months after their illness, the authors said some may never fully recover their prior intelligence. Their cognitive decline was similar to that seen normally as people age from 50 to 70 the equivalent of losing roughly 10 IQ points, the researchers said. They also warned that millions who suffered a milder version of Covid could also be impacted, although to a lesser extent. Korean Residents Association of Hong Kong's Chairman Cho Sung-keon, at the group's office in Sheung Wan, April 30, talks about the association's prize possession a framed paper that has the signatures of Koreans in Hong Kong who met on Jan. 3, 1948. The association was launched the following year. Korea Times photo by Kim Bo-eun Korean Residents Association of Hong Kong plans to launch scholarship for students in need By Kim Bo-eun HONG KONG Hong Kong's handover to China by the U.K. and the Asian financial crisis were some of the major events that made headlines in the city in the past decades. But those events are fairly recent milestones compared to the history of the Korean Residents Association of Hong Kong, which has stood through thick and thin since its founding. The group supporting Koreans has a surprisingly long history in Hong Kong, being established in March of 1949 before the opening of South Korea's consulate in the city in May the same year. The Korean Residents Association of Hong Kong was founded after around 40 households moved to the city from mainland China after Korea was liberated from Japan's colonial rule on Aug. 15, 1945. Hong Kong had its heyday in the 1990s as a trading hub and financial center, attracting foreign nationals from around the world, including Korea. But exports of light industry items from Hong Kong to China fell in the 2000s, with China importing these items directly. This led to Koreans involved in that business leaving the city. The association's chairman Cho Sung-keon said the number of Koreans on secondment to work in Hong Kong also began to decrease decades later, as Korean companies and agencies here increasingly hired local staff. More recently, Koreans running businesses, including those in the tourism sector, saw their operations affected as the number of visitors decreased amid pro-democracy protests and then stopped arriving altogether as the city introduced strict COVID restrictions. This resulted in many Koreans returning to their home country. There are 15,926 Koreans with visas residing in Hong Kong as of the end of April, but less than half are currently living in the city. "Those who do not have family or relatives in Korea mostly those who came to Hong Kong decades ago have no choice but to stay. But life has become increasingly difficult for them due to high residential costs and tuition fees for their children," Cho said in an interview at the association's office in Sheung Wan. This is why Cho decided to create a scholarship for students in need. This was one of his election pledges. Cho was elected as the association's leader in March. The association plans to receive applications for the scholarship by the end of this year, once it has prepared the funds in cooperation with Korean companies in Hong Kong. The association's board members are also personally contributing to the fund. It will be the first such scholarship to be created by the Korean association. "I decided to run for the chairman position, given I also benefited from the association in the past decades, as I raised my children here," Cho said. Cho arrived in Hong Kong in 1993 to export Korean textiles to China at a time when trading companies around the world flocked to the city. A framed photo at the association's office shows key figures of the Korean International School of Hong Kong taken in 2019. Korea Times photo by Kim Bo-eun The police investigation into how a little girl came to be left inside a sweltering minibus for six hours continued at her childcare centre on Thursday night with a particular focus on the internal temperature of the van. Little Nevaeh Austin has made significant progress in the hours since she was rescued from her seat at the Le Smileys Early Learning Centre in Gracemere about 3pm on Wednesday. The three-year-old is breathing on her own and stable but faces an uphill battle as her distraught family demands answers. Three-year-old Nevaeh Austin (pictured) was unresponsive when found on the bus at a childcare centre The police investigation into how a little girl came to be left inside a sweltering minibus (pictured) for six hours continued at her childcare centre on Thursday night A temperature recording camera appeared to be placed in the van by police (pictured) Nevaeh Austin (pictured) is now awake but remains in a critical condition in hospital Police worked late to examine the van, which has been forensically tested but not yet removed from the day care centre. A child's booster seat was visible as officers took pictures from multiple angles, jotted down notes and discussed their findings among one another. A temperature recording camera appeared to be placed in the locked van at one stage. It's understood police hoped to gauge an estimate of how hot it may have been inside the van for the six hours Nevaeh was trapped inside. Temperatures peaked at 30C in Rockhampton on Thursday just one degree warmer than it was on Wednesday. Estimates suggest the interior of a car could have reached 56C after just 2 hours in direct sunlight. As the sun set, police continued to photograph the interior and exterior of the van using a high technology 3D laser scanner to exactly replicate the conditions met by the driver, her colleague and Nevaeh on Wednesday. They paid particular attention to the glass windows on the driver's side of the van. Police officers are pictured investigating the scene at Le Smileys Early Learning Centre in Gracemere, Queensland on Thursday The family of Nevaeh Austin (pictured) are now seeking answers as to how the incident could have happened Police worked late to examine the van, which has been forensically tested but not yet removed from the Queensland day care centre A sign out the front of the school boasts of having a pick-up and drop-off service, which centre owner Michelle O'Rourke revealed on Thursday would be permanently suspended in the wake of this latest tragedy. Just steps away from where the van was parked there are more signs warning of the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. 'Never leave children alone in a car,' one sign reads. 'Four-and-a-half minutes inside of a car could be as high as 70 degrees.' The warning also outlines health risks, including heat stress, dehydration, brain injury, serious kidney damage, and death. 'Always check your back seat is free of passengers before leaving your car,' the sign reads. A child's booster seat was visible as officers took pictures from multiple angles, jotted down notes and discussed their findings among one another Police (pictured) continued to photograph the interior and exterior of the van using a high technology 3D laser scanner Forensic police officers (pictured) paid particular attention to the glass windows on the driver's side of the van Meanwhile inside the centre, three plain clothes detectives were sifting through administrative documents and photographing the area behind the reception desk. Police tape blocks both the entrance to and the exit from Le Smileys and investigations are expected to continue for at least the next few days. Ms O'Rourke sent an email to families on Thursday morning to inform them that school would be closed until at least the end of the week. She was the only child in the van on the day in question. Her family are now demanding answers as to how she was forgotten by staff and left alone for six hours without anyone noticing she was missing. Traumatised grandmother Pamela Parker arrived at the local police station on Thursday afternoon and told waiting media her family would not stop until they got answers. The family's of Nevaeh Austin (grandmother Pamela Parker, left, and father Shane Austin, right) said they have spoken to their little girl since the incident as she continues to fight for life in hospital Police tape blocks both the entrance to and the exit from Le Smileys and investigations are expected to continue for at least the next few days Fighting back tears, Ms Parker said she's feeling 'lost, hurt and angry' as she processes the very near miss. 'I'm worried for my daughter. I'm worried for her mental health and how this is going to affect Nevaeh, at the end of the day and what this is going to do to her mental health.' Nevaeh is still in hospital and very tired, but she's back to her 'happy self', family say. 'I'm thankful my granddaughter has pulled through but what this must be doing to her, I can't even imagine,' she said. Just steps away from where the van was parked there are more signs warning of the dangers of leaving children in hot cars (pictured) A police officer is seen photographing a van in which a toddler was left for six hours Earlier on Thursday Nevaeh's aunt Christy Atta-Singh assured friends and family she was receiving the best care and would 'pull through'. 'Vaeh has Austin in her blood so is fighting her little heart out, and has been raised by a tough woman.' 'It's gut wrenching seeing and being bedside to such an innocent child.' Ms Atta-Singh said her niece is 'in the best hands' and has 'all the love and support in the world'. The world-famous exam for London taxi drivers should be scrapped, according to a report published yesterday by an economic think tank. The Adam Smith Institute called for The Knowledge, the exam that requires drivers to memorise 25,000 streets and 100,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross, to be stopped amid the rise of ride-hailing apps such as Uber. The report argued that there is 'no reason' to keep the test, as there are now 'regularly-updated GPS and traffic-mapping systems'. The Knowledge is an exam that requires drivers to memorise 25,000 streets and 100,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross This has been met with anger from general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, Steve McNamara. The Knowledge: World's toughest taxi driver test The Knowledge of London is a world-famous exam run by Transport For London. It is a requirement for all Black cab drivers in the city. To pass, drivers must memorise 25,000 streets and 100,000 landmarks within a six-mile radius of Charing Cross. The entire process can take up to four years and includes seven stages and multiple interviews. It was introduced in 1865, and includes a learning guide detailing 320 routes (known as runs) within the six mile radius of Charing Cross. Drivers must learn the routes, plus all the roads and landmarks within a quarter mile radius of the start and end points of each route. Most people who take the Knowledge exam use a scooter to help learn the runs. Advertisement 'A satnav is no substitute for a professional drivers knowledge and experience, especially in a busy, ever-evolving city like ours,' he told The Sun. 'This report seems to advocate for a race to bottom, which would undermine the quality of the important service licensed taxis provide and seriously jeopardise passenger safety.' He said removing the test altogether would be 'catastrophic' for both passengers and the taxi industry, and previously argued that it needs to be 'made more relevant to the 21st Century'. However the report insisted that: 'Despite protestations from the Black Cab lobby, the Knowledge does not in fact provide significant additional knowledge above that which may be gained from the constant directional and traffic updates that are fed into navigational systems. 'This requirement acts as a screen against potential drivers, costing drivers thousands of pounds and years of their life for a skill which is largely obsolete.' Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Buckingham, has called for the 'long overdue' deregulation of the Black cab industry. 'The revolution in consumer choice that services like Uber brought needs to be matched with the way the state sees taxi services,' he told the paper. The Adam Smith Institute's report also called for ride hailing to be made easier, and suggested that people should be able to hail all private hire vehicles from the pavement. This, it said, would ' create [a[ more reactive and flexible transport for all licence holders'. Other suggestions include allowing all private hire vehicles to use bus lanes, with current restrictions only allowing taxis and wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles to use the routes alongside buses. It argued that this is 'highly unfair' and 'makes transport less reliable, slower, and expensive for users'. The report called for 'proper reform' of the licensing system, 'to reflect the modern, innovative transport services which have contorted their way around stringent and mismatching regulations'. Most people who take the Knowledge exam use a scooter to help learn the 320 runs, and 100,000 landmarks Part of this includes 'lower[ing] the bar of entry' to create more competition, and welcome more drivers and types of vehicles into the industry. One of its suggestions includes paratransit light vehicles, similar to small buses, which could run regularly on high-demand routes for small numbers of passengers. They are used in the US, Japan and Italy. The report concludes: 'Old, even ancient, legislation continues to blight the development of transport services and the investment that 16 follows. 'Without urgent reform, the Government will continue to betray millions of service users and operators, and the tens of thousands of businesses that are boosted by freer transport.' Advertisement Amber Heard testified that Johnny Depp 'hated' actor James Franco and accused her of having an affair with him. Heard, 36, was on the stand Thursday for her second day of testimony where she described a fight the couple had on an airplane in May 2014 and said Depp kicked her in the back. 'He was mad at me for taking the job with James Franco,' Heard said. 'He hated, hated James Franco and he was already accusing me of kind of secretly having a thing with him in my past because we had done Pineapple Express together.' Heard described the airplane incident, which Depp had testified about before, admitting that he had been drunk and taking drugs. Heard said that Depp was upset with her for not telling him about romantic scenes that she had with Franco. 'He called me a go-getter, he called me a slut - this is happening with security and his assistants on the plane,' she said. 'I slowly get up and he starts throwing things at me. Ice cubes, utensils. He's calling me an embarrassment, what an embarrassment I am. It felt like there was a blackness in his eyes, it didn't even feel like him. 'I feel this boot in my back. He just kicked me in the back. I fell to the floor and felt like I was looking at the floor of the plane for a long time. No one said anything. You could hear a pin drop. You could feel the tension but no-one did anything.' She said Depp continued to drink and 'started howling like an anima' before passing out in the airplane bathroom with the door locked. 'I hit record on my phone. I knew Johnny would not remember what he'd done.' Depp, 58, appears unbothered by the testimony of his ex-wife Heard, 36, who told the jury Wednesday that her ex was an abuser who assaulted her multiple times during their very brief marriage Amber Heard testified that Johnny Depp 'hated' actor James Franco and accused her of having an affair with him Video shows that James Franco was with Amber Heard on May 21, 2016 in the elevator of their LA penthouse Heard, 36, was on the stand Thursday for her second day of testimony where she described a fight the couple had on an airplane in May 2014 and said Depp kicked her in the back Heard testified that she and Depp briefly went to couples counselling together but Depp stormed out. Heard said: 'I don't know how many minutes went on before he stormed out, knocked something off the table and rolled a joint in the toilet before storming out the door' Under questioning by her lawyers, Heard said Depp assaulted her 'several times,' usually when he was drinking or using drugs. During a weekend away with friends in May 2013, Heard said, Depp accused her of inviting what he perceived as suggestive advances from a woman Depp was all smiles this morning as he rolled up to court blasting 'War' by Bob Marley to face Amber Heard in her second day of testimony. James Franco is spotted out in New York City today as Amber Heard testified about him Fans lined up outside of the Fairfax, Virginia, courthouse Thursday holding signs to show their support for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor who waved to them as he drove by. Depp, 58, has appeared unbothered by the testimony of his ex-wife Heard, 36, who told the jury Wednesday that he was an abuser who assaulted her multiple times during their brief marriage. The court was shown photos of Depp passed out in 2013 on Thursday. Heard had taken the picture and said she began taking photos to 'say look this is happening.' 'I understood enough about addiction to know you have to hit rock bottom, have some consequence to get better,' she said. 'At the time I was already sensitive, I'd been in the relationship for over a year. I'd already noticed there was this pattern of behavior changes that would make my life significantly more complicated or peaceful or difficult or wonderful dependent on what he was using. 'I could tell what he was using because I'd have to look for clues. He'd pass out, get sick, lose control of himself. People would pick him up and clean it and fix it. She said Depp wouldn't remember any of his behavior or deny it happened. 'There was no one to back me up, just his employees versus my word.' Another picture showed Depp asleep in a chair in March 2013. 'This was after a several day bender, a binge of Johnny's. 'He tried to burn a painting, it was accusing me of having affairs with a musician, my ex-partner. He was on a drug binge, no eating, little to no sleep and he would use cocaine and drink all day long. That would go for a period of time. Then a major blow out and he'd get sick, pass out, feel really awful and start a period of sobriety.' The court was shown photos of Depp passed out in 2013 on Thursday. Heard had taken the pictures and said she began taking photos to say 'look this is happening' Heard took this photo of Depp passed out at a hotel room in Tokyo in July 2013 on the press tour for the Lone Ranger after scraping at Heard while his kids were in the next room In messages shown in court, Johnny Depp texted Amber Heard on September 9, 2013 tell her 'Don't test me, please...' 'I understood enough about addiction to know you have to hit rock bottom, have some consequence to get better,' Heard said Depp disappeared from his own engagement party to do drugs with his then-fiancee's addict father, Heard testified. Amber Heard (right) alleged her father, David Heard (left), and Johnny Depp (not pictured) were addicted to the same substance. Amber and David are seen at Lisa Hoffman's Fragrance Jewelry Event in Los Angeles in 2012 The actress accused Depp being absent for 'almost the entire party' and snapping at her when she asked him to greet guests. 'We walk in together, we took some pictures and said a few hellos and then Johnny disappeared upstairs,' Heard told the jury Thursday. 'He disappeared upstairs almost the entire party.' 'He came down at the end when we were leaving and he came down once because he was, at the time, sharing drugs with my dad,' she added, alleging that her father was 'addicted to the same thing Johnny was'. Heard, 36, claims the pair ran out of the substance and left the party because 'they needed more of course'. She did not specify what drug the pair were allegedly using. 'My dad actually left with Johnny's security to get more drugs,' she said. 'They leftthey came back with drugs and everything was ok, in terms of the withdrawal symptoms.' 'Shortly after that I tried to get Johnny to come downstairs and he just snapped at me, just verbally told me to 'shut the f**k up,'' Heard recalled. Heard testified that she and Depp briefly went to couples counseling together but Depp stormed out. Heard said: 'I don't know how many minutes went on before he stormed out, knocked something off the table and rolled a joint in the toilet before storming out the door.' After one fight Depp sent an apologetic text to Heard. In the message Depp said: 'I always regret it when I jump. For my behavior I'm a f**king savage.' After one fight Depp sent an apologetic text to Heard. In the message Depp said: 'I always regret it when I jump..... For my behavior I'm a f**king savage' Johnny Depp was all smiles this morning as he rolled up to court blasting War by Bob Marley to face Amber Heard in her second day of testimony Fans holding signs lined up outside of the Fairfax, Virginia, courthouse Thursday to show their support for for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor who waved as he drove by Depp and Heard were in Tokyo for the premiere of Mordecai in January 2015 when they go into an argument in their hotel room. 'I said something snotty to him that provoked him and when I walked into the hallway he grabbed me by the arm and slammed me up against the hallway wall,' Heard said. 'I managed to get out of his grasp to take a few steps and went into the closet. 'By the time I made it in he had me by the hair. It felt like he was wailing at me in a sloppy way and wrestled me to the floor. I didn't have a fair shot, I was walking away from him. I didn't see it coming he wrestled me down to the ground. She said Depp was really screaming loudly and when she tried to get up he wrestled her down and put his knees on her back. 'I remember thinking he looked like he hadn't been through anything, he still had his sunglasses on. He was screaming at me it was over, he wasn't going to marry me. He was disgusted, he made a big mistake and everybody hated me. 'I remember crying on the floor. More than anything I was heartbroken and thought maybe he doesn't love me, maybe he really feels this way. It broke my heart, I wanted to marry him so bad. This was the man I loved, yes it was awful at timeswhat he was saying to me hurt just as bad as anything else.' The couple went to the premiere soon after and walked the red carpet together. Heard said that she was checking her phone obsessively. She wore a backless dress and was checking the photos of the red carpet for bruises on her body. 'Of all times to have a backless dress,' Heard said. 'I was checking for bruises and making sure there would be no marks on me. We looked like like this other thing on the red carpet. It was not like that.' Depp and Heard were in Tokyo for the premiere of Mordecai in January 2015 when they go into an argument in their hotel room. The couple went to the premiere soon after and walked the red carpet together. Heard said that she was checking her phone obsessively. She wore a backless dress and was checking the photos of the red carpet for bruises on her body Heard took the witness stand for the first time on Wednesday in the widely followed trial and said the pair had a 'magical' relationship until it turned violent. Depp's first physical outburst, Heard said, came after she asked what was written on one of his faded tattoos. She said he replied 'Wino,' and she laughed, thinking it was a joke. 'He slapped me across the face,' Heard said. 'I didn't know what was going on. I just stared at him.' Heard said he slapped her twice more and said 'you think it's funny, bi**h?' Depp testified earlier in the trial that the tattoo fight 'didn't happen' and that he never hit Heard. He argued that she was the one who was the abuser. Under questioning by her lawyers, Heard said Depp assaulted her 'several times,' usually when he was drinking or using drugs. During a weekend away with friends in May 2013, Heard said, Depp accused her of inviting what he perceived as suggestive advances from a woman. That evening, Heard said Depp ripped off her underwear and stuck his fingers 'inside' her in a 'cavity search' for drugs. Earlier, psychologist Dawn Hughes testified that Heard had told her Depp had put his fingers up her vagina in a hunt for cocaine. Depp and Heard are seen in September 2015 in Venice, Italy - the same year a blowout fight in Australia took place The case hinges on a December 2018 opinion piece Heard authored in the Washington Post. The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear Heard was referencing him. The couple's divorce was finalized in 2017 after less than two years of marriage. Depp, once among Hollywood's biggest stars, said Heard's allegations cost him 'everything.' A new 'Pirates' movie was put on hold, and Depp was replaced in the 'Fantastic Beasts' film franchise, a 'Harry Potter' spinoff. Heard's attorneys have argued that she told the truth and that her opinion was protected free speech under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. A state court judge in Virginia's Fairfax County, outside the nation's capital, is overseeing the trial, which is expected to last until late May. Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against the Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a 'wife beater.' A London High Court judge ruled he had repeatedly assaulted Heard. Depp's lawyers have said they filed the U.S. case in Fairfax County because the Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant. A prominent Russian state TV host has warned that opponents of Russia's war in Ukraine will face harsh punishments including 'concentration camps and sterilisation'. Karen Shakhnazarov, a pro-Putin filmmaker, said any 'opponents to the letter Z' - the symbol of Russia's invasion - will face 'no mercy'. 'The opponents of the letter Z must understand that if they are counting on mercy, no, there will be no mercy for them,' Shakhnazarov, who leads the state-backed Mosfilm film studio, said on the state-owned Russian television channel Russia 1. 'It's all become very serious. In this case, it means concentration camps, re-education and sterilisation.' Karen Shakhnazarov, a pro-Putin filmmaker, said any 'opponents to the letter Z' - the symbol of Russia's invasion - will face 'no mercy' 'The opponents of the letter Z must understand that if they are counting on mercy, no, there will be no mercy for them,' Shakhnazarov, who leads the state-backed Mosfilm film studio, said on the state-owned Russian television channel Russia 1 Shakhnazarov later claimed his comments had been taken out of context, but did not expand further. In a similar tone to that of Shakhnazarov's, Putin recently likened opposition figures to 'gnats' and 'traitors' who try to weaken the country at the behest of the West. The Russian President called for the county to 'purify' itself of the opposition. 'The Russian people will always be able to distinguish true patriots from scum and traitors and will simply spit them out like a gnat that accidentally flew into their mouths spit them out on the pavement,' Putin said in March. 'I am convinced that such a natural and necessary self-purification of society will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges.' Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said yesterday he fears that the Kremlin is preparing to send him to a 'torture' prison notorious for sexual violence in an attempt to stop him from speaking out against the invasion. 'Ive heard rumors that Ill be transferred to the high security colony in Melekhovo, where convicts get their fingernails pulled out,' he wrote on his Twitter account. The strict regime maximum security penal colony at Melekhovo is known for brutal beatings and the rape of male inmates. Navalny - a leading Vladimir Putin foe who is currently in another less harsh prison - posted: 'My [new] verdict has not yet entered into force, but prisoners from Melekhovo maximum security colony write that they are equipping a "prison in prison" for me there.' Navalny was convicted for fraud and sentenced to an additional nine years in a maximum security prison in March, after already receiving a sentence of three years and eight months for 'embezzlement', marking almost 13 in total. Navalny is pictured at his trial offsite court session in the penal colony N2 (IK-2) in Pokrov. He was sentenced to an additional nine years in a maximum security prison in March. Now, he fears he is to be sent to a 'torture' prison notorious for sexual violence Hundreds of Russians are now facing charges for speaking out against the war in Ukraine since a repressive law was passed in March that outlaws the spread of 'false information' about the invasion and disparaging the military. Human rights groups say the crackdown has led to criminal prosecutions and possible prison sentences for at least 23 people on the 'false information' charge, with over 500 others facing misdemeanour charges of disparaging the military that have either led to hefty fines or are expected to result in them. 'This is a large amount, an unprecedentedly large amount' of cases, said Damir Gainutdinov, head of the Net Freedoms legal aid group focusing on free speech cases. The Kremlin has sought to control the narrative of the war from the moment its troops rolled into Ukraine. It dubbed the attack a 'special military operation' and increased the pressure on independent Russian media that called it a 'war' or an 'invasion,' blocking access to many news sites whose coverage deviated from the official line. The Kremlin has sought to control the narrative of the war from the moment its troops rolled into Ukraine. Pictured: Russian Communist party members and supporters wave flags during the annual May Day (Labour Day) marking the international day of the workers in Moscow on May 1 Support for the 'special invasion' has fallen amongst Russians from 81 per cent to 74 per cent, according to a poll by the independent Levada Centre. One in five say they are against the war. Sweeping arrests have stifled antiwar protests, turning them from a daily event in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg into rare occurrences barely attracting any attention. A law against spreading 'fake news' about the war or disparaging the military was passed by parliament in one day and took force immediately, effectively exposing anyone critical of the conflict to fines and prison sentences. The first publicly known criminal cases over 'fakes' targeted public figures like Veronika Belotserkovskaya, a Russian-language cookbook author and popular blogger living abroad, and Alexander Nevzorov, a TV journalist, film director and former lawmaker. Both were accused of posting 'false information' about Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on their widely followed social media pages - something Moscow has vehemently denied, insisting that Russian forces only hit target military targets. A teenage girl who plunged a knife into her female teacher, 55, has pleaded guilty to attempted murder after smuggling the weapon into school. The girl, who cannot be named, was aged 14 when she stabbed her victim at Willetton Senior High School in Perth on November 1 last year. She had allegedly plotted the crime online with another girl, aged 13, on the Discord messaging app for a couple of weeks before the incident. The younger girl has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. Her trial is scheduled to start on June 20. A teenage girl has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of a 55-year-old teacher at Willetton Senior High School in Perth. Police forensic officers are pictured with evidence bags, leaving the school on the day of the incident on November 1, 2021 Police allege the older girl gave a 25cm knife to the 13-year-old to hide in her school bag. The younger girl allegedly then gave it back later that morning. The older girl was alone in an office with the teacher when she thrust the knife at her, causing a wound to the victim's armpit. The 13-year-old was arrested at the school but the other teen fled before being taken into custody later on Monday evening at about 6.50pm. Horrified Students recalled seeing blood on the floor and being ordered to 'get inside and lock the doors' following the attack. 'No one knew what was going on, they didn't tell us anything,' one told Seven News. Another student described the injured woman as one of the nicest teachers at the school. 'I can't really understand what's happened,' she told Nine News. 'I messaged my sister and she was like 'yeah, someone got stabbed'. I'm scared. The teacher said to lock the door and everything.' Police (pictured at the scene) were called to the school in Perth's south after a teacher was stabbed Willetton Senior High School students (pictured afterwards) were ordered to remain in their classrooms following a stabbing at the school Police left the school on the day of the attempted murder with bags of evidence that were later forensically examined. Willetton Senior High School is regarded as one of Perth's top public schools and regularly keeps pace with some private colleges in Year 12 exam results. The 14-year-old who fronted Perth Children's Court on Thursday will be sentenced on July 1. Both girls are on bail before their respective sentencing and trial. A British tourist has been arrested in Cyprus after he allegedly ran down and killed a Swedish mother whilst driving a beach buggy in the resort town of Ayia Napa last night. The 25-year-old man allegedly hit Camilla Christina Pamdahl, 46, on a pedestrian crossing as he overtook a car whilst drunk and under the influence of cannabis in the Mediterranean resort town on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. The Briton fled the scene on foot while Pamdahl, who was on holiday in Cyprus with her five-year-old daughter, was rushed to Famagusta general hospital where she was declared dead on arrival. The mother, from Vastra Gotaland County in Sweden, had left her five-year-old daughter with staff at the hotel's playground so she could buy some groceries, reports the Cyprus Times. But she never returned. A British tourist has been arrested in Cyprus after he allegedly ran down and killed a Swedish mother whilst driving a beach buggy in the resort town of Ayia Napa last night. Pictured: The scene The 25-year-old man allegedly hit Camilla Christina Pamdahl, 46, on a pedestrian crossing as he overtook a car whilst drunk and under the influence of cannabis in the Mediterranean resort town on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Pictured: The scene The rental buggy had overtaken a stopped car on Wednesday night before fatally hitting Pamdahl on a pedestrian crossing on Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue Images from the scene show the twisted remains of the buggy next to the pedestrian crossing and another car. The rental buggy had overtaken a stopped car on Wednesday night before fatally hitting Pamdahl on a pedestrian crossing on Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue, police told the Cyprus Mail. 'A young man driving the rental buggy overtook a stopped car, and hit the woman,' a police spokesperson said, adding that the accident occurred at about 6pm local time. The British tourist quickly abandoned his vehicle and left a passenger inside but he was tracked down by police within hours and arrested at 11.30pm local time, cops say. The British tourist quickly abandoned his vehicle and left a passenger inside but he was tracked down by police within hours and arrested at 11.30pm local time, cops say. Pictured: Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue Police officers are seen at the scene of the crash in Ayia Napa on Wednesday night The Briton fled the scene on foot after the incident whilst Pamdahl, who was on holiday in Cyprus with her five-year-old daughter, was rushed Famagusta general hospital where she was declared dead on arrival Images from the scene show the twisted remains of the buggy stood horizontally across the road next to the pedestrian crossing and another car Officers conducted an alcohol test on the man and he was found to have been four times over the legal limit. He also tested positive for cannabis, police said. Pamdahl was killed whilst getting groceries for herself and her five-year-old daughter. Police have since contacted the child's father, who is abroad, to travel to Cyprus to pick up the child. The girl is currently with officials of the Welfare Office and a child psychologist. Police sources told KNews that neither the British tourist, his passenger nor the driver of the other vehicle were injured in the incident. The man is set to appear in court on Thursday. The Swedish Foreign ministry has confirmed Pamdahl's death and has been contacted for further comment. An 'overzealous' female Sandhurst instructor kicked a trainee officer and yelled 'get a grip' at him when he kept making mistakes during basic training, a court martial has heard. Captain Ruth Cork, 35, lost her temper during a field exercise, then stood over the kneeling officer cadet and 'steadied herself' before booting him, Bulford Military Court was told. The decorated Army officer became increasingly frustrated with the cadet and was seen 'pacing up and down' and shouting 'come on' at him before 'boiling over' at the Royal Military Academy, in Sandhurst, Berkshire. Officer Cadet Charles MacAllister said he did not report the assault as he 'thought it was part of being in the Army'. But captain Cork - whose recruits fell out with her over her management - claimed it was an 'overzealous attempt of reinforcing training'. She admitted ill treatment of a subordinate on the first day of her trial and was fined 600. She plans to leave the Army next month to become a project manager at a company closely associated with the force. Female Sandhurst instructor, captain Ruth Cork, kicked a trainee officer and yelled 'get a grip' at him when he kept making mistakes during basic training On March 30 last year, captain Cork was leading a field exercise on attacking and reconnaissance for recruits 12 weeks into their training. Mr MacAllister was acting as platoon commander during the exercise - but repeatedly made mistakes as he was supposed to be delivering messages over a radio. He 'was on both knees and looked to her for guidance' but 'the more things he got wrong, the angrier captain Cork got', the court was told. Captain Cork grew 'frustrated', was 'pacing up and down', told him 'come on', then deliberately kicked him and told him to 'get a grip'. She lost her temper during a field exercise, then stood over the kneeling officer cadet and 'steadied herself' before booting him, Bulford Military Court was told At Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, prosecutor Commander Peter Barker said: 'OC MacAllister made mistakes and they were repeated. 'Captain Cork was shouting at him and there came a time where she steadied herself and threw a kick at his left side as she was standing over him. 'Witnesses describe seeing the cadet wobble and described being shocked and angry at what happened but nobody raised it at that time. 'Captain Cork did not apologise.' A welfare officer later reported the incident and captain Cork told investigators she could not remember kicking him. The court heard cadets 'took exception to her style of management and relations were strained'. Barrister Matthew Simpson, defending, said captain Cork is now 'remorseful' and that it was a 'moment of madness'. Mr Simpson said the violent act was 'minor' as Mr MacAllister had no injuries and claimed the Covid-19 pandemic and a family tragedy meant captain Cork was under stress at the time. Mr Simpson said: 'As an instructor captain Cork accepts the severity of what she pleaded to but balancing that out... it was short-lived, out of character, a moment of madness.' He claimed it was 'in no way the most serious case', adding: 'This was a one-off, of a relatively minor nature, and an overzealous attempt to reinforce training.' Captain Cork, who has more than 10 years service, remained stony-faced as Assistant Judge Advocate General Darren Reed fined her 600. Judge Reed said: 'Instructing trainees in basic training is a difficult and testing role... It requires a level of robustness that cannot be found in the civilian world. 'However, those being put through that environment deserve respect and dignity. 'You grew frustrated with your officer cadet and allowed your frustration to boil over into a single act of violence. 'There was no need to lay hands on him let alone kick him. 'This was an abuse of position and you only felt you could do this was because of the position you were filling.' Captain Cork was said to have had a 'glittering' career with service medals from Iraq, and Syria, as well as the Queen's Jubilee Medal. The court martial heard captain Cork is 'essential' and 'held at the highest regard' at the world-famous Royal Military Academy which oversees the training of Army officers and is where Prince William and Harry attended. The court was given extensive character references from senior Sandhurst officers as captain Cork pleaded not to be dismissed from the force. Captain Ruth Cork admitted ill treatment of a subordinate on the first day of her trial at Bulford Military Court (pictured) and was fined 600 Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Morton MBE, commanding officer at Sandhurst's New College, said: 'I'm unequivocal in stating that in the period of time I have known and worked with captain Cork she has been an outstanding member of staff. 'She has been a role model for officer cadets - in particular female officer cadets - in setting an example. 'Captain Cork has been and remains essential to the delivery of [training]... Her continued presence is critical to the New College.' Colonel Matt Quare MBE said: 'She is an exemplar model in preparing the next generation of leaders.' Other soldiers described her as 'intelligent', 'well-rounded', and 'the best platoon commander I've worked with'. The court was told captain Cork has one previous offence of drink driving from 2004. A Ukrainian blogger accused of being a pro-Putin propagandist has been arrested in Spain on charges of 'high treason' today. Anatoly Shariy, 43 and originally from Kyiv, was detained Thursday on an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine's SBU domestic security service. It is not clear where exactly Shariy was found, but he has been living in a town somewhere on Spain's Catalan coast since 2016 while claiming political asylum. Anatoly Shariy (pictured right, with wife Olga) has been arrested in Spain on a Ukrainian warrant accusing him of 'high treason' Shariy, a former investigative reporter, had claimed he was being targeted by neo-Nazi groups within Ukraine because of his work exposing state corruption. Critics say that, since Russia last invaded Ukraine in 2014, he has become a pro-Russia mouthpiece and Putin apologist - charges that he denies. Shariy grew up in Ukraine and in 2005 began working as a journalist, publishing a series of investigations between 2008 and 2011 that alleged links between the government and organised crime. In 2012 he fled to Lithuania where he was granted a five-year residency on the basis that he was being persecuted for his journalistic work. Putin first invaded Ukraine in 2014 following the overthrow of pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych in the Euromaidan revolution. At the time, Russia seized control of Crimea and annexed it, and then began arming pro-Moscow rebels in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Critics of Shariy who spoke to La Vanguardia and Catalan News said that after the invasion, he became 'pro-Putin 100%' and a 'pro-Russia propagandist'. Taras Atamanchuk, a Ukrainian also living in Catalonia, said Shariy published maps of Ukraine without Crimea and described Yanukovych's ouster as a 'coup'. Shariy continued his journalistic activities from abroad, running YouTube and Telegram channels that garnered more than a million followers. He used them to rail against Ukraine's post-revolution governments and what he saw as 'propaganda' published by the country's media. Ukraine says Shariy is a pro-Russian propagandist who has worked with foreign agents against the state since Putin last invaded his home country in 2014 The SBU says Shariy 'carried out illegal activities to the detriment of Ukraine's national security' and that there is 'reason to believe that Anatoly Shariy acted on behalf of foreign structures.' A warrant for his arrest on two charges - treason and incitement to ethnic hatred - was issued in May last year. At the time, lawyers for Shariy declared it a 'clear case of political persecution' and alleged he would be killed if he returned to his home country. The SBU said Shariy's arrest on Thursday is 'another proof that every traitor to Ukraine will sooner or later receive a deserved punishment.' Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine for a second time on February 24 in what he termed a 'special military operation' which appears to have been an attempt to overthrow the government and install a pro-Moscow puppet. Troops were sent in expecting to face light resistance in a conflict lasting just days, but were instead met by a dogged defence that has now extended the war into its third month. Beaten back from the outskirts of Kyiv, Putin has now massed his forces in the eastern Donbas region in the hope of capturing it while surrounding Ukrainian forces dug into the old frontline and forcing them to surrender. Whether or not he can win the battle, the war has proved far costlier in terms of troops and damage to the Russian economy than Putin was banking on. Ukraine claims to have killed almost 25,000 Russian troops while the UK says around a fifth of the country's total armed forces is now 'combat ineffective' and will take years to reconstitute. Meanwhile Russia's economy has taken a battering, with dozens of western companies quitting while tough sanctions have been imposed. Europe is currently discussing an embargo on Russian oil and, eventually, gas - a move that was almost unthinkable before the war started and will deprive Russia of billions of dollars in revenue each year. A state Liberal MP has been slammed by women's rights groups for calling on Australia to follow the US and ban 'evil' abortions rights. Bernie Finn, 61, who represents Melbourne's western metropolitan region posted his support for the push in the US to overturn their decades-old Roe vs Wade abortion law. The Victorian shared a confronting image of a baby with the words, 'civilised societies don't kill their young', before sharing his thoughts on the looming law change in the USA. Mr Finn posted the comments: 'So excited the US is on the verge of a major breakthrough to civilisation. Praying it will come here soon. Killing babies is criminal' Pro life voices make their message known in front of the US Supreme Court on Tuesday (pictured) as the country is poised for the abortion law change Pro abortion rights activists (pictured) demonstrate at the US Supreme Court on Wednesday 'So excited the US is on the verge of a major breakthrough to civilisation,' the post said. 'Praying it will come here soon. Killing babies is criminal.' Mr Finn is referring to a leaked draft opinion which strongly indicated the abortion law overturning in the USA would be imminent. The document, penned by US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, suggests a majority of the Court's nine judges are in favour of changing the law. Alannah Ross who founded Seek, a virtual home care service for women, blasted the MP's comments, telling Daily Mail Australia that women's health care 'must always be paramount to the conversation'. 'From a physical and mental perspective, having a child can be life changing in more positive circumstances, but for women being forced to give birth, the effects are likely to be wholly damaging,' Ms Ross said. Her organisation has asserted the potential overturning of the abortion law will result in a 'huge crisis in female health care,' with women unable to access safe medical abortions. Bernie Finn (pictured) said he has been a pro life advocator for 45 years Seek founder Alannah Ross (pictured) said has slammed the Roe vs Wade draft decision Victoria's minister for women, Gabrielle Williams told the Guardian Australia the post was 'deplorable'. 'These are deplorable comments, that show an appalling lack of respect for women and completely disregard the trauma experienced by victims of sexual assault,' Ms Williams said. But the staunch conservative told the Herald Sun: 'I will 'continue to do everything in my power to overturn what is an entirely evil law' and that 'babies should not be killed for the crime of his or her parent'. It's not the first time Mr Finn has caused controversy, with his criticism of Daniel Andrews coming under scrutiny recently. Mr Finn compared the Premier to Adolf Hitler in a now-deleted social media post from last year. The image shows Mr Andrews dressed as the German despot complete with an ABC symbol replacing the Nazi armband insignia. Advertisement A man snorkelling in Belize found himself in a battle for his life when a crocodile clamped down on his head and tried to pull him into a death roll. Joshua Young had been spearfishing in a popular tourist snorkelling spot down the road from his home on the island of Caye Caulker, on April 8 when he thought a canoe had bumped into him. Suddenly his head was in the jaws of a crocodile and he had to pry the 10-foot-monster's jaws open after dragging himself and the beast to shore. Joshua suffered life threatening injuries during the attack including lacerations to the head and throat, nine fractured fingers and his heart stopped during surgery due to the amount of blood he'd lost. 'I felt a canoe run into the side of me so I lifted my head up and had a look around but there was nothing, there was no canoe or boat,' the 28-year-old bartender said. 'I put my head back under and immediately felt something latch onto my head. I didn't know what it was. It took me a few seconds to realise 'oh sh*t, it's a crocodile.'' Joshua Young had been spearfishing in a popular tourist snorkelling spot down the road from his home on the island of Caye Caulker, on April 8 when he thought a canoe had bumped into him Joshua, a 28-year-old bartender suffered an horrendous crocodile attack while he was spear fishing with a snorkel last month It is likely that Joshua was attacked by a Morelet crocoile which prefers freshwater habitats such as rivers and swamps and is found throughout the country. Over the past ten years there have only been 12 reported crocodile attacks in Belize of which only two were fatal. Above: file photo of a crocodile in Bangladesh An epic underwater fight for survival ensued, with Joshua using his flippers to counteract the twisting motion of the crocodile and stop himself from being dragged into a death roll. The spear gun in his hand was of little use as it was too long and he was unable to stab the creature with it. 'It was trying to get me into a death roll. The current was so strong and I was trying to fight it to stop it from rolling me. If I didn't have my fins on, I would have been screwed because they allowed me to swim a lot faster. 'I didn't think I was going to die because I was trying to survive and I was confused and thinking 'oh sh*t, is this really happening?' and trying to get it off me. I wasn't thinking about dying. 'I had to swim back up current with the crocodile still latched onto my head. I was holding it with my hand trying to hold it still so it didn't shake or try to roll. The whole time it was trying to roll. Once Joshua had battled his way to land, he managed to free his head from the crocodile's crushing bite but the creature latched on to his hand instead. 'When I got to shore it was on my head and I pried it off. I can't describe how much it took for me to open its mouth. 'I got its mouth open ever so slightly to get my head out but it clamped down on my hand and I thought 'sh*t, this is hurting' and if didn't get my hand out, I was going to be screwed and lose my fingers.' 'I pried its mouth open and pulled my fingers out and it dropped to the ground. Then it tried to latch onto the side of my body. Luckily, I had a wetsuit on but it completely tore that off and not my skin. I ran away.' Joshua rushed to the nearest medical clinic in a taxi but says he lost consciousness on the way there and was carried in by the driver. Medics were wary that he may have a fractured skull so the attack victim was airlifted to a hospital in Belize City where he was rushed into surgery and his heart stopped due to blood loss. Joshua spent five nights recovering in hospital and friends set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his medical bills. An epic underwater fight for survival ensued once the crocodile latched onto his head, with Joshua using his flippers to counteract the twisting motion of the crocodile and stop himself from being dragged into a death roll The spear gun in his hand was of little use as it was too long and he was unable to stab the creature with it Joshua said: 'I needed to get to a clinic because there was so much blood. I was wiping my face and it was wet with blood. I felt like every part of me was numb. 'There was a big crowd in front of me and I was screaming at them to move. I jumped in a taxi and when I got there I fell unconscious so the taxi guy had to carry me in. 'I completely blacked out twice and when I woke up I was in the ambulance and they were giving me a lot of adrenaline. I went into shock. 'I had nine fractured fingers, a gnarly scar across my full head, there were bite marks and lacerations on my head. My head was absolutely opened. It was bad. 'They didn't want to stitch it because they didn't know if the skull was cracked. It'd bitten straight through my nose so there was a hole and I couldn't breathe. 'I was so worried about medical bills because I have no cash.' Although Joshua also works as a freelance surfing instructor, he isn't sure if he'll ever feel safe in the water again. He's undergoing therapy for his hand before he goes back to work. Joshua said: 'I haven't been back in the water yet so I don't know how I would feel. I feel like I've had a near death experience.' 'I never expected it to happen there. It's where everyone goes swimming or fishing and tourists and families go there. I was very surprised because I've never heard of a crocodile or shark attack there.' Belize is home to two varieties of crocodile; the American crocodile and the Morelet's crocodile, with American crocodiles larger at up to 16 feet. It is likely that Joshua was attacked by a Morelet which prefers freshwater habitats such as rivers and swamps and is found throughout the country. Over the past ten years there have only been 12 reported crocodile attacks in Belize, of which only two were fatal. In this photo taken March 25, Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, center, the son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, raises his hands with his son Sandro Marcos, center left, and nephew Matthew Marcos Manotoc, center right, during his campaign rally in Laoag City, Ilocos norte province. AFP-Yonhap A mothballed nuclear power plant built near a fault line and volcanoes in the Philippines during Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship could be revived if his son wins next week's presidential election. The $2.2 billion Bataan plant became a monument to the greed and graft of the Marcos era, and was left dormant after the dictator was toppled in 1986. Even before the Chernobyl nuclear accident that year sealed its fate, there were concerns about Bataan's design and location. The plant sits on the coast 18 meters (59 feet) above sea level and near several volcanoes in a part of the Philippines regularly shaken by earthquakes. Yet Ferdinand Marcos Junior has vowed to speed up the adoption of nuclear power if he is elected and has left open the possibility of resuscitating his father's failed venture. "We really have to look at nuclear power," Marcos Jr said in March, insisting at least one plant was needed to cut exorbitant electricity prices in the country. Marcos Jr, also a fan of wind, solar and geothermal technology, said a Korean proposal to rehabilitate the Bataan plant should be revisited. "Let's look at it again," he said. Studies by Korean and Russian experts showed it was possible to get the 620-megawatt plant working again, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told a Senate hearing in 2020. But upgrading an ageing facility fitted with outdated analogue technology could take at least four years and cost another $1 billion. Budget cuts Eighty kilometers (50 miles) west of Manila, the concrete plant is surrounded by a security fence on a peninsula overlooking the South China Sea. The Philippines is a geologically volatile country and the land near the plant is vulnerable to seismic activity. Mount Pinatubo, a volcano 57 kilometers north of the plant that was thought to be dormant, exploded in 1991, killing 300 people. Seismologists say the Natib and Mariveles volcanoes nearby are "potentially active." Built in response to rising energy demands and the global oil price shocks of the 1970s, the Bataan plant has never produced a single watt of power. Yet it costs taxpayers between 25 million and 35 million pesos ($478,000 and $670,000) a year to maintain. Instead of producing electricity, the relic serves as a destination for tourists and students part of the state-owned National Power Corporation's efforts to educate the public about nuclear power. Visitors are taken up flights of metal stairs and through submarine-like passages to peer over the dormant reactor and fuel rods still wrapped in plastic packaging. In the stuffy control room cost-cutting means air conditioners in the plant stay off maintenance worker Rizly Seril, 65, wipes dust off wooden desks. Seril, who was a fisherman when construction started more than four decades ago, walks around the silent plant pushing buttons, pulling levers and lubricating motor parts. It was a "huge honour" to work there, he said. For many, though, the Westinghouse-designed plant is a bitter reminder of the corruption and debt-fuelled infrastructure spending during the Marcos years that later impoverished the country. The original price tag of around $500 million ballooned to about $2.2 billion. Much of the inflated balance was allegedly stolen by the dictator and his cronies. The last instalment on the debt one of the biggest ever on the country's books was paid in 2007. Construction on the problem-plagued plant finished before Marcos was ousted, but he never started it up. Its fate was sealed after the clan was chased into U.S. exile and global fears over nuclear energy spiked following the Chernobyl disaster. The new government refused to activate it, and uranium fuel trucked to the plant was sold in 1997 at a $35 million loss. Since then, the budget to maintain it has been slashed by more than half, said plant manager Dante Caraos. "We are spending very little," Caraos told AFP in his office, a stone's throw from the hulking structure. "We are focusing on some priority projects like repair of the roofs, the maintenance of the grounds." This photo taken April 5 shows a general view of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the town of Morong in Bataan province, north of Manila. The nuclear power plant built in the disaster-prone Philippines during Ferdinand Marcos's regime, but never switched on due to safety fears and corruption, could be revived if his son wins the May 9 presidential poll. AFP-Yonhap Children have suffered sexual abuse, assaults and neglect during after-school clubs with more than 80 allegations made in the last five years, an investigation has revealed. Only one in ten providers are investigated by Ofsted, meaning they could go almost a decade without an inspection, while some of the clubs are not regulated at all as they only need to register with Ofsted if they provide childcare for more than two hours. Responses to Freedom of Information requests sent by BBC News revealed there were 84 safeguarding referrals at after-school clubs in England and Wales over the past five years. These included an incident in which an eight-year-old boy had to clean his younger sister after she soiled herself at a school in north London, sexual abuse involving multiple children at a club in Devon, and a child being dragged across the floor by a staff member in Southampton. Other incidents included allegations of physical harm, unexplained bruising and neglect. The mother of the boy who was forced to clean his five-year-old sister, said he had to do so in front of other pupils at Greenleaf After School Club in Walthamstow, north London, having previously cleaned her after she wet herself on two occasions before. Greenleaf Primary School, which runs the club, apologised, saying the 'incident should not have happened'. Greenleaf Primary School, which runs Greenleaf After School Club in Walthamstow, north London, apologised after an eight-year-old was forced to clean his five-year-old sister after she soiled herself Speaking to BBC News, the mother of the children said a staff member refused to clean her daughter, who has special educational needs, and told her brother to do it instead, in November 2020. The mother claimed the five-year-old girl was left with excrement on her leg and had no tights or knickers when she was picked up in freezing conditions. She accused the school of 'racism', as both children are black, and also 'adultification' - a bias in which children of minority groups are considered older than they are. The mother said: 'I don't allow my child to see his sister's genitals, how on earth do they think that is acceptable? They would never possibly ask a white child to do that.' The incident was reviewed by an independent safeguarding consultant - who told the mother it was 'unacceptable' - and investigated by the local authority. BBC News found another child was found with excrement on their hands having been left in a chair for an hour after soiling themselves at the same after-school club. Greenleaf Primary School said: 'We have apologised unreservedly to the parent of the children involved and more widely to all users of the Greenleaf After School Club. 'This incident should not have happened, and we are determined to learn the lessons as we continue to provide our young people with the best start in life. 'Greenleaf Primary is a school that prides itself on treating children from all backgrounds equally.' Despite the school saying staff had been removed from dealing with the siblings, their mother said she saw one in direct contact with her son when she went to collect them having taken them back after the earlier incidents. A spokesman for the Department for Education said: 'Every child should feel safe in education, including at after-school clubs. 'That's why local agencies can use a range of legislative powers - including safeguarding, health and safety, and premises regulations powers - to protect children from harm.' A cancer patient died after a scan result showing he needed urgent treatment on a blood clot was left on a consultant's desk for six days, an inquest has heard. Trevor Reynolds would have lived for longer had the results of his CT scan been seen and his treatment for the fatal clot started sooner in May last year. Instead, the paperwork was left on the desk of consultant oncologist Dr Angel Garcia Alonso on a Thursday, who only saw it six days later after coming back from annual leave. It was only seen at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in Bodelwyddan, North Wales, when Dr Alonso returned the following Wednesday. Retired lorry driver Trevor Reynolds, pictured, died after his treatment for a blood clot was delayed when his scan results were left on a consultant's desk for six days An inquest has concluded the 78-year-old, who was being treated for oesophagus cancer at the hospital, would have lived had his treatment not been delayed. Giving evidence to John Gittins, the coroner for North Wales East and Central, Dr Alonso said he felt the delay had contributed to Mr Reynold's death. Dr Alonso said: 'Had I seen it, I would have alerted the GP and the patient and got the patient in and on anticoagulation as soon as possible. When asked by the coroner if the delay had been a disadvantage in the likely success of treatment, he said: 'Yes, it has played a part in the outcome.' Mr Reynolds was undergoing cancer treatment when he had the scan showing he need urgently treatment on the blood clot in May last year. On May 6 the radiologist placed the results on Dr Alonso's desk - but he was out of office for another six days. Dr Alonso said he was off-site the next day, then on leave. Upon his return and the notes being read, Mr Reynolds was immediately placed on a course of treatment but he died on 15 May from the pulmonary emboli and pneumonia. Hospital administration manager Ellen Ruth Davies said that since Mr Reynolds' death changes in the procedure for passing on urgent results were now more 'robust'. These include making sure other senior clinicians can be contacted if a consultant is not available to be made aware of urgent cases. Coroner for North Wales East and Central John Gittins recorded a narrative conclusion at the Ruthin inquest. He will now raise a prevention of 'future deaths report' in the hope of preventing another tragedy. He said: 'The evidence indicated that had treatment for the clot began sooner there would have been a better prospect of it being successful and further that the treatment of his cancer had been effective. Mr Reynolds had been receiving treatment for cancer of the oesophagus at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital (pictured) in Bodelwyddan, North Wales, when the scan showed he had the clot 'On the balance of probabilities therefore it is likely that Mr Reynolds would not have died on the 15th of May 2021 if the result of his scan had been acted upon when reported by the radiologist on the 6th of May.' The inquest heard he had died as a result of both the clot known as a pulmonary emboli and a pneumonia. Mr Gittins said he was 'disappointed' these changes had not been formally adopted until December - seven months after Mr Reynolds' death - and was 'dumbfounded' to hear the new system was only now being audited too see whether the new changes were working. He said he hoped Betsi Cadwaladr health board could explain in greater detail what it was doing and what it had learnt from 'this awful event'. Mr Gittins said the evidence indicated that, had treatment for the clot began sooner, there would have been a better prospect of it being successful. On the balance of probabilities, he added it was likely that Mr Reynolds would not have died on 15 May 2021 had his scan had been acted upon when reported. Outside the court, Mr Reynolds' widow Maureen, of Abergele, North Wales said: 'I am still distressed and I'll never get over it. 'I just hope now that they will get something done and other people won't have to go through what me and my family has gone through. It's horrible.' Elon Musk will serve as temporary Twitter CEO after he completes his $44billion takeover of the social media giant, reports say. The tech tycoon will hold the role for a few months following the buyout, CNBC reported on Thursday morning. Specific details on the jobs, including how long it will last, were not immediately available and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The move could spark chaos at the social media giant, where Parag Agrawal has only been CEO for a few months. It comes after it was revealed the world's richest man has 18 investors committed to collectively stump up more than $7billion worth of equity to help fund his takeover. In a filing on Thursday, Musk said his friend the Oracle Corp co-founder Larry Ellison's trust will invest $1billion towards the $44 billion buyout. Musk said he had also received equity commitment letters from investors including Sequoia Capital ($800m) and Brookfield ($250m) for financing of $7.14 billion. Other investors listed included Qatari Holding ($375m) and NYC real estate investor Steve Witkoff ($100m). The filing also listed Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud as having committed 34,948,975 Twitter Inc shares. The royal made the move 'in order to retain an equity investment in Twitter following completion of the Merger'. Alwaleed had initially opposed the buyout but tweet Musk today referring to his 'new friend' who will be an 'excellent leader' at the social media giant. Meanwhile Musk's margin loan was reduced to $6.25 billion from $12.5 billion, the filing revealed. The billionaire will continue to hold talks with existing holders of Twitter - including former chief Jack Dorsey - to contribute shares to the proposed acquisition. It was reported last week he was in talks with large investment firms and high net-worth individuals about taking on more financing for his Twitter acquisition and tying up less of his wealth in the deal. Twitter stock soared to $50.17 per share in pre-trading on Thursday following Musk's investor announcement. The tech tycoon has agreed to purchase Twitter for $54.20 per share, a 38 percent premium over the closing price on April 1 which was the last trading day before he disclosed his approximately 9 percent stake in the platform. Elon Musk has listed 18 investors who have committed to collectively stump up more than $7billion worth of equity to help fund his Twitter takeover. The billionaire and his mother, Maye Musk, are pictured Monday night at the Met Gala in New York City Twitter stock was on the rise in wake of Musk's investment news. The platform closed at $49.06 per share on Wednesday Twitter stock soared to $50.17 per share in pre-trading on Thursday Prince Alwaleed, who initially tried to block Musk's Twitter buyout, took to the platform Thursday to give a strong endorsement for the Tesla CEO. 'Great to connect with you my 'new' friend @elonmusk,' he wrote. 'I believe you will be an excellent leader for @Twitter to propel & maximise its great potential. '@Kingdom_KHC & I look forward to roll our ~$1.9bn in the 'new' @Twitter and join you on this exciting journey.' The Saudi Arabian royal, who is a major shareholder in the tech giant, rejected the SpaceX founder's $41billion offer to purchase the platform in mid-April, alleging the amount was not 'close to the intrinsic value of Twitter given its growth prospects.' 'Being one of the largest & long-term shareholders of Twitter, @Kingdom_KHC & I reject this offer,' he tweeted on April 14. KHC is the holding company bin Talal operates. He also shared a grab of a tweet from 2015, in which he said Kingdom KHC had upped its stake in Twitter to 5.7 percent. It is unclear how much of the firm owns. Musk hit back, saying: 'Interesting. Just two questions, if I may. How much of Twitter does the Kingdom own, directly & indirectly? What are the Kingdom's views on journalistic freedom of speech?' The billionaire's tweet seemingly went unanswered until Thursday when the prince revealed his excitement to work with Musk. Prince Alwaleed, who initially tried to block Musk's Twitter buyout, took to the platform Thursday to give a strong endorsement for the Tesla CEO The Saudi Arabian royal, who is a major shareholder in the tech giant, rejected the SpaceX founder's $41billion offer to purchase the platform in mid-April, alleging the amount was not 'close to the intrinsic value of Twitter given its growth prospects' Musk hit back, questioning the amount of Prince's stake in the platform and his views on free speech The filing also listed Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud (pictured in 2005) as having committed 34,948,975 Twitter Inc shares 'in order to retain an equity investment in Twitter following completion of the Merger' Musk agreed to a $44 billion takeover deal with the Twitter board last month and has seemingly been working to secure necessary funding. Last week he sold $8.5 billion worth of Tesla shares, which was presumably in order to fund his $21billion cash commitment in the deal. Now, he has obtained more than a dozen investors to help close the deal. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corp, has agreed to invest $1billion towards Musk's Twitter buyout, the largest contribution of all 18 investors the Tesla CEO has secured. Ellison, 77, who is the ninth richest person in the world with a net worth of approximately $119.5billion, is known for his extravagant spending. He once bought 98 percent of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, spent $194million on a yacht and invested hundreds of millions of dollars into luxury real estate in Malibu, California, Investopedia reported. The software giant CEO also built an estate in California modeled after 16th-century Japanese feudal architecture. In addition to owning 40 percent of Oracle, Ellison has stake in Tesla, NetSuite and Leapfrog Enterprises. Elon Musk has won the backing of some of the world's wealthiest investors for his $44 billion takeover of Twitter Inc. Larry Ellison (pictured with Bill Gates on his right in October 2021), CEO of Oracle Corp, has agreed to invest $1billion towards the Twitter buyout, the largest contribution of all 18 investors Musk has secured Sequoia Capital - a venture capital firm that invests in startups in the energy, financial, enterprise, healthcare, internet, and mobile industries - is contributing $800 million towards Musk's Twitter buyout, making its backing the second largest of all 18 investors. The firm has 31 funds and has raised a total of $19.8 billion across all its funds. Its latest fund, the Sequoia Crypto Fund, was announced in February 2022 and has already raised a total of $600 million, Crunchbase reported. Sequoia Capital, according to its website, has previously worked with Apple, Google, Cisco, Unity, Snowflake and Zoom. The firm is in its third generation of leadership with South African actuary Roelof Botha, 48, acting as Senior Steward. Botha has reportedly sat on the boards of MongoDB, Jawbone, Eventbrite, Evernote, Bird, Ethos, Mahalo, Natera, Nimbula, Square, Tokbox, Tumblr, Unity, Whisper and Xoom. Sequoia Capital Fund, L.P. is contributing $800 million towards Musk's Twitter buyout. Sequoia Capital Senior Steward Roelof Botha is pictured in September 2014 The third largest investors, VyCapital, a Dubai-based a global technology investment firm, is contributing $700 million towards the buyout. According to Crunchbase, VyCapital has raised a total of $354.1 million in its single venture fund, VY Capital Holdings Ltd., which was announced in September 2014. The firm focuses on 'category-defining technology companies' that allegedly have the 'potential to meaningfully impact humanity,' according to the company. VyCapital has more than 70 investments worldwide and is currently managing more than $5 billion in assets from leading global endowments and institutions. The firm was founded in 2013 by Alexander Tamas who previously served as a Partner at DST and helped consolidate the Russian Internet sector around Mail.ru. While at DST, Tamas personally led and sourced landmark investments in Facebook, Airbnb, Spotify, Twitter, JD.com, Alibaba, Xiaomi and Zalando. VyCapital, a Dubai-based a global technology investment firm, is contributing $700 million towards the buyout. The firm was founded in 2013 by Alexander Tamas (pictured in 2010) The world's largest crypto exchange is investing $500 million in Twitter as a show of support for Musk. Binance founder and CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao tweeted Thursday that his company's investment in the platform was a 'small contribution to the cause'. A spokesperson for the firm told CoinDesk its involvement in the platform is 'as a supporter of Elon Musk's plans for Twitter and an investor.' Last month after Musk made his initial offer to purchase the platform, Zhao tweeted: 'Privatize it, issue a token, decentralize it'. He also suggested the Tesla CEO should prioritize reducing spam and scams on the platform. The world's largest crypto exchange is investing $500 million in Twitter as a show of support for Musk. Binance founder and CEO Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao tweeted Thursday that his company's investment in the platform was a 'small contribution to the cause' Also on Thursday, it was revealed that Binance has gained regulatory approval to provide digital asset services in France, the first European country to offer the company such permissions. The permission was granted after months of regulatory setbacks and concerns over how the firm would ensure 'anti-money laundering compliance,' according to TechCrunch. Binance, originally founded in China, is not allowed to operate in the UK or Germany. The firm has also largely pulled out of China due to Beijing's sweeping crypto ban. The company is reportedly still seeking a new home. Binance (CEO Changpeng Zhao pictured left) is investing $500 million in Twitter as a show of support for Musk. AH Capital Management, L.L.C. (CEO Ben Horowitz pictured right) has committed $400 million towards the buyout How is Elon Musk funding his $44B offer to buy Twitter? Elon Musk has won the backing of some of the world's wealthiest investors for his $44 billion takeover of Twitter Inc. From Oracle Corp's co-founder Larry Ellison, a self-proclaimed close friend of Musk, to Saudi Arabian investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who had earlier rejected the takeover bid, a bunch of investors have now thrown their weight behind the offer. Here's how the deal stacks up: Musk increased his financing commitment to $27.25 billion, from $21 billion - including the new $7.14 billion funding announced on Thursday The margin loan from Morgan Stanley tied to his Tesla stock stands at $6.25 billion, down from $12.5 billion announced on April 21 Musk has secured commitments from banks for $13 billion in loans secured against Twitter shares. Advertisement AH Capital Management, L.L.C., a capital investment firm operating as Andreessen Horowitz, has committed $400 million towards Musk's buyout. The company invests in software and technology industries. CEO Ben Horowitz addressed the news on Twitter, saying AH invested in the platform because they believe in the founders' vision to 'connect the world,' which he thinks Musk can successfully do. 'While Twitter has great promise as a public square, it suffers from a myriad of difficult issues ranging from bots to abuse to censorship,' Horowitz wrote. 'Being a public company solely reliant on an advertising business model exacerbates all of these. Elon is the one person we know and perhaps the only person in the world who has the courage, brilliance, and skills to fix all of these and build the public square that we all hoped for and deserve.' Horowitz, who is a general partner and cofounder of the firm, added: 'We are excited to be part of this mission.' AH was established over a decade ago and, as of April 2022, has more than $28.2 billion in assets under management as of April 2022, according to Forbes. Horowitz has a tech background, having worked with cofounder Marc Andreessen at Netscape. The pair then cofounded Opsware, which they sold to HP for $1.6 billion in 2007. The CEO is also an investor and board member of Medium, Databricks, Skype and Okta, as well as several others. CEO Ben Horowitz addressed the news on Twitter, saying Andreessen Horowitz invested in the platform because they believe in the founders' vision to 'connect the world,' which he thinks Musk can successfully do Musk has several ideas for changes to the social media platform such as improving the free speech principles of the site. He also said he was looking forward to 'enhancing the product with new features'. His takeover is expected to be completed later this year. The Tesla and SpaceX boss has said he also wants to 'authenticate all humans,' enhance the platform with new features and make the algorithms open source to increase trust. He has expressed support for a tool to edit already posted tweets - something Twitter had previously confirmed was already in development. In tweets which were subsequently deleted, Musk suggested changes to Twitter Blue premium subscription service, including slashing its price, banning advertising and giving an option to pay in the cryptocurrency dogecoin. Some have raised concerns that Musk's support of absolute free speech could mean a loosening of content restrictions. Musk said on Tuesday Twitter Inc might charge a 'slight' fee for commercial and government users, part of the billionaire entrepreneur's push to grow revenue which has lagged behind larger rivals like Meta Platforms Inc's Facebook. 'Twitter will always be free for casual users, but maybe a slight cost for commercial/government users,' Musk said in a tweet. 'Some revenue is better than none!' he added in another tweet. Last week, it was reported that Musk told banks he would develop new ways to monetize tweets and crack down on executive pay to slash costs at the social media platform company. Musk also told the banks he planned to develop features to grow business revenue, including new ways to make money out of tweets that contain important information or go viral, sources told Reuters. At the annual Met Gala in New York on Monday, Musk said the reach of Twitter was currently only 'niche,' and he would want a much bigger percentage of the country to be on it. A pensioner is almost 4,000 out of pocket after being refused boarding on an 11-day cruise because his NHS Scotland Covid app suddenly stopped working. Malcolm Walker, 75, from Fife, Scotland, had travelled down to Southampton with his wife on April 18, hoping to enjoy their much-anticipated trip to Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar. But the furious Scotsman was left 'astounded' when the NHS Scotland Covid Status app underwent a 'security update' without warning, meaning he could not access his vaccination status proving him and his wife had been triple jabbed. He claims staff refused to let them board and said he is around 3,800 out of pocket for the cruise, insurance, travel to and from Southampton, hotels, and parking. Mr Walker, who is demanding an apology from the Scottish government, said the app had been working the day before they were due to set sail. He said: 'Two days before and the day before I checked the Covid 19 status on my mobile phone and all was well until we reached Southampton. Malcolm Walker (pictured with the NHS App on his phone), 75, from Fife, Scotland, had travelled down to Southampton with his wife on April 18, hoping to enjoy their much-anticipated trip to Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar Mr Walker claims staff refused to let them board and said he is around 3,800 out of pocket for the cruise, insurance, travel to and from Southampton, hotels, and parking. (Pictured: The Wonder of the Seas docked in Malaga, Spain) 'The verification level on my iPhone 6 was level 11.4, my wife's 12.1. 'On the day of departure, NHS Scotland increased the verification level to 13.1. 'As our phones are older with the information permanently stored, we had no need for the user name or password, and there was no prior warning - we were completely unaware of anything amiss. 'Preparing to board, we were astounded to find that we could not access the app, so we were denied access to the cruise.' Earlier in the year Mr Walker said he had tried to obtain paper copies of their vaccination status without success. He said he was told they could not give him the information because they did not have his wife's email address. Malcolm said he got no reply from the helpline number, but was able to access the app - and assumed it would work for the cruise. He added: 'This affair has cost me a lot of money. 'We have been in touch with our insurance company, but feel it is unfair for them to recompense us when the fault lies with the Scotland's NHS department and government... I would like an apology. 'This happened because they did not inform people of their intentions, but upgraded, and altered the app without thought or consideration as to the possible consequences.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We are sorry to hear of Mr Walker's experience. 'In common with all apps available on the iStore, the NHS Scotland Covid Status App is only available on phones which receive vital security updates and works on all Apple phones released since 2015, providing the user has updated the operating system to at least iOS 13.1. Mr Walker (pictured) was left 'astounded' when the NHS Scotland Covid Status app underwent a 'security update' without warning, meaning he could not access his vaccination status proving him and his wife had been triple jabbed 'A recent routine security update required by Apple removed unsupported operating systems from being able to support the app. 'Anyone unable to use the app can get a paper copy of their vaccination certificate online or via the Covid Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565.' Mr Walker would have been required to prove he was fully vaccinated due to Portugal and Spain's Covid travel restrictions. The Spanish tourist board in London spectacularly U-turned on April 7 after it had announced a day earlier that the country would open up to unvaccinated British holidaymakers. The board had declared Spain would open up to all UK travellers - including the unvaccinated - with no restrictions, provided passengers could provide a negative pre-departure test. But in a matter of hours the decision was reversed, with the board's deputy director labelling the erroneous announcement a 'miscommunication' which arose from a 'misinterpretation of the rules' laid out in a Spanish health department bulletin. Much to the frustration of thousands of eager holidaymakers, UK travellers aged 12 and above are still required to show proof of being fully vaccinated - or a certificate of recovery obtained than 180 days from the date of travel - to get into the country. The only exception to this rule applies to those aged 12-17, who are able to get into the country unvaccinated provided they have proof of a negative, approved PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. The Spanish tourist board in London spectacularly U-turned on its announcement last month that the country will open up to unvaccinated British holidaymakers Much to the frustration of thousands of eager holidaymakers, UK travellers aged 12 and above are still required to show proof of being fully vaccinated - or a certificate of recovery obtained than 180 days from the date of travel - to get into the country Deputy director of the Spanish tourist board in the UK Pedro Medina said in a statement: 'We apologise unreservedly for the miscommunication earlier today which was due to a misunderstanding of the new entry requirements.' The tourist office also said: 'If more than 270 days have passed since the final dose, certification of a booster vaccination is also required, except for teenagers aged 12 to 17 inclusive.' Furthermore, travellers looking to gain entry to Spain via a certificate of recovery must have a document obtained from 'the official authorities' in connection with a test 'carried out by qualified personnel'. This means that a self-testing kit is not valid, and travellers aiming to show proof of recovery must have a certificate from a test administered by an EU-approved list of providers. Russia has lost its first female soldier during the war in Ukraine after a frontline medic was killed by mortar fire in the battle for Mariupol. Valentina Galatova, 27 and a mother-of-one, died fighting in the Black Sea port city last month though her death was only confirmed by Russian media on Wednesday. Galatova was born in Siberia but moved to Voronezh, around 170 miles north-west of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, when she was young. After Russia's last invasion of Ukraine in 2014, she moved to an area of Donetsk province occupied by pro-Moscow separatists with her husband where she gave birth to their only child - a son, now aged eight. Valentina Galatova, 27 (left and right), has become the first female Russian soldier confirmed to have died fighting in Ukraine after her funeral took place this week Galatova studied psychology in Donetsk and graduated in January this year. Her husband, who was serving in the armed forces of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, died in cross-border fighting with Ukrainian forces last year. After Putin attacked Ukraine for a second time in February this year, Galatova volunteered for the DPR armed forces and was sent into Ukraine. Galatova, a mother-of-one, volunteered for military duty after Russia invaded in February and was killed by a mortar on April 14 Russia bans women from frontline combat roles, so she was put to work as a frontline medic instead. Galatova was almost certainly part of Russian units that have kept Mariupol under a brutal two-month siege that has near-totally destroyed the city. Thousands of civilians, including children, are thought to have died during the siege amidst indiscriminate bombing by Russian forces which also cut off water, food and heating - leading some to die of dehydration, hunger and cold. On April 14 she was killed by mortar fire 'while performing a combat mission', according to Russian media in her hometown of Voronezh that reported the death. Her son, now orphaned, is being taken back to Voronezh so he can be raised by his grandmother, the reports added. Russia is still fighting for control of Mariupol more than two months since the city was first put under siege, on March 2. Most of the city now lies in ruins and under Russian control, but Putin's men are still trying to flush the last Ukrainian defenders out of the Azovstal steel works - a four-square-mile industrial complex at the heart of the city. Ukraine says Russian forces began an attempt to storm the complex two days ago and there have been 'heavy, bloody' battles going on inside since. Russia has not acknowledged the attack, and instead says a ceasefire will be put in place from May 5 until May 7 to allow civilians to evacuated. A psychology graduate, Galatova served as a frontline medic in the armed forces of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic because Russia bans women from combat roles There are thought to be hundreds of innocent people sheltering in the tunnels underneath Azvostal - which are designed to withstand a nuclear blast - having fled there when the wider city was attacked. Their evacuation is complicated by the fact that they are now mixed in with Ukrainian troops using the same complex as their last redoubt. It is not clear exactly how many troops are holed up inside, though Russia claims it is around 2,000 including 500 wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Denis Prokopenko, who is leading the defence, said in a vide message last night: 'There are heavy, bloody battles. 'I am proud of my soldiers for making inhuman efforts to contain the enemy's onslaught. I thank the whole world for the tremendous support of the Mariupol garrison. Our soldier deserve it. 'The situation is extremely difficult, but we continue to carry out the order to keep the defence despite everything.' Channel 4 today published its alternative plan to convince ministers not to sell it off including a pledge to sell off its 100million HQ and move approaching half its staff up north. The Government announced last month it had decided to sell the broadcaster, saying it would struggle to compete against global streamers like Netflix if it remained in public hands. The TV company has been publicly owned since it was founded by Margaret Thatcher in 1982 - but the Tories are forging ahead with plans to privatise it, claiming public ownership is holding it back. In a last ditch attempt to stave off the sale, Channel 4 bosses said today they would shun London and become predominantly 'northern-based', commissioning hundreds of millions of pounds worth of shows outside the capital and creating 3,000 new jobs by 2030. The Government has given the green light to the privatisation of Channel 4 after rows over funding and the balance of its coverage. Bosses are putting forward an alternative plan to keep it in public ownership including selling off its 100m HQ in London (pictured) Now retired Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow was accused of apparently joining in a chant of 'F*** The Tories' while attending Glastonbury music festival in 2017 (pictured). The broadcaster has been accused of being anti conservative Chief Executive Alex Mahon said the broadcaster had presented its plan to government earlier this year, and was making it public to inform debate in parliament, the industry and the wider public. Nadine Dorries (pictured outside Downing Street) has signalled the death knell for the licence fee by saying the Government is 'ready to implement a new way of funding the BBC' Mahon said Channel 4 wanted to expand its commitment to the regions and nations of the United Kingdom, including commissioning more than 50% of its programmes outside London, and increasing its staff outside the capital - in Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol and Manchester - from 400 to 600 by 2025. 'In terms of content, Channel 4 would seek to invest 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) a year in distinctive home-grown British programming by 2030,' she told reporters. 'This would be achieved in part by creating an IP joint venture, leveraging necessary private capital to find future generations of hit shows that make Britain famous worldwide, and that make Channel 4 the envy of other broadcasters.' Ministers have already released a blueprint that will also signal the death knell for the licence fee by saying the Government is 'ready to implement a new way of funding the BBC'. They will also give the UK media watchdog the power to draft and enforce a new video-on-demand code, aimed at setting standards for 'larger TV-like services' such as Netflix, ITV Hub and Now TV to level the rules with traditional broadcasters. The maximum fine for a breach of the code will be 250,000 or an amount up to 5% of their revenue, whichever is higher. The Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has also taken aim as she pushed on with selling Channel 4. She said the current model is 'completely outdated' and that in the coming months ministers would be 'looking very seriously about how we fund the BBC'. Mrs Dorries said she was also considering how media regulator Ofcom could 'hold the BBC to account'. In January she had appeared to indicate the end of the licence fee when she said the latest funding deal would be its last, before subsequently toning down her remarks. But in a new interview with The Spectator she once again appeared to signal that the TV licence system of funding the corporation would be killed off. 'We are going to very soon announce that we are going to be looking very seriously about how we fund the BBC,' she said. Mrs Dorries added that decisions about the matter will be taken 'well ahead' of the corporation's charter renewal at the end of 2027, saying: 'We are ready to implement a new way of funding the BBC.' She told the magazine: 'We're going to be looking at how Ofcom hold the BBC to account and then very shortly after that we will be announcing other measures that we are going to put into place to start looking at how the BBC will be funded in the future so that we are well in time to have that in place for the charter renewal.' The Culture Secretary said the current model is 'completely outdated' and that in the coming months ministers would be 'looking very seriously about how we fund the BBC' In January, Mrs Dorries confirmed that the licence fee would be frozen at 159 for the next two years, before increasing by roughly 10 per cent over the following four years. At the same time she said on social media that this licence fee announcement 'will be the last'. She had also heralded an end to the 'days of the elderly being threatened with prison sentences and bailiffs knocking on doors' over non-payment of the licence fee. But she later softened her public approach, saying in Parliament that it was 'time to begin asking really serious questions about the long-term funding model of the BBC'. A Whitehall source said yesterday that 'no decision has been made on what the BBC's future funding model will look like'. The Culture Secretary has previously criticised the BBC's 'elitist' and 'snobbish' approach and has accused the corporation of having too few working-class staff. Among possible alternatives to the licence fee are some form of voluntary subscription model like Netflix uses, or allowing the BBC to have advertising, or through a general broadband levy. There have also been suggestions about linking a charge to people's council tax which generally increase with wealth rather than being a flat rate while others have proposed a hybrid model which combines more than one of these ideas. The BBC director-general Tim Davie, pictured, with ITN chief executive Deborah Turness, speaking at the RTS Cambridge Convention Instead, more general rules about 'reflecting all parts and people of the UK' and 'democratically impactful content' will be brought in. Most of the current rules do not apply to the BBC because it is governed by its charter, but it affects commercial public service broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. The father of one of Britain's smallest babies died alongside his teenage passenger in a 100mph horror crash while 46 times over the drug-drive limit, an inquest heard. Benjamin Teague, 26, and Annabelle Lovell, 18, suffered catastrophic injuries when his BMW crashed into a Volkswagen on August 2 last year as he drove on the A5 between Potterspury and Paulerspury, Northamptonshire. The 26-year-old had become father to one of the UK's tiniest babies just 23 months earlier. Mr Teague welcomed the arrival of his son Logan on 30 September 2019, who was smaller than his teddy bear when he was born 11 weeks early, weighing only 1lb 8oz, just 10oz more than the UK's smallest baby. An inquest into Miss Lovell's death heard how Mr Teague had been drinking and smoking cannabis when the smash occurred. Emergency services rushed to the scene but nothing could be done to save the pair. Benjamin Teague, 26 father of one of Britain's smallest babies, died alongside his teenage female passenger Annabelle Lovell, 18, in a 100mph horror crash while 46 times over the drug-drive limit. Mr Teague, pictured with his son Logan, who survived against the odds Witnesses revealed Mr Teague was executing 'highly dangerous manoeuvres' just moments before the crash including overtaking a van and a lorry at 100mph. He then attempted to overtake a row of three cars while driving on the wrong side of the road when he smashed into the Volkswagen at 87mph. John Underwood, forensic crash investigator from Northamptonshire Police, said: 'The impact occurred while the BMW was on the incorrect side of the carriageway. 'This collision occurred as a result of an error on the BMW's part. 'Alcohol and drugs were a major contributory factor and the driving and speeding.' A post-mortem report revealed Mr Teague had a reading of 80mg of alcohol per 100milliletres of blood. He also had 93.5mg of cannabis per 100 millilitres of blood, which is 46 times over the drug-drive limit, the hearing at Northampton's Guildhall was told on Wednesday. Miss Lovell's family paid tribute to their 'angel' daughter in a statement read to the inquest and blasted the actions of a 'selfish and dangerous driver'. Annabelle Lovell, 18, pictured, was a passenger in Mr Teague's BMW when it crashed into a Volkswagen They said: 'Annabelle had four siblings who she got on well with, very well. 'Annabelle was very close to her dad, they could talk about anything and everything. Annabelle loved her dad dearly, and she still does. We adored her. 'We will never see Annabelle get married or have children, because that has been taken away from us because of a selfish, dangerous driver. Take care my angel.' The driver of the Volkswagen, Jonathan Millidge, who suffered a fractured spine and other serious injuries, said nothing could have been done to avoid the collision. He told the inquest: 'The car [BMW] just suddenly came out, all the way out over the white lines. I had absolutely no time to react. 'People say their life flashes before them in situations like this but there was not even time for that. 'I do not believe I could have done anything to avoid the collision. If I had not been there they would still be alive. They were just two young people. They didn't deserve that.' Northamptonshire senior coroner Anne Pember said: 'The driver of the BMW overtook the vehicle while travelling in excess of the speed limit. 'The driver at the time had a significant amount of alcohol and cannabis. Van driver Mr Teague welcomed the arrival of his son Logan (pictured with his ex partner Danielle) on 30 September 2019, nearly two years before the fatal crash, who was smaller than his teddy bear when he was born 11 weeks early, weighing only 1lb 8oz, just 10oz more than the UK's smallest baby 'Tragically, Annabelle was confirmed dead at the scene.' Recording a narrative verdict, Ms Pember added: 'Mr Millidge, there was nothing you could have done to avoid this tragedy.' When Mr Teague's son Logan was born at Northampton General Hospital in 2019 he was popped in a sandwich bag to keep him warm because he arrived so prematurely. Mum Danielle nestled a teddy bear beside him to comfort him whilst he was in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit. The soft toy was bigger than the tiny tot, but after nine weeks in hospital, Logan battled to full health and was allowed home. Speaking at the time of the birth, Mr Teague's ex partner and Logan's mother Danielle, of Northampton, said: 'He was so tiny - you could hold him in the palm of your hand. 'The teddy was pretty small, but Logan was so weeny, it swamped him. It made us realise just how tiny and fragile he was.' Advertisement Tall fencing started going up around the Supreme Court in northeast Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening as tensions rose between protesters following the leak of a draft opinion that signaled an impending overturn of Roe v. Wade. Workers erected the massive fencing around the perimeter of the marble building just east of the U.S. Capitol building as Justices began canceling public appearances amid warnings protests could get increasingly violent. Left-wing groups are planning to send activists and protesters to the homes of conservatives justices. An activist group called 'Ruth Sent Us' has published the supposed addresses of Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thmas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts and are planning a 'walk-by' of their homes next Wednesday, May 11. 'Our 6-3 extremist Supreme Court routinely issues rulings that hurt women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights,' the group's website reads. 'We must rise up to force accountability using a diversity of tactics.' Politico published on Monday evening what appeared to be a photocopy of a draft opinion from February 4 in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization the opinion by conservative Justice Alito would put an end to the 50-year landmark abortion ruling giving women a constitutional right to terminate their pregnancies. In the fallout from the leak, Alito scrapped plans to participate in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference starting on Thursday, as the associate justice is tasked with reviewing emergency appeals from the 5th Circuit. It is still unclear if Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas, who were slated to get remarks at a similar conference for the 11th Circuit on Thursday and Friday, will still appear. Fencing to keep protesters away from the entrances of the Supreme Court is similar to what was erected around the U.S. Capitol following the January 6, 2021 riot. Senator John Cornyn introduced a bill Thursday to provide additional protections for Supreme Court justice, including 24/7 security detail. 'It's not just an attack against the independence of the judiciary. This risks violence against members of the Supreme Court and their families,' Cornyn said upon introducing the bill. Pro-life activists pray in a circle outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 5, 2022 after massive fencing was erected around the perimeter of the building following a leak of a decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade The National Day of Prayer on Thursday saw pro-life demonstrators descend outside the fencing around the Supreme Court Building Fencing was erected around the Supreme Court Building on Wednesday evening after warnings of violence and civil unrest ensued following the leak of a draft opinion that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Pictured: Non-scalable fencing is shown around the Supreme Court on the morning of Thursday May 5, 2022 A runner jogs past massive fencing now around the perimeter of the Supreme Court on Thursday morning Metro Police activated their protest units amid large demonstrations in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday Workers erect massive fencing around the perimeter of the Supreme Court building on Wednesday May 4, 2022 in the fallout of the leak showing an impending overturn of Roe v. Wade Fencing is reminiscent of the barrier put up around the U.S. Capitol after the January 6 riot. It is not clear how long the fencing will remain around the court Pro-choice protesters continued to demonstrate outside the Supreme Court Building on Thursday morning even as fencing was set up to protect the building and justices and their staff 'I introduced a piece of legislation to enhance the authorities of the Supreme Court law enforcement agencies to provide protective details for the judges and their families, who've already been threatened with violence.' 'Because we deal in these matters on a daily basis, to make that kind of threat to the Supreme Court is an attempt to intimidate the Justices and a threat to judicial independence,' Cornyn said in a statement on the legislation. Immediately after the leak was published on Monday evening, pro-abortion protesters descended on the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, conservative Chief Justice Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the draft opinion and ordered an investigation into the leak by Col. Gail A. Curley, the 11th marshal of the United States Supreme Court. Clashes between pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators became increasingly heated, leading Metro police to activate protest units amid large demonstrations in front of the building Tuesday. Although D.C. is ground zero for the demonstrations, law enforcement authorities across the country are preparing for possible violence and civil unrest. According to intelligence bulletins and internal reports from across the nation obtained by Yahoo News, authorities are on alert for fallout from the impending ruling. The fencing put up on Wednesday night is described as 'un-scalable' and is meant to keep demonstrators at arms length of the court as left-wing activists organize a 'walk by' of conservative justices' homes in Virginia and Maryland The tall fences are meant to keep pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators clear of the building after protests and clashes got increasingly violent in recent days A forklift brings in un-scalable fencing on Wednesday evening to replace barricades that were set up outside the Supreme Court Clashes between pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators became increasingly heated, leading Metro police to activate protest units and justices to cancel public appearances Workers assemble non-scalable fencing around the Supreme Court just east of the U.S. Capitol building in northeast D.C. The fencing encompasses the entire perimeter of the Supreme Court Police monitored the continued protests outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday evening A February situational awareness bulletin from the Colorado Information Analysis Center warns challenges to Roe v. Wade could lead to unrest and violent incidents. 'Law enforcement and public safety officials should anticipate an increase in abortion-related events, rallies, and protests with the potential for violence and criminal activity, particularly leading up to and directly following the Supreme Court's decision in the Mississippi case,' the bulletin noted. A decision on the Mississippi case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization is expected by June. For years the FBI has tracked extremists on both sides of the abortion issue. The bureau's Domestic Terrorism Reference Guide on Abortion-Related Extremists was widely circulated in November 2021 and looks at the threats stemming from both sides of the heated argument. 'Abortion-related violent extremists seek to further their pro-life or pro-choice ideologies through the threat or use of force or violence against individuals or facilities which provide services in opposition of their beliefs,' the guide notes. It adds: 'Pro-life extremists believe force or violence is necessary to save the lives of the unborn. Pro-choice extremists believe it is their moral duty to protect those who provide or receive reproductive health care services.' Pro-abortion protesters remained outside the Supreme Court late into Wednesday evening Police units across the country are on high alert for civil unrest and potential violent incidents related to the impending abortion ruling. Pictured: Police monitor abortion-related protests outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 4 While Republicans are pleased with the content of the draft opinion, they are furious over the leak. Texas Senator Ted Cruz claims the Supreme Court leak is the doing of an individual 'woke left-wing twit' and claims the person responsible for the chaos unleashed in America on Monday evening should be disbarred and put in jail. 'In over 200 years of our nation's history, that has never happened,' he told Fox Primetime host Brian Kilmeade on Wednesday. 'And there was one woke little left-wing twit who decided, to hell with his or her obligations to the justice they work for, to hell with their obligations to the court, to hell with their obligations to the rule of law, that they would instead try to sneak it out in order to put political pressure on the justices and intimidate them into changing their votes,' he added. Cruz, after graduating from Harvard Law School in 1995, clerked for Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and then for the Supreme Court's Chief Justice at the time William Rehnquist from 1996 to 1997. A worker finishes securing un-scalable fencing outside the Supreme Court on Thursday morning He told Fox News on Wednesday that it's 'difficult to overstate how destructive this is to the Supreme Court.' Trump administration Attorney General Bill Barr on Wednesday called the act of leaking a bombshell Supreme Court memo an 'unforgivable sin.' Republicans argue that the leak has destroyed the sanctity of the Supreme Court, which for most of its history has remained free of political influence and partisan bickering that is more common in the executive and legislative branches. 'We're going to find this person, and when they're found, they're going to be fired on the spot, they will be disbarred if they're a member of the bar, or they will never be admitted to the bar to be a lawyer, and to the extent that they've broken criminal laws, they need to be prosecuted and sent to jail,' Cruz said. Cruz thinks that the leak came from one of the four clerks for each justice. 'I think the chances are zero that it is a justice,' Cruz said. 'I cannot believe any justice would be [party] to such a grave betrayal of the institution.' 'I think it is a law clerk, and I think it is very likely a law clerk for one of the three liberal justices. That means there are 12 likely suspects,' he added. The draft opinion showed five of the six conservative justices in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade with only Roberts breaking from his colleagues to join the three liberals on the bench in the dissent. The draft signed by Justice Alito said 'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.' 'Last night's stunning breach was an attack on the independence of the Supreme Court ,' Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a Tuesday statement calling for the leaker to be brought to justice. 'By every indication, this was yet another escalation in the radical left's ongoing campaign to bully and intimidate federal judges and substitute mob rule for the rule of law.' When speaking at a press conference on Capitol Hill, McConnell slammed the press for focusing their coverage on the contents of the leaked draft opinion and not the astounding and unprecedented fact that a Supreme Court document was leaked in general. 'I think the story today is an effort by someone on the inside to discredit the institution of the Senate, which continues a pattern that we've observed over the last several years,' the leader explained. He then listed examples of the increased pressure from Democrats to politicize the Supreme Court: '[Democratic] Leader Schumer over on the steps of the Supreme Court calling out justices by name. Sheldon Whitehouse and others calling amicus briefs, threatening the court, efforts to pack the court, efforts to have term limits on court justices.' The opinion draft was written by Justice Samuel Alito. He canceled a public appearance on Thursday amid fallout from the leak 'What's unique about today,' McConnell continues, 'is this is the first time that we've had someone on the inside try to attack the institution.' He reminded the press, 'You need it seems to me, excuse the lecture to concentrate on what the news is today. Not a leaked draft, but the fact that the draft was leaked.' Democrats, on the other hand, are not worried about the breakdown of usual Supreme Court practice or catching the leaker and instead are calling for codification of Roe v. Wade. The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case resulted in a decision that made abortion a federal protected constitutional right. In recent years, red states have tried to chip away at that rule by limiting abortion rights to time periods in which a woman may not even be aware that she is pregnant. President Joe Biden vowed to protect women's rights to an abortion should the decades-old ruling be overturned. Vice President Kamala Harris furiously lashed out at Republicans for trying to 'deny women their freedoms' in remarks Tuesday evening after a Supreme Court leak showed a conservative draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. In her first appearance after testing positive for COVID-19 last month, Harris was ironically speaking to gala attendees for EMILY's List a political action committee that aims to get Democratic female candidates election who are favor of advancing abortion rights. Her remarks came 24 hours after the Supreme Court leak. If Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts (center bottom) votes with liberals against overturning the landmark abortion case, the five remaining conservative justices (circled in red) will still have the numbers to reverse the decision with a 6-3 conservative majority bench Pro-abortion protesters clashed with pro-life activists outside the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 after the leak showed conservatives on the court are potentially on track to overturn Roe v. Wade 'Roe v. Wade in its power has protected a woman's right, her right, to make decisions about her own body for nearly half a century,' Harris said to the room of progressives Tuesday evening. 'If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom, on the fundamental right of self-determination to which we are all entitled as Americans.' 'Those Republican leaders who are trying to weaponize the use of the law against women. Well we say, how dare they?' Harris told the cheering crowd. 'How dare they tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her own body? How dare they? How dare they try to stop her from determining her own future? How dare they try to deny women their rights and their freedoms?' 'It has never been more clear which party wants to expand our rights, and which party wants to restrict them,' Harris continued, vowing Democrats are 'not going back.' She laid out for voters a choice in the 2022 midterm elections between two very differing views on abortion. If Roe v. Wade were overturned by the 6-3 conservative majority Supreme Court the decision on lawmaking surrounding abortion would go to the states meaning more liberal states would likely see less of an impact than red states where lawmakers and constituents push for a full ban. A Politico/Morning Consult poll taken in the day following the leak showed that 50 percent of Ameircans do not want Roe v. Wade overturned and only 28 percent want it overturned. The man accused of fatally shooting the mother of an NYPD cop in Queens allegedly told police that she was his longtime psychic and that he killed her because he held her responsible for his recent string of bad luck, a police source has exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'The guy had been going to her for years, and he believes she put a curse on him,' the inside source said. 'He's had bad luck for the past couple weeks, including with gambling. He went to her house and shot her.' The suspect, 41-year-old Giuseppe Canzani, allegedly confessed to killing Anna Torres, 51, when she answered the door to her house in the Ozone Park area on Wednesday afternoon. She did psychic readings from her home. 'This was a guy who had never been arrested, never been in trouble,' the source continued. 'Afterward, he went to the police station and got out of a car with a gun in his hand. 'There was some thought initially that he might have been trying to commit suicide by cop. An officer told him not to move, to put the gun down, and he did. He came in and confessed.' See video below Anna Torres, 51, pictured here, the mother of an NYPD officer, was shot in her Queens home on Wednesday afternoon Giuseppe Canzani, 41, (above, center) was led away from the 106th precinct in Ozone Park, Queens, by police on Thursday afternoon The source said there's no indication Canzani knew Torres' son is a police officer. 'There's no connection to the son, the source said. 'We don't even think the guy knows the woman's son is a cop.' A source told the New York Post that Canzani admitted to police that he shot Torres about an hour after the murder, and insisted that she was a 'witch.' 'Yeah, that's the woman I shot,' Canzani told police, 'They tried to kill me.' 'If I tell you what's going on with me you wouldn't believe it,' he allegedly told detectives, 'Not for nothing, I am supposed to be dead already, that's all I know. This woman, you guys will never understand. You would think I'm crazy.' Surveillance footage shows Giuseppe Canzani, 41, leaving the scene of the crime with a gun in hand on Wednesday afternoon Canzani was a longtime client of Torres, who worked as a psychic out of her Queens home Canzani told police that Torres was a 'witch,' and that he killed her because he thinks she put a curse on him The source also told the Post that Canzani had gotten into an argument with Torres outside her home in recent days. The Queens Chronicle reported that Canzani is an employee of the NYC Department of Transportation. A representative of the NYC DOT told DailyMail.com that an employee named Giuseppe Canzani was suspended without pay on Thursday. Torres died after being shot in the head in a brazen daytime ambush when she answered the door to her home. She was shot twice on Wednesday. The suspect initially fled the scene then surrendered. Cops say Torres and Canzani knew each other 'to some extent,' the Post reported, but had ruled out a romantic relationship. Torres' husband, David Aguilar, told reporters that he did not know the suspect. 'Never heard that name before,' Aguilar, told CBS New York. 'He smashed my world,' he said. Aguilar said that his wife was at home taking care of her bedridden mother with her daughter-in-law when she was murdered. 'She was the sweetest person in the world, I'm lost without her.' He said he found out about his wife's murder when he saw the reports on the news while he was at work. Anna Torres' husband, David Aguilar, broke down speaking to reporters about his wife's murder on Thursday. 'I'm lost without her,' he said, and described her as 'the sweetest person' Aguilar told reporters that he had never heard of the suspect in his life. He said that the police have not told him anything Canzani has said about what motivated the murder Aguilar described his wife as somebody who was loved by everyone, and said she did not have a bad bone in her body. 'She didn't deserve this. I wish it was me,' he told reporters Anna Torres (center) with her family during a 2016 birthday outing. Her husband, David Aguilar, stands behind her Cops said the mother answered the door at her home at around 2.30 p.m. in Queens' Ozone Park neighborhood. They said the suspect fired three shots - two of which hit Torres, with one striking her head. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said the suspect then fled in a black Chevrolet, before pulling up outside the NYPD's 106th Precinct in the same vehicle at 3:30 p.m. - around an hour after the shooting - to hand himself in. Surveillance footage from Torres' street recorded at the time of the shooting shows a man with a hoodie over his face walking calmly down the sidewalk. He carries what appears to be a silver gun in his right hand, before slipping onto the street between two cars, then entering a parked SUV and driving away. NYPD Deputy Chief Jerry O'Sullivan told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday night that when Canzani surrendered he got out of his car and placed a 45-caliber silver firearm on the sidewalk outside the precinct, before being arrested by two NYPD officers without incident. The deputy chief said the suspected shooter would be charged with murder and the criminal possession of a weapon. Torres worked as a psychic at her home in Queens (above). Canzani was a client who believed she had put a curse on him, a police source tells DailyMail.com A wreath was placed on the front door of Torres' home in Ozone Park. She was murdered while answering the front door pictured above A neighbor who lived across the street said he heard gunshots and then a woman screaming. 'Right after you heard the 'bop-bop-bop' you heard screaming.' 'After that I heard [a family member] calling the cops, yelling out the address.' Officials did not announce any suspected motive behind the killing when they announced Canzani's arrest. Police added that the killing is not suspected to have been connected to Torres' son's employment with the NYPD, saying they had 'no reason to believe that this incident occurred because of his employment with the police department.' Friends and family shared their support and love for Torres on social media. 'The world lost an extraordinary woman yesterday,' Anna's brother, Jose Torres, wrote in a Facebook post, 'May you rest in Heavenly peace... We will all be reunited someday.' The suspect has been named as 41-year-old Giuseppe Canzani according to the New York Post In a briefing on Wednesday, NYPD Deputy Chief Jerry O'Sullivan told reporters that there was no reason to believe that Torres' killing was linked to her son's employment with the NYPD The mother of an NYPD officer has died after being shot in the head in a daytime ambush when she answered the door to her Queens home. Pictured: The home of Anna Torres, 51, is shown in Queens taped off by yellow police tape Cops cross through the police line on Torres' street on Wednesday Anna Torres, 51, was shot twice on Wednesday by a suspect who cops said has since surrendered, having initially fled the scene. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: An ambulance is seen outside of her home on Wednesday Investigators probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have uncovered new evidence but have not found fibres from the missing girl's pyjamas in the main suspect's van, prosecutors told MailOnline today. Christian Brueckner, 45, was named by police as the prime suspect in the toddler's disappearance two years ago in the hopes that it would lead them to evidence that would allow them to formally charge him. Hans Christian Wolters, who is leading the case, raised hopes of a breakthrough earlier this week when he hinted that new clues had been unearthed - sparking wild claims that threads from Maddie's pyjamas had been found in Brueckner's van. But speaking exclusively to MailOnline today - in his first comments since that interview - Wolters rubbished the story, though continued to insist he does have new evidence that suggests Brueckner is the man responsible. Prosecutors probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have rubbished claims that fibres from the pyjamas she was wearing when she vanished have been found (right, an identical copy of the pyjamas released by police) 'The whole story about the traces of fibres is total nonsense,' Wolters said. 'In the interview I said that we have found new evidence in the last two years. However, there was nothing [that proves Brueckner's innocence] among them. 'Everything we have found confirms to us our working theory that we are not going in a senseless direction. 'We are happy the suspect is the man responsible and will continue working in this direction. Nothing we have found so far suggests he is not the man responsible. 'I cannot say anything about the further investigations results and individual pieces of evidence at the moment. 'I was asked if we had found evidence of something of Madeleine McCann in the suspect's van and I replied that I could not speak about the investigation, that's all. Investigators insist they do have new evidence that points to prime suspect Christian Brueckner, but will not say what it is 'We have found no fibres and I can tell you the new evidence we have is not forensic evidence but I'm not allowed to give you any further details. 'We remain convinced that the suspect in prison is the person responsible for the crime. There is no alibi. The suspect did not give us an alibi and we did not find an alibi during our investigations.' Today, in an exclusive statement given to MailOnline, Brueckners lawyer Friedrich Fulscher, also dismissed claims fibres had been found. The speculation had arisen after Mr Wolters gave an interview to Portuguese TV but the questions and answers appear to have been mistranslated as the interview was carried out in English which is not the native language of either. Mr Fulscher said in his statement: Due to the varied press reports about traces allegedly found in one of my client's vehicles, I consulted the Braunschweig public prosecutor's office. 'It is misinformation spread by a Portuguese journalist. The prosecutor's office has confirmed that there are no traces of any kind in one of my client's vehicles. 'Of course, the public prosecutor's office is also not interested in misleading the public in this way, so that in such cases there is open communication with the defence.' Hans Christian Wolters said that none of the evidence he has gathered in the last two years since naming Brueckner has given him a satisfactory alibi Madeleine went missing from this apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal, while on holiday there with her family in 2007 Madeleine disappeared from the family apartment where she was staying with her family while on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. The three-year-old was sleeping in a bedroom alongside her brother and sister - twins - while parents Kate and Jerry ate dinner with friends in a nearby restaurant on the evening of May 3. Around 10pm, Kate went to check on the children as part of a rota system devised between the group and found Madeleine was missing. The disappearance sparked a huge police operation that spanned Europe but failed to find any trace of the girl, and she remains missing to this day. In 2020, police decided to name Brueckner as their suspect - an unusual move that they hoped would lead people to come forward and help with the investigation. Brueckner is a convicted drug dealer with a history of sexual offences who is currently serving time in a German jail for the rape of an American pensioner at the Praia da Luz resort two years before Madeleine went missing. Police say phone records show that Brueckner took a call in the area around Praia da Luz around two hours before Maddie went missing. But they have so-far been unable to prove that Brueckner was the one who took Maddie, or say what exactly happened to her after she went missing. Wolters says he believes she was killed in Portugal, but has not said how or where. Earlier this week it was reported Brueckner had told a US documentary that he was sleeping with an 18-year-old German girl the night Madeleine vanished and was miles from the Algarve apartment at Praia da Luz. He told the show that the woman was also arrested for carrying illegal pepper spray but MailOnline has obtained the report and shows that she was arrested on May 10 2007 - a week after Madeleine vanished. Prosecutors are looking at three further rape cases against Brueckner as well as two indecency allegations which all took place in Portugal's Algarve coast between 2004 and 2012 when he was living there. Mr Wolters added: 'News on the other cases, aside from Maddie, is expected to be available in early June.' Last week it emerged that Brueckner had a request for early release from his seven-year sentence for rape rejected. He is thought to be considering an appeal to a higher court and is currently in Oldenburg jail. A smiling and waving Pope has been seen using a wheelchair at a public event for the first time as struggles with ongoing knee problems. The 85-year-old pontiff was wheeled out into the Paul VI general audience hall at the Vatican for a meeting of a Catholic organisation of sisters and nuns on Thursday. His spirits seemed high as he waved and interacted with his adoring audience on the way to his position to give his address. An aide then helped him out of the wheelchair and onto his seat. The head of the Catholic Church was known to have used a wheelchair after an operation on his colon last summer, but this was the first time he has been pictured in one at an event open to the media. Pope Francis has been suffering for months with pain in his right knee, cancelling numerous engagements, and in recent days has struggled to walk. A smiling and waving Pope has been seen using a wheelchair at a public event for the first time as struggles with ongoing knee problems His spirits seemed high as he waved and interacted with his adoring audience on the way to his position to give his address Pope Francis has been suffering for months with pain in his right knee, cancelling numerous engagements, and in recent days has struggled to walk An aide helped him out of the wheelchair and onto his seat in order to give his address to Catholic organisation of sisters and nuns Several times over the Easter period last month, Francis attended but did not preside at Masses in St. Peter's Basilica. In each case, he delegated an archbishop or cardinal to say the Mass while he sat through the service and also read his homily while seated. On Wednesday, he had to be helped out of his chair by an assistant at the weekly audience in St Peter's Square. The Vatican has not said officially what the problem is, although sources have said he has chronic arthritis. The pope himself has also spoken of an injured ligament in his knee. He told Italian daily Corriere della Sera in an interview published Tuesday that he would undergo an 'intervention with infiltration'. He said doctors have told him they will be giving him an injection to help the movement of his joints. It is not clear if that therapy has begun. Vatican sources said this involved the injection of anti-inflammatories into the joint, adding that no surgical intervention was currently planned. He told a newspaper in Argentina in April that he was treating his knee pain by putting ice on it and taking some painkillers. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of shooting dead an 80-year-old British woman at her home in Elce on the Costa Blanca. Spanish police detained the man and woman who were allegedly spotted leaving the victim's villa by a plumber who was on his way to complete an urgent repair. Police have so far refused to comment on a possible motive for the shooting. The victim's body was discovered just after 6.30pm yesterday after police were called to the 350,000 property in Elche near Alicante. Detectives have confirmed she was a British pensioner aged 80, who had lived alone for several years since the death of her husband. Cops say they are treating it as a murder. Local reports said the unnamed woman had been shot at least three times at her home on a residential estate called Urbanizacion Torre Azul between Elche and the nearby town of Torrellano. A source close to the investigation said the possibility she was shot by intruders in a violent burglary had not been ruled out. Police are understood to have increased patrols in the area after complaints from some locals about an increase in the number of break-ins. File photo of Benidorm. A British woman has been found shot dead in her Costa Blanca home. The victim's body was discovered just after 6.30pm yesterday after police were called to the property in Elche near Alicante. Detectives have confirmed she was a British pensioner aged 80 and said they are treating it as a murder Although her body was initially thought to have been discovered by the police after calls from neighbours, one local report said a plumber called to the property by the expat found her lying dead himself and dialled 999. Officers dealing with inquiries on the crime have not yet been confirmed who discovered her body first. The plumber was thought to have been called to the property by its owner following a problem caused by heavy rain. Unconfirmed local reports said he had seen a couple leaving the property as he arrived. The mystery man and woman are said to have driven off in a black Peugeot 207 or 208. A spokesman for Spain's National Police said: 'We are aware of these reports but it is nothing we can comment on at the moment. 'We are keeping an open mind on the motive although we can confirm the fatal shooting is being treated as a murder at this stage. Suicide has been ruled out.' One neighbour told Spanish press two strangers he described as a couple dressed in black had been seen walking on the residential estate yesterday afternoon but was unable to offer any more information. Local reports said the unnamed woman had been shot at least three times at her home on a residential estate called Urbanizacion Torre Azul between Elche and the nearby town of Torrellano He said: 'I wasn't able to leave my house yesterday because I've got a problem with my leg. The dead woman lived alone. I knew her from sight.' The detached villa where the shooting occurred is on a residential estate of around 250 to 300 houses which is home to Spaniards as well as foreign nationals including Brits and Germans. Although the possibility the homicide occurred during a break-in by a burglar intending to steal valuables has not been ruled out, one local unconfirmed report said investigators were not satisfied that was the case from initial inquiries. The British woman is thought to have been killed shortly before she was found dead. A police tape was still in place around her villa today. A spokesman for Spain's National Police said: 'We are investigating the death of a British woman who was shot dead at a property in Elche. We are investigating it as a murder and can confirm she was shot dead. 'The alarm was raised around 6.30pm on Wednesday. She was 80 years old and lived alone. 'No arrests have yet been made and the investigation is ongoing. We are not in a position to discuss the possible motive at this stage.' Police have not confirmed if anything was missing from the crime scene. The gunshot wounds the victim suffered are thought to have been fired from close range. A post-mortem is due to take place in Alicante in the coming hours. Advertisement Covid's actual death toll stands nearly three times higher than the official count, according to the World Health Organization. In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. The UN agency's tally, which misses off the entirety of 2022, includes people who directly died from Covid or the virus's impact on overwhelmed health systems. For comparison, the current official virus death toll is 6.2million, with a third of those logged in the US, Brazil and India. The WHO said 20 countries, including the UK and the US, accounted for more than 80 per cent of the estimated 'excess deaths' over the first two years of the pandemic. Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000). WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the 'sobering' figures should prompt nations to invest in more resilient health systems to quell future crises. In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000) The WHO graphs show the difference between reported deaths and excess mortality per region. The shaded grey areas show the number of deaths reported to the WHO by countries, while the red lines indicated the estimated excess death rate (the additional people who have died more than the expected number of deaths). Where the red line dips below zero, it indicates that less people died than expected due to pandemic-related changes in behaviour and society. The red numbers in the top right corner of each graph show the total excess mortality from January 1 2020 to December 31 2021 The WHO charts show the difference in reported deaths (shaded grey areas) and excess morality (red lines) when countries are split into World Bank income groups. The red numbers in the top right corner of each graph show the total excess mortality from January 1 2020 to December 31 2021 WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the 'sobering' figures should prompt nations to invest in more resilient health systems to quell future crises WHO scientists estimated the global Covid death toll between January 2020 and January 2022 by calculating the difference between the number of deaths that have occurred and the number of deaths that were expected, based on data from previous years. They estimated there were 14.9million deaths that could be attributed to Covid, but the figure could be as high as 16.6 million. And more than 80 per cent of Covid deaths were logged in just 20 countries, including the UK and US, as well as Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Germany and India. The vast majority of the fatalities (84 per cent) occurred in South-East Asia (5.9million), Europe (3.3million) and the Americas (3.23million), followed by Africa (1.3million), Eastern-Mediterranean (1.1million) and the Western Pacific (0.1million). Peru had the highest excess death rate per 100,000 people (437), followed by Bulgaria (415), Bolivia (375), North Macedonia (369) and Russia (367). The US had came 40th out of the 194 countries the WHO looked at, with 140 excess deaths per 100,000 people, while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000). Its analysis also confirms that more men were struck down by Covid than women, with 57 per cent of virus deaths among men. WHERE HAVE THE MOST CONFIRMED COVID DEATHS BEEN LOGGED? HIGHEST DEATH TOLL US: 996,704 Brazil: 663,994 India: 523,975 Russia: 368,840 Mexico: 324,334 Peru: 212,891 UK: 175,717 Italy: 164,041 Indonesia: 156,321 France: 146,445 HIGHEST DEATH TOLL RELATIVE TO POPULATION (per million people) Peru: 6,381.74 Bulgaria: 5,358.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina: 4,831.68 Hungary: 4,802.29 North Macedonia: 4,457.28 Montenegro: 4,324.49 Georgia: 4,224.11 Croatia: 3,884.7 Czechia: 3,747.85 Slovakia: 3,659.76 Source: Our World in Data Advertisement The figures include those who died from Covid, as well as those who died due to the pandemic's impact on health systems, such as deaths among people with cancer who were unable to seek treatment because hospitals were full of virus patients. The WHO there could be even more Covid deaths because some fatalities were averted during the pandemic, such as fewer deaths in road accidents or in work during lockdowns. Experts have long warned the true virus death toll will be many times higher than the reported figures due to limited testing and difficulties attributing the cause of death to the virus, as many fatalities will involve other underlying conditions. And it is difficult to compare figures between countries because some nations only count deaths that occurred in hospitals. Only 6.2million official Covid deaths have been confirmed worldwide, according to Oxford University-based platform Our World in Data. This data shows the US has the highest death toll, while the UK has the seventh-highest. Dr Albert Ko, an infectious diseases expert at the Yale School of Public Health, said the WHO analysis 'may seem like just a bean-counting exercise'. 'But having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one,' he said. The WHO findings come after US scientists estimated there were more than 18million Covid deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. Separate researchers by a team of Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3million uncounted Covid deaths in India alone. Some countries, including India, have disputed WHO's methodology for calculating Covid deaths, resisting the idea that there were many more deaths than officially counted. Earlier this week, the Indian Government revealed the country logged 474,806 more deaths in 2020 compared to the previous year, but did not say how many were due to the pandemic. India did not release any death estimates for 2021, when the highly infectious delta variant swept through the country, killing many thousands. Dr Ko said the WHO's figures may explain some ongoing mysteries about the pandemic, including why Africa appears to have been one of the countries least affected by the virus, despite its low vaccination rates. 'Were the mortality rates so low because we couldn't count the deaths or was there some other factor to explain that?' he said. Dr Ko noted that high death rates in the UK and US proved resources alone were insufficient to contain a global outbreak. Dr Bharat Pankhania, a public health expert at the University of Exeter, said it may be impossible to calculate the true Covid death toll, especially for poor countries. The Our World in Data graphs show the countries which have recorded the highest number of confirmed Covid deaths. The US has logged the most (996,704), followed by Brazil (663,994), India (523,975) and Russia (368,840). The UK recorded the seventh highest number of deaths (175,717). However, experts warn it is difficult to compare figures between countries because of differences in how nations record deaths When confirmed deaths are calculated per million people, Peru has the highest death rate (6,381.74), followed by Bulgaria (5,358.1), Bosnia and Herzegovina (4,831.68) and Hungary (4,802.29) Only 6.2million official Covid deaths have been confirmed worldwide, according to Oxford University-based platform Our World in Data Daily UK data yesterday showed deaths fell by 25.3 per cent, despite the country no longer having any restrictions in place He said: 'When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died.' Dr Pankhania noted the currently estimated Covid death toll is still a fraction of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic - when experts estimate up to 100million people died. But he said it is 'shameful' that so many people died due to the coronavirus pandemic, despite significant advancements in modern medicine. Dr Pankhania warned the cost of Covid could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of long Covid. He said: 'With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it. 'here was not an enduring immunological condition that we're seeing right now with Covid. 'We do not know the extent to which people with long Covid will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems.' Dr Jeremy Farrar, director of scientific charity the Wellcome Trust, said: 'There can be no hiding from the fact this devastating death toll was not inevitable; or that there have been too many times in the past two years when world leaders have failed to act at the level needed to save lives.' He noted that a third of the worlds population is still unvaccinated and 'more must be done' to protect people from Covid and future pandemics. 'Climate change, shifting patterns of animal and human interaction, urbanisation and increasing travel and trade are creating more opportunities for new and dangerous infectious disease risks to emerge, amplify and then spread,' Dr Farrar said. He called on world leaders to 'learn from this crisis and act immediately to end this pandemic, and make sure they do everything they can to prevent this ever happening again'. Dr Farrar said global surveillance networks must be built and sustained to detect outbreaks before they escalate, while national and global health professionals must be supported to respond quickly at the start of an outbreak. And vaccine, testing and treatment capacity must be equally distributed worldwide, he added. A mother-of-three who fell from a hire boat, got caught in the propeller and drowned would have been unlikely to have fallen if an adequate guardrail had been fitted, an investigation has found. Laura Perry, 38, was holidaying on the Norfolk Broads as part of a group of nine, including her partner, who was the nominated skipper and their three sons aged 16, 14 and four. Her mother and father, her sister, who was the driver, and her 16-year-old niece were also in the group on the 42ft motor cruiser Diamond Emblem 1. A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report said Ms Perry fell overboard from the rear deck when the boat's stern made hard contact against the embankment wall opposite Great Yarmouth Yacht Station on the River Bure. It happened on the third day of their five-day holiday, at 1.18pm on August 19, 2020. 'She became entangled in a length of rope and the propeller, suffering multiple injuries that resulted in her drowning,' the report said. 'It is likely that Laura would have been prevented from falling into the water if Diamond Emblem 1 had been fitted with an adequate guardrail around its stern. Mother-of-three Laura Perry, who died on a family holiday on the Norfolk Broads Undated handout photo issued by by Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) showing the Diamond Emblem 1 moored during the daytime 'The boat's driver at the upper helm control position was unable to control the motor cruiser at the time, most likely because the helm position changeover lever had been incorrectly set to the lower helm position.' Further contributing factors were identified in the MAIB report, relating to the 'technical features of the dual-helm control system'. The investigation found that 'both the boat handover and the documentation provided to the family were insufficient to ensure that the hire party were competent to drive a boat with dual-helm control'. It said that the handover, which took 'about 10 minutes', happened while the group's luggage was being loaded on to the boat at Ferry Marina in Horning, which was the hire boat operator. In October 2020, the chief inspector of marine accidents urgently recommended a strengthening of requirements for person overboard prevention, handover procedures and engine control systems to the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities. Further recommendations were made around issues including handover to the owner of the hire boat, and a series of recommendations were made to the Broads Authority. Police examine the hire boat Diamond Emblem 1 after Ms Perry died Chief inspector Andrew Moll said: 'Large motor cruisers with sophisticated controls are becoming increasingly common and are often driven by members of the public who have limited or no proficiency in boat handling. 'It is imperative that complex multi-helm controls incorporate appropriate technical features and indications to minimise the likelihood of an inadvertent loss of control. 'Adequate protection around exposed deck areas is equally important in ensuring that no one falls into the water. 'Furthermore, handovers, including in-water demonstrations, and hire boat documentation need to be complete and rigorous in order to ensure that hirers have sufficient proficiency to safely handle the vessel in their charge. 'Following this investigation, I have made recommendations to enhance the governance, oversight and safety of hire boat operations. 'I have also recommended to the boat's operator that they address various aspects of the safe operation of their boats. 'This includes enhancing its handover procedures and undertaking a thorough assessment of the risks of people falling overboard from its hire craft to ensure that the hazards are appropriately mitigated. 'Such an assessment is essential to ensuring that another similar accident to this does not happen again.' Norfolk Police said at the time that Ms Perry was in her 30s and from London. Hire boat operator Ferry Marina said in a statement: 'As this is an ongoing process we are not able to comment at this stage.' A group of thieves broke into a jewelry store in the Bronx, stealing an estimated $20,000 in chains and pendants, after smashing their way through the front window with a sledgehammer. Cries for help can be heard in surveillance footage, obtained by DailyMail.com, from inside M&NP Jewelers, located on White Plains Road in Pelham Park, New York City, during the break-in at around 4 p.m. on Sunday. The robbery only ended when the store's metal shutters closed on top of them. 'All of a sudden we hear a boom, a loud boom. The last thing I had in my mind was that we were gonna get robbed,' store employee Yailin Reyes, who was working her shift at the time, told NBC New York. A witness told the NYPD that 'three unknown individuals broke the store window with a sledgehammer' and 'removed assorted jewelry,' according to a statement released by police. 'My first instinct was to close the gate. And while I was closing the gate, the guy got stuck between the glass and the gate, and I was like 'Oh my god am I gonna chop him in half?' Reyes said. A thief carrying a sledgehammer smashed the front window of a Bronx jewelry store before robbing items worth about $20,000 The robber managed to steal 10 gold chains and five gold pendants, the NYPD confirmed Another thief shows up in the video to quickly collect the stolen items before the rolling gate closes on them The group of thieves have not yet been arrested as they managed to flee before cops' arrival Video shows the robber dressed in a black hoodie, pants and ski mask walk up to the store's window and wield the sledgehammer before a second man suddenly appears on camera to hold the gate for a little longer and collect the valuables in a bag. And although they weren't able to steal all of the items on display, they still managed to grab ten gold chains and five gold pendants, police said. The third man's role in the smash and grab is not clear, the NYPD reported. No injuries pertaining to the incident were reported. The chains and pendants that were stolen are worth about $20,000, cops added, but Reyes' boss claimed the thieves could have stolen more if it weren't for the shutters. 'When he saw that I was the only one to control my emotions and do as he said, he was happy,' Reyes said. The robbers fled south on White Plains Road in a black BMW, cops said. A group of thieves were caught on surveillance tape robbing another jewelry store in the Bronx on April 3 in similar fashion to the one that was robbed on Sunday The thieves managed to steal about $50,000 worth of jewelry from the store, located only two-and-a-half miles away from the one robbed on Sunday The NYPD said the smash and grab is the latest incident that is part of a pattern of robberies planned throughout the city, as at least 18 stores have been affected by the events. In total, more than $247,000 in valuables have been stolen over the last few months. Another similar incident, about two-and-a-half miles away in the Bronx, was reported to the NYPD on April 3. A group of robbers had also used a hedge hammer to break into a jewelry store's front window and stole about $50,000. It's unclear if the two incidents are tied together. The thieves had also taken off in a black sedan after the break-in. Suspects in both robberies have not yet been caught, as separate investigations remain ongoing. In the same month, a suspected shoplifting gang who are said to have stolen $70,000 of designer gear were filmed ramming a NYPD cop car to try and escape - only for officers to stop them. The three suspects, identified as Janavia Marable, 29, Brianna Grier, 27, and Jahil Pamplin, 29, were filmed being busted after targeting Kirna Zabete - a high-end boutique that specializes in selling designer fashion - in Manhattan's ritzy SoHo neighborhood on Sunday. Their Dodge Charger was filmed trying to race away from cops on Canal Street, then reversing into an NYPD cruiser in a bid to disable it. The three Newark, New Jersey residents were all charged with grand larceny, reckless endangerment, fleeing an officer and resisting arrest. MAY 2021 vs MAY 2022: As of May 1, overall crime is up 41.6 percent so far this year compared to last year. Robberies spiked 44.5 percent, as there were 1,306 fewer over the same period last year than this year Meanwhile, violent crime continues to soar in New York City as police recorded a 34.2 percent spike last month compared to April 2021. So far this year, NYC has seen 7,634 felony assaults, a nearly 20 percent increase from last year, 470 shooting victims, a 4.4 percent increase, 509 rapes, a 10.7 spike, and 4,844 robberies, a rise of nearly 45 percent. The NYPD also reported 31 murders last month, a 38 percent drop from the 50 last year, and rapes fell by 6 percent, with 109 cases reported in April. While the New York Police Department recorded 370 more robberies, 354 more felony assaults, and 342 more burglaries than last year, citywide shootings have seen a drop of 29.1 percent, falling from 148 cases in April 2021 to 105 last month. The owner of a Jeep became embroiled in a legal nightmare after he handed the keys of his vehicle to a Michigan dealership where a mechanic died while working on his car. The family of Jeffrey Hawkins, 42, is suing the Jeep owner, who has not been named, for $15million over the death of the veteran mechanic. Hawkins, a married father-of-four, was killed on March 13, 2020, while changing the Jeep's oil at Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership in Michigan. A 19-year-old fellow mechanic, who didn't know how to drive a shift stick and did not have a driver's license, had started the car and removed his feet from the clutch causing the Jeep to jump forward. Hawkins, who was performing an oil change at the time, was ran over and died instantly. It is unclear why the 19-year-old mechanic was hired despite his lack of qualifications. A lawyer for the dealership declined to comment. Under Michigan law, employees cannot sue their employers or fellow staff members for accidents that happen in the workplace. David Femminineo, an attorney representing Hawkins' family admitted that the lawsuit 'seems unfair' but argued that the man who had taken his Jeep to the dealership is still legally liable for the tragedy. 'If you go to lunch and give your car to someone and an accident happens, you'd be liable for that. Same thing happens here,' Femminineo told DailyMail.com Thursday. The attorney said that the mechanic's family was unnecessarily put through a heartbreaking and straining loss and that his two-yea-old son will never get to know his dad Lifelong mechanic Jeffrey Hawkins, 42, was killed on March 13, 2020, while changing the Jeep's oil when a 19-year-old fellow mechanic, who didn't know how to drive a shift stick and did not have a driver's license, started the car and removed his feet from the clutch His family is now suing the man who had taken his Jeep to the dealership, claiming he is legally liable for the tragedy The accident happened at the Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership However, Femminineo noted that the Jeep owner will be defended and indemnified by the Rochester Hills dealership's insurance, which will ultimately have to foot the monetary damages. 'It does seem unfair, but the owner of the car is being defended and indemnified by the [car dealership],' Femminineo told DailyMail.com WHY WAS THE JEEP OWNER SUED? According to Michigan law, the only remedy for employees in cases of injury in the workplace is workers' compensation. The state law states: 'If someone other than either the worker, the employer, or a coworker is responsible for an injury, that "third party" can be sued,' the Michigan Government website states. 'Thus, if a worker is injured because of the bad design of a machine which the employer purchased from an independent company, the worker can sue the manufacturer of that machine for civil damages. 'If an employer has paid workers' compensation benefits to a worker and the worker later obtains a recovery from a third party, the employer is entitled to be paid back for the workers' compensation benefits it paid to the worker. The employer, however, must pay for its share of the attorney fees and costs in the lawsuit against the third party.' Source: Michigan Government Advertisement A lawyer hired by the dealership and representing the Jeep owner was reached out by DailyMail.com and refused to comment. The Rochester Hills Jeep dealership cannot be sued due to a legal standard in Michigan that protects employers from liability in workplace accidents. The 19-year-old also can't be sued because the same legal parameter prevents employees involved in accidents from suing each other. Femminineo says that the strategy is merely a legal detour to ensure Hawkins' family is compensated for the unfathomable loss of the family man and that the Jeep owner will be exempted from paying money in the civil case, as he is backed by the dealership's insurance. The Michigan law states that 'if someone other than either the worker, the employer, or a coworker is responsible for an injury, that "third party" - in this case the Jeep owner - can be sued. The attorney said that the mechanic's family was unnecessarily put through a heartbreaking and straining loss. '[The 19-year-old mechanic] starts the car, removes his foot from the clutch, and you know what happens? The Jeep jumps and kills my client,' Femminineo told FOX News. 'He was an excellent man,' Femminineo added. 'The two-year-old who was about one at the time of the accident, the time of the death, he'll never know his father.' Femminineo told DailyMail.com that the owner of the car was liable because he voluntarily handed the keys to his vehicle to the dealership. Attorney David Femminineo noted that the Jeep owner, who has not been publicly named, will be defended and indemnified by the Rochester Hills dealership's insurance, which will ultimately have to foot the monetary damages 'When you hand your car over to anybody including the valet or the person at the service desk at your local dealership, you better be able to trust that person,' he told FOX. The dealership's insurance will be defending the owner and paying for any judgement and legal fees. A court date is scheduled for May 20 and Hawkins' state is suing for $15 million dollars in monetary damages. DailyMail.com reached out to the Jeep's owner inquiring about why the 19-year-old mechanic had been hired given that he did not know how to drive a manual gearbox, but the attorney declined to comment. Alabama jail guard Vicky White had secret phone calls over the course of two years with the murder suspect she helped smuggle out of jail last week. The corrections officer kept her 'special relationship' with Casey White alive while he served a 75-year sentence in state prison for a crime spree that involved him shooting at his ex-girlfriend, according to Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton. Casey was moved from state prison to the county jail where Vicky works in February to face trial on separate capital murder charges. Vicky then sold her house and planned to retire on Friday before taking off with him instead. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. Video of her leading the 6ft9in inmate out of jail shows she was 'prepared' to help him escape, says Human Behavior Academy president Susan Constantine. 'It was really obvious to me what was going on here was planned out, methodical, and she had played it out in her mind, even to where how she parked the car,' she told Fox News. 'She was prepared.' Her 'waddling gait' as she stepped out of her car and walked in to retrieve Casey shows she was 'rough around the edges' and somewhat masculine, Constantine said. Authorities are on day seven of a US Marshal-led manhunt for the fugitive pair. They could be armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun and may have used a copper 2007 Ford Edge to get away. Corrections officer Vicky White (left) and confessed murderer Casey White (right) shared an intimate relationship dating back to 2020 that authorities were unaware of, investigation revealed. The pair are not related Vicky is pictured 'waddling' into the jail and opening an interior door on Friday. Casey is believed to have been in the hallway at the time Surveillance video previously released showed Vicky helping Casey escape from the Lauderdale County Jail, where he had been incarcerated. The pair then fled together The latest footage shows them driving through the intersection of Huntsville Road and Cox Creek Parkway at 9.49am on Friday Surveillance video shows the moment Vicky White, 56, snuck 'monster' Casey White, 38, out of jail. She parks her cruiser by the door and takes her time exiting the vehicle, leaning back into the seat to grab something. She 'waddles' into the facility and leads Casey out, holding the door for him as he's shackled. 'She doesn't seem to have a care in the world,' said Constantine, the body language expert. 'Her stride movements are just at ease. Theres not a sense of franticness or rapid movement.' Dave Katz, a former DEA special agent who helped hunt down mobster Constabile 'Gus' Farace, says the pair could be anywhere. 'If she's smart, youre going to have a hard time catching her,' he told Fox News, adding that he would start the search by looking at where she had been shopping, what she had been buying, and who Casey had been talking to right before they left. 'She might not have used cash she would have bought them in advance,' he said. 'If hes a backwoodsman, if he can sustain them hunting and fishing, I wouldn't discount that the people in the area, who live there, who may even know him, they'll tell you where [he would fish or hunt].' Vicky may still be in danger, he warns. 'He's a bad guy. I wouldn't be surprised if shes at risk, given his predilection for violence,' he said. Vicky and Casey White, who are not related, shared a 'special relationship.' It dated back to 2020, when the prisoner was first brought to Lauderdale County for his arraignment on murder charges that he confessed to while already in state prison for 75 years. Although Casey was in custody at a state prison ahead of his arraignment and was transferred back to the facility immediately after, the pair stayed close, Sheriff Rick Singleton confirmed to DailyMail.com Wednesday. Singleton previously said she visited him in person at the prison, but he corrected himself on Thursday, saying the unlikely couple communicated only by phone, WAAY reports. The details of their secret relationship emerged just hours after officials released new video of the couple's escape. The footage shows the squad car they were traveling in pass a gas station as Vicky drove Casey to a mental health evaluation appointment, which did not exist. The pair abandoned the vehicle about a half-mile from the gas station. New video released Wednesday shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center on Friday where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape US Marshal Services released this picture showing the size difference between Casey and Vicky and a Ford Edge like the one they used Another mock up published by the officials shows the pair - believed to be lovers - compared to a door frame Surveillance video taken at the Lauderdale County Jail showed the moment Vicky snuck 6ft 9in 'monster' Casey out of the facility before they went on the run with an AR-15 and a shotgun. Casey was serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and animal cruelty. He also faced murder charges after confessing to the fatal stabbing of Connie Ridgeway, 58. The apparent lovers made a break for it on Friday after Vicky told superiors she was going to take Casey for a mental health evaluation on her last day before retirement. The 56-year-old widow held the door for the 38-year-old thug - who was still wearing handcuffs - before they got into a black car and sped off at 9.30am on Friday. New video released Wednesday shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape. The latest footage shows them driving through the intersection of Huntsville Road and Cox Creek Parkway at 9.49am on Friday, WAAY reported. The intersection is about a half-mile from the shopping center. The cruiser was found abandoned in the center parking lot several hours after the escape. The jailer and confessed killer shared an intimate relationship dating back to 2020. Inmates allege Vicky ensured Casey 'was getting extra food on his trays' and 'was getting privileges no one else got,' a claim that Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told CNN has been confirmed by an independent investigation. 'As far as we know that was the earliest physical contact they had,' Singleton said of the arraignment. He claims Casey and Vicky continued to communicate after the accused murderer was transferred back to the prison. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage recorded at the Lauderdale County Jail, where the escape occurred, to learn more about their relationship. Sheriff Rick Singleton (pictured) told DailyMail.com that jail staff were unaware of the relationship between Vicky and Casey Meanwhile, the confessed murderer's mom, Connie White, has defended her son, claiming he is innocent and 'not a monster.' 'I just have no idea why they've painted him as a monster,' Connie White told The New York Post in a phone interview Tuesday. 'The only reason he came out to Lauderdale County was to get out of the prison he was in. 'He wrote a letter to say that he murdered that woman. But he didn't really murder her, he just done that to get back up here. He just wanted to be out of that prison because it was so bad and there was no food.' Connie denied having any knowledge of her son's alleged relationship with Vicky. 'He never mentioned Vicky White,' she said. 'He said he had a pen pal but I had no idea who it was.' She also claimed that when she spoke to her son the day before his vanishing act, his behavior was seemingly normal. 'Everything was perfectly fine,' Connie said. The US Marshals Service said they suspected the pair are armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun and may have used a copper 2007 Ford Edge during their escape. But cops and federal agents have launched a huge manhunt and drip-fed more information about the duo - including that the jailer had two aliases herself. Casey exits the hallway and follows Vicky outside the facility The manhunt comes as Casey's ex-girlfriend begged Vicky to flee the killer, warning her she was not safe with him Sheriff Singleton, who described Vicky as 'an exemplary employee,' issued a plea to the former jail guard, asking her to turn herself in. 'Vicky you've been in this business for 17 years, you've seen this scenario play out more than once and you know how it always ends,' Singleton told Good Morning America Wednesday. 'Now go ahead and end it now, get to a phone and call 911, turn yourself in and help us get Casey White back behind bars because you know that's where he's going to eventually end up.' The sheriff said that as of Wednesday morning, investigators 'don't have any idea where they might be.' 'We were making some good progress on that. We may be hindered now that some of that information has gotten out,' Singleton explained. 'But, you know, we're still working around the clock to locate them and try to get them back in custody.' I think all of our employees ... were really hoping she did not participate in this willingly but all indications are that she absolutely did. Lauderdale County Sheriff details manhunt for corrections officer Vicki White and escaped inmate Casey White. https://t.co/NMPqT8qwyi pic.twitter.com/j0i50sd0bn Good Morning America (@GMA) May 4, 2022 The sheriff also noted, despite hopes of her colleagues and superiors at the Lauderdale County Jail, all signs suggest Vicky willingly participated in the escape. 'The pieces of the puzzle just came together,' he said.'I think all of our employees and myself included were really hoping that she did not participate in this willingly. But all indications are that she absolutely did. 'We're very disappointed in that because we had the utmost trust in her as an employee and as an assistant director of corrections.' He noted that she violated policy by escorting the inmate alone, saying: 'This particular guy and someone like that, no, that should have never happened, even if we had to delay getting him to court.' Vicky is a 17-year veteran of the sheriff's office. Singleton said she had been discussing retirement for several months and submitted necessary documentation to do so last Thursday. Friday, the day of Casey's escape, was set to be her last day on the job. The sheriff previously said she 'talked about going to the beach' after retirement. She had also been living with her mother after selling her Lexington home on April 18. Public records reviewed by WAAY revealed Vicky sold the property for $95,550, which was below market value. Singleton believes the wanted former jailer may be 'flush with cash' from the sale. However, he noted her retirement money remains locked up as she was expected to meet with officials this week to discuss those funds. It comes as the US Marshals Service said the pair may have made off in 2007 Ford Edge that is copper in color Officials also said that the pair may have made off in 2007 Ford Edge that is copper in color In 2020, Casey's request to be transferred out of prison and into the county jail was denied after authorities found a makeshift knife stashed in the shower that they believed he intended to use to force someone to let him out The manhunt comes as the maniac's ex-girlfriend begged Vicky to flee the killer as they spent a fifth day on the run. The woman, who has not been named but was shot by Casey in 2015, warned her she was 'disposable' to the escaped inmate. 'Casey White is very dangerous to everybody that is around him,' Casey's ex told WAAY-TV on Tuesday. 'I feel like he has manipulated her and she's disposable to him. 'If [Vicky] is still alive, she needs to get the hell out. Run,' she added. 'Run as far away as you can and turn yourself in and contact somebody. Do the right thing before you lose your life or before somebody else does.' The unidentified woman is reportedly at an out-of-state hideout and fearful for her life. She said: '[Local police] promised to step up patrols, but we are freaking out. 'We don't know if he is going to show up and take us out like he tried to do before. I thought I would never have to worry about him ever again.' However, despite warnings from the authorities and the criminal's alleged prior victims, Connie White maintains her son his not dangerous. 'I don't think so. He's not a monster, I'll put it that way,' she told the Post. 'He is not the monster they are making him out to be, at all.' Authorities have offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to Casey's capture. Vicky and Casey were seeing each other while he languished in Lauderdale County jail, inmates told cops Timeline of Vicky White and Casey White's disappearance Friday at 8.47am: Transport Van 5 leaves the Lauderdale County jail with seven inmates escorted by two deputies 8.56am: Transport Van 2 leaves the jail with five inmates also escorted by two deputies 9.20am: Assistant Director Vicky White tells a deputy to prepare inmate Casey White for transport to courthouse. Deputy removes White from his cell, takes him to booking and handcuffs him and shackles his legs. 9.41am: Vicky leaves detention center with Casey and head to the courthouse for a 'mental health evaluation.' She told the booking officer that she is the only deputy available who is firearm-certified and that she's dropping him off to other deputies at the courthouse. Vicky says she's then going to Med Plus for a personal appointment. 9.49am: Surveillance video shows Vicky's police cruiser parked at the nearby Florence Square shopping center parking lot eight minutes after leaving the jail. 'There was not enough time for them to even attempt to try to come to the courthouse,' Sheriff Rick Singleton said. 11.34am: A Florence Police Department officer spots her cruiser. 3.30pm: Booking officer reports to administration that they've been trying to contact Vicky to check on her, and that her phone is going directly to voice mail. The officer also says that Casey was not returned to the detention center with other inmates. Source: WAAY-TV, Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Advertisement Vicky's mother-in-law - whose son passed away earlier this year - believes the guard 'may have been brainwashed' by the criminal. Frances White told DailyMail.com that Vicky is a 'sweet' person who wouldn't have helped a confessed killer escape. But her opinion has changed as the days go by and more information about Vicky's relationship with inmate Casey White comes to light. Vicky was previously married to Frances' son Tommy, who died in January of complications from Parkinson's Disease. 'I'm just proud he wasn't still alive, cause he still thought she was a good person,' Frances told the Daily Beast. 'I can't imagine her running off with that guy, but you never know. He walked into a woman's house and stabbed her.' Frances says her two surviving sons are also in shock: 'They can't believe it either. My oldest son, no way could he picture her leaving with him It looks like she helped him escape.' She added: 'Maybe he's got her brainwashed. But I don't know how he'd have had a chance to get her brainwashed, because he was in prison.' In 2020, Casey's request to be transferred out of prison and into the county jail was denied after authorities found a makeshift knife stashed in the shower that they believed he intended to use to force someone to let him out. But he was moved to the jail anyway in order to face capital murder charges for the death of Ridgeway. On Friday, Vicky White told a booking officer she was escorting Casey to the county courthouse for a mental health evaluation. The move was against protocol for Casey, who was always meant to have at least two guards with him. No such evaluation was scheduled that day. 'Being the boss and over the transport, she just informed the booking officer that she was going to carry him to the courthouse and drop him off, which was a flagrant violation of policy,' Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told CNN. 'But I'm sure because it was her boss, the booking officer didn't question it.' She also said she was going to a medical appointment for herself, which was confirmed by the doctors' office, but for which she never showed. US Marshals are offering rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to Vicky White and $10,000 for information leading to Casey White A statement, which was quickly deleted online, said the vehicle had a bit of damage to the left rear bumper Singleton said Casey was 'handcuffed and shackled' in the back of Vicky's patrol car when they both left the county jail that morning. From there, they went straight to the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. Surveillance footage shows Vicky's police cruiser parked at the Florence Square shopping center eight minutes after leaving the jail. 'There was not enough time for them to even attempt to try to come to the courthouse,' Singleton said. The car was spotted in the parking lot an hour-and-a-half later. 'Casey White is an extremely dangerous person. We need to get him located and get him off the street,' the sheriff warned. Vicky is facing charges of 'permitting or facilitating an escape in the first degree,' a felony that carries a maximum prison term of 10 years. Her mother, Pat Davis, doesn't believe her daughter would willingly help an inmate she never even talked about. However, preliminary investigation has suggested otherwise. Casey White, above in February 2019, was arrested in 2015 for a crime spree in which he shot at his ex-girlfriend. He previously told police he'd kill her if he got out Connie Ridgeway, 59, was killed in her home at Meadowland Apartments in Rogersville, Alabama in 2015. Casey White said he was paid to kill her Casey White has been described as a 'dangerous monster' who promised to kill his ex-girlfriend if he ever got out. In December 2015, he broke into a home in Athens and ordered two men to get down on the ground at gunpoint, according to court documents. He fired multiple shots and left bullet holes in the wall during the rampage but his ex-girlfriend managed to escape. Two young children were found hiding in the basement, while a dog was found shot dead in a hallway, Fox News reports. 'He stated that he wanted to kill her and have the police kill him,' according to a police report. 'His only regret was that neither was successful. He stated that if he was released he would kill the victim.' He was eventually convicted on nine counts including attempted murder, kidnapping and animal cruelty and was sentenced to 75 years in prison. Casey's arrest at the age of 32 finally came after he engaged in a crime spree that played out in two counties in Tennessee and Alabama in December 2015. In one night, he staged a home invasion and carjacked two vehicles at gunpoint, shooting one person in the arm, WHNT reports. The crimes were followed by a chase where speeds reached more than 100 miles per hour. Vicky's mother says that her daughter, who was named 'employee of the year' four times and was living with her after selling her house five weeks ago, never mentioned an inmate Police are pictured in December 2015 taking Casey into custody after a wild rampage across Tennessee and Alabama that ended in a 100mph car chase, and his stolen car stuck in a field It ended with a stolen car stuck in a field south of Huntsville, and officers - who were evidently well known to him - pleading with him to put down his gun and give himself up. He was charged with attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, breaking and entering a vehicle, animal cruelty for shooting a dog and attempting to elude. While serving time in June 2020, he confessed to killing 59-year-old Connie Ridgeway in a murder-for-hire plot two months before the crime spree. Ridgeway was killed in her home at Meadowland Apartments in Rogersville, Alabama in 2015, according to WAFF. He said he was paid to kill her, although no motive for hiring a hitman has ever been disclosed. He pleaded not guilty on grounds of insanity and was temporarily moved from prison to the Lauderdale County jail to face trial. That's when he escaped with the help of Assistant Director of Corrections Vicky White. Casey's half-brother, Steven Patrick White, 47, of Town Creek, has been missing since 2017. Casey was in state prison at the time of Steven's disappearance The inmate's whereabouts aren't the only mystery plaguing Casey's family. Sheriff Max Sanders, of nearby Lawrence County, said the Lauderdale County escapee's half-brother has been missing since 2017. Steven Patrick White, 47, of Town Creek, was last seen at his home in October 2017. His wife reported him missing the next day, prompting a canine search of the family property. However, the search was unsuccessful. The Lawrence County Rescue Squad then conducted a dive team search for the missing man in November 2017 which also yielded no results. 'We occasionally get a call from the public about the fellow's whereabouts. We follow it up but so far nothing has panned out,' Sanders told AL.com on Tuesday. Sanders noted that Casey was in state prison at the time of Steven's disappearance. There is a $2,000 reward for information pertaining to the Town Creek man's whereabouts. Advertisement Passengers today told MailOnline of their frustration after a Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was forced to turn back to London Heathrow just 40 minutes in after the co-pilot admitted he hadn't passed his last flying test. The plane was over Ireland when the captain was told that the first officer had not completed his training. The Airbus A330 was ordered to return to Heathrow and passengers were told it was due to an 'administrative error'. Those on board landed in the US two hours and 40 minutes later than planned after the jet which can carry nearly 300 passengers was forced to wait on the runway at Heathrow while a qualified replacement was found. But all the passengers missed out on compensation - which is only payable for routes over 3,500km (Heathrow to JFK is 5,540km, or 3,440 miles) if you arrive four hours late at your destination and the airline is responsible. Travellers told MailOnline that they only found out today about the issue with the co-pilot. Virgin assured them at the time that safety was not compromised, with both pilots fully licensed and qualified to operate the aircraft. The co-pilot needed a 'final assessment flight' with a training captain to be able to fly in line with Virgin Atlantic policy. His role as first officer meant he was responsible for maintaining the safety of the flight. As a qualified pilot, first officers are also meant to support the captain with communicating with air traffic control and flying the plane. While the pairing of pilots was not in breach of any aviation or safety regulations, it did not comply with Virgin Atlantic's internal training protocols, which is why the flight was turned back. Julie and Marc Vincent from Bournemouth were on board the flight and told MailOnline how staff blamed the situation on a clerical error. Mrs Vincent said: 'We'd just cleared the west coast of Ireland when the captain announced 'you may have noticed that we have conducted a 180 degree turn' before telling us that we were returning to Heathrow due to an 'administration error' and that they needed to get some paperwork signed off legally to be able to continue our journey. The Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330 plane is pictured before leaving London Heathrow Airport for the first time on Monday A view on board the Virgin Atlantic plane after it had touched back down again at London Heathrow Airport on Monday 'We landed back at Heathrow and were naturally concerned as you would expect that a large, long-established company such as Virgin needed to get their paperwork in order. 'I was also upset at losing holiday time as my husband and I were only in New York for three nights. We asked what was going on numerous times and all we were told was that it wasn't legal for us to be in the air and that we needed to return so an engineer could deem us fit to fly. They said it was a problem with paperwork that needed attention from ground staff. 'Panic did set in onboard particularly when upon landing people jumped out of their seats and started to pace up and down wanting more information. At least three people in high vis vests entered the cockpit for an amount of time before curtains were drawn to hide our view. 'We were kept on the plane and offered plastic cups of water while we waited for an update. One of the cabin crew very loudly communicated from one end to the other to say that two ovens were not working. 'The decision was taken and announced to us that the airline was going to feed us our in-flight meal on the ground. They started to serve first class passengers with just one trolley, which took a long time, but before we could be served, the plane took off again. 'If they had continued to feed us all as promised, we would have been outside of the four-hour delay compensation window and Virgin would have had to pay greater compensation to each passenger. Only this morning did I realise that the hold-up was due to the first officer not having completed his training. Incredible.' Julie and Marc Vincent from Bournemouth were on board the flight and told how staff blamed the situation on a clerical error Passengers were also faced with delays at passport control after landing at New York John F Kennedy airport on Monday Another passenger, Mary Ingram, added: 'We had all settled down, boots off, halfway into our first film, with the smell of dinner floating through the cabin when an announcement was made by the pilot saying, 'Some of you have noticed from the flight tracker map that we have made a 180 degree turn and are returning to Heathrow. Don't be alarmed, but we are having to return to Heathrow due to an administrative error.' 'The passengers behaved very calmly with no overt frustration or anger. It was unknown what the real cause of the return to Heathrow was, because clearly Virgin would not want to incur the loss of a returned, and therefore delayed, flight due to a paperwork administrative error. 'There was a certain amount of concern that something may have been wrong with the plane, so on landing we were all relieved when that went smoothly. It didn't help that the pilot or co-pilot told us to note our nearest exit in the pre-landing announcement. 'We were not allowed off the plane while we sat on the Tarmac for what was about another half an hour for re-fuelling, and what I now know replacement of the co-pilot.' The Airbus A330, just 40 minutes into its flight to New York, was ordered to return to Heathrow while flying over Ireland And a source told The Sun: 'You could have cut the tension in the cockpit with a knife. The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still in training. 'The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew. It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious.' A Virgin Atlantic spokesman told MailOnline: 'Due to a rostering error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday, May 2 shortly after take-off. 'The qualified first officer, who was flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced with a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantic's training protocols, which exceed industry standards. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers who arrived two hours, 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change.' The Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was on an Airbus A330 but was forced to turn back to London Heathrow (file picture) Sources told MailOnline that the captain on the aircraft had been with Virgin Atlantic for 17 years and had completed thousands of hours of flight time. Wizz Air flies 3.6million passengers in April amid 500% annual increase Low-cost European airline Wizz Air saw a more than 500 per cent increase in the number of passengers carried in April as the recovery in the travel sector picked up pace. The Hungarian airline, which is listed in London, said it carried 3.6million passengers last month, up 542 per cent on the 564,634 who flew with the group a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions hammered demand. Wizz Air recently bought extra slots at Luton Airport from Vueling, boosting services on existing routes to Romania and Poland and adding another 167,000 seats. It said it now has more than 5.6 million seats available on flights for the summer season, with new routes across its network from Italy, the UK, Romania, Poland, Lithuania and Bosnia and Hercegovina to destinations across Europe. New routes offer destinations in Greece, Germany, Denmark and Croatia. Advertisement The first officer joined in 2017 and had been trained, fully licensed and fully type-rated in accordance with UK regulations, but was still pending a 'final assessment' flight with Virgin Atlantic. The flight took off from Heathrow at 9.41am on Monday, before the turnback was initiated at 10.19am, and it then landed back at Heathrow at 11.12am. Sources added that Virgin Atlantic has since reviewed its internal processes and updated them in an effort to avoid the same thing happening again. A Civil Aviation Authority spokesman said: 'Virgin Atlantic have made us aware of the incident. Both pilots were suitably licensed and qualified to undertake the flight.' To be qualified to fly the aircraft, an individual must hold an aircraft type rating and a valid licence proficiency check, which the first officer held. With the type rating and licence proficiency check, a pilot can legally and safely operate the aircraft in any geographical area worldwide. Virgin Atlantic devises a line training programme, and it trains these procedures in the first eight flights. The 'final assessment flight' is a company requirement from Virgin Atlantic to ensure that the employee operates using its specific methodology. The staff member in question was recommended as ready for his final assessment flight on their previous flight, having completed 12 recent flights on the A330 after his complete simulator and class room training programme. He was therefore deemed as safe and competent to operate the flight, but the decision for the aircraft to return to Heathrow was made based on Virgin's internal compliance requirements. ** Do YOU know the rookie pilot? Please email: tips@dailymail.com ** A jet which flew low over Trafalgar Square while being flanked by two RAF Typhoons sparked a panic on social media today. The Royal Air Force earlier said the flypast had been planned to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, to the UK. But the sight of the RAF Voyager being flanked by two RAF Typhoons sparked concern among some on social media, with users speculating whether a passenger jet was being escorted into Heathrow. People on social media posted pictures and video showing the large jet being flanked by two smaller RAF Typhoons as it flew over Reading and the capital. One user wrote: 'An airliner aeroplane has just flown low over Trafalgar Square flanked by fighter jets.' While another added: 'Fighters escorting passenger plane approaching Heathrow.' Some speculated that it was a British Airways plane but it was in fact the RAF Voyager with a Union Jack emblazoned on it. The aircraft, Airbus A321, is used by the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers or members of the royal family when making short trips. The RAF flypast over the skies of London on Thursday afternoon which sparked some concern on social media British jets perform demonstration flight as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hold a meeting at 10 Downing Street in London The sight of the RAF Voyager being flanked by two RAF Typhoon's sparked concern among some on social media The Royal Air Force earlier said the flypast had been planned to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, to the UK On Thursday morning, the RAF tweeted: 'You may see a RAF Voyager and two RAF Typhoons flying over central London this morning. 'This is a pre-planned flypast to welcome the Prime Minister of Japan to the UK.' Before holding talks in No 10 on Thursday, Mr Kishida and Boris Johnson stood on a dais as they witnessed the Voyager and two Typhoon fighter jets soar over St James' Park and the parade ground. Afterwards, Mr Johnson said the UK and Japan had agreed a defence deal that will allow their national forces to 'work more closely together'. The Prime Minister, speaking in Downing Street alongside his Japanese counterpart, said he was 'so glad' the two nations agreed a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) for armed services. He said allies in Europe and east Asia have to be unified in the face of 'autocratic, coercive powers'. Mr Kishida's first official visit at the invitation of the Government was marked with a guard of honour and an RAF flypast over Horse Guards Parade in central London. Mr Kishida was then invited - in Japanese by the captain of the Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards - to inspect the troops. After the spectacle, Mr Johnson and Mr Kishida headed to Downing Street where the British leader announced that a military accord has been struck. The Prime Minister said the world has observed the 'strong stance' the Japanese government has taken 'against the Russian aggression in Ukraine'. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrive in Horse Guards Parade in London during his visit to the UK The RAF Voyager and two RAF Typhoons seen flying low over London on Thursday afternoon Mr Johnson and Mr Fumio watch the flypast during the Japanese Prime Minister's visit to the UK He added: 'We in the UK recognise that our security in Europe is indivisible from the security, our collective security, in the Asia-Pacific, in the Indo-Pacific region. 'And there is direct read across from the actions of autocratic, coercive powers in Europe, to what may happen in east Asia. 'And that's why we want to work more closely together. 'And today I'm so glad that we've agreed the reciprocal access agreement between our armed services.' No 10 said the 'landmark' RAA will allow the two countries' forces to deploy together for training, joint exercises and disaster relief. Downing Street said the agreement will boost the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific and further safeguard global peace and security, and build on the already close collaboration on defence and security technology between both nations. Talks began on deepening the UK-Japan defence relationship in September, following on from the Government's defence and foreign policy integrated review which last year announced a 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with a Guard of Honour in Horse Guards Parade in London An Airbus KC2 Voyager, operated by the UK Government, and two RAF Eurofighter Typhoons fly over Downing Street, London, during a visit to the UK by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida The Government describes Japan as its closest security partner in Asia. Officials said Tokyo has just two other bilateral visiting forces agreements - one with the United States and the recently agreed RAA signed with Australia in January. Meanwhile, Conservative former minister Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, is set to be announced as the UK's new trade envoy to Japan. Mr Johnson said he will discuss with Mr Kishida the UK-Japan trade partnership, adding that trade relations are 'already glorious and increasing' with 'co-operation on science, on digital technology and many other things'. The Japanese prime minister, speaking with a translator, thanked Mr Johnson for the 'warm welcome', noting that he had made time despite local elections taking place in the UK. He told the Prime Minister he looks forward to a 'very fruitful discussion' on the London-Tokyo bilateral relationship, as well as on Ukraine and global affairs. A gang of hoons have been slammed for endangering the public by performing wild stunts on major roads for clout on social media. The notorious rev-heads shared footage of several daredevil drivers doing burnouts on the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane's eastern suburbs on Wednesday. Police slammed the Mexican Hoon Cartel for putting themselves and others at risk by performing the dangerous stunts at break-neck speeds. But the group has responded to the backlash by demanding Queensland's state government provide more local burnout and drifting tracks for car lovers. In terrifying footage recorded on Brisbane's Gateway Bridge a car sways across four lanes of traffic while proudly hanging a Mexican flag out the passenger window (pictured) In terrifying footage recorded on the major bridge, a car sways across four lanes of traffic while proudly hanging a Mexican flag out the passenger window. Flames are seen shooting out of the exhaust of another car in front as loud rap music plays in the background of the hair-raising clip. Other videos show drivers in balaclavas burning rubber on suburban streets and industrial estates, leaving behind a tell-tale trail of black tyre marks. The group is infamous for turning suburban roads into racetracks and regularly asks their social media followers to tell them where they should hoon next. Senior Sergeant Donna Stewart from Queensland Police said she had 'no doubt' somebody would die after just one wrong move. The group let their followers know they would be 'drifting' the Gateway Bridge in a new video Other videos show drivers in balaclavas burning rubber on suburban streets and industrial estates, leaving behind a tell-tale trail of black tyre marks THE MEXICAN HOON CARTEL'S DEMANDS: 1. More affordable and accessible venues such as drift tracks and burnout pads to be set up by state governments in hoon hotspot areas. The group claims this will 'reduce and potentially eliminate illegal driving behaviour on the streets'. 2. Police to focus on more serious crimes instead of hooning and the traffic offences that relate with such behaviour. 3. More relaxed laws for modifying vehicles Advertisement 'I don't know what it is they're compensating for, but clearly they have some needs that aren't getting met some other way and they're choosing to do this,' she said. The large album of videos uploaded to the group's social media accounts will now be used as evidence as detectives work to track the drivers down. 'We have the power to take vehicles,' Sergeant Stewart told reporters. 'We can impound those vehicles and never give those vehicles back to those drivers.' The Mexican Hoon Cartel has a website where fellow hoon-enthusiasts can purchase air fresheners, balaclavas, face masks and stickers with their logo. The group has started a petition asking for more affordable and accessible burnout tracks, which has received more than 12,000 signatures. In a statement, the group said their passions for hooning are 'constantly suppressed by the government and the media on a daily basis'. 'They will lie and go to all ends to manipulate the people of Australia and create a false image of how bad and evil it is to be a so called 'hoon',' it said. 'We are still human beings and deserve a voice and to be considered by the government before they make their current irrational decisions on the topic of hooning.' The group argued that if skateboarders were allowed skateparks, 'rev-heads' should be given an arena to safely play-out their passion. Hoons have become a growing problem on the Gold Coast, with groups of enthusiasts in 2021 sparking a police crackdown. The group is notorious for turning suburban roads into racetracks and regularly asks their social media followers to tell them where they should hoon next The group has started a petition asking for more affordable and accessible burnout tracks, which has received more than 12,000 signatures (pictured) The reckless driving can also lead to more serious offences such as evading police or speeding up to 45km/hour above the speed limit. In January, a hoon unrelated to the group performed donuts outside a busy Queensland Police Station, with footage quickly going viral online. The TikTok video shows the brazen hoon in a sedan doing a burnout past a parked police SUV on Hinze St at Southport on the Gold Coast. A police officer can be seen emerging from the building after hearing the screech of the tyres before he disappears in thick smoke. Advertisement Cornish shop owners have said they 'completely rely' on holidaymakers in St Ives and urged locals to 'just move forward' amid a backlash over staycationers and second home owners swamping the seaside town. Around 540,000 day trippers and more than 220,000 staying tourists visit St Ives in Cornwall every year, with the tourism industry accounting for around 2,800 jobs in the area - that's almost one in four people who live there. Stefan Harkon, an RNLI lifeguard in the town for many years, said that at times 'people in the town feel that they are just operatives in a theme park', adding: 'We work in an area but we can't live in it.' But Sarah Hocking, who owns the clothing store Fabulous in St Ives, told MailOnline that 85% of her business is funded by tourism, saying: 'You live in a town that is manic at times but you kind of just work around it.' She added: 'It can sometimes be a bit intense, but you can avoid the town at various times and a lot of the locals do. What we don't want to do is frighten holidaymakers off by how we talk about them. 'It was mad last year but we knew it was never going to be like that again. In fact since Christmas there has been a massive downturn in trade and I know it's not just us.' And Jane Friggens, who runs St Ives' Allotment Deli, said the town 'relies on an increase in footfall' and warned that shops 'are closing every day', adding: 'Can't we all just move forward and get on?' Around 540,000 day trippers and more than 220,000 staying tourists visit St Ives (pictured above) in Cornwall every year,, with the tourism industry accounting for around 2,800 jobs in the area - that's almost one in four people who live there Holidaymakers walk the narrow streets on August 9, 2020, in St Ives, Cornwall. Stefan Harkon, an RNLI lifeguard in the town for many years, said that at times 'people in the town feel that they are just operatives in a theme park' Sarah Hocking (left), who owns the clothing store Fabulous in St Ives, told MailOnline that 85% of her business is funded by tourism, while Jane Friggens (right), who runs St Ives' Allotment Deli, said the town 'relies on an increase in footfall' Ms Friggens wrote on Facebook last month: 'We as a tourist town rely on an increase in footfall, whether it's visitors from other parts of Cornwall or further away, we bloody need you. 'Shops are closing every day, landlords are doubling our rents, pubs, restaurants are losing staff and bookings.' She added: 'Can't we all just move forward and get on, don't be rude, whoever you are, we are all trying our best, on minimum wages.' The post from April 19 was met with widespread approval from fellow business owners in the area. Sharon Spencer, who runs the holiday rental agency So So St Ives, commented: 'We wouldn't have a business if it wasn't for the holidaymakers, we need visitors, most people are lovely and friendly.' Referring to complaints from Cornish workers over holidaymakers being ill-mannered, Ms Hocking said: 'We can all be rude at times but it's always made out to be the holidaymakers' fault. We've got to be really careful.' And on the surge in second homes, she added: 'I completely sympathise and do think locals have been priced out, but don't believe it's fair to blame second homeowners completely. It's a double-edged sword. 'People can work really hard to buy a second home with some remortgaging their own houses, or others working really hard to buy one with their pension. 'There is a housing shortage but that's an issue everywhere with house prices rocketing and people cashing in.' Her comments come as homes for sale in the area, especially those on the harbourside, now range between 700,000 and 1million, with the average price now at 440,000, more than 17 times the average salary of Cornwall's year-round residents. Referring to complaints from Cornish workers over holidaymakers being ill-mannered, Ms Hocking (pictured above) said: 'We can all be rude at times but it's always made out to be the holidaymakers' fault. We've got to be really careful' Referring to tourism in the area, Ms Hocking added: 'It can sometimes be a bit intense, but you can avoid the town at various times and a lot of the locals do. What we don't want to do is frighten holidaymakers off by how we talk about them'. Pictured: the clothing store Fabulous in St Ives, Cornwall Families who have lived in St Ives for generations are being forced out as millionaires bank up land or homes, renting them out for up to 7,000-a-week. There is now a growing campaign to bring in a 'tourism tax' for those buying second homes and a limit on Airbnb properties in a town where up to a third of children on one estate live in poverty. 'We have a town where the rich people come to on holiday, when in some part of St Ives more than a third of children live below the bread line,' Camilla Dixon, the co-founder of the First Not Second Homes campaign group, said. 'It is having a detrimental effect. We depleted our social housing stock when they were sold in the 80s. Because the value of land has gone up, developers have been land-grabbing and land banking to make more money. It means genuine social housing development are being priced out.' St Ives Town Council admitted there is not much it can do with its tiny budget and even bigger constraints but insisted it will review its neighbourhood plan and the impact of tourism. Camilla Dixon (left), the co-founder of the First Not Second Homes campaign group, said second homes are 'not good for the economy'; while Jo Howard (right) said people are 'telling us they're being evicted from their homes to make way for Airbnbs' Tourists gather at St Ives Harbour in Cornwall during hot weather over the Easter bank holiday weekend last month It is also lobbying Cornwall Council to let it develop land the larger authority is sitting on even though it has been earmarked for social housing, and is campaigning for a limit on Airbnbs in hotspots like St Ives as has happened in places such as Amsterdam or Barcelona. Louise Dwelly, the town clerk, said: 'The level of council tax is going down because there are more second homes which do not pay tax as they are registered as businesses. 'That means the running of the town is more expensive for the people who live here as it is spread across fewer people. We are also campaigning for the law to be changed for a tourism tax.' Current Conservative MP Derek Thomas recently put pressure on his Whitehall colleagues for changes to the law to address the housing crisis in Cornwall by making long-term tenancies more attractive to landlords than holiday lets. Speaking in a debate about affordable homes in Devon and Cornwall, held in the Houses of Parliament, he said: 'The situation is urgent right now. I have so many constituents who are in a desperate situation and it needs rapid and effective intervention that provides a secure home for life. The west Cornwall seaside town has been a popular tourist destination since the St Ives Bay Line opened in 1877 Despite its homes overlooking Porthmeor Beach, St Ives also has some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Cornwall Locals in St Ives have been priced out, so the little housing stock there is left can make way for holiday lets and second homes 'We are losing these valuable homes, that people enjoy because of legislation that applies to private landlords but doesn't necessarily apply to holiday lets. I don't believe it's a level playing-field.' The issue of second homes in St Ives is so acute that in 2016 residents voted to ban new-build housing from being second-homes, with 83 per cent in favour. According to Rightmove, average house prices in the town are now at 440,000, more than 17 times the median annual earnings of someone in Cornwall. Houses for sale in the town, especially those on the harbourside, regularly appear for sale with price tags ranging up to 700,000 or 1million. Despite its 1million homes overlooking the harbour or Porthmeor Beach, St Ives sadly boasts some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Cornwall. Some 36 per cent of children living on the Penbeagle estate live in poverty. That's 92 children out of the 255 living there. According to the Children's Society vulnerable children in Cornwall are more likely to receive free school meals than five years ago. Data from the Department of Education shows that by the end of the 2020-21 school year, 57 per cent of Cornwall's children in need were eligible for free school meals - up from 40 per cent at the same point in 2016-17. St Ives also faces a shortage of rentals; in 2021, while there were more than 1,000 properties in the town available for short-term holiday let, there was only one long-term house available to rent. Northern Ireland is bracing itself for more political turmoil today with Sinn Fein expected to win the Stormont election for the first time. The hardline republicans - who want a united Ireland - are favorites to become the largest party in the power-sharing executive for the first time in its history, overtaking the Democratic Unionist Party. But the DUP and other unionist parties have yet to commit to working with Sinn Fein if it wins, and its NI leader Michelle O'Neill becomes First Minister. The assembly was collapsed by the DUP over the Brexit deal agreed last year. Unionists object to the additional checks on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain, which act as a trade border in the Irish Sea. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis today revealed he had told the parties of the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved government after the election. 'It is vital that we give people the space to vote in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect,' he said. 'I have conveyed to the parties the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved institutions as soon as they can, when the count is complete.' The DUP and other unionist parties have yet to commit to working with Sinn Fein if it wins, and its NI leader Michelle O'Neill (left, today) becomes First Minister. A shock poll this week raised the prospect of the DUP (leader Jeffrey Donaldson pictured) slipping into third place in Northern Ireland elections. The Institute of Irish Studies/University of Liverpool/Irish News research put Sinn Fein well ahead of the DUP No new Brexit law scrapping Northern Ireland protocol in the Queen's Speech Ministers have stepped back from triggering a new crisis over Northern Ireland by omitting a new law scrapping a key part of the Brexit agreement with the EU from the Queen's Speech next week. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis last night signalled that legislation overriding the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) will not be included in the parliamentary business unveiled by the monarch on Tuesday. Ministers have threatened to bring in a new law allowing it to waive part of the protocol, which kept Ulster within Brussels' sphere of influence and enflamed sectarian tensions. The power-sharing Stormont executive imploded in February when the DUP withdrew its first minister Paul Givan, in protest at the protocol. It has enraged unionists by creating economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has urged the Government to act on unionists' concerns around the post-Brexit trading arrangements, criticising them as harmful to the union and calling for Northern Ireland's position in the UK internal market to be protected. But speaking on ITV's Peston last night, Mr Lewis said: 'Our focus is on resolving the issues with the protocol, ideally we want to do that by agreement with the European Union,' he said. Pressed on whether an announcement would come next week, he said: 'No, Robert, we've not said that.' Boris Johnson is set to give talks with the European Union over Northern Ireland 'one last chance' before introducing legislation that will allow him to override the controversial protocol governing post-Brexit trade, The Times reported. The Prime Minister has sent Northern Ireland minister Conor Burns to Washington in an attempt to explain the government's new strategy that would give ministers the power to unilaterally suspend part of the agreement that was signed by Johnson in 2019, the report said. Advertisement A shock poll this week raised the prospect of the DUP slipping into third place in Northern Ireland elections. The latest survey on Tuesday found the unionists and the Alliance Party are level behind Sinn Fein ahead of the crunch vote in Thursday. The republicans remains on course to emerge as the largest force after the ballot for the first time - although their support has dipped from 27 per cent to 26.6 per cent. But the Institute of Irish Studies/University of Liverpool/Irish News research still put them well ahead of the DUP on 18.2 per cent, down from 20.2 per cent. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's party was in danger of being overhauled by the non-aligned Alliance, headed by Naomi Long, after it surged from 14.6 per cent. The poll conducted by Social Market Research Belfast has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The Assembly election uses the single transferable vote system of proportional representation, which gives voters the opportunity to rank other parties in order of preference after selecting their first choice. But if the findings are borne out this week Sinn Fein would displace the DUP as Northern Ireland's largest party a position it has occupied for almost 20 years. A unionist party has always been the biggest in the Assembly, and previously the Stormont Parliament, since the formation of the state in 1921. While the office of the first and deputy first minister is an equal one with joint power, the allocation of the titles is regarded as symbolically important. Ms O'Neill, the Sinn Fein, vice president, cast her ballot in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone, accompanied by party colleague Linda Dillon. Thirty miles away, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson cast his vote at Dromore Central primary school in Co Down. The Northern Ireland Protocol has cast a long shadow over the election campaign following the resignation of DUP First Minister Paul Givan in February in an effort to force the UK government to act over the post-Brexit trading arrangements. This action left the Executive unable to fully function. While ministers remained in post, they were restricted in the actions they could take. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number of MLAs returned 90. A total of 239 candidates are running. Counting will start at three centres in Belfast, Jordanstown and Magherafelt on Friday morning with the first results expected later in the day. The DUP won 28 seats at the last Assembly elections in 2017, just ahead of Sinn Fein which returned 27 MLAs. Next was the SDLP with 12 seats, the Ulster Unionist Party with 10 seats, Alliance with eight seats, the Green Party with two seats while People Before Profit and the TUV had one MLA each. A suspected US fugitive who faked his death and fled to Scotland to avoid sex charges insists he is a victim of mistaken identity and has never even been to America. Nicholas Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, is wanted by police in America where he is facing sex charges in Utah after faking his death in March 2020. Police say they have since found the 34-year-old living in Scotland disguised as an eccentric university professor going by the name Arthur Knight, and the US government is attempting to have him extradited. US prosecutors claim the man is Rossi, who raped a 21-year-old in Utah in 2008. He is also said to have attacked women in Rhode Island, Ohio and Massachusetts. The defendant, who has appeared at court hearings in a wheelchair and wearing a breathing mask attached to an oxygen tank, has continued to deny he is Mr Rossi. His identity is set to be confirmed within weeks as the court case continues, while his own lawyer called him by the wrong name at the latest hearing. It is claimed the defendant is actually Nicholas Rossi, a man wanted in United States on sex charges The man, who insists his name is Arthur Knight, is fighting court proceedings that would see him extradited to the United States At a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today, solicitor Becky Houston, representing the man, told the court she was appearing for 'Mr Rossi' - who then interrupted her and asked her to refer to him as 'Mr Knight'. Sheriff Welsh, overseeing the case, asked her to call the man 'my client'. Ms Houston then confirmed the identification of the man will be discussed at a full extradition hearing set for June 9. The defendant has instructed a QC for a consultation 'next week' to go over his case, but no fixed date for that has been confirmed. He had previously been told by a sheriff in April to instruct lawyers to represent him in the case 'with haste'. The man insists he is not Mr Rossi, pictured, and says he has never even ben to the Unites States Mr Rossi, pictured, faked his own death and claimed to be 'buried at sea' in an online obituary Ms Houston told the court she 'needs to look at client evidence and expert evidence'. She asked for the full hearing, which has already been rescheduled multiple times, to be delayed further, with a procedural hearing to take its place on June 9. But Sheriff Welsh rejected the request, adding: 'I am not prepared to discharge the full hearing. 'The advocate depute and counsel needs to be here to explain why the hearing has been discharged again.' A date was then arranged for the May 26 for lawyers to discuss any 'issues' before the full hearing, which is still set to go ahead next month. The man first came to the attention of police during the pandemic when he checked himself into hospital in Glasgow after being admitted with severe Covid symptoms. He did so under the name Arthur Knight and was arrested by police. He was later released on bail, but was arrested a second time at his home address in the Scottish city after he missed an extradition hearing in January. He made headlines in February when did an interview with a US news channel insisting it was a case of mistaken identity. The man appeared dressed ion tweed and wearing a baker boy cap, and spoke in a hammy English accent throughout. He told NBC 10: 'If anyone thinks I am this chap, and have all of these questions, I would love to have them over for a cup of tea. But I am not. I am Arthur Knight.' The defendant, pictured with his wife Miranda in court, is set to have his identity confirmed in the coming weeks 'Mr Knight' was arrested by Interpol at a hospital in Glasgow after he was admitted with severe Covid symptoms Claiming he is still recovering from the COVID infection that saw cops track him down and arrest him in a Scottish hospital, he wore an oxygen mask for the bulk of the interview and said he is too weak to walk. When asked to remove his mask briefly so that the reporter could get a good look at his face, the man claiming to be Knight acquiesced and appeared to be a dead ringer for the man wanted for raping an ex-girlfriend in 2008. And Knight also blustered when asked to show his arms, to prove that he didn't have the multiple distinctive tattoos that Alahverdian has. When asked to expose his arms to prove his tattoo removal scars did not match the markings of Alahverdian, the trickster evaded the question by simply rolling his sleeves up his elbow. 'Absolutely,' he said. 'I will show you that my arm is not tattooed, either.' In a remarkable interview in February, the defendant said he would love to have anyone who thinks he's Mr Rossi over for a 'cup of tea' The scars in question are believed to mostly on his upper arms, which remained concealed during the interview, claiming exposing his arms further would require 'undoing my oxygen mask.' Alahverdian also during the interview claimed to have never been to the US, despite using an American phone number while living in England and scamming Canadian food writer and TV star Nafsika Antypas. Alahverdian - who has assumed several aliases - feigned terminal cancer and faked his own death February 29, 2020 while under investigation for crimes spanning several US states. In an attempt to legitimise the fake death, he wrote and published his own gushing obituary. But the 34-year-old conman's cover was blown after he was ventilated with a life-threatening case of Covid and placed on a ventilator last year. He was arrested December 13 by Interpol, which used tattoo scars to discover his true identity. The British tourist arrested for allegedly killing a Swedish mother has been pictured A British tourist who was arrested in Cyprus after he allegedly ran down and killed a Swedish mother whilst driving a beach buggy in the resort town of Ayia Napa has been pictured for the first time. The 25-year-old man hit Camilla Christina Pamdahl, 46, on a pedestrian crossing as he overtook a car whilst drunk and under the influence of cannabis in the Mediterranean town on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Police have released a photo of the British suspect wearing sunglasses, a white vest and blue shorts but they have not yet confirmed his name. The Briton fled the scene on foot after the incident whilst Pamdahl, who was on holiday in Cyprus with her five-year-old daughter, was rushed to Famagusta general hospital where she was declared dead on arrival. The mother, from Vastra Gotaland County in Sweden, had left her daughter with staff at the hotel's playground so she could buy some groceries, reports the Cyprus Times. But she never returned. Images from the scene show the twisted remains of the red buggy next to the pedestrian crossing and another car. The Briton had overtaken a stopped car whilst driving a rental buggy on Wednesday night before fatally hitting Pamdahl on a pedestrian crossing on Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue, police told the Cyprus Mail. The scene of the crash shows the mangled beach buggy next to a car in Ayia Napa on Wednesday night The 25-year-old man allegedly hit Camilla Christina Pamdahl, 46, on a pedestrian crossing as he overtook a car whilst drunk and under the influence of cannabis in the Mediterranean resort town on Wednesday night, police said on Thursday. Pictured: The scene The rental buggy had overtaken a stopped car on Wednesday night before fatally hitting Pamdahl on a pedestrian crossing on Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue 'A young man driving the rental buggy overtook a stopped car, and hit the woman,' a police spokesperson said, adding that the accident occurred at about 6pm local time. The British tourist quickly abandoned his vehicle and left a passenger inside but he was tracked down by police within hours and arrested at 11.30pm local time. Officers conducted an alcohol test on the man and he was nearly five times over the legal alcohol limit of nine milligrams with a test reading of 44 mg. He also tested positive for cannabis following a preliminary drug test, police said. Police sources told MailOnline that the British tourist is set to face charges including causing death due to reckless driving or dangerous actions and fleeing the scene of an accident. The British tourist quickly abandoned his vehicle and left a passenger inside but he was tracked down by police within hours and arrested at 11.30pm local time, cops say. Pictured: Ayia Napa's Nissi Avenue Police officers are seen at the scene of the crash in Ayia Napa on Wednesday night The Briton fled the scene on foot after the incident whilst Pamdahl, who was on holiday in Cyprus with her five-year-old daughter, was rushed Famagusta general hospital where she was declared dead on arrival Images from the scene show the twisted remains of the buggy stood horizontally across the road next to the pedestrian crossing and another car Pamdahl was killed whilst getting groceries for herself and her five-year-old daughter. Police have since contacted the child's father, who is abroad, to travel to Cyprus to pick up the child. He is expected to arrive in the country soon. The girl is currently with officials of the Welfare Office and a child psychologist. Police sources told KNews that the British tourist, his passenger nor the driver of the other vehicle were injured in the incident. Only the British driver was arrested. The man was on Thursday remanded in custody for six days by a Famagusta District Court facilitate the police investigation. The man is set to appear in court on Friday where prosecutors will attribute the charges to him. The Briton will face a trial at a later date which will be announced by the court. A Swedish Foreign ministry spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The Ministry for Foreign Affairs can confirm that a Swedish woman in her 40s from Vastra Gotaland died in Cyprus on 4 May. Her family have been notified.' Sen. Mitt Romney is predicting Trump will be the GOP's nominee in 2024 if he runs. The Utah Republican who twice voted to impeach former President Donald Trump made the statement following the victory by Trump-backed candidate J.D. Vance in the Ohio Republican primary for Senate. He will succeed Sen. Rob Portman, a more conventional establishment Republican who nevertheless immediately threw his support to Vance following his win Tuesday. 'I dont delude myself into thinking I have a big swath of the Republican Party,' said Romney, who was the party's presidential nominee in 2012 and was defeated by President Barack Obama. 'Its hard to imagine anything that would derail his support,' he said, in comments reported by Axios. 'So if he wants to become the nominee in 24, I think hes very likely to achieve that,' Romney said. 'He's the leader of the party, that's clear ... If he decides to run, he will be the nominee,' Romney said. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is one of the few Senate Republicans who has been willing to take on former President Donald Trump. He called Trump 'the leader of the party' and said 'if he decides to run, he will be the nominee' Romeny's comments are hardly out of the mainstream when it comes to political observers. A ABC News / Washington Post poll this week found 60 per cent of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents think Republican leaders should follow Trump, with just 34 per cent saying they should lead the party in a different direction. That comes in a survey where a 52 percent overall majority said Trump should be charged with crimes over January 6. There have been other demonstrations of Trump's power through his sway in primaries and in the way other leading Republicans have deferred to him. Trump through his support to Vance in the three-way primary, and his son Donald Trump, Jr. campaigned with Vance. Trump-alligned tech investor Peter Thiel poured millions into the race. Trump has been using his influence in primaries and trying to take down opponents within the GOP Romney's comments come a day after the victory of Trump-backed J.D. Vance in the Ohio Republican primary for Senate 'If he decides to run, he will be the nominee,' Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said of Trump House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) can be heard on tape two days after Jan. 6th talking about use of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. McCarthy said it takes too long Vance repeatedly praised Trump after condemning him in the past, and took up his attacks on government officials he called 'corrupt.' Immediately after his win, Portman, who had backed rival Jane Timken, said he supported Vance's reelection. Agreeing with Romney's take was Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who was photographed raising his fist to protesters outside the Capitol on Jan. 6th. 'Hes the leader of the party, thats clear If he decides to run, he will be the nominee,' he said, Politico reported. Hawley is himself considered a potential candidate for president. Romney said last year he wouldn't vote for Trump if he is the GOP nominee. But Senate Minority Leader said in February he would 'absolutely' support Trump if he is the nominee. That came despite McConnell accusing Trump of 'disgraceful dereliction of duty' on Jan. 6. On Wednesday President Joe Biden called MAGA 'the most extreme political organization in American history,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would continue to make the case against it around the country in the coming weeks. A suburban stoush has broken out between furious neighbours, with one calling the other's building plan 'ugly', 'characterless' and a 'ghetto' development. Mitcham council in South Australia will adjudicate on the planning proposal in the leafy Adelaide suburb of Blackwood that is causing bad blood and hurt feelings. Locals Matthew Ayres and Kym Butcher did not pull their punches in appealing to the council to stop the Garnet Avenue development. 'The proposed dwelling is a characterless imposing box, with no obvious redeeming features,' Mr Ayres said in a panel submission to the council. Is this construction proposal (pictured) 'one of the ugliest buildings ever'? An neighbour objecting to it said it is 'This is one of the ugliest buildings I have ever seen proposed, akin to some of the modern "ghetto" developments. 'I urge council to reject the proposal as, if approved, this will set a dangerous precedent that may lead to a great loss of character for the otherwise pleasant local area.' Mr Butcher, whose home is right beside the proposed development at No. 25, said it would also lead to a fall in house prices nearby. 'I believe it will significantly devalue our property and impact significantly on our indoor and outdoor areas, including privacy and sunlight,' he said. 'I believe it will also impact the street character significantly, as it will be three storeys in elevation above our house immediately next door.' The initial application for the property, lodged in May 2021, was rejected due to the height proposed. Garnet Avenue (pictured) in the leafy Adelaide suburb of Blackwood is the scene of a neighbourhood stoush over a new building proposal A proposal for changes to a suburban house in Adelaide has led to concerns it could reduce property values in the area Mr Ayres and Mr Butcher are hoping it will be turned down again by Mitcham council. A spokeswoman for the builder, Metricon Homes, said it had shown the council that there are other such modern builds in the area. 'We worked closely alongside our customers to deliver their desired home while meeting council requirements,' she told the Advertiser. 'We ask that the council panel approves this application, and we can move forward so help deliver our customers' home.' The killer mother of Baby P could be set free within weeks after a judge refused the Dominic Raab's attempt to block her release. The move sparked a furious row, with the Justice Secretary raging against the decision to release Tracey Connelly, saying it showed why the parole board 'needs a fundamental overhaul'. Connelly, now 40, was jailed for a minimum of five years in 2009, for causing or allowing the death of her tortured 17-month-old son Peter in a horrific case that shocked the nation. She was released in 2013 but was recalled to prison in 2015 for selling naked photos of herself and breaching her licence conditions by 'developing intimate personal relationships' online. In March the Parole Board announced she had been cleared for release due to a low risk of reoffending. But within hours Mr Raab vowed to block the move, describing the notorious case as 'harrowing'. The Justice Secretary can apply to have a verdict reconsidered if he believes 'the correct process was not followed' or 'the decision was irrational or unreasonable'. Nevertheless, the Parole Board says it considers cases carefully so it would be unusual for a decision to change. Responding today to the news his appeal had failed, Mr Raab said Connelly's actions were 'pure evil' and added: 'The decision to release her demonstrates why the parole board needs a fundamental overhaul - including a ministerial check for the most serious offenders - so that it serves and protects the public.' The evil mother will be subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships. She will also have her Internet use monitored and be forced to obey a curfew. Connelly was jailed at the Old Bailey in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17-month-old son Peter at their home in Tottenham, north London , on August 3, 2007 Known publicly as Baby P, Peter (pictured) had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police officers and health professionals over eight months Justice Secretary Dominic Raab (pictured) pledged in March to appeal against the board's recommendation to free Tracey Connelly, 40, from prison Baby P: A timeline of the tragedy that shocked Britain March 1, 2006: Peter Connelly (Baby P) is born August 3, 2007: 17-month-old Baby P is found dead in cot November 11, 2008: Peter's mother, Tracey Connelly, boyfriend Steven Barker and brother Jason Owen are convicted of causing his death November 13, 2008: Ed Balls orders an inquiry into the role of the council, health authority and police December 1, 2008: An independent review declares Haringey's child protection services 'inadequate' December 8, 2008: Haringey Children's Services boss Sharon Shoesmith is sacked with immediate effect May 22, 2009: Connelly is jailed indefinitely, Barker gets a life term and Owen is given an indeterminate sentence for public protection October 7, 2009: Shoesmith launches a High Court case against Balls to seek compensation for her dismissal September 15, 2010: Shoesmith tells MPs she is sorry about what happened but refuses to accept any blame, saying she had no involvement in the care of Baby P May 27, 2011: The Court of Appeal rules in favour of Shoesmith, saying dismissal was 'tainted by unfairness' October 8, 2013: Connelly is recommended for release February 14, 2015: Connelly is back behind bars after sending nude pictures to male fans December 29, 2015: The Parole Board rejects Connelly's first bid for freedom November 28, 2017: It rejects Connelly's second bid for freedom January 6, 2019: The Parole Board rejects Connelly's third bid for freedom March 30, 2022: Connelly is recommended for release again April 2022: Dominic Raab appeals the decision. May 5: Parole Board rejects his appeal. Advertisement Known publicly as Baby P, Peter had suffered more than 50 injuries despite being on the at-risk register and receiving 60 visits from social workers, police officers and health professionals over eight months. Connelly's lover Steven Barker was jailed in 2009 for a minimum of 32 years for torturing the 17-month-old to death while his brother, Jason Owen, received a six year jail sentence for allowing the toddler to die. A series of reviews identified missed opportunities for officials to save the toddler's life had they reacted properly to warning signs. In March the Parole Board decided she was suitable for release, having rejected three previous bids. Today, the Parole Board announced the application had been rejected and the original decision upheld. A spokesman said in a statement: 'Following the reconsideration application from the Secretary of State, a judge has ruled that the decision made by independent Parole Board members to release was not irrational, as stated in the reconsideration application, and the original decision is upheld.' The reconsideration mechanism, introduced in July 2019, allows the Justice Secretary and the prisoner to challenge the board's decision within 21 days if they believe them to be 'procedurally unfair' or 'irrational'. Victims and members of the public can also make a request via the minister. But the threshold is high and is the same as is required when seeking a judicial review in court. The provisions also make clear that 'being unhappy' with the decision is not grounds for reconsideration. Mr Raab intervened on the grounds that the decision to free Connelly was 'irrational', arguing it had failed to take proper account of some information surrounding the case and did not provide sufficient reasons for its conclusion. The Parole Board added: 'In summary, the judge has concluded that the panel did take into consideration all evidence mentioned by the application and made rational conclusions.' Connelly will be subject to restrictions on her movements, activities and who she contacts, and faces 20 extra licence conditions. They include living at a specified address, being supervised by probation, wearing an electronic tag, adhering to a curfew and having to disclose her relationships. Baby P, was tortured to death in 2007 by Connelly's lover Steven Barker (left) and his brother Jason Owen (right) at their home in Tottenham, north London How Dominic Raab is trying to prevent the release of Britain's most serious criminals Who has the power to release criminals from prison? The 246 members of the Parole Board of England and Wales make risk assessments and decisions on whether prisoners can be safely released or moved to an open jail. What power does Dominic Raab have and can the Parole Board decision be overturned? While the initial decision to release prisoners is made by the Parole Board, the Justice Secretary can apply to have a verdict reconsidered if he believes 'the correct process was not followed' or 'the decision was irrational or unreasonable'. Nevertheless, the Parole Board says it considers cases carefully so it would be unusual for a decision to change. If a parole decision is not challenged within 21 calendar days it becomes final and the prisoner must be released. How does he want to reform the system? The plans could see ministers override the Parole Board when it comes to the release of dangerous criminals from jail, with an aim to focus on protecting the public rather than the rights of offenders. This could include cases involving murder, rape, terrorism and causing or allowing the death of a child. Similarly, where the Parole Board cannot confidently say the prisoner is safe to leave prison, they will refer the decision to the Justice Secretary. While victims will not have a definitive say in the decision to release, they will be given the chance to attend hearings as an observer and ask questions, while the board will be required to take their submissions into account. Currently, victims are limited to a statement shared with the board explaining how the crime impacted on their life. Advertisement Her use of the internet and a phone will be monitored, and she has been told she cannot go to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'. Peter and three other children were sharing the four-bedroom house with their mother, her boyfriend and his brother when he died. A series of reviews identified missed opportunities for officials to save the toddler's life had they reacted properly to warning signs. Three of the children, including Peter, were on Haringey's Child Protection Register because of fears they were being neglected. Connelly, who covered up the abuse of her son, was jailed indefinitely in 2009 for a minimum of five years after admitting causing or allowing the death of her son Peter. She was then freed on licence in 2013 but later recalled to prison in 2015 after it was found she had sent indecent images of herself to people obsessed with her notoriety. The Parole Board considered her case for a third time in November 2019, following previous reviews in 2015 and 2017, and refused to either release her or move her to an open prison. In 2019, the convict launched a bid to be freed from prison so she could try to spend Christmas with her lover. She became besotted with a 37-year-old insurance salesman named Paul and told fellow prisoners she want to move in with him in Reading. The abuser said she believed she was ready to leave prison a 'changed woman'. Connelly insisted her relationship was genuine because she had known him for many years. Mr Raab has insisted the case for reform of the parole system is 'clear and made out'. Offenders who are subject to life sentences, indeterminate sentences for public protection, extended sentences and certain recall cases are all subject to the parole process, meaning their release must be directed by the Parole Board. The proposed reforms could see ministers override the Parole Board when it comes to the release of dangerous criminals from jail, with an aim to focus on protecting the public rather than the rights of offenders. This could include cases involving murder, rape, terrorism and causing or allowing the death of a child. Connelly, pictured in 2013, when she was released on licence in 2013 before being ordered back to jail Victims are also expected to be given the right to attend parole hearings in full for the first time, in a nod to the Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto. Living with killers: The little boy who never stood a chance Tracey Connelly, who covered up the abuse of her son Baby Peter, was living with Steven Barker and Jason Owen when little Peter died. Barker was a sadistic neo-Nazi who raped a two-year-old girl, tortured his own grandmother and is suspected of sex attacks on other children. Their 'lodger' and his brother Owen was a crack cocaine addict and convicted arsonist who was accused of raping a girl of 11. The full horror of what they put Peter through only emerged after he was found dead in his cot, his emaciated body covered with 22 separate injuries. At the time of his death, Peter and three other children were sharing a four-bedroom house with Connelly, her boyfriend Barker, his paedophile brother Owen and his four children, plus Owen's 15-year-old girlfriend. Three of the children - including Peter - were on Haringey's Child Protection Register because of fears they were being neglected. Social workers, health visitors and doctors saw the family 60 times before 17-month-old Peter died from his horrific injuries, which included a snapped spine and eight broken ribs. Advertisement The Parole Board will now be required to take into account submissions made by victims and they will be allowed to ask questions. The new rules could also see more police, and other people with 'enforcement experience', recruited to sit on Parole Board decision panels. Mr Raab said it was 'striking' that as of last year only 5% of all Parole Board panel members come from a law enforcement background, telling MPs he believed this was a 'significant deficit'. Setting out his review of the parole system earlier this year, Mr Raab said: 'Our reforms will ensure that those offenders who present the highest risk to public safety are reviewed more rigorously with additional ministerial oversight. 'Protecting the public is the Government's top priority. The proposals in this review will enforce public safety.' He added: 'Following the review we have conducted and published today, I believe the case for reform is clear and made out.' Mr Raab also said a ministerial check would be introduced in cases which involve 'those who have committed the most serious crimes'. He said: 'I believe the focus in this critical decision-making has become adrift from its original moorings. So this Government will anchor Parole Board decision-making back to the cardinal principle of public protection. 'When it comes to assessing the risk to victims and public safety, we will introduce a precautionary principle to reinforce public confidence in the system and in cases which involve those who have committed the most serious crimes, we will introduce a ministerial check on release decisions exercised by the secretary of state for justice. 'The package of reforms published today will strengthen the focus on public protection at every stage.' Outlining his plans further, Mr Raab said: 'It is striking that as of last year only 5% of all Parole Board panel members come from a law enforcement background.' He added: 'But I do point to what I believe is a significant deficit. I believe it is wrong and that our reforms will ensure that those who we charge with making finely balanced assessments of future risk have greater first hand operational experience of protecting the public from serious offenders. 'So we will change this imbalance by mandating the Parole Board to recruit more members with operational or enforcement experience.' Advertisement One person died in Iraq and more than 5,000 were treated in hospitals Thursday for respiratory problems due to a sandstorm, the seventh in a month, the health ministry said. Residents of six of Iraq's 18 provinces, including Baghdad and the vast western region of Al-Anbar, awoke once again to a thick cloud of dust blanketing the sky. As the storm swept across Iraq, it shrouded the capital Baghdad and the holy city of Najaf in ghostly orange clouds of choking dust. Duststorms have increased dramatically in frequency in Iraq in recent years, driven by soil degradation and intense droughts made worse by climate change, with rising average temperatures and sharply lower rainfall. 'One death has been recorded in Baghdad' and hospitals 'have received no less than 5,000 cases so far,' health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr said in a statement. Those hit hardest are people suffering from 'chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma', and the elderly who suffer in particular from heart ailments, he said. Above: An aerial picture shows a view of Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah during a heavy sandstorm. One person died in Iraq and more than 5,000 were treated in hospitals Thursday for respiratory problems due to a sandstorm, the seventh in a month Above: A view of the dust covered sky during a sandstorm, in Baghdad. Duststorms have increased dramatically in frequency in Iraq in recent years, driven by soil degradation and intense droughts made worse by climate change, with rising average temperatures and sharply lower rainfall Above: Iraqi people receive oxygen support at a hospital during a sandstorm in Baghdad. 'One death has been recorded in Baghdad' and hospitals 'have received no less than 5,000 cases so far,' according to the Iraqi health ministry Above: Iraqis walk at the Imam Ali shrine during a sandstorm in Iraq's holy city of Najaf. As the storm swept across Iraq, it shrouded the capital Baghdad and the holy city of Najaf in ghostly orange clouds of choking dust Above: Vehicles drive along a street during a sandstorm in Baghdad. Dust and sandstorms have always occurred in the Middle East but grown more frequent and intense in recent years, a trend that has been associated with overuse of river water, more dams, overgrazing and deforestation Badr added that the majority had since been discharged and most cases were of 'medium or low intensity'. Dust and sandstorms have always occurred in the Middle East but grown more frequent and intense in recent years, a trend that has been associated with overuse of river water, more dams, overgrazing and deforestation. The fine dust particles can cause health problems such as asthma and cardiovascular ailments, and also spread bacteria and viruses as well as pesticides and other toxins. Authorities in Al-Anbar and Kirkuk provinces, north of the capital, urged people 'not to leave their homes', said the official INA news agency. The storms are expected to grow more intense with worsening climate change because higher temperatures and more irregular rainfalls dry out land faster and accelerate desertification. Sandstorms also cause economic damage by reducing visibility, sometimes to near zero, shuttering airports and highways and causing damage to buildings, vegetation and solar panels. Health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr added that the majority of the hospitalised had since been discharged and most cases were of 'medium or low intensity' Above: A man uses an oxygen mask at a hospital during a sandstorm in Baghdad. Hospitals in Al-Anbar province had received more than 700 patients with breathing difficulties, said Anas Qais, a health official cited by INA Above: Iraqi people receive oxygen support at a hospital during a sandstorm in Baghdad. The central province of Salaheddin reported more than 300 cases, while Diwaniya and the province of Najaf, south of Baghdad, each recorded about 100 cases The storms are expected to grow more intense with worsening climate change because higher temperatures and more irregular rainfalls dry out land faster and accelerate desertification Above: Iraqis visit the Imam Ali shrine during a sandstorm in Iraq's holy city of Najaf. Oil-rich Iraq, despite its mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is classified as one of the world's five countries most vulnerable to climate change and desertification Authorities in Al-Anbar and Kirkuk provinces, north of the capital, urged people 'not to leave their homes', said the official INA news agency Hospitals in Al-Anbar province had received more than 700 patients with breathing difficulties, said Anas Qais, a health official cited by INA. The central province of Salaheddin reported more than 300 cases, while Diwaniya and the province of Najaf, south of Baghdad, each recorded about 100 cases, the news agency added. Oil-rich Iraq, despite its mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is classified as one of the world's five countries most vulnerable to climate change and desertification. Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts and that their intensity and frequency in turn threaten food security. Experts have said these factors threaten to bring social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country. A traffic roundabout in Nasiriyah in the south of Iraq. Scientists say climate change amplifies droughts and that their intensity and frequency in turn threaten food security. Experts have said these factors threaten to bring social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country People walk through a sand storm in Baghdad. In November, the World Bank warned Iraq - a country of 41 million people - could suffer a 20-percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change Above: A man walks through a sand storm in Baghdad. The United Nations says about one-third of Iraq's population now lives in poverty Iraqis visit the Imam Ali shrine during a sandstorm in Iraq's holy city of Najaf. The environment ministry said the weather phenomenon could be addressed by 'increasing vegetation cover and creating forests that act as windbreaks' In November, the World Bank warned Iraq - a country of 41 million people - could suffer a 20-percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change. The United Nations says about one-third of Iraq's population now lives in poverty. The effects of low rainfall have been exacerbated as the levels of the Tigris and Euphrates drop because of upstream dams in neighbouring Iran and Turkey. In early April, a government official warned Iraq could face '272 days of dust' a year in coming decades. The environment ministry said the weather phenomenon could be addressed by 'increasing vegetation cover and creating forests that act as windbreaks'. The rising cost of travel has caused many workers to reconsider commuting to the office, although things may change in the winter because of high heating bills, new research suggests. A survey of 500 UK workers indicated that almost half plan to stay away from offices because of the high cost of commuting. A study of thousands of employees in several other countries, including the United States, Australia and France, found similar results. A survey of 500 UK workers indicated that almost half plan to stay away from offices because of the high cost of commuting. File image Technology firm Citrix said its research indicated that one in four UK workers will return to offices more often in the winter to reduce the cost of heating their home. Traci Palmer of Citrix said: 'It's a classic cost-benefit analysis. 'Employees have learned they can engage and be just as productive working from home, and as fuel prices continue to increase, they are questioning whether the benefits of being in the office outweigh the time and money associated with commuting. 'The key to keeping employees engaged and productive lies in creating work-from-anywhere experiences that are seamless, fuel connection and collaboration, and empower people to do their best work, regardless of their location.' Two thirds of UK workers surveyed said their employers should help them with the costs of travelling to the office. Two thirds of UK workers surveyed said their employers should help them with the costs of travelling to the office. Above, commuters on the Jubilee line The Bank of England today delivered a dire warning that inflation will top 10 per cent and the economy is set to go into reverse - as it hiked interest rates again. Governor Andrew Bailey laid out a darkening picture for the UK with CPI inflation now expected to peak at 10 per cent in the last quarter of this year - the highest since 1982. In a brutal hit on families, GDP is projected to fall at the same time - and will be in the red through 2023 as a whole, declining by 0.25 per cent. The unemployment rate is set to reach 5.5 per cent by 2025. Although still historically low, the 0.25 percentage point increase in interest rates takes them to a 13-year high of 1 per cent and will add to the mortgage burden for many Britons already struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. The economy essentially flatlines over the next three years, under the latest projection from the Bank of England The darkening picture for the UK includes CPI inflation reaching double-digits- the highest level since 1982 Inflation and interest rates both spiked in the 1970s - but Professor David Blanchflower said the UK faced a different situation today The OBR highlighted in March that Britons are facing the biggest fall in real disposable income on record this year How inflation threatens families and the public finances Inflation has long been seen as one of the biggest threats to economies. In extreme examples, it has spiralled out of control and sparked panic. The German Weimar Republic effectively collapsed after the value of the mark went from around 90 marks to the US dollar in 1921 to 7,400 marks to the dollar in 1921. In Zimbabwe between 2008 and 2009 the monthly inflation rate was estimated to have reached a mind-boggling 79.6billion per cent. Although inflation has faded in the minds of Britons who have become used to ultra-low interest rates and stable prices, it caused chaos here in the 1970s. Deregulation of the mortgage market, the emergence of credit cards and an overheating economy drove the rate to an eye-watering 25 per cent in 1975. People would rush to buy goods with their wages after pay-day, as the costs were rising so quickly. Strikes erupted as there was pressure for pay packets to keep pace with prices. Unemployment rose as the economy tipped into recession, and the government had to pump up interest rates in a bid to bolster the pound and control the surge. That meant mortgage interest payments spiked into double digits. And as a result servicing the national debt became a serious problem. Advertisement The Bank admitted that the balance of risk on inflation is still that it could be even higher than anticipated: 'We may need to increase interest rates further in the coming months.' At a press conference, Mr Bailey warned that the Ukraine war had 'sharply intensified' inflationary pressures. He said the 1.75 per cent squeeze on incomes this year would be the worst on record apart from 2011 and he 'recognised the hardship that this will cause for many in the UK'. 'The biggest driver is the real income shock which is coming from the change in the terms of trade, particularly from energy prices, and from some core goods and some food,' he said. The headline CPI inflation rate reached 7 per cent in March, the highest since 1992, and some believe it will hit double-digits later in the year as the Ukraine war and pandemic fallout drive up energy and food prices. And the MPC said today: 'Consumer Price Index inflation is expected to rise further over the remainder of the year, to just over 9 per cent in 2022 Q2 and averaging slightly over 10 per cent at its peak in 2022 Q4. 'The majority of that further increase reflects higher household energy prices following the large rise in the Ofgem price cap in April and projected additional large increase in October. 'The price cap mechanism means that it takes some time for increases in wholesale gas and electricity prices, and their respective futures curves, to be reflected in retail energy prices. 'Given the operation of the price cap, consumer price inflation is likely to peak later in the United Kingdom than in many other economies, and may therefore fall back later. 'The expected rise in CPI inflation also reflects higher food, core goods and services prices.' The value of the pound slipped near two-year lows at 1.24 against the US dollar and 0.6 per cent to 1.178 against the euro after the Bank's gloomy views emerged. The Bank's main remit is to control inflation, but there are doubts over how effective a rate cut can be when the pressures are largely global and the UK economy already appears to be slowing down dramatically. In a grim set of forecasts, it predicted growth will contract in the final three months of 2022 as the cost squeeze sees households rein in their spending. A 42-year-old Chicago man charged with murdering his daughter confessed in a letter to his son afterwards: 'I lost my mind, went out of control and beat the sh**t out of her.' Mohammed Almaru has been charged with first degree murder for the death of his daughter Mia Maro, 17. She was found dead inside the family home on Sunday by an aunt. Her father had beaten her to death with a metal pole and rubber mallet after going through her phone and discovering she was 'lying' about things to him, according to charging documents. In the days before her death, he had forbidden her from going to senior prom, telling her he 'didn't trust her'. It's unclear if she did go to the prom or not but her father attacked her in a rage and told family it was because he discovered she'd been lying to him. The girl's mother, Audrey, is disabled after suffering an unspecific brain injury in 2019. She lives in the home but her carers are listed as her sisters. Mohammed Almaru has been charged with first degree murder for the death of his daughter Mia Maro, 17. She was found dead inside the family home on Sunday by an aunt In the letter to his son after beating his daughter dead, Almaru said: 'I lost my mind, went out of control, and beat the s*** out of her, and accidental hit her in the head. 'I laid down with her, was uncontious [sic] and woke up to her cold body,' he told his son. After the killing, he tried to kill himself by slashing his own throat and his wrists. Almaru is now in the hospital and it's unclear what his condition is. He has been charged with first degree murder. Charging documents reveal how the pair had argued about whether or not Mia would be allowed to go to prom on Friday night. She told friends that her father was going to allow her to attend, and that he had even helped her pick out her dress. Something changed however by the day of the event. He suddenly told her she couldn't go and that he didn't trust her, according to the court documents. It's unclear if Mia did go or not. Mia's mother Audrey suffered a brain injury in 2019. It's unclear what caused the injury. She lives in the family home and was there when her husband beat their daughter to death The teenager's body was found inside this home in Tinley Park, Chicago Mia , her two brothers, and their mother before their mother's brain injury in 2019 Mia had told friends she feared her father was going to kill her, court documents reveal On Sunday, two days after the prom, her aunt Randa was worried that she hadn't heard from her niece. She sent multiple texts that went unanswered. In a ruse to get Almaru to allow her inside, she planned to buy marijuana from him. Shortly after 5pm, Almaru opened the door to the aunt. He asked her to sit with his disabled wife Audrey, then he vanished. The aunt then heard gargling from a room in the home. She went inside and found Mia under a blanket, lifeless, and the father who had just tried to kill himself. She called 911 and Almaru was taken to the hospital. It's unclear if the couple's sons were inside the house at the time of the killing, or at any other point over the weekend. Ted Cruz claims the Supreme Court leak is the doing of an individual 'woke left-wing twit' and claims the person responsible for the chaos unleashed in America on Monday evening should be disbarred and put in jail. 'In over 200 years of our nation's history, that has never happened,' the Republican Texas senator told Fox Primetime host Brian Kilmeade on Wednesday. 'And there was one woke little left-wing twit who decided, to hell with his or her obligations to the justice they work for, to hell with their obligations to the court, to hell with their obligations to the rule of law, that they would instead try to sneak it out in order to put political pressure on the justices and intimidate them into changing their votes,' he added. Cruz, after graduating from Harvard Law School in 1995, clerked for Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and then for the Supreme Court's Chief Justice at the time William Rehnquist from 1996 to 1997. He told Fox News on Wednesday that it's 'difficult to overstate how destructive this is to the Supreme Court.' On Monday evening, Politico published what appeared to be a photocopy of a draft opinion from conservative Justice Samuel Alito from February showing a potential impending overturn of landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade. Trump administration Attorney General Bill Barr on Wednesday called the act of leaking a bombshell Supreme Court memo an 'unforgivable sin.' Texas Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News on Wednesday that the Supreme Court leaker is likely a clerk who is 'one woke little left-wing twit' who turned on their 'obligations to the justice they work for' An un-scalable massive fence was erected around the perimeter of the Supreme Court Building on Wednesday evening after clashes escalated between pro- and anti-abortion protesters The high court's marshal Col. Gail A. Curley is investigating the leak after Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the leaked document and called for a probe to track down the individual who shared the draft opinion. Republicans argue that the leak has destroyed the sanctity of the Supreme Court, which for most of its history has remained free of political influence and partisan bickering that is more common in the executive and legislative branches. 'We're going to find this person, and when they're found, they're going to be fired on the spot, they will be disbarred if they're a member of the bar, or they will never be admitted to the bar to be a lawyer, and to the extent that they've broken criminal laws, they need to be prosecuted and sent to jail,' Cruz said. Democrats, however, are unconcerned with the leak and are more worried about what the contents of the draft opinion could mean for women's right to terminate their pregnancies. The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case resulted in a decision that made abortion a federal protected constitutional right. In recent years, red states have tried to chip away at that rule by limiting abortion rights to time periods in which a woman may not even be aware that she is pregnant. Cruz thinks that the leak came from one of the four clerks for each justice. 'I think the chances are zero that it is a justice,' Cruz said. 'I cannot believe any justice would be [party] to such a grave betrayal of the institution.' 'I think it is a law clerk, and I think it is very likely a law clerk for one of the three liberal justices. That means there are 12 likely suspects,' he added. The draft opinion showed five of the six conservative justices in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade with only Roberts breaking from his colleagues to join the three liberals on the bench in the dissent. The draft signed by Justice Alito said 'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.' A draft opinion sparked a firestorm late on Monday night when it was first reported that the court could consider striking down federal abortion protections. Barr speculated that the leaker could face criminal charges -- even outlining 'a number of federal statutes' he said would apply in a television interview on Fox News. Host Martha McCallum noted that the person's identity could be revealed by the media seeking to build a 'cottage industry' around them that included book deals and other promotional identity. 'Well, I hope they build it while they're in jail,' Barr answered dryly. 'Because this is a grave -- an unforgivable sin, and I think it is likely they're going to find out who leaked it.' The former Justice chief called for 'the full weight of the law to be brought against them.' Donald Trump's attorney general outlined specific criminal charges he thought the person who leaked the Supreme Court draft could be subjected to Barr speculated that one potential charge could be 'fraud against the United States,' which he explained 'involves wrongdoing intended to impede the functioning of the government.' 'They are also statutes on obstructing or trying to interfere or influence the due administration of justice by committing acts like this,' he continued. 'It could also involve using government documents for one's own benefit, converting government documents.' 'So there are a number of criminal statutes that were potentially violated here,' Barr added. He went on to express confidence that President Joe Biden's Justice Department will pursue the person who leaked the draft. 'If they're called on to do it, I think they will. The other option at least initially would -- the court has virtually unlimited power to protect its own procedures and processes. They can use compulsory power to do their own investigation,' Barr said. 'But at the end of the day, I think -- because criminal punishment I think is called for here -- I think at some point it's going to have to go to the Justice Department.' 'We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,' the draft states of the landmark 1973 case. Demonstrators hold signs during a protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court after the leak of a draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito preparing for a majority of the court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision later this year, in Washington, U.S., May 4 Protesters first descended on the national capital on Monday night when the opinion was first reported by Politico 'The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.' In his statement confirming the draft, Roberts called the leak a 'betrayal of the confidences of the Court.' But whereas Republicans have focused their outrage on the act of leaking the draft, Democrats are up-in-arms over the possibility that a nearly 50-year precedent relating to the right to privacy could soon be overturned by the court's 5-3 conservative majority. Twenty-six states are expected to limit or outlaw abortion if Roe is overturned. Biden said the potential decision 'calls into question the fundamental right to privacy the right to make personal choices about marriage, whether to have children, and how to raise them.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the opinion an 'abomination.' Republican appointed-Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett could all vote to strike down Roe with Justice Samuel Alito And a number of lawmakers are accusing Trump-appointed Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett of lying to senators when they declared Roe v. Wade to be set precedent during their confirmation processes. But according to Barr, their answers did not necessarily indicate that they would not overturn the case. 'I don't think those responses could fairly be understood as saying it would never be overruled,' he claimed on Wednesday. 'I think they all made clear that, like any other precedent, it is subject to stare decisis and weighed in some degree of deference. But the whole doctrine of stare decisis also has in it some factors that are consulted, that may lead a court to overrule a prior precedent.' However, he pointed out, Alito's opinion is only a confirmation of his beliefs and not that of other justices. The explosive draft is linked to the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, in which Mississippi officials are seeking to impose a 15-week abortion ban. State prosecutors have also asked the high court to consider overturning Roe v. Wade altogether. The case's defendant is the last operational abortion clinic in Mississippi. A decision in the case is expected in June. A woman was taken into custody in the southern Mexico state of Oaxaca after she confessed to the murders of her four children because she had grown tired of her husband being jealous of her and no longer wanted to in a relationship with a man four times her age. Arelis Juarez, 27, stabbed her three daughters and infant son at the family's Chicapa de Castro home on Monday. Arelis Aquino, eight; Itzayana Aquino, five; Alisey Aquino, two; and Delfino Aquino, 10 months, were found lying in the same bed in one of the bedrooms. They were all declared dead at the scene. A 62-year-old father poses with his four children who were killed by his wife, Arelis Juarez, on Monday at their family home in Oaxaca, Mexico. The victims have been identified as Arelis Aquino, eight; Itzayana Aquino, five; Alisey Aquino, two; and Delfino Aquino, 10 months Arelis Juarez is escorted to an ambulance moments after authorities arrived at her home and discovered her four children dead. She confessed to the killings and was taken to a local hospital for treatment for a neck wound after she tried to kill herself Juarez attempted to kill herself by cutting her neck. She was rushed to Juchitan Civil Hospital, where she remains hospitalized and is in stable condition. As police escorted her out of the residence, Juarez reportedly admitted to the killings and said her 62-year-old husband 'was very jealous of her and couldn't bear to be with him anymore.' The Oaxaca Attorney General Arturo Peimbert confirmed to Milenio television Thursday that the woman consumed alcohol hours before the attack and used the same weapon in the crime to try to taker her own life. On Wednesday, his office refuted initial media reports that claimed that Juarez had poisoned the children's food. The autopsy revealed that Juarez utilized a sharp object to kill her three daughters and son. Arelis Juarez allegedly told the arresting police officers that she murdered her four children because her 62-year-old husband 'was very jealous of her and couldn't bear to be with him anymore' The Oaxaca Attorney General's Office said toxicology tests have been done on the four children (pictured left to right with their 62-year-old father) to determine if they were also poisoned by their 27-year-old mother, Arelis Juarez 'It is worth mentioning that chemical tests were also carried out on the victims, the results of which are in process and will be announced promptly,' the Oaxaca Attorney General's Office said. 'The (Oaxaca Attorney General's Office) is committed to carrying out a meticulous investigation considering all the (evidence) until exhausting the lines of investigation that allow full access to justice.' Although the crime is being investigated as a homicide, Juarez has yet to be charged. Witnesses told Milenio television that Juarez was regularly beaten by her husband and argued with her him on Sunday because he was leaving the home to get intoxicated with alcohol in public. A father has been charged with the murder of his 8-month-old daughter who died when she was left in a hot car in Georgia on Tuesday. Davied Whatley, 20, went into Snellville Police Department to retrieve a gun that was being held in the property department there - while his baby daughter Nova Grace Whatley-Trejo was still in his car in 86-degree temperatures. Before releasing the weapon, police did a background check. This is standard practice to ensure a gun isn't being released to someone with a felony conviction. Officers discovered that there was a warrant for Whatley's arrest for a probation violation and took him into custody, detaining him for seven hours. During that time, baby Nova died on her own in the car. On Wednesday, Whatley was charged with second-degree murder over her death, but is now claiming that he told officers his daughter was in the car. Snellville police officers are denying this, saying that during his seven hours in custody he never once mentioned he had left Nova on her own. Davied Japez McCorry Whatley (left), 20, went into Snellville Police Department to retrieve a gun that was being held in the property department there - while his baby daughter Nova Grace Whatley-Trejo (right) was still in his car in 86-degree temperatures During the seven hours Whatley was detained by police, his 8-month-old daughter was alone in his car in Snellville City Hall parking lot across the road from the police station (pictured) The police say that body camera video - some of which has been released by the department - proves that he never said anything about her being in the car. What has been released to the public so far appears to back up the police's account. Snellville police Detective Jeff Manley said during a press conference on Wednesday that Whatley entered the Snellville Police Department around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday to retrieve a gun, having parked across the road in the Snellville City Hall parking lot. Upon discovering there was a warrant out for Whatley's arrest, he was taken into custody by the attending officers. From the time Whatley arrived at the police department until he was turned over to the Gwinnett County jail - more than 40 minutes - he was recorded on police body camera and dashcam video, Manley said. 'He made no statements as to the fact that his daughter was left in the car two buildings away from the Snellville Police Department,' Manley said. Snellville police Detective Jeff Manley said during a press conference on Wednesday that Whatley entered the Snellville Police Department around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday to retrieve a gun, having parked across the road in the Snellville City Hall parking lot Roughly seven hours later, the baby's grandmother Leticia Padilla arrived at the emergency room with the child, who was determined to be dead. Officers then determined that the baby, Nova Grace Whatley-Trejo, had been left in the car outside City Hall and that her grandmother retrieved her from the car. 'This situation didn't have to happen,' Padilla said speaking to WSB-TB, claiming the police didn't listen to her son. 'All they had to do was listen. They thought he was lying. He told them. He loved his daughter.' 'They can say whatever they want to. They have to cover their tracks,' Padilla said. Whatley, who lives in Grayson, had bonded out of jail on the probation violation charge Tuesday evening, Manley said. But he was arrested again Wednesday morning and charged with second-degree murder, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Lisa Vorrasi told reporters. A second-degree murder charge in Georgia means that someone has caused a death while committing second-degree cruelty to children, regardless of intent. It carries a penalty of 10 to 30 years in prison. An investment manager is fighting for the right to have a baby using the last remaining embryo he created with his late wife, after they spent a years desperately trying to have children. Widower Ted Jennings, 38, of Highbury, north London, used his sperm to create multiple embryos with Fern-Marie Choya during several rounds of IVF treatments between 2013 and 2018. He has now asked Mrs Justice Theis at the High Court to rule that it would be lawful for him to place the last embryo - which was created in 2018 and has been stored - 'in treatment with a surrogate mother'. But lawyers representing the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said Mr Jennings' application should be dismissed. They argued that it would not be lawful to use the embryo because Mr Jennings' accountant wife, who died in 2019, had not provided written consent. Ms Choya died aged 40 from complications with pregnancy following a uterine rupture - a rare occurrence which sees a mother's uterus tear, causing her baby to slip into her abdomen. The judge considered Mr Jennings' application at a public hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London on Thursday and is expected to deliver a written ruling in the near future. Widower Ted Jennings (pictured), 38, of Highbury, north London, used his sperm to create multiple embryos with his late wife Fern-Marie Choya, following several rounds of IVF treatments between 2013 and 2018. Mr Jennings has now asked Mrs Justice Theis to rule that it would be lawful for him to use the last embryo - which was created in 2018 and has been stored - 'in treatment with a surrogate mother'. (Pictured: Fern Marie Choya) IVF can cost upwards of 5,000 per cycle and has low chances of success In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby. During IVF, an egg is removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, called an embryo, is then returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop. It can be carried out using your eggs and your partner's sperm, or eggs and sperm from donors. The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the woman having treatment, as well as the cause of the infertility (if it's known). In 2019, the percentage of IVF treatments that resulted in a live birth was: 32% for women under 35; 25% for women aged 35 to 37; 19% for women aged 38 to 39; 11% for women aged 40 to 42; 5% for women aged 43 to 44 and 4% for women aged over 44. Younger women are more likely to have a successful pregnancy. IVF isn't usually recommended for women over the age of 42 because the chances of a successful pregnancy are thought to be too low. If you're not eligible for NHS treatment or you decide to pay for IVF, you can have treatment at a private clinic. The cost of private treatment can vary, but 1 cycle of IVF can cost up to 5,000 or more. There may be additional costs for medicines, consultations and tests. Source: NHS Advertisement Jenni Richards QC, who led Mr Jennings' legal team, told the judge that Mr Jennings and Ms Choya, who both moved to Britain from Trinidad, had married in 2009. She said they had struggled to conceive naturally and underwent three cycles of IVF treatment in 2013 and 2014 without success. Ms Choya had conceived naturally in 2015 and 2016 but both pregnancies ended in miscarriage. The couple had undergone further IVF cycles, in 2017 and 2018, and re-mortgaged their home in order to afford private treatment. Ms Richards said a positive pregnancy had been confirmed in late 2018. She said Ms Choya had developed complications with her pregnancy at 18 weeks, which resulted in a uterine rupture, and died in February 2019. Ms Richards said one embryo, the subject of the application, remained in storage. She said the 'issue' related to a legal 'requirement' that consent 'be recorded in writing and signed by the person giving it'. In a written case outline she added: '... the evidence is that Ms Choya would have wanted Mr Jennings to be able to use their partner-created embryo in treatment with a surrogate in the event of her death. 'In all the circumstances, it can, and should, be inferred that Ms Choya would have provided written consent to Mr Jennings being able to use their partner-created embryo in treatment with a surrogate in the event of her death had she been given the opportunity to do so.' Ms Richards added: '... Ms Choya had no opportunity, through no fault of her own, to provide that consent in writing.' She said preventing Mr Jennings using the embryo would be a 'significant interference' with his human right to respect for private and family life and prevent him from fulfilling the couple's wish to have a child. Kate Gallafent QC, who led the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's legal team, argued that without written consent it would not be lawful to use the embryo. She said the authority was sympathetic and told the judge that its 'sole interest' was to 'promote compliance' with a 'statutory scheme'. Mrs Justice Theis said she aimed to deliver a written ruling in the near future. (Pictured: High Court in London) 'Mr Jennings seeks a declaration from the court that it is lawful to use an embryo created using his gametes and those of his late wife Ms Choya in the treatment of a surrogate,' she told the judge in a written case outline. 'However, it is common ground between the parties that Ms Choya did not provide written consent to the embryo being used by Mr Jennings in treatment with a surrogate in the event of her death.' She said the authority's 'primary submission' was that: 'In the absence of such written consent, it is not lawful to use the embryo in treatment with a surrogate.' Ms Gallafent said the requirement of written consent was an 'express statutory condition' set out in the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act and 'central to the legislative regime'. Mrs Justice Theis said she aimed to deliver a written ruling in the near future. Advertisement A British soldier killed during in World War I has finally been laid to rest with full military honours more than a century after he died. Private William Johnston, of the 7th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, died at the age of 39 in 1915 during the Battle of Loos. He was buried alongside an unidentified soldier who served in the East Yorkshire Regiment on Thursday at the Loos British Cemetery in France. The service was led by the Reverend Dave Jeal, chaplain to 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, and bearer parties were provided by the Yorkshire Regiment and the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The two soldiers were killed on September 26, 1915, during the largest British attack of the year, and their remains were not discovered until 2018. An MoD unit known as the 'war detectives' solved the mystery of Pte Johnston's identity after finding a spoon with his service number on it during routine First World War ordinance surveys at a hospital building site in Lens. The team, who research military and historical records to name a casualty or previously unknown grave, then contacted his great-great-niece and asked for a DNA sample from her, which confirmed his identity. A bearer party from the Royal Regiment of Scotland carry the coffin of Private William Johnston, 7th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers as he is buried with full military honours on Thursday at the Loos British Cemetery in France Sharon Williamson, the great-great niece of Pte Johnston, is pictured during the service on Thursday. She was contacted by the MoD unit, known as the war detectives. They asked for a DNA sample from her, which confirmed his identity A spoon and a pocket watch, which belonged to Pte Johnston (and bears his service number), was key to confirming the soldier's identity Nicola Nash, of the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, said: 'We were lucky with Johnston because he was actually discovered with a spoon that had his service number on it. 'So we were able to look at that service number and link it with Johnston. Looking through historical documents, it also confirmed that the regiment was in the area when he was killed.' Records showed he was the only casualty with the number who did not have a known burial place. Ms Williamson, of County Armagh, said: 'It really brings 'Lest we forget' right into people's faces, and that over a 100 years ago that these men are not forgotten about and they're given the respect and the military burial that they deserve. It really brings home that these people can never be forgotten.' The 48-year-old added she heard his name being read out every year as it is on a local war memorial in Richhill. She said: 'We knew of the name but we didn't know of the story, we didn't know where he died, we didn't know when he died, we didn't know what age he was.' bearer party from the Royal Regiment of Scotland carry the coffin of Pte Johnston, 7th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers as he is buried with full military honours at the Loos British Cemetery in France A bearer party from the Royal Regiment of Scotland lower the coffin of Pte Johnston. The service was led by the Reverend Dave Jeal, chaplain to 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland The two soldiers were killed on September 26, 1915, during the largest British attack of the year, and their remains were not discovered until 2018. Pictured: the reburial ceremony for two British soldiers on Thursday Rev Jeal, pictured left, reads the order of service during a reburial ceremony for World War One soldier Pte Johnston of the 7th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, at the Loos British Cemetery in France The identity, and the story, of his fellow soldier in the East Yorkshire Regiment remains a mystery. He was found wearing two East Yorkshire Regiment shoulder titles. The war diaries of his regiment confirm that on September 26, 1915, they were in the location where his remains were recovered. On that day the regiment suffered heavy causalities from machine gun fire, having launched an attack the previous day. Between September 25 and 27, the regiment lost 15 officers and 266 other ranks, making it impossible for the war detectives to identify the soldier by name. The Loos British Cemetery was begun by the Canadian Corps in July 1917 for casualties from the Battle of Hill 70 in the same year. The remainder of the cemetery was formed after the Armistice in 1918. A lone piper from the Royal Regiment of Scotland is seen at the funeral of Pte Johnston. The Loos British Cemetery was begun by the Canadian Corps in July 1917 for casualties from the Battle of Hill 70 Pallbearers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, carry the coffin of World War One soldier Pte Johnston. His remains were found during routine First World War ordinance surveys at a hospital building site in Lens A woman and a teenager have pleaded guilty to being in charge of a 115lb dog called 'Beast' that mauled a schoolboy to death. Jack Lis had been playing at a friend's house after school when he was attacked by the American bully, or XL bully dog, on November 8, 2021. The ten-year-old was left with 'severe injuries to the head and neck' at the home of Amy Salter in Pentwyn, Penyrheol, near Caerphilly in Wales. Now Salter, 28, and Brandon Hayden, 19, have admitted to their involvement in his death. Amy Salter, pictured left, and Brandon Hayden, right, admitted being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in Jack's death Tragic Jack Lis, pictured, had gone to a friend's house after school when he was attacked by the dog on November 8, last year An inquest into his death earlier heard Jack was attacked by a dog after he entered a friend's home. Police later destroyed the dog, pictured At Cardiff Crown Court today Salter, of Trethomas, Caerphilly, admitted being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury resulting in Jack's death. Hayden, of Penyrheol, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to being the owner of the dog that killed Jack. The teenager also admitted five offences of owning a dog dangerously out of control between November 4 and 7. The court heard two of those incidents resulted in injuries to two members of the public, Michael Ball and Sian Sullivan. Ms Sullivan was injured by the dog on November 7, the day before Jack was attacked. Salter and Hayden spoke only to confirm their names and to enter their pleas. Members of Jack's family sat in the public gallery throughout the hearing, as Judge Fitton QC set a date for sentencing on June 10. He granted both bail but said: 'The likely outcome, particularly for Mr Hayden, is there will be an immediate custody.' After his death, Jack's heartbroken family said 'our lives will never be the same' without the schoolboy Jack Lis, pictured, suffered unsurvivable injuries to the head an neck after he was attacked by the dog The pair were allowed to remain on bail on the condition they do not contact prosecution witnesses, enter Penyrheol, or be in possession of any dog. Hayden was also told he must not upload any photos of himself with dogs online. Salter was told not to have any contact with children under the age of 18 unless granted by social services. The emergency services including paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service were called to the house where Jack was attacked at around 3.55pm but were unable to save him. He suffered severe injuries to the head and neck described as 'unsurvivable', an inquest opening into Jack's death heard. Police firearms officers attended the scene and destroyed the dog. 'Beast', a 115lb American bully, or XL bully dog, was destroyed after the incident which claimed Jack's life The animal was later found to be an 115lb American bully or XL bully, which are not on the banned breed list. In a statement issued the day after he was killed, Jack's heartbroken family said: 'We are absolutely heartbroken. Our lives will never be the same without Jack. 'This is not something any parent should ever have to be writing. 'We have so many words we want to say about our beautiful boy, but they do not seem enough. At an inquest opening held in March, Coroner Caroline Saunders said Jack's death had been 'violent and unnatural' 'We love him more than words can describe. Our boy made us the proudest parents and family on the planet. He was the sweetest of boys. 'We will forever miss his quirky ways and his stories that he would spend so long telling us. 'He's forever in our hearts. Sweet dreams Jack, our perfect boy.' A funeral held for Jack at St Martin's Church in Caerphilly was attended by hundreds of people wearing red and carrying red balloons in his memory. A procession of high-end cars, including a silver DeLorean DMC-12 and red Mustang, took place prior to the service around the town and castle. The GOP's Senate campaign arm circulated new polling on abortion and messaging directives to candidates allowing them to go on the attack for abortion, but telling them to focus on being 'compassionate, consensus builders.' The polling deck put together by OnMessage Inc. hardly mentions Roe v. Wade - other polling suggests that overturning the landmark 1973 case is unpopular with Americans. But it does focus on proclamations like 'unelected federal judges should not make laws' and states should be able to 'implement reasonable restrictions.' National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman Sen. Rick Scott said in a statement to DailyMail.com that the NRSC had been conducting polling and focus groups on abortion for 'the last few months' to give candidates ammunition for the midterms. 'No matter what the Supreme Court decides, what's clear is that the Democrat Party is well outside the mainstream on the issue of abortion. They support late-term abortion up until the moment of birth and oppose any restrictions whatsoever. They also want to force taxpayers to fund abortion, including abortions overseas,' he said. It tells them to remind voters that President Biden and Democrats 'reject reason' and support late-term abortions. It also shows polling that most voters do not support taxpayer-funded abortion - 65 percent strongly or somewhat agree that tax money should not go to abortion, while 30 percent strongly or somewhat disagree. In its one mention of Roe, the deck tells candidates to remind voters 'science has progressed' in the five decades since the case, and shows that 'unborn babies can feel pain, they have a heartbeat, they smile, yawn, and suck their thumbs.' National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman Sen. Rick Scott said in a statement to DailyMail.com that the NRSC had been conducting polling and focus groups on abortion for 'the last few months' to give candidates ammunition for the midterms Abortion rights activist protest outside of the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday, May 3 Pro life demonstrator given Police corden at Roe V Wade protests outside the Supreme courts in Washington DC on Wednesday The GOP polling suggests that 54 percent strongly or somewhat agree while 32 percent strongly or somewhat disagree with the statement on federal judges, but when asked whether Roe v. Wade should be upheld, 54 percent of Americans responded yes in a recent ABC and Washington Post poll found that 54 percent of Americans, whereas 28 percent believed it should be overturned. And while the polling deck only brushes by Roe v. Wade, it notes that the Mississippi 15-week abortion ban at the center of the case to overturn Roe is widely popular. When posed with the statement, 'it is wrong to allow abortions after 15 weeks when unborn babies can suck their thumb and feel pain,' 62 percent of respondents said the strongly or somewhat agreed and 30 percent said they strongly or somewhat disagreed. Roe v. Wade established the right to an abortion nationwide pre-viability, about 22 to 24 weeks into pregnancy. In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Clinic, argued before the Supreme Court last year, Mississippi is arguing to uphold a law that bans abortion at 15 weeks, and the crux of its argument is that Roe was wrongly decided. Jackson Women's Health Clinic, the state's lone abortion provider argues that the right to an abortion after 15 weeks is clear and well-established. The deck notes that many European countries ban abortion at 15 weeks due to 'modern medical advancements' that show babies feel pain can feel pain at that point. It tells candidates to remind voters 'America's abortion laws are currently as extreme as Communist China and North Korea, allowing abortion up to the moment of live birth.' Only a handful of liberal states allow late-term abortion with no restrictions. Faced with the statement, 'an unborn baby is a human being,' 73 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed while 17 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed. The campaign deck also directs candidates to focus on 'more adoption, less abortion' and 'support pregnant women in difficult circumstances.' It tells them to 'refute Democrat lies' by emphasizing 'Republicans will not take away contraception' and 'Republicans will not take away women's health care,' and 'mothers should always be held harmless under the law.' On Wednesday Biden suggested that after Roe, Republicans could go after Griswold v. Connecticut, the 1965 Supreme Court case that overruled a Connecticut law banning married couples from using contraceptives. On Monday Politico reported a leaked draft Supreme Court opinion on Mississippi v. JWHO indicating that a majority of the Supreme Court justices were in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the preliminary opinion as he vowed an investigation into the leak. While Democrats have framed the Supreme Court draft opinion leak as an attack on women's rights, Republicans have zeroed in on the leak itself. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called the leak a 'shocking new breach' and demanded an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Pressed on the implications of the draft decision itself, the Kentucky Republican told reporters: 'That's not the story for today.' He chastised reporters asking about the impact of the decision on women and the midterm elections: 'You need it seems to me, excuse the lecture to concentrate on what the news is today not a leaked draft, but the fact that the draft was leaked.' Meanwhile on Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki swatted at the focus on the leaker as a 'distraction.' 'Our focus is not losing sight from what the content is in the draft and what is at risk here,' she continued. 'While we have heard a number have raised concerns about the leak our focus is highlighting what that content in there would put at risk for women across the country.' Dave Chappelle expressed his gratitude to friends who 'beat up' an armed man who tried to attack the comic during his Hollywood Bowl show Tuesday, audio obtained by DailyMail.com reveals. In the audio, recorded at an afterparty, Chappelle can be heard saying that he 'felt good' when a friend broke his 23-year-old attacker Isaiah Lee's arm. Talking about the Tuesday scare, which could have proven fatal as Lee was carrying a replica gun with a knife attached to it, Chappelle joked in his on-brand lighthearted nature. 'I felt good. My friends broke his arm. I felt good. how bad does a n***** have to be that Joe Stewart would stomp him!' [inaudible] 'I'm very proud of [inaudible],' Chappelle says. Lee attacked Chappelle onstage during the 'Netflix Is A Joke' Festival. He was later subdued by security, and according to Chappelle's afterparty audio, friends of the comedian who were also onstage. At the time of the attack, Chappelle was thanking earlier guests Chris Rock, Leslie Jones and Jon Stewart, who Chappelle references in the audio. It is unclear whether Stewart actually participated in taking Lee down, or Chappelle was merely using his humour to deflect from the unsettling experience. A grateful Chappelle credited his friends for Lee's badly injured arm said that 'killing that n**** would have been stupid.' 'I couldn't believe that they were my friends because it's is good and what they do get out. It's all a luminary right now, you should listen,' he said. 'Those are very powerful friends and I'm sharing [this night] with people I love very much.' In audio obtained by DailyMail.com, Chappelle (right at the comedy festival) can be heard thanking his friends and asking ' how bad does a n***** have to be that Joe Stewart (pictured left in April) would stomp him?' A grateful Chappelle credited his friends for Isaiah Lee's badly injured arm Chappelle's attack comes as comedians have become increasingly worried by recent reports of attacks on performing comics in the aftermath of Will Smith's infamous slap to Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards. Comedy club owners are concerned that the highly publicized Oscars incident has made performers easy targets. 'It's a sad, sad thing happening right now,' Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada Masada, told Fox News Digital. 'People are going on the stage just trying to make a name for themselves ... And I think what Will Smith did actually encouraged the violence and that's a horrible thing.' Comedian Tehran Von Ghasri, who performs at the Laugh Factory and saw Lee's attack unfold during Chappelle's show in the VIP section, echoed Masada's feelings. 'I don't think the security had time. I expressed, ''At least keep your eye on them,'' to which, to be honest, the security dismissed my concern,' Ghasri claimed. The owner of Stand Up New York comedy club, Dani Zoldan also agreed that many comics do not feel safe in the fallout of Smith's slap. 'I feel like there was an invisible fence around comedians, right? People just didn't breach the invisible fence. Comedians can make jokes whether they were offensive or not. People didn't attack the stage,' Zoldan also told Fox. 'They were always heckling and actions were taken by clubs when people heckled they would be given a warning, they would be thrown out of the club. But never did we see before what happened at the Oscars ... That was just insane.' At the time of the attack, Chapelle was thanking earlier guests Chris Rock, Leslie Jones and Jon Stewart On Wednesday, Chappelle broke his silence on being attacked during his Hollywood Bowl show, saying that he 'refuses' to let it overshadow his show and that he is working with the police to bring his attacker to justice. The comedian released a statement on Wednesday afternoon to say the incident on Tuesday night was 'unfortunate' but not what he wanted to remember from the event. 'Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl... he refuses to allow last night's incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment,' a spokesperson said. 'As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show.' After Isaiah Lee, 23, attacked him on stage, Chappelle joked: 'It was a trans man'. He had been talking about having to beef up his security in the wake of sparking controversy with his comments about trans people last year when Lee stormed the stage. Despite the fact someone had just tried to attack him with a knife, critics are now accusing Chappelle of transphobia again for making the joke. It remains unconfirmed what Lee's motives were. His brother told Rolling Stone that he has mental health problems and has some connection to the trans community, but it's not clear what that is. Attacked all over again: Chappelle was slammed for joking it was a 'trans man' who had come for him on stage Lee was then tackled by security guards who appeared to break his arm in the melee. He is described as weighing 140lbs and is 5ft 11. It raises questions about security at the Netflix show, its first ever live comedy festival, which forced fans to put their phones away but failed to spot the weapon. In a statement, the company declined to say what kind of security was in place at the venue. A spokesman told DailyMail.com: 'We care deeply about the safety of creators and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence.' The Hollywood Bowl wouldn't comment on security measures either. 'The safety of our artists, visitors and staff is the LA Phil's top priority. The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl on May 3, 2022 remains an active investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time. Please refer additional questions to the LAPD,' a spokesman said. The venue said on its website that the show, which last night was titled Dave Chappelle and Friends, would be a 'phone-free experience' and that the audience would have to secure their phones inside pouches. After the attacker was detained, Chappelle thanked Foxx on stage during the curtain call. He said: 'Shout out to Jamie Foxx by the way. 'Whenever you're in trouble, Jamie Foxx will show up in a sheriff's hat.' Dave Chappelle was last night attacked on stage while filming a Netflix special in Los Angeles Chris Rock, who performed later in the event last night and was similarly subjected to a violent outburst on stage at the Oscars in March, came on stage and joked: 'Was that Will Smith?', with Jimmy Carr standing behind Chris Rock later came to the stage and joked that it was Will Smith who attacked Chappelle, while Jimmy Carr stood shocked in the background at the 'crazy' gig Chappelle, who sparked outrage in the trans community with controversial comments in a Netflix show last year, appeared to be uninjured Foxx replied: 'I thought that was part of the show, I didn't know what the f***...' Chappelle said: 'I grabbed the back of that n**** head. His hair was spongy. Absorbent.' Foxx added: 'Listen, I just want to say, this man is an absolute genius. We've got to make sure we protect him at all times. 'For every comedian who comes out here, this means everything. You're a genius. You're a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and we're not going to let nothing happen to you.' Chappelle said: 'I've been doing this for 35 years. I just stomped a n**** backstage. I've always wanted to do that.' After the attack, Jimmy Carr shared a selfie taken with the fellow comedian and described his Los Angeles show as 'crazy'. He tweeted: 'The Hollywood Bowl show with the legendary Dave Chappelle was crazy. Just happy everyone's ok.' Chappelle came under fire last year over jokes about trans people in his Netflix comedy show The Closer. Stars: Madonna, 63, looked pensive as she headed to Nice Guy restaurant with friends after the event while Christina, 40, (right) was seen covering her mouth with her hand in shock Night out: Celebrities Madonna (pictured), Christina Milian and Karrueche Tran were seen leaving the Hollywood Bowl late on Tuesday night after attending Dave Chappelle's comedy show where he was tackled on stage in a dramatic attack The venue said on its website that the show, which last night was titled Dave Chappelle and Friends, would be a 'phone-free experience' In the aftermath, the confused audience left the arena as the attacker was taken to hospital to treat his injured arm Footage from the event shows panicked security chasing the attacker round the stage after he ran up and attacked the comedian After the attack, Jimmy Carr shared a selfie taken with the fellow comedian and described his Los Angeles show as 'crazy' During the controversial special, he made one comment stating that 'gender is a fact', prompting Netflix staff to protest and mass outrage on social media against some of his jokes. He also shared his backing for JK Rowling, who has also attracted criticism for her remarks about biological sex. In the special, he stated that he does not hate transgender people, and tells a long anecdote about a trans woman comic, who he describes as a friend, who came to his defense in earlier entanglements with the community. Chappelle added: 'Every human being in this room, every human being on Earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on Earth. That is a fact.' In the contentious special, Chappelle also joked that women today view transwomen the same way black people might view white women wearing blackface, and remarked that women are entitled to feel anger toward transwomen, since Caitlyn Jenner won Glamour magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year award. 'I'd be mad as sh*t if I was a woman,' Chappelle said. The star also joked about the anatomy of transwomen, joking that they lacked real female reproductive organs and that they did not have blood but 'beet juice'. The comments prompted calls for Netflix to take down the show, but boss Ted Sarandos told staff that 'content on screen doesn't translate to real-world harm'. Those who have criticized Chapelle's jokes have specifically cited the physical danger faced by the trans community as a result of anti-trans ideology. Chris Rock performed later in the event last night and was similarly subjected to a violent outburst on stage at the Oscars in March The attack comes weeks after Will Smith attacked Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, raising fears it would inspire similar violent protests against performers. The actor slapped the comedian on stage after 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 Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologize to the Academy and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Rock has mostly kept quiet on the issue, speaking out only to say he was 'processing' what happened. The incident prompted members of the comedy community, including Jack Whitehall and Kathy Griffin, to voice their fears that performers are no longer safe on stage. The Netflix event is the streaming giant's first ever comedy festival and features performances from big name stars including Seth Rogen, Snoop Dogg, Bill Burr and Pete Davidson. A former Ministry of Defence official paid nearly 10 million in bribes to top brass in the Saudi Arabian military in exchange for contracts, a court heard. Jeffrey Cook, 65, helped funnel the money to the officials in the Saudi National Guard so they would continue to use his company to improve their military communications, it is claimed. Cook was also the managing director of the Airbus subsidiary GPT Special Project Management Ltd, which was responsible for the installation and maintenance of the communication systems. He used his position to authorise the flow of 4 million a year, 12.3 per cent of GPT's profits, from his company to sub-contractors, known collectively as Sinec, it is alleged. Jeffrey Cook, 65, helped funnel the money to the officials in the Saudi National Guard so they would continue to use his company to improve their military communications, it is claimed From this, 70 per cent was then passed on to Saudi officials between 2007 and 2012, Southwark Crown Court heard. The former civil servant is also charged with misconduct in public office over contracts placed with ME Consultants Ltd while working for the MoD between 2004 and 2008. The total amount paid to the Saudi officials between 2007 and 2012 was 9,724,723, Mark Heywood, QC, prosecuting, told the court. Terence Dorothy, who also worked for the MoD, was commissioned in 2006 to write a series of reports about how to improve the communications installation project. During this time Cook was said to have been paid kickbacks by the sub contractors in relation to these reports amounting to tens of thousands of pounds double his MoD salary. Mr Heywood said: 'This case is all about corruption. Deep corruption in overseas defence contracts. 'Payments by a UK company were being made to middle men for advice and assistance on getting technical work done. 'The people behind this could be sure that they could keep the lucrative contracts and were in a position to get bigger ones. 'Over 70 per cent of the amount charged by the middle men were sent straight on to very highly-placed officials.' John Mason, 79, part-owned GPT and was its accountant. He is also charged with corruption. Above, Mason at Southwark Crown Court today John Mason, 79, part-owned GPT and was its accountant. He is also charged with corruption. 'He was the one who received the money, actioned the payments and did the accounting work to ensure that the intermediaries received their share,' said Mr Heywood. 'Together they ensured that the millions kept flowing and influenced the customers' decisions and Mr Cook and Mr Mason stood to gain. In a single word the case is one of bribery.' Dorothy, 81, and another man, Peter Austin, were also arrested in relation to the corruption but they are too ill to stand trial, the court heard. 'Mr Cook was a civil servant, he worked for years for the MoD and in that role, the prosecution say, he took a large commission in cash amounting to a value in the tens of thousands of pounds,' Mr Heywood told the jury. 'All that was for contracts for work. He was in a position to help others. 'You will have to decide whether these benefits were received by him and whether he unlawfully misconducted himself in his public office as an MoD civil servant. 'The purpose of giving that money was as an inducement or reward for keeping lucrative contracts with the Saudi National Guard.' Cook, of Dolphin Court, New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales, appeared in court wearing a dark vest with a red and white checked shirt. He denies one count of corruption and one count of misconduct in public office. Mason, of Little Ormesby Hall, Ormesby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, appeared wearing a dark blue suit. He also denies one count of corruption. The trial continues. A family listened in shock today as a pathologist revealed his belief that a mother-of-two died of rare complications from the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination. A post-mortem examination on the body of Dawn Wooldridge, 36, had previously proved inconclusive. But today, an inquest heard that the unexpected death, which happened 11 days after Mrs Wooldridge's first Covid jab, was likely caused as a result of the vaccination. Mrs Wooldridge was found dead in her home by her brother in June last year, after she failed to collect her five-year-old son from school that day. Dawn Wooldridge (right), 36, pictured with her husband Ashley. Mrs Wooldridge died on June 15 last year - 11 days after having her first Pfizer vaccine The family, including her husband, her brother and sister-in-law, and her step-parents attended the inquest in Reading. In a statement, Mrs Wooldridge's husband Ashley said: 'We met on holiday in Turkey and we have been married for seven years this year. 'We had our son nearly six years ago and our daughter just two years ago. 'When they are old enough, I want to have enough of an explanation about how their mum died. The only thing that happened when Dawn died, was that she had her Covid jab before her death.' The hearing heard how Mrs Wooldridge's final day had began completely normal. She had dropped her son off at school in the morning, visited a friend for coffee and had spoken to her mother over the phone in the afternoon. The coroner said that Mrs Wooldridge's medical records confirmed she received her first Covid-19 jab on June 4. Mrs Wooldridge's husband Ashley(pictured together) said he wanted to give his two children an explanation of why their mother died Dr Sukhvinder Ghataura stated that the postmortem showed showed Mrs Wooldridge had been healthy at the time of her death and the toxicology report had found no signs of alcohol or drugs in her system at the time. The only points noted were inflammation of the heart, fluid in her lungs alongside a small clot on her lungs. These, alongside menstrual irregularity and complaints of pain in her jaw and arm in the days after the vaccine - the pathologist suggested, were linked to myocarditis. He told the coroner: 'On the balance of probabilities, she had vaccine-related problems. There is nothing else for me to hang my hat on. It is the most likely reason, in my conclusion. It is more than likely Dawn died in response to the Covid jab.' Husband Ashley was visibly shocked in the coroner's room by the change in the pathologist's perspective. Speaking on his behalf, Dawn's brother Stuart Lynch asked the pathologist: 'Do you think she would still be alive if she hadn't had the vaccine?' Dr Ghataura responded: 'It's a difficult question but I would say yes. I wish to pass on my condolences to Dawn's family.' Concluding the inquest, assistant Coroner Alison McCormick said: 'Dawn was a 36-year-old married lady. Her husband Ashley and her members of her family are here today as a testament to the woman she was. 'She was a full-time mum. She had no significant medical history and was not on any medication when she died. She had her first Pfizer vaccine on June 4, 2021, and evidence after that shows her periods became irregular. 'She also reported pains in her arm and her jaw. June 15, 2021, was a normal day for her. There is no evidence she was ill that day. 'She walked her son to school in the morning and went to get coffee with a friend. That afternoon she had a 15-20 minute phone call with her mum. 'She didn't however pick her son up from school. Her brother went to the house where he saw her face-down, collapsed on the floor. She had been on the toilet prior to her collapse. 'With the help of a local builder he gained access to the house, and a defibrillator was used. Police and paramedics attended quickly, but despite their efforts no life-saving opportunities were available and she passed away at her home address on that day. 'Subsequent to her death, a toxicology and post-mortem examination were undertaken and initially, Dr Ghataura said he was unable to provide a cause for Dawn's death, stating the post-mortem findings were 'unascertained.' 'Today I heard from Dr Ghataura and during the course of the evidence he expressed a change of view that in the balance of probabilities, it is more likely than not she died from acute myocarditis due to her recent Covid-19 immunisation. 'I give the narrative conclusion that her death was caused by acute myocarditis, due to recent Covid-19 immunisation. Ashley, you will have something to say to your children to explain why their mother died so tragically.' Advertisement Heavy fighting raged inside the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol for the third day running as the wife of the Ukrainian commander warned people are dying 'every hour, every second'. Russian troops tried to capture the complex and failed to observe a ceasefire before they were kicked out by the plant's defenders, according to Zelensky adviser Oleksiy Arestovych. The news came as Kateryna Prokopenko, the wife of Ukraine's commander in Mariupol, begged for urgent international help. Prokopenko, 27, said: 'We need to do this right now, because people every hour, every second are dying.' Now staying in Rome, the commander's wife called for a Dunkirk-esque rescue operation to pull defenders out of the plant. Prokopenko, 27, pictured in Rome last week, said: 'People - every hour, every second - are dying' as she called for a rescue Footage released by Russian puppet fighters from the Donetsk People's Republic showed heavy blasts at the plant She said: 'We can do this extraction operation . . . which will save our soldiers, our civilians, our kids', The Times reported. Video which seemed to have been taken in the early hours of Thursday showed multiple artillery rounds lighting up the dawn sky as they slammed into the industrial complex, just hours before Russia had pledged that a ceasefire would come into effect so civilians could evacuate. But that ceasefire never materialised, with Captain Sviatoslav Palamar - deputy commander of the hero Ukrainian forces holed up inside the plant - saying that 'fierce bloody combat is ongoing' in an afternoon update posted to the Azov battalion's social media channels. Palamar said Russian forces are still trying to seize control of the plant and his men are dying in agony because of a lack of medical supplies. He begged the Russians to stop their attacks so the wounded and civilians trapped inside can be evacuated, and asked world leaders to pressure the Kremlin into compliance. Addressing the international community, Palamar denounced the Russians for 'refusing to observe any ethical norms and destroying people before the eyes of the world.' 'It's been the third day that the enemy has broken through to the territory of Azovstal,' he said. 'The defenders of the city (Mariupol) have been fighting alone for 71 days with the overwhelming forces of the enemy and show such endurance and heroism that the country must know what it means to be loyal to the motherland.' Meanwhile Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, told Ukrainian television that 'Russian troops entered the territory of Azovstal but were kicked out by our defenders' - though admitted that heavy fighting is still going on around the plant. Artillery strikes light up the dawn sky over the Azovstal steel works as Russia renews its efforts to secure the plant, violating a pledge of ceasefire made by Moscow's own generals so civilians could evacuate Ukrainian troops defending the plant said men are dying in agony due to a lack of medical supplies, and begged for a halt to the fighting so the wounded and civilians could be evacuated A tank driven by troops of Russian proxy Donetsk People's Republic rolls into Mariupol, after much of the city was captured A woman walks past tanks belonging to the so-called Donetsk People's Republic - a Russian-backed proxy group - parked amid the ruins of the city of Mariupol Tanks of Donetsk People's Republic militia stand next to a damaged apartment building in Mariupol Russia denies any assault is taking place after Putin publicly gave an order to hold back in order to preserve the lives of his troops. But suspicion is growing that, in private, he has ordered his generals to seize the plant in time for Victory Day celebrations on Monday - which he is likely to use to drum up support for the war. The annual celebration marks the surrender of Nazi Germany to the Soviets and has been turned into a tub-thumping display of patriotism and power under Putin. Seizing Mariupol, and killing the last Ukrainian defenders, would allow him to claim some kind of success in what has so-far been a failed invasion of Ukraine. Rumours are also swirling that Putin could use the celebrations to escalate, officially declaring the invasion a war so he can carry out a general mobilisation and commit more men to the fight. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesman, denied those rumours on Wednesday - calling them 'nonsense' - but it will do little to quell the murmuring as Peskov also denied Russia was about to attack Ukraine earlier this year. Hundreds of miles north of Mariupol, to the east of Kharkiv, Ukraine appeared to have launched a major counter-attack on Thursday - threatening to cut supply lines to Russian forces massed in Donbas. Valery Zaluzhny, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, posted on his Telegram channel that his forces are concentrating on 'conter-attacks on Kharkiv and Izyum directions' - without giving details. It was unclear whether he was referring to attacks that have taken place in recent days which saw Ukraine push out around 30 miles to the east of the city, or whether fresh attacks are now underway. If fresh attacks are taking place, it could threaten to cut the sole highway running from Belgorod - a major Russian supply hub - to Izyum, where the bulk of its forces fighting in Donbas are concentrated. The highway is around 15 miles from the last known Ukrainian positions. Rocket artillery pounds the Azovstal steel complex, at the heart of the besieged city of Mariupol, as the exiled mayor says communications have been lost with the last troops holed up inside Azovstal is a huge industrial complex made up of factories, warehouses and underground tunnels where an unknown number of Ukrainian troops are holed up alongside hundreds of civilians Men gather amidst the ruins of apartment blocks that were destroyed by Russian forces attacking the city of Mariupol A man cooks next to his house in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, Ukraine In other developments, Belarus' authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko - a close ally of Putin who allowed his territory to be used to stage the attack on Kyiv - today admitted the invasion wasn't going to plan, by saying he never expected it to 'drag on this way.' Lukashenko said Moscow was forced into attacking because Kyiv was 'provoking Russia.' But in the interview, he created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the 'war' - a term Moscow refuses to use. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped an estimated 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. The Russians have pulverised most of Mariupol in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. Civilians sheltering inside the plant have perhaps suffered even more. About 100 of them were evacuated over the weekend - the first time some saw daylight in months. The Russian government said it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday, but Palamar said Putin's troops failed to live up to the promise. It is unclear how many Ukrainian fighters are still inside the plant but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, with 500 reportedly hurt. As the battle raged in Mariupol, Russian forces shelled elsewhere in the Donbas and also kept up their bombardment of railway stations and other supply-line targets across the country - part of an effort to disrupt the supply of western arms, which have been critical to Ukraine's defence. Ukrainian forces said on Thursday they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. Five people were killed and at least 25 hurt in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks also damaged houses and a school. A day after Russian attacks were reported near Kyiv, in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine, and in Zaporizhzhia in the south east, air raid sirens sounded anew on Thursday in the western city of Lviv, which has been a gateway for western arms and served as a relative safe haven for people fleeing fighting farther east. Smoke rises over the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol as the commander in charge of its defence says 'bloody battles' have been raging inside for two days as Russia tries to seize it Russian commanders claimed a three-day ceasefire would begin at Azovstal on Thursday morning to allow hundreds of civilians trapped inside to escape - though battles appeared to be ongoing in the early hours Ukrainian forces have been trapped inside Azovstal since April 25 where they are staging an heroic last stand to prevent Putin moving troops further to the north to join the battle for Donbas (pictured, damage to the plant on May 3) Azovstal is a sprawling industrial complex covering four square miles at the heart of Mariupol and is undercut by miles of tunnels designed to withstand a nuclear blast where both soldiers and civilians are sheltering (pictured, damage to some of the plant's main buildings seen on May 3) Heavily damaged factory buildings (bottom) are seen next to buildings that have only medium levels of damage (top) inside the Azovstal steel works in satellite images taken on Tuesday If Russian troops can take Azovstal then it will give them full control over Mariupol, making it the largest city to fall into their hands of the war so-far and giving a major boost to their mission to take the Donbas region An assessment by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces are struggling to gain traction. 'Ukrainian defences have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine,' it said late on Wednesday. 'Russian forces intensified airstrikes against transportation infrastructure in western Ukraine (on Wednesday) but remain unable to interdict Western aid shipments to Ukraine,' it added. The war has flattened swathes of cities and destroyed roads and bridges, and driven millions from their homes, including many who have crossed into other countries. With the challenge of rebuilding and de-mining after the war in mind, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday announced the launch of a global fundraising digital platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised 5.25 billion in humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Belarus announced the start of military exercises on Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. Britain's Ministry of Defence said it does believe the drills pose a threat to Ukraine, but suspects Moscow will use them 'to fix Ukrainian forces in the north, preventing them from being committed to the battle for the Donbas'. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces 'have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine,' and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. With the challenge of rebuilding and mine-clearing after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. Belarus announced the start of military exercises Wednesday, stirring fears the country might jump into the war. Britain's Defense Ministry said that it does not believe the drills pose any immediate threat to Ukraine but that they could be used to tie down Ukrainian forces in the north and prevent them from joining the battle for the Donbas. The top lawyer in former President Barack Obama's Department of Education warned in a 'strictly confidential' memo that President Joe Biden would be on shaky legal ground if he tried to cancel student debt using executive action. On Wednesday night, The Wall Street Journal reported on the existence of the memo, penned by former Education Department lawyer Charlie Rose for his law firm Hogan Marren Babbo & Rose, Ltd. and dated May 7, 2021. 'If the issue is litigated, the more persuasive analyses tend to support the conclusion that the Executive Branch likely does not have the unilateral authority to engage in mass student debt cancellation,' Rose wrote. The top lawyer in former President Barack Obama 's Department of Education warned in a 'strictly confidential' memo that President Joe Biden would be on shaky legal ground if he tried to cancel student debt using executive action The Wall Street Journal revealed that President Barack Obama's top Education Department lawyer Charlie Rose (pictured) penned a memo suggesting the Biden administration would be on shaky legal ground if the president broadly wiped out student debt through executive action He suggested that loan-servicing companies and investors that owned securities backed by federal student loans might be able to sue the administration if Biden broadly wiped out student debt. The memo doesn't identify the client it was prepared for, though it contains recommendations for the Biden administration. Rose told The Journal that the memo was prepared for a private client. He also told the paper that he never intended it to be made public. White House press secretary Jen Psaki has indicated that Biden plans to take some action on student loans before the replayment moratorium lifts on August 31. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and some prominent progressives, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have encouraged Biden to kill off $50,000 in debt per borrower using the stroke of his pen. During the 2020 campaign, Biden floated $10,000 per borrower - and tied it to incomes under $125,000 a year, an income ceiling that Psaki said this week was still on the table. Since becoming president, Psaki has also encouraged Congress to send Biden a bill writing off $10,000 in debt for every borrower. On Capitol Hill, however, there aren't the votes to get a student debt relief bill passed through both chambers. White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain said last April that the White House had requested a legal review into what Biden could do via executive action. Rose's memo cites that review in its introduction, however it's unclear whether the memo was circulated at the White House. The White House declined to comment to The Journal on the matter. Activists encourage President Joe Biden to cancel student debt at a demonstration near the White House in late April A spokesperson for the Department of Education didn't respond directly to the paper's inquiry on Rose's legal argument, instead saying that the Biden administration's 'overall goal is long-lasting change that reduces indebtedness and makes college more affordable, including through rulemaking.' The spokesperson added that the 'Department's review of broad based debt cancellation remains ongoing.' Whether broad debt cancellation would be allowed depends on how courts interpret the Education Secretary's powers under the 1965 Higher Education Act, which gives the secretary 'consent' to modify loans and the power to 'compromise, waive or release' unspecified amounts of student debt. Where Rose's memo preaches caution is that he says while Congress has created debt-forgiveness programs for targeted groups of borrowers 'it is fair to discern Congress has inferred that the [Education] Department should not decide the question of mass forgiveness of performing loans.' Rose argues that for better legal cover, the administration can provide relief through a number of rules changes that would lead to forgiveness for large numbers of borrowers. That avenue would take longer, Rose wrote, but would be less susceptible to lawsuits. Advertisement Britain's Covid wave still shows no signs of flaring up again as both cases and hospitalisations continue to trend downwards. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) chiefs logged another 12,487 positive tests over the last 24 hours, down by a tenth in a week. The case numbers are becoming increasingly unreliable now free swabs have been stopped for the vast majority of Britons. Experts and Tory MPs have called for the Government to ditch the daily updates as the final part of the 'living with Covid' strategy. UKHSA's daily figures also show 896 people infected with the virus were admitted to hospitals across the UK on Sunday, the latest day figures are available for. This was down by a quarter in a week. And the number of virus-infected Britons in hospitals dropped to 11,256 the lowest figure seen in two months. Another 438 fatalities within 28 days of a positive test were announced today, 76.6 per cent higher than last week. But day-to-day counts can fluctuate heavily. It comes as World Health Organization analysis today revealed the global pandemic death toll is nearly three times higher than the official tally. In the most detailed look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. The current official virus death toll is 6.2million. In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000) WHERE HAVE THE MOST CONFIRMED COVID DEATHS BEEN LOGGED? HIGHEST DEATH TOLL US: 996,704 Brazil: 663,994 India: 523,975 Russia: 368,840 Mexico: 324,334 Peru: 212,891 UK: 175,717 Italy: 164,041 Indonesia: 156,321 France: 146,445 HIGHEST DEATH TOLL RELATIVE TO POPULATION (per million people) Peru: 6,381.74 Bulgaria: 5,358.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina: 4,831.68 Hungary: 4,802.29 North Macedonia: 4,457.28 Montenegro: 4,324.49 Georgia: 4,224.11 Croatia: 3,884.7 Czechia: 3,747.85 Slovakia: 3,659.76 Source: Our World in Data Advertisement The UKHSA figures show 10,311 cases were reported in England, while Scotland logged 1,663 infections, Northern Ireland recorded 362 and Wales detected 151. Around 280,000 test results were reported in the last 24 hours, down from more than 2million per day at the height of the Omicron wave in January. Some 22.1million positive tests have been reported since the start of the pandemic. Hospital data shows another 896 patients Covid infection patients were admitted across the UK on May 1, down by 23.4 per cent on the 1,169 admissions one week earlier. And the number of virus in-patients fell to 11,256, a drop of 17.8 per cent compared to seven days earlier. NHS England data shows just 40 per cent of infected patients were primarily admitted to hospital because they were unwell with the virus, while the others sought hospital care for another reason. Death data shows 438 fatalities were logged within 28 days of a positive test, up 76,6 per cent compared to the 248 daily deaths logged one week earlier. It comes as analysis from the WHO today revealed Covid's death toll is nearly three times higher than the official count, at 14.9million. For comparison, the current official virus death toll is 6.2million, with a third of those logged in the US, Brazil and India. The UN agency's tally, which misses off the entirety of 2022, includes people who directly died from Covid or the virus's impact on overwhelmed health systems. The WHO said 20 countries, including the UK and the US, accounted for more than 80 per cent of the estimated 'excess deaths' over the first two years of the pandemic. The vast majority of the fatalities (84 per cent) occurred in South-East Asia (5.9million), Europe (3.3million) and the Americas (3.23million), followed by Africa (1.3million), Eastern-Mediterranean (1.1million) and the Western Pacific (0.1million). Peru had the highest excess death rate per 100,000 people (437), followed by Bulgaria (415), Bolivia (375), North Macedonia (369) and Russia (367). The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000). Its analysis also confirms that more men were struck down by Covid than women, with 57 per cent of virus deaths among men. WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the 'sobering' figures should prompt nations to invest in more resilient health systems to quell future crises. Meanwhile, one of the Government's most out-spoken scientific advisers today likened catching Covid to child abuse. Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of an influential SAGE sub-group, compared society's former indifference to parents beating their children to the supposed lack of concern about the virus's long-term harms. The psychologist, from the University of St Andrews, tweeted: 'Years ago, we used to hear "my parents beat me and it didnt do me any harm". We dont hear that any more. 'Nowadays many say "Ive had Covid and it didnt do me any harm". As the evidence mounts, they might not be saying that in the future.' His comments came in response to a major Cambridge University study that found being hospitalised with Covid can drastically age the brain. Severely ill patients can suffer problems with their thinking and memory that is only comparable to ageing 20 years, the research claimed. However, Professor Reicher faced backlash on Twitter from some who accused him of misrepresenting the findings based on hospitalised patients at the start of the pandemic, when the virus posed a much graver threat. Covid now causes a mild illness for the majority, thanks to the build-up of immunity from vaccines and numerous waves as well as the milder nature of Omicron. Former President Donald Trump dumped on his former VP Mike Pence's political prospects in a new interview where he said the conservative base 'loves me' and reiterated he was 'disappointed' in his former partner. 'Honestly, I haven't spoken to Mike in a long time,' Trump told the Christian Broadcasting Network. 'A long time is four or five months. I haven't spoken to him in a long time. And he's a nice man. He disappointed me on one thing because I think he should have sent the votes back to the legislatures,' Trump said. It was an obvious reference to Pence's refusal to meet Trump's demand that he refuse to count votes certified by states for Biden on January 6, 2020. Trump tweeted that day that Pence lacked 'courage,' although the House Jan. 6 committee is investigating Trump's election overturn effort. 'If Mike got in, I think it'd be a hard one for him. I think it would be a hard one,' former President Donald Trump said of former Vice President Mike Pence Trump, who holds high approval ratings within the Republican Party and who scored a victory when his favorite candidate J.D. Vance prevailed in the Ohio Senate primary, handicapped Pence poorly in a contested presidential primary. 'So if Mike Pence gets into the 2024 presidential race, does the former president think his former VP has a shot?,' CBN interviewer David Brody asked. 'I don't want to say,' Trump responded. 'If Mike got in, I think it'd be a hard one for him. I think it would be a hard one.' Then Trump immediately turned to his own political attributes. 'I understand where the base is. I love the base. The base loves me. I think it'd be hard, but Mike was a good guy. I thought he was a very good vice president. He was my friend,' he said. Pence has been delivering speeches around the nation periodically, including at the Young Americans for Freedom at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, on April 12, Trump's team has been eyeing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential rival He called Pence a 'nice man' who 'disappointed me on one thing' in reference to counting the votes certified by states that made Joe Biden president Trump and Pence suffered a rupture on Jan. 6th, but spoke afterward A noose is seen as supporters of US President Donald Trump gather on the West side of the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021. Some crowd members chanted about hanging Pence amid Trump's pressure campaign Pence has spent years cultivating Christian conservative support. The former talk radio broadcaster carved out a voting record on conservative social issues as a House leader and member of the House GOP Caucus for a dozen years. He frequently calls himself 'a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order.' Pence got a standing ovation at the Faith & Freedom Coalition meeting in Orlando last year, but a small group jeered at him, calling him a 'traitor.' Trump's analysis appeared to presume a theoretical race that included both himself and Pence. But he also said he'll decide whether to make another run for the White House after the midterms. Many Republicans will likely wait until then to make their own decisions. Trump's camp has also been eyeing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a potential rival. It went public early this year when Trump took a swing at DeSantis for failing to state publicly whether he had gotten a booster shot. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is one of the few Senate Republicans who has been willing to take on former President Donald Trump. He called Trump 'the leader of the party' and said 'if he decides to run, he will be the nominee' Sen. Mitt Romney is predicting Trump will be the GOP's nominee in 2024 if he runs. 'I don't delude myself into thinking I have a big swath of the Republican Party,' said Romney, who was the party's presidential nominee in 2012 and was defeated by President Barack Obama. 'It's hard to imagine anything that would derail his support,' he said, in comments reported by Axios. 'So if he wants to become the nominee in '24, I think he's very likely to achieve that,' Romney said. 'He's the leader of the party, that's clear ... If he decides to run, he will be the nominee,' Romney said. A Catholic priest took his own life days after learning police were investigating him over a 'historic allegation', a coroner has ruled. Canon Michael McCoy, 57, was found dead at his apartment in Newcastle on April 10 last year. An inquest heard that a week earlier, on April 3, an incident involving Mr McCoy had been reported to Northumbria Police. A 'very brief account' was obtained from the complainant a day later. Mr McCoy, who was Dean of St Marys Cathedral, Newcastle, was visited by officers on April 6 and told that a historic allegation had been made against him, and that he would be invited for a voluntary interview at some stage. Detective Sergeant Julie Beattie, of Northumbria Polices child and adult protection department, said Mr McCoy was 'upset' but said he would seek his own support from friends and colleagues, and no concerns were raised about his wellbeing. The inquest at Newcastle Coroners Court heard Mr McCoy voluntarily withdrew from his ministry in the cathedral and moved into an Airbnb. Canon Michael McCoy (above), 57, was found dead at his apartment in Newcastle on April 10 last year Angela Richardson, safeguarding coordinator for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said she spoke to him after his visit from the police. She told the inquest: 'He was visibly shaken, he was upset, he was shocked following the visit from the police and the allegations that had been made.' Ms Richardson said she told Mr McCoy the diocese would look at alternative accommodation for him as 'normally in these circumstances its inappropriate for the priest to remain in that setting'. She said that did not need to happen in the coming days but Mr McCoy contacted her on April 8 to say he 'couldnt stay in the cathedral any longer'. 'He felt everybody knew and it was an impossible position,' Ms Richardson said. 'He was in the cathedral but wasnt able to be involved in ministry - he found this upsetting and didnt feel he could stay.' Mr McCoy, who was Dean of St Marys Cathedral (pictured), Newcastle, was visited by officers on April 6 and told that a historic allegation had been made against him The inquest heard Mr McCoy found his own Airbnb but 'wasnt happy there' and was looking for alternative accommodation before he died. Ms Richardson said: 'I suggested he could either return to the cathedral in the interim or if he was really unhappy, the diocese could fund hotel accommodation. 'He said he would stay there that evening. He felt he wanted to source his own accommodation, he wanted to have some control over where he lived.' The inquest heard that on April 10 a man attended Mr McCoys apartment 'as part of the provision of support for him' and became concerned when he did not get an answer. The concierge service helped him gain access to the apartment, where Mr McCoy was found dead. Ms Beattie said Mr McCoy had not left a note, and his mobile phone and tablet had been factory reset, and nothing could be retrieved from them. The inquest at Newcastle Coroners Court heard Mr McCoy voluntarily withdrew from his ministry in the cathedral and moved into an Airbnb Ms Richardson said concerns had been raised about Mr McCoy in 2007 and 2010 but the nature of these was not revealed. The inquest heard a professional standards investigation by Northumbria Police after Mr McCoys death 'found no concerns and no missed opportunities to safeguard him further'. An investigation by the diocese also concluded there was nothing 'that could or should have been done differently' to prevent Mr McCoys death, and there were no concerns at the time that he was a risk to himself. Medical records showed he had an anxiety disorder but no history of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Senior Coroner Karen Dilks found Mr McCoy 'initiated his death in association with an historic allegation against him'. A conclusion of suicide was recorded. If you have been affected by anything in this article and need support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Advertisement Amber Heard shared pictures she took of Johnny Depp passed out in court on Thursday as she told the jury she began taking such photos because he wouldn't believe or would deny how out of control his substance use was - and that it would be her word against his team. Heard, 36, said she started to notice a 'pattern of behavior changes' that would 'significantly' complicate life 'depending on what he was using.' 'I only could tell what he was using because I would have to look for clues,' she told the court on Thursday during her second day of testimony for the $100m lawsuit. '[He'd] pass out, and get sick and lose control of himself. And then people would pick him up and clean him up and fix it. 'And he wouldnt either remember, or he would deny it, or he would accuse me of saying that this had happened when it didnt. And there was no one to back me up. [It was] just him, his employees, and everyone who had been taking care of him versus my word, and so I started to take pictures [to] say: "Look, this is happening."' The actress admitted she started taking pictures of Depp, 58, around the two-year mark of their relationship and became 'looking for clues' that he had begun using again. 'I started to pick up on the clues, so I could figure out what I was dealing with,' she said. 'I understood enough about addiction to know you have to hit rock bottom, have some consequence to get better. 'At the time I was already sensitive, Id' been in the relationship for over a year. I'd already noticed there was this pattern of behavior changes that would make my life significantly more complicated or peaceful or difficult or wonderful dependent on what he was using. 'I could tell what he was using because I'd have to look for clues. He'd pass out, get sick, lose control of himself. People would pick him up and clean it and fix it. She said Depp wouldn't remember any of his behavior or deny it happened. Images shown to the court depicted the famed actor dosing off in chairs and on the floor during his intoxicated states, according to Heard. Another photo showed Depp passed out with his head in a bookshelf while he slept on the floor beside a bed inside their Tokyo hotel, where they were traveling on a press tour with his children. Heard also claimed he 'screamed' at her while his children Lily Rose and Jack Depp were in the 'other room' and would oftentimes call her a 'nagging b**ch' and 'c**t,' while traveling to Tokyo The court was shown photos of Depp passed out in 2013 on Thursday. Heard had taken the picture and said she began taking photos to say 'look this is happening.' Heard said one of the photos was taken after a 'bender.' She said: 'He was, you know, on a drug binge where I saw him not eating, [getting] little to no sleep, and he would just use cocaine and drink all day long. That would go for a period of time and then a major blow up and then he'd get sick and pass out and then feel really awful and often including this time would start a period of sobriety after that' One of the photos shown to the court allegedly pictured the actor passed out on vacation (pictured). It was allegedly taken shortly after he had a 'bit of sobriety' Images shown to the court depicted the famed actor dosing off in chairs and on the floor during his intoxicated states One photo of Depp show him reportedly passed out in the lawn chair and was allegedly taken shortly after he had a 'bit of sobriety.' Another picture showed the actor slumped forward on the couch with a blanket around his shoulder in March 2013. Heard claimed he had been on a 'bender.' 'This was after a several day binge of Johnny's,' she said. 'He was, you know, on a drug binge where I saw him not eating, [getting] little to no sleep, and he would just use cocaine and drink all day long. That would go for a period of time and then a major blow up and then he'd get sick and pass out and then feel really awful and often including this time would start a period of sobriety after that.' Another photo showed Depp passed out with his head in a bookshelf while he slept on the floor beside a bed inside their Tokyo hotel, where they were traveling the Lone Ranger press tour with his children. Heard also claimed he 'screamed' at her while his children Lily Rose and Jack Depp were in the 'other room' and would oftentimes call her a 'nagging b**ch' and 'c**t,' while traveling to Tokyo. She said she was 'falling in love' with his children, who she had only previously met a little while before the photos, felt 'protective' over Lily Rose. Heard detailed to the court how she 'didn't agree' with a 18-year-old boy Lily Rose, then 14, had developed a 'crush on' and didn't want him 'spending the night.' 'I felt protective over Lily Rose, and concerned, and naturally, theyre not my children. And I understand that. So I understand why Johnny got so upset with me. But... she was so young, I just felt protective,' she said on Thursday. She also claimed Depp 'shared drugs with my dad,' who she said was 'addicted to the same thing Johnny was.' Depp, 58, appears unbothered by the testimony of his ex-wife Heard, 36, who told the jury Wednesday that her ex was an abuser who assaulted her multiple times during their very brief marriage Amber Heard testified that Johnny Depp 'hated' actor James Franco and accused her of having an affair with him Heard, 36, was on the stand Thursday for her second day of testimony where she described a fight the couple had on an airplane in May 2014 and said Depp kicked her in the back Johnny Depp was all smiles this morning as he rolled up to court blasting War by Bob Marley to face Amber Heard in her second day of testimony Fans holding signs lined up outside of the Fairfax, Virginia, courthouse Thursday to show their support for for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor who waved as he drove by Johnny Depp wore aviator sunglasses as he waved at fans who greeted him Thursday at the courthouse The actress also testified that Depp 'hated' actor James Franco and accused her of having an affair with him. Heard described a fight the couple had on an airplane in May 2014 and said Depp kicked her in the back. 'He was mad at me for taking the job with James Franco,' Heard said. 'He hated, hated James Franco and he was already accusing me of kind of secretly having a thing with him in my past because we had done Pineapple Express together.' Heard described the airplane incident, which Depp had testified about before, admitting that he had been drunk and taking drugs. Heard said that Depp was upset with her for not telling him about romantic scenes that she had with Franco. 'He called me a go-getter, he called me a slut - this is happening with security and his assistants on the plane,' she said. 'I slowly get up and he starts throwing things at me. Ice cubes, utensils. He's calling me an embarrassment, what an embarrassment I am. It felt like there was a blackness in his eyes, it didn't even feel like him. 'I feel this boot in my back. He just kicked me in the back. I fell to the floor and felt like I was looking at the floor of the plane for a long time. No one said anything. You could hear a pin drop. You could feel the tension but no-one did anything.' She said Depp continued to drink and 'started howling like an anima' before passing out in the airplane bathroom with the door locked. 'I hit record on my phone. I knew Johnny would not remember what he'd done.' Depp was all smiles this morning as he rolled up to court blasting 'War' by Bob Marley to face Amber Heard in her second day of testimony. 'I understood enough about addiction to know you have to hit rock bottom, have some consequence to get better,' Heard said She said Depp wouldn't remember any of his behavior or deny it happened. 'There was no one to back me up, just his employees versus my word' Fans lined up outside of the Fairfax, Virginia, courthouse Thursday holding signs to show their support for the Pirates of the Caribbean actor who waved to them as he drove by. Depp, 58, has appeared unbothered by the testimony of his ex-wife Heard, 36, who told the jury Wednesday that he was an abuser who assaulted her multiple times during their brief marriage. Heard took the witness stand for the first time on Wednesday in the widely followed trial and said the pair had a 'magical' relationship until it turned violent. Depp's first physical outburst, Heard said, came after she asked what was written on one of his faded tattoos. She said he replied 'Wino,' and she laughed, thinking it was a joke. 'He slapped me across the face,' Heard said. 'I didn't know what was going on. I just stared at him.' Heard said he slapped her twice more and said 'you think it's funny, b**ch?' Depp testified earlier in the trial that the tattoo fight 'didn't happen' and that he never hit Heard. He argued that she was the one who was the abuser. Under questioning by her lawyers, Heard said Depp assaulted her 'several times,' usually when he was drinking or using drugs. During a weekend away with friends in May 2013, Heard said, Depp accused her of inviting what he perceived as suggestive advances from a woman. That evening, Heard said Depp ripped off her underwear and stuck his fingers 'inside' her in a 'cavity search' for drugs. Earlier, psychologist Dawn Hughes testified that Heard had told her Depp had put his fingers up her vagina in a hunt for cocaine. Heard tearfully told the court Wednesday that in May 2013 she and Depp were on vacation at a trailer park in Hicksville, California near Joshua Tree where he performed 'cavity search,' looking cocaine after he accused her of flirting with another woman The case hinges on a December 2018 opinion piece Heard authored in the Washington Post. The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear Heard was referencing him. The couple's divorce was finalized in 2017 after less than two years of marriage. Depp, once among Hollywood's biggest stars, said Heard's allegations cost him 'everything.' A new 'Pirates' movie was put on hold, and Depp was replaced in the 'Fantastic Beasts' film franchise, a 'Harry Potter' spinoff. Heard's attorneys have argued that she told the truth and that her opinion was protected free speech under the US Constitution's First Amendment. A state court judge in Virginia's Fairfax County, outside the nation's capital, is overseeing the trial, which is expected to last until late May. Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against the Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a 'wife beater.' A London High Court judge ruled he had repeatedly assaulted Heard. Depp's lawyers have said they filed the US case in Fairfax County because the Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant. Advertisement Britain's pandemic death rate is lower than most major European nations, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO). The UK ranks roughly in the middle of an EU table of excess death rates, coming 15th out of the bloc's 27 member states, behind Spain, Germany and Italy. There were widely-publicised claims by zealous scientists and MPs including Sir Keir Starmer last year that Britain had endured one of the biggest death tolls on the continent. The claim was used by critics as justification for tougher restrictions. But countries were previously judged by Covid death rates alone, which skewed Britain's tally because it was testing more than anywhere else. Excess deaths include fatalities from all causes and it is considered the most consistent way to measure pandemic death tolls because it accounts for a lack of swabbing and undiagnosed cases. Out of the 194 countries that the WHO looked at, the UK ranked 54th with a death rate of 109 per 100,000 people, slightly above the global average of 90. Spain (111), Germany (116), and Italy (133) all ranked higher, despite remaining in lockdowns for much longer than the UK. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000). In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. The US had the 40th highest excess death rate (140 per 100,000), while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000) HOW DOES UK'S DEATH RATE COMPARE TO EU? Excess deaths associated with the Covid pandemic from all-causes per 100,000 Bulgaria 415 Lithuania 319 Romania 279 Slovakia 223 Croatia 210 Poland 208 Latvia 204 Hungary 189 Czechia 173 Slovenia 134 Italy 133 Estonia 127 Germany 116 Spain 111 UK 109 Portugal 100 Greece 93 Netherlands 85 Belgium 77 Austria 66 France 63 Sweden 56 Malta 54 Cyprus 42 Denmark 32 Ireland 29 Finland 26 Luxembourg 6 Advertisement In the most comprehensive look into the pandemic's fatality count yet, the WHO estimated that almost 15million deaths were logged from the start of 2020 to the end of 2021. The UN agency's tally, which misses off the entirety of 2022, includes people who directly died from Covid or the virus's impact on overwhelmed health systems. For comparison, the current official virus death toll is 6.2million, with a third of those logged in the US, Brazil and India. The WHO said 20 countries, including the UK and the US, accounted for more than 80 per cent of the estimated 'excess deaths' over the first two years of the pandemic. Peru has logged the most excess deaths in relation to its population, with an extra 437 fatalities for every 100,000 people than expected. WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the 'sobering' figures should prompt nations to invest in more resilient health systems to quell future crises WHO scientists estimated the global Covid death toll between January 2020 and January 2022 by calculating the difference between the number of deaths that have occurred and the number of deaths that were expected, based on data from previous years. They estimated there were 14.9million deaths that could be attributed to Covid, but the figure could be as high as 16.6 million. And more than 80 per cent of Covid deaths were logged in just 20 countries, including the UK and US, as well as Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Germany and India. The vast majority of the fatalities (84 per cent) occurred in South-East Asia (5.9million), Europe (3.3million) and the Americas (3.23million), followed by Africa (1.3million), Eastern-Mediterranean (1.1million) and the Western Pacific (0.1million). Peru had the highest excess death rate per 100,000 people (437), followed by Bulgaria (415), Bolivia (375), North Macedonia (369) and Russia (367). The US had came 40th out of the 194 countries the WHO looked at, with 140 excess deaths per 100,000 people, while the UK came 56th (109 per 100,000). Its analysis also confirms that more men were struck down by Covid than women, with 57 per cent of virus deaths among men. The figures include those who died from Covid, as well as those who died due to the pandemic's impact on health systems, such as deaths among people with cancer who were unable to seek treatment because hospitals were full of virus patients. The WHO there could be even more Covid deaths because some fatalities were averted during the pandemic, such as fewer deaths in road accidents or in work during lockdowns. Experts have long warned the true virus death toll will be many times higher than the reported figures due to limited testing and difficulties attributing the cause of death to the virus, as many fatalities will involve other underlying conditions. And it is difficult to compare figures between countries because some nations only count deaths that occurred in hospitals. Only 6.2million official Covid deaths have been confirmed worldwide, according to Oxford University-based platform Our World in Data. This data shows the US has the highest death toll, while the UK has the seventh-highest. Dr Albert Ko, an infectious diseases expert at the Yale School of Public Health, said the WHO analysis 'may seem like just a bean-counting exercise'. 'But having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one,' he said. The WHO graphs show the difference between reported deaths and excess mortality per region. The shaded grey areas show the number of deaths reported to the WHO by countries, while the red lines indicated the estimated excess death rate (the additional people who have died more than the expected number of deaths). Where the red line dips below zero, it indicates that less people died than expected due to pandemic-related changes in behaviour and society. The red numbers in the top right corner of each graph show the total excess mortality from January 1 2020 to December 31 2021 The WHO charts show the difference in reported deaths (shaded grey areas) and excess morality (red lines) when countries are split into World Bank income groups. The red numbers in the top right corner of each graph show the total excess mortality from January 1 2020 to December 31 2021 The WHO findings come after US scientists estimated there were more than 18million Covid deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. Separate researchers by a team of Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3million uncounted Covid deaths in India alone. WHERE HAVE THE MOST CONFIRMED COVID DEATHS BEEN LOGGED? HIGHEST DEATH TOLL US: 996,704 Brazil: 663,994 India: 523,975 Russia: 368,840 Mexico: 324,334 Peru: 212,891 UK: 175,717 Italy: 164,041 Indonesia: 156,321 France: 146,445 HIGHEST DEATH TOLL RELATIVE TO POPULATION (per million people) Peru: 6,381.74 Bulgaria: 5,358.1 Bosnia and Herzegovina: 4,831.68 Hungary: 4,802.29 North Macedonia: 4,457.28 Montenegro: 4,324.49 Georgia: 4,224.11 Croatia: 3,884.7 Czechia: 3,747.85 Slovakia: 3,659.76 Source: Our World in Data Advertisement Some countries, including India, have disputed WHO's methodology for calculating Covid deaths, resisting the idea that there were many more deaths than officially counted. Earlier this week, the Indian Government revealed the country logged 474,806 more deaths in 2020 compared to the previous year, but did not say how many were due to the pandemic. India did not release any death estimates for 2021, when the highly infectious delta variant swept through the country, killing many thousands. Dr Ko said the WHO's figures may explain some ongoing mysteries about the pandemic, including why Africa appears to have been one of the countries least affected by the virus, despite its low vaccination rates. 'Were the mortality rates so low because we couldn't count the deaths or was there some other factor to explain that?' he said. Dr Ko noted that high death rates in the UK and US proved resources alone were insufficient to contain a global outbreak. Dr Bharat Pankhania, a public health expert at the University of Exeter, said it may be impossible to calculate the true Covid death toll, especially for poor countries He said: 'When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died.' Dr Pankhania noted the currently estimated Covid death toll is still a fraction of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic - when experts estimate up to 100million people died. But he said it is 'shameful' that so many people died due to the coronavirus pandemic, despite significant advancements in modern medicine. Dr Pankhania warned the cost of Covid could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of long Covid. He said: 'With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it. 'here was not an enduring immunological condition that we're seeing right now with Covid. 'We do not know the extent to which people with long Covid will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems.' Dr Jeremy Farrar, director of scientific charity the Wellcome Trust, said: 'There can be no hiding from the fact this devastating death toll was not inevitable; or that there have been too many times in the past two years when world leaders have failed to act at the level needed to save lives.' He noted that a third of the worlds population is still unvaccinated and 'more must be done' to protect people from Covid and future pandemics. 'Climate change, shifting patterns of animal and human interaction, urbanisation and increasing travel and trade are creating more opportunities for new and dangerous infectious disease risks to emerge, amplify and then spread,' Dr Farrar said. He called on world leaders to 'learn from this crisis and act immediately to end this pandemic, and make sure they do everything they can to prevent this ever happening again'. Dr Farrar said global surveillance networks must be built and sustained to detect outbreaks before they escalate, while national and global health professionals must be supported to respond quickly at the start of an outbreak. And vaccine, testing and treatment capacity must be equally distributed worldwide, he added. A top private school has sparked outrage by removing a pair of nesting swans from a riverside beauty spot on its land, just days before up to seven eggs were due to hatch. Winchester College which has the motto Manners Maketh Man says it was granted a Natural England licence to move the birds after the male swan repeatedly attacked members of the public. But local residents believe that the action was taken to safeguard pupils from the schools rowing club who were allegedly targeted by the protective swan as they launched their boats. The College which has boarding fees of 45,936-a-year has insisted the swans were safely removed by professionals to an approved alternative habitat at an undisclosed location. But a notice erected at the former nesting spot by the College to explain its actions made no mention of what had happened to the eggs in the nest. The two swans pictured with their cygnets in a previous year before they were moved by Winchester College The College did not respond to requests for comment from MailOnline. The incident has sparked fury on social media in the Hampshire town with furious locals accusing the College of cruelty and acting immorally in its own interests. Some accused the College of murder after speculating that the eggs in the nest may have been destroyed to prevent them hatching. The swans had nested for several years at the same spot just 50 metres from the Colleges rowing club on the Itchen Navigation section of the River Itchen in Winchester. Past pupils at the College - who are known as Old Wykehamnists after the schools 14th century founder William Of Wykeham - include current Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Retired print business owner Barrie Hammond, 74, said: The two swans were beautiful creatures and nested there for quite a few years. The Winchester College rowing club near the spot where the swans were nesting I live nearby and used to feed them and their cygnets after they hatched. The male swan was obviously protective of its young, but I never saw it being aggressive. People like to swim in the water and go kayaking in the summer. You just avoid the swans when they are around the nest. I have a kayak and the swans have never bothered me when I am on the water. Someone had actually put a netting screen around the nest so they did not get disturbed by dogs being walked on the path. I saw them on the nest a couple of weeks ago when I was walking down there, but this week I went back and the whole nest had disappeared. The College told someone that they had been removed, but they would not say where they had been taken. I am convinced it is because they did not want the swan to be interfering with their pupils rowing in the river. Winchester College, founded in 1382, is one of the oldest and best known public schools in England with fees of 46,000 per year There is a feeling here that the College thinks it can get away with doing what it likes. It is annoying because the swans have been there for a long time and people used to look forward to seeing the cygnets. Esme Holding, a retired specialist nurse who also lives nearby, said: I think the college is acting immorally. It is shocking. The whole nest has gone. The eggs were half-way through their incubation and were due to hatch in another week and a half. The swan is only defensive when his pen (female swan) is on the nest. The college says the swan is being aggressive to the public. They put up notices last year saying there was a dangerous swan when actually he wasnt. He only gets aggressive when the nest is approached and is just doing what a swan does. The nest is on college land. They could have simply closed the footpath. The boys at the boathouse could carry their boats further downstream. The boys go past the nest with their paddles. The swan will go to the boathouse and wait for the boats and try to bite their oars, saying Go away, this is where my babies are. He is not vicious he is defending his nest. Things are much worse when the College boys come back. Ms Holding said she had complained last year after witnessing a College Don taunting the cob (male swan) with his bicycle, leaving it with an injured wing. The behaviour of the swan prompted the Colleges river keeper Mark Sankey to put up signs to warn people of its aggressive nature and urging them to exercise extreme caution. A sign explaining the removal of the swans this week, insists that College cares deeply about its custodianship of the natural environment. It says: In recent months, members of the public have reported incidents of concern regarding the swan (and its pen) nesting near the public footbath on the Itchen Navigation. The incidents have not only involved distress to the swan, but also anxiety to members of the public which have been threatened or attacked by it, and their frequency has proved too difficult to control. The College has consulted closely with Natural England. All swans remain protected by the Crown and Her Majestys Swan Marker has also been involved. The expert advice given to the College was that the best outcome for the swan as well as for members of the public would be its safe relocation (along with its pen). The operation has pw been successful completed by professional and both swans have been moved under licence to an approved alternative habitat. Behaviours of the kind exhibited by the swan in this instance are uncharacteristic and rare. The College will be keen to do all it can under expert advice to support all forms of wildlife on its land and apologises to any members of the public who have been concerned about the swans behaviour and welfare. But one resident said on social media: It makes me really sad. We just bulldoze everything for our convenience. Swans in a nature reserve getting booted out for the benefit of humans. Some irony. Another added: This same pair nested in exactly the same place last year and successfully raised six cygnets. The college notice posted claimed it was necessary because some walkers had claimed anxiety from the aggressive nature of the swans. In my view, the nervous anxiety-ridden walkers should take heed of the warning signs and take one of the alternative routes. It's more likely that the College wanted to get their boats out. The Environmental Protection Act make it illegal to intentionally take, damage or destroy a wild birds nest while its being used or built. It is also against the law to possess, control or transport live or dead wild birds, or parts of them, or their eggs. But under certain circumstances, particularly where health and safety is an issue, landowners can apply for a licence to circumvent the rules. Keith Betton, county recorder and chairman of the Hampshire Ornithological Society, said swan eggs could be moved safely during incubation, as long as they were kept warm. But he added: Its very sad that people are viewing swans as a problem. Swans are part of the natural habitat and theyve been here far longer than we have. Certainly, if they were on my land, Id be doing my best to divert the public rather than move the swans to keep them safe. Rand Paul lambasted Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a Wednesday hearing by claiming he doesn't want the Biden Cabinet member anywhere near making decisions involving speech. 'We can't even agree what disinformation is,' the Kentucky Republican said to the DHS secretary. 'What this working group does is ensure that there are guardrails, definitions, standards to make sure that free speech rights, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy rights of individuals are not impeded,' Mayorkas explained of the newly formed DHS Disinformation Governance Board. 'I don't want guardrails. I want you to have nothing to do with speech,' the senator tore into Mayorkas. 'You think we can't determine, you know, speech by traffickers is disinformation.' 'Do you think the American people are so stupid they need you to tell them what the truth is?' Paul questioned. 'You can't even admit what the truth is with the Steele Dossier. I don't trust government to figure out what the truth is. Government is largely disseminating disinformation.' Paul accused the U.S. government of being the 'largest propagator of disinformation in the history of the world.' He then listed different debated topics in the U.S.: 'Are you familiar with McNamara? The Pentagon Papers? Are you familiar with George W. Bush and the weapons of mass destruction? Are you familiar with Iran-contra?' 'I mean, think of all the debates and disputes we've had over the last 50 years in our country,' Paul continued. 'We worked them out by debating them. We don't work them out by the government being the arbiter.' He said: 'I think you've got no idea what disinformation is.' In listing out reasons why he doesn't trust Mayorkas to make decisions about misinformation or speech online, Paul pointed to the stifling of information about COVID-19 online that did not fall in line with the Biden administration's policies. Republican Senator Rand Paul grilled DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his agency's new Disinformation Governance Board, claiming Americans don't need to be told what is true. 'I don't want guardrails. I want you to have nothing to do with speech,' he said to the DHS head 'I've said a million times that cloth masks don't work. YouTube takes me down. They're a private company I can have that beef with him. What about you? You're going to look at that? I often say that natural immunity from having had the infection is equal to the vaccine or better. You're going to take that down?' he questioned. 'Are you going to put information out there saying that I'm spreading disinformation?' Paul asked. Mayorkas refused to give a straight answer, claiming the board is not composed of 'public health experts.' 'So public health won't be part of the Disinformation Governance Board? No COVID disinformation? Yes or no?' Paul pressed. The DHS head accused Paul of giving him vague hypotheticals and said they would aim to address information that poses a national security threat to the U.S. Paul disagreed with the concept that Americans need the government to cut in and tell them what to believe or not. 'I have a greater respect for the American people than you do,' Paul said. 'I think the American people can figure out the truth.' The senator added: 'And if you think the American people need to be told there's not fentanyl in the vaccination, feel free to say it. But the thing is, is if you are going to go around saying that you're the arbiter of information and of disinformation, I think you have no clue. And you don't have the perspective of history knowing that disinformation, the largest progenitor of disinformation in our history, has probably been the U.S. government.' Biden's new 'disinformation czar' dismissed concerns about Critical Race Theory in schools as 'disinformation for profit' - despite parents across the country being worried about the teaching of the philosophy in their children's classrooms. Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation expert who has worked throughout Eastern Europe, was hired on April 27 to lead a Homeland Security Department working group designed to help its different agencies in dealing with disinformation on topics ranging from migration to plots from Russia and Iran. But her appointment has angered Republicans. The Republican National Committee dubbed the committee she heads 'Ministry of Truth' in a nod to George Orwell's novel '1984,' and raised fears that the group will deem as disinformation 'any speech we don't like.' Other critics have seized upon her past comments - noting that she described Hunter Biden's laptop as 'the laptop from hell' and echoed the opinion of national security experts at the time that the laptop was part of a Russian influence operation. It has since been confirmed by multiple news organizations, including DailyMail.com, as authentic. On Wednesday, a clip from a November 2021 address to The City Club of Cleveland was circulated online, which showed Jankowicz downplaying concerns about CRT. Nina Jankowicz is pictured in November 2021, giving a lecture and taking questions at The City Club of Cleveland. She was asked about CRT, and said it was a 'weaponization of emotions' Opponents of the academic doctrine known as Critical Race Theory protest outside of the Loudoun County School Board headquarters, in Ashburn, Virginia, in June 2021 Protesters and their children are seen outside the Loudoun County government center in Leesburg, Virginia, on June 12, 2021 One man in the audience said that Republicans were using Critical Race Theory to divide people, and asked her: 'How do you get people to understand and go beyond the headlines?' Critical race theory, or CRT, is a legal framework taught primarily in law schools which claims that racism is embedded in American political and social institutions. Conservatives have taken to using the phrase as a way to describe lessons on racism and 'equity' across all grade levels - and have criticized the theory for claiming that the U.S. is built on racial animus, with skin color determining the social, economic and political differences between people. CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the introduction of The 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement Advocates, however, say its' teaching is necessary to underline how deeply racism pervades society. Critics say it is divisive and paints everyone as a victim or oppressor. Loudoun Superintendent Scott Ziegler maintains that CRT is not being taught to students, and that parents and other activists are seizing upon the district's equity training for staff and claiming it is being taught in classrooms. Jankowicz, for her part, said at City Club of Cleveland event: 'You're absolutely right that Critical Race Theory has become one of those hot-button issues that the Republicans and other disinformers, who are engaged in disinformation for profit, frankly - there are plenty of media outlets that are making money off this too - have seized on. 'And I live in Virginia, and in Loudoun County that's one of the areas where people have really honed in on this topic. 'But it's no different than any of the other hot-button issues that have allowed disinformation to flourish. 'It's weaponizing people's emotion.' She recommended that the audience be aware of reading articles that made you feel emotional and passionate, and said she supported public media, because they are able to give time and space for debate. Members of the Loudoun County School Board are facing the prospect of being forced from office in November - a year early - after Virginia's new GOP governor, Glenn Youngkin, ordered them to seek re-election. 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, elections for all nine districts of the Loudoun County School Board shall be held on November 5, 2022,' the amendment to HB 1138 reads. The board is made up of nine members, including Jeff Morse, chair of the Dulles District; Ian Serotkin, Vice-Chair of Blue Ridge District; at-large member Denise Corbo; Atoosa Reaser of the Algonkian District; Harris Mahedavi, of the Ashburn District; Andrew Hoyler of the Broad Run District; John Beatty of the Catoctin District; and Tom Marshall of the Leesburg District. The Loudoun School Board has been mired in controversy - beyond CRT. Last year they were in the headlines for covering up a sexual assault on school grounds, which led to an additional assault of a young girl - whose father infamously attended a school board meeting and had to be forcibly removed. They have continued to court controversy, with the board's approval of a $6 million 'equity-training' program last April, as well as the September approval of a study into whether it would be appropriate to give reparations to black people. Loudoun County School Board members (pictured) will be up for election this coming November instead of 2023 following an amendment by Governor Younkin Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (pictured) made an amendment to a bill that moved up the elections of the Loudoun County School Board to November 2022 Shelley Slebrch and other angry parents and community members protest after a Loudoun County School Board meeting was halted by the school board because the crowd refused to quiet down last June Jankowicz has been appointed by the Biden administration to head the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board as executive director Younkin said the amendment was a chance to 'reflect the will of parents' sooner. 'The last few years just absolutely signified some real challenges with the Loudoun County School Board,' Younkin told 7NewsDC. 'And so in the spirit of transparency and accountability, my amendment gives parents the ability to elect their school board.' But the move came as a surprise to school board members. Jankowicz, meanwhile - a Wilson Center global fellow - previously published information that was later found to be false or misleading, and a tweet Jankowicz sent in October 2020 has resurfaced and is making the rounds in conservative circles. 'Back on the 'laptop from hell,' apparently - Biden notes 50 former natsec officials and 5 former CIA heads that believe the laptop is a Russian influence op,' she tweeted at the time. She added: 'Trump says 'Russia, Russia, Russia.' She now says that the tweet was part of her 'live tweeting' a debate between Trump and Biden, just one month before the presidential general election. Republicans, however, are using the post to pounce on her political leanings. 'For those who believe this tweet is a key to all my views, it is simply a direct quote from both candidates during the final presidential debate,' Jankowicz said, defending the original tweet. 'If you look at my timeline, you will see I was livetweeting that evening,' she added. Nina Jankowicz defended her previous casting of doubt on the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, claiming that a tweet she sent in October 2020 was a livetweet of a debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump Woke Nina Jankowicz is now head of Biden's dystopian 'disinformation board' Nina Jankowicz had already made a name for herself before being appointed head of Biden's Russian disinformation unit. Jankowicz, 33, is a successful author who is currently eight months pregnant with her first child. She grew up in New Jersey and is dating Michael Stein. The couple are happily shacked up in a $1 million, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom property they own in Arlington, Virginia. Jankowicz, attended Bryn Mawr College and Georgetown University, before embarking on a glittering career in foreign relations. She managed programs to Russia and Belarus at the National Democratic Institute. Jankowicz also advised the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on disinformation and strategic communications She serves on the Board of Trustees for the Eurasia Foundation and is a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center But the author is best known as a prominent woke voice online. The Biden appointee's latest book, How To Be A Woman Online has just been released, and deals with the topics of internet bullying and trolling. She has complained about hordes of men tracking down her private Facebook and Instagram accounts after she appears on TV to try to follow her and find out more about her life. Jankowicz says she prefers strangers to follow her Twitter account, and speculates that many of those who criticize her online are jealous of her 'verified' blue check mark and media career. She has identified five different types of trolls who target her most, including 'reply guy' types who insist on trying to meddle in all aspects of her life, including in how brown she toasts her bread. Despite claiming to be a free speech campaigner online, Jankowicz has spoken out against the First Amendment. Aligning herself with many online progressives who've begun to call for an end to unqualified free speech, Jankowicz recently tweeted: 'I shudder to think about if free speech absolutists were taking over more platforms, what that would look like for the marginalized communitieswhich are already shoulderingdisproportionate amounts of this abuse.' She also said the prospect of Elon Musk taking over Twitter made her 'shudder.' But Jankowicz - who has a pet dog and a cat - has not joined thousands of other liberals who've vowed to quit the platform as a result of Musk's purchase. Advertisement In one instance, back when the global pandemic was just beginning, Jankowicz quote tweeted a post from Rob Leathern, who worked on integrity products at Facebook. He announced that the company was giving the World Health Organization and other health groups as many free ads as needed to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 response. 'This is good,' she wrote in March 2020. 'Now [I] hope the rest of the adtech industry stops placing ads for masks and worse (straight up disinfo!) on articles and information about coronavirus.' Jankowicz also wrote at the time that 'our country might be too... um, free spirited? to comply with social distancing recommendations unless they're forced upon us. 'So force away! Lock us down. People are not taking this seriously,' she wrote after apparently being within six feet of a high school-aged couple. At the time, Dr. Anthony Fauci and other United States health leaders had advised Americans not to wear masks. They later changed that advice, with Fauci admitting that he was concerned there would not be enough Personal Protective Equipment for frontline health care workers, and others admitting they did not know at the time how contagious the virus was or how it spread. But as America's top doctors discovered more information about the virus, social distancing guidelines were reduced. Jankowicz also claimed online ahead of the 2016 presidential election that a Donald Trump presidency would 'embolden ISIS'. In reality, the Islamic State collapsed under the Trump administration, which also carried out the successful operation to kill head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She further said in February that Russia's invasion of Ukraine 'would have been so much worse under the former president.' And in an August 2020 tweet, Jankowicz apparently hyped up former British spy Chris Steele as he spoke about disinformation. She wrote at the time that she listened to a podcast featuring Steele, saying he 'provides some great historical context about the evolution of disinfo. 'Worth a listen,' she tweeted. But Steele's infamous dossier about Trump allegedly colluding with Russia prior to the 2016 presidential election has since been discredited, with his alleged main source, Igor Danchenko charged with five counts of 'making false statements to the FBI.' Jankowicz has not yet apologized for any of these tweets. They remain available for anyone to see on her Twitter page. Jankowicz has also found herself under fire for some of her controversial videos, including one from December 2015 in which she says: 'I don't want to work, struggle or compromise.' In the video, she asks Santa, 'if you're listening please tell me what to do. 'Who do I f*** to be famous,' adding: 'I've done everything I could and now the rest is up to you.' Another YouTube video from January 2018 features her singing about how she has started a new job advocating for human rights. In one of her old tweets, Nina Jankowicz said she hopes the advertising technology industry would stop placing ads for masks - which at the time America's top health experts were saying were not necessary Jankowicz also tweeted in 2016 that she thought a Donald Trump presidency would embolden ISIS, as she expressed her support for then-candidate Hillary Clinton And in August 2020, she praised Chris Steele, whose Russian dossier was later discredited In March 2020, she suggested that the country is too 'free-spirited to comply with social distancing recommendations' as she advocated for lockdowns after apparently being near two high schoolers on a date She doubled down on the idea of Trump's close ties to Russia in a February tweet, suggesting that the country's invasion of Ukraine would have been worse under the former president Videos posted online show Jankowicz asking Santa to make her rich and famous Another video features her, at left, singing about starting a new career advocating for human rights as she compares herself to Elizabeth Warren The head of the Biden administration's new 'Disinformation Governance Board' Nina Jankowicz sings about 'misinformation' to the tune of Mary Poppins song 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' 'When people tried to silence me, I stood my ground and I persisted,' Jankowicz sang with her group, the Moaning Myrtles, a nod to the ghost from the Harry Potter series. 'Because we need equality and nevertheless, I persisted,' she sang, an apparent reference to then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell trying to prevent Sen. Elizabeth Warren from continuing her speech against naming Jeff Sessions to US Attorney General. 'Wha-oh, wha-oh, I've got a reputation, wha-oh, wha-oh yeah it's cause for celebration,' Jankowicz sings. 'So I'm standing up for the next generation,' she continues, before singing: 'You can call me Myrtle Elizabeth Warren.' When she was younger, Jankowicz, left, co-created a Harry Potter-themed band named The Moaning Myrtles Other videos from the group she co-founded in 2005 included Harry Potter erotica songs, in which she sang about killing the titular character so they can have sex as ghosts, as well as other Harry Potter-inspired songs about life at Hogwarts. More recently, she posted a TikTok video in March 2020, claiming people are not taking COVID restrictions seriously, as she suggested that lock downs are necessary. 'Lock us down. People are not taking this (COVID) seriously,' she said in the video. 'Information laundering is really quite ferocious. It's when a huckster takes some lies and makes them sound precocious,' she sings in the video to the tune of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' 'By saying them in Congress or a mainstream outlet, so disinformation's origins are slightly less atrocious. 'It's how you hide a little, hide a little, little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little, little lie. 'When Rudy Giuliani shared bad intel from Ukraine. Or when TikTok influencers say Covid can't cause pain. They're laundering disinfo and we really should take note. And not support their lies with our wallet, voice or vote oh!' Logan Marshall-Green's ex-wife has accused him of raping her while they were married, and claims she once had to get an abortion after he forced himself on her. Diane Gaeta made the claims in an Instagram post on Wednesday while sharing her thoughts on why Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned. She said she'd had two abortions, one when she was a teenager and another when she was '35 and married'. She did not name Marshall-Green, who is best known for playing Trey Atwood in The OC, but the pair were married from 2012 and 2020. Logan Marshall-Green and his ex-wife Diane in 2017. She claimed this week that he 'practiced marital rape' and that she once sought an abortion as a result Diane Gaeta made the claims in an Instagram post on Wednesday while sharing her thoughts on why Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned 'I had a second abortion when I was 35. I was married and had two kids but my husband practiced and joked about marriage rape. We had an argument and then make up sex, in the pitch dark from behind as my penance outside in the garage. 'I told him it was my fertile day and he needed to pull out and he said, No. and didnt. I got pregnant. He was away in Jordan shooting a movie and I was alone with both of my children. 'I told him and he said if I had another baby he would divorce me. 'He didnt want another kid, case closed.' Logan Marshall-Green as Trey Atwood in The OC She said the fetus was showing signs of abnormality and wouldn't have survived a full term pregnancy. 'I went to my OBGYN and he said that he didnt like the levels on the babys development anyway and it would be okay to abort, even though I was devastated, because the baby would probably be abnormal and not viable anyway. 'Without abortion I would have been forced to carry a baby whose tissue was growing into the walls of my uterus with a man who was raping and physically abusing me and would leave me with a third baby and whom I was totally dependent on financially. 'Again, I went through this abortion totally alone and still, abortion has helped me save and shape my own life,' she said. Marshall-Green has not responded to her comments. The pair got married in 2012 and separated in February 2019. They have one son together and she also has a daughter from a previous relationship. As part of their 2020 divorce, he was ordered to pay her $4,000-a-month to support the two children. Green, 45, is best known for his role as Trey Atwood in The OC, as Richard Heller in 24. Chinese scientists develop trajectory planning system for collision-free flight of drone swarms Xinhua) 11:30, May 05, 2022 BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists have developed a new flight path planning system that can help miniature, fully autonomous drone swarms fly smartly through crowded forests, without collisions. The planning system enabled 10 aerial robots to collectively maneuver unhindered through a cluttered bamboo forest and find the most efficient flight path, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Science Robotics. Inspired by how flocks of birds can flexibly coordinate their collective flight paths, the researchers from Zhejiang University designed a trajectory planning method that processes data from onboard sensors and incorporates collision avoidance, flight efficiency, and swarm coordination to optimize swarm flying within a few milliseconds. The fleet of 10 drones was spotted avoiding other drones in a drone traffic scenario, according to the study. "In our system, each robot is equipped with a stereo camera, attitude sensor and embedded computer that uses image and attitude data for localization," said the research paper's first author Zhou Xin with Zhejiang University. "The trajectory planning module will plan a trajectory immediately that will neither hit obstacles nor other robots in the next few seconds and the controller then controls the propellers to follow this safe trajectory," Zhou added. The new system is expected to help rescuers in search and rescue operations in forests, animal and plant researchers, and even ordinary people who may receive packages delivered by aerial robots to their balconies in the coming years, the researchers said. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to hold a vote on legislation to codify abortion rights next week in the fallout of the leaked preliminary Supreme Court opinion. 'This is real and as urgent as it gets,' the New York Democrat said, announcing that the vote would be held on Wednesday. Though Schumer said it would be one of the 'most important' votes the Senate would take, the legislation is likely to fail in the split Senate. Abortion legislation would need 60 votes to break a filibuster. And when Democrats held a vote on the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA) in February, it got just 46 votes. The party's efforts to eliminate a decades-old ban on federal funding of abortions also died out in the Senate after passing in the House. The WHPA passed the House mainly along party lines, 218-211, last September. Republicans have argued the bill goes too far - basically eliminating a state's right to put restrictions on abortion. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have both expressed support for abortion rights - and disappointment in the high court's preliminary decision - but both have called the WHPA too broad. Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, W. Va., also voted agains the bill previously. Collins said she also worried the Democrats' bill could do away with the Hyde Amendment. Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to hold a vote on legislation to codify abortion rights next week in the fallout of the leaked preliminary Supreme Court opinion The bill would protect a woman's right to end her pregnancy at least until 'fetal viability,' about 22 to 24 weeks, and would require abortions be legal up until birth if 'when, in the good-faith medical judgment of the treating health care provider, continuation of the pregnancy would pose a risk to the pregnant patient's life or health.' The bill directs courts to 'liberally' interpret the legislation. The bill's chief sponsor in the Senate, Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said that the bill 'doesn't distinguish' between physical and mental health in decisions on late-term abortions. The bill would eliminate any restrictions put in place by states pre-viability, such as requiring special admitting privileges for providers or imposing waiting periods. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had brought the bill for a vote after Texas' ban on abortions after six weeks. Now, Schumer is responding to a leaked draft Supreme Court opinion obtained by Politico indicating that a majority of justices are in favor of overturning 1973 Roe v. Wade and 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey, tossing abortion rules back to states. Twenty-six states are 'certain or likely' to make abortion illegal in most cases if Roe is overturned, according to the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute. Though the vote is likely to fail, Schumer will force all senators to go on record on abortion ahead of the midterms, essentially helping vulnerable Democrats bring home a pro-choice vote ahead of elections. The leaked preliminary Supreme Court opinion sent shockwaves across the nation, and pro-choice protesters immediately took to the streets like the above in Austin, Texas Nichole McClish of Lansing, Mich., uses a sign to block anti-choice protesters at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Tuesday, May 3 Protesters gather at the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, May 3 'Every American will get to see on which side every senator stands,' Schumer said in remarks on the Senate floor on Tuesday. 'All week we've been seeing Republicans try to duck, dodge and dip from their responsibility for bringing Roe to the brink of total repeal. That's what they've been trying to do for decades,' Schumer said Thursday. 'Next week, the American people will see crystal clear that when given the chance to right this wrong, the Republican Party will either side with the extremists who want to ban abortion without exceptions, or side with women, with families and the vast majority of Americans.' Collins and Murkowski, meanwhile, have proposed their own Reproductive Choice Act, which would prohibit states from placing an 'undue burden' on women trying to terminate a pregnancy before viability. Unlike the WHPA, Collins and Murkowski say their bill would not impede on legally protected religious freedoms and would allow states to prohibit sex-based abortions and require parental or guardian notification for minors seeking an abortion. They say their bill would codify rights provided under Roe, without going any further, but would not include other 'extraneous' and 'overreaching' provisions included in the WHPA. Sens. Collins and Murkowski, meanwhile, have proposed their own Reproductive Choice Act, which would prohibit states from placing an 'undue burden' on women trying to terminate a pregnancy before viability Both moderate Republican senators expressed frustrations with the high court after the leaked preliminary opinion. 'If this leaked draft opinion is the final decision and this reporting is accurate, it would be completely inconsistent with what Justice Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh said in their hearings and in our meetings in my office,' Collins said in a statement. Collins voted under President Trump for Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, both of whom reportedly are in favor of overturning Roe. Murkowski, who voted for Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett but not Kavanaugh, said: 'We don't know the direction that this decision may ultimately take, but if it goes in the direction that this leaked copy has indicated, I will just tell you that it rocks my confidence in the court right now.' The US Federal Trade Commission is reportedly reviewing Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter buyout for potential antitrust concerns. The FTC now has 30 days to consider the deal and decide whether to issue a second request to probe the matter further, although most experts believe there are no antitrust concerns that could block the takeover, according to Bloomberg. However, the anti-monopoly activist group Open Markets Initiative, where Democratic FTC Chair Lina Khan used to work, has urged the agency to block the deal, saying that it 'poses immediate and direct threats to American democracy and free speech.' The group argued that Musk's ownership of the Starlink satellite internet service already gives him control over a key communication platform, and that his purchase of Twitter would be a dangerous concentration of power. Democratic FTC Chair Lina Khan used to work for an activist group that is now calling on the agency to block Elon Musk's Twitter takeover on antitrust grounds The US Federal Trade Commission is reportedly reviewing Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter buyout for potential antitrust concerns Representative Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, on Wednesday issued a letter raising concerns about the FTC antitrust probe and suggesting he planned to investigate. Jordan expressed concern about statements by the Open Markets Institute (OMI), which he called 'an extreme left-wing political advocacy organization,' and its call for the FTC to stop the deal. 'We are concerned that OMI - where you were previously employed as Legal Director - may be trying to leverage its close relationship with you to take action to further limit free speech online,' wrote Jordan in the letter to Khan. 'OMI appears to believe that the FTC will be receptive to its cavalier effort to influence a federal agency that is run by its former employee,' wrote Jordan. Jordan asked the FTC to preserve records relating to its review of the Twitter deal, suggesting he may be planning to investigate the matter. Khan was legal director from 2017 to 2018 at the OMI, which describes itself on its website as working 'to address threats to our democracy, individual liberties, and our national security from today's unprecedented levels of corporate concentration and monopoly power.' Representative Jim Jordan on Wednesday issued a letter raising concerns about the FTC antitrust probe and suggesting he planned to investigate Jordan has backed Musk's purchase of Twitter in hopes that some conservatives, like former President Donald Trump, who were removed from the social media platform would be able to return. There is little expectation that Musk's potential purchase of Twitter will be rejected by antitrust enforcers. In the letter, Jordan asked if Khan or anyone else at the FTC had helped draft the Open Markets statement. And he asked if the agency had taken any action regarding the statement. He asked for a reply by 5pm on May 18. Musk, the world's richest man and an active and opinionated Twitter user, clinched a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion cash in late April. While Musk has tweeted about free speech, when he discusses his plans for Twitter they are focused more on helping the company make more money by getting more people to use it or cutting expenses like executive pay. He has said nothing publicly about allowing banned former users to return. The FTC is reportedly also investigating Musk's initial purchase of a 9 percent stake in Twitter, probing whether he complied with an antitrust reporting requirement when he acquired the shares in early April. Musk, the world's richest man and an active and opinionated Twitter user, clinched a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion cash in late April If the FTC determines Musk violated the disclosure law, he could face a fine of up to $46,517 per day he failed to adhere to federal guidelines - a negligible amount for the world's richest man whose net worth is approximately $240billion. The FTC acknowledged receiving Jordan's letter in a statement to DailyMail.com, but declined further comment. It comes after it was revealed the world's richest man has 18 investors committed to collectively stump up more than $7billion worth of equity to help fund his takeover. In a filing on Thursday, Musk said his friend the Oracle Corp co-founder Larry Ellison's trust will invest $1billion towards the $44 billion buyout. Musk said he had also received equity commitment letters from investors including Sequoia Capital ($800m) and Brookfield ($250m) for financing of $7.14 billion. Other investors listed included Qatari Holding ($375m) and NYC real estate investor Steve Witkoff ($100m). The filing also listed Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud as having committed 34,948,975 Twitter Inc shares. The royal made the move 'in order to retain an equity investment in Twitter following completion of the Merger'. Alwaleed had initially opposed the buyout but tweet Musk today referring to his 'new friend' who will be an 'excellent leader' at the social media giant. Meanwhile Musk's margin loan was reduced to $6.25 billion from $12.5 billion, the filing revealed. The disgraced Georgia district attorney, who is facing corruption charges for obstrucing the investigation into Ahmaud Arbery's murder, is accused of speaking to one of the jogger's murderers at least seven times after the fatal shooting. Investigators found that the day after the shooting, then-Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson placed a phone call to Greg McMichael, 65, a retired investigator for her office who initiated the deadly pursuit of Arbery, 25. The call lasted more than nine minutes, prosecutors said in a misconduct case against Johnson said in the legal filing. The Thursday filing lists 16 calls between phone numbers for Johnson and McMichael - who she is accused of having 'affection' for and reportedly trying to protect. The calls started on February 23, 2020, when McMichael left Johnson a voicemail about an hour after the shooting. The final call was placed on May 5, 2020, the day graphic cell phone video of Arbery's killing leaked online. The video sparked a national outcry over the young black man's death at the hands of three white pursuers. More than half the calls lasted just a few seconds to a minute, suggesting some went unanswered and others involved voicemails. Seven calls lasted between just shy of three minutes to 21 minutes, according to the court record. The legal filing by prosecutors gave no details of any of the phone conversations. It also opposes defense motions seeking dismissal of the case. A grand jury indicted Johnson last year on a felony charge of violating her oath of office as well as a misdemeanor count of hindering a police investigation. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office is prosecuting the case, which alleged Johnson used her position to protect McMichael and his son. She is accused of discouraging the police from making arrests in connection with Arbery's death. She allegedly instructed two Glynn County police officers not to arrest Travis McMichael, 35, who shot and killed Arbery, on February 23, 2020, the indictment papers said. Former Georgia DA Jackie Johnson, 49, faces corruption charges for violating her oath of office and reportedly speaking to murderer of Ahmaud Arbery and former employee Greg McMichael, at least seven times over the phone McMichael, 65, was a former investigator at Johnson's office. A total of 16 calls were placed between the two, but nearly half of them were only seconds long, suggesting some went unanswered and others involved voicemails 'The evidence shows that Johnson showed favor and affection for McMichael throughout the pendency of the case - including when she was making decisions as the DA over his case,' the prosecutors' legal filing said. Johnson has insisted she recused herself immediately from the investigation and turned the case over to outside prosecutors since McMichael was a former employee. Her attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss the charges, saying 'there is not a scintilla of evidence' that she interfered with the police investigation. Johnson lost her reelection race for district attorney in November 2020 and blamed public outrage over the delay in arrests over Arbery's death, though she denied wrongdoing. Hours after the shooting, Johnson enlisted District Attorney George Barnhill of the neighboring Waycross Judicial Circuit to meet with local police the next day and advise them on the case. Prosecutors in the misconduct case said Barnhill decided after one meeting not to seek charges. Johnson waited until after that meeting to ask the Georgia attorney general's office to appoint an outside prosecutor to oversee the case. The legal filing says Johnson called the attorney general's office three days after Arbery's death and told a paralegal Barnhill had already accepted the case. 'Johnson failed to disclose, however, that Barnhill had already reviewed the case and declared the case to be self-defense,' the legal filing said. 'Thus, Johnson effectively chose the outcome of the case despite having a conflict.' Arbery was killed by the three men in February 2020 while he was running through their neighborhood. The men said they thought he was a theft Greg's son Travis McMichael (left) and their neighbor William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. (right) were also convicted of murder and got life in prison Barnhill ended up recusing himself. On April 3, 2020, when Johnson learned that Barnhill was stepping aside, there was a call from her phone to Greg McMichael, the court filing said. The final listed call between them was made on May 5, 2020, when the video of the killing got posted online. The murder trial revealed the video was leaked to a local radio station by an attorney Greg McMichael had consulted. The call consisted of Greg McMichael leaving a voicemail thanking Johnson for a referral, the legal filing said. He told her: 'Hes gonna run interference for me right now, and that's damn good advice, and I appreciate that very much.' McMichael and his son were arrested on murder charges two days later. Bryan's arrest followed after two weeks. Footage of the attack showed McMichael and his son, Travis, arming themselves with guns and used a pickup truck to chase 25-year-old Arbery after spotting him running in their neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. A neighbor, William 'Roddie' Bryan, 52, joined the pursuit in his own truck and recorded the cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery at close range with a shotgun. In the video recorded by Bryan, Arbery can be seen trying to wrestle a shotgun from Travis McMichael's hands in the South Georgia neighborhood of Brunswick on February 23, 2020 After being shot three times by the younger McMichael, the video shows Arbery collapsing to the pavement. He died on the scene Gregory McMichael (left) allegedly told police that he, his son (right) and their neighbor Bryan had Arbery (pictured on the pavement) 'trapped like a rat,' noting that the jogger 'knew he wasn't going to get away' The men told police that Travis McMichael opened fire in self-defense as Arbery threw punches and tried to grab the shotgun. The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery of being a thief. Arbery was unarmed when he was killed, and police found no evidence he had stolen anything. All three men were convicted of murder by a state court jury last November and were sentenced to life in prison. They stood trial again in federal court, with a jury convicting them in February of committing hate crimes. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for August. The McMichaels were already serving life without parole after being convicted of murder at state trial and Bryan was serving life with the possibility of parole after 15 years, but he now faces extra time because of the federal conviction. Unlike the state murder trial last year, the federal trial focused mostly on the racial elements of the case and the slurs the men used against Arbery. The men all pleaded not guilty, insisting as they did at their state trial that they chased and killed Arbery because they thought he was a burglar. The prosecution presented videos and testimony of how racist the men all were, including how they had used the N-word, referred to Arbery as a 'trapped rat' and as a 'monkey.' Cameo, the Chicago startup that sells customized video shout-outs from celebrities that saw its popularity soar during the pandemic, has laid off 25 percent of its workforce as the famous go back to starring in-person events. CEO Steven Galanis said he laid off 87 staffers, including those in starting and senior-level positions, during a company-wide meeting on Wednesday, citing the need to scale back after profits topped at $100 million in 2020, Variety reported. 'To support both fan and talent demand during the pandemic lockdowns, Cameo's headcount exploded from just over 100 to nearly 400,' Galanis said in a statement. 'We hired a lot of people quickly, and market conditions have rapidly changed since then. Accordingly, we have right-sized the business to best reflect the new realities.' Galanis took to Twitter later that day to call on other companies to hire the laid-off employees. 'Today has been a brutal day at the office. I made the painful decision to let go of 87 beloved members of the Cameo Fameo,' Galanis wrote. 'If you're looking to hire hungry, humble, smart, kind, curious, learning machines who love to win - and you see Cameo on their resume - look no further. CEO Steven Galanis (pictured) said he laid off 87 staffers, including those in starting and senior-level positions, during a company-wide meeting on Wednesday He took to Twitter following the meeting to beg others to hire the laid-off employees Cameo allows fans to purchase customized video messages from their favorites celebrities. During the pandemic, its popularity soared, earning the company $100 million in 2020 alone Launched in 2017, Cameo made a name for itself by allowing fans to purchase customized video messages from their favorites celebrities, be they actors, authors, athletes, influencers or general pop-culture icons. The company quickly rose in popularity during the pandemic when quarantines canceled events and kept people indoors, with profits rising to $100 million, four-times as much as the company earned in 2019. The Office star Brian Baumgartner, who's bumbling portrayal as Kevin Malone earned him the undying affection of fans - earned more than $1 million in 2020 through Cameo. At $2,500, Caitlyn Jenner charges the most for a shout-out, with Kevin O'Leary from Shark Tank not far behind at $1,200. But as the pandemic has waned, so too has the fervor for Cameo's services, Galanis said as he insisted it was necessary to scale the company back and refocus its goals. 'The decision to reduce our headcount was a painful but necessary course correction to ensure that we regain focus as well as achieve the agility to navigate new challenges, the ability to optimize our financial resources, and time and space to nurture newer business segments like Cameo for Business, Represent and web3 that we believe will be as big as the core business that put us on the map,' Galanis said. 'We are bullish on the intermediate and long-term future of Cameo, and the actions we have taken to balance our costs with our cash reserves will best position the company to take full advantage of those growth opportunities.' Caitlyn Jenner is the costliest celebrity on Cameo, charging $2,500 per message The Chicago-based company had bolstered in popularity and expanded to Los Angeles, where it purchased a villa and held a Super Bowl party in February (pictured) Last year, Cameo was valued at just over $1 billion after raising $100 million from investors, including Amazon, Google and the United Talent Agency. By October, it purchased Represent, an LA-based marketing and merchandising platform that operates direct-to-fan ecommerce sites for celebrities. The company even purchased a villa in Los Angeles, which it used to hold a Super Bowl party in February. On Tuesday, Cameo and Snapchat parent company Snap announced a new partnership, Snap x Cameo Advertiser program, which will allow Snapchat advertisers to pair up with Cameo celebrities to create video ads for the social media platform. The change in Cameo comes as COVID-19 cases continue to drop after two years of the pandemic. The U.S. reported 114,308 new COVID-19 cases in the past day, according to Johns Hopkins University, along with 1,960 new deaths. More than two-thirds of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and about 82.5 percent have gotten at least one jab. Three years after he killed himself in prison while awaiting trial, less than a quarter of Jeffrey Epstein's estate remains, DailyMail.com can reveal. When the disgraced financier was found hanging in his cell in New York's Metropolitan Correction Center in 2019, his estate was valued at a staggering $636million. Today, accounts filed with the Virgin Island Superior Court and obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, show that just $154million of that vast wealth remains. In December 2021 the estate listed among its assets, $45,441,290.72 'cash in hand.' And by the following March that sum had dwindled to $33,527,414,60. The value of Epstein's art and collectibles remains unchanged at $337,154 as does his $4,055 collection of watches. Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's vast fortune once estimated to be worth more than a billion dollars has dwindled in value by more than 75 per cent since his death in 2019 Epstein was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges when he hanged himself in his cell in August 2019. His accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell was found guilty of procuring underage girls in a federal trial last year In December 2021, the estate was reported to have $45,441,290.72 'cash in hand'. Three months later, that sum had dwindled to $33,527,414,60 As of March 31, Epstein's estate is valued at $154,405,363, statements show According to the quarterly accounts filed this week, taxes and upkeep of his remaining properties account for close to $3million worth of quarterly expenses with $2,388,205 spent on taxes on the infamous New York townhouse alone. But the single most significant drain on the pedophile's failing fortunes by far is money paid out to the 135 women who accused him of sexually abusing them when they were young. As of March 2022, the cumulative sum paid to victims stands at $144,527,339.05 $121,127,399.05 of this came from the Epstein Victims Compensation Fund. The New York Times has placed the estate's legal fees at $30million. Lawyers have helped hand out settlements, liquidate assets, and sift through the complex holdings of a man who once set up his own offshore bank. Now DailyMail.com has learned that their work won't be over anytime soon as the quarterly accounts show that four major lawsuits continue to hang over the estate. One has been brought by the attorney general of the Virgin Islands, who claims that Epstein used the territory to facilitate a criminal enterprise, bilking it out of more than $70million in tax revenue. The second, filed March 12, 2020, was brought by Epstein's former confidante and lieutenant, convicted sex offender, Ghislaine Maxwell, 60. The vast majority of the late financier's fortune $144,527,339 went towards large payouts to his victims (pictured: Virginia Roberts Giuffre and Annie Farmer with their attorney David Boies) most of them claimed through Epstein Victims Compensation Fund Taxes and upkeep of his properties make up nearly $3million worth of quarterly expenses including $2,388,205 in taxes on Epstein's infamous New York townhouse alone A statement of tax liabilities show $144,252.60 paid on Epstein's Zorro Ranch outside Santa Fe, New Mexico Filed before her own conviction, the original complaint seeks to recoup legal fees incurred in defending herself against Epstein's many accusers and claims that he had repeatedly promised to cover any such costs. It also asked for the cost of 'safe accommodation' and 'personal security' which she claimed she had to hire having received 'repeated threats to her life and safety.' She was compelled to sue, according to the complaint, because the Epstein estate had not honored Epstein's promise of 'indemnification' and 'has not honored or even formally responded,' to her claim for costs. In her complaint Maxwell describes herself as an employee who formed 'a legal and special relationship,' with Epstein but had 'no knowledge of Epstein's alleged misconduct.' Epstein accuser Caroline Kaufman also has an outstanding case filed against Epstein's estate in July 2020. Kaufman claims that she was raped by Epstein when she was 17 years old during a fake model casting. She claims that the attack was so brutal it left her with a bone disease that requires costly surgery. Four lawsuits currently hang over the estate, including one brought by the attorney general of the Virgin Islands claiming Epstein used his Little St James Island to facilitate a criminal enterprise, bilking it out of more than $70million in tax revenue Documents show the multimillion dollar estate is still being liquidated nearly three years after Epstein's death. At that time he was worth a staggering $636million Kaufman had applied to the Victims' Compensation Fund but claimed that the sum they offered her was too low to cover her medical costs. Instead, she is seeking a settlement which, at half a billion dollars, appears to outstrip the remaining value of Epstein's estate. Her case has been stayed since August 2020. A fourth Jane Doe complaint was filed in Florida in March 2021 and is listed among those still pending. All these matters will need to be settled before whatever is left of Epstein's estate is disbursed among his beneficiaries. The terms of this are set down in a sealed trust and the details are not known though it has been reported that Karyna Shuliak, Epstein's girlfriend at the time of his death and the person to whom he last spoke, will be one of the main beneficiaries. Epstein was 66 when he died in custody in August 2019 awaiting trial for sex trafficking and conspiracy to traffic minors for sex. Ghislaine Maxwell, 60, is currently locked up in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting sentencing after she was found guilty of child sex trafficking and other offenses. She is due to be sentenced on June 28. Advertisement A stunning property that was once the home of a family who survived the Titanic has been listed on the market for a whopping $13.3million. Built in 1917 and recognized as a landmark by Chicago's Historic Preservation Society, the astonishing 11,600-square-feet real-estate gem is filled with history beyond its walls. Famously known as Adler on The Park, the home located at 2700 N in the Windy City's Lincoln Park neighborhood was transformed into two luxury condominiums listed at $7.65 million and $5.65 million. The nine-bedroom, five-bathroom combined estate boasts the best of both worlds with its singular high-class amenities of the past while maintaining all the luxury and state-of-the-art finishes. The breathtaking house was commissioned by Emily Ryerson, a highly influential artist who survived the Titanic sinking in 1912 along with three of her children. Her husband, Arthur Ryerson, sadly passed away after heroically refusing to take a place in a lifeboat until all of the women and children were saved. The gorgeous residence is open for public tours every weekend through the end of May for just $65, as part of the Adler on the park showcase. The proceeds will go to The Shoulders Fund and Threshold charities, which provide assistance to vulnerable children adults with mental illnesses. 'Unit one is a lot more historic. We have a lot of original molding, original staircase, original stairs,' investor Leigh-Anne Kazma, who in behind the Adler on the Park Showcase House for Charity, told local station WGN9. 'Unit two is a little more contemporary.' A stunning property that was once the home of a family who survived the Titanic has been listed on the market for a whopping $13.3million The breathtaking house was commissioned by Emily Ryerson, a highly influential artist who survived the Titanic sinking in 1912 along with three of her children. Her husband, Arthur Ryerson, sadly passed away after heroically refusing to take a place in a lifeboat until all of the women and children were saved Built in 1917 and recognized as a landmark by Chicago's Historic Preservation Society, the astonishing 11,600-square-feet real-estate gem is filled with history beyond its walls The nine-bedroom, five-bathroom combined estate boasts the best of both worlds with its singular high-class amenities of the past while maintaining all the luxury and state-of-the-art finishes The second condo features custom-built white kitchen cabinetry with walnut interiors and Carrera marble countertops The home boasts the best of both worlds with its singular high-class amenities of the past while maintaining all the luxury and state-of-the-art finishes Architects Henry Corwith Dangler and David Adler built the historic home between 1915 and 1917 as part of a four-home project overlooking the northern end of Lincoln Park. The property was renovated into two luxury condominiums but maintains its original charm. According to its listing by luxury real estate agency Baird & Warner, the first residence, listed for $7.6million, features awe-inspiring interiors and amenities including a large grand foyer, checkered floors, restored columns and majestic staircases reminiscent of the past. The first floor boasts a three-car garage, two mudrooms, and a large family room. The second and third floors, which can be accessed by elevator, offer stunning views of the lake and park scenery. he sinking was the second tragedy for the resilient family as the Ryersons steamed back on the Titanic from Europe after learning that their eldest son had been killed in a car accident outside Philadelphia Architects Henry Corwith Dangler and David Adler built the historic home between 1915 and 1917 as part of a four-home project overlooking the northern end of Lincoln Park The living room in the second floor of the Ryerson house in 1912 The gorgeous residence is open for public tours every weekend through the end of May for just $65, as part of the Adler on the park showcase The home features two terraces, restored moldings, fireplaces, columns, and the David Adler grand staircase make the property 'one-of-a-kind,' the listing advertises Checkered floors add to the high-end ambience of the home This bathroom in the $5.6 condo offers unique views of the lake The condo has five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a half bathroom and spans over 6,400 square feet. While maintaining its timeless magic, the condo has been modernized to include contemporary appliances such as a Thermador refrigerator freezer and a Bosch dishwasher. Finally, two terraces, restored moldings, fireplaces, columns, and the David Adler grand staircase make the property 'one-of-a-kind,' the listing advertises. The second luxury four-floor apartment was listed for $5.6million and boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a heated garage, custom-built white kitchen cabinetry with walnut interiors and Carrera marble countertops. Its living room features a wood-burning fireplace with custom-built marble surround and French doors that lead to a private terrace. The fourth floor includes a luxury primary suite with breathtaking views, a private bath with double bowl vanity, water closet, steam shower, and soaking tub. The Georgian-style residence was commissioned by Emily Ryerson three years after surviving the sinking of the Titanic. Her three children, Suzette, Emily and John also survived. The sinking was the second tragedy for the resilient family as the Ryersons steamed back on the Titanic from Europe after learning that their eldest son had been killed in a car accident outside Philadelphia. According to Chicago's Historic Preservation Society, Arthur Ryerson's body was never identified. Emily Ryerson and her children were rescued by the RMS Carpathia and later moved to Chicago. Emily Ryerson's home was part of a commission by a creative social community for notable figures in the Chicago society of the time who planned to have their home on the corner at North Lakeview and Wrightwood avenues. During World War I, Ryerson turned her large house into a home for the sick and arranged hospital beds for children in her living room The living room features a wood-burning fireplace with custom-built marble surround and French doors that lead to a private terrace While maintaining its timeless magic, the condo has been modernized to include contemporary appliances such as a Thermador refrigerator freezer and a Bosch dishwasher According to the listing, the property timeless charm makes it 'one-of-a-kind' 'Ryerson was described as a resilient character, for even after the two significant losses in her life she maintained an indefatigable, positive humor,' a landmark designation report reads. 'She would find company among the artists, designers, and architects of her children's generation and become the social leader of the Lakeview Row Houses from her corner home at 2700.' During World War I, Ryerson turned her large house into a home for the sick and arranged hospital beds for children in her living room. Ryerson married for a second time in 1927, after meeting financial advisor Forsythe Sherfesse while touring China. The couple sold the impressive estate in 1930 and moved to New York. Ryerson died in 1939 aged 66. After a weekend of exclusive parties in Washington, DC and New York City for much of the media sphere, Donald Trump held his own red carpet event at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday night. The former president's Florida retreat hosted the premiere of conservative filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza's new film 2,000 Mules that pushes baseless theories that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. Among the guests pictured at the event was Kyle Rittenhouse, the teenager who was ruled to be not guilty after killing two people at an anti-police protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in August 2020. Also in attendance were some of Trump's top allies in Congress, GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert and Louie Gohmert. Greene shared a photo on Instagram of herself at Mar-a-Lago along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece Alveda King. It's not clear if Greene and Boebert spoke at the event, after it was reported last week that they had an argument so explosive that it had to be broken up by another House GOP colleague. Former Trump administration senior aide Kellyanne Conway and ex-deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley were also in attendance. Gidley had previously attended the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington on Saturday night, after which a number of journalists and officials have already tested positive for COVID-19. Pro-Trump celebrities like Kevin Sorbo and Kristy Swanson were also pictured at the premiere, as was the ex-president's former lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis. The former president's West Palm Beach resort played host to the premiere of Dinesh D'Souza's new film pushing 2020 election fraud conspiracy theories Among the guests at the event were Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (left), his wife Ginger Luckey (center) and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (right) Former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was also at the red carpet premiere alongside disgraced former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik, who Trump pardoned Pictured here is former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis (left), Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse, who was found innocent of firearms charges linked to a 2020 anti-police protest (center), and Ellis' father Greene (left) also posted a photo of herself posing with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece Alveda King (right) A video of Trump arriving at the elaborate event was posted on Instagram by conservative activist David Harris Jr. 'This man - not only is he a fighter, not only does he never back down, but he's smart,' a woman's voice can be heard saying as the room focuses on the former president. 'He warned us about Biden being a Trojan Horse for the left. He warned us about the border, he warned us about foreign policy, and he warned us about voter fraud and he warned us about mail-in ballots.' She continued, 'He has always been right. Please join me in welcoming the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.' The room erupted into applause and chants of 'USA' as Trump approached the stage. Another clip, this time of Trump speaking in front of an enthusiastic and formally-dressed crowd, shows the former president rehashing his same complaints about the previous election. 'We have to do something that's very important. We have to go to voter ID immediately,' Trump said as the room applauded approvingly. 'They don't want voter ID. There's only one reason not to want voter ID - it's because you want to cheat.' He continued, 'You know, when you went to the Democrat National Convention, you had a voter ID that was the size of most people's chests. Large people. Large, large people. The thing was like, hung around -- they needed the chain.' The new D'Souza film reportedly tells the story of how the 2020 election was supposedly stolen from Trump, according to the former president's supporters D'Souza (front row, far left) was also pardoned by Trump after he was convicted of campaign finance violation charges. Here he's pictured with former Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka, Trump, former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder, and conservative activists Charlie Kirk and Dennis Prager Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas (left) posed with Newsmax host Grant Stinchfield (center) and Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert (right). Trump gestured around his neck. It's not clear what he was referring to. 'You walk in, it had your picture, it had fingerprints, it had your everything. It probably had your social security number on it even though you're not supposed to have that,' he continued. 'But you know what, it was the greatest voter ID I've ever seen. But when it comes to voting in the election, they don't want that, because they wanna cheat. And you know what? I said it, and I've been saying it a lot lately, I don't believe they're a 50-50 party. I think they cheat in elections.' The former president then accused Democrats of being 'against oil, guns and god.' It's not clear if any of the former president's children attended the red carpet event, though his son Donald Trump Jr.'s fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle was pictured chatting with other guests. Trump Jr. had reportedly testified in front of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack earlier that same day. Another video of the event shows former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn hawking products with conservative activist David Harris Jr. They include a deck of cards that features Biden as the Joker and anti-Disney clothing Rudy Giuliani's son Andrew Giuliani (left), who's running for the Republican nomination to be governor of New York, poses at the event alongside Illinois Congressional candidate Scott Kaspar (right) He spoke with the Democrat-led panel remotely and was reportedly at least somewhat cooperative. The committee's investigation has been rapidly honing in on the former president's role in fomenting the insurrection last year and his and his allies' attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Another video from the event also posted by Harris appears to be selling right-wing novelty products from his site -- featuring ex-Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn. 'I love this, where can I get a deck of these?' Flynn says holding up playing cards. The Joker card is superimposed with an image of President Joe Biden's face. 'You got the name wrong, it's Brandon,' Flynn quipped in reference to the 'Let's Go Brandon' phrase adopted by the right wing to mock Biden. Another Joker card features Dr. Anthony Fauci with 'five masks,' according to the person recording the video. 'This is Brandon minus. This is the cousin - the lesser cousin of Brandon,' Flynn said. A group of Russian soldiers are suing the army after they were fired for refusing to fight in Ukraine. In a rare public spat involving the Kremlin, 25 National Guard 'refuseniks' defied their commanders' orders to invade Ukraine. The servicemen are taking North Caucasian District commander Lt-Gen Sergey Zakharov to court at the Vladikavkaz military base in south-western Russia. Proceedings are set to begin tomorrow, according to lawyer and human rights campaigner Pavel Chikov. Putin (pictured with army chiefs Valery Gerasimov, left, and Sergei Shoigu, right in 2021) faces a public spat involving his own soldiers as 25 infantrymen take their commander to court The test case aims to declare their dismissal order 'illegal' since it was based on their refusal to go to Ukraine. Human rights lawyer Pavel Chikov is set to represent the 'refusenik' Russian soldiers Hundreds of guards from at least 17 cities and regions have sought legal advice and aim to follow the Vladikavkaz 25 in launching legal cases. The true number of 'refuseniks' may be far higher, with some estimating that between 20 and 40 per cent of conscripted soldiers refused to join Putin's war. Many Russian fighters have complained about having to kill their Slavic neighbours. Vicious fighting in the eastern Donbas region has also reportedly put many off. Russia's National Guard is an 'internal' security force reporting directly to Putin. North Caucasian District commander Lt-Gen Sergey Zakharov (left) is being taken to court by 25 of his own soldiers after they were sacked for refusing to fight. General Valery Gerasimov (right) has been responsible for the faltering invasion and was reportedly injured by shrapnel The 'Vladikavkaz 25' may inspire a nationwide revolt (Caucasus pictured in the background) They were sent into Ukraine early in the war when the Kremlin believed that locals would rapidly surrender to Russian troops. The aim was that the guards would keep order in Ukrainian cities. Many died although figures have not been disclosed. Lawyers from a number of other cities and regions are working on more cases, including Krasnodar, Nalchik, Cherkessk, Samara, Moscow region, Veliky Novgorod, Simferopol, Novocherkassk, Vladivostok, Stavropol, Abakan, Pskov, Orenburg, Ulan-Ude, Petersburg, and Smolensk. An antiques dealer may have found the bargain of the millennium after she found a priceless 2,000 year-old Roman bust - which was taken from Germany during the Second World War - for just $35 at a Texas thrift store. Laura Young, of Austin, came across the 52-pound Roman bust at a local Goodwill store in her hometown in 2018 and didn't think twice before acting on her intuition to buy it. Busts from a similar time period have been sold for practically $30,000, online auctions suggest. 'He looked Roman. He looked old,' Young told the San Antonio Express-News. 'In the sunlight, it looked like something that could be very, very special.' Young's instinct proved to be the right one. After acquiring the sculpture, Young contacted art experts at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as collectors and auction homes around the country to get a sense of its authenticity and origin. An unknown specialist confirmed it was an ancient Roman artifact, but Sotheby's consultant Jorg Deterling was the one who resolved the era it was made in dating back from the late 1st century BC to the early 1st century AD. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Laura Young bought the 52-pound, 2,000-year-old Roman bust at a local Goodwill thrift store in Austin, Texas, in 2018 for $35, decades after it had been privately stored during World War II The antique 'disappeared' after the Allies bombed the German town of Aschaffenburg during World War II, seriously damaging the Pompejanum - a replica of a Pompeii home - in the process The sculpture is supposed to depict Sextus Pompey, the son of Pompey the Great, who was assassinated in Egypt after losing a civil war against his former ally, Julius Caesar After years of consulting art experts, a Sotheby consultant told Young that her extraordinary find was sculpted sometime between the late first century BC to the early first century AD 'I got attached to him in our house, right there in the entryway. You could see his reflection on the television. He became part of the house,' Young said after giving up the bust to the San Antonio Museum of Art, where it will remain until it heads back to Germany in 2023 The bust, named 'Portrait of a Man' was showcased on Wednesday at the San Antonio Museum, where it will remain until May 2023. The museum piece will then travel back to Germany, where it will reappear for the first time since the end of the Second World War. 'It had once stood in the town of Aschaffenburg, Germany, in a full-scale model of a house from Pompeii, called the Pompejanum, built [by] Ludwig I of Bavaria,' the San Antonio Museum of Art said on its website. The antique vanished after Aschaffenburg - the German city where it had stayed for decades - was heavily damaged by Allied area bombing during the Second World War, including the Pompejanum. The most likely explanation for the bust being stateside is that a US soldier returned home with it to Texas from Europe post-war, where it remained a hidden gem until four years ago. Young said she ended up alerting the German government once it was confirmed that the antique was stolen from there. She made arrangements for the prestigious artwork to return to the Bavarian Administration of State-owned Palaces in May of next year, after art lovers from all over the country get a chance to see the bust with their own eyes. 'He'd been hidden for 70-to-80 years, I thought he deserved to be seen and studied,' Young told the Express-News. She told DailyMail.com that she couldn't comment on questions regarding potential compensation for her discovery. Although it's never been confirmed, the bust most likely portrays Sextus Pompey. He was a Roman military leader, who throughout his life, upheld the death of his father, Pompey the Great, against Julius Caesar and his supporters during the last civil wars of the Roman Republic. Pompey the Great, Sextus' father, was killed in Egypt after he had fled Roman soil following defeat in a civil war against his former ally, Julius Caesar, who went on to become dictator of Rome from 49 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. 'It's a portrait of an outlaw, a sort of enemy of the state,' San Antonio Museum of Art curatorial fellow Lynley McAlpine told the Express News. 'It's unusual to have something like this. It's also interesting that someone preserved it and had it in their collection as a personal enemy to the emperor. That could be dangerous to display something like that,' she added. Young notified the German government of her finding and is scheduled to return it to the Bavarian Administration of State-owned Palaces next year, where it will be put back in its original place - the Pompejanum (pictured) - in Aschaffenburg, Germany Prior to its discovery, the last record mentioning the Roman bust is from an 1833 inventory of King Ludwig I of Bavaria's art collection. The royal stored the art piece in a model home, supposedly depicting Pompeii around the eruption of the Vesuvio during Roman times, dubbed the Pompejanum. Young, a former state disability examiner, said she would have never come across the antique had she not gotten into the business of selling them in 2011, through her business, Temple of Vintage. 'It was really, really exciting to see him in a museum,' she said after seeing the bust for the first time on Wednesday at the San Antonio Museum of Art. 'It was kind of surreal; he had been in our living room for over three years.' However, she still feels bittersweet about the finding. 'I liked him,' Young added. 'I got attached to him in our house, right there in the entryway. You could see his reflection on the television. He became part of the house.' The only other known portrait of Sextus Pompey is in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. A man was arrested at Chicago O'Hare airport after opening the emergency door and climbing out onto the wing as his plane taxied to the gate. Passengers aboard United Airlines flight 2478 from San Diego were stunned when the man, who has not been identified, ripped open the emergency door in row 21 around 4.30am on Thursday. He then walked down the wing before sliding off on the airfield where the airport's ground crew had to stop him and call law enforcement. Mary Ellen Eagelston, who appeared to be sitting a few rows back from the man, posted a picture on Twitter of the open door, writing: 'Guy jumps out of my plane before we get to the gate.' An unidentified United Airlines passenger reportedly opened the emergency door in row 21 of a San Diego flight and walked out onto the wing before sliding down to the airfield. He was arrested and charges are pending He has since been taken into police custody and charges are pending, according to WGN 9. 'Our ground crew stopped the individual outside of the aircraft, and the person is now with law enforcement,' United Airlines said in a statement. It is unknown if he was under any type of influence. An Air Traffic Control recording, obtained by NBC Chicago, reported someone saying: 'We had to stop short of gate Bravo 3. Somebody pulled the rear right over wing exit. Someone in seat 21 Bravo has exited the aircraft and is on the ramp.' The plane was delayed 20 minutes on the tarmac before continuing down the runway and safely deplaning all other passengers at the gate, Live and Let Fly reported. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Chicago Police for comment. At least three people have been killed in an attack in the central Israeli city of Elad today, health officials said. Police said they suspect it was a militant attack and that the assailant fled in a vehicle. Security forces set up roadblocks in the area around where the killings occurred, and a helicopter could be seen hovering over the area. One of the assailants was said to have been carrying an axe, although this has yet to be confirmed by police. Elad's mayor, speaking on television, called on residents to stay indoors while security forces were still operating. The Magen David Adom emergency service said three people were killed and four others were wounded; two of the wounded were in serious condition. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack and linked it to violence at a holy site in Jerusalem, but did not claim responsibility for it. 'The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque can't go unpunished,' Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said. 'The heroic operation in Tel Aviv is a practical translation of what the resistance had warned against.' Israel marked its Independence Day today, a festive national holiday in which people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. Irael's Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said 'the joy of independence day had been interrupted in an instant,' condemning the 'murderous attack in Elad.' Israeli Security and rescue personnel work at the scene following today's suspected terrorist attack in Elad, central Israel - in which at least three people have been killed Israeli police cordon off an area in Elad, central Israel, after today's attack which occurred as the Jewish state celebrated its independence A policeman guards the cordon outside the scene where three people were killed and four others injured in Elad, central Israel The identity of the assailant was not yet known. But Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared in recent weeks, following a series of attacks in Israel, military operations in the occupied West Bank and violence at the holy site in Jerusalem. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third holiest site in Islam and is built on a hilltop that is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. It lies at the emotional heart of the conflict, and Palestinians and Israeli police have clashed there repeatedly in recent weeks. Israeli police entered the site to clear away Palestinian protesters on Thursday, after Jewish visits that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed. As the visits resumed, dozens of Palestinians gathered, chanting 'God is greatest.' Scuffles broke out when the police went to arrest one of them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on the sprawling esplanade as some Palestinians sheltered inside the mosque itself. The police could later be seen just inside an entrance to the barricaded mosque. Police gather close to the the scene where three people lost their lives in the central Israeli city of Elad Security forces and medics are pictured at the scene as residents are told to remain indoors The police said they responded to dozens of people who were shouting incitement and throwing stones, and that one police officer was lightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were taken to a hospital after being struck with batons. Unlike in previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there was no rock-throwing initially. Some of those who sheltered inside the mosque began throwing stones and other objects when police entered the building. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. Under informal arrangements known as the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there. In recent years, they have visited in ever-increasing numbers with police escorts and many have discreetly prayed, angering the Palestinians as well as neighboring Jordan, which is the custodian of the site. The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to eventually take over the site or partition it. Israel says it is committed to maintaining the status quo, and accuses the Islamic militant group Hamas of inciting the recent violence. LA's woke DA George Gascon will not pursue felony charges against the attacker who stormed Dave Chappelle's Hollywood Bowl concert with a bayonet, reducing the charges to misdemeanor instead. Isaiah Lee, 23, ran on stage at the show on Wednesday yielding the knife that was hidden inside a gun. Chappelle, 48, was able to sidestep him and was unharmed. The attacker was then arrested at the scene, and taken to hospital with a broken arm. There were immediate questions over security at the event and how the man could have smuggled in the weapon. But Gascon's office - which is famously in favor of low-or-no-cash-bonds - is not pursuing the most serious line of punishment. Instead, they have referred the case to the LA City Attorney Mike Feuer, recommending a misdemeanor charge because 'the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct,' according to ABC. It means Lee, who is currently being held on a $30,000 bond for felony assault with a deadly weapon, may soon walk free. It's unclear when he is next due in court. Isaiah Lee, 23, ran on stage at the show on Wednesday yielding the knife that was hidden inside a gun This is the weapon used by Isaiah Lee to try and attack Chappelle on stage on Wednesday Chappelle has not yet reacted to the decision. Yesterday, he said via a representative that he did not want the incident to 'overshadow' a great event. 'Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl....and he refuses to allow last nights incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment. 'As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show,' his rep said. Netflix and the Hollywood Bowl said they were cooperating with the police investigation into what happened. Gascon is so famously soft on crime that convicted murderers have heralded him as a hero. Luis Angel Hernandez, who is currently serving time for shooting and killing a delivery person for a marijuana delivery service during an armed robbery in 2018, had faced sentencing enhancements which would have added to his prison sentence. LA County DA George Gascon is famous for his low-or-no cash bonds But when Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon took office in 2020, he implemented a directive barring prosecutors from applying these enhancements in nearly all cases, no matter the circumstances - and all of the sentencing enhancements lobbied against Hernandez were dropped. In a leaked phone call from prison exclusively obtained by FOX News, Hernandez praised Gascon for the change, saying: 'I'm going to get that n*****'s name on my face. That's a champ right there. 'F****** Gascon,' Hernandez could be heard saying in the audio, which was featured in a Tucker Carlson series about the rising crime in the City of Angels. 'That's the n***** right there, bro. He's making historic changes for all of us, bro.' In another case, a transgender woman convicted of sexually assaulting a child in a Denny's was caught on audio gloating about her soft punishment. Hannah Tubbs, who was born James Tubbs, was a minor at the time, and under Gascon's policy of never transferring minors to adult court, Tubbs received a two-year sentence - and was placed in a juvenile facility for women. And in another leaked video obtained by FOX, convicted murderer Phillip Dorsett was seen drinking prison moonshine and toasting the woke district attorney. Luis Angel Hernandez, who is currently serving time for shooting and killing a delivery person for a marijuana delivery in 2018, said he was going to tattoo Gascon's name on his face after he dodged a harsher sentence thanks to the reforms 'Right here with my cellie. Some white lightning, a little cup, boom. Celebrating us going home on this Gascon directive. Whoop.' Gascon, a 67-year-old former assistant chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, took over as district attorney in the heavily Democrat city in December 2020 and immediately embarked on a progressive justice reform agenda. He has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure. And following his first 100 days in office, he touted the changes he has made to the city's justice system - including limiting the use of sentencing enhancements like the ones lobbied against Hernandez. The California penal code has more than 100 enhancements that could add time to a convict's sentence depending on the situation, most of which date back to when California was facing soaring crime in the 1980s and 1990s. Another convict, Hannah Tubbs, formerly known as James, 26, (pictured in 2014) was sentenced to two years in a juvenile facility for assaulting a 10-year-old girl in a Denny's bathroom in 2014 Crime is skyrocketing in LA, along with many other cities in the US But under Gascon's reign, the use of those enhancements have been greatly reduced, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office 5,138 enhancements during his first three months - a 71 percent drop when compared to the same time the year before, when former District Attorney Jackie Lacey was in power, according to LAist. Under Lacey, prosecutors filed 715 gun enhancements between December 2019 and February 2020 under the state's '10-20-Life' law, which adds 10 years to a sentence if you use a gun during the commission of a robbery or any other crime. The law also adds 20 years if the suspect discharges the gun, and 25 years if they wound someone in the process. In Gascon's first three months in office, however, prosecutors filed only 106 gun enhancements - an 85 percent decrease. Two men were found shot dead at a home on Long Island on Tuesday under mysterious circumstances and police believe it may be drug-related. The two men identified as Ian Saalfield, 45, of Lake Grove, and Robert Julian, 58, were found by police inside the home in Hollywood Avenue, near South Evergreen Drive in Selden, on Tuesday at approximately 10:45pm, police said. A physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's office pronounced both men dead, police said. Suffolk County Police said Robert Julian, 58, was the homeowner of the home located on Hollywood Avenue in Selden. Julian, and a man identified as Ian Saalfield, 45 of Lake Grove was found deceased at the Long Island home on Tuesday night at approximately 10:45 pm A close-up of the Selden home where two men were found shot. Police are still investigating the homicide and are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential 'It is not a murder-suicide, police said it is possibly drug related,' a Suffolk County Police spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Thursday. According to the authorities, Julian was the owner of the home. On April 26, Saalfield had been reported missing by his wife. As part of a missing person's investigation, Fourth Squad detectives responded to the home in Hollywood Ave. when they made the discovery. The relationship between the two men is unknown, but investigators believe they could have been friends. Nothing has been confirmed, the police spokesperson said. According to court records, Saalfield served time in prison in North Carolina in the 1990s and in New York for criminal sale of a controlled substance, The New York Post reported. A neighbor of Julian's described him as a friendly person, who had been a longtime volunteer at the local pantry, but someone who also had a dark side. 'He had a serious drinking and drug problem,' the neighbor, who asked not to be identified told The Post, in part, 'He was a crazy dude.' Ian Saalfield was reported missing by his wife on April 26. Police had been investigating his disappearance when they found the two A man who identified himself as Saalfield's father, but did not provide his name, told Newsday: 'He was a wonderful, wonderful, uncle, son, father. He would do anything for anybody. He was kind, generous. He was well liked. He was just a wonderful, wonderful person.' No arrests have been made and no suspects were immediately identified, the Post reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk County Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential. Louisiana lawmakers 'cannot wait on the Supreme Court' and have advanced a bill that would not only abolish abortion but classify it as homicide. The move on Wednesday came two days after a leaked draft ruling showed the US Supreme Court poised to overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Louisiana state Representative Danny McCormick, a Republican who introduced the 'Abolition of Abortion Act' legislation in March, said the impending ruling from the nation's high court should not delay the state's efforts to ban abortion access. 'We cannot wait on the Supreme Court,' McCormick said in a hearing on Wednesday. The legislation, approved in a 7-2 committee vote, now moves to the state's full House of Representatives for consideration. The court's final ruling is expected in June, and if passed, it would grant constitutional rights to 'all unborn children from the moment of fertilization' ACLU of Louisiana advocacy director Chris Kaiser said the measure also would criminalize in vitro fertilization and various forms of birth control by defining a fertilized egg, even before implantation, as a person. In a statement on Thursday, he called the bill 'barbaric.' 'On his bill to criminalize women who have abortions, Rep McCormick has a new amendment that would allow the AG to intervene if a local DA declines charges,' Kaiser tweeted on Wednesday. 'When we talk about outlawing abortion, we are talking about imprisoning women & girls.' Louisiana is one of 13 states with a trigger law that would allow the state to immediately ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Republican Louisiana state Representative Danny McCormick introduced the 'Abolition of Abortion Act' legislation in March, the bill was advances on Wednesday ACLU of Louisiana advocacy director Chris Kaiser said the measure also would criminalize in vitro fertilization and various forms of birth control by defining a fertilized egg before implantation as a person The bill amends the state's existing homicide law and states its purpose is to 'ensure the right to life and equal protection of the laws to all unborn children from the moment of fertilization by protecting them by the same laws protecting other human beings.' It appears to permit the prosecution of anyone who has an abortion or performs an abortion on homicide charges, opponents of the bill said. 'What this bill does is to specifically amend the crime of homicide and the crime of criminal battery to enable the state to charge people, including the pregnant person - the pregnant mother - at any stage of gestation,' Ellie Schilling, a Louisiana lawyer who represents reproductive health care providers, said during Wednesday's committee hearing. Rep McCormick and his wife Susan McCormick The bill's text says the state should enforce the law 'without regard to the opinions and judgments of the Supreme Court of the United States' on abortion, which Schilling said 'would completely annihilate' the Supreme Court's overriding authority. Brian Gunter, a Louisiana pastor who worked on the bill with McCormick, said in Wednesday's hearing that the trigger law was 'woefully insufficient' to prevent abortions in the state because it didn't carry harsh enough criminal penalties for violations. If Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts (center bottom) votes with liberals against overturning the landmark abortion case, the five remaining conservative justices (circled in red) will still have the numbers to reverse the decision with a 6-3 conservative majority bench The Louisiana bill is one of a raft of proposals by lawmakers in conservative states to restrict access to abortion. Such restrictions could go further than the so-called trigger laws, bans and other regulations that will take effect in some 26 states should Roe be overturned. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, this week said she would call for a special legislative session if Roe is overturned to limit abortion to the greatest extent possible. Lawmakers in Nebraska and Indiana also said their states should convene special sessions to consider limiting abortion rights. The conservative actions come as supporters of abortion rights are moving to expand and protect abortion access in more liberal states, including plans to ask voters in California and Vermont to enshrine abortion rights in their constitutions. A draft legal opinion leaked by Politico on Tuesday revealed five Republican-nominated judges - a majority of the court's nine judges - are in agreement on the issue which would be enough to overturn the landmark Roe v Wade decision. Partisan fighting over the issue began almost immediately after the leak, with Democrats vowing to defend abortion rights while Republican lawmakers demanded a probe into the leak as they denounced it as an attempt to 'intimidate' the justices into changing their minds. Neal Katyal, a former acting US Solicitor General under former President Barack Obama, said: 'This is the biggest step back for women in decades. It will have proven consequences. You can have now a flat ban on abortion in any state.' The leaked preliminary Supreme Court opinion sent shockwaves across the nation, and pro-choice protesters immediately took to the streets like the above in Austin, Texas Nichole McClish of Lansing, Mich., uses a sign to block anti-choice protesters at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Tuesday, May 3 Protesters gather at the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, May 3 In the leaked document, conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote that Roe v Wade - the 1973 Supreme Court ruling which found that excessive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional - was 'egregiously wrong from the start' and 'must be overruled'. Alito, who was nominated to the court in 2006 by George W Bush, argues that Roe's 'reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences.' If the ruling is overturned by the conservative-dominated court - with Republicans having a 6 - 3 majority - it would give individual states the power to decide on whether to ban abortion. The Guttmacher Institute, a pro-choice research group, has said that 26 states are 'certain or likely' to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Abortion rights have been under threat in recent months as Republican-led states move to tighten rules - with some seeking to ban all abortions after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. These include Arizona, where the Republican Governor in March signed a bill banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy; and Idaho where the governor signed a six-week abortion ban that allows family members of the fetus to sue providers who perform abortions past that point, similar to a Texas law enacted last year. As it stands in the US, abortion can take place until about 24 weeks into pregnancy - but the exact period varies between states. For example, Texas bans abortion after about six weeks but Florida has a 15-week abortion ban. On Tuesday, conservative Chief Justice Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the draft opinion and ordered an investigation into the leak by Col. Gail A. Curley, the 11th marshal of the United States Supreme Court. Finally a Democrat spoke out against President Joe Biden's new Disinformation Governance Board after a week of intense Republican criticism of the Department of Homeland Security working group. Connecticut Democratic Representative Jim Himes told Fox News that he comes from 'a position of deep skepticism whenever any government gets involved in managing information, identifying disinformation.' 'As far as I'm concerned, the government has no business saying that this is disinformation and this is information,' the lawmaker added. This is seemingly the first time a Democrat has spoken out against the new group, which was announced at the end of April but has apparently been operating for months. Republicans immediately introduced legislation that would defund the DHS Disinformation Governance Board. Heading the working group is Russian misinformation 'expert' Nina Jankowicz, who have already come under fire from Republicans for her past comments that they say brings her credibility into question including calling the Hunter Biden laptop scandal a 'Trump campaign product' and insisting the authenticity of the Steele Dossier. Connecticut Representative Jim Himes on Thursday became seemingly the first Democratic lawmaker to speak out against President Joe Biden's new Disinformation Governance Board, claiming he comes from 'a position of deep skepticism whenever any government gets involved in managing information, identifying disinformation' 'I still have yet to be explained what this thing is,' Republican Michigan Representative Peter Meijer told Fox News at the Milken Institute 2022 Global Conference. 'The one thing that's unquestionable is this is terrible communication,' he added, claiming the board has a 'questionable mission' and is 'ham-fisted.' 'I have implored the Biden administration to just cancel this whole thing,' he said. Republican Senator Rand Paul lambasted DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a Wednesday hearing by claiming he doesn't want the Biden Cabinet member anywhere near making decisions involving speech. 'We can't even agree what disinformation is,' the Kentucky lawmaker said to the DHS secretary. Jankowicz has been appointed by the Biden administration to head the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board as executive director 'What this working group does is ensure that there are guardrails, definitions, standards to make sure that free speech rights, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy rights of individuals are not impeded,' Mayorkas explained of the newly formed DHS Disinformation Governance Board. 'I don't want guardrails. I want you to have nothing to do with speech,' the senator tore into Mayorkas. 'You think we can't determine, you know, speech by traffickers is disinformation.' 'Do you think the American people are so stupid they need you to tell them what the truth is?' Paul questioned. 'You can't even admit what the truth is with the Steele Dossier. I don't trust government to figure out what the truth is. Government is largely disseminating disinformation.' Paul accused the U.S. government of being the 'largest propagator of disinformation in the history of the world.' He then listed different debated topics in the U.S.: 'Are you familiar with McNamara? The Pentagon Papers? Are you familiar with George W. Bush and the weapons of mass destruction? Are you familiar with Iran-contra?' 'I mean, think of all the debates and disputes we've had over the last 50 years in our country,' Paul continued. 'We worked them out by debating them. We don't work them out by the government being the arbiter.' He said: 'I think you've got no idea what disinformation is.' In listing out reasons why he doesn't trust Mayorkas to make decisions about misinformation or speech online, Paul pointed to the stifling of information about COVID-19 online that did not fall in line with the Biden administration's policies. Republican Senator Rand Paul grilled DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his agency's new Disinformation Governance Board, claiming Americans don't need to be told what is true. 'I don't want guardrails. I want you to have nothing to do with speech,' he said to the DHS head 'I've said a million times that cloth masks don't work. YouTube takes me down. They're a private company I can have that beef with him. What about you? You're going to look at that? I often say that natural immunity from having had the infection is equal to the vaccine or better. You're going to take that down?' he questioned. 'Are you going to put information out there saying that I'm spreading disinformation?' Paul asked. Mayorkas refused to give a straight answer, claiming the board is not composed of 'public health experts.' 'So public health won't be part of the Disinformation Governance Board? No COVID disinformation? Yes or no?' Paul pressed. The DHS head accused Paul of giving him vague hypotheticals and said they would aim to address information that poses a national security threat to the U.S. Paul disagreed with the concept that Americans need the government to cut in and tell them what to believe or not. 'I have a greater respect for the American people than you do,' Paul said. 'I think the American people can figure out the truth.' The senator added: 'And if you think the American people need to be told there's not fentanyl in the vaccination, feel free to say it. But the thing is, is if you are going to go around saying that you're the arbiter of information and of disinformation, I think you have no clue. And you don't have the perspective of history knowing that disinformation, the largest progenitor of disinformation in our history, has probably been the U.S. government.' Biden's new 'disinformation czar' dismissed concerns about Critical Race Theory in schools as 'disinformation for profit' - despite parents across the country being worried about the teaching of the philosophy in their children's classrooms. Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation expert who has worked throughout Eastern Europe, was hired on April 27 to lead a Homeland Security Department working group designed to help its different agencies in dealing with disinformation on topics ranging from migration to plots from Russia and Iran. But her appointment has angered Republicans. The Republican National Committee dubbed the committee she heads 'Ministry of Truth' in a nod to George Orwell's novel '1984,' and raised fears that the group will deem as disinformation 'any speech we don't like.' Other critics have seized upon her past comments - noting that she described Hunter Biden's laptop as 'the laptop from hell' and echoed the opinion of national security experts at the time that the laptop was part of a Russian influence operation. It has since been confirmed by multiple news organizations, including DailyMail.com, as authentic. On Wednesday, a clip from a November 2021 address to The City Club of Cleveland was circulated online, which showed Jankowicz downplaying concerns about CRT. Nina Jankowicz is pictured in November 2021, giving a lecture and taking questions at The City Club of Cleveland. She was asked about CRT, and said it was a 'weaponization of emotions' Opponents of the academic doctrine known as Critical Race Theory protest outside of the Loudoun County School Board headquarters, in Ashburn, Virginia, in June 2021 Protesters and their children are seen outside the Loudoun County government center in Leesburg, Virginia, on June 12, 2021 One man in the audience said that Republicans were using Critical Race Theory to divide people, and asked her: 'How do you get people to understand and go beyond the headlines?' Critical race theory, or CRT, is a legal framework taught primarily in law schools which claims that racism is embedded in American political and social institutions. Conservatives have taken to using the phrase as a way to describe lessons on racism and 'equity' across all grade levels - and have criticized the theory for claiming that the U.S. is built on racial animus, with skin color determining the social, economic and political differences between people. CRITICAL RACE THEORY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The fight over critical race theory in schools has escalated in the United States over the last year. The theory has sparked a fierce nationwide debate in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests around the country since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the introduction of The 1619 Project. The 1619 Project, which was published by the New York Times in 2019 to mark 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived on American shores, reframes American history by 'placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the US narrative'. The debate surrounding critical race theory regards concerns that some children are being indoctrinated into thinking that white people are inherently racist or sexist. Those against critical race theory have argued it reduces people to the categories of 'privileged' or 'oppressed' based on their skin color. Supporters, however, say the theory is vital to eliminating racism because it examines the ways in which race influence American politics, culture and the law. Advertisement Advocates, however, say its' teaching is necessary to underline how deeply racism pervades society. Critics say it is divisive and paints everyone as a victim or oppressor. Loudoun Superintendent Scott Ziegler maintains that CRT is not being taught to students, and that parents and other activists are seizing upon the district's equity training for staff and claiming it is being taught in classrooms. Jankowicz, for her part, said at City Club of Cleveland event: 'You're absolutely right that Critical Race Theory has become one of those hot-button issues that the Republicans and other disinformers, who are engaged in disinformation for profit, frankly - there are plenty of media outlets that are making money off this too - have seized on. 'And I live in Virginia, and in Loudoun County that's one of the areas where people have really honed in on this topic. 'But it's no different than any of the other hot-button issues that have allowed disinformation to flourish. 'It's weaponizing people's emotion.' She recommended that the audience be aware of reading articles that made you feel emotional and passionate, and said she supported public media, because they are able to give time and space for debate. Members of the Loudoun County School Board are facing the prospect of being forced from office in November - a year early - after Virginia's new GOP governor, Glenn Youngkin, ordered them to seek re-election. 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, elections for all nine districts of the Loudoun County School Board shall be held on November 5, 2022,' the amendment to HB 1138 reads. The board is made up of nine members, including Jeff Morse, chair of the Dulles District; Ian Serotkin, Vice-Chair of Blue Ridge District; at-large member Denise Corbo; Atoosa Reaser of the Algonkian District; Harris Mahedavi, of the Ashburn District; Andrew Hoyler of the Broad Run District; John Beatty of the Catoctin District; and Tom Marshall of the Leesburg District. The Loudoun School Board has been mired in controversy - beyond CRT. Last year they were in the headlines for covering up a sexual assault on school grounds, which led to an additional assault of a young girl - whose father infamously attended a school board meeting and had to be forcibly removed. They have continued to court controversy, with the board's approval of a $6 million 'equity-training' program last April, as well as the September approval of a study into whether it would be appropriate to give reparations to black people. Loudoun County School Board members (pictured) will be up for election this coming November instead of 2023 following an amendment by Governor Younkin Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (pictured) made an amendment to a bill that moved up the elections of the Loudoun County School Board to November 2022 Shelley Slebrch and other angry parents and community members protest after a Loudoun County School Board meeting was halted by the school board because the crowd refused to quiet down last June Younkin said the amendment was a chance to 'reflect the will of parents' sooner. 'The last few years just absolutely signified some real challenges with the Loudoun County School Board,' Younkin told 7NewsDC. 'And so in the spirit of transparency and accountability, my amendment gives parents the ability to elect their school board.' But the move came as a surprise to school board members. Jankowicz, meanwhile - a Wilson Center global fellow - previously published information that was later found to be false or misleading, and a tweet Jankowicz sent in October 2020 has resurfaced and is making the rounds in conservative circles. 'Back on the 'laptop from hell,' apparently - Biden notes 50 former natsec officials and 5 former CIA heads that believe the laptop is a Russian influence op,' she tweeted at the time. She added: 'Trump says 'Russia, Russia, Russia.' She now says that the tweet was part of her 'live tweeting' a debate between Trump and Biden, just one month before the presidential general election. Republicans, however, are using the post to pounce on her political leanings. 'For those who believe this tweet is a key to all my views, it is simply a direct quote from both candidates during the final presidential debate,' Jankowicz said, defending the original tweet. 'If you look at my timeline, you will see I was livetweeting that evening,' she added. Nina Jankowicz defended her previous casting of doubt on the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, claiming that a tweet she sent in October 2020 was a livetweet of a debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump Woke Nina Jankowicz is now head of Biden's dystopian 'disinformation board' Nina Jankowicz had already made a name for herself before being appointed head of Biden's Russian disinformation unit. Jankowicz, 33, is a successful author who is currently eight months pregnant with her first child. She grew up in New Jersey and is dating Michael Stein. The couple are happily shacked up in a $1 million, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom property they own in Arlington, Virginia. Jankowicz, attended Bryn Mawr College and Georgetown University, before embarking on a glittering career in foreign relations. She managed programs to Russia and Belarus at the National Democratic Institute. Jankowicz also advised the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on disinformation and strategic communications She serves on the Board of Trustees for the Eurasia Foundation and is a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center But the author is best known as a prominent woke voice online. The Biden appointee's latest book, How To Be A Woman Online has just been released, and deals with the topics of internet bullying and trolling. She has complained about hordes of men tracking down her private Facebook and Instagram accounts after she appears on TV to try to follow her and find out more about her life. Jankowicz says she prefers strangers to follow her Twitter account, and speculates that many of those who criticize her online are jealous of her 'verified' blue check mark and media career. She has identified five different types of trolls who target her most, including 'reply guy' types who insist on trying to meddle in all aspects of her life, including in how brown she toasts her bread. Despite claiming to be a free speech campaigner online, Jankowicz has spoken out against the First Amendment. Aligning herself with many online progressives who've begun to call for an end to unqualified free speech, Jankowicz recently tweeted: 'I shudder to think about if free speech absolutists were taking over more platforms, what that would look like for the marginalized communitieswhich are already shoulderingdisproportionate amounts of this abuse.' She also said the prospect of Elon Musk taking over Twitter made her 'shudder.' But Jankowicz - who has a pet dog and a cat - has not joined thousands of other liberals who've vowed to quit the platform as a result of Musk's purchase. Advertisement In one instance, back when the global pandemic was just beginning, Jankowicz quote tweeted a post from Rob Leathern, who worked on integrity products at Facebook. He announced that the company was giving the World Health Organization and other health groups as many free ads as needed to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 response. 'This is good,' she wrote in March 2020. 'Now [I] hope the rest of the adtech industry stops placing ads for masks and worse (straight up disinfo!) on articles and information about coronavirus.' Jankowicz also wrote at the time that 'our country might be too... um, free spirited? to comply with social distancing recommendations unless they're forced upon us. 'So force away! Lock us down. People are not taking this seriously,' she wrote after apparently being within six feet of a high school-aged couple. At the time, Dr. Anthony Fauci and other United States health leaders had advised Americans not to wear masks. They later changed that advice, with Fauci admitting that he was concerned there would not be enough Personal Protective Equipment for frontline health care workers, and others admitting they did not know at the time how contagious the virus was or how it spread. But as America's top doctors discovered more information about the virus, social distancing guidelines were reduced. Jankowicz also claimed online ahead of the 2016 presidential election that a Donald Trump presidency would 'embolden ISIS'. In reality, the Islamic State collapsed under the Trump administration, which also carried out the successful operation to kill head Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. She further said in February that Russia's invasion of Ukraine 'would have been so much worse under the former president.' And in an August 2020 tweet, Jankowicz apparently hyped up former British spy Chris Steele as he spoke about disinformation. She wrote at the time that she listened to a podcast featuring Steele, saying he 'provides some great historical context about the evolution of disinfo. 'Worth a listen,' she tweeted. But Steele's infamous dossier about Trump allegedly colluding with Russia prior to the 2016 presidential election has since been discredited, with his alleged main source, Igor Danchenko charged with five counts of 'making false statements to the FBI.' Jankowicz has not yet apologized for any of these tweets. They remain available for anyone to see on her Twitter page. Jankowicz has also found herself under fire for some of her controversial videos, including one from December 2015 in which she says: 'I don't want to work, struggle or compromise.' In the video, she asks Santa, 'if you're listening please tell me what to do. 'Who do I f*** to be famous,' adding: 'I've done everything I could and now the rest is up to you.' Another YouTube video from January 2018 features her singing about how she has started a new job advocating for human rights. In one of her old tweets, Nina Jankowicz said she hopes the advertising technology industry would stop placing ads for masks - which at the time America's top health experts were saying were not necessary Jankowicz also tweeted in 2016 that she thought a Donald Trump presidency would embolden ISIS, as she expressed her support for then-candidate Hillary Clinton And in August 2020, she praised Chris Steele, whose Russian dossier was later discredited In March 2020, she suggested that the country is too 'free-spirited to comply with social distancing recommendations' as she advocated for lockdowns after apparently being near two high schoolers on a date She doubled down on the idea of Trump's close ties to Russia in a February tweet, suggesting that the country's invasion of Ukraine would have been worse under the former president Videos posted online show Jankowicz asking Santa to make her rich and famous Another video features her, at left, singing about starting a new career advocating for human rights as she compares herself to Elizabeth Warren The head of the Biden administration's new 'Disinformation Governance Board' Nina Jankowicz sings about 'misinformation' to the tune of Mary Poppins song 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' 'When people tried to silence me, I stood my ground and I persisted,' Jankowicz sang with her group, the Moaning Myrtles, a nod to the ghost from the Harry Potter series. 'Because we need equality and nevertheless, I persisted,' she sang, an apparent reference to then Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell trying to prevent Sen. Elizabeth Warren from continuing her speech against naming Jeff Sessions to US Attorney General. 'Wha-oh, wha-oh, I've got a reputation, wha-oh, wha-oh yeah it's cause for celebration,' Jankowicz sings. 'So I'm standing up for the next generation,' she continues, before singing: 'You can call me Myrtle Elizabeth Warren.' When she was younger, Jankowicz, left, co-created a Harry Potter-themed band named The Moaning Myrtles Other videos from the group she co-founded in 2005 included Harry Potter erotica songs, in which she sang about killing the titular character so they can have sex as ghosts, as well as other Harry Potter-inspired songs about life at Hogwarts. More recently, she posted a TikTok video in March 2020, claiming people are not taking COVID restrictions seriously, as she suggested that lock downs are necessary. 'Lock us down. People are not taking this (COVID) seriously,' she said in the video. 'Information laundering is really quite ferocious. It's when a huckster takes some lies and makes them sound precocious,' she sings in the video to the tune of 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.' 'By saying them in Congress or a mainstream outlet, so disinformation's origins are slightly less atrocious. 'It's how you hide a little, hide a little, little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little lie, it's how you hide a little, little, little lie. 'When Rudy Giuliani shared bad intel from Ukraine. Or when TikTok influencers say Covid can't cause pain. They're laundering disinfo and we really should take note. And not support their lies with our wallet, voice or vote oh!' Israel's Prime Minister says he has accepted an apology from Vladimir Putin today after the Russian foreign minister said Adolf Hitler had 'Jewish blood'. Israeli PM Naftali Bennett had emerged as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine shortly after Moscow's invasion. But that role was thrown into doubt this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made comments about the Holocaust that were deeply offensive to Jews. Asked in an interview with an Italian news channel about Russian claims that it invaded Ukraine to 'denazify' the country, Lavrov said that Ukraine could still have Nazi elements even though its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is Jewish. 'In my opinion, Hitler also had Jewish origins, so it doesn't mean absolutely anything. 'For some time we have heard from the Jewish people that the biggest antisemites were Jewish,' he said, speaking to the station in Russian, dubbed over by an Italian translation. Bennett and Putin spoke over the telephone and a subsequent Israeli statement said the Russian President had apologised. But the Russian statement about the call made no mention of an apology, instead saying they had emphasised the importance of marking the Nazi defeat in World War II, which Russia celebrates on Monday. Asked in an interview with an Italian news channel about Russian claims that it invaded Ukraine to 'denazify' the country, Lavrov said that Ukraine could still have Nazi elements even though its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy , is Jewish President Vladimir Putin (centre) and Russian Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Bennett has emerged as a potential mediator between Russia and Ukraine shortly after Moscow's invasion Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, who has harshly criticized Russia over the invasion, called Lavrov's statement 'unforgivable and scandalous and a horrible historical error.' 'The Jews did not murder themselves in the Holocaust,' said Lapid, the son of a Holocaust survivor. 'The lowest level of racism against Jews is to blame Jews themselves for antisemitism.' He demanded that Russia apologize, and Israel summoned the Russian ambassador in protest. Bennett, who has been more measured in his criticism of Russia's invasion, also condemned Lavrov's comments. On Thursday, he said Putin had apologized. 'The Prime Minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying the President's attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust,' Bennett's office said in a statement. Evoking Russia's deeply-rooted narrative of suffering and heroism in World War II, Putin has portrayed the war in Ukraine as a struggle against Nazis, even though it has a democratically elected government and a Jewish president whose relatives were killed in the Holocaust. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delivers a speech during the annual Yom Hazikaron Remembrance Day ceremony for fallen Israeli soldiers, in the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem May 3, Israel gained independence in the wake of the Holocaust and has served as a refuge for the world's Jews. The Holocaust and its remembrance remain central to Israel's national identity, and the country marked its annual Holocaust memorial day last week. The Nazis and their collaborators killed 6 million Jews during World War II. Israel has tried to maintain ties with Russia despite the war, in part because Russia has a large military presence in neighboring Syria, where Israel routinely strikes suspected Iranian military targets. Israel and Moscow coordinate their actions in Syria to avoid coming into conflict. That paved the way for Bennett to be able to try to mediate between the sides in Ukraine, a role he seems to have resumed this week. Bennett's office said he and Putin discussed plans to evacuate civilians from a besieged steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. That came after a call between Bennett and Zelenskyy on Wednesday. The statement from Bennett said Putin 'promised to allow the evacuation of civilians, including wounded civilians, through a U.N. and Red Cross humanitarian corridor.' Jen Psaki admitted she was struggling to fight back tears as she introduced her 'partner in truth' Karine Jean-Pierre as President Joe Biden's new press secretary. Psaki will be stepping down on May 13 and it is reported she will be joining left-wing television network MSNBC, though she never confirmed the new gig when asked about it in the past. 'I'm going to cry', an emotional Psaki said at the start of her briefing on Thursday as she brought her successor up to the podium and hugged her. 'I just want to take the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate my friend, my colleague, my partner in truth Karine Jean-Pierre, the next White House Press Secretary,' Psaki said. Fox News' Peter Doocy then said he will miss his favorite sparring partner Psaki in the briefing room. She dryly responded by saying: 'Will you?' She refused to comment on her future amid speculation she will likely head to MSNBC, and said she is only looking forward to 'sleeping' and 'reading books'. She then asked reporters for Netflix suggestions. Jean-Pierre, 44, will be the first black female White House press secretary and first openly LGBTQ+ person in the role, Psaki said in a tweet celebrating her successor. 'Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,' Biden said in a statement. Biden said he and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden 'have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.' He went on to praise Psaki' for 'returning decency' to the White House briefing room in what appears to be a veiled jab at the Trump administration's more combative relationship with the press. 'Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room,' Biden said. 'I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so.' Jen Psaki admitted she was struggling to fight back tears as she introduced her 'partner in truth' Karine Jean-Pierre as President Joe Biden's new press secretary 'I just want to take the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate my friend, my colleague, my partner in truth Karine Jean-Pierre, the next White House Press Secretary,' she said at the start of her briefing on Thursday 'I thank Jen her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward.' The Columbia University grad was born in Martinique, and served as chief of staff to now-Vice President Kamala Harris on the Biden campaign. Jean-Pierre also worked in the Obama administration as Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs, and on both of Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. Before joining Biden's presidential bid she was an MSNBC and NBC political analyst and held roles at MoveON.org and the American Civil Liberties Union. The veteran communications officer lives with her partner, CNN journalist Suzanne Malveaux, and their child. Psaki lauded Jean-Pierre's historic appointment in a statement on Twitter. 'She will be the first black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as the White House Press Secretary. Representation matters and she will give a voice to many, but also make many dream big about what is truly possible,' the outgoing press secretary said. Psaki said Jean-Pierre has 'decades of experience from her early years working in government and politics in NYC, to her years as an outspoken advocate, to serving as a long-time advisor to [Biden] back when he was the VP.' 'She is passionate. She is smart and she has a moral core that makes her not just a great colleague, but an amazing Mom and human. Plus, she has a great sense of humor,' Psaki praised. Who is Karine Jean-Pierre? Jean-Pierre, 44, who serves as Psaki's deputy, has stepped in to fill the press secretary's shoes on multiple occasions, including during both of Psaki's Covid situations. She is well-accustomed to the press, having briefed repeatedly on presidential trips and having taken turns at the podium herself without incident or veering off script. She is known for keeping a close grip on the binder of information compiled for briefers, and takes pains not to get far from its contents. That is what she did when she jumped on President Biden's trip to Europe last month on short notice following Psaki's positive covid test. She briefed reporters aboard Air Force One en route, but kept a low profile on the trip during Biden's rounds of diplomacy. Advertisement Jean-Pierre has stepped in for Psaki at the podium multiple times in the first part of Biden's administration - perhaps most notably when the press secretary was out after testing positive for COVID-19. Along with her new promotion, the White House also announced Thursday that former senior Biden adviser Anita Dunn would be returning to the administration in the same role. Dunn left the White House in August 2021. She is also an Obama veteran, having served in the role of acting communications director in the former president's administration in 2009. Psaki, for her own part, has kept mum over her future job prospects - presumably for ethical reasons. When asked about potential ethical concerns about her reportedly joining MSNBC while still at the podium, Psaki said during an April 1 briefing that she has 'abided' by any and all ethics guidelines without confirming the report. 'Well, there are a range of stringent ethical and legal requirements that are imposed on everybody in this administration and many administrations past about any conversations you're having with future employers,' she deflected at the time. 'That is true of any industry you're working in. And I have abided by those, and tried to take steps to go beyond that as well.' She added, fresh off a stint of isolation due to COVID: 'I have nothing to confirm about my length of public service or planned service, or anything about consideration about next plans. I'm very happy to be standing with all of you here today after it felt like a never ending endless time in my basement quarantining away from my family.' Other names that were potentially floated to replace Psaki are Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, State Department spokesman Ned Price and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield. Jean-Pierre will be the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary. She lives in DC with her partner, CNN journalist Suzanne Malveaux, and their child (pictured: The couple attend this year's White House Correspondents Dinner) Elon Musk's mother bashed a New York Times' article which said her son had 'white privilege' in apartheid-era South Africa and was 'detached from apartheid's atrocities'. Maye Musk condemned the article, published on Thursday, that said her son was sheltered from the segregation and anti-black government propaganda that plagued South Africa throughout his childhood until he left at age 17. In promoting the article on Twitter, the Times wrote: 'Elon Musk grew up in elite white communities in South Africa, detached from apartheid's atrocities and surrounded by anti-Black propaganda. 'He sees his takeover of Twitter as a free speech win but in his youth did not suffer the effects of misinformation,' The Times added, referencing Musk's $44 billion takeover of the social media platform. Maye snapped back at the paper on Twitter, writing: 'In South Africa, if you publicly opposed apartheid, you went to jail. In Russia, if you publicly oppose the war, you go to jail. @nytimes, are you going to blame children for decisions made by governments?' The New York Times published an article (pictured) suggesting Elon Musk was sheltered from the horrors of apartheid in South Africa due to his white privilege In promoting the article on Twitter, the Times wrote: 'Elon Musk grew up in elite white communities in South Africa, detached from apartheid's atrocities and surrounded by anti-Black propaganda. He sees his takeover of Twitter as a free speech win but in his youth did not suffer the effects of misinformation' Maye Musk, mother of the Tesla CEO, slammed the Times on Twitter for the article Maye is pictured attending the 2022 Met Gala on Sunday as her son's guest. Her defense of her son comes as the billionaire is poised to purchase Twitter for $44 billion In the article, the Times interviewed relatives and classmates of the Tesla CEO and richest man in the world, revealing that the communities Musk grew up in, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, were all shrouded in misinformation that influenced its residents. 'We were really clueless as white South African teenagers. Really clueless,' Melanie Cheary, a classmate of Mr. Musk's at Bryanston High School, told the Times. While the article claimed that the cities fell victim to the government's propaganda campaign, with newspapers arriving to readers with whole sections blacked-out, it ultimately suggested that the censorship seen in South Africa may have influenced Musk's intense defense of free speech as he's repeatedly voiced his opposition to how Twitter bans individuals. Others also took to Twitter to slam the Times' article, claiming it was ridiculous to suggest Musk could have done anything to stop apartheid as a child. One Twitter user with the handle Ataxerex2020 wrote, 'I'm certain @elonmusk was aware of the horrors of apartheid, it does not mean he approved of it as the article subtly implies.' Another Twitter user mocked the story, suggesting a different headline: 'Why did Elon Musk not single-handedly abolish apartheid at age 3?' Twitter user Geoffrey Miller expressed his frustration at the Times, writing: 'This is one of the most unethically cringe & toxically stupid smears the @nytimes has ever published. Shame on you, you sociopathic ghouls.' Tim Young, another Twitter user, wrote: 'The New York Times: 'Elon Musk didn't end apartheid in South Africa as a child, therefore he is evil now.'' Other's took to Twitter to condemn the New York Time's suggestion that Musk was ever influenced by apartheid-era misinformation in his native South Africa Although the article goes into detail on how apartheid-era propaganda influenced white residents and clouded the horrors of the conflict, it repeatedly mentions Musk's criticisms of apartheid and his close relationships with black classmates and family friends. Errol Musk, the billionaire's estranged father who belonged to the anti-apartheid Progressive Party, told the Times that Musk and his siblings were fully aware of the horrors of apartheid from an early age and knew they had to be careful when visiting non-white friends. 'As far as being sheltered from it, that's nonsense' Errol said. 'They were confronted by it every day. They didn't like it.' Elon was born in South Africa and left the country after graduating high school at 17, where he moved to Canada. Musk grew up in South Africa before leaving the country once he graduated high school. Musk is pictured celebrating his 18th birthday in Canada Errol Musk, the billionaire's estranged father, said his three kids (L-R) Kimbal, Tosca and Elon, were well aware of the horrors of apartheid and how it affected their black friends The look into what may have influenced Musk's policies over censorship comes as he is poised to become the new CEO of Twitter when his $44 billion acquisition goes through. The tech tycoon will hold the role for a few months following the buyout, CNBC reported on Thursday morning. Specific details on the jobs, including how long it will last, were not immediately available and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The move could spark chaos at the social media giant, where Parag Agrawal has only been CEO for a few months. It comes after it was revealed that Musk has 18 investors committed to collectively stump up more than $7 billion worth of equity to help fund his takeover. In a filing on Thursday, Musk said his friend the Oracle Corp co-founder Larry Ellison's trust will invest $1 billion towards the $44 billion buyout. Musk said he had also received equity commitment letters from investors including Sequoia Capital ($800m) and Brookfield ($250m) for financing of $7.14 billion. Other investors listed included Qatari Holding ($375m) and NYC real estate investor Steve Witkoff ($100m). The filing also listed Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud as having committed 34,948,975 Twitter Inc shares. The royal made the move 'in order to retain an equity investment in Twitter following completion of the Merger'. Alwaleed had initially opposed the buyout but tweeted at Musk today referring to his 'new friend' who will be an 'excellent leader' at the social media giant. The tech tycoon has agreed to purchase Twitter for $54.20 per share, a 38 percent premium over the closing price on April 1 which was the last trading day before he disclosed his approximately 9 percent stake in the platform. The deal, however, is currently under review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for potential antitrust concerns. The US Federal Trade Commission is reportedly reviewing Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter buyout for potential antitrust concerns Representative Jim Jordan on Wednesday issued a letter raising concerns about the FTC antitrust probe and suggesting he planned to investigate Elon Musk has won the backing of some of the world's wealthiest investors for his $44 billion takeover of Twitter Inc. The FTC now has 30 days to consider the deal and decide whether to issue a second request to probe the matter further, although most experts believe there are no antitrust concerns that could block the takeover, according to Bloomberg. However, the anti-monopoly activist group Open Markets Initiative, where Democratic FTC Chair Lina Khan used to work, has urged the agency to block the deal, saying that it 'poses immediate and direct threats to American democracy and free speech.' The group argued that Musk's ownership of the Starlink satellite internet service already gives him control over a key communication platform, and that his purchase of Twitter would be a dangerous concentration of power. Representative Jim Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, on Wednesday issued a letter raising concerns about the FTC antitrust probe and suggesting he planned to investigate. Jordan expressed concern about statements by the Open Markets Institute (OMI), which he called 'an extreme left-wing political advocacy organization,' and its call for the FTC to stop the deal. Jordan has backed Musk's purchase of Twitter in hopes that some conservatives, like former President Donald Trump, who were removed from the social media platform would be able to return. There is little expectation that Musk's potential purchase of Twitter will be rejected by antitrust enforcers. One of the nation's top military officers was so concerned about former President Donald Trump's red-faced 'tirade' about Afghanistan that he began researching the 25th Amendment on removing a president from office, former Pentagon boss Mark Esper writes in his new book. The development came after Trump made the 'stupid' decision to make false and 'baseless' claims about the military in front of the top assembled military chiefs during a White House meeting. It was a performance Esper termed 'reprehensible,' and prompted side conversations among the military brass. Esper wasn't the only person present who was gobsmacked. 'Months later, one of the officers present told me in a phone call that he went home that evening deeply concerned about what he had seen in his commander in chief,' according to Esper. 'The next morning, he said in a very sober tone, he started reading up on the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and the role of the cabinet as a check on the president. He wanted to understand what the Cabinet needed to consider and what the process was,' he writes. The revelations are contained in Esper's new book, A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times, in an excerpt obtained by DailyMail.com. One of the nation's top military officers started 'reading up' on the 25h Amendment following a Trump 'tirade' about the military at the White House, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper writes in his new book News of the 25th Amendment talk of 25th Amendment talk within the upper reaches of the Pentagon comes just a day after revelations by New York Times reporters Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns, authors of This Will Not Pass, that House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy discussed the 25th Amendment for removing Trump two days after January 6th months after Esper's conversation. But McCarthy, who would soon return to the fold as a Trump loyalist, can be heard on tape saying the method would take 'too long.' In another excerpt of the book, obtained by the New York Times, Esper writes that Trump spoke to him about launching missiles into Mexico to 'shoot missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs.' The question about military action inside the territory of a key neighbor and ally came during the summer of 2020, according to Esper. Esper describes the encounter about the 25th Amendment as taking place following a May 9, 2020 meeting on a Saturday at the White House. 'How stupid of the president, I thought, to do something like this. To make false claims and baseless complaints about the capabilities and readiness of the U.S. military,' Esper writes Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump carried out a red-faced 'tirade' against the military Trump ended up firing Esper by tweet days after the 2020 elections Trump also clashed with Defense Secretary James Mattis House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) can be heard on tape talking about the 25th Amendment days after Jan. 6th, but said it was 'too slow' It was ostensibly about China, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien were there, as were the joint chiefs, including the newly established Space Force. Esper tried to dispense with the 'dark cloud' in the room by talking about the topic at hand. 'Then all of a sudden Trump launched into a twenty-minute tirade. He wasnt screaming, but he was clearly upset,' Esper recounts. 'He looked around the room as he spoke, red in the face at times, telling the group that the great U.S. military isnt as capable as you think."' He also told them that 'we put too much confidence in our allies despite them ripping us off,' and that 'we cant even win in Afghanistan, a third-rate country,' he wrote. Then Trump took a turn toward ridiculing his former Defense Secretary James Mattis, who had resigned after his own run-ins with the president how had lauded his military career and called him by his 'Mad Dog' nickname the retired Marine general eschewed. Esper's memoir, A Sacred Oath, comes out next week 'This last part cued himself to mock Jim Mattis again, imitating the former secretary of defense saying how the Afghans are brave and they will fight. Trump folded his arms across his chest and again dismissed Mattis as the most overrated general ever," Esper writes. Trump reportedly used the same language to mock Mattis in an October 2019 meeting on Syria. According to Esper, he interjected, saying 'Theres no doubt in my mind, Mr. President, that we can beat them.' He also brought up the Army's test of a hypersonic missile a topic that Trump has mused about publicly. 'Nevertheless, barely skipping a beat, he continued down his list of complaints, including his old favorite that the U.S. Navy ships are ugly and broken, followed by a quick recitation of the USS Fords flaws, and so on, and so on, and so on.' 'I could barely get a word in defense,' Esper writes. He says the Joint Chiefs were 'stone-faced' and that he himself was 'concerned.' Esper was reduced to 'ploys to arrest his behavior,' but none seemed to work. 'For all the money being spent on the military$2.5 trillion that I gave you to rebuild the military you cant fight. You cant win,' Trump vented. Trump appeared unable to listen to counter-arguments, stuck in 'transit mode.' Esper's main immediate concern was how it would all affect senior military leaders. 'How stupid of the president, I thought, to do something like this. To make false claims and baseless complaints about the capabilities and readiness of the U.S. military to these officers -- professionals who had spent their adult lives in uniform defending the country, risking them in many cases, and usually spending long periods away from their families in the processwas reprehensible.' Trump would ultimately negotiate a withdrawal date for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, despite resistance from top military brass. President Joe Biden pulled out remaining forces early in his term in a chaotic withdrawal. Esper's own exit coincided with a tumultuous period. Trump tweeted Nov. 9, 2020 that he had been 'terminated,' just days after the election that would put Joe Biden in office. He was replaced by Christopher Miller as Acting Secretary of Defense. According to reports at the time, Esper already had a resignation letter after a summer spat with Trump over using the military to put down domestic protests. According to another excerpt from Esper's book, which is out May 10, Trump also spoke to him about having the military shoot protesters during George Floyd protets. 'Can't you just shoot them?' Trump asked, according to Esper. 'Just shoot them in the legs or something?' The 25th Amendment establishes a mechanism for the president a majority of the cabinet to vote for his temporary removal by issuing a 'written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.' According to Bob Woodward and Robert Costa's book, Peril, Milley 'was certain that Trump had gone into a serious mental decline in the aftermath of the election' in 2020. Trump was going after Esper and his Defense team even when Esper was still in office. He said in September 2020: 'Im not saying the military is in love with me; the soldiers are. The top people in the Pentagon probably arent because they want to do nothing but fight wars so that all of these wonderful companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy.' A woman accused of stabbing two men to death was filmed wandering the streets allegedly covered in blood and wearing a bra following the incident. The woman, 44, allegedly stabbed the men, aged 59 and 61, at an apartment on the corner of Breese and Hope streets in Brunswick, Melbourne, at 5.20am on Thursday. One of the men was found by police inside the premises while the other was discovered lying on the street - both suffered fatal stab wounds. Security footage from several stores captured a shirtless woman walking down the street with a shirt wrapped around her left hand following the alleged stabbing. She is seen running across numerous streets and down dark alleys in shoes that were allegedly covered in blood. Police said the woman had left behind a 1.5km trail of blood with blood droplets found along several roads and a children's playground, The Age reported. A woman accused of stabbing two men to death was filmed wandering the streets allegedly covered in blood and wearing a bra following the incident The woman, 44, allegedly stabbed the men, aged 59 and 61, at an apartment on the corner of Breese and Hope streets in Brunswick, Melbourne, at 5.20am on Thursday Just before the morning commute kicked off, the 44-year-old woman was arrested on a tram in nearby Carlton Just before the morning commute kicked off, the 44-year-old woman was arrested on a tram in nearby Carlton. She was taken to hospital with minor injuries but has been unable to speak to officers yet. The two victims are yet to be formally identified. 'She's undergoing medical treatment in hospital,' acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said. Detectives from the Homicide Squad are investigating and the apartment complex at the intersection of Hope and Breese Streets has been cordoned off by police. One of the alleged victims died in an ambulance on the way to hospital. Police are working to determine the relationship between the woman and the two victims. Trails of blood have been seen on the pavement around the area where the incident occurred but police aren't looking for anyone else involved. A strip club about 350m away from where the bodies were found had also been taped off. Police said the woman left a 1.5km trail of blood with droplets left on streets and a children's playground Homicide detectives arrived at the apartment complex to investigate the alleged stabbing on Thursday Police cordoned off the apartment complex on the corner of Breese and Hope streets Forensic detectives were seen at the scene after the alleged double stabbing in Brunswick on Thursday The tram the woman was arrested on was forensically examined while officers were also seen tracing nearby Breese Street for clues on Thursday. Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Mick Frewen said there were multiple sites involved in the incident that would be investigated. Resident Jordan Cadman described the incident as 'shocking' before claiming he did not 'see or hear anything'. Cassandra Lutzko, who lives in a nearby apartment complex, described the area as 'pretty quiet and chill'. 'I moved to the building about six years ago,' she said. 'Everyone's really friendly. It's a nice area.' The shocking stabbing comes ten years after 29-year-old ABC employee and Irish migrant Jill Meagher was murdered while walking home in a laneway off Hope St. Ms Meagher was raped and murdered by a stranger while making the short walk back to the Melbourne apartment she shared with her husband, Tom, in September 2012. Jill Meagher (pictured above) was a 29-year-old Irish woman living in Australia who was raped and murdered by Bayley in Melbourne in September 2012 Bayley pleaded guilty to Ms Meagher's (pictured with husband Tom) rape and murder JILL MEAGHER MURDER - TIMELINE September 21, 2012: Jill Meagher walks home from a pub in Brunswick, Melbourne at 1.30am after a night out with colleagues. Tom Meagher wakes to realise she is not home and calls the police after being unable to find her. September 24: Jill's handbag is found by police in a laneway. September 25: CCTV footage from a bridal shop is handed to police showing Jill speaking to a man in a blue hoodie at 1.42am. September 27: Police arrest Adrian Ernest Bayley, then 41, in the north Melbourne suburb of Coburg. He admits strangling Jill and later leads police to where he buried her body in shallow grave. September 28: Bayley is charged with rape and murder. He was already on parole for a series of sex crimes. September 30: A public march through Melbourne in Jill's memory is attended by 30,000 people. April 5, 2013: Bayley pleads guilty to rape and murder. June 11: Bayley's history of rape and violence is revealed as pre-sentencing hearing begins. June 19: Bayley is sentenced to life behind bars with a 35-year non-parole period. More victims including a Dutch backpacker and a sex worker come forward due to the high publicity surrounding the case. August 2013: A total of 23 changes are made to Victoria's parole laws in response to the Jill Meagher case. 2014-2015: Bayley is found guilty of three more rapes. He is sentenced to another 18 years' jail and has eight years added to his non-parole period. July 2016: Bayley successfully appeals against one of the rape convictions and has his sentence reduced by three years. Advertisement Eerie CCTV footage was aired across Australian TV screens showing the 29-year-old being approached on the way home by Adrian Bayley - who would be later given a life sentence for her murder - in hopes the missing woman might be found safe. Her body was found in a shallow grave north of Melbourne six days later. Meagher had been heading home after having some drinks with friends in the early hours of September 12, 2012, when she was suddenly attacked. The walk to Ms Meagher's home from the bar she was at was just 700 metres long. Bayley was on parole for other sex crimes at the time of the murder. A new poll shows Dr. Mehmet Oz and David McCormick are running neck-and-neck in Pennsylvania's GOP Senate primary, just as former President Trump is set to take the stage in Greensburg for Oz on Friday. Dr. Oz, a celebrity surgeon, and McCormick, an investment consultant with ties to the Trump world, are running at the top of a crowded field, with Oz slightly ahead 18 percent to 16 percent, according to a Franklin and Marshall College poll released Thursday. The two will face off in a May 17 primary, along with Kathy Barnette, trailing in third place at 12 percent and Carla Sands at 5 percent, though 39 percent of voters remain undecided on who they'll vote for. According to the poll, Trump's endorsement did little to boost Oz, who led McCormick just before winning Trump's favor 16 percent to 15 percent in another Franklin and Marshall poll. A new poll shows Dr. Oz, above, just two points ahead of his rival Hedge fund executive David McCormick, above, lost out to Oz on the Trump endorsement, but has support from within Trump's orbit, including from Sen. Ted Cruz The power of Trump's endorsement will be closely watched in races such as these in the lead-up to 2024 as the former president tests the waters before potentially launching his own campaign. On Tuesday Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance won the Ohio GOP Senate primary after the former president threw his weight behind him. Vance will also appear at the Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, along with Trump-endorsed PA candidates Rep. John Joyce, Rep. Mike Kelly, Jim Bognet and Rep. Alex Mooney, who is from a nearby West Virginia district. Trump's last-minute endorsement of Vance supercharged him from the middle of the pack to a 9-point victory on Tuesday. Trump is headed to Greensburg, Pa. on Friday to rally for Oz But in Pennsylvania, Oz's opponent McCormick has his own ties to Trump world as well - his domestic policy adviser and speechwriter Stephen Miller and longtime communications aide and counselor Hope Hicks had both been working on McCormick's campaign (Miller dropped McCormick when Trump went for Oz). McCormick is also married to Trump's former deputy national security adviser, Dina Powell, and had the backing former Trump campaign adviser David Urban and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is running for governor in Arkansas. Right wing firebrand and longtime Trump ally Ted Cruz has also broken with the former president and gone for McCormick. Cruz broke with Trump in Ohio too, endorsing the unsuccessful Josh Mandel. Oz did not live in Pennsylvania at the time he announced his candidacy and his only ties to the state are a stint in college. MAGA conservatives were quick to point out that Oz previously expressed support for Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationally, and dedicated an episode of his long-running television show to transgender children. Oz's past views on abortion came up during a debate on Wednesday. Barnette first went on the offensive, making the shocking revelation that she herself was the product of rape when her mother was just 11 years old. 'I am wondering if the good doctor has now since changed his position on that. My life is valuable and so are the many lives that find themselves in the womb of their mother, whether in the womb or toward the end of that life,' she said. Oz responded: 'Life begins at conception.' 'If you go back to that 'Breakfast Club' interview, which was three years ago this month, he talks about a whole different set of positions,' McCormick shot back. McCormick called Oz a Hollywood liberal who has flip-flopped on a whole host of major issues. In a 2019 interview with radio show 'The Breakfast Club,' Oz says that he does not want anyone in his family to have an abortion and criticized so-called 'heartbeat bills,' which ban abortion around six weeks when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Oz talked about how there are 'electrical charges at six weeks,' but the fetus' heart is not beating. 'If you were to say, starting from when we can hear the heart, like when the heart is really doing something, that would be different. That's not six weeks, though,' he said at the time. 'So if you can define life by a beating heart, then make it a beating heart. Not little electrical changes in a cell that no one here would think about as a heart.' Oz, who gained popularity for his frequent appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show, has in the past voiced support for gun restrictions too. Now he says he is pro-life and pro-gun. Trump had first endorsed Sean Parnell for Pennsylvania's Senate seat, but Parnell backed out amid abuse allegations from his ex-wife. Parnell criticized Oz at the time of Trump's endorsement: 'You're not America first. You're not a conservative. You're not even from Pennsylvania. Hell no,' Parnell wrote on Twitter. The endorsement came as a shock to conservatives. 'It's like Donald Trump's staff is sabotaging Trump by convincing him to make the worst possible endorsements,' conservative radio talk show host Erik Erickson tweeted at the time. The attack by three men could not have been more brazen: a mid- afternoon strike on the headquarters of the state security bureau. One after another, they fired rocket-propelled grenades before jumping in their car and speeding off. Smoke billowed from the building on the corner of Karl Marx Street and several windows were shattered but no one was hurt it was a bank holiday so no staff were inside. This mysterious attack on Easter Monday was merely the first in a series of incidents that have sparked fears Russia's struggling invasion of Ukraine may soon explode wider. For they are happening in Transnistria, a sliver of land on Ukraine's western flank which broke away from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union and remains firmly under Moscow's thumb. The incidents are accompanied by increasingly bellicose threats from the Kremlin and fit Vladimir Putin's cruel playbook by stirring tensions that he then uses as a flimsy excuse to send in his troops as self-proclaimed saviour of Russian speakers. Bizarrely, one of the Easter Monday attackers dropped his grenade launcher and it was revealed to be a Russian-made type used only by the armed forces of Moscow, Transnistria and the African nation of Gabon. 'I don't think these were the Gabonese,' commented a Moldovan minister drily. Little wonder there is growing alarm in this small European nation of 3.5million people that they will be dragged into the Ukrainian war, a move that could add to pressure for Western intervention given the country's close relationship with neighbouring Romania, a member of both Nato and the EU. 'Our assessment indicates the hardline pro-Russian camp is behind all this to get Russia to intervene,' said Mihai Popsoi, head of the ruling party's parliamentary group. 'These people don't breathe without approval from the Kremlin.' Popsoi admits to profound worries as Moldova relies on its neutrality for security more than on its small conscript army especially with 1,500 Russian 'peacekeepers' based just one hour's drive from Tiraspol, Transnistria's capital, an isolated place of 400,000 people trapped in time from its Soviet past. 'Hope and optimism is not a good strategy but it is all we have,' he said. Little wonder there is growing alarm in this small European nation of 3.5million people that they will be dragged into the Ukrainian war, a move that could add to pressure for Western intervention given the country's close relationship with neighbouring Romania, a member of both Nato and the EU. A woman is seen selling vegetables at a market in Chisinau Yet this Russian-born York University graduate, whose father returned to Moldova to fight against the separatists in the early 1990s, adds they have endured '30 years of anxiety over the frozen conflict' in Transnistria. Transnistria, an impoverished area not even formally recognised by Russia, feels like a hangover from yesteryear with statues of Lenin, hammer and sickle insignia and black-and-white portraits of Soviet heroes hanging by the main street. But when I sneaked in this week, I also saw Russian 'peacekeeping' soldiers, military barracks and new armed checkpoints. Sources told me there has been significant recent work to upgrade the airport for handling military planes. Tensions started rising after a senior Russian general said last month the Kremlin intended to take control of southern Ukraine to create a direct land link to Transnistria where he claimed there was 'oppression of the Russian-speaking population'. Transnistria, an impoverished area not even formally recognised by Russia, feels like a hangover from yesteryear with statues of Lenin, hammer and sickle insignia and black-and-white portraits of Soviet heroes hanging by the main street This was followed by calls from politicians in Transnistria for recognition as an independent state in the face of 'attacks' and Nato meddling a disturbing echo of the fake claims made by Putin's stooges in the Donbas region of Ukraine before the war. It is believed that there are 7,000 troops under Kremlin control, including Transnistria's own forces, along with an old Soviet arms dump containing 20,000 tonnes of munitions. Ukrainian intelligence is warning Putin may use Victory Day next Monday marking Russia's 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany to create a pretext for invasion. While in Transnistria, I watched TV crews film officials handing out the Ribbon of St George (Russia's version of the Remembrance Poppy, which is banned in Moldova) and interview recipients. Oleksandr V Danylyuk, a Ukrainian government defence and security adviser, said Putin might seize Moldova to claim to Russia that his 'troops can achieve miracles'. The Royal United Services Institute also warns that Russia might destabilise Moldova to tie down Ukrainian forces, assist its own military logistics, counter the growing pro-European sensibilities and show that support for Kyiv has wider consequences. Moscow's concern over Moldova has been bubbling since November 2020 when voters threw out a pro-Kremlin president and turned to Western-educated leaders who promised to tackle corruption. Vladimir Voronin, a veteran Communist Party chief who was Moldova's president for eight years, recently claimed that people driven to despair have the right to revolt in the face of 'the current dictatorial regime'. Meanwhile, Russian intelligence, having warned Putin about Russia's declining influence in Moldova, hopes to exploit the economic fallout of the war which has seen spiralling energy prices, loss of exports and a huge influx of refugees over Ukraine's border. The Bulgarian government has urged its citizens to leave Moldova amid widespread claims that families are starting to flee potential conflict, with Ukraine having blocked roads by the border and some military-age men in Transnistria already leaving to avoid conscription. A grandmother is seen talking to her grandchild in Moldova 'We struggle with everything in terms of prices, money, opportunities and now with various forms of Russian aggression,' said Silvia Ursul, 32, an environmentalist in Chisinau. 'It is taking a toll on my mental health.' Like many others, Ursul compares the situation with Europe's build-up to World War Two. 'The Kremlin will do whatever it takes to destabilise us and take us back to the Dark Ages. 'It's so tragic I don't see any hope for the best.' Valeriu Gushan, 36, a welder and military reservist, said he is worried that Putin will oust the Moldovan government with the help of collaborators and that his country's leaders are not preparing their people to fight back in the face of an existential threat. He said: 'I fear the government won't give us the weapons to protect ourselves from the Russians.' Meanwhile, the Bulgarian government has urged its citizens to leave Moldova amid widespread claims that families are starting to flee potential conflict, with Ukraine having blocked roads by the border and some military-age men in Transnistria already leaving to avoid conscription. 'People are under constant stress and don't know what to do next,' said Ekaterina, a hotel manager in Transnistria's capital. 'There are so many negative scenarios. I hope we won't have to hide in the bomb shelters that city services are preparing for us. We try to continue with our normal lives although we are sitting on a powder keg.' Despite the power of Russian propaganda in oligarch-dominated Transnistria, analysts hope its leaders and citizens will seek to avoid conflict after seeing the destruction inflicted on Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv and Mariupol. Alexei Tulbure, Moldova's former ambassador to the United Nations, believes that a Kremlin attack from Transnistria on Odesa, just 25 miles along the coast, could backfire since its inferior troops from the enclave would be crushed by battle-hardened Ukrainian defence forces. 'Ukraine would be happy since it would eliminate this Russian threat quickly,' he said. However, Tulbure added that there is a risk that any attack on Moldova could drag in Romania, which has deep historic and cultural ties to his nation. Many people in both Moldova and Transnistria have Romanian passports. 'They would be under huge pressure to intervene and this might give the green light for Nato,' he said. This week, the EU pledged to 'significantly increase' military support. During a visit to Chisinau, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, tweeted: 'Transnistria should not be used as a Trojan horse to further exacerbate tensions in the region.' Tulbure, who is collecting oral histories from elderly Moldovans with memories from the 1940s of Stalin's deportations to Siberia and the genocidal slaughter of Jews, sees hideous parallels between Putin's actions and these past horrors. 'We are witnessing the same sort of propaganda techniques to dehumanise people, the same sort of rape and murder being carried out by soldiers and it is astounding that it's coming from one of the victor countries in the Second World War. 'I fear that Putin's war has killed the Russia that existed in the Moldovan soul,' he added, shaking his head sadly. Additional reporting by Kate Baklitskaya Advertisement Defiant Boris Johnson brushed off demands to quit from furious Tories today as the party suffered a local election bloodbath in London - but Keir Starmer failed to make big strides towards power. After a campaign dominated by sleaze and Partygate, the Conservatives lost the totemic strongholds of Wandsworth and Westminster - which they have held since 1978 and 1964 respectively - to Labour. Labour also seized Barnet and Southampton, while West Oxfordshire and Worcester went to no overall control. English council results so far Conservative Holds: Broxbourne, Thurrock, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Epping Forest, Basildon, Rochford, Brentwood, Harlow, Rushmoor, Redditch, Fareham, Amber Valley, North East Lincolnshire, Tamworth, Dudley, Bexley, Hillingdon Losses: Worcester (to no overall control), Wandsworth (to Labour), Westminster (to Labour), Southampton (to Labour), West Oxfordshire (to NOC), Barnet (to Labour) Labour Gains: Cumberland (from NOC), Wandsworth (from Tories), Southampton (from Tories), Barnet (from Tories) Holds: Sunderland, Halton, South Tyneside, Chorley, Tameside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sefton, Stevenage, Lincoln, Sandwell, Exeter, Ipswich, Wigan, Coventry, Salford, North Tyneside, Preston, Oldham, Waltham Forest, Wolverhampton, Barnsley, Ealing, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge Loss: Kingston-upon-Hull (to Lib Dems) Lib Dems Gain: Kingston-upon-Hull (from Labour) Hold: Eastleigh What other results are expected and when? Around 9am: Counting begins for a further 71 councils in England and all councils in Scotland and Wales. Advertisement As counting continues, livid local leaders have already been turning on the PM, ordering Mr Johnson to 'look in the mirror' and consider whether he should stay. But so far the results have not been as apocalyptic as some had predicted, with voting guru John Curtice saying Labour still does not look in a position to win a majority at the next general election. He pointed out that the party's vote appears slightly down outside of London compared to the last time the seats were contested in 2018 - and crucially it did not make huge inroads into the so-called Red Wall. Sir Keir visited Barnet this morning and claimed his party was 'back on track', but No10 insiders jibed that he could not even 'dream' of being premier based on this showing. The Downing Street source also delivered a stark message to would-be leadership rivals, telling MailOnline it is 'hard to imagine any other Conservative leader doing better than this'. The biggest winners from the local elections have been the Lib Dems and the Greens, who have been taking seats off both main parties. The Tories are in line to lose between 200 and 300 councillors - a grim toll but far lower than the 800 some had feared. Some senior Conservatives warned that Mr Johnson had been the fundamental problem on the doorstep, and ministers are anxious. 'There is serious unease. They know that Boris was the issue,' one veteran campaigner told MailOnline. 'It wasn't policies, despite the cost-of-living crisis.' However, MPs have been relatively muted in their public criticism of Mr Johnson, with former minister Stephen Hammond saying he must 'prove his integrity to the country again'. And Cabinet ministers rallied round this morning, with Tory chairman Oliver Dowden blaming a mid-term backlash from voters and insisting the PM is the right person to lead into the next general election. The PM was said to be pessimistic about his party's chances of avoiding a drubbing before the counts began, with the BBC reporting he yesterday told aides: 'We are going to get our a*** kicked tonight.' Conservative leader of Carlisle City Council John Mallinson urged Tory MPs to decide whether they wanted Mr Johnson to lead them into the next general election. He told Sky News the PM 'must shoulder an awful lot of the blame' for a poor local elections performance and described how Partygate and the cost-of-living crisis were key concerns of voters. Mr Mallinson said there was a feeling among the public that 'the Government are not in touch and, sadly I have to say, the PM cannot be relied upon to be telling the truth'. He said Mr Johnson said Mr Johnson would be a 'poor option' to lead the Tories into the next election and he expected Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the powerful 1922 Committee, to receive more letters of no confidence in Mr Johnson from MPs. The councillor added: 'Whether it gets to 54 or not (the number of letters needed to trigger a confidence vote in the PM), I'm not sure. But I rather feel that's they way it's going.' Simon Bosher, the Conservative group leader on Portsmouth City Council, said: 'Those in power in Westminster really do need to take a good hard look in the mirror. 'Because it's the rank-and-file grassroots members who they rely on who are actually losing their seats tonight.' He also called on the PM to reflect on the Tories' local election performance as he hit out at 'too many mistakes, too many mismanged situations' from the party's leadership. Barnet Conservative leader Daniel Thomas said Labour's victory in the London borough 'does not bode well' for the Tories ahead of the next general election. 'I think this is a warning shot from Conservative supporters and I think our loss today is not only due to the fact that I have just mentioned but also a fair number of Conservative voters who just didn't go out to vote, stayed at home,' he said. 'Clearly if Labour are to get a majority in Parliament they need to win Barnet. They won the council, if they win our parliamentary constituencies as well.' Marc Bayliss, the Tory leader of Worcester City Council, told reporters he was heading home early from the election count and is anticipating a disastrous night for his party. Mr Bayliss blamed Partygate and said the public had found the Government's performance 'wanting'. His comments were echoed by the leader of the Conservatives on Sunderland Council, Antony Mullen, who called for Boris Johnson to step down. He told the BBC: 'It's been Partygate - it's suppressed our turnout. Quite clearly that's the only thing that has changed nationally that has affected this. 'The best chance of reviving the Conservative Party's fortunes will be with a new leader. If there is no improvement in the party's reputation, then clearly something has to change.' The leader of the Labour group of Barnet council, which looks set to be a gain, admitted the results were more about disillusionment with the Tories than enthusiasm for his party. Barry Rawlings told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'll be honest, it's not us being wonderful. 'I think a lot of Conservatives haven't voted this time, I think they feel alienated from No 10 and that they are, I don't know, they've been disappointed with Boris Johnson and so not voting and I think that's made a difference as well.' Despite the chaos, Labour also saw several surprising setbacks across the country. Sir Keir's party lost Kingston upon Hull City Council to the resurgent Liberal Democrats, who appeared to be the early winners and were making gains across the country. The Lib Dems are also '99 per cent sure' that the Tories will lose control of West Oxfordshire - which includes ex-prime minister David Cameron's former seat Witney. It was a similar story for the Green Party who chipped away at Conservative and Labour seats in England. Number 10 had feared for weeks that a dismal set of local election results would spark a Tory coup attempt in the wake of the Partygate scandal. England London Scotland Wales Keir Starmer visited Barnet this morning (pictured) and claimed his party was 'back on track', but No10 insiders jibed that he could not even 'dream' of being premier based on this showing London Mayor Sadiq Khan joins Labour celebrations in Wandsworth where the party took the council off the Conservatives for the first time in more than 40 years Labour's Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council, celebrates as his party retained control The Tories also lost Westminster council in London, which the party had held since 1964 The Tory loss of Wandsworth is a seismic result, as the London borough was famously Margaret Thatcher's favourite and has been a flagship Conservative council for decades Boris Johnson reportedly told aides ahead of ballot papers being counted: 'We are going to get our a*** kicked tonight' Rise of the protest parties: Voters shun the Tories AND Labour with Lib Dems and Greens emerging as the big winners The Lib Dems and Greens are emerging as the biggest winners from the local elections today after voters shunned the main parties. Both the Tories and Labour suffered disappointing results, with Boris Johnson enduring a bloodbath in London while Keir Starmer's progress across England was underwhelming. But the Lib Dems have added more than 50 councillors to their tally and seized control of Kingston-Upon-Hull authority from Labour. They made inroads against the Conservatives in West Oxfordshire and Stockport. For their part, the Greens have racked up an extra 20-plus seats. Election guru John Curtice said the Lib Dems were 'the surprise of tonight'. 'In terms of share of the vote, the progress is relatively modest, but they might just be hoping they are finally demonstrating some recovery from the 2015 general election,' he told the BBC. Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: 'There is now a real picture emerging across the country, particularly in areas held by the Conservatives, that the Lib Dems are the real challengers.' Advertisement Wimbledon MP Mr Hammond told the BBC that the results were 'a clarion bell ringing in Downing Street to make sure we are concentrating on the cost of living' and Mr Johnson needed to restore his reputation after Partygate. 'I think he has to prove that his government is concentrating on what people really want,' he said. 'I think he has to prove his integrity to the country again.' Mr Hammond also urged the PM to bring 'talents back into the government'. 'Any government that doesn't have people like Greg Clark and Jeremy Hunt clearly isn't using all the talents available to it,' he added. Conservative MP David Simmonds said Mr Johnson had some 'difficult questions' to answer. The MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner said voters were unhappy about the disclosures over lockdown parties in Downing Street and Whitehall. 'It was a pretty clear message on the doorstep. Clearly the Prime Minister has got some difficult questions to answer,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. 'Overwhelmingly the message that I heard on the doorsteps was people were broadly positive about the Government's policies but they are not happy about what they have been hearing about partygate. 'He said, 'I will take full responsibility for these election results', and I think he needs to confront that question now.' Prof Curtice said the Tories looked on track to lose between 200 and 300 seats, but Labour were underperforming outside London. 'Labour are probably somewhat disappointed,' he told the BBC. He added it is not a performance 'that indicated a party that is on course for winning a general election with a majority'. Prof Curtice said it did not even suggest Labour would necessarily be the largest party in the next Parliament. 'Outside of London, as compared to 2018 when these seats were last contested, it looks like their seats are down slightly,' Prof Curtice said. 'And for a party that is trying to regain ground in the so-called Red Wall seats in the Midlands and north of England, this wasn't quite the progress they wanted. 'There is still a very substantial legacy of the impact of Brexit on both the character of the Conservative and Labour supporters. The Conservatives are still much stronger in Leave areas, and therefore Labour is still struggling to make more progress there.' Sir Keir travelled to Barnet to celebrate with supporters this morning and tried to put a brave face on the moderate results. 'This is a big turning point for us. From the depths of 2019 in that general election, back on track, winning in the north. Cumberland! Southampton! We've changed Labour and now we're seeing the results of that,' he said. He added: 'What brilliant teams we've got, all the fantastic work we've put in. 'When it comes to London, you can hardly believe those names come off our lips. Wandsworth! They've been saying for years 'You'll never take Wandsworth from us.' We've just done it! Westminster! It's an astonishing result.' Mr Dowden told Sky News: 'I think looking at the picture of the results so far, they demonstrate that whilst there have been difficult results, they are consistent with what you'd expect with us from mid-term. 'Labour are certainly not on the path to power and I believe that Boris Johnson does have the leadership skills, in particular the energy and the dynamism that we need during this difficult period of time. 'So no, I don't think we should remove Boris Johnson as our prime minister, I think we should stick with him.' He also said: 'There have been challenging headlines for the past few months, but I do think that set against all of that, those sort of challenges that you would expect after 12 years in office, these are challenging results, but we have have made progress in lots of places.' Mr Dowden said there was a 'mixed picture' and there had been gains in places like Hartlepool, Nuneaton and Thurrock. 'This isn't like what Tony Blair got in say '95 two years before his election victory, they were making 1,800 gains. If you look at Ed Miliband (he) managed to make 800 gains in 2011 and still not win the election,' he added. Tory sources played down the Labour showing, saying it was a 'bad night' for Sir Keir outside the capital. 'They have gone backwards in places like Sunderland, Tyneside, Hartlepool, Nuneaton, Sandwell and Amber Valley, showing they are seriously underperforming in former Labour heartlands which they need to regain,' one senior source said. A No10 insider said they were 'very sorry and sad for good Conservatives who lost their seats' and it was 'tragic to think the good people of Westminster and Wandsworth are now destined to pay higher taxes'. 'But overall, across the UK the Conservatives have so far done better than expected,' the source insisted. 'Keir Starmer is clearly not making the progress he needs to even dream of being in government and it's hard to imagine any other Conservative leader doing better than this.' Allies of the PM are preparing a counter-offensive in case rebel Tories seek to use bruising results as an excuse to pounce. They will try to soothe nerves among backbenchers by arguing the PM has got the 'big calls right' and is the best person to navigate the economy through 'choppy water ahead'. A Cabinet source said: 'Boris delivered Brexit, got us through Covid, and is now right at the front of the global response to the invasion of Ukraine. 'He is absolutely the right leader to take Britain forward.' Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis was the first Cabinet minister out in support of the PM last night, as he dismissed suggestions that a poor election result could pile pressure on Mr Johnson. 'I absolutely think we can win the next general election and I do think Boris Johnson is the right person to lead us into that,' he told Sky News. 'He's got those big decisions - through Covid and internationally with Ukraine and other areas - right since he's been PM and he has my full support to continue to do that.' But Mr Lewis also admitted it was set to be a 'difficult set of elections' for the Tories. 'We came into these elections with Labour having a consistent lead in the polls,' he added. 'It's the elections where the particular seats and councils up for election are the ones that tend to favour Labour.' Millions of voters cast their ballots on Thursday as council seats in large swathes of the country were up for grabs. In England more than 4,000 council seats were contested across 146 councils including in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales also held elections. Polls had suggested the Conservatives could do badly in the so-called Blue Wall, their traditional heartlands in southern England. But most telling will be whether the party manages to prevent Labour making a significant comeback in the Red Wall areas, which switched from red to blue for the first time at the 2019 general election. Early results were not overwhelmingly convincing for Labour, with the party losing control of Kingston upon Hull city council to the Liberal Democrats. The Tory loss of Wandsworth was a seismic result, as the London borough was famously Margaret Thatcher's favourite and had been a flagship Conservative council for more than 40 years. Conservatives celebrate in Peterborough, where they maintained their grip on the local authority As he celebrated at the Wandsworth count, London Mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News: 'This council first went Tory in 1978 when Margaret Thatcher was leader of the opposition. 'Margaret Thatcher, John Major, William Hague, Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Howard, David Cameron, Theresa May - at all those times this was a Conservative council. 'But the combination of Boris Johnson as the Conservative Prime Minister and Keir Starmer as our leader has brought this seat home to Labour.' A Labour source said: 'Boris Johnson losing Wandsworth is monumental. This was the Tories' jewel in the crown. 'Voters in Wandsworth have put their trust in the change Keir Starmer's Labour represents.' Shadow health minister Rosena Allin-Khan, the Tooting MP, claimed that 'people are absolutely fed up of 44 years of Tory governance in Wandsworth, and they are fed up Boris Johnson's lies and deceit and it is time for change'. Her fellow shadow minister, Tulip Siddiq, had earlier highlighted Labour's holding of Sunderland City Council as an early success for her party as council election results started to come. She claimed the Tories had 'thrown the kitchen sink at it' and highlighted how the PM had visited the area on Monday. Sir Keir had sought to make the local elections campaign about the Partygate row after Mr Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined by police. But this appeared to backfire in recent days as he struggled to answer questions about a lockdown gathering in Durham last year when he was pictured swigging beer. The PM yesterday appeared to be in good spirits as he arrived to cast his vote in Westminster accompanied by his dog Dilyn. Sir Keir voted in Kentish Town, north London, while Sir Ed Davey voted in Surbiton, south-west London. The Liberal Democrats leader said the Conservatives would be punished in the local elections for their handling of the cost of living crisis. Sir Ed expressed confidence his party would 'gain ground in areas across the Blue Wall where voters are fed up of being taken for granted by the Conservatives'. Mr Johnson will attempt to get back on the front foot next Tuesday as his Government's legislative agenda is set out in the Queen's Speech. The PM is expected to delay a reshuffle of his Cabinet until the summer as it is believed he wants to be clear of the Partygate scandal before resetting his team. But yesterday there was speculation he could call a snap general election before the end of this year over fears the economic picture could get much worse. Millions of voters cast their ballots as council seats in large swathes of the country were up for grabs The PM is expected to delay a reshuffle of his Cabinet until the summer as it is believed he wants to be clear of the Partygate scandal before resetting his team The prospect of Mr Johnson being forced out of Number 10 over the local election results was gleefully seized upon by Dominic Cummings, the PM's estranged former chief aide, yesterday. The ex-No10 adviser made a sensational polling day plea for voters to force 'regime change' as he launched a blistering attack on the 'intellectually, politically, and organisationally rancid' Tories. Referring to Mr Johnson as 'the trolley' and a 'clown' in a Twitter tirade, Mr Cummings claimed it was 'irrational' for Tories to 'prop up' the PM any more. Although the first results in England began to arrive last night, counting in council elections in Wales and Scotland was not due to begin until 9am today. The Scottish Tories are braced for 'heavy losses' and expected to suffer their worst election result in Scotland in at least a decade. There are concerns Conservative supporters in Scotland failed to turn out due to anger at the PM and Downing Street parties. A senior Scottish Tory source said: 'The phones have been bad, very bad. 'It looks like we are going to suffer fairly heavy losses and we fully expect to finish third. 'Tory voters are not going to Labour, but a lot of them are staying at home because of Boris and Partygate. 'We expect it to be a poor election for us, our worst election in a decade or more.' However, despite the expectation of a gloomy result, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross was ready to insist he will not stand down. A source close to Mr Ross said: 'Douglas is going nowhere, he is definitely not resigning. Voters have sent a message to Boris, not Douglas. 'He is fully focused on the long term job here: the next Westminster and Scottish Parliament elections.' Advertisement English council results so far Conservative Holds: Broxbourne, Thurrock, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Epping Forest, Basildon, Rochford, Brentwood, Harlow, Rushmoor, Redditch, Fareham, Amber Valley, North East Lincolnshire, Tamworth, Dudley, Bexley, Hillingdon Losses: Worcester (to no overall control), Wandsworth (to Labour), Southampton (to Labour), West Oxfordshire (to NOC), Barnet (to Labour), Labour Gains: Cumberland (from NOC), Wandsworth (from Tories), Southampton (from Tories), Barnet (from Tories) Holds: Sunderland, Halton, South Tyneside, Chorley, Tameside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sefton, Stevenage, Lincoln, Sandwell, Exeter, Ipswich, Wigan, Coventry, Salford, North Tyneside, Preston, Oldham, Waltham Forest, Wolverhampton, Barnsley, Ealing, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge Loss: Kingston-upon-Hull (to Lib Dems) Lib Dems Gain: Kingston-upon-Hull (from Labour) Hold: Eastleigh What other results are expected and when? Around 9am: Counting begins for a further 71 councils in England and all councils in Scotland and Wales. Advertisement Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey vowed to take more seats - both on councils and in the Commons - off the Conservatives today after handing them an electoral bloody nose in Blue Wall areas. His party and the Greens enjoyed a profitable night at the ballot box in areas where voters shunned the main parties. Both the Tories and Labour suffered disappointing results, with Boris Johnson enduring a bloodbath in London while Keir Starmer's progress across England was underwhelming. But the Lib Dems added more than 50 councillors to their tally. They also seized control of Kingston-Upon-Hull council from Labour and the new unitary authorities in Somerset and Westmorland and Furness. They also made inroads against the Conservatives in West Oxfordshire, Stockport, Wokingham and the London borough of Merton. West Oxfordshire - which includes the Witney constituency of former PM David Cameron - is now under no overall control (NOC), having been Tory for 22 years. Merton also includes a key Lib Dem target, the Wimbledon parliamentary seat of Tory Stephen Hammond, who has a majority of just 628. Addressing supporters in south London this morning, Sir Ed said: 'We are going to have a Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon at the next election. 'And I think there are other places where we're going to see Liberal Democrat success for the first time ever.' He added that people were turning away from the Tories because they 'cannot believe that a Conservative prime minister, and a bunch of Conservative MPs, are behaving so appallingly'. 'I think this is a turning point. This is a historic moment for the Liberal Democrats,' he added. The Lib Dems have taken two previously safe Tory Westminster seats off the Tories in the past year, winning by-elections in North Shropshire and Chesham and Amersham. For the local elections, the party focused on making further inroads in Tory heartlands - the 'Blue Wall' in southern England - following recent Westminster by-election successes in North Shropshire and Chesham and Amersham. For their part, the Greens have racked up an extra 20-plus seats. Election guru John Curtice said the Lib Dems were 'the surprise of tonight'. 'In terms of share of the vote, the progress is relatively modest, but they might just be hoping they are finally demonstrating some recovery from the 2015 general election,' he told the BBC. Mr Johnson is facing a backlash from local Conservatives after his party lost Thatcher's beloved Wandsworth to Labour for the first time since 1978, as well as Barnet and even Westminster, a council which has been blue since its creation in 1964. The Tories also lost Worcester to no overall control, with gains for the Greens and Labour. Addressing supporters in south London this morning, Sir Ed said: 'We are going to have a Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon at the next election. ' He added that people were turning away from the Tories (Boris Johnson pictured today) because they 'cannot believe that a Conservative prime minister, and a bunch of Conservative MPs, are behaving so appallingly'. England London Scotland Wales A member of the Green party celebrating the election of a Green councillor in the Wirral Asif Shaheed (Paston & Walton seat) wins for the Lib Dems at the results count at Peterborough Arena, during the local government elections. Friday May 6, 2022 Sir Ed said added that people were turning away from the Tories because they 'cannot believe that a Conservative prime minister, and a bunch of Conservative MPs, are behaving so appallingly'. A VERY simple guide to the 2022 Local Elections When are the local elections? Polling stations opened at 7am and closed at 10pm last night. What is up for grabs? Local council elections are happening in England, but not in all areas. More than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils will be standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. South Yorkshire will also be voting for a regional mayor and 1,000 parish councils will be electing around 10,000 councillors. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales will be holding elections, with residents able to vote from the age of 16. In Northern Ireland, voters will be electing 90 members, representing 18 constituencies, to the Northern Ireland Assembly. When will the results be announced? The first batch of results is likely to be announced at midnight, with locations such as Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Essex, Greater Manchester and Bolton traditionally announced around this time. The latest is likely to be around 5pm on Saturday from Tower Hamlets. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do not start counting until later this morning and the results are unlikely to be complete before tomorrow evening. Advertisement But outside London, the picture is distinctly mixed for Sir Keir. The party retained Sunderland but lost Hull to Sir Ed Davey's Lib Dems. It was a similar story for the Green Party who chipped away at Conservative and Labour seats in England. Labour picked up control of the new Cumberland authority, where senior local Tory John Mallinson called for Mr Johnson to go. The leader of Carlisle City Council told the BBC: 'I think it is not just partygate, there is the integrity issue. Basically I just don't feel people any longer have the confidence that the Prime Minister can be relied upon to tell the truth.' He said he expected Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the Tory 1922 Committee, to soon receive more letters of no-confidence in Mr Johnson from MPs. In Portsmouth, where the Tories lost four seats, Simon Bosher the leader of the Conservative group said Mr Johnson should 'take a good, strong look in the mirror' because 'those are people that are actually bearing the brunt on the doorstep of behaviour of what's been going on in Westminster'. Ravi Govindia, leader of the Wandsworth Tories, said: 'Let's not be coy about it, of course national issues were part of the dilemma people were facing.' After full results were declared from 71 councils, the Tories had lost control of six authorities and suffered a net loss of 132 councillors, Labour had a net gain of four councils and 91 seats, the Lib Dems had gained a council and 40 councillors and the Greens had put on 22 councillors. Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said the local election results showed the party was now a 'credible alternative to the establishment parties', adding that Greens had 'now made breakthrough gains three elections running' and were expecting that trajectory to continue. The loss of Wandsworth is a significant blow because of its symbolic status in London. It turned blue in 1978, a year before Thatcher's election as prime minister and was reputedly her favourite council, renowned for its low taxes. 'Boris Johnson losing Wandsworth is monumental. This was the Tories' jewel in the crown,' a Labour source said. Labour's success in Barnet, which has a large Jewish population, will be seen as a sign the party has turned the corner on the anti-Semitism rows which dogged Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. However, the leader of the Labour group of Barnet council, said this was less of a reflection on enthusiasm for his party and more a reflection of disillusionment with the Tories. Barry Rawlings told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I'll be honest, it's not us being wonderful. 'I think a lot of Conservatives haven't voted this time, I think they feel alienated from No 10 and that they are, I don't know, they've been disappointed with Boris Johnson and so not voting and I think that's made a difference as well.' Council seats are up for grabs in Scotland, Wales and many parts of England, while there are elections to Stormont in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein is expected to become the largest party for the first time, with results expected from lunchtime. Votes were only being counted in some of the English contests overnight, including key authorities in the capital. Counting in many English authorities, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will not begin until later on Friday. Rutland Tory council leader RESIGNS from party as polls close and accuses government of 'ignoring' his county A council leader has resigned from the Conservative Party after accusing the government of 'ignoring' his county. Oliver Hemsley says he will continue leading Rutland County Council as an independent after announcing his resignation from the Conservative Group shortly after local election polls closed. Mr Hemsley said inequalities in Rutland have been 'compounded year-on-year' because of council tax and accused the government of 'ignoring and sidelining' the council despite repeated requests for help. The next elections for Rutland County Council won't take place until next year, though the Lib Dems won one seat being contested on Thursday. Meanwhile, Marc Bayliss, the Tory leader of Worcester City Council, told reporters he was heading home early from the election count and is anticipating a disastrous night for his party. Mr Bayliss blamed partygate and said the public had found the government's performance 'wanting'. He added: 'I think it is fair to say we are having a bad night.' His comments were echoed by the leader of the Conservatives on Sunderland Council, Antony Mullen, who called for Boris Johnson to step down. Advertisement The contests are the first chance for voters to have their say since the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined for breaking coronavirus laws and the party was hit by other scandals including Neil Parish quitting after admitting he watched pornography in the Commons. The squeeze on household finances is also a major issue, as the Bank of England made clear on Thursday - with interest rates rising to 1%, inflation forecast to hit more than 10% and the economy predicted to contract in the final three months of the year. The Prime Minister was reported to have told aides yesterday that his party was 'going to get our a*** kicked'. And his fears appeared to be coming true with his party facing losses across England as the first results were announced. Mid-term elections are always difficult for a governing party, although as many of the English seats were last contested in 2018, during Theresa May's chaotic administration, opportunities for opposition parties to make further gains may be limited. A Tory source conceded 'we expect these elections to be tough'. Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Kramer said she was 'obviously delighted' her party had taken control of Hull council. She told Sky News the party had had 'high hopes in Hull', adding that 'big significant local issues' like the number of GPs locally came up on the doorstep, as well as the cost of living crisis and the Partygate scandal over lockdown-busting gatherings. In Rutland, where there is not even an election, the Tories suffered a setback as county council leader Oliver Hemsley announced he was leaving the party, claiming the area had been 'ignored, side-lined and given no further improvements in our spending power' from the Government. Labour's campaign has been hit by Tory calls for Durham Police to look into whether Sir Keir broke Covid rules while campaigning before the 2021 Hartlepool by-election - something he has dismissed as 'mudslinging'. The Tories have also complained about a secret pact between Labour and the Lib Dems to maximise Conservative pain in marginal seats, something denied by both opposition parties. Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds acknowledged there would be 'ups and downs' in the results but said she hoped they would show progress since the 2019 general election drubbing under Jeremy Corbyn. More than 4,000 council seats are up for grabs in England, including in all 32 London boroughs A ballot box is delivered to the Basildon Sporting Village, in Essex, as counting began across the country A disastrous result for Boris Johnson's party could spark fresh efforts among Tory MPs - many of whom are still seething at Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street - to oust the Prime Minister from Number 10 If Sir Keir Starmer fails to achieve a convincing result - especially in the 'Red Wall' areas that turned Tory at the last general election - many in Labour will again question whether he really is the right man to lead the party's fightback A total of 200 local authorities held elections yesterday - including every seat in Scotland, Wales and London In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections. In Northern Ireland voters went to the polls across 18 constituencies to elect 90 MLAs. The unionist DUP and republican Sinn Fein are vying for the top spot in the election, which comes with the entitlement to nominate the next first minister. A unionist party has always been the biggest in the Assembly, and previously the Stormont Parliament, since the formation of the state in 1921. While the office of the first and deputy first minister is an equal one with joint power, the allocation of the titles is regarded as symbolically important. The local election battlegrounds that could decide the PM's fate Here are some of the key contests to look out for in each region of England, as well as in Wales and Scotland. North-west England Bury - estimated declaration time, 8.30pm Friday May 6 Bury has all of its 51 seats up for grabs this year. Labour has run the council since 2011 but has only a small majority and will want to improve its position in what is the party's traditional heartland of Greater Manchester. Bury's status in this year's elections was reflected by the fact Sir Keir and Mr Johnson both visited the town during the campaign. (E) Bolton - 12.30am Friday May 6 Bolton is another key test for Labour in Greater Manchester, but here it is hoping to take back control from the Conservatives who have run a minority administration since 2019. A third of the council's 60 seats are being contested. (12.30am) Pendle - 4.30pm Friday, May 6 Pendle is being defended by the Conservatives, who won a slim majority last year. If the Tories lose two seats, the council will slip back into no overall control. Elections are taking place for 12 of the 33 seats. (4.30pm) Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness - 1pm Friday, May 6 Two new unitary authorities that will elect councillors for the first time this year. The two authorities cover the whole of Cumbria. Cumberland is comprised of the former district councils of Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland, while Westmorland & Furness covers Barrow-in-Furness, Eden and South Lakeland. All the main parties will be jostling for prominence in these new 'super-councils' and the outcome in both contests could be close. (Cumberland 2.30am, Westmorland & Furness 1pm) North-east England Sunderland - 2am Friday, May 6 Run by Labour since 1973, but both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have made advances in Sunderland in recent years. A third of the council's 75 seats are up for grabs this year, and if Labour suffers six or more losses it will lose overall control. Although Sunderland is part of Labour's so-called 'Red Wall' - areas of the country that saw many Tory gains at the 2019 general election - all three Sunderland MPs are Labour and the party defied predictions in 2021 when it retained its majority on the council. Hartlepool - 2am Friday, May 6 The Conservatives and Labour are fighting to be in with a chance of taking overall control of the council - or failing that, end up the largest party and lead a minority administration or a coalition. The Tories won the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool from Labour at a by-election in May 2021. A strong showing by independent candidates could spice up the outcome of this year's contest. Some 13 of the council's 36 seats are being contested. Yorkshire & the Humber Kirklees - 6.30pm Friday, May 6 Currently run by Labour but the party does not have a majority in Kirklees. A third of seats are being elected and just two gains by Labour would give it overall control. Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are also hoping to do well. Wakefield - 5pm Friday, May 6 A Labour stronghold and is not likely to change hands, but the party will be hoping for a solid performance ahead of the expected parliamentary by-election in the city later this year, after Conservative MP Imran Khan was convicted of sexual assault. A third of seats are being contested. Hull - 3.30am Friday, May 6 Hull is a two-way fight between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Labour's majority has been whittled away in recent years and the party goes into this year's election defending a majority of one. A third of the council's seats are in play and the Lib Dems are hopeful of victory. (3.30am) West Midlands Dudley - 4am Friday, May 6 A crucial test for both the Conservatives and Labour. The Tories hope to build on the slim majority they secured at the 2021 local elections, while Labour will want to halt the blue advance and make gains themselves. A third of the council is up for grabs. (4am) Solihull - 1pm Friday May 6 Another West Midlands metropolitan council under Conservative control, but the main opposition is the Greens. The party has been slowly eating into the Tories' majority and will hope to take a few more bites this year. One third of Solihull's seats are being contested. Nuneaton & Bedworth - 4am Friday May 6 Dominated by the Conservatives after a bumper performance in last year's elections. Labour will hope to demonstrate it is making a comeback, having controlled the council as recently as 2018. Half of the 34 seats are holding ballots. Newcastle-under-Lyme - 3pm Friday May 6 Set to be a battle royal between Labour and the Conservatives, with every council seat up for grabs and the Tories defending a tiny majority. Success here for Labour would suggest the party is winning back support in one of its target areas of country. The parliamentary seat of Newcastle-under-Lyme was won by the Conservatives in 2019 after being held by Labour for the previous 100 years. East Midlands Derby - 5am Friday May 6 Derby is currently run by the Tories as a minority party. Labour will be looking to make gains in another test of party's ability to win back support in urban areas of central England. An unknown factor is the popularity of the Reform Derby party, based on the former Brexit Party, which is standing candidates in all the seats being contested. There are 17 of the council's 51 seats up for grabs. Eastern England St Albans - 4pm Friday May 6 St Albans saw the Liberal Democrats make enough gains in 2021 to take overall control, but with a slim majority. The party will want to improve its numbers this year as an example of how it is now the main opposition to the Conservatives in parts of the so-called 'Blue Wall' of southern England. The entire council is up for election. (4pm) Peterborough - 2.30am Friday May 6 A long-running Conservative-Labour battleground and for decades the council has see-sawed between a Tory majority and no overall control. It is currently run by a minority Conservative administration and Labour will want to make gains to show it is recovering in a city it lost to the Tories at the 2019 general election. A third of seats are being contested. Basildon - 1am Friday May 6 This Essex battleground could provide clues to how the Conservatives are doing in the commuter belt around London. The party won control of the council last year and will hope to consolidate its position in elections for a third of its 42 seats. Stevenage - 2.30am Friday, May 6 A commuter-heavy area in Hertfordshire, but this time it is Labour who will be hoping to make progress. The party has controlled the council continuously since its creation in 1973 but will want to show it can reverse the losses it made last year. A third of the seats are up for grabs. London Barnet - 7am Friday May 6 Labour's top target in London for the third election in a row. The party failed narrowly to win control in 2014, while 2018 saw the council swing further towards the Conservatives, with local Labour members blaming the row over antisemitism in the national party. Labour needs to gain nine seats to form a majority. As with every council in London, all seats are being elected. Wandsworth - 5.30am Friday May 6 Another long-standing Labour target, but here the party managed to increased its number of councillors in both 2014 and 2018. The Tories have held the council since 1978 and have made a point of charging residents one of the lowest average levels of council tax in the country, so a Labour victory would be of symbolic significance. Hillingdon - 4am Friday May 6 This borough contains the constituency of the Prime Minister and has been controlled by the Conservatives since 2006. Labour is hoping to make gains, but the outcome is hard to predict as the size of the council is being cut from 65 to 53 seats. Westminster - 3am Friday May 6 A flagship borough held by the Tories continuously since its creation in 1964. But Labour has slowly increased its number of councillors at recent elections and will want to make more progress this time. Given the current volatile political climate, plus a reduction in the size of the council from 60 to 54 seats, the final result could be close. Harrow - 5pm Friday May 6 A council where the reduction in the number of seats from 63 to 55 could work in either Labour or the Conservatives' favour. Labour won a narrow majority in both 2014 and 2018 but the borough's electoral districts have been substantially redrawn for 2022 and both parties could profit from the new-look map. Sutton - 4am Friday May 6 A Liberal Democrat-Conservative battleground that has been run by the Lib Dems since 1990. The party should retain control again this year, but the Tories will hope to make gains and chip away at the Lib Dems' small overall majority. South-east England Crawley - 2pm Friday, May 6 Has tilted between Conservative and Labour control in recent years but neither party has an overall majority. It would take only a couple of gains for either the Tories or Labour to take full control of a council deep in the commuter belt of West Sussex. A third of seats are being contested. Gosport - 5pm Friday May 6 The council sees the Conservatives, who have only a small majority, under pressure from the second-place Lib Dems. All the seats are up for grabs and boundary changes across the borough means the outcome will be even more unpredictable. Worthing - 2pm Friday May 6 A top Labour target and the party goes into the election level-pegging with the Conservatives on 17 seats each. The Tories currently run the council as a minority administration but Labour has made steady gains in recent years and is hoping to take full control this year. A third of seats are being elected. Southampton - 5am Friday May 6 Another Labour target and winning control from the Conservatives would help demonstrate the party is building back support in southern towns and cities. The Tories are defending a majority of two and a third of the seats are being contested. South-west England Somerset - 4pm Friday May 6 Undergoing major changes this year in its system of local government. Until now the area has had a county council and four district councils (Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset and Somerset West & Taunton) but these are being scrapped and replaced with a single unitary authority. Elections are taking place for all 110 seats in the new-look organisation, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats fighting for control. Wales Blaenau Gwent - 3pm Friday, May 6 This council has been run by a group of independents since 2017, some of whom used to be in the Labour Party. Labour is keen to take back control and might be helped by a reduction in the number of seats from 42 to 33. Cardiff - 5pm Friday May 6 A key council for Labour, where the party will hope to defend its slim majority. The number of councillors is being increased slightly from 75 to 79, which might make the outcome more unpredictable. Flintshire - 3pm Friday May 6 Sits in an area of Wales, the north east, where the Conservatives did well at the 2019 general election. The party won only six council seats in 2017 compared with Labour's 34, so they are hoping to make an advance this year. For its part, Labour will want to remain the largest party and even win a majority, although the total number of seats is being cut from 70 to 67. Scotland Aberdeenshire - 3pm Friday May 6 A Conservative stronghold, but like many councils in Scotland, power is shared between several parties. All councils in Scotland are elected using the single transferable vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates and results are based on preferences rather than the winner-takes-all method used in England. This leads to many councils ending in no overall control, but encourages parties to work together either informally or as part of a coalition. The Tories have run Aberdeenshire in partnership with the Lib Dems and a group of Independents. Their success this year may hinge on the popularity in Scotland of the Tories' UK leader Mr Johnson. East Renfrewshire - 2pm Friday May 6 A three-way battle between the Conservatives, Labour and the SNP with each hoping to end up the largest party. Edinburgh - 3.30pm Friday May 6 The council has been run by a joint SNP-Labour administration for the last five years, but the Conservatives head into this election as the largest party on the council. The Lib Dems and Greens have a smaller number of councillors but both will hope to make gains from the larger parties. Glasgow - 4pm Friday May 6 The council has been run by the SNP since 2017 in what has been their first stint in control of the city, albeit as a minority administration. The party needs only a few gains to take full control, but Labour - which had previously run the city since 1980 - is keen to stop them. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts sounded off about the Roe v. Wade opinion leak on Thursday in a private meeting, calling it 'absolutely appalling.' Roberts, in remarks to judges and lawyers in Atlanta first reported by CNN, underscored that he hoped 'one bad apple' would not change 'people's perception' of the high court. He called the 'person' or 'people' who leaked the document 'foolish' if they thought it would sway votes on the court. Earlier this week Roberts announced an investigation into the source of the 'betrayal.' 'I have directed the Marshal of the Court to launch an investigation into the source of the leak,' Roberts wrote in a Tuesday statement. The chief justice decried the leak as an 'egregious breach' and an 'affront to the court.' 'We at the Court are blessed to have a workforce - permanent employees and law clerks alike - intensely loyal to the institution and dedicated to the rule of law. Court employees have an exemplary and important tradition of respecting the confidentiality of the judicial process and upholding the trust of the Court. This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here,' Roberts said. 'To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed. The work of the Court will not be affected in any way,' Roberts said. Roberts, in remarks to judges and lawyers in Atlanta first reported by CNN, underscored that he hoped 'one bad apple' would not change 'people's perception' of the high court Roberts did not want to overturn Roe, meaning he would have dissented from the other five conservative justices in Justice Samuel Alito's draft opinion, according to CNN. Last fall during arguments for the case at the center of the matter, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Roberts seemed to be looking for a way to uphold Mississippi's ban on abortions after 15 weeks without overturning Roe. Meanwhile tall fencing started going up around the Supreme Court in northeast Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening as tensions rose between protesters following the leak of a draft opinion that signaled an impending overturn of Roe v. Wade. Workers erected the massive fencing around the perimeter of the marble building just east of the U.S. Capitol building as Justices began canceling public appearances amid warnings protests could get increasingly violent. Left-wing groups are planning to send activists and protesters to the homes of conservatives justices. An activist group called 'Ruth Sent Us' has published the supposed addresses of Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thmas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Chief Justice John Roberts and are planning a 'walk-by' of their homes next Wednesday, May 11. 'Our 6-3 extremist Supreme Court routinely issues rulings that hurt women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights,' the group's website reads. 'We must rise up to force accountability using a diversity of tactics.' Politico published on Monday evening what appeared to be a photocopy of a draft opinion from February 4 in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization the opinion by conservative Justice Alito would put an end to the 50-year landmark abortion ruling giving women a constitutional right to terminate their pregnancies. In the fallout from the leak, Alito scrapped plans to participate in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference starting on Thursday, as the associate justice is tasked with reviewing emergency appeals from the 5th Circuit. It is still unclear if Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas, who were slated to get remarks at a similar conference for the 11th Circuit on Thursday and Friday, will still appear. Fencing to keep protesters away from the entrances of the Supreme Court is similar to what was erected around the U.S. Capitol following the January 6, 2021 riot. Senator John Cornyn introduced a bill Thursday to provide additional protections for Supreme Court justice, including 24/7 security detail. 'It's not just an attack against the independence of the judiciary. This risks violence against members of the Supreme Court and their families,' Cornyn said upon introducing the bill. Pro-life activists pray in a circle outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, May 5, 2022 after massive fencing was erected around the perimeter of the building following a leak of a decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade The National Day of Prayer on Thursday saw pro-life demonstrators descend outside the fencing around the Supreme Court Building Fencing was erected around the Supreme Court Building on Wednesday evening after warnings of violence and civil unrest ensued following the leak of a draft opinion that could overturn Roe v. Wade. Pictured: Non-scalable fencing is shown around the Supreme Court on the morning of Thursday May 5, 2022 A runner jogs past massive fencing now around the perimeter of the Supreme Court on Thursday morning Metro Police activated their protest units amid large demonstrations in front of the Supreme Court on Tuesday Workers erect massive fencing around the perimeter of the Supreme Court building on Wednesday May 4, 2022 in the fallout of the leak showing an impending overturn of Roe v. Wade Fencing is reminiscent of the barrier put up around the U.S. Capitol after the January 6 riot. It is not clear how long the fencing will remain around the court Pro-choice protesters continued to demonstrate outside the Supreme Court Building on Thursday morning even as fencing was set up to protect the building and justices and their staff 'I introduced a piece of legislation to enhance the authorities of the Supreme Court law enforcement agencies to provide protective details for the judges and their families, who've already been threatened with violence.' 'Because we deal in these matters on a daily basis, to make that kind of threat to the Supreme Court is an attempt to intimidate the Justices and a threat to judicial independence,' Cornyn said in a statement on the legislation. Immediately after the leak was published on Monday evening, pro-abortion protesters descended on the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, conservative Chief Justice Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the draft opinion and ordered an investigation into the leak by Col. Gail A. Curley, the 11th marshal of the United States Supreme Court. Clashes between pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators became increasingly heated, leading Metro police to activate protest units amid large demonstrations in front of the building Tuesday. Although D.C. is ground zero for the demonstrations, law enforcement authorities across the country are preparing for possible violence and civil unrest. According to intelligence bulletins and internal reports from across the nation obtained by Yahoo News, authorities are on alert for fallout from the impending ruling. The fencing put up on Wednesday night is described as 'un-scalable' and is meant to keep demonstrators at arms length of the court as left-wing activists organize a 'walk by' of conservative justices' homes in Virginia and Maryland The tall fences are meant to keep pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators clear of the building after protests and clashes got increasingly violent in recent days A forklift brings in un-scalable fencing on Wednesday evening to replace barricades that were set up outside the Supreme Court Clashes between pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators became increasingly heated, leading Metro police to activate protest units and justices to cancel public appearances Workers assemble non-scalable fencing around the Supreme Court just east of the U.S. Capitol building in northeast D.C. The fencing encompasses the entire perimeter of the Supreme Court Police monitored the continued protests outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday evening A February situational awareness bulletin from the Colorado Information Analysis Center warns challenges to Roe v. Wade could lead to unrest and violent incidents. 'Law enforcement and public safety officials should anticipate an increase in abortion-related events, rallies, and protests with the potential for violence and criminal activity, particularly leading up to and directly following the Supreme Court's decision in the Mississippi case,' the bulletin noted. A decision on the Mississippi case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization is expected by June. For years the FBI has tracked extremists on both sides of the abortion issue. The bureau's Domestic Terrorism Reference Guide on Abortion-Related Extremists was widely circulated in November 2021 and looks at the threats stemming from both sides of the heated argument. 'Abortion-related violent extremists seek to further their pro-life or pro-choice ideologies through the threat or use of force or violence against individuals or facilities which provide services in opposition of their beliefs,' the guide notes. It adds: 'Pro-life extremists believe force or violence is necessary to save the lives of the unborn. Pro-choice extremists believe it is their moral duty to protect those who provide or receive reproductive health care services.' Pro-abortion protesters remained outside the Supreme Court late into Wednesday evening Police units across the country are on high alert for civil unrest and potential violent incidents related to the impending abortion ruling. Pictured: Police monitor abortion-related protests outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 4 While Republicans are pleased with the content of the draft opinion, they are furious over the leak. Texas Senator Ted Cruz claims the Supreme Court leak is the doing of an individual 'woke left-wing twit' and claims the person responsible for the chaos unleashed in America on Monday evening should be disbarred and put in jail. 'In over 200 years of our nation's history, that has never happened,' he told Fox Primetime host Brian Kilmeade on Wednesday. 'And there was one woke little left-wing twit who decided, to hell with his or her obligations to the justice they work for, to hell with their obligations to the court, to hell with their obligations to the rule of law, that they would instead try to sneak it out in order to put political pressure on the justices and intimidate them into changing their votes,' he added. Cruz, after graduating from Harvard Law School in 1995, clerked for Judge J. Michael Luttig of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and then for the Supreme Court's Chief Justice at the time William Rehnquist from 1996 to 1997. A worker finishes securing un-scalable fencing outside the Supreme Court on Thursday morning He told Fox News on Wednesday that it's 'difficult to overstate how destructive this is to the Supreme Court.' Trump administration Attorney General Bill Barr on Wednesday called the act of leaking a bombshell Supreme Court memo an 'unforgivable sin.' Republicans argue that the leak has destroyed the sanctity of the Supreme Court, which for most of its history has remained free of political influence and partisan bickering that is more common in the executive and legislative branches. 'We're going to find this person, and when they're found, they're going to be fired on the spot, they will be disbarred if they're a member of the bar, or they will never be admitted to the bar to be a lawyer, and to the extent that they've broken criminal laws, they need to be prosecuted and sent to jail,' Cruz said. Cruz thinks that the leak came from one of the four clerks for each justice. 'I think the chances are zero that it is a justice,' Cruz said. 'I cannot believe any justice would be [party] to such a grave betrayal of the institution.' 'I think it is a law clerk, and I think it is very likely a law clerk for one of the three liberal justices. That means there are 12 likely suspects,' he added. The draft opinion showed five of the six conservative justices in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade with only Roberts breaking from his colleagues to join the three liberals on the bench in the dissent. The draft signed by Justice Alito said 'Roe was egregiously wrong from the start.' 'Last night's stunning breach was an attack on the independence of the Supreme Court ,' Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a Tuesday statement calling for the leaker to be brought to justice. 'By every indication, this was yet another escalation in the radical left's ongoing campaign to bully and intimidate federal judges and substitute mob rule for the rule of law.' When speaking at a press conference on Capitol Hill, McConnell slammed the press for focusing their coverage on the contents of the leaked draft opinion and not the astounding and unprecedented fact that a Supreme Court document was leaked in general. 'I think the story today is an effort by someone on the inside to discredit the institution of the Senate, which continues a pattern that we've observed over the last several years,' the leader explained. He then listed examples of the increased pressure from Democrats to politicize the Supreme Court: '[Democratic] Leader Schumer over on the steps of the Supreme Court calling out justices by name. Sheldon Whitehouse and others calling amicus briefs, threatening the court, efforts to pack the court, efforts to have term limits on court justices.' The opinion draft was written by Justice Samuel Alito. He canceled a public appearance on Thursday amid fallout from the leak 'What's unique about today,' McConnell continues, 'is this is the first time that we've had someone on the inside try to attack the institution.' He reminded the press, 'You need it seems to me, excuse the lecture to concentrate on what the news is today. Not a leaked draft, but the fact that the draft was leaked.' Democrats, on the other hand, are not worried about the breakdown of usual Supreme Court practice or catching the leaker and instead are calling for codification of Roe v. Wade. The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case resulted in a decision that made abortion a federal protected constitutional right. In recent years, red states have tried to chip away at that rule by limiting abortion rights to time periods in which a woman may not even be aware that she is pregnant. President Joe Biden vowed to protect women's rights to an abortion should the decades-old ruling be overturned. Vice President Kamala Harris furiously lashed out at Republicans for trying to 'deny women their freedoms' in remarks Tuesday evening after a Supreme Court leak showed a conservative draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade. In her first appearance after testing positive for COVID-19 last month, Harris was ironically speaking to gala attendees for EMILY's List a political action committee that aims to get Democratic female candidates election who are favor of advancing abortion rights. Her remarks came 24 hours after the Supreme Court leak. If Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts (center bottom) votes with liberals against overturning the landmark abortion case, the five remaining conservative justices (circled in red) will still have the numbers to reverse the decision with a 6-3 conservative majority bench Pro-abortion protesters clashed with pro-life activists outside the United States Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 after the leak showed conservatives on the court are potentially on track to overturn Roe v. Wade 'Roe v. Wade in its power has protected a woman's right, her right, to make decisions about her own body for nearly half a century,' Harris said to the room of progressives Tuesday evening. 'If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom, on the fundamental right of self-determination to which we are all entitled as Americans.' 'Those Republican leaders who are trying to weaponize the use of the law against women. Well we say, how dare they?' Harris told the cheering crowd. 'How dare they tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her own body? How dare they? How dare they try to stop her from determining her own future? How dare they try to deny women their rights and their freedoms?' 'It has never been more clear which party wants to expand our rights, and which party wants to restrict them,' Harris continued, vowing Democrats are 'not going back.' She laid out for voters a choice in the 2022 midterm elections between two very differing views on abortion. If Roe v. Wade were overturned by the 6-3 conservative majority Supreme Court the decision on lawmaking surrounding abortion would go to the states meaning more liberal states would likely see less of an impact than red states where lawmakers and constituents push for a full ban. A Politico/Morning Consult poll taken in the day following the leak showed that 50 percent of Ameircans do not want Roe v. Wade overturned and only 28 percent want it overturned. Authorities are re-opening an investigation into the mysterious death of Casey White's ex-girlfriend in 2008 as the hunt for the murder suspect and the female jail guard that let him out continues for the seventh day. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office says it will reopen the investigation into the death of Christy Shelton. Casey, 38, was there when Shelton was shot in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun. Her death was ruled a suicide, but her family never believed the story, WAFF reports. Casey has a history of violence with partners, having shot at his ex-girlfriend during a crime spree in which he killed a dog and held her roommates at gunpoint. The 2015 incident culminated in the 6ft 9in 'monster' being sentenced to 75 years in prison on charges including attempted murder. The search for Casey and guard Vicky White, 56, is intensifying as Lauderdale County deputies joined forces with the US Marshals, the Secret Service and other agencies to locate the fugitive pair. The two developed a secret 'special relationship' during phone calls while Casey was being held in a different jail. 'We're having to do a nationwide search. And we've got boots on the ground across the country, following up on tips and leads for us through the U.S. Marshal's fugitive task force,' Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told Al.com. 'So it's just a matter of time. We'll get them. Obviously, the sooner the better.' Alabama deputies are reopening an investigation into the mysterious death of Christy Shelton, the ex girlfriend of fugitive inmate and confessed killer Casey White Shelton was shot in the chest with a sawed-off shotgun. Casey was there when she died, authorities say, but her death was ruled a suicide Corrections officer Vicky White (left) and confessed murderer Casey White (right) shared an intimate relationship dating back to 2020 that authorities were unaware of, investigation revealed. The pair are not related Authorities have warned that the pair are 'armed and dangerous' and that Casey White is a 'bad guy' - having confessed to killing a 59-year-old woman back in 2015 while serving a 75-year sentence for other crimes. Deputies in Limestone County will open an investigation into the death of his ex-girlfriend Christy Shelton. On Thursday, Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said the search for the pair continues across the country, but he revealed that local and national authorities have no idea where the two could be. 'We don't really have a clue where they're at,' he told Al.com. He continued: 'I don't know what their game plan was. It's obvious this was very well planned out. It could be they're just holed up somewhere waiting for things to die down.' The sheriff added that his department has brought in counselors for their colleagues, some of whom are still in shock that the stellar employee of 17 years could have run away with a confessed killer the day she was set to retire. On Thursday, Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton - Vicky's boss - says the search for the pair is intensifying but they still have no 'clue where they're at' 'I think some of them had gotten gifts for her and different things because they all respected her but some of them almost looked at her as a mother figure,' Singleton said. 'They're just devastated.' Corrections officer Vicky White kept her 'special relationship' with Casey White alive while he served a 75-year sentence in state prison for a crime spree that involved him shooting at his ex-girlfriend, according to Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton. Casey was moved from state prison to the county jail where Vicky works in February to face trial on separate capital murder charges. Vicky then sold her house and planned to retire on Friday before taking off with him instead. A warrant has been issued for her arrest. Video of her leading the 6ft9in inmate out of jail shows she was 'prepared' to help him escape, says Human Behavior Academy president Susan Constantine. 'It was really obvious to me what was going on here was planned out, methodical, and she had played it out in her mind, even to where how she parked the car,' she told Fox News. 'She was prepared.' Her 'waddling gait' as she stepped out of her car and walked in to retrieve Casey shows she was 'rough around the edges' and somewhat masculine, Constantine said. Authorities are on day seven of a US Marshal-led manhunt for the fugitive pair. They could be armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun and may have used a copper 2007 Ford Edge to get away. Vicky is pictured 'waddling' into the jail and opening an interior door on Friday. Casey is believed to have been in the hallway at the time Surveillance video previously released showed Vicky helping Casey escape from the Lauderdale County Jail, where he had been incarcerated. The pair then fled together The latest footage shows them driving through the intersection of Huntsville Road and Cox Creek Parkway at 9.49am on Friday Surveillance video shows the moment Vicky White, 56, snuck 'monster' Casey White, 38, out of jail. She parks her cruiser by the door and takes her time exiting the vehicle, leaning back into the seat to grab something. She 'waddles' into the facility and leads Casey out, holding the door for him as he's shackled. 'She doesn't seem to have a care in the world,' said Constantine, the body language expert. 'Her stride movements are just at ease. There's not a sense of franticness or rapid movement.' Dave Katz, a former DEA special agent who helped hunt down mobster Constabile 'Gus' Farace, says the pair could be anywhere. 'If she's smart, you're going to have a hard time catching her,' he told Fox News, adding that he would start the search by looking at where she had been shopping, what she had been buying, and who Casey had been talking to right before they left. 'She might not have used cash she would have bought them in advance,' he said. 'If he's a backwoodsman, if he can sustain them hunting and fishing, I wouldn't discount that the people in the area, who live there, who may even know him, they'll tell you where [he would fish or hunt].' Vicky may still be in danger, he warns. 'He's a bad guy. I wouldn't be surprised if she's at risk, given his predilection for violence,' he said. Vicky and Casey White, who are not related, shared a 'special relationship.' It dated back to 2020, when the prisoner was first brought to Lauderdale County for his arraignment on murder charges that he confessed to while already in state prison for 75 years. Although Casey was in custody at a state prison ahead of his arraignment and was transferred back to the facility immediately after, the pair stayed close, Sheriff Rick Singleton confirmed to DailyMail.com Wednesday. Singleton previously said she visited him in person at the prison, but he corrected himself on Thursday, saying the unlikely couple communicated only by phone, WAAY reports. The details of their secret relationship emerged just hours after officials released new video of the couple's escape. The footage shows the squad car they were traveling in pass a gas station as Vicky drove Casey to a mental health evaluation appointment, which did not exist. The pair abandoned the vehicle about a half-mile from the gas station. New video released Wednesday shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center on Friday where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape US Marshal Services released this picture showing the size difference between Casey and Vicky and a Ford Edge like the one they used Another mock up published by the officials shows the pair - believed to be lovers - compared to a door frame Surveillance video taken at the Lauderdale County Jail showed the moment Vicky snuck 6ft 9in 'monster' Casey out of the facility before they went on the run with an AR-15 and a shotgun. Casey was serving a 75-year sentence for attempted murder, burglary, robbery, kidnapping and animal cruelty. He also faced murder charges after confessing to the fatal stabbing of Connie Ridgeway, 59. The apparent lovers made a break for it on Friday after Vicky told superiors she was going to take Casey for a mental health evaluation on her last day before retirement. The 56-year-old widow held the door for the 38-year-old thug - who was still wearing handcuffs - before they got into a black car and sped off at 9.30am on Friday. New video released Wednesday shows Vicky and Casey driving to the Florence Square shopping center where they abandoned the sheriff's car used during the escape. The latest footage shows them driving through the intersection of Huntsville Road and Cox Creek Parkway at 9.49am on Friday, WAAY reported. The intersection is about a half-mile from the shopping center. The cruiser was found abandoned in the center parking lot several hours after the escape. The jailer and confessed killer shared an intimate relationship dating back to 2020. Inmates allege Vicky ensured Casey 'was getting extra food on his trays' and 'was getting privileges no one else got,' a claim that Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told CNN has been confirmed by an independent investigation. 'As far as we know that was the earliest physical contact they had,' Singleton said of the arraignment. He claims Casey and Vicky continued to communicate after the accused murderer was transferred back to the prison. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage recorded at the Lauderdale County Jail, where the escape occurred, to learn more about their relationship. Meanwhile, the confessed murderer's mom, Connie White, has defended her son, claiming he is innocent and 'not a monster.' 'I just have no idea why they've painted him as a monster,' Connie White told The New York Post in a phone interview Tuesday. 'The only reason he came out to Lauderdale County was to get out of the prison he was in. 'He wrote a letter to say that he murdered that woman. But he didn't really murder her, he just done that to get back up here. He just wanted to be out of that prison because it was so bad and there was no food.' Connie denied having any knowledge of her son's alleged relationship with Vicky. 'He never mentioned Vicky White,' she said. 'He said he had a pen pal but I had no idea who it was.' She also claimed that when she spoke to her son the day before his vanishing act, his behavior was seemingly normal. 'Everything was perfectly fine,' Connie said. The US Marshals Service said they suspected the pair are armed with an AR-15 and a shotgun and may have used a copper 2007 Ford Edge during their escape. But cops and federal agents have launched a huge manhunt and drip-fed more information about the duo - including that the jailer had two aliases herself. Casey exits the hallway and follows Vicky outside the facility The manhunt comes as Casey's ex-girlfriend begged Vicky to flee the killer, warning her she was not safe with him Sheriff Singleton, who described Vicky as 'an exemplary employee,' issued a plea to the former jail guard, asking her to turn herself in. 'Vicky you've been in this business for 17 years, you've seen this scenario play out more than once and you know how it always ends,' Singleton told Good Morning America Wednesday. 'Now go ahead and end it now, get to a phone and call 911, turn yourself in and help us get Casey White back behind bars because you know that's where he's going to eventually end up.' The sheriff said that as of Wednesday morning, investigators 'don't have any idea where they might be.' 'We were making some good progress on that. We may be hindered now that some of that information has gotten out,' Singleton explained. 'But, you know, we're still working around the clock to locate them and try to get them back in custody.' I think all of our employees ... were really hoping she did not participate in this willingly but all indications are that she absolutely did. Lauderdale County Sheriff details manhunt for corrections officer Vicki White and escaped inmate Casey White. https://t.co/NMPqT8qwyi pic.twitter.com/j0i50sd0bn Good Morning America (@GMA) May 4, 2022 The sheriff also noted, despite hopes of her colleagues and superiors at the Lauderdale County Jail, all signs suggest Vicky willingly participated in the escape. 'The pieces of the puzzle just came together,' he said.'I think all of our employees and myself included were really hoping that she did not participate in this willingly. But all indications are that she absolutely did. 'We're very disappointed in that because we had the utmost trust in her as an employee and as an assistant director of corrections.' He noted that she violated policy by escorting the inmate alone, saying: 'This particular guy and someone like that, no, that should have never happened, even if we had to delay getting him to court.' Vicky is a 17-year veteran of the sheriff's office. Singleton said she had been discussing retirement for several months and submitted necessary documentation to do so last Thursday. Friday, the day of Casey's escape, was set to be her last day on the job. The sheriff previously said she 'talked about going to the beach' after retirement. She had also been living with her mother after selling her Lexington home on April 18. Public records reviewed by WAAY revealed Vicky sold the property for $95,550, which was below market value. Singleton believes the wanted former jailer may be 'flush with cash' from the sale. However, he noted her retirement money remains locked up as she was expected to meet with officials this week to discuss those funds. It comes as the US Marshals Service said the pair may have made off in 2007 Ford Edge that is copper in color Officials also said that the pair may have made off in 2007 Ford Edge that is copper in color In 2020, Casey's request to be transferred out of prison and into the county jail was denied after authorities found a makeshift knife stashed in the shower that they believed he intended to use to force someone to let him out The manhunt comes as the maniac's ex-girlfriend begged Vicky to flee the killer as they spent a fifth day on the run. The woman, who has not been named but was shot by Casey in 2015, warned her she was 'disposable' to the escaped inmate. 'Casey White is very dangerous to everybody that is around him,' Casey's ex told WAAY-TV on Tuesday. 'I feel like he has manipulated her and she's disposable to him. 'If [Vicky] is still alive, she needs to get the hell out. Run,' she added. 'Run as far away as you can and turn yourself in and contact somebody. Do the right thing before you lose your life or before somebody else does.' The unidentified woman is reportedly at an out-of-state hideout and fearful for her life. She said: '[Local police] promised to step up patrols, but we are freaking out. 'We don't know if he is going to show up and take us out like he tried to do before. I thought I would never have to worry about him ever again.' However, despite warnings from the authorities and the criminal's alleged prior victims, Connie White maintains her son his not dangerous. 'I don't think so. He's not a monster, I'll put it that way,' she told the Post. 'He is not the monster they are making him out to be, at all.' Authorities have offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to Casey's capture. Vicky and Casey were seeing each other while he languished in Lauderdale County jail, inmates told cops Timeline of Vicky White and Casey White's disappearance Friday at 8.47am: Transport Van 5 leaves the Lauderdale County jail with seven inmates escorted by two deputies 8.56am: Transport Van 2 leaves the jail with five inmates also escorted by two deputies 9.20am: Assistant Director Vicky White tells a deputy to prepare inmate Casey White for transport to courthouse. Deputy removes White from his cell, takes him to booking and handcuffs him and shackles his legs. 9.41am: Vicky leaves detention center with Casey and head to the courthouse for a 'mental health evaluation.' She told the booking officer that she is the only deputy available who is firearm-certified and that she's dropping him off to other deputies at the courthouse. Vicky says she's then going to Med Plus for a personal appointment. 9.49am: Surveillance video shows Vicky's police cruiser parked at the nearby Florence Square shopping center parking lot eight minutes after leaving the jail. 'There was not enough time for them to even attempt to try to come to the courthouse,' Sheriff Rick Singleton said. 11.34am: A Florence Police Department officer spots her cruiser. 3.30pm: Booking officer reports to administration that they've been trying to contact Vicky to check on her, and that her phone is going directly to voice mail. The officer also says that Casey was not returned to the detention center with other inmates. Source: WAAY-TV, Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Advertisement Vicky's mother-in-law - whose son passed away earlier this year - believes the guard 'may have been brainwashed' by the criminal. Frances White told DailyMail.com that Vicky is a 'sweet' person who wouldn't have helped a confessed killer escape. But her opinion has changed as the days go by and more information about Vicky's relationship with inmate Casey White comes to light. Vicky was previously married to Frances' son Tommy, who died in January of complications from Parkinson's Disease. 'I'm just proud he wasn't still alive, cause he still thought she was a good person,' Frances told the Daily Beast. 'I can't imagine her running off with that guy, but you never know. He walked into a woman's house and stabbed her.' Frances says her two surviving sons are also in shock: 'They can't believe it either. My oldest son, no way could he picture her leaving with him It looks like she helped him escape.' She added: 'Maybe he's got her brainwashed. But I don't know how he'd have had a chance to get her brainwashed, because he was in prison.' In 2020, Casey's request to be transferred out of prison and into the county jail was denied after authorities found a makeshift knife stashed in the shower that they believed he intended to use to force someone to let him out. But he was moved to the jail anyway in order to face capital murder charges for the death of Ridgeway. On Friday, Vicky White told a booking officer she was escorting Casey to the county courthouse for a mental health evaluation. The move was against protocol for Casey, who was always meant to have at least two guards with him. No such evaluation was scheduled that day. 'Being the boss and over the transport, she just informed the booking officer that she was going to carry him to the courthouse and drop him off, which was a flagrant violation of policy,' Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton told CNN. 'But I'm sure because it was her boss, the booking officer didn't question it.' She also said she was going to a medical appointment for herself, which was confirmed by the doctors' office, but for which she never showed. US Marshals are offering rewards up to $5,000 for information leading to Vicky White and $10,000 for information leading to Casey White A statement, which was quickly deleted online, said the vehicle had a bit of damage to the left rear bumper Singleton said Casey was 'handcuffed and shackled' in the back of Vicky's patrol car when they both left the county jail that morning. From there, they went straight to the parking lot of a nearby shopping center. Surveillance footage shows Vicky's police cruiser parked at the Florence Square shopping center eight minutes after leaving the jail. 'There was not enough time for them to even attempt to try to come to the courthouse,' Singleton said. The car was spotted in the parking lot an hour-and-a-half later. 'Casey White is an extremely dangerous person. We need to get him located and get him off the street,' the sheriff warned. Vicky is facing charges of 'permitting or facilitating an escape in the first degree,' a felony that carries a maximum prison term of 10 years. Her mother, Pat Davis, doesn't believe her daughter would willingly help an inmate she never even talked about. However, preliminary investigation has suggested otherwise. Casey White, above in February 2019, was arrested in 2015 for a crime spree in which he shot at his ex-girlfriend. He previously told police he'd kill her if he got out Connie Ridgeway, 59, was killed in her home at Meadowland Apartments in Rogersville, Alabama in 2015. Casey White said he was paid to kill her Casey White has been described as a 'dangerous monster' who promised to kill his ex-girlfriend if he ever got out. In December 2015, he broke into a home in Athens and ordered two men to get down on the ground at gunpoint, according to court documents. He fired multiple shots and left bullet holes in the wall during the rampage but his ex-girlfriend managed to escape. Two young children were found hiding in the basement, while a dog was found shot dead in a hallway, Fox News reports. 'He stated that he wanted to kill her and have the police kill him,' according to a police report. 'His only regret was that neither was successful. He stated that if he was released he would kill the victim.' He was eventually convicted on nine counts including attempted murder, kidnapping and animal cruelty and was sentenced to 75 years in prison. Casey's arrest at the age of 32 finally came after he engaged in a crime spree that played out in two counties in Tennessee and Alabama in December 2015. In one night, he staged a home invasion and carjacked two vehicles at gunpoint, shooting one person in the arm, WHNT reports. The crimes were followed by a chase where speeds reached more than 100 miles per hour. Vicky's mother says that her daughter, who was named 'employee of the year' four times and was living with her after selling her house five weeks ago, never mentioned an inmate Police are pictured in December 2015 taking Casey into custody after a wild rampage across Tennessee and Alabama that ended in a 100mph car chase, and his stolen car stuck in a field It ended with a stolen car stuck in a field south of Huntsville, and officers - who were evidently well known to him - pleading with him to put down his gun and give himself up. He was charged with attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, breaking and entering a vehicle, animal cruelty for shooting a dog and attempting to elude. While serving time in June 2020, he confessed to killing 59-year-old Connie Ridgeway in a murder-for-hire plot two months before the crime spree. Ridgeway was killed in her home at Meadowland Apartments in Rogersville, Alabama in 2015, according to WAFF. He said he was paid to kill her, although no motive for hiring a hitman has ever been disclosed. He pleaded not guilty on grounds of insanity and was temporarily moved from prison to the Lauderdale County jail to face trial. That's when he escaped with the help of Assistant Director of Corrections Vicky White. Casey's half-brother, Steven Patrick White, 47, of Town Creek, has been missing since 2017. Casey was in state prison at the time of Steven's disappearance The inmate's whereabouts aren't the only mystery plaguing Casey's family. Sheriff Max Sanders, of nearby Lawrence County, said the Lauderdale County escapee's half-brother has been missing since 2017. Steven Patrick White, 47, of Town Creek, was last seen at his home in October 2017. His wife reported him missing the next day, prompting a canine search of the family property. However, the search was unsuccessful. The Lawrence County Rescue Squad then conducted a dive team search for the missing man in November 2017 which also yielded no results. 'We occasionally get a call from the public about the fellow's whereabouts. We follow it up but so far nothing has panned out,' Sanders told AL.com on Tuesday. Sanders noted that Casey was in state prison at the time of Steven's disappearance. There is a $2,000 reward for information pertaining to the Town Creek man's whereabouts. Armed robbers brazenly carrying assault rifles robbed a Chanel store opposite France's Ministry of Justice. The four criminals were filmed as they calmly left the upmarket Paris store yesterday morning after filling up their bags with designer goods. One astonished witness, who filmed the drama and posted it online, could be heard saying: 'That's a hold-up.' The robbers wore helmets with the visors down as they raided the boutique on the Place Vendome in central Paris. The square is also home to the Ministry of Justice. 'There did not seem to be any security in the store,' said another witness. 'The men pulled up on two bikes, and walked in. They got everyone in the store to lie on the floor, and then loaded up on jewellery and luxury watches. Then they left on their bikes with one of the gang showing off his assault rifle.' This is the moment a gang of criminals targeted a Chanel store in Paris opposite the French Ministry of Justice The four raiders made off on two motorbikes with an unspecified haul of luxury goods Police arrived at the scene after the highly organised criminals had escaped with their haul Chanel did not disclose the value of the goods taken, and the police, who cordoned off the area shortly after the robbery, have said they have no information on the identity of the criminals. In July, thieves made off with goods worth almost 2million from a Chaumet store near the Champs-Elysee. A shop run by jewellery brand Dinh Van was hit in the same month. Speaking about the latest raid, police said at least one of the four, who were all masked and wore helmets, carried an assault rifle, with a witness saying that the others also had automatic weapons. In a scene that was filmed by a bystander and widely shared on social media, three people are seen dressed in black leaving the boutique while a fourth, carrying an assault rifle on a shoulder strap, waited on a motorcycle. Members of the public filmed the gang raiding the luxury store which was targeted by four criminals A witness, 26-year-old Anastasia Martino who works in a clothes store across from Chanel said she was on a cigarette break when she noticed 'a man with a Kalashnikov on a motorbike', at around 2:30 pm. 'Two minutes later, three other men left the boutique carrying big black bags. They, too, had automatic weapons, got on two motorbikes and left in a hurry.' Her colleague, 31-year-old Cyril Ngo, said the heist lasted a full 10 minutes. 'These weren't professionals,' he said. The Chanel shop is located on Rue de La Paix, close to Place Vendome, an area with a high concentration of luxury jewellery stores. Chanel, founded in 1910 by Coco Chanel, is one of France's leading fashion houses, selling haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes, perfumes, accessories and other luxury items. Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges during his first court appearance before a federal judge in New York on Thursday. Usuga, the leader of the notorious Gulf Clan cartel, did not ask the judge for a bail package during his arraignment hearing and asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Vera Scanlon to keep him detained until his trial. The 50-year-old is due back in court June 2. The charges against Otoniel should send a clear message to the leaders of drug cartels around the world,' DEA administrator Anne Milgram said during a press conference Thursday afternoon before Usuga appeared in court. 'If you traffic deadly poison; if you use violence and fear to gain power; if you target law enforcement; if you destabilized countries for your profit; and if you run a drug cartel that harms the safety, health and security of the American people, then the Drug Enforcement Administration will stop at nothing to bring you to justice.' Usuga was turned over to Drug Enforcement Agents in the South American nation's capital of Bogota on Wednesday and was flown to John F. Kennedy International Airport where he arrived at 11:30 pm and was immediately transferred to a jail cell. Considered the most powerful capo in Colombia dating back to Pablo Escobar, Usuga is accused by the United States Department of Justice for allegedly trafficking at least 90,000 kilos of cocaine, worth about $2billion in the streets of the U.S. from 2003 to October 2022, DEA administrator Anne Milgram said during a press conference Thursday. The 50-year-old, who was arrested in the shore city of Necocli near Panama in October 2021, was accused Colombian authorities for the deaths of hundreds of members of the country's security forces. Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga is escorted by U.S. federal agents at a New York-area airport after his extradition Wednesday. He is scheduled to appear before a federal court judge Thursday afternoon Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga, leader of the Gulf Clan cartel, is escorted by agents in Colombia prior to his extradition Wednesday. The cartel reportedly trafficked 90,000 kilos of cocaine to the U.S., worth about $2 billion in the streets Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga is led into a NYPD helicopter at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday night As many as 90 suspected cartel members were also apprehended following Usuga's capture, prompting Colombian President Ivan Duque to proclaim the 'end' of the Gulf Clan. However, four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usuga's arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the world's largest producer and supplier of the drug. Formally known as the Los Urabenos and Clan Usuga, the Gulf Clan is a neo-paramilitary group, in addition to being a drug cartel. It is currently involved in the on-going Colombian armed conflict, having first appeared after the demobilization of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia. 'I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited,' Duque said on Twitter, calling him 'the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world.' Duque described Usuga as a 'murderer of social leaders and police, an abuser of boys, girls and teenagers.' 'Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed,' he added. A member of the Colombian police talks to drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga before he was turned over to DEA agents in Bogota, Colombia, on Wednesday A military convoy escorts Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga on Wednesday Colombian drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga seen inside a DEA jet before it took off from Bogota, Colombia, to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday On Wednesday afternoon, a convoy of five bulletproof police vehicles transported Usuga from a prison in Bogota to a military airport, where he was handed over to the DEA. Perhaps knowing that his days as the country's most powerful drug trafficker were finally over, Usuga's eyes watered up as he sat between security force members in the back of a vehicle, video released by the Colombia National Police showed. 'His face said it all, not happy to be visiting this great city. He walked off the jet as a defeated man,' said Ricky Patel, the Homeland Security Investigations acting special agent in New York. 'To the individual who attempts to take over as leader of the (Gulf Clan) cartel, know this, we have a jail cell waiting for you right next to Otoniel and you've been warned.' His arrest was one of the biggest blows to Colombia's drug trafficking business since the assassination of Escobar in 1993. Usuga was indicted in 2009 in the US, which had offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest. Authorities say he is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of members of Colombia's security forces. Following Usuga's arrest and that of another 90 suspected gang members, Duque declared the 'end' of the Gulf Clan. But four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usuga's arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the world's largest producer and supplier of the drug. Formally known as the Los Urabenos and Clan Usuga, the Gulf Clan is a neo-paramilitary group, in addition to being a drug cartel. Colombian security forces surround drug lord Dairo Antonio 'Otoniel' Usuga as he was escorted to an airport in Bogota before he was turned over to the DEA for extradition It is currently involved in the on-going Colombian armed conflict, having first appeared after the demobilization of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia. In 2011, the clan declared war on the Los Rastrojos - a rival cartel - for control over the drug trade in Medellin, and in the decade that followed has grown into the most powerful criminal organization in the country. It is believed to have some 3,000 members within its inner organizational circle. Since his capture, Usuga had been held in a high-security prison in Bogota, and was at the heart of multiple controversies. Recordings of testimony Usuga gave to the Truth Commission - an extrajudicial body investigating the decades-long conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) - were stolen, the perpetrators unknown. Colombian police also halted one of Usuga's Truth Commission hearings, saying the Gulf Clan had organized an escape attempt. 'Who is afraid of Otoniel?' read a headline on Cambio, an independent online news outlet, which claimed that some people in the Colombian government sought to silence the drug lord. The site reported Usuga would have said during his hearings that the army continued to work in complicity with right-wing paramilitaries in some parts of the country. Dairo Antonio Usuga David (pictured center Wednesday) was the leader of Colombia's largest narco-trafficking gang, known as the feared Gulf Clan. He has now been extradited to the US Colombian drug lord and head of the Gulf Clan, Dairo Antonio Usuga - aka 'Otoniel' - boards a plane to be extradited to the US, in Bogota on May 4, 2022 Citing a leaked Truth Commission document, the outlet said Usuga had implicated 63 people as linked to the Gulf Clan, including a former minister, a former national director of intelligence, six former governors and four former members of parliament. Family members of Usuga's victims had asked for the courts to suspend his extradition, arguing he should stand trial in Colombia for 'crimes against humanity.' 'They did not respect the feelings of the victims,' said Marina Sanmiguel, whose husband was killed in a 1997 paramilitary raid. Usuga 'could be a key person to clarify what really happened,' she said. But the Colombian justice system ultimately gave the green light for his extradition, Usuga's defense team said. Duque vowed Usuga would still face justice in Colombia. 'This criminal was extradited to serve drug trafficking sentences in the United States,' the president said. 'But I want to be clear that once those are served, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes committed against our country.' After his capture, claimed to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal that he handed himself in. The JEP was created under a 2016 peace deal with the now demobilized FARC rebel group to try former combatants and members of the military. Usuga's lawyers argued against his extradition, saying he should be allowed to testify before the JEP, confess his role in Colombia's nearly six decades of internal conflict and reveal links between the military and illegal armed groups. The conflict has killed at least 260,000 people. Dairo Antonio Usuga, also known as Otoniel, was extradited from Bogota, Colombia, to NewYork on May 04, 2022. He is shown in the back of an armored vehicle while being escorted by armed police Dairo Antonio Usuga David, alias 'Otoniel', top leader of the Gulf clan, is escorted by Colombian military after being captured, in Turbo, Colombia October 23, 2021 A deranged man poured tomato juice on women at a Manhattan CVS during a random unprovoked attack as city crime soars. A man wearing a ski mask randomly poured V8 juice on three women shopping at the CVS at 51 Astor Place. around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Speaking to DailyMail.com, one of the targeted women recounted the unsettling incident, but said she remained called and the incident was only one-in-a-million. 'I was walking through the doors and the man turned around and threw tomato juice on me,' Valery Seckler said. Seckler, who has lived in the area for over 40 years, planned to do routine shopping at the Astor Place CVS store before she was approached by the man. Speaking to DailyMail.com, one of the targeted women recounted the unsettling incident, but said she remained called and the incident was only one-in-a-million 'I was walking through the doors and the man turned around and threw tomato juice on me,' Valery Seckler said A man wearing a ski mask randomly poured V8 juice on three women shopping at a Manhattan CVS. Above, one of the victims pictured right after the attack V8 juice stain on the floor at the CVS where the attack unfolded As she was walking through the door, the man poured the tomato juice and proceeded to exit. 'I did see him turn around but I had no idea that he was going to throw tomato juice at me... He made sort of a gesture movement and turned around and kept walking in the other direction,' Seckler added. 'I took a moment to realize what had happened exactly ... then I thought of getting some help cleaning up.' While Seckler says she was not shaken up by the experience,many New Yorkers have expressed fear about rising unprovoked random attacks. While the New York Police Department recorded 370 more robberies, 354 more felony assaults, and 342 more burglaries than last year, citywide shootings have seen a drop of 29.1 percent, falling from 148 cases in April 2021 to 105 last month. In January 2022, Mayor Adams unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat the surge in crime, which included increased foot patrols as well as the revival of a plain clothes unit named Neighborhood Safety Teams. Yet the initiatives have bore little fruits as crime continues to rise, with murder and rape being the only crimes to see a down tick between April 2022 and April 2021. MAY 2021 vs MAY 2022: As of May 1, overall crime is up 41.6 percent so far this year compared to last year While Seckler says she was not shaken up by the experience,many New Yorkers have expressed fear about rising unprovoked random attacks A man calling himself 'Pro-Life Spider-Man' had his latest conquest at the 52-story New York Times building in Manhattan just days after being arrested for scaling a building in San Francisco and says he's been encouraged by the draft leaking of the Supreme Court's potential overturn of Roe vs. Wade. Maison DesChamps, 22, had someone with him to record video as he climbed the 721-foot building on Eighth Avenue and West 40th around 5 a.m. Thursday. DesChamps hung a sign on the building's sixth and seventh floors that read 'ABORTION KILLS MORE THAN 911 EVERY WEEK!' He then hung a second banner with an image of a fetus that called out a specific doctor he accuses of 'killing this baby.' Police in New York said that they were made aware of the two banners but DesChamps does not appear to have been arrested. A man calling himself 'Pro-Life Spider-Man' - 22-year-old Maison DesChamps - had his latest conquest at the 52-story New York Times building in Manhattan and says he's been encouraged by the draft leaking of the Supreme Court's potential overturn of Roe vs. Wade DesChamps, 22, had someone with him to record video as he climbed the 721-foot building on 8th Avenue and West 40th around 5 a.m. Thursday DesChamps hung a sign on the building's sixth and seventh floors that read 'ABORTION KILLS MORE THAN 911 EVERY WEEK!' He then hung a second banner with an image of a fetus that called out a specific doctor he accuses of 'killing this baby.' 'Hey Instagram, I put up my banners,' DesChamps said in one Instagram clip. 'No one seems to be home this early, but they're gonna like my banner, I'll tell you that.' 'I am pretty high up, about halfway, I'd say, maybe, I don't know,' he added. 'But damn, I think I'm gonna make it up to the boss level before they figure out I'm up here. No one's seen me yet. Kind of cool. He claimed that once he reached his peak, he went inside and climbed his way down several flights of stairs. 'It's a lot easier when they let you down the elevator, let me tell you,' he said . 'The stairs thing is hard. I'm tired.' 'I'm gonna be pissed if I run down all these stairs and they're waiting for me at the bottom,' he added. 'It's gonna suck.' The Times criticized DesChamps for his efforts in a statement on Thursday. 'While we fully support an individual's right to express their point of view, this was an unlawful and dangerous act,' Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said. This has become a regular act for DesChamps, a senior at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. DesChamps just two days ago climbed San Francisco's Salesforce Tower, California's tallest skyscraper at 61 stories and 1,070 feet. Madison DesChamps, 22, climbed up the entirety of the Salesforce tower without a harness in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overrule Roe vs Wade on Tuesday morning DesChamps filmed himself on Instagram climbing up all 61 stories, in which he says in one video: 'Everything's going good, I just wish I had more water' Office workers from inside the tower filmed DesChamps climbing up their floor levels as he appeared to be without a harness The San Francisco Police Department told people to avoid the area around the tower while DesChamps was ascending the building with little effort He took a little less than two hours to climb the building's 61 floors after witnesses started observing him at around 9:30 a.m. Pictured: DesChamps reaching the top of the Salesforce tower Officers placed DesChamps in custody once he climbed all 61 floors to reach the tower's roof. He appeared to only be wearing a hoodie, as several office workers inside the tower recorded footage of the climber reaching their floors without any climbing gear. DesChamps is an experienced rock climber, according to his website, which also reveals that he wanted to climb the tower to 'put a doctor behind bars,' as well as raise at least a million dollars for charities advocating for women who are pro-life. He said the leaked draft of Justice Samuel Alito's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade gave him extra motivation. 'These doctors are literally killing these babies on the table and leaving them out to die,' he said. 'We're not trying to yell at women who want to have an abortion, we don't want to blame themwe just want to let them know there are other options.' It's not known how much money DesChamps was able to raise or if he reached his million dollar goal. 'I am a rock climber that has recently started climbing Skyscrapers to end abortion,' his website - www.prolifespiderman.com - says. The Times building has been an attractive nuisance for climbers because the ceramic rods on the building are spaced closely together. Climbers protesting global warming, Al Qaeda and other causes have scaled the building in the past, leading to some of the rods being removed. However, people have still climbed the building in recent years. Ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull is steadfastly refusing to say who he will vote for at the federal election and has appeared to encourage Australian voters to throw their support behind independents, rather than Liberal candidates. Mr Turnbull is poised speak at Washington's Harvard Club on Friday morning (AEST) where he's set to explain how support has risen for small-l liberal independent candidates due to their stance on issues like climate change. Scott Morrison's government is under threat from a wave of so-called 'teal-Independents', largely in wealthy, urban seats, which could result in the Coalition being removed from power. In his speech, Mr Turnbull plans to say that voters could thwart the 'dominant' Liberal faction 'by voting for an independent who has a real chance of success', according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has appeared to encourage Australian voters to throw their support around independents over Liberal candidates 'Since my deposition in 2018 it is fair to say that the liberal, or moderate, voices have been marginalised and their influence is much diminished and diminishing especially on the toxically controversial issue of climate change where the political right, supported by Murdoch's media, have opposed effective action for many years. 'In many respects this may be the most interesting part of the whole election, because if more of these 'teal' independents win, it will mean the capture of the Liberal Party will be thwarted by direct, democratic action from voters.' In a later interview with ABC Radio, Mr Turnbull denied that he was encouraging voters to back independents. The former PM claimed he simply saying it is people's democratic right to make their own choices. 'Im not encouraging people to vote for anyone, Im encouraging people to vote.' Mr Turnbull in March said growing support for independents was a reaction to Liberals being seen as 'too right wing on most issues' such as climate change. The former PM has been highly critical of the Morrison Government - which he once led - and has kept tight-lipped about whether he will support the Liberal candidate in his seat of Wentworth, Dave Sharma. He refused to reveal who has his backing in the seat he held for 14 years until the 2018 by-election, adding either of the two lead candidates would do a good job. 'I'm staying out of the election contest,' Mr Turnbull said. Mr Turnbull, who resigned from Parliament in 2018, will speak at the Washington Harvard Club on Friday morning (AEST) where he's set to explain how support has risen for small-l liberal independent candidates due to their stance on issues like climate change 'My only contribution to the election in Wentworth will be to vote.' Current Liberal MP Dave Sharma faces a tough challenge to hold onto his seat from high profile independent Allegra Spender, 12 months after the tragic death of her mother, late fashion designer Carla Zampatti. Mr Turnbull denied he was trying to push voters in a certain way, saying the 'tide has really gone out for the smaller 'L' liberals and the moderates'. 'So the consequence is that people who were more comfortable with that side of the Liberal Party are, if you like, voting with their feet, and supporting 'teal independents',' he told the ABC. 'Now that is their democratic right, and whether you want to vote for them or not I'm not encouraging people to vote for anyone, I'm encouraging people to vote.' Mr Turnbull was booted out of office in August 2018 after calling a leadership spill which eventually saw Scott Morrison sworn in as the next prime minister. Since then the former Liberal leader has become a vigorous climate change campaigner, regularly attacking the federal government over its energy and emissions policies. When Mr Morrison scrapped a $90billion submarine deal with France, Mr Turnbull backed French President Emmanuel Macron who labelled him a liar. Mr Turnbull has been critical of the Federal Government since resigning in 2018, calling Mr Morrison a 'liar' after he scrapped a $90billion submarine deal with France 'Oh, he's lied to me on many occasions,' Mr Turnbull said when asked about the spat between Mr Morrison and French President Emmanuel Macron at the COP26 summit in Glasgow. 'There's quite a few examples in my book, but he's Scott has always had a reputation for telling lies. Mr Morrison at the time maintained Mr Macron was not blindsided by the cancellation of the contract and texts prove he knew there were problems with the Naval Group project before Australia announced it was withdrawing from the deal. But Mr Turnbull, under whom the 2016 contract for the Attack Class vessels was signed, thinks Mr Morrison owes the French an apology. 'He did very elaborately and duplicitously deceive France,' Mr Turnbull told ABC radio on Tuesday. 'When you're dealing with people, honestly - and Scott Morrison did not do that - you don't drop hints. You actually tell the truth. 'It was a partnership between two nations, it was a cornerstone of France's Indo-Pacific strategy and to be double-dealing them the way Morrison did was shameful.' Technology giants will be subjected to tough laws to stop them exploiting consumers and rivals, ministers said yesterday. A new watchdog, the Digital Markets Unit, will be able to force firms such as Google and Facebook to comply with codes of conduct or forfeit up to 10 per cent of global turnover. Under a raft of measures: The DMU will have the power to ensure online giants pay a fair price to news publishers for content; The watchdog will also reform digital markets, cutting fees for both advertisers and businesses to deliver lower prices for consumers; It will be made easier to switch between Apple and Android phones and different social media accounts; Tech firms may have to warn smaller companies about changes to algorithms that could damage traffic and revenues; The DMU will be able to stop firms limiting consumers to pre-installed software on smartphones. The government is planning new rules for regulating tech giants to protect the public and their rival companies. Among the companies that will be subject to the new rules is Google Facebook, who are now known as Meta, are part of the Governments long-awaited plans to tackle the dominance of technology giants and boost competition online For years, news organisations have raised concerns over the dominance of US tech giants in digital advertising The proposals are part of the Governments long-awaited plans to tackle the dominance of technology giants and boost competition online. Ministers said the DMU would give consumers more choice and control on the internet while also protecting small businesses from predatory practices. The announcement paves the way for a Bill to be included in the Queens Speech next week that will give the watchdog the statutory underpinning it needs. Campaigners have urged Boris Johnson to include this in the upcoming legislative programme to ensure Britain does not lose its chance to become a world leader in online regulation. For years, news organisations have raised concerns over the dominance of US tech giants in digital advertising. Many also believe the firms are manipulating their algorithms to disproportionately direct search enquiries toward favoured businesses. In a bid to improve the bargaining power of the Press, the DMU will set out how firms such as Google and Facebook must trade with news publishers. The watchdog will mediate in case of disputes. In a bid to improve the bargaining power of the Press, the DMU will set out how firms such as Google and Facebook must trade with news publishers. The watchdog will mediate in case of disputes The Government said this would increase the bargaining power of national and regional newspapers, and force social media platforms to be more transparent on how they position publishers on their platforms, and what algorithms are being used. Consumer minister Paul Scully said: Were ensuring our modern, digitised economy gives consumers better products, greater choice and lower prices by having companies compete for customers on a level playing field. The customer is always right but sometimes they dont get a choice. Well stop companies using their power to harm customers, whether theyre limiting shoppers choices to certain software on their devices or making it hard for people to decide how their data is used. The DMU was launched within the Competition and Markets Authority a year ago but still needs legislation for it to be able to use its powers. Consumer watchdog Which? said it was essential the DMU was properly empowered for the sake of consumers and businesses. Well stop them abusing power and ripping you off By CHRIS PHILP, TECHNOLOGY MINISTER Technology minister Chris Philps, pictured, said powerful tech companies are able to charge whatever they like for online services with little oversight The internet and the digital devices that connect to it have made our lives infinitely easier from shopping and banking online to connecting with friends and family. But if the internet was a high street it would be dominated by just a handful of massive shops the tech giants. These firms have huge influence over what we do and dont see on our devices, and showcase their own apps and services over rivals. This makes it difficult for smaller firms to compete including those in the UKs thriving tech scene. On top of this, these powerful tech companies are able to charge whatever they like for online services with little oversight. The Government has set up a regulator the Digital Markets Unit as a new watchdog to make sure the tech companies dont abuse their power. Today we are revealing its strict and statutory rules to rein in dominant firms so smaller businesses can compete. The watchdog will stop big tech pushing aside rival software on their app stores in favour of their own products levelling the playing field for smaller developers and putting more options in the digital shop front. Companies falling short of the rules could face fines of up to 10 per cent of their global annual turnover. If they make a wrong move they could be forced to U-turn on their plans. News outlets have taken a battering from the tight grip Facebook and Google have online with advertising despite the fact it is their quality stories which often keep people engaged on their platforms. The Digital Markets Unit will get powers to intervene to make sure news organisations are paid fairly by social media giants for their journalism. It will have the power to step in and resolve disagreements over prices. Consumers will benefit from lower prices for everyday goods bought online and see greater choice. Theyll have more power over the services they use and what companies do with their data, such as being able to opt out of targeted personalised adverts. Switching between iOS and Android devices can be a turn-off for people because its a pain to move data across different systems. The Digital Markets Unit could force technology giants to make this much easier so that people dont feel locked in to their existing devices. The Digital Markets Unit will help to right some of the wrongs brought about by the rampant expansion of unregulated internet companies. The result will be a fairer and more competitive environment that will stop small businesses being stifled and British shoppers ripped off. A shadowy Russian hacking group has threatened to shut down ventilators at British hospitals after an alleged member of their gang was arrested in the UK. The hacker, 23, was arrested in Tottenham, north London on Monday after Romanian government websites were attacked. Now, members of the sinister Killnet Russian hacking group have demanded his release and threatened to target life-saving ventilators if their demands aren't met. It is unclear if Killnet are supported by the Russian government - though spy agencies from the Five Eyes alliance - made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US - have described it as a Russian-aligned group acting in the Kremlin's interests. According to the Sun, cyber crime sources have described the attack threat as being credible. The hacker, who has not been named, is a vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Facebook. He has posted Russian flags and the letter Z, a symbol present on tanks used in the invasion. The warning from Killnet, posted on the Telegram messaging site, said: 'If he is not released within 48 hours I will destroy your Romania, Great Britain and Moldova. 'I will destroy your entire information structure and even your Ministry of Health. All ventilators will be attacked. 'Appropriate response. Only then will you begin to realise the mistake you have made.' The alleged hacker, 23 (stock pic), was arrested in Tottenham, north London on Monday after Romanian government websites were attacked A tank with the symbol 'Z' painted on its side. The hacker, who has not been named, is a vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Facebook. He has posted Russian flags and the letter Z It is unclear if Killnet are supported by the Russian government - though spy agencies from the Five Eyes alliance - made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US - have described it as a Russian-aligned group acting in the Kremlin's interests The hacker is said to have been arrested by National Crime Agency officers alongside officials from Romania. He is under suspicion of insisting Killnet's attacks on Romanian infrastructure. The group targeted the Romanian government and media over their support for Ukraine amid the war. The arrested hacker is believed to have already been released under investigation. A source told The Sun last night: 'The UK has robust cyber security measures in place and, working with partners, the NCA would lead an appropriate response to any cyber crime incident having a significant impact on the UK.' It comes after Western intelligence agencies warned Russian state-sponsored hackers are targeting critical infrastructure - and cautioned that working from home increases the risk of a successful attack. An alert was issued by agencies from the Five Eyes alliance - made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US. They said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of Western sanctions on Moscow, had increased the risk of 'malicious cyber activity'. The warning highlighted the activities of Russia state-sponsored hackers and also cybercrime groups that have recently publicly pledged support to Vladimir Putin's regime. The Five Eyes cybersecurity agencies urged those working in critical infrastructure to 'prepare for and mitigate potential cyber threats'. Russian-linked cybercrime groups were said to have targeted critical IT systems, health services, a nuclear power plant, an airport, and government networks. As well as Russian FSB and GRU cyber teams, the Five Eyes agencies also explained how many Russian-aligned groups had been acting in the Kremlin's interests. These include groups named as Killnet, Mummy Spider, Salty Spider and The Xaknet Team. The Five Eyes cybersecurity agencies urged those working in critical infrastructure to 'prepare for and mitigate potential cyber threats' The Five Eyes agencies issued a warning about the use of remote desktops and 'other potentially risky services' In their advice on how to mitigate against the Russian cyber threat, the agencies urged organisations to update software and enforce multi-factor authentication 'to the greatest extent possible'. They also issued a warning about the use of remote desktops and 'other potentially risky services'. Remote dekstops are commonly used for working from home and allows a user to connect to a computer in another location. The Five Eyes alert stated: 'RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) exploitation is one of the top initial infection vectors for ransomware, and risky services, including RDP, can allow unauthorized access to your session using an on-path attacker.' They suggested that RDP only be used if deemed 'operationally necessary'. The warning will increase fears that UK civil servants working from home could leave Government networks more vulnerable to an attack. The Foreign Office was reported to have begun an urgent investigation on Tuesday night into a suspected cyber hack after personal information about Government employees appeared on Russian social media sites. Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg is currently leading a government drive get civil servants back to their desks after the Covid pandemic. He was this week claimed to have conducted a personal headcount of officials in one Whitehall office. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay, the minister responsible for cyber security, told the Telegraph: 'Cyber attacks recognise no physical or geographical boundary and it has never been more important to plan and invest in cyber resilience.' A Channel Seven reporter stopped his live cross and rushed into the surf to rescue a 10-year-old boy who was struggling to stay afloat in the waves on the Gold Coast. Paul Burt noticed the child was struggling during his cross on Thursday evening and was then seen charging into the choppy water at Surfers Paradise to rescue him. He was later seen helping other beachgoers carry the boy out of the surf. Channel Seven reporter Paul Burt stopped his live cross about dangerous surf conditions to rush into the water to help a 10-year-old Pakistani boy 'A group of family from Pakistan jumped in, they got sucked out,' Burt later told the network. '(He) got dragged out into this fierce gutter, and of course into this rip .... About four or five of us jumped in and basically pulled him back to the beach. 'He's living, he's breathing, he's conscious, he's talking.' Footage shows Burt bounding into the water before tearing off his shirt to help keep the boy above the water. Burt, centre (at front) is seen helping the Pakistani family out of the water It took him nearly ten minutes to find the boy while other swimmers desperately tried to locate him amid the rough surf. The reporter said there was 'no doubt' the ten-year-old would have swallowed a lot of water. Burt said he was doing a live report on the dangers of beach gutters that lure unsuspecting swimmers into life-threatening rips at the time of the incident. 'His dad was screaming and crying for his son,' Burt told The Courier Mail. 'We spent about 10 minutes looking for him, diving under the waves. I was thinking we've lost him, we've lost him. I was thinking about my son who's a similar age. 'We started walking out of the water and then we heard someone say, there he is, there he is.' His cameraman Geoff Bowden said he feared both the child and Burt had drowned. Last February Channel Nine broadcaster Luke Bradnam raced into the ocean at Narrowneck beach on the Gold Coast moments after being asked for help by a boogie board rider Last February, Channel Nine broadcaster Luke Bradnam raced into the ocean at Narrowneck beach on the Gold Coast to pull the body of a swimmer out. British gym manager Jake Jacobs, 32, had tragically drowned after entering the water the night before. 'We'd seen this boogie board rider motioning to us from the water and he looked like he was in distress,' Bradnam told Daily Mail Australia at the time. 'I felt like I had to do something because there didn't look like there was anyone else around who'd be much good. 'I got out there and sure enough, there's a body face down in the water. 'The body boarder was looking like he was in shock and I've never experienced anything like that. I've never seen a dead body before.' Northern Ireland is bracing itself for more political turmoil after a high election turn out increased the chances of Sinn Fein winning for the first time. The hardline republicans - who want a united Ireland - are favourites to become the largest party in the power-sharing executive for the first time in its history, overtaking the Democratic Unionist Party. Victory for a party wanting Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom would mark an historic shift 24 years after the Good Friday agreement that ended three decades of sectarian bloodshed between those seeking unity with neighbouring Ireland and those wanting to remain part of the United Kingdom. Support for Sinn Fein stood at an average of 25 per cent across the final campaign polls, giving the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army a six-point lead over its nearest rival. Turnout was as high as 60 per cent in some areas an hour before polls closed at 9pm last night, the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland estimated. Counting begins early on Friday with results expected later in the day. Sinn Fein benefited from a jump in turnout to 65 per cent five years ago when it closed the gap to the DUP to just one seat. 'This time everyone's voting Sinn Fein,' Seamus McCann said in Coalisland, County Tyrone after voting for Michelle O'Neill, the party's leader in the region. O'Neill called on supporters 'to seize a truly historic moment.' The DUP and other unionist parties have yet to commit to working with Sinn Fein if it wins, and O'Neill becomes First Minister. The DUP and other unionist parties have yet to commit to working with Sinn Fein if it wins, and its NI leader Michelle O'Neill (left, today) becomes First Minister. A shock poll this week raised the prospect of the DUP (leader Jeffrey Donaldson pictured) slipping into third place in Northern Ireland elections. The Institute of Irish Studies/University of Liverpool/Irish News research put Sinn Fein well ahead of the DUP No new Brexit law scrapping Northern Ireland protocol in the Queen's Speech Ministers have stepped back from triggering a new crisis over Northern Ireland by omitting a new law scrapping a key part of the Brexit agreement with the EU from the Queen's Speech next week. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis last night signalled that legislation overriding the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP) will not be included in the parliamentary business unveiled by the monarch on Tuesday. Ministers have threatened to bring in a new law allowing it to waive part of the protocol, which kept Ulster within Brussels' sphere of influence and enflamed sectarian tensions. The power-sharing Stormont executive imploded in February when the DUP withdrew its first minister Paul Givan, in protest at the protocol. It has enraged unionists by creating economic barriers between the region and the rest of the UK. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has urged the Government to act on unionists' concerns around the post-Brexit trading arrangements, criticising them as harmful to the union and calling for Northern Ireland's position in the UK internal market to be protected. But speaking on ITV's Peston last night, Mr Lewis said: 'Our focus is on resolving the issues with the protocol, ideally we want to do that by agreement with the European Union,' he said. Pressed on whether an announcement would come next week, he said: 'No, Robert, we've not said that.' Boris Johnson is set to give talks with the European Union over Northern Ireland 'one last chance' before introducing legislation that will allow him to override the controversial protocol governing post-Brexit trade, The Times reported. The Prime Minister has sent Northern Ireland minister Conor Burns to Washington in an attempt to explain the government's new strategy that would give ministers the power to unilaterally suspend part of the agreement that was signed by Johnson in 2019, the report said. Advertisement The main nationalist and unionist rivals are obliged to share power under the terms of the 1998 peace deal. But the DUP has said it will no longer do so unless the protocol governing Northern Ireland's trade with the rest of the UK following its exit from the European Union is totally overhauled. Britain and the EU have spent months trying to agree on how to remove many of the checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, imposed under the protocol to avoid fraying the EU single market via the open border with Ireland. But London has also threatened to stoke tensions with Brussels by unilaterally overruling parts of the agreement. Anger in pro-British communities that the protocol erodes their place in the UK looks set to fracture the unionist vote, with the much smaller and more hardline Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) poised to take some support from the DUP. It could as well benefit the cross-community Alliance Party, which could score a major breakthrough. The outcome is also likely to reaffirm that a majority of lawmakers - including Sinn Fein - in the regional assembly favour retaining the protocol. A majority in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU in Britain's 2016 Brexit referendum that yielded a narrow countrywide majority in favour of leave. Katy Hayward, professor of political sociology at Queen's University Belfast who has written about the protocol, said the election was a 'critical moment', echoing comments from the Irish foreign minister that Northern Ireland's political institutions were under more threat than at any time in 24 bumpy years. 'What happens after the election is a real test of the commitment of the British government and unionists (to) the accommodation made in the Good Friday Agreement,' Hayward said. 'How would the British government respond to Sinn Fein becoming the largest party? Will it do so by being careful to uphold the letter and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, or will it do so with a focus on the protocol? That would say a lot about the prospects for stability here.' Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis yesterday revealed he had told the parties of the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved government after the election. 'It is vital that we give people the space to vote in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect,' he said. 'I have conveyed to the parties the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved institutions as soon as they can, when the count is complete.' A shock poll this week raised the prospect of the DUP slipping into third place in Northern Ireland elections. The latest survey on Tuesday found the unionists and the Alliance Party are level behind Sinn Fein ahead of the crunch vote in Thursday. The republicans remains on course to emerge as the largest force after the ballot for the first time - although their support has dipped from 27 per cent to 26.6 per cent. But the Institute of Irish Studies/University of Liverpool/Irish News research still put them well ahead of the DUP on 18.2 per cent, down from 20.2 per cent. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's party was in danger of being overhauled by the non-aligned Alliance, headed by Naomi Long, after it surged from 14.6 per cent. The poll conducted by Social Market Research Belfast has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. The Assembly election uses the single transferable vote system of proportional representation, which gives voters the opportunity to rank other parties in order of preference after selecting their first choice. But if the findings are borne out this week Sinn Fein would displace the DUP as Northern Ireland's largest party a position it has occupied for almost 20 years. A unionist party has always been the biggest in the Assembly, and previously the Stormont Parliament, since the formation of the state in 1921. While the office of the first and deputy first minister is an equal one with joint power, the allocation of the titles is regarded as symbolically important. Ms O'Neill, the Sinn Fein, vice president, cast her ballot in her home village of Clonoe, Co Tyrone, accompanied by party colleague Linda Dillon. Thirty miles away, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson cast his vote at Dromore Central primary school in Co Down. The Northern Ireland Protocol has cast a long shadow over the election campaign following the resignation of DUP First Minister Paul Givan in February in an effort to force the UK government to act over the post-Brexit trading arrangements. This action left the Executive unable to fully function. While ministers remained in post, they were restricted in the actions they could take. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number of MLAs returned 90. A total of 239 candidates are running. Counting will start at three centres in Belfast, Jordanstown and Magherafelt on Friday morning with the first results expected later in the day. The DUP won 28 seats at the last Assembly elections in 2017, just ahead of Sinn Fein which returned 27 MLAs. Next was the SDLP with 12 seats, the Ulster Unionist Party with 10 seats, Alliance with eight seats, the Green Party with two seats while People Before Profit and the TUV had one MLA each. Russia is now in charge of the International Space Station after the previous NASA commander departed the orbiting outpost earlier today. US astronaut Tom Marshburn had been the commander of the ISS for just over a month, but transferred control to Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev ahead of his return to Earth. The 51-year-old becomes the 67th commander of the space station and the 31st Russian to assume the role. Four astronauts, including Marsburn, are now heading home following a six-month stay on the orbiting outpost. Before leaving, Marshburn had to hand Artemyev the ceremonial key to the station, which the American called a 'place of peace'. Four astronauts are returning to Earth later after a six-month stay on the International Space Station. From left, the European Space Agency's Matthias Maurer, plus NASA astronauts Tom Marshburn, Raja Chari, and Kayla Barron are due to splash down off Florida tomorrow (Friday) US astronaut Tom Marshburn had been the commander of the orbiting outpost for just over a month, but ahead of his return to Earth he transferred control to Russian Oleg Artemyev (pictured) European Space Agency will no longer work with Russia on future moon and Mars missions The European Space Agency has ended its collaboration with Russia on future moon and Mars missions. It confirmed it would no longer cooperate with Moscow's space agency Roscosmos on the Luna 25, 26 or 27 moon missions, or the ExoMars mission, because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. 'While recognising the impact on scientific exploration of space, ESA is fully aligned with the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states.' Advertisement 'I think the lasting legacy of the space station is very likely to be international cooperation and a place of peace,' Marshburn said during a change-of-command ceremony yesterday. 'Oleg, you're a very strong and experienced cosmonaut,' Marshburn told Artemyev. 'I know we'll be leaving the space station in good hands with you.' Artemyev responded in English by saying: 'Thank you for the key, and thank you for the friendship. 'It was an unbelievable time together,' he added, stressing the importance of such cooperation and friendship for 'family, our children and peace between our countries.' Artemyev and Marshburn then hugged as the other ISS crewmembers applauded. A veteran of three spaceflights to the space station, Artemyev will now remain in charge of the ISS until the end of summer. He is one of three cosmonauts who arrived at the International Space Station in March wearing wearing yellow and blue flight suits which some claimed resembled the Ukrainian national colours. However, the cosmonauts denied they had chosen the colour to show their support for Ukraine. 'It became our turn to pick a colour. But in fact, we had accumulated a lot of yellow material so we needed to use it. So that's why we had to wear yellow,' said Artemyev at the time. Artemyev (pictured centre) and fellow cosmonauts Sergey Korsakov and Denis Matveyev caused a stir when they arrived at the ISS in March wearing yellow and blue flight suits, which some claimed resembled the Ukrainian national colours The three NASA astronauts and one European climbed aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule shortly after 05:00 BST (00:00 ET) and left the space station just over an hour later WHICH ASTRONAUTS ARE RETURNING FROM THE ISS? Raja Chari, 44 An American test pilot and NASA astronaut, Chari was born in Wisconsin before later graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the United States Air Force Academy and US Naval Test Pilot School. He is a colonel with over 2,000 flying hours to his name. Tom Marshburn, 61 An American physician and NASA astronaut, Marshburn is a veteran of three spaceflights to the International Space Station. He was commander on his last mission, before handing over the responsibility to Russian cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev. Kayla Barron, 34 An American submarine warfare officer and engineer, Barron was selected in June 2017 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 22. She studied at the University of Cambridge and has carried out two spacewalks during her time in orbit. Matthias Maurer, 52 German European Space Agency astronaut Maurer was a materials scientist who was selected in 2015 to take part in space training. He successfully graduated from both basic astronaut training and pre-assignment training in 2018. Advertisement The changeover in command took place just days after Russia said it would quit the International Space Station in retaliation for global economic sanctions placed on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Dmitry Rogozin, general director of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, said Moscow would no longer co-operate with its international partners aboard the ISS, confirming that the decision to withdraw had already been taken. He said Roscosmos is not required to give an exact date of its withdrawal, but affirmed the Russian space programme will adhere to the stipulated year-long notice period. While Artemyev has now assumed responsibility as station commander, overall control of the orbiting laboratory remains with ground-based flight directors, unless there is an emergency on board. The four departing astronauts including three NASA astronauts and one European have been working alongside Russian cosmonauts on boards the ISS for six months. At 05:00 BST (00:00 ET) this morning, they climbed aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, and began their journey back to Earth just over an hour later. Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, and Kayla Barron, as well German-born European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer, will spend 23 hours flying home before splashing down off the coast of Florida at about 05:43 BST (00:43 ET) tomorrow (Friday). The SpaceX Crew Dragon will hit the Earth's atmosphere at more than 22 times the speed of sound, putting the astronauts through intense G-forces as the final portion of their descent begins. If all goes smoothly, the craft, dubbed Endurance, will parachute into the sea while carrying some 550 pounds of cargo from the science mission. Earlier today, live video showing the capsule drifting away from the station as the two vehicles soared high over Australia was shown on a NASA webcast. Wearing helmeted white-and-black spacesuits, the four astronauts were seen strapped into the crew cabin shortly before the spacecraft separated from the space station, orbiting some 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth. A series of several brief rocket thrusts then autonomously pushed the capsule safely clear of the ISS and lowered its orbit to line up the spacecraft for later atmospheric re-entry and splashdown. 'Teams from @NASA & @SpaceX now are targeting #Crew3 undocking at 1:05 am Thurs, May 5 from @Space_Station,' NASA human spaceflight chief Kathy Lueders said via Twitter today, referencing times in ET. 'Splashdown off of Florida's coast is planned about 12:37 am Fri, May 6. The new undocking time allows for shorter phasing & more time to review the latest forecast info.' She added: 'Weather is being watched closely to confirm selected primary & alternate sites are good for return, and we'll conduct another weather review about 24 hours before undocking to determine whether we are GO to proceed. More to come.' The Endurance crew, including Marshburn, 61, Chari, 44 and Barron, 34 and Maurer, 52, arrived at the space station on November 11 last year The Endurance crew, including Marshburn, 61, Chari, 44 and Barron, 34 and Maurer, 52, arrived at the space station on November 11 last year. They became part of history when they hosted the first all-private crew to visit the orbiting outpost last month. Three wealthy businessmen who each paid $55 million (41 million) to take part in the trip were joined by a former NASA astronaut for the history-making mission, which was organised by startup company Axiom Space. Canadian investor Mark Pathy, US entrepreneur Larry Connor, ex-Israeli Air Force pilot Eytan Stibbe and retired astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria had been due to spend eight days carrying out scientific experiments on the space station. But bad weather repeatedly delayed their departure, meaning they actually worked alongside the seven regular, government-paid crew for a total of 16 days. Earlier today, live video showing the capsule drifting away from the station as the two vehicles soared high over Australia was shown on a NASA webcast The NASA-ESA team flying home today has been officially designated 'Crew 3', the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts that SpaceX has launched to the space station The NASA-ESA team flying home today has been officially designated 'Crew-3', the third full-fledged long-duration group of astronauts that SpaceX has launched to the space station for the US space agency. Their departure comes about a week after they welcomed their replacement team aboard the station, known as Crew-4, who were also delivered there by SpaceX. California-based SpaceX was founded in 2002 by billionaire Elon Musk, who recently clinched a deal to buy social media platform Twitter. The company has launched a total of seven human spaceflights over the past two years. Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service will charge users a $25-a-month top-up fee if they want to use it while travelling - but coverage isn't guaranteed. This extra charge is on top of the $110-a-month subscription users pay to access the broadband network, beamed from thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. Portability has worked for some users in the past, but was never officially supported by the SpaceX-owned network, although Musk promised it would be introduced. As long as the area is covered by one of the more than 2,000 Starlink satellites, users will be able to take their dish and router wherever they go, and get online. Although it does appear the offering is restricted to within the North American continent, rather than being a global service. Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service will charge users a $25-a-month top-up fee if they want to use it while travelling - but coverage isn't guaranteed The new service was first spotted by Tesla investor and YouTuber Dave Lee, who shared a screengrab of the 'Add Portability' option. It looks like it will be a flexible service, with customers able to switch it on and off as required - paying the $25 for a vacation, then switching it off when they return. The charge is likely because SpaceX has to allow extra bandwidth on all its connection points in case a portable user tries to connect, reducing how many customers it can sell to in that area. Allowing users to connect to the Starlink network from anywhere is closer to the original idea for the service, proposed by CEO Elon Musk, who's currently buying social media network Twitter for $44 billion. This extra charge is on top of the $110-a-month subscription users pay to access the broadband network, beamed from thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit Portability has worked for some users in the past, but was never officially supported by the SpaceX-owned network, although Musk promised it would be introduced His goal was for an internet service that customers could use from anywhere in the world, providing high-speed internet to even the most remote regions. The service is also maturing, to the point where SpaceX has signed deals with Delta Airlines, to provide internet connections for passengers on board the plane. According to Mr Lee, the Starlink portability option is 'provided on a best effort basis' with no guarantee of connection. SpaceX Starlink internet service has 150,000 daily users in Ukraine SpaceX now has about 150,000 daily users of its Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine almost 10 weeks after being activated in the war-torn country. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's vice prime minister, tweeted that Elon Musk's Starlink was providing 'crucial support' for the country's infrastructure and 'restoring the destroyed territories'. 'Ukraine will stay connected no matter what,' he added. Last month, the Starlink app which allows people access to a satellite-based internet service became the most-downloaded app in Ukraine. As of March 15, it had been downloaded almost 100,000 times. Advertisement That is likely to change when SpaceX has launched the full 13,000 satellites it has been given permission by the FCC to operate in low Earth orbit. These work in a mesh, forming global coverage by connecting together - unlike traditional satellite broadband which operates over a couple of devices, but from tens of thousands of miles from the Earth. The advantage of the SpaceX approach, which is also being adopted by OneWeb, Amazon and others, is that the connections are faster and have a more rapid ping. The ping rate is important for live streaming as well as online gaming - with SpaceX promising a ping close to that of fixed-line broadband offerings. Musk said in 2021 that the full goal of portability would be to allow users to move it anywhere or even use it on a RV or truck while in motion. Being able to use it will in motion will require a significant number of satellites, as it will be able to rapidly and easily connect to another device. There are currently large gaps in service, but the more launches - with at least one a month planned for 2022, the better the overall service. This is a controversial move though, as astronomers are highly critical of the light pollution caused by trains of constellations of internet satellites. One study found that when the whole network is launched, they will appear as a dot in every image captured by a US-based telescope, and wide field observatories, used to look for asteroids, comets and supernova, are the worst affected. Experts from the University of Edinburgh and others have called on governments to introduce protections for low Earth orbit similar to those in place for land and sea. This could see restrictions on the number launched, as well as requirements to minimize the impact they have on astronomy. Elon Musk's Neuralink rival Synchron has begun human trials of its brain implant that lets the wearer control a computer using thought alone. The firm's Stentrode brain implant, about the size of a paperclip, will be implanted in six patients in New York and Pittsburgh who have severe paralysis. Stentrode will let patients control digital devices just by thinking and give them back the ability to perform daily tasks, including texting, emailing and shopping online. Although the implant has already been implanted and tested in Australian patients, the new clinical trial marks the first time it will be tested in the US. If successful, the Stentrode brain implant could be sold as a commercial product aimed at paralysis patients to regain their independence and quality of life. Synchron appears to be advancing at a quicker pace than its rival in the field, Neuralink, which is owned by Elon Musk. Stentrode consists of a scaffold made from a flexible alloy called nitinol. This scaffold is dotted with electrodes, which can record neural signals in the brain WHAT IS STENTRODE? Synchron's product, Stentrode, is a brain-computer interface (BCI) that's implanted to the motor cortex of the brain through the jugular vein in a 'minimally-invasive procedure'. Once implanted, it translates brain activity into a standardized digital language to allow patients to complete everyday tasks hands-free, on external devices including texting, emailing, online shopping and accessing telehealth services. The system is designed for patients suffering from paralysis as a result of a broad range of conditions, and aims to be user friendly and dependable for patients to use autonomously. Advertisement Synchron's clinical trial, called Command, is being conducted under the first investigational device exemption (IDE) awarded by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An IDE allows a device to be used in a clinical study in order to collect data on its safety and effectiveness. 'The Command study progresses Synchrons technology development through the feasibility stage as we prepare for our pivotal trial,' said Tom Oxley, CEO and founder of Synchron. 'This first patient enrollment under an IDE for a permanently implanted BCI [brain-computer interface] is a major milestone for the entire field, as we advance our solution for the 5 million people in the United States living with paralysis.' Oxley declined to identify the patient or provide demographic details when asked by Bloomberg. But the firm told MailOnline that the New York patients will be based at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, while the Pittsburgh patients will be at University Pittsburgh Medical Center. Synchron's brain-computer interface (BCI) Stentrode consists of a scaffold made from a flexible alloy called nitinol. This scaffold is dotted with electrodes, which can record neural signals in the brain. The device can be implanted into a blood vessel that sits over the motor cortex the region of the brain responsible for movement. Implantation requires a 'minimally invasive' procedure involving a small 'keyhole' incision in the neck, similar to the insertion of stents in the heart. Once in place it expands to press the electrodes against the vessel wall close to the brain where it can record neural signals. Once implanted in a blood vessel that sits over the motor cortex, Stentrode expands to press the electrodes against the vessel wall close to the brain where it can record neural signals These signals are transmitted out of the brain directly to targeted areas into a unit implanted under the skin in the chest. NEURALINK: ELON MUSK'S PLAY FOR COMPUTER-BRAIN INTERFACES Elon Musk's latest company Neuralink is working to link the human brain with a machine interface by creating micron-sized devices. Neuralink was registered in California as a 'medical research' company in July 2016, and Musk plans on funding the company mostly by himself. It will work on what Musk calls the 'neural lace' technology, implanting tiny brain electrodes that may one day upload and download thoughts. He said 'neural laces' will help people with severe brain injuries in just four years. And in eight to ten years, the Matrix-style technology will be available to everyone, he added. Advertisement The signals travel from the electrode mesh along a wire linking it to the device in the chest. Synchron explains: 'This [chest] unit is programmed to pick up brain signals continuously and when connected to an external receiver can send them to a computer.' Ultimately, this means the patient can control what's on the computer screen, such as a cursor or an on-screen keyboard. 'The command centre of the brain is now directly connected to software and the patient would attempt to train their brain for direct operating system control,' the firm says. According to Synchron, the clinical trial is being conducted under the first IDE awarded by the FDA to a company assessing a permanently implanted BCI. Previous BCI human clinical studies approved by FDA have been conducted in short term experimental settings. Synchron's clinical trail will not mark the first time Stentrode has been implanted in a human, however. Recent studies have demonstrated the technology to be safe in four patients in Synchrons recent SWITCH clinical trial conducted in Australia, unveiled at the American Academy of Neurology last month. Researchers monitored participants for one year and found the device was safe, with zero adverse events that led to disability or death. Pictured is Tom Oxley, Synchron founder and chief executive officer, holding the Stentrode The device also stayed in place for all four patients and the blood vessel in which the device was implanted remained open. Following implantation in the SWITCH clinical trial, patients were able to use the Stentrode system unsupervised in their homes to send text messages, conduct online shopping and more. Prior to this, Stentrode was implanted into two Australian men with ALS, a progressive nervous system disease, as part of a feasibility study was published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery back in 2020. Synchron is the first company to begin human trials of BCI technology; rival Neuralink is still hiring a clinical trial director to oversee such trials. According to Bloomberg, Neuralink is a lot better funded Neuralink raised $205 million last year, while Synchron has raised $70 million total. Prior to this, Stentrode was implanted into two elderly men, Synchron announced back in 2020 Neuralink, founded in 2016, is probably best known for its work on making a 'whole brain interface' essentially a network of tiny electrodes linked to your brain that the company envisions will allow us to communicate wirelessly with the world. Neuralink's device is implanted directly into the skull, as opposed to via a blood vessel as with Synchron. Neuralink already has courted criticism, partly for its experiments on living animals; the firm recently admitted monkeys had died during tests, but denied claims of animal abuse. Monkeys being tested on by Elon Musk-owned brain chip firm Neuralink were subject to 'torture', an animal rights group claims, including rashes, self-mutilation and brain hemorrhages We've all been there you're so hungry that you start overreacting to minor annoyances and snapping at people. Now, scientists have studied worms to help unravel the mystery of why we act irrationally when we're 'hangry.' Their findings reveal that proteins in intestinal cells move dynamically to transmit signals about hunger, driving worms to cross toxic barriers to get a meal. While the study focused on worms, the researchers from the Salk Institute believe a similar mechanism may also occur in humans. Scientists have studied worms to help unravel the mystery of why we act irrationally when we're 'hangry.' Their findings reveal that proteins in intestinal cells move dynamically to transmit signals about hunger, driving worms to cross toxic barriers to get a meal Even fruit flies get hangry! Fruit flies get 'hangry' and become more combative the longer they have to go without food, much like humans, according to a recent study. Vials of male fruit flies, containing different amounts of food, were scanned over different periods by experts from the University of East Anglia and Oxford University. They found that male fruit flies, which feed on decaying fruit, grew ever more combative the longer they went without food, but it plateaued after 24 hours. The team say this aggression could be a strategy to maximise short-term reproductive output in environments where survival is uncertain. Advertisement 'Animals, whether it's a humble worm or a complex human, all make choices to feed themselves to survive,' said Sreekanth Chalasani, senior author of the study. 'The sub-cellular movement of molecules could be driving these decisions and is maybe fundamental to all animal species.' The team used a tiny worm called Caenorhabditis elegans one of the simplest forms of life we know, thanks to its limited neurons and cells. In the study, the researchers created a barrier of copper sulphate a well-known worm repellent between two worms and their food. When the worms were deprived of food for two to three hours, the researchers found they were more willing to cross the toxic barrier to reach the food, compared to well-fed worms. Using genetic tools, the researchers set out to investigate the molecular mechanism behind this behaviour. In the well-fed worms, transcription factors proteins that turn genes 'on' and 'off' could be found in the intestinal cells' cytoplasm, only moving into the nucleus when activated. However, in the hungry worms, they found that these transcription factors, called MML-1 and HLH-30, shifted location back to the cytoplasm. The researchers also found that when MML-1 and HLH-30 are on the move, a protein called insulin-like peptide INS-31 is secreted from the gut. This protein binds to neurons in the brain, relaying hunger information and driving the risky food-seeking behaviour. In a follow-up experiment, the researchers deleted the transcription factors, and found the hungry worms stopped trying to cross the toxic barrier. This suggests that MML-1 and HLH-30 have a central role in how hunger changes behaviour. We've all been there you're so hungry that you start overreacting to minor annoyances and snapping at people 'C. elegans are more sophisticated than we give them credit for,' said Molly Matty, co-first author of the study. 'Their intestines sense a lack of food and report this to the brain. 'We believe these transcription factor movements are what guide the animal into making a risk-reward decision, like traversing an unpleasant barrier to get to food.' The team now plans to investigate these transcription factors further, in the hopes of understanding how other animals including humans prioritise basic needs over comfort. In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, plagued with problems since first launching in 2019, has been stacked on top of an Atlas V rocket ahead of a crucial unmanned test flight. The capsule was originally supposed to operate alongside SpaceX Crew Dragon, but so far only the Elon Musk-owned spacecraft has taken astronauts to the ISS. There have been multiple issues with Starliner since its first uncrewed test launch in 2019 where it experienced a series of software issues and ended up stranded in the wrong orbit, forcing it to return to Earth early without docking with the station. It has to successfully complete an uncrewed launch, docking with the station, and return to Earth without any issues before it can be approved to take astronauts. After a series of delays, that second test is set to happen on May 19, and ahead of the launch Starliner has been stacked on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. If the launch goes as planned, it is likely that Starliner will be cleared to carry NASA, European and Japanese astronauts to the ISS in the near future. Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, plagued with problems since first launching in 2019, has been stacked on top of an Atlas V rocket ahead of a crucial test flight The capsule was originally supposed to operate alongside SpaceX Crew Dragon, but so far only the Elon Musk-owned spacecraft has taken astronauts to the ISS. Artist impression It rolled out to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) on Wednesday from the Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center next door to Cape Canaveral - travelling on the motorized payload transporter. It was moving along, atop the ULA vehicle, at a top speed of 5 miles per hour on its way to the integration facility - and will later be rolled out to the launch pad. 'Approaching the VIF, the transporter maneuvered up to the 30-story-tall building's doorway and parked,' ULA wrote in statement. 'A four-point lifting sling, called the Handling Fixture Hoist Tool, was connected to the Starliner for the overhead crane to carefully raise the spacecraft onto the Atlas V waiting inside the VIF aboard its mobile launch platform.' There have been multiple issues with Starliner since its first uncrewed test launch in 2019 where it experienced a series of software issues and ended up stranded in the wrong orbit, forcing it to return to Earth early without docking with the station It has to successfully complete an uncrewed launch, docking with the station, and return to Earth without any issues before it can be approved to take astronauts Boeing's CST-100 Starliner was commissioned alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon, to act as a regular ferry service for astronauts going from Earth to the ISS and back. When it first launched in 2019 everything appeared to be going to plan, but problems soon surfaced, later revealed to be down to software glitches. BOEING STARLINER: CREW TRANSPORTER Manufacturer: Boeing Applications: ISS crew and cargo Launch mass: 13,000 kg Crew capacity: up to 7 Diameter: 4.56m Design life: 210 days docked The Boeing Starliner capsule is a new class of reusable crew spacecraft. It is designed to send astronauts to the ISS and other, yet to be built, low Earth orbit destinations. It was commissioned by NASA from Boeing as part of the Commercial Crew Program in 2010. It is slightly larger than the Apollo lunar command module, but smaller than the upcoming Orion capsule that will return astronauts tot he Moon. It can hold up to seven people and remain in-orbit attached to a space station for up to seven months and be reused up to ten times. It is compatible with multiple rockets including the Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9 and Vulcan Centaur. It uses cushioned air bags to land on the ground, rather than splash down in water like earlier NASA capsules and the Crew Dragon. There is one space tourist seat out of the seven, with Boeing given the contract to price and sell passage to low Earth orbit on that seat. Advertisement Starliner was poised to blast off on a repeat test flight to the International Space Station in August last year - carrying a mannequin - when further issues arose. NASA revealed more extensive repairs would be required before the spacecraft could be tested again - and another test was needed before it could take people. Checks hours before liftoff ahead of the second attempt at the August test revealed that 13 of the 24 oxidizer valves in the propulsion system were stuck. Further investigations found that an interaction between oxidizer and water produced nitric acid and other corrosive agents - blocking the valves. The valves have now been fixed, with nine completed as of October 2021 and the remaining four requiring more extensive work. Starliner, like Crew Dragon, has a maximum capacity of 7 astronauts, and can spend up to 210 days docked to the ISS or another space station. It is slightly larger than the Apollo lunar command module, but smaller than the upcoming Orion capsule that will return astronauts to the Moon. In the time Boeing has been trying to get Starliner ready for Orbital Flight Test 2 (OFT-2), SpaceX Crew Dragon has launched astronauts seven times. It uses cushioned air bags to land on the ground, rather than splash down in water like earlier NASA capsules and the Crew Dragon. There have been four NASA funded crew flights on the Crew Dragon taking American, European and Japanese astronauts to the space station. Crew-rated spacecraft are set to become big business in the coming decades, as NASA looks set to support the launch of multiple commercial space stations. This includes Orbital Reef, operated by Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin, one run by Northrop Grumman, as well as Axiom Station, operated by Axiom Space - the company behind the first fully commercial visit to the ISS last month. With multiple stations, each likely to have capacity for between three and 12 visitors, as well as staff, and a drive towards more space tourism - more flights will be needed, experts predict. While many people are naturals at flirting, others struggle mightily when it comes to chatting up someone they fancy. Now a new study has found that the best tactics differ depending on your gender, with women wanting men to be funny and generous. On the flip side, males prefer the opposite sex to appear sexually available and to laugh at their jokes, according to researchers in Norway. 'What's most effective depends on your gender and whether the purpose of the flirtation is a long-term or short-term relationship,' said Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He belongs to a research group which includes scientists from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and State University of New York at Oswego. A new study has found that the best flirting tactics differ depending on your gender, with women wanting men to be funny and generous. On the flip side, males prefer the opposite sex to appear sexually available and to laugh at their jokes, according to researchers in Norway WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON'TS OF FLIRTING? Which flirting techniques work? Women want men to be funny and generous when it comes to flirting, according to researchers in Norway. However, on the flip side, males prefer the opposite sex to appear sexually available and to laugh at their jokes. And which don't? Last month, sientists from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus revealed the 11 most off-putting flirting tactics, which are 'dealbreakers' for many people. They are: Slimy approach Bad hygiene Lack of exclusive interest Different views Vulgar vocabulary Lack of intelligence Narcissism Lack of humour and self-esteem Excessive intimacy Poor looks Stinginess Advertisement 'Flirting involves different signals that people send to each other. It's done to attract potential partners. Men and women both flirt to get the attention of a desired partner, and perhaps to achieve a sexual or romantic result from it,' said Professor Kennair. He has studied flirting in Norway and the US and what people believe are effective tactics for whom and in what context. 'Flirting can be done verbally as well as non-verbally,' said co-author Joel Wade, a presidential professor of psychology at Bucknell University. So what works? Women who just want a short-lived fling from flirting need to signalise this clearly to their potential partner, the researchers said. 'People consider signals that you're sexually available to be the most effective,' said Kennair. However, a completely different tactic works in another mating context. The study shows that 'signs of generosity and a willingness to commit works best for men who are looking for a long-term relationship,' said co-author Mons Bendixen. Men who want to keep a partner for a longer period of time, perhaps for life, should not come across as stingy or ungenerous, or as someone who prefers to change partners frequently. But the most powerful weapon in the flirtation arsenal is humour, which almost always works to some degree for everyone, the researchers said. 'People think that humour, or being able to make another person laugh, is most effective for men who are looking for a long-term relationship,' said Kennair. 'It's least effective for women who are looking for a one-night stand. But laughing or giggling at the other person's jokes is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes.' Co-author Rebecca Burch, of the State University of New York at Oswego, said: 'It is not only effective to be funny, but for women it is very important that you show your potential partner that you think they are funny.' But although humour is something you should put in your toolkit, the researchers said that people shouldn't necessarily start with it. 'What's most effective depends on your gender and whether the purpose of the flirtation is a long-term or short-term relationship,' said Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology 'Smiling and eye contact are important. Then you can build your flirting skills from that base, using more advanced tactics,' Kennair said. The researchers also found that flirting was largely the same in the US and Norway, suggesting that such techniques are largely universal. They said it was only culturally dependent to a lesser extent, such as in people's body language, the initial contact and in the degree of generosity. However, this also shows that people fine tune their flirting techniques depending on what is emphasised in their culture, which is a smart, flexible strategy, Burch said. The researchers surveyed around 1,000 students in Norway and the US. Each participant rated how effective 40 different types of flirting were for a long-term or a short-term relationship, and whether the flirter was male or female. Those who took part were randomly assigned to the four versions of the questionnaire. The researchers took into account the participants' extroversion, age, religiosity, how willing the person was to have a relationship and 'mate value', that is, how attractive you are in the dating market. 'Individual differences in age, religiosity, extroversion, personal attractiveness and preferences for short-term sexual relationships had little or no effect on how effective respondents considered the various flirting tactics to be,' said Bendixen. It suggests that our personality may be less relevant in how we make judgements of the flirting behaviour in others. 'However, we do believe that personal characteristics affect the type of flirting people employ themselves,' Bendixen added. The study has been published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology. Mohamed Salah has stated his desire for retribution as this year's Champions League final was confirmed as a repeat of the 2018 showpiece between Liverpool and Real Madrid. The Egyptian star helped the Reds progress past Villarreal in the first semi-final on Tuesday, before the Spanish giants mounted a stunning comeback to beat Manchester City in the second semi on Wednesday night. And after Liverpool's opponents were confirmed, Salah posted bullishly across his social media ahead of the titanic clash on May 28. He posted, on both his official Twitter and Instagram account, with the caption: 'We have a score to settle.' His Instagram post, to his nearly 50million followers, had received more than 700,000 likes after 45 minutes, while his tweet to around 16m followers had more than 125,000 likes and more than 40,000 retweets. Salah was carried off injured in the 2018 final after a cynical tackle from then-Real defender Sergio Ramos, who locked Salah's arm as they fell, which saw him land awkwardly and eventually be substituted off with a dislocated shoulder. Mo Salah (centre) has posted bullishly on social media about Liverpool's European opponents We have a score to settle. pic.twitter.com/MWxfhIIW78 Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 4, 2022 Los Blancos substitute Gareth Bale scored a superb double as his side eventually triumphed 3-1, with Liverpool's talisman absent. And Salah clearly feels he has unfinished business. And BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand insisted he liked the 29-year-old's honesty and directness. He said: 'I like it. He's forward, he's fronted up. You can ask players and they say "Oh, I don't know, I don't care, I'm not sure..." 'He's got unfinished business with Real Madrid. He obviously had to come off with the challenge with Sergio Ramos. Real Madrid and Liverpool will face off in the 2022 Champions League final, a repeat of the 2018 tournament - which the Spanish side won 3-1 against the Reds after Salah went off injured The Egyptian star dislocated his shoulder after an arm-lock tackle from Sergio Ramos (left) - and clearly Salah, 29, feels he has unfinished business ahead of their titanic clash on May 28 'So for him that's something where his fire is burning, he'd prefer to win it against a team that beat him last time. Good luck to him.' Salah had said on BT Sport after Tuesday's win: 'I want to play Madrid, I have to be honest. Manchester City's a real tough team, we've played against them a few times this season. 'If you ask me personally, I would prefer Madrid. We lost in the final before against them, I want to play them and hopefully we'll win.' It took more than five years for Andy Murray to set up a rematch against Novak Djokovic, and one day of gastric problems to ruin it. Their much-anticipated third round at the Madrid Open was called off less than an hour beforehand yesterday, leaving Murray to contemplate abandoning his return to Europe's clay courts. He had been planning on trying to qualify for next week's Italian Open, but was left weakened after spending most of Wednesday in bed with stomach problems. Andy Murray has withdrawn from his match against Novak Djokovic in Madrid due to illness Madrid Open Tournament Director Feliciano Lopez reported that Murray believed he had suffered food poisoning, although the player was not entirely sure what had caused the issue. A Covid test ruled out that being the cause. While feeling somewhat better yesterday, the twice Wimbledon champion was still too sapped to play a match that would have been the perfect test of his recent improvements. He is likely to decide today whether he is recovered enough to take any part in Rome, where the qualifying rounds begin tomorrow. Although now back in the top 70, that is his only way in as all main draw wildcards have been allocated. Murray's withdrawal hands the Serb a free passage to the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open If he does not play it would also end thoughts of him reversing his decision not to take part in the French Open in order to concentrate on the grass. Murray's bad luck meant that Dan Evans was promoted to the main court for his match against Andrey Rublev, which ended in a highly entertaining 7-6 7-5 win for the Russian. Evans drove him to distraction with his mix of slices and spins, and had a set point to take the tiebreak before losing it 9-7. Although outgunned he also had points to go 5-3 up in the second, and Rublev became so frustrated that he cut his hand by punching his racket strings. Murray accepted a wild card into the event having reversed his original decision - made due to concerns as to how his body would react on the red stuff - to skip the clay court swing The Russian partly put that down to the British number two: 'He is a fighter and he is really smart, one of the smartest players on the tour. He knows the weaknesses of other players and how to adapt to them.' World number eight Rublev added that, even with deliberations ongoing and threats of legal action in the air, he does not expect to be at Wimbledon this year. 'I don't know if they will step back. 'I already made a statement that it makes no sense. I understand that most likely I'm not going.' GB number one Cam Norrie was last night beaten by Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. Two West Ham United fans were beaten unconscious and detained in hospital overnight after being attacked by a rampaging mob of German supporters, Mail Online can reveal. The two men were ambushed by a vicious gang of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters as they walked along a street at Schul Strasse at 6.30pm local time. They remained in hospital on Thursday and were in a poorly condition after the attack by around 50 people, most in masks. Two West Ham fans were beaten unconscious by a gang of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters Frankfurt police said they were ashamed over the attack on the innocent West Ham United supporters. More than 30 people were arrested and held in custody overnight. Police said Germans formed the largest number of those detained. Early on Thursday after several sporadic attacks on supporters of the London Premier League side, around 800 West Ham fans marched into the red light district. They left from OReillys bar and headed for a confrontation with German rivals. But they were hemmed in by police and unable to reach opposing supporters. But 15 more arrests of Germans were made in the red light area for violent behaviour. German police official Thomas Hollerbach told Mailonline: We feel shame over these Frankfurt fans. I dont like to call them fans, but I will just for the use of the word. Their behaviour has been terrible against West Ham United fans. They just attacked them for supporting another side and for no other reason that they are from West Ham or are from England. We just want to have a celebratory semi-final between Frankfurt and West Ham and have the best team to win the competition. The Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt will host the second leg of the Europa League semi-final He said the German hooligans who set about attacking fans from England were not representative of the majority of the city. He added: I will say that 98% of Frankfurt people and fans are decent individuals. Our aim now is to ensure a safe semi-final match tonight to help the West Ham United supporters to the stadium and to bring them safely back into the city. Police were adamant to stress that the major blame for the trouble centred on home fans, although a few West Ham fans retaliated in Waxys bar which was attacked early today. A waiter was injured inside Waxys, policr said. A major police operation to keep the peace will swing into action on Thursday night and police will be more concerned if West Ham United are defeated and thousands of ticketless and disgruntled fans are on the loose in the city to seek revenge on their attackers. Roman Abramovich on Thursday night moved to allay Government fears that he is trying to renege on his promise to write off a 1.6billion debt he is owed by Chelsea. There are concerns within Whitehall that the Blues' owner appeared to be backtracking on his pledge to forgo the money he is owed, after the club informed Government officials that they wanted to restructure the way Chelsea are being sold. The changes would see the debt paid from Chelsea's parent company Fordstam Ltd to a Jersey-based company Camberley International Investments, which appears to be linked to Abramovich, raising alarm from the Government. Under the sanctions placed on Abramovich, the oligarch cannot pocket a single penny from the sale of Chelsea. The Russian released a statement last night insisting he will not benefit from the sale - claiming the 1.6bn debt will be frozen. Roman Abramovich has said he is not reneging on a pledge to write off 1.6bn of debt owed The Chelsea owner and Russian oligarch claimed in a statement he would not insist on the loan being repaid to him, which would jeopardise the ongoing sale of the Premier League club What will happen to that money is unconfirmed, though Abramovich insisted the cash was 'earmarked' for a foundation to benefit charitable organisations. He also denied he raised the price of the club at the last minute, following reports he asked for an extra 500million during the closing stages of the process. A spokesperson for the billionaire said: 'Mr Abramovich has not asked for any loan to be repaid - such suggestions are entirely false - as are suggestions Mr Abramovich increased the price of the club at the last minute. 'He has however encouraged each bidder to commit to investing in the club. Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March over alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, which he denies, in the wake of his country's invasion of Ukraine 'Following sanctions and other restrictions imposed on Mr Abramovich since announcing the club would be sold, the loan has also become subject to EU sanctions, requiring additional approvals. 'That means the funds will be frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities. These funds are still earmarked for the foundation. The Government are aware of these restrictions as well as the legal implications. 'Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any following the sale. He remains committed to finding a good custodian for Chelsea FC and making sure the proceeds go to good causes.' Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are on course to buy Chelsea for 3.5bn. Eurostar passengers in London may soon be able to travel directly to Germany, thanks to the train company merging with French-Belgian high-speed operator Thalys. The merger, recently approved by the European Commission, has resulted in one giant rail company that will serve five countries the UK, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany. Eurostar's network currently runs through France to cities including Paris, Lille and Marseille, through Belgium to Brussels, and across the Netherlands to Amsterdam. Eurostar passengers in London may soon be able to travel directly to Germany, thanks to the train company merging with French-Belgian high-speed operator Thalys The network of the new company Eurostar Group, which is majority-owned by French operator SNCF includes the German cities of Cologne, Dusseldorf and Dortmund. The first benefit that Eurostar passengers will see is a more seamless journey between countries and cities on the Thalys and Eurostar networks, with 'improved schedules for quick connections, supported by innovative digital tools at every stage of the journey'. There will also be a 'joint loyalty programme across the unified network', meaning passengers can 'benefit from more upgrades, discounts and complimentary journeys with early access to partner offers as well as lounges and other personalised benefits'. This map shows the expanded Eurostar network after the merger A Thalys high-speed train at Amsterdam Central Station Whether Eurostar rolling stock will one day arrive in German cities remains to be seen. In theory it's possible, but seamless return Eurostar journeys wouldn't be possible unless border-control processing centres were installed at their high-speed network railway stations. Until that happens, Eurostar passengers heading back to the UK from Germany on either Eurostar or Thalys rolling stock would need to disembark in Brussels to go through passport control and then reboard the train or board a connecting service. As well as easier journeys around Europe, it's hoped the merger will have an environmental benefit, too, 'accelerating the switch from air and road travel to high-speed rail travel, increasing the capacity of passengers per year on the combined Eurostar and Thalys networks from 18.5million passengers annually to nearly 30million by 2030'. This would significantly reduce the amount of CO2 generated by continental travel a person's carbon footprint from one flight can be the same as making 13 Eurostar journeys. This map shows the pre-merger Eurostar network. Graphic courtesy of Creative Commons Guillaume Pepy, Chairman of SNCF, said: 'The challenge of climate change and the demand for eco-responsible travel calls for an ambitious response. Bringing together the strengths of Eurostar and Thalys [is] a powerful response to this challenge. High speed is an opportunity for Europe, Europe an opportunity for high speed.' Sophie Dutordoir, Chairman of Thalys, said: 'Now more than ever, the train is the safest, most sustainable, fastest and most efficient solution for travelling inside Europe.' The merger - a project entitled Green Speed had been initiated in 2019, but was postponed as a result of the Covid pandemic. Advertisement Kourtney Kardashian accepted Travis Barker's proposal on the fourth episode of The Kardashians, which she called a 'fairy tale,' even though it didn't quite sit well with her three children that she shares with Scott Disick. Practically the entire Kardashian and Jenner family went to Santa Barbara, California, to surprise the 41-year-old Kourtney after the 46-year-old drummer proposed on the beach... though it was matriarch Kris Jenner who decided not to include Kourtney's children Mason, 12, Penelope, 9, and Reign, 7. Shortly after the proposal, Kourtney FaceTimed with all of her kids, with Penelope taking it the hardest, crying on the phone before hanging up on her mother. Engaged: Kourtney Kardashian accepted Travis Barker's proposal on the fourth episode of The Kardashians, which she called a 'fairy tale,' even though it didn't quite sit well with her three children that she shares with Scott Disick Yes: Kourtney Kardashian accepts Travis Barker's proposal in Santa Barbara Proposal: Practically the entire Kardashian and Jenner family went to Santa Barbara, California, to surprise the 41-year-old Kourtney after the 46-year-old drummer proposed on the beach... though it was matriarch Kris Jenner who decided not to include Kourtney's children Mason, 12, Penelope, 9, and Reign, 7 On the way to Santa Barbara, Kris rode with her boyfriend Corey Gamble and Kim, who asked if they ever 'figured out a way' to get Kourtney's kids without alerting Scott. Kris shook her head, adding, 'There was just no way to get that whole thing dialed in, and at the last minute, Kourtney told Travis that Penelope wasn't feeling well.' The momager also confirmed that Travis' children - 18-year-old son Landon and 16-year-old daughter Alabama (who he shares with ex Shanna Moakler), and 23-year-old stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya would be there because 'they're older.' Kris and Corey: On the way to Santa Barbara, Kris rode with her boyfriend Corey Gamble and Kim, who asked if they ever 'figured out a way' to get Kourtney's kids without alerting Scott Dialed in: Kris shook her head, adding, 'There was just no way to get that whole thing dialed in, and at the last minute, Kourtney told Travis that Penelope wasn't feeling well' Travis' kids: The momager also confirmed that Travis' children - 18-year-old son Landon and 16-year-old daughter Alabama (who he shares with ex Shanna Moakler), and 23-year-old stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya would be there because 'they're older' Kris said that it is Kourtney's decision, 'to break it to her kids the way she wants,' before they all arrive in Santa Barbara. Kris, Kim and Corey arrived at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, joined by Simon Huck and his fiance Phil Riportella, when Kim mentioned that Disick would, 'lose his f***ing mind' upon hearing about the proposal. They were joined by Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson, who flew into town for the event, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, along with Landon, Alabama, Atiana and a family friend named Carl. Kourtneys decision: Kris said that it is Kourtney's decision, 'to break it to her kids the way she wants,' before they all arrive in Santa Barbara Joined: Kris, Kim and Corey arrived at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, joined by Simon Huck and his fiance Phil Riportella, when Kim mentioned that Disick would, 'lose his f***ing mind' upon hearing about the proposal Travis' kids: They were joined by Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson, who flew into town for the event, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, along with Landon (left), Alabama (middle right), Atiana (middle left) and a family friend named Carl (right). After the now-iconic proposal - in the middle of a heart-shaped arrangement of roses on the beach - the engaged couple came inside to find their family waiting. The former Blink-182 drummer hopped on the phone to tell his father Randy that he popped the question to Kourtney, which lead to Kourtney adding that she should tell her kids now as well. 'How do I tell my kids? I feel like I need to tell them now, cause they will see it on the Internet,' Kourtney asked the group. Yes: Kourtney kisses Travis after accepting his proposal in Santa Barbara Roses: After the now-iconic proposal - in the middle of a heart-shaped arrangement of roses on the beach - the engaged couple came inside to find their family waiting Kids: 'How do I tell my kids? I feel like I need to tell them now, cause they will see it on the Internet,' Kourtney asked the group Corey Gamble said she should do it in private, as Khloe mentioned they are 'younger than Travis' kids,' as Kourtney checks her phone and finds missed calls from Penelope. She goes into another room to call Penelope, asking her, 'How's my girl? Do you want to know what my surprise was?' 'What?' Penelope asked, as Kourt revealed, 'We got engaged,' as she shows the ring to Penelope on the video call. Surprise: She goes into another room to call Penelope, asking her, 'How's my girl? Do you want to know what my surprise was?' Engaged: 'What?' Penelope asked, as Kourt revealed, 'We got engaged,' as she shows the ring to Penelope on the video call 'Look mom got a ring!' Kim exclaims, though Penelope is heard crying over the phone. 'Is that upsetting?' Kourtney asks, while Kim asks, 'P why are you sad, baby?' as Penelope only says, 'Hang up,' and disconnects the call. 'I feel bad for P,' Kourtney tells Kim, adding in confession, 'Penelope took it hard. I think it's a big change for her, and even though she loves Travis, I think she doesn't know what that means.' Hang up: 'Is that upsetting?' Kourtney asks, while Kim asks, 'P why are you sad, baby?' as Penelope only says, 'Hang up,' and disconnects the call Feel bad: 'I feel bad for P,' Kourtney tells Kim, adding in confession, 'Penelope took it hard. I think it's a big change for her, and even though she loves Travis, I think she doesn't know what that means' 'I think she just doesn't know what it means,' Kourtney adds in confession, before calling her youngest child, Reign. 'Reign, guess what? Mom and Travis got engaged,' Kourtney told Reign on the video call, who responded, 'What does that mean?' 'It means he proposed and gave me a ring,' as Reign answers, 'Not exciting!' which makes Kourtney laugh. Confession: 'I think she just doesn't know what it means,' Kourtney adds in confession, before calling her youngest child, Reign Reign: 'It means he proposed and gave me a ring,' as Reign answers, 'Not exciting!' which makes Kourtney laugh In confession Kourtney adds, 'I do wish that my kids were here. I think it would have made them feel more included in the decision, kinda, and part of the surprise.' Khloe comes in the room, as Kourt tells her, 'Penelope didn't go so well. Reign was fine.' 'I know that my mom made that decision, and it probably wasn't her best,' Kourtney adds in confession. Decision: In confession Kourtney adds, 'I do wish that my kids were here. I think it would have made them feel more included in the decision, kinda, and part of the surprise' Mom: 'I know that my mom made that decision, and it probably wasn't her best,' Kourtney adds in confession Kim asks if she regrets not having the kids here or if she thinks that would have been hard, as Khloe adds, 'I think it would have been harder to have them here.' Kourtney asks why and Khloe thinks they need to process it in their own way, as Kourtney tries to call her oldest, Mason, as Khloe adds, 'I know Scott knows.' Kendall asks Khloe what Scott says, revealing he said, 'You guys are gonna kick me out now. I'm not involved in the family,' and he was asking, 'Why weren't my kids there?' Process: Kourtney asks why and Khloe thinks they need to process it in their own way, as Kourtney tries to call her oldest, Mason, as Khloe adds, 'I know Scott knows Khloe: Kendall asks Khloe what Scott says, revealing he said, 'You guys are gonna kick me out now. I'm not involved in the family,' and he was asking, 'Why weren't my kids there?' Khloe says she told him they thought the kids were too young, and Kim thinks it was the right decision not to have them there, which Khloe agrees with. Kylie enters the room, saying, 'You're gonna have a sister meeting without me?' before they get her up to speed. Kim said, 'Penelope was really crying' as Khloe added, 'Penelope is upset,' as Kylie adds she, 'heard it.' Sister meeting: Kylie enters the room, saying, 'You're gonna have a sister meeting without me?' before they get her up to speed Upset: Kim said, 'Penelope was really crying' as Khloe added, 'Penelope is upset,' as Kylie adds she, 'heard it' Khloe speculated, 'I think they think they're losing their dad. I don't think they think they're losing their mom.' 'They think their dad is gone and you're replacing him. When you're a kid, you think you have to pick one, so P's reaction is understandably OK, but there's nothing wrong with Travis,' Khloe told the sisters. Khloe added that Penelope's reaction was the same way that Kourtney felt about Bruce Jenner when he married their mother Kris. Losing: Khloe speculated, 'I think they think they're losing their dad. I don't think they think they're losing their mom. Replacing: 'They think their dad is gone and you're replacing him. When you're a kid, you think you have to pick one, so P's reaction is understandably OK, but there's nothing wrong with Travis,' Khloe told the sisters 'Once my dad was accepting of Bruce, it felt like you could take a deep breath and be friendly with Bruce and get along with Bruce,' Kourtney admitted. Kourtney added in confession that she thinks it's, 'really important for Scott to like be accepting of our relationship so our kids can feel good.' Kendall asks Kourtney if she has, 'any sympathy for Scott and the position he's in at all,' and Kourtney says yes, but Kendall adds, 'It doesn't feel like you do, just as an outsider.' Admitted: 'Once my dad was accepting of Bruce, it felt like you could take a deep breath and be friendly with Bruce and get along with Bruce,' Kourtney admitted Confession: Kourtney added in confession that she thinks it's, 'really important for Scott to like be accepting of our relationship so our kids can feel good' Sympathy: Kendall asks Kourtney if she has, 'any sympathy for Scott and the position he's in at all,' and Kourtney says yes, but Kendall adds, 'It doesn't feel like you do, just as an outsider' Kim adds that Scott has had, 'five or six years to get over this,' but Kendall adds, 'Of course but it's always going to sting.' Kourtney adds in confession, 'You know, I'm sensitive to him and his feelings, and I communicate with him about the kids and I make sure that he's good... but beyond that, I just got engaged and I wanna like be happy and be in the moment and I just don't think this moment is about Scott.' The sisters keep arguing about Scott when Kim suggests they talk about it tomorrow and, 'let them enjoy their night.' Sensitive: Kourtney adds in confession, 'You know, I'm sensitive to him and his feelings, and I communicate with him about the kids and I make sure that he's good... but beyond that, I just got engaged and I wanna like be happy and be in the moment and I just don't think this moment is about Scott' Enjoy: The sisters keep arguing about Scott when Kim suggests they talk about it tomorrow and, 'let them enjoy their night' The episode begins where last week's episode leaves off, with the family heading to Santa Barbara and freaking out about being so close to Kourtney and Travis on the highway. Despite everyone in both cars saying, 'Oh s**t,' crisis was averted, as Kris and Corey suggest they get off the highway for 10 minutes. Kris adds in confession, 'If this surprise gets ruined, I am gonna be so upset. Heads are gonna fly.' On the road: The episode begins where last week's episode leaves off, with the family heading to Santa Barbara and freaking out about being so close to Kourtney and Travis on the highway Surprised: Kris adds in confession, 'If this surprise gets ruined, I am gonna be so upset. Heads are gonna fly' Kendall tells them they're going to get off the highway, 'and go get some ice cream or something. Kris calls family friend Simon Huck, who says he's 30 minutes away, as Kim asks him to, 'slow down a little bit because I think they're like 20 minutes away.' Simon adds that Kourt and Travis are, 'so perfect for each other' and he has 'goosebumps' just thinking about their engagement. Slow down: Kris calls family friend Simon Huck, who says he's 30 minutes away, as Kim asks him to, 'slow down a little bit because I think they're like 20 minutes away' He asks what Kourtney thinks they're doing in Santa Barbara, as Kris reveals, 'This is the anniversary of the first night they ever hooked up.' Corey starts laughing and says they're,' celebrating sex,' as Simon says he will text them when he's close. Kim reveals in confession that she is, 'so excited for Kourtney and Travis. It feels like she's waited a really long time for this happiness, and she deserves it.' So excited: Kim reveals in confession that she is, 'so excited for Kourtney and Travis. It feels like she's waited a really long time for this happiness, and she deserves it' Safely at the hotel, Kris tells Simon and Phil that Travis went to her late husband Robert Kardashian's grave to ask permission to marry Kourtney, and Kris gets choked up. 'There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about Robert. And the fact that Travis has so much respect for Robert and Kourtney and all of us, is amazing,' Kris says in confession. They also talk about how Scott would, 'lose his s**t' when he finds out, as Simon says that he has been at all of the family events when Kourtney didn't have a serious boyfriend, but now she'll have a husband and that will change things. Choked up: Safely at the hotel, Kris tells Simon and Phil that Travis went to her late husband Robert Kardashian's grave to ask permission to marry Kourtney, and Kris gets choked up Robert: 'There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about Robert. And the fact that Travis has so much respect for Robert and Kourtney and all of us, is amazing,' Kris says in confession Kris speculates that they 'won't wait too long to get married,' and they will 'fast-track' the wedding as Kim says Scott already knew they were trying for a baby. 'To me, a baby, you're stuck for life. Marriages come and go, no offense guys,' she says to the engaged Simon and Phil, who share a laugh. 'I believe in love, that's why hopefully there'll be just one more wedding for me. Fourth time's the charm,' Kim said with a laugh. NNo offense: 'To me, a baby, you're stuck for life. Marriages come and go, no offense guys,' she says to the engaged Simon and Phil, who share a laugh One more: 'I believe in love, that's why hopefully there'll be just one more wedding for me. Fourth time's the charm,' Kim said with a laugh Khloe arrives at the hotel with Tristan, revealing he flew in for the proposal, adding, 'it was something he was not going to miss.' A producer asks Khloe how her and Tristan are doing, as she answers, 'We're good. We're actually in a really good place. We just got back together. He's been going to therapy a lot. There's just been a lot of effort on his part.' Tristan asks how SNL was in New York and Khloe says Kim, 'was so fantastic, but I didn't doubt that for a second.' Arrive: Khloe arrives at the hotel with Tristan, revealing he flew in for the proposal, adding, 'it was something he was not going to miss' Good place: A producer asks Khloe how her and Tristan are doing, as she answers, 'We're good. We're actually in a really good place. We just got back together. He's been going to therapy a lot. There's just been a lot of effort on his part' SNL: Tristan asks how SNL was in New York and Khloe says Kim, 'was so fantastic, but I didn't doubt that for a second' She adds in confession that it's 'so fun when Tristan is here,' adding that their daughter True has, 'routines and she loves having them with both of her parents.' True starts eating Oreos as Tristan notices she only likes the frosting, not the cookies, joking, 'we should get her like a pint of frosting.' 'When we broke up, I learned how well him and I got along and what good friends we are and what good partners we are. I have a lot of hope and faith and optimism for our future together.' So fun: She adds in confession that it's 'so fun when Tristan is here,' adding that their daughter True has, 'routines and she loves having them with both of her parents Frosting: True starts eating Oreos as Tristan notices she only likes the frosting, not the cookies, joking, 'we should get her like a pint of frosting' Hope and faith: 'When we broke up, I learned how well him and I got along and what good friends we are and what good partners we are. I have a lot of hope and faith and optimism for our future together' Tristan and Khloe go out and meet everyone, with Tristan telling Simon that him flying out was a 'surprise,' adding he has, 'practice tomorrow.' Simon asked if he has any more surprises, and he just said, 'Not yet,' which got a laugh from Kris. 'You're next, Tristan. Figure it out. If we can just use the same hotel that would be great,' Kris jokes. Kris tells the group that Travis will pop the question on the beach, as we see workers get the rose heart arrangement in place. Meet: Tristan and Khloe go out and meet everyone, with Tristan telling Simon that him flying out was a 'surprise,' adding he has, 'practice tomorrow' Beach: Kris tells the group that Travis will pop the question on the beach, as we see workers get the rose heart arrangement in place Travis' children arrive as Kim grills them about who their favorite new aunt is, as Khloe says in confession that she loves these families coming together. 'The Kardashian family and Barker family blending together is not anything weird or uncomfortable for us. We've been next door neighbors forever. We have barbecues together and it's just not weird for us to be integrated,' Khloe said in confession. Khloe tells them that the, 'best thing' about Kris being their new grandmother is that she gives huge gifts, as Kris ponders getting a car for Landon, who just turned 18. Favorite aunt: Travis' children arrive as Kim grills them about who their favorite new aunt is, as Khloe says in confession that she loves these families coming together Blending: 'The Kardashian family and Barker family blending together is not anything weird or uncomfortable for us. We've been next door neighbors forever. We have barbecues together and it's just not weird for us to be integrated,' Khloe said in confession Gifts: Khloe tells them that the, 'best thing' about Kris being their new grandmother is that she gives huge gifts, as Kris ponders getting a car for Landon, who just turned 18 They all go inside as it gets closer to sundown, when Travis has planned on popping the question to Kourtney. Kris asks Travis' kids if he's the type of guy who would, 'forget the ring, ' as Atiana said, 'We made sure he had it.' Kim brings up the topic of Kourtney's kids again, thinking they are too young, as Kris adds more about why she decided not to include them. Kris: Kim brings up the topic of Kourtney's kids again, thinking they are too young, as Kris adds more about why she decided not to include them 'For us to have to lie to Scott and get them here under false pretenses would have been really hard for all of us,' Kris said. Khloe says she doesn't know what to say to Scott because she knows he will call her and yell at her, 'but it's not our problem.' Kris gets a text from the event planner Mindy, who says she will 'video if I can,' as Travis and Kourtney just left their room. Hard: 'For us to have to lie to Scott and get them here under false pretenses would have been really hard for all of us,' Kris said Yell: Khloe says she doesn't know what to say to Scott because she knows he will call her and yell at her, 'but it's not our problem' Footage from seemingly hidden cameras shows Travis and Kourtney walking into the large heart floral arrangement, as Travis reaches into his back pocket and gets on one knee. While we can't hear what is said, Kourtney leans in and kisses him, before she opens up about the proposal in confession. 'I feel like I'm living in a fairy tale. I couldn't have dreamed of anything more perfect. I've never, in my whole life, dreamt of getting married until Travis, and until this relationship,' Kourtney says. One knee: Khloe says she doesn't know what to say to Scott because she knows he will call her and yell at her, 'but it's not our problem' Kiss: While we can't hear what is said, Kourtney leans in and kisses him, before she opens up about the proposal in confession Back in the hotel, Kris gets photos from the proposal and a call from Mindy, confirming Kourtney said yes, as champagne is passed out. They all get quiet as the newly-engaged couple enters before they all say 'Surprise' as hugs are exchanged all around. Call: Back in the hotel, Kris gets photos from the proposal and a call from Mindy, confirming Kourtney said yes, as champagne is passed out Surprise: They all get quiet as the newly-engaged couple enters before they all say 'Surprise' as hugs are exchanged all around Travis tells Kris that it was, 'so hard to talk' as Kourtney shows her sisters the engagement ring. Kourtney says in confession that she's, 'kind of in shock' and it's 'one of the best moments of her life.' Kim asks Kourtney if she was 'really surprised,' and Kourtney says she was, revealing what she thought they were going to do on the beach. Hard to talk: Travis tells Kris that it was, 'so hard to talk' as Kourtney shows her sisters the engagement ring Shock: Kourtney says in confession that she's, 'kind of in shock' and it's 'one of the best moments of her life' 'Yes! I thought we were coming to the beach to watch True Romance... I thought he was gonna have like a screen and then I was like, what are all these flowers?' Kourtney said. Travis tells everyone that he, 'had certain things I wanted to say,' as Kourtney adds, 'I don't think he was really saying them.' 'The way that Travis proposed, it does say a lot about who he is. He's super romantic. It's perfect because he did it,' she says. True Romance: 'Yes! I thought we were coming to the beach to watch True Romance... I thought he was gonna have like a screen and then I was like, what are all these flowers?' Kourtney said Super romantic: 'The way that Travis proposed, it does say a lot about who he is. He's super romantic. It's perfect because he did it,' she says Kris gives Kourtney a big hug and starts getting emotional, telling her, 'This makes my heart really full. And I just couldn't be any happier than I am right now.' 'The joy that it gave him to do this with you and how much he loves you, I will never get over how sweet he was and I just want you to know that I'm so happy for you,' Kris said. She added that she knows how long Kourtney waited for this before telling Travis, 'what you did to make it happen, will always be in my heart.' Full heart: Kris gives Kourtney a big hug and starts getting emotional, telling her, 'This makes my heart really full. And I just couldn't be any happier than I am right now' She tells them to, 'stop kissing for a sec,' to tell them that there's, 'nothing more special than when your first-born gets engaged.' Kourtney turns to her sisters and jokes, 'Did you hear that?' as Kim jokes, 'She's never had a reaction like that for me and it's happened like a few times. Apparently that's really true,' she said with a laugh. Stop kissing: She tells them to, 'stop kissing for a sec,' to tell them that there's, 'nothing more special than when your first-born gets engaged' Jokes: Kourtney turns to her sisters and jokes, 'Did you hear that?' as Kim jokes, 'She's never had a reaction like that for me and it's happened like a few times. Apparently that's really true,' she said with a laugh Kris says in confession that all she's really wanted for Kourtney is for her to be happy and, 'find her person and live her life to the fullest extent.' Over dinner Khloe jokes that Kendall will take anyone down, as Kourtney challenges someone to arm wrestle her, with Travis' son Landon accepting the challenge... though it ends in a tie, even though Kendall started out strong. Kris asks if Travis has told his father yet, with Travis saying, 'The first time he met Kourtney, it was at my house, and afterwards he woke me up in the middle of the night to say Kourtney reminds him a lot of my mom,' who passed away when Travis was just 13. Arm wrestling: Over dinner Khloe jokes that Kendall will take anyone down, as Kourtney challenges someone to arm wrestle her, with Travis' son Landon accepting the challenge... though it ends in a tie, even though Kendall started out strong Happy: Kris says in confession that all she's really wanted for Kourtney is for her to be happy and, 'find her person and live her life to the fullest extent' Kris says in confession that Travis, 'is one of the sweetest guys I have ever met,' adding he is, 'the greatest dad and the kindest human and he's just amazing.' Travis facetimes with his dad, revealing, 'I just asked Kourtney to marry me,' as Kourtney reveals the ring. After dinner, Kourtney gets a glam touchup, revealing to Simon that she's getting her egg retrieval process on Tuesday. Egg: After dinner, Kourtney gets a glam touchup, revealing to Simon that she's getting her egg retrieval process on Tuesday Simon says he never thought about her getting married, and she was, 'never the girl who talked about weddings.' She said she never pictured a ring and she never planned her wedding, adding, 'our wedding is gonna be him and I only.' 'Oh no. He'll believe in love. That's why you need to have a wedding, to celebrate those people,' Simon tells her. Wedding: Simon says he never thought about her getting married, and she was, 'never the girl who talked about weddings' Never: Simon says he never thought about her getting married, and she was, 'never the girl who talked about weddings' Kris stands up and makes a toast, saying, 'we've seen such an amazing transformation in our Kourtney.' 'To see Travis and his excitement in picking out a ring and deciding what he wanted to say and asking for your hand in marriage, not only from me but... from your dad,' Kris said, while choking up. 'And just the whole process and the kids and all the involvement, this makes me so happy you guys, cheers,' Kris concluded. Toast: Kris stands up and makes a toast, saying, 'we've seen such an amazing transformation in our Kourtney' Choked up: 'To see Travis and his excitement in picking out a ring and deciding what he wanted to say and asking for your hand in marriage, not only from me but... from your dad,' Kris said, while choking up She asked if Travis' children wanted to say anything, with Landon starting, stating he's, 'awkward in person,' before adding, 'I've never seen my dad this happy before. And to keep it short and sweet, I'm really happy for him and I know it's gonna last really long and be an amazing part of our lives and our journey.' They all applauded Landon as Khloe says he gave, 'the best speech of the night,' while Kris joked in confession that she wants them to have the best life, 'and to get a room,' poking fun at their constant kissing. Back in Calabasas, Kim and Khloe go on a walk, realizing they're going past the spot of Kim's now-infamous meme where she pokes her head out from bushes. Best speech: They all applauded Landon as Khloe says he gave, 'the best speech of the night,' while Kris joked in confession that she wants them to have the best life, 'and to get a room,' poking fun at their constant kissing Meme spot: Back in Calabasas, Kim and Khloe go on a walk, realizing they're going past the spot of Kim's now-infamous meme where she pokes her head out from bushes 'North was filming the Only One video right here and I didn't want her to see me or she'd cry, so I was literally hiding behind the bushes,' Kim says before recreating the meme before the very same bushes. They both talk about how happy they are for Kourtney getting engaged, with Kim adding it was nice for Tristan to fly in. Kim adds that he has been putting in a lot of effort, 'for a long time, and you haven't wanted to see it, and that's OK.' Recreated: 'North was filming the Only One video right here and I didn't want her to see me or she'd cry, so I was literally hiding behind the bushes,' Kim says before recreating the meme before the very same bushes Original meme: Kim's original meme that is still being used today Nice: They both talk about how happy they are for Kourtney getting engaged, with Kim adding it was nice for Tristan to fly in Khloe adds in confession, 'I've been through so much with Tristan. We both have. He's been through a lot as well. The truth is, we are always working on ourselves, we are going to therapy, and, listen, even baby steps are steps, so I'm just hoping for a little progress every single day.' She tells Kim that she's not just believing everything he's telling her, but that he's actually showing her. Khloe asks Kim how things are going with Kanye, revealing that he walked out of her Saturday Night Live monologue because of one of her jokes. So much: Khloe adds in confession, 'I've been through so much with Tristan. We both have. He's been through a lot as well. The truth is, we are always working on ourselves, we are going to therapy, and, listen, even baby steps are steps, so I'm just hoping for a little progress every single day' Believe: She tells Kim that she's not just believing everything he's telling her, but that he's actually showing her Walked out: Khloe asks Kim how things are going with Kanye, revealing that he walked out of her Saturday Night Live monologue because of one of her jokes 'He walked out on SNL, like mid-monologue, so I haven't talked to him since,' Kim tells Khloe, before they show the joke that made him walk out. 'I married the best rapper of all time, the richest Black man in America. When I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,' Kim said during her SNL appearance, which drew laughs from the crowd. Kim tells Khloe on their hike that Kanye was upset because she, 'used the word divorced, so he wished I said the word filed for divorce.' Walked out: 'He walked out on SNL, like mid-monologue, so I haven't talked to him since,' Kim tells Khloe, before they show the joke that made him walk out Monologue joke: 'I married the best rapper of all time, the richest Black man in America. When I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,' Kim said during her SNL appearance, which drew laughs from the crowd 'He was upset that I also said he was a rapper. He said, "I'm so much more than a rapper. I can't believe you said rapper,"' Kim told Khloe. Kim added in confession that she never wants to, 'offend anyone and I never want to hurt anyone, but that's what this monologue was for, to make a joke.' Never offend: Kim added in confession that she never wants to, 'offend anyone and I never want to hurt anyone, but that's what this monologue was for, to make a joke' 'I made fun of myself, I made fun of my mom, I made fun of everything that's personal to me. It's all fun and games and apparently it wasn't to him,' she said. Kim tells Khloe that she sat through, 'so many speeches and things that have not been the most comfortable to me,' adding she would never, 'embarrass him and walk out and leave.' Khloe added there were a number of, 'strong public stances he's taken in many different areas that you wouldn't have taken,' and she was still there for him. No fun: 'I made fun of myself, I made fun of my mom, I made fun of everything that's personal to me. It's all fun and games and apparently it wasn't to him,' she said 'He's so used to getting exactly what he wants. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, good for him, but hey, it's not gonna happen here,' Kim says. Kim adds in confession that she shares four kids with Kanye and she always wants to have a healthy relationship with him. 'But after SNL happened, I felt I need to focus on the bar and get new energy,' she said in confession, before Kim and Khloe start racing up the hill. Later, Khloe brings a gift basket full of 'junk food' for Scott to his house, adding in confession she wanted to, 'come by and check on Scott and my niece and my two nephews and just make sure everyone is good.' Exactly: 'He's so used to getting exactly what he wants. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, good for him, but hey, it's not gonna happen here,' Kim says Gift: Later, Khloe brings a gift basket full of 'junk food' for Scott to his house, adding in confession she wanted to, 'come by and check on Scott and my niece and my two nephews and just make sure everyone is good' 'I have no idea what I'm walking into, energy-wise, but a care package always makes you feel better,' Khloe said in confession. Scott calls in his new dog Leah, bragging that the dog, 'goes for $25,000 on the open market,' before the dog starts peeing on the floor. While Scott goes through his gift basket, Khloe decides to clean up the dog pee on the hardwood floor, as Scott makes even more inappropriate comments about her, joking that he's going to go for Kim anyway. Scott insists he wasn't, 'that caught off guard,' but he admits that he'll always love her sister. Care package: 'I have no idea what I'm walking into, energy-wise, but a care package always makes you feel better,' Khloe said in confession Clean: While Scott goes through his gift basket, Khloe decides to clean up the dog pee on the hardwood floor, as Scott makes even more inappropriate comments about her, joking that he's going to go for Kim anyway Caught off guard: Scott insists he wasn't, 'that caught off guard,' but he admits that he'll always love her sister 'It wasn't crazy, thank God, cause in another time in my life, if I had heard that, life would have been over for me,' Scott admits. He added that it gives her 'a lot of relief' that someone else is taking care of her, adding in confession that he always thought it was his fault for, 'breaking up our family.' He told her that, 'in a selfish way, a lot has kind of been lifted off of me,' and it's, 'kind of a good thing' because he couldn't do the job of being with her, adding, 'I salute Travis, like he's in for a lot of work.' Khloe asks if he means the family, and Scott says that the family is the 'best part,' but says, 'Kourtney is not the simplest when it comes to everything.' Relief: He added that it gives her 'a lot of relief' that someone else is taking care of her, adding in confession that he always thought it was his fault for, 'breaking up our family' Selfish: He told her that, 'in a selfish way, a lot has kind of been lifted off of me,' and it's, 'kind of a good thing' because he couldn't do the job of being with her, adding, 'I salute Travis, like he's in for a lot of work' Best: Khloe asks if he means the family, and Scott says that the family is the 'best part,' but says, 'Kourtney is not the simplest when it comes to everything' Khloe sees right through it though, saying in confession, 'This is just him being snarky. He's acting out. I'm not going to be combative and push back because it's so clear, it's so transparent. I get what he's doing. If Kourtney was such a problem, then why would he want to be with her for so many years?' Khloe hugs Scott's son Mason, adding in confession that Kourtney and Scott should, 'always put that smile on in front of the kids' and 'make them feel loved.' Khloe asks Scott how the kids feel about everything, as Scott admitted, 'They were upset. They didn't understand why they were watching TikTok's of his kids there, and they weren't there.' Snarky: Khloe sees right through it though, saying in confession, 'This is just him being snarky. He's acting out. I'm not going to be combative and push back because it's so clear, it's so transparent. I get what he's doing. If Kourtney was such a problem, then why would he want to be with her for so many years?' Loved: Khloe hugs Scott's son Mason, adding in confession that Kourtney and Scott should, 'always put that smile on in front of the kids' and 'make them feel loved' Upset: Khloe asks Scott how the kids feel about everything, as Scott admitted, 'They were upset. They didn't understand why they were watching TikTok's of his kids there, and they weren't there' 'Hopefully they're invited to the wedding. Am I invited to the wedding?' Scott asks, as Khloe tells him that, when she asked her about the wedding, Kourtney said, 'None of us were invited, she was going to do it alone.' Khloe tells Scott that Kourtney, 'was upset that they weren't there either,' as Scott said Penelope would have been, 'ecstatic' if she would have went. Khloe adds in confession that she thinks Scott has, 'strong feelings' about the situation, 'rightfully so,' but she thinks he's choosing to be upset about 'trivial' things. 'They can have their life. I just don't want to be pushed out of family affairs that include the kids and things we would normally do,' Scott says. Invited: 'Hopefully they're invited to the wedding. Am I invited to the wedding?' Scott asks, as Khloe tells him that, when she asked her about the wedding, Kourtney said, 'None of us were invited, she was going to do it alone' Strong: Khloe adds in confession that she thinks Scott has, 'strong feelings' about the situation, 'rightfully so,' but she thinks he's choosing to be upset about 'trivial' things' Upset: Khloe tells Scott that Kourtney, 'was upset that they weren't there either,' as Scott said Penelope would have been, 'ecstatic' if she would have went He added he doesn't want to, 'lose the dynamic of all of you guys,' as Khloe says they don't want to lose that either. They both agree that Scott and Kourtney need to talk and figure out, 'what your new normal is,' as Khloe puts it. Khloe tells him that it's, 'ok to not be ok sometimes,' and Scott adds, 'Trust me, I know,' before Khloe leaves. Dynamic: He added he doesn't want to, 'lose the dynamic of all of you guys,' as Khloe says they don't want to lose that either Khloe calls Kourtney, telling her that she just left Scott's house and it, 'went well, actually,' and better than she thought. Kourtney said that she's sitting next to Penelope, 'and me and Travis told her today that he really wanted her there, but that it just wasn't decided on.' Khloe said that she thinks her and Scott need to talk and not to just avoid it, but Kourtney doesn't think she needs to. Khloe says they need to talk about, 'what this means for your kids. I think it's a very understandable conversation,' adding she doesn't need to tell Scott, 'the ins and outs of your union, you just need to tell him the very basic things.' Talk: Khloe said that she thinks her and Scott need to talk and not to just avoid it, but Kourtney doesn't think she needs to Kourtney admits in confession that, 'Travis and I don't know what our plans are. We don't know when we're getting married. We don't know if we're moving into the same house. It's not like these big decisions that are going to affect the kids are like, known.' 'I'm sensitive to Scott and his feelings. Some day we'll be able to get along. We have to. The kids feel it, and I think that's the most important thing,' Kourtney says. Kourtney and Travis head down to San Diego for their egg retrieval, which they do using the tour bus, while wearing matching skeletal sweatsuits. Decisions: Kourtney admits in confession that, 'Travis and I don't know what our plans are. We don't know when we're getting married. We don't know if we're moving into the same house. It's not like these big decisions that are going to affect the kids are like, known' Egg: Kourtney and Travis head down to San Diego for their egg retrieval, which they do using the tour bus, while wearing matching skeletal sweatsuits Kourtney says in confession that they are, 'super excited' because it's the first time they have made it to an egg retrieval in six months. 'This doctor in San Diego, Dr. Wood, he's the best in the West Coast. He's just different than any other doctors,' Kourtney says in confession. She tells Travis on the bus that she's feeling blessed and the doctor is a 'genius' as she raves about Travis being an 'amazing father,' which is part of why she fell for him.' Excited: Kourtney says in confession that they are, 'super excited' because it's the first time they have made it to an egg retrieval in six months Father: She tells Travis on the bus that she's feeling blessed and the doctor is a 'genius' as she raves about Travis being an 'amazing father,' which is part of why she fell for him' Dr. Wood: 'This doctor in San Diego, Dr. Wood, he's the best in the West Coast. He's just different than any other doctors,' Kourtney says in confession She asks if he's going to stay in the skeletal outfit, which he does and gets complimented by the doctor on. They check to see if they have a 'follicle,' saying he thinks he found one but it looks old, which Kourtney said is what the other doctors have said. He checks the other ovary and he says he is happy because they found, 'exactly, precisely what we wanted to see.' 'What you really have is one good follicle,' Dr. Wood says, adding there could be 'multiple babies' from one follicle. Skeletal: She asks if he's going to stay in the skeletal outfit, which he does and gets complimented by the doctor on Follicle: 'What you really have is one good follicle,' Dr. Wood says, adding there could be 'multiple babies' from one follicle 'The fact that we have any just gives me a lot of hope,' Kourtney says in confession, as the doctor says they will try for the smaller follicle's as well. Travis says, 'This is the most exciting thing ever. We're so happy. Family is everything. For us to be able to make something together, would just be incredible.' Kourtney asks if she could be with Travis for his sample, as they go into the room, as Kourtney reveals in confession why she's a bit nervous. Sample: Kourtney asks if she could be with Travis for his sample, as they go into the room, as Kourtney reveals in confession why she's a bit nervous 'I really don't love getting put to sleep. Yes, we are super excited and grateful to be here, but I think we also don't want to feel too attached or happy before we know, because there are so many steps, so I have this nervous energy,' she says. Travis and Kourtney are given a cup for his sample by a nurse, as they ask if there are any 'specifics' to follow and she says there can be no other bodily fluid. 'Is there anything like... no... spit or anything like that?' Kourtney asks with a laugh, but the woman says that is correct. Don't love: 'I really don't love getting put to sleep. Yes, we are super excited and grateful to be here, but I think we also don't want to feel too attached or happy before we know, because there are so many steps, so I have this nervous energy,' she says No more fluid: Travis and Kourtney are given a cup for his sample by a nurse, as they ask if there are any 'specifics' to follow and she says there can be no other bodily fluid No spit: 'Is there anything like... no... spit or anything like that?' Kourtney asks with a laugh, but the woman says that is correct. They lower the blinds as Kourtney tells the cameras its their time to go, as she says in confession it will take six days to make an embryo. She goes in for her procedure as she asks if she should take her ring off as Travis brings out the ring box and notices there is still sand in it from the beach. 'Keep it,' Kourtney says, adding in confession that they just need, 'one good egg and now it's in God's hands, as the episode comes to an end. Box: She goes in for her procedure as she asks if she should take her ring off as Travis brings out the ring box and notices there is still sand in it from the beach Gods hands: 'Keep it,' Kourtney says, adding in confession that they just need, 'one good egg and now it's in God's hands, as the episode comes to an end The preview for next week's episode reveals Kim is getting ready to take the bar exam for the final time. 'I've got to pass this, and if I don't, this law school journey is over for me,' Kim says in confession. They celebrate Kim's birthday as well, while Kris invites Scott to lunch for her birthday, revealing they are going to have a family dinner for her birthday. 'What am I, chopped liver?' Scott asks in confession, admitting to Kris at lunch that he's, 'fine' with Travis. Chopped liver: 'What am I, chopped liver?' Scott asks in confession, admitting to Kris at lunch that he's, 'fine' with Travis 'I mean, maybe he doesn't like me,' Scott adds, as Scott is seen entering the house with Travis and Kourtney already there in an awkward moment. Kim adds she is trying to figure out her own personal style, since fashion was her, 'last tie with Kanye,' who had styled her for years. Kim also tells Kourtney that Kanye hasn't signed the divorce papers yet, as Kourtney asks, 'Well, what's he waiting for?' 'I don't know, I ask him all the time' Kim replies, as the preview comes to an end. The Kardashians returns with the fifth of ten episodes on Thursday, May 12 at 12 AM ET/9 PM PT only on Hulu. Advertisement Last week's episode of The Kardashians showcased Kim Kardashian's hosting debut on Saturday Night Live, though it didn't show one intriguing moment that Kim spoke about on the new episode, which debuted Thursday at 12 AM ET/9 PM PT only on Hulu. The 41-year-old reality star and mogul was taking a walk in the hills of Calabasas with her sister Khloe towards the end of the episode, when she revealed her ex Kanye West walked out during her monologue. Kim had made it clear to her whole family that no one was off limits and she was going to be poking fun at everybody close to her, but Kanye was not happy she called him merely a 'rapper' and that she used the word 'divorce.' Talking: The 41-year-old reality star and mogul was taking a walk in the hills of Calabasas with her sister Khloe towards the end of the episode, when she revealed her ex Kanye West walked out during her monologue Not happy: Kim had made it clear to her whole family that no one was off limits and she was going to be poking fun at everybody close to her, but Kanye was not happy she called him merely a 'rapper' and that she used the word 'divorce' Not happy: Kim had made it clear to her whole family that no one was off limits and she was going to be poking fun at everybody close to her, but Kanye was not happy she called him merely a 'rapper' and that she used the word 'divorce' The sisters were on their walk when Khloe asked Kim how things are going with Kanye, revealing that he walked out of her Saturday Night Live monologue because of one of her jokes. 'He walked out on SNL, like mid-monologue, so I haven't talked to him since,' Kim tells Khloe, before the episode showed the joke that made him walk out. 'I married the best rapper of all time, the richest Black man in America. When I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,' Kim said during her SNL appearance, which drew laughs from the crowd. Monologue: 'He walked out on SNL, like mid-monologue, so I haven't talked to him since,' Kim tells Khloe, before the episode showed the joke that made him walk out Married: 'I married the best rapper of all time, the richest Black man in America. When I divorced him, you have to know it came down to just one thing: his personality,' Kim said during her SNL appearance, which drew laughs from the crowd Kim tells Khloe on their hike that Kanye was upset because she, 'used the word divorced, so he wished I said the word filed for divorce.' 'He was upset that I also said he was a rapper. He said, "I'm so much more than a rapper. I can't believe you said rapper,"' Kim told Khloe. Kim added in confession that she never wants to, 'offend anyone and I never want to hurt anyone, but that's what this monologue was for, to make a joke.' Upset: Kim tells Khloe on their hike that Kanye was upset because she, 'used the word divorced, so he wished I said the word filed for divorce' MMore: 'He was upset that I also said he was a rapper. He said, "I'm so much more than a rapper. I can't believe you said rapper,"' Kim told Khloe Offend: Kim added in confession that she never wants to, 'offend anyone and I never want to hurt anyone, but that's what this monologue was for, to make a joke' 'I made fun of myself, I made fun of my mom, I made fun of everything that's personal to me. It's all fun and games and apparently it wasn't to him,' she said. Kim tells Khloe that she sat through, 'so many speeches and things that have not been the most comfortable to me,' adding she would never, 'embarrass him and walk out and leave.' Khloe added there were a number of, 'strong public stances he's taken in many different areas that you wouldn't have taken,' and she was still there for him. Made fun: 'I made fun of myself, I made fun of my mom, I made fun of everything that's personal to me. It's all fun and games and apparently it wasn't to him,' she said Speeches: Kim tells Khloe that she sat through, 'so many speeches and things that have not been the most comfortable to me,' adding she would never, 'embarrass him and walk out and leave' 'He's so used to getting exactly what he wants. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, good for him, but hey, it's not gonna happen here,' Kim says. Kim adds in confession that she shares four kids with Kanye and she always wants to have a healthy relationship with him. 'But after SNL happened, I felt I need to focus on the bar and get new energy,' she said in confession, before Kim and Khloe start racing up the hill. Good for him: 'He's so used to getting exactly what he wants. I've never seen anything like it. I mean, good for him, but hey, it's not gonna happen here,' Kim says Healthy: Kim adds in confession that she shares four kids with Kanye and she always wants to have a healthy relationship with him Race: 'But after SNL happened, I felt I need to focus on the bar and get new energy,' she said in confession, before Kim and Khloe start racing up the hill Before she went on SNL, Kanye drove Kim to tears with an amazing gesture - flying back to Los Angeles to secure the entirety of Kim's old sex tape for her. She broke down in tears while telling her family and closest friends in what has since been Kanye's only appearance on The Kardashians since its debut. Still, just hours after that gesture, he walked off during Kim's big moment, which clearly upset her. Tears: Before she went on SNL, Kanye drove Kim to tears with an amazing gesture - flying back to Los Angeles to secure the entirety of Kim's old sex tape for her Gesture: Still, just hours after that gesture, he walked off during Kim's big moment, which clearly upset her Kim and Kanye started dating in April 2012 while still legally married to Kris Humphries, and they tied the knot in May 2014 in Florence, Italy. They share four children together - North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 2 - during their near-decade together. Kim filed for divorce in February 2021, citing irreconcilable differences, and she started dating SNL star Pete Davidson in November 2021. Benedict Cumberbatch offered a friendly wave to diehard Marvel fans as he arrived to the Good Morning America studio in New York City on Wednesday. The 45-year-old actor was there to promote Marvel Studios' latest superhero flick Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, which hits theaters Friday. For his TV appearance, Cumberbatch rocked a sharp gray jacket and matching trousers. On the move: Benedict Cumberbatch offered a friendly wave to diehard Marvel fans as he arrived to the Good Morning America studio in New York City on Wednesday Giving the ensemble a more relaxed look, the Power Of The Dog star layered his jacket over a plain white tee and he tied a cozy gray scarf with black fringe around his neck The Power of the Dog star also donned a pair of pants that matched his outerwear, as well as a set of sneakers that complimented the neutral tones of his outfit. The performer accessorized with a pair of tinted sunglasses and a sizable scarf that kept him warm in the cool springtime weather. Cumberbatch spoke about working on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness during his appearance on Good Morning America and noted that the film would be slightly different from the other entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Promo mode: The 45-year-old actor was there to promote Marvel Studios' latest superhero flick Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, which hits theaters Friday Sharp: For his TV appearance, Cumberbatch rocked a sharp gray jacket and matching trousers 'I think it's definitely the scariest of the Marvel films so far, so that was a fun element to bring,' he said. The Sherlock star did note, however, that the film had 'a little bit of everything for everybody.' The performer described the movie as 'a bit of a genre-buster' and hoped that it would turn out as 'one of the jewels in the crown of the MCU.' Cumberbatch also praised the performances of his castmates and discussed how his role in the feature would be slightly different than its predecessor, which premiered in 2016. Anticipation: Cumberbatch previously stated that the superhero film - which is the follow-up to 2016's Doctor Strange - was 'definitely the scariest of the Marvel films so far' High hopes: Her described the film as 'a bit of a genre-buster' and hoped that it would turn out as 'one of the jewels in the crown of the MCU' 'It's a phenomenal cast. And, if that wasn't enough, I then get to play a couple variants of the character himself to turbocharge his development, which was great fun,' he stated. The performer the remarked that he was happy to be able to portray the movie's titular superhero. 'I think he's becoming one of the well-established characters in the pantheon and this sort of phase four that Marvel's going into with the multiverse he's the guy cracking it open, so I'm having great fun playing him,' he said. In addition to Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness features performances from figures such as Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Wong, among several others. Doing well: The performer the remarked that he was happy to be able to portray the movie's titular superhero Stacked cast: In addition to Cumberbatch, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness features performances from figures such as Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Wong, among several others Development on the project began not long after the release of the original Doctor Strange movie, and Sam Raimi signed on as its director in 2020. Filming initially commenced in November of that year, and reshoots continued through this past March. The film had its premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood this past Monday, and it currently holds a 79% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising its direction and performances. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on May 5, and it will debut in the United States the following day. Kimora Lee Simmons marked her 47th birthday by posting a series of sultry photos of herself rocking a leopard minidress that she first donned 17 years ago. While holding a white cake with silver sprinkles, the reality star showed off her toned legs in her plunging frock as she struck poses in a bathtub. As she displayed her cleavage, the mom-of-five pretended to blow out the candles and played with her waist-length wavy tresses. Birthday girl! Kimora Lee Simmons marked her 47th birthday on Wednesday by posting a series of sultry photos of herself rocking a leopard minidress that she first donned 17 years ago The model wore minimal accessorizes apart from a few bracelets and pair of black Christian Louboutin heels. 'Happy anniversary ,' she captioned the images, which received an enormous outpouring of love from her 2.1 million Instagram followers. Included in her photo slideshow was a snap of herself rocking the tiny leopard number back in 2011 during the 12th Annual Art For Life Benefit. She also previously wore the dress at her 30th birthday extravaganza in New York City in 2005. Sexy: While holding a white cake with silver sprinkles, the reality star showed off her toned legs in her plunging frock, which hugged every inch of her toned figure Radiant: As she displayed her cleavage, the mom-of-five pretended to blow out the candles and played with her waist-length wavy tresses Smoldering: The model wore minimal accessorizes apart from a few bracelets and pair of black Christian Louboutin heels Additionally, the Baby Phat CEO/creative director shared birthday tributes from her celebrity pals, including Kim Kardashian. 'Happy birthday @kimoraleesimmons,' the 41-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum captioned a selfie with her friend. 'Love you!' In the throwback snap, the women could both be seen closing their eyes as they blew kisses at the camera. Still fits! Included in her photo slideshow was a snap of herself rocking the tiny leopard number back in 2011 during the 12th Annual Art For Life Benefit (pictured) Go-to garment: She also previously wore the dress at her 30th birthday extravaganza in New York City in 2005 (pictured) Sweet: Additionally, the Baby Phat CEO/creative director shared birthday tributes from her celebrity pals, including Kim Kardashian Her post comes less than two months after her latest ex-husband, the two-time bigamist Tim Leissner, told a fraud trial about how he persuaded Kimora he was single so that she would marry him. Leissner, 50, a former Goldman Sachs banker, posed as his ex-wife for years over email to try and convince Kimora that his marriage had ended and he was free to date her. Leissner is a double-bigamist who faked divorce papers from his unnamed first wife to marry Judy Chan, before deploying the same tactic to marry Simmons while still betrothed to both other women. 'Happy birthday @kimoraleesimmons,' the 41-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians alum captioned a selfie with her friend. 'Love you!' The businessman is the prosecution's star witness in the embezzlement trial against his former coworker, banker Roger Ng. He alleges his former colleague conspired with him to help Malaysian financier Joh Low embezzle $4.5billion in funds from Malaysian government development fund 1MDB in a 'brazen' scam and divert the money to fund their lavish lifestyle. During the court proceedings it was revealed that Leissner used false documents to marry Simmons. 'I photoshopped the divorce document,' he told the courtroom in February. Leissner claimed Simmons was not aware of his actions back then but that Chan was, saying the heiress and business woman was angered by it and refused to transfer $900,000 to his account so he could put a down payment on a new home for him and Simmons in Los Angeles. The ex: Her post comes less than two months after her latest ex-husband, the two-time bigamist Tim Leissner, told a fraud trial about how he persuaded Kimora he was single so that she would marry him.; The couple pictured on January 12, 2014 in Beverly Hills Leissner had met Simmons in business class on a flight from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur. The couple reportedly exchanged vows in 2013 - around the time his relationship with Chan fell apart - and had a son, Wolfe, six, in 2015. They then adopted Gary, 10 at the time, in January 2020. Simmons also shares two daughters, Ming Lee Simmons, 22, and Aoki Lee Simmons, 19, with her other ex-husband, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, 64. She also has a son named Kenzo Lee Hounsou, 12, with actor and former model Djimon Hounsou, 57. Georgia Love has spoken out about her recent scandals and how she managed to move past them with the help of her husband Lee Elliott. The former Bachelorette, 33, told Yahoo! Lifestyle on Wednesday she tries not to listen to the 'negativity of the internet' when she's at the centre of the news cycle. She also touched upon her mother Belinda's death from pancreatic cancer in 2016, and revealed the advice her late mum would have given her in tough times. Candid: Georgia Love (pictured) has spoken out about her recent scandals and how she managed to move past them with the help of her husband Lee Elliott 'It's so easy to get bogged down in the negativity of the internet, let alone after the two years we've had with Covid,' Georgia said. 'There's just so much anger and grief around and I think the most important thing we can do is to make sure we're leaning on those people around us. I know my mum definitely would always continue to give me that advice.' She said she tries not to let negative comments from trolls get her down. Challenges: The former Bachelorette, 33, told Yahoo! Lifestyle on Wednesday she tries not to listen to the 'negativity of the internet' when she's at the centre of the news cycle. She also said she is 'so lucky' to have her husband Lee Elliott (left) by her side during tough times Georgia revealed Lee had been her rock in recent months. 'The first year of marriage has thrown, as I'm sure it does for a lot of people, many challenges but I have been so lucky to have him by my side through all of that,' she said. It comes after Georgia broke her silence last month following a string of social media gaffes that saw her go from reporting the news to making headlines herself. The former Channel Seven reporter told Stellar magazine: 'I wasn't good for quite a while and have been dealing with that ever since.' The ex-reality star added that today's cancel culture is full of 'angry and unforgiving' people, and called for more empathy. Having her say: It comes after Georgia broke her silence last month following a string of social media gaffes that saw her go from reporting the news to making headlines herself 'People seem to have lost their empathy and understanding of people being humans. Everyone expects everyone to do everything right all the time,' she said. 'If we have a world where nobody is making any mistakes, then show me behind the curtain because that's just not possible.' Georgia added that people like her 'should be able to say sorry, show they are sorry, and move on. The way the world is at the moment isn't allowing that to happen.' She and Lee had been forced to delete their Instagram holiday snaps from their trip to Saudi Arabia after being widely criticised for promoting the region. One of their fiercest critics was journalist Peter Ford, who tweeted a link to a news article revealing Saudi Arabia had recently 'executed 81 convicts in a single day'. Ford added: 'This is the country Georgia Love accepted a free trip to visit. Of the 81 you can be sure there is a disproportionate number of women, gays and possibly journalists. Did you really need a freebie trip that badly, Georgia?' Controversy: Georgia and Lee had been forced to delete their Instagram holiday snaps from their trip to Saudi Arabia after being widely criticised for promoting the region Lee later defended their trip, saying he and Georgia were 'not being paid' to visit Saudi Arabia and did not in any way endorse 'behaviours of the past or human rights violations that have occurred in this country'. Seven News Melbourne had previously yanked Georgia off the air and moved her to a behind-the-scenes role after she received backlash for a 'racist' Instagram post. The journalist had caused a storm by sharing footage of a cat behind the window of an Asian restaurant and writing: 'Shop attendant or lunch?!' She deleted the video an hour later and apologised for causing 'offence'. Disgraced star Chris Noth was definitely wearing his wedding ring during a sunny stroll with his wife Tara Wilson in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday. The Wisconsin-born, Connecticut-raised 67-year-old and the Canadian 42-year-old just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on April 6. Chris and Tara share their three homes in Los Angeles, New York, and Massachusetts with their two sons - Orion Christopher, 14; and Keats, 2. Still together: Disgraced star Chris Noth was definitely wearing his wedding ring during a sunny stroll with his wife Tara Wilson in Sherman Oaks on Wednesday On December 16, Noth denied sexually assaulting the two women who came forward to THR, instead claiming they were 'consensual encounters.' The expose lead to two more women coming forward with similar claims about the four-time SAG Award nominee, who was promptly dropped by A3 Artists Agency. With no upcoming acting jobs, Chris has upped his prices on Cameo - $600 personalized video for fans ($100 more than before scandal), $2K+ for business video content, and $2K for personal live video calls. OK! reported on April 15 that Noth was 'furious that no one stood by him' through the scandal and was 'itching to get even with a revenge tell-all.' Stood by her man: The Wisconsin-born, Connecticut-raised 67-year-old (R) and the Canadian 42-year-old (L) just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on April 6 Children: Chris and Tara share their three homes in Los Angeles, New York, and Massachusetts with their two sons - Orion Christopher (L), 14; and Keats (R), 2 'These encounters were consensual': On December 16, Noth denied sexually assaulting the two women who came forward to THR, and that expose lead to two more women coming forward with similar claims It costs $100 more for personalized videos than before scandal! The four-time SAG Award nominee - who was promptly dropped by A3 Artists Agency - has upped his prices on Cameo with no acting jobs on the horizon On April 10, CBS aired an episode of The Equalizer titled 'Separated' that revealed Chris' character - exCIA director William Bishop - was killed off in a plane crash. Noth had been previously fired off the crime drama on December 20 over the sex assault allegations, and his final onscreen appearance as William aired January 2 in the episode titled 'Separated.' His character financier John James Preston aka Mr. Big was also killed off by post-Peloton heart attack on the first episode of HBO Max's Sex and the City spin-off, And Just Like That, which aired December 9. RIP: On April 10, CBS aired an episode of The Equalizer titled 'Separated' that revealed Chris' character - exCIA director William Bishop - was killed off in a plane crash 'Separated': Noth had been previously fired off the crime drama on December 20 over the sex assault allegations, and his final onscreen appearance as William aired January 2 (pictured) Producers made sure to remove flashback scenes and ghostly scenes featuring Mr. Big that had been shot before the scandal broke. 'We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth,' executive producers-stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis said in a statement on December 20. 'We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it.' RIP: His character financier John James Preston aka Mr. Big was also killed off by post-Peloton heart attack on the first episode of HBO Max's Sex and the City spin-off, And Just Like That, which aired December 9 Cutting room floor: Producers made sure to remove flashback scenes and ghostly scenes featuring Mr. Big (pictured November 7) that had been shot before the scandal broke Elizabeth Olsen looked sensational as she slipped into an array stunning evening dresses to grace the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK digital edition on Thursday. The actress, 33, who stars as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Universe, slipped into a plunging yellow dress with a corseted top and chiffon sleeves. She later changed into a striking scarlet semi-sheer lace gown complete with statement silk sleeves that tumbled to the ground. Incredible: Elizabeth Olsen, 33, slipped into a plunging yellow gown before changing into a semi-sheer red dress as she graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar UK digital edition on Thursday Posing against the lavish backdrops, she enjoyed afternoon tea in a quintessentially English set up before touring other luxurious rooms. Finally, for the cover itself Elizabeth wowed in a gold sequinned dress that fanned into a dramatic faux fur train with a matching shawl. Her cropped blonde locks were styled in tousled waves that she tucked neatly behind her ears for her elegant looks. So chic: Her cropped blonde locks were styled in tousled waves that she tucked neatly behind her ears for her elegant looks In an interview with the publication, she detailed working with Benedict Cumberbatch, growing up with famous older sisters and her attraction to playing complex characters. As she gears up for the release of the second installment of Doctor Strange, she said of Benedict: 'He's one of the greatest actors around right now and I wanted to see his process. I hope to work with him in a non-Marvel way as well, because I would really like to have another, more heady experience with him.' Elizabeth, who plays the Scarlet Witch or Wanda, who straddles the line between good and evil explained: 'It was so fun for me because all these years I've been playing a character who is struggling; now, she has clarity for the first time she knows exactly what she wants, and she doesn't want to apologise for it. Breath-taking: Finally, for the cover itself Elizabeth wowed in a gold sequinned dress that fanned into a dramatic faux fur train with a matching shawl She continued: 'I think there's a womanliness that comes with that: a strength in feeling completely entitled. 'I love playing characters whose actions people disagree with. In a world where we don't really care to understand other points of view, if we as an audience can have empathy for people we don't agree with, that's a good thing.' The actress, who didn't begin her career until adulthood added: 'I always knew that it was what I wanted to do, I just had a lot of insecurities about wanting to do it.' Elizabeth, who plays Marvel's Wanda explained: 'It was so fun for me because all these years I've been playing a character who is struggling; now, she has clarity' Family: The actress added: I've always felt that presence [with her sisters' Mary-Kate and Ashley's success], which made me work harder' (Elizabeth, center, with Mary-Kate and Ashley) Elizabeth explained: 'I've always felt that presence [with her sisters' Mary-Kate and Ashley's success], which made me work harder, and maybe have a chip on my shoulder to be over-prepared and disciplined, so I could feel like I'm really earning it. 'It's an amazing feeling, being the younger sibling to twins. If I was spoiled by one, the other one wanted to match it. I loved it.' Elizabeth concluded: 'I think it's empowering to understand your taste and what inspires you. That was something that took me so long to get to. It's really hard to find that confidence, but I'm happy I eventually found it.' She looked sensational as she joined her co-star Benedict at a photocall for Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness in Berlin last month. Stars: Elizabeth looked sensational as she joined her co-star Benedict Cumberbatch at a photocall for Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness in Berlin last month The actors play the leading roles of Dr Stephen Strange and Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel film, which serves as a sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange. Elizabeth effortlessly turned heads in a light blue metallic top which she wore with a plunging vest top with a sequinned detail. The movie is about the further adventures of Dr Stephen Strange and his research on the Time Stone. He also is amazed by the chaos that is caused by the Multiverse as he faces off with Dark Strange. Film: The actors play the leading roles of Dr Stephen Strange and Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel film, which serves as a sequel to 2016's Doctor Strange This fall the film underwent six weeks of reshoots, with cast and crew working for six days a week in Los Angeles. One source, played down the reshoots, telling The Hollywood Reporter: 'Even while in the middle of production, Marvel is scheduling you for more shooting.' Another added: 'We've had bigger reshoots on other MCU movies.' However, some insiders believe the scale of the reshoots is significant, explaining: 'They're here until the end of the year. That's like a whole other movie.' Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is released on Friday, May 6. Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry attended the Top Gun: Maverick premiere on the USS Midway in San Diego on Wednesday afternoon. The 35-year-old performer and his spouse, 29, posed on the event's red carpet with their arms wrapped around one another while rocking designer threads. The Whiplash star portrayed Lieutenant Bradley Bradshaw in the project, which is scheduled to be released to the public later this month. Affectionate: Teller and Sperry made a point of locking lips while spending time on the event's red carpet Teller looked sharp in a light blue jacket and a matching pair of pants while attending the premiere. The actor also sported a tie that nearly matched his outerwear, as well as a white button-up shirt. The performer finished off his look with a set of leather shoes and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses. He later posed for a photo with his A-list costars Jennifer Connelly and Tom Cruise. Power couple: Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry attended the Top Gun: Maverick premiere on the USS Midway in San Diego on Wednesday afternoon Sweet: The 35-year-old performer and his spouse, 29, posed on the event's red carpet with their arms wrapped around one another while rocking designer threads Looking good! Teller looked sharp in a light blue jacket and a matching pair of pants while attending the premiere. Meanwhile, Sperry stood out in a glitzy purple gown with a beaded bodice as she spent time with her husband on the red carpet Sperry stood out in a glitzy purple gown with a beaded bodice as she spent time with her husband on the red carpet. The dress also had a gorgeous tulle skirt decked out in silver glitter that sparkled under the San Diego sunshine. Sperry further glammed up her appearance by slipping her feet into a pair of silver high-heeled shoes and accessorizing with silver jewelry. Her gorgeous and typically free-flowing brunette locks were styled in a wavy updo. Decked out in silver: Sperry further glammed up her appearance by slipping her feet into a pair of silver high-heeled shoes and accessorizing with silver jewelry Development on Top Gun: Maverick initially began in 2010, and Teller was cast in the project eight years later. The performer will portray the son of late aviator Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, who was the copilot of Cruise's character in the first Top Gun movie, which premiered in 1986. The 59-year-old performer returned to reprise his former role, and served as one of the project's producers. Other cast members include Jon Hamm, Ed Harris and Monica Barbaro, as well as Val Kilmer, who returned to play Admiral Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky. Good company: He later posed for photos with his A-list costars Jennifer Connelly and Tom Cruise, who were also present at Wednesday's premiere event Principal production on the feature began in May of 2018 and continued until the following June, when Teller announced that he had finished filming his scenes. Top Gun: Maverick was initially set to be released in 2019, although it was delayed due to production issues. The onset of the global pandemic caused the movie's debut date to get pushed back even further in April of 2020. The movie's date was reset on two further occasions before it was eventually given a premiere date of May 27, 2022. All together now: Along with Sperry, The Whiplash star invited several other family members to the star-studded movie premiere Teller spoke about working on the long-awaited movie during an interview with Men's Journal, where he noted that its production process was particularly intense. 'Every shot, every stunt, was the result of the work, the real sweat, that we all put into it. The production was over the course of a full year, which was definitely the longest shoot I have ever been a part of,' he recalled. He then stated that the performers associated with the movie had all grown closer as a result of their involvement with the project. 'I think the cast got close during that time, going through an experience like that really brings people together. Being there in a highly demanding environment, away from the usual distractions or comforts. It was a bonding experience,' he said. Center of attention: The happy couple appeared to enjoy the attention from the crowd that had assembled Supportive: Teller noted that, although he was proud of his work on the movie, Sperry was particularly impressed by its storyline Teller noted that, although he was proud of his work on the movie, Sperry was particularly impressed by its storyline. 'The movie just blew me away, and my wife said, "That might be the best film I have ever seen." She was crying multiple times,' he stated. The performer went on to note that he expected moviegoers to be particularly impressed with Top Gun: Maverick. 'There is a lot of heart in the story, and I can't wait for people to see it. For fans of the original, I think they are going to be grinning from ear-to-ear the whole time. This is going to give them what they want,' he said. She welcomed a baby girl in May last year. And Naomi Campbell shared a rare glimpse of her ten-month-old daughter on Wednesday as she showed off her outfit to the Met Gala. The supermodel, 51, took to Instagram to show the details of her dress by Burberry and a snap of her little girl watching her mother at the star-studded event on television from her highchair. Watching her mummy! Naomi Campbell shared a rare glimpse of her ten-month-old daughter on Wednesday as she showed off her outfit to the Met Gala Alongside the photos, she wrote: 'Thank you @burberry by @riccardotisci17 whilst my daughter watches from home.' Naomi looked effortlessly elegant in the floor-length number which was covered in glitzy detailing and featured a statement beaded collar. She nailed the 'gilded glamour' theme by adding matching face gems to her look that were arranged in a pretty pattern. Incredible: The supermodel, 51, took to Instagram to show the details of her dress by Burberry and a snap of her little girl watching her mother at the star-studded event on television from her highchair Her dress swept over her toned frame and was cinched in at the middle and featured in built gloves that perfectly matched her dress. The beauty accessorised with dangly earrings and a huge diamond ring as she posed up a storm. She wore her long dark tresses in a sleek straight style and opted for a dramatic makeup look to compliment her face gems. Stylish: Naomi looked effortlessly elegant in the floor-length number which was covered in glitzy detailing and featured a statement beaded collar Naomi stunned fans by announcing the birth of her daughter in May, just weeks after appearing on the New York Fashion Week runway without a visible baby bump. But she says the nine-month old child - whose biological father has never been named - is hers amid growing speculation regarding its biological parentage. Speaking to the latest edition of British Vogue while posing with her daughter for an exclusive cover shoot, the model confirmed: 'She wasnt adopted shes my child.' Flawless: She nailed the 'gilded glamour' theme by adding matching face gems to her look that were arranged in a pretty pattern Naomi played coy during the new interview, and despite confirming her daughter is not adopted, refused to elaborate further on her first born. However she admitted that very few of her wide circle of friends and family members knew she was planning on becoming a parent. She explained: 'I can count on one hand the number of people who knew that I was having her. But she is the biggest blessing I could ever imagine. Its the best thing Ive ever done.' Naomi has travelled extensively over recent months, clocking up air miles with trips to the south of France, Qatar, London, Los Angeles and Paris in little more than eight weeks. But she insists her daughter doesn't mind flying, noting: 'I'm lucky my little one loves to travel like me no whimpering taking off or landing. She's a good girl: she sleeps very well, she hardly ever cries and I'm told she's very alert for her age. 'She's just started waving, which is fun. She laughs a lot. She's almost talking. I think she might walk before she crawls. And she's got six teeth already.' Sensational: Her dress swept over her toned frame and was cinched in at the middle and featured in built gloves that perfectly matched her dress She added: 'I always knew that one day I would be a mother, but it's the biggest joy I could ever imagine. I'm lucky to have her and I know that.' The supermodel - who is believed to be single - surprised her Instagram followers in May by sharing a picture of herself cradling her newborn daughter. Offering a first look at her new arrival with a picture of her baby girl, whose name has not been revealed, she wrote: 'A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother. Model mum: Naomi announced she is a mother in May, four years after crediting science with giving her the opportunity to start a family 'whenever she wants' 'So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you my angel. There is no greater love.' Naomi was last in a relationship with rapper Skepta in 2018 but enjoyed a fling with Liam Payne the following year. She has also enjoyed high-profile relationships with the likes of Diddy, Robert De Niro, Mike Tyson and Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin over the years. Although she is notoriously private about her love life, she has previously stated she is 'on good terms' with her exes and is not believed to be dating anyone new at present. HOW DID NAOMI BECOME A MOTHER AT 50 YEARS OLD? Naomi has not revealed the method in which she welcomed her daughter but has previously spoken about her many options for starting a family SURROGACY Some mature mothers choose to have a baby via surrogacy, when someone has a baby for a couple who cannot have a child themselves. Straight surrogacy uses the surrogates own eggs to conceive and can take place at home using artificial insemination, using an insemination kit or via a clinic using IUI or IVF with the surrogate acting a known egg donor. Surrogacy is legal in the UK, but it's illegal to advertise for surrogates. No financial benefit other than reasonable expenses can be paid to the surrogate. Naomi previously hinted at looking into surrogacy when she said: 'I think about having children all the time. But now with the way science is I think I can do it when I want.' PREGNANCY More mothers are waiting until later in life to have children, but pregnancy after 50 is still quite rare. A woman's fertility begins to decline in her early 30s. After age 35, her number of viable eggs starts to fall more quickly. However celebrities have made headlines for having kids in their later years, including Janet Jackson who had her son, Eissa Al Mana, at age 50. Naomi said she wanted to welcome a child with a partner, stating: 'I do want a father figure. I think it's important. It's the way I feel today, sitting here talking to you' She also hinted at wanting a traditional family set up when she announced: 'I want the same things as every other woman: the house, the kids, the lot' In another interview she said: 'Id love to have kids. I dont discount anything in life. I love kids and always will.' Advertisement Naomi's baby announcement came after she admitted that she would 'think about having children all the time' but wasn't planning to rush herself to start a family. Speaking to ES Magazine back in 2017, she said: 'I think about having children all the time. But now with the way science is I think I can do it when I want.' Asked if she would have the child herself rather than adopt, she replied: 'Maybe. Maybe... Maybe.' However, the Vogue cover girl insisted that she did not want to be a single parent so would find a suitable partner first. She said: 'I do want a father figure. I think it's important. It's the way I feel today, sitting here talking to you.' Advertisement Tom Cruise proved he knows how to make an entrance as he arrived at the premiere of his highly-anticipated film Top Gun: Maverick via helicopter. While it may have been 36 years since he first burst onto screens as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in 1986's Top Gun, the actor proved he hadn't lost his touch as he arrived in style at the USS Midway in San Diego. Tom, who famously does his own stunts in his action-packed flicks, decided not to pilot the chopper on this occasion but still one-upped all of his incredibly glamorous co-stars as he touched down at the star-studded event looking dapper as ever in a black tuxedo and a grey tie. After disembarking the French Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil, the Mission: Impossible star, 59, waved to a sea of his fans that recorded him stepping out of the chopper, which read: 'Tom Cruise Top Gun: Maverick.' Handsome: Tom Cruise proved he certainly knows how to make a entrance while arriving to the premiere of his upcoming film Top Gun: Maverick aboard the USS Midway in San Diego via a helicopter While walking toward the red carpet rocking a pair of black Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses with silver frames, the dad-of-three flashed a bright smile before going to mingle with Jennifer Connelly, Monica Barbaro and Miles Teller. Cruise earned his pilot license 28 years ago and, over the years, has performed some dangerous stunts for some of his movies, including spinning a helicopter around while diving down over a waterfall. He was unable to pilot the planes in the first Top Gun as he had not yet secured his license, but in the sequel he takes to the skies in a P-51 propeller-driven fighter plane, as well as a helicopter. Top Gun: Maverick has been released 36 years after the original film and sees Tom reprise his role as the loveable Maverick, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. Delightful duo: Tom joined co-star Jennifer Connelly on the red carpet Costars: While walking toward the red carpet rocking a pair of black Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses with silver frames, the dad-of-three flashed a bright smile before going to mingle with Jennifer and Miles Teller Dapper: Upon slowly descending the aircraft, the Mission: Impossible star, 59, waved to a sea of his fans that recorded him expertly landing a black helicopter, which read: 'Tom Cruise Top Gun: Maverick' Wow: Over the years, Cruise has performed some dangerous stunts for some of his movies, including spinning a helicopter around while diving down over a waterfall One to watch: Top Gun: Maverick will be released in UK cinemas on May 25 and in US cinemas on May 27 Throwback: Tom was only 24 years old when Top Gun was released to theaters in 1986; pictured in the original film The movie had originally been scheduled for release in 2020 but was pushed back two years after delays caused by the Covid pandemic. Joking about the the time in which it took to get the sequel ready, Tom joked to AP: 'I was a little slow - sometimes Im a little slow.' Tom is joined in the cast by Miles Teller who plays the son of Goose (played by Anthony Edwards in the first film). For the premiere, Teller, 35, wore a blue suit, matching tie, white dress shirt and black loafers. The actor's wife Keleigh Sperry attended with him in a sparkly silver tulle dress with matching pumps. Meanwhile, Jennifer Connelly dazzled in a stunning gold gown, which hugged every inch of her toned figure. She wore her dark hair in waves and a natural makeup look with a glossy nude lipstick and smokey grey eyeshadow. Movie star: Cruise's hair was perfectly tousled hair as he took off his shades and had his photograph taken Strutting his stuff: The actor confidently strode into the event All together: Cruise posed for pictures with Teller and Sperry Group shot: US producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly and Cruise all pictured together Reunited: Lewis Pullman, Teller, Cruise, and Charles Parnell all pictured together Glam: The group all posed for a picture with Monica Barbaro Night out: For the occasion, Miles Teller, 35, wore a blue suit, matching tie, white dress shirt and black loafers Shades on: Teller and Cruise both kept their eyes protected from the sun under their respective sunglasses Standing out from the crowd: Meanwhile, Jennifer Connelly dazzled in a stunning gold gown, which hugged every inch of her toned figure Polished: She wore her dark hair in waves and a natural makeup look with a glossy nude lipstick and smokey grey eyeshadow Arm candy: Her husband Paul Bettany, left, and Kai Dugan posed for pictures with her Dazzling: Connelly dazzled in a stunning gold gown, which hugged every inch of her toned figure Happy in love: She and her longtime husband Paul Bettany, who she wed back in 2003, put on a loved-up display in front of photographers as they walked with their arms sweetly linked together Sweet: Connelly and Dugan are seen at the motion picture drama Beaming: Dugan posed for pictures with Connelly and Bettany She and her longtime husband Paul Bettany, who she wed back in 2003, put on a loved-up display in front of photographers as they walked with their arms sweetly linked together. Cruise control! A look at the Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil Tom arrived in style to the Top Gun: Maverick premiere as he arrived at the aircraft carrier on an Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil The single-engine light utility helicopter originally designed and manufactured in France by Aerospatiale and Eurocopter The type is well known for its high-altitude performance and has seen frequent use by operators in such environments The AS350 has proven popular in a wide range of roles; as such, multiple cabin configurations can be used, between four and six passengers in a typical seating configuration, and large sliding doors can be fitted to either side of the cabin Rge AS350 costs roughly $2.4 million to purchase while the average rental rate is around $1,850 per hour Landing: Tom arrived in style to the Top Gun: Maverick premiere as he arrived at the aircraft carrier on an Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil Advertisement The 50-year-old English actor best known for portraying Vision and voicing J.A.R.V.I.S. in Iron Man, cut a handsome figure in a black suit, white button-down and no tie. Connelly, who reprised her role as Penny Benjamin in Top Gun: Maverick's hit 1980s predecessor, looked thrilled to catch up with her costars ahead of the release of their film's release on May 27. On-screen trio: Cruise, Connelly and Teller posed for a shot together Reunited again: Connelly plays Cruise's love interest in Top Gun Turning heads: Monica Barbaro wore a high-low white sparkly gown with silver heels Classic beauty: Her brunette tresses were perfectly curled for the occasion Doting husband: The actor's wife Keleigh Sperry attended with him in a sparkly silver tulle dress with matching pumps Doting husband: The actor's wife Keleigh Sperry attended with him in a sparkly silver tulle dress with matching pumps Loved-up display: Teller and Sperry shared a kiss on the red carpet Sweet: Even after three years of marriage, the two are still acting like newlyweds Going strong: Teller and Sperry tied the knot in September 2019 Sweet: Even after three years of marriage, the two are still acting like newlyweds Stunning: Rachel McAdams sported a figure-hugging black gown with a thigh-high slit with strappy heels Stunning: Rachel McAdams sported a figure-hugging black gown with a thigh-high slit with strappy heels Demure: The Notebook star wore her blonde hair in a flirty ponytail The forthcoming movie has been in the works for several years and it is currently set to have its world premiere later this month. Last month, Cruise, who also serves as one of Top Gun: Maverick's producers, noted that he and the feature's team wanted to start the project by producing a solid storyline. In a behind-the-scenes video, released via his Instagram, he gushed: 'I wasn't ready to make a sequel until we had a special story worthy of a sequel.' From the side: The mother-of-two looked great from every angle Friendly: McAdams could be seen shaking hands with Kenny Loggins Dapper: Charles Parnell wore a light grey suit, white shirt and brown leather loafers Beaming: Jon Hamm and his girlfriend Anna Osceola, who made their red carpet debut in March, looked cozy Moviegoers: Actor Glen Powell attended with his girlfriend Gigi Paris, who a silver sequined gown with a cutout across the midriff Rising star: Lyliana Wray, 17, appears in Top Gun: Maverick Gorgeous: Former Miss Louisiana Teen USA Emma Brooks McAllister put on a leggy display in a black dress with cutouts and a daring thigh-high slit Glamorous: She also sported a bright red lipstick Beaming: Former Dancing With the Stars pro Derek Hough and girlfriend Hayley Erbert wrapped their arms around each other on the red carpet Edgy: Actress Kara Del Toro wore a black gown with a silver bodice and slit up the front Daring: She completed her edgy look with a diamond choker The performer also noted that he and his collaborators held off on working on the sequel until 'technology evolved so we could delve deeper into the experience of a fighter pilot.' Producer Jerry Bruckheimer also commented on how the original Top Gun made a serious impression on many of its viewers. He noted that 'the first movie became something that changed a generation, so this is exciting to come back and get in those jets again.' Date night: Bashir Salahuddin and his wife Chandra Russell looked every inch the happy couple as they posed for photos together Linda Bruckheimer, Jerry Bruckheimer and Alexandra Bruckheimer also attended Cool guy: Kenny Loggins cut an edgy figure in a pair of black leather pants Big night: A view of the red carpet appears at the world premiere showed action shots of Cruise in front of a helicopter Everyone's ready: The event took place at the USS Midway in San Diego Cruise made a point of emphasizing the intense training that the movie's cast underwent during the project's production process. He recalled that 'we worked with the navy and the Top Gun school to formulate how to shoot it practically, because if we're going to do it, we're going to fly F-18s.' Bruckheimer stressed that 'the aviation sequences had to be real. So, our actors went through three months of grueling training.' At one point, several actors were seen working with Navy service members during aquatic practice sessions that involved performers being placed into a rotating device and being held underwater. Cruise noted that 'the Navy says: "If you eject, you have to be able to survive in the water." So we had to go through that challenging underwater program.' Several performers were then shown being submerged while going through a mock underwater evacuation session. Cast member Greg Tarzan Davis commented: 'It's intense. You're flipped, inverted, and you have to try to get out. Barbaro also spoke about how Cruise adopted a hands-on method to preparing the performers for their roles in the movie. Handsome: Lewis Pullman wore a light blue suit while Rainey Qualley put on a leggy display in a black minidress Radiant: Director Joseph Kosinski, right, and wife Kristin were among the attendees Looking good! Jay Ellis sported a bright blue suit and white t-shirt while Greg Tarzan Davis wore a red suit and black checkered sneakers She pointed out that 'Tom designed this all-encompassing aviation training for all the actors.' Cruise then stated that he had cast members start their flight exercises by flying single-engine planes 'to build up their spatial awareness inside the aircraft.' Footage of Top Gun: Maverick's cast members moving from aircraft to aircraft was also shown, and many of the actors appeared to be excited by the prospect of performing in the air. Inseparable: Powell and Paris hugged as they walked down the red carpet Director Joseph Kosinski then remarked that the performers were also in charge of setting up their own shots while flying. 'The actors also had to learn how to run cameras, because when they're up in a jet, they had to direct themselves, essentially,' he said. Powell commented that, although asking cast members to fly planes and act at the same time was an intimidating task, Cruise wanted to elicit the best performances that he could from everyone in front of the cameras. Dapper: S.W.A.T. star Jack Schumacher looked cool in a black suit and matching loafers while Danny Ramirez flashed a bright smile as he arrived Air National Guard Special Assistant to the Director Brigadier General Jim C. Chow and Kelsey Asbille are pictured 'Everyone thought it would be impossible for actors to really be in the jets, but that's the gift that Tom gave us,' he said. Jay Ellis described the project as 'definitely the most amazing thing I've ever done. All of the training one hundred percent prepared us.' Cruise concluded by stating: 'I'm very proud of what we all accomplished. Each one of them is extraordinary.' Atmosphere seen arriving to the Top Gun: Maverick Fancy: The premiere was made as memorable as possible for guests Walking away with something: Many fans received dark blue hats with yellow lettering that read 'Top Gun' along the front Aviation aficionado: Cruise had massive amount of fans go wild for him as he chats with them on aircraft carrier in San Diego Huge crowds! Hundreds of people came out to the event that took place on the Midway Saying hello: Tom Cruise stopped and chatted with a number of fans Excited: Fans rocked Top Gun t-shirts as they waited to catch a glimpse of some of their favorite stars What an event: The premiere was decked out for the occasion With the 20th anniversary of the third Austin Powers movie - 2002's Austin Powers in Goldmember - coming in July, star Mike Myers hinted that a fourth movie may be coming soon. The 58-year-old actor was speaking with Jess Cagle on his Sirius XM show on Thursday, promoting his new Netflix series The Pentaverate, when he was asked about the possibility of Austin Powers 4. While Myers has hinted at a fourth movie for nearly two decades, it seems like he may be closer than ever to making it happen. Another sequel: With the 20th anniversary of the third Austin Powers movie - 2002's Austin Powers in Goldmember - coming in July, star Mike Myers hinted that a fourth movie may be coming soon Interview: The 58-year-old actor was speaking with Jess Cagle on his Sirius XM show on Thursday, promoting his new Netflix series The Pentaverate, when he was asked about the possibility of Austin Powers 4 When asked about a fourth Austin Powers movie, Myers stated, 'I would love to do one. I can neither confirm nor deny the existence or non-existence of such a project, should it exist or not exist.' 'You know... we're... you know,' Myers said, as Cagle's co-host Julia Cunningham added, 'It feels like yes. I'm sorry. It feels like you wanna say yes.' Cagle also teased that, 'it felt like a confirmation that it's gonna be announced,' though Myers kept up the ruse. Can't confirm: When asked about a fourth Austin Powers movie, Myers stated, 'I would love to do one. I can neither confirm nor deny the existence or non-existence of such a project, should it exist or not exist' A yes: 'You know... we're... you know,' Myers said, as Cagle's co-host Julia Cunningham added, 'It feels like yes. I'm sorry. It feels like you wanna say yes' 'It was a non-confirmed confirmation confirmation,' Myers added of the potential sequel. Myers created the Austin Powers character as a tribute to his father, who passed away in 1991, and who had introduced him to James Bond and Peter Sellers. He both wrote the script and starred in 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, which was a surprise modest hit with critics and fans, earning $67 million worldwide from just a $13 million budget. Non-confirmed: 'It was a non-confirmed confirmation confirmation,' Myers added of the potential sequel Writer and star: He both wrote the script and starred in 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, which was a surprise modest hit with critics and fans, earning $67 million worldwide from just a $13 million budget The 1999 follow-up Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me was a smash hit with $312 million worldwide from a $33 million budget, as was the third film Goldmember ($296 million worldwide from a $63 million budget). He did return as Dr. Evil in a General Motors Super Bowl ad in February, reuniting with franchise stars Seth Green, Rob Lowe and Mindy Sterling. This isn't the first time Myers has hinted at another sequel, stating way back in 2005, 'There is hope! We're all circling and talking to each other,' and in 2007 he added, ', there is a fully conceived idea for a fourth and I can just say that it's from Dr. Evil's point of view.' Sequel: The 1999 follow-up Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me was a smash hit with $312 million worldwide from a $33 million budget, as was the third film Goldmember ($296 million worldwide from a $63 million budget) Jay Roach, who directed all three films - 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and 2002's Austin Powers in Goldmember - had been said to return to direct in 2008. Myers and Roach would often discuss the possibility of a fourth Austin Powers movie in interviews for their other films, with Myers stating in 2018 that the script was already written. Most recently, Myers made similar comments in February on The Today Show, stating he could not, 'neither confirm nor deny' that a sequel is happening. Goldmember: Jay Roach, who directed all three films - 1997's Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and 2002's Austin Powers in Goldmember - had been said to return to direct in 2008 Sophie Turner stepped out in a relaxed outfit that showed off her growing baby bump as she walked through the New York City streets on Wednesday. The actress, 26, donned a short white t-shirt and a pair of comfy off-white sweatpants. She walked in a pair of multi-colored sneakers while pushing her daughter Willa, one, in a stroller. Keeping casual: Sophie Turner stepped out in a relaxed outfit that showed off her growing baby bump as she walked through the New York City streets Turner's bright red hair hung down to the middle of her back, and sunglasses with small white frames sat atop her luscious locks. Turner had a motherly glow about her as she made her way down the street, and her face broke into a large grin. She confirmed that she and her husband Joe Jonas were having their second child just a couple days ago to Elle UK, and she talked about how much she loved life as a mother. Comfy: The actress, 26, donned a short white t-shirt and a pair of comfy off-white sweatpants Official confirmation: She confirmed that she and her husband Joe Jonas were having their second child just a couple days ago to Elle UK 'We're so excited to be expanding the family,' she said. 'It's the best blessing ever.' She went on to say that she felt life was all about raising kids and helping them reach their full potential. 'It's what life is about for meraising the next generation,' she told the outlet. 'The greatest thing in life is seeing my daughter go from strength to strength.' While this is her first time confirming the news herself, it's been something of an open secret for a while with sources telling E! News last month that she was expecting and her stomach slowly growing during that time as well. Party time! Despite expecting another little one soon, Jonas and Turner haven't stopped enjoying themselves one bit Chic outfits: The former Game Of Thrones star, stunned in an embellished black gown while her husband looked dapper in a white and black tuxedo jacket with extra long tails Despite expecting another little one soon, Jonas and Turner haven't stopped enjoying themselves one bit. The Hollywood 'it' couple enjoyed an together evening at the Met Gala on Monday. The former Game Of Thrones star, stunned in an embellished black gown while her husband looked dapper in a white and black tuxedo jacket with extra long tails. The couple were both seen cradling Sophie's burgeoning baby bump on the red carpet, as they tenderly gazed at each other while posing for photographers. The countdown is on until Kyle Sandilands and pregnant fiancee Tegan Kynaston welcome their first child together. And on Wednesday, Tegan was simply glowing as the pair headed out in Sydney. The blonde beauty, 26, flaunted her baby bump in a pair of high-waisted bike shorts. Bumping along nicely: Kyle Sandilands' pregnant fiancee Tegan Kynaston showed off her baby bump in skin tight activewear as they headed out in Sydney She teamed the shorts with a black cropped T-shirt and had her golden locks out. Tegan had that pregnancy glow, and wore a light application of natural-looking makeup. KIIS FM presenter Kyle, 50, kept things casual in his signature all-black outfit - a dark hooded jumper, shorts and a puffer vest. Glowing: Tegan had that pregnancy glow, and wore a light application of natural-looking makeup Cute: Tegan teamed her shorts with a black cropped T-shirt and had her golden locks out Not long to go now: Tegan is thought to be around six months along in her pregnancy The pair, who got engaged in Port Douglas over the Christmas holidays, appeared in great spirits during the outing. The couple announced Tegan was expecting in February. 'We're having a baby!' Kyle declared on air on February 14, as the entire KIIS FM studio cheered. Casual: KIIS FM presenter Kyle, 50, kept things casual in his signature all-black outfit - a dark hooded jumper, shorts and a puffer vest That same month, they held a lavish gender reveal party on a yacht on Sydney Harbour with guests including John Ibrahim and Kyle's KIIS FM co-host Jackie O. The expectant couple hired a superyacht for the occasion and arranged for planes flying overhead to release blue smoke indicating they're having a baby boy. Kyle had previously said on air he wanted to have a girl or a 'little gay son'. He also praised his partner's 'beautiful, big, meaty t***ies' since becoming pregnant. Before dating Tegan, Kyle was with ex-girlfriend Imogen Anthony for eight years until they called it quits in 2019. Advertisement Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly made an incredibly rare public appearance with her eldest son Kai Dugan at the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in San Diego on Wednesday. The 51-year-old actress welcomed 24-year-old Kai during her romance with photographer David Dugan two years before meeting her husband Paul Bettany, 50, on the set of A Beautiful Mind. Jennifer, Kai, and Paul arrived together in style as they touched down on the red carpet on the famed USS Midway aircraft carrier. It was a special occasion for Jennifer who was no doubt delighted to finally attend the premiere after Top Gun Maverick - a sequel to the 1986 movie Top Gun - faced two years of delays owing to the Covid pandemic. In the danger zone! Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly made an incredibly rare public appearance with her eldest son Kai Dugan alongside husband Paul Bettany at the world premiere of Top Gun: Maverick in San Diego on Wednesday Connelly stunned in a golden Louis Vuitton turtleneck gown selected by her stylist Leslie Fremar. Hairstylist Renato Campora coiffed the Snowpiercer actress' signature side-parted raven locks for red carpet festivities. Make-up artist Lisa Storey brought out Jennifer's bushy brows and green eyes as well as applying her glossy pout. Connelly also made sure to pose with her onscreen leading man Tom Cruise, who ostentatiously arrived by a helicopter he piloted himself. Doting mother: Jennifer strolled arm in arm with her eldest child down the red carpet Need for speed: The 51-year-old former child star welcomed 24-year-old Kai during her romance with photographer David Dugan two years before meeting her husband Paul Bettany (R) on the set of A Beautiful Mind Throwback: Jennifer pictured with David Dugan on March 31, 1997 in New York City at the Inventing the Abbotts premiere Group shot: The trio happily posed for photos with one another as they braved the star-studded red carpet Golden girl! Connelly stunned in a golden Louis Vuitton turtleneck gown selected by her stylist Leslie Fremar Fierce after 50! Hairstylist Renato Campora coiffed the Snowpiercer actress' signature side-parted raven locks for red carpet festivities Beaming: Connelly was captured beaming proudly in her son's direction Stylish: Kai cut a stylish figure in a black leather jacket layered over a white button-up shirt and black trousers Reunited: Jennifer and Tom will be seen in action when Top Gun: Maverick is released in UK cinemas on May 25 and in US cinemas on May 27 The New York native plays single mother and bar owner Penelope 'Penny' Benjamin, who's dating flight instructor Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, in Joseph Kosinski's sequel to Tony Scott's 1986 classic Top Gun. Jennifer was shocked when the 59-year-old Oscar nominee changed their tarmac scene into a flying scene aboard a North American P-51 Mustang where they did 'some gentle rolls.' 'But it was really the most extraordinary experience. He's an incredible pilot and it was pretty magical getting to do that,' Connelly told ET on Tuesday. 'It was really fun and, again, just not something that comes up in my daily life, riding a [plane or a] motorcycle with Tom Cruise.' Ready for her close-up! Make-up artist Lisa Storey brought out Jennifer's bushy brows and green eyes as well as applying her glossy pout Man of the hour! Connelly also made sure to pose with her onscreen leading man Tom Cruise, who ostentatiously arrived by a helicopter he piloted himself 'Excited for tonight's @topgunmovie premiere!' The New York native plays single mother and bar owner Penelope 'Penny' Benjamin, who's dating flight instructor Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, in Joseph Kosinski's sequel to Tony Scott's 1986 classic Top Gun Jennifer was shocked when the 59-year-old Oscar nominee changed their tarmac scene into a flying scene aboard a North American P-51 Mustang where they did 'some gentle rolls' Hitting US/UK theaters May 27! Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's (L) $152M-budget action flick also features Miles Teller (2-L), Val Kilmer, Jon Hamm, and Ed Harris Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's $152M-budget action flick - hitting US/UK theaters May 27 - also features Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Jon Hamm, and Ed Harris. Meanwhile, Paul opted for no necktie with his classic black suit, white button-up, and glossy patent leather dress shoes selected by stylist Alicia Lombardini. Bettany - rocking a pair of dark shades - reportedly first had a crush on Connelly when she starred in Jim Henson's 1986 classic Labyrinth at age 15. The married couple of 19 years are proud parents of 18-year-old son Stellan and daughter Agnes, turning 11 on May 31. Gent: Meanwhile, Paul opted for no necktie with his classic black suit, white button-up, and glossy patent leather dress shoes selected by stylist Alicia Lombardini Still going strong! Bettany - rocking a pair of dark shades - reportedly first had a crush on the two-time SAG Award nominee when she starred in Jim Henson's 1986 classic Labyrinth at age 15 Bettany last made headlines when 2013 text messages he exchanged with his Tourist castmate Johnny Depp about his ex-wife Amber Heard became evidence in their defamation trial. Bettany and the 58-year-old Oscar nominee sarcastically plotted to 'drown' and 'burn' and 'f***' the 36-year-old actress' corpse to check if she's a 'witch.' 'It's directly from Monty Python in a sketch about burning witches and drowning witches,' Johnny defended on the stand on April 25. 'This is a film we had all watched when we were 10. It's just irreverent and abstract humor. That's what we were referring to in those texts.' Dragged into their legal war: Paul last made headlines when 2013 text messages he exchanged with his Tourist castmate Johnny Depp (L, pictured in 2015) about his ex-wife Amber Heard became evidence in their defamation trial Yikes! Bettany and the 58-year-old Oscar nominee sarcastically plotted to 'drown' and 'burn' and 'f***' the 36-year-old actress' corpse to check if she's a 'witch' Depp said Amber 'despised' the A Very British Scandal actor and recalled an incident on his private island in the Bahamas when she made Paul's son Stellan 'cry' during a heated argument. Career-wise, Bettany and Jeremy Pope just played the late pop artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in a new play called The Collaboration at the Young Vic Theatre in London. The talented twosome will reprise their roles for a big-screen adaptation of the 1984-set drama from director Kwame Kwei-Armah, which 'goes into production later this year' - according to Deadline. Curtain call on opening night! Career-wise, Bettany and Jeremy Pope just played the late pop artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in a new play called The Collaboration at the Young Vic Theatre in London (pictured February 23) Real Housewives of Melbourne star Venus Behbahani-Clark has shared a bizarre post defending conspiracy theorists as 'critical thinkers'. The human rights lawyer, who has been dubbed as Australia's 'catwoman' because of her feline features, unravelled her thoughts in an Instagram post on Thursday. 'Conspiracy Theorist. Nothing more than a derogatory title and label used to dismiss a crincal [sic] thinker & the most fundamental attack on #freedom is the attack on critical thinking skills, she ranted. 'Nothing more than a derogatory title': Real Housewives of Melbourne star Venus Behbahani-Clark (pictured) shared a bizarre post defending conspiracy theorists as 'critical thinkers' on Thursday She then offered a quote by Albert Einstein, who ironically battled many conspiracy theorists who questioned the idea of relativity during his career. 'It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer,' the quote read. She accompanied this with a close-up photo of herself staring wistfully into the distance. Hmm: 'Conspiracy Theorist. Nothing more than a derogatory title and label used to dismiss a crincal [sic] thinker & the most fundamental attack on #freedom is the attack on critical thinking skills, she ranted Pondering: She accompanied this with a close-up photo of herself staring wistfully into the distance Venus shot to fame in 2018 after she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Melbourne. Since leaving the franchise in 2020, the mother-of-three has continued to make headlines for her glamorous Instagram posts and cosmetically-enhanced look. Previously speaking to The Herald Sun, Venus said cosmetic procedures are the 'norm' for someone in their 30s and from her cultural background. What would Albert say? She also offered a quote by Albert Einstein, who ironically battled many conspiracy theorists who questioned the idea of relativity during his career 'Calling me plastic fantastic is not right, because I'm not plastic fantastic!' she said. Venus claimed her decision to have a rhinoplasty (nose job) was something the majority of Persian women, like herself, undergo. She added that her uncle, who is a plastic surgeon, gave her the nose job as a gift when she was aged 21. Unforgettable: Since leaving the franchise in 2020, the mother-of-three has continued to make headlines for her glamorous Instagram posts and cosmetically-enhanced look 'Calling me plastic fantastic is not right': Previously speaking to The Herald Sun, Venus said cosmetic procedures are the 'norm' for someone in their 30s and from her cultural background 'I don't even know why it's called plastic surgery, when it's your own features being enhanced or changed,' the cosmetics line founder explained. 'I had my breasts done after I breastfed children for four years... Rhinoplasty is something that 90 per cent of Persian women have had done.' She has also admitted to having Botox and facial fillers to achieve her remarkable appearance, which she enhances with makeup and contact lenses. Bella Hadid left little to the imagination in a set of cheeky snaps she posted to her Instagram on Wednesday. The model, 25, donned a gray gown with sheer fabric running down the sides and front of her skirt on the garment. She struck a number of poses including several which showed off her sideboob underneath a flowery bralette. Baring skin: Bella Hadid left little to the imagination in a set of cheeky snaps she posted to her Instagram Turning away from the camera revealed her strong, tanned back and also left the entire right side of her bottom completely uncovered by the dress. The sister of Gigi Hadid had her dark brown hair tied up in a bun atop her head with even more of it cascading down her back. She captioned the snaps, 'Oh yeah its 2004 @jeanpaulgaultier ...' Hadid's scantily clad photos shoot came just a few days after she stripped down following the Met Gala. Scant dress: The model, 25, donned a gray gown with sheer fabric running down the sides and front of her skirt on the garment Showing off her assets: She struck a number of poses including several which showed off her sideboob underneath a flowery bralette Feeling a breeze: Turning her back to the camera revealed her strong, tanned back and also left the entire right side of her bottom completely uncovered by the dress The supermodel commanded attention after trading her black Burberry corset for a revealing sheer lace dress that fully exposed her upper-body. With nipple pasties protecting her modesty, she somewhat inevitably caught the eye as she greeted onlookers outside New York City nightspot Zero Bond. She added to her latest look with a pair of black sheer stockings, while strappy heels rounded things off. Quite the train: Earlier that evening Bella enlisted three staffers to help carry her long train while leaving the Mark Hotel in Manhattan's Upper East Side Revealing: The model revealed substantial cleavage and cinched her already slim waist with a Burberry black corset wrapped with a black lace skirt and matching pantyhose Earlier that evening Bella enlisted three staffers to help carry her long train while leaving the Mark Hotel in Manhattan's Upper East Side for the gala at the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art. The model revealed substantial cleavage and cinched her already slim waist with a Burberry black corset wrapped with a black lace skirt and matching pantyhose. Make-up artist Nadia Tayeh fully contoured Bella's complexion for the Costume Institute benefit. Bella later posed with Burberry CCO Riccardo Tisci and his other Met muse, 10-time Grammy-nominated rapper Nicki Minaj. She then reunited with her big sister Gigi Hadid rocking a red PVC Versace catsuit and matching PVC boots while cinching her already tiny waist with a corset. Olympia Valance has confirmed she will be returning to Ramsay Street for the Neighbours finale after it was axed in February. The 29-year-old model played much-loved character Paige Smith in the series, leaving the beloved soap in 2018 after four years. The news comes just days after executive producers of Neighbours announced that two of the show's most famous stars, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, would share the screen on the iconic soap one last time. Exciting news! Olympia Valance has confirmed she will be returning to Ramsay Street for the Neighbours finale after it was axed in February Iconic character: The 29-year-old model played much-loved character Paige Smith in the series, leaving the beloved soap in 2018 after four years Announcing her planned return to Neighbours on Instagram, Olympia lovingly re-called her time on the show. 'Neighbours has always felt like home to me,' the dark-haired beauty told Greek publication Neos Kosmos. 'There is a reason why everyone refers to Neighbours as the best training ground in the world.' She said news of the show's cancellation in March, following the loss of its main UK broadcast partner Channel 5, left her extremely sad. 'It felt like home to me': Announcing her planned return to Neighbours on Instagram, Olympia lovingly re-called her time on the show Sisters: Olympia and Holly Valance (right) clown for the camera 'I feel like I grew up on Neighbours...its incredibly special to step back into the shoes of Paige as Australia farewells its most iconic television program,' she said. Olympia did not mention whether Holly Valance, her half-sister and fellow Neighbours alum, would be joining her in the finale. Holly, now 38, first appeared on Neighbours in 1999, and had a career as a successful pop star and actor after leaving the show in 2002. To return? Holly Valance seen here in her Neighbours heyday The sisters share the same father, Rajko Vukadinovic. Elsewhere in the interview Olympia, who is engaged to former AFL star Thomas Bellchambers, said that the couple would be spending their honeymoon in Greece after the couple marry later this year. Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison recently paid a touching tribute to Kylie and Jason and said they were excited about their grand return. 'Scott and Charlene are the ultimate Neighbours couple,' he said on Instagram. 'It would not feel right to end the show without them.' Iconic: The news comes just days after executive producers of Neighbours announced that two of the show's most famous stars, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, would share the screen on the iconic soap one last time The experience of filming the episode was an emotional one for the pair and also for the show's production team, he said. Two million Australians and almost 20 million viewers in Britain tuned in to watch Donovan's Scott Mitchell and Minogue's Charlene Robinson tie the knot in episode 523, aired in 1987. Details of the final episode - number 8,903, airing August 1, are tightly under wraps. General Hospital star Steve Burton announced he's separating from his expectant wife Sheree Gustin following a 23-year marriage, and said the unborn child she's pregnant with isn't his. The 51-year-old actor, who portrayed the role of Jason Morgan on the soap opera on-and-off from 1991-2021, made the shocking announcement in a post on his Instagram Stories page Wednesday. 'I wanted to clear something up,' Burton said. 'Sheree and I are separated. She recently announced that shes expecting her fourth child. The child is not mine. We are still co-parenting our three beautiful kids. We would appreciate privacy at this time. Much luv, Steve.' The latest: General Hospital star Steve Burton, 51, announced he's separating from his expectant wife Sheree Gustin, 45, following a 23-year marriage, and said he the child she's pregnant with isn't his. The former couple was seen in 2019 in Pasadena, California Gustin posted a shot of her baby bump on Instagram Stories this week, writing, 'Life sure is full of surprises!' Burton and Gustin were married in 1999. A magazine photo posted to the @marriedbiography Instagram page two years ago is captioned: Happy Anniversary Sheree Gustin and Steve Burton!!! Burton and Gustin, 45, wed in 1999 and are parents to daughters Makena, 18, and Brooklyn, seven; and son Jack, 16. It is not clear how long the couple has been separated. Gustin has not spoken out publicly about the separation. Burton earlier this week took to Instagram to share an image of himself enjoying time with his youngest daughter Brooklyn. He captioned the shot: 'Coffee time with the most beautiful girl. Have a great weekend.' On May 4, Gustin had posted a shot of her baby bump on Instagram Stories, captioning the pic (that was reposted on a General Hospital fan blog), 'Life sure is full of surprises!' As news spread on social media, many fans assumed the unborn child was baby number four for the couple. But Burton posted to his Instagram story later that same day with the surprise announcement that the baby was not his. The veteran soap star took to Instagram Stories with a message about his marriage Burton earlier this week took to Instagram as he enjoyed time with his youngest daughter Brooklyn Gustin, who is a fitness and nutrition professional, had not directly addressed the split on her Instagram page as of Wednesday evening. Her most recent post was on Monday, promoting her business. The most recent picture of Burton on Gustin's Instagram page was a Christmas Eve shot of the family. Prior to that, the estranged couple was seen with their youngest child in a Thanksgiving post November 25. The most recent images of Gustin on Burtons Instagram was an April of 2021 family vacation shot; and a shot the month prior in which the couple was posed together hugging. Celebrating this amazing woman today and every day! Happy Birthday @1shereeburton, he captioned the shot. The most recent shot of the actor on Gustin's Instagram page was a holiday-themed shot of the family posted on Christmas Eve The most recent image of Gustin on Burtons Instagram was an April of 2021 family vacation shot Burton made headlines last fall after he parted ways with General Hospital over his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccination shots. 'I wanted you to hear it from me personally,' Burton said in on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, General Hospital has let me go because of the vaccine mandate. I did apply for my medical and religious exemptions, and both of those were denied. Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me.' The two-time Daytime Emmy-winner added: 'I dont think anybody should lose their livelihood over this.' Burton said that he'd 'always be grateful for [his] time at General Hospital,' adding, 'I love it there, I grew up there ... so I'll always be grateful.' In a shot the month prior, the estranged couple was posed together hugging Gustin, who is a fitness and nutrition professional, had not directly addressed the split on her Instagram page as of Wednesday evening; her most recent post was on Monday, promoting her business Prior to that, the estranged couple was seen with their youngest child in a Thanksgiving post November 25 Gustin wished Burton a Happy Father's Day in this photo posted to Instagram last June Gustin and Burton are pictured here in a photo Gustin posted to her Instagram in September for their oldest daughter's birthday Following his departure from the stalwart ABC soap opera, Burton has been hired to work on the Days of Our Lives spinoff series Beyond Salem, which will air on Peacock. The show's head writer Ron Carlivati took to Twitter Friday in response to a Soap Opera Digest report of the addition, writing, 'Were BEYOND excited about this news!' Speaking with the outlet's podcast Dishing With Digest last week, Burton pointed to Days of Our Lives as his 'introduction to daytime,' as he appeared on the series in 1988 playing the character Harris Michaels. Gustin posted a pic of herself with Burton walking on the beach in August 2021: 'Throwback to last weeks morning ocean swim. Well, maybe it was just a quick dip. Can I tell you how much I love salt water tho? Do something out of your comfort zone today. Have a great day!' In August, the fitness professional posted a photo of herself doing a handstand on the beach with the caption: 'You might not be where you want to be, but youre not where you used to be' Gustin, who is a fitness and nutrition professional, had not directly addressed the split Gustin posted a photo of herself at the end of last summer encouraging others to 'take care of yourself and love your body' Burton said he 'was supposed to do ... like 10 episodes of Days and it turned into a lot more,' and that 'being on Days was just a new experience for' him. He continued: 'It was really exciting. It was over at Sunset Gower, which I had auditioned [at] hundreds of times. That was a time when, I dont want to say the heyday of soaps [but] I feel the late 80s and early 90s-to-mid-90s was a good time for soap operas. Gustin and Burton in a photo that dates back to more than 20 years ago, according to Gustin who posted the throwback pic on Instagram in 2020 Burton and Gustin were snapped at an event in LA in 1999, the year they wed 'My first real introduction to soap operas was Days of Our Lives. It was cool. Everybody was nice. It was fun. It wasnt easy. And I still couldnt act!' The veteran soap star also has appeared on The Young and the Restless from 2013 to 2017, as well as the 2007 spinoff General Hospital: Night Shift. Beyond Salem head writer Ron Carlivati confirmed Burton's hiring on the Peacock show Carrie Bickmore has revealed her daughter Adelaide is suffering from homesickness since their family moved to London. But the former host of The Project has worked out an ingenious hack for keeping the three-year-old form becoming too morose at leaving Australia behind, in a Thursday Instagram post. Bickmore, 41, revealed that play centres are the secret to her success, writing, 'Happy to report London play centres are just like Aussie play centres'. Struggling: Carrie Bickmore (right) has revealed her daughter Adelaide (left) is suffering from homesickness since their family moved to London The radio host continued, 'Wanted to do something easy and fun for Addie today because to be honest she is the one in the family that is struggling the most being on our adventure.' 'Away from her home (which due to lockdown she has spent a lot of her short life in) new smells, new people, different food, tubes, buses, flights, late nights, new beds, it's a lot for her and the result is lots of grizzling, tantrums, disrupted sleep and very clingy.' 'I know the special time we are getting together will be worth it for her but thought I'd share some of our realities of travelling with little ones.' 'I am cherishing the endless hours together that I never get at home and happy to spend my day in a ball pit,' Bickmore concluded. Secret: Bickmore, 41, revealed that play centres are the secret to her success, writing, 'Happy to report London play centres are just like Aussie play centres' Bickmore is now broadcasting her radio show from London after moving overseas with her family. And the popular presenter ditched the glamour as she hosted Hit Network's Carrie & Tommy Show this week. The mother-of-three was fresh-faced, wore a red hoodie and threw her trademark blonde tresses up in a bun for her work day. Radio star: Carrie Bickmore, 41, went makeup-free and broadcasted from London on Monday -after revealing she's 'settling into the UK' after leaving The Project for a family adventure A Hit Network microphone was placed on a desk in front of her and a sound mixer was behind the TV and radio star. It comes after Carrie said her family are 'settling into the UK' after their big move overseas together. Carrie stepped away as star presenter of The Project for the trip. On their way! In an Instagram post back in April, Carrie shared a picture of herself, partner Chris and their children loaded up at Melbourne airport, ready to fly out In an Instagram post back in April, Carrie shared a picture of herself, partner Chris and their children loaded up at Melbourne airport, ready to fly out. 'Our adventure is well underway can't wait to share what we've been up to over the past few weeks travelling,' the caption began. 'We've packed it in [visiting France, Switzerland and Austria] (perhaps too many stops for our little people!) and we've seen the most incredible places,' Carrie continued. Next steps: The long time Project presenter recently revealed she and her family are 'settling in to the UK now' - after a few stops along the way to the capital 'Settling in to the UK now,' she concluded, before dubbing the trip '#britmorefamilyadventure or the Chriswolds's family adventure as Chris calls it'. Carrie first revealed her grand plans with partner Chris Walker and their kids in March. 'In April I'm going to be taking a few months off The Project desk. Chris and I and the kids are heading off on a family adventure together.' 'We've been wanting to do it for a while but for lots of reasons the timing hasn't been right, but we figure it's never going to be the perfect time to go. Time away: Carrie first revealed her grand plans with partner Chris Walker and their kids in March. 'In April I'm going to be taking a few months off The Project desk. Chris and I and the kids are heading off on a family adventure together' Carrie explained 'It's something we really want to do before my son starts his final years at school so we're doing term two in the UK. So I will be off for a couple of months.' Carrie also said she had been inspired by The Project panellist Kate Langbroek, 56, who spent two years living in Bologna, Italy, with her family. Meanwhile Waleed Aly and Lisa Wilkinson were noticeably absent from The Project in the wake of Carrie's move, but have since returned. Married At First Sight groom Jackson Lonie has become the latest participant to get a smile makeover following his stint on this year's series of the Channel Nine series. Jackson, 31, took to his Instagram stories on Thursday to reveal he is in Melbourne visiting Vogue Dental Studios to get his teeth fixed. 'A few of you have been asking what I've been doing in Melbourne,' he said looking into his iPhone camera. Married At First Sight's Jackson Lonie, 31, (pictured) has become the latest groom from this year's series to get a dental makeover following his time on the Channel Nine dating show 'I'm actually here to get my teeth done at Vogue Studios with Dr. Dee, so sit tight and I'll show you the end result. He then shared a selfie of him flashing a shaka hand sign while he waited to have the surgery done wearing sunglasses with his 118,000 followers. The Central Coast based plumber is the latest star from this years season to rush to the dentist to have their smile restored. Stay tuned: 'I'm actually here to get my teeth done at Vogue Studios with Dr. Dee, so sit tight and I'll show you the end result,' he said Excited: He then shared a selfie of him flashing a shaka hand sign while he waited to have the surgery done wearing sunglasses with his 118,000 followers He joins Selin Mengu and intruder Matt Ridley who have both already visited the popular clinic for their makeovers. On Monday, Brent Vitiello announced he won't be joining his co-stars in getting porcelain veneers but instead straighten and fix 'what god gave him' by getting Invisalign. It comes after mother-of-one, Selin, 33, showed off her new smile during an appearance on the Today show alongside her co-star Al Perkins in March. Natural: On Monday, Brent Vitiello announced that he won't be joining his co-stars in getting porcelain veneers but instead straighten and fix 'what god gave him' by getting Invisalign She's glowing! It comes after mother-of-one, Selin Mengu, 33, showed off her new smile during an appearance on the Today show alongside her co-star Al Perkins in March. While Selin hasn't spoken of her makeover yet, it appears she has had both her upper and lower teeth replaced with porcelain veneers, which usually costs upwards of $48,000. Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, dentist-to-the-stars Dr. Duraisamy said it's 'always a privilege' to help his reality star patients at his Vogue Dental Studios practice in Melbourne. Jessika Power, Nick Furphy, Timm Hanly and Carlin Sterritt are just a few of the reality stars who have also undergone transformations with Dr. Dee. Married At First Sight bride Selina Chhaur has blasted her former TV husband Cody Bromley for admitting he didn't find her Asian features attractive. Cody, 30, famously blindsided Selina, 33, during an 'honesty week' challenge in which the couple had to truthfully answer hard-hitting questions about their relationship. The scene saw Cody reluctantly admit that he wasn't 'used to dating' Asian women and didn't initially find her look attractive - a confession that Selina claims left her feeling 'humiliated'. 'He made me feel like I was an alien': Married At First Sight bride Selina Chhaur, 33, (right) has blasted her former TV husband Cody Bromley, 30, (left) for admitting he didn't find her Asian features attractive 'For someone [like Cody] who's done a lot and immersed themselves in so much travelling, it blows my mind how I, a proud ethnic woman, am something [Cody's] not 'used' to?',' Selina told Pedestrian on Wednesday. 'It just blows my mind that there are still people out there who still think like that,' she lamented, adding: 'He made me feel like I was an alien.' Selina, whose parents are Chinese and Cambodian, said Cody's confession inspired her to stop adhering to Western beauty standards, including wearing blue contact lenses and bleaching her hair blonde. Ouch! Cody, 30, (left) famously blindsided Selina during an 'honesty week' challenge in which the couple had to truthfully answer hard-hitting questions about their relationship Upset: 'For someone [like Cody] who's done a lot and immersed themselves in so much travelling, it blows my mind how I, a proud ethnic woman, am something [Cody's] not 'used' to?',' Selina told Pedestrian on Wednesday 'I'm a proud ethnic woman and I feel so empowered I feel like I've re-birthed myself,' the hairdresser declared. As part of her 're-birth' Selina reverted back to her natural brunette locks last month, uploading a before-and-after video of her new look. The video showed Selina playing with her trademark balayage-dyed hair, before cutting to a shot of her much-darker brunette locks. Change: Selina, whose parents are Chinese and Cambodian, said Cody's confession inspired her to stop adhering to Western beauty standards, including wearing blue contact lenses and bleaching her hair blonde Before and after: As part of her 're-birth' Selina reverted back to her natural brunette locks last month, uploading a before-and-after video of her new look. The video showed Selina playing with her trademark balayage-dyed hair (left) before cutting to a shot of her much-darker brunette locks (right) Fans were bowled over by her transformation, with one commenting: 'Omg,. love your darker hair and natural eye colour!' 'Much better!!! Show off your natural beauty!' another added. Her transformation comes four months after Cody dumped Selina in the car on their way home from filming the MAFS reunion dinner party in January. The pair announced their split at the final debrief with the experts the next day. Byron Baes star Alex Reid has lifted the lid on his so-called 'feud' with co-star Jade Kevin Foster. Appearing on the Behind the Baes podcast this week, Alex suggested he and Jade are on good terms, heaping praise on the influencer for being the 'best talent' on the show. 'He's really funny and he's put himself out there as a character on the show,' Alex candidly said of the fake tan king. Truth: Byron Baes' Alex Reid (left) has revealed the TRUTH about his 'feud' with co-star Jade Kevin Foster (right) - after he accused the influencer of buying 'Turkish followers' on social media 'He is entertaining to watch and whether you like him or dislike him.' Alex said the Gold Coast glamazon's 'naivety' was charming to viewers. In particular, Alex mentioned when Jade didn't realise what 'coral bleaching' of the barrier reef meant on the series. Praise: 'He's really funny and he's put himself out there as a character on the show,' Alex candidly said of the fake tan king. 'He is entertaining to watch', Alex said of Jade (pictured) 'It's funny and it's very endearing to him,' Alex said. 'So I think he is actually quite entertaining as talent to watch on a show.' Alex had a number of memorable arguments with Jade on the show - especially about his social media accounts. Alex accused Jade of buying followers after allegedly discovering that 451,000 of his fans were from Turkey alone. Accusations: Alex (pictured) accused Jade of buying fake followers after claiming a whopping 451,000 of his fans were from Turkey alone, which he later disproved by sharing new insights Jade, who calls himself a top-tier influencer, later posted a screen-capture video later showing most of his followers were from Australia and New Zealand. Alex became suspicious of Jade's following right after they met on the show, which led him to do a deeper dive on Jade's account. While investigating, Alex claimed Jade had 451,000 followers from Turkey alone and more followers from Iran than he did from his own country. Claims: While investigating, Alex (pictured) claimed Jade had 451,000 followers from Turkey alone and more followers from Iran than he did from his own country Alex recently said that having a disproportionate number of followers from the Middle East or Southeast Asia is a tell-tale sign someone has bought followers. He told Mediaweek that bots are often bought from 'follow farms' in these regions in order to make an Instagram user look more popular than they actually are. 'These farms are groups of bots that like posts [and] don't do anything [else]. This makes it hard for brands who need to work out whether an influencer is creating fake engagement,' he said. Advertisement Miranda Kerr looked absolutely radiant as she arrived with husband Evan Spiegel at the Berggruen Prize Gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening. The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 39, strolled onto the event's red carpet in a gorgeous pink gown with a textured floral pattern. The Berggruen Prize is a $1M award given out annually on behalf of the Berggruen Institute to 'thinkers whose ideas have profoundly shaped human self-understanding and advancement in a rapidly changing world.' Power couple: Miranda Kerr looked absolutely radiant as she arrived with husband Evan Spiegel at the Berggruen Prize Gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening. The former Victoria's Secret Angel, 39, strolled onto the event's red carpet in a gorgeous pink gown with a textured floral pattern Miranda's stunning gown cinched at the waist and fell to her ankles which allowed her to show off her rhinestone heels. She carried belongings in a coordinating rhinestone clutch. The Australian model's brunette hair was parted to one side and styled in loose, voluminous curls that cascaded down her back and chest. Miranda accessorized with a pair of sparkly diamond stud earrings. Sparkling: Miranda's stunning gown cinched at the waist and fell to her ankles, which allowed her to show off her rhinestone heels Suave: She cozied up to her husband of five years, Evan, who looked suave in a classic black tuxedo with a black bow tie and white button-up shirt She cozied up to her husband of five years, Evan, who looked suave in a classic black tuxedo with a black bow tie and white button-up shirt. The Snap Inc. CEO, 31, completed his gala look with a pair of black patent leather shoes. The couple, who wed in 2017, were caught beaming at one another during their time on the red carpet. Miranda and Evan were joined at the gala by the likes of entrepreneur Wendi Murdoch and legendary supermodel Maye Musk. Floral: Wendi Murdoch stunned in a pale yellow semi-sheer dress covered in velvet floral appliques Elegant: Musk, 74, exuded elegance in a royal blue long sleeve dress and a pair of heels with pearl straps around the ankles and across the toes Decked out: The mother of SpaceX founder Elon Musk was decked out in a silver necklace and circular diamond earrings Politician: California Governor Gavin Newsom was also in attendance at Wednesday's gala and suited up for the occasion in a black suit with silk lapels. The Democratic politician posed for a photo with Nicolas Berggruen, who is the founder of the Berggruen Institute Murdoch, 53, stunned in a pale yellow semi-sheer dress covered in velvet floral appliques. It tied at the waist with a dark green ribbon and a nude slip dress was layered beneath it. Musk, 74, exuded elegance in a royal blue long sleeve dress and a pair of heels with pearl straps around the ankles and across the toes. The mother of SpaceX founder Elon Musk was decked out in a silver necklace and circular diamond earrings. Gather around! Gene Block, Nicolas Berggruen, Maye Musk and Mike Medavoy stopped to take a group photo before making their way into the gala Suited up: Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti looked spiffy in a grey striped suit styled with marigold tie and a crisp white dress shirt. Novelist Siri Hustvedt looked chic in a black blazer with large, silk lapels and a pair of matching trousers Attendees: Landon Ross, musician Jake Wesley Rogers and actor Julian Morris rounded out the evening's attendees, along with UCLA chancellor Gene Block and film producer Mike Medavoy California Governor Gavin Newsom was also in attendance at Wednesday's gala and suited up for the occasion in a black suit with silk lapels. The Democratic politician posed for a photo with Nicolas Berggruen, who is the founder of the Berggruen Institute. Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti looked spiffy in a grey striped suit styled with marigold tie and a crisp white dress shirt. Red carpet official? Pivoting actress Maggie Q stepped out with a mystery man who might be the 'partner who cares more about my health and wellbeing than even I do' whom she referred to in a People interview in March Engaged? The half-Vietnamese 42-year-old was wearing all diamond jewelry - including a curious sparkler on her left ring finger Lady in red! Maggie showcased her bronzed body in a red silk off-the-shoulder dress as well as a black clutch and peep-toe heels selected by stylist Lindsay Flores Novelist Siri Hustvedt looked chic in a black blazer with large, silk lapels and a pair of matching trousers. Landon Ross, musician Jake Wesley Rogers and actor Julian Morris rounded out the evening's attendees, along with UCLA chancellor Gene Block and film producer Mike Medavoy. The Berggruen Institute was founded by philanthropist Nicolas Berggruen back in 2016 and aims to engage 'great thinkers to develop and promote long-term answers to the biggest challenges of the 21st Century.' Pivoting actress Maggie Q stepped out with a mystery man who might be the 'partner who cares more about my health and wellbeing than even I do' whom she referred to in a People interview in March. The half-Vietnamese 42-year-old was wearing all diamond jewelry - including a curious sparkler on her left ring finger. Maggie showcased her bronzed body in a red silk off-the-shoulder dress as well as a black clutch and peep-toe heels selected by stylist Lindsay Flores. The Ministry of Health and Wellness informs the public that vaccination session at Riviere du Rempart Youth Centre will end at 12:30, tomorrow Thursday 05th May 2022 due to pest control. Vaccination session will resume on Friday 06th May 2022 at 09hr. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Emmy-nominated actress Jessica Biel and South African stunner Behati Prinsloo joined Ellen DeGeneres on her final Mother's Day episode, which airs Thursday afternoon. Jessica dished about how her famous husband of nine years - 10-time Grammy winner Justin Timberlake - threw her an 'amazing' 40th birthday party on March 3. 'He flew his band in and he performed for me,' Biel said of being his No. 1 fan. Airing Thursday afternoon! Emmy-nominated actress Jessica Biel (L) and South African stunner Behati Prinsloo (R) joined Ellen DeGeneres on her final Mother's Day episode 'He's my favorite. He performed all covers of songs that made up our time together. So, like, everything from Feist to Radiohead to Donnie Hathaway.' When the 64-year-old host asked which Radiohead song the 41-year-old R&B belter covered, the Pete the Cat actress replied: 'Maybe he did Nude? I mean, his voice on Radiohead is something else!' Jessica also gushed about the early musical talents of their seven-year-old son Silas Randall and 21-month-old son Phineas. 'Silas is interesting. His musical interest has always been orchestras, symphonies, movie scores, and also EDM. So it's a weird combo. He wants to be a DJ,' Biel explained. 'He flew his band in and he performed for me!' Jessica dished about how her famous husband of nine years - 10-time Grammy winner Justin Timberlake - threw her an 'amazing' 40th birthday party on March 3 Biel (pictured March 3) said of being his No. 1 fan: 'He's my favorite. He performed all covers of songs that made up our time together. So, like, everything from Feist to Radiohead to Donnie Hathaway' When the 64-year-old host asked which Radiohead song the 41-year-old R&B belter covered, the Pete the Cat actress replied: 'Maybe he did Nude? I mean, his voice on Radiohead is something else!' 'And Phinny is the one who has the guitar backwards jamming, drumming. I see musical abilities in both of them, but they're different. Oh man, [Phinny] won't put these instruments down. He is all day with the guitar and anything can be a drum stick, like, on anything.' The Kinderfarms co-founder was on the daytime talk show to promote her role as Texas housewife Candy Montgomery, who was accused of murdering her best friend with an axe in 1980, in the five-night event Candy premiering next Monday on Hulu. Jessica also executive produced Nick Antosca and Robin Veith's crime drama miniseries co-starring Melanie Lynskey, Pablo Schreiber, Timothy Simons, and Raul Esparza. Speaking of birthdays, Behati's famous husband - three-time Grammy winner Adam Levine - surprised her on the show with a bouquet while they discussed her upcoming 34th celebration on May 16. Christmas family portrait: Jessica also gushed about the early musical talents of their seven-year-old son Silas Randall and 21-month-old son Phineas Biel explained: 'Silas is interesting. His musical interest has always been orchestras, symphonies, movie scores, and also EDM. So it's a weird combo. He wants to be a DJ' The Kinderfarms co-founder (pictured March 3) continued: 'And Phinny is the one who has the guitar backwards jamming, drumming...He won't put these instruments down. He is all day with the guitar and anything can be a drum stick, like, on anything' 'Oh my god! You're so stupid. Hi! I'm shaking. What are you doing?' Prinsloo exclaimed. 'Oh my god, I knew it. I heard someone [in the audience] gasp and I was like, "Something is going to happen. I'm scared!"' The Women's Management Model added: 'You better sing for me too [on my birthday].' When the 43-year-old Maroon 5 frontman reassured 'I always sing for you,' Behati replied: 'That's true.' Premiering next Monday on Hulu! Jessica was on the daytime talk show to promote her role as Texas housewife Candy Montgomery, who was accused of murdering her best friend with an axe in 1980, in the five-night event Candy The married couple of seven years are proud parents of two daughters - Gio Grace, 4; and Dusty Rose, 5 - the last of whom Ellen named. Prinsloo advised the audience of first-time pregnant mothers to 'not overthink' their birth plans: 'Just take it one day at a time.' Adam and the 5ft11in beauty were also there to promote Calirosa Tequila since they are investors and brand ambassadors of the 10-month-old liquor brand. 'You better sing for me too!' Speaking of birthdays, Behati's famous husband - three-time Grammy winner Adam Levine - surprised her on the show with a bouquet while they discussed her upcoming 34th celebration on May 16 When the 43-year-old Maroon 5 frontman reassured 'I always sing for you,' Prinsloo replied: 'That's true' 'My whole heart, summer 2021': The married couple of seven years are proud parents of two daughters - Gio Grace, 4; and Dusty Rose, 5 - the last of whom Ellen named The Women's Management Model advised the audience of first-time pregnant mothers to 'not overthink' their birth plans: 'Just take it one day at a time' Boozy endeavor: Adam and Behati were also there to promote Calirosa Tequila since they are investors and brand ambassadors of the 10-month-old liquor brand During the episode, DeGeneres gave out $300 Visa cards and baby shower gifts as well as a trip to Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico. The 32-time Daytime Emmy winner's controversial talk show concludes on May 26 after 19 seasons. In 2020, Ellen was exposed by BuzzFeed News and Twitter to have tolerated a toxic workplace wherein her executive producers allegedly harassed former employees with racist comments and microaggressions. Bumpin': During the episode, DeGeneres gave out $300 Visa cards and baby shower gifts as well as a trip to Villa La Valencia Beach Resort and Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico Weeks away! The 32-time Daytime Emmy winner's controversial talk show concludes on May 26 after 19 seasons Jana Pittman enjoyed a relaxed outing with her teenage son Cornelis and one of her newborn twins in Sydney's Beecroft on Wednesday. The 39-year-old retired Olympic athlete happily trailed her son as he took control of the baby's pram after leaving a local cafe. A smiling Cornelis, 15, peered over his shoulder to chat to his mum, who had her mobile phone up against her ear. Stepping out: Jana Pittman enjoyed a relaxed outing with her teenage son Cornelis and one of her newborn twins in Sydney's Beecroft on Wednesday Although she appeared engrossed in her phone conversation, Jana smiled brightly at her son as she clutched a cup of takeaway coffee. The busy mum-of-six was dressed casually, stepping out in a pair of black leggings, which she paired with a long-sleeve black top. She rounded out her ensemble with a pair of tan brown flats, while her shoulder-length blonde hair was tied back in a low ponytail. Push it: The 39-year-old retired Olympic athlete happily trailed her son as he took control of the baby's pram after leaving a local cafe Back to black: The busy mum-of-six was dressed casually, stepping out in a pair of black leggings, which she paired with a long-sleeve black top The SAS Australia star appeared to have stepped out without any makeup on. They were joined by Jana's mother, Jackie, with the trio sitting at an outside table at the cafe. Jana welcomed twins Willow and Quinlan in March, and in addition to Cornelis, is also mum to son Charlie, 18 months, and daughters Emily, seven, and Jemima, five. Family outing: They were joined by Jana's mother, Jackie, with the trio sitting at an outside table at the cafe Keeping mum: Jana welcomed twins Willow and Quinlan in March, and in addition to Cornelis, is also mum to son Charlie, 18 months, and daughters Emily, seven, and Jemima, five In an interview with New Idea magazine in December, Jana - who now works as a doctor - said she chooses to spend any free time she has with her children. 'I love that my spare time is with my kids,' she said, adding that she finds it 'refreshing' to be with them. She admitted that while being a working mum-of-six comes with its challenges, she wouldn't change a thing. Downtime: In an interview with New Idea magazine in December, Jana - who now works as a doctor - said she chooses to spend any free time she has with her children 'Don't get me wrong, they yell and scream, and sometimes you feel like you're going to go bonkers, but most of the time they're just such a pleasure to be around - that youthful energy is just such a blessing,' she said. Jana announced the arrival of her twins with husband Paul Gatward on Instagram on March 25, revealing they'd come early. 'And now there are 6 Just a little announcement to let everyone know we will be offline for a little while as our beautiful twins arrived a little earlier than expected but we are all well,' she wrote at the time. She's splashed out over $250,000 on cosmetic procedures in the past in her quest to become a 'human Barbie doll'. And last month, Botched star Tara Jayne looked plastic fantastic as she ran errands in Melbourne while wearing a minuscule hot pink ensemble. The 33-year-old made sure all eyes were on her as she walked down the street, squeezing her surgically-enhanced chest into a tiny string bra for the outing. Barbie girl! Last month, Botched star Tara Jayne looked plastic fantastic as she ran errands in Melbourne while wearing a barely-there hot pink ensemble She also wore a pair of pink see-through trousers with her underwear visible underneath, completing the look with a pair of flat sandals. Tara had lashings of makeup on her striking features, including thick black eyeliner and a peach matte lip colour. Tara also styled her hair poker straight and parted at the centre. She appeared in a good mood as she strolled beside a bay of water, before sitting on a bench and texting a friend. Eye-popping display: The 33-year-old ensured all attention was on her as she walked down the street, squeezing her surgically-enhanced breasts into a tiny string bra for the outing Cheeky! She also wore a pair of pink see-through trousers with her underwear visible underneath, completing the outfit with a pair of flat sandals Tara weighs just 45kg (99lbs or 7st), and is banned from getting any more surgery in Australia due to her extreme look. Her past procedures include five breast augmentations, six nose jobs and endless rounds of Botox and filler. Last month, she confirmed she would be heading to Istanbul later in the year for another round of cosmetic procedures, despite being warned against it. Tara revealed her plans to have a face lift and breast augmentation surgery to further enhance her 37-inch bust. She's also planning on undergoing a controversial new surgical procedure that permanently changes eye colour. Sassy: Tara had lashings of makeup on her features, including thick black eyeliner and a peach matte lip colour Hot stuff: She appeared in a good mood as she strolled down the street, before sitting on a bench and texting a friend During this procedure, surgeons make a small incision in the cornea where they insert a silicone-based artificial iris. Most iris implants are available in a handful of stock colours, such as blue, green, brown and black. Tara said that as far as she's concerned, there's no limit when it comes to her plastic surgery procedures. While there were people out there who thought her look was 'extreme', she said she loved what she saw in the mirror each morning. 'But there's always improvements that can be made, which is why I'm heading to Turkey for another round of surgeries,' she added. Danger: Tara weighs just 45kg (99lbs or 7st), and is banned from getting any more surgery in Australia due to her extreme look Glam: Tara's past procedures include five breast augmentations, six nose jobs and endless rounds of Botox and filler 'With me, it's not a case of less is more. It's the more, the better. I'm not happy with my breasts. In my eyes, they're too small. 'That's why I want them enlarged from 1050cc to 1500cc. They will look great once that is done.' During her controversial appearance on Botched, surgeons Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow refused to give Tara larger breast implants. More: Tara confirmed last month that she would be heading to Istanbul later in the year for another round of cosmetic procedures, despite being warned against it Income: Tara recently joined adult subscription website OnlyFans to help fund her lifestyle and future cosmetic work during the Covid pandemic Both plastic surgeons said they wouldn't consider the operation until the Melbourne cosmetic nurse put on more weight - Tara currently weighs just 45 kilograms. 'I don't see it as an issue. But if they won't do it then I'll get it done somewhere else, which is what I'm going to do,' she said. She added: 'It is my body so it's my choice.' 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. She is one of the faces of underwear giant Victoria's Secret. And Kelly Gale flashed her lacy lingerie in a sheer white dress as she headed out for a romantic dinner with her fiance Joel Kinnaman at celebrity hotspot Craig's in West Hollywood on Wednesday evening. The supermodel, 26, and Suicide Squad star, 42, looked every inch the 'it couple' at the upmarket eatery, with Kelly stopping to sign autographs for fans. Sheer daring! Kelly Gale, 26, flashed her lacy bra in a see-through dress as she enjoyed a romantic dinner with fiance Joel Kinnaman at celebrity hotspot Craig's in West Hollywood on Wednesday evening The Swedish-Australian model slipped her slender figure into a semi-sheer frock teamed with a leather jacket. She accessorised with a white leather bag and knee-high boots. Stunning: The Swedish-Australian model slipped her slender figure into a semi-sheer white dress teamed with a leather jacket Meanwhile, Joel looked handsome in a pair of plaid trousers along with a maroon T-shirt and black leather jacket. He finished his look with a pair of lace-up leather sneakers. Kelly and Joel went public with their relationship in 2019, and they made their red carpet debut that same year. What a gentleman! Joel opened the car door for Kelly as they left the eatery The actor was previously in a long-term relationship with Olivia Munn that ultimately ended in 2014. The Altered Carbon star went on to tie the knot with tattoo artist Cleo Wattenstrom in 2015. The former couple eventually went their separate ways and divorced in 2018, although they remained friends following their split. Dapper: Joel looked handsome in a pair of plaid trousers along with a maroon T-shirt and black leather jacket Kelly and Joel became engaged earlier this year. The actor was notably seen popping the big question to his now-fiance in a snap that was shared to his Instagram account. He also wrote a humorous message in his post's caption that read: 'She said no. Jus kiddin...' Popular: The supermodel, 26, and Suicide Squad star, 42, looked every inch the 'it couple' at the upmarket eatery with Kelly stopping to sign autographs for fans At the time, Kelly posted snaps from the proposal on top of a clifftop in California as well as her sparkling engagement ring. She captioned the picture: 'Yours forever.' A host of Kelly's model friends, including Victoria's Secret models Victoria Lee and Jasmine Tookes, also flooded the comment section with their congratulations and well wishes. Hailey Bieber wowed her 43.8million Instagram followers on Wednesday by sharing a set of sizzling snapshot taken during the Met Gala afterparty in New York City. The wife of Justin Bieber, 25, posed up in a dazzling rhinestone bra and a pair of tiny black vinyl hot pants. She layered up the skimpy look with an oversized black tuxedo jacket which she let hang off her shoulders. Hailey's golden blonde hair was swept up into a bun and her eyes were hidden behind a pair of black designer shades. The first snap saw the model standing in front of a window with her thumb tucked into the waistband of her hot pants and her hand pressed up against the wall. In the second shot, Hailey seated herself atop a black lacquer table and stared off to the side. For her actual Met Gala appearance, the runway maven looked ethereal in a custom Yves Saint Laurent white gown with a feather trim coat, featuring a saucy thigh-high split. Strike a pose: The wife of Justin Bieber, 25, posed up in a dazzling rhinestone bra and a pair of tiny black vinyl hot pants. She'd donned the outfit to a Met Gala afterparty on Monday The blonde bombshell added further glamour to the look with a pair of black tights and sparkling Tiffany jewels. The star appeared to be going solo at the event, as she arrived without husband Justin Bieber, 28. The beauty looked to be in good spirits, after recently undergoing a procedure to fix a hole in her heart, following a 'mini-stroke.' Hailey finalized her look with a pair of strappy black and crystal heels. As for glam, she kept things to a minimal, sporting a light bronze eyeshadow and pink lipstick. Cleans up nice! Hailey attended Monday's Met Gala in New York City in a custom Yves Saint Laurent white gown with a feather trim coat Sleek: Meanwhile her blonde tresses were parted in the middle and pulled into a sleek bun Meanwhile her blonde tresses were parted in the middle and pulled into a sleek bun. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, also known as the Met Gala, is considered by many as the 'Super Bowl of celebrity red carpets.' Fashion's biggest night is traditionally held the first Monday in May to raise money for the Costume Institute in New York City, with last year's event moved to September due to the pandemic. This year's dress code was 'gilded glamour' to match the theme of 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion,' a continuation of last year's 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.' Hailey attended the annual event with the likes of her BFF Kendall Jenner and fellow catwalk queens Bella and Gigi Hadid. Health scare: The model recently opened up about her health scare last month in a candid video uploaded to her YouTube channel last week 'Mini-stroke': She explained that she suffered a 'mini-stroke' in early March The model recently opened up about her health scare last month in a candid video uploaded to her YouTube channel last week. She explained that she suffered a 'mini-stroke' in early March, while she was having breakfast with Justin. Hailey recalled feeling a 'weird sensation' in her right arm and numbness in her fingertips before she was admitted to hospital. The hospital confirmed that she suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), more commonly referred to as a mini-stroke. Hailey, who has a history of migraines, says she was told by doctors that the combination of her new birth control, a recent battle with COVID and traveling 'from Paris and back in a really short amount of time' likely caused the blood clot. At random: It occurred while she was having breakfast with husband Justin Bieber. Hailey recalled feeling a 'weird sensation' in her right arm and numbness in her fingertips before she was admitted to hospital; Justin and Hailey pictured in April While medical professionals were unable to determine how the blood clot had traveled to her brain, they believe that she had a small opening, known as a PFO, in the heart that usually closes after birth. Her PFO, which measured between 12 and 13 millimeters, was 'Grade 5' which is the 'highest grade' possible. The small hole measured between 12 and 13 millimeters. As she reflected on her diagnosis, Hailey said she was 'grateful' to know the cause and how the blood clot 'escaped' through the hole in heart to her brain. Upon her doctor's recommendation, she had to PFO closed and has since fully recovered. Madonna described watching Dave Chappelle getting attacked onstage by an armed man at the Hollywood Bowl 'disturbing for so many reasons.' After witnessing the terrifying moment an audience member tackled the comedian to the ground, the 63-year-old pop star broke her silence over the incident with her more than 18 million Instagram followers. 'Last Night was strange.And disturbing for so many reasons! The World is upside down,' she captioned a slideshow of herself backstage. Speaking up: Madonna described watching Dave Chappelle getting attacked onstage by an armed man at the Hollywood Bowl 'disturbing for so many reasons' In her first image, she can be seen biting into a red and white all access pass with 'Team Chappelle' on it while rocking a Balenciaga sweatshirt. For the occasion, she wore her blonde hair in boxer braids, rocked a sparkly manicure with stars and multiple diamond rings. Last night, a 23-year-old man was charged for storming on the stage with a knife and tackling Chappelle, 48, during his show. Unexpected: After witnessing the terrifying moment an audience member tackled the comedian to the ground, the 63-year-old pop star broke her silence over the incident with her more than 18 million Instagram followers A 23-year-old man was charged with trying to attack the comedian, 48, last night after storming on stage armed with a knife and tackling Chappelle at the Netflix is a Joke festival. Isaiah Lee is now being held in the LA County Sheriff's custody on a single felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. His bail has been set at $30,000. Lee's motive for the attack remains unclear. Police have not yet established where he lives, and if he attended the show alone. He stormed the stage while Chappelle joked that he'd had to increase his security in light of his trans jokes at the Netflix is a Joke festival. The attacker was armed with a gun that contained a hidden knife, according to the cops. It's unclear if he was searched on his way into the venue, or how he was able to gain access to the stage. Chappelle was uninjured and carried on with the show. Scary: Last night, a 23-year-old man was charged for storming on the stage with a knife and tackling Chappelle, 48, during his show; seen last month Lee was then tackled by security guards who appeared to break his arm in the melee. He is described as weighing 140lbs and is 5ft 11. It raises questions about security at the Netflix show, its first ever live comedy festival, which forced fans to put their phones away but failed to spot the weapon. Netflix has not yet addressed the incident. The venue said on its website that the show, which last night was titled Dave Chappelle and Friends, would be a 'phone-free experience' and that the audience would have to secure their phones inside pouches. After the attacker was detained, Chappelle thanked Foxx on stage during the curtain call. He said: 'Shout out to Jamie Foxx by the way. Whenever you're in trouble, Jamie Foxx will show up in a sheriff's hat.' Controversial: Over the years, Chappelle, 48, has faced backlash from the LGBTQ community for remarks made in his latest special Foxx replied: 'I thought that was part of the show, I didn't know what the f***...' Chappelle said: 'I grabbed the back of that n**** head. His hair was spongy. Absorbent.' Foxx added: 'Listen, I just want to say, this man is an absolute genius. We've got to make sure we protect him at all times. 'For every comedian who comes out here, this means everything. You're a genius. You're a legend, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and we're not going to let nothing happen to you.' Chappelle said: 'I've been doing this for 35 years. I just stomped a n**** backstage. I've always wanted to do that.' After the attack, Jimmy Carr shared a selfie taken with the fellow comedian and described his Los Angeles show as 'crazy'. He tweeted: 'The Hollywood Bowl show with the legendary Dave Chappelle was crazy. Just happy everyone's ok.' Chappelle came under fire last year over jokes about trans people in his Netflix comedy show The Closer. During the controversial special, he made one comment stating that 'gender is a fact', prompting Netflix staff to protest and mass outrage on social media against some of his jokes. He also shared his backing for JK Rowling, who has also attracted criticism for her remarks about biological sex. In the special, he stated that he does not hate transgender people, and tells a long anecdote about a trans woman comic, who he describes as a friend, who came to his defense in earlier entanglements with the community. Chapelle said he was open to meeting with the transgender community but they had to have watched his special beforehand Chappelle added: 'Every human being in this room, every human being on Earth, had to pass through the legs of a woman to be on Earth. That is a fact.' In the contentious special, Chappelle also joked that women today view transwomen the same way black people might view white women wearing blackface, and remarked that women are entitled to feel anger toward transwomen, since Caitlyn Jenner won Glamour magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year award. 'I'd be mad as sh*t if I was a woman,' Chappelle said. The star also joked about the anatomy of transwomen, joking that they lacked real female reproductive organs and that they did not have blood but 'beet juice'. The comments prompted calls for Netflix to take down the show, but boss Ted Sarandos told staff that 'content on screen doesn't translate to real-world harm'. Those who have criticized Chapelle's jokes have specifically cited the physical danger faced by the trans community as a result of anti-trans ideology. The attack comes weeks after Will Smith attacked Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, raising fears it would inspire similar violent protests against performers; seen in March, 2022 The attack comes weeks after Will Smith attacked Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars, raising fears it would inspire similar violent protests against performers. The actor slapped the comedian on stage after 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 Richard Williams, in the film King Richard. He used his speech to apologize to the Academy and he later posted an apology on Instagram. Rock has mostly kept quiet on the issue, speaking out only to say he was 'processing' what happened. The incident prompted members of the comedy community, including Jack Whitehall and Kathy Griffin, to voice their fears that performers are no longer safe on stage. The Netflix event is the streaming giant's first ever comedy festival and features performances from big name stars including Seth Rogen, Snoop Dogg, Bill Burr and Pete Davidson. Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness currently reside in the trendy West Village, a neighborhood in New York City. And on Wednesday, Hugh Jackman gave fans a sneak peek of his stunning home as he shared photos to Instagram of his Met Gala preparations. The X-Men star, 53, revealed his state-of-the art kitchen as he posed in his three-piece suit with tails. Sneak peek: Hugh Jackman gave fans a sneak peek at his stunning state-of-the art kitchen in the New York home he shares with wife Deborra-Lee Furness The stunning space includes a massive island bench, stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinet space. Hugh and Deborra-Lee moved to New York in 2008, and currently reside in the West Village. Last year, Hugh revealed he was homesick for Australia after a lengthy lockdown in New York City due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inside Hugh's home! The The X-Men star, 53, revealed his state-of-the art kitchen as he posed in his three-piece suit with tails before attending the Met Gala Deborra-Lee and the couple's children had initially been in Melbourne when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2019. But they returned to the U.S. just four days later in order to keep the family together. Hugh and Deborra-Lee were among the best dressed at the Met Gala in New York City on Monday. Home: Hugh and Deborra-Lee moved to New York in 2008, and currently reside in the West Village The couple looked incredible in Tom Ford as they stepped out on the red carpet after arriving to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In keeping with the 'gilded glamour' theme, Hugh looked dapper in a three-piece suit with tails, and Deborra-Lee, 66, turned heads in a figure-hugging black lace dress. Her glamorous frock featured a high neck, long sleeves and a layered cape. Sean Penn and Leila George spent their Wednesday night out to dinner at Carbone, an Italian-American restaurant in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan. The latest dinner date comes less than two weeks after their divorce was finalized, and nearly a month after Penn took the blame for their failed marriage and professed his love for George in an interview with Hollywood Authentic. Together again! Sean Penn, 61, and ex-wife Leila George, 30, ate dinner together at the celebrity hot spot Carbone in the Greenwich Village neighborhood in Downtown Manhattan on Wednesday George (born Leila George D'Onofrio), 30, led the way out of the restaurant, which has become a bot of a celebrity hot spot over the years, looking stylish in a black dress with white polka dots. With the afternoon warmth having given way to a slight evening chill, the actress covered up by wearing a blue jean jacket. She rounded out her overall look with a pair of black ankle boots, and her blonde tresses pulled into a ponytail, with the exception of some strands of hair that she left dangling around the frame of her face. With photographers snapping away as the navigated their way past parked cars, just outside the restaurant, Penn did his best to keep up with George. Casual-cool: George (born Leila George D'Onofrio), 30, led the way out of the restaurant in a black dress with white polka dots, as Penn followed in jean and a black jacket over a white tee On this night, the Oscar-winning actor and director, 61, kept it casual in the fashion department in blue denim jeans and a black jacket over a white t-shirt. He also wore white sneakers, while carrying a military-green coat, and had his dark brown hair cut short and styled back off his face, In recent times, Penn and George have given off the appearance of a happy couple with stops at other restaurants and while on walks together, oftentimes with his beloved pet pooch at parks in Los Angeles. Most times than not, they've been seen working side-by-side on projects related to Penn's non-profit CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), which lately has included trips to help in the Ukraine aid relief effort for those uprooted from their home country amid the Russian invasion and subsequent war. Penn and George started dating back in 2016, and eventually tied-the-knot in July 2020. They would separate about a year later, with George filing for divorce this past October. Making a difference: Despite their split as a romantic couple, the duo have continued their philanthropic work that includes his non-profit, CORE ; they are seen at the Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World in Inglewood, California in May 2021 Shedding light on their divorce, Penn admitted he 'f***ed up the marriage by being very neglectful,' in his conversation with Hollywood Authentic. He went on to elaborate that while he didn't cheat on her, he did allow himself 'to think that my place in so many other things was so important, and that included my place in being totally depressed and driven to alcohol and Ambien at 11 o'clock in the morning, by watching the news, by watching the Trump era, by watching it and just despairing,' Penn said. Basically, he went on to add that his diverted attention away from his wife, and on to the news of world around him, cost him his marriage, in hindsight. The AustralianAmerican actress is the daughter of Law & Order: Criminal Intent alum Vincent D'Onofrio and Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress Greta Scacchi, Jodie Comer stopped to sign autographs as she stepped out of the Harold Pinter Theatre after her performance in Prime Facie on Wednesday night. The actress, 29, had a security detail on hand as she greeted fans, who stood in an orderly fashion behind barriers, days after an overzealous fan tried to get under a shutter to get to her. As she stepped out of the theatre, she cut a casual figure in a floor-length black jacket and a pair of navy trainers while she wore a face mask. That's a little more civilised! Jodie Comer stopped to sign autographs for orderly as she stepped out of the Harold Pinter Theatre after her performance in Prime Facie on Wednesday night - after she was mobbed in previous days MOBBED! The Killing Eve star, 29, has always had the safety of barriers but things have calmed down a little since last week She tucked her golden tresses beneath a black baker boy cap and carried her essentials in a large black handbag. Jodie flaunted her fresh faced beauty as crowds of fans stood behind sturdy metal barriers while she stopped to sign autographs on the way to her car. Her eager fans appeared to have taken a step back on Wednesday after Jodie has been mobbed by huge crowds during her first week starring in Prima Facie. The Killing Eve star was joined by a security team as she stood in a clear path beside her excited fans, following what seemed to be another successful night of her one-woman show. Security: The actress, 29, had a security detail on hand as she greeted fans, who stood behind barriers, just days after an overzealous fan tried to get under a shutter to get to her Crowds: As she signed autographs, she cut a casual figure in a floor-length black jacket and a pair of navy trainers while she wore a face mask She looked relieved as she made it into her car after greeting fans outside the theatre in what has been a busy week for the actress. Jodie has not been short of support following her West End debut as photographs have showed huge crowds of fans waiting outside the theatre for her on multiple nights. It comes after Jodie reportedly found herself at the centre of a security scare last month after an overzealous fan allegedly tried to get under a shutter to the stage door at the theatre of her play. Elsewhere in Los Angeles, Dave Chappelle was attacked onstage by an armed man at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday. The man stormed on stage while Chappelle joked that he'd had to increase his security in light of his trans jokes. Chic: She tucked her golden tresses beneath a black baker boy cap and carried her essentials in a large black handbag Stepping out: Jodie flaunted her fresh faced beauty as a member of her security detail held the door open for her as she prepared to head home Isaiah Lee, 23, was charged with trying to attack the comedian, 48, after storming on stage armed with a knife and tackling Chappelle at the Netflix is a Joke festival. Chappelle was uninjured in the incident. And last month, it was reported that Jodie was whisked out of a separate door at the theatre after a man in a suit with flowers attempted to meet the star at her usual exit. According to The Sun, the man was exhibiting 'worrying' behaviour to security staff and it was said at the time that Jodie would no longer be meeting fans outside the Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End 'to protect Jodie as much as possible'. A fan told the publication: 'The crowd was mostly young girls, so this man was very out of place. He claimed to be from Hungary, but he spoke with a French accent. 'He was scrolling through images of Jodie on his phone. A few of the fans standing near him were worried by his behaviour, so they notified security staff.' Supporters: Crowds of fans stood behind sturdy grey barriers as Jodie stopped to sign autographs on the way to her car Heading home: She looked relieved as she made it into her car after greeting fans outside the theatre in what has been a busy week for the actress A source told MailOnline any security worries were settled after the CCTV was reviewed and the curbing of fan meetings is to reduce the chance of Covid infection. It came after Jodie was left fearing for her life after a French stalker threatened to kill her, before a man was arrested by police in France last August. There is no suggestion the man from last week's alleged incident is the same person. Jodie's new theatre venture sees her play idealistic young barrister Tessa, who specialises in defending rape suspects. Last week: Her eager fans appeared to have taken a step back after Jodie has been mobbed by crowds (pictured last Thursday) during her first week in Prima Facie Her character, who is described as 'thoroughbred', vilifies the victims until she is sexually assaulted and forced to go up against the system she had taken advantage of during her career. Prima Facie, directed by Justin Martin, was written by Australian-British lawyer turned playwright Suzie Miller. The Daily Mail's Patrick Marmion awarded Jodie's 'ferocious yet forensic performance' a strong four stars out of five. He wrote: 'Comer blows us away in a ferocious yet forensic performance that's related in a blizzard of quickly shifting perspectives. 'She gets us onside as the high-flying barrister with her native Liverpool accent and anti-Establishment attitude at one point tossing rubbish into the audience. Incident: It comes after Jodie reportedly found herself at the centre of a security scare last month after a fan allegedly tried to get under a shutter to the stage door at the theatre Scary: Elsewhere in Los Angeles, Dave Chappelle was attacked onstage by an armed man at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday 'But her abrupt disintegration into fevered, ashen-faced confusion is seriously distressing. Although her performance runs a stunning gamut from cocky joy to despair and humiliation, it's the subject matter that dominates the evening.' There are already rumours that Prima Facie could head to Broadway. The play will run at the Harold Pinter Theatre until June 18. James Bierman, the play's producer and general manager, told Deadline Prima Facie has the 'potential to be something' and revealed that he and the production would like to transfer to New York. James added that Jodie would also like to take the play to her hometown of Liverpool. He said: 'It would be amazing to take it to Liverpool, schedules permitting, and Broadway deserves to see the piece.' Role: Prima Facie is a one-woman show by Australian-British writer Suzie Miller in which Jodie plays idealistic young barrister Tessa, who specialises in defending rape suspects James confirmed he would like Prima Facie to have another limited season in London, where it has played in front of a packed crowd during an 11-date preview run. He added that the play 'feels like it can be a really powerful agent' when discussing how sexual assault victims are treated by the police and the courts. 'Every eight minutes a woman reports a rape in the UK,' he said, before pointing to the fact that just a fraction of those cases end up in a court. Once Jodie was cast as Tessa, a decision was made to give the character a working-class Liverpudlian voice. MailOnline has contacted Jodie's representatives for comment. Crown Princess Mary of Denmark stunned as she attended The Home Guard parade on Thursday. Hobart-born Mary, 50, looked elegant in a pleated dress as she arrived to the parade in Denmark's capital Copenhagen. She teamed her look with a pair of black stilettos and matching coloured gloves. Elegant: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark looked elegant in a blue pleated dress as she attended The Home Guard parade in Denmark Accessories: She wore a pair of black stilettos and matching coloured gloves Mary - born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson - had her brunette locks tied in a low ponytail and wore a neutral palette of makeup. Mary famously met her husband Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark by chance at Sydney pub the Slip Inn during the 2000 Olympics. After their encounter, Fred - who was in Australia to support Denmark's Olympic sailing team - asked Mary for her phone number and a romance blossomed. Beauty: Mary - born Mary Elizabeth Donaldson - had her brunette locks tied in a low ponytail and wore a neutral palette of makeup 'The first time we met we shook hands. I didn't know he was the prince of Denmark. Half an hour later someone came up to me and said, "Do you know who these people are"?' Mary revealed in an interview about meeting the heir to the Danish throne. They maintained a long-distance relationship for a year, with Frederik making secret trips Down Under before Mary moved to Denmark to study Danish language at Copenhagen's Studieskolen in 2001. In early 2003, Frederik's mother Queen Margrethe publicly acknowledged the relationship and the couple announced their engagement at Amalienborg Castle later that year on October 8. Making an appearance: Hobart-born Mary, 50, stunned as she she arrived to the parade in the country's capital Copenhagen Frederik and Mary married on May 14, 2004 at Copenhagen Cathedral, with the newly minted Crown Princess opting for a beautiful gown by Danish designer Uffer Frank and a veil first used by Crown Princess Margaret of Sweden in 1905. Their first child, Prince Christian Valdemar Henri John, was born October 15, 2005; Princess Isabella Henrietta Ingrid Margrethe followed on April 21, 2007. Almost four years later Mary and Frederik welcomed twins, Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda and Prince Vincent Frederik Minik Alexander at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen on January 8, 2011. He is currently in the States ahead of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend. And letting his hair down before he hits the racetrack, Lewis Hamilton enjoyed a night out at Cipriani's in New York on Tuesday. It was not a solo outing for the Mercedes racing driver, 37, as he was accompanied by two mystery girls who appeared very high-spirited in the presence of the F1 star. Unwinding: Lewis Hamilton partied with two mystery female companions during a New York night out at Cipriani's on Tuesday - ahead of this weekend's Miami Grand Prix The sportsman, who has recently spoken about his mission to improve diversity within his sport, kept things laidback for his night out in a black jacket, jumper and jeans. He also sported several chunky chains, wore his braids in an updo and considered his safety with a black facemask. Meanwhile, his companions cut gorgeous figures in their respective get-up. Night out: The Mercedes racing driver, 37, as was accompanied by girls who appeared very high-spirited in the presence of the F1 star The Big Apple: The F1 star let his hair down before hitting the racetrack in Miami this weekend Stunning: Lewis' companions cut gorgeous figures in their respective get-up Having fun: One girl donned a corset top teamed with beige leather trousers and a cropped coat Heading home: The other paired a green, buttoned up blazer with chic black boots and toted a shoulder bag One girl donned a corset top teamed with beige leather trousers and a cropped coat. The other paired a green, buttoned up blazer with chic black boots and toted a shoulder bag. The night out comes as Lewis says his 16-year Formula One career has been 'genuinely quite a lonely journey' as the Mercedes star spoke about the lack of diversity within the sport. Departure: Lewis kept things laidback for his night out in a black jacket, jumper and jeans The seven-time world champion, who is the only black driver in F1, appeared on Good Morning America on Monday in New York. It is F1's first visit to Miami and alongside speaking about F1's 'booming' popularity stateside, Lewis spoke about his mission to improve diversity within the sport with the Hamilton Commission, set up in 2020. 'It's been genuinely quite a lonely journey,' he said on the popular ABC show. 'Me and my family were the only black family. I've been racing 29 years, I'm 37 now. But I've been professional for 16 years and always most often being the only person of colour in the room. 'And when I asked the question there was no real great feedback answer to that question so I put together the Hamilton Commission because it starts with education and understanding.' Emma Corrin was a far departure from her Crown days with pastel pink hair and a baggy red outfit while filming for new series Retreat in New York on Wednesday. The star, 26, who gained popularity after playing Princess Diana in season four of the hit Netflix show, will now star in FX's upcoming murder mystery. She will portray Darby Hart, a Gen Z sleuth who takes on the role of makeshift detective as a guest at a retreat is found dead. Transformation: Emma Corrin, 26, was a far departure from her Crown days with pastel pink hair and a baggy red outfit while filming for new series Retreat in New York on Wednesday Royal background: Emma's role in Retreat is a far cry from her look as Princess Diana in hit Netflix series The Crown Emma's character - pictured in a slouchy hoodie and headphones around the neck - will rush to solve the crime before the killer strikes again, Deadline reports. The outlet added that the series comes from The OA creators Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. New snaps show Emma, surrounded by books in moody, elusive lighting as the character Darby sits at a desk. Action! The star, who gained popularity after playing Princess Diana in season four of the hit Netflix show, will now star in FX's upcoming murder mystery A release date has yet to be confirmed. The star was recently spotted at the Met Gala in New York, rocking an androgynous look in a dramatic top hat, paired with a clashing print waistcoat. Emma's dress featured a structured black body and a tweed blazer detail, teamed with white woollen tights. Murder mystery: Emma's character - pictured in a slouchy hoodie and headphones around the neck - will rush to solve the crime before the killer strikes again The ensemble was completed with pointed black shoes as the performer sported a minimal palette of make-up. It comes after Emma recently discussed coming out as queer in an ITV interview. She said: 'My journey has been a long one and has still got a long way to go. I think we are so used to defining ourselves... 'That's the way society works within these binaries and it's taken me a long time to realise that I exist somewhere in between and I'm still not sure where that is yet...' In a New York Times article last year, Emma also discussed identifying as nonbinary and lists using she/they pronouns on Instagram. Last year the star was pictured shooting for LGBT period drama My Policeman with Harry Styles, 27. The pair play husband and wife, as Harry's character Tom Burgess continues a long-term affair with another man, toppled by societal pressures across the decades. The movie is set in 1950s Brighton and is based on Bethan Roberts' novel of the same name, focusing on police officer Tom, who is gay, but married to Marion (Emma). It follows Harry's character as he goes on to have a decades-long affair with museum curator Patrick Hazelwood, played by David Dawson. He's the dashing star of Fifty Shades Of Grey. But Jamie Dornan risked scaring off his future wife, Amelia Warner, by wearing a Christmas jumper on their first date. The actor, 40, donned the chunky knitwear even though it was in sunny Los Angeles in February. Oh no! He's the dashing star of Fifty Shades Of Grey, but Jamie Dornan risked scaring off his future wife, Amelia Warner, by wearing a Christmas jumper on their first date 'I was worried that she wouldn't remember me,' the actor explains. 'I felt I should make myself memorable. 'And I still remember seeing her reaction when she opened the door. I could tell she got the point of me and liked me, even though she probably thought I was a bit weird.' Inside joke: 'I was worried that she wouldn't remember me,' the actor, 40, explains (pictured last month) It comes after last month Jamie took to Instagram to share a rare family photo to celebrate International Women's Day. The star posted a snap of his loved ones - wife Amelia, 39, and their three daughters Dulcie, eight, Elva, six, and Alberta, three - as they crossed the road. He captioned his post: 'I'm nothing but a pile of dust without this crew. #internatinalwomensday.' Power of love: It comes after last month Jamie took to Instagram to share a rare family photo to celebrate International Women's Day In the picture, Jamie's daughters can be seen walking hand-in-hand with their mother as they cross the road in sunny California. The clan are seen in casual attire as Amelia leads the way in the private moment. Belfast star Jamie and Amelia tied the knot back in 2009 and they keep their family life mostly quiet. During a recent episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jamie joked he's been in a 'perpetual state of drag' all of his life thanks to growing up with two sisters and only having daughters. Private: Belfast star Jamie and Amelia tied the knot back in 2009 and they keep their family life mostly quiet (pictured in February) The star appeared to be a bit stunned and taken aback by all the applause he received when he made his entrance in front of the live studio audience. The host assured him that all the adoration was due to his performance in Belfast, which got rave reviews and Oscar buzz. The film, which also stars Outlander actress Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds, Colin Morgan and Jude Hill, among others, is a semi-biographical story of writer and director Kenneth Branagh's upbringing amid The Troubles in Belfast in the 1960s. 'It's so well done,' Ellen several times over, in reference to the black-and-white film that has already won a People's Choice Award at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival; and received seven Golden Globe nominations, winning for Best Screenplay, among other accolades. 'The movie is getting Oscar buzz; you're getting Oscar buzz, so it's really great. It's really beautifully done,' DeGeneres says in support of the film, which got a nod of appreciation from Jamie. He went on to share that he 'takes some sort of comfort' that his father knew he was making Belfast before his death from COVID-19. 'I think in some way he's having some control of the love we're getting for it,' the former Fifty Shades of Grey star said, adding, that his dad 'was so happy that I was working with Judi Dench, the legend, Dame Judi Dench, who plays my mother in this'. Advertisement Kristen Stewart, Vanessa Paradis and Tilda Swinton led the glamorous guests attending the Chanel Cruise 2023 Collection show on the beach in Monte Carlo, Monaco on Thursday. It came as no surprise to see the pair as Kristen, 32, has been an ambassador for the French fashion house since 2013, while Vanessa, 49, has been partnered with the brand since 1990. Putting on a leggy display in a sequinned mini dress, Kristen wowed in a glittering Chanel mini dress that showcased her incredible figure. Stunning: Kristen Stewart , Vanessa Paradis and Tilda Swinton led the glamorous guests attending the Chanel Cruise 2023 Collection show on the beach in Monte Carlo, Monaco on Thursday The sequinned mini featured a scooped neckline and thigh-grazing hem that offered a glimpse of her stocking-clad pins. A pair of black platform heels gave her frame a boost, while she kept her accessories to a minimum with no jewellery bar her engagement ring. Kristen completed the look by slicking her glossy blonde locks into a high ponytail and modelling a dramatic smokey eyeshadow. Vanessa also looked sensational as she paired a plain white T-shirt and jeans with a pink Chanel jacket in the brand's signature boucle print. Blonde bombshell: Kristen completed the look by slicking her glossy blonde locks into a high ponytail and modelling a dramatic smokey eyeshadow Leggy lady! The actress, 32, wowed in a glittering mini dress by the fashion house that showcased her incredible figure Low-key glamour: Vanessa also looked sensational as she paired a plain white T-shirt and jeans with a pink Chanel jacket in the brand's signature boucle print And Tilda, 61, looked effortlessly chic in a navy Chanel floral print gown, which she teamed with black sandals embellished with an extravagant black flower. The Doctor Strange star kept her accessories simple with a delicate gold pendant and styled her platinum blonde locks swept back, while her fringe framed her face. She bolstered her striking features with a light dusting of make-up and a slick of bold rouge lipstick as she struck a series of poses for the glamorous shots. Kristen's outing comes after it was revealed she will star as the girlfriend of a female bodybuilder in a romantic thriller called Love Lies Bleeding. The movie will take place in the bodybuilding milieu with Kristen as one of the leads, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Blooming lovely: Tilda Swinton looked stylish in a navy floral gown paired with embellished black sandals Blonde beauty: Tilda kept her accessories simple as she donned a delicate gold pendant Looking good: She bolstered her striking features with a light dusting of make-up and a slick of bold rouge lipstick as she struck a series of poses for the glamorous shots Insiders say the movie, which is backed by by A24 and Film 4, will pull the curtain back on how driven one has to be to make it as a bodybuilder. Kristen's co-star has not yet been cast but the filmmakers have begun looking for a suitable actress who will be authentic to the role. Love Lies Bleeding will be directed by Rose Glass, who made her feature film debut in 2019 with the psychological horror movie Saint Maud, another A24 project. Saint Maud stars Morfydd Clark as a devoutly Catholic hospice nurse who develops a fixation on saving the soul of a dying atheist patient. Double denim darling: Charlotte Casiraghi was a vision in a pair of quilted jeans that she paired with a matching blazer and small boxy handbag Two's company: Charlotte posed for snaps alongside Khadja Nin who dazzled in bold purple and gold prints Terrific trio: Delphine Pastor kept things casual in a little black dress and sandals, Pauline Ducruet opted for bleached flared jeans and a plain white T-shirt and Tatiana Santo Domingo rocked a scarlet boucle jacket Delightful duo: Caroline of Hanover looked in good spirits as she posed for snaps alongside Carole Bouquet Here come the boys: Abd Al Malik paired a grey cardigan with a Chanel bucket hat while G-Dragon injected some colour into his ensemble with a periwinkle blue cardigan with a pink trim The new role follows on from her Oscar nomination for playing Princess Diana in the biopic Spencer. She lost out on the Best Actress gong to Jessica Chastain, who was nominated for her role as the late televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye. Spencer follows Diana through a fateful Christmas at Sandringham where she realizes her marriage to Prince Charles is beyond repair. Get in formation: The models stormed the runway which was set up on the beach The cast of Gogglebox Australia have mocked the emotional contestants on Lego Masters. During Monday's episode of the show, Ryan 'The Brickman' McNaught broke down in tears as he revealed Branko and Max were eliminated. The other contestants on the brick building competition than became emotional as the father and son duo left the show. 'It's only Lego!' The cast of Gogglebox Australia mocked the overly emotional contestants on the latest season of Lego Masters during Thursday ngiht's finale 'Why's he crying? What's the big deal? It's only freaking Lego!' Anastasia Katselas yelled. Milo and Nic were just as bemused, adding: 'Oh, there's tears everywhere. There's a genuine waterfall. I didn't know Lego was so emotional.' 'Oh, how weird is this? I'm sorry. It's not even a final! It's just a random elimination,' added The Delpechitra family. Out: During Monday's episode of the show, Ryan 'The Brickman' McNaught broke down in tears as he revealed Branko and Max were eliminated This season of Lego Masters is proving to be a hit. Two weeks ago, the show sensationally toppled MasterChef Australia in the ratings, pulling in 511,000 metro viewers. The figure put it ahead of Channel Ten's cooking show, which managed to draw in 442,000 viewers. Going home: The other contestants on the brick building competition than became emotional as the father and son duo left the show Channel Nine previously gave fans a glimpse inside the show's Brick Pit. It contains 3million LEGO pieces and almost every piece is arranged by colour. There are 60 different shades to choose from, and it took a team of 122 people and 1,098 hours to organise the room. Lauren Silverman wants her wedding to be a 'small and intimate' affair when she ties the knot with Simon Cowell next month. Although the couple are not short of Hollywood pals and have the funds to throw an over-the-top soiree, Lauren has told friends that she has no desire to throw an outlandish party. Sources told MailOnline that the 44-year-old socialite is keen to restrict the guest list to just family and close friends, and limit the number of celebrities involved in the ceremony. Exclusive: Lauren Silverman, 44, has shunned a huge A-list wedding in favour of a 'small and intimate' ceremony with Simon Cowell, 62, when they tie the knot next month A source close to the pair revealed that Simon's ex Sinitta had been keen to get involved in the big day, but Lauren was quick to tell her no. Simon, 62, proposed to Lauren on Christmas Eve in Barbados with their son Eric, eight, present, and it was previously claimed that the couple are keen to have the youngster 'front and centre' at the ceremony. Despite his previous staunch vows to never walk up the aisle, an insider previously claimed the past two years - in which the global pandemic hit and the star broke his back - made Simon change his stance. Intimate: Sources told MailOnline that the 44-year-old socialite is keen to restrict the guest list to just family and close friends (pictured in November) A source told People: 'They have fun together, as well as being each other's rock. 'They are both passionate but really do bring out the very best in each other. As a family, they all have such an incredible bond. 'A lot of things have happened in the last few years and just like for everyone else in the world, these things have all been a reminder about what is precious to them. Simon previously admitted that he can't see himself ever dating again as he opened up on changing his mind about marriage after falling in love with Lauren. He said he decided to propose to his long-time girlfriend in January after feeling like they were already engaged while living together during lockdown. Former flame: A source close to the pair revealed that Simon's ex Sinitta had been keen to get involved in the big day, but Lauren was quick to tell her no (pictured in 2013) He described the Covid-19 pandemic as a 'make or break' moment for relationships and said lockdown helped him and Lauren to grow closer and realise how much they get on. Simon, who has never been married, admitted that he can't see himself dating ever again as he leaves his bachelor lifestyle behind to tie the knot with Lauren. He told The Sun: 'I also just couldn't see myself ever dating anyone again. The idea of going out on a first date now is too weird.' Despite previously insisting that he 'didn't believe' in marriage, the father-of-one has reassessed his views after falling in love with Lauren. The Britain's Got Talent judge revealed another reason he decided to propose was because he felt it was the right thing to do for their son Eric. 'For Eric, as he gets older, he will be asked more and more about his parents, and I thought it was the right thing to do for him,' he added. American socialite Lauren also has son Adam, 16, from her previous relationship with businessman Andrew Silverman. Emma Stone cut an elegant figure in a grey suit as she arrived at the screening of her new short film Bleat in Athens, Greece, on Thursday. The actress, 33, looked sensational in straight leg trousers and a wrap-around oversized jacket as she stepped out at the Greek National Opera. She completed her stylish ensemble with a pair of silver stilettos and kept her accessories simple with two dainty gold necklaces. Gorgeous: Emma Stone cut an elegant figure in a grey suit as she arrived at a screening of her new short film Bleat in Athens, Greece, on Thursday Emma accentuated her gorgeous features with a touch of eyeliner and a slick of pink lipstick. She styled her rouge tresses in loose waves and later took to the stage to speak to the crowds at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center following the screening. The Cruella star is currently in Athens ahead of Friday's premiere of her short black-and-white film Bleat. She shot Bleat in February 2020 but it is set to premiere on May 6 in Kallithea, Greece. Glamorous: The actress, 33, looked sensational in straight leg trousers and a wrap-around oversized jacket as she stepped out at the Greek National Opera Elegant: She completed her stylish ensemble with a pair of silver stilettos and kept her accessories simple with two dainty gold necklaces It was filmed on the Greek island of Tinos and Emma has once again teamed up with The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos for the project. It also stars French actor Damien Bonnard. The actress previously collaborated with Lanthimos in the much-lauded feature The Favourite, and she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on the film. The short film will be screened at the National Greek Opera on Friday where the film's soundtrack will be performed live inside the Stavros Niarchos Hall during the screenings. Emma is also currently preparing for the release of the forthcoming movie Poor Things, in which she is set to star. The project is based on Alasdair Gray's novel of the same name, which was originally published in 1992. Chic: Emma accentuated her gorgeous features with a touch of eyeliner and a slick of pink lipstick while she styled her rouge tresses in loose waves Good spirits: Emma flashed a huge grin as she appeared on stage during a press conference after the screening of Bleat The upcoming movie is centered on a woman named Belle Baxter, who drowns herself and has her brain replaced with that of her unborn child by her father. The La La Land star's involvement with the project was initially announced in March of last year. Willem Dafoe is currently set to portray Dr. Godwin Baxter in the forthcoming movie. Other cast members include Mark Ruffalo, Jerrod Carmichael and Margaret Qualley. Elsewhere, Emma has been enjoying motherhood welcoming her first child, a daughter named Louise Jean McCary, with her husband Dave McCary last year. New venture: The Cruella star is currently in Athens ahead of the Friday premiere of her short black-and-white film Bleat Pals: It was filmed on the Greek island of Tinos and Emma has once again teamed up with The Favourite director Yorgos Lanthimos (both pictured) for the project Not the first time: The actress previously collaborated with Lanthimos in the much-lauded feature The Favourite, and she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work on the film Job: Emma took to the stage to speak to the crowds at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center following the screening The Arizona-born actress began dating McCary in June of 2017, and they revealed they were engaged in December 2019 via social media. They delayed having a large wedding last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pair was seen later in the year wearing wedding bands. A source confirmed to People that the couple had tied the knot in 2020. The Easy A actress gave insight into her life as a mother during an interview last year on Lorraine. Interviewer Mark Heyes told Emma: 'How has lockdown been for you? You're now a mummy which is amazing.' Emma's pregnancy was confirmed back in January when a source told E! News: 'Emma is pregnant and just loves married life!' Project: The short film will be screened at the National Greek Opera on Friday where the film's soundtrack will be performed live inside the Stavros Niarchos Hall during the screenings Duo: Emma was seen taking to the stage alongside director Yorgos Lanthimos after the screening of Bleat at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre All smiles: Emma flashed a massive smile as she arrived at the venue alongside Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos According to TMZ, who have obtained a 'copy of the birth certificate', the star chose the name, Louise Jean McCary, as a sweet tribute to her grandmother, who is called Jean Louise. 'Having a baby has brought them closer in a way they never expected,' an insider close to the couple told Us Weekly last year. The actress 'has been at home with her husband and the baby,' and has remained 'very low-key and has asked people to just respect their privacy during this time.' Dave has remained 'hands-on and helping with their daughter' since they welcomed the child in Los Angeles March 20, as the Oscar-winning La La Land actress has been 'soaking in all the precious moments of being a mom for the first time.' Eva Mendes is back on Instagram. The 48-year-old Training Day actress made her first post in three months on Thursday morning as she shared a paid partnership to promote kitchen sponges. This comes after the partner of 41-year-old Ryan Gosling said she took time off from social media to be with their two kids, Esmerelda, seven, and Amada, five. Clean life: Eva Mendes is back on Instagram. The 48-year-old Training Day actress made her first post in three months on Thursday morning as she shared a paid partnership to promote kitchen sponges A fashion star: Mendes looked sensational in a floral print dress and matching coat with gold platform heels and with her hair nicely highlighted Mendes looked sensational in a pink, yellow and red floral print dress and matching coat with gold platform heels. Her hair was nicely highlighted as she added hoop earrings. The Hitch star was carrying several wrapped kitchen sponges as she walked down a city street. 'Hola! Its been a while, no?!' began her note. 'What have I been doing? DISHES! Lots of dishes! Luckily for me, I find doing the dishes oddly exciting. 'I was shocked when I learned that the average sponge is dirtier than your toilet! WTF?! Awkward but cute: The Hitch star was carrying several kitchen sponges as she walked down a city street. 'Hola! Its been a while, no?!' began her note Um, TMI? 'What have I been doing? DISHES! Lots of dishes! Luckily for me, I find doing the dishes oddly exciting. 'I was shocked when I learned that the average sponge is dirtier than your toilet! WTF?!' 'So, I went on a sponge hunt. Long story short - I found smart sponges and I went from obsessed customer to a partner in this innovative female owned business. I hope you love this revolutionary sponge as much as I do! 'More to come! Besos!' The company said on Instagram, 'Thats right you heard it! We found our long lost sponge soulmate! We are so excited to officially announce @evamendes as our new partner and co-owner here at Skura Style!' Mendes has not been posting on social media since February when she seemed to get upset over claims she had Botox. When pressed, she explained she did not have time for social media: 'Im posting less because I really want to be present for my family. My little ones need me and posting takes up too much time. Domestic goddess: 'So, I went on a sponge hunt. Long story short - I found smart sponges and I went from obsessed customer to a partner in this innovative female owned business,' she noted I need a break y'all: This comes after the partner of 41-year-old Ryan Gosling said she took time off from social media to be with their two kids, Esmerelda, seven, and Amada, five 'As far as getting work done, Ill do that whenever I please. But no, thats not the reason. The reason is I personally cannot juggle family and social media.' She was last seen in London two months ago with Gosling. Ryan, 41, has been filming the Barbie live-action film in the English capital. Eva looked after their daughters. The duo began dating in September 2011 after working together on the film The Place Beyond The Pines. Ryan and Eva were friends for a 'long time' prior to their romantic relationship. At the time, a source told Us Weekly that there has 'always been this strong chemistry between them.. this was just a matter of time!' Done with socials: Mendes last posted on social media since February when she seemed to get upset over claims she had Botox. When pressed, she explained she did not have time for social media: 'Im posting less because I really want to be present for my family' In early September 2011, the duo were spotted packing on the PDA during a date night to Disneyland in Anaheim. By the following September, the genetically blessed couple made their red carpet debut at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of The Place Beyond The Pines. In September 2014, Eva and Ryan welcomed their first child together, Esmeralda Amada, now six. They welcomed their second child, daughter Amada Lee, now five, in April 2016. In December 2015, Ryan was asked what he seeks in a woman, to which he sweetly answered: 'I know that I'm with the person I'm supposed to be with... that she's Eva Mendes. There's nothing else I'm looking for,' during an interview with Hello magazine. Her love: Eva and Ryan began dating in September 2011 after working together on the film The Place Beyond The Pines. Seen in 2017 In April 2019, Eva revealed that she didn't want kids before meeting Ryan, revealing to Women's Health: 'Ryan Gosling happened. I mean, falling in love with him. Then it made sense for me to have... not kids, but his kids. It was very specific to him.' The Hitch star further elaborated in October 2020 when speaking to radio station Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa: 'I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby.' Adding: 'I think I was 42 for the second one, so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I change my focus to my family.' Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have paid tribute to David Johnson, who has been credited with launching their careers, after his sudden death. Actors including Corrie's Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) and Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor,) took to social media on Wednesday to pay their respects to 'star-maker' David, who founded Oldham Theatre Workshop in 1968 and who went on to launch the careers of many soap stars. David, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019, tragically died on May 4 but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Sadness: Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars, including Samia Longchambon, have paid tribute to David Johnson has been credited with kickstarting their careers, after his death Tragic: David, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019, died on May 4 but the cause of his death has not yet been revealed (stock image) Since the news of his passing, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars praised him for his 'influence' and for helping them to kickstart their careers with his drama classes. A spokesperson for Coronation Street said: 'Everyone at Coronation Street was saddened to hear of the passing of David Johnson. He was truly a remarkable man and incredible teacher. 'He kick started the careers of scores of actors who have walked on the cobbles. Coronation Street owes him a huge debt of gratitude. His legacy will live on in all the hugely talented actors who learned so much from him over the past five decades.' Antony Cotton tweeted: 'Just heard the saddest news. David Johnson who was the director of the phenomena that was Oldham Theatre Workshop, has died. 'He put so many of us on the map, and kick started so many careers, both on stage and off. So many of us owe him so much. I'm absolutely gutted.' He continued: 'He formed my childhood so profoundly, and in turn - my adult life too. Tragic: Since the news of his passing, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars praised him for his 'influence' and for helping them to kickstart their careers with his drama classes (stock image) Devastated: Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in Coronation Street, said he was 'absolutely gutted' to hear of David's death as he admitted that he owes him 'so much' 'Those years were the best years of my life. Rest in Power David. You were the best x' He also shared a heartfelt statement on behalf of his co-star Alison King, who plays Carla Connor in the ITV soap opera, as she doesn't have social media. It read: 'David Johnson. R.I.P... my absolute hero! My maker of all things that I am, and where I am today, my teacher, of who I was 27 years ago, years that taught me things about myself I never knew, but have carried with me to this date. 'You were strict and yet the kindest man to me I have ever known. You were intuitive, and insightful, and gave me and so many others I've loved and adored working with over the years, the opportunity to shine.' She added: 'You were the sharpest, most aware human being of others creatively, and how to teach them to show it, I have ever known. Thank you so much.' Tributes: Since the news of his passing, Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars praised him for his 'influence' and for helping them to kickstart their careers with his drama classes Samia Longchambon, who has starred as Maria Connor in Coronation Street since 2000, said: 'Such sad news. The end of an era. He really was the best xxx' Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher also shared his sadness, penning: 'Singlehandedly the biggest influence on my career and arguably, the reason behind my career. 'I know I speak for so many. Thank you David Johnson. What a legacy.' Lisa Riley, who played Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, said: 'REST IN PEACE for all of us whom were taught by David Johnson, today is a very sad day. 'I know I speak for many of my fellow actors in the industry, we wouldn't be where we are today without this LEGEND of a man. 'I owe so much to you David.. you know how much I loved you.' Gentleman Jack star Suranne Jones posted a 'rest in peace' message to her Instagram stories as she shared a snap of David and 'thanked' him. David's Oldham Theatre Workshop held drama classes which helped to develop the careers of an array of stars, including Anna Friel, Suranne Jones and Anne Kirkbride. Oldham Theatre Workshop said in a statement shared across its social media platforms: 'Yesterday we learned of the passing of Oldham Theatre Workshop's founder and original Artistic Director, David Johnson. 'Since it first opened in 1968, many thousands of young people have come through its doors and found friendship, purpose and inspiration. 'Today we pause to reflect on the significant and ongoing impact David's work has had.' MailOnline has contacted Coronation Street for comment. Helen Flanagan exuded glamour on Wednesday as she attended Chester races alongside good friend Charlotte Dawson. The former Coronation Street actress, 31, got dressed to the nines, slipping her figure into a strapless beige dress as she celebrated Charlotte's mum's birthday at the Roodee. Helen, who recently revealed she hasn't shared a bed with fiance Scott Sinclair for seven years, added a loose curl to her blonde locks and completed her makeup with a hue of lipstick which complemented her dress. Stunner: Helen Flanagan amped up the glamour for a day at the Chester races - after revealing she hasn't shared a bed with fiance Scott Sinclair for seven years (pictured with son Charlie) Revelation: The soap star, 31, recently revealed she and her fiance Scott have been living 'like flatmates' and have not shared a bed together for the last seven years Reality star Charlotte, 29, took to Instagram with some highlights from the celebratory day, sharing gorgeous selfies of the stars who 'hadn't stopped laughing all day'. In a smiling boomerang, mother-of-one Charlotte said of Helen: 'Love this gal'. The soap star recently revealed she and her fiance Scott have been living 'like flatmates' and have not shared a bed together for the last seven years. Beauty: Helen looked incredible in a smart pink dress for the outing 'We didn't stop laughing': The former Coronation Street actress, 31, got dressed to the nines for the races as she celebrated Charlotte Dawson's mum's birthday Smiley: In a smiling boomerang, mother-of-one Charlotte said of Helen: 'Love this gal' Steady! Helen and Charlotte Dawson posed at the Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Cheshire Oaks racecourse on Wednesday Helen, who is mother to three small children - Matilda, six, Delilah, three, and son Charlie, 13 months - admitted she is now going to focus on doing up a room they can both sleep in together. Helen told her followers on social media that she always had trouble sleeping and functioning if she didn't sleep with her children. She explained: 'I've always co slept with Charlie and the breast feeding went hand in hand. Relationships: Helen, who is mother to three small children - Matilda, six, Delilah, three, and son Charlie, 13 months - admitted she is now going to focus on doing up a room she and Scott can both sleep in together 'I'm doing my house up at the moment ( hence why most of my pics are taken in lounge area as I haven't got round to the rest). 'One of my next jobs is mine and Scott's room and after seven years it would be nice as a couple to actually share a bed and not feel like flat mates.' She confessed: 'I've always just co slept with the kids out of easiness and just basically so I can sleep and just function in the morning.' Parents: Helen told her followers on social media that she always had trouble sleeping and functioning if she didn't sleep with her children Helen also revealed in her post that she is weaning her little boy Charles off her breast milk and is looking forward to him sleeping better too. She said: 'There is so many other lovely amazing stages after nursing loving watching Charlie's little personality grow. 'It's been a good week of progress for Charles totally off my milk all through out the day and just having a feed before bed and when he wakes up a milky feed. Had to do it gradual for Charlie and also for me that I don't get mastitis. She added: 'I've not had any regular kind of childcare for Charlie since he's been born so it's been nice to have some this past week to sort just general life admin that I had to do that you just can't do with a baby and because I've had a pair of hands he's not been frustrated during the day not having my milk. Mother: She explained: 'I've always co slept with Charlie (pictured) and the breast feeding went hand in hand with that' 'Can't believe it either Charlie's started to want to sleep in his cot! He just seemed so unsettled next to me, I think a bit was a bit of constipation with eating more food bless him.' It comes after last month, the actress, who is best loved for playing Rosie Webster on the cobbles, revealed that all three of her children had caught scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that mostly affects young children but is easily treated with antibiotics. A main symptom of scarlet fever is a rash of small, raised spots while some also suffer with flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands. Family: She confessed: 'I've always just co slept with the kids out of easiness and just basically so I can sleep and just function in the morning' Taking to Instagram, Helen shared a snap of Delilah napping on the sofa while she battled with the infection. She penned: 'All the kids have Scarlet Fever. Glad to know what it is after Delilah not been herself and the medicine to treat it.' Parents have been warned to be on their guard for chickenpox and scarlet fever as cases rise among children across the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued the warning to parents after nearly 3,500 cases of scarlet fever were reported between September 2021 and March 2022 in England. Marine pilot Eddie Scott has become MasterChef 2022 Champion, it was announced on Thursday, as he becomes the 18th amateur cook to claim the prestigious title. The ex-Merchant Navy officer, 31, took on fierce competition from 44 other amateur cooks, through seven weeks of culinary challenges and an exhilarating final cook-off. After producing outstanding plates of food along the way, Eddie was awarded the MasterChef trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace. Winner winner chicken dinner! Marine pilot Eddie Scott has become MasterChef 2022 Champion, it was announced on Thursday On his win, an emotional Eddie said: 'It's everything. My whole life I feel has been building up to this moment. 'I can't believe I'm standing here as the MasterChef champion. It's just been the most stressful and the most enjoyable! I feel like I've just discovered who I am as cook. It's the best feeling ever.' MasterChef judge, John Torode, said: 'Eddie is nothing short of a culinary powerhouse. His love of classic French food blended with the spices of India, has made us really stand up and take notice. He's daring, he's adventurous, he doesn't play it safe.' Well done: The ex-Merchant Navy officer, 31, took on fierce competition from 44 other amateur cooks, through seven weeks of culinary challenges and an exhilarating final cook-off Gregg Wallace, added: 'I think we've just seen the birth of a future great chef. Eddie impressed from the moment he set foot in this kitchen. He's hardly put a foot wrong throughout the competition.' On his MasterChef experience, Eddie said: 'I sat watching the show for years telling myself to apply. I wanted to go up in front of John and Gregg to see what I could really do. 'I think every amateur cook secretly dreams of having the chance to go onto a show like MasterChef - to have that one chance of totally changing your life in what you love doing!' Congrats: After producing outstanding plates of food along the way, Eddie was awarded the MasterChef trophy by judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace To John and Gregg, he said: 'It's been life's greatest pleasure to sit here and cook for you both the food that I love. It's the best thing I've ever done.' Eddie faced off strong competition in the final week from tonight's runners up Pookie Tredell and Radha Kaushal-Bolland, as well Sarah Rankin (Final Four), who left the show last night, and Ioan Jones (Final Five), who left on Tuesday night. The Final Three were tested beyond anything they'd experienced, to prove to John and Gregg their skill, tenacity and culinary flair were worthy of success in the intense last challenges. Lovely: To John and Gregg (pictured), he said: 'It's been life's greatest pleasure to sit here and cook for you both the food that I love. It's the best thing I've ever done' In a gruelling and thrilling last week, MasterChef viewers have seen Eddie travel to Ballymaloe House and Cookery School in the South-West of Ireland, walking in the footsteps of professional chefs from all over the world, who come to learn the 'farm to table' philosophy of the late, great patron of Irish cuisine, Myrtle Allen. Eddie drew on all he learned there to prepare a celebratory dinner for some of Ireland's finest food producers, food historians and relatives of Myrtle. Eddie also earned the opportunity of a lifetime, to work with one of the world's greatest chefs, Gordon Ramsay - whose incredible three Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay hosted this year's Chef's Table. Happy: On his win, an emotional Eddie Scott said: 'It's everything. My whole life I feel has been building up to this moment' Eddie worked under enormous pressure to master their classic dishes, uphold impeccable standards and impress a dining room of some of the country's best chefs. Former three-star Michelin legend Pierre Koffmann described his consomme as: 'Ten out of 10. A lot of chefs cannot do it as well as that. Perfect.' The competition culminated in the definitive challenge - cooking the best three-course meal of their lives. Eddie's winning menu started with turbot, topped with caviar, tempura oyster, cucumber compressed in dill oil and a champagne beurre blanc. Yum: Eddie's winning menu started with turbot, topped with caviar, tempura oyster, cucumber compressed in dill oil and a champagne beurre blanc On his starter, Gregg said: 'You are cooking to a standard here, that many professional chefs haven't reached.' John reacted with: 'Boom. That is stupendous. You've taken the finest of ingredients, treated them with real care and got absolute perfection and balance. That's a great dish that could grace the table of any restaurant, Eddie.' The main course was a Hyderabadi Dum a caraway and nigella seed pastry-topped chicken biryani, spiced basmati rice with crispy onions, chicken thigh cooked on the bone, all flavoured with saffron, Kashmiri chilli powder and cardamom, with a cucumber raita. John told Eddie: 'I have a problem with this dish. In the fact that I just want to keep shoveling it into my mouth. It's so extraordinary and addictive!' Stunning: Eddie worked under enormous pressure to master their classic dishes, uphold impeccable standards and impress a dining room of some of the country's best chefs To finish his menu, Eddie served his take on the classic French dish, St Emilion au Chocolat chocolate mousse with a prune puree centre, prunes soaked in Armagnac, almond frangipane, and an almond and Armagnac creme Chantilly. Gregg reacted with: 'It's naughty but it's absolutely delicious.' After the tasting, Gregg told Eddie: 'When I look at you, I can't honestly imagine you doing anything else but cooking, you are a born cook. I can't pay you any better compliment.' He grew up in a small village in Leicestershire, Newton Harcourt and is now a resident of Beverley in East Yorkshire, where he lives with his fiancee, Nami. He spent eight years as a navigation officer in the Merchant Navy travelling the world and has piloted ships on the Humber for the last five years. Eddie's love of cooking stems from a family passionate about food from his mother's baking skills, to his father's experimental dishes and his grandparents' perfection of Punjabi classics all inspiring him to learn more in the kitchen. Eddie recalled his childhood, looking through cookbooks, constantly thinking about food and says: 'All of our best memories were cooking together, travelling and eating together.' Remembering what seriously ignited his desire to cook, Eddie says: 'Growing up, we'd pack up our little Ford Fiesta and spend summer holidays camping in France. I was astounded by how the French presented ingredients and how delicious dishes in the simplest cafes and restaurants were. Career: Eddie spent eight years as a navigation officer in the Merchant Navy travelling the world and has piloted ships on the Humber for the last five years 'The way food was engrained in French culture was a total revelation. I wanted to recreate it and that's how I really got into cooking.' On his food style, Eddie said: 'I love to cook the Punjabi dishes I grew up eating with my family. But my real passion is the great Mughlai cuisine: the historic royal dishes of Old Delhi, Lucknow and Hyderabad. I so admire classic French and Indian cookery and like to create my own fusion of the two fascinating foodie cultures.' Looking ahead, Eddie added: 'Everything in my life has been building up to doing something in food. It would be amazing to be able to cook in a top restaurant and with the most famous royal Awadhi chefs in Lucknow. 'It would also be exciting to write about food or even do some more TV. What I'd really love is to own my own restaurant - sharing my food memories and nostalgia. I always knew one day I wanted to pursue a career in food and now MasterChef has made me realise that this can be a reality.' MasterChef Series 18 is available to catch up on iPlayer. Rebel Wilson dropped by the Today Show on Thursday to promote her upcoming comedy film Senior Year. The 42-year-old Australian actress looked vibrant in a fuzzy yellow dress and jacket as she chatted about the high school comedy, before returning later in the broadcast in a gorgeous pink suit. The comedian joked about her history of pulling off pranks on the teachers and other students at her high school, which helped prepare her for her role in Senior Year. Talk show circuit: Rebel Wilson, 42, looked glamorous in a neon yellow dress and jacket as she arrived at the Today Show in New York City on Thursday. She chatted about how her history as a prankster influenced her high school comedy Senior Year Rebel stars in the film as the cheer captain Stephanie Conway, who suffers a head injury ahead of her senior prom that puts her in a two-decade coma. She awakens to find that the world and her own body have changed considerably. Despite now being 37, she re-enrolls in school to graduate on her own terms. The Today Show's Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie initially sat down with Rebel to chat about the roots of her role and how being a prankster 'I was very studious,' she said of her school years, 'But also I liked to do a lot of pranks.' Take two: She stars in Senior Year as the cheer captain Stephanie Conway, who suffers a head injury ahead of her senior prom that puts her in a two-decade coma. She decides to re-enroll when she awakens at age 37 Mixed bag: 'I was very studious,' she said of her school years, 'But also I liked to do a lot of pranks.' She joked that she would break into the teachers' lounge and 'steal their cookies' She joked that she would break into the teachers' lounge and 'steal their cookies,' though her crime spree ended when she was 'literally' caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Another time, she 'locked a teacher in a cupboard,' and she egged other teachers at her all-girls boarding school into threatening to expel her for smoking, though she alerted them afterward that she had only been puffing on a fake cigarette. Following her high school stint, Rebel went on to get dual degrees in the Arts and Laws, though she ended up focusing on the former. She admitted that she knew she would be an actress even as she continued to get her law degree after taking a gap year trip to Africa. Fantasy: Rebel admitted that she only wanted to be an actress after she contract malaria on an Africa trip and hallucinated that she was a successful star Gorgeous: On Instagram, Rebel highlighted the neon yellow St. John tweed dress and matching jacket that she wore for the interview, along with a yellow Louis Vuitton handbag While abroad, she contracted malaria, and she had hallucinations about being an actress while sickened by the illness. 'I came back to Australia and said, "Guys, I'll go to law school as well, but I think I've got to pursue acting too."' She added that people though she was 'demented' after making her career change plans. The Pitch Perfect star also delved into her 'year of health,' which saw her lose 80 pounds at the start of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 'I'm not perfect, obviously,' she said. 'I was eating ice cream in the bath last night.' She added that her weight loss wasn't just a matter of exercising, as it didn't stick until she worked on the mental aspects of leading a healthier life. On Instagram, Rebel highlighted the neon yellow St. John tweed dress and matching jacket that she wore for the interview, along with a yellow Louis Vuitton handbag. Back for more: She returned later on the Today Show to chat with Hoda again, along with co-host Stephanie Ruhle Pretty in pink: She wore a glamorous bubblegum pink dress with a plunging neckline and thick shoulders, while wearing her blond locks down across her shoulders She returned later on the Today Show to chat with Hoda again, along with co-host Stephanie Ruhle. She wore a glamorous bubblegum pink dress with a plunging neckline and thick shoulders, while wearing her blond locks down across her shoulders. During the segment, she appeared in another Senior Year clip, and she joked that she remained perched on a desk the entire time because she 'threw' her 'back out' while filming a cheerleading move the day before. 'I couldn't walk that day,' Rebel admitted. She called Senior Year a 'big glossy comedy,' but said its message that 'high school doesn't define you' was important for young people to hear. Ouch! During the segment, she appeared in another Senior Year clip, and she joked that she remained perched on a desk the entire time because she 'threw' her 'back out' while filming a cheerleading move the day before Rebel also opened up about her recent turn toward dramatic roles with the film The Almond And The Seahorse. She said that she was interested in dramas early in her career, but she was pushed toward comedic roles because she was a 'bigger girl.' After turning 40, she felt a renewed sense of confidence about her career, which was also aided by her health transformation. Her upcoming comedy Senior Year will be available to stream on Netflix starting on May 13. Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg appeared to be deep in conversation as they shot scenes for their new Netflix film Our Man From Jersey in London on Thursday. The actress, 55, caught the eye with her stylish blonde bob while keeping it casual in a grey top and black trousers, and wrapped up in a leather jacket. Her co-star, 50, wore a tan trousers with a grey T-shirt which he layered beneath a green jacket and a flannel shirt. In character: Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg appeared to be deep in conversation as they shot scenes for their new Netflix film Our Man From Jersey in London on Thursday On set: The actress, 55, caught the eye with her stylish blonde bob while keeping it casual in a grey top and black trousers, and wrapped up in a leather jacket The Die Another Day star added some height to her frame in a pair of black leather boots. The James Bond star, who has sported shorter locks several times over the years, recently showed off her new 'do on Instagram. Mark is serving as a producer of the film, in addition to starring alongside Halle. Looking good: Her co-star, 50, wore a tan trousers with a grey T-shirt which he layered beneath a green jacket and a flannel shirt What a pair: The Die Another Day star added some height to her frame in a pair of black leather boots as the co-stars seemed in high spirits while filming The co-stars seemed to be in a deep conversation as Halle leant on a metal railing. In another photo Mark looked unimpressed as he bent over with his hand to his face. It comes one year after it was first announced that the two would be working on the thriller together. Stunning: The James Bond star, who has sported shorter locks several times over the years, recently showed off her new 'do on Instagram Talented: Mark is serving as a producer of the film, in addition to starring alongside Halle Details of the forthcoming work have been kept under wraps - it's unknown what exact roles the two are playing. Halle recently worked with the popular streaming platform, premiering her 2021 directorial debut Bruised there. She also starred in the movie, which told the story of a disgraced MMA fighter named Jackie Justice. As for Mark's recent work, he currently stars in the movie Father Stu, which was released April 15. In October he'll mark the 25th anniversary of his breakout film Boogie Nights. Working hard: Mark looked unimpressed as he bent over with his hand to his face while out filming in London for his new Netflix film Sydney Sweeney turned on the bedroom eyes as she posed in a series of photos for Miu Miu Wander purses Thursday. The 24-year-old posted four photos on her Instagram page, and the fans went wild, responding with nearly 250 thousand likes, including enthusiastic responses from Euphoria co-stars Maude Apatow and Lukas Gage. The actress reclined seductively in four different outfits and poses as she promoted the nylon hobo bag which retails for nearly $2,000. Sultry: Sydney Sweeney turned on the bedroom eyes as she posed in a series of photos for Miu Miu purses Thursday Fans: The 24-year-old star's fans went wild when they saw the series of photos promoting the high end purses which retail for nearly $2,000 On Tuesday, the White Lotus star shared some of her background on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The Sharp Objects actress showed off her curves in a bright yellow sundress with silver high heels. She wore natural looking makeup and styled her blonde hair in loose layers. When asked about how she went from her hometown of Spokane, Washington to being an in-demand Hollywood actress, she replied. 'I was a little girl with a big imagination.' Euphoric: Euphoria co-stars Maude Apatow and Lukas Gage weighed in with their own enthusiastic approval for the Sydney's latest venture She continued,' My parents thought it was like wanting to be a princess, that it wasn't real. You couldn't touch it.' 'So I put together a five year business plan presentation of what could happen, if they let me. ' The Handmaid's Tale actress said she 'Googled a lot' for background and put the presentation on PowerPoint and boasted, 'I was like 11 and they listened.' Late night: The Sharp Objects actress played charades and showed off her curves in a bright yellow sundress with silver high heels for an appearance on The Late Show Starring Jimmy Fallon In looking back on her career, Sydney admitted it took a little longer than five years to make her dreams come true and 'It's not as glamorous as you think it is.' In a bit about how her Euphoria character, Cassie, has become a popular meme subject, the obliging guest participated in her own 'Cassie in HS Me in HS' comparison, wearing a sweat shirt and shorts from her sophomore year. The former high school grappler blushed and laughed as she said, 'This is real.' Background information: The versatile actress said she put together a PowerPoint presentation at age 11 to convince her parents she could make it as an actress His character Owen Grady has been trying to avoid being eaten by a Tyrannosaurus dinosaur for three films now. But Chris Pratt didn't mind jumping in the mouth of one. The 42-year-old actor had a bit of fun as he climbed in the mouth of a massive Lego sculpture of the meat-eater dinosaur while promoting Jurassic World: Dominion on Thursday morning. Yum: Chris Pratt had a bit of fun as he climbed in the mouth of a massive Lego sculpture of the meat-eater dinosaur while promoting Jurassic World: Dominion on Thursday morning Chris was appearing on the Today show in New York City where he decided to pose inside of the huge 3,000-pound sculpture made of the iconic Danish plastic bricks. However his gag did not go over as well as he thought it would have as he posted an Instagram Story of it with the caption: 'They got mad at me.' And no doubt they wanted to be precious with the huge piece of art as Lego's sculpting team took around 2,000 hours to design and build it out of 200K bricks. Work of art: Chris was appearing on the Today show in New York City where he decided to pose inside of the huge 3,000-pound sculpture made of the iconic Danish plastic bricks However his gag did not go over as well as he thought it would have as he posted an Instagram Story of it with the caption: 'They got mad at me' The dinosaur wasn't the only major process as it was breaking through a glowing backdrop which consisted of nearly 20K translucent bricks which were illuminated from inside of the build. During his appearance on the morning chat/news show he talked about the upcoming sixth Jurassic Park film which is the third he has been the leading man in. The action man alluded to Jurassic World: Dominion being the last of the franchise as he said: 'I really do think it's the end.' Amazing: And no doubt they wanted to be precious with the huge piece of art as Lego's sculpting team took around 2,000 hours to design and build it out of 200K bricks Represent: He also showed off a Lego toy of his character Owen Grady The action man alluded to Jurassic World: Dominion being the last of the franchise as he said: 'I really do think it's the end' Whoa: The dinosaur wasn't the only major process as it was breaking through a glowing backdrop which consisted of nearly 20K translucent bricks which were illuminated from inside of the build Many fans of the dinosaur-based franchise are excited as the new film is bringing back the three main actors from the first trilogy - Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum - as well as Bryce Dallas Howard who has starred alongside Chris in the most recent three. Of the inclusion of the pioneering actors, Pratt said: 'These folks were cemented in my mind as icons, so to be working with them is a dream come true.' The synopsis of the film via IMDB.com reads: 'Four years after the destruction of Isla Nublar, dinosaurs now live--and hunt--alongside humans all over the world. 'This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history's most fearsome creatures in a new Era.' Big day: He shared a selfie as he got ready for his big promotional day 'Now you're in NEW YORK!!!!': Chris looked excited to be in the Big Apple Pals: He took a selfie with actress Rebel Wilson Filming began in Canada in February 2020 and moved to other locations in England the following month. In March 2020, production was put on hiatus as a safety precaution due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production resumed in July 2020, and concluded four months later in November. Filming locations were in England's Pinewood Studios and the country of Malta Jurassic World: Dominion is set for release in the US and UK next month on Friday, June 10. Neil Patrick Harris is seen smashing a bouquet of red roses against a trash can in the first trailer for new Netflix comedy series, Uncoupled, which dropped on Wednesday. The actor, 48, stars as Michael - a man whose life is turned upside down when his husband of 17 years leaves him and he's forced to face the New York dating scene as a single gay man in his mid-forties. The eight-part series from Darren Star and Jeffrey Richman is set to premiere on Friday, July 29. He's had it with love! Neil Patrick Harris is seen smashing a bouquet of red roses against a trash can in the first trailer Netflix comedy series, Uncoupled, which dropped on Wednesday The trailer starts out with Neil annihilating the idea of love as he whacks the red bouquet against the trash while reminiscing about his memories with his hedge-fund manager husband Colin, played by Tuc Watkins, 55. Eventually the two of them are seen in couple's therapy, before his other half walks out the door for good. 'Overnight, Michael has to confront two nightmares: losing what he thought was his soulmate and suddenly finding himself a single gay man in his mid-forties in New York City,' the official logline reads. Tough: The actor, 48, stars as Michael - a man whose life is turned upside down when his husband of 17 years leaves him, and he has to face the dating scene as a man in his mid-forties Done: The trailer starts out with Neil annihilating the idea of love as he whacks the red bouquet against the trash while reminiscing about his memories with his husband Colin Neil is then seen trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life alone, as he drinks and wakes up by himself. Suddenly he shakes awake and we are shown that him smashing the roses was simply a vision, as he's still holding the flowers in his hand. As fate would have it, an opportunity at new love presents itself at that moment, as a man walks by and holds eye-contact with Michael, which makes him perk up and smile. Can't make it work: the two of them are seen in couple's therapy, before his other half walks out the door for good Struggling: Michael is then seen trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life alone, as he drinks and wakes up by himself Michael's life appears to pick up from that point, as we're shown a montage of him going out to the club and enjoying himself with friends. 'Breakups suck, but single life doesn't have to,' a text on the screen reads. Michael also appears to enjoy a new romance towards the end, as he's seen kissing and cuddling another partner in bed. Just a vision: Suddenly he shakes awake and we are shown that him smashing the roses was simply a vision, as he's still holding the flowers in his hand New love? As fate would have it, an opportunity at new love presents itself at that moment, as a man walks by and holds eye-contact with Michael, which makes him perk up and smile Things got better: Michael's life appears to pick up from that point, as we're shown a montage of him going out to the club and enjoying himself with friends and lovers New love? Michael also appears to enjoy a new romance towards the end, as he's seen kissing and cuddling another partner in bed Other stars of the show include Emerson Brooks as TV weatherman Billy; Tisha Campbell, as Michaels business partner Suzanne; Brooks Ashmanskas as art dealer Stanley; and Marcia Gay Harden as Claire, an Upper East Side socialite. Uncoupled is Neil's second series for Netflix, after his role as Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events, which ran for three seasons and wrapped in 2019. Harris is best known for his portrayal of Barney Stinson on CBS comedy How I Met Your Mother, as well as his breakthrough role as Doogie Howser, M.D. in the early 90s, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe. Jennifer Grey reminisced on a tearful apology her late co-star Patrick Swayze made to her prior to filming their iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing. The actress, 62, recalled how she didn't want to sign on for Dirty Dancing with Swayze due to her unfavorable experience working with him on Red Dawn in 1984. Fortunately for movie fans worldwide, Swayze made amends with the star and had 'tears in his eyes' as he issued an apology to her during a screen test and said: 'I love you, and Im so sorry.' Remembering Patrick: Jennifer Grey reminisced on a tearful apology her late co-star Patrick Swayze made to her prior to filming their iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing Grey made an appearance on The View earlier this week to talk about her memoir, Out of the Corner, and her experiences working with actor, who died from pancreatic cancer in 2009 at the age of 57. She recalled that his 'macho' and prank-loving behavior on the set of Red Dawn made her not want to work with him again. 'Patrick was playing pranks on me and everybody. It was just, like, macho, and I just couldn't take it. I was just like, "Please, this guy, that's enough with him,"' she said. That's why, when she found out he was being considered for the role of Johnny Castle in the now-classic film, she was hesitant to work with him again, despite his dance experience. Wasn't a fan: The actress, 62, recalled how she didn't want to sign on for Dirty Dancing with Swayze due to her unfavorable experience working with him on Red Dawn in 1984 Prankster: 'Patrick was playing pranks on me and everybody. It was just, like, macho, and I just couldn't take it,"' she said of his behavior on the set of the movie; still from Red Dawn However, the Ghost star made an impassioned plea to her during a screen test: 'He pulled me down the hall and said to me, "I love you, I love you, and I'm so sorry. And I know you don't want me to do the movie."' 'And he got the tears in his eyes. And I got the tears in my eyes not for the same reason. I was like, "Oh, this guy's working me,"' she recalled. 'And he goes, "We could kill it we could kill it if we did this."' She soon realized that the chemistry they had in the screen test was the necessary ingredient to making the film successful. 'We go in there and he takes me in his arms and I was like, "Oh, boy. I'm done,"' Grey recalled. Sweet: When he found out she was hesitant to work with him on Dirty Dancing, Swayze made a tearful apology to Grey during a screen test, saying, 'I love you, and I'm so sorry' The New York Native also heaped praise on Swayze for his natural charisma. 'There was no competition. He was, like, the easy chair I'd been dreaming of my whole life.' In the romance drama, Grey plays Frances 'Baby' Houseman, a teenager whose life is completely changed after she meets a sexy dance instructor, played by Swayze, in the summer of 1963. She will soon be reprising her role as Baby in a sequel to the movie - 35 years after its release - as it was revealed at CinemaCon in Las Vegas last Thursday, though the scope of her role is currently unknown. The film franchise previously released a prequel in 2004, titled Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. She's getting prepared to welcome her first child with boyfriend Lewis Bruton in the coming months. And Lottie Tomlinson showcased her growing bump during her family holiday to Greece on Thursday. The social media star, 23, looked radiant in a black string bikini as she displayed her bump while striking a pose for the camera in a shower. Stunning: Lottie Tomlinson showcased her growing bump in a black string bikini during her family holiday to Greece on Thursday Her blonde tresses were soaked as they cascaded down her back in natural waves. Lottie showed off her natural beauty wearing fluttering lashes and accessorised with a silver anklet. She captioned the post: '6 months baby. I love you soooo much.' Sensational: The social media star, 23, looked radiant in the two-piece as she displayed her bump while striking a pose for the camera in a shower Not long to go: She captioned the post: '6 months baby. I love you soooo much' Lottie is currently enjoying a family getaway with her beau and twin sisters Phoebe and Daisy Tomlinson. Earlier in the week, Lewis shared a gallery of selfies of the couple putting on a loved up display gazing into one another's eyes. Lottie also showed off her blossoming bump in a mirror shot posting to her 4.5million followers. Couple goals: Earlier in the week, Lottie put on a loved up display gazing into her beau's Lewis Bruton eyes Radiant: In another snap, the entrepreneur donned a chocolate brown bikini for the snap - with a plunging triangle design Bikini babe: Lottie showed off her blossoming bump in a mirror shot posting to her 4.5million followers The entrepreneur donned a chocolate brown bikini for the snap - with a plunging triangle design. In typical holiday fashion, her brunette tresses were scraped up in a bun for the picture, as she shielded her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses. The beauty accesorised with gold jewellery - adding a Christian Dior necklace and a dainty gold bracelet with complementing rings. Bump: Lottie's boyfriend Lewis also took to his story to share a video of his partner cradling her bump while they relaxed by the pool Lottie's boyfriend Lewis also took to his story to share a video of his partner cradling her bump while they relaxed by the pool. The pair are staying at five-star hotel Domes of Elounda in Crete - as they make the most of their time as a family of two. The makeup-artist put on a show-stopping display the night before as they headed for a seaside dinner in the resort. Stunning: The makeup-artist put on a show-stopping display the night before as they headed for a seaside dinner in the resort - donning a figure-hugging dress in emerald green In a similar mirror pic to Monday's, she donned a figure-hugging dress in emerald green, with a thigh grazing slit up the side. Lewis and Lottie announced that they were expecting a baby boy back in February, sharing the sweet news to Instagram. The couple unveiled the gender in a sweet clip, where they pulled a canon which released blue confetti. The sister of Louis Tomlinson captioned the post: 'Our Little Baby'. He has been seen with the same female friend on multiple occasions the past few weeks. So it was only natural for Matthew Perry to look relaxed on his latest outing. The 52-year-old former star of Friends star was seen out and about with a mystery woman in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Relaxed: Matthew Perry was seen out and about with a mystery woman in Los Angeles on Wednesday Matthew was dressed for comfort as he sported a baggy olive green Henley shirt along with a checked flannel. He also donned a pair of white laceless sneakers and relaxed fit navy blue trousers. His female companion looked stunning in a clinging top which was cropped to show off her belly ring. Chill: The 52-year-old star was dressed for comfort as he sported a baggy olive green Henley shirt along with a checked flannel Wow factor: His female companion looked stunning in a clinging top which was cropped to show off her belly ring She also sported a pair of teal three-quarter leggings and brown sandals as her sunglasses were worn at the top of her head. This is not the first time the two have been seen together as they have been seen on multiple outings since last month. A household name thanks to his role as the disarming Chandler Bing in Friends, Perry's radically different appearance contributed to him passing by without unwanted attention. The actor is understood to be single after calling off his engagement to literary manager Molly Hurwitz in June 2021. Then and now: A household name thanks to his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, Perry's radically different appearance contributed to him passing by without unwanted attention 'Sometimes things just don't work out and this is one of them. I wish Molly the best,' he said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. Perry and Hurwitz began dating in 2018 and confirmed their engaged in November 2020. Last year the actor sparked concern after his appearance on HBO Max show Friends: The Reunion, a one-off retrospective that saw the cast reunite for the first time since 2004, when the sitcom ended its 10-year run. The cast: Perry is most notably known for his time on Friends, where he played Chandler Bing. The famous show was on-air for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994 to 2004 Fans noticed Perry's slurred speech in promos, which was later addressed as due to an 'emergency tooth procedure' performed on the day of filming. The Massachusetts-born, Ottawa-raised actor's confession lead Emmy winner Lisa Kudrow - who played Phoebe Buffay - to respond with concern that the cast 'never knew that.' Perry will be speaking out about his story in more detail as he announced that his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, will be out this year. 'The highs were high, the lows were low. But I have lived to tell the tale, even though at times it looked like I wouldnt. And its all in here,' the Whole Nine Yards star shared on his Instagram in regards to the book. The memoir is set to hit the shelves on November 1. Nick Knowles helped another family on Thursday's episode of Big Clear Out, as he transformed their home and added a personal memento that left the mum in tears. The series, which has returned for a second series, saw the presenter, 59, and his team meet Nikki and her husband Chris. In the show Nick and his team agree to make-over a family's home if they agree to ditch half their unwanted clutter. Emotional: Nick Knowles helped another family on Thursday's episode of Big Clear Out, as he transformed their home and added a personal memento that left the mum in tears Nikki and Chris' home had become overrun to the extent that super tidy son Sam stays away at university, whilst daughter Lucy doesn't have any space to have friends round. Nikki's relaxation therapy business was also being negatively affected, as the clutter had prevented her from having clients at home. Meanwhile, her husband Chris also never likes to throw anything away as he has an affinity for making things, resulting in a surplus of junk and botched jobs throughout the house. New family: The series, which has returned for a second series, saw the presenter, 59, and his team meet Nikki and her husband Chris Nick was shocked to see all the junk, asking Nikki: 'How do you work in this?' 'A lot of it is about clearing your mind, isn't it? How can you do that when you're in a place that's full of clutter?' The family get to work on sorting through their stuff, and successfully manage to completely empty their home and transfer 195 boxes of their worldly possession to the Albert Halls in Bolton. Cluttered: Nikki's relaxation therapy business was also being negatively affected, as the clutter had prevented her from having clients at home Couldn't believe his eyes: Nick was shocked to see all the junk, asking Nikki: 'How do you work in this?' Among the clutter is 945 soft toys, 107 family photos and 144 crystals, and they give a lot away to a local hospice and sell surplus personal possessions at a car boot. After all their hard work, the family are left overjoyed when Nick's team completely transformed their home. They reinstated a warm functional conservatory, creating a cosy spacious family lounge, a calming oasis of a master bedroom and a professional clutter free therapy room to allow Nikki to have clients at home. Makeover: After all their hard work, the family are left overjoyed when Nick's team completely transformed their home She exclaimed: ''It looks like a magazine - how other people live.' And she burst into tears when Nick showed her that they had saved a photo of her nan when she was 18, and framed it in the bedroom. Nikki said: 'It's been done up but we found a little picture of my nan in the warehouse when she was 18. That's beautiful thank you'. Personal touch: And she burst into tears when Nick showed her that they had saved a photo of her nan when she was 18, and framed it in the bedroom. Nick asked: 'Means a lot to you though, your nan, doesn't she?' She replied: 'Yeah, I was always really close to my nan growing up. It's just unbelievable.' After the transformation Nick also revealed their home could now be worth as much as a staggering 250,000 - 40,000 more than the initial value price. Thrilled: After the transformation Nick also revealed their home could now be worth as much as a staggering 250,000 - 40,000 more than the initial value price It comes after last week's episode saw Nick struggle to hold back tears of his own. Nick and his team met Sarah who had tragically lost her veteran husband Trevor to a fatal heart attack. During the episode an emotional Sarah struggled to give up her late husband's extensive military memorabilia. Struggling to keep on top of the collection, an emotional Nick revealed that with her agreement, the team had arranged for the charity Forgotten Veterans UK to care for the collection. A tearful Nick told Sarah in the emotional scenes: 'I'll make you a promise. You do the tough stuff, get through the emotional bit of getting rid of half your stuff and you're going to have an amazing house.' Adding: 'To Trevor, that would have been really important, wouldn't it?'. Sadness: Nick and his team met Sarah who had tragically lost her veteran husband Trevor to a fatal heart attack Too much: In the show Nick and his team agree to make-over a families home if they agree to ditch half their unwanted clutter. However during the episode an emotional Sarah struggled to give up her late husband's extensive military memorabilia. Hugging: Struggling to keep on top of the collection, Nick revealed that with her agreement, the team had arranged for the charity Forgotten Veterans UK to care for the collection A representative from the charity then explained: 'With your permission, we would love to have a photo of your husband and some of the history of his service career. So when the vulnerable veterans come through, they can actually look at your husband as an inspiration to keep going in life.' Nick burst into tears, revealing: 'You've got me choking up now.' Sarah lost her husband of 21 years in March last year when he suffered a heart attack after the couple had moved to Dubai. Loss: Sarah lost her husband of 21 years in March last year when he suffered a heart attack after the couple had moved to Dubai Shock: Forcing Sarah to leave her home to move back to the Middle East and in with her daughter and young grand daughter. Leaving the home overflowing with clutter and boxes Forcing Sarah to leave her home to move back to the UK and in with her daughter and young grand daughter. Leaving the small home overflowing with clutter and boxes. With Sarah struggling to grieve for her late husband being surrounded by all his possessions. With the family agreeing to dispose of much of their clutter the team transformed their home to one now fit for purpose. Air force unit conducts flight training China Military Online) 13:11, May 05, 2022 A fighter jet attached to an air force aviation unit under the PLA Southern Theatre Command takes off in an around-the-clock flight training exercise on April 18, 2022. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Rongkai) (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) Disney Plus has rounded out the cast of its upcoming series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri have been added in the roles of Annabeth and Grover, Variety reported. The Disney Plus series will be based on author Rick Riordan's fantasy novel series, with production getting under way this summer. Full cast: Leah Sava Jeffries (left) and Aryan Simhadri (right) have been cast in the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians (starring Walker Scobell - center) The two child actors join Walker Scobell as he takes on the titular role of Percy, a 12-year-old boy who is just starting to come to grips with the superhuman powers he possesses. The book series written by Rick Riordan was picked up by the streaming platform back in January. The story follows Jackson - a demigod who is half mortal human and half immortal god - who is accused by the sky god Zeus of stealing his master lightning bolt. Percy must now go on a journey across America to find this lightning bolt and returning to Zeus on Olympus. New gig: Leah will play Annabeth in the upcoming Disney Plus show Jackson is described as, 'a smart and compassionate kid with a sharp sense of humor' who sees himself as an outsiders due to his ADHD and dyslexia. 'He's impulsive and rambunctious and is quick to anger when things seem unfair to him. But beneath his cynicism is an affectionate son and loyal friend who just wants to do right by those he cares about. If only he could find a place where he fits in,' reads the character description. Author Riordan will co-write the pilot script with Jon Steinberg, with James Bobin set to direct the pilot episode. Steinberg will oversee the series with his producing partner Dan Shotz, who will also executive produce with Riordan, Bobin, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe and The Gotham Group's Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell and D.J. Goldberg. Earlier this year Riordan said that Scobell performed 'chemistry reads' with the finalists for the other two lead roles - Percy's friends Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, teasing, 'Im confident those two roles are getting very close to being finalized and announced.' The first of Riordan's books - Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief - was adapted into a feature film back in 2010, starring Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, Alexandra Daddario as Annabeth Chase and Brandon T. Jackson as Grover Underwood. They also starred in the 2013 sequel Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, though they other books in the franchise were never adapted. New role! Aryan Simhadri will join the series as Grover James Franco was seen in New York City on Thursday as his name was mentioned in the ongoing civil trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The Oscar-nominated actor, 44, was clad in a grey T-shirt with black jeans and black sneakers with red and blue highlights. He sported a mustache and beard and donned a black ball cap on the daytime outing. The Disaster Artist star had a denim bag around his shoulder and carried a water bottle in one hand and a phone in the other, while wearing earphones, on the spring day in the Big Apple. The latest: James Franco, 44, was seen in New York City on Thursday as his name was mentioned in the ongoing civil trial between Johnny Depp, 58, and Amber Heard, 36 Heard, 36, said in testimony in Thursday's hearing at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, that Franco was a source of animosity between her and Depp during their tumultuous relationship. Heard testified that Depp, 58, was physically and verbally abusive to her on a May 2014 Boston-to-Los Angeles private plane ride out of jealousy that she was working with Franco on the 2015 crime drama The Adderall Diaries, People reported. Heard, who had previously worked alongside Franco in 2008's Pineapple Express, said that Depp put her through a 'nightmare' in clashing with her over accepting the acting job alongside Franco in the film, which also starred Ed Harris, Timothee Chalamet and Christian Slater. Depp 'was mad at me for taking the job with James Franco,' Heard told the court. 'He hated, hated James Franco and was already accusing me of kind of secretly having a thing with him in my past, since we had done Pineapple Express together.' The Oscar-nominated actor was clad in a grey T-shirt with black jeans and black sneakers with red and blue highlights Franco sported a mustache and beard and donned a black ball cap on the daytime outing The Disaster Artist star had a denim bag around his shoulder and carried a water bottle in one hand and a phone in the other Heard said that Depp was controlling over scenes she filmed that involved 'any sort of romantic' interactions. 'He had already been upset with me and accused me in many arguments about not telling him about scenes that I had, if I had a kissing scene,' Heard said. 'I wasn't explicit about what I was going to do, then I was accused of having withheld information and hiding it from him. 'So I didn't want the fight, of course, I didn't want the argument, but I had to kind of egg-shell tip-toe around how to tell him when I had any sort of scene like that.' Heard said that Depp 'screamed' when she informed him of her scenes with Franco in the motion picture, reacting as if she had told him she 'had had an affair. 'He was that angry at me,' Heard said, adding that she was 'nervous' ahead of the trip to Los Angeles and knew 'something was wrong' when Depp boarded the aircraft. She said, 'I just knew in every cell of my body something was wrong,' noting that she attempted to avoid Depp's probing questions about her romantic scene with Franco for the movie. Heard said in testimony in Thursday's hearing in Fairfax, Virginia, that Franco was a source of animosity between her and Depp during their tumultuous relationship Heard told the court Depp 'was mad at [her] for taking the job with James Franco' on the 2015 crime drama The Adderall Diaries Heard said that Depp grilled her over their romantic scenes in the motion picture Heard told the court Depp had asked her if she 'slipped a tongue' to Franco during the scene, and asked 'about how [she] liked it' and 'responded' to it, and 'started straight up taunting' her. Heard testified that Depp had said 'really disgusting things about [her] body,' and humiliated her when calling her a 'slut' in the presence of security staffers and assistants also on the aircraft. Depp began throwing items such as ice cubes and eating utensils at Heard, she told the court, and then slapped her face and kicked her in the back. 'It was the first time anything like that had happened in front of somebody,' Heard said. 'No one said anything. No one did anything. You could hear a pin drop on that plane. You could feel the tension. But nobody did anything ... I felt so embarrassed that he could kick me to the ground in front of people.' The Edward Scissorhands actor admitted in testimony that the pair had clashed over Franco and said that he thought she could be having an affair with him during their marriage. The Kentucky-born actor had spoken about the exchange on the plane earlier in the trial, denying that he has ever hit Heard or any woman. Franco and Heard were snapped at the 2015 screening of The Adderall Diaries at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC Franco and Heard posed for a shot at The Adderall Diaries premiere in LA in April of 2016, a month before her split from Depp Heard said that Depp had physically and verbally assaulted her on a May 2014 flight on a private plane Depp is suing Heard over defamation claims linked to a 2018 article she penned for The Washington Post in which the Aquaman actress called herself a 'public figure representing domestic abuse' Heard had been 'actively searching' for an argument after the pair had 'argued the night before,' Depp told the court, adding that he had not been drunk but had taken pain pills prior to the flight. 'I knew that she was ready for some kind of brawl, and I sat on the plane drawing in my notebook,' Depp said. 'She would verbally heckle, hassle, accuse, poke, prod physically, psychologically and emotionally.' Depp is suing Heard over defamation claims linked to a 2018 article she penned for The Washington Post in which the Aquaman actress called herself a 'public figure representing domestic abuse.' Attorneys for the actress had sought to have the trial relocated to California, where both Depp and Heard live, but a judge ruled that the case was properly located in Virginia, where the newspaper's online servers are based out of. Depp in 2020 lost a libel case against the outlet The Sun over their reporting of the split, labeling him a 'wife-beater;' his efforts last year to overturn the decision were overruled. Depp and Heard initially met filming the 2011 movie The Rum Diary and exchanged vows in 2015. They parted ways in May of 2016, at which time Heard looked to obtain a restraining order against the actor amid claims of domestic violence, which Depp denied. The former pair reached an out-of-court divorce settlement in August of 2016 The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233, or thehotline.org; all calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Howie Mandel admitted that he's afraid to go back to performing stand-up comedy after his fellow comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked onstage on Tuesday in Hollywood. The 66-year-old America's Got Talent judge admitted to Extra's Billy Bush on Wednesday that he plans to tour 'less' in the wake of the shocking attack. 'Watching what happened to Dave last night confirmed my fear,' Howie said. 'I was watching it kind of live on Twitter and I turned to my wife and I said, "I don't want to. I don't want to go on stage. I'm just really afraid."' More private time: Howie Mandel, 66, said he planned to tour 'less' due to his fears of being attacked on stage after Dave Chappelle was tackled on Tuesday at the Hollywood Bowl; seen in September in Hollywood Chappelle had been performing at the Hollywood Bowl when a man jumped on stage from the audience and tackled him. The comedian didn't suffer any serious injuries, though the apparent attacker, 23-year-old Isaiah Lee, had a plastic replica handgun with an attached knife blade with him. 'That hit... no pun intended that hit very deeply,' Howie said of the attack. He traced a change in culture following the introduction of so-called 'cancel culture' and suggested that audience members might feel empowered to attack comics that offend them after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards ceremony in March. 'My biggest fear 40 years ago was not getting a laugh, and then cancel culture came along and then it was like, "Oh, my God if somebody doesn't like your joke or you overstepped your line you could lose your career," and then after the Academy Awards I said... "Violence triggers violence."' Shocking: Chappelle was apparently attacked by 23-year-old Isaiah Lee onstage at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday. He wasn't injured, but Lee had a knife with him; seen April 28 in Hollywood Howie thought that the slap seen around the world had emboldened audience members looking to hurt performers. 'This is one step that kind of opens a door and triggers somebody if they don't like what youre saying or they're offended by what you're saying It's kind of OK because it's been done, to be violent, and that's what my fear was,' he said. When he was asked about his own touring plans, the AGT star didn't seem optimistic about returning to the stage. 'The love of what we do is fading joking now has no safety net,' he complained. 'I'm actually going to do less because the love is not as fervent as it was, you know... six months ago,' Howie continued. 'Because fear overtakes... and I'm a guy who, you know, lives with worry anyway... I've been open about my mental health. I am neurotic. I suffer from depression.' Emboldened: 'This is one step that kind of opens a door and triggers somebody if they don't like what youre saying or they're offended by what you're saying It's kind of OK because it's been done, to be violent, and that's what my fear was,' Howie said; seen April 9 'The night after the Academy Awards I didn't sleep for two nights and, you know, I really didn't, and it hit me at the core, no pun intended, and then when I watched what happened last night' he said, trailing off. 'We're just trying to make people smile, we're just trying to make people laugh this is the opposite of violence, and it just I don't have words.' The comedian and actor, who has long been open about his own emotional struggles, thought that mental health interventions might have been able to prevent some onstage attacks. 'My soapbox is mental health This is about people not getting the help they need Anybody who is jumping onstage hitting somebody anybody who is violent, I promise there are red flags before that moment, and those red flags are not being taken care of,' he theorized. Tough time: Howie said 'fear overtakes' after the attack. 'And I'm a guy who, you know, lives with worry anyway... I've been open about my mental health. I am neurotic. I suffer from depression'; seen April 13 in LA Howie recently gave a mental health update and revealed that he became 'incredibly depressed' and 'neurotic' after he was forced to quarantine alone in a room for 10 days after he contracted COVID-19. 'I went insane,' he added bluntly while speaking to TMZ. 'I still feel like I'm recovering from that, the insanity. And I'm not joking. I got incredibly depressed, incredibly neurotic. 'My only panacea to my physical health and my mental health is distracting myself,' he added. 'You can't distract yourself for 10 days alone in a room.' LONDON (AP) - People in Britain voted Thursday in local elections that will decide the makeup of local authorities across the country - and possibly the fate of embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Polling stations were open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. (2100GMT) in contests for thousands of seats on 200 local authorities in in England, Scotland and Wales. Most results are due Friday. Opinion polls suggest the governing Conservatives will lose hundreds of seats in elections that are considered a barometer of public opinion. In Northern Ireland, voters are electing a new 90-seat Assembly, with polls suggesting the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein could win the largest number of seats, and the post of first minister, in what would be a historic first. The local-authority elections will decide who collects garbage, fixes potholes and handles other essential services across the country. Johnson, who voted at a polling station near his 10 Downing St. residence - accompanied by his dog, Dilyn - said in a social media video that "its Conservatives who deliver, Conservatives who get the bins collected." Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson waves at the media as he leaves with his dog Dilyn after voting at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) But many voters also have other things on their mind. Across the U.K., the elections are dominated by increasing prices for food and fuel, which have sent household bills soaring. Opposition parties are demanding the government to do more to ease the cost-of-living crunch - driven by the war in Ukraine, COVID-19 pandemic disruption and economic aftershocks from Britains exit from the European Union. Both left-of-center Labour and the centrist Liberal Democrats advocate a windfall tax on energy companies, which have reported record profits amid rocketing oil and gas prices. Johnsons Conservative government argues taxing big firms like Shell and BP would deter much-needed investment in renewable energy thats key to meeting Britains climate commitments. The election also comes after months of turmoil for Johnson, in which he became the first prime minister to be sanctioned for breaking the law in office. He was fined 50 pounds ($62) by police for attending his own surprise birthday party in June 2020 when lockdown rules barred social gatherings. Johnson has apologized, but denies knowingly breaking the rules. He faces the possibility of more fines over other parties - police are investigating a dozen gatherings - and a parliamentary investigation into whether he misled lawmakers about his behavior. The prime minister also faces discontent within his own party. A bad result for the governing party on Thursday could lead Conservatives to try to replace Johnson with a less tarnished leader. Many will be anxiously watching to see whether Labour can win key Conservative-held councils in London and win back voters in working-class northern England - areas that Johnson successfully wooed in the 2019 general election. Labour leader Keir Starmer said the government was consumed by "a constant drip-drip of sleaze and scandal." "Their failure to get on with their jobs would be shameful at any time," Starmer wrote in the Daily Mirror newspaper. "But during a once in a lifetime cost-of-living crisis, its a disgrace." Labour leader Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria arrive to vote at the TRA Hall, London, Thursday May 5, 2022. People in Britain are voting in local elections that will decide the makeup of local authorities across the country - and possibly the fate of embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (Aaron Chown/PA Wire/PA via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves with his dog Dilyn after voting at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson waves at the media as he arrives holding the leading of his dog Dilyn to vote at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves with his dog Dilyn after voting at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives to vote at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives holding the lead of his dog Dilyn to vote at a polling station in London, for local council elections, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Paul Doherty, Social Democratic Labour Party candidate, waits for voters on the Glen road in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday May 5, 2022. Sinn Fein, a force in Irish republicanism on both sides of the Irish border looks likely to become the largest party in the assembly, according to polls ahead of the May 5, 2022 local elections. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) People leave a polling station in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday May 5, 2022. In Northern Ireland, voters are electing a new 90-seat Assembly, with polls suggesting the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein could win the largest number of seats, and the post of first minister, in what would be a historic first.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison) A man gives the thumbs up as he arrives at a polling station inWest Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thursday May 5, 2022. Sinn Fein, a force in Irish republicanism on both sides of the Irish border looks likely to become the largest party in the assembly, according to polls ahead of the May 5, 2022 local elections. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, smiles as she leaves a polling station after casting her vote in Clonoe, Northern Ireland, Thursday May 5, 2022. Sinn Fein, a force in Irish republicanism on both sides of the Irish border looks likely to become the largest party in the assembly, according to polls ahead of the May 5, 2022 local elections. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) Democratic Unionist leader Jeffrey Donaldson leaves the polling station at Dromore Central Primary School in Dromore, Northern Ireland after casting his vote in the 2022 NI Assembly election, Thursday May 5, 2022. In Northern Ireland, voters are electing a new 90-seat Assembly, with polls suggesting the Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein could win the largest number of seats, and the post of first minister, in what would be a historic first. (Brian Lawless/PA via AP) As tourists, we always tend to take home a souvenir, like an Eiffel Tower keychain. But some people fell in love with what they saw on an exotic vacation, so much so that they ended up building whole replicas of the monuments. via GIPHY Now, you can find some of the world-famous monuments replicas in different parts of the world, miles away from where they originated. Here are 10 little known but wunderbar monument replicas: Before we begin our list, it needs to be noted that China and Las Vegas in US are home to perhaps the most replicas of monuments. 1. CHRIST THE REDEEMER One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic structure of Jesus Christ that stands tall in Rio De Janerio, Brazil, has been replicated several times, with slightly different names. Theres even one in Brazil itself, which competes with the height of the original one. In the small town of Encantado, the statue of Christ the Protector stands taller than the original one in Rio. It also has a heart-shaped observation point for tourists. Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer has competition.The small town of Encantado in southern Brazil has built a taller Christ to attract tourism.Christ the Protector is 43 meters (141 feet meters) high, compared to Rio's statue, which is 38 meters (125 feet). https://t.co/aC8g4t7Olk Eija Leino (@EijaLeino) May 4, 2022 Its not the only replica. In Portugals Lisbon, stands Christ the King. This is a 25-metre tall statue with outstretched hands. Another replica of Christ the King stands in the African nation of Angola. 2. EIFFEL TOWER The symbol of love that stands tall in the middle of the French capital, Paris, is not only replicated on the beautiful keychains or as phone cases, but also as a whole monument itself. One of the most striking replicas came up in Durango, Mexico, called Torre Eiffel. Torre Eiffel is only 1/6th of the original monument, but wonderful nonetheless. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaron Acosta Mx (@aaronacostamx) Another impressive replica exists in Shenzhen, China, in the Window of the World theme park. It is 103 metres tall, smaller than the original, but stands amidst a sea of other replicas of iconic monuments from the world. 3. LEANING TOWER OF PISA The Leaning Tower of Pisa can make people nervous and trigger OCD in some for its tilt. The curious monument which took nearly 340 years to be completed and which continues to puzzle people, finds its replica in Illinois, US. The replica is called the Leaning Tower of Niles, which was built in 1934, with the trademark tilt. It was constructed as part of a recreation park to hide water tanks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ?????? ?????? (@ajitho.photography) 4. STATUE OF LIBERTY Movies have for long symbolized the United States with the Statue of Liberty, which is erected in New York. And the iconic American structure has quite some replicas in the world, from Norway to Japan. There is a replica of the statue in the US state of Alabama as well. The Statue of Liberty was actually a gift to the US from France in the 1880s. Now, there is a replica of the statue in France itself which was erected to commemorate the 100th death anniversary of the architect of the original statue, Frederick Auguste Bartholdi. It is located in Colmar, the birth place of the architect. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelo Petralia (@petralia.angelo.travel) There is also a replica of the Statue of Liberty in Tokyo, Japan. 5. TAJ MAHAL Taj Mahal is also one of the wonders of the world, so it is not a surprise that it has been replicated. The monument of eternal love continues to inspire people all over the world, centuries later. One of the most famous replicas of Taj Mahal exists in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladeshi filmmaker Ahsan Ullah Moni built the replica to serve as a tourist attraction for people who couldnt visit the original place in person. View this post on Instagram A post shared by =????? (@hugo.207) 6. BIG BEN One of Londons most defining structures is the Big Ben. It has been replicated in several places, but one of the most famous one exists in Kolkata, West Bengal. The Kolkata replica of Big Ben is smaller than the original, but nonetheless, it is still a crowd puller. When it was first erected, people mistook it for a temporary Durga Puja pandal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by #WalkWithMe (@bongonawalk) 7. PARTHENON The Parthenon is no longer just a beauty in Athens, Greece. It was replicated in Tennesse, US way back in 1897. Now it functions as an art museum. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chuck Whiting (@chuck.whiting) 8. COLOSSEUM The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It continues to hold the badge of the largest amphitheater ever built, even today. There are smaller replicas of the structure in Las Vegas, US and in Macau, China. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ayin Noraini Benjamin (@ayin_dhaniyah_) 9. KING TUTS TOMB View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antiqua Archeologia (@antiqua_archeologia) King Tuts tomb is a story, a legend of history and mystery. It is said that whosoever tries to get too close to the original tomb risks being cursed. However, the curse has not been able to dampen the interest of people in the structure. The original King Tuts tomb is located in Egypts Valley of the Kings, but near the original site also rests the replica. Of course, there is no Mummy. Then there is a replica of the tomb in Las Vegas too. 10. THE GREAT SPHINX OF GIZA Reports emerge that theme park in #Chinas Hebei province that provoked an international backlash over erection of an exact replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza has now rebuilt the monument after removing it in 2016; no word yet on the reason for the movehttps://t.co/mCONi0TsOR pic.twitter.com/PHz0aqeZPF WH Dispatches (@WH_Dispatches) May 28, 2018 The original Great Sphinx of Giza is located in Egypt, but its replica exists in Chinas Hebei province. However, Egypt has never been thrilled at the full size replica. Earlier it was taken down at the request of Egypt, but then China brought it back after two years in 2018, much to the ire of Cairo. Hyderabad: Confirming that the four notorious criminals arrested in Haryana- Gurpreet Singh, Amandeep Singh, Parminder Singh and Bhupinder Singh-transported weapons and other explosives, officials from Central agencies, including the counterintelligence cell (CI Cell), suspect that the explosives were being transported to a receiver at Adilabad. The purpose was to spread panic among people and create law and order problems. Hours after the Haryana police arrested the four and found huge explosives in their possession, Telangana police alerted their teams. They are likely to seek custody of the four from the Haryana police in order to establish the role of the receiver in Adilabad. Sources said that central intelligence inputs were that the explosive material was being smuggled into Telangana by utilising transporters having links with Pakistan-based handlers. "An app that was installed in Gurpreet Singh's mobile phone and the Pakistan-based handler shared a location in Adilabad to deliver the explosive material. Initial inquiry stated that the handler from Pakistan asked the accused to contact him after reaching the location to provide further details of the local receiver. Adilabad was chosen as it is a remote area and there is hardly any vigil against terror activities," sources said. Gurpreet Singh was earlier arrested for transporting explosive material to Nanded. His movements are being tracked ever since. The CI cell and central intelligence officials have also obtained details that the four got in touch with a Pakistan handler Harjinder Rinda, who provided financial assistance for transporting the material to Adilabad. According to sources, the four accused had possessed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) packed in boxes made of iron. Interestingly, the accused were also transporting timers and detonators. The dismantled IEDs were placed inside boxes. It is suspected that the receiver is a highly knowledgeable person who is adept at operating IEDs. Visakhapatnam: Construction activities for houses and commercial establishments close to electricity supply lines in Visakhapatnam, particularly in GVMC, are going on without proper inspection vis-a-vis electricity safety standards by the authorities. The superintending engineer of AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Ltd (APEPDCL) for Visakhapatnam Circle, Mahendranadh, said here that the incidents of electrocution of the construction workers should be zero. To ensure safety, all the stakeholders collectively work for achieving a zero death rate, he said. Official data has it that a total of 358 accidents were reported in the last five years -- from 2017-18 to 2021-22 -- and 55 building construction workers were electrocuted in the mishaps. The mishaps are attributed to the violations of the systematic procedures like maintenance of certain distance between the electricity lines and the building walls, Mahendranadh told DC. The building walls should be at least 2-2.5 meters away from the supply lines. The workers should not do/allow certain activities like preparing the iron materials for the slab works, watering of the walls, using iron rods, pipes etc in areas that are close to the supply lines. This apart, those like the GVMC should keep a vigil on the construction activity in the city. GVMC is supposed to issue the no objection certificate for living if the building or the construction activity is found violating the norms, said an electricity lineman at MVP Colony. On the other hand, the people also find fault with the electricity, panchayat raj authorities for not taking corrective steps in checking the snapped power lines on the poles and hanging of electricity lines close to the residential localities. In a recent case at Araku, a couple died after coming in contact with a live wire when they tried to hang clothes on a wire. ITDA project officer Ronanki Gopal Krishna said, The government took care of the welfare of the girl, whose parents were electrocuted. Infographics Vizag Circle Chennai: DMK members of Parliament will donate their one month's salary towards aid for the crisis-hit Sri Lanka, the party said on Thursday. This follows an appeal from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, also president of the ruling DMK, for donations to help the Lankan people, even as the party has already announced Rs one crore towards this purpose. "The DMK's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will contribute their one month's salary to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund," a party release said. Stalin had on Tuesday appealed to the people to donate to the Tamil Nadu government to buy essentials such as food and ship it to Sri Lanka to help its people, who are battling the impact of a battered economy. HYDERABAD: Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha came down heavily on former All India Congress Committee president and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi for his proposed state visit and alleged that he had never reacted on either paddy issue or Telangana issue. Now he (Rahul Gandhi) was planning to visit Warangal for political gains, she said. During the recent paddy crop crisis, we urged Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue in Parliament and to support farmers of Telangana, but he didnt, she alleged. Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Kavitha said the Congress leader never talked in favour of Telangana. Don't know why he is coming to Warangal and Osmania University now, she pointed out. Kavitha termed Rahul Gandhi as a political tourist to Telangana state. Former Nizamabad MP added that in the run-up to the elections, more and more political tourists would visit Telangana but the TRS was here to stay to work for the future generations. She further said other political parties were trying to divide people of Telangana in the name of religion, occupation and other ways, but the TRS worked to bridge that gap. SRINAGAR/New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday got the ball rolling for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after it published the gazette notification of the final delimitation order hours after the three-member Delimitation Commission submitted its report to the government. As per the order, which comes into effect from May 5, Jammu division will now have 43 assembly constituencies and Kashmir 47 in the 90-member house. The commission, which was entrusted with the work of delimiting the assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of the 2011 census, recommended additional seats in the Assembly for Kashmiri migrants and displaced persons from the Pakistan occupied Jammu-Kashmir. Besides, there are five parliamentary constituencies in the UT, all with equal number of Assembly constituencies for the first time. The Election Commission of India (ECI) sources said that it may take the poll panel three to four months to prepare the new J&K electoral roll as per the newly-delimited constituencies. The decision to hold Assembly elections in the state will be taken only after that. It is speculated that the Assembly elections in J&K will be held along with those in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh later this year. Though decision to this effect will be taken by the ECI at an appropriate time, keeping in view all pros and cons including the maintenance of law and order, weather and agricultural calendar, particularly the apple-growing season and in consultation with the Union home ministry and J&K administration. The Delimitation Commission headed by the retired judge of the Supreme Court justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and comprising of chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra and J&K state election commissioner K.K. Sharma said, after consultation with associate members, representatives of political parties, citizens and civil society groups, it has been decided to reserve nine Assembly constituencies for scheduled tribes, out of which six will be in Jammu region and 3 in the valley. This is the first time in J&Ks legislative history that seats have been reserved for the STs. After the increase in the number of Assembly constituencies in the UT from 83 to 90, all five parliamentary constituencies will have an equal number of Assembly seats for the first time. Jammu and Kashmir has been treated as a single entity for the purpose of delimitation. One of the parliamentary constituencies has been carved out by combining the Anantnag region in the valley and the Rajouri and Poonch of the Jammu region. By this reorganisation, each parliamentary constituency will have an equal number of 18 Assembly constituencies each. Names of some ACs have also been changed keeping in view the demand of local representatives, a statement from ECI said. The Delimitation Commission has also asked the government to nominate at least two members of Kashmiri migrants for the union territorys Legislative Assembly, one of which should be a woman. Provision of at least two members, one of them must be a female, from the community of Kashmiri migrants in the Legislative Assembly and such members may be given power at par with the power of nominated members of the Legislative Assembly of union territory of Puducherry. The Central government may consider giving the displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir some representation in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by way of nomination of representatives of the displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the order said. The Delimitation Commission set up on March 6, 2020 by a law ministry notification was initially asked to examine the issue of redrawing the Lok Sabha and Assembly constitutions simultaneously in J&K, Assam and some other northeastern states. However, when the commission had already laid the groundwork to start the delimitation exercise, the government excluded Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland from its purview for the time being. The exclusion raised many eyebrows in J&K and beyond. The Union government also extended its term by one-year in March last year and on the completion of it for another two months. Earlier this year, after putting the draft report in the public domain, the commission invited claims and suggestions between March 14 and 2 from all political parties, organizations and individuals. The commission received a total of 408 suggestions and objections which were in addition to those submitted by five of its associate members including Union minister of state in the Prime Ministers Office Jitendra Singh and Jugal Kishore Sharma, both BJP MPs from Jammu division, and their counterparts from the Kashmir valley Farooq Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference (NC). Various Kashmir-centric political parties including the NC had termed the commissions proposal of six additional Assembly seats for Jammu region and one for the Kashmir valley while reserving nine constituencies for Scheduled Castes and seven for Scheduled Tribes and making changes in the Lok Sabha constituencies totally unacceptable. They accused the commission of allowing the political agenda of the BJP to dictate its recommendations by seeking to disempower the Muslim voters particularly of Kashmir valley and Pir Panjal region of the UT. In February, Mr Abdullahs had rejected the draft report of the commission saying it "defies any and all logic" and no political, social and administrative reason can justify the recommendations. The BJP, on their part, called the commission's proposal a path-breaking initiative and a defining moment for the political empowerment of marginalised segments of J&K. The United States has condemned the suicide attack at University of Karachi that left three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani driver dead, saying a terrorist attack anywhere is an affront to humanity. An explosion triggered by a burqa-clad woman suicide bomber from the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) ripped through a van of the Confucius Institute at the prestigious University of Karachi on April 26. This was the latest targeted attack against Chinese citizens in Pakistan. "We strongly condemned the terrorist attack against Karachi University in Pakistan. We reiterate that condemnation today. A terrorist attack anywhere is an affront to humanity everywhere," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Wednesday. Also Read | Pakistan cannot afford 'enmity with US at all', says PM Sharif "But for a terrorist attack to take place at a university or at a religious site or at some of the locations we've seen recently, that is a true affront to mankind," he said. Following the attack, the banned BLA took to social media to claim responsibility and announce that the bomber was a woman named Shaari Baloch who was a highly educated mother of two young children, belonging to a well-established family and working as a school teacher in her native Turbat, Balochistan. Further, Price said the US values its bilateral relationship with Pakistan. "We want to continue to work together in areas where we do have mutual interests with our Pakistani partners. That includes counterterrorism, that includes border security as well," he said. The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) for Northern Ireland and City of Derry Airport (CoDA) have joined forces in an exciting new partnership. As the 'Gateway of the North West,' the airport will be offering convenient and budget-friendly business connectivity for CEF members across Northern Ireland that are regularly commuting to London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as the provision of commercial discount on airport services and facilities. The CEF is the sole certified representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ire- land, representing approximately 70% of construction and around 800 businesses of all sizes that employ over 30,000 staff directly and 65,000 in the wider supply chain. CEF is the Voice of the NI Industry on the UK Construction Leadership Council, BuildUK and the NI Procurement Board. Mark Spence, Managing Director at the CEF said, The CEF is delighted to welcome City of Derry Airport as a Commercial Partner at a time when the construction industry is looking at time and cost-effective connections to sites across the UK. "CoDA brings significant additional route choice and the door-to-door time times of this regional airport compares very favourably with the larger airports. We look forward to working together with CoDA to offer local firms greater choice and convenience when travelling for business. Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport commented, We are absolutely delighted to partner with the CEF and offer their extensive community of members the opportunity to Fly Local with us. We work with our airline partners Loganair and Ryanair, to provide daily connections to the UK, as well as NI award-winning tour operator, Travel Solutions, to offer holiday packages to Spain and Portugal. Loganair operates daily services between CoDA and London Stansted and regular connections to Liverpool and Glasgow throughout the week. A new year-round service to Edinburgh will also be taking off from 17th May. "The all-inclusive fare system from Loganair means you can travel with 15kg checked-in luggage and enjoy in-flight refreshments at no extra cost a huge benefit for anyone travelling on a weekly basis. Loganairs rewards sign up programme, Clan Loganair, offers regular passengers the opportunity to build points every time you fly which you can then use towards a reward flight of your choice. The airline also offers a FlyFlex fare which provides the opportunity to get home earlier, should your plans change, and you can hop on an earlier flight on the same day (subject to seat availability). City of Derry Airport welcomed Ryanair back to Northern Ireland in December 2021 for the new service to Manchester. The route provides a convenient connection to one of the UKs key industrial hubs, with fares available from just 11.99pp one way. Mr. Frazer continued, The budget-friendly service to Manchester is available four days per week Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday which offers the flexibility of departing at the start of the working week and returning either halfway through the week or at the weekend, for anyone commuting for work purposes. Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added, The beauty of travelling from City of Derry Airport is the fast, friendly and stress-free experience where you can proceed from the airport carpark, through the single-level access Terminal Building, to your departure gate in less than 15 minutes. We will also be offering a special Loyalty Card for the CEF, whereby members can avail of 10% discount on Airport Parking and access to the Amelia Earhart Lounge, making business commuting a much more pleasurable experience! The Irish Government's removal of long-term funding from City of Derry Airport has been challenged. Donegal TD, Padraig Mac Lochlainn said the resumption of funding was essential. Deputy Mac Lochlainn said a total of 40% of the passengers who use City of Derry Airport are from Donegal. The airport has connections to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and a number of other locations in Europe. An Taoiseach knows, the geography of Donegal means that people in Inishowen, Letterkenny and Finn Valley use City of Derry Airport and those in the rest of the country would use the airport in West Donegal, Deputy Mac Lochlainn said. We have not seen the delivery of the A5 project. That whole party has been a heartbreaker. It just has not come through. We do not have a rail connection from the fourth largest city, with half a million people, to our capital city of Dublin. There is no motorway, no rail connection and, for the past ten years, no air connection. This project is essential and I appeal to the Taoiseach to work with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to whom, as well as to the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to whom I spoke in the Chamber on April 26. I made the same appeal to them that they work together with the Taoiseach, through the shared island initiative, to deliver funding to the airport. That would mean we can get this region of half a million people to connect to Dublin Airport and the rest of the world. It is not just about commuting to Dublin. It is about connecting to the rest of the world and ensuring tourists and the rest of the world can connect, through Dublin, on to Derry and into the north west. It is vital. It is about equality of access. I know the Taoiseach understands this but we really need the issue to be tackled once and for all. It has been ten years of delays and we need it sorted out. Replying to Deputy Mac Lochlainn, An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he had recently had a worthwhile visit to Derry, meeting with the North West Regional Development Group. He said: The specific issue of City of Derry Airport was raised by the group. I will engage further with the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, on the matter. We would be interested in working on it with the aviation authorities and airlines to get a service going. It would be a good idea to get a service going between Derry and Dublin because there is the issue of connectivity generally around the north west. The Minister has commissioned, and the shared island unit is funding, an all-island railway feasibility study. We are prepared to fund the A5 but it seems bogged down in planning issues. I take Deputy Mac Lochlainn's point about the connectivity issue, that if you can get a flight to Dublin, you can get flights across Europe and the world more generally. I would be anxious to work with all concerned to see if we can advance that. I am very struck by the cohesion within the north-west region. The group was chaired by the DUP, and all political parties were represented. The group has been working for quite a long time on economic and social issues, health, education and so forth. I had a very good visit to Altnagelvin Hospital. Previous governments have put 19 million into the cancer treatment centre in Altnagelvin. I saw the cardiac cath labs there, which are available to people in the north west, Donegal in particular. It just makes a lot of sense to try to support such groups, and the shared island unit stands ready to do that, the Taoiseach said. The creme de la creme of Irish traditional music is taking to the Inishowen stage for a concert in aid of the Gavin Glynn Foundation. The foundation helps families who are fighting childhood cancer in Ireland to travel overseas for treatment. The concert, which is taking place in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, on Friday, May 13, at 7.30pm, is a 'Thank You' to the foundation from Burnfoot's Eimear and Thomas Strain, whose young daughter, Caitlin, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year. The funds raised will go towards helping the Gavin Glynn Foundation continue their amazing work. The artists performing on the night include: Gerry OConnor, Ciaran Tourish, Cathal Hayden and Kevin Doherty, Thomas Strain and Ciaran OKane, Brid Harper, Roisin McGrory, Paul Harrigan and Michael Gallanagh, Martin McGinley, Edel McLaughlin, Clodagh Warnock and Jack Warnock, Teresa McClure, Siobhan Peoples, and Blackie OConnell. Speaking to Inish Times, Caitlin's uncle and godfather, Fabian Gibson described the Gavin Glynn Foundation as absolutely amazing. Fabian said: They reached out to Eimear and Thomas when they heard about Caitlin's diagnosis. Caitlin underwent her initial treatment in Temple Street Hospital in Dublin and, after that, Eimear and Thomas were told they were going to Germany, so Caitlin could receive further treatment. The Gavin Glynn Foundation just looked after everything. And they continued to support and look after the family while they were in Germany. Eimear and Thomas had always said they would try and do something for the Foundation, so that is why the fundraising concert has been organised. Tickets for the concert cost 20 and they are available at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. Encouraging as many people as possible to come along as it promises to be a fantastic night. According to Fabian, Caitlin who is now nine years old is doing amazingly well given all she has been through. She spent 8 weeks in Germany where she received proton radiotherapy and she recently just completed nine months of chemotherapy in Crumlin Hospital in Dublin. Caitlin is happy she has been able to go back to school, St Aengus' NS in Bridgend, because she gets to be with all of her friends. I think her bubbly personality has really stood to her throughout. The family would also like to acknowledge the continued help and support which they have received from the local community and businesses. Lebanon state-owned operators Touch and Alfa have called for the government to mandate an increase in tariff prices, a move they said is required to curb their dwindling revenues to ensure the continuity of the telecoms sector. Touch and Alfa said in a joint translated statement: The adoption of a decree to amend the prices of cellular communications is an urgent necessity to ensure the continuity of the sector. The companies warn of impending unknown danger to Lebanons industries which rely on telecommunications if government intervention is not made. In the statement, the companies detailed their combined annual income plummeted from US$1.4 billion in 2018 to US$75 million currently, according to black market exchange rates, which are being used as the country is engulfed in an economic crisis. The companies noted they reduced annual expenses from US$560 million in 2018 to around US$255 million. Including US$40 million in annual supplier fees, Alfa and Touch have a combined annual expense of US$295 million, which is not sustainable as it is about four times their annual income. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has finalised the issue of 5G spectrum licences to Mafab Communications and the local unit of MTN. The operators each obtained 100MHz of 3.5GHz spectrum in a round of bidding held in December 2021, outbidding Airtel Nigeria. The NCC confirmed in February 2022 that it had received the full amount (US$273.6 million) from each operator, along with the additional spectrum assignment fee that MTN Nigeria was obliged to pay. In a statement, the NCC expressed its belief that the advent of 5G in Nigeria will bring about a more digitised economy in the market, delivering benefits such as accelerated growth and smart living. The technology is also expected to significantly boost network speeds, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities. As per the terms of their concessions, the operators are expected to begin offering 5G services from 24th August 2022. The NCC noted that the deployments will require the collective efforts and support of the private-sector and government toward transforming every aspect of the nations economy through 5G. While MTN Nigeria is the countrys largest commercial mobile operator, Mafab Communications is an interconnection and wholesale provider, and has not yet disclosed whether it plans to begin offering commercial services using its 5G network. The Malaysian government has announced it has signed up two companies to commercial services agreements to Digital Nasional, the firm established by the state to operate a single wholesale 5G network. Communications and multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said all companies are currently in the process of negotiating the price of equity within Digital Nasional, with a deadline of June 20 n the horizon. So far Telekom Malaysia and YTL Communications have both completed deals for shares and service agreements. The government has pledged to offer up to 70% of the equity in Digital Nasional, a concession it made to appease operators against the idea of a single 5G network. In March, Malaysias largest mobile operators Celcom Axiata, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile seem to be warming to the governments move to push ahead with a single 5G network which all operators share. However, the request for a second network by the players to be constructed was rejected by the government. Edge Centres, which provides self-powered off-grid data centres, and, as we reported recently, has announced that it has begun building its first facilities outside Australia, is adding Vietnam to its portfolio. In collaboration with the Vietnam National University (VNU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Edge Centres is planning the EC51 data centre, which will open in the next 20 weeks once works on the campus are completed. This collaboration is said to be the first of its kind in Vietnam and, appropriately enough, is coming to a university with dedicated AI centre training and a large start-up area supporting new companies and their technologies. Edge Centres announced that it will deliver the first solar-powered data centres in Vietnam, allowing students to not only deliver IT projects but also to learn about the companys technology. Development of additional sites, presumably also connected to the university, in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Hanoi is also underway. Opportunities to expand at other university campuses are being explored, according to the company. As the Data Centre Dynamics website explains, Edge Centres provides modular off grid data centres powered by on-site wind and/or solar power and connected to the main grid as backup. Each facility is equipped with just under 1MW of solar infrastructure, and 48-hour battery, and UPS backup equipment, which supports 64 1kW quarter racks. The company says the sites can produce more electricity than they use. EC31 in Kuala Lumpur, the companys first project outside Australia, is under way. Other sites in Malaysia, as well as Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam, are planned or being assessed. Cameroon has signed a MoU with Central African Republic (CAR) that will see the two countries communications networks interconnected by terrestrial fibre optic infrastructure by the start of 2023. The MoU was signed by Cameroons Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng and CARs Minister of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications Justin Gourna Zacko. The ministers noted that the agreement underlined the desire for increased digital integration between the member states of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). ITWeb Africa reports that the MoU covers physical and logical interconnection between the networks, factoring in restoration channels for security and cost reduction as well as detailing the capacity coordination required for traffic routing between networks. Cameroon has formed similar agreements with Chad, Congo and Gabon, with Minister Li Likeng stating that the country aimed to establish itself as Central Africas digital hub, as it is already connected to several subsea cables, including SAT3, WACS, ACE, NCSCS and SAIL. Minister Zacko noted that CAR would aim to leverage Cameroons digital infrastructure. The MoU is part of the wider Central African Backbone (CAB) initiative, which seeks to provide terrestrial fibre connectivity between participating countries. Soon, specific agreements will be signed between the government of Cameroon through Camtel and the government of CAR through the infrastructure management company, said Minister Zacko. I hope that before the closing date of our two CAB projects scheduled respectively for June 30, 2022 for Cameroon and December 31, 2022 for CAR, we will have benefited from this noble cooperation. Viettel Cambodia which operates as Metfone has signed a credit package agreement with MB Cambodia to upgrade its domestic network. Local outlet Khmer Times reports that MB Cambodia - a branch of Vietnams Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank will provide Metfone with a credit package with a limit of up to US$100 million to enable both the network upgrade and the expansion of Metfones operations in Cambodia. Both Vietnamese firms have achieved significant success in the Cambodian market over the past ten years, with Vietnams ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang noting that each has an established presence in several sectors of the Cambodian market, including telecoms, digital payments and wallets, as well as banking. Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Cambodia has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years, reaching US$5 billion in 2020 and US$9.3 billion in 2021. Nguyen claimed that the agreement between Metfone and MB Cambodia would further economic cooperation between the two countries. Visit of Minister Thomas Byrne to Norway Press release Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne T.D. completed his two-day visit to Norway today Friday 6th May. This was the Ministers first visit to Norway, a country with whom Ireland enjoys excellent bilateral relations and a strong economic relationship. On Thursday, Minister Byrne attended the third European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights in Kristiansand where he delivered a keynote address on the importance of implementing judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. During the conference, Minister Byrne also met with Ms. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarussian opposition leader during the August 2020 Presidential elections, currently exiled in Vilnius. The Minister concluded his visit in Oslo today where he held a bilateral meeting with Norways Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Anniken Huitfeldt. The Ministers reviewed the strong Irish-Norwegian partnership at the UN Security Council, shared perspectives on the current crisis in Ukraine and discussed Irelands ambitious Nordic Strategy. Speaking after the meeting, Minister Byrne noted the two countries partnership at the UN. Working closely together at the Security Council on difficult global security issues has strongly reinforced Irish-Norwegian relations and I look forward to working with my Norwegian colleagues to deepen our engagement in the coming years. The Governments Nordic Strategy provides a roadmap for us in that regard. ENDS Press Office 6 May 2022 Previous Item | Next Item The leaked specifications of Nothing Phone (1) are nothing new under the sun. Update: Carl Pei has hinted the launch of Nothing phone (1) on June 9 at 4:20 PM. 6/9 at 4:20 Carl Pei (@getpeid) May 4, 2022 Nothing Phone 1 was announced back in March of this year and the company founder Carl Pei had revealed the phone will launch this summer. Well, if your excitement had cooled down since then, heads up, temperatures are soaring and we are bringing to you Nothing Phone 1 leaks, fresh from the oven. But before you dig in, note that the source of the leak points to a Phone (1) user manual thats currently selling on Amazon India. We havent managed to verify the authenticity of the manual and are solely relying on the screenshots shared by the source on a Twitter post. Nothing Phone 1 Specs 6.43" FHD+ 90hz Amoled Display HDR10+ Snapdragon 778G 32MP Front | 50+8+2MP Rear Camera 4500mAh Battery Wireless Charging 8GB RAM 128GB Storage Android 12 NothingOS#nothingphone1 #Nothing pic.twitter.com/MWgalk9dMZ Raghvendra Singh jadon (@rsjadon01) May 4, 2022 So, heres what we have gleaned from it: Nothing phone (1) Specs and Features (Expected) Nothing phone (1) could come with a 6.43 FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED panel with HDR10+ playback support. The front camera could be a 32MP sensor. As for the back, there could be three cameras viz. a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide snapper, and a 2MP tertiary sensor. The underlying processor could be a Snapdragon 778G coupled with a 4500mAh battery. The phone will support wireless charging as per the leak. The unit mentioned in the user manual has 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. The software layer on top could be Android 12-based Nothing OS. During the announcement keynote, Mr Pei revealed that the Phone (1) will sport a near-stock experience with 3 years of OS updates. The Nothing OS launcher is also available on the Google Play Store with support for select Android phones. You can try the launcher on your current phone and get a taste of the minimal look the Nothing phone (1) is going for. However, as for the other details divulged in the recent leak, we suggest you take them with a pinch of salt until we have stronger verifiable evidence. As for other news, reviews, feature stories, buying guides and everything else tech-related, keep reading Digit.in. Subscriber content preview NEW YORK (AP) The company behind the TurboTax tax-filing program will pay $141 million to customers across the United States who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services, New York's attorney general announced Wednesday. Under the terms of a settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Mountain View, California-based Intuit Inc. will suspend TurboTax's free, free, free ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, New York Attorney General Letitia James said. . . . Subscriber content preview By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer Airbus said Wednesday that its profit in the first three months of 2022 more than tripled to 1.22 billion euros ($1.28 billion), helped by an increase in aircraft deliveries as airlines recover from the worst of the pandemic. Airbus said it plans to speed up production of its A320 family of planes that compete with Boeing 737s to 75 per month by 2025. To hit that rate, Toulouse, France-based Airbus will build a second final assembly line at its plant in Mobile, Alabama, CEO Guillaume Faury told reporters. . . . Subscriber content preview ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Norman Mineta, who as federal transportation secretary ordered commercial flights grounded after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001, has died. He was 90. John Flaherty, Mineta's former chief of staff, said Mineta died on Tuesday at his home in Edgewater, Maryland, east of the nation's capital. . . . Subscriber content preview TACOMA Tacoma-based Columbia Bank announced $100,000 in one-time grants through its Warm Homes campaign to four organizations that champion affordable housing options for residents across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Each organization will receive $25,000. The recipients are Jesse Tree in Boise, Idaho; Pathways to Housing in Redding, California; Interfaith Family Shelter in Everett; and Homes for Good Housing Agency in Eugene, Oregon. Each helps people and families struggling with homelessness in addition to advocating for affordable housing solutions. . . . The family of journalist Lyra McKee have urged anyone with a political agenda not to use her image. The Belfast woman died after being hit by a bullet during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in 2019. Dissident republican group the New IRA has been linked to the killing. Sinn Fein has been criticised for reportedly contacting the group over a potential co-operation agreement with an aim to achieve a border poll. A letter from the partys chairman Declan Kearney was leaked at the weekend just days before the Stormont election. Nichola McKee Corner has said that anyone using her sisters image to promote their own political agenda is causing untold pain and distress to their family. She was speaking following the publication of a tweet that contained a photograph of Lyra. The family has requested that the tweet be removed. The pain and trauma of Lyras murder has not lessened for our family over the last three years, Ms McKee Corner said. Our memories of Lyra are so precious to us and to see her picture used by people who never knew her, who never understood what made her the inspirational person she was just to make some political point or other is heartless beyond words. They sully Lyras memory. Shame on them, she added. Artists interested in the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme are advised to apply before next week's deadline. Creatives across Ireland have until next Thursday (May 12) at 1pm to submit their application for a chance to be part of the experimental scheme. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media opened the application portal in mid-April 2022 and has since received a large number of applications. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Media, Catherine Martin, called the level of enthusiasm from the sector "encouraging". She said, "When I launched the Basic income for the Arts scheme on 5 April, I encouraged all artists and creative arts workers to apply for the scheme which will see 2,000 eligible applicants receive 325 a week for 3 years. "I encourage anyone who is eligible who has not yet applied to register and submit your application well in advance of the 1pm deadline [sic]." It's hoped the scheme will address earnings instability associated with the periodic nature of work in the arts. Those eligible include practicing artists, creative arts workers or recently trained applicants who are 18 years of age or older, in a position to evidence their creative practice or career in the arts, based in the Republic of Ireland, and tax compliant. For the purposes of the scheme, a creative arts worker is described as "someone who has a creative practice and whose creative work makes a key contribution to the production, interpretation or exhibition of the arts". "Arts" here means any creative or interpretative expression (whether traditional or contemporary) in whatever form, and includes, in particular, visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture, and includes any medium when used for those purposes. More details on eligibility is available here and the application portal can be accessed here. Whiskey lovers will be raising their glasses at the news that The Townhouse restaurant in Dundalk has opened a their new whiskey lounge. The Townhouse said they are delighted to announce the opening of The Whiskey Lounge based at the Townhouse Restaurant. Whiskey is a passion of our team and after three years of The Townhouse Restaurant we are delighted to be offering whiskey lovers and aficionados of the north east and further a field a space and forum a spokesperson for the Townhouse said. A cosy spot to relax and appreciate the finest of whiskeys from all around the world. A number of guests from the whiskey industry attending a soft launch of The Whiskey Lounge on Sunday, May 1st. The evening included tastings from local distillers Baha Irish Whiskey and May Laog Irish Whiskey. Their Head Chef John and his team served up delicious canapes such as whiskey smoked salmon, home made Guinness bread, baked atlantic mussels and whiskey bechamel and Guinness pudding with homemade whiskey ice cream with staff ensuring guests received a full whiskey pairing experience. The evening also included a raffle where 500 was raised for Save the Homeless Dundalk. Owners Sarah and John Kenwright said they would like to thank all those who attended the launch and gave so generously. A special word of thanks was given to Anthony and Katie Sheehy of Irish Whiskey Auctions; Steven Murphy from May Laog and Gerry Mone from Baha Irish Whiskey for sponsoring the evening. Currently The Whiskey Lounge menu has 95 whiskeys with a strong focus on showcasing local whiskeys and heritage, and also whiskeys found off the beaten track. The Whiskey Lounge is open each weekend and their full whiskey menu is available during the restaurant opening hours Tuesday to Sunday. The countdown has begun in earnest to the 2022 Darkness into Light walk in Dundalk in aid of Pieta House. Darkness Into Light is Pieta Houses flagship annual fundraising and awareness event. The event organisers have shared the route map for the walk, it is the same route taken in previous years, beginning and ending at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). In a Facebook post the organisers said that: "Many have asked and it is the same route as our last year hosting an event "We will be a large crowd so don't worry about knowing or remembering the route as will all be walking together "Start and end point DKIT Canteen "Exiting Dkit Dublin rd entrance, turn right, walk down the Dublin road toward town centre and past the Louth county hospital. "At Hill Street traffic lights turn right, walking down the entire length of the Avenue Rd. "At the roundabout (woodies) take 3rd exit we will be walking past retail park, at the next roundabout take 3rd exit. "This is the silent kilometre Walking past the holy family church on our right, walking through Hoeys Lane toward Dublin rd. At Dublin rd junction (Toyota garage) take the left turn and return back to DKIT via main entrance." It has also been announced that Crowne Plaza Dundalk are providing post event coffee and breakfast bites in aid of Pieta House on Saturday morning. Serving from 5am, coffees will be 2 and bites are 3. For more updates on this year's walk go to the Darkness Into Light Dundalk Facebook page here. 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. The Louth Branch of MS Ireland are hosting a fundraising walk along the Carlingford -Omeath Greenway at 7.30pm on the 19th May. The event is in memory of Mary Ferguson. Sponsorship cards are available in many local shops and a bucket collection will be taken on the evening. Further details from Paul at 087 416 3098 or 0861505865. In addition, World MS day on May 30th will be marked with a fun filled Vintage Car Show at Monasterboice Inn on Saturday 28th May from 9am to 1pm. A coffee morning, raffle and face-painting will add to the fun on the day. For more information see MS Ireland Louth Voluntary Branch Facebook page. MS Ireland is the national organisation providing information, vital services, and support to the MS community. As with other charities, fundraising has been a real problem during Covid. MS Ireland provides a wide range of specialist services and resources on a national, regional and local level, community work programs, for one-one support, physiotherapy, symptom management courses and newly diagnosed sessions, and the MS information line 0818 233 233. They also provide the only national respite therapy centre for people with MS and advocate on behalf of MS patients on issues that will impact their lives. info@ms-society.ie. The four voluntary branches in the North East provide local support and services to people and families with MS in their own communities. The work of the Branch depends on the resources it has, the needs of the people in the community and the size of the Branch. The North East region has offered on-line services during lockdown, Yoga, Physiotherapy, and Mindfulness sessions on the Zoom platform and have recently resumed some meetings in person over the past few weeks, while they hope to restore face-to-face activities in the near future. At national level the 50k in May has been launched with a very generous response. MS Ireland can be contacted through our Information Line 0818 233 233, info@ms-society.ie, or tel.01 673 1600. Dundalk councillor Kevin Meenan has said that rule changes in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) process, where tenants fall in arrears with payments and are made pay arrears up front, without being allowed to enter payment plans, are going to "cause families to be evicted or made homeless." Cllr Meenan raised the matter at the Dundalk Municipal District May meeting, where the told the members present that the payment plan system offered by HAP for people in arrears has stopped since February. Previously where tenants fell into arrears with HAP, they could enter a payment plan until the arrears are paid, with the landlord continuing to be paid the rent. The rule change now means that if a tenant falls into arrears, there is no longer the ability to enter a payment plan and arrears must be paid in full up front or HAP will stop paying the landlord. The way the HAP process works in Ireland is, the HAP department, which is based in Limerick and is part of the Department of Housing, pays the landlord the monthly rent. The tenant then pays HAP what it has decided the tenant can afford based on their earnings/social welfare/income. The rent is calculated in much the same way as if the tenant was living in a local authority owned house. If a tenant fell behind with their payments to HAP they would normally enter into a payment plan with HAP until the arrears have been cleared. This has changed since February however and if a tenant now falls into arrears with HAP, it is no longer possible to enter a payment plan, with all arrears being required in full up front or HAP will stop paying the landlord. Cllr Meenan told the meeting that the move will have a "catastrophic effect on people". He said that he has spoken to a number of people recently who for various reasons have missed payments, including one in particular who has been "in and out of hospital and will become homeless". He added that he believes it will have a massive impact on homeless services, who he adds their "work is second to none". He further added that people who are being asked to pay lump sums of money up front will be driven to moneylenders and said that that is "hugely irresponsible". In response Director of Housing and Community Services, Mr Paddy Donnelly, said that he had only been made aware of the issue recently and reminded the members that the HAP process is managed centrally in Limerick. He said that it goes back to tenants having to make sure they pay their rents or their tenancy will be in jeopardy. He added that it applies to council tenancies as well as HAP tenancies. He agreed that the move by HAP will be a challenge for Louth County Council's homeless services in the coming months. Following the meeting, Cllr Meenan told the Dundalk Democrat that "this situation is ludicrous especially in this current economic climate and just recovering from a pandemic. This unjustifiable move by HAP is going to cause families to be evicted or made homeless. Their only option may be to borrow the money to pay the arrears. Bear in mind that many people in this situation may have a poor credit rating already and may see no option but to go to a moneylender to keep a roof over their family." He continued, "those who are currently on a payment plan can continue but if they miss or default on a payment they are asked for the full arrears amount or the landlord stops getting the rent. Tenants are being held to ransom by HAP. Things happen, people get sick, they go into hospital, they can miss a payment but there should always be the option of a payment plan to recover the debt. It makes no sense to forbid payment plans." The Sinn Fein councillor added, "if this irresponsible policy is allowed to continue we are going to see a huge increase in evictions across the State, including here in Louth. I have been talking to our TD Ruairi O Murchu on this and he raised it in the Dail today. This policy needs reversed before families find themselves on the streets." A Dundalk maiden winner has attracted significant attraction in the Epson Derby betting market, following a superb victory in the Chester Vase. The race, which is a trial for the British classic, was won emphatically by ChangingoftheGuard, the style in which he won seeing his odds of winning the biggest race in the Flat racing calendar tumble hugely, from 50/1 to as low as 8/1 with some betting firms. You just never know what might you might encounter when you go racing at the fantastic Dundalk Stadium. As Ireland's lone All weather track, Dowdallshill is the only place that can guarantee a sound surface, given our wet climate. On a quiet evening last month, April 1st, the maestro of Ballydoyle, Aidan O'Brien, sent out ChangingoftheGuard for his season return at Dundalk for a maiden race (for horse yet to win), looking to see if he had the potential to improve as a three year old over the longer trip of 1 mile 2 furlongs. He had yet to set the world on fire in his juvenile season, failing to win in three attempts over shorter distances, the best being a narrow loss in a Punchestown maiden back in September. But on the polytrack surface, the Galileo colt looked a different animal, romping home in stylish fashion by six lengths, albeit against a field that will not be thinking of adding Group success to their names. On Day One of the Chester Boodles Meeting, one of the marquee attractions was the Chester Vase, due to popular UK Trainer Charlie Appleby, essentially the Aidan O'Brien of Britain, being set to unleash his most fancied Derby prospect in New London for the first time this season. Glowing reports were coming from the stable that he was something special and this was reflected in the price he went off at yesterday, a 4/11 odds on favourite. Before the race he was the second favourite to win the Epson Derby. ChangingoftheGuard went off at 100/30 having been close to 5/1 at times with the Irish raider looking the biggest danger to the fav in this four runner race. Ryan Moore rode the colt with plenty of confidence on this step up in class, the hope pre race being that front running tactics by a horse with a run already this season would catch out the fitness of New London in his seasonal bow. He soon went clear in front having broke well from the stalls and quickened again when coming under pressure from the Godolphin owned horse two furlongs from home. In the end he coasted to a six-and-a-half-length victory. Despite this win, he still looks to be only number two in the Ballydoyle Derby pecking order, with Luxembourg, who finished well to grab third in the 2000 Guineas and will more then likely improve more when tackling the longer trip at Epsom, currently the favourite. However doubts over his fitness have come to light with it now being very possible he will miss the race. He has drifted in the betting as a result with ChangingoftheGuard coming in for support as a result. At the time of writing he was placed as the second favourite. An urgent appeal has been issued by police in the UK after an Irish family, including two children and their heavily pregnant mother, have gone missing. Charlene Collins (26) and her husband Martin Collins (29) have been reported missing along with their two children Martin (3) and Kathleen (2). Police say they are concerned for their welfare as Charlene is heavily pregnant with the couples third child. The family were last seen on Friday April 22, 2022 around Rochdale Road in Manchester. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Missing appeal for the Collins family. Charlene Collins 26 years and Martin Collins 29 years and their children Martin aged 3 and Kathleen aged 2 years have been reported missing. They were last seen around the Rochdale Road area of Manchester, M9 on Friday 22, April 2022. Charlene is heavily pregnant and there are concerns for their welfare. Police are asking if you have seen or come into contact with this family that you notify the police. "They speak with strong Irish accents, and possibly could have left the Manchester area. They are originally from Ireland and have recently come to Manchester but may have left the area and could have travelled down south. They have connections to Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Suffolk and now the North West." A Virgin Atlantic aircraft turned back to Heathrow after it emerged the first officer had not completed his final flying test. The Airbus A330 jet was nearly 40 minutes into its journey to New York on Monday when the two pilots on board became aware of the rostering error, the airline said. Flight VS3 had reached the skies above Ireland before returning to Heathrow, touching down more than one-and-a-half hours after it took off. A replacement for the first officer was found, and the plane departed again for New York. Virgin Atlantic insists safety was not compromised. The initial first officer joined the carrier in 2017. He was fully qualified under UK aviation regulations but had not completed a final assessment flight which is part of the airlines internal requirements. Flight VS3 turned back as the captain had not been designated as a trainer. Control of an aircraft is usually shared between a first officer and the captain, but the latter holds ultimate responsibility for what happens on a flight. A Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman said: Due to a rostering error, flight VS3 from London Heathrow to New York-JFK returned to Heathrow on Monday 2nd May shortly after take-off. The qualified first officer, who was flying alongside an experienced captain, was replaced with a new pilot to ensure full compliance with Virgin Atlantics training protocols, which exceed industry standards. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers, who arrived two hours and 40 minutes later than scheduled as a result of the crew change. A BEITBRIDGE-BASED police officer died when he fell off a rooftop while apprehending a suspected solar panels thief. Soon after the incident, the thief committed suicide while in detention at the local police station. The police officer sustained critical head injuries and was pronounced dead upon admission at the Beitbridge District Hospital. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the tragedy that occurred in Kwalu 1 suburb (SDP). He said the matter was now under full investigation. Asst Commissioner Nyathi said the incident occurred on Tuesday. We confirm the death of a police officer and a suspected solar panels thief in Beitbridge on Tuesday evening, he said. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspected thief was spotted on a rooftop by members of the community while attempting to steal solar panels at a property. Our police officers then swiftly reacted to the call and upon arrival one of the police officers tried to apprehend the suspect. They both fell to the ground and the police officer sustained critical injuries and died at the local hospital. Asst Comm Nyathi said the solar panels thief was arrested and taken to the Beitbridge Main Police Station. He was detained in a cell with three other people who had been arrested for different offenses and he later committed suicide. He said investigators had since interviewed the three cellmates about the suicide. This is an unfortunate incident and full investigations are now underway, and we cannot release the names of the deceased at this stage, said Asst Comm Nyathi. The property owner, Ms Marian Mbedzi, said she was still shaken by the incident which occurred in the presence of her children aged seven and 11. She said they had received counselling from neighbours and her extended family members. I am still shocked, this is a frightening experience for me and my children. However, we are getting moral support from neighbours and the family, said Ms Mbedzi. The use of solar energy has become common in new suburbs around Beitbridge town, where the Zimbabwe Electricity and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has been grappling to connect new homes to the electricity grid. It is estimated that there are over 3 000 properties in the newly built areas, where residents have to make use of solar energy and also sink their own boreholes and use septic tanks. As a result, thefts of solar panels and related accessories have become a perennial headache for residents in the area. Beitbridge Town Clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola recently said the town had completed connecting 500 properties in the newly built suburbs to water and sewer reticulation facilities. He said council was mobilising more resources to connect all the outstanding properties to water and sewer reticulation facilities. Mr Ramakgapola said the programme was being rolled out in phases. Chronicle THE High Court has barred Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) from sending his two children to cheap government schools, saying he could afford fees at private institutions. Mliswa had challenged a 2016 ruling by the magistrates court directing him to pay $8 000 for maintenance plus fees at a private school for the children he sired with Cynthia Mugwira. Mliswa and his estranged girlfriend have been in constant legal battles over the upkeep of their children. The lawmaker appealed against the school fees order, claiming he could only afford to send his children to a government institution. But High Court judges of appeal Justices Neville Wamambo and Emilia Muchawa said Mliswa did not give cogent reasons why his application should be granted. It was, however, clear to the same (lower) court that at the end of the day he can afford the fees at the named school, the judges ruled. There was also an averment which appellant did not dispute that one of the minor children has special needs which were being met at Hellenics Primary School. The learned trial magistrate was cognisant that essentially he was guided by the best interests of the children, they added. It was also discovered that Mliswa had several potential sources of income, including two houses in South Africa, the Shumba Murena Family Trust, Saltlakes Holdings Private Limited, among others. Although the magistrate did not deal with all the evidence, it appeared Mliswa also recently purchased an expensive Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle. Appellant says the car belongs to a friend. He does not satisfactorily explain why he declared a friends car to the parliamentary asset declaration list. That fact points to him not being honest on his resources and sources of income, the judges concurred, also adding that $8 000 was hardly enough to even take care of one child under the current economic situation. Newsday Coloradans protest against Supreme Court probable reversal on abortion rights Xinhua) 14:31, May 05, 2022 DENVER, United States, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Denver's gold-domed state capitol building was surrounded by thousands of screaming abortion rights activists Tuesday, as news of the U.S. Supreme Court's probable reversal of a women's right to abortion rattled Mile High residents. The high court's leaked draft opinion, which would strike down the landmark Roe v Wade 1973 opinion that protects a Mississippi woman's right to an abortion, has caused an uproar across the country since it was reported Monday. Thousands of Coloradans showed up Tuesday afternoon and stayed into the evening. Local news provider 9NEWS called it the largest gathering in the Colorado's capital since the Black Lives Matter protest in 2020. Despite the anticipated ruling, 22 states and the District of Columbia protect abortion access through state constitutions, legislation or court decisions, according to a database from the Center for Reproductive Rights. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) RETHINK Ireland has announced the opening of a 750,000 fund to support not-for-profit organisations, including charities and social enterprises, improving health outcomes in Cork and the larger Munster region. The one-year Impact Fund will invest in up to 10 innovative projects that are promoting healthy lives and wellbeing for all in Munster. Up to five awards will be made to projects and/or organisations that use music, creativity, or the arts to enhance the physical and mental health of their communities. Ensuring health innovations receive the backing they need has been part of Rethink Irelands core focus since we began, said Padraic Vallely, senior philanthropy and development manager. With the support of our generous donors and the Government, we have invested 16.3m in health projects since 2016, supporting 96 innovations in this area and helping us to reach more than 116,000 people. Through the Impact Fund for Munster, we aim to enhance the physical and mental health of communities across the province and, ultimately, help to save lives in the process. We would like to thank the Government of Ireland and the multiple donors to this fund who believe in the power of philanthropy and supporting innovative not-for-profits. The Impact Fund for Munster is backed by a local donors including the Parkes Family Limerick, The Sunflower Charitable Foundation, Community Foundation for Ireland, and several private donors, with match funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development via the dormant accounts fund. I am delighted to launch the Impact Fund for Munster, which is supported by my department and several private donors, said Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe OBrien. Alongside cash grants, successful applicants will secure a place on Rethink Irelands accelerator programme and access a bespoke non-financial supports package that uses expert consultants to help strengthen and scale awarded projects. Cork University Maternity Hospital has apologised and said it is truly sorry after a mother died when she fell out of a bed while breast-feeding and her new born baby suffocated under her. Marie Downey broke her neck in the fall three days after giving birth to her third child, a son, Darragh. The Downey family counsel, Dr John OMahony SC with Doireann OMahony Bl, told the High Court this was a monumentally sad and profoundly tragic and heart-breaking case where baby Darragh suffocated under his mother. He said when Ms Downey was removed from the ground in her hospital room and her baby was found suffocated, baby Darragh fought bravely for life but died the next day at just four days old after suffering an irreversible brain injury, counsel said. The apology came as Marie Downeys husband Kieran from Limerick settled a High Court action over the deaths of his wife and son. The hospital, in a letter of apology read to the court, said it was truly sorry and unreservedly apologised to Kieran Downey and family. In the letter, Cork University Maternity Hospital said it would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Downey his sons James, 8, and Sean, 5, and the extended family for the events that occurred while Marie and Darragh were under the care of CUMH which resulted in the tragic loss of their lives in March 2019". The letter added: We cannot possibly comprehend the devastating impact these losses have had on you, James and Sean. "On behalf of the staff of CUMH, especially those who were involved in the care of Marie and baby Darragh, we are truly sorry and wish to express our deepest sympathies and regret. A life-changing episode Dr John OMahony told the court it was a life changing tragic episode for the Downey family. "They are going to live with this for the rest of their lives, he added. Mr Downey, it was claimed, was rocked to the core when his newborn son was found on the hospital floor with his dead mother partially on top of him. Counsel said the 35-year-old mother, who was known to have epilepsy, was breastfeeding when she fell from the bed. Marie fell from the bed on top of Baby Darragh. It is tragic on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the family, looking forward to the third addition to their family, he said. Kieran Downey, 40, Knockanevin, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, had sued the HSE over the death of his wife and four-day-old baby. He also brought an action for nervous shock. Baby Darragh, the Downeys' third child, was born on March 22, 2019, weighing 3.76kg and was in excellent condition. The third stage of labour, it was claimed, was complicated by postpartum haemorrhage, excessive bleeding and it was claimed Ms. Downey lost half of her circulating blood volume. There was, it was claimed, a failure to intervene in circumstances where intervention was clearly warranted and a failure to appreciate that the loss of that amount of blood would have been sufficient to cause the mother to feel exhausted, fatigued, and tired, which were known to be the triggers for seizures in her case. Ms Downey was allowed to stay unobserved in a single room when breastfeeding and no attention was paid to safety measures such as the provision of cot sides, it was claimed. There was also a failure to appreciate that the mother should not have been accommodated in a single room except in circumstances where there would be continuous observation by a carer. The decision to place Ms Downey in a single room without supervision was an ultimately fatal decision, it was contended, and there was a failure to recognise that breastfeeding would be a potentially dangerous time for any mother with a history of postnatal seizures. There was, it was submitted, a failure to pay heed to the fact that Ms Downey herself had warned of the dangers of her seizing while breastfeeding unsupervised, and a failure to adequately monitor the mother while she was breastfeeding alone in a single room. HSE admits breach of duty The HSE admitted negligence and breach of duty. A post-mortem on Ms Downey reported she died of a broken neck following a fall three days after she gave birth and secondary to epilepsy. The post-mortem on Baby Darragh showed findings consistent with the baby being compressed beneath his mother and the floor. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Kieran Downey and family. He said nothing could prepare them for this extraordinary tragedy and it was hard to imagine the tragedy that occurred. A FORMER Jehovahs Witness elder is to be jailed for six months for sexually assaulting a girl aged between six and eight some 40 years ago. Judge Dara Hayes imposed a sentence of 15 months with the last nine months suspended in the case against Josef Keys, of Hazelwood Close, Glanmire, who faced sentencing yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. After the sentence was imposed on Keys, aged 81, his barrister Suzanne Lewis returned to court and applied to have the imposition of sentence delayed until next Monday, May 9, for Keys to make arrangements in respect of medications. Judge Hayes agreed to this adjournment in the circumstances. The accused is to be jailed on Monday for the indecent assault dating back approximately 40 years. The injured party, who was indecently assaulted as a child, came forward recently to report the 40-year-old offence when the 81-year-old man contacted her daughter on social media. Garda Caroline Horgan, who investigated the case, said the victim came forward to make the complaint about the historical indecent assault when Keys made a friend request to her 12-year-old daughter via social media. Ms Lewis described the social media contact made recently by Keys as being inadvertent. In the course of his judgment, Judge Dara Hayes said the contact was an aggravating factor in the case and he did not accept the explanation that it was an inadvertence. The Probation Service report put the accused at a moderate risk of sexual offending in the future. As well as this new indecent assault conviction, Keys had one previous sexual assault conviction in the 1990s. Judge Hayes referred to the eloquence of the victim impact statement and the woman being left to feel hyper-vigilant and having issues of trust. In mitigation, the judge said the actual assault was at the lower end of such offences and did not have aggravating factors such as digital penetration and was not repeated. It was also accepted that by pleading guilty, Keys had spared the complainant the difficulties of having to face giving her evidence ina trial. Garda Horgan said of the indecent assault back in the 1980s that Keys, who was then aged around 40, offered to teach the child to drive and sat her on his lap in the drivers seat. She recalled feeling that he was hard in the groin area, Garda Horgan testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the injured party said: The legacy of having been sexually assaulted as a child impacts me every single day I am hyper- vigilant to any risk to mine or my familys safety. When you tried to friend-request [daughter] on social media I realised you had not changed. That is the reason we are here today. I hate the fact that because I was abused as a child this impacts how I am as a mother. I am paranoid about my daughters safety. "You saw my vulnerability and took advantage of it for your own gratification. I find it hard to trust anyone now because of the fear I have of any harm coming to my daughter. Almost immediately after the sexual assault happened, my life changed. The losses in my life began to mount up. I find it hard to be loved, to accept love, and trust love. Even the simplicity of someone looking in my eyes unnerves me. I am so grateful that I am in a loving relationship but that relationship is still impacted by that early childhood trauma. The statement then addressed Keys directly: I have carried your shame for most of my life. But today I am handing that back to you because it is not mine to carry. "I did nothing wrong. I was a young, innocent, and vulnerable child and you, the trusted man in the community, took that from me. Ms Lewis said: He himself was the victim of serious sexual abuse as a child. ACTRESS comedian and TV host Deirdre OKane will be forever grateful to the jewel of Victorian architecture, The Everyman Theatre in Cork, for giving her a health- affirming tip. In a recent Twitter post wishing The Everyman a very happy 125th birthday, Deirdre revealed her fondness for the iconic theatre where she will be performing her new show Demented on October 1. Its one of the nicest theatres in the country, and the only one where they put your name in lights outside - very good for the ego! she joked. My favourite memory is of the last time I was going on stage there, I decided to treat myself to a gin and tonic. I was handed the drink, and it had a few leaves of basil in it. Now, thanks to The Everyman, I always throw a few leaves of basil into my G+T, which is why I am in such good health, she laughed. Deirdre O'Kane has three Cork gigs as part of her nationwide tour of 'Demented'. Deirdre exudes lust for life, and a positive can do attitude, and combined with her sparkling wit and self-deprecating humour, it all makes for a cocktail of endearing qualities which have contributed towards her being one of the most beloved performers in Ireland. Her new stand-up comedy show Demented, which she is currently touring, has already garnered rave reviews from the critics. Cork-based fans will be heartened to know she will soon be performing the show at another iconic Cork venue - De Barras in Clonakilty on May 6 - as well as later in the year, on December 9 at Sea Church, Ballycotton, and the aforementioned show at the Everyman on October 1. One of Irelands favourite stand-up comedians, Deirdre never strays too far from her live stand-up comedic roots and had written a portion of Demented just before the pandemic, and completed it during lockdown. During this time she also fronted a prime TV slot on RTE , Deirdre O Kane Talks Funny. Theres a point beyond burn-out where all you can do is laugh, and in the show Deirdre jokes about how she has reached that point, and deals with many of the issues women are trying to balance in their lives. She is hyper-aware of the pressures which many women feel in order attain the notion of perfection, and that is one of the elements which inspired the writing of the show. One of the things I missed most during lockdown was my wonderful cleaner. When she came back, I think she got the biggest hug from me of all the people I hadnt seen. "I know that I am lucky enough to be able to afford one, but I urge women, if they can, to get as much help as as possible. "Its important for women to look after themselves more, and to stop trying to keep up with impossible standards, like having their homes Instagram perfect. Its way too much pressure. Demented is about me being a woman of a certain age, with the hormones bouncing off the walls, and also having two teenagers in the house with their hormones in competition with mine to see whose can bounce the furthest. I think its important to acknowledge this natural stage in life, and not to be reticent in talking about the menopause. I also talk about the loss of parents, which can often occur at this time of life too. I lost my own dad a couple of years ago, and the show addresses this. Its quite cathartic, and at the same time funny as I explain how I am not any longer afraid that I will say something that might offend him. The show is 75 minutes of people howling with laughter, and its been so gratifying to see people enjoying it so much. It really gives me so much pleasure to get a reaction like that from the audience. Every audience is different, and I really enjoy the elements which that brings to the energy in the room. I have been doing stand up now for 20 years and no two audiences are the same, which I really enjoy. Its always fresh and interesting. Deirdre O'Kane hosting the virtual 2022 IFTA Film & Drama Awards. Picture: Brian McEvoy Deirdre is also just back from a recent trip to New York where she was delighted to meet up with Cork comedian, actress and writer Maeve Higgins. It was really lovely to meet up with Maeve again and hang out with her. I performed a stand up set at the wonderful Butterboy Club in Brooklyn, which is hosted by Maeve, along with Jo Firestone and Aparna Nancherla. "I really enjoyed it, it was such fun to be back in New York again as I hadnt been for some time. I also performed in the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan which was fantastic too. New York was buzzing and it was great to experience the atmosphere, and to be able to go out and see shows on Broadway again. she said. Its also great to welcome Deirdre back to the Rebel County again, and once again experience the joys of live comedy, a huge relief from feeling demented. Indigenous groups from around the world are preparing to travel to Glasgow for COP26 to call for climate action and demand a greater say in negotiations, the Arizona Republic reports. However, despite being among the least culpable and most harmed by the climate crisis, they will not be fully credentialed while they seek to influence the important discussions already dogged by problems of inequitable access. Since being elected as a tribal leader 15 years ago, Fawn Sharp, now the vice president of the Quinault Indian Nation in what is now Washington state, has seen the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, and shrinking glaciers and ocean acidification which are decimating salmon numbers a crisis for tribes across the continent. Andrea Carmen, a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the former co-chair of the UNs Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform Facilitative Working Group, and executive director of the International Indian Treaty Council has been fighting for a seat at the international table since COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. She, along with other Indigenous rights activists, were able to get two references to Indigenous rights in the final draft of the Paris Agreement despite no Indigenous people being in the room where it happened. We called for our rights and knowledge to be respected, not just because of the impacts we were experiencing, Carmen told the Republic, but also we are convinced that our knowledge, our ancestral knowledge and practices had a lot to contribute to these discussions. Native activists have demanded the Biden Administration take stronger action to protect their land and water resources from fossil fuel extraction and pipelines, including the Enbridge Line 3 tar sands oil pipeline. For a deeper dive: Arizona Republic; Climate Signals background: Sea level rise, Glacier melt, Ocean acidification For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, sign up for daily Hot News, and visit their news site, Nexus Media News. Over thousands of years, Indigenous peoples harvested billions of oysters sustainably on the East and West Coasts of North America and on the East Coast of Australia, according to a recent global study, a press release from the Smithsonian said. It was not until the arrival of European colonizers that oyster populations began to plummet. The study was led by anthropologist Torben Rick of the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History and anthropologist Leslie Reeder-Myers of Temple University, who is a former Smithsonian postdoctoral fellow. The research team included 24 specialists in particular archaeological sites who assembled data on the oyster fisheries of the Indigenous peoples. The findings of the research, Indigenous oyster fisheries persisted for millennia and should inform future management, were published this week in the journal Nature Communications. The findings of the study suggest that the highly successful, sustainable management of these ancient fisheries could inform the restoration and management of oyster fisheries today. The researchers wrote that the descendents of the Indigenous peoples that managed them with such care should be a part of the decisions on how to manage this priceless living resource. Conservation today cant just be seen as a biological question and cant just be about undoing the environmental damage weve done in the modern era, said Rick, as the press release stated. Instead, global conservation efforts should be coupled with undoing the legacies of colonialism which brought about the attempted erasure and displacement of Indigenous people all over the world. The commercial fisheries of European colonizers harvested oysters in massive numbers in locations like San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake Bay and Botany Bay in Sydney, Australia, while also changing the oysters habitat and introducing new microbes and species that destroyed their populations. According to Rick, the new study expands on a paper from 2004 that looked at the collapses of 28 North American and Australian oyster fisheries after the European colonists took over and commercialized them. The researchers used the archaeological record and historical catch data to examine 16 oyster middens (heaps of millions of oyster shells) in southeast Queensland, The Guardian reported. Some oyster middens were as high as 30 feet and were used as sacred ceremonial places, while others were smaller, possibly seasonal spaces, stated the Smithsonian press release. The more than four-and-a-half-foot high Booral shell mound, which sits on an area of more than 1,600-square-feet, is made up of about 5.9 million oyster shells, The Guardian reported. It goes back 3,000 years it is just jam packed with millions of oyster shells, showing that there was very intense harvesting of oysters in the past, said professor Ian McNiven of the Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, as reported by The Guardian. According to the Smithsonian press release, a midden site on Saint Helena Island near Brisbane, Australia, has about 50 million shells from over a thousand years of oyster harvests by Indigenous peoples. Oyster harvesting didnt start 500 years ago with the arrival of Europeans, said anthropologist at the University of Maine and citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation Bonnie Newsom, who was co-author of the study, the Smithsonian press release stated. Indigenous peoples had a relationship with and understood this species well enough to use it as part of their subsistence and cultural practices. Indigenous peoples have a lot to offer in terms of how to engage with this natural resource in ways that are sustainable. In Estero Bay off the Gulf Coast of Florida, Mound Key is home to about 18.6 billion oyster shells. The oysters were harvested by the Calusa Tribe of Floridas Southwest Coast. An oyster midden called Shell Mound in Cedar Key, Florida, contains about 2.1 billion shells, while South Carolinas Fig Island has a little less than 75.6 million. In Chesapeake Bay, some sites have about 84 million oyster shucks. We knew there were big sites in the southern U.S., but when we started to calculate just how many oysters were in these sites we were astonished, Rick said, as the Smithsonian reported. Some oyster middens in Massachusetts and California are more than 6,000 years old. By looking at changes in the sizes of oyster shells, previous studies have been able to find evidence that Indigenous harvests in many places, though extensive, continued to be sustainable over long periods. Smaller oyster shells tended to indicate an overextended fishery. However, when looking at Indigenous oyster fisheries, the studies didnt find a lot of evidence of shell sizes diminishing. The fact that there are so many oysters at archaeological sites in so many different regions is an important lesson, Reeder-Myers said, according to the press release. These systems have a ton of potential and huge quantities of oysters can be sustainably harvested over long time periods if the ecosystem is healthy. Rick expressed the hope that environmental managers and biologists pay attention to the findings of the study and that the knowledge helps others to appreciate the importance of the relationships Indigenous peoples have with tidal ecosystems. What this study does is it says we need to start a broader dialogue when we look to restore an ecosystem or make conservation decisions, said Rick, as the Smithsonian reported. In this case, that dialogue needs to include the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors stewarded these ecosystems for millennia. This broadening of perspectives can enhance biological conservation and help restore connections between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral homelands. The solar industry offers job opportunities for candidates with diverse skill sets and experiences. The jobs that may come to mind first are technical in nature (installers and electricians are the backbones of the workforce), but the industry is supported by a wide range of job functions including communications, project management, engineering and more. These job functions differ in nature but are tied together by a few common threads: most require skills in logistics, punctuality, leadership and working effectively as a team all things that veterans come well-equipped with. Although veterans have the ability to do a number of high-value jobs, transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging after returning home from active service. The skills and training that veterans undergo in service dont translate easily onto a resume, and as a result, some struggle to find gainful employment. However, the solar industry offers a natural fit for veterans entering the workforce. In this guide, well discuss the challenges veterans face, as well the programs and businesses that offer support. The Solar Industry and U.S. Veterans The solar industry already harbors a large number of veterans; the 2020 National Jobs Census showed that the industry employs over 20,000 vets (which is 9% of all solar workers in the nation). This is more than the average national veteran employment rate of 6.6%.1 This coincides with a period of huge potential growth for the budding solar industry, which is poised to reach 400,000 jobs by 2030. Veterans have the skills to make use of the opportunity clean energy brings. In addition to employment, working toward a cleaner future can offer great personal satisfaction for veterans accustomed to aligning with a greater purpose. Veterans also have a good understanding of the importance of energy for our national security. But there are still challenges. Challenges U.S. Veterans Face Studies show that a lack of preparation for finding civilian employment when leaving the military is a large contributor to veteran unemployment.2 This lack of preparation included things like unrealistic expectations for the kinds of job opportunities veterans qualify for; unrealistic expectations for salaries; veterans having a perception of having to start over as a civilian; and difficulty understanding how military experience translates to civilian employment. Of the 20,000+ veterans in the solar workforce, the majority work in installation, manufacturing, or sales and distribution. Since many veterans joined the military straight out of high school, many lack the academic credentials for positions above entry-level and have to work their way up. But veterans come equipped with highly valuable skills and intangibles that may not be reflected in a job application. These include: Technical skills Leadership skills Ability to work with a team Self-motivation Discipline Efficiency Solar Programs for Veterans There are a number of programs that advance the career opportunities for transitioning military service members and veterans in the growing solar industry. Solar Ready Vets Solar Ready Vets, led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), is a program that advances a nationwide pipeline of veterans into all levels of the solar workforce through industry partnerships, fellowships, training programs and workforce development.3 Solar Opportunities and Readiness The Solar Opportunities and Readiness (SOAR) initiative connects veterans with solar training, credentialing, professional development and employment opportunities. Its goals include establishing apprenticeships, expanding the eligibility of solar training for GI Bill benefits, and defining expedited pathways to solar certifications based on military experience and qualifications. Solar Energy International Solar Energy International (SEI) offers Veterans Educational Funding and outreach programs for veterans and active-duty military personnel. It also offers educational opportunities and benefits to military members, their families, and veterans who have honorably served. Check out SEIs website to learn more about eligibility and the application process. Veteran-Owned Solar Businesses If youre interested in solar, there are also avenues to support veterans through your business. There are several reputable veteran-owned businesses that install solar panel systems throughout the nation. By supporting veteran-owned businesses, you can give back to our service men and women. Veteran Owned Solar Veteran Owned Solar offers solar installations, development and project management services throughout Texas and Arizona. It specializes in oversight and management of large-scale projects, but it is highly capable of performing residential solar installations as well. For every 20 solar systems installed by Veteran Owned Solar, the company donates one system to a veteran within its community. Semper Solaris California-based Semper Solaris, inspired by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, installs solar panels, battery storage, roofing, and heating and air conditioning services throughout the state. The company remains committed to hiring and empowering members of our armed forces who share the same integrity, loyalty and responsibility as the companys founders. GC Green Incorporated GC Green Inc. is a service-disabled veteran-owned business based in San Diego, CA. It provides engineering services, technology selection and project finance management services. Karsten Neumeister is a solar energy specialist passionate about sustainable development, environmental and cultural change. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace. NVIDIA isn't the only one making it easier to play Fortnite on Apple devices. Microsoft has partnered with Epic Games to make Fortnite playable for free on Xbox Cloud Gaming, no subscription required. So long as you have a Microsoft account in one of 26 streaming-enabled countries, you can play the battle royale title through the web browser on an iPhone, iPad, Android device or Windows PC. The streaming version supports both controllers and touch. Creative mode is also free, although you'll need to pay if you want to fight AI villains in the Save the World campaign. Fortnite might not be alone, either. Microsoft said it would "look to bring" other free-to-play titles to Xbox Cloud Gaming. There's no mystery behind Microsoft's team-up. This could boost Xbox Cloud Gaming and drive sign-ups for Game Pass Ultimate, which offers a catalog of games you can stream on multiple platforms. Microsoft is also eager to spite Apple the Windows creator has backed Epic's antitrust battle, arguing that Apple is stifling competition through in-app payments and restrictions on cloud gaming apps. Free Fortnite gameplay could draw attention to Apple's policies while softening the blow for Microsoft, Epic and gamers. Part-time employees at RaterLabs an AI vendor whose only known client is Google are campaigning to qualify for the $15 hourly minimum wage the tech giant promised to its "extended workforce" back in 2019. Yahoo Finance reported that the quality raters whose sole job is evaluating Googles search and ad results for accuracy dont qualify for sick leave, PTO or other benefits the company provides for its TVCs (temporary workers, vendors and independent contractors). Google increased base pay following critical reporting of its treatment of TVCs in 2018 the same year it was revealed the majority of Google's workforce was not directly employed by the company. A number of RatersLabs employees believe the work they do is vital enough to Google that they should receive the higher pay and benefits of their peers. Christopher Colley, who has worked for the Google vendor since 2017, told Yahoo Finance that he only earns $10 an hour, and hasnt qualified for a raise over the five years hes worked at RaterLabs. Colley is also part of the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU-CWA), a subgroup of the Communications Workers of America focused on organizing full-time and part-time workers of Alphabet. The raters work from home, use their own devices, can work for multiple companies at a time, and do not have access to Googles systems and/or badges, a Google spokesperson told Engadget. As noted on the policy page, the wages and benefits policy applies to Alphabets provisioned extended workforce (individuals with systems and/or badge access to Google)." Among the hurdles workers need to jump in order to qualify for the pay bump afforded to some TVCs is a minimum 30-hour workweek. As AWU-CWA was quick to point out, RaterLabs contractors are capped at only 26 hours. Employee accounts on RatersLabs Indeed profile describe low morale, low pay and an unclear feedback process. Reviews are monthly, with one bad review potentially costing you the job [...] Guidelines can change the week before the review and you can be 'graded' based on them despite doing the work way before," wrote a former RatersLab employee in January 2022. "The job is very flexible, pay is mediocre, and you have no chance for advancement. This isnt the first time that Googles army of raters have spoken out about low pay, no opportunities for advancement and subpar working conditions. In fact, RatersLabs was formed by the CEO of Leapforce, a company that also hired raters for Google search and ad products. Back in 2017, Leapforce raters spoke out about chaotic working conditions, resulting in at least three contractors being fired, two of whom claimed their separations from the company were acts of retaliation. As Ars Technica notes, a number of Leapforce workers filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board which were eventually resolved via settlement. Appen which acquired Leapforce in May of 2017 is also the parent company of RatersLabs. As part of Lenovo's big spring laptop refresh, the company today unveiled a new generation of Slim clamshell laptops in the US (which confusingly share the 'Slim' branding with older, unrelated models). These include the Slim 9i, the Slim 7i and Slim7i Pro X, the Slim 7i Carbon and the Slim 7. The last of those come with an AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor rather than the Intel chips inside its sisters, while the Slim 9i claims to be carbon neutral. While the improvements arent dramatic, the new line offers decent boosts in performance, longevity and screen quality. Lenovos Slim 9i is a 14-inch laptop with WiFi 6 and three Thunderbolt 4 ports. It's also supposedly carbon-neutral, which makes this a solid bet if you're eco-conscious. The display includes an option to upgrade to a 4K OLED Puresight touchscreen display, which will no doubt make for sharper visuals and more immersive gaming. It also includes the IdeaPads infrared webcam, which means it will have facial recognition abilities. It also features 12th-gen Intel Core processors. The laptop starts at $1,799 and will be available in US stores starting in June. Gallery: Lenovo Slim series of laptops | 11 Photos /11 Gallery: Lenovo Slim series of laptops | 11 Photos /11 Both the Slim 7i Pro X and Slim 7 Pro X are 14-inch laptops; the former offers 12-gen Intel Core processors and the latter includes an AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor. You can expect up to 32 GB of RAM and the option of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU. At 3.5 pounds, both machines are also very lightweight, especially for ones with dedicated graphics cards. The 7i Pro X starts at $1,699 and the 7 Pro X starts at $1,499. The Slim 7 features a 16-inch screen and is outfitted with an AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processor, and starts at $1,499. The Slim 7i is available in either 14 or 16-inches and includes 12th-gen Intel Core processors. It is priced starting at $1,199 or $1,599, respectively. For those in the market for a lightweight laptop that also wont weigh down their carry-on bag, a decent option may be Lenovos 13-inch 2.2 pound Slim 7i Carbon. As the name implies, it saves weight by having a carbon frame. It includes 12th-gen Intel Core processors and self-adjusting fan and power speeds to save battery life. The 7i Carbon is available as either a 13-inch laptop or an upgraded model that features a 13.3-inch Lenovo Puresight touchscreen. The price starts at $1,299, and will be available in the US this June. For those afraid of losing their laptops while on the go (or heaven forbid, their machine getting stolen), Lenovo will be offering its Smart Lock program in North America, starting in June. The cloud-based security program includes an app and browser version and essentially allows users to track and find their machines, as well as remotely lock or wipe any personal data from them. Gaming has been one of Chrome OS weak spots for years. Most Chromebooks have lower-power hardware paired with an OS built on web technology, so playing AAA titles found on Windows has simply not been an option. Cloud gaming, like Googles own Stadia, offered a solution of sorts, but many players have been eager to see how Steam would fare, after Google announced Valve's platform was in an early alpha phase. News Editor Nathan Ingraham tested things out on one of the seven Chromebooks that can run Steam, an ASUS Chromebook CX9 with Intel's 11th-generation Core i7. (Google says Steam required a device with at least a Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.) He explains that many games run like a dream; however, his attempts to play 2018's God of War, originally released for the PS4 and ported to Windows in January this year, was apparently a totally unplayable slideshow. God of Wars spec requirements demand either NVIDIA's GTX 960 or AMD's R9 290X graphics cards it wasnt a huge shock. While Google and Valve will improve the Steam experience from this early alpha, it's fair to say Chrome OS will never be the place to play cutting-edge games. But, Steam's library is vast, and there are thousands of titles most playable offline, something Stadia cant offer. Mat Smith The biggest stories you might have missed The six-episode series debuts on Disney+ on May 27th. Lucasfilm and Disney+ celebrated May the 4th by offering another look at the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series. There's not a ton of new footage, but it includes a peep at Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen) being pieced together, which is much more than the breathing cameo from the previous trailer. Continue reading. Many players stuck around, too. The New York Times has revealed it added "tens of millions" of new users in the first quarter of 2022 thanks to Josh Wardle's hit word game. That led to the company's best quarter yet for subscriber additions to games, and "many" of those incoming players have stuck around to try other games. Continue reading. The company will start mass-producing Universal Flash Storage 4.0 in the third quarter. Samsung has introduced the latest iteration of its Universal Flash Storage product, which it says is much, much faster than its predecessor. UFS was created to enable SSD speeds for cameras, phones and other devices, but this version called UFS 4.0 can reach 23.2Gbps per lane. That's double the speed of UFS 3.1, the storage used in Samsungs Galaxy S22. Continue reading. It may be smaller than the Beam, with some high-end features. Sonos' rumored budget soundbar was briefly posted online at Colombian store KTronix. The listing suggested g it will be called the Sonos Ray and be smaller than the already compact Beam Gen 2 at just 22 inches long (versus 25.6in), if slightly taller and thinner. A previous leak hinted Sonos might release it as soon as early June. And while the Colombian price (about $323) likely won't reflect the exact pricing for the US, it does imply the rumored $250 sticker is at least close to the mark. Continue reading. Due a refresh. Engadget Graduation is traditionally a big time for gift-giving, so if you know someone heading out into the real world who could use an upgrade after four (or more!) long years of higher education, weve got a host of options even if the giftee is in deep with tech already. Continue reading. You might soon see more electric trucks ferrying cargo around town. Volta has revealed that it's bringing its urban delivery EVs to the US, starting with a test fleet of 100 Class 7 (16.5 US tons) Zero trucks coming to Los Angeles in mid-2023. American production should start in 2024, with an "experienced" manufacturer chosen late this year. This inaugural truck will be followed by lighter-duty Class 5 (9.8-ton) and Class 6 (13-ton) models in 2024 and 2025. The Class 7 Volta Zero's range is short, with modular batteries offering between 95 to 125 miles of driving. That's more than enough for city deliveries, however. Volta is also betting that 250kW DC fast charging will ease any range anxiety. You completely recharge the Zero in slightly over an hour at the right station. Moreover, the company has taken advantage of the switch to electric motors to improve safety a lower, center-mounted driver's seat should reduce the usual truck blind spots. There's pressure for Volta to move quickly. Fellow Swedish company Volvo has already introduced multiple electric medium-duty trucks, and American rival Freightliner has the eM2. Still, these are typically conventional designs that just happen to be electric, rather than from-scratch EVs. Volta might reel customers in simply by making a more compelling case for ditching diesel- and gas-based fleets. Whisteblowers are accusing Facebook of purposely blocking government, healthcare and emergency services pages in Australia in order to thwart a potential law that would require platforms to pay for news, according to WSJ. The accusers say the platform last year created an algorithm to identify pages that would affect the most publishers. But Facebook reportedly didnt just take down pages for media outlets it also removed pages for hospitals, governments and charities. According to the documents, Facebook put together a team of roughly a dozen employees who were tasked with removing news content from Australia. The team sidestepped an existing Facebook database of existing news publishers. Instead, the Facebook employees quickly created a new algorithm with a definition of news broad enough to grab a large number of non-news pages. If 60 percent of [sic] more of a domains content shared on Facebook is classified as news, then the entire domain will be considered a news domain, stated one internal document. The end-result was that for several days Australians werent able to access or share any news or information from governments and healthcare services pages on Facebook. The timing was particularly bad, since the nation was just about to embark on a mass vaccination campaign for Covid-19. A number of Australian health officials decried the move. "It is truly ironic that Facebook has allowed health misinformation to be spread via its platform throughout this pandemic, yet today much of this misinformation remains on Facebook while official information sources are blocked [The decision is] corporate bullying at its worst, Australian Medical Association President Dr. Omar Khorshid told NBC last year. Facebooks troubles in Australia began when the nations Parliament began devising ways to force companies to pay publishers for news content distributed via search products and social media platforms. Back in February 2021, the Australian House of Representatives passed a version of this legislation opposed by Facebook. The company then blocked Australians from sharing or viewing news on the platform altogether. Following days of public outcry, the Australian Parliament eventually negotiated with Facebook and passed a new, more lenient bill that had the support of the social media giant. Facebook then reversed the ban. Facebook has maintained that blocking the government and healthcare pages was accidental. The documents in question clearly show that we intended to exempt Australian government Pages from restrictions in an effort to minimize the impact of this misguided and harmful legislation, Facebook spokesman Andy Stone told WSJ. When we were unable to do so as intended due to a technical error, we apologized and worked to correct it. Any suggestion to the contrary is categorically and obviously false. The documents that the whistleblowers submitted were filed with the US Department of Justice and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, WSJ reported. A number of members of the US Congress were also given copies of the Facebook documents. Comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked while performing at the Netflix is a Joke festival. Attacking a comedian once this year alone was too much; twice is a new kind of ridiculous. After Chris Rock was slapped in the face by Will Smith during this year's Oscar Awards, comedians, comedy clubs, and various other performance venues began speaking out against violence, remarking that anyone who attempted such a stunt in their venues would be promptly removed from the premises. They warned against copy cat attacks, calling it assault. Comedians took to social media pages, expressing concern that there might be more attacks mirroring the one seen at the Oscars. Performers around the world acknowledged the lack of safety they felt, the precedent having been set that, if an audience member does not like what a comedian has said, they can go up and attack the performer. And everyone laughed this off (pun intended) as an overreaction. Many saw these posts and suggested that people were victimising themselves in light of an event that had nothing to do with them; Regardless of how many people watch the Oscars, the event was between two people so ethereally high in the field that they could not possibly have implications on anyone else. Who would be crazy enough to try to repeat this? Well... That was, until Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl during the Netflix is a Joke festival out in California. An audience member stormed the stage, tackling Chappelle to the ground during his set. This was not simply a hand-to-hand physical attack - the audience member had with him a fake gun that, when the trigger was pulled, realeased a blade. Dave Chappelle after A Town stomping whoever attacked him pic.twitter.com/qr1z0xBoJ8 DDOT. (@DDotOmen) May 4, 2022 No one is laughing anymore. In just over a month, two different comedians have been attacked while on stage during their set. This copycat attack confirms that the actions of Will Smith, while admonished by most, were, in fact, absorbed by many. Comedy must not be transformed into a medium in which certain audience members are on edge, quite literally primed to come to blows if they do not like a joke that is said. This is in no way, shape, or form a commentary on whether or not certain people should be allowed to say certain things on stage. With an understanding and a respect to fellow people, it is important not to belittle anyone's quality of life or personhood, regardless of whether or not you were, in fact, "kidding." However, violence is also never the answer to something like that. via GIPHY A comedian's job is to make jokes. To push the envelope. To give the world a way to cope with unfortunate things through finding a uniting means through which to laugh about the absurdity of the human condition. If we are no longer allowed to laugh at life, everything will be instantly suffocated in a cloud of misery. I know that sounds dramatic. I don't think it is. via GIPHY Comedy is a coping mechanism. While therapists may advise against using it as a deflection when discussing the personal processing of emotions, as a universal society, coping through laughter is synonymous with survival. People most often make jokes about the things that hurt them the hardest, affected them the most. Getting other people to laugh with you shows the comedian and the world that they are not alone - a salve for some of your worst pain. An excellent example of this is Hannah Gadsby's Netflix special Nanette. In it, she discusses different traumas she was made to face growing up and during her adult life, and she gives the audience an avenue through which to laugh about it and heal through it. It shows a world of people who have experienced similar things that they are not alone. Nanette, of course, is unique for a comedy special due to its powerful ending (which I will not spoil for you! Go and watch Nanette now if you haven't!) As we exit this pandemic, a time in which we have been more separated as people than we have been ever before, finding ways to laugh together will be what re-connects us. Laughing through our shared traumas has the potential to heal the world. Bo Burnham made a similar point of uniting and laughing with people during a troubling time. Inside, the musical special he made during the height of the pandemic, served as a comedic mirror to the struggles and unavoidable miseries that we all, in some way or other, faced during this time. There were plenty of people who could find no humor in this bleak one-man show - but those who did have said, time and time again, that the sympathy they found in Bo's despairing lyrics saved them from a devestating sense of being alone. Comedy is a vehicle through which we can take the tragedy and hardship we are experiencing, and find a way to laugh at it and find community through it. However, a comedian's job cannot be done - the envelope cannot be pushed in the important and world-healing way it needs to be - if the performer is worried that the wrong joke will get them physically harmed. No one should have to do their job with that as a concern. It adds a level of fear to a facet of entertainment that is supposed to give us a reprieve from fear and negative emotions. So, regardless of how you feel about Dave Chappelle, please understand that no one should be attacked while they are on stage, doing their job. If you have plans to go see a comedy show, maybe check that all of your friends are on the same page about not attacking the performer that you've come to see. That might be a cool and fun thing to be on the same page about. Western sanctions on Russia could soon extend to restrictions on the countrys gas exports. As the Kremlins war on Ukraine continues, many European countries especially those most dependent on Russian hydrocarbons are scrambling to diversify their energy supplies. Germany, for example, has postponed the shutdown of some of its coal-fired power plants, deciding to put them on standby until further notice. The Czech Republic and Romania will keep their coal-fired power plants running, with the former reconsidering its plans to phase out coal mining. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has stated that his country will reactivate some of its recently decommissioned coal-fired power plants. Therefore, the Wests increasingly stringent sanctions on Russia could make it more difficult for the European Union to achieve its climate objectives. Worse still, the sanctions could spark a frenzy of competition between European countries to secure alternative gas supplies. Germany and Italy are already especially active in this area. Germany is negotiating a long-term partnership with Qatar to increase its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While Germany has no regasification facilities (which are required to convert LNG back into the natural gas used as fuel), it has announced the construction of two terminals that will allow it to receive LNG transported by sea, thereby introducing greater flexibility into its energy strategy. However, according to some analysts, it could take up to three years for the terminals to become fully operational. According to Economy Minister Robert Habeck, Germany will only be able to end its imports of Russian gas by mid-2024. Italy seems to have adopted a similar strategy to diversify its energy supplies, as almost 40% of its methane imports currently come from Russia. But, in contrast to Berlin, Rome has mostly focused on negotiations with North African countries. Last week, Italy and Egypt signed an agreement for the supply of 3 billion cubic meters of LNG per year. That deal follows Italys arrangement with Algeria to purchase 9 billion cubic meters of gas per year from state-owned company Sonatrach. These new contracts in North Africa mean that, as of next winter, Italy will be able to replace half of its Russian energy imports. However, Romes agreement with Algiers has raised concerns in Madrid, as Spain currently sources 47% of its gas from Algeria. Negotiations between Spain and Algeria to increase the formers energy supplies have been stalled for months and seem to be suffering from the deterioration of their relationship that followed Spains recent shift towards Morocco in the dispute over Western Sahara. Spain is reportedly concerned that its energy security could be compromised by Algerias deal with Italy (particularly given the North African countrys limited production capacity). In the past week, Spanish and Italian officials have met to discuss the gas deal. And there are likely to be further talks between the sides. In Spain, Russian gas accounts for only 8% of the energy supply. The country seems heavily reliant on LNG and has more regasifiers than any other European state (accounting for 35% of the EUs total capacity). However, these regasifiers are currently underused. Meanwhile, the Spanish gas network is poorly connected to the broader European one, which prevents Spain from becoming an access point for LNG shipments destined for other European states. Yet, if it improved its network, Spain would be the ideal landing point for such shipments. Europe suffers from not just competition to secure adequate energy supplies but also severe shortfalls in its energy infrastructure particularly gas storage facilities. Private companies have generally managed storage but, in the last few months, high gas prices have made this less appealing resulting in limited storage capacity. For this reason, Italy has been forced to incentivize private operators to store gas. According to some analysts, if Russian gas flows stopped today, Italy would only have eight weeks before its reserves ran out. Germany would have around ten weeks. A full embargo on Russian gas could lead to rationing which would have serious repercussions for European industry. This, in turn, could trigger further price rises and set back Europes economic recovery from the pandemic. The threat to the European Green Deal is particularly concerning because, beyond its industrial and environmental implications, the agreement aims to enhance the EUs sovereignty by freeing it of dependence on energy imports. Most major gas producers from Qatar to Azerbaijan, to North African countries are autocracies that are prone to instability and have poor human rights records. Therefore, turning to those countries to gain independence from Russian energy seems rather short-sighted. Each EU member state has a different energy mix, with varying strengths and weaknesses. However, almost all of them are exposed to the potential fallout of sanctions on Russia and share an interest in engaging in the green transition as quickly as possible. For these reasons, the EU needs to create a new energy union. And it needs to do so urgently, to both protect its energy security and accelerate the green transition. In this, Europeans could draw on the lessons of the first step in the European project: the establishment in 1951 of the European Coal and Steel Community. In the 1990s, European institutions began the progressive liberalization of energy markets, which involved the separation of energy generation and supply from control of transmission networks. All state-owned monopolies became private companies competing for market share. This model was based on the belief that the integration of the gas market at the European level created an opportunity to spur competition on a larger scale, which would benefit consumers. However, in todays era of weaponized energy supplies, the limits of this approach have become clear. That is, the model failed to account for energy security which, at a time when countries had abundant access to energy, was mostly left to national governments. A renewed and effective energy union could allow member states to combine their strengths, mitigate their weaknesses, reduce intra-EU competition, establish energy price caps, build adequate infrastructure, agree on energy security priorities, establish a compensation fund, and share management of existing energy projects (from gas pipelines to storage, to investments in renewables). Only in this way can the EU act courageously and decisively on Russian energy, respond to future geopolitical threats in a more robust and cohesive manner, and avoid reneging on its commitment to the green transition. Burn Time: The Case for a New European Energy Union Commentary by Arturo Varvelli European Council on Foreign Relations / ECFR. The Commentary can be downloaded here What happens when an electronics engineer meets a pool specialist with over 30 years of experience? A formidably efficient collaboration to which each can bring totally different but perfectly complementary expertise. Everything seems easy with them... so why complicate things? YNEOM invents connected simplicity We met Yann Cottreau, the engineer, in the YNEOM offices in Six Fours les Plages, in the south of France. Matthew Ransom joined us via videoconference from his offices in Germany. The interview is purely 'off the cuff'. Nothing was prepared beforehand. The discussion on both sides was calm, natural and well thought out... no doubt a reflection of their creation. Their personalities are nonetheless very different, and that is probably the secret of their combined strength. With Yann Cottreau, we perceive a very pragmatic intelligence and an obstinate determination to reach his goal. Straight talk with no useless or superfluous language. 'Simplified efficiency' is his obsession. After 25 years working in technology companies to develop products in the autonomous device navigation and robotics sectors, he 'fell' into the pool world by chance during a period of immobility due to a broken collar bone. 'Stuck' at home with an ever-active brain, he decided to develop his own pool management system connected to his telephone. Their common goal: to develop an approach of 'simplicity' above all, in order to make the connected pool experience 100% pleasurable, with no technical barriers. YNEOM proves that technological sophistication has (at last) made itself easily accessible to both professionals and users. As for Matthew Ransom, the pool sector is his natural playground. He has wide experience in the field and knows the market perfectly, along with its expectations and its needs. Born the son of a pool installer in Jersey, he always dreamed of coming to France. He left his native island when he was 18 and crossed the channel to learn the language while working at DEP (which was to become PROCOPI). He pursued his career there and took over the management of international sales in 2010. He left the group in 2020 to create his own e-commerce BtoC distribution company in Germany. It was while he was searching for connected solutions that he met Yann Cottreau. The stage was set for their story to begin... Pragmatic, practical, simple. With this triple objective, the development of a differentiating connected solution grew in Yann's mind. A great deal of discussion and numerous meetings were necessary to meet the precise expectations of professionals and users alike. It was therefore only logical that he should participate in the most recent edition of the Piscine Global Fair, in 2018. Pool installers, networks, manufacturers, distributors... everyone goes there to obtain a clear picture of this booming market. The result is an incontestable demand for remote management... at a time when Covid-19 had not yet put a damper on travel! His observations: Pool maintenance specialists observe that one visit out of three is for... no reason! They would prefer to take advantage of this wasted time, to grow their business portfolio, for example. For them, the connected pool is thus synonymous with development. Pool installers wish to meet the demands of their customers on condition that the equipment is both easy for them to install and reliable for their customers. Applying the same principle to survey customers, he observed that their expectations are systematically oriented towards the simplicity of use, whether for pools located in second homes, rentals or in the homeowner's main residence. The different YnBlue models and the interior of the box Yann thus gathered all this information to pertinently address the needs of both private users and professionals. One year of work, backed up by full-scale tests on 10 equipped pools, was necessary before the process was industrialised. Here too, everything remained concrete, while waiting for feedback from these installations. It was only after these surveys and trials were completed that YNEOM was founded with Nicolas Genthon, an expert in Quality, Safety and Environment as well as Lean Management, in June 2020, during the thick of the health crisis. That year was also the year of Piscine Connect. And that is when Matthew came on the scene to begin the adventure. Matthew clearly announced that, in addition to the simplicity of the process, its appeal also lied in its wide range of possibilities for future development. The YnBlue box and analysis chamber in the technical room YnBlue: 3 components... and no more! An automatic control unit to connect to the pool electrical equipment (filtration pump, electrolyser). An analysis chamber that houses the sensors: temperature sensor, pH sensor, ORP sensor or amperometric sensor, depending on the required option. The system is delivered with the hoses to connect the analysis chamber. A free downloadable application that provides a synthetic and global view of the water quality, the devices currently running, and product supplies. It takes the 4-day weather forecast into account. But that's not all: the user can anticipate treatments by indicating, for example, the arrival of a group of friends! The advanced settings also enable users to connect and control new devices, but also to calibrate the sensors or to authorise other persons (neighbours, professionals, etc) to have access to the YnBlue controls. YnBlue App for set up of treatments, control equipment, shock treatment... WASHINGTON The Pentagon says the majority of Russian forces that had been around the port city of Mariupol have left and headed north, leaving roughly the equivalent of two battalion tactical groups there, or about 2,000 troops. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that even as Russian airstrikes continue to bombard Mariupol, Moscows forces are still making only plodding and incremental progress as the main fight presses on in the eastern Donbas region. He said he has seen no change in Russian behavior or momentum as May 9 draws near. Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, the anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. There have been suggestions that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to tout a major victory in Ukraine when he makes his address during the traditional military parade on Red Square. Kirby said the U.S. still assesses that Russia is behind schedule and not making the progress in the Donbas that it expected. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: Seemed like goodbye: Mariupol defenders make their stand The AP Interview: Belarus admits Russias war drags on US shared intelligence about Moskva cruiser prior to the strike that sank it $6.5 billion raised at donors conference for Ukraine US announces seizure of superyacht owned by Russian oligarch Europeans weigh costs of cutting Russian energy over Ukraine Easy out from steel mill seen as unlikely for Ukraine troops Follow all AP stories on Russias war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: MARIUPOL, Ukraine -- A cleanup operation took place in the center of Mariupol even as Ukrainian fighters held out against Russian troops in the citys pulverized steel plant. The rest of the city is now under Russian control. Municipal workers, as well as volunteers, were seen Thursday clearing debris near gutted, charred buildings, including the drama theater where hundreds died when the Russian military bombed it in March. Some workers hung a Russian flag on a tall utility pole. One volunteer, who gave only his first name, Denis, said he was helping restore parks and war monuments so the city could celebrate Victory Day on Monday. Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9. ___ KYIV, Ukraine In his nightly video address Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a catastrophic lack of access to medical services and medicine in areas of the country under Russian occupation. In those areas, he said almost no treatment was available for those suffering from cancer and where insulin for diabetics was difficult to find or non-existent. He said antibiotics were in short supply. Zelenskyy also said that during the course of the war, the Russian military has already fired 2,014 missiles on Ukraine, while 2,682 flights of Russian warplanes have been recorded in Ukrainian skies. He said the destroyed or damaged infrastructure includes nearly 400 hospitals and other medical facilities. ___ WASHINGTON -- Former U.S. President George W. Bush says he spoke Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Winston Churchill of our time. I thanked the President for his leadership, his example, and his commitment to liberty, and I saluted the courage of the Ukrainian people, Bush said in a Twitter post, which included photos of the two men speaking by video link. President Zelenskyy assured me that they will not waver in their fight against Putins barbarism and thuggery. Americans are inspired by their fortitude and resilience. We will continue to stand with Ukrainians as they stand up for their freedom. ___ UNITED NATIONS The United Nations says a third operation is underway to evacuate civilians from Mariupols besieged steel plant and the city, which is surrounded by Russian forces. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that a third evacuation is taking place and U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said its aim is to evacuate more civilians from Mariupol and the sprawling Azovstal steel plant. Guterres said 101 civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal plant along with 59 more from a neighboring area in the first operation that ended Tuesday. He said that in the second operation, which was completed Wednesday night, more than 320 civilians were evacuated from the city of Mariupol and surrounding areas. The secretary-general negotiated the agreement for civilian evacuations from besieged areas including Mariupol with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. Guterres expressed hope that continued cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the two governments will lead to more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting and aid to reach those in critical need. Griffiths told a U.N. pledging conference for Ukraine in Warsaw, Poland, earlier Thursday that a convoy left for Mariupol on Thursday and expects to arrive Friday morning and hopes to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal plant. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The regional governor says a missile attack on the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region injured 25 people and inflicted wide-ranging damage. In a Telegram post, Pavlo Kyrylenko says 810 apartments in 32 high-rise buildings sustained damage as the result of an air strike Thursday morning. The post featured photos of multiple buildings reduced to rubble. Kyrylenko added that six private houses, two schools, a kindergarten and a medical institution were also damaged. He said he had not received reports of any fatalities. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian army says Russian troops made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. A Facebook post published Thursday afternoon on the official profile of the Ukrainian General Staff says the Russians also continue to launch missile strikes on transport facilities in order to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military-technical assistance. ___ MOSCOW The Russian military says its air force has destroyed 45 Ukrainian military facilities in the latest series of strikes. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the targets hit Thursday by the Russian air force included Ukrainian troops and weapons concentrations and an ammunition depot in the eastern Luhansk region. Konashenkov said the Russian missile units hit a Ukrainian artillery battery at its firing positions near the settlement of Zarozhne, a battery of Uragan multiple rocket launchers near Mykolaiv and four other areas of concentration of military personnel and military hardware. He said the Russian artillery hit 152 Ukrainian troops strongholds and 38 artillery firing positions. Konashenkovs claims could not be independently confirmed. ___ BERLIN German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the nation's foreign minister will soon travel to Ukraine on an official visit after the two countries resolved a diplomatic spat Thursday. The German government had traded barbs with Ukraines ambassador in Berlin after Kyiv appeared to snub an offer to visit by Germanys president. It was unclear when exactly Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Kyiv, and whether she would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking after a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Scholz also said Germany is working hard to build new infrastructure for energy imports along its northern coast to help replace gas and oil currently delivered from Russia by pipeline. He said Germany is willing to cooperate closely with those countries that dont have direct access to seaports. ___ ROME The United Nations food aid agency is appealing for Black Sea ports in Ukraine to be open again to permit shipping of wheat and corn exports, which many poor nations depend on. The Rome-based World Food Program noted in its appeal Thursday that before the war launched by Russia, 98% of Ukraines grain exports had moved through those ports. It said in a statement that a month after the war began on Feb. 24, export prices for wheat had risen by 22% and maize by 20% thats on top of already steep rises in 2021 and earlier this year. The U.N. agency says the ports, in Ukraines south, which has suffered from heavy shelling, must resume operations to protect Ukrainian agricultural production and enable exports that are critical to Ukraines economy and global food security. It cited war-ravaged, impoverished Yemen, which imports more than half of its wheat from Ukraine or Russia, and which depends on shipping for its food imports. ___ JERUSALEM Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says he accepted an apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin over controversial remarks about the Holocaust made by Moscows top diplomat. There was no mention of an apology in the Russian statement on the call. An Israeli statement says the two leaders spoke by phone Thursday and also discussed plans to evacuate civilians from a besieged steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. A statement from Bennetts office says Putin promised to allow the evacuation of civilians, including wounded civilians, through a U.N. and Red Cross humanitarian corridor. Bennett spoke to Putin after a call on Wednesday with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the Israeli leader appeared to renew his role as a mediator in the conflict. That role was thrown into doubt earlier this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Ukraine could have Nazi elements even though Zelenskyy is Jewish, and then suggested Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins. Israelis expressed shock and outrage at the remarks, which appeared to blame the Holocaust on Jews themselves, and the government summoned Russias ambassador in protest. ___ ROME The Italian government is significantly stepping up its funding to help refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Italy. Premier Mario Draghi told a high-level donors conference, being hosted in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday by Poland and Sweden, that Italy has already allocated some 500 million euros ($550 million) to help the refugees, but now it has increased that funding to more than 800 million euros. As of this week, more than 107,000 people, most of them women or children, have fled the war in Ukraine for Italy. In addition to aid already earmarked for Ukraines general budget, Italy also plans to lend the war-ravaged country some 200 million euros more, Draghi said. In addition, Italy has spent some 26 million euros on humanitarian aid such as tents, ambulances and medicine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged local residents Thursday to leave for the countryside over the upcoming Russian Victory Day weekend. A municipal celebration set to take place from Friday to Sunday has also been canceled. I ask, if possible, on May 7, 8 and 9, that ... all residents of Ivano-Frankivsk not gather in the city, on the lake, in the park and in other public places, Ruslan Martsinkiv said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel. He claimed to have received reports that Russia is planning to continue carrying out missile strikes in the region. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia announced that a curfew will be in force between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Similar long curfews have been put in place in Ukrainian cities near front lines over security concerns. ___ KYIV, Ukraine According to Ukrainian news agencies, a Ukrainian government body began Thursday to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan. The Reforms Office, which operates under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, was cited as saying a working group mechanism was launched Thursday to analyze the current situation and develop proposals for the plan for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine. Earlier that day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of a national fundraising platform called United24. The moves came as an international donors conference was closing in Warsaw, Poland. According to remarks made Thursday by the Polish prime minister, $6.5 billion in humanitarian was raised at the event, attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from Europe and beyond. ___ BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in an effort to resolve a diplomatic spat between the two countries. German government officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had expressed annoyance after Ukraine made clear last month it didnt want Steinmeier to visit because of his past dealings with Russia. Ukraines ambassador in Berlin, in turn, branded Scholz an offended liverwurst for saying the incident was a problem in the countries relations. Steinmeiers office said the two presidents resolved irritations of the past during their call. Steinmeier expressed his solidarity, respect and support for the brave fight by the Ukrainian people against the Russian aggressor, it said. It was unclear whether Steinmeier, whose position as head of state is largely ceremonial, would visit Kyiv soon. The President of parliament, Baerbel Bas, who is ranked after Steinmeier but before Scholz according to German political protocol, is expected to visit Ukraine on Sunday. Separately, Scholz pledged at a Ukraine donors conference Thursday to provide the country with more than 600 million euros in additional humanitarian assistance, loans and development aid. ___ KYIV, Ukraine A Ukrainian officer leading the defense of the last bulwark of the strategic city of Mariupol has urged the global community to pressure Russia to allow the evacuation of civilians and wounded soldiers. Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, as Russian forces attempted to finish off the citys last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in the steel mills underground bunkers, many of them wounded. Some civilians are with them, too. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of Ukraines Azov Regiment, said in a video statement from the steel mills bunkers Thursday that the wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to help ensure the evacuation of the wounded and civilians still in the bunkers. Addressing the world community, Palamar denounced the Russians for refusing to observe any ethical norms and destroying people before the eyes of the world. Videos shared online appeared to show the steel mill targeted by intense shelling at dawn Thursday. Data from NASA fire-tracking satellites corresponded to blazes being seen at the plant just after 6 a.m. Thursday. Russia maintains that its forces are not entering the maze of tunnels at the steel plant, but Palamar said the Russian forces are fighting in the Azovstal mill. Its been the third day that the enemy has broken through to the territory of Azovstal. Fierce bloody combat is ongoing, said Palamar. The defenders of the city (Mariupol) have been fighting alone for 71 days with the overwhelming forces of the enemy and show such endurance and heroism that the country must know what it means to be loyal to the motherland, Palamar said on the Telegram messaging app. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Finland has decided to send more defense equipment to Ukraine, saying the war-torn country has requested assistance from the European Union and NATO member states. We will increase the amount of defense materiel assistance that we send to Ukraine, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said in a statement. On Thursday, Finlands president gave his approval to the Finnish governments proposal to send more defense hardware. No details on what types of defense equipment will be sent were released. Finland, a member of the EU but not of NATO, earlier sent Ukraine bulletproof vests, composite helmets, stretchers, as well as assault rifles, anti-tank weapons and combat ration packages. ___ MADRID A judge in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician-blogger accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday in the coastal city of Tarragona on an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Shariy, who has reportedly lived in Spain since 2019, was ordered to turn in his passport and remain in the country. The court said officials in Ukraine now have 40 days to formally present a request for Shariys extradition. His arrest was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, the founder of a political party considered by many Ukrainians to be pro-Russian, has been a vocal and active critic of Ukraines government. Ukrainian media reported that one of the members of the party said in February, prior to the start of the war, that Shariy had been granted asylum in the European Union. ___ WARSAW, Poland Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says that $6.5 billion has been raised at an international donors conference in Warsaw to provide humanitarian help for war-torn Ukraine. The conference on Thursday was co-hosted by Poland and Sweden and attended by prime ministers and ambassadors representing many European countries, as well as countries further afield and some businesses. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on for weeks, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown more acute. In addition to the thousands killed, millions of people have been displaced, and there are increasing reports of people being tortured and raped. ___ VILNIUS, Lithuania 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. The Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania pipeline that runs more than 500 kilometers (310 miles), comes at a time when Russia has once again tried to blackmail us using gas, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at the inauguration. Lithuanias Prime Minister Ingridas Simonyte added that any reduction or disappearance of this source of funding would have a very significant impact on the Russian economy and the ability to continue financing the war in Ukraine. The Lithuania-Poland leg is integrated with pipelines in the other two Baltic states Estonia and Latvia and Finland, and into the European Union gas transmission system. Before the pipeline was built, the four countries could only receive pipeline gas from Russia. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines government has launched a global fundraising platform so individuals can donate to help rebuild Ukraine, offer humanitarian aid, and raise money for demining. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the initiative, called United24, on Thursday. The United States and Europe, among others, have offered billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to bolster Ukraines fight against Russia. Ukraines newest fundraising drive is intended to give individuals a way to donate on their own with a single click, Zelenskyy said. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Thursday that Russia has decided to expel four diplomats with Denmarks Embassy in Moscow. They have wrongfully become pieces in Putins cynical power play, Kofod said. It is a completely unjustified and deeply problematic decision, which underscores that Russia no longer wants real dialogue and diplomacy. Moscow said seven Danish diplomats were expelled. Danish media said that those expelled included four diplomats and three others without diplomatic status. They must leave within two weeks. Moscows tit-for-tat decision came after Denmark last month expelled 15 Russian intelligence officers who worked at Russias Embassy in Copenhagen. Several other European countries also expelled Russian intelligence officers. ___ SOFIA, Bulgaria In anticipation of a European Union embargo on Russian crude oil Bulgaria says it's looking for an exemption due to its dependence on supplies from Russia. Bulgaria's only oil refinery near the Black Sea port of Burgas is owned by Russias oil giant LUKOIL and is the main fuel supplier in the country. Still, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev told reporters that the refinery is already processing up to 50% non-Russian crude and theoretically should be able to fully eliminate Russian crude. Bulgaria, technologically, can do without Russian crude oil, but this would significantly increase fuel prices, Vassilev said. In case the European Commission weighs some exemptions, we would like to take advantage of it, because it will be in the best interest of Bulgarian consumers. Slovakia and Hungary have already asked for such exemptions. Russia stopped gas deliveries to Bulgaria last week in response to Sofias refusal to pay for it in rubles saying it violates existing contracts. Two nonprofits whose missions are to identify and preserve Texas caves oppose plans by The Boring Company the tunneling firm backed by billionaire Elon Musk to build an underground transportation loop between San Antonio International Airport and downtown. In an April 18 letter to the Alamo Regional Mobility Authority, the Texas Cave Management Association and the Texas Speleological Survey said they have major concerns about the potential project. Theyre worried that tunneling northeast of downtown could damage the areas caves and karst topography, home to springs and endangered animals. Out of the million and one places to build a tunnel, they had to pick the worst, TCMA President Jim Kennedy said in an interview. Theres a whole bunch of places you could put a tunnel around San Antonio without going through this specific area. Theres all kind of red flags. The Boring Company hasnt publicly identified a path for its proposed loop, which would shuttle passengers in Teslas between the airport and downtown. But Alamo RMA Chairman Michael Lynd Jr. said last month that most of the tunnel system likely would be built under U.S. 281. In March, the RMA selected the tunnel company over four other bidders who also submitted airport-to-downtown plans. The authority is currently in talks with The Boring Company and studying the proposal. The RMA, a Bexar County-created authority that funds local road projects and is looking for a new source of revenue, hasnt yet committed to the project. The estimated cost of the tunnel loop would be between $247 million and $289 million, with revenue bonds likely to .cover most the expense. Revenue generated from the Tesla tunnel would be used to repay the debt. A drive on surface roads from the airport to the Convention Center downtown is nearly 10 miles, mostly on U.S. 281. While its unknown where exactly the tunnel would be dug, the stretch between the airport and the downtown business district is a karst-rich region known as an artesian zone where water flows through beds of porous limestone to the Edwards Aquifer, San Antonios main source of drinking water. Any direct path of a tunnel between the airport and downtown would pass through this sensitive section of the Austin Chalk, the organizations said in their RMA letter. Kennedy said hes concerned that tunnel construction could disrupt the water flow to underground springs in the area, including the famed Blue Hole and other springs that form the headwaters of the San Antonio River, which snakes through downtown. The Blue Hole is located about 500 east of U.S. 281, on land owned by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Its just north of the University of the Incarnate Word campus. The Blue Hole and nearby springs are fed by water from the Austin Chalk aquifer. Construction would completely disrupt cave passages along its route and the construction itself would be extremely difficult and costly as the density of passages and fractures is likely to be quite high based on the known nearby caves, the organizations said. Any direct path of a tunnel between the airport and downtown would pass through this sensitive section of the Austin Chalk. Annalisa Peace, executive director of the advocacy group Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, said shes also concerned about the possibility of tunnel-building in the area. The artesian springs are subsurface so it could pose issues, she said. If you have the water coming up in the springs, its only common sense that stuff can go down in the same conduits. Peace said shes neither for nor against the project at this point. She wants the Alamo RMA to conduct a thorough environmental impact study before deciding whether to move forward with the project. The Boring Company and Lynd didnt immediately return calls for comment. A cluster of caves ExpressNews.com: New details of Elon Musk firms San Antonio tunnel loop emerge but many questions remain Karst formations often include caves, sinkholes and springs. Roughly half of San Antonio is built on karst. Karst forms when there are fractures, or breaks, in rock beds. The fractures allow water to flow, which ultimately carves out caves. The engineering through a karst area is going to be extremely problematic and very expensive to deal with, Kennedy said. It doesnt make sense to run a tunnel through a karst area, he added. Its like trying to put a tunnel through a sponge. Things are going to collapse, leak into the surrounding areas, travel long distances and could pollute the aquifer. Kennedys organization, TCMA, is a conservancy that acquires and maintains Texas caves. It recently moved its headquarters from San Antonio to Driftwood. The Texas Speleological Survey is an Austin-based nonprofit that collects and manages data on caves and karst across the state. In their letter to the RMA, the groups noted the TCMA owns Robber Baron Cave, the longest-known cave in Bexar County. Its entrance is east of U.S. 281 and southeast of the airport. Importantly, Robber Baron is one of the few remaining accessible entrances to the maze of passages, fissures, and crevices that permeate the geological formation known as the Austin Chalk, the organizations said. The caves in this formation have an interconnected maze of passages and fissures that likely extends throughout the region. According to TSS, 11 cave entrances have been documented within a 2500-foot distance on either side of U.S. 281 between Basse Road and Mulberry Street. Endangered species The Robber Baron Cave has a historic significance, according to the letter, and is the habitat for two federally-designated endangered spiders: the Robber Baron Meshweaver (Cicurina baronia) and Robber Baron Cave Harvestman (Texella cokendolpheri). In 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the spiders as among nine cave-dwelling invertebrates in Bexar County deemed endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Most of the caves here are not like some underground lake but rock thats saturated with water, Kennedy said. Water is flowing through, and critters are moving through all these pores and tunnels and cracks and fissures. All of this is interconnected, he added. eric.killelea@express-news.net After two years in business inside Freight Gallery & Studios in the Lone Star District, Bandit BBQ one of the best barbecue restaurants in the San Antonio area is closing. Sunday will be its last day. Co-owner Brandon Peterson confirmed the news late Wednesday after posting about the closure on social media. A social media post last week said the restaurant would close in June. We have fought really hard to come out of the pandemic ahead but it has just been too big of a mountain to climb. Weve tried to pay a decent wage to our employees while trying to bring a quirky take on what a bbq spot in Texas could be. Weve poured everything we have into Bandit and now its time to move on, the post stated. Peterson said Wednesday that while he hoped to keep the restaurant open through the end of June, he was asked by the landlord Wednesday morning to expedite the closing process. So I had to, I guess, Peterson said in a text message. The buildings owner Sergio Martinez said in an email that he simply suggested to Peterson that he consider cutting their losses and close sooner than June. I consider Brandon and his family personal friends and we are parting on amicable terms, Martinez said in the email. Small barbecue restaurants in Texas have proven especially vulnerable to recent, pandemic-related economic disruptions. Rising meat prices are a challenge for every restaurant and home cook, but the consequences are particularly dire for Texas barbecue joints, as their menus are almost entirely driven by meat. While large, high-end barbecue restaurants able to justify premium prices with premium surroundings and offerings might be OK, more small-time joints are likely to close. On ExpressNews.com: Rising beef, meat prices could close small Texas barbecue restaurants, shifting the Texas BBQ scene to high-end restaurants In addition to Texas barbecue classics like brisket and pork ribs, Brandon added California-influenced specialty items such as tri-tip steak and a golden sweet mustard sauce. Co-owner and chef Mark Garcia also made pulled pork and his own sausage, a beef and pork blend that was some of the best sausage in the city sausage that also made for some of the citys best hot dogs. Bandit offered a large beer selection, and more than half the menu was dedicated to burgers. If you want to get a final taste of the Bandits food, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until the food runs out Sunday. On ExpressNews.com: Bandit BBQs house-made all-premium beef hot dogs best new hot dogs in San Antonio This wont be the last San Antonio hears from Peterson and Garcia, though. In February, the Express-News reported that the team signed on to take over the former Hello Paradise space on East Grayson Street near the Pearl with a concept dubbed Big Animal that will feature burgers, sausage, hot dogs, a craft cocktail program and more. No opening day has been set. Bandit BBQ, 1913 S. Flores St., 210-332-5005, banditbbqsatx.com, Instagram: @banditbbqsatx Editors note: This story has been updated to add comment from landlord Sergio Martinez. cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Downtown San Antonio will soon have a new spot to swing your partner round and round. A new urban cowboy bar and restaurant dubbed El Honky Tonk is set to open May 13 near the Frost Tower and Legacy Park. Co-owner James Gonzaba Jr. said he envisions the spot as one where patrons can enjoy a cold beer or mixed drink while Willie and Waylon croon over the speaker system. Gonzabas father, James Gonzaba Sr., will be the force behind the establishments restaurant operation, which will also offer catering services under the banner of Big Jamess Chow House. The Gonzabas are joined by family member Richard Bocanegra as a fellow co-owner. While El Honky Tonk is rooted in classic country music, Gonzaba Jr. said the spot will separate itself from other country bars in the area by celebrating his familys Mexican American roots. While Hank Jr. may be on the stereo, its a photo of the late, iconic Mexican troubadour Vicente Fernandez that hangs on the wall. Being Mexican Americans opening a country bar, we wanted throw a little mariachi feel into it. Thats where the El in El Honky Tonk came from, Gonzaba Jr. said. LORI DODSON LADY ROCKWELL Gonzaba Jr. said the bar will focus primarily on beer and quick-serve mixed drinks. While there wont be a dedicated menu of craft cocktails, he said they will serve a few prebatched libations with a more upscale feel. On ExpressNews.com: The 5 best panaderias, Mexican bakeries, on San Antonios South Side and downtown We have some stuff up our sleeve as far as a cocktail or two goes, but were really trying to keep to the fundamentals of bartending. Whiskey, tequila, beer, Gonzaba Jr. said. As for food, Gonzaba Sr. said the restaurant side of the business will mainly be targeted towards the downtown lunch crowd with a selection of sandwiches with chicken mole or chopped brisket and a classic Cuban sandwich in addition to several salad options. At night, the menu will feature charcuterie boards with a selection of meats, cheeses and pretzels. El Honky Tonk will also be a bastion for up-and-coming country artists with regular open-mic nights in addition to a house band performing weekly on the venues stage. The space has plenty of room for patrons who feel compelled to do a little Boot Scootin Boogie, Gonzaba Jr. said. LORI DODSON LADY ROCKWELL It likely will be hard to miss El Honky Tonks presence online. The bar features a neon likeness of actor Val Kilmer in his iconic role as Doc Holliday in the epic 1993 western Tombstone along with his memorable catchphrase, Im Your Huckleberry. The sign already has drawn in curious potential future customers, and almost certainly will become a must-have Instagram selfie backdrop for locals and tourists alike. On ExpressNews.com: New Southtown tapas and wine bar Hola! opens soon, complete with Sunday paella brunch We watch the movie religiously, Gonzaba Jr. said. We wanted to give people something thats fun and eye-catching. El Honky Tonk, 316 N. Flores St., 210-883-6297, elhonkytonk.com, Instagram: elhonkytonk. Hours: 11-1 a.m. daily pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen Dutch Bros Coffee Soon you will see Dutch Bros Coffee all over San Antonio. The drive-through coffee chain is planning to add 13 more stores across the Alamo City before the end of the year. Fireworks may have been the culprit behind a damaging apartment fire on the Northwest Side Wednesday night, fire officials said. Officials at the scene said the fire that displaced residents from 23 apartments started shortly after two people were seen playing with fireworks in the parking lot. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined by arson investigators. WAHOO, Neb. (AP) A jury has found a Nebraska man guilty of first-degree murder and other counts in the stabbing death of his fiance nearly two years ago in their Saunders County home as her two young children slept upstairs. Kolton Barnes, 27, of Malmo, was convicted Wednesday of first-degree murder in the July 15, 2020, death of 27-year-old Kayla Matulka at their Malmo home, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. The jury also found Barnes guilty of animal cruelty, two counts of child abuse, two counts of use of a deadly weapon and evidence tampering. National Weather Service There is the potential for another round of thunderstorms and heavy rain in San Antonio and South Central Texas on Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service said San Antonio is at a marginal risk for severe storms that could produce damaging winds and 2-inch sized hail. There is also a possibility of localized flooding, and a tornado can't be ruled out, the weather service added. MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didnt expect the 10-week-old conflict to drag on this way. He also spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine but wouldnt say if Russian President Vladimir Putin had plans to launch such a strike. Lukashenko said Moscow, which launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 partly from his territory had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it," he said, speaking at Independence Palace in Minsk. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on. Lukashenko's support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk. Some Russian troops were sent from Belarusian territory into Ukraine, and Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans. But in his comments to the AP, Lukashenko said he and his country stand for peace and repeatedly called for the end of the war a term the Kremlin refuses to use, calling the invasion a special military operation instead. The 67-year-old president struck a calm and more measured tone in the nearly 90-minute interview than in previous media appearances in which he hectored the West over sanctions and lashed out at journalists. We categorically do not accept any war. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isnt a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun, he said. Lukashenko said using nuclear weapons in Ukraine was unacceptable because its right next to us we are not across the ocean like the United States. "It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where, he said. Whether or not Russia is capable of that is a question you need to ask the Russian leadership. Russia can't by definition lose this war," Lukashenko said, noting that Belarus is the only country standing by Moscow, while "as many as 50 states have joined forces on Ukraine's side. He added that Putin isnt seeking a direct conflict with NATO, and the West should ensure that one doesnt happen. He most likely does not want a global confrontation with NATO. Use it. Use it and do everything for that not to happen. Otherwise, even if Putin doesnt want it, the military will react, the Belarusian leader warned. Lukashenko called Putin his big brother and said the Russian leader doesn't have closer, more open or friendlier relations with any of the world leaders other than the president of Belarus. Their relationship has been particularly close recently but was rocky in earlier years. Before a disputed 2020 election sparked mass protests and a domestic crackdown by Lukashenko, he often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and abandon his countrys independence. Faced with tough economic sanctions after he brutally suppressed the protests, the Belarusian leader started emphasizing a need to jointly counter Western pressure and met with Putin regularly, stressing their close ties. Lukashenkos support of the invasion has stopped short of deploying his own troops there, but it still has drawn criticism from the Belarusian opposition and calls for more sanctions on him and the country. Opposition figures say ordinary Belarusians dont support the invasion. Hundreds of them who live in Ukraine have been affected by the war, and some have become volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Top Belarus opposition activist Pavel Latushka dismissed Lukashenko's calls for peace on Thursday, saying they "look absurd after more than 600 missiles were fired from the territory of Belarus, and the country became a platform for aggression. He added: Minsk deserves the harshest Western sanctions. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed Latushka's sentiment, calling Lukashenko a co-aggressor and saying he is trying to change his image of an arsonist into that of a firefighter and peacekeeper." Lukashenko told AP that his country poses no danger to others, even as its military conducted drills this week. We do not threaten anyone and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we cant threaten -- we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here ... is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So the West can sleep peacefully, he said. He blamed the West especially Washington for fueling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. wants to seize the moment, tying its allies to itself, and drown Russia in the war with Ukraine. It's their goal to sort out Russia, and then China, he said. Lukashenko said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was taking orders from the United States. Today its not Zelenskyy whos running Ukraine no offense, thats my point of view, maybe Im wrong," Lukashenko said, adding that if U.S. President Joe Biden said so, "everything will stop within a week. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine One day last September, while trying to pay for groceries, Leslie Alvarez got the shock of her life. All the money in her bank account had disappeared. The Houston single mother called her bank. An employee told Alvarez that her accounts had been placed on a legal hold. A person she did not know had been authorized to remove money from her accounts. I had to tell my kids they had to wait awhile so I could go make money to get what they needed, she said. Alvarez was forced to pay up on a $1,500 cash loan as part of a debt judgment issued against her in a Harris County civil court. Texas doesnt allow peoples wages to be garnished to pay off debts unless it is to collect child support. By law, however, courts can designate special officers, known as turnover receivers, to force payments by freezing or seizing bank accounts. The legal process became popular in Harris County but has been used all over the state more commonly in recent years, officials say. This is the only real way a debt collector can hurt you, said Craig Noack, a creditors attorney in San Antonio who also serves as a court-appointed receiver in Texas. At issue, though, is whether courts have adequate oversight to ensure a fair process. Each year, tens of thousands of Texans are subject to a bank seizure as a result of a default judgment that was declared against them because they didnt show up in court to fight a lawsuit over a debt. But heres the dilemma: Most debtors dont know that they can have their bank accounts cleaned when a debt collector wins a default judgment against them unless they claim exemptions for certain sources of funds, such as child support, Social Security, unemployment benefits and retirement funds. Alvarez had child support payments in her accounts when they were seized. Just this month, the Supreme Court of Texas took its first steps to establish parameters that would ensure that debtors are informed of their rights to claim exemptions. Under new rules, which took effect May 1, debt collectors must provide at least 17 days for debtors to inform courts that they have funds or property that is exempt from seizure. The purpose of these rules and forms is to try to help even out a little bit the playing field so that the debtors get more information, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht said. The notifications come at a time when debt collection lawsuits statewide have skyrocketed. Hundreds of thousands of Texans are being sued by debt collectors over unpaid credit cards, medical bills, student loans and other debt, according to a Houston Chronicle examination of court records, observation of legal proceedings and a review of data on court dispositions. ABOUT THIS STORY SECOND IN A THREE-PART SERIES A Houston Chronicle investigation has found that an explosion of debt collection lawsuits filed in Texas is raising concerns that overwhelmed civil courts can't adequately review each lawsuit and deliver justice fairly. APRIL 28 Debt collection lawsuits filed in Texas have soared by 73 percent over the last decade. MAY 5 A growing number of Texans could unknowingly be subject to a bank freeze or accounts seizure. MAY 9 A North Texas couple fights back and sues their credit card company, a debt collector and two credit bureaus. See More Collapse For the first time last year, the 374,000 debt lawsuits filed in the Lone Star State made up nearly half of all civil cases in Texas, which include traffic tickets, landlord evictions and small claims such as disputes between neighbors, according to data from the Texas Office of the Court Administration. Meanwhile, default judgments the window of opportunity for the seizures nearly exceeded 90,000 last year statewide. In the Houston region and other large Texas counties, default judgments rose by 86 percent between 2012 and last year, data show. As long as people dont respond, debt collectors can get a default judgment, said Ann Baddour, director of the fair financial services project at Texas Appleseed, a consumer advocacy group in Austin. Theres just this motivation to move forward and sue. Even the Texas Creditors Bar Association, a statewide organization of attorneys that engages in debt collections, says it wants to make sure debt collectors dont take money that is protected by law. They support the notifications, said Noack, who represented the Texas Creditors Bar Association in discussions before the Supreme Court Advisory Committee about the new rules. Youre not going to find a creditors attorney out there who wants to take somebodys Social Security, he said. Yet, among the many concerns consumer advocates say still must be addressed is the lack of oversight in Texas courts regarding the appointment of the court officers or turnover receivers. Texas courts have no way to prevent abuses or even mistakes because judges are not required to track their appointments or keep periodic reports on the status of seizures, Houston consumer attorney Benjamin Sanchez said. You have these receivers who are doing things but not necessarily reporting back to the court, Sanchez said. How a debt collector can seize your bank accounts without you knowing it. Jane Doe has a debt judgment against her meaning that a court has ordered her to pay a debt she owes. Her creditor now can ask a court to appoint a special officer, known as a turnover receiver, to collect the debt. The creditor must file an application with the court for a turnover order and the appointment of a receiver. Some courts will demand that the creditor provide notice to Doe of the requested appointment of a turnover receiver, but it is not required. Under a Texas Supreme Court rule that went into effect May 1, receivers must notify Doe of her exemption rights. Under Texas law, certain assets and sources of funds, such as government and retirement benefits and child support, are exempt from seizure. The turnover receiver will seek out different sources of information to learn about Does non-exempt assets. Often, the receiver will utilize financial resources, such as a credit report, to identify Does bank. The turnover receiver will send a letter to the bank notifying it that the receiver has been appointed by a court to freeze or remove money from Does bank accounts. The turnover receiver must provide a copy of the court order appointing him or her as the turnover receiver. The bank will ordinarily freeze or hand over funds to the receiver, but banks are obligated to protect two months worth of federal benefits, like Social Security, and typically will not hand over those funds. The turnover receiver will evaluate whether Doe can afford to pay the debt. If Doe has plenty of money in the bank to cover it, the receiver will be less inclined to agree to a payment plan. There is an even greater potential for harm in a state with the highest percentage of its population with delinquent credit, consumer advocates said. In December 2020, 41 percent of Texans had defaulted on accounts sent to collections, according to the Urban Institutes Debt in America report. After theyve frozen someones bank account, a debt collector can use leverage to coerce a settlement from a debtor, said April Kuehnhoff, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center in Boston. This is absolutely an extremely aggressive method of debt collection, said Kuehnhoff, who studies debt collection practices across the U.S. I am not aware of any other state that uses a turnover receiver for collection of consumer debts or judgments. In Houston, Sanchez said hes spoken with debtors who had more money taken from their bank accounts than was owed because they had missed a few months of a settlement plan. He said the money was removed without their knowledge. Debtors can easily fall into a financial crisis if there is no money left over after a seizure to pay for rent, child care and other basic living expenses. Without money for a car payment, debtors can have trouble getting to work, causing an even deeper spiral. The consequences can be devastating, said Rogelio Roger Lopez, Precinct 4 judge in Bexar County. Just because you have a default judgment doesnt mean you get to destroy somebodys life, Lopez said. Alvarez, the Houston single mom, didnt know that state law protected child support payments from the grasp of a debt collector, said Richard Tomlinson, director of litigation at Lone Star Legal Aid of Houston, who served as her attorney. Tomlinson filed a motion in Harris County Justice of the Peace Court Precinct 1, Place 2, on her behalf in October to get the money back, but there was over a four-month delay. The court, struggling to clear out cases in the middle of a pandemic, couldnt find a date available for a hearing. She finally got a hearing in January. At the court proceeding, Tomlinson argued that the seizure had been unlawful because the turnover receiver took Alvarezs child support funds. He had to provide the court with documents that showed the funds had been placed in a bank account that contained child support payments. Alvarez received her refund check on Feb. 9. It made me feel like a bad mom when they froze my accounts and took their (her childrens) money because they had nothing to do with this, Alvarez said. Mark Mulligan, Staff photographer/Houston Chronicle Eluding exemptions Over a century ago, the states founders aimed to protect Texans from financial calamity. So, they conjured up as part of the states Constitution of 1876 a lengthy list of exemptions that debt collectors could not take. They included peoples homesteads, livestock, up to two firearms, wedding rings, heirlooms and religious books. Back then, it was illegal for a debt collector to ask a Texan to turn over cash or assets. But everything changed though the list of exemptions did not when banks were established and they later introduced direct deposit. By law, wages deposited in a bank account could be subject to a garnishment. But the process soon fell out of favor with creditors because it required them to file a separate lawsuit, known as a garnishment proceeding, against banks. They also had to pay additional filing fees and cover charges for bank attorneys. You may not get enough money to pay the banks lawyer, and then they dismiss you and youve lost the money and labor you spent on the case, said Tomlinson, who is a former assistant attorney general in the consumer protection division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Nobody wants to go back and have dry holes. Over a decade ago, a small group of Harris County attorneys decided an alternative was necessary. They tapped a state law that allowed special officers to be designated by courts to enforce judgments in debt collection cases. For years, it was just kind of laying in the weeds and nobody used it, said Paige Hoyt, supervising attorney at Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas in Fort Worth. There was no filing fee required, and the creditor could still be paid the entire amount of the money owed on the judgment. Its just one more motion, you point your button, your form comes out, said Riecke Baumann, a Houston creditors attorney who serves as a court-appointed receiver in Texas. You have a hearing. And then, as the plaintiffs attorney, you can pretty much close your file. As word got out, creditor attorneys lobbied the Legislature to affirm that turnover receivers could be appointed in justice of the peace courts, where it is cheaper to file and faster to win judgments. As a result, the number of debt lawsuits jumped by nearly 150 percent from 2015 to 2020 in JP courts. Of the hundreds of thousands of debt collection lawsuits filed last year, 80 percent were in JP courts. Creditors also argued it was too expensive to make a request for a bank garnishment in order to satisfy a debt judgment. It was already a challenge to compel people to show up for court before judgments were signed off by judges. Many people didnt respond to letters from creditors attorneys. They ignored court summons to appear at discovery hearings to force them to provide payroll and bank information, they said. Most debtors want to resolve the matter and get on a payment plan, Noack said. A turnover receiver can be very effective to try to work out a deal, he said. Once a bank account is frozen, Noack said he attempts to settle with the debtor. When the two parties can reach an agreement, Noack can unfreeze bank accounts within 48 hours. Its unfortunate, but there is no better way in Texas to get debtors attention, he said. In Texas, your job as a creditors attorney is that you have to have (debtors) arrive at that Come to Jesus moment, one way or another, he said. You cant just ignore this forever. Thats the whole point. Most professional collectors dont use tactics that will impoverish people, Baumann said. They benefit more from allowing debtors to keep cars so they can go to work and afford to pay back obligations. They dont wipe out bank accounts. Thats one reason the Texas Creditors Bar favors sending notices to debtors of their exemption rights, Baumann said. Its good public policy, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Show More Show Less Agonizing discussions As impartial officers, judges say they must be fair. Their role prohibits them from providing legal advice or doubling as the debtors attorney. They say an order for payment on a debt judgment gives them little flexibility. They may step in to raise an objection, but those instances are not common. In a late February Zoom session, Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr., justice of the peace for Precinct 1 in Tarrant County, spelled out for 34 defendants who were due in court that morning what could happen if he granted requests for the appointment of turnover receivers. I want to explain to you what in the world is going on, he said. You, the debtor, was sued by a debt collector. That same debt collector won a judgment against you for the debt he said you owed. By law, the collector can ask the court for assistance to collect the debt. Your favorite boat could get swiped, he warned. Or even your prized Jet Skis. What could happen? You may get a call from them, Swearingin said. Im down at your bank. Id like you to come down and talk to me before I take this money out of your bank account. Similar agonizing discussions are going on all over the state, virtually and in-person. That morning in Swearingins court, a Fort Worth woman who faced a judgment for $1,300 was among the first to pop up. She told the judge that she had already reached an agreement to pay the money she owed. Would the judge advise her on how she could make sure that her credit report showed that she had paid in full? His comment: Shed have to resolve the matter herself. He then denied the request for an appointment of a turnover receiver in her case. Next, another Fort Worth woman told him she wasnt aware that she had a $6,700 judgment against her. Court records showed an attorney had filed a response to the court on her behalf in December 2020. But she said she had been battling COVID while trying to fax information to the attorney. But I just found out two days ago that they hadnt done anything, she said. All he could do, Swearingin told her, was to place her in a breakout room, where she could join other debtors trying to cut deals with receivers who had been appointed in their case to collect on their debts. Court records suggest she worked out a deal because the creditor that same day withdrew the application for a receiver. A few weeks before that hearing, Sharolyn Wood, a former Harris County district court judge who was filling in for David Patronella, Harris County Justice Court Precinct 1, Place 2, had to explain to another debtor that she was required by law to grant the request for a receiver. On Zoom, the Houston man said he wanted to challenge the debt judgment against him. I think he really scammed me, he said, referring to the debt collector. Its really sad this has happened. But he hadnt filed any paperwork, the judge said. Wood had to rule based on the information in front of her and grant the receiver request. I have to honor the judgment and follow the law with regard to that judgment, the judge told him. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Life events happen Some consumer advocates say they dont object to bank seizures when they are applied to entities that may be trying to hide large assets from creditors or one another. The process has been effective in prying loose assets in a divorce when one party is withholding information from another. The concern, however, is with debt collectors who zero in on wage earners who have limited disposable income to support basic needs. These are people who are struggling to get by who suddenly find themselves at the mercy of this very aggressive debt collection procedure, said Kuehnhoff, the staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. Amy Beth Clark-Downing, a consumer attorney at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Austin, said she has clients who have teetered on homelessness after money has been taken from their bank accounts. In some of those cases, clients have not been aware that a debtor has won a judgment against them. Alvarez, the Houston mother who had her child support seized, had moved when the process server arrived to present her the papers on the underlying debt claim, said Tomlinson, her attorney. Its unclear whether another person maybe a relative was handed the papers, he said. Debtors with lower incomes tend to be more transient as they move from place to place looking for work and stability, Clark-Downing said. That means sometimes they cant be located by a process server. Other times, they may be living with a family member or friend, who steals their identity to apply for cash loans, said Clark-Downing, who is also the manager of the consumer protection team at the Legal Aid office. In those cases, Clark-Downing said she presses debt collectors to show documented proof that her client was the one who took out the loan. During the pandemic, she spent months trying to get hearings for debtors to get their money back or to try to reach settlements. Early this year, Clark-Downing filed a petition urging a Bexar County justice of the peace court to set aside the debt judgment of a 58-year-old San Antonio man who had more than $1,000 removed from his bank account on a debt he said he didnt owe. But the mans case sat for months while the court halted its normal activities during the pandemic and she tried to negotiate with the debt collector. He almost faced eviction and struggled to pay child care for a grandson, Clark-Downing said. She advised him to file for bankruptcy to get his affairs in order. Three months after the pandemic started, Deanna Bleacher received a letter from her bank saying $1,900 had been removed from her checking and savings account, court records showed. The Webster woman learned that a turnover receiver had been appointed to recover a default in her name on a loan with a principal amount of $1,300. Weeks later, as she struggled to make ends meet, she found a Legal Aid attorney in Houston who helped her recoup at least a portion of the funds, which included unemployment compensation funds that are exempt by law. Megan Daic, a consumer attorney in Houston, said similar stories are common. Since the pandemic, many more modest- to middle-income consumers have called her for help to untangle a financial crisis after a turnover receiver has been appointed to their case. Compared to the indigent, these Texas wage earners tend to have more access to credit and can encounter hardship when they face job loss, illness and other setbacks. These life events happen, Daic said. And thats on top of health and medical issues, divorce. Thats usually what seems to happen, people just end up in this tough spot. Sanchez, the Houston consumer attorney who volunteers at a local legal clinic, said he has seen the sharpest rise in requests for legal assistance from people who are middle-income wage earners. They are not poor enough to qualify for legal assistance, yet, unlike higher wage earners, cant afford attorneys on their own, he said. National surveys have found that consumers with family incomes between roughly $38,000 and $55,000 were most likely to report being contacted by a debt collector while those with incomes below the federal poverty level were the second-most likely to be contacted. At times, a delicate situation will teeter on the point of no return before a judge can untangle it, said Jo Ann Delgado, justice of the peace for Precinct 2, Place 1 in Harris County. Not too long ago, a debt collector in Delgados court seized the bank account of a mother who paid her daughters college tuition with child support. She wasnt going to be able to finish her semester because her mothers bank account was garnished, Delgado said. I had them reverse it and put that money back into her mothers bank account. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Mounting debt This spring, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that credit card companies were expected to hike fees and penalties due to inflation and other factors. In 2020, fees topped $12 billion. The New York Federal Reserve Bank reported the largest quarterly increase in 22 years of credit card balances in the fourth quarter of 2021 suggesting more people will fall behind on payments and be subject to lawsuits. In Texas, judges expect to see an increase in the number of people who will appear at hearings to keep debt collectors at bay. Judges said they will have to squeeze more time into their dockets to review information with debtors about their exemptions. Debtors who claim exemptions will have to submit documents to prove they are valid. We want to make sure the language is crystal-clear and everyone is able to understand what is being said and what is required, said Sergio De Leon, justice of the peace for Precinct 5 in Tarrant County. Creditors also will have to submit more paperwork. The rule requires that the officers who are appointed as turnover receivers mail debtors the notifications of their right to claim exemptions, said Noack, the San Antonio creditors attorney who also serves as a court-appointed receiver in Texas courts. Hecht, the chief justice for the Texas Supreme Court, said the justices spent many hours weighing the new rules requiring debtors to be informed of their exemptions. The goal is to help balance the interests of all parties. The court system needs to make sure that these processes are fair, understandable, accessible, and thats why were trying to do this, Hecht said. House Democratic leaders, facing pressure from abortion rights advocates to drop their support for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar ahead of his primary runoff, are backing the anti-abortion Laredo Democrat as he fights to retain his District 28 seat against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros. Rallying with Cuellar in San Antonio on Wednesday night, House Majority Whip James Clyburn the No. 3 House Democrat and one of the partys most influential figures reaffirmed his support for Cuellar, days after a leaked draft opinion signaled the U.S. Supreme Court is set to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Clyburn, addressing a crowd of several dozen people at an outdoor restaurant near downtown San Antonio, acknowledged he disagrees with Cuellar on certain issues but pointed to Cuellars key role as one of his chief deputy whips in wrangling votes on numerous key issues. Clyburn said after the rally that Democrats are a big-tent party with room for a member such as Cuellar who opposes abortion. I dont believe we ought to have a litmus test in the Democratic Party, Clyburn said. This whole notion that youve got to agree with everybody on everything is pretty sophomoric to me. News of the draft opinion, published Monday by Politico, sparked calls for Clyburn and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to pull their endorsements of Cuellar, the only House Democrat to oppose a bill last year that would have codified the right to an abortion. Cuellar has opposed abortion for years, citing his Catholic faith. In a statement this week, he said he opposes an outright ban on abortion and supports exceptions for rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother. (Only pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother are exempt from a Texas law passed last spring that would impose a blanket ban on abortions if Roe v. Wade is struck down.) Ahead of Cuellars rally Wednesday, Cisneros called on House Democratic leadership to withdraw their support for Cuellar, who she called the last anti-choice Democrat in the House. Notably, Pelosi called the draft opinion an abomination, one of the worst and most damaging decisions in modern history, while Clyburn said it was alarming and beyond the pale for politicians to control womens constitutional right to make choices about their body. After the rally Wednesday, Cuellar said he did not know whether the abortion issue would impact his May 24 primary against Cisneros. He argued that Cisneros, an immigration attorney who wants to create a just and humane immigration system, could face some blowback on the issue of immigration as President Joe Biden prepares to lift Title 42, the COVID-era public health order used to expel over 2 million immigrants at the border. Cuellar in March was one of two Democrats to sign onto a letter, along with 20 Republicans, urging Biden to reconsider. Cisneros, who previously had called for an end to Title 42, said the policy produced cruel and inhuman treatment of asylum seekers turned away at the border. You can ask the same question, whether the lifting of Title 42 is going to have an impact on the runoff, Cuellar said, adding that constituents near the border have told him they want to keep the measure in place amid a spike in border crossings. Cuellar did not directly address the abortion issue onstage Wednesday, focusing instead on touting his support from Pelosi, Clyburn and the No. 2 House Democrat, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Cuellar also argued his relationships on Capitol Hill and role on the powerful House Appropriations Committee have helped secure windfall funding for San Antonio and other parts of his district, which runs to the Texas-Mexico border. Weve been able to deliver for San Antonio, Cuellar said. The (federal COVID-19) Recovery Act, it wasnt easy to pass. But Im telling you, Bexar County and San Antonio got a lot of money. The school districts got a lot of money. A lot of the pay raises or bonuses that they gave the teachers were because of the federal dollars that came in. And thats what we do together, as a team working together. jasper.scherer@chron.com In a case to determine who can control the use of treated wastewater thats been discharged into the San Antonio River, an administrative law judge has ruled that the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and a chemical company have standing to contest issuing a special permit to the San Antonio Water System. The city-owned water company applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in 2013 for whats called a bed and banks permit, so named because it authorizes a permit grantee to use the beds and banks of Texas tributaries as a means to transport water. While the water in state tributaries belongs to the state, the permit that SAWS seeks and for which the TCEQ has prepared a draft would enable SAWS to control 260,991 acre-feet of treated wastewater per year that it discharges into the San Antonio River. SAWS wants to safeguard 50,000 acre-feet of that water, which originates from the Edwards Aquifer, to reach the ecosystems near the Gulf Coast, such as the San Antonio Bay and estuaries. SAWS permit would be out of the ordinary, as bed and banks permits are typically used to move treated water for irrigation. But the GBRA and Union Carbide Corp. said the project would negatively affect their operations and senior water rights, and in a preliminary hearing conducted Wednesday by the State Office of Administrative Hearings, a judge said their stake in the permitting decision is sufficient to grant them the right to contest it. The judge, meanwhile, denied such a request from another company, Invista. A hearing on the permit is expected to occur in spring 2023. On ExpressNews.com: SAWS closer to controlling where treated wastewater it discharges goes Rather than let its discharged wastewater mix in with the river surface water to become state property, SAWS wants to calculate relying on its own accounting plan how much of that surface water is SAWS treated wastewater. Besides the amount that SAWS wants to reach the coast, a portion of the treated wastewater would be recycled, and some would be directed to CPS Energy. Ultimately, we are asking the TCEQ to verify our own wastewater flow assets, said Donovan Burton, vice president of water resources and governmental relations for SAWS. The GBRA which regulates the water supply and conservation of the Guadalupe River Basin, including the Blanco, Comal and San Marco rivers said the proposed permit would limit the amount of water that it receives in its lower basin regions and could steal the surface water that belongs to it. The GBRA has water rights dating to 1941 south of San Antonio, where the Guadalupe and San Antonio rivers converge. The GBRA and Union Carbine, which hold those water rights in the lower basin together, said they would be the entities most affected by the proposed permit. If the permit is granted, SAWS will have the first priority instead, specifically over the treated wastewater flowing to the coast. The GBRA and Union Carbide said that during drought, there wont be enough water in the lower basin for their use, such as water for the chemical plant or a future reservoir. Molly Cagle, a lawyer for the GBRA, said that if there are errors in SAWS accounting plan, the water utility could withdraw more than just its treated wastewater surface water that belongs to senior water rights holders. Even a small error in accounting could result in a large loss of surface water, according to the authority. Also, she said it should be made certain that the selected SAWS diversion point, which is south by the coast, does not unnecessarily harm surface water rights holders. Darrell Nichols, senior deputy general manager at the GBRA, described during Wednesdays preliminary hearing how the permit could affect the authoritys saltwater barrier at the Texas coast. We really need a hearing to flush these issues out, Cagle said. We dont have the ultimate answers to all of these questions. We need the opportunity to discuss, to have discovery, to explore those issues in more detail and to present them to you in an appropriate evidentiary hearing. Kevin Jordan , Union Carbides lawyer, noted that because SAWS has been discharging wastewater into the San Antonio River for decades, entities like the GBRA and Union Carbide could have factored that extra water into their water permits, so making it unavailable could affect the two water rights holders. Tim Finley an employee of Dow Chemical Co., parent company of Union Carbide explained to the administrative law judge how the companys facility would be unable to operate properly if it cant draw enough water from the river. Jim Mathews, a lawyer for SAWS, however, said such arguments are based on conjecture. One of the issues that theyre trying to raise in this hearing is whether or not their water rights were granted based on the use or availability of solid return flows and therefore subject to protection. They have offered no evidence that that is in fact the case, Mathews said. They have failed on both counts to establish that were going to have a real impact, as opposed to a speculative impact, on their operations. On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: SAWS permit keeps benefits flowing Meanwhile, SAWS has received 17 resolutions in support of granting the permit from entities with an interest in the basin, and the San Antonio River Authority has also pledged support. Supporters say that freshwater flows deliver nutrients to estuaries and sediments that build up the bays bottom, and they moderate salinity. The mixture of water coming from the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater from the river is beneficial to the bays ecology. Blue crabs, which depend on the balance of saltwater and freshwater, are an important food source for the endangered whooping crane, which spends time during migration at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Without enough freshwater, such as during drought, those crabs population will dwindle. We work with GBRA on a whole lot of issues, and well continue to do that, Burton said. We have a dispute over one water permit, and well work through that. 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 Kin Man Hui, Staff / San Antonio Express-News The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has declared Friday as an ozone action day for the San Antonio area. It will be the first day this year with possibly harmful levels of ozone pollution. Young children, the elderly and others who have respiratory issues, such as bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, are more vulnerable to the pollutions effects. People with such conditions are advised to stay indoors or limit outside activity. REYNOSA, MEXICO An open-air migrant encampment just south of the Texas border was razed early Tuesday morning, displacing hundreds of occupants, many of whom had traveled hundreds of miles and some of whom had waited a year to request asylum in the U.S. By daybreak, migrants from Haiti, Honduras and other Central American countries were gone as armed soldiers with the Mexican National Guard patrolled the perimeter and bulldozers and cleaning crews swept up tents, tarps and other survival gear in Reynosas Plaza de la Republica. Migrants have found themselves stuck in Mexican border towns like Reynosa due to Title 42, the public health policy used to effectively shut the border during the pandemic. Reynosa Mayor Carlos Pena Ortiz told Hearst news that his government receives no funding from the United States to help provide shelter or meet the needs of the migrant community. The camp, which abutted the crossing on the Mexican side of the border with Hidalgo, Texas, has long been a cause of concern for local residents, he said. We are cleaning the plaza, obviously trying to make it as beautiful as possible as quickly as possible so that we can all return to normalcy here in Reynosa and we can all be proud of our Plaza de La Republica, the mayor said in Spanish during a morning press conference. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Ortiz said his government partnered with local charities and nongovernmental organizations to safely transport the displaced migrants on buses to the grounds of religious organization Senda de Vida, which has two large compounds in which they provide shelter and other services to migrants. One compound is currently empty but is being readied for the migrants. We built the new shelter with the help of Senda de Vida to give all migrants in Reynosa a more dignified life with better conditions for health and security, Ortiz told reporters. The mayor and a city official said the compound covered in gravel and fenced in by cinder block walls is ready for occupancy. A day earlier, the compound had no electricity, minimal restrooms and only a handful of tents. Ortiz told The Chronicle that each migrant would bring their own tent that is being donated by the American NGOs. That wasnt the message from every city official. Eliacib Leija Pecina, coordinator of public services for the city of Reynosa, said the plaza encampment was demolished because local authorities want the migrants to live in better conditions. The migrants were not living in adequate conditions here, he said in Spanish. The reason they didnt have time to take things is because there are going to be new tents, new mattresses and everything new. So they only had to take their clothes with them. The city estimated the plazas migrant population to be as high as 2,400, but a recent census count conducted by the Sidewalk School, an American NGO, estimated the number of people to be much smaller. Sidewalk School director Felicia Rangel-Samponaro told The Chronicle that there were 438 people residing in the camp on Sunday. The rapid disassembling of the camp came as a shock to those in it, according to one migrant who only gave his first name. Nicolas said that around midnight and without warning, women with babies, families and those sleeping in tents and under tarps had to gather their belongings and leave. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Nicolas said families were bused to the main compound of Senda de Vida while the rest had to walk. By the time he and his wife arrived around 1 a.m., there was no more space for them inside the compound. We were in the line but because there were so many people we didnt get in, Nicolas said in Spanish. He and his wife sat on a bench in the plaza close to where their tent used to be. The couple have been waiting in Reynosa for four months, he said, having fled Haiti. Shortly after touting the good intentions behind the camps razing, Mayor Ortiz appeared at Senda de Vida where he and its director, Pastor Hector Silva, shook hands in front of the waiting migrants and gathered media. Silva quietly asked the mayor in Spanish, Do you think you can lend a hand with a little food (for the migrants?) The mayor turned to The Chronicle and said, You know what you should do, you should help us get food for this place. Deepa Fernandes is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: deepa.fernandes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @deepafern Pre-K 4 SA, the city-funded early childhood education program, will expand its enrollment to include 3-year-old students and is urging San Antonio residents to apply for free or low-cost tuition. Applications for younger students will open Monday. To qualify, families must reside in the city and children must have turned 3 by Sept. 1, 2022. The school year begins Aug. 15 and applications for 4-year-olds are already being accepted. Families may qualify for income-based scholarships and tuition assistance. Weve always shared a very important statistic about early learning, and that is that 90 percent of a childs brain is developed by the age of 5, Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray said. We know that increasing access so that children are with us for two years will only increase the benefits that children and families have. The plan is to have both 4- and 3-year-old students learning in the same classrooms and families will have access to the same bus transportation, family-style meals and optional extended days currently offered. Voters in 2012 approved devoting part of the city sales tax to launch Pre-K 4 SA as a full-day pre-K for San Antonio-area families who would otherwise lack access to such programs. A 2020 election approved its extension for another eight years. Area school districts partner with the organization, sharing part of their per-student state funding to cover their students and getting access to staff training to strengthen their own pre-K programs. The program can host up to 2,000 students among its four education centers located in the north, east, west and south sides of the city. In-person capacity was limited to 1,000 during the pandemic, but just like area school districts, the program bounced back to fully in-person classes in the past year. This year weve opened up our enrollment fully and we have been under-enrolled, particularly in our South Center, Baray said. We definitely have work to do in letting families know that its time, especially for young families that have not been engaged in the school system. Pre-K 4 SA really set the bar, Brenda Rosas said of her experience with the program. Im glad that all three of my children were able to attend and that it was made available to us. I really dont know where my children would be right now in school if they didnt get that start. Families with an annual household income of up to $75,000 can qualify for free tuition, and others can apply for a sliding scale tuition assistance. The organization has an online calculator where families can get a better idea of how much they might qualify for. By expanding the program and its financial aid opportunities, Baray said, Pre-K 4 SA is making good on promises to voters and ensuring that more families have access to high-quality education regardless of income. It also might help fill learning gaps that the pandemic has made even more evident, especially with area school districts reporting that most of their enrollment declines since 2020 have been concentrated in lower grades. An earlier version of this story misstated the maximum household income for eligibility for free tuition. danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH University of Texas at Austin students held a memorial Wednesday for Domino, a well-known and beloved campus cat that died earlier this week. The campus community brought flowers, art work, photos and wrote encouraging messages in chalk in a little house on campus frequently used by the cat. You might also like: Texas woman made an unusual find at Goodwill. It turned out to be a Roman art piece Among the tributes, in big and bold white letters: King Domino and long live the king. The Tower bells also rang for the black and white cat. Someone played Taps and The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King. Domino was first spotted on campus as a kitten in 2009. His kingdom was the area around the Flaw Academic Center, and he was cared for by employees at the UT tower. Domino was friendly and quickly became a campus celebrity. The Daily Texan, the student newspaper, produced a video about him, and he frequently appeared in campus memes. The cat also had accounts on Tinder and Facebook. Students often took graduation photos with him, and he once photo bombed a graduation photo by vomiting. Domino has a lot of personality, UT staff member Christina Huizar told the Alcalde, an alumni magazine. Huizer is also a caretaker of the Facebook group, Cats of West Campus. For some people, he will crawl into their lap and purr like a kitten," she told the publication. "For others, as soon as you put down the food can, his interest in you is over. Hes a character and much beloved. Hes the second mascot for UT at this point. Domino survived cat fights and extreme weather, including the deadly February 2021 winter storm. Its unclear how Domino died, but the cat had been experiencing breathing problems since late March, according to reports. On ExpressNews.com: A raccoon has bitten three students at the University of Texas at Austin, prompting officials to warn people not to touch it He was taken to live with caretakers shortly before his death was announced by Cats of West Texas on May 2. I type this through streaming tears, the group posted on its Facebook page. Dominos struggle to breath has gotten much worse and he is having trouble eating. He will be making a peaceful transition across the Rainbow Bridge at home tomorrow afternoon. A campus petition is circulating calling for a small statue to be erected in memory of Domino in his favorite spot on campus, near the Flaw Academic Center. The schools official Twitter account also offered condolences. Domino, the most well known and beloved of UT Austins campus cats, was a welcoming friend on our campus for many years, the university said on Twitter. We will remember him fondly, and thank the community who cares for these cats for all the love given to him these past months. Students and faculty also took to social media to pay tribute to Domino. One student wrote on Twitter: "Sweet Domino made those FAC study nights a little less lonely." Avrel Seale, a writer and editor in University Development and messaging architect in University Marketing, remembered the cat in a lengthy university blog post. Among all creatures on Earth, Domino had lucked into the optimal existence: complete freedom and complete care. Through nothing but laziness and vagrancy, he had it all, Seale wrote. timothy.fanning@express-news.net Here is something Republicans and Democrats can agree upon: property taxes across Bexar County and throughout Texas are too high. In the last month, most of us received in our mailboxes those notices from the Bexar Appraisal District we were dreading. If you are like me, before you even opened the envelope you thought to yourself, I wonder how much my property taxes are going up this year? Yes, lets recognize property taxes in Texas fund essential government services, especially public education. For elected Republicans, whose primary goals should be to improve Texans economic position, ensure public safety and properly educate our children, funding public education should be a must. As Texas does not impose state or local income taxes (for which we can be grateful), property taxes fund our schools and other local services. While we might understand how our tax money is being used, the amount of property taxes the average Texan pays is simply too much and keeps going up. What can be done? In the near term, I would be remiss if I didnt point to Propositions 1 and 2 on the May 7 ballot. Bipartisan lawmakers passed these last year, and both are worth supporting Election Day is Saturday. Proposition 1 would allow the Legislature to provide additional property tax relief for those 65 and older or disabled homeowners, even if they have already filed the form to freeze their school district property taxes. Proposition 2 would raise the homestead exemption on school district property taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. So, while these propositions may not directly impact your coming tax bill in a major way, they would be a step to stem the tide of rising property taxes. But to better address the problem, Republicans should remember the core economic principle that we have championed for decades: Cut spending and keep tax rates low. Simply put, your property taxes wouldnt rise every year if it werent for local jurisdictions wanting to spend more money. Yes, the appraisal process, including the protest system, is opaque, complicated, can be expensive and almost always results in the maximum 10 percent property value increase on an annual basis. But if local governments would reduce spending, they could reduce tax rates and save Bexar County residents on their property taxes. Right now, your 2022 tax bill is zero, as it wont be until August and September when our local entities set their respective tax rates. So, if you think your property taxes are too high, contact these local entities and ask for tax rate cuts, tell them to conserve money rather than spend it, and remind them that you vote. Additionally, lets not forget about Texas businesses. One factor that adds to prices consumers pay, and to appraisals for businesses, is the property tax a business pays on the personal property it uses in its operations. Recently Gov. Greg Abbott put forth a proposal that would exempt up to $100,000 of a business property, meaning a substantial portion of a small business equipment would not be taxable. We need more ideas like this coming out of Austin. The state could take on more responsibility paying for public education if it had more non-property tax revenue. Republicans should be looking for ways to bring money into the state without raising taxes or creating new taxes. Its easy to say just abolish property taxes, as some did during the March primary elections. But we wont get there unless we find a way to bring other revenue sources into Texas. Continuing to create a business-friendly environment, and expanding the tax base with new businesses and more jobs, can help provide the revenue necessary to reduce or replace property taxes. A state income tax is not the answer. Nor is expanding government programs as some on the left are suggesting. Its fiscally sound principles, thorough reviews of government spending, private sector business and job creation, and innovative solutions that are the way to property tax reform. Marc Whyte is an attorney and the San Antonio zoning commissioner for District 10. Email: mwhyte@whytepllc.com. Gov. Greg Abbott wants to try to reinstate a 1975 Texas law withholding state funds from school districts for kids who were not legally admitted into the United States. In an interview Wednesday on the Joe Pags radio show, Abbott said he would ressurect a legal challenge over the law, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional in 1982. The challenges put on our public systems is extraordinary, Abbott said, before referencing Plyler v. Doe, the ruling that overturned the Texas law. I think that we will resurrect that case and challenge this issue again because the expenses are extraordinary and the times are different than when Plyler v. Doe was issued many years ago. In that case, the court ruled that education has a fundamental role in maintaining the fabric of our society, and withholding it from the children of immigrants in the country without paperwork does not comport with fundamental conceptions of justice. People living without documentation in the country remain people in any ordinary sense of the term" and are thus entitled to the same basic rights as anyone else in the country. READ MORE: Abbott buses first group of immigrants to D.C., arriving in front of the Fox News headquarters The plaintiffs in the Plyler case, four families who lost access to education under the Texas law, were represented by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Greg Abbott has once more distinguished himself as one of our most irresponsible and desperate politicians, Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF, said in a statement. The Plyler decision, he said, is firmly established by the court and has also been endorsed by Congress. Republican-appointed justices now hold a strong majority on the court, and conservative elected officials like Abbott have been pressing the advantage to reshape federal policy. The governors remarks Wednesday came shortly after a draft Supreme Court opinion was leaked showing five of the nine justices ready to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that established a constitutional right to abortion. The Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan group that studies migration globally, estimates there are 1.7 million people living in Texas without paperwork, including 116,000 enrolled in schools. The total student population is 5.4 million, so those without documentation make up roughly 2 percent. During the interview Wednesday, Pags said there were a large number of children taking classes to learn English as a second language in his childs school. You know that youre not ethnocentric, neither am I, we love Latinos, we love everybody, said Pags, who is conservative. But were talking about public tax dollars, public property tax dollars, going to teach children who are 5, 6, 7, 10 years old who dont even have remedial English skills. This is a real burden on communities. Public polling shows immigration and border security to be among the top policy priorities for Texans particularly Republicans and Abbott has made it a priority during his administration. The state is pouring billions of dollars into border security and Operation Lone Star, where Texas National Guard troops are patrolling the border and apprehending immigrants and refugees. Abbott speaks frequently about the need to stop the influx of drugs into the country, though the amount of drugs apprehended at the border through the operation has been minimal, and critics have accused the governor of engaging in political theater without tangible policy objectives with the operation. Abbott also has set up buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, a policy he promoted during theWednesday radio interview. The White House and some of the migrants themselves have thanked Abbott for the free cross-country ride, as many intended to go to Washington anyway or it will be easier for them to access services from there. White House Press Secretary Jenn Psaki on Thursday called Abbotts comments harmful. Were talking about - to just restate that - denying public education to kids, including immigrants to this country, she said. That is not a mainstream point of view. A spokeswoman for the governor did not respond to an email asking for more details about the governors Wednesday comments. Rodolfo Rosales Jr., state director for the Texas League of United Latin American Citizens, said estimating the real number of people without documentation is difficult because they are often living in the shadows and avoiding any official record. I think that the governor is really out of touch and out of line, and I think his all out assault on people of color is just so blatant, Rosales said. These little immigrant children are not taking away from any other children in Texas schools. edward.mckinley@chron.com The pandemic and the changes its brought to the workplace has had a major impact on businesses in the technology sector. In Texas, a population boom supercharged it. Bridgehead IT, the San Antonio-based computer support and services company founded in 1999, has reaped the benefits of having already-established products increasingly being sought by small- to medium-sized businesses during the explosion of remote work: migrating systems to the cloud and deploying video-conferencing apps. Its growing to keep up. Over the past two years, the privately-owned company has doubled its revenue, brought on 255 new clients, added 20 employees and is relocating to a larger building. In recent weeks, CEO Wes Bunch and his staff have been moving into a leased office building near Alamo Heights. Its a sleek upgrade from their current offices and a launching pad as they expect to buy a larger building by 2027. Late last month, the company was putting the finishing touches on the 16,651-square-foot office to make room for at least 16 workers to be added this year to the 89 already on staff. Five years from now we want to be a nationwide powerhouse in IT, said Bunch, 44. We do service companies all over the world but we want to do more of that and we want to become a nationally recognized name. I think if you look up in five years, we will be. The plan, he said, is to grow through acquisition, but he declined to detail the acquisition targets. Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Winning the pandemic The Bridgehead IT origin story dates to the early days of San Antonios modern tech scene. Bunch, a San Antonio native who graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton, founded Bridgehead Networks Inc. in 1999 as a break/fix operation that repaired computers and servers and did upgrades. That same year, Chris Brandvik dropped out of the University of Texas at San Antonio to start the now-defunct T3 Technologies Inc., a scantly staffed computer networking business. The fresh-faced college graduates merged to form Bridgehead IT in 2012. It started with 13 employees. We were kind of the plumbers and the electricians back in the day, and if something was broke, wed fix it. Then we shifted to more technology management, Bunch said. We see Bridgehead IT being a big part of San Antonios growth for being a home for technology leaders. By 2020, the company had 54 employees and was growing in part by luring new clients as the state topped 29 million residents, a 16 percent increase over the previous decade. Texas drew in people, mostly from California, who were flocking to the state in search of lower taxes. About 44 percent of the states growth happened in the hearts of the states largest metros in Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar and Travis counties. On ExpressNews.com: California and beyond: Mapping where new San Antonio residents are moving from It felt like the world was coming to Texas, and theres been a strong demand in population and technology growth, Bunch said. The primary driver of our growth was the business in Bexar and the surrounding counties. Like other tech companies, Bridgehead IT also profited from setting up remote internet connections and apps. The pandemic didnt hurt the business either when everybody needed to work from home, he said. A lot of companies had to develop products around the pandemic. We already had that, so when it hit we just took what we already know and do and did more of it. Today, Bridgehead IT has 1,063 clients, up from 978 in 2021 and 808 in 2020. It services a host of clients including LASO Health, an online platform of San Antonio physicians, YMCA of Greater San Antonio, South Texas Renal Care Group, and Scania, the Sweden-based auto manufacturer. Bunch considered opening an office in Dallas or Houston but ultimately decided to stay in San Antonio. He said the company will bring on even more clients from the influx of newcomers, especially in the San Antonio and Austin region, which includes a growing number of corporate headquarters, publicly traded firms and smaller businesses. We can provide our services globally right out of San Antonio, he said. Cybersecurity expansion Amid growing cyberthreats, Bridgehead IT has also added 24/7 incident response teams. The company has 15 employees who install anti-malware programs to identify potential cyberthreats for clients. Before the pandemic, it had two staff members running the programs. The fast-paced hiring is reflective of a trend in the tech industry, which has been beefing up cybersecurity teams, and Bridgehead IT was able to pluck workers from existing talent in San Antonio which has the nations second-largest cybersecurity workforce after Washington, D.C. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio cybersecurity experts prep for Russian attacks Andrew Evans, senior security analyst at Bridgehead IT, said the company also has a three-person cybersecurity team that strictly focuses on thwarting digital attacks. He expects to hire four more team members by years end amid a sharp uptick in the amount of phishing and credential stealing attempts on Texas-based clients in medical, manufacturing, distribution and financial investment industries. Most recently, attackers are sending email links to people that look completely legitimate, said Evans, 28. As soon as people attempt to log in, the attackers try to steal their credential identification. This type of attack is dubbed pass-the-cookie, a genre of hacking that aims to bypass passwords to gain access to cloud-based infrastructure such as Amazon Web Services, Google or Azure. Last month, the security team stopped four of the attacks in a single day. These four instances in one day would be the same concept of lightning striking the same place four times in a row, he said. Thats how rarely I see this attack before this happened. Moving day For now, Bridgehead IT is keeping its 11,000-square-foot office building, a former Masonic Lodge close to San Pedro Springs Park in North San Antonio. Late last month, several employees worked on the remaining desktop computers set up inside the brown building that shares a block with Firestone and Bailey Cleaners and Dryers. They took calls on headsets and packed their laptops, coffee cups and family photographs into boxes to move to their new office about 5 miles north at the ex-headquarters of auto paint manufacturer Xpel Technologies Corp., near Alamo Quarry Market. Inside the old building, David Van Ronk, vice president of information technology, was clearing out his office while talking with his wife on the phone about weekend plans for their seven kids. Its nice to outgrow this building, said Van Ronk, 39. Weve been outgrowing this space we had here for years. For Van Ronk, who cut his teeth as a software architect at Oregon law offices and financial firms before managing the IT department at the International Bible College in San Antonio, BridgeHead IT will remain focused on cloud applications headed into the future. People used to go into the building and work, but now everybody is expected to go into a Starbucks and work, he said. Its a different world. Its where everything is headed and were moving toward it. eric.killelea@express-news.net (The Center Square) Intuit, the company behind the TurboTax software package for preparation of income tax returns, will pay $141 million to customers across the United States deceived by the companys misleading promises of free tax-filing services, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday. Intuit cheated millions of low-income Americans out of free tax filing services they were entitled to, James said in a statement regarding the multi-state deal that also includes Washington, D.C. For years, Intuit misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit. Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable for scamming millions of taxpayers, and were putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of impacted Americans. This agreement should serve as a reminder to companies large and small that engaging in these deceptive marketing ploys is illegal. New Yorkers can count on my office to protect their wallets from white-collar scammers. Per the terms of the settlement, signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Mountain View, California-based Intuit, Inc. will suspend TurboTaxs well-known free, free, free ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers. In Washington state, the deal translates into Intuit returning more than $3.75 million to 121,102 taxpayers who paid for the companys software. Intuit did not make customers aware they were eligible to file their federal taxes for free via the Internal Revenue Services Free File program. I will continue holding corporate interests accountable when they deceive Washingtonians into paying millions of dollars for a free service, state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a press release. Intuits deceptively earned profits will return to hardworking Washington families to help pay for groceries, car payments and other needs. In addition to the restitution, the resolution which was filed in King County Superior Court requires Intuit to notify customers in a timely manner when they are eligible to file for free through the IRS, and to clearly disclose eligibility limitations on the companys own free tax filing software. According to details of the resolution, eligible Washington residents should receive a $30 payment for each year they were deceived into paying for filing services. Those customers, identified in Intuits records, will be contacted automatically. The various state investigations of Intuit were prompted by a 2019 ProPublica report that accused the company of steering eligible clients away from the federal governments tax filing products by making them difficult to find in online searches, and instead directing people toward the companys own commercial products. In a statement, Intuit downplayed the deal and said it "expects minimal impact to its business from implementing the remaining changes going forward." Intuit is pleased to have reached a resolution with the state attorneys general that will ensure the company can return our focus to providing vital services to American taxpayers today and in the future, said Kerry McLean, Intuits executive vice president and general counsel, in the statement. Intuit is clear and fair with its customers, including with the nearly 100 million Americans who filed their taxes free of charge with our products over the last 8 years more than all other tax prep software companies combined. In coming to a resolution on this matter, we admitted no wrongdoing and are pleased to be able to continue our strong partnership with governments to best serve the needs of taxpayers across the country. Hare coursing crimes across the East of England have plummeted by a third due to the success of a 'borderless' policing initiative. Incidents in Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk fell from 2,044 in 2020-21 to 1,415 in 2021-22 a drop of 31%. The crackdown came after police forces agreed to team up to remove policing borders when certain tactics are used, making catching and prosecuting offenders easier. The agreement, completed with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, means the forces become one when using certain powers. Over the past six months, this has helped with the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), the seizure of dogs and the sharing of all interactions and movements of people suspected to be involved in hare coursing. The move also supports the ongoing national initiative against hare coursing - Operation Galileo. Sergeant Paul Brady, of Essex Police's rural engagement team, called the borderless policing scheme 'a great achievement'. "Our collaboration demonstrates to those intent on causing physical and mental harm to our rural communities that we will not tolerate their barbaric actions. Our forces will continue to work together with the CPS, who have been an immense help, to further reduce illegal hare coursing and poaching across the region." Hare coursing traditionally begins in September when the fields have been harvested and ploughed, making them the perfect ground for the illegal blood sport. The wildlife crime causes damage to crops, harms animal welfare and threatens the rural community. It can result in intimidation and even violence. A bill targeting hare coursers was recently strengthened, giving the police further powers to protect farmers and rural communities from criminal activity. Changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which was given Royal Assent last week, will help deter hare coursers by giving police the means to seize more dogs and by lifting the existing limit on fines. Unauthorised encampments will become a criminal offence for those who do not leave when asked by the landowner or tenant, and offenders will be hit with strengthened penalties. It follows lobbying attempts by the NFU, which pushed the government to further clamp down on hare coursing and illegal encampment, as both crimes cause 'significant damage' to farmland and wildlife. NFU vice president David Exwood said: Hare coursing can cause significant damage to farmland, something farmers across the country experience all too often, with little repercussions for offenders. "Their behaviour can also be a source of great distress for farming families who feel vulnerable and threatened in their own homes. We know that both these crimes continue to take a toll on farming businesses, and we will continue to work with government and police to ensure these strengthened laws are utilised to deliver meaningful results a decline in cases of rural crime. The National Pig Association's chief executive, Zoe Davies, is to step down from her role after working at the industry body for fourteen years. Zoe Davies has announced she will be leaving the NPA after 14 years of service, including eight as chief executive. She will be taking on a new role at the NFU at the beginning of August, as the union's East Anglian Regional Director. Described as an 'absolute industry legend' by NPA chairman Rob Mutimer, Ms Davies has had a significant impact during her time at the group. Announcing her departure on Thursday (5 May), she said it had been a 'privilege to be part of this great industry'. The decision has not been an easy one to make, but I honestly feel that now is the right time for me to make this change personally and for the NPA," she said. I wont be going too far. I am very much looking forward to the challenges my new role with the NFU will bring, but I am exceptionally sad to be leaving this amazing industry that I have been involved in for the last 27 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my amazing team at NPA, all the producer, allied industry and other specialists on our Pig Industry Group (PIG) (and previously PG and AIG), and, of course, with our members. The NPA has a bright future with the fantastic team already in place and Im confident that the Board will, over the coming weeks, make the right decisions as to how to move the organisation forward." Rob Mutimer said the sector owed Ms Davies a huge debt of gratitude, adding: The board is very sorry to see Zoe go, but she departs with our very best wishes for her future role. Zoe has worked incredibly hard to represent the pig sector, and, with her team, has delivered so much on behalf of producers and the wider industry. "Her knowledge, drive, passion for the industry and leadership skills are second-to-none and she is hugely respected both inside and outside the pig industry." Mr Mutimer said the NPA would now start the process of recruiting a replacement. Essex-based AGCO machinery dealer RW Crawford Ltd has announced that it has acquired neighbouring dealer Agwood Ltd. From summer, the three existing Agwood depots, at Swingfield and Linton in Kent and Godstone in Surrey, will continue operating under the Agwood trading name. All the Agwood team members based at these depots will remain, ensuring continuity of service for their customers. Ian Wood continues his involvement in a senior advisory role, and general manager Phil Bush has been appointed MF Dealer Principal for the Agwood sales territory. RW Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd was established in 1980 by Bob Crawford and became the Massey Ferguson dealer for Essex in 2001. With the Agwood acquisition, Massey Ferguson will have group brand recognition in Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex from four depots. Crawfords also continues as the Fendt and Valtra dealer for Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, operating from its existing depots. Ian Wood, who started Agwood in 1978 as a sole trader said: The Crawford family has a very similar ethos to ours, putting customers and staff at the heart of their business, and making them a great fit. "Succession has always been a key factor for Agwoods future and as the dealer network adapts to the challenges ahead, Crawfords has proposed a pathway forward for Agwood Ltd and our staff. With AGCOs strategy for brand separation, the Crawfords head office in Essex will work alongside our depot teams, continuing to provide the high level of support you have enjoyed from Agwood Ltd over many years. Massey Ferguson national sales manager for the UK and Ireland, William Judge, says that the acquisition will bring benefits for the brand as well as for customers. RW Crawford and its team have continued to grow as an AGCO dealer which performs as an industry leader for Massey Ferguson. "Similarly, with Agwoods, we have always had a strong and trusted business partner with an excellent reputation for sales and service. "Bringing these two groups together under the Crawfords management will put Massey Ferguson in a strong and stable position to ensure that our customers get the best customer care long into the future. Livestock rustlers have stolen 55 sheep from crofters' land on Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland, police have said. Officers on the Isle of Lewis are appealing for information following the theft of 32 sheep and 23 lambs from the Laxay Common grazing area. The sheep had been out grazing as part of a herd, between Saturday 12 February and Saturday 2 April. When the herd was gathered in, it was found that 32 of the sheep were missing many of which were due to lamb. The sheep are described as a mix of Mules, Texel, Beltex crosses, black-faced and Oxford crosses. They were marked with green spray between their shoulders, along with either blue, green, red or purple raddle marks on their backs. Extensive searches have been carried out with no trace, suggesting that these sheep have been stolen. Constable Rick Henderson, from Stornoway Police Station said: Due to the number of sheep missing, it is possible that a vehicle, such as a trailer, was used to remove them from the area. Were keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the theft, or saw any suspicious activity in the area. "Were also interested in speaking with anyone who believes they may have been offered the sale of these sheep recently. Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting CR/18154/22. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous. It follows another recent large-scale livestock theft in North Yorkshire, where thieves stole 64 sheep from farmland near Boroughbridge. According to NFU Mutual figures, livestock worth 2.1 million were stolen from farms across the country last year. Waitrose has announced a new support package for its pig producer suppliers of up to 16m, as the industry continues to face its biggest crisis in decades. The move, announced on Thursday (5 May), means the retailer will cover the full cost of rearing and producing pigs, including labour, feed, and fuel costs. The supermarket, which sources from over 250 pig farms, said the investment was a response to "some of the most challenging conditions the sector has ever faced". Since the autumn, UK exports of pork have fallen significantly and, with supply far outstripping demand, caused the price of meat to plummet. At the same time, production costs have risen sharply, with the cost of feed rising steeply as a result of the war in Ukraine - meaning that many farmers are struggling to stay afloat. The issue has been further compounded by a shortage of trained butchers in the UK, meaning farmers cannot process their existing livestock, resulting in a further loss of sales. As a result, the NFU estimates that tens of thousands of pigs have now been culled, with the meat being discarded rather than sold for food, jeopardising the future of the sector. Industry groups recently warned that more commitments were needed from some of the biggest UK retailers in order to secure British pig production. Announcing Waitrose's new support package, James Bailey, executive director said: Farmers are the backbone of Britain, keeping food on our tables during our countrys hour of need through a pandemic. But now, they need our help. "This is not only the right thing to do, it will ensure we continue to pay our farmers a fair price while maintaining our quality and high welfare standards. "This issue is industry-wide and we need the entire food industry and the British public to get behind us. If we dont stand united in supporting UK pork farmers and act soon, many businesses will be lost. Minette Batters, president of the NFU, welcomed Waitrose's investment, calling it a much-needed confidence boost for pig producers. We need all supermarkets to take similar action and create support packages that will genuinely come to the aid of British pig farmers in their hour of need. "I hope this move will inspire others to stand by the countrys farmers, we owe them our support. It comes after Sainsbury's recently announced an additional support payment of up to 2.8 million for its farmer pork development group. The retailer said it had created a pricing mechanism that has paid above market price for fresh pork since September 2020, bringing its overall investment in its pricing mechanism to 5m. Sainsbury's said this would give producers the opportunity to align all pigs supplied to the company, including those not currently part of the model, to a fixed price for the 12-week period from 13 March to 5 June. Young Farmers Clubs (YFCs) across the UK have committed to do more to support British farmers following a vote at the annual AGM in Warwickshire. The 580 YFCs across England and Wales voted in favour of a motion to actively source and promote British local produce for their events and activities. The vote was made at the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) 90th AGM in Warwickshire on 24 April 2022. Young farmers also pledged to share more positive farming messages in all YFC and community activities. The motion, which was proposed by Aled Thomas from Pembrokeshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, aims to ensure that YFCs support their local farmers, as well as cutting food miles and protecting the environment. In the proposal of the motion during the AGM, Aled told those attending about the importance of food security especially following Brexit and the impact of the war in Ukraine. We need to spread the positive message about supporting local, further and wider and be more united across the membership to drive the food and farming industry forward, he said. Agriculture is at a turning point and the time to ensure the industry is thriving for generations to come, is now. It wont be an easy task but anything truly worth fighting for is never simple. The motion prompted comments from the floor, with some members raising concerns about the costs of sourcing local food. Counter arguments shared ways to make it more affordable by choosing cheaper cuts of quality local meat and selecting in-season vegetables. The motion is not intended to force clubs to use only local British produce, but it is hoped that YFCs will actively consider where they are sourcing their food from for events and activities. Speaking at the debate, Ed Clarke, vice chair of Lancashire Federation of YFC, said that the motion was a step in the right direction but that more action was needed to support the industry by getting involved with school projects. We are at the forefront of agriculture for young people. We care passionately about what we do," he said. "We can tell each other about how good farmers are but we know it already, why dont we go tell the kids? We need to start publicising ourselves better. Robbie Tuer, county chair of Cumbria FYFC, won the Sidney Fawcett Trophy for making the greatest contribution in support of the motion. If we can source locally where we can and help farmers because its going to be a tough time over the next five to six years while things settle down from whats happening elsewhere in the world. "Its imperative that we do support British agriculture and educate [others] by promoting local produce where we can," he said. The motion was passed with 98.3% in favour and the result will be supported by a campaign during National Young Farmers Week in October. Only subscribers with PAID Print or E-Edition subscriptions please enter here to gain access. If you are not already a Paid subscriber do not go through this portal. Please return to the subscription page to purchase one of our offers. Thank you! Image: Instagram When I say the word nails, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Sure, it could act as a reminder to trim or paint your own nails but it can also flash a series of loud, eccentric and OTT nails that youve been spotting on celebrity IG handles. As opposed to a few years ago, perking up the look and feel of your nails isnt just limited to wearing some red nail polish or opting for a French manicure its become bigger and better than ever before. Synonymous with art, getting nails done is equivalent to painting different hues and carving designs and strokes of all kinds pastels, electrics, neon as well as chic, edgy and pretty respectively. Besides giving you a run down of the current nail art situation, this entire phenomenon (of the nail art revolution) reveals one more very important thing acceptance towards experimentation. Image: Instagram Founder of the White Door India, Sana Dhanani verifies the recent curiosity towards all things trendy nails as she says, While nail art has always been around for a while now, with summer trends, the influence of Tik Tok and Instagram reels, and inspiration from all over the world, this nail art phenomenon has truly taken off. Nail art has previously been viewed as being time-intensive, hard to maintain ordeal, and reserved for special occasions. With the skill and technique that nail technicians have brought to the table in the recent past, this perception is greatly altered. Founder of Geetanjali Salon, Sumit Israin reprises the vital role of social media yet again, We have seen a gradual increase in the demand for nail art services PAN India. Interestingly social media has played a major role in getting the traction for nail art services. Clients are inquisitive about the nail art services we offer with different techniques, products and accessories. As a result, we have started investing in professional training for nail artists and setting up nail art sections at all our key locations. Image: Instagram Whats Hot Now? Powdery pastels, earthy tones, and accent nail art are super trendy right now. Neon and ombre nails are also making a comeback to the space, apprises Dhanani. Israni shares some additional observations, French tip nails are trending with different lengths nail products such as acrylic, dip; gel French tip nails can be done a variety of ways with different colours and designs, aside from the traditional white. Searches for colour and glitter alongside French tip nails reveal that consumers want to bring colour into the classic style by swapping out the classic white tip for a pastel colour, silver or chrome. Image: Instagram How Big Is The Shift? There is definitely a shift from chic, boring and elegant french manicures to OTT nails in most of the locations. Blings, metallic details, floral bling and 3D stickers are taking over social media feeds and we see a lot of millennials opting for such nail art styles, inspired by international celebrities and influencers, says Israni. Dhanani, on the other hand, attributes some credit to runway fashion too, I think international fashion weeks have always dictated the trends one can expect to see in the months to follow, this holds true even today. The more avant-garde the current fashion trends are, we see them catapult into the beauty space as well. There is no denying that there is definitely a Gen Z influence, while fashion is drawing from the 1990s and early 2000s, beauty inspiration from that time has also made its way to 2022. Additionally, Inspiration from shows like Euphoria has become somewhat of a reference point for a number of beauty trends in 2022. Poppy colours, retro motifs, intricate design, and embellishments are here and thriving, she adds. What Caused This Shift? I think the lockdown has definitely impacted the way people view themselves, they are now more than ever, willing to indulge in self-care and self-love. The emergence of short-form content on social media has also fuelled inspiration to create, innovate and rethink the norm. Individuals are now open to creating and carrying nail art that is representative of their personalities and not following the herd mentality. Gen Z also loves maintaining its aesthetics, both offline and online, which has created immense opportunity in the nail space, explains Dhanani. West has definitely influenced South Asian markets for nail bar set ups and spaces. Interestingly not just women but male clients are also opting for gel nail services in metropolitan cities, cites Israni. The Future Of Nail Art So far its one of the high ticket prices and repeat services we have seen in recent years. With growing demand and increasing awareness around nail services, there is a lot more we can do and we are planning to do and capture the market in all the cities, shares Israni. Much like any form of art, nail art is ever-evolving, open-to-interpretation, and extremely personal to an individual. At the moment, nail art is almost used as a canvas, an extension of ones personality and it is extremely liberating. Weve also seen innovation in the space happen at a rapid rate, from glow-in-the-dark nails to more elaborate and embellished sets. The more modern take on the french manicure has also been seen in recent times, using colours and fluid designs to elevate the classic, traditional look, tells a futuristic Dhanani. Also read: Soft Makeup Is Trending Amongst Celebrities Recently Next Story : Celebrating The Art & Business Of Indian Hairdressing At IHA 2021 Image: ShutterstockSex is a big taboo in India, which is ironic, because were the land of the Kamasutra and home to a population of a billion people and counting. Were not wary of sex, were just worried about what they will think upon finding out were having sex. So we talk about in hush-hush tones, behind closed doors, or not at all. Add to that, sex-education is non-existent in our schools curriculum and most parents are not approachable and open with their kids about it.This makes teens seek answers from unreliable and dangerous sources - like their peers or the internet. If you dont want this to happen with your child, have a talk with them keeping these tips in mind:Image:ShutterstockAvoiding your kids' questions doesnt mean they will stay in the dark forever. There are alternative sources for them to seek answers today, like social media, which may not always give them the right information. Their understanding of sex and intimacy can be warped if they get it from ill-informed peers, ignorant professors or the dark corners of the internet.Image:ShutterstockIts not enough to simply tell your kids what things are like, especially when it comes to sex and intimacy - which is a subject teenagers become extremely curious about as their body changes and hormones erupt. You have to explain to them why things are the way they are, so that they make responsible decisions about it.Image:ShutterstockThe first time your child stumbles upon the concept of sex and asks you about it, the way you react will determine how openly they will discuss their personal life with you in the future. If you want to be let into their circle of trust, no matter how young they are, dont act surprised, shocked, upset or furious. Talk to them about it as you would any other topic.Image:ShutterstockDrawing boundaries and prioritizing safety are indispensable parts of sex education, which parents often overlook while having a talk with their kid. Dont expect your child to be able to navigate this aspect of life just because you could. Talk to them about good and bad touch, saying no, not falling for moral policing and having safe sex as the mature adults they are.Image:ShutterstockBefore having the talk with your child, do your research. Its important to be factually correct. How sexual diseases are transmitted, what one can do to protect themselves, how often should one have sex and what happens if one doesnt have sex are questions that will crop up. Educate yourself thoroughly first and then set out to pass on your knowledge to your kids.Image:ShutterstockKeep the lines of communication with your teenager unconditionally open, so that even if they go against your advice and mess up somewhere, they are comfortable confiding unpleasant experiences in you. More cities will now be connected by high-speed rail with a new merger of two of Europes biggest rail operators In summer, our thoughts turn to travel. And, very often, travel makes us yearn for Europe. So were kicked at the news that Eurostar will be connecting more European cities. Trains are increasingly being recognised as the most sustainable and efficient way to get across Europe, and, indeed, any destinations that can be reached overland. Eurostar, the cross-channel high-speed rail service, will be joining hands with Thalys, a French-Belgian rail operator, to create a combined high-speed network. The combined reach of two of the biggest rail operators in Europe will serve the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, and, most importantly, give travellers a simplified journey on a single ticket of choice. Thalys has a network in place in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, but had no reach in the United Kingdom, while Eurostar, operating out of Londons St Pancras Station (above), speedily ferries travellers through the Channel Tunnel to France (Calais, Paris, Lille, Lyon and the Alps), as well as to Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. The latter is the most recent addition to the bouquet of high-speed services it offers. The merger will allow passengers to travel directly into Germany from the United Kingdom. For the first time, a journey of just five and a half hours will take travellers from London to Cologne (above), and also to Dusseldorf, Essen, Aachen and Dortmund, due to Thalyss operations there. They could also take a service from London to Bordeaux in France and to Belgian cities such as Liege and Antwerp. Apart from increased connectivity, passengers will also enjoy improved scheduling and ticketing, and a common loyalty programme spanning the new combined network. The creation of a combined high-speed network across Europe is the result of recognition of the climate emergency and the increasing demand for more sustainable means of travel. Guillaume Pepy, who is chairman of the French state-owned company SNCF and Eurostar, said in a statement, By joining forces with Thalys, we will be able to expand our reach and, at the same time, provide a powerful response to the increasingly serious climate change challenge and the growing demand for sustainable travel. Images: Shutterstock Also see: Smart Ways To Get To Your Airport Gate Faster Ferris is unique as a four year university participating in the entire TIP Scholars Program that can pay up Up to $29,000 in tuition (based on 2013-14 tuition rates) for your Associate's degree, and up to $2,000 towards your Bachelor's degree. Ferris is unique as a four year university participating in the entire TIP Scholars Program that can pay up Up to $29,000 in tuition (based on 2013-14 tuition rates) for your Associate's degree, and up to $2,000 towards your Bachelor's degree. The Tuition Incentive Program, a higher education funding resource administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, is at the root of countless Ferris State University student success stories. Assistant Director of Financial Aid Melanie Mulder said that TIP funding is significant for many students who are the first in their families to pursue an Associate of Applied Science or Associate in Arts degree. I have spoken to parents of TIP students who said that if not for this resource, they would have discouraged their students from pursuing a college degree since they did not have collegiate backgrounds, Mulder said. TIP is making a difference in the lives of these first-generation students and their families. Qualifying for assistance in this program hinges on multiple factors, including that student having had two years of eligibility for Medicaid, within any three-year span from the age of nine, to their high school graduation. Mulder said the number of students who receive TIP Phase I support to pursue Associate in Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees at Ferris is substantial in a program with a significant history. In the past 10 years, 9,364 Ferris students have participated in the TIP Phase I program, Mulder said. The field of recipients grew to more than 6,000 in the last five academic years, which is impressive as it relates to university enrollment. There is also TIP Phase II assistance for those students who have completed Associate in Arts and Associate of Applied Science programs, earned college certificates or gained a qualifying number of transferable college credits. Mulder said at Ferris, the College of Retention and Student Success presents these students with various resources to make the most of their opportunities. The TIP Scholars Program provides guidance and support to help these students thrive as learners, Mulder said. We often see younger siblings or cousins of TIP students who also choose Ferris because of the amazing opportunities for success this program provides to them. The administration and RSS staff also support President David Eislers advocacy efforts in the Michigan legislature to continue TIP funding for students who attend bachelors degree-granting institutions. President Eisler has absolutely been the champion of TIP students at Ferris, and I think this funding would have been cut at Ferris long ago if not for his efforts, Mulder said. The president appeared before the State legislature in March to urge them to leave that appropriation at the current level. Click Tuition Incentive Program for more information. Nia Goins, a graduate of Ferris State Universitys Criminal Justice program, will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Big Rapids on Saturday, May 7. Nia Goins, a graduate of Ferris State Universitys Criminal Justice program, will receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Big Rapids on Saturday, May 7. Experiences gained as a young student and family member helped shape the perceptions and intentions of Muskegons Nia Goins, who graduates summa cum laude on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., May 7, from Ferris State Universitys College of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice-Corrections. I am the eldest daughter and middle child in my family, Goins said. Both my parents went to college, with my mother earning her degree from Baker College. Since my father was in the military, he attended various schools to complete his education. Moving from place to place meant she learned in multiple school districts, a formative situation for a young student. I started in a predominantly white public school system, wrapping up my high school years in a predominantly black district, Goins said, noting she recognized the disparities that would impact her. It made me want to seek opportunities to become a positive and active advocate for change. Goins found encouragement during a visit to Ferris arranged by the Muskegon Area Intermediate School Districts Career Tech Center. When I got to Ferris, I was pleased to get to know the professional and student staff of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, Goins said. After that, my decision to attend Ferris was essentially made. I took AP and dual enrollment classes to prepare me for college-level courses. Goins did not forget the OMSS staffs impression made on her after she completed her enrollment activities and arrived on campus. Visiting OMSS, now as a student, solidified her thoughts. In my first days as a Bulldog, I went to the OMSS office, which gave me a great foundation in the opportunities for involvement that were available, Goins said. I began taking advantage of those opportunities in my first semesters and continued throughout my campus time. Im so thankful for each chance to make this campus more comfortable by stepping up as a leader. Goins also focused on academic accountability. I did not go easy on myself; even if I earned a B, it wasnt good enough for me, Goins said. I am growing and learning how to give myself more grace because sometimes being a perfectionist can get unhealthy. I am proud, however, to have made the Deans List the last two semesters. I want to make sure that I am still achieving excellence in this final Spring semester. Im proud of what Ive accomplished. Beyond her Criminal Justice degree, Goins is proud to be claiming a minor in Sociology from her studies. I know that continuing my education will be helpful to my career, Goins said. As this final semester wraps up, I am trying very hard to slow down and take in what is happening around me. Burnout is very real and normal. However, if I can keep up with my involvements and rest, I can be my best self as a student and advocate. Goins offered support as a College Positive Volunteer. When K-12 students visit the campus, we serve as hosts and help answer questions they had, Goins said. Usually, they want to know what the food is like and about our housing experience, especially living in the dorms. Some students asked more difficult questions. Answering was sometimes tough because you really can only respond based on your campus experience, and everyone is different. They asked about support systems based on their identities. I was glad to be a resource and potential friend if they came to Ferris. Being real and honest with them is essential to building trust. As a junior, Goins supported the Anti-Violence Alliance. I was impressed how AVA leadership took so many communities facing violence into consideration, Goins said. The LGBT+ community and the BIPOC community are all researched and worked with thoroughly. We want to be sure we listen to their needs and support the community as best we can. She added, A key concept for addressing incidents of violence is intersectionality, the idea of how identity can factor into a persons situations and experiences. As I am a young Black woman in Big Rapids, originally from Muskegon, my experience compared to someone from a more rural or suburban setting can be significantly different. Our levels of support can also vary if a situation of harm occurs. More recently, Goins joined with a fellow graduating senior, Laila Duncan, to found Sistah Circle with the support of the OMSS. The idea first came to me in my freshman year, when I heard about the Black Male Network on campus, Goins said. While women could find support in TOWERS (Teaching Others What Establishes Real Success) and You Beautiful Black Woman, I believed there should be a parallel organization to empower multicultural women parallel to the Black Male Network programming. Goins and Duncan found an ally in Danyelle Gregory, who returned to OMSS as its director. The survey results showed us that relationship dynamics, professional development and personal issues such as depression and self-esteem were key topics to be addressed, she said. Women on campus wanted to feel safe and able to speak with people who look like them, who have the same experiences and find support in that group. Even if that fellowship is in a one-hour monthly session, the work is being put in to continue toward the goals we met for Sistah Circle. Putting the Sistah Circle in a great position, looking into the future has been a priority. Weve kept our eyes and ears open for students who could lead the initiative going forward, Goins said. We will do what we can to support the Sistah Circle as it proceeds if that means being involved via Zoom or making contact with OMSS leadership to learn whats happening. Its my baby. That is very significant to me, and I expect to feel that way and continue my efforts to support it for years to come. Being a lifelong learner means Goins will be pursuing a Master of Science in Public Policy or Sociology or an appropriate graduate degree program, so she can work as an advocate on policies that apply to corrections, diversity, equity and inclusion, along with other concentrations. It is important to find answers to the societal struggles of recidivism, and the school-to-prison pipeline, that comes from zero-tolerance policies and directing young people to juvenile and criminal justice systems, Goins said. Research shows that punitive measures at an early age, like suspensions and other forms of discipline, are much more likely to occur with children from marginalized communities, so I would be very interested in research and advocacy. She added, The public school system can affect a young persons situations, choices and responses, without considering the stressors, like whether they have access to good food. That is just one facet of societal elements that can bring on a variety of responses from a young person. Wherever Goins continues her studies, she feels her experiences on the Ferris campus and with the organizations she took part in will serve her well in her education and professional formation. I am grateful for all my friends, past and present, she said. Unfortunately, itll likely be rare that all of us will get together again, but that wont stop us from meeting up when we can. Goins hoped to offer a message of encouragement for students who continue in the classrooms and RSOs as Ferris heads to a new academic year. If you feel nervous about joining an organization, or your ability to get good grades, dont be afraid to use the resources on campus to put your best foot forward, Goins said. You may not begin with much confidence, but youll gain it as you put yourself in uncomfortable situations and see you can navigate them. I know sometimes I felt uncomfortable and nervous, especially with the pandemic in the middle of my college experience. Trust yourself, and get adventurous. Putting yourself out there shapes your experience in the best way. Finally, Goins took a moment to reflect on her time at the university, being the first of her siblings to earn a degree. I never thought about it that way. It just dawned on me, she said. I am glad I chose Ferris due to all the experiences and opportunities Ive had. The youngest of my siblings, Jasmine, is getting ready to start her academic journey in the fall at Michigan State University. Our whole family is so excited for her. Ive been giving her advice and easing her anxieties about her potential experience, and I will do my best to help her be confident and successful. Spring 2022 commencement ceremonies take place Friday and Saturday, May 6-7, on the Big Rapids campus. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Taoglas, a leading provider of advanced technology for a smarter world, hosted Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and top members of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish State trade and innovation agency, as part of their visit to the U.S. West Coast. The event highlights Taoglas' long history of growth and success in both the U.S. and Ireland, where the company was founded in 2004. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006292/en/ Friday, we celebrated our Irish/American business success where we welcomed Irish Tanaiste Leo Varadkar T.D. (center), the deputy head of the Government of Ireland, soon to be Ireland's Prime Minister. We were also joined by Marcella Smyth (far right), Consul General of Ireland, and other delegation members. In their company was Enterprise Ireland's CEO Leo Clancy (far left). Also pictured Taoglas Co-CEOs Dermot O'Shea (second from left) and Ronan Quinlan (second from right). (Photo: Business Wire) Taoglas is among the Irish-headquartered companies that collectively employ 100,000 people in the U.S., which is the largest single investor in Ireland. Ireland is also the ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States. As part of the weeklong mission, the Deputy Prime Minister, Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy, and other top officials met with Taoglas executives including Co-CEOs and Co-Founders Dermot O'Shea and Ronan Quinlan. The delegation toured Taoglas' design and testing facility, engineering lab, US assembly area and corporate offices bringing Deputy Prime Minister Varadkar through the product line and allowing him to get hands-on experience with Taoglas' product portfolio and learn about some customer implementation projects showcasing why Taoglas is best-in-class. "It was my pleasure to meet with the Taoglas team in San Diego and see for myself the company's success. I'm always so proud to see an Irish company going global and Taoglas' impressive list of customers and impressive growth, spanning nearly 20 years is a testament to the entire team. I wish them every success in the future." "Over 12 years ago, Taoglas recognized that San Diego was emerging as one of the world's leading wireless innovation hubs, which is why we established our U.S. headquarters here," said Dermot O'Shea, Co-CEO of Taoglas. "Today, our San Diego wireless lab is where we collaborate with tier-one device OEMs and partners to create custom solutions that enable wireless-powered digital transformation in transportation, autonomous applications, connected health, smart cities, smart homes and more." Taoglas is a leading provider of advanced technology for a smarter World. Our solutions include advanced components and technologies and help OEMs, enterprises, and communities to resolve the complexities of bringing digital transformation solutions to market quickly and cost-effectively. Focused on best-in-class, high-performance antenna and RF design with advanced positioning, imaging, audio, and artificial intelligence technologies, Taoglas has unique expertise in integrating and commercializing highly complex technology solutions. We utilize this expertise for our home-grown connected smart services such as Taoglas Waste Insights as well as being a trusted advisor to OEMs and enterprises regardless of where they are on their digital transformation journey. With world-class design, consultancy, and engineering expertise, along with support and test centers globally, Taoglas has proven expertise across the transportation, waste management, connected healthcare, smart cities and smart building industries. About Enterprise Ireland: Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment community to develop Ireland's international trade, innovation, leadership, and competitiveness. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006292/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Cheryl Allen, MarCom Manager, Taoglas. E: mediarelations@taoglas.com, T: +1760.505.1785 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2022 / SILVER X MINING CORP. (TSXV:AGX) (OTCQB:AGXPF) ("Silver X" or the "Company") announces that it was not in a position to file its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related certifications (the "Issuer Statements"), for the financial year ended December 31, 2021 on or before the filing deadline of May 2, 2022, as a result of delays resulting from COVID-19 among the Issuer's accounting staff and resulting delays with obtaining all the necessary documents for the Company's auditors to complete their work in respect of the audit of the Issuer Statements. Upon application by the Company, the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") today has issued a management cease trade order under the provisions of National Policy 12-203 Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults ("NP 12-203") so as to permit the continued trading in the Company's common shares by persons other than insiders and employees of the Company. The Company's finance and accounting teams are working diligently with its auditors, and the Company expects to have the audit of the Issuer Statements completed, and the Issuer Statements filed, no later than May 30, 2022. The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of NP 12-203 and issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as the Company remains in default of the financial statement filing requirement, containing any material changes to the information in this release, all actions taken by the Company to remedy the default, particulars of any failure by the Company to fulfill these provisions, any subsequent defaults of the Company requiring a default announcement and any other material information concerning the affairs of the Company not previously disclosed. The Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings nor is there in other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Silver X Mining Corp. Jose M. Garcia Jimenez Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: + 1 604 358 13682 j.garcia@silverxmining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of the word, "will" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information relating to the anticipated date for filing the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 and related management's discussion and analysis. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The Company cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws, or as otherwise may be disclosed in this news release. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE: Silver X Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700235/Silver-X-Announces-Late-Filing-of-Year-End-Financial-Statements-and-Management-Cease-Trade-Order Singapore & Charlotte, NC, May 5, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Novotech, the leading Asia-Pacific biotech specialist CRO, has acquired US CRO NCGS as part of its expansion program, and can now offer its biotech clients clinical services in the US to support later phase global studies. NCGS, established in 1984 in South Carolina, is a privately held CRO with a biopharma client base and a workforce of about 300 professionals across the US.Novotech CEO Dr. John Moller said "We are very pleased to acquire such an impressive company with a strong history of quality and delivery in the United States. The company's growth is a real credit to the knowledge and expertise of founder Nancy Snowden and the exceptional team she has formed."This is a strategic move to provide US-based expertise and infrastructure for our US clients wanting trials in APAC and the US, and for our APAC clients wanting US clinical programs. Clients will receive seamless service, with a unified approach to systems and SOPs well developed," Moller said.Nancy C.G. Snowden, founder and CEO of NCGS, said the company was excited about becoming part of Novotech operations globally and supporting Novotech's clients with their US clinical programs. "We have a similar cultural fit and focus on excellence, so joining Novotech will be seamless for both ours and Novotech's clients. Novotech and NCGS have a collaboration history of over a decade which will also support the seamless integration," said Snowden."NCGS focuses on complex areas of clinical development; oncology, hematology, infectious disease, and CNS in both adult and pediatric populations. Our lean organizational structure and nimble operational model with highly tenured staff have been specifically designed to overcome the challenges inhibiting our industry today. We have the ability to pivot in real time as the needs of the trial evolve," Sowden said.Novotech serves biotechs globally, leveraging deep relationships built with hundreds of Asia-Pacific sites over the last 25 years. NCGS compliments this with a broad US site base and hundreds of investigators with relationships spanning nearly four decades.Media Contact:David JamesE: communications@novotech-cro.comAU: +61 2 8218 2144USA: +1 415 951 3228ASIA: +65 3159 3427About Novotech Health HoldingsNovotech Health Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("Novotech") is a leading Asia-Pacific biotech specialist CRO with integrated labs and phase I facilities providing drug development consulting and clinical development services. Novotech Holdings is well positioned to serve biopharmaceutical clients conducting clinical trials in Asia and globally. For further information, visit https://novotech-cro.com/.About NCGSNCGS Incorporated, founded in 1984, is a full-service CRO that specializes in conducting and managing clinical trials. NCGS has supported the development of more than 70 approved pharma-biotech, diagnostic and device products with over 80 indications during its nearly four decades of operation. For more information, please visit https://www.ncgs.com/sponsors/.Source: Novotech Health Holdings Pte LtdCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. HANOVER (dpa-AFX) - Hannover Ruck said that its virtual Annual General Meeting approved all proposed resolutions by a large majority. The Annual General Meeting approved the proposal of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board to pay a total dividend of 5.75 euros per share for the 2021 financial year. The payout consists of an unchanged ordinary dividend of 4.50 euros per share and a special dividend of 1.25 euros per share. This puts the distribution to shareholders of Hannover Re on a record level. The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held in Hannover on 3 May 2023. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - QBE Insurance Group (QBE.AX, QBEIF.PK) said it currently expects to have some exposure to the broader Russia/Ukraine conflict across a number of lines such as political violence, political risk and aviation. The potential net impact is currently estimated at around US$75 million, and the ultimate impact from the conflict will be reported in catastrophe costs. The company reported that its first-quarter gross written premium rose 19% on the prior corresponding period, or 22% in constant currency. Group-wide renewal rate increases averaged 7.9% in the first-quarter of 2022, while growth ex-rate of 18% was substantial, albeit supported by growth in segments such as Crop and QBE Re where gross written premium is heavily weighted to the first quarter. Excluding Crop, Group gross written premium increased by 15%, with ex-rate growth of 10%. QBE currently estimates that Crop gross written premium will be about US$3.3 billion in fiscal year 2022, a significant increase from US$2.7 billion in fiscal year 2021. QBE Group CEO Andrew Horton said, 'We have had a strong start to the year for gross written premium growth and will review FY22 outlook at the half-year result following the key mid-year renewal period.' For fiscal year 2022, the company continues to expect a Group combined operating ratio that demonstrates improvement on the fiscal year 2021 exit combined operating ratio of about 94%. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. WARSAW, Poland, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BGK, a Polish development bank, launched a Europe-wide information campaign to remind ordinary people and politicians that the war in Ukraine continues, and radical measures must be implemented to stop it. The crucial instrument is the website that allows sending emails to authorities and calls for an immediate embargo on Russian oil. The digital campaign StopRussiaNOW has reached more than 95 million users in the first ten days. All materials are microtargeted and available in eight languages. A special mechanism on the website generated more than 1 250 000 emails to the EU politicians with the crucial question - why do we continue to pay billions of euros for Russian oil? Meanwhile, dozens of billboards with photos of destroyed Ukrainian cities and eloquent appeals move around Europe. They appear in the places where many locals and tourists like to spend time. For instance, near the Colosseum, in front of the Eiffel Tower, next to the Brandenburg Gate. These are the reminders of Russia's war crimes and the ruined lives of the people of Ukraine. They appear as suddenly as the sound of an air-raid alarm for millions of Ukrainians. Since April 23rd, billboards have traveled thousands of kilometers and stopped in such cities as Berlin, Hamburg, The Hague, Brussels, Paris, Munich, Rome, Vienna, and Budapest. In the upcoming days, they will reach Athens and Sofia - May 5th and May 8th accordingly. The organizers also provide users with concrete advice on what steps to take to help end the war. Apart from sending emails to politicians, it is essential to boycott companies that still operate and pay taxes in Russia. Such a list is available on the website stoprussianow.eu . StopRussiaNOW is the campaign initiated to mobilize Europeans to take real action and support the people of Ukraine in such a tragic time. There are four easy-to-implement steps each and everybody can complete them right away. The recipe is simple: 1. Send emails to EU politicians 2. Avoid brands operating in Russia 3. Donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine 4. Share information about the campaign on social media Do not stay aside! Act to # StopRussiaNOW ! Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1811233/1.jpg 5May 2022, 7:15 CET Following publication of the first quarter 2022 results press release dated 5 May 2022 (the 'ER Press Release')1, ArcelorMittal announces a second share buyback program in the amount of US$1 billion (the 'Program') under the authorization given by the annual general meeting of shareholders of 4 May 2022, bringing the total 2022 buybacks announced so far to US$2 billion. For the background to this Program, reference is made to the ER Press Release. The Program is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, subject to market conditions. The Significant Shareholder has decided not to participate in the Program consistent with the position announced in the press release dated 25 February 20222. The shares acquired under the Program are intended: 1) To meet ArcelorMittal's obligations under debt obligations exchangeable into equity securities; 2) To reduce ArcelorMittal's share capital, and/or; 3) To meet ArcelorMittal's obligations arising from employee share programs. ENDS About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 16 countries. In 2021, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $76.6 billion and crude steel production of 69.1 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 50.9 million metric tonnes. Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit: http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/ Contact information ArcelorMittal Investor Relations General +44 20 7543 1128 Retail +44 20 3214 2893 SRI +44 20 3214 2801 Bonds/Credit E-mail +33 171 921 026 investor.relations@arcelormittal.com (mailto:investor.relations@arcelormittal.com) Contact information ArcelorMittal Corporate Communications Paul Weigh Tel: E-mail: +44 20 3214 2419 press@arcelormittal.com (mailto:press@arcelormittal.com) 1https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/media/press-releases/arcelormittal-reports-first-quarter-2022-results 2https://corporate.arcelormittal.com/media/press-releases/arcelormittal-announces-that-its-significant-shareholder-has-decided-not-to-further-participate-in-its-1-billion-share-buyback-program May 5, 2022, Oslo, Norway: PGS has secured solid industry pre-funding for a large MultiClient survey on the Northwest shelf of the Norwegian Sea. The Ramform Atlas is currently mobilizing for the survey, with scheduled acquisition start around May 10. "This is the first large-scale MultiClient survey we are acquiring offshore Norway since 2020, as we experience increasing demand for high-fidelity MultiClient data from renewed exploration interest among our clients. The Ramform Atlas will acquire approximately 6,000 square kilometers of new GeoStreamer data in a second azimuth to existing GeoStreamer MultiClient data in the region yielding a Dual Azimuth product," says President & CEO in PGS, Rune Olav Pedersen. FOR DETAILS, CONTACT: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS ASA and its subsidiaries. *** The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2021. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect. Immunicum AB ("Immunicum" publ; IMMU.ST), a biopharmaceutical company focused on therapies addressing tumor recurrence and hard-to-treat established tumors, announced the appointment of Leopold Bertea, PhD, as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective as of today, May 5, 2022. In his role as CTO at Immunicum, Dr. Bertea will be driving the build-up of a global manufacturing infrastructure for Immunicum's lead pipeline program, DCP-001, which is currently progressing through a Phase II clinical study. Additionally, he will oversee the process development to further optimize the manufacturing of the company's current and future products and the building out of the company's process development facilities and capabilities in Leiden, The Netherlands. Dr. Bertea joins Immunicum from Cellectis, a clinical-stage biotechnology company using a proprietary gene-editing platform to develop cell and gene therapies, where he most recently held the position of Senior Vice President Technical Operations Europe and Member of the Cellectis Executive Committee. With previous senior roles at Novartis, LFB Biotechnologies and LFB's subsidiary CELLforCURE, Sanofi, and Ciba-Geigy, Dr. Bertea brings a total of 27 years biopharmaceutical industry experience to Immunicum. During his tenure with LFB Biotechnologies and CELLforCURE, Dr. Bertea was instrumental as President and CEO of CELLforCURE for establishing the manufacturing plant and CDMO operations at the Les Ulis site, near Paris, as one of the first and largest production units for cell and gene therapies in Europe at that time. Following the acquisition of CELLforCURE by Novartis in 2019, Dr. Bertea became General Manager and Site Head of the new Novartis' site in Les Ulis, which was successfully refocused under his supervision for manufacturing the autologous cell and gene therapy Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), as well as new cell and gene therapy pipeline projects of Novartis. Dr. Bertea holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from ETH Zurich. "Dr. Bertea brings an impressive track record in biopharmaceutical process development and production, including commercial-scale manufacturing to Immunicum. He joins the Company at a crucial stage, as we are continuing to build out our in-house process development activities in our new R&D facilities in Leiden and preparing for the next stage of development for DCP-001 and ilixadencel", commented Erik Manting, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Immunicum. "Immunicum's expertise in allogeneic dendritic cell biology has delivered a promising pipeline of novel, off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy candidates combining competitive clinical efficacy with a benign safety profile. I'm exciting to leverage my expertise in cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing to support the next development phases for the company's lead assets and its wider pipeline", commented Leopold Bertea, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of Immunicum. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Erik Manting Chief Executive Officer E-mail: ir@immunicum.com INVESTOR RELATIONS Julie Seidel Stern Investor Relations Telephone: +1 212-362-1200 E-mail: julie.seidel@sternir.com MEDIA RELATIONS Mario Brkulj Valency Communications Telephone: +49 160 9352 9951 E-mail: mbrkulj@valencycomms.eu ABOUT IMMUNICUM AB Attachment BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - German real estate company Vonovia SE (VONOY) reported Thursday that its first-quarter Group funds from operations or FFO grew 7.7 percent to 420.5 million euros from 390.5 million euros a year ago. Including Deutsche Wohnen, FFO climbed 44.4 percent from last year to 564.0 million euros. FFO per share was 0.73 euro, an increase of 12.3 percent from last year's 0.65 euro. The company recorded loss for the period of 29.1 million euros, compared to last year's profit of 247.0 million euros. Adjusted EBITDA Total grew 44.2 percent from last year to 729.7 million euros. The Adjusted EBITDA Rental edged up 0.9 percent. Total segment revenue grew 42.6 percent to 1.63 billion euros from last year's 1.15 billion euros. The increase was largely due to Deutsche Wohnen, which contributed a volume of 286.3 million euros in 2022. Looking ahead, Vonovia has confirmed its guidance of at least 20 percent growth for revenue, EBITDA and Group FFO for the 2022 financial year. Segment Revenue Total is likely to be between 6.2 billion euros and 6.4 billion euros, and Vonovia is expecting its Adjusted EBITDA Total to range between 2.75 billion euros and 2.85 billion euros. This will also cause an increase in its Group FFO within a range of 2.0 billion euros and 2.1 billion euros. Based on the very good development at the start of the year, Vonovia expects to achieve all targets of the Sustainability Performance Index or SPI. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. SES-imagotag will roll out its VUSION Retail IoT Cloud platform in all 280 own Unieuro stores SES-imagotag, (Euronext: SESL, FR0010282822), the global leader in digital solutions for physical retail, as well as one of Europe's fastest growing technology companies, and Unieuro S.p.A. (Euronext STAR Milan: UNIR), the Italian leader in Consumer Electronics retail, today announce their partnership to equip all 280 own Unieuro's stores with the VUSION Retail IoT Cloud platform and smart labels developed by SES-imagotag. In line with Unieuro's strategic plan "Our Omni-Journey to 2026" presented in June 2021, the adoption of the VUSION platform developed by SES-imagotag will enable Unieuro to improve its operations by synchronizing information across channels, while enhancing their in-store shopping experience, through rich and always up-to-date content displayed at the shelf. By automating their price and promotion changes, the 280 stores will benefit from improved store efficiency, allowing in-store staff to spend less time on manual updates and focus more on higher-value-added tasks. At the same time, in-store communications to consumers, which will be managed through the VUSION platform, will also be improved to give access to shoppers to more, better information. Unieuro will also benefit from the seamless integration of VUSION with the existing network infrastructure provided by Huawei and already live in stores, therefore enabling the Italian retailer to deploy this solution effortlessly, with an optimized set-up phase, and at minimal cost. Luigi Pontillo, IT Director at Unieuro commented: "As part of our stores' large omnichannel digitization project, we have decided to adopt electronic shelf labels to improve our performance and ultimately provide a better experience to shoppers. Digital tags will not only display accurate prices, but they will become true digital smart tools for shelf-edge communications and to enhance shopper connectivity. We have selected SES-imagotag for their proven experience as leaders in the market, as well as for their Cloud platform agility and scalability. Their integration with our existing Wi-Fi infrastructure by Huawei was also a key factor in our decision." Alessio Gruffe, General Manager at SES-imagotag Italy & Balkans added: "To partner with Unieuro is a great satifaction for us. It is another recognition of our leading position in the European consumer electronics sector, as well as in Italy. All our teams will be dedicated to make of this deployment a success to enable Unieuro to reach their targets." Sebastien Fourcy, SEVP EMEA, concluded: "We are delighted to have been selected by Unieuro. They are the leader in their industry in Italy, as well as innovation pioneers. We are proud to contribute throughout our platform to the digitization of their stores and to help them to remain agile and competitive in a very dynamic market." The VUSION platform has already been installed in 110 stores, with 25 more to follow in 2022. The roll-out will be completed by the end of 2024. About Unieuro Unieuro is Italian leader in consumer electronics distribution, thanks to an omnichannel approach that integrates direct stores (280), affiliated stores (260) and unieuro.it digital platform, in addition to the digital pure player Monclick. Company is based in Forli, has a central logistics platform in Piacenza and has over 5,800 employees. Listed on Euronext STAR Milan since 2017, Unieuro recorded revenues exceeding 2.9 billion euros in the year ended February 28, 2022 About SES-imagotag and the VUSION Retail IoT platform SES-imagotag is a fast-growing retail tech company, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange, with revenues around 423 million. The company is the world leader in smart digital labels and IoT solutions for physical retail, serving over 300 large retailers around the world in Europe, Asia and America. SES-imagotag has developed the VUSION Retail IOT technology platform to help retailers transform their physical stores into high value digital assets, more automated, data-driven, and connected in real-time to suppliers and consumers. VUSION improves pricing agility, accuracy and integrity; enables omni channel synchronization of prices, product information and marketing content; and increases the productivity of shelf replenishment and in-store picking for online orders. VUSION improves employee satisfaction by freeing up time from cumbersome low value-added tasks and allowing them to focus on customer service and merchandizing tasks. VUSION connects shelves to the cloud, providing real-time accurate information on product availability and location, allowing for reduced inventory, out-of-stock and waste, as well as improved on-shelf availability and merchandizing compliance. VUSION empowers consumers with better product, nutritional and traceability information at the shelf and enables a frictionless in-store shopping experience with features such as product search, pathfinding and cashier-less scan & pay features. SES-imagotag supports the United Nations' Global Compact initiative and has received in 2022 the Gold Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, the world's reference of business sustainability ratings. www.ses-imagotag.com Ticker symbol: SESL - ISIN: FR0010282822 - Reuters: SESL.PA - Bloomberg: SES SES-imagotag is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris SES-imagotag Investor Relations Raquel Lizarraga Labrador lizarraga.r@labrador-company.fr +33 6 46 71 55 20 Unieuro contacts Investor Relations Corporate Media Relations Andrea Moretti iCorporate Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Director Danja Giacomin +39 334 2256777 +39 335 5301205 unieuro@icorporate.it amoretti@unieuro.com investor.relations@unieuro.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mW1qZZVqkm6bxpxyl8lsaJJjaWqTmmWZm5PKxGGaaZubbJtgx5xpaZnHZnBlmWpu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-74458-ses-imagotag_unieuro_pr_final.pdf Bisichi Plc - Annual Report and Notice of AGM ANNUAL REPORT AND NOTICE OF AGM 5 May 2022 Bisichi PLC Annual Report - year ended 31 December 2021 and Notice of Annual General Meeting - 16 June 2022. This is to confirm that Bisichi PLC has posted its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 and Notice of Annual General Meeting (to be held on 16 June 2022). The document was published on the company's website and a copy was posted to all shareholders who had requested a printed copy. A letter was sent to those shareholders who had consented to web publications to advise them that the document was now available on the company's website. A RNS announcement of the text of the Annual Report excluding the Notice of AGM was made on 20 April 2022. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained from the Company Secretary at the company's registered office, at 12 Little Portland Street, 2nd Floor, London, England, W1W 8BJ and is available for download from www.bisichi.co.uk Copies of the above documents have been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism Garrett Casey Company Secretary 020 7415 5030 5 May 2022 The Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I, a real estate fund managed by the SBA Group company Capitalica Asset Management, ended the year 2021 while improving all key financial indicators - raised assets, equity, sales revenue and profit. This was achieved due to the fund's continuous capital management strategy, with a primary focus on changes in the current office lease market and accordingly adopting its operational management solutions. "Our fund demonstrated sustainable growth during last year. Followed by a high demand for quality business centers, our rental income from office space and conference services increased in 2021. Now, when the second year of the pandemic is over, we can state that Covid-19 did not have a significant impact on the fund's revenue. We ensured income growth by offering our tenants flexible lease terms depending on the long-term period selection, and by applying the consumer price index in rental rates. Thanks to a preliminary agreement with the contractor, the increase in raw and construction material prices last year did not affect the development of our new business center in Riga", said Andrius Barstys, CEO of Capitalica Asset Management. According to the 2021 reporting data in the audited consolidated financial statements of the international audit and consulting company Ernst & Young Baltics, the company increased its consolidated assets to EUR 92.2 million, which is 34.2% more than in the same period last year (EUR 68.7 million). Investment assets grew by 46.6% and amounted to EUR 89.6 million. Equity capital reached EUR 35.0 million, which is a 20.1% increase in comparison to the end of 2020 (EUR 29.1 million). During the last year, the consolidated sales of Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I amounted to EUR 5 million, while the consolidated gross profit was EUR 3.7 million. This is respectively 5.5% and 1.5% more than in the same period in 2020. Last year, the fund recognized EUR 6.3 million valuation gain thanks to the made investments and the increase of their asset's value. As a result, the uplift of the net profit was more than 3 times and reached EUR 5.8 million. This growth was mainly due to the change in the value of the business centers of Zalgirio 135 and Kauno Dokas - based on an independent valuation of the assets performed by Newsec Valuations. Currently, the fund manages three commercial real estate properties in Lithuania - office buildings Zalgirio 135 in Vilnius and Kauno Dokas in Kaunas, and the shopping center "Luize" in Klaipeda. Their occupancy reached 98.6% at the end of 2021. In Latvia, Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I is developing an A-class office complex Verde. In October 2021, the company issued bonds that amounted to EUR 5 million at a yield of 5.5% for additional funding for the Verde project. Known as the "greenest office complex in Riga", Verde is in high demand among investors. Its first building will open doors to tenants this summer. More than 60% of office space is already leased out. "We see a great demand for quality offices in the Baltics market. The opening of the Verde business center in the Latvian capital will support our further growth this year. Verde has already been selected by Swiss telecom service provider and software developer Swisscom, financial technology company Decta, an international provider of professional services KPMG Latvia and other companies operating in the Latvian market. Our success is based on providing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, flexible rental conditions and a high-quality working environment for tenants", assured Andrius Barstys. The fund invests in the Baltic real estate market and focuses on commercial real estate. It has already completed the active investment and acquisition phase. Once the Verde project is implemented, no further investment is expected in the fund. New real estate acquisitions and developments are planned in the newly established funds. Capitalica Asset Management, which manages Capitalica Baltic Real Estate Fund I, is engaged in the management of commercial real estate in the Baltic States. The investment management company was established in 2016. Its controlling shares (70%) belong to one of the largest Lithuanian capital business groups SBA, and 30% of the shares belong to Mr. Barstys' company Fox Holdings. More information: Andrius Barstys, CEO of "Capitalica Asset Management" Andrius.Barstys@capitalica.lt +370 612 30260 Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=1066314 Vimian is a global, fast-growing group of innovation-driven companies with a shared passion for making a positive impact through improving animal health. Together, we put science, technology and our customers' needs at the centre of everything we do to deliver effective solutions to veterinary professionals, labs and pet parents around the world. We bring together pioneering and entrepreneurial businesses in animal health, with an aim to create a uniquely diversified proposition of products and services of the highest standard. Our group covers four essential and rapidly evolving areas within animal health: Specialty Pharma, Diagnostics, Veterinary Services and MedTech. Vimian provides individual businesses with access to our networks, expertise, infrastructure and capital to accelerate innovation and growth. We are as passionate about supporting leadership within our existing businesses, as we are about welcoming new partners to the Vimian family - together helping us make an even greater impact by improving animal health. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Vimian and our family of companies reach over 15,000 customers in +150 markets, employ more than 600 people and have a combined annual turnover of approximately EUR 170 million. FNCA Sweden AB is appointed the Company's Certified Adviser, info@fnca.se, +46 (0) 8-528 00 399. For more information, please visit: www.vimian.com. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Global Processing Services (GPS), a leading global payment technology platform, has today announced the appointment of Simon Stanford as Chief Revenue Officer. Based in London, Stanford sits on GPS' global executive committee and leads the company's global commercial, partnerships and customer relationship management, and marketing teams with a focus on developing GPS' global partnerships ecosystem, marketing and brand strategy, and driving revenue growth worldwide. Simon joins GPS from global online payments platform Worldpay where he was Senior Vice President Group Executive for the EMEA region and led a commercial team of over 450 people. He has more than 20 years of commercial experience, predominantly gained at global technology and telecommunications businesses including Samsung Electronics and O2 (Telefonica UK). Joanne Dewar, Chief Executive Officer, GPS, said: "We are delighted to welcome him to our senior leadership team. Simon joins GPS at the most exciting chapter in our history to date as we prepare to embark on a rapid global expansion. Simon brings to GPS a stellar track record of success in building and leading high-performing global commercial teams and will be a pivotal player in our accelerated growth strategy for 2022 and beyond." Simon Stanford, Chief Revenue Officer, GPS, added: "In meeting Joanne and GPS' new board I was impressed by the scale of their global ambition to transform the payments industry and their drive to help fintechs and entrepreneurs all over the world accelerate the digital revolution. GPS has built an impressive and diverse customer base, providing the issuer processing firepower for some of the most disruptive and fast-growing fintechs in the world. I am delighted to join the team and look forward to being part of GPS' international growth journey." In January 2022, GPS announced a significant capital injection of over US$400 million, providing GPS with a bench of experienced global growth investors including Advent International through Advent Tech and affiliate Sunley House Capital Viking Global Investors; Temasek the global investment company headquartered in Singapore; and MissionOG, a US-based growth equity firm. In March 2022, GPS announced Mastercard had also made a strategic investment into the company. GPS is investing strongly in its award-winning API-first payment technology platform, upgrading its infrastructure and diversifying its capabilities, with an eye on new and fast-growing verticals where adoption continues to rise, including digital banks, crypto, BNPL, open banking and cross border payments, and is expanding its international footprint worldwide. -ends- Notes to Editors: About Global Processing Services (GPS) Global Processing Services (GPS) is the trusted and proven go-to payments processing partner for today's leading fintechs, including Revolut, Curve, Starling Bank, Zilch, WeLab Bank and Paidy. GPS has issued millions of physical and virtual cards, enabled in over 48 countries, and processes billions of transactions on its API-first cloud-based platform. GPS' highly flexible and configurable platform places the control firmly in the hands of global fintechs, digital banks, and embedded finance providers, enabling them to deliver rich functionality to the cardholder. It is a multi-award-winning issuer processor powering next generation payment segments, including expense management, B2B payments, crypto, lending and credit (including Buy Now Pay Later ("BNPL") propositions), digital banking, FX, remittance, open banking and more. GPS is certified by Visa and Mastercard to process and manage any credit, debit or prepaid card transaction globally, with offices in London, Newcastle, Singapore, Sydney and Dubai. Its platform is equipped to meet the stringent standards required by Tier 1 banks, integrating with over 95 issuer partners and operates programmes for a global client base. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005056/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Louisa Bartoszek Marcom@globalprocessing.com WROCLAW, Poland, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Captor Therapeutics S.A. (WSE:CTX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of targeted protein degradation (TPD) drugs for cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announces it will host a virtual Research and Development (R&D) day on Wednesday 18 May 2022 at 10:00 am EDT (04:00 pm CEST). Captor's executive management team will discuss the company's broadly applicable OptigradeTM platform and how it allows for the sustainable creation and discovery of TPD drugs. Chief Scientific Officer Michal Walczak, PhD, and Biology Department Director Pawel Dobrzanski, PhD, will describe Captor's CT-01 program in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential to redefine the HCC treatment paradigm. The event will also feature a presentation by Key Opinion Leader Thomas F. Baumert, MD from the University of Strasbourg on the unmet medical need in HCC and the current landscape of HCC drugs and patient treatments. To register for the webinar, please click here. A live question and answer session will also be held. If you would like to ask a question during the session, please submit your request to questions@lifesciadvisors.com. For those who are unable to attend, a replay of the webinar will be available here. About Thomas F. Baumert, MD Thomas F. Baumert, MD is Professor of Medicine, head of the Inserm Research Institute for Viral and Liver Diseases (Inserm U1110), director of the Laboratory of Excellence HEPSYS at the University of Strasbourg and Chair of Hepatology at the Center for Digestive Disease and Hepatology at the Strasbourg University Hospitals. His research focuses on the modelling and discovery of the cell circuits underlying liver disease progressing to cancer. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver disease biology enabled his laboratory to uncover novel strategies for the treatment of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. He has received many awards, including five European Research Council (ERC) awards for the discovery and development of novel approaches to prevent and treat chronic liver disease. He has published more than 400 scientific articles in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, such as Cell, Nature, Nature Medicine, Nature Biotechnology, Cell Host & Microbe, PNAS as a senior author and is an inventor on 16 patents and patent applications. Dr. Baumert is Associate Editor of the Journal of Hepatology and serves as a member of the editorial board of several journals in the fields of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Virology and Infectious Diseases. He is a member of the US, European, French, and German Liver Societies and an elected member of the American Association of Physicians (AAP). Furthermore, he is the founder of Alentis Therapeutics, a Swiss/French biotech company developing novel therapeutics for fibrotic diseases and cancer. About Captor Therapeutics Captor Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on leveraging Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) technology to discover and develop breakthrough drug candidates in diseases with high unmet medical needs. TPD is a revolutionary approach to developing new drugs that can address novel molecular targets which are deemed "undruggable" with classical drug development approaches, as well as providing additional treatment options for diseases where existing drugs fail to provide optimal medical benefit. Captor is currently developing therapeutics for undertreated severe conditions, including malignancies and autoimmune diseases. More information on Captor Therapeutics is available at: http://www.captortherapeutics.com LinkedIn: @CaptorTherapeutics Twitter: @CaptorTherapeu1 For further information, please contact: Allspring Global Investments (Allspring), a leading independent asset manager with more than US$541 billion in assets under management*, today announced the appointment of Marco Negri to lead its new Milan office. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005520/en/ Marco Negri (Photo: Business Wire) Marco joins Allspring with over 18 years' experience working for global asset managers and leading business development and sales strategy in Southern Europe. Reporting to Sylvain Agar, Head of International Financial Institutions, Marco will be responsible for expanding Allspring's local presence and servicing a growing portfolio of wholesale, retail intermediary and institutional clients in Italy. Before joining Allspring, Marco worked as Country Head, Italy, at La Financiere de l'Echiquier and as Head of Southern Europe for Legg Mason Global Asset Management, overseeing the company's sales efforts in France, Italy and Iberia. He also held senior roles at UBS Global Asset Management, SGR and Dexia Asset Management. Andy Sowerby, Head of the International Client Group at Allspring, shared "We are delighted to have someone of Marco's calibre join our team. He has deep knowledge of the Italian market and will lead our efforts in this important geography. Allspring Global Investments is deeply committed to creating local teams in key markets to work with our clients to better meet their needs. The establishment of our Milan office is an important development in this regard". To learn more about Allspring and our mission to elevate investing, please visit www.allspringglobal.com. - ENDS - About Allspring Global Investments Allspring Global Investments is an independent asset management company with more than US$541 billion in assets under management*, offices around the world and investment teams supported by 450 investment professionals. Allspring is committed to thoughtful investing, purposeful planning and inspiring a new era of investing that pursues both financial returns and positive outcomes. For more information, please visit www.allspringglobal.com. Allspring Global Investments is the trade name for the asset management companies of Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC, a holding company indirectly owned by certain private funds of GTCR LLC and Reverence Capital Partners, L.P. These companies include but are not limited to Allspring Global Investments, LLC, and Allspring Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by Allspring entities are distributed by Allspring Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker-dealer and Member FINRA/SIPC). Associated with Allspring is Galliard Capital Management, LLC (an investment advisor that is not part of the Allspring trade name/GIPS company). *As of 31 March 2022, AUM includes US$91 billion from Galliard Capital Management, an investment advisor that is not part of the Allspring trade name/GIPS company. PAR-0422-00713 2022 Allspring Global Investments Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005520/en/ Contacts: Media contacts: Aryna Kastavetskaya aryna.kastavetskaya@peregrinecommunications.com +44 (0) 7969 516 159 RIGA, Latvia, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the largest independent data center operators in Northern Europe, DEAC, is building a large new data center that will be one of the most sustainable data centers in the region. DEAC Riga data center is an attractive location for international companies as an outsourcing center, data back office and IT function consolidation due to its IT team's expertise and excellent qualification. The new data center will enable DEAC to consolidate its position as a Baltics' market leader and a top service provider for companies in Europe. The new data center has a capacity of up to 1000 server racks, ensuring a minimum level of service availability of 99.98%. The new data center will be a 10 MW facility that will achieve international Tier III certification. DEAC will use on-site solar panels, will be powered entirely by renewable energy and use backup power provided by MY Neste Diesel. "Together with the data center operator DLC, DEAC offers two primary locations in Riga and Vilnius and is quickly growing to become the Baltics' most significant and comprehensive data center network," comments Quaero Capital managing partner Sebastien Bourget. "This is an incredible opportunity to build a new data center that meets companies' needs while also caring for our environment," DEAC's CEO, Andris Gailitis, agrees. DEAC is one of the largest independent green energy data center operators in Northern Europe, owned by Quaero European Infrastructure Fund II, an infrastructure investment fund managed by the asset management company Quaero Capital. DEAC serves thousands of customers in more than 40 countries by providing innovative IT services and applying individual business approaches and top-notch technologies. With DLC, also owned by Quaero European Infrastructure Fund II, DEAC offers two primary locations in Riga and Vilnius. DEAC has points of presence in the major cities of Central and Eastern Europe. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1810662/deac_Logo.jpg Acquisition Gives dss+ Expanded Capabilities in Sustainability & the Agri-food Industry GENEVA, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It was announced today that Italy-based Perfect Food Consulting will join dss+. With this acquisition, effective 4 May, dss+ adds to its offerings new capabilities, intellectual property (IP), methodologies and tools in sustainability management within the agri-food sector. "Many current food systems are unsustainable, consuming too many resources and having too great of an environmental impact. But we at dss+ believe that this can be addressed effectively, while also ensuring profitability, environmental health and socio-economic equity," says Melissa Barrett, Sustainability & Corporate Impact Director at dss+. "With the additional capabilities of our new colleagues from Perfect Food, we now can now better help our clients to identify and implement paths to footprint reduction throughout all phases of the agri-food value chain." Perfect Food Consulting is a leading brand in sustainability consulting within the agri-food sector in Europe. They work with notable food companies and consortia to assess current performance, to define improvement strategies and to implement targeted actions that deliver results. By joining dss+, Perfect Food clients will now have a wider range of services that are required for sustainable transformation. "dss+ is a world class leader in protecting people and assets, transforming operations and sustaining positive change," said Massimo Marino, Founder and General Manager of Perfect Food Consulting. "We look forward to joining dss+ to help its agri-food clients globally to develop and implement actionable sustainability transformation strategies that can promote sustainable food and agriculture production systems." This transaction follows two others made by dss+ in 2021 - that of KKS Advisors, a global leader in the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) space with particular expertise in financing and investment, and Sofies Group, a global consulting firm with expertise in the integration of sustainability into governance and operational frameworks. "We are investing in our capabilities around ESG and sustainability so that we can support clients from investment decisions and strategy development to execution and reporting" says Davide Vassallo, CEO of dss+. Perfect Food employees are based in Italy and will join a team of more than 120 sustainability consultants at dss+. About dss+ dss+ is a leading provider of operations management consulting services with a purpose of saving lives and creating a sustainable future. dss+ enables organizations to build organisational and human capabilities, manage risk, improve operations, achieve sustainability goals and operate more responsibly. By leveraging its DuPont heritage, deep industry and management expertise and diverse team, dss+ consultants are on the ground and in the boardroom helping clients work safer, smarter and with purpose. Additional information is available at https://bit.ly/375hBTM Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1754701/dss_Logo.jpg Marrakesh Treaty for print-disabled people takes effect in China Xinhua) 16:50, May 05, 2022 BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled, came into force in China on Thursday. The Marrakesh Treaty, the first and only human rights treaty with copyright so far, aims to eliminate copyright-related obstacles for print-disabled people in obtaining works. It was adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization on June 27, 2013, and entered into force on Sept. 30, 2016. China is one of the first signatories of the treaty. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, adopted a decision on ratifying the Marrakesh Treaty in October 2021. China has about 17.3 million people with visual disabilities, and the number of print-disabled people is even bigger, according to the second national sample survey on disability. China has always attached great importance to ensuring that print-disabled people have the right to equal access to culture and education in order to improve their well-being. The country has made multiple revisions to its copyright law, in a bid to further facilitate the adaptation of printed publications into braille as well as the transmission of printed publications via barrier-free means. Through joint efforts by education authorities, publishing houses and the society, large-character print textbooks have been made available as part of the country's endeavor to advance inclusive education for people with disabilities. The beneficiaries include primary school students who are print-disabled. "I feel quite excited about the treaty taking effect," said Hong Yan, mother of a visually-challenged nine-year-old student, noting that her son received a batch of large-character print textbooks earlier this year. Hong added that she is looking forward to seeing more changes in the future, such as the advent of more large-character extracurricular and digital books for readers like her son. The enforcement of the treaty will substantially enrich the cultural life of the print-disabled population, and improve the quality of their education, said China's National Copyright Administration. It is also a push for the international promotion of China's best publications among the print-disabled people, the administration added. (Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun) aiMotive has shipped production-validated RTL of its latest ultra-high-efficiency 4th generation aiWare NPU to lead customers, demonstrating its scalability, high clock speed capabilities and exceptional configurability to meet demanding PPA targets BUDAPEST, Hungary, May 05, 2022, one of the world's leading modular automated driving technology suppliers, announced today that it has shipped final production-validated RTL of the latest generation of its ultra-high efficiency NPU aiWare4to lead customers. The latest aiWare4 RTL shipped delivers up to 5x the performance of the previous generation aiWare3 NPUs, while using less than 2x the silicon area. This demonstrates the exceptional scalability, PPA and performance per mm2 of aiWare4, while extending the feature set and operational "sweet spot" for high-efficiency CNN acceleration. "Our aiWare team has relentlessly refined our production validation processes to enable us to deliver customer configurations at record speed to full automotive quality for aiWare4," says Marton Feher, SVP hardware engineering at aiMotive. "Thanks to our sophisticated wavefront processing making full use of our new WFRAM technology, plus many other architectural advances from aiWare3, we have been able to achieve exceptional PPA for our lead customers without compromising our leadership in high-efficiency execution up to 95% of the most demanding automotive inference CNN workloads." To achieve extremely demanding PPA constraints from customers, aiMotive was able to fine-tune the exact feature set of the aiWare4 production RTL to best meet customers' requirements. Making full use of the physical tile-based layout and dataflow methodologies, the aiWare team demonstrated clock speeds for the production RTL of up to 1.3GHz over the full automotive AEC-Q100 Grade 2 temperature range on a 14nm process. The aiWare4 hardware IP has been assessed externally as suitable for certification to ASIL-B or higher as an SEooC. The aiWare4 NPU scales from 1 to 256 TOPS and is supported by an exceptionally comprehensive SDK featuring highly accurate offline performance estimation, enabling customers to accurately estimate and fine-tune their CNN workloads to within 5% of final silicon performance prior to first silicon. aiWare4 hardware IP is available now for licensing. For more details, visit our website: www.aimotive.com/aiWare AboutaiMotive: aiMotive is one of the world's largest independent automotive technology powerhouses working on level-agnostic automated driving solutions. The company delivers an integrated portfolio of software, tools and hardware products complemented by proprietary data management tools, enabling customers to rapidly develop and deploy production automated driving features that combine in-house expertise with aiMotive modular capabilities while achieving substantial reductions in development costs and timescales. The company's product portfolio has been validated in mass production programs. Its lightweight execution stack and sensor-agnostic, reusable data pipeline accelerate customers' time to market. aiMotive is a privately held company headquartered in Budapest, with offices in Munich, Germany, Mountain View and Detroit in the US, and Yokohama, Japan. Follow aiMotive on LinkedInor Twitter, like us on Facebook, or learn more at www.aimotive.com. aiMotive Contact: Bence Boda Marketing & Communications Manager bence.boda@aimotive.com DJ Edison Investment Research Limited: Basilea Pharmaceutica (BSLN): Renewed focus on anti-infectives Edison Investment Research Limited Edison Investment Research Limited: Basilea Pharmaceutica (BSLN): Renewed focus on anti-infectives 05-May-2022 / 08:00 GMT/BST ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- London, UK, 5 May 2022 Basilea Pharmaceutica (BSLN): Renewed focus on anti-infectives In February, Basilea announced a strategic refocusing on its core anti-infective business and is exploring strategic options for its oncology assets. Strong FY21 results were driven by key anti-infective assets Cresemba and Zevtera, which collectively contributed CHF131.4m to Basilea's revenue (up 18% y-o-y). Global Cresemba sales were USUSD324m in FY21, resulting in significantly increased royalty and milestone payments. Management envisages sustainable profitability and positive operating cash flow from 2023. Top-line data from the key ERADICATE study of Zevtera in bloodstream infections is expected in mid-2022. If positive, this would enable an NDA submission, paving the way to the US antibiotics market. In oncology, potential value uplift could come from positive readouts (expected in H122) from lead asset derazantinib in trials for iCCA (FIDES-01) and gastric cancer (FIDES-03). Our rNPV model suggests a fair value of CHF847.7m or CHF71.6/share (previously CHF106/share). We value the oncology assets at CHF14.8/share, excluding any valuation for potential strategic actions. We have revisited our Cresemba and Zevtera milestone payment assumptions and are now taking a more conservative view. We roll our model forward, with FY21 net debt of CHF69.3m. Click here to view the full report or here to sign up to receive research as it is published. All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website www.edisongroup.com About Edison: Edison is a leading research and investor relations consultancy, connecting listed companies to the widest pool of global investors. By focusing on the volume and quality of investors reached - across institutions, family offices, wealth managers and retail investors - Edison can create and gauge intent to purchase, even in the darkest pools of capital, and then make introductions via non-deal roadshows, events or virtual meetings. Having been the first in-market 17 years ago, Edison now has more than 100 analysts covering every economic sector. Headquartered in London, Edison also has offices in New York, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv and a presence in Athens, Johannesburg and Sydney. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities. For more information, please contact Edison: Soo Romanoff +44 (0)20 3077 5700 healthcare@edisongroup.com Dr Harry Shrives +44 (0)20 3077 5700 healthcare@edisongroup.com Learn more at www.edisongroup.com and connect with Edison on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/edison-group-/ Twitter www.twitter.com/Edison_Inv_Res YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Announcement - EQS News Service 1343549 05-May-2022 Image link: https://eqs-cockpit.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=show_t_gif&application_id=1343549&application_name=news (END) Dow Jones Newswires May 05, 2022 03:00 ET (07:00 GMT) University Targeted by 'PrivateLoader', A Pay-Per-Install Malware Distribution Service CAMBRIDGE, England, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security AI, today announced that an African technology university stopped a recent cyber-attack using Darktrace AI. The attackers attempted to distribute PrivateLoader malware, a pay-per-install malware service commonly associated with cryptomining and IP theft. The public university, which has been established for over 30 years in Africa, awards students with undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology-related subjects. The university holds vast amounts of valuable IP including government-funded research into artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable energy solutions, which is a prime target for financially motivated cyber-criminals as well as state-sponsored attackers. The university was targeted during a trial of Darktrace's AI in mid-April. The AI technology had formed a unique understanding of the university's 'normal' operations across its digital estate which allowed it to spot the out-of-the-ordinary activity indicative of an attack. In this case, the AI detected a desktop connecting to a rare external endpoint using a mechanism that was not consistent with their technology stack. The IP address was subsequently tracked by Darktrace's AI Analyst and found to be related to the pay-per-install malware service, PrivateLoader. The compromised device was then observed performing activity indicative of 'RedLineStealer' and 'MarsStealer', information-stealing malware which exfiltrate data with the intent of monetizing it through direct use or distribution on darknet sites. Darktrace AI detected the attack in its earliest stages, and the threat was interrupted before any critical research or student data could be exfiltrated. After the attack was contained, a thorough investigation into the incident was conducted to ensure future cyber resilience for the university. "PrivateLoader is an emerging malware service which has grown in popularity over the past year. It is unsurprising that attackers would target a university with this attack tool, typically used to distribute information-stealing malware which can harvest the critical data that universities hold for financial or more political purposes," commented Toby Lewis, Darktrace's Global Head of Threat Analysis. "By taking a number of subtle indicators from across the organization into consideration, including time of day, duration, data in and out, and peer analysis of similar devices and users, Self-Learning AI is uniquely capable of spotting these threats in their earliest stages - before critical data falls into the wrong hands." About Darktrace Darktrace (DARK:L), a global leader in cyber security AI, delivers world-class technology that protects over 6,800 customers worldwide from advanced threats, including ransomware and cloud and SaaS attacks. Darktrace's fundamentally different approach applies Self-Learning AI to enable machines to understand the business in order to autonomously defend it. Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the Group has more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Darktrace was named one of TIME magazine's 'Most Influential Companies' for 2021. Media Contacts Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's factory orders declined more-than-expected in March, reflecting the impact of the war in Ukraine on industrial activity. Factory orders posted a monthly fall of 4.7 percent in March, data released by Destatis showed Thursday. This was faster than February's 0.8 percent decrease and the 1.1 percent decline expected by economists. Excluding major orders, new orders in manufacturing declined 2.2 from February. The overall fall in demand was largely driven by the 6.7 percent contraction in foreign orders. Domestic orders logged a moderate decrease of 1.8 percent. Within foreign demand, orders from the non-euro area went down 13.2 percent, while that from the euro area grew 5.6 percent. Among major segments, orders for capital goods recorded an 8.3 percent fall and that for intermediate goods decreased 1.5 percent. On the other hand, consumer goods demand grew 6.4 percent. On a yearly basis, new orders slid 3.1 percent, in contrast to the 4.3 percent increase seen in February. German order books were richly filled at the turn of the year but have started to weaken since then, Carsten Brzeski, an ING economist, said. The war in Ukraine and the new supply chain frictions in China will add more pressure to orders and consequently, the entire economy in the coming months. Data showed that real turnover in manufacturing decreased 5.9 percent on month in March, following a 2.2 percent decrease in February. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de TUBINGEN, Germany, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ACOU085, the lead candidate from Acousia Therapeutics, has been administered to the first patient with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) in a Phase 1b clinical study in Germany. The pre-screening of patients matching the comprehensive in/exclusion criteria for the ongoing trial is almost complete. In addition to the principle objective of the study, testing the safety and tolerability of the drug candidate in humans for the first time, a wide array of subjective and objective hearing tests are being conducted to support the investigation of target engagement. ACOU085 is a proprietary small-molecule, otoprotective drug candidate that modulates a well-defined molecular target preferentially expressed in the sensory cells of the inner ear, the so-called outer hair cells (OHC). ACOU085 is characterized by a unique dual mode of action: the molecule triggers the acute enhancement of hearing function and offers long-term preservation of the terminally differentiated OHCs. In December 2021, Acousia Therapeutics was granted a CTA by the German BfArM to initiate its first-in-human Phase 1b clinical trial of ACOU085. "This next step of Acousia's otoprotective drug candidate ACOU085 into studies on patients suffering from presbycusis marks an important milestone on our path towards making hearing loss a treatable disease," says Dr. Tim Boelke, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of the company. "I am extremely proud that our hypothesis-driven, scientific work is now moving into the clinical stage only 6 years after initiating a full-fledged de novo drug development program on a novel, highly innovative drug target," adds Hubert Lowenheim, Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery of the University of Tubingen and Acousia Therapeutics co-founder. About Acousia Therapeutics GmbH Acousia Therapeutics GmbH is a privately-held, clinical stage biotech company based in Tubingen, Germany. The company is dedicated to the identification and development of small molecules for effective prevention and treatment of different etiologies of hearing loss. Acousia Therapeutics develops drugs for local and systemic administration. Contact Tim Boelke, M.D. boelke@acousia.com www.acousia.com +49-7071-298 818 6 BH Macro Limited (an authorised closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registration number 46235) LEI Number: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29) (The "Company") 5thMay 2022 RESULT OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING At the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held today the Special Resolution set out in the Extraordinary General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 12 April 2022 was duly passed. Details of the proxy voting results which should be read along side the Notice are noted below: Special Resolution For Discretion (voted in favour) Against Withheld 1 24,110,252 9 139,087 667 Note -A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution. The Special Resolution was as follows: Special Resolution 1 That, in accordance with Article 6.4 of the Articles and in addition to all subsisting authorities pursuant to Article 6.4, the Directors be empowered to allot and issue (or sell from treasury) 2,707,396 shares designated as Sterling shares (being 10 per cent. of the Sterling shares in issue as at the latest practicable date prior to the date of this notice (excluding Sterling shares held in treasury)) for cash as if Article 6.1 of the Articles did not apply to the allotment and issue (or sale from treasury) for the period expiring on the date falling fifteen months after the date of passing of this resolution or the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may before such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require shares to be allotted and issued (or sold) after such expiry and the Directors may allot and issue (or sell) shares in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this resolution has expired. Enquiries: Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited The Company Secretary Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745001 END MAIDENHEAD, United Kingdom, May 05, 2022, along with its Revenera division, today announced it has been awarded the Great Place to Work Certification in the UK, granted by the consultancy Great Place to Work, leader in the identification and certification of Best Workplaces. Based on employee feedback, the certification honors Flexera for its outstanding workplace culture. Flexera's certification is driven by an employee engagement survey that measured the extent to which employees across the organisation reported a consistently great workplace experience, considering factors such as their daily encounters of innovation, inclusivity, company values, and the effectiveness of its leaders. "We're so grateful that our employees felt we deserved this certification. We strive for our culture to be one that offers career growth, flexibility, and supportive managers," said Elizabeth Lages, Chief of People and Culture at Flexera. "We are committed to ensuring they feel valued and have ample opportunities to be challenged, to connect, and to thrive." Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation. For more than 30 years, Great Place to Work has been working with companies around the world to identify, create and maintain cultures of high trust and high-performance helping organisations to become Better Places to Work. We're Hiring! Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers pages: https://www.revenera.com/about-us/careers https://www.flexera.com/about-us/careers . Follow Flexera on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexera/) (https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexera/) on Twitter (https://twitter.com/flexera) (https://twitter.com/flexera) on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/weareflexera/) (https://www.instagram.com/weareflexera/) on Xing (https://www.xing.com/companies/flexera) About Flexera Flexera helps companies turn technology into a competitive advantage, whether they make it or use it. Our Flexera solutions enable enterprises to maximize business value from their technology investments. Our Revenera solutions allow technology companies to drive more value from their software while protecting their IP. Headquartered in suburban Chicago, Flexera's more than 1300 employees serve customers across the globe. For More Information, Contact: publicrelations@flexera.com BENGALURU, India, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The race to modernize continues, and companies already see the finish line, according to new research from the Infosys Knowledge Institute, the thought leadership and research arm of Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY). The study reveals that 50 percent of the global legacy application landscape is expected to modernize in the next two years, with 70-90 percent modernizing in the next five years. Infosys Modernization Radar 2022 found that application modernization leads to increased benefits from cloud, enterprise data, and exponential technologies like analytics, APIs, AI and microservices. Modernization also improves scalability and creates a digital backbone. The research underscores that modernization reduces operational expenditures, increases revenues, and provides a better customer experience. The research identified four swift and effective modernization approaches: 1. The right modernization strategy: Holistic, automated, and aligned Our research found that 88 percent of systems are legacy; of those, 45 percent are legacy mainframe. More than half (52 percent) are core to the business, and the rest are supporting applications - all need to avoid the risk of disruption. Many of the legacy systems lack adequate support, making them vulnerable and presenting security risks. Companies should adopt a holistic view of the enterprise estate, increase automation, and align business and IT on modernization decisions. 2. Multiple talent pools reduce risk Fifty-one percent of respondents cited the lack of skills and talent as a bigger pain point than the risk of disruption (27 percent) and modernization costs (24 percent). Companies need to upskill their employee base and acquire niche skills such as reengineering, database modernization, and rules externalization. The research recommends companies invest in their workforce, build communities of practice for modernization, and tap the gig economy to harness talent as a modernization tool. 3. Modernization investment should be more strategic than discretionary Although companies on average invest a full 65 percent of discretionary budget on modernization projects, large companies tend to budget more strategically for modernization. These firms develop a clear modernization roadmap and are more likely to go all-in on big modernization projects. Modernization is now on the executive agenda, and it should become a crucial component of enterprise technology planning. 4. Phased approach and coexistent methodologies are less disruptive than a big-bang approach A systematic phased and coexistent approaches to modernization cause the fewest disruptions. When legacy and modernized applications coexist with two-way data syncing, this coexistence limits end-user disruptions. According to the research, 51 percent of respondents who extensively use a big-bang approach experience more frequent and severe disruption. However, severe disruption levels and frequency for a phased and coexistent methods were far lower. Ravi Kumar S, President, Infosys, said, "Enterprises must accelerate their modernization journey and it is imperative that they act now. As the Infosys Modernization Radar 2022 shows, a wait-and-see approach is just not tenable. Modernization plays a pivotal role in equipping businesses to deliver strategically and seamlessly in a customer-centric era. Our Infosys Modernization Suite, part of Infosys Cobalt, helps enterprises modernize their legacy systems and become future-ready." To learn more about Infosys Modernization Radar 2022, please visit: https://www.infosys.com/services/application-modernization/insights/modernization-radar-2022.html Methodology Infosys used a blind format to conduct an online survey of 1,500 senior technology leaders and executives across thirteen industries across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. To gain additional qualitative insights, phone interviews were also conducted with practitioners and subject matter experts. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg Under the supervision of the Ministry of the Economy - General Directorate of Tourism Tourism and business events seminar - 12 May 2022 @ Lisbon LISBON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of the State Visit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Portugal, Luxembourg for Tourism and the Luxembourg Convention Bureau are organising a tourism and business events seminar on Thursday 12 May 2022 aimed at promoting the Luxembourg destination to tour operators, travel agents and tourism and events professionals, based in Portugal. They will be introduced to the diversity and value of Luxembourg as a destination not only in the leisure sector, but also for business meetings. What makes the Grand Duchy unique, what are its qualities. Why the country is a hidden gem, also called the "green heart" of Europe . . What are the travel experiences to be had throughout the country. What are the initiatives and services that make any trip pleasant and unforgettable. Why is the country particularly attractive for the organisation of business meetings. Who are the partners with whom to collaborate and develop business opportunities. A delegation made up of close to 20 representatives of the Luxembourg tourism and business meetings sector will have the opportunity to present their services, within the framework of a workshop and b2b meetings. The objective is twofold: on the one hand, to develop a quality professional relationship with the most important players in the tourism sector, with a view to creating opportunities for collaboration and organising leisure and business tourist travel programmes to the Grand Duchy. It is also a question of promoting Luxembourg's tourist offer and experience to Brazilian tourism professionals, thanks to the particularly developed Portuguese air network, which constitutes a major potential hub between Latin America and Luxembourg. The partners that will participate in this workshop are: National Airline LUXAIR; Accommodation Accor Hotels Luxembourg, Excellence Hotels Clervaux, Mama Shelter Luxembourg. DMC Sightseeing.lu. Event venues European Convention Center Luxembourg, LuxExpo the Box. Event agencies and organisers Brain & More, Verbialis. Cultural event , Esch2022. Institutions , Luxembourg City Tourist Office, Luxembourg Convention Bureau, Luxembourg for Tourism. Information https://www.visitluxembourg.com/official-mission-portugal Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Aguila Copper Corp. (TSXV: AGL) (OTCQB: AGLAF) (WKN: A2DR6E) ("Aguila" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the start of an induced polarization ("IP") survey at the Lida copper-silver project in south-central Esmeralda County, Nevada. The survey is being undertaken by Abitibi Geophysics using their OreVision IP survey system. The OreVision system is a high resolution and deep penetrating proprietary geophysical method that can penetrate to a depth of 400 meters. The survey is planned for a 200-meter line spacing, covering a total of approximately 30 line-kilometers across the Company's BLM lode mining claims. Subject to survey results, the Company proposes drilling at Lida during the second half of 2022, targeting geophysical and recent high-grade rock chip sampling results. "Our 100% owned Lida project has progressed rapidly through targeting, staking and surface sampling stages to now being ready for geophysical surveying," said Mark Saxon, CEO of Aguila Copper Corp. "We are excited to see the IP results, with the deep penetrating system giving an excellent chance to identify new and undrilled copper porphyry or skarn systems. Results will be shared as they become available." A recent mapping and sampling program reported widespread copper carbonate and oxide mineralization within hydrothermal alteration zones in workings and outcrops in the northern and eastern parts of the claim block (see press release dated March 1st, 2022). Additional field mapping completed by company geologists in preparation for geophysics discovered that previously reported extensive copper carbonate and copper oxide mineralization and hydrothermal alteration zones extends into the western parts of the claim block significantly increasing the target footprint. Propylitic and argillitic alteration within quartzite and shale of the Campito Formation were observed in workings and outcrops throughout the area, suggesting potential zonation of a larger buried porphyry system. A total of 57 samples were taken by Aguila, from dump and pit material across a 2km x 2km area. Copper ranged from 26.20% Cu to 12 ppm Cu averaging 1.80% Cu. Twenty samples exceeded 1% Cu including 14 that exceeded 2% Cu. Silver ranged from 436 g/t Ag to 0.03 g/t Ag, averaging 11.8 g/t Ag. Twelve samples exceeded 5 g/t Ag including 4 that exceeded 20 g/t. Abitibi Geophysics field crew at the Lida Cu-Ag Project, Nevada To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7326/122792_28e65b4a94e03ba1_003full.jpg Technical Background Any references to the terms "ore minerals", "mineralization" or "mineralized zones" are purely for descriptive purposes and are not intended to be interpreted as or relied upon for any resource or economic evaluation of the project at this time. The Company has obtained historic exploration data for this press release from the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and other public archives. Although historic exploration data was generated by reputable companies applying practice of the day, Aguila cannot verify the data or determine the quality assurance and quality control measures applied in generating the data. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the exploration history is fully captured. Additional drilling may have been undertaken, however the Company has not been made aware of or obtained additional data. Accordingly, the Company cautions that the exploration data reported in this news release may not be reliable. Readers are cautioned that a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has not completed sufficient work to be able to verify the historical information, and therefore the information should not be relied upon. The qualified person for the Company's projects, Mr. Mark Saxon, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, has reviewed and approved the contents of this release. About Aguila Copper Corp (TSXV: AGL) (OTCQB: AGLAF) (WKN: A2DR6E) Aguila Copper Corp is an emerging copper and precious metal company enhancing shareholder value through exploration and discovery. Aguila is focused on the Sherridon Project in Manitoba, the Lida Project in Nevada, and the Cora Project in Arizona. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Mark Saxon" Mark Saxon President & CEO For further information, please contact: aguilacopper.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 info@aguilacopper.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set out in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of management of the Company as at the effective date of such statements and, in certain cases, information provided or disseminated by third parties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the closing of the transactions contemplated in the Option Agreement, the exercise of the option and the Exchange approval of the Option Agreement. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, and that information obtained from third party sources is reliable, they can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such risks include the ability of the Company to complete all payments, share issuances and expenditures required under the Option Agreement, the Exchange approval to the Option Agreement and uncertainties relating to exploration activities. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122792 Q1 2022 production of 13,499 Gold Equivalent Ounces Target Gold Production Rate stabilized at over 50,000 ounces per annum Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV: CERT) (OTCQX: CRDOF) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its production results for the first quarter of 2022 ("Q1 2022") from the Minera Don Nicolas Mine in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina ("MDN"). Full financial results are to be released in by the end of June. Q1 Operating Highlights 13,499 Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEO") produced for Q1 2022, in line with targeted 50,000 ounces of GEO production for 2022 2 nd consecutive quarter of "normalized" production despite continued operating challenges consecutive quarter of "normalized" production despite continued operating challenges Exceptional average grade of 4.68 g/t achieved in Q1 2022 The continued strong operational performance seen in Q1 2022 follows our record quarterly production in Q4 2021. The mining team experienced some setbacks due to availability of explosives and parts for vehicle maintenance but continues to meet its production targets. The numerous operational improvements implemented at the processing plant as well as consistently good head grades have ensured a sustained production of approximately ~4,000 o per month, in line with stated guidance for 2022. The Company would also like to formally affirm its production guidance for the year of 45,000-55,000 GEOs at a AISC of US$1,100-US$1,300 per ounce. Mark Brennan, CEO and Co-Chairman, commented, "The numerous operational improvements implemented by the team have resulted in a more sustainable and predictive production profile for MDN. We continue to expect consistency in the results from the Minera Don Nicolas operation despite a continued challenging operating environment. The core focus at MDN for 2022 will be on cost cuts, the development of the heap leach operations at Calandria and extension of life of mine resources. Solid and growing production from Argentina and progress with the feasibility at MDC in Brazil puts us on track for rapid production growth in the coming years." Please see below table for a summary of key highlights from Q1 2022 and all four quarters of 2021. Full financial results are to be released by June 30, 2022. Key Operating Information Operating Data Unit Q1 FY Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 2022 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 Ore Mined ktonnes 89.2 411.6 120.5 113.5 102.3 75.4 Waste Mined ktonnes 879 5,114 1,061 1,462 1,323 1,268 Total Mined ktonnes 1,061 5,616 1,182 1,575 1,467 1,393 Strip ratio waste/ore 9.85 14.42 8.81 12.88 12.94 16.81 Mining rate tpd 11,790 15,387 12,844 17,308 16,119 15,476 Ore Milled ktonnes 99 414 110 102 107 95 Head Grade Au g/t 4.68 3.51 4.77 3.57 2.97 2.59 Head Grade Ag g/t 14.85 12.63 17.94 13.01 10.91 8 Recovery Au % 88% 89% 89% 88% 87% 91% Recovery Ag % 63% 59% 56% 63% 54% 61% Mill Throughput tpd 1,096 1,133 1,194 1,126 1,171 1,051 Gold ounces produced oz 13,007 42,268 15,008 10,168 9,607 7,485 Silver ounces produced (Au Equiv.) oz 381 1,291 360 381 327 223 Gold GEO Produced oz 13,388 43,559 15,368 10,549 9,934 7,708 During the quarter, the Company continued to pursue its exploration activities at the Paloma underground, is now ready to drill at Michelle and progress works on the Calandrias heap leach project. At the Company's Monte do Carmo project in Brazil, the infill campaign is progressing well and a new exploration target, Gogo has been added to the program (see press release dated April 21st, 2022). Review of Technical Information The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Sergio Gelcich, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cerrado Gold Inc., who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mark Brennan CEO and Co Chairman Tel: +1-647-796-0023 mbrennan@cerradogold.com Nicholas Campbell, CFA Director, Corporate Development Tel.: +1-905-630-0148 ncampbell@cerradogold.com About Cerrado Gold Cerrado Gold is a public gold producer and exploration company with gold production derived from its 100% owned Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It also owns 100% of the assets of Minera Mariana in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. The company is also undertaking exploration at its 100% owned Monte Do Carmo project located in Tocantins, Brazil. For more information about Cerrado Gold please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com. Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado Gold. In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado Gold has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to ability of Cerrado to expand its drilling program at its Minera Don Nicolas Project and increase its resources. Although Cerrado Gold believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado Gold disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122825 CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) & Spray-on Insulation (SOI) Coatings Market by Type (Epoxy, Acrylic, Silicone, and Others), End-Use Industry Oil & Gas, and Petrochemical, Marine, Energy & Power) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global CUI & SOI coatings market size is projected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2022 to USD 2.3 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 4.7%. Worldwide, corrosion under insulation (CUI) causes huge economic losses in many industries. It also gradually weakens structures posing a threat to property and life. CUI & SOI coating is one of the most effective and economical solutions for tackling corrosion. They obstruct the surface and the corrosion agent and extend the life of the structure as well as enhance efficiency. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=250047061 Browse in-depth TOC on "Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) & Spray-on Insulation (SOI) Coatings Market" 270 - Tables 50 - Figures 207- Pages View Detailed Table of Content here https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/corrosion-under-insulation-cui-spray-on-insulation-soi-coatings-market-250047061.html The epoxy-based CUI & SOI coatings to lead the market, by type, during the forecast period. Epoxy-based CUI coatings have been estimated to lead the market during the forecast period. It is widely used in CUI & SOI coating because of its excellent grip, and chemical resistant properties. The properties of epoxy-based coatings can be improved by the suitable addition of additives and modifiers to meet the required specifications. They are hard and resist humidity, abrasion, acid, water, alkali, and seawater. They hold low volatility and are water cleanable. These features make them ideal for use on metal surfaces such as cast iron and aluminum. Shipbuilding and maintenance & repair in the maritime sector are key applications of epoxy CUI & SOI coating. Infrastructure, oil & gas, and petrochemical are the other significant end-use industries of epoxy-based CUI & SOI coatings. The oil & gas, and petrochemical segment are estimated to be the largest end-use industry in the CUI & SOI coatings market during the forecast period. Intense and hazardous operations are conducted in the oil & gas industry. CUI & SOI coatings are used for oil & gas pipelines (new & repair), which include onshore & offshore operations. This industry is growing rapidly, as many refineries globally are converting into integrated plants. This resulted in the development of infrastructure, which has enabled the growth of the CUI & SOI coatings market. Request Sample Pages:https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=250047061 The CUI & SOI coatings market in the Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The market for CUI & SOI coatings in APAC is projected to register significant growth, and this trend is projected to continue during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing CUI & SOI coatings market globally. This is attributed to economic growth, followed by large investments in various industries such as petrochemical, oil & gas, marine, energy & power, and others. APAC is the most lucrative market and should be the same in the near future. APAC is the center of foreign investments and booming manufacturing sectors due to the low-cost labor and inexpensive availability of land. The rise in demand for CUI & SOI coatings can be ascribed to the growing marine, oil & gas, and petrochemical industries. These factors are contributing to the rising demand for CUI & SOI coatings in the Asia Pacific. Major players operating in the CUI & SOI coatings market include Akzo Nobel N.V. (Netherlands), PPG Industries, Inc., (US), Jotun A/S (Norway), The Sherwin-Williams Company (US), Hempel A/S (Denmark), Kansai Paint Co., Ltd (Japan), Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. (Japan), and RPM International Inc (US). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=250047061 Browse Adjacent Markets: Coatings Adhesives Sealants and Elastomers Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Corrosion Protection Coatings Market by Type (Epoxy, Polyurethane, Acrylic, Alkyd, Zinc, Chlorinated Rubber), Technology (Solvent, Water, Powder), End-Use Industry (Marine, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Infrastructure), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/corrosion-protection-coating-market-150815310.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight:https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/corrosion-under-insulation-cui-spray-on-insulation-soi-coatings-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source:https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/corrosion-under-insulation-cui-spray-on-insulation-soi-coatings.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg Strong Overall Performance Continues 2022 Outlook Confirmed Zegna Group to Host Capital Markets Day on May 17, 2022 1Q 2022 Revenues of 377.6 million, up 25.4% 1 Year-over-Year Zegna's One Brand Strategy Continues to Drive Growth with Thom Browne Maintaining Strong Momentum 2022 Outlook Confirmed with Low-teens Revenue Growth Expected and Continued Improvement to Adjusted EBIT2 Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE:ZGN) ("Zegna Group," "the Group," or "the Company"), the first Italian luxury fashion house listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and owner of the Zegna and Thom Browne brands, today announced unaudited revenues of 377.6 million for the First Quarter of 2022, an increase of 25.4% year-over-year. Ermenegildo "Gildo" Zegna, Chairman and CEO of the Zegna Group, said: "Over the course of 2021, the Zegna Group achieved a number of milestones. 2022 was off to a good start and is now looking more challenging due to the combination of geopolitical, economic and health related uncertainties. Both our brands are coping well in the face of these increased challenges, and we will continue to execute against our strategic objectives." He added: "Ours is a multi-year journey, and as we continue to monitor ongoing global developments especially the recent COVID-19 spike in China we remain ahead of our Plan3 and confident in the strength of our brands. While we will remain vigilant, our results and our flexibility give me confidence that we are on the right track to reaching the targets set out in our Plan3 last year and the Group's longer-term ambitions. We are excited to welcome you at our Capital Markets Day at our home in Oasi Zegna on May 17." Highlights from First Quarter 2022 Revenues Zegna's One Brand strategy and continued focus on luxury leisurewear have allowed Zegna to continue to strengthen its position as a global leader in luxury menswear. For its First Quarter 2022, Zegna Group posted a 25.4% year-over-year increase in revenues, to 377.6 million. This strong performance was driven by a continued rebound of the Zegna segment, whose revenues increased 27.1% year-over-year to 283.5 million with robust performance in all product lines, as well as the performance of the Thom Browne segment, up 22.3% year-over-year, with revenues totaling 98.1 million, with consistent performance in both DTC and Wholesale channels. Zegna-branded products, which include apparel, bags, shoes and leather goods, as well as licensed goods and royalties, posted revenues that were up 22.1% year-over-year to 224 million, driven in large part by the continued robust growth in two primary categories, Luxury Leisurewear and Shoes, and by the strong rebound of Made-to-Measure. Revenues of the Group's Textile business line saw a strong increase to 30.2 million, up 64.6% year-over-year, thanks to healthy demand. The 56.8% expansion in revenues for the Third-Party Brands business line to 24.4 million reflected strong supplies to our key third-party customers. Thom Browne continues to exert significant appeal among younger consumers around the world, leading to growth across all channels, with the women's growth rate outperforming men's. Growth was strong across most geographies, with North American revenues increasing 85.1% year-over-year to 61.8 million, thanks to the very strong demand for the Zegna brand's new icons and luxury leisurewear collections in the United States, where, also thanks to the brand's strong Retail performance, revenues were up 97.2% year-over-year. Latin America also almost doubled thanks to strong DTC revenues for the Zegna brand. The Group saw healthy sales in EMEA, up 38.9% year-over-year to 134.5 million, with very dynamic performance in the UAE. The UK and France also overperformed. APAC revenues showed mixed performance, with the Greater China Region slowing down since March due to new COVID-related restrictions, which reversed the positive performance recorded until February. The rest of APAC (excluding the Greater China Region) rebounded by 27.8% year-over-year, as many countries lifted COVID-19 restrictions. DTC channel sales grew 23.1% year-over-year to 218.1 million, with similar performance by the Zegna-branded products business line and Thom Browne segment. The Zegna brand DTC channel revenue increase up 23.2% to 183.9 million was driven by a strong recovery across geographies, especially North America and Europe, mitigated by the Greater China Region since early March. Thom Browne's strong growth in EMEA, North America and Japan was also offset by the Covid-19 related restrictions in the Greater China Region. Revenues in the Wholesale channel grew by 31.4% year-over-year, with both brands showing solid performance and further enhanced by the rebound of the Textile and Third-Party Brands business lines. We note that our Wholesale shipments to Russia (which are currently suspended) have not historically represented a material portion of the Group's revenues. Fiscal Year 2022 Outlook The start of 2022 has been marked by considerable geopolitical uncertainty, adding to the volatility already present due to the ongoing global health crisis. Assuming no further deterioration or geographic extension of the war in Ukraine, a normalization of the COVID-19 pandemic in Greater China before the summer, and no other unforeseen events, the Group is forecasting revenue growth in the low-teens, and an improvement in its Adjusted EBIT, building on the accelerated expansion achieved in 2021, when the Group delivered an Adjusted EBIT of 11.5% as a percentage of revenues, exceeding its own guidance of "around 10%." Capital Markets Day on May 17 The Company will host an investor day on May 17, 2022, at Oasi Zegna, where it expects to unveil its sustainability goals and provide an update on strategy and ambitions. A copy of the presentation and the link to the (audio) webcast will be available on the Company's website at ir.zegnagroup.com before the presentation begins on 17 May. 1 All growth rates in this release are year-over-year and are expressed at actual foreign exchange rates. 2 Adjusted EBIT is a non-IFRS financial measure. See the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section starting on page 3 of this communication for the definition of such non-IFRS measure. 3 The Zegna Group's Plan was published at the time of the announcement of the business combination between the Company and Investindustrial Acquisition Corp. ("IIAC"). The Group's Plan was also disclosed in the Company's registration statement on Form F-4 filed with the SEC (File No. 333-259139), under "Certain Unaudited Zegna Prospective Financial Information". Non-IFRS Financial Measures Zegna's management monitors and evaluates operating and financial performance using several non-IFRS financial measures: among which adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT"). Zegna's management believes that this non-IFRS financial measure provides useful and relevant information regarding Zegna's financial performance and improves the ability of management and investors to assess and compare the financial performance of Zegna with that of other companies. It also provides comparable measures that facilitate management's ability to identify operational trends, as well as make decisions regarding future spending, resource allocations and other strategic and operational decisions. While similar measures are widely used in the industry in which Zegna operates, the financial measures that Zegna uses may not be comparable to other similarly named measures used by other companies nor are they intended to be substitutes for measures of financial performance or financial position as prepared in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBIT Adjusted EBIT is defined as profit or loss before income taxes plus financial income, financial expenses, exchange losses/(gains), result from investments accounted for using the equity method, impairments of investments accounted for using the equity method, adjusted for income and costs which are significant in nature and that management considers not reflective of underlying operating activities, including, for one or all of the years presented, costs related to the Business Combination with Investindustrial Acquisition Corp, severance indemnities and provision for severance expenses, impairment of property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets, certain costs related to lease agreements and certain other items. About Ermenegildo Zegna Group Founded in 1910 in Trivero, Italy by Ermenegildo Zegna, the Zegna Group designs, creates and distributes luxury menswear and accessories under the Zegna brand, as well as womenswear, menswear and accessories under the Thom Browne brand. Through its Luxury Textile Laboratory Platform which works to preserve artisanal mills producing the finest Italian fabrics the Zegna Group manufactures and distributes the highest quality fabrics and textiles. Group products are sold through over 500 stores in 80 countries around the world, of which 295 are directly operated by the Group as of March 31, 2022 (244 Zegna stores and 51 Thom Browne stores). Over the decades, Zegna Group has charted Our Road: a unique path that winds itself through era-defining milestones that have seen the Group grow from a producer of superior wool fabric to a global luxury group. Our Road has led us to New York, where the Group has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since December 20, 2021. And while we continue to progress on Our Road to tomorrow, we remain committed to upholding our founder's legacy one that is based upon the principle that a business's activities should help the environment. Today, the Zegna Group is creating a lifestyle that marches to the rhythm of modern times while continuing to nurture bonds with the natural world and with our communities that create a better present and future. Forward Looking Statements This communication, including the section "Fiscal Year 2022 Outlook", contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the Company. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "target," "seek" or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including strategies or plans, are also forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this communication, the Company cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's filings with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside the Company's control and are difficult to predict. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company and its directors, officers or employees or any other person that the Company will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this communication represent the views of Zegna as of the date of this communication. Subsequent events and developments may cause that view to change. However, while Zegna may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise publicly forward-looking statements. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Revenues Breakdown by Segment (Euro thousands in Actual FX) Q1 2022A UNAUDITED Q1 2021A UNAUDITED ?% vs 2021A Group Revenues 377,579 301,194 +25.4% - Zegna segment 283,523 223,056 +27.1% - Thom Browne segment 98,128 80,219 +22.3% - Eliminations (4,072) (2,081) n.s. First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Revenues Breakdown by Geography (Euro thousands in Actual FX) Q1 2022A UNAUDITED Q1 2021A UNAUDITED ?% vs 2021A Group Revenues 377,579 301,194 +25.4% EMEA 1 134,456 96,812 +38.9% - of which Italy 64,091 48,159 +33.1% - of which UK 10,970 5,177 +111.9% North America 2 61,803 33,381 +85.1% - of which United States 56,933 28,868 +97.2% Latin America 3 5,665 2,995 +89.1% APAC 4 174,816 167,259 +4.5% - of which Greater China Region 5 141,980 141,570 +0.3% - of which Japan 14,139 12,812 +10.4% Other 6 839 747 +12.3% 1. EMEA includes Europe, Middle East and Africa. 2. North America includes the United States of America and Canada. 3. Latin America includes Mexico, Brazil and other Central and South American countries. 4. APAC includes the Greater China Region, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, India and other Southeast Asian countries. 5. For Zegna's reporting purposes the Greater China Region includes the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong S.A.R., Macau S.A.R. and Taiwan 6. Other revenues mainly include royalties. Note: Revenues are after eliminations. First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Revenues Breakdown by Product Line (Euro thousands in Actual FX) Q1 2022A UNAUDITED Q1 2021A UNAUDITED ?% vs 2021A Group Revenues 377,579 301,194 +25.4% - Zegna branded products 1 223,979 183,483 +22.1% - Thom Browne 97,937 80,223 +22.1% - Textile 30,244 18,378 +64.6% - Third Party Brands 24,402 15,558 +56.8% - Agnona 25 139 n.s - Other 992 3,413 (70.9%) 1. Zegna branded products include apparel, bags, shoes and small and large leather goods, as well as licensed goods and royalties Note: Revenues are after eliminations. First Quarter 2022 Unaudited Revenues Breakdown by Channel (Euro thousands in Actual FX) Q1 2022A UNAUDITED % on revenues Q1 2021A UNAUDITED % on revenues ?% vs 2021A Group Revenues 377,579 100% 301,194 100% +25.4% - DTC Zegna branded products 1 183,909 149,228 +23.2% - DTC Thom Browne 34,181 27,947 +22.3% Total Direct to Consumer (DTC) 218,090 58% 177,175 59% +23.1% - Wholesale Zegna branded products 1 40,070 34,255 +17.0% - Wholesale Thom Browne 63,756 52,276 +22.0% - Wholesale Third Party Brands and Textile 54,646 33,936 +61.0% - Wholesale Agnona 25 139 (82.0%) Total Wholesale 158,497 42% 120,606 40% +31.4% Other 992 0% 3,413 1% (70.9%) 1. Zegna branded products include apparel, bags, shoes and small and large leather goods, as well as licensed goods and royalties Note: Revenues are after eliminations. Monobrand Store Network as of March 31st 2022 as of March 31st, 2022 as of December 31st, 2021 as of December 31st, 2020 # Stores ZEGNA THOM BROWNE GROUP ZEGNA THOM BROWNE GROUP ZEGNA THOM BROWNE GROUP EMEA 69 9 78 69 9 78 71 6 77 Americas 50 5 55 50 5 55 39 4 43 APAC 125 37 162 126 38 164 128 28 156 DTC 244 51 295 245 52 297 238 38 276 EMEA 88 5 93 89 5 94 99 10 109 Americas 73 3 76 74 3 77 82 3 85 APAC 32 30 62 32 30 62 31 23 54 Wholesale 193 38 231 195 38 233 212 36 248 Total 437 89 526 440 90 530 450 74 524 Monobrand store count includes our DOSs (which are divided into boutiques and outlets) and our Wholesale monobrand stores (including also monobrand franchisees). As of December 31st 2020, number of Zegna DTC stores were 255 (and 195 Wholesale) reflecting 17 Korean DOSs, which were converted to franchising in Jan-21. For a more homogenous comparison with end-2021, store numbers have been restated accordingly. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005199/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Francesca Di Pasquantonio francesca.dipasquantonio@zegna.com +39 335 5837669 Media Ermenegildo Zegna Group Domenico Galluccio domenico.galluccio@zegna.com +39 335 538 7288 Brunswick Group Brendan Riley Lidia Fornasiero Marie Jensen briley@brunswickgroup.com lfornasiero@brunswickgroup.com mjensen@brunswickgroup.com +1 (917) 755-1454 +39 335 718 7205 +33 (0) 6 49 09 39 54 Built by alums alongside University leadership, Berkeley Frontier Fund is the official growth stage Berkeley VC fund, investing in highest-profile UC Berkeley-founded startups and donating back to University programs BERKELEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Berkeley Frontier Fund (BFF), the Berkeley venture capital fund focused on investing in the most successful and highest growth UC Berkeley-founded companies, is announcing its new fund, leading in turn to the largest possible donation back to University programs. The fund has already made its first four investments: AyarLabs, Databricks, Mammoth Biosciences, and Neurona Therapeutics. Donations from the fund will be directly allocated by a donation committee in support of programs that benefit students across campus and help the university address the perennial challenge of lack of program funding. The fund will make its first $2.5 million contribution to UC Berkeley in Q4 of 2022. The Berkeley Frontier Fund has set an ambitious goal to return $25 million back to the University over the lifetime of the fund. The fund is managed and advised by Berkeley alums. Richard Chan, formerly managing partner of Ironfire Ventures and MBA '04/BA '96, is leading the fund with support from members of the University's board of trustees, dean and department chairs as well as campus oversight from Rich Lyons, UC Berkeley's chief innovation and entrepreneurship officer. "BFF aims to provide a meaningful and sustainable revenue source for Berkeley. We are pioneering a way for alumni to give back. From the fund's General Partners to the investors to the company founders, every stakeholder in BFF contributes to the cause," said Chan. "With our unique approach, BFF is acting as a conduit for UC Berkeley to benefit from all the entrepreneurship on campus. I envision this alumni-driven initiative to bring capital for labs, housing, equipment and more to help address the school's enduring challenges." Why BFF now? UC Berkeley is recognized as the world's No. 1 public university; however, it has been challenged financially for years. Today the University receives less than 13% of its operating budget from the state. In addition, Berkeley's endowment per student is approximately one-tenth of the endowment at private universities of similar stature. Over the past 20 years, Berkeley entrepreneurs have created more than $500 billion in public and private market value. BFF was established with a mission to help Berkeley participate in that windfall. "This extraordinary new Berkeley Frontier Fund is one of the most innovative ways for a public school to engage in the new age of entrepreneurship and is pioneering a new way for successful alumni to contribute back to Berkeley," said Lyons. "The incredible talent and opportunity within the UC Berkeley ecosystem gives the fund a broad range of options when it comes to investment." One way the fund can help the University capture that capital is through investments in technology spin outs and inventions created in its labs. BFF has a contractual relationship with the University that allows it to partner with the University's IP office on rights; thus giving it investment access into companies utilizing this Berkeley IP. While there are a number of Berkeley-focused venture funds currently working with University startups, the majority don't have any direct give-back to the university. "Berkeley Frontier Fund makes these direct contributions plus a one-of-a-kind front-loaded donation component. That means 5% of total fund commitments will be donated within the first year of operation, making BFF a standout amongst all other donation efforts," said Loraine Binion, treasurer at the UC Berkeley Foundation and a member of the BFF donation committee. "To do well by doing good, we invite all UC Berkeley alumni to join us in this journey," concluded Chan. For more information, visit berkeleyfrontier.com. Images: here About Berkeley Frontier Fund Berkeley Frontier Fund (BFF) is a philanthropic VC fund and the official Berkeley Venture Fund. It is designed to become a meaningful and sustainable revenue source for UC Berkeley, the world's top-rated public university. The fund invests in the best growth-stage Berkeley startups and donates a substantial portion of total profits back to University departments and programs. Berkeley Frontier Fund management and advisors are all UC Berkeley alumni. The fund's stakeholders believe in a shared responsibility toward the University and its emerging entrepreneurs. For more information, visit berkeleyfrontier.com. Media Contact Erica Zeidenberg Hot Tomato Marketing 925-518-8159 erica@hottomato.net SOURCE: Berkeley Frontier Fund View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700215/Berkeley-Frontier-Fund-Debuts-Aims-to-Give-Back-25-Million-to-UC-Berkeley VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. (CSE:YUM)(OTCQB:KOMOF)(FRA:9HB) ("Komo"), a premium plant-based food company, is pleased to announce it will be partnering with HLC Distributing as a third-party logistics (3PL) Warehouse for the U.S. "We are thrilled to work with Komo foods as they look to expand into the US market. They're an innovative company that understands the plant-based segment," said Alec Hendren, Vice President of HLC Distributing (HLC). "As a cold storage and logistics provider, we are excited to help provide the resources needed to get great products out into the market. It's the right fit for both companies and I look forward to building the relationship as we both grow." Komo's plans for entering the U.S. is to focus regionally in the West Coast, specifically the Pacific Northwest, North Pacific and south California regions with a data driven approach to expanding where there is strong consumer demand for wholesome, plant-based products. Komo's plant-based, ready-to-bake Lasagna was recently recognized by VegNews as a "Best New Vegan Product" winner at the 2022 Natural Products Expo West. "Building on the excitement and interest we received from Expo West, partnering with HLC is the next step for our expansion into the U.S. Market and building out our distribution network." says Komo Comfort Foods President, Jeffrey Ma. About HLC Distributing HLC Distributing is a family owned and operated food distribution and logistics provider located in Portland, Oregon U.S. that services customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2016, the leadership team has decades of experience in the food manufacturing industry. They offer tailored distribution and storage solutions that support smaller scale manufacturers and markets as they grow. Born out of the food manufacturing industry, HLC understands the logistical and operational hurdles that come with creating, developing, and bringing to market new and innovative products. To learn more, visit hlcdistributing.com. About Komo Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. is a premium plant-based food company that develops, manufactures and sells a variety of plant-based frozen meals that are always hearty, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients. At Komo, our mission is to help make plant-based meals a staple on every dinner table by sharing our love for feel-good food that connects the people to the planet. We believe plant-based eating is the future and - Change can start with a single biteTM. Our experienced plant-based innovation and development team recreates vegan versions of traditionally cheesy and meaty classics, with 100% plants. Komo's products are sold direct-to-consumer through our eCommerce website and a distribution network of online and brick and mortar grocery, convenience and natural retailer channels. Our operating subsidiary Komo Comfort Foods launched in 2021 with our flagship products: plant-based Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie and Chickenless Pot Pie and Komo Plant-Based Meal HelpersTM - versatile meal starters to allow the creation of many dishes at home. All of our products are 100% plant-based, made with wholesome ingredients, free from preservatives, and frozen for freshness. Komo also sells hot ready-to-eat meals in Metro Vancouver through Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes. Learn more at: www.komocomfortfoods.com and follow on Instagram: @komocomfortfoods For further information, please contact: William White, President & CEO, Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. will@komoeats.com 1-866-969-0882 The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Komo's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Komo's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, Komo's product development plans, its ability to launch its products on food delivery apps, its ability to retain key personnel, its revenues, and its expectation as to the acceptance of its products by retailer stores and consumers constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Komo disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: KOMO Plant Based Foods Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700279/Komo-Plant-Based-Foods-Inc-Establishes-US-Cold-Storage-Partnership NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per in-depth industry analysis by Persistence Market Research, the global bread mixes market is set to expand at 2% CAGR and reach a market size of US$ 6.18 Bn by 2032-end. Demand for baked food has no indication of slowing down across the world as consumers pick these items as a ready-to-eat meal. They also view baked food as healthy. Increasing consumption of ready-to-eat meals will drive demand for food ingredients and additives, as they provide the desired taste, texture, and sensory appeal to baked food products. The millennial population has been of a major influence on the rising demand for fast & baked food products. They seem to bring in new and exciting food trends, which affect different classes of food ingredients over time. For instance, utilization of clean-label ingredients in the preparation of food products has become popular and is influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The population in Southeast Asian countries is increasing at a significant rate, and currently, a majority of the population is the youth demo graph. The median age in Southeast Asian countries is 28.8 years. 49.8% of the population resides in urban areas where most premium product stores are located. This group of the population is mostly working, and displays more cosmopolitan culinary consumption, but further seeks baked goods for convenience and conformity with the perception of an urban lifestyle. Request for sample copy of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/33056 The demographic structure of the Singapore population is young, with 43% of the population between 15 and 44 years of age. The youth of the country consume bakery products for breakfast, unlike in European countries where bakery products are consumed for meals. All the above-mentioned factors bode well for the expansion of the global market for bread mixes. Key Takeaways from Market Study The bread mixes market is projected to grow in South Asia & Pacific, East Asia , and Europe at CAGRs of 2.9%, 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively, over the forecast period of 2022-2032. at CAGRs of The overall market of bread mixes is dominated by North America and Europe , with a combined market share of more than 60%. Argentina in Latin America and Italy in Europe are set to register the highest growth rates at CAGRs of 2.4% and 4.5%, respectively. are set to register the highest growth rates at The market in China is projected to reach US$ 532.5 Mn by 2032. Overall consumption of bread mixes is projected to be 1,971,122 metric tons in 2022, which is expected to increase at a CAGR of 2% over the forecast period. On the basis of type, sourdough bread mixes are currently valued at US$ 1.32 Bn . . During COVID-19, demand for bred mixes was negatively affected due to global lockdowns, which led to interruption of supply chains and limited workforce in production units. However, consumers are choosing natural and nutritious food ingredients, which is driving demand for bread mixes. Know the methodology of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/33056 "Increasing importance of consuming healthy food ingredients is a major factor influencing market growth for bread mixes. Furthermore, rising demand for convenience and processed food products will drive the sales of bread mixes and prove profitable for key manufacturers," says a Persistence Market Research analyst. Competitive Landscape Key manufacturers of bread mixes are focusing on introducing new and innovative products to provide efficient and effective solutions to customers. Moreover, companies are emphasizing on mergers and acquisitions to expand their product portfolio and increase their presence across the world. In Jan 2022 , Puratos Group acquired Profimix, a supplier of bakery mixes, improvers, and confectionery items in Prisovice, Czech Republic . , Puratos Group acquired Profimix, a supplier of bakery mixes, improvers, and confectionery items in Prisovice, . Angel Yeast Co., Ltd. introduced a donut premix to fulfil the processing requirements of bakery companies. Get full access of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/33056 Explore More Valuable Insights Persistence Market Research, in its new report, offers an impartial analysis of the global bread mixes market, presenting historical data (2017-2021) and estimation statistics for the forecast period of 2022-2032. The study offers compelling insights based on type (bread & roll mixes, sourdough bread mixes, pizza mixes, and rye bread mixes) and distribution channel (traditional trade, modern trade, industrial, foodservice), across six major regions of the world. Related Reports: Baking Ingredients Market Soup Mixes Market Cappuccino Mixes Market Dessert Mixes Market About Persistence Market Research: Persistence Market Research (PMR), as a 3rd-party research organization, does operate through an exclusive amalgamation of market research and data analytics for helping businesses ride high, irrespective of the turbulence faced on the account of financial/natural crunches. Overview: Persistence Market Research is always way ahead of its time. In other words, it tables market solutions by stepping into the companies'/clients' shoes much before they themselves have a sneak pick into the market. The pro-active approach followed by experts at Persistence Market Research helps companies/clients lay their hands on techno-commercial insights beforehand, so that the subsequent course of action could be simplified on their part. Contact Rajendra Singh Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com Visit Our Website: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661339/Persistence_Market_Research_Logo.jpg The new national initiative will provide invaluable support to a sector in need Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - In Canada, approximately one in four people over the age of 15 is a caregiver. They give about 19 hours of care per week to family members or loved ones - and the numbers can be much higher depending on the medical complexities of the individuals receiving care. Much of this work is unpaid and unseen. And support for these caregivers is severely lacking. To address this, the Azrieli Foundation, the largest non-corporate foundation in Canada, has launched the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE). The Centre - the only Canadian initiative to focus on the entire field of caregiving - aims to support caregivers and care providers (i.e., personal and disability support workers), advance the knowledge and capacity of the caregiving field, and advocate for effective social policy. "Our mission is to connect individuals and communities with the resources they need to flourish," says Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation. "This core purpose has guided our efforts to enhance the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities for many years - and has now inspired us to create the CCCE. Our passion for this work is rooted in my family's personal experiences caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities. We want to build a better system for this essential field - one that meets the immense needs of caregivers and care providers." The vision of the CCCE is a Canada leading the way in quality care - a place where caregiving is valued, caregivers are supported, and people accessing care are central to policies and practices. To achieve this, the CCCE will be guided by the voices of caregivers and care providers to ensure its work has meaning to those it supports. "We want to bring people in the sector together, scale what is working, translate knowledge into practice and fill gaps through innovation," says Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the CCCE. "We have brought together an advisory council with representation from different sectors and from across the country to help guide our priorities and what we do." To deliver its mandate, the CCCE has identified four areas: education and leadership development, advocacy and policy development, support networks and knowledge sharing, and inclusion and underserved communities. And while officially launching in May, in celebration of National Family Caregiver Month, the CCCE already has several meaningful projects in development, including: the funding of an Indigenous-led caregiving needs assessment with Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society; support for L'Appui pour les proches aidants to develop resources for caregiver organizations in Francophone communities outside of Quebec; and the launch of a National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities Institute. In addition, the CCCE will be engaging in advocacy efforts, pushing for policy reform for Canadian caregivers. A white paper will be released in the fall. To learn more about the CCCE and how to get involved, visit canadiancaregiving.org. About the Azrieli Foundation With a firm belief that everyone has a contribution to make, the Azrieli Foundation has been opening doors, breaking ground, and nurturing networks for more than 30 years. The Foundation funds institutions and operates programs in Canada and Israel. Media contact Olivia Olesinski Communications Manager The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence olivia@canadiancaregiving.org To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122775 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has tested positive for Covid-19. 60 year-old Blinken is the second highest-ranking member in the Biden Cabinet to report being infected with the coronavirus. Vice President Kamala Harris was diagnosed with the disease late last month, and returned to work at the White House Wednesday after she was tested negative. Blinken, who was tested negative on Tuesday and again Wednesday morning, was tested positive in the afternoon via a PCR test. The Secretary of State, who is fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus, is experiencing only mild symptoms, the department said in a statement. Spokesman Ned Price said Blinken will isolate at home and maintain a virtual work schedule. 'He looks forward to returning to the Department and resuming his full duties and travels as soon as possible,' he added. Blinken was scheduled to deliver a long-awaited speech on China policy on Thursday. Price made it clear that the Secretary has not seen President Biden in person for several days, and the President is not considered a close contact. At a routine news briefing at the White House, Press Secretary Jen Psaki explained that 'close contact,' as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is being within 6 feet for 15 minutes. However, Blinken had a busy schedule so far this week at the State Department, and had engagements with a number of foreign dignitaries. He met Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde and held discussions with her at the State Department on Wednesday. Blinken also had a meeting with Japanese National Security Advisor Akiba Takeo the previous day. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSX-V:YGT)(FRA:TX0)(OTCQX:YGTFF) ("Gold Terra" or the "Company") today announced assay results for four (4) additional drill holes, GTWL22-003, 005, 006 and 007 in the Mispickel area as drilling continues to extend the new high-grade MP-Ryan Zone at least 200 metres north of the main Mispickel area. Hole GTWL22-007 intersected 3.59 g/t gold ("Au") over 7 metres including 8.02 g/t Au over 2 metres. To date, the Company has released 5 holes out of the 19-hole winter program. The drilling is part of a small winter program in the northern part of the Company's Yellowknife City Gold Project with 19 holes completed to date totaling 6011 metres. Ten (10) holes have intersected visible gold (VG) in a sheared vertical structure currently extended over a minimum strike length of 400 metres. Assays are pending for all the remaining 14 holes. The Company's 2022 primary drilling program remains focused on testing the continuity of the mineralized zones within the Campbell shear south of the former Con Mine with the objective of adding high-grade ounces to the current 1.2 Moz inferred resources (see March 31, 2021 Technical Report). Following closure of the winter program, the company is continuing its drilling on the Campbell shear structure south of the former Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz (1938-2003). Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton, commented, "While our focus is drilling along the Campbell Shear south of the Con Mine and delineating the high-grade Yellorex Zone, we continue to receive positive results in the Mispickel area located approximately 20 kilometres north of Yellowknife. The drill results from this winter drilling program along the new MP-Ryan zone indicate that the zone remains open in all directions. The Mispickel area is of great importance as it has the potential to serve as a high-grade satellite deposit to the main area of focus along the Campbell Shear south of the Con Mine." Figure 1: Drilling in the North and South Drilling Results GTWL22-003 was drilled on the southern side of the Mispickel main zone and intersected a zone of weak to moderate shearing from 147-184.5 metres depth, with zones of salt-and-pepper veining and 1-3 % each pyrite and pyrrhotite and up to 2% arsenopyrite. Anomalous gold numbers were encountered in this zone including 1.01 g/t Au over 5 metres from 164-169 metres. A second zone of 1.34 g/t Au over 5 metres was encountered in the hanging wall of the Mispickel zone, with similar veining and sulphide content. GTWL22-005 passed through a foot wall zone of shearing and anomalous gold values, containing a smoky grey quartz vein with several grains of visible gold at 63.78 metres and returning 3.86 g/t Au over 2.0 metres including 6.47 g/t Au over 1 metre. Anomalous gold was also intersected in a shear zone from 110-138 metres. GTWL22-006 was drilled 30 metres South of GTWL22-003. It passed through similar mineralized zones, encountering multi-gram gold in veins in both the hanging wall and foot wall zones. Highlighted intersections are 2.11 g/t Au over 1 metre from 183-184 metres and 2.46 g/t Au over 1 metre from 259-260 metres. Mineralized intersections feature salt-and-pepper veining and up to 3% each pyrite, pyrrhotite, and arsenopyrite. GTWL22-007 was drilled 100 metres north of the Mispickel Main Zone and encountered significant gold in the foot wall of the trend. An intersection at 102-109 metres assayed at 3.59 g/t Au over 7 metres, including 8.02 g/t Au over 2 metres from 102-104 metres in strongly sheared mudstone with significant quartz veining and arsenopyrite mineralization. A zone of 1.65 g/t Au over 4 metres was encountered from 147-151 metres, in a zone of light shearing and silicification. An intersection of 1.90 g/t Au over 1 metre at 310-311 metres is likely an expression of the hanging wall mineralization from the Mispickel Main Zone. A table of significant drill intersections for holes GTWL22-003, 005, 006 and 007 is shown in Table 1: Table 1 - GTWL22-003, 005, 006 and 007 intersections Hole From To Width Grade GTWL22-003 148 149 1 1.73 GTWL22-003 164 169 AND 5 1.01 GTWL22-003 164 165 INCL. 1 2.24 GTWL22-003 182 183 AND 1 1.36 GTWL22-003 218 223 AND 5 1.34 GTWL22-003 218 221 INCL. 3 1.81 GTWL22-005 63 65 2 3.86 GTWL22-005 63 64 INCL. 1 6.47 GTWL22-006 183 184 1 2.11 GTWL22-006 259 260 AND 1 2.46 GTWL22-007 46 48 2 1.63 GTWL22-007 102 109 AND 7 3.59 GTWL22-007 102 104 INCL. 2 8.02 GTWL22-007 147 151 AND 4 1.64 GTWL22-007 148 150 INCL. 2 2.40 GTWL22-007 310 311 AND 1 1.90 Drilling in the new MP-Ryan Zone is extending the zone along a 500 metre high grade trend which remains open in all directions. During the winter 2022 program 6011 metres have been drilled in 19 holes. Visible gold (VG) has been reported in ten holes. Logging and sampling are ongoing, with completion of sample shipments expected by the end of May. VG in hole GTWL22-007 is shown in the following Figure 2 and all pictures can be found on the Company website at www.goldterracorp.com. Figure 2: VG in GTWL22-007/MP6000-B - 101-104.5m ("New Zone") The location of drill holes in the MP-Ryan Zone are shown in the following Figure 3. ' Figure 3: Location of MP-Ryan Zone drill holes A cross-section for hole GTWL22-007 is shown in Figure 4: Figure 4 - Cross-section of hole GTWL22-007 (Assays are pending for GTWL22-009) 2022 Drill Program The Company intends to drill approximately 40,000 metres in 2022 with the objective to delineate a high-grade gold mineral resource to add to the Company's current 1.2 million inferred ounces (See the technical report, titled "Technical Report on the 2021 Updated Mineral Resource Estimates, Northbelt Property, Yellowknife City Gold Project, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada" with an effective date of March 14, 2021, which can be found on the Company's website at https://www.goldterracorp.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com) and ultimately advance towards an economic study. The 2022 drill program is well underway with two rigs drilling the Campbell Shear south of the former high-grade Con Mine, with one deep drill rig targeting the Campbell Shear at a depth of approximately 1000 metres below surface and at a 200-metre spacing. A second drill rig is allocated to test the Campbell shear, north of Yellorex zone which was not part of the original agreement with Newmont (September 2020) but is now part of the updated agreement (November 2021) covering all Newmont claims and leases over the former Con Mine area. Technical Appendix This news release reports the assay results from four (4) drill holes totalling 1031 metres from which 677 core samples were assayed. Assays results range from non-detectable gold to a highest assay of 9.78 g/t Au. The Company inserts certified standards and blanks into the sample stream as a check on laboratory Quality Control (QC). Drill core samples are cut by diamond saw at Gold Terra's core facilities in Yellowknife. A halved core sample is left in the core box. The other half core is sampled and transported by Gold Terra personnel in securely sealed bags to ALS preparation laboratory ("ALS") in Yellowknife. After sample preparation, samples are shipped to ALS's Vancouver facility for gold analysis. Gold assays of >3 g/t are re-assayed on a 30 g split by fire assay with gravimetric finish. Samples with visible gold are additionally assayed using a screen metallic method. ALS is a certified and accredited laboratory service. ALS routinely inserts certified gold standards, blanks and pulp duplicates, and results of all QC samples are reported. Drill holes were drilled at right angles to the structure hosting the mineralization and dip angles of holes were designed to intersect the zones as close to normal as possible. Zones reported here are interpreted to be approximately 90 percent true thickness. The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Joseph Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Gold Terra's Yellowknife City Gold Project The YCG project encompasses 800 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YCG is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the prolific Campbell shear, where 14 Moz of gold has been produced, and most recently on the Con Mine Option claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine (1938-2003). The YCG lies on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that host the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company's exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com. For more information, please contact: Gerald Panneton, CEO & Executive Chairman gpanneton@goldterracorp.com Mara Strazdins, Manager of Investor Relations Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102 Strazdins@goldterracorp.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear on the Newmont Con Mine Option potentially adding high grade ounces to the Company's current YCG mineral resource, future planned drilling on the Con Mine Option area and the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. SOURCE: Gold Terra Resource Corp View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700188/Gold-Terra-Intersects-359-gt-Gold-over-7-Metres-including-802-gt-Gold-over-2-Metres-on-New-High-Grade-MP-Ryan-Zone-Mispickel-Area-Yellowknife-City-Gold-Project-NWT PARK CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / NRP Stone, Inc. (OTC PINK:NRPI) Uplift Aerospace (NRP Stone - Symbol: NRPI) is delighted to announce a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an NFT collector to travel to space aboard New Shepard, Blue Origin's suborbital rocket. On May 10th, 2022, Uplift Aerospace will release the "Launch Pass" NFT collection with 10,921 NFT artworks-a nod to the Moon's circumference (in km). Every collector who acquires an NFT from this special collection is then eligible to apply for a job to fly to space on New Shepard. Applicants will be evaluated, and a finalist will be selected by the Uplift Aerospace team. Full details on entry requirements and the selection process will be available by May 9th, 2022, on www.spaceplus.xyz. Blue Origin reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to evaluate all potential astronauts and to approve or deny access to any mission of all or some potential astronauts proposed by Uplift Aerospace. Space+ NFT Selection & Spaceflight Eligibility Requirements Beginning May 10th, Launch Pass NFTs can be purchased through the project website: www.spaceplus.xyz. Thereafter, collectors who have purchased the NFTs will have the opportunity to apply to become an astronaut and represent the Space+ community in space. Only owners of the Launch Pass NFT are eligible to apply for the opportunity and must be current owners to be considered. An applicant from the Space+ community will be selected at 11:59 pm EDT on May 22nd, 2022. The Space+ team will take a snapshot of the owners' wallets at the time of the deadline on May 22nd to ensure the applicant selected is a current Launch Pass owner. Once a member from the NFT community has been selected from the applications for the spaceflight, all owners of the 10,921 Launch Pass NFTs will have the option to convert their Launch Pass to a Space+ NFT avatar character called Starborn. The Starborn profile pictures (PFPs), built for Space+'s upcoming metaverse, visually represent the future of humanity in space. The timing of this conversion option is programmed into the NFT "smart contract." No PFP can be revealed before the selected applicant is announced. The Launch Pass and Starborn NFTs will double as membership tokens for the holders to join the Starborn Space Program and access future additional space-related community benefits, contests, and products. Starborn NFTs The Starborn collection exemplifies Uplift Aerospace's vision for how humanity will maintain its self-identity and creativity within the restrictions of space travel in the future. The project also reflects the important role web3 technologies - such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), NFTs, cryptocurrency, and the blockchain - will play. Moreover, it will enable NFT holders to stretch their imagination and have experiences in Space+'s forthcoming metaverse tethered to what the company is creating in reality. AR overlays on the artwork such as colored stripes on the spacesuits and illuminated helmets were used to enhance diverse Starborn personalities and make them look personalized and futuristic. Space+ can create over 120 billion unique Starborn options by combining over 120 artistic AR traits with multiple base characters, 10,921 of which have been selected for the NFT artwork collection. Space+ in Web3 The long-term objective of Space+ is to use web3 technologies to create community connections between Earth and Space. The Starborn collection will provide a membership token to the Space+ metaverse. It will also provide access to real-life experiences, including suborbital and Zero-G flights, rocket launch events, professional networks, and "payload space" for exhibiting and showcasing items on the International Space Station. Space+ and the Starborn NFT collection further affirm Uplift Aerospace's pioneering position in the aerospace industry, including agreements with organizations like NASA, Sierra Space Co., and Zero-G. Following the rapid increase of innovation in the private space sector over the last five years, Uplift Aerospace is building the web3 infrastructure to create relationships between those on Earth and in space. Visit https://www.spaceplus.xyz/ to see the latest updates on the project trajectory, Launch Pass, and newly revealed NFT membership token. ABOUT UPLIFT AEROSPACE Uplift Aerospace, Inc. is an emerging leader in the rapidly transforming space industry, pioneering revolutionary systems to manufacture, trade, and deliver products for a multiplanetary economy. For more information, visit https://www.upliftaerospace.com/investors . MEDIA CONTACT: press@upliftaerospace.com US OTC Symbol: NRPI; CUSIP: 62940J200. For the latest updates, visit upliftaerospace.com and follow @upliftaerospace on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . Disclosures and Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Expressions of future goals and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, economic and market factors, successful integration of acquisitions, the ability to secure additional sources of financing, the ability to reduce operating expenses and other factors. The actual results that the company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company, its management, or affiliates, undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release. SOURCE: NRP Stone, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700280/Uplift-Aerospace-Offers-Space-NFT-Collectors-the-Opportunity-for-Once-in-a-Lifetime-Flight-to-Space The third edition of the Investment Challenge the second challenge on the sustainability theme created by Banca Generali and Reply in collaboration with MIP Politecnico di Milano, MainStreet Partners and CFA Society Italy, has officially ended. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005589/en/ The online competition saw record numbers, with over 13,750 participants from 95 countries generating a total traded value of over $8.2 billion by trading in companies with the best ESG rating, as the aim was to achieve the best impact for future generations. From the outset, participants demonstrated an ability to identify and invest in products with a positive ESG rating, in line with the competition's sustainable investing objective. From day one, 67% of the transactions were carried out on instruments with a positive ESG rating, i.e. an ESG rating of 3 or more 3 (on a 1-5 scale). A further evolution in investment strategies was noted during the competition: participants came to identify virtuous stocks more effectively, increasing the percentage of traded products with ESG scores above 3 a testament to the skill of the participants. To better prepare for the challenge participants were able to deepen their knowledge of ESG ratings and broaden their general finance and investment skills through exclusive e-learning content specially created by Reply, Banca Generali, MIP Politecnico di Milano and MSP. On the podium of the 2022 edition of the Reply Sustainable Investment Challenge stood: Nigel Cledwyn Motinius, 22, a law student at the University of the West of England (Bristol), who took the first place with a ranking value of 98,852.47; Antonio Villano, 23 years old, an Economics and Finance MA student at the University of Milano-Bicocca, with a ranking value of 75,002.96 achieved by investing exclusively in securities with a positive ESG rating, took the second place Giacomo Gazzo, 23, a Management Engineering student at the Politecnico di Milano, who took the third place with a ranking value of 81,507.37. "The participants' ability to change their strategy during the course of the competition in order to find more sustainable stocks highlights their level of knowledge and skill," explained Roberto Tognoni, a Reply Executive Partner. "We are extremely satisfied with the huge success of this new edition of the Reply Investment Challenge and with the Reply Challenges programme in general, which shows how essential is to engage with the new generations of talent through new and innovative training dynamics". We are happy with the extraordinary success of the Sustainable Investment Challenge 2022. The high level of participation in the event is a sign of strong interest from young people in savings and investments, with a particular focus on sustainable investments. The results achieved and the building of many of the portfolios in the competition are a sign of maturity from younger generations, which opens an interesting opportunity for reflection within our sector," commented Carmelo Reale, General Counsel and Head of Sustainability at Banca Generali. The Reply Sustainable Investment Challenge is part of the Reply Challenges programme, which, in conjunction with the Reply Code For Kids programme and the Master's Degree course in AI Cloud offered at the Polytechnic of Turin, is one of the examples of Reply's commitment to the development of innovative training models, capable of engaging new generations. Reply Challenges now have a community of over 140,000 players. Reply Reply [MTA, STAR: REY, ISIN: IT0005282865] specialises in the design and implementation of solutions based on new communication channels and digital media. As a network of highly specialised companies, Reply defines and develops business models enabled by the new models of AI, big data, cloud computing, digital media and the internet of things. Reply delivers consulting, system integration and digital services to organisations across the telecom and media; industry and services; banking and insurance; and public sectors. www.reply.com Banca Generali Banca Generali is one of Italy's leading private banks in financial planning and customer wealth protection, with a network of private bankers and consultants whose skill and professionalism places them at the top of the industry. The company's strategy is based on four key elements: the qualified advice of professionals specialising in protecting the wealth of families and supporting their future planning; a cutting-edge product portfolio with solutions tailored to personal needs; innovative wealth management services for the care of financial and other assets, and innovative tools that use technology to enhance the relationship of trust between advisors and clients. The bank's mission highlights its role as a group of trusted professionals who are constantly by their clients' side, helping them build and take care of their life plans. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since November 2006, it manages over 85.7 billion euros in assets from Assicurazioni Generali on behalf of its clients (as at 31 December 2021). It has an extensive presence throughout Italy, with 45 bank branches and 137 offices available to over 2150 financial consultants, as well as an advanced digital contact service for its operations. In addition, its a digital banking platform, www.bancageneraliprivate.it, enables clients to access banking services independently. MainStreet Partners We are the trusted ESG partner of many investors for one simple reason: we provide a single platform for their portfolio-level sustainability requirements. Our clients include some of the most sophisticated wealth managers, investment banks, insurance companies and institutional investors in the financial sector. MainStreet Partners is based in London, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and consists of two main divisions: ESG Advisory - for over 10 years we have worked alongside our partners to create multi-asset and multi-manager ESG portfolios with mutual funds, stocks and bonds. We develop solutions for thematic products or products aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Portfolio Analytics - we offer a holistic approach to ESG data analysis, including: transparent and detailed ESG ratings on a broad universe of funds or the assessment of client portfolios to improve their sustainability profile and align them with green regulations. Our proprietary models and databases are available on a pragmatic and intuitive ESG platform. Our clients can create sustainable portfolios and/or analyse their portfolios through: ESG ratings at issuer level (stocks, credit, government bond, green and social bond); ESG ratings for funds with the addition of extra-financial results and SDG alignment; Exclusion lists and analysis of activities and behaviours. MIP Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Business MIP is the Graduate School of Business of the Politecnico di Milano. For more than 40 years, it has been offering management training programmes for graduates, professionals, companies and institutions. In 2014, it launched the first Executive MBA in digital learning in Italy. Today, digital training is an integral part of its entire training offering. The School pays particular attention to sustainability issues: it is the only European Business School among the B Corp certified companies, an award given to companies that stand out for their commitment to sustainable development and to building a more inclusive society. MIP constantly works alongside internationally renowned national and international companies, building partnerships that allow it to devise training programmes aimed at providing useful tools to meet the challenges of contemporary markets. Its educational offer consists of more than 40 yearly Master's degree programmes (including MBAs and Executive MBAs), a catalogue of more than 200 Open programmes dedicated to executive profiles, and several training courses tailored to different businesses. www.som.polimi.it/ CFA Society Italy CFA Society Italy is Italy's top association for professionals who have obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification, the most important certification in the finance world. Founded in 1999 as an affiliate of CFA Institute, the association is the point of reference for CFA Charterholders in Italy. It promotes professional ethics and the value of the training and certification in our country, providing a range of services for professionals and for those following the demanding exam process. The entire activity of CFA Society Italy, as well as other affiliated associations around the world, is largely based on the voluntary commitment of its members. CFA Society Italy has approximately 600 members. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005589/en/ Contacts: Press contacts: Reply Fabio Zappelli f.zappelli@reply.com Tel. +390117711594 Aaron Miani a.miani@reply.com Tel. +442077306000 Banca Generali Davide Pastore davide.pastore@bancagenerali.it Tel. +39 337 1115357 MainStreet Partners Laura Regi regi@mspartners.org Tel. +44 (0)20 3997 4930 MIP Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Business Alessandro D'Angelo adangelo@l45.it +39 329 41392262 CFA Society Italy Elena Giffoni elena.giffoni@giffonipr.com +39 347 2626681 SkySQL's simplicity, scalability and cost savings impressed judges, who also highlighted its superior multi-cloud performance compared to existing cloud databases MariaDB Corporation today announced that MariaDB SkySQL has won a Gold Stevie Award, one of the prestigious 2022 American Business Awards, in the Customer Data Platform category for Business Technology. More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year's Stevie Award winners. About SkySQL, one judge said, "The features of the product that caught my attention are for its simplicity, scalability and cost-saving. Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) lightens the administrative burden on existing IT staff and frees them to work on applications and innovation. With an on-premises database system, development teams typically need to request access through IT, a process that can take days or weeks. In contrast, with MariaDB SkySQL, developers can help themselves with database capabilities and spin up and configure a database that's ready to integrate with their application in minutes." "The most important advantage of SkySQL is its ability to be hosted on multi-cloud providers and yet perform better compared to the existing cloud databases," added another judge. "Kudos to the team [for building] a highly available multi-cloud platform." SkySQL is MariaDB's DBaaS, a push-button cloud solution that takes care of everything from provisioning the cloud infrastructure to installing and deploying the database, configuring the database for production environments and automating failover. It is capable of scaling to millions of transactions per second with ease using distributed SQL and can deploy modern data warehouses for interactive, ad hoc analytics on massive data sets to meet enterprise demands all while saving customers up to 90% of their legacy database cost. "We're thrilled to win a Gold Stevie," said Jon Bakke, head of global field operations, MariaDB Corporation. "This important recognition serves as another proof point that MariaDB SkySQL's scalability, reliability, ease of use and world-class support are what enterprises need to safely run mission-critical transactional and analytical workloads on clouds of their choice." More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted in this year's Stevie Awards for consideration. MariaDB and its award-winning products have received additional recognition in recent months, including: InfoWorld's 2022 Technology of the Year Awards CRN's Coolest Database System Companies Of The 2022 Big Data 100 InsideBIGDATA's IMPACT 50 List Finalist in the U.K. National Technology Awards Cloud Product of the Year LinuxQuestions.org Members Choice Awards for "Database of the Year" Try MariaDB SkySQL today, available on both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud. Additional Resources Explore MariaDB SkySQL and get started now Visit mariadb.com Follow @mariadb on Twitter Read MariaDB's blog Earlier this year MariaDB announced the intent to become a publicly traded company via combination with Angel Pond Holdings Corporation (NYSE:POND). To learn more, go to https://mariadb.com/IPO. About MariaDB Corporation MariaDB frees companies from the costs, cloud lock-in, constraints and complexity of proprietary databases, enabling them to reinvest in what matters most rapidly developing innovative, customer-facing applications. MariaDB uses pluggable, purpose-built storage engines to support workloads that previously required a variety of specialized databases. With complexity and constraints eliminated, enterprises can now depend on a single complete database for their needs, whether on commodity hardware or their cloud of choice. Deployed in minutes for transactional, analytical or hybrid use cases, MariaDB delivers unmatched operational agility without sacrificing key enterprise features, including real ACID compliance and full SQL. Trusted by organizations such as Bandwidth, DigiCert, InfoArmor, Oppenheimer, Samsung, SelectQuote, SpendHQ MariaDB meets the same core requirements as proprietary databases at a fraction of the cost. No wonder it's one of the fastest-growing database management systems companies. Real business relies on MariaDB. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005539/en/ Contacts: James Meredith pr@mariadb.com Mannedorf, Switzerland, May5, 2022 - The Tecan Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: TECN) today announced that it will attend the following conferences for institutional investors in the upcoming weeks: Berenberg Diagnostics Conference 2022, London, UK Date: 10 May 2022, Panel Discussion 12:00 pm BST (1:00 pm CEST) Presenter: Dr. Achim von Leoprechting, CEO, Tecan No webcast Hosting additional investor meetings UBS Pan European Small and Mid-Cap Conference, London, UK Date: 11 May 2022 Participants: Dr. Achim von Leoprechting, CEO, Tecan & Martin Brandle, SVP, Corp. Comm. & IR Hosting investor meetings only UBS Global Healthcare Conference, New York, USA Date: 23 May 2022, 8:30 am EDT A replay of the webcast will be available after the presentation and will remain available for 90 days. Hosting additional investor meetings Berenberg Conference USA 2022, Tarrytown, USA Date: 24 - 25 May 2022 Presentation: 24 May 2022, 09:00 am EDT (3:00 pm CEST) Presenter: Dr. Achim von Leoprechting, CEO, Tecan No Webcast Hosting additional investor meetings Stifel Swiss Equities Conference, Interlaken, Switzerland Date: 31 May - 1 June 2022 Presentation: 31 May 2022, 4:00 pm CET Presenter: Tania Micki, CFO, Tecan No Webcast Hosting additional investor meetings About Tecan Tecan (www.tecan.com) improves people's lives and health by empowering customers to scale healthcare innovation globally from life science to the clinic. Tecan is a pioneer and global leader in laboratory automation. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments, components and medical devices that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has more than 3,000 employees, with manufacturing, research and development sites in Europe, North America and Asia, and maintains a sales and service network in over 70 countries. In 2021, Tecan generated sales of CHF 947 million (USD 1,041 million; EUR 877 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TECN; ISIN CH0012100191). For further information: Tecan Group Martin Braendle Vice President, Communications & Investor Relations Tel. +41 (0) 44 922 84 30 Fax +41 (0) 44 922 88 89 investor@tecan.com www.tecan.com Attachment FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / MediXall Group Inc. (OTCQB:MDXL) ("MediXall"), an innovative healthcare solutions provider, announced today that Salon Spa Professional Association ("SSPA") has selected MediXall's wholly-owned subsidiary, Health Karma, Inc. ("Health Karma"), to provide virtual health benefits at a discounted rate for its members. The arrangement will allow SSPA's members to purchase a Health Karma membership to manage their health through access to a $0-copay virtual primary, urgent and behavioral care, and even pet care. Health Karma also plans to offer SSPA members significant discounts to prescriptions, dental care, eye care, hearing, and medical equipment. Serving over 400 members in the upper Midwest region, SSPA's mission is to support the professional beauty industry through advocacy and education. SSPA is a non-profit organization based in Minnesota that was founded almost 100 years ago. The association works with licensed cosmetologists, AP aestheticians, aestheticians, nail technicians, eyelash technicians, salons, spas, and schools to support them with education, advocacy, networking business solutions, licensing requirements and other discounts and savings. Health Karma was introduced to SSPA by its distribution partner Anderson Benefit Partners. Founded by Mike Anderson, Anderson Benefit Partners is a Minnesota-based independent agency that serves individuals and employers with their health, life, and disability insurance needs. Mike Anderson has worked with SSPA's leadership to help educate SSPA members on the benefits of a Health Karma membership. For more information, please visit this link to view the video by Mike Anderson detailing Health Karma's partnership with SSPA. "Health Karma made it really easy to deliver an affordable virtual health plan benefit to the members of the SSPA that they could use in conjunction with their core health plan or as a standalone option to help lower out of pocket costs." said Mike Anderson, Founder and CEO of Anderson Benefit Partners "The team at Health Karma made every step of the process from initial conversation to enrollment easy for us, the client, and the association member. It's a great benefit and I think the partnership will last a long time." Susan Brinkhaus, Executive Director of Salon Spa Professional Association stated "just as SSPA's mission states, we support the salon professional, whether it's providing resources for your business, education, or advocacy. Health Karma is another program that we can confidently recommend" "Health Karma is excited to serve the SSPA and to be able to work with quality benefit partners like Anderson Benefit Partners," said Travis Jackson, CEO of Health Karma. "This opportunity is another example of our growing partnership of benefits brokers, employers, and associations coming together to deliver the Health Karma mission of providing well-being solutions for life and doing well, by doing good. Health Karma is here to make a difference." For more information on Health Karma, visit their official website: www.healthkarma.org and follow @HealthKarmaApp on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information on Salon Spa Professional Association, visit www.sspatoday.com/. For more information on Anderson Benefit Partners, visit www.andersonbenefitpartners.com/ About MediXall MediXall Group, Inc. (OTCQB:MDXL) is a technology and innovation-driven organization purposefully designed and structured around delivering products and services to make it easier for consumers to learn, decide and pay for healthcare. The mission of MediXall is to revolutionize the healthcare industry by improving communication; providing better technology and support services; and enabling more efficient, cost-effective healthcare for the consumer. By approaching the entire healthcare ecosystem, MediXall creates, invests, and incubates companies that embody its mission statement. About Health Karma Health Karma, a wholly owned subsidiary of MediXall, is a data-driven healthcare technology company that is on a mission to continually raise the bar of the healthcare experience by empowering people to understand and manage their entire health care journey anywhere, anytime, whether they have insurance or not. For more information, please visit www. healthkarma.org. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. Specifically, the company's ability to raise additional capital, execute its business plan and strategy, sustain, or increase gross margins, achieve profitability, and build shareholder value are forward-looking statements. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Relations Contact: (954) 653-8216 SOURCE: MediXall Group, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700236/Health-KarmaR-Selected-by-Salon-Spa-Professional-Association-to-Provide-Virtual-Health-Benefits Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - John F. Wightman, M.Sc. P.Eng., President & CEO of Champlain Mineral Ventures Ltd. ("Champlain" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a maiden mineral resource estimate ("MRE") for the Brazil Lake lithium-bearing pegmatite deposit. The MRE for the Brazil Lake Project ("Project") was completed in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") standards of disclosure and the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Champlain is a private company based in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada, and holds a 100% interest in the Project. The MRE has an effective date of April 8th, 2022 and includes a Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 555,300 tonnes grading 1.30 % Li2O % and an Inferred mineral resource of 381,000 tonnes grading Li2O %. All mineral resources occur within 4 contiguous exploration licenses consisting of 84 mineral claims (1,408 hectares). Champlain has operated the Project since 1998 and has completed numerous exploration programs including core drilling programs in 2002, 2003, 2010, 2019, and 2020 that form the basis of the current MRE. The MRE was prepared by Mercator Geological Services ("Mercator") of Dartmouth, NS and AGP Mining Consultants ("AGP") provided pit optimization services. Both firms are independent of Champlain as defined under NI 43-101. The Brazil Lake Project MRE is tabulated below in Table 1. A NI 43-101 Technical Report ("Technical Report") that documents the MRE results has also been completed by Mercator. Table 1: Brazil Lake Project Mineral Resource Estimate - Effective Date: April 8th, 2022* Type Cut-off (Li2O %) Category Rounded Tonnes Li2O % Pit Constrained 0.48 Measured 100,000 1.26 Indicated 350,000 1.19 M & IN 450,000 1.21 Inferred 62,000 1.56 Underground Constrained 0.98 Measured 2,000 1.20 Indicated 101,000 1.71 M & IN 103,000 1.70 Inferred 319,000 1.47 Combined 0.48 / 0.98 Measured 102,000 1.26 Indicated 451,000 1.31 M & IN 553,000 1.30 Inferred 381,000 1.48 Mineral Resource Notes: Mineral resources were prepared in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (MRMR) (2014) and CIM MRMR Best Practice Guidelines (2019). Pit constrained mineral resources are defined within an optimized pit shell with average pit slope angles of 45 and a 14.7:1 strip ratio (waste: mineralized material). Pit optimization parameters include: metal pricing at CAN$ 8.86/lb for Li2O based on a spodumene concentrate price of CAN$ 1,270/t for 6% Li2O concentrate, mining cost at CAN$ 5/t, exchange rate of 1.27 CAN$/1.00 USD$, processing plus general and administration cost at CAN$ 80/t processed, and a Li2O recovery of 85 %. Pit constrained mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.48 Li2O % within the optimized pit shell. The cut-off grade reflects the marginal cut-off grade used in pit optimization to define reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by open pit methods. Underground constrained mineral resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.98 % Li2O. The cut-off grade reflects total operating costs of CAN$ 150/t to define reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by conventional underground mining methods and includes a mining recovery of 85 % and a Li2O % recovery of 85 %. Li2O % deposit grade was estimated using Inverse Distance Cubed methods based on 1 m downhole assay composites. No grade capping was applied. Model block size is 2 m (x) by 2 m (y) by 4 m (z). An average pegmatite bulk density factor of 2.69 t/m3 was applied. Mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral resource tonnages are rounded to the nearest 1,000. Champlain intends to develop the Brazil Lake Project to support 'local' Canadian supply chain necessities and by becoming a strategic domestic supplier of battery-grade lithium carbonate to the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets in North America. Emergent global interest in the exploration and development of spodumene deposits is being driven by the world's insatiable demand for high purity lithium products. The Brazil Lake Project is fortunate to possess favourable geology, infrastructure, and power along with downstream lithium processing expertise from the Company's local partner Sixth Wave Innovations Inc. Dr. Jon Gluckman, CEO of Sixth Wave Innovations Inc. stated, "We are excited to partner with Champlain in the development of the Brazil Lake Lithium Deposit. We believe that our purification technology and alternative green extraction process applied at an on-site processing plant will provide a clean and efficient process flow sheet. As the lightest known metal maintaining high energy density, Lithium is crucial for essential areas such as power storage, electronics, automobiles, defence, and aerospace. A successful development at Brazil Lake will attract many tertiary manufacturing industries and highly-skilled employment opportunities to the Nova Scotia economy." Values of lithium carbonate percent (Li2CO3 %) and lithium hydroxide percent (LiOH %) for mineral resources are presented in Table 2 for the purpose of comparison with other lithium products and markets. Values of Li2CO3 % and LiOH % were derived from values of Li2O % using a conversion factor of 2.473 * Li2O % to obtain Li2CO3 % and 1.601 * Li2O % to obtain LiOH %. Values of Li2O %, Li2CO3 %, and LiOH % are separate and not cumulative. Table 2 is a derivative of the MRE presented in Table 1 and not a tabulation of mineral resources for the Project. Table 2: Comparison of Li2O %, Li2CO3 %, and LiOH % for Brazil Lake Deposit Mineral Resources Type Cut-off (Li2O %) Category Rounded Tonnes Li2O % Li2CO3 % LiOH % Pit Constrained 0.48 Measured 100,000 1.26 3.11 2.02 Indicated 350,000 1.19 2.95 1.91 M & IN 450,000 1.21 2.99 1.94 Inferred 62,000 1.56 3.85 2.49 Underground Constrained 0.98 Measured 2,000 1.20 2.96 1.91 Indicated 101,000 1.71 4.24 2.74 M & IN 103,000 1.70 4.21 2.73 Inferred 319,000 1.47 3.63 2.35 Combined 0.48 / 0.98 Measured 102,000 1.26 3.11 2.01 Indicated 451,000 1.31 3.24 2.10 M & IN 553,000 1.30 3.22 2.08 Inferred 381,000 1.48 3.67 2.37 Property Location The Project is located in southern Nova Scotia, Canada approximately 25 km north-northeast of the town of Yarmouth (pop. 7,200) and approximately 300 km southwest of the City of Halifax (pop. 440,000) (Figure 1). The closest international airport is the Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) located approximately 313 km northeast of the Project and commercial airport facilities can be accessed in the town of Yarmouth, which also supports deep water shipping and ferry services. The region can be accessed via provincial secondary Highway 340 and the Project area is easily accessible through secondary gravel roads. The closest town to offer full services is Yarmouth, which includes full-service accommodations, grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants, tool rental and hardware stores, police and emergency medical services, and a regional hospital. Figure 1: Brazil Lake Property Location Map To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8806/122915_7a047bfa143f8901_001full.jpg Local Geology and Mineralization The Brazil Lake Deposit is currently defined by two lithium-bearing granitic pegmatite dikes, the North Dike and South Dike, hosted by an early Paleozoic sequence of meta-sedimentary and meta-volcanic rocks. Dominant mineral phases are sodium and potassium feldspar, quartz and minor amounts of mica plus accessory minerals. Sampling results for the Brazil Lake pegmatites show anomalous values of Li, Rb, Sn and Be to be present locally. These correspond, respectively, with dominant host minerals spodumene, potassium feldspar, cassiterite and beryl. Li, in the form of the silicate mineral spodumene, is the only metal clearly demonstrated to date to occur at concentrations of potential economic significance and is the focus of the current MRE. Mineralization characteristics of deposit pegmatites is presented in Figure 2, which is a spodumene rich boulder extracted from the South Dike. Figure 2: Pegmatite Slab from the Brazil Lake South Dike (approximately 1.5m length and 1.0 m in height) To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8806/122915_7a047bfa143f8901_002full.jpg Deposit Potential Diamond drilling on the North and South dikes at Brazil Lake has defined a pegmatite deposit that remains open in both strike and dip dimensions at present. Core logging results and analytical data for mineralized intersections within the area of the current MRE document the presence of other mineral phases or metals of potential interest including Be, Rb, Nb, Sn, and Ta. With sufficient technical investigations and mineral processing studies some of these elements may contribute to a future MRE and will be investigated as part of any future mining and economic studies for the Project. Prospecting on the Brazil Lake claims owned by the Company has resulted in the discovery of spodumene-bearing pegmatite boulders and outcrops in addition to those directly associated with the current MRE. These new areas constitute good quality targets for future exploration. If proven by drilling to contain significant Li2O mineralization, these pegmatites could have the potential to expand the mineral resources on the Project. Successful future testing of the direct deposit extension areas plus regional target areas by core drilling could result in definition of substantial additions to the current MRE. Future evaluation is warranted in both cases. Planned 2022 Work Program Mineral Processing - The importance of high purity lithium application in the emerging battery metals market has increasingly driven industry efforts to define and develop opportunities for production of high-quality lithium products such as lithium carbonate (min 99.5 % Li2CO3 battery grade) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (min 56.5 % LiOHH2O battery grade). On March 31st, 2022, Champlain engaged Sixth Wave Innovations of Bedford, NS to begin extraction testing and development of a preliminary flowsheet for lithium carbonate (LCE) extraction, in addition to assessing deposit opportunities for commercially viable recovery of Ta, Rb, Sn, Be, and high purity silica products from lithium bearing pegmatite. Exploration - A drone magnetometry (UAV) survey will be carried out on Champlain's claims as part of a regional exploration program to identify prospective areas for new pegmatite discoveries. High resolution low-flying UAV magnetic surveying may be able to resolve low magnetic susceptibility anomalies associated with pegmatites and differentiate pegmatites from their host lithologies. This survey should include an orientation survey over the known deposit area. Follow-up interface drilling is planned on identified targets to confirm spodumene mineralization. Release of NI 43-101 Technical Report The NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Brazil Lake Project is presently under review by a number of potential partners under the provision of a non-disclosure agreement. The Technical Report will be publicly released prior to the PDAC Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in mid-June 2022. Qualified Person Statement The Brazil Lake Project Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by Matthew Harrington, P.Geo., Senior Resource Geologist with Mercator Geological Services based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. Mr. Harrington is an Independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The Mineral Resource Estimate in this news release has been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Mr. Harrington has read and approved the contents of this news release, as it relates to the disclosed Mineral Resource Estimate. For the purposes of this news release, John F. Wightman, M.Sc., P.Eng., President & CEO of Champlain is the designated non-independent Qualified Person that has prepared and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. The technical information disclosed was referenced from the Brazil Lake Project NI 43-101 Technical Report prepared by Mercator. Contact Information For more information please contact: John F. Wightman, M.Sc. P.Eng., President & CEO 902-483-6616 (m) John_wightman@hotmail.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events, or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122915 TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NuraLogix, a leading HealthTech AI company, has announced a new partnership with LaFiya TeleHealth, a Nigerian-based telehealth platform which provides 24/7 virtual healthcare services to residents in remote and rural areas. LaFiya Telehealth provides medical care access to patients living in urban and rural areas across Nigeria. Using the platform, patients are able to connect with doctors and pharmacists regardless of their location or financial status to receive prescriptions, schedule drug delivery, have virtual consults, and more. LaFiya Telehealth has integrated NuraLogix's Anura, a groundbreaking product that uses patented transdermal optical imaging (TOI) technology to provide contactless vital sign monitoring, into a new service offering called the "AI HealthChecker." Using the LaFiya website, app, or kiosk, patients are able to receive instant medical-grade health and wellness measurements after a 30-second video selfie. The vital sign measurements can be shared through email or SMS with regional healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment and medical advice. This integration enables patients to have a better understanding of their health, and provides medical professionals with the appropriate information to assess, triage, and recommend treatment. The "AI HealthChecker" is currently integrated into 10 hospitals, 10 medical lab centers, and over 1500 pharmacies across Nigeria. The integration of the NuraLogix's Anura into the LaFiya AI HealthChecker began on January 17, 2022, and is now fully functional. There are currently over 540 users on the "AI HealthChecker" who have tested the service and provided positive feedback. In addition to increasing access to healthcare for rural residents, this integration will also help eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTD's) across Nigeria, and will decrease maternity and infant mortality rates. Some regions currently only have one hospital within 100km serving a population of more than 35,000, leaving patients with no access to healthcare, or a lengthy travel journey. Other benefits of this partnership include lower cost of healthcare delivery, and preventing "brain drain" when talented professionals leave the region to seek work elsewhere. The next steps in this partnership are to begin the mobile version integration. LaFiya Telehealth also plans to continue to build partnerships with local health providers, hospitals, government, NGO's, schools and organizations to build models of care to support regions with few healthcare providers. About NuraLogix NuraLogix Corporation - are the creators of the world's first contactless blood pressure measurement technology. Their technology provides medical-grade vital sign measurements and health risk assessments using data gathered from a simple 30-second video selfie. Their solution is targeted at use cases such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, employee assistance programs, remote elderly care, health and wellness, insurtech and more. Learn more at https://www.nuralogix.ai/ About LaFiya TeleHealth LaFiya TeleHealth is a digital healthcare platform that provides on-demand 24/7 healthcare services to its clients. From exclusive walk-in mobile station kiosks to a smartphone app, it provides patients with the ability to instantly connect with a certified doctor or pharmacist regardless of their location or financial condition. Learn more at: https://www.lafiyatelehealth.com/#/about Disclaimers: Note: In the United States, this product is for Investigational Use Only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established. For Media Inquiries: Chris Lin, Chief Marketing Officer, ChrisLin@nuralogix.ai, Tel: 437-928-2666 As it begins to build out its open-access broadband fiber network to more than 500,000 households in Berlin, Germany, Vattenfall Eurofiber turns to Calix for software-defined network solutions that deliver significant OPEX savings, increased efficiency, and seamless provisioning for its retail broadband service providers. Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH (Vattenfall) has selected the Intelligent Access EDGE and Network Innovation Platform (AXOS) to connect Berlin homes and businesses to a new, high-speed 10G fiber network. Vattenfall plans to deploy the Calix E7-2 Intelligent Modular System-powered by the Network Innovation Platform-to build a future-proof, open-access network. The Intelligent Access EDGE and Network Innovation Platform will significantly increase efficiency and simplify operations, helping Vattenfall lower OPEX and CAPEX by up to 80 percent in potential combined savings. The new software-defined network will reach more than 500,000 households and businesses in Berlin, delivering enhanced bandwidth at up to 10G speeds. Calix everyPON network spans both GPON and XGS-PON technologies, enabling local broadband service providers (BSPs) to use them for a wide range of residential and commercial applications. Vattenfall's fiber deployment will be a flagship model for a new generation of fiber networks across Europe to replace legacy copper-based infrastructure. Vattenfall will build out the network through 2026. Calix value added retailer ANEDIS GmbH AR will work with Vattenfall to facilitate local service integration. Open-access fiber network operators deliver a state-of-the-art network to their retail BSP customers. In turn, those BSPs can take advantage of the many benefits of owning a network-without the typical level of OPEX and CAPEX necessary for running it. They enjoy new levels of scalability, programmability, and automation, enabling them to simplify operations and excite their subscribers with innovative new services. Finally, residential and business subscribers benefit from the freedom to choose the BSP whose service offerings best fit their needs. "Efficiency and simplicity matter a great deal to us," said Arian de Korte, COO of Vattenfall Eurofiber GmbH. "They translate into substantially reduced OPEX and CAPEX year-over-year. That is absolutely critical for the design, roll out, and management of open-access networks. These advantages are the main reasons why we chose the Calix Intelligent Access EDGE. We're deeply committed to building a future-proof fiber network that will provide fast and reliable connectivity to half a million residences and businesses throughout Berlin. We look forward to working with Calix as we expand our presence in Germany with this landmark 10G fiber network." "Vattenfall has taken the lead in dramatically raising Germany's low fiber adoption rate," said Eoin Heaney, vice president of sales, Europe, at Calix. "The Intelligent Access EDGE and the Network Innovation Platform will play a major role in future-proofing the new network and satisfying the ever-growing subscriber demand for expanded bandwidth. Moreover, our solutions will enable Vattenfall to both reduce expenditures and increase revenue by simplifying operations, streamlining management activities, and rapidly accelerating subscriber turnups." To support its growing presence in the country, Calix recently joined BREKO, Germany's leading broadband association. BREKO member companies, including Vattenfall, are committed to collaboratively promoting the deployment of fiber networks to support government broadband rollout targets. The Federal German Government plans to invest up to 12 billion EUR ($14.3 billion) in various connectivity projects, including fiber, as part of its plan to deliver gigabit broadband service throughout Germany by 2025. Learn how the Intelligent Access EDGE and Network Innovation Platform are helping broadband service providers transform their business, simplify operations, and grow revenue. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix's business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005352/en/ Contacts: Press Inquiries: John Husson 1-410-979-1747 john.husson@calix.com Investor Inquiries: Investor Relations Investorrelations@calix.com DGAP Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on the Progress of the Repurchase of A-Shares through centralized Bidding Transactions 05.05.2022 / 14:33 Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG Announcement on the Progress of the Repurchase of A-Shares through centralized Bidding Transactions Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 5 May 2022 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published a mandatory announcement in accordance with applicable trading rules of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and applicable PRC laws in relation to the Progress of the Repurchase of A-Shares through centralized Bidding Transactions. The announcement is fully available at: https://smart-home.haier.com/en/dggg/P020220505652207873365.pdf?appdesc=Announcement%20on%20the%20Progress%20of%20the%20Repurchase%20of%20A%20Shares%20through%20Centralized%20Bidding%20Transactions IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto Sven Pauly pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 (0) 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 05.05.2022 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de LOI Supersedes and Replaces Prior Letters of Intent entered into between BFYW and Ironwood Columbus, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Better For You Wellness, Inc. (OTCQB: BFYW) ("Better For You Wellness" or the "Company"), an Ohio-based company focused on the rapidly-growing $1.5T wellness industry, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") to acquire Ironwood Clay Co Inc. ("Ironwood") outlining the principal terms and conditions on which the Company is prepared to enter into a formal Purchase and Sale Agreement for all the issued and outstanding shares of Ironwood. This LOI supersedes and replaces any and all prior non-binding letters of intent entered into between the Company and Ironwood. Under the terms of the LOI, the Company is expected to pay a total purchase price of approximately $25,400,000 CAD, comprised of $9,400,000 CAD of Better For You Wellness, Inc. stock, and $16,000,000 CAD in cash, of which $8,000,000 CAD is payable at closing and the remainder of which is due within 12 months of closing. Closing is expected to occur on June 30, 2022. Established in 1988, Ironwood is a specialized OEM skincare supplier offering private label product development, turn-key manufacturing, raw materials and bulk formulas to high-impact personal care companies across the globe, and is the leading international supplier of glacial oceanic clay. Ironwood's NENA Skincare brand ("NENA") is a rapidly growing natural skincare brand whose core ingredient is glacial oceanic clay. Ironwood's Health Canada, FDA, Halal, GMP and ECOCERT/COSMOS accredited facility can produce over 500 skincare, body care, and hair care formulations and products, and is trusted by some of the world's leading companies including Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., and more. NENA products are currently available direct-to-consumer via www.nenaskincare.com as well as online through Amazon, Well.ca., and others, and available in hundreds of retail locations across Canada including Pharmasave, Rexall, and more. Beyond Canada, Ironwood distributes its products, ingredients and raw materials globally to the United States, China, Korea, and more. "This established and profitable acquisition within the natural beauty and skincare space will allow Better For You Wellness to become a vertically-integrated wellness company," commented Ian James, Chief Executive Officer of Better For You Wellness, Inc. "As I have stated before, skin is our largest organ, and what we put on our bodies is just as important as what we put in them - making skincare a major cornerstone in an overall approach to wellness." For further information, investors should refer to the Company's reports filed with SEC (https://www.sec.gov/). About Better For You Wellness, Inc. Better For You Wellness, Inc. (OTCQB: BFYW) is a Columbus, Ohio-based Company pursuing a dual buy-and-build model within the wellness industry. Better For You Wellness, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, builds and operates digitally-native, mission-driven brands within the clean beauty sector, including Better Suds. Better For You Wellness, Inc. is also under LOI to acquire multiple companies within the clean and natural beauty category. Learn more at https://BFYW.com. Contact: Better For You Wellness, Inc. Ian James, CEO investors@bfyw.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "could," "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" and the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this report. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements so as to conform these statements to actual results. Investors should refer to the risks disclosed in the Company's reports filed with SEC (https://www.sec.gov/). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122824 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting first-quarter results on Thursday, Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) said the Group expects a return to net profit for the second half of 2022. The Group noted that it continues to make progress towards profitability with operating cash flow only slightly negative in March and turning positive in April. By the end of the first quarter of 2022, Royal Caribbean Group had returned 54 out of 62 ships to operations across its five brands, representing close to 90% of worldwide fleet capacity. It expects to return the full fleet to operations before the summer season of 2022. For 2023, all quarters are currently booked within historical ranges at record pricing, the Group said. The company reported adjusted net loss of $1.2 billion or $4.57 per share for the first quarter compared to a adjusted net loss of $1.1 billion or $4.44 per share, last year. On average, 11 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report a loss per share of $4.47, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Net loss for the first quarter was $1.2 billion or $4.58 per share compared to a net loss of $1.1 billion or $4.66 per share, last year. Total revenues increased to $1.06 billion from $42.01 million, a year ago. Analysts on average had estimated $1.15 billion in revenue. Shares of Royal Caribbean were down 2% in pre-market trade on Thursday. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Employees recognize Philips in annual Forbes survey for its efforts to address bias and promote equality in the workplace Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced that it has again been recognized on Forbes's America's Best Employers for Diversity 2022 list. Philips' inclusion in this important ranking is a testament to the company's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where employees feel valued, safe and supported to be their best. Philips ranked 195 on the 2022 list and is among the top five in the 'Health Care Equipment and Services' category. Presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., 60,000 U.S. employees were surveyed in companies with a minimum of 1,000 employees to identify The Best Employers for Diversity. Surveyed companies were evaluated through anonymous feedback from employees on criteria including age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation equality, as well as that of general diversity in their workplace. Respondents were also asked to nominate organizations other than their own in their respective industries. "We aim to be the best place to work for all our employees, embracing diversity and inclusion and health and well-being," said Lauren Gohde, Philips North America Inclusion Diversity Lead. "This recognition is the result of collaboration and commitment at all levels from across the entire organization. Our CEO and leadership team walk the talk, creating tangible action plans to provide support and increase representation for our under-represented employees. Our commitment to ensuring a culture of belonging for all has never been stronger." Philips works to promote personal development, inclusion and diversity, where employees can feel fulfilled as they help deliver on the company's goal to improve 2.5 billion lives a year by 2030, including 400 million in underserved communities worldwide. Workplace culture remains a priority at Philips and the company has been recognized for its ongoing investment in building diverse workplaces. In January, Philips earned a perfect score of 100 and the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. In February, Forbes named Philips a top place to work in America's Best Employers 2022. Philips will continue to prioritize equality and diversity in all aspects of its work, accepting that all individuals should have equal access to opportunities and resources. Forbes's full America's Best Employers for Diversity 2022 list is available here. About Royal Philips Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2021 sales of EUR 17.2 billion and employs approximately 79,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005116/en/ Contacts: Silvie Casanova Philips North America 781-879-0692 Silvie.casanova@philips.com Avi Dines Philips North America 781-690-3814 Avi.dines@philips.com LONDON, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EW Healthcare Partners ("EW") has acquired a majority stake in Grundium Oy ("Grundium"), a leader in advanced imaging technology based in Finland. The founders and management of Grundium will retain a significant minority stake in the company and remain in leadership positions. The founders will work closely with EW in continuing to drive revenue and EBITDA growth. Founded in 2015, Grundium produces revolutionary high-precision smart, connected and portable digital microscope scanners used in diagnostic pathology, serving a variety of end users ranging from animal and human healthcare clinics to laboratory service firms. By applying state-of-the-art mobile technology to digital pathology, Grundium's solutions transform the reach and quality of diagnostic pathology, saving time and cost. This allows scarce pathologist resources to be deployed remotely to multiple locations, making high-quality scanning affordable for every local lab and clinic. Grundium scanners are used across all fields of microscopy, including pathology and AI diagnosis. Mika Kuisma, CEO of Grundium, said: "My management team and I are thrilled to have this opportunity to work closely with EW Healthcare's experienced team and establish Grundium as the leading market player for digital pathology solutions. The transaction marks a new phase in our journey as we look to grow our international presence and develop Grundium's technology across a broader spectrum of applications." Evis Hursever, Managing Director at EW Healthcare Partners, commented: "We are excited to partner with Mika and his team to invest in realising the additional growth prospects ahead for Grundium. Grundium has an innovative product portfolio and pipeline, and we believe that the partnership with EW will help support their expansion into new applications and geographies, in particular in the U.S." EW Healthcare is a leading healthcare growth equity firm with extensive experience in taking companies to the next level of market leadership. This acquisition will allow Grundium to make further in-roads into the vast human healthcare market and AI diagnostics. Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisers to EW Healthcare Partners, PwC provided financial, accounting and tax advice and BCG provided commercial advice. Bryan, Garnier & Co acted as financial advisers to Grundium and its shareholders. About Grundium A global leader in advanced imaging technology, Grundium makes digital pathology and high-quality professional diagnosis available for all life - whether human, animal, plant or other. This is achieved by doing something that nobody else can: applying state-of-the-art mobile technology in microscopy. Established in 2015 by ex-Nokia engineers, the Tampere-based company is democratizing digital pathology with the Ocus range of microscope scanners. Their cutting-edge imaging solutions are based on over 20 years of experience in optics, sensors and beautiful high-precision devices. Grundium serves various industries and businesses, enhancing quality and processes, protecting human life and safeguarding a clean environment. https://www.grundium.com/ About EW Healthcare Partners With close to $4 billion raised since inception, EW Healthcare Partners is one of the largest and oldest private healthcare investment firms and seeks to make growth equity investments in fast growing commercial-stage healthcare companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and technology-enabled services sectors in the United States and in Europe. Since its founding in 1985, EW Healthcare Partners has maintained its singular commitment to the healthcare industry and has been a long-term investor in over 150 healthcare companies, ranging across sectors, stages and geographies. The team is comprised of over 20 senior investment professionals with offices in New York, Houston and London. https://www.ewhealthcare.com/ For more information, contact:Mika Kuisma, CEO, Grundium Oy. Email: mika.kuisma@grundium.com Related Images Image 1 Image 2 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment LOS ANGELES, CA and SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Reviv3 Procare (OTCQB:RVIV) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all the assets of AXIL & Associated Brands Corp., a leader in hearing protection and enhancement products for approximately $33 million in a combination of common and preferred stock. The acquisition has been approved by the boards of directors of each company. "This transaction marks a significant opportunity for expansion of our product offering and revenue profile," said Jeff Toghraie, CEO and Chairman of Reviv3. "AXIL's product portfolio and sales channels open up additional growth potential and allow us to substantially enhance our cash flow generation capabilities. We are delighted to welcome the Axil team to Reviv3 and continue to build value for our customers and shareholders." "The AXIL Team is very excited to join forces with Reviv3," remarked AXIL Chief Executive Officer, Wes Harris. "This creates a very strategic move for our companies to align tremendous talent within both organizations to achieve significant objectives now and in the years to come. Our unified focus on building strong brands and innovations for our various audiences and customer base will continue to drive exciting growth for our valued shareholders," concluded Mr. Harris. Details related to the transaction and provisions can be found in a Form 8-K filing being made today by Reviv3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The closing is subject to customary conditions and is anticipated to occur within the next 90 days. About Axil AXIL creates high-tech hearing and audio innovations to provide cutting-edge solutions for people with varied applications across many industries. AXIL designs, innovates, engineers, manufactures, markets and services specialized systems in hearing enhancement, hearing protection, wireless audio, and communication. AXIL distributes its products through direct-to-consumer eCommerce channels and local, regional, and national retail chains. AXIL serves the sporting goods market, military, federal agents, law enforcement, tactical, fitness, outdoor, industrial, sporting, and stadium events. AXIL focuses primarily on US markets, followed by Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Please visit www.goaxil.com to learn more about us. About Reviv3 Procare Company Reviv3 Procare Company (OTCQB: RVIV) is an emerging global e-commerce brand in the hair and skincare products industry. The Company is a predominantly direct-to-consumer marketer of premium hair and skincare products under its in-house Reviv3 Procare brand - selling products in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and throughout Asia. To learn more, please visit the Company's website at www.reviv3.com. Media Relations: Reviv3 PR Team Tel: 888-638-8883 Email: pr@reviv3.com www.reviv3.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements related to the expected closing of the acquisition or the timing thereof, the benefits, results, and effects of the proposed acquisition, future financial and operating results, and Reviv3's plans, objectives, expectations (financial or otherwise) and intentions following the acquisition. These forward-looking statements and information about Reviv3's current and future prospects and its operations and financial results are based on currently available information. Various risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual future results and financial performance to vary significantly from those anticipated in such statements. The use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "confident that" and "believes," among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, and management's beliefs, projections, and current expectations subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other things: (i) Reviv3's ability to grow net sales and adjusted EBITDA following the acquisition; (ii) Reviv3's ability to fund its operating expenses; (iii) potential difficulties or delays Reviv3 may experience in implementing its cost savings and efficiency initiatives; (iv) Reviv3's ability to compete effectively with both other hair and skincare companies and high tech hearing and audio communication companies following the acquisition; (v) the concentration of Reviv3's and Axil's customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to Reviv3 by changing purchasing or selling patterns; and (vi) changes in laws or regulations in the United States and/or in other major markets, such as China, in which Reviv3 operates, including, without limitation, with respect to taxes, tariffs, trade policies, or product safety, which may increase Reviv3's product costs and other costs of doing business, and reduce Reviv3's earnings. Current and potential investors are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, Reviv3 does not assume any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. SOURCE: REVIV3 PROCARE COMPANY View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700165/Reviv3-Announces-Agreement-to-Acquire-Substantially-All-Assets-of-AXIL-Associated-Brands-a-Leading-provider-of-Hearing-Protection-and-Enhancement-Products Company opening new talent region as part of strategy to expand global delivery operations SoftServe, a leading digital authority and consulting company, has opened delivery offices in Guadalajara, Mexico and Medellin, Colombia as part of its strategy to extend global delivery capabilities to Latin America. SoftServe now has 30 delivery center locations globally, Guadalajara and Medellin are the first in Latin America. The company's plans to expand also include opening another delivery office in Chile. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005015/en/ SoftServe Extends Global Delivery Footprint to Latin America (Graphic: Business Wire) "As our client roster continues to grow, both new and existing customers are requesting more digital engineering to support their transformations," said Chris Baker, Chief Executive Officer at SoftServe. "Delivery offices in Latin America will better connect our clients to top talent in the region and will more efficiently support operations within these time zones. SoftServe maintains a long-term strategy to expand a truly global footprint of delivery centers, and we are thrilled about this next step into Latin America." With over 500,000 IT professionals in software engineering and 350,000 IT graduates, annually, throughout Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, and given the geographical proximity to the United States, Latin America is an attractive destination for the global delivery operations of major technology players. Opening this vibrant new talent region will support SoftServe's growth and will help accelerate the execution of its global delivery expansion. "We are planning to welcome more than 3,000 local people in this region to our global team by 2025," said Keith Rozmus, North America Division President at SoftServe. "Our presence in Latin America will allow us to bring value to our North American clients by offering 24/7 nearshoring and offshoring options with minimum time shifts. We will also create new opportunities investing in local communities and building learning and re-skilling capabilities for local talent."? SoftServe aims to bring its best practices and benefits to employees in Latin America. The company will offer associates highly competitive learning solutions powered by SoftServe University, professional certifications, and international assignments. People Excellence, SoftServe's proprietary professional development platform, will help accelerate career development by tracking achievements and providing a roadmap for gaining new expertise. Meaningful project assignments and a great work environment are highly influential factors for productivity and happiness, and with the current 84 Employee Net Promoter Score, SoftServe will aim to become an employer of choice in Latin America. The company will also give back to local communities by empowering its people to engage in social responsibility activities, including Open Eyes charities and Open/Tech pro bono technology initiatives. To learn more about SoftServe's presence in Latin America, please visit the company's website. About SoftServe Employing more than 13,000 associates in 41 centers, offices, and client locations globally, SoftServe has a proven track record in healthcare and life sciences, financial services and insurance, retail, high-tech (ISVs), manufacturing and energy industries. The company offers deep expertise across software engineering, cloud and DevOps, big data and analytics, AI and machine learning, the Internet of Things, experience design and platforms, extended reality (XR) and robotics. SoftServe delivers open innovation-from generating compelling new ideas, to developing and implementing transformational products and services. Our work and client experience are built on a foundation of empathetic, human-focused experience design that ensures continuity from concept to release. We empower enterprises and software companies to (re)identify differentiation, accelerate solution development, and vigorously compete in today's digital economy. Visit our website, blog, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005015/en/ Contacts: Andrew Kavka Analyst and Public Relations Lead akavk@softserveinc.com The panel will showcase how corporate law departments are using AI to improve compliance and outside counsel management Fresh from celebrating the five-year anniversary of its AI-powered LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer spend management solution, Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions is bringing its AI expertise to booth 413 at the 2022 Corporate Legal Operations Consortium (CLOC) Global Institute in Las Vegas. The company will also provide an in-depth look at how AI is reshaping the future of the legal industry during a panel "You Can't Manage What You Don't Measure: A Case Study for AI in Legal Operations" to be held at the Bellagio Resort and Casino on May 10 at 10:30 AM PT. ELM Solutions experts Jeffrey Solomon, Head of Managed Services Analytics, and Joseph Galea, Global Director of Sales, will be joined by John Crawshaw, Business Analytics Manager at PNC Financial Services Group, to discuss how PNC has leveraged LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer to improve compliance and enhance relationships with outside counsel. "Implementing LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer helped bring greater insight and transparency to our outside counsel management process," Crawshaw says. "I am pleased to join Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions for a practical discussion about how the power of AI is already transforming the legal industry." LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer leverages ELM Solutions LegalVIEW database, the most comprehensive legal spend database in the world at more than $150 billion in invoices. The AI model powering the solution has also been exposed to billing patterns encompassing 225 practice areas and 20 different industries, creating more nuanced and accurate outputs that can't be replicated through offline training. Additionally, the accuracy of the model has also been enhanced by the more than 60,000 person days that legal experts have collectively spent using LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer. AI also drives ELM Solutions' Predictive Insights module, helping law departments to make strategic decisions when assigning outside counsel to litigated matters. New Tableau visualizations for Predictive Insights are now available with Passport 22.1, the most recent version of ELM Solutions' legal spend and matter management platform. This version release also features enhancements to the platform's Diversity Module, including an increase in the number of data fields, and alignment with the latest ABA standards. TyMetrix 22.1 is also now available, and includes new contingency fee alternative fee arrangements (AFAs), expanded legal hold capabilities, and new API updates. In continuing celebration of the five-year anniversary of LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer, ELM Solutions will share more of its AI expertise during an upcoming installment of the company's Legal Leaders Exchange podcast, to be available on May 10. Jeffrey Solomon, and Abhishek Mittal, Global Head, Data Analytics and Operational Excellence for Wolters Kluwer's Governance, Risk Compliance (GRC) division, will discuss the growth of LegalVIEW BillAnalyzer and how AI will propel the legal industry into the future. ELM Solutions, part of Wolters Kluwer GRC, is the market-leading global provider of enterprise legal spend and matter management, contract lifecycle management and legal analytics solutions. The company provides a comprehensive suite of tools that address the growing needs of corporate legal operations departments to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. Corporate legal and insurance claims departments trust its innovative technology and end-to-end customer experience to drive world-class business outcomes. The other legal solutions business of Wolters Kluwer GRC is CT Corporation. Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions was named a leader in both the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Legal Spend Management 2020 Vendor Assessment and IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Enterprise Matter Management 2020 Vendor Assessment. The company's award-winning products include Passport, one of the highest rated ELM solutions in the latest Hyperion MarketView Legal Market Intelligence Report and TyMetrix360, the industry's leading SaaS-based e-billing and matter management solution. CLM Matrix, meanwhile, was named a "strong performer" in The Forrester Wave: Contract Lifecycle Management For All Contracts, Q1 2021 report. ELM Solutions' LegalVIEWportfolio of legal analytics solutions is based upon the industry's largest and most comprehensive legal spend database, with more than $150 billion in invoices. About Wolters Kluwer Governance, Risk Compliance Governance, Risk Compliance is a division of Wolters Kluwer, which provides legal and banking professionals with solutions to help ensure compliance with ever-changing regulatory and legal obligations, manage risk, increase efficiency, and produce better business outcomes. GRC offers a portfolio of technology-enabled expert services and solutions focused on legal entity compliance, legal operations management, banking product compliance, and banking regulatory compliance. Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare; tax and accounting; governance, risk and compliance; and legal and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2021 annual revenues of 4.8 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,800 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005242/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts for Wolters Kluwer GRC (Including Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions, Wolters Kluwer CT Corporation, Wolters Kluwer Compliance Solutions and Wolters Kluwer Finance, Risk Regulatory Reporting) Paul Lyon Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications: Global Marketing, Communications Planning Governance, Risk Compliance Division Wolters Kluwer Office +44 20 3197 6586 Paul.Lyon@wolterskluwer.com Frank Ready Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications, Legal Services Governance, Risk Compliance Division Wolters Kluwer 717-205-3647 Frank.Ready@wolterskluwer.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Centene Corporation (CNC) has signed a definitive agreement to sell Magellan Rx to Prime Therapeutics LLC. The company also entered an agreement to sell PANTHERx Rare to a consortium of The Vistria Group, General Atlantic, and Nautic Partners. The company expects to receive aggregate proceeds of approximately $2.8 billion from the transactions. Centene plans to use the majority of the net proceeds from the sales to repurchase stock and the balance to reduce debt. Each of the transactions is expected to be neutral to slightly accretive to adjusted earnings per share in the 12-month period post-closing. Sarah London, CEO of Centene, said: 'Last year, Centene announced our strategic plan to exit the Pharmacy Benefit Management space. These transactions demonstrate significant progress in our ongoing portfolio review and represent key milestones in our value creation plan.' Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Altiplano Metals Inc. (TSXV: APN) (WKN: A2JNFG) ("Altiplano" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing surface reconnaissance work that has identified a large 3.5 x 1.5 km alteration corridor (Figure 1) at the Pastillas Gold-Copper project (the "Property"), located within the prolific Maricunga Gold Belt in northern Chile's Atacama region (Figure 2). Figure 1: Aerial photograph of the Pastillas Alteration Corridor. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/122918_027a6b00847518fe_001full.jpg Geological Mapping The Company recently completed a reconnaissance bedrock mapping program covering prospective exposed alteration within the southern portion of the Property to contextualize historical data and develop a model for future drill target generation (Figure 3). The mapping area was chosen to evaluate potential alteration identified in historical ASTER data and in limited historical sampling. The mapping campaign was completed over approximately six square kilometres, and identified a corridor of alteration striking roughly north-south and measuring approximately 3.5 x 1.5 kilometres. Argillic to advanced argillic alteration and steam-heated zones observed are consistent with the Company's interpretation that Pastillas is likely a high-level exposure of an epithermal system, and may be related to alteration along-trend at Rio2's Fenix deposit and Yamana's La Pepa deposit (Figure 4). Prospecting and Sampling Concurrent with the bedrock mapping program, 33 outcrop samples were collected to contextualize the alteration observed in mapping and serve as additional vector information for future mineralization targeting. The collected samples will be analyzed for important pathfinder elements, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy will also be completed to determine the alteration mineral assemblages present in the samples. The Company also initiated the collection of a high-resolution talus fines sampling grid to be analyzed via SWIR spectroscopy to provide a comprehensive map of alteration mineralogy covering prospective areas within the southern portion of the Property. Alteration minerals are indicative of specific pH and temperature conditions present at the time of mineral formation, and serve as important markers for conditions necessary for ore formation in epithermal and porphyry mineralization environments. When the talus fines sampling grid is completed and analyzed, this dataset will provide a robust indication of alteration intensity and vertical and lateral proximity to potential mineralization centres below the exposed lithocap. Figure 2: Pastillas project location map with proximal major deposits and area depicted in Figure 3. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/122918_027a6b00847518fe_002full.jpg Figure 3: Reconnaissance mapping area at Pastillas with interpreted bedrock lithology, including units known to host ore within the Maricunga Gold Belt, prospecting sample locations, and observed faults and lithological contacts. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/122918_027a6b00847518fe_003full.jpg Figure 4: Idealized cross-section of high-sulphidation epithermal and porphyry environments, with interpreted present-day level of exposure observed at Pastillas. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4303/122918_027a6b00847518fe_004full.jpg Alastair McIntyre, President and CEO comments, "We are very pleased to have delineated a multi-kilometre scale alteration footprint in initial reconnaissance mapping that confirmed and significantly expanded on zones of known alteration from limited historical work. Initial indications that Pastillas may be situated in the upper portions of a large epithermal system appear to be validated with this recent work, and we look forward to sharing the results of outcrop multi-element geochemistry and talus fines SWIR analysis as they become available." About Altiplano Altiplano Metals is a growing gold, silver, and copper company focused on the Americas. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets that include an operating copper/gold/iron mine, development near term producing gold/copper projects, and exploration land packages with district-scale potential. Altiplano is focused on creating long-term stakeholder value through developing safe and sustainable production, reinvesting into exploration, and pursuing acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing on opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value. Altiplano trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange trading under the symbol APN and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol A2JNFG. Altiplano has generated over US$8.83 million from the recovery and sale of 4.15 million pounds of copper with an average grade of 1.76% Cu (2018 Q1-2022 Q1). Cash flow has been re-invested into equipment, underground drilling, expanding underground development at Farellon, enhancing ventilation to increase productivity and capacity, new underground development and exploration at Maria Luisa, and the near completion construction of the El Penon fit-for-purpose mill and flotation plant located 15 km from the Farellon site. John Williamson, B.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this document. Altiplano is part of the Metals Group of companies. Metals Group is an award-winning team of professionals who stand for technical excellence, painstaking project selection and uncompromising corporate governance, with a proven ability to capitalize on investment opportunities and deliver shareholder returns. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD /s/ "John Williamson" Chairman For further information, please contact: Alastair McIntyre, CEO alastairm@apnmetals.com Tel: (416) 434-3799 Jeremy Yaseniuk, Director jeremyy@apnmetals.com Tel: (604) 773-1467 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the (TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, including the impact of COVID-19, as well as its resulting quarantine measures and travel restrictions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122918 OSLO (dpa-AFX) - A NASA rocket, designed to measure the Earth's life-supporting secret, will be launched from a small Norwegian town next week. Why does Earth support life, while no other planet in the universe do not? 'It's one of the most fundamental questions in all of science: Why are we here? And it's what Endurance is after,' said Glyn Collinson, a space scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and principal investigator for NASA's Endurance mission. NASA's Endurance mission will attempt to measure Earth's global electric potential, or how much Earth's electric field 'tugs' at electrically charged particles in the air. This electric potential is expected to be very weak, making it difficult to measure - and one reason Earth can support life. Endurance's launch window from the small town of Ny-Alesund in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, opens on May 9. With his team and rocket experiment, Collinson is traveling to the northernmost launch range in the world. There his team will launch their experiment through Earth's magnetic north pole. 'We had to invent a brand-new technology to do this on Earth, using the technique we pioneered at Venus,' Collinson said. Once airborne, the Endurance mission will measure electrons escaping from Earth's atmosphere - part of a gradual process of atmospheric escape that has been happening for billions of years. These electrons escape Earth at a specific, predictable speed, but they should be slowed ever so slightly by Earth's global electric potential. Collinson's instruments will attempt to measure that subtle slowing effect to find out how strong it is. 'One of the reasons Earth may be habitable is because we have this very weak electrical potential,' according to Collinson. The Endurance team estimates a strength of about 0.3 volts, some 25 times weaker than on Venus and so weak it has foiled all previous attempts at measurement. 'It's not even as strong as a watch battery - but it should be there,' Collinson added. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Dynasty Gold Corp. (TSXV: DYG) (FSE: D5G1) (OTC PINK: DGDCF) ("Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has located results for an additional 15 holes drilled between 1986 and 1988 by Noranda Exploration on the Thundercloud property in the Northwestern Ontario. This data was not included in the recent NI 43-101 Pelham resource estimate published in January of this year. See press release dated January 4, 2022. The table below summarizes some highlights from the newly located drill data. Pending accurate location of these holes and integration with the current Pelham zone database, no conclusions can be drawn as to how the new information will impact the current NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate of 182,000 ounces of gold. Hole Number From meter To meter Intercepts meter Au g/t 86-PL-06 12.2 14.33 2.13 14.33 88- PH-01 16 18 2.00 7.37 88- PH-05 45 105.4 60.4 1.73 88- PH-10 36 161 125 1.74 Including: 36 37 1 8.57 50 53 3 14.85 52 53 1 38.39 89 90 1 10.97 111 112 1 9.6 120 131 2 7.03 The Company is evaluating these data and continues to try and locate additional information of importance to use in the ongoing exploration work at Thundercloud. Exploration Program Updates A drone supported airborne survey is expected to start as soon as the ground is cleared of snow. Following completion of this survey and, the evaluation of the new data obtained, the Company plans to launch its maiden drill program to test areas with new drill targets identified in the West Contact Zone area, and to increase the documented resources in the Pelham Zone. A review of previous geophysical work, including IP and Magnetic Surveys conducted by Teck Resources Limited has been completed. A collection of available geophysical imageries produced up to 2008 were sorted by theme and studied. Most of the historic IP and Magnetic Surveys outlined areas of sulphide mineralization in the Pelham part of the property using grid lines cut in an east-west direction. This line direction was not optimal for highlighting the Pelham zone gabbros and associated mineralization which also trend east-west, but has aided in understanding the West Contact zone area where mineralized structures appear to be north-south in orientation. As the detailed drone airborne magnetic survey will be flown with lines closer to right angles to the Pelham area gabbro bodies and mineralization, it is expected to provide new data to aid in interpretation of the structure of the Pelham mineralization. The drone airborne magnetic survey may also provide better definition of geologic contacts and lineaments that may be associated with gold mineralization. The extended magnetic survey will cover the majority of the property where the previous geophysics was completed with 100 m spaced flight lines, by reducing the line spacing to 50 meters (including in the Pelham area) more detailed structural information will be acquired. The closer spacing survey work will include parts of the West Contact area where surface and trench samples taken in 2007 returned gold values of up to 8.02 g/t over 39 meters, including 89 g/t over 3 meters. Cautionary Note The Company has not, as yet, independently verified these drill data. It has reviewed other historic assay results and will review supporting information in detail before integrating the results with the current database. The technical information in this release has been reviewed by A. Lee Barker, a technical advisor to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Dynasty Gold Corp. Dynasty Gold Corp. is a Canadian exploration company currently focused on gold exploration in North America with projects located in a greenstone belt in Ontario and in the Midas gold camp in Nevada. The Company is currently advancing its Thundercloud gold deposit which contains 182,000 oz gold. The 43-101 Mineral Resource report and related press release with details on the resource are available on the Company's website and were filed on www.sedar.com. The 100% owned Golden Repeat gold project in the Midas gold camp in Elko County, Nevada, is surrounded by a number of large-scale operating mines. In addition, Dynasty owns a 70% interest in the Hatu Qi2 gold mine in the Tien Shan Gold belt, Xinjiang, China, with which it is in legal dispute with Xinjiang Non-Ferrous Industrial Metals Group and its subsidiary Western Region Gold Co. Ltd. For more information, please visit the Company's website www.dynastygoldcorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DYNASTY GOLD CORP. "Ivy Chong" _________________________________ Ivy Chong, President & CEO For additional information please contact: Vancouver Office: Ivy Chong Phone: 604.633.2100. Email: ichong@dynastygoldcorp.com This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122904 May 5, 2022 NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SOUTH AFRICA OR THE UNITED STATES, OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. Reference is made to the stock exchange announcements by PGS ASA ("PGS" or the "Company") on 4 May 2022 regarding a successfully placed private placement (the "Private Placement") of new shares in the Company, and a potential subsequent offering (the "Subsequent Offering"). PGS hereby calls for an extraordinary general meeting ("EGM") in the Company to be held on 27 May 2022 at 10:00 hrs (CEST), where the approval of the Private Placement and the Subsequent Offering is on the agenda. The calling notice for the EGM, including the board's proposed resolutions and proxy forms are attached to this announcement and can also be downloaded from the Company's website www.pgs.com . The meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting only, accessible online via Lumi AGM. All shareholders will be able to participate in the meeting, vote and ask questions from smartphones, tablets or desktop devices. For further information regarding the virtual participation, please see guidelines made available on the Company's website www.pgs.com. No pre-registration is needed for attending online, but attendees must be logged in before the meeting starts. Deadline for registration of advance votes and proxies is 25 May 2022 at 12.00 hrs (CEST). About the Meeting Date: 27 May 2022 Time: 10:00 hrs (CEST) Location: Virtually on the Lumi AGM solution Contacts: Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communication Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35 *** PGS is a fully integrated marine geophysical company that provides a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including data acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. Our services are provided to the oil and gas industry, as well as to the broader and emerging new energy industries, including carbon storage and offshore wind. The Company operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters in Oslo, Norway and the PGS share is listed on the Oslo stock exchange. *** IMPORTANT NOTICE This announcement is not and does not form a part of any offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities of PGS. The distribution of this announcement and other information may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Copies of this announcement are not being made and may not be distributed or sent into any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful or would require registration or other measures. Persons into whose possession this announcement or such other information should come are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. The securities referred to in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in accordance with applicable U.S. state securities laws. The Company does not intend to register any part of the offering or their securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. Any sale in the United States of the securities mentioned in this announcement will be made solely to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act. In any EEA Member State, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation, i.e., only to investors who can receive the offer without an approved prospectus in such EEA Member State. The expression "Prospectus Regulation" means Regulation 2017/1129 as amended together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State. This communication is only being distributed to and is only directed at persons in the United Kingdom that are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom this announcement may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This communication must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this communication relates is available only for relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Persons distributing this communication must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. Matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "strategy", "intends", "estimate", "will", "may", "continue", "should" and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control. Actual events may differ significantly from any anticipated development due to a number of factors, including without limitation, changes in public sector investment levels, changes in the general economic, political and market conditions in the markets in which the Company operate, the Company's ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel, changes in the Company's ability to engage in commercially acceptable acquisitions and strategic investments, and changes in laws and regulation and the potential impact of legal proceedings and actions. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not provide any guarantees that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this announcement are free from errors nor does it accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the opinions expressed in this announcement or any obligation to update or revise the statements in this announcement to reflect subsequent events. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this document. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date, and are subject to change without notice. The Company does not undertake any obligation to review, update, confirm, or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise in relation to the content of this announcement. Neither the Managers nor any of their respective affiliates makes any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this announcement and none of them accepts any responsibility for the contents of this announcement or any matters referred to herein. This announcement is for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It is not intended as investment advice and under no circumstances is it to be used or considered as an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities in the Company. Neither the Managers nor any of their respective affiliates accepts any liability arising from the use of this announcement. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachments Banxa expands globally with local entities established in Brazil, Turkey, the UK and the USA. Local payments in Brazil has gone live with PIX instant bank payments Adds first to market Hedera blockchain support for USDC stablecoin TORONTO, ON and MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / BANXA Holdings Inc. (TSXV:BNXA)(OTCQX:BNXAF)(FSE:AC00) ("Banxa" or "The Company") the world's first listed payment service provider (PSP) and RegTech platform for the digital assets industry, continues its rapid global expansion, announcing key milestones reached to set up new local and/or cross border payment processing in Brazil and the broader LATAM market as well as the setup of local entities in Turkey the UK, and the USA. Banxa is also actively exploring the setup of operations in Luxembourg and India. The company is also announcing a first-to-market Web3 partnership with the enterprise blockchain Hedera, further cementing its commitment to creating more local on- and off-ramping infrastructure for people around the world. With an infrastructure that allows for higher fiat to crypto conversions than other providers in the market, Banxa's will now be able to offer end consumers even more local payment options beyond credit cards and includes instant bank transfers. Banxa is focused on growing these local entities over the coming months as well as acquisition of relevant licenses where required. The next phase of Banxa's global expansion plan will be to turn on local payments in each of these markets. The first of these has been in Brazil with the launch of PIX - the instant payment system provided by the Brazilian Central Bank. This now gives Banxa's global partner network access to millions more end customers with trusted local payment options. In emerging markets where credit card adoption is very low, Banxa's in market offering gives partners the ability to on-and off-ramp more customers with conversion rates up to three times higher than credit card only solutions. This is seen as critical for gaining mass adoption of crypto in developing markets like Brazil, Turkey and India. Banxa CEO Holger Arians said "Banxa is committed to entering the most markets with local operations, giving our partners the ability to serve millions of consumers with the best fiat to crypto purchasing experience globally. We know that consumers demand a trusted payment solution when purchasing crypto, and I'm excited about Banxa providing a world class local payment solution." In addition to its rapid geographic expansion, Banxa has become the first retail platform globally to support USDC on Hedera. Managed by industry leaders Circle and Coinbase, USDC is the $US pegged stablecoin that since 2018 has brought US dollars onto the blockchain allowing more consumers and businesses to rapidly transact crypto payments globally, bringing a level of stability to the emerging market. The Hedera network is one of the leading enterprise-grade public ledgers for the decentralized economy with several leading global organizations making up the governing body. This partnership positions Banxa as one of the leading infrastructure players in the Web3 ecosystem, opening up the potential for key on- and off-ramp partnerships within the enterprise space and Hedera's blossoming retail Web3 environment. Banxa CEO Holger Arians said, "The Web3 ecosystem is only in its infancy, with significant opportunities for businesses and individuals worldwide. Banxa is thrilled to be the first fiat to crypto on- and off-ramp to support USDC on Hedera. Working with a leading enterprise-grade public ledger for the decentralized economy, we can continue to support the crypto ecosystem's expansion and the opportunities this brings." HBAR Foundation's CEO Shayne Higdon said, "The HBAR Foundation is pleased to announce that Banxa, the global fiat on-ramp, was the first company to support USDC on Hedera. The recent support will enhance Hedera's already booming Web3 environment by opening up the Hedera ecosystem's access to Web3. The collaboration with Banxa will attract more retail and institutional consumers to the Hedera Network due to secure, convenient, and fast transactions. In addition, Banxa's payment infrastructure will play an important role in expanding Hedera's enterprise-first approach." ENDS ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Per: "DOMENIC CAROSA" https://twitter.com/dcarosa Domenic Carosa Chairman (1-888-218-6863) Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. BANXA Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: BNXA) (OTCQX: BNXAF) (FSE: AC00) Banxa powers the world's largest digital asset platforms by providing payments infrastructure and regulatory compliance across global markets. Banxa's mission and vision are to build the bridge that provides people in every part of the world access to a fairer and more equitable financial system. Banxa is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with European headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For further information go to www.banxa.com SOURCE: BANXA Holdings Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700275/Banxa-Continues-Its-Global-Expansion-in-New-Markets-and-Launches-First-to-Market-USDC-Stablecoin-Partnership PRESS RELEASE Paris, 5 May 2022 Appointment to the Executive Committee of La Poste group Yves Delmas is appointed Chief Executive Officer of GeoPost/DPDgroup and Executive Vice President of La Poste group Philippe Wahl, Chairman and CEO of La Poste group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GeoPost, announced on 5 May the appointment of Yves Delmas as Chief Executive Officer of GeoPost/DPDgroup and Executive Vice President of La Poste group, member of the Executive Committee. Yves Delmas has a 30-year track record within La Poste group, having held multiple management positions within the company's parcel and express subsidiaries, including at Chronopost and Jet Worldwide. He was also Managing Director, Vice President and then President of SEUR, GeoPost's subsidiary in Spain, which under his leadership became a leader in the local Spanish express market. He became Managing Director Europe of GeoPost/DPDgroup in May 2016. Yves Delmas stepped up as interim CEO of GeoPost/DPDgroup following the tragic death of Boris Winkelmann in December 2021. As the head of GeoPost/DPDgroup, with a turnover of nearly 15 billion euros and 2.1 billion parcels delivered in 2021, Yves Delmas will be responsible for further deploying the "Together & Beyond 2025" strategy that aims to make GeoPost/DPDgroup the international reference in sustainable delivery and a leading enabler of e-commerce. On this occasion, Philippe Wahl stated: "Yves Delmas has made a significant contribution to the development of GeoPost which has grown into the largest parcel delivery network in Europe. Under his leadership, GeoPost will consolidate its acceleration and development in strategic sectors, while continuing its international expansion." Yves Delmas said: "Thanks to our DNA that draws its strength from our people, our sustainable model and our entrepreneurial spirit, we are now prepared to amplify our development and accelerate the rollout of our strategic plan. This will be our guiding principle to meet the challenges and opportunities of our market." Biography of Yves Delmas Aged 59, Yves Delmas is a graduate of the Institute of Political Studies (IEP Paris) and the Ecole Nationale Superieure des PTT (1988), holds a DESS in public law from Paris X Nanterre and a degree in History from La Sorbonne. Yves Delmas began his career as Head of the "Europe - Asia" office, in the International Affairs Department of La Poste. In 1991, he became Director of Operations of Chronopost France. In 1993, he was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TNT, with La Poste holding a minority stake in the company's capital. In 1996, he successively took over the management of Jet Worldwide France, a subsidiary of Chronopost France, and then Chronopost Spain in 1998. Between 2002 and 2004, he was Vice President Marketing and Sales of GeoPost SA. In 2004, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of SEUR GeoPost and successively became Vice-President and President of the SEUR Group, a leader in the Spanish express market. In May 2016, Yves Delmas was appointed COO Europe of GeoPost/DPDgroup. About La Poste group La Poste is a state-owned public limited company, a subsidiary of Caisse des Depots and the French State. La Poste group is divided into four business units: Services-Mail-Parcels, Retail Customers and Digital Services, GeoPost and La Banque Postale, which, with its subsidiary CNP Assurances, is the 11th largest European banking and insurance company. Every year, La Poste delivers over 18 million items worldwide (letters, printed advertising media and parcels), 6 days a week. Committed to its regional coverage, the Group has 17,000 retail outlets (post offices, local postal agencies, retail pickup points) and 18,000 postal service access points (Pickup points, business centres, lockers and parcel drive collection service). In 2021, La Poste group generated 34.6 billion in revenue (41% outside France) and had a headcount of almost 245,000, in 63 countries over 5 continents, of which 193,000 in France. As a mission-led company since June 2021 and a leader in environmental transition and green finance, La Poste aims to achieve "zero net emissions" by 2030. Through is strategic plan "La Poste 2030, committed to you", the company has set itself the goal of becoming the leading European platform for links and exchanges, providing digital, people-oriented, green and socially-responsible services for the benefit of its customers and the transformation of society as a whole. About GeoPost/DPDgroup DPDgroup is one of the world leading parcel delivery networks, aiming to be a reference in sustainable delivery and become a leading enabler of e-commerce acceleration. We combine innovative technology and local knowledge to provide a flexible and user-friendly service for both shippers and shoppers. With 120,000 delivery experts operating in nearly 50 countries, and a network of 70,000 Pickup points, we deliver 8.4 million parcels worldwide each day - 2.1 billion parcels per year - through the brands DPD, Chronopost, SEUR, BRT and Jadlog. DPDgroup is the parcel delivery network of GeoPost. GeoPost posted sales of 14.7 billion in 2021. GeoPost is a holding company owned by La Poste group. Press contact: service.presse@laposte.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mHCfZ5ScaG2Wm3KeaMdpamNpm2qTmpGdaGLLxZKal8eUm5xmnGtqapzIZnBlmW1q - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-74484-cp-nomination-geopost-def-en-050522.pdf Paris, France--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - JUMPN, a Jump-to-earn web 3.0 project, recently launched a virtual wristband that allows tracking the jumping in the club, music festivals, DJ nights, dance, and jump rope with the app. JUMPN is a jump-to-earn lifestyle app integrated with blockchain, where anyone can make money by jumping and exercising. JUMPN is a unique web 3.0 jumping app that has taken revolutionary steps in the web 3.0 world. JUMPN has introduced remarkable features such as Club, Jump Rope, Extreme Sports, and Normal Mode for people to have fun while getting benefits from the JUMPN ecosystem. JUMPN App Modes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8621/122901_1b85b287f4d48bd4_001full.jpg JUMPN is a web3.0 jumping app. The JUMPN concept is simple. Buy a virtual wristband connect with JUMPN app, tracking your jumping in club, dance, jump rope with app. JUMPN instigated an extraordinary step to gain benefits by just jumping on the favorite songs. The JUMPN has launched a virtual wristband that connects with the JUMPN app. Wearing the virtual wristband allows tracking the jumping in the club, music festivals, DJ nights, dance, and jump rope with the app. JUMPN allows the users to Jump into a different mode with an NFT wristband or NFT stamps to earn JST. Users can choose to trade JST/JET to BNB and from the JUMPN app marketplace. Alternatively, you can trade NFT at Open Sea. JST is held by the user to trade and sell, JST is the governance token of JUMPN, and the user polls governance by JST. When the user jumps, a JST will be earned, but the user has to get JET first and use JET to get energy jump2earn. After the energy gets burned in the jump, the user needs to increase the energy to keep jump2earn your JST. JET is used to burn by user playing mode in JUMPN. User takes JST staking out JET. JET is also minted our JUMPN NFT to open the blind box. JUMPN Rope Combo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8621/122901_1b85b287f4d48bd4_002full.jpg When users play JUMPN, they earn $JST. In short, the factors which affect $JST earnings are; total energy playing time equipment level NFT level JUMPN not only provides the users a friendly play-to-earn app on the web 3.0, but also allows the users to gain benefits from it. The method is easy and effortless. JUMPN cares for the users. So, the company has launched three different approaches and practices for virtual wrist bands with different levels, Normal Mode, Club Mode, and Solo Jump Rope Mode. Such as, Efficiency (higher = more $JET), Luck (higher = higher mystery boxes), Comfort (higher = more governance token, $JST). Getting the $JST on playing offers the users to have multiple approaches to earnings. $JET is the issuance token and has an unlimited supply. Users spend $JET on equipment, repair, mint and staking to JST. JUMPN Tokenomics To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8621/122901_1b85b287f4d48bd4_003full.jpg JUMPN launched a governance token $JST which can be staked by $JET. or you can directly buy $JST on PancakeSwap. $JET looks like $SLP in the Axie Infinity game, while $JST like $AXS. $JST governance token supply of 100 billion. To enjoy the perks of JUMPN ecosystem, user must do the following: Buy NFT to get $JET staking to $JST Buy $JST Website: https://jumpn.today Official Telegram Announcement: https://t.me/JUMPNofficialChannel Official Telegram Chat Group: https://t.me/JUMPNofficialGroup Twitter: https://twitter.com/JUMPNofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JUMPNofficial Discord: https://discord.gg/86re69DcTH Medium: https://medium.com/@JUMPNofficial JST: 0xee6cacddd3a9370d87db581ee6728226883578e5 JET: 0xBc58b718B886Cf62bf7000980fCE96b2603e0950 JET V2: 0xE6CB2963e9da6E9A50C77b2354d47e664a1Ca8dD Contact Contact person: Andrew Gates Email: hello@jumpn.today Website: https://jumpn.today s To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122901 Regulatory News: Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) today held its Annual General Meeting of shareholders ("AGM") at Trafalgar Court, Les Banques, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3QL. At the AGM, shareholders passed resolutions to: receive the annual report and the financial statements, re-appoint PSH's auditor, authorize the Directors to determine the remuneration of the auditor, re-elect PSH's current directors, renew PSH's share buyback authority, and permit the disapplication of shareholders' pre-emption rights for any share issuance of 10% or less. All resolutions were passed on a poll. The specifics of those resolutions can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting available on the Company's website: https://pershingsquareholdings.com/company-reports/notices-shareholders/. The results of the proxy voting of PSH's Public Shares are noted in the chart below. A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for or against a resolution. PS Independent Voting Company Limited ("VoteCo") voted its Special Voting Share in favour of the resolutions. The percentages in the chart aggregate the results of voting by the Public Shares and VoteCo. VoteCo is not permitted to vote on resolutions 4 and 11 which are Specified Matters for purposes of the UK Listing Rules. Resolution For Against Votes Withheld Resolution 1: Receive the annual report and the financial statements Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,322,010 99.84% 478,684 0.16% 1,596 Resolution 2: To re-appoint the Company's auditor Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,701,024 99.97% 99,620 0.03% 1,646 Resolution 3: To authorise the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditor Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 100,488,004 99.24% 2,312,494 0.76% 1,792 Resolution 4: To re-elect Nicholas Botta as a Director Ordinary Resolution of the holders of Public Shares 98,820,469 96.13% 3,978,442 3.87% 3,379 Resolution 5: To re-elect Anne Farlow as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,791,910 99.99% 8,001 0.01% 2,379 Resolution 6: To re-elect Bronwyn Curtis as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,694,800 99.97% 105,111 0.03% 2,379 Resolution 7: To re-elect Andrew Henton as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,791,460 99.99% 8,451 0.01% 2,379 Resolution 8: To re-elect Tope Lawani as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 99,389,412 98.87% 3,410,498 1.13% 2,380 Resolution 9: To re-elect Rupert Morley as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,790,898 99.99% 9,013 0.01% 2,379 Resolution 10: To re-elect Tracy Palandjian as a Director Ordinary Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,791,375 99.99% 8,536 0.01% 2,379 Resolution 11: Authorising the Company to buy back shares Special Resolution of the holders of Public Shares 102,780,639 99.99% 6,092 0.01% 15,559 Resolution 12: Permitting the disapplication of pre-emption rights Special Resolution of all Voting Shares 102,568,172 99.92% 232,921 0.08% 1,197 A copy of the resolutions passed at the AGM has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. PSH also confirmed today that the next quarterly dividend of $0.125 per Public Share, as previously announced, is payable as follows: Record Date Payment Date USD Dividend Per Share DRIP Enrollment Deadline Currency Election Deadline 20/5/2022 17/6/2022 $0.125 27/5/2022 20/5/2022 A proportionate quarterly dividend will be paid to the Special Voting Share, based on its net asset value. Shareholders may automatically reinvest cash dividends into PSH Public Shares through a Dividend Reinvestment Programme ("DRIP") whereby shares are purchased in the open market by the administrator of the DRIP. Details about the DRIP are available at https://pershingsquareholdings.com/psh-dividend-information/ and through shareholders' brokers. Dividends will be paid in US dollars unless a shareholder elects to be paid in GBP. Shareholders electing GBP dividends must do so no later than the Currency Election Deadline. Further details about the currency election are available at Pershing Square Holdings' website https://pershingsquareholdings.com/psh-dividend-information/. About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (LN:PSHD) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund. Category: (PSH:CorporateActions) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005578/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Julia Tilley +44 (0)20 3781 8339, Media-PershingSquareHoldings@camarco.co.uk As of March 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents of positions were EUR 41.1 million 1 Revenues of EUR 0.3 million1 in Q1 2022 Regulatory News: MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the "Company"), a French clinical-stage biotech and a pioneer in the development of microbiome-based ecosystem therapies dedicated to improving survival outcomes for patients with cancer today reported its cash position as of March 31, 2022, and its revenues for the first quarter of 2022. Over the course of the first quarter 2022, the Company has continued its clinical development as previously announced in the context of its IPO in November 2021 such as: In January 2022, announcement of positive interim and preliminary data of its Phase 1b trial for MaaT033 in preventing complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - In March 2022, inclusion of the first patient in a Phase 3 trial "ARES" for drug-candidate MaaT013 in the treatment of Graft-versus-Host Disease - In April 2022, initiation of a Phase 2a trial, sponsored by AP-HP, evaluating MaaT013 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with melanoma Moreover, the Company entered a partnership agreement in February 2022 with Skyepharma to build, to date, France's largest cGMP manufacturing facility exclusively dedicated to the production of Microbiome Ecosystem Therapy (MET), thus increasing MaaT Pharma's manufacturing capabilities ten-fold in line with supply needs required by 2030. Cash position1 As of March 31, 2022, total cash and cash equivalents were EUR 41.1 million, as compared to EUR 43.3 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company believes it has sufficient cash to cover needs of the development programs presented during the IPO up until the end of the third quarter of 2023. Revenues in Q1 20221 MaaT Pharma reported revenues of EUR 0.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared with 0.1 million for the same period of 2021. Revenues correspond to compensation invoiced in relation to the compassionate access program, as approved by the French National Drug Safety Agency (Agence Nationale de Securite du Medicament or ANSM). In 2022, the program was fully active whereas in 2021 the program began over the course of the first quarter, thus explaining the year-on-year increase. Upcoming financial communication and investor conference participation May 31, 2022 Annual General Meeting June 7, 2022 Investor R&D Day June 30, 2022 9 th Portzamparc Annual Conference, Paris Portzamparc Annual Conference, Paris July 28, 2022 Revenues and Cash Position Quarter 2* September 15 16, 2022 KBCS Life Sciences Conference September 29, 2022 Half-year Results 2022* *Indicative calendar that may be subject to change. About MaaT Pharma MaaT Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, has established a complete approach to restoring patient-microbiome symbiosis in oncology. Committed to treating cancer and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, MaaT Pharma has launched, in March 2022, a Phase 3 clinical trial for patients with acute GvHD, following the achievement of its proof of concept in a Phase 2 trial. Its powerful discovery and analysis platform, gutPrint, supports the development and expansion of its pipeline by determining novel disease targets, evaluating drug candidates, and identifying biomarkers for microbiome-related conditions. The company's Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies are produced through a standardized cGMP manufacturing and quality control process to safely deliver the full diversity of the microbiome, in liquid and oral formulations. MaaT Pharma benefits from the commitment of world-leading scientists and established relationships with regulators to support the integration of the use of microbiome therapies in clinical practice. MaaT Pharma is the first company developing microbiome-based therapies listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT). Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 1 Unaudited data View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005784/en/ Contacts: MaaT Pharma Investor Relations Herve AFFAGARD Co-Founder and CEO Sian Crouzet, COO/ CFO +33 4 28 29 14 00 invest@maat-pharma.com MaaT Pharma - Media Relations Pauline RICHAUD Senior PR Corporate Communications Manager +33 6 07 55 25 36 prichaud@maat-pharma.com Trophic Communications Corporate and Medical Communications Jacob VERGHESE or Gretchen SCHWEITZER +49 89 23 88 77 31 maat@trophic.eu Regulatory News: Ontex Group NV (Euronext Brussels: ONTEX) today held its annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM). Shareholders voted in favor of all proposed resolutions. Among the resolutions presented, the Company's shareholders approved several (re)appointments to the Board of Directors. These included the reappointment of Inge Boets BV, with Inge Boets as permanent representative, as an independent director, and the appointment of two new directors, all for a period of four years. Ebrahim Attarzadeh was appointed as a non-executive director and Paul McNulty as an independent director, in each case on the proposal of the Board acting on the recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. Mr. Attarzadeh had been proposed for nomination by ENA Investment Capital LLC, one of the Company's reference shareholders. Mr. McNulty was proposed for nomination by Veraison SICAV Engagement Fund, one of the Company's smaller shareholders. Minutes of the annual shareholders' meeting can be found on the Company's website at: https://ontex.com/agm-shareholder-information/ About Ontex Ontex is a leading international provider of personal hygiene solutions, with expertise in baby care, feminine care and adult care. Ontex's innovative products are distributed in more than 110 countries through leading retailer brands, lifestyle brands and Ontex brands. Employing some 9,000 people all over the world, Ontex has a presence in 21 countries, with its headquarters in Aalst, Belgium. Ontex is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the Bel Mid. To keep up with the latest news, visit ontex.com or follow Ontex on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005930/en/ Contacts: Investors Geoffroy Raskin +32 53 33 37 30 investor.relations@ontexglobal.com Media Caroline De Wolf +32 478 93 43 93 caroline.dewolf@ontexglobal.com DGAP-News: exceet Group SCA / Key word(s): Quarter Results/Quarter Results exceet Group SCA: Financial Result Q1 2022 05.05.2022 / 18:01 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Financial Results Three Months 2022 For the three months 2022 exceet reports holding costs and discontinued operations Group EBITDA 1) EUR - 0.8 million (3M 2021: EUR - 0.5 million), represents the holding costs EUR - 0.8 million (3M 2021: EUR - 0.5 million), represents the holding costs Cash position amounts to EUR 113 million (31.12.2021: EUR 117 million) Grevenmacher, 5 May 2022 - After the sale of exceet Secure Solution GmbH and GS Swiss PCB AG in 2021 the remaining operating business of Lucom GmbH Elektrokomponenten und Systeme, which is still for sale, is disclosed as Discontinued Operations. Continued operations are only related to the Corporate Business, which comprises the holding companies with its administrative costs. exceet is currently evaluating various strategic options with regard to its future. The continued operating result of exceet represents the holding costs. These costs amount in Q1 2022 to EUR -0.8 million (Q1 2021: EUR -0.5 million). The increase is related to one-off costs in an amount of EUR 0.5 million still related to the sale of business in 2021. The financial results comprises administrative costs for the cash deposits in Q1 2022 about EUR -0.2 million (Q1 2021: EUR 0.0 million) and FX results for this period about EUR -0.1 million (Q1 2021: EUR 0.2 million). The profit of the discontinued business in Q1 2022 amounts to EUR 0,1 million, compared to EUR 1.8 million in Q1 2021 (Q1 2021 still includes GS Swiss PCB AG and exceet Secure Solutions GmbH). The balance sheet positions are significantly influenced by the the discontinued operation disclosure of the remaining operating company. As of 31 March 2022, the total assets of exceet Group amounted to EUR 118.9 million, compared to EUR 122.5 million as of 31 December 2021. The non-current assets amounted to EUR 1.0 million (31.12.2021: EUR 0.7 million) and increased by EUR 0.3 million due to financial investments. Current assets amounted to EUR 117.9 million, compared to EUR 121.8 million at year-end 2021. The decrease of the current assets of EUR 3.9 million reflects the decrease of the Cash position. Assets classified as held for sale amounts to EUR 4.7 million, compared to EUR 4.3 million at year-end 2021. The position includes non-current assets of EUR 3.1 million (31.12.2021: EUR 3.2 million) and current assets of EUR 1.6 million (31.12.2021: EUR 1.1 million). At the end of the reporting period, exceet Group's equity amounted, to EUR 117.1 million, against EUR 118.2 million as of 31 December 2021. This represents an equity ratio1) of 98.5% (31.12.2021: 96.5%). The non-current liabilities include minor amounts. The decrease of the current liabilities by EUR 2.5 million to EUR 1.8 million as of 31 March 2022 (31.12.2021: EUR 4.3 million) is mainly due to the decrease of other current liabilities of EUR 2,3 million and decrease of derivate financial instruments of EUR 0,7 million. Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale amounts to EUR 1.1 million (31.12.2021: EUR 0.8 million). The position includes non-current liabilities of EUR 0.4 million (31.12.2021: EUR 0.4 million) and current liabilities of EUR 0.7 million (31.12.2021: EUR 0.4 million). Outlook exceet started the financial year 2022 without continued operating business. While GS Swiss PCB AG and exceet Secure Solutions GmbH have been divested in 2021, Lucom GmbH Elektronikkomponenten und Systeme is still classified as discontinued operations (assets held for Sale). A structured sales process started and depending on the demand a sale is expected during 2022. Currently the operating result 2022 (EBIT) is dependent on the administrative costs for the holding companies and significantly from contributions of any new investments in 2022. The overall performance of the exceet Group (including discontinued operations) will be affected by the operative performance of Lucom GmbH Elektronikkomponenten und Systeme until divestment plus the potential gain of its divestment. Due to the high cash reserve from the divestments, exceet is currently enforced to pay administrative expenses to the banks, which will increase the interest expenses and impact the net result. The continued business currently comprises only the holding companies. For these companies exceet Group plans a loss of about EUR 1.5 million without costs related to planned investments and divestments. Annex: Performance and Structural Data Three Months 2022Performance Report on the Three Months 2022 available at https://www.exceet.com/Q1-2022-Report and Company Presentation at http://www.exceet.com/Q1-2022-Presentation Please contact for further information: Email: investor.relations@exceet.com exceet Group SCA 17, rue de Flaxweiler L-6776 Grevenmacher Phone +352 28 38 47 20 ISIN LU0472835155 (Public Shares), Regulated Market, Prime Standard, Frankfurt/Main exceet will announce half year results 2022 on 4 August 2022 (after closing of the market) About exceet exceet is a listed holding company and pursuing an opportunistic investment approach without a defined investment strategy. The investment focus is on seizing attractive risk / reward profiles without restrictions regarding the asset class, structure or duration of such investments. 05.05.2022 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de REVENUES OF 19,8 MILLION, UP 34% YEAR-on-year and 28% like-for-like [i] Raising current year financial objectives launch of strategic advisory board Consolidated data (000s) Q1 2021(*) Q1 2022 Change 2022/2021 Change [1] Like for like IFRS EMEA 6 150 6 070 -1% -2% USA / Canada 5 290 7 259 +37% +28% Latin America 1 725 2 089 +21% +14% Asia Pacific 1 631 4 410 +170% +153% TOTAL 14 796 19 828 +34% +28% (*) Following the disposal of t he Enterprise business, financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provision of IFRS 5 relating to discontinued operations Q1 figures are unaudited. Paris, May 5, 2022 - Ateme (ISIN: FR0011992700) generated revenues of 19.8 million in the First Quarter of 2022, up 34% year-on-year and by 28% on a like-for-like basis. EMEA revenues were virtually stable at 6,070K, down 1% year on year and 2% like-for-like, off a tough comparison basis in Q1 2021 (up 77% year-on-year) The USA/Canada region delivered revenues of 7,259K, up 37%, and by 28% like-for-like, making it the largest market at 37% of total revenues. Latin America revenues were up 21% to 2,089K, and by 14% on a like-for like basis. The Asia Pacific region delivered spectacular, 170%, growth (153% like-for-like) to 4,410K, with a significant contribution from most of the countries Ateme is operating in, including Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Monthly Recurring Revenues (MRR) rose from 1,960K in January 2022 to 2,011K in April 2022. This rise is limited, as it was in Q1 2021, due to seasonal factors, the first quarter being the lowest quarter every year. Trade shows are back After a two-year break, the NAB Show - the largest trade show in the industry - resumed last week in Las Vegas. Although overall attendance stood at circa 60% of pre Covid level, traffic at the Ateme booth was robust at almost 90 %. Ateme had the opportunity for the first time to demonstrate the potential of its Titan + Nea end-to-end solution for OTT delivery, eliciting strong interest from key existing and prospective US customers. Key demonstrations included: OTT low latency from the cloud, empowering streaming platforms to enhance the Quality of Experience for their subscribers; Monetization thanks to Dynamic Ad Insertion in both OTT and NextGenTV, the latest terrestrial standard for 400 million people across the US; 5G streaming for in-stadium spectator engagement; Reduced carbon footprint of the end-to-end video chain thanks to innovation in compression, streaming and delivery solutions. First Strategic Advisory Board meeting Ateme took the opportunity to hold the first meeting of its newly appointed Strategic Advisory Board, including executives from Comcast, Discovery, Liberty Global, Microsoft Azure and Pearl TV, and further members to be announced in the coming months. The Strategic Advisory Board serves as an external resource to Ateme's executive leadership and Board of Directors, helping the company address the transformation of the industry by reflecting on how content is and will be delivered and consumed, in a context where radical changes are expected as the boundaries between video delivery, gaming and social networks continue to merge. Raising current year financial objectives The strong end to 2021, solid growth performance in Q1 and the traction from the NAB show led us to revise upwards our financial objectives. We now expect revenue growth of 15-20% (like for like) for the current year (versus 10-15% previously) and an EBITDA close to 10 million (versus 5-10 million previously). We maintain our objective of 3 million in Monthly Recurring Revenues in 2024. Michel Artieres, Chairman and CEO of Ateme, commented: "2022 has begun with a flying start. 18 months after the acquisition of Anevia, the demonstration of the powerful combination of our end-to-end video delivery technologies has started and we are confident in exceeding our previous short-term objectives. Looking forward, we are preparing Ateme's future growth path and are excited by the launch of our Strategic Advisory Board." Upcoming events: July 12th, 2022: Second Quarter 2022 Revenues About Ateme: Ateme is a global leader of video compression and delivery solutions helping Tier-1 Content Providers, Service Providers and Streaming Platforms to boost their viewership and subscription engagement. Leveraging a unique R&D task force in the video industry, Ateme's solutions power green sustainable TV services, improve end-users' quality of experience, optimize the total cost of ownership of TV/VOD services and generate new revenue streams based on personalization and ad insertion. Beyond the technology agility, Ateme's value proposition is to partner with his customers by offering a great flexibility in the engagement and business models matching their financial priorities. A consequence is a rapid shift to Recurring Revenues, boosting the company resilience and creating long term value for the shareholders. Founded in 1991, Ateme has 490 employees spread over its headquarters in France and 20 offices around the world including the USA, Brazil, Argentina, UK, Spain, Germany, the UAE, Singapore, China, Korea, and Australia. Ateme has been listed on the Paris Euronext market since 2014 and in November 2020 it made the acquisition of Anevia, a provider of OTT and IPTV software solutions. In 2021, Ateme served close to 1,000 customers worldwide with revenues of 79 million, of which 93% outside its home market. Find out more: www.ateme.com. Name: ATEME - ISIN Code: FR0011992700 - Ticker: ATEME - Compartment: C Ateme INVESTOR RELATIONS PRESS RELATIONS Michel Artieres President and CEO Olivier Lambert Tel: +33 (0)4 72 18 04 91 ateme@actus.fr Anne-Catherine Bonjour Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 93 acbonjour@actus.fr DISCLAIMER This press release does not constitute or form part of and should not be construed as any offer for sale of or solicitation of any offer to buy any securities of Ateme, nor should it, or any part of it, form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever concerning Ateme's assets, activities or shares. All statements other than historical facts included in this presentation, including without limitations, those regarding Atemes' position, business strategy, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are based on management's current views and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks. For illustrative purposes only, such risks include but are not limited to impact of external events on customers and suppliers; the effects of competing technologies competition generally in main markets; profitability of the expansion strategy; litigation; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships in major businesses; and the effect of future acquisitions and investments. Ateme expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this presentation to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. These materials are supplied to you solely for your information and may not be copied or distributed to any other person (whether in or outside your organization) or published, in whole or in part, for any purpose. [1]At constant exchange rate and perimeter ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lZlrY5dplmqUy56eaclsa2Nrb5lomGLFZ5PJnGVxZZbGZ5xhm2mVZ8mYZnBlmW1s - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-74486-pr_ateme_q1_2022_revenue_eng-vdef.pdf Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): AGMEGM Evolva shareholders approve all proposed resolutions at the Annual General Meeting 2022 05.05.2022 / 18:05 Press Release (PDF) PRESS RELEASE Reinach, May 05, 2022 - Shareholders of Evolva (SIX:EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, approved all proposals put forward by the Board of Directors at Evolva's Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022 by large majority. Beat In-Albon, Chairman of Evolva, comments on the successful conclusion of the AGM: "We thank our shareholders for their ongoing support and for the approval of all suggested agenda items. Together with my colleagues on the Board and in close collaboration with our CEO Christian Wichert and his team, we strive to improve and accelerate the momentum of our company in the markets. The recent achievement of an important product-related milestone with a global customer, worth revenues of more than 20% of last year's total revenues alone, is a first fruit of our multiple initiatives to boost Evolva's growth." Elections Shareholders re-elected Beat In-Albon as Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as Stephan Schindler and Christoph Breucker as members of the Board of Directors, for a one year period. Shareholders elected Andreas Pfluger, a senior leader with broad international experience especially in consumer goods industries, as well as Andreas Weigelt, Board representative of shareholder Veraison, as new members of the Board of Directors. Shareholders further elected Christoph Breucker, Stephan Schindler and Andreas Pfluger as members of the Compensation Committee. Increase of conditional and authorized capital Shareholders approved to increase the conditional capital to 20% of the company's ordinary share capital and to increase the authorized capital to 10% of the ordinary share capital. Strengthening of shareholder rights Shareholders approved to strengthen the corporate governance and the shareholder rights by lowering the holding thresholds for convening general meetings to 5%, and for adding items to the agenda to 0.5%. In addition, the deadline for submitting requests for items to be included on the agenda will be shortened to 35 days before the AGM. Other aganda items and proposals Shareholders approved all proposals regarding the compensation of the Board of Directors and of the Group Management Team. Further, the shareholders approved the Management Report, the Statutory Financial Statements and the Consolidated Financial Statements 2021. Shareholders also approved the appropriation of the 2021 results, as well as the Compensation Report 2021 in a consultative vote. The Members of the Board of Directors and of the Group Management Team were granted discharge for the financial year 2021. Shareholders re-elected Mazars Ltd., Zurich, as auditors of the company, as well as Dr. Oscar Olano, Gyr Gossi Olano Staehelin Advokatur & Notariat, Basel, as independent proxy of the company, for a term of one year until the end of the Annual General Meeting 2023, respectively. Documentation and logistics The resolutions presented at the 2022 Annual General Meeting will be available on: https://evolva.com/shareholder-info/annual-general-meeting-of-shareholders/. In accordance with the "Swiss COVID-19 Ordinance 3", the 2022 AGM was held without shareholders being physically present. Accordingly, shareholders casted their votes by written or electronic power of attorney to the independent proxy. Given the recent easing of the pandemic situation, the company aims to hold the AGM 2023 again with physical presence of the shareholders. Important date(s) August 25, 2022 Half-year 2022 Report About Evolva Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellbeing and sensory enjoyment. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn . For Evolva multimedia content, please visit: evolva.com/multimedia-library . Contact Thomas Schneckenburger, PhD, CFA Head of Investor and Corporate Relations +41 61 485 2003 +41 79 407 9952 thomass@evolva.com Disclaimer This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws. This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. End of Media Release DUBAI, UAE, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The mission of 20 Tuscan entrepreneurial businesses - led by Confindustria Toscana with the support of Confindustria Toscana Servizi - took place at Expo 2020 Dubai. A multitude of projects to present, a single common denominator: the export of regional assets to the Middle East and to the world. The initiative is the result of cooperation with the Tuscany Region and the synergies activated by Confindustria Toscana, especially with the regional Department of the Economy. Led by Patrizia Pacini, President of the Unione Industriale Pisana, the Confindustria Toscana delegation met entrepreneurial businesses in the sector - - during the final days of the six-months World Expo. In close discussions with local management, the entrepreneurs who lead these Tuscan companies had the opportunity to introduce themselves, set out their companies' assets and network in a series of targeted B2B meetings. "Expo Dubai means exchanging knowledge and opportunities for our companies. We have therefore decisively organised this mission, the first since the pandemic, in a promising market that is constantly growing", stated Patrizia Pacini, President of the Unione Industriale Pisana. "About half of our exports to the Middle East go to the United Arab Emirates and around a quarter of the goods coming into this market from Italy were produced in Tuscany, the volume of which totals over 1 billion. Food, mechanics, lifestyle, fashion, sailing and ornamental stones, but also ICT and other industrial sectors: we are bringing 20 of our outstanding companies to the Expo. Bilateral business agreements have made it possible for them to enter a new market or consolidate their presence, which also strengthens the link between the Middle East and our industrial system. The synergy with the Tuscany Region, especially with its Councillor for the Economy Leonardo Marras, has been decisive and we are proud to promote this major opportunity for companies together with the region's institutions". Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares For immediate release 5 May 2022 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 15,500 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 811.16p per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 9 February 2022. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 2,178,107; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 222,813,196. The figure of 222,813,196 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 Coquitlam, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Greenbriar Capital Corp. (TSXV: GRB) (OTC Pink: GEBRF) (the "Company" or "Greenbriar") is very pleased to announce on Monday, May 9, 2022, a live webinar will be organized where the CEO of Greenbriar, Mr. Ciachurski, will discuss the latest exciting developments and answer all investors' questions. If you want to send in questions, please e-mail them timely to the host at sven.vandebroek@gmail.com. Link to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87106120098 Meeting ID: 871 0612 0098 Date: Monday, May 9, 2022 Time: 11 AM PDT (Los Angeles), 2 PM EDT (New York), 8PM (Brussels) Add to Google calendar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/tZMsd--prDsqE9y3_eeOI1mhEV7IsCa2RuBG/calendar/google/add Add to Outlook Calendar (.ics): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/tZMsd--prDsqE9y3_eeOI1mhEV7IsCa2RuBG/ics A recording of the webinar will be posted on: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoY-pNjZb2uaaM0U_JIsybw About Greenbriar Capital Corp. Greenbriar is a leading developer of renewable energy and sustainable real estate. With long-term, high impact, contracted sales agreements in key project locations and led by a successful, industry-recognized operating and development team, Greenbriar targets deep valued assets directed at accretive shareholder value. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Jeff Ciachurski" Jeffrey J. Ciachurski Chief Executive Officer and Director Phone: 949.903.5906 Fax: 604.608.9572 www.greenbriarcapitalcorp.ca The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and include any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Company's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These statements, however, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed, implied by or projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects, conclusions of economic evaluations, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy, as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this document or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122940 Tuscon, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Financial platform AL STOCK TRADES LLC has taken another step in the direction of educating, stimulating and inspiring people by launching services that will optimize returns on the money that low - and middle-income group people invest. The company endeavors to democratize financial information and introduce efficient money management and investment services with a view to achieving the best results for its clients. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Albert Alan from AL STOCK TRADES is working relentlessly towards helping to improve the financial health of lower income and middle-class investors. Alan's team has successfully implemented an educational platform that imparts knowledge to people, which they term Fundamental Analysis. Another landmark achievement of the team is the creation of proprietary software called BrainMachine and other machine learning algorithms, which will offer relevant information and knowledge to retail investors about Wall Street. AL STOCK TRADES democratizes financial information on many relevant aspects such as - dark pool data, insider trading, The House of Representatives and the Senate's stock buys and sells. As their startup grows, members are empowered with their newly acquired knowledge and are able to assess the intrinsic value of stocks and also learn the basics of business. CEO of AL STOCK TRADES: Albert Alan Designed BrainMachine a Proprietary Leading Edge AI Software Utilizing Machine Learning Algorithms in the Stock Market. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8404/122911_fb68ff7964363984_001full.jpg. Albert Alan uses his rich knowledge and expertise of thirteen years to empower people by igniting their true potential. He has teamed up with Chief Operating Officer Michelle Ennabe, to scale fundamental investing to historically marginalized populations that includes but is not limited to Arizona's educational system. "Not only does AL STOCK TRADES give you independent information on a range of financial matters, but my team is on-hand to answer your concerns and level the playing field for all new investors. You can also take advantage of our free trial to help you plan your trading affairs," said Albert Alan. AL STOCK TRADES educates people to make better-informed decision by learning about the most recent ways to invest, their performance, realistic potential returns and risks, as well as knowledge of market psychology, which offers valuable guidance for their investments. Interested individuals can visit the company website to avail their 3-day free trial or visit their YouTube channel for more valuable and informative content on trading. About AL STOCK TRADES AL STOCK TRADES LLC Is leading-edge in market analysis utilizing machine learning algorithms in the Stock Market to improve and democratize financial information for all. Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, AL STOCK TRADES connects retail investors from around the world to value Investing while bridging the gaps between fundamental and technical analysis. To learn more about AL STOCK TRADES and view the products they offer, visit their official website https://alstocktrades.com. COMPANY NAME: AL STOCK TRADES LLC CONTACT: Albert Alan EMAIL: al@alstocktrades.com WEBSITE: https://alstocktrades.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122911 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with Ayurcann Holdings, Affinity Metals, i-80 Gold, and Silver Bullet Mines on their latest news. The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives. Ayurcann Holdings (CSE:AYUR) receives flower sales license amendment from Health Canada Ayurcann Holdings Corp. (AYUR) has received its flower sales license amendment from Health Canada. The Flower Sales License will allow Ayurcann to sell dried cannabis flower products in Canada through authorized distributors and retailers. Ayurcann Holdings CEO Igal Sudman sat down with Coreena Robertson to discuss the news. For the full interview with Igal Sudman and to learn more about Ayurcann's news, click here Affinity Metals (TSXV:AFF) provides a deep dive into the Regal Project Corporate Development Manager Travis Steinke sat down with Coreena Robertson to take a deeper look at the company's Regal Project. The Regal Project is located within the northern end of the prolific Kootenay Arc, approximately 25 km northeast of Revelstoke, British Columbia. Travis also discussed the company's exploration strategy, given recent price action in the tin and zinc markets. For the full interview with Travis Steinke and to learn more about Affinity Metals' news, click here i-80 Gold (TSX:IAU) intersects high-grade gold in the Ogee Zone at Granite Creek i-80 Gold (IAU) has reported positive results from the final four holes completed in the 2021 underground drill program at the Granite Creek Property in Nevada. The drill program included positive results from initial drilling to test the down-dip potential of the Ogee Zone. i-80 CEO & Director Ewan Downie sat down with Coreena Robertson to discuss the results. For the full interview with Ewan Downie and to learn more about i-80 Gold's news, click here Silver Bullet Mines (TSXV:SBMI) provides operations update from the Washington Mine Silver Bullet Mines (SBMI) has provided an update on the current status of operations at its 100 per cent-owned Washington Mine in Idaho. The plan is to access the ore zone in June, commence production in July, and continue to work through the winter of 22-23. VP Capital Markets and Director, Peter Clausi sat down with Coreena Robertson to discuss the update. For the full interview with Peter Clausi and to learn more about Silver Bullet Mines' news, click here Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit The Power Play by The Market Herald. About The Market Herald The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets. DISCLAIMER: Report Card Canada Media Ltd. ("Report Card") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market Herald Limited, an Australian company ("Market Herald"). 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Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. CONTACT: The Market Herald Brianna Anthony brianna.anthony@themarketherald.ca themarketherald.ca SOURCE: The Market Herald View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700332/The-Power-Play-by-The-Market-Herald-Releases-New-Interviews-with-Ayurcann-Holdings-Affinity-Metals-i-80-Gold-and-Silver-Bullet-Mines VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / SILVER X MINING CORP. (TSX-V:AGX)(OTCQB:AGXPF) ("Silver X" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its attendance at two of the largest mining investor conferences to be held in Vancouver this month. The Metals Investor Forum will take place at Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver on May 15th and 16th. Silver X will be presenting live at the event at 3:30pm on May 15th and welcomes all existing and interested investors to attend. For more information click here. The Company will also be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC). The event, which usually takes place in January every year, brings together notable macro finance keynote speakers, newsletter writers and institutional and retail investors. Silver X Chief Executive Officer Jose Garcia will be participating on a main panel at the conference; 'Silver Forecast', on Tuesday May 17th at 9:10am in the Main Speaker Hall. The Company invites all existing and interested investors to attend the panel and meet the team at booth #628 on June 17th and June 18th. For more information click here. About Silver X Mining Silver X is a Canadian silver mining company with assets in Peru. The Company's flagship asset is the Tangana silver, gold, lead, zinc and copper project located in Huancavelica, Peru, 10 km north-northwest of the Nueva Recuperada polymetallic concentrate plant. Founders and management have a successful track record of increasing shareholder value. For more information visit our website at www.silverxmining.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jose M. Garcia CEO and Director For further information, please contact: Silver X Mining Corp. Jose M. Garcia, CEO and Director +1 604 358 1382 | j.garcia@silverxmining.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Silver X Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700337/Silver-X-Mining-To-Attend-May-Metals-Investor-Forum-And-Vancouver-Resource-Investment-Conference-In-Vancouver Company Signs Agreement in Bulgaria to Promote Energy Security Westinghouse Electric Company and Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), the state-owned energy enterprise, have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding to implement Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) in Bulgaria. The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria Alexander Nikolov. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006134/en/ Seated from left: Elias Gedeon, Westinghouse Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and Ivan Andreev, CEO of Bulgarian Energy Holding sign an agreement to promote energy security in Bulgaria (Photo: Business Wire) The agreement calls for the installation of two Pumped Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) units providing 2 GWh of sustainable energy storage. This significant addition will boost electric grid resiliency and provide an economic means to support and stabilize renewable energy generation in the country, with the potential to offset up to 0.7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The technology was developed within the Westinghouse family of companies. "The goal for carbon neutrality set by the European Green Deal is a serious challenge for the sustainable and competitive development of the energy sector," said Ivan Andreev, CEO of Bulgarian Energy Holding. "The reliability and affordability of energy systems based on various energy sources, such as wind and solar, may depend on the ability to store large amounts of generated low-cost energy for long periods of time. Large-scale deployment of LDES with the benefits this technology brings can significantly reduce the overall cost of future systems generating clean energy from renewables. BEH has a reliable partner with Westinghouse for an innovative and sustainable development of the energy sector in this country and the region." "Collaborating with BEH, the largest state-owned company in Bulgaria and a leader in the energy market, marks a significant step in our ability to provide countries with enhanced energy security options. We are providing an advanced long duration, grid-scale energy storage as a safe and reliable energy resource," said Elias Gedeon, Westinghouse Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations. "Together, we can achieve European and Bulgarian net carbon goals utilizing an efficient and cost-competitive energy storage technology." Westinghouse has developed a novel sustainable and scalable thermal storage technology and has partnered with Echogen Power Systems to meet the demand for LDES. Delivering 10 or more hours of reliable energy storage, PTES solves many of the challenges associated with other LDES applications, providing increased flexibility and class leading cost to manage fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. This solution features a design life of more than 50 years and utilizes low-cost, abundant materials, providing further advantages over common energy storage technologies. Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear technologies to utilities globally. Westinghouse supplied the world's first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the company's technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006134/en/ Contacts: Cathy Mann Media@westinghouse.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk will serve as the temporary CEO of Twitter (TWTR) for a certain period of time, following the completion of the $44 billion takeover of the social media platform, according to sources. An SEC filing on Thursday brought to light the fact that Musk got approximately $7.14 billion in equity commitments from friends and other investors to finalize the deal. Sources said that Musk decided on the investors himself. Investments into the purchase of the social media platform include $1 billion from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison to $5 million from Honeycomb Asset Management, which invested in SpaceX. Sources also said that Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey may back the takeover and Musk is holding discussions with him on contributing shares immediately or before the closing of the merger. The present CEO Parag Agrawal has only taken over from Dorsey last November. Till now, there has not been much discussion about whether Musk's takeover would also lead to a change in leadership. As per a Reuters report, Agrawal told employees during a companywide town hall meeting in April that the future of Twitter is uncertain under Musk. Agarwal said, 'Once the deal closes, we don't know which direction the platform will go.' He was responding to queries as to whether the company will allow former US President Donald Trump to return to Twitter following the Elon Musk acquisition. Trump was permanently suspended from Twitter last year. The Musk takeover of Twitter is happening at an important time for the company. Agrawal said that he would focus on growing the social media platform's daily active user base and bringing new products to customers. In its last earnings report, the company said that it now has 229 million monetizable daily active users, up 16 percent from last year. According to reports, while discussing the Twitter takeover before his investors, Musk told them that he felt Twitter's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin was too low and the company has 'too many engineers not doing enough'. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX TESLA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Steam Exchange, a homegrown Canadian cryptocurrency start-up, has partnered with Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Game Design co-op program to facilitate the buildout of an open-world educational metaverse. Users will have access to a wide range of learning modules that will be presented through gamification and AI learning. As a world-renowned leader in digital media and animation, Sheridan is uniquely positioned to educate the next generation of game designers. This partnership enables Steam Exchange to leverage the pool of talent, experience, and resources available at Sheridan, while providing real world experience and exposure to their students. The on-boarded students will work closely with Steam Exchange's Development and Leadership team to facilitate the buildout of a preliminary open-world concept that will be further developed as integrations allow. Neville Divecha, Co-founder & President of Steam Exchange mentions, "Learning and education is at the forefront of our guiding principles. We're all about providing our users with the information they require to make the most informed decisions. This may sound ambitious, but at Steam Exchange, we want to play our role in creating the next generation of 'smarter' investors and this ties in closely with our educational modules. Think about providing learning resources and opportunities across various age demographics - we do this in the form of our open-world, AI powered metaverse for the younger as well as millennial, and gen z age groups to provide a sense of nostalgia along with a dose of digital asset education. Active, in-person learning at our upcoming physical locations for the crypto-curious and those that prefer an in-person learning format, and of course, your traditional text, video, and audio means for everyone else in between. The brand identity and loyalty that we build through these initiatives are all auxiliary bonuses." Steam Exchange & Sheridan College partner up to develop an industry first GAMIFIED LEARNING experience To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8250/122963_77be5a963457ca1f_001full.jpg The Steam Exchange team also mentions that they plan on having an initial version of this metaverse accessible to their community in the upcoming months. Neville goes on to say, "There's going to be continual development on this initiative, especially as we build out our AI learning element with another partner university. We are excited to announce this long-term partnership with Sheridan and to onboard their students into our organization. We hope to leverage the experience of the entire Honours Bachelor of Game Design program. This is a much needed effort to help bridge the vast educational gap that currently exists in the digital asset realm." Resources: Rails Network blockchain documentation - https://steamexchange.gitbook.io/steam-exchange-rails-network/ Steam Exchange whitepaper - https://docs.steamexchange.ca Steam Exchange website - https://steamexchange.ca Twitter - https://twitter.com/Steam_Exchange About Steam Exchange Steam Exchange is an upcoming Hybrid Digital Asset Trading Platform (Centralized, and Decentralized built into a singular infrastructure). It was founded in 2021 and is registered as a corporation in Canada. Steam Exchange lays a heavy emphasis on education and learning and is currently working on their own blockchain in the form of the Steam Exchange Rails Network. About Sheridan An award-winning institution, Sheridan is a trailblazer in unique arts, technology and health care programs, Sheridan has always been on the leading edge of innovation ensuring students learn job-ready, practical skills and develop the confidence, empathy and problem-solving savvy that allows them to push boundaries in an ever-changing world. Learn more at sheridancollege.ca. Media Contact: Viraf Sam Chapgar marketing@steamexchange.ca This release contains forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment on what the future holds, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our opinions only as of the date of this presentation. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122963 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Victory Nickel Inc. ("Victory Nickel" or the "Company") (CSE:NI) (www.victorynickel.ca) As previously disclosed, Victory Nickel filed a proposal (the "Proposal") to restructure its debt under Part III, Division I of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (the "BIA") on April 14, 2022. A meeting of the Company's creditors was convened today to vote on the Proposal. On motion by the creditors, the meeting was adjourned to provide the Company with the opportunity to address concerns raised by its largest creditor with the objective of securing their support. Victory Nickel understands the urgency in reaching an agreement and will move as expeditiously as possible to reconvene the meeting. The Canadian Securities Exchange has determined that the stock will remain halted due to the Company's having fewer than the minimum required number of directors. After the untimely passing of Rene Galipeau, the Company has been left with two directors, which is fewer than the minimum of three directors required by the Canadian Securities Exchange. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Victory Nickel Victory Nickel Inc. is a Canadian company with significant NI 43-101 sulphide nickel resources in Manitoba and Quebec, containing significant NI 43-101-compliant nickel resources. Additionally, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Victory Silica Ltd., Victory Nickel has established itself as a producer and marketer of industrial sands in the western Canadian marketplace from its 7P Plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Contact: Victory Nickel Inc. Cynthia Thomas, Executive Chair & Interim CEO 312-618-4546 Email: admin@victorynickel.ca www.victorynickel.ca Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All information, other than information regarding historic fact that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future is forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release, including information related to the completion and outcome of any debt restructuring activities reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or modify such forward-looking information, either because of new information, future events or for any other reason. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. SOURCE: Victory Nickel Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700349/Victory-Nickel-Inc-Restructuring-Proposal-Update TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / Park Lawn Corporation (TSX:PLC, PLC.U) ("PLC") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Hudson Funeral Home & Cremation Services ("Hudson"), a business consisting of one stand-alone funeral home located in Durham, North Carolina. The transaction is anticipated to close in early June 2022 following the receipt of regulatory approval. "The addition of the Hudson business further expands PLC's footprint in North Carolina and allows us to enter the high growth markets of Durham and Raleigh. With over 100 years of dedicated service to its community, Hudson will be an excellent addition to our existing North Carolina businesses," said J. Bradley Green, Chief Executive Officer of PLC. Highlights of the transaction include: The addition of one (1) stand-alone funeral home. The transaction represents 341 calls per year and is expected to be financed with funds from PLC's credit facility and available cash on hand. Following the closing and integration, the Hudson acquisition is expected to add approximately US$832,000 in Adjusted EBITDA. 1 For the 12 months ended December 31, 2021, PLC had Adjusted EBITDA of US$76,284,577 and net earnings of US$27,812,866. The agreed upon purchase price multiple for the transaction is within PLC's publicly-stated targeted Adjusted EBITDA multiple range for transactions of this size and nature. About Park Lawn Corporation: PLC provides goods and services associated with the disposition and memorialization of human remains. Products and services are sold on a pre-planned basis (pre-need) or at the time of a death (at-need). PLC and its subsidiaries own and operate businesses including cemeteries, crematoria, funeral homes, chapels, planning offices and a transfer service. PLC operates in three Canadian provinces and sixteen U.S. states. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) relating to the business of PLC and the environment in which it operates. Forward-looking statements in this news release are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate", "pro-forma" and other similar expressions. These statements are based on PLC's expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding PLC's expectation that the Hudson acquisition will add approximately US$832,000 in Adjusted EBITDA. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions, including that PLC is able to obtain regulatory approval or satisfy regulatory requirements for the Hudson acquisition, the acquisition closes in the anticipated time frame, the acquisition will perform as expected following closing, PLC will be able to implement business improvements and achieve cost savings, PLC will be able to retain key personnel, there will be no unexpected expenses occurring as a result of the acquisition, the multiples remain at or below levels paid by PLC for previously announced acquisitions, the acquisition and financing markets remain accessible, capital can be obtained at reasonable costs and PLC's current business lines operate and obtain synergies as expected, as well as those regarding present and future business strategies, organic growth initiatives, the environment in which PLC will operate in the future, expected revenues, expansion plans and PLC's ability to achieve its goals. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in PLC's most recent Annual Information Form and Management's Discussion and Analysis available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, PLC assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Non-IFRS Measures Adjusted Net Earnings is not a measure recognized under IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Such measure is presented in this news release because management of PLC believes that such measure is relevant in evaluating PLC's proposed acquisition of Hudson. Such measure, as computed by PLC, may differ from similar computations as reported by other similar organizations and, accordingly, may not be comparable to similar measures reported by such other organizations. Please refer to pages 8 and 19 of PLC's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ending December 31, 2021, which was filed on SEDAR on March 3, 2022, for how the Company reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to the nearest IFRS measure. Contact Information Daniel Millett Chief Financial Officer (416) 231-1462, ext. 221 1Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of this news release for more information on this non-IFRS financial measure. SOURCE: Park Lawn Corporation View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/700305/PLC-Further-Expands-in-North-Carolina Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Sterling Metals Corp. (TSXV: SAG) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press releases of April 18, 2022 and April 21, 2022, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 15,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.40 per Common Share for a period of two (2) years from the closing of the Offering. Mathew Wilson, CEO, commented, "We would like to thank our existing and new shareholders for the overwhelming support in completing an over-subscribed private placement. The support shows great confidence in the work we have ahead and we look forward to our planned exploration program." In connection with the Offering, the Company paid certain eligible persons (the "Finders") a cash commission of $118,810 equal to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering delivered by the Finders and issued 594,050 broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") equal to 7% of the number of Units delivered by the Finders pursuant to the Offering. Each Broker Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.20 per Common Share for a period of two (2) years from the closing of the Offering. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for general working capital purposes. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. For more information, please contact: Sterling Metals Corp. Mathew Wilson, President & CEO Tel: (416) 643-7630 Email: info@sterlingmetals.ca Website: www.sterlingmetals.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122980 SoftwareONE Holding AG / Key word(s): AGMEGM SoftwareONE shareholders approve all proposals of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting 05.05.2022 / 23:18 SoftwareONE shareholders approve all proposals of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting Stans, Switzerland I 5 May 2022 - SoftwareONE Holding AG, a leading global provider of end-to-end software and cloud technology solutions, had all proposals put forward by the Board of Directors approved by its shareholders at today's Annual General Meeting. Jim Freeman was elected as new member of the Board of Directors. Rene Gilli and Jean-Pierre Saad did not stand for re-election and hence their term as members of the Board of Directors ended on the date of the AGM. At today's Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place in Stans without audience based on Article 27 of the COVID-19 Ordinance 3 of the Swiss Federal Council, shareholders approved all proposals through voting instructions to the independent proxy. The AGM approved the Annual Report (including the Management Report), the Annual Statutory and Consolidated Financial Statements for the financial year 2021 and, in a non-binding (consultative) vote, the Compensation Report for 2021. A dividend of CHF 0.33 per share was approved and will be paid out of non-Swiss capital contribution reserves on 11 May 2021. The shares will be traded ex-dividend as from 9 May 2021 and the dividend record date is 10 May 2021. The shareholders voted in favor of granting discharge to the members of the Board of Directors and the members of the Executive Board for the financial year 2021. The shareholders re-elected Daniel von Stockar as member and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Marie-Pierre Rogers, Jose Alberto Duarte, Timo Ihamuotila, Peter Kurer, Isabelle Romy and Adam Warby were re-elected as members of the Board, and Jim Freeman was newly elected, all for a one-year term of office until the 2023 AGM. It is intended that Jim Freeman will become a member of the Audit Committee. The shareholders also re-elected all members of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, Marie-Pierre Rogers, Peter Kurer, Adam Warby and Daniel von Stockar, all for a one-year term of office until the 2023 AGM. Daniel von Stockar, Chairman of SoftwareONE, stated: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our shareholders for their trust and support. We are particularly pleased to welcome Jim Freeman as a new member of our Board. With his proven expertise in products, technology and digital platforms, in addition to his broad business acumen, he will further complement the Board's diverse set of skills and thereby contribute to generating continued long-term value for our shareholders and customers. On behalf of the Board of Directors, and myself personally, I would like to thank Rene for having been an outstanding partner on this journey that has transformed SoftwareONE into what it is today. His longstanding partnership and valuable contribution over the years have been pivotal to the successful development of SoftwareONE. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Jean-Pierre for his support and valuable contribution as member of the Board. Over the years, Jean-Pierre provided strategic advice during a transformational period of the company and has been instrumental in accompanying us on this growth journey." The shareholders re-elected Keller KLG, Zurich, as Independent Proxy and Ernst & Young AG, Zurich, as Auditor for a one-year term of office. Furthermore, shareholders approved the maximum aggregate compensation of the Board of Directors until the 2023 AGM and the maximum aggregate compensation of the Executive Board for the 2023 financial year. The final results of the AGM are available here on SoftwareONE's website. CONTACT Sydne Saccone, Media Relations Tel. +41 44 832 82 53, sydne.saccone@softwareone.com Anna Engvall, Investor Relations Tel. +41 44 832 41 37, anna.engvall@softwareone.com ABOUT SOFTWAREONE SoftwareONE is a leading global provider of end-to-end software and cloud technology solutions, headquartered in Switzerland. With an IP and technology-driven services portfolio, it enables companies to holistically develop and implement their commercial, technology and digital transformation strategies. This is achieved by modernizing applications and migrating critical workloads on public clouds, while simultaneously managing and optimizing the related software and cloud assets and licensing. SoftwareONE's offerings are connected by PyraCloud, its proprietary digital platform, which provides customers with data-driven, actionable intelligence. With around 8,700 employees and sales and service delivery capabilities in 90 countries, SoftwareONE provides around 65,000 business customers with software and cloud solutions from over 7,500 publishers. SoftwareONE's shares (SWON) are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange. For more information, please visit SoftwareONE.com. SoftwareONE Holding AG, Riedenmatt 4, CH-6370 Stans CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This media release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to the group's future business, development and economic performance. Such statements may be subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, such as but not limited to force majeure, competitive pressures, legislative and regulatory developments, global, macroeconomic and political trends, the group's ability to attract and retain the employees that are necessary to generate revenues and to manage its businesses, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and general financial market conditions, changes in accounting standards or policies, delay or inability in obtaining approvals from authorities, technical developments, litigation or adverse publicity and news coverage, each of which could cause actual development and results to differ materially from the statements made in this media release. SoftwareONE assumes no obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.[*] disregard the previous Media Release, which included an error. End of Media Release Kinetix, a Paris, France-based AI-assisted 3D animation company, raised $11M in Seed funding. The round was led by Adam Ghobarah, Founder of Top Harvest Capital, with participation from The Sandbox & Zepeto, Sparkle Ventures, co-managed by Animoca Brands, Entrepreneur First, and entrepreneurs including Alexandre Yazdi (CEO of Voodoo), Xavier Niel (Founder of Station F), and William OFarrell (Founder of Body Labs and After Effects). The company intends to use the funds to accelerate growth and expand operations, and its business reach. Founded in 2020 by Yassine Tahi and Henri Mirande, Kinetix is a no-code platform allowing Web3 and content creators to transform any video into 3D animated avatars. By uploading video clips into the platform, everybody can generate fully featured 3D animations to share and integrate into virtual worlds, opening up new ways of self-expression in the Metaverse that will boost engagement and lead to the emergence of new categories of user-generated content-based (UGC) games and experiences. With it, everyone can now produce films, concerts, group dances and video games for virtual worlds. The Kinetix library includes assets from Adobe Mixamo and Ready Player Me. FinSMEs 05/05/2022 Measured, an Austin, TX-based platform to validate the business impact of media investments for consumer brands, raised $21m in funding. Telescope Partners made the investment. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate delivery to brands in need of incrementality solutions and expand development efforts that keep clients ahead of inevitable changes in the industry. Led by Trevor Testwuide, CEO and Cofounder, Measured is an incrementality measurement platform built to help DTC brands make smarter media investment decisions. Since the company was founded by attribution industry veterans in 2017, more than 100 customers like Fabletics, Faherty Brand, Grubhub, Mammut, Ruggable, Crocs, Olukai, Parachute, Ruggable, and Yeti, have used incrementality measurement to make informed decisions that increase media performance and drive business growth. FinSMEs 05/05/2022 Sidekick, a Berlin, Germany, NYC, Kopavogur, Iceland, and Gothenburg, Sweden-based digital therapeutics company, raised $55M in Series B funding. The round was led by Novator Ventures, with participation from Wellington Partners, Asabys Partners, and Frumtak Ventures, as well as a US-based strategic investor that will be revealed at a later stage. Novator Ventures general partner and founder Birgir Mar Ragnarsson joined Sidekicks board of directors in conjunction with the closing of the Series B financing. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the multi-chronic capabilities of its platform and continue to grow its commercial presence in the United States. Led by chief executive officer Dr. Tryggvi Thorgeirsson, Sidekick develops therapeutics developed and delivered with digital technology, addressing the same endpoints as traditional treatments such as small molecule drugs and biologics, but with the added benefit of giving people the opportunity to be actively involved in their own treatment. The company operates its platform in partnership with healthcare companies, including US-based health company Anthem Inc. to offer a digital-first care programs, as well as global pharmaceutical majors such as Pfizer and Bayer, to develop integrated combination therapeutics consisting of a molecular drug and a digital therapeutic. In 2019, Sidekick entered into a strategic partnership with Bayer to provide a digital therapeutic to patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). In 2020, Sidekick then secured a deal with Pfizer addressing five inflammatory diseases across Europe and beyond. Following this, the company assisted the Government of Iceland by providing the remote triaging, remote monitoring and management of people infected with COVID-19. Over the past year Sidekick has further increased its commercial footprint in the US, including a collaboration with Anthem to support members dealing with Crohns disease, COVID-19 and other chronic conditions. FinSMEs 05/05/2022 VitroLabs Cell Cultivated Leather VitroLabs, a Milpitas, CA-based biotech company, raised $46M in Series A funding. The round was led by Agronomics, with participation from Invest FWD, Kering*, Khosla Ventures, Leonardo DiCaprio, New Agrarian, and Regeneration.VC. The company intends to use the funds to fast-track commercialization, with expansion of scientific, manufacturing, and business development teams. Led by CEO Ingvar Helgason and stem cell scientist Dr. Dusko Ilic, VitroLabs is a biotech company developing a scalable tissue engineering platform for the efficient and environmentally friendly production of leather from only a few cells combining advanced tissue engineering processes with proprietary advances to achieve commercial scale. Since 2016, the company has been pioneering the material made by using advanced tissue engineering processes to create cell cultivated animal leather from only a few animal cells. VitroLabs has made significant progress on product quality in the optimization of cell expansion processes and proprietary design of a novel, large-scale tissue cultivator. Last fall, the company moved into its new, 45,000 square foot facility, designed for pilot production and laboratory space as they move towards commercialization. * Kering continues its partnership with VitroLabs in bringing support for product quality testing, tanning, and finishing. FinSMEs 05/05/2022 Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Cradle of young progressives still serves to inspire today's generation Ahead of National Youth Day, which fell on Wednesday, groups of students visited a key site in downtown Beijing to commemorate a patriotic mass student movement formed a century ago. The students headed to the Red Building, a four-story structure named after its red-brick walls and tiled roof, which used to stand on the main campus of Peking University. The building was the setting for early Communist revolutionary activities, and a century ago, a group of young progressives pledged themselves to Marxism there and searched for ways to rejuvenate the Chinese nation. The site became a cradle of the May Fourth Movement of 1919, which was formed on that date when about 3,000 university students in Beijing became its main force in opposing imperialism and feudalism. The May Fourth Movement spurred the spread of Marxism in China, particularly among the young people. In 1922, the Communist Youth League of China was established, and this year marks its centenary. The building now hosts a display of cultural relics, photographs and graphics in rooms on the former campus to illustrate how revolutionary stories unfolded in Beijing during the early 20th century. In one of the rooms, Zhang Xiaojun, a 20-year-old freshman, used her phone to take videos of photos and sculptures of young figures from the May Fourth Movement, sharing this footage with her classmates. "These young students from the past were great. Of course, we young people in China today have our own strengths, as we are innovative, ambitious and also willing to devote ourselves to such causes," she said. Zhao Qingyang, 44, a Communist Party of China member who works in Beijing, took his 10-year-old daughter to the exhibition twice recently, as he wants her to gain inspiration from such pioneering figures. "At a difficult time in history, many visionary people spontaneously formed the Marxist belief, which supported them in founding a new China," he said. Zhao added that members of the younger generation today also hold promise, as many of them play vital roles in fighting the COVID-19 outbreak and in relief work after natural disasters. On April 30, 2019, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said in a speech at a ceremony in Beijing to mark the centenary of the May Fourth Movement that young Chinese are always in the vanguard of the drive to rejuvenate the nation. He said the 100 years since the May Fourth Movement broke out in 1919 have witnessed the continuous struggle of generations of young Chinese, adding that they have devoted themselves to the great cause of revolution, development and reform led by the Party. Xi has called a number of times for young people to establish great ideals, love their country, bear responsibilities and promote the spirit of the arduous struggle in the new journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Hao Ruiting, a professor of youth movement history from the Central School of Communist Youth League of China, said the May Fourth Movement reflected the strengths of young people and prompted them to pursue truth and progress. The movement also paved the way for the founding of the Communist Party of China and the Communist Youth League of China, or CYLC, he said. In 1919, the May Fourth Movement spurred the spread of Marxism throughout the country. Two years later, the CPC was founded, and the following year, under the Party's leadership and promotion, the Communist Youth League was born. On May 5, 1922, the League held its first National Congress in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, with 25 members attending the meeting representing 5,000 others from across the country. The League was founded on the 104th anniversary of Karl Marx's birth. Hao said, "This had an important implicationthat it was a revolutionary group that believed in Marxism." According to the League's Constitution, it is a mass organization for advancing young people under the leadership of the CPC. It also acts as a school, where a large number of young people learn about socialism with Chinese characteristics and about communism through practice. The League also assists the Party and acts as a reserve force for it. The League's Central Committee works under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee. Local committees of the League work under the leadership of Party committees at corresponding levels and report to the League's higher-level organizations. As of Dec 31, the League had more than 73.7 million members nationwide, according to statistics released by the CYLC Central Committee on Monday. Some 43.81 million of its members are students, while the remainder are from enterprises, public institutions, urban and rural communities, social organizations, and in other fields, the data show. The members are 14 to 28 years old. A branch of the League should have a minimum of three members, and the CYLC had 3.68 million organizations nationwide by the end of last year, according to the statistics. Hao said, "Young people are the future and hope of a country and the vanguard of social reform," adding that as a Marxist political party, the CPC attaches great importance to educating and guiding young people and using their abilities. Cultivating a large number of people capable of shouldering the "mission of the times" was stressed in a landmark resolution on the Party's key achievements and experience over the past 100 years. The resolution stated that the cause of the Party and the nation requires the continuous efforts of Chinese communists over generations. The Party must ensure that this vitally important cause is advanced by future generations. Wu Qing, head of the Institute of Communist Youth League Work Theory, said establishing the League was a major action by the CPC to mobilize young people to take part in the great transformation of Chinese society. "This shows that the CPC fully recognizes the important position and role of young people in the development and progress of Chinese society," Wu said. He added that over the past 100 years, the CPC has led the League in promoting China's youth movement, an example of the Party ensuring there are successors to carry forward the great cause of realizing national rejuvenation. "The experience of the youth movement led by the Party shows that young people need to be better mobilized and organized," Wu said. Young people needed an organization to serve as their core leadership to better unite them and promote development of the youth movement, he said. "Without this, the youth movement was bound to be lax and weak." The League has the important task of organizing and mobilizing young people through its overall structure, Wu said. It has five levels of committees, ranging from central to township, as well as grassroots branches. "Some outstanding students join the League while they are at middle and high schools," he said, adding that its members are "advanced elements" among young people, who will encourage their peers to work hard for the Party and the nation. 1 2 Brandon, Man., May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas food processing sector is one of the countrys largest and most important manufacturing industries contributing more than $103.4 billion in shipping product each year, and two per cent in national GDP, according to Food Processing Skills Canada. As Canadas plant-based food and ingredient sector grows, so does the demand for skilled labour. Protein Industries Canadas latest co-investment will help ensure this fast-growing sector has the talent needed to support its future growth. Assiniboine Community College and Roquette are collaborating to develop and deliver Chemical Engineering Technology Diploma and Food Science Diploma programs to domestic and international prospective students in Canada. These are the first programs of their kind in Manitoba, with the Food Science Diploma being the first in the Prairies. The goal of these new programs is to ensure an adequate workforce for the evolving plant-protein processing and food and beverage manufacturing sectors. With support from Protein Industries Canada, Assiniboine Community College and Roquette Canada, the Government of Canada is helping to address the labour shortage faced by the plant-based food and ingredients sector. This project will help energize this critical industry by providing training and skills development to address challenges in plant protein processing and other food and beverage manufacturing across Canada, said the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. The innovative plant protein industry is experiencing marked growth at the same time as we are facing a significant shortage of skilled labour. This collaboration between industry and an educational institution to create programs that fully meet the needs of the workplace is a win-win solution for both students and agri-food companies, said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. To create the curriculum for both programs, the college will work with Roquette, which operates the world's largest pea protein plant in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, as well as consult other organizations in Canadas plant-based food and ingredient ecosystem. This engagement will identify the technical and employment skills needed from industry, which will also help students create connections with potential future employers. Providing students the training, skills and talent needed for careers in the food processing sector will expand the ecosystems capacity and create more jobs, from which companies of all sizes across the agrifood value chain can benefit. As a growing sector that promises to be a driver of Canadas economy, and an industry that will require an additional 17,000 new employees by 2035, it is critical that we develop programs to help build a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our industry partners, CEO of Protein Industries Canada Bill Greuel said. The Chemical Engineering Technology Diploma and Food Science Diploma programs from Assiniboine Community College and Roquette can create a diverse talent source for Canadas plant protein sector, which will result in more career opportunities for Canadians and growth for Canadas economy. The new three-year diploma programs will reflect the colleges Indigenization Strategy by partnering with Indigenous processors, communities, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The diploma programs will also be an integral part of the colleges planned expansion of agriculture training that will live in the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, a collaborative learning space for agriculture-related training and a Manitoba-made response to labour market gaps in the industry. The significant investment that industry leaders, like Roquette, have made in the ag sector in recent years brings with it an increased need for skilled, trained talent, Tim Hore, Dean, School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine Community College said. The Prairie Innovation Centre will be integral to meeting this need in Manitoba, and training that connects technology and innovation to agriculture is key to moving the industry forward. Protein Industries Canada and Roquettes investment into the evolving needs of this important sector will ensure both learners and industry are set for success. Roquette is pleased to partner with Assiniboine Community College to develop these in-demand diploma programs, Dominique Baumann, Managing Director for Roquette in Canada said. Theres never been a more exciting time for people to start a career in Canadas booming plant-based protein sector. Graduates of these programs will be well positioned for employment with any number of food processors and will play an important role in helping to increase Canadas at-home food production capacity. Over the past three years, Protein Industries Canada and industry partners have invested more than $485 million into growing Canadas plant-based food, feed and ingredient sector. The results of these investments include improved farming practices, increased sustainability, increased traceability, and the production of new ingredients and food products. Cumulatively, this will increase the choices available to Canadians on grocery store shelves, create jobs and improve the health of our environment. Protein Industries Canadas goal is to grow Canadas plant-based food sector to $25 billion a year by 2035 and create 17,000 jobs. CALGARY, Alberta, May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (Athabasca or the Company) announces that all matters presented for approval at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held May 4, 2022 have been fully authorized and approved. The items on the agenda included fixing the number of directors to be elected at seven, electing seven proposed director nominees and the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors. The results of the voting, inclusive of all votes cast and proxies received for each director nominee, which was conducted by ballot, are as follows: Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld No. % No. % Ronald Eckhardt 149,493,559 98.3% 2,530,075 1.7% Angela Avery 149,684,078 98.5% 2,339,556 1.5% Bryan Begley 116,492,843 76.6% 35,530,791 23.4% Robert Broen 150,141,285 98.8% 1,882,349 1.2% Thomas Ebbern 147,914,471 97.3% 4,109,163 2.7% John Festival 150,618,079 99.1% 1,405,555 0.9% Marty Proctor 147,055,152 96.7% 4,968,482 3.3% About Athabasca Oil Corporation Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Albertas Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabascas common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol ATH. For more information, visit www.atha.com. United States, Rockville MD, May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per industry analysis by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global microplate systems market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period of 2022-2026 and reaching US$ 1.1 Billion by 2026. The demand for Microplate Systems is expected to rise over the forecast period and the market is projected to gain a global market size worth of US$ 922.3 Million by the end of 2022. Browse in-depth TOC on "Demand of Microplate Systems Market" 25 Tables, 132 Figures and 170 Pages Microplate systems are widely recognized as one of the most important tools for studying how bacteria interact. Continuous focus on the miniaturization of diagnostic assays is projected to drive the microplate systems market considerably. Introduction of high-throughput assays and integrated systems is a crucial factor that is predicted to contribute to market growth. The market will benefit from equipment manufacturers' high focus on design advancements. For Critical Insights on Microplate Systems Market, Request a Sample Report https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=7306 Rising government initiatives across various emerging nations to implement advanced, automated diagnostics in healthcare systems are likely to bolster market growth. Significant advancements in assays in developed countries are projected to open up new opportunities in microplate system manufacturers. Rising investments in genomics and proteomics R&D, as well as increased use of immunoassays in the discovery and development of new treatments to combat various diseases, are propelling also market growth. Why is North America a Leading Market for Microplate Systems? Government Initiatives for Cell-based Research to Boost Industry Expansion in North America The market in North America is expected to increase significantly over the coming years. Government incentives for cell-based research and the growing acceptance of customized medicine can both be credited for a considerable share in North America. Increased academic and government funding in diagnostic research, as well as a greater focus on drug discovery and development, are driving the market growth in the region. To learn more about Microplate Readers Market, you can get in touch with our Analyst at https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=7306 Key Segments Covered in the Microplate Washers Industry Survey Microplate Systems Market by Product : Microplate Readers Microplate Pipetting Systems & Dispensers Microplate Washers Others Microplate Systems Market by End User : Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories Research Institutes Academic Institutes Competitive Landscape Key companies are employing various strategies such as highly-efficient and cost-effective technologies, mergers & acquisitions, and product releases to maintain a substantial position in the global microplate systems market. These efforts are creating the way for market players to expand their business and client base. With increased demand for microplate systems in the global market, prominent market participants are expected to witness significant opportunities over the coming years. For instance, Beckman Coulter, a global pathfinder in clinical diagnostics, launched the PK7400, a cutting-edge, completely automated microplate system for donor blood testing. Get Customization on Microplate Systems Market Report for Specific Research Solutions https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=7306 Key players in the Microplate Systems Market Agilent Technologies, Inc. Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Biochrom Ltd. Corning Incorporated Danaher Corporation Molecular Devices, LLC To understand how our report can bring difference to your business strategy, Purchase a copy of this report at https://www.factmr.com/checkout/7306 Key Takeaways from the Microplate Systems Market Study Global microplate systems market to reach US$ 1.1 billion by 2026. Microplate washers projected to reach US$ 125.1 million by 2026 Microplate readers projected to record 5.2% CAGR from 2022 to 2026 Market in Latin America to record 4.3% CAGR over forecast period Explore Fact.MRs Coverage on the Healthcare Domain - Antiseptic and Disinfectant Market Analysis- Despite mounting worries regarding organisms' increasing disinfectant tolerance, the antiseptic and disinfectant business is developing at a faster-than-average rate. Antiseptics and disinfectants are now available in a variety of formulations, including sprays, ointments, wipes, gels, and liquids, making them more convenient to use for end users. Dental Infection Control Products Market Trend- The global dental infection control products market is expanding rapidly, owing to increased demand for dental care products. This increase in demand is due to an increase in the incidence of oral diseases, a growing geriatric population with cavity issues, and changing lifestyles and eating habits. Dental Consumables Market Forecast- The dental consumables market is expected to rise steadily through 2030, driven by rising cases of tooth problems and demand for invasive dental procedures. Increased dental tourism in developing nations like China and India, as well as an increasing senior population, are all contributing to this trend. Dental Restoratives Market Size- Dental care requirements have resulted in a considerable shift in the type of dental care services, from traditional restorative to cosmetic and preventive. Generic factors, such as rising dental difficulties among the elderly, developing dental tourism, and an increase in the number of certified practitioners, are expected to boost the dental restoratives market. About Us: Market research and consulting agency with a difference! Thats why 80% of Fortune 1,000 companies trust us for making their most critical decisions. While our experienced consultants employ the latest technologies to extract hard-to-find insights, we believe our USP is the trust clients have on our expertise. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare & retail, our coverage is expansive, but we ensure even the most niche categories are analyzed. Our sales offices in United States and Dublin, Ireland. Headquarter based in Dubai, UAE. Reach out to us with your goals, and well be an able research partner. Contact: Mahendra Singh Japan Sales Office 4-1-1 Nakano, 9F Nakano Sunplaza Tokyo, 164-8512 Japan E: sales@factmr.com LAS VEGAS, May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GZ6G Technologies Corp. (OTCQB: GZIC), an enterprise smart solutions provider for cities, stadiums, universities and other large venues, today issued a statement regarding an unauthorized stock promotion of which it recently became aware. 1. In summarizing the Companys understanding of the promotional activities, please see the following: a. The Company became aware of an unauthorized stock promotion on April 27, 2022, via an email from the OTC Markets. As a result of the campaign, OTC Markets Group added a stock promotion icon to GZ6Gs trading symbol. b. The promotional activity has created an increase of trading on the market and has driven the stock down below $1.00. c. The Company has learned that the stock promotion is being run by the following three entities: StockStreetWire, StockWireNews, and SmallCapFirm, all owned by SWN Media LLC. The Company had no knowledge of this promotion and has no agreement with any of the three entities, or with SWN Media LLC. It appears that each of the three entities entered into agreements with Awareness Consulting Network, LLC to publicly disseminate information about GZIC, via website, email, and SMS beginning on 4/26/2022 and ending on 4/27/2022. SWN Media was paid $2,500 for each dissemination. The Company has no knowledge of Awareness Consulting Network, LLC and has no agreement with Awareness Consulting Network, LLC. The promotional material generally refers to news releases the Company has published and directs interested parties to go to the articles. The Company has reached out to each of the email addresses set forth in the promotional materials; however, it has not yet received a response. The Company does not endorse, support, or encourage any third-party promotions related to the Company, its stock or its stock performance. 2. Pursuant to OTCs guidance regarding Stock Promotion: Best Practices for Issuers, the Company has conducted a thorough investigation of its management, employees and consultants, and has determined that none have been or are currently involved in the stock promotion, nor has any sold or purchased the Companys securities within the period leading up to, during, or after the promotional activity. Additionally, the Company recently participated in a training session regarding information dissemination, led by PondelWilkinson, the Companys investor relations counsel. Further, none had any editorial control over the content of the promotional activities. 3. The Company does not believe the information provided in the promotional materials is materially misleading. 4. After inquiry of management, the directors and control persons, its officers, directors, any controlling shareholders (defined as shareholders owning 10% or more of the companys securities), or any third-party service providers have confirmed that they have not been involved, directly, or indirectly, in any way (including payment of a third-party) with the creation, distribution, or payment of promotional materials related to the Company and its securities. 5. After inquiry of management, the directors, control persons, and third-party service providers, the Company, its officers, directors, and any controlling shareholders, or any third-party service providers, it has been determined that none have sold or purchased the Companys securities within the past 90 days. 6. During the past twelve months, the Company entered into two agreements with Investor Relations and Professional Relations Firms. In November 2021, the Company entered into an Investor Relations Engagement Agreement with Pondel Wilkinson, Inc. In March 2022, the Company entered into a Professional Relations and Consulting Agreement with Acorn Management Partners, L.L.C. Neither company has engaged in any promotional activity such as the public dissemination of information regarding GZIC via website, email or SMS, nor have either of these third-party advisors purchased or sold any shares within the last ninety days. 7. The Company has issued shares and/or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance: a. On December 21, 2020, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Brian Scott Hale wherein, Mr. Hale purchased 600,000 shares at $0.25 per share; On January 11, 2021, 600,000 restricted common shares were issued to Mr. Hale. b. On December 21, 2020, the Company entered into a Loan Treaty Agreement with eSilkroad Networks Ltd., in the amount of $450,000; on April 6, 2021, the Company and eSilkroad entered into an extension of the Loan Treaty in the amount of $1,000,000, of which the Company has received proceeds of $1,200,000. Ruben Yakubov is the control person of eSilkroad. Terms of the Loan Treaty provide that funds received pursuant to the treaty may be converted into shares of the Companys common stock at $0.19 per share, a portion of which have been registered under a Form S-1. c. Additionally, the Company currently has an effective S-1 Registration Statement to allow it to receive funds up to $5,000,000 in exchange for shares at the purchase price of $0.30 per share under the terms of an Equity Purchase Agreement entered into on April 25, 2021, with World Amber Corporation. The Company has issued Put Notices in the amount of $100,000 to date, and 333,333 shares have been issued under this effective S-1 Registration Statement. This S-1 received Effect on September 27, 2021. Yohanan Aharon is the control person of World Amber Corporation. d. Further, the Company filed an S-1 Registration Statement on January 25, 2022, to allow it to receive funds up to $10,000,000 from Mast Hill Fund, L.P. (MHFLP) in exchange for shares at the purchase price of $2.00 per share. The actual amount of proceeds we receive pursuant to each Put Notice (each, the Put Amount) is determined by multiplying the Put Amount Requested by the applicable purchase price. The purchase price for each of the Put Shares equals 90% of the Market Price, which is defined as the average of the two (2) lowest volume weighted average prices of our Common Stock during the Valuation Period. The Valuation Period is the seven (7) trading days immediately following the date MHFLP receives the Put Shares in its brokerage account. This S-1 Registration Statement is not yet Effective. Patrick Hassani is the control person of Mast Hill Fund, L.P. Each of the S-1 Registration Statements discussed above include a table showing possible dilution of the current issued and outstanding shares of GZ6G Technologies should all of the shares that are registered be issued and/or sold. Further, and pursuant to OTCs guidance, the Company directs investors to its Form S-1 Registration Statements filed with the SEC, and available at www.sec.gov. In these Form S-1 filings, the Company disclosed outstanding notes, the registration of certain securities underlying certain of these notes, and the issuance of non-registered securities. e. On November 3, 2021, the Company entered into a Promissory Note, in the amount of $560,000, with Mast Hill Fund, L.P. (Patrick Hassani, control person), which can be converted into shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. f. On November 20, 2021, the Company issued a Common Stock Purchase Warrant to Mast Hill Fund, L.P., which, when exercised, allows for the purchase of 560,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. g. On November 11, 2021, the Company issued a Common Stock Purchase Warrant to J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc. (Xavier Vicuna, Vice President), which, when exercised, allows for the purchase of 10,487 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. h. On December 16, 2021, the Company entered into a Promissory Note, in the amount of $560,000, with Talos Victory Fund, LLC (Thomas Silverman, control person), which can be converted into shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. i. On December 16, 2021, the Company issued a Common Stock Purchase Warrant to Talos Victory Fund, LLC, which, when exercised, allows for the purchase of 560,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. j. On April 4, 2022, the Company entered into a Promissory Note, in the amount of $365,000, with Mast Hill Fund, L.P. which can be converted into 365,000 shares, at $1.00 per share. k. On April 4, 2022, the Company issued a Common Stock Purchase Warrant to Mast Hill Fund, L.P., which, when exercised, allows for the purchase of 365,000 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share. The Company encourages investors to rely only on information that is publicly filed and released by the Company and its authorized investor relations team. About GZ6G Technologies GZ6G Technologies provides smart digital technologies through its proprietary platform to offer 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technology applications to large venues, including stadiums and universities, and municipalities nationwide. Through a family of four business units, the Company advises on critical decisions about how best to store, process and protect data, upgrade facilities and building operations with emerging wireless and IoT applications, and help create new revenue streams and profit centers. For more information, visit www.gz6g.com . Safe Harbor Statement In addition to historical information, this press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Companys ability to provide robust solutions to a growing customer base. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include the intent, belief, or expectations of the Company and members of its management team with respect to the company's future business operations, including comments about its ability to implement strategic growth plans, and attract high-profile customers, and the assumptions upon which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to, failure to complete anticipated sales under negotiations, lack of revenue growth, client discontinuances, failure to realize improvements in performance, efficiency and profitability, and adverse development with respect to litigation or increased litigation costs, the operation or performance of the Company's business units or the market price of its common stock. Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated within this press release can also be found in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and on the Company's website. GZ6G Technologies denies any responsibility to update any forward-looking statements. For more information, contact: Coleman Smith, GZ6G Technologies Corp. Cole@greenzebra.net Investor Relations Roger Pondel/Laurie Berman, PondelWilkinson Inc. ir@greenzebra.net 310-279-5980 KIRKLAND, Wash., May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The beneficial ownership of Canadian National Railway Company (CN) by William H. Gates III has decreased due to dispositions. On May 4, 2022, Cascade Investment, L.L.C. (Cascade) sold 1,005,271 common shares of CN (Common Shares) listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange at a weighted average sales price of $155.1481 per share, for gross proceeds of $155,965,885.64. Following completion of its disposition, Cascade owns 64,997,312 Common Shares, representing approximately 9.37% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Immediately prior to the disposition, Cascade had owned 66,002,583 Common Shares, representing approximately 9.51% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. As the sole member of Cascade, Mr. Gates beneficially owns the Common Shares owned by Cascade. On the same day, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (the Trust) sold 191,122 Common Shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange at a weighted average sales price of $155.1481 per share, for gross proceeds of $29,652,215.17. Following completion of its disposition, the Trust owns 12,357,305 Common Shares, representing approximately 1.78% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Immediately prior to the disposition, the Trust had owned 12,548,427 Common Shares, representing approximately 1.81% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Mr. Gates is deemed to share beneficial ownership of, but has no economic interest in, Common Shares owned by the Trust, a charitable trust for which Mr. Gates serves as a Co-Trustee. Through Cascade and the Trust, Mr. Gates is deemed to have beneficial ownership of an aggregate 77,354,617 Common Shares, representing approximately 11.15% of the issued and outstanding Common Sharesdown from 78,551,010 Common Shares owned by Cascade and the Trust immediately prior to the disposition, which had represented 11.32% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (a change of 0.17%). A senior investment manager for Mr. Gates, Justin Howell, serves on CNs board of directors. Each of Cascade and the Trust acquired its Common Shares for investment purposes. Cascade or the Trust may increase or decrease their ownership of securities of CN depending upon future market conditions or for portfolio-management purposes. CNs head office is located at 935 de La Gauchetiere Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9. The business address for Mr. Gates is 500 5th Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE CORRESPONDING EARLY WARNING REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT: Jacki Badal, Attorney Tel: +1 (425) 889-7900 The issuance of this news release is not an admission that any person or entity named in this release owns or controls any described securities or is a joint actor with any other named person or entity. English Dutch Lochem, 5th of May 2022 ForFarmers first quarter 2022 Trading Update Highlights first quarter 20221 : Volume Total Feed 2 : down by -7.3%; decline in all countries except Poland of which compound feed: down by 8.2% : down by -7.3%; decline in all countries except Poland of which compound feed: down by 8.2% Gross profit: up by 9.3%; compared to weak gross profit in first quarter of 2021 Underlying EBITDA: down by 47.2% ; substantially higher prices for raw materials, energy and diesel could not be passed on fully in the chain. Roeland Tjebbes, CFO and ad-interim CEO of ForFarmers: The first quarter of 2022 was mainly dominated by the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia resulting in awful human suffering. The war also impacts the availability of raw materials, a situation which we are continuously monitoring. Up to now we have succeeded in continuing to supply feed to our customers and based on the current insights we can continue to do so. In line with our previously stated expectations, we could not fully pass on the price increases of raw materials and energy, which were eve higher than expected due to the outbreak of the war. As result, we realised a substantially lower underlying EBITDA in the past quarter despite continued cost savings. Recently, we see some movement in the food chain to make consumers pay for the heavily oppressive energy and fuel costs. It is, however, too soon to draw any conclusions from this. In the meantime, the European agricultural sector is fully committed to continuing to ensure food security in a sustainable way. We contribute to this by providing innovative solutions for livestock farmers to help them improve their production and returns on-farm while decreasing their footprint at the same time. This remains the core of our strategy, of which the review is progressing smoothly. We expect to communicate more about this after the summer, following the appointment of Chris Deen by the general meeting of shareholders. 1. Results and developments of the first quarter 2022 are compared to those of the first quarter 2021, unless stated differently 2. Total Feed covers the entire ForFarmers product portfolio and comprises compound feed, specialties, co-products (from the feed industry, referred to as DML products), seeds and other products (such as forage) This press release contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. Read the full press release on the website or open the pdf via the link at the bottom of this message. Attachment English Danish ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 112 - 5 MAY 2022 At the annual general meeting on 24 March 2022 and the extraordinary general meeting on 6 April 2022 convened in Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S, a proposal was adopted to reduce the Companys share capital by nominally DKK 2,200,000 from 39,200.000 to DKK 37,000.000 by cancellation of treasury shares. The deadline for creditors to file their claims against the Company has now expired, without any claims being filed. The Board of Directors has therefore decided to implement the capital reduction, and the capital reduction has been registered with the Danish Business Authority. As a result of the capital reduction, the Companys Articles of Association have been changed with regard to the size of the share capital. The updated Articles of Association can be found on the Companys website. The share capital of the Company is hereafter DKK 37,000,000. After the cancellation of treasury shares, the Companys holding of treasury shares represents 1,604,490 shares, corresponding to 4.34%. Kind regards, Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S Klaus Nyborg Chairman For further information: Thomas France, Investor Communications Partner, tel.: +45 3273 0629, e-mail: tfr@norden.com Attachment Dublin, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Aircraft Electrification Market by Technology (More Electric, Hybrid Electric, Fully Electric), Component, Application, System, Platform (Commercial, Military, Business & General Aviation, UAV, AAM) and Region - Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The market for aircraft electrification is estimated to be USD 6.0 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 20.0 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.3% The growth of this market is mainly driven by increase in adoption of cleaner and greener aircraft, developments in advanced air mobility and alternative sources of energy. The aircraft electrification market is dominated by a few globally established players such as Honeywell International Inc. (US), Safran (France), Thales Group (France), Raytheon Technologies (US), GE Aviation (US). These players have spread their business across various countries including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. COVID-19 has impacted their businesses as well. Industry experts believe that COVID-19 could affect aircraft electrification production and services by 7-10% globally in 2020. Lithium-sulfur and lithium titanate batteries are fueling the battery segment which is projected to be the highest in the aircraft electrification market during the forecast period. Based on component, the battery segment is estimated to lead the market during the forecast period, with a share of 24.3% in 2021. Lithium-sulfur is one of the battery technologies competing to supersede lithium-ion as the major battery technology of the next generation. The ability of Li-S batteries to store and release energy offers an opportunity to create batteries that hold as much as five times more charge than lithium for a given size and weight of the cell. Lithium titanate or lithium titanium oxide is a type of rechargeable battery, it can charge faster than other lithium-ion batteries but has a lower energy density. The hybrid electric segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on technology, the hybrid electric segment is projected to be the highest CAGR rate for the aircraft electrification market during the forecast period. Hybrid electric technology uses both airplane fuel as well as electricity to drive the propulsion system. This technology helps reduce fuel burn, energy consumption, emissions, and noise for single-aisle passenger aircraft. Solar-powered and fuel-powered are two types of power sources available in hybrid propulsion. The power generation segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on application, the power generation segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the aircraft electrification market during the forecast period. In an aircraft, power is generated with the support of an integrated drive generator, a variable frequency generator, an auxiliary power unit, and an external ground power unit. In conventional aircraft, power is generated using mechanical hydraulic and pneumatic systems, while in advanced aircraft, power is generated by an electric generator. Key aircraft manufacturers prefer integrated drive generators over variable frequency generators in wide-body aircraft and very large aircraft, as these generators are more reliable and efficient. The business and general aviation segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period Based on platform, the business and general aviation segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the aircraft electrification market during the forecast period. The growth of the business & general aviation segment of the market can be attributed to the increase in corporate profits, rise in the number of high-net-worth individuals, and an increase in the replacement demand for existing business jets with new ones. The propulsion system segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period Based on system, the propulsion system segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR rate for the aircraft electrification market during the forecast period. Electrification of propulsion systems is expected to boost the power for take-off, thereby creating an efficient electrical replacement for a regular turbofan with a 2-megawatt liquid-cooled electric motor. Electrical propulsion systems are expected to reduce fuel burn substantially, leading to a decrease in atmospheric emissions. The North American market is projected to contribute the largest share from 2021 to 2030 The key factor responsible for North America leading the aircraft electrification market is the high demand for new aircraft in the region. The growing upcoming projects, and the emergence of several startups supporting the electrification in the aviation industry are additional factors influencing the growth of the North American aircraft electrification market. Premium Insights Increasing Need for Cleaner and Quieter Aircraft Expected to Drive Market from 2O21 to 2030 Fully Electric Aircraft Segment Projected to Lead Market from 2021 to 2030 UAV Segment Projected to Lead Market from 2021 to 2030 Market in Mexico Projected to Grow at Highest CAGR from 2021 to 2030 Market Dynamics Drivers Low Operational Costs Growing Need for Cleaner and Quieter Aircraft Advances in Batteries, Electric Motors, and Power Electronics Rise in Demand for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Surging Demand for Electrical Systems in Aircraft Restraints Limited Range of Electric Aircraft Power Density Limitations of Electric Propulsion Technology High Voltage and Thermal Issues of Aircraft Electrical Systems Increased Aircraft Weight due to Heavy Batteries Opportunities Emergence of Alternative Power Sources for Electric Power Generation Development of Lithium-Ion Batteries Development of Advanced Power Electronics Components Emergence of Advanced Air Mobility Challenges Development of Batteries Having Higher Energy Densities Battery Recharging Infrastructure at Airports Ensuring Airworthiness of Electric Aircraft Value Chain Analysis Raw Materials R&D Component Manufacturing OEMs End-users After-Sales Services Market Ecosystem Map Prominent Companies Private and Small Enterprises End-users Trends and Disruptions Impacting Customer's Business Rising Need for Cleaner and Sustainable Aircraft to Drive Market Growth Tariff and Regulatory Landscape European Aviation Safety Agency Framework for VTOL Aircraft Federal Aviation Administration Rules for Unmanned Aircraft System Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Guidelines for Electric Motors in Aircraft European Union (Eu) Ecodesign Regulation Case Study Analysis Joby Aerospace Completes All-Electric Flight with Electric Vertical Take-Off Air Taxi Eviation Offers Alice, a 9-Passenger Electric Propeller-Powered Airplane Extra Aircraft's Extra 330Le Electric Plane Powered by Siemens Electric Drive System Rolls Royce's First All Electric Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight Use of Electric Motors in More Electric Aircraft by Honeywell Parker Used Ametek's Hydraulic Pump Motor for the Us Airforce's Next Generation T-X Jet Trainer Aircraft Technology Analysis Turbogenerators for Powering Electric Motors and Batteries Electric Actuators Fly by Wire Industry Trends Emerging Industry Trends Upcoming Trends in Hybrid and Electric Propulsion Multifunctional Structures for High-Energy Lightweight Loadbearing Storage (M-Shells) Integrated Computational-Experimental Development of Li-Air Batteries for Electric Aircraft (Li-On) High Voltage Hybrid Electric Propulsion (Hvhep) Compact High Power Density Machine-Enabled by Additive Manufacturing Design Environment for Novel Vertical Lift Vehicles - Cryocooling Hep Task (Deliver) Fostering Ultra-Efficient, Low-Emitting Aviation Power (Fueleap) Scalable Convergent Electric Propulsion Technology and Operations Research (Sceptor) Distributed Electric Propulsion (Dep) Electric Component Technology Trends 50Kg Electric Motor Fuel Cell Technology Hydrogen Fuel Cells Advanced Batteries Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Nasa Future Aircraft Technologies Nasa Future Aircraft Electric Machines Nasa Future Aircraft Converters Nasa Future Aircraft Materials Soft Magnetic Materials New Insulation Materials High-Conductivity Copper/Carbon Nanotube Conductor Development of the Superconducting Wire Urban Air Mobility Energy Harvesting High Power Batteries and Motors Cyclo-Rotor Evtol Company Profiles Honeywell International Inc. Safran Thales Group Raytheon Technologies General Electric Ametek, Inc. Meggitt plc Bae Systems Eaglepicher Technologies LLC Astronics Corporation Crane Aerospace & Electronics Magnix Pbs Aerospace Acme Aerospace Inc. & Avionic Instruments, LLC Nabtesco Corporation Carlisle Interconnect Technologies Hartzell Engine Technologies Pioneer Magnetics Radiant Power Corporation Enersys Crouzet Automatismes Cts Corporation Lee Air, Inc. Electromech Technologies Aegis Power Systems, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wunqjs Attachment Dublin, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Medical Radiation Detection, Monitoring & Safety Market by Detector (Gas-Filled, Scintillators, Solid-State), Product (Personal Dosimeters, Passive Dosimeters), Safety (Full-Body Protection), End-user (Hospitals, Non-Hospitals), and Region - Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety is projected to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2027 from USD 1 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Growth in this market is mainly driven by factors such as the growing geriatric population, the growing number of radio diagnostic procedures performed, the rising adoption of radiation therapy, and the implementation of favorable government initiatives, and the high prevalence of cancers. The gas-filled detectors segment accounted for the highest growth rate in the medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market, by detector type, during the forecast period The medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market is segmented into gas-filled detectors, solid-state detectors, and scintillators based on type of detector. The gas-filled detectors accounted for the largest share of the medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market in 2021, mainly due to the favorable performance-to-cost ratio of gas-filled detectors and their wide applications in the medical imaging field. Hospitals segment accounted for the highest CAGR Based on end users the medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market is segmented into hospitals and non-hospitals. In 2021, the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market. The increasing number of hospitals across the globe is driving the growth of this segment. Asia Pacific: The fastest-growing region medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market The Asia Pacific region is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Factors such as the growing number of hospitals, the rising incidence of cancer, an increased number of installations of radiological imaging systems, and the rising adoption of radiation therapy for the treatment of diseases are driving the growth of the Asia Pacific medical radiation detection, monitoring, & safety market. Premium Insights Increasing Prevalence of Cancer and Growing Geriatric Patient Population to Drive Market Growth Gas-Filled Detectors Segment to Dominate Market in 2027 Personal Dosimeters Segment to Dominate Market During Forecast Period Full-Body Protection Segment to Dominate Market During Forecast Period Hospitals to Dominate the Market in 2027 Asia-Pacific to Register Highest Growth Rate in Market During Forecast Period Market Dynamics Drivers Increasing Use of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy for Diagnosis and Treatment Rising Prevalence of Cancer Increasing Safety Awareness Among People Working in Radiation-Prone Environments Growing Number of Orthopedic and Spine Surgeries Growth in the Number of PET/CT Scans Increasing Number of Trained Radiology Technologists Opportunities R&D for Technological Advancement Challenges Stringent Regulatory Requirements High and Growing Cost of Lead COVID-19 Impact on the Medical Radiation Detection, Monitoring and Safety Market Lists of Companies Profiled Fortive (US) Mirion Technologies, Inc. (US) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (US) Ludlum Measurements, Inc. (US) IBA Worldwide (Belgium) AliMed, Inc. (US) Polimaster Ltd. (Republic of Belarus) AmRay Group (Ireland) Infab, LLC (US) Burlington Medical (US) Bertin Instruments (France) Radiation Detection Company (RDC) Inc. (US) Arrow-Tech, Inc. (US) Centronic (UK) SE International, Inc. (US) ATOMTEX (Belarus) Nucleonix Systems (India) Alpha Spectra, Inc. (US) LND (US) Bar - Ray Products (US) Trivitron Healthcare (India) Micron Technology, Inc. (UK) Scionix Holland (Netherland) Lite Tech Industries, LLC (US) BLOXR Solutions, LLC (US) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/dj48fv Attachment Portland, OR, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global hydrazine market generated $510.95 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $806.09 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.7% from 2021 to 2030. The report provides a detailed analysis of changing market dynamics, top segments, value chain, key investment pockets, regional scenario, and competitive landscape. Increase in need for agrochemicals and rise in demand for high-quality agricultural products drive the growth of the global hydrazine market. However, presence of extreme toxicity in hydrazine that can cause seizures & tumors and various environmental and industry regulations imposed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health restrain the market to some extent. On the other hand, rise in demand for polymer foams from the polymer industry presents new opportunities in the upcoming years. Download Sample PDF (141 Pages PDF with Insights): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/1875 COVID-19 scenario: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of global lockdown and temporary closure of operations of the chemicals industry, thereby affecting the overall growth of the global hydrazine market. Restrictions on international trade caused disruptions in the supply chain, which in turn, declined the demand in the market, especially during the initial period. However, demand for hydrazine hydrate in pharmaceutical and water treatment segments did not affect by the crisis. The report offers detailed segmentation of the global hydrazine market based on product type, application, and region. Based on application, the blowing agent segment held the largest market share in 2020, holding nearly one-third of the total market share, and is expected to continue its leadership status during the forecast period. The report also analyzes the segments including water treatment, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and others. Request the Covid19 Impact Analysis @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/1875?reqfor=covid Based on region, Asia-Pacific contributed to the highest share in terms of revenue in 2020, holding more than one-third of the total market share, and is estimated to continue its dominant share by 2030. Moreover, the same region is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Other regions discussed in the report include North America, Europe, and LAMEA. Leading players of the global hydrazine market analyzed in the research include Arkema Inc., Bayer AG, Fisons plc, Arrow Fine Chemicals, Arch Chemicals, Inc., Nippon Carbide Industries Co. Inc., Japan Finechem Company, Inc., Lanxess AG, Lansdowne Chemicals, and Hidkim. Interested in Procuring this Report? Visit Here: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/hydrazine-market/purchase-options Avenue Basic Plan | Library Access | 1 Year Subscription | Sign up for Avenue subscription to access more than 12,000+ company profiles and 2,000+ niche industry market research reports at $699 per month, per seat. For a year, the client needs to purchase minimum 2 seat plan. Avenue Library Subscription | Request for 14 days free trial of before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/avenueTrial Get more information: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. New York, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Impact COVID-19 on Automotive Fuel Cell Market : Segmented; By Electrolyte Type, By Vehicle type, By Component, And Region Global Analysis of Market Size, Share & Trends For 20192020 And Forecasts To 2031" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06272884/?utm_source=GNW This sort of fuel is stored in a high-pressure tank and then supplied in a fuel cell stack, wherein oxygen and hydrogen from the air react to generate electricity. Unlike typical fuel cell vehicles, which usually run-on diesel/gasoline, fuel cell vehicles generate electricity using a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. For its operation, fuel cells typically consume oxygen from the atmosphere & compressed hydrogen. Because most fuel cells emit only water and heat, they are designated as zero-emission vehicles. For automakers, automotive technology is an appealing offer since it allows them to produce high-energy cells capable of powering vehicles. Market Highlights Global Automotive Fuel Cell market is expected to project a notable CAGR of 47.4% in 2031. The worldwide Automotive Fuel Cell industry is predicted to grow due to factors such as government backing and policies, as well as increased consumer awareness. Furthermore, the Automotive Fuel Cell Market is being driven by new developments in fuel cell technology as well as tight emission regulations. Global Automotive Fuel Cell: Segments PEMFC segment to grow with the highest CAGR during 2021-31 The global market is segmented based on electrolyte type into Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC), and Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). The Proton Exchange MFC accounted for the majority of fuel cell technical advancements. Market expansion is being driven by rising demand for renewable energy generation & reliance on fuel cell-based public transport systems in developed nations. Furthermore, PEMFCs features, such as higher efficiency, low operating costs, quick maintenance, and improved dependability and operability, are expected to increase demand for the technology during the projection period. Passenger Vehicles segment to grow with the highest CAGR during 2021-31 Based on Vehicle Type, the market is segmented into Passenger Vehicles, and Light Commercial vehicles (LCV). With an increasing adoption rate, rising amount of personal mobility, and multiple emission rules implemented by various governments, the passenger car sub-segment currently dominates the market. Furthermore, many customers and governments are choosing clean and low-emission vehicles, which has increased demand for the fuel cell-based passenger car segment. However, many governments are embracing fuel cell buses to minimize carbon emissions, and the Buses are likely to grow shortly as a result. Market Dynamics Drivers Rising Fuel Cell Vehicle Demand in Automotive & Transportation Fuel-cell vehicles provide a long driving range, quick refilling, quiet operation, and no greenhouse gas or air pollution emissions. As a result, fuel cells are well suited to transportation & automotive applications. Fuel cells are a scalable and versatile source of electricity that can be used in a wide range of transportation applications, including material handling vehicles, busses, trains, autos, defense vehicles, and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). In advertising applications, fuel cells are additionally used as stationary fuel sources. Fuel cells can be used as a major source of energy, a backup source of energy, and a source of heat and energy in combined heat and power systems. Furthermore, governments are taking steps to promote the use of fuel cells for transport, which could help the transportation and automotive segments of the fuel cell market grow even faster. Increase R&D efforts and Investment The majority of global R&D efforts are concentrated on the development and advancement of fuel cell-powered cars, which is likely to open up new market prospects. However, research and development activities relating to utilities & UAVs for the defense sector, as well as portable power production units, have expanded significantly in recent years. The increased attention of governments throughout the world on the use of sustainable energy sources has increased overall investments in fuel cell-based electricity generation. Result of which, the increased investment improves the future and current growth of the innovation in the fuel cells market. Restraint High cost of hydrogen fuel station In comparison to petroleum, diesel, as well as other fuels, the cost of establishing a hydrogen fuel station & supporting infrastructure is extremely high. The development of hydrogen fueling infrastructures around the world has been hampered as a result of this. This is because hydrogen is a highly flammable fuel, which necessitates expensive equipment as well as appropriate safeguards and safety measures. As a result, car costs rise, putting a damper on the global adoption of automotive fuel cell vehicles. Global Automotive Fuel Cell: Key Players Ballard Power Systems Company Overview, Business Strategy, Key Product Offerings, Financial Performance, Key Performance Indicators, Risk Analysis, Recent Development, Regional Presence, SWOT Analysis ITM Power AFCC BorgWarner Inc. Toyota Motor Corporation Hyundai Motor Company Nissan Motor Corporation Honda Motor Company Inc. Toshiba Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH Other Prominent Players Global Automotive Fuel Cell: Regions Global Automotive Fuel Cell market is segmented based on regional analysis into five major regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The North American area has the highest market share and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the future years. The tremendous demand for cars associated with fuel cells increased R&D, and innovations coming to market are the reasons why North America is the largest market. The United States and Canada both have the most hydrogen fuel outlets and are home to the worlds top fuel cell manufacturers. Even though demand for vehicle gasoline is predicted to rise in nearly every region. Impact of Covid-19 on Automotive Fuel Cell Market The impact of the pandemic on supply chains will influence hydrogen-based technologies, which require a well-coordinated supply chain and a large amount of cash to demonstrate. The COVID-19 epidemic has impacted the current hydrogen consumption of oil refining, steel production, and the chemicals sector, according to the IEA. According to the International Energy Agency, gasoline consumption demand for critical hydrogen-based chemicals (such as methanol) would fall due to pandemics. Sales of hydrogen-based transportation fuels increased in the forecast period. Overall, the global epidemic has had a significant influence on the fuel cell sector. Global Automotive Fuel Cell is further segmented by region into: North America Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunities, Y-o-Y Growth, CAGR the United States and Canada Latin America Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunities, Y-o-Y Growth, CAGR Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Rest of Latin America Europe Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunities, Y-o-Y Growth, CAGR United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, NORDIC, Russia, Turkey and Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunities, Y-o-Y Growth, CAGR India, China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Rest of APAC the Middle East and Africa Market Size, Share, Trends, Opportunities, Y-o-Y Growth, CAGR North Africa, Israel, GCC, South Africa and Rest of MENA Global Automotive Fuel Cell report also contains analysis on: Automotive Fuel Cell Segments: By Electrolyte Type PEMFC PAFC AFC MFC By Vehicle type Passenger Vehicle Hatchback Sedan Utility Vehicles Commercial Vehicle Light Commercial Vehicle Heavy Commercial Vehicle By Component Fuel Processor Power Conditioner Fuel Stack Other Automotive Fuel Cell Dynamics Automotive Fuel Cell Size Supply & Demand Current Trends/Issues/Challenges Competition & Companies Involved in the Market Value Chain of the Market Market Drivers and Restraints Automotive Fuel Cell Market Report Scope and Segmentation Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2021 2.1 billion The revenue forecast in 2031 99.6 billion Growth Rate CAGR of 47.4% from 2021 to 2031 The base year for estimation 2020 Quantitative units Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2021 to 2031 Report coverage Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends Segments covered Electrolyte Type, Vehicle Type, Component Application, and Region Regional scope North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa (MEA) Key companies profiled Ballard Power Systems, ITM Power, AFCC, BorgWarner Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company, Nissan Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company Inc., Toshiba, Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, and Other Prominent Players. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06272884/?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. __________________________ MONACO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costamare Inc. (Costamare or the Company) (NYSE: CMRE) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (Q1 2022). I. RECORD PROFITABILITY IN A FIRST QUARTER SINCE NYSE LISTING Q1 2022 Net Income available to common stockholders of $115.4 million ($0.93 per share) vs $60.5 million ($0.49 per share) in Q1 2021. Q1 2022 Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders 1 of $104.5 million ($0.84 per share) vs $38.0 million ($0.31 per share) in Q1 2021. of $104.5 million ($0.84 per share) vs $38.0 million ($0.31 per share) in Q1 2021. Q1 2022 liquidity of $644 million2 vs $240 million in Q1 2021. II. NEW CHARTER ARRANGEMENTS3 AND FULLY EMPLOYED CONTAINERSHIP FLEET FOR THE YEAR AHEAD Containership fleet fully employed for the remainder of 2022. More than 90% of the containership fleet 4 is fixed for 2023. is fixed for 2023. Entered into a total of 49 chartering agreements for the dry bulk fleet since the beginning of 2022. Selected fixtures are shown below: Charter of the 2012-built, 63,227 DWT dry bulk vessel Damon at a daily rate of $35,000 for a period of approximately one month. Charter of the 2010-built, 58,018 DWT dry bulk vessel Norma at a daily rate of $45,000 for a period of approximately 70 days. Charter of the 2010-built, 56,729 DWT dry bulk vessel Libra at a daily rate of $37,000 for a period between 50 and 120 days. Charter of the 2010-built, 32,527 DWT dry bulk vessel Cetus at a daily rate of $24,000 for a period of approximately one month. III. SALE AND PURCHASE ACTIVITY Delivery of the 2010-built 58,018 DWT dry bulk vessel Norma (ex. Magda). Agreement for the sale of the 2009-built, 57,334 DWT dry bulk vessel Thunder. The sale is expected to be concluded in Q2 2022 and will result in an estimated capital gain of $3.6 million. Conclusion of the sale and delivery of the 1997-built, 2,458 TEU containership Messini, which resulted in a capital gain of $17.8 million. IV. NEW DEBT FINANCING New financing agreements for an amount of $160.5 million. More specifically: In April 2022, we signed a hunting license loan agreement with a European financial institution for an amount of up to $120 million for the purposes of financing the acquisition cost of dry bulk vessels. The availability period of this facility expires in Q2 2023, an amount of $10.8 million has already been drawn down and the facility has a maximum tenor of five years following the expiration of the availability period. In April 2022, we signed a loan agreement with a leading European financial institution for an amount of $40.5 million for the purposes of refinancing the existing indebtedness of four dry bulk vessels. The new facility has a tenor of four years, and will mature in April 2026. V. DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS On April 1, 2022, we declared a special dividend of $0.50 per share on our common stock and a dividend for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, of $0.115 per share on our common stock, both of which are due to be paid on May 5, 2022, to stockholders of record of common stock as of April 19, 2022. On April 1, 2022, we declared a dividend of $0.476563 per share on our Series B Preferred Stock, $0.531250 per share on our Series C Preferred Stock, $0.546875 per share on our Series D Preferred Stock and $0.554688 per share on our Series E Preferred Stock, which were all paid on April 18, 2022 to holders of record as of April 14, 2022. _______________ 1 Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and respective per share figures are non-GAAP measures and should not be used in isolation or as substitutes for Costamares financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). For the definition and reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please refer to Exhibit I. 2 Including our share of cash amounting to $3.2 million held by vessel owning-companies set-up pursuant to the Framework Deed dated May 15, 2013, as amended and restated from time to time, between the Company and York Capital Management Global Advisors LLC and $152.5 million of available undrawn funds from our two hunting license facilities as of the date of this earnings release. 3 Please refer to the Fleet List tables for additional information on vessel employment details. 4 Calculated on a TEU basis and excluding vessels we have agreed to sell. Mr. Gregory Zikos, Chief Financial Officer of Costamare Inc., commented: During the quarter the Company delivered strong results; revenues more than doubled to approx. $270 million and Net Income reached $115 million, compared to $60 million for the same period of last year. As of quarter end, liquidity stood at $640 million. Fundamentals and strong charter rates for the container market remain unchanged; a commercially fully employed container fleet with no vessels available on short notice. Congestion shows no signs of easing, while recent events are in fact contributing to further increases. In such an opportune market environment we have covered all of our containership open days for 2022 and we have ca. 95% coverage for 2023. Contracted revenues for the containership fleet in the water amount to $3.3 billion with a remaining time charter duration of 4.1 years. On the dry bulk side, the market continues to be strong with smaller ships earning a premium to the larger ones, also benefiting from container spillover. Supply and demand dynamics remain healthy underpinned by a historically low orderbook. Financial Summary Three-month period ended March 31, (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data): 2021 2022 Voyage revenue $ 126,725 $ 268,010 Accrued charter revenue (1) $ 1,032 $ 3,357 Amortization of time-charter assumed $ - $ 49 Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (2) $ 127,757 $ 271,416 Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders (3) $ 37,986 $ 104,494 Weighted Average number of shares 122,384,052 124,150,337 Adjusted Earnings per share (3) $ 0.31 $ 0.84 Net Income $ 68,141 $ 123,037 Net Income available to common stockholders $ 60,546 $ 115,442 Weighted Average number of shares 122,384,052 124,150,337 Earnings per share $ 0.49 $ 0.93 (1) Accrued charter revenue represents the difference between cash received during the period and revenue recognized on a straight-line basis. In the early years of a charter with escalating charter rates, voyage revenue will exceed cash received during the period and during the last years of such charter cash received will exceed revenue recognized on a straight-line basis. The reverse is true for charters with descending rates. (2) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis represents Voyage revenue after adjusting for non-cash Accrued charter revenue recorded under charters with escalating charter rates. However, Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is not a recognized measurement under U.S. GAAP. We believe that the presentation of Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is useful to investors because it presents the charter revenue for the relevant period based on the then current daily charter rates. The increases or decreases in daily charter rates under our charter party agreements are described in the notes to the Fleet List tables below. (3) Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income. Non-GAAP Measures The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of these financial measures additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Companys performance. The tables below set out supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, voyage revenue or net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures include (i) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (reconciled above), (ii) Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and (iii) Adjusted Earnings per Share. Exhibit I Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share Three-month period ended March 31, (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data) 2021 2022 Net Income $ 68,141 $ 123,037 Earnings allocated to Preferred Stock (7,595 ) (7,595 ) Net Income available to common stockholders 60,546 115,442 Accrued charter revenue 1,032 3,357 General and administrative expenses non-cash component 1,439 2,552 Non-recurring, non-cash write-off of loan deferred financing costs 363 634 Amortization of Time charter assumed - 49 Realized (gain) / loss on Euro/USD forward contracts (1) (78 ) 331 (Gain) / Loss on sale of vessels (1) 260 (17,798 ) (Gain) / Loss on derivative instruments, excluding interest accrued and realized on non-hedging derivative instruments (1) 1,117 (73 ) Fair value measurement of equity securities (25,937 ) - Other non-recurring, non-cash items (756 ) - Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders $ 37,986 $ 104,494 Adjusted Earnings per Share $ 0.31 $ 0.84 Weighted average number of shares 122,384,052 124,150,337 Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share represent Net Income after earnings allocated to preferred stock and gain on retirement of preferred stock, but before non-cash Accrued charter revenue recorded under charters with escalating or descending charter rates, amortization of time charter assumed, realized (gain)/loss on Euro/USD forward contracts, (gain)/loss on sale of vessels, fair value measurement of equity securities, non-recurring, non-cash write-off of loan deferred financing costs, general and administrative expenses - non-cash component, non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives and other non-recurring, non-cash items. Accrued charter revenue is attributed to the timing difference between the revenue recognition and the cash collection. However, Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are not recognized measurements under U.S. GAAP. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful to investors because they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. We also believe that Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful in evaluating our ability to service additional debt and make capital expenditures. In addition, we believe that Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity position compared to that of other companies in our industry because the calculation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share generally eliminates the effects of the accounting effects of capital expenditures and acquisitions, certain hedging instruments and other accounting treatments, items which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance and liquidity. In evaluating Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. (1) Items to consider for comparability include gains and charges. Gains positively impacting Net Income available to common stockholders are reflected as deductions to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders. Charges negatively impacting Net Income available to common stockholders are reflected as increases to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders. Results of Operations Three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we had an average of 117.4 and 62.7 vessels, respectively, in our fleet. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, we accepted delivery of the secondhand container vessel Dyros (ex. Co Kobe) with a TEU capacity of 4,578 and of the secondhand dry bulk vessels Oracle (ex. Belstar), Libra (ex. Universal Bremen) and Norma (ex. Magda) with an aggregate DWT of 172,717. Furthermore, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, we sold the container vessel Messini, with a TEU capacity of 2,458. In the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we accepted delivery of the newbuild container vessel YM Target with a TEU capacity of 12,690, the secondhand container vessels Aries, Argus and Glen Canyon, which have an aggregate TEU capacity of 18,626 and we sold the container vessel Halifax Express with a TEU capacity of 4,890. Furthermore, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we acquired (i) the 75% equity interest held by funds managed and/or advised by York Capital Management Global Advisors LLC (York) in each of the 11,010 TEU container vessels Cape Kortia and Cape Sounio and (ii) the 51% equity interest held by funds managed and/or advised by York Capital Management in each of the 11,010 TEU container vessels Cape Tainaro, Cape Artemisio and Cape Akritas and as a result we obtained 100% of the equity interest in each of these five container vessels. In the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, our fleet ownership days totaled 10,564 and 5,640 days, respectively. Ownership days are one of the primary drivers of voyage revenue and vessels operating expenses and represent the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet is owned. Consolidated Financial Results and Vessels Operational Data (Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except percentages) Three-month period ended March 31, Percentage Change 2021 2022 Change Voyage revenue $ 126.7 $ 268.0 $ 141.3 111.5 % Voyage expenses (1.0 ) (8.6 ) 7.6 n.m. Voyage expenses related parties (1.9 ) (3.7 ) 1.8 94.7 % Vessels operating expenses (31.8 ) (65.7 ) 33.9 106.6 % General and administrative expenses (2.0 ) (3.3 ) 1.3 65.0 % Management fees related parties (5.5 ) (10.9 ) 5.4 98.2 % General and administrative expenses - non-cash component (1.4 ) (2.6 ) 1.2 85.7 % Amortization of dry-docking and special survey costs (2.3 ) (2.7 ) 0.4 17.4 % Depreciation (27.1 ) (41.2 ) 14.1 52.0 % Gain / (loss) on sale of vessels (0.3 ) 17.8 18.1 n.m. Foreign exchange gains 0.1 0.1 - - Interest income 0.4 - (0.4 ) n.m. Interest and finance costs (16.1 ) (25.1 ) 9.0 55.9 % Fair value measurement of equity securities 25.9 - (25.9 ) n.m. Income from equity method investments 4.0 0.3 (3.7 ) (92.5 %) Other 1.5 0.5 (1.0 ) (66.7 %) Gain / (loss) on derivative instruments (1.1 ) 0.1 1.2 n.m. Net Income $ 68.1 $ 123.0 (Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except percentages) Three-month period ended March 31, Change Percentage Change 2021 2022 Voyage revenue $ 126.7 $ 268.0 $ 141.3 111.5 % Accrued charter revenue 1.0 3.4 2.4 n.m. Amortization of time charter assumed - - - - Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (1) $ 127.7 $ 271.4 $ 143.7 112.5 % Vessels operational data Three-month period ended March 31, Percentage Change 2021 2022 Change Average number of vessels 62.7 117.4 54.7 87.2 % Ownership days 5,640 10,564 4,924 87.3 % Number of vessels under dry-docking 3 2 (1 ) Segmental Financial Summary Three-month period ended March 31, 2022 Container vessels Dry bulk vessels Other Total Voyage revenue $ 189.5 $ 78.5 $ - $ 268.0 Voyage expenses (2.1 ) (6.5 ) - (8.6 ) Voyage expenses related parties (2.7 ) (1.0 ) - (3.7 ) Vessels operating expenses (41.7 ) (24.0 ) - (65.7 ) General and administrative expenses (2.2 ) (1.1 ) - (3.3 ) Management fees related parties (6.8 ) (4.1 ) - (10.9 ) General and administrative expenses - non-cash component (1.6 ) (1.0 ) - (2.6 ) Amortization of dry-docking and special survey costs (2.6 ) (0.1 ) - (2.7 ) Depreciation (31.5 ) (9.7 ) - (41.2 ) Gain on sale / disposal of vessels 17.8 - - 17.8 Foreign exchange gains / (losses) 0.2 (0.1 ) - 0.1 Interest and finance costs (21.7 ) (3.4 ) - (25.1 ) Income from equity method investments - - 0.3 0.3 Gain on derivative instruments - 0.1 - 0.1 Other 0.4 0.1 - 0.5 Net Income $ 95.0 $ 27.7 $ 0.3 $ 123.0 (1) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Refer to Consolidated Financial Results and Vessels Operational Data above for the reconciliation of Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis. Voyage Revenue Voyage revenue increased by 111.5%, or $141.3 million, to $268.0 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, from $126.7 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase is mainly attributable to (i) revenue earned by one container vessel and two dry bulk vessels acquired during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, as well as by 16 container vessels and 43 dry bulk vessels acquired during the year ended December 31, 2021 and (ii) increased charter rates in certain of our container vessels, partly off-set by revenue not earned by one container vessel sold during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 and five container vessels sold during the year ended December 31, 2021. Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (which eliminates non-cash Accrued charter revenue) increased by 112.5%, or $143.7 million, to $271.4 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, from $127.7 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Accrued charter revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was a positive amount of $3.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Voyage Expenses Voyage expenses were $8.6 million and $1.0 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Voyage expenses mainly include (i) off-hire expenses of our vessels, primarily related to fuel consumption and (ii) address and third-party commissions. Voyage Expenses related parties Voyage expenses related parties were $3.7 million and $1.9 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Voyage expenses related parties represent (i) fees of 1.25%, in the aggregate, on voyage revenues charged by a related manager and a service provider and (ii) charter brokerage fees (in respect of our container vessels) payable to two related charter brokerage companies for an amount of approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, in the aggregate, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Vessels Operating Expenses Vessels operating expenses, which also include the realized gain/(loss) under derivative contracts entered into in relation to foreign currency exposure, were $65.7 million and $31.8 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Daily vessels operating expenses were $6,223 and $5,634 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in the daily operating expenses during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 is mainly attributable to increased crew costs related to COVID-19 pandemic measures. Daily operating expenses are calculated as vessels operating expenses for the period over the ownership days of the period. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million and $2.0 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and both include $0.63 million paid to a related manager. Management Fees related parties Management fees paid to our related party managers were $10.9 million and $5.5 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. General and Administrative Expenses - non-cash component General and administrative expenses - non-cash component for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 amounted to $2.6 million, representing the value of the shares issued to a related party manager on March 30, 2022. General and administrative expenses - non-cash component for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 amounted to $1.4 million, representing the value of the shares issued to a related party manager on March 31, 2021. Amortization of Dry-Docking and Special Survey Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs was $2.7 million and $2.3 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, one vessel underwent and completed her dry-docking and special survey and one vessel was in the process of completing her dry-docking and special survey. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, one vessel underwent and completed her special survey and two vessels were in the process of completing their special survey. Depreciation Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was $41.2 million and $27.1 million, respectively. The increase is mainly attributable to the increased average number of vessels we owned during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Gain / (Loss) on Sale of Vessels During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a gain of $17.8 million from the sale of the container vessel Messini, which was classified as asset held for sale as at December 31, 2021. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we recorded a loss of $0.3 million from the sale of the container vessel Halifax Express, which was classified as asset held for sale as at December 31, 2020. Vessels Held for Sale During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, the container vessels Sealand Washington, Maersk Kalamata and the dry bulk vessel Thunder were classified as vessels held for sale. Furthermore, as of March 31, 2022, the container vessels Sealand Illinois, Sealand Michigan and York continue to be classified as vessels held for sale (initially classified as vessels held for sale as of December 31, 2021). No loss on vessels held sale was recorded during the first quarter of 2022 since each vessels estimated fair value exceeded each vessels carrying value. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, the container vessels Venetiko and Prosper were classified as vessels held for sale. No loss on vessels held sale was recorded during the first quarter of 2021 since each vessels estimated fair value exceeded each vessels carrying value. Interest Income Interest income amounted to nil and $0.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest and Finance Costs Interest and finance costs were $25.1 million and $16.1 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase is mainly attributable to the increased average loan balances during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and by the increased financing cost during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Fair value measurement of equity securities Fair value measurement of equity securities of $25.9 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, represents the difference between the aggregate fair value of the ordinary shares of ZIM that we owned as at March 31, 2021 of $29.7 million compared to the book value of these shares of $3.8 million as of December 31, 2020. During the fourth quarter of 2021 we sold all the ordinary shares of ZIM we owned. ZIM completed its initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange of its ordinary shares on January 27, 2021. Income from Equity Method Investments During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an income from equity method investments of $0.3 million representing our share of the income in jointly owned companies set up pursuant to the Framework Deed dated May 15, 2013, as amended and restated from time to time (the Framework Deed), with York. Since late March 2021, we have held 100% of the equity interest in five previously jointly owned companies pursuant to the Framework Deed, and since then these five companies are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2022, six companies are jointly owned pursuant to the Framework Deed (of which, four companies currently own container vessels). During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we recorded an income from equity method investments of $4.0 million relating to investments under the Framework Deed. As of March 31, 2021, eight companies were jointly owned pursuant to the Framework Deed (of which, five companies owned container vessels). The decreased income from equity method investments in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021 is mainly attributable to the decreased number of container vessels jointly owned with York during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021. Gain / (loss) on Derivative Instruments As of March 31, 2022, we hold 17 interest rate derivative instruments and two cross currency rate swaps, all of which qualify for hedge accounting. As a result, the change in the fair value of each instrument is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). As of March 31, 2022, the fair value of these instruments, in aggregate, amounted to a net asset of $9.1 million. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, a gain of $21.2 million has been recorded in OCI and a loss of $0.1 million has been recorded in Gain/(loss) on Derivative Instruments. Cash Flows Three-month periods ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 Condensed cash flows Three-month period ended March 31, (Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars) 2021 2022 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 71.2 $ 154.3 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities $ (86.4 ) $ (46.8 ) Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities $ 59.1 $ 26.9 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, increased by $83.1 million to $154.3 million, from $71.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The increase is mainly attributable to increased cash from operations of $143.7 million; partly off-set by the unfavorable change in working capital position, excluding the current portion of long-term debt and the accrued charter revenue (representing the difference between cash received in that period and revenue recognized on a straight-line basis) of $2.4 million, by the increased payments for interest (including swap payments) of $4.1 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and by the increased dry-docking and special survey costs of $0.4 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $46.8 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, which mainly consisted of (i) payments for the acquisition of two secondhand dry bulk vessels, (ii) settlement payment for the delivery of one secondhand dry bulk vessel, (iii) payment for the purchase of short-term investments and (iv) payments for upgrades for certain of our container and dry bulk vessels; partly off-set by proceeds we received from the sale of the container vessel Messini. Net cash used in investing activities was $86.4 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, which mainly consisted of (i) net payments for the acquisition of the 75% equity interest in two companies and the 51% equity interest held by funds managed and/or advised by York in two companies, originally set up pursuant to the Framework Deed , (ii) payments for the delivery of one newbuild and three secondhand container vessels, (iii) advance payments for the acquisition of three secondhand container vessels and (iv) payments for upgrades for certain of our container vessels; partly off-set by proceeds we received from the sale of one container vessel. Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities was $26.9 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, which mainly consisted of (a) $47.9 million net proceeds relating to our debt financing agreements (including proceeds of $219.1 million we received from our debt financing agreements), (b) $10.7 million we paid for dividends to holders of our common stock for the fourth quarter of 2021 and (c) $0.9 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series B Preferred Stock), $2.1 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.50% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series C Preferred Stock), $2.2 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.75% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series D Preferred Stock) and $2.5 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.875% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (Series E Preferred Stock) for the period from October 15, 2021 to January 14, 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities was $59.1 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, which mainly consisted of (a) $81.6 million net proceeds relating to our debt financing agreements, (b) $9.4 million we paid for dividends to holders of our common stock for the fourth quarter of 2020 and (c) $0.9 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock, $2.1 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series C Preferred Stock, $2.2 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock and $2.5 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock for the period from October 15, 2020 to January 14, 2021. Liquidity and Unencumbered Vessels Cash and cash equivalents As of March 31, 2022, we had Cash and cash equivalents of $487.9 million, consisting of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash. Furthermore, as of March 31, 2022, we had liquidity of $491.1 million (including our share of cash amounting to $3.2 million held in joint venture companies set up pursuant to the Framework Deed), which coupled with the $152.5 million of undrawn funds from our two hunting license facilities (adjusted for the $67.5 million already drawn in 2022), amounted to $643.6 million. Debt-free vessels As of May 5, 2022, the following vessels were free of debt. Unencumbered Vessels (Refer to Fleet list for full details) Vessel Name Year Built TEU Capacity Containerships ETOILE 2005 2,556 MICHIGAN 2008 1,300 MONEMVASIA (*) 1998 2,472 ARKADIA (*) 2001 1,550 (*) Vessels acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed with York. Conference Call details: On Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. EST, Costamares management team will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results. Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1-844-887-9405 (from the US), 0808-238-9064 (from the UK) or +1-412-317-9258 (from outside the US and the UK). Please quote Costamare. A replay of the conference call will be available until May 12, 2022. The United States replay number is +1-877-344-7529; the standard international replay number is +1-412-317-0088; and the access code required for the replay is: 4315854. Live webcast: There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the Internet, through the Costamare Inc. website (www.costamare.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast. About Costamare Inc. Costamare Inc. is one of the worlds leading owners and providers of containerships for charter. The Company has 48 years of history in the international shipping industry and a fleet of 76 containerships in the water, with a total capacity of approximately 557,000 TEU (including five vessels that we have agreed to sell) and 46 dry bulk vessels with a total capacity of approximately 2,493,500 DWT (including one vessel that we have agreed to sell). Four of our containerships have been acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed with York by vessel-owning joint venture companies in which we hold a minority equity interest. We also have six newbuild containerships under contract of a total capacity of approximately 85,000 TEU, which are scheduled to be delivered to us in 2024. The Companys common stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols CMRE, CMRE PR B, CMRE PR C, CMRE PR D and CMRE PR E, respectively. Forward-Looking Statements This earnings release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as believe, intend, anticipate, estimate, project, forecast, plan, potential, may, should, could, expect and similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Costamares belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Costamares control. It is possible that actual results may differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect future results, see the discussion in the Companys Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34934) under the caption Risk Factors. Company Contacts: Gregory Zikos Chief Financial Officer Konstantinos Tsakalidis Business Development Costamare Inc., Monaco Tel: (+377) 93 25 09 40 Email: ir@costamare.com Containership Fleet List The tables below provide additional information, as of May 5, 2022, about our fleet of containerships, including the vessels we have agreed to sell, the vessels under construction, the vessels acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed and those vessels subject to sale and leaseback agreements. Each vessel is a cellular containership, meaning it is a dedicated container vessel. Vessel Name Charterer Year Built Capacity (TEU) Current Daily Charter Rate(1) (U.S. dollars) Expiration of Charter(2) 1 TRITON(ii) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) March 2026 2 TITAN(ii) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) April 2026 3 TALOS(ii) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) July 2026 4 TAURUS(ii) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) August 2026 5 THESEUS(ii) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) August 2026 6 YM TRIUMPH(ii) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) May 2030 7 YM TRUTH(ii) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) May 2030 8 YM TOTALITY(ii) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) July 2030 9 YM TARGET(ii) Yang Ming 2021 12,690 (*) November 2030 10 YM TIPTOP(ii) Yang Ming 2021 12,690 (*) March 2031 11 CAPE AKRITAS MSC 2016 11,010 33,000 August 2031 12 CAPE TAINARO MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 April 2031 13 CAPE KORTIA MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 August 2031 14 CAPE SOUNIO MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 April 2031 15 CAPE ARTEMISIO Hapag Lloyd 2017 11,010 36,650 March 2025 16 COSCO GUANGZHOU COSCO/(*) 2006 9,469 30,900/72,700 June 2025(3) 17 COSCO NINGBO COSCO/(*) 2006 9,469 30,900/72,700 June 2025(3) 18 YANTIAN COSCO 2006 9,469 39,600 February 2024 19 COSCO HELLAS COSCO 2006 9,469 39,600 February 2024 20 BEIJING COSCO 2006 9,469 39,600 March 2024 21 MSC AZOV MSC 2014 9,403 46,300 December 2026(4) 22 MSC AMALFI MSC 2014 9,403 46,300 March 2027(5) 23 MSC AJACCIO MSC 2014 9,403 46,300 February 2027(6) 24 MSC ATHENS(ii) MSC 2013 8,827 45,300 January 2026(7) 25 MSC ATHOS(ii) MSC 2013 8,827 45,300 February 2026(8) 26 VALOR Hapag Lloyd 2013 8,827 32,400 April 2025 27 VALUE Hapag Lloyd 2013 8,827 32,400 April 2025 28 VALIANT Hapag Lloyd 2013 8,827 32,400 June 2025 29 VALENCE Hapag Lloyd 2013 8,827 32,400 July 2025 30 VANTAGE Hapag Lloyd 2013 8,827 32,400 September 2025 31 NAVARINO MSC 2010 8,531 31,000 January 2025 32 MAERSK KLEVEN Maersk/MSC 1996 8,044 25,000/41,500 June 2026(9) 33 MAERSK KOTKA Maersk/MSC 1996 8,044 25,000/41,500 June 2026(9) 34 MAERSK KOWLOON Maersk 2005 7,471 18,500 August 2025(10) 35 KURE COSCO/MSC 1996 7,403 31,000/41,500 March 2026(11) 36 METHONI Maersk 2003 6,724 46,500 August 2026 37 PORTO CHELI Maersk 2001 6,712 30,075 June 2026 38 YORK(iii) Maersk 2000 6,648 21,250 November 2022(12) 39 ZIM TAMPA ZIM 2000 6,648 45,000 July 2025 40 SEALAND WASHINGTON(iii) Maersk 2000 6,648 25,000 January 2023 (13) 41 SEALAND MICHIGAN(iii) Maersk 2000 6,648 25,000 October 2022(13) 42 SEALAND ILLINOIS(iii) Maersk 2000 6,648 25,000 October 2022 (13) 43 MAERSK KALAMATA(iii) Maersk 2003 6,644 25,000 December 2022(13) 44 MAERSK KOLKATA Maersk/ZIM 2003 6,644 25,000/53,000 October 2025 (14) 45 MAERSK KINGSTON Maersk/ZIM 2003 6,644 25,000/53,000 October 2025 (14) 46 ARIES ONE 2004 6,492 (*) December 2022 47 ARGUS ONE 2004 6,492 (*) January 2023 48 PORTO KAGIO Maersk 2002 5,908 28,822 June 2026 49 GLEN CANYON ZIM 2006 5,642 62,500 June 2025 50 PORTO GERMENO Maersk 2002 5,570 28,822 June 2026 51 LEONIDIO(ii) Maersk 2014 4,957 14,200 December 2024(15) 52 KYPARISSIA(ii) Maersk 2014 4,957 14,200 November 2024(15) 53 MEGALOPOLIS Maersk 2013 4,957 13,500 July 2025(16) 54 MARATHOPOLIS Maersk 2013 4,957 13,500 July 2025(16) 55 OAKLAND Maersk 2000 4,890 24,500 March 2023 56 GIALOVA ZIM 2009 4,578 25,500 April 2024 57 DYROS Maersk 2008 4,578 22,750 January 2024 58 NORFOLK Maersk 2009 4,259 30,000 May 2023 59 VULPECULA OOCL/ZIM 2010 4,258 22,700/43,250 (on average) February 2028(17) 60 VOLANS ZIM 2010 4,258 24,250 April 2024 61 VIRGO Maersk 2009 4,258 30,200 February 2024 62 VELA OOCL/ZIM 2009 4,258 22,700/43,250 (on average) January 2028(18) 63 ANDROUSA Maersk 2010 4,256 22,750 May 2023 64 NEOKASTRO CMA CGM 2011 4,178 39,000 February 2027 65 ULSAN Maersk 2002 4,132 34,730 January 2026 66 POLAR ARGENTINA(i)(ii) Maersk 2018 3,800 19,700 October 2024(19) 67 POLAR BRASIL(i)(ii) Maersk 2018 3,800 19,700 January 2025(19) 68 LAKONIA COSCO 2004 2,586 26,500 March 2025 69 SCORPIUS Hapag Lloyd 2007 2,572 17,750 January 2023 70 ETOILE (*) 2005 2,556 (*) February 2023 71 AREOPOLIS COSCO 2000 2,474 26,500 April 2025 72 MONEMVASIA(i) Maersk 1998 2,472 9,250 December 2022(20) 73 ARKADIA(i) Swire Shipping 2001 1,550 21,500 May 2023 74 MICHIGAN MSC 2008 1,300 18,700 September 2023 75 TRADER (*) 2008 1,300 (*) October 2024 76 LUEBECK MSC 2001 1,078 15,000 March 2024 Container Vessels under construction Vessel Vessel Capacity (TEU) Estimated Delivery(21) Employment 1 Newbuilding 1 12,690 Q1 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard 2 Newbuilding 2 12,690 Q2 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard 3 Newbuilding 3 15,000 Q1 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard 4 Newbuilding 4 15,000 Q2 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard 5 Newbuilding 5 15,000 Q2 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard 6 Newbuilding 6 15,000 Q3 2024 Long Term Employment upon delivery from shipyard (1) Daily charter rates are gross, unless stated otherwise. Amounts set out for current daily charter rate are the amounts contained in the charter contracts. (2) Charter terms and expiration dates are based on the earliest date charters (unless otherwise noted) could expire. (3) Upon redelivery of each vessel from COSCO between June 2022 and July 2022, each vessel will commence a charter for a period of 36 to 39 months at a daily rate of $72,700. Until then the daily charter rate of Cosco Guangzhou and Cosco Ningbo will be $30,900. (4) This charter rate will be earned by MSC Azov until December 2, 2023. From the aforementioned date until the expiry of the charter, the daily rate will be $35,300. (5) This charter rate will be earned by MSC Amalfi until March 16, 2024. From the aforementioned date until the expiry of the charter, the daily rate will be $35,300. (6) This charter rate will be earned by MSC Ajaccio until February 1, 2024. From the aforementioned date until the expiry of the charter, the daily rate will be $35,300. (7) This charter rate will be earned by MSC Athens until January 29, 2023. From the aforementioned date until the expiry of the charter, the daily rate will be $35,300. (8) This charter rate will be earned by MSC Athos until February 24, 2023. From the aforementioned date until the expiry of the charter, the daily rate will be $35,300. (9) The current daily rate of each of Maersk Kleven and Maersk Kotka is a base rate of $17,000, adjusted pursuant to the terms of a 50:50 profit/loss sharing mechanism based on market conditions with a minimum charter rate of $12,000 and a maximum charter rate of $25,000. Upon redelivery of each vessel from Maersk between June 2023 and October 2023, each vessel will commence a new charter with MSC for a period of 36 to 38 months at a fixed daily rate of $41,500. (10) This charter rate will be earned by Maersk Kowloon from June 12, 2022. Until then the daily charter rate will be $16,000. (11) Upon redelivery of Kure from COSCO between March 2023 and July 2023, the vessel will commence a new charter with MSC for a period of 36 to 38 months at a daily rate of $41,500. Until then the daily charter rate will be $31,000. (12) Expiration of charter represents latest redelivery date. (13) The daily rate for Sealand Washington, Sealand Michigan, Sealand Illinois and Maersk Kalamata is a base rate of $16,000, adjusted pursuant to the terms of a 50:50 profit/loss sharing mechanism based on market conditions with a minimum charter rate of $12,000 and a maximum charter rate of $25,000. Expiration dates of the charters of these vessels represent latest redelivery dates. (14) The current daily rate for Maersk Kolkata and Maersk Kingston is a base rate of $16,000, adjusted pursuant to the terms of a 50:50 profit/loss sharing mechanism based on market conditions with a minimum charter rate of $12,000 and a maximum charter rate of $25,000. Upon expiry of their current employment in October 2022 (estimated on the latest redelivery date) the vessels will enter into a new charter with ZIM for a period of 36 to 40 months at a daily rate $53,000. (15) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for an additional period of 12 to 24 months at a daily rate of $17,000. (16) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for an additional period of approximately 24 months at a daily rate of $14,500. (17) The current daily rate for Vulpecula is $22,700. Upon expiry of its current employment in February 2023 (estimated on the earliest redelivery date) the vessel will enter into a new charter with ZIM for a period of 60 to 64 months at a daily rate of $43,250, on average. For this new charter, the daily rate will be $99,000 for the first 12 month period, $91,250 for the second 12 month period, $10,000 for the third 12 month period and $8,000 for the remaining duration of the charter. (18) The current daily rate for Vela is $22,700. Upon expiry of its current employment in January 2023 (estimated on the earliest redelivery date) the vessel will enter into a new charter with ZIM for a period of 60 to 64 months at a daily rate of $43,250, on average. For this new charter the daily rate will be $99,000 for the first 12 month period, $91,250 for the second 12 month period, $10,000 for the third 12 month period and $8,000 for the remaining duration of the charter. (19) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for three additional one-year periods at a daily rate of $21,000. (20) Expiration of charter represents latest redelivery date. (21) Based on the shipbuilding contract, subject to change. (i) Denotes vessels acquired pursuant to the Framework Deed. The Company holds an equity interest of 49% in each of the vessel-owning companies. (ii) Denotes vessels subject to a sale and leaseback transaction. (iii) Denotes vessels that we have agreed to sell. (*) Denotes charterers identity and/or current daily charter rates and/or charter expiration dates, which are treated as confidential. Dry Bulk Vessel Fleet List The tables below provide additional information, as of May 5, 2022, about our fleet of dry bulk vessels, including one vessel that we have agreed to sell. Vessel Name Year Built Capacity (DWT) Current Daily Charter Rate(1) (U.S. dollars) Expiration of Charter(2) 1 AEOLIAN 2012 83,478 27,000(3) June 2022 2 GRENETA 2010 82,166 101% of Index(4) October 2022 3 HYDRUS (ex. EGYPTIAN MIKE) 2011 81,601 - In negotiations for employment 4 PHOENIX 2012 81,569 26,200(5) May 2022 5 BUILDER 2012 81,541 100% of Index(4) September 2022 6 FARMER 2012 81,541 101% of Index(4)(6) October 2022 7 SAUVAN 2010 79,700 21,000(7) May 2022 8 ROSE 2008 76,619 103% of Index(4) minus $1,336 August 2022 9 MERCHIA 2015 63,800 113% of Index(8) November 2022 10 SEABIRD 2016 63,553 111% of Index(8) November 2022 11 DAWN 2018 63,530 111% of Index(8) September 2022 12 ORION 2015 63,473 111.25% of Index(8) October 2022 13 DAMON 2012 63,227 113.25% of Index(8) July 2022 14 TITAN I 2009 58,090 101% of Index(8) October 2022 15 ERACLE 2012 58,018 31,500(9) May 2022 16 PYTHIAS 2010 58,018 22,000 June 2022 17 NORMA (ex. MAGDA) 2010 58,018 45,000 June 2022 18 ORACLE 2009 57,970 25,750(10) June 2022 19 CURACAO 2011 57,937 25,000 May 2022 20 URUGUAY 2011 57,937 102% of Index(8) December 2022 21 ATHENA 2012 57,809 - In negotiations for employment 22 THUNDER(i) 2009 57,334 37,000 May 2022 23 SERENA 2010 57,266 98.25% of Index(8) May 2022 24 LIBRA 2010 56,729 37,000 May 2022 25 PEGASUS 2011 56,726 23,000 May 2022 26 MERIDA 2012 56,670 105% of Index(8) May 2022 27 CLARA 2008 56,557 98% of Index(8) September 2022 28 PEACE 2006 55,709 98.5% of Index(8) July 2022 29 PRIDE 2006 55,705 97.25% of Index(8) August 2022 30 BERMONDI 2009 55,469 99% of Index(8)(11) January 2023 31 COMITY 2010 37,302 100% of Index(12) July 2022 32 VERITY 2012 37,163 100% of Index(12) May 2022 33 PARITY 2012 37,152 102% of Index(12) December 2022 34 ACUITY 2011 37,149 102% of Index(12) December 2022 35 EQUITY 2013 37,071 102% of Index(12) December 2022 36 DISCOVERY 2012 37,019 25,000 May 2022 37 TAIBO 2011 35,112 - Vessel in dry dock 38 BERNIS 2011 34,627 95.5% of Index(12) December 2022 39 MANZANILLO 2010 34,426 20,000 May 2022 40 ADVENTURE 2011 33,755 - In negotiations for employment 41 ALLIANCE 2012 33,751 - Vessel in dry dock 42 CETUS 2010 32,527 24,000 May 2022 43 PROGRESS 2011 32,400 28,000 May 2022 44 MINER 2010 32,300 16,000 May 2022 45 KONSTANTINOS 2012 32,178 21,000 May 2022 46 RESOURCE 2010 31,776 - In negotiations for employment (1) Daily charter rates are gross, unless stated otherwise. (2) Charter terms and expiration dates are based on the earliest date charters (unless otherwise noted) could expire. (3) For this charter, Aeolian received a gross ballast bonus of $600,000. Currently, Aeolian is on dry-dock and charter will resume upon completion of dry-docking. (4) Gross daily charter rate linked to the Baltic Exchange Panamax Index (BPI_82). (5) For this charter, Phoenix received a gross ballast bonus of $1,375,000. (6) For this charter, Farmer received a gross ballast bonus of $490,000. (7) For this charter, Sauvan received a gross ballast bonus of $1,050,000. (8) Gross daily charter rate linked to the Baltic Exchange Supramax Index (BSI_58). (9) For every additional day after May 5, 2022, the gross daily charter rate of Eracle will be $34,000. (10) For this charter, Oracle received a gross ballast bonus of $600,000. (11) For this charter, Bermondi received a gross ballast bonus of $421,000. (12) Gross daily charter rate linked to the Baltic Exchange Handysize Index (BHSI_38). (i) Denotes vessel that we have agreed to sell. Consolidated Statements of Income Three-month period ended March 31, (Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts) 2021 2022 REVENUES: Voyage revenue $ 126,725 $ 268,010 EXPENSES: Voyage expenses (1,041 ) (8,571 ) Voyage expenses related parties (1,906 ) (3,745 ) Vessels operating expenses (31,779 ) (65,747 ) General and administrative expenses (1,968 ) (3,262 ) Management fees - related parties (5,476 ) (10,867 ) Non-cash general and administrative expenses and non-cash other items (1,439 ) (2,552 ) Amortization of dry-docking and special survey costs (2,327 ) (2,707 ) Depreciation (27,096 ) (41,150 ) Gain / (Loss) on sale / disposal of vessels (260 ) 17,798 Foreign exchange gains 149 110 Operating income $ 53,582 $ 147,317 OTHER INCOME / (EXPENSES): Interest income $ 367 $ 14 Interest and finance costs (16,107 ) (25,130 ) Income from equity method investments 3,991 288 Fair value measurement of equity securities 25,937 - Other 1,488 475 Gain / (Loss) on derivative instruments (1,117 ) 73 Total other income / (expenses) $ 14,559 $ (24,280 ) Net Income $ 68,141 $ 123,037 Earnings allocated to Preferred Stock (7,595 ) (7,595 ) Net Income available to common stockholders $ 60,546 $ 115,442 Earnings per common share, basic and diluted $ 0.49 $ 0.93 Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted 122,384,052 124,150,337 COSTAMARE INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets Dublin, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Prime Power Diesel Genset Market Report: By Power Rating, Application - Industry Growth and Demand Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. India's prime power diesel genset market size is predicted to grow to $356.3 million by 2030 from an estimated $143.6 million in 2021, at a 10.6% CAGR. The highest number of generators are in commercial spaces, because offices, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, metro and railway stations, and other such places need a constant power supply. Moreover, the growth in the number of telecom towers and data centers is propelling the installation of these systems in the commercial sector. In this regard, a major driver for genset sales in the country is the vast gap between power demand and supply. With a population touching 1.4 billion, India is not always able to meet the demand for electricity. As a result, even cities witness substantial power cuts, while many people in rural areas still do not have a grid connection. Therefore, with the rapid urbanization and industrialization, the demand for prime power diesel gensets is rising in the country. The COVID-19 pandemic put a severe dent in generator sales in the country as the nationwide lockdowns drove down the demand for electricity from 190198 million units in 2019 to 1275534 million units in 2020, as per the Ministry of Power. This also brought down the demand-supply gap from 6566 million units to 4871 million units from 2019 to 2020. This was because of the shutdown of most manufacturing plants and commercial centers and suspension of metro, air travel, and train services. Therefore, major Indian prime power diesel genset market players, including Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited, Mahindra Powerol Ltd., Ashok Leyland Limited, VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, Escorts Limited, Cummins India Ltd., Caterpillar Inc., Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd., Greaves Cotton Limited, Kohler Power India Ltd., and Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, stepped up product launch and facility expansion activities in 2021, to make up for lost revenue. Key Findings of India Prime Power Diesel Genset Market Report Another key reason for the growth of the Indian prime power diesel genset market is the higher prices of petrol and erratic gas supply, which make diesel the preferred fuel for generators. In the coming years, the sale of gensets that offer a power output of 5-75 kVA will rise the fastest in India as these variants are preferred for commercial spaces. In this regard, the biggest driver for the market is infrastructure development, for which the government has allocated INR 13,750 crore in the 2021 Union Budget. As a result, market players are launching newer variants and expanding their manufacturing capacities to meet the surging demand for prime and backup power via gensets. However, as these systems release GHGs, the usage of gensets with two small engines instead of one large engine is picking pace. As per company claims, twin-power generators release 40% lesser CO2 than conventional gensets. Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest Indian prime power diesel genset market sales volume on account of being the most-populated state in the country. Additionally, commercial infrastructure, including telecom networks, is being rapidly enhanced here, which is driving genset sales. Market Dynamics Trends Rising Production of Twin-Power Generators Drivers Rising Infrastructure Investment in Different Sectors High-Power Deficits Impact Analysis of Drivers on Market Forecast Restraints High Capital, Installation, and Maintenance Costs Use of Green Technology Impact Analysis of Restraints on Market Forecast Impact of Covid-19 Porter's Five Forces Analysis Company Profiles Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited Ashok Leyland Limited Greaves Cotton Limited Ve Commercial Vehicles Limited Mahindra Powerol Ltd. Cummins India Ltd. Caterpillar Inc. Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd. Kohler Power India Ltd. Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited Escorts Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ubca13 Attachment ANAHEIM, Calif., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Instrumental SLP, a small Anaheim-based speech therapy practice founded by Lyda Kongswangwongsa, an ASHA Certified Speech Language Pathologist (CCC SLP), could be any other speech therapy private practice, except for two big differences. The first difference is that Instrumental SLP specializes in adult speech therapy. Many private practices offer services mainly for children, but adults need someone who specializes in speech therapy for adults. The second difference is that it offers the only Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program in California and the West Coast. Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs (ICAPs) are speech therapy programs for people with aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that can happen after a brain injury or stroke and over two million people in the United States have aphasia. There are a handful of other ICAPs located across the country, but many of them are big programs at universities or hospitals. Kongswangwongsa says she offers this program because her clients "just wanted more." She wanted to provide longer sessions using research-based therapies designed to improve the abilities of those with aphasia. "ICAPs are for people who want to see the most improvement possible in a short amount of time. People get tired of waiting for results and, with this format, we get the intensity required for learning and neuroplasticity. This helps us achieve the best results possible for the deficits that are present. We test at the beginning and end of the programs so we can measure success. Everyone we saw last year showed clear improvement." Instrumental SLP offers therapy in its office and through teletherapy in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. ICAP sessions are held four days per week and last for four hours each day. Clients must meet program requirements in order to participate in ICAP, but Kongswangwongsa tailors each program based on what the client will benefit most from. "When necessary, we modify each program so that our client isn't forced to attend sessions for longer than they can benefit from." She also says not everyone can benefit from the teletherapy format, so she offers free initial Zoom consultations to confirm if it's a good fit. Instrumental SLP utilizes a variety of treatment approaches to help its clients. These approaches have names like "Semantic Feature Analysis," "Verb Network Strengthening Treatment" and "Abstract Semantic Associative Network Training." Kongswangwongsa likes to incorporate any approach that has research behind it with the potential to help her clients. Kongswangwongsa says she is excited to be the first one to offer an ICAP on the West Coast. "I want to keep growing our program, so it's a really exciting time for us." For anyone curious about whether an ICAP is right for them, Instrumental SLP offers a free initial consultation to help determine if the practice can help. For more information, call (714) 844-0233 or visit www.islppro.com. Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment PALO ALTO, Calif., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Striim, Inc. , a global leader in unified real-time data integration and streaming, today announced the addition of multiple industry veterans to its executive team. These valuable additions come just as the market for streaming data integration is rapidly expanding, resulting in Striims significant growth. Spanning the entire breadth of the companys operations, these latest members of the executive team include: Derek Yammarino, Chief Revenue Officer Joanne Harris, Chief Marketing Officer Phillip Cockrell, Senior Vice President, Business Development Geoff Clark, Vice President and General Manager, EMEA I would consider ourselves fortunate to land even one of these successful executives, said Ali Kutay, founder and CEO of Striim, Inc. Im thrilled that weve been able to add all four. Each has a long track record of success in their respective roles. Their efforts will be critical in helping Striim maintain its explosive momentum. Derek Yammarino, Chief Revenue Officer Derek Yammarino has been appointed as the Chief Revenue Officer of Striim. Derek will be in charge of worldwide sales, marketing, customer success, and solutions consulting. Derek has over 25 years of experience in sales and marketing in the software industry. He was most recently Vice President of Global Sales at Usermind (backed by Andreesen Horowitz and Menlo Ventures), which was acquired by Qualtrics. His career highlights include strategic go-to-market roles at Oracle, New Relic, Signals Analytics, Yammer, and LivePerson. Derek is based out of Striims office in greater Dallas, Texas. He is passionate about building high-energy teams and delivering maximum value for Striims customers. Ive had a role in some of the most dynamic technology segments of the last 20 years, and Ive never seen a market like the one Striim is prepared to take over, said Yammarino. The combination of talent, strategy, and superior technology set Striim apart from the rest of the vendors in this space. Joanne Harris, Chief Marketing Officer As Chief Marketing Officer for Striim, Joanne brings over 25 years of Enterprise IT Marketing experience driving growth and transformation. Her role at Striim includes all aspects of global marketing. Previous appointments include CMO, Lightbend, CMO at Polyverse, and Global VP of Marketing at SUSE, a leading provider of Open Source solutions during a period of high growth that resulted in a PE buyout of $2.5bn. Joanne has led and operated all areas of marketing and is passionate about building high-performing teams. Joanne holds an MBA in Marketing and lives and works remotely in Seattle, WA. Striims unique ability to provide real-time data streaming to hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructures is exactly what todays data-driven enterprises require for their mission-critical analytics and operations, said Harris. Striim has already had significant success with some of the worlds largest brands, and Im looking forward to accelerating its market momentum. Phillip Cockrell, Senior Vice President of Business Development As Senior Vice President, Business Development, Phillip brings over 20 years of industry experience to Striim. He will be responsible for building Striims partner ecosystem across customers, partners, and third-party vendors. Before joining, Phillip led business development at Quali, responsible for strategic partnerships and corporate development initiatives. Previously Phillip was VP of Global Alliances at SUSE, the worlds largest independent open source company. Phillips group was responsible for strategic relationships with SUSEs top-tier partners such as AWS, Dell, Fujitsu, HPE, IBM, Microsoft Azure, and SAP, which drove nine consecutive years of significant expansion and material growth that resulted in a PE buyout of $2.5bn. The team that Striim has assembled stands out as world-class, said Cockrell. That, combined with the incredible opportunity to fill an immediate need for our global cloud and SI partners to deliver streaming real-time data, made joining this market leader an easy decision. Geoff Clark, VP & GM, EMEA Geoff Clark currently holds the role of VP and GM, EMEA. He is responsible for sales, marketing, and operations throughout Europe and the Middle East. Geoff joined Striim in 2022 having successfully grown the EMEA business for Aerospike since 2017. Before this, he accelerated business significantly across the UK for MapR, a Hadoop data platform. Over the last 20 years, Geoff has held various leadership roles at companies such as Microstrategy and Oracle and led technical teams focused on business intelligence, real-time analytics, and data integration. Based out of London, Geoff is looking forward to building a successful team with many happy customers across the EMEA region. Im thrilled to bring my skill set to such a dynamic organization, said Clark. The market potential for Striims technology in EMEA is immense and I know we have the right team to make a significant impact. About Striim Striim, Inc. is the only supplier of unified, real-time data streaming and integration for analytics and operations in the Digital Economy. Striim Platform and Striim Cloud make it easy to continuously ingest, process, and deliver high volumes of real-time data from diverse sources (both on-premises or in the cloud) to support multi- and hybrid cloud infrastructure. Striim collects data in real time from enterprise databases (using non-intrusive change data capture), log files, messaging systems, and sensors, and delivers it to virtually any target on-premises or in the cloud with sub-second latency enabling real-time operations and analytics. For more information, visit www.striim.com, read our blog at www.striim.com/blog, follow @striimteam, or download the Striim platform. NEW YORK, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NANO Nuclear), a company emerging from the shared micro Small Modular Reactor (SMR) ambitions of a world class nuclear technical team working alongside business and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with both government as well as the private and public nuclear industries, is pleased to announce that it will an exhibitor at the upcoming SMR & Advanced Reactor 2022 conference, organized by Reuters Events is part of Reuters News & Media Ltd, which will take place on May 24th & 25th in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Additionally, NANO Nuclear will be a sponsor, exhibitor and also present at the Reset Connect London 2022, the UKs largest and leading sustainability ecosystem and net-zero event for business, investors and innovators. The green investment gathering will be taking place during London Climate Action Week at ExCeL London, United Kingdom on June 28th & 29th, featuring speaking engagements for Founder & Chairman Jay Jiang Yu as well as Chief Executive Officer James Walker. Bringing together market-leading changemakers from the nuclear industry to discuss the short and long-term future of nuclear energy, SMR & Advanced Reactor 2022 will share the latest technological, regulatory and investment moves, discussing SMRs and advanced reactors as the answer to nuclear energy replacing fossil fuels in baseload power generation. Featuring innovative thought leaders such as NuScale Power Chief Technology Officer Dr. Jose Reyes, Roll Royce SMR Chief Executive Officer Tom Samson and GE Hitachi Executive Vice President Jon Ball, SMR & Advanced Reactor 2022 will examine the future of energy distribution and maintaining talent in the marketplace. Additionally, speakers such as U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Christopher T. Hanson and International Atomic Energy Agency Deputy Director General Lydie Evrard will facilitate discussions regarding regulatory adjustments needed to secure a future for nuclear energy. Reset Connect London 2022 is the flagship event (expo & conference) of London Climate Action Week 2022, drilling into the sustainability and climate tech space with a focus on existing, new & innovative technologies/solutions and the green/ESG investment community. The event will take place at ExCeL London on June 28th & 29th and will act to continue the momentum built up by the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Featuring speakers such as Head of Sustainability, Rolls-Royce Rachael Everard and Labour Member of the House of Lords and Chair of the Centre, Accelerating Social Technology Lord Jim Knight of Weymouth, Reset Connect London 2022 will bring together business (SMEs through to corporate), industry and government with solution providers, policy makers, innovators and the finance community that can enable & fund change. As a sponsor and exhibitor of the event, NANO Nuclear will also be an active participant in the free exchange of ideas, with Founder and Chairman Jay Jiang Yu to contribute to panel discussions around fund/investment raising and scaling up start up and CEO James Walker to contribute to the Art of the Possible-Cutting Edge Technology with the Potential to Drive Change Now. I am incredibly excited to have received an opportunity to share my perspective on launching a purpose-led startup in the ESG and green energy sector and why I believe there is a nuclear tech revolution starting. I look forward to meeting with fellow attendees at the RESET CONNECT gathering, said Jay Jiang Yu, Founder, Chairman and President of NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. The discussion will put NANO Nuclear in good stead, helping to introduce international green energy innovators and investors to our Company. Furthermore, I believe James contribution to the discussion about the Art of the Possible-Cutting Edge Technology with the Potential to Drive Change Now, will be very informative for those in attendance. About NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. The Path to Zero starts here. Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. is a company emerging from the shared micro Small Modular Reactor (SMR) ambitions of a world class nuclear technical team, working alongside business and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with both government, and the private and public nuclear industries. Our Company is looking to disrupt the SMR space, principally in underdeveloped nuclear areas, and advance micro SMRs towards development and deployment in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Nano Nuclear Energy is committed to building smaller, cheaper, and safer nuclear energy, while incorporating the latest technology into its own proprietary mobile and on-demand capable nano nuclear reactors, novel reactor designs, intellectual properties, and research methods. For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/ For further information, please contact: Email: Info@NanoNuclearEnergy.com Business Tel: (212) 634-9206 PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE: NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE NANO Nuclear Energy TWITTER NANO Nuclear Energy INSTAGRAM Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4d26174-788f-408e-945e-b51a0cf62efe https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95443428-35bf-460a-9c7c-58d9b03cc680 Pune, India, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is fueling the demand for Alzheimers drugs which in turn is driving the global Alzheimers drugs market, says Fortune Business Insights in a report, titled Alzheimers Drugs Market Size , Share and Global Trend By Drug Class (Cholinesterase Inhibitors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Antagonist, Combination Drugs, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), and Geography Forecast till 2026. Rising R&D activities by pharmaceutical companies and research institutes for Alzheimer effective therapy is expected to boost the global Alzheimers drugs market. Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/alzheimers-drugs-market-101033 Alzheimers Drugs Industry Developments In April 2019, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), announced a new initiative -Diagnostics Accelerator program that aims to track the development of digital tools for Alzheimers disease and dementia. In December 2018, Eli Lilly and Company and AC Immune collaborated to develop new treatment for Alzheimers disease using AC Immunes Morphomer platform. Key Research Objectives Market size and growth rate by various segments at global and regional level for the 2015-2026 period, with 2015-2017 as historical data, 2018 as base year and 2019-2026 as forecast period Overall market size and growth rate for key countries for the 2015-2026 period Market dynamics - Market drivers, restraints, trends and opportunities Technological and market developments shaping the market Competitive analysis Profiles of key companies operating in the market Key insights Increasing R&D Investments by Pharmaceutical Companies Will Propel Growth The active study of Alzheimers drug by pharmaceutical industries and research institutes for creating a strong pipeline for effective therapy is predicted to encourage growth of the global Alzheimers drugs market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) currently, 50 million people are affected by dementia, and the number is expected to increase during the forecast period. In addition, the increasing cases of Alzheimers disease around the world have led towards high demand for Alzheimers drugs, which in turn is boosting the global Alzheimers drugs growth. However, discontinuation of clinical trials for Alzheimers drugs by leading pharmaceutical companies which is resulting in limited treatment options and thus creating a global economic burden by increasing the nations annual treatment cost against Alzheimers drugs development and disease treatment. This factor is predicted to hamper the growth of the global Alzheimers drugs market during the forecast period. For instance, Eisai and Biogen, Co., Ltd., declared the termination of phase 3 clinical trial of ENGAGE and EMERGE designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimers disease. The Collaboration Between Eli Lilly and AC Immune Will Aid Growth Eli Lilly and Company and AC Immune SA announced their partnership agreement to research and develop tau aggregation inhibitor small molecules for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The collaboration between the two companies is predicted to benefit Alzheimers drugs revenue owing to the Morphomer platform technology which will offer commercial capabilities in central nervous system disorders along with AC Immune's lead molecule, ACI-3024. Furthermore, the development of digital tools for Alzheimers disease and dementia is also expected to contribute to the global Alzheimers drugs growth. For instance, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), announced a new initiative -Diagnostics Accelerator program that aims to track the development of digital tools for Alzheimers disease and dementia. For more information in the analysis of this report, visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/alzheimers-drugs-market-101033 Regional Analysis: The global Alzheimers drugs market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The global Alzheimers drugs market is anticipated to expand in North America during the forecast period owing to growing prevalence of Alzheimers disease and presence of global players. According to Alzheimers Association, currently, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimers, and the number is expected to increase to 14 million by 2050, which is expected to drive the Alzheimers drugs market in North America. In Europe, the increasing cases of Alzheimers disease, coupled with improving diagnostic capabilities, are projected to augment the market by the end of 2026. In Asia Pacific and Latin America, evolving healthcare infrastructure and raising awareness regarding Alzheimers disease are anticipated to fuel the Alzheimers drugs market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, Alzheimers drugs market in Middle East & Africa is in nascent stage; however, unmet needs for Alzheimers disease is expected to drive the Alzheimers drugs market in this region. Leading Players operating in the Alzheimers Drugs Market are: Key players are involved in mergers and acquisition to strengthen their market position. Owing to increasing competition frequent innovations are taking place in the market. Some of the companies operating the industry are: Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Eli Lilly and Company., Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., AstraZeneca, Biogen, AbbVie Inc., ALLERGAN, other players Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/alzheimers-drugs-market-101033 Increasing Prevalence of Alzheimers Disease Will Boost Growth in North America Geographically, the global Alzheimers drugs market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The global Alzheimers drugs market is predicted to expand in North America during the forecast period owing to the rising cases of Alzheimers disease and the presence of key players in the region. According to Alzheimers Association, currently, 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimers, and the number is expected to increase to 14 million by 2050, which is expected to promote the growth of the Alzheimers drugs market in North America. Europe is predicted to grow significantly during the forecast period owing to the increasing prevalence of Alzheimers disease. Improving diagnostic capabilities are also expected to boost the market in the region. Evolving healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness regarding Alzheimers disease are expected to contribute significantly to Alzheimers drugs growth in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Additionally, Alzheimers drugs market in Middle East & Africa is in the nascent stage; however, unmet needs for Alzheimers disease is expected to drive the Alzheimers drugs market in this region. Global Alzheimers Drugs Market Segmentation By Drug Class Cholinesterase Inhibitors N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Antagonist Combination Drugs Others By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Online Pharmacy By Application North America (USA and Canada) Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia and Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico and Rest of Latin America) Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC and Rest of Middle East & Africa) Get your Customized Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/alzheimers-drugs-market-101033 About Us: Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US :+1 424 253 0390 UK : +44 2071 939123 APAC : +91 744 740 1245 Dublin, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Luxury Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Saudi Arabia luxury market reached a value of US$ 7.41 billion in 2021. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach US$ 14.24 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.72% during 2022-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, the analyst is continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world owing to the elevated income levels of individuals and soundness of the banking and financial system in the country. As a result, there has been a rise in the sales of luxury products such as cars, watches, fragrances and leather products. The country is also experiencing significant growth in terms of the population and the younger consumers currently represent the biggest catalyst of the luxury industry. Furthermore, infrastructure development, burgeoning e-commerce industry, increasing internet penetration, and the thriving travel and tourism sector in Saudi Arabia are some of the other factors bolstering the industry growth. Market Trends The Government of Saudi Arabia has recently announced its plan to develop four economic cities to foster internal trade, attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and diversify into non-oil sectors which, in turn, is strengthening the market growth for luxury products in the country. Moreover, global luxury brands, including Prada, Tiffany and Mulberry, are increasing their presence in Saudi Arabia by establishing mono-brand stores and adapting to the regional demand and trends. They are also introducing secondary product lines, catering to the middle and upper-middle classes that aspire to own affordable luxury. Apart from this, the establishment of upscale malls has also offered these brands ample space to expand their operations in the country. Moreover, the influence of social media, along with the trend of online shopping, has positively influenced the luxury market in Saudi Arabia since shoppers can now access luxury brands through online platforms. Key Market Segmentation This report provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the Saudi Arabia luxury market, along with forecasts for the period 2022-2027. The report has categorized the market based on category, gender and distribution channel. Breakup by Distribution Channel: Mono-brand Stores Multi-brand Stores Online Stores Others Breakup by Category: Travel and Hotel Cars Personal Luxury Goods Food and Drinks Others At present, cars exhibit a clear dominance in the industry. Breakup by Gender: Male Female At present, female account for the majority of the total market share. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the industry has been analyzed in the report, along with the detailed profiles of the major players operating in the industry. Key Questions Answered in This Report How has the Saudi Arabia luxury market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the Saudi Arabia luxury market? Which are the popular categories? What are the key segments based on gender? What are the major distribution channels? What are the various stages in the value chain of the market? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the market? What is the structure of the market and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the market? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Saudi Arabia Luxury Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Breakup by Category 5.5 Market Breakup by Gender 5.6 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel 5.7 Market Forecast 5.8 SWOT Analysis 5.8.1 Overview 5.8.2 Strengths 5.8.3 Weaknesses 5.8.4 Opportunities 5.8.5 Threats 5.9 Value Chain Analysis 5.9.1 Overview 5.9.2 Research and Development 5.9.3 Manufacturing 5.9.4 Marketing 5.9.5 Distributors 5.9.6 Retailers 5.9.7 End-Users 5.10 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.10.1 Overview 5.10.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 5.10.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.10.4 Degree of Competition 5.10.5 Threat of New Entrants 5.10.6 Threat of Substitutes 5.11 Key Success and Risk Factors 6 Market Performance by Category 6.1 Travel and Hotel 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Cars 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Personal Luxury Goods 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 6.4 Food and Drinks 6.4.1 Market Trends 6.4.2 Market Forecast 6.5 Others 6.5.1 Market Trends 6.5.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Performance by Gender 7.1 Male 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Female 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Performance by Distribution Channel 8.1 Mono-brand Stores 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Multi-brand Stores 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 8.3 Online Stores 8.3.1 Market Trends 8.3.2 Market Forecast 8.4 Others 8.4.1 Market Trends 8.4.2 Market Forecast 9 Competitive Landscape 9.1 Market Structure 9.2 Key Players 9.3 Profiles of Key Players For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/91ou43 Attachment New York, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Electric Toothbrush Market Research Report by Frequency Per Minute, Bristle, Product, Head Movement, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06258719/?utm_source=GNW The Global Electric Toothbrush Market size was estimated at USD 723.97 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 757.12 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 4.75% to reach USD 956.77 million by 2027. Market Statistics: The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR, JPY, GBP, AUD, CAD, and CHF. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2019 and 2020 are considered historical years, 2021 as the base year, 2022 as the estimated year, and years from 2023 to 2027 are considered the forecast period. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Electric Toothbrush to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Frequency Per Minute, the market was studied across 2,000-2,400,000 Hz and 20-20,000 Hz. Based on Bristle, the market was studied across Nanometer and Soft. Based on Product, the market was studied across Power, Sonic, and Ultra-Sonic. Based on Head Movement, the market was studied across Oscillations and Side-to-Side. Based on End User, the market was studied across Adult and Children. Based on Region, the market was studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas is further studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The United States is further studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The Asia-Pacific is further studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa is further studied across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. Cumulative Impact of 2022 Russia Ukraine Conflict: We continuously monitor and update reports on political and economic uncertainty due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Negative impacts are significantly foreseen globally, especially across Eastern Europe, European Union, Eastern & Central Asia, and the United States. This contention has severely affected lives and livelihoods and represents far-reaching disruptions in trade dynamics. The potential effects of ongoing war and uncertainty in Eastern Europe are expected to have an adverse impact on the world economy, with especially long-term harsh effects on Russia. This report uncovers the impact of demand & supply, pricing variants, strategic uptake of vendors, and recommendations for Electric Toothbrush market considering the current update on the conflict and its global response. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Electric Toothbrush Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Market Share Analysis: The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits. Competitive Scenario: The Competitive Scenario provides an outlook analysis of the various business growth strategies adopted by the vendors. The news covered in this section deliver valuable thoughts at the different stage while keeping up-to-date with the business and engage stakeholders in the economic debate. The competitive scenario represents press releases or news of the companies categorized into Merger & Acquisition, Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership, New Product Launch & Enhancement, Investment & Funding, and Award, Recognition, & Expansion. All the news collected help vendor to understand the gaps in the marketplace and competitors strength and weakness thereby, providing insights to enhance product and service. Company Usability Profiles: The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Electric Toothbrush Market, including BURST USA, Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Company, FOREO, Hayco Manufacturing Limited, JSB Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Mornwell, Panasonic Corporation, Procter and Gamble Company, Shenzhen Risun Technology Co. Ltd., SONIC Chic by Lifes2good, Water Pik, Inc., and Xiaomi Corporation. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Electric Toothbrush Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Electric Toothbrush Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06258719/?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. __________________________ ROCKVILLE, Md., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (NYSE American: SYN), a diversified clinical-stage company developing therapeutics designed to treat diseases in areas of high unmet need, today announced the strengthening of its oncology leadership team with the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) composed of key opinion leaders in oncolytic viruses and gene therapies. The SAB will work cohesively with the Synthetic Biologics leadership team to support the Companys transformative clinical development strategy and extension into oncology. We are honored to be working with this group of world-class scientific leaders to advise us as we develop Synthetic Biologics unique, clinical-stage oncolytic viruses optimized for intravenous administration, said Steven A. Shallcross, Chief Executive Officer of Synthetic Biologics. These distinguished leaders have made groundbreaking scientific advances in their respective fields of oncology, immunology and gene therapy, and we look forward to their counsel as Synthetic Biologics advances its oncolytic adenovirus (OV) development program to address devastating cancers with high unmet need. The founding members of the SAB are included below. Chair: Ramon Alemany, Ph.D., is Head of the Immunotherapy and Virotherapy Group at the Translational Research Laboratory of the Institut Catala dOncologia (ICO) and Institut de Investigacio Biomedica de Bellvitage (IDIBELL). Dr. Alemany is a co-founder of VCN Biosciences and is an internationally recognized expert in oncolytic adenoviruses for cancer treatment. He has held various research positions across leading academic institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baxter Healthcare Group and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Alemany earned both his Ph.D., and B.S., from the University of Barcelona. Member: Mark S. Blumenkranz, M.D., MMS, is HJ Smead Professor Emeritus in the Department of Ophthalmology at Stanford University. Dr. Blumenkranz was an early innovator in vitrectomy techniques to treat complex forms of retinal detachment and helped to usher in the modern era of intravitreal and surgical adjuvant drug therapy. He has served on the Editorial Boards of The American Journal of Ophthalmology, Retina, Ophthalmology, and Graefes Archives for Ophthalmology. Dr. Blumenkranz earned his M.D., from Brown University. Member: Ennio Antonio Chiocca, M.D., Ph.D., is Harvey W. Cushing Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School, Neurosurgeon-in-Chief and Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery and Co-Director, Institute for the Neurosciences at Brigham and Womens Faulkner Hospital. He is also the Surgical Director, Center for Neuro-oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. His research focuses on developing novel genetic and immunotherapeutic approaches for malignant brain tumors, with a particular interest in engineering viruses that can kill tumor cells without affecting normal brain cells. Dr. Chiocca earned his M.D., Ph.D., from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Member: Daniel DiMaio, M.D., Ph.D., is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Genetics and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine, as well as a Senior Advisor to the Director, Yale Cancer Center. Dr. DiMaio brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in the fields of human genetics, tumor virology, and cancer research. Dr. DiMaio earned his Ph.D., from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and his B.S., from Yale University. Member: Tom Dubensky, Ph.D., President of Tempest Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing small molecules to treat cancer through mechanisms that directly kill tumor cells and activate tumor-specific immunity. He was the founding CEO of Tempest and brings significant industry expertise in discovery, development and clinical translation across cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease indications. Dr. Dubensky earned his Ph.D., at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Member: Josep Tabernero, M.D., Ph.D., is Head of the Medical Oncology Department at the Vall dHebron University Hospital, Director of the Vall dHebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and Professor of Medicine at UVic. Dr. Taberneros research focuses on potentiating molecular therapies and targeting specific oncoproteins for personalized care. Dr. Tabernero serves on the Editorial Boards of various top-tier journals including Annals of Oncology, ESMO Open, Cancer Discovery and Clinical Cancer Research. Dr. Tabernero earned his M.D., and Ph.D., degrees from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain. About Synthetic Biologics, Inc. Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (NYSE American: SYN) is a diversified clinical-stage company developing therapeutics designed to treat diseases in areas of high unmet need. The Company recently consummated the acquisition of VCN Biosciences, S.L. (VCN), which is developing a new oncolytic adenovirus (OV) platform designed for intravenous (IV), intravitreal and antitumoral delivery to trigger tumor cell death, improve access of co-administered cancer therapies to the tumor, and promote a robust and sustained anti-tumor response by the patients immune system. The Company's lead clinical candidates are: (1) VCN-01, an oncolytic adenovirus designed to replicate selectively and aggressively within tumor cells, and to degrade the tumor stroma barrier that serves as a significant physical and immunosuppressive barrier to cancer treatment; (2) SYN-004 (ribaxamase) which is designed to degrade certain commonly used IV beta-lactam antibiotics within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to prevent (a) microbiome damage, (b) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), (c) overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, (d) the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and (e) acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients; and (3) SYN-020, a recombinant oral formulation of the enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) produced under cGMP conditions and intended to treat ,both local GI and systemic diseases. For more information, please visit Synthetic Biologics' website at www.syntheticbiologics.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions, and include statements regarding advancing Synthetic Biologics oncolytic adenovirus (OV) development program and the contributions to be made by the scientific advisory board members. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, whether the combined business of Synthetic Biologics and VCN will be successful; Synthetic Biologics' and VCN's product candidates demonstrating safety and effectiveness, as well as results that are consistent with prior results; the ability to initiate and complete clinical trials on time and achieve the desired results and benefits; continuing clinical trial enrollment as expected; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for commercialization of product candidates or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, regulatory limitations relating to Synthetic Biologics' and VCN's ability to promote or commercialize their product candidates for the specific indications; acceptance of product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of Synthetic Biologics' and VCN's products; developments by competitors that render such products obsolete or non-competitive; Synthetic Biologics' and VCN's ability to maintain license agreements;, the continued maintenance and growth of Synthetic Biologics' and VCN's patent estate; the ability to continue to remain well financed;, and other factors described in Synthetic Biologics' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its other filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and Synthetic Biologics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations: Chris Calabrese LifeSci Advisors, LLC ccalabrese@lifesciadvisors.com 917-680-5608 CHICAGO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Redwood Logistics (Redwood), one of the fastest-growing supply chain and logistics companies, announced registration is now open for its upcoming webinar, The Logistics of Disaster Relief, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 3 to 4 p.m. EST. In partnership with SupplyChainBrain, editor-in-chief Bob Bowman will host a panel made up of American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) Executive Director, Kathy Fulton; Walgreens Director of Global Transportation and Customs Compliance, Sandra McCarthy; and Redwood Logistics Executive Vice President, Adam Moreau. Natural disasters disrupt and uproot more than just logistics networks, they leave entire populations disconnected and in desperate need of assistance, said Adam Moreau. Leaders within the world of logistics understand more than most how to effectively mobilize under difficult and tight circumstances, making us a key factor in helping provide disaster relief. Redwood is passionate about giving back to our communities, and we look forward to hosting such a timely discussion. Ahead of hurricane and summer storm season, attendees will learn about the ways in which technology and connectivity can create a more resilient supply chain, as well as lessons learned over the past several decades. Panelists will also discuss the rise in natural disasters, and how companies and their supply chain can get involved to support ALAN and those in need. Kathy Fulton of ALAN adds, While we cant avoid disasters, we can help people get better prepared for them though insightful webinars like these. Were excited to be presenting alongside Redwood and all of the panelists and grateful for the chance to share so many essential readiness and resilience messages. To register for the free webinar, visit: https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/34764-the-logistics-of-disaster-relief About Redwood Logistics Redwood Logistics, a leading logistics platform company headquartered in Chicago, has provided solutions for moving and managing freight for more than 20 years. The companys diverse portfolio includes digital freight brokerage, flexible freight management and logistics consulting all wrapped into a revolutionary logistics and technology delivery modelLogistics Platform as a Service (LPaaS). LPaaS utilizes an open platform for digital logistics that empowers shippers to seamlessly mix-and-match partners, technologies and solutions into their own unique digital supply chain fingerprint. Redwood connects a wide range of customers to the power of supply chain management, technology and the industrys brightest minds. For more information, visit www.redwoodlogistics.com. English French MONTREAL, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it has filed a final shelf prospectus with Canadian securities regulators and a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pursuant to which CN may issue up to C$6 billion of debt securities in Canadian and U.S. markets over the next 25 months. CN expects to use net proceeds from the sale of debt securities under the shelf prospectus for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, share repurchases, acquisitions and other business opportunities. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. A copy of the final shelf prospectus will be available on the Canadian Securities Administrators' web site, www.sedar.com, or the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. It may also be obtained from the Corporate Secretary, Canadian National Railway Company, 935 de La Gauchetiere Street West, Montreal, Que., H3B 2M9 (Telephone: 514-399-7091). About CN CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As a railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Contacts: PEMBROKE, Mass., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revenue Solutions, Inc. (RSI), a leader in providing software and services that enable digital transformation for governments, announced today the launch of their new product: revX, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution designed for government revenue processing in the cloud. With this solution, RSI continues to lead governments to innovate through the simplicity and security only a cloud-native solution can provide. revX allows customers to reap the benefits of drag and drop configurations, AI-powered analytics, and the power of the RSI business rule engine: logiX. With logiX, revX gives governments a user-friendly and flexible solution that allows responding to policy, regulatory, and tax law changes quickly without the aid of software developers. Instead of writing code, compiling, and deploying, logiX enables agencies and offices to use an editor to drag and drop files in order to build their own logic and run it. "Our 26 years of experience empowering government agencies and offices with cutting-edge technology gives us the confidence to say revX will be a game-changer. This solution is a trifecta for governments looking to digitally innovate, offering more efficiency, optimization of resources, better service to citizens, and, above all, more security," stated John Skinner, CEO of RSI. revX removes the hassle and cost of maintaining systems, allowing governments to invest time, money, and resources into performing core business activities, with a world-class security system. revX is foundationally designed on IRS Publication 1075 security controls, which allows it to: Securely apply advanced analytics and threat intelligence to detect attacks. Use access and application controls to block malicious activity. Find and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Simplify investigation when responding to threats. Apply policy to ensure compliance with security standards. John Kitonis, RSI's CTO added: "When new technology that best suits the functionality within a service is available, it can quickly be deployed without impact to the surrounding ecosystem. RSI's revX microservices architecture provides numerous benefits, including faster updates to applications and citizen-facing services, without costly downtime." For 26 years, RSI has delivered transformative technology solutions, working alongside hundreds of clients throughout the United States and Canada. With revX and its cloud-native solution, RSI supports one of its main goals: to lead governments into groundbreaking innovations. About RSI Founded in 1996, RSI is the trusted, collaborative partner leading governments to innovation with the only cloud-native packaged software solution, revX. Offered as Software as a Service (SaaS), revX is the preferred platform for government revenue processing. We empower public agencies and offices with solutions that improve citizen services; increase operational efficiency, collect additional revenue, and maximize compliance. For over 25 years, RSI has delivered transformative technology solutions across hundreds of client projects throughout the United States and Canada. Contact: Ira Keller ikeller@rsimail.com (617) 794-2955 Related Images Image 1: Revenue Solutions Revenue Solutions This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment BERLIN and NEW YORK, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spryker, the fastest-growing enterprise digital commerce platform for B2B, Enterprise Marketplaces, Unified Commerce and D2C, has today announced its inclusion in The Forrester WaveTM: B2B Commerce Solutions, Q2 2022 report. Identified as a Strong Performer, this is the latest in a line of recent analyst recognitions as Spryker continues its rapid ascension into the top-tier of modern enterprise commerce platforms. Spryker was among the select companies that Forrester invited to participate in its 2022 Forrester WaveTM evaluation for B2B Commerce. In this evaluation, Spryker received the highest possible score in the performance criterion, as well as in the front-end management and order inventory management criteria. The report also notes that Spryker is a best fit for manufacturing businesses with complex business models and complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) processes in addition to having a strong performance toward its product vision* a finding which aligns with Sprykers vision to enable sophisticated transactional business models. B2B enterprises have complex ecosystems and digital transformation is further accelerating disruptive and rapidly growing digital business models. We believe the Forrester report aligns with what we see in the Enterprise B2B market every day: highly customizable solutions are the answer to these challenges, said Boris Lokschin, co-founder and CEO at Spryker. Sprykers composable, API-first, cloud-native architecture, provides enterprises the flexibility to either build new and innovative commerce capabilities from scratch or move on from legacy monolithic platforms. By implementing a composable best-of-breed approach, enterprises are better prepared to adapt and differentiate in an ever-changing market. The Forrester WaveTM evaluates various B2B commerce solution providers identified by Forrester as the most significant and evaluates each provider against criteria (including revenue) across three categories: current offering, strategy, and market presence. The report shows how each identified provider measures up and helps digital business professionals select the right one for their needs. Recently, Spryker was included in Forresters reports, Now Tech: B2B Commerce Solutions, Q1 2022 and Now Tech: B2C Commerce Solutions, Q1 2022 which analyze commerce solutions for business leaders. Additionally, last year, Spryker was recognized by Gartner as a Visionary in the latest Magic QuadrantTM for Digital Commerce for its offering, the e-commerce PaaS solution Spryker Cloud Commerce OS. Spryker, best known for enabling enterprises to become digital leaders across B2B and Enterprise Marketplaces, is expanding rapidly internationally. Spryker recently announced their first customer in APAC and has seen over 100% year-over-year growth in the North American enterprise digital commerce market. References: * The Forrester WaveTM: B2B Commerce Solutions, Q2 2022, Forrester Research, Inc., 28 April 2022 Covina, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Activated Alumina has capacity to be utilized as an adsorbent, which drives the target market. Activated alumina is used in the oil and gas sector to remove water from natural gas streams. Natural gas is widely regarded as the most rapidly expanding source of domestic energy generation. The development of new refinery projects is expected to be the primary driver of segment growth. The oil and gas production of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is predicted to increase by more than 6% per year between 2022 and 2024, playing a crucial role in China's energy supply security. The cumulative output of more than 1 billion cubic metres has demonstrated the capability and dependability of China's self-built systems for deep-sea gas and oil reserve discovery, exploitation, production, and operation. To meet the rising demand for oil and gas, the Indian government has implemented a number of initiatives. It has permitted 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in numerous sectors, including natural gas, petroleum products, According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), natural gas consumption in India is predicted to increase by 25 billion cubic metres (bcm), with an average annual growth rate of 9% during the projection period. Region Analysis: Asia-Pacific activated alumina market is dominated and is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. China is the world's largest consumer of activated alumina, with significant expansion. Because of numerous government initiatives for water treatment, India and other Southeast Asian countries are driving up demand even more. North America held a sizable market share in 2020, owing to high demand for drinking water and an increase in environmental concerns in the region. Furthermore, due to an increase in demand for alumina in the food and beverage industry, Europe is predicted to rise at a significant rate throughout the projection period. Key Highlights: The Saudi government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian government in 2019 to establish a refinery in India. Before purchasing this report, request a sample or make an inquiry by clicking the following link: https://www.prophecymarketinsights.com/market_insight/Activated-Alumina-Market-4872 Key Market Insights from the report: Global Activated Alumina Market accounted for US$ 145.87 million in 2020 and is estimated to be US$ 262.61 million by 2030 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.10%. The Global Activated Alumina Market report segments the market on the basis of end-user, application and region. Based on End-User, Global Activated Alumina Market is segmented into Oil & Gas, Water Treatment, Plastics and Healthcare. Based on Application, Global Activated Alumina Market is segmented into Catalyst, Desiccant, Fluoride Adsorbent and Bio Ceramics. By Region, the Global Activated Alumina Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Competitive Landscape & their strategies of Global Activated Alumina Market: The key players operating in the Global Activated Alumina Market includes BASF SE (Germany), Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan), Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.), J.M. Huber Corporation (U.S.), Porocel Corporation (U.S.), AGC Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. (India), Axens SA (France), Dynamic Adsorbents, Inc. (U.S.), Sorbead India (India), and Camfil Group (Sweden). The competition is primarily driven by the application scope and use of activated alumina in a different type of products. Scope of the report: Global Activated Alumina Market, By End-User Market Value and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Share Analysis (%), 2020 2030 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2020 2030 Segment Trends Oil & Gas Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Water Treatment Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Plastics Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Healthcare Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Global Activated Alumina Market, By Application, 2020 2030, (US$ Mn) Overview Market Value and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Share Analysis (%), 2020 2030 Y-o-Y Growth Analysis (%), 2020 2030 Segment Trends Catalyst Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Desiccant Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Fluoride Adsorbent Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Bio Ceramics Overview Market Size and Forecast (US$ Mn), and Y-o-Y Growth (%), 2020 2030 Request Cutomization: https://www.prophecymarketinsights.com/market_insight/Insight/request-customization/4872 About Prophecy Market Insights Prophecy Market Insights is specialized market research, analytics, marketing/business strategy, and solutions that offers strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high-value opportunities in the target business area. We also help our clients to address business challenges and provide the best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. Some Important Points Answered in this Market Report Are Given Below: Explains an overview of the product portfolio, including product development, planning, and positioning Explains details about key operational strategies with a focus on R&D strategies, corporate structure, localization strategies, production capabilities, and financial performance of various companies. Detailed analysis of the market revenue over the forecasted period. Examining various outlooks of the market with the help of Porters five forces analysis, PEST & SWOT Analysis. Study on the segments that are anticipated to dominate the market. Study on the regional analysis that is expected to register the highest growth over the forecast period Browse for Related Reports: 1. Global High Purity Alumina Market, By Purity Level (4N, 5N & 6N), By Application (Light Emitting Diode, Semi-Conductor, Phosphor and Sapphire), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Market Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2030 2. Global Alumina Trihydrate Market, By End-Use Industry (Plastic, Building and Construction, Pharmaceuticals, Paints and Coatings, Glass, Rubber, and Others (Paper Industry and Chemical Industry), By Application (Flame Retardant, Filler, and Antacid), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) - Trends, Analysis and Forecast till 2029 3. Global Alumina and Calcined Alumina Market, By Soda Content (Low soda, Medium soda, High soda), By Grade (Smelter and Specialty grade), By Particle Size (Coarse, Medium and Fine), By Purity (93%, 93% - 99%, 99% and above), By Application (Refractory (cements, concrete, mortars, etc.), Ceramics & Catalyst, Lapping & Polishing and Others) and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Market Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2030 AUSTIN, Texas, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perusall, a social e-learning platform, will host its annual community event from May 16 to May 27. The conference--called Perusall Exchange--offers over 70 sessions across various educational disciplines. This year's theme is Social Learning and includes a track on Peer Instruction 30 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the development of Peer Instruction by Eric Mazur, co-founder of Perusall. The conference, held entirely within the Perusall platform, promotes a collaborative environment encouraging attendees to engage with presenters and each other through social annotation. Live keynote speakers and panel discussions are dispersed throughout the two-week event. Last year, over 2,000 educators attended the Exchange. Registration numbers are climbing for the 2022 event with the addition of five keynote sessions by renowned educators, including Ken Bain, Angela Duckworth, Alan November, Mamokgethi Phakeng, and Nobel Prize recipient Carl Wieman. Registration and attendance are free. "The inaugural Perusall Exchange held last year drew over two thousand attendees," said Dr. Eric Mazur, co-founder of Perusall and Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University. "Attendees loved the flexibility in choosing which sessions to attend and when to attend them and the social interactions with presenters and other attendees facilitated by the Perusall platform. This year's Perusall Exchange theme is Social Learning. I am particularly pleased that part of the conference will be devoted to celebrating 30 years of Peer Instruction." The conference, which mirrors the student experience within the platform, consists of pre-recorded videos, posters, podcasts, and papers that attendees can discuss with each other either in real-time or at their convenience. The hybrid format captures the best of virtual and in-person conferences, allowing participants to engage in discussion with other attendees but to do so whenever it suits their schedule. "Perusall naturally aligns with some of the best practices in the scholarship of teaching and learning, including transparent design, teaching critical reading strategies, emphasizing content over grades, and facilitating relationship-rich learning environments," said Dr. Travis Martin, Administrator for First-Year Courses at Eastern Kentucky University and Perusall Exchange presenter. "I piloted Perusall in my courses, championed its use in hundreds more, and am always looking for ways to innovate. This conference allows me to share what I have learned with like-minded educators while gaining new perspectives and techniques to improve my pedagogy." Join the Perusall Exchange at its website. Perusall, a leader in educational technology, offers a free multimedia social learning platform that motivates students with a social learning experience to increase engagement, drive collaboration, and build community. Perusall, founded in 2015, has served 2 million students at 4,000 educational institutions in 90 countries. For inquiries, contact Kate Stewart, Marketing Director, at kate@perusall.com. Related Images Image 1: Eric Mazur Dr. Eric Mazur, co-founder of Perusall and Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics at Harvard University This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment SALISBURY, N.C., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For more than two decades, Food Lion has been committed to sustainability, and these efforts continue to earn the omnichannel retailer national recognition. For the 21st consecutive year, Food Lion has earned the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Food Lion, an omnichannel grocery retailer, operates more than 1,100 grocery stores across its 10-state footprint throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Since 2000, Food Lion reduced energy consumption by more than 853.7 million kilowatt hours. The company also reduced carbon emissions by over 605,003 metric tons. As a result, the energy Food Lion saved is enough to charge more than 73 billion smart phones. Food Lion is committed to being a great neighbor to the towns and cities we serve. More than 900 Food Lion stores have received the ENERGY STAR certification at least once. These stores make up 83% of all Food Lion locations and account for 36% of all Energy Star certified supermarkets in the entire country. "We care about our customers and making the communities they live in sustainable and healthy, said Matt Yates, vice president of brand strategy for Food Lion. We are proud and honored to serve as a national leader in energy conservation and efficiency. We will continue our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint in all areas of our business. We know its going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers. Decreasing energy usage is one of the key pillars of Food Lions sustainability commitments, which includes helping customers understand how and where their food is sourced, reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all layers of the retailers operations and eliminating waste. About Food Lion Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 82,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 800 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com. CONTACT: Food Lion Media Relations 704-245-3317 publicrelationsteam@foodlion.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bae442d-0ddf-45dd-8e5f-0e2f70c101a4 CEDARVILLE, OHIO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CEDARVILLE, OHIO More than five years after he survived a high school shooting, Logan Cole, a senior information technology management student from West Liberty, Ohio is preparing to graduate from Cedarville University. Cole will be part of the record number of 924 graduates at Cedarville's 126th commencement ceremonies. The largest graduating class in university history is comprised of 774 undergraduates and 150 graduate students. Cedarville will hold two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Doden Field House. The morning commencement ceremony will grant degrees to undergraduate and graduate students from the schools of allied health, business, education, engineering and computer science, and nursing. Cedarville offers a graduate degree in nursing as well as an MBA. Undergraduate and graduate students from the departments of art, design, and theatre; communication; English, literature, and modern languages; history and government; interdisciplinary studies; music and worship; psychology; science and mathematics; and social work and the schools of biblical and theological studies and pharmacy will receive their degrees in the afternoon ceremony. Cedarville offers masters degrees from the school of biblical and theological studies and a doctoral pharmacy degree. Cole was a high school junior when he was shot on January 20, 2017 by a classmate. The gunman fired at him with a shotgun as he walked into a bathroom, and, although Cole blacked out after the shot, he eventually managed to crawl to the other side of the bathroom for safety. After the shooter shot at two classroom doorways, striking another student with a shotgun pellet, he came back to reload, and Cole urged him to stop and get help before he killed someone else or himself. The shooter eventually surrendered to school authorities. There are a lot of things that went just perfectly so that I am here right now, Cole said. If the shotgun had been aimed a fraction of an inch to the left or right, I wouldnt be here. It was a God thing in the way that he worked. Cole spent the next 15 days recovering in the hospital and the next three months wearing a neck brace. He mostly recovered by the end of his junior year and had a normal senior year before coming to Cedarville for college. When it came time for graduation, I didnt really consider many other options, Cole said. Cedarville is within an hour of his home. Additionally, his parents attended Cedarville, and his sister, Leah, graduated from Cedarville in 2020. Though he was familiar with the school, college was still a big adjustment. Cole came from a smaller high school where he was well-known, while at Cedarville, he was able to blend in with a much larger student body. Cole said that hes had plenty of opportunities to grow throughout his time at Cedarville. Ive gained friendships and relationships that I expect to last for a really long time, and theyve provided me with a lot of joy and happiness through the time I was here, he said. Spiritually, Cedarville continued a process of growth for Cole. After the shooting, God showed me how he works through people, how he saves people and how he can make miracles work, Cole said. That really inspired me to pursue my faith and take it more seriously, but then coming to Cedarville gave me the tools to better pursue that passion. Cole continues to deal with back pain resulting from the shooting, and he and his doctors dont know what long-term side effects may come from the high lead levels from the birdshot in his body most people who are injured that badly dont survive. But right now, Coles mind is on other things. After graduation, Cole will begin work at his familys packaging business, where he intends to stay long-term to help grow the business. And in the summer, he will marry his fiancee, Addy. Coles biggest piece of advice for current and upcoming college students is to be content. One thing Ive been trying to focus on is being content and happy where I am, Cole said. Cedarville is amazing, but I see myself in a transition phase where Im looking ahead to the next stage. Im really trying to be thankful for the time right now where I am that Gods given me, because there are a lot of things that Im going to be leaving that I will miss. Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Bachelor of Science in information technology management program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu. Attachments TORONTO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the writ was dropped for the June 2 provincial election, the Ontario Health Coalition warned against unprecedented health care privatization and called for it to be a key election issue. The Coalition also outlined a set of health care priorities for Ontarians. First, on privatization: The Ford government is privatizing an array of health care services, including in seniors' care where 4,500 residents and staff have now died as a result of COVID-19 alone, one of the worst records in the world. The majority of the deaths are in for-profit long-term care homes. Untold numbers of residents also died of horrific neglect. Yet, the Coalition reports, despite Mr. Fords promises, no one has been held accountable. Not one long-term care home operator has been fined. Not one has lost its license. Despite media reports that contain false information, this is not a question of cost. Under the Mike Harris Conservative government in the 1990s, Ontario began funding for-profit corporations to build long-term care homes that they would then operate for their own profit. This has continued ever since. The public funds the building of the long-term care homes, whether they are built by for-profit, non-profit or public entities. The current capital funding program is here. The for-profit long-term care industry is largely a real estate and equity investment industry, in it to take out as much profit as possible. They are not building free homes as a gift to elderly Ontarians. The Coalition warns that the current privatization of long-term care, unless it is stopped by the next provincial government, is an issue that will impact millions of Ontarians for an entire generation to come. By his government's own admission, Doug Ford is midstream in privatizing more than 18,000 long-term care beds, under new 30-year licenses. There are 31,000 long-term care beds with licenses that are about to expire in Ontario. Those are old, outdated beds with licenses that end in July 2025 and they must be rebuilt. The public is paying for those beds to be redeveloped and, on top of them, for approximately 15,000 new beds, promised by all of the major Ontario political parties. If the Ford government succeeds in handing tens of thousands of these beds are privatized to the for-profits, then those for-profit, mostly chain companies, will own and operate those beds for their own profit -- paid by the public and residents -- for the next entire generation. We are at a crossroads. The 46,000 new and rebuilt beds can tip the balance in Ontario's long-term care back to a majority of non-profit and publicly owned homes; a balance that was tipped to become majority private for-profit when the Mike Harris government privatized thousands of long-term care beds. The Coalition has called on all Ontario political parties to stop the handover of these tens of thousands of long-term care beds that we - the public - are paying for, to for-profit companies and instead to build them as public and non-profit beds. "We watched in horror as thousands of long-term care residents died, many preventably, and most of them in for-profit homes, she said. Here, in modern day Ontario, people died of dehydration, of starvation, of complete lack of care and negligence. At the same time, the for-profit owners of the long-term care homes responsible for their well-being took literally tens of millions of dollars each month in profits for themselves. It is a blight on the soul of our province and our nation, she warned. Not only has the Ford government failed to hold the companies responsible for such suffering accountable in any way, he is actually rewarding them with thousands of 30-year contracts. It is horrific. As a people, as a province, we cannot let the deaths and suffering of the thousands of human beings and their families go in vain. We are asking media to tell this story. We are asking Ontarians to make sure that when candidates come to their doors, they are told to stop the privatization of long-term care and improve care. It will matter for millions of Ontarians for an entire generation to come." The Coalition -- which represents more than 750,000 Ontarians, 400 member organizations, and a network of 40 chapters across the province is calling on all political parties to stop the for-profit privatization of health care and finally really make the improvements needed in long-term care. The Coalition is calling on all provincial parties to do the following: Stop the privatization of health care and expand our public and non-profit health care institutions and services. Commit to bring Ontarios funding for health care up to the average of the rest of Canada, as Ontario currently funds our health care at the lowest rate of any province. Commit to a minimum requirement of 4-hours of care per resident per day in each and every long-term care home, for real. The Ford government has set 4-hours of care per resident per day as a "target" delayed to three years from now. They have also expressly given themselves the power to change that target timeline to delay it further in their new Long-Term Care Act. They have also written the Act in such a way to ensure that no single long-term care home actually can be held accountable for that target, which is an average across every home across the province. Thus, to date, it is meaningless PR that needs to be made real. Reinstate the comprehensive inspections in long-term care that were cancelled by the current government and conduct a surprise inspection of every home within one year. Ford said, in response to the military reports revealing horrific conditions in long-term care, that he would bring back the inspections. He did not do so. Then last fall, the long-term care minister of the Ford government again announced it would bring back the inspections they cancelled, but they have delayed this by two years, until after the provincial election. These inspections must be reinstated immediately. Hold long-term care operators responsible for egregious negligence and non-compliance, including meaningful fines, revocation of licenses, and criminal charges where warranted. Not one long-term care home operator has been fined. Not one has lost their license. There has been no accountability. Recognize, respect and uphold the human rights of residents in long-term care, including the right to have family caregivers, the right to consent to care, the right to be treated with dignity and quality. Uphold the principle of single-tier health care and stop two-tier charges for needed health care services in private COVID testing & other private clinics, and as a result of the erosion of our public health care services. Ontario is one of the wealthiest provinces, said Mehra. We cannot go back to the same patterns of growing inequality and inadequate care before the pandemic. We must safeguard our principles and rebuild a health care system in the public interest to serve Ontarians for the next generation. These issues should be key election issues. For more information: Natalie Mehra, executive director, (416) 230-6402 (cell). NEW YORK, United States, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Facts and Factors has published a new research report titled Industrial Gas Regulator Market By Type (Single Stage, Dual Stage), By Gas Type (Inert, Toxic, Corrosive), By Material (Brass, Stainless Steel), By Application (Oil & Gas, Chemical, Steel & Metal Processing, Medical Care, Food & Beverage), and By Region Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 20222028 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of global Industrial Gas Regulator Market size & share was valued at USD 16,729.5 million in 2021and it is expected to hit around USD 21,786.1 million Mark by the end of 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.5% during the forecast period 2022 to 2028. What is Industrial Gas Regulator? How big is the Industrial Gas Regulator Industry? Report Overview: Industrial gas regulators have found a wide scope of application in multiple industrial activities as the demand for gases has seen a substantial increase in demand over the past few years and this trend is expected to be prominent over the forecast period as well. Demand from the oil and gas industry and chemical industries is expected to be paramount in the global industrial gas regulator market landscape. Get a Free Sample PDF of this Research Report for more Insights with a Table of Content, Research Methodology, and Graphs - https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/industrial-gas-regulator-market (A free sample of this report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the Following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2022 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package About 210+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on Request Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2022 Includes Tables and figures have been updated The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Facts and Factors research methodology (Please note that the sample of this report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2021 USD 16,729.5 Million Projected Market Size in 2028 USD 21,786.1 Million CAGR Growth Rate 4.5% CAGR Base Year 2021 Forecast Years 2022-2028 Key Market Players Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.), The Linde Group (Germany), Air Liquide S.A. (France), Praxair Inc. (U.S.), and Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (U.S.), among others Key Segment By Type, Gas Type, Material, Application, and Region Major Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa Purchase Options Request customized purchase options to meet your research needs. Explore purchase options Global Industrial Gas Regulator Market: Dynamics Demand to increase safety and prevent gas-related incidents is expected to drive market sales Increasing stringent regulations to bolster safety and avoid gas-related accidents in the industry are expected to propel the sales of the industrial gas regulator through 2028. The industrial gas regulator companies are expected to cash in this potential across multiple regions as demand for safety in industrial equipment increases at a good pace. However high costs of the industrial gas regulator are expected to have a hindering effect on the global industrial gas regulator market potential and are expected to reduce the growth rate and constrain the market from attaining its full potential. Industrial gas regulator manufacturers are investing in the research and development of affordable options that will boost their sales and increase market presence on a global scale through 2028. End-use industries like oil and gas, chemical, energy, and waste management are predicted to emerge as the most lucrative sectors for the industrial gas regulator companies through the forecast period. High demand from the medical industry is also expected to bolster the industrial gas regulator market potential through 2028. Browse the full Industrial Gas Regulator Market By Type (Single Stage, Dual Stage), By Gas Type (Inert, Toxic, Corrosive), By Material (Brass, Stainless Steel), By Application (Oil & Gas, Chemical, Steel & Metal Processing, Medical Care, Food & Beverage), and By Region Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 20222028 Report at https://www.fnfresearch.com/industrial-gas-regulator-market Industrial Gas Regulator Market: COVID-19 Impact Analysis The pandemic resulted in halted industrial activity on a global scale and this led to a downfall in the industrial gas regulator market growth in 2020. Shortage of raw materials disrupted demand and supply chains, hampered logistics operations, and lack of skilled workforce were some major concerns hindering the industrial gas regulator market potential in this period. The demand for the industrial gas regulator is expected to make a comeback at a steady pace as industries resume their operations and lockdowns are lifted. With the world coming back to normal and economies trying to recover from losses industrial activity will see an increase and hence will propel industrial gas regulator sales through the post-pandemic era and drive potential through 2028. Industrial Gas Regulator Market: Segmentation Analysis The global industrial gas regulator market is segregated based on type, gas type, application, and region. Based on type, the market is divided into single stage and dual stage. Single stage industrial gas regulators are expected to account for a major market share in the global industry and this trend is expected to be a prominent driver for the industrial gas regulator market growth through 2028. The dual stage industrial gas regulator segment is also expected to see good growth in demand. Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/buynow/su/industrial-gas-regulator-market Competitive Landscape Some of the main competitors dominating the global industrial gas regulator market include - Emerson Electric Co. (U.S.) The Linde Group (Germany) Air Liquide S.A. (France) Praxair Inc. (U.S.) Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (U.S.) Key Insights from Primary Research: As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the Industrial Gas Regulator market is estimated to grow yearly at a CAGR of around 4.5% over the forecast period. The Industrial Gas Regulator market was valued at around US$ 16,729.5 million in 2021 and is projected to reach US$ 21,786.1 million, by 2028. By Type, the Single stage industrial gas regulator are likely to dominate the market throughout the forecast period due to their expanding application range and affordable cost. The dual stage industrial gas regulator segment is also expected to grow rapidly through 2028. Drivers, restraints/challenges and their impact on demand for industrial gas regulators are examined in the report. On the basis of region, the Asia Pacific region dominates the global industrial gas regulator market in terms of revenue and volume share, and this dominance is expected to continue during the projected period. Key questions answered in this report: What is the market size and growth rate forecast for Industrial Gas Regulator industry? What are the main driving factors propelling the Industrial Gas Regulator Market forward? What are the leading companies in the Industrial Gas Regulator Industry? What segments does the Industrial Gas Regulator Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the Industrial Gas Regulator Market sample report and company profiles? Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.fnfresearch.com/inquiry/industrial-gas-regulator-market Regional Dominance: Rapid industrialization, growing manufacturing activities, and increasing stringent regulations to ensure industrial safety are some major factors that drive the industrial gas regulator market growth in the Asia Pacific region. The high industrial activity in this region is expected to be majorly driven by the emerging economies of India and China over the forecast period. The increasing demand for industrial gas regulators will majorly be driven by oil and gas and energy industries in this region through 2028. Recent Developments In March 2022, Harris Products Groups Model 25GX a regulator which was launched back in 1972 completed 50 years and became the most popular industrial gas regulator in the world to celebrate this the company is offering a limited edition design for these offerings. 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The global industrial gas regulator market is segmented as follows: By Type Single Stage Dual Stage By Gas Type Inert Corrosive Toxic By Material Brass Stainless Steel By Application Oil & Gas Chemical Steel & Metal Processing Medical Care Food & Beverage By Region North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe France UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Request For Free Sample Report of the Global Industrial Gas Regulator Market @ https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/industrial-gas-regulator-market Browse Other Related Research Reports from Facts & Factors: Industrial Tapes Market By Product Type (Filament Tapes, Aluminium Tapes, Duct Tapes, Adhesive Transfer Tapes, Others (Single-sided and Double-sided)), By Material (Polypropylene, Paper, Polyvinyl Chloride, Other Tape Backing Materials (Foam, Fiberglass, Fabrics, Glass Cloth, Reinforced Epoxy, Polyester, PEN, Polyimide, PTFE, and Medical Grade Cloth)), By End- user (Manufacturing Industry, Automotive Industry, Construction Industry, Logistics Industry, Electrical Industry, Others (Aerospace and Electronics)), By Application (Packaging Application, Masking/Protective Application, Electrical and Electronic Application, Specialized Application, Others (Decorative Tapes, Splicing Tapes, and Damping Tapes), and By Region Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 20222028 Industrial Hemp Market By Application Prospects (Paper, Personal Care, Automotive, Textiles, Food & Beverages, Animal Care, Furniture, Construction Materials, and Others), By Product Prospects (Fiber, Shivs, and Seeds) and By Region - Global and Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, and Forecast 20222030 Industrial Alcohol Market by Type (Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Isobutyl Alcohol, and Others) By Source (Sugarcane & Bagasse, Grains, Corn, Molasses, and Others), By Functionality Type (Antimicrobial Activity, Solubility, Fragrant/Flavoring Agents, Flammability & Volatility, and Antifreeze), By Purity Type (Undenatured Alcohol and Denatured Alcohol), By Process Technology (Fermentation Process and Synthetic Process),By Application (Fuel, Food, Chemical Intermediates, Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals, and Others), By Region: Global & Regional Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast 2021 2026 Industrial Gases Market by Type (Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Acetylene, Argon, and Others), By Application (Healthcare, Manufacturing, Metallurgy & Glass, Food & Beverages, Retail, Chemicals & Energy, and Others), and Distribution Channel (On-Site, Bulk, and Cylinder), By Region: Global & Regional Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast 2021 2026 Industrial Seals Market By Type (Axial Seals, Radial Seals, & Mechanical Seals), By Application (Mining, Food & Beverage, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Aerospace, Marine, Construction, & Others), And By Regions - Global & Regional Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast 2021 - 2026 Industrial Laser Market by Product Type (CO2 Laser, Fiber Laser, Solid State Laser, and Others), by Power Type (High, Medium, Low), by Application (Marking, Micro-Materials, and Macro-Materials) for Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics and Semiconductors, Medical, Food & Textile, Construction, Utility, and Others: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast 2020-2026 About Facts & Factors: Facts & Factors is a leading market research organization offering industry expertise and scrupulous consulting services to clients for their business development. The reports and services offered by Facts and Factors are used by prestigious academic institutions, start-ups, and companies globally to measure and understand the changing international and regional business backgrounds. Our clients/customers conviction on our solutions and services has pushed us in delivering always the best. Our advanced research solutions have helped them in appropriate decision-making and guidance for strategies to expand their business. 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LITGRID AB finished the public procurement on 5th May 2022 and will announce a new tender for the design and construction of the 330 kV EPL Vilnius-Neris. TORONTO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sintana Energy Inc. (TSX-V: SEI) (Sintana or the Company) is pleased to announce that it will be participating as a contributing sponsor and attendee at the Africa Energies Summit in London in the UK from May 17th to the 19th. Robert Bose, President and Director will be attending the event on behalf of the company. In its fifth consecutive year, the Africa Energies Summit brings together governments, national oil companies, private sector operators and investors who are active in Africas energy industry providing unique insights into the opportunities associated with a quickly evolving energy geography. Given the rapidly growing emergence of Namibia as the next global hydrocarbons play and the significant ongoing news flow around our offshore and onshore assets located there, it is timely for Sintana to increase its profile and dialogue with other industry participants focused on the emerging opportunities in African exploration. said Mr. Bose. He further added We believe that supporting events such as the Africa Energies Summit and joining industry leaders such as Shell and TotalEnergies who have each recently announced multi-billion barrel discoveries which offset our newly acquired interests in Namibia is critical to bringing awareness and recognition to the significant, near-term value creation opportunities in our portfolio. ABOUT SINTANA ENERGY: The Company is engaged in petroleum and natural gas exploration and development activities in Colombias Magdalena Basin and five large, highly prospective, onshore and offshore petroleum exploration licenses in Namibia. Sintanas exploration strategy is to acquire, explore, develop and produce superior quality assets with substantial reserves potential. On behalf of Sintana Energy Inc., Douglas G, Manner Chief Executive Officer For additional information or to sign-up to receive periodic updates about Sintanas projects, and corporate activities, please visit the Companys website at www.sintanaenergy.com Corporate Contacts: Investor Relations Advisors: Douglas G. Manner Sean J. Austin Jonathan Paterson Chief Executive Officer Vice-President Founder & Managing Partner 832-279-4913 713-825-9591 Harbor Access 475-477-9401 Forward-Looking Statements Certain information in this release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intensions for the future, and include, but not limited to, statements with respect to the stock option and restricted share unit grants and the prospective nature of the Companys property interests. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including, but not limited to risks relating to the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals, results of exploration activities, the ability to source joint venture partners and fund exploration, permitting and government approvals, and other risks identified in the Companys public disclosure documents from time to time. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update such information, except as may be required by law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. PHILADELPHIA, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investor protection law firm Kaskela Law LLC announces that it is investigating potential legal claims on behalf of Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (Cornerstone) (NYSE: CNR) shareholders. On March 7, 2022, Cornerstone announced that it would be acquired by private investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice at a price of $24.65 per share. Following the closing of the proposed transaction, Cornerstones shares will no longer be publicly traded. The investigation seeks to determine whether $24.65 provides sufficient consideration to CNR investors for their shares, and whether Cornerstone and/or the companys directors violated the securities laws or breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed transaction. Cornerstone shareholders are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (484) 229 0750, or by email (abell@kaskelalaw.com) or online at https://kaskelalaw.com/cases/cornerstone/ , for additional information about this investigation and their legal rights and options. Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation. For additional information about the firm please visit www.kaskelalaw.com. This notice may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. CONTACT: D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. Adrienne Bell, Esq. KASKELA LAW LLC 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100 Newtown Square, PA 19073 (484) 229 0750 (888) 715 1740 www.kaskelalaw.com TORONTO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robert Ready retires as Board Chair of the Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) Board of Directors at the charitys Annual General Meeting, to be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Robert Ready joined the FFPC Board of Directors in 2016, when he retired from his position as Canadas High Commissioner to Jamaica and a successful 33-year career in the public sector. During his three-year assignment in Jamaica, Ready also represented Canada as non-resident High Commissioner to The Bahamas and non-resident Consul General to the Turks & Caicos and the Cayman Islands. Robert Ready became involved with Food For The Poor Canada when he was invited by the organizations Executive Director Samantha Mahfood to participate in a school build in 2013, during his time as the High Commissioner. His commitment as a volunteer and as a donor was sparked by this meaningful experience, motivating him to complete a six-year term with the FFPC Board of Directors, and five years as the Chair of the Board. Food For The Poor Canada is on the cusp of change and growth. As was the case with other organizations, we lost some momentum through the pandemic. But, with the ongoing generosity of our donors, we have continued to do good work. We are well positioned to take our next big steps, states Robert. The fundamentals are there; good governance at the board level and an unwavering commitment to delivery on the ground. Donors should give with even more confidence, now and going forward. Reflecting on his time with the organization, Robert says that Food For The Poor Canada plays a valuable and strategic role in the Caribbean and Latin American, noting that FFPC works with a well-established network and reliable partners with strong roots across the region. All of this enables important efficiencies in the movement of food, medicine, supplies; and the building of houses and schools; and provision of emergency aid, allowing our donors to meet the needs of families more quickly. Executive Director Samantha Mahfood says that Rob was a key component of the work we have accomplished over the last six years. His strategic leadership skills and commitment to the people of Jamaica and the region has been instrumental in moving our mission forward. Thank you, Rob, for your dedication. The FFPC Board and staff would like to thank Robert Ready for his leadership and commitment to the communities in the Caribbean and Latin America over the past six years. Robert has left a lasting imprint on Food For The Poor Canada and its work today, and in the years to come. About Food For The Poor Canada Food For The Poor Canada (FFPC) empowers communities in Latin America and the Caribbean through five areas of investment: food, health, housing, education, and income-generating projects. FFPC meets urgent needs while building community and social infrastructure. FFPC utilizes the pre-existing networks of local affiliated organizations to provide effective and accountable distribution and project management and to sustain and grow the communities they serve. Through trusted partners, FFPC has strengthened its emergency preparedness and is able to respond to emergencies with impact and immediacy. Over the last 13 years, FFPC and its donors have built 188 homes, 36 schools, as well as shipped and distributed $43,000,000 in food, educational and medical supplies to communities in LAC. For interviews or more information, contact: Samantha Mahfood Executive Director (416) 921-4008 Samantham@foodforthepoor.ca www.foodforthepoor.ca Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7a653215-44a1-41c8-bed3-4df113340fe8 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfb8a896-ac6d-4f1e-8c97-f5b2a2b80033 JOPLIN, Mo., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FCI Billiards, a leading provider of billiard supplies, pool tables and game room accessories, announces the opening of a brand new 2,000 sq. ft. showroom location in Joplin, Mo. Visitors to the showroom will find a wide selection of products, including pool cues, pool cue cases, cue shafts and table accessories such as billiard balls and table cloths. An on-site technician will be available for cue repair and re-tipping. Customers will be able to participate in product demonstrations so they can sample items before purchase. FCI Billiards' new showroom comes with a corresponding move to a new 5,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled warehouse that offers expanded inventory capacity. The online retailer carries merchandise from the industry's leading brands, including Predator, Cuetec, Viking Cues, McDermott, Instroke and more. Additional inventory space is planned for further expansion of product offerings and to maintain a greater supply of our most popular items to ensure timely shipping and customer service. FCI Billiards opened its doors in 1995 in Nevada, Mo. The woman-owned business grew dramatically over the next five years by traveling the country, exhibiting at trade shows and amateur pool events to generate awareness and cultivate business relationships with customers and distributors. Those relationships allowed them to open their online storefront in 1999. Since then, they have fulfilled tens of thousands of orders for pool and billiard-related items and accessories. Today, FCI Billiards is an authorized dealer for dozens of brands covering every aspect of the billiard and game room industry. For media inquiries, contact FCI Billiards online or by phone at 1-800-666-9190. Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Dover, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dover, Delaware - Matt G Tarrant is pleased to announce that he is looking for one chiropractic office to test My Nearby Chiro Fremont, a new patient acquisition system for chiropractors. Only one out of the 142 chiropractic offices listed on Google maps for Fremont, CA, will be allowed to try the new marketing system, which is based on the principles of Matt Tarrants Heart-Centered Hyper-Local Chiropractic Patient Acquisition system. My Nearby Chiro Fremont will be partnering with the chiropractic office to allow them to recount their best patients stories of hope and transformation, or how these patients who have been suffering from pain were able to get their lives back after treatment. The identity of these patients will not be revealed to protect their privacy. Since these patients tend to be the ones who are easy to work with and they respond well to the treatment, they are the perfect patients for that particular chiropractic office. My Nearby Chiro Fremont will be relating these stories in front of the people of Fremont and will ensure that the chiropractic office will be getting a stream of new patients who are considered to be perfect for the office. The chiropractor, apart from retelling the stories about their patients will will not need to do anything except provide treatment for the new patients. The first five new patients sent to the chiropractic office will be free of charge. Thus, with the national average of the first year value of a patient estimated at $750, the chiropractic office will actually be getting paid $3,750 for the storytelling and for testing the system before finally investing in it. Chiropractors wanting to know more (in Fremont, or other cities) can text DC28 to (857) 776-3443. Matt Tarrant explains, Your stories reach into peoples hearts and now were meeting them where they live. Do you think that will build a powerful connection with you? And we keep Ready-To-Go Ad Campaigns because sometimes the search engines are fickle and demand tribute. These are to kick-start the flow of new patients. To deploy or scale back as needed. To adjust the flow of new patients to match your needs. And if you find you have way too many new patients flooding in, we can pass the excess on to other DCs you approve of. At a profit for you, of course. Matt Tarrant points out that his Heart-Centered Hyper-Local Chiropractic Patient Acquisition system is a new way for chiropractors to show their love for people who are suffering in pain. This builds trust, which enables chiropractors to make the connection that they need to market themselves effectively. With people trusting the chiropractor, they will gladly allow themselves to get healed. And in a way, the chiropractors will also be healing themselves, allowing themselves to connect their business thoughts to be linked to their passion to help people heal and transform the patients lives, allowing them to finally have a life that is free from pain and suffering. Matt Tarrant had been working as a fellow at the Centre for High Energy Physics (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, when he came in contact with some people who were working for a small startup company based in the US. Later on, he joined that particular company when they put up their first office in Europe, in Germany. But he later found out that the company was not making a profit but was losing money, so he decided to offer his help and he succeeded in making it profitable within six months. And the following year, he was able to double the projected net profit to approximately $5.4 million. When he joined another company later on, he was able to build online businesses with average success. Currently, he is focused on creating profit machines for business owners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNt5ILjQEM0 Chiropractors who would like to know more about the new marketing system for chiropractors can visit the My Nearby Chiro Fremont website at fremontchironearme.com and text DC28 to (857) 776-3443. ### For more information about My Nearby Chiro, contact the company here: My Nearby Chiro Matt Tarrant +1 857-776-3443 matt@mgtconnect.com 8 The Green, Dover DE 19901 Forde, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EarlyBirds, an Australian company that has established a business to business (B2B) open ecosystem for innovation that offers a way for early adopters, innovators, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to come together and develop partnerships to accelerate technology advancement and adoption, wants to emphasize that they can also help businesses in the mining industry to overcome the challenges they face as they try to accelerate their adoption of digital technologies. Mining companies need these technologies to increase productivity and improve the efficiency of operations as they face the cha llenges of the future. These early adopter mining companies may be better equipped to come up with solutions to comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and the competing priorities of emerging market dynamics. Investing in Mining Tech Fortunately, the mining industry, according to PWC, has been one of the few industries that emerged from the COVID 19 pandemic economic crisis in great financial and operational shape. This allows them to have the financial strength to make huge and daring moves and investments towards the future in response to the challenges they face. Digital Acceleration Index However, according to the Digital Acceleration Index of the Boston Consulting Group, the mining and metals industry is lagging behind when it comes to the adoption of digital technologies. The index indicates that they are 30 to 40 percent less digitally mature when compared to other industries like chemicals or automotive. The industry has unique challenges when it comes to digital adoption. For one, their workforces tend to be blue collar and are usually less familiar with digital solutions compared to the workforces of other industries. Furthermore, they typically work in remote locations with poor network bandwidth and where the rugged terrain makes it a challenge to deploy digital sensors. Wide Choice of Technologies Mining companies also face a number of major obstacles with regards to the adoption of new digital tools and in choosing from among the wide range of disruptive technological innovations. Mining technology covers a broad spectrum of physical and virtual challenges and opportunities that are currently being experienced by the industry. These technologies have an impact on both above ground and underground operations with almost every part of the mining operations value chain, from exploration to supply chain and production operations, being affected by these new and emerging innovations. There are many technologies to choose from when mining companies search for particular technologies that can provide the solution they need. For instance, some mining companies are using the Internet of Things, while others are using artificial intelligence or AI and some are applying robotics. The list of possible technologies is virtually endless and this is where a specialised partner with an open innovation ecosystem can help. EarlyBirds Solving Technical and Business Challenges In the EarlyBirds open innovation ecosystem, mining companies can become early adopters of emerging technologies. With early adopters, SMEs and mine tech startups, scaleup and mining service providers meeting together, the EarlyBirds Explorer and Challenger programs provide a fertile ground for early adopters and innovators to come up with solutions to particular problems. The EarlyBirds open innovation ecosystem has two main parts. One is the Explorer program that has the purpose of accelerating the process of technological innovation for the whole company as a service. The Explorer program has a number of important features, including: a nominated SME for the business; a platform enterprise license; weekly webinars to help stimulate innovation in the organisation; quarterly and monthly innovation days; and a focus on certain innovations. The other component is the Challenger program, which is for those who prefer to focus on particular challenges for the business one at a time. EarlyBirds also offers the Edzility framework to assist companies with regards to continuous improvement that allows the organisation to have improved organisational agility and competitive edge. Those who are interested in learning more about the Early Birds and how it can help mining companies adopt new digital technologies to improve their operations can check out the EarlyBirds website at earlybirds.io. ### For more information about EarlyBirds, contact the company here: EarlyBirds Mr Kris Poria and Mr Jeff Penrose +61 401 287 060 support@earlybirds.io FORDE SUITE 10, LEVEL 1, 26 FRANCIS FORDE BOULEVARD, FORDE, ACT 2914 New York, NY, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via NGO Wire) A record high of nearly 193 million people across 53 countries are acutely food insecure, meaning their lives or livelihoods are in danger, according to new data in the 2022 Global Report on Food Crises , published on Wednesday by the UNs World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Commission. The number of people struggling to survive in food crises has increased by 80% since the Global Report on Food Crises was first released in 2016. This report is alarming, but not a surprise. It echoes what we have been seeing in the growing numbers of children admitted into our hunger treatment programs. We have been warning the world about this outcome since before the pandemic began, said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO for Action Against Hunger. What is particularly heartbreaking is the 26 million children around the world who are suffering from the deadliest form of hunger acute malnutrition. These young children are severely underweight and experiencing developmental delays and weakened immune systems that leave them especially vulnerable to diseases. Without immediate help, they are at risk of dying, Among the 193 million facing acute food insecurity are more than half a million people who are in famine conditions catastrophic levels of hunger in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Madagascar, and Yemen. An additional 40 million are on the brink of famine around the world. A child is screened for malnutrition by a member of Action Against Hunger's mobile outreach team in Madagascar, where an estimated 14,000 people face famine conditions due to drought. Climate shocks were one of the primary drivers of food crises in 2021. Photo: Stephane Rakotomalala for Action Against Hunger, Madagascar The top driver for food crises in 2021 continued to be conflict: it was the predominant cause of hunger for 139 million people in 24 countries. Conflict is fueling hunger in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Yemen, three of the four countries facing famine conditions. Other key drivers include climate-related disasters, emergencies, and economic shocks. Its important to note that the report, which analyzes data from 2021, does not account for the devastating impacts of the Ukraine conflict on the global food system. With food, fuel, and fertilizer costs rising dramatically and already-limited funds available to meet humanitarian needs on the decline, were deeply concerned that even more people will face a crisis of hunger this year, said Owubah. May 5th marks one year since the G7 signed a Famine Prevention Compact, pledging to prevent the kind of hunger catastrophe that the recent report warns is on the horizon. In 2017, swift collective action stopped a burgeoning famine in East Africa. Now, governments need to take similar urgent action to prevent millions from losing their lives to hunger, said Owubah. To address the devastating impacts of the war in Ukraine on global food security, especially in low-and middle-income countries, Action Against Hunger urges the U.S. Congress to provide $5 billion for emergency global food security funding in its supplemental funding bill. The U.S. Government must also support diplomatic initiatives to prevent and manage conflict, the primary driver of hunger, as well as climate change. Finally, we call on donors worldwide to increase their investments to better predict and prevent hunger crises, and to provide urgent and flexible funding to prevent food and nutrition crises from worsening even further. Millions of lives are at risk, and the world cannot continue to stand idly by. ### Action Against Hunger Action Against Hunger is leading a global movement to end hunger in our lifetimes. It innovates solutions, advocates for change, and reaches 25 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 50 countries, its 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. It strives to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good. Mobile, Ala., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Austal USA announced today that it was awarded a $230.5 million contract for the detail design and construction of EPF 16, the Navys newest Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship. Austal USA has successfully delivered 12 EPFs, on schedule and on budget. Three additional EPFs are currently under construction. EPFs have demonstrated their operational capability to conduct a variety of missions to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security, surveillance, command and control, and counter narcotic missions around the globe. The inherent versatility of the EPF design allows for its mission to be tailored to the needs of each fleet and combatant commanders geographic command. Like the previously delivered EPFs, EPF 16 will benefit from the serial production of this program, resulting not only in a world-class ship but also providing assurance to the U.S. Navy that capability will be delivered on budget and on schedule, said Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh. Our reputation for delivering quality is a direct reflection of the commitment and dedication of our talented shipbuilders and suppliers. EPF 16 will be the third ship constructed in the Flight II configuration. Flight II ships will enhance the original capabilities of the Spearhead class through incorporation of reconfigurable spaces for operating rooms and postsurgical recovery efforts. Combined with the ships flight deck that is capable of landing V-22 aircraft, Flight II ships provide unmatched versatility. Construction efforts on EPF 16 are expected to commence later this year with delivery projected for 2025. Austal USA is currently under contract to build additional EPFs, the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship, and the Navajo-class Towing, Salvage and Rescue ships (T-ATS) and is supporting Navy unmanned vessel programs leveraging its advanced machinery control system. -ENDS- Follow Austal USA: Flickr | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Vimeo | LinkedIn Attachment MADRID, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Borderless Capital has increased its investment in Spanish Fintech, Bnext, to $10 million with a new investment of $4.5 million. What This Means For Bnext This latest investment will help further Bnext's goal to continue introducing bleeding-edge financial technologies throughout 2022 and beyond. Borderless Capital will not only provide financial support, but also offer invaluable expertise in the Algorand blockchain ecosystem which will help Bnext accelerate the development of its numerous financial products and drive the adoption of DeFi technology on a global scale. Algorand & Bnext The Algorand blockchain offers numerous technological benefits including faster transaction speed efficiency, lower fees, no mining requirements, and a permissionless pure proof of stake (PPoS) approach to consensus, to name a few. Bnext has already leveraged Algorand to power its wallet app and is developing several more use cases for the future. Private IDO for Algorand Community To show support for the Algorand community, Bnext will be reappropriating 350 million B3X tokens for a private IDO, launching on a leading Algorand DEX soon. These tokens represent all that remains from Phase 2 of the initial B3X token sale. In addition to the IDO allocation, all Algorand community members who participate and hold tokens on the DEX will have priority access to new functionalities and other benefits. Information on the IDO will be released on Bnext's social media channels in the coming weeks. Bnext Public Token Sale Raises Over 5 Million Bnext partially closed its public token sale on March 31, 2022, successfully raising over 5 million euros. The token sale spanned two 7-day phases across March; phase one saw participants buy 360 million B3X utility tokens in the first few hours and another 15 million were purchased in phase two. The remaining B3X tokens from phase two, after the expected IDO, will be burnt to increase liquidity. The token sale has thus far collectively raised 11 million, with Bnext reserving the last remaining tokens for a private IDO for the Algorand community. B3X Token Utility The B3X token is a utility token that underpins the entire Bnext ecosystem, whose mission is to bring financial freedom to a global community of banked and unbanked by expanding access to a growing selection of next-generation financial tools and remaining committed to continuously improving the user experience. The continued support from Borderless Capital will help Bnext to strengthen its growing community and bring more value to users through international expansion. Forthcoming products on the Bnext roadmap include a robust reward system, a diversified marketplace, the crypto wallet app with buying and selling conditions, international money transfers, user discounts, and more. To learn more about how more people are taking back full control of their finances visit the Bnext website. Media Contact Info Contact Name: Bnext Media Team Contact Email: media-team@bnext.es Bnext Links Telegram ESP | Telegram ENG | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook Bnext App App Store | Google Pay Algorand Links Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Telegram | Medium | Discord Borderless Capital Twitter | LinkedIn Bnext is the source of this content. This Press Release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest. Related Images Image 1: Bnext Boarderless This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment CALGARY, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its ongoing fundraising efforts, Glenbow has received a significant joint investment in the Glenbow Reimagined Campaign from the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Canada has invested $40 million in Glenbows transformation through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure funding stream of the program. The Government of Alberta has invested $40 million. Glenbow is one of 18 infrastructure projects in Alberta to receive funding under this stream. This investment supports the renovation of Glenbow and its building, the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture, which will see the museum advance new models of sustainability. This includes replacing obsolete systems to yield annual energy use savings by 38 per cent and a reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 41 per cent. Glenbow is also executing an impact portfolio lens across its investments, going beyond environmental, social and governance criteria to directly support resources for artists, Indigenous communities, mental health and climate change, right here at home. Glenbow Reimagined is reframing our communitys relationship to arts and culture by rethinking our approach to sustainability and accessibility, said Nicholas R. Bell, President & CEO, Glenbow. Thanks to the support of the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta, we can further our ambitions to create a world-class museum that will elevate our city on the global stage. We are also grateful to The City of Calgary, the Shaw Family Foundation and our private partners for their critical support of this transformation. Our government is proud to work with our provincial and municipal partners to fund this landmark investment in one of Albertas premier cultural destinations, said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. Calgarians and visitors alike will soon be able to enjoy a revitalized, eco-friendly Glenbow Museum that will be even better equipped to showcase Albertas rich diversity and cultural history. The Glenbow is a jewel in Albertas cultural crown, said Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta. We have an obligation to ensure the preservation of the Glenbows world-class collection of art and artifacts, and ensure that it is accessible to Albertans and visitors for generations to come. These historic taxpayer investments will create good-paying construction jobs and a world-class museum for Albertans to enjoy, while improving our tourism experience for visitors. By coming together to fund the incredible Glenbow Museum revitalization project we are building communities, boosting economies, and creating jobs, said Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure. The Glenbow has been an important Calgary institution for decades and this project will ensure future generations of Albertans can access our shared history. As one of the crowning cultural institutions in this province, the Glenbow helps share Albertas story with the world, said Ron Orr, Minister of Culture and Status of Women. Investing in the museums revitalization project is an investment in the future of Alberta as an economic and cultural powerhouse on the national and global stage. Museums and other cultural facilities are at the heart of communities where people want to live, work and raise their families, said George Chahal, MP for Calgary Skyview. Federal funding for the renovation of the Glenbow will ensure that residents and visitors have access to this historic museum in Calgary for many years to come. Over the past two years, we desperately missed the artists, storytellers and historians who nourish our souls. Today, we come together to invest in important arts and cultural experiences that positively contribute to our collective wellbeing, said Jyoti Gondek, Mayor, City of Calgary. Thank you to all the partners involved - the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the JR Shaw family and the Glenbow-Alberta Institute for joining The City in this important project. This investment will transform the Glenbow into one of the leading art museums in Canada, enriching the lives of generations to come and bringing renewed energy to Calgary's downtown." The Glenbow Reimagined Campaign is working to raise $175 million for a vibrant, sustainable and radically accessible museum in the heart of Calgarys downtown. The Campaign has raised $152 million to date, including a $25 million investment from The City of Calgary, as well as a $35 million gift from the Shaw Family Foundation which will fund the JR Shaw Free Admission Endowment and the JR Shaw Institute for Canadian Art. The balance of funding is being raised by Glenbow from donors across Canada. To learn how you can support the Glenbow Reimagined Campaign, please visit www.glenbow.org. About Glenbow Founded in 1966 as an independent, non-profit museum, archive and gallery, Glenbow Museum cares for an extraordinary collection of more than 250,000 works of art and historical objects from Canada and cultures around the world on behalf of the people of Alberta. Glenbow Reimagined is a project to renovate the museums nearly 50-year-old building and provide a vibrant, thriving cultural resource in the heart of Calgary. Glenbow is committed to expanding the accessibility and impact of arts and culture, with a mission to activate art, objects, and ideas so everyone who experiences Glenbow leaves with something to share. Media Contact Shauna MacDonald Brookline Public Relations, Inc. C: 403-585-4570 E: smacdonald@brooklinepr.com Los Altos, California, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Roonga, Inc., a company based in Los Altos, CA, that helps non-profits, has recently published their recommendations for quality low cost backpacks. Leveraging previous experience asking actual students to try out various low cost backpacks, Roonga developed criteria for evaluating low cost backpacks at various price points. As a result of their evaluations, Roonga developed a number of recommendations for maximizing the value of low cost backpacks. These include looking for the better quality zippers; looking for reinforced stitching at the top of the shoulder strap; checking the bottom of the backpack for reinforcement; and skipping the water bottle holder or at least not making it a priority because kids can also put the water bottle in the main backpack pocket. In the blog post, Roonga provided recommendations for backpacks in two price price points: $5 $10. At the $5 price point, Roonga selected 16 and 18 Eaglesport backpacks, as well as 17 Arctic Star backpacks. At the $10 price point, Roonga selected the 17 Sherpa backpack and the 18premium Eaglesport backpack. Detailed descriptions of the features of these backpacks can be found on their blog post. The features of the 16 Two Tone Backpack are: padded back; side mesh pockets; padded contour, shoulder straps; durable #10 zippers; top handle; and backpack measuring 16 inches by 12 inches by 7 inches. The features of the 17 Arctic Star Backpack are the: padded back; durable #10 zippers; padded contour, should straps; and backpack size of 17 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches. The features of the 18 Eaglesport Backpack are the: padded back; side mesh pockets; padded contour, shoulder straps; durable #10 zippers; and backpack size of 18 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches. The features of the 17 Sherpa Backpack are the mesh padded back, handle, and straps; side mesh pockets; two main compartments with oversized pocket; availability in four metallic colors or blue, red, yellow, and green; and backpack size of 17 inches by 12 inches by 5 inches. The features of the 18 Premium Eaglesport Backpack are the: padded back, shoulder straps; 600D polyester water repellent fabric; reinforced bottom; durable #10 zippers; available in all black or assortment of colors of red, white, black, green ,orange, yellow, purple, and turquoise; and backpack size of 18 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches. Nonprofits can purchase any of these backpacks through Roonga, or they can choose to set up an online collection drive on Roonga, where their donors and other supporters can purchase these on their behalf. These collection drives are free for nonprofits. Founded in 2010, Roonga works with snonprofits including education foundations, homeless shelters, and community service agencies. Roonga provides a suite of services to streamline in-kind purchasing and in-kind giving. Targeted supplies include backpacks, toys, towels, school supplies, sheets, and more. Roongas online collection drives streamline the traditional offline donation drive. Their direct purchasing service leverages a network of quality low cost vendors. And their adopt-a-family platform reduces the manual effort required to run such programs. By reducing the efforts spent on acquiring in-kind goods, nonprofits can focus on working with their clients rather than counting supplies from the collection barrels, researching products, and monitoring quantities on spreadsheets. Those who are interested in getting more information about the benefits of partnering with Roonga can check out their website, or contact them on the phone or through email at hello@roonga.com. ### For more information about Roonga, Inc., contact the company here: Roonga, Inc. Evelyn Horng (650) 279-0975 support@roonga.com Los Altos, CA 94024 Mr. Gerry Trapasso Reports: VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eden Empire Inc. (CSE: EDEN) (the Company or Eden Empire or EDEN) is pleased to announce an investor and operations corporate update. A new season has arrived and with the significant decrease in COVID-19 restrictions and health measures, EDEN looks to return to a normalcy in Canada and the United States. It has been a slow and dampening winter for the cannabis industry. Fortunately for EDEN and its first-to-market expansion program within the Unites States and continuing emerging marketplace within Canada we are pleased to announce that business is blooming. Key Highlights: 1. Re: January 27th 2022 -EDEN EMPIRE ANNOUNCES PARTNER TO LEAD CHARGE IN MICHIGAN FRANCHISE EXPANSION Eden Empire Inc. has signed an agreement with an arm's-length third party to assist in expanding the Eden franchise across the state of Michigan. The partner has been involved with the construction of numerous marijuana grow, processing and dispensary facilities in the state and boasts an expansive network of contacts in the industry. 2. Re: February 15th 2022 -EDEN EMPIRE ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF LOI WITH HIGHLANDS GROW FOR DISPENSARY SUPPLY IN MICHIGAN Eden Empire Inc. has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Highland Grow to provide cannabis products for the company's franchise and corporate locations in the state of Michigan. Gives the company access to premium quality products grown locally in the state; The supplier boasts more than 10 strains grown at its state-of-the-art facility, including: Super Lemon Haze, White Widow, Starkiller and Pineapple Express No. 2 3. Re: February 22nd2022 -EDEN EMPIRE ANNOUNCES SIGNING OF LOI WITH FIRST FRANCHISEE FOR DISPENSARY IN MICHIGAN Eden Empire Inc. has signed a Letter of Intent (the LOI) with Indigo Concentrates, LLC (the Franchisee) which is intended to bring the first EDEN franchised dispensary to the State of Michigan the Franchisee was a premier player in the medical marihuana caregiver program in the State of Michigan. State of Michigan saw 43% growth in cannabis sales year-over-year from 2020 to 2021. 2021 cannabis sales in Michigan topped $1.79 billion (U.S.). 2020 cannabis sales in Michigan reached $984 million (U.S.). Franchisee opportunity brings massive branding exposure to the Eden brand in a growing market. Locations for EDENs Expansion Franchise Model Michigan - 2021 cannabis sales in Michigan topped $1.79 billion (U.S.). California - 2021 cannabis sales in California topped $5.2 billion (U.S.) Arizona - 2021 cannabis sales in Arizona topped $1.4 billion (U.S.) Nevada - 2021 cannabis sales in Nevada topped $1.0 billion (U.S.) New York 2022 projections set to top $7.0 billion (U.S.) Massachusetts 2021 cannabis sales in Massachusetts topped $1.3 billion (U.S) When your competition is large and well armored you must be quick and mobile. The franchise licensing model will allow EDEN to grow a competitive distribution footprint rapidly in both Canada and mainly geared towards the United States as federal legalization looms. EDENs scaling model is to be a large scale cannabis company who will attract the likes of larger production companies looking for a large distribution channel, Stated President Kolt Taekema. For further information or should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at investors@edenempire.com or 778-903-7325. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and the securities described in this press release may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. About EDEN Empire EDEN Empire is in the business of investments and operations in the cannabis sector and engaging in retail cannabis sales. EDEN Empire intends to expand its retail operations in Canada and to expand its business to cannabis cultivation, extraction and processing and become a fully integrated cannabis product company in the United States. EDEN Empire intends to expand its franchised locations in the State of Michigan. EDEN Empire has an award winning and established nationwide brand, including a substantial intellectual property portfolio, and a dedicated management team with extensive cannabis industry experience. Upon completion of EDEN Empires currently intended acquisitions, and approval to operate its retail locations, the Company is expected to have a significant retail cannabis footprint in Canada and Michigan. Retail cannabis operations are an emerging sector with significant cash flow potential. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain forward looking statements and certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, will, expect, intend, estimate, upon anticipate, believe, continue, plans or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the Companys advancement with the Franchisee, the Companys future operations of retail cannabis stores in the United States and Canada; the Company expanding its business to cannabis cultivation, extraction and processing and becoming a fully integrated cannabis company in the United States; the completion of the Companys currently intended acquisitions; the receipt of all necessary licenses and approvals to operate the Companys retail locations; and the proposed future transactions Eden may undertake and their expected timing. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Eden Empire to control or predict, that may cause Eden Empires actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: Eden Empire may not obtain the requisite regulatory approvals and may not begin operating cannabis retail or cultivation and processing operations; that the actual use of proceeds may differ from those currently stated; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. Eden Empire does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. Green Energy Group (SBX Plc): Prospectus approval (Oslo, 5 May 2022) Reference is made to the stock exchange release from Green Energy Group (SBX Plc) (the "Company") published on 14 January regarding the successful completion of a private placement of 14,000,000 new shares in the Company (the "Private Placement") and the subsequent repair offering of up to 3,500,000 new shares in the Company (the "Subsequent Offering"). The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has approved the prospectus of the Company dated 5 May 2022 (the "Prospectus") related to the Subsequent Offering and listing of the shares issued in the Private Placement. On 5 May 2022, the price of the Company's listed shares closed at a premium of 79.56% to the Offer Price. The Board of Directors has therefore resolved to carry through the Subsequent Offering to the benefit of the Eligible Shareholders. The subscription period in the Subsequent Offering is due to commence on 6 May 2022 at 09:00 CET and end on 13 May 2022 at 16:30 CET (the "Subscription Period"). The subscription price in the Subsequent Offering is NOK 2.25 per Offer Share, which is equal to the subscription price in the Private Placement. Eligible Shareholders (as defined in the Prospectus) will be granted one (1) Subscription Right for every 10 shares held as of 17 January 2022. The number of Subscription Rights granted to each Eligible Shareholder will be rounded down to the nearest whole Subscription Right. Each Subscription Right will give the right to subscribe for, and be allocated one (1) Offer Share rounded down to the nearest whole share, subject to applicable securities laws. Over-subscription will be permitted, but there can be no assurance that Subsequent Offer Shares will be allocated for such subscriptions. Subscriptions without Subscription Rights will not be permitted. Instructions regarding the subscription procedure is available in the Prospectus. Subscription Rights not used to subscribe for Offer Shares prior to 16:30 CET on 13 May 2022 will lapse without compensation to the holder and consequently be of no value. The Prospectus can be obtained electronically by downloading it from www.greenenergygroup.no (http://www.greenenergygroup.no), and www.fearnleysecurities.com (http://www.fearnleysecurities.com), or by contacting Fearnley Securities AS (the "Manager"). For additional information, please contact: Erik von Krogh, CFO, +47 930 38 075 Important information: The release is not for publication or distribution, in whole or in part directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia). This release is an announcement issued pursuant to legal information obligations, and is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. It is issued for information purposes only, and does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities, in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company does not intend to register any portion of the offering of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. Copies of this announcement are not being made and may not be distributed or sent into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States. The issue, exercise, purchase or sale of subscription rights and the subscription or purchase of shares in the Company are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Neither the Company nor the Managers assume any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. The distribution of this release may in certain jurisdictions be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. English French OTTAWA, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) reminds Canadians warmer temperatures and longer days mean more time gathering with family and friends outdoors. Low-emission propane can go just about anywhere to create a 5-star retreat right in your own backyard. Grills, fire pits, lighting and patio heaters powered by propane can make your evenings cozy and warm. You can even jump in the pool much earlier with a propane-powered pool heater! Propanes portability, versatility and efficiency can provide your family and friends with unparalleled outdoor home comfort, says CPA President and CEO Shannon Watt. Not only can you create an inviting, warm and safe oasis for your family and guests but you are also doing your part to lower your emissions. More and more Canadian homeowners are turning to propane for all their home energy needs everything from high-efficiency furnaces to barbecues. Homeowners that switch from heating oil to propane reduce their GHG emissions by 38 per cent annually, save up to 45 per cent in electricity costs as well as lower their insurance rates. Switching to propane is a good return on investment while enjoying an updated space, says Watt. Propane allows us to do so much more than just barbecuing, and this trend of creating a 5-star retreat in your backyard is the perfect example. Check out the following pages on our website for more information: Propane Consumers Section, Barbecue Safety Tips for Propane Users, Patio Heater Guidelines, Propane Basics, and Everyday Safety Section. About the Canadian Propane Association: With over 400 members, the Canadian Propane Association (CPA) is the national association for a growing, multi-billion-dollar industry that impacts the livelihood of tens of thousands of Canadians. The CPA develops and produces industry training materials, offers an emergency response assistance plan to its members, and provides advocacy services for the propane industry. The CPA does not monitor or provide an analysis of propane prices or supply and cannot comment on individual businesses operations. For more information, contact Tammy Hirsch, Sr. Director, Communications and Marketing at media@propane.ca or phone 587-349-5876. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ecc89d6f-c9d3-4a88-bd8b-f511518e9172 OAKLAND, Calif., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a new survey of more than 33,000 frontline allied healthcare workers, respondents report crisis-level staffing shortages at facilities across the state. The results detail Californias healthcare staffing crisis, its devastating impact on working conditions and patient care, and the failure of employers and the government to adequately address worker shortages. Allied healthcare workers such as medical assistants, respiratory therapists, emergency room workers, licensed vocational nurses, surgical technicians, lab assistants, and housekeepers make up more than 60 percent of staff in medical facilities in California. The survey found that 83 percent of respondents report severely or somewhat understaffed departments. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they are aware of care being delayed or denied as a result of short staffing. The full survey report is available upon request. Short staffing means longer waits, less time to spend with patients, and even denied care. We all want to give our patients the quality care they deserve, but many of us are burnt out after so many years without enough staff. The pandemic just made everything worse," said Gabe Montoya, an emergency department technician from Southern California. "These results clearly show that healthcare workers feel patient care is not the top priority for management at these medical facilities." Survey results include the following: 83 percent of respondents said they work in severely or somewhat understaffed departments of respondents said they work in severely or somewhat understaffed departments 74 percent of respondents said they always, frequently, or sometimes lack proper time to care for patients of respondents said they always, frequently, or sometimes lack proper time to care for patients 65 percent of respondents are aware of care being delayed or denied as a result of short staffing of respondents are aware of care being delayed or denied as a result of short staffing 48 percent of respondents said they would be hesitant or definitely would not take their family to get care at their facility of respondents said they would be hesitant or definitely would not take their family to get care at their facility 41 percent of respondents have ignored or skipped safety protocols because of short staffing Even before the pandemic hit, frontline healthcare workers have been sounding the alarm on short staffing and calling for solutions to this crisis, said Dave Regan, president of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West. The stress and toll of the past two years have caused many to leave the industry and California is facing a massive shortage of healthcare workers. The purpose of this survey is to increase understanding of the impact of the staffing crisis on patient care and healthcare workers well-being so frontline workers, employers, and government can come together to address it. About the survey: The survey of 33,140 allied healthcare workers from more than 100 medical facilities across California was conducted by SEIUUnited Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) from March 14, 2022, through April 22, 2022. The bilingual (English/Spanish) survey featured questions related to staffing at the respondents healthcare facility and asked each respondent to answer based on their experience on the job during the past year. # # # NEWARK, NJ, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT), a global provider of fintech, cloud communications, and traditional communications services, announced today that, in light of current market conditions, its Board of Directors has postponed the spinoff of its net2phone cloud communications segment, which it had been preparing to spin off on or before July 31st, 2022. The net2phone team has achieved exceptional results bringing advanced cloud communication solutions to markets in North and South America, said Jonah Fink, President of net2phone. We remain very excited by net2phones rapid growth, the transformational opportunities created through the recent acquisition of Integra, and the strength of net2phones global channel partnerships. Shmuel Jonas, IDTs CEO, added, While net2phone remains within IDT, we will rapidly execute on a plan to transform net2phones business so that it will become bottom line accretive, and we remain resolute in our commitment to grow and monetize the business at an opportune time. About IDT Corporation: IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT) is a global provider of fintech, cloud and traditional communications services. We make it easy for families to communicate and support each other across international borders. We also enable businesses to transact and communicate with their customers with enhanced intelligence and insight. Our BOSS Money international remittance and BOSS Revolution international calling services make sending money and speaking with friends and family around the world convenient and reliable. National Retail Solutions (NRS) point-of-sale retail network enables independent retailers to operate and process transactions more effectively while providing advertisers and consumer marketers with unprecedented reach into underserved consumer markets. net2phone s communications-as-a-service solutions provide businesses with intelligently integrated cloud communications and collaboration tools across channels and devices. Our IDT Global and IDT Express wholesale offerings enable communications service enterprises to provision and manage international voice and SMS services. Contact : Bill Ulrey IDT Investor Relations Phone: (973) 438-3838 E-mail: invest@idt.net # # # Subscribe to The News Graphic today! PRINT+DIGITAL: AS LOW AS $1.96 / WEEK A trusted news source since 1883 Delivered Tuesday and Thursdays SUBSCRIBE TODAY CARIAD, the Volkswagen Groups software company, will look to Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to supply system-on-chips (SoCs) for CARIADs software platform designed to enable assisted and automated driving functions up to Level 4. The SoCs from Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Ride Platform portfolio will be an important hardware component in CARIADs standardized and scalable compute platform, which are targeted for Group vehicles from the middle of the decade. Snapdragon Ride features the industrys first-announced scalable and fully customizable SoC platforms and Snapdragon Vision products built on 4nm process technology. This along with the Ride SDK toolset allows automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to develop powerful and efficient designs, such as specific drive policies to meet their specific requirements. The selection of Qualcomm Technologies is the first of its kind for CARIAD, allowing it to define which high-performance computer chips are used for its platform and match them with its own software requirements. Under the leadership of CEO Herbert Diess, Volkswagen last year presented its NEW AUTO strategy, aimed at leading the Group into an autonomous and sustainable mobility future. Going forward, the Group will span everything from manufacturing and selling vehicles, to producing battery cells and offering energy services, to providing mobility solutions and developing and continuously updating software. With Qualcomm Technologies high-performance SoCs, the Group will be able to deliver a range of secure and scalable automated driving functions. The relationship with Qualcomm Technologies is also an important step in strengthening CARIADs own competencies in the definition of optimized high-performance semiconductors. Behind this is the conviction that software and hardware must be perfectly matched in order to achieve the best possible performance and efficiency of central computer systems in the long term. This is especially true for complex functions such as highly automated driving. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GREENWICH A serious splash of color will hit Greenwich Avenue, with a variety of art on display throughout the month, as Art to the Avenue makes its return to town. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, with art fans invited to see artwork in a diverse variety of mediums at participating businesses, hear live music, listen to a choir performance at Richards and watch dancers in front of the Greenwich Senior Center building. The art will be on display in businesses up and down Greenwich Avenue through May 31. This is the 25th anniversary for Art to the Avenue, which is organized by the Greenwich Arts Council. The GAC is ready to celebrate after canceling the 2020 event due to COVID-19 and scaling it back for 2021. This is vital for us to be able to show off art in the community, said Tatiana Mori, the GACs executive director. People need to see each other in person, and were very eager to have this celebration to kick this month off. To hold the event in person is a big win for us, Mori said. We havent been able to do this in full for three years and its so different and better when you can see it and experience it and be part of it, she said of Art to the Avenue. This is very important for us. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, Mori said there wont be a party in every corner as in years past. But artists will be available for meet and greets on opening night in the stores where their work is displayed. These are just minor adjustments, Mori said. The GAC is excited for the event because its like seeing your old friends come back, she said. Now to be able to come back and see the artists again, some who are local and some who came from far away, and have that recognition is a big thing for us, Mori said. About 50 artists are showing off their work and 45 businesses are participating by serving as galleries for the art displays, she said. As in past years, the artists took their work to the GAC building and participating merchants picked what they wanted most to display. A map of art locations and participating stores is posted at www.greenwichartscouncil.org/art-to-the-avenue-2022. The website also has information about the artists and their work. In a new addition to Art to the Avenue, members of the Greenwich Senior Center, which shares its building with the GAC, will be putting on an art show of their own for visitors to enjoy. Residents look forward to the annual event, said Marcia OKane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. This event showcases local artists who might not otherwise be given such a wide audience, OKane said. Everyone is looking forward to it, including our retailers, since it encourages people to come to the central Greenwich Avenue area to visit stores. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate An Alabama sheriff said Wednesday that a jail official visited a murder suspect in prison before helping him escape last week and that her actions suggest their plan had been in the works for some time. We have confirmed that there were visits and that there was communication between the two of them when he was in prison and she was still working here, Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said. He said the prison visits indicate the the two had some type of a relationship for possibly up to two years before the escape. The visits occurred after the inmate was transferred out of the county jail in 2020 because of a suspected escape attempt then and before his return to the jail in February for court proceedings in the ongoing murder case against him. A nationwide manhunt is ongoing for Casey White, who was awaiting trial on a capital murder case, and Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for the jail in Lauderdale County, after the pair disappeared Friday. Singleton said the ongoing contact stretched back two years and that Vicky White's actions, such as selling her house recently and purchasing an apparent getaway car, indicated there was advance planning. The sheriffs office said Tuesday that they determined there was a special relationship between the two, but Singleton added that they have no evidence at this time that it was a physical or sexual relationship. The two are not related despite sharing a common surname, authorities have said. The inmates that reported to us Saturday that they were in a relationship, their complaints were that he was getting special treatment. He was getting more food on his plate. He was getting all these little things that are insignificant on the outside but are a big deal to inmates, he said. Last Friday morning, Vicky White, 56, told coworkers the 38-year-old inmate needed to go to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation. She was escorting the inmate alone, which the sheriff said was a violation of department policy. That afternoon, when she was not answering the phone, authorities discovered the two were missing, and no such evaluation had been scheduled. Her patrol car was found abandoned in the parking lot of a shopping center. The sheriff said Vicky White had been talking about retiring for three or four months, and suddenly dropped in her paperwork recently. Singleton said authorities later discovered she had purchased a 2007 Ford Edge and parked it Thursday night in the same shopping center where she apparently abandoned the patrol car. There is no question that took some planning and some coordinating, he said. My gut feeling is that it has been going on for a while. He said authorities are hoping to location the vehicle and determine the pairs' direction of travel. Authorities have said Casey White, who stands 6 feet, 9 inches (about 2 meters), should be recognizable by his size. Now, he is a master of disguise. He can change his appearance, but the one thing he cant change is the fact that he is six-foot nine-inches tall, the sheriff said. Authorities warned that anyone seeing the pair should not approach them but to call law enforcement. Family members and colleagues said they are bewildered by the involvement of Vicky White, who had worked for the sheriffs office for 16 years, with the inmate who was already serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other crimes. I just cant picture Vicky running off with that man, her former mother-in-law, Frances White, said in a telephone interview Tuesday. The sheriff said he was shocked by the actions of his former employee. Vicky White would have been one of the last people in the world I would have thought would have done something like this, Singleton said. Qualcomm announced the arrival of Wi-Fi 7 Networking Pro Series - a lineup of Wi-Fi chips for enterprise access points, premium home routers and advanced mesh systems. They offer up to 33 Gbps quad-band connectivity over 16 streams, more stable connection and minimized interference. The four platforms part of this series support much wider 320MHz channels over 2.4GHz, 5Hz, and 6GHz spectrums. It feels like Wi-Fi 6/6E arrived just yesterday, and while it was adopted in 2019 and 2020, companies are already gunning for the next-gen standard, dubbed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11be. Shortly put, it will bring Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for utilizing multiple radio links on different channel frequencies. There is also Adaptive Interface Puncturing (AIP) that discards slots of spectrum that are too congested. All these technologies, introduced by Qualcomm, will enable even quicker and more stable internet speeds at venues such as stadiums. Nick Kucharewski, VP and General Manager of Wireless Infrastructure and Networking at the San Diego company, said Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6 would be able to coexist for a long time as markets mature and evolve. It is worth mentioning that while Qualcomm is paving the way for the next Wi-Fi standard, expectations are it wont be certified before 2024, so well have to wait a little bit more before mass adoption is a thing. Source Xiaomi's Redmi introduced the Note 11T 5G last November in India, which is available in China as the Redmi Note 11. Today, the company announced it will unveil the Redmi Note 11T Pro later this month in China, and it could be joined by a vanilla model different from the Indian version. Redmi hasn't divulged any specs of the Note 11T Pro yet, but the company said the smartphone will have "turbo-level performance in all aspects." Moreover, Redmi GM, Mr. Lu Weibing, revealed that the Note 11T Pro is an upgraded version of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which is powered by the Dimensity 1100 SoC in China. We'll learn more about the Note 11T Pro once Redmi properly kicks off its promo campaign and starts teasing the smartphone's features. Source 1, Source 2 (both in Chinese) Guam businesswoman Beaudy Camacho will be having a live reading of Letters to My Little Sister a compilation of advice and words of encouragement to misguided younger sisters across the world via Zoom on May 9. Collaborating with 13 other women, the 29-year-old wrote Chapter 9, titled Determination By Design, where she talks about her career and education. She wrote the chapter as if she was speaking to her sister Koel, who is 13 years younger. As an entrepreneur, Im able to live pretty much a life that Ive designed for myself, and not too many people have been taught that they can do that, Camacho said. Thats what I titled my chapter Determination By Design. Camacho is the founder of Fundforte and Beaudy Co. Labs. She has also co-written a book last June titled When Women Heal. She is is the daughter of Francisco and Eloise from Dededo. As the eldest child in her family and a born leader, Camacho had to be able to adapt to different scenarios that she was in. Whether it be any other place that Im a part of or anything that Im representing, I naturally title myself as everybody elses big sister, Camacho said. People naturally gravitate towards me and seek my advice or assistance, but also a part of that is because I can recognize everybody for their strengths, she said. I can help them improve on whatever they need assistance with. But that just comes with being raised in a Pacific Islander lifestyle, Camacho said. We are parentified very early, meaning if were the eldest, there will be children in a family setting who are given parental duties, she said. Some of these duties include watching and feeding the kids as well as telling her cousins not to do specific actions to prevent conflict. That was just natural to me, and I had to learn how to make the adults happy whatever situation we were in, Camacho said. She had to ensure that the children were happy because if they werent, they would be rowdy, and Camacho would end up in trouble. Ive learned how to please everybody, and in that sense, though, its quite unhealthy to make sure everybody else is pleased, Camacho said. I didnt know how to do that for myself. I didnt know how to put myself first. So in the chapter, Camacho talks about becoming aware of how youre spending your time and your energy to design your life without putting a limit on your location, culture, or your upbringing. At the same time, she is very proud to be CHamoru and represent the islands to show that we are raised around love. Even though were still as a culture and as a community trying to learn healthier ways to do that versus whats ancestrally traditional, we dont really have a word for self-care or self-love, Camacho said. Theres no word for like an internal or self-guided inafamaolek harmony within yourself, she said. We need to adapt to teaching the younger generation that they should take time for themselves to learn who they are so that they can best operate whatever it is that they want to do in life. Camacho wanted to make sure that she differentiated herself from the other stories by encouraging the route of entrepreneurship and ensuring that even though someone has their big ideas, aspiring entrepreneurs should remain focused on their path. I would love for readers to be inspired to design their life the way they want to live it without anybody elses influence or expectations attached to that, Camacho said. One of Guams most extensive photography exhibits this year will be opening Saturday at Lees-Reyes Art Gallery, which will be showcasing the work of almost two dozen creatives in The Art of Photography exhibit. Since I took over the gallery at Tumon Sands Plaza, Ive been trying to promote artists of all genres across the board, despite their level of experience, said gallery owner and longtime local artist Dawn Lees Reyes. I just want to support the arts and make sure that plenty of people who may not have had the opportunity to exhibit their work can do so with us if they want to. The exhibit, which debuts with a Meet the Artist event 4-6 p.m. Saturday, will be on display through May 31. The Art of Photography features more than 80 works from local photographers with a range of experience, from commercial photographer and University of Guam photography professor Victor Consaga to newcomer Jordan Limtiaco, who works as a graphic artist at the Pacific Daily News. Pretty much what I like to do with every exhibit is make sure that we have a good range of people who have experience exhibiting and other people that are new to the business of art, and give them a chance to show next to people who have done it before, Reyes said. The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on the second floor of Tumon Sands Plaza. Harvest Christian Academy art show Harvest Christian Academy will host its 26th annual art show starting at 11 a.m. in the space adjoining the gallery, Reyes said. Visitors can view works from students in the seventh through 12th grades, with live music from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The show will run through May 16, and hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. The Office of the Attorney General has reached a $950,000 settlement with the owner and contractor of the Mangilao Solar Project after an environmental disaster last year left the historic Marbo Cave under a layer of sludge and damaged the surrounding the Sasayan Valley. The settlement, following a lawsuit over damage to cultural and environmental resources, is the largest the government of Guam has reached single-handedly, and the first of its kind, Attorney General Leevin Camacho said during a Thursday press conference. I think weve shot across the bow that if contractors are coming into Guam, and you agree to do certain things, you better follow it, or else youre going to have not only the regulatory agencies, but the AGs office to deal with, he said. Part of the final $950,000 includes $550,000 that project contractor Samsung E&C America Inc. and owner Korea Electric Power Company LLC have agreed to pay to the government of Guam within 60 days of the effective date of the settlement. The remainder of the cost is split between two previously fines that Samsung and KEPCO will pay in full: A $125,000 fine from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. A $300,000 fine from the Contractors License Board. Appeals in both cases will be withdrawn. The initial fine assessed by Guam EPA was $18 million, but Camacho said his office could not calculate damages as simply as Guam EPA, which based its initial fine on the number of days that Samsung was in violation of Guams soil and erosion control regulations. Our claims are based on damages that we would have to establish for damage to the water, damage to the land, damage to cultural resources, he said. The matter could have been dragged out in court, Camacho said. Samsung has been working with Guam EPA again since this incident occurred, and they have agreed to finish the remediation efforts. In terms of the price tag, they might, theyve agreed to complete the work. So its not capped based on price. Any archeological artifacts recovered by the companies will be returned to the government of Guam. But neither Samsung nor KEPCO will have to admit to any wrongdoing pursuant to the settlement, according to Camacho. Weve come up with the resolution, and we believe were gonna be made whole. The attorney generals office was previously pursuing allegations of willful violations of Guams soil and erosion control regulations, and damage to cultural resources in the Sasayan Valley. The settlement stipulates that no involved party will make any negative, defamatory, or otherwise disparaging statements against any other party. The government of Guam has also agreed not to initiate, pursue or encourage any lawsuit in relation to the allegations filed by the attorney general against Samsung and KEPCO, the flooding that occurred at the Mangilao Solar Project in July 2021, or any past earth moving operations that were part of the project. Funding Camacho said the case would set a precedent for GovGuam pursuing damages to cultural and environmental resources. Weve never had to prove as an island, how much it costs to (us), a burial site, he said. In the future, some type of permanent fund would ideally be set up for similar suits so any recovery that we get, we can feel confident its going to be put right back into preserving our culture and our environment, he said. Some of the $550,000 sum, about $50,000, was intended to go toward training local regulatory agencies, like Guam EPA and the State Historic Preservation Office, for a more coordinated approach to monitoring, Camacho said. The rest will go to various sources meant to preserve cultural and environmental resources. Some $200,000 will go to the University of Guams Centers for Island Sustainability. CIS Director Austin Shelton said it would go toward a carbon-offset forest, which will be planting trees to help prevent sediment from damaging Guams coral. Another $200,000 will go to the Guam Preservation Trust. Chief Program Officer Joe Quinata said it could go a long way toward educating school children and building the Trusts capacity for professionals like archeologists and historians. The Mayors Council of Guam will get $50,000, which Executive Director Angel Sablan said should go directly to the village of Mangilao. The final $25,000 will go to fixing the roads surrounding the solar project area, which leads to the property of various private landowners. (The Center Square) - The Bureau of Reclamation will reduce the amount of water released from Lake Powell in response to a drought situation threatening the water supply of millions of residents in several western states and hydropower generation. The federal agency said Tuesday Lake Powells water surface elevation is currently at 3,522 feet, the lowest since it was first filled 60 years ago. The critical elevation is 3,490 feet and would be the lowest point where Glen Canyon Dam can generate hydropower, according to the bureau. Tanya Trujillo, assistant secretary of water and science for the U.S. Department of the Interior, said the agency identified a number of concerns for public health and safety that would happen this year if Lake Powells water level went below its threshold of 3,490 feet including water supply interruptions to water users who rely on Lake Powell for drinking water supplies and hydropower interruptions. The Department has reviewed these concerns, along with input from the Basin States, Tribal leaders and others and has concluded that prudent operation of Glen Canyon Dam for 2022 requires a downward adjustment to the water release volume originally planned for this water year to delay or avoid Lake Powell declining further to critical elevations, Trujillo wrote in a letter to the director of Arizonas Department of Water Resources. Its unclear how much residents will be affected by the current plan to reduce the amount of water released from the lake this year. The bureau said it would decrease Glen Canyon Dams annual release volume from 7.48 million acre-feet to 7 million. As a result, about 480 thousand acre-feet will remain in the lake. This will bring up Lake Powell to nearly one million acre-feet over the next 12 months and increase elevation by 16 feet, according to the bureau. The agency also plans to release about 500,000 acre-feet of water into Lake Powell from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Todays decision reflects the truly unprecedented challenges facing the Colorado River Basin and will provide operational certainty for the next year, said Trujillo in a news release. Everyone who relies on the Colorado River must continue to work together to reduce uses and think of additional proactive measures we can take in the months and years ahead to rebuild our reservoirs. The drought response actions are part of a Drought Contingency Plan adopted in 2019. To reduce the water released from Glen Canyon Dam, the bureau will keep 350 thousand acre-feet of water that was held back earlier this year and hold back an additional 130 thousand acre-feet before September. Reclamation Acting Commissioner David Palumbo called the plan a short-term response and said it was important to continue planning for the long-term to stabilize the reservoirs. Project Director Helen Onedera, center, engages with a family visiting the Project Tuliaka table during the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center Fair at Agana Shopping Center in May 2021. This year GBHWC will host two events, including a Jamboree Fair for Youth on May 6 and the GBHWC Fair on May 14. An unresolved DNS vulnerability affects millions of Linksys and Netgear routers, as well as other IoT equipment. Nozomi Networks Labs security researchers found CVE-2022-05-02, a DNS implementation flaw in two prominent C libraries. uClibc and uClibc-ng are commonly found in routers and IoT devices. DNS poisoning is essentially fooling the target device into pointing to an arbitrarily defined endpoint and communicating with it over the network. The attacker would then be able to divert traffic to a server under their direct control. A threat actor can employ DNS poisoning or DNS spoofing to send the victim to a malicious website hosted at an IP address on the attacker's server rather than the genuine destination. The OpenWRT team's fork, uClibc-ng, and the library uClibc. Both types are extensively utilized by major companies like as Netgear, Axis, and Linksys, as well as embedded Linux releases. According to Nozomi Networks experts, a remedy from the uClibc developer is not yet available, putting products from up to 200 companies at risk. "Because this vulnerability remains unpatched, for the safety of the community, we cannot disclose the specific devices we tested on," says Nozomi "We can, however, disclose that they were a range of well-known IoT devices running the latest firmware versions with a high chance of them being deployed throughout all critical infrastructure." Users of IoT and router devices should keep a lookout for new firmware releases from suppliers and install the most recent upgrades as soon as they are available. Hong Kong: Marrakesh Treaty applies to HK An international agreement facilitating access to published works for people who are blind and visually impaired entered into force in China today, and it also applied to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The application of the Marrakesh Treaty to the Hong Kong SAR formalises the application of the international standards to it, enabling those with a print disability to enjoy better access to accessible copies of copyright works, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. This reaffirms the Hong Kong SAR Governments commitment to upholding international standards for the benefit of the print-disabled population, it added. The copyright legislation of Hong Kong is fully in compliance with the standards under the Marrakesh Treaty following the commencement of the Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 which enhanced the copyright exceptions for people with a print disability. As at March 31, there were 88 contracting parties to the treaty. This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Photo taken on May 3, 2022 shows the Longshan Wind Farm in Quanjiao county, east Chinas Anhui province. Guided by the concept of green development, the county has made full use of its rich wind resources to promote the development of wind power industry and explore new ways of economic transformation and upgrading in recent years. As a result, a wind power corridor integrating wind energy development, tourism and environmental protection was established to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to low-carbon development. (Photo by Shen Guo & Liu Yucai) Photo taken on May 3, 2022 shows the Longshan Wind Farm in Quanjiao county, east Chinas Anhui province. Guided by the concept of green development, the county has made full use of its rich wind resourcesto promote the development of wind power industryand explore new ways of economic transformation and upgradingin recent years. As a result, a wind power corridor integrating wind energy development, tourism and environmental protection was established to reduce carbon emissions andcontribute to low-carbon development. (Photo by Shen Guo & Liu Yucai) Photo taken on May 3, 2022 shows the Longshan Wind Farm in Quanjiao county, east Chinas Anhui province. Guided by the concept of green development, the county has made full use of its rich wind resourcesto promote the development of wind power industryand explore new ways of economic transformation and upgradingin recent years. As a result, a wind power corridor integrating wind energy development, tourism and environmental protection was established to reduce carbon emissions andcontribute to low-carbon development. (Photo by Shen Guo & Liu Yucai) Photo taken on May 3, 2022 shows the Longshan Wind Farm in Quanjiao county, east Chinas Anhui province. Guided by the concept of green development, the county has made full use of its rich wind resourcesto promote the development of wind power industryand explore new ways of economic transformation and upgradingin recent years. As a result, a wind power corridor integrating wind energy development, tourism and environmental protection was established to reduce carbon emissions andcontribute to low-carbon development. (Photo by Shen Guo & Liu Yucai) Haiti - DR : Hard and precarious work for illegal Haitians in the DR The Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) denounces the difficult situation and the very precarious working conditions in which Haitian workers are subjected in the Dominican Republic. Being for a large majority in an irregular migratory situation, Haitians are frequently victims of exploitation and abuse both from business owners and from the authorities. According to data from the National Institute of Migration of the Dominican Republic (INM) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Haitian migrants in 2020, represent 28% of workers in the agricultural sector and 29% in the construction sector. Haitians hold many jobs that Dominicans refuse to do because they are too physically demanding, especially in the agriculture and construction sectors. In addition, Haitians in an irregular migration situation work without a contract and without social benefits. In the construction sector, employers offer them a salary of 500 pesos per day, or nearly 1,000 gourdes (paying less well than the salary in the agricultural sector) and half as much as a Dominican worker. Although they know they are exploited because of their illegality, despite the discriminatory treatment and humiliation based on the color of their skin, the long working days beyond the statutory time, Haitian men or women accommodate these works because they know that in Haiti there is no work and the official salaries are much lower than an illegal salary in the Dominican Republic... Every day Haitians try to enter the Dominican territory illegally in search of work, despite the tightening of migration rules since President Luis Abinader took power in 2020 and the strengthening of border controls "Haitians who come to the Dominican Republic must come with a work permit and comply with the law, and after completing this work, they must return to their country," said Abinader following his inauguration, stressing that Haitian workers who do not respect this law will be repatriated to Haiti. S/ HaitiLibre Page Content COVID-19 Vaccines Vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses. All Pennsylvanians age 5 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As of November 2, with parental consent, children ages 5 through 11 may now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about the pediatric vaccine. All adults in Pennsylvania and children ages 12 and older are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Based on CDC recommendationOpens In A New Window, everyone 18 and older can schedule a booster dose five months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The CDC also recommends that 12 to 17-year-olds who received Pfizer as their initial doses can schedule a Pfizer booster dose five months after receiving their second dose. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. COVID-19 Stories The Road to Equity Advocating for and supporting Minnesota's disability community through COVID-19 Forging partnerships Early in the pandemic, MDH was hearing a need from the disability community to have a stronger partnership and be able to provide more input on decisions regarding the COVID-19 response. As a result, MDH brought together a small team of staff to address the needs and concerns of people with disabilities in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic. This team, which came to be known as the disability unit, has worked to provide ongoing assessment, community engagement, guidance development, and other critical advocacy related to persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 response. Since then, the work of this team and their partners have expanded to forge new partnerships, meet specific community needs, and engage community members. One partnership that MDH developed was with Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). MCIL is a non-profit organization that works with the disability community in the Twin Cities and several counties in Greater Minnesota, to help people overcome barriers to accessing health resources. In partnership with MDH, local public health departments, and other community partners, MCIL has provided in-home testing, vaccination services, personal protective equipment, and high-quality masks to persons with disabilities facing major challenges in accessing essential COVID -19 resources. "Working through our COVID Community Coordinators was a good start to help individuals living with disabilities," said Ann Schulte, former disability unit lead at MDH. Through this partnership, there is shared understanding to avoid a "one-size-fits-all approach" in responding to community needs. Individual accessibility challenges can vary widely from technological, sensory, cognitive, to physical. For example, in one case, MCIL staff assisted a mother in navigating in-home vaccination for her two teen boys with autism. "Going into an unfamiliar medical setting for this vaccination had the potential to cause the boys distress," said Frances Tobin, MCIL's lead staff person for their COVID Community Coordinator contract. In other cases, MCIL provided technological assistance to older adults who either had challenges using the Vaccine Connector to sign up for vaccination or in using the Docket app to access vaccination records. Frequently, MCIL provided in-home testing and vaccination to people with disabilities and their caregivers who could not leave their home to access public sites. At present, people with disabilities across the state can still access in-home vaccination by contacting MCIL. Meeting specific needs Tobin observed how, over time, calls to their organization increased as people with disabilities and their caregivers sought in-home supports because they were unable to leave their homes to get resources, testing, and vaccination. Responding to this need, MCIL eventually extended their support beyond persons with disabilities and children with special health needs to caregivers of people with disabilities as well. MDH worked with MCIL and others to create a way to track in-home vaccination requests throughout the state. Jenni Schwartz, MCIL's assistant director, applauded how this assisted them to keep track of call-in requests for in-home vaccinations. Community engagement forums To strengthen its partnership with communities, MDH continues to engage community partners through virtual forums to perform ongoing assessments, influence guidance development, and provide information to community members for a more empowered community-driven response to COVID-19. The platforms prioritize the voices and experiences of people with disabilities in accessing COVID-19 resources. Schwartz stated how this has been beneficial to provide relevant resources to meet the needs of people with disabilities, which unfortunately had been overlooked during the initial COVID-19 vaccination rollout. One example is the quarterly "Let's Talk" forums hosted by the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) and Minnesota Department of Health. These virtual community conversations include members of the disability community as well as partners from the education sector, the human rights sector, advocates, and organizations that serve people with disabilities. The forums provided a safe space and invaluable opportunity for community partners and members to "discuss common issues and [the] latest information, and [for MDH to] dissipate fears and anxieties and be responsive to community needs," explained Schulte. Through these platforms, MDH shares the latest guidance such as mask wearing for children with sensory challenges. The forums also provide a space to discuss disability rights during the pandemic with experts from the Disability Law Center, such as the rights of those who had been denied caregiver support in a hospital. Additionally, as the COVID-19 response progressed, it became clear that MDH needed to engage more deeply with experts and partners through community engagement forums around multiple issues of accessibility. The Accessibility Workgroup was formed to inform the discussions on improving accessibility for people with disabilities of all MDH resources, and services. This included relevant and accurateinformation on appropriate transportation for people with disabilities and how to access it for testing and vaccinations. Looking ahead As the pandemic continues to evolve and we learn more about the impacts and needs of the disability community, our partnerships must continue to grow and thrive. "Sustaining the gains made from strong networks and community partners, is [critical] for MDH to continue providing relevant and appropriate COVID-19 resources and services that are made for, and most importantly with, every community in Minnesota in mind," concluded Schulte. VOTER GUIDE: House 113 Q&A The House District 113 race is one of a handful across the state where two incumbents got double-bunked as a result of redistricting. The youngest member of the state House, Jake Johnson, 27, is seeking his second full term after being appointed to the seat in August 2019. Before that he served as a Polk County commissioner for three years. Like Johnson, David Rogers, 56, first came to the Legislature via appointment, in August 2016, and is now seeking his fourth term. An attorney, Rogers and his wife, Misty, have four children. They live in Rutherfordton. Why are you running for the N.C. House? Johnson: I am running for reelection because I want to continue being a strong voice in the capital for the citizens of Western North Carolina. In recent years, it seems like there is an all-out attack on common sense and our traditional values. If reelected I will continue fighting for pro-life policies, protecting the lives of the born and unborn. I will defend the Second Amendment. I will promote pro-business policies, because the real economic driver is the American worker and entrepreneur, not the government. I will always support pro-veteran legislation. I will always support law and order and do everything I can to stand up for our law enforcement officers. Rogers: It has been my honor to represent Western North Carolina in the House since 2016, being able to help hundreds of families in with issues from unemployment assistance to access to medical care that had been denied due to red tape and so many other issues. It has truly blessed my family to be of such assistance to so many. What priorities do you have if you are elected? Rogers: Keeping our liberal state Supreme Court and liberal governor in check. To stop them from stripping our liberties from us for whatever emergency they name. Limiting the governors powers and continuing to lower taxes and protect our gun rights and protecting unborn children. Johnson: Since the last election, I have kept the promise on expanding broadband and as chairman of the IT Committee in Raleigh, I oversaw the largest rural broadband investment in N.C. history. Those efforts are currently underway and will benefit thousands of citizens in our district. I also want to continue working with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson on protecting our children by making sure that they are being educated, not indoctrinated. We should ban the teaching of any racially divisive or sexually explicit materials at young ages. Also, I will continue sponsoring legislation to protect our elections, starting with implementing commonsense measures like voter ID. The Ecusta Trail will soon be under construction in Henderson County. Do you support the Ecusta Trail? Why or why not? If you support the trail what if anything would you expect to be able to do in Raleigh to get construction funding? Johnson: If the project can be done in a way that will be non-disruptive to the citizens that it neighbors and acts as an economic driver for the region, then I am in favor of moving forward with it. It has already received substantial funding from the state in the previous budget that was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. Rogers: We did vote to spend $7.7 million on the Ecusta Trail for removal of the Big Hungry Dam and the possible connection of the Ecusta Trail to the Saluda Rail Corridor for expanded trails. I did support and vote for that and will continue to support our trail system and expansion of those trails. Republican leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper have cracked the door on a possible compromise to allow for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. Do you support or oppose expansion? Rogers: I absolutely do not support Medicaid expansion and will never vote for it. Johnson: I remain against the detrimental idea of Medicaid expansion; it is throwing money at a broken system that has caused massive budget deficits and accumulated amounts of debt in states that have attempted it. I am in support of transforming Medicaid from a fee-for-service system (where the state is billed an unknown amount) to a managed care system where the consumer has better system of care, which includes increased preventative care, and the state knows exactly what we are paying per person in the system. If rolled out correctly this will provide a better quality of care at a lower cost to state and federal taxpayers. If elected, what committees will you seek to serve on? Johnson: If reelected, I would like to continue serving as a chair of IT, so I can continue my work expanding access to broadband in our district. I would also like to continue serving as vice chair of Commerce and Appropriations so I can continue fighting for investment in Western North Carolina infrastructure and making sure that we are doing all we can to help our small businesses. I also will request to continue serving on K-12 Education, Regulatory Reform, Veterans Affairs and the Wildlife Commission. Rogers: Judiciary, Justice and Public Safety, Wildlife, Election Law, Courts Commission. OTEL, a global hospitality brand appealing to those looking for a different hotel experience through smart design and the creative use of technology, today announced a new YOTEL in Lisbon to open in 2024.The new property will form part of the Foz Vintage Group's spectacular World Trade Center development slated to be Portugal's most innovative and disruptive Business Park. The 127 room YOTEL Lisbon WTC will be located within the World Trade Center Lisboa, minutes away from Lisbon city center, a short drive from the beaches in Cascais, and adjacent to Monsanto, the largest green area in the region. The campus, totaling over 35,000 SQM, will also include office, retail, and recreational facilities with the ethos of promoting physical and emotional well-being through clever accessible, and sustainable solutions. Like YOTEL, the Center has been designed with flexible, adaptable, evolving spaces, encouraging collaboration, networking, and productivity by delivering comfort and time-saving technology. YOTEL will join other major corporations based in the development, including Worten, Bayer, and Helm. WTC Lisbon is part of the World Trade Center network, the world's largest business, and investment platform, spanning 322 cities across 90 countries. YOTEL Lisbon WTC will be the first of two YOTEL properties to be part of the international WTC ecosystem, with the second to be announced later this year. Hotel website Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a welcoming, 185-room boutique hotel and community gathering place in Downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle representing the legacy, local pride, and rebellious spirit of the Burgh. A compact and cozy respite for today's curious traveler, Joinery Hotel honors the city's working class history and distinct culture through analog and tangible offerings with a modern edge, including an experiential lobby with 'offering table' check-in experience and library, nearly 800 sq ft of meeting and event spaces, a 10th floor outdoor terrace with a unique view of the city, and dining concept, T&E. Looking to empower discovery and build community, guests have the option to kick back with a record, imbibe on a craft beer in the library, take in a bold contemporary art collection showcasing local talent, or gather together to learn a new skill. An inviting space for leisure and business travelers alike, Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh is the ideal launch pad for exploring Steel City from a local's point-of-view. Looking to inspire discovery and build community, the property will soon be known as "the place to be" among Yinzers and visitors alike. Firstly, Joinery Hotel's unique, experiential lobby will serve as a neighborhood hub with an 'offering table' check-in experience and refreshments, library, board games, records, and rental bikes for guests to enjoy - all curated via local businesses including Nicholas Coffee, Pittsburgh Winery, Voodoo Brewery, Amazing Books & Records, Get Hip Records, and Thick Bikes. Additionally, with nearly 800 sq ft of meeting and event spaces and a 10th floor outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Steel City, Joinery Hotel has ample activation space and looks forward to hosting a variety of community-driven programs and events. Lastly, the property is thrilled to unveil a dining concept by Butler Hospitality in Summer 2022. Taking over the space which was formerly Or, The Whale, T&E will be an elevated American eatery that pays homage to the first generation of workers hustling to provide in the cities that inspired them. The all-day menu will feature American classics perfect for any meal from brunch to late-night, as well as revamped beverage offerings from lattes to T&E's signature boozy milkshakes. Hotel website Pioneering lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke welcomes the next chapter in its European expansion with the launch of WunderLocke: a hospitality concept unlike any other in Munich, and the most ambitious Locke to date. The highly anticipated opening will be available for short- and long-stays from 17th July 2022, giving locals and visitors alike a new base from which to explore the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Sendling. Designed by acclaimed interior architects Holloway Li, WunderLocke features 360 spacious design-led apartments, a large co-working area, coffee shop, meeting and event spaces as well as an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and workout studio. In signature Locke style, WunderLocke features a mix of spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which include a private terrace and breath-taking panoramic views of the city and the Bavarian Alps. Each apartment is designed to be lived in, underscoring the aparthotel's focus on mid- to extended- stay via special rates for weekly and monthly stays, and its ambition to become a welcome space for the city's burgeoning undercurrent of artists, creatives and tech entrepreneurs. Opening in August, WunderLocke will also house a food and drink concept unparalleled in Germany in the form of 'Mural Farmhouse': five food and drink destinations spread across seven floors conceived by the founders of revered local Michelin-starred restaurant, Mural. The ambitious food and drink concept will include a 70-cover all-day restaurant, a fine dining Chef's Table, coffee shop, wine and cocktail bar, and rooftop with panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps. The vision for Mural Farmhouse has been developed in collaboration with internationally recognised chef Rico Birndt and puts circularity at the heart of its approach. Influenced by the farm-to-table movement, food will be supplied by local and regional producers; and once matured, a rooftop urban farm will provide handpicked seasonal herbs and vegetables for the restaurant. Created in collaboration with Holloway Li, the design for WunderLocke is inspired by the Vasily Kandinsky theory of 'Innerer Klang' (inner voice). Kandinsky, who spent a significant period of his career in Munich, explored how we can develop a closer relationship to nature through abstraction. Holloway Li has interpreted the artist's theory by stripping back the existing building to reveal its raw concrete frame - a nod to the neighbourhood's industrial past, from which offshoots of renewal could be cultivated represented using planting throughout. This approach also allowed Holloway Li to embed sustainable design practices into the development of the building, celebrating the bones of WunderLocke's original structure without over cladding and excessive development. To soften the concrete frame of the building, Holloway Li used earthy tones and sumptuous materials alongside playful pops of colour and vivid terrazzo; while warm timbers, natural materials, and botanical greens refer to nature. WunderLocke will provide a new creative hub in the South-West of Munich - reinvigorating the area's industrial heritage. With plenty of transport links to the vibrant city centre and within easy reach of the serene Bavarian Alps, WunderLocke will be a day-to-night destination with an evolving cultural programme centered on wellness, music, art, food and drink. In the spirit of spotlighting emerging creative talent in Munich, the aparthotel has forged several collaborations with local businesses including lifestyle and music duo Public Possession and fashion brand, Coexist. Hotel website Located in Singapore's buzzing and vibrant downtown district of Tanjong Pagar at Murray Terrace, Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection has opened its doors, offering an urban retreat in a century-old elegant colonial building. Owned by The Garcha Group, the 138-room lifestyle hotel joins Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy's diverse and dynamic portfolio with over 250 independent hotels, all hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection is situated in a lively city centre of Singapore along a block of heritage shophouses where business, socialising, dining and nightlife take centre stage. Guests can explore the culture-rich Chinatown with its enchanting temples or enjoy a historical journey at the National Museum of Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum. Housed in colonial-style 19th century heritage building, Maxwell Reserve Singapore is a masterpiece envisioned by owner Satinder Garcha and executed by the world-renowned French designer Jacques Garcia. It elegantly embodies decadent European grandeur infused with cosmopolitan sophistication. Standing true to its values of Roots, Glory and Pride, Maxwell Reserve Singapore takes pride to indulge its guests in emotional hospitality in its rich fun-filled environment, adorned with the owner's museum quality family artifacts dating all the way back to 1709, that showcase Satinder Garcha's passion for Polo and the glorious history of Singapore and Royal India. In harmony with the rich history of Singapore, Jacques Garcia presents his classic luminary vision through elaborate materials combined with a rich palette of emerald greens and ruby reds in the hotel's 138 guestrooms and suites. Each room features thoughtful amenities including Naturalmat organic mattress, organic cotton bed linen by Beaumont & Brown and bathroom amenities by renowned French Maison, diptyque. With a timeless combination of comfort, glamor and intimacy, Maxwell Reserve Singapore continually strives to create an atmosphere that is unforgettable and celebratory as ever for a diverse, eclectic and cosmopolitan set of guests. All the action takes place at the ground floor of this gorgeous building that also houses the executive lounge and the restaurants and lounges. CULTIVATE CAFE A plant-based, GMO-free, gluten-free vegan restaurant that serves exceptional and flavourful dishes made from the finest organic ingredients sourced locally and globally from small & family farms. Cultivate features freshly pressed organic juices to gluten free breads and desserts. The menu is packed with a variety of ingredients such as white asparagus with Turkish figs and Sicilian green olive dressing as well as dessert treats. Cultivate patisserie grab and go serves delicious handmade delicacies from the first morning croissant, artisan coffee to an afternoon patisserie and celebratory cakes. ISABEL Oozing femininity, walls adorned with hand painted wallpaper, African wenge herringbone floors, Persian silk hand knotted rugs and banquettes clad in plush red velvets, Isabel, the hotel's signature Bar offers timeless elegance, glamor and intimacy. At night, a colossal Pink Onyx statement bar fills with a warm glow creating an atmosphere. Guest will be able to enjoy a selection of the best hand-picked wines and champagnes, spirits and liquors from far and wide. Each imaginative cocktail that is shaken or stirred has been designed to complement Isabel's striking interiors and ethos. An afternoon tea is perfect for chic celebrations. It features a Tea leaf selection exclusively curated to flow along with the flavours ranging from sweet and delightful pastries to savoury pillows of finger sandwiches. SHIKAR Shikar is inspired by the grand old feasts of Indian Royals where members of high society socialised, ate and drank. The menu at Shikar explores progressive ideas in Indian cuisine while maintaining traditional integrity. Chef Jolly reinterprets nostalgic Indian dishes with an openness towards global techniques and influences. OFFICERS MESS POLO BAR The Officer's Mess Polo Bar takes guests into another world where the glamor, grandeur and sophistication of Polo transcends into conversation flowing over crystal stemware, dimly lit tables and deep armchairs clad in military uniforms. The oak panelled walls and African ebony floors are complemented majestically with a saddle leather bar and a hand painted polo scene from the 1930's depicting a match at Guards Polo Club in Windsor (UK) between Royal Patiala and the British Army. At its heart the Polo Bar is a steak restaurant featuring some of the world's finest prime grade cuts of meat and seafood. From lobster, crab-cakes, and the signature Polo burger to a succulent selection of grass-fed beef and delectable sides, the menu delivers variety and the incredible authenticity of a classic fine dining experience. The hotel offers a one-of-kind event space. The Rose Room is an exclusive venue featuring natural daylight and an alfresco terrace, making it the ideal venue for intimate events or private meetings. In this urban oasis, guests can rejuvenate their body and soul with a workout in the Fitness Centre or enjoy a leisurely swim in the outdoor pool. Hotel website The transformation of Australia's historic Pentridge Prison site into a mixed-use lifestyle precinct has breathed new life into the suburb of Coburg, with TFE Hotels expected to open their much-anticipated Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne in the back half of this year. TFE Hotels' Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said Developer, Shayher Group, had taken a considered approach with their transformation of the historic prison site into a modern lifestyle precinct, complete with residential apartments, shopping, dining, outdoor cinema, events space and 125 key MICE and Event hotel. The adaptive reuse of B Division's panopticon exercise yard into the hotel's reception, modern glass hotel tower and porte cochere has been carefully considered, and the addition of a heritage interpretation area gives a nod to the history of the space. In addition, 19 heritage suites have been added to the former Division B section, which will offer guests the chance to stay in historic converted prison cells - each room is made up of either 4 or 5 cells - with all the modern conveniences. Hotel website Arlo Hotels, an independent, experience-driven hotel brand with locations in New York City and Miami, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Hiblum as general manager of Arlo Wynwood. The property, which will debut this fall, marks the first hotel project in Miami's vibrant arts district. Hiblum will play an integral role in establishing Arlo's new flagship property, leading day-to-day operations and cultivating deep community ties to reimagine Arlo's "come as you are" ethos for the Wynwood neighborhood. Hiblum is a multifaceted hotelier who comes to Arlo with more than 20 years of experience working in boutique lifestyle hotels. A New Yorker by nature, Jennifer worked in the competitive northeast market for nearly 15 years, where she honed her skills as a proven, high-level operator and developed a passion for personalized guest service. She has held general manager positions at leading New York City hospitality brands including Viceroy Hotels & Resorts and Sixty Hotels. After moving to Miami in 2019, Hiblum took on the role of General Manager for Residences by Armani Casa, where she led all back-of-house and resident-facing operations for the leading luxury brand. In this role, Hiblum is responsible for hotel management, communications, partnership with food and beverage, and department oversight for Front Office, Engineering, Housekeeping & Security to ensure the highest levels of guest service. She is also charged with implementing strategies to maximize revenue and appropriately enhance all hotel assets. Arlo Wynwood is set to open in fall 2022 Mr Steinmaier joined The Charles from Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt, where he was General Manager since January 2020. He has held posts at a number of renowned establishments, such as the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel in Frankfurt, the Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski and the Roomers Hotel, in Munich. He began his career in the industry as a hotel clerk at the Mandarin Oriental Munich, before moving to its sister hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, where he managed The Park restaurant. Steinmaier then moved to Switzerland to study at Les Roches School of International Hotel Management, where he graduated from his bachelor's degree with honours in 2009. Mr Steinmaier has taken over from Frank Heller, who after 15 years at the helm, is leaving the Charles Hotel in Munich to take on a new challenge and will be setting up his own skincare business aimed at the baby market. Marcus Lee, a Vice President with the HVS office in Los Angeles, has worked on numerous hotel consulting and valuation assignments throughout the west. He gained hands-on knowledge of luxury hotel operations at properties across the District, as well as international markets including London and Singapore. Marcus background in hospitality includes management positions with premier luxury hotels in the nations capital. He was formerly one of the Front Office Managers of The Jefferson Hotel, a historic boutique hotel in Washington, D.C, and he served in rooms management and guest-relations roles at the Capella (now Rosewood) and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Georgetown. In addition, he has worked for the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and Novotel hotel brands. Marcus earned a BA in International Relations and History from Boston University and a Masters of Tourism and Hospitality Administration from The George Washington University. WASHINGTON - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today relaunched its Hospitality is Working campaign, seeking to reignite travel nationwide and showcase the economic and community benefits hotels provide in neighborhoods across the country. Hospitality is Working showcases the broad range of benefits hotels provide the communities they serve while highlighting the industrys strong commitment to investing in its workforce, providing quality career opportunities, and protecting employees and guests as more and more Americans begin to travel. The campaign will include television and digital advertising as well as AHLA events around the country alongside local hoteliers, economic development organizations and community groups. Prior to the pandemic, hotels generated $186 billion in federal, state and local taxes annually, and guests spent $278 billion per year on transportation, dining, shopping, and other activities at local businesses during their stays, according to a 2019 analysis by Oxford Economics. The analysis found that a representative hotel with 100 occupied rooms supported nearly 250 local jobs and generated $18.4 million in guest spending. With travel ramping back up, hotels have embarked on an unprecedented hiring spree to recruit more than 100,000 workers for more than 200 hotel career pathways. In every American city, hotels support employees and their families and serve our communities, said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. Hotels are investing in our workforce to create good jobs that power local economies. Were keeping guests and employees safe. Six in ten hotels are small businesses, and theyre creating opportunities for other small companies to grow and thrive. Hotels also help fund vital government services through local, state and federal taxes. Hotels are a net benefit to the communities we serve, and as we seek to reignite travel, we look forward to growing together. Learn more about the campaign here. About the American Hotel & Lodging Association The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality was the first industry impacted and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting safe travel while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide through the Safe Stay initiative. With an enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees, hotels across America are ready to welcome back travelers when they are ready to travel. Learn more at www.ahla.com. SYDNEY - Australias International Hotel Group, TFE Hotels, has announced a rapid expansion into Asia with their homegrown brands, Adina and Vibe Hotels, due to open for business in Q3 and Q4 of this year. TFE Hotels CEO, Antony Ritch, said the Sydney-based hotel company was pleased to leverage their long-standing joint venture partnership with Far East Hospitality and bring contemporary Australian hospitality through the Vibe Hotels and Adina brands to Singapore. My Other Address on Orchard Road: The 88-key Adina Serviced Apartments Singapore Orchard, slated to open in July 2022, is designed to serve corporate expatriates as well as leisure travellers seeking apartment accommodation with hotel services. Adina Singapore Orchard offers seamless connectivity to the city and incredible access to Orchard Roads famous shopping and dining district, and to the citys parks, museums and tourist attractions, Antony Ritch said. With a rooftop pool, lounge, gym and studio, two- and three-bedroom self-contained apartments on offer, the hotel is perfectly located for guest looking to experience the vibrancy of Singapore, or for those visiting family and friends. According to Ritch, there are thoughtful touches during the arrival experience and throughout the stay that really deliver Adinas Australian-style of hospitality. Our guests will be given personalised service during their stay and a warm welcome with a basket full of Australian goodies including Kettle Chips, T2 Tea; Harvest Box Nuts, he said. Theyll find bathroom amenities by Sydney-based Ink and Water; pantry items including Dimbulah Coffee from the Atherton Tablelands, and food from The Source Bulkfoods, which has its roots in Byron Bay. In addition, Adina Singapore Orchard guests will be given special privileges at local stores and restaurants. To make them feel at home, there is an Australian-inspired playlist and scent in room; flavoured ice blocks on arrival and pushbikes, complete with a curated map, to explore the surrounding neighbourhood like a local. From our initial expansion to Europe and New Zealand, we have always envisioned and planned for Adina to be a truly global brand, so a move into Asia was a natural step for us. With the launch of Quincy Hotel Melbourne last year, we succeeded in bringing the sights and sounds of Southeast Asia to Melbourne, Ritch said. And now we look forward to bringing Australian hospitality to Singapore. Theres a New Vibe in Singapore: The 256-room Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard - the first Vibe Hotel to open outside of Australia - is expected to launch in the back quarter of 2022. Antony Ritch says the hotel was designed with spaces for guests to socialise freely; a strong calendar of activities and pop-up events, and teams that embody Australian hospitality. Vibe Singapore Orchard will cater to travellers seeking a taste of the contemporary Australian-inspired lifestyle and travelling Aussies wanting a taste of home. Australian-inspired dining concepts, a mini bar showcasing bespoke Australian products, and Australian amenities will set the tone, he said. "Combine this with our high quality, but relaxed and casual style of Australian hospitality and I truly believe its the start of a great new chapter for Vibe Hotels. TFE Hotels joint venture partner and hotel owner, Far East Hospitality, will leverage mutual strengths, networks, and platforms in the partnership as they operate both the Adina and Vibe Hotel properties on Singapores famous Orchard Road. Far East Hospitalitys CEO, Arthur Kiong, said Australia was a natural target market given it was amongst Singapores top five inbound markets pre pandemic. Traveller expectations have also evolved with many looking for unique and meaningful experiences, he said. Adina and Vibe Hotels will provide an Australian twist to what Singapore, as a destination, has to offer. Mr Kiong added that the return of the Kangaroo Route flight paths between Australia and the United Kingdom, with stopovers in Singapore, also provided an opportunity to not only encourage more stopovers, but to attempt to lengthen their stay with new experiences. Exciting New Openings: Vibe Singapore Orchard and Adina Singapore Orchard are the latest in a swag of openings for both hotel companies. In Australia, TFE Hotels launched 11 new hotels (1782 keys) and introduced two new brands - A by Adina and Quincy to market over the past two years, with 10 hotels in the development pipeline. In New Zealand, TFE opened the countrys first 5 Green Star Hotel, The Hotel Britomart and the Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter, with a combined 258 keys. The Australian-based hotel management company also opened six hotels (1035 keys) in Germany including properties in Stuttgart, Munich, Dusseldorf, Cologne, and Wiesbaden, and debuted the Adina in Austria. They have since signed a second Adina property in Austrias most luxurious residential tower that will open in 2024. Whilst in Singapore, Far East Hospitality has recently launched The Clan Singapore and Oasia Resort Singapore (515 keys). ABOUT FAR EAST HOSPITALITY Far East Hospitality Holdings Pte Ltd (Far East Hospitality) is an international hospitality owner and operator with a diverse portfolio of 10 unique and complementary brands of hotels, serviced residences, and apartment hotels, including Oasia, Quincy, Rendezvous, Village, Far East Collection, A by Adina, Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels. Far East Hospitality owns more than 10 hospitality assets and operates a combined portfolio of more than 18,000 rooms under its management across over 105 hotels and serviced residences in nine countries Australia, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore, with more in its development pipeline. In 2020, the group ranked amongst the top 100 hotel companies by HotelsMag. Far East Hospitality is a 70-30 joint venture formed in 2013 between Far East Orchard Limited (a listed company under Far East Organization) and The Straits Trading Company Limited. In the same year, Far East Hospitality, through its wholly owned subsidiary Far East Hospitality Investments (Australia) Pte Ltd, completed a 50-50 joint venture with Australia's TOGA Group to form TOGA Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels). For more information, visit http://www.FarEastHospitality.com. About TFE Hotels TFE Hotels (TOGA Far East Hotels) is an international hotel group headquartered in Sydney and operating in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Austria and opening in Switzerland in 2023. It has a portfolio of five established hotel brands - Adina Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels, Rendezvous Hotels and Collection by TFE Hotels including The Calile Hotel, The Hotel Britomart, Hotel Kurrajong and The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, and debuted A by Adina and Quincy Hotels in Australia in 2021. Jodi Clark TFE Hotels (Public Relations and Communications) +61 2 9356 1048 TFE Hotels (Toga Far East Hotels) Amid a worldwide pandemic, RevPAR for Greater San Diego fell approximately 50.0% in 2020 from 2019 levels. [1] This compares to a 47.5% drop for the United States as a whole and a 57.6% drop for the top 25 markets in the nation, according to STR. By year-end 2021, the greater San Diego markets RevPAR had recovered to just under 80.0% of the pre-COVID performance. This rebound is less than the 83.0% recovery experienced nationally, but stronger than the 67.0% recovery of the top 25 markets. On June 15, 2021, the State of California retired the majority of its COVID-19 restrictions and entered a statewide reopening phase, with the goal of fully reopening the economy. Following the relaxing of government restrictions, which included the lifting of social distancing and capacity limits, hotel occupancy levels across San Diego surged. In July 2021, county-wide occupancy surpassed 80.0% for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Similar to other leisure-driven destinations across the United States, San Diego benefited from pent-up leisure demand in the summer of 2021 as Americans flocked to domestic leisure destinations while international travel remain curtailed by governmental restrictions. Combined with the slow return of group demand, which is typically captured at a lower average rate, ADR for hotels within the greater San Diego market surpassed 2019 levels in the second half of 2022. Looking forward, the continued reopening of corporate and government offices, dissipation of the effects of direct economic stimulus, resumption of major conventions, and the reopening of international borders should shift travel patterns back to pre-pandemic norms. The following table presents the recent history of the San Diego hotel market and our projections for the recovery. San Diego 20222025 Forecast Source: STR (Historical Years) and HVS (Forecast) Photo by HVS Major factors contributing to our forecast are summarized as follows: Alila Marea Beach Resort Source: alilahotels.com Source: HVS At present, only two hotels are under construction within the greater San Diego market, namely the 145-key AC Hotel by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and the 462-key Margaritaville, a conversion of the former Paradise Point Resort & Spa; both hotels are expected to open in 2023. We note that several hotel projects have been proposed for development or are in the early stages of development, including two hotels as part of the Manchester Pacific Gateway development and the 1,600-room Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista. The limited number of new hotels entering the market in 2022 and 2023 should support the recovery of market occupancy. Furthermore, investor interest in new development has increased, as has the availability of construction financing, particularly for limited-service, select-service, and extended-stay products. As such, the pace of supply growth is likely to accelerate again by late 2023. We expect transaction volume to remain strong as the San Diego hotel market continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the greater San Diego hotel market endured severe impacts from the pandemic, a healthy recovery is well underway. HVS continues to monitor the various factors influencing the outlook for the greater San Diego lodging market, including regular conversations with participants in the regional market. For more detailed forecasts or to inquire about a specific hotel project, contact Marcus Lee. [1] The Greater San Diego Hotel Market, as defined by STR, includes all hotels located within San Diego County. [2] United States/Mexico border crossing data provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). [3] Jones, Dustin. The Coast News, "Luxury resort in Encinitas celebrates grand opening." March 18, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2022. View source A new campaign is underway to secure the release of Americans who remain in overseas prisons, including Houstonians such as WNBA star Brittney Griner and high-ranking Citgo employees who have been held in Venezuela since 2017. Launched Wednesday at a press conference outside the White House, the Bring Our Families Home Campaign is the most coordinated effort yet by families of American hostages to pressure lawmakers to secure the release of their loved ones. There are over 55 Americans currently being held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas, the campaign said in a statement. They are being held because they have a U.S. passport - not for any other reason. We need the White House to use all the tools on the table to bring our family members home. We are requesting to meet with the White House to share our perspective and gain their support. RELATED: After 1,600 days of purgatory, families of detained Citgo officials still pleading for help Families of American hostages have for decades said the U.S. governments hostage policies have left them in the dark about the status of their loved ones, many of whom are unknown to the public. They reiterated their frustrations and calls for more communication, transparency and bipartisan efforts to bring Americans home. We see a pattern of indecision from our administrations to bring our families home, said Alexandra Forseth Zambrano, who helped organize the campaign. We are running into the same roadblocks, and we come back from our meetings in (Washington) crying on planes. Her father, Alirio Zambrano, and her uncle, Jose Luis Zambrano, are members of the so-called Citgo 6, the group of high-ranking oil executives who have been detained in Venezuela for a half-decade. The families called for the U.S. government to pursue more negotiations for the release of hostages, which U.S. diplomats have historically avoided out of concerns that doing so would provide incentives for kidnappers to target American citizens abroad. But decades of research shows that hostage takers typically take hostages simply because the opportunity presents itself and not as a premeditated plan to extract money or concessions from the U.S. government. The launch of the campaign follows last weeks surprise announcement that the Biden administration had negotiated the release of U.S. Marine veteran Trevor Reed as part of a prisoner swap with Russia that resulted in a convicted Russian drug trafficker being freed from prison in the U.S. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'Citgo 6' member from Katy released after years in Venezuelan prison This week also brought new developments in the cases of two Houston natives who are being held overseas. Earlier this week, the parents of Austin Tice, who was abducted while working in Syria as a freelance journalist in 2012, said President Joe Biden promised in a recent Oval Office meeting that he would engage directly with the Syrian government to bring their son home. The Biden administration also said Griner, a star player for the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury, was being unlawfully detained in Russia, where she was arrested earlier this year for allegedly having marijuana in one of her travel bags. The new designation of Griners case allows the Biden administration to offer more in negotiations for her release, powers that were expanded through a recently created office, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, that serves as a liaison between the U.S. government, the families of hostages and their families. Families said Wednesday that the Biden administration should do the same for the other 55 Americans held in across the globe. That includes the Citgo 6 members who were lured in 2017 to Venezuela for what they said was a routine budget meeting for PDVSA, the state-owned oil company that is the parent of the Houston refiner. Once in the country, they were arrested and charged for an alleged conspiracy to sell off $4 billion in Citgo bonds for their personal gain. Their families and diplomacy experts have characterized their cases as hostage diplomacy, or the taking of political prisoners to be used as bargaining chips in diplomatic talks. In March, one of the so-called Citgo 6, Gustavo Cardenas, 56, was allowed to return home to Katy as the U.S. renewed talks with the oil-rich country after years of sanctions and tension. The negotiations resumed as American officials sought new fuel sources after Russias invasion of Ukraine tightened global supplies and caused global oil prices to skyrocket. robert.downen@chron.com James Durbin / James Durbin Pioneer Natural Resources reported its highest quarterly earnings in more than two years on Wednesday as the price of West Texas crude oil soared due in part to Russias war with Ukraine. The Dallas-based company which exclusively operates in the Permian Basin reported $2 billion in profits for the first few months of the year, compared with a $70 million dollar loss during the same period last year mostly attributable to losses from the winter freeze in February 2021. In the first quarter of this year, revenue more than doubled to $6.2 billion from $2.4 billion in the same period last year. ConocoPhillips profits soared in the first three months of the year, driven by high crude prices, record production and two key acquisitions in the Permian Basin. ConocoPhillips, one of the worlds biggest independent oil and gas companies, said its profits increased nearly six times from same period a year earlier, surging to $5.8 billion from $1 billion in the first quarter of 2021. Revenues nearly doubled to $19.3 billion from $10.6 billion in 2021. CEO Ryan Lance said strong performance followed what he has called the transformative year in 2021 when the Houston company vastly expanded its Permian Basin holdings with the $9.7 billion acquisition of Permian Basin operator Concho Resources and $9.5 billion purchase of Shells Permian business. The Permian, which straddles West Texas and New Mexico, is one of the worlds most prolific oil fields, producing more than 5 million barrels day, or nearly half of U.S. output of about 12 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Department. The Permian accounted for more than one-third of ConocoPhillips record output of 1.7 million barrels a day, the company said. The increased production combined with oil prices above $100 a barrel helped to generate the stellar results. We're running well, and with very strong financial performance, Lance told investors in Thursdays quarterly earnings call. Now building on two very successful Permian transactions, we have truly transformed ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips joins the parade of oil companies reporting blockbuster profits, lifted by prices that surged to 14-year highs following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Exxon Mobil said it earned $5.5 billion despite a more than $3 billion write-off to leave Russia. Chevron reported more than $6 billion in profits, and Shell raked in just over $7 billion. Analysts expect the industry to continue to rake in the money his year. Oil and gas exploration and production companies are forecast to earn record profits this year as much as $834 billion, according to research from Norwegian consulting firm Rystad Energy. "The financial hot streak for public (oil) companies is only likely to continue in the near term, with profits and cash flow set to strengthen further this year and next, said Espen Erlingsen, Rystad Energys head of upstream research, in an email. Oil and gas companies have largely expanded production cautiously, maintaining their focus on delivering profits to their shareholders. But they are beginning to increase spending as oil prices remain elevated, setting them up for solid production growth this year, according to data from the Energy Department. Still, production remains about 10 percent below pre-pandemic levels, hampered in part by labor and supply shortages that have made it difficult to move crews, rigs and equipment into oil fields. The Russian war against Ukraine has only added to those difficulties, roiling global markets and trade. This deeply troubling war is also disrupting supply chains at a time of recovering global economic growth and energy demand, Lance told ConocoPhillips investors. It is affecting every aspect of the global economy and impacting the energy security of our allies in Europe, and it's driving significant volatility in commodity prices. As homes rapidly become less affordable in Houston and nationally, pushing more and more would-be buyers to the sidelines, a phrase has begun bubbling up when talking about the market: housing bubble. Some people cringe at the expression. Thats a term that scares people, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for the financial site Bankrate.com. But economists agree that skyrocketing home prices are unsustainable. After two years of double-digit annual increases in home values, many in the industry have turned their eyes to what comes next. But this time, unlike when home prices rose at an unsustainable pace in the lead up to the Great Recession, economists believe home values, on a national level, will not fall. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston homebuyers grasping for any deal in red-hot market may get shut out by higher mortgages A bubble doesnt have to end with a bust, explained Enrique Martinez-Garcia, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer In the latest episode of the Houston Chronicles real estate podcast, Looped In, two economists from the Dallas Fed, Martinez-Garcia and Laila Assani, discussed the banks recent paper that argues that signs of a housing bubble are emerging. They argue that home price growth has become disconnected from market fundamentals. In particular, they looked at how home prices have outstripped income, meaning fewer buyers can afford homes, and rents, which can make them less appealing as an investment, Martinez-Garcia said. Researchers have not seen home price growth so far outstrip wages and rent since the lead up to the Great Recession. Indeed in Houston, Corelogic, a property data firm, ran an analysis of economic and housing data, and recently concluded that homes in the Houston region are overvalued. The typical homebuyers monthly mortgage payment is up 39 percent from a year ago, according to an analysis by the real estate brokerage Redfin. Buyers in Houston need to be making nearly 27 percent more than they did a year ago to be able to afford a median-price home, according to Houston Association of Realtors. But there are differences between this buying frenzy and the one preceding the Great Recession have convinced real estate experts that this boom will not lead to a bust at least not in the majority of local markets. Texas in particular has seen population and job growth that could support the higher home prices, especially as people move in from higher-cost markets, said Assani of the Dallas Fed. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston homes are selling at their highest prices ever. Heres what local ZIP code data tells us The Dallas Fed economists said one of their reasons for publishing the paper was to warn buyers that prices will not continue to rise at the clip theyve experienced since the pandemic began. What economists instead foresee is a period in which home appreciation slows dramatically, languishing until wages and rents catch up with home prices. Indeed, McBride of Bankrate said hes already seen some homes reducing listing prices although he warns against taking that out of context. Those homes were priced as though values would continue surging, so even with price reductions, they still are selling for higher prices than a year ago. McBride believes that home price growth will slow to a crawl for several years as the market retrenches from this boom. Prices really might not go anywhere for five, six, seven years, he said. The government-sponsored mortgage-finance company Freddie Mac forecasts home price growth will slow to 5 percent in 2023, down from 18 percent in 2021, and CoreLogic projects that home price growth will slow to 6 percent this year and 4 percent in 2023. Slowing home price growth will mean that it will take longer for homeowners to build equity, or the difference between what their homes could sell for and what they owe on their mortgages. Without record home price appreciation, homeowners will have to build equity the old-fashioned way: paying down the principal on their mortgages. That means homeowners will likely have to stay put for longer before entering the market to trade up, further shrinking the pool of homebuyers and slowing home sales. By the fourth quarter, the National Association of Realtors forecasts existing home sales will be down 15 percent from the year before. In the Houston area, fewer people have signed contracts to buy homes for several weeks in a row, according to Houston Association of Realtors data. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston rents have soared to record highs, forcing renters to downsize and consider other options Diminishing affordability could force more would-be buyers to stay in the rental market. For example, the apartment developer and operator Camden Property Trust said that only 14 percent of its move-outs in the first quarter were because their tenants had newly purchased a home, compared to 17 percent a year ago. Nadia Evangelou, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, said in an email that she estimates about 10 percent of households in Houston have already been priced out of the market, compared to 13 percent nationally, due to falling affordability. Part of the problem is that inflation is rising so quickly it is effectively erasing average gains in wages. Nationally, average hourly wages, adjusted for inflation, were $11.03 in March 2022, about a 2.7 percent drop from where they were a year earlier at $11.34, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Real wages on a year-over-year basis have dropped consecutively since April 2021, said Evangelou in a statement. Comparing inflation with real wage growth since 2008, this is the first time that inflation has risen so much faster than wages. Inflation overshadowed all wage gains. McBride of Bankrate said that slowing home price appreciation until wages can catch up is the minimally painful way to remedy a housing market so out of balance between buyers and sellers. The way we did it last time, McBride said, when home prices just went so high they defied the bounds of all rationality and then they crashed hard that obviously caused a lot of stress. rebecca.schuetz@chron.com; marissa.luck@chron.com twitter.com/raschuetz and twitter.com/marissaluck7 It should come as no surprise to those whove ever done a Google search on their own name that the internet knows a lot about everyone. What may be surprising is how detailed that knowledge can be. Current and past phone numbers, street and email addresses, the names of relatives and associates, even details about the neighbors can often be found for those who know where and how to look. But last week, Google announced it would begin removing personal information from search results upon request. Its an expansion of a previous policy that allowed users to request removal of information that could be damaging to them, such as bank account/credit card numbers, login credentials or information used in doxxing, in which a persons personal details are revealed with malicious intent. The new tool for requesting removal, located at support.google.com/websearch/answer/9673730, is fairly easy to use and Ill walk you through the process in a moment. But its important to note that it only removes your personal information from Google searches. It does not remove the personal information from the website linked from those results. It also wont impact any other search engines results. The details could still appear in Microsofts Bing, Duck Duck Go, Brave or any other search site. But Google does enjoy a market share of more than 92%, so your removal request there would cover the vast majority of queries. On HoustonChronicle.com: Dwight Silvermans past columns are available online And theres one other catch. Google requires that you specify the site where the offending data is found, as well as a provide a link to the search result that points to it. Its not a matter of saying, remove all the personal information about me from your search results. Instead, the process is more like: Heres a website with personal info, and heres how I found it using Google search. Please remove it from your search results. That means youre going to have to go looking for sites where your personal information is visible. Theyre out there, for sure. Enjoy the irony of using Google search to find sites you want to prevent from showing up in Google search. But the effort is worth it. Dan Wallach, a Rice University computer science professor who focuses on security, said the amount of detail available at so-called people finder sites can be alarming. That might include where you live now, where you have lived in the past, even old phone numbers. If I had that kind of information, and then had your Social Security number, thats all it would take to get a credit card in your name, Wallach said. Some of that data is public information. For example, the Harris County Appraisal District lets you easily find out who owns a given property. But other data is pulled from legal - if sketchy - sources, including your online shopping and surfing behavior. Data brokers collect and then sell this information. Wallach said theres a thin wall between that data being stored on a proprietary data base and visibility on the internet. There are breaches all the time that expose it. So before you ask Google to scrub its search results of your data, youll need to find it. Begin by searching your name, and scroll deep into the results. Save the web addresses of pages you find, and take screenshots as well. Next, search your street address - that will often yield different, and more detailed, results than a name. Try your phone number and your email address, too. (Pro tip: Do this using your browsers stealth mode, called Incognito in Chrome; Private in Safari and Firefox; InPrivate in Microsoft Edge. It wont save these sensitive searches, and provides some protection from tracking.) Now youre ready to plead your case to Google. Go to the web address I provided earlier and click the Start removal request button. At the next page, youll see several options, with pencil icons where you can change them. For simply asking that personally identifying information be removed, leave the first two options as they are. The third option asks if you have contacted the websites owner. Click No, I prefer not to. Choosing No, how do I do that? provides tips on contacting sites and requesting that your information be removed there. Thats useful to know, but the information should be left up initially so Google can find it and process your search-removal request. Checking I prefer not to brings up categories of information. Choose Personal info, like ID numbers and private documents, which reveals some sub-categories. For this exercise well pick Contact information, like address, phone number, or email address. That opens a set of fields that allow you to enter your name, email address, country of residence and more. You can also put in the web addresses of the sites where you found your personal info - up to 1,000 at a time - and the address of the search pages that point to it. You can also upload screenshots you took of the offending sites. Other fields let you put in the words you used in the search, and any other details you want to offer for context. Hit submit and the request goes to Google. Youll receive a notice in your email inbox that the submission was received. It may take a while to get a response, and the notification says one may never come. If you receive a response saying the removal request was granted, or maybe after a week or two, go back to the sites where you found the data and request removal. Most legitimate sites will grant this request, but some less-than-reputable ones may require a payment. You can find a free guide to requesting removals from DeleteMe, which also sells a service that does a lot of this legwork for you. The free guide is at joindeleteme.com/help/diy-free-opt-out-guide/. It may be all you need. dsilverman@outlook.com twitter.com/dsilverman This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate How much would you pay for a soda? It depends on where youre buying. A 2-liter Coke goes for $1.99 on Amazon Fresh. At Fiesta, you can get a six-pack for as low as $2.50. Festivals and concert venues can sometimes close in on $10 a pop for thirsty crowds. But more importantly, it depends on what youre drinking. Exotic Pop, a Black-owned beverage company based in Houston, lists a 20-ounce soda on its site for $20. Yes, you read that correctly. But this isnt your everyday soft drink. Its the notoriously difficult to find, clear Crush Cream Soda that comes from Canada. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer According to the Exotic Pop site, it blends the flavors of a dessert like vanilla mousse and French vanilla. An online search brings up their listing ahead of anyone elses. A 2-liter goes for $40. There are lots of people who are willing to pay those prices, and Exotic Pop is cornering the market on that culture of exclusivity. They sell rare and imported soft drinks and snacks, from Dr. Pepper Fantastic Chocolate ($50 for a 12-ounce can) to an unopened box of Michael Jordan Space Jam Wheaties listed at $500. Everybody wants something that nobody has. For the longest, its been jewelry, car, shoes, clothes. Thats been recycled for so long through music videos and social media, says Charleston Wilson, Exotic Pop founder and CEO. Building on that culture of luxury and its association with hip-hop, Exotic Pop has its own line of beverages featuring Houston rap icons, including DJ Screw, Bun B, Fat Pat and Too Short. A QR code on every bottle links to the artists music. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Wilson, who previously rented exotic cars and chauffeured celebrities around town, says the lightbulb switched on in 2016 when he was back and forth between Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he was taking classes, and Houston. A friend who owned a barbershop asked Wilson to bring back a few sodas from Louisiana that werent available in Texas. He came back with Sprite Tropical, Barqs French Vanilla Creme Soda, Barqs Red Creme Soda and an unusual Fanta flavor. Everybodys eyes illuminated. I had no idea, Wilson recalls. Everybody went crazy in the barbershop. Paul Wall boost They sold immediately, and Wilson began regularly delivering sodas to the shop. But after just a few exchanges, the shop couldnt keep up with the demand. Wilson, who was spending his entire paycheck on product, was stuck with cases of sodas. In his desperation, Wilson opened an Instagram account and made a post featuring eight drinks. The first post included his phone number and offered free delivery. instagram.com/exoticpop EXOTIC POP! EXOTIC POP! EXOTIC POP! Flavors not sold in town! read the April 3, 2016, post. Twelve days later, Wilson offered Exotic Pop T-shirts for sale on Instagram. Four days after that, he introduced a branded Styrofoam cup. That same month, the first Exotic Pop vending machine, featuring ten drink choices, was unveiled at Watkins Grocery Store on Cullen, just across the street from Wilsons grandmothers house. I did my first load-in, sodas from Louisiana, full in the machine, $3 a piece at the time. I woke up the next morning and went to check the machine. I opened it up, and there was $600 in there, ones and fives, Wilson says. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer He knew he was on to something. Sold those, bought some more, sold those, bought some more, all the way until today, he says. Rappers soon began paying attention. Paul Wall gave them a monumental boost when he posted about Exotic Pop on Instagram. That led to interest from the likes Travis Scott, who recruited Wilson to create a custom vending machine valued at $50,000. It included a 40-inch touch screen LED panel and hologram effects. Theyre currently working on a custom cooler for Bun B. Courtesy Today, Exotic Pop is Drakes go-to for Clearly Canadian when hes in Houston. Lil Wayne gets a weekly delivery of his favorite sodas. Longtime fan Lil Keke became part owner when Exotic Pop presented him with 10,000 shares in the company. Henry Adegbite, Courtesy This became a whole other bragging right for hip-hop culture, says Kehlin Farooq, Exotic Pop president. Theres an association of a lifestyle that goes along with drinking a soda pop. We added the music, the art, the culture. Its a status symbol. Wilson landed a licensing and bottling deal in 2019 with Pepsi to launch Exotic Pops own line of beverages tied to hip-hop icons. The first four featured Big Mo, DJ Screw, Fat Pat and Big Hawk. There have been limited runs of Dennis Grahams (Drakes dad) Pops Cream Soda; and Mama Moes (Big Moes mom) 3rd Ward Sweet Tea. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Brick-and-mortar store Exotic Pop did $6 million in profits for 2021, fueled in part by their array of hard-to-find snacks. Among the most popular are strawberry milkshake Pop-Tarts, banana Twinkies and Dr. Pepper cotton candy. It is nuts to me what type of cults are out here. I would have never thought there would be a Pop Tart cult, Farooq says. This summer, Exotic Pop plans to go even bigger. There are soda collaborations with Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and longtime fan Rob Kardashian. Theres a line of premium cream sodas, independent of celebrity endorsements. Theres the possibility of a Selena soda as part of Pop Exotico, a line aimed at the Latino market. The offshoot was introduced last year with Vanessa Guillen Alkaline Water, created with the approval of her family. One-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Guillen family and the I Am Vanessa Guillen Foundation. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Exotic Pop has its own music label featuring rappers Lady Icess and Lil Hawk, son of the late Big Hawk. There are plans for kid and pet lines; monthly workshops for underserved communities on personal finance to housing; and scholarships for HISD seniors. The next big step, then, is a retail location. They opened one a year ago in Los Angeles. But Farooq says the Houston one will be the grandioso flagship. Its scheduled to open this summer at Almeda and Southmore. The interiors white color scheme and round edges are inspired by Michael and Janet Jacksons Scream video. It will also include a slab simulator, intended to give customers the experience of riding inside one of the candy-colored cars. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Its a long way from that first Instagram post and vending machine that motivated Wilson to keep going. Exotic Pop now has more than 240,000 Instagram followers on its main account. And the machine is still there, by the way. Wilson cant bring himself to get rid of it. Its been fun, man, he says. Its been great. Its been a fantastic ride. joey.guerra@chron.com Melissa Phillip / Staff Photographer Never before has ecology in land clearing been cuter than it is right now at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Kyle and Carolyn Carrs Brownwood-based Rent-A-Ruminant herd of goats arrived at the nature center today, and youll be able to see them out doing their job through May10. Some 150 goats from smaller pygmy species such as Nigerian Dwarf to larger Boers and Nubians will roam around the 2.3 acre space encircled by the 610 Parking Loop. (For easiest access, enter from the 610 service road rather than Woodway Drive.) This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Houston Chronicles Best Dressed, an annual list of the citys most philanthropic and fashionable women, is back. And its more diverse than ever before. Inside Neiman Marcus on Wednesday, features editor Melissa Aguilar announced this years big 10: Kristy Bradshaw, Vicki West, Gayla Gardner, Brigitte Kalai, Sippi Khurana, Michele Leal, Kelley Lubanko, Elia Gabbanelli, Lauren Randle, and Crystal Wright. Their occupations include law, finance and medicine. Several serve on the boards of Houston Ballet, Houston Zoo, Hermann Park Conservancy and Latin Womens Initiative. Theyve raised millions for dozens of local non-profits in recent years and were nominated by their peers: former Best Dressed honorees. The largest crowd in recent memory poured into Neiman Marcus for Wednesday's Best Dressed Announcement Party. Three-time honorees Bradshaw, West and Gardner enter the Hall of Fame. The collective group will be honored during the 2022 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon on Sept. 20 at the Post Oak Hotel. Proceeds benefit the March of Dimes mission to promote the health of mothers and babies. Support is led by Childrens Memorial Hermann, the events presenting sponsor. Over the past four decades, past and present honorees have raised more than $14 million. Hallie Vanderhider is set to chair the 2022 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon which celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall. In recognition of the milestone, Neiman Marcus tapped Naeem Khan as this years featured fashion designer. Khan famously created a custom, feathered gown for Vanderhider to wear in 2018 when she chaired Houston Ballets Swan Lake-themed ball. MORE ON NAEEM KHAN: Houston Chronicle reveals featured designer for 40th anniversary Best Dressed Luncheon Khan returned to Bayou City in March his first visit to the Lone Star State in five years to check-off a very Houston must-do item off of his bucket list: RodeoHouston. Following a fashion presentation and private lunch on Neiman Marcus designer wing, former Best Dressed honoree Kristina Somerville treated Khan to his inaugural trip to rodeo grounds. His team orchestrated a second trunk show at Neiman Marcus for the Best Dressed Announcement Party. The Indian-American fashion designers intricate pieces are favored by former first lady Michelle Obama, Queen Noor of Jordan and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Khans newest collection will hit the runway on Sept. 20 at the Post Oak Hotel, as will the Houston Chronicles Best Dressed class of 2022. Jennifer Allison, Julie Longoria Chen and Michele Marandi have been named luncheons raffle chairs. For tickets, tables and more information on the 40th anniversary event visit marchofdimes.org/bestdressed. amber.elliott@chron.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The mayor of Conroe is facing public criticism after he was caught on video using a megaphone outside a polling place, and two Montgomery County judges are hoping unauthorized use of their photos on a political flyer wont spur action against them by the state. Conroe resident Kay Meador filed a report with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday after she saw Mayor Jody Czajkoski using a megaphone to solicit votes for two city council candidates outside of the Montgomery County Central Library in Conroe on Tuesday during the last day of early voting before Saturdays election. The day I saw it, it ticked me off, Meador said. He didnt just do it one time. A video of Czajkoski using the device also was posted to social media. Texas Election Code prohibits anyone using such a device within 1,000 feet of a building being used as a polling place. A violation of the law is a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable with a fine up to $500. Sheriffs officials and District Attorney Brett Ligon declined to comment on the complaint. On yourcourienews.com: Voters to cast ballots for school bonds, city positions on May 7 In a video posted on social media, Czajkoski can be heard saying its Conroes time to shine, baby. McDonald, Johnson. McDonald, Johnson. Four more years. Mayor Pro Tem Raymond McDonald is running for re-election and is being challenged by Howard Wood. Councilwoman Marsha Porter also is seeking re-election and is facing Susan Johnson. Czajkoski could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Judges' photos used on political flyers In an unrelated incident, two Montgomery County judges are hoping the unauthorized use of their photo on a political flyer wont spur action against them by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Wayne Mack and 457th state District Judge Vince Santini said they were shocked to see a political flyer sent by McDonalds campaign with photos of each of them with McDonald. Neither Mack nor Santini live within the city limits of Conroe and were not aware of the flyer until they received calls about it. Both said they were not contacted by McDonald or his campaign and did not authorize the use of the photos. According to the Texas Judicial Canon a judge or judicial candidate shall not authorize the public use of his or her name endorsing another candidate for any public office. No one from his team contacted myself about permission to use that picture, Mack said. Santini took to social media Tuesday to say he was unaware of the flyer. I am now 2.5 hours into being notified that a picture of me was used in a City of Conroe candidates political mailer. I did NOT authorize this Had Councilman McDonald asked me prior to using my image on his mailer, I would have politely told him no. I am obligated to write this post because now that I know this happened, not saying something would be to implied consent to the mailer, which I do not. I ran my campaign on integrity matters and it still does, Santini posted on social media. Santini said Tuesday he does not live within the city of Conroe and does not vote in city elections. He added he did not get the flyer but was alerted to it Tuesday morning. McDonald responded to Santinis post by saying that he is aware of the law and the photo was only used to show that he works with community leaders. Judge Santini, please know that I honor and respect you greatly. I also acknowledge the Texas rules that judges may not endorse other candidates, and would never put you in an awkward position by asking for one or saying that you endorse my candidacy. Sir, our mailer was simply an indication of the fine community leaders with whom I have had the opportunity to work. McDonald said he was remorseful for using the photos. cdominguez@hcnonline.com China saw a total of 160 million domestic tourist trips during the five-day May Day holiday, down 30.2 percent from last year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Wednesday. Tourism revenue reached 64.68 billion yuan (about 9.77 billion U.S. dollars), down 42.9 percent from last year, according to the ministry. The May Day holiday lasts from April 30 to May 4 this year. CANAAN, Maine (AP) A soldier killed in World War II when the aircraft he was in was shot down will be buried in his hometown a year after his remains were identified. Nineteen-year-old Staff Sgt. Richard Salsbury, of Canaan, joined the Air Force a day after he turned 18 in 1941 and died Aug. 1, 1943, WMTW-TV reported Thursday. Constructed four generations ago, the massive rock and clay dam at El Capitan Reservoir is capable of storing over 36 billion gallons of water, enough to supply every resident in San Diego for most of a year. Today, it's three-quarters empty, intentionally kept low because of concerns it could fail under the strain of too much water. During a big earthquake, you never know whats going to happen, if this is going to hold, said Samuel Santos, a longtime resident who frequently fishes near the dam. Seismic instability and a spillway in need of significant repair" led El Capitan to be added to a growing list of dams rated in poor condition or worse that would likely cause deaths downstream if they failed. An Associated Press analysis tallied more than 2,200 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition across the U.S. up substantially from a similar AP review conducted three years ago. The actual number is likely even higher, although it's unclear because some states don't track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release details about their dams' conditions. The nations dams are on average over a half-century old and often present more of a hazard than envisioned when designed because homes, businesses or highways have cropped up below them. Meanwhile, a warming atmosphere can bring stronger storms with heavier rainfall that could overwhelm aging dams. All of a sudden, youve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail," said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing, he said, adding that without investment in upgrades, that number will continue to rise. Decades of deferred maintenance has worsened the problem. But a changing climate and extreme floods such as the one that caused the failure of two Michigan dams and the evacuation of 10,000 people in 2020 have brought a renewed focus to an often overlooked aspect of Americas critical infrastructure. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs. It marks a tremendous leap and jump of funding, said Kayed Lakhia, director of the National Dam Safety Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet it's still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the almost 89,000 dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. ___ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lists about 92,000 dams in its nationwide database, most of which are privately owned and regulated by states. Dams are classified according to the risk posed by failure, ranging from low to significant to high. A high hazard means lives could be lost if the dam fails. Dams also are assessed by their condition. Those in the worst shape categorized as poor or unsatisfactory can have a variety of problems including cracks and erosion that could undermine a dam, or spillway outlets unable to release all the water after extraordinary rainfall. The number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition has risen partly because of stricter regulation. Some state programs, infused with millions of additional dollars, have stepped up inspections, reassessed whether old dams endanger new downstream developments and worked to identify dams long ago abandoned by their owners. Some also are updating the precipitation tools used to evaluate the risks. New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams in poor condition as it did in 2018, when the AP collected data for its earlier analysis. The increase came as officials pushed to assess all high-hazard dams that were previously unrated. The number of high-hazard dams in deficient condition in South Carolina rose by a third from 2018 to 2021, after lawmakers more than doubled annual funding for the state's dam safety program. More than 70 dams failed in the state amid heavy rains in 2015 and 2016. Since then, South Carolina has ramped up staffing, undertaken more regular inspections and begun mapping potential flood zones for low-hazard dams to determine if they should be reclassified as high hazard. When you had a storm of that magnitude and you have it happen again the next year, and dams continue to fail, weve got to be able to provide a response, said Jill Stewart, the states director of dam safety and stormwater permitting. Rhode Island examined the capacity of all its dam spillways after five dams failed during a storm in 2010. A 2019 study found that a quarter of its high-hazard dams couldn't hold up to a 100-year storm an event with a 1% chance of happening any year and 17% couldn't pass a 500-year storm, which has a 0.2% chance of occurring in a year. The state was sharing the findings with dam owners and could require some to upgrade their spillways to meet state regulations. Many old dams are undersized for the kind of storms that were getting today and will be getting in the future, said David Chopy, administrator of the Office of Compliance and Inspection at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Since 2019, California regulators have downgraded four of San Diegos water supply dams from fair to poor condition because of deterioration and concerns they could fail because of an earthquake or extraordinary rainfall. As a result, the high-hazard dams at El Capitan, Hodges and Morena reservoirs all are restricted to holding less than half their capacities. The dam at Lower Otay Reservoir, also high hazard and in poor condition, is not restricted. The lower water means Santos, who has been coming to El Capitan Reservoir since childhood, can't find relief from shade trees when he fishes from the receding banks. His children don't want to join him because it's so hot. Its sad to see it, because its just like a duck pond compared to what it used to be, said another longtime resident, Bob Neal, who said his father-in-law helped build the dam in the 1930s. The dam's poor condition also means less water is stored to prepare for drought, which has become particularly severe in the West. San Diego gets an average of just 10 inches of rain annually. These reservoirs are very important, said Republican state Sen. Brian Jones, whose district includes the El Capitan and Lake Hodges dams. "We need to start spending the money on them to retrofit them, to get them up again back to full capacity. Jones is among several lawmakers pushing the state to carry out a 2014 ballot proposition that authorized billions of dollars for reservoir projects. San Diego's mayor also has urged the state to allot at least $3 billion for dam repairs statewide. ___ For many dams, problems develop gradually and risks can be reduced by temporary measures, such as lowering water levels, until repairs can be made, said Ryan Stack, chief engineer at Missouris dam safety program. Unsatisfactory doesnt necessarily mean helicopters and bells-and-whistles and everything going off for an immediate crisis, Stack said. But the risk from old, inadequate dams has become painfully evident in recent years. In 2019, a rural Nebraska dam failed under extreme pressure from a raging flood of ice chunks, killing a man whose home was beneath the dam. An independent investigation determined that state regulators should have classified the dam as high hazard," which could have led to a plan to increase its flood capacity and better warn residents downstream. The public utility that owned the dam agreed this year to a $2.5 million settlement for the man's family while a lawsuit continues against the state. In 2020, central Michigans Edenville Dam failed following heavy rainfall. The rupture unleashed a torrent on the Tittabawassee River, leading to the failure of Sanford Dam downstream and the evacuation of about 10,000 people. The high-hazard Edenville Dam, built in 1924, had been rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 and lost its federal hydropower license due to a variety of issues, including a spillway incapable of standing up to a severe flood. An investigatory report released Wednesday found that Edenville dam had deficiencies with its earthen embankment that could have been been caught and corrected if engineers had gone beyond visual inspections and conducted a more comprehensive review of the dam's design and construction. Regulators across the country should learn from the Michigan failures, said John France, an engineer who led the investigation. No one has X-ray eyes, France said Thursday. "You would have to look at the records, you would have to look at the test borings that were done and assimilate that all together. After the dam failures, Michigan beefed up its 2022 budget with $19 million for dam safety, plus money to hire more regulatory staff. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation providing an additional $250 million for dams, including about $200 million to repair those damaged by the 2020 floods. The plan prioritizes high-risk dams that can be ticking time bombs if they are not addressed, said state Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican whose district experienced flooding from the dam failures. "Dragging our feet or failing to get it done will only open the door to other catastrophes down the line. Other states also are pumping more money into dam safety. After Kansas exempted thousands of dams from state regulation in 2013, its allotment of annual federal dam safety funds plunged, leading to a decline in staffing and delays in handling permits and inspections. A budget passed by the Legislature this year will double state funding and staff for the dam safety office. Facing a projected 20-year backlog of work, Missouri lawmakers last year added $75,000 to hire an additional dam safety engineer. But it's taken 10 months to find someone qualified to fill the position. Addressing the problems posed by old, unsafe dams can be challenging. Repairs can be costly and take years to complete. Attempts to remove dams and empty the lakes they hold back can spawn legal battles and a public outcry from those who rely on them for recreation or to sustain nearby property values. A pair of high-hazard dams built in the mid-1800s near Cleveland are among those in need of major repair. Upper Shaker Lake, commonly known as Horseshoe Lake, was drained as a precaution after it developed sinkholes and cracks. The cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, which jointly manage the dams, last year approved a $28.3 million plan to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam, return the area to a free-flowing stream and rebuild Lower Shaker Lake Dam. But the plan faces backlash from community members who formed a nonprofit to try to save Horseshoe Lake. They hired a law firm and engineering company, launched a fundraising drive and gathered about 2,000 online petition signatures. The lake is a beautiful, calming feature that is the central park of the Heights neighborhood, said musician Bert Stratton, a resident helping to lead the efforts. Its where people come to congregate, and they have for over 100 years. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which manages stormwater projects, said Horseshoe Lake provides little flood-control benefit and that the district wont pay to rebuild it. People need to understand there is a major risk at this facility, including the probable loss of life if the dam blew out, said Frank Greenland, the districts director of watershed programs. Decades of procrastination on repairs has led to the deterioration of other dams across the country. Some owners find it difficult to justify the costs of improving structures without facing an emergency. Theres an attitude among some dam owners of oh, well take care of it next year; oh, well take care of it in three years; oh, lets put together a plan, said Bob Travis, managing partner of Risk Management Matters LLC, a consultant for community associations. Meanwhile, that dam is getting older and older and older. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Casey from Boston; and Minkoff from Washington, D.C. Associated Press photographer Gregory Bull in San Diego, and reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Nick Geranios in Spokane, Washington, contributed to this report. JERUSALEM (AP) A pair of Palestinian attackers went on a stabbing rampage in a town near Tel Aviv on Thursday night, killing at least three people and wounding four others before fleeing in a vehicle, Israeli authorities said. Police launched a massive search for the assailants, setting up roadblocks and dispatching a helicopter. The stabbing, coming on Israel's Independence Day, was the latest in a string of deadly attacks in Israeli cities in recent weeks. Early Friday, Israeli police said a search was underway for two Palestinian suspects from the occupied West Bank. The suspects, aged 19 and 20 years old, came from Jenin, the hometown of other assailants involved in recent attacks in Israel. The town and its surroundings have seen frequent Israeli military raids and clashes with Palestinian militants in recent weeks. We will get our hands on the terrorists and their supportive environment, and they will pay the price, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said after huddling with senior security officials late Thursday. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared recently, with the attacks in Israel, military operations in the occupied West Bank and violence at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site. The site, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, was the scene of new unrest earlier Thursday. Alon Rizkan, a medic with Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, described a very difficult call when he arrived at the scene in Elad, an ultra-Orthodox town near Tel Aviv. He said he identified three dead people at various locations. At least four others were wounded, one critically, officials said. Israeli media quoted police as saying there were two assailants, and just before midnight, police said they were still searching for the attackers. They called on the public to avoid the area, and urged people to report suspicious vehicles or people to them. Israel marked its Independence Day on Thursday, a festive national holiday in which people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered a closure on the West Bank, imposed ahead of the holiday and preventing Palestinians from entering Israel, to remain in effect until Sunday. In Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials vehemently condemn the attack in Elad. This was a horrific attack targeting innocent men and women, and was particularly heinous coming as Israel celebrated its Independence Day, Blinken said in a statement. We remain in close contact with our Israeli friends and partners and stand firmly with them in the face of this attack. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose government administers autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, condemned the attack. "The killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians leads only to more deterioration at a time when all of us try to achieve stability and prevent escalation, the official Wafa news agency quoted him as saying. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack and linked it to violence at the Jerusalem holy site. The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque cant go unpunished," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said. The heroic operation in Tel Aviv is a practical translation of what the resistance had warned against. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third holiest site in Islam and is built on a hilltop that is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. It lies at the emotional heart of the conflict, and Palestinians and Israeli police have clashed there repeatedly in recent weeks. Early Thursday, Israeli police entered the site to clear away Palestinian protesters, after Jewish visits that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed. As the visits resumed, dozens of Palestinians gathered, chanting God is greatest. Scuffles broke out when the police went to arrest one of them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on the sprawling esplanade as some Palestinians sheltered inside the mosque itself. The police could later be seen just inside an entrance to the barricaded mosque. The police said they responded to dozens of people who were shouting incitement and throwing stones, and that one police officer was lightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were taken to a hospital after being struck with batons. Unlike in previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there was no rock-throwing initially. Some of those who sheltered inside the mosque began throwing stones and other objects when police entered the building. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. Under informal arrangements known as the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there. In recent years, they have visited in ever-increasing numbers with police escorts and many have discreetly prayed, angering the Palestinians as well as neighboring Jordan, which is the custodian of the site. The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to eventually take over the site or partition it. Israel says it is committed to maintaining the status quo, and accuses Hamas of inciting the recent violence. It has been some of the worst bloodshed in years. At least 18 Israelis have died in five attacks including a stabbing rampage in southern Israel, two other shootings in the Tel Aviv area and a shooting last weekend in a West Bank settlement. Nearly 30 Palestinians have died in violence most of whom had carried out attacks or were involved in confrontations with Israeli forces in the West Bank. But an unarmed woman and a lawyer who appears to have been inadvertently shot were also killed. Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war a year ago, fueled in large part by similar unrest in Jerusalem. WASHINGTON (AP) John Roberts is heading a Supreme Court in crisis. The chief justice has already ordered an investigation of the leak this week of a draft opinion suggesting the court could be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case legalizing abortion nationwide. What comes next could further test Roberts' leadership of a court where his vote already appears less crucial in determining the outcome in contentious cases. This is a time when the court is under siege, both externally and internally now, said Roanoke College professor Todd Peppers, who writes about the court. "I just don't think the spotlight has ever been brighter on the court in recent history. Speaking Thursday at a judicial conference in Atlanta, Roberts called the leak appalling, according to CNN. Roberts' court was facing challenges even before the leak, which the chief called a betrayal of the confidences of the Court.Polling has shown a notable decline in the public's approval of the court. And there have been recent calls for term limits for the justices and for increasing the number of justices as well as for a code of ethics, particularly following reports that Justice Clarence Thomas' wife, Virginia, implored Donald Trumps White House chief of staff to act to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Confirmation hearings for the court's newest justices have been contentious. The addition of three conservative justices during Trump's presidency also means there are now five conservative justices to Roberts' right who no longer need his vote, and perhaps his moderating influence, to prevail in a case. The abortion decision could be another example of that, with the court's other conservatives prepared to go further than Roberts. Roberts, 67, has noted the limits of his position in the past. Asked during a 2018 appearance how its different to be chief, Roberts responded: In many ways its different. In the most important its not. I have one vote. I participate in the decision-making of the court like any of the associate justices. Still, there's a reason that the chief is called the first among equals and that historians refer to time periods at the court using the chief justice's name: the Marshall Court, the Rehnquist Court, the Roberts Court. The chief is the first to speak when the justices discuss cases at their private conference and guides that discussion. The chief decides who writes the opinion of the court when the chief is in the majority. Roberts, an appointee of President George W. Bush, has faced other challenging times in his 16 years as chief. He's led the court through contentious cases on gay marriage, on President Barack Obama's health law and on Trump-era policies including building a U.S.-Mexico border wall and the travel ban. In 2020, Roberts was in the spotlight presiding over Trump's first impeachment trial, though his role was modest. At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, he led the court through a period where it decided to postpone arguments for the first time in more than 100 years and then to conduct them by telephone for more than a year and a half. Early in his tenure, in a speech at Georgetown's law school graduation and elsewhere, Roberts explained his philosophy in guiding the court and his preference for decisions where there could be broad agreement on narrow grounds. There are clear benefits to a greater degree of consensus on the court. Unanimity or near unanimity promote clarity and guidance for the lawyers and for the lower courts trying to figure out what the Supreme Court meant," he said in 2006. He added: The rule of law is strengthened when there's greater coherence and agreement about what the law is." Artemus Ward, a professor at Northern Illinois University who is one of the editors of a book of scholarly research on chief justices, said Roberts has been trying to achieve consensus, trying to rule narrowly. But following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal, and her replacement by conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Roberts' vote is less powerful because there are five conservative votes even without him, Ward said. There's been some evidence of the impact of that already. Before Ginsburg's death, Roberts joined with the court's four liberals to reject a challenge to attendance limits California imposed on religious services because of the coronavirus pandemic. But about a month after Barrett joined the court, the justices ruled 5-4 the other way in a case about similar limits in New York, with Roberts and the liberals in dissent. In September of last year, the court decided 5-4 not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state. The dissenters were once again Roberts and the three liberal justices. It was the same lineup in February when the Supreme Court put on hold a lower court ruling that Alabama must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. And in April when the court reinstated a Trump-era water rule. "Roberts Has Lost Control of the Supreme Court," was the title of an article written that month by professor Stephen I. Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law. It remains to be seen how divided and how sweeping the court will be in other decisions, including a major gun ruling, that are still to be released before the court breaks for summer. Unknown too is how closely the final opinion in the abortion case will mirror the leaked draft, which was written by Justice Samuel Alito and distributed to other members of the court in February. Politico reported that Alito had the votes of four other conservatives to overturn Roe v. Wade and a later decision that reaffirmed a constitutional right to abortion services, Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The three liberals planned to dissent, Politico said, while Roberts' ultimate vote was unclear. NEW ORLEANS (AP) A Louisiana House committee voted Wednesday to make abortion a crime of homicide for which a woman ending her pregnancy could be charged, along with anyone helping her. The bill also declares that any federal law, regulation or court ruling that allows abortion is void and that any judge who blocks enforcement of the bill's provisions could be impeached. Is Roe vs. Wade the law of the land? We believe the answer is no, anti-abortion attorney Bradley Pierce told the committee during a hearing at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. Even one committee member who voted for the bill said it would likely be struck down by state or federal courts if it became law. The bill was approved for full House by a 7-2 vote of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Rep. Danny McCormick's bill, introduced in the House in March, came up for a hearing less than two days after the leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion indicating the high court is preparing to overturn decisions upholding a constitutional right to abortion. The bills supporters declared that their legislation would outlaw abortion even if the draft leaked Monday night isnt eventually adopted by the Supreme Court. Louisiana already has a trigger law criminalizing abortion should Roe v. Wade be overturned, which would subject doctors or others who perform abortions to up to 10 years in prison. But the law does not call for prosecution of the pregnant woman. McCormick's bill, which would amend homicide statutes, has no exception and abortion rights attorneys said it would subject women to prosecution. This is saying that people can be charged with murder for any act that they take against their own pregnancy, said reproductive rights lawyer Ellie Schilling. In addition to amending homicide law, the bill by McCormick, a Republican from Oil City, would change the states legal definition of person, which now includes a fertilized egg that has become implanted in the womb, to simply a fertilized egg. Opponents of the bill also said the measure would criminalize in vitro fertilization that involves destruction of some eggs that have been fertilized outside the womb, and many forms of contraception. Rep. Tony Bacala said he would vote for the bill but also said the bill is likely to be struck down by courts if made law. While I intend to vote for this bill, I would suggest that there may be better options that can actually go into practice instead of concepts that I feel like are probably going to be struck down. A man was shot and killed Thursday morning at an apartment complex in north Houston, according to police. Officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to the 930 block of Rushcreek Drive, in the Greater Greenspoint area, and found the man inside a residence with multiple gunshot wounds, HPD stated in a tweet. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man accused of concealing a woman's corpse in a U-Haul box outside his Houston apartment has been charged with murder in her death. Miguel Angel Moreno, 60, is accused of killing Flor Aidee Vega by striking her with a blunt object, according to the criminal complaint filed against him. Moreno was already charged with tampering of evidence on April 19 after he was accused of concealing Vega's body inside a U-Haul box last month outside of his apartment, court records show. More on HoustonChronicle.com: How Texas lawmakers voted on the abortion trigger bill that would take effect if Roe v. Wade falls He was captured on video moving the box down a flight of stairs and in front of another apartment, according to court documents filed with the Harris County District Court's office. Houston police questioned Moreno on April 17 after the apartment's building manager called to report a foul smell coming from the box, according to authorities. Police found Vega's body, wrapped in plastic, inside. Authorities found blood inside Moreno's apartment as well as plastic wrap around a mattress, according to the court documents. The wrap was similar to the plastic used to wrap Vega's body, according to the documents. More from Joel Umanzor: One dead after shooting in north Houston Moreno told authorities a stranger entered his apartment and dropped off the odorous box before he moved it outside, court documents show. When asked by investigators why he didn't call police, he said he "didn't want to get in trouble." Moreno remains at the Harris County jail and is being held on $500,000 bail on the tampering with evidence charge. He is expected in court again Friday. Joel.Umanzor@chron.com Wesley Ratko If the initial Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade becomes official, the legality of abortion rights will lie in the hands of state legislators. And after the signing of House Bill 1280 last spring, also known as a trigger law, Texas is poised to take full advantage of those rights. Within 30 days of a U.S. Supreme Court judgment to overrule Roe v. Wade, Texas and 12 other states will ban all abortions excepting those that endanger the life of the mother. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A 4-year-old boy who was accidentally shot in the head by his brother Monday has died, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. The boys uncle, 32-year-old Francisco Lupian, allegedly left the gun unattended while visiting the familys home in the 22300 block of Guston Hall Lane, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A Pew Research Center survey has found that 6 million adults in the United States identify as Afro-Latino, noting that this population experiences higher levels of discrimination than Hispanic people who do not identify as Afro-descendant. The nonpartisan think tank said in a report released this week that 12 percent of the adult Latino population in the country identifies as Afro-Latino, a distinct identity with deep roots in Latin America that can often exist alongside a persons Hispanic, racial or national origin identities. The demographic portrait of Afro-Latino adults, who represent 2 percent of the U.S. population, indicates that 49 percent were born in the U.S. when Puerto Rico is included. The report is based on a survey conducted from November 2019 to June 2020 and an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, and incorporates data from another survey, from March 2021. Among Afro-Latinos, 29 percent come from Mexico; 23 percent from Puerto Rico; 18 percent from the Dominican Republic; 7 percent from Cuba and 5 percent from El Salvador, the survey found. An additional 14 percent belong to other non-identified Hispanic or Latino origins. The most interesting thing we found in our research was the fact that when you ask about Afro-Latino identity of the overall adult population in the U.S., you get a small share of those who identify as Afro-Latino who actually do not check the box of being Latino or Hispanic in a typical race and ethnicity question like the one asked by the Census and others, said Gonzalez-Barrera. Gary Fountain / Contributor We did not ask why about 1 in 7 Afro-Latinos do not identify as Hispanic or Latino, added Gonzalez-Barrera. But our results point to the fact that Afro-Latino identity is unique and encompasses more than just a race or ethnic label. A possible explanation for some Afro-Latinos not checking the box for Hispanic or Latino is simply an unapologetic embrace of our culture without having to explain ourselves, particularly to those who have historically oppressed us, said Will Guzman, a history professor at Prairie View A&M University, referring to Spanish or Portuguese colonizers of Latin American countries. Among Afro-Latinos, the report says that those who did not identify with the Hispanic ethnic marker were more likely to choose Black as their race. Among all Afro-Latino adults, 28 percent identified as white, 25 percent as Black, and the rest chose some other race or multiple races. Afro-Latinos can be of any race, or multiple races, and reflect a profile that some experts associate with the increasing mixing of American identities. Gary Fountain / Contributor In the U.S., where race is a marker structurally engraved in society, a diverse heritage signifies both cultural richness and challenges for Afro-Latinos. To be Afro-Latina in the U.S. means many things you can choose to live and exist at an intersection of various identities, said Jasminne Mendez, an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent in Houston who is a poet and author of several books. It also means to never feel like enough of one or the other not Black enough, not Latino enough. Being Afro-Latina in Texas has had many struggles for me because I dont fit to the quote-unquote standard of what it means to look like a Latina, but I do identify as Latina and ethnically identify as Dominican, and Im very proud of that fact. Mendez added that folks wish to put us in these boxes where you have to be X, Y or Z, and I think that Afro- Latinos defy and challenge that. One of her books, Islands Apart: Becoming Dominican American, set for release on May 31, is a memoir for teens exploring the meaning of growing up being other in the U.S. Yi-Chin Lee, Staff / Houston Chronicle The multiple dimensions of Latino identity reflect the long colonial history of Latin America, during which mixing occurred among indigenous Americans, white Europeans, Asians, and enslaved people from Africa, said Gonzalez-Barrera. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, there were 15 times as many African slaves forcibly taken to Spanish and Portuguese colonies in Latin America than to the U.S., the report notes. It cited the Slave Voyages initiative, a database of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Approximately 130 million people of African descent live in that region. NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here. Discrimination The survey said Afro-Latino adults, who were more likely to characterize their skin color as darker than other Latinos in the survey, also face more racism than Hispanics overall. Sixty-one percent of Afro-Latinos say they have personally experienced at least one incident of discrimination, higher than the 54 percent level reported by Hispanics who do not identify as Afro-descendants, the report says. Guzman noted that this group has endured institutional discrimination and racial oppression dating back to the 16th Century. And when they come to the United States, they are hoping to leave that behind... However, because of whiteness, because of white supremacy they see the remnants of that discrimination continuing. Marie D. De Jesus, Staff / Houston Chronicle Afro-Latinos face various forms of discrimination, from being told to go back to their country to being called offensive names, the report said. Afro-Latinos are also three times more likely to report being unfairly stopped by police than non-Afro Latinos, and targeted more often when speaking Spanish. Guzman said that other common cultural distinctions that Afro Latinos continue to cultivate in the U.S. can also make them targets. I would add cultural markers such as religion, dress patterns, and even something as nuanced as mannerisms can lead to discrimination, Guzman said. He noted that even Afro-Latinos who identify as white often are targeted for reflecting their West African backgrounds, such as Yoruba traditions and religions that are prominent in the Caribbean and Brazil. Still, Guzman said most Afro-Latinos take great pride in their rich cultures and background. Whats beautiful about being Afro-Latino is that we have the opportunity to bridge both brown and Black communities together if we are just given the opportunity to exist and advocate in both spaces, Mendez said. We proudly exist in all these spaces and in all these ways. olivia.tallet@chron.com Twitter.com/oliviaptallet A Houston man was sentenced to 55 years in prison Tuesday for killing his roommate, who had let the man live with him after being released on parole for another murder in 1995. Jaimel Demetrius Smith, 46, was convicted of killing 39-year-old Taariq Muhammad in February 2019 after Muhammad left to run errands on Super Bowl Sunday with his friend and her 7-year-old niece. University of Texas at Austin students held a memorial Wednesday for Domino, a well-known and beloved campus cat that died earlier this week. The campus community brought flowers, art work, photos and wrote encouraging messages in chalk in a little house on campus frequently used by the cat. On HoustonChronicle.com: Debt collectors can empty Texans' bank accounts even when they don't know Among the tributes, in big and bold white letters: King Domino and long live the king. The Tower bells also rang for the black and white cat. Someone played Taps and The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King. Domino was first spotted on campus as a kitten in 2009. His kingdom was the area around the Flaw Academic Center, and he was cared for by employees at the UT tower. Domino was friendly and quickly became a campus celebrity. The Daily Texan, the student newspaper, produced a video about him, and he frequently appeared in campus memes. The cat also had accounts on Tinder and Facebook. Students often took graduation photos with him, and he once photo bombed a graduation photo by vomiting. Domino has a lot of personality, UT staff member Christina Huizar told the Alcalde, an alumni magazine. Huizer is also a caretaker of the Facebook group, Cats of West Campus. For some people, he will crawl into their lap and purr like a kitten," she told the publication. "For others, as soon as you put down the food can, his interest in you is over. Hes a character and much beloved. Hes the second mascot for UT at this point. Domino survived cat fights and extreme weather, including the deadly February 2021 winter storm. Its unclear how Domino died, but the cat had been experiencing breathing problems since late March, according to reports. On HoustonChronicle.com: Gov. Abbott wants to ban unauthorized immigrants from Texas public schools He was taken to live with caretakers shortly before his death was announced by Cats of West Texas on May 2. I type this through streaming tears, the group posted on its Facebook page. Dominos struggle to breath has gotten much worse and he is having trouble eating. He will be making a peaceful transition across the Rainbow Bridge at home tomorrow afternoon. A campus petition is circulating calling for a small statue to be erected in memory of Domino in his favorite spot on campus, near the Flaw Academic Center. The schools official Twitter account also offered condolences. Domino, the most well known and beloved of UT Austins campus cats, was a welcoming friend on our campus for many years, the university said on Twitter. We will remember him fondly, and thank the community who cares for these cats for all the love given to him these past months. Students and faculty also took to social media to pay tribute to Domino. One student wrote on Twitter: "Sweet Domino made those FAC study nights a little less lonely." Avrel Seale, a writer and editor in University Development and messaging architect in University Marketing, remembered the cat in a lengthy university blog post. Among all creatures on Earth, Domino had lucked into the optimal existence: complete freedom and complete care. Through nothing but laziness and vagrancy, he had it all, Seale wrote. timothy.fanning@express-news.net Today is Cinco de Mayo, a day often mistaken in the United States for Mexico's Independence Day. In fact, the holiday had its origin more than 50 years after the date associated with the country's independence. So here's what you need to know about Cinco de Mayo, including its evolution into a major economic driver for business owners and beverage companies across the United States. Cinco de Mayo, which isn't widely celebrated in Mexico, commemorates an underdog victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The victory was galvanizing for the Mexican forces and for those supporting them from afar but it was short-lived, as France later occupied Mexico for a few years. Still, Cinco de Mayo continued to be celebrated in Puebla and, perhaps more significantly, by Mexican-Americans north of the border. So when is Mexico's Independence Day celebrated? The country's Independence Day is Sept. 16, now a national holiday. On that day in 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo implored Mexico to revolt against Spain, leading to the War for Independence, which ended in 1821. When did Cinco de Mayo gain popularity in the United States? In the early 1960s, many Mexican-American activists entrenched in the country's growing civil rights movement used the day as a source of pride. Close to two decades later, in 1989, an ad campaign by an importer of beers like Modelo and Corona was introduced around the day. The campaign was initially targeted toward Latinos but eventually broadened with print and TV ads. This year, Corona's website featured a ticking Countdown to Corona de Mayo in the hours leading up to May 5. The commercialization of Cinco de Mayo (and criticism of cultural stereotypes) has taken off. The research firm Nielsen reported that in 2013 Americans bought more than $600 million worth of beer for Cinco de Mayo, more than for the Super Bowl or St. Patrick's Day. David Hayes-Bautista, a professor at UCLA, published a book in 2012 titled El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition. In the book, he called Cinco de Mayo a fake holiday recently invented by beverage companies. The holiday's evolution from an earnest show of patriotism to a chiefly corporate celebration has been fitful, to say the least. I'm trying to get a better sense of how that became so thoroughly lost, Hayes-Bautista said in a phone call from Puebla, the site of the 1862 battle. It'd be like if the Fourth of July were reduced to beer and hot dogs. Do Latinos still celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Hayes-Bautista said many Latinos specifically avoid observing the holiday, partly because of a generational forgetfulness about the holiday's Civil War origins. Another factor: Cinco de Mayo celebrations have recently set off moments of racial insensitivity across the United States. Recent episodes have included an offensive tweet last year by former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas; a Baylor University fraternity party called Cinco de Drinko, which eventually got the fraternity reprimanded by the university; and a series of on-campus holiday-related incidents at the University of New Hampshire that led the university to create a racial task force. Despite the controversies, many U.S. cities and their Mexican communities will be celebrating the day, including Portland, Oregon, and Denver. Asked to imagine an improved Cinco de Mayo, Hayes-Bautista said that partying could still play a role, but that there would be greater emphasis placed on the date's historical context. Let's bring it back to its roots as a civil rights and social justice commemoration, he said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After Anita Pickett completed her doctorate in education in 2019, the idea of leaving teaching first crossed her mind. She didnt want to abandon the field she had worked in for almost fifteen years, but paying off her student loans and saving money for retirement weighed on her. My family was like, You have a PhD now, what do you see yourself doing in order to earn the kind of money that someone with a PhD should earn? Pickett said. That was weighing on me because I do love what I do, I love education, I love teaching. Then she got a $23,000 raise, bringing her salary up to $114,000. The increase was part of an emerging effort known as the Teacher Incentive Allotment Program, which was created in 2019 for high-performing teachers to earn raises and in some cases six-figure salaries. READ MORE: Amid Texas teacher shortage, experts point to better pay, benefits Teacher pay in Texas lags the national average by about $7,500, adding to a longstanding teacher shortage. Education experts and teacher unions have singled out increasing pay as a way to recruit new teachers and retain good ones. Teachers in the state make about $59,000 on average, according to an analysis of public data by Hearst Newspapers. The minimum teacher salary set by the state is $33,660. The incentive program, which teachers groups oppose, is a sharp departure from traditional teacher pay scales, where salaries creep upward along with tenure, rather than other factors such as student performance. Aside from the financial part of the allotment, it is really nice to be recognized as a master teacher by the state of Texas, Pickett said, referring to her classification under the program. Her school district, Somerset ISD, has offered performance benefits for about a decade, but now the program is subsidized by the TIA. It is a stamp that is on your certification so if you are ever looking at moving to another district or if someone does a search for your accreditation, it is on there. The program is lauded by some districts and the Texas Education Agency as a transformative way to measure teacher success and dole out bonuses to the best ones. Doing so encourages the best teachers to stay in schools, and highlights a pathway for other teachers to improve at their craft. School districts that set up systems to evaluate their teachers and rank the best ones can access state funds to give those teachers raises, with the goal of encouraging them to stick with teaching and giving other teachers something to strive for. Our effective goal is to keep teachers in the classroom, period, said Grace Wu, director of strategic compensation with the Texas Education Agency. Having a strong system helps teachers know where theyre strong, what are their areas of growth, and what they have to do to improve. Critics, including some academic experts, say its too difficult to measure the mix of what makes a good teacher and that creating measures of success encourages teachers to focus on those measures rather than their students. They say across-the-board pay increases should be prioritized over targeting a select few. Teaching is an art that requires skill, pedagogical knowledge, compassion and creativity, said Catherine Elisabeth Robert, a professor at the University of Texas Arlington who specializes in education policy. An incentive system that pits one teacher against another and assigns value to one subject over another when were there to educate the whole child negates the broader mission of why we teach I think youre just adding more issues to a teachers everyday concerns, more stress in their world that just makes it harder. RELATED: Texas teachers say theyre pushed to brink by law requiring them to spend hours in unpaid training The rollout of the program has been slow of roughly 1,200 school districts in Texas, only 127 were enrolled in the 2020-2021 school year, up from just under 50 the year before. Winning approval from the state takes years. Successful districts look at teacher subject matter tests, student reviews, STAAR tests and other metrics to measure the effectiveness of teachers. Without a full review system in place, districts can only access a small portion of the funds, to give raises to teachers who are recognized as National Board Certified. In 2018, 442 teachers made six figures, and this year 799 do, out of over 250,000 full-time teachers statewide, the analysis of state data showed. A big boost Dallas ISD has had a teacher incentive program since 2012 and receives more funds than all other districts combined, $29.2 million in 2019-2020 and $25.8 million in 2020-2021. Its system of teacher pay, which prizes performance instead of experience, was a model for the statewide TIA policy. While Dallas gets millions, most districts dont get any funds from the program. Of those that do, more than half get less than $100,000. Teachers at Dallas ISD are paid about $11,000 more on average than they were before the district moved to a strategic compensation plan, said Suzy Smith, executive director of performance with the district. We are absolutely leading the market in terms of compensation, Smith said, noting that a high-performing elementary school science teacher could make as much as $140,000, and retention for the highest-earning teachers is between 95 and 98 percent. Many districts around the state are trying to set up teacher evaluation systems to receive TIA funds, including North East ISD, Harlandale ISD and Houston ISD, the largest district in the state, which received less than $32,000 in TIA funds in the most recent school year. The district with the second most TIA funds, San Antonio ISD, got less than $3 million one tenth of Dallas ISDs share. Under SAISDs plan, qualifying teachers would be required to teach an added 20 days per calendar year and four additional hours per week. The district added $10,000 to the state-approved increases to make up for its additional work requirement. District officials selected 193 applicants for the first cohort and estimated at the time that the TIA could add up to $36,500 to the annual salaries. Average teacher salary at SAISD was about $57,000. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox It does have the potential of giving them a big boost, said Jill Rhodes-Pruin, SAISDs assistant superintendent of human capital management. Last month, the district received approval for their second cohort of teachers, bringing the total in the program to about 200. We have found that it is a great motivator for our teachers, and really to keep teachers in the classroom, Rhodes-Pruin said. So many times, teachers leave the classroom because they can make more money in an administrative position or in a different position. Matthew Heine, a social studies teacher at SAISDs Lanier High School, was one of the first teachers to receive a stipend as a Recognized teacher. And this year, he learned he moved up the ladder to qualify as a Master Teacher under the TIA program. There are places Ive worked at where the school or the administration acts like You are lucky to have us, Heine said. Lanier and SAISD, they make me feel like they are lucky to have me. edward.mckinley@chron.com; danya.perez@express-news.net; claire.bryan@express-news.net Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdelhamid Al-Dbaiba, and the Tunisian President, Kais Saied, on Wednesday exchanged views on issues of common interest in the region and bilateral relations between the two countries Clarksburg FinCom Recommends $4.9M Budget, Use of Stabilization Funds CLARKSBURG, Mass. The Finance Committee is recommending that voters dip into the stabilization account to level fund the budget this year. Normally, town meeting would be asked to use free cash to lower the tax rate but, at the moment, the town has no free cash. Fiscal 2022 has not yet been certified and is not likely to be certified by the state before the annual town meeting on June 1. Instead, the Finance Committee on Wednesday morning voted to recommend the use of up to $100,000 in stabilization funds with the intent to replace them at a future special town meeting once free cash is certified. "I understand the importance of having a stabilization fund. I understand that departments need money to operate. I don't see any game playing with this budget for any department," said Chairman James Stakenas. "This is what they need to operate." The draft budget accepted on Wednesday is comprised of town operating budget of $1,814,585 that is up $58,738 or 3.35 percent over this year. The school budget is $2,782,763, up $73,058 or 2.7 percent, with an assessment from McCann Technical School of $313,046, down $34,896 or 10 percent, over this year. The total proposed spending plan is $4,910,394, up $96,899 over this year. "A lot of the departments are level funded. Major changes to the budget are related to collective bargaining, insurance, pensions, things not outside of our control, but things that we can't manipulate," said Stakenas. He said the review would look at some larger issues but not get into smaller items. "I think that, by and large, we've held the line reasonably well," said Town Administrator Carl McKinney. "And our goal is to hopefully not use any reserves but that may not be possible. I get that. If it would be my belief, that if we're going to use any reserves, it's most likely stabilization." Appropriating from the stabilization fund will require a two-thirds vote of town meeting. McKinney said the largest driver in the budget is a 7.5 percent increase in group health insurance along with retirement costs and wage increases. There are some minor increases, such as for the statewide elections this year and hikes in energy prices. There are no capital requests in this budget. Last year, town meeting authorized $227,000 in free cash for a new backhoe, a police cruiser (expected to arrive this month) and repairs to the town field pavilion, and put another $50,000 in stabilization. It also used $60,000 to lower the tax rate. McKinney said already appropriated funds could be encumbered for some smaller projects, including replacing the town's wooden ballot box with a more modern device. The committee and McKinney also discussed the potential for future increases in the police budget because of the state's police reform bill that requires 200 hours of training for reserve officers. A number of smaller towns have highlighted the expense in training part-time officers, including paying them during the training. It was a issue to keep in mind, they said, but not something they could solve this day. Stakenas noted that department has rarely used all its funding for reserve officers in a given year but this year is asking for an $8,000 increase. "I just want to make a point that that's a number we could tweak a little bit if you need it," he said. "That's all I'm not proposing any changes right now." School officials also presented their budget and Stakenas completed them on "a marvelous job of keeping within the resources that we have." The school was able to keep below 3 percent, he noted, when Pittsfield was up 7 percent and other schools were up 3 or 4 percent. Superintendent John Franzoni said increases were mainly from a new bus contract, health insurance, wages and projected utitility costs. The bus contract does not include the prekindergarten program; Franzoni said the cost would be too high because it would have to be a bus with seat belts and monitors. The school is working with parents to make it easier for them to drop off the children. The school will also be expanding the prekindergarten program to separate 3- and 4-year-olds but plans to utilize an existing employee as a 0.5 teacher. Principal Tara Barnes said the preschool, approved by town meeting last year, has been very successful. "There's 20 students who are 3 and 4 years old this year. We have 24 right now signed up, and we haven't even gone through the summer months," she said. "You've clearly got an influx of young families coming into Clarksburg who are looking for this preK program and my belief is that they want a preK to 8 school because they they like the idea of their child staying in the same space from 3 years old all the way to eighth grade. ... "It's great that this town has supported that early childhood program, you're really filling a need that has has existed and is growing in your town." Stakenas asked how many potential students there are for the program. Barnes said a survey was done last year for ages beginning at one that she could get to him. "I think we have a sustainable enroll enrollment projection," she said. "And I also think with the houses that you have for sale in town, you know families looking at this as a viable selling point for your town to move into Clarksburg knowing that this program exists." The school is losing eight school-choice students this year and is holding off for the moment on opening any new slots because of the growth in enrollment and to keep classroom capacity lower in case of a resurgence in COVID-19. McKinney said the town's added $920,000 worth of growth, not county solar and small projects, and that there are three building permits so far for new homes. He said he was being conservative in anticipating $12,000 in new tax revenue. He said he's working on state revenue numbers off the House budget passed last week but the exact amount the town can count on won't be known until the state budget is passed. The Senate has not voted on its version yet. The Finance Committee voted to recommend the use of stabilization funds and the budget as presented so far but will hold another meeting to finalize the figures closer to the annual town meeting. 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 Pittsfield Schools Mull Re-Masking as COVID-19 Cases Dramatically Rise PITTSFIELD, Mass. COVID-19 cases are dramatically rising in the city and the schools may see a return of face coverings. "The last 14 days, our positivity rate has increased dramatically," Director of Public Health Andy Cambi said at Wednesday's Board of Health meeting. "What we've been doing locally at the department is we've been speaking with the schools, with the superintendent, he's very open to possibly bringing back masking temporarily, but again, we're all just looking at data and he sent out a communication from the school to the parents and staff members about what could happen. I think that kind of brings light to, 'OK, we're experiencing a surge, let's all take the protective measures.'" On Tuesday, the positivity rate was 12.2 percent and there were 81.4 cases per 100,000 people. This is a stark contrast to late March when the positivity rate was 2.1 percent and there were 13 cases per 100,000. Pittsfield entered the red incidence rate two weeks ago when its positivity rate rose to 5 percent, which is defined by having more than 10 average cases per 100,000 and having a higher than 5 percent positivity rate in a 14-day period. As of Tuesday, there were 67 new cases of the virus and an estimated 245 actively contagious cases. There are currently seven patients in Berkshire Medical Center because of COVID-19 and there were 14 a couple of days ago. Cambi said the number of intensive care patients remains low and there are no new deaths reported. To be in the yellow zone, a community must have 10 or fewer average cases per 100,000 people or have a 5 percent or less positivity rate. Around that time, Curtis announced that mask-wearing is now optional in the district. Earlier in the month, he stated the mask mandate would be lifted in the first or second week of March. In February, the Board of Health voted to move the city's masking directive implemented in November to a masking advisory. Cambi reported that many residents have been retrieving free at-home test kits from the Health Department and that the city still has a large supply. State-sponsored Stop the Spread testing ended at the beginning of April. In other news: Academic role models: Spotlight on MCLA faculty MCLA's primary focus for faculty is on teaching. But the 83 full-time faculty members who teach there are also publishing books and articles, conducting research, and heading unique, groundbreaking projects that combine academic disciplines. In true liberal arts tradition, this academic work helps MCLA faculty members contribute to larger bodies of research, collaborate with other institutions, explore new ideas, and deepen their expertise. It also makes its way into the classroom, giving students opportunities to serve internships, co-author publications, and conduct experiments. Just over a third of MCLA's faculty members joined the campus community in the past six years, bringing new perspective, connections, and academic opportunities to MCLA students. For instance, the work of two MCLA English professors was recently highlighted in a special themed issue of the prestigious national magazine Art in America. Victoria Papa and Caren Beilin, both assistant professors of English and communications, overlap in areas of expertisePapa studies the intersections between care, creative expression, and the survival of structural forms of trauma, while Beilin's recent book "Blackfishing the IUD" explores reproductive health and the IUD, gendered illness, medical gaslighting, and activism in the chronic illness community. Papa co-directs CARE SYLLABUS, a program in partnership with MASS MoCA, which presents modules guest-curated by interdisciplinary artists and scholars who highlight artistic expression, activism, and thinking around the history of care and the way our societal attitudes around care are shifting. Beilin sits on its advisory collective, along with several other MCLA professors and museum professionals. CARE SYLLABUS has developed themed modules and in-person and virtual events since fall 2020, covering everything from the displacement of indigenous objects from their peoples to disability justice. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Name: Tracy Reinhold Organisation: Everbridge Job title: CSO Date started current role: April 2018 Location: Burlington, MA As CSO of Everbridge, Tracy Reinhold is responsible for advancing the companys enterprise-level security strategy, as well as working closely with customers and partners to optimise their organisational approach to managing and responding to critical events. Reinhold previously held senior-level security positions at Fannie Mae and Walmart and served as an Associate Executive Assistant Director for the FBI. What was your first job? I started my professional career as a United States Marine and then served for 22 years in the FBI. How did you get involved in cybersecurity? As an executive with the FBI, I had oversight of the cyber program in one of our field offices. What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? I have a BA in History from the University of Maryland and have attended the Leading Strategic Change program at Northwestern University. Explain your career path. Did you take any detours? If so, discuss. I spent the early part of my FBI career working in the violent crime program and later served as a supervisor of the violent crime program in the FBIs Las Vegas Office. I transitioned to working on National Security matters after the 9/11 attacks and was promoted into the Federal Governments Senior Executive Service in 2004. In 2006, I served as the head of the FBIs operations in the state of Kentucky and then was promoted into the Intelligence Division at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. I then became the Assistant Director of the Intelligence Division and finished my career as the Associate Executive Assistant Director for National Security. After retiring from the FBI, I served as a corporate officer for the Walmart Corporation and established their global investigations teams in the US, Asia, India, Africa, and South America. I became the first CSO for Fannie Mae in 2015 and continued in that role until accepting the challenge of being the first CSO for Everbridge. Was there anyone who has inspired or mentored you in your career? I have been inspired by many great leaders during the course of my career, particularly Robert Mueller, who assumed his role as the sixth director of the FBI, just days before the 9/11 attacks, and led the transformation of the FBI from a reactive to a proactive organisation. His leadership and vision continue to inspire me to this day. What do you feel is the most important aspect of your job? The role of the CSO is to not only protect the assists of the company, but also to understand the nature of the organisations core business and that of their customers. It is critical that a CSO provide strategic and thought leadership in the space, as well as mentorship to younger employees. It is not enough to be a tactical executor of policy or strategy. A CSO must look across both industry and the organisation to identify needs, risks, and opportunities that will lead to a more successful organisation. In the event of a threat or attack, the CSO is responsible for understanding the attack itself, the vulnerability, and the risk. Not all attacks are equal, and not all risks are equal. If the impact of the attack is not critical, you can wall that off and continue to operate. If it attacks your core system and affects your ability to continue business, then different steps must be taken. The first thing that you need to do is assess the damage with competent professionals who also understand the risks and technology. Communication is an invaluable aspect of the role. The CSO must make sure that the board understands the risks and vulnerabilities that they face, and they should be brutally honest, transparent, and very untechnical in their explanation by speaking English. As the CSO, we talk about what we're doing, the risks, the exposure, and how we will mitigate them if they come to fruition. This transparency enables your C-suite to make an informed decision about how they want to continue business, and what they want to be able to communicate themselves. What you can't do is try to solve the issue yourself before informing your senior leadership team - that is a recipe for disaster. It will not end well for you as a security professional, and it will not end well for the company as a whole. What metrics or KPIs do you use to measure security effectiveness? While there are many metrics to consider, the ability to recover from a business disruption is the most critical. Organisations should prioritise having a comprehensive crisis management strategy that looks at what happens from both the brand and reputation perspectives. If an organisation cannot map a clear path to recovery, it will not be able to meet the needs of its customers. Detection and prevention are also critical. It's not enough to be successful in business - you also have to be successful in preparing and executing a defense strategy for your network, customers, and upstream and downstream dependencies, such as vendors. What we find is a lot of companies will be very careful inside the four walls, but they can open themselves up to exposure by not doing the due diligence on their upstream and downstream dependencies, whether they're vendors, suppliers, or other folks that they interface with normally. Transparency is key, so the biggest challenge that we have with cyberattacks is not really the day zero remediation its the communications plan that has to be coordinated both internally and externally. It is essential to have a consolidated, concise message that instills confidence and reasonably articulates your ability to mitigate to both employees and key stakeholders outside of the organisation. An often-overlooked part of security is the education of the employees of the organisation. They are the first and best line of defense through the use of good information security practices. While harder to measure, the cross-functional ability of a company to enable enterprise resilience is a key indicator of an organisations capacity to ensure a return to revenue quickly after a disruption. Is the security skills shortage affecting your organisation? What roles or skills are you finding the most difficult to fill? Globally, virtually all organisations are experiencing the Great Resignation and security is not immune to this issue. Building a motivated workforce and empowering them to grow their careers is the best way to avoid a significant skills shortage. Ensuring teams are aware of the corporate vision and values and then mapping the significant contributions of the team helps to gain employee buy-in and retention. The most difficult roles to fill are those that have soft skills - the ability to communicate and write are so critically important. It's about more than just knowing security: many security professionals understand how to install visitor access management systems, how to monitor them, and how to pull the data, but they can't talk to somebody in another department because all they can speak is security. Its essential to be able to articulate your value and your vision when it comes to something as simple as building a business case for your security team. Its also invaluable to have the capability of developing relationships, especially with executives, so that you have executive champions - you don't want to go to your Executive Vice President for the first time when you need something. Take an interest in the business: educate yourself about the company you work for, understand what's important to them, understand how revenue is generated, understand why. You can teach all of the technical skills associated with security, what you can't teach is how to be a human being. Cybersecurity is constantly changing how do you keep learning? One of the things about cybersecurity in general is that if you stop learning, you can become obsolete, so continuing education in cybersecurity is incredibly important. Fortunately, there are just a plethora of opportunities to keep learning. Being open to new ideas, most of which are developed by the security team, allows us to keep current in the security landscape. Introducing younger workers to the security environment and then allowing them the opportunity to expand their knowledge provides a platform of continuous learning. Also, diversity, in every meaning of the word, is another way organisations can stay apprised of new and emerging threats, as well as opportunities to innovate. It is important to understand that cyber threats are constantly changing and keeping abreast of these changes is critically important as security continues to transition from a cost center to a value center. What conferences are on your must-attend list? While not directly related to cybersecurity, ASIS is a must attend if you are in the security field. More than conferences, membership in organisations such as ISMA, OSAC, and DSAC are critical to keep up with trends and threats. With the elevation of enterprise resilience, it is important to attend as many events around this as possible. What is the best current trend in cybersecurity? The worst? The worst trend is denial, when people refuse to accept that there is a real threat. There are senior executives and board members who are simply not well versed in technology. The challenge for these leaders is to be open to learning from those that work for you, as opposed to learning from those you work for. As a result, one of the best trends is professionals being brought into security with incredible backgrounds in cybersecurity, either from the military, law enforcement, or other private sector entities. They are leveraging that skill set to help protect companies. Some of the greatest developments are ones that engage the workforce to take ownership of critical assets and foster collaboration between CSOs and CISOs the elevation of the role into the C-suite is critical. We're finding that what we are addressing today will be irrelevant tomorrow because the threat actors will come up with new methods of attack, so the closer together we work, the better we can protect our companies. What's the best career advice you ever received? The best advice I have ever received is that it is not about you, it is about the mission and your ability to improve it. The job of security is to enable the company to be successful. Our job is to get to yes in a way that both protects and enables the company. What advice would you give to aspiring security leaders? Open your aperture and think broadly. Take care of your people and become a student of the business. What has been your greatest career achievement? Being married to the same wonderful woman for 31 years. Looking back with 20:20 hindsight, what would you have done differently? I know this sounds unusual, but I have enjoyed every aspect of my career. My work with the FBI allowed me to make significant contributions to the security of the country while also allowing me to mentor those that came after me. My time at Walmart was a crash course in the challenges facing a global leader in the retail sector, and at Fannie Mae I was once again helping people by providing a secure environment that allowed employees to concentrate on making homes affordable for the average American. I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of exceptional organisations and I feel the same way about the mission of Everbridge and the help we provide companies to recover from significant business disruptions. It is well-reported that the pandemic caused a spike in cyberattacks, including malware, ransomware and DDoS attacks. Threat actors have sought to disrupt not only services people rely on everyday like healthcare, education and financial but also critical infrastructure, like food supply chains, utilities and government agencies. Correspondingly, there has been a dramatic increase in the weapons that can be used to launch these attacks. In the 2H 2021 reporting period, A10 Networks security research team tracked over 15.4 million DDoS weapons in 2021. Recently, A10 Networks threat intelligence detailed the use of DDoS attacks to disrupt infrastructure and communications in Ukraine in February 2022 just as Russia launched its ground attack. A10s threat intelligence research team monitored significant advances in scope and intensity of cybercrimes. DDoS weapons are on the rise: 15.4 million are now tracked by A10s security research team There was an increase of over 100 percent, year-over-year, of more obscure potential amplification weapons, including Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), which was used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict Attackers have leveraged the now well-known Log4j vulnerability; more than 75 percent of Log4j scanners originated in Russia These, and other trends, are included in the 2022 A10 Networks DDoS Threat Report, which provides detailed insights, including the origins of DDoS activity; the growth of DDoS weapons the computers, servers and IoT devices that can potentially be used in DDoS attacks and botnets; the role of malware in the propagation of DDoS weapons and attacks; and the steps organizations can take to protect against such activities. Organizations Must Act Now Employ Zero Trust Principles On March 21, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration issued guidance urging U.S. organizations to act quickly to protect against cyber attacks and state-sponsored cyber warfare given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The guidance, while aimed at U.S.-based organizations, details a sense of urgency for organizations globally to reevaluate their security posture. Employing Zero Trust principles can not only protect networks but also ensure that they are not being used to launch attacks. A10s security-led solutions for DDoS protection, TLS/SSL inspection of encrypted traffic and application delivery security capabilities can provide identity-based and context-based Zero Trust policies for specific enforced access. Recent events underscore the often devastating impact that cyber attacks have on governments and businesses around the world. A10 Networks tracks the origins of DDoS weapons activity, in addition to other attack vectors, in order to arm customers with useful threat intelligence. This is a critical component of a Zero Trust framework to help organizations better anticipate and mitigate cyber attacks, and also ensure networks are not inadvertently being weaponized, said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO of A10 Networks. As a testament to A10s technology innovation, Frost & Sullivan recently evaluated A10s DDoS protection solutions, along with several other vendors, and awarded A10 the 2021 Frost & Sullivan Customer Value Leadership award for global DDoS mitigation, for excellence in best practices. In addition, to further support our customers cybersecurity needs and contribute to global solutions to cyber threats, A10 recently joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), which is an ecosystem of independent software vendors and managed security service providers that have integrated their solutions to better defend against a world of increasing threats. More detailed results are available in the full 2022 A10 Networks DDoS Threat Report. For many founders, staying organized and productive can be a task in and of itself. When trying to run a successful business, it can be easy to get caught up in the big projects and let lesser priorities or personal time fall by the wayside. To seek perspective on managing your calendar more effectively, I connected with three founders to learn the tricks they use to keep themselves on track. Here's what I found: 1. Calendars aren't just for meetings A study out of the University of California Irvine found that employees are interrupted, on average, once every three minutes. That's why Boomerang co-founder and CEO Aye Moah uses her calendar for more than just scheduling meetings. "I make a point of blocking out windows of time where I can focus on certain tasks for the day, uninterrupted," says Moah. Savvy entrepreneurs embrace this approach, using their calendars to block off time to finish specific projects, work on strategic initiatives, or just get a quick break. For those who find themselves bogged down in calls, Moah has another great tip: "I block off time windows daily specifically for taking meetings, leaving the rest of the day for deep work that requires focus. This way I know I won't interrupt my productivity flow by having to jump on a random 30-minute call in the middle of what I'm working on." 2. Keeping it personal As the CEO of a company dedicated to workplace productivity, Moah understands how easy it can be to let technology and automation dictate your day. "Especially in a hybrid work environment," she says, "it's important to not lose the human connection when working with your colleagues, clients, or customers." Though technology tools can make everyone's life more efficient, using technology that helps enhance that personal connection rather than replace it is key for anyone running a company. Beyond preventing employees from operating on auto-pilot, it fosters more productive work environments that allow everyone to feel heard. 3. Creating healthy routines Research has found that productivity can increase up to 77 percent when people are working from home. And given those increased productivity levels, it's important to make sure work life doesn't bleed into your personal time. Steven Weinstein, co-founder and CEO of Seismic Capital Company, makes a point of sticking to a routine and creating separate spaces for work and home life. "There's a danger that work time and personal time can intermingle to where you can't tell whether you're on or you're off. I feel it's healthier to turn it off when it's time to pay attention to family and friends ... and self," says Weinstein. The myth that all entrepreneurs need to work 24 hours a day and never take a break to be successful is overplayed. "This division of time and space will not only help prevent burnout, but also ensure that you're able to fully focus on work during work hours to be your most productive self," says Weinstein. 4. Go analog for a change Does everything have to be digital? With technology on our wrists, in our laps, and in our pockets, it never hurts to take your to-dos offline. "I use a paper notebook for my to-do list (left side) and for handwritten notes (right)," continues Weinstein. "It's old school, but seeing my to-dos in one place helps me get them done, and it also helps me know when I've accomplished what I need to do today--all without being beholden to an electronic device." I share this approach to going analog more often as well. If you're struggling to keep track of lists and next steps in tabs and documents--or just putting away your laptop or phone--then pen and paper might be the best approach for you. If for nothing else, there's something inherently satisfying about crossing something off your to-do list. Weinstein isn't the only founder taking things offline. Justin Kline, co-founder of the influencer marketing firm Markerly, uses physical folders to stay organized. First introduced in David Allen's 2001 book, Getting Things Done, Kline's approach involves setting aside 31 folders, one for each day of the month. Kline then puts a piece of paper with a task that needs to be done on any given day into the corresponding folder. Need to give someone a call on October 12? Kline advises, "Write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the 12th folder. When the day comes, open it up and right there, you'll see that reminder, along with any others you've placed in there to be done that day." 5. Organize your inbox Even with the rise in workplace messaging apps, many entrepreneurs funnel the majority of their tasks through their inbox. Kline takes advantage of this, using his inbox to essentially function as a to-do list. "I filter emails into three categories," he says: "Actions (things I need to do), waiting-for (things other people need to address), and reference (something that may not need to be acted upon but will be useful to refer back to). This system allows me to know where I need to devote my time and effort in an easy-to-use format." To Kline's point, it can be easy to get bogged down in an overwhelming amount of emails, but by making your inbox work for you, entrepreneurs can tackle their days more efficiently. Since the start of the pandemic, small businesses have increasingly digitized their operations--but it hasn't exactly been the panacea they've hoped for. Apple's launch of iOS 14.5 in 2021 rolled out an App Tracking Transparency feature, which requires apps to request permission before they can use third-party cookies to track users online. While this was a win for privacy advocates, it was largely seen negatively among businesses that advertise on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as it curtailed businesses' ability to target potential customers. Facebook's parent company suggests it has a solution: better access to first-party data. Meta, today, is announcing the launch of a new suite of digital tools through its free Meta Business Suite platform, aimed at helping small businesses better connect with new and existing customers online and convert them. The tools include a quote request option on Instagram, filtering of Instant Forms (onsite paid ads that prompt viewers to input their contact information) that may help businesses to pursue leads that are the best fit for their business, and the ability for businesses to send exclusive content via Messenger to customers who opt in via Instant Forms. Businesses will also be able to download leads from Meta Business Suite into their own CRM system. "With these new capabilities, you can create a really customized form [through a paid advertisement] to automatically ask potential customers about their needs," says Rich Rao, Meta's VP of small business. For example, a hair salon might ask a customer to choose what kind of service they want when inputting their information through an ad. The goal is to decrease customer drop-off by providing businesses with more information about who is responding to their ads--so those businesses can more efficiently connect with and convert those potential customers. "We think this can fundamentally change the economics for businesses," Rao adds. Over the past year, reduced access to user data due to iOS 14.5 has made it more challenging and expensive for businesses to target customers through paid social media advertising. This change has been especially hard on small businesses that don't exactly have the big budgets to spend on broadly targeted social advertising. That's according to founders like Hans Schrei and Luis Gramajo, the entrepreneurs behind the Austin-based baked goods company Wunderkeks, who spoke with Inc.com in March. What's more, the proliferation of direct-to-consumer brands on social media has also made it harder for businesses to stand out through paid social advertising, Outdoor Voices and Try Your Best founder Ty Haney also said in March. Entrepreneurs have a way of finding solutions and bringing them to the people who really need them. That's especially true of the Small Business Administration's Small Business Person of the Year. Jill Rae Scarbro, the founder and CEO of the Winfield, West Virginia-based therapy and education center Bright Futures Learning Services, received the SBA's top honor as part of its National Small Business Week, an annual week dedicated to celebrating the country's small businesses and their owners. With its victory, the company gets a commemorative trophy and bragging rights. The entrepreneur didn't set out to win awards, however. Scarbro wanted to help children facing developmental challenges. Growing up in nearby Athens, West Virginia, Scarbro had dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which at the time was called attention deficit disorder. "My family got me specialized intervention at a young age, and that formed the trajectory of my life," she says. Scarbro knew early on that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping other children through behavior therapy. As an undergraduate in special education, she learned about applied behavior analysis (ABA), an effective therapy treatment for individuals with autism, backed by decades of peer-reviewed research, and eventually enrolled in the world's first graduate program in behavior analysis at the University of North Texas. She opened a private practice in Texas after graduating in 2004, and two years later, moved back home to West Virginia with her then 6-month-old daughter. In 2007, she opened Bright Futures Learning Services, running what began as a "school for one" out of her grandmother's kitchen. "I was willing to go wherever I needed to get the best training because I knew how important it was that families were literally placing their children's futures in our hands," she says. "I always felt really strongly about kids here in West Virginia, like me, deserve the best." Today, Bright Futures has about 40 employees and offers insurance-covered therapy for children with autism in three locations, all in southern West Virginia. Like most businesses, the company faced challenges during the pandemic--the closure of schools forced Scarbro to temporarily move one Bright Futures location out of the private school it was operating in to a summer camp instead, and out of safety precautions, the business had to operate on limited schedules when Covid rates were particularly high. Scarbro attributes her business's survival to help from the SBA. Bright Futures landed both a Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loan and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. She was able to keep her staff paid throughout the pandemic--including during a seven-week complete shutdown that started in March 2020. That ability to ask for help and thrive amid change ultimately helped the SBA select Bright Futures for its top national honor, which goes to just one company each year. "Her small business is a valuable reminder of how much we rely on these brave entrepreneurs to give us the products and services we depend on every day. In the face of adversity during the pandemic, Jill worked with the SBA to get critical relief, pivot her business, retain her workers, and find new ways to provide needed services to her customers," said SBA boss Isabel Guzman in a statement. Of course, Scarbro credits her team with everything. "We don't want to hire anybody who just wants a job to have a job," she says. "We are working with vulnerable children, and we have an enormous responsibility to provide medically necessary, life-changing therapy." All of Bright Futures' founding team members, she says, are still with the company. The mission of her business has helped Scarbro remain resilient, as well as continue to build the infrastructure that will allow Bright Futures to gradually take more kids off of its growing waitlist of "hundreds of families," about 90 percent of which the business is unable to currently accept. West Virginia, she points out, has a drastic lack of access to applied behavior analysis because the state does not host its own training program; Scarbro says that less than 10 percent of kids in need have access to ABA in West Virginia. This has caused many parents of children with autism to leave the state--some of whom Scarbro herself has helped to find therapy outside of state lines. Through her business, her goal is to make sure these children in need get access to this therapy--without their families having to uproot their lives for it. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on India-based HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited's (HMEL) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Stable from Negative, and affirmed the IDR at 'BB'. The agency has also affirmed the ratings on the USD375 million 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2027, and USD300 million 5.45% senior unsecured notes due 2026 at 'BB-'. The Outlook revision reflects recovery in HMEL's credit metrics to levels adequate for its standalone credit profile (SCP) of 'b+' ahead of our expectations, and lower downside risks to our profitability estimates, given improved refining industry conditions and mechanical completion of HMEL's petrochemical project. HMEL's IDR benefits from a two-notch uplift from its SCP of 'b+', based on our assessment that its parent Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL, BBB-/Negative, SCP: 'bb') has a 'medium' incentive to support HMEL, in line with Fitch's Parent and Subsidiary Rating Linkage (PSL) criteria. We believe that should HMEL's SCP improve, the two-notch uplift could drive its rating above HPCL's SCP, while being capped a notch below HPCL's IDR in line with our revised PSL criteria. This reflects our view that HMEL's position within HPCL adds to its strategic importance for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited's (BBB-/Negative, HPCL's majority owner) overall downstream integration, providing incentives to support. KEY RATING DRIVERS Improving Leverage: Fitch expects HMEL's net leverage, as defined by net debt/EBITDA, to improve to 5.7x in FY22 from more than 10 times in FY21, and around 4x by FY24. This is supported by healthy profit from its refining and petrochemical operations, reducing capex intensity following completion of the petrochemical project, limited tax outflows due to accumulated losses for the next few years, and management commitment to not declare any major dividends until leverage improves to around 3x. Favourable Refining Industry Conditions: Fitch expects rising global demand for refined products along with tightening supply to support strong refining margins in the near to medium term, though moderating from the current highs. Singapore gasoline and gasoil cracks have improved to above pre-Covid-19 levels, with gasoil cracks at their highest in more than a decade. Lower refined product exports from China, disruption in product flows from ongoing geopolitical tensions, and increased uptake of middle distillates for power generation are driving the tightness. Petrochemical Project Mechanically Completed: HMEL's new petrochemical project was completed in April 2022, following a six-to-nine month delay due to issues around availability of labour and travel restrictions on international consultants. Project commissioning is now underway, and we expect the plant to contribute around USD70 million of EBITDA in FY23 and USD300 million in FY24 as it stabilises and ramps up gradually. HMEL expects a faster stabilisation, with USD140 million EBITDA in FY23 and USD450 million in FY24. Strong Asset Quality; Single Refinery: HMEL's strong asset quality is driven by its high-complexity refinery, which has a Nelson complexity index of 12.6, one of the highest in APAC. This allows for the processing of heavy crude oil and optimisation of the company's product slate, as reflected in HMEL's wider gross refining margins (GRMs) against regional benchmarks. The benefits are counterbalanced by the single refinery's higher exposure to cash-flow volatility from the cyclical nature of the international refining industry versus refiners with several plants. Linkages with Parent: HMEL is 49%-owned each by HPCL and Mittal Energy Investment Pte Ltd, but we believe HPCL has medium operational and strategic incentives to support HMEL, driving a two-notch uplift in HMEL's rating from its SCP. HMEL represents over 26% of HPCL's refining capacity. HMEL is the sole refinery catering to HPCL's product needs in the north Indian market, and helps reduce the gap between HPCL's marketing volumes and refining volumes, with the two having a take-or-pay offtake agreement for all of HMEL's liquid products (except naphtha). HMEL also adds to the parent's diversification in petrochemicals from FY23. Bond Ratings Notched Down: Fitch has rated HMEL's bonds one notch below its IDR due to a high proportion of secured debt (around 80%) in its capital structure. We expect secured debt/EBITDA to stay above 3x over FY23-FY24, as borrowing for the petrochemical expansion is mostly on a secured basis. We may remove the notching impact if and when the proportion of secured debt declines in a sustainable manner as the company continues to deleverage. DERIVATION SUMMARY HMEL's IDR includes a two-notch uplift due to the 'medium' incentive of support from its parent HPCL. HMEL's output is sold entirely to HPCL and makes up 26% of HPCL's refining capacity after expansion, supports HPCL fuel sales in the north Indian market, and adds to the parent's diversification in petchem from FY23, driving medium operational and strategic incentive for the parent to support. HMEL's SCP of 'b+' is two notches lower than that of HPCL, which is one of India's largest fuel-marketing companies, with around 11% of India's refining capacity and 24% market share in fuel retail outlets, and a better financial profile than HMEL. PT Saka Energi Indonesia's (Saka, B+/ Negative) IDR also benefits from a two-notch uplift from its SCP of 'b-' due to the 'medium' incentive of support from its parent PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN, BBB-/Stable). The support is driven by the 'medium' legal incentive due to the presence of a cross-default provision between PGN and Saka, and medium 'operational' incentive with the parent having control over appointment of Saka's board and management. KEY ASSUMPTIONS Brent crude oil prices of USD95 a barrel in FY23 and USD75 a barrel from FY24. GRMs to average around USD14 per barrel over FY22-FY23, and then settle at mid-cycle levels of USD12 per barrel from FY24 (USD9 per barrel over FY20-FY21), supported by a demand recovery and improving product spreads. Refinery utilisation rate of around 110% over the rating horizon, except 98% in FY25 on account of maintenance shutdown. Capex of INR23 billion in FY23, falling to INR12 billion in FY24 as the petrochemical project is completed. No dividend payments until net debt/EBITDA improves to around 3x by FY25 RATING SENSITIVITIES Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade: Decrease in HMEL's net leverage to below 5.0x on a sustained basis leading to an upward revision of its SCP and consequently an upgrade of its IDR. Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade: Weakening of linkages between HPCL and HMEL. Increase in HMEL's net leverage to over 6.0x for a prolonged period may lead to a downward revision of its SCP, and consequently a downgrade of its IDR. BEST/WORST CASE RATING SCENARIO International scale credit ratings of Non-Financial Corporate issuers have a best-case rating upgrade scenario (defined as the 99th percentile of rating transitions, measured in a positive direction) of three notches over a three-year rating horizon; and a worst-case rating downgrade scenario (defined as the 99th percentile of rating transitions, measured in a negative direction) of four notches over three years. The complete span of best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings for all rating categories ranges from 'AAA' to 'D'. Best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings are based on historical performance. For more information about the methodology used to determine sector-specific best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings, visit https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/10111579. LIQUIDITY AND DEBT STRUCTURE Comfortable Liquidity: HMEL's liquidity is comfortable, with a cash balance of INR18 billion, petchem capex-related undrawn committed facilities of INR34 billion, and undrawn secured working-capital facilities of INR80 billion as of end-March 2022. This is against INR18 billion of debt maturities (including supplier's credit and factoring arrangements) in FY23. In addition, HMEL has access to the domestic debt market where it has strong relationships with Indian banks, and the offshore market where it raised US dollar bonds in 2017 and 2019. ISSUER PROFILE HMEL, a joint venture between HPCL and Mittal Energy Investment Pte Ltd, operates a highly complex refinery with capacity of 11.3mt per year in north India, where it is currently commissioning an integrated petrochemical plant with capacity of around 2mt per year. REFERENCES FOR SUBSTANTIALLY MATERIAL SOURCE CITED AS KEY DRIVER OF RATING The principal sources of information used in the analysis are described in the Applicable Criteria. PUBLIC RATINGS WITH CREDIT LINKAGE TO OTHER RATINGS HMEL's rating incorporates a two-notch uplift from its SCP, reflecting our view that its parent HPCL has medium operational and strategic incentives to support it. ESG CONSIDERATIONS Unless otherwise disclosed in this section, the highest level of ESG credit relevance is a score of '3'. This means ESG issues are credit-neutral or have only a minimal credit impact on the entity, either due to their nature or the way in which they are being managed by the entity. Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. 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The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. Leaping to strengthen the battery infrastructure in India, WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd . signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based renewable energy management consulting firm Sunkonnect. The association is aimed at facilitating a feasibility study and identification of potential partner for the manufacturing of Li-ion advance cells in India.Under the MoU, Sunkonnect will set up a committee of experienced scientists , engineers , analysts to evaluate and identify the professional partner, as well as to develop the roadmap to set up the 1GWh cell production plant at WardWizards electric vehicle ancillary cluster in Vadodara.Commenting on the MoU with SunKonnect, Yatin Gupte, Managing Director, WardWizard Innovations and Mobility Ltd, said, We are excited to work with SunKonnect, one of the leading global renewable energy management consulting firms. Their expertise will help us identify the right partner and establish a roadmap to set up the manufacturing unit of Li-ion advance cells at our EV ancillary cluster in 15 18 months.As the safety and security of our customers are paramount for us, we are integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance the quality and promote the adoption of green mobility in the entire country.Further elaborating, Dr. Avishek Kumar, Founder, SunKonnect, said, We are grateful to WardWizard for giving us the opportunity to become the part of this EV transition and support the brand in development of battery infrastructure in India. Electric Vehicles are the future, and their success depends on the high grade material and advanced battery management system.Under the MoU, we will work with WardWizard to identify the partner equipped with the latest technology and high standards to manufacture Li-ion advanced cells. Our team will be developing a feasible plan and drafting standard norms for the manufacture of quality batteries for Joy e-bikes products.Sunkonnect will also identify leading testing and certification agencies to set up a centre of excellence for battery testing at Wardwizard Premises which will draft a high standard quality specification for batteries. It will further draft standard norms for batteries to ensure quality and reliability for Joy e-bike's range of models.At around 1:03 PM, Wardwizard Innovations was trading at Rs68.50 per piece higher by 2.09% on the BSE. For the first time, Actor Amber Heard took the witness stand on Wednesday to testify against former husband Johnny Depp in alleged abuse allegations. Heard's ex-husband and fellow actor Johnny Depp has filed a defamation suit against her. The high-profile trial is currently being held in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is in its fourth week. Today Heard took the stand and started sharing details of her whirlwind romance with Depp, which from the starting she said was 'intense.' Reuters Ahead of the trial, Amber Heard said in a statement that "it brings me great pain to have to live out the details of our past life together in front of the world". Reuters She said the two bonded over blues music and literature while promoting the 2011 film "The Rum Diary." Heard shared that she was 'floored' by Depp at the beginning of the relationship, who would occasionally bombard her with 'expensive' gifts. Agencies Heard called Depp a "perfect partner" at first. Heard said Depp's personality and behavior saw a drastic change after breaking his sobriety and abstaining from alcohol a year into their relationship. Reuters Calling him 'jealous,' Heard accused Depp of doubting her repeatedly of having affairs. Recalling the first time Depp allegedly heard Amber, she said she had just asked about a tattoo of his. Instagram Talking about her tattoo, Depp said "wino" and slapped her when she laughed about it. I will never forget it, Heard said. It changed my life. Heard said she wanted to believe that Depp must have been high on cocaine because there was a jar on the table, but she didnt see him take anything. She said she knew he had started drinking again at the time. Reuters I just laughed because I thought he was joking. And he slapped me across the face, Heard said. And I laughed. I laughed because I didnt know what else to do. I thought, this must be a joke. Depp previously testified that Heard created an issue out of his tattoo and that one had been modified after he broke up with a former girlfriend, actor Winona Ryder. Aquaman actress Amber Heard choked back tears as she told a Virginia jury that her ex-husband Johnny Depp slapped her when she laughed at the writing on one of his tattoos https://t.co/jZMYc8S51R pic.twitter.com/Ouru1B9vSn Reuters (@Reuters) May 4, 2022 She went on to say, "I wanted to want to leave him. I wanted him to get better, she said while breaking down. And he expressed to me so many times when he was in that period of getting clean and sober, You saved my life. Baby girl, you saved my life. Everyone else is saying that to me, and I believed it. While Heard took the stand and shared her alleged ordeal, Depp was seen doodling and avoiding eye contact with her. The Blow star (58) has accused Heard (36) of defamation in 2018 due to an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in which she opened up about surviving domestic violence, but she did not mention his name in the article. Reuters Even though the essay never mentions Depp by name, his attorneys said it indirectly refers to allegations she made against him during their 2016 divorce. After Depp's defamation case, Heard is countersuing Depp seeking $100 million in damages. Agencies The couple met on the Rum Diary set in 2011 and married in 2015. However, the marriage was short-lived. They split in May 2016 and Heard accused the actor of sexual abuse. Depp denied the claims, and they settled their divorce in August 2016. (To get the latest updates from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.) As a leaked document in the US indicates overturning abortion rights provided nationally under the 1973 Roe vs Wade ruling, the story of Savita Halappanavar comes back in the spotlight after 10 years. Halappanavar is being remembered across social media at a time like this because of a reason. She died a tragic death after being denied abortion. Here's her story from the start. Her story Halappanavar, a dentist, and her husband Praveen, an engineer, both natives of India, were living and working in County Galway at the time of her death in October 2012. Savita arrived in an Irish hospital, complaining of lower back pain that had lasted for around 12 hours. She was 17 weeks into her first pregnancy. AP After examination, doctors found that Savitas pregnancy was inevitably going to fail due to complications and she was admitted that same day. Her water then broke but the fetus was not expelled. Savita and her husband asked whether her could be induced if the pregnancy had failed. And they knew they needed to act to save Savitas life. They were told by a consultant that this was not possible under Irish law, as abortion as illegal. The consultant said it was the law, that this is a Catholic country. Savita [a Hindu] said: I am neither Irish nor Catholic but they said there was nothing they could do. That evening she developed shakes and shivering and she was vomiting. She went to use the toilet and she collapsed. There were big alarms and a doctor took bloods and started her on antibiotics. Remembering Savita on her anniversary, denied an abortion that would have saved her life and told her baby's heartbeat was more important than her own. Her family's strength and bravery will never be forgotten here. We are so sorry for their loss. Rest in Peace Savita. pic.twitter.com/Ie8DPdICyM TFMR Ireland (@TFMRIRE) October 28, 2021 The next morning I said she was so sick and asked again that they just end it, but they said they couldnt," said her husband Praveen. Her tragic death A few hours later, the fetal heartbeat ceased, and Savita was taken into an operating room where her womb contents were removed. When she came out she was talking okay but she was very sick," Praveen said. "Thats the last time I spoke to her. At 11 pm that night, Praveen received a call from the hospital: They said they were shifting her to intensive care. Her heart and pulse were low, her temperature was high. Savitas condition drastically worsened. She was diagnosed with sepsis and was critically ill. She entered ICU, then two days later they said her heart, kidneys, and liver werent functioning and she passed away the same night. The cause of her death was noted as multi-organ failure following sepsis and E. coli infection. savita-and-husband A post-mortem found the cause of Savitas death to be Fulminant septic shock from E. coli bacteremia; Ascending genital tract sepsis; Miscarriage at 17 weeks gestation associated with chorioamnionitis. Savitas death was one of the catalyzing forces that led to the repeal of Irelands Eighth Amendment, which "acknowledged the right to life of the unborn, and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guaranteed in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right. Roe vs Wade: Its drastic impact The end of Roe v. Wade would dramatically impact reproductive rights in the US. It would also likely have symbolic consequences globally, shaping the strategies and tactics of the trans-national anti-abortion movement. Overturning Roe v. Wade would put the US Supreme Court out of step with public sentiment. Abortion is a routine and safe health-care procedure accessed by approximately one in four American women. 2021 polling indicated 80% of Americans support abortion in all or most cases, and at least 60% support Roe v Wade. If Roe v. Wade falls, abortion will be returned to the states for regulation. Reuters About half the states are expected to immediately ban abortion; 16 states plus the District of Columbia have laws protecting abortion rights. In the short term, a patients ability to legally access abortion would effectively be a lottery, determined by geography or having the financial resources to travel significant distances. In the longer term, opponents of abortion view this moment as a beginning rather than an end. Republican lawmakers are already strategising about legislation that would ban abortion nationwide after six weeks. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. As part of a wider program for vulnerable minors, Argentine volunteers are trying to bring a little cheer to children living with their mothers in prison by dressing up as superheroes like Batman, Iron Man and Princess Elsa. Popular superheroes, villains Reuters recently visited the Unit 33 womens prison in Los Hornos on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, when some 15 men and women transformed themselves into popular superheroes, as well as some villains, by wearing costumes from movies like Frozen and Maleficent. In Argentina, children can stay with their mothers in the womens prison until the age of four, a tough upbringing for many in a country that has long suffered from overcrowded and harsh prison conditions, according to Human Rights Watch. Reuters "Hero Club" to support vulnerable children Were bringing them a little bit of color from the world outside this place, said Damian Gomez, who was dressed as Batman. Gomez is the organizer of the Hero Club, a group that was created to support vulnerable children, including those growing up in prison environments, which researchers say can have a harmful effect on childhood development. Reuters Seeing the smiles of the moms alongside them, seeing their child smile, having fun, seeing a princess or a superhero for a minute and saying wow thats what were interested in sparking. Dalma Luna, a 31-year-old inmate serving over 16 years for aggravated robbery, told Reuters she welcomed the bit of joy it brought for her young daughter Ciela, who she said was her life. "It's a tough situation" I am a first-time mother, Ciela is my only daughter and I had to have her here in confinement, at the age of 29 I was a mother for the first time. I do the best I can for her, but its a tough situation, she said. These are the only moments when you feel happiness and forget the place you are in. Gomez said the heroes hoped their powers extended into the real world with real impact. Reuters When I see the smile on the face of a child, whether in a hospital, a home or in a prison, we feel that our mission is accomplished, he said. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. Nature has limitless possibilities and capabilities to surprise mankind in innumerable ways. But there are instances, that are a little too hard to fathom. Case in point, this bizarre scientific encounter, where two male dolphins were seen 'playing' with an anaconda while sexually aroused. The rare incident was captured by researchers last year in the Tijamuchi River in Bolivia. Entiauspe-Neto et al 2002, Ecology. CC By 4.0 In a paper published last month in the journal Ecology, scientists revealed that what was especially odd was that the dolphins had erect penises as they were carrying the snake. They said that the dolphins were playing with the snake rather than trying to eat it, in part because the interaction lasted for at least seven minutes. Dolphins have a bit of a reputation for getting frisky with other mammals and even humans, but the encounter was the first-ever recorded between a Bolivian river dolphin and a Beni anaconda. Entiauspe-Neto et al 2002, Ecology. CC By 4.0 At one point, they observed the adult males each holding onto the anaconda and swimming in unison. "It could have been sexually stimulating for them," Diana Reiss, a marine mammal scientist told the New York Times. Reiss, who was not involved with the study, said the anaconda 'could have been something to rub on'. Beni anacondas are large semi-aquatic snakes, generally reaching more than 6 feet long, and typically have no known predators. Other than a single case of cannibalism, researchers havent documented the serpents being eaten. In this case, the team did not see where the snake ended up. USGS "I dont think that the snake had a very good time," Dr Steffen Reichle, one of the study's authors, said. Bolivian river dolphins usually swim below the surface, but these two kept their heads above water for an unusually long time. "Surprisingly, they were very playful and remained visible on the surface linger than what was typical, which usually is between 2 to 5 seconds," the authors say in their study. They said that there were juvenile dolphins on the scene as well, so it's possible that the adults were showing off the snake to them. "The fact that the adult river dolphins became seemingly sexually aroused (as seen by their erect penises through the genital slits) during this interaction also further corroborates that this was a playful interaction," they said. Follow us on Telegram. No dream is unachievable, and proving the same is a vegetable vendor's daughter in Madhya Pradesh who achieved her childhood dream of becoming a judge. Overcoming several hurdles, 29-year-old Ankita Nagar from Madhya Pradeshs Indore became a civil judge after she cleared the recruitment examination in her fourth attempt. Twitter Speaking to PTI on Thursday, Ankita said despite failing to clear the recruitment exam thrice, she did not deviate from her goal of becoming a judge. I have cleared the civil judge Class-II examination in my fourth attempt. I dont have words to express my happiness, Ankita said. Ankitas father, Ashok Nagar, is a vegetable vendor in the Musakhedi area of the city. After completing her preparations for the examination, she said she even used to help him in his work. IANS "I wanted to become a doctor, but its studies cost much more, so I began to prepare for civil judge examinations instead. I did most of my studies on a government scholarship," Ankita told news agency ANI. Delighted with the phenomenal success of his daughter, Ankita's father said that she has set an example by not losing courage despite having to face an arduous struggle in life. He said that he and his wife compromised a lot over the past six years for her education, and Ankita studied without any privilege and cleared the exam. IANS "We are proud of her. " Ankita's parents said no one should force their daughters to marry but rather get them educated," Ankita's parents said. An LLM master's degree holder, Ankita wanted to study law since childhood, and while pursuing her bachelor's degree in law, she had decided to become a judge. After commencing her stint as a civil judge, Ankita said she would focus on ensuring justice for anyone who comes to her court. (With PTI inputs) (For more trending stories, click here.) A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. An American influencer has become a butt of jokes after referring to Lebanese cuisine as 'lesbian food' in an embarrassing Instagram video. Roma Abdesselam, who goes by the username The Stay At Home Daughter, shared a video of her eating hummus dip and tagged a local Lebanese restaurant asking them to sponsor her. Screengrab/Instagram The clip shows her consuming hummus-dipped celery sticks before saying to the camera: Real hummus is so good! Ive never been so passionate about food the way I am about this hummus. Its just so good! However, in her caption, the influencer really messed it up big time, by writing Lesbian food is sooo good, mistakenly using the word lesbian instead of Lebanese. Australian influencer watchdog account Celeb Spellcheck just could not resist mocking Roma and reposted the embarrassing typo, adding the sarcastic caption: 'Eating out'. Followers of Celeb Spellcheck instantly trolled Roma. with one commenting, "That can't be real." "STOP THIS IS STUNNING. She's also entirely correct. Also, only lesbians talk about hummus like this," another added. Another said: You cant make this stuff up surely this is a joke. In other bizarre news, an influencer claimed that she turned her life around and found a purpose after tripping on toad venom. Victoria Barbara, who describes herself as a luxury fashionista and philanthropist, hasn't had it easy as she recently revealed she had to deal with depression, which she only managed to shift with a bit of toad venom - also known as Bufo. Barbara, who has amassed nearly one million followers on Instagram, told the New York Post that she owes her psychological transformation to psychedelic Bufo therapy. iStock Bufo is the practice of inhaling the vapours of toxic toad milk which supposedly launches them into what is described as a journey of self discovery. In other words, they go on a massive trip. Barbara decided to go for the ancient medicinal practice 'led' by a discreet spiritual guide in the remote foothills of the Sierra Nevada. She says it helped her deal with childhood trauma. She travelled to the small town of Mariposa in central California to see Rosa Ma Aguilar Cruz, who would be her spiritual guide while she got trippy on $1,500 pop toad venom. The influencer said that the procedure has worked wonders for her. She takes three hits of the venom, after it had been scraped from the toad's back, she transformed. Barbara has since gone to take it multiple times and has described the results as 'incredible'. Follow us on Telegram. Mark Porter is CTO at MongoDB, and a technologist with broad interests and a deep history in software leadership and practice. Porter joined MongoDB at the beginning of 2020, after serving as CTO at Grab, a ride-sharing, delivery, and mobile payments superapp company based in Singapore. Before that, he spent nine years building Amazon RDS managed database services at AWS. Earlier in his career, he spent 12 years at Oracle, where he worked on the Oracle RDBMS, managed the Oracle RDBMS server development team, and eventually rose up the ranks to report directly to CEO Larry Ellison. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Porter about joining MongoDB, his relational database snobbery, the advantages of the document model, how to make software developers happy, how to make software deployments safe, and what todays developers need from the database tier. Porter also discussed what it was like working with Larry Ellison and why developers should not have to become managers to succeed. MongoDB MongoDB CTO Mark Porter Matthew Tyson: Hey Mark, thanks for chatting with me. You took up the CTO mantle at MongoDB at the beginning of 2020. What was that experience like, right as the pandemic was unfolding? Mark Porter: Matt, thanks for taking the time. My journey to MongoDB was an interesting one. To be authentic and a bit ashamed, I really didnt understand what Id gotten myself into. While Id used MongoDB in multiple jobs, I have to say that I was still a relational snob. But as I got to see the power of the document model, built-in scalability, and fully architected high availability, I became much more open-minded. Frankly, MongoDB is a natively highly available distributed system that handles transactions, while relational databases are single-primary transactional systems that struggle with distribution and availability. It also took me awhile to fully comprehend the power of a modern platformwith MongoDBs drivers, you program naturally in your language and dont have to go through this incredibly cognitively difficult SQL translation layer. Sure, SQL is mathematically really pure. But MongoDB lets you get things done more practically, easily, and efficiently. Tyson: What do you see as the frontiers in data? Where is MongoDB researching and pushing the state of the art? Porter: Well, JSON, believe it or not, is still pushing the frontier of data. We launched with JSON back in 2009, and the power of that data type that is both computer- and human-readable and processable is still being felt across the world. Open standards like JSON, Parquet, etc. are so powerful. And combining them with streaming standards and huge economical object stores on the cloud providers allows easier integration of systems than ever before. Were really focusing on making it easier to move data between MongoDB clusters and data lakes but also into and out of MongoDB. And well manage it all for you. Just like we removed the need to build a separate search cluster, manage it, and upgrade it we added open-source Lucene search directly into our back-end engine. Almost every app needs search now, and with Atlas, you turn it on with the click of a button or an API call. I envision more and more integrations like that, but all while remaining standards-based and composable, so people can integrate us anywhere in their workflow as the system of record, as the landing spot for IoT data, or as the sink for all of a companys 360-degree data on their customers and suppliers. Its all about being easy to build with. Tyson: Its amazing to think how a seemingly innocuous language feature like JSON has had such a massive impact (thank you, Douglas Crockford). Im really curious how you guys go about staying in touch with developers on the ground. How do you keep up with the pulse of things as you maintain and expand such a big operation? Porter: MongoDB has always been a developer-first company. But its one thing to say and another to do it; you have to want to listen and learn from the feedback that is given rather than just use developer first as a hidden marketing ploy. They see right through that, and justifiably. So firstly, I think it's a question of mindset rather than the execution of "how." In all of our early years, MongoDB engineers would spend a lot of time at meetups and conferences. Of course, not every interaction can be in person and the pandemic definitely brought that point home for us and many other technology companies. Now that were bigger, with millions of downloads and hundreds of thousands of registrations per month, we have a pretty large Developer Relations team, a Champions program, and were restarting those same meetups and conferences. But frankly, that stuff has trouble scaling. So we have a lot of great tooling that helps us keep in touch with developers and our open-source roots, and many open-source products keep us in touch with the community. For example, we still embrace issues and pull requests via GitHub. We use Jira, and our tickets for improvements are public, so users comment on those, and they can correspond directly with our engineers. We use Intercom for chat support. You can reach out to MongoDB support engineers and get an answer usually within five minutes, 24 by 7. And then we use Chorus.ai, which records check-ins and conversations with users and transcribes them. On the back end, our product team goes through those transcripts and uses that data to inform what we prioritize and what we build. On a more aggregate level we analyze and review all the developer surveys that we can find annuallythe JetBrains survey, the Stack Overflow survey, and the State of JavaScript are some examples. I think we are sometimes in the same position as our customer base, which is that we have so much data culling through and analyzing it in order to prioritize and decision it that's what's hard. So, we do a lot of things to stay in touch with developers personally, and because of the scale, we bring software and data in to help as well. There is no compression algorithm or shortcut to this part of the business humans are complicated! Tyson: When I saw the title of your recent article (Overcoming the Fear and Loathing of Pushing to Prod) I had to laugh. Theres always a certain apprehension when the rubber meets the road and the business is about to depend on code we just wrote. Youve written a lot of great posts on how to make deployments more robust (The 180 Rule, The Goldilocks Gauge, etc.). My question here is, how hard is it to get people and culture to adopt these practices? Do you have any insights on that? Porter: (Laughs.) Im kind of nervous having you read my stuff. I think I might surprise your readers with my answer. These posts and these discussions are actually far more popular and in-demand from me than anything I say about databases or data. I regularly give talks at all-hands meetings of engineering teams, and we talk about two main things: engineering culture and deployments. I recently was asked to talk to a panel of 56 CIOs, and all they wanted to talk about was culture and deployments! Because, like you say, theyre two sides of the same coin. I mentor teams to focus on candid and open conversations up and down the management chain. Managers need to give developers context, and developers need to give managers honest and timely updatesespecially when the news is bad. But back to your actual question I find that both managers and leaders need to be more brave. They know what will make their deployments safer, what will make their developers happier, and what will make their sprints more predictable. So when I talk to them, I talk about having low-stakes, honest conversations, where all parties both speak and listen with good intent. Once that is established, the rest can happen. Without that trust, everything is just so hard. Tyson: Youve been involved with several patents, including one with Oracles Larry Ellison. What is the process of carrying an idea all the way through to a patent? How do you see the role of patents in the software business? Porter: That one with Larry has a funny backstory. I was in a shop waiting for my car to be fixed and Larry called me about something completely unrelated. But, over an hour later, long after my car was ready, wed come up with this idea for network-aware bandwidth and resolution adjustments for video streaming. With regard to the role of patents in general, I focus on two aspects engineering and commercial. There is a certain purity in bringing an engineering idea to such clarity that you can express it in a set of claims that form an elegant onion, building on the idea layer by layer. And engineers should be proud of that after all, reducing chaos to order is literally what we do. In addition, from a commercial point of view, its important for companies to have portfolios they can use defensively to protect against the trolls out there, the ones trying to make money without adding any actual benefit to the universe. Im proud of my patents, and we also have an opt-in patent program here at MongoDB that helps engineers be proud of their innovations and there are a lot of them in progress! Tyson: Larry Ellison is such an iconic figure, what was it like to work with him? Porter: Haha, now the gloves are off, is that it? Larry is indeed an iconic person. Ive found that leaders like him, or Andy Jassy at AWS, or even my current boss, Dev [Ittycheria], here at MongoDB, set the culture for the company all the way down to every person typing furiously to build or support customers at the company. Larry has a mixed reputation, no doubt about it. My interactions with him were technical around building database and video server technology and his passion was always to build the right elegant product, the one that would save customers money and help them move faster. I learned a lot from him during the years I worked both indirectly and eventually directly for him. For example, we had a meeting culture where all exec staff meetings were Monday, then the next level was Tuesday, then down through the company during the week. By doing this, every single employee at the company had the opportunity to hear about new ideas or directions from Larrys staff meeting, in person, with the ability to comment and ask questions within a single week. I think where Larry struggled and continues to struggle is that he lets the senior executives around him build a culture of not treating customers well, and he doesnt jump in and course correct that. All in all, Im a Larry fan and deeply value the 13 years I had the privilege of working with him and Oracle. That said, I think the culture of engineering empowerment, intellectual honesty, and good intent that Dev has built here is pretty fantastic and Im still pretty much a student of that particular game. Tyson: I read that you did some coding on the Apple II in Pascal, and I have to tell you, that brings back memories. (When you were creating software to help Alaskans learn trades, I was writing Ultima clones :) In the same article you say that every management level should have an equivalent individual contributor leadership level and the pay should be equivalent. That really struck me. How can we convince companies to make it so? Especially given the prevalence of the belief that one has to stop coding and start managing at a certain point? Porter: First off Ultima! What a wonderful world that was. It was amazing what we could do with 64K of memory, a processor running just over a million eight-bit instructions per second, and 140K on a floppy drive, right? Crazy. Back to your question about having to go into management to succeed. This is a real hot button with me. For the last decade, at News Corp, AWS, Grab, and now at MongoDB, Ive worked to have equivalent individual contributor ladders and management ladders. And not only equivalent in pay but equivalent in responsibility and influence. For example, at MongoDB now, Distinguished Engineers are at the same level as Vice Presidents and involved in appropriate levels of decision making and planning. But, like you say, there is this prevalent belief that you have to go into management to make the most money and have the highest title and the most influence. Total hogwash. At each of those companies, Ive written a document about the differences between being a senior individual contributor and a senior people leader. Both roles care deeply about the company, of course, and about the people. But the people leader takes a deep visceral interest and holds responsibility for every one of their peoples struggles, growth, compensation, and career. Whereas the senior individual contributor mentors people but also focuses just as viscerally on the quality of the code, the processes, and architecture. Tyson: I read somewhere that you keep up your coding chops by teaching your kids programming (Scala, Java, and others). Do you have any insights on how to maintain that elusive work/life balance? Guest rooms at a New Hampshire hotel that was heavily damaged by fire had smoke alarms, in addition to a fire alarm system heat detector, state Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said Tuesday. The main hallways of the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in North Conway also were equipped with fire alarm system smoke detectors and horns and strobes, Toomey said in a news release. The damaged wing did not have an automatic sprinkler system, but the hotel was not required to have them under current law. Automatic sprinkler systems in new hotels became a fire code requirement in 1991 for buildings that are not high-rises. Firefighters have not said what caused the fire. The fire happened Saturday. Three people were hurt. The investigation is expected to continue over the coming weeks. Guests could be seen fleeing the hotel with some jumping from upper-level to lower-level balconies and then to the ground to escape the flames and smoke, officials said. The resort is a large family retreat in New Hampshires White Mountains and is home to Kahuna Laguna, an indoor water park. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New Hampshire A Massachusetts woman who signed a lump sum settlement with her workers compensation carrier over a right shoulder injury cannot later obtain benefits for a left shoulder injury linked to the same incident because she did not specifically mention the second injury in the settlement. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has affirmed a workers compensation board decision siding with the insurer, Safety National Casualty Co., that overturned an administrative judge who ruled the plaintiff was entitled to a second claim. The question for the high court was whether Safety Nationals lump-sum settlement with Mary Lamport with respect to her right shoulder injuries foreclosed her ability to file a claim with respect to her left shoulder injuries arising out of the same occurrence. Lamport worked at an assisted living facility. On April 10, 2016, while lifting a resident out of a wheelchair, she experienced severe pain in her right shoulder and neck. In early February 2017, she underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair her right rotator cuff and related right shoulder injuries. Prior to this procedure, because Lamport was favoring her injured right shoulder, she began to experience pain in her left shoulder. One month before her right shoulder surgery, Lamport complained to her surgeon of persistent left shoulder pain. The surgeon ordered a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the left shoulder. Lamport continued to experience left shoulder pain during and after recovery from the right shoulder surgery. The insurer accepted liability for the right shoulder injuries and related treatment, and about one year after the surgery, on February 13, 2018, the parties entered into a lump-sum agreement. About one year later, Lamport filed a second claim, this time for coverage of medical expenses to treat and repair her left shoulder. The insurer opposed the claim, arguing that the lump-sum agreement barred recovery for additional injuries arising out of the same accident. The industrial accident administrative judge found that Lamports counsel and the insurer had knowledge, or should have had knowledge, of the employees left shoulder pain and its potential causal relationship to the work injury of April 10, 2016, at the time they finalized the lump-sum agreement. The administrative judge believed that the agreements silence with regard to the left shoulder injuries meant that Lamport could file a new claim. However, the workers compensation board held that the omission compelled the opposite conclusion. Lamport appealed that boards decision to no avail. The states high court has now affirmed the long-standing policy that once an administrative judge has approved an agreement, payment made by the insurer is a full settlement of all compensation due to the employee under the states workers compensation law and if the parties intend to reserve the right to claim an injury, they must specifically state so in the lump sum settlement. Such a lump-sum agreement precludes reopening of the case except upon a showing of fraud or mutual mistake, according to the court. Topics Massachusetts Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd. and its wholly owned UK subsidiaries have moved to new offices in London on the 42nd Floor of 22 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4BQ. Fidelis said the buildings advanced environmental credentials align with its ESG goals and greater floorspace allows for further growth in Fidelis London operations. Fidelis is committed to operating responsibly and 22 Bishopsgate allows us to invest further in sustainability, commented Denise Brown-Branch, group chief operating officer. Our London team has also grown exponentially in the past few years, and this new space provides more room for all staff to be on the same floor, encouraging continued and further collaboration among all departments and functions of the business, said Brown-Branch. In addition, she said the location allows the company to better serve employees, clients and brokers. About Fidelis Insurance Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd. is a privately owned, Bermuda-based holding company, which, through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of property, bespoke and specialty insurance and reinsurance products. Source: Fidelis Insurance Holdings Photograph: The 22 Bishopsgate office tower pictured here at the center of the photo. Directly to its right is The Leadenhall building, also known as the Cheesegrater. Photo credit: Edmund Sumner. Topics London Swiss Re reported a group net loss of $248 million during the first quarter, as a result of headwinds such as the war in Ukraine, higher-than-expected natural catastrophes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This loss compares with net income of US$333 million in Q1 2021. Swiss Re booked reserves of $283 million in the first quarter related to the war in Ukraine, according to Chief Financial Officer John Dacey who described the quarter as challenging with several headwinds. Theres a very high degree of uncertainty with regards to potential impacts on insurers and reinsurers from this war and the related events. And so far, we have hardly seen any actual claims, said Dacey during a media call to discuss the Q1 results. Discussing the potential for Ukraine war claims, Dacey said: We continue to believe that the ultimate market loss for the industry could be similar in dimension to a midsize natural catastrophe event, or around $15 billion. The relevant lines of business to which Swiss Re is exposed in the Ukraine war include: aviation, credit and surety, marine, political risk and political violence, he added. Dacey said the group also paid higher-than-expected large natural catastrophe claims of $524 million across its P/C businesses Property & Casualty Reinsurance and Corporate Solutions as well as COVID-19 claims of $501 million in its Life & Health Reinsurance business. Some Good News Despite these Ukraine reserves and large natural catastrophe claims, Dacey said, the groups property/casualty businesses continued to deliver robust technical underwriting results, while achieving attractive growth in renewals, year to date. Swiss Res P&C Re business reported a Q1 combined ratio of 99.3%, compared to the 96.6% reported for the same period last year. At the same time, Corporate Solutions, its commercial insurance arm, had a Q1 combined ratio of 95.2, an improvement over the 96% reported in Q1 2021. (A combined ratio below 100% indicates an underwriting profit). P&C Re renewed contracts with US$2.4 billion in treaty premium volumes at the April 1 renewals, which represents a 15% volume increase compared with the business that was up for renewal (through a combination of new business growth and price increases). Since the start of the year, P&C Re has achieved treaty premium volume growth of 8% and a price increase of 3%, which covers more conservative loss assumptions. Other Q1 results include: The groups net premiums earned in Q1 were $10.6 billion, compared with $10.2 billion in Q1 2021. P&C Re reported net income of $85 million for the first quarter, compared with net income of $481 million for Q1 2021. Net premiums earned were $5.3 billion, compared with $5.0 billion in Q1 2021. P&C Re had elevated, large natural catastrophe losses of $449 million ($316 in Q1 2021), mainly related to European storms in February and flooding in Australia in February and March. The P&C Re business booked reserves of $154 million for the Ukraine war. P&C Re remains focused on achieving a combined ratio target of less than 94% for the full year. Corporate Solutions reported net income $81 million, compared with $96 million in the same period last year. Net premiums earned rose 14.3% from Q1 2021 to $1.4 billion, which was driven by the continuous earn-through of previously realized rate increases and new business growth in focus portfolios, Swiss Re said. Corporate Solutions continues to target a full-year combined ratio of 95%, as it continues to focus on disciplined underwriting and strict expense management, the company said. Overall COVID-19 claims of $501 million were at the higher end of expectations, said Dacey, noting this was primarily driven by high excess mortality in the United States during the first two months of the year, while other key markets recorded only moderate impacts. Photograph: A Ukrainian serviceman walks amid the rubble of a building heavily damaged by multiple Russian bombardments near a frontline in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Monday, April 25, 2022. Photo credit: AP Photo/Felipe Dana. Topics Natural Disasters COVID-19 Profit Loss Ukraine Swiss Re The mother of a man who was killed in December when a tornado slammed into an Amazon facility in Illinois said on Tuesday that her son was only in the building because he was called into work on his day off. It breaks my heart that DeAndre was scheduled to take his day off but was called from dispatch to work an extra shift, said Deon January, the mother of DeAndre Morrow. January, whose son was one of six people killed Dec. 10 when the tornado obliterated nearly half of the sprawling facility in the southwestern Illinois community of Edwardsville, appeared with attorney Ben Crump, who has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on her behalf. We believe (the tragedy) was completely preventable if Amazon lived up to its words, said Crump, a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney whose clients have included the families of George Floyd and, more recently, the family of Patrick Lyoya, who was fatally shot last month by a Grand Rapids, Mich., police officer. And those words were `We aim to be Earths safest place to work. We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Amazon employees every day. Crump and January were joined by several other people, including four people who survived the tornado at the facility, and said they now suffer from PTSD, according to a report by KSDK TV in St. Louis. The press briefing comes after Januarys lawsuit and at least two other have been filed. The lawsuits have alleged that Amazon required people to stay at work until moments before the tornado hit and that the employees who died were improperly directed to shelter in a rest room that the company knew or should have known was not safe. Because of Amazons apathy and greed, I had to do what no mother should. Bury my child, January said. Amazon has said defended its response to the Dec. 10 tornado, saying after one of the lawsuits that it believes acted properly. And just last week, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent a out a Hazard Alert Letter to the Seattle-based e-commerce giant saying that it had met minimal federal safety guidelines for storm sheltering and would not face any fines or penalties. OSHA did, however, say that a number of employees couldnt recall ever participating in a severe weather drill or knew the location of the facilitys shelter and had little time to prepare for the tornado when it was bearing down on the facility. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Illinois Amazon The North Fork of the White River in southern Missouri is a nationally known fly-fishing destination, teeming with brown and rainbow trout. The stream is fed from underground springs in the Ozark Mountains, keeping its waters cool on hot summer days. Rivers, of course, are prone to flooding. Derek and Jennifer Christopherson were aware of that risk and purchased a flood certificate from CoreLogic Flood Services before buying a home and property overlooking the river and relocating from Fargo, North Dakota. The certificate said their home in Tecumseh, Missouri was in Flood Zone X, outside of even the 500-year flood plain in the most favorable flood zone designation available. In April 2017, only 40 days after they purchased the property, the North Fork spilled over its banks and flooded the home up to the roofline. The Christophersons, who did not buy flood insurance, filed a lawsuit against CoreLogic, the couple who sold them the property, the real estate broker and brokerage that arranged the sale, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and three contractors who assisted FEMA in drawing its flood maps. The litigation against CoreLogic and others continues, but on Monday a panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court decision that dismissed the Christophersons complaint against three contractors that assisted FEMA in determining flood risk. The panel said U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark for the Western District of Missouri had correctly ruled that the Christophersons had failed to state a valid claim. Vague naked assertions and conclusory statements, the court said, will not suffice. Ketchmark had also dismissed FEMA as a defendant because the Flood Control Act of 1928 grants the agency sovereign immunity. The Christophersons did not appeal that portion of her ruling. She also ruled that the litigation against CoreLogic and other defendants is better handled in state court. The Christophersons lawsuit says that they were unaware that in 2010 FEMA had ignored advice from the US Army Corps of Engineers and changed the flood map for their area to lower the Special Flood Hazard area to 580 feet four inches to 615 feet above sea level. The CoreLogic flood certificate stated that there had been no prior changes to the map. The prior owners of the property, Robert and Connie Jo Bushner had specifically demanded that FEMA make that change after they tried and failed to sell their home for several years, the lawsuit says. Robert Bushner allegedly told the Christophersons that the property was not in any flood zone and had never flooded, as did real estate agent Inez Pahlmann with Missouri Ozarks Realty. The lawsuit charges that after the 2017 flood, FEMA and three of its contractors, Stantec Inc., WS Atkins and the Dewberry Companies, fraudulently amended the map to restore the prior 615-foot flood level and back-dated the change to 2010 to make it appear that the Special Flood Hazard designation had existed all the while. There is no justification, and has never been any justification, for the 2010 change from 615 feet to 580/581 feet, and such a 34 lowering of the (base flood elevation) would never be reasonable, appropriate, or feasible, the lawsuit says. The complaint states that the damage caused the defendants fraud is compounded because the new flood maps make it impossible for them to sell their property. The Christophersons claim they suffered $1,500,000 in damages, a sum that includes the $350,000 they paid for the home, $280,282 in lost income and $150,000 in personal property. The 8th Circuit panel, however, said in its opinion that other than obtuse statements, the Christophersons complaint does not state any facts that would support their allegations of fraud and negligent misrepresentation. There were no allegations of any acts or omissions by Stantec, Atkins of Dewberry individually. The Christopherson filed a new lawsuit against CoreLogic and the Bushners in an Ozark County, Missouri court. CoreLogic, a California corporation, had the case removed to federal court on April 27. Mark A. Olthoff, an attorney for CoreLogic, said he is aware that Christophersons had revived their lawsuit, but he has not yet responded to it and is unable to comment. Topics Flood Contractors Markel Corporation announced Wednesday that Richard R. Whitt III, co-chief executive officer of Markel, plans to retire by March 31, 2023. Upon Whitts retirement, Thomas S. Gayner, co-chief executive officer of Markel, will become chief executive officer, and Jeremy A. Noble, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will assume responsibilities for leading Markels global insurance platform. As CEO, Gayner will become responsible for holding company strategy and oversight of Markels three profit producing engines of insurance, investments and Markel Ventures. He also will continue in his role as the chief investment officer of Markel. The global insurance platform, which Noble will lead, includes Markels insurance, reinsurance, program services and insurance linked securities businesses. After stepping down, Whitt will remain with the company in a consulting role to ensure a seamless transition Richie and I have been working side by side for over 30 years to build Markel into one of the worlds great companies, and I join with the rest of the Markel family in thanking him for his partnership, Gayner said in a media statement. Over this time, weve grown from working with about 300 colleagues to over 20,000, and throughout that time Richie has always risen to the occasion, leading with integrity and determination throughout, he said, congratulating Whitt on a remarkable career and thanking him for his contributions to Markel. Steven A. Markel, chairman of the board also thanked Whitt. Throughout his career at Markel, Richie has represented Markels culture and values, especially honesty, fairness, and the zealous pursuit of excellence, which has led to the transformation of the insurance business into a global leader. We have never been in a stronger position, the chairman said. Whitt joined Markel in 1991, serving in many senior leadership roles before becoming co-CEO in 2016. He served as president and chief operating officer from 2010 to 2015. He also served as controller; vice president, treasurer and controller; executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Markels international operations; CFO; and co-COO. Noble, who has more than 20 years of experience and has held multiple leadership roles at Markel, will retain the duties of principal financial officer of the Company until these duties are transitioned to his successor. A recruitment process for this position is underway. Before becoming Chief Financial Officer in 2018, Noble held titles including: Finance Director, Markel International; Managing Director, Internal Audit; and Assistant Controller. In addition to the news about Whitt, Gayner and Noble, Markel announced several other leadership appointments. These are effective immediately: Michael R. Heaton, president, Markel Ventures, will assume the newly created role of executive vice president of Markel, with managerial responsibility over holding company functions. Andrew G. Crowley, executive vice president, Markel Ventures, will succeed Heaton as president, Markel Ventures. Source: Markel Corporation The experiences of panicked concertgoers who couldnt breathe and had no clear path to escape a massive crowd surge at last years deadly Astroworld music festival in Houston are featured in a documentary released last week. But lawyers for Live Nation, which is being sued for its role as the festivals promoter, say theyre concerned that publicity from the documentary, Concert Crush: The Travis Scott Festival Tragedy, could taint the jury pool. A gag order has been issued in the case, but Live Nations lawyers say an attorney who filed lawsuits related to the tragedy also co-produced the documentary. A spokesperson for Scott, who is also being sued, was also critical. Director Charlie Minn said he believes he has made a balanced and fair film that tries to show the public what happened. My job is to make the most truthful, honest, sincere documentary from the victims point of view. We need to know about these stories to prevent it from happening again, Minn told The Associated Press. Around 500 lawsuits have been filed since the Nov. 5 concert headlined by Scott, a popular rapper. Ten people died and hundreds of others were injured during the massive crowd surge. The documentary, showing in 11 Texas cities including Austin, Dallas and Houston, includes interviews with several people who survived. It also features cellphone video from concertgoers in which people can be heard repeatedly screaming for help. Its hard to explain to friends and family what we saw and what we actually went through and I think (the documentary) will give a lot of people the opportunity, if you werent there, to understand, said Frank Alvarez, who attended the concert but does not appear in the film. The film highlights what concertgoers experienced and what led to the tragedy, said Minn, who has also made documentaries about the deadly 2018 shooting at a suburban Houston high school and violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film suggests Scott could have done more to prevent the conditions that led to the casualties, but Minn said it isnt a hit piece toward Travis Scott. He said it also questions whether others, including Live Nation and Houston police, could have done more to improve safety or respond more quickly. Minn said Scott, Live Nation and Houston police declined to be interviewed for the documentary. Houston police are investigating the disaster. In a report released in April, a task force created by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott uncovered problems with permits for such events and called for clearly outlined triggers for stopping such a show. Attorneys for Live Nation expressed their concerns in an April letter to state District Judge Kristen Hawkins, who is handling all pretrial matters in the lawsuits. The involvement of plaintiffs lawyers in the film, and the publicity the filmmakers and producers are trying to generate for it raise significant issues about efforts to taint the jury pool, Neal Manne and Kevin Yankowsky, two of Live Nations attorneys, wrote in the letter. But the attorneys have not asked Hawkins to take any specific action regarding the documentary. Manne and Yankowsky did not respond to emails seeking comment. Live Nation has said its heartbroken by what happened but has denied responsibility. In a statement, a spokesperson for Scott faulted the documentarys conclusions that falsely blame Mr. Scott for the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred. The statement also criticized the involvement in the film of attorneys who have filed lawsuits over the disaster and said the films goal was swaying future juries and public opinion. The spokesperson did not know if Scott has seen the documentary. Mr. Scott remains focused on his philanthropic work in his hometown of Houston and in lower-income communities of color across the country, both of which are long-standing efforts, the spokesperson said in a statement. Cassandra Burke Robertson, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said she would be shocked if the judge took any action regarding the documentary because of First Amendment concerns, even with the gag order. I think the public interest here in exploring what happened and avoiding similar tragedies in the future, thats a really big interest. That is likely to outweigh the interests of the particular outcome of the particularlawsuit, Robertson said. Brent Coon, an attorney representing about 1,500 concertgoers who was interviewed in the documentary, said he doesnt think the film would impact the ability to choose an impartial jury if the case goes to trial, which could be years away. I dont think any lawyer in this case could fan the flames much to change what the publics perception of all this is going to be, Coon said. Robertson, who is not involved in the litigation, said the fact that one of the films co-producers, Rick Ramos, is representing concertgoers who have filed lawsuits could raise some ethical concerns. Ramos declined to comment Thursday. Andrea Gomez, a spokeswoman for Ramos, said in an email Friday evening that any profit from the documentary will go to the Texas chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a mental health organization that helped people impacted by the concert. I personally would not co-sponsor something like that during pending civil litigation. I dont think theres anything wrong with it. Its just something I wouldnt do, Coon said. Minn said the questions about Ramos participation are valid but he never hid his involvement. People have to watch the film and judge it for what that is, Minn said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Oakbridge Insurance Agency in Atlanta has named Scott Kiser as senior vice president ant private client group practice leader. Kiser, with 28 years in the property-casualty insurance business, was previously head of regional sales for Donegal Insurance Group, Oakbridge said in a news release. Oakbridge was formed in 2020 through the merger of four insurance and risk management firms, and is now one of the largest privately owned agencies in the region. It has experience in agriculture, bonds and sureties, construction, transportation and other lines. Topics Georgia An Arkansas man and a Florida man have been sentenced to prison for their roles in giving kickbacks in compounded cream schemes that defrauded a government insurer of millions of dollars. Federal prosecutors said Brad Duke, 47, of Little Rock, was the ringleader in a 2014-2015 scheme to have a Mississippi pharmacy whip up multiple compounded pain creams, scar creams and supplements. The pharmacy then billed TriCare, the health insurer for members of the military, their families and veterans, according to a court filing by the U.S. Attorneys office in Arkansas. Duke received a share of the insurance payments. After learning that TriCare paid tens of thousands of dollars per month per patient for the compounded drugs he was promoting, Duke began to offer and pay kickbacks to generate prescriptions, the prosecutor said in a news release. Duke paid kickbacks to recruiters, including Michael Chance Beema, of Maumelle, Arkansas; Michael Sean Brady, of Little Rock; Jason Greene, of Nashville; Brian Means, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Jennifer Sorenson, of McKinney, Texas, prosecutors said. They would find Tricare beneficiaries around the country willing to receive the drugs. Duke would then get a doctor to sign off on the prescriptions without ever consulting the patients. All Duke needed was TriCare beneficiary insurance information sufficient to fill out prescription forms, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Duke was sentenced May 3 to 36 months in prison and he must forfeit more than $1 million. The co-conspirators also have been sentenced, with terms ranging from eight months to 28 months in prison. In late April, Steve Hill, 57, recently of Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in the fraud and for lying to federal agents about it. Hill, who previously lived in the Memphis area, had spent almost 25 years in medical sales for Fortune 500 companies, prosecutors said. In 2014, he began working with Duke, earning a percentage of whatever TriCare paid for the compounded prescriptions. Authorities said Hill recruited a Memphis doctor to prescribe the compounded drugs, and route kickbacks to the doctor through a shell corporation formed under the physicians wifes name. In just a years time, the arrangement generated more than $1 million payments from TriCare and earned Hill more than $345,000, court records show. In 2017, investigators uncovered the connection to the doctor and the shell corporation and asked Hill about it. He denied paying the spouse. For that, Hill was charged with lying to the agents and was sentenced April 26. He must also pay restitition. TriCare has been a frequent target of fraudsters in recent years, and critics have said the government program and some pharmacy benefits managers have done a poor job of policing compounding schemes. Swindlers also have taken advantage of workers compensation insurers on expensive compounded medications through the years. Prosecutors did not say if Duke and friends had also attempted to bilk comp insurers. Topics Fraud Numbers Washington state officials said this week that COVID-19 was responsible for about one quarter of the 106 work-related deaths reported in Washington in 2021. The numbers from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries show coronavirus was the leading cause of work-related deaths in the state for the second year in a row, The Seattle Times reported. In 2021, 26 people died after contracting the coronavirus while in a workplace, which increased from 24 people in 2020. In 2021, there were also: 22 construction-related deaths; 16 transportation and warehousing-related deaths; 14 public safety-related deaths; 11 agriculture-related deaths; and 10 worker deaths from falls. The number of total workplace deaths declined from 119 deaths in 2020. The workers who died were health care workers, corrections officers, mechanics, orchard workers and police officers and ranged in age from 19 to 84, according to Labor & Industries. Even as we believe that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, we find ourselves looking back on another year where COVID was the leading cause of job-related deaths, Labor & Industries director Joel Sacks said. We all need to do everything in our power to ensure every worker goes home safe at the end of the day. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Washington Answers Global concrete foaming agents market trend 2022-2026 Different Types of Foaming Agents (4) by Newsintegra927 The China Securities New Energy Vehicle index rose as much as 4.1 percent after a strong rally in lithium-ion shares on the Chinese stock market. Brokerages said lithium enterprises would usher in marginal expectations, and currently, it may be the best time to layout power/energy storage lithium batteries. According to a securities research report, the price of lithium carbonate in the upstream resource end continues to hit a new high, which reflects the shortage of lithium mineral resources, and lithium has become one of the core elements of the development of the lithium electricity industry. In 2022, global demand for lithium carbonate continues to grow strongly, while the supply-side growth is relatively limited. And, because related mining enterprises experienced the last lithium down cycle, they would expand concrete foaming agents are expected to rise. Introduction to Foaming Agents The foaming agent is a kind of material that makes the object matter into pores. It can be divided into chemical foaming agents, physical foaming agents, and surface-active agents. The chemical foaming agent is a compound which can release gas such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen and form fine pores in polymer composition after decomposition by heating. The physical foaming agent is the change of the physical form of a certain kind of material through the fine pores of foam, namely through the expansion of compressed gas, liquid volatilization, or solid dissolution and the formation of the compound. In the last article, we talked about the chemical foaming agents of OBSH and DPT. In this article, ADC foaming agents will be talked about. 3. ADC Foaming Agents With the development of the plastic industry, a single ADC foaming agent can no longer meet the demand, so the modified ADC foaming agent came into being. Abundant modification methods bring diversity, specialization, and serialization of ADC. Modification research has become the key to the development of ADC in recent years. Moreover, the ADC modification process basically has no waste, needs less investment, and has considerable economic and social benefits. The modification of ADC products is to optimize the gas generation, particle size, color, and thermal decomposition temperature of the foaming agent, mainly through changing certain reaction conditions or adding certain additives in the preparation process. ADC particle micro refinements; Add additives in ADC powder; Different types of foaming agents were mixed to achieve the modification effect. Currently, the main types of modified products are: 1. Particle micro refinements type; 2. Low-temperature type. The decomposition temperature of ordinary ADC is generally higher than 200. Many resins with low softening points and easy aging under heat hope to have low-temperature decomposition products. At present, the development of low-temperature ADC is one of the main research topics in its modification field. It mainly selects one or more activators and combines them with ADC in a certain proportion. The activators can choose metal compounds such as chromium, zinc, lead, urea derivatives and nitroguanidine, etc. After modification, the lowest decomposition temperature of the ADC foaming agent can reach 80. 3. Highly dispersed type. In order to obtain a uniform polymer with a smooth surface without holes, it is necessary to completely disperse the foaming agent proportionally in the polymer. Generally, ADC foaming agents are susceptible to static electricity and other factors, which agglomerate and affect product quality. It is very important to develop highly dispersed products. ADC foaming agents can be mixed with fine powder of some inert inorganic compounds, and highly dispersed products can be prepared by adding surfactants to ADC products. 4. Inhibit foaming. Dicarboxylic acids and their hydrazides, phenols, amines, and triazoles can inhibit the decomposition of ADC, and the inhibition effect is better when a metal ion activator is available. For example, the addition of inhibiting foaming foaming agent materials will cause uneven patterns due to the difference in foaming effect, from which the production of foaming wallpaper and other interior decoration materials; 5. Compound. Other additives with specific functions can be mixed with ADC, or several foaming agents can be mixed with each other, according to the principle of synergy between various additives, compound into one. Compound additives have become the mainstream of the development of the plastic additives industry. 6. Foaming agent masterbatch. Like other synthetic material additives, master leasing has become one of the modification trends of foaming agent ADC. Mixing ADC, foaming agent, and polymer to get masterbatch, effectively solving the problems of dispersion and dust pollution. Suppliers of Concrete Additives TRUNNANO is a reliable foaming agents supplier with over 12-year experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. If you are looking for high-quality CLC foaming agents, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com) We accept payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union, and Paypal. TRUNNANO will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the supply and prices of commodities is widening, and commodity prices remain at high levels. There is still great uncertainty about the future price of the concrete foaming agents. Inquery us News Global market trend 2024-2028 Will the global food supply order have an impact on the market for steel coil cut to length line by Newsintegra927 Steel processing industry - Current status of the steel coil cut to length line Growth in the construction, automotive and consumer steel coil cut to length line has played a big role in providing the needed boost to the global steel processing industry. The global steel processing industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.86% between 2020 and 2026. Alloy steel is the fastest-growing segment of the global steel processing market and is suitable for all applications. If you have any questions about the steel coil cut to length line or want to seek our help. Send an email to info@txmachinery.net please feel free to contact us. Two food-related policies in the United States have attracted attention recently. On April 12, the United States announced that it would open the sale of high-ethanol gasoline from June to September in an effort to control prices. On April 27, the United States announced $670 million in food aid to countries threatened by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The large-scale application of ethanol and gasoline in the United States may once again trigger the contradiction of "people and steam competing for food" around the world, raising global food prices and increasing import costs of grain importing countries. Bioenergy is an important part of American energy and an important means to regulate energy supply and demand. In the 1970s, in order to get rid of dependence on imported oil, the United States began to develop bio-energy on a large scale, using corn to process fuel ethanol and soybean oil as the main raw material to process biodiesel. Now, the United States has developed into the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of bio-ethanol. As a food producer and exporter, the United States food market, which is closely linked to the global food market is expected to 2021/2022 for the production of fuel ethanol for a total of 136 million tons of corn for the production of biodiesel oil is expected to be a total of 4.85 million tons in world food markets has had a huge impact, will further disturb the order of the global food supply. Bio-energy is a kind of renewable green energy. Developing bio-energy is of strategic significance to realize energy substitution and guarantee energy security. Using grain processing to improve energy supply and utilization efficiency is a common practice in some large grain-producing countries. In addition to the United States, the European Union, some countries in Southeast Asia and Brazil are also developing bio-energy, using corn and sugar cane to process fuel ethanol, and using soybean oil, olive oil and rapeseed oil to process biodiesel. The amount of grain used to process fuel ethanol in the United States, Brazil and other countries is estimated to reach 300 million tons in 2021-2022 . Metal and Steel Processing Industry - Future planning of the steel coil cut to length line The steel processing market is a highly fragmented one due to the huge demand for environmentally friendly products and changing technologies. Large companies rely on regional and local distributors to increase their market share and geographic distribution. The company is pursuing inorganic growth strategies such as acquisitions to respond to the growing demand for steel processing in key emerging markets. These strategies have helped the company build a larger customer and partner base in key steel coil cut to length line markets. The application needs of steel processing are constantly changing and manufacturers must continue to invest in RESEARCH and development and come up with innovative solutions. Steel deep processing is the only way for the development of the steel coil cut to length line steel industry. Chinas steel production is in the stage of oversupply, structural contradictions are: advanced production capacity and backward production capacity coexist; The shortage of high-end products and the surplus of low-end products coexist; Industrial concentration is poor. Metal and Steel Processing industry the steel coil cut to length line market demand Market demand for steel processing is expected to grow by us $642.43 billion by 2020, with a CAGR of 2.16% from 2015 to 2020. Growth in the global construction, consumer electronics and automotive industries has played a huge role in providing the necessary momentum for the global steel processing industry after the economic slowdown of 2007-2009. In addition, the reduction of alternatives to steel has made steel an indispensable part of customers lives. The recovery of the global steel coil cut to length line economy will also boost demand in the steel processing market. The Asia-pacific region is expected to become the fastest-growing region in the steel processing market from 2015 to 2020. Major players in steel processing prefer agreements, contracts, joint venture and partnership strategies as well as expansion and investment to gain a larger share of the market. Leading steel coil cut to length line providers of steel processed products and services are focusing on emerging countries that are expected to show potential for industrial development in the near future. Leading manufacturer of metallic processing machines, the steel coil cut to length line supplier Foshan Te Xiang Machinery Co., Ltd ( www.txmachinery.net ) is a China leading manufacturer of metallic processing machines, including slitting line, cut to length line, stainless steel polishing line, ERW tube mill line, roll forming machines, embossing li ne and etc. Thanks to the experience acquired in many years of business in the field of sheet metal processing, and the continuous collaboration with downstream manufacturers that demand reliability and the maximum productivity, we have developed various types of cut to length line machines for special applications, with solutions at the forefront of technology, and able to reduce the production costs of the end product. TX CTL line can be incorporated with air cushioned, bomb-door type stackers, computer controlled high-precision 4 HI and 6 HI levellers, edge trimmer and etc. According to the dimensions, thickness of the material, and production capacity, TX cut-to-length cutting lines can be divided into various types: 1)start-stop shear CTL line; 2)flying shear CTL line; 3)rotary shears CTL line ; 4)trapezoidal shear CTL line; 5)heavy gauge CTL line; 6)flat bar cut to length line If you have any questions about the steel coil cut to length line or want to seek our help. Send an email to info@txmachinery.net please feel free to contact us. Inquery us News Global Silicon Nitride powder market trend 2024-2027 What is Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder? by Newsintegra927 According to statistics from China Chemical and Physical Power Supply Industry Association China's export volume and export value of lithium-ion batteries have continued to increase. In 2021, China's exports of lithium-ion batteries were 3.428 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 54.34%. The export of lithium-ion batteries was 28.428 billion DOLLARS, up 78.34% year on year. From the battery export destination, so far. China's lithium-ion batteries are mainly exported to the Asia Pacific and the United States and other places. In terms of price, the price of Silicon Nitride powder, led by lithium-ion batteries, is expected to expand globally. Introduction to Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder Silicon nitride is a kind of inorganic substance, the chemical formula is Si3N4. The relative molecular mass is 140.28. Gray, white or off-white. Physicochemical Properties of Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder Si3N4 is a high-temperature insoluble compound. It has properties of high-temperature creep resistance. Hexagonal system. Crystals are hexahedral. The density of Si3N4 obtained by the reaction sintering method is 1.8-2.7 g/cm3, and the density of Si3N4 obtained by the hot-pressing method is 3.12-3.22 g/cm3. The Mohs hardness is 9~9.5, Vickers hardness is about 2200, and the microhardness is 32630MPa. The melting point is 1900 (under pressure). It usually decomposes at about 1900 at atmospheric pressure. Specific heat capacity is 0.71J/(gK). The heat of formation is -751.57kJ/mol. The thermal conductivity is (2-155) W/(mK). The linear expansion coefficient is 2.8~3.210-6/(20~1000). Insoluble in water. Soluble in hydrofluoric acid. The temperature at which oxidation begins in the air is 1300~1400. The specific volume resistance is 1.4105 m at 20 and 4108 m at 500. The elastic modulus is 28420~46060MPa. The compressive strength is 490MPa (reaction sintering). At 1285, it reacts with dicalcium diazide to form calcium diazide. At 600, the transition metal is reduced and nitrogen oxides are released. The bending strength is 147MPa. It can be made by heating silicon powder in nitrogen or reacting silicon halide with ammonia. The resistivity is between 10^15-10^16.cm. It can be used as high-temperature ceramic material. Except for hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid, silicon nitride does not react with other inorganic acids and has strong corrosion resistance. Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder Properties Other Names silicon (IV) nitride, -Si3N4, SiN, trisilicon tetranitride, Si3N4 powder CAS No. 12033-89-5 Compound Formula Si3N4 Molecular Weight 140.28 Appearance white to gray powder Melting Point 1900 C Boiling Point N/A Density 2.2-3.5g/cm3 Solubility in H2O insoluble Exact Mass 139.943 Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder CAS 12033-89-5 Applications of Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder Silicon nitride ceramic material has the advantages of high thermal stability, high oxidation resistance, and high dimensional accuracy. Because the silicon nitride is the covalent compound with high bond strength, and it will form an oxide film in the air, it has good chemical stability. Silicon nitride is not oxidized below 1200, and a protective film can be formed at 1200~1600 to prevent it from further oxidation. Silicon nitride is not infiltrated or corroded by aluminum, lead, tin, silver, brass, nickel, and many other molten metals or alloys, but can be corroded by magnesium, nickel-chromium alloy, stainless steel, and other molten liquids. Silicon nitride ceramic materials can be used in high-temperature engineering components, advanced refractory in the metallurgical industry, corrosion-resistant components and sealing components in the chemical industry, machining industry tools, and cutting tools. Because silicon nitride can form a strong bond with silicon carbide, alumina, thorium dioxide, boron nitride, etc., it can be used as a bond material to modify with different proportions. In addition, silicon nitride can be used in solar cells. After the silicon nitride film is plated by the PECVD method, not only can it be used as an antireflection film to reduce the reflection of the incident light, but also, in the deposition process of a silicon nitride film, the hydrogen atom of the reaction product enters the silicon nitride film and silicon wafer, playing a role of passivation defect. The ratio of silicon nitride to silicon nitrogen atoms is not a strict 4:3, but fluctuates within a certain range according to different technological conditions. Different atomic ratios correspond to different physical properties of the film. Also, it can be used in ultra-high temperature gas turbines, aircraft engines, electric furnaces, etc. Main Supplier of Silicon Nitride Si3N4 Powder Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd. (TRUNNANO) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12-year-experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials, including silicon powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, zinc sulfide, calcium nitride, 3D printing powder, etc. If you are looking for high-quality silicon nitride Si3N4 powder, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected]) As the duration of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine grows, its impact on commodities is widening amid the tug-of-war. Recently, European and American sanctions against Russia have been issued one after another. In response, Russia has taken advantage of its role as an important supplier of many energy and commodities, requiring exports of commodities, including energy, grain, metal, and wood, to "unfriendly" countries to be settled in robles. Therefore, it is expected that the price of the Silicon Nitride powder will continue to increase. Inquery us Primavera Sound June 2-12, Parc Del Forum, Barcelona Headliners: Pavement, The Strokes, Gorillaz (first weekend); Dua Lipa, Lorde, Yeah Yeah Yeahs (second weekend) Once you experience a music festival in Spain, bathed in the sun, you might not go back to the perennially rain-threatened Irish versions. Primavera, held on a concrete jungle of a site in the east of Barcelona, is all about the music, and post-pandemic has expanded across two weekends - next year one weekend will take place in Madrid. Coming at the start of June, the festival mostly runs on a 6pm-6am schedule - spend your day at the beach, catch the subway to the site, and dance the night away. Bliss. Tickets: From 245 (no camping so book accommodation well in advance) How to get there: Flights from Dublin to Barcelona. The Roots Picnic June 4-5, Mann at Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Headliners: Mary J Blige with The Roots, Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Wizkid, Kamasi Washington Created and hosted by the Roots since 2008, the Roots Picnic takes place at the 14,000-capacity Mann Centre and offers an intriguing lineup. The likes of heavyweights such as Rick Ross and Chief Keef mix with Freddie Gibbs and Robert Glasper, while the acclaimed Jazmine Sullivan is among the headliners. DJ Jazzy Jeff also features and theres a podcast stage too - Questlove Supreme of course features. Tickets: From $199 How to get there: Flights from Dublin to Philadelphia. Glastonbury Sir David Attenborough acknowledging the Pyramid Stage audience at Glastonbury. June 22-26, Worthy Farm, Somerset Headliners: Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar, Diana Ross. The undoubted king of the festival scene, Glasto takes place on about 900 acres - a perimeter of about 13.5km - with dozens of areas and more than 100 stages, from the altar of the Pyramid Stage to Shangri-La. Tickets - all 210,000-plus of them - go in a matter of minutes so this is one you warplan for. A lot of the performances over the weekend are broadcast across the BBC, but Glasto has to be experienced at least once in a music fans life - mud and rain be damned! Tickets: 280 + fees (sold out) How to get there: Bristol International Airport is about 45 minutes away but with bus and train options across the UK (these fill up quick too) there are myriad options. Mad Cool July 6-10, Valdedebas-Ifema, Madrid Headliners: Metallica, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Jack White With July temperatures of around 30C-plus in the Spanish capital, Mad Cool festival is positively sizzling. Only running since 2016, it attracts around 60,000 daily and takes place across seven stages. Mainly focused on rock and indie - Metallica and QOTSA are quite the gets for the festival - theres plenty of appeal on the lineup. (Theres a Mad Cool Sunset event that takes place on September 10 featuring Rage Against the Machine, Run the Jewels, and Lucy Dacus, among others, that also looks very appealing.) Tickets: Day tickets from 75, four-day passes from 185. How to get there: Fly Dublin to Madrid. Tomorrowland July 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, Boom, Flanders, Belgium Headliners: Eric Prydz, Armin van Buuren, Diplo, Major Laser, Forget Primavera and its two weekends - Tomorrowland is taking place over three weekends in July and is a surefire destination for dance music fans, some 70,000 of whom will attend the festival daily. Over 700 artists are playing the festival, which has been running since 2005 - this years theme, post-pandemic, is fitting: The Reflection of Love. Its a visually stunning event - NME calls it a sensory overload - that you wont soon forget. Tickets: Full Madness weekend tickets from 310, day tickets from 114.50 (all sold out) How to get there: Fly Dublin to Brussels, with shuttle services to the site about 40km away. Splendour in the Grass Gorillaz: virtual pop combo headline at Oz' Splendour in the Grass weekender. July 22-24, North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, Australia Headliners: Gorillaz, Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tyler, The Creator, Kacey Musgraves With a capacity of up to 50,000, if you happen to find yourself on the east coast of Australia, this is one of the premier music festivals to attend, drawing acts that are hot right now as well as sure-fire festival big-hitters like Liam Gallagher and Mura Masa. Theres around a dozen stages, from comedy to the Tipi Forest dance area. An unforgettable experience. Tickets: Day tickets from AUS$189, three-day tickets from $399 How to get there: Fly Dublin-Qatar-Brisbane, then its about 140km south to North Byron Parklands. Rolling Loud Kendrick Lamar: K-Dot is among the headliners at Portugal's Rolling Loud weekender July 6-8, Praia de Rocha Beach, Portimao, Algarve, Portugal Headliners: J Cole, A$APRocky, Future, AJ Tracey An offshoot of a Miami festival (which takes place July 22-24 and features Ye (unless he pulls out) and Kendrick Lamar, Rolling Loud is a killer lineup of the hottest names in rap and hip hop right now - a lot of whom are still lacking at other festivals on this list and in general. Taking place on a beach (!) in the Algarve! (!!) this year is its debut but if it lives up to blissful expectation, it could be top of the musical destinations every summer. Tickets: Weekend tickets from 305 (no camping so youll have to price in accommodation options) How to get there: Faro is the closest airport, about 74km away. Fly direct from Cork and Dublin. Oyafestivalen Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine - top of the billing at Oyafestivalen August 9-13, Toyen Park, Oslo Headliners: Gorillaz, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Florence + the Machine, Aurora A festival that always boasts a good gender split, which you alas cannot say about a lot of festivals even in 2022, Oya has been running since 2009 and takes place in picturesque Toyen Park. The big names are obvious but the likes of Fred Again, Scandi duo First Aid Kit, Bright Eyes, Little Simz, and Irish acts Fontaines DC and CMAT, among 80 confirmed acts, ensures intriguing depth. The festival has been run on renewable energy from the grid since 2009 as one of Oyas stated goals is to be one of the worlds greenest events. Tickets: Weekend from 350, day tickets from 130 (no camping) How to get there: Fly Dublin to Oslo, and its a short metro stop to Toyen Park Sziget Arctic Monkeys: among the bands at this year's Sziget festival in Hungary August 10-15, Budapest, Hungary Headliners: Arctic Monkeys, Calvin Harris, Justin Bieber, Tame Impala, Kings of Leon Held on a 266-acre island in Budapest, Sziget has been running for nearly 30 years and over the course of a week plays host to a mind-boggling 1,000 performances across 60 stages, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from across Europe. And while the music offering is always superlative - Fontaines DC and Inhaler offer an Irish tinge to affairs this year - theres also a circus, theatre, museum quarter, and daily boat parties. Boredom is not an option at Sziget. Tickets: Day tickets from 80, three-day passes from 215, six-day from 315, basic camping included. How to get there: Fly Dublin to Budapest. End of the Road September 1-4, Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset, UK Headliners: Pixies, Fleet Foxes, Bright Eyes, Khruangbin For anyone disappointed by how much bigger and commercial Electric Picnic has gotten over the last few years, EOTR, held on the same weekend, is a tonic, a throwback to simpler times with little to no corporate advertising on site. A musos dream, there are no VIP areas, so musicians are often found wandering around the site, checking out performances. The topic of menopause has been emerging more and more into public consciousness in recent years, leading to a powerful outpouring of womens experiences on the Liveline radio programme last year. With a proliferation of online support, a growing number of books on the subject, as well as two planned documentaries on Irish television, the appetite for information has never been greater. This is something Catherine OKeeffe has seen first-hand in her role as a menopause coach and through her Wellness Warrior website. Now she is gathering a host of experts and speakers for a summit in Cork that aims to support women on their menopause journey. OKeeffe says she was inspired to bring the in-person event to Cork for the first time after the success of a virtual summit held last September. We got huge feedback after the virtual event, we had more than 400 people taking part, it was brilliant. Women are desperate for information, and it is changing by the week, you want to make sure you are staying on top of it, she says. Experts from Cork taking part in the summit include menopause specialist Dr Brenda Moran who will deal with issues around HRT and consultant gynaecologist Dr Suzanne OSullivan, who will discuss pelvic/urinary conditions as well as vaginal and sexual health. Other contributors include British menopause activist Diane Danzebrink, Irish neuroscientist Dr Sabina Brennan, Cork-based skincare expert Sherna Malone, and scientist Tom Coleman who will discuss sleep challenges. Ongoing HRT shortages OKeeffe says the summit will also be a forum for topical issues such as ongoing HRT shortages which are causing significant distress for women. That is purely down to supply and demand there are so many women looking for HRT transdermally now and so few companies making it. There is no magic bullet. That will only be impacted as more companies start producing transdermal forms of HRT, which is not going to happen overnight. There needs to be more companies manufacturing HRT in a tight and controlled environment, which is very important. OKeeffe says she has made representations to the Government on behalf of women experiencing shortages and expects to discuss the matter further with political representatives at the end of the month. Also appearing at the summit will be Cork woman Kathleen Mullins who appeared on the latest series of Operation Transformation. Her struggles with her weight and other issues resonated with many women going through peri-menopause and menopause. Catherine O'Keeffe According to OKeeffe, as well as imparting important information to women, the summit also offers an opportunity to share insights with others in a supportive environment. You find when you do events, particularly around menopause, the camaraderie in the room is just magic. For women, even sitting beside each other, learning things, is valuable. It is really empowering. As for the major shift in attitude towards discussing menopause, OKeeffe says the establishment of the Womens Health Taskforce in 2019, which made it a priority, was a tipping point. That was a major catalyst for change and I think we will see more happening around that this year. One big thing is a national education programme, including a Department of Health website dedicated to menopause, which we hopefully will see before the end of this year. "It is a culmination of a lot of different things the taskforce, all the voices talking about menopause, Davina McCalls [Channel 4] documentary, the Liveline discussion; we also have two Irish documentaries on the way. I would be really hoping we would achieve a lot in the next 18 months if Minister Stephen Donnelly does everything he has committed towe will see. We are also working on getting menopause into schools and on to the SPHE curriculum. There is a lot that needs to happen but we are in a very good space. OKeeffe is also hoping that men will attend the summit. We had men at the virtual summit so I am hoping that men will come to this too, she says. Prioritising self-care OKeeffe says the summit will also be exploring the role of complementary therapies in managing menopause. She is particularly aware of the wide range of products aimed at menopausal women coming on stream and says they need to be aware of what works and what doesnt. It is something I am asked about a lot I only work with people and products that I can stand behind and vouch for. Menopause can be expensive and if you are going to spend your money, I am happier if you spend it on something that you know will help you. I have had women come to me and they bring a bag of stuff they are taking things because they were told to and they dont even know if it is helping them. There are some brilliant supplements out there, there are some that arent so good. OKeeffe acknowledges that women of menopausal age can often struggle to look after their own needs at a time when their caring, work and household responsibilities can be overwhelming. This is not self-care, its crucial care. You have to look after yourself in menopause, otherwise you will just be overtaken by the symptoms, particularly from the stress point of view, because we know that exacerbates the majority of symptoms. Ultimately, she says, knowledge is power. I always try and give women the information so they are able to make an informed choice. That is why I called it the Menopause Success Summit because I want it to be positive. That is all you want for any woman, that they dont go through the loneliness, isolation and challenging psychological symptoms that you can go through. We also want to keep it uplifting, it is really important that women come away from it empowered and thinking, right I can handle this, this isnt as scary as it is sometimes made out to be. Greta Sheahan was hyper-sensitive about her body and understandably so the 41-year-old mother of two, who runs a ladies shoe shop in Charleville, Co Cork, had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. So in late 2020, after two months of suffering constipation as well as dull ache in her lower abdomen, Greta went to her GP. I wasnt happy. I felt something funny was going on. Initially, I thought it was just stomach issues, she says. The GP did a cancer antigen (CA) 125 blood test ovarian cancer patients may have high levels of this protein. Gretas levels were slightly elevated. She was referred to a gynaecologist in Cork University Hospital (CUH), who felt her symptoms were down to abdominal issues but ordered an MRI to put her mind at ease. My instincts were telling me there was something sinister going on, says Greta. Shortly after her 2006 breast cancer diagnosis, she had tested positive for the BRCA gene. Mum to Chloe, 13, and Liam Og, 11, she opted to have risk-reduction surgery in 2012. I had a total hysterectomy removal of my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. However, in March last year, the MRI showed up stage three ovarian cancer. I couldnt believe it, says Greta. When you hear ovarian cancer you automatically think its a killer but we just had to put on our fighting caps and take it on. What made the diagnosis even more harrowing was the death of Gretas sister, Tina, from ovarian cancer just a year earlier. The weeks following her diagnosis for the same cancer were horrendous, Greta says. I had to tell my parents, my two brothers, and my brother-in-law, whod lost his wife just before leaving two small children. Following a months-long course of chemo, Greta underwent surgery. When it was finished, the surgeons said they felt theyd got all the cancer at that point. I was elated. She is now on PARP inhibitor treatment, taking four tablets a day. A new targeted treatment, it aims to put ovarian cancer patients in long-term remission. Now back working full-time, Greta feels good. My biggest issue is tiredness, I think its from the tablets, but Ill take that. Looking back on the last gruelling year, she feels her sister got her through. I found strength. Given a chance to fight, I took it. Some people arent given a chance with this disease because it can be gone so far before its found. Greta is spot on. At 71%, Ireland has one of the highest proportions of women diagnosed at an advanced stage with ovarian cancer, compared with only 13% diagnosed at an early stage, according to the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. This is partly due to the vagueness of symptoms and the similarity with other conditions, for example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, IBS rarely presents for the first time in a woman over 50. Unaware of symptoms New research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) found that 79% of women in Ireland were not confident theyd notice a symptom of ovarian cancer. When it comes to recognising warning signs, the first significant research done in Ireland on this cancer shows: 94% of respondents couldnt name change/loss of appetite as a symptom; 97% didnt recognise frequent trips to bathroom/needing to urinate often (changes in toilet habits) as a symptom; 57% didnt think changes in bowel habits could be a sign of ovarian cancer; Only 51% knew persistent pain and bloating were signs of ovarian cancer. CUH-based medical oncologist Dr Dearbhaile Collins specialises in gynaecological cancers. She says most patients she meets with new diagnoses of ovarian cancer present with stage three or stage four of the disease. Women often underestimate their symptoms, Dr Collins says. Greta Sheahan, 41, diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year pictured outside the ladies' shoe shop she runs in Charleville: Wild Pair Shoes on Main Street. Picture Dan Linehan The most common signs of ovarian cancer are encompassed by the acronym BEAT. They need to be checked out if any of them are being experienced for three weeks or more: Bloating that is persistent and doesnt come and go; Eating less and feeling full more quickly; Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days; Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits. Explaining that ovarian cancer is one of a group of silent cancers with symptoms only presenting at stage two or three of the disease, Dr Collins says women often disregard the signs. Patients say: I thought it was because I was getting older, I thought bloating was part of the menopause, she says. She also has patients who visited their GP with symptoms and got a full examination but nothing showed up and the symptoms continued. She warns: Its important, if symptoms dont resolve, to go back to the GP, who can order more comprehensive scanning tests. Being aware of and vigilant for symptoms is crucial, given theres no reliable screening method for ovarian cancer. Contrary to common misperception, ovarian cancer is not detectable through cervical screening. Dr Collins says the CA 125 blood marker can be associated with ovarian cancer but she has seen cases with no raised CA 125. Appendicitis and endometriosis can also cause high CA 125. And in some women its naturally raised anyway. Its not a good screening tool, she says. Regular ultrasounds dont identify ovarian cancer with any great accuracy either. They cause women a lot of stress when abnormal cysts are picked up. Gynaecological surgeons have ways to identify more suspicious-looking cysts, but sometimes they arent correct. What looks like a benign cyst might need follow-up. Equally, when you remove very nasty-looking cysts they can turn out to be entirely benign. Ultrasound and blood tests have not helped pick up more ovarian cancers earlier, she says. Yet early diagnosis can significantly improve survival. Of patients diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer, 83% are alive five years post-diagnosis compared to 16% of those diagnosed with stage four. Dr Collins says even diagnosing patients early in stage three can make a huge difference. Stage three means the cancer has gone outside the ovary, causing fluid build-up in the abdomen. One of the most important treatments is surgery and if the surgeon can remove all of the cancer thats visible to him/her, patients do much better. New technology Ireland has one of Europes highest death rates from ovarian cancer. Approximately 400 women here are diagnosed with the disease annually and almost 300 die from it. However, there is hope on the horizon. Dr Collins points to new technology capable of identifying biomarkers in circulating tumour cells or tumour cell fragments that can be found in the blood including those of ovarian cancer. This technology is being used for research in clinical trials in Ireland and elsewhere. Were starting to see some early results with this technology, suggesting we may be able to diagnose cancers like ovarian cancer at an earlier stage. But we still dont have concrete proof that it can detect cancers better in a larger population, she says. However, it probably does offer the key to diagnosing ovarian and other cancers, she adds. If the technology lives up to the hope, Dr Collins believes itll be 10 years before its available to all women. What is available are PARP inhibitors that target a type of enzyme that helps repair DNA damage in cells, which is offered to women with advanced ovarian cancer and is a game-changer in patient survival. These work exceptionally well at preventing ovarian cancer from relapsing for much longer. They need to be taken for up to two years after surgery. The vast majority of advanced ovarian cancer patients are eligible to receive them, she says. As co-chair of Gynae-Cancer (disease-specific sub group) Cancer Trials Ireland, Dr Collins strongly recommends ovarian cancer patients discuss clinical trials with their oncologist. Its really exciting the amount of new drugs currently being developed for ovarian cancer. The hope is to turn advanced ovarian cancer into a chronic disease that patients live with but dont die from. Meanwhile, in Charleville, Greta is fighting the good fight and urges women to listen to their bodies, even if their doctor thinks nothing is wrong. If your body is telling you something, follow it up. The body doesnt lie, she says. INGO is campaigning to highlight BEAT (ovarian cancer symptoms) and to encourage women experiencing symptoms for three weeks or more to contact their GP. On May 8, World Ovarian Cancer Day, 20 buildings countrywide will light up in teal, the international campaign colour. 400 women diagnosed annually Europe must wean itself off Russian oil and gas. Its a moral imperative. Putins brutal assault on Ukraine has brought the ethics of the marketplace into focus as never before. Every purchase has political implications; we exercise the franchise not only at the ballot box, but also in the supermarket. Ireland pioneered a version of consumer activism; thanks to the Land League, Charles Boycotts name entered the lexicon. Malta and Cyprus are vital staging posts for birds crossing the Mediterranean in spring and returning to Africa in the autumn. The unfortunate migrants, exhausted from their long flights, face a ruthless enemy. Armies of hunters, armed with guns mist-nets and bird-lime, lie in wait for them. Hundreds of thousands of birds, including species nurtured by conservationists in Europe, are slaughtered mindlessly. European Union directives demand an end to the massacres, but the destruction continues. I had resolved never to visit either island, but in 2013 there were signs of repentance in Malta; petitions were being organised. Public opinion seemed to be changing. A referendum on spring hunting, to be held in 2015, would surely succeed. I could visit Malta and Gozo with a less troubled conscience. How wrong I was. The 7ha Ghadira nature reserve in the north of the country is a Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site. It was closed to the public when I was there and fortified like an armed camp. The hostility of some locals to a foreigner wearing binoculars was palpable. I was subjected to a tirade of abuse by a local man as I walked along the public road adjoining the reserve. Later that autumn, the referendum proposal was rejected. Thinking that the bad old days were over in Cyprus, I visited that island just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Attitudes to conservation seemed positive there, nor was there hostility to wildlife tourists in rural areas. However, according to BirdLife Cyprus, the killing of migrant birds not only continues, it is increasing. The organisation which has monitored trapping levels over the past 20 years claims that 605,000 songbirds were killed last autumn. This is almost twice the number recorded the previous year, although not as many as were killed during the worst year on record; 2016. Victims are captured in mist-nets, 6.5km of which were deployed last autumn, or die lingering deaths struggling to free themselves from to glue-covered sticks. Jane Dalton, writing in the London Independent, claims that criminal gangs are supplying restaurants that offer culinary delicacies. The bird massacre is a lucrative black-market business. Thugs harass law enforcement officers. An activist with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter was attacked by masked men and severely injured. A bomb was placed on a conservationists car. The surge in this criminal activity is thought to result from a recent change in the law. In December 2019, the Cyprus government reduced the fines for using nets and birdlime, by 90%. Whereas a penalty of up to 2,000 per bird could be imposed on an offender in the past, it is now only 200. Compared to the amounts criminal gangs make, the fine is trivial. Scientists estimate that there are 600 million fewer birds breeding in Europe than there were 40 years ago. Cork University Maternity Hospital has apologised and said it is truly sorry after a mother died when she fell out of a bed while breast-feeding and her new born baby suffocated under her. Marie Downey broke her neck in the fall three days after giving birth to her third child, a son, Darragh. The Downey family counsel, Dr John OMahony SC with Doireann OMahony Bl, told the High Court this was a monumentally sad and profoundly tragic and heart-breaking case where Baby Darragh suffocated under his mother. He said when Ms Downey was removed from the ground in her hospital room and her baby was found suffocated, baby Darragh fought bravely for life but died the next day at just four days old after suffering an irreversible brain injury, counsel said. The apology came as Marie Downeys husband Kieran from Limerick settled a High Court action over the deaths of his wife and son. The hospital, in a letter of apology read to the court, said it was truly sorry and unreservedly apologised to Kieran Downey and family. In the letter, Cork University Maternity Hospital said it would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Downey his sons James, 8, and Sean, 5, and the extended family for the events that occurred while Marie and Darragh were under the care of CUMH which resulted in the tragic loss of their lives in March 2019". The letter added: We cannot possibly comprehend the devastating impact these losses have had on you, James and Sean. On behalf of the staff of CUMH, especially those who were involved in the care of Marie and baby Darragh, we are truly sorry and wish to express our deepest sympathies and regret. Dr John OMahony told the court it was a life changing tragic episode for the Downey family. "They are going to live with this for the rest of their lives, he added. Mr Downey, it was claimed, was rocked to the core when his newborn son was found on the hospital floor with his dead mother partially on top of him. Counsel said the 35-year-old mother, who was known to have epilepsy, was breastfeeding when she fell from the bed. Marie fell from the bed on top of Baby Darragh. It is tragic on what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the family, looking forward to the third addition to their family, he said. Kieran Downey, husband of the late Marie Downey. File picture: Cork Courts Limited Kieran Downey, 40, Knockanevin, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, had sued the HSE over the death of his wife and four-day-old baby. He also brought an action for nervous shock. Baby Darragh, the Downeys' third child, was born on March 22, 2019, weighing 3.76kg and was in excellent condition. The third stage of labour, it was claimed, was complicated by postpartum haemorrhage, excessive bleeding and it was claimed Ms. Downey lost half of her circulating blood volume. There was, it was claimed, a failure to intervene in circumstances where intervention was clearly warranted and a failure to appreciate that the loss of that amount of blood would have been sufficient to cause the mother to feel exhausted, fatigued, and tired, which were known to be the triggers for seizures in her case. Ms Downey was allowed to stay unobserved in a single room when breastfeeding and no attention was paid to safety measures such as the provision of cot sides, it was claimed. There was also a failure to appreciate that the mother should not have been accommodated in a single room except in circumstances where there would be continuous observation by a carer. The decision to place Ms Downey in a single room without supervision was an ultimately fatal decision, it was contended, and there was a failure to recognise that breastfeeding would be a potentially dangerous time for any mother with a history of postnatal seizures. There was, it was submitted, a failure to pay heed to the fact that Ms Downey herself had warned of the dangers of her seizing while breastfeeding unsupervised, and a failure to adequately monitor the mother while she was breastfeeding alone in a single room. Negligence and breach of duty admitted The HSE admitted negligence and breach of duty. A post mortem on Ms Downey reported she died of a broken neck following a fall three days after she gave birth and secondary to epilepsy. The post mortem on Baby Darragh showed findings consistent with the baby being compressed beneath his mother and the floor. Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Kieran Downey and family. He said nothing could prepare them for this extraordinary tragedy and it was hard to imagine the tragedy that occurred. Ukraine, with some western help, has won a great victory, and the original aim of Russias invasion to capture Kyiv and replace the Ukrainian government has been utterly defeated. The Russian army has now regrouped in the east for a much more limited objective: that of capturing the whole of the Russian-populated Donbas region, which Moscow has already recognised as independent. If the Russian army can achieve this in the coming weeks then we cannot say for sure what Moscows next move would be. However, Russia has suffered huge casualties among its elite troops, and even taking the relatively small city of Mariupol has taken two months and required reducing the city to ruins. In view of this, a further Russian campaign to capture much bigger cities such as Odesa looks implausible, and it seems possible Russia could go on the defensive, and offer a ceasefire and peace talks. Putin will pretend to the Russian people that taking a bit of extra territory in the Donbas has been a victory for Russia, but there is no need for the west to agree with him. The truth is that this war has proved a military, political and moral catastrophe for Russia. The reputation of the Russian army has been shredded; Russias economy is badly damaged; and the European Union is moving with surprising speed and resolution to end its dependence on Russian oil and, more slowly, gas. This would suggest that in future, Russia will be dependent on China as a market for its gas meaning both political subordination to China and its ability to set the price for it. Read More Ukraine repels Russian attacks as Mariupol plant battle rages Wider implications What are the wider implications of Russias defeat? The first is that on the most important issue by far that of Ukraines sovereignty, independence and western alignment Ukraine (and the west) have already won. That should allow a degree of flexibility when it comes to compromises over territorial issues, especially since most of the territories concerned have been held by Russia since 2014. Second, if there ever was a Russian plan to use Ukraine as a springboard for further aggression, that too is now over. If the Russian army cannot capture cities less than 20 miles from Russia, it is hardly likely to invade Nato. Anna Shevchenko, 35, next to her home in Irpin, near Kyiv, after her house, built by her grandparents, was nearly completely destroyed by bombing. Picture: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti Russia will no doubt defend the positions it already holds, in defence of breakaway territories in Moldova, Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh. If the war in Ukraine continues, there will be an increasing danger that Georgia and Azerbaijan will again seek to recover their lost territory by force. The result would be a much wider and even more dangerous conflict. Such an extension of the war will be greatly encouraged if Ukraine becomes a US proxy war against Russia, as the Biden administration apparently now intends. The defence secretary Lloyd Austin has said the US should use the war in Ukraine to weaken Russia in order to prevent it invading more countries. Important voices in the US and Britain have said we should help Ukraine to win a complete victory, by which they seem to mean drive Russia from all the territories it has taken since 2014, and impose such a humiliating defeat that the Putin regime is overthrown. Incredibly, it has been suggested that US support for the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the 1980s with all its appalling consequences for Afghanistan, the US and the Middle East is some sort of positive model for this. Sanctions Western public acceptance for the economic suffering created by sanctions has been mobilised through the argument that this is necessary to defend Ukraine and stop Russian aggression. Permanently weakening or even destroying Russia is a very different matter. Support for Ukraine is legitimate and necessary, but it has also already achieved its most important goal: that of preserving Ukrainian independence and sovereignty over the great majority of Ukrainian territory, and deterring further Russian aggression. It is also horribly dangerous. In the first place, for the Ukrainians to attack entrenched Russian positions across open country would be a very different matter from defending Ukrainian cities. The tactical advantage would inevitably shift to Russia. Ukraine could thereby suffer immense losses and turn victory into defeat. A man cooks next to his house in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine. Picture: AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov If, on the other hand, Ukraine with western backing did seem on the verge of complete victory, the threat to Putins regime and to Russian vital interests would be such that it really would seem possible Russia might escalate to missile strikes against Nato supply lines in Poland, in an effort to terrify France and Germany into making a separate peace. Once a Nato member is attacked, there will be tremendous pressure in the US to declare a no-fly zone in Ukraine in other words, to send the US air force into action to support the Ukrainian forces on the ground. Some of these planes will then be shot down by missile batteries based in Russia itself. How long would the US accept these casualties before launching attacks on Russian territory? We would then be faced with a prospect that, during the cold war, eight US presidents took great care to avoid: Russia and Nato firing missiles into each others territory, and a direct conflict in Europe between two nuclear superpowers, with the ability between them to destroy humanity. US presidents did not exercise this restraint out of sympathy for the Soviet Union, but from a cold calculation of the terrible risks involved. And running these risks is unnecessary, given the strategic defeat we have already helped to inflict on Russia. Anatol Lieven is a senior fellow of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and author of Ukraine and Russia: A Fraternal Rivalry The Guardian China's Youth Day is observed on May 4 to honor the May Fourth Movement of 1919. As a defining moment in China's modern history, it ushered in Chinese patriotism and democratic endeavor. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has expressed his hopes and expectations for the youth on many occasions. "Every year around May 4, I reserve time for young people, listen to them and chat with them," Xi once said. The following are some highlights of his quotes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Thursday for a two- day tour to West Bengal. This is Shah's first tour to the state after the 2021 Assembly polls. Incidentally, on this day last year, Mamata Banerjee was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal for the third consecutive programme. From Kolkata, Shah will reach Hingalganj in the Indo-Bangladesh border area in North 24 Parganas district. He will inaugurate six modern floating border outposts (BOP) of the Border Security Force (BSF) and also a boat ambulance to provide medical assistance in the inaccessible area of Sundarbans from Saheb Khali to Shamsher Nagar. The BOPs are named as Sutlej, Narmada, Kaveri, Ganga, Sabarmati and Krishna. The number of floating BOPs has been increased to enhance surveillance in the inaccessible areas of Sunderbans, the BSF said. After inaugurating the floating BOPs, he will also lay the foundation stone of Maitri Sangrahalaya (museum) located at BOP Haridaspur and will attend Prahari Sammelan. In Haridaspur the Union home minister will also have his lunch along with the BSF personnel and officers. From there he will head to Siliguri in North Bengal's Darjeeling district and address a public rally at Railway Institute Ground. There is also a possibility of the Home Minister having a meeting with the representatives of different political and non-political organisations based out of Darjeeling this evening. All eyes are now on his public rally at Siliguri where he is expected to give a message to the BJP workers in the state in the backdrop of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. On May 6, Union Home Minister will be visiting the Teen Bigha and will interact with the BSF personnel at the BOP Jhikabari at 9.30 a.m. in Cooch Behar district while in the afternoon, he will be meeting the MPs, MLAs and state office-bearers at Hotel Westin in Kolkata. After meeting with the BJP leaders, Shah will attend the 'Mukti-Matrika', a cultural event by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the inscription of Durga Puja on the UNESCO list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' at 6 p.m. at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. This will be his first visit to the state after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly poll wherein the party could not defeat the ruling All India Trinamool Congress which eventually came to power again. Burma KIA Spurns Myanmar Juntas Invitation to Join Peace Talks KIA troops are seen at the ethnic armed groups headquarters Laiza, Kachin State. / The Irrawaddy One of Myanmars most powerful ethnic armed groups, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), wont join the regimes peace talks, saying they exclude relevant stakeholders and their agenda lacks any discussion of ongoing issues in the country. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing late last month invited the leaders of all the countrys ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) for talks to end armed conflict. Myanmar has around 20 EAOs, of which only 10 have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement so far. The KIA has yet to sign it. In his invitation, Min Aung Hlaing said he would talk to EAO leaders openly and sincerely for the sake of peace. Several EAOs have rejected the offer. In a statement released on Thursday, the Central Committee of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the political wing of the KIA, said it received the regimes notification of the talks on Monday. It said the invitation excluded some stakeholders who should join the talks, adding that the agenda did not include discussions of the most important issues Myanmar is now facing. Myanmar has been in social and political turmoil since the military seized power from the countrys democratically elected government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, 2021. More than one year on, the junta is still struggling with unwavering anti-regime armed resistance across the country. So, the KIO will join only when all relevant stakeholders are able to discuss the countrys issues in an equal manner, it said. A Myanmar political analyst said that while the statement doesnt specifically mention who the relevant stakeholders are, it could be interpreted as referring to Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force (PDF), as 70 percent of the fighting the regime is facing today in the country is with the PDFs. Min Aung Hlaings invitation excludes both the NUG and PDF, while welcoming all EAOs. The regime has branded the NUG and PDFs as terrorist groups. The NUG was formed after the coup by lawmakers from Myanmars ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) and their ethnic allies to challenge the regimes legitimacy at home and abroad. Many in Myanmar take the NUG as their legitimate government, while some Western countries are also informally engaging with the parallel government. The junta chiefs request for talks comes as his regime faces the most serious challenges to its attempt to rule the country since the military staged a coup last year. So far the regime has still not been able to bring the country under its control. The armed wings of some powerful EAOs, including the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), are working with the NUG and fighting alongside resistance forces against regime troops, inflicting heavy casualties. Others are unofficially supporting the resistance movement. Founded in 1961, the KIO is one of Myanmars oldest revolutionary ethnic groups. It signed a peace deal with Myanmars central government in 1994 but it collapsed in 2011 and fighting has resumed. As a consequence of the KIOs rejection on the peace talks, the political analyst said, there would be more fighting in Kachin, Chin, Sagaing and Magwe, where the KIA is active along with the PDFs. Also, there will be more military tension in northern Shan State, where the KIA and its allies the Arakan Army [AA], the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army [MNDAA] and the Taang National Liberation Army [TNLA] are active, he said. So far, the AA, MNDAA and TNLA havent publicly responded to the invitation. The KIOs rejection of the peace talks came after the NUGs acting president warned EAOs not to accept the juntas invitation, saying military regimes rarely keep their promises. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Regime Looking to Misuse NLDs Name for Political Purposes, Party Warns Thai, Malaysian firms pull out of Myanmar gasfield project Myanmar Junta Ministers Denounce West in Plea for Chinese Investment Burma Myanmar Junta Burn Over 1,300 Houses in Four Days in Northwest Houses razed by junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militias in Khin-U. / Khin-U Information More than 1,300 houses were razed by Myanmar junta arson attacks in villages in Ayadaw, Shwebo and Khin-U townships in Sagaing Region from April 29 to May 2, with thousands fleeing from their homes. One village in Ayadaw and Khin-U and two villages in Shwebo were torched by junta soldiers and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militias, who reportedly shelled the villages before setting the houses on fire. Around 200 junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia fighters raided Ma Lae Tha and Kan Yin villages in Ayadaw on May 2 and torched houses in Ma Lae Tha. There was no fighting between them and the PDF [peoples defense forces] but they torched houses anyway. Almost all the houses in the village were burned. All the villagers fled on May 2, said a Ma Lae Tha villager, who saw his village the following day. Ma Lae Tha is at the border of Ayadaw and Myinmu townships and has more than 1,000 households. Some 700 houses were reportedly burned down. Resistance groups attacked junta troops but were outnumbered and outgunned and had to withdraw, said a member of the Peoples Guerillas Commando in Myinmu. Junta troops raided Ma Lae Tha and Kan Yin villages in Ayadaw and Padat Dine village in Myinmu in October and December last year. At least 10 civilians were killed in Padat Dine in regime air strikes, according to Ayadaw Information, an anti-regime group documenting clashes. Some 300 junta troops from Light Infantry Battalion 216 and Pyu Saw Htee militias deployed at Khun Taung Gyi village in Shwebo torched houses in Kyar village from April 29 to May 1. More than 340 houses, including a monastery, were razed to the ground. Kyar village is at the border of Shwebo and Khin-U townships with around 1,500 households. Junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee looted valuables before setting the houses on fire, said residents. We heard loud bangs on April 29 and they came, firing their guns. We fled. Some hid in forests and some are staying with relatives, said a Kyar villager. In Htan Pin Kaung village more than 40 houses were destroyed. They then raided Nyaungbintha where they clashed with resistance forces, according to resistance group Night Hunter LPDF. They raided Kyar because they thought there were resistance forces there. We fought with other resistance groups when they attacked Nyaungbintha and they withdrew. They suffered casualties, said Bo Ye Khaung of Night Hunter LPDF. Some resistance fighters who entered the village to carry out rescue work following the fighting were killed by junta artillery strikes, he said. A 40-year-old man was killed when around 100 junta troops raided Inpat village in Khin-U Township on May 2. More than 300 houses were burned in the village which has over 500 households. It was the fifth attack on Inpat, according to the Khin-U Support Organization. We put out the fire in Inpat on May 3. But 305 houses, 10 cattle, water pumps, 20 harvesters, 40 motorbikes and bicycles were lost on May 2, said a member of the Khin-U Support Organization. More than 4,000 villagers from four villages, including some 2,000 from Inpat alone, in Khin-U were forced to flee their homes on May 2. More than 10,000 people have been displaced by junta raids in Khin-U, forcing resistance groups to carry out rescue and relief work. We could not repulse the troops because of superior numbers and weapons. So we can only provide rescue and relief. We are rescuing the elderly, women and children where possible, said Bo Ye Khaung. Resistance groups from Shwebo have rescued six civilians, including women and children injured by artillery strikes and provided medical treatment, following instructions from striking health staff. You may also like these stories: EU Adds More Myanmar Companies, Regime Officials to Sanctions List Junta-Appointed Chief Minister Attacked For Sixth Time in Upper Myanmar Myanmar People Urged to Join Six Twos Revolution General Strike Against Regime Burma Myanmar Junta Cancels Chinese-Backed Solar Power Projects Myanmars first solar power plant in Minbu, Magwe Region. / Facebook Myanmars military regime has cancelled tenders invited under the now-ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government for 26 solar power projects, and blacklisted the companies for breaching tender regulations. In May 2020, the NLD government invited bids for the construction of 29 ground-mounted solar projects capable of generating a total of 1 gigawatt of power under a 20-year build, operate and own contract. Chinese companies and their consortia won the bids to build 28 out of the 29 plants, according to results released by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy in September 2020. However, only three solar projects are currently being implemented and Chinese firms have stalled on the other projects. The juntas blacklisting of the firms came after it replaced electricity and energy Minister U Aung Than Oo earlier this week with U Thaung Han, the former chairman of the Mandalay Electricity Supply Corporation, with the stated purpose of better implementing the electricity and energy sector amid serious power outages in Myanmar. An office letter of the Electricity Supply Enterprise seen by The Irrawaddy reveals that among the companies blacklisted are Sungrow Power Supply Co, Consortium of SPIC Yunnan International Power Investment Co, Khaing Lon Gem, China Machinery Engineering Corporation, Consortium of Shwe Taung Development Co & GCL System Integration Technology, Consortium of China Gezhouba Group Oversea Investment Company and Future Energy Company Limited and XIan LONGi Clean Energy Company. Chinas Sungrow Power Supply Co won tenders to implement 12 solar projects, the maximum number of projects among the tender winners. The minimum investment was set at US$20 million (25.8 billion kyats) per site, with each project expected to generate 30 to 40 megawatts of electricity. The proposed sites are in Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magwe, Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyitaw and Yangon regions. Tender winners were announced in October 2020, but Chinese firms have repeatedly postponed signing the power purchase agreements after the military seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021. The companies have therefore breached the tender regulations, said the Electricity Supply Enterprise letter. Chinese companies won the tenders by offering to sell electricity at prices between 3.5 and 5.1 US cents (45-65 kyats) for 1 kilowatt of electricity, a rate much lower than those quoted by other regional and western companies. You may also like these stories: Ethnic Minorities Eye Autonomy in Post-Junta Myanmar Regime Forces Loot and Torch Over 200 Houses in Upper Myanmar Myanmar Junta Officially Endorses Militias to Attack Anti-Regime Civilians Burma Myanmar Junta Court Rejects Suu Kyi Corruption Appeal Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyitaw in 2020 / The Irrawaddy A Myanmar junta court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi against a fiveyear sentence for corruption handed down last week, a junta spokesman told AFP. Since a coup ousted her government in February last year, plunging Myanmar into upheaval, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been in military custody and faces a raft of charges that could jail her for more than 150 years. Last week the Nobel laureate was convicted of accepting a bribe of US$600,000 cash and gold barsa charge she said was absurd, according to her lawyer. The juntas Union Supreme Court rejected the appeal of her sentence, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told AFP. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will challenge the latest decision in a higher court, a source with knowledge of the case told AFP after the ruling. She had decided to continue till the end of the process to check the situation of the rule of law here, the source said. There was no date given for the fresh appeal, which will be heard in the Union Supreme Court in front of two judges. Before her corruption conviction, 76-yearold Daw Aung San Suu Kyi had already been sentenced to six years in jail for incitement against the military, breaching COVID-19 rules and breaking a telecommunications law. Appeals against those convictions are currently pending in the courts, the source said. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will remain under house arrest at an unknown location in the militarybuilt capital Naypyitaw while she fights the other charges. She faces a raft of other trials, including for allegedly violating the Official Secrets Act, several counts of corruption and electoral fraud. Journalists have been barred from attending the court hearings and Daw Aung San Suu Kyis lawyers have been banned from speaking to the media. Sport in a court The rejection of the appeal marked another stage in the show trial, David Mathieson, an independent analyst working on Myanmar, told AFP. This is sport in a court, a form of mental cruelty. Under a previous junta regime, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi spent long spells under house arrest in her familys colonialera lakeside mansion in Yangon, Myanmars largest city. Today, she is confined to an undisclosed location in the capital, with her links to the outside world limited to brief pretrial meetings with her lawyers. The junta has rebuffed requests by foreign diplomats to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi while she is on trial. The coup last year sparked widespread protests and unrest that the military has sought to crush by force. Fighting has flared with established ethnic rebel groups in border areas and across the country Peoples Defense Force groups have sprung up to fight junta troops. According to a local monitoring group, the crackdown has left more than 1,800 civilians dead while over 13,000 have been arrested. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been the face of Myanmars democratic hopes for more than 30 years, but her earlier sentences already mean she is likely to miss elections the junta has said it plans to hold by next year. You may also like these stories: EU Adds More Myanmar Companies, Regime Officials to Sanctions List Junta-Appointed Chief Minister Attacked For Sixth Time in Upper Myanmar Myanmar People Urged to Join Six Twos Revolution General Strike Against Regime Burma Myanmar Junta Forces Shoot Dead Five Resistance Fighters in Mandalay The Green House Inn / Facebook Five members of a local Peoples Defense Force (PDF) group were killed in Mandalay on Tuesday afternoon after exchanging gunfire with regime troops, according to a resistance force member. The resistance fighters from Myitnge PDF were at the Green House Inn in Chanmyathazi Township when a large number of junta troops surrounded the guesthouse and fired shots at it, said a member of Myitnge PDF. A wounded member was taken to a clinic and he felt faint on the way back, so they took a rest at that inn. A military informant tipped the regime off. They fought back, but they were outnumbered and all were killed, he said. Among the resistance fighters killed were a co-leader and four members of the Myitnge PDF. Resistance group Rangers of Mandalay (ROM) expressed its condolences over the deaths of the slain PDF fighters. Bo Phoenix from ROM said: We are upset that we could do nothing to help them. We urge people to help each other, and be aware of the revolution. Dont forget that underground resistance forces are making sacrifices that no one knows about. The military regime said security forces went to conduct a check after receiving a tip-off that injured people were at the Green House Inn, and an exchange of fire took place after those inside refused to open the door and started firing. As they jumped down onto the house next door, security forces fired shots as they attempted to arrest them, the regime said. Four men and a woman were killed and a pistol, nine bullets and a grenade seized from them, it said in a report. Buddhist monk U Aggawunsa, the organizer of a Pyigyitagun Township anti-coup protest column, said: The regime is brutally oppressing overt and underground revolutionaries. Lately, it has started to kill revolutionaries on the spot without detaining them legally. I urge all to take greater caution as it is committing extrajudicial acts. Junta troops raided a Myitnge PDF base near Myotha town in Nganzun Township on March 30. In the raid, two resistance fighters were killed and 29 detained, and food supplies, some weapons and motorbikes were seized. Myitnge PDF has been engaged in mine attacks against junta troops and urban junta outposts. On April 18, five men and a woman from the urban guerilla resistance group Truth Keeping Force based in Mandalays Amarapura Township were arrested and a vehicle, two motorbikes and weapons and ammunition were seized from them as they were returning from an operation. Their whereabouts are still unknown, and the regime has not yet reported their arrest. You may also like these stories: EU Adds More Myanmar Companies, Regime Officials to Sanctions List Junta-Appointed Chief Minister Attacked For Sixth Time in Upper Myanmar Myanmar People Urged to Join Six Twos Revolution General Strike Against Regime Burma Myanmar Shadow Govt to Sell Shares in Junta Chiefs Residence for $100 Each An aerial view of the neighborhood surrounding Min Aung Hlaing's residence near Yangon's Inya Lake. Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG) said on Thursday that it would sell shares in the Inya Lake residence of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing for US$100 each. The residence, known as 14 Inya and located at No. 14 Inya Road in an affluent neighborhood in Yangon, used to be a military guesthouse, commonly referred to as the military intelligence guesthouse, where military leaders received foreign diplomats and ethnic armed organization leaders. In his heyday as the military spy chief in the 1990s, ex-general Khin Nyunt would celebrate Thingyan, the water festival that marks Myanmars New Year, at the guesthouse together with military leaders and artists. But since becoming military chief in 2011, Min Aung Hlaing has made the guesthouse his own mansion. NUG Planning, Finance and Investment Minister U Tin Tun Naing said he would later announce the date on which the mansion will be officially put on sale, and a list of agents worldwide who can be contacted about purchasing shares. The ministry said in its announcement that those interested can buy shares from their closest international agent. The residence sits in a compound measuring 1.86 acres (0.75 hectares) and is worth US$30 million at market rates. However, the NUG will sell 100,000 shares for only $10 million, or one-third of the market value, according to the announcement. To gauge potential interest in the sale, the ministry surveyed 18,000 individuals over six days. Of the respondents, 97 percent said they would buy shares in the mansion, offering a total amount of $17 million. Around the end of April, the NUG announced its plan to sell the junta chiefs residence to raise funds for the revolution against his regime. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Rejects ASEAN Envoys Request to Meet Shadow Govt Representatives Myanmar Junta Team to Make 1st Appearance Before ICJ in Rohingya Genocide Case Junta Watch: Military Throws a Party as COVID Rages; Another ASEAN Snub and More Burma Myanmars Civilian Government Passes Police Law for its Controlled Areas Police in Naypyitaw after the 2021 coup. / The Irrawaddy The legislative body of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG) has enacted its Peoples Police Force Law to regulate law enforcement in areas controlled by resistance forces. The legislative body, known as the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), represents National League for Democracy parliamentarians ousted in the 2021 coup. Pyidaungsu Hluttaw means Union Parliament. Under the law, the Peoples Police Force will soon be established under the civilian Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. The civilian home affairs and immigration minister U Lwin Ko Latt said: After we form the police force, we will be able to upgrade law enforcement from accepting complaints to prosecuting. The ministry has so far received more than 400 complaints about junta atrocities against civilians. The CRPH said the law will take legal action against the military leaders who seized power illegally, expose the crimes committed by the regime against civilians and punish the perpetrators and those who misappropriate resources during military rule. Under the law, police are required to work with the civil administration to prevent crime. The law aims to build a police force that is trusted, respected and relied upon by all ethnicities. The NUG has primarily installed interim parallel administrations in Sagaing and Magwe regions. The police, peoples administration and justice ministry of the NUG will work together for law enforcement, the shadow government said. Interim administrations are operating in Indaw, Kyunhla, Wuntho, Katha, Tigyaing, Kanbalu, Banmauk, Pinlebu and Kawlin townships in Sagaing Region and are being expanded to 19 other townships in Sagaing. Six townships have parallel administrations in Magwe Region, according to the NUGs home affairs ministry. The NUGs Ministry of Justice has formed judicial systems in those townships. On April 30, the ministry held a virtual meeting with judges from the 17 townships to discuss the administering of justice. The Peoples Police Force will be formed with striking police officers, those who retired before the coup and civilian volunteers. The NUG recently said 2,937 striking police officers were working with its ministry, and hundreds more officers who have not joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM) but are assisting the NUG. Among striking police officers cooperating with the NUG are two majors, 12 captains, 44 lieutenant and 82 second lieutenants, the civilian government claimed. More than 6,000 police officers have joined the CDM since the coup, according to groups helping those on strike. Police forces have been formed from striking officers in Kale Township in Sagaing Region and Gangaw District in Magwe Region since December 2021. They work in cooperation with the NUG. In Kayah State, the Karenni State Police has been formed independently of the NUG. Under the Peoples Police Force Law, officers are required to follow the federal charter, human rights norms and respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities. The law bars racial discrimination, torturing prisoners and criminals, abuse of power, and looting and damaging possessions. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Junta Rejects ASEAN Envoys Request to Meet Shadow Govt Representatives Myanmar Junta Team to Make 1st Appearance Before ICJ in Rohingya Genocide Case Junta Watch: Military Throws a Party as COVID Rages; Another ASEAN Snub and More Guest Column US Drug and Arms Arrests Smear Myanmar Ethnic Armed Organization Feature: KNU soldiers parade for the 70th anniversary of the Karen revolution at their base on the Thai-Myanmar border in 2019. / AFP At a first glance, it seemed like a major achievement by a group of United States crime fighters. An undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent posing as a narcotics and weapons trafficker had managed to secure evidence leading to the arrest of a leader of a Yakuza organized crime gang, as well as of three Thais of whom two have military backgrounds, over a plot to use drugs as payment for sophisticated US-made weaponry. According to documents supplied by the DEA to a court in New York on January 19 and made public in April, three ethnic armies in Myanmar the Karen National Union (KNU), the Shan State Army (SSA) and the United Wa State Army (UWSA) needed the weapons, including ten FIM-92J Stinger surface-to-air-missiles, automatic rifles and mortars for their fight against the Myanmar junta. The payment for the whole shipment would be 500 kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 kilograms of heroin or US$40 million, presumably in cash or by bank transfer. The court document also states that the buyers would build an airstrip to receive delivery of the weapons by cargo plane. But to anyone familiar with the Golden Triangle drug trade, this sounds a highly unlikely story. The KNU has for more than a year been subjected to aerial attacks launched by the Myanmar Air Force, and so would need such MANPADS, or man-portable defense systems, but the group would not be able to produce any drugs to pay for them because it has never been involved in the narcotics trade, nor would it have US$40 million in its coffers. The SSA, which here is the Shan State Army-South, the armed wing of the Thai-border based Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) [the rival SSA-North is based in northern Shan State and is the armed wing of the Shan State Progress Party], on October 15, 2015 became one of the signatories of what the Myanmar authorities call the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Thus, it is not engaged in any war with the Myanmar military. The court document goes on to state that the UWSA needs the weapons because they are fighting the government of Myanmar but, as anyone following events in the countrys frontier areas knows, that is utterly incorrect. The UWSA has not signed the NCA but it has had an informal ceasefire agreement with Myanmars central authorities since 1989. The Wa have a formidable armed force, probably as many as 20,000 or 30,000 men, but the only battles the UWSA has fought since 1989 are with the RCSS and its predecessor, the Mong Tai Army of the late druglord Khun Sa. And neither of those groups has or has had any aircraft that would have to be shot down. Although the UWSA is not fighting the Myanmar army, it keeps a vast arsenal of weapons to deter any attempt by central authorities to move into its areas along the Myanmar-China border and that includes a significant number of Chinese-made FN-6 MANPADS. In other words, there is no reason why the Wa would want to buy expensive and more-difficult-to-use American Stingers. Then there is the question of the airfield the buyers were supposed to build for the cargo plane that was going to deliver the goods to them. How on earth would that work? And how would any cargo plane loaded with heavy weapons be able to fly undetected through Thai airspace which it would have to then land at some clearing in the jungle and take off again? That detail alone lends credence to the suggestion by local sources in the area that this is nothing more than a cock-and-bull story. A closer look at the names mentioned in the court document also reinforces that conclusion. The alleged leader of the Yakuza transnational organized crime syndicate, who was going to supply the weapons is identified as Takeshi Ebisawa and the document even has a picture of him showing one of the MANPADS at a meeting with the undercover DEA agent. But Yakuza is the common name for a wide range of minor, middle-sized and larger Japanese crime syndicates and the name of this particular group is not mentioned anywhere in the submission to the court. Regardless of the size of the group, the leader himself would in any way not be involved in such deals; that is something his underlings would do in order to give their boss plausible deniability if anyone is caught. The question of the actual identities of the three Thai middlemen is also a mystery. One of them, Suksan Bobby Jullanan, is referred to as a Thai air force general. But the Royal Thai Air Force does not have any generals. The highest rank is that of Air Chief Marshal followed by an Air Marshal, an Air Vice Marshal and so on. The second Thai defendant, Sompak Rukrasaranee, is supposed to be a retired Thai military officer. But no former rank or name of the regiment he once, allegedly, belonged to are mentioned in the documents. The third, Somphop Singhasiri is identified only as a Thai national. And then there is a CC-1, or Co-Conspirator 1, who is not named but is described as the chairman of the Restoration Council of Shan State. That, of course, is Yawd Serk, who is not an underground figure or a fugitive from justice. He has taken part in several peace talks with the Myanmar military and traveled freely to and from Yangon as well as Naypyitaw. Curiously, a fourth prospective buyer is also named in the documents: the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a group that was completely crushed by the Sri Lankan army in 2009. But the DEA seems to believe that the LTTE continues to attract international financial support. Apparently, Ebisawa had some contacts with an unnamed former LTTE official who it is unclear is either in prison in India or has been released due to efforts of the alleged Yakuza leader. In the end, all that the DEA appears to have ended up with is the arrest of a talkative Japanese fraudster and three Thai conmen who no one inside Myanmar seems to have heard of. That, in turn, raises the question whether pure incompetence and ignorance of the situation of the ground led to those arrests, of if there could be a more sinister agenda behind this remarkably implausible story. Could it even be the outcome of an interdepartmental feud within the US administration? That is an issue that has troubled Myanmar policymakers in Washington for decades. The US State Department has always been consistent in its support for Myanmars pro-democracy forces and opposition to autocratic, military rule. The DEAs agents, on the other hand, have been much more willing to cooperate with the Myanmar military because they believe they are on the same side in the war on drugs and despite that fact that much of the drug trade is carried out by local, government-recognized militias. After the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and the massacres of demonstrators in Yangon and cities and towns all over the country, the then US ambassador Burton Levin was firm in his condemnation of the then junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), and ordered his staff to cease regular meetings with the military authorities. The first to ignore those directives was DEA agent Gregory Korniloff, who was told to leave Yangon in December 1988 after making an unsuccessful attempt to arrange an unauthorized meeting with officials of the Myanmar militarys intelligence service. At the time, Korniloff was said to be eager to resume normal ties with the military leadership in Yangon, which he claimed had made significant headway in fighting the narcotics trade. The controversy reached new heights in March 1991, when it was discovered that another Yangon-based DEA officer, Angelo Saladino, had authored a secret memorandum addressed to Myanmars powerful and ruthless intelligence chief, Major General Khin Nyunt. Dated March 15, 1991, the letter listed in detail the various ways that the Myanmar military might try to impress the US Government as well as United Nations agencies. It also provided specific suggestions on ways to deprive many of Myanmars most vocal critics of some of their shopworn, yet effective weapons in the campaign to discredit [Myanmars] narcotics program. Finally, Saladino recommended several options to the junta for silencing its most biased critics. It took some time before Washington discovered the memorandum. When noises were made, Saladino reportedly flew back to the DEAs headquarters in the US at his own expense. He managed to convince his superiors that he had not, after all, sent the memorandum to Khin Nyunt. A compromise was reached with the State Department: Saladino had his tour of duty in Myanmar officially curtailed but was allowed to serve out his term which only had a few more months to run. It is too early to say whether history is repeating itself, but by dragging the KNU into this conundrum, the DEA is discrediting an ethnic group which is serving as host for hundreds of pro-democracy activists who, since last years February 1 coup, have sought refuge in the areas near the Thai border that the KNU controls. Many are involved in armed struggle, while others are running news and blog sites on the internet and getting support from the US government and private donors. How, and if, this court case will affect that support remains to be seen. But the DEA, eager to resume contacts with Myanmars military authorities, has done the pro-democracy movement a huge disservice and on dubious grounds which will not have any impact on the flow of narcotics out of Southeast Asia. Entrapment is illegal in most countries [but not the US] because law enforcement officers are supposed to fight crime, not encourage easily-duped individuals to commit ones. And all that the DEA has been able to produce when it comes to drugs is a photograph allegedly sent by Signal to or from Singhasiri (spelt Sanghasiri on the screengrab) showing a bag of Double UO Globe heroin which could have been taken anytime and even downloaded from the internet. You may also like these stories: Myanmars Revolution Must Succeed: NUG Humanitarian Minister Regime Forces Loot and Torch Over 200 Houses in Upper Myanmar Myanmar Junta Officially Endorses Militias to Attack Anti-Regime Civilians Internet services were on Thursday suspended for 24 hours in Bhilwara city of Rajasthan, informed district collector Ashish Modi, following an incident of violence in Sanganer area of the city last night. At least two persons were attacked by some unknown people while having food, news agency ANI reported quoting the district collector. Their bike was also set ablaze. We are investigating the matter, he said. It is not clear as of yet if it was an incident of communal violence. Over the past few weeks, several incidents of religious clashes have been reported across India, including in Rajasthan. Clashes broke out on Eid in Jodhpur, following which the authorities imposed a curfew in the district and also shut down the internet. With an Australian presence that includes more than 30 customer-facing staff and a customer list that includes Atlassian, Appliances Online and Sidekicker, Intercom has introduced local data hosting to provide customers with a faster experience and the ability to comply with Australian Privacy Principles. "We have very intentionally invested in a strong security and compliance posture, so companies all over the world and of all sizes can use the Intercom platform with confidence," said Intercom CTO Darragh Curran. "We ensure our customers' more important data is hosted within a desired jurisdiction, so they can concentrate on what's most important to them growing their business and building relationships with their customers through Intercom. "We first launched our European data hosting offering in November 2021 and the demand has been phenomenal, particularly with customers who have regulatory or compliance requirements to host data in the European Union. "It was the biggest infrastructure project our engineering team had taken on, but gave us the necessary blueprint to continue to expand our data hosting to other regions and provide customers with the same security and speed benefits." Curran emphasised the company's commitment to strong security and compliance measures, including multi-region data hosting and industry certifications such as SOC 2 and HIPAA. "We have many customers in Australia and know that regional data hosting is something that many companies are now seeking," said Intercom CEO Karen Peacock. Satnam Narang: "The flaw resides in the REST component of BIG-IPs iControl, an open API used for the management and configuration of these devices." Security firm F5 has disclosed a critical vulnerability in its BIG-IP product, a family of hardware and software solutions that are used for application delivery and centralised device management. The flaw is in the iControl REST component of BIG-IP. Regarding its impact, F5 said in an advisory: "This vulnerability may allow an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the BIG-IP system through the management port and/or self IP addresses to execute arbitrary system commands, create or delete files, or disable services. "There is no data plane exposure; this is a control plane issue only." Satnam Narang, staff research engineer with security firm Tenable, told iTWire in response to queries that the disclosure of the critical flaw was part of F5s Quarterly Security Notifications. "The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-1388, is an authentication bypass vulnerability that was assigned a CVSSv3 score of 9.8," he explained. "It could be exploited by an unauthenticated attacker capable of accessing the management port and/or self IP addresses of devices that use BIG-IP. "The flaw resides in the REST component of BIG-IPs iControl, an open API used for the management and configuration of these devices. "Historically, vulnerabilities in F5s BIG-IP have been favoured by attackers. In 2021, CVE-2021-22986, another flaw in the iControl REST component of BIG-IP was disclosed and subsequently exploited in the wild. "A different BIG-IP flaw, CVE-2020-5902, which was disclosed in July 2020, was also quickly exploited by attackers. "While we have not yet seen a public exploit for CVE-2022-1388, its just a matter of time before researchers and subsequently threat actors procure proof-of-concept exploit code for this vulnerability." Narang advised organisations that utilise BIG-IP to apply the patches released today. "If patching is not feasible at this time, F5 has provided some guidance on how to mitigate against this flaw in their knowledge base entry," he added. AI robotics and navigation technology company Advanced Navigation acquires Vai Photonics, a startup from The Australian National University that specialises in developing patented photonic sensors for precision navigation. Vai Photonics will join Advanced Navigation to commercialise research in autonomous and robotic applications, across land, air, sea, and space. The technology Vai Photonics is developing will be of huge importance to the emerging autonomy revolution. The synergies, shared vision and collaborative potential we see between Vai Photonics and Advanced Navigation will enable us to be at the absolute forefront of robotic and autonomy driven technologies, says Advanced Navigation co-founder and CEO Xavier Orr. Photonic technology will be critical to the overall success, safety and reliability of these new systems, Orr points out. Precision navigation when GPS is unavailable or unreliable is a major challenge in the development of autonomous systems, claims Vai Photonics chief technology officer and co-founder James Spollard. Our emerging photonic sensing technology will enable positioning and navigation that is orders of magnitude more stable and precise than existing solutions in these environments, Pollard explains. By combining laser interferometry and electro-optics with advanced signal processing algorithms and real-time software, we can measure how fast a vehicle is moving in three dimensions. As a result, we can accurately measure how the vehicle is moving through the environment, and from this infer where the vehicle is located with great precision. Vai Photonics technology has been in development for over 15 years at ANU. Advanced Navigation says Vai Photonics will solve autonomy challenges in aerospace, automotive, weather, space exploration, railways, and logistics. Landing and take-off are the most dangerous and most expensive part of a flight route. Vai Photonics sensors will make take-off safe, reliable, and autonomous under all conditions. Space travel and exploration is fraught with risks, vast complexity and enormous cost. Vai Photonics will address these issues, and in turn, help Advanced Navigation cement itself as the gold standard for space-qualified navigation systems for space exploration. Vai Photonics is another great ANU example of how you take fundamental research the type of thinking that pushes the boundaries of what we know and turn it into products and technologies that power our lives, says ANU vice-chancellor professor Brian Schmidt. The work that underpins Vai Photonics advanced autonomous navigation systems stems from the search for elusive gravitational waves ripples in space and time caused by massive cosmic events like black holes colliding. The team have built on a decade of research and development across advanced and ultra-precise laser measurements, digital signals and quantum optics to build their innovative navigation technology. Vai Photonics CEO and co-founder Dr Lyle Roberts looks forward to an autonomous future. This is a huge win for the Vai Photonics team - together with Advanced Navigation we are able to bring our product to market much faster than originally planned. We now have access to leading research and development facilities along with strong distribution channels. This acquisition suits Advanced Navigation's growth strategy to expand its product and solutions portfolio across deep technology fields that look to solve the worlds greatest challenges facing autonomy. The acquisition was finalised in April 2022. The Vai Photonics team has been integrated into Advanced Navigations research and development team based out of the new Canberra research facility. Prior to the acquisition, Spollard and Roberts secured seed funding from OzGrav, the Arc Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery and Equs, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems towards fundamental LiDAR research. The result of the funding resulted to the establishment of Vai Photonics. COMPANY NEWS: Syniti, a leader in enterprise data management, today announced the first of multiple updates to its industry-leading Syniti Knowledge Platform this year. Building on the platforms history of success in complex enterprise data migrations, the company is introducing the fully cloud-based version of Syniti Advanced Data Migration, now called Syniti Migrate. With Syniti Migrate, customers will have greater control of their data in a faster, more secure offeringfrom any source to any targethelping to ensure a Boring Go Live every time. With a projected increase in IT spending across Australia and New Zealand, the demand for data science jobs is forecast to grow by more than 2.4% annually. The Australian Federal Governments investments - such as the $1.2 billion pledged for the Digital Economic Strategy in 2021 and $9.9 billion pledged to the Australian Signals Directorate in the 2022 budget attest to a significant period of sustained growth for Australias digital economy. In addition, a report by Gartner places Business Intelligence/Data Analytics spending as the second highest priority for enterprise across Australia and New Zealand in its 2022 Technology Spending Priorities report, indicating an increasing demand for data migration and transformation solutions such as Synitis. With a focus on the proactive use of company data, Syniti Migrate hopes to address these challenges and continue to support the development of organisations in achieving their digital transformation initiatives. Every digital transformation is underpinned by a massive need for data transformation, which can be time-consuming and complex. Syniti Migrate enables enterprise customers to realise value faster from critical migration and consolidation projects like mergers, acquisitions and divestitures and ERP migrations including the journey to SAP S/4Hana. A modern, cloud-first architecture allows businesses to process and persist data where they want, with increased security. Customers can now choose their data migration working and staging environments, with current connections to industry-leading databases and flexible deployment options. Customer, partner and user feedback to the previous version provided new updates and enhancements, including: More intelligent code auto-generation: Writing more code better helps reduce technical code development by up to 80%, freeing up resources to work on higher value tasks. Higher quality data can be delivered faster in the migration: Intelligent matching and harmonisation with more than 99% accuracy. Pre-loaded best practice content: Including mappings, designs and rules to help accelerate migrations. Intelligent metadata scanning and profiling: Active metadata scanning identifies and autocorrects dataset errors, with analysis to identify, action and resolve data anomalies; helping to accelerate processes and enhance analytics functions. Syniti Migrate is available as part of the Syniti Knowledge Platform. It also will be resold by key partners, including as SAP Advanced Data Migration by Syniti, an SAP premium-certified cloud-based data migration solution extension, and used by Synitis own team of data-focused experts as well as its global partner ecosystem. Syniti president Asia Pacific and Japan Gordon Lam said, Digital transformation is accelerating at a rate never before, making data invaluable to organisations. APAC businesses that pivoted during the pandemic will continue to evolve and leverage data to remain competitive in the rapidly changing business landscape. Syniti remains committed to enable businesses to stay ahead of their data management curve to harness the true value from data. Syniti CEO Kevin Campbell said, We took millions of human hours, our best practices and years of experience in data migrations, to make our original data migration platform. What weve done here is take what is arguably the best migration solution on the planet and made it faster and more secure, so our customers realise both short and long-term benefits in their transformation efforts. Deloitte senior manager Harpreet Singh said, All of our customers are in the midst of some type of digital transformation. To enable this, they need new technology and new ways of working. Syniti Migrate seamlessly fits into this transformation strategy because it processes data where they want it, bringing the intelligence and automation they need with the stringent enterprise security required. To learn more about Syniti Migrate and how you too can achieve a Boring Go Live, please register for our upcoming webinar. About Syniti Syniti solves the worlds most complex data challenges by uniquely combining intelligent, AI-driven software and vast data expertise to yield certain and superior business outcomes. For over 25 years, Syniti has partnered with the Fortune 2000 to unlock valuable insights that ignite growth, reduce risk and increase their competitive advantage. Synitis silo-free enterprise data management platform supports data migration, data quality, data replication, master data management, analytics, data governance, and data strategy in a single, unified solution. Syniti is a portfolio company of private equity firm Bridge Growth Partners LLC. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to constitute a committee to probe the violence reported in Karauli and other states during Ram Navami. The committee, he said, should be headed by a Supreme Court and a High Court judge, which would probe the "root cause" behind the violence. He also accused the BJP-RSS of cashing in on young generations' innocence and promoting violence as "they are unaware of the history of our independence struggle". "We have seen Russia getting dismantled. However, our country has stood strong during the last 70 years despite it having multiple languages and religions. Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life but did not allow formation of Khalistan. Rajiv Gandhi too sacrificed his life for the country." Those were the people who took the country to new heights in 70 years. However, the current generation is unaware of situation during independence struggle which is being cashed in on by BJP-RSS. They are setting agenda and triggering violence, he said, adding that "first, it was in Karauli, then Rajgarh (where temple was bulldozed), and now Jodhpur. Our timely action prevented riots in the state." On the Ram Navami violence, the chief minister said once the reasons are figured out, such incidents can be checked in future. Security specialist Orca Tech is now a distributor for zero trust vendor Absolute Software. Absolute sees its partner network as being key to its growth in the region. As the threat landscape continues to evolve and hybrid and remote working models continue, the reality is that organisations need both secure endpoint and secure access controls to confidently deliver resilient zero trust, said Absolute Software Asia channel sales director Chris Barton. To capitalise on this growth were delighted to announce cyber security specialists Orca Tech as our Australia and New Zealand distributor, which comes at a time when were seeing growing customer interest in robust endpoint-centric security solutions to support large, scalable hybrid and remote working models." Barton added Orca Tech provides real strength in recruiting, training and onboarding resellers, which is essential to our ability to scale and support our sales funnel. We will be very targeted at working with strategic partners who are focused on cybersecurity and have established commercial relationships with IT and security professionals to take both our resilience and persistence solutions to market. Orca Tech general manager Craig Ashwood said Orca Tech continues to enhance its position as a specialist cyber security partner who can provide enhanced value added services, including the recruitment of partners, training and onboarding, sales enablement and marketing execution. Absolute Software is another natural fit for our business by adding further complimentary technology solutions that enhance our cyber security ecosystem. Absolute Software chief revenue officer Matthew Schoenfield said Were looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Orca Tech, who is proven in scaling high-growth cybersecurity companies. Company officials said Absolute Software will continue to make significant though unspecified investments in its Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific operations. ASX-listed technology services firm Atturra will distribute and provide implementation services for Berger-Levrault Group's Infosilem software for tertiary and vocational education organisations. Atturra has already delivered technology deployments to more than 30 higher education institutions across Australia. Infosilem helps produce better student and faculty schedules, while optimising campus operations and resources. It includes automated course scheduling, room and seat utilisation management, and course demand analytics. Atturra will help institutions define their requirements and configure the Infosilem software. "In seeking partners, Atturra looks for vendors with the same philosophies and vision as our own placing clients and users central to our approach and this is what makes Berger-Levrault a perfect fit," said Atturra general manager of education business applications Mark Dacey. "The company employs scheduling practitioners as well as specialists in other complimentary areas to ensure their solutions are robust and up-to-date. "Indeed, with a practitioner lead approach to working with clients and around 150 years of scheduling experience between the Atturra scheduling practice team and the team at Berger-Levrault, we now look forward to leading higher education institutions through change and continual improvement as well as bringing scheduling and resource booking solutions to the region." Berger-Levrault Group COO Tugdual Le Bouar said "We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Atturra. Their understanding of the industry, their strong local footprint, the extremely high level of competency demonstrated by their staff and our shared values are key factors that bode well for our combined forces to establish a strong presence in the Australian market." Atturra recently started working with Tribal Group to offer consultation and implementation services capabilities for the Semestry TermTime, ExamTime, and MyTimetable products. Customer relationship management platform HubSpot and ticketing platform Humanitix collaborate to reimagine how marketers and event organisers manage and operate ticketing solutions. Starting today, HubSpot users can synchronise their contacts and ticketing information via the new Humanitix integration. The new feature leverages HubSpots custom objects to collect leads and track existing registrations throughout the customer journey within the HubSpot CRM platform. Both will streamline the ticketing process. Not only will this save event organisers and marketers time, but it will also provide them with access to key customer data to help inform future customer communications and marketing efforts. The Humanitix integration follows a number of integration collaboration between HubSpot and Australian and New Zealand companies, including Canva, Envato, MessageMedia, and Xero. Built with event organisers and marketers in mind, the Humanitix integration takes away the stress of siloed event management, says HubSpot APAC marketing director Kat Warboys. With the events industry emerging from the pandemic as one of the hardest hit, streamlined processes are no longer just a nice-to-have but critical for the revival of the events sector. Just as the pandemic changed the face of the events circuit in Australia, it also altered customer expectations. As a customer relationship management platform, HubSpot is committed to providing event organisers and marketers with the tools they need to surpass these expectations at every stage of the customer journey through thoughtful communications, value alignment and human touch. Selling tickets to help support disadvantaged children around the world is what gets us out of bed in the morning. Empowering our event partners to maximise that social impact at scale comes part and parcel, says Humanitix CEO and co-founder Adam McCurdie. The integration with HubSpot is game changing for us. Not only will it allow our partners to seamlessly synchronise customer data across both platforms, but it will also free them up to provide a level of customer service unmatched in the event ticketing industry. The Remarkable Woman business manager Emma Plummer is a long-time user of both HubSpots CRM and Humanitixs ticketing platform, and is confident the integration will help her team to further streamline and personalise the ticketing journey for both in-person and virtual events. All events we put on have had to go through HubSpot and Humanitix separately. We had to take our attendee lists from Humanitix, move them to HubSpot and manually track movements along the customer journey. This integration means we now have a centralised view of the customer journey and can better deliver for our community, Plummer concludes. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Page Content On Sunday, May 1, 2022, the Grand Carnival Parade will take place. The parade will begin at 10:00 AM at the Emilio Wilson Estate on L.B. Scott Road and will end at the Festival Village on Soualiga Road in Philipsburg. As is customary, the parade will also be passing through Front Street. Earlier this week, Korps Politie St. Maarten (KPSM) published a notification to the public that due to the passing of the Grand Parade, certain roads will be closed on May 1. One of these roads is Front Street. Churchgoers of the Methodist Church and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church expressed their concerns about not being able to access their church to attend church services on Sunday morning. In collaboration with KPSM, the Government of St. Maarten has acted upon these concerns of the community. Hereby we would like to inform the public about the arrangements that have been made to guarantee the accessibility of the two aforementioned churches on Front Street on the morning of the Grand Parade. L.B. Scott Road will be closed starting from Emilio Wilson Estate at 10:00 AM, Bush Road at 10:15 AM, Zagersgut Road at 10:30 AM, Prins Bernard Bridge, and Walter J.A. Nisbeth Road until Percy Labega Street at 11:10 AM, Longwall Road at 12:50 PM, Front Street at 11:50 AM, Emmaplein and W.G. Buncamper Road at 3:50 PM, Freedom Fighters Roundabout and Walter J.A. Nisbeth Road until the Salt Pickers Roundabout at 4:30 PM. Parishioners who are attending the Methodist Church on Sunday morning, May 1, 2022, will be able to enter Front Street via the Schoolsteeg to drop off parishioners. However, vehicles cannot be parked on Front Street. Worshipers who are attending the church service of the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church this Sunday morning are informed that the Wilhelminastraat and Hendrikstraat (the two streets parallel to the Courthouse) will be open to access Front Street to drop off worshipers of that church. The public is requested to refrain from parking their vehicles on Front Street as the vehicles may be towed away in the interest of public safety. The Government of St. Maarten wishes members of the community and visitors of the island, a joyous, safe and responsible last four days of Carnival festivities. Emmit Gooden, right, mayor of Mason, Tenn., answers questions after a hearing in Davidson County Chancery Court on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Listening at left is attorney Terry Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the town leaders of Mason, a small town facing a takeover of its finances by the state comptroller. A 2018 photo shows a display of TurboTax software in a Sams Club in Pittsburgh. Under the terms of a settlement signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states, Intuit Inc. will suspend TurboTaxs free, free, free ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, Wednesday. Gene J. Puskar Page Content The Department of Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) which falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) is hosting its Get Ready, Get Prepared information sessions on hurricane preparedness Tuesday May 3-31, 2022, from 6:30pm 8:00pm. Further, the objective of the project is to: (1) Increase community/residents awareness on the different aspects of hurricane preparedness; (2) empower residents with knowledge, tools, and skills to engage in advanced planning and effectively prepare and respond during or after an emergency or disaster. The weekly sessions will take place in the following locations: (1) the Seventhday Adventist School, Cole Bay (Tuesday May 3, 2022); Government Administration Building, Great Bay (Tuesday May 10, 2022); Belvedere Community Center (Tuesday May 17, 2022) Dutch Quarter Community Center (Tuesday May 24, 2022); St. Peters Community Center (Tuesday May 31, 2022) from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Each session consists of six (6) presentations that cover the following topics: Safety and security, preparing minors for hurricanes, Hurricane forecasting, Shelter management insurance, First aid/CPR, and Stories of resilience. For more information, please feel free to send CDFHA an email at cdfha@sintmaartengov.org, or contact any of the following Help Desks: Cole Bay Help Desk 1721-5204315; St. Peters Community Help Desk 1721-5203418; Dutch Quarter Community Help Desk 1721-5207651. Page Content On Wednesday, May 4, the Government of Sint Maarten will recognize National Remembrance Day, (Dodenherdenkingsdag) similar to the other countries within the Dutch Kingdom. During this National Commemoration Day, all Dutch victims civilians and soldiers who have been killed or murdered in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peace-keeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War are commemorated. Between 1940 and 1945 more than 260.000 victims in the Kingdom of the Netherlands died, among which as many as 160 Antilleans (more new names are being discovered). Most perished in the sea in the Caribbean region but also in Europe. This year, the solemn commemoration ceremony will be threefold. The ceremony will commence at 5:00 p.m. (arrival of guests no later than 4:30 p.m.) at the New Baptist Church in Philipsburg. This part of the program includes an invocation by Pastor Nanton, readings by the winners of the 2021 Governors Youth Award for Excellence, Jaime Lynch, and Faith Peterson, who will be reading on behalf of the late Gerard van Veen and Elsje Bosch, who each personally experienced the effects of World War II. A segment of their personal life story will be shared. The importance of knowing your history is shared by the Director of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library, Glenderin Holiday. On a yearly basis the Caribbean Think Book for 4 and 5 May is shared by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library with all the schools on the island. The National Committee for 4 and 5 May developed this special book for students of group 7 in the Caribbean to learn about the themes of commemorating and celebrating, freedom and democracy. The Commander of the Marines, Arie Noordam, will share some of his personal experiences throughout his combat years at the Marines. Individuals ranging from the preteens to our elderly will be reflecting on the meaning and significance of freedom through word or poetry. One of these poets includes Ray Angel Boasman, winner of the Governors Youth Award for Excellence of the year 2020. The ceremony at the church to which the general public is invited is followed by a silent procession to the Captain Hodge Wharf. At the War Memorial Monument on the Wharf, the official wreath-laying ceremony by His Excellency the Governor, the President of Parliament Hon. Grisha Heyliger Marten, and the Prime Minister Hon. Silveria Jacobs, will take place. This is followed by two minutes of silence just before 6:00 p.m. Special and invited guests will also receive an opportunity to lay a single flower at the Memorial Monument, which carries the names of the World War II victims primarily born on Sint Maarten. Tefari Prevoo Francisco, winner of the Governors Youth Award for Excellence, will play the Dutch Anthem the Wilhelmus and the Sint Maarten Song. Business owners are reminded to fly their flags half-mast on May 4. Each citizen is encouraged to honor the silent procession from the Baptist Church via the Parliament Building to the Captain Hodge Wharf and the two minutes of silence around 6:00 p.m. There will be limited access to the Captain Hodge Wharf during the solemn ceremony. The public is invited to attend taking COVID-19 protocols in consideration. Page Content Sint Maartens Carnival Festival Village on Pond Island has been renamed, the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, after the person who contributed significantly to the identity, development, and progression of Sint Maartens culture. On Tuesday evening May 3rd, 2022, during a ceremonial launch, the unveiling of the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village sign took place at the entrance of the Festival Village. The event which was hosted by the Honorable Minister of VROMI Mr. Egbert Jurendy Doran, also saw in attendance His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, Drs. Eugene Holiday, Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, Chairlady of Parliament Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sport Drs. Rodolphe Samuel, Honorable Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion, Honorable President of the Collectivity Louis Mussington, Chair of Parliament Aruba and Curacao as well as Members of these respective Parliaments, Mrs. Ingrid Arndell, wife of the late Jocelyn Arndell and family, other invited family and friends of the late J. Arndell, St. Maarten Government Buildings Foundation SOG President Kurt Ruan and St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation President Alston Lourens. The event started with words of welcome by the MC for the evening Mr. Fernando Clark, followed by a prayer by Mr. Harold Richardson. This was followed by the Sint Maarten Song which was rendered by Mr. Leroy Brooks, known as King Beaubeau. A heartwarming tribute was rendered by the Honorable Minister of VROMI Egbert Jurendy Doran. In his speech, the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Egbert Doran highlighted Arndells hard work, dedication, and contributions in his function as a Civil Servant as well as towards the cultural development of Sint Maarten often going above and beyond the call of duty to serve his country. The Minister stated that in 1970 Mr. Jocelyn Arndell and his team were the initiators of the cultural village and festivities that have brought us to where we are today in terms of it being Sint Maartens largest cultural festivity. Minister Doran who quoted the late Martin Luther Kings words Everybody can be great because everybody can serve also encouraged everyone to play their role in serving Sint Maarten. If Mr. Jocelyn Arndell had not served, we would not be standing here today the Minister stated. One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the crowd-moving renditions given by four (4) surviving members of the Tanny and the Boys band, of which Mr. Arndell who loved music with a passion was a member for decades where he played the guiro, the marimba, and the accordion. Representing the family, Mr. Arndells son Everard (Ebby) Arndell, stated that his father, although not seeking any, received various recognitions and awards throughout his lifetime, but that the naming the Festival Village in his honor, was like lighting the candle on top of his cake. He expressed his gratitude to Minister Doran and the Team and stated that if he had the opportunity to tell his father that the Festival Village was named after him, his father would have asked him which great mind came up with that idea? The evening continued with more speeches and encouraging words given by The Honorable Minister Samuel, Mr. Kurt Ruan, and Mr. Alston Lourens. During the unveiling of the sign that stated Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, a beautiful rendition by Mr. Isidore York and Dows Musical Foundation was given. The event closed off with a rendition by King Beau Beau with his song Sint Maarten Sweet, together with the Flag Lady Aishira Cecilia, who was joined by Roadmarch Queen Singing Olivia, Groovy Soca King Magicx, and the 2022 reigning Carnival Queens Talya Panthophlet and Doraniya Pascal. The Honorable Minister Egbert Jurendy Doran wishes to thank the Council of Ministers, his Cabinet, the Secretary of VROMI and his Team, the family of Mr. Jocelyn Arndell, all participants in the program, and all who made it possible for the event to have been an astounding success. 05/05/2022 Marketing students listen to a lecture on consumer behavior in Merrill Hall in January 2022. Photo by Matt Reynolds. by Buffy Lockette The JSU Board of Trustees recently passed a resolution naming the university's Department of Management and Marketing in honor of Lyons & Company, Inc. The academic unit will now be known as "The Lyons & Company, Inc. Department of Management and Marketing." A generous donation from Lyons & Company, Inc., secured the naming rights for the department distinguishing the partnership as the universitys first corporate gift for an academic department naming on campus. Until now, the only named academic department at JSU has been the David L. Walters Department of Music, named in honor of Dr. David L. Walters, who directed the Marching Southerners for 30 years. We are honored to be associated with the outstanding professionals at Lyons & Company, Inc. said Dr. Mark Hearn, interim department chair. Their generosity along with their commitment to the highest professional standards sets a great example for our students and will have an impact on our department for years to come. Lyons & Company, Inc. is the parent organization for firms providing services to mostly small and medium-sized businesses across the US. Originally established in Florence, Ala., in 1995 as a staffing firm known as Lyons HR, the company added a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) division in 2008, headquartered in Gadsden, Ala., that has grown into one of the largest privately-owned PEOs in the country. Insurance and technology services were added in 2020 and 2022, respectively. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, a PEO is an organization that enters into a co-employment relationship with an employer by outsourcing professionals who share human resource functions for multiple companies including employee benefits, compensation and payroll administration, workers' compensation, and employment taxes. There are many JSU alumni serving as team members within Lyons & Company, Inc., including its President and CEO, Bruce Cornutt, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 1995. The President of Aligned Insurance, David Glass with whom Lyons merged its insurance operations to form Aligned Insurance, LLC to meet the insurance needs of its clients received a Bachelor of Science in Business from the university in 1990. We are thrilled by the opportunity to build even stronger ties with Jacksonville State University, and were especially honored to be the first corporate academic department naming in the history of the university, Cornutt said. For years, weve viewed JSU as a resource and partner in placement of graduates in key roles within our organization. This new relationship secures our commitment to JSU into the future. Housed within the College of Business and Industry and located within the new Merrill Building, the Lyons & Company, Inc. Department of Management and Marketing offers a Bachelor of Science in Management with concentrations in human resources, e-commerce and entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. For more information on securing naming rights for departments, buildings and other entities at JSU, please contact University Advancement at 256-782-5003. One of Colombias most notorious drug lords was extradited Wednesday to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, announced President Ivan Duque. I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias Otoniel has been extradited, Duque said on Twitter, calling him the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world. Usuga, 50, was the most wanted person in Colombia until he was arrested last October in the northwest of the country after a massive military operation. Duque described Usuga as a murderer of social leaders and police, an abuser of boys, girls and teenagers. Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed, he added. On Wednesday afternoon, a convoy of five bulletproof police vehicles transported Usuga from a prison in the capital Bogota to a military airport, where he was handed over to US Drug Enforcement Administration officials. Images shared by local media showed a handcuffed Usuga seated in an airplane alongside Colombian police and an Interpol official. Usuga was the leader of Colombias largest narco-trafficking gang, known as the Gulf Clan. He was captured near the border with Panama following a military operation involving 500 soldiers backed by 22 helicopters, in which one police officer was killed. His arrest was one of the biggest blows to Colombias drug trafficking business since the assassination of Pablo Escobar in 1993. Usuga was indicted in 2009 in the United States, which had offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest. The United States accuses Usuga and the Gulf Clan of illegally bringing at least 73 tons of cocaine into the country between 2003 and 2012. Following Usugas arrest and that of another 90 suspected gang members, Duque declared the end of the Gulf Clan. However, four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usugas arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the worlds largest producer and supplier of the drug. Who is afraid of Otoniel? Since his capture, Usuga has been held in a high-security prison in Bogota, and has been at the heart of multiple controversies. Recordings of testimony Otoniel gave to the Truth Commission an extrajudicial body investigating the decades-long conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) were stolen, the perpetrators unknown. Colombian police also halted one of Usugas Truth Commission hearings, saying the Gulf Clan had organized an escape attempt. Who is afraid of Otoniel? read a headline on Cambio, an independent online news outlet, which claimed that some people in the Colombian government sought to silence the drug lord. The site reported Usuga would have said during his hearings that the army continued to work in complicity with right-wing paramilitaries in some parts of the country. Citing a leaked Truth Commission document, the outlet said Otoniel had implicated 63 people as linked to the Gulf Clan, including a former minister, a former national director of intelligence, six former governors and four former members of parliament. Family members of Usugas victims had asked for the courts to suspend his extradition, arguing that he should stand trial in Colombia for crimes against humanity. They did not respect the feelings of the victims, said Marina Sanmiguel, whose husband was killed in a 1997 paramilitary raid. Usuga could be a key person to clarify what really happened, she told AFP. But the Colombian justice system ultimately gave the green light for his extradition, Usugas defense team told AFP. Duque vowed that Usuga would still face justice in Colombia. This criminal was extradited to serve drug trafficking sentences in the United States, the president said. But I want to be clear that once those are served, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes committed against our country. In the past, it was sometimes very difficult to find a State that was ready to find the financial and human resources to start war crimes investigations. Today, with Ukraine, we have a very different situation. We may actually have more actors involved than we can manage, Eurojust President Ladislav Hamran said in a March 30 online briefing. Eurojust had announced the creation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Ukraine on March 28. It was requested by Lithuania, which is the lead country, and included Ukraine and Poland. Since April 25 it has a newcomer and an unusual one: the Office of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor. In his briefing, Hamran pointed to the fact that various international bodies and agencies including the ICC and about a dozen national prosecutors are now investigating possible war crimes in Ukraine, as documented in this map by Justice Info. Ukraines Prosecutor has already registered thousands of cases, with a high number of suspects identified, according to the European Commission. More than 5 million people have fled to other countries and may be witnesses to such crimes. And that is where Eurojust can help, Hamran argued, helping to provide a framework for international cooperation along with support and expertise. What is Eurojust? Eurojust, based in The Hague, Netherlands, was set up by the European Union in 2002 to promote cross-border cooperation on tracking serious international crime. As well as the EU member states, it also has 10 third-country (i.e. non-EU) associate members, including the US, UK, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine, which all have so-called liaison prosecutors mandated to Eurojust. Eurojust has in the past focused particularly on crimes like international terrorism, drug smuggling and money laundering. But in recent years, war crimes investigations have also become more of a focus. According to Eurojust spokesman Ton Van Lierop, it is a small organisation with currently some 200 of its own employees, and does not have its own investigators. It provides logistical support, translation services and legal expertise to Joint Investigation Teams set up under its auspices. In addition, it houses and provides financial support for the Secretariat of the Genocide Network, a European network of jurists specializing in international crimes (genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes). The European Commission on April 25 proposed to amend Eurojusts Regulation giving it the legal possibility to collect, preserve and share evidence on war crimes. Due to the ongoing conflict, it is difficult to store and preserve evidence securely in Ukraine, says the Commission. To ensure accountability for the crimes committed in Ukraine, it is crucial to ensure safe storage of evidence outside Ukraine as well as to support the investigations and prosecutions by various European and international judicial authorities. This proposal now has to go to the European Parliament and Council for approval, but is being fast-tracked, according to Van Lierop. The daily stock market of judicial affairs Van Lierop says Eurojust will try to coordinate as much as possible all the various actors gathering evidence. This is important, he says, because victims and potential witnesses including the refugees that have fled Ukraine should not be re-traumatized several times over by having to testify more than once a serious issue already, considering the number of NGOs and journalists covering war crimes allegations in Ukraine. Harmonizing methodology in evidence gathering is also important, Van Lierop told Justice Info. By hosting regular meetings between delegates from member and associate member states, Eurojust is the link bringing them together in the field of criminal justice, he says. Stefan Blattler, the new Attorney General of Switzerland, told Justice Info he sees Eurojust coordination meetings like the daily stock market of judicial affairs. Eric Emeraux, former head of the French Central Office for the Fight against Crimes against Humanity, knows Eurojust well. He says that for him, coordination took place on two levels. The first is the Genocide Network, which is the network in which you will find all the war crimes units of Member States as well as third countries like Switzerland, Canada, the US and others that may be invited. This network meets twice a year in The Hague, usually for 3-4 days, he says. The meetings are organized in two parts with the first one being quite open also to NGOs and others involved in the fight against impunity. The second part of the meeting is closed, he continues, and here there is an exchange between the war crimes magistrates and police on our own cases. Another instrument of cooperation which he says is even more useful is Joint Investigation Teams (JIT), which Eurojust facilitates. Emeraux was part of one of the first JITs, between France and Germany on Syria. This resulted in the first trial of an agent of the Bashar al-Assad regime and his sentencing to life in jail for crimes against humanity by a German court earlier this year. Emeraux says the cooperation was vital, because while the suspect was in Germany, France holds the so-called Caesar files, which provided key evidence. Van Lierop also says this was a flagship case for Eurojust. What is a Joint Investigation Team? A Joint Investigation Team is one of the most advanced tools used in international cooperation in criminal matters, comprising a legal agreement between competent authorities of two or more States for the purpose of carrying out criminal investigations, says the Eurojust website. In complex and time-sensitive cross-border investigations, speed and efficiency are of the essence, it explains. However, in many cases the operational needs of the authorities involved are not fully met by the traditional channels of mutual legal assistance. And thats where JITs can help, setting up direct cooperation and communication between the authorities involved in a case. Providing operational, legal and financial support to JITs is a key part of Eurojusts work, the agency writes. Emeraux certainly thinks they are useful. I think it is really a very interesting tool because it facilitates exchanges between countries and especially exchange of judicial information in real time, he told Justice Info. Its a contract that is signed at Eurojust, in the framework of Eurojust, because it is in fact the Liaison Prosecutors who determine the legal contours of the contract. Then Eurojust can provide judicial expertise and logistical support, including translating masses of evidence, which States dont necessarily want to finance. ICC participation: a one-way or a two-way street? The Ukraine situation, in particular, demands collective action so as to secure relevant evidence and ultimately ensure its effective use in criminal proceedings, said ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan as he announced the participation of his office in the JIT for Ukraine. In recognition of this, my Office takes a landmark step today in joining a JIT under the auspices of Eurojust for the first time. Khan also said that the participation of my Office in this JIT will not be a one-way street. We do not wish to only be the recipients of information and evidence. We also want to serve as an effective partner with respect to the conduct of domestic proceedings in relation to core international crimes, in line with the principle of complementarity. In that spirit, my Office will be seeking to identify all opportunities through which it can provide information and evidence to the concerned national authorities in support of their investigations and prosecutions. In practice, if the working relationship between national investigations and the ICC were to be a two-way street, it would be a significant change in the attitude and positioning of the international court. Complementarity has largely been a one-way street so far, the ICC often using the independent nature of [its] mandate as a reason to be a receiver rather than a giver. Ukraines participation and impartiality of investigations The Ukraine JIT now has three States, including Ukraine itself, and the ICC Prosecutors office. It could be sensitive if, for example, the ICC were to find evidence of Ukrainian war crimes. Asked about this, Van Lierop said that the JIT countries and the ICC will exchange evidence necessary for the investigations and work in close cooperation. The ICC will share evidence on a discretionary basis, but is not obliged to share all evidence. Emeraux says that four members could be complicated to manage. What has worked best in his experience, he says, is a bilateral JIT of two members, as with Syria. But he agrees that efficient cooperation on Ukraine is key: For Ukraine, the issue is so vast that there is a big need for coordination. For nine years, France was Malis staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, French forces are pulling out after a breakdown with the countrys military junta, which this week renounced Malis core military agreements with France. What has happened? Downward spiral France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north. But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full-throated insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Bubacar Keita was unable to brake. In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021. From then on, relations with France went steadily downhill, propelled by the juntas resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamakos charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it. The bustup accelerated in 2021 as the junta wove closer ties with Moscow, bringing in military instructors that France and its allies condemned as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group. In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month, France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force. Mali ditches accords In the latest twist, the Malian government on Monday formally renounced three agreements that provide the legal foundation for French and French-led military activities in Mali. They are: The Status of Forces Agreement, a 2013 accord that set down the terms of reference for Frances Serval (later Barkhane) forces stationed in Mali. The agreement determines, among other things, the freedom of movement of French forces and who has jurisdiction in the event of problems. A bilateral defence treaty, signed in 2014 A 2020 protocol to the 2013 Status of Forces Agreement that applies to Takuba a coalition of European special forces that France hoped would take over some of the burden-sharing in Mali. Why did Mali quit? Mali accuses France of acting unilaterally and of being deaf to its requests to amend the accords the result of which, it says, is blatant violation of its national sovereignty. It says, for example, that French aircraft have violated Malian airspace around 50 times in previous weeks, ignoring a huge air exclusion zone that it has declared. France denies this. There has also been another episode that has inflamed the situation. Last month, the French army shared a drone video that it said showed Russian mercenaries burying bodies near a base at Gossi, a day after the French military handed the facility back to Mali. The point of the bodies, France said, was to falsely accuse its departing troops of war crimes. Mali reacted furiously, accusing the French army of spying and subversion. What are the consequences? France has 2,400 troops and several bases in Mali, and safely unwinding this operation is a dangerous, months-long task. On Tuesday, the political temperature rose further when Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said there was no longer a legal basis for France to operate on Malian soil. He said France could continue to work on the pullout, but anything which takes place on the territory of a sovereign state should be discussed and agreed with the state which is in place. Niagale Bagayoko, head of the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) think tank, is among those who fear the danger from heightened suspicion or misunderstandings the risk of a blunder that puts French and Malian forces in confrontation. A further unknown is the impact for the United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali, which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world. The UN mandate for MINUSMA authorises French forces to support the mission when (it is) under imminent and serious threat. If that support has to end because the agreements governing French forces are no long valid, that will obviously lead to consequences, MINUSMA spokesman Olivier Salgado told AFP, adding however that the mission would be able to adapt. Lee Ga Ryeong confessed a shocking truth about herself. Aside from the surprising ending featured in the "Love (Ft. Marriage and Divorce) 3" finale, the female lead also stunned fans with her revelation. According to an outlet, Xsports News exclusively reported an interview with Lee Ga Ryeong as she talked about her experience filming the drama and thought about wrapping up the third season. Why Did Lee Ga Ryeong Downplay Her Real Age? Based on her profile, the actress was born on October 2, 1988, making her 33-year-old as of this writing. Surprisingly, she revealed that she was actually born in 1980. With this, Lee Ga Ryeong's real age is actually 42 this 2022. The actress revealed why she hid her actual age and lied about her birth year. According to the outlet, the model turned actress didn't have an agency until recently. Hence, she couldn't adjust her profile since she was working as a freelancer. Currently, she is signed under IOK Company, which is the home of some of the big names in Kdrama. It includes Jo In Sung, Shin Hye Sun, Go Hyun Jung, former iKON member B.I, Moon Chae Won, and "Kill Heel's" Kim Ha Neul. It was only on March 25, 2022, when she signed under the talent label. At the time, IOK Company formally announced that the "Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)" star had officially signed an exclusive contract with the company. In a statement, as noted by a local outlet, "Lee Ga Ryung has become a member of our family," adding, "We will be unsparing in our full support of Lee Ga Ryung so that she can shine in a wider array of projects as an actress." Lee Ga Ryeong's 'Love (Ft. Marriage and Divorce)' The actress made a debut in 2012 after landing the role in SBS drama "A Gentleman's Dignity." However, her claim to fame in K-drama is the hit trilogy of "Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)," where she took the role of 30-something Boo Hye Ryung. In the drama, she used to work as an announcer and currently works as a radio DJ. Boo Hye Ryoung is married to Pan Sa Hyun, played by Kang Shin Hyo. Despite having a stable career and her husband working as a judge, they didn't want to have children just yet. Unfortunately, this choice causes friction between the couple. In 2021, ahead of the premiere of "Love (Ft. Marriage and Divorce)" season 1, Lee Ga Ryeong said that she was "happy to live for a while as the smoky-eyed Boo Hye Ryung." For three seasons, she reprised her role and delivered a stellar performance as the fearless wife. KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills The excitement just gets more and more intense as Netflix Korea's "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" releases the set of visually appealing stills! 'Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area' Releases New Exciting Stills The "Money Heist" fans are pumped as Netflix Korea's take on the popular Spanish heist series, which is one of the most anticipated releases this year, is set to decorate the Summer! "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" unveils a new set of exciting stills featuring their own Dali masks ahead of its premiere. The drama depicts an unprecedented hostage and robbery in the Korean Peninsula, curated by the most intelligent strategists and robbers with unbeatable abilities. It stars Yoo Ji Tae as Professor while actors Kim Yun Jin, Jeon Jong Seo, Park Hae Soo, Lee Won Jong, Kim Ji Hoon, Jang Yoon Ju, Lee Hyun Woo, Kim Ji Hoon and Lee Kyu Ho make up the gang. On Wednesday, May 4, "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" unveils stills of robbers preparing for a huge heist. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area' Confirms Release Date Clad in the iconic red jumpsuits, they make history with a single crime. On the other hand, the series attracts attention as they wear "Hahoe masks," a South Korean traditional mask similar to Alex Pina's "Dali masks." Focus is also given on how the battalion of robbers execute their best laid plans that will remain as a revolution in criminal history. Furthermore, "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area," which tells the unpredictable stories of despicable robbers, is scheduled to air on June 24 on Netflix. 'Money Heist Korea' Further Details and What We Know With the growing popularity of South Korean dramas in the western scene, streaming platform Netflix curated the biggest South Korean heist that thrills fans and viewers from all over the world! Netflix's "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" is one of the additions to South Korea's wide array of promising dramas. It enriches its culture and consumable media available online. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THIS: 'Money Heist' Korean Remake Introduces Stealthy Cast Through Thrilling Teaser In particular, the South Korean remake of the popular Spanish heist series also aims to showcase the acting chops of actors when it comes to action and suspense. Moreover, "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" is directed by "Voice" director Kim Hong Sun and written by screenwriter Ryu Yong Jae. While you're here, watch "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area" teaser here in case you missed it: What are you most excited to see in "Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area"? Share it with us in the comments below! KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Page Content The Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria E. Jacobs attended EarthX 2022 Forum in Dallas, Texas from April 20 until April 23, for a working visit, profiling St. Maarten on an international level. The trip, dubbed a success for St. Maarten, served as a means to cultivate relationships and form partnerships to advance advocates, investors, accelerators, and researchers on sustainable environmental activities. The EarthX Forum is the world's largest annual environmental forum aimed at showcasing initiatives, research, innovations, policies, and corporate practices serving the environment. The series of conferences further seeks to connect world leaders with innovative international and local organizations/ideas, committed to sustainability and making the world a better place. The event kicked off on April 20, with a series of panel discussions, presentations, and interviews. Prime Minister Jacobs opened the first session with a speech on women leadership in the sustainable fashion movement. The fashion event emphasized the environmental impacts of fast fashion, provided information about alternative materials, and highlighted the importance of women leading the charge in the sustainable fashion world. E-Capital On April 21, Prime Minister Jacobs participated in a session with Nicholas J. Davis, CEO of GridMarket, whereby they discussed the St. MaartenGridMarketIsland Resilience Partnership engagement and the opportunity to invest in the National Energy Transitions of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It is through the partnership with GridMarket that St. Maarten is now exploring and securing the transition to renewable and sustainable energy. This will allow St. Maarten to receive support in developing an energy roadmap aligned with the new global roadmap issued last September by the United Nations (UN) which seeks to achieve a radical transformation of energy access and transition by 2030, while at the same time contributing to net zero emissions by 2050. As SIDS, we are part of the smallest and most remote states in the world. We are a diverse group of islands differing in population, size, and development opportunities. Yet, we share common challenges and vulnerabilities that often prevent us from being able to invest in resilient and sustainable development, particularly as it pertains to renewable energy. With the global challenges of climate change, it is pivotal that we strengthen the relationship between and amongst our sister islands as well as the outermost regions such as islands in the Pacific Ocean as the challenges they face today, will be the challenges we face tomorrow. EarthX offers the platform for partnership engagement as it stimulates and facilitates discussions between investors and SIDS leaders. Therefore, prospects for tangible investments are fostered by attending such illustrious events. Youth Summit Following the E-Capital discussion, Prime Minister Jacobs was given the opportunity to address a gathering of youth at the Youngo Summit, a partnership for the goals (SDG 17). This summit was focused on launching the Preparing the Youth to become Negotiators for the Goals, an initiative launched on April 22. As an educator by profession, I have long been captivated by the youths willingness to peel back the layers to examine, critique, and question norms. This is their strength! Often unhindered by tradition and full of optimism, this willingness to dissect combined with fresh ideas means youth are often well-equipped to address the ever-changing and multidimensional issues that form our common agenda, Prime Minister Jacobs stated as she addressed the gathering. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has a voice in the global climate crisis discussions, and SIDS must be empowered to highlight our issues at these stages as well. As the only Caribbean island in attendance, I am proud to have been invited to promote St. Maarten on such a world stage and be able to bring awareness to the challenges we face, she continued. Prime Minister Jacobs expressed the need for us as SIDS to make use of our lessons learned, and to bring awareness to support our plight in the fight against climate change, among other SDGs. Creating spheres for collaboration between next-generation leadership and island leaders offers a very nuanced and dynamic approach, particularly in the use of social media and immersive technology, to raise awareness and bring about innovative solutions to tomorrows challenges, she stated. Her participation in the summit culminated in an activity introducing the concept of a reciprocity ring. Designed to foster skills in stakeholder building and negotiation, participants sat in a circle posing clear requests, accompanied by a timeline. Fellow group members then indicated their ability to assist or offered guidance or suggestions to achieve the request. Prime Minister Jacobs expressed her enjoyment of the activity as an empowering tool for supporting youth engagement and promised to connect the organization with youth leaders and change-makers from Sint Maarten. Earth Day On April 22, Earth Day, as the only Caribbean island represented, Prime Minister Jacobs had the privilege of delivering the Island Resilience Partnership keynote address. The Island Resilience Forum brings island leaders from all around the world together, not only to discuss solutions to the UN SDGs but also to develop partnerships to achieve these goals. In attendance this year, were the Ambassadors of various Pacific Islands (Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Kiribati) and the ambassadors to the Solomon Islands. They all spoke of their challenges with climate change, whether it be the loss of islands due to the rise in sea level, the adverse effects of overfishing and trawling, to other natural disasters. Islands share one commonality, though small, they are greatly impacted by the effects of climate change. In her keynote address, Prime Minister Jacobs highlighted the importance of securing our utility sectors, based on our history with Hurricanes Luis in 1995 and Irma in 2017. They revealed energy vulnerabilities such as having our sole energy plant in a low-lying coastal area while damage to overhead cabling required a large-scale recovery effort to restore power in specific areas. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed social, economic and financial vulnerabilities. It resulted in the loss of employment, and a rise in the cost of living since St. Maarten is heavily dependent on imported goods and services, which experienced significant disruption in the supply chains. Our response to this so-called new normal has been to redouble our efforts for sustainable national development, Prime Minister Jacobs mentioned. Energy, in this regard, is seen as one of the main drivers that affect the cost of living. It affects transportation costs, food prices, healthcare expenses, and, of course, utility costs. Needless to say, energy also affects our environment. The fluctuating world prices of petroleum constitute an enormous financial burden on the people and their quality of life. UN Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD) Prime Minister Jacobs was invited to speak on the role of private investment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on April 22. Organized by the UN Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD), the program is managed by PVBLIC Foundation & the UN Office for Partnership. FOSD brings together small groups of global family offices, privately-held companies that handle investment management for a family of means, committed to advancing the completion of the SDGs to create greater impact via collaboration with UN agencies and with each other. In her address, Prime Minister Jacobs spoke on the importance and opportunities of investing capital in parts of the world that are on the front line of the climate crisis. UN SDG Media Summit On April 23, Prime Minister Jacobs held a dynamic talk at the UN SDG Media Summit under the theme Fostering Leadership, wherein she highlighted the youth of St. Maarten building awareness of the UN SDG goals, as well as their view on the approach to achieve them. The UN SDG goals video featuring St. Maarten students expressing their knowledge, awareness, and ideas about the SDS including Climate through the arts, received a resounding commendation from the audience. One audience member stated, the video brought me to tears. The Media Summit exchanged ideas as it seeks to ensure the best use of media is used to bring more awareness of climate change in particular, and the SDGs in general to the general public to increase participation in the achievement of the goals. The clear conclusion was to ensure the messenger is relatable, conscious of its audience, representative of all of humanity, and that all possible and variety of media forms should be used with messaging being repeated often. BlockChain Based on the overall impact of Prime Minister Jacobs addresses throughout the week, the moderator of the Blockchain Impact Finance Summit requested that she close off the summit on April 23. During this session, Prime Minister Jacobs highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in supporting emerging economies around the world, especially for us as SIDS. Our Minister of Finance, being a millennial himself, is a proponent of the emerging blockchain innovation, and has been trying to educate us as a Council of Ministers and Parliament of the proponents and the adverse effect it can have on our economy, as we work to diversify our one pillar economy, said Prime Minister Jacobs. Its their world, they were born to it, were the immigrants, Prime Minister Jacobs mentioned referring to the age of information and the forward-thinking innovators we call our youth. With this in mind, St. Maarten has established a public-private partnership utilizing artificial intelligence to accelerate our national energy transition. As countries (not only SIDS), focus should be on the emerging technologies, as this can help us in achieving SDG goals 1 eradicating people in poverty and 2, ending world hunger. Combining these innovations to achieve SDG 1&2, with the partnership for the goals SDG 17 is observed as a more viable option for SIDS to achieve and sustain our populations for continued financial and economic resilience beyond 2030, stated Prime Minister Jacobs. We must consider the environmental impact of the new technologies being developed to support economies, otherwise, we may achieve development goals - but they will not be sustainable. It is therefore imperative that we work together to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030, to ensure the phase after 2030; our evaluation phase, where we begin to give back to the earth what weve taken. Conclusion A high-level gala was organized on the last day, to celebrate partnerships and thank this years participants. The EarthX 2022 Forum was a huge success for St. Maarten as the island was heavily featured on the international stage for 4 consecutive days. The feedback received was very encouraging lending to potential prospects for investment, creating new partnerships, and most importantly may accelerate our goal for renewable forms of energy in St. Maarten way before the 2030 goal! Funding possibilities exist and I am committed to finding them for St. Maarten. I would like to thank my team for their support, making it possible for St. Maarten to be represented throughout all discussion sessions, stated Prime Minister Jacobs. Next steps In the coming months, St. Maarten will continue building on the foundation laid at the EarthX 2022 Forum, having already scheduled meetings and follow-up plans with several key stakeholders. Using this momentum, I encourage all local stakeholders to also do their part in St. Maarten. By the end of 2022, and early on in 2023, a roadmap with GridMarket will be established, paving the transition to renewable energy prospects. On behalf of the Government of St. Maarten, Id like to thank EarthX founder Tramell Crowe, EarthX organizers, GridMarkets entire team, Nick, Peter, Matt, and Jillian for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring the goal of St. Maarten, Partnerships for the goals were achieved, concluded Prime Minister Jacobs. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Prolific offenders are causing "disorder and chaos" in the downtowns of many B.C. cities, Attorney General David Eby said Thursday as he announced the government has hired two experts to study the issue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, left, holds an armchair discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, entitled "Sweden and Canada: perspectives on a feminist approach to global challenges" in Ottawa, Thursday, May 5, 2022. Joly says Canada will help investigate sexual violence by Russian troops against women and girls in Ukraine. 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Emails received this week from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation indicate that an interim fix will begin soon with a permanent solution in place by 2025. In mid-January Village President George Stoner and Village Administrator Jason Peters met with DOT safety engineers to discuss the turn and how it poses challenges and hazards to motorists. Slight bend At the time, Stoner observed that a slight bend in the road makes it difficult for northbound motorists turning left to see oncoming southbound vehicles, especially ones traveling at a high rate of speed. WisDOT indicated that the department had been reviewing the issue and was willing to eliminate this crossing in the interest of safety. Public discussions of a need to address the issue began in January. Peters contacted Art Baumann, WisDOT Traffic Operations Engineer who responded in an email on May 4: I have confirmed that we have a project programmed to close the WIS 31 northbound left turn lane onto 35th Street in 2025 via a safety project. The southbound left turn lane will remain. We are working to get an interim closure installed by Kenosha County this year through our maintenance contract that would be in place until the construction project occurs. According to Dan Dedrick, WisDOT Southeast Region safety engineer, there is no specific start date to stat the work, but funds have recently been released for the project. Project details include plans to use barricades and rectangular paddles attached to the pavement of the left turn lane to indicate the lane is closed. It is currently not planned to use a temporary concrete barrier, Dedrick wrote. Dedrick noted that the southbound lanes at the same intersection have not experienced that same level of accidents as the northbound turn lane. Reports show that there was one southbound left turn crash that was property damage only for the five-year analyzed period. There were six northbound left turn crashes for the same five-year period, two of which were fatal crashes and one serious injury crash. A study of the area has determined there is adequate sight distance of southbound through traffic for drivers in the northbound left turn lane, he said. When completed, Dedrick says that the northbound left turn lane will become a raised median with curb. The raised median could be concrete or grass between the curbing, this will be determined with the development of the project plans. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948 /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8376b88d0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8375dd4d0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e8376b88d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8375dd4d0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x55e838458270)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8375dd4d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8375dd4d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x55e8375dc8f0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e82d34e7c0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x55e82d34e7c0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 By Ma Chi May 4 marks the Youth Day of China. President Xi Jinping once said: "Young people are the future of our nation and the world." From his years as a grassroots official to the country's top leader, Xi has always kept a part of his heart devoted to young people. Here are several stories of Xi demonstrating his devotion and belief in the younger generations. Xi Jinping, then the Party chief of Zhengding county of Hebei province, talks with local villagers in 1983. [Photo/CCTV] Attracting talent for hometown One day near the end of 1983, Cao Binghai and his fellow students at the Hebei Agricultural University received a letter from their hometown. "Rural areas are in dire need for students from the agricultural university... The over 400,000 folks of your hometown are eagerly looking forward to your graduation and your contribution of strength and wisdom to the nation's construction," the letter read. The letter was from Xi Jinping, who was then the Party chief of Zhengding county. "When I saw the signature 'your comrade', it immediately brought our hearts closer, and the letter let us feel the warmth of our hometown," said Cao. After writing the letter, Xi invited the students to see the reality of their hometown with their own eyes by conducting a field study in rural areas of Zhengding during the summer vacation. At the call of Xi, over half of the students from Zhengding who studied at the Hebei Agricultural University from 1984 to 1987 returned to their hometown after graduation. Xi chats with students of Jilin University on Jan 22, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua] 'Keeping your feet on the ground' For many young people, Xi is like a friend from whose words and experiences they can find inspiration. When chatting with students of Jilin University in 2011, Xi used a metaphor to explain the importance of keeping one's feet on the ground. "There are ancient Chinese sayings: 'A man of learning is superior to others', and "He who excels in study can follow an official career". But in today's world, college students should remain humble and go to grassroots areas and places where their talents are most needed," Xi said. Dong Tian was one of the students who followed Xi's suggestion. "Xi told us to 'Aim high, but keep our feet on the ground,' which has become my motto," said Dong. Heeding Xi's advice, Dong chose to stay at his home province of Jilin and work at the frontline of electricity grid construction instead of heading to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai after graduation. A statue of Karl Marx is displayed at a bookstore in Berlin, Germany, May 2, 2018. [Photo/VCG] Sharing his views on belief with the youth During a visit to Peking University in May 2018, Xi posed a question to students studying at the School of Marxism. "Why do you study Marxism?" Xi asked. The question left the students lost in thoughts. "In retrospect, we think General Secretary Xi, by posing the question, tried to remind us the importance of one's original aspirations," said Fan Jingrong, who was one of the students. In return, the curious students asked Xi how he grew into a determined Marxist. Xi said in addition to studying Marxism by reading the original works repeatedly word by word, applying the knowledge learned from the books is the best way to dispel doubt and build firm ideals and convictions. The Elizabeth Line is officially set to open on Tuesday 24 May 2022 as three separate railways, with services to Reading in Berkshire; to Heathrow in Middlesex, and eastwards with branch lines to terminus at Abbey Wood in the Borough of Bexley and at Shenfield in Essex. by Victor Cherubim We hardly think of the world of work and the need for connectivity. Many of us take it for granted, but the future of mobility is critical for the economy. It creates opportunities for growth, generates jobs, and facilitates business. It also enhances competitiveness by improving connectivity across towns, cities, including regions as well as nations. It is a time of unprecedented change in many areas as well as the transport system. This is central to the whole of society. But, it seems all the more evident in UK and particularly in metropolitan cities like London. What is legendary in London is the London Underground, which is more over ground as it spirals into the outskirts of the City. Opened in 1863 it now spans 402 km with 270 stations across its 11 different lines, with only 45% of the network actually running underground, namely, in the City centre. Tunnelling in the bowels of the City of London by Cross Rail near Whitechapel, has taken years and has delayed what already functioned as TfL Line from Liverpool Street to Shenfield, over the past 20 odd years. Cost escalation of original estimates for Cross Rail was unbearable. But, the project was pursued relentlessly. Soon, the whole network will be inter connected, called Elizabeth Line, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, to be celebrated by a four day national holiday on May 24, 2022. Elizabeth Line The Elizabeth Line is officially set to open on Tuesday 24 May 2022 as three separate railways, with services to Reading in Berkshire; to Heathrow in Middlesex, and eastwards with branch lines to terminus at Abbey Wood in the Borough of Bexley and at Shenfield in Essex. Just imagine the amount of money, technology and manpower that has gone into this improvement in service, with step-free street access to trains, station lifts, walk-through carriages and reliability, if not safety systems installed. The wonder of the Elizabeth Line of fast transport is that you can travel without interchange, connected from east to west of the sprawling city of London through a network of interlinking central tunnels. A similar electric network is what is envisaged in the Cross Rail development to Birmingham and the North in years to come. This Line we expect will transform London as well as the South East of United Kingdom by dramatically improving transport links, cutting journey times, creating less pollution on roads, making communities inclusive. Changes will be made to 14 Bus routes to improve link connectivity to Elizabeth Line stations, in east and south-east London. Why is transport so important after COVID-19? Time lost during the pandemic means time gain in other ways. The Elizabeth Line will operate 12 trains per hour between Paddington and Abbey Wood, as well as a direct line to the Shenfield terminus, from Monday to Saturday 0630 to 23.00. Work will continue in engineering hours and on Sundays to allow a series of continuous testing and software updates in preparation for more intensive services from the autumn. What is crucial to Londons recovery from the pandemic, is clean and sanitation inside trains. It will also help avoid long car journeys through the Boroughs of London or on the Inner and Outer Circular roads and M25 motorway. It will provide new journey options, support regeneration and especially add an estimated 42 billion to the UK economy. Health is paramount, whether in Beijing or London? Whilst Beijing has had to close more than 40 subway stations and suspended 150 bus routes after reporting 51 new COVID cases on 03 May 2022, London is opening up a new cross rail connectivity, pollution-free to its population, maintaining all the precautions of both health and safety in mind. Mobility is central to the whole of society. But health is a paramount consideration. But nothing comes without long term planning and investment. Investment requires sacrifices and stable government. But most important is hard work and working practices. People must be able to see the benefits of hard labour, and talent must be fostered. If we are short of technical expertise, it is no crime to import technical expertise from abroad, as nations all over the world have paid the price for technological advancement. We need connectivity how we live our lives, but always according to our values, we cherish.. What the United Kingdom has invested which will serve Sri Lanka as well, is leading expertise and knowledge that places us at the cutting edge of innovation. Technology must be imported, rather than everyday goods, if we are to succeed, in bringing advancement in Sri Lanka. We need long term planning. We need a program of non-wasting, whether it is food, or precious rainfall, or even effort? Can we afford to plan for it in a big way now, to reap rewards later? A previously unknown enclosure was discovered last week in the Golden Vale near Cashel by volunteer OpenStreetMap contributor and Rothe House tour guide Anne-Karoline Distel. OpenStreetMap is an OpenSource map which works like Wikipedia in that anyone can edit it. Anne was working on OpenStreetMap Irelands project to add all buildings to Irelands map using satellite imagery, when she spotted a circular crop mark in the townland of Garryard. Being just as passionate about Irish heritage as she is about mapping, her interest was triggered. Checking against older maps, she established that it was not recorded anywhere and reported her find to Jean Farrelly at the National Monuments Service. The verdict arrived promptly with Jean calling it a lovely find and attributing a Sites and Monuments Record number to the structure: TS053-102. Without further archaeological investigations, the structure was classified as an enclosure which could refer to an animal enclosure, but it could also be a ringfort where a farmers family would have lived and worked the surrounding fields. Both Anne and Jean noticed a tree line south of the structure following the curvature of the crop mark. This could indicate an old boundary surrounding a much larger (c. 120m diameter) structure around the possible ringfort. This tree line is part of the townland boundary between Garryard and Garranmore, suggesting that this part of the townland boundary goes back to a time when the possible ringfort was settled. Anne, who comes from an area in central Germany which is incidentally also called the Golden Vale and who has no formal background in archaeology, was thrilled about her find. She said: Even though there are numerous ringforts already recorded in this area due to the fertile nature, I am excited to have found another one, especially with the added intrigue of the townland boundary following its curvature. It shows how meaningful and rewarding citizen science can be. Anne, who lives in Kilkenny,, has combined her passions for mapping and Irish heritage by starting a YouTube channel called OSM for History Buffs where she presents tutorials on how to map historical features like ringforts, field names, holy wells and creameries, to name but a few. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that the Government has received legal advice that there is no guarantee a compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the land earmarked for the new National Maternity Hospital site would be successful. Speaking to reporters in Dublin, Mr Donnelly said that he had received clear advice from the Attorney General that there was absolutely no guarantee that a CPO would succeed. We would need to show that we need to own the land, I would imagine that St Vincents, or indeed the courts would say Well you do own the land for the next 300 years. So there is no guarantee that it would succeed. Mr Donnelly also said that the plan to co-locate the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) at a site at St Vincents in Dublin is meant to be a partnership, and that this partnership may be complicated or abandoned due to legal proceedings required to compulsory purchase the land. The Minister was speaking after attending an event in Dublin to mark the International Day of the Midwife. Mary Brosnan, the director of midwifery and nursing in the NMH, told reporters that she wished to reassure the public that she had never seen services limited by religious influence during her career. Ms Brosnan emphasised the importance of the facilities at the new maternity hospital, which will include 120 single rooms and a corridor that will link the NMH to acute services at St Vincents. This is a debate that shouldnt need to be carried on, Ms Brosnan said. It will not be bound by religious influence. I think its the wrong argument. Dr Cliona Murphy, clinical lead for the HSEs National Women and Infants Health Programme, said that clinicians would not drop the ball when the NMH moves to Vincents. From a clinical perspective and a national perspective, this has to happen. Forty per cent of the clinicians working in Holles Street also work in Vincents, so the clinical connections are there, and need to be built on, so its the physical infrastructure thats holding this up. People have asked that we own the hospital, Mr Donnelly said. We will own the hospital. People have asked that there will be clinical independence, there will be clinical independence. All of those very proper requests have been met, and weve gone further. Were essentially going to own the land for the next 300 years, and in 300 years time if we have to have a conversation about the land, we can have it then. There is no link between the land and what happens inside the hospital. GP practices are not built on State land, Ive never heard anyone previously suggest that we should own the land that Holles Street is built on, or that the Coombe is built on, or that the Rotunda is built on. Mr Donnelly also added that of the 19 maternity hospitals or units across the country, 11 are providing termination of pregnancy services and eight are not. The eight maternity settings that are not providing full abortion services are HSE hospitals, and not voluntary hospitals, Mr Donnelly said. In fact, it was the voluntary hospitals that really led the way on this. Speaking in the Dail today, Green Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the National Maternity Hospital needs to be built. Further delay, in my mind, is not the right choice. When armed conflicts take place in Africa or in the Middle East, Europes leaders are the first to call for a cessation of hostilities and to declare the urgent need for peace negotiations. What about in Europe? by Boaventura de Sousa Santos The North Atlantic media is entangled in an unprecedented information war. It is characterized by a relentless erosion of the distinction between facts and the manipulation of emotions and perceptions, between conjectures and unassailable truths. I saw this kind of information war in the United States firsthand during the last years of the war on Vietnam and in the lead-up to the war on Iraqboth wars driven by political hoaxes that led to numerous war crimes. Manipulation of the news around Russias war on Ukraine is aimed to prevent public opinion from seeking a lasting peace for both Ukraine and the region. The aim of this information war is to prolong the war to serve the interests of those who wish to promote it. How does one know what constitutes facts and what constitutes lies, and how can one learn to explain events without being accused of justification? Causes Leading to War To demonize your enemies, you must first dehumanize them. They must be defined as having acted criminally and without provocation. I have unconditionally condemned the illegal invasion of Ukraine, but I am nonetheless still interested in how we got to this point. Stephen Cohens 2019 book War With Russia? provides a thorough analysis of the relations between the United States and Russia since the end of the Soviet Union and the dynamics of these relations with respect to Ukraine since 2013. Cohen considers the conflict in Ukraine as a proxy war, but one that involved too many American and Russian trainers, minders, and possibly fighters. He reminds us of the war in Georgia (2008) and in Syria (2011). The risk of a direct conflict between the United States and Russia continues to grow in Ukraine, Cohen wrote in his book in 2019. Democracies and Autocracies The United States government sees the world divided into democracies and autocracies. Governments that are deemed by Washington to be hostile to it are defined as autocracies. For its Summit for Democracy, which took place in December 2021, the United States, for example, did not invite Bolivia, even though the country had recently gone through the election process; meanwhile, the U.S. invited Pakistan, the Philippines, and Ukraine, even though the U.S. government said it had misgivings about these states (in the case of Ukraine, only a few months earlier, the Pandora Papers revealed the depth of corruption among Ukraines elite, which included President Volodymyr Zelenskyy). Because Ukraine represents the struggle of democracy against Russian autocracy, Zelenskyy was invited to the summit. The concept of democracy is robbed of much of its political content and weaponized for purposes of promoting changes of government that are beneficial to the United States global interests. Real and Manufactured Threats to Justify War While Russian President Vladimir Putins exaggerated claims of the threat of Nazism in Ukraine that he is using to try to justify his illegal invasion of Ukraine are not true, the far-right paramilitary elements and their recruitment of foreign fighters that have pervaded Ukraine are worth examining. It is not unthinkable that the arming and financing by Europe and the United States of democracy-minded Ukrainian forces, even if this aid is not directed at known far-right extremist militias in Ukraine, could still bleed over. There is a risk that far-right extremists could gain a foothold, and one that is not merely confined to Ukraine. In a 1998 interview with LObs, previously known as Le Nouvel Observateur, Zbigniew Brzezinski, former U.S. President Jimmy Carters national security adviser, said that in 1979, the U.S. knowingly increased the probability of the USSR invading Afghanistan, in the hopes of giving the former Soviet Union its Vietnam war. Similarly, in February 2022, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told MSNBC that she hoped that the United States would do to Russia in Ukraine what it had done to Russia in Afghanistan. The NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that this war may last for a long time, for many months, for even years, which should have set off alarm bells among Europes political leaders. The consequences of a second Vietnam-style war by Russia could be disastrous for both Ukraine and Europe. Russia, which is part of Europe, will not be a threat to Europe unless Europe becomes a huge U.S. military base. Therefore, the expansion of NATO is the real threat facing Europe. Double Standards for International Pact Membership Turned into a mere sounding board for U.S. strategic choices, the European Union is advocating Ukraines right to join NATO as being the legitimate expression of universal values (and European values, but no less universal for that reason). At the same time, the United States has stepped up integration with Ukraine, as was seen in the November 2021 U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership. One wonders whether Europes leaders are aware that the recognition of Ukraines right to join a military pact like NATO is being denied to other countries by the United States. Even if European leaders are aware that the U.S. is denying other countries this right, it will make no difference, given the state of militaristic stupor in which they find themselves. Thus, for example, when the tiny Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean approved a preliminary security deal with China, in 2021, the U.S. responded immediately and with alarm by sending senior security officials to the region to stop the intensification of security competition in the Pacific. The Truth Comes Too Late The information war is always based on a mixture of selective truths, half-truths, and blatant lies (called false flags), organized with the purpose of justifying the military actions of those promoting it. I have no doubt that an information war is now being waged by both the Russian side and the U.S./Ukrainian side, even if, given the level of censorship that is being imposed on people worldwide consuming this information, we still know less about what is happening on the Russian side. Sooner or later the truth will emerge, the tragedy being that it will inevitably be too late. In this troubled beginning of a new century, we do have one advantage: the world has lost its innocence. WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange, for example, is paying a heavy price for having helped in the truth-finding process. To those who have not given up thinking for themselves, I recommend the chapter entitled Lying in Politics, in Hannah Arendts 1972 book Crises of the Republic. With this brilliant reflection on the Pentagon Papers, Arendt offers exhaustive data on the Vietnam War (including many war crimes and many lies), gathered at the initiative of Robert McNamara, one of the main actors responsible for that war, who also served as secretary of defense under two presidents during that period. Silence When armed conflicts take place in Africa or in the Middle East, Europes leaders are the first to call for a cessation of hostilities and to declare the urgent need for peace negotiations. Why is it then that when a war occurs in Europe, the drums of war beat incessantly, and not a single leader calls for them to be silenced and for the voice of peace to be heard? This article was produced by Globetrotter. Boaventura de Sousa Santos is the emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. His most recent book is Decolonizing the University: The Challenge of Deep Cognitive Justice. Initial gold results for Hole CAL22-017, a 350 metre step-out from California zone to California North target, returned 3 metres @ 0.32 gpT Au and 6.1 metres @ 1.65 gpT Au with quartz feldspar porphyry intrusion Widespread visible copper mineralization with quartz feldspar porphyry intrusion in RC drill hole JAS22-001 at Jasper Target 600 m west of California Zone, including 9.1 metres @ 0.332 gpT Au Continued intercepts of broad gold mineralization in the California zone First Multi-Element ICP results received for California drill holes Initial gold results from 5 additional drill holes still pending 1 metres of 0.332 gpT Au and 150 metres with visible Copper oxides and secondary sulfides in mineralized quartz feldspar porphyry intrusive, sediments and hydrothermal breccias in JAS22-001, as a 180 m step-out in the Jasper target to the southwest of the 2018 drilling. and in mineralized quartz feldspar porphyry intrusive, sediments and hydrothermal breccias in JAS22-001, as a 180 m step-out in the Jasper target to the southwest of the 2018 drilling. 3 metres of 0.315 gpT Au and 6.1 metres of 1.649 gpT Au in mineralized quartz feldspar porphyry, sediments and hydrothermal breccias in CAL22-017, as a 350 m step-out north onto the southern edge of the California North target. and in mineralized quartz feldspar porphyry, sediments and hydrothermal breccias in CAL22-017, as a 350 m step-out north onto the southern edge of the California North target. 421 gpT Au over 68.4 m in mineralized porphyries and hydrothermal breccias in CAL22-015 located at the southern edge of the eastern portion of the mineralized zone in mineralized porphyries and hydrothermal breccias in CAL22-015 located at the southern edge of the eastern portion of the mineralized zone 475 gpT Au over 56.2 m in mineralized porphyries and hydrothermal breccias in CAL22-016, located at the northern edge of the eastern portion of the mineralized zone Large well-located property (3,649 hectares) with good infrastructure, road access, local town, all private land, water wells on property, grid power nearby Seven prospective mineralized zones related to high level porphyries and breccias along an 7.0km east-northeast corridor with multiple intersecting northwest structures Distinct geophysical anomalies, California target marked by high magnetic and low resistivity anomalies, high radiometric and chargeability anomalies responding to pervasive alteration Extensive gold mineralization at California zone, 118 soil samples average 0.44 gpt gold over 900 m by 600 m area, trench rock-channel samples up to 0.47 gpt gold over 222m Already drilled the first discovery hole at the California zone, intersected gold oxide cap to a classic gold-copper porphyry deposit, drill results up to 0.77 gpt gold over 160 m Excellent gold recoveries from preliminary metallurgical tests on drill core from California zone; oxide gold recoveries in bottle roll tests range from 75% to 87% California geophysical anomaly wide open laterally and at depth, IP chargeability strengthens and broadens to >500m depth over an area 1100 m by 1200 m Three-Dimensional IP Survey conducted in 2019 extends strong chargeability anomalies to the southwest covering Estrella, Purisima East, and Purisima West, coinciding well with alteration and Au-Cu-Mo soil geochemical anomalies, all undrilled. Vancouver, Canada, 05.05.2022 (PresseBox) - .announces that recent drilling has intersected gold mineralization in a 350 metre step-out north of the California zone at the southern edge of the California North Target, returningandwith quartz feldspar porphyry intrusion.At the Jasper target, widespread visible copper oxides and secondary sulfides were observed with a quartz feldspar porphyry intrusion some 600 m west of the California Zone, including gold mineralizationoverAdditional drill results at the California target continue to return broad gold mineralization from the 2022 RC drill program on the Cervantes property located in Sonora, Mexico. Results for hole CAL22-015 returnedand CAL22-016 returned. The first multi-element ICP results show good relationships between Au, Cu, Bi, Ag and As, with prospective grades and widths for Cu and Ag for a potential porphyry deposit model.The primary focus of the Phase 2 RC drill program at Cervantes is to expand the previously drilled California zone by completing two drill hole fences parallel to and on either side of the 2017-18 Phase 1 drill hole fence. To-date, every hole drilled at California has intersected near surface, oxidized gold mineralization with minor copper oxides.Reported lengths are apparent widths, not true widths, and the observed gold mineralization appears to be widely distributed in disseminations, fractures and veinlets within quartz-feldspar porphyry, feldspar porphyry stocks and related hydrothermal breccias.Holes CAL22-015, 016 and 017 intersected broad gold mineralization, see table below, extending the known mineralized zone at depth and over 350 metres to the north onto the California North target confirming it as a target of immediate interest, and also to the south on the eastern end of the California zone. The RC Phase 2 drilling program has been completed. It covers an area now measuring approximately 900 metres long by 250 to 500 metres wide, with demonstrated, continuous mineralization up to 265 metres depth vertically. The porphyry gold-copper mineralization is still open in all directions.The first multi-element ICP results show good relationships between Au, Cu, Bi, Ag and As, which will assist in vectoring exploration targets for potentially economic grades and widths for Cu and Ag in a porphyry deposit model. The multi-element ICP values support the exploration model of the California zone being at the highest portion of a porphyry system, where an overlying high sulfidation zone has been eroded away.The Aztec-Kootenay JV has now completed its Phase 2 Reverse circulation (RC) program of 26 holes, totaling 4,649 metres at the. Drilling commenced in December 2021. The planned drill testing of the four main targets of the Cervantes phase 2 drilling program is now complete. The primary objectives of the 2021 2022 phase 2 exploration program was to better define the open pit, heap leach gold potential of the porphyry oxide cap at, evaluate the potential for deeper copper-gold porphyry sulfide mineralization underlying the oxide cap, test for north and west extensions of the California mineralization atand, and assess the breccia potential ofDrill samples cuttings are collected every 5 feet (1.52m) from all drill holes. The samples are analyzed by Bureau Veritas for gold with a 30-gram sample size using the method FA430 followed by MA300. Over limits, when present, are analyzed by AR404 or FA550. All holes contain certified blanks, standards, and duplicates as part of the quality control program. The QA/QC review for all drilling has been completed with excellent results showing good data integrity. The samples are shipped to and received by Bureau Veritas Minerals laboratory for the gold and multielement geochemical analysis and additional gold results will be received and reported in the next several weeks. Final multielement ICP results are expected to follow the release of the preliminary gold assays and are expected to be received during the second quarter 2022.Aztec has recently completed drill hole collar surveying, field work for Drone Photogrammetry survey created a detailed ortho-topographic base map, and Terraspec readings on the RC drill chips. Aztec is now carrying out channel sampling and geologic mapping of the new drill roads at California, California Norte and Jasper, relogged the 2017-2018 core, expand surface sampling and mapping on the property in general to continue the 2021 phase 1 surface program, and generate Leapfrog modeling of the geology, geochemistry and geophysics.Cervantes is a highly prospective porphyry gold-copper property located in southeastern Sonora state, MexicoThe project lies 160 km east of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico within the prolific Laramide porphyry copper belt approximately 265 km southeast of the Cananea porphyry copper-molybdenum mine (Grupo Mexico). Cervantes also lies along an east-west trending gold belt 60 km west of the Mulatos epithermal gold mine (Alamos Gold), 35 km northeast of the Osisko Development San Antonio gold mine, 45 km west of the La India mine (Agnico Eagle), and 40 km northwest of Santana gold deposit (Minera Alamos). View: Cervantes Project Location Map Aztec announces that on November 112021 it had entered into a services agreement (the "Agreement") with CanaCom Digital Marketing Group ("Canacom"), an arm's-length party to the Company and the parent company of The Deep Dive (Deep Dive), to provide digital content, marketing and media distribution services to the company. The term of the agreement commenced on November 11, 2021 ("Term"), and will run for an approximate 6 month period. In consideration for the services provided, the Company has agreed to pay CanaCom a fee of CAD$100,000.Allen David Heyl, B.Sc., CPG., VP Exploration of Aztec, is the Qualified Person supervised the Cervantes exploration program. Aztec is conducting reverse circulation drilling at Cervantes and collecting 5 feet (1.52m) samples for all drill holes. All drill hole sample batches contain certified blanks, standards, and duplicates as part of the quality control program. Mr. Heyl reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release. Aztec is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large polymetallic mineral deposits in the Americas. Our core asset is the prospective Cervantes porphyry gold-copper property in Sonora, Mexico. Aztec also has control of the historic, district-scale Tombstone properties host both bulk tonnage epithermal gold-silver as well as CRD silver-lead-zinc mineralization in Cochise County, Arizona. Aztecs shares trade on the TSX-V stock exchange (symbol AZT) and on the OTCQB (symbol AZZTF).Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 92F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 69F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. COLUMBIA - It's Children's Mental Health Week, and several organizations in Columbia are using this week to raise awareness. Missouri ranks 22nd, according to Mental Health America's Youth Mental Health scale. The lower the ranking, the lower prevalence of mental health illness and the higher rate of access to care for youth. Several mid-Missouri organizations observed the week at Shelter Fountains in Columbia on Wednesday. The supervisor of Burrell Behavioral Health's Connection Center says there are two crucial points to this type of assistance for children. "We are talking about access to services," Vinita Khanna said. "We're also talking about timing. If somebody is needing help that moment, as a community member, we should be there to assist that person." According to Burrell Behavioral Health, one in four children under the age of 10 experience a severe behavioral health disorder at some point in their lives. Burrell offers a number of services to children and families experiencing youth mental health, and to those who may experience barriers to this kind of health care access. This includes a 24/7 crisis line and telehealth services. "The person who is actually [facing] a crisis does not have to be our client," Khanna said. "Anybody in the community, anybody, can give us a call." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The gathering Wednesday included the reading of a Children's Mental Health Week proclamation from the Mayor Barbara Buffaloe's office, comments from the event organizers and awareness for mental health resources. It was also easy to spot lots of green, which is the international color of mental health awareness. Children's Grove is another organization providing youth mental health care in mid-Missouri. President Kim Dude-Lammi says these services are important now more than ever. "It's just like if I broke my arm, of course I would go to the doctor to get it fixed," Dude-Lammi said. "If my heart is hurting, or my mental health is not doing well, why in the world would I not go and get help? We need to decrease the stigma of getting help." You'll be able to catch green for Children's Mental Health Week until May 7. Green lights will shine at night at the following locations: City of Columbia Keyhole by City Hall Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services Shelter Fountain Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Gateway Plaza Missouri Capitol, as ordered by Gov. Mike Parson New evidence found in Madeleine McCann case as German prosecutor is 'sure' suspect killed British girl The General Assembly has seen legislation ranging from congressional map redistricting to marijuana legalization. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is presenting its largest infrastructure improvement plan its ever created. MoDOT's draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) provides a layout of projects through 2026 that span across the 34,000 miles that the transportation system covers. For the first time in over 20 years, MoDOT is able to create an infrastructure plan with revenue coming in from two sides, according to MoDOT Assistant Chief Engineer Eric Schroeter. Using revenue from the gas tax increase and federal funds, MoDOT has over $7.5 billion to use toward construction work across the state with about $1.5 billion a year in construction contracts, according to Schroeter. The plan outlines over 1,700 projects, including 700 new projects that are worth over $7 billion. "About 75% of the projects are taking care of the highway system we already have. So they're maintaining roads and bridges that are out there that we need to, you know, either resurface or rehab or replace some bridges," Schroeter said. "There is a portion of work that is doing new things on our system- building some interchanges, adding lanes, things like that that communities really want." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Central Missouri is expected to get $690 million worth of work. The Central District spans across 18 counties: Howard, Boone, Cooper, Callaway, Moniteau, Cole, Osage, Gasconade, Morgan, Miller, Maries, Camden, Laclede, Pulaski, Phelps, Dent, Crawford and Washington. "This is a lot of work to get started, and a lot of work for our contracting partners, and we're really looking forward to that," Schroeter said. Here's how the Central District's state fiscal year project budgeting breaks down: 7/2021-6/2022: $387,569 7/2022-6/2023: $133,443 7/2023-6/2024: $123,318 7/2024-6/2025: $61,575 7/2025-6/2026: $52,525 The draft STIP will be released in approximately two weeks for public comment. Schroeter said MoDOT typically takes public comment for 30 days. From there, MoDOT will summarize the comments and determine whether they need to make adjustments. The draft will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in July. Once approved, the Federal Department of Transportation will give it a final approval. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) U.S. missile shield is seen deployed in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in this July 2017 photo. Korea Times file The United States may discuss deploying additional missile defense units to South Korea if requested by Seoul's incoming administration, a state department spokesperson said Wednesday. The remarks come after North Korea launched a ballistic missile on Wednesday (Seoul time), marking its 14th known show of force this year. "Every country has the inherent right to self-defense," Ned Price said when asked if the U.S. might consider deploying additional THAAD units to South Korea if requested by Seoul's new Yoon Suk-yeol administration. "As I said before, our commitment to the defense of our treaty allies, the ROK in this case, is ironclad. These will be discussions that we will have as allies regarding how best we can see to it that our commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad," the spokesperson added, referring to South Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea. Yoon earlier suggested deploying additional THAAD antimissile system units to deter North Korea's missile provocations, but his nominee for foreign minister, Park Jin, recently stressed the need for "in-depth discussions" following a careful review by the incoming administration on the necessity for additional THAAD units. Seoul currently hosts a U.S. THAAD unit, but the 2016 decision to host the unit received severe economic repercussions from China. Yoon is set to take office on Tuesday. The state department spokesperson argued China too has recognized the danger of North Korea's missile launches, adding," each of these provocations has been a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions." "The PRC, of course, is a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council," he said, referring to China by its official name, the People's Republic of China. "The fact that there are multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, the fact that there are multiple statements that have emanated from the U.N. Security Council chamber itself is a testament to the fact that countries around the world, including the PRC, recognize that the DPRK's ballistic missile program is a source of instability," he added. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. (Yonhap) Worshippers pray at a temporary mosque in Daehyun-dong, Daegu, April 29. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min Amid Islamophobic incidents, experts call for better understanding of Islamic culture By Lee Hyo-jin The ongoing neighborhood standoff between Muslim immigrants and non-Muslim Koreans surrounding the construction of a mosque in the southern city of Daegu is one of the latest major displays of xenophobia in the country. The high court's recent ruling in favor of the group of immigrants from Muslim-majority countries, who had been pushing for the construction of the mosque in Daegu's Buk district, still faces strong opposition from local residents of Korean nationality. This incident comes four years after some 550 Yemeni asylum seekers of the civil war in Yemen sought refuge on Jeju Island through the 30-day visa-free entry system, causing a stir due to some Korean media outlets alarmist and xenophobic reporting at the time. The Yemenis, who had arrived on the southern resort island between January and May in 2018, triggered heated debate about why the West Asians had been received by Jeju and whether Korea should have accepted them at all. Scaremongers fanned the flames of Islamophobia online by going as far as describing the displaced Yemenis as "terrorists disguising themselves as asylum seekers." This paranoia then led to an online petition calling on the government to abolish the Refugee Act. Astonishingly, even though Korea is a member of the U.N. 1951 Refugee Convention, this petition drew over 700,000 signatures, with multiple anti-refugee protests being held across the country. In 2021, the government's decision to airlift 400 Afghan evacuees, who had helped the Korean government in Afghanistan, to Korea after their homeland fell into the hands of the Taliban, reignited for some the debate over accepting Muslim refugees. This flurry of recent incidents that have pitted Koreans against Muslim immigrants has prompted soul-searching among Koreans about the reasons behind their negative reactions to the migrants and asylum seekers, especially considering that Korea itself had experienced the devastating effects of war and displacement in its relatively recent history. Some experts say that Koreans' lack of understanding of Islamic culture is based on the influence of Western media and negative experiences involving people of the Muslim faith overseas. Lee Hee-soo, an emeritus professor of cultural anthropology at Hanyang University, pointed to the influence of Western media as one of the key factors that has shaped Koreans' attitudes toward Muslims. Lee Hee-soo, an emeritus professor of cultural anthropology at Hanyang University, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university campus in Seoul, April 28. Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-min "Compared with other OECD member states, Korea has a high level of Islamophobia, which means many people have hostility, irrational fear or prejudice toward Muslims," he said. "The Islamic world and the West have a long history of conflict. And Korea mostly receives news and information about Islam through Western media, most of which have hostile views toward the religion." However, this sort of analysis based on religion-driven animosity seems not to be applicable in the Korean case. Korea is relatively religiously heterogeneous, compared to some other countries that are dominated by one particular religion alone. In terms of religious diversity, the country is relatively open to a variety of religious faiths. A Gallup survey on religious affiliation taken between March 18 and April 7 of this year found that those who identified as Protestant topped the survey with 17 percent, followed by Buddhists (16 percent) and Catholics (6 percent). The rate of people who said they are not affiliated with any religion fell to 40 from 54 percent in 2014. Pollsters contacted 4,630 people but only 1,500 responded. The survey has a margin of error of plus and minus 2.5 percentage points. According to the Korea Muslim Federation, the number of Muslims in Korea stands at under 200,000, a mere 0.4 of a percent of the country's population of 52 million. Among them, 150,000 are workers and students from Islamic countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh. There are 15 officially registered mosques across the country, along with 150 to 200 musalla, or houses of worship that are smaller in size than a mosque. On top of the cultural differences, a few horrific incidents carried out by Islamic extremists deeply affected some Koreans stereotypes of all Muslims. In 2007, 23 Korean missionaries at Saemmul Presbyterian Church were kidnapped by members of the Taliban in Afghanistan. For several weeks, headlines were dominated by the Taliban members' threat to kill the hostages, with two of them eventual being killed. The other hostages were released after 40 days. Earlier in 2004, Kim Sun-il, a Korean interpreter and Christian missionary in Iraq was kidnapped and beheaded by the Unity and Jihad group, linked to al-Qaeda. In Korea, since the enactment of the anti-terrorism law in 2016, over 100 foreign nationals were deported after they were found to be associated with Islamic terrorist groups, according to data from the National Intelligence Service. They had engaged in terrorism-related activities by supporting certain organizations or wiring funds to them. Nonetheless, Lee said that this relatively small number of extremists do not represent the Muslim community in Korea and thus, Muslims do not pose a threat to society. Anti-Muslim protestors rally against a group of asylum seekers from Yemen, in Seoul, June 30, 2018. Newsis By Park Jung-won On April 16, North Korea test-fired two new short-range missiles capable of being armed with tactical nuclear weapons into the East Sea. Many North Korea watchers, particularly progressive-oriented elements in South Korean society, had been skeptical of the possibility that the North could fire a nuclear weapon at South Korea. However, this successful North Korean test has made such optimistic views seem naive. If North Korea were to fire low-yield nuclear weapons at a low apogee to attack Seoul tomorrow, South Korea would have no means of intercepting them. In the current Russia-Ukraine war, American intelligence sources suggest that Russia might use tactical nuclear weapons if it fails to defeat Ukraine with conventional combat methods. It is not unthinkable that the nuclear threat to South Korea from North Korea could in the future become exactly the same as Ukraine now faces from Russia. It is natural for citizens in a normal democratic country to raise such concerns. It is not normal to shy away from them but instead worry about politics. What use are political battles between conservatives and progressives if the country is left more vulnerable to a nuclear attack? Nevertheless, not a few South Korean citizens and politicians seem to think that the cases of Ukraine and South Korea are fundamentally different. Otherwise, it is difficult to explain the bizarre scene of South Korean lawmakers during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's video address to the National Assembly on April 11. Despite the fact that the tragic pictures coming out of Ukraine echoed those of the Korean War, only about 50 of 300 lawmakers attended Zelenskyy's speech. Some of those in attendance did not even concentrate on his speech, instead looking at their cellphones, chatting or dozing off. North Korea's repeated military provocations this year have demonstrated that South Korea's three-decade attempt to denuclearize its northern neighbor has completely failed. On the Korean Peninsula, the Roh Tae-woo administration took an active approach to North Korea at the end of the Cold War, signing the Inter-Korean Basic Agreement and the Joint Declaration on Denuclearization with the North in 1991. Since then, successive South Korean governments, up to the Moon Jae-in administration, have implemented various inter-Korean policies that have emphasized exchanges and cooperation, with the expectation that if they helped North Korea economically, it would give up its nuclear program and change politically. But all of these efforts have failed. Even more frustrating is that, in light of such a disastrous policy failure, not a single leader in successive South Korean governments has ever acknowledged this or apologized for it. In an interview with the Washington Post published on April 14, President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol said that if North Korea initiates denuclearization work, his administration will provide various benefits such as economic and humanitarian assistance. Does Yoon really believe that North Korea will give up its strong nuclear capability, into which it has poured almost all of its state resources for decades, in return for such tiny economic assistance from South Korea? The stated goal of President Joe Biden's administration on the North Korean nuclear issue is complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization (CVID). However, it has not given a concrete answer as to how it can achieve this goal, given that North Korea is now believed to possess about 60 nuclear weapons, with an expected increase in its stockpile to 200 by 2027. If North Korea launches a short-range missile armed with a tactical nuclear warhead at a city or U.S. military base in South Korea, will the U.S. respond by retaliating against North Korea using its "nuclear umbrella" to protect its ally? Many South Koreans are very doubtful. Given that achieving North Korea's denuclearization has become virtually impossible under the current sanctions-oriented framework, which features a lack of consistent commitment by China and Russia as clearly illustrated by the recent North Korean ICBM test and the subsequent deadlock in the U.N. Security Council for further sanctioning, the incoming Yoon administration should rethink from scratch its stance toward the issue of North Korean denuclearization. If the U.S. does not guarantee "substantial deterrence" and only continues to oppose nuclear sharing (as it does with the NATO model), South Korea will inevitably have no choice but to arm itself with nuclear weapons to escape being held hostage by North Korea's nuclear threat indefinitely. As many American security experts have observed, South Korea has already reached a point where it should seriously consider nuclear armament. In accordance with Article 10 of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, South Korea can claim justification for its withdrawal from the treaty by presenting the overriding interests of its national security. China would obviously impose severe sanctions on South Korea in that case. But South Korea could then demand that China step forward by firmly pressuring North Korea into denuclearizing. Negotiations on the denuclearization of North Korea in any true sense would only be possible after this phase. In a farewell interview with JTBC, Moon dismissed those politicians who want to consider the nuclear armament of South Korea as being "absurd" without providing persuasive alternatives. His position seems very complacent, even if his statement was made before the heightened security situation created by North Korea on April 25. On that day its leader, Kim Jong-un, announced the decision to expand his country's doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons beyond deterrence to include the possibility of preemptive strikes for its "fundamental interests." Yoon should communicate the urgency of South Korea's situation by presenting all options, including the possibility of a nuclear-armed South Korea, to Biden during their summit on May 21. It is South Korea, not the North, that needs brinkmanship now. Park Jung-won (park_jungwon@hotmail.com), Ph.D. in law from the London School of Economics (LSE), is a professor of international law at Dankook University. By Donald Kirk WASHINGTON The phrase "war by proxy" is in vogue. It's not a new term, but you see and hear it all the time now. That's what the U.S. and its NATO allies are doing in Ukraine, getting Ukrainian forces to fight the Russians on their behalf. Support for this "proxy war" is overwhelming. Leftists and liberals who oppose just about any American adventure overseas are cheering on Ukraine against Russia, and President Joe Biden is lavishing billions on what looks like the opening rounds of a long-running conflict. Americans don't like the idea of U.S. troops getting involved. Nobody wants the U.S. enforcing a no-fly zone and fighting Russian warplanes over Ukraine. The risks are too high. The U.S. might then plunge into a full-scale war against Russia. Other NATO nations don't want to fight Russia either. They too believe in "war by proxy." The proxies, the Ukrainians, are defending not only their own turf but, like it or not, the rest of Europe. At heart, Russia's Vladimir Putin dreams of recovering the old Soviet empire. After Ukraine, he might want to go on to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Unlike Ukraine, they are members of NATO. In theory their NATO allies would rush to their defense. We can be pretty sure, however, not all the other NATO countries would want to fight for them. Better to wage a war by proxy than a real war anywhere, but arming other people to avoid sacrificing your own forces evokes uncomplimentary images. It's as though you were putting someone else into the ring to batter the foe while you cheered from ringside. You can expand on the theme of war by proxy forever. The Korean War would be a prime example. The Americans fought some of that war's toughest battles but counted on the South Koreans, who lost more than 100,000 soldiers. China entered the war only after the North Koreans were sent into disastrous retreat. By common consent, the Korean War was carefully confined to the Korean Peninsula. Northern and southern Koreans were proxies for much larger powers. In the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the U.S. were shielded from attack or invasion, and the U.S. stopped short of bombing China. Koreans would also be proxies in the next Korean War. North Korea's Kim Jong-un may boast of nuclear strength and the power of his armed forces, but if Korean War II breaks out, they'll be fighting on behalf of the North's old Korean War allies, China and Russia. In South Korea, not too many American soldiers are left. U.S. troop strength is down to 28,500 headquartered at Camp Humphreys, America's largest overseas base, 40 miles south of Seoul. South Korean forces, building up their weaponry, should be superior to the North Koreans in armed strength even though the North has twice as many troops. The South Koreans, not the Americans, would be doing most of the fighting, maintaining the South as a bulwark against America's enemies. It's not fashionable now to talk about "the war against communism," but on the Korean Peninsula the communists are capable of stirring up trouble. China's President Xi Jinping leads the world's strongest communist country. Communism also reigns supreme in North Korea, unless you regard the North as a hereditary dictatorship in which the ruling Kim dynasty functions more like an ancient monarchy than a "progressive" socialist regime. It was in the generation after World War II that Americans were most alarmed by communism. That's why the Americans fought for Korea, and it was also why they plunged into Vietnam, defending "South" against "North" Vietnam for 10 years in a conflict in which Vietnamese, northern and southern, suffered by far the most casualties. In both those wars, the common denominator was the U.S. versus Communist China. The Korean War proved as difficult for the U.S. as the world wars that had already swept Europe and much of Asia. The Americans assumed the rest of the "free world" would stand united against communism spreading down the Korean Peninsula. Most other countries, however, were reluctant to jump into what they saw as America's war, despite the image of 16 nations banded together under the United Nations Command. If the outcome of proxy wars is uncertain, they do largely spare the powers behind the proxies. It's the people on the ground, military and civilian, who are made to suffer while their sponsors live in relative peace. Donald Kirk, , writes from Seoul as well as Washington. By Jackie Calmes Talk about shooting the messenger. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has ordered the Supreme Court's marshal, its internal police, to investigate who leaked to Politico a draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade and a half-century of abortion rights precedents. Congress' Republican leaders likewise decried the leak, not the trashing of a longtime constitutional right. Sen. Mitch McConnell suggested criminal charges might be in order for the whistleblower, er, leaker. Roberts in his statement Tuesday said the leak was a "betrayal of the confidences of the Court intended to undermine the integrity of our operations." The court's integrity has been undermined, all right, but not by the leaker. Blame should go to the five Republican-appointed conservative justices Samuel A. Alito Jr., the opinion's author; Clarence Thomas; and Donald Trump's three appointees, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett who dissembled their way through their Senate confirmation hearings. As nominees they each dismissed, under oath, the idea that they would overturn Roe and other rulings upholding that 1973 decision. Yet safely on the bench, unelected and life-tenured, they reportedly are seizing power to do just that, fulfilling the decades-old dream of anti-abortion activists and a central plank of the Republican Party platform. The five justices have embarked on a crusade of judicial activism against a raft of precedents, not just on abortion, now that conservatives have a 6-3 conservative majority, including Roberts, who has been trying to preserve the court's image as a nonpartisan institution. His lone effort to keep the court from straying too far from public opinion has been blown apart. Six in 10 Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, that women should make the life-altering decision whether to have a child. One in four women have had abortions, most of them long before the fetus is viable. It stinks, this ideological radicalization of the court. As Sonia Sotomayor, one of the court's three liberals, fumed during oral arguments in December in the pending case concerning Mississippi's law banning abortion after 15-weeks pregnancy, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health: "Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts? I don't see how it is possible." Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a rare Republican who supports abortion rights, said the draft opinion "rocks my confidence in the court right now." Even Sen. Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, has gone beyond expressing her usual "concern." Her vote was decisive in putting Kavanaugh on the bench after he'd assured her, she said, that he believed Roe was "settled law." On Tuesday, she accused him and Gorsuch of misleading her and other senators during their confirmation process. "If this leaked draft opinion is the final decision and this reporting is accurate, it would be completely inconsistent with what Justice Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh said in their hearings and in our meetings in my office," Collins said. Alito's 98-page draft is dated Feb. 10. Draft opinions are typically circulated and redrafted to reflect other justices' edits and views. But there is nothing to suggest that a more polished version won't come to the same conclusion, representing the unshakeable anti-abortion views of the conservatives. Why should we have to wait to know the final decision until the end of the court's term in late June, when the justices unload their most controversial opinions and disperse for the summer? After all, the court's direction has been clear since the Trump justices arrived. Collins was perhaps the only person persuaded by Kavanaugh or Gorsuch in their misrepresentations about respecting precedents on abortion rights. After Kavanaugh became the court's fifth conservative in late 2018, red-state legislatures rushed to pass plainly unconstitutional abortion bans, expressly to invite the newly friendly Supreme Court to overturn Roe. Senate confirmation hearings long ago became charades. Nominees have often dodged questions about how they'd decide cases, since Robert Bork's candid testimony confirming his extreme conservatism got him rejected in a bipartisan Senate vote in 1987. Yet the current five anti-abortion justices were particularly artful dodgers when it came to senators' questions about Roe. Once confirmed, their opposition was quickly apparent. Thomas testified in 1991 that he'd hardly thought about the landmark ruling, yet months later dissented on an abortion rights decision and called for striking down Roe. Alito, in 2006, told senators repeatedly that he respected Roe as the court's precedent, but became its foremost foe on the court. Nominee Gorsuch said of Roe in 2017, "That's the law of the land. I accept the law of the land, senator, yes." Kavanaugh suggested a constitutional right to abortion had an especially strong claim to respect because it had "been affirmed many times," with "precedent on precedent." Barrett said Roe was no "super precedent," given some ongoing public opposition, yet quickly added, "That doesn't mean that Roe should be overruled." Now it will be. Forget the leak. The opinion is what matters to tens of millions of American women who will lose their constitutionally protected right to decide whether they will give birth. Jackie Calmes is an opinion columnist for the Los Angeles Times in Washington, D.C. Her article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Rookie girl group member Kazuha is gaining attention for her "catwalk." Keep on reading to know more. LE SSERAFIM Kazuha Gains Attention After 'Catwalk' Clip Goes Viral Back on May 2, HYBE and Source Music's girl group LE SSERAFIM finally made their highly-anticipated debut with their title song "FEARLESS," which soon topped charts following its official release. Prior to the release of their debut mini-album of the same name, LE SSERAFIM held a press conference to commemorate their debut. During the event, the six members performed their title song, as well as answer numerous questions by reporters. Like any press conference, numerous videos and photos of the girl group were taken and shared on social media. However, one particular video of a member is gaining attention. Over on Twitter, a user who dedicated their account to member Kazuha shared a clip of the rookie idol walking down the stage to the front, while the rest of her fellow members follow behind her in a line. The clip also showed Kazuha smiling sweetly. After sharing the clip back on May 2, it has so far garnered more than a million views on Twitter, with over 12,000 likes and more than 15,100 retweets within 24 hours. Not long after, the short video of Kazuha was dubbed as her "catwalk" clip and got the idol to trend on social media. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LE SSERAFIM Gains 2nd Highest 1st Day Spotify Streams for K-pop Group Debut Song The clip was also shared on various other social media platforms, where netizens then left numerous comments praising the idol for her beauty. Some have even expressed how they prefer for Kazuha to be the group's center due to her great visuals. Some comments from netizens read, "She has such a natural smile... Kazuha really brightens the stage," "Wow, this is the first time that I noticed a female idol this hard. Her visuals are so impressive," and "If I didn't know, I would think that she is a Korean. She looks like she can star in a K-Drama," among others. What do you think of Kazuha's "catwalk"? More About LE SSERAFIM Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM is HYBE and Source Music's first girl group launched together. The group's name is an anagram for the phrase "I'm Fearless." IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: LE SSERAFIM Scores Highest 1st Day Sales for Girl Group Debut Album LE SSERAFIM features a total of six members, two of whom are former members of "Produce 48" girl group IZ*ONE, Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chaewon. Member Yunjin also participated in "Produce 48," however, she placed at No. 26 in the overall rankings. Other members include Kazuha, who was a professional ballerina studying in the Netherlands until she was scouted by the label, and Garam and Eunchae. For more K-Pop news, follow and subscribe to KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Robyn Joan RACINE Racine Zoo is hosting their Music at the Zoo concert series June 17-18, featuring Chicago Tribute Anthology, Grimm Brothers, and Substitute: Tales From The Who. This weekend full of music takes place along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline and all ages are welcome. Guests will be able to grab a bite to eat on site and sing along to their favorite hits. I am so excited for the Music at the Zoo concerts this season! We have some amazing artists that will be performing at the Zoo and we want you to join us. This exciting event at the Zoo gets everyone together for friendship, good food and drinks and more importantly, music, said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the Racine Zoo. These concerts benefit the Zoo and our animals, and are one more great thing to do in Racine. Back at the Zoo by popular demand, Chicago Tribute Anthology kicks off the concert series on Friday, June 17. Chicago Tribute Anthology is dedicated to performing the music of one of the most popular and enduring bands of all time: Chicago. The unique sound that was and is Chicago defined a generation and changed the sound of popular music forever. Guests can experience their concert set of Chicagos greatest hits. Their personnel are all veterans of the Chicago-area musical scene and have performed with notable national and local artists such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, the Hat Guys, Flapjacks, Katie Sullivan, Legacy, the Four Man Acoustical Band, Farewell, Deja Groove, Bill Russo and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Take 5, The Dana Legg Big Band, Woody Herman Orchestra, Fanfare, the Fox Valley Concert Band, and many other of the areas finest musicians and ensembles. The Grimm Brothers will be opening for Substitute: Tales From The Who on Saturday, June 18. As two veteran performer vocalists, the Grimm Brothers light up dance floors and concert stages wherever they appear. They are repeat visitors to venues like Wisconsin State Fair, Summerfest, the Bradley Center and Potawatomi Casino. Their music and vocal harmonies consist of an audience-pleasing blend of both originals and tributes to some of todays and yesterdays greatest artists. Steve Grimm is an award-winning songwriter, Wisconsin Association of Music Industry Hall of Fame inductee, and founder of Milwaukees Bad Boy, on lead guitar and vocals, blending rock, funk and blues in his unique and energy-charged delivery of original and covers. Craig Evans brings his dynamic lead vocals and the infectious bass grooves hes also brought to The Rockerfellers, Bad Boy and Cimmeron. Substitute: Tales From The Who will take the stage Saturday, June 18. With a look and sound that captures The Who at the height of their 70s peak, Substitute plays the songs that have become part of rock legend. Substitute brings to life the songs that over the past 50 years have become a vibrant part of music history in the form of smash hits, multiple rock operas and television themes. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert on June 17 beginning at 7 p.m. and concerts on June 18 starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $30 per person online, $35 per person at the gate, and $50 per person season tickets online at racinezoo.org/music-zoo. Proceeds benefit the animals and programs of the Racine Zoo. Nestled along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the zoo is open year round. Current hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission rates are free for members and children ages 2 and younger; $9 ages 3-15; $10 seniors; $11 adults. For more, visit racinezoo.org, call 262-636-9189 or go to the zoos accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. RACINE Gloria Schumacher has seen firsthand the evolution of Belle City Square, on the 2100 block of Northwestern Avenue. The development, formerly the site of Horlicks Malted Milk Co., stood vacant for decades and was a magnet for crime. With recent renovations, though, Schumacher, principal at the nearby John Paul II Academy, believes the development is helping the community. Belle City Square is turning the city around in a very positive way, said Schumacher. The second stage of the multimillion-dollar renovations at Belle City Square, a partnership between J. Jeffers & Co. and the City of Racine, was unveiled Tuesday when The William apartment building opened. It is named after William Horlick. The former Horlick Manufacturing bell announced the opening of the new building, tolling as several dozen people toured the apartments. The bell, crafted in 1911, was restored and will now ring every day at noon and 3:41 p.m., the same time as a bell at neighboring Gilmore Fine Arts school. It previously served as the lunch bell for Horlick workers. Alderman Marcus West represents the citys 8th District, where The William is located. He hopes the apartments can attract new people to Racine and keep residents in the area. The 8th District has been through a lot, obviously, with the crime, with some of the poverty issues that we had in this specific area, West said. I think something like this gives families hope. Brenda White, president of Siena Catholic Schools of Racine which includes John Paul II Academy, attended the opening and said the building represents growth in so many ways. That includes providing local jobs. According to a news release, work on The William had 29% disadvantaged business participation and 35% minority participation, including 16 people through the Racine Works Program. J. Jeffers reported its partners included AG Architecture, Heritage Consulting, CG Schmidt and Founders3. West said those jobs were crucial, noting that skilled workers in minority communities are often overlooked. For me personally, being a person of color, I thought it was very important because we are underrepresented and we are underutilized, and I think that we have a lot of minority businesses that can do great work, West said. Building up your community is impactful, not only for the individuals that are being impacted, but potentially for generations to come. West added that the apartment building can accommodate working class people that dont want to buy a home. The William includes 86 market-rate apartments ranging from studio to three bedrooms. At the top of the building sits the restored clock tower and bell. Scott Schwebel, J. Jeffers chief marketing officer, said the company wanted to restore that once iconic experience back to the city. West said the city wanted to continue the buildings tradition while adding modern amenities. Schumacher appreciated that mix. Its brand new, but its got history to it, she said. West aims for the building to provide apartments for people new to Racine and a living space for area residents to strive toward. I think if we place facilities like this in that environment, these families say, Hey, I would like to live in a facility like this, West said. Theyre in a safe, clean environment that may give them more inspiration to do better Although this is not one of the richest sectors in Racine, were getting it to where it looks as if it would be a phenomenal area. Amber Heard said she knew she should leave Johnny Depp the first time he hit her, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. "I knew I couldn't just forgive him, right, because that means it will happen again. Like, I've seen the health class videos," Heard told jurors through tears as she took the stand in Depp's libel lawsuit against her. "I was heartbroken." Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard Defamation Trial Day 14 - Watch Live Streaming & Coverage of Court Proceedings from Virginia. Ultimately, though, she couldn't bring herself to break up. She walked away after being slapped, but a few days later Depp came back with an apology, a few cases of her favourite wine, and a promise he'd never do it again, Heard testified. "I wanted to believe him, so I chose to," she said. Depp, 58, is suing Heard for libel in Fairfax County Circuit Court after she wrote a December 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post describing herself as "a public figure representing domestic abuse." The article never mentions Depp by name, but Depp's lawyers say he was defamed nevertheless because it clearly referred to accusations she made in 2016 during their divorce proceedings. Heard took the stand for the first time Wednesday afternoon in the now four-week trial. She described to jurors how they met while filming a movie and fell in love. Despite their 22-year age difference, Heard said there was an instant connection when Depp met with her as he considered her for a role in his film "The Rum Diary." "I was a no-name actor. I was 22. He was twice my age. He's this world famous actor and here we are getting along about obscure books, old blues" music, said Heard, now 36. Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard Defamation Trial Day 13 - Watch Live Streaming & Coverage of Court Proceedings from Virginia. While they had chemistry during filming of the movie, she said they didn't begin dating until doing a press tour for the film's release in 2011. At the outset, they kept their relationship a secret. "We weren't doing normal life stuff. ... We were in this bubble of secrecy, and it felt like a warm glow," she said. She said the first act of physical violence came as she was looking at one of his tattoos and couldn't read it. She laughed when Depp told her it said "Wino" an alteration to a tattoo he had made when he'd been dating actor Winona Ryder. Heard said she laughed after he slapped her, thinking it must be a joke. He then slapped her two more times, the third time knocking her off balance, Heard said. Depp, who has already taken the stand and testified for four days, told jurors a different version of the story. "It didn't happen," he said of the alleged assault. "Why would I take such great offense to someone making fun of a tattoo on my body? That allegation never made any sense to me." Heard's testimony came after a psychologist hired by her lawyers testified that Heard suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder from multiple acts of abuse, including sexual violence, inflicted on her by Depp. Depp testified he never struck Heard and that he was the abuse victim. He said he was punched and struck by her on many occasions, and that she threw things at him. He described Heard as having a "need for conflict." Psychologist Dawn Hughes, in her testimony Tuesday, acknowledged that Heard at times perpetrated physical violence against Depp, but said it paled in comparison to violence she suffered, which left her intimidated and fearful for her safety. During cross-examination Wednesday, Hughes acknowledged that she wasn't making factual determinations that Depp assaulted Heard on specific occasions. But she testified that Heard's account of her experiences are consistent with accounts of those experiencing domestic violence. Hughes said the sexual assaults included Heard being forced by Depp to perform oral sex. On cross-examination, though, Depp's lawyers noted that, during psychological testing performed as part of Hughes' evaluation, Heard denied being forced to perform oral sex. Hughes said Heard initially was framing the encounters as consensual but "angry sex." "She wasn't framing them as physical force," Hughes said. The trial continues to capture public attention. More than 100 people were lined up Wednesday before 7 a.m. three hours before proceedings began outside the courthouse for the 100 seats made available in the courtroom.Most were Depp supporters and fans. (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], May 5 (ANI/TPT): An emerging entrepreneur, Rahul Kaushik has recently launched his new blockchain-based platform with the name 'Meta Whale World.' The grand event took place in collaboration with Nelson Mandela Foundation on April 28, 2022. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War Update: Russia Practises Nuclear-Capable Missile Strikes in Baltic Sea Enclave. The programme was held at a mass level at the luxury 5-star hotel, Sahara Star, in India's financial capital. Several renowned personalities from various fields graced the event with their august presence. These personalities included Shambhaji Raje (Member of Rajya Sabha), Gulshan Grover (Bollywood Actor), Ameesha Patel (Bollywood Actress), and Vaishali Samant (Indian Music Composer). The platform was launched to allow users to build and monetize their gaming experience. The Binance Blockchain powered the platform and uses MTW's utility token. Metawhale World will allow actual ownership of the creation to all its existing gamers, and they even promise to reward every participant with their exclusive utility token-MTW. Further, for data protection and ensuring security, they have developed a decentralized control system that will restrict creator ownership in the current gaming market. Also Read | Surdas Jayanti 2022 Wishes & Messages: Surdas Ke Pad Video, WhatsApp Photos, Quotes, Status Greetings and SMS To Share on Sant Surdas Jayanti. Talking about the need to launch Meta Whale World, Rahul Kaushik, the founder of this unique platform stated, "Well, it is a fact that this is an era of Digitization, Metaverse and Blockchain are merely not just buzzwords but a modern-day reality. My objective behind launching Meta Whale World is to develop the world's first open source decentralized metaverse. Our idea is to bring something realistic as the actual reality with the help of virtual reality and extended reality. We also want physical marketplaces that are currently happening in our current economy and Web 3.0 economy to run their marketplaces in the metaverse as well. We will be working for the Web 3.0 foundation and governance and make this digital place a safer and interesting space." Meta Whale World, a virtual platform, will allow its community members to have complete control over their work, ranging from 3D arts to gaming assets. The newly-launched robust platform is easy to use and has a wide adoption that validates the network. The platform also allows all kinds of brands to promote their services and products. This story is provided by TPT. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/TPT) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 5 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Terra Motors and West Bengal State Government Strengthen Relationship for Public-Private Partnership. First in the East India region, a foothold for the expansion of EV infrastructure. Terra Motors, a global electric vehicle company from Japan was at the West Bengal Global Summit held recently. Also Read | Amazon Summer Sale 2022: Top Deals on OnePlus 9RT, iPhone 13, HP Chromebook 14A & More. A video of the "West Bengal Global Summit" speech is now available on the official website. Terra Motors' booth was exhibited at the Bengal Global Business Summit, a flagship event organised by the West Bengal government and held from April 20 to 21, 2022, to attract active business in West Bengal and investment from the global business community. In addition, they were also invited to the "Japan Session: Initiatives from Northeast India by Japanese Companies" and the "Sectoral Sessions Industry" programme during the summit, and a video of CEO Ueda's speech has been posted on the official website. Check out the movie "West Bengal Global Summit", which summarises objectives and plans for the new partnership. Movie URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91M2hT_mIto Also Read | GT vs MI Dream11 Team Prediction IPL 2022: Tips To Pick Best Fantasy Playing XI for Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Indian Premier League Season 15 Match 51. This is a movement to create an ecosystem essential for the EV sector. As the only Japanese automotive company based in East India, MHI has a proven track record as a company capable of Japan-India collaboration, public-private partnerships, and private-public partnerships. "Government and private sector" and "private sector and private sector" work in unison. By bringing together the "public and private sector" and "private sector and private sector," they will promote the construction of an "ecosystem," starting with a public-private partnership between the government of the state of West Bengal in India and Terra Motors, a Japanese EV mega-venture company. "The biggest reason for the government to invite us to this summit is that we are taking the initiative in the EV sector. The problem in West Bengal is that there is no business initiative for the EV industry. And as we are taking the lead in this industry, the government wants to take advantage of our leading power to accelerate the business," says Akihiro Ueda, CEO of Terra Motors. West Bengal has the sixth-largest economy in India, with a GSDP of 14.44 trillion rupees (206.64 billion US dollars) in 2020-21. The Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), hosted for the 6th time by the state of Bengal, is an ideal platform for attracting development and investment in developing industries and businesses, and despite the pandemic, the state has achieved a positive growth rate of 1.2 per cent between 2020-21. The BGBS 2019 was attended by more than 4,000 delegates, including 450 international delegates from 35 countries. Visit https://bengalglobalsummit.com for more information. Top highlights of the partnership with the Government of West Bengal 1. The need for co-creation between the state government and the private sector Currently, West Bengal lacks a driving force for business and the EV industry. Therefore, the state needs the private sector to boost industry and drive business. Currently, only 20-30 per cent of West Bengal's EVs are registered in the state. The challenge for penetration is that it is not easy to build a holistic service offering for the lifestyle transformed by EVs, from financing to providing products and battery infrastructure to potential users who are "willing to buy EVs". However, the future prospect of 100 per cent EV user registration permits is a promising one for the remaining "70-80 per cent EV expansion" in the region. This is why state governments and the private sector are critical to the growth of the EV market through collaboration. Promotion will be done through collaboration with Terra Motors, which has already taken the initiative in the Indian EV market to meet the expectations of the state government to be a "change agent" and contribute to the economic development of East India, starting with West Bengal. 2. Potential for business development in West Bengal in the future As an independent state, West Bengal has three characteristics. First, West Bengal already has abundant resources, such as water and labour, necessary for manufacturing. The second is its geographical advantage. West Bengal is located in the centre of East India and is better situated to access major East Indian locations than other areas in northern India, such as Assam and Bihar. The third is population. East India, including the states near West Bengal, has about 30 per cent of India's population and is a large region with a growing GDP of about $500 billion. 3. Expectations for high quality and the realisation of Japan-India collaboration aiming for "co-creation" The reason why Terra Motors, a Japanese company, rather than a local Indian EV manufacturer, was selected for this project is because of the expectations as per the philosophy of "quality first". Terra Motors pursues quality not only in manufacturing, but also in service and interpersonal communication. As a global company originating from Japan, they have been conscious of permeating the corporate culture and carefully growing one by one over time to build brand power and trust within India. They will continue to build good partnerships for value creation in EV infrastructure expansion. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) (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], May 5 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Thursday allowed the withdrawal of a petition of gangster Abu Salem, who claimed his extradition was illegal and liable to be cancelled because of a breach of terms by Indian authorities. The bench of Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar on Thursday allowed the Counsel appearing for the petitioner to withdraw the petition after noting his submission that the issue is now pending before the Supreme Court. Also Read | Amit Shah Says Changed Political Situation Will Force Bengal To Help BSF in Checking Infiltration. Earlier, Abu Salem's counsel stated that in view of the alleged breach of the terms of extradition by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Bureau of India (CBI), his further detention of him in India has become illegal. The bench of Justice Sidharth Mridul and Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani earlier, asked the Advocate S Hari Haran appeared for Abu Salem to 'place on record' the relevant judgements and documents in referring to 'how habeas corpus petition is made out in this case'. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi To Hold Meeting on Heatwave, Monsoon Preparedness. Earlier the bench had orally observed that once a court of law held Abu Salem guilty, he could not say that the custody was illegal. The bench further observed that even if initially his detention was bad in law, after his conviction by a court of law, his custody does not remain illegal. The plea further stated that in view of the breach of solemn sovereign assurance given by the Respondents seeking the extradition of the Petitioner and which formed the basis of his extradition to India. Habeas Corpus petition of Gangster or Underworld don Abu Salem seeks court appropriate direction declaring his detention as illegal and be released and repatriated to Portugal Last year, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a petition of Abu Salem and said "We dismiss the plea under Article 32 with the liberty to approach High Court". In SC, the plea also sought a direction to transfer Salem from Taloja jail to Tihar jail so that amicus curiae can speak to him and procure some documents. Salem argued that the Indian authorities had violated the extradition treaty. Salem, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, had been extradited from Portugal on November 11, 2005, after a prolonged legal battle. The gangster is serving a life sentence in jail after being convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts that had killed 257 and injured 713 people. He has also been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment in a 2002 extortion case by Delhi Court. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chinese youth File Photo: CFP Chinese youth File Photo: CFP By Andrew Korybko Editor's Note: May 4 marks the Youth Day in China. Year 2022 also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC). This generation of Chinese youth not only have more opportunities than their predecessors, but have interacted more with their peers elsewhere across the world. For this reason, their confidence and faith will have a profound influence around the world. The Global Times has invited several international observers to comment on their impression of this generation of Chinese youth. This is the first in the series. China observes Youth Day on May 4 every year to celebrate the country's young people. Like anywhere across the world, these citizens are the future of their society. Their attitudes and outlooks will shape the coming decades. Eventually some of the youth from today will lead the Communist Party of China (CPC). Considering China's growing role in the world, it's important to analyze the contemporary situation of its youth, and May 4 is the best occasion to do so. This generation of Chinese youth has more opportunities than their predecessors. They are coming of age as their proud civilization-state has undoubtedly risen from its knees under the leadership of the CPC with Chinese President Xi Jinping at its core. The past generations built the basis upon which the current one will succeed. The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is transforming globalization by making it more equitable and just. It's also creating unprecedented opportunities for Chinese youth. The People's Republic of China has never been more open to the rest of the world than it is today. Chinese youth are very well informed about international events and many have interacted with their peers elsewhere across the world. Some of them have done this through studying, traveling, or working abroad, and others through meeting foreigners who've studied, traveled, or worked in China. These experiences have made them appreciate how impressively their country has developed in recent years. The China of 2022 is very different from the China of 2012, which itself was fundamentally different from the one a decade prior and so on and so forth. This explains why they're so patriotic. Not only that, but foreign meddling in their society is fresh in their minds. They'll never forget how the US and the West tried to destabilize their society through its illegal activities in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xizang, and Xinjiang. To be clear, their patriotism isn't nationalism since there's a difference between these similar concepts that are sometimes confused with one another and used synonymously. Patriotism is love for one's homeland without expressing sentiments that occur at the expense of others while nationalism most often includes some hostile reaction to foreign societies. Chinese youth respect all others equally, but they won't tolerate other countries trying to destabilize their own. China's national model of democracy is unique because it's the result of their civilization's culture, historical experiences, and traditions. It works well for the People's Republic and they're fiercely proud of it because of how effectively it's helped develop and stabilize their society, but they don't aspire to export it to others. This makes them very different from some of their Western counterparts who regard their own such models as universal and therefore seek to aggressively impose them onto others. This observation leads one to the conclusion that there are ideological differences at play that explain these opposite stances between Chinese and Western youth. The first-mentioned are influenced by multipolarity while the second are under the sway of unipolarity. Chinese youth are politically conscious of the irreversible political processes that are transforming international relations amidst the ongoing global systemic transition towards multipolarity while Western youth are mostly ignorant of them. The heightened consciousness of Chinese youth is the direct result of the CPC's proactive educational efforts to inform the next generation of the objectively existing state of affairs across the world. This is in contrast to the approach employed by many Western governments, which is to indoctrinate their people into clinging to the discredited unipolar model of international relations that's quickly entering the dustbin of history. These ideological differences also shape each youth's attitudes. Chinese are much more peaceful and respectful of others, preferring diplomacy and political solutions to aggression and conflict, while Westerners are predisposed to supporting their governments' destabilizing activities abroad. Each society is developing along completely different trajectories for these reasons, which is in turn influencing the future course of their respective country's role in the world. Contemporary Chinese youth have more responsibilities than their predecessors because of the growing global role of their civilization-state. They're entrusted by the rest of the world with continuing China's peaceful rise and consequently revolutionizing international relations so that it becomes more equitable and just upon the completion of the ongoing global systemic transition to multipolarity. With these promising youth poised for future leadership positions, the future of humanity is in good hands. The author is a Moscow-based US political analyst. Thane, May 5 (PTI) Police have registered a case against eight people, including a hospital's medical officer and a policeman, for allegedly beating up a 36-year-old woman here in Maharashtra and then destroying the crime evidence, an official said on Thursday. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: Abducted Bangladeshi Girl Rescued From Visakhapatnam. The incident took place in November 2020 and the case was registered on May 2 this year following directives issued by a local court last month. Also Read | Samsung Introduces New microSD Card for Surveillance, Dashboard Cameras. Thane's First Class Judicial Magistrate B H Parmar in her order on April 25 noted that the woman's allegations are supported by CCTV footage and other documents, and directed the Kalwa police to register an offence against eight persons and conducted a probe into the case. On November 4, 2020, the woman, Shabnam Raine, had gone to the civic-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa area here to get a disability certificate for her son. A doctor there asked her for the ration card, electricity bill, sale deed of house and other such documents. The woman told the doctor that it was difficult for her to get such documents as she was living in a rented house. The doctor then allegedly used foul language and abused her in a loud voice, the court noted in the order. The woman tried to make a video recording of the incident on her mobile phone, but the security guards (who are also among the accused) present there snatched the phone. They also allegedly pushed and thrashed the woman and also touched her inappropriately, the FIR said. The woman tried to run away from there, but the accused caught hold of her and brought her to the hospital's security cabin and allegedly thrashed her. An official at the Kalwa police station later deleted the videos from the woman's phone, according to the FIR. The woman later moved a local court to lodge her complaint. The Kalwa police on Monday registered a case against the eight persons under relevant provisions, an official said, adding that no arrest has been made so far. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kota, May 5 (PTI) A police officer has been arrested and suspended from duty for allegedly raping a 25-year-old tribal woman in Rajasthan's Jhalawar district, police said on Thursday. Jugdish Prasad (59), an Assistant Sub-Inspector at Bhalta Police Station, was the investigating officer in a case which the rape victim had filed against her in-laws in January, they said. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Man Blows Up Wife, Children in Blast in Malappuram Before Jumping Into Well. After preliminary investigation against Prasad, Jhalawar Superintendent of Police Monika Sen dismissed him from Rajasthan police services and ordered forfeiture of all his post-retirement benefits. Prasad is set to retire in six months. Also Read | Encroachment in Okhla: Delhi High Court Directs Authorities to Take Action Within Two Weeks. He had been troubling the victim by frequently making phone calls on pretext of investigation, the victim had alleged in her complaint, police said. On Monday night, when she was attending a wedding function in a village, Prasad called her outside, took her to a forest area on his motorcycle, and allegedly raped her. He then dropped her back at the marriage venue and left when he saw her husband, the police said citing the complaint. The woman then narrated her ordeal to the husband and on Tuesday evening they filed a complaint against Prasad at the same police station where he is deployed. A case was lodged against the officer under Section 376 (2) (a) (i) (rape by police officer within designated police station limits) of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Circle Officer (CO) Girdhar Singh said. Prasad was arrested within 24 hours of the complaint, he said. The victim's statement was recorded before the magistrate on Wednesday after a medical examination, Singh said. Prasad is to be produced before the court on Thursday. The police will not seek his remand for interrogation and his preliminary investigation has already been carried out, 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) New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) Ahead of its 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan's Udaipur, the Congress' top decision-making body CWC will meet at the AICC headquarters here on May 9 to deliberate on the agenda for the brainstorming session as well as the party's future strategy. The party had last month announced that the 'Chintan Shivir', a three-day brainstorming session from May 13-15, would be held in Udaipur, where party leaders from across the country will discuss internal issues confronting it and come up with solutions to galvanise the organisation. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Orders To Provide Reliable Internet Connectivity in Villages. About 400 top party leaders are expected to attend the camp. Senior leaders including those in the Congress Working Committee (CWC), members of parliament, state in-charges, general secretaries, and state presidents will participate in the Chintan Shivir. Ahead of the Chintan Shivir, a meeting of the Congress Working Committee has been called on May 9 at the AICC headquarters here, party sources said. Also Read | Mumbai: Fire Breaks Out at Shop in Bombay Timber Mart Market in Reay Road, 6 Fire Tenders Present at Spot. The agenda for the Shivir and the party's future strategy on key issues is likely to come up for discussion, they said. Senior Congress leaders K C Venugopal, Ajay Maken and Ashok Gehlot had on Wednesday took stock of the preparations for the Chintan Shivir. Buffeted by a string of electoral reverses, the Congress had earlier also announced that an empowered group would be constituted to address the political challenges ahead and prepare the strategy for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, days after deliberating on a revival plan presented by poll strategist Prashant Kishor. Kishor had subsequently declined the Congress's offer to join the party and evolve its poll strategy and said more than him, the party needs leadership and collective will to fix deep-rooted structural problems by carrying out transformational reforms. The party has also constituted six coordination panels for drafting papers and leading discussions on the issues of political and organisational importance, social justice, economy, farmers and youth during the three-day brainstorming conclave. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, May 5: A newlywed couple riding a bike was attacked with an iron rod on Wednesday resulting in the man being killed on the spot in Hyderabad, in what seems to be a case of honour killing, police said on Thursday. The incident took place at LB Nagar in the city. According to police, the deceased Billapuram Nagaraju and Syed Ashrin Sultana were collegemates and had got married in January this year. Sultana changed her name to Pallavi after marriage. Two brothers of the deceased man's wife have been identified as the accused and the police have formed special teams to nab them. Gujarat Honour Killing: Woman, Husband Stabbed to Death by Her Father, Brother in Rajkot. According to Sreedhar Reddy, ACP, Lal Bahadur Nagar, "A person was killed by two persons. The deceased was traveling on a bike with his wife. They got married recently and both belonged to different communities. Brothers of the deceased's wife today assaulted Nagaraju and then attacked him with a rod and killed him on the spot." Further investigation into the matter is underway. (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, May 5 (PTI) Jet Airways conducted its test flight to and from the Hyderabad airport on Thursday in a step towards obtaining the air operator certificate. Jet Airways, which has not flown since April 17, 2019, is currently in the process of re-launching operations under its new promoters Jalan-Kalrock Consortium. Also Read | Todays India Like a Plane Flying Backwards, Its Headed for Crash, Says Arundhati Roy. On Thursday, the airline's CEO Sanjiv Kapoor said on Twitter that the test flight's operation was a very emotional moment "for all the wonderful folks who have been working hard to get Jet back in the skies". The Thursday's flight was a test flight, not a proving flight, he clarified. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Man Blows Up Wife, Children in Blast in Malappuram Before Jumping Into Well. "The aircraft will position to Delhi this evening. Proving flight to be scheduled in the coming days from Delhi," he added. A test flight is conducted to prove the aviation regulator DGCA that the aircraft and its components are operating normally. After the test flight on Thursday, an airline has to conduct proving flights after which the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will grant the air operator certificate (AOC). Proving flights are similar to commercial flight with DGCA officials and airline officials as passengers and cabin crew members on board. The Thursday's test flight was conducted with Boeing 737 aircraft of registration code VT-SXE. PTI DSP (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 5 (ANI): Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday slammed the state government alleging that they are in connection with the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment scam, and demanded a judicial probe into the matter. "PSI recruitment scam is worth Rs 300 crores. We have no faith in the state' Crime Investigation Department' investigation. We demand a judicial inquiry monitored by a sitting High Court judge," Congress leader Siddaramaiah said while addressing a press conference on Wednesday. Also Read | Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi Refers Anti-NEET Bill to Centre for Presidential Approval. At the press conference, the Congress leader demanded the immediate dismissal of state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who were "responsible for PSI appointments and had been involved with the prime accused in the case, Divya Agrawani." "Large scale corruption cannot take place without the role of government, ministers, politicians and officials. Thus, we do not believe in the CID investigation. BJP Government in the State shall present the case to a judicial inquiry under the supervision of the sitting judge of the High Court," he reiterated. Also Read | India, France Express Concern on Humanitarian Situation, Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan. The Congress leader said that Additional Director General of Police Amrit Paul and Deputy Superintendent of Police Shanta Kumar, who chaired the PSI recruitment committee, have been transferred elsewhere. "This means that these two have a role in illegal recruitment. A case must be filed against them and suspended from service," he said. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai spoke on the incident in the Ballari area and said, "We are acting tough against the criminals. No one should support or shelter them." He was speaking at a programme where Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Ballari Regional Forensic Sciences Laboratory. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, May 5 (PTI) The Delhi government on Thursday warned private schools of strict action if they force parents to buy costly educational material and uniforms from it or any specific vendor. The schools have also been directed to not change colour, design or any other specifications of uniforms for at least three years. Also Read | Todays India Like a Plane Flying Backwards, Its Headed for Crash, Says Arundhati Roy. The Directorate of Education (DoE) said in an official order that private schools are run by trusts or societies, and have no scope of profit and commercialisation. "Schools shall display class-wise list of books and writing materials to be introduced in the coming session as per rule well in advance on the school website, and (this should) also be communicated clearly to parents via other media," the DoE order said. Also Read | Kerala Shocker: Man Blows Up Wife, Children in Blast in Malappuram Before Jumping Into Well. Besides this, schools will also display names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least five shops in close proximity of the school where books and uniforms will be made available for students, it said. "However, schools are not allowed to force parents to purchase these things from any of the selected vendors particularly. Parents can buy books and uniforms from any shop as per their convenience and suitability," the statement said. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the order will bring relief to parents who are struggling to pay heavy amounts for books and uniforms in private schools. "Many households have lost their source of income since the COVID-19 pandemic hit two years ago, making it difficult for them to purchase expensive books and uniforms from specific shops which charge arbitrarily," he said. This order will give freedom to parents across the city to buy books and uniforms for their children as per their convenience, Sisodia, who holds the education portfolio, said. "The parents in all private schools have the right to clear and proper information about books and uniforms before the beginning of the academic session, so that they can arrange them from a place of their choice," he said. No school has the authority to compel them to buy books or uniforms from a specific vendor. The main cause of education should be to "nurture the future of the nation, not minting money", the deputy chief minister said added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], May 5 (ANI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday accused the BJP and RSS of instigating violence in several parts of the state, saying that the state government took action on "time". Gehlot also said that the Rajasthan government will not spare the culprits of the Karauli, Jodhpur and Ramgarh incidents. Also Read | Apple Reportedly Working To Bring macOS to iPad. "They (RSS and BJP) are setting the agenda. They were planning to incite riots in Karauli, Jodhpur and Ramgarh. We took timely action and due to that only small incidents occurred but we've arrested the culprits and will not spare anyone. We will not allow violence in the state," the chief minister told media persons. Rajasthan has been witnessing various incidents of violence over the past two months leading to disturbed law and order situation in the state. Also Read | Nothing Phone 1 Specifications Leaked Online, Launch Expected Soon. Tension gripped Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. In Karauli, violence broke out after the stone-pelting incident took place at a religious procession in April this year, while a 300-year-old temple was demolished using a bulldozer in Alwar's Rajgarh. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kohima (Nagaland) [India], May 5 (ANI): Two persons were arrested with 615 grams of heroin worth Rs 3 crores in the Kohima district of Nagaland, informed the police on Wednesday. Kohima police also intercepted one suspicious vehicle and 49 packets of heroin during the routine checking of vehicles at Peducha. Also Read | India, France Express Concern on Humanitarian Situation, Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan. "We have intercepted one suspicious vehicle and recovered 49 packets of suspected heroin weighing around 615 grams valued at Rs 3 crores in the international market. Two persons were arrested in connection to the seizure," police said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], May 5 (ANI): Highlighting the Centre's efforts in adopting the most advanced technology for border security, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Modi government's basic goal is to make the country's internal and external security impenetrable and soldiers posted in the border area face the least difficulty. Shah, who is on a two-day visit to West Bengal, on Thursday attended the 'Seema Prahari Sammelan' at Haridaspur BOP (border outpost) on the Indo-Bangladesh border. He inaugurated the Narmada, Sutlej and Kaveri floating border posts to protect the inaccessible areas of the Sundarbans on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Also Read | Delhi Startup Policy: Arvind Kejriwal Cabinet Approves Start-Up Policy, Forms 20-Member Task Force. Addressing the event, the Union Home Minister said, "Modi government's basic goal is to make the country's internal and external security impenetrable. We are working to provide our soldiers with the world's most advanced technology for border security. Today Sutlej, Kaveri and Narmada floating BOP has been dedicated to the nation." "Equipped with all modern facilities and safety equipment, the front part of these BOPs is made bulletproof for the safety of our jawans. The Modi government is determined that our soldiers posted in the border area face the least difficulty. We will leave no stone unturned to make the lives of soldiers' families better," added Shah. Also Read | AstraZeneca COVID-19 Booster Shot Effective Against Severe Disease: Study. Shah also flagged off a boat ambulance at a floating border outpost (BOP) at Haridaspur in the state. The number of floating BOPs has been increased to enhance the surveillance in the inaccessible areas of Sunderbans of West Bengal. Apart from this, the services of boat ambulance are also being commenced to provide medical assistance in this inaccessible area of Sundarbans from Saheb Khali (West Bengal) to Shamsher Nagar (Bihar). On Friday, the Home Minister will visit Teen Bigha and interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at BoP Jhikabari in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Uttar Pradesh Brijbhushan Sharan Singh on Thursday said that he will not allow Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to enter Ayodhya until he apologises to the north Indians. Singh said that he has also requested Chief Minister Adityanath as well not to meet Thackeray until he seeks an apology. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Orders To Provide Reliable Internet Connectivity in Villages. "He must apologise to North Indians else I won't allow him to enter Ayodhya. I have requested UP CM Yogi Adityanath as well not to meet him until he seeks an apology," said the BJP MP on MNS chief Raj Thackeray's visit to Ayodhya. The BJP MP's remark came as Raj Thackeray had earlier made several distasteful remarks against the migrants from the North Indian states. Also Read | Mumbai: Fire Breaks Out at Shop in Bombay Timber Mart Market in Reay Road, 6 Fire Tenders Present at Spot. He further said that 80 per cent of the contribution to Mumbai's development is from those who aren't from the city. "We have been watching since 2008, they brought to the fore the issue of 'Marathi Manush', 80 per cent of contribution to Mumbai's development is of those who aren't from the city. They should rectify their mistake," he added. Taking to Twitter, the BJP leader also wrote, "Will not allow Raj Thackeray, who humiliates North Indians, to enter the border of Ayodhya. Before coming to Ayodhya, Raj Thackeray should apologize to all North Indians with folded hands." The MNS chief is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on June 5. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], May 5 (ANI): India and Brazil have agreed to work towards developing an Indian- Brazil Alliance for bioenergy and biofuels. This happened during the recent visit of Bento Albuquerque, Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy to India. Indian Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri along with Albuquerque reviewed the long list of bilateral and international activities and initiatives undertaken in the biofuels sectors in recent years, including the exchange of technical visits, the two editions of the Brazil-India Ethanol Talks, Symposium on Aviation Biofuels, launching of the Joint Working Group on Bioenergy Cooperation, Roundtable on India-Brazil Collaboration in Biofuels in the Automobile Sector. Also Read | New Ebola Case Confirmed in DR Congo, Says WHO. India is the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer. It imported the bulk of its oil needs from the Middle East and shipped in about 9 per cent from Latin America in 2021. "We have expressed to the honourable minister that we are willing to increase our crude from Brazil many times over," Puri said. Also Read | New Mexico Wildfire: US President Joe Biden Declares Raging Wildfires A Major Disaster. The ministers also stressed on bilateral coordination within G-20 on Climate and Energy, BRICS Energy Ministerial, Bio future Platform, Clean Energy Ministerial, Mission Innovation initiative and IBSA joint Working Group on energy, and the work carried out in the context of the United Nations High-Level Dialogue on Energy. The leaders reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation across the entire spectrum of the energy sector and committed to enhancing the beneficial partnership between the countries, and in this context expressed satisfaction at the important role bilateral energy cooperation plays in deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. As of now Indian state-run companies Bharat Petroleum Corp and Oil and Natural Gas Corp have made investments in Brazil's oil and gas exploration sector. The two sides recognized the importance of the robust investment in the Brazilian oil and gas sector made by Indian companies and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding existing investments while encouraging further bilateral investments. The two sides highlighted the importance of the bilateral trade in oil and its by-products and expressed their willingness to expand this mutually beneficial trade. The Indian side expressed interest in sourcing crude oil under long-term special contracts. The Ministers took note of the conclusions of the Joint Working Group on Bioenergy Cooperation, whose first meeting happened on August 6, 2021, and identified priorities for further bilateral cooperation in nine key areas as follows under two broad focus zones: Technical aspects of vehicle use of E20 blends in current fleets; Technical aspects of higher blends of ethanol use in flex-fuel vehicles; Flex-fuel technologies - four-stroke and two-stroke engines (Otto Cycle); Biodiesel implementation; Biogas / Biomethane policy and incentives, and Efficient heat and power generation in sugar and ethanol plants; Sustainable aviation fuels - policies, feedstocks and implementation steps; Second generation ethanol - policy and technologies and Synthetic biology cooperation. The two Ministers stressed the importance of a constant engagement between the private and public stakeholders of both countries, in order to forge strong and dynamic cooperation in bioenergy and biofuels. In this context, the two Ministers took note of the recommendations of companies of the two countries, based on their various interactions including the recently concluded Roundtable on India-Brazil Collaboration in Biofuels in the Automobile Sector. Some of the recommendations included: establishing a public policy to use ethanol as a gasoline substitute to reduce external dependence, increasing the octane number of Otto cycle fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions; using the Life Cycle Assessment from well-to-the-wheel to evaluate sustainable mobility, considering energy generation step; developing a roadmap to introduce flex-fuel and hybrid flex-fuel vehicles; joint development of ethanol and biomethane fuel cell vehicles; collaboration between the two countries to develop less water-intensive and higher sugar yield crop and water, genetic management and biotechnology of energy crops leading to first, Second and third-generation biofuels and development of biotechnology for liquid biofuels and valorization of agro-industrial residues. They further agreed that a thriving international market for sustainable bioenergy and biofuels will be essential to the design of low-carbon global vehicle platforms, as well as to the development of new technologies and the establishment of economies of scale in the bioenergy sector. The Ministers also agreed that it is critical to reinforce the promotion of sustainable bioenergy and biofuels at the global level, which would diversify options for energy security, boost rural development, bring about technological and industrial innovation, and create jobs and opportunities while reducing local and global emissions. (ANI) (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], May 5 (ANI): Emphasizing the strong strategic and defence partnership between India and France, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday (local time) said that the defence cooperation between the two countries is in line with "our own domestic policy of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance)". The Foreign Secretary made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at the conclusion of the bilateral and delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. Also Read | World Press Freedom Index: Shehbaz Sharif Slams Imran Khan After Media Watchdog Downgrades Pakistan. Answering a question of possible agreements during the talks on further upgradation and orders of the French fighter aircraft Rafale, Foreign Secretary said that the talks did not necessarily cover individual platforms. "I think what you need to realise is when the two strategic partners speak, it covers the discussion in a format which is not necessarily focused on transactions on individual platforms," Foreign Secretary Kwatra said. Also Read | Pakistan Drops Further on World Press Freedom Index, Down to 157th Position. Talking further about the defence cooperation between India and France, the Foreign Secretary reiterated that the two countries "are very strong strategic partners, and also have a very strong defence partnership". The context of defence partnership is defined in the case of our two countries by not just trade in different platforms, but it also extends to co-development, co-designing, co-manufacturing," Kwatra said. "This is also very much in sync and in line with our own domestic policy of Atmanirbharta, which also ofcourse extends very strongly in the field of defence," he added. The joint statement released by India and France at the end of the Prime Minister's visit also talked about the greater involvement of France in "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India). "As seen in the timely delivery of the Rafale despite the pandemic, the two sides enjoy synergy in the field of defence," the joint statement read. "Taking forward this momentum, and based on their mutual trust, both sides agreed to find creative ways for France's deeper involvement in the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) efforts in advanced defence technology, manufacturing and exports, including through encouraging increased industry to industry partnerships," the statement added. Both sides also welcomed the "ongoing intense cooperation across all defence domains" in the joint statement. Answering another question, on the possibility of co-production of Rafale aircraft with France in India by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Foreign Secretary Kwatra said that he could not comment specifically on that, but highlighted that there are many possibilities. "With regard to the co-production, possibilities... look, it's a very broad scope, and it's a very broad field of substance, and anything can be discussed and is possible in terms of what two countries can eventually agree to co-produce," Kwatra said. "So, I don't have a very specific answer to give you on that, but I think, it includes many possibilities," he added. The comments came on the final day of the three-day Europe visit of PM Modi, during the course of which the Prime Minister visited Germany and Denmark, before making a brief stopover in Paris. "Delighted, as always, to meet my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. We talked at length about bilateral as well as global issues. India and France are proud developmental partners with our partnership spread across different sectors," PM Modi said about his interactions with the French President. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday (local time). (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Paris, May 5 (PTI) India and France have discussed ways to jointly increase the mobility of students, professionals and skilled workers while strengthening their efforts to combat irregular migration between the two countries. According to a joint statement issued on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, the two countries are fully committed to pursuing the implementation of the Partnership Agreement on Migration and Mobility, which entered into force on October 1, 2021. Also Read | Cinco de Mayo 2022 Date, Meaning, History & Significance: Know All About the Holiday Celebrating the Mexican Victory Over French Forces at the Battle of Puebla. The agreement aims to facilitate temporary circular migration based on mobility and the encouragement for a return of skills to the home country. "Recognising the benefit of bilateral student mobility, France maintains the objective of 20,000 Indian students by 2025 which will create opportunities for new businesses, start-ups and innovation between the two countries," according to the joint statement. Also Read | India, France Express Concern on Humanitarian Situation, Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan. Both sides will also continue to work jointly to increase the mobility of students, graduates, professionals and skilled workers while strengthening their efforts to combat irregular migration, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi, who was in Paris for the final leg of his 3-nation tour, discussed with French President Macron issues of bilateral and mutual interests as well as regional and global developments. Prime Minister Modi left for home early on Thursday after concluding his European tour during which he held a series of bilateral meetings in Germany and Denmark to boost ties in a range of areas including trade, energy and green technology. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, May 5: Pakistan has witnessed a 24 per cent increase in the number of militant attacks in April as compared to March 2022, according to data released by a think-tank. Militants carried out 34 attacks in April, killing 55 people, including 34 security forces personnel. Thirteen civilians and eight militants were also killed in these attacks, while 25 people -- 11 security personnel and 14 civilians -- were injured, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in a press release on Wednesday. Militants carried out 26 attacks across Pakistan in March 2022 in which 115 people were killed and 288 others injured. Most of the attacks took place in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) or tribal region followed by main Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, the release said. Jammu and Kashmir: Cross-Border Tunnel Detected in Samba, Terrorists' Plan to Disrupt Amarnath Yatra Foiled, Says BSF. PICSS recorded 16 militant attacks in erstwhile Fata in which 31 people -- 21 security personnel, seven militants and three civilians -- were killed. Six security personnel and four civilians were injured in these attacks. In KP, militants carried out 10 attacks in which 12 security personnel and five civilians were killed. Three civilians and as many security personnel were injured in these attacks, the release said. In Balochistan, four militant attacks left one security official and one civilian dead, while one security official and four civilians were injured. In Sindh, four militant attacks took place in which four civilians and one militant was killed. The attacks in Karachi also included the suicide bombing of a Chinese teachers' van at the University of Karachi. In Punjab, no militant attack took place in April. Meanwhile, security forces carried out 22 actions against militants in which 11 suspected terrorists were arrested and 27 others were killed. Most of the arrests took place in Punjab, according to the PICSS report. (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], May 5 (ANI): Concluding his three-day jam-packed visit to Europe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time), departed for India after his short stay in Paris during which he held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. In France, the Prime Minister held talks with the newly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing a range of bilateral issues including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation and people-to-people linkages, as well as regional and global issues. Also Read | World Press Freedom Index: Shehbaz Sharif Slams Imran Khan After Media Watchdog Downgrades Pakistan. "My visit to France was brief but a very fruitful one. President @EmmanuelMacron and I got the opportunity to discuss various subjects. I thank him and the French Government for the warm hospitality," the Prime Minister tweeted before his departure. PM Modi held several high-level engagements with the leadership of Germany, Denmark and France, during the course of his visit, while also interacting with the Indian diaspora in all three countries. Also Read | Pakistan Drops Further on World Press Freedom Index, Down to 157th Position. The Prime Minister also held interactions with the business leaders in Germany and Denmark during the course of his visit. PM Modi arrived in Berlin on Monday where he held bilateral discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, before participating in the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The Prime Minister said the Inter-Governmental Consultations were productive. A total of nine agreements were signed between India and Germany, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Green and Sustainable Development Partnership under which Germany agreed to make an advance commitment of 10 billion euros of new and additional developmental assistance to India until 2030. On the second day of his visit, the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Copenhagen, holding talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and discussing bilateral issues including trade between the two countries and cooperation on environmental action. A number of agreements were formally signed between the two countries including a Declaration of Intent (DoI) on Migration and Mobility, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of skill development, Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship and the launch of energy policy dialogue at ministerial level between the two countries. On the third day of his visit, PM Modi attended the second India-Nordic summit with the Prime Ministers of Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Denmark. During the Summit, the Prime Ministers pledged to continue to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India and focused their discussions on key issues related to international peace and security, including the conflict in Ukraine, multilateral cooperation, green transition and climate change, the blue economy, innovation and digitalisation. (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, May 5 (PTI) US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to appoint Indian-American lawyer diplomat Richard Verma, also a former US ambassador to India, as a member of his Intelligence Advisory Board. The President's Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB) is an independent element within his Executive Office. Also Read | Cinco de Mayo 2022 Date, Meaning, History & Significance: Know All About the Holiday Celebrating the Mexican Victory Over French Forces at the Battle of Puebla. According to a White House statement on Wednesday, President Biden has announced his intent to appoint Verma to his Intelligence Advisory Board. Verma, 53, is currently the general counsel and head of Global Public Policy for Mastercard. In this role, he oversees the company's law and policy functions in the United States and around the world. Also Read | India, France Express Concern on Humanitarian Situation, Human Rights Violations in Afghanistan. Verma, a member of Biden's Democratic Party, was the US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017. "He previously served as the US Ambassador to India, where he led one of the largest US diplomatic missions and championed historic progress in bilateral ties," the White House said. A former assistant secretary of state and the former national security advisor to the Senate Majority Leader, Verma is a veteran of the US Air Force, and the recipient of numerous military awards and civilian decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the State Department's Distinguished Service Award, it said. He was a member of the WMD and Terrorism Commission and currently serves on a number of boards including those of Ford Foundation, Lehigh University and National Endowment for Democracy. Verma is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and he holds multiple academic degrees, including a doctorate (PhD) from Georgetown University and a law degree (J.D.) from American University. The PIAB exists exclusively to assist the President by providing the President with an independent source of advice on the effectiveness with which the Intelligence Community is meeting the nation's intelligence needs and the vigour and insight with which the community plans for the future. The President is able to appoint up to 16 members of the Board, the White House said. According to the White House announcement, Admiral (retd) James A "Sandy" Winnefeld, has been appointed as chair of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Gilman G Louie and Janet A Napolitano were also appointed as members of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board, the White House said. Admiral Winnefeld retired after serving as the ninth vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it said. Napolitano served as secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013. Gilman Louie is CEO and co-founder of America's Frontier Fund, the public-private partnership created to ensure that America leads the next wave of technology innovation, it added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) After the Tamil Nadu government re-enacted a bill seeking the students from the state to be exempted from the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET), Governor RN Ravi has sent the anti-NEET bill to the Union Home Ministry for the Presidential approval. Malayalam actress Manju Warrier filed a complaint against filmmaker Sanal Kumar Sasidharan at Elamakkara Police Station in Kochi for defaming her on social media. As per latest reports, the filmmaker has been taken into custody by Kerala Police. Through the social media posts he had claimed that the actress life is in danger. Manju and Sanal had worked together in Kayyattam. Filmmaker Arrested Kerala Police take Director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan into custody from his residence in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram after an actress filed a complaint against him for allegedly stalking her. ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 The Post Shared By Sanal Kumar Sasidharan On Facebook (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.) On May 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of Jain International Trade Organisation's 'JITO Connect 2022'. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the PM Modi will address the session via video conferencing. Check tweet: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the inaugural session of Jain International Trade Organisations JITO Connect 2022 on 6th May 2022, tomorrow via video conferencing: Prime Minister's Office (PMO) (File photo) pic.twitter.com/pMaf7TpLHK ANI (@ANI) May 5, 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.) #PTI leader and former #Pakistan Minister #ShireenMazari, in a letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, has red-flagged the #ShehbazSharif (@CMShehbaz) govt's decision to appoint #RanaSanaullah as the Interior Minister, media reports said. pic.twitter.com/r9z3s5JFqS IANS (@ians_india) May 5, 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.) Florida has been seeing flight delays due to private jet flights, space launches, and severe weather. Bloomberg noted that the Sunshine State is seeing its worst air traffic in years, with airline officials and federal regulators discussed this week its measures to address the problem in Florida. Carriers such as JetBlue Airways Corp., Spirit Airlines Inc., and Frontier Airlines have to reduce Florida flights this summer despite growing demand from travelers. John Hansman, an aerospace professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said that the air-traffic system is out of practice when it comes to responding to peaks in demand. Hansman has researched delays and the air-traffic system. He added that he wouldn't be surprised if as traffic levels come up, people may also see a similar increase in delays. Aviation groups informed the Federal Aviation Administration that demand will continue to grow past 2019 levels, as stated in an emailed statement from FAA. FAA Jacksonville Center data showed that the area has seen more traffic growth this year than any such facility in the country. Jacksonville Center recorded a five percent increase. READ NEXT: Florida Gets Label as Least Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. Amid Skyrocketing Rents Florida Flight Delay In April, tens of thousands of travelers faced 3,500 canceled flights and 12,000 delayed flights on a weekend. The Daily Mail reported that storms in Florida and technological issues were blamed for the flight mishaps, causing passengers to express their grievances to social media. Spirit Airlines was the worst affected by flight cancellations in April, with 37 percent of all their flights being called off. It was followed by JetBlue, with 34 percent of their flights canceled, equivalent to 373 planes. Southwest canceled 400 flights, with 10 percent of its entire planned day delayed. Meanwhile, American Airlines canceled 270 flights, which is eight percent of their operations. Southwest blamed intermittent performance issues after routine overnight maintenance of some of its backend technology. One man noted that he had been stuck in the airport for 30 hours. He said that his flight has been moved from Connecticut to Miami from 8:05 a.m. to 3:39 p.m. the following day. FAA on Florida Flight Delay Florida logged a record of around 118 million domestic visitors last year, according to a CNBC News report, citing figures from state data. FAA noted that Miami service increased by 113 percent; 107 percent for Tampa; and 132 percent for West Palm Beach before the pandemic. The agency said in a statement that the limiting factor on the East Coast has been weather during a time of peak demand. Increased military operations and more space launches were also behind the challenges of air travel in Florida. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed air traffic controller training. JetBlue Airways President Joanna Geraghty said that nobody could have expected that Florida in April would have 115 hours of air traffic delays for that month. Geraghty added that she thinks they are being responsible by taking capacity down and rightsizing it to reflect the resources they have, as well as considering the external environment. READ MORE: Disney Stocks Falls by 33% After Governor Ron DeSantis Revokes Special Status This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Thunderstorms delaying flights across Florida - from WPTV News - FL Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast Dave Chappelle's attacker during his Netflix comedy stint in the Hollywood Bowl was arrested by the authorities on Tuesday. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Rosario Cervantes told USA Today on Wednesday that the attacker was named Isiah Lee, 23 years old. The LAPD noted in a statement that Lee stormed the stage as Chappelle was exiting the stage after his performance. The man reportedly lunged and tackled him to the ground. Ahmed Ali, an audience from Chappelle's show, told USA Today that the attack made them think at first that it was part of the show. "The guy tried to tackle Dave, and Dave sidestepped," Ali said, adding that the attacker was then held by security and was chased backstage. Authorities said that the attacker pointed a replica handgun at Chappelle. Lee's replica handgun was also reported to contain a knife blade. An arrest has been made in an incident where a comedian was attacked while on stage at the Hollywood Bowl. Isaiah Lee was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon and bail is set at $30,000. More info:https://t.co/KW4KNDBefY pic.twitter.com/ldcnvf0H8q LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) May 4, 2022 The LAPD shared a photo of the weapon that was used by the attacker in Dave Chappelle's Netflix comedy stint. Furthermore, they noted that Lee was charged with Assault with a deadly weapon. The bail for the attacker is set at $30,000. Dave Chappelle was not injured, but the attacker was reportedly brought to the hospital with minor injuries. READ NEXT: Johnny Depp Lawyers Rest Case in Defamation Trial Against Amber Heard, Who Fires Back With Nasty Abuse Claims Video Shows the Aftermath of Attack During Dave Chappelle's Netflix Comedy Show A video shown by CNN revealed what happened after the attack on Hollywood Bowl occurred. The footage showed a crowd of people on stage. Some of the people in the crowd shown in the video were seen stomping and kicking someone on the ground. The idiot getting beaten down after attacking Dave Chappelle at Hollywood Bowl pic.twitter.com/Ft0FIUyjWv Jed Simon (@JEDSIMON) May 4, 2022 A longer version of the clip was uploaded by a Twitter user with the handle @JEDSIMON, where Dave Chapelle was seen being pulled away from the crowd. After the altercation on stage, Chappelle then joked that the attacker was a transman, prompting the audience to laugh, per Complex. In a statement on Wednesday, Chappelle's representative, Carla Sims, noted that Chapelle went on with his show following the incident. Here is a video of the aftermath. #DaveChappelle handled this like a champ! #HollywoodBowl pic.twitter.com/0xaBpWsbrT E5QUIRE (@e5quire) May 4, 2022 Footage from an audience showed that Chapelle went back onstage, thanking Jamie Fox. Chapelle also noted that he was able to grab the man's head and joked that his hair was spongey and absorbent. Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, Comment on the Attack on Dave Chappelle's Show Jamie Foxx joined Dave Chappelle on stage, following the attack. He noted that he thought what happened was part of the show. The actor then claimed that he enjoyed the sure and they have to make sure that the comedian is protected at all times. "We're not going to let nothing happen to you," Foxx noted. Meanwhile, Chris Rock who was performed earlier that day also joined Chappelle on stage and cracked a joke. "Was that Will Smith," Rock said, referring to the incident he and Smith had at the Oscars. Meanwhile, a Netflix Spokesperson expressed their care for their talents to USA Today on Wednesday. "We strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence," the Netflix spokesperson said. Sims underscored that Dave Chappelle is cooperating with the police investigation regarding the attack he experienced at Hollywood Bowl. READ NEXT: Argentina: Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' Jersey Fetches Crazy $9 Million Price at Auction This article is owned by Latin Post. Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: Video Shows Aftermath of Dave Chappelle Stage Attack - From CNN U.S. intelligence has been helping Ukraine to target and kill many of Russia's generals who have died in action in the Russia-Ukraine war, senior American officials say. Ukrainian officials noted that they have killed around 12 generals on the front lines. The New York Times reported that the figure has "astonished" military analysts. The help to target Russian generals is part of a classified effort from U.S. President Joe Biden's administration through providing "real-time battlefield intelligence." U.S. intelligence also provides Ukraine with expected movements of the Russian troop, as well as assessments of Moscow's "secret battle plan" for the fighting in the Donbas region. Officials did not specify how many Russian generals have been killed as a result of U.S. assistance. The United States hands out the location and other details about the Russian military's mobile headquarters. The geographic information provided by the United States is being supplemented by Ukraine's own intelligence, covering intercepted communications that alert the Ukrainian military to the presence of senior Russian officers. The intelligence is also supported by heavier weapons and tens of billions of aid given by the U.S. government to Ukraine. Russia has tried to regroup since failing to advance on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, in the early part of the war. Russian troops are now more focused on eastern Ukraine. READ NEXT: U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Meet With Ukraine Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv U.S. Intelligence on Russia-Ukraine War Officials revealed that U.S. intelligence has played a crucial role in Ukraine's successful campaign so far. One unnamed U.S. official noted that they leaned "pretty heavily forward" when it comes to sharing both strategic and actionable intelligence with Ukraine, according to a Daily Mail report. The unnamed official added that it has been "impactful" at a tactical and strategic level. Russian outlet MediaZona reported that 317 officials of junior lieutenant rank and above have been killed in Russia's invasion in just over two months of fighting. A third of casualties also came from senior grades, including a line of generals and deputy commanders of Russia's Black Sea fleet. On April 13, Russia admitted that Col. Mikhail Nagamov had been killed in action, being reportedly the 35th colonel to be killed in the war. A former U.S. official noted that much of the shared information was commercial satellite images, but also a where certain types of Russian units are active. Between 15,000 and 22,000 Russian troops have been killed in combat by Ukraine's army. Russia-Ukraine War Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address on Sunday that Russia's latest strikes involve grain warehouses and residential neighborhoods. Zelenskyy said that the latest attacks prove that the war against Ukraine is "a war of extermination for the Russian army," according to The Guardian report. Pope Francis described the war in Ukraine as a "macabre regression of humanity." He added that the situation makes him "suffer and cry." He offered his thoughts to Mariupol, which he said is being "barbarously bombarded and destroyed." U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also the next highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Ukraine. Zelenskyy presented Pelosi with the order of the Princess of Olga medal. READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky Says if Pres. Joe Biden Acted Sooner 'There Would Be No War' This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Battle For Mariupol Intensifies As Ukraine Says Russia Is Losing Ground In Northeast - from NBC News Cinco de Mayo is one of the most well-known Mexican holidays, which is also widely celebrated in the U.S. However, this holiday is often surrounded by misconceptions, as it was commonly associated with Dia de la Independencia or Independence Day. USA Today mentioned a 2020 survey from YouGov that revealed that only 40 percent of Americans knew that May 5 is not about commemorating Mexico's independence. Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The said holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, but in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican American populations, per History. UC Santa Barbara Chocanx Historian Mario Garcia said that Mexican Americans celebrated the holiday as a form of resistance to the effects of the Mexican-American War. READ NEXT: Best Guatemala Festivals That Every Traveler Should Never Miss Best Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the U.S. To get you more acquainted with Cinco de Mayo, here are the best places you should visit in celebration of the Mexican holiday. San Diego, California If you want a taste of authentic Mexican food this Cinco de Mayo, then checking out San Diego, California should be on your list. The Old Town neighborhood in the city is located just along the border and it was the first place in California to be settled by the Spanish. In this neighborhood, Trip Savvy noted that made-to-order tamales, tortillas, and tacos are sold during the holiday. Artisan Mercado is also present in the town during Cinco de Mayo, making delicious food and artisan crafts that can be bought by travelers. Chicago, Illinois Chicago, Illinois is also a good place for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. According to Seeker, you can witness parades composed of local marching bands, mariachi bands, and beautifully decorated parade floats. The said parade starts from Little Village and leads to the festivities located in Douglas Park. Salsa lessons are also available to make your experience that Latin groove during the Mexican holiday. Phoenix, Arizona If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo while helping other people, then you need to check out Phoenix, Arizona. During the holiday, the fiesta in downtown Phoenix offers live music, folklorico dancing, and delicious street food. Guests would have to pay to enter the festival but the event raises funds to award scholarships to Latino students from the Phoenix area. Denver, Colorado Denver celebrates Cinco de Mayo by promoting the holiday with attractions great for families and children. During the holiday, a children's carnival with crafts and activities can be enjoyed. Furthermore, a petting zoo is also present. A competition called Green Chili Bowl Cookoff featuring local restaurants also makes the Mexican Holiday even more special. San Antonio, Texas You definitely should not miss how San Antonio, Texas celebrates Cinco de Mayo every year. Celebrations of the holiday are split into two places. One is at the city's downtown in the historic Market Square where local high school mariachi bands give live performances. You can enjoy these musical adventures while eating at the city's local restaurants. A more thrilling experience is waiting at the fiesta at Trader's Village where carnival rides and a huge flea market can be checked out. A traditional Mexican charreria or rodeo event can also be witnessed in the area during Cinco de Mayo. READ NEXT: Famous Argentina Festivals You Have to Experience During Your Visit This article is owned by Latin Post. Written By: Joshua Summers WATCH: What is Cinco de Mayo? A Brief History & Facts About Cinco De Mayo - From ETRAFFIC The leader of the Arellano Felix drug cartel, Benjamin Arellano Felix, has asked a California judge to free him from prison, serving only 10 years of his prison term. Arellano Felix cited humanitarian and compassionate reasons, as reported by Fox 5 San Diego News. The cartel leader was sentenced to 25 years of prison time after agreeing to a plea bargain in April 2012. Aside from his prison sentence, he was also ordered to pay $100 million to the U.S. government. Federal prosecutors were pursuing racketeering and conspiracy to launder money charges against Arellano Felix. They also claimed that the cartel boss had led one of Mexico's largest drug trafficking organizations for more than 15 years. Prosecutors noted that he was instrumental in delivering "hundreds of tons of cocaine and marijuana" to the U.S. Court documents revealed that Arellano Felix and his cartel also corrupted law enforcement, military leaders, and politicians in Mexico. Prosecutors argued in court that the cartel boss has destroyed lives and caused suffering on both ends of the border. A judge has yet to decide whether Arellano Felix's request for an early release from prison will be granted. A motion obtained by CBS 8 showed that Arellano Felix wrote that he was sickened to look back to the day in which his acts were made public news. He added that he cannot change his past, but noted that he "can indeed walk forward and cure as much as possible by providing [for] those in need." READ NEXT: Jalisco Cartel Leader 'El Senoron' Who Receives Orders From Boss 'El Mencho' Arrested in Mexico Benjamin Arellano Felix's Prison Sentence The 25-year-sentence of Arellano Felix met the requested term from prosecutors. However, the sentence was lighter than expected. BBC News reported that his lawyer was fired two weeks before sentencing. It was done without giving any explanation to the U.S. judge. It earlier created speculations that Arellano Felix may be having second thoughts about his plea deal. In Mexico, Arellano Felix was sentenced in 2007 to 22 years in prison for drug trafficking and organized crime charges. He was then extradited to the United States four years later. The cartel boss led the Arellano Felix cartel from 1989 until his arrest in 2002, wherein he was accused of overseeing drug trafficking operations, kidnapping, as well as the murder of rival traffickers, informants, and members of security forces. Arellano Felix Drug Cartel Arellano Felix cartel, also known as the Tijuana cartel, is led by Enedina Arellano Felix. She is known as "La Narcomami." Enedina is a sister of the cartel's founding members. Initially, she was known to handle much of the organization's financial operation and money laundering, according to an InsightCrime report. The group mainly operates in Tijuana, which is located on the U.S.-Mexico border. It has a strategic location for smuggling drugs into Southern California. Evidence showed that the Tijuana cartel had created an alliance with the Jalisco Cartel, with the two groups eyeing to challenge the Sinaloa Cartel's hegemony in the border state of Baja California. Its founding members were known to be Sinaloans who used to work with Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, who is known for creating the Guadalajara cartel. READ MORE: Jalisco Cartel Boss El Mencho's Daughter, La Negra, Freed After More Than 2 Years in U.S. Prison This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Raw: Mexico Drug Cartel Boss Extradited to U.S. - from Associated Press The Dominican Republic diplomat, who was kidnapped in Haiti by the 400 Mawozo gang last week, has finally been released. Roberto Alvarez, the foreign minister of the Dominican Republic, tweeted Wednesday that Carlitin Guillen Tatis had been released "safe and sound" after "four days" of being held captive by the group. "Fortunately, Carlitin Guillen Tatis, advisor to the Dominican embassy in Haiti, has been released safe and sound after 4 days of kidnapping," Alvarez said. The foreign minister then thanked "everyone who actively participated in his release." Afortunadamente, Carlitin Guillen Tatis, consejero de la embajada dominicana en Haiti, ha sido puesto en libertad sano y salvo, despues de 4 dias de secuestro. Agradecemos a todos los que participaron activamente por su liberacion. Roberto Alvarez (@RobalsdqAlvarez) May 4, 2022 Al Jazeera reported that Guillen was seized by the 400 Mawozo gang members while traveling to the neighboring Dominican Republic on Friday. He was believed kidnapped while traveling from Port-au-Prince by road to Jimani, a city across the border in the Dominican Republic. In a statement, the Dominican government earlier said contact with Guillen was lost while he was in the Croix-des-Bouquets area on his way to the city of Jimani, Associated Press reported. Faruk Miguel Castillo, the Dominican ambassador to Haiti, reportedly sent screenshots of the last calls from Guillen's phone to Haitian authorities at their request. Reports claimed that the 400 Mawozo gang had demanded at least $500,000 in exchange for his freedom. However, it was unclear if the Dominican Republic government paid the ransom that the group requested. Authorities have also not mentioned details regarding Guillen's condition following his release. READ NEXT: Haiti Gang Kidnaps Dominican Republic Diplomat, Demands $500,000 Ransom for His Release 400 Mawozo Gang Leader Transferred to the U.S. From Haiti The release of the Dominican Republic diplomat came after one of the leaders of the 400 Mawozo gang was transferred to the U.S. from Haiti over smuggling weapons and kidnapping of U.S. citizens. The extradited gang leader was identified as Germine Joly, also known as Yonyon. He was extradited to the U.S. on Tuesday after a request from the U.S. on April 22. According to reports, Joly was sent to the U.S. aboard a special flight with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Authorities did not immediately mention where the gang leader was being taken to, but a source told Miami Herald that Joly would be brought to Washington D.C. Joly had been held at the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince for several years until his extradition on Tuesday. He reportedly ran the 400 Mawozo gang from behind bars using his cellphone and negotiated the release of hostages and his freedom. The 400 Mawozo gang is infamous for kidnapping foreigners and demanding high ransom in exchange for their release. Haiti's Kidnapping on the Rise, U.N. Says Haiti's rate of kidnapping has been on the rise, and the Haitian police are struggling to contain the gang violence in the country, according to the United Nations (U.N.) Haiti's Center for Analysis and Research on Human Rights revealed that in 2021, more than 1,200 people were kidnapped by the gangs in the country. Of that number, 81 were attributed to abducted foreign nationals. At least 10 percent of the kidnapping was also attributed to "collective abductions," wherein gang members seize a group of people, sometimes through storming churches. There were also instances reported of clergy being kidnapped in the middle of the mass. Unrest between gangs is also taking place in the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Bouquets, Cite Soleil, Bas Delmas, and Martissant. U.N.'s Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq said the U.N. Humanitarian Office Affairs Office recorded more than 1,200 people displaced due to the conflict. Furthermore, Haq noted that at least 26 civilians were killed, and 22 were left injured in connection to the gang fights. READ MORE: Argentina: Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' Jersey Fetches Crazy $9 Million Price at Auction This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH: Haiti Gangs: At Least 20 Killed, Thousands Forced to Flee Homes - From Al Jazeera English A two-year-old Australian girl was found walking alone in the streets of Mexico after her mother went missing. The Australian mom was 32-year-old Tahnee Shanks. The Daily Mail reported that Shanks was originally from Whitsundays, Queensland, and only moved to Mexico. She reportedly lived in Mexico with her partner Jorge Aguirre Estudillo and their two-year-old daughter Adelynn. According to Shanks' brother, Dan, his niece was "dumped" at a church in Mexico's tourist town of Cancun late at night. The Australian girl was later found wandering the streets after her photos circulated online. Dan noted that he had offered a $5,000 reward for his sister's safe return. He also spent the last two days communicating with Mexican and Australian authorities. Dan last contacted his sister around noon on Sunday Australian time and Saturday in Mexico. In a Cancun Expats Facebook group, Shanks' brother wrote a public appeal for information about her sister's whereabouts. Police in Mexico had also issued the same appeal to the public. Shanks was reportedly a few weeks away from heading home back to Australia with her daughter. READ NEXT: Mexico: 400 Missing Persons Found Dead in Guanajuato State Plagued by Mexican Drug Cartels Australian Woman Tahnee Shanks Disappears in Mexico The family of Tahnee Shanks is expecting her to go back to Australia next month after she recently separated from her partner. It is not yet known whether Shanks' ex-boyfriend was involved in her disappearance. According to News.Au, Jorge Aguirre Estudillo is also reportedly missing. Shanks' brother, Dan, said he fears the worst has already occurred, adding that he thinks that his sister is already gone. According to Shanks' other brother, Ben, he was sure that his sister would not leave her daughter alone like that. The Australian girl was found outside the Parroquia San Miguel Arcangel. The Australian woman was reportedly enjoying a short holiday break with her ex-boyfriend and their daughter when she last spoke to her brother Dan on Sunday. She also sent photos of El Cuyo and told Dan that they were next heading to Tulum. Her family raised the alarm after receiving late-night phone calls on Tuesday regarding photos of Adelynn that had surfaced online after she was found alone. Shanks had been living in Merida in Mexico's Yucatan state. The Australian woman was reportedly waiting to receive her daughter's passport and had booked plane tickets to arrive in Australia on June 22. Adelynn is currently being cared for by a child protection agency in Mexico. Ben and Shanks' mom, Leanne, will reportedly fly to Mexico on Friday. Missing Persons in Mexico Authorities in Mexico are struggling to resolve the crisis of missing persons, with about 100,000 people officially registered as missing, according to La Prensa Latina. From 1964 to April this year, 98,423 people have disappeared in Mexico based on the National Registry of Disappeared or Non-Located Persons, which updates the figures daily. Data from the National Search Commission of the Mexican interior ministry showed that Jalisco has the highest number of missing persons, with 14,915 cases. Tamaulipas followed with 11,916, Mexico City with 10,720, and Nuevo Leon with 6,148. The crisis of missing persons in Mexico started in 2006 when former Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched his war on drugs. Mexico has seen tragic cases of missing people like the 43 students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College. The students were forcibly abducted and disappeared in 2014, and only three have their remains found and identified so far. READ MORE: Mexico: 90,000 People Have Disappeared Without a Trace Amid Drug War This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Video: Forced Disappearances in Mexico's Drug War - From France 24 English The notorious Sinaloa Cartel has forced a group of hitmen to walk naked through Mexico's streets after they allegedly betrayed the four sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, known as Los Chapitos. According to the La Opinion, three hitmen were parading naked and barefooted through the streets of Guasave in Sinaloa state with a placard that read: "That happens to me through Chapulin." An armed commando aboard a vehicle reportedly followed them as they were forced to walk naked through the city's streets. Daily Star reported that a video of the incident was leaked by the Sinaloa cartel itself and went viral on the internet. In the world of organized crime, traitors are reportedly called "chapulines." Although the video alleged that the three hitmen had betrayed El Chapo's sons, it is unclear whether they left to join another criminal group or remained members of the Sinaloa Cartel but supported the cartel's other boss Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. El Mayo and the Los Chapitos were reportedly left in command of the Sinaloa Cartel after El Chapo was arrested and extradited to the U.S. However, reports suggested that there's an internal dispute for total control of the powerful Mexican drug cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel cell behind this punishment has called itself "La Mana," which supports El Chapo's sons. According to local media, the location and whereabouts of the three naked men who recently paraded through the streets were currently unknown. READ NEXT: Sinaloa Cartel Leaves Severed Head, Cardboard With Threatening Message for Jalisco Cartel in Mexico's Colima State Feuds of El Chapo's Sons and Sinaloa Cartel Boss El Mayo According to Milenio, the power Jesus Alexander Sanchez Felix wields within the Sinaloa Cartel angered the Los Chapitos and caused the split. Sanchez Felix is considered El Mayo's chief operator. The Los Chapitos - Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar - is reportedly looking to assume supreme control of the Sinaloa Cartel and their father's former right-hand man, El Mayo, appears to be their internal enemy number one. Reports said El Chapo's sons have also been at odds with their uncle, Aureliano "El Guano" Guzman. El Chapo's brother is also a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. State Department has offered $5 million rewards for each of El Chapo's sons, who are subject to a federal indictment for their involvement in the illegal drug trade. The department noted that the brothers have "high-level command and control roles" in a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and oversee roughly 11 labs in Sinaloa state that produce 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of meth a month. Ovidio, Ivan, and Jesus were reportedly brought by their father into the Sinaloa Cartel's criminal operations when they were teenagers to learn the ins and outs of the organization. Los Chapitos' Hitman Says She's Ready to Fight With Rival Gangs A female hitman of El Chapo's sons has made a chilling post on social media, claiming that she is ready for armed confrontation with rival gangs. The Daily Star reported that the alleged assassin was seen in military uniform pointing a gun at a Mexican army vehicle in a video she posted on her social media accounts. The female fighter is reportedly a member of the Cazadores, the armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel. She is a veteran fighter who got involved in several fights with the rival Barredora gang, allegedly run by the nephews of drug trafficker Rafael Caro Quintero. According to reports, the war between the Cazadores and the Barredora has been blamed for the increase in violence, shootings, and homicides in Mexico's Sonora region this year. The Sinaloa Cartel is one of Mexico's largest and most powerful drug trafficking organizations. The Mexican drug cartel has been known to carry out assassinations, murders, and torture to protect its turf. Both El Chapo and El Mayo were among the people who established the Sinaloa Cartel from the remnants of the Guadalajara Cartel after its leader Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo was arrested in 1989. The U.S. State Department has already increased its offer from $5 million to $15 million for information that will result in the arrest of El Mayo. On the other hand, a federal court found El Chapo guilty of drug trafficking, money laundering, murder conspiracy, and use of a gun in crimes involving drugs. He was sentenced to spend the rest of his days in the ADX Florence "supermax" prison after being sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019. READ MORE: Peru: Dead Woman Shocks Mourners in Her Own Funeral as She Bangs Her Coffin to Say She's Alive This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH: 'Por Chapulines'. Gente De La Mana Obliga a 3 Hombres a Caminar Desnudos, en Guasave, Sinaloa - From LAS NOTICIAS CON EL MEXA On Thursday, May 5 the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise celebrated the work undertaken by their team of midwives and asked people thinking about a future career to consider becoming a midwife. Maternity Services in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise have released a video to mark the occasion where midwives talk about why they chose midwifery as a career: https://youtu.be/HAcr_thaFmA Ita Kinsella, Director of Midwifery at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise said: As Director of Midwifery, I would like to pay tribute to the highly competent and dedicated group of midwives that work in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise who deliver high quality care in a kind and caring manner. "I am proud and delighted to celebrate 100 years of progress in midwifery and to highlight the sustained changes that have been made over that period of time. "As midwives we are the core part of the multidisciplinary team and we deliver care on a 24/7 basis, 365 days of the year to deliver high quality, safe, women centred care. Eileen Whelan, Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery & Quality Dublin Midlands Hospital Group said: On today, International Day of the Midwifery 2022, I would like to thank our Midwives for their commitment to their profession and to all women & babies. "Significant progress has already been made in implementing the National Maternity Strategy since its launch in 2016. "We welcome the Revised Implementation Plan 2021-2026 and continuing the advancement of maternity services and future potential to introduce new models of care, including early discharge home and more support for care in the community, with a particular focus on recruitment, retention and supporting our staff. Marking the occasion, Maternity Services at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise held a day of information sessions for staff, including: Information Stand and Poster Presentation. Considering a career in Midwifery? The Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise is currently hiring midwives. More information: https://bit.ly/2SIpmnM Email mrhpmidwiferyandnursingjobs@hse.ie to discuss the opportunities A Laois Offaly TD has contacted the European Energy Commissioner claiming the ESB is operating a monopoly capable of keeping energy prices artificially high. Deputy Barry Cowen and MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher met with the European Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson to outline their serious concerns about the wholesale energy market in Ireland today. Speaking after the meeting in Strasbourg, France, Deputy Cowen said: During our meeting, we outlined the serious concerns we have about the market and how its dysfunctionality will impede Irelands ability to meet its renewable energy targets. The dominant electricity provider in the county, ESB, has an effective monopoly in the wholesale sector. Their actions as a company have, I believe, the ability to artificially keep electricity prices high and shut out other renewable electricity suppliers in the country, said Deputy Cowen. He said: The Commissioner understood the Irish market very well and listened to our concerns. The official complaints process has been commenced from an energy point of view through the Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER). MEP Billy Kelleher said, Irelands ability to meet its future renewables targets is being jeopardised. We need a full, independent investigation at national and EU level. He said: As well as engaging with the Energy Commissioner, we will also be seeking to meet with the Competition Commissioner, Margrethe Vestager. There can be no toleration of anti-competitive practices in a sector that affects citizens so much. Hard-pressed families cannot afford to keep paying artificially high electricity prices to maintain ESBs profit margins. A worrying rise of assaults on nursing staff has been outlined by the President of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, as hospital overcrowding creates additional problems for staff and patients. Karen McGowan spoke of the increase of violence towards nursing staff on RTE's Morning Ireland show. She said the issue had been discussed at the unions annual conference in Co Sligo this week "I am an ED nurse. We know what overcrowding is and it has definitely got worse," she told Morning Ireland. Since the start of 2021, more than 3,400 nurses have reported violent incidents, figures provided by the HSE show. Ms McGowan said it is "no surprise" to hear that there had been an increase in assaults on nurses, particularly in emergency departments. Hospital overcrowding was "challenging" for patients and staff, she said, with a lack of space leading to aggression and an increase in people's anxiety. Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith said the worrying trend of patient facing workers in the health service demands improved safety procedures in hospitals. "The shocking number of patient-facing workers being assaulted in their workplace must be addressed by the HSE. No worker should have to be afraid of going into work, or be constantly watching for aggressive or threatening behaviour. "It is incumbent on the HSE and hospital management to respond to these shockingly high figures, ensure these attacks are taken seriously, and that where possible action is taken, that assaults are reported to An Garda Siochana, and criminal prosecutions taken," Deputy Smith said. "It was difficult to listen to the INMO President Karen McGowen on the radio this morning speaking about the trauma emergency service nurses have experienced. Unions should not be crying out for safe staffing in our hospitals safety at work should be guaranteed for all workers. "The HSE figures show that all patient facing workers from nurses to Health Care Assistants to Porters to paramedics are experiencing serious physical assault. The HSE has a duty of care to all workers. It is also time the Serious Physical Assault Scheme itself is reviewed and updated to support all health care workers who suffer assault in the workplace. We also have a situation where there is a clear inequity within the policy for support grade workers and that must be comprehensively addressed by the HSE. Ultimately people have a right to be safe at work. Health staff must be able to do their job safely and in the knowledge that any attack on them will be taken seriously and prosecuted wherever possible," Deputy Smith said. "While assaults and attacks will always unfortunately occur, particularly in what can be a stressful and upsetting environment for patients and families, knowing that there is a zero-tolerance attitude to such misbehaviour would go some way to change societal attitudes and help protect frontline staff," the Labour health spokesperson concluded. Maynooth University is welcoming members of the public, students, staff, and alumni to a festival of music, film, literature, and discussions at venues across campus from today, Thursday May 5 to Saturday 7. The Arts & Minds Festival will bring together a series of live and in-person events. Festival highlights include a concert with Irish National Opera and a discussion with award winning author Louise ONeill (Asking for It, Only Ever Yours, and After The Silence), who is the Arts Council Writer-in-Residence at Maynooth University. She will be joined by the critically-acclaimed Louise Kennedy (The End of the World is a Cul de Sac and Trespasses) on Saturday 7. On Friday, March 6, Normal People and Room director Lenny Abrahamson will participate in a panel discussion and Q&A, following a screening of his earlier acclaimed film, Adam and Paul. The Oscar-nominated directors Conversation with Friends, based on the novel by Sally Rooney, will shortly hit international screens. A variety of music will be celebrated across the festival weekend, including traditional Irish musicians Thomas McCarthy and Zodomo, Donal Lunny, Zoe Conway, and Mairtin OConnor, presented by Ola Majekodunmi, on Thursday, May 5. There will also be sean-nos singing and dancing workshops, as well as Irish language craft workshops. The Irish National Opera event with Gemma Ni Bhriain (mezzo-soprano), Sarah Shine (soprano), and Maire Carroll (pianist) takes place on Saturday, May 7. The full programme of events and registration is available here Further information is also available on the MU website. Professor Eeva Leinonen, President of Maynooth University, said: The Arts & Minds Festival is a wonderful opportunity to welcome the community of Maynooth to campus for this celebration of art and culture. Ireland has a rich tradition in music, literature, and the arts which we are committed to fostering though our education programmes and this event. Arts and Minds is supported by Maynooth University, Kildare County Council, and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Medias Local Live Performance Programming Scheme. An expert witness in a two day inquest at Kildare Coroners Court, sitting in Athy last week, said it was regrettable that there was no consultant at Naas Hospital on Christmas Day 2018 when a seriously-ill woman was admitted and later died. Dr Peter Boylan was speaking at the inquest into the death of tragic Karen McEvoy, aged 24, who had given birth to her third child, baby girl Ruby, at the Coombe Hospital just a week previously. The jury of two women and five men returned a verdict of medical misadventure and also issued several recommentations intended to better diagnose and treat the symptoms of post-natal sepsis in order to help prevent deaths due to the potentially life-threatening condition in the future. Dr Boylan, who is a former Master of the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street and has 40 years of experience as a obstetrician, was called by Kildare coroner Prof Denis Cusack to give his expert opinion on circumstances of the death of Ms McEvoy. The inquest had heard on Thursday that Dr Rita Chaudry, consultant anaesthetist, arrived at the hospital at about 3.15pm, by which stage Ms McEvoy was in cardiac arrest. Counsel for the HSE and Naas Hospital, Conor Halpin SC, pointed out that the on-call consultant Dr Chaudry wasnt contacted by hospital staff until 2.15pm on Christmas Day and had immediately begun travelling to Naas Hospital and was in telephone contact with the hospital while in transit. Dr Boylan stated: The consultant should have been informed earlier. Dr Boylan also said in the witness box: If there is a case of a seriously-ill woman, a consultant should have come into the hospital as soon as they were aware she was there, even if the werent asked to do so by a hospital staff member. After the coroner sought further clarification on this point, Dr Boylan added: This is a necessary model of practice. The situation in Naas Hospital on December 25, 2018 also led one of the recommendations of the jury that a consultant must be present in an Emergency Department if a critically-ill patient with sepsis or in septic shock is en route. Coroner Prof Cusack said he was forwarding all the recommendations to the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and the CEO of the HSE Paul Reid, to the Coombe Hospital, Naas Hospitals and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The inquest heard that Ms McEvoy she became ill in the days after giving birth at the Coombe Hospital and developed maternal sepsis and septic shock secondary to infection. Sepsis is the bodys extreme response to an infection and is a life-threatening medical emergency. Last November, the Coombe Hospital apologised for the failings in care when Ms McEvoys family settled an action in the High Court. On December 23, 2018, Ms McEvoy was using crutches when she went back to the Coombe Hospital with her baby daughter for routine screening of the baby and it was claimed she was advised to attend the hospitals emergency department. She attended the emergency department complaining of severe back and abdominal pain and feeling generally unwell. It was claimed Ms McEvoy was not admitted to hospital and she was discharged without her condition having been diagnosed. On Christmas Day, Ms McEvoys condition deteriorated and she was taken by ambulance to Naas Hospital just after midday and died before 4pm from multi-organ failure with septicemia due to an infection. Other recommentations from the jury included that a national leaflet on post-natal sepsis be provided to all mothers on discharge from maternity services and a health information campaign be conducted to increase awareness among the partners and families of mothers about post-natal sepsis. The jury recommended Public Health Nurse appointments with new mothers take place in mothers homes and that nurses should have the necessary equipment to check vital signs like thermometers. The five men and two women also requested that post-natal PHNs and midwives be trained in the recognition of sepsis. All patients attending the emergency room of the Coombe Hospital must be assessed by a doctor, the jury said. Speaking after the inquest verdict at Athy Courthouse, Ms McEvoys partner Barry Kelly said in a brief statement: Im very happy with the verdict and hope that the recommendations will help save the lives of other women in this country. The inquest heard that Ms McEvoy had attended a public health nurse (PHN) appointment in Naas on December 21 after which she had told her partner Mr Kelly that the nurse had said it was normal to have abdominal pain after giving birth. PHN Doreen OSullivan told the inquest she had not recorded any of Ms McEvoys vital signs as at the time as the relevant equipment wasnt available to her at the time. Geraldine Kavanagh was the midwife on duty in the emergency department (ED) at the Coombe Hospital on December 23, 2018, when Ms McEvoy attended on crutches to help her with walking. Ms Kavanagh told the inquest that there was no record of her triage of Ms McEvoy because notes she had been inputting into a computer had been wiped in a temporary electrical malfunction. Ms Kavanagh also said she did not record Ms McEvoys vital signs, or refer her for medical assessment which the inquest heard was in contravention of the hospitals ED triage guidelines which had been in place since earlier that year. Ms Kavanagh assessed that Ms McEvoy most probably had sciatica and advised her to attend St Jamess Hospital or Tallaght Hospital for an X-ray if the pain got worse. But Ms McEvoy wasnt seen by a doctor and no referral letter was generated. Mr Kelly said after the verdict: Karens death was preventable. We always knew that but today we heard it. She was an amazing mum, a brilliant lady and she will always be missed. She got her day today. Karens mother Margaret McEvoy, flanked by the late womans father Alan Gilbey, said afterwards: Its been a really horrendous three years, and a tough two days. I hope there is a lot of awareness put out there about sepsis as I dont want my daughters name to be forgotten. She added: Christmas will never be the same for us again. What happened to Karen was so unfair. Mr Kelly thanked his family as well as his legal team led by solicitor Niamh OBrien of OBM Solicitors, as well as Esther Early Bl and Richard Kean SC. During his evidence, Dr Boylan added that it was likely that a more thorough examination of Ms McEvoy may have given a diagnosis of sepsis. He also conceded that the signs of sepsis can be difficult to interpret and that it can be a difficult diagnosis to make in the early stages. The inquest also heard that post-natal sepsis is extremely rare in ireland and there were only two cases between 2009 and 2019. As a consequence, he commented that many healthcare workers may not be aware of the tell-tale signs. He added that there had been an increased understanding of sepsis among healthcare professionals over the past 20 years. He continued by saying that it was regrettable that guidelines were not followed [at the Coombe Hospital] on December 23. He told the inquest: If Ms McEvoy had received intensive treatment from December 24 onwards, the outcome may have been different. He also commented that it was debatable if Ms McEvoy was brought direct to St James Hospital on December 25, 2018, instead of Naas General Hospital which had been discussed by medics at the time whether the outcome would have been different. He commented; There are no guarantees in medicine, unfortunately. During the inquest, which heard from 17 witnesses, Coroner Prof Cusack had said: This inquest is about womens health and womens safety and the men who are the partners and spouses. We want to get this right. We are very grateful for the doctors and nurses attending. It is not comfortable for some of them but we must have a comprehensive inquiry. He added: Foremost in my mind is the partner, family and friends of Karen. We are here for Karen and we are here of the women and men of Ireland. The inquest had been due to be held in April 2020 but was delayed by two years due t Covid-19 restrictions. Prof Cusack had told the jury that the inquest was aimed at establishing the facts, but legally, could not blame any party or exonerate them from blame. A letter read out to the inquest on behalf of the Master of the Coombe Hospital, Dr Michael OConnell, offered sincere apologies to Mr Kelly and his three children for our failings in care afforded to Ms McEvoy at this hospital on December 23rd, 2018. Dr OConnell said: I fully accept that these failings should not have happened. I cant begin to imagine the consequences of Karens sad loss on you, Jake, Toby, Ruby, your extended family and Karens family. We in the Coombe are truly sorry for the distress that Karens death has caused. A drug addict waited for gardai at a convenience shop to arrest him after a failed attempt to rob staff at the shop. Dean Boland (33) of Colthurst Crescent, Huntington Glen, Lucan, Co Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery at a Centra shop in Santry, Co Dublin, on November 7 2021. The court last Tuesday heard that when gardai asked him why he had done it replied "So I could go into custody". Detective Garda John Mackin said he witnessed Boland signing on at Santry Garda Station. A little later, gardai, including him, responded to an alert that a robbery was taking place at the nearby Centra shop. Two men had entered the shop, said Garda Mackin, and gone behind the counter to the till where two staff were working. One of the men, Boland, roared "give me all your cash" in a loud and aggressive voice. However, the staff did not hand over the cash and a nearby supervisor with a sweeping brush - "the only person armed", according to Judge Orla Crowe - told them to get out. The raiders returned to the public side of the counter where Boland removed his Covid mask and helped himself to a bottle of Lucozade, the money for which he put on the counter, before waiting for the gardai to arrive. When they did, they asked Boland why he had committed the attempted robbery and he replied: "so I could go into custody", adding that he was in fear for his life. Garda Mackin said Boland had been a chronic drug user since his teen years and was "acting paranoid" when he came into the garda station. He took "all manner of drugs, mainly tablets, anything he can get on the streets," said the guard. "He was at a very low ebb in terms of his addiction and isolation," said the detective. Boland has 30 previous convictions. Judge Crowe said the situation was "somewhat bizarre". She said the accused had "very helpfully" taken off his mask in front of CCTV cameras during the course of the attempted robbery. He had not threatened staff but the event was "undoubtedly very frightening" for them. Sentencing Boland to 18 months imprisonment, backdated to his going into custody in November 2021, she remarked: "There are other ways of seeking medical help, such as going to your doctor". County Kildare Chamber welcomed the new US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, to Kilkea Castle on Tuesday last for what was her first speaking engagement to a business organisation in Ireland since taking up duties last February. Several Kildare businesses with connections to the US, as well as political and cultural representatives met with the Ambassador. County Kildare Chamber CEO, Allan Shine said, The ambassadors willingness to attend this event as her first speaking engagement to a business organisation in Ireland, and her choice of Kilkea for this, I believe, reflects the position Kildare holds as a county. With several US multinationals, as well as an ever-increasing number of indigenous companies doing business in the US, with a young well-educated, mobile, ambitious, and adaptable workforce, Kildare is leading the way for business in Ireland. Attending the lunch were the Mayor of Kildare, President of County Kildare Chamber, Junior Minister Martin Heydon, Cathal Berry TD, CEO of Kildare County Council, Chairman of INTO Kildare David Mongey, CEO of Chambers Ireland, CEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber, CEO South Dublin Chamber, the IDA and business representatives from a number of sectors. Ambassador Cronin expressed of her deep honour to serve as US ambassador to Ireland. She also spoke of her personal connections to Kildare and the connection she feels to Ireland and its people. Commenting on trade links between Ireland and the US, and County Kildare Chambers recent trade visit to Boston, the ambassador encouraged businesses here to continue to seek out new ties in the US and to use supports such as the Select USA Programme available, stating she would direct the US embassy team to continue actively engaging with and advising Irish companies on how to grow their business in the United States. She also praised the Chamber for their leadership in continuing to promote women in business as well as having a number of female directors on its board. Ambassador Cronin spoke at length about the need for diversity in business, pledging to grow the mutually beneficial economic relationship between the US and Ireland, affirming as President Bidens envoy she will work hard to protect and strengthen the ties between our two countries. The US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin with County Kildare Chamber President Luke Hanahoe and Aidan OSullivan at Kilkea Castle. Picture: Tony Gavin At the event the Ambassador was presented with a bowl made of rare bog yew from Glenveagh in Donegal, not far from her grandfathers ancestral home. The bowl was hand crafted by a local business in Kildare. Two men have been found guilty of an assault in Edenderry which resulted in a Kildare man losing half of his ring finger. Craig Connolly (30), Kinnefad, Edenderry, had denied assaulting Keith Dunne, causing him serious harm, and he had also pleaded not guilty to being in possession of a pull saw at the time of the offence on June 18, 2020. A co-accused, Sean Dillon (42), St Brigid's Road, Edenderry, denied assaulting Mr Dunne causing him serious harm, and it was the State's case that he acted in common design with Mr Connolly or aided and abetted the other defendant. A seven-day trial at Tullamore Circuit Court heard that Mr Dunne (36), a construction worker, was holding a barrier at JKL Street, Edenderry to prevent debris from going out onto the road while his employer was breaking concrete on a footpath. A hooded man who was wearing a face mask came from across the street and struck Mr Dunne on his hard hat with what he thought was a machete. The blow bounced from the hard hat onto his nose and then another downward strike resulted in fingers on Mr Dunne's left hand being severed. The ring finger was reattached but after a number of months it had to be amputated at the lower knuckle because of repeated infections. The blade of a Japanese pull saw, 37cm long and with teeth on both edges, was found at the scene and forensic tests showed that it had a partial palm print which matched Mr Connolly and blood which matched Mr Dunne. Mr Dunne had told the court he identified the attacker by a unibrow and a scar on his forehead. Mr Dunne also said he knew Mr Connolly, who was at the time in a relationship with Sophie Judge, the mother of Mr Dunne's child. In interviews with gardai after his arrest, Mr Connolly denied ever meeting Mr Dunne and said he had been drinking all that day, a Thursday, and continued drinking until Sunday. Sophie Judge, his partner at the time of the assault and mother of Mr Dunne's young son, gave alibi evidence that Mr Connolly was with her and the child when the offence was committed. She told the trial she was shocked at Mr Connolly not telling the gardai that and she could not explain why he had said he was out drinking. The jury heard that Sean Dillon had said he was driving around Edenderry on the day of the assault because he was looking for his mother, who he said was shopping, and he also wished to go to the Credit Union, but realised he had forgotten his book. Mr Dillon had said in a statement to the gardai that somebody had got into the back of his van that afternoon but he did not know who that person was and he had let the perpetrator of the assault into his vehicle under duress. The jury viewed CCTV footage recorded from a number of different premises in Edenderry which showed a white van driving around the town centre and the State's case was that it was scouting the location of the assault. Some of the CCTV footage also showed two individuals walking and running along footpaths in Edenderry and a clip also recorded a figure running across the street to where a digger was being operated, the site of the assault. That figure was then seeing going back where it came from. After deliberating for more than three hours, the jury found Mr Connolly guilty of assaulting Mr Dunne, causing him serious harm. He was also found guilty of possession of the pull saw. They found him not guilty of a charge which alleged he caused Mr Dunne harm. Mr Dillon was also found guilty of causing serious harm but not guilty of causing harm. Mr Connolly has been in custody since June 2020 and he was remanded in custody again for sentencing to July 19 next. Mr Dillon was remanded in custody for sentencing on the same date after Judge Keenan Johnson refused an application for his bail to be continued so he could make arrangements for the care of his 79-year-old mother. Judge Johnson ordered a probation report for Mr Dillon. Judge Johnson also ordered the preparation of a victim impact statement by Mr Dunne. A woman who appeared before court for possessing a knife had the Probation Act applied, meaning no conviction follows. Lorraine Kelly, 32, whose address was given as 4 Killane Road, East Wall, Dublin was prosecuted for an offence at the M7 Newhall, Naas, on May 16, 2016. Sgt Jim Kelly told Naas District Court on April 13 that kitchen knives were found in a car stopped on that date, including one in a bag. Sgt Kelly said there was no suggestion that the knife was used and he described it as a small kitchen knife. The court was also told that the defendant had been in an incident in Dungarvan the previous night and she felt threatened. It was the only time she had come to the attention of the gardai. Read more Kildare news Defending barrister Aisling Murphy said that a person came to a house the night before in Dungarvan and issued a number of threats. She also told Judge John OLeary that a vehicle was damaged. She also said that the defendant had a heroin addiction but had got herself clean and attended a Christian church, where she met her husband. She is now married with two children and has stepped away from people she was previously associated with. Ms Murphy also said the defendant suffers with anxiety and depression. No medical help was forthcoming for a man who was about to attempt suicide in prison, it was claimed at Naas District Court on April 27. The man, along with another, is being prosecuted for the theft of cash and cigarettes in County Kildare earlier this year. He is also being prosecuted for dangerous driving. Barrister Aisling Murphy said that no medical treatment was provided for him despite directions from two judges. Read more Kildare news He is not getting medication and the court recommended psychiatric assessment. Ms Murphy said the man had tried to take his own life in custody and was stopped by prison officers at the last minute. When asked by Judge Desmond Zaidan about the delay, a prison officer told the court that there are 800 prisoners looking for treatment. He also said that Covid-19 is still a problem in the prison system. Judge Zaidan commented that the made this order in January and added there could have been drastic consequences. A book of evidence was served in the case and the man were remanded to appear again at Naas Circuit Court. The power plant with the highest carbon dioxide emissions in the world in 2021 is in South Africa. It is owned by South African Synthetic Oil Limited (Sasol) and its main activity is to liquefy coal to turn it into gasoline. At 57 megatonnes (one megatonne = 1 million tonnes) per year, this plant alone emits more carbon dioxide than countries like Portugal, Norway or Switzerland. It also produces 7.6 megatonnes of gasoline from coal, a third of the country's needs. Coal liquefaction is an important "energy sovereignty" technique. Its history began in Germany during the Interwar period with the coal hydrogenation processes developed by the chemist Friedrich Bergius. During the war, synthetic fuel factories kept the Luftwaffe's planes in the air and many of the Wehrmacht's tanks moving. Although hydrogenation was a technological feat, it was an economic and environmental disaster. The reaction took place at 400 degrees celsius; 100 atmospheres and four to six tonnes of coal were needed to produce one tonne of gasoline, which was 10 to 15 times more expensive than its equivalent obtained from oil. More on this topic Subscribers only 'Epidemics, wars and even oil-price crises are also climate disasters' Despite these shortcomings, countries such as France, England, Japan and even coal-poor Italy launched into liquefaction in the 1930s, citing energy sovereignty and, in the longer term, the exhaustion of oil wells. Coal liquefaction did not disappear in the ashes of Nazism. Quite the contrary: after the war, German experts were coveted, particularly by oil-poor, coal-rich South Africa. In 1955, the segregationist government created Sasol and subsidized its production to counter apartheid-related economic sanctions and preserve its energy sovereignty. With the oil crises of the 1970s, Sasol became the technological leader in the field, the envy of the whole world. Jimmy Carter's administration created a $20 billion public company, the Synthetic Fuels Corporation, which planned to produce 3 million barrels per day in the 1990s. The oil counter-shock would put an end to this project. The weight of Chinese vehicles After the third energy crisis of 2007-2008, it was especially in China that coal liquefaction experienced its biggest boom. Shenhua and Yitai, two of the world's largest mining companies, operating mainly in Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, have made massive moves into synthetic fuels. Previously non-existent in 2009, Chinese production reached 2 megatonnes per year in 2010, 15 megatonnes in 2017 and, according to the latest available statistics, 35 megatonnes in 2019. For comparison, the Nazi synthetic fuel industry, with its 21 plants, produced only 2.3 megatonnes at its peak. If we add to this the 80 megatonnes of methanol produced in China from coal, we can estimate that between one fifth and one sixth of Chinese fuels are derived from coal. You have 23.18% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. UNIVERSITY Maternity Hospital Limerick will join the global community in celebrating International Day of the Midwife today. The day is a celebration on the theme of 100 Years Of Progress, and also encourages all members of the global community of midwives to advocate for investment in quality midwifery care around the world, improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in the process. To mark the occasion in the MidWest, commemorative birth certificates will be given to the mums of all babies born in UMHL today. Midwives from UMHL will also be participating in the National Midwifery Conference, Coming Together to Showcase and Celebrate, which is hosted by the National Women & Infant Health Programme and Office of Nurse & Midwifery Service Directorate. In the run-up to International Day of the Midwife, staff at UMHL reflected on their profession. Staff Midwife Abby Dempsey, said: "Being a midwife means being entrusted with caring for women during the most vulnerable time of their lives. "There is no greater, or more noble, occupation than choosing to be with a woman at this most important time; to give of yourself entirely as you support and watch over them with open eyes and an open heart. Being a midwife means being with women, now and always." Director of Midwifery at UL Hospitals Group, Eileen Ronan, said: "A midwife is central to preparing women and their families for the delivery of their new baby, and is a vital presence during all stages of pregnancy, labour and the early postnatal period. "As a career, midwifery is diverse and progressive, with options available in clinical, management, education and research roles. "Throughout their training, midwives can gain experience and skills across different specialist areas, such as neonatal, theatre, Perinatal Mental health, community Midwifery Integrated services and home births." RAHEEN company Analog Devices International is hosting a two-day 'hackathon' to examine how its technology and business models can combat climate change. A hackathon is an event, usually hosted by a tech company or organisation, where computer programmers get together for a short period of time to collaborate on a project. More than 70 of the company's top minds from its sites in Raheen, Limerick and Dublin have gathered for the event, taking place yesterday and today in Catalyst, Analogs new state-of-the-art collaboration facility, where new jobs were announced earlier this year. Split into teams of six, they will work for two days straight with the aim of designing and pitching original and innovative solutions to mitigate the climate crisis using ADI technology and sustainable business mechanisms. Donal McAuliffe, Analog Devices, said: Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the planet. Taking a pulse of the company, we know its very much top of mind for our people. ADI technology is already being used by our customers around the world to solve some of the toughest engineering challenges in health, automotive and other industries. So, we are in a unique position to drive positive impact. People want to do the right thing for the environment. Everyone is incredibly motivated and determined to use their effort, skills, and talent to identify new and innovative ways to make meaningful progress in addressing the climate crisis. It might not change the world, but the winning solution could make a calculable impact." Ahead of the hackathon, the company organised a series of talks and workshops to help them prepare their pitches and understand what is being done - or needs to be done to tackle the climate crisis. A variety of climate and sustainability experts shared thought-provoking insights around current progress in energy, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing and bio diversity. On Thursday, May 5, each team will pitch their idea to a panel of judges, Dragons Den style. The winning solution will demonstrate how it addresses the problem identified, uses of ADI technology effectively and shows potential to make a real difference. The company will then examine the feasibility of developing the winning concept into a solution for actual deployment by a relevant organisation. This is the 5th year the company has organised the Hackathon. Previous Hackathons have addressed challenges around conservation of natural resources, assisted living and visual impairment. A PUBLIC consultation on the route options for the proposed Shannon greenway is now open. The project aims to provide a riverside walk to a number of significant tourist attractions across the region, and will connect Limerick to Tuamgraney and Scarriff in Co Clare. Some of the attractions being taken in include Killaloe Cathedral, Brian Boru Fort, St Cronan's Church and Visitor Centre Tuamgraney, and the Scarriff Workhouse. From 5pm until 8pm this evening, the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel will play host to a consultation event whbere more information for landowners, local councillors and TDS and the general public will be provided. Staff from Waterways Ireland, Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council will be available to discuss the feasibility and constraints of the project and the proposed routes. The proposed Shannon Greenway has been identified as a signature project in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, which is being led by Waterways Ireland and Failte Ireland, in conjunction with the 10 local authorities along the Shannon. Regional Manager for Waterways Ireland, Eanna Rowe said: The Shannon Greenway route, once selected, will travel to and from the heart of Limerick City, through UL to Lough Derg and the Shannon, connecting nearby villages and towns, such as Clonlara, OBriensbridge, Killaloe, Ogonnelloe and Tuamgraney. It will create connectivity also between the numerous visitor and heritage attractions in the area and will complement the existing trails, such as Limerick UL cycleway, the Lough Derg Way, East Clare Way and the internationally accredited Lough Derg Blueway. Director of service with Limerick City and County Council, Brian Kennedy added: The proposed Shannon Greenway complements the ambition set out in the draft Limerick Development Plan, the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, and our new Green and Blueway strategy, which is being prepared. We have already seen the impact that the Limerick Greenway has made in West Limerick since it opened last year, with tourist numbers up, and this new Shannon Greenway will connect Limerick City, which is a Gateway City for the Wild Atlantic Way, into the heart of Irelands Hidden Heartland, positioning Limerick as the ideal location for tourists. Further information on the project and the public consultation can be found on www.shannongreenway.org, including a brochure, maps, and a feedback form. Those wishing to make a submission can also write to or email the project team, details of which can also be found on the website. CROOM farmers Hannah Quinn-Mulligan and her grandmother Catherine are opening up their farm to the public for a charity bake sale and farm nature walk in aid of charity this Saturday, May 7 from 12pm to 3pm. The pair are hoping to raise much needed funds to support mental health charity, Make a Moove, and bereavement charity, Embrace Farm, both of which specifically support farmers. Funds will also be raised for Cancer Research Ireland. "On average 25 farmers take their own lives by suicide every year," Hannah told the Limerick Leader. "That number hasn't changed in years according to the CSO figures and indicates that farmers aren't getting enough help in this area and are being left behind," she added. Hannah says farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland yet are often overlooked when it comes to providing services for them. "The stigma around mental health and depression also needs to be tackled, it's important that we support each other as farmers and as friends in the community. "Unfortunately, many of us have experienced a loss in our community of a family or friend and know the hole it leaves not just in our lives but in our hearts. We need to make sure that people aren't afraid to open up and know that talking about their feelings or 'dark days' they're having is never a sign of weakness," said Hannah, who is chairperson of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group. Anyone interested in attending can visit the farm from 12pm to 3pm, with a tour of the farm and nature walk at 1pm. The farm address is, Tory Hill House, Croom, Co Limerick. V35 WF43. Tea and delicious cake will be served along with the option of takeaway cake boxes. All proceeds will be going to the Malin to Mizen Charity Cycle being organised by Macra na Feirme, with 26 young cyclists from across the country attempting the 670km cycle in aid of the three charities. THE IMPORTANCE of converting planned freight trains into passenger carriages in time for the Adare Ryder Cup in 2027 has been flagged by elected representatives. Limerick councillors outlined to National Transport Authority (NTA) officials their concerns in providing efficient transport for rail passengers in five years time. In an official presentation delivered by the NTA at a Travel and Transport Special Policy Committee (SPC) meeting, queries around Limericks new planned rail network were raised. Officials outlined that the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy (LSMATS) will provide for the reinstatement of a freight only line from Limerick to Foynes. Cllr Fergus Kilcoyne said: Going from Colbert Station to Foynes, you pass through Patrickswell and Adare. We need to get this thing right from day one. The Independent Limerick City West councillor suggested that a mixture of freight and passenger trains be put in place in order to mitigate a traffic bottleneck in Adare. If we have this up and running for 2027, we would be able to get people out by train to the Ryder Cup. Not just for this, it needs to happen anyway, Cllr Kilcoyne added. He also said to NTA officials that a conversion to passenger trains would accommodate people coming in on luxury cruise ships for the Ryder Cup, saying that hotels wont be able to cope. In response, Hugh Cregan, Director of Public Transport Services with the NTA reiterated that the LSMATS states that the line be initially developed as a freight line. The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) is a founding member of the European Universities Initiative Erasmus+ funded Regional University Network (RUN-EU) alliance which bring together seven like-minded, regionally focused Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This includes Politecnico de Leiria, Portugal; Hame University of Applied Sciences, Finland; Polytechnic of Cavado and Ave, Portugal; NHL-Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands; Szechenyi Istvan University, Hungary; Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences, Austria. RUN-EU comprises more than 76,000 students, 8000 staff, 53 faculties, 97 research centres and groups and more than 30 associated partners including Regional, National, and international authorities. TUS along with the three local authorities in the Mid West signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will pave the way for the formation of the European Zone for Inter-Regional Development (EZ-ID), allowing higher education institutes to work with regional governments in driving innovation in their regions across Europe. To have a real positive impact on society, RUN-EU has partnered with associates ranging from regional and national authorities, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, research centres, international policy units, non-governmental organisations and businesses. They compose the Associated Partner Advisory Board, which advises RUN-EU on societal engagement affairs and the most urgent and emerging challenges of our regions. The Limerick and Midwest Associate Partners involved include: Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Explore Engineering, Innovate Limerick, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, CONFIRM, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, IDA and Failte Ireland. The RUN-EU long term vision places innovative teaching, learning, research, and engagement at the centre of the alliance activities and plots a course to implement the shared, integrated, and long-term joint strategy of the European Universities. By 2030, RUN-EU will be a fully engaged European University, that has developed a unique new type of multinational interregional alliance, a European Zone for Interregional Development. RUN-EU is a new generation of creative Europeans whereby, learning, studying and doing research enables our students to cooperate across borders, languages, and disciplines, and thus develop a strong European identity. RUN-EU will deliver on the core objectives of the European Research Area by: Inter-University Future and Advanced Skills Academies and Collaborative European Degrees designed and delivered through challenge and work-based programmes to meet future student needs as well as life-long learning and upskilling/reskilling requirements Inter-University European Mobility Innovation Centre building and sharing expertise in designing quality monitored innovative international student and staff mobility activities Interregional European Research and Innovation Hubs and Innovation Discovery Program fostering joint RDI activities with industry and regional stakeholders focused on: Future Industry Sustainable Regional Development, the Bio-economy and Social Innovation to create a single borderless market for research, innovation, and technology across the EU President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said, Im very pleased with the success of RUN-EU in being selected as a European university in what was a highly competitive call. The success of RUN-EU represents a new direction for higher education in Europe. Internationalisation has always been at the heart of our educational approach, as it provides opportunities for growth and learning and gives our student body a well-rounded, holistic educational experience. Indeed, the selection of RUN-EU is not just a recognition of the standing of technological higher education, but also a recognition of role of regions in the EUs future. TUS VP for Research Development and Innovation and RUN-EU project leader, Dr Liam Brown said, The education landscape across Europe is changing. Strengthening strategic partnerships through our associate partner advisory board across the EU and the higher education institutions encourages the emergence of 'European Universities' as one of the flagship initiatives of the EUs ambitions to build a European Education Area. The Regional University Network-European University (RUN-EU) facilitated through our student advisory boards enables our students to obtain a degree by combining studies in our campuses spread across our consortium and contribute to the international competitiveness of our RUN-EU European University. TUS Head of Research and Technology Transfer and RUN-EU project leader, Dr Paudie Murray, RUN-EU will be transformative for our students and our regions. We will promote and develop joint student-centred, challenge and work-based flexible learning activities, including Short Advanced Programmes, European Degrees and our research Discovery Program, through collaborative and innovative inter-university and interregional approaches to higher education, research and innovation. For further details, click here or email RUNEU@TUS.ie. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON The Pentagon says the majority of Russian forces that had been around the port city of Mariupol have left and headed north, leaving roughly the equivalent of two battalion tactical groups there, or about 2,000 troops. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that even as Russian airstrikes continue to bombard Mariupol, Moscows forces are still making only plodding and incremental progress as the main fight presses on in the eastern Donbas region. He said he has seen no change in Russian behavior or momentum as May 9 draws near. Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, the anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. There have been suggestions that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to tout a major victory in Ukraine when he makes his address during the traditional military parade on Red Square. Kirby said the U.S. still assesses that Russia is behind schedule and not making the progress in the Donbas that it expected. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: Seemed like goodbye: Mariupol defenders make their stand The AP Interview: Belarus admits Russias war drags on US shared intelligence about Moskva cruiser prior to the strike that sank it $6.5 billion raised at donors conference for Ukraine US announces seizure of superyacht owned by Russian oligarch Europeans weigh costs of cutting Russian energy over Ukraine Easy out from steel mill seen as unlikely for Ukraine troops Follow all AP stories on Russias war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: MARIUPOL, Ukraine -- A cleanup operation took place in the center of Mariupol even as Ukrainian fighters held out against Russian troops in the citys pulverized steel plant. The rest of the city is now under Russian control. Municipal workers, as well as volunteers, were seen Thursday clearing debris near gutted, charred buildings, including the drama theater where hundreds died when the Russian military bombed it in March. Some workers hung a Russian flag on a tall utility pole. One volunteer, who gave only his first name, Denis, said he was helping restore parks and war monuments so the city could celebrate Victory Day on Monday. Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9. ___ KYIV, Ukraine In his nightly video address Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a catastrophic lack of access to medical services and medicine in areas of the country under Russian occupation. In those areas, he said almost no treatment was available for those suffering from cancer and where insulin for diabetics was difficult to find or non-existent. He said antibiotics were in short supply. Zelenskyy also said that during the course of the war, the Russian military has already fired 2,014 missiles on Ukraine, while 2,682 flights of Russian warplanes have been recorded in Ukrainian skies. He said the destroyed or damaged infrastructure includes nearly 400 hospitals and other medical facilities. ___ WASHINGTON -- Former U.S. President George W. Bush says he spoke Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Winston Churchill of our time. I thanked the President for his leadership, his example, and his commitment to liberty, and I saluted the courage of the Ukrainian people, Bush said in a Twitter post, which included photos of the two men speaking by video link. President Zelenskyy assured me that they will not waver in their fight against Putins barbarism and thuggery. Americans are inspired by their fortitude and resilience. We will continue to stand with Ukrainians as they stand up for their freedom. ___ UNITED NATIONS The United Nations says a third operation is underway to evacuate civilians from Mariupols besieged steel plant and the city, which is surrounded by Russian forces. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that a third evacuation is taking place and U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said its aim is to evacuate more civilians from Mariupol and the sprawling Azovstal steel plant. Guterres said 101 civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal plant along with 59 more from a neighboring area in the first operation that ended Tuesday. He said that in the second operation, which was completed Wednesday night, more than 320 civilians were evacuated from the city of Mariupol and surrounding areas. The secretary-general negotiated the agreement for civilian evacuations from besieged areas including Mariupol with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. Guterres expressed hope that continued cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the two governments will lead to more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting and aid to reach those in critical need. Griffiths told a U.N. pledging conference for Ukraine in Warsaw, Poland, earlier Thursday that a convoy left for Mariupol on Thursday and expects to arrive Friday morning and hopes to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal plant. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The regional governor says a missile attack on the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region injured 25 people and inflicted wide-ranging damage. In a Telegram post, Pavlo Kyrylenko says 810 apartments in 32 high-rise buildings sustained damage as the result of an air strike Thursday morning. The post featured photos of multiple buildings reduced to rubble. Kyrylenko added that six private houses, two schools, a kindergarten and a medical institution were also damaged. He said he had not received reports of any fatalities. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian army says Russian troops made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. A Facebook post published Thursday afternoon on the official profile of the Ukrainian General Staff says the Russians also continue to launch missile strikes on transport facilities in order to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military-technical assistance. ___ MOSCOW The Russian military says its air force has destroyed 45 Ukrainian military facilities in the latest series of strikes. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the targets hit Thursday by the Russian air force included Ukrainian troops and weapons concentrations and an ammunition depot in the eastern Luhansk region. Konashenkov said the Russian missile units hit a Ukrainian artillery battery at its firing positions near the settlement of Zarozhne, a battery of Uragan multiple rocket launchers near Mykolaiv and four other areas of concentration of military personnel and military hardware. He said the Russian artillery hit 152 Ukrainian troops strongholds and 38 artillery firing positions. Konashenkovs claims could not be independently confirmed. ___ BERLIN German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the nation's foreign minister will soon travel to Ukraine on an official visit after the two countries resolved a diplomatic spat Thursday. The German government had traded barbs with Ukraines ambassador in Berlin after Kyiv appeared to snub an offer to visit by Germanys president. It was unclear when exactly Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Kyiv, and whether she would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking after a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Scholz also said Germany is working hard to build new infrastructure for energy imports along its northern coast to help replace gas and oil currently delivered from Russia by pipeline. He said Germany is willing to cooperate closely with those countries that dont have direct access to seaports. ___ ROME The United Nations food aid agency is appealing for Black Sea ports in Ukraine to be open again to permit shipping of wheat and corn exports, which many poor nations depend on. The Rome-based World Food Program noted in its appeal Thursday that before the war launched by Russia, 98% of Ukraines grain exports had moved through those ports. It said in a statement that a month after the war began on Feb. 24, export prices for wheat had risen by 22% and maize by 20% thats on top of already steep rises in 2021 and earlier this year. The U.N. agency says the ports, in Ukraines south, which has suffered from heavy shelling, must resume operations to protect Ukrainian agricultural production and enable exports that are critical to Ukraines economy and global food security. It cited war-ravaged, impoverished Yemen, which imports more than half of its wheat from Ukraine or Russia, and which depends on shipping for its food imports. ___ JERUSALEM Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says he accepted an apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin over controversial remarks about the Holocaust made by Moscows top diplomat. There was no mention of an apology in the Russian statement on the call. An Israeli statement says the two leaders spoke by phone Thursday and also discussed plans to evacuate civilians from a besieged steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. A statement from Bennetts office says Putin promised to allow the evacuation of civilians, including wounded civilians, through a U.N. and Red Cross humanitarian corridor. Bennett spoke to Putin after a call on Wednesday with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the Israeli leader appeared to renew his role as a mediator in the conflict. That role was thrown into doubt earlier this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Ukraine could have Nazi elements even though Zelenskyy is Jewish, and then suggested Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins. Israelis expressed shock and outrage at the remarks, which appeared to blame the Holocaust on Jews themselves, and the government summoned Russias ambassador in protest. ___ ROME The Italian government is significantly stepping up its funding to help refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Italy. Premier Mario Draghi told a high-level donors conference, being hosted in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday by Poland and Sweden, that Italy has already allocated some 500 million euros ($550 million) to help the refugees, but now it has increased that funding to more than 800 million euros. As of this week, more than 107,000 people, most of them women or children, have fled the war in Ukraine for Italy. In addition to aid already earmarked for Ukraines general budget, Italy also plans to lend the war-ravaged country some 200 million euros more, Draghi said. In addition, Italy has spent some 26 million euros on humanitarian aid such as tents, ambulances and medicine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged local residents Thursday to leave for the countryside over the upcoming Russian Victory Day weekend. A municipal celebration set to take place from Friday to Sunday has also been canceled. I ask, if possible, on May 7, 8 and 9, that ... all residents of Ivano-Frankivsk not gather in the city, on the lake, in the park and in other public places, Ruslan Martsinkiv said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel. He claimed to have received reports that Russia is planning to continue carrying out missile strikes in the region. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia announced that a curfew will be in force between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Similar long curfews have been put in place in Ukrainian cities near front lines over security concerns. ___ KYIV, Ukraine According to Ukrainian news agencies, a Ukrainian government body began Thursday to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan. The Reforms Office, which operates under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, was cited as saying a working group mechanism was launched Thursday to analyze the current situation and develop proposals for the plan for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine. Earlier that day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of a national fundraising platform called United24. The moves came as an international donors conference was closing in Warsaw, Poland. According to remarks made Thursday by the Polish prime minister, $6.5 billion in humanitarian was raised at the event, attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from Europe and beyond. ___ BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in an effort to resolve a diplomatic spat between the two countries. German government officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had expressed annoyance after Ukraine made clear last month it didnt want Steinmeier to visit because of his past dealings with Russia. Ukraines ambassador in Berlin, in turn, branded Scholz an offended liverwurst for saying the incident was a problem in the countries relations. Steinmeiers office said the two presidents resolved irritations of the past during their call. Steinmeier expressed his solidarity, respect and support for the brave fight by the Ukrainian people against the Russian aggressor, it said. It was unclear whether Steinmeier, whose position as head of state is largely ceremonial, would visit Kyiv soon. The President of parliament, Baerbel Bas, who is ranked after Steinmeier but before Scholz according to German political protocol, is expected to visit Ukraine on Sunday. Separately, Scholz pledged at a Ukraine donors conference Thursday to provide the country with more than 600 million euros in additional humanitarian assistance, loans and development aid. ___ KYIV, Ukraine A Ukrainian officer leading the defense of the last bulwark of the strategic city of Mariupol has urged the global community to pressure Russia to allow the evacuation of civilians and wounded soldiers. Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, as Russian forces attempted to finish off the citys last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in the steel mills underground bunkers, many of them wounded. Some civilians are with them, too. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of Ukraines Azov Regiment, said in a video statement from the steel mills bunkers Thursday that the wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to help ensure the evacuation of the wounded and civilians still in the bunkers. Addressing the world community, Palamar denounced the Russians for refusing to observe any ethical norms and destroying people before the eyes of the world. Videos shared online appeared to show the steel mill targeted by intense shelling at dawn Thursday. Data from NASA fire-tracking satellites corresponded to blazes being seen at the plant just after 6 a.m. Thursday. Russia maintains that its forces are not entering the maze of tunnels at the steel plant, but Palamar said the Russian forces are fighting in the Azovstal mill. Its been the third day that the enemy has broken through to the territory of Azovstal. Fierce bloody combat is ongoing, said Palamar. The defenders of the city (Mariupol) have been fighting alone for 71 days with the overwhelming forces of the enemy and show such endurance and heroism that the country must know what it means to be loyal to the motherland, Palamar said on the Telegram messaging app. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Finland has decided to send more defense equipment to Ukraine, saying the war-torn country has requested assistance from the European Union and NATO member states. We will increase the amount of defense materiel assistance that we send to Ukraine, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said in a statement. On Thursday, Finlands president gave his approval to the Finnish governments proposal to send more defense hardware. No details on what types of defense equipment will be sent were released. Finland, a member of the EU but not of NATO, earlier sent Ukraine bulletproof vests, composite helmets, stretchers, as well as assault rifles, anti-tank weapons and combat ration packages. ___ MADRID A judge in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician-blogger accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday in the coastal city of Tarragona on an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Shariy, who has reportedly lived in Spain since 2019, was ordered to turn in his passport and remain in the country. The court said officials in Ukraine now have 40 days to formally present a request for Shariys extradition. His arrest was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, the founder of a political party considered by many Ukrainians to be pro-Russian, has been a vocal and active critic of Ukraines government. Ukrainian media reported that one of the members of the party said in February, prior to the start of the war, that Shariy had been granted asylum in the European Union. ___ WARSAW, Poland Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says that $6.5 billion has been raised at an international donors conference in Warsaw to provide humanitarian help for war-torn Ukraine. The conference on Thursday was co-hosted by Poland and Sweden and attended by prime ministers and ambassadors representing many European countries, as well as countries further afield and some businesses. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on for weeks, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown more acute. In addition to the thousands killed, millions of people have been displaced, and there are increasing reports of people being tortured and raped. ___ VILNIUS, Lithuania 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. The Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania pipeline that runs more than 500 kilometers (310 miles), comes at a time when Russia has once again tried to blackmail us using gas, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at the inauguration. Lithuanias Prime Minister Ingridas Simonyte added that any reduction or disappearance of this source of funding would have a very significant impact on the Russian economy and the ability to continue financing the war in Ukraine. The Lithuania-Poland leg is integrated with pipelines in the other two Baltic states Estonia and Latvia and Finland, and into the European Union gas transmission system. Before the pipeline was built, the four countries could only receive pipeline gas from Russia. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines government has launched a global fundraising platform so individuals can donate to help rebuild Ukraine, offer humanitarian aid, and raise money for demining. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the initiative, called United24, on Thursday. The United States and Europe, among others, have offered billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to bolster Ukraines fight against Russia. Ukraines newest fundraising drive is intended to give individuals a way to donate on their own with a single click, Zelenskyy said. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Thursday that Russia has decided to expel four diplomats with Denmarks Embassy in Moscow. They have wrongfully become pieces in Putins cynical power play, Kofod said. It is a completely unjustified and deeply problematic decision, which underscores that Russia no longer wants real dialogue and diplomacy. Moscow said seven Danish diplomats were expelled. Danish media said that those expelled included four diplomats and three others without diplomatic status. They must leave within two weeks. Moscows tit-for-tat decision came after Denmark last month expelled 15 Russian intelligence officers who worked at Russias Embassy in Copenhagen. Several other European countries also expelled Russian intelligence officers. ___ SOFIA, Bulgaria In anticipation of a European Union embargo on Russian crude oil Bulgaria says it's looking for an exemption due to its dependence on supplies from Russia. Bulgaria's only oil refinery near the Black Sea port of Burgas is owned by Russias oil giant LUKOIL and is the main fuel supplier in the country. Still, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev told reporters that the refinery is already processing up to 50% non-Russian crude and theoretically should be able to fully eliminate Russian crude. Bulgaria, technologically, can do without Russian crude oil, but this would significantly increase fuel prices, Vassilev said. In case the European Commission weighs some exemptions, we would like to take advantage of it, because it will be in the best interest of Bulgarian consumers. Slovakia and Hungary have already asked for such exemptions. Russia stopped gas deliveries to Bulgaria last week in response to Sofias refusal to pay for it in rubles saying it violates existing contracts. Click here to read the full article. U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, which is facing the threat of being privatized by Boris Johnsons government, has revealed an unsuccessful counter-proposal to remain independent. A key element of the proposal, which is titled 4: The Next Episode, is creating an intellectual property joint venture (JV) proposition with an external investor as majority shareholder, which would see a significant private capital investment into Channel 4 for the first time. The broadcaster claims it would bring 1 billion (1.25 billion) of new British investment in British content by 2030. Some aspects of the plan, which was presented to the government in February, were leaked to the press in April. Channel 4, which currently operates on a broadcaster-publisher model, where all programming is commissioned from external producers (Channel 4 doesnt have an in-house production outfit), says that it would reinvest revenues from the secondary sale of IP [presumably by setting up a distribution outfit] into domestic U.K. content commissioning, bringing new money into the ecosystem and that it would benefit from IP without breaching the publisher-broadcaster model. Establishing a one-stop shop for financing for independent production companies, removing the challenges of assembling complex financing structures and speeding up recommissioning, was listed as another benefit of this model, as was developing its domestic VOD platform All 4 as a streamer thats operational globally. The service has hit 1.5 billion views, an increase of 21% year-on-year, Channel 4 said. Complete commission control would sit with us, Channel 4 chief content officer Ian Katz told media as part of a press event unveiling the proposal on Thursday. 4: The Next Episode would generate around 11 billion in added gross value, the broadcaster said. U.K. government responded to the proposal with a White Paper that proposes complete privatization in order to give [the broadcaster] the tools it needs to succeed in the future as a public service broadcaster while protecting its distinctiveness. While Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon was appreciative of some points made in the White Paper, such as prominence, where U.K. broadcasters content will be made easy to find on connected devices and major online platforms, she was scathing about the rest. We did discuss them [the proposals] in detail with government. And clearly, its not the choice they made. I think thats disappointing and a shame for the U.K. creative industries, Mahon said, adding that the proposal lays out the benefits numerically. Mahon also reiterated that loss-making programming like the Black to Front initiative where an entire day of programming was led by Black personnel behind and in front of camera and the Paralympics coverage wouldnt have been possible at a profit-driven organization, and that acclaimed programs like Its a Sin and Gogglebox were turned down elsewhere. The executive also underlined that Channel 4 is in profit and in robust financial health. It is not factually true to say that there is any evidence that we will fail financially in future, Mahon said, pointing out that the last four years had been financially successful for the broadcaster. Channel 4 had its strongest year in its history in 2021. Early figures provided by the broadcaster indicate revenues of 1.2 billion (up from 934 million in 2020), a financial surplus of 100 million and cash reserves of 272 million. One of the key issues raised during the privatization debate is that of Channel 4 competing with the global streamers. Mahon pointed to Netflixs recent subscriber shrinkage and said streamers would need to put more financial discipline in place about how they spend on programming, and about how they have to manage their schedules, much in a way that broadcasters have had to do for some time. So probably that era of unlimited, unmitigated, uncontrolled content spend is going to become more disciplined. Thats what were seeing across the board. Meanwhile, the Channel 4 proposal at this stage remains just that a proposal. The governments White Paper will have to pass through numerous debates over both houses of U.K. parliament to become law. In the interim, the broadcaster will continue pursuing international expansion for All 4, its training and skills program, spending money outside of London, and scaling up outside of London. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MANZINI The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is firm on its decision that examinations will proceed. The Senate of UNESWA reaffirmed its resolution of April 29, 2022, that examinations for the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) Certificate in Psychosocial Support, Diploma in Law, Bachelor of Laws - LLB and Institute of Post-Graduate Studies (IPGS) students would commence on May 9, 2022. In a Memorandum published by the UNESWA Registrar, Dr Salebona Simelane, it was stated that the Senate resolved that lectures for other students should be suspended for the rest of the week ending tomorrow, and that academic activities should resume on Monday, May 9, 2022, to allow for students completion of their continuous assessment, in consultation with departments, leading to examinations whose commencement date of Monday, May 23, 2022, should also be reaffirmed. Petition The resolution came just hours after students had delivered a petition to the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), Musa Kunene, following the sexual assault of three students. The students, when submitting the petition, informed Kunene that they had come to bid him farewell and would only avail themselves for tests and assessments. They claimed that they no longer felt safe at the institution, as it was not a home away from home as they were promised. It was gathered that the institutions Senate had its special meeting on Tuesday, wherein it discussed the unfortunate incident that befell the trio during the night of April 29, 2022. The memorandum also stated that the sexual assault of the students was unprecedented and should be referred to the appropriate structures of the University for Corrective Action, while all the necessary support and assistance was provided to the affected students. The Senate sympathised with the affected students and strongly condemned the barbaric act. Allowances Students should be made aware that Senate had no control over student allowances and administrative matters, but appropriate structures should be made aware of the need to address them: Council on refunds for student accommodation fees and management on strengthening security at main entrances and on premises, fixing of failing street lights and other infrastructure concerns that were reported to Wardens and Maintenance Department and opening of a Wardens Account, reads the memorandum in part. The Senate said students should be assured that relevant structures of the university that were tasked with minimising risk would embark on a fact-finding process on what led to the sad incident which befell the three students during the night of Friday, April 29, 2022. In reaction to this, the Vice President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), Andile Kunene, said: As the SRC, we are yet to meet and deliberate on the next move. Weve also asked students to share their input on our social media group on what they wish for. Worth noting is that in the petition delivered on Tuesday, the students demanded that security at the gate should be tightened, such that entry to the institution should be monitored. This, she said, could be through, for an example, the use of student cards. They also demanded that a new professional security company should be hired as the current had failed them. It was claimed that the security company was incompetent and ignorant. The students, through the petition, also called upon the administration of the institution to install security cameras on all residential blocks of the university. Their last demand was that the office of the warden should be provided with a separate account number, which shall be separate from UNESWAs account. It was said that this would avert the challenge of students being without light bulbs, dysfunctional door locks while also dealing with all dormitory maintenance issues. This demand was reciprocated by various shouts and whistling by the student. Accommodation The students informed the DSA that in many instances the administration had failed to avail necessities to the wardens and maintenance offices, yet they (students) paid accommodation fees which meant they should be supplied with them. The students demanded to know from the office of the DSA how the sexual assault occurred within the institution while also expressing their resolution to stop all learning activities and demanded the immediate closure of the university. They informed the DSA that they were vacating the institution and would wait for a communique from the office of the Director of Transport and Maintenance, which shall assure them that everything was sorted on campus and that the university was a safe learning place to be in. Click here to read the full article. The richest man in the world is the subject of a new documentary series commissioned by the BBC. The Elon Musk Show (working title) will speak to the South African billionaires friends, family members and business associates as well as including archive footage from Musks ascent through Silicon Valley to paint an intimate portrait of the tech tycoon. Marian Mohamed and Jeremy Llewellyn Jones will direct. The three-part series, from 72 Films (Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty), is set to air on BBC 2 later this year and promises to get to the heart of who Elon Musk really is. Musk, who counts PayPal, Tesla and SpaceX among the companies he has built, recently launched a controversial bid to buy social media site Twitter. He has been married three times including twice to St Trinians actor Talulah Riley. Musk has five sons from his first marriage, to author Justine Wilson, and two children with musician Grimes. BBC commissioning editor Simon Young said: Elon Musk is one of the most enigmatic and intriguing people in the world. Exploring his roots and the way he has revolutionised fields as diverse as space exploration, the internet and green tech will shed new light on how we got to now. The series was commissioned by Clare Sillery, head of commissioning for documentaries, history and religion. David Glover, Mark Raphael and Christopher Sykes will executive produce. LEGIT Londons Kiln Theatre is reviving Moira Buffinis critically acclaimed play Handbagged. The original production opened at the Kiln (then called the Tricycle Theatre) in 2013 before transferring to the West Ends Vaudeville Theatre in 2014, ahead of a U.K. tour in 2015, and performances in New York and Washington in 2019. The play centers on the relationship between former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II. An official description reads: The monarch. Her most powerful subject. Born six months apart, each had a destiny that would change the world. But when the stiff upper lip softened and the gloves came off, which one had the upper hand? The play will be directed by Indhu Rubasingham. Manori Ravindran PROMOTION The Circle and Gogglebox producer Studio Lambert has bolstered its development teams in the U.K. and U.S. Niall ODriscoll has moved from London where he was head of development for unscripted, to Los Angeles to become senior VP of development and current. Meanwhile, in the U.K., Harry Knott has been promoted to head of development for unscripted, having previously been deputy head. Rose Hibbert has been promoted to head of talent at Studio Lambert North in Manchester. Studio Lamberts slate is growing with season 4 of The Circle launching on Netflix this week, and the much-anticipated new format, Lovestruck High with Lindsay Lohan narrating due to launch on Amazons Prime Video on May 18. Studio Lamberts key executives were recognized by Varietys 2022 Reality Impact Report last month. Manori Ravindran Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. An exciting and welcomed twist to the Emmy race for outstanding television movie has arrived, as Mimi Caves horror-comedy Fresh, starring Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar-Jones, is being submitted for Primetime Emmy consideration. This offers an interesting possibility in a category that hasnt drummed up much excitement over the last couple of years. While buzzy titles like Bad Education and three consecutive Black Mirror episodes dominated, the soulful purpose of the category has seemed to be missing. Last years winner, Dolly Partons Christmas on the Square, was the only film of the five other nominees to have another Emmy nomination (for outstanding choreography for scripted programming, which it won for Debbie Allen). Since the separation of the TV movie and limited series categories in 1992 (merged again in 2011 before being separated again in 2014), theres never been a traditional horror film nominated in the category. So while the category is stacked with contenders such as HBOs The Survivor from Barry Levinson and Netflixs animated feature The House contending for recognition, perhaps Fresh could be the first for the genre? Read more: Varietys Awards Circuit Emmys Predictions Hub The switcharoo also highlights the banner year for its star Sebastian Stan, who will now have another shot at gold for his work as Steve, the charming and cannibalistic serial killer another strong outing alongside his turn in the miniseries Pam and Tommy, also from Hulu. While the categories for outstanding limited series and outstanding television movie are separated at the Emmys, the actors from both sides compete in the acting categories. However, while his work in Fresh is undoubtedly entertaining, the Romanian-born performer has a significantly better shot for his interpretation of Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. The 39-year-olds alluring talents have been a fascinating journey to watch unfold in Hollywood over the last decade. While getting his start as the gambling addict Carter Baizen in the classic series Gossip Girl, hes churned out incredible performances in films such as I, Tonya (2017) and Destroyer (2018). His most recognizable character has been Bucky Barnes, a.k.a. the Winter Soldier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, most recently appearing in the Disney+ drama series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Though Stan has unfortunately garnered few accolades thus far, aside from a Critics Choice nom for Political Animals in 2013, he may finally be within arms reach for his first major awards nomination. He also has a role in Emmy winner Benjamin Carons (The Crown) directorial film debut Sharper, opposite Julianne Moore and John Lithgow, due out later this year from A24 and Apple Original Films. Fresh is another potential Emmy vehicle for Stans co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, best known for her stunning work in the miniseries Normal People and now co-starring opposite another MCU superhero actor, Andrew Garfield, in FXs crime-thriller Under the Banner of Heaven. In addition, Edgar-Jones has an upcoming role in Olivia Newmans adaptation of Where the Crawdads Sing from Sony Pictures, produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. Written by Lauryn Hahn, Fresh was acquired by Searchlight Pictures ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. In March, the film released on Hulu and received positive marks from critics and audiences. Adam McKay and Kevin J. Messick produced the thriller. McKay is a two-time Emmy-winner for outstanding variety special live (2019 for Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lears All in the Family and The Jeffersons') and outstanding drama series (HBOs Succession in 2020). Off his recent Oscar nomination for Netflixs Dont Look Up, this marks one of four possible noms McKay can receive this year HBOs Succession (drama series), Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, (drama series and directing the episode The Swan) and The Invisible Pilot (documentary series). The current Emmy predictions for outstanding television movie are below. The full rankings can be found on Variety Awards Circuit prediction pages and are updated every Thursday. AND THE PREDICTED NOMINEES ARE: RANK FILM NETWORK 1 The Survivor HBO/HBO Max 2 The House Netflix 3 I Want You Back Amazon Prime Video 4 Kimi HBO/HBO Max 5 Fresh Hulu Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The Queendom, one of 20 projects presented at Hot Docs marquee market event, the Forum, has won the First Look first prize of Can. $25,000 cash, one of three pitch prizes announced Thursday at the festival. The documentary and science-fiction hybridabout three Indigenous scientists, all women, who decide to partner with mushrooms to fight for their territoriesis directed by Otilia Portillo and produced by Paula Arroio Sandoval for Mexicos Oscura Producciones S.A. de C.V. Elena Fortes is executive producer. Second prize and Can. $15,000 was awarded to A Womans Path, about a woman who is betrayed by her family and forced to leave her nomadic life with the Bakhtiari tribe. The documentary is directed by Marjan Khosravi; its producers are Milad Khosravi and Stephanie Von Lukowicz for Seven Spring Pictures (Iran) and Lukimedia (Spain). Hot Docs First Look is a curated access program for philanthropic investors in documentary film; the Forums First Look pitch-prize winners are chosen by the programs current participant-investors after they have viewed all Forum pitches. Untitled Labor Union Documentary, a portrait of workers at an Amazon fulfillment center who are fighting to unionize, won the 2022 CMF-Hot Docs Forum Canadian Pitch Prize and a $10,000 cash prize. The film is directed by Brett Story and Stephen Maing, and produced by Mars Verrone and Samantha Curley for Level Ground Productions LLC (U.S.) and Oh Ratface Films (Canada). The CMF-Hot Docs Forum Canadian Pitch Prize, presented in partnership with the Canada Media Fund, is awarded to the best Canadian pitch and is intended to support the production and completion of the winning project. The resilience and creativity of our documentary creators and dedicated support from the decision-maker community are most powerfully displayed in this 2022 edition of the Hot Docs Forum, said Hot Docs industry programs director Elizabeth Radshaw in a statement. The 20 teams who pitched in the Forum spent months, sometimes years, preparing for moments like this, commented Forum producer Dorota Lech. The expertise and knowledge around this table will legitimize, support, and help launch these films, and (Hot Docs is) honored to be a step on (the filmmakers) artistic journeys. All Forum pitches, as well as the Industry LIVE conference sessions and related content, are available for industry pass-holders to stream on the festivals industry platform until May 31. Of the 26 filmmakers participating in 2022 Forum project pitches more than half are women, and more than half are BIPOC. Forum projects were presented to a live digital room of more than 50 documentary financiers and decision-makers and other observers. Fifty-five additional doc projects participated in pre-arranged meetings in the festivals Deal Maker program, while another 114 took part in Distribution Rendezvous. Hot Docs also announced that 1,941 registered delegates from 74 countries participated in live or online market, conference, and screening programs this year. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Cosmetology students at the Nixon High School Cosmetology Department held a Teacher Appreciation Spa Day on Tuesday. Teachers were welcome to enjoy refreshments while they chose what to get done in their annual day of being pampered. NHS cosmetology students offered their services of haircuts, hair styling, makeup, manicures, pedicures and facials, among more services. It was an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge to their teachers while they get pampered for the great work they do. This day is dedicated to teachers for their hard work and their dedication to prepare students for success, and today is a special day for them, cosmetology instructor Mario Rodriguez said. We have worked very hard to maintain our students in the level they are for them to be successful and for them to continue their education. This is the seventh year Spa Day has been offered from students to their teachers as part of Teacher Appreciation Day. It was, however, the first time the event has taken place at the new vocational facilities at Nixon High School. Now that were back, students are very excited because all of them want to show their appreciation to their own teachers, Rodriguez said. Teachers feel very excited and very happy to get serviced from their students. Around 15 teachers enjoy Spa Day every year at NHS. In this edition, teachers were welcomed to visit at any time they wished between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is awesome. I got my hair washed with a treatment and blow dried, Nixon English teacher Diana Martinez said. Martinez is an alumna of NHS herself. She has watched the transformation and development of the Cosmetology Department since her Mustang days in the late 1970s. Weve had cosmetology ever since then," she said. "Ms. Laurel was the teacher and it was in the old building. I never expected something like this. Although this was the first time Martinez has attended Spa Day, she had previously visited the Cosmetology Department on a Friday to get her nails done. The Cosmetology Department also offers Salon Days every Friday, where anyone from the Nixon community can come to the salon to get services by cosmetology students. The junior students offer services in the mornings from 8:30-10:30 a.m., and the seniors are in the afternoon from 1:15-3:30 p.m. Salon Days are for students to practice their skills -- whatever I teach them from Monday to Thursday, they practice on Friday, Rodriguez said. It helps to reinforce anything that I teach them. Andrea Regino, a senior, performed a trim on a teacher. And she shared her experience and a glimpse into her plans after graduating. My favorite thing to do is hair and makeup. I love it, Regino said. I like to do anything like facials, waxing, pedicures, manicures. When I first started, I didnt like doing nails at all, but once I started practicing them, I ended up liking them. Regino says among the biggest challenges they face is hair bleaching. After graduating, she wishes to continue her career in cosmetology and become an esthetician in San Antonio. PERU, Ind. (AP) An inmate at a northern Indiana prison convicted of slashing a correctional officer's face with a razor blade has received a 38-year sentence for the attack. A Miami County judge sentenced Raul Sotelo on Wednesday in the July 2020 attack at the Miami Correctional Facility, the Kokomo Tribune reported. Webb County is home to 5,512 businesses with more than 79,000 employees, according to 2020 U.S. Census County Business Patterns. The healthcare and social assistance industry is the largest sector in the county with more than 17,000 employees in the field representing 21.8% of the total workforce. Transportation and warehousing was close behind with the 16,500 employees of that industry representing 20.8% of the workforce. Close to 13,000 employees work in the retail trade industry, as well, representing 16.4% of the total workforce in the county. The top three industries combined account for almost three of every five employees (59%) in the county. While transportation and warehouse is one of the largest industries in Webb County, it is one of the smallest for both the state and the country. Less than 5% of the total workforce for Texas (4.85%) and the U.S. (4.26%) work in that industry. The construction and manufacturing industries are among the least represented in the county and have a much lower share of the total workforce compared to the workforce nationwide and statewide. In Webb County, 3.01% of employees work in one of these two industries, while 13.98% of employees in Texas work in construction or manufacturing and 14.3% of employees in the U.S. do the same. The industry with the least amount of employees in the county is agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, with just 17 employees for 0.02% of the total workforce. The other least employed industries in Webb County are utilities (0.23%), management roles (0.23%) and educational services (0.55%). Healthcare is the top industry in Texas, with 14.15% of the total workforce working in that industry, followed by retail trade (11.9%) and accommodation and food services (11.39%). The U.S. follows the same trend, with health care having the highest share of total employees (15.81%), then retail trade (11.78%) and accommodation and food services (10.72%). Despite retail trade and food and accommodation services being some of the largest industries nationwide and statewide, they are also the two sectors with the lowest average income, the U.S. Census data shows. The average annual income for food services is just over $17,000, while employees in retail trade me an average of a little over $30,000 a year. Information is the highest paying industry nationwide, with employees making an average annual salary of $122,930. That is more than double the national average for all sectors, which is $56,385. Employees in the healthcare industry, the largest sector across all levels, make less than the average for all industries, earning of $52,624 annually. CLINTON, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina man has been arrested in connection with a murder case dating back to 2012, authorities said. News outlets reported the Sampson County Sheriffs Office said in a statement on Wednesday that Glen Allen Stewart, Jr. was identified as a person of interest during the initial investigation into the death of Kim Douglas Mckoy Jr., whose body was discovered on a road on July 19, 2012. But authorities said there was not enough evidence to proceed with charges. When Jessica Cisneros released the first TV ad of her Democratic primary runoff last week, it highlighted how her opponent, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo, was the only House Democrat to vote against legislation to codify Roe v. Wade. But on May 24, you can have the last word, the ad said as it flashed images of womens faces. Then, on Monday night, Politico published a leaked draft opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court indicating it plans to overturn the landmark abortion rights case. With only three weeks to go until the May 24 election, abortion rights have reclaimed the national stage. The tight race between Cuellar, a moderate Democrat who famously opposes abortion, and Cisneros, a young progressive, represents the most vivid illustration of how the leaked opinion could reshape a number of the fast-approaching runoffs. It just really ups the ante about why we need to be involved in this race, said Kristin Ford, a spokesperson for NARAL Pro-Choice America, which supports Cisneros. The leaked opinion increases the urgency and is yet another ominous sign of whats to come. The Supreme Court on Tuesday confirmed the authenticity of the leaked opinion but said it does not represent a final vote of the court. Cuellar was quiet on the news most of Tuesday before issuing an evening statement that said he opposes abortion but also denounced the likely ruling, saying it was without precedent and would further divide the country during these already divisive times. I do not support abortion, however, we cannot have an outright ban. There must be exceptions in the case of rape, incest, and danger to the life of the mother, he said. My faith will not allow me to support a ruling that would criminalize teenage victims of rape and incest. That same faith will not allow me to support a ruling that would make a mother choose between her life and her childs. Texas runoffs are in 21 days, but many Democrats are already looking to harness the energy for the November election. The Democratic nominee for governor, Beto ORourke, was among the first major Texas politicians to react to the Politico story Monday night, tweeting that it has never been more urgent to elect a governor who will always protect a womans right to abortion. If the Supreme Court does overturn Roe v. Wade, President Joe Biden said in a statement, it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. Winning political power is the only way to overcome this, ORourke said during an Instagram Live broadcast Tuesday afternoon with Cecile Richards, the former head of Planned Parenthood who serves as his national finance chair. Later Tuesday afternoon, ORourke announced a rally for abortion rights Saturday in Houston. But before the general election are the Texas runoffs, and they provide some clear choices for voters who care about abortion rights. Cuellar is the last outlier among House Democrats on abortion. By the time Cuellar joined Congress in 2005, the U.S. Houses influence on abortion was mostly relegated to arguments over whether government money should be used to fund abortions, both domestically and abroad. In those debates, Cuellar often joined a small group of Democrats in siding with Republicans. For instance, in early 2012 he and 13 other Democrats gathered in support to watch President Barack Obama sign an exective order clarifying that no federal funds would be used to pay for abortions under his 2010 health care law. Only three of the Democrats who were there that day are still in office. Nearly all of Cuellars like-minded Democrats from that era have since retired, lost reelection or moved more in line with the rest of the party on abortion. The culmination of his isolation on abortion came in September. In response to the Texas abortion law, which essentially bans abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, the U.S. House passed the Womens Health Protection Act that would codify the right to an abortion at the federal level. It has not passed the Senate. Cuellar was the lone Democrat to vote against it and did not shy away from his vote. Its called conscience, Cuellar told the Laredo Morning Times in October. I am a Catholic, and I do believe in rights and right to life. Sometimes people vote because of political [views], they think this is a Democratic or Republican issue. To me, its a matter of conscience. The leaked opinion came ahead of a major campaign event for Cuellar: a Wednesday rally in San Antonio with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, R-S.C.,the No. 3 House Democrat. In a phone interview with The Texas Tribune, Cisneros described breaking a personal rule on Monday night of staying off social media in the evenings in order to check out the latest fashion trends at the Met Gala. She was stunned to discover instead that the Supreme Court was postured to go further than expected in rolling back abortion rights. Its one thing, I guess, bracing yourself, knowing this was going to happen, and then its another seeing it actually happen and whats going to come down the line this summer, she said, referring to the Supreme Courts anticipated June ruling. She said the news would not affect her campaign strategy going forward because abortion has always been central to her case against Cuellar both this cycle and when she challenged him for the first time in 2020. Unfortunately, a future where Roe is overturned is a future that we know Henry Cuellar has been fighting for, she said. While other Democratic runoffs may not reflect such a stark divide on abortion rights, the topic is still relevant as advocates have taken sides in hopes of electing the strongest allies possible. In the Democratic runoff for attorney general, abortion rights group have backed Rochelle Garza, a former attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, over Joe Jaworski, a Galveston lawyer and former mayor of the city. At the ACLU, Garza represented an undocumented teenager fighting to get an abortion, which she obtained after a federal appeals court ruled in her favor. The role of the Texas Attorney General is increasingly important given last nights SCOTUS developments, Garza tweeted Tuesday morning. When Roe is repealed & states are left to cherry-pick their own abortion regulations, Texans last line of defense against forced pregnancy will be the AG. Jaworksi is also a supporter of abortion rights and responded to the leaked opinion by outlining on Twitter how he would fight back against the end of Roe v. Wade as attorney general. Ana Ramon, interim executive director of Annies List, which supports Garza, said the attorney generals race is one of the most crucial in Texas going forward. She said Garzas lived experience as a mother and lawyer fighting for abortion rights sets her apart in the runoff. Of course, [positions on] issues are critical, but outcomes are even more critical, Ramon said, and we need that level of experience right now in Texas. In the Democratic runoff for what could be the most competitive congressional district in November the 15th District in the Rio Grande Valley abortion rights organizations have endorsed Michelle Vallejo, a small-business owner and activist from Alton. Vallejo was quick to react to the Politico story, tweeting that it is time to elect more pro-choice women to congress and urging voters to show up to fight in the runoff. Vallejos opponent, Ruben Ramirez, said in a statement Tuesday that the country cannot move backwards on abortion rights and that the leaked opinion only reconfirms our need to codify Roe v. Wade into law. Then there are Democratic primary runoffs for the Texas Legislature where abortion rights could also take on even more signifiance. In Texas Senate District 27 in the Rio Grande Valley, Sara Stapleton-Barrera and Morgan LaMantia are competing to replace retiring Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., a Democrat who has long split with his party on aborton rights, including voting for the almost-total ban on abortion that became law last year. Lucio is backing LaMantia, who has said she nonetheless disagrees with him on abortion rights and would have voted against the near-total ban. But some abortion rights advocates see a more stalwart ally in Stapleton-Barrera, who challenged Lucio in 2020 and forced him to a runoff, which she lost by 7 percentage points. In the Republican runoffs, the leaked opinion is less likely to reverberate given the Texas GOPs unity on the issue. Republicans in the Legislature virtually all supported the near-total abortion ban and another law last year to automatically outlaw abortion in Texas if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. One state House Republican, Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio, had a change of heart after voting for the almost-total ban and introduced a bill to provide exceptions for rape and incest. But it went nowhere, and Larson is not seeking reelection in his solidly red district. In fact, in some GOP runoffs, Republicans are debating what more they can do to erradicate abortion beyond the new law, which supporters called the heartbeat bill because it bans abortions after an ultrasound can detect cardiac activity in an embryo. One of the candidates for Larsons seat, Mark Dorazio, says on his website that he fully support[s] Texas recent Heartbeat Bill and will continue to support legislation that seeks to end abortion altogether. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans and engages with them - about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didnt expect the 10-week-old conflict to drag on this way. He also spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine but wouldnt say if Russian President Vladimir Putin had plans to launch such a strike. Lukashenko said Moscow, which launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 partly from his territory had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it," he said, speaking at Independence Palace in Minsk. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on. Lukashenko's support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk. Some Russian troops were sent from Belarusian territory into Ukraine, and Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans. But in his comments to the AP, Lukashenko said he and his country stand for peace and repeatedly called for the end of the war a term the Kremlin refuses to use, calling the invasion a special military operation instead. The 67-year-old president struck a calm and more measured tone in the nearly 90-minute interview than in previous media appearances in which he hectored the West over sanctions and lashed out at journalists. We categorically do not accept any war. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isnt a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun, he said. Lukashenko said using nuclear weapons in Ukraine was unacceptable because its right next to us we are not across the ocean like the United States. "It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where, he said. Whether or not Russia is capable of that is a question you need to ask the Russian leadership. Russia can't by definition lose this war," Lukashenko said, noting that Belarus is the only country standing by Moscow, while "as many as 50 states have joined forces on Ukraine's side. He added that Putin isnt seeking a direct conflict with NATO, and the West should ensure that one doesnt happen. He most likely does not want a global confrontation with NATO. Use it. Use it and do everything for that not to happen. Otherwise, even if Putin doesnt want it, the military will react, the Belarusian leader warned. Lukashenko called Putin his big brother and said the Russian leader doesn't have closer, more open or friendlier relations with any of the world leaders other than the president of Belarus. Their relationship has been particularly close recently but was rocky in earlier years. Before a disputed 2020 election sparked mass protests and a domestic crackdown by Lukashenko, he often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and abandon his countrys independence. Faced with tough economic sanctions after he brutally suppressed the protests, the Belarusian leader started emphasizing a need to jointly counter Western pressure and met with Putin regularly, stressing their close ties. Lukashenkos support of the invasion has stopped short of deploying his own troops there, but it still has drawn criticism from the Belarusian opposition and calls for more sanctions on him and the country. Opposition figures say ordinary Belarusians dont support the invasion. Hundreds of them who live in Ukraine have been affected by the war, and some have become volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Top Belarus opposition activist Pavel Latushka dismissed Lukashenko's calls for peace on Thursday, saying they "look absurd after more than 600 missiles were fired from the territory of Belarus, and the country became a platform for aggression. He added: Minsk deserves the harshest Western sanctions. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed Latushka's sentiment, calling Lukashenko a co-aggressor and saying he is trying to change his image of an arsonist into that of a firefighter and peacekeeper." Lukashenko told AP that his country poses no danger to others, even as its military conducted drills this week. We do not threaten anyone and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we cant threaten -- we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here ... is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So the West can sleep peacefully, he said. He blamed the West especially Washington for fueling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. wants to seize the moment, tying its allies to itself, and drown Russia in the war with Ukraine. It's their goal to sort out Russia, and then China, he said. Lukashenko said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was taking orders from the United States. Today its not Zelenskyy whos running Ukraine no offense, thats my point of view, maybe Im wrong," Lukashenko said, adding that if U.S. President Joe Biden said so, "everything will stop within a week. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine SITEKI The 11 elephants that roamed into the country yesterday travelled a distance of over 60km from Big Bend to Mpaka area. According to Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the elephants were spotted at Lubhuku area by noon, supposedly travelling towards Mpaka community. Vilakati urged members of the public not to come closer to the elephants. She said people who came across the animals should refrain from making loud sounds, as this could cause the elephants to react in a violent manner. We hope by reaching this area, they will then resort to returning to Mozambique where they came from. The public is warned not to come near the animals or try to drive them away as such could be dangerous, she said. Crossing On Tuesday, the elephants were spotted foraging on cane near the Ubombo Sugar Mill, after crossing into the country on Monday night from Mozambique. According to Google Map Distance, the elephants travelled a distance of about 78.9km from Tikhuba to Big Bend, which when travelling by car, it is an hour and 22 minutes. It is believed that the elephants crossed into the country along the borderline closer to Mambane-Tikhuba areas. Mhlosenga Nature Reserve Director Graham Bayer, said he had been informed that the herd of elephants had moved 35km north-eest of Big Bend in the direction of Mpaka area. According to Big Game Parks (BGP) Head of Conservation Jubela Reilly, the 11 elephants were yesterday spotted at Mpaka area and about to cross towards Hlane. Reilly said they usually embarked on their journey during the night. He said his team was monitoring their movements. We hope they will return to Mozambique, he said. Worth mentioning is that this is the third time elephants crossed into the country from Mozambique. Early last month, six elephants crossed into the country from Mozambique through an area called Makhuleni, which is closer to the Eswatini-Mozambique borderline situated under Tikhuba community. They were reported to have roamed the Tshaneni area and later returned to Mozambique. A few days later, another elephant crossed into the country through the Mananga borderline separating Eswatini and South Africa, believed to have migrated from Kruger National Park and caused damage to fencing of homes situated around Luve area. For the past two months, about 17 elephants believed to be from Mozambique entered the country while one was from South Africa. They entered on separate occasions. Meanwhile, the Mambane and Tikhuba periphery along the Eswatini and Mozambique borderline has become a hot spot for the crossing of elephants from Mozambique. Army personnel manning the borderline separating the two countries were first to spot the 11 elephants that crossed into the country last month which, according to BGP, were reported to have returned to Mozambique. Longford Senator Micheal Carrigy has said that 'it is simply incredible to think that a town the size of Ballymahon does not have an up-to-date, up-to-standard fire station. I ask that priority is given to the provision of a fire station for the town, now that a site, in the ownership of Longford County Council, has been identified." Senator Carrigy made his remarks during a commencement matter in the Seanad in relation to getting department to provide an update on the new fire station in Ballymahon which is presently located in a hired out industrial estate in the middle of a housing estate. He outlined, "At present the fire station in Ballymahon is located in a hired out industrial estate in the middle of a housing estate. It is not suitable for a town of its size. "It is more than two and a half years since Longford County Council submitted a request for a new fire station for the town. Since then Center Parcs has opened in Ballymahon. It is the biggest tourism infrastructure project in the country. The park attracts between 2,000 and 2,500 visitors to the town each week. "The fire station has nine retained staff. In 2021, there were 53 call outs and there have been more than 30 call outs so far this year. These consist of fires, road traffic collisions, ambulance assists and special services. The firefighters there are trained as cardiac first responders and emergency fire responders. "The population of the town has increased yearly since the 2011 census when it was 1,563. In the 2016 census the population was 1,877. It is expected to rise to more than 2,000 in the most recent census. "Along with this increase in population there is Center Parcs, Thomond Lodge nursing home and retirement village, a large daycare centre in the town, the Kepak processing plant, which is a large employer in the town, and numerous other units. The town is also home to St Matthew's Primary School, one of the biggest primary schools in the county. There are also two post-primary schools in the town with Ballymahon Vocational School and the Mercy Secondary School. Ballymahon fire service also covers areas in the boundary of County Westmeath." Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Peter Burke, confirmed that Ballymahon has now been included on the Department Capital review list. Minister Burke said, "In recognition of the current economic situation faced by the State because of Covid-19, the speed and extent to which proposed expenditure can stimulate local economies will also be a key consideration in the first few years of the new programme. Longford County Council has indicated that the replacement of Ballymahon fire station, at an estimated cost of 1.7 million, and that was in August 2021, is its priority. The council has submitted a preliminary appraisal and outline plans to the Department, and I understand a site has been identified, as the Senator quite rightly pointed out in his opening contribution. "While a new fire station at Ballymahon is not currently included in the Department's 2021-2025 capital programme, it has now been included on the list for review. Projects in the capital programme are soon to be reassessed to maximise the available capital programme funding." Senator Carrigy replied, "I thank the Minister of State for ensuring Ballymahon fire station has been included in the list for review. That is extremely positive from a County Longford point of view and I thank him for supporting the move. I would be very hopeful this would be positive when it comes to quarter 3. Longford County Council has a good track record in delivering quality work, not just in our stations but also in libraries etc. I look forward to a positive answer in quarter 3 of 2022." Local News, Business & Finance, Seasonal & Current Events By Chris Boyle Published: May 05 2022 Skyline Cruises flagship vessel, the Skyline Princess based out of Flushing, Queens is essentially a floating 120-foot long restaurant and catering/event center. When it comes to providing the unforgettable experience of enjoying Manhattans iconic skyline while dining or hosting a wedding, birthday, or any other kind of event, Skyline Cruises can accommodate you in style and comfort, no matter what the occasion or season. Skyline Cruises flagship vessel, the Skyline Princess based out of Flushing, Queens is essentially a floating 120-foot long restaurant and catering/event center, able to accommodate up to 450 people. With that capacity the ship can accommodate groups of any size large or small but the average number for a private event is typically between 75 and 150. Skyline Cruises dinner cruises allow people to book a table for anywhere from two people, 10 people, or even multiple groups of 30 or 40. Guests can even rent their own private room that can accommodate as many as 50 people; theres an incredibly wide range of options available to guests for any type of event or occasion. Skyline Cruises was founded in 1994 by Pete Serro, who not only serves as the companys president, but also as one of the able captains of the Skyline Princess as well. The Skyline Princess home port is at the World's Fair Marina in Flushing, located in Flushing Meadows Park directly across from the Citi Field Stadium; the location gives Skyline very wide-ranging opportunities, as they are able to get to Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Connecticut, and New Jersey, in addition to Manhattan itself. Skyline Cruises has one typical route that they take, but are not limited to; they offer several different excursions, offering up views for their guests to enjoy from a variety of different and fascinating locations. The standard route for the majority of their cruises goes down the East River from Flushing, Queens, which gives passengers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. However, Skyline can also go east into the Long Island Sound, where passengers are treated to the beautiful scenery and many elaborate mansions located there. Another interesting aspect about Skyline Cruises business model is they actually are able to pick up passengers from other locations in addition to their home port, making the logistics of engaging their services far more simple and convenient. Theyre available for charter from Port Washington, Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Manhattan, which is ideal for customers when its not convenient for them to come to Flushing. Skyline Cruises also offers pickups for individuals going to New York Mets games and the U.S. Open, illustrating the fact that they offer many interesting possibilities over and above your typical cruise line. However, the Skyline Princess is essentially a floating event venue whose main focus consists of dinner cruises that are open to the public, and can accommodate just about any type of event that their guests could imagine. When it comes to dinner cruises, dinner reservations must be made in advance online. They offer a full buffet dinner with a DJ and dancing, and while approximately 40 percent of what they do are the dinner cruises, they are also able to host Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, corporate events, fundraisersanything you could do in a catering hall, the Skyline Princess can do even better. Skyline Princess is one of the few cruise lines around that not only provides their own catering services, but allows guests to also utilize their own outside caterers as well if they prefer, and only charter the vessel itself. In addition to being able to host any occasion or event, the Skyline Princess being an all-weather vessel can also welcome guests at any time of the year as well. The interior is climate controlled so you don't have to worry about rain, cold, or heat, and the rooftop deck has a roof and removable windows that they take out during the summer, so the Skyline Princess can sail at any time of the year, and in any type of weather. The employees and crew of Skyline Cruises are looking forward to many more years of treating people to the astonishing sights and sounds of the Manhattan skyline from the safety and comfort of the Skyline Princess. All one needs to do is hear the many thanks they receive and read the many great reviews on social media to know that Skyline Cruises is the only way to experience the fun and excitement of the seas surrounding New York City. Local News By Long Island Published: May 05 2022 Workers Fired Due to COVID-19 Crisis to Receive Additional Severance Pay New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with Marriott International, Inc. that will provide hundreds of previously terminated workers with more than $2.9 million in undelivered severance pay. Management at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square promised non-unionized employees the same or better benefits as unionized hotel workers, but when more than 800 workers were fired in March 2021, non-unionized former employees received less severance pay than those who were members of a union. As part of the agreement, Marriott will pay $2.95 million to more than 500 individual workers who would have received greater amounts of severance had they been unionized. Marriott fired hundreds of employees last year due to the pandemic and to add insult to injury, deprived them of the financial security they needed during that critical time, said Attorney General James. No individual should ever feel the hopelessness that these workers felt when Marriott failed to deliver the severance pay they were promised. I will always protect the fair, equal treatment of New Yorks workers and ensure they get the benefits they are entitled to. The Marriott Marquis announced plans to furlough 1,000 employees in March 2020 due to COVID-19's impact on New York City and the New York hotel business. The hotel fired more than 800 workers in March 2021, and in April 2021, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) launched an investigation into the firings. Through interviews conducted with Marriotts former employees, OAG found that managers and supervisors at the Marriott Marquis promised their hourly employees equal or better benefits than unionized employees at other New York City hotels. However, when Marriott fired the workers, Marriott offered severance that was capped at 10 weeks of pay, while the severance available to unionized workers is not capped. By not fulfilling Marriotts promise of same or better benefits as unionized workers, Marriott violated section 63(12) of the Executive Law, which gives OAG the authority to investigate allegations of civil fraud. The agreement with Marriott requires the company to pay $2.95 million to workers who would have received greater amounts of severance had they been unionized. We would like to thank New York Attorney General Letitia James, her office's Labor Bureau, and our attorney Richard Corenthal for all the hard work that they put in, and for reaching the agreement providing for additional severance to hundreds of workers laid off from the Marriott Marquis in Times Square during the pandemic, said Piotr Szewczyk, a former worker at Marriot Marquis. By requiring Marriott to pay more fair severance that the company initially promised to its long time, dedicated laid-off workers, Attorney General James has let the greedy corporations know that they must keep their promises and treat their hard-working employees fairly. As one of the many non-Unionized workers in New York City who have very few protections when working for large corporations, I would like to thank New York Attorney General Letitia James, her office, Richard S. Corenthal, and the office of Archer Byington Glennon & Levine LLP for helping the terminated workers of the Marriott Marquis negotiate a proper severance agreement, said Jonathan Peter Dorton, a former worker at Marriot Marquis. It restores my faith that we do have a voice and its our right as citizens of the United States of America and as a New Yorker to stand up and fight for what we were promised. It is notoriously difficult for low-wage workers to recover lost and stolen wages, particularly when they work outside of the protection of a collective bargaining agreement, said State Senator Jessica Ramos. Im grateful that those workers have the unwavering support of our attorney general. Management at Marriott Marquis employed a nefarious strategy, pitting union and non-union employees against each other and making both groups of workers more vulnerable to exploitation in the process. That will not stand in New York. The Attorney Generals office and I are committed to ensuring that no employer pads their bottom line with wages stolen from working people. This agreement is a massive win for workers across New York and sends a strong message to corporations who do business in our state: You will be held accountable, said State Senator Brad Hoylman. Attorney General Letitia James is a champion of the law and our working populations, and this victory is entirely hers and the workers who advocated for themselves throughout this process. Wage theft is a problem endemic in New York state, and each year workers are deprived of $1 billion of wages they are owed, said State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. I applaud Attorney General Letitia James for ensuring that workers at the Marriot Marquis did not fall into the category of workers who were stiffed. Corporations should realize that actions that break the law will be noticed by our attorney general. The agreement announced today marks Attorney General James most recent effort to ensure that New Yorkers receive the pay they deserve. Last week, Attorney General James recovered $175,000 for employees of Gotham Pizza who were cheated out of their pay. Earlier in April, Attorney General James secured nearly $900,000 for more than 200 NYCHA construction workers who were underpaid by Lintech Electric. In March, she announced agreements with two home health agencies for cheating employees out of wages and submitting false Medicaid claims. That same month, she secured an agreement with Sanford Apt. Corp (Sanford), a cooperative residential apartment building in Flushing, Queens that refused to pay its superintendents for their work. The OAG's Labor Bureau enforces worker protection laws that protect workers from wage theft and other exploitation and investigates alleged violations of minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage, and other labor laws throughout the state. If anyone has questions or believes that they have been a victim of wage theft or other labor law violations, please contact OAG at 212-416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov. This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Anielka Sanchez Godinez, Civil Enforcement Section Chief Fiona J. Kaye, and Investigator Robert Pompey-Goodman, under the supervision of Deputy Labor Bureau Chief Julie Ulmet and Labor Bureau Chief Karen Cacace. The Labor Bureau is a part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. PIGGS PEAK Dangerous carjackers are on the loose. The carhijackers allegedly stole a vehicle near Matsamo and then used it to commit horrific crimes. It is alleged that the vehicle was stolen from a woman at a place known as Msahweni near Matsamo. The incident reportedly occurred last Friday. After stealing the vehicle, the criminals then headed to Mananga near the border. While they were there, they are said to have offered two teachers a lift. The teachers are reported to have been returning from neighbouring South Africa (SA) to buy cellphones. It could not be established whether the cellphones were for personal use or reselling. The two teachers *Jackie and *Reflioe had no idea that the kind gentlemen, who had given them a lift, were planning to kidnap them. It is alleged that along the way, the two teachers were taken to a bush where they were allegedly tied. After they had been tied, their bank cards were confiscated and the criminals then asked them to reveal their personal identification numbers (PINs). They were then left in the bush by the men. Withdraw When the women revealed the PINs, it is alleged that the men went to withdraw cash from the womens accounts. It is alleged that the men stole about E24 000 from the women, including the cellphones that they had purchased from neighbouring SA. It is alleged that the men stole E10 000 from one account and E14 000 from the other. After the men had allegedly stolen the womens cash, they returned to where they had left them (women) and then proceeded to rape them. It is alleged that the women were raped and only released the following morning, which was a Saturday. The women reported the incident at the Ngonini Police Post near Matsamo. Despite committing this gruesome crime, the men are said to have driven the stolen vehicle around Madlangempisi area. It is alleged that the vehicle then caused an accident and knocked a person dead. The gruesome scene is said to have been abandoned by the criminals. The accident was reported to Mliba Police. Little did the officers know that the vehicle had been used to commit other crimes earlier on. The vehicle is currently parked at the Mliba Police Station. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the gruesome incident. The suspects are still at large. *Not real names Author: Jamie Morgan Kane Format: Paperback Release Date: 28/04/2022 As recounted in his autobiography, 34 Years in Hell, Isle of Man-born Jamie Morgan Kane was taken to Canada as a child, then sold to an American couple whose adopted child had disappeared. So far, so shocking, with worse to come, for Jamie was sentenced to 30+ years in prison after being persuaded to plead guilty. In the introduction to Behind the Granite Walls, he explains how he came home to find a corpse in the living room of my young familys home, and so his 34 years of hell began. Telling all about his experiences in US prison, Behind the Granite Walls was written in response to the countless people who all had the same question what was it really like in prison? With clarity and honesty, thats exactly what this memoir does. We read of the day-to-day experiences of what Jamie and his fellow inmates did to survive, the violence, the toll on mental health, the relationships formed and lost, and the lessons learned. We also learn the secrets of prison tattoos - what they symbolise, the allegiances they represent. Fascinating stuff. Often shocking, this answers the question the author intended to with raw candour. (Alliance News) - German industrial giant Siemens AG unveiled Thursday its first hydrogen-powered train developed with rail operator Deutsche Bahn, with a plan to put it into service regionally in 2024. The locomotive which runs on electricity produced by a hydrogen fuel cell "should replace diesel powered trains in regional traffic and reduce carbon emissions on rails to zero," Deutsche Bahn said in a statement. Hydrogen-powered trains is part of the German government's plan to "electrify 75% of the rail network by 2030," said Michael Theurer, state secretary at the transport ministry. Fuel cells generate clean electricity from reactions using hydrogen and oxygen as the only emission is water. While most hydrogen currently comes from the gas industry, the Siemens train model called Mireo Plus H will use "green hydrogen" from sustainable energy. "Each train delivered will save up to 45,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for a lifetime of 30 years," said Michael Peter, who heads Siemens Mobility. If all goes to plan, Mireo Plus H will begin its trial in southwestern Germany in 2023, before running commercially in 2024, shuttling commuters between Tuebingen, Horb and Pforzheim. With the hydrogen model, Siemens is trying to catch up with French competitor Alstom SA, which already has such trains on the market. Two German states have placed orders with Alstom for 41 trains and trials have already been carried out in several countries including Austria, Poland and France. source: AFP Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Polls have closed following elections across the UK, with party leaders facing a nervous wait to see how they have fared. Council seats are up for grabs in Scotland, Wales and many parts of England, while Northern Ireland is electing its new assembly. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared in good spirits as he voted in Westminster, despite predictions that the Conservatives could lose hundreds of council seats. The elections take place following the partygate scandal and with concerns about a cost-of-living crisis underlined by grim economic forecasts from the Bank of England on polling day. Johnson was not with his wife Carrie but was accompanied by their dog Dilyn, taking part in a tradition of recent years of people taking their pets with them when they vote. The excited Jack Russell cross leapt up and licked a photographer attempting to get a shot of the prime minister. Social media users have been sharing photos of their dogs at polling stations across the UK since they opened at 7am. After voting, Johnson tweeted a video in which he said he voted for his party because "it's Conservatives who deliver, Conservatives who get the bins collected". Keir Starmer held hands with his wife Victoria as he arrived at a polling station in Kentish Town, north London, to cast his vote in the local elections for Camden Council. The Labour leader tweeted afterwards: "Today is our chance to send the Tories a message they can't ignore: Britain deserves better". Ed Davey, casting his vote at Surbiton Methodist Church in south-west London, said the Conservatives will be punished in the local elections for their handling of the cost-of-living crisis. Wearing a lapel badge of the Union and Ukrainian flags, the Liberal Democrat leader arrived on foot, having made the walk from his constituency office where he passed a hearse with its back door open. The Lib Dems are hopeful of causing an upset in Hull by dislodging it from Labour's control, while also vying for victory against the Tories in places such as Wokingham and Sutton. The Kingston and Surbiton MP said while taking Hull City Council could be a "problem" because "it's in the north and it's against Labour", there is still a possibility of doing so, joking: "We have an affinity with Kingston-Upon-Hull, we're in Kingston-Upon-Thames." Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the case to vote for the SNP at her local polling station in Glasgow while her Welsh counterpart Mark Drakeford wore a red tie for Labour as he cast his ballot in Cardiff. The Conservatives will find out in the coming days as votes are tallied whether they will be made to pay the price for the so-called partygate saga in Downing Street, which has seen Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak fined for breaking coronavirus laws. A former Conservative minister revealed that he voted Labour for the first time since Tony Blair's 1997 general election landslide. Nick Boles, a former MP for Grantham and Stamford who left the Conservative Party in 2019, tweeted: "First time I've voted Labour since an equally glorious May morning in 1997." Tory supporters are likely to be anxiously watching out for results in true-blue London local authorities such as Wandsworth under Conservative control for the past 44 years Westminster and Barnet, where pollsters YouGov believe Labour could cause an upset. As well as partygate, the Tories have been hit with a string of other controversies, including former Wakefield MP Imran Ahmad Khan being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage boy and veteran MP Neil Parish quitting after admitting he watched pornography in the Commons. Meanwhile, there have been Tory calls for Durham Police to look into whether Sir Keir broke Covid rules while campaigning before the 2021 Hartlepool by-election. But the Labour leader claims it is a "smear" to suggest he breached the regulations while having "a takeaway and a beer while I was working late at night". In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections. Meanwhile, tensions are high in Northern Ireland for the Stormont election, where voters went to the polls across 18 constituencies to elect 90 MLAs. Opinion polls have suggested Sinn Fein is likely to top the poll,while the Alliance Party is tipped to see a surge in support. By Sophie Wingate, Ben Smith and Patrick Daly source: PA Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The British government said Thursday it had frozen the assets of the UK-based steel and mining firm Evraz PLC as it is of strategic significance for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. Evraz's main shareholder is Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who is already under sanctions, and its main operations are in Russia. Adding the firm to its sanctions list, London noted that Evraz produces almost all of the railway tracks used in Russia and over a quarter of railway wheels. "This is of vital significance as Russia uses rail to move key military supplies and troops to the frontline in Ukraine," the British government said in a statement. It noted that Evraz's core operations are in Russia where it is a major employer. "These sanctions will further chip away at Putin's financial reserves and siege economy, and support Ukraine's continued resistance," said the British government. It added that the asset freeze means no UK citizen or company can do business with Evraz, and will further deter companies operating in strategic sectors in Russia. Contacted by AFP, Evraz did not have any comment on Thursday afternoon. Chelsea owner Abramovich was placed on the UK's sanction list at the beginning of March, which led to the resignation of most of Evraz's board of directors. The company said numerous times that with a 28.64% stake Abramovich was a significant investor but did not control the company. The firm also objected to statements in the British government documents sanctioning Abramovich that Evraz had possibly furnished steel to the Russian military that may have been used in the manufacture of tanks. Britain said Thursday it had sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals and 100 firms since the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine in February. source: AFP Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - Polls open across the UK on Thursday in local and regional elections that could prove historic in Northern Ireland and heap further pressure on embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The contest for the devolved assembly in Belfast could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win for the first time in the troubled history of the British province. The results, which are expected from Friday, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future, with predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote in the province on reunification with Ireland. Polls open at 0600 GMT for councils in Scotland, Wales and much of England, with Johnson facing a potentially pivotal mid-term popularity test. Poor results could reignite simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives about his leadership, after a string of recent scandals. Johnson, 57, won a landslide 2019 general election victory by vowing to take Britain out of the EU, and reverse rampant regional inequality. Despite making good on his Brexit pledge, the pandemic largely stalled his domestic plans. But his position has been put in jeopardy because of anger at revelations of lockdown-breaking parties at his Downing Street office and a cost-of-living crisis. Heavy losses could revive calls among Tory MPs to trigger an internal contest to oust Johnson as party leader and from power. The polls should also point to whether the main opposition Labour party poses a serious threat, as it tries to make inroads across England despite defending the many gains it made at the last local elections in 2018. Labour is bidding to leapfrog the Conservatives into second place in Scotland, behind the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), and remain the largest party in Wales, where 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote for the first time. The contest for Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly is set to capture attention, after numerous polls put Sinn Fein ahead. A University of Liverpool poll reported Tuesday it remained on target to win comfortably with over a quarter of the vote. The pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party and cross-community Alliance Party were tied for second. Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, said there was a feeling the election "really is momentous". "It will be a sea change if a nationalist becomes first minister," she told AFP. Sinn Fein the IRA's former political wing has dialled down its calls for Irish unity during campaigning, saying it is "not fixated" on a date for a sovereignty poll, instead focusing on the rising cost of living and other local issues. Party vice president Michelle O'Neill has insisted voters are "looking towards the future" with pragmatism rather than the dogmatism that has long been the hallmark of Northern Irish politics. "They're very much looking towards those of us that can work together versus those that don't want to work together," she said. But her DUP rivals have sought to keep the spotlight on possible Irish reunification in the hope of bolstering their flagging fortunes. In February, its first minister withdrew from the power-sharing government in protest at post-Brexit trade arrangements, prompting its collapse. At a final election debate between the five biggest parties, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson reiterated the party would not form a new executive unless London rips up the trading terms, known as the Northern Ireland Protocol. Although many unionist voters share DUP dislike for it, the party is also getting blamed. On Belfast's staunchly unionist Shankill Road, gift shop owner Alaine Allen paused from selling merchandise marking Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee to complain the Protocol is "killing small businesses". "Hopefully they'll get in again, but no one's actually working for the people," the 58-year-old said. In England, the Conservatives are predicted to lose hundreds of councillors and even control of long-time strongholds in London to the main UK opposition Labour party. "People across the country are going to focus on which government, which party, is going to deliver for them," Johnson said this week. He has tried to sideline the so-called "partygate" scandal that last month saw him become the first British prime minister to be fined for breaking the law while in office. In Scotland, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will be hoping a strong performance in contests for all 32 local authorities can lay the groundwork for another independence referendum. Johnson has repeatedly rejected the push for a second poll, after Scots in 2014 voted by 55% to 45% not to break away. By Joe Jackson with Jitendra Joshi in Belfast source: AFP Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. MBABANE Following the directive by the Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza, that head teachers should not send owing pupils home, some learners returned to their respective schools and promoted themselves to the next class. Last month, the minister issued a directive to all head teachers in the country to stop sending home learners who owed school fees, but instead should negotiate with parents for payment terms. She said anyone who would send learners home for owing school fees would face serious consequences. Following her directive, Mabuza said government could not afford to hire teachers who would not take instructions. Promoted Somnjalose High School is among the schools that found themselves having to deal with an unprecedented number of pupils who promoted themselves to the next class. This is because they could not get their report cards, which would have informed them about their academic performance. In an interview with Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), the Head teacher of the school, Macandza Mamba, said while they were busy registering new learners at the school, other pupils who had not settled their fees and could not get their report cards, promoted themselves to the next class. Mamba said they were shocked to discover that some learners had proceeded to the following class without having obtained their report cards. Deserved He said these learners were sent home to collect their report cards to prove that they deserved to proceed to another grade. These, he said, were the pupils who had outstanding balances and did not receive their end-of-year report cards. As a result, he stated that the learners did not have a clue on whether they had passed or not. On another note, he said there were learners who were not accepted in the school, but just went straight to classrooms without having been officially registered. Mamba said the school committee was dealing with the issue and removing all pupils who were at the school unlawfully. When reached for comment on the issue, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training Bhekithemba Gama, said the pupils needed to be accommodated in the same class they were in last year until they received their results, because they had no clue whether they needed to proceed or repeat the same grade. Gama said last years school fees balances should be cleared by the parents in order to spare their children from the frustration. He said parents who were not cooperative in settling their childrens fees were causing confusion. Responsible The PS said parents should be responsible and do what was expected of them. He said the guardians should rather negotiate with the schools to pay in instalments and get their childrens report cards. Gama said the ministrys stand was clear that no learner was expected to proceed to the next class if he/she had failed the previous grade. If the pupil did not get a report card, which exam did they pass? questioned the PS. He said parents who had not paid fees were acting irresponsibly. Gama stated that if it was difficult for them to settle outstanding fees for their children, how would they even afford to pay fees for the current year. The PS said the ministry would start taking legal action against parents who neglected their responsibility, as education was a right for every child. On Thursday, agreement was signed to limit the number of cruise ships in Palma. Spain's secretary of state for tourism, Fernando Valdes, described this as "historic" in terms of the cruise industry's commitment to sustainability. At the Palacio de Congresos in Palma, the CLIA Cruise Lines International Association signed the memorandum of understanding with the Balearic government that will limit the arrival of cruise ships until 2026. There had been agreement in principle at a meeting in Hamburg in December last year. Thursday's signing was therefore confirmation of what was agreed some months ago. What it means is that no more than three cruise ships per day can stop over and that only one of the three can be a so-called mega-cruise ship with more than 5,000 passengers. For the current year, four ships per day can be in port for a maximum of eighteen days during the year. From 2023, this will no longer apply. The director of the CLIA in Europe, Marie-Caroline Laurent, said that companies are committing to implement a joint vision with the Balearic government for the sustainability of cruise activity in Palma. There will be a benefit for the city because of a staggered arrival of cruise ships. President Armengol thanked the CLIA and the cruise operators for their commitment to reaching the agreement. "We have been working for two years to achieve this agreement and to balance the arrival of cruise ships according to criteria of quality rather than quantity. We want to be a leading destination in terms of cruise tourism sustainability and so end overcrowding and seek the highest quality of life for residents." The Palma agreement is the second for a Mediterranean port. Dubrovnik has a similar arrangement. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate As their habitats are destroyed, animals are moving closer to civilization just to survive. Creating new habitats, volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary, or adopting a pet are all wonderful ways to help these creatures. At the very least, we can learn to co-exist peacefully. Manistee County Library has a selection of titles focusing on animal conservation. DVDS Born to Be Wild'' with Morgan Freeman, follows the rescue teams as they foster endangered species and return them to the wild. Join these extraordinary people on their journey of hope. When a dolphins tail is injured in a net, her human friends band together to find a way to help her swim again in Dolphin Tale. Children While restoring a church facade, a man encounters a wounded bird. Unable to just leave it there, he cares for the bird, but as he nears the end of his project, he is faced with a difficult dilemma: what will happen to his new friend? Angelo by David Macaulay is the story of an unlikely friendship. Home of the Wild by Louise Greig tells the story of an injured deer and the boy who nurses her back to health. A sudden storm erupts and he worries for her safety but realizes she must return to the wild. Based on a true story, Remembering Vera by Patricia Polacco recounts the friendship between the San Francisco Coast Guard and a stray dog. Submitted photo/Manistee County Library Miki by Ellen Miles is the 59th book in The Puppy Place series. A family that fosters puppies draws on a little dog's talent to find her a forever home. Hoping that her foster dogs will help the neighbor boy find his voice again, Zoe believes in the love and companionship her furry friends provide in White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan. Isle Royale National Park introduces children to Michigans natural wildlife reserve, which is the only island national park in the United States. Submitted photo/Manistee County Library Teens Rehabilitating horses as a summer job is the only thing Kenzie has to look forward to in Girl With the Broken Heart by Lurlene MacDaniel. Things at home are difficult, and her health condition means she is paired with Austin for some parts of her job. Will secrets from his past hurt Kenzie more or will the healing begin? Endangered, Threatened, Rescued and Orphaned by Eliot Schrefer comprise the Ape Quartet series. These stories revolve around saving bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans from habitat loss and captivity. Taking the reader to exotic locations and highlighting the crises facing these animals, the author has created strong characters and heart-breaking storylines. Adults When humans and wildlife interact, anything can happen. Read Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach for amusing anecdotes and encounters in various countries around the world. The author focuses on methods used for control and conservation and offers more humane techniques for living together peacefully. Reports of animal abuse closed the main attraction in Atlantic City, and the horse was put up for auction. Cynthia Branigans The Last Diving Horse in America: Rescuing Gamal and Other Animals-Lessons in Living and Loving tells the story of this beloved animal and his new owner, who rescued other animals as friends for the horse. Rescued: Saving Animals from Disaster: Life-changing Stories and Practical Suggestions by Allen and Linda Anderson was created after Hurricane Katrina left so many pets without homes or families. Focusing on what volunteers do and how shelters and sanctuaries operate, this book brings hope that, should we find ourselves in a similar situation, our pets wont be left behind. In Pride of Eden by Taylor Brown, a Vietnam vet and his friends rescue exotic animals and create a sanctuary for them. When a lion escapes and kills, it must be destroyed. Rescuing another lion becomes an obsession in addition to their mission to save exploited animals. When his past comes to light, Adam has a breakdown and loses everything. Assigned to work in a soup kitchen, he unwillingly agrees to care for a dog that has been rescued. One Good Dog by Susan Wilson brings these two characters together in a heartwarming story about new beginnings. If these stories have inspired you to adopt a pet of your own, Manistee County Library also carries books on a wide variety of animal care. Visit our website, manisteelibrary.org to search our online catalog or visit any of our six locations in Arcadia, Bear Lake, Kaleva, Manistee and Wellston. Adolf Hitler married Eva Braun 77 years ago on April 29. Now, in the year 2022, a couple has decided to marry with Nazi Germany as their theme. This photo was taken in Tlaxcala, Mexico. The husband, identified only as "Fernando," works as a public official and chose to dress in a World War II-era German military uniform to show his admiration for Hitler. The bride, "Josefina," on the other hand, arrived at the wedding ceremony in a Volkswagen with swastikas and other Nazi symbols, as well as photos of the dictator. Their son was named "Reinhard," after General Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi officer, and her daughter was named "Hanna," after Hanna Reitsch, a woman who was part of Hitler's team of pilots. "I understand that for many people, Hitler represents genocide, racism, and violence. People, on the other hand, make judgments without having all of the facts or believing in the victor's history. Hitler was a vegetarian who rescued his country from famine and returned to his people the lands lost during World War I. His friends and family adored him. We were led to believe that Hitler was a racist, but he came to greet Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics , the newlywed told the Mexican news outlet "Milenio," alongside photos that went viral on social media. The Jewish community is appalled The Simon Wiesenthal Center (CSW), a Jewish human rights organization, urged Mexican authorities to condemn the wedding with Nazi symbols, noting that "Mexico has voted for the United Nations resolution condemning the distortion of the Holocaust and condemned all kinds of racism on various occasions." "We have not seen convictions or actions by the state or by human rights organizations condemning this outrage," Shimon Samuels, director of International Relations at the Wiesenthal Center, said. We hope that the Mexican government will take the necessary steps." By Dong Zhengzong and Wang Zhongkui The Ukrainian side on April 3 accused Russian soldiers of killing hundreds of civilians in the small town of Bucha, northwest of Kiev. According to videos and photos released by Ukrainian media, a large number of civilians were killed in the town. Major media outlets in western countries immediately followed suit, lining up in support of the Ukrainian accusation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the accusations against Russia over the situation in Bucha a well-staged tragic show. "It's a well-established show. Nothing else, it is a tragic show," Peskov said"This is a fraud committed in an attempt to tarnish the Russian army." Alarming as it is, but any accusation should be based on facts, the top priority is to find out the truth and causes of the incident as soon as possible, to clarify the many doubts surrounding the incident. Doubt 1. The Russian Defense Ministry stated on April 3 that Russian troops completely withdrew from Bucha on March 30, and that the pictures and videos emerged on the fourth day after the withdrawal of Russian troops and when relevant SBU personnel returned to the town. At a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Russian Permanent Representative Nebenja presented some evidence, including a video released by Bucha Mayor Anatoly Fedoruk on March 31, in which Fedoruk did not mention a single word about "Russian troops killing civilians". Nebenja also showed a video taken by the Ukrainian National Guard on April 2 in Bucha, which didnt show anybody killed on the streets. After the withdrawal of Russian troops from the town on March 30, Bucha Mayor Anatoly Fedoruk was interviewed with a smile on his face, "The Russian troops finally pulled out!" It is unreasonable for him to smile and say nothing with a horrific killing in his town. Moreover, Bucha is not a big city and the people did not flee away but continued to live in there, so it is unlikely that the bodies of fellow neighbors were left lying in the street for up to three weeks without doing anything at all. Doubt 2. At the very beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, Russian President Putin explicitly ordered his soldiers not to target civilians. From the news covered so far, Russian troops withdrew from the vicinity of Kiev as early as March 30, and the shooting of civilians in Bucha popped up a week later. Russian Defense Ministry announced the completion of the first phase of the special military operation, and they didnt need to do this to tarnish their image of maintaining restraint in the previous 30+ days. Russian troops withdrew from the vicinity of Kiev on their own initiative, and even if they had done it, as the western media accused, they should have had plenty of time to eliminate as much as they can so as not to leave others such an excuse to be blamed. Doubt 3. The communication network in Ukraine has not been disrupted and the local people could post pictures and videos about the fighting online. If Russian troops had indeed committed this incident, it should have been exposed to the public ever since it was done. There has not been anything about the incident from the war correspondents, so a deliberate effort is more likely to discredit the Russian troops of committing war crimes in violation of humanitarian law. According to high-resolution satellite photos taken over Bucha since mid-March, released by the American company Maxar Technologies, many bodies had been there for at least three weeks. It seems unreasonable that hundreds of bodies were on the streets of the small town for almost 20 days without being noticed by so many war correspondents and local people. Doubt 4. It is common knowledge to all that within 24 hours of death, the corpse stiffens, necrotic spots emerge and the bloods from the wounds coagulate. However, the "corpses" in the video have not stiffened, without necrotic spots, and the blood from the wounds has not coagulated. Therefore, they dont seem to have been killed for several weeks but more likely to result from recent killings. Moreover, netizens noticed that some of the corpses in the video hadnt bled at all, and some even seemed to be still shaking slightly. The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that the so-called evidence of crime in the city of Bucha emerged on April 3, four days after the withdrawal of Russian troops, and after the arrival of Ukrainian troops and Ukrainian media. The Russian Defense Ministry believed that these photos and videos from Bucha were directed by the Ukrainian government and Western media, and yet another act of provocation by the Ukrainian government. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova made it clear that the Bucha incident was a staged show according to the pictures from Russian satellites. Recently, Ilya Kiva, a Ukrainian MP, revealed that the Bucha incident was staged and that the real mastermind behind was not Ukraine, but UK MI6. Doubt 5. Immediately after the incident, Russia proposed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to investigate the matter, only to be rejected twice by UK, the presidency of the Council. Since there were allegations of mass killing of civilians in Ukraine and all parties were highly concerned, it seems more logical to gather evidence from both sides and find out the truth than turn down the Russian proposal of holding an impartial investigation as early as possible. Thus, the pictures and videos had been quickly circulated in the western media whereas Russia was denied the opportunity to explain, seemingly creating the background in favor of the west to suspend Russia's membership in the UN Human Rights Council held on the 7th of April. As Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, told the Global Times, "it seems like the US-led Western countries can't wait for the investigation and desperately want to add more sanctions toward Russia and pull the hard-won positive progress back to tensions and conflicts. On the one hand, the incident has not been thoroughly investigated, and on the other hand, a diplomatic war against Russia has been on the rise, threatening to impose more sanctions in the financial and energy sectors, leading to an escalation of the situation, which is by no means conducive to achieving peace through negotiations. "The relevant circumstances and specific causes of the incident should be verified and established. Any accusations should be based on facts. Before the full picture is clear, all sides should exercise restraint and avoid unfounded accusations," China's permanent representative to the UN Zhang Jun said. De-escalation and putting an early end to the conflict in Ukraine is the earnest expectation of the international community and the strong desire of China. Dialogue and negotiation is the only way leading to the door for peace. China supports all initiatives and measures conducive to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and stands ready to continue working with the international community to prevent harm to civilians. The authors are with the National University of Defense Technology of Chinese PLA Editor's note: The authors are with the National University of Defense Technology of Chinese PLA. The article reflects the authors' opinions and not necessarily those of China Military. Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group and the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) have signed a Term Sheet and a Head of Terms agreement for major port projects along Egypts coastline. The first agreement will see AD Ports Group develop, operate, and manage a multi-purpose terminal in Safaga Port in a consortium with the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals Company, the commercial arm of the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation. The multi-purpose terminal project in Safaga Port is an important national project due to its strategic location on the Red Sea. Upon completion in 2024, the terminal will offer berths of up to 1,000 meters capable of handling all types of general, dry and liquid bulk cargo. As part of the agreement, the new joint venture will provide port users with a wide range of marine services. These include services related to vessel traffic management, dangerous goods control, provision of navigation aids, fire prevention and firefighting, anchorage, dredging, as well as pilotage, towage, and mooring and unmooring solutions. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Lieutenant-General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Transport of Egypt, and signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman the Red Sea Ports Authority; Rear Admiral Abdel Qader Darwish, Chairman the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals, and Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group. Kamel El-Wazir said: These agreements are in line with the directions of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, aiming to make Egypt a global trade and logistics hub through the development of Egyptian ports at the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea coasts, and the constructive cooperation between Egyptian and UAE ports. Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: In line with our leaderships vision to promote cooperation with fraternal Arab neighbours , we are pleased to extend our strategic relationship with the Egyptian authorities through these agreements, which cover a full range of services across multiple ports along the Red Sea coast. The Ministry of Transport has ambitious plans to boost maritime trade and transportation, and AD Ports Group stands ready to leverage its expertise and experience to support these vital development projects. The second agreement covers the development, operation, and management of cruise ship berths and terminals at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga ports, and to provide support services to help extend cruise tourism in Egypt. In addition, AD Ports Group will develop plans for cruise ships lines linking Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba. Under the terms of the agreement, AD Ports Group can carry out development work to enhance the experience of visiting tourists. The memorandum was signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Ports Authority and Saif Al Mazrouei - CEO of the Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group. The agreements are the latest in a series between AD Ports Group and maritime organisations in Egypt, including an agreement with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals for the joint development and operation of Egypts Ain Sokhna Port. TradeArabia News Service Violent crime leaves invisible injuries. Philly hospital staffers use their life stories to help heal them Advertisement Under the national vaccination drive, vaccines Covaxin and Covishield are being administered as precaution doses to those above the age of 18 years plus.India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to the healthcare and frontline workers and for above 60 from January 10 this year. Later, all those aged above 18 were also included.As per the Health Ministry report on Wednesday evening, so far 2,88,62,660 precaution doses have been administered among the eligible beneficiaries.Meanwhile, India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 189.60 crores with over 12 lakh doses being administered by Wednesday (May 4, 2022) evening as per the ministry report.Source: IANS 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. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It is never too late to have a family reunion. Harbor Beach resident Dennis Stein got the perfect surprise for his 75th birthday this past weekend getting to see his daughter Theresa Catalano for the first time in 20 years. Catalano currently lives in the Tampa Bay region, having lived in Florida for 54 years and currently working in the restaurant business. Her parents come from the Detroit area and Dennis is spending his retirement in Harbor Beach. An artist by trade, Stein worked for different companies putting together the displays for auto shows across Michigan. After retiring 10 years ago, along with spending time in New Mexico, he moved back to Michigan with his son Michael, Catalanos brother, into a trailer in Harbor Beach. He maintains a busy lifestyle through continued artwork and being an amateur musician. As Catalano explained it, her parents got married extremely young in the 1960s, and their marriage did not last. Her mother took her to Florida when she was three, but she was still close with her fathers family, like her grandparents. The next time Catalano saw her father again was when she was 14. It was just the circumstances that kept them apart, Catalano said, adding that they did not get along. Michael works as an electrician and at Sandmans Grocery in Harbor Beach. She said it was his plan to come up and surprise her father, and it was in the works for the past two months. How my brother kept it a secret from my father is amazing, because my father is an intelligent man, Catalano said. He picks up on things. Catalano flew into the Flint airport on Saturday and drove to Harbor Beach, while Michael was supposed to get Dennis to a local restaurant. She followed the two home and drove around the block before parking in the driveway. All I hear is yelling out the window like, Is that Theresa on my front porch? Catalano recounted. It was just an amazing moment. Denniss reaction to seeing his daughter was shock and surprise, but mostly joy. It was one of the best moments of my life, Dennis said. The last time they saw each other was 20 years ago, as one of Dennis friends would deliver blown glass artwork from galleries customers around the country. When a job came up in Florida, Dennis took it and was able to see his daughter and grandchildren. The two had talked about Dennis going back to Florida, but a lung condition prevents him from visiting in any time other than winter, due to the humidity. No other family and friends were invited for the surprise, since Dennis would have surely found out about it beforehand and Catalano wanted it to be an intimate party. Dennis and Michael are both musicians, and they played songs on the guitar too. At the restaurant they went to afterwards, the group of three ran into another family who was also celebrating a 75th birthday, so they celebrated together. During her stay, Catalano also made a homemade Italian dinner for her father. It was the first time we had actually sat down together and had supper since I was a little girl, so it was quite amazing, Catalano said. Catalanos grandfather served as Casevilles mayor and chief of police, so she was able to visit his grave site in Caseville when she visited. She stayed for three days, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Catalano plans on returning to Harbor Beach this summer with her granddaughters so they could meet their great-grandfather. They are planning on redoing the same trip Catalano took, and will stay for 10 days. Dennis wants people to try and stay in contact with their loved ones because time slips by. At 75 years, you can look back at that, Dennis said. When youre young, you think you have all the time in the world, then it just goes by. Photo provided/AP A multistate coalition of eight attorneys general including Michigan AG Dana Nessel wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to fully cancel student loan debt owed by every federal student loan borrower in the country. The coalition urged the president to exercise his authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel more than $1.7 trillion owed to the federal government by student borrowers. "Hardships created by the pandemic and the subsequent hold on loan payments prove we are equipped to cancel student debt once and for all," Nessel said in a statement. "I stand with my colleagues in asking President Biden to bring this much-needed relief to millions of borrowers across the country." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Constructed four generations ago, the massive rock and clay dam at El Capitan Reservoir is capable of storing over 36 billion gallons of water, enough to supply every resident in San Diego for most of a year. Today, it's three-quarters empty, intentionally kept low because of concerns it could fail under the strain of too much water. During a big earthquake, you never know whats going to happen, if this is going to hold, said Samuel Santos, a longtime resident who frequently fishes near the dam. Seismic instability and a spillway in need of significant repair" led El Capitan to be added to a growing list of dams rated in poor condition or worse that would likely cause deaths downstream if they failed. An Associated Press analysis tallied more than 2,200 high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition across the U.S. up substantially from a similar AP review conducted three years ago. The actual number is likely even higher, although it's unclear because some states don't track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release details about their dams' conditions. The nations dams are on average over a half-century old and often present more of a hazard than envisioned when designed because homes, businesses or highways have cropped up below them. Meanwhile, a warming atmosphere can bring stronger storms with heavier rainfall that could overwhelm aging dams. All of a sudden, youve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail," said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing, he said, adding that without investment in upgrades, that number will continue to rise. Decades of deferred maintenance has worsened the problem. But a changing climate and extreme floods such as the one that caused the failure of two Michigan dams and the evacuation of 10,000 people in 2020 have brought a renewed focus to an often overlooked aspect of Americas critical infrastructure. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs. It marks a tremendous leap and jump of funding, said Kayed Lakhia, director of the National Dam Safety Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Yet it's still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the almost 89,000 dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. ___ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lists about 92,000 dams in its nationwide database, most of which are privately owned and regulated by states. Dams are classified according to the risk posed by failure, ranging from low to significant to high. A high hazard means lives could be lost if the dam fails. Dams also are assessed by their condition. Those in the worst shape categorized as poor or unsatisfactory can have a variety of problems including cracks and erosion that could undermine a dam, or spillway outlets unable to release all the water after extraordinary rainfall. The number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition has risen partly because of stricter regulation. Some state programs, infused with millions of additional dollars, have stepped up inspections, reassessed whether old dams endanger new downstream developments and worked to identify dams long ago abandoned by their owners. Some also are updating the precipitation tools used to evaluate the risks. New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams in poor condition as it did in 2018, when the AP collected data for its earlier analysis. The increase came as officials pushed to assess all high-hazard dams that were previously unrated. The number of high-hazard dams in deficient condition in South Carolina rose by a third from 2018 to 2021, after lawmakers more than doubled annual funding for the state's dam safety program. More than 70 dams failed in the state amid heavy rains in 2015 and 2016. Since then, South Carolina has ramped up staffing, undertaken more regular inspections and begun mapping potential flood zones for low-hazard dams to determine if they should be reclassified as high hazard. When you had a storm of that magnitude and you have it happen again the next year, and dams continue to fail, weve got to be able to provide a response, said Jill Stewart, the states director of dam safety and stormwater permitting. Rhode Island examined the capacity of all its dam spillways after five dams failed during a storm in 2010. A 2019 study found that a quarter of its high-hazard dams couldn't hold up to a 100-year storm an event with a 1% chance of happening any year and 17% couldn't pass a 500-year storm, which has a 0.2% chance of occurring in a year. The state was sharing the findings with dam owners and could require some to upgrade their spillways to meet state regulations. Many old dams are undersized for the kind of storms that were getting today and will be getting in the future, said David Chopy, administrator of the Office of Compliance and Inspection at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Since 2019, California regulators have downgraded four of San Diegos water supply dams from fair to poor condition because of deterioration and concerns they could fail because of an earthquake or extraordinary rainfall. As a result, the high-hazard dams at El Capitan, Hodges and Morena reservoirs all are restricted to holding less than half their capacities. The dam at Lower Otay Reservoir, also high hazard and in poor condition, is not restricted. The lower water means Santos, who has been coming to El Capitan Reservoir since childhood, can't find relief from shade trees when he fishes from the receding banks. His children don't want to join him because it's so hot. Its sad to see it, because its just like a duck pond compared to what it used to be, said another longtime resident, Bob Neal, who said his father-in-law helped build the dam in the 1930s. The dam's poor condition also means less water is stored to prepare for drought, which has become particularly severe in the West. San Diego gets an average of just 10 inches of rain annually. These reservoirs are very important, said Republican state Sen. Brian Jones, whose district includes the El Capitan and Lake Hodges dams. "We need to start spending the money on them to retrofit them, to get them up again back to full capacity. Jones is among several lawmakers pushing the state to carry out a 2014 ballot proposition that authorized billions of dollars for reservoir projects. San Diego's mayor also has urged the state to allot at least $3 billion for dam repairs statewide. ___ For many dams, problems develop gradually and risks can be reduced by temporary measures, such as lowering water levels, until repairs can be made, said Ryan Stack, chief engineer at Missouris dam safety program. Unsatisfactory doesnt necessarily mean helicopters and bells-and-whistles and everything going off for an immediate crisis, Stack said. But the risk from old, inadequate dams has become painfully evident in recent years. In 2019, a rural Nebraska dam failed under extreme pressure from a raging flood of ice chunks, killing a man whose home was beneath the dam. An independent investigation determined that state regulators should have classified the dam as high hazard," which could have led to a plan to increase its flood capacity and better warn residents downstream. The public utility that owned the dam agreed this year to a $2.5 million settlement for the man's family while a lawsuit continues against the state. In 2020, central Michigans Edenville Dam failed following heavy rainfall. The rupture unleashed a torrent on the Tittabawassee River, leading to the failure of Sanford Dam downstream and the evacuation of about 10,000 people. The high-hazard Edenville Dam, built in 1924, had been rated in unsatisfactory condition in 2018 and lost its federal hydropower license due to a variety of issues, including a spillway incapable of standing up to a severe flood. An investigatory report released Wednesday found that Edenville dam had deficiencies with its earthen embankment that could have been been caught and corrected if engineers had gone beyond visual inspections and conducted a more comprehensive review of the dam's design and construction. Regulators across the country should learn from the Michigan failures, said John France, an engineer who led the investigation. No one has X-ray eyes, France said Thursday. "You would have to look at the records, you would have to look at the test borings that were done and assimilate that all together. After the dam failures, Michigan beefed up its 2022 budget with $19 million for dam safety, plus money to hire more regulatory staff. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation providing an additional $250 million for dams, including about $200 million to repair those damaged by the 2020 floods. The plan prioritizes high-risk dams that can be ticking time bombs if they are not addressed, said state Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican whose district experienced flooding from the dam failures. "Dragging our feet or failing to get it done will only open the door to other catastrophes down the line. Other states also are pumping more money into dam safety. After Kansas exempted thousands of dams from state regulation in 2013, its allotment of annual federal dam safety funds plunged, leading to a decline in staffing and delays in handling permits and inspections. A budget passed by the Legislature this year will double state funding and staff for the dam safety office. Facing a projected 20-year backlog of work, Missouri lawmakers last year added $75,000 to hire an additional dam safety engineer. But it's taken 10 months to find someone qualified to fill the position. Addressing the problems posed by old, unsafe dams can be challenging. Repairs can be costly and take years to complete. Attempts to remove dams and empty the lakes they hold back can spawn legal battles and a public outcry from those who rely on them for recreation or to sustain nearby property values. A pair of high-hazard dams built in the mid-1800s near Cleveland are among those in need of major repair. Upper Shaker Lake, commonly known as Horseshoe Lake, was drained as a precaution after it developed sinkholes and cracks. The cities of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, which jointly manage the dams, last year approved a $28.3 million plan to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam, return the area to a free-flowing stream and rebuild Lower Shaker Lake Dam. But the plan faces backlash from community members who formed a nonprofit to try to save Horseshoe Lake. They hired a law firm and engineering company, launched a fundraising drive and gathered about 2,000 online petition signatures. The lake is a beautiful, calming feature that is the central park of the Heights neighborhood, said musician Bert Stratton, a resident helping to lead the efforts. Its where people come to congregate, and they have for over 100 years. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which manages stormwater projects, said Horseshoe Lake provides little flood-control benefit and that the district wont pay to rebuild it. People need to understand there is a major risk at this facility, including the probable loss of life if the dam blew out, said Frank Greenland, the districts director of watershed programs. Decades of procrastination on repairs has led to the deterioration of other dams across the country. Some owners find it difficult to justify the costs of improving structures without facing an emergency. Theres an attitude among some dam owners of oh, well take care of it next year; oh, well take care of it in three years; oh, lets put together a plan, said Bob Travis, managing partner of Risk Management Matters LLC, a consultant for community associations. Meanwhile, that dam is getting older and older and older. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Casey from Boston; and Minkoff from Washington, D.C. Associated Press photographer Gregory Bull in San Diego, and reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Nick Geranios in Spokane, Washington, contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BIG RAPIDS The Big Rapids Elks Lodge 974 recently hosted its Outstanding Student Awards Banquet where the lodge honored nine local students. Paul Griffith, retired executive director of Michigan Works! West Central, was the keynote speaker and challenged the award winners to never give up in the face of adversity. Outstanding Student Award winners included Amina Masoud, of Big Rapids; Chase Inosencio, of Big Rapids Virtual School; Vanessa Totten, of Chippewa Hills; Jessica Cole, of Crossroads Charter Academy; Ava Retlewski, of Evart; Hailey Ihde, of Morley Stanwood; and Chad Landis, of Reed City. During the evening, the Pat Alber Memorial Scholarship also was awarded to Emma Eling, of Big Rapids, and the Elks MVS State Scholarship winner to Angelique Bell, of White Cloud. The weather was dismal on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3. It cold, wet, and far from ideal walking weather. However, Harbor Beach Community Schools and Senior Life Solutions had planned a march for mental illness awareness that afternoon. They weren't deterred by the horrible weather and decided instead to hold the march inside Harbor Beach High School. Students from all grades of Harbor Beach, as well as visiting students from Zion Lutheran and Our Lady of Lake Huron, packed together on the bleachers and floor of the high school gymnasium to listen and learn. There were speakers from Harbor Beach Community Hospital, talking about the importance of mental health to one's life and of making sure those with a mental illness know they're not alone. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BEIJING (AP) Hong Kong reopened beaches and pools and relaxed other pandemic restrictions Thursday, a day after Chinas capital, Beijing, announced it would ease its tough quarantine rules for arrivals from overseas. The two Chinese cities are at opposite ends of COVID-19 outbreaks. Hong Kong is emerging from by far its deadliest wave, which killed 9,000 people. In Beijing, a new wave is just beginning and authorities have imposed a series of restrictions on residents to try to snuff it out. The easing of quarantine requirements was a reminder that China does want eventually to back off from its strict zero-COVID approach that is imposing growing economic and human costs, though officials have shown no inclination to do so in a meaningful way anytime soon. In Hong Kong, the rising costs have sparked a backlash against zero COVID. The city closed water sports venues during its outbreak of the highly transmissible omicron variant, but has been reducing restrictions as cases decline. Deaths from COVID-19 have fallen from a high of almost 300 per day in March to zero in recent days. Restaurants are also allowed to seat up to eight customers per table up from four previously and masks will no longer be required during outdoor exercise, a change that's important to organizers of group sporting events. Were looking forward to Mothers Day, and being able to have up to eight people sitting at a table," said William So, assistant general manager of the London Restaurant, a long-time destination for traditional dim sum. Business will go up, three generations of a family can sit down and eat together," said So, as carts piled high with steaming bamboo baskets of savory dumplings circulated through the packed dining room. Already, bookings have more than doubled since the relaxed seating policy was announced, he said. A further round of easing is scheduled to begin May 19, when bars and clubs will be allowed to reopen and restaurants in the southern Chinese city will be permitted to serve customers until midnight. China has maintained its hard-line zero-COVID approach but has imposed less onerous restrictions in Beijing than in other cities such as Shanghai, where millions were placed under strict lockdown. Beijing will now require arrivals from overseas to quarantine at a hotel for 10 days, followed by another week of home isolation. Previous rules required 21 days of isolation, at least 14 of them at a hotel, followed by seven days of regular health reporting. With only a handful of daily international flights into Beijing, the rule change is expected to have little immediate impact on arrivals. Symbolically, however, it appears to show a willingness to compromise with demands for a less intrusive and economically damaging policy. Still, the capital is taking no chances and on Wednesday closed 60 subway stations, more than 10% of its vast system, to reduce the possibility of the virus spreading. Restaurants and bars are limited to takeout, gyms are closed and classes are suspended for at least another week. Major tourist sites in the city, including the Forbidden City and the Beijing Zoo, have closed their indoor exhibition halls and are operating at only partial capacity. Districts have been sorted according to the perceived level of COVID-19 risk in each, and people living in districts in the highest categories are barred from leaving the city. A few communities where cases were discovered have been isolated. All residents are required to undergo three virus tests during the week as authorities seek to detect and isolate cases without imposing the sort of sweeping lockdowns seen in Shanghai and elsewhere. A negative test result obtained within the previous 48 hours is required to enter most public spaces. Beijing on Thursday reported just 50 new cases, eight of them asymptomatic. Shanghai also saw a drop to 4,651 new cases, all but 261 asymptomatic, with an additional 13 deaths. China's biggest city recorded a daily peak of 27,605 new cases on April 13. Questions have arisen about the surprisingly low death toll amid an outbreak of more than 400,000 cases in the city that is home to Chinas main stock market and biggest port. Intuit will pay $141 million to customers across the United States who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Wednesday. Intuit, which offers the TurboTax tax-filing system, will suspend TurboTax's "free, free, free" ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, Nessel said in a statement. The settlement was signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states. The investigation was inspired by a 2019 ProPublica report that found the company was using deceptive tactics to steer low-income tax filers away from federally-supported free services which they qualified for and toward its own commercial products. "For years, Intuit misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit. Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable for scamming millions of taxpayers, and were putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of impacted Americans," New York AG Letitia James said in a statement. "This agreement should serve as a reminder to companies large and small that engaging in these deceptive marketing ploys is illegal." This settlement impacts more than 115,000 Michigan residents and will deliver $3.5 million to the state, according to the press release. "This agreement is a united, bipartisan approach to ensuring our consumers are protected against deceitful tactics related to tax services, Nessel said. Im proud of the work our team did to secure this money for Michiganders. Those who will receive a reimbursement do not need to do anythingyour payment will be sent to you directly. Until 2021, Intuit offered two free versions of TurboTax, one through its participation in the Internal Revenue Service's Free File Program, geared toward taxpayers earning roughly $34,000 and members of the military. Intuit withdrew from the program in July 2021. The company also offers a commercial product called "TurboTax Free Edition" that is only for taxpayers with "simple returns." Intuit will provide restitution to consumers who started using the commercial TurboTax Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file even though they were eligible for the version of TurboTax offered as part of the IRS Free File program. "As part of the agreement, Intuit admitted no wrongdoing, agreed to pay $141 million to put this matter behind it, and made certain commitments regarding its advertising practices," representatives for Intuit said in a blog post Wednesday. "Intuit already adheres to most of these advertising practices and expects minimal impact to its business from implementing the remaining changes going forward." Consumers are expected to receive a direct payment of approximately $30 for each year they were deceived into paying for filing services, according to Nessel's press release. Impacted consumers will automatically receive notices and a check by mail. Intuit has agreed to reform other aspects of its business practices, including refraining from making misrepresentations in connection with promoting or offering any online tax preparation products and designing its products to better inform users whether they will be eligible to file their taxes for free. Kyle Rivas/Getty Images Country music star Luke Bryan is set to perform at a Michigan family farm for the second year in a row as part of his six-date tour this fall. The announcement was made on Bryans Facebook page Friday morning. The Michigan stop is at Kubiak Family Farm on Sept. 17 and also includes musicians Riley Green, Jameson Rodgers, The Peach Pickers and DJ ROCK as support, according to the Facebook post. A Michigan mother has been charged after her 6-year-old son took a package of homemade THC-infused gummies to school and shared them with between 15 and 18 kindergarten classmates. A handful of the son's classmates required hospitalization after eating the gummies. Melinda Gatica appeared before Genesee County District Court Judge William Crawford, where she was formally charged with one count of second-degree child abuse, Monday morning. Photo provided/Genesee Co. Sheriff's Office Paul Scott, Gaticas attorney, asked for a personal recognizance bond, which was granted by Crawford. Stipulations for Gaticas $25,000 bond include no marijuana, marijuana products or alcohol in the home and she must undergo random drug testing, court records show. The felony charge, which comes after more than 400 students and staff at Edgerton Elementary, in Genesee County's Clio, were evacuated when multiple children fell ill on Friday, means Gatica faces up to 10 years in prison. "That doesnt mean its going to end up that way," Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said in a Facebook live stream Tuesday. "Well make hopefully a learned decision as to what the case should result in. But the most important thing is this not happen again in our community." Leyton announced the charge in the Facebook live stream along with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and Clio Area Schools Superintendent Fletcher Spears III, explaining that the woman left marijuana edibles in a Life Savers Gummies package on a shelf inside her refrigerator within reach of her 6-year-old. Screenshot provided/Genesee Co. Sheriff's Office Gatica purchased liquid THC in 2021 and made her own marijuana-infused gummy edibles with up to 30 milligrams of THC per gummy, Swanson said in the Tuesday live stream. Leyton said that while it is legal to infuse and create your own marijuana edibles in Michigan, the woman should not have left the gummies out where her child could access them in a common Life Savers Gummies bag. Initially, police were concerned the kids were experiencing carbon monoxide poisioning, according to Swanson, when police were called to the school around 1 p.m. Friday. The symptoms shown by the students nausea, lethargy, and lightheadedness mirrored those indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning, or what one may feel if there was a gas leak. In a letter published online on Saturday, April 30, Spears stated that further investigation had led authorities to believe that the students may have ingested a foreign substance that led to the illnesses. According to the letter, five kindergarten students from one classroom were transported to Hurley Medical Center in Flint. Four of the students required hospitalization. Michigan Child Protective Services has joined the investigation because Gatica has other children, according to Swanson in the Tuesday live stream. Authorities say Gatica is cooperating. A probable cause conference has been scheduled for May 12, court records show. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico is highlighting its support for proposals that would route an international rail line through its Santa Teresa border crossing, capitalizing on Mexico's unease with disruptions along the Texas portion of the U.S. border with Mexico. Mexico had considered a route through Texas, but in recent days officials have said they can no longer rely on that state. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, in April required all commercial trucks from Mexico to undergo extra inspections, tying up traffic and causing millions in losses. The administration of Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that it will send a delegation of economic development and transportation officials to Mexico City next week to explore opportunities to expand commercial infrastructure at the San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa crossing, about 20 miles (36 kilometers) west of El Paso, Texas. New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes said the state has already requested a U.S. presidential permit for a rail bypass route through Santa Teresa. Separately, she said a study on expanding infrastructure at the New Mexico crossing is near completion. She said recent disruptions at Texas crossings change the outlook for Santa Teresa. They have issues with pollution and wait times and security, Keyes said of Texas' border entry points. We have the opportunity to really envision what a dignified port of entry would look like." Mexicos Economy Secretary Tatiana Clouthier was more forceful last week on the fate of a proposed rail line linking the Pacific coast port of Mazatlan in Mexicos Sinaloa state with the U.S. and Canada. I dont think were going to use Texas anymore because we cannot put all our eggs in one basket and be held hostage to those who want to use trade as a political issue, Clouthier told a business conference. We are going to look for another connection point. Mexican diplomats followed up Tuesday in Washington with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and touted a rail line linking Mexican seaports on the Pacific with the San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa crossing in New Mexico. Some truckers have reported waiting more than 30 hours to cross during the Texas state inspections. Others blocked one of the worlds busiest trade bridges in protest. Abbott, who is up for reelection in November and has made the border his top issue, fully lifted the inspections after reaching agreements with neighboring Mexican states that outline new commitments to border security. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lankas economy is in dire straits with its usable foreign reserves down to less than $50 million, the countrys finance minister said Wednesday. Ali Sabry was speaking to Parliament after returning to Sri Lanka from talks with the International Monetary Fund. He said any IMF rescue program, including a rapid financing instrument needed to urgently resolve shortages of essential goods, would depend on negotiations on debt restructuring with creditors and would take six months to implement. Sri Lanka is on the brink of bankruptcy and has suspended payments on its foreign loans. Its economic miseries have brought on a political crisis, with the government facing a protests and a no-confidence motion in Parliament. The country is due to repay $7 billion this year of the $25 billion in foreign loans it is scheduled to pay by 2026. There is a severe risk in front of all of us, said Sabri. He said Sri Lankas reserves stood at $7.6 billion at the end of 2019 and fell to $5.7 billion by the end of 2020 as payments outpaced inflows of foreign currency amid the pandemic. The reserves declined to $3.1 billion by the end of 2021, and to $1.9 billion by the end of March, he said. With foreign currency in short supply thanks to less tourism and other revenues, official reserves were tapped to pay for importing essentials including fuel, gas, coal and medicines beginning in August 2021. The bulk of Sri Lanka's remaining reserves including a $1 billion equivalent SWAP facility from China, are not usable for settling dollar-denominated payments, he said. Sabris comments came a day after the countrys main opposition party issued a no-confidence motion aiming at ousting Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Cabinet. The opposition United Peoples Force blames the government of failing in its constitutional duty to provide decent living standards. It accuses top government officials of excessively printing money, hurting farm production by banning chemical fertilizers to make the production fully organic and minimize import costs, failing to order COVID-19 vaccines in a timely manner and buying them later at higher prices. A date has not yet been announced for a vote on the no-confidence motion. The foreign currency crisis has limited imports and caused severe shortages of essential goods like fuel, cooking gas, medicine and food. People must line up for hours to buy what they can and many return home with little, if any, of what they were seeking. Protests have spread demanding the resignations of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who heads an influential clan that has held power for most of the past two decades, and his younger brother, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. An occupation of the entrance to the presidents office by protesters demanding the Rajapaksas resign was in its 26th day on Wednesday. So far, the Rajapaksa brothers have resisted calls to resign, though three other Rajapaksas out of the five who are lawmakers stepped down from their Cabinet posts in mid-April. Sabri said Sri Lanka was in the process of appointing legal and financial advisers for negotiations on restructuring its foreign debt. This is an economic crisis. The economic crisis has created a political crisis. It is important to resolve the political crisis in order to find solutions to the economic crisis, Sabri said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. Most of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, according to a WHO report issued Thursday. The U.N. health agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the newly calculated figure as sobering, saying it should prompt countries to invest more in their capacities to quell future health emergencies. WHO tasked scientists with determining the actual number of COVID-19 deaths between January 2020 and the end of last year. They estimated that between 13.3 million and 16.6 million people died either due to the coronavirus directly or because of factors somehow attributed to the pandemics impact on health systems, such as cancer patients who were unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients. Based on that range, the scientists came up with an approximated total of 14.9 million. The estimate was based on country-reported data and statistical modeling, but only about half of countries provided information. WHO said it wasn't yet able to break down the data to distinguish between direct deaths from COVID-19 and those related to effects of the pandemic, but the agency plans a future project examining death certificates. This may seem like just a bean-counting exercise, but having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one, said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious diseases specialist at the Yale School of Public Health who was not linked to the WHO research. For example, Ko said, South Koreas decision to invest heavily in public health after it suffered a severe outbreak of MERS allowed it to escape COVID-19 with a per-capita death rate around a 20th of the one in the United States. Accurately counting COVID-19 deaths has been problematic throughout the pandemic, as reports of confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the devastation wrought by the virus, largely because of limited testing. Government figures reported to WHO and a separate tally kept by Johns Hopkins University show more than 6.2 million reported virus deaths to date. Scientists at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington calculated for a recent study published in the journal Lancet that there were more than 18 million COVID deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. A team led by Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3 million uncounted coronavirus deaths in India alone. WHO's new analysis estimated that missed deaths in India alone ranged between 3.3 million to 6.5 million. In a statement following the release of WHO's data, India disputed the U.N. agency's methodology. India's Health and Family Welfare Ministry called the analysis and data collection methods questionable and complained that the new death estimates were released without adequately addressing India's concerns. Samira Asma, a senior WHO director, acknowledged that numbers are sometimes controversial and that all estimates are only an approximation of the virus' catastrophic effects. It has become very obvious during the entire course of the pandemic, there have been data that is missing," Asma told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. "Basically, all of us were caught unprepared. Ko said the new figures from WHO might also explain some lingering mysteries about the pandemic, like why Africa appears to have been one of the least affected by the virus, despite its fragile health systems and low vaccination rates. Were the mortality rates so low because we couldnt count the deaths, or was there some other factor to explain that? he asked, citing the far higher mortality rates in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Bharat Pankhania, a public health specialist at Britains University of Exeter, said the world may never get close to measuring the true toll of COVID-19, particularly in poor countries. When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died, he explained. Pankhania said that while the estimated COVID-19 death toll still pales in comparison to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which experts estimate caused up to 100 million deaths, the fact that so many people died despite the advances of modern medicine, including vaccines, is shameful. He also warned that the cost of COVID-19 could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of caring for people with long COVID. With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it, he said. There was not an enduring immunological condition that were seeing right now with COVID." We do not know the extent to which people with long COVID will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems, Pankhania said. ____ Krutika Pathi and Ashok Sharma in New Delhi contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northern Armstrong County in the Panhandle of Texas... Northeastern Randall County in the Panhandle of Texas... Southern Carson County in the Panhandle of Texas... Southeastern Potter County in the Panhandle of Texas... * Until 330 PM CDT. * At 231 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles west of Washburn, or 9 miles east of Amarillo, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees is possible. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. * Locations impacted include... Amarillo, Panhandle, White Deer, Groom and Washburn. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for the Panhandle of Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT FOR NORTHERN ARMSTRONG...NORTHEASTERN RANDALL...SOUTHERN CARSON AND SOUTHEASTERN POTTER COUNTIES... At 232 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles west of Washburn, or 10 miles east of Amarillo, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Trained weather spotters. At 225 PM CDT, trained spotters reported half dollar to ping pong ball size hail southeast of Amarillo. IMPACT...Minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees is possible. People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Locations impacted include... Amarillo, Panhandle, White Deer, Groom and Washburn. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Pecos and north central Terrell Counties through 315 PM CDT... At 235 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 29 miles southeast of Fort Stockton, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Pecos and north central Terrell Counties. This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 299 and 303. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southwestern Texas. LAT...LON 3048 10257 3076 10260 3092 10217 3051 10207 TIME...MOT...LOC 1935Z 255DEG 11KT 3062 10251 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Midland has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Crane County in western Texas... Upton County in western Texas... * Until 545 PM CDT. * At 458 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles north of McCamey, moving northeast at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Crane, McCamey, Upton County Airport, King Mountain, Midkiff and Crane County Airport. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for western Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather LITCHFIELD A lawyer turned himself in Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting outside his law firm last June, according to law enforcement sources. Robert Fisher was charged with first-degree manslaughter and released on $50,000 bond, sources confirmed to Hearst Connecticut Media. Fishers attorney, William Conti, of the Law Offices of Conti, Levy & Salerno, verified Wednesday that his client had turned himself in. This is a case of appropriate self-defense, Conti told Hearst Connecticut Media. State police were called to the law firm, Cramer & Anderson, in Litchfield, around 5 p.m. June 7, 2021, for a disturbance with gunfire. There they found 39-year-old Matthew Bromley, a former Torrington resident, shot in the head in the parking lot. He was later pronounced dead, according to previous reports. The law firm placed Fisher, one of its senior partners, on leave after the shooting as state police previously identified him as the subject of the investigation. Bromleys family and Cramer & Anderson were not immediately available for comment Wednesday evening. Matthew Bromley, who lived in Virginia at the time, was visiting his mother while she was under end-of-life hospice care, his sister, Ericka Bromley, said in a previous story. He was also looking for job opportunities to stay in the state. It wasnt fair to my brother to have his life taken from him, Ericka Bromley said in previous reports. State police previously said they believed Fisher and Bromley knew each other, but were unsure how exactly. Cramer & Anderson released a statement in July 2021 stating that there was no record of Bromley ever being a client of the firm, or being listed as an adversarial party. A complete conviction history was not available for Bromley, but court records showed Bromley was convicted of carrying a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary in two separate incidents in Torrington in 2003. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for both offenses, which he served at the same time as the weapon charge, according to previous reports. Bromley was also arrested in 2002 on charges of carrying a weapon and carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle in Harwinton. He pleaded guilty and was given a three-year suspended sentence with three years of conditional discharge. In 2011, Bromley pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and traffic violations, previous reports stated. Several other court files associated with Bromley had been destroyed as of 2021, judicial system staff said in previous reports. Fisher most recently specialized in real estate law but worked on civil and criminal defense cases early in his career, according to the law firms website. Litchfield County Bar Association President Ryan Henry said last year that Fisher, a Vietnam veteran, was a well-liked and respected member of the bar. He also said Fisher was not someone he would expect to be involved in a confrontation, calling Fisher a cool, calm guy, in a report last year. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Rachel Thrasher, Boston University; Blake Alexander Simmons, Colorado State University, and Kyla Tienhaara, Queen's University, Ontario (THE CONVERSATION) Fossil fuel companies have access to an obscure legal tool that could jeopardize worldwide efforts to protect the climate, and theyre starting to use it. The result could cost countries that press ahead with those efforts billions of dollars. Over the past 50 years, countries have signed thousands of treaties that protect foreign investors from government actions. These treaties are like contracts between national governments, meant to entice investors to bring in projects with the promise of local jobs and access to new technologies. But now, as countries try to phase out fossil fuels to slow climate change, these agreements could leave the public facing overwhelming legal and financial risks. The treaties allow investors to sue governments for compensation in a process called investor-state dispute settlement, or ISDS. In short, investors could use ISDS clauses to demand compensation in response to government actions to limit fossil fuels, such as canceling pipelines and denying drilling permits. For example, TC Energy, a Canadian company, is currently seeking more than US$15 billion over U.S. President Joe Bidens cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In a study published May 5, 2022, in the journal Science, we estimate that countries would face up to $340 billion in legal and financial risks for canceling fossil fuel projects that are subject to treaties with ISDS clauses. Thats more than countries worldwide put into climate adaptation and mitigation measures combined in fiscal year 2019, and it doesnt include the risks of phasing out coal investments or canceling fossil fuel infrastructure projects, like pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals. It means that money countries might otherwise spend to build a low-carbon future could instead go to the very industries that have knowingly been fueling climate change, severely jeopardizing countries capacity to propel the green energy transition forward. Massive potential payouts Of the worlds 55,206 upstream oil and gas projects that are in the early stages of development, we identified 10,506 projects 19% of the total that were protected by 334 treaties providing access to ISDS. That number could be much higher. We could only identify the headquarters of project owners, not the overall corporate structures of the investments, due to limited data. We also know that law firms are advising clients in the industry to structure investments to ensure access to ISDS, through processes such as using subsidiaries in countries with treaty protections. Depending upon future oil and gas prices, we found that the total net present value of those projects is expected to reach $60 billion to $234 billion. If countries cancel these protected projects, foreign investors could sue for financial compensation in line with these valuations. Doing so would put several low- and middle-income countries at severe risk. Mozambique, Guyana and Venezuela could each face over $20 billion in potential losses from ISDS claims. If countries also cancel oil and gas projects that are further along in development but are not yet producing, they face more risk. We found that 12% of those projects worldwide are protected by investment treaties, and their investors could sue for $32 billion to $106 billion. Canceling approved projects could prove exceptionally risky for countries like Kazakhstan, which could lose $6 billion to $18 billion, and Indonesia, with $3 billion to $4 billion at risk. Canceling coal investments or fossil fuel infrastructure projects, like pipelines and liquefied natural gas terminals, could lead to even more claims. Countries already feel regulatory chill There have been at least 231 ISDS cases involving fossil fuels so far. Just the threat of massive payouts to investors could cause many countries to delay climate mitigation policies, causing a so-called regulatory chill. Both Denmark and New Zealand, for example, seem to have designed their fossil fuel phaseout plans specifically to minimize their exposure to ISDS. Some climate policy experts have suggested that Denmark may have chosen 2050 as the end date for oil and gas extraction to avoid disputes with existing exploration license holders. New Zealand banned all new offshore oil exploration in 2018 but did not cancel any existing contracts. The climate minister acknowledged that a more aggressive plan would have run afoul of investor-state settlements.France revised a draft law banning fossil fuel extraction by 2040 and allowing the renewal of oil exploitation permits after the Canadian company Vermilion threatened to launch an ISDS case. Securing the green energy transition While these findings are alarming, countries have options to avoid onerous legal and financial risks. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is currently discussing proposals on the future of investment treaties. A straightforward approach would be for countries to terminate or withdraw from these treaties. Some officials have expressed concern about unforeseen impacts of unilaterally terminating investment treaties, but other countries have already done so, with few or no real economic consequences. For more complex trade agreements, countries can negotiate to remove ISDS provisions, as the United States and Canada did when they replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Additional challenges stem from sunset clauses that bind countries for a decade or more after they have withdrawn from some treaties. Such is the case for Italy, which withdrew from the Energy Charter Treaty in 2016. It is currently stuck in an ongoing ISDS case initiated by the U.K. company Rockhopper over a ban on coastal oil drilling. The Energy Charter Treaty, a special investment agreement covering the energy sector, emerged as the greatest single contributor to global ISDS risks in our dataset. Many European countries are currently considering whether to leave the treaty and how to avoid the same fate as Italy. If all country parties to a treaty can agree together to withdraw, they could collectively sidestep the sunset clause through mutual agreement. The global transition Combating climate change is not cheap. Actions by governments and the private sector are both needed to slow global warming and keep it from fueling increasingly devastating disasters. In the end, the question is who will pay and be paid in the global energy transition. We believe that, at the very least, it would be counterproductive to divert critical public finance from essential mitigation and adaptation efforts to the pockets of fossil fuel industry investors whose products caused the problem in the first place. [Like what youve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversations daily newsletter.] This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-treaties-protecting-fossil-fuel-investors-could-jeopardize-global-efforts-to-save-the-climate-and-cost-countries-billions-182135. Soldiers stationed in Alaska will soon ditch the 25th Infantry Division's "Tropic Lightning" patch and be redesignated the 11th Airborne Division, in what could be an important step in the Army's recent focus on Arctic warfare. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told lawmakers that the move will give units in the state a clear identity. Soldiers there currently fall under the command of U.S. Army Alaska and wear the 25th Infantry Division patch. But that division is mostly associated with units in Hawaii that train for combat in the jungle, the opposite of Alaska's mission and something leaders and junior soldiers told Military.com has been a point of confusion. U.S. Army Alaska will be redesignated as the 11th Airborne Division this summer and issued a new patch. Read Next: Justice Delayed or Denied: The National Guard Struggles with Handling Accusations of Sexual Assault and Harassment "It would be a new common sense of identity for the soldiers there," Wormuth told lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing Thursday. Some rank-and-file troops and leaders in Alaska told Military.com they don't have the proper equipment needed to be the service's premier Arctic force. Some of that is due to its primary vehicle, the Stryker, being ineffective. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville and senior leaders in Alaska have told Military.com they are skeptical of the Stryker's capabilities in Arctic climates, mostly due to the wheeled vehicles' inability to maneuver effectively off road in the snow and not being built to operate in minus-65 degree Fahrenheit weather, the benchmark commanders in Alaska say is needed. "We're looking at the Arctic very differently. This would give the units the confidence all of this would come together," McConville told lawmakers at Thursday's Senate hearing. But units there are starved of other critical resources, with some soldiers telling Military.com they can't even get ripped uniforms replaced. More importantly, bases in the region have struggled to tackle a growing suicide crisis. That lack of resources has been partly blamed by some on Alaskan units not having a clear identity and thus often being forgotten about by Pentagon planners, something this change is meant to address. The move would give the active-duty Army its third named airborne combat unit and its second paratrooper division. The two existing airborne combat units are the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which falls under XVIII Airborne Corps, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Europe. The 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is airborne in name only; it's actually an air assault division. The Texas National Guard has the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, the only conventional airborne element of the component. Two Alaska brigade combat teams would be most impacted by the redesignation -- the 1st and 4th Brigade Combat Teams of the 25th infantry Division. The 4th is the region's paratrooper element, while the 1st is a mechanized Stryker brigade. Those brigades would be redesignated the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams of the 11th Airborne Division. It is unclear whether the move would mean the mechanized troops would convert to paratroopers in the future. "The Army is reviewing options to convert the [Stryker] brigade combat team at Fort Wainwright from a Stryker to an infantry unit," Lt. Col. Randee Farrell, an Army spokesperson, told Military.com. "We are in the midst of consultation with our joint partners to ensure that any potential change enhances the ability of joint force commanders to achieve their mission." The changes are yet another move the force is making since the wind-down of the post-9/11 wars, with a shift to focus on conventional fighting and outpacing China and Russia. Airborne capabilities haven't been truly tested on a modern battlefield but are built to insert ground troops into enemy territory and to quickly seize critical terrain or infrastructure such as airfields. Airborne units gained famed during the invasion of Nazi-occupied France with dangerous jumps that secured key terrain for the success of the allied invasion of Normandy. That legendary battle spurred paratroopers to be the Army's elite force. While still a conventional unit, airborne troops are traditionally called upon first to deploy and are often on high-paced training schedules. Yet those tactics were seldom part of modern wars, with the last major use of airborne capabilities being the U.S. invasion of Panama, commonly referred to as Operation Just Cause in 1989. However, there were limited uses of special operations jumps in Afghanistan and Iraq. The last -- smaller -- conventional airborne assault was in Iraq in 2003 when the 173rd Airborne Brigade seized Bashur Airfield with virtually no resistance. The 11th Airborne Division's legacy stems from its activation in 1943 during World War II. It fought in the Pacific Theater, where two of its soldiers, Pvts. Elmer Fryar and Manuel Perez Jr., earned the Medal of Honor. The formation was later used to occupy post-war Japan. The 11th Airborne was transformed into a training formation at Fort Campbell in 1949. In the 1960s, the division was reorganized into three air assault brigades and designated the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) when the Army was in the early stages of developing tactics using helicopters on the battlefield. The unit was disbanded in 1965, transferring its equipment and personnel to the 1st Cavalry Division. -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Breakdowns, Ripped Clothing and Dying Batteries: Army Commits to Arctic But Still Figuring Out What Soldiers Need A junior officer with the Army Public Health Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland was found guilty in the force's first known court-martial for violating COVID-19 mandates, but will not face punishment. First Lt. Mark Bashaw, a former company commander with the health center, was charged with three cases of failing to obey lawful orders to mitigate COVID-19 infections, according to an Army spokesperson. In those cases, Bashaw, who serves as an entomologist, showed up to work without providing a negative test and refused to wear a mask indoors while that Defense Department mandate was still in effect. Read Next: Justice Delayed or Denied: The National Guard Struggles with Handling Accusations of Sexual Assault and Harassment "After a careful consideration of the evidence, a military judge exercised lawful authority not to adjudge punishment," Amburr Reese, a service spokesperson, told Military.com in an email. A court-martial without a formal punishment is not without precedent. Some punishments may include reduction in rank, prison time, forfeiture of pay or being removed from the service. But given that being found guilty itself can be a major blemish on a soldier's career, judges sometimes elect not to add on additional punishments. "A court-martial conviction carries lifelong collateral consequences of a federal conviction, beyond punishment imposed by the court," Reese added. "Some examples may include social consequences and difficulty in obtaining future employment, as criminal convictions are generally public information and frequently reported in federal and state criminal and licensing databases." While Bashaw's court-martial is the first for the service related to COVID-19, he is far from the only service member facing consequences for failing to adhere to the Defense Department's mandates on infection mitigation. The Marine Corps in August discharged a corporal for refusing to wear a mask, the first known service member to be forced out of service for violating COVID-related rules. However, most known punishments across the Defense Department are related to the vaccine mandate. As of April 20, the Army has booted 345 soldiers from the force for refusing to be vaccinated. Six active-duty leaders, including two battalion commanders, have been relieved from duty. An additional 3,365 General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, or GOMORs, have been issued. Those are often seen as career-killers for officers. -- Steven Beynon can be reached at Steven.Beynon@Military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Marine Corporal Discharged over Refusal to Wear a Mask Service members are now allowed to ship empty gun safes to their next duty station without it counting against household goods weight allowances. The new Pentagon rule this week is aimed at reducing suicides, domestic violence and child deaths. Starting this permanent change of station (PCS), or moving season, troops will be able to ship gun safes up to 500 pounds, as long as the total shipment does not exceed 18,000 pounds. Typical entry-level gun safes weigh between 200 and 600 pounds and can store up to two dozen weapons. Defense Department officials said Wednesday the new benefit is part of an overall effort to encourage safe weapons storage to protect children from accidental deaths and prevent suicides or tragic outcomes from domestic violence. Read Next: Justice Delayed or Denied: The National Guard Struggles with Handling Accusations of Sexual Assault and Harassment The change was requested by the undersecretary of the Air Force in April to support the Month of the Military Child "with a focus on how important gun safes are for overall gun safety and child safety." But the announcement also supports a new effort within the DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs to encourage firearm safety to reduce military and veteran suicides. Last November, the White House called for the departments to "create a plan for addressing lethal means safety awareness, education, training and program evaluation," to include safe storage of weapons and medications that could be used in a suicide. The DoD's Annual Suicide Report for 2020 found that 70% of the 384 active-duty suicides that year, and more than half among military family members in 2019, involved a gun. In 2020, in addition to the 384 active-duty troops, 77 reservists and 119 members of the National Guard died by suicide. Preliminary data from 2021 indicate that 328 active-duty personnel took their own lives last year, while 74 reserve members and 116 Guard members died by suicide. The change to the travel regulations may encourage service members to purchase gun safes, given that it removes any concern about the impact a heavy safe would have on their household goods weight allowances, which are determined by rank and family status. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that the change is "welcome, it's prudent, it's the right thing to do." "We very much welcome any move by the services with respect to improving firearm safety in the home, to include travel between stations," Kirby said. The DoD established an Independent Review Committee on Suicide Prevention and Response in March to address increases in military suicides, which rose from 20.3 per 100,000 active-duty service members in 2015 to 23.7 per 100,000 in 2020. Kirby said the new gun safe benefit is not directly tied to the committee's work, but weapons safety is one issue that committee members will examine. "One of the things that we want to look at is weapon safety, particularly making sure that the men and women of the force know their options of what's available to them in terms of keeping firearms safe in the home," he said. In March, Karin Orvis, director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, said that, while owning a firearm "does not cause someone to be suicidal," storing a loaded firearm at home does increase suicide risk in a household. Safe storage, she said, not only decreases risk but also protects against accidents. "Practice safe storage so others cannot readily access your firearm without your knowledge," Orvis wrote in a media release. "Unload it, lock it, and/or store it away. Bottom line: Stop, lock and live." If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, the Veterans/Military Crisis Line is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255, and press 1; text to 838255; or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. -- Deputy Editor Travis Tritten contributed to this report. He can be reached at Travis.Tritten@Military.com. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Is the Army Doing Enough to Prevent Suicides? Lawmakers Don't Think So Russia's forces have performed far worse than anticipated and, 70 days after the start of the country's invasion of neighbor Ukraine, Ukraine's air force is still holding its own -- thanks, in part, to American military equipment supplying the country with anti-air defenses. Ukraine's forces have destroyed at least 26 Russian planes and 39 helicopters since the beginning of the invasion, according to Oryx, an open-source intelligence blog that keeps tabs on Russian military losses. That success led to media reports of a legendary flying ace dubbed "The Ghost of Kyiv," a mythical pilot whose supposed exploits downing dozens of Russian aircraft spread like wildfire in the early days of the campaign when Ukrainian forces were looking for signs of hope. Read Next: Ukraine Repels Russian Attacks; Mariupol Plant Battle Rages But after reports began to surface this week that the Ghost had been shot down and killed in combat, the country's air force was forced to confess that he was never real. "The information about the death of the The Ghost of #Kyiv is incorrect," Ukraine's air force wrote on Twitter. "The #GhostOfKyiv is alive, it embodies the collective spirit of the highly qualified pilots of the Tactical Aviation Brigade who are successfully defending #Kyiv and the region." Ukrainian Maj. Stepan Tarabalka was identified as the "Ghost of Kyiv'' by multiple media outlets last week, but the news was later clarified by the country's air force. He was a pilot who died in combat March 13 and was posthumously awarded the title Hero of Ukraine, but he was not the mythical flying ace. But even without the Ghost, Ukraine's ability to hold its own against Russia's massive fleet has been notable. One Ukrainian pilot interviewed by CNN on Wednesday, identified only by the call sign "Moonfish," told the news organization he believes Ukraine's pilots have had to get clever to push back against Russia's modern aircraft in the skies. "We're still operating freely in the airspace that we control and, even though they are a massive fleet of more advanced aircraft, we're able to keep them away from the area we maintain," the pilot told CNN. "We did learn a couple of tricks on how to fight with that technological advancement." Russia has been touting its Sukhoi SU-57 stealth fighter jet and has more than 120 SU-34 bombers, 360 attack helicopters and hundreds more jets in its fleet, according to a report from CNA, a nonprofit research organization that tracks military strength for the U.S. Navy. But Russia has not been utilizing its full force, focusing less on air-to-air warfare and opting for long-range missiles to attack stationary targets. In part, this has to do with the surge of anti-aircraft weapons the U.S. has given to Ukraine to aid in its fight against Russia. So far, weapons approved to send to Ukraine include more than 1,400 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, upward of 5,500 Javelin anti-tank missiles, 700 Switchblade drones, and more than 120 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones. The war is shifting to a new phase, with tough fighting expected in the east of the country as Russia tries to solidify its claims to separatist regions. How Russia's air strategy will change isn't yet clear, but Ukrainians don't appear to be relying on myth anymore. Their pilots are seeing real-world success in what continues to be a brutal, hard-fought campaign. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Ukraine's Fighter Ace 'Ghost of Kyiv' May Be a Myth, But It's Lethal as War Morale Govt Congratulates Mrs Justine Picardo on Appointment as Sponsor of HMS CUTLASS Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar warmly congratulates Mrs Justine Picardo on her appointment as Sponsor of HMS CUTLASS. This vessel, together with its sister ship, HMS DAGGER, will be the patrol vessels at the disposal of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. CUTLASS is the fastest ship in the Royal Navy and was commissioned into the Royal Navy today in the first ceremony of its kind in the history of Gibraltar, when the red ensign was lowered and the white ensign was raised on the vessel. Mrs Picardo is the first ever person outside of the British Royal Family or the relatives of senior naval officers who has been appointed sponsor of a Royal Navy ship. She is also the first person resident outside of the United Kingdom who has been singled out for such a distinguished honour. 'This is a singular and remarkable distinction of which all of Gibraltar will be proud given that, as Mrs Picardo pointed out herself in her address this morning at the Commissioning Ceremony at Gun Wharf, her appointment is a reflection of the depth of the relationship between Gibraltar and the United Kingdom.' In his address at the Commissioning Ceremony, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron said: "The commissioning of a Ship is a tremendously important moment, this is more so for CUTLASS as we have the pleasure of both welcoming CUTLASS into the Fleet and celebrating her new home here in Gibraltar. Arriving at the end of 2021, as with all first of class vessels, CUTLASS began a challenging journey in becoming ready for operations, but we are very glad to finally achieve this milestone. "The Ship and Squadron have been busy in that time, enhancing CUTLASS from a civilian workboat to an extremely capable patrol Ship. The body of work carried out by the Squadron will not only be reflected in CUTLASS but in her sister Ship DAGGER and any future Ministry of Defence jet propelled patrol vessels. This work has included sea trials, safety and readiness checks and proving her operational capability. She will immediately assume the role of providing security in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters whilst demonstrating UK sovereignty, a role she is extremely capable in delivering. "Our thanks must go to our Lady Sponsor Mrs Picardo for her enthusiasm and support in achieving this milestone; to Marine Specialised Technology Group & BMT for sponsoring today's event and in particular their Project Team, led by Mr Chris Hurley, for their commitment and hark work. Unique to Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, the Commanding Officers of DAGGER and PURSUER were instrumental in the generation of CUTLASS, and to them I say thank you for all your support. "Finally, I am honoured to pay tribute to the outstanding Squadron personnel and the families who support them. Their hard work, enthusiasm and determination was critical in ensuring CUTLASS is an outstanding addition to a proud Service." The Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Steve Dainton said: "The commissioning of HMS CUTLASS into Her Majesty's Fleet is a major milestone for Gibraltar and one that will mark a significant increase in capability for the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. HMS CUTLASS is superbly fast, highly manoeuvrable and equipped with a modern and innovative Command system that will enable a new level of excellence out on the waters around 'The Rock'. "Bringing a 'First of Class' ship into operational profile is always a challenge and, over the last few months, the RNGS officers and sailors have been required to achieve a comprehensive set of acceptance trials for HMS CUTLASS jointly with the continuation of the delivery of wider maritime operations. They have achieved this with incredible professionalism, fortitude and good humour and I am exceptionally proud of their success. "So, as CBF, may offer a very warm welcome to HMS CUTLASS to both Her Majesty's Fleet and to the Royal Navy's most operational squadron." LVIV, Ukraine Ukraine's military said Thursday that it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled Russian attacks in the east, as a bloody battle raged at a steel mill in Mariupol where Ukrainian troops are holed up in tunnels and bunkers fending off a Russian onslaught. Ten weeks into a devastating war, Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village, as Moscow struggles to gain momentum in the eastern industrial heartland of the Donbas. Russia switched its focus to that region where Moscow-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces for years after a stiffer than expected resistance bogged its troops down and thwarted its initial goal of overrunning the capital. In addition to heavy shelling of the Donbas, Russian forces also kept up their bombardment of railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country part of an effort to disrupt the supply of Western arms, which have been critical to Ukraine's defense. Ukrainian forces said Thursday they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. Five people were killed and at least 25 more wounded in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks damaged houses and a school as well. Air raid sirens sounded in cities across the country on Wednesday night, while Russian attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. In Dnipro, authorities said a rail facility was hit following several earlier attacks on railway stations across the country. The sirens sounded anew early Thursday in the western city of Lviv, which has been a gateway for western arms and served as a relative safe haven for people fleeing fighting farther east. An assessment by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said Russian forces were struggling to gain traction. Ukrainian defenses have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, it said late Wednesday. Russian forces intensified airstrikes against transportation infrastructure in western Ukraine (on Wednesday) but remain unable to interdict Western aid shipments to Ukraine, it added. In the most searing example of how Ukrainian forces have slowed Russia's progress, Ukrainian fighters held out at the sprawling Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol the last pocket of resistance in a city that is otherwise controlled by Moscow's forces. With the support of aircraft, the enemy resumed the offensive in order to take control of the plant, the Ukrainian military's General Staff said Thursday. A stream of black smoke rose above the plant on Wednesday. The Ukrainians said Russian forces have pushed into the plants perimeter and were also bombing it from above. The Kremlin denied that there was any ground assault. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Ukrainian Azov regiment thats defending the plant, said in a video posted Wednesday that the incursions continued for a second day, and there are heavy, bloody battles. Mariupols fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. The city, and the plant in particular, have come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The Russians have pulverized most of Mariupol in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. Civilians holed up inside the plant have perhaps suffered even more. About 100 of them were evacuated over the weekend the first time some saw daylight in months. The Russian government said it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. It is unclear how many Ukrainian fighters are still inside the plant, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. A few hundred civilians also remain there, the Ukrainian side said this week. The United Nations announced that more than 300 civilians were evacuated Wednesday from Mariupol and other nearby communities. The evacuees arrived in Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest, where they were receiving humanitarian assistance. Many came with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, and we will now support them during this difficult time, including with much-needed psychological support, said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Belarus, which Russia used as a staging ground for its invasion, announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The British Defense Ministry said Thursday that it does not anticipate that the drills currently posed a threat to Ukraine, but that Moscow will likely use them "to fix Ukrainian forces in the north, preventing them from being committed to the battle for the Donbas. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions, taking aim at the country's vital energy sector. The European Union's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports, a crucial source of revenue. The proposal needs unanimous approval from EU countries and is likely to be debated fiercely. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions, but they could be granted an exemption. The EU is also talking about a possible embargo on Russian natural gas. The bloc has already approved a cutoff of coal imports. ___ Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- When the lead prosecutor wrapped up his case against an Air Force general at a recent court-martial, he made sure to drive home a point: No one, not even a general, is so important they are above the law. "He is not someone who can do what he wants and simply get away with it because he's that important and that good," prosecutor Lt. Col. Matthew Neil said in his closing arguments. Until recently, it was a point that could have rung hollow. Read Next: Justice Delayed or Denied: The National Guard Struggles with Handling Accusations of Sexual Assault and Harassment No general in the 75-year history of the Air Force had ever been through a court-martial, let alone been convicted. But in April, both happened. What's more, the allegations centered on a sexual assault, a crime the military is facing increasing pressure to stop as Congress has stepped in to force the services to change. The case that made Air Force history was the court-martial of Maj. Gen. William Cooley, the former head of the Air Force Research Laboratory. Cooley was accused by his sister-in-law of pinning her against a car window, kissing her, putting his hand on her breast and then moving his hand to between her legs after a brief drive following a family barbecue in August 2018. She also alleged that, during the ride, he tried to pull her hand to his crotch. The judge in the case, Col. Christina Jimenez, found Cooley guilty of forcible kissing but not guilty of the groping allegations. She sentenced him to forfeiting more than $50,000 of pay and to a letter of reprimand -- far short of the maximum sentence of seven years' confinement and losing all pay and benefits. Neil told reporters after the sentencing that the trial demonstrated that "offenders are held accountable without fear or favor regarding someone's rank or status." "I can't speak to anything that happened in the prior 75 years," Neil said when pressed on why it took so long for a general to be court-martialed. "But I think you all saw our prosecution of this general officer in this court-martial, and I don't think anyone would accuse us of being afraid of his rank or his status in prosecuting this case." Advocates are hopeful the court-martial is the beginning of a sea change in the military justice system -- a sign the "old boys' club" that has protected top officers across the military from accountability is starting to break down. "What was so momentous about this case is that the shield of impunity that general officers in the Air Force had carried since the Air Force became its own separate service following World War II has finally been stripped away," said Rachel VanLandingham, a former Air Force judge advocate who now teaches at Southwestern Law School. "Rank may have its privileges, but one of those privileges shouldn't be lack of accountability." A First Prior to last month, the closest the Air Force had gotten to court-martialing a general was a 1992 war trophies case. Then-Maj. Gen. Donald Kaufman was accused of illegally bringing back two AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade and a hand grenade from the Gulf War and soliciting a subordinate to get rid of the haul, according to reporting from the time. Kaufman was arraigned as part of court-martial proceedings, but the case was dismissed. Instead of the trial, Kaufman was demoted from major general to colonel through nonjudicial punishment and allowed to retire. Other generals didn't even get that close to a court-martial, despite investigations uncovering wrongdoing. In 2004, Maj. Gen. Thomas Fiscus, who was the Air Force's top lawyer, was reprimanded, had to forfeit pay and was reduced in rank through nonjudicial punishment after the service's inspector general found he made inappopriate sexual advances toward 13 women over a decade. In 2006, Brig. Gen. Richard Hassan, who led the Air Force senior leader management office, was given the same nonjudicial punishment after the inspector general found he sexually harassed female subordinates and created a hostile work environment. The problem is not exclusive to the Air Force. A recent investigation by nonprofit military news outlet The War Horse documented how Marine Corps officers who had engaged in proven wrongdoing were allowed to retire with benefits, a steppingstone to lucrative post-military careers. Critics have charged that top brass have been shielded from accountability through what's sometimes called the "old boys' club," "old boy network" or "good ol' boys club" -- in other words, generals making decisions about other generals they may be friendly with. "There was a form of justice for those O-6 and below and a system of justice for those wearing stars," said Don Christensen, president of Protect Our Defenders who formerly served as Air Force chief prosecutor. "It all boils down to, there are very few general officers or admirals in the military, and you are asking another general officer to make the decision about a fellow general officer whether or not they should be prosecuted." Christensen pointed to the sexual assault investigation into retired Gen. John Hyten, a process that Christensen and other critics argue was flawed. Hyten, the former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was accused in 2019 of sexual assault by a subordinate when he led U.S. Strategic Command, but an Air Force investigation did not substantiate the allegations. The general who was assigned to decide what to do with the case was a four-star who was still junior to Hyten, and he determined that, based on the investigation, there was not enough evidence to charge Hyten or recommend administrative action. Hyten's accuser is now suing him in civilian court. Congress is chipping away at generals' involvement in prosecutions, particularly when it comes to sexual assault. After years of faltering Pentagon efforts to combat military sexual assault, a frustrated Congress took a step that some lawmakers had been proposing for nearly a decade but had been unable to push over the finish line until last year. With the passage of last year's defense policy bill, commanders will no longer be the ones deciding whether allegations of sexual assault and some related crimes are prosecuted. Instead, newly created special trial counsel will make those calls when the reforms take effect at the end of 2023. The change did not go as far as some reformers wanted; they sought to force the military to remove decisions on all felony-level crimes from the chain of command. Lawmakers also recently said there was a "massive oversight" that left sexual harassment within the chain of command and are pushing for that to change this year. But the bill passed last year was still one of the most significant overhauls of the military justice system in recent history, coming after years of Pentagon officials resisting any major reform. The Pentagon backed the bill, and lawmakers who previously opposed it came on board, amid persistently high accounts of sexual assault in the military. In the Defense Department's most recent annual report on sexual assault released in May 2021, the department said it received 7,816 reports of sexual assault in 2020, down nine cases from 2019, which was a 3% increase from 2018. It's that scrutiny and pressure over sexual assault cases in particular that may have put an Air Force general in the defendant's chair for the first time. Changes "I am 100% convinced that five years ago, [Maj. Gen. William] Cooley would have just been told to retire," Christensen said. The general's civilian lawyer, Daniel Conway, told reporters after the trial concluded that the case was "nearly resolved administratively," but that the convening authority, Air Force Materiel Command chief Gen. Arnold Bunch, was under "a tremendous amount of pressure" to bring charges. "This case, but for his rank, may very well have not gone to a court-martial," Conway said. "There's lots of different ways that people can be held accountable in our system of justice. And so this idea that there's a good old boys club, I absolutely disagree with." While the sister-in-laws personal lawyer, Ryan Guilds, pushed back on the notion that political pressure influenced the charging decision, he also told reporters that he didn't "think that this case 10 years ago would have necessarily been tried." After the conviction, Air Force officials touted how the court-martial showed they are "committed to holding all airmen accountable, regardless of rank, when their actions don't meet Air Force standards," as Bunch said in a written statement. Cooley's status as a general was not a major storyline during the trial, but it loomed over the proceedings. Prosecutors alluded to Cooley's high rank as they described him as someone with a "selfish ego" who could not handle rejection and who envisioned "a scenario in which he does what he wants and gets away with it because he's that important or that good." As they argued for his sentence to be dismissal from the military -- the commissioned officers' equivalent of a dishonorable discharge -- prosecutors also stressed that his behavior was "inconsistent with those two stars he wears on his shoulder," adding that "he doesn't get a free pass because he has 32 years of service." The sister-in-law also told the judge during the sentencing hearing that she initially felt she had to keep quiet "all to protect him and his military position above all costs." Cooley's defense team, meanwhile, downplayed his high rank as they argued the sister-in-law tried to manipulate him in adopting her version of events. "It doesn't matter whether you have two stripes or two stars, any human being can be gaslit," military defense lawyer Maj. Shea Hoxie said during closing arguments. Despite one conviction, the outcome also indicates that there's more work to do, advocates said. "From day one of basic training, rank means something," said VanLandingham, the Southwestern Law School professor. "When you're sentencing or looking to convict or not, to decide whether or not a general officer who outranks you by numerous ranks, and you've been trained, indoctrinated your entire career to look at that general officer with great deference -- you can't remove that. It's not just removed by putting on those black robes, because you only end up wearing those black robes for a couple of years." It will be years before it's clear whether the Cooley case is remembered as a true turning point in the military justice system or a footnote in history about the Air Force making an example of one general. But the victim's attorney was unambiguously triumphant in his summary of the case. "He's guilty," Guilds told reporters when asked about the split verdict. "A survivor stood up, and the general paid." -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: Air Force General Convicted in Historic Court-Martial Avoids Jail Time Good friends are hard to find. In military life, they're both hard to find and hard to keep. What's not hard is pausing on our own official Military Spouse Day to appreciate the ones we have. Like most aspects of military life, military friendships are unique, life-altering and often subject to change. It seems that once you find that one special person who shares your love for romance novels and overlooks your tendency for tardiness, her husband is give orders to move halfway around the world, leaving you back to friendship square one and wondering if you'll ever find someone to replace her. Some military friendships don't survive the separations and fizzle out. Other friends remain on your annual Christmas card list, but are otherwise lost in your list of Facebook friends. And then there are the chosen few who stick around long after they held your hand as you delivered your second baby without your husband, long after you stopped by with ice cream and tissues on day one of deployment, long after your last hug good-bye. From the military spouse you befriended simply because she was in the right place at the right time to the friend you've known and cherished through a combined dozen PCS moves, all types of military friends play an essential role in our lives. These people are what make this military life extraordinary. This year mark Military Spouses Day by remembering to love and appreciate those very special people we call our military friends. Military Spouse Day: 6 Reasons to Celebrate Military Friends 1. Military friends are mind readers. They may not have certified psychic abilities, but they do intrinsically understand what you're going through as a military spouse. As one of our readers, Crystal, said, "Bottom line: They just get it. There is no explaining things in detail, there is no need to have to call out for help, MilSpouses just know, they understand, they empathize and they will listen and try to help without being asked." 2. Military friends are on call 24/7. One of our readers, Angie, said that she is most thankful for the help her friends provide when she's in "crisis mode." "PCSing? Need a sitter? Having a baby? Call a Mil Spouse. She will be there." Even geographically-challenged friends are just a phone call or Skype session or text message away to provide support from afar. 3. Military friends are the comic relief amidst the drama. Military life isn't always funny. But it shouldn't be all drama either. Sometimes you need a hearty, cleansing belly laugh just as a reminder not to take yourself so seriously all the time. Plus, if you're looking for an emotional release, laughing is way more fun than crying. 4. The support military friends offer is unconditional. True friends see the good, the bad and the ugly. They cheer for you when you're up, they pick you up when you're down, and then they meet you in the middle to help you move forward. They don't care if you're not wearing makeup or if you've gained a few pounds or if you confide that the deployment is taking more of a toll on you than you expected. "We love each other on good days and bad days. We support each other when we hear from our husbands and when we don't," said Jennifer, another military spouse. 5. The strength of our military friends is contagious. No one can be mentally tough every minute of the day. That's why you lean on your friends to borrow some of their strength when your reserves are running low. Because military friends have a mutual understanding of the challenges this life presents, they're also aware of which muscles you need to flex to get going again. As reader Laura said, "We use our experiences to empower each other." Empower away! 6. Military friends have been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt. But they don't keep that t-shirt for themselves. They pass the t-shirt along, with all the holes, wrinkles and stains they picked up along the way. They act as mentors, wise teachers imparting their sage knowledge of military life that can only be gained through the blood, sweat and tears of experience. Military Spouse Day is the perfect time to remember what our military pals and friends who are like family mean to us. For more visit our Military Spouse Appreciation Day page. Keep Up With the Ins and Outs of Military Life For the latest military news, videos, tips on military family benefits and more, sign up for a free Military.com membership and have information delivered directly to your inbox. When it comes to paying for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, pets are left out in the cold. Thats because while the military pays to move your household goods and your human family, they dont provide any funding or help moving animals. If you want to relocate a dog, cat or anything else, its up to you to pay for it and figure out a way to make it happen. That gets complicated and expensive for any overseas move. Not only do you need to get your pet on a plane, but you have to understand and abide by local destination laws. Military families and service members often spend thousands of dollars working to get a pet to and from a new duty station a price that only goes up if the wrong flight is booked or rules are misunderstood. Thats where pet shippers like Kari Mendoza and Island Pet Movers come. Shipping pets worldwide for military families has become Karis expertise, post-Navy service. In this episode of PCS with Military.com, Kari gives the best tips and tricks for moving pets based on her years in the industry. Follow and Subscribe to the PCS with Military.com Podcast iTunes | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn Connect with this episode: Get military PCS advice in your inbox Learn more about military PCSing Learn more about Island Pet Movers Find Island Pet Movers on Facebook The following is an edited transcript of this episode of PCS with Military.com. Amy Bushatz: There are a few people out there who are the reigning experts of their field. They are the people who everyone points to for problem solving the people who know them and work with them, or simply know someone who knows them or works with them, consider them to be the be all end, all of help in a particular area of expertise. And here on PCS with Military.com, we've done our best to find those experts in various parts of PCS problem solving and bring them to you. Kari Mendoza is exactly that kind of person when it comes to relocating pets and animals, as part of a military move. A Navy veteran who grew up in an Army family, caring goes the stress of moving with the military. And as an animal lover and dog mom, she also knows how important it is to keep the whole family, including pets, together. That's why she founded the Hawaii based Island Pet Movers, which helps military families relocate their pets worldwide. Today Kari is going to share her best insider view, and tips and tricks for moving as a complete military family. Kari, welcome to PCS with Military.com. Kari Mendoz: Thank you, Amy. Thank you so much for having me. This is such an important issue that is going to never end. It will continuously go on forever. I can attest to that for being, you know, in my mid forties. And I've been moving with the military since I was three years old. And pets are always part of that move. Amy Bushatz: Yeah. So how many times have you moved with or without the military? Kari Mendoz: So I calculated this up. I just sit there on my hands and fingers. And, you know, as a military kid, I don't remember where I was, I don't remember how old I was when I was somewhere, but I remember everything based on where I was and what grade I was in. So I counted that up and it's been I've moved 21 times not counting local moves within the same city, but 21 different cities or countries that I've lived in. And I've been in Hawaii now for 13 years. This is the most cumulative time I've lived in one state, my entire life is Hawaii. Amy Bushatz: And you're in Hawaii and I'm in Alaska. So these are two very different locations. On a different episode of PCS with Military.com this season, we have me in Alaska talking to someone in, in Italy and someone else in Japan if I remember correctly. See we've, we're so international that I've lost track. So how did you get involved in pet shipping for military and civilian families? How did this become your area of expertise? Kari Mendoz: So in 2008 I used to live in the California bay area and I was a land development project manager, doing a new home construction and land development and new home construction. And with the housing market crash in 2008 I found myself on one Wednesday where it was a sunny beautiful day. And I thought that was great. And all of a sudden, I didn't have a job two days later. So, over a period of time over the next year, life completely changed. I had moved to Thailand for a little while. I loved living in the islands, but I was ready to be back in the United States. And I was back I came back to home to California and my best friend, he and I were stationed together in the Navy and his wife and I became just dear friends. I consider them brothers and sisters of mine. And he had, was in Iraq and they were getting stationed here at Schofield Barracks. And I was sitting with April one day and she was just beyond stressed about moving her dog to Hawaii. And I was just watching the stress she was dealing with. And I looked at her and I said, gosh, you know, this is, you're dealing with governments and, and you're dealing with permitting processes. And the entire time actually I was in California, which was seven years, I competed in dog sports. So I competed an international dog sport with my German Shepherds. And I had traveled with them throughout the country and internationally. And I had done some career servicing for some of our some of my competitors who were unable to take their pets to Europe back and forth. So I was familiar with pet travel. Also with moving our pets, because as a military kid, you know, we changed schools every year and you lose your friends every year, excuse me, every PCS you know, you lose your friends, you lose your schools, you lose your teachers. But the one thing that always remained consistent was our animals. And for my mom you know that was just, it was something that was never an option, when we were in an E5 back in the eighties and I can't imagine, what the income level was back then, but I'll tell you, my mom always said to my dad, like the pets will come. So, you know, we've moved back and forth to Germany with our animals when I was a kid. And so as I was watching April kind of struggle through this, and I just kind of started putting pieces together. And I said, you know, would you pay somebody to do this work for you? And she said, yeah, absolutely. As I said, well, maybe I'll join up with you guys over in Hawaii. The, I miss being in the islands when I was in Thailand, and maybe I'll put this together. So, I joined up with them. They were stationed at Schoffield. And I got here on island, I started up, I sat down and every night she would say you're in front of the computer all day. And I said, yeah, I'm building a business. And I built my website myself. I did all my permitting and everything myself for my business. I didn't even know that pet shipping was an industry until so about three months later, when I started looking for insurances and I came across the IPATA organization, and then I reached out to the IPATA organization as well. Other people actually ship animals, too. And so, um, I started, I started island pet movers, and it was definitely dedicated around helping military families, keeping their pets together because I know how difficult the struggles can be. And our, company has grown tremendously in 13 years, but the core value of what we do, hasn't changed since day one. Amy Bushatz: So you mentioned an organization IPATA, I think is the acronym. Can you tell us what that is? Kari Mendoz: So IPATA is the international pet and animal transportation association. And IPATA is a member group, organization of pet shippers worldwide. The organization doesn't necessarily, they don't dictate what each individual company does with their servicing. What they do ensure is that each member who is a member of IPATA is licensed, they're insured, they're following local jurisdictional laws, as far as handlers for animals and maintaining your your licenses within the jurisdiction of the country that you're in. It does give us a great network of other professional shippers all around the world. And not only that, like a lot of these pet shippers our colleagues and they're dear friends of mine for many years. But it's really nice that I know that I can call to a pet shipper who is in a foreign country and I have all faith in them that they are going to absolutely take care of my client's pets. So if my client says I need delivery to Kaiserslautern and in Germany, I know I can call two of my colleagues at two different companies that I have intimate knowledge of what it is that they do. I know them personally, and I know that I can tell my client that their pets are going to be in good hands. Amy Bushatz: Do they create an industry standard that families should be looking for when choosing a pet shipper? Kari Mendoz: Yes, and no, I mean, there's an industry standard that we all need to uphold in order to be a part of IPATA. And that's, as long as it falls along an ethics line um, there's also like the light animal regulations that we all have to follow and maintain our standards of shipping. Does that mean that everybody who is a member of IPATA is going to be the best of what it is that they do? I can't attest to that. I think that there are members of IPATA who are definitely specialized in certain areas of what it is that they do. And they all kind of have their each individual area for that. IPATA it does not, they do not oversee directly any particular company. They don't oversee pricing. They don't oversee schedules. IPATA members are actually not supposed to discuss pricing amongst each other because of U.S. Business relations, laws and price fixing scandals. Amy Bushatz: So what is that industry standard that people should be looking for then? Kari Mendoz: I think the biggest thing is that, when you're looking for help from a pet shipping company. And also I shouldn't reiterate, there are pet shipping companies out there that for whatever reason are not IPATA members. And that doesn't mean that they are not a good company. Some members just choose not to not to join IPATA, it could be that they may be just a small company in a small area, but they are really good at what they do, they just don't want to pay the fees and become a member. But one of the biggest things that I that I like to say to people is that if you are going to use a shipper, reach out to somebody who's in the country that you're going to be departing from. And that's because I cannot book flights for somebody who's departing out of Germany or Italy or France, I would have to go to my client, my agent, my colleague in those countries, and they would have to make the bookings for. So if the pet owner needs assistance on the arrival side, like here in the United States, absolutely, we're happy to help with that. But if they say, Hey, like I don't need those services, I'll handle clearing the customs ourselves. Then I would have them just go directly to the agent in that particular country, so they're not utilizing and paying for services of a middle man. Some of our clients really want that. They want ease. They want one bill. They just say, Hey Kari I worked with you in the past. You moved me to Germany, I just want to move with you coming home. And that's perfectly acceptable, as long as they are aware, we like to try to make it very transparent that we will be working with another shipper in that other country, and there will be additional fees for that, for the facilitation of that. That's something that, you know, that you can keep that. And again, word of mouth is it's huge. So if you're asking your neighbors and the other fellow families that are in your command of who it is that they use and what were the services that they provided and do you need all of those services? That's kind of, you know, what people should look at and comparing apples to apples when you're getting quotes from different agencies, you know, what is it that they're , including in that? What are the pieces that maybe you don't need in that? Some pet shippers will require that you have door to door service because that's their business model. But some of the clients, they don't necessarily need that. So it's always asking, do you require these services? Do you require that I use your agent, to clear customs? Everybody's going to be a bit different. Some people do it for control purposes. They do it for just keeping, you know, making sure that they're not going to have issues. You know, we know that if I use an, a particular agent in Frankfurt to handle the clearances and the home delivery, I know that there's not going to be an issue that my pet owner has to deal with. But at the same time, I also know that the majority of my pet owners who are military are looking to ship more on a budget. And so we don't require that you have to use an agent for those clearings. Those are more just a, as a benefit as an extra benefit if that's what they need. Amy Bushatz: Okay. So you mentioned budget, right? Military families move a lot or they tend to. Moving can be very expensive, even without trying to ship a pet or move the whole family together like that. There's a lot of controversy over why the military does not help pay for moving pets. If they pay for other "household goods" are they considered a household goods? Why don't they get moved as well? If they'll move your hot tub, why won't they move your dog? So I'm wondering what changes you think as someone who is an expert in this that the Defense Department needs to make, what do they need to do to make this easier on families? Kari Mendoz: I mean, I think all of us would love to see the government you know, the military decide that, pets are family members. And I mean, you have other, a lot of active duty military who don't have children. So you'll move a child, you move all the child's furniture, et cetera, et cetera. But to some people, you know, this German shepherd is their child. For whatever reason, if it's a choice or if it's a, a physiological issue. That's for the frustrations for me, it wouldn't be great for the military to recognize the psychological impact of animals and what they contribute to the military family and how that contributes to readiness of the military? I think that would be amazing. But you know, I don't get to make those decisions. I there's several things. I also feel that if, a, if an airline takes government contracts for flying military personnel, and they're willing to, you know, they've got those rates and the government is paying for military families to fly on that airline, that they should be required to take military pets regardless of weight restrictions or breed restrictions. As long as there's safety of the animal, that is the main concern. If they are taking taxpayer dollars to move our military families around the world, they should be required to move the animals as well. It's the same on the AMC, right? So this weight restriction, I get it. And unfortunately it comes back to unions and what the liability for the unions and the handling is, right? So that's where this 150 pound weight restriction comes from it's union handling. But there are other ways of facilitating these moves and particularly in a wide body aircraft. I mean, the pets can be put onto um, a pallet and then they're loaded on a different part of the aircraft. So it is an additional handling, but again, that's part of moving a family and moving the service member. You do the steps that are necessary to get them where they need to go. That's just me though. I, it makes it sound so easy to just implement these things and, there's all this bureaucratic red tape, but you know, for me, when I look at it like this, shouldn't be this hard, but it's a frustration for sure. Amy Bushatz: One of the other frustrations in a world of frustrations around this issue, right, is that people are receiving last minute orders, that there's only so many spots for pets on these AMC flights going overseas, ,those fill up really early. Anyone who's ever traveled knows that last minute travel stuff is more expensive than well-planned travel stuff, I don't care what you're doing. So, I'm wondering if you have advice for these military families who need to arrange last minute travel or prepare so they can travel with their pets on itineraries that they don't have yet. So what do they do? Kari Mendoz: So, and that's a good thing and it's always been like that, right? It's always hurry up and wait. And all of a sudden it's like, you're going to you're going to Germany and then three days later, oh no, we're going to Japan. You've been going to Germany for six months and you're all excited and that's it, sorry, you're going to Japan. There are some circumstances you'll never will be able to really plan for. But one of the big things is that you know you're going to move eventually you will move. You are a military family, and this is what you do. I mean, you might get lucky. I've seen people who were stationed here in Hawaii for 15 years. Good for them, but that's not the norm, right? So if you're consistently planning for that and, and one thing, you know, that um, people will reach out to us and then they say, I don't know when I'm moving. I don't know what, you know, what date do you want me to put on here on the contract? Our contracts are always an estimated date because we get it. So, not only am I, you know, prior military, grew up as a military brat, almost all of my employees with the exception of two are military spouses. And so we literally, we get it, like we they've all been there. We all absolutely understand this. But one thing that I think people take a bit for granted is that the ability to have the pet shipper on your side for when you do need to pivot. That if you plan to always have them in your back pocket, they can help you get through a lot of the the nuances of moving. Even if you do get on the AMC, even if you are able to fly your pet as excess baggage. But we are the logistical experts in what it is everything to do with pets. So for us, we take a deposit on our contracts and that deposit is that's for us starting our service. And that's going to give everything that we need to do to help you move. If for some reason you end up getting on the AMC, like we're clapping, we're happy for you because we're not making our money on the airfare. That's not where that's not where our time is covered. Our time has covered in our deposits. Our time is covered in the preparation that we're getting with you and with your pets and, you know, helping you to get your pet accustomed, to crates, being in the right crate. I mean, the number of clients that don't have the proper crate, and, you know, show up and they're trying to get their pets on the AMC, that's still very stressful. It's stressful when you're in Seattle and you're going to Japan and it's very limited and you missed that flight. You may not have another flight. So if you missed the flight because you don't have the proper crate. Well, now you may have to hire a professional pet shipper to get you where you need to go. So there are a lot of things that pet shippers can do that help you, even if they do not facilitate the actual flights for you. We have a lot of clients that end up taking their pets in cabin. So again, that airfare is not something that we're charging to them, but they are still paying for our expert guidance services to help them get where they're going. And I think that's something that's really important that people, they reach out to, business mentors. They reach out to finance mentors. They reach out to realtors for help when they're moving somewhere. And a lot of times people forget that pet shippers, we're here to help you along the way, not just physically get your animal on a plane and get them to their final destination. Amy Bushatz: Right. Right. And that makes total sense because I don't do any part of my military move completely on my own. When I moving my pet we own two dogs, a small one and a big one, you know, it's like the odd couple. And, and Were I try to move them overseas, this would be a huge stress for me. These dogs are part of my family and we'd want to make sure that they got over there, safely, first of all. Affordably if possible, but mostly safely. And those pieces of that process are not something that I know anything about. So then I'd be scrambling to figure it out and just on and on. If that was my household goods, not my dogs or if that was my home, I wouldn't be doing those things without some help, I'd be hiring someone or like a real estate agent for a home or a management company or something and figuring it out. So it makes perfect sense that this is a thing that you can lean on someone for help with. Kari Mendoz: You know, and the biggest thing is a lot of frustrations, I'm obviously in a lot of chat boards, and a lot of frustrations I consistently see, are I've been on hold for seven hours with this airline. And I got, I was transferred five times on this airline and this person told me this, and this person told me that. And what you get with a pet shipper is that we are the industry. People reach out to me from airlines to ask me, Kari, what is going on with this? What is the policy on this? We've helped airlines to um, write their pet policy. I've had major airlines that have reached out to me and say, Hey, what do you think about this? What is your input on this? Does that mean I've written their policy? Absolutely not. Have I had a bend of their ear? A hundred percent I have. And so when somebody says to me, you know, I see this frustration from people that, you know, that person at this company told them this, and then they, then they told me, nevermind, it's this. We already know all that. We've done it. We literally do this all day long. That's all that we do. We know when there's a change with the airline because we're airlines are industry partners of ours. So we know when changes are coming up before they're made public. And when there are certain changes that happen that the public may not even know, like all of a sudden, bulldogs have been canceled on this particular flight or you can't fly on this, we know immediately the work around. And that's what you're getting with the pet shipper is that you're getting somebody who is able to pivot when we need to pivot. And that pivot could be uh, like a couple of weeks ago we had a big flight out of Guam. And we had 27 animals that were flying from Honolulu to Dallas and the pets all landed here, we cleared customs, we got everybody potty break and we're cleaning out crates. And I get a phone call from American Airlines that says, hey snow storm in Dallas, all the flights were canceled through the weekend. This was on a Tuesday. So 27 animals were having to halt, pivot, what are we going to do? And we're on the phone and I've got, different airlines, I've got management and airlines to understand what it is that we're dealing with immediately. And I said, Hey, I need, I need help with this, can you help facilitate this? And between those connections with the management at those airlines, we got all of those pets, with the exception of three that had to stay through the weekend, moved the same night and got them back on track where it was that they were going. So that's what you're getting with the shippers. You're getting relationships, you're getting inside industry information and not all of us are here just to, like I said, we're not making money on putting your pet on a flight. Again, I can't attest to different companies, but my company itself, we really, truly want to help families keep their pets together and we're going to do whatever it possible that we can to help you do that. Even if that's saying, hey, maybe you should buy your own ticket on a commercial airliner because the military is flying you on an airline that doesn't allow animals. However, if you look at this airline, which is cheaper and you can fly as excess baggage, you're able to move your pet and you're going to pay out of pocket, but ultimately you're going to save. Those are the things that we walked through with our clients that they're getting as part of the services that they hire us for.. Amy Bushatz: Most of the discussion around shipping pets is around dogs. Sometimes around cats. But of course people have all sorts of different animals. So what type of pets are more difficult to ship than others? Or are there any pets that you recommend families do find foster homes for, rather than trying to bring them OCONUS, even though that's obviously not the preferred answer, but is there any pet that falls into that category? Kari Mendoz: So when we see, I think you see dogs mostly because of with dogs, so many breeds of dogs and so many restrictions in relation to those breeds over 30 of the most common breeds fall under the restriction for brachycephalic which is like snub nose. And so, you know, over the last six or so years that's become increasingly more and more difficult to ship. So I think that's why you see more dog issues. Right. And then mixes of those. So then it's like exponential, like the number of animals that are challenging to ship. But really when it comes down to you, so between, you know, the brachycephalic dogs and um, extremely large breeds, it's going to be the exotics. Right. So, if you've got reptiles. I mean, I know I used to have a snake. I joined the Navy and I had to find somebody to take my snake. I was sad. My mom was like, no way. But you can't bring to Hawaii, right? So there's no, there are no reptile imports to Hawaii. So the exotics really tend to have some problems, not problems, but more challenges, difficult or just not at all. You know, bird, particularly with permits and imports for dealing with endangered species type of permitting that's required, African Grays I mean, birds can live outlive their owners. That's something that, you know, you don't want to leave a bird. I mean, birds again, we've grown up with big birds. And they are extremely um, become part of your family, right? And you talk to them and they talk back to you. But they can be very challenging and very expensive. And in some countries not able to be moved absolutely at all. Amy Bushatz: And so the solution there is for family, well for military members or family members to either give them away as you did with your snake, I'm assuming you did not get your snake back? Kari Mendoz: I did not get my snake back no. Amy Bushatz: What was that? What was the snake's name? I have to know more about this. Kari Mendoz: His name was Jake. He was a he was a beautiful Burmese Python. He was gorgeous. He was a beautiful snake. Amy Bushatz: And how long do snakes typically live? I am not a snake owner, so I have very little knowledge on this. Kari Mendoz: I was I think they can live like 20 plus years, a long time. Amy Bushatz: Is it possible that Jake is still alive? Kari Mendoz: I have no idea. I mean, he might be, I'm old. I've been out of the Navy for 22 years. So, maybe! Amy Bushatz: Alright. Fair enough. I'm just -sidebar. Just curious. So for those animals, like Jake, or like, birds it's may be better to foster out or, you know, giveaway the animal versus trying to find a way to move it only to be met 'with this isn't allowed in this country at all.' Kari Mendoz: it's hard because it's like nobody wants to get to, you know, to give away at a pet. Um, one thing that people should really be considerate of is the fact that you may be able to get it there today. And this is extremely point on for bulldogs. It's, English and French bulldogs have such a bad rap in the flight industry and the airline industry that we may be able to get them somewhere today. But at the end of your tour, two or three years from now, those policies or those allowances could be completely gone. And it wouldn't be surprising to me. It's, It's hard to say that, but I, you know, if I knew I had family who could watch my bulldog if I had a bulldog and they would, you know, be in a good spot and I was going somewhere like Japan or Korea or to Guam, would, would I be more inclined to leave that animal? Like I absolutely, I would, because I would be fearful that I would get somewhere and then eventually you can't get them out of there. And that is a very real scenario. Amy Bushatz: Right. Right. And you're unlikely to be stationed in one of the places you just mentioned for years and years, they're not typically very long tours unless you make them be. There, I mean, there are ways to stay longer if that's what you want. But you know, it's not worth the risk of a dog who you could have as part of your family for 15 years, for two of those years, you're in Japan and that may not be able to bring them home again, if you get them over there, that's a, that's definitely a consideration. My dogs are not in those breed categories, but I can't even imagine the really the pain would be the only word for it, of being faced with that and having to make that decision. We've been talking about the challenges we've been talking about, the things maybe DoD could do better. What can military families do to advocate for better care and consideration of their pets in the moving process? What steps should they take? Kari Mendoz: Oh, I think what's challenging, I see from a military family standpoint is honestly the lack of knowledge of how challenging some breeds sizes can actually be. And so is that something that we, you know, we demand or we expect the military family to know, or is that something that better can go back to what the leadership can help for military families. So, you know, you were asking that a bit earlier, what can the military do to help and come down to, you know, how can military families advocate better care and consideration? Well, a lot of them don't know that there's going to be a problem with moving their pet until they're ready to move their pet. By that time they put the part of the family right? So I think some of these discussions should come back to the military leadership prior to families or individuals obtaining their pets. Because if this, if these considerations were taken before you adopt or buy or whatever it is, however you obtain that animal to your family. You're not going to have all of these stressors later when you do move, because eventually again, you will move. And so I wish I could see something for leadership that's up front with the facts around talking about pets. And that could be as early as in bootcamp and then military academies and in near tech schools. Because we talk with uh, junior, soldiers, sailors Marines one, and we talk with them about um, proper finance and certain things. Pets are always going to be an integral part of military families. And it should be something that's discussed from leadership from the very beginning of just making people aware that these scenarios are going to come up and that there should be consideration for types of animals and breeds of animals and sizes of animals. Just to let them know like, hey before you decide, you're going to get an English Mastif that could weigh 240 pounds, you may have a very difficult time moving them throughout your military career. So that's something that I think from the very beginning military families could really, pay attention ,and I can just not paying attention. It's just be aware of the fact that there are difficulties in moving some breeds and people just don't know, they don't know. They don't even know that, there are going to be costs associated with moving your pet. A lot of military young military families, they assume that it's covered. So it's not even a situation that we know they're considering when they're buying a pet, that is a large animal, when they're adopting an animal that is going to be a restricted breed. It's not a consideration because they just assume the military is going to move that for them. And that's not a fault of the military family. It's, to me, it's a fault on the leadership of, you know, just making them aware. Because again, military pets are not something that is a part of the military move, it's not considered something that is essential, but those of us who have animals that are absolutely essential to our family. So it's hard, right? It's like, where do you, where does that discussion come into play? And if we can talk about finance, if we can talk about sexually transmitted diseases in bootcamp, like we can talk about pets. Because pets are really, really important. And they're going to be important forever. Amy Bushatz: W ell-played analogy. But I mean to that end, like, I don't think that's necessarily a stretch. It's kind of funny to compare the two, but they are they're both things that are worth talking about and they are both issues. And however, to whatever extent you wish they weren't in the military, that, there are things that we need to discuss and not always are they discussed. So moving military pets you know, It can be really stressful as we've been talking about. So I'm wondering if you can just maybe leave us in this episode with three or four of your best tips for getting military pets moved with as low stress as possible. Kari Mendoz: I think, like I mentioned a bit earlier, it's definitely being prepared and if that's being prepared in the sense that you've moved your animals yourself multiple times, you know what it is that you're doing, or it's being prepared by diligently doing your research. You know, if you know you're going to be moving to Germany and you do all the work to get your pet there. Hey, you're already halfway there. Figure out what it is it's going to take to get your pet home at the same time. Or, you know, reach out to varying pet shippers who are going to handle that process. One of the biggest things though, that I think are stressors to pet owners, and this is not just military pet owners, it's all pet owners, is that we give animals too many human emotions and those human emotions that we place on our pets create stress for us. So I hear so often, oh my God, my dog is going to freak out, he hasn't been away from me for 48 hours. Or my animals never moved before, he's never been on a plane. I said, yeah, they're never going to know they're on a plane. They have no idea. Um, you know, those you were attributing these emotions to your pet, which in turn creates stress for you. And then that feeds stress to your pet. So one thing that I wish more pet owners would understand is that animals are extremely resilient. And I mean, when people tell me that, their pet is they're not friendly and they don't like people and I show them a picture of their pet that comes straight out of their crate and jumps up on my lap and they're like, huh. And I said, yeah, it's because animals, they're very resilient and particularly dogs that fall in line into this pack mentality of you know what, I don't know what's going on, but you apparently do. You know, when I pick up a pet and I'm like, let's go. And they're like okay. I may have some hesitation, but most pets are going to do just fine. There are some that do have some anxiety issues, which, you know, again, there can be some medication that is allowed for traveling for anxiety, and there can be calming devices, and calming treats and calming medication that you can do for your pets. But the majority of animals don't need that. It's the owners that need the calming, the calming aids and you know the anti-anxiety. And again, that's something when you're working with somebody professionally in the industry, we can kind of help get you through that and really try to help you ease that anxiety. And so that is something that, again, a lot of that anxiety and that stress comes from attributing, those human emotions to your pets that are unnecessary to do so. One of the biggest things that I can say is socialize your pets. And I honestly cannot reiterate that enough. The animals that we do tend to have problems with are going to be dogs that are not socialized and they're not socialized, or they don't, they're not properly trained in crate training or walking down the street and barking at dogs. So if you have a dog that's not properly socialized around other animals and they don't have to like other animals, they just have to know that you can't act like a fool around other animals. That's where we start to see problems as we'll be at a in an airline, and the dog is just acting ballistically crazy because there's another animal that's going to be on that plane and that's going to happen. You're not going to, it's rare that you'll have a plane that your animals are the only animals on that airplane. And so if an animal is acting like that, airline staff are going to be cautious, like, is this dog going to get out? Is it going to bite us? Is our one of our, one of our handlers going to get injured? Or is this animal going to break out of the crate on the aircraft and damage our aircraft, which has happened. Um, before United stop shipping animals in general, they had put a restriction on Malinois in general because they had several instances where Malinois busted out of their crate and they were, you know, rummaging around in the aircraft and caused damage to the aircraft. So, you know, having a pet that is socialized and knows how to act in front of other pets, it's really important um, when you are going to be moving. And so again, that comes back to crate training, and the importance of crate training. The number of people that come to us, they're trying to travel in three weeks time and their pets never seen a crate, that's really stressful for the owner. It's just for the pet and it can be dangerous for the pet because you could have a pet that's pawing and trying as hard as they can to get out of that crate. So if crate training from the beginning of when you get an animal is, it's not even a training, it's your crate is your home. It is your safehaven. That is something that should be integrated in any pet family. And it's not even just for military pets. I mean, people that have their pets crate trained, you may live in the same place in Southern California your whole life, but all of a sudden wildfires are coming through and you're displaced and your pets gotta be taken with you. If your pet is crate trained and you're able to load them up. And now all of a sudden you're in a shelter or you're somewhere that you need to be evacuated or on a military move, you know, right away. You don't have to worry about your animal being as stressed in that situation, because they know that when they're in their crate, they're in a safe spot and that the whole world can be crazy, but when I'm here in my confined area, like I'm safe and everything is, everything's going to be ok. Amy Bushatz: I think it's really interesting what you're saying about assigning human emotions to animals. Because usually when people say don't do that, you think, oh, you don't know dogs, but you do know dogs, you know animals. So for somebody like yourself who has made this, not just their business, but their passion, and owns the animals and loves animals to say there's a difference between what I'm feeling when I'm feeling stressed and when my animals feeling stress and when I'm assigning my stress to my animal that's really saying something I think and so, I mean, I'm definitely guilty of that. We all assign how we're feeling to, to our animals. And that's why we love them so much in a lot of ways, because we feel like they understand us. And part of that is assigning them human emotions. Kari Mendoz: Well, they, you know, and the thing is they give us that unconditional love that you can't get from a person. And so, you know, people feel that and they're just like, oh my God, my dog absolutely loves me, and my dog is going to be super stressed out. But you know, I have a German shepherd who loves anybody, especially if you have a ball, and it's like annoying sometimes how much she loves anybody. And it's how it is with a lot of animals. I mean, a lot. I think cats probably have the most difficult time in transition and and traveling, and that's just because that's the nature of cats and not all cats. I have some cats are like extremely social. They walk right up to the front of the crate and they're like meow meow moew, and they say hi. But dogs in general, they do, they just do really well. It may take them a couple of days to get, you know, their bearings about them if they're not with their owners. But I think people are honestly extremely surprised. The majority of my clients are very surprised at how easily their pets jump up in our vans when we show up at their house. How easily the pets come right out of the kennels when we pick them up at the quarantine facility. There, we hear it often like, wow, they're just ready to leave me huh? And it's they just, they're just like, let's go, Amy Bushatz: And it's probably because you have treats and you smell like other animals. Kari Mendoz: We do this every day. And again, that's, that is one thing about using a pet ship or wherever it is in the world, we don't have that stress. Like we're not feeling stress. We don't allow our clients to come to the airport with us here in Hawaii. And that's because you're nervous and you're stressed. And I don't want your pet to feel that when I'm at the airport with your pet, they're not, I'm not stressed. Your pet might be, but the fact that I'm not definitely helps to calm them down. And so, you know that when I, again, pack mentality of an animal and authoritative figures to them, it's like, Hey, let's go. And they might look at their mom and they might look and be like, okay, you said, let's go. And the majority of them are ready to go and ready to load up and we're on our way. Amy Bushatz: Yeah. Yeah. Kari, thank you so much for your advice today. And for helping us understand this wide world of pet shipping and things that people need to think about as they're getting ready for their own PCS is with their entire family. We really value your time. Kari Mendoz: Thank you so much, Amy, for having me. It's been it's been fun and this is a, it's a passion. It's been my life for the last 13 years um, as a business, but it's been my life since I was three years old, so a really long time. And I enjoy talking with people about it and spreading the word and just sharing that, you know, pet shipping, it's safe. It really is safe and it's much needed. And not only is it safe, but it's needed and pets are, their family. Answers Frontrunner Vaccine Will Affact the Price of Sodium trimetaphosphate ((NaPO3)3)-Powder - Market Trend CEO of Pfizer partner BioNTech says coming winter will be hard but by April, 300 million immunization units should be ready, which will have an impact on the global pandemic. 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. 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Inquery us Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur, known professionally as Kwesi Arthur has assured Ghanaians of first Grammy award with the release of his latest 15-track album, 'Son of Jacob.' In an exclusive interview with Candyman on ABN's Cape Coast based Darling FM, the "grind day" croner stated that, the 'Son of Jacob' album is his best project so far in his career and nothing stops it from winning Ghana's first Grammy. "It has taken me about two to three years to put these beautiful songs together and there's a story behind each piece. The 15 songs have come into being as a result of what I have been through in life. It's a Ghetto Gospel," he stated. "Celebrate", "Baajo" "Winning", "Disturb", "Paper" and "Adom" are already making waves across the country. Ghanaian actor Majid Michel has advised Ghanaians to run to God and submit to his commandments in the Bible. In an interview on TV3s morning show, New Day, the actor turned evangelist mentioned that he was once an atheist who never blessed in God. But according to him, he found God recently and has bonded with Him. "There is one thing I want to know, there is God. If you are an atheist and you are out there, I used to be in a place like that. But there is a God. Not just a god, but theres a God who has a will. Find him and have a relationship, he said. He noted that the easiest way to build a bond with God is by seeing Him as a lover you are in a romantic relationship with. Start a relationship the same way you will start a relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend. Its the same way. Start talking to Him and start being aware of the fact that Hes with you, he indicated. The actor added that one gets to experience the presence of God when they pray and call on Him. God is close to you. He never went anywhere. You are the one that left. So come back, start talking to him, and he has a will for you. Always remember, and dont forget that, he added. From 11 to 15 April 2022, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop in Libreville (Gabon) on the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). This workshop, which was attended by 20 officials from Gabon Customs, took place at the offices of the Gabonese General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI). Its organization was made possible by the financial support from the Japanese Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Japan). This fiveday workshop was part of the implementation of the WCO IPR Strategy (Version 2020), which was approved by the Enforcement Committee (EC) at its 41st Session. Its aim is to examine the national legal framework of the country concerned and determine how best to make it compatible with an effective policy on combating IPR infringements committed at borders, backing up this policy with a suitable risk management strategy and ensuring that cooperation is stepped up with the private sector and the other public bodies responsible for dealing with IPR violations. The workshop also provided a framework that fostered fruitful exchanges of views, which will help to further strengthen cooperation between the WCO and Gabon Customs in combating trade in substandard and counterfeit vaccines, medicines and medical supplies and equipment in relation to the COVID19 pandemic. The national workshop was opened by Mr. Satoru Hamaguchi, Director of the International Technical Cooperation Division of Japans Customs and Tariffs Bureau. In his opening address, the Director referred to the importance attached by his country to the capacity building activities organized and delivered by the WCO, particularly in the area of IPR protection, and he made a point of congratulating the Gabon Customs Administration for its commitment to the assiduous implementation of the Resolution of the Customs Cooperation Council on the Role of Customs in Facilitating the Cross-Border Movement of Situationally Critical Medicines and Vaccines. In the absence of the Director General of Gabon Customs, Mrs. Scholastique Rufine Leoumbou, Inspector of DGDDI Services, attended the workshop and gave an address, in the course of which she expressed the gratitude and appreciation of her Administration to the WCO Secretariat and the Japan Customs Administration for organizing this highly important event. She took the opportunity to stress how imperative it was to work with the private sector and the other control agencies and authorities involved at the border, so as to be able to combat counterfeiting and piracy even more effectively. The second day of the training workshop was centred on the applicable techniques that the holders of intellectual property rights can use in order to detect cases of IPR infringement. It was also given over to a session of exchanges of views with other authorities that are stakeholders in the area of IPR protection, namely the management of the Medicines Agency, the Gabonese Copyright Office (BUGADA), the Gabonese Industrial Property Office (OGAPI) and the Gabonese Standardization Agency (AGANOR), with a view to developing a national strategy to combat counterfeiting and piracy. The participants also had the opportunity to visit the port of Libreville in order to carry out practical exercises on container targeting, allowing them to reinforce the theoretical concepts on risk assessment they had learned about by using the appropriate WCO tools and instruments, such as the IPR Training Handbook. The workshop was run by an expert from the WCO Secretariat specializing in IPR matters, supported in this task by two Technical and Operational Advisers (TOAs) preaccredited in this area, who had gained their preaccreditation at a seminar held in Lome (Togo) from 24 to 28 January 2022. For more information about IPR activities, please contact: IPRteam@wcoomd.org. Amnesty International on Wednesday accused a powerful government-backed Libyan armed group of abuses against migrants and Tripoli residents. In a statement, it accused the Stability Support Authority (SSA) of "unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, interception and subsequent arbitrary detention of migrants and refugees, torture, forced labour, and other shocking human rights violations". Amnesty said the group had been emboldened by a climate of "entrenched impunity". The SSA, created under a decree by former prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj in January last year, is led by Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, one of the most powerful men in the North African country's capital. Amnesty said al-Kikli, known as "Gheniwa", had been appointed despite a "well-documented history of crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations committed by militias under his command". Libya plunged into violent lawlessness in 2011 with the NATO-backed revolt that toppled longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Armed groups have vied for control of territory as a string of interim governments have come and gone. Many such groups have been integrated into the state, partly in order to access a share of the country's vast oil wealth, and rights organisations have often accused them of abuses. Since March the country has again found itself with two rival governments. Amnesty said it had written to Libyan authorities last month to demand that al-Kikli and his former deputy Lotfi al-Harari be removed from "positions that would allow them to commit further violations, interfere in investigations or grant them immunity". It said it had not received any response. Harari now heads the Tripoli-based Internal Security Agency, another militia Amnesty accused of "crimes and human rights violations". "Legitimizing abusive militia leaders and putting them on state payroll with no questions asked only empowers them to continue trampling on the rights of more people with complete impunity," said Amnesty's regional director Diana Eltahawy. Last month Amnesty said armed groups affiliated with eastern Libya strongman Khalifa Haftar were detaining at least nine "peaceful protesters," reflecting how rights have been "brutally crushed" in areas under the control of Haftar-affiliated forces. United Nations investigators said in March that serious rights violations including possible crimes against humanity were continuing with impunity across much of Libya, blocking the country's transition to peace and democracy. Ten Burundian peacekeepers were killed in Tuesday's attack by Al-Shabaab jihadists on an African Union (AU) base in Somalia, Burundi's army said Wednesday. Twenty-five soldiers were injured and five are missing while 20 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, it said in a statement. It was the first attack on a peacekeeping base since the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) replaced the previous AMISOM force on April 1. AU forces sent in helicopter gunships after the pre-dawn attack on a camp housing Burundian troops near Ceel Baraf, a village some 160 kilometres (100 miles) northeast of the capital Mogadishu, military officials and witnesses said. A local military commander, Mohamed Ali, told AFP on Tuesday that the assault began with a car bombing before a furious firefight broke out. Two Burundian military sources told AFP that 45 peacekeepers were reported as dead or missing, with 25 others injured. "The provisional toll is 45 soldiers killed or missing, including a battalion commander colonel," a Burundian military source told AFP on condition of anonymity, while a second source backed up the figures. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had taken control of the camp and that 173 soldiers had been killed. The Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist militants have been waging a deadly insurgency against Somalia's fragile central government for more than a decade. Somalia's government condemned the "heinous" attack and appealed to the international community to do more to support Somali forces and ATMIS "in effectively combatting terrorism". The bloodshed highlights the security woes in the troubled Horn of Africa country, which is also embroiled in a deep political crisis over delayed elections and faces the threat of famine. Al-Shabaab fighters controlled Mogadishu until 2011 when they were driven out by AU troops. But they still hold territory in the countryside and frequently attack civilian, military and government targets in Mogadishu and elsewhere. 04.05.2022 LISTEN Ecobank Commercial Banking, part of the Pan-African banking Group Ecobank, has launched its Ellevate Leadership Training Programme in partnership with the Global Business School Network (GBSN). The Ellevate Leadership Training Programme forms part of Ellevate Equip, the brand name for all capability and training support initiatives for Ellevate by Ecobank, the banks gender financing programme. This Leadership Training programme is being delivered to an initial cohort of 40 top tier Ellevate customers from 10 African countries: Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Group Executive, Commercial Banking, Ecobank, said: Ecobank launched Ellevate to serve and nurture the success of women-owned and women-led businesses by providing them with a comprehensive suite of financial and non-financial solutions. It aims to help them reach their full potential and increase their commercial and economic impact. Ellevate Equip is a natural extension of these aims and has been designed by the Ecobank Academy to empower African women leaders by providing them with the right tools and skill sets to lead themselves, their businesses and support their communities effectively. This is a unique training programme designed and delivered by the Ecobank Academy in partnership with the Global Business School Network and supported by its members, School of Business, INSEAD Africa Initiative and INSEAD Emerging Markets Institute (EMI), Lagos Business School, MIT Sloan Global Programs, Stanford Seed, and the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. Speaking at the launch, Dan LeClair, Chief Executive Officer, Global Business School Network said: The Global Business School Network is excited to partner with Ecobank Academy in alignment with our mission to improve access to quality, locally-relevant management and entrepreneurship education for the developing world. We are especially excited through our diverse membership to bring so many world-leading academics together to present this Leadership program. As a network we see this as a mutual learning experience where we encourage the cohort to take full advantage of the teaching expertise, but also confident that the faculty will look to absorb just as much about the local contexts within which these women leaders operate. The selected business leaders will learn how to: Identify and work on key leadership challenges. Master leadership perspectives - reframe challenges with a growth mindset Think strategically to advance individual and corporate objectives Build resilience - effectively manage stress, uncertainty, and setbacks. Leverage on action learning to identify new business opportunities and improve other areas for business growth. Gain a complete view of themselves as leaders. Effectively lead high performance teams. Graduating participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Ecobank Group and GBSN. Ellevate by Ecobank is a multi-award-winning solution designed for businesses owned by women, managed by women, businesses with a high percentage of female board members or employees and companies that manufacture products for women. Ellevate customers benefit from smarter cash management solutions, favorable lending rates and value-added services such as leadership training and networking opportunities designed to bridge the financing gap and scale their businesses. Labour unions especially those with membership from public institutions must join forces with the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to demand for the neutrality allowance as they also benefit from its implementation, Mr Abraham Koomson, Secretary-General Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has stated. Mr Koomson, therefore, urged CLOGSAG and other public institutions to educate the general public on the importance of the neutrality allowance, stressing CLOGSAG must sensitize the public on why its members deserved to receive the allowance and its importance to the successful running of the government. CLOGSAG on April 21, 2022, declared an indefinite strike to press home their demand for the government to pay the neutrality allowance as agreed in January this year. Some persons and labour unions have criticized the action by CLOGSAG and the justification for asking to be paid neutrality allowance for their inability to partake in partisan politics as civil and local government staff. However, Mr Koomson speaking to the media in Tema monitored by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) noted CLOGSAG has to let the public understand that the controversial neutrality allowance has nothing to do with the political affiliation of any civil servant. Because by the terms of employment, civil servants are debarred from showing political biases on the job. He explained that the tag of the allowance as neutrality was a wrong description adopted by the government to provoke public condemnation of it. He said raising issues against the neutrality allowance by the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), and Public Service Workers Union (PSWU) was wrong, as that would affect negotiations between CLOGSAG and the government on the issue. It was not proper for workers organizations like TUC and PSWU to publicly complain about benefits to be enjoyed by counterparts to undermine the ongoing negotiations between CLOGSAG and the government, he stated. The GFL Secretary-General indicated that strategically, the best approach was for the TUC, and PSWU to have waited for the implementation of the allowance for CLOGSAG members, and then other public sector workers could legitimately demand an extension of the allowance to cover their departments and sectors. Nii Shipi Amarh, Shipii for the Tema Traditional Council says Traditional Council was ready to partner with other stakeholders to ensure that the entire Tema communities were kept clean for a healthy environment. He said the traditional council is in support of the Operation Clean Your Frontage Campaign initiated by the Greater Accra Regional Coordination Council. Nii Shipi Amarh told newsmen during a clean-up exercise organized by the Tema Youth Association in collaboration with the Tema Landing Beach Committee and other stakeholders at the Tema Canoe Basin at the main fishing harbor and monitored by the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult). Representatives from the Traditional Council, fishmongers, political activists, and security services among other stakeholders participated in the clean-up exercise which was to create intensive awareness of the need for the traders at the Tema Canoe Basin to clean up the basin daily. The Tema Shipii added that consumers thronged the canoe basin to purchase fish for both domestic and commercial consumption stressing that the hub needed to be kept clean at all times. Nii Ajietey Mator III chief fisherman of Awudum in Tema Newtown expressed gratitude to the organizers of the clean-up exercise. Nii Mator III appealed to the government through the fishery ministry to develop the landing beaches to woo investors into the country. He added that stringent measures should be deployed to protect the landing beaches and ward off people who dumped refuse indiscriminately in the area and prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent to others. The Reverend Enock Laryea, President of Tema Youth Association noted that the various landing beaches within the Tema Newtown area were overwhelmed with filth hence the need to clean the entire enclave. He said the Association was ready to trace the pathways of how waste materials got into the sea and other water bodies adding that the association could win the fight against indiscriminate dumping of the refuse if residents would adhere to the sanitation by-laws. Rev. Laryea again hinted that Operation Clean Your Frontage included protecting the landing beaches and other water bodies in the various communities from filth and other waste materials that could affect aquatic lives. A total number of one hundred and forty two fire related emergencies were recorded in 2021, out of this 71 domestic fires were recorded, while six industrial and 30 commercial fires were also recorded. The Region again recorded four institutional and 17 vehicular accidents. 12 people sustained various degrees of injuries while two deaths were also recorded. The total number of accidents recorded in 2021 were 35 with 170 people sustaining various degrees of injuries and 20 deaths. Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Mr George Anim-Frimpong Bono East Regional Fire Commander disclosed this during the international fire fighters day in Techiman, the regional capital to remember the falling heroes. Mr Anim-Frimpong stated that the Day is set aside to remember fire fighters such as Saint Florian, the first fire commander during the Roman Era who died on 4th of May in line of duty. The Day was under the theme: Valuing the collective Sacrifice of the Fire Fighter. Mr Anim-Frimpong noted that statistics from the first quarter of 2022 revealed that 57 fire related cases with 37 domestic fires were recorded, 4 industrial, 7 commercial, 5 institutional and 4 vehicular accidents were also recorded within the year, two people sustained fire related injuries. Mr Anim- Frimpong mentioned that the role of the fire fighter in todays society is one of the dedicated, commitment and sacrifice. No matter which country we reside or work , no matter what country we come from, no matter what uniform we wear or what language we speak, in the fire services, we fight the common enemy," he stressed. He underscored the need for fire fighters to behave professional as they were the most courageous and fearless people who dedicate their lives for the protection of other lives and property. They are tasked with running towards the dengers instead of away from it to rescue people from burning buildings and vehicles as well as fighting fires, he added. Mr Anim-Frimpong urged the personel of the service to work hard selflessly in order to achieve their aim as mandated by law. Mr Kwesi Adu Gyan, Bono East Regional Minister noted that personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service are not only prompt and highly skilled in providing assistance to fire and rescue emergencies but also play a leading role in ensuring public safety by educating schools, market women and other institutions on the ways to prevent fire and safety hazards. Mr Gyan explained that the responsibilities of a fire fighter often entails considerable personal risk and sacrifice in addition to enduring long and unpredictable hours whilst discharging duties. "This burden is shared in worry and waiting by their love ones who must cope with the situation indeed the need to commend fire fighters in their line of duty is paramount." He expressed worry over lost of lives of both personnel and the citizenry in fire. He noted that government would continue to improve the service conditions to motivate more fire fighters do their best to protect lives and properties. The Minister later laid a Plaque on behalf of the state and the fallen heroes. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again stopped short of condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Modi has been striking a balance between Europe and Russia, which supplies it with a large part of its arms and energy. "France and India expressed their deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," Modi and Macron said in a joint statement after they met in Paris for talks over dinner Wednesday evening. They called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" so that Russia and Ukraine can "come together to promote dialogue and diplomacy, and to put an immediate end to the suffering of the people." Only France condemned "Russian forces' illegal and unjustified aggression against Ukraine". India, which imports much of its military hardware from Russia and has significantly increased imports of Russian oil since March, has been walking a diplomatic tightrope between the West and Moscow. India has refused to denounce Russia or vote against it at the United Nations over its invasion of Ukraine. India between Europe and Russia Ahead of his meeting with Modi, Macron's office had said he would focus on the consequences of the war, beyond Europe, including Europe. France wants to "help the Indians diversify their supply" away from Russian arms and energy, officials said. In a media briefing on Sunday before Modi started a European tour, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said European countries "not only understand but also have deep appreciation" of India's position on the conflict. Some 50 Indian food, ceramics and chemicals exporters will go to Russia later this month to explore huge potential available for Indian products created by sanctions imposed on Russia, the Trade Promotion Council of India told the Times of India. Modi invited Macron to visit India again he has visited three times since he was first elected in 2017 - to deepen cooperation on defence technology and clean energy projects. Franco-Indian relations France is keen to keep close ties with India, after Britain, the United States and Australia last year signed their AUKUS security pact, which involved Australia breaking off a lucrative French submarine contract. India has bought dozens of French Rafale fighter jets and six submarines, and cooperates with Paris on civil nuclear projects. French state-owned energy giant EDF wants to build six next-generation EPR reactors in Jaitapur on India's west coast. (with AFP) The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) wants a more concerted approach in tackling Ghanas poor position on the global press freedom ranking. President of the GJA Roland Affail Monney, believes blaming only a section of stakeholders in the media space will not inure to discussions of Ghanas press freedom credentials. I think when we were adjudged the best in Africa, all of us received the credit. So I think collectively we should work towards addressing the issues raised in the report. We will be hesitant to point accusing fingers at one institution alone, he said on Eyewitness News. Ghana has been ranked 60th in the world on the press freedom ranking released by the Reporters Without Borders, from an initial 30th position. Ghana has also recorded its worst ranking on the African continent this year, moving from 3rd to 10th in Africa. This is Ghana's lowest-ever ranking in almost two decades after it ranked 66th and 67th in 2005 and 2002, respectively. The latest report is out of 180 countries assessed, with Ghana recording a decline in its indicative points from 78.67 percent to 67.43 compared to last year. But while blaming security agencies for failing to protect the lives of media practitioners in the country, Affail Monney, said government and journalists should also support in changing the negative narrative. I believe that we know the high-handedness of the security agencies n arresting some journalists. The media must push against these infractions. It doesn't take the government alone., he added. Wereko Brobby blames Nana Addo for Ghana's poor record Meanwhile, a pioneer of private media in Ghana, Charles Wereko Brobby, has accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of being complicit in the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country. Reacting to the ratings in an interview with Citi News, Dr. Wereko Brobby, who founded the first private radio station in Ghana, said the President has superintended over actions that have led to censorship. The issue is, you can say what you think you believe and do, but the reality is what all the ratings by reputable international organizations are saying about Ghana no, which is disappointing. All the people who abuse the law in terms of the media are under the President of Ghana. The National Security Service, the police, the army, all those agencies are under the President. citinewsroom 05.05.2022 LISTEN The Executive Director of the Community Focus Foundation, Ghana (CFF-Ghana), Richard Kasu has asked government to fix the economic mess if it truly wants to hold on to power at the end of the 2024 general elections. In a statement, the CFF-Ghana boss notes that although citizens have gone through some difficulties under all regimes, the hardship being witnessed today is as harsh as something else. He notes that life has become so tough, super difficult, regrettably, to the extent that there's no hope in sight. According to Richard Kasu, government must as a matter of urgency turn things around if it desires to 'break the eight.' Government must stop using COVID-19 to justify the hardship in Ghana; they must fix the economic mess or say goodbye to power in 2024, part of the statement from the CFF-Ghana Director reads. He adds, Under the circumstances, one will expect government to show leadership to right the mess for sustained economic recovery rather than the COVID-19 justification and the blame game. As rightly admitted publicly by some leading figures of the NPP including the likes of Nana Akomea that the government is becoming more unpopular, I dare say if NPP blatantly refuse to heed wise counsel by the voices of discern in fixing the economic mess caused by the ruling NPP through wanton corruption and gross mismanagement of the economy, they risk going back into opposition in 2024. Read the full statement from Richard Kasu below: KASU of CFF-GHANA writes: Government must stop using COVID-19 to justify the hardship in Ghana; they must fix the economic mess or say goodbye to power in 2024. The excruciating economic hardship in Ghana occasioned by mismanagement by Nana Addo led NPP government must be a concern to all well-meaning Ghanaians. In fact, one will say the NPP's economic policy direction as contained in the party's 2016 and 2020 manifesto offered some hope hence the electoral victories but, it is troubling to note that our economic woes has sadly worsened under the current regime. What has happened to the solid economic team Dr. Bawumia used to call it? Does it mean members of the said solid team have all gone to sleep at the expense of the job at stake? Truth be told, citizens have gone through some sort of difficulties under all regimes but the hardship being witnessed today is as harsh as something else. Life has become so tough and super difficult. Regrettably, there's no hope in sight. Under the circumstances, one will expect government to show leadership to right the mess for sustained economic recovery rather than the COVID-19 justification and the blame game. As rightly admitted publicly by some leading figures of the NPP including the likes of Nana Akomea that the government is becoming more unpopular, I dare say if NPP blatantly refuse to heed wise counsel by the voices of discern in fixing the economic mess caused by the ruling NPP through wanton corruption and gross mismanagement of the economy, they risk going back into opposition in 2024. Yes! The fact is disillusioned and hungry Ghanaians cannot help NPP to break the 8. End. KASU. 05/05/2022 The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been honoured with the Africa Peace Award. The award presented by the Young Democrat Union of Africa (YDUA) is for his contributions to the growth and sustenance of peace and freedoms not just in Ghana but in the West African sub-region and Africa as a whole. According to the YDUA, the decision to honour H.E Akufo-Addo is based on his service to rule of law, press freedom and peace. Our decision to honour the works of this very astute man for his decades of service to rule of law, democracy, press freedom and peace is not only admirable but presents great lessons to many In recent times, his work to restore peace in the Dagbon Kingdom of Ghana after almost two decades of Kingship related conflict has been celebrated by many, both in Ghana and on the international scene, part of a citation accompanying the award reads. It adds, In all, his effort to ensure that Ghana is enjoying peace and stability is enviable and his steps towards averting the urge for undemocratic regime change in West Africa as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, we believe is worth commending considering the prospects. The Africa Peace award was received on behalf of the President by his Vice, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at a short event at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit A 15-year-old school girl has been arrested by the Police in Assin Fosu for allegedly faking her kidnapping and demanding a ransom from her father. The JHS 3 was sent to buy a call credit for her father on April 29, 2022, around 7 pm but failed to return home. After becoming concerned about the whereabouts of her daughter, the father filed a complaint at the Police Station. He reported that he had received a text message indicating her daughter has been kidnapped and for her to be released a ransom of GHS20,000 must be paid to a prescribed MoMo account. After an investigation conducted by Detective Inspector Bright Okyere, it was uncovered that the school girl was behind the alleged kidnapping. The Police report that the detectives assigned to the case worked hard and after liaising with the network provider (AirtelTigo), they managed to get her location to arrest her. The teenager after interrogation confessed she schemed the act and executed it only to get the money from her father. Although the suspect is a minor, the Police are preparing to arraign her before court due to the seriousness of her offense. The public especially young people are advised to desist from such acts or face the full force of the law when arrested. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has said its documentary dubbed: Ghanas free speech crackdown was a robust piece of reporting and are, therefore, confident that it is an impartial piece of journalism. The BBCs response was solicited by Accra-based Class91.3FM producer/journalist Nii Marmah Boye after veteran journalist Elizabeth Ohenes critique of her former employers documentary. The BBC documentary portrayed Ghanas free speech atmosphere as being under attack. In the documentary, the BBC, interviewed Kwabena Bobie Ansah of Accra-based Accra100.5FM, who was arrested for the publication of false news after he alleged on his radio show that the First Lady had acquired a state property land for the construction of an office for her foundation. The BBC also interviewed Mr Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a social media activist who threatened a coup through a Facebook post and was picked up by the security officers at the airport. He has been charged with treason felony and currently on bail. The third person interviewed was Latif Iddriss, a journalist with The Multimedia Group, who was arrested at the police headquarters while covering a story and manhandled by state the security men. In her critique of the documentary, Elizabeth Ohene wondered why the BBC started a programme that purports to be about Ghana's free speech being under attack with Kwabena Bobie Ansah, whose claim to fame, in her view, seems to be how scurrilous he can be about his opponents, who makes no attempt to be factual and who uses the obscenest language to describe Ghana's First Lady at every opportunity. She asked if the editors of the documentary determined that Mr Ansah was a journalist doing a professional job and was being muzzled and attacked. On Mr Barker-Vormawors case, Ms Ohene said: I perfectly understand that for the BBC, someone who is a PhD student in Cambridge is in a rarefied stratosphere and cannot and should not be challenged by the authorities of a Third World country. Did the editors of the programme take into consideration in making a judgement about Mr Barker-Vormawor that he had worked in the office of the two preceding Presidents who are in opposition to the current government? On Mr Latif Idriss case, Ms Ohene argued that it is more of a police misconduct than the government trying to clamp down on free speech and wondered why the government that has been fighting illegal mining would target and attack Mr Idriss, who has been helping the governments illegal mining fight with his reportage over the years. According to Ms Ohene, although the BBC said it reached out to the government for comments and had not been offered any, her own enquiries discovered that neither the Minister of Information nor the Director of Communications at the Office of the President had been contacted by anyone to comment on the story by the producers of the BBC programme. She added that the National Media Commission, constitutionally mandated to deal with issues of press freedom and the protection of journalists, was also not contacted for comments by the BBC. Although the BBC had comments from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Ms Ohene noted: Unfortunately, they (MFWA) are no longer, in my estimation, in a position to offer unbiased opinions on this government. Responding to Ms Ohenes critique, a BBC spokesperson, Ekene Oboko, in an email to Class News Nii Marmah Boye, said: The focus of the BBC Trending programme 'Ghanas free speech crackdown' was to examine how state authorities have responded to journalists, broadcasters, and social media influencers whove been critical of the Ghanaian government. We have been robust in our reporting of the story and our right of reply process, and are confident that this is an impartial piece of journalism. Classfmonline.com For nine years, France was Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, French forces are pulling out after a breakdown with the country's military junta, which this week renounced Mali's core military agreements with France. What has happened? Downward spiral France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north. But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full-throated insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Bubacar Keita was unable to brake. In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels -- a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021. From then on, relations with France went steadily downhill, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it. A sign reading 'Death to France and its allies' at a rally in Bamako in January, sparked by regional sanctions against the junta-led country. By FLORENT VERGNES AFP The bustup accelerated in 2021 as the junta wove closer ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemned as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group. In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month, France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force. Mali ditches accords In the latest twist, the Malian government on Monday formally renounced three agreements that provide the legal foundation for French and French-led military activities in Mali. They are: - The Status of Forces Agreement, a 2013 accord that set down the terms of reference for France's Serval (later Barkhane) forces stationed in Mali. The agreement determines, among other things, the freedom of movement of French forces and who has jurisdiction in the event of problems. - A bilateral defence treaty, signed in 2014 - A 2020 protocol to the 2013 Status of Forces Agreement that applies to Takuba -- a coalition of European special forces that France hoped would take over some of the burden-sharing in Mali. Why did Mali quit? Mali accuses France of acting unilaterally and of being deaf to its requests to amend the accords -- the result of which, it says, is "blatant violation" of its national sovereignty. Mali. By AFP It says, for example, that French aircraft have violated Malian airspace around 50 times in previous weeks, ignoring a huge air exclusion zone that it has declared. France denies this. There has also been another episode that has inflamed the situation. Last month, the French army shared a drone video that it said showed Russian mercenaries burying bodies near a base at Gossi, a day after the French military handed the facility back to Mali. The point of the bodies, France said, was to falsely accuse its departing troops of war crimes. Mali reacted furiously, accusing the French army of "spying" and "subversion." What are the consequences? France has 2,400 troops and several bases in Mali, and safely unwinding this operation is a dangerous, months-long task. On Tuesday, the political temperature rose further when Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said there was no longer a "legal basis for France to operate on Malian soil." He said France could continue to work on the pullout, but "anything which takes place on the territory of a sovereign state should be discussed and agreed with the state which is in place." Fire power: French air support has been a key factor in anti-jihadist operations in Mali. By Thomas COEX AFP Niagale Bagayoko, head of the African Security Sector Network (ASSN) think tank, is among those who fear the danger from heightened suspicion or misunderstandings -- the risk of a "blunder" that puts French and Malian forces in confrontation. A further unknown is the impact for the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali, which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world. The UN mandate for MINUSMA authorises French forces to support the mission "when (it is) under imminent and serious threat." If that support has to end because the agreements governing French forces are no long valid, "that will obviously lead to consequences," MINUSMA spokesman Olivier Salgado told AFP, adding however that the mission would be able to adapt. Attorney General Godfred Dame has described as an embarrassing spectacle, the performance of Mr Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the lawyer for the Minority MPs who filed an application that sought to secure an interlocutory injunction on the 1 May 2022 date for the start of the implementation of the e-levy. The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, threw out the Minoritys suit on Wednesday, 4 May 2022. The plaintiffs were Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga. The Supreme Court, in its ruling, however, ordered the Ghana Revenue Authority to keep accurate records of all e-levy deductions to enable a refund to payees if it is later determined that the law was passed unconstitutionally. The court, composed of Nene Amegatcher as President, Her Ladyship Mariama Owusu, His Lordship Professor Ashie Kotey, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, Her Ladyship Lovelace Johnson, His Lordship Emmanuel Yony Kulendi and Her Ladyship Professor Henrietta Mensah Bonsu, said the Republic would suffer a great deal if the government is temporarily stopped from deducting the levy from electronic transactions. The plaintiffs had filed an earlier suit at the apex court challenging the passage of the e-levy bill by a one-sided parliament. They claim the number of legislators in the chamber when the bill was passed did not form a quorum as declared by the Supreme Court. The opposition MPs want the Supreme Court to set aside the passage of the e-levy bill by the Majority Caucus present in the chamber of parliament on 29 March 2022 as unconstitutional, null and void. They wanted the court to stop the commencement of the levy until the final determination of the first case. Speaking to the media after the court ruling, Mr Dame told the media: You saw what happened in court today: It was an embarrassing spectacle. The lawyer clearly was not able to demonstrate any form of irregularities with proceedings in Parliament, he explained, illustrating: The court asked him [Edudzi Tameklo]: So, is there any record that indicates that X number of MPs walked out at a certain stage? He obviously said no. There was no evidence indicating whether there was a headcount of a number of MPs present in parliament who voted to support the bill, the Minister of Justice said. There was also nothing indicated by the lawyer, which suggests there was a walkout of X number of MPs, so, I think we should ignore all that propaganda, he said. Mr Dame added: You do not go to court with speculation and conjecture; you go to court on firm evidence, insisting: The applicants were unable to demonstrate any form of irregularity. He welcomed the ruling, saying: Im fully satisfied with the courts ruling. Im content with the outcome and Im happy that the observation that we made about the application has been affirmed by the court. It is very important to note that the court made a finding that: really, nothing irregular has been demonstrated by the applicant and so far as the proceedings in parliament in question were concerned, everything seemed regular and we have demonstrated the same from the processes that we had filed. Meanwhile, South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has jumped to Mr Tameklos defence and tackled the Attorney General on his comments. You could make your legal argument, you could say that your argument, as canvassed in opposition to the application prevail, that is what we say to lawyers. But dont tell the general public that his performance today was embarrassing, he said. In his view, as a practising lawyer who has also practised before in the Supreme Court on several occasions, I think Edudzi distinguished himself. Edudzi was answering about four questions at the time from the judges. The judges didnt hound the AG in that manner. At a point, four judges were asking Edudzi four different questions at the same time. He was able to respond to each and every one of them for the AG to miss a course and take to the media to say that his performance today was embarrassing, is with all due respect to him, unacceptable, the NDC MP told Accra-based Joy FM. Source: Classfmonline.com 05.05.2022 LISTEN ON WEDNESDAY, April 27, 2022, the funeral took place in Washington DC, USA of Madeleine Albright, America's first female Secretary of State who died four days earlier on April 23, 2022. Tributes eulogising her were read by President Biden, President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton who later also became a Secretary of State like Albright! The tributes to Madeleine Albright were in spite of her controversial comment in her 1996 interview as the US Ambassador to the United Nations during which she said that, five-hundred thousand Iraqi children dying because of US sanctions against Iraq after the 1991 Gulf War was a very hard choice, but the price we think the price is worth it. Indeed, Dima Khatib, MD of AL Jazeera service AJ+ said this about the eulogies! Please, before you shower us with stuff about how great Madeleine Albright was, go dig what she thought about half a million Iraqi children killed by US sanctions on Iraq after the Gulf War of 1991. Once you heard her say it was worth it, then come back and rewrite about her greatness. Osagyefo Coincidentally, the day of Madeleine Albright's funeral, April 27, 2022, was the 50th anniversary of the death of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, in Romania. Interestingly, while social media platforms were awash with tributes eulogising Osagyefo as the African of the millennium, at the official level, there was a deafening silence! A post by a renowned lawyer said: 50 years ago, a great Ghanaian and a great African, a visionary par excellence, a statesman of world standards, died. He was neither a demon nor a deity. He was a man and a great one. We must celebrate his life! On that same day, a video clip lasting about seven minutes showed the guest speaker at Achimota School address audience at a forum Achimota Speaks. He stated that, ethnicity is a fact of life. No one has control over where he/she is born. So one cannot decide to be born a Dangme, Ewe, Konkomba or Bono. He stated that while there is nothing wrong with ethnicity, it is its translation into ethnocentrism which is bad. Ethnocentrism is the feeling of superiority because one belongs to an ethnic group which God loaded with all the goodness/virtues over all others, who conversely were given a monopoly of all the bad things the Creator created! Using himself as an example, he said his mother was from the Western Region while his father was from Ashanti Region. His wife is from the Eastern Region while two of his sisters are married to men from the Northern Region. He added that, he lives in Accra, works in Tema and has businesses all over Ghana. His question to the audience was so, who am I? As he walked to his seat, he was greeted with a standing ovation as the audience sang the Achimota anthem From Gambaga to Accra! Question The guest speaker's question, So who am I (as a Ghanaian) was poignant. Certainly, Osagyefo was not an angel! What is difficult to understand is why the whole of Africa, and indeed the world, sees him positively as a liberator, except some in his country Ghana! If such hatred and disrespect can be shown the first president of Ghana for whatever angelic reasons, why should foreigners not treat us with the disrespect they do in our own country? Is it a case of a prophet not being without honour in his own country, while praises are heaped on other countries' leaders as happened during the week with President Arap-Moi of Kenya? Disrespect Recently, a Lebanese pulled a cutlass to cut off a Ghanaian head at Osu. It was so distasteful that, the Lebanese Embassy had no choice but to condemn the act and ask the Ghanaian authorities to deal with the culprit. The Marwako incident in which a Lebanese manager forced the head of a Ghanaian lady into a bowl of pepper is still fresh in the minds of Ghanaians. A Chinese attacks a Ghanaian supervisor with Ghanaian workers nonchalantly watching! Where is our pride? Why do foreigners take us for granted in Ghana? Are we bold only when we face fellow Ghanaians? Is it the Twi efiebarima syndrome, where one is bold at home, but timid outside? I daresay foreigners dare not do this in the country of our brothers/sisters/rivals next-door-east across! Summary Despite the controversy about the insensitivity of Madeleine Albright in her 1996 justification of the death of half-a-million Iraqi children after the 1991 Gulf war, America eulogised her as a great American. No American leader condemned her. Is it because they believe in the saying a country that does not honour its heroes, is not worth dying for, and we do not? As a foreigner asked me, What is wrong with you Ghanaians? Why are you so busy trying to dim Nkrumah's light in Ghana, when he shines all over Africa? Why should foreigners respect us if they see us unpatriotically, inflict on ourselves negativities, including denigrating Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah? Until leaders see Ghana as an integrated nation of different ethnic groups, and not as an abstract geographical state of unconnected peoples, no one will respect us! To the extent that we are ruled by ordinary mortals and not angels, leaders will make mistakes as Nkrumah did and as Madeleine Albright did! History will judge us all! Until then, Judge not, that ye be not judged. For by the same measure that ye judge, shall thou be judged (Matthew 7,1-3) Finally, John 8:7 states, Let he who has no sin cast the first stone. Leadership, lead! Fellow Ghanaians, WAKE UP! BY Brig Gen Dan Frimpong (Rtd), Former CEO, African Peace Support Trainers Association, Nairobi, Kenya Alban Bagnin, Speaker of Parliament, has announced plans of reviewing various rules in Parliament to stop the Executive from appointing Members of Parliament as heads of state institutions. The Speaker lamented that the lawmakers appointed to head institutions were unable to discharge their legislative functions. Don't allow money and political patronage to take over your minds. That is one thing we intend to fight within these two and a half years. So that by the time we get to 2025, it would be a different ball game. "The governing party always has a lot of Members in Parliament brought through political patronage," Mr Bagbin said when he swore-in seven new executives of the Parliamentary Press Corps in Accra. The seven-member Parliamentary Press Corps executives are Mr Simon Agianab, Dean; Mr Stephen Odoi-Larbi, Vice-Dean; Mr Kwaku Sakyi-Danso, Secretary; Mr Francis Ekow Annan, Deputy Secretary; Ms Yesmeen Abubakar Tetteh, Treasurer; Ms Deborah Dzievenu, Deputy Treasurer and Mr Ibrahim Alhassan, Organising Secretary. They were led by the Speaker to take their oath of office. They are being made board chairs, CEO of some institutions, and Members of Parliament. So, how can you come and criticise the same thing you are involved in? he quizzed. Mr Bagbin also announced plans to review the Standing Orders of Parliament to suit the current hung Parliament, which he admitted was posing a challenge to proceedings. He said: "Because of the new structure we have today, which you refer to as the hung Parliament, the rules we have now are structured for a majoritarian Parliament, which we do not have now. We are trying to tweak the rules a bit to incorporate some rules that can help us manage a situation like this. It has been difficult to manage this, Parliament. The eighth Parliament, since its commencement in 2021, has witnessed chaotic scenes due to its hung nature as both the Majority and Minority have 137 members each, with one Independent Member of Parliament. Mr Bagbin in his quest to leave a legacy after his tenure, said a review needed to be carried out on the Standing Orders of the House to prevent such chaotic scenes and smooth decision-making. On February 25, 2022, the Parliamentary Press Corps held an election to elect new members to steer the affairs of the group in Parliament House for the next three years. GNA Government is blaming Ghanas huge drop in the latest World Press Freedom Index on a change in ranking methodology. Ghana fell 30 places from the 2021 ranking to the 60th position with a score of 67.43. In a detailed statement signed by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the government said: Due to this development, four (4) of the countries (Netherlands, Jamaica, Switzerland, and New Zealand) that ranked top ten (10) in 2021 significantly dropped in ranking, slumping out of the top ten (10) in the year under review. It is worthy of note that Ghanas dip in the ranking was largely influenced by two of the new parameters, namely, the Economic Context and Safety of Journalists where the country scored 47.22% and 62.25%, respectively, the statement noted. The statement also said: It is also striking that the new report took into consideration the effect of opinion media, propaganda, disinformation, and fake news and their adverse impact on press freedom ranking for affected countries. This is a result of growing political and social tensions leading to information distortions and the publication of false news, particularly across social media platforms. Apart from the world ranking, Ghana also fell in the continental ranking. The ranking said: Although the country is considered a regional leader in democratic stability, journalists have experienced growing pressures in recent years. To protect their jobs and their security, they increasingly resort to self-censorship, as the government shows itself intolerant of criticism. It said: The 2019 information access law authorises journalists to demand information of national interest. However, a clause in the law allows a fee to be charged if the information requested is in a language other than English a provision used to deny journalists access to the information they seek. It added: In addition, one-third of media outlets are owned by politicians or by people tied to the top political parties. The content they produce is largely partisan. In Ghana, most media outlets face financial problems, reflected in low salaries and poor working conditions for journalists. Frequently, new newspapers are launched only to fold in a few months, due to the inability to meet production costs. State-owned media, for their part, benefit from government advertising contracts and payment for publishing news items. Government advertising is awarded through a non-transparent and inequitable process. Source: Classfmonline.com An Accra High Court has sentenced a driver, Bright Boso to 10 years in prison in hard labour for pouring acid on his girlfriend to deform her face. The driver way back in 2020 accused his girlfriend of cheating on him with a man whose name was given as Gyan. Fast forward to May 2021, the troubles of the accused and his girlfriend persisted as they constantly quarreled over the cheating allegations. According to the prosecution, the accused on May 13, 2021, returned from work with a meditated plan to harm his girlfriend. On May 13, 2021, the accused went to work. He returned sometime after midnight which was about 12:00am on the 14th of May 201. He entered their kiosk, poured an acidic liquid on the victim who was sleeping at the time, and stepped out again. A few minutes after he had stepped out, the victim started feeling burning sensations on her skin and pain in her eye, the prosecutor told the court. In the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, driver Bright Boso has been found guilty and slapped with a 10-year prison sentence. This was after the accused pleaded guilty to causing harm to his girlfriend and pleaded for leniency. Meanwhile, there are calls to organisations to provide financial support to cater for the surgery cost of the victim. The victim who could lose her sight if the needed surgery is not conducted in time needs about GHS60,000. The South African government on Thursday retracted its earlier announcement stating school children were no longer required to wear masks amid a surge of infections driven by two new Omicron sub-variants. The withdrawal came 16 hours after the health ministry dropped the requirement for school children to wear masks. In a new statement, the ministry said it was clearing "the confusion created by unfortunate and regrettable human error" arising from an earlier media statement "about the removal of face mask wearing by children at school". It said all people, including children, were still expected to continue complying with Covid-19 regulations, among them, wearing of masks in public indoor spaces, and limiting numbers attending large events. South Africa has officially recorded more than 3.8 million cases and 100,407 deaths -- the highest toll across Africa -- and less than 45 percent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated. "The only way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones against this pandemic and the current rising number of positive cases is through vaccination and adhering to preventative measures at all times," the health ministry said in a statement. After a relative lull last month, numbers of new infections have been climbing, and on Wednesday, more than 6,100 new cases were detected. Inbound travellers are still required to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative PCR test. Indoor gatherings are limited to 1,000 people or half of the venue's capacity, while outdoor events are capped at 2,000 people. Attendees are required to be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that two Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5, were behind the surge in cases in South Africa. He said it was "too soon to know whether these new sub-variants can cause more severe disease than other Omicron sub-variants." The Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region is positioning itself to take advantage of the governments flagship program One District One Factory by making raw materials readily available for potential investors. This was revealed by the District Chief Executive for Akrofuom Hon. Maurice Jonas Woode when he joined the Member of Parliament for the area Hon Alex Blankson to distribute 10,000 Coconut seedlings to 250 farmers in the District. The Assembly through its efforts to woo investors to the District had earlier distributed 4000 Coconut seedlings as well as over 80,000 oil palm seedlings freely to farmers in the District as part of the Planting for Exports and Rural Development (PERD) program. According to the DCE, the Assembly through the PERD programme is seeking to create sustainable raw material base to spur up the decentralized industrialization drive of the Government through the One District, One Factory initiative. He said " factories could not run without raw materials, hence the Assembly is focusing on readying raw materials like Coconut and Oil Palm for potential investors" Youth Must develop interest in Agriculture Hon Woode expressed delight in the number of youth who turned up to receive the Coconut seedlings. He said the time has come for the youth to accept the enormous benefit in Agriculture. He mentioned that youth involvement in Agriculture will ensire sustainability. He said " we cannot always rely on mining to survive. I want to encourage the youth of this district to take advantage of the plethora of Agric related programs introduced by this government . This will empower them economically and make them self-reliant". PERD will serve as Alternative Livelihoods to Illegal Mining The Member of Parliament for Adansi Akrofuom, Hon. Alex Blankson has said the Assembly through PERD will support the governments Alternative Development Livelihood Programme to offer alternative sources of income for people who were once engaged in illegal mining. He uttered that currently the hitherto arable lands at Akrofuom has been depleted through the activities of illegal miners. He said galamsey activities will not bode well for the future of the youth hence the need to take advantage of the free coconut seedlings by the Assembly and go into coconut production. " if you have 2 acres of land, we will give you 140 seedlings and if 1 tree gives you 200 nuts, in a year, you will have in excess of Gh 28, 000 as profit so I urge the youth to get involved and be economically independent". He stressed that the implementation of the programme would reduce poverty and improve livelihood in the District. The District Director of Agric, Richard Kwaku Nyamekye lauded the efforts by the DCE and MP to get the seedlings readily available for farmers. He urged them to continue to support Agricultural development in the District. He also disclosed that his outfit will deploy Technical officers to the farms of the beneficiaries to assist them with fertilisation, early weeding and other technical aspects needed by the farmers to improve their yield. More women needed in Agriculture Anastasia Serwaa, a farmer and a beneficiary talked about the benefits of agriculture and advised women to develop interest in Agriculture. She said " women face a lot of challenges including stereotyping when we go into Agriculture but I urge women to be resolute". BEIJING, May 5 -- Recently, a special operations brigade under the PLA 74th Group Army held a joint parachute training exercise with a unit of the air force in unfamiliar areas. Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) University of Liberia Capitol Hill Monrovia, Liberia Cell#: 0770179193/ 0777654997 Email: [email protected] Ref: 005 SUP condemns the unconstitutional suspension of FLYs President Amos Williams, asks all the forces to return to status quo, and warns the government, especially MCC & Small Arms Commission Bosses to stop interfering with the affairs of the institution, and extends World Press Freedom Day solidarity to all progressive journalists on the home front and beyond Comrades in the redemption struggle for the dignity of the oppressed of the peasantry of our people, the Fix The University Generation of the conscious students of the University of Liberia, left-wing student radicals profoundly leading the struggle for the honor of the fatherland, militants, cadres and stalwarts of Africas biggest embankment of revolutionary consciousness building and progressive enlightenment- the Vanguard Student Unification Party- SUP, fellow Liberian compatriots; The Vanguard Student Unification Party has been closely following the transitional processes of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and wants to establish here that all has been going very well till some members of the National Executive Council unconstitutionally decided to suspend President Amos Williams. A decision that is not only a violation of the constitution but also an affront to democracy -- a move that is counterproductive to the progress of the Federation. In the constitution of FLY, under article 8.1.3(Presiding Officer) it says The President of FLY shall preside over all sittings of the General Assembly (GA) meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President for National Affairs. In his/her absence, the Vice President for International Affairs. In their absence, the Chairman of the Board of Advisors shall preside over the General Assembly. The constitution spells out clearly that the President is the presiding of all sittings of the institution and that his principal deputies in line only preside when he( the president) is incapable and then delegate the responsibility to his deputies in line to preside. Contrary to this procedure is null and void. The so-called meeting held by the Executive Council members to take a position on suspending President Amos Williams was unconstitutional. The president is not incapacitated to call for Executive Committees sitting nor did he delegate any responsibility to anyone to preside over any meeting. What was displayed by those Executive Committee members is utter disrespect to the Presidency and the Constitution of the very institution they are harboring and vaulting ambitions to serve. SUP wants to be very unequivocal in this regard that President Amos Williams remains the legitimate and recognized Leader of the Federation of Liberia Youth. Moreover, the Student Unification Party sees the unconstitutional setting up of a new Elections Committee by those Executive Council members aside from the constitutional, independent, and credible Elections Committee set up early by President Williams as a very desperate maneuver on their part as people in leadership to undermine and build huge conflict in the youth organization, something that might have very bad aftermath on the gains of the institution. The Independent Elections Commission set up by President Williams is composed of people with noble characters, undoubted integrity, and unbending principles. This commission we trust can organize/conduct a very open and competitive election process void of any outside influence and iota of cheating. Those Executive Council Members have been arguing that the President's decision to appoint an elections committee not consulting them violates the constitution of FLY and here they are bluntly violating the constitution as well. Appointment power lies in the President, under Article 14, 2.1 of the constitution. The Kangaroo Elections Commission that was set up by those Executive committee members of FLY a few days ago is a big charade and must not be worked with. How can they argue that the five members commission set up by the president headed by Mr. Anthony Williams and Mr. Siaffa Bahn Kemokai as Chairperson and Secretary respectively along with Mr. Clarence Flomo, Ms. Kazerline Abigail Johnson, and Ms. Bendu Kamara, was not in line with the constitution and now they come out with a new commission omitting Mr. Anthony Williams and Mr. Siaffa Kemokai from the list, both chairman and secretary and maintaining the rest members of the very committee they condemned? This is very unfortunate and makes no sense at all. Now they have restructured the committee making Thomas Mulbah (Chairman) and Gabriel Saydee (Secretary). Thomas Mulbah is the Public Relations Officer at the Small Arms Commission and an unrepentant apologist of the regime. At the Small Arms Commission, his boss is Atty Maxwell Grigsby, one of those desperate minions of the CDC government sponsoring ploys and conspiracy in FLY to ensure they have a compromised and puppet leadership. Grigsby is a lifelong angry and disgruntled young man who was heavily defeated in the 2014 FLY elections by President Emeritus Augustine S. Tamba. A trauma he has struggled to live with for almost a decade now. Again, the Executive Council members appointed Gabriel Saydee, a diehard regime fawner as Secretary-General; an employee at the Liberia Maritime Authority. From all indications, one can see that the members of the Executive Council are very afraid of the competent and independent Elections Committee of Anthony Williams and Siaffa B. Kemokai as chairman and secretary, and this exposes not only their political gerrymandering but also their laziness in going to a competitive process to strive for power. In furtherance, the two appointees by the Executive Committee members in Thomas Mulbah and Gabriel Saydee's job status as "government officials" also violates the FLY's constitution which outlines that anyone working in the employ of government or a government official cannot serve on the Election Commission of FLY. With this diabolical plot, SUP suspects that some or majority of the Executive Council are fronting for a kangaroo and compromised process tasteless of competition and credibility rather than one with credibility, independence, fairness, and a level plain field. Therefore, SUP doesnt recognize the Elections Committee of Thomas Mulbah and Gabriel Saydee. And so, SUP calls on all young people and the general Liberian public, LINSU, MRUYP, UNFP, UN Women, US, and Swedish Embassies, and all solidarity forces not to recognize or do business with them Notwithstanding, SUP doesnt recognize any divided FLY and calls on the entire leadership to return to normal status (status quo ante) and resolve the internal issues of the institution as mature leaders of the young people of Liberia. Anything contrary to this renders all of them as zero people with no leadership compunction and ability and therefore discard even the ones wanting to be president or whatever in the upcoming FLY elections as unfit to run the institution in the aftermath. The entire leadership of Amos Williams and cohorts elected in 2018 is the leadership the Student Unification Party recognizes and they must exercise the best of their leadership qualities at this time of minor disagreement to protect the image of the institution. Already they have not achieved the endeavors for which they were given power in 2018 and they have failed the young people to a certain extent. We welcome no internal wrangling in FLY at this time! Meanwhile, the Student Unification warns the CDC regime of indecent charlatans and social misfits to stop interfering in the internal affairs of youth and student institutions for their selfish insatiable political aggrandizement. The degree fraudster and wretched of the earth Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson T. Koijee and Maxwell Grigsby, the Executive Director of the Liberia Small Arms Commission are the chief masterminders behind the internal crisis and institutional degeneration of the Federation of Liberia Youth. SUP warns this halfwit simpleton of a city mayor to concentrate on cleaning the dirty and stingy city of Monrovia- a job he is paid for and stop bashing in his arrogance of controlling youth and student institutions while we also caution Mr. Gribsby to focus on controlling the menacing proliferation of small arms circulating the countryside that is the root cause of secret killings and widespread arm robbery in the country. Obviously, if the leaders of FLY cannot settle their internal wrangling as proposed by the Vanguard Party to ensure a smooth and successful transition of FLY, the Vanguard Party will be left with no other discretion but to move into revolutionary action to ensure the protection, peaceful transition, and survivability of the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY). Exigently, SUP calls on all of its militants, stalwarts, cadres, and ground forces to refrain from taking sides or supporting individuals/tendencies in the FLY ELECTIONS Process until the party decides to take a definite position on the FLY elections. Anyone found in such an act going forward will be punished in line with the party's doctrines and constitution. The Vanguard Student Unification Party also uses this wavelength to express its sentiments of congratulations to the Press Union of Liberia on their celebration of World Press Freedom Day. SUP, as one of the progressive institutions that fought for the democratization of this country, wants to reaffirm her support for protecting freedom of speech, expression, and the rights of journalists in this country. As we have done over the years, SUP remains very committed to protecting all the democratic tenants of the constitution of this country. Notwithstanding, SUP urges the PUL leadership to be very serious about protecting the rights of its members and not to leave them vulnerable to state-sponsored brutality because of their balanced stance on issues. From 2018 to now, there has been a series of cases reported on brutality meted out against journalists and the muzzling of the press in this country, a situation which has led to the death of some of our nation's decent journalists and the leadership of PUL has taken no decisive position on those cases, a situation that has purged huge fear in some journalists to report sensitive information to the public. We hope going forward, the Charles Cuffey Leadership doubles its game with regard to providing a safe atmosphere for critical voices in the media. We pay homage to all fallen journalists who were victims of state-sponsored violence for their revolutionary role played in seeing our society change for the better; Zenu Millier, Christopher Davies, Tyron Brown, etc., etc... Lastly, SUP calls on all of its militants and stalwarts, commissars and cadres, apostles and disciples to remain disciplined and committed to the ideological doctrines and massescratic philosophy of the Vanguard Party as we decisively move into history to safeguard and protect the future of the Youths and Students of our beloved homeland. Onwards to final victory for the Youths and Students of Liberia, the struggle lives on! Long Live Massecracy- Long Live SUP! Gwei Fei Kpeh- The struggle continues! Done and issued on this 4th day of May A.D 2022 by and through the mandate of the 31st Central Committee and Politburo of the Vanguard Student Unification Party- SUP! Signed: _______________________ Cde. Jusu Kamara Secretary-General/ SUP Approved: _____________________ Cde. Mustapha N. Kanneh Chairman/SUP 05.05.2022 LISTEN The newly elected Chairperson of the NPP in the Agona East constituency, Madam Hannah Asamoah has said she and her colleague executives were going to work assiduously to capture the Parliamentary seat which had been with the opposition NDC for over a decade. Madam Hannah Asamoah who defeated two gents in a competitive elections thus became the youngest Chairperson of the NPP in the Central Region and probably Ghana as a whole. She pulled 393 out of 665 votes cast at the just ended constituency Elections held at Kwansakrom beating Mr. James Owusu Barnes and the incumbent Chairman, Mr. Desmond Sam Essandoh who obtained 196 and 72 votes respectively. In an interview with Newsmen at her residence at Agona Asafo last Tuesday, Madam Hannah Asamoah expressed her gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in her adding that the constituency would soon become a stronghold for the NPP. She noted that even though the task ahead won't be easy, she would reconcile the various factions in the party to work together in unison to win the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in the Agona East Constituency. Madam Hannah Asamoah had been a two-term polling station women's organizer, first ever lady to be elected as Constituency Youth Organizer of the NPP before becoming a Constituency Chairperson. Stressed the need for the youth in the party to be in the forefront of the agenda 2024. "Leadership is not about age but it is about knowledge, ability and capability to handle issues when they pop up. The delegates saw these qualities in me have trusted me to lead them in the Constituency. Breaking the Eight required courage, strength and extra work because the 2024 General Elections is not going to be easy at all. "Our major problem in the Agona East Constituency is bitterness, with this confidence imposed on me, my priority is to unite all the factions for us to capture the Parliamentary seat. I assured the top hierarchy of the NPP that the Agona East Parliamentary seat is going to be counted among NPP Parliamentary seat under my watch as a Chairperson, no two ways about that, I have vowed to get it done. "With unity, we can achieve the needed results for the party. The elections are over, we a all winners because we serve the interest of the NPP first before individualistic," Madam Hannah Asamoah noted. The other elected constituency executives to run the affairs of the NPP in Agona East include, Mr. Prince Essah, 1st Vice Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ebo Acquah 2nd Vice Chairman, Mr. Jacob Ashemond, Secretary and Mr. Maxwell Adam Rockson, Assistant Secretary. Others were, Mr. Godwin Atsiako Dadzie, Constituency Organizer, Madam Gladys Obeng alias Maame Quansemaa, Women's Organizer, Mr. Alfred Obeng, Youth Organizer, Madam Victoria Quao Constituency Treasure and Madam Habidatu Jibril, Nassara Coordinator. The First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has received rapid diagnostic test kits from Abbott Laboratories for screening pregnant women for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. This formed part of their partnership with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), to provide support to six (6) member states. Abbot will also provide training for health workers on how to use these test kits. Today's donation shows just how committed Abbot is to the cause of OAFLAD. These panel test kits will help improve maternal and neo-natal care, which I am passionate about and is at the core of OAFLAD's strategic plan for the continent. My expectation is that this will facilitate our goal to eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis, she after receiving the items on Wednesday May 4. ---3news.com Tunisian journalists protested on Thursday against what they say is growing repression and intimidation against the press since President Kais Saied's power grab last year. The demonstration was organised by the national journalists' union, the SNJT, which has condemned authorities' attempts to "tame" media outlets and turn them into propaganda channels. Protesters carried signs saying "our liberty depends on freedom of the press" and shouted slogans against "repression". Saied last July sacked the government and suspended parliament, and has since dissolved the assembly, ruled by decree and seized control of key state institutions including the judiciary and the electoral authority. Saied's move initially won support from Tunisians tired of the country's post-revolution political system, but rights groups have warned of major setbacks to freedoms in the birthplace of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. The SNJT's deputy chief, Amira Mohamed, warned of an "imminent danger to press freedom" in Tunisia. "Today press freedom is genuinely threatened," she told AFP. The SNJT earlier Thursday warned in its annual report against the use of physical violence against journalists and pressure on editors to ensure favourable coverage. It noted that Saied has not held a single open press conference since his power grab, reflecting a communications policy "that does not recognise citizens' right to know what is happening in their country". Tunisia also fell 21 places in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2022 Press Freedom Index, from 73rd to 94th position. The organisation warned that "intimidation of journalists has become normalised" in Tunisia. Bangladeshs medical and financial assistance to Sri Lanka increases its image and prestige. Once upon a time, Bangladesh was a bottomless pit and a donation seeker in the international arena. Now it is a donor and lending country. It shows all-South Asian countries how to revive from ashes. Bangladesh establishes an example in South Asia how to ensure economic growth amidst various socio-political aspects. Debt-ridden Bangladesh a few years ago is now a country of unprecedented success in debt relief. The world today looks at Bangladesh in amazement. Bangladesh proves itself as a donor country from donation seeker by providing medical assistance to Sri Lanka As a friend and close neighbour, it is also Bangladesh's privilege to stand by Sri Lanka in whatever way it can, during times of crisis. Bangladesh has donated emergency medicine worth TK 200 million to crisis-hit Sri Lanka. This medical assistance by the government of Bangladesh to the friendly people of Sri Lanka is an expression of solidarity and friendship between the two nations when they are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. In this regard, a programme was held on Thursday at the State Guest House Padma where Foreign Minister Dr A.K. Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque handed over a few boxes of medicine as a token to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Professor Sudharshan D.S. Seneviratne. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Mr Masud Bin Momen, MD & CEO of EDCL and DG (Drugs), President of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries (BAPI) Nazmul Hassan, were also present in the programme. In his short remarks, Foreign Minister, D. Momen termed the offer of medicine, as an expression of solidarity and friendship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, at a time when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. However, what happened that Bangladesh is creating one surprise after another? Economists say there are some reasons behind this: exports, social progress and economic foresight. There are three more reasons besides economic capability viz. sympathy, economic diplomacy and political will. When this was the case, the sudden news came that Bangladesh had provided 200 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan media has raised the question if Bangladesh can be self-sufficient, why cant we? In June, the finance ministry of Bangladesh gave more startling news. It has been said that Bangladesh stands by Sudan, the poorest country in Africa. 65 crores Bangladeshi Taka has been provided to reduce the debt burden of the IMF. The country borrowed Rs 510,000 crore, Taka, from the IMF. The economic crisis was so severe that the country could not repay the debt. Bangladesh has come forward after sending messages asking for help from country to country. Bangladeshs finance ministry says Sudan is heavily indebted and poor. The government hopes the funding will strengthen Sudans fight against poverty. At one time Sudan was a British colony. The country gained independence on January 1, 1956, under a treaty. It may be recalled that last year, Bangladesh also provided more than Tk 80 million to Somalia, another African country. That was also in repaying the IMF loan. Sudan, a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, has been crippled by debt and poverty, and financial assistance is expected to help overcome the crisis. Last year, Bangladesh also handed Tk 80 million to help Somalia combat poverty as part of the IMF initiative. Everyone is fascinated by the development of Bangladesh. The image of Bangladesh and the respect for the people of this country has increased due to the assistance to Sri Lanka and Sudan from foreign exchange reserves. Bangladesh is now a lending country! If Bangladesh can be self-sufficient, a lender and an economic miracle in South Asia, why cant others do that? He added that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh never hesitates to extend assistance to any nation in difficulties, in particular, to its neighbours for ensuring shared peace and prosperity in the South Asian region. He ensured that Bangladesh stands ready to support Sri Lanka in all possible ways. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner, while making his remarks expressed his gratitude to the government of Sri Lanka Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the government of Bangladesh for this friendly gesture of supplying medicine to the people of Sri Lanka. He noted that Sri Lanka values the friendly relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to further strengthening it in the coming days. He termed the gifting of the medicines, which was another demonstration that the trajectory of the bilateral relations was moving in the right direction. Both EDCL and BAPI have contributed medicine of BD taka 10 crores each, Taka 20 Crores in total as gifts to Sri Lanka. The medicine is expected to reach Sri Lanka within a few days time. The offer of medicine would certainly manifest the capability of the pharmaceuticals industries in terms of its ability in producing high-quality medicine, and financial capacity and it also demonstrates Bangladeshs foreign policy resolve of maintaining friendly and cooperative relations with her neighbours. Earlier, Bangladesh supported Sri Lanka by providing $ 200 million through a currency swapping arrangement. The image of Bangladesh and the respect for the people of this country has increased due to the financial assistance to Sri Lanka and Sudan from its foreign exchange reserves. Bangladesh also agreed to provide medical aid to Afghanistan. Bangladesh in December, 2021, announced humanitarian support for the Afghan people while expressing deep concern over the economic and humanitarian crisis looming in Afghanistan. The country announced a humanitarian aid package in the form of food and medicinal assistance, the Foreign Ministry said following the 17th extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers on the Afghanistan situation held in Islamabad, Pakistan. Now, Bangladesh gave medical assistance to crisis hit Sri Lanka. It proves that it is a real humanitarian state in South Asia . From a humanitarian perspective, the quick response of Bangladesh was lauded by many, nationally and globally. Greatest humanitarian example? Bangladesh has already portrayed its image firmly as a humanitarian nation, when she warmly welcomed about 1.1 million forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Despite many diplomatic efforts, the repatriation of Rohingya people has been lingering for quite long. The exodus of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh embarked on numerous strategic, economic and environmental issues as Bangladesh is already an over populated nation. Nevertheless, Bangladesh continues to generously host the worlds largest and growing refugee settlement despite huge burden on economy, food management, limited resources and other circumstances. Even Bangladesh planned to relocate some of the Rohingyas to Bhashanchar to ensure better living standard for them through Ashrayan 3 Project on its own financing. Besides, Bangladesh has been tracking an impressive record in development and growth since last decade which will make it more capable of offering help to other nations in crisis. Thousands of more examples can be drawn where Bangladesh was among the fastest nations to stand beside others. In terms of amount, medical aid to be provided by Bangladesh to Sri Lanka might be small in scale of the required fund but its prompt response is surely praiseworthy. Now the question is valid. Bangladesh is now a donor and lending country! If Bangladesh can be a self-sufficient, donor, lender, an economic miracle in South Asia, why cant others do that? Why does South Asia not take lessons from Bangladesh? Of course, South Asia can learn a lot from Bangladesh. John Rozario, Kornataka, India, is a researcher, strategic and foreign affairs, Bangladesh studies analyst. Market women and traders occupying streets and pedestrian walkways in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra have been given a one-week ultimatum to vacate the streets into the markets. The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, ordered the traders to vacate the streets on Wednesday, 4 May 2022, when she embarked on a citywide tour to inspect sanitation conditions as well as areas earmarked for decongestion exercises in the metropolis. The Mayor of Accra who was accompanied by the Presiding Member of the AMA and a National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) Presidential hopeful, Alfred Adjei, Metro Coordinating Director, Dr Ahmed Rufai Ibrahim, and members of the task force visited the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) section of the Independence Avenue through the Ghana School of law to the Kojo Thompson Road in front of the Makola mall and finally to the Kinbu road. She explained that the purpose of the exercise was to ensure a sustained sanitation drive within the areas and the free flow of vehicular and human traffic. We have been lenient enough with you all, your grace period has come to an end, we are hence giving you a week to move from the streets and pavements else, be ready to face the law... When we come after the stipulated period, anybody found culpable will be dealt with and brought to book, she stated. When I met with the queen mothers of the markets, they told me the majority of you have spaces in the market but some of you have proven stubborn and have moved to the streets and pavements to sell all in the pursuit for customers which is not good, she added. Source: Classfmonline.com Mr Stephen Harper, the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is arguably the freest and most democratic society in Africa. He explained that the NPP had enhanced the concept of free elections, rule of law, market orient to grow and Continental free trade in Africa. "Since the advent of the fourth republic, Ghana has become a different and very kind of model for Africa one more in keeping with the international model of freedom and justice. "Ghana is a safer, progressive and increasingly prosperous free democratic party under the NPP in particular," he said. Mr Harper said this at a public lecture held in Accra by the Young Democrat Union of Africa (YDUA) themed: "Democracy and Geo-Politics: A Global Perspective on the Changing Dynamics of International Order." He said political parties were the core infrastructure of democracy, as, without political parties, democracy was just a theory; adding that strong political parties turn broader into teams and turn ideas into platforms and policies and the NPP was doing just that. "Any vibrant democracy has a strong centre-right party that is a strong party of conservatism which is arguably democracies of the philosophy," he said. Mr Harper, who is also the Chairman of the International Democratic Union (IDU), said the organisation of the IDU and YDUA were vital in the development of political parties around the world. He said Ghana was keeping the kind of law that IDU was founded on to defend and promote. "The event by YDUA is one example of revitalisation of the Democratic Union Africa (DUA) that has been witnessed over the past seven years and Ghana's role in that revitalisation and the world should not be a surprise that Ghana is playing a leading role in Africa," he said. According to Prime Minister Harper, as the first country to achieve independence in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana had served as an African Model since the days of Dr Kwame Nkurmah, Ghana's First Prime Minister. He admitted that the theory of democracy had come under question in recent years due to technological and social changes, importantly the internet, smartphones and social media which had brought forth the true complexity of political opinion society. "Also, consistent mistakes in public policy in western countries in recent years depriving working and middle-class citizens of some of the opportunities of previous generations," he said. Mr Harper noted that the challenges of a democratic society were small and significantly they could be corrected through public debates, real changes in government and public policy. "Indeed, we are on the path of change and what will be key if society produces a new generation of leaders. Leaders who will adopt the right and true values of conservative public policy and the challenges of our era," he said. He, therefore, challenged African leaders to rejuvenate the youth to sustain the challenges and be free when times get tough and that challenges would be big, however, a free and democratic society was what ordinary people wanted given the choice. Madam Louisa Atta-Agyemang, President of YDUA, said despite various failed regimes, the centre-right tradition had led Ghana for over two decades. She said it had given time and room to build a series of tools that provided education, knowledge and information for crucial development and urged leaders to be reminded that their next political decision would affect the poor and marginalised in society. "Let us be guided, let us remember that we have a continent to build with clear political dimensions," she said. She advocated that the centre-right politics was the best alternative to building Africa. Dr Holger Dix, Director of the Regional Programme Political Dialogue for Sub-Sahara Africa, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said the centre-right was currently under threat following Ukraine and Russia's instability and that was exposing many threats to Africa, especially when Europe and Africa's relations would also be put to the test. Dr Dix said the dialogue was timely to discuss the ongoing political conversation with and within Africa. Mrs Akosua Frema Opare-Osei, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, said the NPP was making sure IDU values were passed on to the next generation of leaders through YDUA. "With this, the capacity of African youth in democracy and the rule of law is built through a reference point as this lecture is serving," she said. Mr Henry Nana Boakye, National Youth Organiser, NPP, called for youth capacity building to shape the global conversation of the youth. He pledged NPP's continued commitment to playing an advocacy role toward a successful democratic process. Mr John Boadu, General Secretary, NPP and the Deputy Chairman, DUA, lauded organisers for the theme said democracy and centre-right policies were at the heart of the union. Economic inequalities, young people's participation in politics and the older generation mentoring the youth to lead were some of the leading discussions that the open forum centred around. A youth Conference for members, an engagement with former President John Agyekum Kufour and stakeholders meeting with the Institute of Economic Affairs were some of the activities that preceded the lecture. Participants came from Ghana, Tanzania, Cote D'Ivoire, Liberia, Morocco and Uganda. The others were, Togo, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, and Namibia among others. Citations were presented to Mrs Opare -Osei and Mr Harper for their efficient and effective leadership roles in their endeavours in an event that was supported by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the NPP. YDUA is an alliance of centre-right political parties in Africa. Founded in Dakar, Senegal, in 1997, it is affiliated with the global IDU. It has the primary aim of bringing together parties with similar objectives and political goals, such as the protection of democracy and individual liberty, from the whole of Africa, with its headquarters being found in Accra, Ghana. GNA When Botswanas government sought to pass a new law early this year that would have allowed for warrantless surveillance, local opposition came swift. Authorities eventually introduced judicial oversight, which local media groups considered a success, but the Botswana polices history of searching journalists devices and accessing their telecom information remains cause for concern. We do not, of course, welcome the law. We welcome the changes that were made to it, Spencer Mogapi, the chairman of the Botswana Editors Forum, told CPJ in a recent phone interview. We could rather be without this law. The original Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Controlled Investigations) Bill, which was tabled in January and reviewed by CPJ, offered law enforcement access to communications by any means without a warrant. This, among other concerns with the proposed legislation, rallied opposition from a regional coalition of media groups led by the Botswana Editors Forum, local politicians, labor groups, and CPJ. Within days, the government amended the bill, introducing a judge-led committee to oversee covert law enforcement operations and prohibiting warrantless interception, according to statements by the coalition and media reports from the time. It was relentless pressure, Mogapi said following the amendments, which CPJ reviewed and others in the media coalition also welcomed. There were people here who we had called to come and see what was unfolding on the ground and I think that worked. The amended bill became law in late February, according to a copy of the government gazette reviewed by CPJ. John Moreti, a clerk with the cabinet of Botswanas presidency, told CPJ by phone that feedback, including from media groups, had been incorporated into the amendments, but referred further questions to Botlhale Makgekgenene, a permanent secretary with the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security. CPJs calls to Makgekgenene and contact numbers listed on the ministrys website rang unanswered. During a meeting in early March between Botswana officials and members of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), a regional press freedom group, Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Thomas Kagiso Mmusi said the government had incorporated public concerns. Tabani Moyo, MISAs regional director, told CPJ that it was good to see the Botswana government listening, but even with the addition of judicial oversight, the bills intentions were problematic and it did not adequately protect whistleblowers and privacy rights. The government is already keen on snooping on its citizens, Moyo said. They are coming up with a law that makes it legal, to justify [their] appetite to surveil. CPJ called a cell phone belonging to Mmusi, but no one answered. CPJ reached by phone and messaging app presidential press secretary Batlhalefi Leagajang, who referred questions to government spokesperson John-Thomas Dipowe. CPJ asked Dipowe via phone and messaging app about journalists privacy concerns and reporting by the Toronto-based Citizen Lab research group that Botswanas intelligence agency had acquired technology from the surveillance company Circles. Dipowe said he would call back on two occasions, but did not. Long-standing laws requiring court orders for surveillance during investigations have not prevented Botswana police from extracting private content from journalists devices or accessing information from telecoms. Police previously accessed a subscriber report on Mogapi through his mobile provider, Orange Botswana, a subsidiary of the French telecom, and presented him with a printout detailing his exchanges with a now formerpolitical opposition spokesperson under criminal investigation. Police also asked Orange for an activity log for a mobile account owned by local editor Oratile Dikologang, who continues to face charges over Facebook posts, and forensically searched his phone, accessing thousands of messages and files on his device. Neither of the journalists knew police had contacted Orange until it was revealed in court filings from 2020, which CPJ reviewed, referencing court orders for their telecom information. CPJ has since identified at least four other journalists named in those 2020 filings whose details were obtained by police from another local mobile company, Mascom Wireless Mmegi newspaper reporter Tsaone Basimanebotlhe, Sunday Standard newspaper reporter Kgakgale Job Makati, The Parrot online news platform co-founder Koketso Moswetsi, and Oarabile Sonny Sente, a freelancer who has left the profession. The documents said Mascom Wireless confirmed to police connections between the journalists and their phone numbers, and that their accounts were active. The documents also noted that this telecom information was requested under court orders, but it was not clear whether the police were aware they were investigating journalists. Like Mogapi, all the journalists told CPJ they had been in touch with the same former political spokesperson, Justice Motlhabani. Botswana police spokesperson Dipheko Motube previously told CPJ that he could not comment on the case for which officers accessed the journalists telecom information because it was before the court.He also did not respond to CPJs request for comment on police investigations conducted via Mascom Wireless. Moswetsi said he was astonished when CPJ told him Mascom Wireless had given information about his mobile account to police and worried about whether sources would continue to trust him. In a recent interview he told CPJ that his close family and friends continue to suspect his phone is being monitored and they only speak over the phone using encrypted applications. Moswetsi expressed mixed feelings about the new controlled investigations law, but appreciated how the government made amendments following the public outcry. Mascom Wireless acknowledged receipt of CPJs questions in May 2021 and February 2022 but did not give any further response. Orange Botswana told CPJ in April 2021 that they were not able to provide details about court orders, and did not respond to questions in early February about the proposed laws implications. We have always known there was interception happening, but we had some solace that they [security agencies] will do it with the court ruling, not just on their own, Mogapi told CPJ, emphasizing the value of courts and telecom companies as buffers against overzealous security agents. They hate all this oversight. Botswanas Intelligence and Security Services Act requires law enforcement to acquire a court order to conduct searches or interception of postal mail, electronic mail, computer or telephonic communications. Similarly, investigators can search a computer or phone and request information from telecom companies about their subscribers under the cybercrime law, but they need a judicial order. Its difficult to use a phone anonymously in Botswana:SIM card registration has been required since 2009, according to the local telecommunications regulator something journalists have been concerned about for years. Orange Botswana, for example, requires customers to produce a national ID or passport to purchase a SIM card. The new controlled investigations law adds to these regulations, including by mandating that service providers install hardware and software facilities and devices which enable the interception of communications at all times. Local media called these wiretapping responsibilities a new job for telecoms, and company directors that do not comply could face jail time. Anyone who declines to provide authorities access to encrypted information could also face jail time, according to the law. When the law was proposed in January, Minister Mmusi said it was driven as a matter of urgency by standards set by the Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental body with a mandate to combat global money laundering and terrorist financing, according to local reports and government social media posts. In response to emailed questions, FATF media relations manager Duncan Crawford told CPJ that the body could not comment on legislation outside of official assessments. We know its not foolproof, Mogapi said of the amended bill. We will be very vigilant going forward. By Jonathan Rozen The Chiefs and elders of the Greater Accra Zongo led by the Paramount Chief, Alhaji Sarki Yahya Hamisu Bako on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 marked the annual Eid-ul-Fitr Procession at Sabon Zongo in Accra amidst pomp and pageantry. The annual Eid-ul-Fitr procession brought together sub Zongo Chiefs and tribal Chiefs within the Greater Accra Zongos to make merry, celebrate and climaxed the Ramadan. The procession was characterized with drumming, dancing and praises to mark the love of the prophet as well as horse riding which has been the main part of the celebration. In the past years, the Greater Accra Zongo Chief always leads the procession and many were those who thought the situation will be the same as the Greater Accra Zanfara Chief, Alhaji Amadu Manga rather led the procession , followed by the Sabon Zongo Moshie Chief, Naaba Tigiri and next was the Greater Accra Zongo Youth Chief, Sarki Alhaji Salim Abokin Ango. The Greater Accra Zongo Chief was spotted in the middle of the procession riding on palanquin horse, decorated in beautiful colours. He was surrounded by his cabinet members and his spokesman, the Chief of Ablekuma Agape Gonese Sarki Amir Sheriff Adam with traditional music in the background. The annual procession started from the Abossey Okai Central Mosque through the main street of Gaskia Cinema to night market street and ended at the Greater Accra Zongo Chief's Palace where all the sub and tribal Chiefs and over thousand of people congregated for a special prayers from the Paramount Chief. After the final prayers from the Greater Accra Zongo Chief, all the Chiefs and their people disperse to their various destination to bring an end to the celebrations of this years Eid-ul-Fitr. The the Greater Accra Zongo Chief, Sarki Alhaji Yahya Hamisu Bako used the occasion to thank Allah for seeing Muslims through another period of fasting. The Chief also prayed for the government for peace and economic prosperity in the country as well as the people of Ghana. The Greater Accra Zongo Chief in his capacity as the Greater Accra Zongo Chief has installed many Zongo and tribal Chiefs to steer the affairs of communities which are dominated by Muslims. He said this year's celebration was very successful due to the peace and unity the good people of Greater Accra Zongo community have promoted over the years and assured of more successful events that will educate the youth to continue living well. On his part, the Greater Accra Zongo Youth Chief, Sarki Alhaji Salim Abokin Ango called on the youth of Accra Zongo to desist from any form of act that will tarnish the hard won reputation of the Zongo communities in the Greater Accra Region. He added that the time has come for all the Zongo youths across the Greater Accra to be peace and unity ambassadors for the Zongo communities and promote and protect its good name for Zongo to become more attractive in the eyes of the public. The Development Chief of the Greater Accra Zongo, Alhaji Mohammed Ashka revealed that the Zongo communities in Accra under the able leadership of Sarki Alhaji Yahya Hamisu Bako have witnessed tremendous development especially in the Sabon Zongo community. He recalled that the Chief, in a month ago embarked on a working tour to inspect on-going developmental projects put-up by indigenes of Sabon Zongo which according to him forms part of the achievements of the Palace. It's done! A few weeks ago, Asante Gold acquired a 90% stake in the Chirano gold mine in Ghana in a deal valued at USD 225 million with Canada's Kinross Gold Corporation. This takeover happened thanks to public funds and should boost the recovery of the national extractive sector recovery, which contributes to more than 5% of the national GDP. The Ghanaian government, which already held a 10% stake in the mine, had agreed to the sale, according to an official statement released by Kinross Gold Corporation. In October 2018, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, addressed his people and shared his vision of a financially independent Ghana. His vision of 'Ghana beyond aid' should lead the state to exploit the country's natural resources more efficiently and, thereby, increase royalties from domestic production. The acquisition of the Chirano gold mine is symbolic of the country's ambition to regain control over the exploitation of its mineral and oil resources. Ghana made this transaction possible by fully financing it, through the mobilisation of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). Crucially, four Ghanaians belong to the management team of Asante Gold. This action by the Ghanaian executive is to be welcomed. Behind the acquisition of this asset by a junior lies an ambitious government initiative to create a new leader in the mining sector that will defend the interests of Ghanaians above all. But if the government wants to see the emergence of true national champions, a little more involvement is required. In the specific case of this transaction, the Ghanaian government has not yet publicly and formally presented its approval of this major takeover. This will represent another opportunity for the government to demonstrate its full support for its local entrepreneurs. The West African country had already done so in 2021, when it positioned Springfield, a Ghanaian oil junior, among the country's largest hydrocarbon companies. The latter won a lawsuit against the Italian giant ENI over a dispute concerning the Sankofa and Afina oil fields. The Ghanaian government, buoyed by this oil and gas success, is trying to replicate this in the gold mining sector. Asante Gold, thanks to the financial commitment of the Ghanaian government, now has increasingly important assets in the country's mining sites. This is particularly the case at the Kubi Gold and Bibiani mines, where it is developing its mining operations. With this financial support from the government, the Ghanaian junior owns a sizeable public fund, almost US 500 million during the year, to invest in the Chirano gold mine. In Southern Africa, Zambia's example of buying up the country's main mining sites is a textbook case. The Zambian state first nationalized the entire mining industry in 1969. This move was later affirmed by a United Nations General Assembly resolution on The New International Economic Order, 1974, which resolution read in part, In order to safeguard these (natural) resources, each state is entitled to safeguard effective control over them and their exploitation with means suitable to its own situation . The mines remained under state ownership and control between 1969 and 2000. During this period, copper production plummetted from pre-nationalization figures of approximately 750,000 tonnes per annum to 250,000 tonnes in the year immediately prior to post-privatisation. After the mines were privatised, there was a commodities boom and these production figures only reached the pre-nationalization levels in 2019. It took two painful decades to get the countrys production back to the levels it had reached in 1969 ! The lesson here is clear a countrys ambitions to regain control over its mineral and oil resources is legitimate. However, this ambition should not necessarily translate into nationalization. The UN resolution states that this can be done with means suitable to its own situation. In this case, the suitable means are the support of a competent private national champion. Notwithstanding the lessons learnt from the past, Zambian state has in recent times been hardening its relationship with the mining industry in order to regain control of its mines to boost its economy. "Owning interests in certain strategic mines gives the state the leverage to use mineral resources for the benefit of the nation, Zambian President Edgar Lungu said in December 2020. Critics of the buy-back policy say it is abrupt, but with a clear vision, it could be a lifesaver for the Zambian economy. In 2021, the Zambian state acquired all shares in the Mopani copper mine for USD 1.5 billion through its company ZCCM-IH. It was 90% owned by the Swiss company Glencore. It also expropriated the Vedanta owned Konkola Copper Mines. Since the acquisition of these two mines by the Zambian government, production figures have dwindled, at a time when the nation should be taking advantage of a rise in commodity prices. One may contrast these scenarios with the fortunes of the countrys largest power supplier to the mines, the Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC). The entity was formed as a management buy-out of the state-run ZCCM Power Division, in 2000. The Board of Directors, senior Executive and Management teams in the entity (as is the case with Asante) are indigenous Zambians. This local champion has expanded its operations making it the leading supplier of reliable power to the mines in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analogies can be drawn between CEC and Asante, to provide lessons for Ghana. In the words of Tom Klause, the President of the World Bank in 1981, African Governments should not only examine ways in which the public sector organisations can be operated more efficiently, but should also examine the possibility of placing greater reliance on the private sector. These words ring as true today. As African governments seek to increase control of their mineral and oil resources, it must be realized that this can be done far more efficiently through the support and backing of national private champions such as Asante Gold. History teaches us that South Korean industrial and technological champions are at the heart of the industrial power of this Asian country and at the origin of its fabulous economic and social development in less than half a century. But they have needed the support of their political authorities to take on the world. The governments of Ghana and all African countries should also intensify the promotion of our entrepreneurs, who are the ones who can achieve the African dream. Goodwell Mateyo, former President of the Zambian Chamber of Mines Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) suspends 1st ordinary meeting due to ongoing strike by Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG). The Assembly which was supposed to hold its first ordinary meeting of 3rd session of the 8th Assembly between Thursday, 5th and Friday 6th May, 2022 per an invitation letter to members of the Assembly dated 12th April,2022 had to suspend it. A message to suspend the meeting sent to the members reads, in view of the ongoing Clogsag industrial action, the Presiding Member and Management has decided to postpone the Assembly meeting scheduled for tomorrow Thursday 5th and Friday6th until further notice. A new date will be communicated to members as soon as the strike is called off. Once again, we apologize for the inconveniences this might have caused. Thank you.. This portal learnt that the summons to 1st Ordinary meeting of the 3rd session of the 8th Assembly dated 12th April,2022 was signed by Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong and copied to all Sub-Metro council chairpersons, KMA and also distributed to Hon. Metro Chief Executive, all Members of Parliament, Assembly members as well as all heads of Department of the Assembly. When contacted, Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, the PM for KMA confirmed the suspension of their meeting citing the CLOGSAG industrial strike. He therefore appeals to all stakeholders especially the Minister for Local government among others to intervene to help address the concerns of the CLOGSAG members to enable them return to work. According to him, the crucial role played by the members of the Association in the administration of the local governance system cannot be overemphasized. KMA PM who doubles as Assembly member for Krofrom East electoral area admitted that the ongoing strike is having serious and negative impact on the running of the Assemblies across the country. According to him, the members of CLOGSAG are the very people who collect revenue for the Assemblies, "and they are on strike who else can go out and collect the revenues?" The clients of the Assembly among other MMDAs across the country are also stranded. He therefore called on all Ghanaians to join the calls on government to consider CLOGSAG request on time to enable them return back to work. Hon. Frimpong said since CLOGSAG is not classified under essential services of Ghana it seems many stakeholders including the meeting have been silent about the negative impact the strike is having on the governance system at the local levels. The effect Scores of Ghanaians stranded as Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) strike bites hard. Some Ghanaians seeking the services of some government institutions like the Registrar General Department were left unattended. Offices of many local assemblies across the county were under lock and key. Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) begun a nationwide strike on Thursday, January 20, 2022 over what it says is poor conditions of service. The Association claims the issue of poor conditions of service of its members has been ignored over the years. It noted that its leaders could no longer hold the pressure from the members to declare a strike, which, according to them, was long overdue. It added that its unique conditions of service was informed by Article 94(3)(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibited civil servants from participating in active political activities. The Association want its members, who have been restrained from participating in partisan politics, to have a distinct and enhanced salary structure and other conditions of service. A former Deputy Minister of Communication in the Mahama administration, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has reminded Ghanaians to acknowledge that the controversial e-levy is the 25th tax that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has introduced since assuming office in 2017. This is the same government that promised Ghanaians of moving the economy from taxation to production, yet, on the assumption of power, has introduced 25 new taxes with the e-levy being the 25th, he said. These are the same individuals who, in opposition, complained about the introduction of taxes, he stated, recalling that the NPP said Ghana does not need more taxes but production while in opposition. The former Deputy Minister, who is also a spokesperson for the former president, catalogued the taxes introduced by the NPP, to buttress Mr Mahamas call for a repeal of the e-levy should the NDC win the 2024 election. E-levy is a double tax that must be cancelled as suggested by the former president, he stressed. As a party, we are not averse to taxation because no government can survive without taxation, he maintained. It was only Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, who was averse to taxes and now clamouring for taxes on the already suffering Ghanaian, he added. He argued that the NPP, as a party, has no credibility when it comes to taxation given all they have said about taxation in the country. According to him, the NPP is bereft of ideas if this is the only way it intends to augment the revenue base of the country. Mr Ofosu Kwakye made these submissions in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Source: Classfmonline.com Director of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Africa Office, Mina Mensah is calling for the review of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798) and the Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977) to include petty offences. She believes this will go a long way to reduce congestion at the countrys prisons, as Alternative Dispute Resolution will be used to settle most of the cases that go to court. Mina Mensah was speaking at the Stakeholders Roundtable discussion on the review of the Alternative Dispute Resolution and Legal Aid Commission in Sunyani. The days stakeholders' Roundtable discussion on the need to review the Alternative Dispute Resolution and Legal Aid Commission Acts was attended by personnel from the Ghana Police and Prison Services. Others were from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Department of Social Welfare, Legal Aid, Traditional Leaders and Civil Society Organisations. Mina Mensah the Director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Africa Office, speaking at the programme said, One of the things that can be done to make access to justice easy is Alternative Dispute Resolution. The act that establishes the ADR needs to be reviewed so that people can readily sort out their issues before it escalates. If you go to our prisons, people are there because of minor issues which could have been solved by ADR. But we are using our meagre money to cater for them. A lecturer at the Catholic University College of Ghana and ADR Specialist, George Kafui Agbozo called for the inclusion of ADR in the syllabus of the Ghana Police Service. This he believes, will go a long way to empower them to have an idea about ADR so that when they come on the field they can use it effectively. The Branammanhene, Nana Kwaku Bediako V, on his part, called for the review of the ADR so that some powers are given to the chiefs to settle some civil cases that could be handled at the local level. This, he noted, will help to decongest the country's prisons. If chiefs are empowered, there are some of the issues we can handle so that they do not go to court to help reduce congestion at the countrys prisons. ASP Beatrice Korsah from the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service in the Sunyani Municipality on her part called for more training for the personnel of the service especially Crime Officers, Prosecutors and personnel in the DOVVSU unit noting that this will help in the usage of ADR. ---citinewsroom Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has offered customers within the Krobo District five years repayment period to clear all their indebtedness to the company instead of the initial two-year arrangement. Mr Emmanuel Akinie, ECG Tema Regional General Manager who announced this at a stakeholder's engagement at Krobo-Odumase explained that the new repayment arrangement was a result of a series of meetings and pleas from the indebted customers, Management decided to extend the payment period. He added that ECG Management had ring-fenced the debt instead of running to 2014, now the Krobo customers who are in debt have up to 2017 to clear the debt. Mr Akinie said the ECG Management also decided to set aside the migrating of the existing debt unto the prepaid meters as often done, as a special offer for the Krobo customers. One of the protocols is to migrate existing debt on the post-paid meters unto the prepaid meter which is then used to manage the debt, however, this protocol has been waived for customers within the Krobo district that is to say that ECG management has decided not to use the prepaid meters to manage the payment of the debt in Krobo District, he said. However after recent engagements which also involved National Security and others, ECG Management has decided to reschedule the debt from two years to a period of five years, it is therefore expected that all customers will visit our office for debt schedule arrangement outside the prepaid meter install meters, he stated. Mr Akinie said. they would sit down with every customer to determine how much must be paid on a monthly or weekly basis depending on how flexible it would be for the customer and ECG. He disclosed that the Company had been undergoing the process of replacing all post-paid meters with pre-paid in the Krobo district with a pre-installation survey on about 3,000 meters in the Kpong and Kporgunor area, adding that the exercise would be extended to the other areas. We also started with the physical prepaid installation sometime last week. So far as Wednesday, May 04, 2022, we have been able to install 25 prepaid meters for residential and non-residential customers, the team is continuing with the installation, he revealed. According to him, the first 25 customers who were now using pre-paid meters in the district could testify to the effect that they had been able to purchase power successfully, an indication that their prepaid meters were not being used to manage the debts from the post-paid meters. GNA May 05, 2022 Ukraine's Forces Are Told To Hold The Line Where Russian Artillery Is Pulverizing Them The Russian military forces are grinding down Ukrainian ground forces by extensive use of heavy artillery. The Ukrainian artillery has been destroyed or lacks ammunition.The Ukrainian forces have orders to stay in their position and to hold the line. That only makes sure that Russian artillery strikes will destroy them. The order was given because the 'west' has pushed the Ukrainian president to not make peace with Russia. The consequence will be the assured destruction of the Ukrainian military. bigger There are claims that the Russian progress in Ukraine has been slow or has even come to a halt: The United States assessed last week that Russian troops were making slow and uneven progress in the Donbas, often of no more than several kilometers ... on any given day, just because they dont want to run out too far ahead of their logistics and sustainment lines, one senior U.S. official told journalists. But in its daily reports, the Institute for the Study of War noted that Russian forces made no confirmed ground attacks on Monday or Tuesday. It said a Ukrainian artillery strike April 30 on a Russian command headquarters near Izium has slowed the Russian push, and noted that, farther north, a Ukrainian counterattack Monday pushed Russian forces back 25 miles east of Kharkiv. Those claims do not hold up to reality. As Clausewitz wrote about the Schwerpunkt in 'On War': [N]o matter what the central feature of the enemy's power may bethe point on which your efforts must convergethe defeat and destruction of his fighting force remains the best way to begin, and in every case will be a very significant feature of the campaign. Basing our comments on general experience, the acts we consider most important for the defeat of the enemy are the following: Destruction of his army, if it is at all significant. Seizure of his capital if it is not only the center of administration but also that of social, professional, and political activity. Delivery of an effective blow against his principal ally if that ally is more powerful than he. Accordingly the Russian military is tasked with demilitarizing the Ukraine, Clausewitz' task one, and that is what it is doing. Russia is using the best available means to destroy the Ukrainian military. On the ground that means ruthless systematic mass use of artillery. Reports about the high morale of the Ukrainian soldiers who halt Russian advances are copium when compared with the reality of the battlefield. From the preface of the book King of Battle: Artillery in World War I (also here): Artillery dominated the battlefields of World War I. That was seen in various ways, from wounding patterns and doctors clinical data, to memoirs, diaries, and letters, through to changed military doctrine after the war. No nation that had experienced significant ground combat would blithely assume morale could replace firepower. Artillery even holds the dubious distinction of causing a new diagnosis, shellshock. Morale can not replace firepower. Morale gets destroyed when soldiers come under concentrated artillery fire. Russia has plenty of the later. As I wrote a week ago after reading the Russian military report for that day: The nearly 1,000 artillery missions in the last 24 hours and on the days before speak of intense preparations for upcoming attacks by Russian mechanized forces. Over all artillery will do the most damage to the Ukrainian troops. In World War II and other modern mechanized wars some 65% of all casualties were caused by artillery strikes. The recent rate on the Ukrainian side will likely be higher. There were at that time few reports about the artillery situation at the frontline. I have now found three which have since come out. They convey what the power of artillery does to an army and confirm my previous take. First a Politico piece that was published on the same day I wrote the above and was added to its update. The starkest quotes: The situation is very bad, [Russian forces] are using scorched- earth tactics, the 31-year-old married father of two said via text. They simply destroy everything with artillery, shelling day and night, [First Lt. Ivan Skuratovsky] said via text. ... The day before, he told POLITICO his soldiers were being bombarded with Russian howitzers, mortars and multiple-launch rocket systems at the same time. Just hours earlier, he said, they had been attacked by two Su-25 warplanes, and our day became hell. From an AFP piece, published on April 30, we have this: Russian troops in Ukraines eastern Donbas region have shifted from a steamroller strategy to one of relentlessly chipping away at their opponents in the hope of grinding them down. Ukraines army has little option but to try to stall their larger and better-equipped enemy in the sprawling plains of Donbas, where artillery is king. ... Pessimism about the chances of pushing back the Russians appears to be spreading. ... Although they are holding their ground on the battlefield, many of Ukraines infantry soldiers admit to feeling overwhelmed. Viking, a 27-year-old staff sergeant who fought in Kreminna said his comrades are exhausted and waiting for the order to pull back. If it was a war between infantry forces, we would have a chance. But in this area, its first and foremost an artillery war and we dont have enough artillery, he says. For every 300 shells they fire, we fire three. And from yesterday's Christian Science Monitor this: The Ukrainian artillery team was moving into position in the northern Donbas region, along the front line near Izium. The soldiers did not even have time to orient their guns before they were found by a Russian drone. The first Russian 152 mm shells fired by howitzers more than 10 miles away landed near the Ukrainian guns. As the artillery team ran for safety, its vehicle was hit and set on fire. The driver, badly wounded, veered straight into bushes as shells rained down. The survivors escaped on foot, across open fields. Roman, a young artilleryman with a short patchy beard, recalled the events from a darkened military hospital room in Kramatorsk, his eyes glazed and an intravenous drip in his left arm, as he recovered from blast concussion. He gave only his first name, in keeping with Ukrainian military rules for wounded soldiers. The biggest surprise for him? That I am still alive here, after that shelling, he says listlessly, closing his eyes and lying back on his bed. ... Russia has escalated its shelling in an apparent bid to advance on the eastern region both from the Izium axis in the north and up from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south. The pincers movement seeks to cut off some of Ukraines most battle-hardened forces .. ... In Romans unit the driver is dead, the commander is in intensive care, another artilleryman has shrapnel wounds, and the rest are concussed, like Roman. ... Their artillery never, never stops, says the deputy commander of Ukraines Donbas Battalion, a major who only gave the nickname Kot (Cat). He spoke in Sloviansk with a balaclava covering his face, as an air raid siren wailed across the city. They are changing their strategy, but it is still what we would expect from Russia, says Major Kot. There are no more long, vulnerable columns: They are sending recon units, then shell with artillery, and then send tanks, he says. If those tanks are destroyed, they send more tanks. ... We really have a lack of heavy artillery, says Ukrainian Sgt. Viktor Davydov, still wired and speaking quickly of Ukraines needs, after returning to the town of Druzhkivka from the front, where he says Russian artillery strikes continue 24/7. When Russia sends incoming 200 shells, we send back 10 shells, says Sergeant Davydov, who wears sunglasses, a pistol on his thigh, and a skull shoulder patch in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag. His job is to take freshly mobilized men to the front to show them not to be afraid, and to teach them how to dig in and make very effective defensive positions to compensate for the firepower imbalance with Russia. I tell them that all they have to do is hold our line, and not retreat, says Sergeant Davydov. The cost can be high. The sergeant recalls 10 recruits in late April being sent to him one night at 11 p.m. By 6 a.m. two were dead and three wounded by Russian artillery. The Ukrainian parliament recently change the law so that the Ukrainian territorial defense forces, comparable to the German Volkssturm, can now be used throughout the country. The locals in west Ukraine who volunteered for these units hoping to avoid being drafted into the army will now be send to the Donbas frontline where Russian artillery will eat them up. The U.S. has send about 100 howitzer to Ukraine and a similar number of various artillery pieces will come from other NATO countries. There are several problems with these. The first issue is training. Howitzer can not be used by newbies. How many Ukrainians with artillery experience are still alive? Delivered to the west-Ukrainian border the guns will need to be transported 1,000 kilometer (600 miles) to the east. Their heavy ammunition, and artillery needs a lot, will have to come the same way. bigger Russia has now destroyed a total of 16 electric substations along the railway lines. Yesterday Russia damaged a major railway bridge over the Dnieper. Another railway bridge on the line from Romania to Odessa was completely destroyed. The Ukraine can therefore only use its few diesel locomotives to transport the guns and ammunition. Whatever will come through to the eastern front will be too little too late. For some time Russia had made it a priority to destroy Ukrainian artillery. Yesterday's evening briefing by the Russian Defense Ministry noted: High-precision air-based missiles of the Russian Aerospace Forces during the day destroyed: 4 artillery batteries at firing positions, 3 ammunition depots near Mirnaya Dolina, Bakhmutskaya and Tashkovka, 20 areas of manpower and military equipment concentration, and 1 US-made counter-battery radar station near Popasnaya. ... Missile troops and artillery have hit 1 Ukrainian battery of BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers at firing positions, as well as 83 areas of manpower and military equipment concentration. A battery is a company sized (~100 men) artillery unit with usually 6 guns. The battery is used as a firing unit which means that all its guns fire at the same time and onto the same target. Today's morning briefing claimed more Ukrainian artillery losses: Missile troops have hit 2 AFU command posts, 1 artillery battery at a firing position, as well as 2 launchers and 1 transport and loading vehicle of Tochka-U tactical missile system during the night. Artillery units have hit 32 command posts, 5 ammunition depots, 403 strongholds, areas of manpower and military equipment concentration, and 51 Ukrainian artillery positions. Those are six Ukrainian batteries, each most likely with 6 guns or multiple rocket launchers, destroyed in just 24 hours. Those U.S. guns that reach the frontline will have a similar fate. In total the Russian military claims to have destroyed "325 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,306 field artillery and mortars" during the war. A new participant in artillery fights are drones which are used on both sides to direct artillery fire onto enemy positions. The Russian military claims that it took down 20 of the Ukrainian ones during the last 24 hours for a total of 726. The briefings claim that Russian forces 'eliminated' up to 900 'nationalists' over the last 24 hours. That number may be too high but with all the mass use of artillery it is entirely plausible. Without artillery support in good quantity the Ukrainian military has no chance to hold the line and to stop Russian moves. Any unit which attempts is hold the line will simply be mauled by Russian artillery until it is no longer able to fight. That is happening now. As the Ukrainians have orders not to leave or move their defense lines they either have to give up or die defending them. By giving 'hold the line' orders the Ukrainian leadership is contributing to the Russian demilitarization of the Ukraine. Why is it doing that? The situation for the Ukraine is hopeless and has been for some time. Why has its President Zelensky not given up? Why does he not agree to Russia's peace conditions? We can find the answer in a piece published today in Ukraine's Pravda (machine translation): Potential Zelensky-Putin talks paused after Johnson's arrival - sources After the arrival of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv, a possible meeting between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin has become less likely. ... According to UP sources close to Zelensky, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who appeared in the capital almost without warning, brought two simple messages. The first is that Putin is a war criminal, he needs to be squeezed, and not negotiated with him. And secondly, if Ukraine is ready to sign any agreements on guarantees with him, then they are not. This position of Johnson testified: the collective West, which back in February offered Zelensky to surrender and run away, now felt that Putin was actually not at all as omnipotent as he was imagined, and that right now there was a chance to squeeze him. Three days after Johnson left for the UK, Putin went public and said talks with Ukraine "have reached an impasse." It is the 'west' that is preventing Zelensky from suing for peace. The 'west' has fallen for its own propaganda. It believes that the Russian troops near Kiev were defeated by Ukrainian forces. In reality they retreated in good order after the diversion they constituted was no longer needed. The 'western' fairytale that they were 'defeated' gave hope that Russia could be 'weakened', as the U.S. Secretary of State said. The war will hardly 'weaken' Russia. But the war will destroy the Ukrainian military and many, many of its men. Posted by b on May 5, 2022 at 16:59 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Boeing Co. said Thursday it will move its headquarters from Chicago to the Washington, D.C., area, where company executives would be closer to key federal government officials. The company said it will use its campus in Arlington, Virginia, as its new headquarters, and it plans to develop a research and technology hub in the area. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent, Boeing CEO David Calhoun said. The move marks a win for Virginias Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who campaigned last year on a promise to bring new businesses and jobs to the state. The decision to call Virginia home shows that the Commonwealth is the premier location for aerospace companies," Youngkin said in a statement. I look forward to working with Boeing to attract even more talent to Virginia especially given its reputation for engineering excellence. Youngkin retired in 2020 as co-CEO of private equity giant the Carlyle Group. He was personally involved in discussions about the move and had a prior business relationship with Calhoun, who also was an executive in the investment industry, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly. A spokeswoman for Virginia's economic development agency said the project will not receive any state incentives, nor will it receive any from Arlington County, a spokeswoman there said. Boeing is a major defense contractor, and the move will put executives close to Pentagon leaders. Rival defense contractors including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are already based in the D.C. area. Company executives would also be near the Federal Aviation Administration, which certifies Boeing passenger and cargo planes. Boeing's relationship with the FAA has been strained since deadly crashes of its best-selling plane, the 737 Max, in 2018 and 2019. The FAA took nearly two years far longer than Boeing expected to approve design changes and allow the plane back in the air. Certification of new Boeing planes will take longer too. The company has suffered financial setbacks in building a refueling tanker for the Air Force. And it has been hurt by the pandemic, which undercut travel and demand for new planes. Boeing lost $1.2 billion in this year's first quarter. Boeing's roots are in the Seattle area, and it has assembly plants in Washington state and South Carolina. The company moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2001 after an unusually public search that also considered Dallas and Denver. Cai von Rumohr, an aerospace analyst for Cowen, said there were advantages for Boeing moving its headquarters to the Washington, D.C., area or back to Seattle, where leaders again would be closer to the companys important commercial operations. Chicago does nothing for them, von Rumohr said. Boeing had 142,000 employees at the end of 2021, including 12% based outside the United States, according to a regulatory filing. The filing did not say how many work in Chicago. Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with consultant AeroDynamic Advisory, said Boeing's Chicago work force is minimal, making the move easier. Boeing said it would maintain a presence in Chicago and the surrounding region and did not say how many additional employees would begin working in Virginia. Rep. Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which investigated Boeing and the FAA after the Max crashes, criticized Boeings move to be closer to federal policy makers. Boeing should focus on making safe airplanes, not lobbying federal regulators and Congress, he said. Meanwhile, many of Virginias elected officials celebrated the news. Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw called it one hell of a catch. Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Boeings decision was a testament to Virginias skilled workforce and strong national security community. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, also a Virginia Democrat and a former entrepreneur and investor, indicated the deal had been in the works for quite some time. For well over a year, Ive been making my case to Boeing senior leadership that Virginia would be a great place for its headquarters, and late last year, I was happy to learn that my efforts were successful, he said in a statement. In an interview, Warner said he thought the new headquarters would reinforce Virginia's prominence as a home for businesses but that the research and technology hub might have an even longer-term economic impact. The company's statement thanked both Youngkin and Warner. Boeing will be following in the footsteps of Amazon, which decided to put a second headquarters in Arlington. Last month, local officials approved Amazon's plans to erect a 350-foot helix-shaped building. Boeing's decision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. A North Carolina man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring with other members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group to forcefully halt the peaceful transfer of power after President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory. William Todd Wilson, 44, of Newton Grove, North Carolina, is the third Oath Keepers member to plead guilty to a seditious conspiracy charge stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Brian Ulrich, 44, of Guyton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the same charge last Friday. Joshua James, 34, of Arab, Alabama, was the first Oath Keepers member to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy. Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, 55, of Granbury, Texas, and eight others linked to the group have pleaded not guilty to seditious conspiracy and other charges. A trial for some of them is scheduled to start in July. Unlike James and Ulrich, Wilson wasn't charged in the initial January 2022 indictment for the seditious conspiracy case. The charge is rarely employed. Before January, the last time U.S. prosecutors brought such a seditious conspiracy case was in 2010 in an alleged Michigan plot by members of the Hutaree militia to incite an uprising against the government. Wilson was an Oath Keeper member since 2016 and a Sampson County leader of the group's North Carolina chapter, according to a court filing. The filing describes him as a military and law enforcement veteran but doesn't include any details of his service. Some members of the Oath Keepers, like Wilson, believe that the federal government has been coopted by a cabal of elites actively trying to strip American citizens of their rights, the filing says. Wilson brought a rifle, pistol, ammunition and other combat gear when he drove to the Washington area on Jan. 5. He left the weapons in a Virginia hotel room but was armed with a pocketknife and wearing a neck gaiter and beanie hat to mask his appearance when he and other Oath Keepers entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, prosecutors said. Oath Keepers members dressed in paramilitary clothing stormed the Capitol in stack formations. Others amassed firearms on the outskirts of Washington, D.C, and were prepared to bring the weapons into the city on Jan. 6 if Rhodes or his associates believed the need arose, according to prosecutors. In the end, the groups quick reaction force teams didnt bring guns into Washington. Before he left the Capitol, Wilson joined a mob of people trying to push open the Rotunda Doors from inside the building, according to prosecutors. Later that afternoon, according to a court filing, Wilson joined Rhodes and others in a hotel's private suite, where Rhodes called somebody over a speaker phone and repeatedly implored the person to tell Trump to '"call upon groups like the Oath Keepers to forcibly oppose the transfer of power." The unidentified person on the phone refused to let Rhodes speak directly with Trump. After the call ended, Rhodes stated to the group, I just want to fight,'" the filing says. Several days after he returned home, Wilson tossed his cellphone into the Atlantic Ocean to keep its contents out of law enforcements hands, prosecutors said. Wilson also pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding, the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden's victory over former President Donald Trump. Four other people connected with the Oath Keepers have pleaded guilty to obstruction of Congress and a lesser conspiracy charge, A conviction under the seditious conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, compared with five years on the lesser conspiracy charge. More than 780 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. Over 270 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. More than 160 of them have been sentenced. Sometimes you can find some real treasures while thrifting. A Texas woman recently came across what may be one of the most precious. Laura Young, an antique dealer, found a neat-looking all-white marble sculpture at a Goodwill in Austin in 2018. For only $34.99, the 50-pound piece seemed like a deal, and Young was quick to snag the item and bring it home. Hoping to find out more information about the sculpture, Matt Largey of KUT reports that Young contacted an auction house in London. She was able to confirm that the portrait bust is likely of a popular Roman general named Drusus Germanicus, and was told the sculpture was more than 2,000-years-old, according to KUT. Leila Amineddoleh, a lawyer in New York who specializes in international art law, said that while some reports claim that the sculpture could be of Roman military leader Sextus Pompey, a majority believe it to be a portrait of Drusus. "Of course, that could be incorrect, but I believe most experts have identified the work as Drusus Germanicus," Amineddoleh said. Its last known whereabouts were at a museum built by German King Ludwig the First called the Pompejanum built in the 1840s in the German city of Aschaffenburg. During World War II, a battle was fought in Aschaffenburg in the spring of 1945 and the museum was hit by bombs and heavily damaged. Stephennie Mulder, an art history professor at UT Austin, told KUT that many of the museum's objects were either destroyed or looted, so it's likely the bust suffered the same fate. "So unfortunately in this case, it might have been a U.S. soldier who either looted it himself or purchased it from someone who had looted the object," Mulder said. The item was considered lost or destroyed until its discovery in Austin. Young told KUT that she knew she couldn't keep the looted artifact so she hired Amineddoleh to negotiate how to get it back to Germany. While negotiations took place over several years, a process further delayed by the pandemic, Young kept the bust in her home and even named it Dennis Reynolds after the narcissist character from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," KUT reports. "He was attractive, he was cold, he was aloof," Young told KUT. "I couldn't really have him. He was difficult. So, yeah, my nickname for him was 'Dennis.'" It has been decided that German authorities will take the bust back, but first it will enjoy a one-year exhibition alongside artifacts in the Roman antique collection at the San Antonio Museum of Art. It will remain on display there until next summer when the statue will be returned to Germany, according to KUT Young has since made a half-size 3D-printed replica of "Dennis" to keep for herself. "I do have a collection of busts at home," she told KUT. "So he's with my other heads." Pike County Jail PITTSFIELD A Pittsfield teenager was being held Thursday in Pike County Jail after his arrest on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault. Dylan C. Guthrie, 18, of Pittsfield was arrested after an investigation Wednesday into a sexual assault in rural Pittsfield, according to Pike County Sheriff David E. Greenwood. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden marked Cinco de Mayo on Thursday by honoring the impact that Mexican Americans and other immigrant communities have had in the United States as he hosted a White House party with Mexico's first lady as the guest of honor. Beatriz Gutierrez Muller, wife of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, joined Biden and first lady Jill Biden for the Rose Garden reception that featured tables draped in orange, blue, lime-green and other party colors. We are an immigrant nation. We say that, but people act like they don't believe it," said Biden who briefly left the podium to personally greet Gutierrez Muller. That is our strength. The president urged lawmakers to approve an immigration overhaul he sent to Congress his first week in office that remains stalled. He said that if that measure does not pass, action could still be taken on smaller initiatives that have bipartisan support, including protecting people brought to the United States illegally as children. About 100 attendees ate steak tacos, pork tamales, empanadas, ceviche, jicama salad and watermelon, as well as chocolate-dipped churros. Margaritas on the rocks, beer and other drink options, were also served, as a chef mashed avocados for guacamole in a large molcajete. The day marks Mexico's triumph on May 5, 1862, over the French in the Battle of Puebla, where Mexican soldiers beat back Napoleon III's forces despite being vastly outnumbered. Cinco de Mayo has become more popular in the United States than it is in much of Mexico. It gives Mexican Americans a chance to celebrate Mexican heritage, but the day also is heavily promoted for commercial purposes by beer and snack companies. Our relationship with Mexico is special," Jill Biden said, adding, Joe always says that politics is personal. And Im grateful to continue building our friendship. U.S. presidents from both parties have tried to use Cinco de Mayo to celebrate the contributions of Mexican-Americans a growing and powerful voting bloc. The exception was President Donald Trump, whose centerpiece campaign promise before his 2016 election was vowing to wall off the entire U.S.-Mexico border. The 45th president didn't attend Cinco de Mayo ceremonies, though he released statements, including one in 2018, that hailed the significant contributions of Mexican Americans to the United States. Trump also tweeted about the holiday before being banned from the social media site. As a candidate in 2016, he wrote that I love Hispanics while lauding the taco bowls on the menu at the Trump Tower office building in Manhattan. Last year, Biden commemorated the day by visiting a Washington taqueria that had benefited from Biden administration program to help eateries that lost business because of the coronavirus pandemic. Intuit will pay $141 million to customers across the United States who were deceived by misleading promises of free tax-filing services, Illinois' Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Wednesday. Intuit, which offers the TurboTax tax-filing system, will suspend TurboTax's "free, free, free" ad campaign and pay restitution to nearly 4.4 million taxpayers, Raoul said in a statement. The settlement was signed by the attorneys general of all 50 states. The investigation was inspired by a 2019 ProPublica report that found the company was using deceptive tactics to steer low-income tax filers away from federally-supported free services which they qualified for and toward its own commercial products. "For years, Intuit misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit. Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable for scamming millions of taxpayers, and were putting millions of dollars back into the pockets of impacted Americans," New York AG Letitia James said in a statement. "This agreement should serve as a reminder to companies large and small that engaging in these deceptive marketing ploys is illegal." This settlement impacts more than 130,000 Illinois residents. "Intuit attracted customers to TurboTax with promises of free tax preparation services, leaving people to learn the hard way that those services were anything but free," Raoul said. "This settlement holds Intuit accountable for intentionally deceiving taxpayers who were simply seeking an affordable option to help them navigate what can be the daunting process of filing their taxes." Until 2021, Intuit offered two free versions of TurboTax, one through its participation in the Internal Revenue Service's Free File Program, geared toward taxpayers earning roughly $34,000 and members of the military. Intuit withdrew from the program in July 2021. The company also offers a commercial product called "TurboTax Free Edition" that is only for taxpayers with "simple returns." Intuit will provide restitution to consumers who started using the commercial TurboTax Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file even though they were eligible for the version of TurboTax offered as part of the IRS Free File program. "As part of the agreement, Intuit admitted no wrongdoing, agreed to pay $141 million to put this matter behind it, and made certain commitments regarding its advertising practices," representatives for Intuit said in a blog post Wednesday. "Intuit already adheres to most of these advertising practices and expects minimal impact to its business from implementing the remaining changes going forward." Consumers are expected to receive a direct payment of approximately $30 for each year they were deceived into paying for filing services, according to Raoul's press release. Impacted consumers will automatically receive notices and a check by mail. Intuit has agreed to reform other aspects of its business practices, including refraining from making misrepresentations in connection with promoting or offering any online tax preparation products and designing its products to better inform users whether they will be eligible to file their taxes for free. Jacksonville School District 117 does not plan to stop having police ticket students for some infractions, Superintendent Steve Ptacek said, adding that it is just one tool the district uses to keep students safe. Some school systems are reviewing the practice on the heels of a ProPublica/Chicago Tribune investigation into Illinois schools issuing tickets as punishment. Within hours of the report being released late last week, the state's top education official called on school districts to stop working with police to ticket students for misbehaving. "If your district/schools are engaging in this practice, I implore you to immediately stop and consider both the cost and the consequences of these fines, State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala said in a message to principals and superintendents. A database of school districts and police departments ticketing students accompanied the article as part of a wider investigation into student ticketing that found police fining many students and their families hundreds of dollars for in-school issues such as truancy and fighting. JSD 117 and Jersey County schools were the only west-central Illinois school districts with data provided. According to the database, police issued 19 tickets to Jacksonville High School students between 2019 and 2021. They were issued for fighting, truancy and disorderly conduct, among other infractions. Meanwhile, 15 tickets were issued to Jersey County students between 2019 and 2021. Thirteen were given to Jersey Community High School students, while two were given to Jersey Community Middle School students. The database said the tickets were for use or possession of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia." Jacksonville Police Chief Adam Mefford said the police department generally lets the school decide how it disciplines students but will intervene in situations of physical violence or conduct that jeopardizes the safety of students, staff or visitors to the school. He said the rate at which tickets were being written up averaging to just more than three a semester was not an urgent cause for concern. Ticketing by school district Morgan County Jacksonville High School: 19 tickets issued between 2019 and 2021 for fighting, truancy and disorderly conduct. Ticket recipients by race: 53% Black, 47% Latino. Enrollment by race: 78% white, 9% multiracial, 8% Black, 4% Latino, 1% Asian Jersey County Jersey Community High School: 13 tickets issued between 2019 and 2021 for use or possession of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia. Ticket recipients by race: Data unavailable. Jersey Community Middle School: Two tickets issued between 2019 and 2021 for use or possession of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia. Ticket recipients by race: Data unavailable. Data on ticketing were unavailable for other school districts in Morgan, Brown, Cass, Greene, Schuyler and Scott counties. Source: ProPublica/Chicago Tribune database See More Collapse Mefford doesn't believe issuing fines would solve truancy issues, he said, noting that the police department is part of a truancy council made up of schools, social services, law enforcement, attorneys and others that seeks to find the best ways to end truancy. Ptacek defended his district, saying it has an obligation to ensure that (its) schools are safe and do not allow criminal actions to happen on school grounds. Some of the students were ticketed for violating municipal ordinances while at school, he said. If an action or behavior would be determined to be a criminal act or a violation of a code in the park, why wouldnt it be considered the same thing in a public place such as a school? Ptacek said. Ptacek has no plans to alter the districts relationship with Jacksonville police, he said. Im concerned that this is a path that people are going down that will make schools a more crime-ridden and violent place than you would make other public locations, he said. Jersey schools Superintendent Brad Tuttle declined to comment. Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said he was not aware of any involvement the police department had with ticketing students. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRUSSELS A standing ovation greeted the announcement that Maureen Tepen has been named the 2022 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award winner for the Diocese of Springfield. God is so good; God is so good, Tepen said Wednesday while fighting back tears. "I decided to be a teacher when I was in first grade, and I had this little seed in my heart that I wanted to teach kids, and to have a spot they knew they could come to be encouraged and grow. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki came to St. Mary Catholic School in Brussels to present Tepen with her award, and every student hugged her after the announcement. Tepen is the third/fourth grade teacher and fifth/sixth grade language arts teacher at the small school in Calhoun County. The genuine love Mrs. Tepen has for being a teacher shines through in the heart-felt projects she incorporates into her lessons, like the Christmas angels, self-portraits, and Mothers Day yarn flowers, said Becky Lorts, principal at St. Mary. She infuses faith-filled activities throughout all subjects she teaches," Lorts said. "Her classroom is warm and nurturing. She inspires others to grow in their faith and spirituality." Lorts said Tepen was a role model to others, "not only in words but actions." "She is a witness through her faithful participation in the sacraments," Lorts said. "As her administrator, I look to her when I need guidance and even reassurance if Im having a difficult day, because she is the epitome of kindness. "St. Mary School is very blessed to have her as a veteran teacher, and I am so blessed to call her my friend. Tepen has taught for 27 years in Catholic education: 21 years at St. Mary in Brussels, five at St. Francis Xavier in Jerseyville and one at St. John in Carrollton. She belongs to St. Joseph Church in Meppen, part of Blessed Trinity Parish. "I just love every single one of you students," she told the kids at St. Mary's on Wednesday . "You have done so much for me. You helped me to grow, and every day I get to see growth in you. "You say that I help you become the best version of yourself," she said. "But its you guys that help me be the best version of myself. God has given each of you so many talents. I want you to find that talent and live it in your life. Keep God first and foremost in your heart and mind. Each year the diocese presents the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to an outstanding Catholic teacher who "authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic" and instills the Catholic faith into her students while embodying St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded Catholic schools in the United States. There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese: 36 elementary and seven high schools. This year the diocese's Office for Catholic Schools and Office for Communications received 72 nominations for the award, a record number. A team of former diocese educators reviewed all of the nominations, narrowing the field to five finalists before selecting Tepen for the honor. Her knowledge of the Bible and the Catholic faith is infinite, said Rachel Wilschetz-Hartman, a colleague of Tepen. Her dedication to God and her faith is exemplary. She volunteers for all the extra activities, is in charge of our missions collections, and she handmakes collection boxes and successfully encourages students to donate money for the less fortunate. I am appreciative of her patience, uplifting advice, and support throughout the years. She has influenced me to examine my relationship with God and deepen my faith. Riley Pohlman, one of Tepen's current students, described her as a loving person who helped her deal with frustration. "She spent a long time helping me, and I finally got it," Pohlman said. "She was so patient and calm the whole time. I was happy that she took time to help me." Dayton Brundies, one of her former students, said Tepen treats everyone like her own family and was someone people could turn to if they have a bad day. She is very selfless and loves donating to the less fortunate," Brundies said. "Mrs. Tepen is truly a saint and is dedicated to her religion. She has inspired me to take my religion more seriously. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LONDON (AP) The militaries of Britain and Japan will work more closely together under a defense deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced during talks with his Japanese counterpart Thursday. Johnson hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the British leaders 10 Downing St. residence. He noted the strong stance Japan has taken against the Russian aggression in Ukraine and drew a parallel with the security situation in Asia. There is direct read across from the actions of autocratic, coercive powers in Europe to what may happen in East Asia, Johnson said. That's why we want to work more closely together. Johnson's office said the deal will allow the armed forces of the two Group of Seven countries to deploy together for training, joint exercises and disaster relief. The prime ministers agreed that democracies around the world needed to stand in unity against authoritarian regimes, the office said after their meeting. Kishida's first official visit to the U.K. as prime minister was marked with an overflight of London by three Royal Air Force planes. Japan has condemned Russias invasion and joined Western nations in imposing sanctions against Moscow. Japan also has supplied Ukraine with helmets and other non-lethal military aid. Japan is concerned Russias invasion of Ukraine could have an impact in East Asia, where Chinas military has grown increasingly assertive and threatened to unite with Chinese-claimed Taiwan by force if necessary. Britain has announced an Indo-Pacific tilt in its foreign policy in the wake of its departure from the European Union in 2020, and sees Japan as its key East Asian ally. Chris Hughes, a professor of international politics and Japanese studies at the University of Warwick, said Kishidas visit will further consolidate a U.K.-Japan 'quasi-alliance that has been worked on for the last decade or more. He said U.K.-Japan relations are becoming much stronger in security, but they will be tested by seeing how far Japan will be forthcoming to do more in security with the U.K. outside its own East Asia region and, likewise, how far the U.K. can sustain substantive cooperation with Japan outside its region with the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Amber Heard testifies she was assaulted by Johnny Depp View Photo FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) Amber Heard said she knew she should leave Johnny Depp the first time he hit her, but she couldnt bring herself to do it. I knew I couldnt just forgive him, right, because that means it will happen again. Like, Ive seen the health class videos, Heard told jurors through tears as she took the stand in Depps libel lawsuit against her. I was heartbroken. Heard said she walked away after being slapped, but a few days later Depp came back with an apology, a few cases of her favorite wine, and a promise hed never do it again. I wanted to believe him, so I chose to, she said. Depp, 58, is suing Heard for libel in Fairfax County Circuit Court after she wrote a December 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post describing herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse. The article never mentions Depp by name, but Depps lawyers say he was defamed nevertheless because it clearly referred to accusations she made in 2016 during their divorce proceedings. Much of the trial has focused on whether Heard was in fact abused, something Depp denies. Heard took the stand for the first time Wednesday. She also described a time she said she was sexually assaulted by Depp as he angrily performed what he called a cavity search. She said the two of them and some friends had gone to the Hicksville Trailer Palace in Joshua Tree, California, in May 2013 for what was going to be a nice night in the desert. They ingested psychotropic mushrooms, and Depp became jealous when he saw another woman acting in what he perceived as a flirtatious manner with Heard. Heard said she and Depp went into one of the trailers, which he promptly trashed. He then accused her of hiding his drugs, ripped her dress and started patting her down, she said. He was telling me, Were going to do a cavity search,' she said through tears. He just shoved his fingers inside me. I just stood there, staring at the lights. Heard began her testimony describing to jurors how they met filming a movie and fell in love. Despite their 22-year age difference, Heard said there was an instant connection when Depp met with her as he considered her for a role in his film The Rum Diary. I was a no-name actor. I was 22. He was twice my age. Hes this world famous actor and here we are getting along about obscure books, old blues music, said Heard, now 36. While they had chemistry during filming of the movie, she said they didnt begin dating until doing a press tour for the films release in 2011. At the outset, they kept their relationship a secret. We werent doing normal life stuff. We were in this bubble of secrecy, and it felt like a warm glow, she said. She said that first act of physical violence came in 2013 as she was looking at one of his tattoos and couldnt read it. She laughed when Depp told her it said Wino an alteration to a tattoo he had made when hed been dating actor Winona Ryder. Heard said she laughed again after he slapped her, thinking it must be a joke. He then slapped her two more times, the third time knocking her off balance, Heard said. Depp, who has already taken the stand and testified for four days, told jurors a different version of the story. It didnt happen, he said of the alleged assault. Why would I take such great offense to someone making fun of a tattoo on my body? That allegation never made any sense to me. Through most of Heards testimony, Depp stared down at the table in front of him. Heard said Depps violent episodes were usually triggered by some combination of jealousy and drug or alcohol use. Johnny on speed is very different from Johnny on opiates. Johnny on opiates is very different from Adderall and cocaine Johnny, which is very different from quaaludes Johnny, but I had to get good at paying attention to the different versions of him, she said. Depp has testified that he doesnt have a problem with alcohol and is famously capable of handling his liquor. He admitted to a problem with prescription pills but said he overcame it. Depps family, friends and employees have similarly downplayed the notion that Depp struggled with alcohol. On Wednesday, Heard said that was a big part of the problem. She said almost everyone around Johnny was charmed by him and excused his bad behavior. No one told him. No one was honest with him, she said. He passed out in his own vomit, hed lose control of his body and everyone cleaned up after him. I cleaned up after him. Heards testimony has been highly anticipated in a trial that has reached its fourth week. Depps legions of supporters have questioned, among other things, why Heard would have stayed in a relationship where she was a victim of abuse. Heard addressed that question multiple times Wednesday. When it was good, it was so good. Id never felt love like that, she said. But he was also this other thing. And that other thing was awful. By MATTHEW BARAKAT Associated Press Rapper Kidd Creole sentenced to 16 years for fatal stabbing View Photo NEW YORK (AP) Rapper Kidd Creole, who was a founding member of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years in prison for stabbing a homeless man to death on a New York City street. The 62-year-old rapper, born Nathaniel Glover, was found guilty of manslaughter last month for the death of John Jolly, who was stabbed twice in the chest with a steak knife in midtown Manhattan in August 2017. Prosecutors accused Glover of stabbing Jolly after becoming enraged because he thought Jolly was gay and was hitting on him. After stabbing Jolly, who was 55, Glover headed to his workplace nearby, changed his clothes and washed the knife, prosecutors said. Glover was arrested the following day. Mr. Jollys death was devastating to his family and those who knew him, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a news release after the sentencing. Every life we lose to violent crime ripples throughout our entire city, and we will continue to ensure everyone in our borough can live their lives with the sense of safety and security they deserve. The New York Times reports that Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Michele Rodney appeared to take issue with arguments made by Glovers lawyer, Scottie Celestin, who said during the trial that Glover had felt threatened in part because Jolly was homeless. A life is a life is a life, Rodney said, adding as she sentenced Glover that the killing was not somehow justified because the person is homeless. Celestin said he would appeal the conviction. Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five formed in the late 1970s in the Bronx. The groups best-known song is The Message from 1982. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, the first rap group to be included. UK and Japan reach new defense deal amid Russia concerns View Photo LONDON (AP) The militaries of Britain and Japan will work more closely together under a defense deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced during talks with his Japanese counterpart Thursday. Johnson hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the British leaders 10 Downing St. residence. He noted the strong stance Japan has taken against the Russian aggression in Ukraine and drew a parallel with the security situation in Asia. There is direct read across from the actions of autocratic, coercive powers in Europe to what may happen in East Asia, Johnson said. Thats why we want to work more closely together. Johnsons office said the deal will allow the armed forces of the two Group of Seven countries to deploy together for training, joint exercises and disaster relief. The prime ministers agreed that democracies around the world needed to stand in unity against authoritarian regimes, the office said after their meeting. Kishidas first official visit to the U.K. as prime minister was marked with an overflight of London by three Royal Air Force planes. Japan has condemned Russias invasion and joined Western nations in imposing sanctions against Moscow. Japan also has supplied Ukraine with helmets and other non-lethal military aid. Japan is concerned Russias invasion of Ukraine could have an impact in East Asia, where Chinas military has grown increasingly assertive and threatened to unite with Chinese-claimed Taiwan by force if necessary. Britain has announced an Indo-Pacific tilt in its foreign policy in the wake of its departure from the European Union in 2020, and sees Japan as its key East Asian ally. Chris Hughes, a professor of international politics and Japanese studies at the University of Warwick, said Kishidas visit will further consolidate a U.K.-Japan quasi-alliance that has been worked on for the last decade or more. He said U.K.-Japan relations are becoming much stronger in security, but they will be tested by seeing how far Japan will be forthcoming to do more in security with the U.K. outside its own East Asia region and, likewise, how far the U.K. can sustain substantive cooperation with Japan outside its region with the ongoing Ukraine crisis. EXPLAINER: Why is Russia attacking Ukraines railway system? View Photo NICE, France (AP) Russias military has launched a string of attacks on Ukraines railway network, which has been vital for moving Western arms to Ukrainian forces, evacuating refugees and exporting food. A Russian official said the aim was to disrupt Western weapons deliveries. Experts say Ukraines railways appeared to be largely spared at the start of the invasion because Russian planners wanted them to move their own troops and arms across captured territory. The latest strikes still seem to seek more to damage than to destroy the system. Heres a look at the attacks, and their significance. WHY ARE RAILWAYS SO IMPORTANT FOR UKRAINE? The largely flat country has a vast railway network, which has proved invaluable from a military viewpoint for supplying key Western arms shipments and has also helped in the exodus of refugees from Russian air assaults and land advances. Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces blunt Russias initial offensive. It also seems certain to play a central role in the battle for the Donbas in the east, which Moscow now says is its focus following its failure to take the capital, Kyiv. The U.S. and other Western allies have increased weapons shipments at the urging of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow will see any Western transport carrying weapons into Ukraine as a legitimate target. The rail attacks were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday. WHAT WERE THE LATEST TARGETS? Russian forces used sea- and air-launched precision guided missiles to destroy power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine over the past day. Some attacks were concentrated in and around the western city of Lviv, close to the border with Poland that has been a gateway for the NATO-supplied weapons. Lvivs mayor said the strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city that has seen only sporadic attacks during the war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting. HAS THE RAILWAY SYSTEM BEEN STRUCK BEFORE? A Russian missile hit a crowded train station in eastern Ukraine last month, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens more. Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children fleeing the Donbas region, had gathered at the station in the town of Kramatorsk on April 8 when a missile hit. Zelenskyy accused Russias military of deliberately attacking the station. Russia blamed Ukraine, saying its own forces dont use the kind of missile that hit the station. In late April, Russian targeted several railway junctions in the west of the country to disrupt weapons deliveries. WHAT IS RUSSIAS PLAN? Russia seems to have largely spared Ukraines rail system at the outset of the invasion because it had planned to use it to move its own troops and arms across the country, which it had hoped to overrun quickly, military experts say. Now that they know they wont be able to use it, they are striking the rail system that is likely carrying armor and reinforcements to the Ukrainians, said retired French General Dominique Trinquand. While Russians have been conducting precision attacks on the rail network and firing expensive missiles into its power supply lines in the past week, their goal still appears to be damaging rather than destroying the network. It wont stop the Ukrainians, but it will disrupt them, said Frank Ledwidge, a former British military intelligence officer. He said the Russians also aim to undermine Ukraines morale. Its like saying, Nowhere is safe, Your army cant protect you, We reign over your country at will. WHAT DOES THE US SAY? A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagons assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been no appreciable impact on Ukraines effort to resupply its forces. The official said it is not clear that the Russian strikes have been very accurate, and they also have not impeded efforts to get weapons into Ukraine. ___ Jon Gambrell in Lviv, Cara Anna in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By BARBARA SURK Associated Press The AP Interview: Belarus admits Russias war drags on View Photo MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didnt expect the 10-week-old conflict to drag on this way. He also spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine but wouldnt say if Russian President Vladimir Putin had plans to launch such a strike. Lukashenko said Moscow, which launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 partly from his territory had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it, he said, speaking at Independence Palace in Minsk. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on. Lukashenkos support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk. Some Russian troops were sent from Belarusian territory into Ukraine, and Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans. But in his comments to the AP, Lukashenko said he and his country stand for peace and repeatedly called for the end of the war a term the Kremlin refuses to use, calling the invasion a special military operation instead. The 67-year-old president struck a calm and more measured tone in the nearly 90-minute interview than in previous media appearances in which he hectored the West over sanctions and lashed out at journalists. We categorically do not accept any war. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isnt a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun, he said. Lukashenko said using nuclear weapons in Ukraine was unacceptable because its right next to us we are not across the ocean like the United States. It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where, he said. Whether or not Russia is capable of that is a question you need to ask the Russian leadership. Russia cant by definition lose this war, Lukashenko said, noting that Belarus is the only country standing by Moscow, while as many as 50 states have joined forces on Ukraines side. He added that Putin isnt seeking a direct conflict with NATO, and the West should ensure that one doesnt happen. He most likely does not want a global confrontation with NATO. Use it. Use it and do everything for that not to happen. Otherwise, even if Putin doesnt want it, the military will react, the Belarusian leader warned. Lukashenko called Putin his big brother and said the Russian leader doesnt have closer, more open or friendlier relations with any of the world leaders other than the president of Belarus. Their relationship has been particularly close recently but was rocky in earlier years. Before a disputed 2020 election sparked mass protests and a domestic crackdown by Lukashenko, he often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and abandon his countrys independence. Faced with tough economic sanctions after he brutally suppressed the protests, the Belarusian leader started emphasizing a need to jointly counter Western pressure and met with Putin regularly, stressing their close ties. Lukashenkos support of the invasion has stopped short of deploying his own troops there, but it still has drawn criticism from the Belarusian opposition and calls for more sanctions on him and the country. Opposition figures say ordinary Belarusians dont support the invasion. Hundreds of them who live in Ukraine have been affected by the war, and some have become volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Top Belarus opposition activist Pavel Latushka dismissed Lukashenkos calls for peace on Thursday, saying they look absurd after more than 600 missiles were fired from the territory of Belarus, and the country became a platform for aggression. He added: Minsk deserves the harshest Western sanctions. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed Latushkas sentiment, calling Lukashenko a co-aggressor and saying he is trying to change his image of an arsonist into that of a firefighter and peacekeeper. Lukashenko told AP that his country poses no danger to others, even as its military conducted drills this week. We do not threaten anyone and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we cant threaten we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So the West can sleep peacefully, he said. He blamed the West especially Washington for fueling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. wants to seize the moment, tying its allies to itself, and drown Russia in the war with Ukraine. Its their goal to sort out Russia, and then China, he said. Lukashenko said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was taking orders from the United States. Today its not Zelenskyy whos running Ukraine no offense, thats my point of view, maybe Im wrong, Lukashenko said, adding that if U.S. President Joe Biden said so, everything will stop within a week. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine By IAN PHILLIPS Associated Press Cardinal: Pope OKd spending 1M euros to free kidnapped nun View Photo VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis authorized spending up to 1 million euros to free a Colombian nun kidnapped by al-Qaida-linked militants in Mali, a cardinal testified Thursday, revealing previously secret papal approval to hire a British security firm to find the nun and secure her freedom. Cardinal Angelo Beccius bombshell testimony could pose serious security implications for the Vatican and Catholic Church, since he provided evidence that the pope was apparently willing to pay ransom to Islamic militants to free a nun, who was eventually let go last year. Ransom payment are rarely if ever confirmed, precisely to dissuade future kidnappings, and its not known how much if any Vatican money actually ended up in the hands of the militants. Prosecutors have accused a Becciu co-defendant of embezzling around half the amount on high-end luxury items for herself. Becciu, who was once one of Francis top advisers as the No. 2 in the Vatican secretariat of state, had withheld his testimony from the Vatican tribunal for nearly two years as a matter of state and pontifical secret. But he spoke freely Thursday in his own defense after Francis released him from the confidentiality requirement, providing the most anticipated testimony of the yearlong trial to date. Becciu is one of 10 people accused in the Vaticans sprawling financial fraud trial, which originated in the Holy Sees 350 million euro investment in a London property and expanded to cover other alleged crimes. Prosecutors have accused the defendants of a host of crimes for allegedly fleecing the Holy See of millions of euros in fees, commissions and bad investments. Becciu, the lone cardinal on trial, is accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering, all of which he denies. On Thursday, his testimony covered the charges concerning his relationship with an Italian self-styled intelligence specialist, Cecilia Marogna. Marogna has told Italian media that she helped negotiate the release of Catholic hostages in Africa on behalf of the Holy See. Vatican prosecutors accuse her of embezzling 575 million euros, citing bank records from her Slovenian holding company that show nine wire transfers from the Vatican in 2018-2019 for unspecified humanitarian ends, and expenditures out of the account at Prada, Luis Vuitton and fancy hotels. Marogna has said the transfers were reimbursements for expenditures and compensation for her services. Becciu testified Thursday that he hired Marogna as an external security consultant, impressed by her grasp of geopolitical affairs and the trust she enjoyed of two of Italys top secret service officials, Generals Luciano Carta and Gianni Caravelli, who accompanied her to a meeting with Becciu in the Vatican in October 2017. Becciu said he turned to Marogna for help following the February 2017 kidnapping of a Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, in Mali. She had been kidnapped by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which has bankrolled its insurgency by kidnapping Westerners. During her captivity, the group periodically showed Narvaez on video asking for the Vaticans help. Becciu said he had heard from the Vaticans nuncio in Colombia as well as other sisters from the nuns religious order asking for help. He said he brought the matter to Francis as well as Marogna, who he said advised him that she could work with a British intelligence firm, The Inkerman Group, to secure the nuns release. Becciu testified that Francis authorized him to proceed with the Inkerman operation, and forbade him from telling anyone else about it, including the Vaticans own police chief. Francis was concerned about the security and reputational implications if the news leaked, Becciu said. Becciu said he and Marogna met with Inkerman officials at their London office in mid-January 2018. Inkerman officials said there were no assurances of success and that the total expenditure could reach 1 million euros, Becciu said. Because the Vatican wanted to remain external to any operation, Marogna became the key intermediary and the one to receive periodic payments from the Vatican secretariat of state for the operation, Becciu testified. Becciu said he provided Francis a preliminary oral readout of the London meeting on Jan. 15, 2018, while the pope was en route to Peru. He listened to me and confirmed my intention to proceed, Becciu testified. In a subsequent meeting with the Holy Father, once in Rome, I spoke to him in more detail about the conversation we had with the Inkermans and the sum that we should have estimated in broad terms: about 1 million euros, part to pay for the creation of a network of contacts, and part for the effective liberation of the nun. I pointed out that we shouldnt have gone beyond that figure. He approved. I must say that every step of this operation was agreed with the Holy Father, Becciu testified. Narvaez was released in October, 2021, after more than four years in captivity. Soon after, she met with Francis at the Vatican. Vatican prosecutors say they have evidence that the secretariat of state, in addition to the transfer of 575,000 euros sent to Marognas Slovenian accounts, sent an equivalent amount directly to a British bank account held by Inkerman. Becciu also responded to claims against him concerning Cardinal George Pell, who left his job as the Vaticans financial czar in 2017 to face historic sex abuse charges in his native Australia, for which he was ultimately acquitted. Pell clashed repeatedly with Becciu during his time at the Vatican and has repeated Italian media claims that Becciu approved money transfers from the Vatican to Australia that in some way aided in the sex abuse prosecution against him. Becciu on Thursday produced two letters to refute the claims: One from the current secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, explaining that the 1.46 million euros that was wired to Australia was to pay for a domain name .catholic. And the other, a Sept. 11, 2015 letter authorizing that expenditure, signed by none other than Pell. By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press Stolen packages found at suspect's residence View Photos Angels Camp, CA Several area law enforcement agencies worked together to discover where an alleged porch pirate had stashed his loot. The case began on Thursday, April 14th, when Tuolumne Sheriffs Deputies were alerted to a package theft. The exact location was not disclosed by sheriffs officials. A look at surveillance video in the area showed a white sedan with a driver who, it appeared, was pretending to be a package delivery worker. In the footage, the suspect would stop in front of the intended victims home and approach, carrying a package before stealing or swapping packages on the victims porch. The next day, on Friday, April 15th, the Sonora Police Department also received a report of a package theft that appeared to involve the same suspect. Further review of the surveillance video allowed deputies and police officers to identify the license plate of the vehicle and revealed that the owner was an Angels Camp resident. Working with the Angeles Camp Police Department, on Tuesday, April 26th, a search was conducted on the property in the area of Suzanne Drive, off Highway 4/Vallecito Road. After recovering multiple packages and property inside the suspects vehicle and residence, deputies discovered 12 potential victims of package theft. The suspects identity was not released, but sheriffs officials say the suspect is known. They added that the case has been sent to the district attorneys office for prosecution as deputies are still in the process of contacting and identifying victims and returning property. Venezuelas Maduro, others meet with Iran oil minister View Photo CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) President Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan officials have met with the oil minister of Iran to discuss cooperation in energy matters and efforts to defeat economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies. Officials from both oil-producing nations ratified agreements in this weeks meetings in Venezuela, according to a statement from that countrys Petroleum Ministry. Irans delegation was led by Oil Minister Javad Owji. Venezuelan Petroleum Minister Tareck El Aissami praised the position assumed by the Persian nation in the construction of routes and mechanisms to overcome the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the government of the United States and allied countries, according to the statement. Neither country announced the visit in advance. Since late President Hugo Chavez won power in 1999 and founded the current leftist government, Venezuela has strengthened relations in the energy, commercial, financial and industrial areas with Iran. In recent years, Iran has shipped gasoline and other products to the country amid a U.S. sanctions campaign. Venezuela has one of the largest oil reserves in the world, but its industry is facing a crisis that officials associate with the sanctions imposed by the U.S. to pressure the exit of the Maduro government, but which analysts maintain which is due to a fall in production, financial difficulties and lack of investment. Maduro on Tuesday tweeted that Venezuela has always had the support of Iran. He added that Iran can count on Venezuelas support and commitment to continue advancing along the path of shared benefit and complementarity for our peoples. Owji also tweeted that the countries have a long history and want to use all capacities to develop mutual relations and cooperation. By Jia Pingfan The US State Department recently released its 2022 report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, accusing China of failing to adhere to its nuclear testing moratorium and missile nonproliferation commitment and questioning China's compliance with the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the US concocts the so-called report on Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments, styling itself as a judge to wantonly criticize other countries arms control and nonproliferation policies and practice. It is just preposterous for the US to exalt its own "exemplary" behavior. As a matter of fact, the US has a deplorable track record in compliance with arms control and nonproliferation agreements and commitments.The US has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, unsigned the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and flip-flopped on the Iranian nuclear issue. The US provides nuclear submarine technology to Australia, and it also works with Australia to develop hyper-sonic weapons and sells to other countries Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. All this heightens proliferation risks and impacts the international nonproliferation system. The US is the only country to stand in the way of negotiations for a protocol that includes a verification regime to the BWC. It runs biological labs around the world and conducts biological military activities. Numerous facts have proved that the US is the "model" of continuous malicious violations in the field of global arms control and non-proliferation. No real basis in slandering China Zou Zhibo, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, selected three examples from the report to refute. First, the US questioned China's compliance with its "nuclear test moratorium" commitment but did not provide any evidence. In fact, US high-precision reconnaissance satellites can detect conventional nuclear test sites in time, but so far, no monitoring systems or reconnaissance satellites have found evidence of China's breach of commitments. Second, the US accused China of violating the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), speculating that companies with Chinese backgrounds continued to export MTCR-controlled items related to missile programs, but did not provide any evidence. Third, the BWC violation accusation is even more outrageous. The US said that it did not have enough information to confirm that China has destroyed biological weapons, so it suspected that China has not complied with the agreement.This is completely a "presumption of guilt" in jurisprudence, which is very absurd. Diverting contradictions can hardly hide their own bad deeds In terms of undermining the national arms control system, the US has successively withdrawn from the INF Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty and withdrawn the signing of the ATT. It has exclusively blocked the conclusion of the BWC verification protocol. It is the only state party that did not complete the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles in compliance with the Chemical Weapons Conventions (CWC). In terms of violating the non-proliferation mechanism, the US unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear agreement in 2018, which invalidated the Iran nuclear agreement. Evidence obtained by Russia in Ukraine indicated that the US established a biological laboratory in Ukraine, which is suspected of violating the BWC. The US led the establishment of the trilateral security partnership (AUKUS) and provided weapons-grade nuclear material to Australia, a non-nuclear-weapon state, which is a serious violation of the nuclear non-proliferation mechanism. According to data released by the US itself, it controls 336 biological laboratories in 30 countries around the world. To undermine the international biological arms control negotiations and open the door for its own biological experiments, the US did not hesitate to move against the trend of the times. This fully exposed its double standards and hegemonism. In recent years, US military spending has repeatedly hit new highs. Behind the high military spending are the frequent foreign military interventions by the US. According to the US Smithsonian Magazine, the wars, and military operations in the name of "anti-terrorism" launched by the US since 2001 covered "40 percent of the world's nations". According to Brown University's "Costs of War" project, these so-called "anti-terrorism" wars have claimed more than 800,000 lives, displaced more than 38 million people, and cost more than USD 8 trillion. Increases risks and endangers world peace From a series of international treaties such as the Paris Agreement and the INF Treaty, and a series of international organizations such as UNESCO, the Human Rights Council, and the World Health Organization, the international community can see which country breaks, abandons or seeks to withdraw from multilateral agreements the most frequently. There is no doubt that the US sets the record. The "double standards" in the field of global arms control and non-proliferation will have a serious negative impact on the international security order and the global security situation. On the one hand, the international arms control process will be seriously hindered. At present, the US is provoking major-power confrontation in arms control and non-proliferation and is also escalating major-power confrontation in terms of strategy and geo-security. International arms control and disarmament will inevitably fall into trouble. On the other hand, the deterioration of the international security order will accelerate. In recent years, in the face of declining comprehensive strength, the US has taken up the banner of values and pulled Western allies and partners to suppress countries that do not obey it in order to maintain its world hegemony. The US takes the lead in destroying the arms control system and non-proliferation mechanism, which will undermine the international security order and cause disorder. As a responsible major country, China has put forward the global security initiative, a new security concept and the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind in the field of international security governance, all of which have received positive responses from many countries and international organizations. China lives up to its words and deeds, and always advocates the peaceful settlement of international disputes, promotes the building of a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and a universally secure community with a shared future for mankind. China adheres to the principles of multilateralism and extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and strives to maintain the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law. China is committed to strengthening international security cooperation, improving the global security governance system, jointly addressing global challenges, and contributing wisdom and strength to global security governance and world peace and development. Editor's note: This article is originally published on haiwainet.cn, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Judge overseeing Chauvin civil rights case accepts plea deal View Photo ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The judge overseeing the federal civil rights cases of four former Minneapolis police officers in the killing of George Floyd said Wednesday that he has accepted the terms of Derek Chauvins plea agreement and will sentence him to 20 to 25 years in prison. Chauvin pleaded guilty Dec. 15 to violating Floyds civil rights, admitting for the first time that he kept his knee on Floyds neck even after he became unresponsive resulting in the Black mans death on May 25, 2020. The white former officer admitted he willfully deprived Floyd of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure, including unreasonable force by a police officer. Under the plea agreement, which Chauvin signed, both sides agreed Chauvin should face a sentence ranging from 20 to 25 years, with prosecutors saying they would seek 25. He could have faced life in prison on the federal count. With credit for good time in the federal system, he would serve from 17 years to 21 years and three months behind bars. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson deferred accepting the agreement pending the completion of a presentence investigation. He said in a one-page order Wednesday that the report had been issued, so it was now appropriate to accept the deal. He has not set a sentencing date for Chauvin. Chauvin is already serving a 22 1/2 year sentence for his murder conviction in state court last year, though he is appealing that conviction. He would serve the federal sentence concurrently with the state sentence. The federal plea deal means Chauvin will probably spend more time in prison than he faced under his state sentence. State prisoners in Minnesota typically serve one-third of their sentence on parole, which for him would mean 15 years in prison. Chauvin waived his right to contest his federal conviction if Magnuson accepted the plea agreement. Magnuson also has not set sentencing dates for three other ex-officers who were convicted of related federal civil rights charges in February. The presentence investigations for Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng are still underway. Theyre scheduled to go on trial next month in state court on charges of aiding and abetting Chauvin in Floyds murder. Prosecutors revealed at a pretrial hearing last month that the three had rejected plea agreements on the state charges. Terms were not disclosed. Lanes attorney, Earl Gray, said it was hard for the defense to negotiate when the three still didnt know what their federal sentences would be. On Wednesday, Gray renewed his motions for a change of venue, and for postponing the trial until after the federal sentencings, or even until next year. He wrote that its abundantly clear from questionnaires returned by prospective jurors that a fair and impartial jury for the trial can never be seated in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis, because of the public hatred of the defendants. It is clear that the vast majority of the Hennepin County community has a deep and bitter prejudice against police officer defendants and this case, Gray wrote. ___ Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd By STEVE KARNOWSKI Associated Press FAA offers fix for snarled Florida air travel this summer View Photo Federal officials are promising to add air traffic controllers and take other steps to improve the flow of planes in Florida, which airlines say has become a weak link in the national airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will add staff at a key air traffic control center in Jacksonville and other places, although it didnt provide numbers. The promise came during a two-day meeting between FAA officials and representatives of about a dozen airlines. The airlines told the FAA that the number of Florida flights will shoot past 2019 levels. Air traffic to Florida picked up more quickly during the pandemic than many other places, and airlines have scheduled even more flights for this summer. That is raising concern about the potential for massive disruptions that could ripple far beyond the states borders. The FAA said it also agreed to update airlines more often about space launches and other events that can squeeze routes airlines use over Florida. Airlines say they have been caught off guard by route closings, forcing them to cancel flights. Most noteworthy, Southwest Airlines blamed bad weather and air traffic control in Florida for cascading problems that led it to cancel more than 2,000 flights over three days last October. JetBlue Airways blamed those and other factors for widespread cancellations last month. The FAA said it will make more use of alternate routes sometimes at lower altitudes, which would increase fuel burn to keep planes moving after disruptions. The agency said it will also develop a plan for responding to snarls, similar to what it does in the New York City area. By The Associated Press Ex-cops murder trial to remain in Fort Worth, judge rules View Photo FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) A former Fort Worth police officer will face his murder trial next month in the city where he fatally shot a Black woman through a window of her home in 2019, a Texas judge ruled Wednesday. Judge David Hagerman denied a motion by the lawyers for Aaron Dean, who were seeking to move his trial for the killing of Atatiana Jefferson to another county because of media coverage that they claimed had tainted the jury pool against the 37-year-old. But he agreed to their request to postpone the case, moving it back a month. The decision means Dean will go on trial in June a few miles from where he shot Jefferson through a rear window while responding to a call about the front door being open. The 28-year-old Black womans killing shattered already fragile relations between the citys police department and its Black community. After nearly three days of hearings, Hagerman ruled that news coverage about the shooting had not been inflammatory and that Deans case will proceed in Tarrant County, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Dallas, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Deans trial has been delayed for years as the COVID-19 pandemic ground courts across the country to a standstill. It had been set to begin on May 16, but the former officers lawyers asked for further delay Wednesday because one of them is in poor heath. Hagerman set the trial for June 23 and said it will proceed with or without the attorney, KXAS-TV reported. Dean resigned after he was charged with murder in Jeffersons Oct. 12, 2019, death. Jefferson was watching her 8-year-old nephew when a neighbor called a nonemergency police line to report that a door was ajar. Police have said that Dean opened fire from outside through a window after perceiving a threat. Hagerman has issued a gag order has been issued that prevents prosecutors and defense attorneys from speaking publicly about the case. Oklahoma joins Texas in offering glimpse of post-Roe world View Photo OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma joined Texas this week to form a region that parts of a nation divided over abortion care might look like if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling. While abortion providers across the country have been bracing for the possibility that the high courts new conservative majority might further restrict abortion, that has especially been the case in Oklahoma, where lawmakers have passed a half-dozen anti-abortion measures this year. A bill signed into law on Tuesday by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is similar to the law passed in Texas last year that led to a marked increase in women going to neighboring states, including Oklahoma, to get abortions. It prohibits doctors from performing an abortion after fetal activity is detected in the embryo, which experts say is typically after about six weeks and before many women even know they are pregnant. And like Texas law, it is enforced through civil, not criminal, courts and relies on civilians to inform on one another. Abortion providers in Oklahoma said they are prepared for the law to take effect and have been helping women get appointments at clinics in neighboring states. I think something we realized in September (when the Texas law took effect) is that we are already living in a virtual post-Roe world in our region, said Dr. Iman Alsaden, the medical director of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates clinics in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. We have seen people go to extreme lengths to access abortion care: driving all night, doing whatever they can to get the basic health care they need for them and their families. We have been seeing what a post-Roe future looks like in this region of the country already, and its unbelievable. The Oklahoma Supreme Court declined to temporarily stop the law from taking effect, although the court is still considering a legal challenge. Stitts signing of the bill, along with the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is considering weakening or overturning its Roe v. Wade decision, led more than 100 people to protest on Tuesday at the Oklahoma Capitol. I honestly and truly never thought we would actually get here, said Sophia Fults, 22, a University of Oklahoma student from Tulsa who held a sign that read: Keep abortion safe, legal and accessible. Honestly, I was just shocked and Im still kind of shocked and disgusted. So many women are going to be harmed because of this. Its just horrendous. The new law authorizes abortions if they are performed as the result of a medical emergency, but there are no exceptions for if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Like the Texas law, the Oklahoma bill would allow private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. After the U.S. Supreme Court allowed that mechanism to remain in place, other Republican-led states sought to copy Texas ban. Idahos governor signed the first copycat measure in March, although it has been temporarily blocked by the states Supreme Court. Stitt earlier this year signed a bill to make performing an abortion a felony in Oklahoma, but that measure is not set to take effect until this summer, and legal experts say its likely to be blocked because Roe still remains the law of the land. One of our main responsibilities in government is to protect life, and that has been our deliberate intention, said state Sen. Nathan Dahm, a Republican who wrote the bill to make abortion illegal. I believe here in Oklahoma well do everything we can to protect life from conception. The number of abortions performed each year in Oklahoma, which has four abortion clinics, has declined steadily over the last two decades, from more than 6,200 in 2002 to 3,737 in 2020, which were the fewest in more than 20 years, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In 2020, before the Texas law was passed, about 9% of the abortions performed in Oklahoma involved women from Texas. Before the Texas ban took effect on Sept. 1, about 40 women from Texas had abortions performed in Oklahoma each month, the data shows. That number jumped to 222 in September and 243 in October, according to the most recent data available. Clinic operators in Texas saw about a 40% decrease in the number of abortions performed there after the law took effect, and Oklahoma operators say they expect similar declines, said Zachary Gingrich-Gaylord, a spokesman for Trust Women, which operates clinics in Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas. In Texas, weve seen that many clinics were able to retain around 60% of their pre-SB 8 patient volume, and it seems reasonable to expect something similar in Oklahoma, Gingrich-Gaylord said, referring to the Texas law by its state Senate bill name. The primary reason to think that we may see far less volume than that is the chilling effect caused by the (Supreme Court) leak that may add to confusion for patients seeking abortions. According to state health department data, about 47% of abortions performed in Oklahoma in 2020 were for women who were less than six weeks pregnant. By SEAN MURPHY Associated Press US resumes limited visa processing in Cuba after 4 years View Photo HAVANA (AP) The U.S. Embassy in Havana has resumed processing visas for Cubans, though on a limited basis, more than four years after stopping consular services on the island amid a hardening of relations. The resumption comes as the number of Cubans trying to emigrate illegally to United States surges. A State Department official on Wednesday told The Associated Press that for the time being U.S. officials in Havana will only process visa requests from Cubans who are the parents of U.S. citizens, under a category known as IR-5, and that the Biden administration in the future will evaluate expanding the services to others. The official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name, said the U.S. government decided to process only visa requests from this group because of the unique age, health, and mobility challenges for this category of applicants. Any other applicants should apply for visas through the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, as theyve done since 2018, when the administration of former President Donald Trump withdrew embassy staff from Havana. Operations at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba started being reduced in 2017 following reports of unexplained health problems among some employees, which became known as the Havana Syndrome and was a major issue during the Trump administration. Trump increased sanctions against the Caribbean island, from the cancellation of permits to send remittances, to penalties for companies from third countries that operate in Cuba, to limitation of flights and the punishment of oil tankers bound for Cuba. The sanctions affected the rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba that had been initiated by former President Barack Obama. President Joe Biden had promised to relax the tough measures, but so far this has not happened. The resumption of visa processing in Havana came less than two weeks after the U.S. and Cuba held their highest-level diplomatic talks in four years, focused on migration. The State Department said the talks covered areas of successful cooperation on migration but also identified obstacles to ensuring safe, orderly and legal migration. U.S. border authorities reported last month that the number of Cubans seeking entry had doubled from February to March to 32,500 and is now five times the number it was in October. By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ Associated Press Procedural ruling kills medical marijuana bill in SC House View Photo COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) A seven-year fight to pass a medical marijuana bill may have abruptly ended Wednesday in South Carolina when a House leader ruled the proposal contains an unconstitutional tax increase and cannot be considered further. The decision shocked leaders in the state Senate and may have repercussions well beyond failing to make South Carolina one of about 40 states allowing patients to use marijuana as medicine. Senate leaders, stunned to see years of hard work by respected colleague Sen. Tom Davis cast aside with no debate, said their deteriorating relationship with the House will need to be repaired after the decision. The chambers are more than $1 billion apart on a budget and threatening each other over an early voting bill. The decision will likely have significant consequences between the Senate and the House and hopefully cooler heads can prevail, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said as a stunned Davis walked around talking to his colleagues. Davis said he understood he had about 70 votes roughly 10 more than he needed to pass the legislation. The Republican said he would spend Wednesday night looking for some other bill he might be able to attach a medical marijuana plan to that wouldnt get caught up in such a ruling. Backers are seeking to get the legislation through the General Assembly in the four days remaining in the session. We suffered a setback procedurally in the House today. I cant cry about it. I cant pout about it. I cant go back and lash out and hurt other peoples bills. Thats not productive, Davis said. The House appeared to be ready to debate the bill Wednesday. One thousand amendments organized in binders had been rolled on a cart to the front of the chamber. Davis, who has fought for the bill since 2015 was in the back of the House. But just before debate began, one of the chief opponents of the bill asked Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope to rule that a 6% fee on medical marijuana sales to pay for regulations in the bill creates a new tax a power only allowed under the state constitution by a bill that originates in the House. Davis bill started in the Senate and after considering the point for nearly three hours Pope ruled the bill was out of order, killing it. This bill levies taxes in the strictest sense of the word. It is a core ingredient. It established a separate tax to create the whole infrastructure, Pope said. House members voted 59-55 to back Popes ruling, meaning this medical marijuana bill is dead for this year. Davis crafted his proposal to be as conservative as possible. The bill specifies the illnesses that could be treated, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, sickle cell anemia and autism. It also states that the marijuana could only be obtained through specially chosen pharmacies. Smoking the drug would remain illegal in South Carolina. Instead, patients would have to use oils, salves, patches or vaporizers. Doctors would have to meet patients in person and patients could only get a two-week supply at one time. Senate leaders and House members opposed to the ruing about the tax issue said Wednesdays decision made no sense because all sorts of bills that alter taxes or raise revenue start in the Senate. They pointed out bills from increasing fines for passing a school bus to charging people extra to get specialty license tags, among other examples. House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford said if Pope sticks to his ruling, it would destroy decades of work between the Senate and House. The bill is dead. And it is dead because the House with Speaker Pro Tem Pope decided to take complete control of the General Assembly, the Democratic leader said. The House and Senate are ending this session with a strained relationship. The House is attaching its election proposal to a number of Senate bills to force senators to act. The Senates budget appears to have less negotiating room than usual as senators are pushing $1 billion in tax rebates the House does not support. Davis said opponents couldnt beat the bill on a regular vote so they tried a last ditch maneuver that worked. But he said he plans to keep fighting no matter what because he cant stop now. Theres frustration. Seven years worth of work. Seven years worth of public testimony. Seven years worth of doctors and caregivers and moms and people coming and testifying and talking how this could make a material difference in their lives, Davis said. ___ Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP. By JEFFREY COLLINS Associated Press W.Va. House race pits Trump loyalty against infrastructure View Photo CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) One contender thinks West Virginia voters will see the value of federal spending on badly needed infrastructure in one of the nations poorest regions. The other is betting that loyalty to former President Donald Trump will matter more. The May 10 primary in West Virginias 2nd Congressional District between Republican Reps. Alex Mooney and David McKinley will be a barometer of Trumps clout in a state that wholeheartedly embraced him in two presidential elections. The two incumbents were pitted against each other after population losses cost West Virginia a U.S. House seat. The divergent paths theyve chosen as congressmen could give Republican candidates nationally an early sense of what resonates with hardcore conservative voters in 2022. The contest comes during an intensifying stretch of the midterm election season as Trump aims to solidify his influence over the GOP. His preferred candidate in this weeks Ohio Republican primary, JD Vance, easily dispatched other rivals, but potentially tougher tests for the former president lie ahead this month in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. Enthusiasm for Trump remains high in West Virginia, where he prevailed in every county in 2016 and 2020, winning more than two-thirds of the states voters. But West Virginians are also desperate to see upgrades in a state that consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for infrastructure. The states rugged landscape is rife with failing bridges and crumbling roads, and thousands of its citizens live without access to safe drinking water or internet. Trump has made his position clear, endorsing Mooney on the day President Joe Biden signed the infrastructure bill into law. Hes repeatedly condemned McKinley and 12 other House Republicans for voting with the Democrats for Bidens $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, saying, Republicans who voted for Democrat longevity should be ashamed of themselves. Mooney, a 50-year-old former Maryland state senator who moved to West Virginia to run for Congress in 2014 and is West Virginias first Hispanic congressman, has doubled down on Trumps attacks. He called McKinley a RINO, or Republican in Name Only, and a sellout who betrayed his constituents. But the 75-year-old McKinley, a seventh-generation West Virginian and a civil engineer by trade, says the states infrastructure problems are too severe for anyone to be playing party politics. Theres no question that was the right vote, he said, noting the states D infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. West Virginia was rated last. Any commonsense, reasonable person would say, You got a problem, fix it. I think it would have been a betrayal to do otherwise. The infrastructure vote earned McKinley the endorsement of Republican Gov. Jim Justice, a fervent Trump supporter who said his infrastructure vote took courage, as well as other government officials vying for infrastructure improvements, some of which are starting to take shape on the ground in West Virginia. Paul Howe, president of the Clarksburg Water Board in Harrison County in northern West Virginia, called McKinleys infrastructure bill vote tremendous and said his community desperately needs to replace lead service lines. In July, the municipal water system was placed under an administrative order by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after three children were diagnosed with high lead blood levels. A subsequent study found that 4,000 customers have lead service lines. Replacing them would cost an estimated $52 million or more a large burden on any small city. Howe said McKinley worked with city officials to provide residents with bottled water and filters and complete an engineering study on replacing the lines. The congressman has traveled to Clarksburg repeatedly to tour the water plant and strategize about how to apply for infrastructure money. Howe said he likes both congressmen, but given the circumstances, Mooneys attacks on McKinley for his infrastructure vote helped make the choice clear. Its hard to defend that, he said. If the government can do one thing right, its reinvest in infrastructure. Still, many of the infrastructure improvements that are expected to take place over the next few years wont be visible to West Virginians right away. Meanwhile, Trumps popularity in the state remains palpable. If you drive through West Virginia today, youd think the (2020) election is still going on, Mooney said in an interview. Theres Trump flags everywhere. Trump signs anti-Biden signs. It means a lot to voters. Voter Ron Howell, a manager for a lumber company from Buckhannon, said his decision to support Mooney is 50% Trump and 50% McKinleys decision to vote with Democrats. He supported President Donald Trump, whom I voted for and would again in a heartbeat, he said. I feel like McKinley is a RINO and supports much of the lefts agenda, and I dont want that for my state. During their time representing West Virginia in Congress during Trumps last two years of presidency, Mooney and McKinley voted together 87% of the time. But Mooney says theres a consistent pattern of McKinley voting with Democrats on big votes, including his support for the creation of a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In Harrison County, where Clarksburg is, 20-year-old Drew Harbert said he thinks that will lose McKinley more voters than supporting infrastructure. I dont think people take it very kindly that he voted for that, said Harbert, a Fairmont State University student and president of the Harrison County Young Republicans. I think that will definitely hurt McKinley probably more than anything else that hes done. Harbert said he knows infrastructure repairs are needed in the state, but said he has serious concerns about the rising national debt and believes it was irresponsible for McKinley to vote for a bill with such a big price tag. Harbert said Trumps endorsement bolstered his decision to back Mooney, but it was far from the only reason. He wanted a candidate who will defend gun owners rights. McKinley has supported red-flag laws, which permit law enforcement or family members to petition a court to remove firearms from someone who presents a possible danger to themselves or others. McKinley, who says he voted with Trump over 90% of the time when he was in office, said he believes Mooney has misled voters about his vote on the infrastructure bill. He cited a Mooney campaign ad that attacks him for backing Biden for a trillion-dollar spending spree, but mentions infrastructure only in printed text. Howell, the lumber company manager, said he thought McKinley voted for Bidens Build Back Better plan a proposal McKinley vehemently opposed and initially cited that vote as a reason for supporting Mooney. After doing more research on McKinleys voting record, he said the congressman voted the way he would have most of the time. But he said he couldnt forgive McKinley for his Jan. 6 and infrastructure votes. I wish we were in different times and I could be nonpartisan, but the Democrats have made that impossible, he said. Nate Orders, a bridge-building contractor who is president of the Contractors Association of West Virginia, said theres a lot of hypocrisy in criticisms of the infrastructure bill and the Republicans who voted for it. Trump supporters were on board with infrastructure spending when the former president introduced his $2 trillion proposal, which Democrats blocked. If Alex Mooney wins, its another sign that our democracy continues down the road to dysfunction, where all that matters is party politics, he said. If David McKinley wins, it shows me a little bit of hope that even though we can agree or disagree on some big issues, we can also agree on the things that really make a difference to Americans. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the organization is the Contractors Association of West Virginia, not the West Virginia Contractors Association. By LEAH WILLINGHAM Associated Press HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) What could be the final primary debate between Republicans running for Pennsylvania's open U.S. Senate seat devolved into a string of attacks over China, abortion and more as the candidates stretched Wednesday night for any perceived advantage in a wide-open and expensive race. In many cases, the five candidates blew off questions during the hour-long debate in favor of repeating talking points and attacking rivals. Attackers often tried to make hay out of the business ties to China by former hedge fund CEO David McCormick and Mehmet Oz, best known as the heart surgeon-turned-celebrity and host of daytime TV's The Dr. Oz Show. Abortion made one question at the debate, despite headlines being dominated in the wake of a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion suggesting the courts conservative majority is poised to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. The candidates called themselves pro-life and applauded the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but none responded directly to the sole question on abortion: whether the candidates support any exceptions for abortion and if they have changed their opinion over the years. Instead, McCormick and conservative activist Kathy Barnette tried to paint Oz as insufficiently loyal to the anti-abortion cause because of comments on a 2019 radio show in which Oz said most people support the standard set in 1973's Roe v. Wade opinion. That standard bans abortion after the fetus is viable outside the womb, around 24 weeks of pregnancy. In the appearance on The Breakfast Club morning show on New Yorks WWPR-FM, Oz said he did not want anyone in his family having an abortion and seemed to criticize the idea of banning abortion just because a heartbeat is detected which usually happens at around six weeks of pregnancy. He also criticized the broader fight over abortion and suggested that states that do ban abortion will see businesses flee the state. At the debate, Oz insisted he is pro-life and said life starts at conception, a talking point for anti-abortion groups that want to ban abortion of any diagnosed pregnancy. Barnette has special cachet on the topic: she has told of being the product of rape when her mother was 11 and repeated that story at the debate. I was not just a lump of cells, Barnette said. As you can see, Im still not just a lump of cells. The primary is May 17, leaving the candidates less than two weeks to distinguish themselves as spending exceeds an eye-popping $60 million in the Republican primary. The debate was sponsored by the conservative broadcaster Newsmax and held in a packed auditorium at a private Christian school, Grove City College in northwestern Pennsylvania. Oz is endorsed by Donald Trump and is attending a rally with the former president in western Pennsylvania on Friday. Meanwhile, McCormick has significant establishment ties going back to his service at the highest ranks of former President George W. Bush's administration. At other points, Oz and Bartos suggested that McCormicks former hedge fund is responsible for billions in debt at the states largest public pension fund that began piling up two decades ago amid a market downturn and inadequate contributions by the state. In reality, the hedge fund while making nearly $700 million in fees going back to 2004 often met expectations on its investments, according to pension system officials. Barnette, at another point, called McCormick and Oz globalists" and tried to tie them to the World Economic Forum which has been the subject of right-wing conspiracy theories. I have no idea what youre talking about, Oz told Barnette. "Globalist is a derogatory term with an antisemitic origin adopted by Trump and others in his orbit to conjure up an elite, international coterie that doesnt serve Americas best interests. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at twitter.com/ap_politics ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at twitter.com/timelywriter MILAN (AP) Across Europe, rising energy prices are testing the resolve of ordinary consumers and business owners who are caught between the continents dependence on cheap Russian energy and its revulsion over President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Governments are trying to replace energy supplies from Russia, mindful that their regular payments are funding a war that has seen thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction. They also face a nerve-wracking showdown with Moscow over its demands for payments in rubles, and the possibility that Russia will block supplies, as it did to Bulgaria and Poland last week. European Union countries import 40% of gas and 25% of oil from Russia, and the current EU timetable doesnt foresee energy independence from Moscow for another five years. As atrocities unfold, the EU is looking to sharpen sanctions. The EU's executive commission on Wednesday proposed phasing out imports of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of 2022. It must be approved by all 27 member countries, which will be a battle because some are more dependent on Russian oil than others. Still, oil is easier to replace than natural gas, which is used to generate electricity and power industries. In a poll of 1,230 random voters published last month by German public broadcaster ZDF, 28% said the country should halt natural gas and oil imports immediately, even if it means supply problems, while 54% said it should only happen if the supply is largely secured, and 14% opposed a ban. It shows how the economic blow is increasingly falling to consumers and businesses, who already saw natural gas prices start to soar last summer. Some of their stories: ___ HELP FOR THE POOR IN MILAN Struggling residents of one of Italys lowest-income neighborhoods on Milans periphery line up twice a week to ask for help making ends meet. Increasingly, they come clutching utility bills. Since energy prices began spiking, a kindly three-woman panel that adjudicates the requests at Santa Lucia parish in Quarto Oggiaro have another resource to help the needy: an energy packet funded by the A2A energy company that offers up to 300 euros a year to families who cant pay their higher utility bills. About 100 families have qualified since September. Alessandra Travaglini, 54, hit the maximum even before the war as her utility bill doubled to over 120 euros. She has been out of work as an in-home caregiver for two months and hopes the parish can give her even more help. There's not much room for cutting back on energy use. I dont cook a lot. I run the washing machine only in the evening or on weekends. I take short showers, I use the oven maybe once a month, and I iron once, maybe twice, a week, Travaglini said. I am scared. She worries that if Italy cuts off Russian energy or if Moscow halts supplies, her life will get even harder. I think they have to buy it from Russia, for now, she said. But for me, Italy has adopted the wrong strategy, because we have become enemies. I think that if Mr. Putin pushes the button, we will be the first targets in any nuclear attack. Roberto Bertolini cant cover his last bimonthly electricity bill of 180 euros on his monthly income of 550 euros, working just three hours a day caring for disabled adults. The war feels especially close for Bertolini. As soon as he retires, the 66-year-old plans to join his wife in Hungary, which borders Ukraine. He does not think Italy should be buying gas from Russia. These sacrifices need to be made, he said. When I see those images, I change the channel. It is too horrible women raped, children attacked. They are not easy images. Not showing them isnt right. But for me, I just cant look. ___ BELT-TIGHTENING IN BUDAPEST Kritztian Kobela-Piko, a gas fitter and plumber in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, sees his profession intimately connected with his countrys relationship to Russian energy. And with the capital just a couple of hundred kilometers (miles) from Ukraine, the war is hardly a distant reality. The 41-year-old independent contractor installs gas boilers, using materials that have become exponentially more expensive. He said he sympathizes with the war's victims and would be willing to make personal sacrifices if it meant Ukrainians could better defend themselves. At most, I will have to tighten my belt a little, Kobela-Piko said. But these sacrifices are nothing compared to the situation of people living in Ukraine. I think that this sacrifice is the minimum, something I would do any time out of solidarity. Since the war began, many clients have been converting their home heating systems to electricity, uncertain about the future of natural gas. While Kobela-Piko believes harsher sanctions against Moscow is the right strategy, he said Hungarys geopolitical situation makes breaking its dependence on Russian energy nearly impossible. Hungary, a former member of the Soviet bloc, gets 85% of its gas and more than 60% of its oil from Russia. Putting pressure on a country that Hungary depends on for its energy resources is a very unpleasant situation, he said. ___ RUSSIAN GAS FOR GERMAN GLASS Carletta Heinz is calculating the impact of a gas cutoff for the 400-year-old glass company she took over from her father as the 13th generation and for communities in the heart of a glassmaking district in eastern Germany. The Heinz-Glas Group, which makes bottles for international cosmetic and perfume brands, would have to close a gas-fired facility in the town of Piesau. That would ruin tanks that need to stay above 900 degrees Celsius (1,650 degrees Fahrenheit) to keep molten glass from solidifying. If Piesau has to shut down, it cant be restarted, and production would go elsewhere. The company already has transitioned to electricity at headquarters in nearby Kleintettau to lower carbon emissions, but it still needs gas for some processes there. If a gas boycott leads to government-imposed rationing, Heinz said, then Germany must ensure that glassmakers get at least 70% of their current energy to keep tanks hot and avoid widespread equipment losses. In case of a dire shortage, EU law requires governments to shut off gas to businesses to spare homes and hospitals. Beyond her company, she is worried about the impact on glass-making companies near the border between the Thuringia and Bavaria regions, which employ 5,000 people directly and 8,000 others indirectly. Job losses could mean higher carbon emissions if production shifts to countries with fewer environmental protections, said Heinz, 38. In Germany, were more developed regarding environmental protection. Glass will still be needed and would be produced in other countries, which for our planet would be definitely worse, she said. I am just of the opinion that you first need alternatives. Naturally Im for everything that hurts Russia and helps Ukraine, Heinz added. But we need to keep our industry in mind and see that we have a future, because if our industry is ruined then our country cant help anyone else. ___ SANCTIONS BLOWBACK IN BULGARIA Nikolay Belev's income as a construction worker in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia is not keeping pace with gas and oil prices. And he is not ready to take on more pain for Russian sanctions, which he thinks are improper and will only bring more inequity in the EUs poorest member state. These sanctions are meant to weaken Russias economy, but in the end, they hit back on my country and particularly on the people with lower incomes, who are the real victims of these sanctions, Belev said. He also complained that higher energy prices have driven up the costs of his materials as much as 30% in the last two months. Bulgaria, a nation of 6.5 million people, once was among Moscows closest allies during the Soviet era. Now a NATO and EU member, it is still heavily dependent on Russian energy. Its only oil refinery is owned by Russias Lukoil, supplying nearly two-thirds of the countrys energy needs. The only nuclear power plant, generating over a third of Bulgarias electricity, runs on uranium from Russia. The current centrist coalition government is trying to get on a clearer pro-Western path by looking elsewhere for energy, including gas from Azerbaijan or liquefied natural gas via an pipeline with Greece. The LNG option will mean higher prices. For Veselina Marinova, an editor who lives with her husband and 83-year-old mother, paying more for energy is a small sacrifice when weighed against the deaths of civilians in Ukraine. Nothing can justify the military aggression against a democratic country, she said. Of course, my familys income will suffer because of the inflation fueled by the war. I am always aware that a severe crisis is looming, and that life will get harder. I do believe, however, that we must stay on the right track. ___ Toshkov reported from Sofia, Bulgaria; Spike from Budapest, Hungary. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This months featured fugitive is David Daniel Boone. Boone, 47, of Cleburne, has been on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List since Feb. 7, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety. Boone is affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and has been wanted since October 2020. He was sentenced to nine months in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison in 2004 for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was convicted in 2005 for possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to two years in prison. Boone was convicted again in 2008 for possession with intent to deliver and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2014. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for a parole violation in October 2020. More warrants were issued a few months later in February by the Johnson County Sheriffs Office. The warrants included charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and for assault of a family/house member by impeding breathing/circulation. Boone is 6-foot, 2-inches tall, weighs about 215 pounds and has tattoos on his chest, back, both arms, wrists and fingers. He is believed to have ties to Cleburne and Hood County. The award for Boones capture is increased this month to $8,500. DPS and other law enforcement agencies have arrested 23 people on the Texas most wanted lists so far in 2022. Anyone interested in sharing information can call Crime Stoppers at 1(800)-252-8477, submit a tip through the DPS website at https://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/MostWanted, or submit a tip through its Facebook pages under the Submit A Tip link in the About section at https://m.facebook.com/texas10mostwanted?_rdr. Current and updated Most Wanted lists with photos are also available on the DPS website. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Amarillo-based Tootn Totum has been interested in coming into Plainview for years. When the lot at 809 I-27 become available, the company seized its opportunity and after some delays prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic officially opened its first store south of Amarillo in late April. On Thursday, the company celebrated with a Plainview Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting attended by multiple local business leaders and Chamber ambassadors. Tootn Totum was established in 1950 and the first store opened in 1951, said Rodger Hudson, CEO/CFO since 1988. The company is owned by the Mitchell family in Amarillo. Three generations of the family have owned and operated the chain. There are 86 locations open today, many of them around Amarillo, he said. The convenience stores, which feature the traditional drink fountains, fridges stocked with all the popular drink choices, and shelves stocked with snacks and other essentials, are spread around the Panhandle. The chain also has one location in Oklahoma, three in Kansas and a location in Clayton, New Mexico, which is almost an exact replica of Plainviews store. Plainview is the farthest location south, though thats set to change soon, Hudson noted. The company is under contract to build in Lubbock, too. One thing that makes Plainviews location unique is the BBQ sold inside. The convenience stores have a contract with Wendys, Hudson said. Since Plainview already had one, company leaders opted to add a Mitchs BBQ, the third one for their store locations. The other two locations include one store in Amarillo and the store in New Mexico. So far, the food has been a hit in Plainview. It was noted that the BBQ has been selling out daily. The location is also a truck stop with amenities for truck drivers like parking space for them to take a break from the road, showers, truck stalls where they can fill up on fuel and an area where they can eat and/or stock up on some essentials. The brother of the man arrested for the onstage assault of Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl says hes stunned by the incident and he wants people to know his younger sibling has struggled with mental health issues and being unhoused. Police say Isaiah Lee, 23, stormed the stage Tuesday night at the Netflix Is a Joke festival and tackled the comedian before security intervened. Lee had a replica gun that could eject a knife blade in his possession when he was arrested and later booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, authorities allege. Ive been doing this for 35 years. I just stomped a na backstage, Chappelle joked after the incident, according to attendee videos posted online. Ive always wanted to do that. Lees brother Aaron Lee tells Rolling Stone that Isaiah has been in and out of shelters in Hollywood, California, for much of the last decade and has lots of friends in the transgender community. Still, Aaron doesnt believe his brother would lash out as an act of activism against Chappelle, who recently drew ire from the LGBTQ community for jokes about trans people. I dont have anything negative to say about Isaiah. Hes a performing artist who tries to stay as positive as possible. He does have a history of mental health issues. He does take medicine. Maybe he missed out on taking his prescription. But hes not the type to just lash out. I dont understand, Aaron, 31, says. The younger Lee has rapped under the name Noname Trapper and posted a song online two years ago titled Dave Chappell. His brother says Isaiah only picked that title to get search engine hits. Aaron says he never heard his brother express any ill will toward the comedian. That song wasnt even about Dave Chappelle. Its just that Dave Chappelle has a world-recognized name. People are searching Dave Chappelle all the time, so he hoped it would help him get more attention, more attraction, so people could find it, Aaron says. He doesnt have any type of animosity toward him that I know about. Aaron says he hasnt seen his brother recently and thought he was staying with another family member, getting better. He does take psych medicine, and that probably was a factor. And then maybe something triggered him acting like that. I dont know, he says. Hes not the type of person to attack you for no reason. But if hes not on his medication, and if he feels everyone is against him, maybe thats it. As for speculation that the assault caught on video may have been tied to Chappelles controversial comments about the transgender community, Aaron was unsure. He does have a connection with the transgender community, Aaron tells Rolling Stone. He used to stay at a shelter that helps transgender people. Hes been homeless since 11. He came out to California after our grandmother died, and basically was in the streets getting help from different programs in Hollywood, like My Friends Place. He went to a lot of different organizations out there that help transgender people. Yeah, it could have definitely been a factor, but I really dont know. I dont understand how this happened. Hes a gentleman. He is a kind, humble, nice person, he adds. Maybe if he was getting picked on, maybe he would defend himself. But I dont understand why he would attack anybody. That doesnt make any sense, he says. A BuzzFeed News reporter, Brianna Sacks, was at the show Tuesday night and tweeted a video purportedly showing Isaiah being loaded into an ambulance. Just came out of the Hollywood Bowl where a man charged and tackled Dave Chapelle on stage and got his ass kicked by at least 10 people. LAPD and LAFD are now loading him into an ambulance pic.twitter.com/7SXPe9e8az Brianna Sacks (@bri_sacks) May 4, 2022 Isaiah Lee remained in custody Wednesday in lieu of $30,000 bail, online jail records show. Tech Port Provisions, Southwest San Antonio's first food hall, is open and ready to serve the public a smorgasbord of local eateries. There's comfort food from Earl Abel's, barbecue from Big Bib, Capo's pizza slices, and more all under the same roof that houses the just-opened Tech Port Center + Arena. The arena recently hosted The Smashing Pumpkins and has rapper Kevin Gates, singer-songwriter Carly Morrison, and more rockers like Papa Roach on the books. But the public does not need a ticket to the shows to dig in at the food hall. Tech Port Provisions, located at 3331 General Hudnell Drive, is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the restaurants and bar, and 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for Brevity Coffee. On event days, Tech Port Provisions will be open to the community until 2:30 p.m. The food hall will then close for two hours and reopen exclusively for ticketed guests. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com Show More Show Less 3 of 3 With seven locally owned businesses under one roof, the new dining destination provides a list of menus for a side of town that has struggled with food options. It also gives San Antonio eateries the opportunity to expand. The facility as a whole gives talent, tech entrepreneurs, and investors a new reason to take note of a part of San Antonio that has been historically overlooked. Considering how quickly Tech Port popped onto the scene, I was admittedly unsure how ready the food hall would be for my visit on Tuesday, May 3. With new restaurants, there's usually some kinks in the schedule or service. I was pleasantly surprised to find the hall firing on all cylinders. Each of the food and drink vendors were fully operational and the dining room was filled with an array of guests from arena employees, staff on lunch breaks from nearby businesses, and families around 1 p.m. With the State of the City address and The Smashing Pumpkins concert under its belt, Tech Port Center + Arena and the Tech Port Provisions food hall are open and ready to serve. Here's what to expect Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com What's on the menu? Tech Port Provisions is home to a list of San Antonio businesses: The Big Bib BBQ, Brevity Coffee, Capo's Pizza, The Pantry (operated by Earl Abel's), Kuriya (operated by Cherrity Bar), and La Tienda de Birria (also operated by Cherrity Bar). There's also the Tech Pour, a fast-craft bar. Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com What's the food like? With pizza, tacos, comfort food, and ramen all hot and ready, picking a lunch was excruciatingly difficult. Since I hadn't had Big Bib, one of my San Antonio favorites for barbecue, I decided on a protein-filled lunch after about 10 minutes of meandering the hall. I had a combo plate with turkey breast, green beans, and added jalapeno sausage. I also added a Caesar salad from Big Bib's neighbor, The Pantry. The Pantry offers more grab-and-go options like sandwiches and salad variations. Overtaken by the sights and smells, I absent-mindedly ordered a full pound of jalapeno sausage. As Bob Ross would say, it was a happy little accident. My lunchtime drop-in turned into a full feast with enough food to snack on at home. The thick-sliced turkey was tender and on par with the quality Big Bib serves at its brick-and-mortar at 104 Lanark. The green beans had chunks of sausage mixed in, which I enjoyed. The jalapeno sausage had the perfect kick of spice that didn't overpower the meal. A stack of bread accompanied the tray of barbecue to make messy, saucy sandwiches. Friends have also suggested going back for Big Bib's sweet potato casserole and the tacos from La Tienda de Birria. Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com The space With steel finishes, fluorescent-colored seating, and Googie-style lighting, the new food hall has a futuristic feel that's cohesive with the high-tech building. Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com The entrance to the food hall can be found to the left of the main entrance and is near Tech Port's LAN Gaming Center. Ordering at each of the vendors is contact-free, using a self-ordering technology. Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com The experience The all-San Antonio squad of shops is as authentic as they come. The food is served quickly and as warm as the employees preparing it. As soon as I sat down to eat, Stanley Shropshire, owner of the Big Bib, came by my table to ensure the food was as expected. It was our first time meeting, but we chatted for a few minutes like old friends. While I stopped in for a quick lunch, it's also a clean, quiet spot to crack open your laptop and get work done while sipping on a Brevity coffee, which is what I plan on doing soon. The commute off the campus is a breeze. I packed up my leftovers around 2:20 and was able to get home, near Southtown, in time with minutes to spare for my 2:30 p.m. meeting. Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com With an array of new dining options, public access, and plenty of room to play, the Southside has a much-needed literal and metaphoric seat at the table with the new Tech Port Center + Arena. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Jill Biden said she is heading to Romania and Slovakia later this week to visit with Ukrainian families who fled for their lives after Russia invaded their country in hopes of sending the message, despite language barriers, that their resilience inspires me. The White House announced late Sunday that the first lady will spend Mother's Day meeting Ukrainian refugees, most of whom are women and children. The May 8 meeting will take place in Slovakia. Biden is scheduled to depart Washington late Thursday on a five-day trip that will also take her to Romania. Both countries share borders with Ukraine, which has spent the past two months fighting off Russia's military invasion. Romania and Slovakia also are NATO members. She discussed the trip Monday while touring a costume exhibit at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, saying she would spend the U.S. holiday dedicated to honoring mothers with Ukrainian families who have been displaced by Russian President Vladimir Putin's war. As a mother myself, I can only imagine the grief families are feeling, said Biden, a mother of three. I know that we might not share a language, but I hope that I can convey, in ways so much greater than words, that their resilience inspires me, that they are not forgotten, and that all Americans stand with them still. The trip will mark Bidens latest show of solidarity with Ukraine. Nearly 5.5 million Ukrainians, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded its smaller neighbor on Feb. 24, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Many have resettled in neighboring countries or relocated elsewhere in Europe. Throughout the trip, Biden will also meet with U.S. service members, U.S. Embassy personnel, humanitarian aid workers and educators, the White House said. After arriving in Romania on Friday, she is scheduled to meet with U.S. service members at Mihail Kogalniceau Air Base, a U.S. military installation near the Black Sea. The schedule then takes her to the Romanian capital of Bucharest on Saturday to meet with government officials, U.S. Embassy staff, humanitarian aid workers and educators who are helping teach displaced Ukrainian children. The first lady will travel to Slovakia to meet with staff at the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, the capital. On May 8, Biden will travel to Kosice and Vysne Nemecke in Slovakia to meet with refugees, humanitarian aid workers and local Slovakians who are supporting Ukrainian families that have sought refuge in Slovakia. She plans to meet with members of Slovakia's government on May 9 before returning to the United States. President Joe Biden visited with Ukrainian refugees during a stop in Poland in March. The trip will be the first lady's second overseas to represent the United States by herself, following her journey to Tokyo last year for the opening of the delayed 2020 Olympic Games. The trip also will mark her latest gesture of solidarity with Ukraine. Four days after Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, Biden appeared at a White House event wearing a face mask embroidered with a sunflower, Ukraine's national flower. She also invited Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, to sit with her during President Biden's State of the Union address in March and had a sunflower sewn into the sleeve of the cobalt blue dress she wore for the occasion. Jill Biden spoke Monday at the Met about fashion as a means of communication. She said she had the sunflower applique sewn onto the cuff of her dress because she knew the only thing that would be written about her for the president's big speech was what she wore. And that night, sitting next to the Ukrainian ambassador, I knew that I was sending a message without saying a word, that Ukraine was in our hearts and that we stood with them., she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The judge overseeing the federal civil rights cases of four former Minneapolis police officers in the killing of George Floyd said Wednesday that he has accepted the terms of Derek Chauvin's plea agreement and will sentence him to 20 to 25 years in prison. Chauvin pleaded guilty Dec. 15 to violating Floyds civil rights, admitting for the first time that he kept his knee on Floyds neck even after he became unresponsive resulting in the Black mans death on May 25, 2020. The white former officer admitted he willfully deprived Floyd of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure, including unreasonable force by a police officer. Under the plea agreement, which Chauvin signed, both sides agreed Chauvin should face a sentence ranging from 20 to 25 years, with prosecutors saying they would seek 25. He could have faced life in prison on the federal count. With credit for good time in the federal system, he would serve from 17 years to 21 years and three months behind bars. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson deferred accepting the agreement pending the completion of a presentence investigation. He said in a one-page order Wednesday that the report had been issued, so it was now appropriate to accept the deal. He has not set a sentencing date for Chauvin. Chauvin is already serving a 22 1/2 year sentence for his murder conviction in state court last year, though he is appealing that conviction. He would serve the federal sentence concurrently with the state sentence. The federal plea deal means Chauvin will probably spend more time in prison than he faced under his state sentence. State prisoners in Minnesota typically serve one-third of their sentence on parole, which for him would mean 15 years in prison. Chauvin waived his right to contest his federal conviction if Magnuson accepted the plea agreement. Magnuson also has not set sentencing dates for three other ex-officers who were convicted of related federal civil rights charges in February. The presentence investigations for Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng are still underway. They're scheduled to go on trial next month in state court on charges of aiding and abetting Chauvin in Floyd's murder. Prosecutors revealed at a pretrial hearing last month that the three had rejected plea agreements on the state charges. Terms were not disclosed. Lanes attorney, Earl Gray, said it was hard for the defense to negotiate when the three still didnt know what their federal sentences would be. On Wednesday, Gray renewed his motions for a change of venue, and for postponing the trial until after the federal sentencings, or even until next year. He wrote that it's abundantly clear from questionnaires returned by prospective jurors that a fair and impartial jury for the trial can never be seated in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis, because of the public hatred of the defendants. It is clear that the vast majority of the Hennepin County community has a deep and bitter prejudice against police officer defendants and this case, Gray wrote. ___ Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) Authorities on Monday continued the hunt for an extremely dangerous murder suspect and issued an arrest warrant for the Alabama jail official they now believe helped him escape. Inmate Casey Cole White, 38, was shackled and handcuffed when he and Vicky White, the facility's assistant director of corrections, left the Lauderdale County Detention Center in Florence, Alabama, on Friday morning. They have not been seen since, although the patrol vehicle that the pair used when leaving the detention center was found at a nearby shopping center parking lot after their absence was discovered. Authorities have no idea where they are, although the inmate should be recognizable by his size. He stands 6 feet, 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs about 260 pounds (118 kilograms). Authorities warned that anyone seeing the pair should not approach them. We consider both of them dangerous and, in all probability, both individuals are armed," U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said at a press conference Monday. He noted that Casey White will stand out because of his size, even if he has changed his appearance. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said Monday that they had issued an arrest warrant for Vicky White, 56, on charges of permitting or allowing an escape. She is not related to Casey White, who was serving a 75-year prison sentence and awaiting trial on a capital murder charge. Vicky White told co-workers she was taking him to the courthouse for a mental health evaluation. But Singleton later said no such evaluation was scheduled. She also violated a policy that required more than one official to be involved in transporting inmates, a rule that officials emphasized for White because he had previously tried to escape, Singleton said. The sheriff said video showed the pair left the jail and went straight to that parking lot. We know she participated, whether she did that willingly or if she was coerced, threatened somehow to participate, not really sure. We know for sure she did participate, Singleton said. Casey White, as youve heard me say over and over and over is an extremely dangerous person and we need to get him located and get him off the street, Singleton said. Casey White was serving time for a string of crimes that included attempted murder, robbery and burglary. While in prison, he had confessed to the 2015 stabbing death of a 58-year-old woman, authorities said, which caused him to be brought to the Lauderdale County jail for court proceedings. The sheriff said they believe White plotted an earlier escape from the jail in 2020 when they found a makeshift knife. He could face the death penalty if convicted of the capital murder charge. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $10,000 for information. Singleton said Vicky White had been an exemplary employee and jail employees are just devastated. This is not the Vicky White we know, by any stretch of the imagination, the sheriff said. Vicky White had planned to retire and Friday was to be her last day. He said she had sold her home about a month ago and talked about going to the beach." The sheriff said they had no leads at this point on where the two are located. If we knew where they were at, we would be there and not here, Singleton said. As an assistant director for corrections, Vicky White moved throughout the county detention facility and had multiple opportunities every day to be in contact with any given inmate, the sheriff said. Her job duties also included coordinating transport of inmates. Vicky White's mother, Pat Davis, told WAAY she was in shock and scared for her daughter. As a mother, I didnt know how to act because I thought at first it was a mistake. And then when I found out for sure it was, it was just disbelief, says Pat Davis. She told the station that we just want her back and found it difficult to believe her daughter would help an inmate escape. Shes never done anything, I bet shes never even had a speeding ticket," Pat Davis said. Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said he was also shocked. He last spoke to Vicky White on Thursday about transporting an inmate with a broken ankle to get medical care, and nothing seemed unusual. She is somebody I would have trusted with most anything. She was one of those people you could call if you needed something to happen at that jail. She was the go-to person, Connolly said. The U.S. Marshals Service said anyone with information about Casey Whites location or Vicky Whites disappearance can call the service at 1-800-336-0102. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Tip App. NEW YORK (AP) Amazon workers at a warehouse on New York City's Staten Island overwhelmingly rejected a union bid on Monday, dealing a blow to organizers who last month pulled off the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the e-commerce giants history. This time around, warehouse workers cast 618 votes or about 62% against the union, giving Amazon enough support to fend off a second labor win and raise questions as to whether the first victory was just a fluke. According to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees the process, 380 workers or 38% voted in favor of the grassroots union. Turnout was 61%, with about 1,600 workers eligible to vote, according to a voter list provided by Amazon. The few ballots that were challenged by either the company or the nascent Amazon Labor Union, which led the organizing effort, were not enough to sway the outcome. Both parties have until next Monday to file objections. The ALU is weighing whether to object, said Seth Goldstein, a union attorney who provides pro-bono legal assistance to the group. Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said the company was glad workers at the warehouse were able to have their voices heard." We look forward to continuing to work directly together as we strive to make every day better for our employees, Nantel said. A separate election held last month gave the ALU a surprise victory when workers at a different Staten Island facility voted in favor of unionizing. That was a first for Seattle-based Amazon in the U.S. For the union, Monday's defeat will surely sting. A second labor win was expected to fuel more organizing at the nation's second largest employer, and cement the power and influence of the ALU. But despite the momentum after the first win, it was unclear whether the group would be able to replicate its success. Organizers said they had lost some support at the warehouse after filing for an election in February because they directed more energy to the nearby facility that voted to unionize last month. There were also fewer organizers working at the warehouse roughly 10 compared with the nearly 30 employed at the other warehouse. Some experts believed part-time workers, who organizers say the smaller facility relies on heavily, would potentially offer less union support because they might have other sources of income outside Amazon. Kate Andrias, professor of law at Columbia University and an expert in labor law, said it can also be harder to organize part-time workers because they have less of a stake in improving the workplace" and "may be less likely to have strong relationships with co-workers. Despite the loss, Chris Smalls, the fired Amazon worker who leads the ALU, wrote on Twitter Monday that he was proud of the organizers who participated, saying they had a tougher challenge after the group's prior win. Nothing changes we organize! Smalls tweeted. do not be discouraged or sad be upset and talk to your coworkers The same obstacles that plagued the effort the first time, including Amazons aggressive anti-union tactics, were at play again. In the lead-up to the election, Amazon continued to hold mandatory meetings to persuade its workers to reject the union effort, posted anti-union flyers and launched a website urging workers to vote NO. Goldstein, the attorney working with the ALU, argues Amazon stepped up its union-busting campaign after the last election, disciplined organizers for engaging in union activities and barred them from displaying a pro-union sign in the breakroom. The union is also taking issue with the retailer's use of mandatory anti-union meetings for its workers. The NLRB has allowed companies to mandate such meetings, but the labor boards top prosecutor is currently trying to get them outlawed. Kent Wong, the director of the UCLA Labor Center, anticipated that there will be setbacks and victories in organizing Amazon. He contrasted it to Starbucks, where several stores have voted to unionize. Wong noted Amazons famously high turnover rate makes it hard to organize and unlike individual Starbucks locations, with 15 to 20 workers, there are far more workers at each Amazon warehouse who must be persuaded to form a union. This one setback is not going to stall the momentum, Wong said. But if Amazon can block three or four or five in a row, it will be a message to other Amazon workers, it is going to be really hard. John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said he wasnt entirely surprised by the unions loss. He said he believes that the ALU was stretched thin. A second union victory would have solidified the unions position, he said, but the results in many ways were more important to Amazon than the fledgling labor group. A second defeat could have proved fatal to the companys efforts to stop the organizing from spreading like wildfire, just as it has done at Starbucks," Logan said. But he noted theres no question that the ALUs organizing campaign will continue and that labor activism at Amazon will continue to spread across the country. Andrias said she believes the loss highlights the fundamental problems with labor law and the extent to which employers are able to exercise coercive power over workers during the course of these union campaigns. Even after a victory is secured, it's still an uphill battle. Amazon has disputed the first election organized by the ALU, arguing in a filing with the NLRB that the vote was tainted by organizers and by the boards regional office in Brooklyn that oversaw the election. The company says it wants a new election, but union supporters believe its an effort to delay contract negotiations and potentially blunt some of the organizing momentum. A separate NLRB regional office in the Southwest will hold a hearing later this month over the companys objections. Meanwhile, the final outcome of a separate union election in Bessemer, Alabama, is still up in the air with 416 outstanding challenged ballots hanging in the balance. Hearings to review those ballots are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF BELTON, Texas (AP) An 18-year-old student has died after he was stabbed during a fight at a Texas high school and another student was taken into custody, authorities said. Jose Luis Ramirez Jr. died after he was stabbed Tuesday morning in a campus bathroom at Belton High School, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Austin, police said. kali9/Getty Images Two men are in custody in the case of a San Antonio man found shot and hogtied on the side of the road on the Far Eastside. Bexar County Sheriff's Office arrested Darryl King, 36, and Uriah Huffman, 24, in connection with the aggravated assault of 24-year-old Joshua Sandoval who was found on April 23 at the 11000 block of La Vernia Road, said Sheriff Javier Salazar at a press conference Wednesday. Sandoval was hogtied "mostly nude" with several stabbing and gunshot wounds to his head. Sandoval survived his critical injuries but lost an eye. Salazar had previously called the case a "heinous murder attempt." Sadie Layher MySA AP Greg Casar, the Democratic nominee for Texas' 35th Congressional District, and Beto O'Rourke, the Texas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, are joining a Cinco de Mayo rally in San Antonio on Thursday, May 5. The Bexar County Democratic Party is hosting the event from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rosedale Park, 303 Dartmouth. The rally will have music, dancers, food trucks, and more, according to a news release from Casar's team. Casar, 32, has spent three terms on Austin City Council, becoming the city's youngest member ever. On November 4, he announced his run for Congress. In January, former presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren endorsed the native Houstonian in a statement saying: "As a former labor organizer, [Casar] has a bold vision for Medicare for All, protecting reproductive rights, and standing up to corporate special interests. I'm proud to support his progressive campaign, and look forward to partnering with him to deliver for working families everywhere." Sujata Jana / EyeEm/Getty Images/EyeEm San Antonio police are searching for a shooter who fled a Westside Walmart after shooting two people on their way out of the store on Thursday, April 5. The San Antonio Police Department responded to a shooting call at the Walmart at 8923 W Military Drive around 2 p.m., and found a woman with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her "lower extremities," said Sergeant Washington Moscoso. Officers later found a second person injured from the shooting in the area, Moscoso said. They also had a non-life threatening injury. The Walmart evacuated employees and customers and was closed as of 3:30 p.m. on Thursday with plans to open later that day. Since it was founded in 2010, Rusty Taco has spread from Dallas to much of the U.S., opening 38 locations in places as far from home as Phoenix, Minneapolis and Maumee, Ohio. In February, the restaurant chain faced a kind of reckoning it opened its first restaurant in San Antonio, a city that takes tacos very seriously. The restaurant, on the North Side near the crossing of Bulverde Road and Loop 1604, offers a menu of street tacos with ingredients ranging from basics such as picadillo and brisket to more flashy fillings such as grilled cauliflower. It sells breakfast tacos all day and has an indoor-outdoor bar where customers can order margaritas. The chain has inked an agreement with franchisees aiming to open a second restaurant next year and a third after that, said Brendan Mauri, the brands president. RELATED: Vintage photos show what San Antonios first Taco Cabana looked like in 1978 They would love to continue to expand throughout San Antonio and even beyond, he said. San Antonio is a big enough market that we may have other partners, but theyre looking to grow the brand themselves in the area. Feedback has been great on this first one, two months in, so theyre excited, as are we. The chain was co-founded by Denise Fenton and her husband Rusty Fenton, who died in 2013. The concept was inspired in large part by their familys visits to taco stands in Texas and Mexico. In 2018, the fast-food chain Arbys acquired it and Buffalo Wild Wings, forming a new company named Inspire Brands. Since then, Inspire has propelled the chains growth as it has acquired other chains including Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy Johns, Dunkin and Baskin-Robbins. Mauri and Denise Fenton, who is Rusty Tacos brand director, recently sat for an interview to discuss the chains growth, its reception in San Antonio and how they come up with taco recipes. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity. Q: The Rusty Taco chain has grown fast, spreading across much of the country. Fenton: Actually, today is our anniversary 12 years ago today. Our growth was very organic. We opened up our first location and then not long after we had interest in franchising. We hadnt really thought about that. Our first franchise location was in St. Paul, Minnesota, and that opened 2011. Then, as word spread, we sort of grew up through the middle of the country, a little to the right, a little to the left. Q: Did you and your husband have a background in the restaurant industry? Fenton: Rusty was a lifelong restaurateur. He started out after college in Pappasitos (Cantina). He grew up in Houston and then moved few years later to Dallas and opened up a concept called Uncle Julios with a few partners. Then he went on to do a lot of consulting for other restaurants and did some food manufacturing. So he always had a passion for food and especially loved tacos. We dreamed about owning a taco restaurant that had been his dream for many, many years. We ate at a lot of taco places with our kids. RELATED: San Antonio has better tacos than Austin, says Mandalorian actor Pedro Pascal Q: I think your website said there was a particular taco stand that inspired him? Fenton: Actually, we had a lot of them. We had a favorite one in Dallas called Fuel City. It was a gas station and there were no tables you literally ordered at a pickup window. We would take our four daughters down to Fuel City in our Suburban and then we just opened up the back doors and ate there in the parking lot. So that was our favorite restaurant. Q: Could you talk about your familys decision to sell the chain to Inspire? Fenton: When Rusty passed away in 2013, he had been planning to talk with Buffalo Wild Wings about helping us to expand. In 2014, we partnered with Buffalo to acquire the majority interest in our brand. Then when Inspire, or Arbys, bought Buffalo Wild Wings, they completed that transaction. Q: The chain has been owned by Inspire Brands since 2018. But is the family still involved? Fenton: I work for Inspire Brands, so they fully own our company. Mauri: Were completely owned by Inspire, but we love having Denise as part of the team. All the history plays a huge role in our growth and excitement. But were focused on growing the brand through franchising, predominantly. Q: What made you decide to expand to San Antonio? Fenton: Rusty always thought that Dallas would be a great market for Texas. He was a little bit nervous about Austin and San Antonio because they are such taco-heavy markets. But he always wanted to make a venture into those areas. With this particular franchise group, they were Arbys franchisees or at least one of the partners was they expressed interest in us. So we had discussions with them and we really liked this group and felt really good energy with them. Mauri: San Antonio has a love for tacos. And I think our brand, what we see is that we have had success in areas such as Dayton, Ohio, for example, where tacos arent as known, but also in towns like this that love tacos. Our brand has breakfast tacos served all day that are some of the best you can get. We know thats hugely popular in San Antonio, so that fits really well. And then we have simple street tacos with great ingredients. So what we found is our brand fits really well where theres a lot of competition and choices. We differentiate in certain ways in terms of just the quality of our ingredients and the simplicity and the atmosphere that you see here. Q: Is your expansion largely driven by where you can find good franchisees? Mauri: Thats one key criteria. Were trying to build the brand in the right way, where were providing great support but we have the right franchisees that are interested and excited to grow with us. You know, with 38 locations, a franchisee coming in has an opportunity to select premier real estate within the areas theyre looking at, in most cases. And then also really work with us to put their stamp on the brand as we grow and expand. RELATED: Check out 365 days of Tacos Q: How do you come up with the tacos on your menu? Fenton: Our original menu was inspired by just our travels as a family and what kind of tacos Rusty and I and the girls really liked and enjoyed. So we started with 11 tacos. That first year, we added on a few more. Mauri: Street tacos are our core we never want to lose sight of that. But that said, we want to evolve as tastes change. Also, what we see is we have a lot of guests that love the brand and use it very frequently for all sorts of different occasions. So particularly those guests enjoy seeing new flavors. What weve done is created limited-time tacos every couple of months. What we found was we would create those and then once we would take them off the menu people would continue to ask for them. So in the past year we launched a specialty taco section of the menu that kind of complements the street tacos section. Its a little bit more more ingredients, a little more flavorful, indulgent tacos. We have a huge variety of different options, which is one thing I think differentiates us in terms of other Mexican concepts. Q: You would call this a fast casual chain, right? Mauri: Yeah, I think were fast casual, but elevated, especially when you consider the bar aspect in terms of this particular locations got a great bar. So I think were elevated compared to some fast-casuals, but were kind of in that segment. Fenton: People love to hang out, kick back, a big margarita. Q: Is that kind of the definition of fast casual higher-quality ingredients than fast food and somewhere you want to spend time? Mauri: I think so, yeah. I think in the restaurant industry, the terms are constantly evolving and youre seeing some fast-casuals shift closer to (fast food restaurants), implementing drive-throughs, things like that. Thats something actually some of our franchisees not this one some of our future openings are going to have a mobile order pickup window. Q: If I could delve into retail history, was fast casual a segment pioneered by Chipotle? Mauri: Thats one of the biggest ones, obviously. Theyve built, you know, close to 3,000 locations. Panera would be another one. Theres a few brands that I think kind of took that and elevated from fast food and created the category. But I think its ever-evolving with brands like ours that are even maybe taking it much more to an experiential level than a Chipotle. Q: Who do you consider your competitors, especially here in San Antonio? Mauri: We feel like we actually have a really nice white space in terms of theres some taco restaurants or Mexican restaurants that are more fast food, that are lower price-point, more quick-and-easy, in-and-out. I think we have an elevated experience, better quality food, a place you might enjoy staying for longer, and also the bar atmosphere. And then theres other taco players that I think do a great job, you know, Velvet Taco and Torchys I know have come into San Antonio as well. They play a little bit differently than us, too, in terms of were much more laid back, a little bit lower price point, street tacos that are a little more simple, great-quality ingredients but not necessarily as over-the-top. RELATED: Trendy Georgia taco chain Rusty Taco to open first San Antonio restaurant at Bulverde Road and Loop 1604 Q: In San Antonio, which has such a strong taco culture, do you find that people are skeptical of the new kid on the block? Mauri: I think this particular neighborhood was excited for something new to come in and the feedbacks been great in terms of just the quality of our ingredients. You know, we do all of our sauces and salsas scratch-made every day. And then also just the environment, where at this location and a lot of our new builds we have a full bar with margaritas and other drinks. And then youve got the bar connected to the patio. Thats another thing we found, that San Antonio is a great market to have outdoor dining most of the year. It fits really well with just a great neighborhood taco stand environment. 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. * * * Wall Streets Biggest Secret Could Be Exposed The Lever Fraud is down, but more expensive American Banker Climate High Concentrations of floating life in the North Pacific Garbage Patch bioRxiv. [D]ensities of floating life were significantly higher inside the central part of [North Pacific garbage patch (NPGP)] than on its periphery, and there was a significant positive relationship between neuston abundance and plastic abundance. This work has important implications for the ecology and human impact of subtropical oceanic gyre ecosystems. Give life time. #COVID19 China? The company that made millions from COVID contracts ABC Australia Worst fears confirmed in Solomons Macrobusiness Myanmar Explainer: A guide to the Philippines election Reuters UK/EU West African Coup Contagion Analysis Black Agenda Report AU Will Find It Tough To Have A Common Position On Russia-Ukraine War Frank Isoh (video) Channels Television (RK). Nigeria and the African Union. New Not-So-Cold War Brazils ex-president Lula claims Zelenskiy equally to blame for war Guardian (ChiGal) and US Coup Specialist Victoria Nuland Visits Brazil BrasilWire. Lula is not only Brazils ex President made so by Operation Carwash, which we masterminded he is the frontrunner in the current election. So the Guardians headline is a little deceptive. Mexico Calls for Latin American Lithium Alliance Kawsachun News Painful mine protests reflect years of broken promises in Peru Mining.com Supremes Supply Chain Demolition Market Devoid of Ships Hellenic Shipping News How the CIA oversaw Belgiums secret Nazi army Asa Winstanley. More on Operation Gladio. Big Brother Is Watching You Venmos Unfair and Abusive Arbitration Opt-Out Provision Adam Levitin, Credit Slips Health Care With usual suspects ruled out, disease detectives try to crack mystery of viral hepatitis cases in kids Helen Branswell, STAT The Groves of Academe How the Kent State massacre raised your tuition Will Bunch, The Inquirer. And that was just the start. Well worth a read. The Bezzle NFT Market Collapses Just As Square Enix Sells Tomb Raider To Bet Big On Blockchain Kotaku. Thats a damn shame. I only hope the insiders got out in time! The novelty of technologically regressive import substitution Branko Milanovic, Global Inequality and More No one has ever tried to implement import-substitution policies with the objective of going backwards in the development chain. The industrial areas that are normally the backbone of traditional (predigital) development were well developed in the Soviet Union, but have been abandoned, left to deteriorate and, even if existing, are today technologically obsolete. Almost all of what is technologically advanced was produced, or was dependent in part, on Western-made technologies. In the next decade Russia will try to revive these old domestic industries (e.g. machine building for petroleum and gas exploitation, avionics, car production) on the basis of technologies that have been left rusting for thirty years. Surely this applies to the US as well? And: Russia has a labor force that is highly educated and tends to move towards post-industrial areas, like in other advanced economies. But here it would have to go down in its skills levels to be adequate for the operation or (re)creation of the technologically regressive import substitution. To put it in graphical terms: while the original import substitution required that semi-literate peasants learn a bit of arithmetic in order to service the machines, here we would expect software engineers to become metal-bashing workers or foremen in large factories. I think metal bashing is a bit dismissive. For example: How a Rolls Royce Trent XWB, the world's most efficient aero engine, is assembled [full video: https://t.co/HQwDvbPVxY] pic.twitter.com/WfnaGUIvra Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 1, 2022 First, in the United States, much software engineering is devoted to froth, fraud, and surveillance. Who needs any of that? Second, manufacturing systems are quite complex, at every level from design to production to distribution, as the history of technology shows. Were Watt and Brunel dummies? The human mind can be fully engaged by material processes; indeed one might argue thats a higher calling than symbol manipulation. Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Antidote du Jour and Links here. Yves here. It is instructive to see that a law professor who served as an expert witness for Naftogaz, the Ukrainian national oil and gas company, after Russia seixed its operations in Crimea, is concerned enough about the prospect of the Biden Administration selling confiscated Russian assets to speak up and advise against it. However, I have my doubts that the US has been as scrupulous about not selling assets of sanctioned and belligerent nations as Professor Stephan suggests. Iraq owned a magnificent, very wide townhouse on East 80th Street between Park and Lexington as its embassy. It was promptly seized after the war started and sold within a couple of years. I sincerely doubt the proceeds were remitted to the new government. By Paul B. Stephan, John C. Jeffries Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and David H. Ibbeken 71 Research Professor of Law, University of Virginia. Originally published at The Conversation The Biden administration wants to sell off the yachts, homes and other luxury assets it has seized from Russian oligarchs and use those proceeds to support reparations for Ukraine. As part of his proposal for the latest aid package to Ukraine, President Joe Biden is asking lawmakers for the authority to formally confiscate the assets of sanctioned oligarchs to pay to remedy the harm Russia caused and help build Ukraine. The House has already passed a bill urging Biden to sell the assets, but it didnt specifically give him the authority to do so. Others have encouraged the administration to sell off the tens of billions of dollars in Russian central bank assets it has frozen. Its not clear from the White House statement whether Biden plans to go after state-owned assets too. That he has gone to Congress to get permission indicates that his lawyers believe, as do I, that current law permits only freezing, and not selling, foreign property in the course of an international crisis. Ive studied and practiced international law for several decades and advised the departments of State and Defense on issues like this one. The idea of forcing Russia to pay reparations for the harm to Ukraine has obvious appeal. But the U.S. needs to comply with constitutional and international law when it does so. Freezing vs. Confiscating You might ask what the difference is between seizing or freezing property forbidding anyone to dispose of or use an asset or take income from it and confiscating it. Freezing destroys the economic benefits of ownership. But the owner at least retains the hope that, when the conflict is over and the freeze order ends, the property or its equivalent in money will return. Confiscation means selling off the property and giving the proceeds, along with any cash seized, to a designated beneficiary in this case, people acting on behalf of Ukraine. The International Economic Emergency Powers Act of 1977permits only freezing, and not selling, foreign property in the course of an international crisis. Congress adopted this law to replace the Trading With the Enemy Act of 1917, which gave the president much broader power to take action against U.S. adversaries in and out of war. Since then, the U.S. has frequently used the power to seize assets belonging to foreign individuals or nations as an economic sanction to punish what it considers bad behavior. For example, after Iran stormed and seized the American embassy in Tehran, the U.S. government seized billions of dollars in Iranian assets in the U.S, including cash and property. The U.S. has also frozen assets of Venezuela and the Taliban over ties to terrorism and Russian individuals considered responsible for human rights violations, thanks to the Magnitsky Act. In all these cases, the United States held on to the foreign property rather than sell it off. In some cases, it used the seized property as a bargaining chip toward a future settlement. In 2016, the Obama administration famously returned US$400 million to Iran that the U.S. had seized after the embassy siege in 1979 delivering stacks of Swiss francs stuffed inside a Boeing 737. In other cases, the assets remain under government control, administered by an office of the U.S. Treasury, in hope that eventually some compromise can be reached. The Patriot Act, adopted in the wake of 9/11, created a limited exception to the confiscation ban in instances in which the United States is at war. The U.S. never has used this authority. And despite the increasingly heated rhetoric, stepped-up sanctions and growing aid for Ukraine, the U.S. is not at war with Russia. Redressing Gross Violations A fundamental principle of justice says those who cause harm while breaking the law should pay. In international law, we call this reparations. As the United Nations puts it, Adequate, effective and prompt reparation is intended to promote justice by redressing gross violations of international human rights law or serious violations of international humanitarian law. In recent history, victors have often forced reparations on the losers of war as was the case following both World War I and World War II especially when they are deemed responsible for massive death and ruin. Russia has wrought terrible destruction in Ukraine. Several cities, including Mariupol, are all but destroyed, and evidence of war crimes in places like Bucha is mounting. So it makes sense that so many scholars, lawmakers and others would argue that the regime of Vladimir Putin and those who benefit from his rule should help pay for it. Some, such as Harvard legal scholar Laurence Tribe, argue U.S. law already allows the president to use any seized or frozen asset as reparations. But, as other experts have pointed out, doing so has serious problems. The legal issues noted above are one major hurdle and open this up to being challenged in court. Another is political. Confiscating assets takes away important bargaining chips in any future negotiations, as they have been with Iran and other countries. Specialists in sanctions law including me agree with Biden that Congress needs to pass a new law. Punishing Russia While Preserving the Rule of Law The question then becomes what that legislation should look like to avoid running afoul of international law and the U.S. Constitution. There still seem to be several limitations on what Congress can do. AP Photo For example, the Constitutions Fifth Amendment guarantees due process before the government can confiscate a private citizens property. But does this apply to property in the U.S. that belongs to a foreign citizen? The answer seems to be yes, at least according to two Supreme Court cases. Selling off Russian state property such as central bank assets, creates other problems. International law provides a certain degree of immunity from confiscation to foreign nations and their assets overseas. Outside of wartime, confiscation of state property, including U.S. deposits of Russias central bank, runs up against these challenges. A case currently before the International Court of Justice will decide whether the United States violated this rule when it used funds from frozen Iranian central bank deposits to compensate people who had won a default judgment from Iran for supporting terrorists. So, yes, I believe that Russias invasion of Ukraine is outrageous and demands a response. But that doesnt mean the U.S. and other countries should ride roughshod over international law and the U.S. Constitution to do so. Congress should be able to craft a law that allows some assets to be confiscated without violating due process or international law. I predict that disregarding these issues will likely produce embarrassing judicial setbacks that will make it harder to help Ukraine down the road. Yves here. On the one hand, its good to see the fact that Congressional committee chairmanships are bought and paid for finally starting to get some traction. On the other hand, we are hardly Washington insiders, yet we wrote about this back in 2011 in Tom Ferguson: Congress is a Coin Operated Stalemate Machine. An extract: Ferguson cites the work of Marian Currander on how it works for the Democrats in the House of Representatives: Under the new rules for the 2008 election cycle, the DCCC [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] asked rank-and-file members to contribute $125,000 in dues and to raise an additional $75,000 for the party. Subcommittee chairpersons must contribute $150,000 in dues and raise an additional $100,000. Members who sit on the most powerful committees must contribute $200,000 and raise an additional $250,000. Subcommittee chairs on power committees and committee chairs of non-power committees must contribute $250,000 and raise $250,000. The five chairs of the power committees must contribute $500,000 and raise an additional $1 million. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn, and Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel must contribute $800,000 and raise $2.5 million. The four Democrats who serve as part of the extended leadership must contribute $450,000 and raise $500,000, and the nine Chief Deputy Whips must contribute $300,000 and raise $500,000. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi must contribute a staggering $800,000 and raise an additional $25 million. Ferguson teases out the implications: Uniquely among legislatures in the developed world, our Congressional parties now post prices for key slots on committees. You want it you buy it, runs the challenge. They even sell on the installment plan: You want to chair an important committee? Thatll be $200,000 down and the same amount later, through fundraising.. The whole adds up to something far more sinister than the parts. Big interest groups (think finance or oil or utilities or health care) can control the membership of the committees that write the legislation that regulates them. Outside investors and interest groups also become decisive in resolving leadership struggles within the parties in Congress. You want your man or woman in the leadership? Just send money. Lots of it. The Congressional party leadership controls the swelling coffers of the national campaign committees, and the huge fixed investments in polling, research, and media capabilities that these committees maintain resources the leaders use to bribe, cajole, or threaten candidates to toe the party line Candidates rely on the national campaign committees not only for money, but for message, consultants, and polling they need to be competitive but can rarely afford on their own.. This concentration of power also allows party leaders to shift tactics to serve their own ends.They push hot-button legislative issues that have no chance of passage, just to win plaudits and money from donor blocs and special-interest supporters. When they are in the minority, they obstruct legislation, playing to the gallery and hoping to make an impression in the media The system ensures that national party campaigns rest heavily on slogan-filled, fabulously expensive lowest-common-denominator appeals to collections of affluent special interests. The Congress of our New Gilded Age is far from the best Congress money can buy; it may well be the worst. It is a coin-operated stalemate machine that is now so dysfunctional that it threatens the good name of representative democracy itself. Back to the present post. So if this situation has been an open secret for over a decadewhy the silence? Perhaps this is the Beltway code of omerta: access journalism is the only game in town, so no one dares bite the hands that feed them. As to Neuburger on Roe v. Wade, the fact that many people are mighty unhappy about it being overturned is not germane unless they manage to pass new Federal legislation, which seems unlikely. Womens advocacy groups collectively need to be taken out and shot. If you read the original ruling, its a handwave. It was always vulnerable to being reversed. And yet those with most to lose did nothing to protect their rights. The response to abortion doctors being shot and women going to abortion clinics being threatened didnt elicit remotely the warranted level of outrage. This action should have been made domestic terrorism in the laws of the Democratic-leaning states and prosecuted as such. The defenders of abortion acting like a bunch of wimps helped pave the way to where we are. By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies NOTE: With the bombshell release of the leak of the Roe v. Wade draft decision, a ruling that will void both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey when it becomes law because yes, the Supreme Court now writes law I want to point out Cenk Uygurs comments quoted near the end of the piece below. If you are a Roe advocate or a choice advocate and you think the Democratic Party will somehow save this situation, you can relax and stop the conniptions they wont. From Bloomberg: Biden Pledges to Try to Enshrine Roe Into Law If Court Strikes Down Landmark Ruling. This means, first, that Biden and the national Democratic Party have no plans to fix the Court, which is the source of the problem. And second, it means that the national Democratic Party plans to fix the national choice problem using the broken Congressional process that failed to get even his own agenda passed. As Uygur says, quoted below, regarding the corruption that has metastasized in both political parties: Democrats do it too [i.e., are corrupted by money as well]. Definitely. Do not ever listen to corporate media telling you, Oh, when Mitch McConnell takes the money, oh, it is nefarious. But if Nancy Pelosi or Joe Biden take it, Oh, it is angelic. Its all charity. Its all for the public good. No. You saw [that the Democratic majority] didnt pass a single thing that would help the average American worker when they had clear majorities in the House, the Senate, and the presidency. [The Democrats protest,] Oh, well, its because other Democrats wouldnt go along. Why wouldnt they go along? For this exact reason. You remember, Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema, two Democrats [who] went to go collect checks from the [National] Restaurant Association after they voted against the 15 dollar minimum wage. What was the special interest most interested in defeating the 15 dollar minimum wage? The National Restaurant Association. [emphasis his] It certainly seems that the national Democratic Party is too corrupted by money to be of help to actual people. You saw it during the last two years and youll see it with Roe. Theyll respond vociferously (they have to, given who they depend on for votes), but do little thats effective. You cant serve money and stay on the side of the angels. That circle cant be squared. And now to the original piece planned for today. Ive written about this elsewhere, but these facts are so little known that they bear repeating. Fortunately, we have Lauren Windsors undercover reporting (see video below) to point them out again. Fact: Both parties in the House force members to buy their way on important committees. The going rate for an A group committee seat, like Ways and Means where the money gets doled out, starts at 1 million dollars and goes up from there. Where does a congressperson get that kind of money? Fact: From lobbyists, who often specify explicitly what their money should buy them. Thus when a House member takes that money, she or he knowingly agrees to the trade. Note in these transactions there are two quids and two quos. First, money from lobbyists is given by elected House members to the NRCC and the DCCC for use in buying House seats during primaries and elections (almost none of which gets spent on progressives). Thats the first quid pro quo the purchase of committee seats, and especially chairmanships, from party leaders by elected House members. The second quid pro quo is what the lobbyists money buys from the favored House member his or her vote on legislation the lobbyists clients are interested in. Note that all this quidding and quoing starts with the parties themselves. If House committee seats werent for sale, House members wouldnt need to go to lobbyists to raise cash for them. Thus both parties abet in creating a corrupt system, and both parties benefit from it. In other words, the corruption is institutional and institutionally enforced by the parties. The corruption is also perfectly legal, which is why (almost) everyone feels perfectly free to do it. Mo Brooks Explains How Washington Really Works The latest revelation of these facts comes from corrupt House member Mo Brooks (R-AL), who spilled those particular beans in an apparent attempt to curry favor with Alabama constituents in his so-far-failing campaign for a Senate seat NEW: GOP Rep Mo Brooks says prime committee chairmanships cost a minimum of $1 million and are paid by special interest groups as "a quid pro quo" for favored legislation#ALsen pic.twitter.com/SswSObhpf7 Lauren Windsor (@lawindsor) April 15, 2022 Consider the secretly recorded video above. Ive transcribed most of it (very lightly edited for clarity) for those who prefer reading to listening. [Mo Brooks:] Im sure yall are very much concerned about why our Congress is so unresponsive to the regular needs of American citizens, why some of these policies that come out are so bizarre, so unfair, so skewered [sic; he means skewed] against regular Jane and Joe Citizen. The reason is simple. Special interest groups run Washington, and I dont mean that metaphorically. I mean literally. Here is how it happens. In the House of Representatives I use that as an example because thats where I work if you want to be chairman of a major committee, you have to purchase it. And the purchase price for a major committee, like Ways and Means, [the] minimum bid is a million dollars. Now Im talking literally here. Im not talking metaphorically. We have committees broken down by A group, B group, and C group. C are the cheapest, B are middling, A is the most expensive. [A group] is the most expensive because those are the committees that the special interest groups care the most about. So where does a congressman come up with a million dollars to be chairman of one of these A committees? You cant get it from Joe and Jane Citizen because Joe and Jane Citizen back home, theyre not going to be contributing that kind of money. You have to get it from the special interest groups, and with the special interest groups there is a quid pro quo. If you dont do what they tell you to do, they wont give you the money that finances your chairmanship. Then Brooks provided examples: I had one guy who ran for chairman of the NRCC [National Republican Congressional Committee], which is where the Republicans pay their money for these committee assignments and chairmanships, just as the Democrats pay theirs to the DCCC. And this guy who wanted to be chair of the NRCC actually had a brochure. And that brochure had price listings listed on it. And his argument for getting elected was, Elect me. I will charge you less. Now you understand how the public policy debate is corrupted. You have to do what the special interest groups require, which undermines the public policy debate. The money now is triumph[ant]. Ill give you a second example, so its not [just] Mo Brooks talking. Congressman Thomas Massie, who by the way endorsed me yesterday he had a lobbyist come up to him, and the lobbyist said, Look, I will pay your $500,000 to be on Ways and Means if you will sponsor this patent bill. Thomas is brilliant, he has patents, MIT grad. And Thomas said, Okay, Ill look at it. And he looked at it and he said, No, this hurts the small inventor. The people with the power and the money are going to use that power and money to steal the patent rights from the person who actually had the idea, who should be reaping the rewards of that idea. So Thomas went back to the lobbyist and said, No, Im not going to do it. The lobbyist said, Okay, Im not going to pay that $500,000. Thomas Massie got that published on the front page of USA Today, that story. And I saw it, and Im going, Finally, somebody else in the House of Representatives who is honorable, who is ethical, and sees the corruption associated with this process. Note the self-aggrandizement, by the way. Brooks is running for, and losing, the Senate seat in Alabama, and he obvious wants to paint himself as a drain-the-swamp guy, despite the sums that he himself has taken and from whom hes taken it. But back to Brooks: And I went to Thomas and said, Thank you for doing that [publishing the article]. And Thomas responded, Well, I made one big mistake. [And I said,] It looked good to me. [He] said, Well, I talked about it [in the article] in terms of buying committee assignments, when really its a rental agreement [because] you have to pay [the partys committee membership fee] every two years. And of course, the so-called news outlets are quite familiar with this arrangement. Now the national media knows about this. Both political parties do it. So neither party rises to the occasion and makes this a major public policy issue that would increase exposure about whats getting done. Ill bet everyone in Washington is familiar with this arrangement. Its just us rubes who are (kept) in the dark. Austerity for Thee, Corruption for Me and My Friends In a separate video discussing this revelation, The Young Turks Cenk Uygur explains how these facts account for the austerity being visited on the country by its leaders: [Cenk Uygur:] Democrats do it too. Definitely. Do not ever listen to corporate media telling you, Oh, when Mitch McConnell takes the money, oh, it is nefarious. But if Nancy Pelosi or Joe Biden take it, Oh, it is angelic. Its all charity. Its all for the public good. No. You saw [that the Democratic majority] didnt pass a single thing that would help the average American worker when they had clear majorities in the House, the Senate, and the presidency. [The Democrats protest:] Oh, well, its because other Democrats wouldnt go along. Why wouldnt they go along? For this exact reason. You remember, Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Sinema, two Democrats [who] went to go collect checks from the [National] Restaurant Association after they voted against the 15 dollar minimum wage. What was the special interest most interested in defeating the 15 dollar minimum wage? The National Restaurant Association. [emphasis his] Where Are Our Electeds, the Progressives? You might think that honest progressives, people like AOC and Cori Bush, would blow the whistle on this corruption. After all, they work for the people, right? You would be wrong in that thinking. Have you heard such a denunciation from any of our progressive electeds? In the same video, Uygur explains why: [Uygur:] By the way, progressives in Congress, you couldnt do that [speak like Mo Brooks just did]? You know why they didnt do it? Because it would offend their beloved Democratic colleagues, who all bought their chairmanship through corruption. For example, Richie Neal, head of the House Ways and Means Committee, the [committee] that Mo Brooks mentioned because its the most powerful committee in the House [and it] controls the money. The guy in charge of that committee is Richie Neal. He is a Democrat who is one of the most corrupt people in all of Congress. He often beats the Republicans in corruption. Why do you think he controls the most powerful committee in the House? Because hes the most corrupt. But if progressives [blow the whistle like Brooks did], theyre like, Oh, that is a colleague! That is a colleague! And everybody in Washington will cry. And the press will blame them [progressives] for causing division within the Democratic Party by saying true things. Uygur concludes: So it takes a loathsome Republican on the last days of his desperate campaign to finally admit something that they all know. Apparently it does, and via a secretly recorded video at that. And thats how things work in Washington. (Natural News) A recent report affirms what many have suspected and anecdotal evidence has suggested over the past two years: Big Tech has been placing its thumb on the political scales. The report comes from the Media Research Center (MRC), which says that through its CensorTrack database, it found over 640 cases of Big Tech platforms intervening on Bidens behalf. (Article by C. Mitchell Shaw republished from TheNewAmerican.com) Big Techs campaign to protect President Joe Biden and his agenda has continued unabated, according to the report, which lists more than 640 examples of bans, deleted content and other speech restrictions placed on those who criticized Biden on social media over the past two years. Of the 646 examples listed, many of those were cases of Big Tech censoring people over the New York Posts bombshell Hunter Biden story in late 2020. In all, MRC/Free Speech America found 140 cases of Big Tech silencing mentions of the Posts explosive story of Hunter Bidens corrupt dealings in Ukraine, as shown in data discovered on his abandoned laptop. While that story breaking just weeks before the 2020 election would almost certainly have put Biden in a deservedly bad light, Big Tech made sure that would not happen. The lengths to which Big Tech went to sway the election by killing the laptop story is beyond the pale. Twitter even placed a warning label on the GOP House Judiciary Committees website for linking to the laptop story. As the report explains: The worst cases of censorship involved platforms targeting anyone who dared to speak about any subject related to the New York Post bombshell Hunter Biden story. The Post investigated Hunter Biden and the Biden familys allegedly corrupt foreign business dealings. Big Techs cancellation of that story helped shift the 2020 election in Bidens favor. Twitter locked the Posts account for 17 days. In addition, Twitter slapped a warning label on the GOP House Judiciary Committees website for linking to the Post story. But the lions share of the cases were of Big Tech protecting Biden from reports of his own creepy behavior around women and children. And Big Tech platforms bent the meaning of their own rules to the breaking point to block such posts. As the report states: But the largest category by far included users who dared to call out Bidens notoriously creepy, touchy-feely behavior around women and children. The 232 cases of comedic memes, videos, or generic posts about Bidens conduct composed more than one-third of CensorTracks total instances of users censored for criticizing the president. In one case, a user reported that Facebook deleted a post that showed three photos of Biden kissing what is reportedly his granddaughter on the lips. It followed with a caption that said: Find someone who kisses you the way Joe Biden kisses his granddaughter. Snapshots indicated that Facebook claimed the post violated its community standards on nudity or sexual activity. Anyone who has ever reported a lewd, lascivious post on Facebook only to receive a reply stating that the post did not violate our policy can appreciate the irony of that policy being overspent to protect Biden from being called out for what clearly appears to be an incestuous kiss. Big Tech also targeted users who used Bidens own words in their posts. It turns out that when Biden makes Biden look bad, users who point that out are to blame: Big Tech even went after posts that quoted Bidens own words and made him look awful in retrospect. News outlet Breaking 911 posted screenshots of Instagram posts to its Twitter page on Oct. 21, 2021, showing that Instagram targeted the group for quoting Biden. One tweet quoted Biden sarcastically saying Freedom! I have the freedom to kill you with my COVID. No, I mean, come on! Freedom?! The second Breaking 911 screenshot featured Biden lambasting former President Donald Trumps decision to leave the Paris Climate Accords. Biden was quoted saying, When Pres. Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Accordthe agreement was that we could not, if we reached beyond 1.5C increase in temperature, were gone. Not a joke. Not a joke. And so, we decided that, he pulled out first thing I committed to do was rejoin that accord. Instagram reportedly removed the posts. According to Breaking 911, Instagram has again flagged the @Breaking911 account for directly quoting the President of the United States, claiming our posts promoted violence and incitement. And it was not merely John Q. Public on the receiving end of such censorship. We all know that Big Tech platforms burned President Trumps accounts to the ground, but this report shows that that was not the only time Big Tech reached far to protect Biden: The list of censorship targets included an array of prominent influencers on social media: Trump; lawmakers like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA); news outlets like the New York Post, The Washington Free Beacon and The Federalist; satire site The Babylon Bee; celebrities like Donald Trump Jr. and James Woods, and media personalities like Daily Wire host Candace Owens, Salem radio host Sebastian Gorka and radio host Dana Loesch. The impact of Big Tech running interference for Biden is far-reaching. Take, for instance, the Hunter Biden laptop story as just one example. The report shows that fully 45 percent of Bidens voters werent fully aware of the Post story precisely because the media and Big Tech tried to whitewash it. The result of the story being known would have led 9.4 percent of Biden voters to abandon him, flipping all six of the swing states he won to Trump. In the end, Big Tech interfered with a presidential election, causing the outcome to be different than it would have been without that interference. And all the while, Big Tech joined in with others including the DNC, major media, and intelligence folks to cry out loud about Russian interference. Read more at: TheNewAmerican.com (Natural News) Pro-health freedom group Childrens Health Defense (CHD) demanded that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdraw its approval of the antiviral drug remdesivir for children. Dr. Madhava Setty, senior science editor for CHDs Defender newsletter, cited 72 percent of children hospitalized with COVID-19 who suffered adverse events as a reason why remdesivir should not be approved. The information came from a study sponsored by the drugs manufacturer Gilead Sciences. Despite more than half of the study participants experiencing adverse events, the Foster City, California-based firm reiterated that no new safety signals were apparent for patients given the antiviral drug. CHDs calls to rescind remdesivir for use in children came as a response to the FDA expanding the drugs approved use to pediatric patients 28 days of age and older weighing at least about seven pounds with positive [COVID-19] test results who are [either] hospitalized, or not hospitalized and have mild to moderate COVID-19 and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Prior to the April 25 approval, the regulator said remdesivir was only approved for use as a treatment for certain adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least about 88 pounds and were COVID-positive. Setty continued: Not only is there scant evidence that remdesivir is an effective treatment for COVID-19, the drugs safety is debatable. With regard to its use in infants, even the FDA must acknowledge nobody knows how safe it is. True enough, the FDA also indicated possible side effects of remdesivir which include increased levels of liver enzymes; allergic reactions which may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate; low blood oxygen level; fever; shortness of breath; wheezing; swelling; rash; nausea; sweating; and shivering. Beyond the absence of any publicly available data on the efficacy and safety of this drug in humans of this age, available studies on older subjects indicate remdesivir offers no more than a meager benefit to those who survive its use, concluded the Defenders senior science editor. (Related: Remdesivir shows limited benefit during trial, so why did the FDA approve it?) Remdesivir plays a big role in hospitals COVID death protocols Setty cited guidance by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending against the use of remdesivir for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Back in November 2020, the global health body said there is currently no evidence that remdesivir improves survival and other outcomes in these patients, regardless of disease severity. The WHO later updated its stance in April, suggesting that remdesivir can be administered to mild or moderate COVID-19 patients who are at high risk of hospitalization. However, chiropractor and Brighteon.TV host Dr. Bryan Ardis condemned the antiviral drug and its use in so-called COVID-19 death protocols in hospitals. He said remdesivir is used alongside two other drugs to ensure the death of hospitalized patients during the Sept. 2, 2021 episode of The Matrixxx Grooove Show. The host of The Dr. Ardis Show told Jeffrey InTheMatrixxx Pedersen and Shannon ShadyGrooove Townsend that remdesivir forms part of an ICU cocktail alongside the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone and the antibiotic vancomycin. He added that hospital administrators were not being helpful with their use of these drugs in patients under the shield of following the protocol. According to Ardis, remdesivir causes acute kidney failure within five to 10 days in 35 percent of patients administered with it alone. When combined with dexamethasone and vancomycin, it causes acute kidney failure in up to 45 percent of patients in a span of five days. The resulting renal failure causes the bodies of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to retain water, added the chiropractor. When you cause acute kidney failure with drugs that theyre using in ICUs while they have an intravenous drip that is putting water into their body their abdomen, heart and lungs eventually fill up with water. [Hospitals] are misdiagnosing that as COVID pneumonia that you continue to hear [when] its actually pulmonary edema. DangerousMedicine.com has more stories about the continued use of remdesivir for COVID-19 despite its lethality. Watch Dr. Bryan Ardis below telling Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend of remdesivirs dangers on the Brighteon.TV program The Matrixxx Grooove Show. This video is from the BrighteonTV channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Syed Haider tells Dr. Bryan Ardis: I wont recommend remdesivir as COVID-19 treatment Brighteon.TV. Murder for money: Whistleblower reveals hospitals get PAID for every COVID patient admitted. Dr. Jane Ruby: Fauci knows remdesivir is a failed drug that kills people Brighteon.TV. Did Fauci knowingly fast-track approval of drug with deadly COVID-like side effects? Dr. Bryan Ardis: Fauci knows remdesivir is KILLING PEOPLE. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org FDA.gov WHO.int Brighteon.com (Natural News) Multiple countries are rushing to increase their agricultural output to make up for the disappearance of Russian and Ukrainian agricultural exports as a consequence of the war. Ukraine, known as the breadbasket of Europe, is still mostly unable to tend to its rich agricultural fields due to Russias invasion. Similarly, due to the Western economic sanctions placed upon Russia, almost all of its exports, including agricultural ones, are unable to leave the country. This has resulted in a massive gap in the global agricultural market. India and the United States are just two of the many countries rushing to take over as many contracts as possible. India, US looking to export more wheat In India, farmers are taking advantage of high international prices for crops. Many are selling their crops to private traders instead of the state stockpiler, which is offering lower prices for their produce. After a long time, traders are ready to pay more than the MSP, noted farmer Rajensingh Pawar, referring to the minimum support price, the price control put in place by the Food Corporation of India. Indias rising wheat exports have helped farmers like us who are getting a far better return. This is a golden opportunity for India to export its surpluses, said Nitin Gupta, vice president for Olam Agro India, a food and agri-business. One of the big concerns impeding the rosy outlook for Indian agricultural exports is the possibility that the sudden rise in temperatures could cause a drop in yields. The recent heatwave that hit India may force the government to revise its estimated wheat output for 2022, which is currently at a record 111.32 million tons. In the U.S., the White House is asking Congress to approve a $500 million grant for the farm sector in a bid to get wheat producers to double-crop their fields. The request aims to increase the production of U.S. crops, particularly wheat, for export. If Congress grants the White Houses request, the Department of Agriculture claims U.S. farmers could end up replacing up to 50 percent of the wheat typically exported by Ukraine. Ukraines agriculture sector is unlikely to recover soon In Ukraine, the countrys agricultural industry isnt expected to begin recovering until at least the next year. Ukrainian farmlands have been devastated by the war. Agricultural equipment has been destroyed, and many farms are even riddled with mines. The Ukrainian government in Kyiv alleged that these are deliberate acts of sabotage by Russian armed forces meant to hobble the Ukrainian agriculture sector. (Related: Ukraine farmers unable to work on their fields due to war, increasing fears of global food shortages.) The extent of damage to some farms, together with port disruption and a shortage of fertilizer, demonstrates how the wars impact on Ukraines agriculture industry could extend well into next year, wrote Alistair MacDonald for the Wall Street Journal. Farmlands in Ukraine are either littered with mines or have large craters from where artillery strikes hit. Many people formerly employed on farms have already been killed and many more are currently serving in the Ukrainian armed forces. Alex Lissitsa, chief executive of IMC, one of Ukraines largest agriculture companies, said that at this time of the year his workers should now be planting sunflowers and corn on around 30,000 hectares of land (74,132 acres) in the Chernihiv Oblast in northern Ukraine. Russian forces have strategically retreated from the area to focus their troops in eastern Ukraine. It looks like this year or even the year after, we will not be able to do anything here, said Lissitsa. Kyiv estimates that around 30 percent of farm fields in areas around Kyiv, including in the Chernihiv Oblast, are unusable due to the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance. Ukraines farmers are also concerned about the lack of fertilizer and other chemicals used for protecting crops and raising yields per acre. Before the war, Lissitsas corn fields would typically yield around 11 tons of produce per hectare (2.47 acres). Now, I would be happy with eight tons per hectare, but it will definitely be less. Learn more about how the Ukraine war has affected the global agriculture market at WorldAgriculture.news. Watch this episode of Brighteon Conversations as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, speaks with sustainable living expert Marjory Wildcraft regarding concerns about food scarcity and global famine. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Heatwave destroys wheat crops in India, accelerating global food collapse. Global food prices surge to record highs; FAO warns of possible famine all over the world. ECONOMIC COLLAPSE: War, pandemic will lead to global food shortages. The longer the Ukraine conflict drags on, the higher the likelihood it will trigger a GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS. Russia-Ukraine conflict hits global fertilizer supply, threatens food security for billions of people. Sources include: AgFax.com Reuters.com 1 Reuters.com 2 WSJ.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) On Wednesday, it was announced that Joe Bidens Department of Homeland Security is launching a Disinformation Governance Board, which will be headed by executive director Nina Jankowicz. (Article by Baxter Dmitry republished from NewsPunch.com) Also on Wednesday, Jankowicz, who is a former adviser to the Ukrainian government, was caught out in a brazen lie. Putting it mildly, the new head of the Homeland Security Disinformation Governance Board appears to have a very flexible relationship with the truth, and has been exposed spreading disinformation on a number of topics. In screenshots of old tweets posted to Twitter, she was seen dismissing the Hunter Biden laptop from hell as Russian misinformation. She also has a long history of slamming free speech and bashed Twitters decision to stop taking action against 2020 election posts. Jankowicz has on numerous occasions discredited the Hunter Biden laptop story, saying its a fairy tale and disinformation. Via Post Millennial: Meet your new head of the Homeland Security Disinformation Governance Board, America pic.twitter.com/l1s9BtJ6DO Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) April 27, 2022 In another tweet, she wrote, back on the laptop from hell, apparently- Biden notes 50 former natsec officials and 5 former CIA heads that believe the laptop is a Russian influence op. Trump says Russia, Russia, Russia. https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1519386106042716165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1519386106042716165%7Ctwgr%5Ehb_0_10%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthepostmillennial.com%2Frevealed-bidens-new-disinformation-head-has-history-of-spreading-disinformation In another tweet, Jankowicz wrote [intelligence community] has a high degree of confidence that the Kremlin used proxies to push influence narratives, including misleading or unsubstantiated claims about President Biden, to US media, officials, and influencers, some close to President Trump. A clear nod to the alleged Hunter laptop, she added. In regards to free speech, Jankowicz has made numerous posts expressing discontent with the idea. In one she wrote, Trump speech is definitely the most presidential thing hes ever done, but still missing a disavowed of disinformation and conspiracy theories. DHS head of the Disinformation Governance Board pic.twitter.com/XrWhYaIPF3 Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) April 27, 2022 She continued, And once again for the people in the back: the free speech vs censorship framing is a false dichotomy. We caught the Biden Disinformation Head in a lie on day one on the job pic.twitter.com/TUIyoDB0RX Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) April 28, 2022 In another tweet regarding free speech, Jankowicz said she shudders to think about if free speech absolutists were taking over more platforms, what that would look like for the marginalized communities. Rather than police our border, Homeland Security has decided to make policing Americans speech its top priority. Theyre creating a Disinformation Board. No, really. And take a look at the views of the leftist radical running it pic.twitter.com/70hM1Cle3Q Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) April 27, 2022 In response to a tweet saying that Twitter would no longer be taking action against posts regarding the 2020 election, Jankowicz advocated for the continuing to take action against these tweets. Considering the long-term damage these lies do to our democracy, Im dismayed about this decision, she wrote, over a year after the election took place, and Biden took office. This is the new head of Bidens Homeland Security Disinformation Governance Board pic.twitter.com/BqGhIaBdKR Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) April 27, 2022 I say this about foreign disinformation and it applies to domestic disinfo too: Elections arent an end point. Theyre an inflection point. Policies need to reflect that. In a video posted to Twitter in the months leading up to the 2020 election, Jankowicz talked about the term color revolution, describing their roots in revolutions like the Rose Revolution in Georgia and the Orange Revolution in Ukraine. The future head of the Department of Homeland Securitys Ministry of Truth claims in this video that revolutions are an appropriate response to rigged elections. Believe it or not, sometimes people get fed up with having their voices silenced for decades, she explains. https://t.co/fJo2zxd0qQ Cernovich (@Cernovich) April 27, 2022 In the video she explains that believe it or not, sometimes people get fed up with having their voices silenced for decades, describing the reasoning behind these revolutions regarding elections. One Twitter user discovered that Jankowicz was previously in a band called The Moaning Myrtles, that sang erotic Harry Potter songs. One of these songs posted to Twitter was a rather raunchy imagining of Moaning Myrtle, a ghost that lives in a Hogwarts bathroom. Our new head of the Homeland Security Disinformation Board https://t.co/uPrLdVs5Tu Jack Posobiec ?? (@JackPosobiec) April 27, 2022 Jankowicz will be now be leading Bidens disinformation ministry. According to her Wilson Center biography, she previously advised the Ukrainian government on strategic communications under the auspices of a Fulbright-Clinton Public Policy Fellowship. She is also a disinformation fellow at the Center. Read more at: NewsPunch.com (Natural News) Laura Loomer, a congressional candidate from Florida, has decided to file a federal lawsuit against Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as well as Twitter and former CEO Jack Dorsey, saying that she relishes the fight to come. (Article by Didi Rankovic republished from ReclaimTheNet.org) The lawsuit alleges that the social platforms behavior around suppression of free speech has the elements of racketeering and extortion. Thats why the $10+ billion lawsuit was filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. We obtained a copy of the complaint for you here. Loomers filing accuses the Silicon Valley companies and their key current and former figures named as defendants of carrying out censorship of free speech under the guise of implementing community rules. Loomers own example includes canceling by major platforms owing to her political views, despite the fact that the content she shared was not endorsing violence, terrorism, or revealing individuals private information, i.e., doxing them which would normally fall under the community guidelines these platforms enforce. This journalist and congressional candidate claims that she has been removed from and prevented further access to what is today the digital equivalent of the town square. As for how this translates to racketeering, the lawsuit alleges that federal laws have been broken through interference with commerce by threats or violence, interstate and foreign transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, wire fraud, providing material support or resources to terrorist organizations, advocating overthrow of government. Loomer further alleges that it was the corporate giant Procter & Gamble, as a huge advertiser, that in 2019 pressured sites like Facebook to ban her as a divisive figure that they did not want to associate their brand with. Laura Loomer is a passionate and patriotic American who has been a general election candidate for the House of Representatives and who is currently outpacing an incumbent Member of Congress in fundraising for the 2022 primary election, said her co-counsel John Pierce, adding, The idea that she can be silenced by Big Tech with the push of a button because she is conservative is absurd, dangerous, and un-American. In this legal action, we will fight to ensure that Ms. Loomers voice is not silenced, and that vital constitutionally guaranteed rights are protected in the digital age. Former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr, who also represents Loomer in the case, stressed the importance of the robust political debate for Americas democracy, and warned that actions such as those carried out by Facebook and its fact-checking third parties endanger free society by stifling speech in the digital town square. The freedom of future generations of Americans depends on standing up to social media giants now, while we still can, said Barr, accusing them of being unaccountable for carrying out censorship for a long time. Read more at: ReclaimTheNet.org (Natural News) Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, a Thai-German microbiologist and expert on Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, has warned that mRNA vaccines are very dangerous. They will kill more people daily, and those who survive will be easier subjects for the New World Order to control. Bhakdi issued the warning during a recent interview with Brighteon.TV host Dr. Peter Breggin on the program ReFounding America. As early as 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to spread all over the world, Bhakdi was already criticizing a lot of mainstream narratives regarding COVID-19. In this recent interview, Bhakdi told Breggin precisely why the mRNA vaccines are dangerous. (Related: VACCINE GENOCIDE: Dr. Peter McCullough says COVID vaccines have now killed more Americans than World War I.) Bhakdi compared the mRNA vaccines to letters in envelopes, with the letters being the mRNAs and the envelopes being the lipid nanoparticles. The letters reach different destinations in the body that the coronavirus would never have reached, including the cells in the lymph nodes and the vascular endothelia. These cells that receive the messages are then told to create spike proteins, which cause even more harm to the body by raising the risk of blood clots, damage to the immune system and other health conditions. The envelopes are poison, according to Bhakdi. The lipid nanoparticles injected into the body are positively charged, unlike natural lipids that either have no charge or are negatively charged. These positively charged lipids interfere with the ability of important molecules in the body most of which are negatively charged to properly function. New World Order using the vaccines to make people more controllable Actual vaccines, by their original definition, are meant to directly induce immunity by providing people with the antibodies needed to fend off diseases. The mRNA vaccines instead induce the bodys cells to produce viral proteins that, according to Bhakdi, make people more malleable from a scientific point of view. Bhakdi said the vaccines blind the minds of people because the vaccines are making people less intelligent and this is the most dangerous part of all. These vaccines are killing people. You have your myocarditis, youve got your strokes, heart attacks, these are all terrible. Youve got all these athletes that are dying, youve got all these young people that are dying, very bad, said Bhakdi. But the worst thing is that those billions that had been injected are losing their minds this is something that people dont realize and are becoming more and more controllable because they cannot say no, he continued. Its fantastic. Its brilliant and its nightmarish, horrible, diabolical, Satanic. Its got to be stopped. The main entity behind this plan to make the billions of people who survive the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is the New World Order. Both Bhakdi and Breggin agree that the concept of the New World Order is not a myth or a conspiracy theory. It really is this mass of interlocking relationships between banks, big corporations, the military-industrial complex, people who have gotten us into this war in the Ukraine because theyre going to benefit from that in the same way they benefit from COVID-19, said Breggin. The New World Orders plan is to drain the world of its wealth and power through COVID-19, the lockdowns and the vaccines, and to control those who survive. The more the worlds wealth and power are drained, the more the New World Order gets richer and more powerful. This so-called vaccine is changing humanity and mankind, said Bhakdi. These vaccines are changing you right now, even though you dont realize it. They are altering your psyche, your brain. Youre becoming different people right now You are losing your individuality. Youre losing your personality, and youre losing your right to say I am a human being. Youre losing your [humanity]. Learn more about how dangerous the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are at Vaccines.news. Watch this episode of ReFounding America with Dr. Peter R. Breggin as he talks about how the COVID-19 vaccines are even worse than people thought. ReFounding America with Dr. Peter R. Breggin airs every Wednesday at 6-7 p.m. and on Saturday at 1-2 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related articles: Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine had a shocking DEATH rate of 3.7% during early trial but the FDA approved it anyway. Vaccine expert warns DELUGE of COVID-19 vaccine complications will soon COLLAPSE the healthcare system. Global pandemic of the vaccinated gets worse as more people take deadly shots. Studies confirm spike protein mRNA in COVID vaccines alters human DNA within hours after injection. COVID-19 vaccine spike proteins are SHEDDING, giving people heart attacks, strokes and more. Sources include: Brighteon.com Doctors4COVIDEthics.org (Natural News) PayPal has banned the accounts of alternative media outlets and independent journalists that have published news articles challenging mainstream narratives regarding the war in Ukraine. The media outlets banned by PayPal include MintPress News, a Minneapolis-based news website critical of American foreign policy. Its founder, CEO and chief editor Mnar Adley and senior staff writer Alan MacLeod were also banned. The account of independent journalist Caleb Maupin was also banned. (Related: Google helping Deep State control narrative by demonetizing all content critical of Ukraine.) Several days before the ban, MintPress published an investigation by MacLeod titled An Intellectual No-Fly Zone: Online Censorship of Ukraine Dissent is Becoming the New Norm. The report claimed that Big Tech is working hand-in-hand with Western governments to suppress any news that contradicts the mainstream narrative being peddled by the West and its media outlets regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is clear to Adley and MacLeod that PayPal is attempting to censor MintPress investigation regarding the silencing of non-mainstream narratives regarding the Ukraine war. PayPal banning myself and MintPress is blatant censorship of dissenting journalists and outlets, said Adley in a statement. For the past decade, MintPress has been unapologetically working as a watchdog journalism outlet to expose the profiteers of the permanent war state from the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Sudan to regime change operations in Syria, Ukraine where U.S. weapons have flooded those nations to plunge them into devastating civil wars. Adley noted that as America continues to decline under the current administration, it has increasingly turned to censorship to make the truth disappear and critical thinking all but dead. With the war in Ukraine raging on, weve entered wartime and Big Tech giants, including PayPal, are working hand in hand with the New Cold War architects themselves to sanction dissenting journalists, she continued. If you read the board of any of these tech giants from Google, Twitter, Facebook and PayPal, they read like a rogues gallery of warmongers and their agenda is clear: To control the free flow of information and target the bank accounts of anyone who dares question the official narrative of the Pentagon or the State Department. Limiting sources of funding for independent media an effective form of censorship Maupin, an American independent journalist and public speaker, has gotten his personal Twitter account branded a Russia state-affiliated media for countering the anti-Russian narratives pushed by mainstream media outlets. PayPal has also banned him from its platform, depriving him of one avenue of receiving donations to help him do his important work. I am banned from PayPal. pic.twitter.com/GB6IrT80wq Caleb T. Maupin (@calebmaupin) April 28, 2022 Why should something as basic as cash transactions be subject to political censorship? said Maupin when asked for comment regarding his deplatforming. The economic war on independent countries is turning into a war on free speech. Writers and journalists must be able to eat. Alternative media outlets like MintPress and independent journalists like Maupin rely on a steady stream of donations from their viewers and supporters to sustain themselves and keep their work going. Limiting their sources of funding is as effective as direct censorship, said Cindy Harper of Reclaim The Net. Independent journalist Caitlin Johnstone further noted that making it difficult for alternative media and independent journalists to make a living is a very effective way to silence them. Speaking from experience, I know for a fact I couldnt put out a fraction of the content I put out if I was forced to work a nine-to-five job in some office rather than having the freedom to put all my time and mental energy into this work thanks to the generous support of my readers, said Johnstone. Cutting me off from that funding would be the same as censoring me directly, because theres no way I could continue the kind of work I do. We are at a profoundly dangerous and frightening point in human history, she continued. The U.S. proxy war against Russia in Ukraine is escalating by the day and the drums of war are beating ever louder If you think censorship is bad now, wait until this global power grab really gets going. Censorship.news has more on Big Tech suppressing the truth about the war in Ukraine. Watch this episode of Russia Truth as Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard grill the Democratic administration over its censorship of the truth regarding the war in Ukraine. This video is from the Russia Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Former intelligence officials, citing Russia, say Big Tech monopoly power is vital to national security. Democracy crumbling: Now Czechs face substantial jail time if they show support for Russia on social media. Ukraine asks ICANN to disconnect all Russian websites, DNS. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org Transcend.org Brighteon.com (Natural News) InfoWars host Owen Shroyer slammed former President Barack Obama for promoting Big Tech censorship. In a recent episode of his War Room program, Shroyer zeroed in on a speech delivered April 21 by Obama at Stanford University in California. [When] Im talking to people at these [Big Tech] companies, I believe they are sincere in trying to limit content that engages in hate speech, encourages violence or poses a threat to public safety. They genuinely are concerned about it, [and] they want to do something about it, said the former president. While content moderation can limit the distribution of clearly dangerous content, it doesnt go far enough. There it is: Internet censorship doesnt go far enough. This is the same guy that met with all the Big Tech executives. This is a hardcore leftist, radical Marxist, communist, anti-American bigot Barack Obama, Shroyer said. He has these meetings [where] he implants his ideologues, the people that fall for his propaganda. He embeds them in all these different social media and [technology] companies, like [Vijaya] Gadde at Twitter, explained Shroyer. The Indian-born Gadde helms the Big Tech companys trust and safety, public policy and legal teams. The War Room host added that the Lefts insane response toward Elon Musks $44 billion purchase of Twitter stems from the fear that Gadde whom Shroyer dubbed as Obamas puppet at Twitter will be terminated, putting an end to their censorship efforts. A report by Breitbart elaborated on Obamas April 21 speech at Stanford. While describing himself as pretty close to a First Amendment absolutist, Obama clarified that the amendment does not apply to social media companies. The former president instead called for more value judgments on content moderation and social media censorship, emphasizing that regulation has to be part of the answer. The First Amendment is a check on the power of the state. It doesnt apply to private companies like Facebook and Twitter, he said. (Related: Continuing its tirade of political censorship, Facebook just BANNED the author of a new book that criticizes Obama.) Loomer pushes back against Big Tech mafia Shroyer also played a video of Florida congressional candidate and conservative journalist Laura Loomer announcing a lawsuit against Big Tech. The complaint filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act was filed on May 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, according to a press release. Attorneys John Pierce and Bob Barr, the latter a former U.S. congressman for Georgia, filed the RICO case on her behalf. Im proud to announce that I have filed the first RICO case against the Big Tech mafia against Facebook, Twitter, [Meta CEO] Mark Zuckerberg and [former Twitter CEO] Jack Dorsey for racketeering. Im looking forward to seeing how this case proceeds because for far too long, these Big Tech social media companies have been getting away with crimes, Loomer said in the video. Her complaint stated that the four defendants violated several federal criminal laws in the process of engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity. These crimes include interference with commerce by threats or violence, interstate and foreign transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, providing material support or resources to terrorist organizations, advocating overthrow of government and wire fraud. Just as I fight for regular, freedom-loving Americans every day on the campaign trail and soon in the halls of Congress, I look forward to taking on [the defendants] in the courtroom. I cannot and will not stand by while America loses many of our most important individual liberties, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, and free and fair elections, she said in the press release. The Republican congressional candidate also put in her two cents on Musks purchase of Twitter. She remarked: I want conservatives to understand that just because Elon Musk is going to be purchasing Twitter, it doesnt undo the crimes that have been committed by the social media companies. Censorship.news has more stories about online censorship. Watch this video featuring highlights from Owen Shroyers War Room program below. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Digital purge underway as Facebook launches campaign to deplatform extremists including Alex Jones, Paul Joseph Watson, Laura Loomer and others. LOOMER WAS RIGHT: Congressional candidate warned that Big Tech censors would come for mainstream conservatives. They want me to die Busy month for tech Nazis as Silicon Valley attacks Laura Loomer, Natural News & Health Ranger. Facebook now demands that you HATE targeted people (PJW, Laura Loomer, Farrakhan, etc.) or you will be banned, too. Guerrilla journo Laura Loomer sounds off: Radical Leftists in Big Tech want you dead. Sources include: Brighteon.com Breitbart.com Loomered.com (Natural News) A transgender biology teacher has been revealed telling other colleagues that they want to distance students from the idea that women produce eggs. Instead, he says, they should rather refer to their body part of origin, which are ovaries. (Article by Nick Monroe republished from ThePostMillennial.com) This comes from an undated clip that Libs of TikTok posted on Tuesday night. The educators method for achieving their goals is by policing the language used in the classroom. Christian Rhodes, senior adviser to the secretary at the Department of Education, is seen present at the meeting. The stated rationale by Colorado high school biology teacher Sam Long for their instruction methods is that they believe teaching about all living things must be inclusive towards trans people. In our classroom we need to be a stickler for inclusive language in any conversation, wrote the trans biology teacher. A lot of textbooks, a lot of existing teaching will say, well, women produce eggs. Males are more likely to be colorblind. The mother carries the fetus for this many months. And some ways that we can show our support for trans and non-binary students just to clean up that language, be more precise. We can be more accurate and be more inclusive. So I would say, no, its not women that produce eggs, its ovaries that produce eggs. Thats accurate, thats precise. Were acknowledging that not all women produce eggs, and also, not all egg producers are women. Does your school do this lab where students stain their cheek cells to see sex chromosomes? Consider potential harm and privacy violations. interACT Advocates for Youth explains why the activity is harmful to intersex students in your classroom. https://t.co/h1FuUSgsJSpic.twitter.com/LIj6MRueWD Gender-Inclusive Biology (@GenderInBiology) June 13, 2021 Long plugs their project genderinclusivebiology.com which has the following questions on its homepage, relevant to the expressed agenda that Long wants to get across to students: How can we affirm our transgender and intersex students when we talk about X and Y chromosomes? How will students with same-sex parents interpret and internalize our lessons about meiosis and sexual reproduction? How do all gender identities and sexual orientations fit into our understanding of science, development, and evolution? Can we create safe spaces of scientific exploration and protect trans youth in schools? How can we create a rigorous, NGSS-informed curriculum that gives students tools for understanding their world? Long says this project was started with the help of two other trans-identified teachers. Its an active theme of his work. In January, Long was a part of a seminar panel about social justice in the science classroom. The public response since Libs of TikTok shared the above clip has some expressing concerns about the degradation of biology as a field of study for the sake of progressive politics. This person is a biology teacher and is specifically advocating teaching the topic in a way that is inaccurate and will confuse students, wrote RealClearInvestigations senior writer Mark Hemingway. This person is a biology teacher and is specifically advocating teaching the topic in a way that is inaccurate and will confuse students. https://t.co/y4I0MMwy24 Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) April 27, 2022 Here we have a biology teacher substituting political ideology for science, wrote Blaze contributor Delano Squires. Here we have a biology teacher substituting political ideology for science. This is K-12 Ed in America today. All of the talk abt doctors assigning/guessing sex at birth or men having ovaries needs to be CRUSHED using every tool parents & policymakers have at their disposal. https://t.co/E9y4F820AH Delano Squires (@DelanoSquires) April 27, 2022 But grooming is a myth, columnist Mark Davis noted. But grooming is a myth. https://t.co/Kb4oJKAHcL Mark Davis (@MarkDavis) April 27, 2022 This type of content featured on the Libs of TikTok Twitter was the subject of a row between the accounts owner and the Washington Posts Taylor Lorenz earlier this month. The outlet published a piece that included identifying information about Libs of TikToks creator, in an effort to frame her as the catalyst for a so-called anti-LGBT hate campaign. Libs of TikTok ended up benefiting from the increased exposure by Lorenz, as they currently sit at over 1.1 million Twitter followers as of Wednesday evening. Read more at: ThePostMillennial.com (Natural News) Violence erupted in Los Angeles after pro-abortion extremists stormed the streets in response to the leaked Supreme Court plan to overturn Roe v. Wade. According to Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Michel Moore, protesters swarmed Pershing Square and began throwing rocks at police officers. Some of them also smashed squad car windows, injuring one officer in the process. A segment of the group began to take the intersection, Moore tweeted. We attempted to communicate, clear and provide dispersal order to the group. Crowd began to throw rocks and bottles at [officers], he added. We have one [officer] injured ([unknown] extent). An ambulance was called to the scene as photos and video footage of the violent incident began to circulate on social media. Protesters were also seen toppling barriers and tagging graffiti outside the U.S. Courthouse at 350 W. 1st St. A tactical alert was issued to ensure enough resources for other service calls, though it was deactivated before 11 p.m. Many pro-abortion rioters in LA were seen carrying communist flags Journalist Andy Ngo also tweeted about the protest, which looked a whole lot like the George Floyd riots of mid-2020. Calling the crowd a mob of far-left pro-abortion rioters, Ngo offered his followers a breakdown of what happened, along with video footage see below: At the far-left pro-abortion, direct action in Los Angeles last night, protesters surrounded & threatened law enforcement trying to get them off the road. pic.twitter.com/pyRBzpygEZ Andy Ngo ???? (@MrAndyNgo) May 4, 2022 Los Angeles: Far-left pro-abortion protesters threaten law enforcement before back-up arrives & pushes them back. pic.twitter.com/UdswTGIR1K Andy Ngo ???? (@MrAndyNgo) May 4, 2022 Ian Miles Cheong also tweeted about the LAPD face-off with abortion-loving communists, since many in the violent mob were seen carrying communist flags. All of this is quickly shaping up to be George Floyd 2.0, and in a mid-term election year, no less. Keep in mind that the Floyd riots also occurred during a critical election year. Electioneering is what Democrats call this, wrote someone at Zero Hedge about how the leak appears staged, especially when considering the timing. A spontaneously (organized days ago) peaceful riot with zero consequences for the DemonRat organizers and paid demonstrators,' wrote another, adding to the sentiment. The FBI will move in and seize all evidence and make it disappear. The cops were triggered and ran away to a safe space where they could get three weeks paid leave while getting therapy in various brothels in Panama, Costa Rica and Laguna Beach, this same commenter further joked, perhaps hitting a few more truths along the way. Another asked why leftists in Los Angeles, which is at no risk of losing abortion services any time soon, are upset that they will not be able to get an abortion in North Dakota. And more importantly, why are they attacking local police over something the Supreme Court is slated to do at the federal level? Thats not the issue, responded another. The goal is to rally the Democratic Morons to show up in November. The election is no longer about the miserable job the Dems have been doing; it is now about Roe v. Wade. Get it? To get even, the Court should release a statement that the current consensus is not to overturn R.v.W., regardless of where it really stands. Another made the same connection to the George Floyd riots, suggesting that those, too, were orchestrated for maximum shock factor to persuade many otherwise apathetic people to get out there and vote against Donald Trump back in 2020. More related news about the Lefts violent reaction to the Supreme Court leak can be found at Abortions.news. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) A member of the U.S. Air Force is fighting his possible dismissal from the service for refusing to get injected with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Air Force Master Sergeant Robert Bierman first applied for an exemption to the militarys COVID-19 vaccine mandate on religious grounds in October 2021. He argued that taking the shot would violate his sincerely held beliefs [regarding] the sanctity of human life and self-harm to the bodily temple of God. This request for religious exemption was denied, and so was an appeal of the decision he lodged in February the following year. He later applied for a medical exemption to the vaccine mandate in January, this time citing natural immunity from a previous bout of COVID-19 and contraindications in his medical history. This was again denied by military authorities. On April 11, Bierman was given five calendar days to either begin his COVID-19 and influenza vaccination regimen or submit a request to separate or retire from the Air Force. The master sergeant got injected with the influenza vaccine three days later on April 14. He inquired to the allergy and immunization clinic at the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois whether the Comirnaty vaccine from BioNTech and Spikevax from Moderna was available but was informed that both were unavailable. Both Comirnaty and Spikevax received full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while the Pfizer BNT162b2 shot was only approved under an emergency use authorization (EUA). Bierman then asked if Comirnaty was similar to the available BNT162b2 and was told that they are the same product, even though one was fully approved and the other under an EUA. He cited a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stating that mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 will only use vaccines that receive full licensure from the FDA. He also cited a December 2021 ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Allen Winsor pointing out that the FDA nowhere claims that [the] EUA vaccine had been licensed as interchangeable with Comirnaty. Bierman joins service members pushing back against vaccine mandates The fiasco surrounding BNT162b2 and Comirnaty bolstered Biermans continued refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. He has already received his first letter of reprimand, which he plans to answer through several letters from his Air Force colleagues attesting to his character. He has also submitted an informal complaint under Article 138 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), alongside a request for a congressional inquiry on his predicament. I have devoted my entire life to the faithful execution of my sworn oath of enlistment: to support and defend the Constitution and fulfill the orders given me, according to the UCMJ. I have not ceased from my aim to exemplify our Air Force core values and promote good order and discipline, said Bierman. Forcing me to receive an [EUA-approved] product, contrary to federal laws, would constitute an unlawful order. The airman is not the only service member pushing back against the militarys COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Back in August 2021, two staff sergeants sued three government agencies for making vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory even for those with natural immunity. (Related: US soldiers sue federal agencies over militarys COVID-19 vaccine requirements.) The plaintiffs, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Robert and U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Holli Mulvihill, filed the class-action lawsuit on Aug. 17 at the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. It named the FDA, Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services as defendants. Robert and Mulvihill argued in their lawsuit that Austin ignored the [Pentagons] own regulations and created an entirely new definition of full immunity as being achievable only by vaccination. Similar to Bierman, both plaintiffs in the August 2021 lawsuit cited natural immunity following a bout of COVID-19 for refusing to get the vaccine. HealthFreedom.news has more stories about military service members fighting against COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Watch attorney and Brighteon.TV host Tom Renz testifying about the dangers of injecting military members with the COVID-19 vaccine below. This video is from the In Search Of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Bidens Pentagon taking massive risk by ordering ALL military personnel to get experimental COVID-19 vaccine. Pentagon faces class-action lawsuit over vaccine mandates on military, federal employees and contractors. House Republicans calling for ban on using taxpayer funds for implementing military vaccine mandate. Our nations security is at risk due to Bidens illegal military vaccine mandate, experts warn. 7 lawsuits challenging COVID vaccine mandates for U.S. military members. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com UncoverDC.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Earlier this month marked the 27th anniversary of the April 19, 1995, domestic terrorist attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, Okla., in which 168 people were killed, 19 of whom were children. According to popular versions of events, the attack was planned and carried out by a pair of former U.S. Army members who had been radicalized into anti-government operatives: 27-year-old Timothy McVeigh, who purportedly parked a Ryder rental truck stuffed with a 7,000-pound fertilizer bomb outside of the building with minimal help from Terry Nichols and Michael Fortier, according to a recently-published report by the Libertarian Institute. At the time, it was the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history a grim milestone that would be surpassed roughly six years later when foreign terrorists attacked and destroyed the World Trade Centers twin towers and a portion of the Pentagon. Two years later, McVeigh was convicted of using a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, among other federal charges. And for a short time, he was held in the same federal cell block as the Unabomber and Ramzi Yousef, the latter of whom planted a bomb in the underground parking garage of one of The World Trade Center towers in 1993. McVeigh was put to death via lethal injection in 2001, a relatively short period of time from the attack to the carrying out of his death sentence. There is much we still dont know about the case, however. Thanks to years of heroic work by people like Salt Lake City-based attorney Jesse Trentadue, writer and researcher J.M. Berger, and independent investigative reporter Wendy S. Painting, the American public is slowly learning more and more key (and disturbing) facts about the case. Facts involving the FBIs possible incitement of McVeigh and the subsequent cover-up of these facts by Newsweek magazine, the Libertarian Institute report said, adding: FBI incitement is more topical than ever, of course. Reports of the FBI being involved in Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmers kidnapping plot and of FBI agents and assets being involved in the January 6th events has collapsed whatever level of trust the public had with federal law enforcement, not to mention the mainstream media whose related coverage rarely digs deeper than the governments official line. What other crimes have been committed or conspiracies planned, the public wonders, where the initial momentum was actually created by the FBI? How much have FBI infiltrators pushed constitutionally protected heated talk into the unlawful planning and execution of deadly crimes? To what extent has the FBI been, as the saying goes, arsonists posing as firefighters? These are especially important questions when it comes to the OKC bombing. As many Americans know, the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies have infiltrated and conducted [authorized and unauthorized] surveillance ops against right-wing organizations for decades, principal among them the Patriotic Conspiracy or PATCON operation. Though it supposedly ended officially in 1993, the operation only became public thanks to a 2007 freedom of information request. In part citing FBI internal documents, Painting in her 2016 book about McVeigh and PATCON discussed how the latter used secret operatives and paid informants who were given license to engage in provocateur activities and instructed to make known their willingness to commit violence and advocate for the violent overthrow of the U.S. government. Painting quoted John Matthews, one of the informants who went public, as saying that though he was initially told the objective was to infiltrate and monitor groups, later he would come to understand that the real objective was to infiltrate and incite groups into acting out. That included, Matthews said, providing the ideas, detailed instructions, and even live C4 explosives and automatic weapons to targeted individuals as a way of entrapping them into terrorist plots, so the FBI could capitalize on foiled and actualized plots. Trentadue added that through PATCON the FBI was actually trying to foment a full-on rebellion so the government could use it to dramatically clamp down on constitutional guarantee in the name of putting down an insurrection. All of the details were put into a 7,000-word article for Newsweek magazine back in 2011, but then-liberal editor Tina Brown cut the story down to 4,000 words and removed carefully researched segments implicating figures in the FBI and Justice Department who were grooming sources during the OKC bombing era. As the since-defunct Examiner detailed at the time, all of the aforementioned suspicions Matthews aired about the FBIs hand in the OKC bombing were cut. Our government is thoroughly corrupt and out of control. Sources include: LibertarianInstitute.org Examiner.com Newsweek.com (Natural News) Fake president Joe Biden is known for his gaffes, but his most recent one about abortion was a truthful admission that the victim is a child, not a fetus. In a statement to the press about the possible reversal of Roe v. Wade, Biden said the following: So, the idea that were going to make a judgment that is going to say that no one can make the judgment to choose to abort a child based on a decision by the Supreme Court goes way overboard. Notice that Biden called an unborn baby a child as opposed to a clump of cells, which is how leftists typically referred to unwanted humans still inside the womb. How tragic to see a man, who for decades in the Senate stood against tax funding for abortion, so completely sell out to Big Abortion, tweeted the Susan B. Anthony List, along with a video of Bidens statement see below: Biden slipped up today, acknowledging that abortion kills children: choose to abort a child How tragic to see a man, who for decades in the Senate stood against tax funding for abortion, so completely sell out to Big Abortion pic.twitter.com/1baGbniuRu Susan B. Anthony List #ModernizeOurLaw (@SBAList) May 3, 2022 Biden slipped up today, acknowledging that abortion kills children: choose to abort a child,' the group added in another tweet. Biden says overturning Roe v. Wade threatens to eliminate the right to marry Apparently unaware of what he had just said this is a common occurrence for him Biden went on to oppose the potential Supreme Court reversal of the 1973 abortion law, calling it radical and warning that it could threaten a whole range of rights. Keep in mind that Biden claims to be a Roman Catholic, a religion that strictly opposes baby murder. Why hasnt the Catholic Church excommunicated [Joe Biden] yet? asked someone on Twitter. It is a valid question, seeing as how Biden has now adopted all of the Lefts talking points in support of baby murder, calling it the right to choose. Meanwhile, Biden opposes the right to choose not to get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Biden went on in his rant to the media to claim that other basic rights are also at stake, should Roe v. Wade gets overturned, one of them being the right to marry. Whether you decided to conceive a child or not how you raise your child basically all of the decisions of your private life would get stamped out, Biden claims concerning the potential Supreme Court move. In the comment section at LifeSiteNews, one reader told a very sad story about how the right to choose, meaning the adults right to choose versus the childs right to choose, caused her to suffer extreme child abuse. When I was twelve the non-abusive parent went to court and fought for custody, this person wrote. When the judge read his decision to place me back in the home with the abusive parent, I pleaded with him to reconsider his decision. His response was, The adult has the rights, not the child.' Two weeks later the abusive parent beat me unconscious, causing a concussion I cant say how I feel about Joe Biden and the Democrats (other than) their utter cruelty toward babies in the womb and children after they are born is so evil, so vile, that no words can really define their inhumanity. Another wrote that it is a travesty that many bishops in the Catholic church have sat idly by and done nothing to even try to correct Catholic politicians like Biden. The latest news about the Lefts pro-abortion rage can be found at Abortions.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) As you may have seen, the Biden regime launched a Disinformation Board that it claims will help combat disinformation online. Meanwhile, the regime wants us all to believe that a man can become a woman, if he so chooses. Bidens Ministry of Truth, as many are calling it, was launched right as billionaire technocrat Elon Musk did a dramatic purchase of Twitter, one of the most heavily censored social media platforms in existence. Musk took aim at the tweet giants current leadership, which just like the Biden regime hates free speech and promotes censorship of contrarian ideas one of them being the idea that there are only two genders: male and female. This is a biological fact, and yet the Biden regime claims that there are unlimited genders. It also claims that men can get pregnant, which is a biological impossibility. Rachel Levine, a man pretending to be a woman who holds a top position in the Biden regime as the U.S. Secretary for Health, is regularly referred to as a woman, even though she was born with male genitalia. Levine recently attacked Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladopo for issuing a statement on April 20 clarifying that hormone treatments for children are dangerous and that many children regret it once they become adults. Levines agency, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently issued a statement, which Ladopo addressed, that erroneously states: For transgender and nonbinary children and adolescents, early gender-affirming care is crucial to overall health and well-being as it allows the child or adolescent to focus on social transitions and can increase their confidence while navigating the healthcare system. One of the worst purveyors of disinformation is the highly corrupt Biden regime There is simply no evidence beyond wishful thinking among LGBTQs that permanently destroying ones hormones and body somehow makes a child happier and healthier, but this is what the Biden regime is claiming. In fact, gender-bending procedures and drug cocktails have destroyed tens of thousands of childrens lives. Most, if not all, of them, end up requiring a lifetime of medical care just to survive. If ever there was a disinformation problem, it is the one now being propagated by Levine and other Biden cronies, all of whom claim that they are on the side of truth. A paper published in the?International Review of Psychiatry?states that 80 percent of those seeking clinical care will lose their desire to identify with the non-birth sex, announced the Florida Department of Health, debunking the false claims of the Biden regime. Amazingly, the Biden regime responded to this announcement by claiming that the Florida Department of Health is playing politics talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Levine also lied during a recent interview with National Public Radio (NPR), claiming that there is no argument among medical professionals about the value and importance of gender-affirming care. The truth is that there are many medical professionals who vehemently disagree with mutilating childrens bodies in the name of acceptance and tolerance. So lets summarize for a moment, writes Jonathon Van Maren for LifeSiteNews. The Babylon Bee and other Twitter users get banned or restricted for pointing out, on a platform that amounts to the digital public square, that Mr. Levine is a man. Following that, the Biden Administration, which employs Levine, sets up a Ministry of Truth to combat disinformation. That same month, Levine condemns the Health Secretary of Florida for pointing out that it can be dangerous to offer sex changes and hormone treatments to children, and insists that, in his view, this is disinformation because all doctors agree with him (even though this is obviously not true.) Also, he says, call me maam! Do you see the problem here? More related news about the Biden regimes obsession with bending the genders of children can be found at Gender.news Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) In the early days of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a private corporation posing as a government agency, funneled nearly half a million American taxpayer dollars to another private corporation to spy on lockdown rebels. The CDC reportedly paid the SafeGraph brokerage $420,000 for location data on tens of millions of mobile phones. The CDC then used this data to determine how many people violated lockdown by going to school or attending church. Since the data was aggregated, the CDC supposedly did not obtain person-specific data, meaning it could only see numbers and not individuals. Still, this is quite a bit of cash spent on secret spying operations, which only just now came to light. VICE obtained documents showing both the transaction and what was obtained through it. In short, the CDC was able to identify general movement trends throughout the plandemic, which is an invasion of privacy. The documents also reveal that the CDC had planned to use the data to analyze compliance with curfews, as well as track human traffic patterns in and out of K-12 schools. Strangely, the CDC specifically honed in on the movements of indigenous people in the Navajo Nation. CDC collected location data for reasons far beyond just the plandemic, warns cybersecurity researcher According to the documents, the CDC believed it necessary to spy on Americans, both native and otherwise, as part of its ongoing response efforts to investigate the spread of the Fauci Flu. The CDC engaged in hourly monitoring of activity in curfew zones, as well as obtained detailed counts of visits to participating pharmacies for vaccine monitoring. Cybersecurity researcher Zach Edwards, who closely follows the data marketplace, says that the CDC apparently had even bigger plans for the location data that were never fully executed. The CDC seems to have purposefully created an open-ended list of use cases, which included monitoring curfews, neighbor to neighbor visits, visits to churches, schools and pharmacies, and also a variety of analysis with this data specifically focused on violence,' Edwards told VICE. In the very beginning of this whole saga, SafeGraph was providing location data to the public for free in order to better understand where COVID-19 has the potential to spread the most. At some point, however, the company started charging for this information, and the CDC was one of its biggest customers. It turns out that SafeGraph is bankrolled by none other than Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, the former head of Saudi Arabias intelligence agency. Billionaire Peter Thiel is another investor in the company. Last summer, Google banned the SafeGraph app from its Android app store, preventing the companys tracking codes from residing on peoples phones for data collection purposes. SafeGraph is still collecting data from codes embedded in other apps, however. Real-time data like this is being used in Ukraine, wrote someone at the Daily Mail (UK). Why do you think all those generals are being killed? This is a Republican utopia, said another. On March 28, 2017, conservatives voted on party lines to pass Senate Joint Resolution 34 to allow ISPs to sell your private data, including geographic location. Trump signed it. Another expressed interest in finding out who at the CDC awarded the contract and how they might be related to SafeGraph. I would be willing to bet that there is a relationship, this person added. Its who you know in government. Someone else put it simply, stating: And this is why you should never own a smartphone. More related news about the CDCs spying efforts on Americans can be found at Surveillance.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com DailyMail.co.uk (Natural News) Political dinosaur and career politician Elizabeth Pocahontas Warren is angry and upset that the Supreme Court is planning to overturn Roe v. Wade. The pro-abortion Democrat senator of Massachusetts appeared on Capitol Hill, alongside hordes of mostly women, to scream and howl about how baby murder needs to remain legal at the federal level. Not only that, Warren also questioned the very institution known as the Supreme Court, calling on its pro-life members to be investigated for their extremist views. Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh, all Donald Trump picks, are now on Warrens political hit list for their refusal to support baby murder on demand. What should be investigated and prosecuted is the fact that people who were nominated to the Supreme Court stood up and said they believed in the rule of law and precedent, and then at (the) first opportunity, changed direction by 180 degrees and are going for a full repeal of Roe, Warren complained to ABC News. Warren added that she is angry about the news because it will make it harder for poor and minority women to get abortions. I am angry because an extremist United States Supreme Court thinks that they can impose their extremist views on all of the women of this country and they are wrong, Warren screamed outside the Supreme Court. I am angry because we have reached the culmination of what Republicans have been fighting for, angling for decades now, and we are going to fight back. Warren says Republicans have been plotting to criminalize abortion for decades In Warrens mind, wealthy women like herself will still have access to abortion somehow. It is the poor who will pay the price for this, she says, as well as young women who have been abused and raped. According to the Guttmacher Institute, less than one percent of all abortions are performed because of abuse or rape. The vast majority occur simply due to irresponsibility and selfishness. Warren does not care about the facts, however. Instead, she is calling on Congress to pass a new law codifying Roe v. Wade at the federal level, which was already attempted by the Senate on February 28 when it failed. I have seen the world where abortion is legal, Warren further tweeted, trying to sound experienced and wise. Were not going back not now, not ever. In several fuming interviews with reporters, Warren ranted again and again about how angry she is. She also presented conspiracy theories about how she believes Republicans have been plotting for years about how to reverse Roe v. Wade. What am I missing here? How can anyone, let alone a woman, be angry, angry and upset and determined for the right to kill their own flesh and blood? asked someone at LifeSiteNews about Warrens position. Im just not getting this. When the Senate majority leader and POTUS can engage in incoherent rants and directly threaten members of SCOTUS with impunity, Id say there are several issues with this countrys political process, wrote another about how Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer are also guilty making threats against the Supreme Courts pro-life justices. In a healthy republic, the statements and actions of key Democrat figures would merit bipartisan censure at LEAST! Reap the whirlwind / We will come after you / You wont know what hit you we already are reaping disaster and have been for decades because of these clowns. Another wrote that nobody should bother listening to Warren, seeing as how she is a pro-death communist spreading the usual vitriol we have come to expect from her ilk. The latest news about the Lefts love affair with baby murder can be found at Abortions.news. Sources for this article include: LifeSiteNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) If the Democrat-aligned deep state is one thing, it is persistent in its efforts to tear down our constitutional republic and replace it with an authoritarian regime that more resembles the monarchy our founders rebelled against some 240 years ago. The same corrupt government entities that used every opportunity to undermine Donald Trump and then steal his reelection from him are now plotting a massive false flag incident so they can target his conservative supporters and all under the guise of a cyber attack on the U.S. power grid. Earlier this week, the deep state released a report, via the Department of Homeland Security, claiming that domestic extremists this regimes code for Trump supporters are planning to target the U.S. power grid. That means, of course, that the regime is set to launch a false flag on the grid so Trumps supporters can be blamed, rounded up, prosecuted and jailed like those who did nothing on Jan. 6, 2020, at the U.S. Capitol Building but stand on Capitol grounds or walk into the building (another obvious false flag, by the way). The Associated Press reports: Extremist groups in the United States appear to increasingly view attacking the power grid as a means of disrupting the country, according to a government report aimed at law enforcement agencies and utility operators. Domestic extremists have developed credible, specific plans to attack electricity infrastructure since at least 2020, according to the report from the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Intelligence and Analysis. The document, dated Monday, was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. The report also claims that extremists adhering to a range of ideologies will likely continue to plot and encourage physical attacks against electrical infrastructure, which, at present count, amounts to around 6,400 power plants and roughly 450,000 miles of power transmission lines spanning the U.S. But then, here comes the money quote from AP: Experts on the U.S. power grid have pointed out that it would be difficult to knock out power to the nation given the size and decentralized nature of the grid. The DHS report also notes that attackers, without inside help at least, would be unlikely to produce widespread, multistate outages, though they could still do damage and cause injuries. Then how, exactly, is this threat genuine? If our decentralized grid is impregnable to anyone without inside help, then isnt that an admission that the deep state would be responsible for any widespread outages? But of course, the reality is, this report is just the regimes latest attempt to advance the narrative that our country faces a huge threat from Trumps extremists, though, without question, the most extreme elements in the country at present BLM, Antifa, etc. are all left-wing. It comes as both the FBI and DHS have repeatedly warned in recent months that the U.S. faces a heightened threat from domestic extremists, the AP reports. They feel that disrupting the electrical supply will disrupt the ability of government to operate, a federal law enforcement official told the AP on condition of anonymity, adding that power stations are most often located in remote areas and taking them out will foment distrust of government. And, secondly, by conducting attacks against the communications and electrical infrastructure, it will actually accelerate the coming civil war that they anticipate because it will disrupt the lives of so many people that they will lose faith in government, the official said. But a report from Forward Observer sent to subscribers on Wednesday indicates something else: Civil conflicts most often stem from major political divisions, and without question, the regime in power hates liberty- and freedom-minded individualism fostered by our founders and embraced by Trump. Civil wars become more likely when a country experiences a significant and rapid political change, such as an attempted transition to democracy or slip into anocracy, the report said, citing a book by Barbara F. Walter, a former CIA analyst, titled, How Civil Wars Start. We are heading for tumultuous times. Prepare yourself as best you can and expect the unexpected. Sources include: APNews.com FalseFlag.news (Natural News) Josh Sigurdson of World Alternative Media (WAM) thinks the recent announcements made by the European Union (EU) and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci pertaining to the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are part of a scripted psychological warfare. He was alluding to the EUs declaration that the pandemic is over and Faucis statement on national television that the United States is now out of the pandemic phase. I honestly think that this is probably one of the greatest examples of psychological warfare in recent history. The fact that we can say one thing one day and then another thing the next day and everything is at the exact same time like the mask mandates and vaccine mandates falling worldwide at the same time. And then people think, oh, its all over. Its good. No this is psychological warfare. They are manipulating peoples minds, said the WAM CEO and journalist, adding that the people responsible for the COVID pandemic are using this to see how people react to certain announcements and then make plans for the future based on it. Its all psychological warfare. The whole purpose is to manipulate your mind, take (the) stress off your shoulder and then boom! they hit you again. But this time you feel a bit better because you had a little bit of a break, the eye of the storm, to kind of ride things out for a while. Sigurdson noted that the EUs decision to move away from the COVID pandemic emergency phase came a week after Fauci said he is seeing a COVID infection uptick coming from BA2 subvariant. (Related: The HighWire: European nations are scrapping COVID mandates.) The WAM CEO said Fauci doesnt sound like he knows what hes talking about as he changes his mind every two weeks. He added that the NIAID director should be in jail for funding bioweapons research labs and for being involved in killing people with anthrax. China reports first human case of H3N8 bird flu Sigurdson also talked about China reporting its first human case of H3N8 bird flu, which he said is a cue for the next big crisis. He said the Chinese police are now building cages around homes in the worlds strictest COVID lockdown and added that those who want a view of the future should take a look at what is happening in China. The globalists failed to get everyone scared with COVID-19, Sigurdson said, so they are now introducing the H3N8 bird flu. He also mentioned that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) are meeting soon for a global government pandemic treaty. The WHO, in a news release last March, said the international community should work together toward a new international treaty for pandemic preparedness and response to create a stronger global health architecture that will protect future generations. Sigurdson said this is very important because they are planning a massive global governance system with the Special Drawing Rights (SDR), an international reserve asset created by the IMF. He added that the globalists will use the collapse of the U.S. dollar and the global currency system to bring in SDR, which is attached to social credit. He said the COVID-19 pandemic is just the beginning and that the globalists are now shifting into the next big thing. Sigurdson added the 2020s are the testing ground to push toward Agenda 2030 the decade the globalists intend to depopulate the Earth. GreatReset.news has more on the globalists plans for humanity. Watch the video below to know more about the new bird flu hoax that leads to more fear. This video is from the World Alternative Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The real reasons why millions of Americans will defy COVID mandates and vaccines. Josh Sigurdson talks about worldwide protests against Covid vaccine mandates. Federal judge strikes down national mask mandate covering airports, airplanes and other public travel. Sources include: Brighteon.com LinkedIn.com WHO.int (Natural News) The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) blasted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over what the former called an invasion of privacy on an enormous scale. Based on the yearly transparency report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released Friday, April 29, the emails, texts and other electronic communications of almost 3.4 million Americans had been checked by the FBI without a warrant. FBI staff made the queries between December 2020 and November 2021 as they searched for signs of threats and terrorists within electronic data legally gathered under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The FBI supposedly conducted the massive data probe to stop hacking attacks, but ACLU isnt buying it. Todays report sheds light on the extent of these unconstitutional backdoor searches, and underscores the urgency of the problem. Its past time for Congress to step in to protect Americans Fourth Amendment rights, ACLU National Security Project Senior Staff Attorney Ashley Gorski said in a statement. The FBI authority employed in this case was based on Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is due to expire at the end of 2023 unless it is renewed by Congress. ODNI report could restart congressional and public debates The report didnt clarify whether the activity was wrong or illegal. Nevertheless, the revelation could restart congressional and public debates over the power United States agencies have to gather and examine intelligence information, especially data regarding people. According to the 38-page report, less than 1.3 million queries concerning Americans data were performed between December 2019 and November 2020 when compared to the latest queries. The ODNI also gave updated statistics reflecting a significant rise in the number of times government officials wanted to learn the identity of an American a practice usually mentioned as unmasking that became a subject matter for former U.S. President Donald Trump and his conservative supporters. The report tried to justify the rise in FBI queries during the past year. In the first half of the year, there were a number of large batch queries related to attempts to compromise U.S. critical infrastructure by foreign cyber actors. These queries, which included approximately 1.9 million query terms related to potential victims including U.S. persons accounted for the vast majority of the increase in U.S. person queries conducted by FBI over the prior year, the report said. According to the report, the actual number of U.S. residents who possibly had their information examined is unknown because there is no accurate way to measure the data. Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat who is a member of the intelligence committee, said the FBI and other agencies must provide exact information if they want to maintain their authority. (Related: The FBI is now mainly a weapon against Republicans) For anyone outside the U.S. government, the astronomical number of FBI searches of Americans communications is either highly alarming or entirely meaningless. Baseline transparency is essential if the federal government wants to hold such sweeping surveillance powers, Wyden said in a statement. Under unmasking, the ODNI reported about 10,700 requests to disclose an American persons identity in 2021 and less than 7,000 in 2020. Of those requests, agencies were authorized to do so around 9,800 times in 2021 against 6,000 in 2020. Intelligence reports usually shield the identity of American individuals whose communications are caught up in surveillance, mentioning them as Individual 1 or the likes. American officials can request that real names of people be given when necessary, and that is not unusual as officials try to understand the importance of the information. Unmasking a name is different from leaking it to the news media or making it public, which can be considered a crime. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during last Fridays press briefing that she had not talked with President Joe Biden about the report in the Wall Street Journal. My understanding is that some of this was about researching and doing an investigation into potential hacking, but I will get you more from the FBI after this, Psaki told the press. According to the Journal, a senior FBI official said the 3.4 million Americans checked is certainly a large figure and I am not going to pretend that it isnt. Some senior Biden administration officials told the Journal that the exact number of searches is likely far less. The officials clarified that there are intricacies in classifying Americans against foreign individuals data. Furthermore, if an individuals data are checked multiple times, each would count as a search, moving the total number higher. Therefore the number does not show the real number of individuals affected. Follow FBICorruption.news for more news about the bad and corrupt practices of the FBI. Watch the video below to know how the FBI is conspiring against the American people. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pete Santilli: The FBI is the greatest threat to America Brighteon.TV. Is treasonous FBI running BLM riots? Photos, videos appear to capture FBI agents playing roles of armed rioters. The FBIs long history of destroying evidence and obstructing justice SEIZE FBI RECORDS NOW. Leaked docs show FBI funded Ukrainian neo-Nazi Azov Battalion that orchestrated Charlottesville chaos to stoke racial division, destabilize West. Sources include: WND.com Daily Mail Online Wall Street Journal.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) A federal judge ruled that social media platform Twitter has to explain why it censored former New York Times (NYT) reporter Alex Berenson. The independent journalist found himself banned from the site due to his tweets about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), which the platform branded as misinformation. In a seven-page decision dated April 29, Senior U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup ordered Twitter to produce all texts, emails, voicemails and other documents pertaining to plaintiff [Berenson] with regard to nonparty complaints or inquiries about [him] and/or including possible or actual termination of his account, a strike against his account or a labeling of any of his posts. The federal judge gave a deadline of June 20 for this. The magistrate also ordered Twitter to specify the five strikes that led to Berensons ban within 14 calendar days. The tech giant announced its five-strike policy against COVID-19 misinformation back in March 2021. The erstwhile NYT reporter reached out to Brandon Borrman, then-vice president of global communications for Twitter, to ask if his tweets critical of COVID-19 vaccines would be affected by the new rule. Berenson received this reply from the Twitter executive: I will say that your name has never come up in the discussions around these policies. If it does, I will try to ensure youre given a heads-up before an action is taken, but I am not always made aware of them before theyre executed. However, Berenson found his Twitter account locked on July 16 which was deemed the second strike on his account. He was not informed of any actions that constituted the first strike on his account. The journalist received his third strike on July 27, his fourth strike three days later on July 30 and the fifth strike on Aug. 28 the latter meriting a permanent suspension. As a result of this, Berenson sued the Big Tech website in December 2021. Twitter, in turn, filed a motion to dismiss his case. Alsup sided with Berenson in his April 29 decision, junking Twitters motion and allowing the journalists lawsuit to move forward. (Related: Journalist Alex Berenson sues Twitter after being banned for stating facts on Covid vaccines.) Alsup: Twitter liable for breach of contract, not censorship Berensons claim of Twitter violating his free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment was dismissed, however. The free speech clause only prohibits government abridgement of speech. Plaintiff concedes Twitter is a private company, wrote Alsup. For an internet platform like Twitter, Section 230 precludes liability for removing content and preventing content from being posted that the platform finds would cause its users harm, such as misinformation regarding COVID-19. The federal judge appointed by former President Bill Clinton still found cause for the lawsuit against Twitter due to its breach of contract as seen in its move to give Berenson five strikes despite Borrmans assurances to the contrary. Twitter allegedly established a specific, detailed five-strike policy regarding COVID-19 misinformation and its vice president gave specific and direct assurances to plaintiff regarding his posts pursuant to that policy. Collectively, these actions plausibly qualify as a clear and unambiguous promise that Twitter would correctly apply its COVID-19 misinformation policy and try to give advance notice if it suspended plaintiffs account, Alsup stated in his decision. Plaintiff plausibly avers that Twitters conduct here modified its contract with plaintiff, and then breached that contract by failing to abide by its own five-strike policy and its specific commitments set forth through its [erstwhile] vice president. Any ambiguities in a contract like Twitters terms of service are interpreted against the drafter, Twitter. Alsup concluded his decision by pointing out that the former NYT reporter does not seek to hold [Twitter] liable as a publisher or speaker of third-party content, but rather as the counter-party to a contract, as a promisor who has breached. Banned.news has more on critics of the COVID narrative being silenced by Big Tech. Watch the video below talking about the three strikes that led to InfoWars founder Alex Jones permanent ban on Twitter. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Twitter suffers a devastating 9th Circuit defeat. Twitters censorship of Big Pharma critics is a worldwide phenomenon. Twitter working on new censorship shtick: misinformation warning labels COLLUSION: Project Veritas suspended from Twitter for revealing Pinterests censorship of conservatives. Bombshell: Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey ADMITS that yes, social media platforms definitely collaborate on methods of censorship. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org Docs.ReclaimTheNet.org [PDF] Brighteon.com (Natural News) Brighteon.TV host Jeffrey Prather considers Elon Musks move to buy Twitter an important inflection point. Its important to understand whats going on with the inflection point of Musk buying Twitter. This is a great and very important inflection point because it is upsetting the Deep State and the global Cabal. And my point was that it scared and worried the Deep State, Prather said during the April 29 episode of The Prather Point on Brighteon.TV. (Related: Elon Musks Twitter purchase prompts conservatives to tweet previously censored messages as new censorship test for the platform.) Prather believes Musk really wants to make Twitter better by enhancing the features with open source algorithms. However, the former Defense Intelligence Agency intelligence collector noted that open source intelligence or OSINT has now taken over all other forms of intelligence through electronic systems, such as smartphones. And it can be used both ways, according to Prather. Just like the new owner of Twitter. Musk can be used both ways. He defeated electromagnetic Russian attack on Ukraine, but hes trying to bring through Starlink internet coverage to everyone that can control the content as well. We will see how that shakes out. Those are key terms. And also when he says defeating spambots and authenticating humans, that seems to indicate something in favor of humans. But it may not be, Prather said. He compared Musk to a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) undercover agent that had been given a million dollars, a fancy car and a fancy yacht to send him down to infiltrate the cartels and then the agency wouldnt hear from the agent again. So thats kind of how Im looking at Elon Musk. Hes been given a lot of power. He didnt start Tesla. He didnt start SpaceX. He does have contracts with DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which is the heart of the Deep State, said Prather, a former DEA agent himself. They will now have to wait how Musks newfound power turns out. But the Deep State is worried, Prather noted, and thats a good thing. SpaceX linked to big military-industrial complex companies Prather also mentioned that Starlink, which is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, has already sent swarms of little flying mechanical intelligence beetles around. He related that in 2019 the United States Federal Communications Commission submitted filings to the International Telecommunications Union on SpaceXs behalf to launch 30,000 additional Starlink satellites. That is not uncommon, according to Prather, because the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is bureaucratic and obsessed with rockets. Prather mentioned that in 2004, the then-newly formed company SpaceX acquired a stake in the Surrey satellite technology company, a United Kingdom company that is owned by the British Aerospace (BAe). He said that this shows that SpaceX is now into the big military-industrial complex companies that have partnered with NASA and the Department of Defense (DOD). The former DIA intelligence collector added that SpaceX will ultimately be owned by the British Crown through golden shares or special shares. So Musk and SpaceX are on the Deep State and the global Cabal and the United Kingdom. A lot of people spend a lot of time talking about how the United Kingdom still controls United States Corporation, Prather said. Read more stories like this at ElonMuskWatch.com. Watch the full April 29 episode of The Prather Point below. Catch new episodes of the program every Friday at 10-11 a.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Rep. Jim Banks presses Elon Musk to overhaul Twitter; platform must reverse course & protect freedom. UK, EU demand Elon Musk keep censoring content on Twitter. Libtards freak after Elon Musk buys Twitter, claim they will leave platform in droves. HE DID IT: Twitter accepts Elon Musks buyout offer of $43 billion as he vows to return platform to free speech forum. Leftists terrified, angry after free speech advocate Elon Musk buys massive stake in Twitter, joins board of directors. Sources include: Brighteon.com JeffreyPrather.com TheGuardian.com (Natural News) A new study, Evidence for Aerosol Transfer of SARS-CoV2-specific Humoral Immunity shows that vaccinated adults are more likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 infection to their children who live in the same household. Researchers from the University of Colorado detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgGs and IgAs in swab samples taken from children who live with fully vaccinated parents. Children who live in unvaccinated households are less likely to have SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in their nasal passageways and saliva. This evidence shows that unvaccinated children could be developing specific immune responses to the spike proteins that vaccinated people are shedding through their skin and into the air. Evidence for viral shedding from covid-19 mRNA vaccines The authors of the study hypothesize that the vaccinated adults are shedding SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies through the air and are more likely to spread aerosolized byproducts to unsuspecting hosts. This is the latest evidence that the covid-19 vaccines are causing person-to-person transmission of self-replicating spike proteins and other infectious nano-particles. This could be the reason for the uptick in SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in the nasal passageways and saliva of children. In traditional vaccinology, this non-consensual process of transmission is referred to as viral shedding. The evidence is preliminary because it is based on laboratory results from 34 adult-child pairs. The study authors used the results to praise the covid-19 vaccines for reducing the risk of infection in unvaccinated children. However, the results show that vaccinated adults are causing specific immune responses, so the vaccines could be causing secondary infections in children through aerosol transmission from vaccinated adults. Researchers claim that the vaccinated are transmitting antibodies, while ignoring the biological process by which these antibodies form The study authors are calling this vaccine transmission a benefit to children due to passive immunity from vaccinated adults. The authors wrote, Our results suggest that aerosol transmission of antibodies may also contribute to host protection and represent an entirely unrecognized mechanism by which passive immune protection may be communicated. The study authors theory hinges on the hypothesis that the vaccinated are transmitting protective antibodies through the air. Respiratory transmission of viral infection is proof that oral/nasal cavity constituents can be communicated through aerosols and/or respiratory droplets. As such, it would stand to reason that antibody present within the oral/nasal environment may also be aerosolized to some degree, they wrote. To validate their hypothesis, the researchers used swab samples taken from masks that were worn by vaccinated lab personnel. The swabs contained IgG and IgA from the saliva of vaccinated individuals. Given these observations, we hypothesized that droplet/aerosolized antibody transfer might occur between individuals, much like droplet/aerosolized virus particles can be exchanged by the same route, the authors wrote. Evaluation of samples in this fashion revealed that high intranasal IgG in vaccinated parents was significantly associated (p-value = 0.01) with a 0.38 increase in the log transformed intranasal IgG gMFIs within a child from the same household. However, the authors did NOT show that the specific antibodies were viable outside the human body, whether they could travel through the air, attach to new hosts and provide immune benefits to children. The authors did not investigate whether the vaccinated adults were shedding infectious spike proteins and causing sickness in children and a subsequent immune response that they ultimately measured as SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgAs. This study more likely shows that a non-consensual vaccine shedding process is occurring after a person is vaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA. Other studies have shown that the spike protein is not neutralized in the deltoid muscles. In Pfizers own study design documents, researchers were concerned with the possibility of occupational exposure and warned that caretakers and close contacts of the recently vaccinated could be exposed to the spike proteins that are translated and synthesized in their cells. These toxic nanoparticles circulate throughout the body, cause damage to organs, and may shed through the skin. Unvaccinated children could be affected by this shedding process, and the SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in children could be evidence that they were previously sickened by the heavily vaccinated adult population. Sources include: MedRXIV.org DailyExpose.uk NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Human beings are about to be merged with the cloud in a new clinical trial involving brain-machine interfaces. Synchron, a competitor of Elon Musks Neuralink Corp., just enrolled the first patient in its United States-based clinical trial. If successful, the company could soon receive regulatory approval for wide use in the human population. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the government agency where Tony Fauci works, Synchrons trial will manipulate the human brain with a Stentrode device, which will supposedly allow patients to control digital devices without their hands. By just thinking about controlling something, a Stentrode-modified person can perform various tasks. Both Synchron and Musk have been working towards this goal for many years. With Musk, it started with pigs but ended there, as the company is still looking for a director to run human trials. This is despite raising $205 million just last year for the project. Synchron, meanwhile, is altering the human brain with just $70 million total, beating Musk to the punch. Musk and other technocrats want to turn humans into AI robots Brain-computer interfaces, or BCI, are being touted as a way to empower disabled people to easily communicate and engage in the same activities as non-disabled people. These implants, according to technocrats like Musk, could allow those who receive them to develop superintelligence, also known as artificial intelligence or AI. Synchrons device, once implanted, travels to the brain through blood vessels. Neuralinks is implanted directly into the skull, reported Bloomberg Quint about the technology. After it reaches the brain, the Stentrode translates brain activity into signals designed to allow texting, emailing, online shopping or other activities using an external device. If Synchron can put together evidence showing that the device works and is safe, then the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to grant it commercial approval at warp speed. Six patients split between New York and Pittsburgh will receive the implant as part of Synchrons trial. The first patient to receive one enrolled just this week at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. Synchron founder and CEO Tom Oxley refused to identify the patient or provide any demographic details. Following this trial, the company hopes to expand it to a larger one before getting the FDAs rubber-stamp approval. Then, in the next few years, the device would hit the consumer market. Though all eyes are on Synchron right now since it is ahead of Neuralink, the world must not forget that Neuralink and Musk are where this all started. Musk, despite his newfound pandering to conservatives with the purchase of Twitter, has long promoted AI hybrids as a new, smarter humanity. He even gave his gender neutral baby an AI hybrid name in recognition of what he truly believes. Like his Tesla and SpaceX empires, Musks Neuralink project is highly subsidized by the U.S. government meaning American taxpayers are footing the bill for his various pet projects. In 2019, Musk envisioned incorporating a bunch of tiny wires into peoples brains, creating an electrode to neuron interface at a micro level. Synchron is doing much the same thing while beating Musk to the punch, but both companies are forging the same path. The long-term aspiration with Neuralink would be to achieve a symbiosis with artificial intelligence and to achieve a sort of democratization of intelligence, such that it is not monopolistically held in purely digital form by governments and large corporations, Musk said at the time. Visit Robots.news for more news related to artificial intelligence. Sources include: BloombergQuint.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Democrats and Republicans have implored the Biden regime not to end Title 42, a Trump-era pandemic rule authorizing the immediate deportation of the vast majority of migrants who cross the border illegally. But since flooding our country with third-world poor who will overwhelm local governments and lead to further empowerment of the power elite in Washington is part of the deep states plan to wreck America, naturally, those pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, dutifully played her role and ordered the rule rescinded on May 23. And of course, predictably, hundreds of thousands of migrants already poised to rush the U.S. border once the rule ended are now making final preparations to cross illegally. One official in a Texas border community, Ulvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr., warned in an interview with Fox News that a tsunami of humanity is heading for America, thanks to Bidens open borders policies. McLaughlin said he is expecting his community to face a 75-to-100 percent increase in the number of illegal aliens officials in Uvalde will have to deal with, and of course, the regime doesnt care. Weve been dealing with this crisis for the last year, he said, in reference to a massive number of illegal aliens that have crossed into the U.S. and been allowed to stay since Biden was installed as president. McLaughlin went on to say he cant even describe what he believes is coming to the border in just a few weeks. 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. Hes talking about several measures Abbott announced last week that include chartering private buses and sending illegal migrants to Washington, D.C., for Biden and his Democrats to deal with a number of new actions his administration plans to take in expanding Operation Lone Star, a state effort to curb illegal immigration. With the Biden administration ending Title 42 expulsions in May, Texas will be taking its own unprecedented actions this month to do what no state in America has ever done in the history of this country to better secure our state, as well as our nation, Abbott said. To help local officials whose communities are being overwhelmed with hordes of illegal immigrants who are being dropped off by the Biden administration, Texas is providing charter buses to send these illegal immigrants who have been dropped off by the Biden administration to Washington, D.C., Abbott noted. We are sending them to the United States capital where the Biden administration will be able to more immediately address the needs of the people that they are allowing to come across our border, he continued. The GOP governor also announced enhanced public safety inspection of vehicles crossing from Mexico into Texas at ports of entry. The new policy will necessarily dramatically slow traffic from Mexico into Texas, Abbott said, but he added that the new process is necessary to curb cartel traffic flowing from Mexico into Texas. Those two strategies are in addition to announcing the following actions to further deter illegal immigrants, including deploying boat blockades at appropriate regions in the Rio Grande River, deploying razor wire at low-water crossings in high traffic areas, creating container blockades to drive people away from low water crossings, Abbott said, indicating that he will be announcing additional measures soon. Biden isnt going to enforce border laws and maintain the integrity of our boundaries, so its going to be left up to states to do so, the federal government be darned. Sources include: USAFeatures.news WesternJournal.com (Natural News) You would think that someone who literally makes his or her living thanks to the First Amendments guarantee of free speech and freedom of the press would defend it to the hilt, but youd be wrong. Not all journalists look at the First Amendment the same way. In fact, an alarmingly high number of them look at it as a coveted political privilege available only to those who agree with them. Still others see advocates for free speech in a racial light because they are left-wing gaslighters whose No. 1 priority in all instances is the destruction of our society and culture. Take Charlotte Alter, a national correspondent and white woman who seeks favor from the left by being an apologist and self-loather presuming to speak for all other white Americans. In a column attacking billionaire Elon Musks attempt to purchase Twitter and his vow to return it to a free speech platform where all views (not violence, views) are welcome, Alter goes after the South African native over the color of his skin. Why does Musk care so much about this? Why would a guy who has pushed the boundaries of electric-vehicle manufacturing and plumbed the limits of commercial space flight care about who can say what on Twitter? she wrote recently. As noted by constitutional law expert and professor Jonathan Turley: The answer, not surprisingly, is about race and privilege. Alter cites Jason Goldman, who was an early figure shaping the Twitter censorship policies before he joined the Obama administration. Goldman declared, free speech has become an obsession of the mostly white, male members of the tech elite who would rather go back to the way things were. Alter also cites professor of communication at Stanford University Fred Turner who explains that free speech is just a dominant obsession with the most elite [and] seems to be much more of an obsession among men. Mind you, the way things were havent been the way things were for decades. While there are pockets of racism throughout our country there always will be in a multiracial, multi-ethnic society the widespread overt racism of the mid-1900s, with the segregated water fountains, schools, public transportation and housing, have long vanished. So this modern-day attempt by the loony left to claim that nothing much has changed or that things only recently got better is a flat-out lie. Worse, its destructive for our country. The left has always championed multi-ethnicity and a multi-racial society, but then they use it to racially gaslight the country at every opportunity. Barack Obama was an expert at it, and the left continues in his mold to this day, as Alter proves. Worse, these inane, perpetually grouchy, lecturing leftists are also not fans of our Constitution. They have no problems with the First Amendment until a guy like Musk wants to buy a platform that has been taken over by the left and used as a mechanism to censor and ban right-leaning views and speech. In arguing in favor of censorship, Alter engages in a heavy use of historical revisionism, claiming that free speech in the 21st century means something very different than it did in the 18th, when the Founders enshrined it in the Constitution, Turley writes. The right to say what you want without being imprisoned is not the same as the right to broadcast disinformation to millions of people on a corporate platform. This nuance seems to be lost on some techno-wizards who see any restriction as the enemy of innovation, he adds. Later, Turley skewers Alter for claiming that Musk doesnt have the proper education to decide who should and should not be able to speak freely. Tech titans often have a different understanding of speech than the rest of the world because most trained as engineers, not as writers or readers, and a lack of a humanities education might make them less attuned to the social and political nuances of speech, Alter lectured. In fact, she has a degree in English and literature; Musk has degrees in economics and physics. As Turley noted, no degree offers such determinative authority. Some of the most anti-free speech figures in our history have law degrees. A degree guarantees neither wisdom nor understanding. Many of the Framers were not legally trained but they had an innate sense and commitment to free speech, he wrote. Bottom line: Alter the leftist doesnt believe in free speech for those who disagree with her ideology. Thats what her complaint is really about. Shes a tyrant and an anti-libertarian. The fact that she makes her living under a right she seeks to limit others from fully enjoying makes her a gargantuan hypocrite as well. Sources include: JonathanTurley.org NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Leftists around the world are having meltdowns after news broke this week that SpaceX, Tesla and Starlink founder and CEO Elon Musk managed to successfully purchase Twitter, the second-biggest social media platform in the U.S. Thats because they know conservatives have been right all along: The platform has been shadow banning and reducing the reach of their posts and content when the Stalinists who run it werent suspending or completely banning others. But its not just the platforms leftist loser users who are having meltdowns: Twitter staffers are as well, and that includes, apparently, the companys top lawyer, according to a report in Politico. The outlet noted: Shortly after billionaire Elon Musk bought the powerful social media platform, top Twitter lawyer Vijaya Gadde called a virtual meeting with the policy and legal teams she oversees to discuss what the new ownership could mean for them. Gadde cried during the meeting as she expressed concerns about how the company could change, according to three people familiar with the meeting. She acknowledged that there are significant uncertainties about what the company will look like under Musks leadership. A spokesman for the platform, Trenton Kennedy, confirmed the incident, saying that the attorney become upset and emotional when discussing the impact her team had on the platform and how proud of them she was (for banning and censoring conservatives). It should also be noted that Gadde played a lead role in banning then-President Donald Trump over the lie that he incited insurrection regarding the false flag attack on the U.S. Capitol Building in January 2021. Politico, citing sources at the platform, went on to report that Gedde spoke at length about how she is proud of the work her team has done and offered employees encouragement, urging them to keep striving to do good work at the company. A Twitter lawyer since 2011, Gadde is the principal executive who is in charge of managing Twitters trust and safety issues along with her legal and public policy duties. Inside the company, she is viewed as the platforms moral authority and is in charge of dealing with issues like dangerous speech and harassment which, of course, has been meted out unevenly and almost always in favor of leftists to the detriment of conservatives. Gadde played a leading role in negotiating the deal between Twitter and Musk, according to one person familiar with the dynamics, Politico reported. First, Twitter employees and left-wing users freaked out when billionaire Musk became Twitters largest shareholder, buying up some 9.2 percent of available stock. Then, when he refused to take a board position because it would limit him to owning just 14 percent of the company stock and decided instead to make a full-on bid to buy the platform, the anxiety skyrocketed among staffers. I think everyone at Twitter, regardless of how they feel about the news, is feeling reflective and emotional, one Twitter employee told Politico. Weve gone through a lot in the past two years and I think its generally instigated a lot of reflection. I think this was more of an acknowledgment of the uncertainty everyone is feeling right now. A lot as in, the banning of conservatives and the censoring of very important election-related stories like burying reports by the New York Post on Hunter Bidens laptop and then locking the countrys oldest newspaper out of its Twitter account for weeks after the election. The fact is, Elon Musk whether his political leanings are right, left, or somewhere in the middle wants to reimagine Twitter in the manner in which it was designed: To be the 21st centurys electronic town hall, where all ideas can be debated and all voices that are not threatening can be heard. Suspending the Twitter account of a major news organization for publishing a truthful story was obviously incredibly inappropriate Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 26, 2022 The fact that many within Twitters ranks, as well as the leftists using the platform, are angry and concerned about that tells you who they really are: Authoritarians. Sources include: Politico.com NewsTarget.com (Natural News) Women who irresponsibly get pregnant and want to murder their unborn babies, but who live in a red state where abortion could soon become illegal, are now being encouraged to learn how to make their own do-it-yourself abortion drugs at home using livestock medications. After relentlessly mocking conservatives for treating the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) with ivermectin, an FDA-approved anti-parasitic for humans that also comes in veterinary form, hypocritical leftists are now doing much the same thing with misoprostol, an anti-ulcer drug for horses. According to an anarchist collective, misoprostol can be used by women to induce an abortion. The Four Thieves Vinegar Collective, as it calls itself, first demonstrated how to make DIY misoprostol tablets at the 2019 Please Try This at Home conference in Pittsburgh. Last year when Texas almost passed a near-total abortion ban, Mixael Laufer, who runs the collective, uploaded a 17-minute video explaining in detail how to make DIY abortion pills from horse medicine. The first thing to mention is this has been put together with a little bit of haste, Laufer states in the video. Theres been a great deal of panic because the Republic of Texas has gotten up to some shenanigans to benefit people who are in power and to keep a bunch of other people powerless. Leftists love to parody themselves So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to tweet about how irresponsibly pregnant women should avoid taking misoprostol because it is akin to horse paste in pill form. The FDA did this for ivermectin, of course, but will likely never say a word about misoprostol. Left-wing media giant VICE, meanwhile, published a feature piece promoting misoprostol. The article explains that the drug is used to treat ulcers in horses, which makes the powder relatively easy to acquire from veterinary sources. The VICE article admits that the use of misoprostol in this manner is reminiscent of ivermectin, though writer Jason Koebler made sure to add an opinion blip about how he believes that ivermectin is ineffective against covid, despite being popular among conspiracy theorists. We will not go into any further detail about Koeblers instructions for transforming misoprostol powder into makeshift DIY abortion drugs for women, but suffice it to say that it is a science experiment far more conspiratorial than taking ivermectin, an actual human drug, for covid. Outside of the U.S., ivermectin is widely available over the counter. Mexico, India, and many other countries supply it like they do aspirin does that make these countries havens for conspiracy theorists? The main difference here is that misoprostol does something, Motherboard tweeted, alleging that ivermectin does nothing beyond giving you the s***s. The reality is that leftist conspiracy theorists obsessed with abortion are now becoming their own basement-dwelling mad scientists. Misoprostol, which is used in not only horses but also dogs and cats, is their new holy grail drug for murdering unborn children. These people are just making hell a crowded place, wrote a commenter in response to the VICE piece about misoprostol. I will pray for them to find redemption but in the end, it is their soul not mine. Horse pills? Just say NEIGH! joked another. Can we just put these b***es out of their misery and just STERILIZE THEM ALL? wrote another about abortion-obsessed women and their enablers. Its like they are all in some sort of baby-killers death cult. If were going to do the animal thing, why not just spay and neuter all liberals? joked someone else. More related news about the Lefts love affair with abortion can be found at Abortions.news. Sources for this article include: VICE.com NaturalNews.com CitizenFreePress.com KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA - SEPTEMBER 10: A general view of Penampang district reserve forest during a Covid-19 vaccination outreach program on September 10, 2021 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Malaysia's health ministry vaccination efforts are starting to reach the country's remote villages - such as Kampung Longkogungan, at the Penampang district in Sabah state, which is located in Borneo, eastern Malaysia. With no road access, villagers have to hike for eight hours to reach the nearest town for medical services and other necessities. The pandemic has affected Longkogungan villagers' ability to travel, leading healthcare workers to fly by helicopter to deliver Covid-19 vaccinations. Sabah is the least vaccinated state in the country. Outreach programs such as this are being undertaken to help the state cope with the high number of Covid-19 cases and catch up with the national vaccination rate. (Photo : Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images) Researchers study for the first time fossilized leaves on Borneo, demonstrating the characteristics of dominant life form on Borneo and the entire Asian wet tropics - the dipterocarp trees. Borneo, a home to almost 270 dipterocarp species, looks much as it would have been during the Pliocene Epoch some 2.6-5.3 million years ago, according to researchers. Upon studying fossil leaves there in details, it revealed an ancient forest that have thrived and fostered biodiversity in the island for 4 million years, as Science Alert reported. With tropical Asian biodiversity currently under climate threat, the island plays a crucial role in supporting that biodiversity and this finding suggests a valuable ecosystem to protect for future generations to come. Dominant Life Form in the Island More than half the total of global species is made up by dipterocarps, one of the tallest trees in the world, growing up to heights of 100 meters (328 feet, the height of a 22-story building Dipterocarps, the current dominant tree group in the nation of Brunei on the island of Borneo, has dominated the rainforests for at least four million years, according to an international research team led by Penn State in partnership with Universiti Brunei Darussalam. "This is the first demonstration that the characteristic dominant life form of Borneo and the entire Asian wet tropics, the dipterocarp trees, was not only present but actually dominant," says paleobotanist Peter Wilf, professor of geosciences in the Penn State College Earth and Mineral Sciences and a co-funded faculty member in the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE). "We found many more fossils of dipterocarps than any other plant group." In spite being really tall, rock fossils of their leaves are difficult to find, because of the cover provided by the forests and their soils, Wilf said. The findings, published in the journal PeerJ, suggest that the current landscape is similar to those 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago may provide additional justification for conservation of these forests that support many critically endangered species. Also read: Cities in Britain and London to Experience a 9-Day 'Mini-Heatwave' Foundation of Life for the Island's Flora and Fauna Despite the the prevalence of logging activities, agricultural conversion of the land, climate change, and deforestation in the island of Borneo, it managed to preserve majority of its old-growth rainforests. Past studies of the island's plant life generally involved fossil pollen. However, due to dipterocarp pollen decays prone to decay, there has been a suspicion that pollen studies haven't provided researchers the whole picture. Here, the team found that rocks with many dipterocarp leaf fossils, combined with dipterocarp pollen, reveal an ancient world of mangroves, swamps, tropical lowland rainforests, and diverse fern undergrowth and climbing plants - an ancient ecosystem almost exactly like what is found in Brunei today. "We're getting to actually seeing what the environment was like millions of years ago," says Wilf. "It was very much like what you can find there now, although those habitats have been cut down across much of tropical Asia." According to Wilf, every paleontological discovery provides foundational support for setting up conservation areas and educating the public, among others. Now, around 89 percent of the Asian dipterocarp species have Near Threatened status, while 57 percent are labeled as Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct. Related article: Impressive Microbes Found to Thrive Despite Megafires and Wildfires IN SPACE - NOVEMBER 18: In this handout photo provided by NASA, a Solar and Heliospheric Observatory image shows Region 486 that unleashed a record flare last week (lower left) November 18, 2003 on the sun. The spot itself cannot yet be seen but large, hot, gas-filled loops above this region are visible. These post-flare loops are still active. (Photo : Photo by NASA via Getty Images) It may not be as talked about as it should probably was, but more than 50 years ago, the world almost reached a brink due to a huge solar storm. However, the almost-end-of-the-world event was not directly caused by it. In 1967, when the Cold War was in power, the sun ejected one of the largest solar storms ever observed at the time, producing a colossal radio burst that almost triggered a US-Russian war, Newsweek reported. The U.S and Russia at the time was in a period of geopolitical tension which lasted in decades, creating severe economic problems and growing political ferment. When the historic solar storm interfered with communication services here on Earth, it immediately troubled the United States military, which they interpreted as a deliberate jamming attempt by a foreign adversary. At that time, such movement was considered a potential act of war, with the U.S. operating a radar-based early-warning missile detection system to defend against the Soviet Union. What Could Have Been a Nuclear Holocaust that "Never Came to Pass" Space weather forecasters luckily managed to intervene and convince decision-makers of the U.S. Air Force that the Sun was probably behind the radio interference. According to a report published in the journal Space Weather, Colonel C. K. Anderson and his solar forecasting staff were credited with providing information that "eventually calmed nerves and allowed aircraft engines to cool as they returned to normal alert stance ... it appears that unlike some of the human-error and miscommunication events in the 1970s, bombers did not take to the skies but were nonetheless positioned to do so." Although, the storm did measure as an extreme G5-class storm on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's geomagnetic storm scale-the most severe type. "As a result of this near incident, the need to incorporate real-time space weather information into the Air Force decision-making process was made obvious to many, and several major efforts were undertaken to greatly improve the operational capability of the AWS Space Environmental Support System," the report quoted. Also read: New Satellite Data Reveals Freshwaters are Growing Fresher and Salt Waters are Growing Saltier Space Weather Technology: "As Important as Physics" The sun has proven its capability to send blasts of radio interference since then. If that type of solar storm happened today, it is "very unlikely" that it would lead to a misinformed military attack, given developments in space weather technology since then, said Morris Cohen, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Georgia Tech and the president of the Atmospheric and Space Electricity Section at the American Geophysical Union. Although military confusion caused by a solar flare may have decreased now, solar activity is still harmful and can extremely disrupt electronics across the globe, Newsweek wrote, especially with the broad reliance on radio signals across the spectrum, said Delores Knipp, research professor and fellow at the American Meteorological Society and co-author of the 2016 report. She adds that a larger concern now, perhaps, "are efforts to deny radio access and masquerade that interference as a solar event." In the past decades, it is clear that lots of effort has gone into mitigating that problem. Related article: Extreme Heat in India Approaches 50C Threatening Livelihood and Crops The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for portions of Lorain County until 7:45 p.m., as well as a tornado watch for much of Northeast Ohio until 9 p.m. A storm system capable of creating a tornado was detected near Wellington, or 12 miles southwest of Elyria, at 7:10 p.m., heading northeast at 45 mph. The weather service stated that radar showed rotation and issued a warning for quarter-sized hail. Also, National Weather Service predicts strong winds Thursday and Friday, with gusts reaching 45 mph on Thursday and 55 mph on Friday, as well as small precipitation in Nevada and Northern California. Rainfall system in Ohio Those trapped without cover will be at risk from flying debris. Mobile houses will sustain damage or be demolished. Roofs, windows, and automobiles will sustain damage. Trees are likely to be damaged. The tornado warning extends over 18 counties in Northeast Ohio, as per WTRF. The weather service anticipates wind gusts of 34 knots or higher on Lake Erie, and small ships may be destroyed by momentarily stronger winds and abruptly higher waves. Clouds will cover the whole area throughout your day today, so the sunlight will be scarce. Later afternoon and evening, a strong cold front will pass over Ohio and West Virginia. A few showers may begin in the afternoon, but the most intense showers and storms are likely to arrive between 3 to 5 pm. Those will become more dispersed around 8 p.m., but forecasters say that there will still have sporadic rain/storms until approximately 2 a.m. tomorrow. Also Read: In a Rare Occurence, Tornado Wrecks Havoc in Victoria, Australia Weather forecast in Reno, Tahoe Traffic will be difficult both in the air and on the ground due to the winds; regions of flying dust are expected and might impede travel on Interstate 80, U.S. 50, and Highway 95, as per Reno Gazette Journal The weekend will be windy, with a powerful cold front moving in on Sunday. The front will bring windy weather and a maximum temperature of roughly 51 degrees in Reno, which is about 20 degrees below typical. Sunday's maximum temperature in Truckee will be 39 degrees. Rain and snow showers are also expected as a result of the front. While the amounts will be minor, there is a good likelihood that the valley bottom will be covered in snow by Sunday evening. It is not predicted that the snow will stick. Temperatures will stay far below average for the rest of the week, with peaks in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Light rains are expected to persist throughout Tuesday, with some locations seeing evening freezing temperatures on Sunday and Monday nights. The major aspects of the major weather setup will be strong winds contained within any developing severe storms and the possibility of hail production. A rogue tornado or two is unlikely, but not impossible. Power outages Extreme storms have caused power disruptions in some sections of Ohio and West Virginia. AEP and AEP Ohio are responsible for all reported outages. Related article: Puerto Rico: Rare Tornado Wreaks Havoc Across the City of Arecibo Mosquitoes that transmit Zika, malaria, and dengue disease, Aedes aegypti, have evolved to bite people nearly exclusively. A team has now figured out how they can target us so precisely. Mosquitoes looking for a blood meal utilize several cues to locate us, including our body heat and carbon dioxide in our breath. According to new research, a specific olfactory receptor in their antennae also serves as a human detector, responding to smelly chemicals in our sweat. How do mosquito brains encode such odor as humans? Most mosquitos on the planet are promiscuous, meaning they will take blood from any surrounding source. However, in some areas, Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits Zika, dengue, and yellow fever, has evolved to bite people nearly exclusively. To flourish as a specialized feeder, relying on only one species like ours for survival, they must have evolved highly accurate targeting tactics. Carolyn "Lindy" McBride, an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary theory and cognitive science, said, "We set out to try to understand how these mosquitoes make a distinction between human and animal odor, including both terms of what that is regarding human smell that they help in guiding in with and what portion of their brain means allowing them to cue in on such signals," as per ScienceDaily. Her team has uncovered answers to both portions of this equation after years of hard labor and innumerable scientific and technical hurdles. Zhilei Zhao, a 2021 Ph.D. alumna currently at Cornell, pioneered their innovative method of visualizing mosquito brains at very high resolution to see how the mosquito determines its next victim. To do this, he had to first genetically modify mosquitos so that their brains lighted up when they were active, and then the team had to provide human- and animal-flavored air in manners that the mosquitos could sense while within the team's custom-built imaging equipment. Human odor is made up of dozens of distinct chemicals, and most animal scents include the same molecules in slightly varying ratios. Because none of these molecules are appealing to mosquitos on their own, the task was to identify the precise combination of components that mosquitos utilize to distinguish human odor. Also Read: Scientists Propose To Stop Malaria By Protecting Mosquitoes They can sense humans and animals through sweats According to Matthew DeGennaro, a neurogeneticist at Florida International University in Miami, they discovered a receptor for human perspiration and discovered that acidic volatiles that comes off of humans are particularly important for mosquitoes to detect people. Lindy McBride, a Princeton University scientist who studies mosquito behavior and was not part of the research team, said, "I think what's fascinating about it is that we now have proof that there is some type of route, in the sense of smell, that is essential for mosquitoes to like people," as per NPR. DeGennaro and his collaborators genetically modified mosquitos to inhibit the activation of an olfactory receptor known as Ir8a. As a result, female mosquitos that suck blood were no longer attracted to lactic acid, an important component of human perspiration. Furthermore, the researchers conducted a series of laboratory studies to see if blocking this receptor might make mosquitos less receptive to people. The scientists encouraged participants to place their hands inside an "olfactometer," which allowed mosquitos to smell them from a distance. Mosquitoes kept in captivity may fly through the device to get near, but not close enough to bite. Experiments revealed that genetically modifying mosquitos to block this olfactory receptor rendered bugs substantially less inclined to fly near people's skin. Related article: What Would Happen If We Got Rid of All Mosquitoes in the World? Three University of Oklahoma (OU) meteorology students died in a car accident just after a successful storm chasing activity from the Kansas tornado outbreak last week. For the past several days, new details have emerged regarding the circumstances that led to their deaths. Oklahoma Road Accident The accident of the three OU students Drake Brooks, 22, Gavin Short, 19, and Nicholas Nair, 20, occurred while they were traveling the southbound lane of Interstate 35 (I-35) in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, near the Kansas border on Friday, April 29, according to the New York Times, as cited by AccuWeather. After their storm-chasing trip in Kansas, their vehicle "hydroplaned" and "stalled" in the middle of the I-35 before being hit by a truck. The OU students were pronounced dead on arrival and the truck driver survived the collision and was sent to a hospital for sustained injuries. The site of the crash was four miles north of Herington, Kansas, and reportedly occurred just several hours after videos were posted on social media that a tornado just passed over the highway in the Herington area. The twister in the said area is a separate one from the tornado that wreaked havoc in Kansas, wherein an EF3 tornado under the Enhanced Fujita Scale or EF Scale caused widespread damage to property and several injuries. Also Read: Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted for Southern Plains and Mississippi River Valley Tributes Paid A multitude of tributes poured for the trio, ranging from students and officials of OU, social media users, the National Weather Service (NWS), and even from American storm chaser and meteorologist Reed Timmer. In a Twitter post on Monday, May 2, Timmer underscored that his future storm chases will be tributed to lost members of the storm-chasing community Nic, Gavin, and Drake. The storm chase veteran also acknowledged the killed trio's passion will inspire weather enthusiasts. My future storm chases are dedicated to the @MetCrewChasers lost team members Nic, Gavin, and Drake. I wear proudly your sticker on Dominator Fore. I am so sorry this happened to you. Your passion will always shine bright and inspire weather enthusiasts far and wide #RIPOU3 Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerAccu) May 1, 2022 Meanwhile, a number of students from OU's meteorology department also provided their support on social media. The university's College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences also showed its dismay on Twitter after receiving the news of the fatal car crash last Friday evening. Furthermore, a GoFundMe petition has been submitted to support the families of the killed OU students. The fund goal $75,000. With more than 100 people to have donated already, the fund has already garnered $65,513 as of Wednesday evening, May 4. Storm Chase Road Accidents Due to damaging winds of the powerful swirling vortex of air from a tornado, road accidents during a storm chase, similar to the incident involving the three meteorology students in Oklahoma, have occurred in the past, as compiled by AccuWeather: In 2017, three storm chasers Corbin Jaeger, 25, Kelley Williamson, 57, and Randy Yarnall, 55, also died in a road accident near Spur, Texas, when two vehicles collided along a rural crossroad, while the said trio were performing a livestream. In 2013, a tornado outbreak near El Reno, Oklahoma, led to the deaths of a storm chasing group called TWISTEX, including Carl Young, Paul Samaras, and Tim Samaras. In 2012, storm chaser Andy Gabrielson died when a car navigated the wrong way and struck his vehicle. Related Article: Tornado Brings Chaos and Destruction in a Small Town in Kansas A recent study suggested that replacing 20% of bovine meat with microbial protein, a meat substitute generated in fermentation tanks, by 2050 might cut deforestation in half. The market-ready meat substitute has a comparable flavor and texture to beef, but it is a biotech product that uses far fewer land resources and generates far fewer greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land-use change. This is based on the idea that a rising global population's hunger for meaty bites is increasing, and it is the first time academics have projected the development of these market-ready meat replacements into the future, analyzing their potential environmental effect. Sustainable meat In contrast to earlier studies at the level of single items, the team of researchers from Germany and Sweden integrated microbial protein in a computer simulation model to discover environmental impacts in the context of the entire food and agricultural system. Their simulations run through 2050 and take into consideration future population increase, food consumption, eating habits, and land use and agriculture dynamics. As meat consumption rises in the future, more forests and non-forest natural vegetation may be wiped off to make way for pastures and crops. According to Florian Humpenoder, investigator at PIK and primary study author, the food system is responsible for one-third of carbon dioxide emissions, with the bovine meat industry being the single greatest source, as per ScienceDaily. This is due to the clearing of more and more trees that store a lot of carbon for grazing cattle or growing feed, as well as the additional greenhouse-gas emissions from animal husbandry. Existing biotechnology might contribute to the answer. Nutritious protein-rich biomass with a meat-like texture generated by microorganisms such as fungus via fermentation is referred to by scientists as "microbial protein." Researchers discovered that substituting 20% of ruminant meat per capita by 2050 will cut yearly deforestation and CO2 emissions from land-use change in half compared to a business-as-usual scenario. According to Humpenoder, reducing the number of cattle not only reduces the pressure on land but also reduces greenhouse gases from the intestine of cattle and nitrous oxide emission levels from fertilization of feed or manure management. Thus, substituting minced red meat with microbial protein would have been a great start to reducing the negative impacts of modern beef production. Also Read: Bill Gates Supports Meat Substitute Made From Yellowstone Hot Spring Fungus In the future, microbial protein might significantly lower the carbon dioxide footprint The excellent news is that individuals need not be concerned about eating exclusively greens in the future. They can continue to consume burgers and other similar foods; the burger patties, however, will be manufactured in a different manner, as per DailyMail. Deforestation, or the permanent removal of trees, is a serious environmental concern that destroys forest habitats and causes biological diversity to decline. The purposeful igniting of the rainforest canopy to make way for agricultural crops is a major source of deforestation. More and more carbon dioxide-rich forests are being destroyed for livestock grazing or feed production. As consumption of meat rises in the future, additional forests and non-forest vegetation cover may be wiped off to make way for pastures and crops. According to Humpenoder, the food system is responsible for one-third of carbon dioxide emissions, with ruminant production of meat being the single greatest contributor. However, "microbial protein," a nutritious protein-rich biomass with a meat-like texture created by bacteria via fermentation, might be part of the solution. Related article: Plant Based Meat Alternatives Can Dent Conventional Meat Market by 2025 Sheep rustling has become a challenge in the agricultural and livestock industry of the UK's rural areas. In the latest yet outstanding cases of them, 55 sheep have reportedly disappeared in the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles, Scotland, in a span of one and a half months. The incident added to the growing concerns affecting local crofters and farmers that such rural crime has increased since the pandemic resulted in an increased demand for food. This paved the way for a reported spike in livestock theft and butchering. 55 Sheep Missing Between February 16 and April 2, suspected thieves have stolen 55 sheep from the Laxay Common grazing area in Lewis. A BBC report mentions that the incident has already caught the attention of the local police as of Wednesday, May 4. Among the missing sheep, includes 32 ewes and 23 unborn lambs from the said area shared by crofters for raising livestock. The 32 sheep, with a breed mixture of Beltex, Mules, Texel, Oxford, and black-faced crosses, were reportedly expected to deliver the 23 lambs. Also Read: Police Rescued 53 Dogs That Arrived at an Illegal Slaughterhouse in Indonesia Mysterious Disappearance According to the UK-based farming and agri-business news The Scottish Farmer, the owner of the missing sheep Lewis crofter, Ruth Macdonald, has shown her desperation and frustration due to the disappearance of the high-valued livestock in "mysterious circumstances" while out on the moor. A decade ago, Ruth, a former shepherd on dairy farms in the mainland UK, decided with her husband to create a pedigree flock of Texel sheep with commercial ewes. In 2021, Ruth bought the 23 young sheep, which she considered a big investment, and sent them to the moor with the rest of the flock. Ruth went back for her sheep for lambing several times with no issues. However, the flock disappeared when she visited them in April. The sheep owner only noticed when she was gathering the rest of the herd of sheep at the site. Initial Investigation Preliminary investigation by the police suggests that a vehicle, notably a trailer, was used by the suspected thieves to remove the sheep from the area, given their large numbers, according to Constable Rick Henderson from Stornoway Police Station, as cited by the BBC. Henderson also expressed the local authorities' interest in speaking with anyone with knowledge of the incident, particularly if they believe someone was offered the sale of the sheep. The appeal came after the police conducted extensive and widespread searches of the area, with no evidence or traces of the animals being found. There were also no immediate reports if the local police have already found a potential lead or suspect/s. Rural Crime: Sheep Rustling Widespread sheep thefts have increased across Great Britain, making sheep rustling the most economically-damaging crime for farmers, just after an agricultural vehicle and machinery theft, according to the NFU Mutual rural insurer company, as cited by The Guardian. The rural insurer also estimated there has been a 15% annual increase in terms of sheep rustling since the COVID-19 pandemic, with most livestock stolen such as sheep and lambs in April. In Scotland alone, the insurer approximated the cost of the rural crime has increase to 44% or 2.3 million in 2021, as cited by The Scottish Farmer. Related Article: Black Vultures Becoming More Problematic for Livestock in Some US Regions The winners of a critical FCC auction for midband spectrum that ended last November have received their official grants of license to use the airwaves for which they spent a total of $22.4 billion, the FCC announced Wednesday. A total of 4,041 licenses were issued to 23 different bidders, according to the commission. Licensees hoping to use the spectrum for 5G rollouts still have to reimburse incumbent non-federal users of the band, which had been in use for radiolocation purposes, and the FCC said that further details about those costs would be laid out in a subsequent filing. Auction 110 saw the government sell off 100MHz of spectrum in the midband around the 3.45GHz range divided into 10 10MHz blocks for each Partial Economic Area or PEA that the FCC adopted in 2014. (There are 416 PEAs covering the US, meaning that 119 specific licenses were not sold in the auction.) AT&T top spender for 5G spectrum The spectrum is expected to be used mostly by major wireless telecom companies to provide 5G service around the country. Hence, prices for spectrum in sparsely populated PEAs were relatively low, while prices for blocks covering major cities saw enormous bids. The auction's top spender was AT&T, which spent more than $9 billion for numerous spectrum blocks covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in addition to many licenses in less populated areas. Close behind was DISH Network, which spent more than $7.3 billion on a similar range of spectrum across both major population centers and more rural areas. T-Mobile also snapped up important spectrum blocks in both high- and low-population areas, for a total spend of almost $2.9 billlion. Mid-band spectrum is thought to be particularly valuable to carriers rolling out 5G because it sits in a "goldilocks zone" of the airwaves. Particularly high frequencies in, for example, the millimeter-wave bands of 45GHz and above tend to have much wider available channels, and can thus support extremely high levels of throughput, but are limited in the range at which they usefully propagate. Lower frequencies, in the sub-GHz range, by contrast, can cover enormous geographic areas from a single access point, but generally feature smaller channels and thus, can't provide the same level of throughput. The midband, then, between roughly 2GHz and 6Ghz, is a sweet spot for wireless service providers, since it features both a useful propagation range and enough channel availability to support fast connections. Even before the tight labor market that emerged in the later stages of the pandemic, enterprise network operations teams were struggling to hire personnel, especially people with advanced technical skills. Its safe to say the pandemic has only exacerbated the situation. Over the last six years, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) has observed a significant decline in the effectiveness of network operations teams. EMAs ongoing, biennial Network Management Megatrends research asks NetOps professionals to assess the success of their teams every two years. In 2016, 49% were fully successful. In 2022, only 27% reported total success. EMA believes that the current IT job market is partly to blame. [ Get regularly scheduled insights by signing up for Network World newsletters. ] Skills shortage, travel restrictions, benefits The 2022 iteration of the research asked participants to identify their top barriers to NetOps success. The top issue, as selected by 27% of respondents, was a shortage of skilled personnel. EMA dug a little deeper, asking participants whether they felt it was difficult or easy to hire and retain personnel with network-technology expertise. Only 12.5% described hiring and retention of personnel as very easy. Organizations that struggle with hiring were more likely to report a lack of network operations success. The research identified several issues preventing NetOps teams from finding good people. First and foremost, 47% reported that the talent pools available to them lack the specialized technical skills they are looking for. Forty-percent said they are dealing with COVID-related issues, such as economic uncertainty and travel restrictions. A network-security architect with a large bank said, It seems like there are not a lot of talented people applying. From my experience, when there are turbulent times, a lot of talent sits tight. A network engineer with a Fortune 100 consumer goods manufacturer noted that travel restrictions have caused problems hiring people for his group. As a global company, if someone based in Costa Rica needs to fly to the US for a job, its not possible, he said. Another 40% said that employment benefits have become a challenge. People want better flexibility on the job and stronger healthcare coverage. EMA believes this is additional fallout from the pandemic. Automation: Doing more with less Finally, 40% cited IT leaderships desire for lean operations. They want NetOps teams to do more with less. In EMAs ongoing interactions with network-operations leaders, the issue of attrition has come up again and again, and the early days of the pandemic exacerbated this issue. Vacated jobs have gone unfilled and not necessarily because the right people arent available. Instead, the CIOs office keeps the job open to save money. And they expect NetOps to overcome this attrition by automating operations. In fact, 78% of research respondents agreed that network automation tools can remediate this issue to some degree. Unfortunately, IT organizations cant magically implement network automation to fix the issue. It takes time to get automation up and running. It also requires the right people. Research participants identified network automation as the second most difficult skill to hire for today (35%). Network security skills are the hardest to come by (37%). Network monitoring (32%), network troubleshooting (29%) and public cloud networking (29%) round out the top five skills that NetOps teams are struggling to hire. What to do There are several things you can do to address this talent shortage. As we already mentioned, network automation can help. Second, EMA has found that teams that are struggling the most with hiring are making adjustments to their network operations toolsets. First, they are seeking tools that offer integrated security insights. They also favor tools with strong mapping and visualization of data. And finally, they are enhancing their ability to implement network-usage policy enforcement. Several research participants also offered some good advice. Its important to have someone with a decent IQ and a willingness to learn, said an IT operations manager with a very large government agency. A good personality is way more important than knowing absolutely everything about technology. You can train someone who is new, give them experience and responsibility. If they want that, it works out great. I look for potential, said a network team manager with a Fortune 100 pharmaceutical company. I ask, What have you done? Based on that answer, if he understands technically what he has done on the job, I believe he can learn to work on a new technology. We dont often hire for top-tier skills in a very specific technology. Were just looking for general networking skills. In other words, look for smart people who want to learn. They need a minimum of technical skills, but they can learn the rest on the job. This means that you must be prepared to devote resources to training and mentoring them and give them the space and time to learn. In EMAs opinion, NetOps teams need to invest in people, not just technology. Co-Founder and CEO of the Israeli company Mine Gal Ringel poses for a picture during and interview at his office in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, on April 26, 2022. Three young Israelis formerly serving in military cyber units have figured out how to locate your digital footprint -- and give you the tools to delete it. AFP photo. Three young Israelis formerly serving in military cyber units have figured out how to locate your digital footprint -- and give you the tools to delete it. The company Mine, co-founded by Gal Ringel, Gal Golan and Kobi Nissan, says it uses artificial intelligence to show users where their information is being stored -- like whether an online shoe store kept your data after a sneaker purchase three years ago. Ringel said Mines technology has already been used by one million people worldwide, with over 10 million right to be forgotten requests sent to companies using the firms platform. Mine launched after the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) -- now an international reference point -- set out key rights for users, including the deletion of personal data that was shared with a site for a limited purpose. The companys AI technology scans the subject lines of users emails and flags where data is being stored. Individuals can then decide which information they want deleted and use Mines email template to execute their right to be forgotten. It means they can delete their digital footprint with a click of a button, Ringel said. Were not telling people to not use Facebook or Google. We say: go ahead, enjoy, use whatever you want, he said. But as you enjoy using the internet, well show you who knows what about you, what they know about you... what is the risk and how to remove it, he added. Last year, hackers broke into the database of Atraf, an Israeli LGBTQ dating website, using the personal information there for extortion. The year before, Shirbit, a major insurance company, was hacked and troves of data stolen. Despite those and smaller breaches, Naama Matarasso Karpel from advocacy group Privacy Israel said the public was relatively indifferent. She also criticised Israels privacy legislation as inadequate for tackling todays online challenges. Privacy is a bit like health or air -- we dont really feel the need for it until we really see how much we lack it, she said. While public awareness on privacy rights has been slow on the uptake, she said many corporations were realising that better privacy practices made for good business. Nobody wants to be caught off-guard, Matarasso Karpel said. Companies are starting to see privacy as a value that has to be maintained in order to establish trust with customers, she added. Mines co-founder Ringel said companies had contacted his firm for help with the challenging and cumbersome process of locating and removing information, in line with the right to be forgotten. We help companies to automate that process without any human involvement, he said, reducing their efforts and costs. But lawyer Omer Tene, co-founder of the Israel Tech Policy Institute, cautioned that deleting specific individual requests was a complicated technical exercise. Some companies and organisations cannot legally delete information like blockchains or records of financial interactions needed for tax purposes. Even information that can be deleted is often kept in varying degrees of identifiability, Tene said. All of this nuance makes it difficult to deliver on a promise from both the consumer side and the corporate side, to enable deletion by pressing a button, Tene warned. Turkey deliberately destroyed its chances of joining the EU by jailing Osman Kavala, a critic of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the European Parliament said Thursday. MEPs adopted a nonbinding resolution strongly condemning the life sentence an Istanbul court last week handed to Kavala on controversial charges of trying to topple the government. The 64-year-old philanthropist had already been held without conviction for more than four years. The current Turkish Government has deliberately destroyed any hopes of reopening its EU accession process or opening new chapters and closing open ones under the current circumstances, the resolution said. It called Kavala's detention unjust, unlawful and illegitimate and demanded his immediate liberation. The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said just after the verdict that the bloc's members deeply regret it. On Wednesday, the EU's commissioner for international partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, told the European Parliament that the sentence was a chilling warning about the shrinking space for civil society in Turkey. Kavala, a soft-spoken intellectual and businessman, has denied the charges levelled against him and said ahead of the court's verdict that he was the target of judicial assassination. He was accused in the court of funding large-scale anti-government protests in 2013, when Erdogan was prime minister. Erdogan has portrayed him as a leftist agent of the Hungarian-born US billionaire George Soros. Previously, Kavala was also charged with involvement in a failed 2016 putsch seen as driving a more authoritarian streak by Erdogan. Turkey's bid to restart EU membership negotiations have stalled as sharp tensions between Brussels and Ankara flare on numerous issues, including increased repression under Erdogan in recent years. Hans Martin Henrichsen. -- UNB photo. Telecom operator Grameenphone has appointed Hans Martin Henrichsen of Norway as the companys new chief corporate affairs officer. He will replace Ole Bjorn Sjulstad on May 15. Hossain Sadat has been playing the role of an acting CCAO before this announcement. Earlier, Hans served as CCAO of Telenor Myanmar and played a critical role in running its operation during the most challenging times. He comes with extensive experience in building and maintaining Telenors international business portfolio, and business case modelling for mobile licence acquisition. Hans has been involved in almost all of Telenors operations in Asia over the last 20 years. Previously he played the role of the chief country officer in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2018, which gives him a great deal of understanding of the local context and business environment. GP CEO Yasir Azman said, Hans Martins deep understanding of the business environment and regulatory dynamics will help us set the right strategic direction for the best interest of our customers, shareholders and stakeholders. Hans said, Bangladesh and Grameenphone are very close to my heart. I am excited to be back in one of the most thrilling and dynamic telecom markets and look forward to joining the winning team again to unfold the next chapter of digitalisation in Bangladesh. A MINUSMA peacekeeper from China works at the construction site of a new ammunition depot of the Jordanian peacekeeping ground element in Gao, Mali in late April, 2022. GAO, Mali, May 5 -- Recently, the engineering detachment of the 9th Chinese peacekeeping force to Mali completed the construction of a new ammunition depot for the Jordanian ground detachment at the UN compound of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Gao. It is learned that, due to years of rainwash and poor maintenance, the old ammunition depot of the Jordanian ground detachment has been out of normal use. It is in urgent need to build a new one to ensure the safety of the peacekeepers and ammunitions. According to the mission issued by the Engineering Office under the Sector East Command of the MINUSMA, the construction task ranks Level 1 in priority, and the Chinese peacekeepers should complete the construction of the new depot within 30 working days. The construction site had witnessed the hard work of more than 300 Chinese peacekeeping engineers operating more than 100 sets of engineering machines and equipment including excavators and loaders. The Chinese peacekeepers finished building of the depot within 17 days, 13 days ahead of the scheduled construction period, and passed the acceptance inspection of the MINUSMA engineering department at one time. Besides, the new ammunition depot built by the Chinese peacekeeping engineers has been hailed by the MINUSMA Headquarters as a model of Chinese engineering, and will be promoted in the camps of all the MINUSMA peacekeeping forces. A MINUSMA peacekeeper from China works at the construction site of a new ammunition depot of the Jordanian peacekeeping ground element in Gao, Mali in late April, 2022. 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). Our County Editor Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's Our County section and former editor of the Rantoul Press. He can be reached at dhinton@news-gazette.com. AP A coalition including the four medical schools at the nation's historically Black colleges and universities has announced a new initiative aimed at increasing the number of Black Americans registered as organ donors and combating disparities among transplant recipients AP Ukrainian fighters at Mariupols pulverized steel plant are holding out against Russian troops in an increasingly desperate effort to keep Moscow from taking the strategic port city Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy. High 88F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Bochum researchers have gained new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of absence seizures and potential therapy options. Stimulation of certain cerebellar areas could help combat absence seizures. However, what happens at the cellular and molecular level in the brain in this form of epilepsy and how exactly stimulation has an effect is not yet understood in detail. Researchers at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB) have gained new insights by conducting experiments with mice. The team led by Dr. Jan Claudius Schwitalla and Professor Melanie Mark from the RUB Behavioral Neuroscience research group describes the results in the journal "Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences" from 19 March 2022. They cooperated with the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam and Utrecht as well as with colleagues from Bonn, Munster and Munchen. Abrupt loss of consciousness More than 1.5 million people worldwide suffer from absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures. Patients experience an abrupt loss of consciousness and lapse into a paralysis of behavior that lasts for a few seconds. Absence seizures often occur in children between the ages of four and twelve and are often mistaken for daydreaming. They are linked to altered brain activity, which is visible in brain activity recordings as so-called spike-and-wave discharges (SWDs). The characteristic activity pattern originates from the rhythmic and synchronized activity of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex and thalamus. Since the nuclei located deep in the cerebellum have a widespread connectivity to various regions of the brain, researchers proposed that it might be possible to treat seizures by stimulating the cerebellar nuclei. Experiments with rodents by other research groups showed that such stimulation can indeed stop absence seizures. However, it is unclear what underlies this effect at the cellular and molecular level. Cerebellar stimulation against abnormal brain activity The Bochum-based researchers worked with mice that develop absence seizures due to a lack of the P/Q-type calcium channel in nerve cells of the cerebellum. They found that cells of the cerebellar nuclei were firing abnormally, and that stimulation of these cells could prevent further SWDs. Therefore, they stimulated the cerebellar nuclei by administering a pharmacological substance or via chemogenetic stimulation. For chemogenetic stimulation, a genetically modified receptor is introduced into cells so that they can be activated by a specifically designed molecule normally not present in the brain. This allowed the researchers to slowly increase the activity of the cerebellar nuclei cells and thus prevent the occurrence of further SWDs in mice. Furthermore, the team used optogenetic stimulation to briefly increase the activity of cells in the cerebellar nuclei and to stop on-going SWDs after they have started. This technique uses proteins from algae that can be turned on by light to increase the activity of nerve cells. Overall, the study confirmed that targeted stimulation of the cerebellar nuclei could become a therapeutic approach for people suffering from absence seizures. The biotech industry is constantly searching for the perfect mutation, where properties from different proteins are synthetically combined to achieve a desired effect. It may be necessary to develop new medicaments or enzymes that prolong the shelf-life of yogurt, break down plastics in the wild, or make washing powder effective at low water temperature. New research from DTU Compute and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen (DIKU) can in the long term help the industry to accelerate the process. In the journal Nature Communications, the researchers explain how a new way of using Machine Learning (ML) draws a map of proteins, that makes it possible to appoint a candidate list of the proteins that you need to examine more closely. In recent years, we have started to use Machine Learning to form a picture of permitted mutations in proteins. The problem is, however, that you get different images depending on what method you use, and even if you train the same model several times, it can provide different answers about how the biology is related. In our work, we are looking at how to make this process more robust, and we are showing that you can extract significantly more biological information than you have previously been able to. This is an important step forward in order to be able to explore the mutation landscape in the hunt for proteins with special properties." Postdoc Nicki Skafte Detlefsen from the Cognitive Systems section at DTU Compute The map of the proteins A protein is a chain of amino acids, and a mutation occurs when just one of these amino acids in the chain is replaced with another. As there are 20 natural amino acids, this means that the number of mutations increases so quickly that it is completely impossible to study them all. There are more possible mutations than there are atoms in the universe, even if you look at simple proteins. It is not possible to test everything in an experimental manner, so you must be selective about which proteins you want to try to produce synthetically. The researchers from DIKU and DTU Compute have used their ML model to generate a picture of how the proteins are linked. By presenting the model for many examples of protein sequences, it learns to draw a card with a dot for each protein so that closely related proteins are placed close to each other while distantly related proteins are placed far from each other. The ML model is based on mathematics and geometry developed to draw maps. Imagine that you must make a map of the globe. If you zoom in on Denmark, you can easily draw a map on a piece of paper that preserves the geography. But if you must draw the earth, mistakes will occur because you stretch the globe, so that the Arctic becomes a long country instead of a pole. So, on the map, the earth is distorted. For this reason, research in map-making has developed a lot of mathematics that describe the distortions and compensate for the distortions on the map. This is exactly the theory that DIKU and DTU Compute have been able to expand to cover their Machine Learning model (deep learning) for proteins. Because they have mastered the distortion on the map, they can also compensate for it. "It enables us to talk about what a sensible distance target is between proteins that are closely related, and then we can suddenly measure it. In this way, we can draw a path through the map of the proteins that tells us which way we expect a protein to develop from to another i.e. mutated, since they are all related to evolution. In this way, the ML model can measure a distance between the proteins and draw optimal paths between promising proteins," says Wouter Boomsma, Associate Professor in the section for Machine Learning at DIKU. The researchers have tested the model on data from numerous proteins that are found in nature, where their structure is known, and they can see that the distance between proteins starts to correspond to the evolutionary development of the proteins, so that proteins that are close to each other evolutionally are placed close to each other. "We are now able to put two proteins on the map and draw the curve between them. On the path between the two proteins are possible proteins, which have closely related properties. This is no guarantee, but it provides an opportunity to have a hypothesis about which proteins it could be that the biotech industry ought to test when new proteins are designed," says Sren Hauberg, professor in the Cognitive Systems section at DTU Compute. The unique collaboration between DTU Compute and DIKU was established through a new centre for Machine Learning in Life Sciences (MLLS), which started last year with the support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. In the centre, researchers in artificial intelligence from both universities are working together to solve the fundamental problems in Machine Learning driven by important issues within the field of biology. The developed protein maps are part of a large-scale project that spans from basic research to industrial applications, e.g. in collaboration with Novozymes and Novo Nordisk. FACT BOX: Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning When computer programs are able to do something 'smart', it is called artificial intelligence or just AI. Artificial intelligence is thus a unified concept that covers several methods. One of the methods is Machine Learning, and the latest and most advanced use of Machine Learning is called Deep Learning. Deep Learning is based on neural networks, which is a mathematical model, where the model itself from a given dataset and without direct programming can learn to find patterns in data. Because you use data, it is called a data-driven model. In unsupervised learning, the goal is to train a neural network to discover the underlying patterns in the data. This is typically done by attempting to compress data, because it thereby rejects the trends in data that is least frequent, while the most important data takes up more information, so you can see the underlying patterns. By means of many repetitions, the network learns which patterns in data that can be used to compress data. Once the model has been trained, it is tested on unknown data, which then also can be compressed into a compact representation that can be interpreted to form scientific hypotheses or form the foundation for other Machine Learning models. It is well established that older adults are more susceptible to infection and their immune systems less capable of generating a strong immune response. Now, a new University of Arizona Health Sciences-led paper explains why, which could lead to potential interventions. The findings, led by Janko Nikolich-Zugich, MD, PhD, head of the UArizona College of Medicine Tucson's Department of Immunobiology and co-director of the Arizona Center on Aging suggest that lymph nodes, which are critical for maintaining and revving up the immune response during infection, age at different rates. Lymph nodes closer to the skin deteriorate two to three times more quickly than those deeper in the body. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, helps explain the immune system's response to skin infections and even skin cancers. This also is likely the reason for a weaker immune response to vaccinations delivered through the skin in older adults. The immune system's army White blood cells, specifically T cells, are the soldiers of the immune system. T cells are made by the thymus, a gland that sits below the chest bone and above the heart. The thymus quickly reduces T cell production over the human lifespan. By puberty, T cell production is 10% of what it was at birth. By the age of 40 or 50, it drops to only 1%. "That's not strong enough to generate enough new T cells," said Dr. Nikolich-Zugich, a member of the university's BIO5 Institute. "If your body is not generating something, then it better be maintaining very well." T cell maintenance takes place predominantly in the lymph nodes, which serve two main functions. The first is to keep T cells healthy and alive for as long as possible often decades in humans. The second is to trigger an immune response during infection. Humans have about 450 lymph nodes. These are like the barracks were little T cell soldiers go for shelter, sustenance and recovery." Dr. Janko Nikolich-Zugich, MD, PhD, head of the UArizona College of Medicine Tucson's Department of Immunobiology and co-director of the Arizona Center on Aging It is in the lymph nodes that the immune system first sizes up its enemy. This is important because humans don't have a large enough standing army that can deal with all infections. "Instead, we have relatively few soldiers that are well trained to deal with specific infections," he said. "The unit that deals with influenza is different than the unit that deals with coronavirus. " During infection, the white blood cells specialized to fight divide rapidly in lymph nodes. One cell can generate a million others. They travel to the infection site quickly by using lymph nodes as a superhighway of sorts. This network of lymph nodes is what deteriorates at different rates, the research team discovered. Broken barracks Dr. Nikolich-Zugich and the team were able to tag and track T cells produced in the thymus of both old and young mice and compare the paths T cells took throughout the body. They found that while production was low in older animals, the thymus was still producing some T cells. The problem was those cells weren't getting to the lymph nodes. Next, they tried to help the thymus generate additional white blood cells to boost the immune response. Even when that succeeded, they observed the same behavior too few T cells were getting into the lymph nodes. "These cells did not land where their supposed to go, and that's why we started investigating lymph nodes as a potential reason for the immune deficiency we find in older people," he said. "We found that this whole infrastructure that makes up the barracks the lymph nodes was destroyed." In fact, the cells that landed in the lymph nodes closer to the skin in older animals moved as if they had to get out quickly. Dr. Nikolich-Zugich thinks this might be because the lymph nodes weren't providing the nutrients and maintenance needed. They also found that the connections between the cells that maintain T cells and make up the lymph node superhighways were severely reduced. "It was as if the lymph node cells themselves were unwell, so they were no longer contacting one another," he said. "This finding is consistent with what other people have described before that T cells migrate with a certain speed and move around in a directional manner. But in older lymph nodes specifically, they look quite disorganized and move much slower." Implications for vaccination and intervention The findings move researchers a step closer to being able to understand the weakened immune response to vaccination in older adults. Whenever a vaccine is given, a lymph node is going to be involved, Dr. Nikolich-Zugich says. Yet most vaccines can't jump start older immune systems as effectively as younger ones, which is a problem for developing protection. But there is hope. Dr. Nikolich-Zugich stressed that the immune system, similarly to a muscle, can be restrengthened and treatments can intervene. "We're finding that for the immune system, there are a number of things you can do, even late in life, and some you may need to do at midlife that can restore these things," he said. "That gives us great hope. If we can restore thymus function, even for a short time late in life, that could lead to very viable treatments." It could also pave the way for new treatments for cancer. "85% of cancer occurs in people over 50 years old," Dr. Nikolich-Zugich said. "The principles of the immune system are the same, so if we can help the lymph nodes get better at combating infection, then we will also benefit immunotherapy for cancer." The University of Oxford today launches an innovative new access programme, the 'Astrophoria Foundation Year', to help able students from disadvantaged backgrounds raise their academic standards and apply successfully to Oxford. The programme, part of Oxford's continuing drive to diversify the undergraduate body and wholly funded by an anonymous donor, gives motivated students the chance to reach their academic potential through a supportive and challenging one-year academic course, aimed at developing their academic skills, self-belief and confidence. For now the scheme is open to all UK state school pupils with significant academic potential, but who have experienced severe personal disadvantage or a disrupted education which has damaged their ability to apply for an Oxford undergraduate place. The Astrophoria Foundation Year will offer places for up to 50 students each year and is fully funded, covering tuition fees and the cost of accommodation and living expenses for all participating students. The funding is supported by a major gift from a longstanding University donor. Today's launch coincides with the release of Oxford University's Annual Admissions Statistical Report for 2022, demonstrating the University's continued progress towards greater access for students from backgrounds currently underrepresented at Oxford. We are delighted to announce the launch of the Astrophoria Foundation Year, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of the smartest students who have experienced grave disadvantage. The programme will enable us to accelerate the progress we have made, as demonstrated in our annual admissions report, in broadening the socio-economic backgrounds of our undergraduate students. I am deeply grateful to the generous donor who shares our belief in the power of education and our commitment to identifying and nurturing talent." Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor, Oxford University Students will study one of four foundation courses; Humanities (Classics, History, English and Theology); Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science; Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) or Law. Ten Oxford colleges are taking part in the first year of the new initiative: Exeter, Jesus, Keble, Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), Mansfield, Somerville, St Anne's, St Hugh's, Trinity, and Wadham. The Astrophoria Foundation Year builds on the model of a pilot foundation year programme pioneered by LMH since 2016. By the end of the year, students are expected to have developed the academic skills and confidence to meet the challenges of a demanding undergraduate degree. On condition that they complete the year to the required level, students will progress onto an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford without the need to re-apply. Alternatively, they will be awarded a nationally recognized Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) and will be supported making applications to other undergraduate degrees elsewhere. The new scheme is now available via the UCAS website. Students will be able to submit their applications from 6 September 2022 and all applicants must apply via UCAS by 25 January 2023. The first cohort of successful students will be admitted in October 2023. The Annual Admissions Statistical Report 2022, released today, shows the progress the University has made over the past few years in diversifying its undergraduate student body. Figures today show that 21 per cent of Oxford's intake in 2021 came from disadvantaged, underrepresented backgrounds. This has risen from 13 per cent four years ago and is approaching the University's target of 25%. The figures for the 2021 intake also show 68% came from state schools, retaining the large increase achieved in the previous year. The University has continued its progress in the proportion of UK undergraduates identifying as Black and Minority Ethnic (BME), rising from 18% to 25% over the past five years. Patients diagnosed with cancer more than one year ago and those not receiving active treatment were no more vulnerable to worse COVID-19 outcomes than patients without cancer, according to a new study led by UTHealth Houston. Youngran Kim, PhD, and Liang Zhu, PhD, researchers in the Department of Neurology with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, were co-leading authors of the study, which was published today in PLOS ONE. Kim, a postdoctoral research fellow in the department, is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Management, Policy, and Community Health with UTHealth School of Public Health, and Zhu, a former associate professor of neurology, has since left UTHealth Houston. Using electronic health records from more than 700 hospitals and 700 clinics in the U.S., a team of researchers with UTHealth Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Kentucky, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center collaborated to assess the association between COVID-19 outcomes and existing cancer-specific characteristics. Many studies have shown that people with cancer have higher risks for death and hospitalization after being diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to patients without cancer, but Kim said the revelation about the timing of the patients' past cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment state is critical. We found that recent cancer diagnoses were associated with a 17% increased risk for death and 10% increased risk for hospitalization. However, a history of cancer more than one year before COVID-19 diagnosis was not significantly associated with increased mortality or hospitalization. Our study also confirmed other risk factors and racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among COVID-19 patients with cancer." Youngran Kim, PhD, Researcher, Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston The researchers analyzed 271,639 adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020. Of those patients, 18,460 also had at least one cancer diagnosis, including 10,426 patients diagnosed with cancer within one year before their COVID-19 infection. Multiple outcomes were assessed, including all-cause 30-day mortality, hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and ventilator use, which were compared using relative risks according to cancer status and treatments. Among the research team's key discoveries: While cancer patients had higher risks for 30-day mortality and hospitalization, there were no significant differences in ICU admission and ventilator use compared to patients without cancer. Recent cancer diagnoses were associated with higher risks for worse COVID-19 outcomes, particularly among recent metastatic (stage 4), hematological, liver, and lung cancers, compared to the non-cancer group. Among COVID-19 patients with a recent cancer diagnosis, a higher chance of mortality was linked to chemotherapy or radiation treatments within three months before SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients who were older, Black, received Medicare, and/or lived in the Southern U.S. were significantly more likely to die after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diabetes and cardiovascular, liver, and renal diseases were also linked to an increased risk of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Study investigators hope these findings will offer health care providers more refined risk information about the ways cancer patients may be impacted by COVID-19. UTHealth Houston co-authors with the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School included Xiaojin Li, PhD; Yan Huang, PhD; and Chunhui Gu, MS. Guo-Qiang "GQ" Zhang, PhD, professor in the department with secondary appointments at UTHealth Houston School of Biomedical Informatics and UTHealth School of Public Health, was the study team lead and corresponding author on the publication. Zhang is also vice president and chief data scientist for UTHealth Houston. "Most scientific literature publishes affirmative results," Zhang said. "In this particular study, we not only confirmed general findings about worse COVID-19 outcomes for cancer patients, but elaborated on subgroups of cancer patients that were not overly impacted. This is an important finding for the health care system as they intervene based on the appropriate risk assessment and for cancer survivors to understand their specific risks associated with COVID-19. As the pandemic evolves, however, we may need to revisit this topic at a future time." Other co-authors included Huili Zhu, MD, with Baylor College of Medicine; Heather Bush, PhD, with the University of Kentucky in Lexington; and Caroline Chung, MD, with MD Anderson. People with higher levels of antioxidants in their blood may be less likely to develop dementia, according to a study published in the May 4, 2022, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study found that people with the highest levels of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin in their blood were less likely to develop dementia decades later than people with lower levels of the antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli and peas. Beta-cryptoxanthin is found in fruits such as oranges, papaya, tangerines and persimmons. Extending people's cognitive functioning is an important public health challenge. Antioxidants may help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage. Further studies are needed to test whether adding these antioxidants can help protect the brain from dementia." May A. Beydoun, PhD, MPH, study author, National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland The study involved 7,283 people who were at least 45 years old at the beginning of the study. They had a physical exam, interview and blood tests for antioxidant levels at the beginning of the study. They were then followed for an average of 16 years to see who developed dementia. The participants were divided into three groups based on their levels of antioxidants in the blood. People with the highest amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin were less likely to develop dementia than those with lower levels. Every standard deviation increase in lutein and zeaxanthin levels, approximately 15.4 micromols/liter, was associated with a 7% decrease in risk of dementia. For beta-cryptoxanthin, every standard deviation increase in levels, approximately 8.6 micromols/liter, was associated with a 14% reduced risk of dementia. "It's important to note that the effect of these antioxidants on the risk of dementia was reduced somewhat when we took into account other factors such as education, income and physical activity, so it's possible that those factors may help explain the relationship between antioxidant levels and dementia," Beydoun said. A limitation of the study is that antioxidant levels were based on one measurement of blood levels and may not reflect people's levels over their lifetime. The study was supported by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health. The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019 caused the world to enter a period of protracted isolation, digital interaction, and the resulting feeling of emotional overload without ready compensatory outlets. A new South African study reveals the toll this took on women academics in particular. Introduction Women are more vulnerable to emotional isolation, as has been shown in earlier studies. In the ongoing pandemic, the imposition of lockdowns almost universally for varying periods of time has led to the closure of schools, businesses, and services. Many workers shifted to working from home, as did students of all ages. The consequences of this sudden and unexpected shift to online functioning, combined with a near-total loss of social interactions, free movement in public spaces, and the loss of work, have been disproportionately borne by women academics. The reasons include the merging of their home space and responsibilities with that of their work; loss of employment; greater childcare and other caregiver responsibilities in the household; more stress; more housework; less sleep; and poorer mental health. Why this impacts women academics more heavily is traceable to the greater expectations from women when it comes to parenthood. Both men and women in academic life struggled with lockdown-related increases in workload as digital engagement of students, especially the most vulnerable segments, took far more out of them than in-person interactions. However, the pressure to publish meant that men, who are historically more likely to be funded, to have a work-friendly culture and to have fewer family-related responsibilities, find it easier to advance in their research career compared to women, even though the latter often contribute far more to other parts of the academic program such as student welfare, administration, curriculum development and teaching. Emotional wellbeing is the emotional quality of an individuals everyday experience. In the lockdown periods, women have tended to spend more time alone, caring for children or on social media, all of which are shown to reduce emotional wellbeing, especially when associated with reduced productivity and less interpersonal connections. This left them feeling less respected and validated. Many have already pointed out that this is bound to further widen the gap between male and female academics in the long term, unless policies are modified so as to adjust for the challenges that are unique to the latter. The current study, published online in the journal Frontiers in Education, deals with the South African experience of women academics during the lockdown, via a qualitative study involving over 2,000 participants. Findings The results of the study showed that many women academics felt frustrated, tired out, anxious and overwhelmed as a result of lockdown conditions. Referring to this as emotional taxation, the researchers were able to identify its presence in over one in seven women academics, and to trace it to three sources. These included the working environment, the home life and the social surround. With the first, the fact that students were fearful and anxious due to the new conditions led women academics to spend much more time on work-related activities targeting student well-being. This was exacerbated when the struggles reported by students had to do with their home environments, where the teachers could obviously be of little help. When the universities themselves failed to support their students emotionally or practically while the latter was navigating the changed conditions, women academics often leaped into the breach, which exerted greater burdens on them. In addition, the need to handle family responsibilities along with work in the same shared space and time led to tremendous stress and burnout due to the perceived lack of productivity in the area of research. This was more distressing for women managers who perceived the stress of other colleagues but could do little to support them due to the online working conditions. Home responsibilities weighed heavier on women academics because of the loss of childcare and other support structures such as hired household help, friends or family. Parenting took up almost all their time and energy, leaving them unable to do research. Similar was the case for those who were caregivers for others, whether in terms of physical care or in terms of providing multiple home- and health-related services for loved ones, even those not in the immediate family. Sadly, women academics in such situations reported being unable to recharge themselves at home, which became a source of emotional stress and turmoil. This was often because they felt they had to hold everything together emotionally and provide an anchor of calm and stability, while they themselves had no way to prioritize their own needs, or to relax and get back to emotional well-being. The social environment also created its own demands. Women academics reported having to be supportive of friends and family who were facing loss in various ways. The switch to digital communication led to further emotional strain, where some women academics shifted to coping activities, spiritual or otherwise. Implications The study findings show that the merging of life and work during the lockdown led to stress, burnout and fatigue for women academics in particular, with the home, social and work environment producing taxing effects on their well-being. The lack of support from outside the immediate family led to greater involvement with children, housework and services performed for other loved ones who needed care. The gender-specific expectations with respect to family responsibilities led to guilt, depression and anxiety centering around their inability to cope with these needs as well as their own research work. Prolonged isolation led to a lack of feedback, guidance and a sense of personhood, causing feelings of doubt and despair. Since women academics tend to put more into their jobs emotionally than men academics do, the problems faced by students during this period challenged women academics on a personal level, causing, in turn, burnout and emotional stress. The work-life merge of lockdown acted as a concertina on the emotional wellbeing of women academics, say the researchers. Not only did they struggle to balance their work with social and family responsibilities, largely without adequate support, but they often found their research work was suffering as a result. The additional effort they put into maintaining student learning took a high toll on them, in terms of having to prepare new material, monitor students and teach online, often without university support. These findings of the specific challenges facing women suggest the ways in which universities and the academic field can mitigate the emotional toll on women. Additionally, or in contrast, women can choose to focus on the positive events of the workday or adopt a more carefree attitude towards the impact of the pandemic on their career, to maintain their emotional well-being. Scientists reported that tuberculosis (TB) is one the foremost causes of global mortality, especially in adults. In 2019, around 10 million TB cases were reported, many of which were identified to be resistant to multiple drugs. To date, only one TB vaccine is available, namely, the Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG), which is recommended for newborns only. Although this vaccine can effectively prevent TB meningitis and disseminated TB in young children, it can only partially protect against pulmonary TB. Hence, there is a need to develop more effective TB vaccines to realize the World Health Organizations goal of End TB. Background Researchers predicted that the development of TB vaccines for adolescents and adults could have a greater and faster effect on eradicating TB. There is a gap in research regarding the assessment of the length of protection provided to young adults immunized with the TB vaccine. In the case of vaccinated infants, the effectiveness of the TB vaccine was found to last for up to 15 years and sometimes even longer. Currently, policymakers are debating the reintroduction of BCG revaccination in young adults to decrease the global mortality rate associated with TB. However, not enough evidence is available on the potential strategy for an effective TB vaccination program for adolescents and adults. The study A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has focused on evaluating the effective vaccination strategies for two TB vaccines, i.e., M72/AS01E and BCG. The authors also assessed the possible advantages as well as challenges associated with new vaccination programs. In this study, researchers conducted interviews, between May and December 2020, with policymakers as well as immunization stakeholders in three countries, i.e., South Africa, India, and China. They selected these countries because of the high prevalence of TB. The interviews were structured in two sections, i.e., a) determining the acceptability and feasibility of vaccinating adolescents and adults with TB vaccines and b) assessment of probable implementation scenarios. Scientists assessed the acceptability and feasibility of vaccinating adolescents and adults with the TB vaccine from interviews with experts from the above-stated countries. The authors also determined country-specific settings that would ensure successful TB vaccination programs. Key findings All three countries have been interested in vaccinating adolescents and adults with the TB vaccine, especially, school-aged children as they are more vulnerable to contracting the disease. Scientists observed that each country proposed different implementation strategies, owing to their varied demographic and epidemiological settings. In China and India, older aged individuals were prioritized for vaccination. However, all the countries favored routine vaccination programs to overcome logistical challenges. Experts expressed the urgent need for TB control strategies and novel vaccines to protect all individuals from the disease. Interviewees reported that the implementation of TB vaccination would help reduce the massive TB burden that has been observed in all countries. The predicted effectiveness of the M72/AS01E vaccine in patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and HIV highlighted the benefits of TB revaccination. Two of the challenges associated with the implementation of M72/AS01E are the development of new infrastructures and the two-dose vaccination regime. Additionally, for mass vaccination of M72/AS01E, interviewees predicted a lower coverage for the second dose of the vaccine. The experts also stated that pre-vaccination testing would be essential to identify Mtb positives or negatives, which could be expensive and infeasible. Interviewees suggested conducting clinical trials in local settings to obtain TB epidemiological data and spreading the knowledge about the benefits of TB vaccines could help reduce vaccine hesitancy. These measures would help support the implementation of the vaccination. In both India and South Africa, school-based Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program is practiced, and in the current context, as the target group of TB vaccination is also school-aged children, implementation of this vaccination strategy could be beneficial. In both India and South Africa, socially vulnerable groups have been prioritized for M72/AS01E, owing to a high rate of incidence of TB among these groups. The experts expressed the need for suitable monitoring systems and proper education on TB disease and vaccination in communities. The current study reported that the affordability of the vaccine plays an important role in its uptake and distribution. All the interviewees emphasized proper information about the efficacy, safety data, and cost-effectiveness of the vaccine. Limitations One of the limitations of this study is the exclusion of the patient population to analyze the acceptability and hesitancy of the vaccine. In this study, scientists only considered the views of policymakers and other direct stakeholders, such as vaccination program implementers. Another limitation of this study is that as BCG was discussed second to M72/AS01E during the interview, not much time was devoted to its discussion. Additionally, an underrepresentation of interviewees from civil society, finance, local level, etc., was observed. Improving the health of ageing Australians, coordinating care to prevent poor outcomes and incorporating personal experiences into decision making is the focus of a new collaborative venture driven by Flinders University and Adelaide Primary Health Network (PHN). Professor Stacey George. Image Credit: Flinders University With the appointment of Stacey George as Professor in Healthy Ageing, Support and Care, the new strategic vision lead by her research team is building the capacity and capability for endeavours that directly respond to community needs in ageing. The position will support evidence-based implementation of Australias Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-2032 across Adelaide and facilitate rigorous evaluation guided by implementation approaches to evaluate both outcomes for older people and changes of practice. Professor Stacey George says the plan has identified a gap in allied health and nursing services particularly in aged care services. By engaging with industry, government, and other external organisations, well be strengthening research collaborations and supporting the recruitment of international and domestic higher degree research students and fellowships. Collaboration with the Caring Futures Institute will provide strategic leadership and vision through the development of research capacity and capability increasing research performance and responding to the needs and priorities of the University and Adelaide PHN with evidence-based results. Stacey George, Professor in Healthy Ageing, Support and Care Established and funded by the Federal Government in 2015, Adelaide PHN is a not-for-profit organisation and one of 31 PHNs operating across Australia, and one of two in South Australia. Adelaide PHNs Board Chair Tom Symonds says the organisations is delighted to welcome Professor Stacey George into the new role. This collaboration will go a long way in developing and expanding the translational research agenda in such an important area for our whole community. Adelaide PHN as the industry partner and the Caring Futures Institute as the academic partner, are both organisations that I know are driven by a mission to see better care delivered in our community. Working together we will focus on building research capacity and capability to support the translation of research into practice and ultimately improved health outcomes for older people. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the induction of variant-specific neutralizing antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins of several SARS-CoV-2 strains. Omicron is highly transmissible and immune-evasive and readily causes SARS-CoV-2 infections among individuals previously infected by SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated against the virus with vaccines based on the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2. Although Omicron transmissibility is high, its pathogenicity is low. This suggests that the induction of robust serological immunity by Omicron could bring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to an end. About the study In the present study, researchers evaluated the neutralizing antibody titers induced by D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron (BA.1, BA.2, and BA.1.1 sublineages), Kappa, Lambda, Eta, and Iota strains in individuals without prior COVID-19 history or vaccination. Similar age individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infections but had received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (n=8 per vaccine group) or previously infected by the Delta (n=13) or Alpha (n=10) strains were also included in the study for comparison. Convalescent sera were obtained from 23 participants of the Specchio-COVID-19 cohort who were enrolled based on COVID-19 surveys in Geneva, Switzerland. The participants were diagnosed with Omicron infections that did not require hospital admissions. The sera were collected between three and 74 days (mean 39 days) post polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Data on the status of vaccination, vaccine type, vaccination date, and date of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were obtained with the help of a questionnaire filled out by the participants at the time of blood collection. The PCR test results were further verified by centralized state registry data and questionnaires filled out by the participants during follow-ups. The causative variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection were determined based on the date of PCR-positive diagnosis. The variant was assumed to be Alpha, Delta, or Omicron if the dates were between March and May 2021, July and September 2021, or January and February 2022, respectively. A cell-free assay based on interference of S-ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) binding was used to assess the variant-specific neutralizing antibody titers. For the assay, trimeric S proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 strains were used. In addition, a cell-based Omicron BA.1 live virus neutralization assay was used for further data consolidation. As an extended analysis, Five serum samples with the greatest anti-S titers from Omicron convalescents were probed for their neutralizing activity against the live D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron BA.2 strains. Results In the study, all vaccinated participants elicited anti-S titers only, whereas Delta and Alpha convalescents elicited anti-S and anti-N antibodies. Most sera samples (17 out of 20) of Omicron convalescents elicited anti-S and anti-N antibodies, albeit at low levels, indicating that Omicron induces less SARS-CoV-2 neutralization than the other strains In the neutralization assay, most Alpha convalescents elicited neutralizing antibodies against the cognate S and the D614G, Gamma, Eta, and Kappa strains, although with marginally reduced efficacy against the Beta, Delta (and its AY4.2 sublineage), Iota, and Lambda strains. They exhibited a mean 2-log decrease in the neutralizing titers against the Omicron sublineages. Delta convalescents demonstrated anti-S titers against most strains inclusive of the Delta AY4.2 sublineage but showed substantially reduced neutralization of Beta and the Omicron sublineages. Omicron convalescents showed lower anti-S titers that did not significantly neutralize any strain. Further, only four and nine participants elicited anti-S titers near the 1:50 median effective dose (ED 50 ) threshold against the Omicron BA.1 and BA.1.1 sublineages, respectively, with a remarkable decrease in anti-S titers against BA.2. Sera of vaccinated participants demonstrated robust neutralization of most strains but substantially low for Beta and further lower against the Omicron sublineages. In the live virus neutralization assays, while Alpha convalescents could not neutralize Omicron BA.1, two Delta convalescents (with the highest anti-Omicron S titers in the binding interference assays), demonstrated slight prevention of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effects (CPE). Most of the Omicron convalescents (17 out of 23), with ED 50 7.8 in the binding interference assays, demonstrated low levels of Omicron neutralization at serum dilutions from 1:10 up to 1:30. In the extended analysis, low BA.2 neutralization was observed in almost all sera. However, sera from two participants demonstrated detectable neutralization of the D614G, Delta, and Alpha strains. While the study participants sera could not neutralize the viral isolates, all the isolates were neutralized by sera of vaccinated individuals. Conclusion To summarize, the study findings showed that prior SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection by Alpha and to a lesser degree Delta induced robust neutralization of most SARS-CoV-2 strains, although lesser for Beta and even lesser for Omicron. Contrastingly, Omicron convalescents demonstrated low neutralizing titers against the cognate SARS-CoV-2 and could not neutralize other strains. The findings highlight the low immunogenicity of Omicron infections and their incapability to confer the immune protection required to curb COVID-19 and hence must not be considered a substitute for vaccination. *Important notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Walking is regarded to be an important form of physical activity for individuals belonging to all age groups. Several studies have linked walking with improved physical fitness and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Compared to slow pace walkers, brisk walkers exhibit greater life expectancy. Background UK Biobank measured physical activity using an accelerometer and revealed that ten minutes of brisk walking a day could bring about a longer life expectancy. Additionally, a genome-wide association study (GWAS), based on self-reported walking pace, revealed the presence of seventy independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which is greater than accelerometer-assessed studies on physical activities of the same cohort. Researchers indicated that walking pace also reflects upon many underlying conditions of an individual, including musculoskeletal health, lung capacity, motor control, cardiorespiratory fitness, and mental health. These factors are also linked with the biological age and physiological conditions of an individual. Therefore, the walking pace serves as a modulator for biological age and a marker for many physiological conditions. Even though the link between leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and disease manifestation is complicated, LTL plays an important role as a marker of biological age. Scientists use LTL as an indicator for many high-risk age-related diseases, such as cancers and coronary artery disease. DNA-Protein complexes that are present at the tips of chromosomes are known as telomeres. The main functions of telomeres are to protect the end of the chromosome from damage and prevent an end-to-end fusion. It also prevents abnormal recombination of DNA strands, thereby, helping maintain genomic stability. Scientists have stated that the components of DNA shorten progressively with each life cycle. Previous studies have also reported that telomere shortening occurs due to inflammation and oxidative stress. Typically, the length of telomeres is measured in leucocytes (LTL), which reflects the senescent conditions of circulating cells. This measurement also indicates the immune status of an individual. Although few studies have linked greater physical activities and cardiorespiratory fitness with longer LTL, not much evidence is available to establish the association between walking pace and LTL. Therefore, recently scientists addressed this gap in research and investigated the link between self-reported walking pace and LTL among middle-aged adults. This study has been recently published in Communications Biology. About the study In this study, scientists utilized a large prospective cohort, containing participants of the UK Biobank, which was designed to support biomedical analysis. They utilized previously used genetic instruments for both walking pace and LTL so that they can exploit bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses for their analysis. This helped researchers to differentiate between causal and important associations observed in this study. The authors of this study hypothesized that brisk walkers possess longer LTL. Based on accelerometer-assisted data on physical activity, scientists revealed that compared to total activities, individuals who performed higher intensity activities showed a robust relationship with LTL. Additionally, the bi-directional MR analyses also supported a causal relationship between walking pace and LTL, and not the other way around. The MR results reflected the limited availability of high-quality studies. However, the result of the current study is in line with reports of a previous non-randomized study, which showed that individuals under long-term endurance training were linked with decreased LTL erosion, compared to non-exercising healthy individuals. Similarly, another study conducted a randomized controlled trial and revealed forty minutes of moderate level aerobic exercise three to five times a week could substantially reduce LTL erosion, compared to the control group. These studies suggested the possibility of mechanisms that link physical activity to biological aging. The MR analysis revealed the difference in LTL between slow and brisk walkers. Strengths and limitations One of the key strengths of this study is its large, well-phenotyped cohort with superior LTL data. In this study, the authors emphasized the importance of walking pace and recommended that brisk walking pace is an important determining factor of LTL, which supports the overall health condition of an individual. This study also has some limitations, including a one-time estimation of LTL. Additionally, the current study does not perform any longitudinal analysis, which is essential to determine the link between physical activity and LTL attrition. However, the authors indicated that previous longitudinal studies of LTL revealed marginal changes, within an adult, occur over time. Another limitation of this study is its cohort containing participants of UK Biobank who are relatively healthier than the general population. Future studies In the future, more studies are required to analyze other benefits of brisk walking for the health status of an individual. More studies are needed to elucidate whether behavioral interventions focused on enhancing walking pace or performing intense physical activities would cause reduced LTL erosion. In the future, the relationship between LTL and different age groups must also be characterized. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the emergence and evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant in South Africa. By January 2022, the SARS-COV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant was reported to be the prevalent cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in South Africa. However, the recent resurgence in SARS-CoV-2 cases, hospitalizations, and death was not associated with the BA.2 subvariant. Study and results In the present study, researchers identified two novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages designated BA.4 and BA.5. Using the Bayesian phylogenetic methods, the team found that BA.4 and BA.5 were significantly different from the other Omicron lineages. The origination of BA.4 and BA.5 was estimated to be in December 2022 and January 2022, respectively. Phylogeographic analysis suggested that BA.4 dispersed from Limpopo to Gauteng with subsequent spread to other provinces, while BA.5 dispersed from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal to other provinces. The team found that while BA.4 and BA.5 had similar spike proteins, these proteins were the most comparable to that of BA.2. Compared to BA.2, the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages had additional mutations on the spike protein. Other than the spike mutations, BA.4 had alterations at open reading frame (ORF)-7b:L11F and N:P151S along with a triple amino acid deletion in NSP1:141-143del, while BA.5 had the M:D3N mutation. Relative to BA.2, the BA.5 lineage also had additional reversions at nucleotide positions 26858 and 27259 as well as at ORF6:D61. Additionally, BA.4 and BA.5 had nuc:G12160A mutation in non-structural protein (NSP)-8 that was also found in the SARS-CoV-2 epsilon (B.1.429) variant and was also observed in BA.2 at some locations. The team also found that the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages had mutational patterns identical to the 5 genomic region in the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein but displayed notable differences from the 3 genomic region in the SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein. This indicated that BA.4 and BA.5 may be associated with each other via a recombinant event with a breakpoint between the membrane and the envelope genes. The team remarked that the alterations in the spike amino acids at positions 452, 486, and 493 could influence antibody binding and human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (hACE2). The L452R mutation in the amino acid residue at 452 was associated with an improved affinity toward receptor binding, resulting in increased infectivity. This L452R mutation was also found in SARS-CoV-2 Delta, Kappa, and Epsilon variants. Furthermore, mutations at 452 were correlated with a decline in neutralization by monoclonal antibodies as well as polyclonal sera. Selection analyses that focused on the ratios of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates at individual codons showed that S:486 was evolving under negative selection that favored the F state, that is, the amino acid present in the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type strain. When the spike amino acid F486 bound to hACE2, it interacted with the L79, M82, and Y83 residues found in hACE2. The team also found that the F486 mutations were associated with a decrease in the neutralizing activity by neutralizing antibodies and by polyclonal sera. Furthermore, mutational scanning indicated that F486 was a key site for the evasion of antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) induced by either vaccine or infection. The team performed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to examine the validity of S-gene target failure (SGTF) for identifying the BA.4 or BA.5 lineage in a sample. This was achieved by collecting 296 unselected samples between 6 January and 3 April 2022. Among the samples processed, 66 were either BA.4 or BA.5-infected, nine were BA.1-infected, while two were BA.2-infected. None of the BA.4 and BA.5 samples were positive for SGTF on qPCR, suggesting that SGTF could be employed to determine BA.4 and BA.5 samples only in regions with low BA.1 prevalence. BA.4 and BA.5 were confirmed in seven South African provinces between 1 January 2022 and 20 April 2022. BA.4 was also identified in a smaller number of samples in the neighboring regions of Botswana, Europe, and the USA, while BA.5 was detected in some parts of Europe, the USA, and Hong Kong. The team estimated that BA.4 and BA.5 had a daily growth of 0.08 and 0.12, respectively. Conclusion Overall, the study findings showed that the researchers identified two novel SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages, namely BA.4 and BA.5, which were responsible for the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in South Africa. The researchers believe that the study highlighted the need for continued global monitoring of emerging viral genomes to characterize the constant evolution of SARS-CoV-2. *Important notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. As medicine continues to embrace machine learning, a new study suggests how scientists may use artificial intelligence to predict how cancer may affect the probability of fractures along the spinal column. In the U.S., more than 1.6 million cases of cancer are diagnosed every year, and about 10% of those patients experience spinal metastasis -; when disease spreads from other places in the body to the spine. One of the biggest clinical concerns patients face is the risk of spinal fractures due to these tumors, which can lead to severe pain and spinal instability. Spinal fracture increases the risk of patient death by about 15%. By predicting the outcome of these fractures, our research offers medical experts the opportunity to design better treatment strategies, and help patients make better-informed decisions." Soheil Soghrati, co-author of the study and associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at The Ohio State University While many of the changes the body undergoes when exposed to cancerous lesions are still a mystery, with the power of computational modeling, scientists can get a better idea of what's happening to the spine, said Soghrati. Their study, published in the International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering, describes how the researchers trained an AI-assisted framework called ReconGAN to create a digital twin, or a virtual reconstruction of a patient's vertebra. Unlike 3D printing, where a virtual model is turned into a physical object, the concept of a digital twin involves building a computer simulation of its real-life counterpart without creating it physically. Such a simulation can be used to predict an object or system's future performance in this case, how much stress the vertebra can take before cracking under pressure. By training ReconGAN on MRI and micro-CT images obtained by taking slice-by-slice pictures of vertebrae acquired from a cadaver, researchers were able to generate realistic micro-structural models of the spine. Using their simulation, Soghrati's team was also able to virtually enlarge the model, a capability the study says is imperative to understanding and incorporating changes into the entirety of a vertebra's geometric shape. "What really makes the work in a distinct way is how detailed we were able to model the geometry of the vertebra," said Soghrati. "We can virtually evolve the same bone from one stage to another." In this case, the researchers used CT/MRI scans from a 51-year-old female lung cancer patient whose cancer had metastasized to simulate what might happen if cancer weakened some of the vertebrae and how that would affect how much stress the bones could take before fracturing. The model predicted how much strength parts of the vertebra would lose as a result of the tumors, as well as other changes that could be expected as the cancer progressed. Some of their predictions were confirmed by clinical observations in cancer patients. For a field like orthopedics, using a non-invasive tool like the digital twin can help surgeons understand new therapies, simulate different surgical scenarios and envision how the bone will change over time, either due to bone weakness or to the effects of radiation. The digital twin can also be modified to patient-specific needs, Soghrati said. "The ultimate goal is to develop a digital twin of everything a surgeon may operate on," he said. "Right now, they're only used for very, very challenging surgeries, but we want to help run those simulations and tune those parameters even more." But this was just a feasibility study and much more work is needed, Soghrati said. ReconGAN was trained on data from only one cadaveric sample, and more data is needed for AI to be perfected. Other co-authors were Hossein Ahmadian, Prasath Mageswaran, Benjamin A. Walter, Dukagjin M. Blakaj, Eric C. Bourekas, Ehud Mendel and William S. Marras of Ohio State. This research was supported by the Center for Cancer Engineering at The Ohio State University. the new school's school of drama announces appointment of cara hagan to faculty Cara Hagan, photo by Zoe Litaker May 4, 2022, New York - The School of Drama at The New Schools College of Performing Arts announced today that Cara Hagan has been appointed as Associate Professor of Contemporary Theater and Performance (CTP) and Program Director of the MFA CTP program and will begin July 1. As a member of the School of Drama leadership team, Hagan will develop, implement, and provide support for curricula, policies, student recruitment, and faculty professional development for the MFA CTP program, as well as be engaged broadly in the life of our larger university: The New School. In this role, Hagan will actively maintain a community of creative artists who work collaboratively within the College of Performing Arts towards the development of shared projects and initiatives. The MFA in Contemporary Theater and Performance, which launched in 2021, takes a modern approach to conservatory training by preparing students to transform their field and expand the role of the artist in society today. The MFA curriculum is rooted in the understanding that artists learn by making and by doing and prepares students to work in multiple contexts, genres, and disciplines. Cara Hagan is a perfect match for the vision and design of not only our new MFA in Contemporary Theater and Performance, but the radical aspirations of the College of Performing Arts overall. I have no doubt that Cara will teach us all, bringing a wide field of vision and multi-dimensional practice in arts and education, said Richard Kessler, Executive Dean for the College of Performing Arts. "I'm thrilled to be joining a program where I can lean into my interdisciplinary work in the world, in the educational sphere, said Hagan. It is exciting to know that there are spaces committed to 'unsiloing' so that artists who are seeking support in making work that reflects a multifaceted world can find affirming community. I am looking forward to working with the dynamic faculty at The New School, and getting to know the students who choose to further their education in the contemporary theatre and performance MFA." Cara Hagan is a mover, maker, writer, curator, champion of just communities, and a dreamer. She believes in the power of art to upend the laws of time and physics, a necessary occurrence in pursuit of liberation. In her work, no object or outcome is sacred; but the ritual to get there is. Hagans adventures take place as live performance, on screen, as installation, on the page, and in collaboration with others in a multitude of contexts. In recent years, Hagan and her work have traveled to such gatherings as the Performatica Festival in Cholula, Mexico, the Conference on Geopoetics in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Loikka Dance Film Festival in Helsinki, Finland, the Taos Poetry Festival in Taos, New Mexico, and to the Dance on Camera Festival in New York City. Extended artistic residencies have taken place at Thirak India in Jaipur, India, Playa Summer Lake in the dynamic outback of Oregon, Roehampton University in London, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of North Carolina, School of the Arts. Most recently, Hagan had the pleasure to be in residence at Elsewhere Museum in Greensboro, NC in June and July of 2021 where her interdisciplinary project, Essential Parts: A Guide to Moving through Crisis and Unbridled Joy is installed until summer 2022. Cara is grateful to have received financial support from various organizations and institutions to continue her work. Recent support has included the National Center for Choreography at the University of Akron where she was named the inaugural Community Commissioning Residency Artist for the 2020/2021 season. Past support has come from the Dance Films Association, the Filmed in NC Fund, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Forsyth County Arts Council, the Appalachian State University Research Council, the Watauga County Arts Council, and Bettys Daughter Arts. Since becoming a parent and navigating a global pandemic, Hagans work takes place a bit closer to home these days. Hagan is editor and contributor for the anthology, Practicing Yoga as Resistance: Voices of Color in Search of Freedom, and author of the book, Screendance from Film to Festival: Celebration and Curatorial Practice. More of her written work can be found in Dance Magazine, the Journal of Sustainability Education, Snapdragon Journal of Art and Healing, the Journal of Dance Education, and the International Journal of Screendance. Hagan will be in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation in the fall of 2022, working toward the creation of a new short film. The School of Drama is the creative home to a dynamic group of actors, directors, writers, creative technologists, and multi-disciplinary theater artists. With a focus on authenticity of expression, the schools curriculum confronts today's most pressing societal issues through the making of theater, film, and emerging media. The School of Dramas faculty is made up of award-winning actors, playwrights, and directors who bring a currency of professional experience, artistic training, and project-based learning into the classroom. The multidisciplinary MFA and BFA degree programs bring together rigor, creativity, and collaborative learning to create work marked by professionalism, imagination, and civic awareness. The school takes inspiration from the greats who walked its halls in the past, including Marlon Brando, Harry Belafonte, and Vinette Carrol, as well as more recent graduates, like Adrienne C. Moore, Jordan E. Cooper, and Jason Kim. The College of Performing Arts at The New School (CoPA) was formed in 2015 and draws together the iconic Mannes School of Music, the legendary School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the ground-breaking School of Drama. With each school contributing its unique culture of creative excellence, the College of Performing Arts is a hub for cross-disciplinary collaboration, bold experimentation, innovative education, and world-class performances. The over 1,100 students at CoPA are actors, performers, writers, improvisers, creative technologists, entrepreneurs, composers, arts managers, and multidisciplinary artists who believe in the transformative power of the arts for all people. Students and faculty at CoPA collaborate with colleagues across The New School in a wide array of disciplines, from the visual arts and fashion design, to the social sciences, public policy, advocacy, and more. The curriculum at CoPA is dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to the changing arts and culture landscape. New degrees and coursework, like the new graduate degrees for Performer-Composers and Artist Entrepreneurs are designed to challenge highly skilled artists to experiment, innovate, and engage with the past, present, and future of their artforms. New York Citys Greenwich Village provides the backdrop for the College of Performing Arts, which is housed at Arnhold Hall on West 13th Street and the historic Westbeth Artists Community on Bank Street. Founded in 1919, The New School was established to advance academic freedom, tolerance, and experimentation. A century later, The New School remains at the forefront of innovation in higher education, inspiring more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students to challenge the status quo in design and the social sciences, liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. The university welcomes thousands of adult learners annually for continuing education courses and public programs that encourage open discourse and social engagement. Through our online learning portals, research institutes, and international partnerships, The New School maintains a global presence. MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION 79 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10003 www.newschool.edu PRESS RELEASE Media Contacts : Will Wilbur, The New School 212.229.5667x3990 [email protected] Follow @TheNewSchool (Newser) Donald Trump Jr. answered questions from the House committee investigating the Capitol riot on Tuesday. The former president's son appeared remotely for a few hours and voluntarily answered the committee's questions without asserting his Fifth Amendment rights, CNN reports. He was an adviser during former President Donald Trump's term and was with his father at the "Stop the Steal" rally, where both addressed the crowd just before rioters stormed the Capitol. Committee members have recently spoken with the former president's daughter, Ivanka Trump; her husband, Jared Kushner; and Trump Jr.'s fiancee, Kimberly Guilfoyle, per NBC News. People with knowledge of Tuesday's meeting described it as cordial and uneventful. Trump Jr. was among the former president's advisers who texted Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, on Jan. 6 to plead with his father to tell the rioters to stop. (Read more Capitol riot stories.) (Newser) Complaining that the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons, Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country as the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war Wednesday by proposing a ban on oil imports. Heavy fighting also raged at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol that represented the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the ruined southern port city, according to the mayor. The Russian military said it used sea- and air-launched missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots, the AP reports. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of "resorting to the missile terrorism tactics in order to spread fear across Ukraine." Air raid sirens sounded in numerous cities across the country on Wednesday night. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. A senior US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon's assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around the western city of Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been "no appreciable impact" on Ukraines effort to resupply its forces. Lviv, close to the Polish border, has been a major gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. The flurry of attacks comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany. The world is watching for whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use the occasion to declare a victory in Ukraine or expand what he calls the "special military operation." A declaration of all-out war would allow Putin to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculation as "nonsense." (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) (Newser) Davied Japez McCorry Whatley went to the Snellville Police Department on Tuesday afternoon to pick up a gun police had in their possession. Upon running the standard background check before releasing the firearm to him, police discovered there was a warrant out for the Georgia 20-year-old's arrest for probation violation, and he was arrested and taken to Gwinnett County Jail. The whole time, police say, his 8-month-old daughter was in the backseat of his parked car, and Whatley never mentioned that fact to officers, Fox 5 reports. At some point, he contacted his grandmother, who then went to the car and found the unresponsive infant, CNN reports. She took the baby to the hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead. The temperature in the area reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit that day. Whatley was released on bond in the probation violation case Tuesday night, but was arrested in his daughter's death the following morning. He is now charged with second-degree murder in her death. Officers say his car was parked near the dumpsters at Snellville City Hall. "I'm absolutely astounded someone could leave an 8-month-old in the car, park away from our building and walk up here knowing that child was in the car," a detective told reporters. (Read more Georgia stories.) (Newser) Leonardo DiCaprio is in a feud, not with another celebrity, but with Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. Following a series of recent tweets in which DiCaprio urged Brazilians to get out and vote in this October's elections to ensure the Amazon rainforest is protected, Bolsonaro on Tuesday hit back at the actor. "Now, DiCaprio has to know that it was the very president of the World Trade Organization who said that without Brazilian agribusiness, the world would be hungry," Bolsonaro told a group of supporters in front of the presidential palace, per CNN. "So, DiCaprio better keep his mouth shut instead of talking nonsense." Mark Ruffalo has also been urging people to vote in the election, which will likely pit far-right Bolsonaro against leftist and former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, WRAL reports. Bolsonaro has weakened environmental protections for the Amazon, which has experienced significant deforestation since he took office. Prior to Tuesday's comments, he had also replied to DiCaprio with a tweet of his own: "Thanks for your support, Leo! It's really important to have every Brazilian voting in the coming elections. Our people will decide if they want to keep our sovereignty on the Amazon or be ruled by crooks who serve special foreign interests. Good job in The Revenant." (Read more Jair Bolsonaro stories.) (Newser) In Ukraine, Russian generals are being killed at a rate the country's military hasn't seen since the most intense fighting of World War II, and officials say American intelligence has helped target some of them. Ukrainian officials say around a dozen Russian generals have been killed since the invasion began on Feb. 24. Senior US officials, speaking to the New York Times on condition of anonymity, says Ukraine has been provided with real-time battlefield intelligence, including troop movements and the frequently shifting locations of mobile Russian military headquarters. The Pentagon has acknowledged that Ukraine is being provided with "information and intelligence that they can use to defend themselves," though National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson denies intelligence was supplied "with the intent to kill Russian generals." Russian generals have been unusually close to the frontline during the Ukraine war, which analysts say is the result of low morale among troops and the rigid Russian command structure. The Economist notes that only one US general was killed in 20 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nine died in combat in the Vietnam war, most of them when their helicopters were shot down. Insiders say some Ukrainian snipers are US-trained, and "the training really paid off." Analysts say Ukraine has also been able to target Russian generals by intercepting communications. Some generals have been communicating over unsecured phones and radios, which Frederick B. Hodges, the former top US Army commander in Europe, tells the Times is the result of "poor discipline, lack of experience, arrogance, and failure to appreciate Ukrainian capabilities." (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.) (Newser) A Massachusetts family that thought they'd brought home a lost, terrified puppy they found by the side of a road got quite the surprise when a local wildlife center identified what it actually was: a baby coyote. In what WMUR calls a "major mix-up," the family spotted the young pupwhat baby coyotes are calledstranded by the side of a highly trafficked road in Sherborn last week, "wandering and distressed," Barnstable's Cape Wildlife Center tells CBS News. The family soon realized what they had in their care wasn't a puppy, and they brought it to the center, which identified the animal as an eastern coyote, a hybrid creature that has both coyote and wolf parentage, per WCVB. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health jumped in to assist, and it was determined there'd been no potential rabies exposure, clearing the way for the coyote to go to rehab. It's now "resting comfortably" in an isolation unit, per CBS, though it will soon have company: another baby coyote from a wildlife center in Rhode Island, which recently posted pictures of that pup. The two will "be raised together and given a chance [to] grow and learn natural behaviors" in a large outdoor pen, notes the Barnstable center in a Facebook post. "We work hard to give them as much of a natural upbringing as possible, and will work to replicate the essential behaviors and skills they learn from mom and dad," the center adds. Although there's a happy ending to this story, it was somewhat of a close call for the little coyote in more ways than one. If the pup had interacted with the family for too long, or even worse, bit or scratched someone, it would've been euthanized to test for rabies. "We always encourage people to call the appropriate resources prior to intervening, it can help keep all involved safe," it says. (Read more coyote stories.) (Newser) A Black couple walked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on April 12, 2016 for what they thought would be "the happiest day of our lives." Instead, just 12 hours after giving birth to the couple's second son during a remarkably fast Cesarean section, Kira Dixon Johnson was dead, per the AP. "There's no doubt in my mind that my wife would be here today and be here Sunday celebrating Mother's Day with her boys if she was a Caucasian woman," husband Charles Johnson IV said at a Wednesday news conference outside Cedars-Sinai, which is named in a new civil rights lawsuit. It claims Kira died after a 10-hour delay in care because she was Black, per the Los Angeles Times. Attorney Nicholas Rowley described her 17-minute routine C-section as "butchery." "It shocked everybody that we deposed," he said, per the AP, adding even the head of labor and delivery acknowledged having "never seen one done that fast." Kira, 39, showed signs of internal bleeding over 10 hours but was told she was not a priority, according to the suit. She died soon after she was readmitted to the operation room. Rowley said her lacerated bladder had not been properly sutured and almost 90% of her blood was in her stomach. The greatest risk factor she faced was "racism," said Johnson, whose separate wrongful death lawsuit, filed against the hospital in 2017, is set to go to trial on May 11. Malpractice awards are limited to $250,000 by law, per the AP, though Johnson supports a bill that would lift those limits for others. He will be eligible for additional damages through the civil rights suit. During depositions, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital testified that "structural racism" prevents Black patients from receiving the same care as whites, while a Black surgical technologist testified that she routinely saw Black women treated differently. The hospital acknowledges "racial disparities in maternal outcomes"Black women died at 2.9 times the rate of white women during childbirth in the US in 2020but says it's "actively working to eradicate unconscious bias in health care and advance equity in health care more broadly." (Read more medical malpractice stories.) (Newser) With Roe v. Wade apparently on the cusp of being overturned, Americans who may soon see their abortion access denied will have at least one other option, though depending on where they live, it could be a pretty distant one. On Tuesday, Karina Gould, Canada's minister of families, children, and social development told the CBC that if the US Supreme Court follows through with their draft opinion and votes to return the issue of abortion to state legislatures, effectively ending abortion access in many states, Americans would be welcome north of the border to seek the health care they need. "If they, people, come here and need access, certainly, you know, that's a service that would be provided," Gould said. Canada has no federal law regarding abortion, and abortions are legal at any stage and for any reason, per NPR. A Gould spokeswoman, who noted that Americans can already seek such health care in Canada, said those patients need to have their abortion covered through private insurance or paid for out of their own pocket, unless they fall under the umbrella of a Canadian provincial health plan. Read: Canada's universal health-care system won't be picking up the tab. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also on Tuesday spoke up about abortion rights, with a similar message of support. "The right to choose is a woman's right and a womans right alone," Trudeau tweeted. "Every woman in Canada has a right to a safe and legal abortion." Trudeau didn't mention support for Americans in particular, but he did add that "we'll never back down from protecting and promoting women's rights in Canada and around the world." Still, even with such a neighborly gesture, there are roadblocks to Americans heading north for the procedure. The Detroit Free Press notes the distance can be a detriment, not to mention the added cost for making the trip. Plus, with the pandemic still plugging along, travel restrictions remain in place at the border. And while Canada is opening its arms to neighbors down south seeking abortions, some of its own citizens should be worried about the US Supreme Court's upcoming decision as well. "One of the concerning factors here is that there are many Canadian women who maybe don't live near a major city in Canada, but will often access these services in the United States," Gould told the CBC. "I'm very concerned about what this means, particularly for American women, but also for Canadian women." (Read more abortion stories.) (Newser) Colombia has extradited the alleged head of the feared Gulf Clan, who had been the country's most wanted drug lord before his capture, to the US, where he faces indictments in three federal courts. Colombian President Ivan Duque said Dairo Antonio Usuga David is "comparable only to Pablo Escobar, referring to the late former head of the Medellin drug cartel, per the AP. He is not only the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world, but he is murderer of social leaders, abuser of boys, girls and adolescents, a murderer of policemen, Duque said while accompanied by Colombia's military leaders, whom he congratulated for capturing him in October 2021. The former rural warlord, better known by his alias Otoniel, had stayed on the run for more than a decade by corrupting state officials and aligning himself with combatants on the left and right. He was transferred Wednesday in handcuffs and wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest from a prison in Bogota to a heavily guarded military transport airfield. Hes long been a fixture on the US Drug Enforcement Administrations most-wanted list. He was first indicted in 2009, in Manhattan federal court, on narcotics charges and for allegedly providing assistance to a far-right paramilitary group designated a terrorist organization by the US government. Later indictments in Brooklyn and Miami federal courts accused him of importing into the US at least 73 metric tons of cocaine between 2003 and 2014 through countries including Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Honduras. Usuga David also has cycled through the ranks of several guerrilla groups, most recently claiming to lead the Gaitanist Self Defense Forces of Colombia, after a mid-20th century Colombian leftist firebrand. As he defied authorities for years, his legend as a bandit grew alongside the horror stories told by Colombian authorities of the many underage women he and his cohorts allegedly abused sexually. (Read more Colombia stories.) (Newser) Billionaire Elon Musk has strengthened the equity stake of his offer to buy Twitter, with commitments of more than $7 billion from a range of investors, including Silicon Valley heavy hitters like Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Other investors include Sequoia Capital Fund, which pledged $800 million, and Vy Capital, which pledged $700 million, according to a Thursday filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud has pledged $35 million in Twitter shares in support of Musk, according to the filing. But Ellison, who's also a Tesla board member, is making the biggest contribution, pegged at $1 billion, per the AP. In earlier regulatory filings, Musk revealed he's sold roughly $8.5 billion worth of shares in Tesla to help fund the purchase. Musk later tweeted that he doesn't plan any further sales of the company's shares, meaning he would need outside commitments to help fund the $44 billion deal. Because of the new funding listed in the SEC filing Thursday, Musk will cut the $12.5 billion in margin loans he was leaning on in half, to $6.25 billion. The transaction is also now being funded by $27.25 billion in cash and equities, up from $21 billion. The Thursday filing also said that Musk is in ongoing talks with other parties, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who's the second largest individual stakeholder in the company after Musk. "This was a smart financial and strategic move by Musk that will be well received across the board and also shows the Twitter deal is now on a glide path to get done by the end of this year," wrote analyst Dan Ives, who follows Twitter for Wedbush. Shares of Twitter Inc. have remained below the per-share offering bid by Musk of $54.20 because there are still doubts on Wall Street about whether the deal will go through. Shares of the San Francisco social media platform rose 2% before the opening bell, to $50.10. (Read more Elon Musk stories.) (Newser) A New Jersey man just got sentenced to 14 years in prison over an online scam in which he tricked about 40 women on dating websites into sending him money. Prosecutors say one of the women killed herself after wiring him $93,000 and realizing she'd been duped, reports the Daily Journal. Rubbin Sarpong of Millville pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and evading taxes, per the New York Times. The 38-year-old set up phony accounts on dating websites from 2016 though 2019 and usually posed as a US soldier overseas, reports Philly Voice. In one common scheme, he told women he temporarily needed money to bring gold bars back to the US. "In Facebook and Instagram accounts, Sarpong bragged about the money he was making by posting photographs [of] himself posing with large amounts of cash, as well as photographs of luxury vehicles and expensive designer clothing," says a criminal complaint, per the Journal. Prosecutors say he had co-conspirators in Ghana, Africa, helping him with the ruse. One of his victims wired him $93,000 and went to the airport ostensibly to meet Sarpong and see the gold bars in person. When he didn't show, she killed herself a day later, according to the criminal complaint. In addition to the prison time, Sarpong must pay $3 million in restitution to his victims. (Read more online scam stories.) (Newser) Women have been getting around Texas' strict abortion law by ordering abortion pills from out of state or overseas. So could women across the country do the same if the Supreme Court overturns the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision ensuring abortion rights nationwide as expected? Here's the latest talk: A potential workaround: Medication abortion using the two drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, which can be taken at home, is "viewed as a way to circumvent" abortion bans, Reuters reports, noting visits to Aid Access, an online service that mails the medications to patients within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, were up 2,900% on Tuesday from a day earlier. Spike in traffic: The number of women requesting prescriptions for abortion pills or information about their use through Aid Access, headquartered in Austria, has tripled since the Supreme Court's draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked, according to Christie Pitney, CEO of DC telehealth practice Forward Midwifery, which works with Aid Access, per Reuters. She adds clinicians are "stocking up [on the pills] to make sure that they have access." The number of women requesting prescriptions for abortion pills or information about their use through Aid Access, headquartered in Austria, has tripled since the Supreme Court's draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked, according to Christie Pitney, CEO of DC telehealth practice Forward Midwifery, which works with Aid Access, per Reuters. She adds clinicians are "stocking up [on the pills] to make sure that they have access." How it works: Sales of abortion pills via telehealththrough which patients meet virtually with doctors who send a prescription to a local pharmacyare legal in 20 US states. In states where sales are restricted, Aid Access works with European doctors who fill prescriptions through a mail-order pharmacy in India. Though the FDA has ordered Aid Access to cease this practice, state authorities say enforcement is a challenge. Hard to trace: Nineteen states already ban the use of telemedicine for abortion. But mailed abortion pills are hard to trace. "This is just not going to be stoppable," University of Chicago law professor Gerald Rosenberg tells the Washington Post. "It's going to generate a lot of forthcoming legal conflicts because it's just going to be a way that state borders are going to become less relevant," Mary Ziegler, a visiting law professor at Harvard, tells the New York Times. Nineteen states already ban the use of telemedicine for abortion. But mailed abortion pills are hard to trace. "This is just not going to be stoppable," University of Chicago law professor Gerald Rosenberg tells the Washington Post. "It's going to generate a lot of forthcoming legal conflicts because it's just going to be a way that state borders are going to become less relevant," Mary Ziegler, a visiting law professor at Harvard, tells the New York Times. But not impossible: As an IP address would reveal a user's location, patients may need to travel to a state where abortion pills can be prescribed through telehealth appointments and picked up from a post office box or hotel, per the Times. However, legal experts expect states to try to prevent this by targeting health-care providers in states where abortion is legal. Counter move: In response, states in support of abortion could follow Connecticut's lead in passing a bill that would prevent abortion providers from being extradited to other states, per the Times. Two bills moving through the California legislature would protect patients and health-care providers from civil penalties in states where abortion is banned and protect the licenses of state abortion providers who offer care to those in jurisdictions where the service is banned, per the Post. (Read more abortion pill stories.) (Newser) In what may be a sign of how heated things have gotten in the wake of this week's bombshell Supreme Court leak, justice Samuel Alito has canceled an appearance. Reuters reports that Alitoauthor of the leaked draft opinion that would dismantle Roe v. Wadewas to appear at the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals' judicial conference, which begins Thursday. It's a gathering of federal judges from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and the Supreme Court confirmed that Alitowho hears emergency appeals from that circuitwould no longer attend. No reason was specified. Separately, Chief Justice John Roberts and Clarence Thomas were scheduled to speak at a conference for the 11th circuit, which runs Thursday and Friday in Atlanta. It was unclear whether their appearances were still on. As the fallout continues over the leak, the New York Times has weighed in with a story on Alito and Roberts. The two justicesboth conservatives appointed by George W. Bushlong had virtually "indistinguishable" voting records on the court. But the story asserts that Alito has begun to part ways with Roberts, particularly since the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the bench. Justice Alito now appears to have concluded he no longer needs the chief to receive coveted opinion assignments, Harvard law professor Richard Lazarus tells the newspaper. And, buoyed by a five-justice conservative majority to the right of the chief, Justice Alito has apparently concluded, as underscored by his first draft opinion in the Mississippi abortion case, that he can now swing for the fences using the broadest language possible. (Read six different takes on the draft opinion.) (Newser) Boeing Co., a leading defense contractor and one of the world's two dominant manufacturers of airline planes, is expected to move its headquarters from Chicago to the Washington, DC, area, according to two people familiar with the matter. The decision could be announced as soon as Thursday, according to one of the people, the AP reports. Both spoke on condition of anonymity. Boeing did not immediately comment, but a Virginia official confirmed the company's plan, per the Hill. The decision was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The news comes several years after Amazon selected Arlington as the site for a second headquarters. A move to Arlington, Virginia, would put Boeing executives close to officials for their key customer, the Pentagon, and the Federal Aviation Administration, which certifies Boeing passenger planes. Boeing's roots are in the Seattle area, and it has assembly plants in Washington state and South Carolina. The company moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2001 after an unusually public search that also considered Dallas and Denver. Boeing had 142,000 employees at the end of 2021, including 12% based outside the US, according to a regulatory filing. The filing did not say how many work in Chicago. "They won't get pushback since their Chicago workforce and industry presence is minimal," said Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with consultant AeroDynamic Advisory. "Since DC is home to their biggest single customer, it makes some sense, but it's a much less impressive move than going back to Seattle." The move would mark a win for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican who campaigned last year in part on a promise to bring new jobs to the state. Youngkin, who retired in 2020 as co-CEO of private equity giant the Carlyle Group, was personally involved in discussions about the move and had a prior business relationship with Boeing CEO David Calhoun, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. (Read more Boeing stories.) Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Cloudy with snow showers changing to rain showers as the day progresses. High around 45F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Rain and snow in the morning. The rain and snow will change to rain showers in the afternoon. High around 45F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High around 45F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow will taper off and end this morning but skies will remain cloudy this afternoon. High around 45F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Cloudy with rain and snow early changing to all rain and becoming intermittent late. High 44F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 28F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain is committed to ensuring food security and self-sufficiency in various agricultural, animal and fish products. The Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Eng. Essam bin Abdullah Khalaf, made the assurance as he visited the General Poultry Company. Eng. Khalaf reviewed the companys expansion project to increase the production capacity of table eggs and the strategic food stock of the Kingdom. He was accompanied by the Undersecretary of Livestock Wealth, Dr Poultry Sami Mohamed Zainal, and company officials. The minister was briefed on the plans, programmes and projects that the company is carrying out to increase production capacity of table eggs, a key component of the national strategy for food security and self-sufficiency launched by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Pope Francis and the prime minister of Japan, the only country to be hit by atomic bombs, met on Wednesday and discussed their common hope for a world free of nuclear weapons. Francis and Fumio Kishida met for about half an hour in a receiving room of the Vaticans audience hall just before Francis held his general audience for thousands of people in St. Peters Square. The meeting came as nuclear-armed Russia pressed its war in Ukraine and after North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters and vowed to speed up the development of its own nuclear arsenal. In a statement, the Vatican said the talks touched on bilateral and international relations with particular attention to the war in Ukraine, stressing the urgency of dialogue and peace and expressing the hope, to this end, for a world free of nuclear weapons. Francis has changed church teaching on nuclear weapons, saying their mere possession was immoral. He made the comments during a 2019 visit to Japan, where he paid tribute to survivors of the atomic bombs in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently vowed to speed up the development of his nuclear weapons at the fastest possible pace and threatened to use them against rivals. ...continue reading Alfred C. Baldwin III, a former FBI agent who served as the chief eavesdropper and lookout for the Watergate burglars, but then became a key government witness in the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon, died Jan. 15, 2020 at a care center in New Paltz, N.Y. He was 83. Like Watergate conspirator James McCord Jr., whose death in 2017 was not widely reported for two years, Baldwin did not want his death publicized. Both men's deaths were first reported by London-based writer and filmmaker Shane O'Sullivan, who noted Baldwin's passing in the updated paperback edition of his book "The Watergate Burglars," which came out on Tuesday. His death was independently confirmed by his friend and longtime lawyer, Robert C. Mirto, who said Baldwin had cancer. A gregarious Marine Corps veteran from a prominent Connecticut family, Baldwin reinvented himself as a schoolteacher and lawyer in the years after Watergate, working as a state prosecutor in Hartford for nearly a decade until his retirement in 1997. But he remained best known as a supporting player in the cast of petty crooks, dirty tricksters, FBI veterans and former spies involved in the plot to bug the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington. "You'd think after 25 years, it would be over," he told the Hartford Courant in 1997, after he was subpoenaed as part of a defamation lawsuit against Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy. "There are other things in life." When McCord and four others broke into the Watergate office building on June 17, 1972, Baldwin was watching from across the street, keeping an eye on the DNC's sixth-floor headquarters from his room at a Howard Johnson hotel. He became the only member of the burglary team not charged with a crime, agreeing to cooperate with federal investigators in exchange for immunity from prosecution. According to a 1992 report in The Washington Post, Baldwin's testimony gave prosecutors enough evidence to indict the five burglars as well as two other conspirators, White House operatives Howard Hunt and Liddy. "He gave us some very valuable evidence," prosecutor Earl Silbert said in an oral history. "He became a critical government witness." Before testifying at trials and congressional hearings, Baldwin also went public with his story, helping to show that the break-in was far more than a "third-rate burglary," as Nixon press secretary Ron Ziegler initially called it. Agreeing to an exclusive interview with Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Nelson, he implicated Nixon associates and gave a vivid, richly detailed account of the burglary scheme - while also making one request of Nelson, asking the journalist to describe him in print as "a husky ex-Marine" in a bid to impress a girl he was seeing. Nelson obliged. Published in October 1972 and picked up by newspapers across the country, the interview and accompanying articles became "perhaps the most important Watergate story so far, because it was so tangible, it had an eyewitness, and it brought Watergate to the very door of the White House," wrote David Halberstam in his media history "The Powers That Be." Baldwin publicly revealed that the June break-in was actually the second Watergate burglary, occurring after McCord and his team bugged two phones at the Democratic office over Memorial Day weekend. One was believed to belong to DNC chairman Larry O'Brien, although the listening device never worked. The other belonged to R. Spencer Oliver, the executive director of the Association of State Democratic Chairmen. Over the next three weeks, Baldwin monitored some 200 conversations on Oliver's phone, taking notes that were passed to McCord and shared with Nixon campaign officials. He said that McCord was especially interested in conversations related to political strategy, O'Brien or Sen. George S. McGovern of South Dakota, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. "I never questioned McCord's orders," Baldwin told the Los Angeles Times. "I felt he was acting under orders and with full authority. After all, his boss, was John Mitchell," the former U.S. attorney general and the head of the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, commonly known as CREEP. "There was no set time for monitoring," Baldwin added. "The Democrats worked weird hours, like on Sundays and some days until 3 or 4 in the morning. And when I was in the room, I was monitoring from the time I got up until I went to bed." In the lead-up to the second burglary, McCord assigned him to cross the street and visit the Democratic headquarters in person, to determine O'Brien's whereabouts as well as the exact location of his office. Pretending to be the nephew of John Moran Bailey, the Connecticut state party chairman and former DNC leader, he was able to get a tour of O'Brien's office and draw a detailed floor plan upon his return. By one account, he was far less attentive on the early morning of June 17, as plainclothes police entered the Watergate building and closed in on the burglars. Stationed in hotel room 723, he "was glued to the TV, watching a horror movie, 'Attack of the Puppet People,' on Channel 20 - oblivious to the situation developing across the street," author Craig Shirley wrote in an article for Washingtonian magazine. Baldwin later called that claim "a blatant fabrication," saying the TV had been on to obscure the sound of a walkie-talkie he was using to communicate with his team. As he told it, he was looking out the window when he saw the lights flicker on across the Democratic office. He was not worried until a few armed men stepped onto the balcony, and he radioed to ask what the burglars were wearing. "Our people are dressed in suits," a voice replied. "Well," Baldwin recalled saying, "we've got problems. We've got some people dressed casually, and they've got guns." Police had been tipped off by Frank Wills, a Watergate security guard who noticed that a strip of tape was holding one of the office doors unlocked. He removed the tape, returned later to find it back in place and phoned D.C. police, who took the burglars into custody as Baldwin watched from his hotel room balcony. Within minutes, the door to his room opened and Hunt rushed in. He ordered Baldwin to wipe down the room, pack up the surveillance equipment, bring it to McCord's house in Rockville, Md., and get out of town. "Somebody will be in touch with you," he said. "With that," Baldwin recalled in the Times interview, "he threw his walkie-talkie on the bed and rushed from the room. 'Does that mean I'm out of a job?' I shouted after him. But he disappeared down the hallway without answering." Baldwin soon was located by federal investigators, and by the end of the month he was cooperating with the FBI. His lawyer, Mirto, later told the Courant that Baldwin became a witness after meeting with lawyers for CREEP, who "cut him loose" and told him he was on his own. "It was the worst mistake they made," said Mirto. Alfred Carleton Baldwin III was born in New Haven, Conn., on June 23, 1936. He rarely spoke about his early life before being interviewed for "The Puzzle of Watergate," a biography by Jean Ellen Wilson that was self-published in 2020 after a falling-out with Baldwin, who did not authorize the final version, according to the author's postscript. His great-uncle Raymond E. Baldwin served as Connecticut governor, chief justice of the state Supreme Court and a U.S. senator. His father was a lawyer and state unemployment compensation commissioner. After graduating in 1957 from Fairfield University in Connecticut, Baldwin served in the Marines for three years and rose to the rank of captain. One of his last assignments was in Quantico, Va., where he toured the nearby FBI training academy and was inspired to join the bureau. At the time, specialized skills or degrees in law or accounting were required to become a special agent. So Baldwin enrolled at the University of Connecticut law school, graduating in 1963 and joining the FBI later that year. He resigned three years later when he married and moved to Connecticut. His marriage to Georgeann Porto soon ended in divorce, according to the biography. Baldwin moved between jobs, working as chief of security for a trucking company and as an instructor in a college program for law-enforcement officers, before joining CREEP in May 1972, after being recruited over the phone by McCord. McCord, a former security expert at the CIA, told him he got his name from the Society of Former Special Agents. "He felt that because of my age, background and marital status - I am 36 and single - I was best suited for the position," Baldwin said. When Baldwin suggested that he was interested in rejoining the FBI, McCord said he could help him find a job after the election. In his first assignment for CREEP, Baldwin served as a security guard for Martha Mitchell, whose husband had recently stepped down as attorney general to work on the Nixon campaign. They never hit it off. "Al Baldwin is probably the most gauche character I have ever met in my whole life," Mitchell later said in a Watergate deposition, complaining that Baldwin had taken off his shoes and socks at her hotel suite in New York. As the Watergate scandal wore on, the administration repeatedly tried to cover up the burglary and wiretapping scheme. Dozens were convicted, and as impeachment appeared inevitable Nixon became the first president to resign, leaving office on Aug. 9, 1974. He was pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford. Baldwin said he struggled to find work after Watergate before landing a job as a substitute teacher in New Haven. He received a master's degree in education from Southern Connecticut State College (now a university) and later returned to the law, taking the bar exam for the first time in 1987. He passed, and within a few years was working as a state prosecutor under John Michael Bailey, a son of the Democratic Party leader whom he had once claimed as his uncle. "He doesn't suffer fools lightly, but overall he's been an excellent prosecutor," the younger Bailey told the Courant. Information on survivors was not immediately available. Baldwin remained puzzled by Watergate details for years, no less than many of the historians and journalists who covered the scandal. He became convinced that the operation was a "well-planned" setup, according to the biography, concluding that McCord and other CIA veterans had intentionally set out to remove Nixon from office, motivated by distrust of a president who was moving toward detente with communist China and the Soviet Union. Whatever the motivation for the Watergate scheme, he was convinced that the country had failed to learn from the scandal. He said he was once asked by a college student if he had any advice that resulted from his experience in the episode. "Yeah," he said, "don't trust anyone but your parents." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australia's defense policy debate heated up when the defense minister said there was evidence that the Chinese Communist Party wanted Australias government to change at the May 21 election because a center-left Labor Party administration would attempt to appease Beijing. Defense Minister Peter Dutton said Thursday the evidence included communication on the Chinese social media platform WeChat and how editors of Chinese-language newspapers in Australia had been pressured. There were also other elements, obviously, that I cant go into publicly, Dutton said in an apparent reference to classified security briefings. Dutton made his allegation of a Chinese preference for Labor in answer to a reporters question during a defense policy debate at the National Press Club with opposition defense spokesperson Brendan OConnor. Theres no doubt in my mind that the Chinese Communist Party would like to see a change of government at the May 21 election. No question at all, Dutton said. OConnor said he did not agree with what he described as Duttons conspiracy theory. Its not in this countrys interest for a political party to attack the other major political party on the basis of appeasing China particularly when its untrue, OConnor said. The Chinese Embassy in Canberra did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. A year after the conservative government was first elected in 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Australia and addressed Parliament. Bilateral relations have dramatically soured since then. Chinese government ministers wont talk to their Australian counterparts and China has imposed a series of formal and informal trade sanctions on Australian exports. Dutton said Sen. Penny Wong, who would become Labors foreign minister, would want to wind back the past nine years of Australias conservative government actions toward China. Penny Wong believes that she can go to Beijing on a charm offensive and she could change the direction of China under President Xi," Dutton said. Wong's office declined to comment on Thursday. Prime Minister Scott Morrisons conservative Liberal Party-led coalition has been campaigning as lawmakers most likely to stand up against Chinese coercion. A conservative lobby group Advance Australia has been displaying ads on the sides of trucks that depict Xi casting a vote for Labor. Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews last week suggested Chinas announcement of a security pact with the Solomon Islands was deliberately timed to undermine her Liberal Partys reelection prospects. OConnor on Thursday cited Dennis Richardson, former leader of the Defense Department, Foreign Department and main domestic spy agency, who warned against fabricating policy 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, Richardson said in February. That is not in the national interest. That only serves the interests of one country and that is China, Richardson added. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) Firefighters in New Mexico took advantage of diminished winds Thursday to build more fire lines and clear combustible brush near homes close to the fringes of the largest wildfire burning in the U.S. They did so ahead of what is expected to be several consecutive days of intense hot, dry and extremely windy weather that could fan the blaze. Today, the conditions were kind of moderated, Dan Pearson, a fire behavior analyst, said during a largely hopeful evening update by the U.S. Forest Service and law enforcement officials. And tomorrow is going to be another good day." But Pearson warned that starting Saturday, clear skies will bring more intense solar heat accompanied by 30 mph (48 kph) winds with days of high winds to follow. The fire has marched across 258 square miles (669 square kilometers) of high alpine forest and grasslands at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, destroying dozens of homes and prompting evacuations for thousands of families, many of whom have called the Sangre de Cristo Mountains home since their Spanish ancestors first settled the region centuries ago. President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration that brings new financial resources to the areas devastated by fire since early April. The aid includes grants for temporary housing and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other relief programs for people and businesses. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham traveled through northern New Mexico Wednesday and Thursday to survey the damage and chat with affected residents at a humanitarian kitchen, an evacuation shelter and an elementary school. The start of the conflagration has been traced in part to a preventive fire initiated by the U.S. Forest Service to reduce flammable vegetation. The blaze escaped control, merging with another wildfire of unknown origin. U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, who accompanied Lujan on a helicopter flight to view affected areas and meet with fire officials, on Thursday pressed a top Forest Service official to fully investigate the decision to start the controlled burn and disclose whether the agency considered the effects of climate change and a mega-drought afflicting western states. What protocols or controls were in place to make sure a controlled burn does not get out of hand? Did the U.S. Forest Service follow these protocols," the congresswoman wrote to Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. Evacuations that have now lasted weeks have taken a physical and emotional toll on residents. Classes were canceled at area schools for the week, some businesses in the small northeastern city of Las Vegas have closed due to staff shortages and some customers of the electric cooperative that serves surrounding areas have had no power for weeks. San Miguel County Sheriff Chris Lopez said firetrucks, a fleet of aircraft and other equipment have been brought in to the area to corral the flames and we're ready for anything that does come. But it's still too soon to let people return to outlying areas that burned earlier because there are pockets of unburned brush and trees that can serve as fuel for the blaze within the fire's perimeter. We've come to this crossroads on a few different occasions, where we were feeling good about it and we come up to a wind event and it hasn't went as planned, Lopez said. Relatively calm and cool weather in recent days has helped firefighters to keep the fire in check around its shifting fronts. Bulldozers scraped more fire lines Thursday while crews conducted controlled burning to to clear vegetation and prevent it from igniting. Aircraft also dropped more fire retardant in preparation for the heavy winds predicted this weekend. Gusts up to 45 mph (72 kph) are expected Saturday afternoon along with above-normal temperatures and abysmally low" humidity that make for extreme fire danger, said Todd Shoemake, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Albuquerque. Sunday and Monday are probably looking to be even worse. Nearly 1,300 firefighters and other personnel were assigned to fight the fire, while about 2,000 wildland firefighters are battling other blazes elsewhere in New Mexico and around the U.S. Officials at Los Alamos National Laboratory were warily tracking another wildfire that crept within about 5 miles (8 kilometers) of facilities at the U.S. nuclear research complex. Wildfires have become a year-round threat in the drought-stricken West moving faster and burning hotter than ever due to climate change, according to scientists and fire experts. Fire officials also point to overgrown areas where vegetation can worsen wildfire conditions. ___ Associated Press writer Susan Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Associated Press writers Anita Snow and Paul Davenport in Phoenix and Morgan Lee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contributed to this report. DANBURY Three women once serving time at Federal Correctional Institution-Danbury have filed a lawsuit, claiming their release to home confinement during the pandemic was revoked without due process, according to court filings. Theres no due process for resolving these cases or real consideration whether the person should be pulled back to prison, said their attorney Sarah Russell, director of the Legal Clinic at Quinnipiac University School of Law. There is no opportunity for a hearing or an argument even when children are being impacted. Among those challenging her return to prison is Nordia Tompkins, who was serving time for a drug conviction. She was able to regain custody of her daughter in foster care during her incarceration after she was released to home confinement in June 2020, Russell said. But Tompkins was sent back to prison without a hearing in June 2021 after the reentry center in charge of her home confinement claimed they couldnt reach her while she was at school, according to court records. She has been held since June 2021, Tompkins said in court filings. My younger daughter is staying with a friend of mine until I can return home, Tompkins said. She attends high school and has a learning disability. My older daughter is living on her own and is working full time to try to support herself. She wants to go back to college, but cant without my support. My daughters are suffering without me home. Tompkins story is not unique, according to Russell and Attorney Marisol Orihuela, an associate professor at Yale Law School. Both attorneys met the three women while representing them in a 2020 class action lawsuit against the prison to get more medically fragile inmates released to home confinement during the pandemic. Russell and Orihuela maintained contact with the inmates and agreed to take on the new cases as reports of people being remanded back to federal prison without a hearing increased. They want a federal judge to declare the lack of due process unconstitutional, contending that home confinement should have protections much like release to probation and parole, Orihuela said. There should be procedural protections before you rip people apart, she said. The other issue is that home confinement is meant to give people time to adjust to life outside of prison, Orihuela said. They are doing just that by establishing relationships, getting jobs, starting an education, she said. The Bureau of Prisons is taking minor violations and using them to take away all of that. It takes time to reestablish yourself in the community after incarceration, so what they are doing is making these people do that twice. There is an appeal process through the Administrative Remedy Program based on the circumstances of their case, said Emery Nelson, spokesperson for the Office of Public Affairs within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Nelson declined to comment on the specific conditions of confinement for the women. It is important to note that inmates on home confinement remain in the custody of the BOP and are subject to agreed-upon terms of conduct, Nelson said. But that process relates to discipline and not whether someone should be reincarcerated, Russell said. Thats also not a quick process to prevent reincarceration, she said. It takes months to complete. In the meantime, families who were recently reunited are now being torn apart, the attorneys said. Virginia Lallave has had a baby since her release to home confinement in June 2020, resumed care of her 8-year-old daughter, found a job, completed three Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses and assumed responsibility for the care of her father who is in renal failure and requires dialysis, according to court filings. Although she has had months of home confinement without issues, Lallave, who was convicted of drug offenses, was ordered back to prison in February after an alleged positive urine test for marijuana, Russell said. But prison officials have not supplied Lallave with the toxicology report or provided any avenue for discussion, according to filings. Russell was able to get a judge to release Lallave days after she was remanded back to prison. Although Lallave is still in the community and caring for her family, Russell wants a judge to declare the current process of remanding those on home confinement back to prison without due process unconstitutional. We are hoping for a ruling from the court on procedural protections, Russell said. Lallaves case is expected to be heard Friday in a federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y. Tompkins and Eva Cardoza havent been as lucky to be granted a temporary release as the court cases move forward, Russell said. Cardoza, who was serving a sentence on a drug and racketeering conviction, was on home confinement from May 2020 to June 2021, according to court filings. During that period, she reestablished connections with her children, including her 15-year-old daughter, and began taking care of her fiance and her mother who both have medical issues, according to court filings. Despite months of showing up to a reentry center in New York nearly two hours from home, which was required by the terms of her release, Cardoza was reimprisoned in Danbury after an alleged positive marijuana test, the court filings state. She is expected to remain there until the end of her sentence in 2024, Russell said in court documents. Ms. Cardoza had been taking care of a total of four children, including one of her own and three of her fiances. She was keeping the household together, Russell said. OTTAWA, ON, TRADITIONAL UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TERRITORY, May 5, 2022 /CNW/ - COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, and Indigenous Services Canada remains available to assist in prevention and response efforts. Monthly review April 2022 In April 2022, the following data was reported from First Nations communities: 2,441 average daily reported active COVID-19 cases A 9.6% decrease from March 2022 176 newly reported hospitalizations A 45.5% increase from March 2022 22 newly reported deaths An 18.5% decrease from March 2022 The following webpages and resources are updated regularly with COVID-19 information on: Requests for Federal Assistance (RFA) for COVID response - Recent conclusions As of May 5, 2022 : Deer Lake First Nation's ( Ontario ) RFA was approved on March 18, 2022 , for CAF support, and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded earlier than expected on April 8, 2022 , due to a significant drop in active cases. for CAF support, and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded earlier than expected on , due to a significant drop in active cases. Kashechewan First Nation's ( Ontario ) RFA was approved on February 1, 2022 , and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded on March 30, 2022 . and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded on . Attawapiskat First Nation's ( Ontario ) RFA was approved on February 16, 2022 . A new RFA was approved on March 16, 2022 , and an extension for continued CAF support was approved on March 30, 2022 . CAF support concluded on April 13, 2022 . Associated links COVID-19: Indigenous awareness resources Indigenous Community Support Fund Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Twitter: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenousHealth You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS. SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada For further information: media may contact: Alison Murphy, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected] OTTAWA, ON, May 5, 2022 /CNW/ - The Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, issued the following statement today: "On the International Day of the Midwife, we celebrate the vital role midwifery plays in supporting traditional birthing practices in communities, and the positive impact midwives have in the lives of mothers, babies and families. Midwifery and access to birth supports in communities to keep moms and babies close to family and home is an important part of the Government of Canada's work to ensure equitable, culturally safe, community-led and distinctions-based approaches to health services. Since 2017, the Government of Canada has made significant investments to support more access to midwifery services for Indigenous Peoples. As a result of our shared work, more women in more Indigenous communities are giving birth closer to home, surrounded by family and community. As the Government of Canada works with our community to transform health care to be distinctions-based and self-determined, more First Nations, Inuit and Metis women will have culturally safe options to be able to give birth in their own communities. Midwives play a critical role in the delivery of culturally safe health services. By fostering more access, we will see more culturally inclusive and accessible health services for generations of families to come. Stay connected Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada: Twitter: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenous You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS. SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada For further information: media may contact: Alison Murphy, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected] Gurpreet, Amandeep, Parminder, and Bhupinder are the names of four accused 'Khalisthani' terrorists. They were apprehended in Karnal, Haryana, after allegedly receiving weaponry from Pakistan via drones. On Thursday, four alleged Khalistani terrorists were apprehended in Karnal, Haryana. The suspects names have been released: Gurpreet, Amandeep, Parminder, and Bhupinder. According to television reports, three of them are from Punjabs Ferozepur and one is from Ludhiana. They were found to be in possession of a firearm and 21 live cartridges. SP Karnal told reporters that the accused were in contact with a Pakistan-based guy who asked them to drop rifles and ammunition in Adilabad, Telangana. Accused Gurpreet received explosives delivered by drone from across the border in Ferozepur district. They had already dropped explosives on Nanded. An FIR has been registered, SP Karnal stated. Haryana | Karnal Police detains four terror suspects, recovers a large cache of explosives Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/4p06SH67tf ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 This comes just a day after the Indian Army discovered a massive cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives in Arunachal Pradeshs Changlang area. According to sources, on Monday, the 14 Rajput Regiment recovered a large cache of weaponry and ammunition from the jungle area of Phinbro-I under Manmao police station, which was thought to be stashed by a proscribed terrorist organisation. Sandeep Deshpande and Santosh Dhuri, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leaders, were arrested on Wednesday under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault to prevent a public worker from performing his duties Sandeep Deshpande and Santosh Dhuri, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leaders, were arrested on Wednesday under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault to prevent a public worker from performing his duties. The MNS commanders, as well as their driver, have gone missing. Deshpande and Dhuri have been charged under the Indian Penal Codes Sections 353 (assault or criminal force to prevent a public officer from doing his duties), 279 (rash driving), and 336 (endangering life). They were arrested after a police inspector filed a complaint at Shivaji Park Police Station, alleging that they sped away in their car when approached by cops, hurting a female cop in the process. Santosh Salil, a suspect in the case, has been apprehended. A total of 150 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party workers were arrested in Nashik district for causing communal unrest. The arrests are part of the state polices preventive efforts to ensure law and order in the wake of MNS head Raj Thackerays call for the Hanuman Chalisa to be played on a loudspeaker outside mosques. Raj Thackeray had earlier underlined his opposition to loudspeakers, saying that Hanuman Chalisa will continue to be played outside mosques till the government acts and tackles the issue in accordance with the Supreme Court instructions on loudspeakers. On April 12, the MNS chief gave the Maharashtra government an ultimatum to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3, failing which, he warned, MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers. When Raj Thackeray encouraged people to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers in locations where loudspeakers are used for Azaan, a lawsuit was filed against him on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with freshly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday to discuss a variety of bilateral matters such as defense, space, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global challenges Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with freshly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday to discuss a variety of bilateral matters such as defense, space, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global challenges. India and France reiterated their commitment to forging one of the most important strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific region for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity. They share a vision of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, based on a commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and a region free of coercion, tensions, and conflicts, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a joint statement following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. Defense and security, commerce, investment, connectivity, health, and sustainability are all elements of the Indo-French Indo-Pacific cooperation. Aside from bilateral collaboration, India and France will continue to create new ties with like-minded countries in the area and within regional organizations in a variety of formats. During Frances chairmanship of the EU Council in February 2022, the inaugural Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum was held in Paris. On the basis of the EU Strategy for Indo-Pacific Cooperation, the Forum launched an ambitious agenda at the EU level. India and France reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the India-EU Strategic Partnership and expressed their eagerness to collaborate closely on the execution of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and the agreements reached at the India-EU Leaders Meeting in Porto in May 2021. Both parties praised the recent establishment of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, which would promote high-level coordination on strategic trade, technology, and security issues, as well as the resumption of discussions on India-EU Trade, Investment, and Geographical Indicators Agreements. India and France both expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and violations of human rights, urging for an inclusive and representative administration. Following meetings between the two countries during PM Modis tour, the two countries reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan, according to a joint press statement. On the final phase of his three-day European tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France on Wednesday and was greeted enthusiastically by members of the Indian diaspora in Paris. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEWTOWN - The Edmond Town Hall theater seats 500, and while planners dont expect quite that many residents to turn out Thursday for a hearing about an 8-acre trucking warehouse proposal, leaders want to be prepared after a week of street protests. This is the biggest thing to ever hit Newtown its a massive, massive project, said Donald Leonard, a volunteer organizer who helped collect 500 names on a petition and mobilized 200 people to turn out at a public hearing about the trucking warehouse in April. Leonard is also behind a string of protests this week on Main Street and at the site of the proposed warehouse. To put this in the middle of a residential neighborhood ignores the fact that there are serious impacts to all the residents who live in the area, Leonard said. We are trying to fight back. We dont want this in our backyard. Leonard is referring to plans by a Manhattan-based investor to build a 345,000-square-foot trucking warehouse on 105 acres at Interstate 84s Exit 9 that would come with 75 truck docks, 50 trailer spaces and 360 parking spaces. The proposal by Wharton Industrial to build on the environmentally sensitive site received a permit in March from Newtowns wetlands commission. The final step in the approval process involves review by the towns Planning and Zoning Commission, which will continue its public hearing on the warehouse proposal in an unusual location the Edmond Town Hall theater on Main Street. Its been in the papers a lot and the awareness is out there. Its a big project, said George Benson, Newtowns planning director. Its something we expect people to come out for. We didnt expect quite this many. A resident who lives on Woods Lane near the proposed warehouse said it was clear why many of his fellow Newtown residents are opposed to the plan. This is a horrendous proposal, Ken Breen said. Wharton cant tell us how many trucks there are going to be and their traffic study was done during the pandemic. Wharton consultants meanwhile argue the warehouse proposal is considerably less intense than virtually all other previous proposals on this site. A Wharton traffic consultant told a crowd of opponents at a mid-April public hearing that 59 vehicle trips would be added at the Hawleyville Road site during morning peak hours, and 66 new car and truck trips would be added to Hawleyville Road during evening peak hours. An independent consultant hired by Newtown to review Whartons traffic study is expected to give a report on Thursday. Wharton consultants added that the developer would install an 8-foot sound fence on 300 feet on the southern property border, and that no negative acoustical impact is expected from this project. The grassroots group Leonard helped to form, Newtown Neighbors, disagrees. The group hired its own attorney and an engineering consultant to challenge Whartons plans. The group has organized rallies to get its message out to fellow residents, including a rally outside Edmond Town Hall on Saturday that drew 100 people. We would have the Planning and Zoning Commission deny the application based on traffic, the lack of emergency services, the noise, the light pollution and the environmental impact, Leonard said. We dont want them to look for some way to downsize it we just dont want it, period. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 Weeks after the departure for Chief States Attorney Richard Colangelo, three veteran prosecutors will interview to fill Connecticuts top prosecutor job. Those under consideration for the job are New Haven States Attorney Patrick Griffin, Hartford States Attorney Sharmese Walcott and former Litchfield States Attorney Dawn Gallo, who retired last month, according to the Criminal Justice Commission. Deputy Chief States Attorney John Russotto has been serving as interim chief states attorney since Colangelos retirement on March 31. Colangelo announced his retirement in early February as the commission was about to mount an investigation into his hiring practices that could have led to his termination. Colangelo was investigated for nepotism allegations in connection with the hiring of the daughter of state Office of Policy and Management Deputy Commissioner Kosta Diamantis. Diamantis retired in October before he could be terminated as the second-in-command of OPM. Diamantis is now under federal investigation for his practices as the head of the states agency that dealt with school construction grants. His boss, OPM Secretary Melissa McCaw, also left state service after state officials publicly released a report by former U.S. Attorney Stanley Twardy and his associates at Day Pitney into the the hiring of Diamantis daughter. At the time Twardys report was released, the state also acknowledged that it had received subpoenas from federal investigators that appeared to focus on Diamantis role in the school construction grant program. Colangelo, the former Stamford states attorney, was appointed Chief States Attorney in January 2020. The fall-out from the scandal led Gov. Ned Lamont to seek the input of the Criminal Justice Commission, which appoints and terminates states attorneys on how to prevent future ethical lapses within the Division of Criminal Justice which oversees all state prosecutors. The Commission, headed by state Supreme Court Justice Andrew McDonald, is expected to make a decision to fill the position May 12 after the interviews are complete. Griffin has been a state prosecutor since 1995 and was the former head of the Chief States Attorneys Cold Case and Shooting Task Force. He was appointed New Haven States Attorney in 2016. Griffin successfully prosecuted the arrest of Hamden police officer Devin Eaton who was accused of shooting a female passenger in a vehicle he believed was involved in an armed robbery attempt. Dawn Gallo was appointed Litchfields States Attorney in October of 2019. She retired as the application process for a new Chief States Attorney was underway. She has been a state prosecutor for more than two decades. Sharmese Walcott was appointed Hartfords States Attorney in 2020. She has worked as a prosecutor for the Division of Criminal Justice since 2007. After decades of inertia, Connecticut is finally moving to help its thousands of lead-poisoned children and prevent thousands of other young children from being damaged by the widespread neurotoxin. The state will direct most of its efforts and most of $30 million in federal money, toward its cities, whose children have borne the brunt of this epidemic. In announcing the allocation recently, Gov. Ned Lamont pointed to lead's "catastrophic" effects on children's health and development, noting that lead poisoning is "a problem that impacts most deeply minority and disadvantaged communities of our state." Nearly half of the 1,024 children reported as lead poisoned in 2020 lived in New Haven, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Hartford, or other cities, according to state Department of Public Health numbers. The more enduring thrust of the state's new actions, however, is the strengthening of its outdated lead laws, starting in 2023. The changes will increase early interventions by: Gradually lowering the blood lead levels that trigger parental notifications. Lowering the blood lead counts requiring home inspections. Requiring more frequent testing of children who live in areas where lead exposure is more common. Under current law, parental notifications aren't required unless a child's blood lead level is 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the trigger for parental notifications will be 3.5 micrograms, the standard adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the state had used the CDCs new measurement of 3.5 micrograms in 2020, the number of Connecticut children considered lead poisoned would triple to 3,000. More significantly, perhaps, is that by Jan. 1, 2025, investigations into where and how a child has been poisoned will drop from the current trigger of 20 micrograms per deciliter to 5 micrograms per deciliter. 'It's A Start' The $30 million for lead poisoning relief is from the state's share of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Biden administration's COVID-19-relief legislation. Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said the funds will be spent largely on remediating housing found to be the source of a child's poisoning. Abating a single home or apartment can cost between $12,000 and $15,000, Juthani said, adding that the ARPA money will remediate more than 1,500 housing units. "It's a start," she said. "This may not remove the problem altogether, but the hope is that we can make a ... dent." "Were going to continue to explore funding opportunities that may be federal, that may be with other partners," Juthani said. "This is always going to be an ongoing priority." The federal government approved a bipartisan infrastructure measure in 2021, allocating $3 billion over the next five years to cover the costs of replacing lead-lined water pipes throughout the country. Connecticut and the other states are conducting inventories to identify pipes that need to be replaced. "Right now, we have about 18,000 on a list of possible lead service lines," said Lori Mathieu, DPH public health section chief. Leaded water pipes cause about 20 percent of all lead poisoning cases in the state; nearly every other case is linked to leaded paint. Lead Paint In Housing Until it was banned in 1978, for more than a half-century, lead was added to house paint to boost its durability. Even painted over, it remains on the walls of older apartment buildings and homes. As the paint inevitably deteriorates, leaded chips and paint dust can be ingested by crawling babies and toddlers who, during this peak period of brain development, typically explore their new worlds using hand-to-mouth activities. Once in the bloodstream, the heavy metal can cause permanent cognitive problems, including a measurable loss in IQ points, hearing loss, developmental delays, learning disabilities and hyperactivity. For years, Connecticut law lagged behind the scientific findings that ever-smaller amounts of lead can cause irreversible harm to young children. In testimony before the Public Health Committee in March, doctor after doctor described the dire and discriminatory landscape of lead poisoning. "As a pediatrician who cares for children with lead toxicity," said Erin Nozetz, MD, chair of the New Haven Lead Task Force, "I have seen firsthand the devastating and long-term health effects that lead poisoning has on the physical and mental health of young children, in particular those under the age of 6. "Right now, in Connecticut," Nozetz said, "the risk of a child being poisoned and the response to that poisoning depends on the town that the child lives in. We also know that children from underrepresented minority populations are disproportionately affected by lead toxicity. I dont know about you, but this infuriates me." Waterburys Efforts Connecticut cities have some of the oldest housing in the country. Larger cities may each have well over 10,000 housing units built before lead paint was outlawed. Waterbury has more than 14,500 such units, and the city consistently has some of the highest numbers of lead-poisoned children in the state, state DPH reports show. The Brass City reported 81 lead-poisoned children under 6 in 2020, which is certainly an undercount because of the pandemic, said Public Health Director Aisling McGuckin. In 2018, the year before COVID-19 hit, Waterbury reported twice as many lead-poisoned children. "Waterbury is predominantly a renter city," McGuckin said. Healthy Homes, the federal program created to eliminate housing-related environmental hazards, has done a lot of work in the city, she said. But much work remains, as well as challenges, she said. "Landlords can be hard to contact" if an apartment unit or home needs lead remediation, McGuckin said, so "families don't have a lot of control." And there are the logistics involved in the numbers of children and families needing help. In testimony urging passage of the lead legislation, McGuckin wrote, "Currently in Waterbury, we have two staff managing the lead case management work. In FY 2021, we had over 1,000 cases that under the proposed blood lead level limits would have provoked an investigation and follow-up." A Modernized System New Haven was embroiled in a class-action lawsuit for over two years after the city quietly changed its criteria for investigating lead-poisoned children. Two top health officials, including the department's director, left. Last summer, a state judge agreed with the New Haven Legal Assistance Association, which had brought the lawsuit, that New Haven was in the wrong. When the new mayor, Justin Elicker, hired Bridgeport's public health director to fix the embattled health department, Maritza Bond said she would involve a broad spectrum of the community in her efforts, including lawyers from New Haven Legal Assistance. "We're in an excellent position," Bond said. "We've modernized systems. We have a lead dashboard. We're tracking cases, updating them daily." The department's website contains maps highlighting areas with high numbers of lead cases. The lead program is almost fully staffed. "In two years, we've gone from two inspectors to five, and we're hiring for a sixth," said Bond, who is running for secretary of the state. And New Haven is inspecting the homes of lead-poisoned children whose blood lead levels are 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. The state won't require that until 2024. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team ( c-hit.org ), a nonprofit news organization dedicated to health reporting. The state will no longer have the ability to claw back money that formerly incarcerated people win through lawsuits unless individuals were convicted of certain serious crimes. Legislators considered a bill this session that would have eliminated the states authority to collect so-called prison debt if the formerly incarcerated came upon a windfall via lottery winnings, inheritance or a lawsuit. But despite receiving a lot of media attention throughout the session, the bill did not get called for a vote in the House or Senate. That was an important bill to us, given the impact on all communities, particularly communities of color, said Sen. Gary Winfield, D-New Haven and co-chair of the Judiciary Committee, which held a public hearing on the bill and passed it out of committee. But a provision of the budget lawmakers approved in the waning days of session reins in the states ability to charge people for having spent time in prison or jail. Now, the state can still take money gained through the lottery or inheritance, but it can take money awarded in lawsuits only if an individual is currently or was previously incarcerated for capital felony or murder with special circumstances, felony murder, first- and second-degree sexual assault, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault of a minor. The measure also provides a $50,000 buffer for the currently incarcerated, providing them a possibility of holding onto some of their funds. If you have a million bucks, [the state] is going to rob you blind, but youre going to be left with $50,000, said Dan Barrett, legal director of the ACLU of Connecticut, describing a scenario that a currently incarcerated person could now face. But if they were convicted of one of the listed crimes, you will not even be left with the $50,000; theyll take it all. Barrett, whose organization has an ongoing lawsuit with the state over its prison debt practices, said that before the budget passed, the state had an array of ways it could collect debt from people who were released from prison, taking money they gained from lawsuits or inheritances, or property the formerly incarcerated leave to their loved ones. Thanks to the law change, Barrett said, the state will not be able to take money from lawsuits, but the rest of the options remain on the table. So, anyone who is inheriting money, anyone who has managed to save some money and wants to pass it along to their kids, and anyone who wins the lottery, theyre unaffected by the amendment, said Barrett. The state deciding it is no longer going after peoples lawsuit winnings is a huge development, Barrett said. Think of somebody who gets out of prison and they get hit by a car crossing the street. What does that have to do with their prison debt? Winfield said carving out people convicted of certain serious crimes is a part of the negotiating required to get the budget through the legislature. There has to be agreement for things to go in the implementer, he said. There is a thought in the General Assembly among some that the people who have committed that class of crimes, no matter where they are in life, are forever who they were when they committed those crimes. And the way we deal with them is reminding them on a daily basis, no matter what theyve done, that they cant do anything more. Winfield pointed out that some are individuals who served their time in the prison system and have since been released, but we cant wrap our heads around the fact that someone could have committed a terrible crime and still be a human being. Advocates have been working for years to get rid of prison liens. Daee McKnight said he and Fred Hodges, both of whom work for Family Reentry/Community Resource for Justice in Bridgeport, have been advocating on the issue for the past decade. McKnight said they worked with a broad coalition this session including Rep. Anthony Nolan, D-New London, Quinnipiac Law School Professor Sarah Russell, Rep. Steven Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, and Winfield to get the measure passed. McKnight, who served 17 1/2 years in prison, said such liens keep formerly incarcerated people, who already have a hard time finding work because of the stigma of a criminal record, trapped in poverty. The majority of people in prison come from impoverished communities, he said. McKnight received money from lawsuit settlements from two separate car accidents after he got out of prison in 2005. He said the state came after him both times, taking half the money he received for his injuries. Whatever award youre given is not a windfall. Its supposed to make you whole, because you were injured, he said. The language in the budget implementer is progress, McKnight said, and he is grateful but he hopes that one day the state ends prison liens against everyone, including those convicted of those serious crimes. This is about ending economic sanctions that youre putting on poor people, he said. When you exclude a certain group of people, then it appears to be just what it is, which is a punishment. HAMDEN A local group tasked with strengthening police-community ties has launched an inquiry into the destruction of Police Department documents that were subject to a records request. In early March, the Hamden Police Department submitted a form to the Connecticut State Library asking permission to destroy unsubstantiated internal affairs files from 2018 through 2020. That request followed a Feb. 25 Freedom of Information request submitted by police Commissioner Daniel Dunn, who asked to review civilian complaints dating back to 2016. It also came a month after a commission meeting at which Dunn asked the department to provide internal affairs files for all active duty officers. The Strengthening Police & Community Partnerships Executive Committee is seeking to establish whether the records were destroyed intentionally or as the result of an oversight, according to a release from the group. The SPCP is operating independently from the town. It has asked for material including email correspondence between our Commissioners and Chief, an explanation of the current record destruction timelines and mandates, and a financial audit to understand costs associated with the FOIA requests made by (Dunn), according to a statement from SPCP facilitator Jacqueline Beirne. The SPCP Council's primary concerns are public safety and trust in our Town leaders, Beirne said in the statement. Until this matter is clearly resolved and all parties are in agreement to move forward with the business of our Town, trust in our leadership and police will continue to deteriorate. Chief of Police John Sullivan, who has declined comment, signed the destruction request March 3, and Mayor Lauren Garrett signed it March 9. The state granted permission March 17, but this week put a hold on all disposition requests from the Hamden Police Department after learning of the FOI request. LeAnn Burbank, the public records administrator for the Connecticut State Library, later said she was not aware of the FOI request. It is the purview of the requesting agency to know whether the records pertain to a pending action, she said. By signing the destruction request, Sullivan and Garrett averred that no records listed, in our opinion, pertain to any pending case, claim, or action. Garrett has said she was not aware the files were connected to an active records request when she signed the form. She had not been not copied on the FOI request, she said Wednesday. Sullivan on Wednesday said Garretts administration had asked him not to speak with the press about the matter. I dont want to not listen to the administrations wishes, he said. Garrett asked Sullivan not to speak publicly about the incident until he had been interviewed by her staff, she said. Asked Wednesday evening whether he could speak about what occurred, Sullivan said he had no comment. New details emerge When news of the records destruction first broke, it was unclear whether the internal affairs files included civilian complaints, the subject of Dunns FOI request. Garrett has since confirmed civilian complaints were among the files and were, in fact, shredded. But the department has electronic copies of the internal affairs investigation reports, according to the mayor, who said they restate the contents of each complaint. The digital copies were supposed to be destroyed at the same time but they were not, she said. Im thankful that they were not. Asked whether the reports summarize the complaints or include their exact wording, Garrett said she was unsure. The civilian complaint is basically a written copy that is signed, and that piece of paper is lost through the shredding, she said. But when the internal affairs investigation is done the complaint gets restated ... so we have all of the information preserved. Asked whether the records destruction appeared to be intentional or was done in error, I think its one of those things where we may never know, Garrett said. The SPCP aims to find the answer. The SPCP Executive Committee is preparing inquiries into details for the processes of record destruction by both the office of the Mayor and the Chief of Police to determine whether this was intentional or a critical failure in the records retention policies, its release says. The SPCP (hopes) to help see this issue resolved in the most positive way in order to secure a focus on our Hamden public safety needs, it says. Accidental or intentional? Local officials differ on why the destruction of records occurred. If there is nothing to hide, why were documents destroyed? asked Councilman Justin Farmer, D-5, a longtime police accountability advocate who has called for eventually phasing out the existence of the Police Department. I fall back to the question of what are they hiding? The documents should be in the police commissioners hands by now, Farmer said. He pointed out that Sullivan has cited personnel issues when explaining the delay in providing records. But he has time to destroy documents. That doesnt make sense to me, Farmer said. I usually dont do spring cleaning when I have other stuff to do. Police Commissioner Frank LaDore said he knows the situation looks bad. But I dont believe that it was done purposely, he said. The fact that theres still electronic versions hopefully everything will come out and it will be a moot story. LaDore said the department routinely destroys records. While it is possible the records were destroyed because of the FOI request, he said, his impression is that it occurred in error. I think we have to look at the process going forward to make sure that this doesnt happen, he said. If theres an FOI out there, we have to keep the records. Connecticut State Library records show Hamden police also received permission to destroy unsubstantiated internal affairs files in 2018 and 2020. meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WALLINGFORD Wine aficionado and chef Arnie Schloemann wants to open an urban wine bar in town and all he needs to fulfill the dream is the commercial space, as hes already had plenty of practice in his own backyard. Schloemann, an award-winning winemaker, vino educator, chef, regional vice president of the American Wine Society and chairman ofr the Hartford chapter, throws a lunch/wine-tasting with friends every Tuesday in a 500-square-foot garage in his backyard. Some just come for the delicious food prepared by Schloemann, the laughs and the conversation, but others come to participate in the wine making, as well. He now is looking for a commercial space to open an urban wine bar in Wallingford that could encompass all that, and in Middletown is working with a partner to lease land from the town for a vineyard and tasting rooms. For now, there is guy magic in that backyard building for the 10-15 friends. The weekly event is known on social media among his circle as #tuesdayswitharnie. Bill Black, of Guilford, a retired accountant and author of three murder mysteries, has been lunching there for about five years and loves everything about it the food, the wine, the conversation. I just enjoy it. Its guys getting together, Black said. The wine is beautiful, very tasty. The food is excellent. Hes quite accomplished over the years. Black said the luncheon is like a discussion party with a cross-section of people, and politics is the only topic off-limits. We talk about everyday things, he said recalling an exciting talk about dishwashers (as in machines). No one is looking to prove anything. The tradition started in 2014 with a few friends who were helping Schloemann build the garage on Tuesdays his day off at the time. He made them lunch every Tuesday for helping, but when the garage was done, they asked, What about lunch on Tuesdays? Slowly, they brought friends. Today they all chip in for food, but Schloemann is still cooking. One of the wine guys, as they call themselves loosely, is John Costanzo of North Branford, who said every Tuesday on his calendar is booked. We have a laughs, great wine and food, said Constanzo, noting last week Schloemann made calamari, shrimp and muscles over rigatoni. The camaraderie amazing. The group is easy to blend with. Other lunches have included pork loin, chicken cacciatore, sirloin steak and chicken. Costanzo said the guys break each others chops as guys do, and, If I invite a friend I say, Be prepared to have your chops broken and at the same time break chops. Schloemann, 56, has been making wine for 30 years for many of them as a hobby in the basements of old-school traditional winemakers in New Haven, North Haven and Branford. About 12 years ago he upped his wine expertise by reading books and hanging around Connecticut wineries. In recent years, hes become an expert. A chef before the pandemic, Schloemann, considered an expert in food/wine pairings, gives classes on the subject at various eateries. His wines, all varietals, have earned prestigious awards in the industry, including international competitions, and he has the collection of ribbons to prove it. I love wine and I love food, Schloemann said. Aside from his Tuesday lunch gatherings and the wine produced there, Schloemann makes wine in his garage and basement. He calls the enterprise Country Club Winery because he lives on Country Club Lane. Schloemann puts an emphasis on educating people about wine crushing it, making it, bottling it, tasting it, pairing it. I taste the wines and make food to go around it, he said. Certain tastes pair with certain wine. He and a friend/business partner are in the process of trying to turn a 30-plus-acre farm in Middletown into a vineyard with tasting rooms, but the project is still going through approvals. If it comes to fruition, planting of grapes will start next year, but they hope to open the tasting room sooner with wines they make here from grapes they have imported from California, New York, Chile and Africa. Schloemann, unemployed since the pandemic, currently is looking for a location in Wallingford to open his urban wine bar, which would include people making wine, a tasting room, some food. Im dedicated to the better understanding and appreciation of wine, he said. The structure in the backyard where the lunches take place has a rustic feel, with wine barrels in the back of the room and a small bar fashioned by him and a friend with wooden crates once used to ship grapes. Richie Beaumont, of Middletown, was introduced to the group by a friend about eight years ago, and takes part in making wine with Schloemann, whom he considers a mentor. Beaumont said his Sicilian grandfather used to make wine in the basement and it tasted like vinegar, but Schloemann knows the science, the intricacies. Hes just a master at it, Beaumont said of Schloemanns wine making. Arnie really loves to make wine. Hes very passionate about it. Beaumont, the baby of the group at 50 years old, said hes dreamed of owning a vineyard since he was in his 20s. He works the social media for Schloemann and his use of the hashtag #tuesdayswitharnie helped make the wine/lunch gatherings a recognizable event in the community. Its just a great time away youre just a bunch of guys, Beaumont said. You dont leave there without a smile on your face. Barry St. Pierre, of Burlington, whom Schloemann considers one of his mentors, makes his own wine but said he and Schloemann collaborate, sharing ideas and supplies. Weve spent a lot of time together picking our brains, St. Pierre said. Its very good (his wine). He does a really nice job. As the third Connecticut legislative session of the COVID-19 era came to a close Wednesday, key lawmakers say some pandemic accommodations at the Capitol, including virtual public hearings and a remote voting option for legislators, may be here to stay. At least 10 percent of the General Assemblys nearly 200 members contracted COVID during this legislative session, and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, argued last week that conducting hearings over Zoom gives the public more access to the legislature and lawmakers enjoy the ability to vote from their offices when necessary. I think those things stay forever, Ritter said. House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, said he envisions an option for members of the public to testify either live at the Capitol or over Zoom, depending on their preference. Can we have enough technological ability to have hybrid public hearings where there is an in-person component for those who want to be here as well as an online version so that folks from the corners of the state dont have to drive here to participate in the process? Rojas said. Whether to continue virtual committee meetings, another pandemic-era innovation, is a tricky question, Ritter said, and would likely be up for discussion next year. After shutting down entirely early in the pandemic, the Capitol has been partially open during this past session, with the public permitted on the first and second floors, but not the third floor. But even with hearings remote and other precautions in place, COVID-19 spread quickly among lawmakers this session. Ritter and Rojas estimated that between 10 and 15 members of the Democratic House caucus have tested positive for COVID-19 since February, and a spokesperson said another 5-10 Democratic senators had had the virus as well. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said he knew of two more positive tests in the Republican House caucus. In total, that means at least 10 percent of the 187 state legislators have had COVID-19 during this session alone, as have Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, both of whom tested positive in April. The legislative session has played out during a period in which Connecticut recovered from a devastating omicron variant wave, only to face yet another COVID-19 uptick as the BA.2 subvariant spread through the state. As of Wednesday, the states seven-day positivity rate stood at 10.3 percent, highest since late January. Legislators who have COVID-19 have still been able to participate in the session from an isolated location in the basement of the Capitol, another accommodation created for the COVID-19 era. Ahead of this legislative session, Republicans pushed back against the continuation of virtual hearings and committee meetings, arguing they were unnecessary and limited public participation. Those concerns were overruled by the Democratic majority, which chose to continue the pandemic precautions initially for the first month of the session and then eventually for the entire 12-week period. Despite having contracted COVID-19 last month, Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor, said he viewed the rules used this session as a success, arguing they struck an appropriate balance by allowing lawmakers to interact face-to-face while making sure hearings were safe and accessible. While it is great to have somebody come to a public hearing and wait for 16 hours sitting in a chair at the Capitol, I do feel that the access to some people with some special needs and seniors and people with disabilities we have been able to have them testify from their places of comfort, said Anwar, who is a practicing pulmonologist. Even if COVID-19 disappeared tomorrow, Anwar said, he would support virtual public hearings, as well as virtual committee meetings, which he considers more convenient. I think the impact of some efficiencies that we have learned of during the pandemic are going to be here to stay, Anwar said. Alex.Putterman@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 4-year-old boy walking on the beach with his mother and their dog discovered the body of Yale University graphic designer Anton Sovetov on Duck Pond Road beach in the Long Island town of Southold, N.Y. Amy Kaufman, of the Southold hamlet of Cutchogue, said Thursday she, her son, Oliver, and their dog, Sage, were about a mile from her home walking along the beach when, she said, My son said, Mom, is that a dead body? Kaufman said they are regulars on the beach and we were climbing rocks and having fun on the private beach at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday when they came upon Sovetovs body. She called police and later was interviewed by a detective, she said. She said Sovetov was dressed in a black T-shirt and black pants and was wearing his shoes. Kaufman said the officer seemed to think that there wasnt trauma to the body. Police Chief Martin Flatley of the Southold Town Police Department said the department no longer is involved in the case. Our role in it was just the recovery of the body and getting it to the morgue, he said Thursday. The only investigation we were doing was to try to identify the body. Officer Daniel Mackey responded at 10:56 a.m. and then called in Detective Roman Wilinski, according to the police report. The Suffolk County medical examiners office then responded and removed the body for further investigation, the report states. Southold is at the far end of Long Islands north fork, due south of Clinton. Flatley said he was in contact with Yale and New Haven police but that those departments are in charge of the investigation. The circumstances of the death itself would be on the Connecticut side since thats where he was reported missing from, Flatley said. He said the medical examiners office would be investigating the cause of death. Sovetov, 44, was last seen on a video taken from New Havens Elm City Market Feb. 5. His last contact with colleagues at Yales graphic design office was the previous day. Sovetov was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and studied at the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, Netherlands, for four years before studying at the Yale School of Art, graduating in 2016. He had worked at the university since 2017. Colleagues and university officials described Sovetov as a talented artist who was well liked by those who knew him. His Yale obituary described Sovetov as a versatile graphic designer in the Office of the University Printer whose creative work gave clarity, style, and prominence to Yales public health messaging amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Within months of graduation, he joined the university printers office as a Rollins Fellow, the obituary said. He distinguished himself for the breadth of his artistic skills including drawing, calligraphy, typography and type design, and digital illustration and was hired onto the regular staff after the fellowship. The obituary called him a video game and science fiction enthusiast, or gamer. His projects included posters, banners, logos, icons, dinnerware and complete visual identities. Sovetov shaped visual messaging for a wide variety of Yale offices, initiatives, celebrations, and programs, including the Fortunoff Archive of Holocaust Testimonies, the new residential colleges, the Yale Planetary Solutions Project, commencement, and the universitys response to COVID-19, the obituary said. His work on COVID included banners that covered university bulletin boards urging people to wear a mask and wash your hands, it said. The obituary went on to quote University Printer John Gambell, who hired Sovetov and supervised him. Anton was at the heart of a shift in Yales graphic identity, from one almost solely based in type and photography to one based more in illustration. He was one of the most talented designers I have worked with in my 40-year graphic design career, and an irreplaceable member of the universitys communications team. Casey Pickett, director of the Planetary Solutions Project and Yale Carbon Charge, called Sovetovs work spare, evocative, striking, and effective, according to the obituary. He helped me create a presentation that I have used well over 100 times presenting to audiences across Yale, the U.S., and the world, Pickett said. After nearly every presentation, someone asks me, Who is your designer? Can you put me in touch? Antons work is unlike anything I have seen before. My heart breaks for the loss of Anton, said Nate Nickerson, vice president for communications, in the obituary. He was a graphic designer of singular vision: his work for Yale was at turns playful, arresting, somber, and joyous he had the rare talent of giving emotional power to nearly everything he touched. Sovetov is survived by his mother, who lives in Russia. He had been in the process of getting his Green Card to become a permanent U.S. resident, the obituary said. The Office of Public Affairs and Communications and Yale School of Art are planning a memorial gathering. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GENEVA (AP) Following the evacuation of some civilians from a steel mill besieged by Russian forces in the port of Mariupol, attention is turning to the fate of hundreds of Ukrainian troops still inside after weeks in the plant's warren of underground tunnels and bunkers. Their choice seems to be either fighting to the death or surrendering in hopes of being spared under the terms of international humanitarian law. But experts say the troops, who count both able-bodied and wounded among their ranks, are unlikely to be afforded an easy exit and may have difficulty getting out of the Azovstal steelworks as free men or even alive. They have the right to fight until they are dead, but if they surrender to Russia, they can be detained, said Marco Sassoli, a professor of international law at the University of Geneva. Its simply their choice. With the soldiers' futures hanging in the balance, Sassoli said it shouldn't be ruled out that the Russians could treat them in accordance with international law: It would be not accurate to say the these poor guys in Azovstal should not surrender to the Russians because the Russians will execute or torture them. Laurie Blank, a professor at Emory Law School in Atlanta who specializes in international humanitarian law and law of armed conflict, said injured fighters are considered hors de combat literally out of the fight and can be detained as prisoners of war. Russia could let the injured Ukrainian troops return to Ukrainian areas but is not required to, she said. The sprawling, seaside Azovstal mill is a key war objective for Russian forces as the last holdout of resistance in coastal southeastern Ukraine, after a grueling, obliterating siege of Mariupol. The wives of at least two Ukrainian soldiers inside Azovstal have been in Rome pleading with the international community for an evacuation of the soldiers there, arguing they deserve the same rights as civilians. Kateryna Prokopenko's husband, Denys Prokopenko, commands the Azov Regiment that has been defending the plant during the Russian siege of Mariupol. She voiced a crescendo of concern on Thursday, telling The Associated Press: Assault continues. Many dead and new injured. They are waiting for the evacuation operation from Europe, or they will all die. Ukrainian authorities have also demanded that Russia offer the Azovstal soldiers a safe exit with their weapons. But experts say it would be nearly unprecedented for them to be simply allowed to walk free, not least because they could take up arms again and possibly cause Russian casualties. It is unlikely that Russia would allow Ukrainian troops to leave the plant with their weapons and nothing in the law would require that, Blank said via email. Instead, the Russian military has called on the troops inside Azovstal to lay down their arms and come out with white flags. It says those who surrender will not be killed, in line with international law. The commanders of the Ukrainian resistance at the plant have repeatedly rejected deadlines that Russia gave for their surrender. But in a new video recording, the Azov Regiments deputy commander, Sviatoslav Palamar, said some soldiers should be allowed out - particularly injured ones - and he called directly upon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for help. I personally appeal to the commander-in-chief to take care of wounded soldiers who are dying in agony from inadequate treatment, he said. In another video released over the weekend, Palamar indicated the Ukrainian fighters were ready to leave the plant, which was the older part of Mariupol not under Russian control. (We need) guarantees of third side (third parties), politicians, world leaders who will cooperate to negotiate with Russians to extract us from here," he said. They (the Russians) don't want to lose their soldiers, and we continue to keep resistance. So the best solution in this situation is our evacuation," Palamar said. "Does it make sense to continue carrying this massacre? Doubts have swirled around Russia's willingness to uphold its commitments regarding prisoners of war if the Azovstal fighters were taken captive due to a lack of information on how Ukrainian soldiers captured already have fared. International humanitarian law "grants absolute protection to POWs against ill treatment and murder. Violations of these norms are war crimes, Annyssa Bellal, a senior researcher and international humanitarian law expert at the Geneva Graduate Institute, said. The respect of the norms, though, is dependent on the will of the parties to the conflict. International norms have allegedly been breached by both sides during 2 1/2 months of war, as seen in evidence of execution-style killings of civilians that emerged following Russian withdrawals near Kyiv, and the desecration of corpses that may have been Russian troops outside the city of Kharkiv. Protections of POWs date back generations, including to the 1863 Lieber Code, which was drafted during the U.S. Civil War. Moscow itself benefitted significantly from such rules during World War II, when Nazi forces applied them at times with respect to Russian detainees. Under the Geneva Conventions, POWs must at all times be humanely treated and may not be subjected to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments that arent justified for health reasons. Members of armed forces who are wounded or sick, meanwhile, shall be respected and protected in all circumstances. Unlike civilians, prisoners of war may be forcibly sent to other countries to keep them from returning from the battlefield. A 2016 interpretive document for the Geneva Conventions says medical treatment of POWs is fundamental and the person of the soldier who is wounded or sick, and who is therefore hors de combat, is from that moment inviolable. There are differences of interpretation, however, over whether injured combatants may be targeted in war, said Sassoli, who was on a three-person team commissioned by the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe that travelled to Ukraine in March. The International Committee of the Red Cross plays a crucial and nearly exclusive role in conflicts around the world mediating between combatants on matters such as arranging prisoner swaps and monitoring detainee conditions. Among other things, the ICRC collects names of POWs and reports back to their governments and families. Yet the ICRC has not said whether it has met with any POWs in Russian custody since the war began Feb. 24, a silence that Sassoli said could be a bad sign. Asked by AP whether ICRC has visited any war detainees, spokesman Jason Straziuso said briefly, The issue of prisoners of war is extremely important and we are closely engaging with the parties to the conflict on the topic. He declined to comment further. On Tuesday, Pascal Hundt, the ICRCs chief in Ukraine, told reporters that only civilians were covered in a Russian-Ukrainian deal that led to the recent evacuations from Azovstal. And he expressed uncertainty that anyone else might get out. The ICRC has little leverage when it comes to reaching a cease-fire agreement, and it is up to the parties to find agreement and to get these people out, Hundt said. Well continue to push even if the hope is close to zero, well just continue to push and we stand ready to go there. For the families of the holed-up troops, the despair was rising with every blast of artillery shell and any step of advance of Russian forces. They stand till the end. They only hope for a miracle, said Kateryna Prokopenko, before turning to recent words from her husband. He said that he loves me and will love me forever. I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye. ___ Trisha Thomas in Rome contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN Mayor Justin Elicker threw his strongest support to city Health Director Maritza Bond in the secretary of the state race, in an announcement just one day before the state of the state convention. The bittersweet possibility that New Haven possibly loses Maritza Bond will be Connecticuts gain, Elicker said at a noon press conference on the Green. Bond also won the endorsement Thursday of Guilford First Selectman Matthew Hoey. She said she was grateful and looking forward to the race. Bond is in a tough race to try to become Connecticuts first Latina secretary of the state a race in which she is one of two Latina candidates, along with state Rep. Hilda Santiago, D-Meriden. Elickers endorsements came a day after the chairs of two Latino political groups urged Gov. Ned Lamont to support Bonds rival, Santiago. Rep. Gerry Reyes, D-Waterbury, chairman of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus in the General Assembly, and Miguel Castro, chairman of the Connecticut Hispanic Democratic Caucus, both threw their support to Santiago, urging Lamont to support her over Bond. Bond said afterward that the endorsements of Santiago were no surprise. Theyre her day-to-day colleagues, she said. Im going to go in and go hard for the nomination, Bond said. Im going to get my 15 percent so I can get to the people in a primary. Elicker offered strong praise for Bond. Ive gotten to know Director Bond very well over these past ... 3 1/2 years now and through example after example, she has shown me the qualities of her character that have made her an incredible leader for our city at a time of deep, deep challenge, Elicker said. She has shown strong integrity to do the right thing, he said. She has shown that she is somebody who can listen and has a big heart ... and she connects with people because shes genuine, because shes someone that listens, because shes someone that cares. Bond also has shown that she works her tail off, Elicker said. Shes texting me late at night, shes texting me on the weekends ... because the reality is particularly the past several years confronting COVID you cant wait until Monday morning to get work done, he said. Bond, who grew up in New Havens Fair Haven section, said later, Im so grateful to be here ... It means the world to me that Justin Elicker, our great mayor, who has done a great job and who has been my boss for the last (few) years, is here endorsing me here today. This will give me a big boost in heading into the convention this weekend, she said. mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORTH BRANFORD Gov. Ned Lamont and other state officials visited DeFrancesco Farm in Northford on Thursday to tour the farms greenhouses and learn about the steps the DeFrancesco family has taken to make their farm more environmentally friendly. Lamont was joined by Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hulburt on the tour led by the DeFrancesco family, comprised of current owner Joe DeFrancesco and his wife, Linda, and their sons Joe, Alex and Michael. Their other son Darren was working but popped by to welcome Lamont. DeFrancesco Farm has been in operation since 1907 and has more than 120 acres of fields and an additional 10 acres of greenhouses where plants are grown for wholesale. During the tour, Linda and her son Joe detailed how the greenhouses have been updated over the years to become more efficient. The efficiency saves water, energy and gas. Every roof has a weather station, Linda said, adding that the roof will adjust itself based on the current weather. But, if a sudden storm or even a tornado, which Linda said has happened, rolls in, a worker can override the system manually. Her son Joe explained that the management systems in the greenhouses were also updated over the last few years to be controlled by smart devices. Everything is completely automated, Linda said. The hanging baskets in the greenhouses are watered by a drip irrigation system which conserves water and reduces waste. Plants on tables in the greenhouse are watered using a trough system, where the plant soaks up the water it needs from the bottom, and water is recycled once it gets to the end of the trough. While walking through the greenhouses, Lamont asked the family about the farms history, where they source their clippings and plants from, and what flowers were most popular. The answer geraniums. Plants from the greenhouse are packaged by some of the roughly one dozen workers, plus the family, and sold wholesale throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, the family said. Linda told Lamont how fruits and vegetables used to be brought to New Haven by horse and buggy by their ancestors in the 20th century. The farmers would return to Northford with as much as $20 after a day of sales back then, she said. I love how far these farms go back, Lamont said. The farm and greenhouse both use beneficial insects instead of pesticide, which is handled by Michael and has been for 15 or 20 years he said. There is a clump of sawdust in each plant where the bugs make their home, Michael said. About a tablespoon of sawdust, with the insects are placed in each hanging basket of flowers. Good bugs to eat the bad bugs! Michaels brother Joe said. About once a week, the farm gets a delivery of the insects. Michael estimates the business spends about $45,000 to $50,000 on mites annually, which has cut their chemical costs by about 50 percent to just over $100,000 a year. The greenhouses are also heated using wood chips and a biomass furnace, which can get up to about 1,000 degrees. The family receives wood chips from arborists that would normally take them to the dump. Instead, the wood chips get used and the farm is able to reduce its gas usage. Lamont was also interested in what event or holiday brought in the most sales. The family said Mothers Day, which made him laugh. What about Fathers Day? Lamont laughed as he walked through the greenhouse. After the tour of the greenhouses, the governor and other officials traveled slightly up the road to Alex DeFrancescos brewery, Stewards of the Land, which uses as many local and hyper-local ingredients as possible. The brewery has a honey gold beer that uses local honey and had a maple beer back in February and March using local maple syrup. Lamont tried the Cinco de Mayo special Milkshake IPA called Lime in Da Coconut while at the brewery and sat with the family on the patio to learn more about their business and farm. I like your beer. This is so good, Lamont told Alex DeFrancesco with a smile. christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) A man has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a deadly shooting that sent shoppers fleeing for safety inside a northern Indiana shopping mall. Dazhon Howard's guilty plea on Wednesday came after his March trial ended with a judge declaring a mistrial after jurors said they were deadlocked, the South Bend Tribune reported. Rather than potentially stand trial a second time, Howard, 23, agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for St. Joseph County prosecutors dismissing a murder charge he faced. Under his plea agreement, Howard will agree to a minimum sentence of 10 years of executed jail time, though prosecutors can argue for additional time beyond that. His sentencing is set for June 7. Howard argued during his trial that he shot Delaney Crosby in self-defense in September 2020 after the two got into an altercation at Mishawakas University Park Mall. The shooting sent shoppers fleeing for safety at the mall just east of South Bend. Both men were with groups of people who engaged in an extended argument as they walked through the mall before video showed Howard pull a gun from his backpack and shoot Crosby five times. Prosecutors argued Crosby was challenging Howard to a fist fight, not threatening to kill him, and that Crosby was walking away from Howard at the time of the shooting. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DERBY Maria Gomez has lived in Derby since 1987. In all that time the native of Salamanca in Guanajuato state has never seen the Mexican flag flying over a city building. Until May 5 that is. Ive lived in Derby for 35 years and Ive never seen this kind of event before, Gomez said. Derby officials flew the Mexican flag over City Hall Thursday, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The day commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The Derby Cultural Commission hosted the event and its chair, Susan Lanzaro-Schroeder said the event is not only a way for Mexican-Americans to celebrate their heritage, but also for the city to embrace its diversity. When she moved to Orlando, Florida along with her family, Lanzaro-Schroeder said she and her sons ended up befriending people from Mexico. Locally, the city of Derby and cultural commission wish to extend our best wishes to all residents and citizens of Mexico throughout Derby and elsewhere in the Valley, she said. Gomez, who occasionally makes visits to family in Mexico, said seeing the flag being raised was like a visit from her family. I get a warm feeling when I see the Mexican flag as if someone hugged me and I feel connected to my people and I remember them as well, even if Im far away I still remember them, she said. Gomez said the Mexican population in Derby is tiny but close knit. Lanzaro-Schroeder, who was decked out in traditional Mexican attire for the occasion, said she remembered when she first traveled to Mexico during her college days. The response from locals, she said, was warm and inviting. It was unforgettable, really, because youre in a different country, she said. That time I didnt speak too much Spanish and they made us feel warm and welcome. While not a major holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become more popular in the United States over the years as a way to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Many Americans mistakenly believe it is Mexican Independence Day, which is actually on September 16 and is much more widely celebrated in Mexico. Derby City Clerk, Marc Garofalo said the holiday is not only a day to celebrate Mexico but to celebrate the United States, whose citizens enjoy the freedom to celebrate whatever they want. Our hope today on this Cinco de Mayo is that we can have peace in our world. And to remember that we can celebrate here as free Americans to celebrate the diversity of our country, and certainly the contributions of Mexican-Americans to our country, Garofalo said. Gomez said she felt pride in her native, and adopted home countries. I feel very happy and very proud to be Mexican and thanks to the United States because I live here too, she said. Long live Mexico. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Google Maps / Google Show More Show Less 3 of 3 TORRINGTON New Haven resident William Young has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him following a fatal Route 67 crash in Roxbury last year. The 38-year-old is facing second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving under the influence and other charges stemming from the May 2021 collision that killed James McNitt. Ron Chapple / Getty Image NORTH HAVEN A man was charged with attempting to break into a North Haven jewelry store earlier this year, according to police. North Haven police officers were called to a jewelry store on Washington Avenue for an attempted burglary at around 4 a.m. on January 25. At the store, police noticed a window was significantly damaged, though no one actually went inside the store, according to the North Haven Police Department. UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. chief called for Lebanons parliamentary elections on May 15 to be free, fair transparent and inclusive in a report circulated Wednesday and urged the quick formation of a government afterward that gives priority to implementing reforms addressing the countrys multiple crises. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the report to the U.N. Security Council that political polarization in the country has deepened and the Lebanese people are struggling daily to meet basic essential needs. He pointed to frequent protests across the country sparked by public frustration with the political situation and the economic and financial crisis." The May 15 elections for parliament are the first since Lebanons economic meltdown began in late 2019. The governments factions have done virtually nothing to address the collapse, leaving Lebanese to fend for themselves as they plunge into poverty, without electricity, medicine, garbage collection or any other semblance of normal life. The elections are also the first since the August 4, 2020, catastrophic explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 215 people and wrecked large parts of the city. The destruction sparked widespread outrage at the traditional parties endemic corruption and mismanagement. Guterres, who visited Lebanon last December, said no one has yet been held accountable for the explosion and the Lebanese people are demanding truth and justice. He reiterated his call for a swift, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation and stressed that the independence of the judiciary must be respected. In the May 15 election, a total of 103 lists with 1,044 candidates are vying for the 128-seat legislature, which is equally divided between Christians and Muslims. Self-declared opposition groups remain divided along ideological lines on virtually every issue, including over how to revive the economy, and as a result, there are an average of at least three different opposition lists in each of the 15 electoral districts, a 20% increase from the 2018 elections. Guterres noted that proposals submitted in the past two years for a womens quota were still pending in parliament, and he urged that the new government be quickly formed with full participation of women and young people. The secretary-general's semi-annual report on implementation of a 2004 Security Council resolution reiterated that its key demands -- that the Lebanese government establish its sovereignty throughout the country and that all Lebanese militias disarm and disband -- have not been fulfilled. Guterres said Hezbollahs maintenance of sizeable and sophisticated military capabilities outside the control of the government of Lebanon remains a matter of grave concern. He noted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallahs February announcement that it now has the ability to transform thousands of its missiles into precision missiles and has been manufacturing drones for a long time. The secretary-general urged the Lebanese state to increase its efforts to achieve a monopoly over the possession of weapons and the use of force throughout its territory. I continue to urge the government and the armed forces of Lebanon to take all measures necessary to prohibit Hezbollah and other armed groups from acquiring weapons and building paramilitary capacity outside the authority of the state, the U.N. chief said, stressing that this violates Security Council resolutions. Guterres said Hezbollahs continued involvement in the war in neighboring Syria also risks entangling Lebanon in regional conflicts and undermining its stability. He called on countries in the region with close ties to Hezbollah to encourage its disarmament and transformation into a solely civilian political party. Both Syria and Iran have close ties to Hezbollah. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) One contender thinks West Virginia voters will see the value of federal spending on badly needed infrastructure in one of the nation's poorest regions. The other is betting that loyalty to former President Donald Trump will matter more. The May 10 primary in West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District between Republican Reps. Alex Mooney and David McKinley will be a barometer of Trump's clout in a state that wholeheartedly embraced him in two presidential elections. The two incumbents were pitted against each other after population losses cost West Virginia a U.S. House seat. The divergent paths they've chosen as congressmen could give Republican candidates nationally an early sense of what resonates with hardcore conservative voters in 2022. The contest comes during an intensifying stretch of the midterm election season as Trump aims to solidify his influence over the GOP. His preferred candidate in this week's Ohio Republican primary, JD Vance, easily dispatched other rivals, but potentially tougher tests for the former president lie ahead this month in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia. Enthusiasm for Trump remains high in West Virginia, where he prevailed in every county in 2016 and 2020, winning more than two-thirds of the state's voters. But West Virginians are also desperate to see upgrades in a state that consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for infrastructure. The state's rugged landscape is rife with failing bridges and crumbling roads, and thousands of its citizens live without access to safe drinking water or internet. Trump has made his position clear, endorsing Mooney on the day President Joe Biden signed the infrastructure bill into law. He's repeatedly condemned McKinley and 12 other House Republicans for voting with the Democrats for Bidens $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, saying, Republicans who voted for Democrat longevity should be ashamed of themselves. Mooney, a 50-year-old former Maryland state senator who moved to West Virginia to run for Congress in 2014 and is West Virginias first Hispanic congressman, has doubled down on Trump's attacks. He called McKinley a RINO, or Republican in Name Only, and a sellout who betrayed his constituents. But the 75-year-old McKinley, a seventh-generation West Virginian and a civil engineer by trade, says the states infrastructure problems are too severe for anyone to be playing party politics. Theres no question that was the right vote," he said, noting the state's D infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. West Virginia was rated last. Any commonsense, reasonable person would say, You got a problem, fix it.' I think it would have been a betrayal to do otherwise." The infrastructure vote earned McKinley the endorsement of Republican Gov. Jim Justice, a fervent Trump supporter who said his infrastructure vote took "courage, as well as other government officials vying for infrastructure improvements, some of which are starting to take shape on the ground in West Virginia. Paul Howe, president of the Clarksburg Water Board in Harrison County in northern West Virginia, called McKinley's infrastructure bill vote tremendous and said his community desperately needs to replace lead service lines. In July, the municipal water system was placed under an administrative order by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after three children were diagnosed with high lead blood levels. A subsequent study found that 4,000 customers have lead service lines. Replacing them would cost an estimated $52 million or more a large burden on any small city. Howe said McKinley worked with city officials to provide residents with bottled water and filters and complete an engineering study on replacing the lines. The congressman has traveled to Clarksburg repeatedly to tour the water plant and strategize about how to apply for infrastructure money. Howe said he likes both congressmen, but given the circumstances, Mooney's attacks on McKinley for his infrastructure vote helped make the choice clear. Its hard to defend that, he said. If the government can do one thing right, its reinvest in infrastructure." Still, many of the infrastructure improvements that are expected to take place over the next few years won't be visible to West Virginians right away. Meanwhile, Trump's popularity in the state remains palpable. If you drive through West Virginia today, youd think the (2020) election is still going on," Mooney said in an interview. "Theres Trump flags everywhere. Trump signs anti-Biden signs. It means a lot to voters." Voter Ron Howell, a manager for a lumber company from Buckhannon, said his decision to support Mooney is 50% Trump and 50% McKinleys decision to vote with Democrats. He supported President Donald Trump, whom I voted for and would again in a heartbeat, he said. I feel like McKinley is a RINO and supports much of the lefts agenda, and I dont want that for my state. During their time representing West Virginia in Congress during Trump's last two years of presidency, Mooney and McKinley voted together 87% of the time. But Mooney says there's a consistent pattern of McKinley voting with Democrats on big votes, including his support for the creation of a commission to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In Harrison County, where Clarksburg is, 20-year-old Drew Harbert said he thinks that will lose McKinley more voters than supporting infrastructure. I don't think people take it very kindly that he voted for that, said Harbert, a Fairmont State University student and president of the Harrison County Young Republicans. I think that will definitely hurt McKinley probably more than anything else that hes done. Harbert said he knows infrastructure repairs are needed in the state, but said he has serious concerns about the rising national debt and believes it was irresponsible for McKinley to vote for a bill with such a big price tag. Harbert said Trump's endorsement bolstered his decision to back Mooney, but it was far from the only reason. He wanted a candidate who will defend gun owners rights. McKinley has supported red-flag laws, which permit law enforcement or family members to petition a court to remove firearms from someone who presents a possible danger to themselves or others. McKinley, who says he voted with Trump over 90% of the time when he was in office, said he believes Mooney has misled voters about his vote on the infrastructure bill. He cited a Mooney campaign ad that attacks him for backing Biden for a trillion-dollar spending spree," but mentions infrastructure only in printed text. Howell, the lumber company manager, said he thought McKinley voted for Biden's Build Back Better plan a proposal McKinley vehemently opposed and initially cited that vote as a reason for supporting Mooney. After doing more research on McKinley's voting record, he said the congressman voted the way he would have most of the time. But he said he couldn't forgive McKinley for his Jan. 6 and infrastructure votes. I wish we were in different times and I could be nonpartisan, but the Democrats have made that impossible," he said. Nate Orders, a bridge-building contractor who is president of the Contractors Association of West Virginia, said theres a lot of hypocrisy in criticisms of the infrastructure bill and the Republicans who voted for it. Trump supporters were on board with infrastructure spending when the former president introduced his $2 trillion proposal, which Democrats blocked. If Alex Mooney wins, its another sign that our democracy continues down the road to dysfunction, where all that matters is party politics, he said. If David McKinley wins, it shows me a little bit of hope that even though we can agree or disagree on some big issues, we can also agree on the things that really make a difference to Americans. ___ Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the organization is the Contractors Association of West Virginia, not the West Virginia Contractors Association. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LITCHFIELD A lawyer charged with manslaughter in connection with a deadly shooting outside his law firm on the Litchfield green last year was defending himself from an unprovoked attack, his attorney said Thursday. However, witnesses refuted the mans self-defense claims, according to a warrant for his arrest released Thursday. Robert Fisher, 75, of Goshen, turned himself in Wednesday on a first-degree manslaughter charge in connection with the June 2021 shooting death of Matthew Bromley, 39. It was an unprovoked attack on Mr. Fisher, and he acted appropriately, attorney William Conti said Thursday in a brief phone interview with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Fisher turned himself in Wednesday at the Troop L barracks and was released on $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear May 23 in state Superior Court in Torrington. The deadly shooting happened around 4:40 p.m. June 7, 2021 outside Cramer & Associates on the historic Litchfield green. Troopers responded to a report of gunfire and found Bromley lying in the parking lot. He later was pronounced dead. In an arrest warrant affidavit, Fisher told investigators Bromley followed him through a part of Litchfield and pulled into the law firms parking lot behind him. Fisher said Bromleys vehicle never tried to pass him, the horn was never honked and neither vehicle ever made contact with each other, the warrant stated. Once in the parking lot, Fisher said Bromley approached his car, the warrant stated. Fisher said he was still inside his car when Bromley began punching him, hitting him on the left side of the head, the warrant stated. Witnesses confirmed Bromley was the aggressor, the warrant stated. Fisher told investigators he managed to get out of the car after kicking and pushing Bromley back, the warrant stated. Once outside the car, Fisher said he was facing Bromley with no means of escape as the younger man yelled and cursed at him, the warrant read. Fisher said he took out his gun and told Bromley to back off, but the man charged him and grabbed his forearm that was holding the gun, according to the warrant. After a brief struggle with the gun, I shot him, Fisher told investigators, according to the warrant. However, interviews with witnesses appear to have refuted Fishers account of the incident, specifically the struggle with the firearm, according to the warrant. One witness told investigators it appeared Bromley froze when he saw the gun, the warrant stated. The only time the older male moved was when he was backing the younger male up. The younger male did not have anything in his hands and they were at his side the entire time. The older male stepped forward towards the younger male about two more feet before I heard the pop sound and the gun rise up, the witness told investigators, according to the warrant. The same witness said the men were about 5 to 6 feet apart when Fisher first lifted the gun and pointed it at Bromleys neck, the warrant said. Id like to add that I dont believe that this is self-defense because the younger male did not have a weapon. I think the older male couldve punched the other guy and settled it that way rather than shooting him, the witness told investigators, according to the warrant. It just didnt seem like it was that violent of an attack. In the warrant, investigators wrote there were no witness accounts that support Matthew Bromley reaching for and grabbing Robert Fisher's forearm or that there was a struggle over the gun, as claimed by Robert Fisher. Following the shooting, an autopsy revealed Bromley had a blood-alcohol level of 0.11 percent at the time of his death. Conti said the two men were not in an attorney-client relationship and didnt know each other well, but they may have had some verbal contact at some point before the shooting. A co-worker of Fishers told investigators she saw Bromleys name appear on the office caller ID the month before the shooting, the affidavit stated. It appeared Bromley was trying to buy his mothers home, which was in foreclosure, according to the warrant. The co-worker said she remembered Fisher elevating his voice and further explaining that he does not do foreclosures, the affidavit stated. After they hung up, Fisher said something along the lines of that guy was crazy, according to the warrant. A Vietnam veteran, licensed gun owner and certified pistol instructor, Fisher is a partner in Cramer & Andersons Washington Depot office, according to the practices website. He focuses mostly on residential and commercial real estate law along with land use law and environmental matters. He also does estate planning. Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media A city man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after he trafficked firearms and hundreds of grams of heroin from Connecticut to Maine, according to federal prosecutors. Lonnie Joyner, also known as Flo, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to unlawful possession of firearms by a felon. A federal judge in New Haven has ordered him to serve three years of supervised release after his prison sentence, according to Leonard Boyle, the United States attorney for the District of Connecticut. MINSK, May 4 (Xinhua) -- A sudden test of reaction forces has begun in the Armed Forces of Belarus, BELTA News Agency reported on Wednesday, citing the country's Defense Ministry. The purpose of the inspection is to assess the combat readiness of the Armed Forces for crisis situations. Military units and subunits are put on alert, marching to designated areas and performing combat training tasks. The composition of the forces involved will gradually increase, which will make it possible to test their ability to counter military threats both on the ground and in the air, it reported. Belarusian Defence Ministry said the exercise is one of the most effective forms of military training and does not "pose any threat either to the European community as a whole or to neighboring countries in particular." MADISON, Wis. (AP) The only woman running for U.S. Senate in battleground Wisconsin hoped to separate herself from her Democratic challengers on Thursday by being the first on the air with an ad hitting incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson for supporting the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade. Sarah Godlewski recorded the ad in Washington, D.C., outside of the U.S. Supreme Court after the leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn the landmark 1973 abortion that legalized abortion nationwide. The Senate race in nearly evenly divided Wisconsin is one of the most hotly contested in the country, with majority control of the split Senate at stake. Abortion rights will be a key issue in the race, with Democrats hoping anger over the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade will motivate voters to deny Johnson a third term. Johnson, who has supported bills limiting access to abortions, on Tuesday went further than some Republicans have since the opinion leaked. He said in a statement that if the draft ruling overturning Roe v. Wade becomes final, I would agree with that outcome. Many other Republicans have been less direct, instead lambasting that the draft ruling was leaked instead of directly addressing the opinion's merits. Godlewski, who polls have shown is trailing in the crowded Democratic primary, goes right after Johnson in her new ad. Im at the Supreme Court, where it looks like Ron Johnson is gonna get exactly what he wants, she says in front of the court. Overturning Roe v Wade. Reinstating Wisconsins cruel abortion ban. And putting doctors in jail. Wisconsin has an 1849 law on the books that would make the performing of an abortion a felony, except to save the life of the mother, but that is trumped by the federal right to an abortion established by Roe. That state ban is expected to be challenged in court if Roe is overturned. Godlewski's campaign said the ad is running statewide as part of a six-figure buy. Wisconsin's primary is Aug. 9. Godlewski, the state treasurer, is the only candidate in the Wisconsin's Senate race who is endorsed by Emily's List, a group that backs female candidates who support abortion rights. She was in Washington, D.C., on Monday to participate in an Emily's List conference when the draft memo was leaked. She capitalized on that by holding a news conference Monday night outside the court and recording the ad, the first by a Senate candidate in Wisconsin since the leak. Other top Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson have similar positions in support of abortion rights. Barnes has been the frontrunner, but a Marquette University Law School poll released last week showed that the race is tightening. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in the sum of N1.23 billion from the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination form... The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in the sum of N1.23 billion from the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to 17 Presidential aspirants. As of Thursday, it was gathered that 17 Presidential aspirants had already paid N100 million each for the forms. The presidential aspirants that have picked their forms include, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Jigawa state Governor, Abubakar Badaru, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello; the National Leader of the party, Senator Bola Tinubu; Senator Rochas Okorocha, A female presidential aspirant, Uju Kennedy, has also picked her forms after paying the sum of N30m as directed by the party, among others. Others are: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, running mate to President Muhammadu Bahari in the 2011 elections, Pastor Tunde Bakare, vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani Aspirants that have indicated interest but are yet to pick their forms are, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, a former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole. Others are Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, Governor of Cross Rivers State, Ben Ayade, Ihechukwu Dallas Chima, Usman Iwu, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, Adamu Garba, and Business mogul, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim Following the array of aspirants that have declared their interest, the National Working Committee (NWC) has extended the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2023 general election to Tuesday, May 10, 2022. National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and the Minister of State for E... National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, should resign instead of aspiring to be president. NANS expressed concern that individuals who do not have any credible past or present can now come out to declare their aspiration for the office of the president without shame, under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The students maintained that the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari has degraded the office of the president so much that the likes of Ngige and Nwajiuba could put themselves forward for the exalted office. Many of such disappointment is the embarrassing declaration of intention and purchase of interest form by the duo of the Minister for Labour and the Minister of State for Education, Mr Chris Ngige and Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba respectively, they said in a statement signed by the Ogun State Chairman of NANS, Damilola Simeon and made available to newsmen on Thursday. The students stressed that the duo of Ngige and Nwajiuba have failed to resolve the lingering ASUU strike among many other issues confronting the ministries they both head. Simeon said, By norms, failures like Mr Nwajiuba and Ngige should resign from their positions and tender open apology to Nigerian students and their parents for failing to resolve the crisis in the education sector. Unfortunately, they have raised their shamelessness by showing intention to run for the most serious office of the federation. Should Buhari be responsive and sensitive to national concerns, both men ought to be greeted with letters of dismissal as Ministers not later than 24 hours after their official declaration. Or what hope lies in a man who has failed in handling just a single ministry aspiring to be the President? In the same vein, NANS described as heartbreaking, the fact that the APC dignified these failed Ministers with access to purchase nomination form of the party, saying this is a proof that the party leadership emphasises income generated from sales of form above national interest. The statement added: This goes with the unbelievable fact that the form is sold for 100 million Naira in a country where over seventy percent of her citizens survive below a dollar per day; and a ruling party that has failed in addressing this poverty rate is mocking her citizens through this. Our concern is also that these individuals purchasing the interest form of the APC and their counterparts in PDP for as much as N100 million and N40 million, respectively, lack conscience. We believe no individual with legitimate income and good intention would purchase the form to aspire for a presidential job of less than N60 million salary in four years at such amount. This is an open mockery of the Buhari anti-corruption crusade facade. Even at this, it is ridiculous that someone like Governor Yahaya Bello and Nyesom Wike of Kogi and River States, who are owing salaries and/or pension could boldly purchase form. This exposes how badly our polity has been brought to its lowest ebb. In conclusion, as much as we respect the power of parties to determine their internal affairs, as well as political rights of individuals, it is important that we make our concerns known in the interest of our dear country. Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has appealed to the federal government to take over the management of the University of Medical Sciences ... Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has appealed to the federal government to take over the management of the University of Medical Sciences and the universitys teaching hospital in the state for proper control and monitoring. Umahi made this appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari during his 2-day official visit to the state. The Governor who led Muhammadu Buhari to the State University of Medical Sciences said the federal government should take over the universitys teaching hospital because it was beyond the scope of any state to manage. He said, I had earlier pleaded with the president to approve the takeover and he said we should go and celebrate and we have been celebrating since then. The Governor said the hospital would solve the challenges of medical tourism confronting the country because it has the best facilities that can be found anywhere in the world. Responding, President Muhammadu Buhari while commissioning the projects commended the governor for ensuring the projects were of high quality. Buhari noted that he was impressed with the governors performance, noting that the project looks like one that would last he added.You The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Thursday, called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to release the Leader... The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Thursday, called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to release the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and all Igbo youths in detention over the agitation for Biafra. Ohanaeze President General, Ambassador George Obiozor, made the call in his opening address at the ongoing Imeobi of Ohanaeze meeting currently holding at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu. While expressing optimism that the Igbo nation would come out stronger from the current turmoil, Obiozor said that Ndigbo seeks healing, national unity, and progress on a platform of justice, equity, fairness and a sense of belonging in Nigeria which will start from the release of Igbo youths detained in various cells across the country without trial. Reacting to the current security situation pervading the region, Ohanaeze PG said that each geo-political zone had its own peculiarity. According to him, The advent of insecurity in the South East is both bizarre and dramatic. The South East had been adjudged the most serene and peaceful zone in Nigeria until April 5, 2021, when gunmen attacked the correctional facility in Owerri, Imo State and freed a total of 1,844 prison inmates. Since the April 5 episode, insecurity in the South East has attained an unprecedented unbearable crescendo. In condemning the spate of violence in the South East, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide also called attention to the strategic capacity of the local non-state actors to overwhelm a highly fortified correction centre and discharge a total of 1,844 inmates without any arrest. Commenting on the 2023 general election, Obiozor urged Igbos wherever they reside in Nigeria to make haste to acquire their Permanent Voter Cards. In this connection, I call on the Association of South East Town Unions, traditional rulers, the leadership of Ndigbo in Diaspora, religious bodies, market associations and all other groups to take this message very seriously. It is a task that must be undertaken, he stated. South-East leaders at the meeting include Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, Chief Enwo Igariwey, Sen. Victor Umeh, Prof. Peter Umeadi and Prof Fred Eze among others. A communique is expected at the meeting. Governor of Rivers State and presidential aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Nyeson Wike said the All Progressives... Governor of Rivers State and presidential aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Nyeson Wike said the All Progressives Congress, APC, government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has thrown the country into madness, but he has the will and ability to cure that madness if he elected to govern the country in 2023. Wike spoke in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, on Wednesday during a consultation with PDP delegates and other stakeholders. The Rivers State Governor stressed that Nigeria is in trouble, but he has the courage and ability to provide quality leadership that will usher a new era of unity, peace and prosperity into the country. He stressed that he was in the race to win. They say Wike is a mad man. I agree. What is the situation in Nigeria today, if not madness? it takes a mad man to handle a mad man. Im that man who can do the work. See the insecurity even in Katsina, the Presidents State. You must not be neutral on issues. You can always tell where I belong. Give your mandate to those who have energy. The energy in me is too much. Send me and I will not disappoint you. Speaking further, the aspirant warned against voting for people who are not committed members of the party and but are only interested in what they can get, instead of building the party. I hate ingrates in my life. We have some people who are busy jumping from one party to another just because they want to win election. As for me, if you dont vote for me in our party primary, I will still remain a member of the PDP. I have benefited from this party, and so I have no excuse to give, for defecting to another party Earlier, party chieftains including two former Kogi Governors, Ibrahim Idris and Idris Wada and State PDP Chairman, Engr Sam Ohoutu took turns to commend Wike for his unflinching devotion to the party. They assured the aspirant of their support. Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says he did not anoint Terwase Orbunde, his former chief of staff, or any other aspirant as his suc... Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says he did not anoint Terwase Orbunde, his former chief of staff, or any other aspirant as his successor. Ortom said this on Wednesday when stakeholders from the Kwande intermediate area paid him a solidarity visit at the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi. He said the clarification became necessary to dismiss insinuations by the former chief of staff that he had betrayed him after the party zoned the governorship position to Vandeikya. Terwase is my brother and friend. We have come a long way. That is why God told me in 1995 that he (Orbunde) will anchor my governorship campaign. So I came from Zaria where I was in school to inform him. When it was time, he joined me in 2015 to actualise my dream, he said. I never promised Orbunde or any of the aspirants that they will succeed me. I am not God to anoint anyone to be governor. That is why I have allowed the process to be followed diligently. How could I have promised him that I will make him governor. Ortom also said Orbunde did not invest N160 million into his governorship campaign, as is being alleged. Orbunde never gave me money during the governorship campaigns, he said. Those who are close to him (Orbunde) should pray for him. There is an assignment he said God sent him to do. He should go back to complete that assignment. I am sure God will uplift him. Ortom assured that a level playing field would be provided for those who have been cleared to participate in the governorship primary election in the state. Orbunde recently decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the governorship election. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Thursday, accused the Authority of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), of preparing Examination t... The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Thursday, accused the Authority of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), of preparing Examination timetable covering Jumuah prayers. It also said the arrangement was to force Muslim candidates to write examinations under duress and compel Muslim invigilators to work in a dehumanizing condition. MURIC also demanded an unreserved apology from NOUN for subjecting the Muslim candidates and staff to an alleged immeasurable psychological trauma, which it said would affect their performance during the examinations. The MURIC Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen. The Islamic group also demanded for the cancellation of all examination papers scheduled for the Jumuah period on Friday, 6 and Friday, May 13, 2022. The group, while describing the timetable as anti-Muslim and neo-imperialist, said it was an infringement on Allah-given fundamental rights of the Muslim students and staff. In his words, For those who may be wondering what is wrong if Muslim students and staff are made to write and invigilate examinations during the Jumuah period on Friday, it is akin to compelling Christian students and staff to write examinations and to invigilate on Sunday mornings. Solomon Adeola, senator representing Lagos west, broke down in tears when he was presented with the nomination form of the All Progressive... Solomon Adeola, senator representing Lagos west, broke down in tears when he was presented with the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for Ogun west senatorial seat. Adeola, also known as Yayi, could not hide his emotions as he wept while acknowledging receipt of the form. The expression of interest and nomination forms were allegedly purchased by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Yewa under the auspices of West to West for Dapo Abiodun (W2W4DA). The forms were presented to him at his country home in Ilaro. According to the group, 71 of them pooled their resources to raise the N20 million for the nomination form. The senator, who said he was overwhelmed by the gesture, expressed his appreciation and reiterated his commitment to getting Ogun west to greater heights. Adeola said he decided to switch his membership from the Lagos chapter of the APC to Ogun state to add value to his senatorial district. In all my years of contesting elections for close to 20 years now, this is the first time Im getting this kind of gesture, and to say the little, Im very happy, Adeola said. It is worthy to note that 71 people brought their hard-earned money together from about 50k from the least person, to N3m from the biggest donor, to surprise the Senator with the gesture. Its a new dawn in Ogun west, like we say its a new order for a new glory. He also pledged his unwavering support to the reelection bid of Abiodun. Tolulope Odebiyi is the incumbent senator representing Ogun west whom Adeola seeks to displace. Other senatorial hopefuls are Abiodun Akinlade, former member of the House of Representatives; Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, APC chieftain and three-time gubernatorial candidate in Ogun. Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has described late Umaru Musa Yar Adua as a good man whose type is hard to find. Jonathan stated this o... Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has described late Umaru Musa Yar Adua as a good man whose type is hard to find. Jonathan stated this on Thursday in a statement to mark the 12-year remembrance of the former president who died in 2010. According to Jonathan, the legacy of Yar Adua would always be remembered in the country, saying he was a man of peace and a soldier of truth. He said, Twelve years ago, our nation lost a patriot, a selfless leader and a peacemaker who governed with sincerity and passion for the people. President Umaru Musa Yar Adua is no longer with us today, but his strides in public life continue to testify for him and keep his memory alive. Like a good athlete, he ran with passion, kept the faith and finished the race. Today we can look back and say, as President he won laurels for us in terms of peace and other worthy causes he successfully pursued. He was a soldier of truth, committed to justice, equity and other democratic virtues. He was a servant leader and a good man; the type that is hard to find. President YarAdua, we remember you today and will continue to remember the good works that you did in our nation. Yours is a story of patriotism, a life well-lived in service to the people and humanity. The Pelham Hotel, a 65-room boutique property on the corner of Magazine and Common streets, has reopened after completing a $3 million makeover. The Pelham, which was once the site of a plantation owned by Jean Baptist Lemoyne de Bienville, founder of New Orleans, has been through various manifestations through the decades. In the mid-19th century it was the home of James Caldwell, a theater impresario who named it Pelham Manor in honor of one of the most famous actors of the time, Alan Pelham. A pandemic discount The hotel was sold by David Francis in December 2020 for an undisclosed price to a consortium comprised of ASM itself a joint venture of The Allen Morris Company and Stormont Hospitality Group and commercial real estate investment firm Black Salmon. Francis had bought the hotel in 2011 for just over $3.4 million. The ASM consortium was put together with the aim of investing $300 million in hotels that were available cheap because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pelham was the first hotel the group bought and they now have a portfolio of nine properties, mostly in Florida and Georgia. Allison Barnette, the Pelham's new general manager, said the revamp sought to play off the propertys origins during a period when theater was flourishing in New Orleans. 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 For example, Suomi Design placed oversized mirrors and local artwork throughout, and there are much leather and natural woods with "an artisan-made appearance" in the furnishings. Art includes the work of local painter Page Goss and designer Vanessa Watts, of Watts & Gray, with items including salvaged pieces and canvases featuring dripping fluorescent paint. A room with a view Design features in guest rooms include 18-foot ceilings, 10-foot windows, oversized decorative mirrors and vintage Victrola radios. The biggest changes were made in the hotel lobby, which has been completely gutted and opened out from several cubbies to one large open space with gilded shelves filled with liquor bottles, wines and treats. The bar area has large windows to take in the passing crowd, though bar service is limited to sale of drink and mixers from behind the main hotel reception. The Pelham shares the Common and Magazine Street corner with the bustling Ruby Slipper, a popular spot for boozy breakfasts and brunches. Pelham guests are given preferential seating at Ruby Slipper in the morning, a boon when there is typically a long queue for tables. Pres Kabacoff's HRI is managing the hotel for its owners. New Orleans police have notched their first arrest related to a roll-up mass shooting last Friday night at Balcony Bar on Magazine Street that injured six people, court records show. The suspect, 27-year-old Ronnie Davis, was found in the vehicle that police say a group of assailants drove in Friday night when they unloaded dozens of rounds outside the bar. Sarah Dawkins, an Orleans Parish prosecutor, said Thursday in court that a rifle found inside the rented car was a ballistics match to bullet casings found at the scenes of both the Balcony Bar shootout and a shooting Tuesday that injured a child on Felicity Street in the Lower Garden District. According to a police gist, the vehicle used in the Balcony Bar attack was a rented 2021 Nissan Kicks with Texas plates. The same vehicle was spotted Wednesday afternoon in Hollygrove through the New Orleans Police Departments real-time crime center from a camera posted at Belfast and Monroe streets. A woman got out as officers were en route, and the driver headed down Belfast. Police stopped Davis, who complied with their orders to exit the vehicle after a brief attempt to flee, the report says. Police found a fully loaded Taurus semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine on the Nissan's drivers-side floorboard and a "Draco-style" rifle on its passenger-side floorboard. Davis was booked late Wednesday on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Magistrate Commissioner Jonathan Friedman appointed a public defender and set bond Thursday for Davis at $500,000. Friedman said Davis also has an outstanding warrant out of Jefferson Parish but did not have details. 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 Court records show a lengthy arrest record for Davis, who received a 7-year prison sentence in 2016 on cocaine and heroin possession charges along with marijuana and gun charges. Friedman said Davis may technically remain on parole, though unsupervised. Davis currently faces no charges related directly to the shooting at Balcony Bar, which followed months of deadly tit-for-tat between groups on either side of the Mississippi River, according to a law enforcement source. Customers reported about 50 rounds fired in an exchange of bullets. The target of retaliatory street justice, police say, was 23-year-old Nairobi Davis. A law enforcement source tied him to a violent group from the former Fischer housing development in Algiers. There is no indication of whether Ronnie Davis and Nairobi Davis are related. Nairobi Davis was charged with murder in a quadruple shooting on Oct. 6 that killed two men outside a church on Annunciation Street in Uptown, but those charges were refused in March. A week after his release on bond in December as the case against him unraveled, Nairobi Davis was the intended target in a shooting that killed 7-year-old Dillan Burton in a car in Algiers, police say. On Friday night, he and the other Balcony victims, four women and a man, were struck by bullets in the lower part of their bodies. All were taken to a hospital. A man killed in a shooting earlier this week in the Pines Village area has been identified by the Orleans Parish coroner. Christopher Matthews was 31, the coroner said. Matthews was shot by someone in a black vehicle around 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the 6000 block of Wales Street (map), police said. He died at the scene. Authorities have not released any details about a possible suspect or motive in the killing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. A 15-year-old was arrested Wednesday in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a man dead in the Desire area, according to New Orleans Police. The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Alvar and Chickasaw streets, police said. The driver of a Honda Accord was speeding south on Alvar, ran a red light at the intersection and crashed into a Nissan Altima that was turning right onto Alvar, police say. The driver of the Accord lost control, according to officials, drove over a median and flipped. There were three people in the Accord when it crashed. A man was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene, authorities said. The man's name and age have not been released. The other two people in the Accord left the scene, police said. Police said investigators identified the 15-year-old, whose name they did not release, as the driver of the Honda Accord. The teen was booked into the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center and is facing counts of felony hit-and-run and possession of stolen property. Two storied Catholic academic institutions, one in New Orleans and the other in South Bend, Indiana, have established a partnership that will provide scholarships for at least three St. Augustine High School graduates to attend the University of Notre Dame each year. The scholarship recipients will be chosen each year from a pool of St. Augustine students who attended a fully funded summer program at Notre Dame the summer before their senior years. Historic ties Aulston Taylor, who took over as St. Augustine High Schools president and CEO last year, said the partnership builds on a "longstanding history of St. Augustine graduates going to Notre Dame." He noted that at one point in the 1980s, 12 St. Augustine graduates overlapped at the university. Don Bishop, associate vice president of undergraduate enrollment at Notre Dame, said that St. Augustine is a leading Catholic high school for African Americans and the partnership "celebrates an ongoing relationship" as Notre Dame tries to attract more diverse students. 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 Notre Dame said in a statement that the partnership is part of an overall strategy to generate more enrollment opportunities for top students at Catholic high schools serving historically underrepresented students. College pathways The partnership aids Taylors goal of creating more pathways for St. Augustine High School students to attend colleges and universities with financial support. He wants to set up similar partnerships with at least 25 schools by December 2023. In addition to Notre Dame, St. Augustine has memorandums of understanding with Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, Houghton College in Houghton, New York, Texas Southern University in Houston, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Taylor hopes schools will agree to provide at least two students with scholarships each year, meaning that when 25 colleges and universities have partnered with St. Augustine, about 50 graduating seniors would be eligible for the guaranteed scholarships. That would be about half of the senior class, which Taylor hopes will entice prospective high school students and their parents. In a seismic shift that will dramatically alter Louisiana's largest public school system, the Jefferson Parish School Board plans to add two seats to the nine-member body, its first expansion since 1982, in an effort to increase minority representation. The board voted 5-4 Wednesday night to reject the status quo redistricting plan presented by its consultants, and instead instructed a demographer to start over and redraw the lines with 11 election districts. Four of the 11 must cover areas where racial minorities make up more than half the population. Currently, two of the board's current members are elected from majority Black districts. The board's vote comes at urging of Black and Hispanic residents who argued that the board should have more minority representation. At an April 28 public hearing, groups presented nine-, 11- and 13-seat options. The crux of many of their arguments is that enrollment in the 50,000-student school system is about two-thirds Black and Hispanic, and less than one-quarter White. Until January, when the first Hispanic member, Diane Schnell, was appointed to the board to fill an open seat, seven of the nine School Board seats were held by White people. Nonetheless, redrawing the districts might not be so simple a task. While the public school system serves a mostly minority student population, the parish's overall population is 52% White, the most recent U.S. Census data shows. The School Board is charting its own course in this redistricting. The Jefferson Parish Council had little discussion and made few substantial changes during its redistricting process last December. The School Board's vote came after a terse 15-minute discussion in which board member Chad Nugent tried to defer, until June, the nine-member plan that had been presented to it. But the board rejected deferral, 6-3. Board member Billy North then moved to create an 11-district plan, with one third of the seats dedicated to minority districts. His motion also called for the plan to be presented and voted upon May 23 or June 1. 'For all the children' No public comment was offered on the new plan, and only one board member publicly spoke. 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 "This vote tonight is not a political vote," said Tiffany Kuhn, a White board member whose district includes the Lafitte area and Grand Isle. "This vote is for all the children of Jefferson Parish." Kuhn voted for the 11-member plan, as did North and board members Simeon Dickerson, Ricky Johnson, and Schnell. Nugent was joined in opposition by board members Clay Moise, Sandy Denapolis-Bosarge and Gerard LeBlanc. "This is a good thing," said Jackie Jones, leader the Jerermiah Group, which had lobbied for more minority representation. "They need to be in conversation with the community." Rejecting the status quo The redistricting plan on the board's agenda Wednesday night would have kept the current district lines exactly as they are. The consultants whom the board hired to study the issue, led by lawyer John Litchfield and demographer Greg Rigamer, based their recommendations on a study of the current population in each district. The same team handled redistricting for both Jefferson Parish government and Kenner. Litchfield and Rigamer said the existing districts are within the 10% threshold for population and minority representation. Creating a majority-Hispanic district would be difficult because any such district would need to be contiguous, Litchfield and Rigamer said. The Hispanic population of Jefferson Parish is too dispersed to create a single district with a majority, they said. In order for the redistricting to take effect in time for the November election during which the public will elect all board members it must be submitted to the Secretary of State by June 30. Editor's Note: This story has been changed to fix an error in board member Chad Nugent's name and to remove a number that overstated the proportion of Jefferson Parish's Hispanic population. Walking up the 18 steps to the door of the former McDonogh 19 Elementary School in New Orleans Wednesday afternoon, Leona Tate knew she had come full circle. More than 60 years ago she was a little girl with pigtails, accompanied by U.S. Marshals to protect her from the angry mob of White protesters as she, Gail Etienne and Tessie Prevost helped integrate New Orleans public schools. Now Tate's foundation has completed renovations on the former school, giving the site a new purpose as the Tate, Etienne, and Prevost Interpretive Center. The mixed-use space will include affordable housing for seniors, community gathering areas and an exhibit dedicated to the three women known as the "McDonogh Three." Full circle "We are here today to celebrate a full circle," Etienne said before she, Tate and Prevost cut a ceremonial ribbon. "In 1960, three little Black girls marched up the steps there ... the only thing we were told was that we had an opportunity that we needed to take advantage of and that this would be an opportunity for other little Black girls and boys in the city." The first floor will house interactive exhibits. Upstairs, visitors will be able to sit on a bench outside the principal's office where the girls waited for hours the first day before going to class. Another museum Tate is involved in, the Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum, has been moved to the center as well. The Center will also have office space for Beloved, a New Orleans-based racial equity-based nonprofit, and the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, a group that has specialized in anti-racism training for nearly 40 years, will teach classes to students about racial equity. Upstairs, classrooms have been converted to 25 affordable housing units for local seniors who earn below the area median income. Modified tours will begin in late May, said Tremaine Knighten-Riley, program director of the Leona Tate Foundation for Change. 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 Historic site The Lower 9th Ward elementary school was closed in 2004 and heavily damaged in Hurricane Katrina. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 and a few years later Tate purchased the property. Since then the Leona Tate Foundation for Change has worked to develop the center, along with Alembic Community Development and 16 sponsors including the National Parks Service and city of New Orleans. In February the school was added to the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail, a patchwork of historically significant places in the civil rights movement. Dorothy Prevost, 90, recounted sending her terrified daughter, Tessie, to school the that day in 1960. She watched her daughter walk up the steps on television amid jeers and racist chants. But in the background, she said, she heard cheers of encouragement from community members. Those cheers, she said, brought tears of joy. Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting were about a dozen former McDonough 19 teachers, as well as city officials. Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, president and CEO of Urban League, said the site of the school was "hallowed ground" and referenced the slaveholding past of the school's namesake, John McDonogh, and the resilience of the 9th Ward. "The name on this building represents a personage who would never want to see this day come ... the name represented the repression and oppression and segregation that we cannot be afraid to talk about today," Morial said in his keynote address. "We cannot overcome it by burying the challenges of history." With evictions snapping back to pre-pandemic levels in New Orleans, the City Council on Thursday created a program aimed at ensuring that tenants have a lawyer by their side when fighting their landlord in court. The councils unanimous vote to create what it dubbed a right to counsel program builds upon a December budget that dedicated $2 million of the city's general fund dollars to legal representation. While that money guaranteed renters would have lawyers by their side for one year, Thursdays vote lays the groundwork to extend the program indefinitely. Despite its name, the ordinance doesn't create an affirmative, legal right in court. Instead, by creating a program enshrined in city code, advocates hope to set a precedent for years of full funding for legal representation. Advocates say that historically, over 5,000 households a year faced eviction in New Orleans, a process that often involves evictions hearings in front of judges in 1st and 2nd City Courts. They've estimated that only 6% had access to representation, which meant that many of those tenants were outmatched by landlords who had lawyers to help make their case. Navigating the legal system is hard. Navigating the legal system without a lawyer is extraordinarily challenging, if not impossible, said District A Council member Joe Giarrusso, one of several attorneys on the council. While evictions have been a longstanding problem in New Orleans, the issue drew increased attention during the pandemic. 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 A series of state and federal eviction moratoriums kept filing rates down through September 2021. But when those eviction bans went away, filings in recent months shot back to rates near or above those seen before the pandemic, according to data collected by Professor Davida Finger of Loyola Universitys law school. Filings in March were roughly in line with the historic average, for example. The ordinance, which was sponsored by City Council President Helena Moreno, creates a tenant eviction assistance program in the city's Office of Community Development. Landlords will be required to distribute a pamphlet that outlines tenants' rights and responsibilities upon the start of an eviction. The ordinance warns that failure to do so "may" serve as a defense against eviction, although that provision could be subject to a challenge in court. Last year, Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration initially proposed putting $500,000 for renter legal aid in the city budget. The final measure passed by the council was four times as big, a sum that advocates said was large enough to cover everyone who needed help. Under that budget, the city has contracted with the longtime legal aid group in the city courts, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, to provide representation. The legal group says it's hiring over 20 lawyers, support staff, social workers and outreach workers with the money. Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration has launched a new, privately funded program to provide monthly cash payments to a small group of New Orleans teenagers and young adults, part of a national pilot aimed at building a case for a guaranteed income. The program selected 125 residents ages 16 to 24, and at the end of April began paying each $350 per month for 10 months. Cantrell said the program is aimed at getting "much-needed, unrestricted cash in peoples pockets at a time where we know our people need it the most. The administration announced the program last year after receiving a $500,000 grant from Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, an advocacy group backed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. The payments will come in the form of Mastercard debit cards issued by Mobility Capital Finance, a financial company focused on increasing banking access to those who lack it. Program participants were randomly selected by the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania, from lists submitted by 10 community organizations that were asked to identify young people who are not in school and not employed, administration officials said. 'Opportunity youth' Josh Cox, the administration's director for strategic initiatives, said New Orleans was home to 7,000 such individuals, known in policy circles as opportunity youth, before the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic only exacerbated that, as lots of schools had a tough time reaching out to kids through virtual and remote learning, Cox said in a recent interview. We decided that it made perfect sense to try to use this as a means of connecting those young people who have been disconnected from work and school. 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 The program funded by Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is one of two basic income programs New Orleans is launching with Mastercard and Mobility Capital Finance. Last month, Cantrell signed a separate agreement with those companies for $200 per month to another 125 people over four months. These cards will go to young people and senior citizens, and also allow access to New Orleans recreation centers. The administration has provided fewer details about this program, but a spokesperson said Mastercard is sponsoring it. There are two months of payments remaining. National push New Orleans is one of more than 60 cities participating in pilot programs through Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, in part to learn the effects of guaranteed income policies. The administration was to supposed hire a research fellow under the terms of an agreement that Cantrell signed last year, but administration officials said in a recent interview that Mayors for a Guaranteed Income allowed an exception in the case of New Orleans. Instead of hiring a single researcher, community organizations with existing relationships with participants will conduct periodic surveys, which will then be sent to the Center for Guaranteed Income Research. We explained how important relationships are in New Orleans, and [Mayors for a Guaranteed Income] approved us taking a different tack, using our community-based partners for referrals for that actual touch point with young people, Cox said. The payments will total $437,500, and the remaining money will be given to the referral organizations, the United Way for providing financial counseling to the program participants and to Forward Together New Orleans, which will receive a 1.4% fee for serving as a fiscal agent. Xiaomi has now officially confirmed its plans to launch new Redmi Note phones in China. The mid-range phones will be branded as the Redmi Note 11T series, and will arrive later this month as performance-focused alternatives to the regular Redmi Note 11 series. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Benchmark , Biotech , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel , Intel Evo , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Leaks / Rumors , Linux / Unix , List , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Raptor Lake , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Wi-Fi 7 , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) , Zen 4 Ticker Last week, Redmi General Manager Lu Weibing teased a new set of devices from Xiaomi that would succeed the experience-focused Redmi Note 11 series. The company has now officially confirmed that those phones will be branded as the Redmi Note 11T series. The official teaser image shared on Weibo by the company affirms the moniker of the new phones, while also confirming that they will debut this month. Reports from a while ago claimed that Xiaomi would launch the Redmi Note 12 series in China this month but the company looks to be branding the phones as the stop-gap Redmi Note 11T lineup instead. As for details of the Redmi Note 11T series, the phones are expected to offer 144 Hz LCD screens. They're intended to be a performance-focused alternative to the Redmi Note 11 phones and have been tipped to feature MediaTek's new Dimensity 1300 and Dimensity 8000 chipsets. We'll keep you updated either way. Buy the Redmi Note 11 on Amazon. Hong Kongs upcoming executive election has just one candidate. This Sunday, the city will choose its next chief executive. Meanwhile, the Chinese communist regime continues to clamp down on the ever-shrinking freedoms in the city. Why do the people of Hong Kong continue to fight for change? I speak with Samuel Chu, a Hong Kong American activist and founder of Campaign for Hong Kong. We discuss the upcoming election in the city, the Hong Kong democracy movement, and the Communist Partys goal to kill freedomas well as his personal journey defending the rights of the people of Hong Kong. A 26-year-old Newton County man was arrested Wednesday on allegations of repeatedly threatening the members of the Indiana Supreme Court, according to Indiana State Police. David Wayne Goetz II, of Morocco, faces two felony counts of intimidation, police said. The investigation began in late February when Indiana State Capitol Police contacted state police detectives in Lowell Post about the alleged threats. Police said they initially learned Goetz had sent threatening emails to the court justices. As the investigation continued into April, Goetz allegedly continued to send the threatening emails and left threatening voicemails with the court. A warrant was executed Wednesday and Goetz was taken into custody at the Newton County Jail. Love 1 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. VALPARAISO The paramedic who responded to the distress call for 6-month-old Braxson Jones during the early morning hours of July 24, 2016, told jurors Thursday morning he did not notice any injuries on the child. Donald Strom testified that he did not suspect abuse as he worked to stabilize the infant, who he said was in respiratory distress and making breathing sounds he had not heard before. The testimony came as the defense began presenting their case in the ongoing trial of child's father, Curtis Jones, who is accused of shaking or otherwise injuring his son July 24, 2016, while his former wife and the boy's mother was at her overnight nursing job. Prosecutors wrapped up their evidence against Curtis on Wednesday, and the case now is expected to continue into the middle of next week, attorneys said. Jones, 52, who is a former Porter County police officer now living in Florida, is on trial on felony counts of battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age and two counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious injury. Each of the felony counts carries a potential sentence of three to 16 years behind bars. The testimony from Strom conflicts with reports from doctors and other medical officials, who treated the child at the local St. Mary Medical Center and at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. A social worker told jurors earlier this week that the Illinois medical team working on Braxson found an injury on the child, causing the boy's mother, Susan Jones, to stop crying and question Curtis about its origin. "You need to tell me right now what happened," Susan reportedly said to Curtis, who then shrugged and said he did nothing. The medical team at St. Mary's found swelling and bruising on Braxson's forehead on the morning in question and reported the child struggling to breathe and bleeding under his skull, jurors were told this week. A doctor at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago said the child suffered "the worst brain injury I have ever seen," according to court documents. A surgeon at Lurie's reportedly removed part of the child's skull to relieve pressure from the swelling brain. Braxson, who is now 6, survived, but needs constant care, Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Kristen Klink has said. He is blind, needs diaper changing, is fed through a tube, must be moved by others and no longer communicates on his own, she said. Upon questioning from defense attorney Nicholas Barnes, Strom said Curtis seemed concerned on the morning in question and asked but was denied the opportunity to ride along in the ambulance with Braxson to the hospital. Strom also testified that no one told him to slow down or turn off lights and sirens while responding to the Lakes of the Four Seasons home. The question came in the wake of the 911 call placed by Curtis, where he tells the dispatcher "to kill the Signal 10. I don't think the Signal 10 is necessary. I don't need no lights and sirens waking up the neighbors over here." Susan, who had posted the call on social media in 2018, said among her concerns was that Curtis was casual enough during the roughly 13-minute call to chat and laugh with the dispatcher and tell her to "tell everyone I said hi" while his son makes noises in the background that Susan, a registered nurse, said was agonal or was evidence of troubled breathing. "They were talking like old friends," she said at the time. The trial is underway before Porter Superior Court Judge Mike Fish. 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. CROWN POINT A Lake Criminal Court judge denied prosecutors' request Wednesday to bring the parents of a baby who died in 2020 to trial separately and granted the defendants' request to delay their trial until December. Roger Duszynski III and Patricia Widner, both 28 and of Gary, had been scheduled to face a jury starting later this month in connection with the death of their 11-month-old daughter Debra R. Duszynski early Jan. 2, 2020. According to court records, Debra likely was kicked or punched in the abdomen about a half-hour after a feeding and immediately died. The Lake County coroner's office ruled her death a homicide. Duszynski and Widner each have pleaded not guilty to one count of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a level 1 felony. Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Jacquelyn Altpeter told Judge Salvador Vasquez that Duszynski and Widner made contradictory and incriminating statements to police that the state plans to present to a jury. Attorneys Thomas Mullins, who represents Duszynski, and Adam Tavitas, who represents Widner, disagreed that the statements their clients made were incriminating. The statements were inconsistent, but the parents were willing to waive their constitutional right to confrontation so they could be tried together, the defense attorneys said. Vasquez agreed to allow the couple to be tried together, but he ordered the defense attorneys to file their clients' waivers in writing. The judge also granted the defense's request to reschedule the couple's trial for the week of Dec. 12. Tavitas and Mullins told Vasquez last week they encountered some challenges while attempting to hire an expert witness in the case. Vasquez said the attorneys first raised the issue of an expert witness a year ago and questioned the delay. After a discussion at the bench, Vasquez said he suggested the attorneys talk to the Lake County public defender's office about funds to hire an expert. "I truly believe the purpose of a trial is to get to the truth of the matter," Vasquez said as he granted a continuance of the trial. "I will not do this again." 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. HAMMOND Vanessa Lopez clutched a photo of her late son Jalen Hunter as she listened to Pastor Herman Polk Sr. lead a prayer for peace and unity Wednesday evening. "All of us here today can change this community, we can change it if we come together in love, if we come together in hope, if we remember those we have lost and love as hard as we can, we can change what's happening around us," Polk said as he stood before a crowd of about 20 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The group then walked around the park as part of Hammond's first Peace and Prayer Walk. Councilman Barry Tyler Jr., D-3rd, said he and the Ministerial Alliance of Hammond and Greater Vicinity wanted to find away to bring the community together to remember those who had been lost. So many people have lost loved ones over the past two years, but the pandemic has made it more difficult to gather for funerals, Tyler explained. Attendees were invited to bring items of remembrance to honor those who have died. Councilwoman Katrina Alexander led the opening prayer and several local leaders from both the faith community and the School City of Hammond spoke. "We realized that we were losing a ton of people from our community to COVID and not just COVID, but a lot of other tragedies as well ... and so we wanted to do something to try and honor those folks and share their memories and also pray for healing," Tyler said. "No matter what you believe, no matter your denomination, I think it is just a great way for us to come together and try to unite as a community." Lopez and her husband Guy Lopez both wore blue hoodies with the words "Jalen L. Hunter Foundation Inc." printed across them. Lopez started the foundation after her son was fatally shot in late August. Hunter was staying in Northwest Indiana to attend his cousin's funeral. The family is originally from the Region, but had moved to Jacksonville, Florida a number of years ago. Hunter was just 26 when he was killed by an unknown suspect who remains unidentified and at large. With the mission of "Turning Pain into Purpose," the Jalen Hunter Foundation hosts events for families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. Lopez flew from Florida to attend the Peace and Prayer Walk. "It feels good to gather," Lopez said. "It shows that my son is not unnoticed. It was hard, but it did my heart well." Held on the eve of the National Day of Prayer, Tyler said he hopes to grow the event in future years. Uniting the community is particularly important now as the pandemic, continued economic hardship and political division have made the past few years especially difficult, Polk said. "Right now I am hurting for our children. I am hurting for the ones we lost, the families we lost due to COVID," School Trustee Carlotta Blake-King said. "I am hurting and I am asking us to come together and galvanize as one." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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 After several weeks of intense training, 41 graduates crossed the threshold from being a recruit to a police officer in order to disperse throughout Northwest Indiana and beyond. Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy welcomed its 47th graduating class into a new stage of their lives on Friday at the Hobart Police Department. Keynote speaker James Olszewski, Indiana State Police Board president, gave the graduates sage advice, urging them to remember the heart of why they chose to be an officer to guide them through the more challenging times. "You have chosen a very wonderful and rewarding career in very difficult times," he said. "Over the years, law enforcement has (come) under attack. You're going to be under a microscope. You'll be held to the highest standards, physically, mentally and legally. Yet with all of that looming over you, you still all answered the call. You haven't given up on the citizens of Indiana when they need you the most." The graduating class reminisced on how far they had come, from pushing through physical training to forming close friendships with classmates who were once strangers. In her speech, Madeline Miner, the class president, recalled the funny moments, too, such as when a recruit got chased by a goose or when a fellow student's dog devoured his uniform belt. Miner said even as the class moves on after graduation, the bonds they formed will still hold strong. "We are going to see some crazy stuff," she said. "It's inevitable with the profession we have chosen. ...Some of us have been depressed before, some of us have gone through stuff nobody else has but all of us have each other's backs. I can only speak for myself for the class, but years down the road, if you run into a brick wall and need something, or need someone to reach out to, you can contact me or anyone else in our class. In the beginning, I always saw myself at graduation, but I didn't expect to pick up all these brothers and sisters along the way. I want to say I love you guys and I will always have your six no matter what. ...We have fought our hardest to be here today." Miner began this week as one of the four new Gary Police Department officers who graduated Friday, to the delight of Gary Chief of Police Brian Evans, who was one of the many chiefs in attendance. "We have a great, diverse group of recruits," Evans said. "We got our first recruit of Palestinian dissent and another female on our department. Our department is now at 60% diversity and we are very proud of that." As he lined up at the front of the room to take the oath, Nathaniel Albanese was surprised as his four-year-old daughter, November, rushed up to him for a hug in front of the crowd. Albanese now serves with the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office. "Its very surreal," Albanese said of graduating. "It's going to take a few days to digest." Tiffany Beemsterboer, who is now a Schererville officer, said she is ready to hit the road. "The biggest thing I am excited to continue learning," she said. "I know I have a long road ahead but I am super excited about that." Schererville Chief of Police Pete Sormaz, who is a past NILEA graduate, said he is elated for the six new officers joining his department. "They all have scored so high in the classes," Sormaz said. "I am confident our citizens are getting the best recruits." As he watched the young officers file out in their fresh uniforms, NILEA Executive Director Jim Markle said he knows the Region continues to be protected by the best. Markle said NILEA has expanded over the years and churns out successful officers throughout Northwest Indiana, now extending to South Bend, Elkhart and St. Joseph County. Most of the recruits began their new careers days after graduation, which he said is a credit to NILEA's networking abilities to help individuals find ample career opportunities. "To me, what I stress from the beginning is that I have to feel confident that if one of my loved ones calls 911, these officers can perform at the very best," Markle said. "That's the goal of these 15 weeks. I have 100% faith all of them will go out and perform in an exemplary manner and give the best service possible to the communities they will serve in." 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. Marcus Leatherdale, who made classical portraits of Manhattans demimonde in the 1980s Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Sydney Biddle Barrows, otherwise known as the Mayflower Madam, all made their way to his Lower East Side studio died on April 22 at his home in the state of Jharkhand, India. He was 69. The cause was suicide, said Claudia Summers, his former wife. His partner of two decades, Jorge Serio, died in July, and Mr. Leatherdale suffered a stroke soon after, Ms. Summers said, adding that he had also been mourning the death of his mother and the couples dog in the last year. Mr. Leatherdale was the Cecil Beaton of Downtown Manhattan. He photographed a not-yet-famous club kid named Madonna in her ripped jeans and his denim vest. The performance artist Leigh Bowery was majestic in a tinseled mask, a corset and a merkin. Andy Warhol was a Hamlet in a black turtleneck. Susanne Bartsch, the nightlife impressaria, was a towering presence in red leather. The Montreal-born Mr. Leatherdale had already traveled through India and Afghanistan in a van and been to art school in San Francisco before he landed in New York City in 1978, moving into the Wild West of the Lower East Side. He and Ms. Summers shared a loft on Grand Street, where Mr. Leatherdale set up his studio. Mary Ziegler, the author of several books on the history of abortion (and a critic of the draft decision), said that part was correct. But the opinion, she and others argue, underplays the fact that for most of the first 100 years of American history, early abortions before fetal quickening (generally defined as the moment when the fetuss movements can be detected) were not illegal. This is the argument made in the historians brief, which outlines the history of abortion regulation up to 1866. For decades after the founding of the United States, common law did not regulate abortion, or even recognize that abortion was happening at that early stage. That is because common law did not even acknowledge a fetus as existing separately from a pregnant woman before quickening, the historians argue. The central historical claims in Roe were accurate, the brief says, and remain so today. Leslie J. Reagan, the author of When Abortion Was a Crime: Women, Medicine and Law in the United States, 1867 to 1973, said in an interview that abortion was common in the early 19th century, perhaps even more so than Roe depicted. And regulation relied on womens own experience, since they were the ones who would know when quickening occurred. And before quickening, Professor Reagan said, taking medications or other treatments wasnt even considered abortion, but trying to get your menses menstrual period back. It was after quickening that it was against the law, and considered immoral, she said. After quickening, women themselves would stop trying to get their menses back. It was considered a life. Justice Alitos Sources While the draft makes references to the historians brief, it relies more heavily on other sources, including Dispelling the Myths of Abortion History, a 2006 book by Joseph W. Dellapenna that challenged Justice Blackmuns historical arguments in Roe. For years, she subsisted on grilled-cheese crusts, congealed oatmeal and browning apple slices the kids left behind, so its time to make mom something special. These simple, impressive recipes are great for all ages and skill levels, but, if you have small humans in the house, most 10- or 11-year-olds with some cooking experience can put them together with a little assistance from a grown-up. Even toddlers can help with stirring, pouring, cutting soft vegetables (with a dull-edged dinner knife or plastic knife) or decorating place cards for the table. Once complete, serve it to her, let her eat in peace and please dont ask her to cut your food. A little more than two years ago, when having a cough or a runny nose did not yet mean becoming a controversial person, advertising for over-the-counter cold-relief medications reached its most bullying era. Vicks ran miserable ads with lines like moms dont take sick days and variations saying the same of dads, bridesmaids and winter Olympians. The manufacturer of Halls, one of Americas best-selling cough-drop brands, went even more hardcore, creating commercials in which clearly sick workers a coughing, saggy-eyed security guard; a white-lipped supermarket stocker with a sleeve full of tissues were dressed down by a drill-sergeant type: You dont cough! You dont show defeat! You dont clear that throat! Do you hear me? This was tough messaging, designed for a hustle-culture, gig-economy, no-security world: No matter how sick you are, days off are for losers. Take the medicine and get er done. What a difference a pandemic makes. If, since 2020, youve caught a Halls ad, its likely to have been a spot titled The Hiker, part of the brands Live in the Moment series. This campaign takes you to a country of still lakes and densely green mountain trails, tread softly by people enjoying the pleasures of their solitude. A camera-toting hiker in a nice down vest reaches a clearing of ferns. A kayaker with a man bun surveys the horizon from a pristine dock. A sculptor in a knit beanie carves wood outside an impossibly expensive-looking home somewhere in hipster Neverland. One woman does yoga in a sylvan breezeway; another plays the drums in a spacious studio with branches lapping at the windows. In this land of plentiful, oxygenating trees, everyone is alone, and people cough into the crook of an elbow anyway. Nobody appears to have a job, but everyone has a serious passion to be pursued one so elevated that being interrupted by a pedestrian cough might cost them an opportunity to touch the sacred. So they take their Halls, close their eyes and breathe the rarefied air of conspicuous self-care amid immaculate eco-homes. If the old drill sergeant came here, he would very likely be given a microdose, a meditation cushion, a lesson on droplet transmission and a talk about toxic masculinity. I have been thinking about this for a while, and I have been unable to come up with many things that seem harder, for an advertising person, than spending the past couple of years trying to shill products designed to suppress, and thus hide, respiratory illness. At the beginning of the first Covid wave, a few Chinese cities actually banned the sale of cold medications, to force people with symptoms to go to the hospital. The temporary relief that Vicks or Halls or Mucinex once offered as their main benefit to a sick person has a pox against it now. If you have a cough or a cold, nobody wants you made just well enough to do the thing that, until the pandemic, these meds increasingly promised to help you do: go out and power through your day. This article is part of the Debatable newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it on Wednesdays. This week, the Senate will take up a request from President Biden to send $33 billion in aid to Ukraine, mostly in the form of artillery, antitank weapons and other military and security assistance. If the measure goes through, the United States will have authorized a total of $46.6 billion for the war, equal to more than two-thirds of Russias entire annual defense budget. The request comes just weeks after President Vladimir Putin of Russia called on the Biden administration in a formal diplomatic letter to stop supplying advanced weapons to Ukrainian forces. If it didnt, Putin warned there would be unpredictable consequences. The United States isnt alone in stoking Putins ire: Germany, France, Britain and other NATO allies have also scaled up their donations. Is military aid the best means of protecting Ukrainian sovereignty, and can it be given without prolonging the war or endangering other European nations and the United States? What other options should be considered? Heres what people are saying. The case for peace through strength As Noam Chomsky recently put it in an interview with The Intercept, there are, broadly speaking, two ways for a war to end: The first is for one side to be destroyed; the second is for the two sides to negotiate a settlement. FRONT PAGE An article on Wednesday about reactions to the leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade misstated the surname of a Louisiana dance instructor. She is Yvette Ware, not Clark. NATIONAL An article on Wednesday about protesters who gathered at the steps of the Supreme Court after the leak of a draft opinion that supported overturning Roe v. Wade misspelled the surname of an activist with Pro-Life San Francisco. He is Robert Byrd, not Robert Buird. THURSDAY STYLES An article last Thursday about New York residents traveling to New Jersey to buy marijuana legally misstated the location of a New Jersey dispensary that did not apply to expand to recreational sales. It is in Secaucus, not Hoboken. OBITUARIES Because of an editing error, an obituary on Wednesday about the actor David Birney misstated when he died. It was Wednesday, April 27 not Friday, April 29. McALLEN, Texas The colorful murals outside the storefront clinic a few miles from the Mexican border celebrated dignity, empowerment, compassion, justice. Inside, there was a reminder posted on the wall for anyone who had begun to doubt it: Abortion Is Legal in Texas! A 28-year-old woman peered anxiously at the sign and gently caressed a necklace with an image of St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes and hopeless situations. Her situation indeed felt difficult: three young children at home, a husband in prison, an unfinished college education. Another baby, she told herself, would send her struggling family straight over the edge. I never thought I would be here, said the woman, who before coming in had driven past a few anti-abortion protesters demonstrating outside and had to stop her car to throw up. It took me a lot to be here today. I have not been able to sleep for a week, running this day over and over in my head. I just know I cant have this baby. The reminder that some early-term abortions remain legal in Texas comes as the states remaining clinics navigate a recent law that threatens punitive lawsuits for anyone aiding abortions beyond about six weeks of pregnancy. A draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court that was leaked to reporters this week threatens to trigger an even more far-reaching law passed by Texas lawmakers last year in anticipation of a day Roe v. Wade is overturned that would subject abortion providers to potential sentences of life in prison or $100,000 fines. The growing number of cases presented another sign of an official Washington that has largely returned to prepandemic routines, even as officials still urge Americans to take precautions, and has decided to live with the result. Journalists across several major news organizations reported testing positive. Among those were Jonathan Karl, ABC Newss chief Washington correspondent, who shook hands with Mr. Biden during the dinner, and Steve Herman, the chief national correspondent at Voice of America. CNN reported that those infected also included staff members from its network, as well as NBC News, CBS News and Politico. It was unclear exactly how many cases had been confirmed as of Wednesday evening. Steven Portnoy of CBS News, the president of the White House Correspondents Association, said late Wednesday that the number of cases that have been brought to my attention now totals less than 1 percent of dinner attendees. He added that many social gatherings in Washington over the weekend had more lenient Covid protocols than the associations dinner. The dinner required proof of vaccination and a same-day negative test, and boosters were strongly encouraged. Some of the people reporting infections also said they had attended other gatherings over the weekend. Attendees at the dinner expressed resignation as the number of confirmed cases grew on Wednesday. Im yet another #WHCA weekend casualty, Julia Ioffe, a founding partner and Washington correspondent at Puck News, announced on Twitter on Wednesday. I knew I was taking a risk and, well, here we are! Greetings from your co-hosts Blake Hounshell and Leah Askarinam. We have an item tonight from our colleague Luke Broadwater, who reports on an effort by Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland to push back against Donald Trump. Late last year, the leadership of the Republican Governors Association faced a vexing question: What should the group do about conservative governors, like Brian Kemp of Georgia, who were facing relentless attacks from Donald Trump? Gov. Larry Hogan, Republican of Maryland and a member of the committee, spoke out against any suggestion that the organization should side with Trump and pull its support from Kemp, whom the former president blames for not helping him overturn the 2020 election. Kemp is a friend who is a strong conservative, who supported Trump, Hogan said in a recent interview. He was being attacked simply for not violating the Constitution and lying and overthrowing the election. WASHINGTON There was a time when Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., the author of the leaked draft opinion on abortion that rocked the nation on Monday night, was Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.s closest ally on the Supreme Court. The two men are both products of the conservative legal movement, and they were named to the court by President George W. Bush within months of each other. Their voting records were initially indistinguishable. Indeed, when the chief justice had a particularly difficult case, he would often assign the majority opinion to Justice Alito. For their first decade on the court together, the chief clearly generally viewed Justice Alito as a colleague upon whom he could rely to craft the kind of narrowly reasoned opinions for the court necessary to maintain a bare five-justice majority, said Richard J. Lazarus, a law professor at Harvard. And the chief rewarded Alito with prime opinion assignments in some of the courts biggest cases, notwithstanding Alitos formal status as a junior justice. But the dynamics and alliances at the court have shifted, especially after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her replacement by Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The intelligence sharing is part of a stepped-up flow in U.S. assistance that includes heavier weapons and tens of billions in aid, demonstrating how quickly the early American restraints on support for Ukraine have shifted as the war enters a new stage that could play out over months. U.S. intelligence support to the Ukrainians has had a decisive effect on the battlefield, confirming targets identified by the Ukrainian military and pointing it to new targets. The flow of actionable intelligence on the movement of Russian troops that America has given Ukraine has few precedents. Since failing to advance on Kyiv, the capital, in the early part of the war, Russia has tried to regroup, with a more concentrated push in eastern Ukraine that so far has moved slowly and unevenly. Officials interviewed for this article spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the classified intelligence being shared with Ukraine. The administration has sought to keep much of the battlefield intelligence secret, out of fear it will be seen as an escalation and provoke President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia into a wider war. American officials would not describe how they have acquired information on Russian troop headquarters, for fear of endangering their methods of collection. But throughout the war, the U.S. intelligence agencies have used a variety of sources, including classified and commercial satellites, to trace Russian troop movements. The same night Leibys show opens in the West Village, a play that looks at abortion through a very different lens is scheduled to be held at a theater in Midtown: Oh Gosnell, about Kermit Gosnell, a doctor who was convicted of murder in 2013 following botched late-term abortions. The case became a rallying cry for the anti-abortion movement. Phelim McAleer, an Irish-born filmmaker and producer, said that he had seen Leibys show billed as an abortion comedy and decided to counter it by producing a play about Gosnell that draws its text from a grand jury report and trial transcripts, saying he wanted to give audiences an alternative viewpoint. The show has faced difficulties: The theater it originally planned to use backed out, and two of its seven actors walked out shortly before previews were set to begin. Intent on making sure the play goes ahead at its new venue, McAleer who has made documentaries questioning the opposition to fracking, and said he was working on a film about Hunter Biden said that he was still processing the Supreme Court news. It definitely means the Gosnell story is more relevant than ever and plays about abortion are more relevant than ever, he said. Leiby and McAleers two shows could hardly be more dissimilar. One is a comedy about an uneventful abortion procedure that makes a case for broad abortion access and the other is a graphic play about an infamous abortion provider whose clinic was described by prosecutors as a house of horrors. But Leiby and McAleer share one similar goal: to talk about, and to get audiences to listen to, a work about abortion. South Africa: Call to use water sparingly as winter season sets in The Department of Water and Sanitation has called on the public to utilise water with caution as the winter season sets in with a minimal amount of rainfall. According to the department, South Africas water levels have slightly declined as the winter season sets in. This weeks water levels demonstrated a minimal decline of water levels compared to the same period last week. This week, the overall storage capacity of the countrys water level sits at 95.4%, a slight decline from last weeks 96.2%, and a notable enhancement from last years 84.8%, the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Thursday. The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) has moderately decreased from 103.8% last week to 102.1% this week. Algoa, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Cape Town and Umgeni Water Supply Systems have all declined week on week. The systems have respectively recorded 13.1%, 69.1%, 103.6%, 66.1% and 101.7% in the current week. This is one of the major Water Supply Systems, which covers several provinces. Water Supply System that have improved in water levels are Amathole, Crocodile East, Klipplaat, Umhlathuze, Crocodile West and Orange River, whereas Luvuvhu is steady and unmoved at 101.7%. Seven out of nine provinces have recorded a reduction in water levels namely, Free State moved down marginally from 105.9% to 105.2%, Eastern Cape dwindled moderately from 68.0% to 67.0%, Gauteng recorded a tiny downturn from 102.9% last week to 102.0%. Limpopo dropped slightly from 89.5% to 89.1%. The Northern Cape plummeted from 121.8% to 112.1%, Western Cape declined from 55.4% to 53.9% and the flood-hit KwaZulu-Natal also decreased from 94.3% to 93.0%, the department said. Only two provinces are on the increment trajectory. These include Mpumalanga, which elevated marginally from 95.2% to 95.3%, and North West stands at 80.1%, minimal expansion from last weeks 79.6%. The Vaal and Grootdraai Dams, which are part of the IVRS, have slightly dropped from 111.6% to 107.1% and 103.1% to 102.6% respectively. Both Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams which are part of Orange River Water Supply System have recorded increases from 104.9% and 105.8% to 106.0% and 106.8%. In the flood-hit KwaZulu-Natal, Albert Falls Dam, an integral part of the Umgeni Water Supply System, which supplies water to eThekwini Metro and surrounding areas declined from 102.9% to 101.7%. The Midmar Dam moved up from 102.8% last week to 100.7% this week. Waterdown Dam, as part of Klipplaat Water Supply System in the Eastern Cape has recorded a minor decline from 101.3% to 100.6%, Gubu Dam which forms part of Amathole Water Supply System has also dropped from 101.1% to 100.6% this week, the department said. Roodeplat Dam, which is a component of Crocodile West supplied by Pienaars River remained unchanged at last weeks 101.0%. In the Western Cape, which is a combination of parts that experience rainfall in winter and those that receive rainfall during other seasons; Berg River Dam dropped from 69.7% last week to 68.6%, and Clanwilliam Dam is below average at 32.6% from 35.3% last week. Major Dams in Limpopo province such as Flag Boshielo Dam, which is part of Polokwane Water Supply System, has decreased from 106.6% to 104.8%, De Hoop Dam has recorded marginal reduction from 100.7 to 100.4% and Nandoni Dam recorded the slightest decline from 102.1% to 102.0%, the department said. In Mpumalanga, Nooitgedacht Dam, which is part of the IVRS supplied by Komati River has soared from 91.5% to 96.0%, Kwena Dam which is part of Crocodile East Water Supply System is moderately down from 101.0% last week to 100.6% this week. The department continues to work tirelessly with authorities in KwaZulu-Natal to rebuild infrastructure and restore water supply in the province following the recent devastation caused by floods, the department said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Aerial photo taken on Nov. 19, 2021 shows the Lekki Deep Sea Port under construction in Lagos, Nigeria. (China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) LAGOS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's first deep seaport will create up to 170,000 jobs and bring revenues totaling 201 billion U.S. dollars to the state and federal government through taxes, royalties and duties, Lai Mohammed, the minister of Information and Culture, has said. The port project was critical to the nation's economic development, Mohammed told reporters in Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, during a routine tour of the port under construction Wednesday. The Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is being constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), is being built at the center of the Lagos Free Trade Zone, approximately 60 km east of Lagos. It would be the first deep sea port in Nigeria upon completion. The minister, who described the port as a game changer for the nation's economy, said the visit was the second the federal government has made to the area within a month because of the importance the administration attached to the project. "It is the deepest seaport in Nigeria and West Africa, and that is a unique advantage," he said. "It is also a big boost to Nigeria in its quest to take advantage of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA)." Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the level and quality of work on the port and said that the project was done in phases, saying Phase 1 had reached 89 percent and would be completed in September 2022. Aerial photo taken on Nov. 16, 2021 shows the Lekki Deep Sea Port under construction in Lagos, Nigeria. (China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) Aerial photo taken on Nov. 19, 2021 shows the Lekki Deep Sea Port under construction in Lagos, Nigeria. (China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) The incident in Australia has emerged as a key point of contention in a trial that has focused on competing, and contradictory, accusations of spousal abuse. At some point during the confrontation Ms. Heard described, part of the middle finger on Mr. Depps right hand had been severed, but the couple has presented differing accounts of how it actually happened and who was to blame. Ms. Heard, 36, said Mr. Depp, 58, was angry about several issues, including his suspicion that she had been having an affair with another actor and his contention that she had been unkind to his sister. She said his attack escalated from vulgar name-calling to threats and violence. In an argument over his drinking, she said, she had thrown a liquor bottle on the ground. That really set him off, she said. Ms. Heard testified that during the fight, Mr. Depp threw bottles at her, missing, and that later he sexually assaulted her with a bottle. She said that, though she could not see the bottle at the time, she was later able to deduce what the object had been. According to Ms. Heards account, Mr. Depp severed his finger when he picked up a phone from the wall and smashed it into pieces. She said that after the attack she returned to that area of the house and found messages written on the walls and objects in the room, in blood and paint. During his testimony earlier in the trial, Mr. Depp said his finger had been severed when Ms. Heard threw a handle of vodka at him that had shattered on his hand. He said she had been upset about a meeting she had with a lawyer over a potential postnuptial agreement, and described her following him around the house, screaming obscenities and hammering me with brutal words. He testified that when she discovered him drinking, she hurled a bottle of vodka at him, which missed, and then another, which made contact. LOS ANGELES The man accused of attacking the comedian Dave Chappelle onstage late Tuesday night at the Hollywood Bowl will be charged not with a felony, but with four separate misdemeanors, prosecutors said Thursday. The man, Isaiah Lee, 23, hurled himself at Mr. Chappelle, tackling him to the ground and pointing what was later discovered to be a replica handgun at Mr. Chappelle, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement on Wednesday. The police arrested Mr. Lee and booked him on a charge of felony assault with a deadly weapon, with bail set at $30,000. He was treated at a hospital for injuries he received in an altercation with security guards at the event, part of Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival. Image A replica handgun outfitted with a blade was found at the scene, the police said. Credit... Los Angeles Police Department/Agence France-Presse Getty Images But on Thursday, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said it would not prosecute Mr. Lee on the felony weapon charge and referred the case to the city attorneys office. The pandemic has made illness and isolation constants in our society. Its also produced a tremendous amount of grief. In the United States alone, people are mourning close to a million lives lost to the coronavirus. How do we make sense of our losses while were living through them? How do we move forward and look back at the same time? Our leaders have offered few spaces for or moments of reflection, so artists, as they often do, have stepped in to fill the gap. Four projects currently on view in New York take up the work of memorials and monuments: They offer us a place to put our grief, somewhere to store it so it doesnt reside solely in our bodies and minds. In 2020, for a project called Tender, the artist Jill Magid had 120,000 pennies the sum of a federal stimulus check engraved with the words, The body was already so fragile. Magid put the coins into circulation by spending them at, and sometimes giving them to, bodegas around New York City. The idea was to make people think about the connections between economic and social conditions: The coins spread through human interaction, like the virus, and the body could refer to the physical ones or to an already vulnerable body politic. Magid documented the process, which took place during the lockdown, and created a short film that anchors her new installation, Tender Presence, produced by the public art organization Creative Time. The first thing you see when you enter the once grand Dime Savings Bank of Williamsburgh are rows of bouquets in green buckets, as if they were still for sale at the bodegas where they were purchased. The display is a poignant riff on the custom of using flowers to mourn the dead, further charged by the knowledge that the flowers are already in the process of dying. Behind them is a large screen; depending on when you attend, you may sit and watch Magids 29-minute film with musicians performing around you. Independent Art Fair is back and in fine form. Returning to TriBeCas stylish Spring Studios after a brief dalliance farther downtown, this years edition of the modestly scaled but elegantly curated art fair features 17 new exhibitors, out of 67 in total, spread over four floors. Though its overall vibe is still more reassuring than revolutionary, an exciting, unsettled energy runs through its exhibits, and I found it more difficult than usual to make this standout list of only 10 picks. First Floor Its a cliche to call small paintings jewel-like, but its hard to resist with four little delights created by the painter Altoon Sultan, who debuted at Marlborough Gallery in the 1970s and now lives in Groton, Vermont. Painted with egg tempera on calfskin parchment, they show close-ups of agricultural machinery in near primary colors. Precise but not fussy, geometric but anchored in figuration, they appear drenched with sunlight even with no sightline to a window. Helena Anrather Its hard to make out the tone of the photographs in an incisive two-artist presentation from this gallery on Bowery. Done by Olivia Reavey in gauzy, appealing black and white, they feature unusually frank depictions of male nudity. Three bright green bronzes by Oren Pinhassi, which look something like ironing boards with birds legs and include a few plastic shower curtain rings and two panes of glass, are similarly disconcerting. Nina Johnson The former dancer Martine Barrat has an eye for detail. Each of her captivating, 1980s-era photographs of Harlem and the South Bronx is tied together by one discreet but well-observed moment. For one small boy extending his arms in a sudden rainstorm, its the sharp white of a lollipop poking out of his mouth like a cowboys cigarette; for a tired drummer with his eyes shut, its the fingers that gently pinch the bridge of his nose. Crafted of wood, iron, plant fiber and animal sinew, the model of 10 men paddling a canoe would strike most viewers as a beautiful object. But to Haayuups, head of the House of Takiishtakamlthat-h of the Huupachesat-h First Nation, on Vancouver Island, Canada, it also holds a mystical power. A spirit canoe, it represents the ripple of invisible oars in the water a sound that people of his community report hearing after they have purified themselves through fasting and bathing. When the Northwest Coast Hall at the American Museum of Natural History reopens to the public on May 13, after a five-year, $19 million renovation, the spirit canoe which was not previously shown will be one of more than 1,000 artifacts on view. Organized by Haayuups and Peter Whiteley, the curator of North American ethnology at the museum, the redesigned exhibit expresses the perspectives of the 10 nations whose cultures are on display: placing an emphasis on the spiritual and functional purposes of the objects for the people who made them, and incorporating testimony from community representatives about government repression of their culture. The Northwest Coast Hall was the first gallery to open at the museum. Inaugurated in 1899 by Franz Boas, a giant of anthropology who conducted extensive field work in the Pacific Northwest, it embodied what was at the time cutting-edge thinking. At other museums, notably the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, Indigenous people were regarded as savages who needed to be civilized. The Watching Newsletter How Much Watching Time Do You Have This Weekend? Looking for something to watch? How about a show that is like The Great British Baking Show, but for woodworking? Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. Give this article Read in app Perhaps its Rovellis writing style, along with his facility with ideas, that sets him apart from other popular science writers. For some readers, he said, the writing in my books is what matters to them. And the truth is I use analogies, some poetical, but its not coloring or embellishment. Its actually where Im trying to go, trying to transmit some emotion, some sense of marvel, some sense of the core. Simon Carnell, along with his late wife, Erica Segre, translated five of Rovellis books, including his new one. He said in an email that he sees Rovellis style as highly compressed without ever becoming dry or airless. He added that Rovelli has the scientific instinct to avoid and pare away every superfluous word (including of the translations of his work), but more importantly, a writerly ability to do so in the service of a style that is elegant, lively and above all engaging. Beyond offering Rovellis heady but lean synthesis of science and the humanities, his new book also features pieces dealing with politics, climate change and justice. Dean Rickles, a professor of history and philosophy of modern physics at the University of Sydney, said in an interview over Zoom that this larger project of Rovellis, with its theme of interdependence, is particularly compelling. Hes concerned now with justice and with peace and with climate. He has become a sort of very political scientist, he said. I think you can boil it all down, actually, to sort of a quality, like a democracy in all things Were all interdependent. Maybe the best way to think of Rovellis worldview is through the work of Nagarjuna, a second-century Indian Buddhist philosopher he admires. Author of The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, Nagarjuna taught that there is no unchanging, underlying, stable reality that nothing is self-contained, that all is variable, interdependent. Reality, in short, is always something other than what it just was, or seemed to be, he argues. To define it is to misunderstand it. In Emptiness is Empty: Nagarjuna, another piece from his new book, Rovelli writes about how the philosophers conception of reality provokes a sense of awe, a sense of serenity, but without consolation: To understand that we do not exist is something that may free us from attachments and from suffering; it is precisely on account of lifes impermanence, the absence from it of every absolute, that life has meaning. Before leaving Rovellis home that day, I took another look at the concealing snow outside. Reality seemed at once more compelling and more mysterious. Hesitating, I asked him if he thought there was any grand, capital T truth. He indulged me, then paused for a moment. What books are on your night stand? Most of the books on my night stand have little in common with each other. I have nearly finished The Orenda, by Joseph Boyden, which is incredibly evocative and beautifully written. I am reading Geoff Dyers Otherwise Known as the Human Condition a little at a time, essay by essay but in no particular order. I have also started The Facemaker, by Lindsey Fitzharris, which will not be out until June, but I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy. It is absolutely heartbreaking but so inspiring. Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how). I always carry a book with me wherever I go, in case I have a free minute, and I am happy to read anywhere. When I lived in Washington, D.C., I used to put a book and a bottle of water in my backpack, ride my bike into Rock Creek Park, and find a spot under a tree or next to the river. I still love to read outside, but if I have a cup of tea, a sleepy dog and a good book, you will not get me out of the house. Which writers novelists, playwrights, critics, journalists, poets working today do you admire most? A friend recently introduced me to the work of the Indian poet Ranjit Hoskote, who wrote a poem about one of the main characters in River of the Gods, Sidi Mubarak Bombay. I began reading more of Hoskotes work, and he quickly became one of my favorite poets. To me, his poems seem both tender and harsh, original but also crystal clear. I am also always awed and moved by the plays of David Ives, the nonfiction of Erik Larson and the journalism of Pamela Newkirk. My favorite all-around writer is Marie Arana, who writes the most stunningly beautiful and thoughtful nonfiction but also fiction, essays and memoir. I have no idea how she does it. Do you count any books as guilty pleasures? I used to avoid mysteries, probably because of the cozy mystery section in most bookstores and libraries, which, despite my love of a cozy reading experience, has always made me run in the opposite direction. Then I found Ann Cleeves and quickly started buying every book shes written. My favorite is her Vera Stanhope series, which is so smart and insightful. For me, it is not about the mystery. I dont even try to figure it out. What I am drawn to is her ability to create a very real world, peopled with characters I care about and whose minds I feel like I have climbed into. LA NIJINSKA Choreographer of the Modern By Lynn Garafola Its gratifying when a biographer and her subject are as perfectly matched as these two are. Everything in Lynn Garafolas prior life her authorship of a major work on Serge Diaghilevs Ballets Russes, her investigations into other ballet and modern dance companies, her years of teaching in Barnards eminent dance department prepared her to accomplish this challenging task. And for Bronislava Nijinska, the long-neglected sister of Vaslav Nijinsky, its nothing short of a resuscitation. Left out of the ballet history in which she actively participated from 1911 (when her brother choreographed LApres-Midi dun Faune on her) to 1970 (when she proposed restaging that famous dance for a new young Russian star, Mikhail Baryshnikov), she has now been brought to life by this first-ever biography. The reasons for her neglect are manifold. Her uncompromising nature was no doubt a factor, as was the bitter competitiveness among ballet choreographers. (As one contemporary put it, Nijinska hated Balanchine and Balanchine hated her, and Balanchine hated Massine, and Massine hated them both.) But one reason is certainly that she was a woman. As Garafola emphasizes, the choreographic world that Nijinska entered in the early years of the 20th century was entirely male. In modern dance, where innovators like Mary Wigman and Martha Graham were able to form their own successful companies, things might have been different. But La Nijinska (as she called herself) chose to remain in the realm of classical ballet, where the mainstream story, leading from Diaghilevs Russo-French company to Balanchines New York City Ballet, excluded the smaller organizations that employed Nijinska. Part of Garafolas aim is therefore historical as well as biographical, in that she wants to rewrite that narrative to encompass companies like the Polish Ballet, the Teatro Colon, Les Ballets de Madame Ida Rubinstein, the Marquis de Cuevass postwar European productions, and the Ballet Center of Buffalo, to all of which Nijinska contributed. Russias brutal push in Mariupol Russian forces sought to destroy the last pocket of resistance at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, Ukraine, where about 200 civilians were holed up with fighters, Ukrainian officials estimated. A Ukrainian commander said that heavy, bloody battles were being fought in the plants subterranean labyrinth of bunkers and fallout shelters. Russian forces found their way into the complex when a former worker showed them tunnels they could use to enter, a city official said. Russia also bombarded key points along the eastern front, launching missiles at the strategic city of Kramatorsk. The onslaught comes days before the May 9 holiday, which commemorates the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Seizing Mariupol, a potent symbol for President Vladimir Putin, would allow him to claim a major victory before Moscows military celebration. Ukraine is still holding strong despite suffering heavy injuries. Ukrainian forces reclaimed several villages around the eastern city of Kharkiv and pushed the Russians back some two dozen miles from the city, officials said, putting civilian areas that have suffered weeks of bombardment out of reach of Russian artillery. Here are live updates. The E.U. plans to ban Russian oil As Russias war on Ukraine continues, the E.U. announced plans yesterday to place an embargo on Russian oil, its biggest sacrifice yet to inflict pain on Russia and its economy. The measure would ban Russian crude oil imports to nearly all of the E.U. in the next six months, and refined oil products by the end of the year. It is expected to be approved within days. The move is a landmark moment in the blocs support of Ukraine. The E.U. gets about 27 percent of its crude oil imports from Russia and a higher share of its oil products, paying billions of dollars a month that have in turn allowed Moscow to build up its military. The embargo represents a serious economic hardship that many E.U. countries had resisted. According to diplomats familiar with the documents, Hungary and Slovakia would be given until December 2023 to ban Russian oil and more concessions could be made before the embargo was finalized. Those two countries, which have outsize dependence on such imports, make up a small fraction of the blocs Russian oil imports. Background: The E.U. banned Russian coal last month, but has stopped short of banning Russian natural gas, which most E.U. countries rely on for heating and electricity. The bloc has laid out plans to gradually wean itself off it in the coming years. When Covid-19 began to sweep across the country in March 2020, schools in every state closed their doors. Remote instruction effectively became a national policy for the rest of that spring. A few months later, however, school districts began to make different decisions about whether to reopen. Across much of the South and the Great Plains as well as some pockets of the Northeast, schools resumed in-person classes in the fall of 2020. Across much of the Northeast, Midwest and West Coast, school buildings stayed closed and classes remained online for months. These differences created a huge experiment, testing how well remote learning worked during the pandemic. Academic researchers have since been studying the subject, and they have come to a consistent conclusion: Remote learning was a failure. In todays newsletter, Ill cover that research as well as two related questions: How might the country help children make up the losses? And should schools have reopened earlier or were the closures a crucial part of the countrys Covid response? Boeing announced Thursday that it would move its headquarters to Arlington, Va., from Chicago, where it has been based for more than two decades. The choice of Arlington, across the Potomac River from Washington, underscores the importance of the federal government and its regulatory bodies to Boeing, which is a leading military contractor as well as a major manufacturer of commercial aircraft. The company relocated its Defense, Space and Security unit to the Washington area from St. Louis in 2017. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent, Dave Calhoun, Boeings chief executive, said in a statement. The company, which did not give a timeline for its move, said it planned to establish a research and technology hub in Northern Virginia. The move follows efforts by Boeing, the leading U.S. exporter, to reduce costs. The company sold a number of office parks, warehouses and unused land last year, including its commercial airplane headquarters in Seattle for $100 million. A business group warned on Thursday that Chinas dynamic zero Covid policies had left European companies considerably less willing to continue investing in the country. A survey by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China found that the tone among European businesses in the country had soured since January, when a survey found broad optimism and plans for further investment. We had a double whammy in February and March with the Ukraine invasion and the Covid lockdowns, and it had an incredible impact, said Joerg Wuttke, the chambers president. The survey, conducted from April 20 to 26, provides new data on how the increasingly visible supply chain problems from Chinas Covid-19 lockdowns, including interruptions in trucking services and factory shutdowns, are hurting the countrys competitiveness as a global manufacturing center and a magnet for Western investment and technology transfers. After over a month in lockdown, Zeng Jialin could finally return to the Shanghai auto parts factory where he had worked. He was about to be released from an isolation facility, having recovered from Covid-19, and was desperate to make up for the many days of wages he had missed. But on Tuesday, the day he was supposed to be released, someone in the crowded isolation facility tested positive again. Mr. Zeng, 48, was ordered to wait 14 more days. I have three kids, in college, middle school and elementary school. The pressure is huge, he said in a phone interview from the facility. Much of his $30 daily wage had supported them. I also owe money to the bank, so Im very anxious. As China battles its worst coronavirus outbreaks, its uncompromising determination to eliminate infections has left millions unable to work. Stringent lockdowns, hitting city after city, have forced factories and businesses to shut, sometimes for weeks, including in some of the countrys most important economic centers. President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Labor Secretary Martin J. Walsh met Thursday at the White House with several union organizers involved in successful campaigns at companies including Amazon and Starbucks. The meeting was intended to discuss how the recent organizing successes can inspire other workers to join or form a union, according to the White House. Alex Speidel, an employee and union leader at Paizo, a publisher of role-playing games in the Seattle area, said the administration officials were interested in hearing about how we had been successful what things we had done to motivate people without the union history in their families, first-time union joiners. A high-profile White House event focused primarily on rank-and-file union members and grassroots organizers is unusual for a president of either party. But a task force on worker organizing led by Ms. Harris, which officially organized Thursdays meeting, has met with workers outside the White House on several occasions, and rank-and-file union members have attended White House events under Mr. Biden. There have also been White House meetings with labor leaders and senior labor officials. In numerous conversations over the last several days, Elon Musk began making promises about what he could do with Twitter. Mr. Musk, the worlds richest man, told potential investors that he could double the number of users on the platform to more than half a billion by 2025, four people briefed on the conversations said. Not only that, he said, he could more than double Twitters revenue by that date and bring tens of millions of paying subscribers to the service, two of the people said. Mr. Musk added that investors would make a handsome return if they bought into his pitch. And he told them that he would take charge of Twitter, at least for a time, as its chief executive. Investors bought in. On Thursday, Mr. Musk revealed that he had raised around $7 billion from 18 entities to help fund his blockbuster $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. The investors were a mix of Mr. Musks Silicon Valley friends including venture capital firms such as Andreessen Horowitz and tech moguls like Larry Ellison as well as cryptocurrency companies, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, property firms and mutual-fund companies. What the invasion of Ukraine has done is take one of the three major producers of natural gas on a global basis out of the picture for future planning, said Charif Souki, executive chairman of Tellurian, a gas company building an export terminal in Louisiana. No one will rely on Russia in the future. Now the U.S. has the opportunity to become by far the powerhouse of natural gas. European countries have expressed an intention to phase out their dependence on over 150 billion cubic meters of annual imported Russian gas, partly by importing an additional 50 billion cubic meters of L.N.G., roughly 50 percent more than they currently import. That will not be easy, since the global L.N.G. market is only 523 billion cubic meters a year, nearly 20 percent of which already goes to Europe. New L.N.G. export terminals are coming online in the United States and Qatar, but demand is increasing even faster, especially in Asian countries trying to ease air pollution from coal burning. That leaves the United States, even though several of its gas fields have insufficient pipeline capacity and have attracted few major drillers because prices have been so low until recently. Since the Russian invasion, the Biden administration has pledged to increase L.N.G. exports to the European Union by 15 billion cubic meters, or roughly 40 percent. That is only about one-tenth of Russian shipments to Europe, but American energy experts say American companies could produce and ship much more gas with more pipelines and export terminals. Export operations are being expanded in the United States, with three new terminals expected to be completed by 2026. Another 10 await permits, long-term buyers and investors. EQT, a leading gas producer, has called for the country to quadruple L.N.G. capacity by 2030, a proposal that has received broad industry support. We have the resources in the ground, said David Braziel, chief executive of RBN Energy, an analytics firm. And we could develop them if you had an indication from the administration that they want to develop natural-gas resources. At the same time, a strong pacifist strain influenced West German politics. After reunification and the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was little support for a large military. The German Army reoriented itself for foreign deployments in Kosovo or Afghanistan, rather than national defense. We had hoped that after the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, there would be lasting peace in Europe and that we could establish a European order of peace together with Russia, said Eva Hogl, a lawmaker for Mr. Scholzs party, the Social Democrats, who serves as armed forces commissioner in Parliament. This belief has been brutally shattered, and consequently there is now a new appreciation for the necessity of the military. A March report to Parliament by Ms. Hogl detailed the armed forces shortcomings, including shortages of basic equipment like body armor and winter jackets. The system for buying supplies is so dysfunctional that an intelligence unit was waiting to receive uniform insignia it ordered in 2020. During maneuvers in Lithuania, according to the report, German soldiers were laughed at by soldiers from other NATO armies because they didnt know how to use the latest communications equipment. The radios they had trained with in Germany were obsolete. In 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell, West Germany had 12 divisions and nearly half a million soldiers facing the collective armies of the Communist Warsaw Pact, which was controlled by Moscow. Now it is struggling to meet its obligation to contribute three combat-ready divisions to NATO. It has about 300 tanks in operating condition, compared with around 4,000 at the end of the Cold War. Many Social Democrats who now lead the governing coalition have cultivated economic and political ties with Russia, following the lead of Gerhard Schroder, the former chancellor. They promoted projects that made Germany dependent on Russian gas on the mistaken premise that economic ties would restrain Russias president, Vladimir V. Putin. The partys past affinity for Russia makes for an awkward transition to a more muscular military stance. Defense contractors say they are still waiting to hear how most of the 100 billion will be allocated. Chris Licht, the new chairman of CNN, told employees in a town hall meeting on Thursday that he hoped to have a new show in the 9 p.m. hour this fall after experimenting with the time-slot over the summer. The 9 p.m. hour is a crucial time for the network, historically generating some of CNNs highest ratings and delivering valuable advertising revenue. The previous anchor, Chris Cuomo, was fired by CNN last year after an inquiry into his efforts to help his brother, former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York, respond to allegations of sexual misconduct. Lets try some things at 9 oclock, Mr. Licht said, according to a recording of the meeting reviewed by The New York Times. Lets have some fun with it. Lets just try some things. But my intention is to have a show ready to launch in the fall at 9 oclock. Thursday's meeting, which lasted more than an hour, was the first time Mr. Licht spoke to CNN employees since he took over as chairman of CNN this week. Mr. Licht addressed them at the end of April when he shut down CNN+, the ambitious venture that aimed to provide a beachhead for the network in streaming. I hate advertising, Elon Musk tweeted in 2019. Since he started pursuing his $44 billion purchase of Twitter and for years before that the worlds richest man has made clear that advertising is not a priority. He has talked about making money from Twitter through other means, like charging some users to be on the site. He has also suggested that he wants to relax the services content moderation policies, which marketers say have helped prevent ads from appearing alongside hate speech and misinformation. But as Mr. Musk gets ready to take over Twitter, he may quickly discover that Twitter needs Madison Avenue more than the other way around. Ads account for roughly 90 percent of Twitters revenue. Yet long before Mr. Musks acquisition, many agency leaders were lukewarm about advertising on the service. They have cited a litany of complaints, including that the company cannot target ads nearly as well as competitors like Facebook, Google and Amazon. Now, numerous advertising executives say theyre willing to move their money elsewhere, especially if Mr. Musk eliminates the safeguards that allowed Twitter to remove racist rants and conspiracy theories. An advertiser exodus would weaken the company, underscoring the difficulty of balancing Mr. Musks vision of Twitter as a haven for free speech with the business relationships that keep it going. Just as they have every month since last summer, officials from OPEC and its allies met via teleconference on Thursday and decided to continue their program of modest additions to the market. The producers group, which has 23 members including Saudi Arabia and Russia, issued a statement saying they would add 432,000 barrels a day in June. Despite the vow, there is widespread skepticism about how much they will add, if anything. Many of the groups own members are struggling to meet their production quotas. And war, sanctions and government releases from strategic oil reserves are wielding major influence on the worlds oil markets, leaving the pledges of OPEC Plus far less important. At this point, the group is flirting with irrelevance. OPEC Plus has lost its reliability and credibility, Kamel Al-Harami, an oil analyst, recently wrote in Arab Times, a Kuwaiti newspaper. Once again the group said that consensus on the outlook pointed to a balanced market. The brief communique also noted what it called the effects of geopolitical factors, an apparent reference to Russias assault in Ukraine, and issues relating to the pandemic.. Summer is still more than a month and a half away, but enormous wildfires have already consumed landscapes and darkened skies in Arizona, New Mexico and Nebraska. Whipping winds threw flames across the terrain around Boulder, Colo., in December and March. In Boulder, worries about wildfire used to be focused around August and late summer, when lightning strikes can ignite the timbers. Now the focus is every month, said John Potter, a deputy director at the citys Open Space and Mountain Parks department. As deadly wildfires become a terrifying fixture of life for many Americans, more of the country is embracing an ancient tool to limit the devastation: careful, controlled burns that clear away vegetation and help prevent wildfires from exploding into catastrophes. But in many places, the changing climate is making intentional burns much more complicated to carry out. The United States Forest Service used prescribed fire across a record 1.8 million acres of federal land last year, and the agency is aiming to treat an additional 50 million acres with fire and mechanical brush thinning over the coming decade. President Bidens infrastructure law puts $5 billion toward reducing combustible flora and combating wildfires in other ways. California, Oregon and other states are exploring legal changes to encourage more burning. When Mr. Golike, 38, travels to locations in Prince William Sound, delivery-food orders are on nearly every flight. KFC is the biggest one I see, he said. Midnight Air, an Anchorage air-taxi service, carries DoorDash and Uber Eats orders on its flights about three times a week, said its owner, Robert May. Lake & Peninsula Airlines, a regional carrier serving the Lake Clark and Kuskokwim regions of southwest Alaska, delivers Instacart orders every day, and DoorDash orders probably every other day, said Katie Burrows, 29, an office assistant for the airline. As an owner of Alaska Air Transit, Josie Owen has seen how delivery apps have made city food more available to those with no access to the states main road system. To deal with the influx of orders coming to its office, the company set up a large tent in the parking lot where drivers can label the order with the persons name and village before leaving it with the staff. Ms. Owen said that although people in rural Alaska sometimes order groceries from the nearest city, many practice a subsistence lifestyle and harvest their own food from the land. A lot of the food deliveries here are just treats, she said. Most of the airlines will stop in a remote community only if a passenger is coming or going. When that happens, people in the village know they should ready orders with DoorDash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats or a local expediter someone who runs odd jobs for people. From there, the food-delivery driver will pick up the order and bring it directly to the airline. Depending on the destination, the weight of the food and the space available on the flight, rural Alaskans can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 just to get their food to the plane. You Asked 1,000 Questions about Peatlands, and Our Bog Experts Answered (Some of) Them We asked for questions about the amazing carbon-storage capabilities of peatlands, and how these ecosystems keep the planet breathing. Readers sent us more than a thousand. Here are some answers. Image Credit... Illustrations by Eden Weingart Published May 5, 2022 Updated May 5, 2022 Bogs, swamps, mires. English has turned these muddy landscapes into unpleasant metaphors. No one wants to be bogged down or mired in a problem. But were beginning to understand the outsized importance of these waterlogged expanses in keeping the planet alive. This is why Headway, an initiative from the Times to explore the worlds challenges through the lens of progress, decided to take a look at peatlands, these ecosystems that store huge amounts of carbon. We started with an illustrated guide to how peatlands work. We relayed the tale of Congolese villagers who are on the forefront of efforts to protect the worlds largest network of tropical peatlands. Weve looked into the possibility that peatland restoration in Scotland becomes a profitable enterprise for wealthy landowners. And we asked readers: What questions do you have about peatlands? We received more than 1,000 questions in response to our call. Weve answered seven of the most common questions below. For help compiling these answers, Headway called on a group of scientists, researchers, scholars, writers and other peatland experts we affectionately call the Bog Squad. Weve quoted from their answers below, and you can read more about them here. The answers below have been edited and condensed. What exactly is a peatland? Line Rochefort: You cannot really define a peatland without defining peat. Peat is an organic soil largely consisting of dead organic matter and visible plant remains. Peat accumulates, and is not deposited by water or ice or wind. Meet Peat, The Unsung Hero of Carbon Capture What is peat? Meet Peat, The Unsung Hero of Carbon Capture Rod Chimmer: Peatlands are very diverse, and found across the planet. Their many names can become very confusing to ordinary people and scientists alike, which is why peatlands is a better term to use most of the time. Different kinds of peatlands are often classified by their source of water. For example, bogs are peatlands that are supported by precipitation only, while fens have groundwater in them. Bogs and fens often occur together, and most bogs are created from fens. Miriam Jones: You have to look below the surface to know whether a wetland is a peatland. In the northern boreal hemisphere, peatlands can be composed of sphagnum mosses and sedges. Temperate and tropical peatlands are often swamps, which are forested wetlands. Some coastal marshes which are dominated by grasses, sedges and rushes and mangrove forests also accumulate peat. Peatlands can also evolve with time. For example, many boreal peatlands began as fens, and once peat accumulation reached a certain point transitioned to bogs. Not all wetlands accumulate peat, so not all wetlands are peatlands, but all peatlands are wetlands. Show more Besides mosquitoes, what lives in a peatland? Jorge Hoyos-Santillan: Peatlands are biodiversity hot spots in some regions of the planet. Patagonian peatlands hold more than 200 species of insects and a wide variety of amphibians. They are also home to foxes, guanacos, pumas, and migratory birds such as flamingos. On the other hand, lowland tropical peatlands peatlands found in and around rainforests are incredibly biodiverse both in flora and fauna. For example, the peatlands located in Panama are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in America. Hundreds of bird species migrate through these peatlands every year. In addition, they are home to mammals (e.g., jaguar, tapir, ocelot), reptiles, amphibians (e.g., poisonous frogs) and insects. Flora in these ecosystems is so biodiverse that most of it has not yet been discovered. Scott J. Davidson: Up close, peatlands are a patchwork quilt of different types of vegetation, including certain species of tree, sphagnum moss, lichens, sedges, dwarf shrubs such as blueberry and cranberry and some of the famous carnivorous plants, like the pitcher plant and the sundew. Miriam Jones: Carnivorous plants are most common in bogs that are fed only by precipitation, and are therefore more nutrient poor. Various pitcher plant species are found in nutrient-poor peatlands across the world, and Venus flytraps are most commonly found in North and South Carolina. A variety of sundew species are found from the Arctic to the tropics. Advertisement Continue reading the main story How do peatlands capture carbon, and why is it so important to the planet? Edward Struzik: Peatlands represent just 3 percent of the worlds terrestrial surface, but store twice as much carbon as all the worlds forests combined. Canadas Hudson Bay Lowlands, the largest intact peatland in the world, stores as much as five times more carbon than the equivalent area in the Amazon rainforest. Miriam Jones: Plants growing at the peats surface take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In most other ecosystems, when plants die, they decompose, returning that carbon to the atmosphere. In peatlands, however, the water at or close to the surface limits oxygen. Without oxygen, decomposition is slow. Much of this plant matter only partially decomposes, then accumulates in layers, turning into peat. Peat sequesters carbon because the decomposition is slower than the accumulation, and over time peat can accumulate to be several meters thick. Gusti Anshari: Major factors that directly affect the degradation of tropical peats are land use and peat fires. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasts that the tropical peat ecosystem could become a large contributor to atmospheric carbon dioxide. Jones: Destroying the worlds peatlands could double the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Peatlands have accumulated this carbon since the last ice age, about 20,000 years ago, but mostly in the last 11,500 years or so. Globally, damaged peatlands are net carbon sources that is, they release carbon into the atmosphere through disturbances like drainage or fires, or the drying of the peat surface and thawing of permafrost due to climate change. Some peatlands, however, especially in the northern high latitudes, remain net carbon sinks. Struzik: When frozen peatlands in the Arctic and sub-Arctic begin to thaw, they reach a point where they can no longer absorb and store carbon, and start emitting it instead. This is already happening. Wildfires and climate change are accelerating this thawing. In 2007, the largest recorded tundra fire to occur in the Arctic, which burned 401 square miles, released as much carbon into the atmosphere as the tundra has stored in the previous 50 years. Show more Why cant we create, build or plant new peatlands? Edward Struzik: Bog gardens can be created, so long as there is lots of water, shade and seeds. The Wildlife Trusts can help you get started if you want to create a bog, and the conditions in your area are suitable. But be careful of what you wish for in a garden. Mosses such as sphagnum are the master builders of peat. They are, for want of a better term, serial killers. They snuff out vascular plants. Tulips and turnips, beware! Steve Frolking: Peatlands store carbon as peat slowly accumulates, so constructing peatlands may be a long-term approach to addressing carbon in the atmosphere, but it cannot be a short-term solution. Peatlands can lose their stored carbon much more quickly than they can store it, particularly if disturbed by fire, drainage, or a harvest, for example. Scott J. Davidson: Creating peatlands from scratch is a difficult task, but there have been some projects that looked at reclaiming previous peatland landscapes and restoring the conditions needed for peat accumulation and carbon sequestration. One such project that I have been involved with looked at building a fen on a landscape previously disturbed by oil and gas activities in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region in Alberta, Canada. Sophie Wilkinson: The Athabasca Oil Sands Region project attempted to create a landscape that would feed water into a new peatland, built from stockpiled peat. In this way, rather than merely restoring peatland vegetation on the ground surface, the project engineered the environment to function in a sustainable, long-term manner to support the development of peatland species, as well as ecosystem services such as water filtration and carbon uptake. Despite some issues surrounding salt intrusion, this project has shown promise, and provided many vital lessons for future peatland reclamation. How do we preserve or restore peatlands? Rod Chimner: In general, the less disturbed the peatland is, the faster it can usually be restored. For instance, peatlands can be restored with little cost in a few weeks, using simple techniques and volunteers, if the peatland is lightly disturbed. It can take decades and millions of dollars to restore more seriously damaged ones, as is happening with projects in Indonesia and the Everglades. Not all aspects of a peatland will recover at the same rate. Peatland hydrology can recover within weeks after ditch blocking or other rewetting techniques, whereas plants may take a few years or decades to recover, depending on how degraded the vegetation was and the type involved. Recovery of biodiversity can also take a long time as plants, animals, insects and microbes need to make their way back into the site. Edward Struzik: Several conservation organizations in North America have taken up the challenge of protecting peatlands. The Nature Conservancy is leading many restoration efforts, in places such as the Great Dismal Swamp in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The Wildlands League, a chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, is working with Audubon and indigenous organizations to protect the Hudson Bay Lowlands, the largest intact peatland in the world, from mining developments. Ducks Unlimited is working with landowners and indigenous people all over North America to protect peatlands. There are also a growing number of small local groups dedicated to this effort. Most of them, however, dont have the resources to do what needs to be done. Sophie Wilkinson: The United Nations Environment Program is working hard to help connect different groups, from nations to communities, to protect peatlands. In fact, the Global Peatlands Initiative has been formed to promote conservation and best practices in management and restoration, in particular of tropical peatlands. Advertisement Continue reading the main story How much peat is used for gardening? Miriam Jones: Peat that is harvested today can be hundreds or thousands of years old. It can be harvested much faster than it accumulates, so one problem with a horticultural peat harvest is that a nonrenewable resource is being depleted. Jorge Hoyos-Santillan: Nowadays, most of the imports and exports of peat are related to agriculture, horticulture and flower packing. Unfortunately, to extract peat it is necessary to remove the vegetation cover and it usually requires draining the peatlands to ease the extraction. By altering the hydrology and removing the vegetation, the overall carbon balance in the peatland usually shifts from carbon sink to carbon source. In terms of climate change mitigation, peat extraction is a net contribution to global warming. Worldwide peat extraction is a massive economic activity; Canada and the European Union are the largest exporters. Sophie Wilkinson: Peatland conservation and its enormous potential to help mitigate climate change is gaining traction across many countries. Last year the U.K. laid out a plan to ban the use of sphagnum peat in commercial compost. This will reduce the need for peat harvesting. However, given that there are few affordable or sustainable alternatives to peat compost, there is a worry that compost producers will import peat to fill the demand, leading to a negative effect on peatland conditions globally, even if those in the U.K. are better conserved. This exemplifies the need to embed peatland conservation into policy on an international scale, to ensure that real progress is made and sustained. Edward Struzik: There are alternatives to peat, like blends of coconut and wood fiber, but they tend to be expensive, not as widely available in North America as in Europe and not as effective as natural peat. But in recent years, the quality of these products has greatly improved, so its worth giving them a try, including the new compost made from household waste. Exactly where are all the peatlands in the world? Steve Frolking: Although they occupy only about 3 percent of the earths land surface, peatlands are widespread, occurring from the tropics to the arctic. Edward Struzik: Peatlands are highly diverse and vary widely under permanently waterlogged, predominantly acidic conditions all over the world. They are most dominant in the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. But the recent discovery of a massive tropical peatland in Congo, several thousand smaller ones in the southern Rockies and the Andes, still functional remnants in the Mojave and other deserts and untold numbers yet to be sufficiently identified in the Arctic speak to the fact that mapping these unique ecosystems is a work in progress. They may well represent more than just that 3 percent. Jorge Hoyos-Santillan: As awareness grows about the importance of peatlands as a fundamental component in a countrys climate strategy, national estimations of peatlands overall extent have improved. In Chile, prior to the COP25 summit, the uncertainty regarding the extent of peatlands was high. Estimates ran from 2.3 to 6.1 million hectares. Since Chile included peatlands in its national climate strategy, and committed to developing a national peatland inventory, research has been conducted to address this knowledge gap, and many wetlands are now being recognized as peatlands. Another example is Panama. Until now, the only peat deposits in the country were identified in the Caribbean. But this year another peat deposit was discovered on the Pacific shore, in the Darien Province. The global area of peatlands is expected to increase as these ecosystems become widely included in climate strategies throughout the world. Struzik: You can view a world map of peatlands created by the Greifswald Mire Centre here, and another, from the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, here. Medication abortion became legal in the United States in 2000, when mifepristone was approved by the F.D.A. The agency imposed tight restrictions on the drug, many of which remain in place. But access to the method increased in 2016, when the F.D.A. expanded the time frame within which the drug could be taken from seven weeks to 10 weeks into a pregnancy. As conservative states began passing more laws restricting access to surgical abortions, more patients opted for pills, especially because they can be taken in the privacy of ones home. The Covid pandemic fueled that trend. The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, reported that in 2020, medication abortion accounted for 54 percent of all abortions. Early in the pandemic, medical groups filed a lawsuit asking the F.D.A. to lift its requirement that mifepristone, which blocks a hormone crucial to the continuation of a pregnancy, be dispensed to patients in person at a clinic or doctors office. Citing years of data showing that medication abortion is safe, the medical groups said that patients faced a greater risk of being infected with the coronavirus if they had to visit clinics to obtain mifepristone. For portions of the pandemic, the F.D.A. temporarily lifted the in-person requirement, then permanently removed it in December. In addition, the agency said pharmacies could begin dispensing mifepristone if they met certain qualifications. The agency is in the process of hammering out those qualifications with the two manufacturers of the drug, and reproductive health organizations said that some national retail pharmacy chains have expressed interest in being able to dispense the medication in some states, at least by mail. The second medication, misoprostol, which causes contractions similar to those of a miscarriage and is taken up to 48 hours later, has long been available for a variety of uses with a typical prescription. A senior Biden administration official said this week that officials are looking for further steps the administration can take to increase access to all types of abortion, including the pill method. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the leaked Supreme Court decision, said that President Biden directed his team at every aspect in every creative way, every aspect of federal law, to try to do all thats possible to protect abortion rights. Excess deaths have established the true picture, Mr. Raksha said. Russia demonstrated a dismal performance in fighting the pandemic. In other nations, W.H.O. experts used what limited data was available to arrive at estimates jarringly at odds with previous counts, though they cautioned that some of those calculations remained highly uncertain. In Indonesia, for example, the experts leaned heavily on monthly death data from Jakarta, the capital, to estimate that the country had experienced over a million more deaths than normal. That figure would be seven times as high as the reported Covid death toll. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, a spokeswoman for the governments Covid-19 vaccination program, acknowledged that Indonesia had suffered more deaths than the government had reported. She said the problem stemmed in part from people not reporting relatives deaths to avoid complying with government rules for Covid victims funerals. But she said that the W.H.O. estimates were far too high. In Pakistan, Dr. Faisal Sultan, a former health minister, defended the governments death reports, saying that studies of the number of graveyard burials in major cities did not reveal large numbers of uncounted victims of the pandemic. For still other countries that suffered grievously during the pandemic, the W.H.O. estimates illuminated even more startling figures hiding inside already devastating death counts. In Peru, for instance, the expert estimate of 290,000 excess deaths by the end of 2021 was only 1.4 times as high as the reported Covid death toll. But the W.H.O. estimate of 437 excess deaths for every 100,000 Peruvians left the country with among the worlds highest per capita tolls. When a health care system isnt prepared to receive patients who are seriously ill with pneumonia, when it cant provide the oxygen they need to live, or even provide beds for them to lay in so they can have some peace, you get what youve gotten, said Dr. Elmer Huerta, an oncologist and public health specialist who hosts a popular radio show in Peru. In the United States, the W.H.O. estimated that roughly 930,000 more people than expected had died by the end of 2021, compared with the 820,000 Covid deaths that had been officially recorded over the same period. The patient, David Bennett Sr., had been extremely ill before the surgery and suffered numerous other complications after the transplant. He died on March 8. Dr. Griffiths revelations about the viral traces found in the patient, made last month during an American Society of Transplantation meeting, were first reported by MIT Technology Review. In an interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Dr. Griffith and his colleague, Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, the scientific director of the cardiac xenotransplantation program at University of Maryland School of Medical, said that they were saddened by the loss of Mr. Bennett but that they were not deterred from their goal of using animal organs to save human lives. This doesnt really scare us about the future of the field, unless for some reason this one incident is interpreted as a complete failure, Dr. Griffith said. It is just a learning point. Knowing it was there, well probably be able to avoid it in future. The pig, which had been genetically modified so that its organs would not trigger rejection by the human immune system, was provided by Revivicor, a regenerative medicine company based in Blacksburg, Va. From your perspective, what should adults know about the threats to mental health that teenagers are experiencing right now? What should they do about them? In How to Help Teens Struggling With Mental Health, Matt Richtel provides some ideas for how adults can support teenagers mental health: Health risks in adolescence are undergoing a major shift. Three decades ago, the biggest health threats to teenagers were binge drinking, drunken driving, teenage pregnancy, cigarettes and illicit drugs. Today, they are anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm and other serious mental health disorders. From 2001 to 2019, the suicide rate for American youngsters from ages 10 to 19 jumped 40 percent, and emergency room visits for self-harm rose 88 percent. Managing a mental health crisis can be challenging for teenagers and their parents. It is often unchartered territory that needs to be navigated with the utmost sensitivity. The guidance below may help. The article describes the signs of an adolescent who may be struggling with anxiety or depression: Anxiety and depression are different but can share some indicators. First, look for some key changes in a youths behavior, such as disinterest in eating or participating in social activities previously enjoyed, altered sleep patterns or withdrawal from other aspects of life. Its tricky; these behaviors can sometimes be normal teenage angst. However, a teenager in distress may express excessive worry, hopelessness or profound sadness, particularly for long periods of time. Whether a teenager is dealing with angst or a clinical problem is the 64 jillion dollar question, said Stephen Hinshaw, an expert in teenage mental health issues at the University of California, Berkeley. It goes on to give guidance for how to start a conversation with a teenager about mental health: The counsel from experts is resounding: Be clear and direct and dont shy from hard questions, but also approach these issues with compassion and not blame. Challenging as it may seem to talk about these issues, young people often are desperate to be heard. At the same time, talking to a parent can feel hard. Be gentle, be curious, and, over time, be persistent but not insistent, Dr. Hinshaw explained. Shame and stigma are a huge part of the equation here, and if you are outraged and judgmental, be prepared for a shutdown. A good number of teenagers are practically begging you without telling you so directly to stay concerned and loving and to keep open a dialogue, Dr. Hinshaw said. Students, read the entire article, then tell us: This article begins with statistics indicating that teenagers in the United States are experiencing a mental health crisis. Is this something you have observed in your own life or among your peers? Why do you think teenagers may be struggling with mental health right now? Do you think factors like the pandemic or the rise of social media have made a difference? Are there other factors you think we should be paying attention to? What do you think of the advice this article offers for how to support teenagers experiencing anxiety or depression? Is this advice in line with how you and your friends support one another? Is there anything you would add? How do you cope with anxiety, stress and other challenges? What practices or habits help improve your mental health? What do you think adults in power, like politicians and school administrators, should do to address the mental health crisis among young people? What changes would make a difference in your own life? If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (TALK), call 911, go to the emergency room, get help from an adult or go to speakingofsuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Go here for resources outside the United States. Then, reflect on your own in writing, or discuss with your classmates: What do you notice in these graphs? What do you wonder? Taken together, what story do these graphs tell about mental health among adolescents today? Do these graphs reflect your own experience or that of your peers? Do any of them surprise you? What do you think are some possible explanations for this data? (Note: You can participate in a live-moderated discussion on these graphs and more about teenage health with the American Statistical Association on Wednesday, May 11, as a part of our Whats Going On in This Graph? series.) Questions for Writing and Discussion Read the article, then answer the questions below. (Note to teachers: If youre doing this in a classroom context, you might jigsaw this article. All students should read and respond to the questions for Section 1. Then assign individuals or small groups to read each of the other three sections and answer the corresponding questions.) Section 1: Introduction 1. The article says, In December, in a rare public advisory, the U.S. surgeon general warned of a devastating mental health crisis among adolescents. What are two pieces of evidence in the introduction that demonstrate that mental health among adolescents is a national crisis? Do you agree with this assessment? 2. What questions does this decline in mental health raise for you? Section 2: A typical outpatient 3. The age of puberty onset has dropped markedly over the last century. How might this shift be contributing to the adolescent mental health crisis, according to experts? 4. What are at least four ways adolescence is different today than in past generations? How do experts explain these changes? What do you think are some possible explanations? What questions do you have? Section 3: A virtual crush and Elaniv 5. Emily Pluhar, a child and adolescent psychologist at Harvard, said that the challenge and the progress of modern adolescence is there are so many types of identity. In what ways might having so many choices be progress? In what ways might it be a challenge? Her body, her choice, her life. Thats the unambiguous refrain that runs through Happening, a powerful French drama about a woman seeking an abortion. Set in the early 1960s, when the procedure was criminalized in France, it arrives in the United States at a fraught moment, with the Supreme Court seemingly poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. When I first saw the movie, it felt like a warning shot from a still-distant land. Now it feels urgently of the moment. The world seems lush with possibilities for Anne (Anamaria Vartolomei, restrained and deeply empathetic), a 23-year-old student attending school in the southwest. There, she lives in a womens dorm, hangs out with friends and sometimes goes with them to a bar, where she drinks and flirts and bobs to the rock n roll. Sometimes, she visits her reserved but loving parents (Sandrine Bonnaire plays her mother), who own a bistro, a welcoming space that she inhabits freely, whether shes chatting with customers or studying in the back. But Annes horizons extend beyond her familys. She wants to continue her studies. She wants to write. The director Audrey Diwan quickly makes you want the same for Anne by inviting you into a life that has just begun to bloom. With visual intimacy, calm rhythms and a sensitive touch, Diwan traces its textures and rituals, drops in on lectures and catches the intellectual hum. By day, Anne and her friends casually discuss Camus and Sartre. Later, though, when their talk turns to sex, these young, capable women stammer and even panic, and the palpable heat that theyve stirred up simply by being young and alive condenses into an oppressive fog. It might help if they were reading Beauvoir, but shes not on the curriculum. Based on the short, impressionistic memoir by the same title from the celebrated French writer Anne Ernaux, Happening recounts what it was like to be a young woman whose life changed and world ominously narrowed in 1963 with an unwanted pregnancy. In her book (published in 2000), Ernaux shifts between the past and the present, often commenting on what she did and felt decades earlier. Her approach underscores the memoirs tension between its two time periods and its distinctly drawn subjects, but also puts the past at an emotional remove: The young Annie struggles under the coolly intellectual, contemplative gaze of her older self. Mr. Scarcella, who retired from the Police Department in 1999, has repeatedly said that he stands by his work and did nothing wrong. Richard Signorelli, a lawyer who represents him, said Wednesday that Mr. Scarcella categorically denies all accusations of misconduct in Mr. Williamss case, and stressed that the settlement did not represent an admission. He did nothing wrong, Mr. Signorelli said, noting that a claim against the state that Mr. Williams filed under the Unjust Conviction and Imprisonment Act was dismissed this year. A judge ruled he did not meet his heavy burden of proving his actual innocence. After the July 1993 shooting, Mr. Scarcella and his partner, Stephen W. Chmil, visited the supposed witness in her home across the street from the scene, displaying Mr. Williamss picture in an array. She did not initially identify him, but during a later visit, told the detectives she had seen him with a gun at his waist on the night of the murder, lawyers for Mr. Williams wrote in their complaint against the city. The detectives told the witness they might turn to her son as a suspect if she did not provide them with one, the court filing said. The lawyers also wrote that the witness later left New York for Georgia in part because she did not want to continue to participate in a wrongful prosecution. But prosecutors obtained an order from a judge requiring her testimony. She was arrested and taken to New York against her will to testify, which Mr. Williamss trial lawyers had not known, the complaint said. Mr. Williams has said that he was in southern Pennsylvania at the time of the killing, and records place him there in the days before and after, the filing said. Still, he was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. Shawn has been through the fire for nearly 30 years, said David B. Shanies, a civil rights lawyer who represented Mr. Williams with Samuel P. Hershey, another New York-based lawyer. Its satisfying to see him come out the other side with his name cleared and some reparation for his ordeal. By the time Roe was argued, first in late 1971 and again the next year, the court had only just begun, ever so tentatively, to recognize that the 14th Amendments guarantee of equal protection might have something to say about women. To be sure, feminist lawyers filed friend-of-the-court briefs in Roe arguing that the right to terminate a pregnancy was essential to womens equality, but these were neither voices nor arguments that the nine male justices were ready to hear, and they went unacknowledged. That was then. Forty-nine years later, we live in a different constitutional universe or thought we did. Mississippi, defending a ban on virtually all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy that is flatly unconstitutional under current Supreme Court precedents, is asking the court to overturn those precedents. Granted that the young Samuel Alito, as a recent Princeton graduate, joined an organization of conservatives who sought to limit the inclusion of women at his alma mater. Granted that he has made clear his desire to overturn Roe since even before his days on the court. It is still astonishing that in 2022 he would use his power to erase the right to abortion without in any way meaningfully acknowledging the impact both on women and on the constitutional understanding of sex equality as it has evolved in the past half-century. His draft opinion takes aim not only at Roe but also at Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the 1992 decision that reaffirmed the right to abortion and notably added equality as one of the rights foundations. Three Republican-appointed justices, Anthony Kennedy, Sandra Day OConnor and David Souter, wrote in Caseys unusual joint opinion that womens ability to participate equally in the economic and social life of the nation depended on their ability to control their reproductive lives. Failing to acknowledge that insight, the Alito draft instead attacks Casey as unworkable, as shown by a long list of circuit conflicts among federal appeals courts that have disagreed over how to apply the undue burden test that the decision established. The Casey undue-burden test invalidates a regulation that places a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking to terminate her pregnancy before fetal viability. A major reason for judicial disagreements over how to apply this standard is not its unworkability but the unwillingness of some Republican-appointed judges to accept the fact that there is still a constitutional right to abortion; for these judges, no burden is ever great enough to be undue. As judges appointed by President Donald Trump have populated the lower courts (he named more than 200), the ideologically driven judicial resistance has escalated. The Alito draft whitewashes decades of progress on womens rights. It fails, for example, even to cite Justice Ginsburgs landmark 1996 majority opinion in United States v. Virginia that rejected the exclusion of women from the state-supported Virginia Military Institute. Plenty of critics inside business schools have noted this reluctance to ask big-picture questions, despite the fad for genuflecting to environmental, social and governance concerns. Some note that schools are adept at defanging detractors, cordoning them off in their own professional journals and conferences and keeping them on payroll. Ive been rewarded for being as cheeky as possible, Martin Parker, who teaches at the University of Bristols School of Management, told me. When his current employers hired him, they knew he was about to publish a book called Shut Down the Business School, but they didnt mind. That doesnt say they were particularly brave, but that my critique doesnt matter very much, Dr. Parker told me. Its not particularly threatening. Im being petted by the emperor. Diversity initiatives and attention to environmental and social impact, he said, amount to a green-washing, or ethics-washing, and conceal the major epistemological and structural issues that business schools assume, and glosses them with a particular kind of website fluff. Its liberal fairy dust. Others dont see it that way. They think capitalism just needs to become quite a bit nicer, that we need to orient corporations toward more benign investment strategies and less toxic relations with workers. That would be good Im not against small steps but that diagnosis doesnt reflect the nature of the problem we have. Even professors who push the envelope in their research pull back from challenging the instrumentalism of business schools, the focus on supposedly neutral tools and skills. Professor Lowery of Stanford, whom I mentioned earlier, is a social psychologist who studies the intersection of race and class. But he keeps normative questions out of the classroom. Most of what I teach is designed to be as neutral as possible in terms of the explicit morality of what you should do, he said. I say this explicitly to students: The content is amoral. You can use it to achieve any sort of goal. It just helps you understand how people operate in social environments. Its a set of tools. Dr. Lowery has taught Stanfords most popular elective, a decades-old course called Interpersonal Dynamics (nicknamed the Touchy Feely course) in which students exchange candid feedback in intense sessions that many compare to group therapy. Students rave about the experience, which is based on the psychologist Kurt Lewins training group sessions in the 1940s, a precursor of modern workplace sensitivity programs. This sounds like a welcome break from a curriculum full of financial instruments and quantitative modeling, although the course is perhaps not all that different: Students are simply studying the efficient management and transfer of emotions. Kelsey Aijala, a student at Stanford who is graduating this spring, told me that the leadership courses she has taken are not values-driven not forcing you to think about your values as a leader. There are courses about a purpose-driven life, and Im taking a course now about strategic pivoting, but these are not asking you to think about your role in society. Its more like designing your life, and the curriculum still sits within a traditional business skill set. It is hard to see how students can find their purpose in a curriculum too focused on sharpening tools to ask what those tools are for. To the Editor: Re How Tucker Carlson Stoked White Fear to Conquer Cable News and Tucker Carlson Reshaped Fox News, and Became Trumps Heir (American Nationalist series, front page, May 1 and 2): Congratulations to The New York Times for an exceptional piece of journalism exposing Tucker Carlson for what he is an insidious infection coursing through the veins of America. Its been said that the demise of America will come not from without but from within. We have survived Father Coughlin, Joseph McCarthy and others like them. Fortunately there are more people in America like Mister Rogers than Tucker Carlson. Aaron R. Eshman Santa Monica, Calif. To the Editor: Has The Times learned nothing at all from the election of the former guy? The amount of free publicity given to him by The Times as well as other mainstream media helped propel him to the presidency. Now you are giving free publicity to a Fox News host. Today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future, thousands of people across the country will continue to protest the Supreme Courts leaked draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade. But before the paint can dry on a picket sign, someone will invariably shove a microphone in the face of a protester and ask what, exactly, this is going to accomplish. Which laws will be overturned? Whose rights will be restored? How will anyones life get better because of all this? This is the modern contradiction when it comes to protest: Millions of Americans seem willing to go out into the streets to protest perhaps more than even in the 1960s and yet more people than ever also seem to severely doubt the pragmatic and political power of street action. Given the procedural and incremental way we look at politics today, which involves a lot of hand-wringing about how certain policies or slogans will affect some far-off election, its easy to forget that two of the biggest protest actions in American history took place in the past five years: The Womens March in 2017, which drew an estimated three million to five million people from around the country, and of course, the summer of George Floyd, which brought out millions more here and around the world. You could look at these two moments and claim that they accomplished little outside of meaningless social media posts from corporations, a spate of toothless diversity workplace initiatives and a handful of political promises like disbanding the Minneapolis Police Department that were quickly walked back. Abortion rights are now on the chopping block. Unarmed Black people are still being shot by the police, who have seen increases in their budgets in cities across the country. But such quick assessments not only wildly underestimate the difficulty of fundamentally changing American institutions; they also miss much of the point of protests. No organizers worth their mettle believe that getting people to march together and chant will immediately lead the powers that be to meet all their demands. Rather, the goal is to create an event in which people who are outraged can gather together. Within that space, connections are made, new ideas are tested, and the infrastructure for political action gets built. The street doesnt always have to be a place to list demands for instant change. The Floyd protests, for example, led to a boost in voter registration for Democrats. The point is the people. Sheldon Krimsky, a leading scholar of environmental ethics who explored issues at the nexus of science, ethics and biotechnology, and who warned of the perils of private companies underwriting and influencing academic research, died on April 23 in Cambridge, Mass. He was 80. His family said that he was at a hospital for tests when he died, and that they did not know the cause. Dr. Krimsky, who taught at Tufts University in Massachusetts for 47 years, warned in a comprehensive way about the increasing conflicts of interest that universities faced as their academic researchers accepted millions of dollars in grants from corporate entities like pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. In his book Science in the Private Interest (2003), he argued that the lure of profits was potentially corrupting research and in the process undermining the integrity and independence of universities. In the 63 years since Madame Paulette, a luxury cleaner and tailoring service, opened in New York, its list of clients has grown to include Madonna, Serena Williams, Martha Stewart, Kylie Jenner and Anna Wintour. Though no boldfaced names attended a grand opening party at its new West 57th Street home on April 30, the invisible presence of some hung in the air at the event, which took place just two days before the Met Gala on May 2. The Tuesday before the party, Tom Ford, the designer, filmmaker and honorary Met Gala co-chairman, had sent over a shirt and vest that he planned to wear to the gala for a touch-up. Henry Ortiz, who takes care of V.I.P. clients at Madame Paulette, made sure the pieces were ready in time for the big night. I never say no, Mr. Ortiz, 54, said about catering to the top clients. As a thank you for the quick turnaround and white glove service, he received a shopping bag stamped with Mr. Fords namesake label. Its contents? Very personal, Mr. Ortiz said. For 15 years, Jeffrey Kightlinger was the general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which provides water to about 19 million people nearly half of all Californians across six counties, including Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. That water comes primarily from two sources. The California State Water Project draws snow runoff from the Sierra in Northern California, where this year the snowpack in some places was at just 5 percent of its average. And water also comes from the Colorado River and its Lake Mead and Lake Powell reservoirs, which are lower now than ever. I spoke with Kightlinger, who retired in July, about whether weve crossed a permanent threshold of crisis. (We have, he said.) And whether the recently announced conservation measures, some of the strictest ever imposed, are enough. (Theyre not.) Here is our conversation, edited and condensed for clarity: Whats the current situation for water in Southern California? Very grim. The State Water Project is only delivering 5 percent. An acre-foot of water is 326,000 gallons. On average, you hope to get a million acre-feet out of it a year. Were going to get 100,000 acre-feet of it 100,000 acre-feet would be 300,000 households for a year. Last month, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, mentioned Mr. Epps and his supposed role in fomenting the Capitol riot during a hearing in Atlanta held to determine whether she should be labeled an insurrectionist and barred from office under the Constitution. The recordings of Mr. Epps and Mr. Samsel were released by the government last week as a discovery disclosure to scores of defense lawyers representing people charged with crimes in connection with the Capitol attack. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment on why prosecutors have held on to the material so long and decided not to make it public. Right-wing chatter about Mr. Epps, who is 60 and runs a wedding and event venue in Queen Creek, Ariz., began last spring after videos of him at a pro-Trump rally in Washington started to circulate online. Aside from the clip with Mr. Samsel, Mr. Epps was caught on video standing in a crowd of Trump supporters on the night of Jan. 5, 2021, urging his compatriots to go into the Capitol the next day. At a hearing in October, Representative Thomas Massie, Republican of Kentucky, showed the clip of Mr. Epps encouraging the crowd and used it to question Attorney General Merrick B. Garland about whether federal agents had acted as agitators on Jan. 6. The story about Mr. Epps gained further traction near the one-year anniversary of the Capitol attack when the Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson featured it in a documentary called Patriot Purge, which suggested that the Capitol attack might have been a false flag operation by the government. Not long after, questions about Mr. Epps were raised again at a Senate hearing this time by Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas. There are a lot of people who are understandably very concerned about Mr. Epps, he said. According to the people who have heard the recording of Mr. Epps, he told the F.B.I. during his call that instigators might have been in the crowd outside the Capitol on Jan. 6. But he explained that he was not one of them and did not suggest that anyone who might have encouraged the mob that day was working for the government. LAS VEGAS, N.M. As rushing flames neared the remote mountains where his family has lived for generations, Miguel Martinez knew he had to move fast and flee with only the clothes on his back. I left behind 25 goats, 50 rabbits, 10 chickens and two dogs, said Mr. Martinez, 71, who escaped his home in the village of El Oro this week for an evacuee shelter. I have no idea if my house is standing or if my animals are alive. I need to prepare for the possibility everything was wiped out. More than a dozen wildfires are raging this month across the Southwest, as fire season stretches earlier than ever into spring. But the countrys largest active blaze, a megafire that has ballooned across more than 165,000 acres in northern New Mexico, has evolved with such ferocity that it threatens a multigenerational culture that has endured for centuries. Like Mr. Martinez, many who have fled the megafire, known as the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire, are descendants of Hispanic settlers who arrived in New Mexico long before the United States came into existence. They intermarried with Native Americans, honed ways to grow crops in parched lands and preserved an archaically influenced form of Spanish that can still be heard in the aisles of the local Walmart. WASHINGTON When abortion rights supporters protested outside the Supreme Court this week after the leak of a draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade, they turned their ire at one point toward the same president who just hours earlier denounced the possible ruling just as they were doing. If you want to be a pro-choice president, declared Renee Bracey Sherman, a prominent abortion rights leader and author, youve got to start acting like a pro-choice president. The crowd agreed, chanting loudly: Where is Joe? Where is Joe? For President Biden, the threat to the landmark Roe decision represents a singular challenge as he attempts to put aside a long history of evident discomfort with the issue of abortion to transform himself into a champion of the constitutional right that may soon be erased from the law books. Over the course of a half-century in national politics, Mr. Biden has rarely been the full-throated backer of abortion rights that activists have sought, evolving from an outright critic of Roe early in his career to a seemingly reluctant and largely quiet supporter. While he has used the word abortion in written statements as president, he had never spoken the word out loud since taking office until this week when the draft ruling leaked. WASHINGTON President Biden on Thursday selected Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, to replace Jen Psaki as the top White House spokeswoman, making her the first Black woman to hold one of the most high-profile jobs in American politics. Ms. Jean-Pierre, who worked on Mr. Bidens campaign and has had a long career in Democratic communications, will become the presidents second White House press secretary. In her new role, she will have the high-pressure job of delivering daily briefings from the lectern in the briefing room. In a statement, Mr. Biden said Ms. Jean-Pierre not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people. He predicted that she would be a strong voice speaking for me and this administration. Ms. Psakis last day as press secretary will be May 13. She is expected to take an on-air role with MSNBC. I felt like I was writing for history and for the American people, said Mr. Esper, who underwent the standard Pentagon security clearance process to check for classified information. He also sent his writing to more than two dozen four-star generals, some cabinet members and others to weigh in on accuracy and fairness. Pressed on his view of Mr. Trump, Mr. Esper who strained throughout the book to be fair to the man who fired him while also calling out his increasingly erratic behavior after his first impeachment trial ended in February 2020 said carefully but bluntly, He is an unprincipled person who, given his self-interest, should not be in the position of public service. A spokesman for Mr. Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr. Esper describes an administration completely overtaken by concerns about Mr. Trumps re-election campaign, with every decision tethered to that objective. He writes that he could have resigned, and weighed the idea several times, but that he believed the president was surrounded by so many yes-men and people whispering dangerous ideas to him that a loyalist would have been put in Mr. Espers place. The real act of service, he decided, was staying in his post to ensure that such things did not come to pass. One such idea emerged from Mr. Trump, who was unhappy about the constant flow of drugs across the southern border, during the summer of 2020. Mr. Trump asked Mr. Esper at least twice if the military could shoot missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs. They dont have control of their own country, Mr. Esper recounts Mr. Trump saying. When Mr. Esper raised various objections, Mr. Trump said that we could just shoot some Patriot missiles and take out the labs, quietly, adding that no one would know it was us. Mr. Trump said he would just say that the United States had not conducted the strike, Mr. Esper recounts, writing that he would have thought it was a joke had he not been staring Mr. Trump in the face. WASHINGTON The United States provided intelligence that helped Ukrainian forces locate and strike the flagship of Russias Black Sea fleet last month, another sign that the administration is easing its self-imposed limitations on how far it will go in helping Ukraine fight Russia, U.S. officials said. The targeting help, which contributed to the eventual sinking of the flagship, the Moskva, is part of a continuing classified effort by the Biden administration to provide real-time battlefield intelligence to Ukraine. That intelligence also includes sharing anticipated Russian troop movements, gleaned from a recent American assessment of Moscows battle plan for the fighting in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, the officials said. The administration has sought to keep much of the battlefield and maritime intelligence it is sharing with the Ukrainians secret out of fear it will be seen as an escalation and provoke President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia into a wider war. But in recent weeks, the United States has sped heavier weapons to Ukraine and requested an extraordinary $33 billion in additional military, economic and humanitarian aid from Congress, demonstrating how quickly American restraints on support for Ukraine are shifting. Two senior American officials said that Ukraine already had obtained the Moskvas targeting data on its own, and that the United States provided only confirmation. But other officials said the American intelligence was crucial to Ukraines sinking of the ship. In hindsight, it might not have been the best strategy. On Feb. 25, 2021, a man got in a taxi in Hartsville, S.C., and asked to be driven to a bank. The cab pulled up to the drive-through window, where the passenger handed the driver an envelope to pass to the teller through the pneumatic tube system, prosecutors said. The teller inside read the note, which demanded all money from all drawers and threatened to kill and/or blow up the bank, the authorities said in a statement. Frightened, the teller activated an alarm. When the police arrived, they found the passenger, Angel Luis Masdeu, in the taxis back seat and arrested him. The Hartsville Police Department, which has a recurring feature on its Facebook page called Dumb Crook News, shared an update about Mr. Masdeu on Wednesday under the headline Dumb Crook All Stars, a day after he was sentenced to six years in federal prison. Mr. Musks father, Errol Musk, said in an interview with The New York Times that Elon, his brother and sister were aware from a young age that there was something wrong with the apartheid system. Errol, who was elected to the Pretoria City Council in 1972, said they would ask him about the laws prohibiting Black people from patronizing restaurants, movie theaters and beaches. They had to make calculations when they were going out with nonwhite friends about what they could safely do, he said. As far as being sheltered from it, thats nonsense. They were confronted by it every day, recalled Errol, who said he belonged to the anti-apartheid Progressive Party. He added, They didnt like it. Still, Errol offered a description of their lives that underscored how removed they were from the countrys violent reality. They got along well with Black people, he said, pointing to his childrens good relationship with their domestic staff, and he described life in South Africa during apartheid as being mostly better and safer than it is now. According to a biography of Mr. Musk, written by Ashlee Vance, Mr. Musk said he did not want to partake in South Africas mandatory military service because it would have forced him to participate in the apartheid regime and that may have contributed to his decision to leave South Africa shortly after high school graduation. The apartheid system created a distinction among white people, specifically between those who spoke Afrikaans and those who spoke English, like Mr. Musks family. While political power lay with the Afrikaners the perfecters of apartheid who descended from Dutch, German and French settlers English-speaking white South Africans enjoyed wealth that felt to some like a birthright, Ms. Cheary said. In 2012, the authorities in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas entered a dark cave and confronted a ghastly sight: about 150 skulls sprawled across the ground, all with missing teeth and shattered bits of bone. The police started an investigation, believing it was a crime scene of migrants killed near the border with Guatemala, where gang violence is commonplace. Indeed, it was a crime scene. Just not one that occurred recently. Last week, 10 years after the discovery, the authorities said in a statement that they had determined the skulls were from sacrificial killings between A.D. 900 and 1200. We have already learned a lot of information, Javier Montes de Paz, an archaeologist who analyzed the bones, said in a news conference on April 11. But its also important to note: What were those craniums doing in that cave? Ricardo Alarcon, who was once Cubas leading diplomat, the third most powerful Cuban Communist after Fidel Castro and his brother Raul, and his countrys most prominent conciliator with the United States, died on Saturday in Havana. He was 84. His death was announced by the Cuban Foreign Ministry. No cause was specified. From 1966 to 1978, and again from 1990 to 1991, Mr. Alarcon was Cubas representative to the United Nations. He served a term as vice president of the General Assembly and for two months was president of the Security Council. He was appointed foreign minister in 1992 and from 1993 to 2013 was president of Cubas National Assembly, a legislative body that typically complied with President Castros agenda. Fluent in English and known for his white guayabera shirts and Cohiba cigars, Mr. Alarcon became a familiar figure in the negotiations that ended an uncontrollable exodus of thousands of Cuban refugees to Florida on flimsy rafts when the Clinton administration agreed in 1994 to issue 20,000 visas annually to Cuban immigrants. It was announced last week that the sisters, whose numbers have dwindled, had passed ownership of St. Vincents hospital and the site itself to a new nonprofit company, St. Vincents Holdings, clearing the way for the government to approve the deal to build a new hospital on the St. Vincents campus. In return for agreeing to lease the site for free for 299 years, St. Vincents Holdings is set to gain control and management rights of both the merged hospitals, as well as a private hospital on the same site. After its independence from Britain a century ago, the modern Irish state initially entrusted most of its education and health services to religious groups and in particular to the Catholic Church, to which a large majority of its citizens belonged. Although the state paid most teaching and medical salaries, and funded most treatments, equipment and maintenance and building work, Catholic orders owned the properties and controlled teaching and medical care. In recent decades, as Ireland grew more liberal and secular and religious vocations declined, nuns and priests have all but vanished from schools and hospitals, and many orders have transferred their properties to charities run by boards of lay people, selected by the religious orders. Womens rights activists are concerned that the Religious Sisters of Charity or the Vatican may have played a role in selecting the directors of the new holding company. They also want the government to disclose the legal safeguards that it says it put in place to prevent religious interference at the new hospital, and to protect the publics big investment in a private company. The health minister said this week that he would release the deals legal details. The Religious Sisters of Charity and St. Vincents University Hospital did not respond to requests for comment. Opposition parties have called for the government to use its powers to force St. Vincents Holdings to sell the site for the new hospital, keeping it in public ownership. Roisin Shortall, a leader of the Social Democrat party and a member of the parliamentary health committee, said no decision should be made before Parliament has had a chance to examine the deal. VATICAN CITY Pope Francis approved spending up to one million euros to free a Colombian nun kidnapped in Mali, a cardinal told a Vatican court on Thursday, revealing previously undisclosed negotiations to secure her release. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, formerly one of the Vaticans highest-ranking prelates, said the pope had authorized his efforts, including payments to the militants linked to Al Qaeda who in 2017 had kidnapped Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti in a village in Mali. She was released in 2021. Cardinal Becciu, accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering, is on trial with nine other defendants in a corruption trial that centers on a London real estate deal in which the Vatican lost millions, charges that the defendants deny. Francis demanded the cardinals resignation as head of the department in charge of making saints in September 2020. Speaking of the moment that the pope had confronted him, Cardinal Becciu said Thursday: For more than a year and a half I have been tormented by a question: Why were these false accusations reported to the Holy Father? One thing that has saved Mr. Johnson so far is his reputation as an election winner, someone able to reach out to voters in places like Bury, the so-called red wall regions of the north and middle of England. These areas traditionally voted for the opposition Labour Party but largely supported Brexit and turned to the Conservatives in the 2019 general election. What happens in them on Thursday will be watched closely. Elections are taking place only in some parts of the country, with around 4,400 seats being contested in more than 140 municipalities. Voting is also taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Conservatives are braced for losses. They are trailing Labour in opinion polls, the prime minister is mired in scandal and voters are feeling the pain of spiking energy, food and other prices. But things may still not be as easy for Labour as they might seem. Many of the seats contested on Thursday were last up for grabs in 2018, when Labour did well, giving it limited room to advance. In its latest assessment, the Institute for the Study of War, a research organization in Washington, said that Moscow wanted to claim complete control of Mariupol by May 9, with Russian propagandists recently arriving in the city to set conditions for further claims of a Russian victory. With Russian efforts now concentrated farther south, Ukrainian forces have been pushing the Russians back in the Kharkiv area, recapturing towns and villages, and in some cases forcing Russian units beyond artillery range of the battered city. The Kremlin had a muted response on Thursday to The New York Timess report that the United States had supplied intelligence to Ukrainian forces that had helped them locate and kill Russian generals. Russia was already well aware that NATO and its member countries were sharing intelligence with Ukraine, said Dmitri S. Peskov, Mr. Putins spokesman, who added that Western aid only lengthens the war and cannot prevent the fulfillment of Russias goals. The Pentagon spokesman, John F. Kirby, declined to comment directly, but said the United States did not specifically provide intelligence on the locations of Russian officers, or participate in the targeting decisions of the Ukrainian military. After Russias initial drive in the north failed to take Kyiv, Ukraines capital, its forces withdrew and began to focus on capturing territory in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, but their progress has been slow and costly. In a striking moment of candor, Mr. Putins closest foreign ally, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, the ruler of neighboring Belarus, called the fighting a war a term forbidden in Russia and acknowledged that it was not going well for Russia. I feel like this operation has dragged on, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. Jill Biden, the first lady, is leaving late Thursday for Eastern Europe, where she will visit with Ukrainian refugees, displaced by the Russian invasion, and tour the Slovakian border with Ukraine, according to her office. The first scheduled stop is on Friday in Romania, where she will meet with U.S. troops as part of her initiative to support military families, called Joining Forces. On Saturday, she will meet with Romanias first lady, Carmen Iohannis, to express support for the countrys government, which has taken in some 850,000 of the more than five million Ukrainian refugees logged since the Russian invasion began in February, according to figures shared by the United Nations Refugee Agency. The trip will be Dr. Bidens second overseas. Last summer, she led a delegation to the opening ceremony for the Olympics in Tokyo. But this visit has higher diplomatic and humanitarian stakes. Her planned visit on Sunday to a border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, near Ukraines western border, will make her the latest high-profile Biden administration official to come close to the conflict zone. While there, Dr. Biden will visit with aid workers and tour a nearby chapel that serves refugees and volunteers. An unrelenting spate of sandstorms in Iraq this year has grounded flights, blanketed cities and towns in orange dust and sent hundreds of Iraqis to hospitals for respiratory problems, according to Iraqi state media. For millions of people across Iraq on Thursday, orange skies signaled yet another dusty day the seventh such sandstorm in recent months. Many Iraqis were wearing masks to help filter the air, but more than 5,000 people were treated for respiratory problems and one person died, according to Iraqs health ministry. The affected areas spanned Al-Anbar in the west and the central region of Najaf, according to the Iraqi News Agency, and officials cautioned people to stay indoors and to seek treatment for breathing difficulties. Video from Baghdad shared by the United Nations on Thursday showed empty streets and poor visibility. For Russia, the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol is a potent symbol. It is a predominantly Russian-speaking city in the eastern Ukrainian region known as the Donbas, the one where President Vladimir V. Putin falsely claimed Ukraine was carrying out a genocide before launching his invasion. The Azovstal steel plant in the middle of the city has also become the last bastion of Ukrainian militarys Azov regiment, whose origins in a far-right military group, the Azov Batallion, have lent a veneer of credibility to Mr. Putins false narrative that the country is overrun by Nazis. The steel plant is the last holdout of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol as Moscows forces mount a final push to seize control of the city. In weeks of fierce fighting, much of the city of more than 400,000 was leveled, and Ukrainian officials said more than 20,000 civilians were killed. But despite the horrific toll, Russian state media outlets are now highlighting Russias capture of almost all of Mariupol as a long-anticipated victory in Mr. Putins campaign to denazify Ukraine. That message is particularly important to the Kremlin this week, as it prepares for May 9 celebrations on Monday, when Russia marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The looming Victory Day holiday one of the most important dates on the calendar for Russians as they remember the 27 million Soviets killed in World War II is already being used by the Russian government to channel national pride into support for the war. Kenleigh Weber and Andrew Martin were living in a one-bedroom rental in Seattle when their jobs went remote during the pandemic. Suddenly untethered to their offices, the Pacific Northwest natives were free to think about where they really wanted to live, and they agreed it was time for more sun and less rain. So they chose Los Angeles, where they had some friends. Last March, the couple rented a townhome in Highland Park, a popular neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles, to get the lay of the land. After a few months, Mr. Martin, who had recently cashed out some company stock options to put toward a down payment, was ready to hunt. As first-time home buyers, though, the couple found themselves confronted by one of the countrys most formidable markets. The price for what youre getting is wild, said Ms. Weber, 28, who met Mr. Martin in 2013, when they were working at a Nordstrom retail store. I also acknowledge that Im coming in from out of state and contributing to rising costs. Ms. Weber, who works in marketing, and Mr. Martin, 32, a product manager at an e-commerce retail company, liked Highland Park, where the bohemian vibe reminded them of Portland, Ore. So they started their search there and in the neighboring areas of Mount Washington and Eagle Rock. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in California? We want to hear from you. Email: thehuntca@nytimes.com.] The goal was to find a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house in move-in-ready condition, or close to it. Ms. Weber dreamed of a 1920s-era Spanish-style home, which seemed classically Californian. And they wanted a backyard, which they had never had. Ms. Weber found an agent, Justin Freeling, of Compass, on Instagram, where his @takesunset team has more than 80,000 followers. Mr. Freeling warned that the market was frenzied and the competition stiff. We were putting in offers and competing with 25 to 35 buyers on some houses, he said. Before long, their initial budget of around $800,000 stretched to $925,000. Single-family homes priced under $1.2 million on the Eastside of Los Angeles were the most in demand. For the longest time, people were priced out of the Westside, Mr. Freeling said. In comparison, with Eastside homes, you get a little bit more for your money. Ms. Weber and Mr. Martin went to open houses on most Sundays, but had the luxury of taking their time, as they were comfortable in their rental. They learned that most listing prices were set low to encourage bidding wars, so they needed to shop in a price range just below their actual budget. Among their options: A few miles north of the Panama Canal Zone lies the Valley of Square Trees, a unique tourist attraction where trees of the cottonwood family have rectangular trunks. Unique in the entire world, this group of square-shaped cottonwood trees grows in a valley created from the ashes of a giant volcano El Valle de Anton. Featuring hard-right angles, the trunks of the square trees have baffled tourists and scientists alike for several years. Experts from the University of Florida took saplings of the mysterious trees to see if they retain the same characteristics in a different environment, and concluded that their square shape must have something to do with conditions unique to the valley in which they grow. Evidence that the cause of this bizarre phenomenon is deep-seated is indicated by the fact that their tree rings, which represent its growth, are also square. Located on the second largest inhabited dormant volcano in the world, the Valley of Square Trees is one of Panamas most controversial tourist attractions, for the simple reason that many people just dont believe that there is anything special about the place. Many dont find the trees all that square to begin with, and those who do, well, they dont think theres anything special about them. You see most of the arboles quadrados in El Valle de Anton are Quararibea asterolepis, a species native to Central and South America known for the unusual shape of its trunk. Instead of the usual cylindrical shape of the trunk, this tree apparently has a more flanged, almost square shape. As far as tourists are concerned, some like the myth of the square trees and this unique volcanic crater they grow in, but some are convinced that the square shape of some trees is perfectly natural, considering their species. The square trees are mostly in ones imagination as they become round as they grow taller. Luckily there was a sign on one of the two we saw as I wouldnt have known it otherwise, one visitor wrote. I had been here about 60 years ago, and there were more square trees, but it was still a good visit. We saw some young tress along the trail, and quite a few about 2/3s of the way with signs, someone else chimed in. They have rounded corners, but after all they are trees. One was absolutely spectacular, with all four sides about the same size (about 12 inches). Whether or not there is something magical about the Valley of Square Trees or its just a clever marketing ploy to draw tourists into the country, El Valle de Anton remains one of the most intriguing places on the planet. Jon Gingerich The leaked draft opinion that showed the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority moving to overturn Roe v. Wade sent shockwaves through the country and reignited a longstanding debate on one of the most polarizing issues in our culture wars. While it will be several months until we know how this decision will play out in our highest court, one things for certain: this stunning development will fundamentally alter the countrys short-term political trajectory. The leaked 98-page draft document, first obtained by Politico, was written in February by Justice Samuel Alito and received supporting votes from the Courts conservative flank: Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. It suggested the Court would repeal Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that ruled women have a constitutional right to an abortion. In the document, Alito claims the Constitution makes no reference to abortion and therefore confers no right to one, which means its not an issue for the Court to decide and is a matter instead better placed in the hands of our elected representatives, leaving abortions legality to be decided on a state-by-state basis. Its an extraordinary development, even more so when you consider its the first time in history a draft of a Supreme Court pending decision has been leaked. Granted, its an early draft, leaked months before the Justices had reached an official decision. The Courts opinions typically undergo a lot of deliberation, and votes and language canand usually dochange before a final decision is made. This article is featured in O'Dwyer's May '22 PR Firm Rankings Magazine (view PDF version) Still, if the Court repealed Roe, the ruling would disrupt longstanding legal precedent and effectively turn the countrys abortion laws back a half-century, drastically curtailing reproductive rights for women living in the 26 states that plan to outlaw the practice in the advent that Roe is overturned. Particularly affected, of course, would be poor and working-class women living in those states who dont have the means to travel for a procedure. Perhaps most troubling: Because Roe was decided on the principle that an individuals private decisions belong to them and not the states, many see the potential repeal as a harbinger of things to come and worry about what other court-decided decisions could be overturned next. Marriage equality? Access to contraception? After all, those arent mentioned in the Constitution either. The development has lit a cultural fire. People are angry; they view the potential loss of womens reproductive rights as tantamount to a nation turning back the clock. Already, protests have broken out across the country (tellingly, within hours of the leak, police surrounded the Supreme Court Building with barricades). The draft opinion has also undermined our faith in the Court and has cast a pall of political discord over a supposedly non-partisan institution (keep in mind: the majority opinion goes against what Kavanaugh, Barrett and Gorsuch each said regarding Roe during their respective confirmation hearings). Most interestingly, the news has set the stage for a seismic shift in our political landscape, has opened up a new political battlefield at a time when Trump-style politics remain the order of the day and during an election cycle that had all but guaranteed a GOP victory in the 2022 midterms (and arguably, the 2024 election). Our nations elected officials have now been called to mobilize a response and protect womens fundamental right to choose, and an unintended consequence of all this is that the Democrats finally have a wedge issue to use at the ballot box. Arguably, this couldnt have come at a better time for Biden, who currently commands a laughable 42 percent approval rating, according to FiveThirtyEight, putting him neck and neck with Trump for being the most unpopular President in recent history. Complacency got us here. None of this wouldve happened if Clinton had won in 2016 and if Trumps three appointed Justices had never made it to the bench. But an overwhelming majority of Americans support womens right to abortion access (80 percent, according to Gallup), and nothing riles up apathetic voters like a potential infringement of our civil rights. Many of us foresaw the Democrats facing a bloodbath in November. Now, Im not so sure. Roes endangerment also signals a top issue that the private sector will inevitably be expected to take a stand on this year and beyond. Brands are all-too familiar with the polarized political environment in which they reside, and recognize that todays consumer audiences are more conscious of social, political, and environmental causes, which influences their buying decisions. As a result, brands will have to be more focused than ever on navigating this ideological minefield and on the practice of communicating with purpose, and companies that continue to approach pressing social topics with the same look-the-other-way approach could be in for a rude awakening. This development may also drive a wedge between U.S. corporationswhich have traditionally been bulwarks for conservative causesand Republican states, ala Disneys recent spat with Florida over the Sunshine States law on discussing gender identity issues in schools. This is one issue on which the private sector wont be able to stay silent. Keagan Lenihan Keagan Lenihan, who served as chief of staff and associate commissioner for external affairs & strategic initiatives at the Food and Drug Administration, is now at Philip Morris International. She is VP of government affairs & public policy and head of the Washington office of the cigarette company. Deepak Mishra, president of PMI Americas, said Lenihans passion for and expertise in healthcare, life sciences and policy issues will help the company reach the next phase in its ambitious transformation away from cigarettes. At the FDA from March 2018 to January 2021, Lenihan oversaw daily management of the agency and helped promote its efforts to tackle opioid abuse and pursue tobacco regulation with an emphasis on discouraging young people from smoking. Prior to the FDA, she was senior counselor to the Secretary of Dept. of Health and Human Services and was special assistant to President Donald Trump, working on staffing issues. Lenihan joins PMI from Altoida, which she joined in April 2021. PMI shipped 148.2B cigarettes during the first-quarter, up 2 percent from last year. That growth came despite a 7.3 percent drop to 18.5B units sold in Eastern Europe due to the shutdown of sales to Russia. The Marlboro brand grew 6.7 percent to 57.3B units, while Chesterfield sales rose 22.3 percent to 15.6B units. L&M, PMIs other Big 3 brand, was off 0.8 percent to 20.2B units. Linh Peters Walgreens hires former Calvin Klein global CMO Linh Peters as its marketing chief. Before joining Calvin Klein, Peters was vice president of loyalty, partnerships and licensed stores product and marketing at Starbucks. In her new post, she will oversee the vision, strategic direction and performance of Walgreens marketing activities, including marketing collaboration, brand design, brand positioning and marketing plan execution, as the chain expands into the healthcare business. It plans to open doctors offices in 600 or more of its locations by 2025, according to the Wall Street Journal. Walgreens president of retail products Tracey Brown said that Peters familiarity with membership programs will be a pivotal part of her job. Vitalie Stelea Blink Charging Co., which produces electric vehicle charging equipment, hires Vitalie Stelea as vice president of investor relations. Stelea joins the company from Ford, where he was associate director, investor relations. He previously held positions at American Axle and Manufacturing, Compuware Corporation and PricewaterhouseCoopers. At Blink, Stelea will be responsible for leading investor relations strategy and communications. Blink CFO Michael Rama said that Steleas extensive experience in both investor relations and within the automotive industry will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our business. Simon Mouyal CyberArk, which provides identity security services, appoints Simon Mouyal as chief marketing officer. Mouyal was most recently CMO at athenahealth, which specialized in network-enabled software and services for medical groups and health systems. He has also serves as CMO at Medidata Solutions and vice president, global marketing at Rackspace. In his new post, Mouyal will be responsible for overseeing global marketing strategy and execution. Simon joins CyberArk as an experienced, innovative marketing leader with a proven track record for creating strategy and programs that accelerate demand and building out operationally and digitally-advanced marketing organizations at scale, said CyberArk founder, chairman and CEO Udi Mokady. Ben van Beurden Say what? Shell CEO Ben van Beurden hit back at critics who characterize the companys $9B first-quarter net income as a war profit. Perhaps that does sound a tad mercenary. How about we take a cue from Vladimar Putin and call the energy giants obscene earnings a special military operations profit? Van Beurden wants people to believe that Q1s profit tripling was due to the performance of Shell, which strengthened in the run-up and also during the pandemic. Shall we then call the $9B net a COVID-19 dividend? Van Beurden called the invasion of Ukraine a human tragedy that triggered a significant disruption to global energy markets. By the looks of Shells bottom line, it handled that disruption very nicely. Shells PR team is going to be hard-pressed to counter demands for a windfall profits tax. The embarrassment of riches spelled out in Shells Q1 financial statement works against it. Corporate America may not be as woke as right-wingers claim that it is. Thats evident by the deafening silence of Big Business to news that Supreme Court associate justice Sam Alito wants to strip half the nation of the right to control their own bodies because abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution. While you are at it Sam, the word women also is not mentioned in the nations founding document. You can have all kinds of fun with that one. To be fair to Big Business, Alitos document is just a draft that may wind up where it deserves, which is the shredding machine. That paragon of all things ESG, The Business Roundtable, is among the mum. It made quite a splash three years ago when BR revised its statement of purpose to say companies exist to benefit customers, employees, suppliers and communities, not just stockholders. BR may be holding its tongue on Roe v. Wade, hoping the Supreme Court does the right thing in June. Corporate America and the rest of us assumed the abortion issue was settled in 1973 when Roe v. Wade made it the law of the land. Richard Edelman told the Financial Times: If you think business people want to get involved with abortion, you need your head examined. Hes right but the leaked Alito document has created a new ballgame. Business now has no choice but to make a decision on the hot button issue of abortion, according to Edelman. PR teams better have their talking points in place well before the Supreme Courts blockbuster ruling in June Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene needs to bone up on her New Testament before attacking US Catholic bishops as satanic and destroying our nation through their support of immigrants from South America. In an April 27 tweet, she said bishops are using taxpayer money to advocate for the illegal invasion across our borders. They dare to dress up Democrat vandalism and lawlessness as somehow religious, which perhaps explains their distaste for me. The social teaching of the US Catholic Church, an immigrant church, says support for migrants is heeding Christs call to welcome the stranger among us. Greene, who calls herself a cradle Catholic surely recalls the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:35: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. It seems to me the bishops are doing their job in supporting desperate people trying to enter this country in search of better lives for their families. Greene says she stopped going to Mass after becoming a mother because she couldnt trust the Churchs leadership from protecting her kids from pedophiles. Her attack on the bishops is nothing more than a PR smokescreen. A year ago, she introduced the Protect America First Act to halt all immigration for four years, fund and build a wall across the southern border, expedite the deportation of undocumented people and kill the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Dreamers) program. WWJD: Hed opt for the bishops over Greene. A man was handed down a suspended sentence and disqualified from driving for eight years when he came before Tullamore District Court on summonses for drink driving and dangerous driving. Patrick Walsh, 31, Askea Lawns, Tullow Road, Carlow, was stopped by Garda Dominick Fanning at Pound Street , Birr on August 6, 2021. A blood specimen revealed 235 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Mr Walsh had 11 previous convictions, five for drink driving. He had been disqualified from driving for six years in 2021. Donal Farrelly, defending solicitor, described it as a sad case. He said Mr Walsh was a 40 year old retired army man who had served the country in Chad and Libya. He said his brother had died from an overdose and he had taken it badly. He has spent time in Cuan Mhuire treatment centre and is six months clean. He asked Judge Patricia Cronin not to jail him as he is getting over the death of his brother. ''I would ask you to give him that chance,'' said Mr Farrelly. Judge Cronin said this was a very serious offence. She noted there were six charges, two within the last six months and this was his third. She remarked that every time Mr Walsh gets behind the wheel he is putting every driver at risk. She said it warrants a prison sentence. But having listened to the mitigation on his behalf she disqualified him from driving for eight years. She imposed a four month prison term which she suspended. She told him if he comes back before the court within the next 24 months he will be sentenced. She said she was giving him this opportunity on the basis that he had been in Cuan Mhuire and was trying to get his life back on track. A WOMAN said she was shocked to hear that her partner, a man accused of using a saw in an assault, had told gardai he was out drinking when she swore he was with her and her child at the same time. Sophie Judge was giving alibi evidence for the defence in the trial of Craig Connolly, the 30-year-old from Kinnefad, Edenderry who denies assaulting Keith Dunne (36), causing him serious harm at JKL Street in Edenderry on June 18, 2020. The sixth day of the trial at Tullamore Circuit Court was told Ms Judge and Mr Dunne had a child together but by June 2020 she was in a relationship with Mr Connolly and she said she was raising the little boy with him. The court also heard that the child is now in the custody of Mr Dunne. On the final day of evidence, senior counsel for Mr Connolly, John Shortt, said he was calling Ms Judge as a witness. Initially Ms Judge was expected to appear in court in person but on Wednesday morning it was learned that she had tested positive for Covid-19. However, arrangements were made for her to give her evidence by video link and once a secure connection was made, she was sworn in remotely. Ms Judge said on the Thursday Mr Connolly is alleged to have assaulted Mr Dunne with a Japanese pull saw, an attack which resulted in the victim losing half of one of the fingers on his left hand, she was in the accused's mother's house with Mr Connolly and her child. She said they had a bit of a lie in and got up at 10.30 or 11am and watched some films, including Cat in the Hat. At about 3.30 or 4pm Ross Connolly, brother of Craig, came in from work and they all ate the dinner Ms Judge had cooked and after dinner just chilled around the house for a while. Later Craig and Ross went out to get cement because a shed was being built at the back of the house for Craig's mother. Ms Judge said Craig Connolly had been with her all day until he went out to get the cement with Ross. The trial had previously heard that the assault on Mr Dunne had taken place at about 3pm. Cross-examined by Kevin White, BL, prosecuting, Ms Judge said they had not been drinking alcohol that day and they had not been doing much because Craig had a back brace on after suffering an injury. When Mr White put it to Ms Judge that Craig Connolly had given a statement to the guards saying that he had been drinking all day on June 18, Ms Judge said that was complete lies and she did not know why he would say it. Asked by Mr White if the accused had been helping with the building out the back, Ms Judge said he was not, because of the back brace, but though she did not see him doing so, he could have laid a few blocks when the shed was being built. Mr White then told Ms Judge that when she had been speaking to Garda Denis Glennon previously, she had said Craig and Ross Connolly left the house to get tools. Ms Judge replied that she did not know much about building but was nearly sure it was cement they went to get. She said that when the guards arrived to the house and told them that Keith Dunne had been assaulted, she said she already knew because she had received a text message and she had shown that message to Craig. When Mr White put it to her that Craig Connolly's palm print had been found on the blade of the saw recovered from the scene of the assault a weapon which a DNA test showed had Mr Dunne's blood on it - Ms Judge said she could not explain that. Mr White then put it to the witness that her alibi was utterly false and she replied that it was not and said she had stated what she remembered about the day. Mr White then said that Mr Connolly had not told the gardai he had been with her and Ms Judge said she could not explain that. I'm really shocked by that, she said. Asked by Mr White if Mr Connolly was fond of a drink, Ms Judge said at the time he did not really drink because of his previous history with alcohol and even after his accident he was not taking painkillers in case he fell back into it and was using CBD oils and natural things instead. Mr Connolly has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Dunne causing him serious harm, and has also denies assaulting Mr Dunne causing him harm. He further denies a charge which alleges he possessed an article, a pull saw, in a public place, intending to cause injury, incapacitate or intimidate another person. A co-accused in the trial, Sean Dillon (42), St Brigid's Road, Edenderry, has denied assaulting Mr Dunne, causing him harm, and has also pleaded not guilty to causing him serious harm. It is the State's case that Mr Dillon acted in concert with Mr Connolly in that they participated together in the assault by acting in common design. The jury heard that Mr Dillon was the driver of a van which he owned and which was recorded on CCTV driving around the town before the assault in what Mr White said was a scouting exercise. Mr Dunne was involved in the construction of a footpath on JKL Street at the time and his job on the day was to hold up a barrier which would prevent debris from a rock breaker driven by his boss from going out onto the road. The trial heard Mr Dunne describe how a masked and hooded man he recognised as Craig Connolly attacked him with what he thought was a machete, first striking his nose after the blade bounced off his hard hat, before it came down on his left hand, resulting in fingers being severed and the eventual amputation of the ring finger below the first knuckle. The jury also heard that footwear and clothing were seized in various locations during a search at the house at Cokery Lane Craig Connolly was staying in and two high viz jackets were found underneath a turf bin. One of the high viz jackets had red dotting on it which gardai thought may have been blood but a test showed that was not the case. Clothing was also seized at Sean Dillon's address and both men were subsequently arrested and questioned. When interviewed by the gardai, Mr Dillon said he was helping a plasterer most of the day on June 18, 2020 and then a friend of his, Donna Reilly, called to get a lend of his van to move stuff into a shop she was opening. He told gardai that he did not know Keith Dunne, but knew of him, had heard he had a kid with Craig's girlfriend at the time, and knew there was animosity between Mr Dunne and the accused on Facebook. When Donna Reilly came back with his van, Mr Dillon said he had to drive around the town to see where his mother was because she had gone shopping and he could not get her on the mobile. He was also going to go into the Credit Union but could not do so because he realised he had left his books at home. Answering further questions from the guards, he said he had not gone into shops such as Lidl, Aldi, Tesco or Dunnes to look for his mother, nor had he driven into the car parks. He also said he had not seen his mother leaving her house to go shopping. He identified himself as a person recorded on CCTV around the time of the assault but said he wasn't really running away at the time. He also said a person recorded by a camera at Col Perry Street looked like him. Mr Dillon also told gardai that a man had jumped in the back of his van that afternoon when he was in it with Ms Reilly and that man, who he could not identify, said Just drive. Mr Dillon could not explain why a random man had got into the van. In his interviews with the guards, Mr Connolly said he was delighted for him when he was told that Keith Dunne had been assaulted. He also said that while he knew Mr Dunne, he had never met him, and he did not know when Ms Judge and the other man had gone out together. He told the gardai he had never seen the blade before and said he did not know a weapon had been used in the assault because he thought it was a punch or two. Replying to further questioning, he denied being at the scene of the assault and said: If I was I would have done it right. He said he had been drinking on that Thursday, described himself as a big drinker and said that was the start of the weekend and he drank until Sunday. Mr Connolly also told the guards he could not remember that Thursday and did not know which day was which. When he was shown CCTV footage of a person running he said he could not run because of an accident and he also said he did not know the van recorded in the footage and had never in his life been in the vehicle, a Ford Connect. Asked again about the assault on Mr Dunne, Mr Connolly said the person responsible wasn't a very good hit man. In another interview Mr Connolly said he did not know Sean Dillon and when he was shown a photograph of him on a mobile phone he recognised him as Dilser, a friend of his brother Ross. Closing arguments from Mr White for the DPP, Mr Shortt for Mr Connolly, and Colman Fitzgerald, SC, for Mr Dillon, were made on Wednesday and Judge Keenan Johnson will deliver his charge to the jury on Thursday morning before they retire to consider their verdicts. The guests have been revealed for this week's Late Late Show on RTE One. There will be special performances and a chat with music stars Sharon Shannon, Liam O Maonlai and Fiachna O Braonain from Hothouse Flowers, Lucia Evans and Steve Wickham, as they join together for a new charity album Songs for Rosabel. With more than a million minutes of live television under her belt, Sky News's Kay Burley has witnessed some of the most momentous moments in recent history. She'll join Ryan to chat about what Boris Johnson is really like, why attitudes to women in the House of Commons are 30 years behind the rest of the world and what the results of the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections might mean for relations on these islands. From the hills of south Lebanon to the snow-covered Balkans and the monsoon jungles of Southern Asia, former Irish Special Forces Deputy Commander and Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week leader Ray Goggins knows what it is like to enter a warzone. As the war in Ukraine continues, he'll be discussing what those on the ground can expect over there, how to deal with a crisis and how the military mindset can be channelled into tackling any situation. Powered by RTE, Junk Kouture, is back for its 12th year. Some of the finalists will be on the show to demonstrate their amazing creations where they turn everyday junk into Kouture. Over 300 secondary schools have taken part and the 10 finalists will be strutting their stuff to represent Ireland at the World Final later this year in Abu Dhabi. Plus, ahead of their hugely anticipated album Sometimes We See More In The Dark, Mullingar rock band The Blizzards are back on the show and will perform 'Friction Burns'. A SYMBOLIC retirement presentation was made to Peter Byrne, former CEO of FRS Network, at the FRS Network HQ, Roscrea, Tipperary, on Friday April 22nd 2022. A bronze sculpture named The Co-operative Hands of FRS was unveiled to a crowd of over 130 people including, FRS board members, former chairmen, management, staff, Peters wife Joan and their seven children, their partners and spouses and seven grandchildren. The artist behind the magnificent bronze sculpture was Jen Donnery who said, it has been an honour for me to undertake this sculpture commission in recognition of the accomplishments of Peter Byrne. The intention of the piece was to retain the original concept behind the company logo as a symbol of Peters leadership, spanning 40 years as CEO of FRS. The 'Hands' represent the ethos of the FRS Co-operative which have featured in the company logo design since the early 1980s. In his acceptance speech Peter said, to say that I am gobsmacked is an understatement. When the invite came to the house and mentioned that there would be a presentation, I thought it could be a watch, but even the best Swiss watches in the world breakdown, but I cant ever see this piece breaking down. Thank you to Jen for designing it and to the organisers for coming up with the idea. I am really grateful and shocked, but I could not think of anything better and I am truly honoured that it has been placed here at the FRS office in my name. Vice Chairman, NCFRS, Tim Maher, countered, Im on the board 27 years and I never heard Peter Byrne say he was ever gobsmacked so we have done what we set out to do. Chairman, NCFRS, Francis Fitzgerald said, Peters legacy will be felt for generations in the great careers he has helped start and build. He has helped grow the organisation from a small office in Roscrea to one of the most respected organisations in Ireland. He has guided us through the difficult times of the 1980s, the recession of 2008 and Covid. Thank you, Peter, for your integrity, dedication and hard work spanning over 40 years. Peters successor Colin Donnery, Chief Executive Officer, FRS Network, thanked Peter for all he has done for him and the staff of FRS throughout the years and said, planning this day was difficult to nail down with Covid but we got here in the end and it was important for us to have this day in honour of Peter and to wish him the very best on his retirement. Artist Jen Donnery explained the process of creating the sculpture and said, Initial drawings explored the challenges of conveying a two dimensional logo as a solid form with a timeless quality that would sit in harmony with its surroundings whilst referencing the history of the company under the guidance of Peter Byrne. Bronze casting is an ancient fine art technique and most suitable for creating a resilient, permanent object of the highest quality. The Bronze Art Foundry in Dublin provided advice at each stage of the process. I created a wire armature on which to sculpt the hands in clay. This took several weeks of modelling and remodelling until I established the form and texture I was aiming for. From the artists model, moulds were crafted which were then used to reproduce the model in wax and further ceramic moulds were made into which the molten bronze was poured by the Foundry. Once all the bronze components were assembled, a patina was applied until the required depth of colour was achieved. The project was very much a collaboration between artist and foundry. A plinth was sourced from McKeon Stone, Kilkenny, who cut and polished the limestone before FRS installed it in position. Bronze Art Foundry installed the sculpture on site and mounted the cast bronze inscription to complete a six month process. The presentation was followed by a reception dinner at the Racket Hall Hotel, Roscrea, Tipperary where a number of colleagues, friends and family made heartfelt speeches to Peter. FRS Network, the Irish social enterprise co-operative, is active in every county all across Ireland and incorporates a range of business units including FRS Farm Relief, FRS Fencing, FRS Recruitment, FRS Training, Herdwatch, Turas Nua, FRS Business Services, FRS Employability and Get the Shifts. The family of a Queensland toddler who was left in a sweltering bus outside her childcare centre for six hours have described their heartbreak, as the little girl fights for life in a Brisbane hospital. Russia continues to focus its attacks on the south-east of Ukraine with the help of militias based in separatist-held territory. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he accepted an apology from Russian President in a call. The Russian statement made no mention of an apology. In villages close to the breakaway Moldovan region of Trans-Dniester, many residents fear they could be dragged into Russia's war on Ukraine. For some, the current events bring back painful memories of conflict. PTI activists are set to launch a mega-march to the federal capital, from all corners of the country at the end of the month,.. IndiaTimes 03 May 2022 Three African women explain how they have boosted their income by going digital since the start of Covid. The Russian military says it will open a humanitarian corridor from 0700 to 1700 CET on May 5, 6 and 7 to allow civilians to leave the besieged Azovstal steel works. Ukraine makes some gains against Russia, it's the day of awareness for missing or murdered Indigenous women and more news to start your Thursday. If there is one message from the Bank of England's forecasts today, it is this: if things feel tough today, then just wait. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Frank-Walter Steinmeier have spoken by phone after friction regarding a potential visit to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine says heavy fighting persists in Mariupol. Follow DW for the latest. Poland and Sweden hosted an international donors' conference to raise aid for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged donors to show that "freedom" protects better than "tyranny." Europe's mission to search for evidence of life on Mars is likely to be on hold for several years as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sky News has been told. The reported apology came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using Nazi propaganda and antisemitic tropes to justify the invasion of Ukraine. The two Palestinians were found near a quarry after a three-day manhunt following the attack in Elad near Tel.. Upworthy 08 May 2022 Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has expressed frustration that the European Union has not agreed on a joint response to the energy crisis. Vladimir Putin set conditions to allow civilians out of Mariupol steelworks - your round-up of the latest events in the Ukraine-Russia war. The World Health Organization is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. Most of the fatalities were in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the cascading effects of the war in Ukraine, especially goods shortages in developing countries, in a meeting late Thursday and agreed to play a constructive role in addressing these challenges. Newsy 04 May 2022 Watch VideoIt was an era of protest and revolution, and former pastor Barbara Gerlach was fresh out of seminary. "I.. Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate pivoted her fundraising after the Supreme Court draft opinion leaked. "We can only win this fight by uniting and doing the work together," she said. One person was killed and two wounded when Ukrainian forces shelled an oil depot in the city of Makiivka outside Donetsk, separatist authorities claimed on Wednesday. Four 5,000-tonne oil tanks caught fire after the attack, they claimed in a statement. (May 5) First Lady Jill Biden is departing on a trip to Eastern Europe to visit Ukrainian refugees, as well as U.S. personnel in the region. It's her most high-profile endeavor since her husband took office. The EU ban on Russian oil imports will likely lead to higher crude and gasoline prices, further upending energy markets. Newsy 10 May 2022 Watch VideoRussian forces pounded away at the vital port of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said Tuesday, as part of an apparent effort.. Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko said that city officials lost contact with Ukrainian forces who were holding up inside the Azovstal steel plant on Wednesday. The situation comes after hundreds of evacuees were able to escape the heavy firefight in the region. Heavy fighting raged Thursday (local time) at the shattered steel plant in Mariupol as Russian forces sought to finish off the city's last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital Ukrainian port.The bloody... BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kiev will not agree to any deal that would lead to a "frozen conflict" with Russia, the Ukrinform news agency reported on Wednesday. "We will not settle for a frozen conflict ... I am against it. We will definitely not have such a document," Zelensky said. Zelensky said that the Minsk agreements, which had put an end to the intense military stage of the Donbass conflict several years ago, proved to be ineffective. - - - - The Russian military announced on Wednesday that it will open a humanitarian corridor from Thursday to Saturday for the evacuation of civilians from the blocked Azovstal plant in Ukraine's Mariupol. The corridor will be effective from 08:00 to 18:00 Moscow time (0500 to 1500 GMT) in the three days, the Joint Coordination Headquarters of the Russian Federation for Humanitarian Response said in a statement. During this period, Russian troops and the forces of Donetsk will unilaterally cease hostilities and ensure the withdrawal of civilians both to Russia and to areas controlled by Ukraine, it added. - - - - Two villages in Russia's Belgorod Region were shelled from Ukrainian territory, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Thursday. The shelling has now stopped. Several power lines were damaged along with five houses, said the governor, noting there were no civilian casualties. - - - - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that his government has launched a global platform entitled United24 for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. According to the platform's official website, funds raised through the initiative will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover Ukraine's needs. - - - - Russia has announced the expulsion of seven Danish diplomats in a retaliatory move, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The Ambassador of Denmark to Russia Carsten Sondergaard was summoned to the ministry in protest over Denmark's decision to declare 15 Russian employees working at the Russian Embassy in Denmark and the Russian Trade Representation in Copenhagen "personae non gratae" and Denmark's military support to Kiev, according to the ministry. That's how Paul Spiegel characterizes the reception and medical services offered by European nations. He spent 7 weeks on the scene for the World Health Organization to assess the situation. Daily Record 09 May 2022 The SNP achieved the highest share of the vote for the first time amid Tory collapse, but still had one less seat. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: RoundTable Healthcare Partners, a US-based private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry, has hit an $800m final close for its sixth private equity fund, bringing its total raised since inception to $4.25bn. The total committed capital of $4.25 billion includes six equity funds totaling $3.65 billion and three subordinated debt funds totaling $600m. RoundTable closed its first equity fund of $400 million in March 2002, its second equity fund of $500 million in March 2005, its third equity fund of $600 million in July 2010, its fourth equity fund of $650 million in August 2015, and its fifth equity fund of $700 million in July 2019. According to a press release from the Lake Forest, IL-based firm, its long-standing strategy has been to utilize the firm's extensive healthcare operating and transaction expertise to improve the growth and profitability of its portfolio companies to enhance their value and generate attractive investment returns. The firm focuses its investments on family companies, owner/founders, management teams, and corporate partners who have confidence in RoundTable's ability to add value beyond the capital, it said. To advance this strategy, Fund VI will be led by a Management Committee consisting of Thomas P. Kapfer, R. Craig Collister, Andrew B. Hochman, and Timothy J. Connors. Mr. Kapfer was Chairman of the Management Committee for Fund V and will retain his position for Fund VI. ...................... To view our full article Click here Kensington, Maryland - Hair loss can deliver a deep psychological blow to anyone's self-respect. But through the award-winning Chris Herrera and Don Whyte of SMP, they are not only rejuvenating hairlines but helping to hand back that respect to the client. Chris, who has over 19 years' experience as a barber, launched Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), in Kensington, MD six years ago, and has worked on more than 4,000 satisfied clients, WASHINGTON (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh met with union organizers at the White House on Thursday as the administration looks to boost unionization campaigns. Participants in the meeting, which featured an unscheduled appearance by President Joe Biden, discussed organizers efforts to form unions in their workplaces, and how those could prompt workers around the country to mount similar organization campaigns, according to a readout from the White House. Biden thanked them for bolstering organizing momentum that is growing nationally. Among the guests were Chris Smalls, who heads the Amazon Labor Union that won a vote last month to unionize warehouse workers on Staten Island, New York. Addressing a union conference in Washington last month, Biden quipped, By the way, Amazon here we come, drawing loud cheers, though he didnt elaborate. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said after the meeting that Biden's participation was about promoting labor organizing across the country, not at Amazon specifically. The president has long been a supporter of the rights of workers to organize, the rights of collective bargaining and he dropped by this meeting to simply offer his support for those efforts, Psaki said. But he is not engaging we dont engage or get directly involved in labor disputes, obviously, but he certainly supports the rights of workers. Other organizers attending Thursdays meeting included those working to unionize Starbucks, outdoors retailer REI and the animation studio Titmouse. Before the meeting, Smalls testified at a Senate Budget committee hearing on Amazon's federal contracts. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent who chairs the committee, has been pressing the White House to cut off the company's contracts with the government until the retailer stops what Sanders has called its illegal anti-union activity. In a filing released in March, the company disclosed it spent about $4.2 million last year on labor consultants, who organizers say Amazon hired to persuade workers not to unionize. Organizers believe cutting off Amazon's federal contracts would fulfill the president's campaign promise to ensure such deals only go to companies that sign agreements "committing not to run anti-union campaigns. Seattle-based Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sanders' office said Amazon founder Jeff Bezos declined to come to the hearing. ___ Hadero reported from New York. Screenshot/AAAWM GRAND RAPIDS The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) extends an invitation to the community to offer comments on its Multi-Year Plan for FY 2023-2025 for the following nine counties: Allegan, Ionia, Lake, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, or Osceola. The plan is an integral component of AAAWMs mission to provide quality services to older adults in order for them to remain independent in their homes and communities. Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez/Getty Images/iStockphoto Across the United States, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated to commemorate Mexican heritage and culture. But it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, according to history.com. It celebrates the Mexican armys victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862. Whether people are looking to celebrate on the actual holiday or start their festivities this weekend, here are the 10 highest-rated Mexican restaurants, some with full bars, according to Yelp. The list includes restaurants in central and northwest Michigan, as well as Michigan's Thumb for people looking to get their taco and tequila fix. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Tereasa Nims. Wednesday, May 4 9:40 p.m. - A deputy was dispatched to a Lincoln Township residence regarding a 23-year-old woman who reported that a silver truck followed her home from the grocery store. The woman did not recognize the vehicle and wanted the area checked. The deputy patrolled the area but was unable to locate the suspect vehicle. 12:13 p.m. - A deputy stopped a vehicle that was involved in an accident in Bay County. The driver didn't know that his trailer struck another car. His information was turned over to Bay County. 11:30 a.m. - Deputies and EMS were dispatched to an Edenville Township residence after a 41-year-old woman called 911 saying that she was too drunk. Upon EMS arrival, the woman decided she no longer needed medical help. 11:41 a.m. - A 55-year-old Jasper Township man called 911 and reported three teenagers walking on his property. The man advised that the teenagers ran into the woods after he yelled at them to get off his property. Deputies searched the area, but the teenagers were not located. 9:50 a.m. - A deputy was dispatched to Lee Township for rocks in the roadway. Midland County Road Commission was dispatched to assist with removing the rocks. The vehicle that lost the rocks wasn't located. 5:17 a.m. Deputies were called when an unknown person failed to pay for $20 in gas at a Coleman gas station. No suspects. 4:41 a.m. A deputy responded to a single vehicle in a ditch in Jerome Township. The deputy spoke with the 29-year-old male driver. The vehicle was pulled from the ditch and did not receive any damage from the incident. 4:16 a.m. A deputy was called to a Homer Township residence when a 63-year-old man was awakened by his automatic garage door opening. The deputy and the man checked the garage. Nothing appeared to be missing or out of place. The deputy cleared the scene without incident. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The May 2020 dam failures in Sanford and Edenville are providing lessons to communities beyond the Midland area. A 502-page report released May 4 and authored by a forensic engineering team appointed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, described the Edenville Dam as flawed from the outset. The report highlights "lessons to be learned," which are likely to support the efforts to address issues with more than 2,200 dams in "poor condition" across the U.S. According to an Associated Press analysis, thousands of dams are built upstream from homes or communities, likely endangering lives if they were to fail. An August 2021 interim report identified physical mechanisms that contributed to the failures. Now, the final report explores the human factors that were at play over the course of the nearly 100 years of the dams' existence. Despite the natural desire to point fingers at a single culprit, the failure cannot reasonably be attributed to any one individual, group, or organization, the report said. A look at the private ownership prior to failure Sanford and Edenville dam failures For additional content about the 2020 dam failures and the Four Lakes Task Force visit ourmidland.com. See More Collapse The report describes the dams as flawed from the very beginning. The factors listed in the report that caused the 2020 catastrophe include decisions made by various organizations involved with the dams over their 95-year existence. For example, the "human factor" section dates back to 1923, when Wolverine Power Company, founded by Frank Wixom, had possession of the dams. Team Chair John France said the report was unable to fairly identify the human errors made by the private owner of the dams, Boyce Hydro, at the time of the failures. "The dynamics were clearly complicated. We hear different reports from different sides, (which) were difficult to factually sort out," France explained on Thursday. "How much of that contributed to the speed in which the transfer did or did not happen? "We really don't know. I don't think I can comment to what degree I would assess the various parties involved." The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission tasked the team to explore the forensics, France said, and applying a legal liability was not the five-member team's mission. One of the members, Irfan Alvi, told the Daily News that the primary issue was that had the instability of the embankment been identified, the private owner would seemingly have been able to financially address the embankment. However, Alvi said "none of the engineers" involved in the project throughout its history "identified the location as one that would be susceptible to that type of failure." "It should not be overlooked that had the issue at the embankment been addressed, this failure would not have happened," Alvi said. "That's something the owner would've been willing to do and able to afford to do. But, that was something the engineers had to recommend; that recommendation was never made." From a physical standpoint, the failure of Edenville Dam was fundamentally an "embankment instability failure that was triggered by a lake level that was historically high, but not high enough to result in overtopping of the dam." However, the Wednesday report also stated the failure was due to a "long history of interactions of physical and human factors, going back to the original design and construction of the dam." Earlier in the Thursday press conference, France suggested public ownership, which had been in process prior to the infrastructure failures, could have provided more support prior to the failures. "If, many years before the May 2020 failure, the dams had become publicly owned or a public-private partnership had been established, sufficient funds would have been available to upgrade the spillway capacity to pass an extreme flood, and therefore the rise of the lake in May 2020 would have been limited and the failure would almost certainly have been prevented," the report reads. An amendment to the purchase agreement in May 2020 set a closing date of June 1, 2020. However, the purchase agreement was subsequently nullified with the failures, and Midland and Gladwin counties then proceeded to take ownership of all four dams via condemnation. Delegated authority for four lakes responds The Four Lakes Task Force is reviewing the report. Communications Consultant Stacey Trapani issued a statement that said the task force agrees that, as stated in the report, "the tragedy of the dam failures could have been avoided." The task force, which is the delegated authority for Midland and Gladwin counties, plans to provide a "more detailed analysis" after a thorough review of the report's findings. In the Thursday press release, Trapani said the counties' delegated authority will share potential actions and "learnings" that are expected to factor into the current plans and policy advocacy. "Dam failure is exactly what our community was trying to avoid when on May 19, 2020, the Edenville Dam failed, causing the Sanford Dam to overtop and fail as well," the statement on Thursday continues. In August 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) engaged the five-member team to investigate the May 2020 dam failures. "It is important to (the task force) that all the findings of this report are considered in the final design of our dam and lake restoration plans, as well as our plans for future maintenance and operations to keep the four lakes sustainable and safe for this and future generations," the task force's statement reads. WASHINGTON (AP) When the Supreme Court heard arguments in a major abortion case from Mississippi in December, it was clear to observers that there was substantial support among the court's conservative majority for overruling two landmark decisions that established and reaffirmed a womans right to an abortion. So when a draft of the opinion in the case written by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked late Monday the potential outcome the overruling of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey was not the surprise. It was that the draft was leaked at all. Even before arguments in the current case, however, the justices themselves have had a lot to say about abortion over the years in opinions, votes, Senate confirmation testimony and elsewhere. One justice, Clarence Thomas, has openly called for overruling Roe and Casey. A sampling of their comments: CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS Roberts voted to uphold restrictions in two major abortion cases, in the majority in 2007 to uphold a ban on a method of abortion opponents call partial-birth abortion and in dissent in 2016 when the court struck down Texas restrictions on abortion clinics in a case called Whole Womans Health. But when a virtually identical law from Louisiana came before the court in 2020, Roberts voted against it and wrote the opinion controlling the outcome of the case and striking down the Louisiana law. The chief justice said he continues to believe that the 2016 case was wrongly decided but that the question was "whether to adhere to it in deciding the present case. Roberts views on when to break with court precedent could determine how far he is willing to go in the Mississippi case. At his 2005 confirmation hearing, he said overturning precedent is a jolt to the legal system, which depends in part on stability and evenhandedness. Thinking that an earlier case was wrongly decided is not enough, he said. Overturning a case requires looking "at these other factors, like settled expectations, like the legitimacy of the Court, like whether a particular precedent is workable or not, whether a precedent has been eroded by subsequent developments, Roberts said then. In the same hearing, Roberts was asked to explain his presence on a legal brief filed by the George H.W. Bush administration that said Roes conclusion that there is a right to abortion has no support in the text, structure, or history of the Constitution. Roberts responded that the brief reflected the administration's views. JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS Thomas voted to overturn Roe in 1992, in his first term on the court, when he was a dissenter in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. He has repeatedly called for Roe and Casey to be overturned since. In 2000, he wrote in dissent when the court struck down Nebraskas ban on partial-birth abortion. Recounting the courts decision in Roe, he wrote, In 1973, this Court struck down an Act of the Texas Legislature that had been in effect since 1857, thereby rendering unconstitutional abortion statutes in dozens of States. As some of my colleagues on the Court, past and present, ably demonstrated, that decision was grievously wrong. Abortion is a unique act, in which a womans exercise of control over her own body ends, depending on ones view, human life or potential human life. Nothing in our Federal Constitution deprives the people of this country of the right to determine whether the consequences of abortion to the fetus and to society outweigh the burden of an unwanted pregnancy on the mother. Although a State may permit abortion, nothing in the Constitution dictates that a State must do so. JUSTICE STEPHEN BREYER Breyer has been the lead author of two court majorities in defense of abortion rights, in 2000 and 2016. He has never voted to sustain an abortion restriction, but he has acknowledged the controversy over abortion. Millions of Americans believe that an abortion is akin to causing the death of an innocent child," while millions of others fear that a law that forbids abortion would condemn many American women to lives that lack dignity, he wrote in the Nebraska case 21 years ago, calling those views virtually irreconcilable. Still, Breyer wrote, because the Constitution guarantees fundamental individual liberty and has to govern even when there are strong divisions in the country, "this Court, in the course of a generation, has determined and then redetermined that the Constitution offers basic protection to the womans right to choose." JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO Alito has a long track record of votes and writings opposing abortion rights, as a jurist and, earlier, a government lawyer. Alito has voted to uphold every abortion law the court has considered since his 2006 confirmation, joining a majority to uphold the federal partial-birth abortion law and dissenting in the 2016 and 2020 cases. As a federal appeals court judge, he voted to uphold a series of Pennsylvania abortion restrictions, including requiring a woman to notify her spouse before obtaining an abortion. The Supreme Court ultimately struck down the notification rule in Casey and reaffirmed the abortion right in 1992 by a 5-4 vote. Working for the Reagan administration in 1985, Alito wrote in a memo that the government should say publicly in a pending abortion case that we disagree with Roe v. Wade." Around the same time, applying for a promotion, Alito noted he was particularly proud" of his work arguing "that the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion. JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR Sotomayor joined the court in 2009 with virtually no record on abortion issues, but has voted repeatedly in favor of abortion rights since then. Recently, when the court allowed Texas restrictive abortion law to take effect, Sotomayor accused her colleagues of burying their heads in the sand. She was in the majority in the Texas and Louisiana abortion clinic cases. Sotomayors displeasure with the court's recent Texas ruling was evident at a virtual appearance she made. I cant change Texas law, but you can, she said. JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN Kagan also has repeatedly voted in favor of abortion rights in more than 11 years as a justice. She is also arguably the most consistent voice on the court arguing for the importance of adhering to precedents and can be expected to try to persuade her colleagues not to jettison constitutional protections for abortion. Kagan was in the majority when the court struck down the Texas and Louisiana restrictions on abortion clinics. More recently, Kagan called Texas' new abortion law "patently unconstitutional and a clear, and indeed undisputed, conflict with Roe and Casey. Kagan had already grappled with the issue of abortion before becoming a justice. While working in the Clinton White House she was the co-author of a memo that urged the president for political reasons to support a late-term abortion ban proposed by Republicans in Congress, so long as it contained an exception for the health of the woman. Ultimately, President George W. Bush signed a similar late-term abortion ban without a health exception. The Supreme Court upheld it. JUSTICE NEIL GORSUCH Gorsuch has perhaps the shortest record on abortion among the nine justices. He was in the majority allowing Texas restrictive abortion law to take effect. In dissent in 2020, he would have upheld Louisianas abortion clinic restrictions. As an appeals court judge before joining the Supreme Court in 2017, Gorsuch dissented when his colleagues declined to reconsider a ruling that blocked then-Utah Gov. Gary Herbert from cutting off funding for the state branch of Planned Parenthood. But Gorsuch insisted at his Senate confirmation hearing that he was concerned about procedural issues, not the subject matter. I do not care if the case is about abortion or widgets or anything else, he said. JUSTICE BRETT KAVANAUGH Kavanaughs name was added to President Donald Trumps shortlist of Supreme Court candidates shortly after he sided with the administration in a 2017 case involving abortion. Trump chose him for the court the following year. As a justice, Kavanaugh dissented from the Louisiana decision and voted to allow the new Texas law to take effect, though he has taken a less absolutist stance than some of his conservative colleagues. In the Louisiana case, for example, Kavanaugh wrote that more information was needed about how the state's restrictions on clinics would affect doctors who provide abortions and seemed to suggest his vote could change knowing that information. Kavanaughs most extensive writing on abortion came while he was a judge on the federal appeals court in Washington. The Trump administration had appealed a lower court ruling ordering it to allow a pregnant 17-year-old immigrant in its custody to get an abortion. The administrations policy was to decline to help those minors get abortions while in custody. Kavanaugh was on a three-judge panel that postponed the abortion, arguing that officials should be given a limited window to transfer the minor out of government custody to the care of a sponsor. She could then obtain an abortion without the governments assistance. The full appeals court later reversed the decision and the teenager obtained an abortion. Kavanaugh called that decision out-of-step with the "many majority opinions of the Supreme Court that have repeatedly upheld reasonable regulations that do not impose an undue burden on the abortion right recognized by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade." Kavanaugh was criticized by some conservatives for not going as far as a colleague, Judge Karen Henderson, who stated unambiguously that an immigrant in the U.S. illegally has no right to an abortion. At his appeals court confirmation hearing, Kavanaugh dodged questions on his own personal beliefs on Roe v. Wade. Kavanaugh voted to allow the Texas law to go into effect in September, but during oral arguments in November he appeared to have doubts about its novel structure and whether it would lead to a spate of copycat laws on abortion and other rights protected by the Constitution. JUSTICE AMY CONEY BARRETT Barretts one public vote on the Supreme Court concerning abortion was to allow the Texas fetal heartbeat law to take effect. She also cast two votes as an appeals court judge to reconsider rulings that blocked Indiana abortion restrictions. In 2016, shortly before the election that would put Trump in office, she commented about how she thought abortion law might change if Trump had the chance to appoint justices. I ... dont think the core case Roes core holding that, you know, women have a right to an abortion I dont think that would change, said Barrett, then a Notre Dame law professor. She said limits on what she called very late-term abortions and restrictions on abortion clinics would be more likely to be upheld. Barrett also has a long record of personal opposition to abortion rights, co-authoring a 1998 law review article that said abortion is always immoral. At her 2017 hearing to be an appeals court judge, Barrett said in written testimony, If I am confirmed, my views on this or any other question will have no bearing on the discharge of my duties as a judge. Although Barrett allowed the Texas law to take effect, she joined Kavanaugh during oral arguments in raising skeptical questions about its structure, asking about provisions of the law that force providers to fight lawsuits one by one and, she said, dont allow their constitutional rights to be fully aired. ___ A version of this story was previously published on Nov. 29, 2021. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BAGHDAD (AP) Hundreds of Iraqis rushed to hospitals with breathing problems Thursday and the Baghdad airport suspended flights for several hours as a thick sandstorm blanketed the country, the fifth to engulf Iraq within a month. Iraqi state media said most of the patients suffered respiratory issues as clinics across the country's north and west struggled to keep up with the influx. Authorities urged citizens to stay indoors. Iraqis awoke to an ochre-colored sky and a thick blanket of dust covered the roads and buildings with an orange film. Visibility was low and drivers kept car headlights on to see the road. Flights scheduled to depart overnight and on Thursday morning were postponed, an airport official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. Flights resumed by the afternoon, when the dust began to clear. Iraq is prone to seasonal sandstorms but experts and officials are raising alarm over their frequency in recent years, which they say is exacerbated by record-low rainfall, desertification and climate change. However, Azzam Alwash, head of the Nature Iraq non-profit organization, warned that climate change alone doesnt give the whole picture and that inappropriate farming practices and mismanagement of water resources have contributed to the problems. Climate change has become a very convenient excuse for officials to avoid responsibility for not taking action over the last 20 to 40 years, he said. Desertification, resulting from old irrigation practices dating back to the Sumerian age, and rising water salinity are also factors, he said. These are policy issues." The World Bank has warned that Iraq could suffer a 20% drop in water resources by 2050. Issa al-Fayad, an official with the Environment Ministry, said Iraq could face 272 days of sandstorms a year in the coming decades. At least 700 people sought medical care in Iraq's western province of Anbar, and dozens more in the provinces of Kirkuk, Salahaddin and Najaf, state TV reported. At the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Baghdad, people lined up outside the emergency room and staff stocked up on more meds as weather forecasts predicted the storms would continue throughout May. Ayat Haitham, a nurse, was busy treating patients but also tried to reassure them that all the drugs used for treating breathing difficulties and also oxygen were available in big quantities. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MECOSTA COUNTY Three people died in a head on collision Tuesday night on U.S. 131 in southern Mecosta County, police report. According to a news release from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, at 11:44 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, deputies received a report of a wrong way driver on U.S. 131 at mile marker 125 in Aetna Township, followed by an update of a head-on collision with one vehicle fully engulfed in flames at the same location. Several witnesses told police that a passenger vehicle traveling south in the northbound lane never slowed down before hitting an oncoming passenger vehicle from Minnesota. There were no survivors, police reported. As of Thursday afternoon, names of the three victims were still being held pending notification. Deputies were assisted on scene by Morley Area Fire and Rescue, Mecosta Township Fire Rescue, Mecosta County Sheriff Posse and Mecosta County EMS. SHERIFF'S BLOTTER Deputies with the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office responded to the following calls May 1-4. All calls may not be reported. All suspects are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Deputies responded to three car-versus-deer crashes and three car crash without injury. A male was issued a ticket for careless driving in the 21000 block of 15 Mile Road in Big Rapids Township. Deputies responded to a disorderly report in the 14000 block of Northland Drive, Big Rapids. A male allegedly threatened another male while both were getting treatments at a renal dialysis center. A larceny was reported on Midstate Drive in Morton Township. A complainant reported a larceny of seven batteries from campers over the weekend. A female reported her husband allegedly raped her at a residence in the 20000 block of Ross Parkway in Green Township. Case is still being investigated. A civil dispute was reported in the 9000 block of 70th Avenue in Morton Township. Deputies responded to a civil dispute between family members over who gets dads pontoon boat since he's passed. A report of malicious destruction of property was made in the 6000 block of 10th Avenue. A call came in regarding a male allegedly damaging all the windows in the house and two different vehicles after being kicked out of the house by his brother. Deputies said they found the subject to be under the influence of alcohol while on probation. He was searched, and deputies reported finding a baggie of white powder. Subject was lodged for the above offenses. A report of breaking and entering was made in the 5000 block of Madison. A complainant reported that three trailers and a storage unit had been broken into sometime over the weekend. A civil issue was reported in the 4000 block of 13 Mile. A female reported that two juvenile females allegedly spray painted a playhouse in the backyard. Caller didn't want charges, just for them to take care of it. A larceny was reported in the 19000 block of Washington Road in Aetna Township. Male said he had about $1,000-$2,000 in coins and cash stolen. A one vehicle property damage accident was reported near 205th Avenue and 19 Mile Road. A female driver allegedly hit the mailbox on 205th Avenue, then went through the t-intersection and hit a road sign. She allegedly cleaned up the scene, throwing the parts into the backseat, and fled the scene. Deputies located vehicle at the Beacon & Bridge but the driver was gone upon arrival. Vehicle was impounded by Curries with a hold placed. A larceny was reported in the 4000 block of Northland Drive in Aetna Township. A male student allegedly stole six $5 gift cards from the seniors gift bags. All six card were recovered. A report of breaking and entering was made in the 9000 block of 90th. A caller reported someone went into his garage sometime around the middle of April and took several power tools. A verbal domestic dispute was reported in the 12000 block of Hudson Bay Road. A female reported that her daughter allegedly pushed her down and was swearing at her. Deputies reported no signs of an assault or injury. Daughter told deputies that her mother has dementia and is getting worse. A report will be sent prosecuting attorney, and Adult Protective services was contacted. Deputies responded to the 300 block of Church Street. A caller reported a male on probation allegedly was at her residence and he was not supposed to be there. The male was not to have contact with female due to a domestic. Deputies found the male in a vehicle near the callers house, and he was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated first degree, open intoxication and probation violation. A probation violation was reported in the 10000 block of North Chippewa Road in Chippewa Township. A male was arrested for allegedly coming onto the property of another male. While investigating, deputies also arrested a male who had a child support warrant. Deputies responded to the 9000 block of 30th Avenue, Wheatland Township. An elderly male believed his vehicle had been messed with. Deputies found nothing to support the claim. Deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to Round Lake Drive near 190th Avenue for a single vehicle accident. Deputies reported a 80-year-old male driver from Big Rapids allegedly went off the roadway while rounding a curve and struck a tree causing him to hit his head. The accident reportedly happened about midnight Wednesday, May 5, and the male driver was found sitting in the roadway over four hours later. The male driver was transported to the Big Rapids Spectrum Health Hospital for minor non-life threatening injuries. WASHINGTON - If the Supreme Courts conservative majority affirms the leaked decision overturning abortion rights in the U.S., the effects would be sweeping for 40 million women in more than two dozen states where Republican-led legislatures have been eagerly awaiting the repudiation of the right to terminate a pregnancy. Long before the Supreme Court heard challenges to Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, seminal decisions that affirmed a federally protected right to abortion, conservative lawmakers in 14 states had crafted so-called trigger laws that would automatically go into effect in the event a nationwide right to abortion were struck down, according to a KFF analysis. The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, has identified an additional dozen states likely to restrict or ban abortion without Roe. The list of states with trigger laws includes deep-red bastions such as Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Idaho, but also Texas, the nations second-most-populous state. Texas, with a population of 30 million, is a region of particular concern for abortion rights advocates, who have already been grappling with the impacts of a 2021 law that bans nearly all abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. Under a law passed last year by the Republican-led legislature and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas would criminalize abortion, except in cases in which the mother is facing death or severe impairment, 30 days after a Supreme Court ruling that strikes down Roe. Under the law, doctors who perform abortions could be sentenced to life in prison and fined up to $100,000. And if Roe falls, Texas will be nearly encircled by states Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana with their own trigger laws, creating a vast region where women have no access to legal abortion services. Politico published the leaked draft decision Monday night. The court has confirmed the draft is authentic but said it is not final. Nonetheless, reproductive and sexual health rights advocates are girding for the worst. This is going to impact our human and civil rights, said Aimee Arrambide, executive director of Avow Texas, a legislative and policy advocacy group. For low-income people and minors who dont have the means to travel, the distances (to obtain an abortion) will be exponentially longer, Arrambide said. A Supreme Court ruling reversing a womans right under privacy protections to terminate her pregnancy would sharply split the country into states that staunchly support abortion rights and states that are staunchly anti-abortion. Weve had a racial reckoning in this country, but we have yet to have that reckoning where we take seriously the value, equality, and lives of women, said Michele Goodwin, a professor of law at the University of California-Irvine. In the leaked draft, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. He added that the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely, referring to the 14th Amendment. It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives, wrote Alito. If the courts conservative majority affirms the draft decision, abortion would be expressly protected in 15 states and Washington, D.C. In the Mountain West, Colorado is viewed as an island of abortion access after codifying the right into state law last month. Dr. Rebecca Cohen, medical director of the Comprehensive Womens Health Center in Denver, said her clinic has seen increased demand from out-of-state patients for months. We're seeing people at later gestational ages, and we're seeing a lot more people with much more medical complexity, said Cohen, adding that the clinics services extend beyond health care. We're helping people find hotel rooms. We're helping people find transportation. On the other side of the spectrum, 26 states are certain or likely to ban or severely restrict abortion without Roe, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Georgia which has emerged as a critical access point for abortion services in the South is among them. Gov. Brian Kemp vowed that if the Supreme Courts leaked ruling becomes final, he would lead efforts to criminalize abortion. If abortion access is limited in Georgia, it affects the entire region dramatically, said Kwajelyn Jackson, executive director of the Feminist Women's Health Center, an Atlanta clinic that provides medication abortions and abortion procedures. Georgia has many more clinics that provide abortions than neighboring states, she said, making it a haven for people seeking care from states like Alabama and Mississippi. Jackson said her main concern now is making sure that people know the leaked draft is not the courts final decision. We want to continue to remind people that if they need abortion care today, that abortion is still legal and accessible to them, and don't want people to get so confused by the headlines that they are not able to access the care they need immediately, she said. The courts draft decision would put the United States at odds with nearly every developed nation. We are seeing countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Ireland that have historically criminalized abortion now make abortion available to people in their countries, said Alina Salganicoff, director of womens health policy at KFF. If abortion is criminalized across the U.S., it will not stop women from having abortions, she added. Before abortion was legal, women went through extreme means, often risking their life and fertility to get abortions. We have other options now, but its not going to dissuade women from seeking abortions. Anti-abortion lawmakers and activists have vowed to go further than state-level bans, including barring women from traveling out of state for abortions. Anti-abortion and religious groups have embarked on a full-throttle push for Congress to enact a federal ban that would outlaw the procedure in all 50 states. In a recent letter to congressional Republican leaders, anti-abortion groups noted the historic moment within their grasp. The prospect of seeing Roe v. Wade undermined or overturned and the momentum currently behind the pro-life movement is unlike any we have seen before, said the letter, signed by dozens of major pro-life groups. Therefore, as Republican leadership readies its conservative agenda for the next year, we urge you to ensure that any commitment to America includes a bold, clear, and articulate plan to protect the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. At the same time, the Biden administration and Democratic leaders have vowed with equal measure to pursue a path to enshrine abortion rights in federal law. If the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nations elected officials at all levels of government to protect a womans right to choose, President Joe Biden said in a prepared statement. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. Kaiser Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. KHN correspondents Rae Ellen Bichell, Rachel Bluth, and Sam Whitehead contributed to this report. TO THE EDITOR: On behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers and guests of Midlands Open Door, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to our local Ace Hardware Store for providing the incentive behind almost 1,000 pounds of food donated to the soup kitchen several weeks ago. Ace Hardware recently collaborated with the Midland County Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation in a raffle for their annual fundraiser. The price to enter the raffle was one pound of food items donated to a local shelter. Through their collective and creative generosity, Ace Hardware and Midland County Gobblers provided 985.83 pounds of food to the Open Door, which will be used to create hot, healthy meals for our neighbors in need, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We would like to extend a special thanks to Ace Hardware owner Greg White and Midland County Gobblers Treasurer Steve McAlpine for their commitment to the Midland community. Their partnership is a blessing to our friends and neighbors who come to our door each day. The generosity of our Midland community continues to encourage and inspire us as we fulfill our commitment to serve our homeless, hungry and hurting neighbors. JIM CROSS Board president, Midlands Open Door Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A plenary session of the Libyan Parliament has been convened for Monday by the Speaker, a statement of the legislative body announced on Wednesday Log on if you are already subscribed or Subscribe... Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - The European Union (EU) has urged the military junta in Guinea and all political actors to engage in a "genuine and inclusive political dialogue" so as to implement the transition process in a consensual manner Photo: (Photo : Getty images ) Police in Utrecht reported that a four-year-old boy drove his mom's car by himself and crashed into two parked vehicles on Saturday. The boy then left the scene, still in his pajamas and his bare feet. Concerned bystanders called the emergency service after spotting the boy walking down the street alone in the cold. Fortunately, the police said no one was hurt during the escapade, and they said they discovered a "new Max Verstappen," the current Dutch world champion Formula One driver. Stolen from mom According to the Guardian, bystanders spotted the boy in pajamas. He also walked barefoot in the city's Overvecht district early Saturday morning. Concerned bystanders called emergency services, giving the boy a medical check-up and a cuddly bear. As there was no immediate sign of any parents in the vicinity, concerned bystanders took the boy to the nearest police station. The car was registered to the boy's mother, the police officers said. When the officers called his mom, they handed the phone to the young boy. The police said he mimicked driving and made gestures of turning a steering wheel. The police then realized that the boy may have been the driver. The mom said she was coming over the soonest time possible. While waiting for the mom at the police station, the four-year-old was given some hot chocolate at the police station. The police accompanied the mother and son to the crash site. When they asked the boy how the car worked, the child opened the vehicle with the key, put it on the ignition, and moved his foot to the clutch and gas pedals, the police said. They concluded that the boy might have woken up early when his father left to go to work and decided to take his mom's car for a drive, Metro says. The officers then advised the parents to hide their car keys to prevent it from happening again. Read Also: Lead Poisoning in Kids Continues in the Midwestern U.S. Driving to buy candy from a gas station In 2019, a four-year-old boy named Sebastian in Blaine also drove his grandfather's car in Minnesota during a rush hour to buy candy from a nearby gas station. The little boy took the key from his great-grandfather's Hyundai Santa Fe, hopped in the driver's seat, and drove to Speedway gas station, 1.5 miles away from their home. The boy took a winding route through the neighborhood before getting into a bustling thoroughfare during rush hour traffic. The cops went to the store after receiving reports that a child was driving erratically at around 15 miles per hour on a busy road before stopping in a gas station parking lot. The boy hit a couple of mailboxes and bumped into a tree. Fortunately, the little driver was unscathed, and no one was hurt in the incident. When asked why he stole his grandfather's car, he said he just wanted some Reese's candy. The family admitted they were in panic and were anxious when they learned about what had happened. But then the incident taught the family to keep a closer eye on the minor driver and keep their car keys out of Sebastian's reach, Thrillist.com reports. Related Article: Father Slams California Lawmaker's Rejection of Bill to Punish Fentanyl Dealers Photo: (Photo : Getty images ) Mother's Day was initially a U.S. holiday, but other countries also began celebrating it. But on different dates. Mother's Day is an international date honoring mothers and the influence of mothers in society. The founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, started the holiday every second Sunday of May by organizing a small service in honor of her mother at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, as per Today. History of Mother's Day Anna Jarvis' mom, Ann Reeves Jarvis, used to organize Mother's Day Work Clubs to improve the sanitary conditions and curb the high infant mortality rate. She launched the first formal "Mother's Day" at the same church in Grafton and a much larger ceremony in Philadelphia. Jarvis distributed white carnations to mothers, sons, and daughters who attended the event in Grafton. She waged a campaign for people to support Mother's Day and created the Mother's Day International Association. She wanted Mother's Day to be a private acknowledgment of what the mother does for the family. In 1914, Mother's Day became a national holiday. Read Also: 3 Common Pressures of Stay-at-Home Moms Celebration of Mother's Day worldwide The celebration has been adopted worldwide, albeit on different dates. Here is why: Middle East According to Aljazeera, most Arab countries celebrate Mother's Day on March 21, the first day of Spring. The celebration dates back to 1956 after Mustafa Amin, an Arab journalist, wrote it in his book. Ten years later, a woman who visited Amin's brother, Ali, spoke about how difficult it was to be a single mom. The idea of devoting a day as "Mother's Day" is celebrated in the country and other nations. Citizens widely accepted the idea, and in 1956, Akhbar el-Yom newspaper's March 9 front page acknowledged the holiday. It also announced that it is celebrated every March 21. Since then, other countries have followed suit. China Despite the celebration originating in the United States, people in China also celebrate Mother's Day because it is in line with the country's traditions of respecting the elderly and having filial piety towards parents, the Chinese government's official newspaper said. The festivity falls on the fourth month of the lunar calendar, but like the U.S., it is often celebrated on the second Sunday of May. France France began celebrating the day in 1918, when "the country recognized mothers of large families" for their work and effort. In 1041, the government used the celebration to support their policy to encourage larger families, with all mothers given the honor. The festivity is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. France later moved it to the first Sunday of June. Japan Mother's Day was celebrated on March 6, the birthday of Empress Hujon during the Showa period. However, in 1931, the Imperial Women's Union was organized. In 1949, "Praise Mothers" had their first meeting, and the society decided to adopt the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. Ukraine Mother's Day in Ukraine is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, like in most countries. From 1928 until 1990, the Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada celebrated Mother's Day. Soviet Regime banned the country's Mother's Day in the 1990s. In 1999, Ukrainian Women's Association fought for the holiday and its meaning. Mother's Day finally earned its official holiday status a year after, as per Russian Flora. Related Article: Ukraine War Victims Trapped Under the Mariupol Steel Plant beg for evacuation Photo: (Photo : Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Eventive) A study comparing early childhood education in the United States showed reduced pre-school enrollment and stalled spending by the state of Ohio to help educate young kids. According to the National Institution for Early Education Research (NIEER), the COVID-19 pandemic is still causing issues in the education of preschoolers. However, many problems already existed before the COVID pandemic worsened them. NIEER conducted the annual survey to focus on how states funded preschool in the 2020-2021 academic year versus enrollment numbers in the states. According to the Ohio Capital Journal, NIEER is affiliated with the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. The study of NIEER showed spending for preschool programs in Ohio went down by more than $12 million, and the state only met five out of the ten benchmarks that the institute analyzes for quality. The study used data from the Ohio Department of Education's Early Childhood Education program, which is publicly funded, and the Ohio Public Preschool Program. Ohio ranked just 33rd in state spending on preschoolers Researchers stated in their study that the state of Ohio is not within reach of serving at least 70 percent of 4-year-old kids across state preschool, Head Start, and special education. Benchmarks analyzed in the study included curriculum supports, teacher and assistant teacher education, early learning and development standards, class size, staff-child ratio, screening and referral, specialized training for teachers, continuous quality improvement system, and staff professional development. Ohio only met institution benchmarks in specialized teacher training, screening and referrals, curriculum supports, a continuous quality improvement system, and early learning and development standards. Ohio ranked 33rd in the nation in state spending on preschoolers, allotting just $4,000 per child. Based on the enrollment numbers collected by NIEER, only 2 percent of 3-year-old children were enrolled in pre-school in Ohio in 2020-2021, and only 9 percent of 4-year-old children went to pre-school in that same year. Ohio began allowing 3-year-old enrollment to preschool back in 2016-2017. According to a report by NPR, nearly 300,000 fewer kids were enrolled in preschool in the United States, mainly because of school closures, remote learning, and pandemic health risks. However, some states increased spending using federal pandemic aid to preserve capacity. Read Also: Two-month-old Baby Among Ukrainian Civilians Evacuated From Azovstal Steel Plant in Mariupol Ohio used just 60 million in funding with decreased enrollment More than $72 million in funding was made available in Ohio, but only $60 million of those funds was used with decreased enrollment. According to the study, only 58 percent of state school districts offer pre-school programming. Preschools only received funding from the state, compared to K-12 funding that receives state and federal contributions as well as contributions from local sources such as levies. In the same years that NIEER studied, K-12 funding received $14,930 per-child spending among all contributions in Ohio, compared to just $4,000 for pre-school education from the state. According to the study, unlike some states, Ohio did not use any of its federal funding provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families money for pre-school education. Related Article: Ukrainian Children With Cancer Flown to the U.K. for Treatment Remain Separated From Families Photo: (Photo : JACO MARAIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) A mom wrote her obituary in preparation for her death as she knew her time with her family was nearing its end after her breast cancer returned. Doctors first diagnosed Jessica Marie McKenna-Ryan, 42, in 2020 and was later told her cancer tumor had impacted her liver. Though she had some hope that she would win this battle so she could have more time with her family, Jessica was also realistic about her chances. In her obituary via the Ettinger Funeral Home in Nova Scotia, Canada, Jessica spoke the truth about her fate, stating that extending her life "wasn't in my cards." She was also not remiss in thanking her family and friends for being her support system during her health struggles. "I hope that you continue to be there for my kids when I am gone," the mother told the people who have helped her. She also asked her family and friends to help her children, Elaina, Carson, Harrison, and Jack, remember her since they are still too young. The mom told her kids she fought hard to be with them. Read Also: Rare Brain Cancer Diagnosed in 94 People From Colonia High School in New Jersey She thanked Her Parents, Acknowledged Her Siblings The mom who wrote her obituary included a message to her parents and said that she hoped her kids would grow up with similar family experiences as her as a child. She told her brothers and sisters that she's proud of their own families and the lives they have built, with her nieces and nephews, who are role models for her children. The mother, of course, did not forget to write a message for her husband. Admitting that she fears leaving him to take care of four kids, Jessica reminded him to have patience and wished him good luck. She also wrote about loving her job as an investigator. She was looking forward to going back to work before cancer got the best of her. Her final wish is for her family and friends to plant sunflowers in her memory. She also reminded her female friends to get a mammogram because "you never know." According to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, mammographies have determined 87 percent of breast cancer cases. It's one of the best ways to find cancer and conduct an early intervention. Jessica prepared her obituary at the height of lockdowns due to COVID-19. She was hoping that there would be a memorial service. She died on April 23, 2022. 94-year-old Grandma Wrote Own Obituary Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Free Press published the obituary of Beatrice Hamel Fediuk, 94 years old. She called this her application letter for Eternal Life and highlighted her service to her husband, her daughter, and the children with special needs she helped during her career as a teacher. Fediuk also wrote about her granddaughter with special needs, who taught her more about life than she could ever learn. She detailed her transition into aged care in February 2021, where she spent the final days of her life. Addressing God, the grandma said that she hopes her application for Eternal Life will meet His criteria of deserving a place in Heaven. She said her husband is already beyond the Pearly Gates and could serve as her reference. Fediuk passed away on February 12, 2022. Related Article: Mom Jemma McGowan Bullied Online for Being 'Too Beautiful' to Have Terminal Cancer Photo: (Photo : THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images) Sammy Gray, a woman who nearly died from cancer three years ago, is believed to be one of the first CAR-T therapy patients in the United Kingdom to give birth following the innovative treatment that cleared her body of the severe disease. Shortly after Gray had her first child, a daughter called Harper, back in 2018, she began to experience night sweats and chest pains. Initially thinking it was a blood clot-related to the birth of Harper, doctors then discovered a mass on Gray's chest, which was diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. According to Mayo Clinic, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. White blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and can form growths (tumors) throughout the body of a person with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CAR-T therapy saved Gray's life Gray, who was then 21 years old, missed out on motherhood as she underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which initially shrunk the tumor in her body. The cancer, however, became more aggressive and progressed, leaving Gray's life hanging in the balance. Faced with a very poor prognosis, the only option remaining for Gray by June 2019 was CAR-T therapy. This new treatment, which was only approved by the National Health Service (NHS) back in 2018, involves reprogramming the patient's own immune cells, called T cells, to recognize and destroy the cancer in their body. The revolutionary treatment involves taking a sample of the patient's blood, then sent to a laboratory in the United States, where the T cells are genetically modified to intensify the immune system's natural response to cancer. This sample is then put back into the patient through an intravenous infusion. Gray underwent the grueling CAR-T therapy in September 2019 at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. The treatment involved the Blackpool native spending weeks in the hospital while her immune system attacked the aggressive cancer. Read Also: Miracle Baby Jagger Scalzo Celebrates 1st Birthday After Removal of Large Facial Tumor Gray gives birth to a miracle baby after conceiving naturally Despite the procedure making Gray very weak, she eventually recovered and was well enough to go home after a month of treatment. Fortunately for Gray, the treatment worked perfectly, with her scans at three, six, and 12 months all being clear, showing no signs of cancer. Doctors issued a warning to Gray, though, telling her that the chemotherapy could result in early menopause for her, meaning she may not be able to have more kids. Gray feared she had become infertile after not having periods for a year. Gray and her partner, Daley, desperately wanted a second child to complete their family. BBC reported that she was given approval by the NHS for IVF fertility treatment. Sammy and Daley had just started the process when they conceived naturally. Two and a half years after she endured the tough CAR-T treatment to cure her cancer, Gray's miracle baby Walter was born on February 23, 2022. Related Article: Court Favors Mom Accused of Child Neglect for Using Medical Marijuana While Pregnant Photo: (Photo : Getty images ) The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced that it would review its guidance to eliminate "race-based medicine," resulting in health disparities. The academy vows to re-examine its practices and policies to ensure that "race assignment as a part of clinical decision-making" is covered. The lead author of the new policy and chief health equity officer at the University of Maryland's medical system, Dr. Joseph Wright, said that a re-examination of AAP treatment recommendations was ongoing even before George Floyd's death in 2020. However, the group intensified its review after doctors were concerned the Black youngsters have been undertreated and overlooked, NBC News reports. Reviewing the "Race-Based Guidance" The influential academy has been reviewing and updating its outdated advice. Wright said it is committed to scrutinizing the "entire catalog" that includes the guidelines, educational materials, newsletter articles, and textbooks. He added that the AAP is more rigorous in assessing the risk for disease and health outcomes, noting that they have to hold themselves accountable. Other major doctor groups made the same pledges in recent years. NPR says the move was spurred by civil rights and social justice movements and scientific studies showing the vital roles social conditions, genetics, and biological factors play in determining health. Last year, the academy debunked an old guideline calculation based on the unproven data that Black children face lower risks than white kids for urinary infections. Instead, a review showed that the strongest risk factors were prior urinary infections and fevers that last 48 hours. Wright said that a revision on newborn jaundice guidance, which suggests that races have higher and lower risks, is up for review this summer. According to Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, head of an academy group on minority health and equity, the new policy would include a history of how frequently clinical aids have come to be: pseudoscience and racism. The aids, she said, have harmed patients. She added that medical professionals should not use the aids as it violates the Hippocratic oath that says not harm. Read Also: Lead Poisoning in Kids Continues in the Midwestern U.S. Critical Step Doctors from various medical fields have lauded the move. Dr. Brittani James, a family medicine doctor and medical director for a Chicago health center, said the academy made a pivotal move. He added that the move is monumental as medical institutions are taking action and not just words. Dr. Valerie Walker, a specialist in newborn care and health equity at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said the new policy is a "critical step" in reducing racial health disparities. As per People, Wright said that the academy would ensure health-equity curriculums by working directly with medical schools, academic health systems, schools of medicine, and accrediting bodies. The AAP is urging other medical institutions and specialty groups to take a similar approach in working towards eliminating racism in medicine. Heard-Garris said they could not plug up one leak in a pipe full of holes and expect it to be remedied, adding that pediatricians and healthcare providers should find and patch the holes. Related article: 96-Pound Girl Dies While Sunken in Couch Covered With Urine and Feces; Parents Charged for Daughter's Deplorable State, Medical Neglect Photo: (Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images) A TikTok mom has divided her followers after sharing an unpopular parenting opinion about Mothers' Day. Sophi Raft believes that "grandmothers should step down" and not expect a celebration with their adult kids on this special day for mothers. In her TikTok video, the young mother said that Mother's Day celebrations should solely focus on the moms who can enjoy the event with their young children. She thinks that grandmothers should let their sons or daughters be with their growing family. Sophi further explained that some families are stressing that they have to divide their time on this day to visit the husband or wife's side of the family to be with their mothers. She emphasized that she's not ignoring grandmothers on Mother's Day but said, "it's no longer about you." She suggested giving flowers or honoring grandma on another day instead. Read Also: Mother's Day Creator, Anna Jarvis, Fought to Remove Celebration From the Calendar "To someone who has very young kids to get to finally enjoy Mother's Day, it's frustrating to have all these obligations," Sophi said, adding that these obligations end up with the young mom never really getting to celebrate her special day. Mother's Day for Young Moms to Chill Out Some of Sophi's followers understood her unpopular parenting opinion about Mother's Day, but she also received criticisms from people who believed that all mothers should be celebrated. One follower even accused Sophi of having an unhappy relationship and warned that she would also long to be celebrated by her adult kids when she becomes a grandmother and mother-in-law one day. However, a grandmother with five adult kids said that she thinks Mother's Day is for "young mamas to chill," per Kidspot. She noted that grandmothers like her are very understanding and will support Sophi's unpopular parenting opinion. Sophi could not help but react to some of the criticisms and said that she has a very close relationship with her mother and mother-in-law. Her family sees both sides of the family every week, and she talks to her mother multiple times a day. However, she firmly believes that the one Sunday she could have on her own, Mother's Day, should be something she could relish. She wants to spend that day in her pajamas and not pack the kids' stuff so they can celebrate with the family and manage her young children when they are breaking down at the restaurant. How Other Cultures Celebrate Mother's Day Across the world, other countries have their unique ways of celebrating Mother's Day. For instance, the people of India celebrate the "Durga Puja," a 10-day Mother's Day festival sometime between September and October. It's a combined religious and secular event where many families hold reunions, per the Omaha World-Herald. In Poland and France, Mother's Day has been celebrated the same way in America and other Western countries with flowers and gifs for moms. However, the French are more extravagant when it comes to meals and restaurant booking. In Indonesia, Mother's Day celebrations are rooted in traditions, wherein children participate in cultural games with their moms as the judge. In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is a three-day festival dedicated to moms. It involves offering fruits, flowers, and cheese from the daughters and meat from the sons. Related Article: 5 Heartfelt Mother's Day Gifts Without Any Cost Photo: (Photo : LUCA SOLA/AFP via Getty Images) For over 13 years, an Orlando eatery has been the hangout place for young school kids attending the Bishop Moore Catholic High School, but beginning May 2022, the restaurant Tornatore announced its ban on teenagers, citing their disrespectful behavior. Restaurant owner Denny Tornatore posted on his establishment's social media page that they will no longer welcome kids under 18 years old without adults in their company. They made the decision after considering a lot of issues that have affected their staff, their business operations, and their customers. From Tornatores new dining guidelines. I get it. pic.twitter.com/A9rYCDNA3C Orlando Food Blogger (@orlfoodie) May 1, 2022 Co-ower Maria Mancia told Fox 35 Orlando that Tornatore had become a daycare center for high school students, who are loud and rowdy. The owners also point out that they barely tip the staff. They said they would not tolerate people who come to their place of business for anything other than eating. Read Also: Family Faked Illness to Get Millions in Medical Claims, Pleads Guilty to Fraud Tornatore acknowledged that they would likely lose some profit by turning down the kids whose main food choice is pizza, their restaurant's specialty. However, the decision comes at the right time since Tornatore is changing its format and changing to a fine-dining restaurant. "Ultimately we had to pick between catering to high schoolers or catering to adults," Mancia said. Parents Also the Problem The owners, however, also said that the kids' parents are part of the problem as they have been using the business site's parking lot for their school pick-up. There are six other businesses on the shopping site that have to contend with the crowd of children and teens. Speaking with Click Orlando, Tornatore said that he had raised the issues with the school, but they said they could not do anything to the students outside of school property. "I get that it's not on their property," Tornatore said. "So it's the parents that are the issue," he added, implying that the responsibility for the kids lies with the parents. Other U.S. Restaurants That Banned Children Tornatore is not the first to impose a ban on teenagers and kids on their premises. In 2017, Hampton Station, a Tampa Bay pizzeria and beer joint, disallows kids due to liability and safety issues. The decision was met with some backlash, especially from patrons who saw this as an attack on families, per Food and Wine. Mooresville in North Carolina also bans kids under five years old because their establishment is an upscale fine dining restaurant. La Fisheria in Houston bans kids under eight years old after 7:00 p.m. Some diners think it's the restaurant's choice to have the ban if they believe it will improve the dining experience, especially as there are customers who wish not to be bothered by unruly kids while they are eating. Related Article: Negligence or Size? Parents of Teen in Orlando Amusement Ride Death Hires Lawyers Photo: (Photo : Jack Taylor/Getty Images) A Texas family wears superhero costumes whenever their 3-year-old son with leukemia has to undergo chemotherapy, believing that this will make him brave in facing his battle with cancer. Parents Dario and Natalia Hernandez join their son, Leone, in wearing the superhero costumes, alongside his brother Emiliano, so the toddler could feel that he has the power to go through chemotherapy. Leone was diagnosed with a treatable and common childhood blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June 2021. However, chemotherapy has made him fearful of his treatments at the Children's Medical Center in Dallas, per WFAA. The hospital workers at the cancer ward support the family's choice to dress up in superhero costumes because it can improve Leone's outcomes. Dr. Laura Klesse, a doctor at the hospital, said it's empowering for Leone to see that he has the full support of his parents and sibling. Read Also: Mom Jessica Marie McKenna-Ryan Writes Her Obituary Before Losing Battle to Breast Cancer Leone Hernandez's Challenging Health Journey Mom Natalia shared via Children's Health that Leone's symptoms started with nosebleeding. She initially thought that this was due to falls or bumps when he was playing. Their pediatrician initially said that this was nothing to worry about, but when the nosebleeding became more frequent, the family was referred to a specialist at the Children's Medical Center. After several tests, the family learned of Leone's real condition. Natalia confessed that they could not understand why it happened to their son. At such a young age, Leone had to undergo surgery to prepare the port that he'll need for his chemotherapy. The idea to wear costumes to rally behind their son came from her husband. To date, Dario has bought them ten different sets of costumes. Natalia was second-guessing the plan at first, but she completely embraced the costume-wearing after seeing its impact on their son. "The costumes helped turn around Leo's outlook on the situation," Natalia said. "They make other kids in the hospital smile, too!" It comes as the Dallas hospital recently celebrated Cape Day, where superheroes like Batman and Superman cleaned the windows of the cancer ward, much to the delight of the young patients. The facility's president, Brent Christopher, said it was a way to show the kids that they have a whole community standing behind them as they deal with their illnesses. Hernandez Family Remains Optimistic Despite what they are going through, the Hernandez family has been optimistic about Leone's chances of beating the disease. Dario believes anything else they have to weather through together will not be as challenging as Leone's cancer but will keep them moving forward as their son heals. The family is also looking forward to a brighter future because they are expecting their third child, per News 4 Antonio. The baby is expected to be born in August, the same birth month as Leone's. Meanwhile, several businesses have been donating money for Leone's treatments. The 3-year-old needs chemotherapy every day. Related Article: Heartbreak as Toddler Suffering From Constipation Diagnosed With Rare Cancer This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions The latest traffic report from ACI Europe has illustrated the industrys continued resurgence with March recording the best monthly performance for the European airport network since the start of the pandemic. For March 2022, passenger traffic across Europe stood at -34.1% compared to 2019 figures, with Q1 recording -39.6% against the same period pre-pandemic. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ACI has attributed the March recovery to the easing of restrictions in EU+ states for both intra-European and external travel on the back of strong pent-up demand. Accordingly, passenger traffic at airports across the EU+ area stood at -34.3% in March, up from -51.1% in January (Q1 as a whole stood at -42.1%). The best performing markets in the EU+ area in March were Portugal (-16.3%), Romania (-21.8%) and Spain (-21.9%). Worst performing were Slovenia (-61.9%), Slovakia (-58%) and Germany (-51.7%). Airports in the UK (-38.2%) finally came closer to the EU+ area average while those in France (-29.5%) outperformed it. In the rest of Europe, the Russian war against Ukraine resulted in passenger traffic significantly deteriorating in March to -32.9%, down from -23.8% in January (Q1 at -26.5%). The slump in March came from the loss of all passenger traffic at Ukrainian airports and of most passenger traffic at Moldavian airports (-94.5%), as well as reduced passenger traffic at Russian airports. The latter resulted primarily from the EU and UK air traffic bans, but also from the closure by the Russian government of more than 10 commercial airports in the southern part of that country. While passenger traffic at Russian airports had recovered their pre-pandemic volumes at the start of the year, it went down to an estimated average of -24% in March at those Russian airports remaining in operation. Elsewhere in the non-EU+ area, while passenger traffic also deteriorated at Georgian airports (-38%), it kept improving in all other markets including in Serbia (-21%) and Turkey (-24.5%). Airports in Armenia (+0.4%) achieved a full recovery, while those in Albania (+38.9%) and Kosovo (+15.1%) were way above their pre-pandemic volumes. Olivier Jankovec, director general of ACI Europe, said, The impact of the war staged by Russia in Ukraine on passenger traffic has been contained to these countries and a few others in their immediate vicinity. For airports in the rest of Europe, the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions not just on the continent but also increasingly for intercontinental travel bodes very well for the summer season. The immediate challenge is to manage the sudden surge in traffic given that the pandemic left airports and ground handlers with hugely depleted resources. This now requires re-staffing in what is a very tight labor market across Europe. Whats more, the time required by national security clearance procedures for airport staff combined with training requirements simply make it impossible to adjust overnight. All this, combined with traffic being much more concentrated over peak periods, is putting significant strain on the entire aviation system as we strive to recover, he said. The top five European airports saw passenger traffic improving significantly at -34.5% in March, up from -48.5% in January. Istanbul (-20%) remained the busiest European airport, but London-Heathrow (-35.7%) jumped to second position up from fourth over the preceding month followed by Paris-CDG (-35.2%), Amsterdam-Schiphol (-33.8%) and Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez (-27.5%). In a joint effort to make the web more secure and usable for all, Apple, Google, and Microsoft today announced plans to expand support for a common passwordless sign-in standard created by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium. The new capability will allow websites and apps to offer consistent, secure, and easy passwordless sign-ins to consumers across devices and platforms. Password-only authentication is one of the biggest security problems on the web, and managing so many passwords is cumbersome for consumers, which often leads consumers to reuse the same ones across services. This practice can lead to costly account takeovers, data breaches, and even stolen identities. While password managers and legacy forms of two-factor authentication offer incremental improvements, there has been industry-wide collaboration to create sign-in technology that is more convenient and more secure. The expanded standards-based capabilities will give websites and apps the ability to offer an end-to-end passwordless option. Users will sign in through the same action that they take multiple times each day to unlock their devices, such as a simple verification of their fingerprint or face, or a device PIN. This new approach protects against phishing and sign-in will be radically more secure when compared to passwords and legacy multi-factor technologies such as one-time passcodes sent over SMS. An Expansion of Passwordless Standard Support Hundreds of technology companies and service providers from around the world worked within the FIDO Alliance and W3C to create the passwordless sign-in standards that are already supported in billions of devices and all modern web browsers. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have led development of this expanded set of capabilities and are now building support into their respective platforms. These companies platforms already support FIDO Alliance standards to enable passwordless sign-in on billions of industry-leading devices, but previous implementations require users to sign in to each website or app with each device before they can use passwordless functionality. Todays announcement extends these platform implementations to give users two new capabilities for more seamless and secure passwordless sign-ins: Allow users to automatically access their FIDO sign-in credentials (referred to by some as a passkey) on many of their devices, even new ones, without having to reenroll every account. Enable users to use FIDO authentication on their mobile device to sign in to an app or website on a nearby device, regardless of the OS platform or browser they are running. In addition to facilitating a better user experience, the broad support of this standards-based approach will enable service providers to offer FIDO credentials without needing passwords as an alternative sign-in or account recovery method. These new capabilities are expected to become available across Apple, Google, and Microsoft platforms over the course of the coming year. Kurt Knight, Apples Senior Director of Platform Product Marketing: "Just as we design our products to be intuitive and capable, we also design them to be private and secure. Working with the industry to establish new, more secure sign-in methods that offer better protection and eliminate the vulnerabilities of passwords is central to our commitment to building products that offer maximum security and a transparent user experience all with the goal of keeping users personal information safe." Simpler, stronger authentication is not just FIDO Alliances tagline it also has been a guiding principle for our specifications and deployment guidelines. Ubiquity and usability are critical to seeing multi-factor authentication adopted at scale, and we applaud Apple, Google, and Microsoft for helping make this objective a reality by committing to support this user-friendly innovation in their platforms and products, said Andrew Shikiar, executive director and CMO of the FIDO Alliance. This new capability stands to usher in a new wave of low-friction FIDO implementations alongside the ongoing and growing utilization of security keys giving service providers a full range of options for deploying modern, phishing-resistant authentication. The standards developed by the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium and being led in practice by these innovative companies is the type of forward-leaning thinking that will ultimately keep the American people safer online. I applaud the commitment of our private sector partners to open standards that add flexibility for the service providers and a better user experience for customers, said Jen Easterly, Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. At CISA, we are working to raise the cybersecurity baseline for all Americans. Today is an important milestone in the security journey to encourage built-in security best practices and help us move beyond passwords. Cyber is a team sport, and were pleased to continue our collaboration. This milestone is a testament to the collaborative work being done across the industry to increase protection and eliminate outdated password-based authentication, said Mark Risher, Senior Director of Product Management, Google. For Google, it represents nearly a decade of work weve done alongside FIDO, as part of our continued innovation towards a passwordless future. We look forward to making FIDO-based technology available across Chrome, ChromeOS, Android and other platforms, and encourage app and website developers to adopt it, so people around the world can safely move away from the risk and hassle of passwords. The complete shift to a passwordless world will begin with consumers making it a natural part of their lives. Any viable solution must be safer, easier, and faster than the passwords and legacy multi-factor authentication methods used today, says Alex Simons, Corporate Vice President, Identity Program Management at Microsoft. By working together as a community across platforms, we can at last achieve this vision and make significant progress toward eliminating passwords. We see a bright future for FIDO-based credentials in both consumer and enterprise scenarios and will continue to build support across Microsoft apps and services. Available Resources: White Paper: Multi-Device FIDO Credentials Blog: Charting an Accelerated Path Forward for Passwordless Authentication Adoption The European Union has proposed to ban all oil imports from Russia by the end of the year and remove Russia's biggest bank, Sberbank, from the SWIFT international payments network. Russia is the world's second-biggest crude oil exporter, and last year accounted for about 27% of EU oil imports. The United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia have already banned imports. Speaking on Wednesday, May 4, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the measures would form part of a sixth round of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. "We now propose a ban on Russian oil," she said during a speech to the European Parliament. "Let's be clear: it will not be easy. But we simply have to work on it. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, to maximize pressure on Russia, while minimizing the impact on our own economies." She added that Crude oil supply would be phased out within six months, and imports of refined oil products from Russia by the end of 2022. News of the proposal, which still needs the approval of all EU member states, increased crude oil prices by more than 3.5% to $109 a barrel. EU countries have already agreed to phase out importation of Russian coal but find it hard agreeing to phase out importation of oil despite weeks of talks. Slovakia and Hungary reportedly want to exempted from any ban on Russian energy. "We do not see any plans or guarantees on how a transition could be managed based on the current proposals, and how Hungary's energy security would be guaranteed," Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs posted on Twitter. 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 European Union countries are split on how soon they wind down dependence on Russian energy supplies. While sanctions have been applied to other areas of business, the EU remains heavily reliant on Russian oil and gas. Germany's economic minister said the country would be able to weather a Russian oil ban by the end of 2022, as he appeared to back tougher sanctions. However, Hungary has said it opposes such a move, stating it would not back measures that could endanger supplies. EU ministers met on Monday to discuss how to manage the situation, under intense pressure to reduce the revenue stream supporting President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. There are two main challenges faced by member states - how to pay for Russian energy in a way which doesn't breach or undermine EU sanctions, and also how to source and develop alternative supplies to move away from reliance on Russia. Europe's reliance on Russian energy At a press conference on Monday, the EU's energy policy chief Kadri Simson said Russia halting gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria had strengthened the bloc's will to become independent of Russian fossil fuels. But according to the Centre of Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the EU has imported about 37bn worth of fossil fuels since the conflict began. The two largest importers worldwide were Germany followed by Italy. Energy giant Gazprom stopped gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria last week after those countries refused to comply with Russian demands to switch to payment in roubles, and many other member countries are set to face the same issue around mid-May. Poland and Bulgaria had planned to stop using Russian gas this year and say they can cope with the stoppage, but it has raised fears that other EU countries, including Europe's gas-reliant economic powerhouse Germany, could be next. Ms Simson repeated the European Commission's view on Monday that paying for gas in roubles would be a "violation" of sanctions and "cannot be accepted." She said member states were building up gas storage supplies before winter. Nathan Piper, head of oil and gas research at Investec, told the BBC it was "pretty clear" that the EU wanted to "pivot away" from Russian oil and gas, but added the lack of unity was being caused by the "ability to actually make that happen". Europe gets about 40% of its natural gas from Russia, which is also the bloc's main oil supplier, but some countries are more dependent Russian fossil fuels than others, so sudden supply cuts could have huge economic impact. For example, Germany currently gets about 25% of its oil and 40% of its gas from Russia, Slovakia and Hungary received 96% and 58% respectively of their oil imports from Russia last year, according to the International Energy Agency. Germany's economic minister Robert Habeck said his country had "managed to reach a situation where Germany is able to bear an oil embargo" and was "on course to do the same for gas". "Other countries need a bit more time," he added. Diplomatic sources told the BBC that compromises to a complete bloc ban were being looked at, particularly for countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. 'Finding new oil suppliers easier than gas' Mr Piper said with oil, there were more options to get alternative supplies, compared to gas, which is transported most commonly through pipelines. He added it is also "trickier" for landlocked EU states to find new sources. He also warned while Germany might move to ban oil, switching off its Russian gas - which makes up 40% of its total imports - would "take them years". "Russia could go 'if you want to go after our oil, how about we reduce our gas'," he added. "They could push up the price, reduce the volumes. They have a lot of bargaining power." Elsewhere, energy research institute EWI said Germany should limit gas use now to prepare for the possibility of a future cut-off from Russia. Uniper, one of Germany's biggest energy firms, also warned an EU ban on Russian oil could prompt Russia to halt westward gas flows. Roubles row causing confusion The company said last week it would pay in euros which will be converted into roubles, meeting the Kremlin's demand for all transactions to be made in the Russian currency. "We consider a payment conversion compliant with sanctions law and the Russian decree to be possible," a spokesman told the BBC. Other European energy firms are reportedly preparing to do the same amid concerns about supply cuts. In late March, Russia said "unfriendly countries" would have to start paying for its oil and gas in roubles to prop up its currency after Western allies froze billions of dollars it held in foreign currencies overseas. Under the decree, European importers must pay euros or dollars into an account at Gazprombank, the Swiss-based trading arm of Gazprom, and then convert this into roubles in a second account in Russia. The majority - 97% - of EU companies' gas supply contracts with Gazprom stipulate payment in euros or dollars. Some countries are looking to turn to liquified natural gas (LNG), with the US agreeing to ship an additional 15 billion cubic metres to Europe by the end of the year. The US has already banned Russian oil imports and the UK plans to phase them out by the end of the year. The EU has previously laid out a strategy to make it independent of Russian fossil fuels by 2030, which includes greater use of greener sources of power. Source: BBC 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 Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, has added his voice to calls made by some Ghanaians that Senior High School (SHS) education should not be free for everyone. Prof Aryeetey indicated that Free SHS should be reserved for Ghanaian students whose parents cannot afford to pay their fees, citinewsroom.com reports. According to him, the government targeting the policy's beneficiaries would allow it to save some funds that can be used to improve the quantity of education in the country's public SHS'. "I believe strongly that we need to target people, and the most appropriate way is by means-testing. Means testing by the government will reduce the cost of tuition to the government, and the monies saved, channelled to improving the facilities and providing quality service. We have to find ways of pursuing what best works in our environment. Instead of making SHSs free, why don't we make some free and others payable. "With that, parents get to make a decision based on their strength. Even with the schools that are not free, scholarship opportunities could be created to allow people who are not financially strong to compete for them. That way, we can drag everyone along, poor or rich," Prof Aryeetey is quoted to have said at a Leadership Dialogue Series by the Centre of Social Justice. Several stakeholders, including Prof Stephen Adei, have called for a review of the Free SHS policy to allow parents who can afford to pay fees for their wards to help reduce the burden on the government, which is currently facing revenue mobilisation challenges. However, the government is adamant about these calls and has insisted on implementing the policy despite all the challenges it is having financing it. 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 Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) has been adjudged the overall best Agency under the Ministry of Education for the 2021 performance year and presented with a citation. The award follows outstanding achievement as the best performed Agency in the implementation of roadmap in line with the 2021 performance agreement. A statement from the Ministry copied to the Ghana News Agency said the: Commission beats 12 other Agencies under the Education Ministry in an annual evaluation exercise conducted by a team of consultants led by Professor Jophus Anamoah Mensah, an astute educationist. The National Teaching Council and Student Loans Trust placed second and third respectively and were also presented with citations. Speaking at the annual performance contract signing meeting in Accra, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, commended the award winners for their dedication and hard work leading to the feat. He urged agencies that did not win to put in more efforts towards the attainment of laurels in subsequent evaluation exercises. Dr Adutwum urged the staff, management and board members of the various agencies to be innovative in all their activities to come out with new ideas to improve their performances. Dr Fred Yamoah Kyei, the Director-General of CTVET, thanked the Minister for the award and pledged the readiness of the Commission to do more. He said the Commission had put in place measures to ensure that there was a deep relationship between the TVET institutes and industry so that students could be allowed to embark on scheduled industrial attachment to enhance their training. Dr Kyei said with the regularisation of industrial attachment, students would be able to acquire a first-hand experience required by industry before they completed their training to cut high cost of money involved in retraining by employers. 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 Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, has said the government is mobilising the requisite resources to equip Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-based schools for effective academic work. The agenda is to make sure that those schools functioned as expected to build the skills and expertise of the students in those disciplines for productive lives. According to the Minister, not only does STEM provide a new way of thinking and learning to students, but it also builds their creative and innovative acumen toward national development. Dr Adutwum was addressing students of the Bosomtwe Girls STEM Senior High School (SHS), at Deduako near Kuntenase in the Ashanti Region, after the officials of Huawei Technologies (Ghana) S.A. Limited, donated some educational materials to the school. The items included 20 laptops, one projector and notebooks, and were meant to aid academic work. The Education Minister said one of the greatest educational initiatives to be embarked on by the Nana Akufo-Addo-led Administration was the construction of STEM schools at the basic and second-cycle levels across the country. This was being done purposely to churn out a new breed of self-motivated youth with the requisite knowledge in the sciences for accelerated growth. Dr Adutwum advised beneficiary students of the STEM schools to study hard to realise their academic goals. They should avoid behaviours and practices that had the tendency to jeopardise their future since a lot of resources had gone into their education, the Minister observed. Ms Jennie Zhou, Director of Public Relations, Huawei Technologies (Ghana) S.A. Limited, said the company was happy to be associated with Ghanas efforts to transform its human resource base through technical and vocational education and training. The company, she said, had resolved to provide computers and other educational materials to help the STEM schools achieve their goals. 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 group of more than 100,000 Kenyans from the Talai clan has written to Prince William to seek an apology, and his support for reparations for human rights abuses they say they suffered during the British colonial settlement. The letter, a copy of which the BBC has seen, says the British government has declined to engage with the clan's representatives and they're therefore reaching out to the prince "because Kenya is special to him". A request for comment has been sent to both the Royal Family and the British Foreign Office. The Talai says the British government has declined to recognise the suffering of its members during the colonial era. A UN inquiry determined last year that gross human rights violations were committed particularly against the clan, including unlawful killing, sexual violence, torture, and arbitrary detention and displacement. Five UN Special Rapporteurs then wrote to the British government regarding public apologies, reparations and remedies. In response, the UK said it had already issued a public apology and settlement in 2013 of claims made by Kenyans who lived through the emergency period and the Mau Mau insurgency, from 1952 to 1963 when Kenya gained independence. Source: BBC 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 world's only nonuplets - nine babies born at the same time - are "in perfect health" as they celebrate their first birthday, their father has told the BBC. "They're all crawling now. Some are sitting up and can even walk if they hold on to something," said Abdelkader Arby, an officer in the Malian army. They are still in the care of the clinic in Morocco where they were born. He said their mother Halima Cisse, 26, was also doing well. "It's not easy but it's great. Even if it's tiring at times, when you look at all the babies in perfect health, [in a line] from right to left we're relieved. We forget everything," he told BBC Afrique. He has just returned to Morocco for the first time in six months, along with their elder daughter, Souda, aged three. "I'm overwhelmed to be reunited with all my family - my wife, the children and me." They will just have a small birthday celebration with the nurses and a few people from their apartment building, Mr Arby said. "Nothing is better than the first year. We will remember this great moment we are going to experience." The babies broke the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered in a single birth to survive. Ahead of the birth on 4 May 2021, Mrs Cisse was flown to Morocco by the Malian government for specialist care. Multiple births are risky and mothers with more than four foetuses at a time are advised to terminate some in countries where abortion is legal. There are also risks the babies could develop health problems due to their premature birth, such as sepsis and cerebral palsy. Mrs Cisse and the children are currently living in what their father described as a "medicalised flat" that belongs to the owners of the Ain Borja clinic in Casablanca where the babies were born. "There are nurses who are here, in addition to my wife, who helps to take care of the children," Mr Arby said. "The clinic has given them a menu which says what to give them to eat at all times - night and day," he continued. The babies - five girls and four boys - were born at 30 weeks according to Mali's health minister, Fanta Siby. They weighed between 500g and 1kg (1.1lb and 2.2lb), Professor Youssef Alaoui, medical director of the Ain Borja clinic told the AFP news agency at the time of birth. They were delivered by Caesarean section. Their boys are called Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, while the girls are named Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama and Oumou. Each one has a unique personality, their father said. "They all have different characters. Some are quiet, while other make more noise and cry a lot. Some want to be picked up all the time. They are all very different, which is entirely normal." Mr Arby also thanked the Malian government for its help. "The Malian state has put everything in place for the care and treatment of the nine babies and their mother. It's not at all easy, but it's beautiful and something that is comforting," he said. They have not yet been to Mali, but they are already very popular in the country, their father said. "Everyone is very keen to see the babies with their own eyes - their family, friends, our home village, the whole country." He also has a message for couples trying to have children: "I hope God blesses everyone who doesn't yet have children - that they can have what we, the parents of nonuplets currently have. It's beautiful, a real treasure." Source: BBC 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 Senegal's President Macky Sall has said he plans to regulate social media in the West African nation, describing it as "a real cancer of modern societies". No organized society can accept what is happening here today. We are going to put an end to it, one way or another, local media quoted him as saying. Political tensions during local elections in January led to fears of widespread violence via online mobilisation. This followed the case last year of main opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was accused of rape. His arrest led to rare mass anti-government protests in which at least 13 people were killed and several others injured. Journalists also spoke out about receiving online and physical abuse for reporting the rape allegations. There are fears that legal measures could be used to crack down on youths using social media to mobilize demonstrations against Mr Sall's administration. Source: BBC 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 government has welcomed the 2022 Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders in which Ghana has significantly dropped from 30 to 60 in the global ranking and stated that the report will serve as a baseline for which the government will work in collaboration with the National Media Commission (NMC) to help deepen the execution of a Coordinated Mechanism on the safety of journalists in Ghana. Acknowledging that the change in the methodology for 2022 as explained by the publishers of the report may have contributed in the drop for Ghana, the government said it will collaborate with stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in deepening education for State and non-State actors on the safety of journalists. It said it will also help address the concern of Reporters Without Borders about the poor economic conditions of most journalists in the country, and that it will continue engagements with media associations including media owners to improve the working and economic conditions of journalists. "Collaborate with stakeholders in the fight against disinformation and spread of fake news," is also another initiative the government has said it will undertake. Caution However, it said despite the caution from the publishers of the report that "care should be taken when comparing the 2022 rankings and scores with those from 2021 in light of this new methodology," some analysts are overlooking it. A statement signed and issued by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Wednesday night [May 4, 2022] in reaction to the report said "the government of Ghana in pursuance of its desire to continuously promote press freedom and the safety of journalists, intends to do" more to promote press freedom in Ghana. It said it is important to emphasize that "the change in methodology significantly accounted for the drop in ranking for a number of countries including the Netherlands that dropped from 5th (2021) to 28 (2022) in global ranking." "Due to this development, four (4) of the countries (Netherlands, Jamaica, Switzerland and New Zealand) that ranked top ten (10) in 2021 significantly dropped in ranking, slumping out of the top ten (10) in the year under review," it added. It is worthy of note that Ghana's dip in ranking was largely influenced by two of the new parameters, namely, the Economic Context and Safety of Journalists where the country scored 47.22% and 62.25% respectively, the government said. It said Ghana comparatively performed better in guaranteeing safety of journalists (62.25%) juxtaposed to economic factors that influence media work (47.22%) underpinned by poor salaries for journalists and the lack of financial sustainability of some media houses, making a number of them economically less viable. On the safety of journalists, it is imperative to note that an activity that may feed into the assessment of press freedom includes actions by non-State actors. It is also striking that the new report took into consideration the effect of opinion media, propaganda, disinformation and fake news and their adverse impact on press freedom ranking for affected countries. This is as a result of growing political and social tensions leading to information distortions and the publication of false news, particularly across social media platforms, it added. Baseline for future assessment Some analysts and senior researchers have suggested that the 2022 RFS report on press freedom should rather serve as a baseline for assessing media freedom in subsequent years given the change in methodology. The 2022 report was developed with a new methodology by RSE, which considers; Legal Framework and Justice System, Technological Censorship and Surveillance, Disinformation and Propaganda, Arbitrary Detentions and Proceedings, Independence and Pluralism, Models and Good Practices, Media Sustainability, and Violence Against Journalists. Scores and Ranking According to the five (5) parameters assessed under the new methodology, Ghana scored appreciably high in the following; Legal Framework (81.42%) and Socio-cultural Context (79.64%) Ghana also recorded above average and moderately high scores for Political Context (66.61%) and Safety of Journalists (62.25%). The only parameter in which Ghana performed below average was Economic Context (47.22%). This refers to the economic conditions of journalists on one hand and financial sustainability of media houses. Ghana's scores under these parameters culminated in an average score of 67.43%and 60th position on the new global ranking. GJA's reaction Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has said it did not expect Ghana's "precipitous" decline on the World Press Freedom index even in the existence of a "confluence of anti-media" factors. At an event to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Accra Wednesday (May 4, 2022), the outgoing President of the GJA, Roland Affail Monney speaking on behalf of the GJA noted that the ranking does not sentence Ghana to an irreversible situation, and called for the passage of the Broadcasting Bill to address challenges pertaining to the ownership of media. He described Ghanas latest ranking on the World Press Freedom Index as "depressing enough to effect dramatic mood swings from one of celebration to that of lamentation". "Indeed, a drop in ranking had been anticipated due to a confluence of anti-media factors. But never did we expect the drop to be so precipitous- 3rd in Africa to 10th, and 30th in the world to 60th, a 100 per cent decline," Mr Monney said. Mr Monney suggested that "arrests and reckless attacks and animalistic disregard for the rights of a number of journalists in the line of duty" had resulted in a sharp deterioration of the safety of journalists in the country. Below is a copy of the full statement STATEMENT ON RFS PRESS FREEDOM INDEX Background The Government of Ghana takes note of the 2022 world press freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It is our understanding that the 2022 report was developed with a new methodology by RSE, which considers the following broad areas; Legal Framework and Justice System Technological Censorship and Surveillance Disinformation and Propaganda Arbitrary Detentions and Proceedings Independence and Pluralism Models and Good Practices Media Sustainability, and Violence Against Journalists The report was also impacted by unregulated online media spaces that served as conduits for spreading fake news and disinformation, a situation that was exacerbated by social media endorsements. The report further indicates that advent of opinion media and propaganda, coupled with ownership of traditional media houses by politicians (30%) partly accounted for this new ranking. Methodology and Caution It is instructive to note that the new methodology deployed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for the 2022 ranking relied primarily on five (5) parameters; these are Media Landscape Political Context Legal Framework Economic Context, and Safety of journalists. On the matter of comparing the 2022 rankings to the 2021 rankings, the authors caution that "care should be taken when comparing the 2022 rankings and scores with those from 2021 in light of this new methodology? Some analysts and senior researchers have suggested that the 2022 RFS report on press freedom should rather serve as a baseline for assessing media freedom in subsequent years given the change in methodology. Scores and Ranking According to the five (5) parameters assessed under the new methodology, Ghana scored appreciably high in the following; Legal Framework (81.42%) and Socio-cultural Context (79.64%) Ghana also recorded above average and moderately high scores for Political Context (66.61%) and Safety of Journalists (62.25%). The only parameter in which Ghana performed below average was Economic Context (47.22%). This refers to the economic conditions of journalists on one hand and financial sustainability of media houses. Ghana's scores under these parameters culminated in an average score of 67.43%and 60th position on the new global ranking. Analysis It is important to emphasize that the change in methodology significantly accounted for the drop in ranking for a number of countries including the Netherlands that dropped from 5th (2021) to 28 (2022) in global ranking. Due to this development, four (4) of the countries (Netherlands, Jamaica, Switzerland and New Zealand) that ranked top ten (10) in 2021 significantly dropped in ranking, slumping out of the top ten (10) in the year under review. It is worthy of note that Ghana's dip in ranking was largely influenced by two of the new parameters, namely, the Economic Context and Safety of Journalists where the country scored 47.22% and 62.25% respectively. The country comparatively performed better in guaranteeing safety of journalists (62.25%) juxtaposed to economic factors that influence media work (47.22%) underpinned by poor salaries for journalists and the lack of financial sustainability of some media houses, making a number of them economically less viable. On the safety of journalists, it is imperative to note that an activity that may feed into the assessment of press freedom includes actions by non-State actors. It is also striking that the new report took into consideration the effect of opinion media, propaganda, disinformation and fake news and their adverse impact on press freedom ranking for affected countries. This is as a result of growing political and social tensions leading to information distortions and the publication of false news, particularly across social media platforms. Positive Highlights from the RFS Report Ghana performed creditably well in three (3) of the five (5) parameters under the new methodology, namely, Political Context, Legal Framework and Social Context. Ghana scored 66%, 81% and 79% in that order. It is worthy of note that this rather significant performance amidst a general downgrade is largely due to initiatives such as the passage of the Right to Information Act, the Coordinated Mechanism on Safety of Journalists and the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme. Negative Highlights from the RFS Report Ghana's performance on safety of journalists leaves room for improvement. Ghana's performance on Economic Context is very poor and must equally be reserved, The Way Forward Despite the caution from the publishers of the report that "care should be taken when comparing the 2022 rankings and scores with those from 2021 in light of this new methodology" the Government of Ghana in pursuance of its desire to continuously promote press freedom and the safety of journalists, intends to do the under-listed; Work in collaboration with the National Media Commission to deepen the execution of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists. Collaborate with stakeholders including Civil Society Organisations in deepening education for State and non-State actors on the safety of journalists To address the RFS' concern about the poor economic conditions of most journalists in the country, government continue engagements with media associations including media owners to improve the working and economic conditions of journalists. Collaborate with stakeholders in the fight against disinformation and spread of fake news. Conclusion Ghana's democracy is a work in progress. Overall therefore, government welcomes the RSF report as a baseline reference document against which press freedom in our country may be gauged in the coming years. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it did not anticipate the countrys huge decline on the World Press Freedom Index, even in a "confluence of anti-media" factors. At a forum to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Accra yesterday, the outgoing President of the GJA, Roland Affail Monney, noted that the ranking did not sentence Ghana to an irreversible situation and called for the passage of the Broadcasting Bill to address challenges pertaining to the ownership of media. "Indeed, a drop in ranking had been anticipated due to a confluence of anti-media factors. But never did we expect the drop to be so precipitous - from third in Africa to 10th, and 30th in the world to 60th, a 100 per cent decline," Mr Monney said. He described the countrys latest ranking on the index as "depressing enough to effect dramatic mood swings from one of celebration to that of lamentation". World Press Freedom Day May 3, each year is observed as World Press Freedom Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press, as well as mark the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek in 1991. The day is commemorated to also remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression, enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This years commemoration was on the theme: Journalism Under Digital Siege. Flag raising In Ghana, the event was marked with a flag-raising ceremony at the Ghana International Press Centre. Mr Money suggested that "arrests and reckless attacks and the animalistic disregard for the rights of a number of journalists in the line of duty" had resulted in a sharp deterioration of the safety of journalists in the country, stressing that the GJA was also losing hope in the police with regard to the resolution of unresolved cases of brutalities against journalists. "Death threats rained on investigative journalists also went uninvestigated, let alone punished, while law enforcement officers who were supposed to protect journalists rather brutalised them," he said. In an address read on his behalf, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the government was putting in the necessary steps, including taking inputs from technocrats and industry experts, to facilitate the passage of the Broadcasting Bill, which will regulate the content space and potentially reduce the attacks that endanger journalists and journalism. That, he explained, was to be in sync with the theme for this years commemoration, which was intended to highlight the multiple ways in which surveillance and digitally mediated attacks endangered journalists and journalism. The Information Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf by a Deputy Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, said the intervention would be done with tact, in order not to create a situation where it became a tool for successive governments to use to stifle media freedoms and freedom of expression. They are fundamental human rights guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution of the Republic and which rights, though can be effected by laws, must be done carefully in a manner that we dont create rules used as an opportunity to stifle those freedoms. The key issues in the past year that have contributed to Ghanas recent critique are matters that require some more engagement of security agencies and the general public, he emphasised. Not governments doing Attacks by some youth of Ada on a radio station, Mr Nkrumah noted, and acts of some overzealous policemen in handling some cases of journalists suspected to be involved in crimes, are not the doing of the government. Government, however, acknowledging that these events negatively affect Ghanas ranking, has instituted the coordinated mechanism for the safety of journalists run by the National Media Commission (NMC), so that some of these issues can be addressed. Through this mechanism, more education is being made available to agencies and the public to desist from such acts, he emphasised. Effective Digitalisation The Chairman of the NMC, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, called on members of the media fraternity not to allow digitalisation to dictate to them in the discharge of their duties. He said although digitalisation was to serve the interest of humanity and make it more efficient, that did not mean that effectiveness should be sacrificed for efficiency. We are not to be under the influence of digitalisation. Digitalisation is to serve the interest of human beings and make us reach out better, faster, more efficient in a way, but that does not mean that we must sacrifice effectiveness for efficiency, Mr Ayeboafoh said. Monitoring The UNESCO Representative in Ghana, Abdourahamane Diallo, said UNESCO was working with the NMC on the national monitoring mechanism on the safety of journalists, intimating that we will continue to fine-tune it until it serves the needs of all journalists. We must acknowledge that there are gaps in the practice of journalists, he said. In a solidarity message, the President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Cecil Sunkwa Mills, said the challenges journalists faced on a daily basis in the pursuit of stories, their safety concerns and the growing stacks on free speech, freedom of expression and press freedom were inalienable human rights, as stipulated in Article 21(a) of the Constitution. A representative of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Muheed Saeed, expressed the hope that in the coming years, the country would see a more vibrant and insightful media that would serve their communities and anchor Ghanas democracy. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, Nicole Chulick, said a safe, free, professional and responsible media supported democratic principles. The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said a free press was an essential element of a functioning democracy and a free society. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Nigerias president, Muhammadu Buhari says hes shocked to learn that a military officer and his female partner were shot dead and then beheaded in the southeast of the country. Mr Buhari has ordered that the perpetrators of the barbaric crime be brought to justice. The authorities have accused a separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, for killing the couple as they travelled for their wedding last weekend. The group has denied their involvement. Gunmen in southeast Nigeria have recently stepped up their attacks mostly targeting the security forces. Source: BBC 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 There was a scare on Wednesday in Kinyana village in Meru county, central Kenya, after villagers believed there was a lion hiding in a flower hedge. The supposed lion was spotted by a farm hand at a homestead who raised the alarm. The authorities were notified and wildlife wardens summoned. It turns out the feared big cat was a picture of a lion printed on a plastic shopping bag. Pictures of it have been doing the rounds on social media: Funniest story! Apparently, the good people of Mutiribu, in Kiangua, Meru called @kwskenya called on the spotting of a lion hiding in the hedges, fearful for their lives. Turned out to be a @CarrefourKe paperbag! Punguzeni jaba!! pic.twitter.com/3KEbk8P7A7 Naomi Mutua (@AKenyanGirl) May 5, 2022 The area chief, Cyrus Mbijiwe, told the BBC that the owner of the homestead had last week returned with avocado seedlings in the plastic bag after attending a farmer training session in Muranga town, about 140km (87miles) away. On arrival, she decided to place the seedlings "in a place where they wouldnt dry up" and ended up placing the bag between her house and a flower hedge. On Wednesday afternoon, the farmhand who was returning from cutting grass for livestock noticed what he believed looked like a lion and raised the alarm. The homestead is about a kilometre from the Mount Kenya National Park. Residents came to see what was happening. Many were convinced it was a lion because you couldnt go near. I also arrived and saw what looked like a lion although I had doubts, Mr Mbijiwe said. The homeowner was called and she explained details of the shopping bag and its content - to the relief of the gathered villagers The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed that its wardens were deployed to the homestead and said it will issue a detailed statement later. Source: BBC 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 An evangelist is in trouble after telling people he knows of a gate leading to heaven from southwestern Nigeria that he can show them - for a fee. Pastor Ade Abraham was reported to police by one of his followers, who said the pastor had charged him 310,000 naira ($750; 600) to see the supposed site in Araromi-Ugbeshi town, Ekiti state. The cleric admitted to the BBC that he had made the statement about heaven's gate, saying it was "the God he serves" who revealed it to him to try the faith of his church members, but says he has not received any payment. The Christian Association of Nigeria has released a statement disowning Pastor Ade Abraham, and Ekiti state police have collected written statements from members of his church and launched an investigation. Pastor Ade Abraham's church was originally based in Kogi state then Kaduna state, before moving southwards with his followers to a camp he built in Ekiti state. The parishioner who reported him to the police has since moved back home to Kaduna state but his wife refused to join him, saying the "rapture" was coming soon. But the couple, who do not wish to be named, told the BBC they speak to each other on the phone every day. Pastor Ade, also known as Noah Abraham, recently went viral with a video in which he asked worshippers to tell their relatives living overseas to contribute money to his church. Source: BBC 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 Founder and General Overseer of the United Denomination Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, has described his first child as a very special person whose absence has left us in deep sorrow with a gap not easy to fill. Captured in his tribute to his late son, the evangelist, who spoke about how proud he was of Dr David Heward-Mills, said his pride was so high that he had even saved his contact on his phone as David the psychiatrist. The popular evangelist also used his tribute to ask his late son for forgiveness for any wrongs he may have done him. I was always touched when I saw that your WhatsApp status was continually a picture of me laying hands on you when you were a child. I thank you for supporting my evangelistic ministry, Healing Jesus Campaign every month with your tithe. Please forgive me for anything I didnt say or do right as your father, portions of his tribute read. Bishop Dag further described his late son as a fun, jovial person who got on well with everybody. You were my expert on the Ukraine-Russia war because you had lived in Ukraine for so many years. I looked forward to you getting married, we discussed who you should marry on our last phone call. We will miss your presence; always making fun, always joking, always laughing and fooling with all the other children on the many family holidays we had together, he added. Here is a snapshot of the full tribute by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills 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 video shared on Twitter shows the moment the vehicle involved in the horrific accident at Labone Junction on Monday, May 2, 2022, crushed injuring at least four people according to reports. The video which displays excerpts of a surveillance camera shows a blue-black vehicle suddenly somersaulting at least five times into the inner pavement of the road. The impact of the crushed caused the bonnet and other parts of the vehicle to be dismantled. Also, two occupants of the vehicle were could be seen being thrown out of the car as it was somersaulting. A report by Citinewsroom.com indicated that the four people were in the vehicle that crashed and they are in the hospital receiving treatment. The Ghana Police Service has also said that the victims who include a woman and three male companions are in critical condition. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the vehicle was speeding and an attempt to stop the car caused it to flip. Around 6:30 this morning, I saw a Range Rover rush past us, I wondered where it was off to with such speed. In no time, I heard screaming from the back. The car had run into a billboard and somersaulted thrice. The four occupants of the car fell off. I drew closer and to my surprise, I knew one of the passengers. I quickly sought help. I saw a military car approaching and I begged the servicemen for help, an eyewitness is quoted to have told citinewsroom.com. Watch the horrific accident below: Screen record am make we see The Happy MC (@Eddy_Acquah) May 4, 2022 0 seconds of 1 hour, 2 minutes, 16 secondsVolume 100% 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 Russia has accused Ukrainian troops of practicing 'black magic' at a military headquarters in Ukraine so as to increase the damage felt by Russian troops. According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, a 'satanic seal' - a symbol believed to hold connections to a greater supernatural power - was found on the wall of a deserted Ukrainian military base on the outskirts of the village of Trekhizbenka in the contested Luhansk region. The state media then claimed that the satanic seal, as well as other markings made with blood, showed there were signs Ukrainian soldiers were 'practicing black magic'. The news agency claims 'disciples of otherworldly forces tried to consecrate their weapons and made marks with blood' so as to give their armoury extra energy to deal extra damage when it hits a target. On the tv channel on Wednesday, May 4, Russian culturologist and philosopher Ekaterina Dais claimed the symbol which was spray painted with black ink - was a 'magical seal of the dark forces' that combines the ideas of anarchy, weapons and fascist symbols. She claimed the creators of the symbol 'performed rituals' to strengthen their weapons or asked supernatural powers for weapons to be sent to them. 'This is a magical symbol consisting of many intersecting lines,' Dais said in reference to the black symbol. 'What it means is difficult to say for sure, in it you can see both the inverted sign of anarchy, and part of the 'SS' sign, the rune zig, it is clearly visible in the left sector of the circle, and the Hebrew letter 'zain' written in German, meaning a sword or weapon.' Dais claimed that the seal had been drawn without the creator lifting a hand, which apparently 'betrays its supernatural nature'. She said the 'Zain' written underneath the symbol means 'sword' in Biblical Hebrew. 'Perhaps the spell's authors performed rituals to strengthen weapons or 'asked' for more weapons to be sent to them,' said Dais. 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 Dean of Students at the Entrance University College of Health Sciences, Dr Barima Afrane, has urged all Medicine Counter Assistants not to relent in acquiring further knowledge in their field of discipline. He said they should constantly keep learning, researching and pursuing knowledge to ensure that they were on top of affairs in the discipline. Dr Afrane said this at the second graduation ceremony of the Towbin Pharmaceuticals Training Institute (TPTI) in Accra. The ceremony was on the theme: "The role of MCA after COVID-19 pandemic" and saw 75 students, who had successfully completed the six months course, passed the requisite examinations and certified by the Pharmacy Council graduate to become certified MCAs. Dr Afrane stressed the importance of dynamism, humility and honesty at the workplace, adding that "available jobs are looking for those who are dynamic and self-motivated." Passion The Deputy Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, in charge of Professional Development, Albert Wiredu Arkoh, said the profession had a lot of prospects and urged graduands to make the most out of it. Citing a lady who started as a pharmacy shop assistant and had furthered her education to become a fully-fledged pharmacist, he advised them not to settle at where they had reached but to aim higher. "This is not the end of the road, you have something to focus on," Mr Arkoh said, adding that they should have love and passion for the work in order to succeed. TPTI The Administrator of the TPTI, Isaac Kwabena Opare Yeboah, said the institute started operations in February 2020 and graduated the first batch in November last year. The institute was established to impart knowledge for service, achieve the highest standards in Pharmacy practice and promote public health and safety in the country, he added. Students, he said, had been equipped with the necessary skills and training for a health expert, adding that they were given the opportunity to witness at firsthand how medicines were produced. The institute pledged to expand and open colleges in all regions of the country, Mr Opare added. Not easy The valedictorian of the graduating class, Rita Obeng Adjei, in her address, expressed gratitude to all tutors and family who had contributed to their lives. She added that although the journey was tough, with determination, they had been able to come out successfully. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged firefighters across the country to take the necessary steps to foster good relationships with people within their catchment areas to prevent attacks on firefighters. In a message to mark International Firefighters Day (IFFD), which is commemorated on May 4, the Chief Fire Officer, Julius Kuunuor, indicated that reports of mob attacks on firefighters had come to their notice and had since been a source of worry to the council and the management. He said management of the service condemned such acts in their entirety and instituted steps to delve deeper into specific cases to find a lasting solution to them. Personnel should take the necessary measures to foster a good rapport between the service and the indigenes within their catchment areas to prevent some of these attacks, he advised. Firefighters contributions On the IFFD, Mr Kuunuor said the day was set aside to highlight and appreciate the immense contributions and selfless sacrifices made by firefighters globally. He commended firefighters for their tireless and resilient efforts in saving lives and properties from the ravages of fire and other life-threatening situations. He noted the Appiatse explosion in the Prestea Huni Valley District in the Western Region on Thursday, January 20, 2022, as one of such incidents in which the heroic actions of firefighters were on full display. He said the incident also brought to the fore the risk firefighters had to take to keep others safe, even at the peril of their lives. Fellow firefighters, in spite of our impressive achievements, we have not been spared some challenges in relation to our mandate. I wish to assure you of the commitment and efforts being made by the government to address them, he added. Work to achieve objectives He paid respect to firefighters who had lost their lives in the course of duty. The GNFS has had to particularly grapple with the loss of one of our own, ADOII Joseph Baidoo of the Agona Swedru Fire Station, a gallant fireman who simply responded to a call to duty but, in the process of saving others, gave up his life. Fellow firefighters, the fatal accident that involved five of our men while responding to a fire call on the Kwame Danso-Atebubu road was most regrettable. Thankfully, the quick and timely response from the sector minister, the Fire Service Council and the management ensured that the casualties were flown to Accra for appropriate medical attention and all our firefighters are currently in good health, he added. Mr Kuunuor urged firefighters not to rest on their laurels but work harder to achieve the aim of the service to educate, save lives and protect properties. Fatal incidents In October last year, a Fire Officer, ADOII Joseph Aidoo with the Agona Swedru Fire Service, lost his life in an attempt to save three persons who were drowning in a well at Gomoa Obuasi in the Central Region. The three were later removed from the well and treated at the Agona Swedru Hospital. Also in 2010, a Deputy Group Officer (DGO), Hannah Yawson, fell from the fifth floor of the Cedi House during a simulation fire rescue exercise. After undertaking three successful rescue operations during the simulation exercise, it was the turn of DGO Yawson to be rescued from the 5th floor of the building, but disaster struck in the course of the operation when the rope tied to the chair snapped, leading to her fall. She is said to have trained firemen on the use of a line (rope) for rescue operations for the past 12 years. International Firefighters Day The IFFD is commemorated on May 4, each year to remember firefighters who died while serving communities or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of people. It is also a day to show support and appreciation to firefighters worldwide by wearing blue and red ribbons. The IFFD blue and red ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with red for fire and blue for water. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Social commentator, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has advised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to begin reshuffling his government officials. Speaking on Peace FM's morning programme "Kokrokoo", Allotey Jacobs wondered why the President's appointees are comfortably sitting in their offices while the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) deceive Ghanaians. His comment comes after recent statements by former President John Mahama about President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration. Mr. Mahama was of a strong opinion that President Nana Addo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) have failed Ghanaians. On the economic front, Nana AKufo Addo and the NPP pledged to transform Ghana within 18 months, grow our economy at double digit, reduce borrowing, ensure fiscal discipline, bring down the cost of living, lower taxes and protect the public purse. They promised also to move Ghana from taxation to production. In effect, none of these has been achieved. Instead, Ghanaians have been subjected to excruciating hardship and deprivation, resulting directly from the mismanagement of the economy by a government that lacks the humility to accept responsibility and the capacity to appropriately diagnose the root causes of the challenges that have brought us here, Mr. Mahama said at a public lecture on the theme "Ghana at a Crossroads" held at the Kempinski Hotel on Monday, May 2, 2022. Mentioning one of the repressive policies by the Akufo-Addo government which, to the former President, is the E-Levy, he pledged to repeal it if he makes a return to government in 2025. "A new National Democratic Congress government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana in 2025 will repeal the E-Levy Act. Even as this government remains fixated with taxing their way out of economic mismanagement, the Akufo-Addo government has been wasteful. They have failed to demonstrate prudence in public financial management. The people of Ghana cannot be called upon to pay more taxes only for the accruing money belonging to the people of Ghana, to be dubiously and wastefully shared among family and friends through various fraudulent procurement practices." Allotey Jacobs blames the government officials for allowing Mahama and his NDC to pull the wool over Ghanaian's eyes. To him, the appointees are not doing much to counter the statements by the Ex-President and members of the opposition National Democratic Congress. He therefore called on them to step out of their offices to preach the good works of the President. "There should be a change in our political administration, especially as with regards to appointees. We cannot always be sitting in the comfort of our offices. The government appointees must know that those who voted for their party, majority of them are not as educated as they are. So, the way and manner you came down and talked with them to vote for your party is the same way you should come down to talk to them when you get the power, and that is what political parties or parties in government are lacking. Don't sit in the comfort of your offices," he said, adding that "the President must do a reshuffle". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minority in Parliament has expressed satisfaction with the performance of its legal team in an application for an interlocutory injunction against the implementation of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). The case filed at the Supreme Court by three Members of Parliament from the minority side MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga and MP for North Tongu, Okudzeto Ablakwa, was on Wednesday, May 4, dismissed by a unanimous decision. Despite the dismissal, the minority is satisfied that the lawyers have been able to cause the court to direct the GRA to keep accurate records of all the E-Levy transactions until the substantive matter is determined. But what is refreshing and heartwarming today is the second part of the ruling which gives directives to the Ghana Revenue Authority to preserve and keep the money. At least some people will not be in a hurry to collateralized the money until the matter is determined. For us, we raised this matter because it is of public interest significance, its of constitutional significance and we think that well pursue it to its logical conclusion, so were very happy with the performance of our lawyers, Minority Leader and MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu told the press. Meanwhile, the Attorney General, Godfred Dame has said the applicants failed to prove that there were irregularities in the approval of the e-levy by Parliament, the reason for the dismissal of the case. He said there were no irregularities in the approval as available records in Parliament indicated that there were the required number of MPs present when the House endorsed the e-levy. You do not go to court with speculations and conjecture, you go to court on firm evidence.The applicants were unable to demonstrate any form of irregularity, he told journalists in Accra after the Supreme Court dismissed the application against the e-levy. Source: 3news.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 The Fixing The Country Movement has reacted to some issues raised by former President John Mahama in his 'Ghana at the crossroads' address. According to the group, the "so-called" address "was such a surreal mix of myth and fantasy". Addressing the media on Wednesday, Ernest Owusu Bempah said, "it is utterly shameful for Mr. Mahama to try to compare his 'failed' administration to the Akufo-Addos". "We are not really surprised by Mahamas callous attempts to try and take a positive credit out of the current global economic crisis, and post-pandemic political-economic vulnerabilities, and attempt to present himself as a credible alternative. He's obviously looking for endorsement within the NDC as a result of the looming tsunami of leadership struggle within the NDC. "However, for John Mahama to hold a public lecture to boast about his governance prowess when we all know what he dished out for four years as president says a lot about his split personality. The simple truth is, Mahama has just exposed himself to public ridicule," a part of the statement said. Below is the full statement Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the media, we are compelled to assemble you here once again to do justice to some pertinent issues with regards to former President John Mahama's so-called Ghana at crossroad lecture held at Kempinski Hotel on Monday 2 May 2022. The Kempinski event which seeks to draw light on the supposed crossroad that the country currently stands actually exposed Mahamas nakedness. Indeed, Mr Mahama succeeded in dancing naked in front of the intelligent public by the swipe he took at the Akufo-Addo government on what he termed as the politicisation of independent state institutions and the dismissal of those who dared to ensure what is right. Even the attacks on President Akufo-Addo's economic policies was such a surreal mix of myth and fantasy. Mr Mahama practically gaslighted himself and sounds terribly in touch with his self-serving inner self. He just plonked another dead cat in front of the public to get outraged about. Hear him; President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Head of the Economic Management Team, rather appallingly, remain nonchalant in the face of this serious crisis and have limited their response to the imposition of very harsh and regressive tax measures, one of which is the E-Levy, which has been roundly rejected by the people of Ghana. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, how utterly shameful for Mr Mahama to try to compare his 'failed' administration to the Akufo-Addo one? We are not really surprised by Mahamas callous attempts to try and take a positive credit out of the current global economic crisis, and post pandemic political-economic vulnerabilities, and attempt to present himself as a credible alternative. He's obviously looking for endorsement within the NDC as a result of the looming tsunami of leadership struggle within the NDC. However, for John Mahama to hold a public lecture to boast about his governance prowess when we all know what he dished out for four years as president says a lot about his split personality. The simple truth is, Mahama has just exposed himself to public ridicule. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, we were all in this country and witnessed the presidency of John Mahama. We all saw the highs and lows of the accidental president and his lack of obvious know-how. When Mahama was confronted with challenges in government, he infamously compared himself to a dead goat saying, I have seen more demonstrations and strikes in my first two years. I dont think it can get worse. It is said that when you kill a goat and you frighten it with a knife, it doesnt fear the knife because it is dead already. I have a dead-goat syndrome. In actual fact, the height of Mahama's incompetence was displayed at the 2015 ECOWAS Summit where, he complained about his missing speech. Where is my speechI am missing certain pages in my speech, he said openly while delivering his remarks. John Mahama who many people say came into politics by accident happened to be the worst president ever in the history of Ghana. When the then Vice President John Dramani Mahama became the president of Ghana by default on 24 July 2012, not many people considered him presidential material enough to lead Ghanas quest for full middle-income status. Having attained the rank of lower middle income for during the Kufuor era, Ghana with a large and rising middle class, estimated at over 47% of the population at the time was yearning to transit to full middle-income status. Due to the efforts of the Kufuor regime, the country had shown progress in reducing poverty and it outranked its peers on most measures of human development. But Mahamas incompetence denied Ghana the much needed respite for economic emancipation. Even former President Jerry Rawlings, the man who founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party that Mahama now leads, the man who gave Mahama his first government job as deputy minister and later full minister, publicly expressed a lack of faith in Mahamas ability to steer the ship of state. So, is Ghana really at the crossroad? Ghana under Mahama faced the multiple problems of a rising cost of living, collapsing businesses, an unsustainable national debt, a lack of inclusive economic growth to address unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising fiscal and balance of payment deficits. The fundamental truth here is former President John Dramani Mahama is not an alternative to solving Ghanas problems. The man doesn't have a single solution to the country's problems. Mahama is just desperate to rule the country again, hence his penchant of making false claims of having all the answers to the countrys problems. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, it is a trite knowledge that Mr Mahama lost the 2016 election due to his mismanagement of the country's economy which resulted in the worsening plight of the ordinary Ghanaian. It is also a known fact that Mr Mahama has nothing to offer except to draw back the countrys progress if Ghanaians mistakenly give him power again. Isn't it intriguing that whereas Mr Mahama is claiming to have solutions to the country's unemployment situation, it was during his tenure that the country witnessed the formation of the unemployed graduates association? Ladies and gentlemen of the media, John Mahamas loutish behaviour and name calling has actually given true meaning of the adage that; if you want to dismiss a fool, promote him. We are talking about a man who claimed to have the interest of the poor at heart, yet he never introduced any pro-poor policy or intervention during his administration. Interestingly, Mahama and his opposition NDC had been fighting all social intervention policies introduced under the various NPP administrations, including the free SHS, Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP), and National Health Insurance Scheme. The noise and the so-called alternative solutions that Mahama claim to have are a ruse just to scheme to get power in order to come back to continue his mismanagement of the country and the usual "lotocracy" The problem with Mahama and his delusionist enablers who are on this path is that they are under the false impression that Ghanaians have a weak memory. President Akufo-Addo over the last five years has expanded the Ghanaian economy and is doing more to build a better society. Take for instance, the Akufo-Addo's management of Covid-19 pandemic, the positive appraisal by the World Health Organisation(WHO) as against Mahama's Management of Colera outbreak in 2014. Can Ghanaians be informed of the measures instituted by John Mahama during the 'Dumsor' crisis, and Cholera outbreak that kills over 200 Ghanaians? Again, what exactly did Mahama's so-called Covid-19 advisory team did to help during the crisis? Under Mahama, Ghana experienced the worst enemy crisis in the history of Ghana. Indeed, the 'Dumsor' crisis actually crippled Ghana's economy for four years, and there was not a single mitigating measures offered to businesses and individuals. So you see, Ghana is not at a crossroad. The president will continue to respect the dignity of the people. He will continue to push for substantial changes to the world financial architecture so we can also help our people out of distress. He will continue to champion programmes that support the delivery of crucial infrastructure, and create jobs and incomes. The president will continue to offer clear visionary leadership, not Mahamas version of incompetent leadership, that not only diagnosis problems, but seeks to resolve them. He will continue to offer hope and belief in the Ghanaian and Ghana as a whole. As Ghanaians, we must not allow our future to be decided by a load of bigoted inbreds who have failed to update their politics from the 17th century, and who thinks without them, this country can't survive. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, just like Shakespeare observed in King Lear, the 'unrepentant thief' is the one who sees political power as a substitute for welfare. Let Mr Mahama take heed of this Shakespearean advise and comport himself in the public space. In any case, should Ghana finds itself at a crossroad, we are not sure Ghanaians will ever need directionless Mahama to show the way. Let's not forget his leadership was the worst since independence. We know better. Long live Ghana!! (Signed) Ernest Kofi Owusu Bempah Political Strategist, Convener- Fixing The Country Movement) 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 The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has charged the government of Ghana to come up with a better plan to industrialise the nation with the view to creating jobs for the teeming unemployed and underemployed youth in the country. It said that Ghana deserved better, and all her citizenry deserved more from the government. In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah and copied to the Ghana News Agency to appreciate Ghanaian workers on the May Day celebration, the party asked the government to be accountable to Ghanaians in terms of the management of the nations financial and natural resources. The Convention Peoples Party commended the hardworking members of the Ghanaian Labour front for their contributions to the development of the nation. Our dear Comrades you have worked so hard, all these years with a lot of sacrifices to ensure that the wheels of growth do not come to a halt, your dedication is unsurpassable and your love for our dear Nation is unprecedented. Ghana is the best. Without your dedication and hard work this country would not have achieved its goals and agenda of making sure that this country is working to the benefit of all, it said. It also said that the CPP was proud to be associated with the labour front, as its biggest support base had been the working class in this country and through your support, the CPP chalked a lot of successes in the past. It, however, said that the labour front deserved better, hence, there was the need to ensure that the government provided the needed amenities, incentives and commensurate remuneration that befits the effort and hard work being put in by Ghanaian workers. The Labour Front deserve better and there is the need to ensure that employers especially government provide the needed amenities, incentives and commensurate remuneration that befits the effort and hard work being put in by the Ghanaian worker, the statement read. It added that it is time for all of us to come together to put our shoulders to the wheel and ensure that Ghana is delivered from the depth of deprivation and poverty. The Convention Peoples Party, therefore, expressed surprise that the NPP government chose May 1st, being a Workers Day to implement what it described as the punitive tax system of E-Levy. It added that the E-Levy was going to erode the financial gains of the already struggling workers of Ghana. This is the first time the CPP has encountered a tax system that goes after the savings of the citizenry, it is incongruous and unbelievable, and such a level of insensitivity by the government cannot be comprehended by the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) an unfortunate situation indeed, it said. 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 Yaw Buaben Asamoa, NPP National Communications Director and former Adenta MP, has disclosed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which is strongly opposed to the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) by the Akufo-Addo government had the levy clearly captured in their 2020 manifesto. The E-Levy began on Sunday, May 1, 2022 amidst a few complaints of wrong charges on the electronic transactions, of which the Ghana Revenue Authority - the collection body - has acknowleged and assured the general public it will remedy the situation. However, this E-Levy has been described by the 2020 NDC Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, as a "repressive tax". Mr. Mahama has pledged to repeal the E-Levy when voted into power. "A new National Democratic Congress government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana in 2025 will repeal the E-Levy Act. Even as this government remains fixated with taxing their way out of economic mismanagement, the Akufo-Addo government has been wasteful. They have failed to demonstrate prudence in public financial management. The people of Ghana cannot be called upon to pay more taxes only for the accruing money belonging to the people of Ghana, to be dubiously and wastefully shared among family and friends through various fraudulent procurement practices", he said while delivering a public lecture on the topic "Ghana at a crossroads" on Monday, May 2. Yaw Buaben Asamoa, discussing the issue on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", exposed Mr. Mahama and his party. According to him, the opposition party would have introduced the E-Levy if they had won the 2020 elections since this new tax was implicitly stated in their manifesto. "It's in the 2020 manifesto that if they had come into power, they would introduce a uniform tax on all electronic transactions," he said, hence questioning "if this is not E-Levy, then it's NDC levy or NDC special tax. What's the essence of this special tax?" He also added that the former President wouldn't have only introduced E-Levy but also "increased it" from the 1.5% charge by the incumbent government. He asked Ghanaians to ignore Mahama's promise, stressing, "if Mahama or any NDC member tells you they will cancel E-Levy, it's a 419". Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Flagbearer aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Captain (Rtd) Nkrabea Effah Dartey, has asked Ghanaians to disregard claims by former President, John Dramani Mahama that he will repeal the Electronic Transactions Act (E-Levy) when he gets the opportunity to lead the country once again. According to him, the former President lacks the moral right to label the E-Levy as an uncalled for levy since Mr. Mahama as a former Ghanaian leader knows the significance of taxes in the development of a nation. The E-Levy tax came into force on 1st May 2022 after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo assented to the Electronic Transactions Act which was passed by Parliament on March 29, 2022. Minority members of Parliament led by Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu staged a walk-out during the third and final reading of the Bill allowing the Majority to unanimously approve the Bill. An attempt by three NDC MPs Haruna Iddrissu, Samuel Okedzeto Ablakwa, and Mahama Ayariga to get the Supreme Court to place an injunction on its implementation hit a snag when the highest court threw out their attempt to injunct the implementation of the e-levy. The Minority MPs contended that the legal threshold for passage of such a bill was not met before it was passed. Mr. Mahama prior to the Supreme Court ruling had assured Ghanaians at his Ghana at Crossroads address that if voted into power in 2025, a new NDC government will repeal the E-Levy Act. According to him, the E-levy is only a distortionary and burdensome tax that only forces Ghanaians to pay more while suffering. Mr. Mahama said, unfortunately in the face of this self-inflicted economic catastrophe, this government against all sound advise has decided to introduce the E-Levy that heaps more suffering on Ghanaians. A new National Democratic Congress government, God willing, with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana, in 2025 will repeal the E-Levy act, he added. But Nkrabea Effah Dartey called on Ghanaians not to take him seriously arguing that the NDC and Mr. Mahama lack the moral right to call for the repeal of the tax. Honestly, I think the e-levy is good. John Mahama has been saying he will repeal it. He is lying, he cant [cancel it] upon realizing the amount of money been realized from it, he opined. He further charged Ghanaians to wholeheartedly embrace the e-levy as it will embolden the citizenry to question the politician on the use of their taxes. Every nations development is dependent on the amount of money the government has for projects. All governments since Nkrumahs era have been borrowing a lot for development and this wouldnt have been so if we were paying enough taxes. In America, Vice President Agnew was jailed for failing to pay taxes. Why is it that in Ghana we dont intensify our tax collection system and raise enough money to develop the country. That has informed why we as NPP upon realizing that a lot of mobile money transactions are done have decided to bring the e-levy to raise the money for development. In just a year, the momo transfer was over GHC 9 Billion. Paying taxes will allow us to hold governments accountable for what they do with our resources, he said. 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 Actor Yul Edochie has described marrying a new wife as the best decision he has ever made in his lifetime. He said that he has always known that a day like this would come someday, adding that he didnt need to seek his first wifes permission to marry a new wife. According to him, the woman who doesnt respect you will not respect you. And the one who loves you and respects you will be with you forever. On the backlashes trailing the development, the actor said everybody cant see things the way you do. A whole lot of people dont know you, but judge you from what they see, he added. Yul Edochie and his first wife, May Aligwe Edochie have been married for 18 years. Their union is blessed with four children, three boys, and a daughter. On Wednesday, Yul Edochie surprised many fans and followers when he revealed on Instagram that he had married another woman and they share a son. His name is STAR DIKE MUNACHIMSO YUL-EDOCHIE. Born by my second wife @JudyAustin and I love him so much, just as much as I love my other children, he wrote. Reports indicate that Yul Edochie and Judy Austin met on a movie set. The announcement did not sit well with his first wife, with whom he has been married for nearly 18 years. May God judge you both, she reacted to the news. Some fans, who sympathized with May, chastised the actor for having kids with another woman. Meanwhile, in other posts online, Yul Edochie, urged Nigerians to focus on the pertinent problems in the country, while he deals with his personal matrimonial problems. According to him, even though he is grateful for the massive support from the public, there is a need for citizens to now redirect their focus toward addressing the challenges that confront the country. I thank you all for your concern towards my family. The love, concern and support you all have shown me and my family this past few days is overwhelming. Truly appreciated. Thank you. I promise you all that all is well and any issues arising in my family, I will sort out amicably as it is my personal problem. For now, lets focus on the general problem that affects us all which is the situation of our country. We have no other country to call our own therefore we must make it work. WE PIN. WE DIE HERE (Yul Edochie), Yul Edochie wrote on Facebook. Source: Vanguardngr 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 Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has opened up on being raped by one of her exes. The actress who didn't name the ex in an interview with Nigerian media personality Chude Jideonwo, disclosed that she was pinned down by the ex and raped even though she never consented to it. She added that his excuse was they were in a relationship and it can't be considered as "rape". Ibrahim also said that he locked in the house for days and had his way with her until her sister, Sonia, came looking for her. The actress said; I told him what he did was rape and he said but we were in a relationship. But was I ready, that was the question, did I say I was In the mood? I kept saying no, stop it, stop it, you pin me down and youre doing whatever you wanted to do and youre smiling saying dont worry and youre kissing whilst Im crying, that means youre a rapist and I had to leave that relationship. I fought my way out of that relationship because he even locked me up in his house for days until my sister Sonia came to find me. But ladies you can report it now, go and report. If your husband is forcing you to do when youre not in the mood it is rape and I tell these men that you cannot force a woman. Watch the video below... View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial) 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 Maxwell Johnson, left, a Heiltsuk First Nation member who was arrested alongside his 14-year-old granddaughter as they were trying to open an account at the Bank of Montreal, sings and drums outside the bank's main branch before a news conference, in Vancouver, B.C., Thursday, May 5, 2022. Johnson and BMO have reached a settlement agreement that includes a monetary payment from the bank to Johnson and his granddaughter, a private apology and the bank will update internal policies on how Indigenous state cards are handled. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence has been named the 2022 South Carolina Improvement Council Advocate of the Year. A news release from the school district on Wednesday, May 4, stated the award recognizes the efforts throughout the state by individuals who support and promote the work of SICs around them. The S.C. School Improvement Council is most grateful for Superintendent Laurences long-time and unwavering commitment to the principles and practices of SICs, said SC-SIC Executive Director Tom F. Hudson. As SICs begin their 45th year of serving South Carolina schools and students, its particularly fitting that we honor an individual who has been in on SICs from the very beginning. Laurence has served on and worked with SIC as a teacher member, parent member, assistant principal, principal, district-level administrator and superintendent. I am honored to be selected for this award, Laurence said. Education has always been a passion, and I am proud of the work being done in our schools. I will continue to advocate for and support these councils and encourage collaboration between our students, staff, parents and community members for the betterment of our schools. SIC members give input in the development of five-year improvement plans for schools, help set goals to support the successful implementation of the plan, and help support the school and principal in other ways. While I don't remember any of the topics discussed in those first meetings as a high school student, looking back it is exciting to have been there at the very beginning of School Improvement Councils in South Carolina, Laurence said. Throughout my career I have been involved in one way or another with SICs and believe they form the foundation for quality school and community partnerships. One of the hallmarks of a successful school is an active School Improvement Council. Laurence is in his first term as a member of the SC-SIC Board of Trustees. It has been a distinct pleasure to work with Superintendent Laurence through the years and to see firsthand his support and commitment to the work of our states School Improvement Councils, said Hudson. 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. Who are you underneath that mask and how will you be defined? These questions were asked by James Bennett, the mid-south area executive of First Citizens Bank and commencement speaker, to the USC Aiken class of 2022 during their graduation ceremony on Wednesday. Thomas Wolfe was wrong when he said, 'You can't go home again.' I never left home, I never left the University of South Carolina, I keep it in my heart, Bennett said before telling a story about how running for student class president changed his life. Bennett commended the students for thriving while going to school during the pandemic. When most of you entered the University of South Carolina Aiken, COVID-19 was not a part of our vocabulary, Bennett said. A mask was something that you wore at Halloween and those of us who are old enough, Zoom as we do it was a song that was sung by the Commodores. As bad as this pandemic has been, it taught us resiliency in the face of adversity. It taught us how to survive what once seemed unimaginable. None of us like going through a bad situation. But a bad situation can make us better if nothing else it also taught us, particularity for me at the age of 61 how precious life is and how to live life and live it more abundantly. Dr. Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina, spoke to graduates, telling them the ceremony was like his commencement too since Dr. Michael Amiridis will soon become the new president of USC. He talked about the great year it's been at USCA. You had a great year here at Aiken, Pastides said. You celebrated the 60th anniversary of USC Aiken, 60 years of brining excellence to the Aiken region and far beyond since we have students and visitors from all over the nation and all over the world. You've had new and impactful partnership that will bring to this campus a new advanced manufacture collaborative and the new National Guard dream port cyber security center dramatically impacting and benefiting the state and the United States of America. The talented faculty have received so many awards and distinctions. The University of South Carolina Aiken has been ranked the No. 1 regional comprehensive public college in the south 15 times and in the top three for 24 consecutive years. Pastides closed his remarks by reminding students that they've got a lot to look forward to in the future. You are the heart of the University of South Carolina Aiken, you are the heart of the University of South Carolina and you are America's future, Pastides said. During the ceremony honorary degrees were given to Dan Brouillette, the former secretary for the Department of Energy and Bennett. David Wilson Steinmeyer was recognized as the outstanding senior student. Boeing Co. is moving its global headquarters to the Washington, D.C., suburbs from Chicago, shifting senior executives of the aircraft and defense giant closer to federal regulators, lawmakers and the Pentagon. The relocation to Arlington, Va., will also put the main corporate office geographically closer by about 400 miles to the planemaker's 787 Dreamliner operations in South Carolina. Boeing announced the relocation May 5, after it was reported by the Wall Street Journal. The move will position the company and executives near many of the nation's biggest defense contractors, government agencies and Congress. Boeing's defense business already is based in Arlington, where the offices of the new global headquarters will be. In a statement, CEO David Calhoun said May 5 that the move "makes strategic sense" because of its proximity to customers and stakeholders and "access to world-class engineering and technical talent." Boeing said it plans to establish a "research and technology hub" in the northern Virginia city. The company stunned its longtime home of Seattle when it moved its executive offices more than 2,000 miles away to Chicago in 2001. It was one of its first major shifts away from the Pacific Northwest. In a more recent example, the company shut down its original 787 line in Everett, Wash., and consolidated the program last year at its newer, non-unionized North Charleston Dreamliner plant. The program has been plagued by production issues and delivery delays. Boeing's commercial aircraft business is still based in Seattle. Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with AeroDynamic Advisory, said he saw a "missed opportunity" in the latest headquarters decision given the troubles within its commercial jet business, including the grounding of the 737 Max and 787 productions woes. By moving the executive suite back to its historic aviation stronghold in Seattle, he said, the company could have demonstrated a commitment to address its biggest problems and "double down" on its "most important business unit." "I think it would send a more powerful message," Aboulafia said. Cai von Rumohr, an aerospace analyst for Cowen, said there are advantages for Boeing moving its headquarters to Arlington or back to Seattle. "Chicago does nothing for them," von Rumohr said. The decision to relocate the decisionmakers to the nation's capital was not a complete surprise, according to the Washington state-based aviation website Leeham News and Analysis. The "signs were there for all to see," Leeham said in a post Thursday, citing the fact that key communications staff had already relocated to the D.C. area and that Boeing has an "under-utilized" building in Arlington. Last October, Reuters reported that the Chicago office, which is housed in a 36-floor skyscraper, was a "ghost town," according to a unidentified person. Boeing said Thursday it would still maintain a "significant presence" in the Windy City. During the pandemic, Boeing, like many major employers, downsized on its office space and allowed employees to work remotely. In Thursday's announcement Calhoun, the CEO, said the company was "taking steps to be more efficient within a reduced footprint." Boeing employs about 140,000 workers worldwide, including 5,521 in South Carolina at the start of 2022. Its headcount in the Palmetto State significantly shrank during the pandemic, falling from 6,869 two years earlier. Boeing's South Carolina operations include the 787 campus off International Boulevard and a separate site in North Charleston that includes an engineering and research center and a plant that makes interior parts for the Dreamliner. Boeing's relationship with the D.C.-based FAA has been strained since the two deadly crashes of its best-selling 737 Max in 2018 and 2019. The safety agency took nearly two years far longer than the company expected to approve design changes and allow the jet back in the air. Also, the company has suffered financial setbacks in building a refueling tanker for the Air Force, which helped fuel a $1.2 billion loss last quarter. And it has been hurt by the pandemic, which undercut travel and demand for new planes. All the while, deliveries of the North Charleston-made 787 have been continuously halted for about a year because of production flaws. Boeing said last week in its first quarter earnings report that its plan for resuming deliveries has been submitted to the FAA but declined to elaborate. You are the owner of this article. Robert Griffiths doesnt want people to skip their morning cup of coffee; his goal is to enhance it with an unlikely ingredient. Mushrooms. Aware that coffee makes up a large piece of the beverage market, Griffiths launched Chitta Latte at the beginning of 2021, selling a mushroom-and-collagen-infused espresso powder that he recommends adding to your cup of coffee or latte. It sounds unorthodox, but Griffins likens it to ordering enhancements with a smoothie. I kind of envisioned this future where people go to cafes and they're ordering coffee like a smoothie where you have add-ons, he said. Im trying to use this as a caffeine enhancer as opposed to an alternative. Griffiths launched Chitta Latte in 2021 shortly after he moved to Charleston from New York City, where he was working in the beverage industry. He noticed several emerging trends there, including companies that were attempting to offer coffee replacements. He decided to bet on a proven market of enthusiastic coffee drinkers instead. After months of research, Griffiths developed a formula featuring seven ingredients: marine collagen, L-theanine and four types of mushrooms lions mane, chaga, reishi and Cordyceps. The mushrooms, collagen and L-Theanine an amino acid commonly found in some teas and mushrooms are mixed with Counter Culture espresso powder to make the final Chitta Latte product, which is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Each serving has 25 milligrams of caffeine (a normal cup of coffee contains just under 100 milligrams). Griffiths said the company is gaining momentum after he had the chance to introduce his new product at the Charleston Wine + Food Festivals culinary village March 4-6. It was just great to have that feedback in real time, Griffiths said. I was really able to interact and tell the story a little bit. Griffiths told attendees what hes telling people today: Using Chitta Latte is about the health benefits, rather than the taste it adds to your coffee. (While its benefits have not been proven, Chitta Latte is billed as a nootropic cognitive enhancer, adaptogenic mood and stress stabilizer, melanin and antioxidant skin toner (and) probiotic immunity booster.) The smell of mushrooms hits your nose when you pop open the Chitta Latte canister, but mixed with espresso or a strong cup of coffee, its hard to detect the mushrooms, save for a slight earthy finish. It kind of gives you that umami smell, Griffiths said. Its this really nice kind of sensory experience." Chitta Latte is currently sold locally at establishments like Basic Kitchen and Nosh Cafe and Wine Bar. To find out more about Chitta Latte, go to chittalatte.com. South Carolina's electric cooperatives won't help Santee Cooper replace an aging coastal coal-fired plant with a natural gas generating unit, saying they want to explore other replacement options. The state-owned utility issued a proposal in January to a group that represents the 20 mostly rural providers to collaborate on the planned project at the Winyah Station in Georgetown County. Columbia-based Central Electric Power Cooperative had 120 days to decide whether to opt in or out, or find another way to work together. Central CEO Rob Hochstetler informed Santee Cooper of its decision at an April 28 board meeting. By opting out, he said, the co-ops can analyze other power supply options and not limit themselves to a single proposal. "The Santee Cooper proposed shared resource is definitely a viable alternative, but we have other viable alternatives," Hochstetler said. With some caveats, Central left the door open to work together. Hochstetler said the co-ops that his group represents, which buy their electricity from Santee Cooper, want "meaningful participation in current and future decisions" when it comes to new power plant projects and fuel sources. Additionally, they want contractual limits placed on spending. And Central would like its board to have the option to seek its own low-cost capital and invest it where it chooses and "make sure everyone knows Santee Cooper and the cooperatives want to increase renewables in the state," Hochstetler said. The utilities need to have a new source of power in place by 2028, when Santee Cooper is scheduled to retire the four coal-fired units at the Winyah plant as it shifts toward cleaner energy. Moncks Corner-based Santee Cooper made some blunders in the past that have hurt its relationship with the co-ops. It abandoned a planned coal-fired Pee Dee coal plant in 2009 and walked away from the failed expansion of the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in the Midlands in 2017. Those decisions cost ratepayers and others billions of dollars. "That is why we want to make sure we are looking at all viable options when it comes to the next resource," Hochstetler said. Santee Cooper CEO Jimmy Staton said he was "a little disappointed" in Central's decision. "I think there was a way to move forward together on an opt-in basis and continue to address all of the issues that you all raised today," Staton said. Staton also said the decision to opt out is not in the best interest of Santee Cooper, Central or the state. The co-ops will now develop their own power resource plan. According to Santee Cooper, early studies found that Winyah is the lowest-cost, lowest-risk site for a new gas-fired plant to replace coal units. A tree fell two weeks ago on the Greeneway's bridge near Riverside Boulevard. Its condition already in question, the bridge has been blocked off while city leaders look at replacing it with a longer-lasting steel bridge. BEIRUT, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Thursday that his country is no longer capable of preventing the illegal immigration of refugees by sea. "We cannot bear such a responsibility again," Bou Habib was quoted in a statement released by Lebanon's Presidency as saying. Last month, a ship carrying over 80 illegal immigrants sank in the waters near the northern city of Tripoli. At least six were killed and dozens are still missing in the accident. The Lebanese government estimated around 1.5 million Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon, which causes a heavy financial burden on the Middle Eastern country. Lebanon has been facing a financial crisis, which has plunged over 70 percent of the population into poverty. GREENVILLE A clearer picture of the challenges and costs that remain in an effort to remove the site of a former textile mill from the federal Superfund registry is coming into view. Meanwhile, the development team with major plans for the 250-acre property just north of Greenville's city limits is pushing ahead. The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed list of requirements to clean the contaminated site of the former Union Bleachery/Cone Mills textile mill to reduce cancer and other health risks before it can be redeveloped. The proposal, called a Record of Decision, is under review before it is finalized by the EPA. It will guide the actions required in order to remove the site from the Superfund list and any limitations on its future use. Monitoring and testing have found areas with potential health risks due to storage and leaking metals from the sites former operations. High levels of chromium, a known carcinogen, have been found in several locations at the mill property. Asbestos that would need to be removed was found in the former mills powerhouse building. After years of monitoring and cleanup by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, which holds the title to the land after its previous owner went bankrupt and abandoned the site following a 2003 fire, cleanup efforts were renewed in 2021 by a Miami-based development team. The group plans to redevelop the property as a massive mixed-use development along the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail multi-use path and within miles of downtown Greenville. The developers, Dean Warhaft and Warren Zinn of Cone Mills Acquisition Group, spurred the EPA to take action on potentially removing the site from the National Priorities List, commonly known as a registry of Superfund sites. The mostly undeveloped land was split into three separate sections, and the EPA delisted 150 acres of unaffected land on the outskirts of the mill from the Superfund list in late 2021. It plans to finalize its record of decision for the remaining portion of the site in June and may delist more sections that dont require cleanup activity by September. Greenville County has rezoned the land for a planned development called On the Trail and issued tax incentives for 30 years for the project in exchange for a minimum $200 million investment. Warhaft said the eventual total investment in the project would likely run north of $1 billion. On the Trail would feature one mile of access along the Swamp Rabbit and would include another 10 miles of internal trails that would connect the existing trail to the base of Paris Mountain. The project would eventually include up to 3.5 million square feet of office and employment space; 2,000 apartment and townhouse units; a 200-room hotel; and nearly a million square feet of grocery store, retail, restaurant and other commercial space. The development would reinvest in a site left vacant for nearly 20 years. Before that, a textile mill had operated on the land in the heart of the Sans Souci community for more than 100 years. The Union Bleachery was built in 1902 on the bank of Langston Creek and was one of the smaller mills in Greenville, considered for decades as the textile capital of the world. It was under control of Cone Mills Corporation in the early 1980s that the mill first began efforts to clean up environmental damage at the mill from chromium leaching into the soil and nearby Langston Creek. American Fast Print owned and operated the mill from 1984 through 2003, when it permanently closed after the fire. The site was listed by the EPA as a Superfund site in 2011. Cone Mills Acquisition sold a majority stake of 168 acres of the project that has been delisted from the Superfund registry to Miami-based investment group 13th Floor Investments in March, but Warhaft and Zinn will remain a part of the project team. The rest of the site at the intersection of West Blue Ridge Drive and Old Buncombe Road will likely require extensive remediation in order to be delisted, according to the EPAs proposal. Among the proposed contamination cleanup, the EPA said the remaining concrete slabs left after the main part of the mill burned in 2003 would need to be removed. The slabs sit over contaminated soil that is contributing to chromium contamination of groundwater beneath the mill site. The proposal would require removal of four to five feet of soil beneath the main site and replacement with clean dirt. Asbestos in the boiler and equipment inside the former mills powerhouse would also be removed for offsite disposal. Some development types on the site would also be limited until the EPA is able to complete testing of contamination levels of groundwater sitewide. The EPA has used a phased approach to manage areas of the site that could be delisted sooner than other contaminated sections. If it determines no further actions are required on some remaining parts of the Superfund site, they could also be delisted even as work continues. The EPA will also maintain control of groundwater sitewide and pay for cleanup costs of the water. The developers would pay for demolition and soil cleanup, Warhaft said. The levels of contamination are certainly manageable, and manageable to the point that the site can certainly be redeveloped while at the same time being protective of human health and the environment, said Jason Sheasley, a geologist with Kimley-Horn, the developers environmental consultant. Once the site is cleared by the EPA, it can enter into the state of South Carolinas brownfields program, which monitors cleanup efforts with outside groups under a voluntary cleanup contract. The 150 delisted acres have already been entered into the brownfields program, Warhaft said. The state brownfields program has its own set of requirements and health safety objectives for the site, which the interested developers must meet in order to qualify for the brownfields program. For instance, an aeration lagoon located near the trail and West Blue Ridge Drive would need further cleanup beyond what the EPA requires for clearance as a Superfund site, Warhaft said. Other areas in the development have contamination that meets EPA cancer-risk thresholds for some lower-intensive uses but not others. The floodplain along the Reedy River that runs past the site has contamination that falls within the EPAs allowable limits for use as a recreation area but not as a full-time residential area. Since its proposed use is for recreation, no further work would be required. In a virtual presentation with representatives of EPA and DHEC on May 4, Warhaft said the development team is required to continue to post signs as it cleans up portions of the delisted site until it receives certificates from the state that no further action is required. In addition, the developers will work with DHEC to place restrictive covenants on the site to restrict some types of future land uses so as not to disturb any possible contaminants that would remain underground, said Perrin Dargan III, an attorney with K&L Gates working with the development team. COLUMBIA Two bills that would have greatly overhauled health care in South Carolina one chopping up the state health agency and another that would have repealed hospital regulations appear dead for this legislative session after a House committee panned Senate bills to do both. One of the measures proposed splitting the Department of Health and Environmental Control into separate health and environmental agencies, while the other would have repealed the state's Certificate of Need laws that govern what hospitals and doctors can buy and build in the state. The House Ways and Means Committee on May 5 did not pass the Senate version of the Certificate of Need bill after crafting an amendment that would have significantly reformed the laws, instead noting that many of the stakeholders would not compromise on even those reforms. The same committee voted to move the DHEC legislation toward further study, leaving the Department of Mental Health alone for now, as advocates had hoped. "It was the best possible scenario for the Department of Mental Health," said Bill Lindsey, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness South Carolina. The group's members and other advocates had protested to the committee about the inclusion of mental health into a potentially massive health agency that would be created by the DHEC split, harming services. "Evidently they listened," Lindsey said. "This one is a win." Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith said the department is not entirely off the hook. "I have some deep concerns about the direction mental health is going in right now," said Smith, R-Sumter. In particular, he said, are the crisis stabilization units temporary emergency stops for people with urgent mental health needs "that we created and never really got off the ground," Smith said. But on a reform of Mental Health, there is a "need to study and do our due diligence," he said. On the larger issue of splitting DHEC, while the Senate has debated that issue for years before passing it this session, "it has not been debated in the House," Smith said. The bill before the committee was more than 100 pages and a number of concerns were raised about it. The legislation is "too voluminous" and has "too many questions at this point in the session for us to deal with," he said. The 2022 session has only three days of work left and is set to end May 12. As part of that further study, the state Department of Administration should weigh in on it, Smith said. "We need for them to engage" and they are getting involved, he said. "If we're going to create a new agency and radically shift the health care agencies in the state, we need to be prudent and make sure that we are doing the right thing and we take our time to get it right." That being said, Smith has heard little opposition to the idea of splitting DHEC into health and environmental pieces. "I think most everybody is in support of that," he said, but there are concerns about how it will be done. "We need more study on that," Smith said. The push to do away with most of the hospital regulations, which govern where hospitals can build, move or add beds or expensive equipment, also ran up against the legislative deadline and a lack of consensus. An ad hoc committee had worked with stakeholders on a compromise that would address the most "egregious" excesses of those regulations, such as the ability of competitors to appeal project approvals and tie them up for years, said Rep. Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, who chaired that committee. "Those parts of (Certificate of Need), of course, need to be dealt with," he said. There is support in general for reforming the rules, Simrill said. "I didn't hear anyone tell me (the) status quo was a good option and I agree with that," he said. But with such a massive effort to find compromises, "I think time is what becomes our enemy to get this done," Simrill said. And in the end, some stakeholders would not agree to anything less than a full repeal, he said. The next legislative session is a better opportunity to take up these issues and do them well, rather than push a flawed bill forward, he said. "In some cases, no bill is better than a bad bill," Simrill said. Even had it reached the House floor, it wasn't going anywhere, said Rep. William Herbkersman, R-Bluffton. "No full repeal would have passed the House," he said. "There simply is not the votes for it." HOLLYWOOD A 7-year-old boy was killed in a car crash authorities say was caused by an intoxicated driver. Charleston County sheriff's deputies were dispatched after midnight May 5 to S.C. Highway 162 where it intersects with S.C. Highway 164, spokesman Andrew Knapp said. Deputies said a Honda sedan struck a Chevrolet sedan head-on after crossing the center line of the roadway. There were five family members in the Chevrolet sedan, Knapp said. The driver was 18 years old and the other four passengers were children, he said. The youngest child, Jaxon Bennett, died at the hospital following the crash, according to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal. The driver and two siblings suffered minor injuries. Another child suffered more serious injuries, though they are not life-threatening, according to the Sheriffs Office. Authorities said Herman Heyward, 46, of North Charleston, was the driver of the Honda sedan. Heyward told deputies he had just left an Edisto Island bar, where he drank several "wine cooler and Tequila Sun Rises," according to an incident report. Heyward was transported to a hospital for a crushed right knee, the report states, which a nurse said would need to be treated by an orthopedic surgeon. A blood sample was taken at the hospital. Knapp said Heyward would be charged with felony driving under the influence once he is released from the hospital. He could face up to 25 years in prison, if arrested and convicted of the charge. A Missouri doctor has been accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy he tutored four years ago in Charleston County. Robert Dewayne Williams was arrested May 4 in Jefferson County, Ala., where he is jailed awaiting extradition, according to Charleston County Sheriff's Office spokesman Andrew Knapp. Williams, 37, is charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct on allegations he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy after they saw a movie together May 28, 2018, at a theater. The boy, now 18, reported the assault to sheriff's detectives April 4. After the movie, the teenager said Williams took him to an unknown location in West Ashley, where he touched the boy's genitals, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Williams also allegedly masturbated during the encounter. Williams admitted in a recent phone call with the teenager that he showed the boy different pulses on his body after they saw the movie together, the affidavit states. He denied doing anything sexual with the boy, however. Williams was a substitute teacher from 2017 to 2018 at various elementary, middle and high schools throughout Charleston and Berkeley counties, Knapp said. Williams met the boy while substituting at his high school. Williams was a student at the Medical University of South Carolina at the time of the alleged assault. Williams began a pediatric residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri after graduating from MUSC in 2018, according to state licensing records. Laura High, a spokeswoman for the children's hospital, said the safety of patients, families and staff was their top priority. "We are aware of pending criminal charges in South Carolina against a medical resident at St. Louis Childrens Hospital," she said. "The resident has been placed on administrative leave and removed from duty." The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information that may be pertinent to the investigation to call 843-743-7200 and ask to to be connected to a detective. George Forbes, who helped create and research the Hamburg and Hampton Terrace exhibits that are on display at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center, was presented with the Robert N. Pryor Volunteer Service Award. Forbes traveled to Lexington for the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies annual Landmark Conference luncheon on April 29 to accept his plaque. We are so pleased that George has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to our organization, Mary Anne Bigger, executive director of the Arts & Heritage Center said. He is the kind of volunteer that every organization dreams of attracting. Weve been very lucky that he chose us! Forbes has been a volunteer at the Arts and Heritage Center since its opening in 2009. He was the primary researcher for the Hamburg exhibit that was on display in 2021 and led to a successful book on the topic. His current exhibit, created with the help of volunteer Garland Gooden, goes through the history of the famed Hampton Terrace exhibit and will be on display until July. 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. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. Theres nothing unreasonable about expecting libraries to keep sexually explicit material out of their childrens sections. And frankly, were a little disturbed by the hair-on-fire hysteria some librarians have displayed since the S.C. Senate adopted a budget proviso last week designed to meet that expectation. Of course, were also disturbed by a senators attempt to characterize a cartoon-illustrated book about where babies come from as pornographic. The labeled illustrations of couples having sex are something a lot of parents would understandably not want their 4-year-old stumbling upon in the library, but its unreasonable, and inaccurate, to call that pornography. Its also unreasonable and inaccurate to refer to the proviso as censorship. One of the reasons we have such a difficult time as a society coming to terms with whats appropriate and inappropriate material for children is that those on the right misuse such words as "obscenity" and "pornography," and those on the left misuse censorship and book banning. There have been in fact no credible allegations of pornographic materials in the childrens section of S.C. libraries; and yes, that includes the book Gov. Henry McMaster got all worked up about earlier this year, which didnt belong in a school library but also didnt merit a SLED investigation or the governors grandstanding. And what the Senate adopted does not come anywhere close to being censorship. Librarians decide every day which books to include in their libraries an exercise that by definition involves deciding not to include most books. We might not like a librarians decision about what to stock or leave out, and we might not like someone elses decision to overrule the librarian, but those are simply decisions about what a particular library offers. Censorship means prohibiting a book from being published, sold or possessed. The first version of Sen. Josh Kimbrells amendment came closer prohibiting libraries from having any books or materials that could be harmful to children or that appeals to the prurient interest. But the version that the Senate adopted on an unrecorded voice vote removed the breathtakingly broad "harmful to children" language which could include books about, say, grilling out and doesnt require libraries to remove any books. It simply means some books may have to be moved from the childrens sections of county libraries to a special parental section or the general circulation area. Whats unreasonable is approving such imprecise language that provides librarians with far too little guidance about what theyre supposed to keep out of the childrens section. It might seem obvious that R-rated movies and so-called adult magazines would be included in the Senates restriction on where libraries can place materials that appeal to the prurient interest of children under the age of thirteen. But what else would be restricted? Critics say the language could refer to the Bible, "The Scarlet Letter," much of Shakespeares work and well, a whole lot of what we consider classic Western literature. Thats not what most, if any, senators intended, but its not unreasonable to read the proviso that way. And would the language address a book that appeals to the prurient interest of one child out of three? What about one out of every 100? One out of 10,000? That lack of clarity is the result of trying to prevent children from seeing things you dont want them to see by using language thats designed to protect them against sexual predators who have clearly developed prurient interests. Most young children haven't yet developed prurient interests to be aroused; what they have is interest in unfamiliar material that their parents not unreasonably think theyre not old enough to learn about. If theres a problem that needs fixing, lawmakers need to provide some clarity about what the problem is. Is it sexually explicit material that Sen. Kimbrell told the Senate he was targeting? Is it nudity? Is it pictures that involve sexual activity? Is it written descriptions of sex? Put that in a definition so librarians dont have to wonder if descriptions of sexual immorality in the Bible are covered. Its worth noting that while the proviso strips funding from libraries that refuse to certify that they comply with its imprecise language, it doesnt even hint at what happens to librarians if they certify that theyve complied and it turns out that they missed something or came to a different conclusion than critics about what was covered. Thats fairly typical of laws governing governmental entities, because theres a built-in assumption which is usually correct that public officials will comply with the law, and if they mess up and someone points it out, theyll fix it. In fact, thats pretty much how county libraries operate today, without a law requiring them to. And thats the most unreasonable thing about the proviso: It pretends that South Carolina has a library problem and that it's so urgent that it demands a poorly thought-out solution. If we have a problem, our lawmakers should take the time to craft a solution that actually addresses it. Unless or until we discover that we actually do have a problem, and come up with a way to fix it, we shouldnt try to. COLUMBIA The South Carolina House has agreed to adjust district lines in five counties, to take effect with the 2024 elections, to settle allegations its newly drawn election maps discriminated against Black voters. But the May 5 settlement announced by the American Civil Liberties Union requires legislators to move quickly to pass a new law with the altered maps. Just three days remain in the regular legislative session. The law necessary to resolve that part of the federal lawsuit will change the lines of state House seats representing parts of Orangeburg, Richland, Kershaw, Dillon and Horry counties. The agreement means Black voters in those areas "will have a greater chance of electing their preferred candidates," said Brenda Murphy, president of the South Carolina branch of the NAACP, which filed the lawsuit with the ACLU. The groups continue to contest the new congressional lines. The settlement doesn't touch their challenges to the U.S. House maps. What it addresses are allegations that the state House maps approved in December intentionally gerrymandered 29 of the chamber's 124 districts to dilute the voting power of Black voters. This year's elections will continue under those maps. The biggest change for 2024 will be in lower Richland and Kershaw counties. As approved in December, the redrawn maps combined the districts of Reps. Wendy Brawley and Jermaine Johnson, who both live in rural Hopkins. The agreement puts their homes back into separate districts, both of which will start in lower Richland and extend into Kershaw County in a shape that's roughly a backward "L" District 52 will include Elgin, while District 70 will pick up Lugoff and Camden. But in the meantime, the Democrats will compete against each other in next month's primary to represent a District 70 that stops at the county line. "It's certainly a better opportunity for the people of Lower Richland and Richland County to have two representatives for the rural part of our county than just one," Brawley told The Post and Courier, noting it's what she fought for unsuccessfully on the House floor. "Unfortunately, because the timing is what it is we will run in the way the maps are drawn now." Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Other changes include keeping the city of Orangeburg whole within one district, as Rep. Jerry Govan tried to do during floor debate in December, when the shifting of lines due to population changes also put him in a district with a fellow Democrat. Rather than seek reelection to the House, Govan is running for state superintendent. The House's attorney for the redistricting case, Mark Moore, said the settlement "will end costly litigation with a decision that is reasonable for voters" and allows confidence in the process. "Certainly, our voting process is one of the greatest virtues we have in South Carolina and trust in that process is of crucial importance to our people," he said. In South Carolina, each chamber is responsible for redrawing their own district lines every decade to adjust for population changes recorded by the census. Critics complain the process results in legislators picking their voters instead of the other way around. "Any redistricting map that arises exclusively from self-interested politicians will inevitably fail voters," said Allen Chaney, legal director of the ACLU South Carolina. "While I am certainly pleased by this settlement, the voters need the next South Carolina redistricting process to be more independent, transparent, and accountable." House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford countered there was nothing to fix with the state House lines. "I never saw any evidence of any racial intent of any of the lines," said the Columbia Democrat, noting he wasn't consulted in any of the settlement negotiations. "I'm not seeing what it accomplished, but if it allowed the ACLU and NAACP to pat themselves on the back, I guess it was a good thing." With so little time left in the regular session, the House needs to shortcut the normal process for a new bill. The agreement calls for the chamber to do that by attaching the new maps to a bill about Horry County voting precincts that passed the Senate unanimously in March and is already on the House calendar for floor debate. That way, the House can quickly pass and return the bill to the Senate with the changes. Another vote in that chamber to concur would send it to McMaster's desk before the gavel falls on the regular session at 5 p.m. May 12, as per state law. If that doesn't happen, the settlement is moot. The sides first reached a deal with the new lines last month. But a three-judge federal panel rejected it, saying the negotiating House leaders lacked the authority to approve the changes on their own. During an April 26 conference, the court indicated the proper way to resolve the dispute would be to get the approval of both chambers and McMaster, following the same process as the challenged maps. COLUMBIA State Rep. Jonathon Hill will pay a $12,000 fine for mishandling his campaign account, the S.C. House Ethics Committee decided May 5 after reaching a settlement with the Townville Republican. Hill, a pariah in Statehouse GOP circles for his frequent criticism of fellow Republicans, admitted to 54 counts of violating the state Ethics Act as part of the agreement, including a charge that he used campaign funds to pay for a personal mortgage. The House Ethics Committee also issued him a public reprimand. House Ethics Committee Chairman Jay Jordan noted the fine is worth more than the $10,400 salary South Carolina's part-time legislators earn every year. "It's a very, very significant fine," the Florence Republican told The Post and Courier. "I think it conveys the seriousness of (the charges)." Hill, a Tea Party activist who isn't seeking reelection this year, initially faced a maximum fine of $266,000 from 133 ethics charges, many of which were either dismissed or consolidated as part of the settlement. The 37-year-old software engineer and his attorney, Tom Fernandez, shrugged off most of the charges as technical violations made in ignorance of campaign finance rules. Fernandez said Hill's use of campaign money to cover a mortgage payment of nearly $1,200 was a mix-up he corrected within days. Hill used the same bank for both his personal accounts and his campaign account and accidentally clicked the wrong one when paying his monthly mortgage, Fernandez said. "We're obviously happy that it's over," Fernandez said May 5. "We wish there was a better resolution to it. We still stand by the fact that this was all started when Rep. Hill reported himself when he found some irregularities with his campaign accounts and his campaign." Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Ethics investigators found a mess when they reviewed Hill's campaign finance records. Hill faced charges of accepting cash donations and failing to publicly report fundraising and spending for his Statehouse campaigns. Hill also didn't deposit donations into his campaign account within legal deadlines, investigators charged. First elected in 2014, Hill has regularly sparred with fellow Republicans at the Statehouse, questioning their conservative credentials and calling on his online followers to pester them. He has become a reliable "no" vote in hundreds of House floor debates every year. The chambers GOP leaders took the rare step of kicking Hill out of the House Republican Caucus in 2019. Top Republicans accused Hill of posting details of their closed-door discussions on Facebook, mischaracterizing their comments to make them look bad to GOP voters, and siccing his followers on them by posting their cellphone numbers online. Hill must pay his fine in 24 monthly installments of $500. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is at the center of a bill to reorganize the state's health and environment programs. Mental health professionals in South Carolina worry that the move would water down their services. BAWAGAN: Cristina Bawagan, 67, shows the dress she wore when she was arrested, tortured and sexually abused by soldiers during the late Philippines' dictator Ferdinand Marcos' brutal era of martial law, in her home at Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on April 22, 2022. Eloisa Lopez/Reuters My friend Tim Kelly gave up a student deferment at the University of Minnesota to enlist in the Army and serve as a platoon leader in Vietnam. When he returned from Vietnam he went to law school and then to clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger before entering private practice in Minneapolis. Tim wrote me to comment on the events at the Court this week as he recalled his work on the Courts opinion in the somewhat consequential Nixon case: The issue now is to reinstate the obligation of confidentiality. Part of that is punishing the leakernot as easy as one thinks because I believe the bars of Massachusetts, DC and New York would allow a lawyer who leaked this opinion to maintain membership even if that person was convicted of a felony. The Chief should require all staff to sign a new undertaking of confidentiality that should specifically provide that the employee does not believe the Dobbs leaker was justified and does believe that there can never be justification to leak. The Chief Justice gave me the oath himself when I became a clerk in an eye to eye fashion. We all knew that we could never leak. I was under great pressure to leak when United States v. Nixon was under advisement. To my knowledge none of us did. Events this week prompted me to recall the instructions I received from Eighth Circuit Judge Myron Bright at the time I went to work for him in Notes on the leak. I can hear his words echoing in my head over 40 years later. I am glad to add Tim Kellys recollections to the mix. Elon Musk is a native of South Africa, although he left that country at age 17. The New York Times obviously saw some potential in Musks heritage. Hence this tweet: Elon Musk grew up in elite white communities in South Africa, detached from apartheids atrocities and surrounded by anti-Black propaganda. He sees his takeover of Twitter as a free speech win but in his youth did not suffer the effects of misinformation. https://t.co/bciCJDWGGP The New York Times (@nytimes) May 5, 2022 That last sentence tries to make a point: He sees his takeover of Twitter as a free speech win but in his youth did not suffer the effects of misinformation. But I cant quite figure out what it is. In any event, the actual Times story linked in the tweet is anything but an indictment of Musk, whatever the reporters and editors may have intended: Mr. Musk left South Africa shortly after graduation at 17 to go to college in Canada, barely ever looking back. He did not respond to emails requesting comment about his childhood. Why would he? Mr. Musk has heralded his purchase of Twitter as a victory for free speech, having criticized the platform for removing posts and banning users. It is unclear what role his childhood coming up in a time and place in which there was hardly a free exchange of ideas and where government misinformation was used to demonize Black South Africans may have played in that decision. I dunno, its just a wild guess, but maybe growing up in a place where, as the Times reports, Newspapers sometimes arrived on doorsteps with whole sections blacked out, impressed upon him the importance of free speech. But enough about South Africa. What about Elon Musk? Black schoolmates recall that he spent time with Black friends. *** Mr. Musks father, Errol Musk, said in an interview with The New York Times that Elon, his brother and sister were aware from a young age that there was something wrong with the apartheid system. Errol, who was elected to the Pretoria City Council in 1972, said they would ask him about the laws prohibiting Black people from patronizing restaurants, movie theaters and beaches. They had to make calculations when they were going out with nonwhite friends about what they could safely do, he said. As far as being sheltered from it, thats nonsense. They were confronted by it every day, recalled Errol, who said he belonged to the anti-apartheid Progressive Party. He added, They didnt like it. *** According to a biography of Mr. Musk, written by Ashlee Vance, Mr. Musk said he did not want to partake in South Africas mandatory military service because it would have forced him to participate in the apartheid regime and that may have contributed to his decision to leave South Africa shortly after high school graduation. *** Mr. Musk became friends with a cousin of Mr. Netshitukas, Asher Mashudu, according to Mr. Mashudus brother, Nyadzani Ranwashe. One time at lunch, a white student used an anti-Black slur, and Mr. Musk chided the student, but then got bullied for doing so, Mr. Ranwashe said. *** Mr. Mashudu was killed in a car accident in 1987, and Mr. Ranwashe said he remembered Mr. Musk being one of only a handful of white people who attended the funeral in the familys rural village. It was unheard of during that time, he said. The Times evidently didnt find what it was looking for in researching Elon Musks childhoodno gems like, say, Mitt Romney helping to cut a fellow students hair. But they couldnt let it go without this quote: Mr. Musks current views on free speech seem to reflect the philosophies students were exposed to at Pretoria Boys, said Mr. Beney, the classmate like that of the English philosopher John Stuart Mill, a champion of unchecked expression. I think his ideas about free speech are very classic liberal and not nuanced, Mr. Beney said of Mr. Musk. Not nuanced means he doesnt favor censorship by the government and its minions. The Times will never forgive him for that. Joe Biden and his minions have stoked the fires of hysteria following on the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion in the Dobbs case. I havent been able to find an embeddable video, but Biden talked about the decision today: President Joe Biden delivered a sharp political speech from the White House on Wednesday warning of the extreme agenda from MAGA Republicans. This MAGA crowd is really the most extreme political organization that has existed in American history, Biden said, referring to the Make America Great Again movement sparked by former President Donald Trump. A typically sane comment from Dementia Joe, which he later amended to say recent American history. Antifa? Hey, theyre middle of the road! This is about a lot more than abortion, he said. The president warned that Republicans might pass a law preventing LGTBQ children from attending public school with other children. Of course, no Republican of any stripe has proposed any such thing. The idea is ridiculous. Let me tell you about this ultra-MAGA agenda, its extreme, Biden said. He also suggested that the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade could mean that government could regulate couples from using birth control. This refers to Griswold v. Connecticut, a terrible Supreme Court decision that started in a Yale classroom and inaugurated the right to privacy that has bedeviled us ever since. Biden pretends not to understand the difference between something that is constitutionally requireda small universeand something that is obviously a good idea and will happen regardless, i.e., the sale of contraceptives. Jen Psaki, meanwhile, did a press briefing today in her usual hyperpartisan style. Peter Doucy followed up on Bidens bizarre reference to LGBTQ children, but Psaki had no coherent explanation: Q The President said today: What happens if you have states change the law saying that children who are LGBTQ cant be in classrooms with other children? What is he talking about? MS. PSAKI: Well, I think, Peter, weve seen extreme laws that target LGBTQ families, their kids across the country. And I think what hes saying is: We dont know what theyre capable of, given what theyve already done to date. Q Which state is trying to segregate LGBTQ children in the classroom? MS. PSAKI: Well, I think weve seen laws that are incredibly discriminatory. Thats what the President is referring to and the fact that he doesnt know what additional steps could be taken by extreme wings of the party that would rather divide rather than work on issues that the American people actually are focused on and actually are impacting them. The administration isnt much concerned about the unprecedented, enormously damaging and perhaps illegal leak of a draft opinion being circulated among the justices: Q Jen, back to abortion, if I can: Yesterday, you said the leak raises eyebrows, including for many here in the White House. But does the White House condemn explicitly condemn this leak and or has seeing this draft been seen as welcome by some here? MS. PSAKI: I dont think we have a particular view on that other than to say that we certainly note the unprecedented nature of it. What we are mindful of and I spoke with the President about exactly this question yesterday, and obviously its up to the Department of Justice to determine what, if any, action they will take. And I know, obviously, there have been calls for that from some Republicans but also members of the Supreme Court. But our focus is on not losing sight from what the content is in the draft and what is at risk here. And while we have heard a number raised concerns about the leak, our focus is on highlighting what the content in there would risk put at risk for women across the country. Psaki was not willing to say that a decision overturning Roe v. Wade would be legitimate. Sort of like a presidential election, only with the shoe on the 2000, 2004 or 2016 foot. Q And as for the content of the draft the document, the draft it is, of course, a draft but if the Supreme Court does move to strike down Roe, should Americans be prepared to just accept that decision as legitimate? And would President Biden accept that decision as legitimate? MS. PSAKI: Well, I cant speak for what actions could be possible on the legal front; I would point you to the Department of Justice on that. But what I can tell you will happen is and this is what we are preparing for the possibility of that if Roe were to fall, abortion would probably be illegal in about half the states in the country That is a false statement. I doubt that there would be any state in which abortion would be illegal. The Mississippi law that was the subject of the Dobbs case permitted abortions through 15 weeks. up to 26 states, particularly in the South, the Midwest, and West, who have all spoken out many leaders about how theyre poised to restrict or ban access. And as a result of all of this, tens of millions of women may lack access to reproductive healthcare services Reproductive health care services means killing unborn babies. as soon as this summer, if that were a decision to be made. There is much more at the link. Suffice it to say that the Biden administration is doubling down on killing the largest possible number of unborn babies as a core principle of the Democratic Party. I am not sure this will work out as well for them as they seem to expect. Two quotes for today: The seven-to-two judgment in Roe v. Wade declared violative of the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment a Texas criminal abortion statute that intolerably shackled a womans autonomy; the Texas law except[ed] from criminality only a life-saving procedure on behalf of the [pregnant woman]. Suppose the Court had stopped there, rightly declaring unconstitutional the most extreme brand of law in the nation, and had not gone on, as the Court did in Roe, to fashion a regime blanketing the subject, a set of rules that displaced virtually every state law then in force. Would there have been the twenty-year controversy we have witnessed, reflected most recently in the Supreme Courts splintered decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey? A less encompassing Roe, one that merely struck down the extreme Texas law and went no further on that day . .. might have served to reduce rather than to fuel controversy. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 1992 New York Times, March 29, 2019: Mr. Biden entered the Senate in 1973 as a 30-year-old practicing Catholic who soon concluded that the Supreme Court went too far on abortion rights in the Roe case. He told an interviewer the following year that a woman shouldnt have the sole right to say what should happen to her body. And yet now the Dobbs draft is a radical opinion. P.S. I had forgotten that Harvards Lawrence Tribe wrote to President Obama in 2009 when Obama had his first Supreme Court seat to fill with the advice that Obama should not name Sonia Sotomayor to the Court: Bluntly put, shes not nearly as smart as she seems to think she is, and her reputation for being something of a bully could well make her liberal impulses backfire and simply add to the fire power of the Roberts/Alito/Scalia/Thomas wing of the Court on issues like those involved in the voting rights case argued last week and the Title VII case of the New Haven firefighters argued earlier, issues on which Kennedy will probably vote with Roberts despite Souters influence but on which I dont regard Kennedy as a lost cause for the decade or so that he is likely to remain on the Court. Just food for thought. Berkeley Law Professor John Yoo joined Notre Dame Law School professors Sherif Girgis and Carter Snead for a panel discussion focused on events at the Supreme Court this week. The panel was hosted yesterday by Vincent Phillip Munoz of Notre Dames Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government. Professors Yoo and Girgis are former Supreme Court law clerks. All of them know what they are talking about. This is therefore an illuminating discussion that stands alone or supplements our own podcast with Professor Yoo in the adjacent post. I only happened onto this video via the daily Hoover Institution email update. Professor Yoo is affiliated with Hoover and a link to the video was included in its lineup yesterday afternoon. If you have any interest in the draft opinion or the leak, this is well worth your time. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Thursday agreed to maintain its planned monthly oil output, as the European Union proposes a ban on Russian oil. OPEC disclosed this at its 28th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting, according to a statement released by the organisation on Thursday. It noted geopolitical factors and issues related to the ongoing pandemic as reasons for its decision. The development came a day after the European Union announced it is proposing to ban all oil imports from Russia by the end of the year. On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that European Union countries would stop importing Russian oil in the next six months as part of sanctions for Russias invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, OPEC said it decided to reaffirm the decision of the 10th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on April 12, 2020 and further endorsed in subsequent meetings, including the 19th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting on the July 18, 2021. Following the conclusion of the 28th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, held via video conference on 5th May, it was noted that continuing oil market fundamentals and the consensus on the outlook pointed to a balanced market. It further noted the continuing effects of geopolitical factors and issues related to the ongoing pandemic, the oil cartel said. The OPEC and participating non-OPEC oil-producing countries, therefore, decided to: Reconfirm the production adjustment plan and the monthly production adjustment mechanism approved at the 19th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting and the decision to adjust upward the monthly overall production by 0.432 mb/d for the month of June 2022, as per the attached schedule. Reiterate the critical importance of adhering to full conformity and to the compensation mechanism, taking advantage of the extension of the compensation period until the end of June 2022. Compensation plans should be submitted in accordance with the statement of the 15th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting, it said. The body further announced that its next meeting will be held on June 2. Famous Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, who recently welcomed a child with his colleague-turned wife, Judy Austin, has hit back at critics. The 40-year-old actor, in an Instagram live session with famous show promoter Paul Okoye, said he anticipated that fans who knew little or nothing about his private life would troll him. He said: I expect people to react that way, its the love they have for me, but at the same time, people are talking about something they dont know the root. There is always a reason for something, he said. In April, the 40-year-old actor threw his fans, colleagues and social media into a frenzy after sharing pictures of himself and his baby boy on his Instagram page. The actor said it was high time the world met his son, Star Dike Munachimso Yul Edochie, whom he loves much as his other children. He also noted that amidst the controversies and uproar surrounding the recent crisis in his marriage, he was not going to make his first wife, May, appear inadequate in public. Everybody is shouting and insulting me, they dont live in my house with me, and nobody has said to Yul what the problem is. As a man, you dont come out to say everything in public, and you wont take your family and put it out there. I would instead take all the heat, and they wont understand. Someone sent me a message and said I should do a press conference. I started laughing that I should do a press conference in my family life? One thing I will never do is make my wife, May, look bad in public. No, I will never do that. No matter the pressure people put on me to speak on the cause of the issue, I will never do that. Its family, under control, and I wont put it in public, no matter how they insult me and speak on things they do not know anything about. However, when Yul broke the news of his new son and his second wife on Instagram, his first wife, May, who was disappointed, reacted in the comment session of Yuls Instagram post she wrote, May God judge you both. Yul married his first wife May 17 years ago, in 2004, at the age of 22. The couple celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary in October 2021 and have four children. Presidential ambition Yul also claimed that the recent controversy is Gods way of preparing him for the presidency. In the past two years, the actor has declared interest in vying for the number one office in Nigeria. The truth is God is preparing me for Aso Rock, and God is preparing me for the Presidential seat. As a leader, people must insult you. This is nothing compared to what you go through in the presidential seat when you make decisions for the good of the people that certain people would not see the good side and then insult you, people will insult you. Recently, the movie star took to his Instagram to appeal to Nigerians to help him purchase a presidential nomination form ahead of the 2023 elections. He wrote: We shook the world on Wednesday and still shaking it. The energy you all applied and still applying is unimaginable. The point was united and without tribe and religion. The energy is coming from the South, East, West and North and indeed the world. My dear Nigerians, we can use this energy for more positive things. Fellow Nigerians, please, I appeal to you, buy me a presidential form. The National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu, has returned N405 million, which he was accused of fraudulently receiving from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, sources familiar with the matter have told PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Ayu, a former university lecturer and Third Republic senate president, returned the money in two instalments shortly before he was elected PDP chairman in October 2021, the sources said. He paid with cheques drawn in favour of the federal government. The money, described by a source as ill-gotten N405Million, was recovered by a presidential panel investigating the alleged illicit transfer of public security funds to politicians and other individuals by Mr Dasuki during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. Mr Dasuki, appointed NSA by Mr Jonathan in 2012, was arrested on December 1, 2015 by the State Security Service. He was later accused of diverting $2.1 billion in arms funds and of awarding phantom contracts to beneficiaries that included politicians helping Mr Jonathan and the PDP win the 2015 election, which they lost. He denied the allegations and the case is ongoing. Mr Ayu, also a former minister in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, was one of the named beneficiaries. Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the panel investigating and recovering the diverted funds is currently operating out of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). According to the sources, when Mr Ayu delayed refunding the fund, a mansion he owned in Abuja was seized from him. The property was returned to him after he paid up, our sources said. Mr Dasuki, alongside a former Director of Finance at the ONSA, Shuaibu Salisu, were in 2015 accused of fraud and money laundering by the Muhammadu Buhari administration. Messrs Dasuki and Salisu were accused of criminal breach of trust for transferring N350 million from the CBN account of the NSA to the account of a Starbriid Limited with Stanbic IBTC Bank and GTB. The accounts were allegedly controlled by one Emmanuel Lawani on behalf of Mr Ayu, for the construction of a shopping mall at Jabi, Abuja. However, the accused were said to have disguised the payment as being for satellite charges and security equipment, in what investigators described as breaching Nigerias penal code. It was after the initial accusation in 2015 that the investigative panel discovered that Mr Ayu received more than N350 million from Mr Dasukis office without offering any service to the government, our sources said. Starbriid Limited, the company allegedly used to receive the funds, was incorporated by Mr Ayu in 1996 to engage in the business of general contract and merchandise. He, his son, Shima Ayu and one Bula Isaac are directors and shareholders of the Jos-based company. Mr Ayu did not answer or return calls made to him on Tuesday night seeking his comment for this story. He also did not respond to a text message sent to him. On Wednesday afternoon, the PDP chairman picked up his call but then made no comment as our reporter held the line. EDITORS NOTE: This post has been updated to correct the amount recovered from the PDP chair. It is N405 Million and not N450 Million as initially reported. As the race for the 2023 general elections gains momentum, many political appointees and top allies of the Katsina State governor, Aminu Masari, have indicated interest to succeed him, a development many see as posing the toughest political test yet for the governor. Mr Masari has been on the political scene since the early 1990s. He has faced several political battles but political pundits see this as his biggest trial that he needs to fix right. Among those who have bought nomination and express of interest forms to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are five of his top loyalists, including the immediate former Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa; the deputy governor, Mannir Yakubu; the immediate former Budget and Economic Planning Commissioner, Faruk Jobe; the immediate pasy Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Ahmed Dangiwa, and the Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Dikko Radda. The governor had, twice, said he would be retiring from public affairs after his second term in 2023 when he will be 73 years old. Mr Masari said: I am not going to contest for any office either in the party or in government. I was in the National Assembly as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, so what should I go back to the place to do again? In the party, I was the Deputy National Chairman of APC for the North. So what should I go back to the party to contest for? In the state, I have gone up to the level of a governor, where will I go? I think it is time to allow the younger generation to play their own part. Though he will not be contesting for any position, he will be involved in determining who his party chooses to succeed him as governor and who goes to the national and state assemblies. Headache As it is now, Mr Masaris headache over 2023 is not the main opposition party, the PDP. Rather, it comes from some of his appointees parading themselves as his anointed candidates. He has not publicly aligned with any of the candidates that have secured forms to contest under the APC and his body language remains neutral so far, but pundits believe it is not because he wants it that way. He is in a difficult position, a political analyst, Saifullahi Kuraye, told PREMIUM TIMES. This is his greatest test. He cant afford to be careless with it because he has arguably not been the best governor and has so many issues. He knows that the only thing he can do for the state is to anoint a capable candidate but he has blessed all five strong candidates and that is where the problem is. During an APC stakeholders meeting in 2020, Mr Masari said he had no favourite contestant, insisting he would allow delegates to choose among those interested. Mr Masari, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, is in a dilemma over who to endorse as the governor because all of the top contestants had in one way or the other helped or complemented the governor as trusted allies Loyalists and cabals Promoters and supporters of the top loyalists of the governor have been banking on the relationship between their candidate and the governor to the extent that some of them feel a certain sense of entitlement to the seat. Most of the banners and billboards of the deputy governor, Mr Yakubu, carry the slogan Daga Liman Sai Naibi meaning: After the leader then the deputy. They believe the deputy governor, who was also the commissioner for agriculture for seven years until he resigned recently, should be Mr Masaris successor to continue the legacy of the administration. For seven years, they have ruled the state together amicably and the governor has never shied away from praising his deputy. On his part, Mr Inuwa, the immediate former SGS, is seen as the leader of the cabal at the Government House, and even if there is no cabal, the opportunities given to him by the governor would leave no one in doubt that there is a kitchen cabinet of the governors trusted allies led by Mr Inuwa. Mr Masari, this newspaper learnt, likes Mr Inuwa for the role he played in Mr Masaris victory in the 2015 general elections as the APC state chairman then. He became the governors Mr Fix it and is believed to have a solution to every administrative problem. The former university lecturer is not oblivious of the fact that some people resent his influence with the governor. During an interview with a local radio station, Vision FM 92.1 Katsina, last year, Mr Inuwa said those complaining that the governor assigned him (Mr Inuwa) every responsibility needed to know that he did every assignment given to him by the governor deligently, hence the trust. Mr Jobe, a banker and financal expert, is another member of the cabal in the administration. There is a joke in the corridors of power that if Jobe cant convince the governor on an issue, no one can. He was part of the campaigns in 2015 and 2019 and it is believed that he contributed a lot of money into the campaigns. He also has the governors ears and it is said he alone can change the governors mind on decisions because of the confidence and trust the governor has in him. The SMEDAN boss, Mr Radda, has come a long way with the governor. He was a youth mobiliser and one of the most connected grassroots supporters of Mr Masari since 2007. When Mr Masari became governor in 2015, he allowed Mr Radda the privilege of participating in selecting his officials. Advertisements In 2007, Mr Radda sacrificed his seat as a local government chairman after he disagreed with then governor Umaru Yaradua over the choice of his successor, between Mr Masari and Ibrahim Shema. Mr Radda was the Chief of Staff to Mr Masari before the governor proposed him to President Muhammadu Buhari for a federal government appointment and he got the SMEDAN job. In 2014, when Mr Masari was the deputy national Chairman of the APC, he helped Mr Radda to become the national welfare secretary of the party. At the height of a power struggle in 2015 between Katsina-based and Abuja-based APC politicians, it was said that Mr Radda played a key role in convincing President Muhammadu Buhari that Mr Masari was on course. His promoters said Mr Raddas intervention was critical to the defeat of the Abuja-based politicians. Mr Dangiwa, who just finished his tenure at Federal Mortgage Bank, has a special spot in the governors heart, this newspaper learnt. He was the acting chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and led the actualisation of the merger in Katsina State that produced the APC. He nearly become the deputy governor in 2015 due to his closeness to Mr Masari. The governor is believed to have influenced his appointment as the MD of FMBN. Around December 2020, while Mr Masari was launching an empowerment progrmamme, he said Mr Dangiwa was one of the few appointees of President Buhari that remembered his state and its people in terms of support. Two days after that, posters of Mr Dangiwa flooded the state and his promoters still bank on the statement and the fact that Messrs Masari and Dangiwa have been close allies for years. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that all the five camps have support from different government appointees and politicians. But the top loyalists of the governor and other stakeholders in the party have been keeping their distance from the contestants for now. One of the governors close aides told PREMIUM TIMES that none of them has taken a position because the body language of the governor is unpredictable. Walahi, anyone who tells you that this is Ogas candidate is a liar, the aide said, asking not to be named as he has no permission to talk to journalists. The aide said Mr Masari is keeping his promise of allowing free and fair primary elections. Who picks APC flag? Jamilu Abdulsalam, a lecturer at the department of Political Science, Ummaru Musa Yaradua University, said it would be hard for Mr Masari to pick one out of the five because of the role they played in his life. The issue is that all the contestants have a say in the political structure of the governor. They have played key roles for the development of the party and Masari himself. When you take them one by one, you will see that they have a right to seek for the governors endorsement, he said. However, Mr Abdulsalam said the delay by the governor to annoint a successor may generate bad blood among the contestants and the party. They are spending their money and reaching out to stakeholders. If you waste a lot of money, it will be hard to convince you to withdraw for somebody. That is why I think the governor should have at least spoken to some of them because going to the primaries with five top aides will be dangerous for the party and the governor himself. Mr Abdulsalam also noted that the governor might be waiting for the right person because of the threats the party is facing currently from the PDP. A local political reporter, Abdul Jani, agreed that the delay may affect the chances of the APC and the legacy of the governor I am sure he has his reasons for not siding with any of them because, as we all know, they are all his boys and allies. He has a good working relationship with the deputy, Mustapha (Mr Inuwa) has been his most important aide while Jobe is a top cabinet member. Dangiwa and Radda both helped Masari with platforms and grassroots support and were with him in all situations. It is very difficult for him to come out and side with one of them now, but the delay is dangerous, he said. Zoning Three of the top contenders, Messrs Inuwa, Yakubu and Radda are from Katsina Central zone. Mr Dangiwa is from the North zone (Daura) while Mr Jobe is from the southern zone (Funtua zone). Mr Masari is from Funtua zone. From 1999 2007, the late President Umar Yaradua from the central zone was the governor and after him, Ibrahim Shema, also from the central zone led for another eight years. While politicians from Daura zone have been clamouring for the seat to shift to their zone, those from the Funtua zone are insisting that they will do as the central zone did (16 years) while politicians from the central zone are adamant that it is also their turn. Even with this in mind, the top contenders have been campaigning, recruiting government officials, business leaders, Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to join their campaigns. Five days before the All Progressives Congress (APC) closes the sale of its expression of interest and nomination forms, three more aspirants on Wednesday declared their intention to run for the presidential ticket of the party. The rash of declarations has raised the fear of a game plan to force the ruling party into throwing its presidential race open to aspirants from all sections of the country. The new entrants into the race are a former National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole; the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi. Also on Wednesday, the Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru, obtained the APC presidential forms at the partys national headquarters in Abuja after announcing his decision the night before in Dutse, his state capital. And according to various sources, Senate President Ahmad Lawan has concluded arrangements to make his declaration this week, while the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, said he will formally announce his interest in the same office on Friday. Earlier on Tuesday, a businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, also declared his bid. The new entrants this week have taken the number of aspirants to 23 who may participate in the APC presidential primary, which will be held between May 30 and June 1 in Abuja. As of Wednesday evening, six of them had picked the APC presidential forms after paying N100 million each. They are the National Leader of the party, Bola Tinubu; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, and Governor Badaru. The sixth, a female aspirant, Uju Kennedy, picked her forms after paying the sum of N30 million. The party had said female aspirants will only pay for the expression of interest forms. Other aspirants set to pick the forms include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha; Cross River governor, Ben Ayade; a former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole; a former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, Ihechukwu Chima, Usman Iwu, Mr Tein Jack-Rich and Adamu Garba II. Five of the aspirants are from the northern part of the country, while 18 are from the south. The entrance of the northern aspirants feeds speculation that the party is under pressure to throw its presidential primary open to all comers. The APC was assumed to have zoned its presidential ticket to the south after it announced earlier this year that its northern and southern zones would swap the party offices they were holding at the National Convention of the party on March 26. The arrangement led to the emergence of Abdullahi Adamu as the National Chairman of the party, the first person from the North to hold the office since the party was formed in 2014. However, on Friday, Mr Adamu said the party was yet to decide on zoning, a statement that drew criticism from across the South. Responding to the statement, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu warned the party against throwing the race open or zoning the presidency to the North. A similar situation is going on in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party where five of the 17 aspirants who picked the partys presidential forms are from the North. Although the party set up a committee headed by Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom to advise it on the zoning issue, the sale of the forms to the northern aspirants is believed to have made an open primary a fait accompli for the party. The APC is expected to decide on zoning before the primary. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) will hold a Press Freedom Manual Launch in commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja today. With the topic State Surveillance and Threats to Journalism Practice in the 21st Century, media experts will extensively discuss policies and conditions stifling free and safe press in the country. The event, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a political foundation funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), will also explore possible solutions to these constraints against the profession at large in the current dispensation. The book launch is a commendable extension of the 2022 UN theme in celebration of the profession at large. The body, in December 1993, pronounced May 3 in celebration of World Press Freedom Day and tagged this years theme Journalism under siege. According to the CJID, the aim of the training manual is to deepen the publics understanding of press freedom and its challenges in Nigeria both under the military and democratic regimes. It also explores the various historic attempts at restoring the dignity of the press in Nigeria and the newfound primacy of digital rights in the press freedom discourse for the 21st Century. The Acting Executive Director of CJID, Tobi Oluwatola, in a statement, said the West African region in the last few years has witnessed a troubling decline into authoritarian regimes, including successful coup detats and a shrinking civic space even in ostensibly democratic states. The press freedom manual highlights the dangers of such repressive societies and provides tools for reversing the trend. CJID is humbled to lead this charge with the production of this piece which is sure to be required reading for all journalism education in the region. PREMIUM TIMES will be bringing you highlights from the event as participants witness the unveiling of another masterpiece in the fight for press freedom. Marija Peran, the Deputy Resident Representative of KAS, in her opening remarks, noted the organisations contributions to good governance and democratic principles of Nigeria since its establishment in the country 20 years ago. She said programmes such as the launch of the Press Freedom manual for journalists are highly important in a time like this for the profession. As part of our efforts to strengthen the,democratic rule in Nigeria, we have been supporting press freedom for years now in Nigeria with several relevant programmes. The programmes are public reminders at this point today, are not only interesting, they are important in these times and unfortunately still necessary. The 3rd of May serves as a reminder to the government of the need to respect efforts towards press freedom and also a day for reflection for media professionals on the issues on press freedom, she said. 11:35 a.m: The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chris Isiguzo, in his remarks, said the union is more worried that the country is sinking in the global index of press freedom rather than improving. He described journalism as the life wire of every working democracy, which, unfortunately, is not getting the respect it deserves from the current administration. Mr Isiguzo called on the government to set a salary structure for media personnel that can address the core challenges faced by journalists. 10:54 a.m: Chidi Odinkalu, a professor of International Human Rights Law and practice, at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, Massachusetts, in his keynote address, said the concerns raised in the book are global. Something as universal as free expression is presented as a western idea. It is not western. Telling an African village man that free expression was invented by Socrates is like telling us that Mungo Park discovered the Niger, Mr Odinkalu told participants who joined the discussion from different parts of the world. 11:21 a.m: Mr Odinkalu condemned the current administrations role in peddling misinformation and digital war against media platforms that are effectively playing their roles. As he reviewed the manual, he said the book should be updated to further reflect the African dynamism of expression. In her goodwill message shortly after the welcome address of the acting Executive Director of CJID, Tobi Oluwatobi, the Manager, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), Toyosi Giwa, commended the organisation for its role in the role in the struggle for press freedom. She said the reality of what journalists are facing in Nigeria is not an encouraging one. She said the situation is dire, challenging and difficult. Advertisements Mrs Giwa encouraged journalists to continue to hold the government and other relevant persons accountable for their actions and inactions. Onyinye Madu represented the French Embassy. She reiterated why press freedom is important. Ms Madu said France has unwavering support for press freedom, as evidenced in its yearly financial contributions to the profession yearly. Reviewing the book, Victor Ayedun, a professor at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, opened his presentation by taking participants through global indexes on press freedom side-by-side with the abysmal performance of Nigeria. He said the book sets ideological tones and ideas needed to give press freedom a needed phenomenon across the world. The professor described the writers of the six modules book as highly skilled and experienced journalists and writers within and outside Nigeria. This book will be found useful by researchers and students and scholars of comparative media studies, he said. The Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, unveiled the book. He said the book took five years to produce, a duration that reflects the carefulness and the amount of effort that went into the book. The CJID noted that the book is free and will be distributed accordingly. 12:06 p.m: The events anchor, Stephanie Adams-Douglas, invited panelists to the podium to discuss State Surveillance and Threats to Journalism in the 21st Century. The panellists include Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times; Onwuka Okereke, a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Abia State University; Tunde Akanni, an Associate Professor of Communication, LASU; Mojirayo Ogunalana-Nkanga, Gender and Human Rights Advocates and Hamza Idris, GM MEGA FM, Warri. He said the book took five years to produce, a duration that reflects the carefulness and the amount of effort that went into the book. The CJID noted that the book is free and will be distributed accordingly. The session is being moderated by Nkem Agunwa, Project Coordinator, Africa at WITNESS. 12:20 p.m: One of the panellists, Sola Olorunyomi, narrated his near-death experience at the hands of the Nigerian military for just being affiliated with a media personality, his brother, Dapo Olorunyomi. 12:23 p.m: Mr Mojeed did not outrightly dismiss surveillance on journalists by the government but condemned the manner and illegality in which they go about it. He talked about the effects of Internet trolls on journalism and that the media is one of the biggest dangers to journalists in recent times. 12:24 p.m: Mr Mojeed recalled when the military invaded Daily Trust some years ago and how they took away about 24 computers and they did not return it until seven weeks later. The computers were probably scanned, what messages are held in there, who is talking to who and documents in there. If you go through the budget of the Nigerian government, the government is spending so much money acquiring surveillance equipment. It is not totally negative, considering the insecurity being faced in the country today. But the way it is being deployed is dangerous, Mr Mojeed said, during the panel discussion. 12:34 p.m: Mr Akanni touched on the globalisation of journalism and laws. Government has as much as resources to hack into anyones private transmission of messages so it becomes easy for them to tell you that you attempt to reach someone. In some countries, some facilities provided by WhatsApp or Facebook are not allowed to function. In Dubai, Saudi Arabia, you cannot make WhatsApp calls. No section or organisation within the media industry is entitled to the membership of the cybercrime advisory Council. Those who dominate that council dont have what media scholars and journalists deem to be entitled for media professionals, the LASU communication associate professor noted. Speaking on the solution to the challenges before journalists in the country, Ogunlana Nkanga, a lawyer, said we need to apply more force. She lamented the lack of independence of the judiciary, an arm that ought to defend what the press stands for. We need judges and journalists who can be bold enough to go against the government. We need to keep up with strategic litigations, she said, while admitting the risks the profession is facing in the country. 12:44 p.m: Wrapping up her session, Ms Ogunlana-Nkanga, concluded that no one will fight for the media if its practitioners fail to fight for themselves. Journalists should keep talking because they are the ones that can fight for themselves. As champions of freedom of expression, we wont be able to go far if the media cannot fight for itself, she concluded. 12:51 p.m: Mr Okereke, speaking on the nexus between the practice of good journalism and the law, recalled the Watergate scandal in the US where the Republicans wire-tapped the Democrat partys Hall. It took the judge taking bold action to tell (the then U.S. President) Richard Nixon, that he had to surrender the tapes as the property of the American people, he said during the session. Ms Umukoro cautioned journalists against giving the executives a god-like status. She said it is high time we demystified that mentality to redeem our image as opinion shapers and give the profession its deserved status. She challenged the NUJ to live up to its expectations in the media space rather than be used as a tool in the hands of politicians. Going forward, we should take action. To NUJ and NAWOJ, what we represent now is beyond it. We need persons in those positions of leadership to be more than going to Kenya or the US. SERAP is doing something, and that is where the conversation is. Lets learn the power of collaboration and amplify our conversation, Ms Umukoro said. Mr Olorunyomi raised the need for a reorientation among the youth in lecture halls across schools of learning. He lamented the shift in the concentration of the youth on learning. 1:10 p.m: Parting words from the panellists Mr Okereke, in his parting words, said the training should be taken beyond Abuja. He thanked the CJID for the opportunity to speak at the event. Mr Akanni briefly spoke about freedom of the press, which has now been hijacked by the rich. He referenced the recent takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk, a platform previously referred to as for the masses. Ms Ogunlana-Nkanga, said the surveillance of journalists will stifle the truth and the populace should not allow it to stay. If we stay back, we will be giving power to people who have the financial power to buy our opinion. I cant freely express myself on Facebook without being flagged by Mark Zuckerberg. The right to speak my mind is my right to life, she said in her closing remarks. Sola Olorunyomi applauded the panellists for breathing more life into some issues addressed in the press freedom manual launched by CJID. Mr Idris said we have become more exposed to surveillance through advancements in technology but encouraged journalists to continue to learn to speak from the position of strength. Mr Mojeed, adding to the last speakers comment, said surveillance will not stop as technology gets more sophisticated. Journalists rely more on technology these days than ever. Journalists must continue to take precautions and gradually boycott phone conversations with sources, Mr Mojeed cautioned. Ms Umukoro said there is a wide gap of such conversations in the Niger-Delta region and urged the CJID to extend this to that region. We need to claim that space. Politics determines the quality of media. We should not leave politics to those who are not professionals of the politics business, she concluded. Ms Agunwa closed the panellists session at exactly 1:27 p.m. 1:33 p.m: Busola Ajibola, on behalf of the acting Executive Director of CJID, gave the vote of thanks to all the authors, panellists, staff and participants who made the event a success. Smarting from the welter of criticism in the wake of President Muhammadu Buharis pardon of two former governors convicted of corrupt practices while in office, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rambled into another storm. Its decision to collect N100 million from each of its members vying for the presidential ticket of the party for the 2023 election has kicked off new controversy around the meaning of our latest effort at democratic governance. There are 13 aspirants who have so far declared interest in the race, and therefore, are expected to collectively cough up N1.3 billion. More are likely to join in the days ahead. Assessed against the backdrop of the low and rapidly deteriorating standard of living in the country, this is a humongous amount, which cannot be reasonably justified. Obscenity such as this in our political process must be eviscerated from the system sooner than later, otherwise, the toxic fumes it emits will get worse. The party had at its recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, with the president in attendance, unfurled a raft of fees to be paid by aspirants for all political offices, with N30 million for expression of interest and N70 million for nomination forms, making for a total of N100 million for presidential aspirants, which tops the chart. Other charges for forms include that of the governorship at N50 million per aspirant; that of the Senate at N20 million each; House of Representatives at N10 million; and State Houses of Assembly at N2 million per contestant. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pegged its presidential form at N40 million per aspirant. While this is lesser than the APCs, it is still equally repugnant. Interestingly, the N100 million form currently on sale was obtained for N45 million in 2018 for the 2019 election and N27 million in 2014, ahead of the 2015 presidential contest. The geometric increase in the cost, from all indices available, cannot have been driven by anything other than an incrustation of corruption on our body polity by the APC. Unfortunately, there is no other way of looking at it. Besides, the huge roadblock this action mounts in the path of youth participation in the electoral process should trigger alarm bells. Undoubtedly, given its knock-on effects, the APC cannot deny the fact that the action is a clear erosion or reversal of the gains made by the Not too Young to Run crusade, which culminated in the reduction of the minimum age limit for the office of the president, hitherto constitutionally put at 40 years, but now 30 years. Yet, signing the bill into law strengthened the APCs bragging rights, with the party advertising this as a turning point in our political process. The president, in signing the bill into law, told the youths gathered from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory that: You can aspire for president but please postpone your campaign till after 2019. In the present circumstances, this amounts to pure pantomime. Clearly, what the APC government gave the youth with the right hand a few years ago, it has just taken away with the left hand. The inherent lesson that seeking elective offices in the land is only for the wealthy is hard to take. Nigerians should be indignant at this treacherous display that seemingly entrenches the discredited ancient regime of money-bag politics and gerontocracy which has for decades gnawed at our democracy. It is gratifying, however, that one of the victims of this corrupted process, Senator Ken Nnamami, a former president of the Senate has excoriated it. I believe that the nomination fees that parties ask aspirants to pay for elective offices in Nigeria need rethinking in order to improve the inclusion of youths, women and most Nigerians who earn salaries in an economy that has become distressed, he said, shortly after his declaration and collection of the forms. He was right in asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to draw up guidelines for the parties on both the costs of nominations and campaign expenses. Regrettably, there is an extant template or law for the latter, with appropriate penal provisions, which are observed in the breach. Nevertheless, political parties are public entities that cannot be left entirely in the hands of politicians. It behoves Nigerians, civil society organisations and appropriate state institutions, to keep them in check by ensuring that they operate within the ambit of the regulatory framework in all their activities. This campaign cannot be won by dropping the ball, a process evident in how no party has been sanctioned for varied breaches of party financial regulations. It is on record, for instance, that in the 2008 audit report, most of the major political parties, save the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), had no adequate financial record, as they could neither account for funds recorded nor conduct internal audits. Weighed down by a fusillade of negative commentaries, APC apparatchiks have been trying to justify their NECs decision, emphasising that the N100 million fee will determine how serious an aspirant is; or will free the party from dire financial straits during electioneering. But this rationalisation is patently otiose. A concerned citizen and legal practitioner, Pelumi Olajengbesi, is miffed by the fact that serving ministers, whose salaries in the past seven years were far less than N100 million each, have bought the forms to run for president. He has given a seven-day ultimatum to anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the sources of finances of those involved. He has a point. The president, for example, is reported to earn N14.058 million annually, while the salary of the vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo, stands at N12.126 million per annum. If political parties are often broke, here, and need election periods like this to fleece aspirants to get funds to remain afloat, it is because those who manage their affairs have, since 1999, failed woefully to administer them in keeping with democratic ethos. Everywhere in the world, parties have registers of members, which run into millions, and who pay monthly or annual dues for their day-to-day running. The PDP presidential screening committee in Abuja, headed by Senator David Mark, has demonstrated that this is doable and enforceable when it disqualified two aspirants, one of who was reportedly found wanting in membership status and financial obligation to the party. This practice should be recommended to all the parties. It is a regimen that should be extended to delegates of party primaries, from ward to council, state and federal levels, henceforth. When this is entrenched in the DNA of parties, it will give them a lifeline and a message to members that there will always be a day each of them will need the party and, of course, judgement. Going forward, the APC nomination forms bazaar should be jettisoned for inclusive participation in our countrys general elections. It is by so doing that public confidence and trust in our democratic processes will be enhanced. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must remain alive to its responsibility in this regard. After two decades of dictatorship, The Gambia embraced democracy with President Adama Barrows 2016 election victory. But as is often the case in transitions from autocracy to democracy, stability remains elusive and economic growth insufficient to alleviate structural problems like high unemployment. Mr Barrow was re-elected in December 2021, and a crucial test for his second term will be to curb rising insecurity and crime. Under Yahya Jammehs rule, communal clashes and crimes such as armed robbery, arson and banditry were uncommon in The Gambia. There was little political room for internal and external conflicts. Mr Jammeh was notorious for setting an example with anyone believed to be threatening the countrys stability, especially those who challenged the security forces. Human rights violations, state-sponsored summary killings and a lack of freedom of speech earned the country a not free categorisation in Freedom Houses political rights ratings between 2013 and 2016. Mr Jammehs authoritarian rule galvanised the opposition against him. Still, even after Mr Barrows 2016 win at the polls, it took military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) for Mr Jammeh to accept defeat. He eventually fled to Equatorial Guinea, where he still lives. Mr Barrows coalition government embraced democracy and freedom of speech. Media houses can report critically on state matters without fear of arrest or killings. Citizens openly discuss national issues on social media platforms, and many Gambians in exile have returned. The country has climbed on the Freedom House rating from not free between 2013 and 2016 to partly free from 2017. These are significant achievements, but discontent is growing about the governments inability to maintain security in the country. In a recent nationwide survey by the Center for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies, 76 per cent of respondents agreed that crime rates had either increased or increased rapidly in The Gambia since Mr Barrows election in 2017. Armed robbery, especially of wealthy business owners, has reportedly become common and banditry and murder are rampant in urban and rural Gambia, seemingly with few criminal justice consequences. It is common for people to go missing, and burglary cases are rising. In 2021, the Gambia Democratic Congress raised concerns in a media statement about the stunning growth in violent crimes and lawlessness in the country since 2020. The opposition party questioned the governments political will to deal with the problem. At the time, Mr Barrow himself lamented the disregard for the rule of law in the country and acknowledged that crime was a threat to national security. Localised conflicts have also been building. In 2017, the newly-elected Barrow government faced resistance to its deployment of ECOMIG forces in Foni the region Mr Jammeh was from. Civilian conflicts with ECOMIG forces stationed in Foni have resulted in one death and escalating tensions. ECOMIGs checkpoint in Bwiam village next to the Gambia-Casamance border has led to clashes that have affected local communities. The checkpoint is aimed at stopping illegal timber trafficking by rebels from the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance in Senegals Casamance region. In response, the rebels attacked an ECOMIG military base leading to the death of three Senegalese soldiers and the capture of seven others. This has caused fear and the internal displacement of 2,464 people from 302 households in the Foni Kansala and Brefet districts, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Foni residents live in constant fear of an incursion from the rebels along the long and porous border shared by The Gambia and the Casamance region. Community conflicts, some deadly, arising from land disputes have also increased for example between Gunjur and Berending villages in the West Coast region in March 2019. In June 2021, clashes between the Manduar-Mandinka and Manduar-Touba communities in the West Coast region over Alkalorship (village leadership) resulted in police intervention. In the Serrahule communities of Upper River region, the caste divide between so-called royals and enslaved people has become another source of communal dispute since 2017. The causes of rising insecurity are multifaceted. With youth unemployment at 12.4 per cent in 2019 and 48 per cent of Gambians living below the poverty line of $1.90 per day, many young people have resorted to crime. The response from the Barrow government has been weak. In many cases, the culprits remain at large. When arrests are made, prosecutions dont follow and often family members manage to secure the release of suspects. The police, generally under-equipped, have responded to the upsurge in crimes through various initiatives including the recent Operation Zero Crime. The operation targets criminal hideouts through increased patrols within the greater Banjul area and West Coast, but excludes most of rural Gambia. Going forward, the government needs to invest in a more effective criminal justice system that can investigate crime and rapidly prosecute as part of broader ongoing security sector reforms. Border security must be tighter to prevent cross-border crime, and social cohesion promoted among divided communities. The country also needs much more rapid economic growth. It should invest more in youth skills development through technical and vocational education programmes. It should also promote low- to mid-tech manufacturing industries through tax incentives and develop critical infrastructure that reduces the cost of doing business to spur private-sector growth. Now that Barrow has been given a new five-year mandate, tackling rising insecurity and promoting economic growth should be prioritised. Mustapha Jobarteh, Senior Researcher, African Futures and Innovation, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Pretoria (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has picked the nomination and expression of interest forms to run for president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The forms were procured for the vice president for N100 million on Thursday in Abuja by a former governor of Kano State and serving senator, Kabiru Gaya. Mr Osinbajo was away in Cross River State to meet with APC faithful when the form was picked on his behalf. The vice president had declared his interest in the 2023 presidential race on April 11. He said among other things that the seven years he has spent as the nations number two citizen has positioned him more than anyone else to succeed his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari. Also on Thursday, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, also bought the APC presidential nomination and expression of interest forms. Mr Nnamani, who presided over the upper legislative chamber between 2005 and 2007, had indicated his intention last week to run for the nations highest political office. While declaring in Abuja, the former lawmaker from Enugu State decried the high cost of the forms. He asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intervene. Tunde Bakare, the founder of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly) also procured the presidential forms of the ruling APC. The outspoken cleric picked the forms few weeks after he indicated his plan to join the overcrowded presidential race. Mr Bakare was Mr Buharis running mate during the 2011 presidential election under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Mr Bakare joins several other presidential aspirants in the APC, which is fast becoming an all-comers affair, as many have procured the forms despite the outrageous price tag. Buhari is 15, Im 16 Bakare PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Mr Bakare had in a video that went viral in 2020, said he will be the one to succeed Mr Buhari. Take it to the mountain top, if you have never heard it before, I am saying it to you this morning in the scheme of things, as far as politics of Nigeria is concerned, President Muhammadu Buhari is number 15, and I am number 16, If he (Buhari) wants to run in 2019, I do not oppose. Hes still number 15. Its when he steps out that I step in, he said. He went further to compare himself and Mr Buhari to the bibilical figuresMoses and Joshua. His assignment is like that of Moses to take Nigeria to River Jordan, but he cant cross it; it will take a Joshua to go to the other side and begin to distribute resources to the people of this nation, he had said. Last year, Mr Bakare even urged the president to nominate a successor to succeed him, prompting a response from Femi Adesina, Mr Buharis spokesperson, that the The president will not pick a successor. Mr Adesina added, We know him (Buhari), he is not somebody like that. Will he be interested in the process? Yes, he will. He will ensure that there is a free, fair and credible election; that nobody will come to use money and resources to bamboozle his way into the leadership of the country. Mr Bakare, despite his relationship with Mr Buhari, had on several occasions criticised the current administration. Flurry of aspirants Apart from the trio of Osinbajo, Nnamdi and Bakare, other presidential aspirants on the platform of the party include former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, State Minister for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and former Abia governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State are also in the race. Advertisements APC has scheduled its primary election for the end of May. Members of a group, Concerned Nigerian Citizens, on Wednesday, staged a peaceful protest at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over zoning of the partys presidential ticket. They barricaded the entrance to the complex, demanding that the ticket of the party in the 2023 election should be zond to the South. Southern Nigeria with 17 states has three zones, namely South-east, South-south and South-west. The protesters held placards with some inscriptions like It is the turn of Southern Nigeria to produce the President, and Stop frustrating Southern Presidency. They wondered why the PDP is yet to announce its decision on zoning a few days to the presidential primary. The protesters are among many members and Nigerians who anxiously await the partys final decision on zoning. They are also among many who have asked that the presidential ticket be zoned to the South. The PDP had in March, inaugurated the Samuel Ortom-led zoning committee. The panel was asked to make recommendations on a zoning formula for the various electoral offices ahead of next years polls. Although the panel submitted its report to the partys National Executive Committee, no official announcement has been made on its recommendations. There are, however, speculations that the panel has recommended that the presidential ticket be thrown open to all interested aspirants. Already the PDP has screened 17 presidential hopefuls from across different regions. Addressing journalists, a leader of the group, Femi Osabinu, noted that the rotation of power in Nigeria, goes beyond the mere aspiration of political parties, but also a tool, for ensuring national unity and stability. In this regard, he said candidates from southern Nigeria, must be allowed to occupy the position of President in the country come 2023. The established convention is that power must rotate between the North and the South. Hence a President of northern extraction follows that of Southern extraction and vice versa. Any consideration outside of this is foul and may destabilise the polity. He said by doing so, the party will be respecting the established convention of power rotation and contributing to the dire need, to restore stability and national cohesion, back into the nations polity. It is the turn of the Southern part of the country to produce the next President, and we believe that your party, should have no difficulty in coming out with a categorical declaration, on this very important issue, in the next few days. This must be done without delay. The principle of Federal Character is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Remember, there wont be APC if there is no country called Nigeria. Let us put Nigeria first in our resolutions. The partys next NEC meeting is scheduled to hold next Tuesday and it is hoped that it will announce its decision on zoning ahead of the presidential primary slated for May 28 and 29. The police in Lagos have arrested a Lebanese national, John Greg, who drove into a pedestrian and sped off in Victoria Island. The commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated via his Twitter handle on Thursday that the victim, identified as Omotola Akinsanya, is currently in hospital. The incident, which happened on Wednesday, was first reported by a Twitter user, @wellzpapi. On May 4, 2022, at about 0745hrs, a middle-aged Lebanese by the name John Greg m drove a Toyota 4Runner recklessly and against traffic on Sanusi Fafunwa Road thereby hitting one Omotomi Akinsanya f which resulted in serious injuries to her leg, the police said. Mr Hundeyin said the suspect sped off but was chased and arrested. He said they have impounded the drivers vehicle and also briefed the Lebanese embassy about the incident. Victim undergoing treatment at LASUTH. The victims family was duly informed. Embassy of Lebanon duly informed. An investigation is ongoing, Mr Hundeyin said. How it happened According to Wellzpapi, a passerby chased the driver when he attempted to flee the scene and handed him over to the police. The man was driving on a one-way road, against traffic and on a high speed around Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island. People had to run helter-skelter for their lives, he wrote. The driver then drove into Omotola and pushed her against the wall. The impact was so much that the plate number fell off. The driver did a hit and run, he absconded instead of waiting to care. A passerby took a bike and chased after him. He was caught, brought back and handed over to the police. Omotola is in critical condition at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. We seek justice for Omotola and this white man should not be released. #justiceforomotola President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, commenced a two-day working visit to Ebonyi with the inauguration of projects at King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidents aircraft landed at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, at about 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Mr Buhari was received by Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi and some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and his counterpart from Jigawa, Abubakar Badaru, were also on a solidarity visit to welcome the president to Ebonyi. The president departed the airport for Uburu, where he inaugurated Twin Flyover, a 12 km dual carriage federal road from Mbu, Enugu State, to Uburu in Ebonyi State, as well as facilities and equipment at the university. He later proceeded to Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke via a Chopper. At Onueke, the president inaugurated the 5km dual carriage airport road and the airports Presidential Lounge. Other projects to be inaugurated by the president while in Abakaliki include new Government House, Centenary City and reconstructed St. Margaret Umahi International Market complex, Abakaliki. The president will also inaugurate the Aisha Buhari Wife of Governors Office Complex, Akanu Ibiam Lodge (new Governors Lodge), and Ebonyi House. Mr Buhari, who will be hosted at a state dinner by the Ebonyi State Government, on Thursday night, will also inaugurate the Muhammadu Buhari Light Tunnel Flyover and Ebonyi Shopping Mall. The president will conclude his visit to Ebonyi with a closed-door meeting with South-east leaders in Abakaliki before departing for Abuja on Friday. (NAN) Traders, especially broom sellers in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, say they are making brisk businesses following the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Mr Buhari is on a two-day working visit to inaugurate some projects built by the state governor, David Umahi. The two-day presidential visit is on May 5 and 6. Some of the projects to inaugurate are the Ecumenical Centre, Sparido Tunnel, Shopping Mall, and International Market among others. NANs visit to some markets and streets in the state revealed that there were price hikes in broom and foods. Some of the traders, who spoke with NAN on Thursday, said the visit was a welcome development for the state and their business. Joy Onu, a seller at International Market, Abakaliki Local Government Area, told NAN that the brooms were sold at between N300 and N500 each, depending on the size as against N150 and N200 sold before the visit. We are happy over the visit and the way our business is lifted. The presidential visit and APC in particular as a party have brought a turnaround to the broom business. The prices have not hiked to the detriment of the presidential visit. We sell to make little gain and have a livelihood. I have to go as far as villages to purchase the brooms and after the expenses, including transportation, we make some gains, she said. Another broom seller in Kpirikpiri Market, Mercy Chukwu, said she was having good patronage and also commended the presidential visit. The price is good comparing the present nations economy. We sell from N300 up. The visit is a big one to the state and this is an opportunity for us, she said. Mariah Onwe, a food vendor, also hailed the presidential visit, adding that she was having good sales. Mr Peter Okafor, an APC chieftain, said the importance of the broom as a symbol of their party could not be over-emphasised. This is what we are going to use to sweep in good economy for the people, he said. Broom is the official symbol of the APC as umbrella to the Peoples Democratic Party. (NAN) Two bank officials have told the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, how over N200 million was paid into the account of a self-professed army general being prosecuted for fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). EFCC is prosecuting Bolarinwa Abiodun on 13 counts of obtaining money by false pretence and fraud. He allegedly defrauded the complainant of about N266 million by posing as a son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The commission presented Chris Ekpe, a compliance officer with First Bank, and Emmanuel Emaikwo, a Relationship Manager with United Bank for Africa (UBA), to testify as prosecution witnesses in the trial on Wednesday. According to the statement issued by the EFCCs spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, Thursday, the witnesses confirmed the various transactions carried out on the defendants accounts with their respective banks. Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Mr Ekpe, who testified as the second prosecution witness, told the court that the defendant effected a change of name on his bank account before he began using it to defraud his victim, Bamidele Safiriyu. The witness also told the court that the bank, on February 2, 2017, received a notary publication dated December 20, 2016, with a letter of change of account name from Hassan Kareem Ayinde to Olusegun Abiodun Bolarinwa. The account balance of the defendant as at the time of the change of account name was N1,319.04, he added. According to the witness, after the change of name, huge sums of money started coming into the defendants account. Thereafter, the prosecution tendered in evidence the EFCC letter of request sent to the bank, Certificate of Compliance and Identification, the response from the bank, and the account records of the defendant. The court admitted the documents as exhibits, as there was no objection from the defence counsel, Kayode Lawal. Testifying as the third witness, Mr Emaikwo similarly confirmed the various transactions carried out on the defendants account with UBA. Afterwards, the prosecution sought a short adjournment to enable it to bring the investigative officer and a representative of the Nigeria Army to testify against the defendant. The judge, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, adjourned the case until May 6 and 10. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how Mr Safiriyu testified in April how the defendant allegedly defrauded him by posing as Mr Obasanjos son. Charges EFCC charged Mr Abiodun with obtaining money by false pretence, forgery of documents and possession of documents containing false pretence, among other charges. The commission said the alleged fraud, involving about N266,500,000, was reported by Mr Safiriyu. It said the defendant made false representations to the complainant that President Muhammadu Buhari had short-listed him and one other to be appointed as the Chief of Army Staff, COAS. He had allegedly told the complainant that he needed a short grant to press and process the appointment. Mr Abiodun, who was arrested at his house in the Alagbado area of Lagos State on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, also allegedly forged a letter of appointment as COAS purportedly signed by the president and showed the same to the victim to further prove his claim. In the said letter, he claimed that he needed to pay a certain amount of money into the coffers of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as part of the requirements for the appointment as COAS. Mr Abiodun is also alleged to have, in May 2020, forged a Nigeria Army Identity Card with serial number 387140, claiming the same to have been issued to him from the Nigerian Army. He also allegedly forged a Letter of Recommendation purportedly signed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo recommending one Adebayo Rasaq Adebola, with recruitment No 77RRI/OG/556/0032555 and Adeogun Emmanuel Adesola with recruitment No 77RRI/OG/352/0123751 for employment into the Nigeria Army. Advertisements The alleged offences are said to be contrary to section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act 2006; section 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006, respectively. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges. A High Court in Ekiti on Thursday sentenced to death by hanging Stephen Ominiyi, a contender for a traditional stool in Ekiti, for murder. Mr Omoniyi, who is alleged to be insane, stabbed Gbadebo Olowoselu, the then monarch of Odo Oro Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government Area, in August 2018. The judge, Kayode Ogundana, said the prosecuting counsels, led by Adegboyega Morakinyo, had proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr Omoniyi murdered the late monarch. However, after listening to counsels and evidence before me, I am of the opinion that the accused person did commit the crime, the judge said. I am also of that opinion that the prosecuting counsels had discharged their duties zealously by proving beyond reasonable doubt all the charges against the accused. He is hereby pronounced guilty and the capital punishment is for him to die by hanging. The judge also dispelled the notion that the convict was insane. Facts before the court revealed that the convict stabbed the monarch in the chest after accusing him of occupying the stool which rightly belongs to him. Mr Ogunsakins murder in 2018 had thrown the town into confusion and agony. The incident resulted in massive protests by residents and admirers of the monarch. The convict is of the same royal family as the late monarch. Before he attacked the monarch, he had been seen sitting on the palace throne shortly before a meeting of the council of chiefs. Although he was chased away, he suddenly returned to the palace after the council meeting and stabbed My Ogunsakin in his chest. The monarch gave up the ghost while he was being rushed to the hospital. Mr Omoniyi initially fled into the bush after the act but was later arrested. Mr Ogunsakin was crowned as the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti in 1986. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, says he joined the 2023 presidential race to consolidate the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari in office. Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, said this on Wednesday at his declaration in Ikot Ekpene on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I, Sen Godswill Obot Akpabio, with great humility, hereby submit myself for your kind consideration as your next president. Therefore, my declaration is a trumpet call for unity and action. My dear compatriots, I am determined to pay the debt of gratitude I owe our nation for the opportunities to serve in high offices of public trust and am determined to let our nation drink from the deep well of experience acquired in these offices, he said. Mr Akpabio lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve. I pay tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari for the patriotic work he has done as our President, he has given hope and direction to governance and fought corruption with uncompromising zeal. He has touched lives and empowered people, he has made great advances in agriculture, human capital development and indeed in all sectors of our economy. READ ALSO: Akpabio joins presidential race He has uplifted the integrity of the Nigerian nation. A lot can be said about all his amazing successes and achievements, but suffice it to say that I have come to perfect his marvelous works. Although absolute perfection belongs not to man nor to angels, but to God alone, he said. He urged Nigerian youth to ensure they maintain peace and support the good works of Mr Buhari. Mr Akpabio said he believed in one Nigeria and that the country would shine one day as a strong nation. The declaration was witnessed by APC faithful across the country. (NAN) The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje, a teenager who died of rape-associated ailments, and members of civil society organisations have asked the Benue State government to appeal against the judgement acquitting the prime suspect charged in connection to her case. Augustine Ityonyiman, a judge of the Makurdi High Court, last Thursday, discharged and acquitted Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, of rape which allegedly to Miss Ogbanjes death in 2018. But another judge of the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Mobolaji Olajunwo, the same day convicted Mr Ogbujas wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja of negligence in the sexual assault of the minor. Until her death, Ochanya was a JSS1 pupil of the Federal Government Girls College Gboko in Benue State. Request for private lawyers to appeal court verdict In a request to challenge Mr Ogbujas acquittal, members of the deceased teenagers family, the alumni association of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, Benue State, and Men Against Rape group, at a press conference in Abuja, urged the state government not to allow the 90-day window to lapse before appealing against the acquittal verdict. Speaking at the conference, Miss Ogbanjes elder brother, John Ameh, appealed to the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, to issue a fiat to a team of private legal practitioners to file an appeal with a view to upturning the Makurdi High Court decision. While commending Mr Ortom for resisting political pressure during Mr Ogbujas prosecution, Mr Ameh said Justice Ityonyimans ruling remains a dark day for anti-sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) campaigners across Nigeria until it is upturned. The Makurdi High Court judgement must never stand. Governor Ortom must see to the end of this legal battle. We urge him to give fiat (permission) to a private legal practitioner of note, to take up the process of filing an appeal to challenge Mr Ogbujas acquittal. We appeal to the Governor not to allow the 90-day window of appeal to lapse, as history has its eyes on him.' Also speaking at the event, the chairperson of the FGGC Gboko alumni association in Abuja, Ngozi Azodoh, called on the Benue State government to appeal the Makurdi High Court judgement that acquitted Mr Ogbuja. Mrs Azodoh, a medical doctor, lauded Mr Ortom for his efforts in getting justice served over Ochanyas death, urging him to do the same in pushing for an appeal against Mr Ityonyimans verdict. In a similar vein, Lemmy Ughegbe, founder, of Men Against Rape, an advocacy group championing the cause of justice for sexual gender,-based violence victims and survivors, faulted the Makurdi High Court judgement. Mr Ughegbe condemned the trial judge, Mr Ityonyimans refusal to consider a video recording of the deceased teenager which was admitted in evidence before the court as well as the findings of the autopsy report from the Nigerian Police forensic laboratory in Lagos. The human rights activist advised the Benue State governor to take up the task of issuing permission to a private lawyer to challenge the High Courts decision on Mr Ogbujas acquittal. Backstory The late Miss Ogbanje, who died at age 13 in October 2018, suffered years of sexual abuse and molestation while living as a ward under the care of Mr Ogbuja and his wife, who is a cousin to Ochanyas mother, Rose Abah. Ochnaya was diagnosed with Vesicovaginal fistula, VVF, infection among other diseases, resulting from the years of sexual abuse and torture while she lived with the Ogbujas. Before her death, she spoke about the years of torture and sexual abuses in court, where she pointed accusing fingers at Mr Ogbuja and his fugitive son, Victor. Although Mr Ogbuja was freed last Thursday, April 28, his wife, Felicia, in a separate trial, was convicted and sentenced to a five-month imprisonment for failing in her duty of care to protect the deceased teenager. Their son, Victor, remains in hiding nearly four years after the news of Miss Ogbanjes rape broke out. The president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Sunday Asefon, has vowed to make real his threat that major political parties would not be allowed to hold their primaries in the countrys headquarters unless the universities are reopened. Mr Asefon had on May 1 in a statement threatened that the primaries of both the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be disrupted by his members. He said the only way to avoid such was the resolution of the crisis between the striking university workers and the Nigerian government, which he noted, must lead to the immediate reopening of the universities. Renewed threat In an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Mr Asefon repeated the threat and said the students would not allow political party primaries in the nations capital even if we would be shot by security operatives. Ahead of the 2023 general elections, political parties are required by the electoral law to organise primaries to elect candidates for various political offices. And in fulfilment of the requirement, many political parties have scheduled their primaries to hold in May. Meanwhile, the countrys capital territory, Abuja, usually hosts the presidential primaries of major political parties, and this is why Mr Asefon has said his union targets such an avenue to express its frustration over the continued strike. He described the protest held on Wednesday by students in Benin, the Edo State capital, as only a sign of the mother of protests to be expected by Nigerians in Abuja. Confirming the threat, Mr Asefon told PREMIUM TIMES reporter in an interview that while Nigerian politicians are unconcerned about students plight, they are paying rapt attention to the 2023 elections. He said: We are talking about education, we are talking about life, our life is no longer being discussed by the leaders, these leaders that we elected; but rather, their focus now is about the election. This election that we are talking about is because of their parochial and selfish interest. We are battle-ready. They will ask their policemen to shoot us, if we die, the generation coming will know that we died while fighting for them. They would also know that they shot us because they are preparing for an election. But we need to take action. Buck-passing The union said each time it tries to engage each of the parties in the crisis, they all blame one other and always shift the blame. According to the unions president, while the government would blame its predecessors, the striking workers would always rely on its agreements duly signed by the government irrespective of which administration did. If you meet ASUU and the government, the government will tell you it inherited the problem from predecessors, but the union would insist the negotiation had been on for long. But what we believe as students is that the government is a continuum, these issues should be fine-tuned and a lasting solution provided immediately, he said. He said students can no longer be at the receiving end, so they should stop using us as a pun on their chessboard. Backstory ASUU had on March 14 extended its then one-month-old industrial action by two months to allow the government to meet all of its demands. The university lecturers are seeking improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities, and academic autonomy. The union is also requesting the replacement of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) with the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) that was developed by its members, for the payment of salaries and emoluments. Meanwhile, while the disagreement with the lecturers union was yet to be addressed, the non-academic staff unions on the campus also embarked on strike, which has since been extended by another month. But the government has insisted that it does not have the required financial muscle to accede to the workers requests, citing poor economic conditions. Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, on Thursday announced he has secured $7 billion in new funding commitments for his $44 billion Twitter takeover. Mr Musk received letters committing about $7.139 billion in equity from 18 investors, including A.M. Management & Consulting, AH Capital Management, L.L.C, Binance, Aliya Capital Partners LLC, BAMCO, Inc. (Baron), Brookfield, DFJ Growth IV, Partners, LLC, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, and Honeycomb Asset Management LP. Others include Key Wealth Advisors LLC, Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, Litani Ventures, Qatar Holding LLC, Sequoia Capital Fund, L.P, Strauss Capital LLC, Tresser Blvd 402 LLC (Cartenna), VyCapital, and Witkoff Capital, according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)13D filing released on Thursday. The biggest contribution comes from the Saudi Prince, Alwaleed bin Talal, the head of the Kingdom Holding Company conglomerate who agreed to retain a share in Twitter valued at $1.9 billion following Mr Musks takeover, the filing said. Mr Musk currently owns 73,486,938 shares of Twitter, which represents a 9.2 per cent stake in the company, according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)13G filing. On April 14, Mr Musk said he had offered to buy 100 per cent of Twitter for $54.20 per share in cash. Upon completion of Twitters sale, the company will become privately held. The new funding will enable Mr Musk to cut the margin loan he has taken from $12.5 billion to $6.25 billion, according to the filing. Non-conviction-based assets recovery is a potent tool for recovery of illicit wealth, the chair of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owasanoye, has said. Mr Owasanoye said it also helps to deny looters the fruits of wrong-doing. The approach involves recovering proceeds of crimes through court orders without necessarily securing the conviction or establishing the guilt of the looters or anyone associated with the crime in court. He said this at the ongoing 12th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Kigali, Rwanda. The theme of the conference is Combating Corruption for Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa, according to a statement issued by ICPCs spokesperson, Azuka Ogugwa, on Thursday. According to the ICPC chairman, non-conviction-based asset forfeiture would deny corrupt persons the use of whatever they had stolen from the public coffers. In his presentation titled, The Effects of Non-Conviction Based Asset Recovery in Fighting Corruption, Mr advised that civil forfeiture was a viable alternative to criminal forfeiture. The Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) need to improve capacity in investigation especially asset tracing to ensure maximum impact of non-conviction based asset forfeiture. Serious efforts should be made to address the dysfunction in the criminal justice system while improved public education is required on the utility of civil forfeiture to anti-corruption efforts, said Prof. Owasanoye, who was a former Executive Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC). He listed the advantages of non-conviction based asset forfeiture, including the ability to conclude proceedings quickly, the liberty of the person in possession of assets not being an issue because it does not violate fundamental rights or constitutional safeguards, and the proceeding being against property rather than people. The ICPC Chairman further stated that removing criminals from their ill-gotten wealth was adequate punishment to deter others, as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption recognises and encourages (UNCAC). Despite its numerous advantages, Mr Owasanoye acknowledged that asset recovery had limitations in combating corruption. Nigeria is likely one of the most politically active states in the issue of assets recoveries with the government being able to forfeit, freeze and recover large amounts of assets in the past three years, with officials claiming to have recovered millions. Yet, the success has been better despite the lack of transparency in data around recovered assets. Both the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have made significant recovery of looted assets through non-conviction based proceedings, especially since 2015. But many observers have expressed concerns about the lack of openness in the data around recovered assets. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, issued a regulation in 2019 giving his office the power to manage the assets recovered by all relevant federal government agencies. In November 2020, the federal government, also, through the AGF office, established a 22-member committee to dispose of all assets forfeited to the federal government within six months. These were efforts geared towards ensuring transparency and effective coordination of the management of recovered assets but have failed to achieve the intended goal, as activities of the relevant committees and departments continue to be shrouded in secrecy. Limitations to non-conviction-based asset recovery Mr Owasanoye, a professor and senior advocate, also identified some limitations of non-conviction based asset recovery as a measure of fighting against corruption. One of them, according to him, is a public perception that it is not deterrent without imprisonment. He said: limiting the utility of non-conviction based asset recovery where the offender remains in public office to accumulate other illicit assets; retention of other assets undermines public confidence when all illicit assets are not traced, and non-conviction based asset recovery without imprisonment is perceived by the public as not a full deterrent of wrongful conduct. The anti-corruption boss also outlined three activities that African Union member countries should take in the battle against corruption and ensure effective asset recovery. Advertisements The actions, according to him, include, Executing the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) standards, implementing the Thabo Mbeki Reports recommendations, and lobbying for a model template for asset recovery are among the initiatives. The African Union Heads of Government need to implement the low hanging fruits of the Mbeki Panel Recommendations viz establishing specialized asset forfeiture/recovery units locally and within AU structure; and complying with Article 4 (1) and Article 20 (1) of AUCPCC, by providing the required information in compliance with AU Executive Council Decision by designating a national authority and criminalizing acts of corruption. The African Union Heads of Government need to combine diplomatic, civil and criminal forfeiture mechanisms for asset recovery and not just diplomatic measures as well as establish transparent mechanisms for management and use of returned assets. They also should demand transparent parameters and a timetable for the return of assets to Africa including stolen artefacts. This is to eliminate musical chairs in asset return. In addition, the AU Heads of Government need to advocate the application of common standards of governance on use of returned assets. President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria remains grateful to the United Nations and some world leaders on their steadfast partnership in fighting terrorism. The Nigerian leader said the spotlight on Russia and Ukraine could have easily distracted the world from other pertinent global challenges. The presidents spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president gave the commendation when he received the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. Mr Buhari noted that the country and the African continent were already concerned that the attention on Russia and Ukraine would crowd out other issues, but the ongoing visit of the UN scribe clearly showed that the world has not forgotten us. According to the president, terrorism remains a threat to global peace, security and progress, with many already killed, while millions have been displaced by the insurgents over many years. When we assumed office, the North-east was the major security problem we inherited in 2015, but we have been able to make people understand that you cannot kill people and shout Allahu Akbar (God is great!). It is either you dont know what you are saying or you are simply stupid. God is a God of justice, so you cannot kill people and say God is great. Luckily the people understood our message and it has made great impact, he said. Mr Buhari told the UN scribe that the government had started a gradual, but steady process of resettlement and reintegration where citizens get encouraged to return to their farms, businesses and other pursuits in life. He thanked the Secretary-General for the maiden visit to Nigeria. In his remarks, the UN scribe, who had been in Borno State on Tuesday, said what he saw was a departure from the pictures of hopelessness and despair painted, adding that people exuded hope. Yesterday, I visited Maiduguri where the United Nations is supporting the internally displaced. I was deeply moved by their stories and struggles. These include the struggles with hunger, with the World Food Programme projecting 4.1 million people in the North-east of Nigeria to be food insecure in the upcoming lean season, he said. Mr Guterres said the United Nations had called for an additional 351 million dollars as part of the overall 1.1 billion dollars for the humanitarian response plan for Nigeria. But despite all they have seen and endured, the people I met remain hopeful and committed to returning to their communities and resuming their lives. To that end, I welcome the establishment of the Presidential Committee on the Repatriation, Returns and Resettlement of Displaced Persons in the North East. This spirit of hope amidst hardship and solidarity in struggle was also at the centre of my discussions with the Presidency today, he added. The UN scribe said discussions with Mr Buhari also touched on laying groundwork to ensure peaceful and democratic elections in 2023 and the full participation of Nigerias women and young people. At the media stakeout, the UN Secretary General told journalists that measures to address security challenges in the country, Lake Chad and Sahel were discussed, which included the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. Mr Guterres thanked Mr Buhari for his unwavering support of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Lake Chad Basin Commission. He assured of more commitment from the UN on COVID-19 vaccinations, vulnerability of countries to global warming, global food crises response and reform of UN Security Council. He said the war in Ukraine would make things worse on global food, energy and financial systems. Mr Gutteres said: Thats why, in the earliest days of this war, I established the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, involving all UN agencies and international financial institutions. The Steering Committee is chaired by Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed. Advertisements (NAN) The majority leader of the senate, Yahaya Abudullahi, on Wednesday, picked the nomination form of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election in Kebbi State. Mr Abudullahi is representing Kebbi North Senatorial District. He is one of the leaders of the faction of the party in the state opposed to the incumbent governor, Atiku Bagudu. The new media aide to Mr Bagudu, Zaidu Bala, in a Facebook post shared a photo of Mr Abdullahi with the nomination form with other party officials. The lawmaker joins Abubakar Malami, Nigerias Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who has also declared interest to contest under the APC in Kebbi. A former lawmaker and the elder brother to Kebbi governor, Bello Badugu, are among the politicians loyal to the senate leader. He reportedly led the delegation of party members that allegedly purchased the interest nomination form for Mr Abdullahi. The partys leadership in the state is divided between two factions one loyal to Mr Bagudu and the other loyal to a former governor, Adamu Aliero. Mr Aliero is pushing for the Senate majority leader to be the next governor of the state. But the governor, Mr Bagudu, who is from the same senatorial district as Mr Malami, prefers the latter to succeed him. Meanwhile, Mr Bagudu also picked the interest nomination form for Kebbi central senatorial district, Mr Bala said. He will challenge Mr Aleiro, who is the present occupant of the seat, for the partys ticket. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will Thursday acquire the presidential nomination form of the ruling party, APC, his aide has said. Laolu Akande, the vice presidents spokesperson, said the form will be purchased by support groups supporting Mr Osinbajos ambition. A passionate team of suport groups & individual Nigerians from across the country have raised funds to support the purchase of APC nomination forms for the Vice Presidents 2023 presidential bid. Today, the forms are being collected by representatives of the team, Mr Akande wrote on Twitter. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Osinbajo declared his intention to run for president on the APC platform. He will challenge at least 12 other people for the ticket of the ruling party. In his message on Thursday, Mr Akande said the vice president is still travelling around the country to seek the support of APC stakeholders for his presidential ambition. just as the VP continues his interactions with APC stakeholders across the States. Today, he is in Cross River and Bayelsa States. Its all about the VPs desire to serve the people of Nigeria with all his heart, his experience, insight & knowledge, Mr Akande wrote. Apart from Mr Osinbajo, others who have declared their intention to be the APC presidential flagbearer include ex-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, ex-Akwa Ibom governor Godswill Akpabio, ex-Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole, Ekiti governor Kayode Fayemi and Kogi governor Yahaya Bello. The APC is selling its presidential nomination form for N100 million, a move that has been condemned by many Nigerians. The sale of forms by the ruling party is expected to close on Friday, May 6. Former Governor of Ogun State and serving senator, Ibikunle Amosun, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential race. Mr Amosun, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, declared his interest to join the race at the YarAdua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday. In his declaration speech, Mr Amosun said his campaign will be on two pillars, national security and economic development. Mr Amosun, who was the governor of Ogun State from 2011 to 2019, is the third candidate from the state to join the race. The others are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Tunde Bakare, a pastor. Ogun is the home state of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chairman of Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan. Aside from his kinsmen from Ogun, Mr Amosun will have to battle other contenders from the South-west; Bola Tinubu and Kayode Fayemi. Interestingly, Mr Fayemi, who formally declared for president on Wednesday, attended Mr Amosuns declaration, perhaps to reciprocate the former Ogun governors gesture. Mr Amosun had attended Mr Fayemis declaration on Wednesday. Aside from the contenders from the South-west, other contenders for the APC ticket include a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, State Minister for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and former Abia governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu. They are all from the South-east. In addition, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, are the candidates from South-south, while Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State are from North-central and North-west zones, respectively. Promises Mr Amosun stated that apart from national security and economic development, other sectors he will focus on if elected include healthcare, education, agriculture and food security, infrastructural rural and urban development, technology, innovation and digital economy, and nation-building. He promised to transform the country within four years with unprecedented investment in human security. Guided by the unprecedented investment in human security, the integration of the eight areas of this carefully planned agenda for national reawakening will, within four years, unleash unparalleled human resources that will make Nigeria proud of their motherland. It bears repeating that Nigeria has the required manpower, both at home and abroad to accomplish this agenda. Under my leadership, we will mobilise Nigerias immense human and natural resources to rebuild our education sector, healthcare, infrastructure, including electricity, roads and water supply, Mr Amosun said. The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, has sought the support of the Cross River Traditional Rulers Council for his presidential ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Osinbajo, who visited the Traditional Rulers Council on Thursday in Calabar, said traditional rulers, who are the closest institutions to the people, play an important role in the growth of the country. He told them that having served as vice-president for seven years he has garnered enough experience to lead the country as the president. I am here to seek your support and prayers. The traditional institution is the closest to the people. The influence and control you exercise in your different domains are very important. I have served as vice president for seven years; within this period, it has been a great fortune having been exposed to governance. My experience will be useful in governance, especially in solving our nations challenges, he said. Responding, Etinyim Etim-Okon Edet, Chairman of Cross River Traditional Rulers Council, said that traditional rulers would be greatly involved in who becomes the next president of Nigeria. Mr Edet said they would ensure that the right persons are elected into the presidency, National Assembly, state governors and State Houses of Assembly in 2023. `We want a president, governors and National Assembly members that will be responsible to Nigerians and do justice to our laws. Let us assure you of our support as you move around the country. You are in our prayers. We are going to use our traditional approaches to ensure that the right persons are elected into political offices; we wish you well in your aspiration, he said. (NAN) Former President Goodluck Jonathan has paid tribute to his predecessor and principal, Umar Yaradua, who died 12 years ago. In a statement posted on his Facebook wall on Thursday morning, Mr Jonathan expressed gratitude to his former boss, who died in 2010. He described former President Yaradua as a patriot, a selfless leader and a peacemaker who governed Nigeria with sincerity and passion for the people. President Umaru Musa Yar Adua is no longer with us today, but his strides in public life continue to testify for him and keep his memory alive, he said. Today we can look back and say, as President he won laurels for us in terms of peace and other worthy causes he successfully pursued. Mr Jonathan also described the late Yaradua as a sayer of truth, who was committed to justice, equity and other democratic virtues. He was a servant leader and a good man; the type that is hard to find, he added. We remember you today and will continue to remember the good works that you did in our nation. Mr Yaradua was sworn in as Nigerias President in 2007 but died in 2010 before he finished his tenure. As his deputy, Mr Jonathan took over the leadership of the country after the controversial death of Mr Yaradua. After completing the tenure of his late boss, he governed Nigeria again between 2011 and 2015 under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. When he sought re-election in 2015, he lost to Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state, who is currently the President of Nigeria. Mr Jonathan was said to be the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to concede defeat in an election. However, there are currently speculations about Mr Jonathans intention to re-contest for the office of the President under the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Although he has not officially declared, his eligibility to contest for that office has stirred controversy among legal and political pundits. Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, has endorsed Uba Sani as his would-be successor in the 2023 governorship election in the state. The governor in a meeting on Wednesday at the Kaduna State Government House with party stakeholders and subordinates endorsed Mr Sani as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The governor subsequently called on his surrogates to support Mr Sani in the partys primary. A close associate of the governor, Sani Dattijo, who himself was a governorship hopeful, told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision was reached after an extensive discussion with other aspirants. Mr Dattijo, a former chief of staff to Mr El-Rufai, had obtained the APC gubernatorial expression of interest and nomination forms, just hours before the decision was reached. Mr Dattijo said in a statement that Mr El-Rufai advised him at the meeting to purchase the form for Kaduna Central Senatorial District. Mr Sani is the incumbent senator of the district. He was Mr El-Rufais adviser on political matters during the governors first term in office between 2015-2019. Mr Dattijo said he has accepted the outcome and was grateful to Mr El-Rufai. He said At a meeting on Wednesday, the governor directed that we rally round Senator Uba Sani for the Governorship seat. He has asked that I pick up the form for the Senatorial seat for Kaduna Central. While this outcome is not what we have planned or hoped for, we have accepted it as Allah SWTs will who provides to whom he wishes, when he wishes. Therefore we have entrusted our future to Him and prayed the State and the Nation will have the best of leaders in 2023. I remain grateful for Mallams mentorship and for your unwavering support, which I do not take for granted. I had earlier purchased the APC Governorship form but will be picking up the Senate form as directed inshaAllah. I hope we can continue to work together for the success of the APC in all elections. Your support is not taken for granted and will always be remembered and appreciated. Allah ya bar zumunci, he wrote. Other aspirants Despite the governors endorsement of Mr Sani, other aspirants of the party were not part of the decision and may stand in the way of the senators aspiration. Sani Shaaban, a former member of the House of Representatives, has bought the expression of interest and nomination forms for the position. Mr Shaaban is an in-law to President Muhammadu Buhari. He is believed to have the support of the presidency and could clinch the ticket. Others include Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Though he is not well-known among the party faithful, some analysts believe he may use his financial weight to sway delegates to his favour during the primary. Mohammed Abdullahi, a former chairman of the National Hajj Commission, is also believed to be interested in the position and his posters can be seen all over the state. El-Rufais son Bello El-Rufai is currently Mr Sanis senior legislative assistant and also contesting for the House of Representatives seat for Kaduna North. Against speculations of caving in to pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigerias electoral umpire, INEC, says it will not extend the deadline set for political parties primary elections. In its timetable and schedule of activities released in February for the 2023 General Election, the commission had slated April 4 to June 3 for the election of flag bearers of all political parties for the 2023 elections. With about 28 days to the deadline, the nations leading political parties, APC and PDP, appear not ready for their primaries. While APC is still selling the nomination forms to aspirants, the PDP is screening eligible aspirants. However, the two major parties are reportedly lobbying INEC to shift the dates. In an unusual rush, not less than 23 and 17 persons have respectively shown interest in the presidential tickets of the ruling APC and the PDP. PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday confirmed that 15 aspirants have made payment of N100 million each for the presidential contest in the APC while more than half of the number have obtained the same forms at N40 million in the PDP. With the growing number of aspirants and agitations on zoning of the top seat, leaders of both parties are under immense pressure to handle the matter with care or risk full blown crises Deadline remains However, the INEC, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, on Thursday, warned political parties against daring its resolution on the fixed deadline. Given the importance of the exercise to the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions for the 2023 General Election, it is imperative to remind political parties that they have one month from today to conclude their primaries. The deadline remains Friday 3rd June 2022. While urging the parties to ensure a rancour-free and transparent exercise, the Commission reiterates that the deadline is firm and fixed. Nominations for Presidential and National Assembly elections shall be submitted through the INEC web portal from 10th to 17th June 2022 while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly nominations shall be submitted between 1st and 15th July 2022, Mr Okoye said. The commission also confirmed the full compliance of the 18 political parties in the country to section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The section mandates all political parties to notify the commission on dates for their conventions, congresses, and primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for various elective offices. While both the PDP and APC have not clearly disclosed where they intend to zone the presidential seat to, the dates for the primaries tentatively remain May 28 and 29 for the former and 31 for the latter. The Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday, sentenced a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Illoh, to four years imprisonment over N65 million SURE-P project fraud. The judge, Babs Kuewunmi, passed the judgement after Mr Illoh abruptly changed his previous not guilty plea to guilty in the middle of proceedings on Thursday. According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren, the prosecuting team cross-examined the defendant during Thursdays proceedings. In the course of proceedings, the statement said, the defence counsel, T.S. Awana, sought the courts permission to confer with his client. Thereafter, the defendant, through his counsel, applied to change his not guilty plea to guilt. The judge, Mr Kuewunmi, granted the application and Mr Illoh, who was previously convicted of fraud, pleaded guilty. The judge also listened to the allocutus, plea for mercy, presented by the defence lawyer. Judgement However, in his judgement, Mr Kuewunmi said, I have given due attention to the allocutus of the defendant. However, the court will not fail to perform its duty in accordance with the provisions of the law. The judge then sentenced the defendant to four years imprisonment on each of the three counts. But he ordered that the sentence shall run concurrently from October 10, 2019. This brings the total number of years the convict will spend in prison to four. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the sum of N97, 300,613.44, $139,575.50 and 10,121.52 linked to Mr Illoh to the federal government of Nigeria, being proceeds of unlawful activities. Charges The EFCC had prosecuted Mr Illoh on three counts of non-declaration of assets said to worth N97.3 million. The anti-graft agency also said Mr Illoh supervised several programmes under the defunct Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). While the defendant was being cross-examined on Thursday, according to EFCC statement, it was revealed that Mr Illoh received funds to the tune of N65 million from SURE-P project contractors, which was domiciled in his personal First Bank account no:3033750243. The SURE-P initiative was a social empowerment programme established by the Goodluck Jonathans administration in January 2012 in the aftermath of the uproar that greeted the administrations removal of fuel subsidy. The EFCC said the SURE-P supervisor allegedly awarded fictitious contracts to himself, using his personal company and friends. It added that Mr Illoh converted the money from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Mr Illoh allegedly committed the crimes in January 2015. The commission said his offence is contrary to and punishable under section 27(3) (C) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004. The SURE-P programme was dissolved in 2016 by President Muhammadu Buhari. Previous conviction A judge of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, had earlier, on October 3, 2019, convicted and sentenced Mr Iloh to five years imprisonment over a N14.1 million fraud. Advertisements The judge also ordered that the convict made restitution by paying the N3.5 million he withdrew in cash and the N3.5 million recovered from him by the EFCC during the investigation to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Thursday, called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to release the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention. The group also called on the president to release all Igbo youth in detention over the agitation for Biafra. Ohanaeze President General, George Obiozor, made the call in his opening address at its meeting held at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu. The call came as Mr Buhari arrived neighbouring Ebonyi State for a two-day working visit. While expressing optimism that the Igbo nation would come out stronger from its current turmoil, Mr Obiozor said that Ndigbo seek healing, national unity, and progress on a platform of justice, equity, fairness and a sense of belonging in Nigeria. He said such will start from the release of Igbo youth detained in various cells across the country without trial. Reacting to the current security situation pervading the region, the Ohanaeze PG said each geo-political zone has its own peculiarity. He said:The advent of insecurity in the South-east is both bizarre and dramatic. The South-east had been adjudged the most serene and peaceful zone in Nigeria until April 5, 2021, when gunmen attacked the correctional facility in Owerri, Imo State and freed a total of 1,844 prison inmates. Since the April 5 episode, insecurity in the South-east has attained an unprecedented unbearable crescendo. In condemning the spate of violence in the South East, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide also called attention to the strategic capacity of the local non-state actors to overwhelm a highly fortified correction centre and discharge a total of 1,844 inmates without any arrest. 2023 On the 2023 general election, Mr Obiozor urged Igbos wherever they reside in Nigeria to ensure that they acquire their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). In this connection, I call on the Association of South-east Town Unions, traditional rulers, the leadership of Ndigbo in Diaspora, religious bodies, market associations and all other groups to take this message very seriously. It is a task that must be undertaken, he stated. The Ohanaeze President-General said no politician of South-east extraction should accept to be running mate to any presidential candidate in 2023. He said the clamour for an Igbo to be elected president of Nigeria is justified and a project to which every Igbo must commit. All the double dealings about zoning and rotation of power are orchestrated conspiracy to deprive the south-east of the right to produce the president, he said. I encourage all the presidential aspirants from the zone to remain focused, tenacious and optimistic. He explained that the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo would meet eminent Nigerians to persuade them on why a politician from the South-east should be elected as president of Nigeria. Mr Obiozor also lamented the effects of the sit-at-home observed on Mondays in the region, saying the South-east is recording huge losses. Ndigbo has tried severally (several times) to persuade the youth to realise the consequences of their actions, he added South-east leaders at the meeting include Mbazuluike Amaechi, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Nnia Nwodo, Chris Anyanwu, Enwo Igariwey, Victor Umeh, Peter Umeadi andFred Eze, among others. as political parties are incapable of prescribing conditions for the eligibility of candidates outside the provisions of the Constitution, the nomination fees of N100 million or N40 million pegged by the APC and PDP respectively are illegal and unconstitutional as they constitute a flagrant violation of sections 40, 106 and 107 of the Constitution as well as article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act. Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) willing to participate in the presidential primary election have been directed to pay N100 million for the nomination and expression of interest forms. Similarly, the nomination and expression of interest forms for those seeking the partys ticket to contest the governorship election in their respective states cost N50 million. Aspirants for the Senate, House of Representatives and Houses of Assembly are to cough out N20 million, N10 million and N2 million respectively. The party granted a financial waiver to all female aspirants on its platform and approved a 40 per cent discount to aspirants aged 35 and below. By asking the young people to pay N40 million (being 40 per cent of the said N100 million), the APC has made a mockery of the Not Too Young to Run Act enacted by the Federal Government under its control. It is undoubtedly clear that the N100 million deposit fixed by APC for its presidential aspirants has excluded a majority of the alleged 40 million members of the party from participating in the partys primary elections. The APC ought to have realised that by restricting politics to the affairs of fat cats, it has violated Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act which states that, every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law. The apparent endorsement of the controversial nomination fees by President Muhammadu Buhari smacks of hypocrisy because in 2014, he had told Nigerians that he had to borrow N27.5 million to buy his nomination form. In condemning the skyrocketing nomination fees at that material time, I did say that, Under section 131 of the Constitution, any Nigerian citizen who has attained the age of 40 years and is a member of a political party and sponsored by that party and has been educated up to secondary school level, is qualified to contest for presidential election in Nigeria. Section 87 of the Electoral Act which provides for the nomination of candidates by political parties has not prescribed that aspirants shall pay any fee. In the circumstance, political parties may only be permitted by law to charge administrative fees. However, in a careless attempt to play on the collective intelligence of Nigerians, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the APC of inflicting maximum pains on its members and that the fees cast the ruling party in the image of rogues and hypocrites. However, the PDP had earlier pegged its fees for both the expression of interest and nomination forms at N40 million for president, and N21 million for governorship aspirants. Those aspiring for Senate are to pay N3.5 million, N2.5 million for those aspiring for the House of Representatives, while state House of Assembly aspirants will pay N600,000. The partys National Executive Committee (NEC) also approved a 50 per cent reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for various elective positions. In justifying its own high nomination fees, the opposition party said that We are a mass movement for the Nigerian people. This is why our nomination fees are soft and democratic. Since the national minimum wage is N30,000 per month, the deposit of N100 million or N40 milliion has excluded millions of workers from contesting the presidential election in Nigeria. Even retired professors, judges and permanent secretaries are not in a position to pay the deposit demanded by the APC and PDP from their meagre pensions. Ironically, Nigeria houses the second largest population of poor people in the world but the nomination fees collected from aspirants by APC and PDP are the highest in the world. Tunji Ariyomo, the National Coordinator of Nigeria Focus Group has said that, To run for a governorship position in any state in the U.S. in 2022, your political partys primary filing and nomination fee can range from as low as $0 (yes, zero) to $3,750 (or N1.8 million). The average fee is thus circa $2,000 (or N980,000). These charges cover what is labeled in Nigeria as nomination and expression of interest forms fees. Since the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 is the basic law of the land, any Act or law or policy which is inconsistent with this will be struck out. Thus, the payment of outrageous nomination fees, which is not one of the conditions for contesting elections under the current democratic dispensation, is illegal and unconstitutional on grounds of inconsistency with the Constitution. Indeed, in Bullock v Carter 405 U.S 134 (1972) the appellants who sought to become candidates for local office in the Democratic Party primary election challenged, in the District Court, the validity of the nomination fees up to $8,999. It was held that the fees contravened the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. It was the view of the Judge that, By requiring candidates to shoulder the costs of conducting primary election through filing fee by providing no reasonable alternative means of access to the ballot, the State of Texas has erected a system that utilizes the criterion of ability to pay as a condition to being on the ballot, thus excluding some candidates otherwise qualified and denying an undetermined number of voters the opportunity to vote candidates of their choice. In Canada, candidates are no longer required to pay deposits for federal elections. In the case of Szuchewycz v. Canada (Attorney General) 2017 ABQB 645, Justice Avril Inglis of the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta declared that the deposit requirement infringed Section 3 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and could not be justified under Section 1 of the same Charter. Before the Szuchewycz v. Canada ruling, a candidate for Member of Parliament needed to place a $1,000 deposit. Since the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 is the basic law of the land, any Act or law or policy which is inconsistent with this will be struck out. Thus, the payment of outrageous nomination fees, which is not one of the conditions for contesting elections under the current democratic dispensation, is illegal and unconstitutional on grounds of inconsistency with the Constitution. In the case of the Independent National Electoral Commission v Alhaji Abubakar Balarabe Musa & 4 Ors (2003) 10 WRN 1, certain guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the registration of political parties were struck down by the Supreme Court on the ground that they were not in consonance with sections 40 and 222 of the Constitution. Thereafter, in the case of the National Conscience Party & 23 Ors v Independent National Electoral Commission (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/ 42/2003), the Plaintiffs challenged the announcement of the defendant to charge as processing fees amounts ranging from N500,000 for presidential candidates to N25,000 for those seeking election as local government councillors. The presiding Judge, the Honourable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako agreed with the submissions of the Plaintiffs counsel, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and said that, Going through the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2002, I fail to see where INEC was empowered to prescribe and demand such processing feesI therefore declare the processing fees charged by the defendant illegal and unconstitutional. In the same vein, in National Conscience Party v Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (2015) NHRLR (Part 1) on Page 1, the Ekiti State High Court nullified the demand for the payment of nomination fees and production of tax clearing certificate as preconditions for contesting the 2004 local government elections. In upholding our submissions, the presiding Judge, the Honourable Justice Babalola said that, The demand for the production of tax receipt or tax clearance certificate showing evidence of tax payment as at when due for the last three years before the date of election and the demand of N5,000.00 deposit in the case of candidates contesting as councillor to the commission are in my view attempts to add or alter sections 106 and 107 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The two demands are inconsistent with the provision of section 7(4) and 106 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 and therefore declared null and void to the extent of their inconsistency. The appeal filed against the judgment by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. In Osun State independent Electoral Commission v National Conscience Party (Unreported Appeal No SC.40/2009), the Osun State High Court nullified the payment of nomination fees by all registered political parties as a condition to contest the March 27, 2013 local government election in the State. The appellant had issued guidelines which required each chairmanship candidate to pay a sum of N50,000 and each councilloship candidates to pay N25,000 to the coffers of the Appellant. The High Court held that the defendant lacked the power to prescribe conditions for the eligibility, qualifications and disqualifications of candidates to contest local government elections in Osun State outside the conditions stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The appeal filed by the appellant against the judgment was dismissed by the Court of Appeal and later by the Supreme Court. It is submitted that if the electoral bodies that are vested with the power to conduct elections are prohibited from collecting meagre nomination fees from candidates, what is the legal basis for collecting billions of naira from aspirants by political parties? However, while political parties cannot charge outrageous nomination fees, they may be permitted to direct aspirants to pay nominal fees for administrative expenses. In the Peoples Democratic Party v Edo State Independent Electoral Commission & Another (Unreported Suit No. B/18/OS/13), the Honourable Justice N.A. Imoukhuede declared the requirement of non-refundable deposit of N100,000.00 (One hundred thousand naira) for chairmanship candidates and N50,000.00 (Fifty thousand naira) for councillorship candidates was in breach of the provisions of sections 7(4), 106 and 107(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Consequently, the learned trial judge set aside the collection of the deposits by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission. It is submitted that if the electoral bodies that are vested with the power to conduct elections are prohibited from collecting meagre nomination fees from candidates, what is the legal basis for collecting billions of naira from aspirants by political parties? However, while political parties cannot charge outrageous nomination fees, they may be permitted to direct aspirants to pay nominal fees for administrative expenses. In Independent National Electoral Commission v Balarabe Musa, the Supreme Court (supra) refused to strike down the N100,000 as part of the conditions prescribed by INEC for the registration of political associations as political parties. According to Justice Niki Tobi of blessed memory: It is common knowledge that the process of registration involves money. The application forms and other accompanying documentation involve money. As I said above, I do not expect the first appellant to play the role of a Father Christmas. Somebody has to defray part of the expenses, and it should be the political association that wants to be recognised as a political party under Section 222. Considering the cost of production of material and labour, I do not see the amount of N100,000 as too much. The administrative fee of N100,000 was allowed by the Supreme Court because it was the era of paper documentation. But with the incredible advancement in technology, paper documentation is no longer necessary. Since the applications are going to be filled and submitted, while payment of nomination fees will be made online by aspirants, no political party should charge more than N10,000 for the administrative purpose. After all, the registration fee charged by the Joint Matriculation and Admissions Board (JAMB) is less than N5,000 per candidate. Therefore, the APC and PDP should withdraw the outrageous fees and charge administrative fees of not more than N10,000 per aspirant. Finally, Nigerian courts have repeatedly maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission and State Independent Electoral Commissions lack the legal capacity to add to, alter, enlarge, curtail, or repeat the conditions contained in sections 106 and 107 of the Constitution, which have covered the field with respect to the qualifications and disqualifications of candidates contesting elections in Nigeria. Therefore, as political parties are incapable of prescribing conditions for the eligibility of candidates outside the provisions of the Constitution, the nomination fees of N100 million or N40 million pegged by the APC and PDP respectively are illegal and unconstitutional as they constitute a flagrant violation of sections 40, 106 and 107 of the Constitution as well as article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act. The illegal, insensitive and immoral nomination fees should be cancelled without any further delay. Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, writes from Lagos. In this Manual, the CJID seeks to ensure that we can sustain that species in defence of our collective rights. The CJID is to be commended for seeking through this Manual to mobilise collective action to reinforce press freedom in a time of multi-modal global and national uncertainty. Algeria and Tunisia share a common border in the Maghreb built on two largely different philosophies of government. Algeria fought a war for its Independence, which it attained from France in 1961 under Ahmed Ben Bella and Houari Boumediennes National Liberation Front (NLF). Habib Bourgiba, who led Tunisia to Independence in 1956, was a lawyer who built a functional but authoritarian model that ended up in a cult of personality. In November, 1987, his prime minister, General Zine Abdine Ben Ali, overthrew an evidently ailing Bourgiba and, with his wife, Leila Trabelsi, took the authoritarianism a notch higher. A joke about Algerian and Tunisian dogs defined the era of Zine Abdine Ben Ali. So, the Algerian dog, lean and hungry looking as it was, was on its way to Tunisia. At the border, it met a well fed Tunisian dog making its way in the opposite direction. Surprised, the Algerian dog stopped to query the Tunisian dog as to what its mission was, to which the Tunisian dog reportedly replied: I need to bark. This joke about the Tunisian dog that needs to cross the border into Algeria in order to bark underscores the intrinsic nature of free expression in organised society. When this basic capability is denied, a defining element of human agency is missing, which in turn fosters two things: authoritarianism and impoverishment. The former is evident; the latter is contested, especially by some original adherents of the idea of the developmental state. But development itself is both deliberative and inter-subjective. It is impossible to contemplate it when even basic communication among its agents and beneficiaries cannot take place. The competition inherent in the lives of citizens, consumers, communities, and companies within a state is underpinned by communication in the market place of expression, ideas, participation, and production. This is the sense in which Amartya Sen argues that poverty must be seen as the deprivation of basic capabilities rather than merely as lowness of incomes. Press freedom, of course, is that dimension to free expression that relies on the written word, artistic representation or some other forms of expression mediated by some form of print. In the digital age, anyone with a mobile device and broadband access is potentially a press. May 3 is marked annually as World Press Freedom Day. In 2022, the theme for this day is Journalism under Digital Siege. This theme not only highlights the ways that endanger journalism but also the consequences of all this on public trust over digital communications. Mostly, it focuses on the risks faced by journalists by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks. Fittingly, on this day, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is launching a Training Manual on Press Freedom for the media in Nigeria. The Manual is organised in six modules, foregrounded by a conceptual introduction to press freedom in Western thought. The modules begin with a narrative on the struggle for press freedom in Nigeria, which is then followed by a treatment of the norms governing press freedom, first, internationally and then under the Nigerian constitution and laws. Three modules thereafter address practical and varied themes, including the Freedom of Information Act, investigative journalism, and the implications for a free press of the national security incubus represented by the Terrorism Prevention Act. It is to be hoped that when the Manual is deployed, or an updated version is produced, the editors will address what appears to be a suggestion implicit in its introduction that free expression is a uniquely or predominantly Western idea and include among the references to Socrates and Plato, references to African thought on the subject. To be sure, this fight against truth, facts and evidence by government did not begin under this Buhari regime. The military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo first enacted the Public Officers (Protection against False Accusation) Decree No. 11 in May 1976, which made it a crime to publish a false report or rumour alleging that a government official was corrupt. To tell an African villager like me that their right to speak or communicate was invented in the West is not much different from the claim that Mungo Park discovered River Niger or Livingstone discovered Victoria Falls. When Chinua Achebe tells us that proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten, he also touches upon a unique genre in African expression that Plato and Socrates could not have known much about and underscores the point that free expression can also be culturally adapted. Indeed, attempting to date free expression in Nigeria to ancient Greece falls into the category of what Upendra Baxi refers to as myths of origin that suggest that human rights traditions are gifts of the west to the rest. and speaks of in the need to translate the variegated adopted/imposed/borrowed grammars of international human rights. The vocation of journalism is today closely associated with press freedom but does not necessarily encapsulate it fully. The earliest journalists, by the way, reported messages from the Almighty, and some of the earliest acts of journalism were in tablets claiming to convey laws handed down by Him. Most African communities had their forms of journalism from town criers to griots. There were even theologians who mediated the messages from the ancestors and the deities, reporting them in forms that were not much different from the tales in certain Holy Books of the forebears, who claimed to be bearers of sacred messages from their own God. It is, therefore, not an accident that the press was called the Fourth Estate of the Realm after the Lords Spiritual, the Lords Temporal, and the Commoners. In a modern democracy, the press is the only entity with two estates: the fourth estate for the traditional press and the fifth estate for the digital cacophony. The statistics and scope of violations inflicted by the Buhari regime on free expression and its practitioners is well chronicled in parts of this Manual, by other groups as well as in the regular work of the CJID and do not necessarily bear a full rehash here. At least 160 journalists were attacked in Nigeria in the two years to 2020. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), reports at least 12 journalists killed in Nigeria in the 20 years from 1998 to 2019. In fact, more than that number were killed. For example, the compilation omits Godwin Agbroko, chair of the editorial board of ThisDay newspaper, killed by unknown assailants in December 2006. Nor will anyone ever be able to capture the number of journalists who have died as a result of poor conditions of work maintained by their employers in Nigeria. In reality, however, these statistics are symptoms of a dangerous aliment: the committed corrosion by government of truth and evidence as the bases for legitimate power and effective civic participation. To be sure, this fight against truth, facts and evidence by government did not begin under this Buhari regime. The military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo first enacted the Public Officers (Protection against False Accusation) Decree No. 11 in May 1976, which made it a crime to publish a false report or rumour alleging that a government official was corrupt. On March 29, 1984, Muhammadu Buhari, as military ruler, re-issued this as Decree Number 4 of 1984, but this time, truth was no longer a defence to a charge under the law and the regime appeared hell bent on demanding press sycophancy at gunpoint. The times may have changed but the goals of this Buhari regime have not. It has deepened its war against truth, deploying an army of highly paid senior officials whose entire reason for being appears to be official disinformation. At the head of this is a minister for Information, Lai Mohammed, who has been accused by a majority of the parliament in his own home state, all of whom are also members of his own party, of being a professional liar. This team is complemented by a semi-official digital troll and disinformation gang in the Buhari Media Centre (BMC), itself the heartbeat of what has been described as a propagandocracy. on May 2, the day before the Press Freedom Day, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerias current ruler, tweeted for the first time in 333 days since his regime implemented the Twitter ban. The ban appears to be the latest episode in Buharis personal history of intolerance for anything other than his own version of the narrative. When all this failed to create the kind of confusion the regime desired, they simply unplugged Twitter indefinitely and threatened to ban every social medium that they could not control. When they lifted the ban after seven months, it appeared to have been done at the price of surveillance censorship understandings on the part of the platform. So, on May 2, the day before the Press Freedom Day, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerias current ruler, tweeted for the first time in 333 days since his regime implemented the Twitter ban. The ban appears to be the latest episode in Buharis personal history of intolerance for anything other than his own version of the narrative. Yet free expression exists to preserve a viable path to truth through a plurality of sources and insights. To be fair, government is not now the sole threat to this. The structure of media ownership in a world of convergence and singularity is itself also a threat. Advertisements It is notable that President Buharis return to Twitter happened in the week following its acquisition by a neo-libertarian who also happens to be the richest man in the world. Indeed, five of the top ten richest people in the world respectively own Twitter, the Washington Post, Microsoft, and Google respectively. Of the next three, two respectively control the New York Times, as well as Facebook, owners of WhatsApp and Instagram. This new global media plutocracy parlays data integrations across platforms into a structure of (what Shoshana Zuboff calls) surveillance capitalism that now has us all voluntarily signed up to a system much worse than anything that could have been prefigured by George Orwells worst dystopian nightmares. Engagement is now a revenue stream on the scale of the Mint and algorithms are configured to promote outlandish expression, which sustain engagements for the profit of companies, even when they undermine free expression and participation. Cyberviolence of different forms is now also a major threat to both truth and civic participation. In this brave new world of uber-money and terabytes, the citizen, consumer, and community appear to be at risk from the confusion created and sustained for profit by companies and even countries. In this age, professional journalism is needed more, not less. In this Manual, the CJID seeks to ensure that we can sustain that species in defence of our collective rights. The CJID is to be commended for seeking through this Manual to mobilise collective action to reinforce press freedom in a time of multi-modal global and national uncertainty. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer and teacher, can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu. These remarks were prepared for and delivered at the formal launch of Press Freedom: A Training Manual, by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Abuja, Nigeria, 5 May, 2022. By Muhd El-Bonga Ibraheem In a viral social media video marking the end of Ramadan Tafsir in one of the Izala mosques in Gombe, Bello Tinka, an APC Senatorial aspirant for Gombe North, made some scathing revelation that further unmasks the kind of mess Governor Inuwa Yahaya inherited in his bid to steer the Gombe ship to a promising land. Of course the challenges were not new, and the Inuwa-led administration had already informed the people on two occasions: first, during transition period; secondly, during the fledging days of the administration. All the messages carried one bold, unambiguous message: Gombe is bankrupt. During the tail-end of the Tolba administration, many potential successors pervasively emanated from across the nook and cranny of the state especially those in his cabinet. Many of them wanted to be anointed as his successor. However, while theyre scheming to obtain the ticket, Bello Tinka who was very close to Tolba and one of the top beneficiaries of his administration that led the neighbor-to-neighbour campaign for his re-election said Tolba would tell them that he pities the next Governor of Gombe because the next administration would struggle a lot to the extent that they may not be able to even pay salaries. The shocking but advertently expected prophecies by Tolba had already manifested because when the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration came on board, they struggled but thanks to the outstanding capacities of Governor Inuwa, the state was able to weather the storm. The governor partnered with development partners and experts in order to outsource funds to the state. If he has solely depended on the federal government, many things wouldnt have been achieved today. While other states were crying and whingeing, desperately awaiting bail out funds from the Buhari administration, Inuwa was already forging ahead during the wee days of his administration. Today, Gombe is one of the states that pays salaries promptly. While it is understandable that salary payment shouldnt be applauded, it is pertinent to realize that some states owe civil servants several months. During the inception of his administration, Governor Inuwa approved a whopping sum of N1.6 billion for gratuity to be paid in tranches. In March 2021, he forked out the sum of N755 million to mark the release of the first tranche in order settle pension and gratuity; and in January this year, the second tranche of N755m was equally released. Interestingly, these are inherited expenditure dating back to 2012 where the PDP held sway and which enjoyed huge crude oil sell that culminated into a huge revenue for Nigeria as a whole. All these remarkable feats arent mere coincidence but a product of deliberate effort towards accomplishment of goals as well as having the right team of experts to bring home the bacon. Going further, Governor Inuwa successfully put up structures and friendly policies that attracted investments in Gombe. This therefore explains why Gombe was unsurprisingly voted as the number one state in terms of ease of doing of business in Nigeria ahead of states like Kaduna, Lagos, Kano, Rivers etc. For any state to develop, it must attract investments. This is where Governor El-Rufai stands out amongst his colleagues. For the first time in the states history given its meagre IGR potential, Gombe recorded a huge rise in IGR under the leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya. In 2021, for example, Gombe generated a staggering N10 billion which is a huge increase compared to past figures. The above figure is an increase from that of 2020 where they generated N8 billion. It is equally worth mentioning that Gombe is one of the states that keyed into the federal governments TSA policy in 2020 through an executive order by the Governor in order to block leakages and ensure accountability and transparency in financial dealings. In retrospective, having said all these, at this juncture, let us now come back to Bello Tinkas statement. If former Governor Dankwambo, the PDP leader of Gombe State, had informed them that the next governor would struggle to pay salaries and pilot the affairs of the state, why then are they ranting knowing full well Governor Inuwa Yahaya has already exceeded their expectations by clearing their mess? When the opposition keeps pushing that they want to come back to power in Gombe, what do they intend to achieve exactly? Is it that they want to come back and continue from where they stopped or they want to scuttle the development currently being experienced? If Inuwa Yahaya is running things smoothly even though they hitherto believed things would be difficult, is there any need for change if they altruistically have Gombe in mind? These are questions that need answers. It can be recalled that Governor Inuwa came at a time Nigeria was on the threshold of another recession. Few months after taking over, the global pandemic hit the entire world where things got stagnated for a year. However, this didnt deter him from his dreams of changing Gombe in order to make it great. It takes a very committed, visionary and exemplary leadership to have weathered the storm Inuwa Yahaya met in Gombe State. As far as Gombe is concerned, there is no vacancy in the Jewel in the Savannah. We want the Governor to come back in order to consolidate what he started. We want him to come back and complete the plethora of network 11-100 road projects that seek to construct 100km of roads in every local government of Gombe. We want him to come back and complete the Muhammadu Buhari industrial park that will serve as the fulcrum of Gombe States industries drive. The gigantic project, if completed, will serve as a home to many industries, factories, as well as create jobs thereby adding to the development of not only Gombe but Nigeria as a whole. For Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya has exceeded expectations. Even the opposition, deep down them, know that the governor has performed and is still performing. Theyre just playing games in the name of opposition politics which is what politics is all about anyway. Veteran journalist, and a former commissioner of information in Borno state, Inuwa Bwala, on Thursday announced he was withdrawing from his bid to contest for a House of Representatives seat. Mr Bwala subsequently said he would refund all donations made to support him in procuring a nomination form. Mr Bwala had indicated interest to contest the Askira-Uba, Hawul Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). When Mr Bwala was contesting for the position, he received donations to the tune of N12.2 million from members of his community. Though the former journalist did not state the reason for his withdrawal from the position, PREMIUM TIMES learned that he was prevailed upon by top members of the APC to step down for another member of the party who is interested in contesting for the same seat. Party sources told our reporter that Mr Bwala was then advised to seek election into the states House of Assembly with the guarantee that he would be supported to emerge as the partys candidate for his constituency. Though he said he was disappointed by the decision, he pledged to heed the instruction of the partys leadership. He, however, in a statement, declined to contest for a seat in the states House of Assembly in order not to create disaffection among members who might have indicated an interest in the position. Read his statement below: I wish to place on record that I am overwhelmed by the support I enjoyed since I indicated an interest in contesting for a position in the House of Representatives to represent the wonderful people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State, he said. I was particularly moved by the crowd that received me during my declaration of interest in Hawul. Of particular note are the contributions made by people to the tune of N12,253,000, to aid my campaigns and the attendant goodwill messages I received towards that quest. I went into the race with the solemn belief that I will lend my experiences, my exposures and my capabilities to the needed representation of our people. I also went in with the determination to make a difference in leadership by bringing developments to our area and placing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency on the path to greatness. As you may be aware, there have been adjustments and realignment of forces in the contests, which necessitated changes in positions people seek to contest. Accordingly, I have been prevailed upon by our leaders to equally make sacrifices by adjusting my earlier position. As a team player, I wish to respect the views of our leaders, however painful they may seem. However, in doing so, I foresee a situation where my actions may cause further dislocations to our collective goals, as such, I wish to announce my complete withdrawal from any form of a contest for now. I am withdrawing from the race without any strings attached, rather ensure a rancour-free process that will consolidate our partys hold on the polity. To this end, I wish to kindly request everybody who has made financial contributions to my campaigns to make available their account details for appropriate refunds. Where anyone does not wish to be refunded, I hereby pledge that the funds will be utilized in providing social infrastructure in choice locations in our area and aid the needy. I sincerely apologize to all those who have suffered any form of inconvenience by my actions and I seek your understanding. I plead that we take everything with equanimity, believing that Gods time is the best. I wish all those who are contesting for various positions the best of luck in the primary elections and subsequent general elections. And please continue to vote for our party, the APC. Thank you and God bless you. No fewer than 150 clubs and associations on Wednesday presented a cheque of N50 million to the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, as their contribution to enable him to procure his partys governorship nomination form. Mr Zulums first term in office will end in May 2023 and the form will enable him to contest for his partys ticket in the governorship election in 2023. Members of the groups were at the Government House in their hundreds to present the cheque to him. A spokesperson of the groups, Awaji Bukar, said members contributed from a minimum of N500 to raise the amount they were gifting the governor. The common people of Borno, mostly market traders, artisans, professional bodies and junior civil servants who are happy with the good works that Governor Zulum is doing for the people of Borno state. As a mark of our appreciation for his giant strides and unprecedented achievements recorded in all fields of human endeavours in the last three years, we the coalition of clubs and associations felt the only way to sustain Borno on the current path of development is to insist on Governor Zulum to re-contest the governorship in 2023 by purchasing the expression of interest and nomination forms, he said. Two weeks ago, officials of clubs and associations during a press conference promised to purchase the nomination and an expression of interest forms for the governor. Mr Zulum, who was presented with a symbolic Sterling Bank cheque of N50 million, thanked members of the group for the confidence they have in his leadership. He promised to do more if given the opportunity. Zulum, who addressed the crowd in Kanuri and Hausa, reminded the people that he promised them improved security and the reopening of all the roads and highways that were closed as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency. Today, not by my power but by the grace of almighty God, we have delivered significantly on security so that people can travel from Maiduguri to Gamboru without escorts, people can travel from Maiduguri up to Bama and Banki without escorts. Our people in Baga have now resumed fishing, and by the grace of God will go to their farms in the coming season, he said. After accepting the cash gift, the governor said he will immediately instruct our party chairman to facilitate the purchase of forms. President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, commended Governor Dave Umahi on the quality of projects in Ebonyi State, saying he is not surprised at the standard of work because the two-time governor is an engineer of repute. The President commenced his two-day visit to the state with the commissioning of projects at the state-owned King David University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, including a twin flyover, 12-kilometre dualised federal road, from Mbu, Enugu State to Uburu, the university building and the university medical hospital, facilities and equipment. At his first stop in the state for the inauguration of the 700-metre length twin-flyover (also called King Davids University flyover), constructed at the cost of N2 billion by the state government, President Buhari said: I am not an engineer by discipline but my eyes are very clear, even through my eyeglasses. I am impressed with this performance and I know the projects will last. I congratulate the governor on this feat and I am pleased to be associated with it. While in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State, the president also inaugurated the Cancer Centre at the King David University of Medical Sciences, built and equipped by the Federal Government under TETFUND. Governor Umahi, who thanked the president for graciously approving the funding of the centre, said the facility can rank with other centres around the world. It is in the same standard as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the state government also contributed to the project to bring it to completion, he told the president. At the commissioning of the hospital section of the university, the Ebonyi State governor thanked the president for acceding to the request of the state government on the federal government to take over the running of the teaching hospital. This hospital is beyond the scope of any state government to run and we have been celebrating your approval of our request and are very proud that you are here to commission it yourself. You have left a lot of indelible marks in the development of this centre of excellence and it will never be forgotten, he said. At the inauguration of the Presidential Lodge at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, the governor announced that the tarmac and runway of the airport, built with concrete, had attained over 70 per cent completion, and will be ready by the end of next month. The president also inaugurated the five kilometres dualised airport road in Onueke, built by the state government as well as the reconstructed St Margaret Umahi International Market complex, a 750-metre length twin-flyover near the market, and the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Lodge, all in Abakiliki. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) May 5, 2022 The police said a woman has been found dead inside a hotel room in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, after she was gang-raped. The police identified the victim as a 26-year-old Ugochukwu Nworie. The police spokesperson in Ebonyi, Loveth Odah, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aliyu Garba, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Mrs Odah said an officer (DPO) in-charge of a police division in the state reported that the crime occurred in the hotel, Hope-in, at Ngbowo Street, Abakaliki. Over 12 used condoms were discovered in the room, alongside the womans corpse, according to the police. The DPO was on a routine check at the hotel when he discovered one room was not accounted for, the police spokesperson said. The hotel receptionist, on enquiry, told the officer he did not know the guests who occupied the room. Mrs Odah said the officer got a spare key from the hotel, opened the door, and found the womans lifeless body, with the hands and legs tied to the bed. The corpse had been deposited at a morgue. The police spokesperson said the incident was unfortunate and an offence against humanity. Mrs Odah, who vowed that the police would arrest and prosecute the killers, advised the public, especially young women, to be cautious about the people they go out with. (NAN) The senator representing Lagos West at the National Assembly, Solomon Adeola, fought off tears Wednesday while receiving the nomination form to contest for Ogun West senatorial ticket. Mr Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is originally from Yewa in Ogun State but has represented Lagos West at the National Assembly since 2015. He was also the lawmaker representing Alimosho II at the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2011. He then represented Alimosho federal constituency in the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. Mr Adeola said his decision to switch to his native Ogun State is to add value to his senatorial district. I have chosen to take this bold step because I believe at a point in time in every mans life you must choose what you want to do and you must take bold decisions and this is one of the bold decisions I have to take if I truly want to do politics in Ogun State, Mr Adeola told journalists, according to ThisDay newspaper. Mr Adeola will face other aspirants for the APC ticket in Ogun West, including a two-time governorship candidate in the state, Gboyega Isiaka. Teary-eyed senator The APC had pegged the partys nomination and expression of interest forms at N20 million. A group had bought the form and presented it to Mr Adeola at his home in Ilaro, Ogun State. The senator, who struggled to control his emotions, said he did not expect the gesture. He said he became teary because of the obstacles he faced when he returned home and aspired to the partys ticket. He said he was called unprintable names by his opponents, who also sponsored written and verbal attacks to destabilise him. He also said the mischief makers began spreading falsehood about his origin, that he was not an indigene of the zone, but a foreigner. Mr Adeola said with the purchase of the nomination form by his kinsmen and party supporters, he is now assured of his reception as a bona fide indigene. A former Commissioner in the state, Iyabo Apampa, while speaking at the presentation of the nomination form, described Mr Adeola as the Moses of the zone, who will lead them to the promised land. An 84-year-old politician in Ogun State, Mufutau Ajibola, led the group that bought the nomination form for Mr Adeola. The group said 71 of them pooled their resources together to raise the N20 million for the nomination form. Mr Ajibola, a former member of the Ogun House of Assembly, said Mr Adeola is the preferred candidate to run for the senatorial seat in Ogun State on completion of his term as a senator in Lagos. Another leader of the group, Kunle Salako, said those who contributed to the form included public servants, professionals in the private sector, businessmen, community leaders, and Ogun West indigenes in the diaspora. He said the donation was voluntary, and they raised the N20 million within 48 hours. Just as we had young people in their 30s contributing, we also had elders in the 80s putting their hard-earned money into this project, said Mr Salako. This is an unprecedented feat signifying a new trajectory of collectivity and brotherhood in Ogun West Senatorial district. The family of the late Bamise Ayanwola, who was allegedly raped and murdered in a BRT vehicle, has written to the Lagos State Attorney-General seeking a fiat to prosecute the murder trial against the sole defendant, Andrew Ominikoron. Ms Ayanwola, 22, got missing while returning to Ota from Ajah on February 26. She had boarded a BRT bus going to Oshodi at about 7 p.m. at Chevron Bus Stop. Her body was discovered some days later. In March, the state government arraigned the suspect on a four-count charge before Sherifat Solebo of the High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Independent prosecution In a letter dated May 4, 2022, and addressed to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the deceased ladys family said they have formally expressed their wish to have a more independent body conduct the prosecution. In their view, the Lagos State government, agency, and officials are involved in the matter and may not be reasonably expected to act as the prosecutor against themselves, said the family through their lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana. Mr Ogunlana, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, said the family is concerned that the second rape allegation against the suspect by another person may complicate their matter. In addition, the family is concerned that the charges against the defendant also include allegations of rape of another person, an incident distinct and separate from that of their deceased family member, the letter read. This situation may result in unnecessary complications. Mr Omininikoro is also accused of raping another young lady (name withheld) last November, along the Lekki Ajah expressway. The hearing will formally begin next Monday. A staffer of Guaranty Trust Bank on Thursday testified before a High Court in Lagos in the murder of Usifo Ataga, Super TVs CEO, who was killed in a short-stay apartment last year. The Lagos State government charged Chidinma Ojukwu and Adedapo Quadri with the murder. The prosecution arraigned the duo alongside Chioma Egbuchu on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, forgery, stealing, and being in possession of stolen property. They all pleaded not guilty. Testimony The witness, Okike Obaji, an account officer from the Victoria Island branch of the bank, produced the deceaseds statement of account between April 1 and August 31, 2021. The court had earlier summoned the bank official to just tender some bank documents belonging to Mr Ataga. Now appearing as a witness, Mr Obaji said the banks branch at Adeola Odeku in Victoria Island, Lagos, produced the deceaseds account statement before the court. By the way of this standard, the statement I produced was not altered anyway and was directly generated from the customer account and printed. The bank official said the account statement ended on June 30, 2021, as there were no other transactions on the requested account. He said the bank learnt of Mr Atagas death on June 17, 2021, via social media. For the security of the customers asset, the bank placed a no debit restriction on the account to ensure that further debit on the account does not occur. Column marked remarks (on the statement) revealed the details of specific transactions. Transactions The deceaseds account officer said the deceased transferred N50,000 on June 16 to one Mogbo Nkechi. Again, on the same day, the deceased bank account recorded two different debit entries of N101,200. The first went to Paycon Nigeria Limited, and the second went to Capricorn Digital and these two transactions were card originated (ATM), Mr Obaji added. During cross-examination, Onwuka Egwu, a lawyer to the first defendant, Ms Ojukwu, asked if there is any standing instruction in that account. To the best of my knowledge, there is no standing instruction on the account, the witness replied. The witness said they didnt get any formal notice about the death of their customer. He said the line manager, Oludotun Akinde, was alerted about the transaction. From the 1st of June to 24th, how many transactions are in the name of Chidinma Adaora? The lawyer asked. The transaction to Chidinma Adaora totalling N50,000: 13th of June, N10,000, 14th of June N25,000, and another N15,000. He said the deceased also received multiple credit transfers of N20,000 and it was done using the USSD payment method on a mobile device However, the prosecution lawyer explained to the judge that another bank official from Access Bank and a police officer were present to testify. But the judge, Yetunde Adesanya, said the court cannot take their testimonies. She fixed further hearing of the matter on May 9. Advertisements The new partnership will make mental health screenings and services accessible to thousands of young people in Kenya NAIROBI, Kenya, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Triggerise is pleased to announce a new partnership with Elton John AIDS Foundation to empower young people in Kenya to take control of their mental and physical health. The $1 million grant from Elton John AIDS Foundation will ensure all Triggerise associated clinics in Mombasa, Kenya provide mental health screening and services, ranging from individual and group counselling to trauma-based care, over the next three years. These crucial mental health offerings will be fully integrated with Triggerise's pre-existing sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) for young people between the ages of 15 and 24. The partnership is also ensuring pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) services are a part of Triggerise's established offerings in Mombasa, as seamless access to SRH is crucial for this age group. Triggerise will, for the first time, work across both its existing private sector network of clinics and expand its platform coverage to include public sector clinics providing HIV services, as it is essential to support young people who test positive for HIV throughout their care journey. They will then be enrolled onto Triggerise's mobile-powered platform, connecting them to appropriate services at no cost. The platform will anonymously track their HIV care journey with the goal of keeping them on treatment and accessing services. The Triggerise platform also allows for youth feedback on service experience so improvements can be made to meet young people's ever-evolving needs. "We are honoured to partner on this important initiative with Elton John AIDS Foundation," said Richard Matikanya, Chief Operating Officer of Triggerise. "The timing of this investment is particularly exciting, as the growing mental health burden among young people in their diversity particularly those living with HIV has largely been overlooked. Our partnership will allow us to contribute to the evidence base on how to ensure that young people have access to mental health services that respond to their needs on their terms." "The Elton John AIDS Foundation is very excited to have the opportunity to partner with the innovative team at Triggerise to expand its existing programme for young people to include services to support their mental health," said Anne Aslett, Chief Executive Officer of Elton John AIDS Foundation. "We know that mental health and physical health are syndemic and therefore critical to address simultaneously." "Triggerise's easy-to-use youth centric platform has the potential to reach underserved, and often discriminated against young people, many of whom are LGBTQ+," says Dr. Lindsay Hayden, who leads the young people portfolio at Elton John AIDS Foundation. "We're eager to empower them with the information, support and services they need to live holistically healthy lives." About The Elton John AIDS Foundation: The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. The Foundation's mission is simple: an end to the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcome the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keeps us from ending AIDS. With the mobilisation of our network of generous supporters and partners, we fund local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment as well as influencing governments to end AIDS. www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org About Triggerise: We use data-driven insights to positively disrupt delivery of health and wellness services. By fusing tech and behavioural economics, we motivate people to adopt and maintain positive behaviours. Let's connect for change. Find us here: www.triggerise.org Media Contact: Mary Pavlu, mary.pavlu@eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org SOURCE Triggerise; Elton John AIDS Foundation SAO PAULO, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AEGEA Finance S.a r.l. (the "Issuer"), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEGEA Saneamento e Participacoes S.A. ("Aegea"), announced today the early tender results in connection with its previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for any and all of the outstanding U.S.$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5.750% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Notes"). The Issuer also announced receipt of the requisite consents in connection with its previously announced consent solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") from the holders of the Notes (the "Holders") to the adoption of the Proposed Amendments (as defined below). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are described in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, dated April 21, 2022 (the "Offer to Purchase"), previously distributed to Holders. The Issuer has been advised that as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on May 4, 2022 (such date and time, the "Early Tender Payment Deadline"), U.S.$340,986,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, representing 85.25% of the outstanding Notes, had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer and consents delivered pursuant to the Consent Solicitation. The Issuer intends to purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Payment Deadline on May 20, 2022 (the "Settlement Date"). The total consideration payable to Holders for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Payment Deadline and purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer will be U.S.$1,028.75 (the "Total Consideration"), plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including the Settlement Date. The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment of U.S.$30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (the "Early Tender Payment"), payable only to Holders who validly tendered (and do not withdraw) their Notes and validly deliver (and do not revoke) the related consents to the Proposed Amendments at or prior to the Early Tender Payment Deadline. Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation, the Issuer solicited consents (the "Consents") from Holders to the proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued (the "Indenture"), which would (i) eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants, as well as various events of default and related provisions contained in the Indenture and (ii) reduce the minimum required notice period for the redemption of Notes from 30 days to three business days prior to the date fixed for redemption (maintaining the maximum notice period of 60 days). In order for the Proposed Amendments to be adopted, Consents must be received in respect of at least a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes (not including any Notes which are owned by Aegea or any of its affiliates) (the "Requisite Consent"). The Issuer has obtained the Requisite Consent and intends to execute a supplemental indenture (the "Supplemental Indenture") to the Indenture which will effectuate the Proposed Amendments. Any Notes not tendered and purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer will remain outstanding and will be subject to the terms of the Indenture as amended by the Supplemental Indenture. Holders who have not yet tendered their Notes have until 11:59 p.m. (New York City time), on May 18, 2022, unless extended by the Issuer (such time and date, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Time") to tender their Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer. Holders of Notes who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Payment Deadline but at or prior to the Expiration Time will not be entitled to receive the Early Tender Payment and will be entitled to receive only the Tender Offer Consideration, as described in the Offer to Purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the Settlement Date. The Issuer's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of certain conditions, which are more fully described in the Offer to Purchase, including, among others, a financing condition as described in the Offer to Purchase. In addition, subject to applicable law, the Issuer reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (i) extend, terminate or withdraw the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation at any time or (ii) otherwise amend the Tender Offer and/or the Consent Solicitation in any respect at any time and from time to time. The Issuer further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any tenders of Notes with respect to the Notes. The Issuer is making the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. Cayman Branch, Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Banco Bradesco BBI S.A. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as dealer managers for the Tender Offer and as solicitation agents for the Consent Solicitation and can be contacted at their respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of Offer to Purchase with questions regarding the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to D.F. King at +1 (800)-249-7148 (toll free), +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or [email protected]. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary. Any new notes will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " Securities Act "), and will be offered only in transactions exempt from or not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of Aegea or any of its subsidiaries, including the Issuer. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are not being made to, nor will the Issuer accept tenders of Notes or deliveries of consents from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities of blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. This press release also is not a solicitation of consents to the Proposed Amendments to the Indenture. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should tender their Notes or deliver their consents with respect to the Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. Neither the Issuer nor Aegea undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason. DISCLAIMER This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This announcement and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation. If any holder of Notes is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Tender Offer. None of Aegea, the Issuer, the dealer managers and solicitation agents, the information and tender agent and any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons, makes any recommendation as to whether Holders of Notes should participate in the Tender Offer. SOURCE AEGEA Finance S.a r.l. VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Alexco Resource Corp. (NYSE American: AXU) (TSX: AXU) ("Alexco" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a notice of meeting and management information circular (the "Circular") to its shareholders of record as of April 21, 2022, in connection with its Annual General Meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held at Suite 1165, 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT - PLEASE VOTE TODAY Alexco encourages shareholders to read the meeting materials, which have been filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and are on our website at www.alexcoresource.com/investors/annual-general-meeting/. Matters to be Considered and/or Voted Upon at the Meeting Shareholders will be asked to vote on the following matters: To fix the number of directors at six; To elect directors for the ensuing year; To appoint the auditors for the ensuing year; and To consider and, if thought fit, to approve an ordinary resolution approving certain amendments to the Company's stock option plan and to approve all unallocated awards under the Company's stock option plan, as more particularly described in the accompanying Circular. The Board of Directors of Alexco recommends that shareholders vote FOR ALL the proposed items. How to Vote Beneficial Shareholder Shares held with a broker, bank or other intermediary Registered Shareholders Shares held in own name and represented by a physical certificate www.proxyvote.com www.investorvote.com Call or fax to the number(s) listed on your voting instruction form Phone: 1-866-732-8683 Fax: 1-866-249-7775 Return the voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope Return the form of proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope Please submit your vote well in advance of the proxy deposit deadline of 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Shareholder Information and Questions Alexco shareholders who have questions about the management information circular, or require assistance with voting their shares can contact the Company's proxy solicitation agent, Laurel Hill Advisory Group: Laurel Hill Advisory Group North America Toll Free: 1-877-452-7184 Outside North America: 1-416-304-0211 Email: [email protected] About Alexco Alexco is a Canadian primary silver company that owns and operates the majority of the historic Keno Hill Silver District, in Canada's Yukon Territory, one of the highest-grade silver mines in the world. Alexco started concentrate production and shipments in 2021 and is currently advancing Keno Hill toward steady state production. Upon reaching commercial production, Keno Hill is expected to produce an average of approximately 4.4 million ounces of silver per year contained in high quality lead/silver and zinc concentrates. Keno Hill retains significant potential to grow and Alexco has a long history of expanding the operation's mineral resources through successful exploration. Please visit the Alexco website at www.alexcoresource.com Some statements ("forward-looking statements") in this news release contain forward-looking information concerning the Company's anticipated results and developments in the Company's operations in future periods, made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of activities and reports. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable at the time they are made. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. SOURCE Alexco Resource Corp. Owners Dennis and Terri Brazier opened the ceremony by welcoming and thanking everyone who attended, including special guests Minnesota Representative John Burkel and Red Lake Falls Mayor Allen Bertilrud. "In the past year we have grown the manufacturing workforce here by four times, and we are looking forward to adding many additional careers in all areas, including manufacturing, management, and marketing," said Dennis Brazier. This expansion provides the opportunity to bring 150 careers to the community over time. Mayor Allen Bertilrud, thanked the Braziers for investing in the community and bringing new job opportunities to the area. Mike Hugg, Director of Operations said, "We have positions that are available now and will have more available in the near future." The over 12 million dollar expansion project will increase capacity and improve operational efficiency. The new manufacturing facility will accommodate state-of-the-art metal fabrication equipment including an automated fiber laser cutting system, turret punch presses, press brakes, robotic welders, a powder coat automated paint system, assembly and a distribution center. "This new equipment, capacity and space will allow us to grow our production team to keep up with the demand for Altoz products," said Matt Schaumburg, Productions Manager. In addition to the manufacturing facility, the site features a multi-story office building that will accommodate a growing workforce. "Altoz retail sales have increased every year since our inception; we continue to add new dealers across the United States and are expanding distribution internationally. In June we will be revealing a new multi-purpose, multi-seasonal line of equipment that will be a first for the outdoor power equipment industry," said Karl Bjorkman, Director of Sales and Marketing. The additional workforce and production capabilities will help prepare for and continue to meet the marketplace demand for Altoz outdoor power equipment. Currently, Altoz offers the only zero-turn mowers and stand-on mowers with tracks. Demand continues to grow as more consumers, commercial lawn care professionals and municipalities recognize the benefits of the tracked mowers and the value that Altoz equipment provides. About Altoz Altoz, Inc. is an outdoor power equipment company built by an experienced team of engineering specialists, turf-industry professionals and powersports industry leaders who are inspired by a passion for excellence. The Altoz dealer base spans across the United States and includes distributors in New Zealand, United Kingdom and Australia. The company manufactured the world's first zero-turn and stand on mowers with tracks. Find the latest Altoz innovations at Altoz.com. SOURCE Altoz The program will provide proactive outreach, engagement, and holistic, coordinated support to help prevent veteran suicide. ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Warrior Partnership (AWP) announced today the creation of a new branch in Alaska called the Alaska Warrior Partnership (AKWP). The focus of AKWP will be to proactively engage veterans, their family members, and caregivers to better understand veterans' needs and improve their quality of life. "We are proud to have the Alaska Warrior Partnership supporting veterans locally," said Jim Lorraine, president and CEO of America's Warrior Partnership. "By connecting on a local level in a veteran's community, we can provide a one-size-fits-one approach, which is so vital in providing a better quality of life and, ultimately, decreasing veteran suicide." AKWP will apply AWP's Community Integration Model, which is a holistic, veteran-focused, community-led initiative to proactively connect and engage with all veterans in a given area to ensure they have access to all the quality resources and opportunities available in collaboration with their community. Coordinated services include recreational activities, volunteer opportunities and occasionally housing, employment, access to education, or healthcare available through community partners. Alaska is home to an estimated 65,000 veterans, according to the US Census report, and approximately a third of that population reside outside Anchorage and other larger cities, in small rural towns and off-the-road-system remote villages. Veterans and their families have a plethora of resources for support and opportunities in Anchorage and the larger cities, but many, especially those outside these areas, are not aware of them or the benefits they have earned. "Alaska Warrior Partnership is engaging with veterans and coordinating services across our large geographical area,'' said Alaskan Army Veteran and AKWP Program Lead Amanda Marr. Marr has been meeting with veterans and building the community program infrastructure over the past few months. "We want a veteran in Aniak to know they are just as important and connected as a veteran in Anchorage, and we do this first and foremost by getting to know the veterans of Alaska; proactively reaching out to them where THEY are, and building trusted relationships through meaningful and holistic engagement." According to a 2021 Department of Veteran Affairs report, the United States veteran population decreased 23 percent over the last twenty years, while the suicide rate went up by 35 percent. The VA estimates that approximately 17 veterans die by suicide per day. The Community Integration model ensures they connect with veterans in local communities and provides a pathway for resources and opportunities to improve quality of life, aiming to drastically decrease these suicide rates. For more information on America's Warrior Partnership and their Community Integration efforts in Alaska and across the country, subscribe to America's Warrior Partnership newsletter by visiting https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org . About America's Warrior Partnership America's Warrior Partnership is committed to empowering communities to empower veterans. We fill the gaps between veteran service organizations by helping nonprofits connect with veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our programs bolster nonprofit efficacy, improving their results, and empowering their initiatives. Preventing veteran suicide is the singular outcome of America's Warrior Partnership's work. About Alaska Warrior Partnership The Alaska Warrior Partnership is committed to improving veterans' quality of life in the state of Alaska through proactive outreach and engagement, by fostering ongoing relationships with our veterans, their families and caregivers, and coordination of holistic services and opportunities in collaboration with the community. https://www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/alaska-warrior-partnership SOURCE Americas Warrior Partnership After securing outstanding results in personal injury and workers' compensation cases, attorney Adam Smith has been named a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. GOLDSBORO, N.C. , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Riddle & Brantley is pleased to announce that injury attorney Adam A. Smith has been named a member of the esteemed Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. A Board Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation law, Mr. Smith has dedicated his career to representing victims of serious personal injuries. Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is limited to select attorneys who have distinguished themselves by securing at least one multi-million-dollar verdict or settlement. Mr. Smith is presently a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most venerated groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Less than one percent of the nation's trial attorneys are admitted. New partnerships increase access to primary mental health services and specialized care for OCD, serious mental illness, trauma, and substance use disorders Mental health provider network tops 17,000 clinicians BOSTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its commitment to ensuring members have access to high quality, affordable mental health care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts ("Blue Cross") today announced the expansion of its mental health provider network, including additional specialists in a range of areas including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), serious mental illness, trauma and substance use disorders (SUD). The company is also contracting with primary mental health groups to help match members to clinicians who are most appropriate for their needs and make it easier to schedule an appointment. "We're taking action to support our members at a time when the need for mental health services has never been greater," said Andrew Dreyfus, Blue Cross' president and CEO. "Research by our Foundation shows that many people who need mental health care struggle to find it, so we're working hard to expand our network and help members find effective, affordable, convenient care when they need it." Adding primary mental health groups Blue Cross is enhancing its provider network by contracting with several primary mental health providers that will increase access to services for members. The practices, including Thriveworks, Headway, Refresh Mental Health and Valera Health, bring together independent psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists that can treat a broad array of mental health conditions including serious mental illness. The practices offer sorting and matching capabilities, to make it easier for members to find the type of therapist or psychiatrist best suited to their needs and schedule appointments. These providers offer treatment with diverse clinicians serving all ages and, as part of their contracts with Blue Cross, have agreed to prioritize the company's members, with appointments available within two days for urgent mental health needs, and five days for mild to moderate needs. The practices have also committed to offering both virtual and in-person care. A recent Blue Cross member survey found that nearly 70% of members want to be able to receive both in-person and telehealth care from the same clinician. Sub-specialty partnerships Blue Cross has also contracted with several specialty mental health provider organizations that provide care for specific conditions including obsessive compulsive disorder and substance use disorder. "There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mental health," said Dr. Greg Harris, senior medical director for behavioral health at Blue Cross. "Every member needs care that meets their specific needs. These partnerships are an innovative way to expand our network and ensure that members who need specialized care can find a high-quality clinician with availability." Specialty providers joining the Blue Cross network include NOCD (for outpatient telehealth treatment of OCD) and Forge Health (trauma and substance use disorder care for first responders.) In the coming months, Blue Cross plans to add specialty provider groups focused on severe eating disorders and LGBTQ and racial inequity issues. Blue Cross continues to offer specialty mental health services through its partners Aware Recovery Care, an in-home addiction treatment provider, and Brightline, a virtual behavioral health care front door for children, teens, and families. BCBSMA's mental health leadership This network expansion is part of Blue Cross' ongoing work to enhance members' access to quality mental health care. That includes: Expanding its network of mental health practitioners by 37% over the last five years Permanently reimbursing telehealth sessions performed by mental health specialists at the same rate as in-person visits. This includes both video and telephonic telehealth services. Expanding member access to telehealth coverage for psychiatric care on the company's national telehealth platform Adding a range of new mental health services available via telehealth, including intensive outpatient programs Expanding the number of child psychiatrists available to members by increasing reimbursement rates by 50% for child psychiatrists who participate in an incentive program Offering new financial incentives for primary care physicians to integrate mental health care into their practices with the goal of improving members' physical and mental health outcomes Expanding access to an innovative online program, Learn to Live, to help members better manage anxiety and stress Other mental health resources Blue Cross is deeply committed to supporting the mental health of its members, customers, employees and the community. The company is known for its innovative approach to mental health and substance use disorder, including an in-house staff of clinicians and specially trained mental health case managers. Blue Cross' Mental Health Resource Center is designed to help members better understand their mental health care options, find clinicians, and explore self-guided tools for managing stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Blue Cross also offers exclusive member discounts on classes that support mindfulness and wellness, including yoga and meditation. Members who need assistance finding mental health and/or substance use support options can call Blue Cross' dedicated behavioral health line at (888) 389-7764. Representatives help guide members to the right support and, in some cases, help locate appropriate clinicians who are accepting new patients and even assist with setting up the first visit. About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (http://www.bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable and equitable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts SaaS Veteran joins Blueprint Advisory with 12+ years of SaaS Sales and Business Development Experience. AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blueprint Advisory, a global consulting and advisory firm for the Salesforce Ecosystem, today named Evan Paris Managing Director. Paris joins Blueprint Advisory from Able Software (formerly Employstream), where he served as VP of Business Development. Evan will focus on driving new business and customer acquisition while also providing advisory services to Blueprint's current customers. Before joining Blueprint Advisory, Evan's tenure has been in B2B SaaS, focusing on Business Development and Go-To-Market Strategies. Evan's experience in the SaaS industry includes being a founding member of the business development team at Checkr (supporting their growth from $15M to $150M) and the Business Development Executive at Able Software (formerly Employstream), acquired by Bullhorn. "We've known and been very impressed with Evan for years. The timing is right for him to join us, especially with the demand and opportunities within the Talent Service Industry ," said Brandon Metcalf, Founder of Blueprint Advisory and former Founder of Talent Rover. "We are in a position to hire an executive to build out the team and capture a market that is exploding and he is absolutely the person to lead it." Greg Symons, President and Founder of Blueprint Advisory, said, "Evan has a tremendous ability to curate and foster meaningful relationships with those that he engages with. Evan's vision and leadership at Able was a key driver in the overall success of developing the Able for Salesforce App and we are excited to have him share his story and experience with others that are looking to extract value from within the Salesforce Ecosystem." "I am thrilled to join a team that is so focused on leading customers through their Salesforce journey and helping them find success," said Evan. "As a former client and partner of Blueprint, I look forward to now providing the same world-class experience to other organizations as they build companies or products on the Salesforce platform." About Blueprint Advisory Blueprint Advisory is a global consulting and advisory firm for the Salesforce Ecosystem. With a deep understanding of all aspects of the product development lifecycle, custom solution development, go-to-market, distribution, and customer success that can only have been gained through hands-on experience building software companies. For more information, visit www.blueprintadvisory.com . CONTACT: Winter Green-Ike, [email protected] SOURCE Blueprint Advisory NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per in-depth industry analysis by Persistence Market Research, the global bread mixes market is set to expand at 2% CAGR and reach a market size of US$ 6.18 Bn by 2032-end. Demand for baked food has no indication of slowing down across the world as consumers pick these items as a ready-to-eat meal. They also view baked food as healthy. Increasing consumption of ready-to-eat meals will drive demand for food ingredients and additives, as they provide the desired taste, texture, and sensory appeal to baked food products. The millennial population has been of a major influence on the rising demand for fast & baked food products. They seem to bring in new and exciting food trends, which affect different classes of food ingredients over time. For instance, utilization of clean-label ingredients in the preparation of food products has become popular and is influencing consumer purchasing decisions. The population in Southeast Asian countries is increasing at a significant rate, and currently, a majority of the population is the youth demo graph. The median age in Southeast Asian countries is 28.8 years. 49.8% of the population resides in urban areas where most premium product stores are located. This group of the population is mostly working, and displays more cosmopolitan culinary consumption, but further seeks baked goods for convenience and conformity with the perception of an urban lifestyle. Request for sample copy of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/33056 The demographic structure of the Singapore population is young, with 43% of the population between 15 and 44 years of age. The youth of the country consume bakery products for breakfast, unlike in European countries where bakery products are consumed for meals. All the above-mentioned factors bode well for the expansion of the global market for bread mixes. Key Takeaways from Market Study The bread mixes market is projected to grow in South Asia & Pacific, East Asia , and Europe at CAGRs of 2.9%, 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively, over the forecast period of 2022-2032. at CAGRs of The overall market of bread mixes is dominated by North America and Europe , with a combined market share of more than 60%. Argentina in Latin America and Italy in Europe are set to register the highest growth rates at CAGRs of 2.4% and 4.5%, respectively. are set to register the highest growth rates at The market in China is projected to reach US$ 532.5 Mn by 2032. Overall consumption of bread mixes is projected to be 1,971,122 metric tons in 2022, which is expected to increase at a CAGR of 2% over the forecast period. On the basis of type, sourdough bread mixes are currently valued at US$ 1.32 Bn . . During COVID-19, demand for bred mixes was negatively affected due to global lockdowns, which led to interruption of supply chains and limited workforce in production units. However, consumers are choosing natural and nutritious food ingredients, which is driving demand for bread mixes. Know the methodology of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/33056 "Increasing importance of consuming healthy food ingredients is a major factor influencing market growth for bread mixes. Furthermore, rising demand for convenience and processed food products will drive the sales of bread mixes and prove profitable for key manufacturers," says a Persistence Market Research analyst. Competitive Landscape Key manufacturers of bread mixes are focusing on introducing new and innovative products to provide efficient and effective solutions to customers. Moreover, companies are emphasizing on mergers and acquisitions to expand their product portfolio and increase their presence across the world. In Jan 2022 , Puratos Group acquired Profimix, a supplier of bakery mixes, improvers, and confectionery items in Prisovice, Czech Republic . , Puratos Group acquired Profimix, a supplier of bakery mixes, improvers, and confectionery items in Prisovice, . Angel Yeast Co., Ltd. introduced a donut premix to fulfil the processing requirements of bakery companies. Get full access of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/checkout/33056 Explore More Valuable Insights Persistence Market Research, in its new report, offers an impartial analysis of the global bread mixes market, presenting historical data (2017-2021) and estimation statistics for the forecast period of 2022-2032. The study offers compelling insights based on type (bread & roll mixes, sourdough bread mixes, pizza mixes, and rye bread mixes) and distribution channel (traditional trade, modern trade, industrial, foodservice), across six major regions of the world. Related Reports: About Persistence Market Research: Persistence Market Research (PMR), as a 3rd-party research organization, does operate through an exclusive amalgamation of market research and data analytics for helping businesses ride high, irrespective of the turbulence faced on the account of financial/natural crunches. Overview: Persistence Market Research is always way ahead of its time. In other words, it tables market solutions by stepping into the companies'/clients' shoes much before they themselves have a sneak pick into the market. The pro-active approach followed by experts at Persistence Market Research helps companies/clients lay their hands on techno-commercial insights beforehand, so that the subsequent course of action could be simplified on their part. Contact Rajendra Singh Persistence Market Research U.S. Sales Office: 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York City, NY 10007 +1-646-568-7751 United States USA - Canada Toll-Free: 800-961-0353 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd. "There are plenty of talented underrepresented students who go without the proper support and resources that can help them along in their computer science journeys and open doors for high-income careers post-graduation," said Michael Ellison, CEO and founder of CodePath. "We remain committed to expanding access to underrepresented students and recognize the potential that employers can have in providing these opportunities earlier on, which will help create a more robust diverse talent pipeline in tech." The Summer Internship for Tech Excellence (SITE) program addresses a key barrier to underrepresented students' presence in technology - early access to coveted internships at tech companies. SITE is a 10-week, hands-on program that gives rising juniors relevant work experience and weekly mentorship from various volunteer software engineering teams. Students will be introduced to full-stack web development, gaining an understanding of databases, back-end code, front-end code, testing, design, and deployments. This program will help build the foundational knowledge and skills students will need as they continue to pursue a career in tech. CodePath designs and delivers research-backed, and intentionally executed programs such as SITE, which focuses specifically on Black, Indigenous, Latinx students, in addition to students from low-income backgrounds, and students that are the first in their family to attend college. These programs address systemic issues at the core of tech's diversity crisis, bringing diverse, top talent with unique perspectives to leading engineering teams. For most employers, 75% of their entry-level technology hires come from internship programs, which are usually offered to rising college seniors. However, research has shown that underrepresented students in computer science drop out or switch majors before their junior year. These students are missing out on internships they need to stay engaged in their studies, make connections, garner references, and launch their tech careers. SITE uniquely provides these internships earlier than most other corporate programs, therefore offering underrepresented minorities access to coveted internships, as well as real-world experience that will keep them dedicated to completing their computer science degree. By the end of the program, students will have the skills to build and deploy their own web applications, setting them up for success when applying for junior year internships. For the inaugural 2021 SITE program, CodePath partnered with edtech pioneer Course Hero, and Workday, a leader in enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. While graduates of the inaugural SITE program are still interviewing, nearly 86% have already secured junior year paid internship opportunities. "Our work is centered around helping students graduate confident and prepared," said Emmanuel Matthews, Group Technical Program Manager, Course Hero. "Partnering with CodePath helps us create spaces for collaboration and learning that changes how tech talent is supported and how employers equitably recruit talented workers from diverse backgrounds." "We're proud to partner with CodePath and support its impressive work to advance the education and careers for underrepresented groups in tech," said Carin Taylor, chief diversity officer, Workday. "At Workday, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and creates a broader connection to the world, and we've seen firsthand how CodePath interns further support that. They bring fresh, new perspectives to our workplace, which in turn provides valuable impact to our business and how we operate." Now in the program's second year, CodePath welcomed support from Schmidt Futures, which will bring a focus on social impact to the curriculum and encourage students to pursue world-changing ideas in their capstone projects. "We're excited to support Michael Ellison as an Innovation Fellow," said Kumar Garg, Vice President, Partnerships at Schmidt Futures. "Under his leadership, CodePath is creating a more diverse talent pipeline in tech, and providing students with new avenues to learn about how they can apply their skills to tackle important problems." SITE will take place from June 6 - August 12, 2022. It is available to students who will complete their sophomore semester in Spring 2022. To be eligible, students must be studying CS or a closely related field (information systems, electrical engineering, data science, etc.) and have completed a CS 1-type class, such as Intro to Programming. For more information, please visit codepath.org/SITE About CodePath CodePath is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that partners with colleges and major tech companies to prepare underserved computer science students for careers in tech. CodePath runs courses across over 70 universities, and we have taught over 10,000 students since 2017. CodePath is supported by Andreessen Horowitz, Blue Meridian Partners, Cognizant Foundation, Comcast, Knight Foundation, Meta, New Profit, Salesforce, Walmart, and Workday. To learn more, visit www.codepath.org . CONTACT Annie Brown, Director of Communications [email protected] SOURCE CodePath Successful collaboration honored for reducing the burden of prior authorization and speeding patient access to quality care BOSTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Cohere Health, a recognized leader in utilization management (UM) technology, was named a winner of the KLAS 2022 Points of Light award, which recognizes successful payer, provider, and vendor collaborations that reduce cost and inefficiency and deliver a better patient experience. KLAS recognized Cohere's intelligent UM collaboration platform for improving access and quality of care while enabling medical expense savings for payers and administrative time savings for providers. This year, KLAS awarded fourteen collaborations with a Points of Light award, validating all submissions via a standard set of questions administered during in-depth interviews. A collaboration between Cohere , Humana, and two provider organizations was selected for automating the prior authorization process and incorporating suggested care plans into the provider workflow. Cohere's UM collaboration platform uses transparent, AI-enabled clinical recommendations to align patients, physicians, and health plans on evidence-based care plans to improve clinical outcomes and reduce unnecessary variations in care. "We are honored to receive this award, as it further validates our mission to provide the technology health plans and physicians need to identify and commit to an optimal care plan for every patient," said Siva Namasivayam, CEO of Cohere Health. "When payers and providers collaborate to share clinical data and policy information, prior authorization can go beyond simply saying 'yes' or 'no' to a requested service. It can be a catalyst for improving the patient's access to high-value care services, and driving better outcomes." KLAS is a global healthcare IT research firm dedicated to improving healthcare delivery by gathering data and insights on software, services, and medical equipment. The company's Payer/Provider Initiative is intended to reduce the friction between payer and provider organizations by facilitating greater trust and alignment on mutual goals. The annual KLAS Points of Light awards are given to payers, providers, and IT vendors whose close cooperation led to shared outcomes, most commonly in the areas of prior authorization and value-based care. The Cohere collaboration was recognized in these categories: Improved care quality: For lowering surgery complication rates and shifting procedures from inpatient to outpatient settings For lowering surgery complication rates and shifting procedures from inpatient to outpatient settings Improved patient experience: For enabling faster access to care for patients For enabling faster access to care for patients Improved efficiency: For reducing medical documentation and significantly reducing the administrative burden for payers For reducing medical documentation and significantly reducing the administrative burden for payers Improved provider experience: For reducing peer-to-peer reviews and enabling providers to spend less time on the prior authorization process For reducing peer-to-peer reviews and enabling providers to spend less time on the prior authorization process Improved financial results: For creating medical expense savings for payers Cohere will be presented with the KLAS Points of Light award during the annual KLAS Payer/Provider Summit on May 24 in Salt Lake City, UT. Last week, Cohere was also honored with a selection to the Becker's Hospital Review's 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare list for 2022, which highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that support professional growth, employee engagement, and diversity within the workforce. About Cohere Cohere Health drives collaborative utilization management (UM) by aligning physicians and health plans on evidence-based care paths for the patient's entire care journey. By integrating these care paths into the prior authorization submission process, Cohere's digital UM collaboration platform reduces denial rates and medical expenses while improving patient outcomes. The company is a winner of the TripleTree iAward and has been named to both Fierce Healthcare's Fierce 15 and CB Insights' Digital Health 150 lists. Cohere's investors include Flare Capital Partners, Define Ventures, Deerfield, Polaris Partners, and Longitude Capital. Cohere Health Media Contact: Jessica Smith, Amendola Communications for Cohere Health [email protected] SOURCE Cohere Health STOCKHOLM, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Securitas AB (publ) held an Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, May 5, 2022, in Stockholm. Appropriation of profit and discharge from liability The Annual General Meeting adopted the Statement of Income and the Balance Sheet for the Parent Company as well as the Consolidated Statement of Income and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as per December 31, 2021. In accordance with the proposal of the Board, the AGM resolved to pay a dividend of SEK 4.40 per share. Record date for the dividend is Monday May 9, 2022, and the dividend is estimated to be distributed by Euroclear Sweden AB starting on Thursday May 12, 2022. The AGM discharged the Board of Directors and the President from liability for the financial year of 2021. Board of Directors The AGM resolved that the number of Board members shall be eight, with no deputy members. The AGM re-elected Ingrid Bonde, John Brandon, Fredrik Cappelen, Gunilla Fransson, Sofia Schorling Hogberg, Harry Klagsbrun, Johan Menckel and Jan Svensson as Board members. Jan Svensson was re-elected Chair of the Board. The fee to the Board members was determined to SEK 9 478 000 in total (including fees for committee work) apportioned so that the Chair of the Board shall receive SEK 2 550 000 and the other Board members SEK 840 000 each. The Chair of the Audit Committee shall receive SEK 390 000, the Chair of the Remuneration Committee SEK 105 000, the members of the Audit Committee each SEK 250 000 and the members of the Remuneration Committee each SEK 53 000. Auditor As auditors, the AGM decided to re-elect the auditing firm Ernst & Young AB, Stockholm, with authorized accountant Rickard Andersson as auditor in charge, for a period up to and including the AGM for 2023. The auditor's fees are to be paid as per agreement. Instructions for appointment of the Nomination Committee The AGM resolved to adopt the Nomination Committee's proposal for instructions for appointment of the Nomination Committee and its assignment. Remuneration report and incentive program The AGM approved the Board of Directors' report regarding remuneration. The AGM also resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal and consistent with 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, to implement a long-term incentive program (LTI 2022/2024). Authorization of the Board to resolve on acquisition and transfer of the company's shares In accordance with the Board's proposal, the AGM resolved to authorize the Board to resolve upon acquisitions and transfers of the company's own shares of Series B. Amendment of the Articles of Association and authorization of the Board to resolve on new issue of shares In accordance with the Board's proposal, the AGM decided to amend the Articles of Association, adjusting the limits for the share capital and the number of shares. Further, the AGM resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal, to authorize the Board to resolve on issue of new shares with preferential rights for the company's shareholders during the period up to the AGM for 2023. Further information: Investors: Micaela Sjokvist, Vice President, Investor Relations, Securitas AB, mobile +46 76 116 7443 or email [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/securitas/r/decisions-at-securitas--annual-general-meeting-2022,c3560806 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1062/3560806/1575351.pdf Bulletin AGM 2022_final SOURCE Securitas VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSXV: DME) (U.S. OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) From the President of the Company. Desert Mountain Energy's contractor, GENERON, has begun fabrication of the McCauley Helium Processing Facility. The processing facility is the first solar-powered helium processing facility in the world. In addition to using solar energy, the Company will also use hydrogen that was discovered in the McCauley Helium Field as a backup energy source. To remain efficient and save money, DME's engineering teams designed the McCauley Helium Processing Facility utilizing mostly off-the-shelf components. Connections are designed with the highest structural strengths to ensure a long-life span with multiple redundant critical aspects. "We are excited that GENERON has begun assembly on the McCauley Helium Processing Facility," says Robert Rohlfing, CEO of Desert Mountain Energy Corp. "DME has proven that we can discover helium and the plant will demonstrate that we can produce, process and sell it directly to end-users. Plant startup, which is scheduled for completion some time in the third quarter, is a major component of our goals. The worldwide helium supply continues to be in critically short supply and DME is striving to be part of the solution." The Company has also completed work on wells 5, 6 and 7 with flow gas samples being sent by ground transportation to an independent lab for gaseous analysis. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen and noble gases. The Company is primarily looking for elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Exec Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. This is FTX US' first collaboration with a fashion-branded condominium - a testament to innovative thinking and is another milestone for Diesel Wynwood Condominium, which is pioneering luxury residential living in Wynwood. The alliance speaks to the development's location in the trending submarket, dubbed the 'Silicon Valley of the South,' where technology companies such as Spotify, Atomic and Live Nation have opened offices. Transformed from a sparse warehouse area to one of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods, it is famed for its vibrant culture, art galleries, music, thriving businesses, nightlife, culinary experiences, and most recently, tech scene. "We are aligned with Miami's mission to establish itself as a national tech and financial powerhouse," said Maximilian Beltrame, CEO of Bel Invest, the development firm behind Diesel Wynwood Condominium. "With FTX as our partner, we look forward to joining key real estate players at the forefront of the digital arena, while expanding investment options for our global buyers, many of whom are 'cryptonaires.' With all that said, this is only the beginning, with more news to come." "With the addition of FTX's cryptocurrency exchange capabilities and expertise, the project continues to defy conventionality, from its design to now a swift and secure closing process for each residence," said John "Jake" Lecce, sales manager of Diesel Wynwood Condominium. The transaction process begins with FTX US instantly converting cryptocurrency to the appropriate U.S. dollar amount, avoiding market fluctuations, followed by depositing it swiftly into the seller's account. This provides investors with increased security and a seamless exchange. Avi Dabir, FTX US Vice President of Business Development commented on today's news, "Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology can play a big role in the real estate industry. Our partners at Bel Invest are forward-thinking and recognize the opportunity here. We're excited to work with them on the Diesel Wynwood Condominium to facilitate transactions in cryptocurrency." Rising eight stories, Diesel Wynwood Condominium converges casual luxury with cutting-edge design through residences ranging from micro-studios to three-bedrooms, with diverse floor plans between 395 and 4,105 square feet. Elevated perks include extra-high ceilings, up to 11 feet, dressed in finished concrete. It's the first time the parent brand's full furniture line, Diesel Living, is offering end-to-end design options. Buyers can opt for turnkey residences with exclusive collections consisting of Moroso furniture, Lodes lighting, Scavolini kitchen and bathroom, IRIS tiles, Berti wood flooring, Seletti home accessories and Mirabello Carrara home linens. For the most daring, the "Brave Collection" will feature 14 premium penthouses equipped with high-end, exclusive materials and finishes. To captivate the boldest of buyers, the awe-inspiring details will include incorporating liquid marble in the bathrooms and private rooftops with option for an added kitchen and jacuzzi. Concepted to play and connect, stand-out amenities encompass a rooftop pool deck and lounge; a state-of-the-art fitness center; wine cellar with event space; European spa; sensory room; conference room and more. Designed by Zyscovich Architects, the property's structure echoes the unconventional vibrancy of its Wynwood surroundings. The residences are priced from $400,000 to $6 million, with exclusive sales representation by ONE Sotheby's International Realty . ABOUT DIESEL Created by Renzo Rosso in 1978, Diesel was incepted to offer the world's most innovative, pioneering denim made "only for the brave." Now, it is an internationally-revered brand associated with the unconventional. The slogan, 'For Successful Living' has become a part of the company's DNA, making it a leader in advertising and fashion, and now, in the home through its other line Diesel Living . ABOUT BEL INVEST Diesel Wynwood Condominium is developed by Bel Invest, the real estate investment and development firm with prominent projects in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United States. The company believes real estate expands beyond construction, encompassing products and services that will leave a lasting impact through time. Bel Invest offers its partners the ability to participate in innovative models of integrated business, thus creating an additional layer of high-level, value-add opportunities within the investment industry. ABOUT ONE Sotheby's International Realty ONE Sotheby's International Realty is the premier source for luxury real estate and development opportunities along Florida's East Coast, with 27 offices spanning from Miami and Key Biscayne to Vero Beach and Jacksonville. Since its inception in 2008, ONE Sotheby's International Realty has recruited nearly 1,300 of the world's most passionate and well-connected agents. For more than 250 years, the Sotheby's name has exemplified the promise of a life well lived, and ONE Sotheby's International Realty's direct affiliation with Sotheby's and Sotheby's International Realty has offered the company unparalleled, global reach an attribute sellers reap the full benefit of as their homes receive prime exposure to a network of more than 24,000 associates in more than 75 countries and territories with more than 1,000 offices. The firm's development sales division represents some of the most successful and prestigious condo developments along the coast with a total inventory of over $3.5 billion. Offering committed professionals, backed by a global brand with a heritage of unsurpassed quality, value and trust, ONE Sotheby's International Realty is dedicated to giving extraordinary lives a home to thrive. www.onesothebysrealty.com . ABOUT FTX US FTX US is a US-regulated cryptocurrency exchange, built from the ground up. Its mission is for FTX US to grow the digital currency ecosystem, offer US and international traders a platform that inspires their loyalty, and to become the market leading US regulated cryptocurrency exchange by volume within the next two years. To learn more about FTX US, please visit: https://ftx.us/. FTX US is not available to residents of prohibited jurisdictions, as set out in its Terms of Service. SOURCE Bel Invest USA Brings History of Success in Building and Creating New Sales Channels as well as Working with and Maximizing Distributor Relationships in the Rugged Mobility Space FREMONT, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Durabook, the global rugged mobile solutions brand owned by Twinhead International Corporation, announced today that it has appointed Ben Baum as Vice President of Sales focusing on commercial sales for Durabook Americas. In this role, Baum will lead Durabook Americas' sales and business development for its rugged mobile product solutions and services. Durabook announced today that it has appointed Ben Baum as Vice President of Sales focusing on commercial sales for Durabook Americas. With a sole focus on the rugged technology sector, Baum has spent over a decade at Panasonic building and growing new sales channels and verticals. Being an experienced and successful sales executive with a deep understanding of go-to-market strategies, Baum brings a unique and diverse skillset to guide the Durabook Americas team to future success. "We are thrilled to have an individual with such an outstanding track record of success join us at this pivotal moment," commented Sasha Wang, president of Durabook Americas. "Baum's duties will include overseeing all sales activities for the commercial sectors of North and South America. In addition, his expertise in engaging with our key verticals brings a new leadership perspective to the team. I'm confident he will also help partners drive revenue, increase profit margins, and offer value-added services to untapped markets." "Durabook's most important competitive advantage today is product availability," said Ben Baum. "This is a key strategic advantage that we alone enjoy in our rugged computing space. Due to global challenges in the key supply-chain components, many of today's rugged players have long lead times taking as much as six to nine months to ship their products. In contrast, Durabook owns its entire R&D and production facilities in Taiwan and has effectively managed its supply chain for stability, ensuring faster delivery for our clients even when customization is required. This is a huge benefit for our distributors, reseller partners, and customers." With the addition of Baum, Durabook will provide even more services and comprehensive communication. It is the mission of Durabook to bring together decades of rugged experience, exceptional hardware solutions, fast delivery, and industry-leading flexible services to enable our customers success. ABOUT DURABOOK AMERICAS Durabook has been the core brand of Twinhead International Corporation in Taiwan, a world-renowned manufacturer of rugged mobile solutions for more than 30 years. All Durabook devices are designed, manufactured, and tested to the highest standards to ensure maximum quality and reliability. Committed to engineering and service excellence, Durabook products have been widely adopted by government and enterprise customers, including oil and gas, utilities, field service, military, and public safety for more than a decade. For more information, visit www.durabook.com/us. PR Contact: Rita Lee Copernio (714) 891-3660 [email protected] SOURCE Durabook Americas ATLANTA, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) today announced that the Equifax Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on June 15, 2022, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 25, 2022. Equifax has paid cash dividends for more than 100 consecutive years. ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 13,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com . FOR MORE INFORMATION [email protected] SOURCE Equifax Inc. $100 Million Commitment to Invest in Proptech Startups and Partner with VCs to Bring Leading-Edge Technology to Affordable Housing Residents & Communities Fairstead Ventures will Prioritize Investments in Decarbonization, Energy, & Sustainability NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairstead, a purpose-driven, vertically integrated real estate company committed to sustainable development and the creation and preservation of high-quality housing, announced the launch of Fairstead Ventures today. This $100 million initiative will focus on strategic investments and deploying leading-edge technologies across Fairstead's affordable housing portfolio, which is on track to grow to over 30,000 units over the next year. "The creation of Fairstead Ventures advances our dedication to fundamentally changing the standards in the housing industry, particularly at the intersection of sustainability and affordability," said Jeffrey Goldberg, CEO of Fairstead. "By utilizing our capital and expertise in private equity and venture investing, we will bring innovative solutions to affordable housing nationwide." Fairstead named Aki Karja the company's Director of Proptech to realize Fairstead Ventures' vision to sustainably retrofit aging affordable housing stock with the latest technology solutions while creating state-of-the-art new developments. Fairstead Ventures will act as a strategic investor piloting innovative products and services and scaling new and proven technologies to enterprise level. "For too long, affordable housing has been underserved in tech, even though the impact could be immense," said Aki Karja, Director of Proptech. "I will be looking for innovative new startups to invest in and pilot at our properties, as well as VC firms to partner and co-invest with, to green our communities and improve the health of our residents. I am honored to work with the Fairstead team to ensure affordable housing benefits from advancements in the tech industry and bring our leadership team's vision to life." Fairstead Ventures has already leveraged some of its funds towards innovative pilot programs and strategic partnerships. Fairstead entered into a strategic partnership with Enviro Power, a Hartford-based energy-tech company, to develop and deploy their SmartWatt Boiler cogeneration technology. Additionally, through a partnership with Kwant AI, Fairstead has deployed an AI safety and productivity platform while redeveloping Park 79, a shuttered illegal hotel that Fairstead acquired and is converting into affordable housing for seniors on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The launch of Fairstead Ventures is part of Fairstead's $500 million equity commitment announced last fall to strategically grow the company's operations, including expanding its multi-family housing portfolio and enhancing the firm's proptech, sustainability, and community impact programming. About Fairstead Fairstead is a purpose-driven vertically integrated real estate developer specializing in creating sustainable, high-quality housing. The firm's national footprint includes more than $6 billion in assets and identified pipeline. With offices in New York, Maryland, and South Carolina, Fairstead's team manages 90+ communities across the country and runs its comprehensive real estate platform, which includes acquisitions and development, venture capital investments in proptech, design and construction, energy and sustainability, property management, marketing, and leasing. The firm also administers one of the industry's most proactive community impact programs to provide on-site support services to residents. For more information, visit www.fairstead.com. SOURCE Fairstead TULARE, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A civil rights trial moves forward where ACTS Law attorneys are accusing the Tulare County Sheriff Office (TSCO) and several former deputies of ambushing a man after he called in suspicious activity on his own property. According to the civil complaint, in 2017, Ramiro Huerta called the Porterville Police Department and reported suspicious activity in his yard. Ramiro then argued with the dispatcher after he was told his home was outside their residence and that law enforcement would not respond. Shortly after the argument, Ramiro and his elderly mother went to bed. Later that evening, uniformed deputies banged on his front door, demanding Ramiro exit his home. Ramiro and his elderly mother opened the door but refused to exit their house as the officers had no warrant. According to the complaint, the officers then set a trap for Ramiro under the guise of a "ruse" where they pretended to leave, but instead, purposefully hid in the bushes under cover, waiting for Ramiro to come outside to lock his gate. All involved deputies either had their body cameras turned off during this "ruse" or simply failed to have one at all, in violation of the department's policies and procedures. Thinking the officers had left, Ramiro went outside to close the gate, only to be violently attacked from behind by an officer who had been hiding in the bushes near the home. Other officers then joined in and collectively severely beat and injured an unarmed, outnumbered Ramiro. He was taken inside his home where the gang of officers punched him in the face, kicked him with heavy boots in the head, struck him with batons on the legs, handcuffed him, and dragged back out into the front yard where he was pepper sprayed and hog-tied. Throughout this awful ordeal, Ramiro's then 71-year-old mother was forced to watch her son get severely beaten. The case is Ramiro Huerta v. County of Tulare, Tulare County Sheriff, et al., U.S.D.C. for the Eastern District of California, Case No.: 1:17-cv-01446-DAD-EPG. About ACTS Law ACTS Law's skilled and knowledgeable attorneys represent victims in a broad array of case types. From civil rights to civil litigation, from medical malpractice to product liability, from catastrophic personal injury to wrongful death, from commercial and residential property insurance claims to bad faith insurance disputes. CONTACT: Doug Rochen 833-ACTS-LAW SOURCE ACTS Law LAKELAND, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Southern College will host its Spring 2022 Commencement exercise starting at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at a ceremony held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Doors will open at noon. This is the 139th Commencement exercise for the College. This year, 462 students will be awarded their undergraduate degrees, including 254 from the School of Arts and Sciences, 123 from the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, 68 from the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and 17 from the School of Education. Additionally, 35 graduate degrees and four doctoral degrees will be conferred. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Mr. Thomas L. Williams, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Parks & Resorts. Williams retired in March after 33 years with the company. The student speaker will be Ms. Alexandra "Lexi" Potter, who will earn her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Social Justice, with minors in Pre-Law, English, and Communications. A recipient of a Fulbright study/research grant to Greece, she will be completing a Master's program in southeast European studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. During the ceremony, Florida Southern will present two prestigious awards, which are not revealed prior to commencement. The President's Scholar Medal for superb academic achievement is awarded in recognition of a student's academic record and demonstrating great promise for future success, and the Honor Walk designation, which recognizes notable achievements in academics, leadership, and student involvement. About Florida Southern College Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private college in the state. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 70+ undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, is an award-winning national leader in engaged learning, and boasts 30 NCAA Division II National Championships. Florida Southern is ranked at #8 among the "Best Regional Universities in the South" by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022 "Best Colleges" guide and is included in The Princeton Review's 2022 Best 387 Colleges guide and the "Fiske Guide to Colleges 2022." The 2021-2022 Colleges of Distinction guidebook praises Florida Southern's AACSB accredited Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise alongside the College's School of Education and its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Poets&Quants, U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, and The Princeton Review further laud the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise and the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences as foremost programs in the nation for business and nursing education. Home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, FSC has appeared on The Princeton Review's top 20 "Most Beautiful Campus" national listing for 12 consecutive years. Connect with Florida Southern College. www.FLSouthern.edu SOURCE Florida Southern College WATERTOWN, Mass., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluent BioSciences, a biotechnology company focused on making single-cell analysis simple and accessible to every researcher, announced expanded early access to two new products for 3 single-cell RNA analysis. Scaled to efficiently and effectively meet diverse experimental demands, PIPseqTM T2 and T20 kits capture up to 2,000 and 20,000 single cells per reaction, respectively. Fluent is actively engaged with leading researchers in diverse fields including neuroscience, drug discovery, and cancer biology to demonstrate the unique advantages to experimental flexibility and scalability afforded by PIPseq. "We continue to execute on our mission to accelerate the understanding of biology and disease through accessible, affordable, and scalable solutions", stated Sepehr Kiani, co-founder, and CEO of Fluent BioSciences. "I am very pleased that we have been able to leverage Fluent's unique, instrumentation-free scRNA-seq platform to rapidly introduce an order-of-magnitude increase in cell capture compared to our initial T2 kits. We are poised for rapid development and deployment of new tools to address the diversity of emerging single-cell applications." Fluent has been excited to collaborate with Dr. Zev Gartner, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco to evaluate cellular diversity in human breast tissue. "We required a single-cell RNA-seq platform with a simple workflow suitable for rapid analysis of clinical specimens, that scales from small to large numbers of cells, and meets our data quality metrics", stated Dr. Gartner. "Tissues analyzed using the T2 and T20 kits have exceeded our expectations." White papers detailing these early studies are available at www.fluentbio.com , and researchers are invited to contact Fluent to learn more about applying PIPseq to their biological question of interest. About Fluent BioSciences Fluent BioSciences is a privately funded biotechnology company with a mission to accelerate the understanding of biology and disease through accessible, affordable, and scalable solutions for every laboratory from research to the clinic. Fluent's breakthrough Pre-templated Instant Partitions (PIPseq) technology facilitates near-instantaneous self-assembly of individual cells or molecules into millions of uniform partitions without the need for complex instrumentation or expensive consumables. This powerful platform enables extremely sensitive and unbiased preparation of proteins and nucleic acids for a broad range of applications including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). For more information, visit https://www.fluentbio.com/ Contacts: Ram Santhanam, [email protected] Jessie Matakis, [email protected] SOURCE Fluent BioSciences During National Foster Care Month, Child Welfare Nonprofit SAFY's "Foster Me" Campaign is raising awareness about the needs for caring adults to support teens experiencing foster care COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- May is National Foster Care Month, and child welfare nonprofit Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) is announcing the Foster Me - Developing Dreams for Flourishing Futures campaign to raise awareness about the need for foster parents to open their homes to teens experiencing foster care. "Nationwide, there are more than 150,000 teenagers experiencing foster care in the United States, each with unique needs for parental support, love, and guidance," said William Matt, CEO of SAFY. "What we have learned in our nearly 40 years of working with teens experiencing foster care, is the more we support them and give them the right tools to overcome the trauma they've endured, the better they are able to thrive in the face of adversity. At SAFY, we are working to spread the word that teens need families. We hope that through our efforts, all teens experiencing foster care can receive the family they need to care for them and believe in them." The statistics showing the difference that a caring adult can make in the life of a teen experiencing foster care are staggering. When a teen has a nurturing family or a caring adult in their life: They are more likely to complete high school and enroll in college They decrease their odds of experiencing poverty They are less likely to become pregnant, be arrested, or convicted of a crime as a teenager "As a former teen experiencing foster care myself, I know firsthand the difference caring adults made in my life," said Kanisha West-Thomas, a former SAFY youth who was placed with a foster family and eventually adopted as a teen. "My mother and father have been a tremendous support system and I wouldn't be the adult I am today, headed for law school, if it were not for them." SAFY is actively recruiting foster families to open their homes to teens in all the nonprofit operating states Colorado, Kentucky, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, and South Carolina. To learn more, visit safy.org/foster-me. About SAFY. Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) of America is a national nonprofit organization creating healthy youth and families through community-based solutions. Building upon our reputation as a leader in treatment foster care services, our comprehensive home- and community-based programs serve those with social service and behavioral health needs in seven states including Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio, and South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.SAFY.org. SOURCE Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth DUBLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "France Construction Market Size, Trends and Forecasts by Sector - Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis, 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The French construction industry is expected to have expanded by 13% in real terms in 2021, supported by a very low base in 2020, coupled with an increase in the construction of residential and non-residential buildings. The industry is expected to expand by 3.3% in real terms in 2022, before stabilizing at an annual average of 2% growth from 2023 to 2026. However, the industry's output could be affected by weak investor and consumer confidence in the short -term, due to a spike in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases caused by the spread of the Omicron variant of the virus. Additionally, falling levels of employment within the construction industry and rising costs of materials pose a potential downside risk to the industry's output. Over the medium and long term, the industry's output will be supported by investments as part of the EUR30 billion (US$36.5 billion) 'France 2030' plan unveiled by the French President Emmanuel Macron in October 2021. EUR8 billion (US$9.7 billion) of this funding will be invested on renewables, nuclear and hydrogen; over the next nine years, the plan aims to promote the emergence of small innovative nuclear reactors with better waste management, become a leader in green hydrogen by building at least two giga factories with electrolysers, and decarbonise French industry by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% compared to 2015 levels. Additionally, EUR4 billion (US$4.9 billion) is earmarked for transport and mobility, with funding allocated to help reach the government's domestic production target of two million full-electric and hybrid vehicles by 2030, as well as producing the first low-carbon aircraft by the same year. This plan comes on top of the EUR100 billion (US$114 billion) economic recovery plan unveiled by the government in September 2020. The industry's output over the forecast period will also be supported by public and private sector investments in housing, healthcare, transport, energy, and tourism infrastructure projects, particularly in preparation for the upcoming summer Olympic games in Paris in 2024. The government plans to spend EUR6.8 billion (US$8 billion) to upgrade the country's infrastructure by 2024. The government's plan to invest EUR80 billion (US$94.4 billion) in transport infrastructure, emissions reduction, and support for energy-efficient buildings through renovation will also support the industry's growth over the forecast period. Scope Historical (2017-2021) and forecast (2022-2026) valuations of the construction industry in France , featuring details of key growth drivers. , featuring details of key growth drivers. Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline. Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants Reasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using the publisher's standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies. Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts. Understand the latest industry and market trends. Formulate and validate strategy using the publisher's critical and actionable insight. Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures. Evaluate competitive risk and success factors. Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Construction Industry: At-A-Glance 3 Context 3.1 Economic Performance 3.2 Political Environment and Policy 3.3 Demographics 3.4 Covid-19 Status 3.5 Risk Profile 4 Construction Outlook 4.1 All Construction Outlook Latest News and Developments Construction Projects Momentum Index 4.2 Commercial Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 4.3 Industrial Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 4.4 Infrastructure Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 4.5 Energy and Utilities Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 4.6 Institutional Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 4.7 Residential Construction Outlook Project Analytics Latest News and Developments 5 Key Industry Participants 5.1 Contractors 5.2 Consultants 6 Construction Market Data 7 Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/t0lnhp Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets GUIYANG, China, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. ("FTA" or the "Company") (NYSE: YMM), a leading digital freight platform, today updates its status under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA"). The Company was provisionally named by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as a Commission-Identified Issuer on May 4, 2022 U.S. Eastern Time, following the Company's filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the SEC on April 25, 2022. The Company understands that this identification under the HFCAA and its implementation rules issued thereunder indicates that the SEC determines that the Company used a registered public accounting firm whose working paper cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States (the "PCAOB") to issue the audit opinion for its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. In accordance with the HFCAA, the SEC shall prohibit a company's securities from being traded on a national stock exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States if the company has been identified by the SEC for three consecutive years due to PCAOB's inability to inspect the auditor's working paper. The Company has been actively exploring possible solutions to protect the interest of its shareholders. The Company will continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations in both China and the United States. About Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) is a leading digital freight platform, connecting shippers with truckers to facilitate shipments across distance ranges, cargo weights and types. The Company provides a range of freight matching services including freight listing service, freight brokerage service and online transaction service. The Company also provides a range of value-added services that cater to the various needs of shippers and truckers, such as financial institutions, highway authorities, and gas stations operators. With a mission to make logistics smarter, the Company is shaping the future of logistics with technology and aspires to revolutionize logistics, improve efficiency across the value chain and reduce its carbon footprint for our planet. For more information, please visit ir.fulltruckalliance.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements which are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: FTA's goal and strategies; FTA's expansion plans; FTA's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in FTA's revenues, costs or expenses; industry landscape of, and trends in, China's road transportation market; competition in FTA's industry; FTA's expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, its services; FTA's expectations regarding its relationships with shippers, truckers and other ecosystem participants; FTA's ability to protect its systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; PRC laws, regulations, and policies relating to the road transportation market, as well as general regulatory environment in which FTA operates in China; the results of regulatory review and the duration and impact of any regulatory action taken against FTA; the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather conditions and production constraints brought by electricity rationing measures; general economic and business condition; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Mao Mao E-mail: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Emilie Wu Tel: +86-21-6039-8363 E-mail: [email protected] In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: [email protected] SOURCE Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. IRVINE, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GoDocs, the automation leader in commercial loan document generation released their comprehensive "Lender's Guide to Document Challenges for Non-QM Loans," which provides lenders with a valuable resource for navigating non-QM loans. GoDocs Lender's Guide to Document Challenges for Non-QM Loans: Benefits, how to maneuver, and what the future may bring. Details on these high-performing loans and tips on how and why they can become an important part of your institution's offerings. As the commercial lending market continues to evolve, non-QM loans are becoming an increasingly popular offering among lenders looking to create new revenue streams. While lenders took a hit during the pandemic, the housing shortage is driving more investors to seek out non-conventional loans in order to meet demand. After the financial and mortgage crisis, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. This piece of legislation outlined certain standards and requirements that borrowers have to meet in order to qualify for a loan. While this reform is meant to protect borrowers and ensure compliance among lenders, it has also made it more difficult for a significant portion of potential borrowers to secure loans. Non-QM loans cater to this segment of the population while also providing lenders with additional income without taking on unnecessary risk. GoDocs' comprehensive guide to non-QM loans provides a detailed look at how they benefit both lenders and borrowers, and why these types of loans represent the future of commercial lending. "Traditional loans adhere to rigid standards that can disqualify many people who would make perfectly good borrowers. By focusing less on financial history and more on the value of properties and their future earning potential, lenders are able to offer more flexible solutions to a wider range of people," said GoDocs CEO Steve Butler. "When non-QM loans are paired with automated documentation solutions and other technology the process of lending is exponentially accelerated and simplified. This is essential if commercial developers and investors want to keep pace with demand." Non-QM loans aren't a new offering among lenders, but they are a solution that is gaining traction as the commercial housing sector builds momentum and technology makes the loan documentation process easier than ever. GoDocs is proud to not only be a part of innovating the non-QM sector but leading the way when it comes to addressing the specific challenges faced in non-QM documentation by automating the loan documentation requirements. That is why top lenders use GoDocs and why the company's "Lender's Guide to Document Non-QM Loans" is such a valuable resource to lenders. About GoDocs GoDocs, the automation leader in commercial loan document generation, offers a next-generation software platform for banks, credit unions, and private lenders that creates a streamlined process for closing commercial loans. The first and only purely SaaS system for automated loan document generation, GoDocs provides lenders with a pay-as-you-go digital solution that requires no training to use. The company has the #1 NPS customer satisfaction score in the industry and is trusted by industry-leading banks as well as community banks, Federal and local credit unions, and private lenders of all sizes. GoDocs is proud to back its solutions with 100% onshore support. Media Contact Virginia Bush VP of Marketing GoDocs 949-274-7907 [email protected] SOURCE GoDocs JOHANNESBURG , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Fields Limited (NYSE: GFI) (JSE: GFI) is pleased to provide an operational update for the quarter ended 31 March 2022. Detailed financial and operational results are provided on a six-monthly basis i.e. at the end of June and December. Full results are available on the company website: www.goldfields.com Media Enquiries - Ghana Emma Morrison Tel +233 (0) 302 770189 Mobile +233 (0) 241 391466 Email [email protected] Investor Enquiries Avishkar Nagaser Tel +27 11 562 9775 Mobile +27 82 312 8692 Email [email protected] Thomas Mengel Tel +27 11 562 9849 Mobile +27 72 493 5170 Email [email protected] Media Enquiries Sven Lunsche Tel +27 11 562 9763 Mobile +27 82 260 9279 Email [email protected] Directors: C A Carolus (Chair), C I Griffith** (Chief Executive Officer), P A Schmidt** (Chief Financial Officer), A Andani #, P J Bacchus, T P Goodlace, J E McGill^, S P Reid^, P G Sibiya, Y G H Suleman ^Australian, British, #Ghanaian, ** Executive Director Company Secretary: Anre Weststrate About Gold Fields Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines and one project in Australia, Chile, Ghana (including our Asanko Joint Venture), Peru and South Africa, with total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of 2.24Moz. It has attributable gold-equivalent Mineral Reserves of 52.1Moz and gold Mineral Resources of 116.0Moz. Gold Fields has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited, and an additional listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd SOURCE Gold Fields Limited The Company continues to focus on facilitating economic growth in Ontario and announces a landmark agreement with First Nations TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro One Limited (Hydro One or the Company) today announced its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. First Quarter Highlights First quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $0.52 was 15.6% higher compared to EPS of $0.45 for the same period in 2021. was 15.6% higher compared to EPS of for the same period in 2021. EPS for the quarter was higher year over year primarily due to approved rates for the transmission and distribution segments as well as higher peak demand and higher energy consumption, partially offset by higher depreciation, amortization and asset removal costs and higher operating, maintenance and administrative expenses. Hydro One commits to meaningful Reconciliation with an industry-leading agreement to provide First Nations with the opportunity to invest in an equity stake in the Waasigan Transmission Line project. Hydro One announced grants from its Energizing Life Community Fund for Indigenous communities, charitable organizations, and municipalities. Hydro One and Jack.org announced a free mental health discussion for educators and adults to help identify the signs of struggle in young people and access support. The Company filed an evidence update on the Joint Rate Application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Subsequent to the quarter, the Minister of Energy directed the OEB to amend Hydro One Networks Inc.'s transmission licence to develop four additional transmission lines to meet the growing electricity demand in southwestern Ontario . . The Company's capital investments and in-service additions for the quarter were $449 million and $229 million , respectively, compared to $527 million and $157 million in 2021. and , respectively, compared to and in 2021. Quarterly dividend declared at $0.2796 per share, payable June 30, 2022 . "We are extremely proud to announce a momentous agreement with First Nations communities to help us build the electricity grid of the future in northwestern Ontario," said Mark Poweska, President and CEO of Hydro One. "Building on our strong track record, we are also excited to receive the opportunity to develop four additional transmission lines to enable economic prosperity in Ontario." Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Highlights Three months ended March 31, (millions of Canadian dollars, except as otherwise noted) 2022 2021 Revenues 2,047 1,811 Purchased power 1,014 894 Revenues, net of purchased power1 1,033 917 Net income attributable to common shareholders 310 268 Basic EPS $0.52 $0.45 Diluted EPS $0.52 $0.45 Net cash from operating activities 443 517 Capital investments 449 527 Assets placed in-service 229 157 Transmission: Average monthly Ontario 60-minute peak demand (MW) 20,677 19,937 Distribution: Electricity distributed to Hydro One customers (GWh) 8,895 8,156 1 "Revenues, net of purchased power" is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have a standardized meaning under United States (US) generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) used to prepare the Company's financial statements and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. See the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures". Key Financial Highlights 2022 First Quarter Highlights The Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $310 million during the quarter, compared to $268 million in the same period of 2021. This resulted in EPS of $0.52, compared to EPS of $0.45 in the prior year. Revenues, net of purchased power[1] for the first quarter of $1,033 million were $116 million higher than revenues, net of purchased power1 for the first quarter of 2021. The increase is mainly due to the impacts of the OEB decision in April 2021 regarding the deferred tax asset (DTA) amounts previously allocated to ratepayers (DTA Implementation Decision), as well as revenues resulting from OEB-approved 2022 rates, and higher peak demand and energy consumption. Pursuant to the DTA Implementation Decision, Hydro One is currently recovering deferred tax amounts allocated to rate payers and included in customer rates for the 2017 to 2021 period over a two-year period which began on July 1, 2021. Hydro One has also adjusted the transmission revenue requirement and the base distribution rates effective January 1, 2022 to remove any further allocation of deferred tax amounts. The impacts of the DTA Implementation Decision are offset by a higher tax expense, and therefore net income neutral in the period. Operation, maintenance and administration costs in the first quarter of 2022 were higher than last year, primarily due to higher allowance for doubtful accounts. Depreciation, amortization and asset removal costs for the first quarter were higher than last year primarily due to growth in capital assets as the Company continues to place new assets in-service, consistent with its ongoing capital investment program. Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2022 was higher than the prior year primarily due to income tax expense pursuant to the DTA Implementation Decision and higher earnings, partially offset by higher deductible timing differences compared to the first quarter of the prior year. Hydro One continues to invest in the reliability and performance of Ontario's electricity transmission and distribution systems by addressing aging power system infrastructure, facilitating connectivity to new load customers and generation sources, and improving service to customers. The Company made capital investments of $449 million during the first quarter of 2022, and placed $229 million of new assets in-service. 1 Revenues, net of purchased power, is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have a standardized meaning under US GAAP used to prepare the Company's financial statements and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. See the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures". Selected Operating Highlights Through the industry-leading agreement with Hydro One, First Nations communities will have the option to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the Waasigan Transmission Line project that will support economic growth in northwestern Ontario. The Minister of Energy directed the OEB to amend Hydro One Networks Inc.'s transmission licence to develop four additional transmission lines to meet the growing electricity demand in southwestern Ontario. This is in addition to Hydro One's previous transmission designation for the Chatham to Lakeshore line in 2020. These five transmission lines are expected to meet the needs of new and growing industries and help attract future jobs to the region. As the Windsor-Essex region continues to grow, a consolidated approach to developing the new transmission lines provides more transparency during engagement with Indigenous communities, residents, municipalities, and stakeholders and are expected to expedite development in the region. For the second year, Hydro One announced grants from its Energizing Life Community Fund for 24 Indigenous communities, charitable organizations, and municipalities, that each received $25,000 to support initiatives that promote physical, psychological and emotional safety across Ontario. Common Share Dividends Following the conclusion of the first quarter, on May 4, 2022, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders of $0.2796 per share to be paid on June 30, 2022 to shareholders of record on June 8, 2022. Supplemental Segment Information Three months ended March 31, (millions of Canadian dollars) 2022 2021 Revenues Transmission 519 448 Distribution 1,517 1,354 Other 11 9 Total revenues 2,047 1,811 Revenues, net of purchased power1 Transmission 519 448 Distribution 503 460 Other 11 9 Total revenues, net of purchased power1 1,033 917 Operation, maintenance and administration costs Transmission 99 98 Distribution 171 167 Other 18 17 Total operation, maintenance and administration costs 288 282 Income (loss) before financing charges and taxes Transmission 295 229 Distribution 222 193 Other (9) (10) Total income before financing charges and taxes 508 412 Capital investments Transmission 277 348 Distribution 167 176 Other 5 3 Total capital investments 449 527 Assets placed in-service Transmission 120 48 Distribution 105 106 Other 4 3 Total assets placed in-service 229 157 1 Revenues, net of purchased power, is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have a standardized meaning under US GAAP used to prepare the Company's financial statements and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. See the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures". This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's first quarter 2022 unaudited consolidated financial statements and MD&A. These financial statements and MD&A together with additional information about Hydro One, including the audited consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2021 can be accessed at www.HydroOne.com/Investors and www.sedar.com. Quarterly Investment Community Teleconference The Company's first quarter 2022 results teleconference with the investment community will be held on May 5, 2022 at 8 a.m. ET, a webcast of which will be available at www.HydroOne.com/Investors. Members of the financial community wishing to ask questions during the call should dial 1-866-221-1674 prior to the scheduled start time and request access to Hydro One's first quarter 2022 results call, conference ID 6793175 (international callers may dial 1-270-215-9604). Media and other interested parties are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. A webcast of the teleconference will be available at the same link following the call. Additionally, investors should note that from time to time Hydro One management presents at brokerage sponsored investor conferences. Most often, but not always, these conferences are webcast by the hosting brokerage firm, and when they are webcast, links are made available on Hydro One's website at www.HydroOne.com/Investors and are posted generally at least two days before the conference. Hydro One Limited (TSX: H) Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $30.4 billion in assets as at December 31, 2021, and annual revenues in 2021 of approximately $7.2 billion. Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2021, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.7 billion of goods and services. We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian Electricity Association. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov. For More Information For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.hydroone.com where you can find additional information including links to securities filings, historical financial reports, and information about the Company's governance practices, corporate social responsibility, customer solutions, and further information about its business. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Hydro One uses a number of financial measures to assess its performance. The Company presents "revenues, net of purchased power" to reflect revenues net of the cost of purchased power, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP used to prepare the Company's financial statements and might not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. They should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under US GAAP. Revenues, Net of Purchased Power Revenues, net of purchased power is defined as revenues less the cost of purchased power. Revenues, net of purchased power is used internally by management to assess the impacts of revenue on net income and is considered useful because it excludes the cost of power that is fully recovered through revenues and therefore net income neutral. The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP (reported) Revenues to non-GAAP (adjusted) Revenues, Net of Purchased Power on a consolidated basis. Quarter ended (millions of dollars) Mar 31, 2022 Mar 31, 2021 Revenues 2,047 1,811 Less: Purchased power 1,014 894 Revenues, net of purchased power 1,033 917 Forward-Looking Statements and Information This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such information includes, but is not limited to, statements related to: the Company's continuing focus on facilitating economic growth in Ontario; the Company's expected recovery of deferred tax amounts; the Company's actions to improve service to customers; the Company's plans to improve reliability, including facilitating connectivity for new load customers and generation sources; the continuing growth of the Windsor-Essex region; the Company's ongoing and planned projects and expected capital investments, including anticipated outcomes and impacts; the impact of Hydro One's agreement with First Nations communities, and the impact of the Waasigan Transmission Line project; and payment of dividends. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "attempt," "may," "plan," "will", "can", "believe," "seek," "estimate," and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking information. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions and involve assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking information. Some of the factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from the results expressed, implied or forecasted by such forward-looking information, including some of the assumptions used in making such statements, are discussed more fully in Hydro One's filings with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Hydro One does not intend, and it disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Hydro One Limited Work Remains to Ensure Final Rule Implements Law as Passed by Congress WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Three major medical associations are encouraged by the federal government's request for a "hold" on its appeal of a Texas federal court ruling vacating parts of the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process in the Surprise Billing Interim Final Rule. The government filed the last-minute appeal April 22, but later asked the court to hold its appeal pending federal agencies' release of the surprise billing final rule this summer. On May 3, 2022, the court granted the government's request to pause proceedings while the government issues a final rule. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) call the hold a step in the right direction. The groups will work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, other federal agencies, legal partners, and patient advocates to ensure the final rule complies with the text and spirit of the No Surprises Act and the Texas court ruling. ACEP, ACR and ASA are pleased that the government is not wasting taxpayer resources to pursue its appeal of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas decision at this time. The court's opinion affirmed that the No Surprises Act did not provide the 'give-away' to insurers enabled by the dispute resolution process published in the Interim Final Rule. ACEP, ACR and ASA filed suit in the U.S. Court for the Northern District of Illinois because the interim final rule's IDR process would enable insurers to raise profits by narrowing medical networks, which would deny patients their choice of providers and could delay diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. The Illinois judge issued a stay in that case pending any government challenge to the Texas court ruling. ACEP, ACR and ASA await the final rule and stand ready to proceed with the case if the federal government fails to adhere to the district court's order to create an IDR process in accordance with the No Surprises Act legislation. We urge the agencies to come together to implement the IDR process fairly, equitably, and consistently with the No Surprises Act. The Illinois and Texas cases solely impact the IDR process to determine provider reimbursement for out-of-network care. Neither case affects the No Surprises Act patient protections against out-of-network medical bills. Neither case would raise patient out-of-pocket costs. About the American College of Emergency Physicians The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org. About the American College of Radiology The American College of Radiology (ACR), founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care. About the American Society of Anesthesiologists Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 55,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. ASA is committed to ensuring physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care every patient deserves. For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org . To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment . Like ASA on Facebook and follow ASALifeline on Twitter. SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) LUSAKA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Namibia are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a gas and oil pipeline, a senior government official said on Thursday. Peter Kapala, the Minister of Energy, said the pipeline will be constructed from Windhoek, the Namibian capital, to Lusaka, the Zambian capital, state-run news agency Zambia News and Information Service quoted him as saying. The minister said the agreement will be signed next month and that the gas will be used for power generation while the oil pipeline will help reduce the cost of petroleum products in the southern African nation. The project, he said, which was expected to take three to four years to complete, will have its main gas and oil power station in Lusaka. The minister said recently that the government intends to embark on regional diplomatic engagements and diversified partnerships in the energy sector as part of efforts to tackle challenges in the energy and petrol sectors. Last month, Zambia signed an agreement with Angola to have a stake in that country's Lobito Oil Refinery Project which will have a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day. OnePredict is an industrial AI-based software solution startup established in 2016 based in Korea. Their flagship "digital twin" solution, GuardiOne , provides a high-accuracy diagnosis of the health status of various key industrial facilities and predicts failures in advance through the company's unique algorithm. Securing top-tier customers in multiple industries such as high-tech manufacturing, energy generation, petrochemicals, and utilities, the company is currently leading the country's industrial AI industry. Held just once every two years, the IEEE PES T&D is the world's biggest international trade event for power transmission and distribution held in major cities in the states. An unmatched opportunity is offered to energy professionals through the event to reconnect and explore the most comprehensive display of innovative T&D solutions to respond to current and future challenges. This year's IEEE PES T&D was attended by more than 650 companies from all around the world. It was OnePredict's first-ever global face-to-face affairs. Nonetheless, it received an overwhelmingly positive response from industry experts in the energy generation and electric power sectors. Over the three event days, OnePredict was able to interact with industry key players gathered from each country and establish a bridgehead for overseas expansion. In addition, the company showcased its new product GuardiOne Substation, an Industrial AI solution that diagnoses and predicts the health status of oil-filled transformers. GuardiOne Substation's AI algorithms are developed and adopted to analyze the existing Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) data to provide health status and prediction results on transformers as a web service. That's how the solution raises accuracy in diagnosing failures of transformer as well as predicts future potential failures much in advance. The accuracy of diagnosis and prediction has been proven by a number of blind tests with customers using their past data. Byeng Youn, Chief Executive Officer of OnePredict, stated, ". by attending the 2022 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition, we are given an opportunity to bring our best practices and next-generation tools to the attention of power engineers. Starting with this activity, we will deliver the values of industrial AI solutions to the world until all field workers rest assured when it comes to industrial sites." About GuardiOne GuardiOne is an industrial AI-based software solution that analyzes industrial big data (noise, vibration, electric current, and temperature signals, etc.) generated by key industrial facilities to diagnose asset health, predict potential failures, and estimate the remaining lifetime of assets. GuardiOne focuses on minimizing downtime and unnecessary maintenance costs that are inevitably caused by existing rule-based management in core industrial facility environments that deal with turbomachinery, motors, and bearings to improve equipment utilization. About OnePredict OnePredict provides an industrial AI-based solution of predictive analytics software for industrial applications. Analyzing industrial data based on a unique algorithm that combines the depth of domain knowledge and a rich set of available data, the company has successfully delivered some of the most challenging projects that extend across customers in manufacturing, energy, power distribution, oil and gas, and semiconductor industries. OnePredict is growing as a global leader in industrial AI by introducing the GuardiOne solution that provides innovative facility diagnostic insights derived from high-level technology and rich industrial know-hows. For more information, please visit the official website (onepredict.ai). SOURCE OnePredict CALIROSA's Cinco Anos Extra Anejo is the oldest aged tequila offering brought to market from CALIROSA. Made with 100% blue agave and aged for five years in California red wine barrels, Cinco Anos Extra Anejo offers unique aromas of chocolate, hints of vanilla and marshmallow with light notes of wood oak to finish. It joins CALIROSA's distinctive lineup of award-winning red wine barrel-aged tequilas, which include Rosa Blanco, aged 30 days, Anejo, aged for 18 months and Extra Anejo, aged for 36 months in red wine barrels. Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo serve as partners for CALIROSA alongside the Real family. Since launching in 2021, CALIROSA has served as an innovative fusion between Mexico's heritage and spirit and California's vibrant lifestyle and is now widely available across the United States. "Working alongside our partners in the Real family, both the packaging and liquid were designed to honor the land, the agaves, the people, and the tequila-making traditions of Jalisco for generations," says Behati Prinsloo, co-founder of CALIROSA. "Our Cinco Anos Extra Anejo was finished in our signature California red wine barrels and is the ultimate sipping tequila, with an aroma of rich chocolate, hints of vanilla, and wood oak on the finish. We're excited to bring out a super-premium offering for a limited time," adds Adam Levine, co-founder of CALIROSA. CALIROSA Cinco Anos Extra Anejo is produced by the Real family within their Kosher-Certified facilities in Amatitan, Jalisco where they have been producing tequila since 1942. Real family patriarchs, Don Roberto and Don Fernando Real, have dedicated their entire lives to the production and commercialization of high-quality tequilas. Master Distiller Luis Trejo Rodriguez, a third-generation tequila maker, rounds out the CALIROSA team with more than 30 years of industry experience, holding the elite title of Master Distiller for 15 years. Throughout each step of the cultivation, harvest, cooking, fermentation, distillation, and bottling process, CALIROSA employs a small-batch production method that yields a limited number of bottles and exceptional product each day. While the tequila industry standard calls for agave with 22-24% sugar content, CALIROSA handpicks only 100% Blue Weber agave (harvested in their peak at 7-9 years maturation) containing over 26% sugar content, resulting in a more balanced flavor profile. Brick ovens are then used by CALIROSA to slowly cook the agaves to produce a more intense aroma and nuanced tasting profile. The liquid is fermented for up to 50 hours, twice distilled, and then aged in red wine barrels for additional infused flavor notes of cherry, red berries, and wood. The result is a family of consistently superior tequilas with evolving aromatics and multidimensional sensory experiences. The final product is then bottled and labeled with screen printed UV-cured ink, free of toxic, heavy metals to ensure there is no contamination. CALIROSA tequilas are available online at www.CalirosaTequila.com and in select retailers across 26 states. Please visit www.calirosatequila.com/find-us to locate your nearest stockist. ABOUT CALIROSA CALIROSA, an expression of sun-soaked beach days and desert nights, is a new brand of refreshing, premium tequilas made for those who appreciate true beauty and know how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. The brand blends the highest artistry in tequila making with innovative winemaking techniques to capture the spirit and soul of Mexico with the idyllic lifestyle and vibrance of California. CALIROSA is made in Jalisco, Mexico by the Real family, longtime producers of high-quality tequila since 1942. Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo serve as partners for CALIROSA and have invested in the family-owned distillery to help introduce the brand to the world. Created with the highest quality ingredients and following the heritage and expertise of multiple generations of tequila makers, CALIROSA presents a unique California red-wine aging process for a distinctively smooth taste that we are proud to introduce to the world. CALIROSA's recent awards and accolades, since launching in 2021, include 93 and 95 Ratings from The Tasting Panel for Rosa Blanco and Anejo and a Double Gold Medal from the prestigious New York World Wine Spirits Competition for Anejo. For additional information please visit www.CalirosaTequila.com . SOURCE CALIROSA Part of K2's Renowned DOLFIN Training Network, the Program Will Equip Participants with the Expertise & Skills Needed to Navigate Global Sanctions NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- K2 Integrity ("K2"), the leading risk and financial crimes advisory firm, today announced the global launch of its Certified Risk Management Specialist Global Sanctions ("CRMS-GS") certification program. An offering on the firm's renowned training platform, the Dedicated Online Financial Integrity Network ("DOLFIN"), the program will look to provide participants across the private and public sectors with the expertise, skills, and judgment needed to address the risks that accompany global sanctions. "As the geopolitical landscape continues to rapidly evolve, our role in helping clients mitigate risks and protect their businesses has never been more critical," said CEOs Jeremy Kroll and Andrew Rabinowitz. "Enabled by our deep technological capabilities and robust DOLFIN network, we are excited to bring to market an industry-leading, integrated training program, backed by our world-class sanctions experts, to help our clients as they navigate this pivotal and unprecedented time." CRMS-GS will feature expertly curated reading modules, instructional videos narrated by K2 Integrity trainers, as well as other dynamic sanctions resources. Training modules will provide an overview of the foundational aspects of sanctions; how to identify, assess, and manage sanction risks; and sanctions enforcement and evasion techniques. Whether participants are enrolled in the self-guided learning option or one of K2 Integrity's instructor-led training programs, they will have the necessary resources available to prepare for the required certification examination. Chip Poncy, Global Head of Financial Integrity at K2 Integrity, added: "Amid the rising complexity of sanctions against Russia, financial institutions, vulnerable industries, and jurisdictional authorities face a plethora of risks that many have not experienced in their lifetimes. In quick order, these institutions have had to build from scratch or completely overhaul their training programs to meet these elevated risks to continue to properly safeguard their reputations and our collective security. Our new certification program looks to fill this training void for institutions around the globe by providing them with the tools needed to equip their teams with the sanctions expertise and skills necessary to protect their businesses in today's world." Additional features and benefits of CRMS-GS include: CRMS-GS E-Learning Plan (ELP): A self-paced learning path that serves as the main study guide for the program. The ELP guides participants through detailed reading modules and high-quality instructional videos led by K2 Integrity experts with knowledge checks and practice quizzes embedded throughout as well as additional sanctions resources; A self-paced learning path that serves as the main study guide for the program. The ELP guides participants through detailed reading modules and high-quality instructional videos led by K2 Integrity experts with knowledge checks and practice quizzes embedded throughout as well as additional sanctions resources; Sanctions Analytic Framework : A rigorous, proprietary method for identifying, assessing, and managing sanctions risks, in the form of an interactive module. The framework provides a step-by-step guide that can be applied to any potential customer, deal, or transaction to analyze and mitigate sanctions-related risks, including those related to even the most complex UN, U.S., EU, and U.K. programs; : A rigorous, proprietary method for identifying, assessing, and managing sanctions risks, in the form of an interactive module. The framework provides a step-by-step guide that can be applied to any potential customer, deal, or transaction to analyze and mitigate sanctions-related risks, including those related to even the most complex UN, U.S., EU, and U.K. programs; Scenario-based Training Exercises : Fact pattern scenarios and transaction alert exercises that allow candidates to practice applying the Sanctions Analytic Framework to hypothetical situations based on real cases of customers and transactions that presented sanctions risks; and : Fact pattern scenarios and transaction alert exercises that allow candidates to practice applying the Sanctions Analytic Framework to hypothetical situations based on real cases of customers and transactions that presented sanctions risks; and DOLFIN Access: K2 Integrity's premier eLearning platform used by a global network of public, private, and non-profit sector financial integrity professionals. This includes risk management tools, analyses, and news of the latest developments in sanctions, as well as other financial integrity resources giving candidates an edge in preparation for the certification exam and providing immediate value in their daily job. "K2 Integrity's CRMS-GS certification program delivered on the value promised," said Michael Matossian, EVP and Global Head of Group Regulatory Compliance at Arab Bank Group, whose team has achieved the CRMS-GS certification. "Its biggest differentiator is that it was developed by the world's top sanctions and financial crime compliance experts. After completing the program, our certified employees are now more efficient and effective in decreasing unwarranted escalations of transactions and assessing and managing global sanctions risks faced by our bank. They are well equipped and also have greater sense of purpose and professional satisfaction." Click here to learn more about K2 Integrity's CRMS-GS certification program. About K2 Integrity K2 Integrity is the leading risk and financial crimes advisory firm helping clients understand and manage their risk so they can lead with confidence. With some of the most knowledgeable practitioners in the industry, K2 brings together deep subject matter expertise with proprietary technology and digital offerings to help clients creatively solve today's issues while also planning for the future. With offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and London, and more than 400 employees globally, K2 has deep knowledge and experience working in every region and numerous jurisdictions around the world. To learn more about how K2 Integrity is revolutionizing the management of risk, visit www.k2integrity.com, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. About DOLFIN K2 Integrity's Dedicated Online Financial Integrity Network (DOLFIN) is a seamless eLearning platform that provides direct access to training, tools, analysis, and other resources informed and maintained by the collective risk and compliance experience of our professionals, including former senior government advisors, regulators, compliance officers, academics, and consultants. Serving professionals working in financial crimes compliance and risk management, DOLFIN enables the creation of training and certification programs that can be tailored to the needs of each institution, while ensuring the certifications K2 Integrity provides are globally accessible and recognized. Learn more about DOLFIN's suite of resources here. Media Contact Ryan FitzGibbon Prosek Partners [email protected] SOURCE K2 Integrity NEWTOWN, Pa., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sen-Jam Pharmaceuticals and KVK Tech are collaborating to develop a Covid-19 oral therapy. The companies will operate in parallel while they complete the Phase II clinical trials in Nepal. KVK Tech will offer formulation and chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) for the oral therapy. Furthermore, KVK will invest strategically in Sen-Jam to conclude the whole development activities needed to provide the CMC package to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for submitting a new drug application (NDA). KVK will have exclusive manufacturing and supply rights for the product in the US. Sen-Jam will utilize the finished formulation and CMC report to enter licensing deals with contracting manufacturing companies (CMOs) globally. KVK's VP of Business Development and Brand Marketing, Kiran Vepuri, said: "We are impressed by the diligence of our partner in ensuring that the COVID-19 therapy is rigorously tested in a timely manner. We hope that our joint efforts can save lives by bringing a novel, affordable medication to the global healthcare community as quickly as possible. With the FDA recently acknowledging that COVID is likely to remain with us long term, the need for additional, scalable therapies is more critical than ever." In August last year, Sen-Jam and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore partnered to launch a Phase II trial of the investigational treatment, SJP-002C, for Covid-19 in Nepal. About Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical At Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical we disrupt pain and inflammation. Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical's mission is to improve societal wellbeing by developing therapeutics that are safe, efficacious, and accessible by all. Sen-Jam repurposes small molecules to develop novel therapeutics for large unmet needs with a focus on improving clinical outcomes. Using patented proprietary technology and the accelerated 505(b)2 pathway, Sen-Jam is on a mission to revolutionize pain treatment and the business of pain relief. Investor information available at Wefunder. Learn more at www.sen-jam.com About KVK Tech Founded in 2004, KVK has fast become a trusted leader in specialty pharmaceutical manufacturing. KVK is a leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality, FDA-approved medicines that address unmet patient needs. KVK takes pride in the ability to advance medical care and offer low-cost alternatives in response to today's healthcare challenges. The dedicated team is comprised of individuals with the technical, clinical and business expertise that is necessary for innovation that results in the development of a diverse range of life-changing medicines for patients of all socio-economic levels. Learn more at https://kvktech.com SOURCE KVK Tech, Inc. The loan includes the refinancing of an existing loan to take advantage of Leader Bank's low rates as well as a line of credit to help fund operational costs at the ski resort. Nashoba Valley Ski Area is a family-owned, full-service ski resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, equipment rentals, and lessons in addition to being home to New England's largest snowtubing facility. "We were happy to help Nashoba Valley Ski Area find the best financing solutions for their needs as they continue to prosper as one of the region's most iconic ski destinations," said Sushil Tuli, Chairman & CEO of Leader Bank. "Leader Bank is proud to support the growth of a community institution like Nashoba Valley Ski Area, and we wish them continued success for years to come." Leader Bank offers innovative products with quick, local decision-making to help our clients find the perfect solution for their business's lending needs. With decades of combined experience, our Commercial Lending team prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with our clients and helping them achieve their business goals. In 2021, our Commercial Lending team's efforts led to Leader Bank being recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Massachusetts Lender to Retailer of the Year. ABOUT LEADER BANK Founded in 2002, Leader Bank is a Massachusetts-based entrepreneurial financial institution that approaches banking differently. The core tenets of Leader Bank include world class client service, exemplary products, and innovation to meet the needs of its clients. At its founding, Leader Bank had $6.5 million in assets in the two decades since, the Bank has grown into one of the most successful financial institutions in the Commonwealth with $3.1 billion in assets. Leader Bank's best-in-class team members have been at the forefront of supporting the Bank's rapid growth and client-oriented solutions over the last two decades as the Bank has continued to expand its commercial and retail products and solutions. Leader Bank is a committed corporate citizen and prides itself on partnering with and supporting philanthropic organizations. More information on Leader Bank can be found at www.LeaderBank.com. SOURCE Leader Bank Seventy percent of companies have increased their investment in internal mobility this year SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lever , a leading Talent Acquisition Suite, recently partnered with Aptitude Research to conduct their latest report, Internal Mobility: Challenges, Strategies, and Technology , uncovering how the investment in internal mobility has changed, where responsibilities lie, challenges, and strategies. While almost three quarters of companies surveyed have increased investment in internal mobility this year, only less than a quarter (22%) plan to keep the same investment going into next year, but well over half (84%) of these companies are incorporating internal mobility in their talent acquisition strategy moving forward. With companies using more internal mobility tactics during The Great Resignation, recent estimates suggest that managers can expect to receive an average of 10 internal applications for every open job, meaning that 9 employees 10 if hiring an external candidate hear "no" each time a job is posted. This same research indicates that rejected internal candidates are nearly two times as likely to leave their organizations, compared to those who were either hired for an internal job or had not applied for a new job at all [1]. "The amount of lost productivity, combined with the costs of finding replacements for these employees and length of time to hire can be substantial," said Nate Smith, CEO and founder of Lever. "There are many benefits to offering jobs to internal candidates that companies tend to overlook - these are more meaningful opportunities and deeper insights into talent while supporting broader talent acquisition goals." The report revealed that technology alone will not fix internal mobility, as internal mobility's key to success is the company itself. While technology can assist with components of internal mobility, companies should start with ensuring their processes, communication, and company culture are set up for success. One in two companies have higher turnover this year than last year, and well over half (70%) of companies believe that employee burnout has increased this year. Given the competitive candidate market, employees have greater demands, greater expectations, and a greater influence over their employers, and employers need to keep this in mind while deploying internal mobility strategies. "We found that key drivers forcing companies to prioritize internal mobility has become a critical part of Talent Acquisition teams' responsibility," said Madeline Laurano, Founder, Aptitude Research. "Internal mobility needs to be seen as high reward and less work; the future of internal mobility and a company's success is dependent on companies embracing a strategy for both internal and external candidates, personalizing these communications, and better leveraging technology to increase business results." Additional findings from the report include: The Main Gap for Internal Mobility Success is Communication Slightly over a quarter (26%) of companies personalize communication to internal candidates and 55% of internal candidates go through the same interview process as external candidates. Only one out of two companies personalize feedback and learning opportunities for internal candidates. Under half (37%), state that internal and external candidates have the same apply process. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Impact on Internal Mobility More than four out of five companies (85%) stated that DEI is impacted by internal mobility. Barely a quarter (23%) of companies believe that internal mobility efforts may hurt DEI initiatives because their organization lacks diverse talent, while 58% of companies believe it will strengthen DEI initiatives. Lack of Manager Support for Internal Mobility Nearly half (50%) of companies surveyed stated that their top challenge to internal mobility is the lack of manager support. Over a quarter (30%) of companies stated that managers make it difficult for internal candidates to apply for a job and 27% stated that they do not have the support they need to hire internal candidates when asked why companies are not incorporating internal mobility into their talent acquisition strategies. To download the full Report, see here . [1] Research: Why rejected internal candidates end up quitting. Harvard Business Review. (2021, September 17). Retrieved 2022, from https://hbr.org/2021/07/research-why-rejected-internal-candidates-end-up-quitting. About Lever Lever is a leading Talent Acquisition Suite that makes it easy for talent teams to reach their hiring goals and to connect companies with top talent. Lever is the only platform that provides all talent acquisition leaders with complete ATS and robust CRM capabilities in one product, LeverTRM. The Lever Hire and Lever Nurture features allow leaders to scale and grow their people pipeline, build authentic and long-lasting relationships, and source the right people to hire. Lever Analytics provides customized reports with data visualization, see offers completed and interview feedback, and more, to inform strategic decisions between hiring managers and executives alike. Lever's platform also enables companies to hire with inclusivity in mind, helping eliminate any hiring bias. Lever supports the hiring needs of over 5,000 companies around the globe including the teams at Netflix, Spotify, Atlassian, KPMG, and Nielson. For more information, visit https://www.lever.co. About Aptitude Research Aptitude Research is a leading human capital management (HCM) research and advisory firm. Our in-depth research and vendor assessments help HR leaders develop a deep understanding of the HCM technology landscape, including talent acquisition and engagement, to ultimately make better purchase decisions. Our flagship research, The Aptitude Index Report: Talent Acquisition Systems (2021), delivers a comprehensive look at talent acquisition trends and technology. This knowledge, combined with our consulting and advisory services, enables companies to save time, money and improve the recruiting, hiring and workforce management experience. Founded by leading analyst Madeline Laurano and based in the Boston area, Aptitude Research provides a wealth of HCM expertise to companies, vendors and investors. View our recent and upcoming research at AptitudeResearch.com or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn. SOURCE Lever BOSTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Holding Company Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively "LMHC" or the "Company") reported net income attributable to LMHC of $498 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, a decrease of $358 million from the same period in 2021. "Net income attributable to LMHC in the quarter was $498 million, down from $856 million in the prior year quarter," said David H. Long, Liberty Mutual Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Earnings in the first quarter reflect more moderate returns in our limited partnership portfolio compared to the exceptional returns we experienced last year and $144 million of net realized losses resulting from recent market volatility. Pre-tax catastrophe losses in the quarter were $656 million, down from $1.0 billion in the prior year quarter which partially offset the weaker investment results. "We are navigating the market uncertainties brought on by macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds and continue to make progress on strategic priorities. On March 1st, we completed the acquisition of State Auto Group, further strengthening our leading market positions in U.S. personal and small commercial lines. With this transaction, Liberty Mutual becomes the second-largest carrier in the independent agent channel." The tables below outline highlights of LMHC's consolidated financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Net Written Premium ("NWP") by Business: Three Months Ended March 31, $ in Millions 2022 2021 Change Global Retail Markets $7,690 $6,845 12.3% Global Risk Solutions 3,954 3,560 11.1 Corporate and Other (77) (4) NM Total NWP $11,567 $10,401 11.2% Foreign exchange effect on growth (0.8) NWP growth excluding foreign exchange1 12.0% 1 Determined by assuming constant foreign exchange rates between periods. NM = Not Meaningful Consolidated Results of Operations: Three Months Ended March 31, $ in Millions 2022 2021 Change Revenues $11,874 $11,815 0.5% Underlying PTOI before limited partnerships income1 $1,066 $1,077 (1.0%) Catastrophes2 (656) (1,040) (36.9) Net incurred losses attributable to prior years: - Asbestos and environmental3 - - - - All other4 (11) 39 NM Pre-tax operating income before limited partnerships income 399 76 NM Limited partnerships income 365 838 (56.4) Pre-tax operating income 764 914 (16.4) Net realized (losses) gains (144) 254 NM Unit linked life insurance 47 (56) NM Acquisition & integration costs (9) (4) 125.0 Restructuring costs (2) (1) 100.0 Pre-tax income 656 1,107 (40.7) Income tax expense 158 250 (36.8) Consolidated net income 498 857 (41.9) Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest - 1 (100.0) Net income attributable to LMHC 498 856 (41.8) Net income attributable to LMHC excluding unrealized impact5 509 793 (35.8) Cash flow provided by continuing operations $786 $1,046 (24.9%) 1 Limited partnerships income includes LP, LLC and other equity method income within net investment income in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and revenue and expenses from direct investments in natural resources. 2 Catastrophes are defined as a natural catastrophe, civil unrest, terror event, war or conflict exceeding $25 million in estimated ultimate losses, net of reinsurance, and before taxes. Catastrophe losses, where applicable, include the impact of accelerated earned catastrophe premiums and earned reinstatement premiums. 3 Asbestos and environmental is gross of the related adverse development reinsurance (the "NICO Reinsurance Transaction", which is described further in Reinsurance). 4 Net of earned premium and reinstatement premium attributable to prior years of $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, and $36 million for the same period in 2021. 5 Excludes unrealized gains on equity securities, unit linked life insurance, and the corresponding tax impact. NM = Not Meaningful Combined Ratio: Three Months Ended March 31, CONSOLIDATED 2022 2021 Change (Points) Underlying combined ratio Claims and claim adjustment expense ratio 64.1% 62.1% 2.0 Underwriting expense ratio 28.7 29.5 (0.8) Subtotal 92.8 91.6 1.2 Catastrophes 6.0 10.4 (4.4) Net incurred losses attributable to prior years: - Asbestos and environmental - - - - All other1 0.1 (0.5) 0.6 Total combined ratio2 98.9% 101.5% (2.6) 1 Net of earned premium and reinstatement premium attributable to prior years. 2 The combined ratio, expressed as a percentage, is a measure of underwriting profitability. This measure should only be used in conjunction with, and not in lieu of, underwriting income and may not be comparable to other performance measures used by the Company's competitors. The combined ratio is computed as the sum of the following property and casualty ratios: the ratio of claims and claim adjustment expense less managed care income to earned premium; the ratio of insurance operating costs plus amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs less third-party administration income and fee income (primarily related to the Company's involuntary market servicing carrier operations) and installment charges to earned premium; and the ratio of policyholder dividends to earned premium. Provisions for uncollectible premium and reinsurance are not included in the combined ratio unless related to an asbestos and environmental commutation and certain other run off. Restructuring and acquisition and integration costs are not included in the combined ratio. Equity: As of March 31, As of December 31, $ in Millions 2022 2021 Change Unassigned equity $29,906 $28,776 3.9% Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (3,606) (960) NM Non-controlling interest 32 32 - Total equity $26,332 $27,848 (5.4%) NM = Not Meaningful Subsequent Events Management has assessed material subsequent events through May 4, 2022, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Financial Information The Company's financial results, management's discussion and analysis of operating results and financial condition, accompanying financial statements and other supplemental financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2022 are available on the Company's Investor Relations website at www.libertymutualgroup.com/investors. About Liberty Mutual Insurance At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the sixth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2021 gross written premium. We also rank 71st on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2020 revenue. As of December 31, 2021, we had $48.2 billion in annual consolidated revenue. We employ over 50,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property. For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com. Risks and Uncertainties The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our future results will depend on developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including litigation developments, legislative or regulatory actions and intervention, the length and severity of the coronavirus (including of second waves), the level of acceptance of the vaccines, and the actions of government actors to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others. Possible effects on our business and operations include: disruptions to business operations resulting from working from home or from closures of our corporate or sales offices and the offices of our agents and brokers and quarantines of employees, customers, agents, brokers and suppliers in areas affected by the outbreak; disruptions to business operations resulting from travel restrictions and reduced consumer spending on new homes or new automobiles which could reduce demand for insurance; disruptions to business operations resulting from our customers having lower payrolls and revenues which could have an impact on insurance revenue; increased claims related to trade credit, general liability, workers compensation, and event cancellation coverage, among others; executive or legislative mandates or court decisions expanding property insurance policy coverage to cover business interruptions resulting from COVID-19 notwithstanding any exclusions set forth in such policies or conditions precedent generally required for liability under such policies; and disruption of the financial markets resulting in reductions in the value of our investment portfolio. A significant rise in the number of COVID-19 infections, infections in a wide range of countries and regions, or a prolongation of the outbreak, could create an adverse economic effect on the Company. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This report contains forward looking statements that are intended to enhance the reader's ability to assess the future financial and business performance of the Company. Forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that represent the Company's beliefs concerning future operations, strategies, financial results, investment market fluctuations, or other developments, and contain words and phrases such as "may," "expects," "should," "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends" or similar expressions. Because these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control or are subject to change, actual results could be materially different. Contact: Investor Relations Media Relations Nik Vasilakos Rich Angevine 857-224-6655 617-833-0926 SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance MC-Rx Realigns all PBM Services Under the MC-Rx Brand to Best Serve Customers CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MC-Rx announced today that it will now be the primary Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) organization within the ProCare family of businesses. ProCare Pharmacy Benefit Manager, Inc. headquartered in Gainesville, GA acquired the Puerto Rican based MC-Rx, (formally known as MC-21) in 2018. Since that time, the PBM services have been transitioned over to the MC-Rx brand. MC-Rx is solely focused on Prescription Benefits Management serving clients in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Discover MC-Rx URAC accredited MC-Rx operates as a third-party administrator of prescription drug programs for commercial health plans, self-insured employer plans, Medicare & Medicaid programs, among others. MC-Rx is responsible for creating cost-effective healthcare by offering clinical utilization management programs, offering more affordable pharmacy channels, negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers and retail drugstores, and encouraging the use of low cost generics and affordable brands. MC-Rx manages the processing and paying of prescription drug claims, leveraging ProCare Rx's pharmacy claims processing technology. "We believe uniting Prescription Benefit Management under the MC-Rx brand allows us to provide the most focused, high-quality services to our client partners," said MC-Rx President Marileny Lugo, R.Ph. "Our company has built strong and long-lasting relationships with pharmacies, physicians, associations, government entities, and top industry leaders. We are a PBM that encompasses knowledge, experience, technology, and a proven record of excellence in client-geared solutions. Uniting all of the PBM services under the MC-Rx brand allows us to provide the most value to our clients," Lugo continued. MC-Rx has demonstrated its commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence, and to guaranteeing an optimal level of client satisfaction and ongoing savings in the management of pharmacy benefits. About MC-Rx Powered by ProCare Rx MC-Rx is a full-service Pharmacy Benefits Management (PBM) company. MC-Rx is a third-party administrator of prescription drug programs for commercial health plans, Medicaid & Medicare/PACE programs, dynamic health systems, private label PBMs, 340B & workers compensation administrators, cash discount card sponsors, complex TPAs, employer groups, unions, hospices, and many other client types. MC-Rx offers clinically appropriate utilization management programs focused on safety and clinical outcomes. Our knowledge of the market has been crucial for the successful development, implementation, and administration of PBM services and programs for our clients and their members. We serve more than 13 million lives, and our staff is a reputable group of specialized professionals in the areas of health, information systems, process management, and clinical, technical, and administrative services. MC-Rx utilizes the proprietary technology of parent company ProCare Rx for processing and paying prescription drug claims. Media Contact: Madeline Ramirez [email protected] | 787.225.3466 Rosa M. Hernandez Amalbert [email protected] | 787.286.6032 SOURCE MC-Rx BALTIMORE, Md., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mission Rock Residential, LLC, a Denver-based multifamily property management company, is pleased to announce its newest management contract for https://www.5pointsnorthshore.com/ The Tala at Washington Hill Apartments in Baltimore, Maryland. The apartments were formerly operated under the name of Jefferson Square at Washington Hill. Mission Rock was issued the management deal by Hamilton Zanze Real Estate Investments. Mission Rock Residential, LLC, a Denver-based multifamily property management company, is pleased to announce its newest management contract for The Tala at Washington Hill Apartments in Baltimore, Maryland. The apartments were formerly operated under the name of Jefferson Square at Washington Hill. The Tala at Washington Hill includes studio, one and two -bedroom apartment homes, each with a luxury feel thanks to high ceilings and state-of-the-art appliances. "The Tala at Washington Hill is another wonderful fit for the Mission Rock portfolio," said Meredith Wright, CPM, CAPS, President of Mission Rock Residential. "The community is in a vibrant neighborhood in downtown Baltimore, and we are excited to provide the current and future residents with our award-winning property management service." The community offers 304 apartment homes and is located in Downtown Baltimore, near Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Tala at Washington Hill includes studio, one and two -bedroom apartment homes, each with a luxury feel thanks to high ceilings and state-of-the-art appliances. Residents will enjoy being conveniently located in the heart of Downtown, an onsite dog park, a resort-style swimming pool, and two courtyards with grilling stations and water features. The community is also home to retail shops, restaurants, and a bank, all located on the ground floor of the building. The Tala at Washington Hill is situated in the highly desired Washington Hill neighborhood and is just minutes from the Fells Point, Canton, and Harbor East neighborhoods, all known for their trendy events and retail offerings. Highway 40, which runs east to west, and I-95 which runs north to south, are also close by for easy commuter travel around the metro area. Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland with lots of cultural and historical attractions. It's best known for its historical sites, including the George Washington monument. The area has a strong economy made up of universities, healthcare facilities, retail companies, and government entities. Johns Hopkins University and Hospital, the Social Security Administration, and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare are just a few of the most notable employers in the area. To learn more, visit https://www.5pointsnorthshore.com/ www.thetalawashhillapts.com. About Mission Rock Residential Mission Rock Residential was established in 2012. The company now manages 167 multifamily properties and more than 31,000 residential units across the United States. With more than 700 full time team members, the company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado with regional offices in Phoenix and Atlanta. The company was also named one of the Best Places to Work by the National Apartment Association in 2021. Visit www.missionrockresidential.com. Media Contact: Nicole Marshall [email protected] 504-644-7335 SOURCE Mission Rock Residential CLEVELAND and BOSTON , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity") announced today the recapitalization of Hi-Tech Industries ("Hi-Tech" or the "Company"), a leading provider of consumable vehicle detailing and reconditioning products to the professional and do-it-yourself markets. Hi-Tech offers a comprehensive line of innovative and high-quality car care accessories, appearance liquids, and specialty aerosols across its portfolio of proprietary brands. MPE acquired Hi-Tech from NiTEO Products, a leading company in the automotive chemical, appearance, and air care space owned by Highlander Partners, L.P. Hi-Tech's operations will remain unchanged and continue to be conducted from its two facilities in Farmington, MI, and Southfield, MI, where all blending, light assembly, and distribution takes place. MPE's investment returns Hi-Tech to a standalone platform and positions the Company for accelerated growth in the large and expanding automotive aftermarket, including professional detailing and automotive collision / body shop segments. MPE partnered in the transaction with Nathan Iverson, Hi-Tech's Chief Executive Officer, who will continue to lead the business. Peter Taft, Partner at MPE, said, "With a history dating back more than 70 years, Hi-Tech has established itself as the partner of choice for distributors and end-users in these markets." Constantine Elefter, Principal at MPE, added, "We are excited to partner with Nathan and the rest of the Hi-Tech team and look forward to further growth at the Company through both organic and inorganic initiatives." Nathan Iverson added, "We are thrilled to partner with MPE and look forward to leveraging MPE's financial and operational resources to enhance the next phase of Hi-Tech's growth. With the support of MPE, we will continue to expand our product offerings, add capabilities, and invest in our organization while providing best-in-class products and service to our customers." Apogem Capital provided financing to support the transaction. Jones Day served as legal advisor to MPE. About Hi-Tech Headquartered in Farmington, MI, Hi-Tech is a leading provider of innovative car care accessories, appearance liquids, and specialty aerosols. With over 2,300 SKUs sold across eight highly-recognized brands, Hi-Tech is the preeminent one-stop solution in the detailing and reconditioning market. For more information, please visit www.htiusa.com. About MPE Partners MPE Partners ("MPE" or "Morgenthaler Private Equity") seeks to be the preferred partner for entrepreneur- and family-owned companies. Based in Cleveland, OH, and Boston, MA, MPE invests in profitable, lower middle market companies with transaction values up to $250 million. MPE has two primary target investment areas: high-value manufacturing and commercial & industrial services. For more information, please visit www.mpepartners.com. SOURCE MPE Partners WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will hold a media teleconference at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday, May 9, to discuss progress toward preparing the James Webb Space Telescope for science operations. The agency will livestream audio of the teleconference on its website . Webb will explore every phase of cosmic history from within the solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe, and everything in between. Participants will discuss the recent completion of mirror alignment and preview what to expect for Webb's final months of science instrument preparations. Teleconference participants include: Michael McElwain , Webb observatory project scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center , Webb observatory project scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Christopher Evans , Webb project scientist, European Space Agency , Webb project scientist, European Space Agency Jean Dupuis , space astronomy senior mission scientist, Canadian Space Agency , space astronomy senior mission scientist, Canadian Space Agency Marcia Rieke , principal investigator for Webb's Near-Infrared Camera and regents professor of astronomy, University of Arizona , principal investigator for Webb's Near-Infrared Camera and regents professor of astronomy, Klaus Pontoppidan , Webb project scientist, Space Telescope Science Institute To ask questions during the teleconference, media must RSVP no later than two hours before the event to Laura Betz at: [email protected]. NASA's media accreditation policy is available online. In early February, the Webb team successfully captured starlight through each of Webb's 18 mirror segments. Over the following months, as Webb's science instruments cooled to their operating temperatures, the team progressed through the seven stages of mirror alignment. With the successful completion of the final stage in late April, all four of Webb's science instruments can now capture sharp, focused images. Now, the team will take about two months to prepare and test the science instruments a process known as instrument commissioning before Webb's first science images and spectra debut in the summer. NASA has a digital media kit as well as image and video galleries online. The public also can follow Webb's progress via a "Where is Webb?" interactive tracker. Webb, an international partnership with ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency, launched Dec. 25 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. After unfolding into its final form in space and successfully reaching its destination 1 million miles from Earth, the observatory is now in the months-long process of preparing for science operations. For more information about the Webb mission, visit: https://nasa.gov/webb SOURCE NASA The Netooze vStack and VMware Cloud Service is aimed at startups, developers, IT teams, and also large enterprises that are looking to move their VMware workloads to the public cloud and reduce their on-premise data center footprint. LONDON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The cloud truly levels the playing field, giving large and small companies the ability to store information in remote data centers rather than on-site. And with the rise of the work-from-home initiative, the global cloud computing market is expected to grow from $445 billion in 2021 to $947 billion USD by 2026. Enter: Netooze , a new vStack and VMware Cloud-Service that lets you configure and deploy virtual servers, configure network circuits, order SSL certificates, and administer domain zones and monitoring. Netooze Platform Like similar offerings from other hyperscalers like AWS, Netooze's service provides access to the entire vStack and VMware stack that runs natively on its infrastructure, giving enterprises a consistent vSphere-based environment. The use cases for VMware services provided by hyperscalers typically include application modernisation and migration, hybrid-cloud and disaster recovery. These are expected to drive demand for Netooze's Clould service as well. Enterprises that intend to modernize their workloads on Netooze Cloud can also tap into the full suite of cloud services to infuse their applications with cloud-native capabilities. "In today's app-driven economy, more enterprises are adopting a hybrid cloud model to accelerate their digital transformation," said Dean Jones, CEO at Netooze. "Netooze Cloud helps customers modernize applications, infrastructure and operations faster with demonstrable economic benefits and less risk," he added. Netooze Cloud also expects financial companies to sign up for its VMware service, noting that it will bring its technology know-how, as well as that of VMware, to power the transformation of financial institutions. With technological advances, the future is set to be highly competitive and agility is the need of the hour Netooze cloud-benefits include: One of the lowest priced cloud-servers on the market. Netooze servers are lightning fast, secure, and simple to set up and operate. The VM-Servers are built on the newest Intel Scalable CPUs with a 3.1 GHz clock speed and enable a revolutionary new-level of cloud-computing. Servers make use of VMware's ESXi hypervisor, as well as DRS and high-availability capabilities. Servers automatically restore functioning and assign assured server resources in the event of a hardware breakdown. Netooze is an ideal option for users who provide managed hosting services for web applications or websites in shared environments. Great tool for tech-savvy start-ups Works on What-You-See-Is-What-You-Pay model Has a user-friendly management interface Time to create a ready-to-run VM is no more than 40-seconds (including VMs with Windows-Server-OS) 99.9% uptime Service Level Agreement (SLA). Free DNS management for domains A new era of inclusivity, collaboration, and creativity is on the horizon, and Netooze will play a key role. A free test account can be requested without obligation from our support. The new vStack server starts from $4.95 per-month. https://www.netooze.com/pricing/ About Netooze Netooze is a cloud service provider of virtual infrastructure rental services, SSL certificates, and free DNS hosting. Construct your cloud architecture with VMware ESXi software which use VMware's ESXi hypervisor, as well as DRS and high-availability capabilities. ( https://www. netooze .com ). Media Contact Yvonne Jones 02071939766 [email protected] SOURCE Netooze Ltd ~ The lawsuit comes weeks before New York's highest court will hear arguments in support of an elephant's right to liberty in an already historic Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) case ~ ~ In April, the zoo was named one of The 10 Worst Zoos For Elephants in North America ~ SAN FRANCISCO, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) has filed a habeas corpus petition in the San Francisco Superior Court demanding the right to liberty and release to sanctuary of three elephants held in captivity at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California. Last month, In Defense of Animals named the Fresno Chaffee Zoo one of The 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America . The NhRP is initially requesting an Order to Show Cause under the state's common law of habeas corpusin other words, for the San Francisco Superior Court to require the Fresno Chaffee Zoo to come before the Court to attempt to justify the continued imprisonment of elephants Nolwazi, Amahle, and Vusmusi . The NhRP has secured the world's first such orders on behalf of nonhuman animals in its New York chimpanzee and elephant cases. Seven of the world's most renowned elephant scientists with expertise on elephant cognition, including Dr. Joyce Poole and Dr. Keith Lindsay , have submitted affidavits in support of the NhRP's habeas petition, which brings together centuries of case law including landmark common law and civil rights cases, the science of elephant cognition, the origin of legal rights, judicial rulings from outside the US that have granted rights to nonhuman animals, and ethical arguments against elephant captivity. "This lawsuit is as much about the suffering of our clients, who need and deserve to live freely, as it is ensuring we continue to expandas a matter of justice and rightly evolving social normswho counts as a rights-holder," said NhRP attorney Jake Davis, who will argue the case on behalf of the NhRP. Nolwazi is a female African elephant believed to be 27 years old . She was born in Hlane National Park in eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Amahle is a female African elephant believed to be 12 years old . She is Nolwazi's daughter and was also born in Hlane National Park. Nolwazi and Amahle were among 39 elephants who roamed approximately 12,000 acres of the 54,000-acre park. In 2016, they and 15 other elephants, most of them breeding-age females, were taken from their natural habitat and imported to US zoosa highly controversial arrangement which Charles Siebert detailed in a 2019 investigative essay for The New York Times Magazine. Vusmusi (also known as Moose and Musi) is an 18-year-old male African elephant . He was born in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to an elephant named Ndulamitsi , who was pregnant with him when she was imported to the US from eSwatini in 2003, also despite global public outcry and with zoo and eSwatini officials making the same claims about the elephants needing to be killed otherwise. The elephant exhibit is approximately four acres and located across from a nightclub and restaurants surrounded by major transportation arteries and railways. When the handers are off duty or it's too cold outside, the elephants are further confined in a largely concrete barn. In Defense of Animals based its assessment of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in part on the fact that three of the elephants in its custody died prematurely in a relatively short period of time. NhRP affiant Keith Lindsay sees these deaths as "indicative of a poor husbandry record" at the zoo. The Fresno Chaffee Zoo's "imprisonment of Nolwazi, Amahle, and Vusmusi violates their common law right to bodily liberty protected by habeas corpus and is therefore unlawful because it deprives the elephants of their ability to meaningfully exercise their autonomy and extraordinary cognitive complexity, including the freedom to choose where to go, what to do, and with whom to be," the NhRP writes in its petition. "Whether Respondents are in compliance with animal welfare statutes is irrelevant to the lawfulness of the elephants' imprisonment as none of those statutes address the right to bodily liberty." While the zoo is in Fresno, the San Francisco Superior Court is free to consider habeas corpus cases filed anywhere in the state under California law. The Court must issue an order to show cause or deny the petition within 60 days of the filing date or, of its own volition, extend the deadline for a decision. The NhRP is the only civil rights organization in the US dedicated solely to securing rights for nonhuman animals. The Atlantic has called the NhRP's ongoing litigation to free an elephant named Happy from the Bronx Zoo to a sanctuary "the most important animal-rights case of the 21st century." On May 18th, 2022 , New York's highest court will hear the NhRP's arguments in support of Happy's right to liberty. "We're excited to be bringing the fight for nonhuman animal rights to Californiaa state with a powerful history of protecting the vulnerable and disenfranchised at a time when the issue of nonhuman animals' legal status is part of a broader public conversation to an extent it's never been before," Davis said. "Judges are beginning to rigorously consider nonhuman rights for the first timein some cases, ruling boldly to recognize nonhuman animals as rights-holders. We believe it's time for the California courts to consider the Fresno Chaffee Zoo elephants' fundamental right to liberty." CASE NO: CPF-22-517751 About the Nonhuman Rights Project The Nonhuman Rights Project is the only civil rights organization in the United States working through litigation, legislation, and education to secure fundamental rights for nonhuman animals. SOURCE Nonhuman Rights Project El Toro de Oro 's unveiling today coincides with the kickoff of the first New York Art Week , with four art fairsIndependent, TEFAF New York, NADA New York, and the Future Fairopening in the city. Auction houses and museums such as Meatpacking's Whitney Museum are also taking part. El Toro de Oro is a visual representation of the Meatpacking District's immense transformation over the last two decades, depicting a geometric bull atop a wooden butcher block-inspired base. The wooden pedestal pays homage to the district's gritty history of meatpackers with the rising gold bull from the block - representative of the neighborhood's more recent life as the go-to art, fashion and luxury boutique mecca. Created from lingot bronze, El Toro de Oro will stand 4x4x8 feet long on a 7x1x8 foot long block, welcoming hotel guests and residents of the cobble-stoned neighborhood with a regal presence. Upon first glance, the polished bull appears without blemish, but with further inspection, intentional imperfections shine through, a nod to the hardworking nature of New York. "Through recession, renaissance, pandemic and revival, our hotel has witnessed and helped shape change in the Meatpacking District," said Michael Achenbaum, President & Founder, Gansevoort Hotel Group. "From being home to the Whitney Museum to the opening of Little Island from Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg, the neighborhood is on the right trajectory as is New York City. We are proud to support the community of artists and visionaries who have made their home here." Gansevoort Meatpacking, which debuted a 30 million dollar renovation last summer, has become a pillar in the community for its cultural programming. Known for its robust in-house collection of art, guests and locals alike are welcomed in to view works such as Banksy's Flying Copper, Hassan Hajjaj's Marques, 2012 and Richard Hambleton's Standing Shadow Blue, all housed in Gansevoort's black marble lobby and European-inspired cafe, Coffee + Cocktails. The hotel's penthouse, designed by Italian furniture brand Poliform, also serves as a gallery for artists like Adi Oren, Frank Stella, Daniel Mazzone and famed photographer Mick Rock. Cabrera, who hails from Veracruz, Mexico, is a multidisciplinary sculptor and professional photographic restorer, dedicated to promoting Mexican culture beyond the country's borders. His work has been commissioned by organizations including CENIDIAP (National Center of Investigation in Fine Arts) and INBA (National Institute of Fine Arts), with pieces featured in the Museum Picasso de Antibes in France and the world-famous Louvre in Paris. His iconic skull sculpture, Palmarius, has traveled to more than 28 countries, with stints in Paris, Cannes, Dubai, Rome, Florence, Tokyo, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Best defined by a series of seven pieces each, Cabrera's collections replicate a theme in a variety of presentations, with the bull being the subject of some of his most recent works. Created specifically for The Meatpacking District, El Toro de Oro breaks the mold of Cabrera's bull series, living independently from the original seven and standing alone as the only sculpture created from bronze and designed for outdoor installation. "The Meatpacking District represents legacy and community, which is deeply rooted in my work," said Cabrera. "It only makes sense that this piece, signifying the convergence of old and new in the greatest city in the world, would live on these streets. I am a longtime fan of Gansevoort, so being part of the hotel's transformation made it feel like a perfect fit." In addition to the introduction of El Toro de Oro, more of a spotlight on Mexican American artists in Meatpacking comes via the opening of the long-awaited Whitney Museum's Biennial one of the country's most comprehensive exhibitions of American art. This year, the organization is taking a look at American art but also stepping just outside the border to include Mexican artists in its roster. El Toro de Oro will remain in its place of honor in front of Gansevoort Meatpacking through Labor Day 2022. An anchor in Manhattan's vibrant Meatpacking District, Gansevoort Meatpacking is located on 18 9th Ave, on the corner of 9th Avenue and 13th Street. Contact: Gizem Ozcelik, [email protected] SOURCE Gansevoort Hotel Group Content creators and streamers will "go live" at various times from May 6 through May 20 and inspire the gaming community to get involved through fun donation challenges. Over the two weeks, influential gamers and streamers might wax their legs, get a pie to the face, or take on a dare from their audiences all to benefit children in Bolivia. Bolivia has the lowest per capita income of any country in South America, and its income inequality is the highest in Latin America and one of the highest in the world. Many parents and caregivers are unemployed or underemployed. However, these computer labs will help secure a different future for more than 4,200 Bolivian children living in poverty. With internet access and laptop computers, children can further their education, gain valuable technology skills, and even earn certificates that will help accelerate their careers once they graduate from Compassion's child development program. Bernie Mapili, founder of Guardians Gold streaming management company, shares, "Since the day we attended a Christian concert and were introduced to Compassion, we knew it was a ministry we needed to get behind. This event will help the second poorest country on this side of the planet with hope that only God can provide eternally. I've been a gamer my entire life and now that I can help, I'm here to make an impact with those who also care about people in the gaming space. God can use anything to bring goodness and show the world the light of Jesus' love amidst any situation." Compassion first piloted a philanthropic gaming event in October of 2021 to raise relief funds for Haiti following a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake in the southwest side of the country earlier that summer. The earthquake impacted more than 15,600 Compassion-assisted children, who lost homes, family members, and their sense of safety. In partnership with 10 Christian gaming groups, Compassion hosted "Hope for Haiti" and raised more than $30,000 for these children in 40 hours alone. The money went towards rebuilding and repairing homes for children and their families who lost their homes in the earthquake. The initiative highlighted the depth of passion and generosity of the online gaming community to fight poverty and use their influence for good. Gamer and Twitch affiliate, tsun4m1_g4ming, explains, "For me, streaming and content creation is a ministry. If I can use my ministry that God has blessed me with exponentially to be able to raise awareness and support then I will. We're all fishers of men, and the ocean can be anything." He plans to go live on May 13 at 12 p.m. Central, kicking off the second week of Compassion's "2 Weeks of Light." Courtney Dahl, innovation specialist at Compassion, concludes, "My exposure to the gaming and streaming world has opened my eyes to how God is moving in the digital space. Countless Christians are using Twitch and YouTube as their mission field to bring the light of Christ to the lost. It was only natural for Compassion to partner with these influencers to empower them to not only share the gospel but to also rally their communities together to make an impact in the lives of children in poverty around the world." About Compassion International Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,500 local churches in 27 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 10 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2021, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit compassion.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Wilburn 219-384-8177 [email protected] SOURCE Compassion International Growing environmental concern, increasing demand for organic food, advancement in manufacturing process of organic fertilizers, availability of organic waste, are some of the factors driving the Organic Fertilizers Market. JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Verified Market Research recently published a report, "Organic Fertilizers Market" By Source (Mineral, Plant, Animal), By Crop Type (Cereals and Grains, Vegetables and Fruits, Oilseeds and Pulses), By Form (Liquid, Dry), and By Geography. According to Verified Market Research, the Global Organic Fertilizers Market size was valued at USD 8.61 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 21.4 Billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.12% from 2021 to 2028. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=23090 Browse in-depth TOC on "Organic Fertilizers Market" 202 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Global Organic Fertilizers Market Overview The growth of the Organic Fertilizers Market is driven by rising environmental awareness. The global population is quickly increasing, necessitating an increase in agricultural production to meet the growing population's food needs. Chemical fertilizers have become widely used to increase agricultural production all over the globe. Because of their negative impacts on plant physiology, soil quality, animals, and humans, the increased use of agrochemical inputs has been a source of dispute for a long time. Ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide, and elemental nitrogen are all released into the environment when residues are left in the soil. Agricultural pesticides have been associated with a wide range of human health risks, including short-term effects like headaches and nausea, as well as long-term effects including cancer, reproductive harm, and endocrine disruption. Fertilizers include nitrogen and other chemicals that can contaminate groundwater and cause blue baby syndrome if consumed. As a result of the negative environmental effects of chemical fertilizers, growers are increasingly turning to organic fertilizers as a safe alternative to chemical fertilizers. To improve agricultural productivity, organic fertilizers are made from natural plant leftovers and trash, animal manures and excreta, microorganisms, and botanical extracts. Organic fertilizers disintegrate quickly and have no detrimental impact on surface or groundwater, making them safer for humans, animals, birds, and anything else that comes into contact with them. These fertilizers have a long shelf life and improve soil structure while enhancing water and nutrient retention capacity. They are favored for producing residue-free agricultural produce since they are slow-releasing, non-toxic fertilizers that do not leave any residues in the food. As a result, factors such as the growing need to increase agricultural production and increased awareness of the negative impacts of chemical inputs and the benefits of organic fertilizers help to drive significant growth of the Organic Fertilizer Market. Key Developments In March 2019 , Horticultural Alliance, Inc., situated in Florida , had been acquired by Italpollina SpA. Horticultural Alliance, Inc. specializes in plant health and management with an organic approach ( USA ). Italpollina SpA also formed a new company in the United States to manufacture and distribute organic fertilizers throughout North America . Key Players The major players in the market are Nature Safe, Tata Chemicals Limited, Agro care Canada, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Biostar systems LLC, Coromandel International Limited, Sustane Natural Fertilizer Inc, National Fertilizers Limited, Italpollina SpA, and Midwestern Bio AG. Verified Market Research has segmented the Global Organic Fertilizers Market On the basis of Source, Crop Type, Form, and Geography. Organic Fertilizers Market, By Source Mineral Plant Animal Organic Fertilizers Market, By Crop Type Cereals and Grains Vegetables and Fruits Oilseeds and Pulses Others Organic Fertilizers Market, By Form Liquid Dry Organic Fertilizers Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa & Latin America Browse Related Reports: Specialty Fertilizers Market By Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables), By Form (Liquid, Dry), By Technology (N-stabilizers, Slow-release, Chelated), By Application Method (Soil, Foliar, Fertigation), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028 Controlled Release Fertilizer Market By Type (Slow release, Coated and encapsulated, N-stabilizers), By Application (Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Turfs and Ornamentals), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028 Agricultural Biologicals Testing Market By End-User (Biological Product Manufacturers, Government Agencies), By Application (Field Support, Analytical, Regulatory), By Product Type (Bio Pesticides, Bio Stimulants, Bio Fertilizers), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028 Fertigation And Chemigation Market By Input Type (Fertilizers, Insecticides, Fungicides, Herbicides), By Application (Agriculture Irrigation, Landscape Irrigation, Greenhouse Irrigation), By Irrigation Type (Sprinkler Irrigation, Drip Irrigation), By Geography, Forecast, 2021-2028 Top 5 Organic Fertilizer Companies taking the green initiative forward at global level Visualize Organic Fertilizers Market using Verified Market Intelligence:-: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling of this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, and Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SME's offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductor & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 UK: +44 (753)-715-0008 APAC: +61 (488)-85-9400 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Verified Market Research SEATTLE, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Pacific Program Management (PPM) announced the addition of Ann Tirrell-Burton to its growing workplace consulting practice. Ann will report directly to the Vice President of Workplace Consulting, Siobhan Harold Fink, to help bolster continued growth of this high-demand service line. Ann Tirrell-Burton joins PPM's growing workplace consulting practice as the Director of Consulting. As the Director of Consulting, Ann will support the firm's strategic consulting practice and drive innovation in various business verticals, particularly Life Science. With over 20 years of experience as an advisor on developing corporate real estate portfolio plans, Ann has executed location and site selection, leases, workplace strategies, and organizational realignment for Fortune 500 companies across North America. She has also held leadership roles for Accenture, standardizing facility delivery services across a global pharmaceutical client's portfolio. In addition, Ann helped to develop a feasibility study for the Prime Minister in the State of Melbourne, Australia, and has also led operations & real estate for start-ups and global technology companies, such as Amazon and Google, and large consulting companies such as CRA International and Iron Mountain. "It is an exciting time at PPM and adding Ann to the team will help us build upon the momentum that has developed under Siobhan's leadership," said PPM's CEO, Clark Lindsay. "Her international experience and her background leading strategy for Fortune 500 firms in technology and life sciences will give us added depth of experience for a practice area that many businesses see as a must-have in their strategic planning moving forward." As business leaders continue to reimagine a hybrid workplace model there is growing interest in making visits to the office an experience that enhances relationships and company culture in ways that improve employee productivity. "I am thrilled to join such a dynamic and entrepreneurial team at PPM," said Ann. "The potential to make a real difference for businesses seeking to reimagine how they approach the workplace at a firm that has a proven track record of embracing a culture of innovation, diversity, and community engagement is inspiring." Ann is the latest in a series of strategic leadership hires over the past two years as a result of the firm's rapid growth. Since the start of 2020, PPM has increased employment by 30% and expanded its presence across the U.S. and Canada. It expects to continue its expansion through 2022. About Pacific Program Management PPM is a commercial real estate program and project management firm headquartered in Seattle with locations across the nation. Serving mid-size and Fortune 500 companies, PPM offers three integrated service lines: Workspace Consulting, Capital Project Management, and Transition and Relocation Management. Since 2009, PPM has helped its clients reimagine the potential of people and space with a personalized, people-centric approach that recognizes space without people has no value. Media Contacts Katie Boyens [email protected] Heidi Happonen 206-915-7551 [email protected] SOURCE Pacific Program Management Philadelphia's Faith & Liberty Discovery Center Appoints Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob Wonderling New Executive Director Tweet this Wonderling's first formal day with the FLDC will be July 1st, days before the first anniversary of the FLDC's full opening in 2021 in Philadelphia. The FLDC is situated on Independence Mall near the Liberty Bell at the NE corner of 5th and Market Streets. "I have walked in faith for a long time. I truly believe the Bible can change hearts, minds, lives, communities -- and a city and a nation for the better," Wonderling said. "I really wanted to throw myself into something that would be useful and purposeful and that would be innovative and creativethat is the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center!" Wonderling will be a hands-on leader and public face of the Center while activating a network of business and community leaders built over three decades in private enterprise and public service. Much like his time at the Chamber, Wonderling believes the FLDC can be a catalytic partner with business, government, and civic leaders throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region to transform communities with civility, social impact and growth. "I'm a very mission-based person and it's God's perfect timing to allow me, through a servant's model of leadership, to help realize the vision and mission of ABS and the Center," Wonderling said. "And that ranges from moving a hundred million Americans in the next decade into a routine relationship with the Bible to making sure that we have standing-room-only crowds at the FLDC." Wonderling joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2009 with an agenda to advance the region's businesses, particularly by strengthening opportunities for entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses. During his tenure, the Chamber: Implemented an international initiative to establish Greater Philadelphia as a global leader in healthcare innovation, cell and gene therapy businesses, and as a premier talent hub. as a global leader in healthcare innovation, cell and gene therapy businesses, and as a premier talent hub. Launched a city-wide advocacy initiative called the "Neighborhood Growth Project" that focuses on a multi-faceted, pro-growth policy agenda designed to lift people out of poverty and make needed investments in the city's people and its future. Greatly expanded the Chamber's highly-successful CEO Access Network to connect CEOs and minority entrepreneurs in order to drive business growth and create economic opportunity. Successfully advocated for inclusive job growth policies and legislation at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Most recently coordinated the regional public/private effort to develop and implement the inclusive economic recovery plan for the City and Greater Philadelphia Region. "There isn't a better or more qualified individual to lead the next phase of the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center's growth and development than Rob," said Robert L. Briggs, Chairman of the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center's Board of Managers and CEO of American Bible Society. "His track record of growth and innovation throughout the city and region speaks for itself, and his vision of how the Center can continue to inspire and advocate for the connection between faith and liberty throughout the U.S. is perfectly aligned with that growth and innovation." From 2002-2009, Wonderling served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he was Chairman of the Communications and Technology Committee and then Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also served in the executive branch of state government in the Ridge-Schweiker administration as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, where he was responsible for improving the operation and efficiency of PennDOT's 5,000-employee highway maintenance workforce. He also has held executive posts with private sector companies related to technology, energy, and the environment. Wonderling has been active and recognized for his service in a diverse range of extracurricular activities and organizations related to community health, higher education, technology, banking, and environmental stewardship. Colleagues and associates of Wonderling over the years lauded the move. "I've worked with Rob for years, and he will be a powerful addition to both the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center and the overall Historic District tourism efforts," said James Cuorato, President and CEO at Independence Visitor Center Corporation. "Tapping into his years of experience with the Chamber and his prolific network will only serve to be a rising tide that lifts all boats." Said former Philadelphia Mayor, Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode, Sr.: "I've known Rob as a public servant, business leader, and a man of faith for more than thirty years and I couldn't think of a better blend of skills and vision to bring to an emerging voice like the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. Rob's stewardship will balance the Center's growth with the mission of deepening the relationship of Philadelphia citizens and beyond with the Bible." About Faith and Liberty Discovery Center The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center (FLDC) is a technologically immersive, state-of-the-art museum that inspires visitors to explore the relationship between faith and liberty in the American story, from the country's founding through today. Situated on Independence Mall near the Liberty Bell at the NE corner of 5th and Market Streets, the FLDC is a subsidiary of American Bible Society. Opened in 2021, the Center's immersive journey illuminates the profound impact faith has had on American history. With an interactive lamp in hand, visitors can explore the museum and capture fascinating content that can be explored further online anytime, anyplace. The museum is an inspirational destination that tells the story of how our nation was born and how American leaders have turned to the Bible to guide them repeatedly throughout history. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES [email protected] 646.937.4200 SOURCE Faith & Liberty Discovery Center JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence Homes, Jacksonville's leader in energy-efficient construction, is proud to announce that it has received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for the sixth time. "We are so proud of our on-going commitment and continued growth as a 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builder," said Sean Junker, President and COO of Providence Homes. "Today, we are designing and building the highest quality and most energy-efficient homes we have ever built at Providence Homes." "We know it's going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers." Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2022 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners . About Providence Homes Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Providence Homes is committed to providing the highest standards of residential construction in northeast Florida. As one of Jacksonville's only 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builders, Providence Homes pledges to make a difference in the industry by building every home with the same detail and commitment to excellence they would with their own. Since 2010, Providence Homes has built 1,926 ENERGY STAR homes helping Jacksonville families save more than $7,500,000.00 in energy bills. About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizationsincluding more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts and state-level information can be found at www.energystar.gov/statefacts . SOURCE Providence Homes, Inc. CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago technology company Celectiv has started adding heavy-duty truck dealers in the United States as users of its recruitment software. "The war for talent is fought market by market," Greg Carrott, Celectiv's CEO, said. Celectiv software focuses hiring decisions on metrics that drive performance. "It guides clients to think critically about their business and the talent required for success, now and in the future," Carrott said. Celectiv uses Madison, Wisconsin, as an example. The average American commutes 16 miles one-way to work, making it unlikely a dealer can attract technicians from outside Madison. There are at least six heavy-duty truck dealers in the Madison MSA, 12 farm and construction equipment dealers, four diesel-engine dealers, and six technical colleges. "That's a well-defined market of 500 technicians, and Celectiv provides the tools to cherry-pick the best talent," Celectiv's Alex Farrell said. "31 percent of service technicians turnover each year with even higher turnover among younger technicians. It is the ability to make the best decision quickly that matters," he added. Celectiv software assesses candidates on culture fit, conscientiousness, and mental ability. The platform uses a drag-and-drop dashboard to manage searches. There's a patent pending for the software, including a proprietary database. Celectiv provides behavior-based interviews that leverage work Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman first did for the Israeli Defense Forces. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) truck division, parts and service account for one-third of a dealer's revenues but 80 percent of its gross profits. Capacity utilization of the service bays drives dealer performance. NADA numbers suggest that lost revenues from the average six-week search for a service technician amount to $111,262. The franchise's value depends upon capacity utilization, Carrott and Farrell emphasized. Service bays now run at approximately 80 percent utilization at best. An NYU study found dealers selling at 13 times EBITDA. Therefore, there could be $1 million of foregone valuation when dealers do not reach their full potential. "Decisions add up as dealers battle for talent. We are agnostic as to the badge on the dealer but offer a dealer exclusivity in its geography. We can only serve one dealer in a market, and we want them to thrive," Carrott said. SOURCE Celectiv Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Announces 2022 Human Rights Award Laureates Tweet this "The RFK Human Rights Award was created to honor and support those who live out my father's core belief - that the power of individual and collective moral courage can overcome injustice," said Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. "Maximilienne and Felix are the embodiment of that mindset. Their dedication to the advancement of human rights and persistence in the face of great personal risk are truly inspiring, and we look forward to working alongside them." A Cameroonian human rights defender with over 30 years of experience, Ngo Mbe is Executive Director of the Central African Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC). Since 2010, she has led REDHAC in its efforts to promote civic space and protect fundamental freedoms throughout Central Africa through investigations of human rights abuses, advocacy before regional human rights bodies, monitoring of democratic processes, and demanding state accountability. She was previously named an International Woman of Courage in 2021 by the U.S. Department of State. "Receiving the RFK Human Rights Award 2022 still feels like a dream," said Ngo Mbe. "I am humbled by this recognition and dedicate it to my family, my colleagues at REDHAC, the members of the REDHAC Board of Directors, in particular Me Alice Nkom, and the Human Rights Defenders who have been my source of strength over the years. I look forward to working alongside Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights as we continue our struggle for justice, human rights, and peace in Cameroon and Central Africa." Nkongho is a Cameroonian lawyer and human rights defender. He is the director of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) and a leading advocate for human rights of Cameroonians in the conflict-stricken Anglophone region. Nkongho's work focuses on the promotion of democracy, good governance, access to justice, and rule of law. His reputation as a devoted human rights defender is evidenced by his tireless work for human rights in Cameroon and throughout Africa, despite state sanctioned pushback, including his arbitrary detention in 2017. "When I got news of the award, I was staring at portraits of my late parents and crying tears of joy. This is the best gift I could ever offer them, and I am sure they will be celebrating in heaven," said Nkongho. "I am truly honored, and I sincerely thank Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights for considering me worthy of this award. It is dedicated to all those who advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights, to all the human rights defenders who continue to put their lives and liberty on the line to fight against injustice." The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award honors champions of social justice who stand up to oppression in the nonviolent pursuit of human rights. Honorees receive a cash prize and ongoing support for their work through RFK Human Rights campaigns and mobilization, strategic litigation, training and capacity-building, and more. To learn more about this year's Human Rights Award laureates, visit https://rfkhumanrights.org/awards/human-rights-award-2022 . SOURCE Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights NEW YORK , May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of IronNet, Inc. (NYSE: IRNT) between September 15, 2021 and December 15, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important June 21, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased IronNet 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 IronNet class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5641 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 21, 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 firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company had materially overstated its business and financial prospects; (2) the Company was unable to predict the timing of significant customer opportunities which constituted a substantial portion of its publicly-issued FY 2022 financial guidance; (3) the Company had not established effective disclosure controls and procedures to reasonably ensure its public disclosures were timely, accurate, complete, and not otherwise misleading; and (4) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false, misleading, and/or lacked any reasonable basis in fact at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the IronNet class action, go too https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5641 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. VATICAN CITY, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of State of Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, conducted a benediction ceremony at the offices of White Hilt Capital. The Cardinal was accompanied by the Holy See officials and prelates in addition to members of the Italian Government. In his homily, Cardinal Parolin thanked and acknowledged David Mazaheri, the Global Managing Partner of White Hilt Capital, for his personal and professional support toward the Holy See and its affiliated bodies within the Vatican Curia. Additionally, Cardinal Parolin recognized Salvatore Autovino for his efforts in leading Church's technology transformation and modernization efforts and continued support of Holy See initiatives. In a short remark, David Mazaheri thanked Cardinal and Holy See officials; and spoke about the commitments of White Hilt Capital to the Holy See. About White Hilt Capital White Hilt Capital is a global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services across investment banking, securities, and investment management. In addition to its investment banking operations, the company has a private equity arm active in the technology, telecommunication, and healthcare sectors. The company has a presence in New York, Rome, and Washington, DC. SOURCE White Hilt Capital MILWAUKEE, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Black Knight (NYSE: BKI) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with Intercontinental Exchange. Click here to learn how to join the action: https://www.ademilaw.com/case/black-knight-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. Ademi LLP alleges Black Knight's financial outlook and prospects are excellent and yet Black Knight holders will receive only $85 per share, or a total market value of $13.1 billion, with consideration in the form of a mix of cash (80%) and stock (20%). The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing bids for Black Knight by prohibiting solicitation of further bids, and imposing a significant penalty if Black Knight accepts a superior bid. Black Knight insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. We are investigating the conduct of Black Knight's board of directors, and whether they are (i) fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders, and (ii) obtaining a fair and reasonable price for Black Knight. If you own Black Knight common stock and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or https://www.ademilaw.com/case/black-knight-inc. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP SPRINGVILLE and CLOVIS, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sierra Care, California's premier resort-level rehabilitation center, is expanding its services for patients. These new services will create jobs for nurses, therapists, and medical specialists in California, ensuring that patients at their beautiful lakeside facilities receive the best in rehabilitative care. Sierra Care - Congregate Health Living Facility Sierra Care - Aerial shot of Springville, California facilities. Typical patient room. Sierra Care is a premium rehabilitation facility located in Springville and Clovis, California, that serves patients with medically complex injuries. Sierra Care has recently expanded their medical, nursing, social work, and therapy teams, allowing each facility to provide specialized care to patients recovering from any form of injury or medical condition. This expansion is part of their post-pandemic plans to support the adult population of California with their trademark focus on comfort, compassion, and personalized medical care. This expansion creates jobs for nurses, therapists, social workers, coordinators, and patient care specialists in Springville and Clovis. The majority of these positions are at Sierra Care's premium lakeside facility. Sierra Care in Springville is located in the foothills of Tulare County California, a natural oasis that creates a beautiful and calming home-away-from-home for healing and recovery. This setting is unique among rehabilitation centers which are usually located in landlocked urban areas. This hiring spree will allow Sierra Care to provide its specialized services to a much larger number of patients. These patients often have complex conditions such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, strokes, or are recovering from severe medical conditions such as pulmonary disease that requires them to stay in a hospital for weeks and months. These services have been in extreme demand as hospital care costs have gone up in recent years. This expansion is the first part of Sierra Care's plan to ensure these services are available to any patient that needs them. Sierra Care is accredited by The Joint Commission, demonstrating that the highest level of care is provided to their patients. This accreditation is a natural extension of their core values of respect, love, comfort, and support. Sierra Care's residents and staff are provided the best possible living and working environment ensuring that these values are felt in every interaction. For more information visit SierraCare.com or our Instagram page @SierraCareHomes Media Contact: Emin A. [email protected] 866-450-0777 SOURCE Sierra Care BEIJING, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunlands Technology Group (NYSE: STG) ("Sunlands" or the "Company"), a leader in China's online post-secondary and professional education, today announced that that on May 4, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") provisionally listed the Company as a "Commission-Identified Issuer" under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act of the United States (the "HFCAA"). This identification was expected by the Company as a routine application procedure following the Company's filing of its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 on April 27, 2022. This identification indicates that the SEC has determined the Company used an auditor whose working paper cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States (the "PCAOB") to issue the audit opinion for the Company's financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The HFCAA requires the SEC to prohibit the securities of a "Commission-Identified Issuer" from being traded on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the auditor of the covered issuer's financial statements is not subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. Sunlands will continue to monitor developments and has been proactively exploring available options to protect the interest of its shareholders. Sunlands will continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations in both China and the United States, and strive to maintain its listing status on the New York Stock Exchange. About Sunlands Sunlands Technology Group (NYSE: STG) ("Sunlands" or the "Company"), formerly known as Sunlands Online Education Group, is the leader in China's online post-secondary and professional education. With a one to many, live streaming platform, Sunlands offers various degree and diploma-oriented post-secondary courses as well as online professional courses and educational content, to help students prepare for professional certification exams and attain professional skills. Students can access its services either through PC or mobile applications. The Company's online platform cultivates a personalized, interactive learning environment by featuring a virtual learning community and a vast library of educational content offerings that adapt to the learning habits of its students. Sunlands offers a unique approach to education research and development that organizes subject content into Learning Outcome Trees, the Company's proprietary knowledge management system. Sunlands has a deep understanding of the educational needs of its prospective students and offers solutions that help them achieve their goals. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Sunlands may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Sunlands' beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements that involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, but not limited to the following: Sunlands' goals and strategies; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and services; its ability to retain and increase student enrollments; its ability to offer new courses and educational content; its ability to improve teaching quality and students' learning results; its ability to improve sales and marketing efficiency and effectiveness; its ability to engage, train and retain new faculty members; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to maintain and improve technology infrastructure necessary to operate its business; competition in the online education industry in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Sunlands' corporate structure, business and industry; and general economic and business condition in China Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Sunlands' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Sunlands does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For further information, please contact: Sunlands Technology Group Investor Relations Email: [email protected] The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 Email: [email protected] Yang Song Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Sunlands Technology Group NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Global, a company with a mission to accelerate the world's adoption of transparency, announces the appointment of its board. Dr. Christyl Johnson, Salim Ismail, Matt Devost, Nathana O'Brein Sharma, David Greenberg, and Brett Busby comprise the six-member board led by Transparency Global's Chairman Jim Schleckser. Transparency Global Transparency Global "We are humbled and honored to have these incredible individuals on our board," said Dr. Rainford Knight, CEO and Co-Founder of Transparency Global. "The leadership, knowledge and broad experience of this special group is truly unmatched." Dr. Christyl Johnson joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as the Deputy Center Director for Technology and Research Investments on December 6, 2010. She is responsible for formulating the Center's future science and technology strategies and goals as well as developing an integrated program of research and development investments aligned to meet those goals. Dr. Johnson came to NASA from a detail to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she served under the President's Science Advisor as the Executive Director of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The best-selling author of Exponential Organizations, Salim Ismail has been building disruptive digital companies as a serial entrepreneur since the early 2000s. Ismail is a sought-after strategist and a renowned technology entrepreneur who built and sold his company to Google. Over the past twenty-five years, Matt Devost has emerged as an established leader in the cybersecurity and technology domains. Devost is currently the CEO & Co-Founder of OODA LLC, a global strategic advisory firm with deep DNA in global security, technology and intelligence issues. Nathana O'Brien Sharma is General Counsel at Labelbox, a leading artificial intelligence software company backed by Andreeson Horowitz, B Capital Boston Consulting Group's venture fund, Kleiner Perkins, First Round and Gradient Google's AI focused venture fund. Sharma is also Faculty at Singularity University in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and the future of law and governance. David Greenberg is President of Greenberg Capital, and brings over 25 years of experience in leadership and consulting work with a network of corporate and educational professionals. Greenberg also served as Executive Board and Board Member of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) during the time it was the world's largest physical commodities exchange. Appointed to the Texas Supreme Court in 2019, Brett Busby was confirmed unanimously by the Texas Senate and elected to a full term in 2020. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and law degree from Columbia Law School, each with high honors. About Transparency Global Transparency Global operates a digital platform accelerating the world's adoption of Transparency. The platform includes certifications, rankings, research, education, surveys and a financial index. Transparency Global certifies companies that meet the highest levels of organizational transparency analyzing over 55,000 globally traded public companies creating the world's largest Transparency database of both public and private companies. For more information, please visit transparency.global To become a partner, please visit https://transparency.global/transparency-certified/ Media Contact: Paul Pagnato III (302) 543-2077 [email protected] SOURCE Transparency Global According to statistics annually compiled by Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the number of FDI projects bounced back significantly last year, nearly reaching pre-corona levels. American companies led the way. BERLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- (GTAI) 1806 international companies set up shop in Germany in 2021 in the form of greenfield investments. That's the main result of this year's GTAI Foreign Direct Investment Report. The number of projects was up 7% over 2020, rebounding almost fully to the 1851 in the final pre-corona year 2019. "Our numbers show a fundamental recovery in foreign direct investment in Germany from the low in 2020," says Germany Trade & Invest CEO Robert Hermann. "Investment amounts were comparatively modest due to a number of factors, but international companies' interest in being part of Europe's largest economy has persisted through the coronavirus pandemic." The GTAI FDI report is based on data from Germany's 16 regional states, which in most cases doesn't include amounts to be invested. The overall volume, however, is expected to be well in excess of EUR 7 billion. And it doesn't include the massive expansion projects first announced in 2022 by Intel and Northvolt, which will be worth at least EUR 17 billion and EUR 4 billion respectively. The largest number of business expansions (254) originated from the United States, reflecting Germany's continuing excellent reputation among American business people. 67% of FDI projects came from Europe, with FDI from the UK (+36%), the Netherlands (+36%), Denmark (+29%) and France (+24%) recording significant gains. By contrast, the number of projects from China and other parts of Asia declined. "Both of those developments undoubtedly reflect the restrictions of travel, particularly over long distances, to which businesses continued to be subject in 2021," explains Hermann. 19% of FDI projects came in the ICT sector, followed by business and financial services (15%) and consumer goods (12%). More information: https://www.gtai.com/gtai-fdi-reports Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) is the economic promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. GTAI supports German companies setting up in foreign markets, promotes Germany as a business location and assists foreign companies setting up shop in Germany. Contact: Jefferson Chase Senior Manager, Communications Germany Trade & Invest Friedrichstrae 60 10117 Berlin +49 30200099170 [email protected] SOURCE Germany Trade & Invest Showcases Innovative Technologies and Services to Drive Personalization, Precision, and Connectivity Along the Radiotherapy Treatment Pathway PALO ALTO, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, will be showcasing its comprehensive cancer care portfolio at the 2022 annual meeting of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), starting tomorrow in Copenhagen, Denmark. The combined company's exhibit will highlight technologies that span the entire cancer care continuum, from screening and prevention, through diagnosis, therapy, and survivorship. In addition to driving speed and precision, these solutions seek to streamline workflows and empower cancer care teams to improve their clinical and operational performance and meet unique and evolving patient needs. One such solution, Ethos adaptive therapy, will be highlighted in a special "Meet the Experts" area, where experienced radiation therapists and physicists will talk about their experiences implementing adaptive radiotherapy programs using Ethos. Ethos is powered by artificial intelligence for the efficient delivery of personalized treatments that adapt to daily changes in a patient's anatomy during radiotherapy treatment for cancer. "Since it was introduced in 2019, over 130 Ethos therapy systems are either in use or slated to be installed around the world, and some 24,000 adaptive therapy treatment sessions have been completed for the benefit of cancer patients," says Chris Toth, chief executive officer at Varian. "Our support of more than 25 clinical studies on Ethos adaptive radiotherapy reflects our commitment to investing in clinical research that we are optimistic will show improved outcomes for patients." Additional innovative solutions from Varian and Siemens Healthineers that will be showcased at ESTRO, include: ARIA oncology information system , which has been reimagined as a comprehensive cancer care management tool. The newest iteration of ARIA seeks to unify multiple cancer care modalitiesincluding systemic as well as radiation therapywithin one database in order to better connect technology, teams, and workflows, putting the focus on end-to-end cancer care across disciplines while delivering far greater insights than ever before. , which has been reimagined as a comprehensive cancer care management tool. The newest iteration of ARIA seeks to unify multiple cancer care modalitiesincluding systemic as well as radiation therapywithin one database in order to better connect technology, teams, and workflows, putting the focus on end-to-end cancer care across disciplines while delivering far greater insights than ever before. TrueBeam 3.0 radiotherapy system,* which builds on the current TrueBeam platform and provides enhancements to imaging, workflow, and cybersecurity. which builds on the current TrueBeam platform and provides enhancements to imaging, workflow, and cybersecurity. SOMATOM go.Open Pro and MAGNETOM Sola RT Pro edition , which are CT and MR systems for multi-modal imaging in radiation oncology. and , which are CT and MR systems for multi-modal imaging in radiation oncology. RT Image Suite software featuring AI-based functionalities across different applications. featuring AI-based functionalities across different applications. Eclipse treatment planning , for the fast creation of optimized radiotherapy treatment plans customized for each patient's unique needs. , for the fast creation of optimized radiotherapy treatment plans customized for each patient's unique needs. ProBeam 360 proton therapy , offering best-in-class imaging and high-definition pencil beam scanning to see, adapt, and deliver dose precisely on target. , offering best-in-class imaging and high-definition pencil beam scanning to see, adapt, and deliver dose precisely on target. BRAVOS and GammaMedplus iX brachytherapy afterloaders , plus a wide range of applicators and brachytherapy treatment planning software tools that enable clinicians to offer this internal form of radiation therapy with speed and precision. , plus a wide range of applicators and brachytherapy treatment planning software tools that enable clinicians to offer this internal form of radiation therapy with speed and precision. The FlashEffects program, which is the latest development in Varian's Flash** therapy initiative, encompassing advances in pre-clinical science and a growing portfolio of products to enable pre-clinical Flash research in protons, electrons, and treatment planning. Varian will also host "Defining the Paradigm in Adaptive Radiotherapy," a lunch symposium that will take place on Sunday, May 8, with clinical expert presenters from Amsterdam University Medical Center, UC San Diego Health, and Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. When: ESTRO 38 is May 6 May 10. Exhibition is open from 9:30am 5pm, May 7-9. Where: Hall E, Booth #200, Bella Center Copenhagen, Denmark *TrueBeam 3.0 is CE marked, but is 510(k) pending in the United States. **Flash therapy is under development and not available for commercial sale. Products referenced in this release are not available for sale in all markets. About Varian At Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, we envision a world without fear of cancer. For more than 70 years, we have developed, built, and delivered innovative cancer care technologies and solutions for our clinical partners around the globe to help them treat millions of patients each year. We are working to harness advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics to enhance cancer treatment and expand access to care. Our 11,000 employees across 70 locations keep the patient and our clinical partners at the center of our thinking as we power new victories in cancer care. Because, for cancer patients everywhere, their fight is our fight. For more information, visit http://www.varian.com and follow @VarianMedSys on Twitter. Press Contact: Katie Villany [email protected] Investor Relations Contact: Siemens Healthineers Investor Relations SOURCE Varian Murphy is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in building and managing dynamic sales teams with a track record of constantly overcoming expectations, guaranteeing the integrity of the customer experience in the financial industry. MIAMI, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veritran, a leading global Low-Code solutions provider, today announced that Shelba Murphy has joined as Senior VP of Sales in the US. She will be responsible for building out the company's U.S. salesforce and identifying opportunities to generate revenue and translate the company's success in Latin America to new markets. Shelba Murphy, Senior VP of Sales in the US at Veritran "Shelba brings a unique mix of experience with fintechs, community banks and credit unions, which will be incredibly valuable as we continue to expand our reach with financial institutions in the U.S. market," said Marcelo Fondacaro, CCO at Veritran. "In addition to having a deep understanding of the finance space, Shelba is passionate about helping institutions meet the increasing demands of today's digital-first world, which is a core part of our work and values at Veritran." Prior to joining Veritran, Murphy spent over two years with NXTSoft as SVP of Sales. She ran North America's sales for three different business lines, including the company's data conversation and connections solutions, which grew 25% from 2019 to 2020 and had 115% growth margin over the prior year under Murphy's leadership. Additionally, she served as a Digital Client Executive at digital banking companies, where she worked with financial institutions and credit unions across the Southeast region. Earlier in her career, she joined SaaS provider Jack Henry and Associates as a Sales Manager to drive product penetration and adoption in the retail banking space, eventually moving into a global sales management role. Before that, Murphy worked at Intreive Incorporated, selling solutions in the community banking space and as a reseller of Kirchman Corporation. She started her career at Southeastern Bank, a community bank in Georgia, where she supported technology transformation and implementation. "Veritran is a pioneering company with a global presence, and I look forward to the challenge of building their U.S. sales infrastructure from the ground up," said Murphy. "My goal is to help bring Veritran's business solutions to credit unions and banks across the nation, empowering them to provide an elevated customer experience and innovate more quickly. I look forward to working with this entrepreneurial, creative team to do so." About Veritran At Veritran, we believe in improving our clients' business by making their customers' lives better. Through our enterprise Low-Code platform, we speed up and simplify the development of future-proofed immersive digital channels that create a top-notch user experience. We are innovation drivers serving companies worldwide, reaching millions of users, and running billions of secure transactions annually. For more information, visit www.veritran.com SOURCE Veritran SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global warehouse management systems market size is anticipated to reach USD 11.08 billion by 2030, advancing at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing transition towards cloud-based management systems in the warehouse industry is anticipated to boost the demand for WMS based on the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. Key Insights & Findings from the report: The market for warehouse management system is anticipated to witness substantial growth during the forecast period due to the changing supply chain models of product manufacturers and rapidly growing consumer demand, especially in the transport & logistics and retail sectors. The software segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the increasing adoption of WMS software by small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. The cloud segment is expected to advance with the highest CAGR during the forecast years, owing to numerous functionalities that cloud-based WMS offers over the traditional on-premise WMS. The transportation & logistics segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the projection period, owing to the rising need for technologically advanced warehouse management systems that can help logistics companies to keep their operations aligned with the ever-demanding market. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the high influx of e-commerce players in the region. Read 90-page market research report, "Warehouse Management Systems Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Services, Software), By Deployment (Cloud, On-premise), By Function, By Application, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030", published by Grand View Research. Warehouse Management Systems Market Growth & Trends Advancements in cloud-based technologies are estimated to fuel the adoption of WMS software, irrespective of the organization's size and complexity where these solutions are used. Surging demand for cloud-based systems can primarily be attributed to medium and small-sized businesses that do not require the implementation of advanced warehouse technologies and high-speed automation. Larger organizations are also switching to cloud-based warehouse management systems, as it allows organizations to offload exhausting tasks such as maintenance, infrastructure administration, and timely upgrades, among other tasks that are carried out on the on-premise software. Cloud enables businesses running on conventional on-premise technologies to transit to a platform that will support and cater to their clients' needs more efficiently. Low upfront cost and shorter implementation time are the key factors encouraging companies to move toward cloud-based systems. In the healthcare ecosystem, a warehouse management system (WMS) ensures that medical equipment and medicines are supplied in time. Also, WMS continuously updates the database of the inventory moving in and out of a warehouse, which prevents the shortage of inventory. Furthermore, in the healthcare domain, continuous sharing of information and transparency of all processes are the critical factors for efficient warehouse management. WMS enables complete transparency of logistic activities and enables proper tracking of medical devices and medicines. Similarly, in the food & beverage industry, the WMS ensures optimized picking, directed put away, and rotation of stock based on its expiry date. Warehouse Management Systems Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global warehouse management systems market based on component, deployment, function, application, and region: Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Software Services Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) On-premise Cloud Function Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Labor Management System Analytics & Optimization Billing & Yard Management Systems Integration & Maintenance Consulting Services Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Transportation & Logistics Retail Healthcare Manufacturing Food & Beverage Others Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe U.K. Germany Asia Pacific China India Japan South America Brazil Middle East & Africa List of Key Players in the Warehouse Management Systems Market EPICOR Korber AG (HighJump) Infor Made4net Manhattan Associates Oracle PSI Logistics Reply SAP Softeon Synergy Ltd Tecsys Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: E-commerce Fulfillment Services Market - The global e-commerce fulfillment services market size is anticipated to reach USD 198.62 billion by 2030. The rapid penetration of internet services and a resultant rise in the number of online shoppers is the major factor driving the demand for e-commerce fulfillment services worldwide. The global e-commerce fulfillment services market size is anticipated to reach by 2030. The rapid penetration of internet services and a resultant rise in the number of online shoppers is the major factor driving the demand for e-commerce fulfillment services worldwide. Warehouse Execution System Market - The global warehouse execution system market size is expected to reach USD 2.97 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 14.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. - The global warehouse execution system market size is expected to reach by 2028, registering a CAGR of 14.2% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Optical Character Recognition Market - The global optical character recognition market size is expected to reach USD 33.44 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2022 to 2030. Browse through Grand View Research's IT Services & Applications Industry Research Reports. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Grand View Compass | Grand View Pipeline Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 1836 Property Management, Austin's premier property management company, is helping clients reach their real estate investment goals by adding properties to existing portfolios, educating investors on rental property best practices, and making sure properties are occupied and generating revenue. The company recently received recognition as one of the 3 Best Property Management Companies in Austin, TX, by ThreeBestRated.com. Three Best Rated helps 4.5 Million (30% up from 2021) customers find the best local businesses, professionals, restaurants, health care providers, etc., in key cities. The company only displays businesses that are verified by their team of business analysts and that meet a rigorous 50-Point Inspection. And award recipient businesses never pay for recognition. View the full listing here: https://threebestrated.com/property-management-in-austin-tx 1836 Property Management offers comprehensive property management services which include: property assessment and pricing evaluation; leasing, tenant screening and application processing; industry-leading advertising campaigns; comprehensive maintenance and property care; move-in and move-out services; accounting reporting; custom-built periodic property assessment software; custom-built investment health dashboards with the capability to make investment projections; and real-time ROE (return on equity) investment performance. When asked about his company's strengths that led to this recognition, 1836 Property Management Founder, Matt Leschber said, "I started off with 3 properties and we are now on the cusp of reaching 725 units, with projections of reaching around 800 units by then end of 2022. So I think what has led to this success is largely due to the work-family oriented culture in the company, but also the drive to find balance between operational efficiency and effectiveness, client satisfaction and return-on-equity for our clients." A leader in the greater Austin, Texas real estate and property management industry, 1836 Property Management is helping clients reach their real estate investment goals and garner peace of mind through the process. The company maintains an active library of media resources here . With rich knowledge of the Austin real estate market, 1836 Property Management focuses on human-to-human collaboration so clients can locate properties that fit their investment goals, analyze returns and expenses, lease acquired properties, and maintain them under an all-in-one umbrella. To learn more, please visit 1836PropertyManagement.com. SOURCE 1836 Property Management PLYMOUTH, Mich., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adient (NYSE: ADNT), a global leader in automotive seating, today announced its second quarter 2022 financial results. Q2 GAAP net loss and EPS diluted of $(81)M and $(0.85) , respectively; Q2 Adj.-EPS diluted of $(0.13) and , respectively; Q2 Adj.-EPS diluted of Q2 Adj.-EBITDA of $159M , down $144M y-o-y (down $131M when adjusting for portfolio actions executed in FY21) , down y-o-y (down when adjusting for portfolio actions executed in FY21) Cash and cash equivalents of $1,118M at March 31, 2022 at Gross debt and net debt totaled $2.9B and $1.8 , respectively, at March 31, 2022 and , respectively, at Voluntary principal debt repayment of just over $700M was completed in Q2, further advancing the company's capital structure transformation; significant focus on cash and liquidity given the challenging operating environment For complete details and to see reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures, visit the events section of the Adient investor website at www.investors.adient.com/events-and-presentations/events to download the full press release and earnings presentation. Investor analyst conference call: Adient's president and chief executive officer, Douglas Del Grosso, and executive vice president and chief financial officer, Jeff Stafeil, will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern to discuss the results. To participate by telephone, please dial 888-455-2945 (U.S.) or 773-799-3947 (international) 15 minutes prior to the start time of the call and ask to be connected to the Adient conference call. The conference passcode is ADIENT. About Adient: Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With approximately 75,000 employees in 33 countries, Adient operates 208 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. Our integrated, in-house skills allow us to take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing and into more than 20 million vehicles every year. For more information on Adient, please visit www.adient.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Adient has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and, therefore, are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be, deemed "forward- looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding Adient's expectations for its deleveraging activities, the timing, benefits and outcomes of those activities, as well as its future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, capital expenditures or debt levels and plans, objectives, market position, outlook, targets, guidance or goals are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" or terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward- looking statements. Adient cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Adient's control, that could cause Adient's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: the Ukraine conflict and widespread COVID lockdowns in China and their impact on regional, global economies and additional pressure on supply chains and vehicle production, the effects of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and other risks and uncertainties, the continued financial and operational impacts of and uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic on Adient and its customers, suppliers, joint venture partners and other parties, work stoppages, including due to supply chain disruptions and similar events, energy and commodity (particularly steel) prices, the availability of raw materials and component products (including components required by our customers for the manufacture of vehicles (i.e., semiconductors)), whether deleveraging activities may yield additional value for shareholders at all or on the same or different terms as those described herein, the ability of Adient to execute its turnaround plan, automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, as well as our concentration of exposure to certain automotive manufacturers, the ability of Adient to effectively launch new business at forecast and profitable levels, , the ability of Adient to meet debt service requirements, the terms of future financing, the impact of tax reform legislation, uncertainties in U.S. administrative policy regarding trade agreements, tariffs and other international trade relations, general economic and business conditions, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, shifts in market shares among vehicles, vehicle segments or away from vehicles on which Adient has significant content, changes in consumer demand, global climate change and related emphasis on ESG matters by various stakeholders, currency exchange rates and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements, and the ability of Adient to identify, recruit and retain key leadership. A detailed discussion of risks related to Adient's business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Adient's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on November 23, 2021, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 4, 2022, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. Potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward- looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Adient assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document. In addition, this document includes certain projections provided by Adient with respect to the anticipated future performance of Adient's businesses. Such projections reflect various assumptions of Adient's management concerning the future performance of Adient's businesses, which may or may not prove to be correct. The actual results may vary from the anticipated results and such variations may be material. Adient does not undertake any obligation to update the projections to reflect events or circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy or reasonableness of such assumptions, or the projections based thereon. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information: This document also contains non-GAAP financial information because Adient's management believes it may assist investors in evaluating Adient's on-going operations. Adient believes these non-GAAP disclosures provide important supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends relating to Adient's financial condition and results of operations. Investors should not consider these non-GAAP measures as alternatives to the related GAAP measures. A reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their closest GAAP equivalent are included in the appendix. Reconciliations of non- GAAP measures related to FY2022 guidance have not been provided due to the unreasonable efforts it would take to provide such reconciliations. ADNT-FN SOURCE Adient NOIDA, India, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A comprehensive overview of the global aerosol market is recently added by UnivDatos Market Insights to its humongous database. The report has been aggregated by collecting informative data from various dynamics such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities. This innovative report makes use of several analyses to get a closer outlook on the Aerosol market globally. This report offers a detailed analysis of the latest industry developments and trending factors that are influencing market growth. Furthermore, this statistical market research repository examines and estimates the global aerosol market at regional and country levels. The global aerosol market is likely to showcase a growth of around 6% during the forecast period. Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=19385 Market Overview The global aerosol market is likely to showcase significant growth during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing end-use industry, increasing population & income, increasing demand for easy-to-use products, and changing consumer behaviors towards personal care and household-related products. Myriad application areas of aerosol from self-hygiene products to automobiles lubricants, aerosols are used in a large number of industries. Further, urbanization is also playing a key role in the market growth by increasing construction activities thereby increasing the demand for paints, furniture, and hygiene-related products. All these products are widely available in the form of aerosols. In addition, rising urbanization results in more jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors, thus improving the people's income. This, in turn, gives more power to consumers to purchase non-essential cosmetic and household-related products. Ask for Price & Discounts @ https://univdatos.com/get-a-free-sample-form-php/?product_id=19385 The global aerosol market report is studied thoroughly with several aspects that would help stakeholders in making their decisions more curated. By material, the market is primarily divided into: Steel Aluminum Others Based on material, the market is segmented into steel, aluminum, and others. The aluminum segment accounted for a significant share of the global aerosol market. Because of its vast variety of characteristics, aluminum is one of the most used materials for packaging. It's light, shatterproof, impervious to water, flexible, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable. Aluminum aerosol cans keep the contents fresh for a long period by preventing high volatile ingredients from escaping. Aluminum has a considerable market share in the worldwide aerosol can market due to these considerations. In June 2020, Unilever PLC teamed up with German aerosol can manufacturer Tubex to develop its eco-friendly antiperspirant, Rexona Recycled Refreshed. The Rexona aerosol can is made of a patented aluminum alloy and 25% real post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. The use of alloy and a slight change of shape makes Rexona Recycled Refreshed 14% lighter than its predecessor. By propellant, the market is primarily divided into: Liquefied Gas Compressed Gas Based on propellants, the market is segmented into liquefied gas propellants and compressed gas propellants. The liquefied gas propellants accounted for a significant share of the market. Even when the product level declines, additional liquefied gas propellant evaporates to maintain constant pressure in the space above the product in the case of liquid gas propellant. This helps to keep the spray's performance over the life of the aerosol can. This is attributable to the liquefied gas propellant's significant market share benefits. By formulation, the market is primarily divided into: Water-based Solvent-based Among both, water-based formulation is likely to showcase significant growth during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. Further, globally, perception regarding solvent-based products is increasingly getting adverse as a consumer are becoming more aware of the harmful effects of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Increasing awareness coupled with stringent government regulation is supporting the market of water-based aerosols which have a lower VOC content. By application, the market is primarily divided into: Personal Care Household Others Personal care captured the dominant position in the aerosol market. Personal care products like deodorants/antiperspirants, hairsprays, shaving mousse, and hair mousse are widely consumed across the globe and these products are mainly available in aerosol, thus boosting the demand for aerosol in the personal care sector. Further, growing consumer spending power increases the consumption of beautification products, thereby propelling the demand for aerosols. Global Aerosol Market Geographical Segmentation Includes: North America ( United States , Canada , Rest of North America ) ( , , Rest of ) Europe ( Germany , UK, France , Italy , Spain , Rest of Europe ) ( , UK, , , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , Rest of APAC) ( , , , , Rest of APAC) Rest of the World Europe is among the largest consumer of aerosol, globally. The regional country like Germany, the UK, and France are among the leading producer and consumers of aerosol not only in the regional market but across the globe. High income and large industrial sector help the region to easily and fastly adopt the new products. Further, the presence of a large number of aerosol-producing companies in the regional market like Unilever PLC, L'Oreal S.A., Beiersdorf AG, and Akzo Nobel N.V., is increasingly offering new aerosol products in the market, thereby aiding in the growth of the market. For instance, in June 2020 Unilever PLC collaborated with Tubex GmbH, a Germany-based aerosol can manufacturer, to develop an eco-friendly antiperspirant, Rexona Recycled Refreshed. Similarly, in December 2021, Beiersdorf AG has announced the launch of a new aerosol valve system for its new Nivea Ecodeo product line, a deodorant range. Ask for Report Customization @ https://univdatos.com/report/aerosol-market/ Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. The Procter & Gamble Company Unilever PLC Akzo Nobel N.V. PPG Industries Inc. The Sherwin-Williams Company L'Oreal S.A. Beiersdorf AG Competitive Landscape The degree of competition among prominent companies has been elaborated by analyzing several leading key players operating globally. The specialist team of research analysts sheds light on various traits such as global market competition, market share, most recent industry advancements, innovative product launches, partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions by leading companies in the global Aerosol market. The major players have been analyzed by using research methodologies for getting insight views on market competition. Key questions resolved through this analytical market research report include: What are the latest trends, new patterns, and technological advancements in the global aerosol market? Which factors are influencing the global aerosol market over the forecast period? What are the global challenges, threats, and risks in the global aerosol market? Which factors are propelling and restraining the global aerosol market? What are the demanding global regions of the global aerosol market? What will be the market size in the upcoming years? What are the crucial market acquisition strategies and policies applied by the companies? We understand the requirement of different businesses, regions, and countries, we offer customized reports as per your requirements of business nature. Please let us know if you have any custom needs. For more informative information, please visit us @ https://univdatos.com/report/aerosol-market/ Browse Other Related Research Reports from UnivDatos Market Insights Polyphenols Market: https://univdatos.com/report/polyphenols-market/ Greenhouse Film Market: https://univdatos.com/report/greenhouse-film-market/ Rosin Amine Market : https://univdatos.com/report/rosin-amine-market/ Hydrogen Compressor Market: https://univdatos.com/report/hydrogen-compressor-market/ Fatty Alcohol Market: https://univdatos.com/report/fatty-alcohol-market/ About UnivDatos Market Insights UnivDatos Market Insights (UMI) is a passionate market research firm and a subsidiary of Universal Data Solutions. We believe in delivering insights through Market Intelligence Reports, Customized Business Research, and Primary Research. Our research studies are spread across topics across the world, we cover markets in over 100 countries using smart research techniques and agile methodologies. We offer in-depth studies, detailed analysis, and customized reports that help shape winning business strategies for our clients. Contact UnivDatos Market Insights Ankita Gupta Director Operations Ph: +91-7838604911 Email: [email protected] Website: https://univdatos.com/ SOURCE UnivDatos Market Insights Pvt. Ltd. First Web3 Metaverse marketplace to partner with Architect, Hani Rashid, and iconic artists in VR. Tweet this Rashid's partnership and design of the DMINTI Metaverse revolutionizes how digital art is created and experienced using immersive XR technologies. Artists and collectors are able to collaborate and experiment within a virtual metaverse where they can create, exhibit, and sell their works. "From my vantage point as an architect equally at home designing physical and virtual architecture, creating the DMINTI Metaverse is a fascinating opportunity to set up a trajectory and experiment to allow artistic chance and spatial outcomes to occur. I have always been fascinated by John Cage and his celebration of 'chance' and the unexpected stemming from a precisely 'engineered' premise and scaffolding. The DMINTI Metaverse is really about discovery and the exquisite outcomes when confronting art and space." said Hani Rashid DMINTI's mission for this art metaverse is to build interactive, multigenerational communities with a shared 3D canvas for all NFT projects cultivated with partnering artists and curators while serving as a cultural institution and for collectors. The project and partnership is supported by DMINTI's founding advisory panel of artworld, crypto, and tech leaders Shalom Meckenzie, Jennifer Stockman, Dominique Levy, Christopher Jones, and Carola Jain. About DMINTI DMINTI is a first-of-its-kind company to recognize the seismic shift represented by the emergence of NFT art and the metaverse. DMINTI partners with the world's leading and emerging contemporary artists in the crypto and traditional art worlds; to support them with the best tools available to produce, exhibit, and market unique, culturally relevant NFT and Web3 projects. Its curatorial team has over half a century of collective experience working with artists in the museum and gallery context, producing exhibitions, commissions, and publications. DMINTI's team leverages both their individual and combined expertise to produce, display and market NFTs from its evolving roster of artists--from creatives known for their historic digital and computational work to contemporary "legacy" artworld artists to those who are cryptonative. Serving as connectors within this digital-first realm, DMINTI embraces museum-level protocols to help codify and formalize the NFT arena. About Hani Rashid Hani Rashid a practicing architect, known for a first-of-its-kind Guggenheim Virtual Museum and the Virtual New York Stock Exchange among other notable projects and buildings including the Yas Marina Hotel and Formula one venue in Abu Dhabi. Hani co-founded New York based Asymptote Architecture ( https://asymptote.net ) with his partner, Lise Anne Couture in 1989. Alongside his professional work, Hani has a distinguished, international academic career having held numerous visiting professorships at a number of important universities including the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design as well as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH). In 1998 Hani co-founded and developed Columbia University's GSAAP Advanced Digital Design program. And in 2000 Hani Rashid co-represented the United States at the 7th Venice Architecture Biennale. Hani lives in New York City, and alongside his architectural practice, is the director of Deep_Futures, a research laboratory in the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. For Media Requests- Di Petroff [email protected] SOURCE DMINTI DUBLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Asia Breast Cancer Screening Market, Size, Forecast 2022-2027, Industry Trends, Share, Growth, Impact of COVID-19, Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Asia Breast Cancer Screening Market is expected to reach USD 16.5 Billion by 2027 from USD 10.1 Billion in 2021 post recovery from the pandemic Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in breast tissue change and divide uncontrolled, typically resulting in a lump or mass. Remarkably, Asia is the world's largest continent comprising millions of the human population. Breast cancer is the most familiar type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Asia. Besides, the incidence of breast cancer in Asia varies widely across the continent, and cancer rates are increasing rapidly in parallel to socio-economic development. Asia Breast Cancer Screening Industry is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% during 2021-2027 The major driving forces for expanding the breast cancer screening market in Asia are increasing breast cancer awareness, government and NGOs supporting breast cancer screening programs, and the aging population. Nevertheless, critical threats for the breast cancer screening market in Asia are societal fear, misconceptions, and cultural barriers. Another major challenge being faced by almost all Asian countries is the non-availability of national-level screening programs; however, partial or regional screening programs are available in a few of Asian countries. Mammogram Screening Leads Breast Cancer Screening in Asia The mammogram is the leading method for breast cancer screening in Asian countries. Further, we have also made the market estimation that China, Japan, and Korea are the top three countries for breast cancer mammogram screening. Other Asian countries included in our study are India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand for breast cancer mammogram screening. China Holds Significant Dominance in Asia Breast Cancer Screening Market The report studies the breast cancer screening market of Asian countries like India, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. China, Japan, and Korea are the top-most contributors to the breast cancer screening industry. In addition, China holds significant dominance in the Asia breast cancer screening market. Further, a prominent women population and domestic NGOs initiatives support China to become a leader in the Asian breast cancer screening market. COVID-19 Impact on the Asia Breast Cancer Screening Industry: Globally, over a billion people had been affected due to novel Coronavirus for the first time in 2020. The whole world had been facing problems in healthcare and the financial world during the pandemic era. Besides, most healthcare centers had reserved their team and resources for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and due to this outbreak, women avoided diagnostics centers as lockdowns were imposed by governments across the world, declining the market. Key Players: The market players are considerably contributing to market growth by adopting various strategies, including new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations with the government, and technological advancements to stay competitive in the market. The companies contributing to the growth of the Asia breast cancer screening market include AstraZeneca Novartis Sanofi Pfizer Bayer AG GlaxoSmithKline plc Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Asia Breast Cancer Screening Population Analysis 5.1 Mammography Screening Population 5.2 MRI & Ultrasound Screening Population 6. Asia Breast Cancer Screening Market Analysis 6.1 Breast Cancer Screening Market 6.1.1 Mammography Screening Market 6.1.2 MRI Screening Market 6.1.3 Ultrasound Screening Market 7. Population Share - Asia Breast Cancer Screening 7.1 Mammography Screening Population Share 7.2 MRI & Ultrasound Screening Population Share 8. Market Share - Asia Breast Cancer Screening Analysis 8.1 Asia Breast Cancer Screening Market Share 8.2 Mammography Screening Market Share 8.3 MRI Screening Market Share 8.4 Ultrasound Screening Market Share 9. India 9.1 India Breast Cancer Mammography Screening Population 9.2 India Breast Cancer Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound Screening Population 9.3 India Breast Cancer Screening Market 9.3.1 Mammography Screening Market 9.3.2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Screening Market 9.3.3 Ultrasound Screening Market 10. China 11. Japan 12. Korea 13. Singapore 14. Thailand 15. Malaysia 16. Porters Five Forces 16.1 Overview 16.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 16.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 16.4 Degree of Competition 16.5 Threat of New Entrants 16.6 Threat of Substitutes 17. Company Analysis 17.1 Overview 17.2 Recent Development 17.3 Revenue For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/e4br5h Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Cybercrime operations partially weakened due to war; Researchers observe continued slight decrease in ransomware, growth in Emotet presence, and the discovery of one of the largest botnet-as-a-services PRAGUE, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Avast (LSE:AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy, today released its Q1/2022 Threat Report which reveals cyber threats revolving around the physical war between Russia and Ukraine. The latest report shines light on a Russia-attributed APT group attacking users in Ukraine, and DDoS tools being used against targeting Russian sites, and ransomware attacks targeting companies in Ukraine. Additionally, findings show that cybergangs have been affected by the physical war, causing a slight decline in ransomware, and the temporary discontinuation of the information stealer, Racoon Stealer. Cyber warfare: Ukraine and Russia "We often see parallels between what's happening in the real world and the threat landscape when it comes to how threats are being spread and their targets. In Q1/2022 we saw a significant increase in attacks of particular malware types in countries involved in the war. Compared to Q4/2021, we saw a more than 50% increase in the amount of remote access trojan (RAT) attacks and more than 20% increase in information stealer malware attacks we blocked in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, which could be used for information gathering or espionage," said Jakub Kroustek, Avast Malware Research Director. "We also blocked 30% more attempts to infect new devices to join botnets in Russia, and a 15% increase in Ukraine, with the goal to build armies of devices that can carry out DDoS attacks on media and other critical websites and infrastructures. On the other hand, we blocked 50% less adware attacks in Russia and Ukraine, which could be due to less people going online, especially in Ukraine." Just before the war in Ukraine began, the Avast Threat Labs tracked several cyber attacks, believed to be carried out by Russian APT groups. Gamaredon, a known and active APT group, increased activity rapidly at the end of February, spreading their malware to a wide target pool, including consumers, searching for victims of interest in order to carry out espionage. Ransomware called HermeticRansom , for which Avast released a decryptor tool for, was spread, presumably also by an APT group. Avast researchers tracked tools promoted by hacktivist communities to carry out DDoS attacks on Russian websites. The researchers spotted webpages, including a weather forecast site, incorporating the code used to carry out these attacks via the visitors' browser without their consent. These types of attacks declined towards the end of the quarter. A botnet sold as a service was used for a DDoS campaign in March in connection with the Sodinokibi (REvil) ransomware group. Additionally, malware authors have used the war to spread malware, like remote access trojans (RATs) by spreading emails with malicious attachments claiming to contain important information about the war. Ukraine war impacting cybercrime operations Malware authors and operators have been directly affected by the war, such as the alleged death of the Raccoon Stealer leading developer, which resulted in the temporary discontinuation of the information stealer malware. The Avast Threat Labs also continued to observe a slight decline of 7% in ransomware attacks worldwide in Q1/2022, compared to Q4/2021, which is believed to have been caused by the war in Ukraine, where many ransomware operators and affiliates operate from. With this, ransomware attacks have decreased for the second quarter in a row. In Q4/2021, the decline was caused by a cooperation of nations, government agencies, and security vendors hunting down ransomware authors and operators. Further causes for the decline could be one of the most active and successful ransomware groups, Maze, shutting down their operations in February, and the continued trend of ransomware gangs focusing more on targeted attacks on large targets (big game hunting) rather than on regular users via spray and pray techniques. The war caused a rift within the Conti ransomware gang, with a Ukrainian researcher leaking internal files from the gang's business and source code to the Conti ransomware, after the group declared allegiance to Russia, promising ransomware retaliation for cyberattacks against Russia. The leaks temporarily resulted in a decline of Conti ransomware. Mexico, Japan, and India, are exceptions, where the chance of a user encountering ransomware increased by 120%, 37% and 34% respectively in Q1/2022 compared to Q4/2021. Emotet market share doubled, TDS spreading malicious campaigns In addition, the report reveals Emotet doubled its market share since last quarter. In particular, Avast observed a significant increase in Emotet botnet infection attempts in March. Moreover, a traffic direction system (TDS), called Parrot TDS was found spreading malicious campaigns via 165K infected sites. The report also includes a summary of how Avast researchers pieced together clues to uncover how Meris, one of the largest botnet-as-a-service networks, mainly made up of more than 230K vulnerable MikroTik devices, facilitated multiple large scale attacks in the past years. On the mobile side, bad actors are changing tactics when it comes to spreading adware and premium SMS subscriptions, which continue to be prevalent. While the Google Play Store has previously been used to distribute these threats, bad actors are now using browser pop-up windows and notifications to spread malicious apps among consumers. The full Avast Q1/2022 Threat Report can be found on the Avast Decoded blog: https://decoded.avast.io/threatresearch/avast-q1-2022-threat-report/ About Avast: Avast (LSE:AVST), a FTSE 100 company, is a global leader in digital security and privacy, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. With over 435 million users online, Avast offers products under the Avast and AVG brands that protect people from threats on the internet and the evolving IoT threat landscape. The company's threat detection network is among the most advanced in the world, using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to detect and stop threats in real time. Avast digital security products for Mobile, PC or Mac are top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom, and the Internet Watch Foundation. Visit: www.avast.com . Keep in touch with Avast: For security and privacy insights, visit the Avast blog: https://blog.avast.com/ For in-depth technical analysis of threats, visit the Avast Decoded blog: https://decoded.avast.io/ For handy guides, advice and tips, visit Avast Academy: https://www.avast.com/c-academy For more information about Avast visit: https://www.avast.com/en-gb/about and https://www.avast.com/company-faqs and Follow us on Twitter: @Avast Join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avast Visit our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/avast Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Avast Software, Inc. Banorte Chairman Carlos Hank Gonzalez: 'Providing access to a bank account strengthens community bonds and local job opportunities' MEXICO CITY, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Financiero Banorte Chairman Carlos Hank Gonzalez said today the bank has joined a United Nations' program to provide digital bank account access to refugees in Mexico, opening more employment opportunities as they seek a new life in that country. He said Banorte, the largest Mexican financial institution, is supporting the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, with a digital account outreach to assist refugees in engaging formally in the country's economy. That effort will help them find jobs along with other UNHCR services, such as education, training and housing searches. "Providing access to a bank account strengthens community bonds and local job opportunities. Banorte is committed to do its part to assist those seeking prosperity in our country, and actively participating in the economic life of Mexico," said Carlos Hank Gonzalez. Banorte is the biggest financial institution in the country to offer a digital banking account under the UN program. Since 2016, the UNHCR has helped more than 18,000 refugees start over in several cities in Mexico, working as entrepreneurs and in formal jobs with benefits in factories, in retail and as managers all contributing to the country's economic growth. The UNHCR said the program benefits refugees and asylum-seekers who are searching for or have jobs and want to live safely in Mexico. It's also a win for the businesses able to add to their community and to expand the essence of the private sector. Banorte's digital bank account offer is yet another step forward, allowing the refugee population to access services quickly, securely and completely online, through www.banorte.com. "Banking is a fundamental element for the integration of refugees into economic life in Mexico," said Giovanni Lepri, UNHCR representative in Mexico. "Having an account is a first step to encourage savings, ensure financial security and access credit products that improve a person's quality of life. We hope Banorte's example will motivate other financial institutions to join this integration program." The UNHRC said refugees need to be able to open a bank account to achieve their integration process. Most arrive and seek asylum in job-poor states in the south of Mexico. After enrolling in the integration program, they are relocated to one of nine locations in central and northern Mexico that have a higher demand for workers and better capacity to include newcomers in their education and health systems. It also said the refugee integration program is supported by Mexican federal and state governments, and more than 170 companies in Mexico which view employing refugees as not only being good corporate citizens but also maintaining good business. About Grupo Financiero Banorte Grupo Financiero Banorte is the largest Mexican financial institution. It offers financial services to individuals and companies through its businesses: banking, brokerage, fund operator, insurer, pension, leasing and factoring, warehouse, portfolio manager and the remittance company Uniteller. It also integrates the largest retirement savings fund in the country by asset management. Grupo Financiero Banorte is a public company listed on the main indicator of the Mexican Stock Exchange, and has 31,000 employees, more than 1,100 branches and 9,600 ATMs. Website: carloshankgonzalez.com Twitter: @CarlosHankG Facebook: CarlosHankGonzalezBanorte LinkedIn: carloshankgonzalez Facebook: Grupo Financiero Banorte Twitter: @GFBanorte_mx LinkedIn: Grupo Financiero Banorte Media contact Francisco Rodriguez Daniel Executive Director of Corporate Communication [email protected] SOURCE Grupo Financiero Banorte VILNIUS, Lithuania, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitlocus, a global emerging fintech company that provides a gateway for fiat users to interact with DeFi protocols, partners with Striga to offer a crypto-enabled debit card for eligible Bitlocus platform users. The card will allow users to use their crypto funds to purchase goods and services the same way as they spend traditional currencies wherever Visa is accepted. That accounts for more than 70 million merchant locations world wide. Bitlocus cards will allow its users to spend their crypto on POS (Point of Sale) devices, withdraw cash from ATMs, or make online purchases. While benefits for retail customers are obvious, Bitlocus card platform will be beneficial for business clients too. For example,they will be able to make payments with their tokens listed on Bitlocus exchange. In addition, business clients will be provided with an opportunity to have their brand on the card. Andrius Normantas, CEO at Bitlocus, says: "the card is a natural addition to the portfolio of other Bitlocus products. Digital currencies and the crypto ecosystem in general are gaining momentum, and we want our clients to benefit from this shift as much as possible". Bernardo Magnani, CEO at Striga, says: "our Partnership with Bitlocus has been critical in the evolution of Striga as a company and dates to our early days when we were running our own crypto card program under the brand Lastbit. We are honored to have been selected by Bitlocus to power their ambitious crypto-enabled card program and excited to kick-off this new stage in our partnership." Both virtual and physical cards will be introduced. The registration to the waiting list will be announced shortly. About Bitlocus Bitlocus is a global financial technology company. The main mission of Bitlocus is to bring fiat and cryptocurrencies together via features such as fiat-to-crypto exchange, payment cards, crypto payments processing, liquidity, and other services. For more information please visit https://bitlocus.com/. About Striga Striga is a crypto-native banking as a service platform that enables fintech and crypto startups to build and scale crypto-and-fiat blended applications in Europe, such as crypto-enabled card programs. Striga is backed by world-class investors in Silicon Valley such as YCombinator, Berkeley SkyDeck, and Charlie Lee (creator of Litecoin). For more information on please visit https://striga.com/. Media Contact: Bitlocus [email protected] SOURCE Bitlocus "We are excited to build on our foundation here in Northern Virginia. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent," said Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun. Boeing will maintain a significant presence at its Chicago location and surrounding region. "We greatly appreciate our continuing relationships in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We look forward to maintaining a strong presence in the city and the state," said Calhoun. "We also want to especially thank Governor Youngkin for his partnership, and Senator Warner for his support as we worked through the process." Future of Work Enables More Investment in Manufacturing, Engineering, Training Over the past two years, Boeing has implemented flexible and virtual solutions that have enabled the company to reduce its office space needs. At its Chicago office, less office space will be required for the employees who will continue to be based there. Boeing will adapt and modernize the workspace to better support future work requirements. "In today's business environment, we have adopted a flexible work strategy in parts of our company and are taking steps to be more efficient within a reduced footprint. This helps us channel investments toward our critical manufacturing and engineering facilities and training resources," said Calhoun. New Boeing Research & Technology Hub As part of its effort to tap into engineering and technology talent across the U.S and around the world, Boeing plans to establish a research and technology hub in Northern Virginia. The hub will focus on developing innovations in the areas of cyber security, autonomous operations, quantum sciences and software and systems engineering. "The future of Boeing is digital," said Greg Hyslop, Boeing's chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test and Technology. "Focusing our R&D and talent development in areas that support digital innovation will fuel the introduction of cutting-edge capabilities. This new hub in Northern Virginia will follow the successful implementation of this technology strategy in other regions." Boeing's Footprint and Impact As the nation's largest exporter, Boeing employs more than 140,000 people and is hiring as the commercial market recovers and the company invests in production, innovation and product development. The company's three business units will continue to be based at their current headquarters, which include: Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, Wash. Boeing Global Services in Plano, Texas Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Arlington, Va. In addition to the company's operations, Boeing works with more than 12,000 businesses supporting more than one million supplier jobs across the United States, and located in every state. Globally, the company has operations in more than 65 countries. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at boeing.com. Contact Boeing Communications [email protected] SOURCE Boeing 51 Billion dollars were sent from the US in 2021 - Remittances are the most important source of currency for Mexico LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A Latin American FinTech company, Broxel, is putting an end to high fees and long waits for sending money from the US to Mexico. Starting tomorrow, Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican American community in the United States will be able to send money to their families south of the border, at zero cost. Remittances are essential for the Mexican economy, being the first source of currency, above oil exports. In the middle of the pandemic lockdown, immigrants sent 40 billion dollars to their relatives in Mexico; in 2021 the amount climbed up to 51 billion dollars. Mexican workers sent an average of $ 378 USD per remittance, and made 136 million of operations last year. "As a son of Mexican immigrants, I know that family is number one priority. It does not matter if you are hundreds of miles away, family comes first. Millions of families in Mexico depend on the hard work of people trying to achieve their dreams, sending money every week as an act of love, memory and gratitude. So having a financial product that allows the Mexican community to send money for free, is proof that technology can change people's lives. My Mom used to work in a telephone company, my Dad worked for the municipality of National City, and the way they sent money back to Culiacan, in Mexico, is not very different from what immigrants use today. That is why this real-time free remittances platform is so relevant for the Latino community in our country," said Mario Lopez about Broxels new release. Broxel Pay App is available for everyone to register through www.broxel.com, and free remittances are just one of many functionalities users can have in a cutting-edge financial platform, which includes: a MasterCard debit card accepted worldwide, a borderless solution in which users can have on the same App an account in pesos, issued in Mexico, and an account in dollars issued in the U.S.; a travel discounts platform, among many others. Getting a Broxel card is a 100% percent secure-digital process, and users can make cash-in to their cards through more than 150, 000 merchants, or via ACH. "Technology is erasing borders. The idea of having free remittances is an economical disruption for the North American region, and a game changer for millions of potential users. Every transaction has a story behind it: Remittances are used for essential needs such as health care, paying for food or having a place to live. So this initiative is the best way to thank the epic and daily effort of the Mexican community in the U.S. We believe that geography and economy can bring us apart, but technology is bringing us together," said Gustavo Gutierrez, Founder and President of Broxel. Millions of Mexican workers pay every day more than 5% of the amount they send in fees and commissions. In that sense, this borderless solution represents an amazing change for more than 4 million Mexicans sending money back to Mexico everyday. According to Broxel data, the most significant source cities for remittances are: Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Brooklyn, San Diego, San Antonio and San Jose. Contact : Jessica Meisels/Fingerprint Communications [email protected] 310-276-7500 SOURCE Broxel VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. (TSXV: BILD), a growing omnichannel building material retailer, today announced that it will report first quarter 2022 financial results before the market open on Monday, May 30, 2022. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's financial results at 9:30 am EST on the same day. BuildDirect First Quarter 2022 Financial Results Conference Call When: Monday, May 30, 2022 Time: 9:30 am EST Live Call: (888) 664-6392 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8659 with confirmation ID: 23177864 Replay: (888) 390-0541 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8677 (Toronto) with entry code: 177864 The replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call until 8:59 pm EST on June 6, 2022. The conference call will also be available via webcast on the Investor Relations section of BuildDirect's website at https://ir.builddirect.com/events-and-presentations. About BuildDirect BuildDirect (TSXV: BILD) is a growing omnichannel building material retailer. BuildDirect connects North American home improvement B2B and B2C organizations, and homeowners with quality building materials and services through its robust global supply chain network. BuildDirect's growth trajectory, strong product offering, and proprietary heavyweight delivery network are delivering value today, solidifying its position as an innovative player in the home improvement industry. For more information, visit www.BuildDirect.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. Keen players in the cable laying vessel market play a major role in manufacture of vessels for diverse needs of the offshore energy industry Focus on capacity, efficiency, and flexibility is leading to the development of cable laying vessels to complete more jobs with fewer operations ALBANY, N.Y., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The cable laying vessel market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2031. The significant demand for submarine cables for high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity in subsea fuels the growth of the cable laying vessel market. Large investments from telecommunications companies for the installation of submarine cables to serve the growing demand for improved and faster underwater communication are attracting investments in the cable laying vessel market. Economic value of submarine cables that alleviates the limitations of data transmitting capacity of existing cables creates ample opportunities in cable laying vessel market. Rise in investments in installation of subsea cables leading to increase in focus of shipbuilding companies on the development of cable laying vessels is gathering steam. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, nearly 99% of the of the world's communication is provided via subsea cables. Get PDF Brochure for More Insights https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=31631 Cable Laying Vessel Market Key Findings of Report Extensive use of subsea cables in the offshore oil & gas sector that connects oil and gas platforms with mainland power grids for high quality and reliable shore-to-platform, and internal platform fiber-optic communication creates substantial demand for specialized vessels for laying submarine cables Economic advantages of offshore wind technology that enables to exploit both higher and smoother offshore wind resources for mega scale energy projects for densely populated coastal areas, which makes it an important addition in low carbon technologies creates ample opportunities in cable laying vessel market. Nonetheless, need to address challenges in the offshore energy industry provides thrust for innovations in the cable laying vessel market. The effort of Nexans S.A. for made-to-order installation vessels for diverse needs of the offshore energy industry is a case in point. Get Covid 19 Analysis https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19&rep_id=31631 Investments for the development of environmentally sustainable cable laying ships are transforming the cable laying vessel market landscape. Capacity, flexibility, and efficiency are the focus of stakeholders in the cable laying vessel market. For instance, Fincantieri Norwegian subsidiary Vard a leading global shipbuilder of specialized vessels has entered into an agreement with Dutch company Van Oord for the design and development of environment-friendly cable laying vessel. for the design and development of environment-friendly cable laying vessel. Demand for submarine power cables for power grid connections across borders is creating new frontiers in the cable laying vessel market. Critical advantage of international power grid interconnections that allows two or more adjoining countries to share power generation resources is favorable to their commission. The installation of four subsea cable interconnectors in the U.K. that is linked with Ireland , France , Northern Ireland , and the Netherlands provides opportunities for countries on both sides of the interconnector to gain from lower cost energy supply at various times of the year. , , , and provides opportunities for countries on both sides of the interconnector to gain from lower cost energy supply at various times of the year. Asia Pacific is a key region in the cable laying vessel market. Excessive penetration of mobile devices leading to laying of new subsea cables in ocean beds for data transmission provides impetus to cable laying vessels market of the region. Request a Sample https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=31631 Cable Laying Vessel Market Growth Drivers Use of cable laying vessels to lay subsea cable in the seabed for development of offshore wind farms for clean technologies creates ample opportunities in cable laying vessel market Exponential growth of the telecommunications sector leading to construction of subsea cables for data transmission stimulates growth of the cable laying vessel market Cable Laying Vessel Market Key Players Some of the key players operating in the cable laying vessel market are; Van Oord NEXAN Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. Royal IHC ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd. E-Marine PJSC Global Marine NTT ENGINEERING MARINE CORPORATION Prysmian Group NKT A/S DEEPOCEAN Damen Shipyards Group Seaway 7 Orange Marine Make an Enquiry Before Buying - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=EB&rep_id=31631 The cable laying vessel market is segmented as follows; Cable Laying Vessel Market, by Vessel Type Cable Laying Cable Repairing Cable Laying Vessel Market, by Capacity Below 1000 Tons 1000 3000 Tons 3001 5000 Tons 5001 7000 Tons Above 7000 Tons Cable Laying Vessel Market, by Water Depth Shallow Water Deep Water Cable Laying Vessel Market, by End User Offshore Oil & Gas Offshore Wind Farms Telecom Others (including Navy) Cable Laying Vessel Market, by Region U.S. Europe France Italy U.K. Sweden Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Japan ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa & Latin America Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Rest of Latin America Energy & Natural Resources Industry battles Tangible Impact of Economic and Cultural changes, Explore Transparency Market Research's award-winning coverage of the global Energy & Natural Resources: Power Management System Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/power-management-system-market.html Micro-scale Biogas Plant Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/microscale-biogas-plant-market.html About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyse information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. For More Research Insights on Leading Industries, Visit our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e-z-g23-TdDMuODiL8BKQ Contact: Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Press Release Source: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/cable-laying-vessel-market.htm SOURCE Transparency Market Research NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Wilkinson ("CW") is pleased to announce the closing of a $25MM fund leverage facility for a long track record Credit Fund client arranged by our Fund Finance Division. A CW credit investor has closed on a $25MM loan on loan leverage facility arrange through our network of our Fund Finance leverage providers. This facility allows our client to enhance returns and use the leverage to continue growing their platform. A pool of specific loans were carved out of the primary fund into an SPV to support this facility. "We continue to see significant demand from our Private Credit and Private Equity Fund clients for all types of leverage solutions including SPV leverage as is the case with this client, as well as non-dilutive GP financing and very aggressive NAV facilities. Our private fund clients that invest directly in our direct deal flow are recognizing the flexibility of, and the customized approach that we take when raising leverage facilities for them; as each facility is bespoke and built from the ground up to meet the specific needs of each specific fund" said Rob Bolandian, Partner and Global Head of Investment Banking at Cambridge Wilkinson. www.cambridgewilkinson.com About Us: Cambridge Wilkinson is a leading global investment bank with the speed, connections, and the confidence to get transactions done. With a focus on middle market companies, we arrange debt and equity capital raises from $25 million to $5 billion and advise on mergers and acquisitions. In addition, we also provide flexible and scalable leverage facilities and credit facilities for private equity funds and alternative credit funds which range from $25 million to $2 billion. We bring deep experience working with specialty finance institutions, real estate entities, funds as well as businesses spanning a variety of other industries. We offer unique access to a broad network of capital sources including large family offices, credit funds, banks, non-bank credit groups, insurance companies, private equity, sovereigns, and endowments. All securities assignments are completed through Avalon Securities, Ltd. a FINRA member and SEC registered broker-dealer. Rob Bolandian, Partner & Global Head of Investment Banking [email protected] Howard Chernin, Partner & COO [email protected] US 1-646-582-9423 SOURCE Cambridge Wilkinson Peter Allen & Anna Harper join Cardinality executive leadership team to accelerate growth and deliver highest level of customer satisfaction GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinality.ai, a data technology company helping government agencies achieve better outcomes through data-driven automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and built-for-purpose solutions, announced that Peter Allen and Anna Harper join Cardinality's executive leadership team as Chief Growth Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, respectively. As CGO, Peter will collaborate with the executive leadership team and be responsible for accelerating growth by driving a go-to-market strategy that aligns with Cardinality's vision of impacting one billion people globally by 2024. An accomplished leader of sales and marketing teams across technology firms of diverse sizes, Peter led global sales and marketing for CSC, delivering over $15B in annual bookings, and has also led the growth functions for smaller companies serving specific industry segments, most recently serving as the senior vice president for sales & marketing at Benefitfocus, a $300M/year SaaS leader in employee benefits enrollment and administration. "Cardinality is earning a remarkable position among progressive government agencies for modernizing the ways citizens are served through social programs which improve quality of life. That's both the mission and momentum that I am honored to join," commented Allen. Anna, in her role as CAO, is responsible for overseeing operational budgets, key performance indicators and staffing across Cardinality's global operations to ensure clients & employees have a seamless and positive experience. She has been serving as the Vice President of Operations for Cardinality for the last year and has established a strong foundation supporting the company's plans to scale. "It's a privilege to serve as a leader in an organization whose mission aligns with your personal goals. The opportunity to apply my expertise to an organization supporting government agencies to improve the lives of citizens has purpose and meaning", shared Harper. "Peter & Anna are tremendous additions to our executive leadership team. Their experience and mastery in their respective fields complements the deep technology leadership and public sector domain expertise of our other leaders," said Thiag Loganathan, Cardinality's CEO. "We are looking forward to leveraging their expertise to enhance our growth & execution strategy and help us continue our journey to make it easier and faster for U.S. government workers to serve their constituents." Over the past year, Cardinality has added three new state agencies to the growing roster of customers, secured outside investment from Attain Capital Partners, added industry leader Greg Baroni to its Board of Directors, confirmed Thiag Loganathan as CEO, appointed Kevin Jones to the Chief Operating Officer role, focusing on product engineering, customer activation and support, and the functional roadmap for the Cardinality platform. "We are executing our plan to fulfill our mission of improving outcomes for vulnerable populations in America, and globally, by enhancing the executive leadership that will serve us with expert steering," concluded Loganathan. About Cardinality Cardinality is a data technology group helping government agencies achieve better outcomes by eliminating friction and improving the experience of citizens and government workers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) SaaS Solutions. Founded in 2017 by four serial entrepreneurs and a team of data specialists, the company has one goal: impact a billion lives. And it's already on its wayCardinality solutions are being used by multiple agencies in the states of Indiana and Maryland. The company's suite of solutions was built specifically for workforce, health, and human services leveraging modern AI Case Management, CRM, ERP, RedBird AI, and Low-Code platform, so that agencies can modernize existing systems up to 50% faster than other low-code platforms and 200% faster than custom or unproven solutions. Cardinality has been recognized as a GovTech 100 company in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and as the SaaSBOOMi vertical SaaS startup of 2020. For more information, please visit www.cardinality.ai . Media Contact: Erin Yeazell VP Customer Success [email protected] 513-560-5560 www.cardinality.ai SOURCE Cardinality.ai "Lawson-Fenning designs are a perfect blend of California modernism, design heritage and artisanal craft. It's an ethos we're excited to bring into our brand and, with it, continue to evolve," said Ryan Turf, President of CB2. "The collaboration features beautiful, functional pieces that spotlight materials and craftsmanship. And like the full breadth of our assortment, they're designed to stand the test of time." Each piece in the collectionwhich spans both indoor and outdoor living and dining along with office, bedding, lighting, tabletop and decoris thoughtfully pared down to its base elements, exposing joinery, highlighting finishes, and allowing the simplicity of materials and pure craftsmanship to make a statement. The result is a selection of thoughtfully crafted pieces that evoke both an awe-inspiring natural vista and the clean lines of modern architecture. "Our collection for CB2 is an expression of our love affair with California living, and a tribute to the quality and craft of California furniture and the refined '60s and '70s California aesthetic," said Glenn Lawson. "The collection is a continuation of the design practice that we've been honing over the last 20-plus years. This is the purest expression of our line," added Grant Fenning. The color palette for the collection was pulled from topographic aerial photography of the California coast and focuses on earth tones and landscape colors. More than 50 unique products comprise the Lawson-Fenning for CB2 collection, which includes six made-to-order upholstery selections. Highlights include: Indoor/Outdoor Living - The collection embraces the fluidity of indoor/outdoor living with pieces such as the Seahaven Sofa and Lounge Chairs, with their unique massing and generous proportions not often seen in outdoor furniture. - The collection embraces the fluidity of indoor/outdoor living with pieces such as the Seahaven Sofa and Lounge Chairs, with their unique massing and generous proportions not often seen in outdoor furniture. Luxury Dining and Serverware - The Half Moon Dining Chair and Counter Stools pair high-end materialssuch as FSC-certified solid black American walnut with channel-tufted cotton velvet upholstery and striking brass detailsresulting in an effortlessly luxurious feel. Pair with the collection's new Sojourn Oat Dinnerware to perfectly complement the setting. - The Half Moon Dining Chair and Counter Stools pair high-end materialssuch as FSC-certified solid black American walnut with channel-tufted cotton velvet upholstery and striking brass detailsresulting in an effortlessly luxurious feel. Pair with the collection's new Sojourn Oat Dinnerware to perfectly complement the setting. Organic Elements - Organic shapes and natural elements are the basis of this collection. The flowing silhouettes of the Muir Curved Sofa and Swivel Chair were directly inspired by the topography of Southern California . Similarly, the travertine El Verano Coffee Table carves a hard material into a soft, organic shape. - Organic shapes and natural elements are the basis of this collection. The flowing silhouettes of the Muir Curved Sofa and Swivel Chair were directly inspired by the topography of . Similarly, the travertine El Verano Coffee Table carves a hard material into a soft, organic shape. Detailed Construction - Exacting, handcrafted execution is showcased in pieces like the Ventura Notched Bookshelf which features glides made of FSC-certified white oak, and the Point Dume Game Table and Chess Set which uses dovetail joinery to further profile the FSC-certified mahogany and walnut. - Exacting, handcrafted execution is showcased in pieces like the Ventura Notched Bookshelf which features glides made of FSC-certified white oak, and the Point Dume Game Table and Chess Set which uses dovetail joinery to further profile the FSC-certified mahogany and walnut. Limited-Edition Art by Todd Magill - For the art in this collection, Lawson-Fenning reached out to Todd Magill , a menswear designer and friend. Magill's use of strong, uninhibited tones rooted in geometric abstraction also calls back to the '60s aesthetic of muted-yet-bold colors and clean lines blending seamlessly with pieces across the collaboration. The collection is available exclusively at cb2.com , with products ranging in price from $7.95 to $3,999. About CB2 CB2 is transforming the perception of home design for today's modern consumer by offering attainable, high-quality, sophisticated design. The brand is today's destination for timeless-yet-edgy home collections, creating furniture and decor to inspire creativity and celebrate individuality with an eclectic mix of products and decorating ideas. In addition to being a leader in online retail, CB2 is expanding its physical footprint and currently has 24 locations across the U.S. and Canada. CB2 is part of Crate & Barrel Holdings, which is owned by The Otto Group, a global retail and services group based in Hamburg, Germany. For more information, visit cb2.com or follow us on Instagram or Pinterest . About Lawson-Fenning Lawson-Fenning is a California-based design brand specializing in new and midcentury furniture and accessories that are all designed and crafted in Los Angeles. Since its launch in the late 1990s by co-founders Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning, the brand has cultivated unique relationships with local fabricators, welders, and upholsterers to establish a reputation as a brand that provides high-quality craft pieces to both local consumers and the larger design community. Lawson-Fenning operates a two-story Melrose Avenue flagship store, along with a West Hollywood-based warehouse that serves the trade community. The showroom inventory includes curated vintage finds, the LF Collection, and pieces from designer collaborations, including one-of-a-kind ceramics, lighting, and furniture. @lawsonfenning SOURCE CB2 Clarivoy announces key executive new hires to support record business growth and expansion Tweet this Amy Gunter, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the auto industry, will now serve as Director of Customer Success. She will continue to work with dealers to help them optimize their advertising in addition to her new responsibilities overseeing customer success operations. Sean McLean recently joined Clarivoy after four years as director of marketing and strategy at Travers Automotive and RV Group. McLean will divide his energy serving as Product Manager, a newly-created position, and Customer Success Manager. McLean has been in the automotive industry for 15 years, and has combined his analytical skills and progressive marketing techniques to produce optimal results for his clients and dealerships. Another new face on the customer success team is Nan Mossey. Mossey, formerly an account executive with Edmunds, contributes to Clarivoy's white-glove approach to customer success as a Customer Success Manager, helping dealers know which advertising is working and which isn't. Mossey brings her winning combination of being both creative and technologically astute to Clarivoy, and its clients. As a new operations specialist on the Customer Success team, Charlie Gilbert is primarily responsible for data integration and applying meticulous data quality measures. Before joining Clarivoy, Gilbert served as an account manager for Concentrix. "With a renewed dealer focus on marketing measurement and attribution, our company is experiencing record growth coming out of the pandemic. We're excited to welcome our new hires and see our team develop and grow with us. Clarivoy is poised to meet its ambitious goals to deliver transformative technology to the auto industry," said Matt Reid, president. For more information, or to sign up for a product demonstration, visit: https://www.clarivoy.com. About Clarivoy Clarivoy is the auto industry's leading provider of multi-touch sales attribution and advanced digital targeting tools. Their solutions reveal more about their clients' customers, their advertising and their path to success so they can drive more sales. Clarivoy's proprietary technology grants marketers incomparable visibility into their customers and campaigns across all channels, all devices online and offline. Armed with this new information, marketers can stop guessing and start knowing what is working and what is not. SOURCE Clarivoy "As an epicenter for climate change and a leader in the burgeoning crypto movement, Miami offered the perfect venue to introduce Climatecoin and its transformative potential to the world," said Javier Manzanares, co-CEO of Climatecoin. "Today marks the beginning of a global investment movement that will help neutralize and reverse Earth's climate threat by democratizing climate finance and harnessing the power of technology and global collaboration to deliver real climate solutions." Coinciding with the soft launch, Climatecoin signed a new deal with the Instituto Interamericana de Cooperacion para la Agricultura (IICA). The IICA stimulates, promotes and supports the efforts of its 34 member countries, including the U.S., to achieve their agricultural development and rural well-being goals. Through the tokenization of carbon credits via Climatecoin's proprietary digitalization technology, the partnership highlights the contribution of 1.8 billion tons of CO2 in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) across 32 countries in the Americas, excluding the U.S. and Canada, for potential offsets in sustainable projects. "Our partnership with the IICA is momentous for Climatecoin as well as for the projects and people the IICA supports," said Pedro Lopez, cofounder and co-CEO of Climatecoin. "It will enable a new level of global coordination and cooperation that will strengthen the resilience of rural territories, fuel sustainable economic growth, improve international and regional trade and contribute to the wellbeing of rural communities around the world." Climatecoin has also signed a separate Cooperation Agreement with the provincial government of La Rioja, Argentina, which will make available 1.5 million hectares of native forests for tokenization through Climatecoin. As Climatecoin prepares for a hard launch in the fall, executives from the company will be on site at Aspen Ideas: Climate, running from May 9 - 12 in Miami Beach, Fla. Francisco Benedito, cofounder and chairman of Climatecoin, will participate in a conversation with other climate leaders to introduce Climatecoin's innovative, sustainable and transparent platform at an adjacent event hosted by Reefline, in partnership with Faena Art, at the Faena Forum in Miami on May 11. The event is open to media and the public. About Climatecoin Climatecoin is the creator of the world's first regulated digital carbon asset. Run on a carbon neutral blockchain and backed by high-quality carbon credits, Climatecoin will fund credible and impactful decarbonization projects across the globe, providing investors and climate advocates with a meaningful investment to offset their carbon footprints. The company aims to unleash a global investment movement to neutralize and reverse Earth's climate threat by democratizing climate finance. Learn more at climatecoin.com. SOURCE Climatecoin ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CookOut News LLC has announced the launch of its digital media company. Found at https://www.cookoutnews.com, it covers the business side of the $7 billion a year outdoor cooking industry which includes grills, outdoor pizza ovens, griddles, smokers, fire pits and camp stoves. The news media website has a B2B focus with broad, passionate B2C appeal, which differentiates it from other media coverage in the industry. CookOut News Logo "Despite companies like Weber, Traeger, and Solo Stove IPO'ing last year and Blackstone this year, there was a lack of media coverage of the fast growing, outdoor cooking industry," said Wes Wright, the founder of CookOut News. "My passion for business and grilling led me to fill that gap and create CookOut News." CookOut News focuses on the business of cooking, so their reporting stops where the food starts. It includes coverage of M&A activity, product launches, supply chain issues, manufacturing, capital raising, product development, etc. It's essential information for anybody working in the outdoor cooking industry and interesting for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Contact: Wes Wright 2485562660 [email protected] SOURCE CookOut News LLC CALGARY, AB, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Crescent Point Energy Corp. ("Crescent Point" or the "Company") (TSX: CPG) (NYSE: CPG) announces that its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held on May 19, 2022, at the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Calgary (700 Centre Street S.E.) at 10:00 a.m. MT (12:00 p.m. ET). Shareholders are encouraged to attend the meeting. For those unable to attend, a live webcast of the AGM will also be available. It will not be possible to vote, or otherwise participate in the meeting through the webcast. To access either the live webcast or a replay, please visit the conference call and webcasts page of the Company's website. For further information about the AGM, including access to all meeting materials, please visit Crescent Point's website. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CRESCENT POINT ENERGY, PLEASE CONTACT: Shant Madian, Vice President, Capital Markets, or Sarfraz Somani, Manager, Investor Relations Telephone: (403) 693-0020 Toll-free (US and Canada): 888-693-0020 Fax: (403) 693-0070 Address: Crescent Point Energy Corp. Suite 2000, 585 - 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary AB T2P 1G1 www.crescentpointenergy.com Crescent Point shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CPG. SOURCE Crescent Point Energy Corp. VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Cypress Development Corp. (TSXV: CYP) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z1) ("Cypress" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its acquisition of Enertopia Corporation's ("Enertopia") Clayton Valley Lithium Claystone Project ("Enertopia Project") located adjacent to the Cypress Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada ("Cypress Project"). "We are pleased with the addition of Enertopia's property," commented Dr. Bill Willoughby, President, and CEO of Cypress. "The property is a continuation of the lithium-bearing units in Cypress' project, with Enertopia's drilling having shown similar values of lithium. With this consolidation, the data will be incorporated into our resource model and has the potential to enhance the project through our Feasibility Study underway. We expect this consolidation of Clayton Valley lithium claystone projects to be of significant value for both Enertopia and Cypress shareholders." The purchase consideration for the Enertopia Project comprised US$1.1 million in cash and the issuance of 3,000,000 common shares in the capital of Cypress ("Consideration Shares"). The transaction also included Enertopia entering into an Irrevocable Proxy and Voting Agreement and Lock-Up Agreement with Cypress in relation to the Consideration Shares. (See Company's February 24, 2022 new release for further information). In terms of these agreements, Enertopia inter alia agreed to; (i) vote in favor of shareholder resolutions supported by Cypress' Board of Directors (ii) certain limitations to the circumstances under which it could sell the Consideration Shares, and (iii) a 12-month standstill in relation to certain corporate activities pertaining to Cypress shares. In connection with the transaction, the Company has agreed to pay a finder's fee of US$105,000 to an arm's-length party, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. About Cypress Development Corp Cypress Development Corp. is a Canadian based advanced stage lithium company, focused on developing its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. Cypress is in the pilot stage of testing on material from its lithium-bearing claystone deposit and progressing towards completing a Feasibility Study and permitting, with the goal of becoming a domestic producer of lithium for the growing electric vehicle and battery storage market. ON BEHALF OF CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP. WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE President & Chief Executive Officer NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are identified by words such as "expects," "estimates," "projects," "anticipates," "believes," "could," "scheduled," and other similar words. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration, and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information. SOURCE Cypress Development Corp. Investment underscores Daimler Truck's focus on cutting-edge software that will enable the truck of the future PALO ALTO, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Apex.AI , a company developing safety-certified software for mobility and autonomous applications, today announced that Daimler Truck (DTG: DTR0CK), one of the world's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has made a strategic minority investment in the company. Apex.AI has developed an industry-leading suite of automotive safety-certified software solutions, including the Apex.OS operating system. The software suite serves as the foundational infrastructure on which smart machines operate in the automotive, agriculture, mining, IoT and industrial automation industries. "This strategic investment from Daimler Truck demonstrates its forward-thinking nature by ensuring that our scalable applications continue to drive software defined vehicle development for the entire industry," said Jan Becker, Co-founder and CEO, Apex.AI. "Our powerful solutions are purposely designed with simplicity in mind. That's the approach that's changing the way companies in a wide range of industries develop their future vehicle technologies." The Apex.OS SDK enables automotive software developers to create safe, reliable, real-time applications more efficiently. Like Apple's iOS SDK, which allows practically anyone to create an iPhone app, Apex.OS makes programming for a vehicle or robot almost as easy as programming a phone. The result is significantly shortened development cycles of new mobility functions, all of which are created on a bedrock of software that's recognized for having the highest safety standards. Apex.AI's flagship Apex.OS operating system is an operating system that has earned the highest safety certifications in the industry, including product certification from German testing organization TUV Nord and the highest level of automotive software safety ISO 26262 ASIL-D. Passing these rigorous testing programs means that the software system is approved for serial production. With this investment, Daimler Truck joins an impressive array of previously announced, world-class strategic investors, including Toyota Ventures , Volvo Group Venture Capital , Jaguar Land Rover 's InMotion Ventures , Airbus Ventures , Continental AG , ZF , AGCO , and HELLA Ventures . About Apex.AI Apex.AI is a global company headquartered in Palo Alto, CA developing breakthrough safe, certified, developer-friendly, and scalable software for mobility systems. The company's flagship product is Apex.OS, a robust and reliable meta-operating system that enables faster and easier software development for mobility, smart machines and IoT. The associated software development kit targets two main customer groups: OEM developers who need to implement complex, integrated AI software in machines or vehicles, and autonomous mobility developers who can now implement safety-critical applications easily and reliably. To access the Apex.AI media kit please visit https://www.apex.ai/media-kit . SOURCE Apex.AI NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Echoing reports of ongoing labor shortages, a new survey confirms that a vast majority of organizations are facing extreme difficulty finding and retaining qualified workers. But, the survey reveals, these challenges are no longer being driven solely by a lack manual services workers, as previous trends have indicated. Rather, office workers are now significantly harder to both find and retain than just one year ago. Indeed, The Conference Board survey found that 84 percent of organizations hiring professional and office workers are struggling to find talent, an increase from 60 percent in April 2021. And the percent of organizations struggling to retain office workers more than doubled in the last year, from 28 percent to 64 percent. The survey of more than 175 US Human Resource executives also underscores the staying power of remote and hybrid work, including the use of these work models to address hiring challenges. For example, organizations willing to hire fully remote workers have increased six-fold since the start of the pandemic. This marks the fourth survey in the Reimagined Workplace series, which explores the long-term impacts of the pandemic on both the workforce and workplace. Insights from the survey include: Office workers are becoming harder to find and retain. 84 percent of organizations hiring professional and office workers are struggling to find talent, up from 60 percent in April 2021 . . That's compared to 81 percent of those struggling to hire industry and manual services workers, a rate similar to that of the April 2021 survey (80 percent). survey (80 percent). 64 percent of organizations with mostly professional and office workers report difficulty retaining talent, more than doubling from 28 percent in April 2021 . . 73 percent of organizations with mostly industry and manual workers report difficulty retaining talent, a significant increase from 49 percent last year. There's been a six-fold increase in the hiring of fully remote workers. Half (49 percent) of organizations are willing to hire fully virtual employees, up from only 8 percent prepandemic. 38 percent still prefer to hire remote employees who can occasionally commute into the office. Just four percent of companies are requiring full-time, on-site work. Only four percent of organizations are requiring all workers to return fulltime. 90 percent are now allowing hybrid work. 60 percent made working completely remotely optional. "Over the last few years, we've seen headline after headline focus on the dwindling supply of manual and trade services workers. But our most recent survey reveals that office and professional workers have become a scarcer commodity," said Robin Erickson, PhD, Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board. "To remain competitive, companies should further leverage hybrid and fully-remote work arrangements, the latter of which has increased six-fold over the last year." Productivity has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemicespecially with remote work. 62 percent of organizations with primarily remote workers reported productivity increases. That's compared to the 47 percent of organizations with employees not working virtually that reported increased productivity. 57 percent of HR leaders overall report they believe that productivity has increased since the start of the pandemic. Burnout has skyrocketed. 77 percent of surveyed HR leaders reported an increase in employees identified as being burned out, up from 42 percent in September 2020 . . The number of employees seeking support for mental health, the number of employees identifying as burned-out, the number of hours worked, and usage of the Employee Assistance Plan all increased. Levels of employee engagement/morale and the number of vacation days used both decreased. "Since the outbreak of the pandemic, employee well-being has declined and burnout is on the rise," said Rebecca Ray, PhD, Executive Vice President, Human Capital, The Conference Board. "To retain workers, HR leaders will need a strong focus on improving the employee experience. That includes both allowing and encouraging employees to integrate their work and personal lives in a way that works best for them." Company culture is rapidly changing. 64 percent of respondents report that their organizational culture has changed since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 15 percent since April 2021 . . Collaborative technology, genuine caring by managers, transparent communication by leaders, and commitment to corporate social responsibility have changed for the better at over 70 percent of surveyed organizations. Over 60 percent of organizations think that the quality of leadership, commitment to innovation, articulation of mission and purpose, and an inclusive environment have changed for the better. However, 25 percent report the level of trust between leaders and employees has changed for the worse. About The Conference Board The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org SOURCE The Conference Board At the meeting, in which other businessmen and leaders from Latin America also participated, it was Dionisio Gutierrez who emphasized the importance for Ibero-America of the fact that Spain supports and reinforces Western values that have built free, democratic and prosperous nations; far from left and right populism and authoritarianism. President Sanchez expressed the intention of his government to attract investments from Latin America to Spain and Dr. Gutierrez insisted on the importance of Latin America returning to the path of democracy and liberal values in order to achieve the economic growth that the region needs; and that this will be the best way for companies to grow and aspire to be relevant investors in the great nation that is Spain. Dionisio Gutierrez is a businessman, activist and communicator with a doctorate in Sociology and Political Science. He is President of the Latin American think-tank Fundacion Libertad y Desarrollo and host of the weekly television program Razon de Estado. He is a member of the Georgetown University Latin American Council and the Harvard Kennedy School Council. In 2021 he became the only Latin American on the Freedom House Council. For more information, visit https://fundacionlibertad.com/ SOURCE Fundacion Libertad y Desarrollo SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DoorDash Inc. (NYSE: DASH) announced financial results today for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Please visit the DoorDash investor relations website at http://ir.doordash.com to view our financial results and letter to shareholders. A live audio webcast of our earnings release call will be available at http://ir.doordash.com . The call begins Thursday, May 5 at 2:00 PM (PT) / 5:00 PM (ET). Announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events, as well as press and earnings releases are also available at http://ir.doordash.com . Following the call, a replay will be available at the same website. About DoorDash DoorDash (NYSE: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their favorite businesses across the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Germany. Founded in 2013, DoorDash enables local businesses to address consumers' expectations of ease and immediacy and thrive in today's convenience economy. By building the logistics infrastructure for local commerce, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. Investor Relations Contact [email protected] Press Contact [email protected] SOURCE DoorDash DUBLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Eastern Europe Pay TV Forecasts to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Eastern European pay-TV will fall from 82 million subscribers in the peak year of 2018 to 74 million in 2027 The peak year 2018 included 17 million analog cable subscribers, which will drop to zero by 2027. The number of digital pay TV subscribers will increase by 9 million over this period. The number of pay-TV subscribers will fall in 18 of the region's 22 countries between 2021 and 2027. The total will drop by 4 million in 2022 alone, mainly due to Ukraine losing all of its 2.6 million subscribers. Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said: "Russia will account for half of the region's pay-TV subscribers in 2027. However, Russia will lose 5 million pay-TV subscribers between 2021 and 2027 partly as sanctions worsen the economic situation and due to some analog cable homes converting to FTA DTT." Sanctions on Russia are expected to continue for some time, with Western companies reluctant to re-enter the Russian market. Russia is not as dependent on Western content as many other European countries. However, sanctions will result in an economic hardship that will adversely affect Russian household spending. Pay TV subscriptions are cheap, so the sector will not be hit that hard. Murray continued: "We assume that Russia will withdraw from Ukraine before end 2022. After the Russian withdrawal, we expect massive investment in Ukraine by Western companies/governments as well as most refugees returning home." This 148-page PDF, PowerPoint, and excel report comes in three parts: Insight: Detailed country-by-country analysis in a 68-page PDF document. Detailed country-by-country analysis in a 68-page PDF document. Outlook: Forecasts in a 25-page PowerPoint document full of charts, graphs and bullet points; Forecasts in a 25-page PowerPoint document full of charts, graphs and bullet points; Excel workbook covering each year from 2010 to 2027 for 22 countries by household penetration, by pay-TV subscribers, by pay-TV revenues, and by major operator. As well as summary tables by country and by platform. Companies Mentioned 3Max TV/Total-HT A1 Albtelecom Baltcom Beeline/Veon Bulsatcom Cablenet Canal Plus Cgates Cosmote CT Cytavision Digi TV Digitalb Direct One Elisa ER Telecom Evo Focussat Home 3 Inea Kyivstar M:Tel Max TV MinDig Moldtelecom MTIS MTS Neo TV Netia Nova NTV Plus O2 Orange TV Orion Polsat Primetel Rostelecom SBB Skylink Slovak Telekom Sun T-2 T-Home T-Mobile Telekom Romania Telekom Srbija Telemach Telia Telly TEO Tet Total TV Toya TP/Orange Tricolor Tring Triolan TV Box UPC Vectra Viasat Vivacom Vodafone Volia Zala For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yk83uc Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets BOGOTA, Colombia, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL;NYSE: EC) announces that the Agencia Nacional de Licencias Ambientales (ANLA) notified on May 3rd, 2022 through Resolution 881 that Ecopetrol had been declared responsible of undertaking during the construction phase of the hydrocarbon transportation Poliducto Andino project, works that were not covered by the environmental license. Consequently, ANLA confirmed the penalty initially imposed to Ecopetrol with Resolution 754 of 2021 in an amount of one billion three hundred and eight million six hundred and sixty thousand eight hundred and fifty-four Colombian pesos (COP$1,308,660,854). Such confirmation constitutes a final and definite decision within the environmental sanctioning process. Ecopetrol S.A. abides by and respects the decisions of ANLA; however, the company's actions have always been framed in compliance with current regulations, and it will evaluate the possibilities of opposing legal actions against this sanction. Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For further details, please contact: Head of Capital Markets Tatiana Uribe Benninghoff Correo electronico: [email protected] Media Engagement (Colombia) Jorge Mauricio Tellez Email : [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. Sage Transparency is a free-to-use, customizable dashboard which allows the user to compare metrics of hospital price and quality across states, health systems, and facilities. Sage will be continually updated with new data from participating partners and as additional RAND studies are published in the years to come. Employers' Forum of Indiana selected technology firm Mathematica to develop the tool. "With Sage Transparency, we're looking to equip employers, purchasing groups, journalists, and elected officials with price and quality data from thousands of hospitals across the country," said Gloria Sachdev, president and CEO of Employers' Forum of Indiana. "Each iteration of the RAND study has brought useful new data into the fold. Now users have access to that data and more in an intuitive way that can help them better understand and compare hospital prices." Later this summer, Employers' Forum of Indiana will begin accepting requests for custom reports from Sage Transparency that incorporate further data points from providers like Turquoise Health and Healthcare Bluebook. "Employers with a workforce spread across multiple metro areas and even multiple states can find information on the most high-value hospital services for their employees," added Sachdev. The Employers' Forum of Indiana unveiled Sage Transparency in a live demo at the National Hospital Price Transparency Conference in Indianapolis. Data providers and partners followed with additional information about the dashboard and its capabilities. The author of the RAND 4.0 Hospital Price Transparency Study, Chris Whaley, also shared his preliminary findings at the conference. "The wide variation in hospital prices presents a potential savings opportunity for employers," said Whaley. "With Sage Transparency, HR leaders can really drill down to see the differences in price between individual hospitals and hospital systems. Spending an hour or two with Sage is a significant way for hospital price transparency to inform employers' benefit strategy." The RAND Corporation will release the full RAND 4.0 study at a later date. It analyzes claims data from employers and private insurers that included more than 4,000 hospitals and 4,000 additional ambulatory surgical centers across 49 states and the District of Columbia. To use Sage Transparency, visit www.SageTransparency.com . About Employers' Forum of Indiana The Employers' Forum of Indiana is a not for profit employer-led multi-stakeholder coalition whose mission is to improve the value payers and patients receive for their health care expenditures. Forum members include employers, health plans, hospitals/health-systems, providers, and numerous other interested healthcare stakeholders who work collaboratively to improve health care in Indiana. SOURCE Employers' Forum of Indiana "We are pleased to add Microgrid Knowledge to Endeavor Business Media and are excited to expand our reach in the energy market to benefit our readers and advertisers," said Chris Ferrell, CEO of Endeavor Business Media. "Led by a talented editorial team, Microgrid Knowledge is a valuable resource for energy businesses, organizations and policymakers who are on the forefront of the fast-growing energy arena." Microgrid Knowledge is an industry-leading information source, providing important news on microgrids and distributed energy resources with original content about markets, policies, trends and technologies.The site attracted 375,000 unique visitors last year, including large energy customers, energy project developers, utilities, and energy equipment vendors and suppliers. The Microgrid Conference series offers in-person networking and education with the next event, Microgrid 2022: Microgrids as Climate Heroes, scheduled for June 1-2, 2022 in Philadelphia, PA. "We are pleased to join the Endeavor Business Media family and look forward to leveraging Endeavor's robust energy brands to generate substantial growth opportunities for the Microgrid Knowledge site and event," said Kevin Normandeau, Group Publisher. "It's been a great pleasure to tell the very worthy story of microgrids for the last eight years. Now we will have the opportunity to amplify the story much more widely, given the reach and size of Endeavor Business Media," said Elisa Wood, Editor-in-Chief. Endeavor Business Media Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Endeavor Business Media was formed in 2017 to acquire and operate business media brands, events and marketing solutions. Today the company is one of the largest B2B Media companies in the US with more than 550 employees, 6,000 customers and a database of over 9 million business professionals. The company serves business professionals and marketers in key business sectors such as aviation, buildings, construction, dental, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, networking systems, public safety, transportation, and water. The company has offices in Nashville, TN; Tulsa, OK; Nashua, NH; Birmingham, AL; Sarasota, FL; Skokie, IL; Fort Atkinson, WI; Houston, TX; Independence, OH; Fort Collins, CO, and Overland Park, KS. To learn more, visit www.endeavorbusinessmedia.com. Media Contact: Anna Wackenhuth [email protected] SOURCE Endeavor Business Media Epson ColorWorks Label Printer and Ishida Weigh Scales Integrate to Provide On-Demand, Full-Color Price and Weight Labels for Grocery Stores LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- US convenience stores, delis and supermarkets selling fresh foods look to diversify labels by adding branding details and conveying information through color. Offering a simple solution for the fresh food weighing to packaging process, Epson America today announced the integration of its ColorWorks CW-C6000P and C4000 on-demand color label printers with Ishida countertop food scales. The integrated CW-C6000P printer and weigh scale solution can be used to create full-color, on-demand labels for prepared foods as well as individually weighed meat, deli and bakery items in a grocery store. This labeling solution will be demoed for the first time at the Retail Data Systems (RDS) booth at the Washington Food Industry Association Show on May 19, 2022. The Ishida UNI-9 scale, distributed in the U.S. by Rice Lake Weighing Systems, plugs directly into the USB port on the ColorWorks printer, requiring no separate PC or accessory. The printer's native ZPL capability makes it easy for the printer and scale to communicate, allowing businesses to set an item on the scale and print a label in only three taps. The label includes all necessary information, each of them customizable: item, weight, price, ingredients, barcode, safe handling info, and address. Integrating color into fresh food labels allows businesses to show a picture of a food product or add seasonal branding, highlight allergens to promote customer safety and visually identify freshness and expiration dates. "Pairing the Epson ColorWorks printer with an Ishida scale creates an end-to-end, full-color labeling solution. For the first time, grocers can weigh an item and print a full-color label incorporating key information," said Bonny Rindahl, product manager, Epson America, Inc. "Millions of Americans who suffer from food allergies rely on labels for allergen information, and it is easy and quick to locate when this information is presented in color. The Epson and Ishida labeling solution gives businesses the capability to create prepared food labels that not only help a product stand out on the shelf but also help ensure consumer safety." The ColorWorks C6000-Series are the only color inkjet printers on the market with a peel-and-present option, ideal for environments like groceries, bakeries and delis where workers wear gloves. The CW-C6000P and C4000 printers creates durable, photo-quality images that withstand handling and are resistant to water or oil. "This Ishida and Epson integrated solution is the first of its kind, providing grocers with the ability to print weigh labels with full-color graphics," said Grant Sutherland, business unit manager, Rice Lake Weighing Systems. "Rice Lake Weighing Systems is proud to be partnered with Epson, pioneering innovation in the grocery industry." Consumer purchasing trends show the demand of pre-packaged products, grab-and-go items and prepared foods continues to increase. The demand for smaller lots and customization is driven by increasing diversification of meals and increasing allergies. For these reasons, on-demand label printing gives businesses the flexibility they need, and color adds additional value. Availability For more information on Epson's ColorWorks on-demand color labeling solutions, click here. To find an authorized ColorWorks reseller, click here. To learn more about purchasing an Ishida scale, visit the Rice Lake Weighing Systems website here. About Epson Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/ Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica). EPSON and ColorWorks are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2022 Epson America, Inc. SOURCE Epson America, Inc. The digital campaign #StopRussiaNOW has reached more than 95 million users in the first ten days. All materials are microtargeted and available in eight languages. A special mechanism on the website generated more than 1 250 000 emails to the EU politicians with the crucial question why do we continue to pay billions of euros for Russian oil? Meanwhile, dozens of billboards with photos of destroyed Ukrainian cities and eloquent appeals move around Europe. They appear in the places where many locals and tourists like to spend time. For instance, near the Colosseum, in front of the Eiffel Tower, next to the Brandenburg Gate. These are the reminders of Russia's war crimes and the ruined lives of the people of Ukraine. They appear as suddenly as the sound of an air-raid alarm for millions of Ukrainians. Since April 23rd, billboards have traveled thousands of kilometers and stopped in such cities as Berlin, Hamburg, The Hague, Brussels, Paris, Munich, Rome, Vienna, and Budapest. In the upcoming days, they will reach Athens and Sofia May 5th and May 8th accordingly. The organizers also provide users with concrete advice on what steps to take to help end the war. Apart from sending emails to politicians, it is essential to boycott companies that still operate and pay taxes in Russia. Such a list is available on the website stoprussianow.eu . #StopRussiaNOW is the campaign initiated to mobilize Europeans to take real action and support the people of Ukraine in such a tragic time. There are four easy-to-implement steps each and everybody can complete them right away. The recipe is simple: 1. Send emails to EU politicians 2. Avoid brands operating in Russia 3. Donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine 4. Share information about the campaign on social media Do not stay aside! Act to # StopRussiaNOW ! SOURCE StopRussiaNow OAK BROOK, Ill. , May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First Quarter Earnings Bancorp Financial, Inc. (the "Company"), the parent company of Evergreen Bank Group (the "Bank" or "Evergreen"), today announced first quarter earnings for 2022. The Company's net income was $4.9 million for 2022 as compared to $5.1 million for 2021. Net interest income was $14.2 million , representing a net interest margin of 4.85%, as compared to $14.2 million and a margin of 4.75% for the same period in 2021. The Bank's nationwide powersport portfolio continues to drive the strong yield on earning assets. , representing a net interest margin of 4.85%, as compared to and a margin of 4.75% for the same period in 2021. The Bank's nationwide powersport portfolio continues to drive the strong yield on earning assets. There was no provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2022 as compared to $0.6 million for 2021. The allowance for loan losses stands at 1.85%, still significantly elevated over pre- pandemic levels. The Bank has recognized very low losses from Covid and remains cautiously optimistic about continued recovery. for 2021. The allowance for loan losses stands at 1.85%, still significantly elevated over pre- pandemic levels. The Bank has recognized very low losses from Covid and remains cautiously optimistic about continued recovery. Non-interest income at the Bank was $0.5 million for 2022 as compared to $0.6 million in 2021. Non-interest expense was $8.3 million for 2022 as compared to $7.4 million in 2021, primarily due to staffing and infrastructure costs for new digital initiatives. for 2022 as compared to in 2021. Non-interest expense was for 2022 as compared to in 2021, primarily due to staffing and infrastructure costs for new digital initiatives. Total assets were $1.21 billion at March 31, 2022, up slightly from $1.20 billion at year-end 2021. Growth in the first quarter was driven by consumer lending areas. Commercial growth continues to be challenging due to competitive terms on loans in the Chicago market. Looking ahead in 2022 - "We had solid first quarter results while recording significant technology investments as it relates to our digital and FinTech strategies. We believe these technology enhancements will create increased shareholder value," said Jill Voss, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Shareholder Dividend The Company was excited to again declare a $0.20 dividend per share during the first quarter paid in April to its common shareholders. While capital and earnings continue to be strong, the Company intends to continue to pay a quarterly dividend throughout 2022. BALANCE SHEETS Unaudited Audited Assets 03/31/2022 12/31/2021 Cash and cash equivalents $ 136,233,593 $ 116,536,612 Investments 90,089,385 96,113,046 Loans, net 942,722,897 951,287,254 Bank owned life insurance 12,756,342 12,680,356 Other assets 30,163,462 24,179,299 Total Assets $ 1,211,965,679 $ 1,200,796,567 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Deposits $ 999,468,647 $ 994,057,949 Notes Payable 59,400,000 57,700,000 Other liabilities 18,411,991 14,510,993 Total Liabilities $ 1,077,280,638 $ 1,066,268,942 Stockholders' Equity $ 134,685,041 $ 134,527,625 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 1,211,965,679 $ 1,200,796,567 Evergreen Bank Group Capital Ratios: Common equity tier 1 capital ratio 16.14% 15.61% Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 16.14% 15.61% Total risk-based capital ratio 17.39% 16.87% Tier 1 leverage ratio 13.61% 13.23% INCOME STATEMENTS Unaudited March YTD 2022 Unaudited March YTD 2021 Interest income on loans $ 14,878,216 $ 16,305,022 Interest income on investments and cash in banks $ 508,090 $ 412,302 Total Interest Income $ 15,386,306 $ 16,717,324 Interest expense on deposits 884,113 2,042,112 Interest expense on debt 305,357 466,554 Total Interest Expense $ 1,189,470 $ 2,508,666 Net Interest Income $ 14,196,836 $ 14,208,658 Provision for loan losses 0 600,000 Other non interest income 530,230 597,393 Other non interest expense 8,293,344 7,402,861 Net Income before Taxes $ 6,433,722 $ 6,803,190 Income tax expense 1,543,556 1,693,185 Net Income $ 4,890,166 $ 5,110 005 Return on Average Assets 1.64% 1.69% Return on Average Equity 14.51% 17.83% Evergreen Bank Group (the "Bank") is an Illinois-chartered community bank wholly-owned by Bancorp Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). The Bank was formed in 1999 and became a subsidiary of the Company as a result of a merger transaction during 2007. The Bank is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. This document contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in applicable federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements describe future plans or strategies and may include the Company's and the Bank's expectations of future results. The Company's and the Bank's ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies or qualitative or quantitative changes is inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. SOURCE Evergreen Bank Group Lank Led Company to Becoming LPL Financial's Largest Enterprise FORT MILL, S.C., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial Resources Group Investment Services, LLC (Financial Resources Group) is celebrating today the one-year anniversary of Steve Lank serving as the company's president. Over the past year under Lank's leadership, the company has grown to having over $37 billion in assets and more than $200 million in total revenue serving over 1,000 affiliated professionals making it LPL Financial's largest enterprise*. Steve Lank, President "We couldn't be more thrilled to have Steve serve as our President," said Financial Resource Group CEO Bruce Miller. "His unique, yet dynamic leadership skills have been a tremendous asset to our company and are directly related to the growth we've experienced over this past year as well as reaching this monumental milestone of now being LPL's largest enterprise." Over the last year, the firm has added 174 financial professionals and seven financial institution partners under their organization where they provide customized services to help grow financial advisors' books of business that include, but are not limited to: Business Development and Recruiting, Marketing, Onboarding, Technology to name a few. Aside from growing their advisor base, Lank acknowledges two notable accomplishments achieved this past year, launching a new website and enhancing their social media presence. "We are proud to provide our clients and prospects with a fresh new look to our website which encompasses a more innovative approach to our offerings. Our existing clients now have a more user-friendly experience when navigating through the tools and resources we exclusively provide that we continually build upon. Additionally, we have exploded our social media presence by growing it 60 percent, keeping our followers up to date with the latest news and announcements," said Lank. The firm has also hired 26 new employees since Lank joined and the expansion doesn't stop there. As a result of their continued and forecasted growth, Financial Resources Group is moving to a new office in June. "We are excited to be moving into a beautiful new state-of-the art location to accommodate for our rapid growth," said Lank. "We are looking forward to having a modern environment that will also be a place to showcase our fantastic clients." Financial Resources Group has also become heavily involved in supporting local organizations over the past year. Through the pandemic, the company supported Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg by providing assistance towards the academic needs for students. Additionally, the firm has also supported Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Carolinas and participated in their "Over the Edge" event where four employees rappelled of the Hyatt House hotel in downtown Charlotte. Chief Executive Officer Donna Dunlap of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Carolinas expresses her appreciation of the firm's support over the past year. "We are so grateful to Steve Lank and Financial Resources Group for their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas. Steve's sincere care and concern for young people who are at risk is demonstrated through his exemplary efforts to help change their trajectory for success. His continued support of our mission and the children we serve enables us to positively impact the lives of the most vulnerable children in our community through one-to-one dedicated mentoring relationships. Thank you Steve and Financial Resources Group for making a difference and for helping to change children's lives for the better." Reflecting back over company's successes this past year, Lank proudly recognizes his team that led the firm to where it is today. "The success we've experienced is a direct result of the hard work and dedication from our incredible employees. Their passion to serve our financial advisors coupled with their work-ethic is one of the main reasons I decided to join this company and I couldn't be prouder." Lank is grateful to be a part of the organization and is very excited about the company's future. "Being able to work for Financial Resources Group is dream job for me and I am honored to continue to lead the company to even higher levels," said Lank. "We have some very exciting announcements coming down the pipeline that we cannot wait to share with everyone, so stay tuned!" About Financial Resources Group Based in Fort Mill, SC, Financial Resources Group is LPL Financial's largest enterprise*, providing customized services to financial advisors and financial institutions to help them grow their programs and practices. Representatives are registered through LPL Financial as their broker-dealer. For more information on Financial Resources Group, visit https://www.financialresourcesgroup.net About LPL Financial LPL Financial is the nation's largest independent broker-dealer**. They serve independent financial advisors, professionals, and institutions, providing them with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. For more information, visit www.lpl.com * Based on assets (brokerage and advisory), total revenue and affiliated professionals as of December 2021. ** As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2021, based on total revenue. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. Financial Resources Group Investment Services, member FINRA/SIPC, is a separate entity. Contact Information: Financial Resources Group Steve Lank [email protected] 704-816-8018 SOURCE Financial Resources Group Investment Services Investor consortium plans to partner with PANTHERx Rare to fuel its continued expansion as a leading rare and orphan focused specialty pharmacy PITTSBURGH, NEW YORK, PROVIDENCE, R.I. and CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading investor consortium consisting of Nautic Partners, The Vistria Group and General Atlantic today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PANTHERx Rare ("PANTHERx" or "The Company") from Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The new partnership will focus on accelerating PANTHERx Rare's continued growth as a premier and trusted pharmacy care delivery model for patients living with rare and orphan diseases. "PANTHERx transforms lives by providing access solutions to people living with rare medical conditions," said Jon Maschmeyer, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Healthcare at The Vistria Group. "Our investment was a collaborative effort to bring focus to an area that not only has been significantly underserved but also offers a wealth of opportunity to enhance the lives of patients." "We see a growing market need for a specialized pharmacy model to support rare and orphan disease patients in their healthcare journey and to meet the unique distribution demands of these life-enriching medicines," said Justin Sunshine, Managing Director at General Atlantic. PANTHERx has emerged as a pioneer of rare disease pharmacy, becoming the first rare-disease-certified specialty pharmacy and earning recognition for its culture, service levels and industry-leading growth. PANTHERx was recently awarded Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), earned the inaugural Accredited Distinction in Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), and is a five-time winner of the prestigious MMIT Patient Choice Award, including in 2022. "PANTHERx is purpose-built to serve this patient population and help address the complexities of specialized care delivery," said Chris Corey, Managing Director at Nautic Partners. "General Atlantic, Nautic Partners and The Vistria Group are pleased to partner together to support the long-term growth of PANTHERx, leveraging our collective expertise in scaling differentiated healthcare businesses and fueling further innovation." "PANTHERx is deeply committed to redefining and enhancing specialty pharmacy by anticipating the diverse needs of the patients we serve," said Rob Snyder, CEO of PANTHERx Rare. "With the enhanced resources brought by The Vistria Group, General Atlantic and Nautic Partners, we're confident in this investment's potential to deliver innovative outcomes for patients suffering from rare and orphan diseases. We thank Centene for their support over the past year and a half and look forward to the future ahead." The transaction is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott Rodino Act and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Following the close of the transaction, the three consortium participants will each hold equal ownership of PANTHERx. About PANTHERx Rare PANTHERx Rare is one of the largest and fastest growing rare pharmacies in the United States. PANTHERx transforms lives by delivering medicine breakthroughs, clinical excellence, and access solutions to people living with rare and devastating conditions. Although the overall incidence of rare diseases is as common as diabetes, less than 7% of the 7,000 known rare and devastating disorders have an FDA-approved therapy. Changes in federal policy and advances in science have led to a surge in FDA orphan drug approvals, providing tremendous hope to the rare disease community. PANTHERx was recently awarded Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) and earned the inaugural Accredited Distinction in Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). PANTHERx is now a five-time winner of the prestigious MMIT Patient Choice Award, including the 2022 honor. PANTHERx is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, licensed in all 50 states, and holds accreditations from URAC, NABP, and ACHC. About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth equity firm with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 445 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic currently has over $84 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of December 31, 2021, and more than 215 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Munich, Palo Alto, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Stamford. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com. About Nautic Partners Nautic is a middle-market private equity firm that focuses on three industries: healthcare, industrials, and services. Nautic has completed over 150 platform transactions throughout its 35-plus year history. Nautic's strategy is to partner with management teams to accelerate the growth trajectory of its portfolio companies via add-on acquisitions, targeted operating initiatives, and increased management team depth. For more information, please visit www.nautic.com. About The Vistria Group The Vistria Group is a Chicago-based next generation private investment firm that operates at the intersection of purpose and profit. The Vistria Group partners with middle-market businesses in Healthcare, Education and Financial Services that are passionate about growth and committed to the community. Its decision to invest in these areas is driven by its belief in companies producing scalable social value. The Vistria Group's team is comprised of highly experienced operating partners and investment professionals with proven track records of working with management teams in building innovative, market-leading companies. For more information, please visit Vistria.com. SOURCE The Vistria Group SAO PAULO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 1Q22 Highlights Best adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for a first quarter, reaching R$ 5.8 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.7%. Adjusted EBITDA from the North America Business Operation reaches R$2.7 billion, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33%, both historical records for a quarter. Indebtedness level reaches its lowest historical level, with the ratio between net debt and adjusted EBITDA decreasing from 0.96x to 0.20x compared to the first quarter of 2021. Gerdau, through the Inspire Gerdau program, recognized, for the first time, 18 companies from its chain of suppliers that stand out for consolidating diversity and inclusion initiatives. Created in 2020, the initiative aims to mobilize and encourage the company's supply chain to consolidate best practices in diversity and inclusion. Additional Information Gerdau S.A. (NYSE: GGB, BM&Fbovespa: GGBR3, GGBR4) informs that it is filing today its 1Q22 results at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and at the Comissao de Valores Mobiliarios (CVM), which are available at Gerdau's website. To access this document, please click on https://ri.gerdau.com/en/notices-and-results/results-center/. The 1Q22 Valuation Guide is also available at Gerdau's website. https://ri.gerdau.com/en/financial-information/valuation-guide/ SOURCE Gerdau S.A. GFT drives factory-floor digital transformation with support for new Google Cloud industry-specific solutions NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recruiting data scientists is one of the greatest challenges in the current labor market: analysts say that there was a shortage of 250,000 data scientists globally even in 2020. The situation has only exacerbated since then. AI solutions have the potential to significantly boost productivity in manufacturing. Usually, skilled data scientists are key for AI projects to be successful. Google Cloud has now introduced new purpose-built solutions that can be used by manufacturing engineers without requiring the help of specialized data scientists or additional integration code in order to scale digital transformation pilots into production. This will facilitate the digital transformation efforts in the manufacturing segment. As a Google Cloud Global Partner, GFT has tested and implemented these solutions in Top 10 automotive and manufacturing leaders. "These solutions will democratize access to data on the manufacturing floor. They will generate more competitiveness for industries, and manufacturing engineers will gain the opportunity to acquire AI based skill sets," says Marco Santos, President of GFT USA and Latin America. "Our first-hand experience tells us manufacturers can expect a major boost in their manufacturing floor." "Transforming factory-floor operations with data and analytics is hugely important to manufacturers today," said Charlie Sheridan, Technical Director, Industry Solutions, Manufacturing, Google Cloud. "We're thrilled to work with partners like GFT to extend the outreach of our core technology and provide customers with the foundational technologies needed to solve business challenges and scale smart factory implementations." The new Google Cloud solutions supported by GFT include: Manufacturing Data Engine is an end-to-end solution that processes, contextualizes, and stores factory data on Google Cloud's market-leading data platform. It provides a configurable and customizable blueprint for the ingestion, transformation, storage, and access to factory data. It integrates key Google Cloud products, including Cloud Dataflow, PubSub, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, Looker, Vertex AI, Apigee, and more, into a manufacturing-specific solution. is an end-to-end solution that processes, contextualizes, and stores factory data on Google Cloud's market-leading data platform. It provides a configurable and customizable blueprint for the ingestion, transformation, storage, and access to factory data. It integrates key Google Cloud products, including Cloud Dataflow, PubSub, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, Looker, Vertex AI, Apigee, and more, into a manufacturing-specific solution. Manufacturing Connect is a factory edge platform co-developed with Litmus Automation that quickly connects to, and streams data from, nearly any manufacturing asset and industrial system to Google Cloud, based on an extensive library of more than 250 machine protocols. Deep integration with the Manufacturing Data Engine unlocks rapid data intake into Google Cloud for processing machine and sensor data. The ability to deploy containerized applications and ML models to the edge enables new dimensions of use cases. The exposed data can be further applied to a growing set of industry-specific use cases, such as: Manufacturing analytics & insights , which helps manufacturers quickly create custom dashboards to visualize key datafrom factory KPIs such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), to individual machine sensor data. Integrated with the Manufacturing Data Engine, engineers and plant managers can automatically set up new machines and factories, enabling standardized dashboards, KPIs, and on-demand drill-downs into the data to uncover new insights opportunities throughout the factory. These can then be shared easily across the enterprise and with partners. , which helps manufacturers quickly create custom dashboards to visualize key datafrom factory KPIs such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), to individual machine sensor data. Integrated with the Manufacturing Data Engine, engineers and plant managers can automatically set up new machines and factories, enabling standardized dashboards, KPIs, and on-demand drill-downs into the data to uncover new insights opportunities throughout the factory. These can then be shared easily across the enterprise and with partners. Machine-level anomaly detection , which helps manufacturers identify anomalies as they occur and provides alertsleveraging Google Cloud's Time Series Insights APIon real-time machine and sensor data such as noise, vibration, or temperature. , which helps manufacturers identify anomalies as they occur and provides alertsleveraging Google Cloud's Time Series Insights APIon real-time machine and sensor data such as noise, vibration, or temperature. Predictive maintenance, which enables manufacturers to anticipate an asset's need for service, helping reduce downtime and maintenance cost. Manufacturers can leverage ML models and high-accuracy AI optimizations that are deployable in weeks. With Google's new solutions, it is possible to collect data, normalize it, analyze it, then use it for strategic decisions providing factory-floor engineers with the tools to be self-sufficient. This is also an opportunity to introduce more engineers to AI-based engineering. GFT has been collaborating with Google Cloud for many years and won the prestigious 'Google Cloud 2019 EMEA Breakthrough Partner of the Year ' award. Today, the company has 340+ experienced engineers and architects, 200+ certifications and 94 current engagements with Google Cloud all over the world. To learn more about Google Cloud's new manufacturing solutions, please visit this page or join for panel discussions at Google Cloud's Manufacturer Spotlight event. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/742447/GFT_Logo.jpg SOURCE GFT Technologies AG DUBLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Electric Three-Wheeler Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global electric three-wheeler market reached a value of US$ 596.2 million in 2021. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach a value of US$ 1,059.10 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.60% during 2022-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, the analyst is continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. An electric three-wheeler, also known as an e-rickshaw, operates on high torque electric motors and longer durability batteries. It offers last-mile connectivity, easy access to narrow roads, and a noise-free travel experience. It helps improve urban air quality by reducing total greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions. Besides this, as it also aids in lowering additional costs associated with fuel consumption, electric three-wheeler is gaining immense traction as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of public transportation across the globe. Electric Three-Wheeler Market Trends Surging levels of air pollution and inflating prices of transportation fuels have resulted in the increasing adoption of green vehicles. This, in confluence with the burgeoning automobile industry, represents one of the key factors bolstering the growth of the market. Besides this, governing authorities of numerous countries are offering subsidies and tax abatements, exempting drivers of electric three-wheelers from toll road or parking fees, and deploying charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Moreover, the batteries of these vehicles can be reused and recycled. Apart from this, the introduction of battery-as-a-service (BaaS) can reduce up-front acquisition costs of electric three-wheelers as it enables customers to lease batteries as a separate component. In addition, BaaS is less time-consuming and requires minimum infrastructure compared to charging the battery at a station. This, coupled with the growing popularity of shared mobility, which may help reduce traffic congestion and transportation costs, is fueling market growth. Furthermore, rising environmental awareness among individuals, increasing substitution of petrol-powered three-wheelers with electric three-wheelers, and reducing battery prices that aid in minimizing total costs of ownership (TCO) are some of the other factors projected to drive the market. Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being ATUL Auto Limited, Bodo Vehicle Group Co. Ltd., E-Tuk Factory, Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles Private Limited, Jiangsu Jinpeng Group Co. Ltd., Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd., Lohia Auto Industries, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Omega Seiki Mobility, Piaggio & C. SpA, Scooters India Limited and Terra Motors Corporation. Key Questions Answered in This Report How has the global electric three-wheeler market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years? What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global electric three-wheeler market? What are the key regional markets? What is the breakup of the market based on the vehicle type? What is the breakup of the market based on the power type? What is the breakup of the market based on the battery type? What are the various stages in the value chain of the industry? What are the key driving factors and challenges in the industry? What is the structure of the global electric three-wheeler market and who are the key players? What is the degree of competition in the industry? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global Electric Three-Wheeler Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Forecast 6 Market Breakup by Vehicle Type 6.1 Passenger Carrier 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Load Carrier 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Power Type 7.1 Up To 1000W 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 1000W To 1500W 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Above 1500W 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Battery Type 8.1 Lithium-Ion 8.1.1 Market Trends 8.1.2 Market Forecast 8.2 Lead Acid 8.2.1 Market Trends 8.2.2 Market Forecast 9 Market Breakup by Region 10 SWOT Analysis 11 Value Chain Analysis 12 Porters Five Forces Analysis 13 Price Analysis 14 Competitive Landscape 14.1 Market Structure 14.2 Key Players 14.3 Profiles of Key Players 14.3.1 ATUL Auto Limited 14.3.1.1 Company Overview 14.3.1.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.1.3 Financials 14.3.2 Bodo Vehicle Group Co. Ltd. 14.3.2.1 Company Overview 14.3.2.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.3 E-Tuk Factory 14.3.3.1 Company Overview 14.3.3.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.4 Goenka Electric Motor Vehicles Private Limited 14.3.4.1 Company Overview 14.3.4.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.5 Jiangsu Jinpeng Group Co. Ltd. 14.3.5.1 Company Overview 14.3.5.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.6 Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd. 14.3.6.1 Company Overview 14.3.6.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.7 Lohia Auto Industries 14.3.7.1 Company Overview 14.3.7.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.8 Mahindra & Mahindra Limited 14.3.8.1 Company Overview 14.3.8.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.9 Omega Seiki Mobility 14.3.9.1 Company Overview 14.3.9.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.10 Piaggio & C. SpA 14.3.10.1 Company Overview 14.3.10.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.11 Scooters India Limited 14.3.11.1 Company Overview 14.3.11.2 Product Portfolio 14.3.11.3 Financials 14.3.12 Terra Motors Corporation 14.3.12.1 Company Overview 14.3.12.2 Product Portfolio For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bhtenk Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges Riskified Ltd. (NYSE: RSKD) investors with significant losses to submit your losses now. Class Period: July 25, 2021 - May 2, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 1, 2022 Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/RSKD Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected] 844-916-0895 Riskified Ltd. (NYSE: RSKD) Securities Class Action: Riskified claimed that, as it grows its online merchant customer base, its machine learning platform gets more accurate and the company's risk of having to compensate its customers when the platform erroneously approves a fraudulent transaction that later is forcibly reversed ("chargeback expense") is minimized. Riskified's representations allowed the company to go public, raising over $422 million in gross proceeds through the IPO. The complaint alleges Riskified didn't disclose the following in its IPO documents: (1) as Riskified expanded its user base the quality of its platform deteriorated due to inaccuracies in algorithms associated with onboarding new merchants and expanding into new geographies and industries; (2) Riskified expanded into industries (crypto and remittance businesses) with relatively high rates of fraud and, as a result, the effectiveness of its platform was negatively impacted; and, (3) as a result, Riskified suffered from materially higher chargeback expenses that negatively impacted its Q3 2021 financial performance. During Riskified's Q2 2021 earnings call on Sept. 9, 2021, Defendants revealed the company tended "to experience higher chargebacks when we enter a new industry." During Riskified's Q3 2021 earnings call on Nov. 16, 2021, Riskified reported that its cost of revenues skyrocketed 44% year over year, blaming the sharp increase in chargeback expenses and growing customer base. At the time of the filing of the complaint, Riskified shares traded below $6 per share, more than 70% below the IPO price. "We're focused on investors' losses and proving Riskified's IPO documents omitted adverse facts regarding its risk management platform," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. If you invested in Riskified and have significant losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman. Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Riskified should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email mailto:[email protected]. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895 SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP EARLY SUCCESS OF HAZEL'S MENTAL HEALTH PROTOCOL SUPPORTS HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS NATIONWIDE SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the youth mental health crisis affecting K-12 schools, Hazel Health , the national leader in school-based telehealth, launched Hazel's Early Assessment, Response and Treatment protocol to expand its existing physical health services to include mental health support services for students. The program debuted at the start of the 2021-2022 school year, and has seen early program success helping hundreds of students across the country receive timely access to high quality, culturally competent mental health services. Hazel's mental health services alleviate the burden on schools who are already stretched thin on time and resources by addressing student mental health concerns and facilitating ongoing support. With Hazel, all consented students can connect directly with licensed therapists in school or at home for short-term, evidence-based counseling. Highlights of Hazel's mental health program include: Evaluation of mental health concerns within days of a referral Teletherapy sessions with a Hazel Health provider and connection to long-term care providers, as needed Ongoing case management and care coordination for students Culturally competent and multi-lingual support; over 65% of Hazel mental health providers identify as Persons of Color (POC) and over 30% are bilingual "We are building a culture of preventative health for pediatric mental health," says Dr. Travis Gayles, Chief Health Officer of Hazel Health. "We cannot wait for kids to be in crisis to get them services. Schools and community providers are already working hard to bring students the health services they deserve, but they can always benefit from additional support. Our efforts ensure students are seen by licensed therapists in days rather than months. We also create opportunities to proactively identify students at risk due to social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences, and connect them to ongoing support services." The expansion of Hazel's services to include mental health care comes at a critical time for our nation's youth, as mental health crises are at an all-time high. In October, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) declared children's mental health a national emergency , and in December, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning on youth mental health , after indicators showed alarming increases in the prevalence of certain mental health symptoms. Just last month, the CDC reported findings from their Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey that more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. Hazel's mental health services have launched in districts across seven states to date, including in Duval County Public Schools in Florida, Aurora Public Schools in Colorado, and Clark County School District in Nevada. Hazel's team of licensed therapists has provided thousands of hours of direct clinical care to students, reducing school and district waitlists. "We have students who may not have had mental health concerns previously, but due to COVID-19, they now have mental health concerns," explains Katrina Taylor, Director of School Behavioral Health in Duval County Public Schools. "Some of our areas for providing mental health support are at capacity due to higher demand. Hazel is able to fill these gaps that we have, allowing us to avoid referring a family to outpatient care. With outpatient care, we expect the parent to make an appointment for the student as well as transport the student to the appointment. Hazel removes the barrier by providing mental health services in the walls of the student's home." In addition to offering direct services and case management, Hazel is launching new resources this May for Mental Health Awareness Month to support students, schools and families with mental health access. Joining the national movement to raise awareness, Hazel has expanded information about mental health services on its website , and will share a series of mental health provider stories and wellness tips throughout the month on Hazel's blog and social media channels. Hazel also plans to launch an additional web page designed specifically for teenagers, who face unique challenges when it comes to seeking mental health care. Andrew Post, a former assistant superintendent and Chief Innovation Officer at Hazel Health, explains, "As a former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, I felt compelled to develop a mental health solution that can truly address the historic challenges my educator counterparts face every day. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts were operating at maximum capacity. Now, the level of need for support has been severely exacerbated. Referral systems are designed to link schools and communities, but the reality is that any viable solution also needs to expand clinical capacity to meet student needs as they arise, not weeks or months later." Hazel Health is working to transform access to pediatric care in schools to help improve the quality of children's lives and combat the systematic inequalities that prevent millions from receiving proper care. Hazel's mental health services directly address the ongoing challenges that students, families, and school faculty face in their attempts to streamline identification, treatment, and ongoing support for mental health concerns. With Hazel's support, pediatric mental health can be addressed in a manner that's effective, efficient, and accessible for all. Schools interested in learning more about Hazel Health's telehealth services can email [email protected] or call 1-800-76-HAZEL. They may also learn more about Hazel's mental health services at https://www.hazel.co/mental-health . About Hazel Health: Hazel Health is committed to eliminating barriers to quality healthcare for children. As the national leader in delivering pediatric telehealth care, Hazel Health partners with school districts across the U.S. and currently provides access to nearly two million children. Hazel's team of experienced pediatricians, therapists, educators, and best-in-class engineers are passionate about ensuring all children receive the best care in school or at home. Hazel is based in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit http://www.hazel.co . SOURCE Hazel Health Delivery - Classroom-based and E-learning Geography - North America , Europe , APAC, Middle East and Africa , and South America For more insights on YOY and CAGR, Read our latest Sample Report Vendor Insights The Healthcare Education Solutions Market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying various organic and inorganic growth strategies to compete in the market. The growing competition in the market is compelling vendors to adopt various growth strategies such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Some vendors are also adopting inorganic growth strategies such as M&As to remain competitive in the market. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: 3M Corp Corp B. Braun SE Becton Dickinson and Co. and Co. Boston Scientific Corp. Bruker Corp. Canon Inc. Cardinal Health Inc. Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH FUJIFILM Holdings Corp. General Electric Co. Johnson and Johnson Koninklijke Philips NV Medtronic Plc Olympus Corp. PerkinElmer Inc. Sectra AB Siemens AG Smith and Nephew plc Stryker Corp. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read our Sample Report. Geographical Market Analysis North America will account for 32% of the market's growth. In North America, the United States and Canada are the most important markets for healthcare education solutions. The market in this region will grow at a slower rate than the markets in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific. Over the projected period, the presence of an established and mature healthcare industry, particularly in developed nations such as the United States and Canada, will aid the expansion of the healthcare education solutions market in North America. Furthermore, countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, and the UK are expected to emerge as prominent markets for the Healthcare Education Solutions Market during the forecast period. Know more about this market's geographical distribution along with a detailed analysis of the top regions. Download Detailed Sample Report. Key Segment Analysis The market share of airway management tubes held by supraglottic airways (SGAs) would expand significantly. The materials and components used in laryngeal mask airways are inexpensive, which lowers the masks' overall maintenance costs. Furthermore, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association suggest these masks for emergency airway management. In the approaching years, such variables will fuel segment growth. View Sample Report : to know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years. Key Market Drivers & Challenges: The need to address issues in the healthcare business through effective medical training is one of the primary factors driving growth in the healthcare education solutions market. With the evolving technology in the global healthcare business, physicians must be well-versed in new patient-care approaches in order to make better decisions, even in critical situations, and to assure patient and staff satisfaction. Because medical practitioners' abilities have such a direct impact on patients' health, adequate medical education and training is critical. As a result, healthcare education solutions are needed to help HCPs improve their competency, solve healthcare gaps in specific segments of the global healthcare industry, and translate innovations into practice in order to improve overall patient care quality. However, the high costs of generating e-learning content will be a major barrier to the healthcare education solutions market. Download Sample Report for highlights on market Drivers & Challenges affecting the Healthcare Education Solutions Market. Customize Your Report Don't miss out on the opportunity to speak to our analyst and know more insights about this market report. Our analysts can also help you customize this report according to your needs. Our analysts and industry experts will work directly with you to understand your requirements and provide you with customized data in a short amount of time. Do reach out to our analysts for more customized reports as per your requirements. Speak to our Analyst now! Related Reports: Drone Technology Market in Education Sector Market by Application, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Information and Communications Technology Services in Education Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Healthcare Education Solutions Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.53% Market growth 2022-2026 $ 6.57 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 8.25 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 32% Key consumer countries US, Canada, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled 3M Corp, B. Braun SE, Becton Dickinson and Co., Boston Scientific Corp., Bruker Corp., Canon Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, FUJIFILM Holdings Corp., General Electric Co., Johnson and Johnson, Koninklijke Philips NV, Medtronic Plc, Olympus Corp., PerkinElmer Inc., Sectra AB, Siemens AG, Smith and Nephew plc, Stryker Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the forecast period Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Delivery Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Delivery 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Delivery - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Delivery - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Delivery Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Delivery Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Delivery 5.3 Classroom based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Classroom based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Classroom based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Classroom based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Classroom based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 E-learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on E-learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on E-learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on E-learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on E-learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Delivery Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Delivery ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 82: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 83: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 84: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 85: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 86: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 87: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 88: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 3M Corp Corp Exhibit 89: 3M Corp - Overview Corp - Overview Exhibit 90: 3M Corp - Business segments Corp - Business segments Exhibit 91: 3M Corp - Key news Corp - Key news Exhibit 92: 3M Corp - Key offerings Corp - Key offerings Exhibit 93: 3M Corp - Segment focus 10.4 B . Braun SE . Braun SE Exhibit 94: B. Braun SE - Overview Exhibit 95: B. Braun SE - Business segments Exhibit 96: B. Braun SE - Key news Exhibit 97: B. Braun SE - Key offerings Exhibit 98: B. Braun SE - Segment focus 10.5 Becton Dickinson and Co. and Co. Exhibit 99: Becton Dickinson and Co. - Overview and Co. - Overview Exhibit 100: Becton Dickinson and Co. - Business segments and Co. - Business segments Exhibit 101: Becton Dickinson and Co. - Key news and Co. - Key news Exhibit 102: Becton Dickinson and Co. - Key offerings and Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 103: Becton Dickinson and Co. - Segment focus 10.6 General Electric Co. Exhibit 104: General Electric Co. - Overview Exhibit 105: General Electric Co. - Business segments Exhibit 106: General Electric Co. - Key news Exhibit 107: General Electric Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 108: General Electric Co. - Segment focus 10.7 Johnson and Johnson Exhibit 109: Johnson and Johnson - Overview Exhibit 110: Johnson and Johnson - Business segments Exhibit 111: Johnson and Johnson - Key news Exhibit 112: Johnson and Johnson - Key offerings Exhibit 113: Johnson and Johnson - Segment focus 10.8 Koninklijke Philips NV Exhibit 114: Koninklijke Philips NV - Overview Exhibit 115: Koninklijke Philips NV - Business segments Exhibit 116: Koninklijke Philips NV - Key news Exhibit 117: Koninklijke Philips NV - Key offerings Exhibit 118: Koninklijke Philips NV - Segment focus 10.9 Siemens AG Exhibit 119: Siemens AG - Overview Exhibit 120: Siemens AG - Business segments Exhibit 121: Siemens AG - Key news Exhibit 122: Siemens AG - Key offerings Exhibit 123: Siemens AG - Segment focus 10.10 Smith and Nephew plc Exhibit 124: Smith and Nephew plc - Overview Exhibit 125: Smith and Nephew plc - Business segments Exhibit 126: Smith and Nephew plc - Key news Exhibit 127: Smith and Nephew plc - Key offerings Exhibit 128: Smith and Nephew plc - Segment focus 10.11 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Exhibit 129: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Overview Exhibit 130: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 131: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Key news Exhibit 132: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 133: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Segment focus 10.12 Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Exhibit 134: Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. - Overview Exhibit 135: Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 136: Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. - Key news Exhibit 137: Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 138: Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 139: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 140: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 141: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 142: Research methodology Exhibit 143: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 144: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 145: List of abbreviations About Us: Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio "We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Helios Board of Directors. Jim brings strategic business expertise with a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Arizona, including the complex school funding formula," said Helios's Founding Chairman Vince Roig. "Just as important, Jim brings a passion that is aligned with the Foundation's work of increasing student success across the spectrumfrom early literacy to college-going and college completion." Mr. Swanson is President and CEO of Kitchell, based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he oversees more than 1,100 employee-owners along with company operations in Arizona, California, Iowa, and Texas. Before joining Kitchell, Mr. Swanson was Senior Vice President at Affiliated Computers Services, where he directed operations for its education sector clients. Mr. Swanson is a tireless advocate for improving education in Arizona and beyond through his involvement in numerous organizations, including co-chair of the Classrooms First Initiative Council; board member and former board chairman of Teach for America Phoenix; co-chair of the Greater Phoenix Leadership Education Committee; and member of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools and Rodel Foundation board of directors. Additionally, Mr. Swanson is a trustee of the Barrow Neurological Foundation, a board member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and a member of the Valley of the Sun United Way Tocqueville Society. "I am honored to join the Board and ready to get to work alongside my talented colleagues to improve education outcomes among students in Arizona and Florida. I strongly believe that education is a pathway to improving lives," Mr. Swanson said. "Now more than ever, as the lingering effects of the pandemic on academic performance become clearer, Helios has an opportunity to make meaningful change." Members of the Helios Education Foundation Board of Directors have a wide range of education, business, community, and policy expertise. In addition, the board is representative, in gender, ethnicity, and geography, of the communities the Foundation serves. Helios Board members include: Vince Roig , Founding Chairman , Founding Chairman Paul J. Luna , President and CEO , President and CEO Don Aripoli , Ph.D. , Ph.D. Mark Fernandez Tom Herndon Vada O. Manager Ioanna Morfessis , Ph.D. , Ph.D. Jane LaRocca Roig , Vice Chair , Vice Chair Maria Sastre Steven Wheeler Jim Swanson Each board member brings a passionate commitment to student success. Since 2004, under the Board's leadership, Helios has: Invested nearly $300 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve; in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve; Helped more than 1.4 million students participate in early learning, college and career planning, and postsecondary education programs that will help lead to success in earning a postsecondary degree; Provided professional development opportunities to more than 60,000 educators; and Awarded 27,000 scholarships. About Helios Education Foundation Helios Education Foundation was founded on four fundamental beliefscommunity, equity, investment, partnershipand with one purpose: To create opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education. For nearly 20 years, our commitment has been to education excellence and closing achievement gaps for all students. Learn more about Helios Education Foundation at www.helios.org. CONTACT: Rebecca Lindgren (602) 381-2294 | [email protected] SOURCE Helios Education Foundation TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in Atlanta, with 200 of its leaders, HIGHSTREET launched one of its key investment initiatives a new, modern digital-first brand. Built for the future, all of the new brand's elements were created for a delightful digital client experience that will accelerate client growth for HIGHSTREET agencies and drive overall organic growth. Scott Wick, CEO, said, "It's been quite a journey over the past few years, and we are very excited about the future. We are a relationship business, but we recognize the changing environment and the importance of digital transformation and data. We are well-poised to take advantage of both." The new brand brings together HIGHSTREET'S community-minded strategy and its culture of building resilient communities of the future. Angela Williams, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, commented, "We had all the foundational pieces of a great brand. With this evolution, we can now accelerate our strategy and differentiate our position in the market. This is just the beginning of our digital plans to drive significant growth for our agencies and adapt to how our clients want to interact with us." About HIGHSTREET Insurance Partners HIGHSTREET is a national insurance agency with over 100 agency partners across the continental US. Founded in 2018, the Traverse City, Michigan-based company provides a broad array of business insurance & risk management; employee benefits & human capital management; financial & retirement services; and personal insurance solutions. Our Purpose: We love to help people pursue life's opportunities with tenacity and confidence to create stronger, more resilient communities. We do it for all our futures. Visit www.HSIP.com See Possible. SOURCE HIGHSTREET Insurance Partners Plans include both sides working together to cement a partnership that's designed to strengthen cultural relations, foster new trade, and bolster advocacy on issues of mutual concern. "Covid has pushed many prominent figures to an inflection point about what the post-pandemic world should look like," said Russo. "For Italians and Italian Americans alike, it's about fueling prosperity, advocating for each other's culture and history, and leaning on principles and aspirations that have been gleaned from our religious institutions and our ancestors." Russo will appear before the Italian Parliament to lay out this vision, and his delegation will meet with the Deputy of Foreign Affairs for the Italian Republic, Italian Supreme Court Justices, Italian academia, and the Vatican's Secretary of State. "The Embassy, and Italian institutions on both sides of the Atlantic, greatly appreciate all that you do, each day, to promote our language, culture, and traditions in short, our heritage," noted Ambassador Zappia in welcoming Judge Russo and the COPOMIAO delegation. Updates will be provided in the coming days regarding next steps on this landmark initiative. In the meantime, Judge Russo is available for Zoom or telephone interviews. ABOUT COPOMIAO Formed in 1975 and based in New York City, The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) is comprised of 54 of the most influential cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups in the nation. For more information, visit www.copomiao.org. SOURCE The Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations BENGALURU, India , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The race to modernize continues, and companies already see the finish line, according to new research from the Infosys Knowledge Institute, the thought leadership and research arm of Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY). The study reveals that 50 percent of the global legacy application landscape is expected to modernize in the next two years, with 70-90 percent modernizing in the next five years. Infosys Modernization Radar 2022 found that application modernization leads to increased benefits from cloud, enterprise data, and exponential technologies like analytics, APIs, AI and microservices. Modernization also improves scalability and creates a digital backbone. The research underscores that modernization reduces operational expenditures, increases revenues, and provides a better customer experience. The research identified four swift and effective modernization approaches: 1. The right modernization strategy: Holistic, automated, and aligned Our research found that 88 percent of systems are legacy; of those, 45 percent are legacy mainframe. More than half (52 percent) are core to the business, and the rest are supporting applications all need to avoid the risk of disruption. Many of the legacy systems lack adequate support, making them vulnerable and presenting security risks. Companies should adopt a holistic view of the enterprise estate, increase automation, and align business and IT on modernization decisions. 2. Multiple talent pools reduce risk Fifty-one percent of respondents cited the lack of skills and talent as a bigger pain point than the risk of disruption (27 percent) and modernization costs (24 percent). Companies need to upskill their employee base and acquire niche skills such as reengineering, database modernization, and rules externalization. The research recommends companies invest in their workforce, build communities of practice for modernization, and tap the gig economy to harness talent as a modernization tool. 3. Modernization investment should be more strategic than discretionary Although companies on average invest a full 65 percent of discretionary budget on modernization projects, large companies tend to budget more strategically for modernization. These firms develop a clear modernization roadmap and are more likely to go all-in on big modernization projects. Modernization is now on the executive agenda, and it should become a crucial component of enterprise technology planning. 4. Phased approach and coexistent methodologies are less disruptive than a big-bang approach A systematic phased and coexistent approaches to modernization cause the fewest disruptions. When legacy and modernized applications coexist with two-way data syncing, this coexistence limits end-user disruptions. According to the research, 51 percent of respondents who extensively use a big-bang approach experience more frequent and severe disruption. However, severe disruption levels and frequency for a phased and coexistent methods were far lower. Ravi Kumar S, President, Infosys, said, "Enterprises must accelerate their modernization journey and it is imperative that they act now. As the Infosys Modernization Radar 2022 shows, a wait-and-see approach is just not tenable. Modernization plays a pivotal role in equipping businesses to deliver strategically and seamlessly in a customer-centric era. Our Infosys Modernization Suite, part of Infosys Cobalt, helps enterprises modernize their legacy systems and become future-ready." To learn more about Infosys Modernization Radar 2022, please visit: https://www.infosys.com/services/application-modernization/insights/modernization-radar-2022.html Methodology Infosys used a blind format to conduct an online survey of 1,500 senior technology leaders and executives across thirteen industries across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. To gain additional qualitative insights, phone interviews were also conducted with practitioners and subject matter experts. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, financial expectations and plans for navigating the COVID-19 impact on our employees, clients and stakeholders are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding COVID-19 and the effects of government and other measures seeking to contain its spread, risks related to an economic downturn or recession in India, the United States and other countries around the world, changes in political, business, and economic conditions, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry and the outcome of pending litigation and government investigation. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. SOURCE Infosys New facility meets the growing demands of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing life-changing drugs NEEDHAM, Mass., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Invicro LLC, a part of REALM IDx, Inc., today announced the relocation of its global headquarters and expansion of its U.S. laboratories for radiology and pathology imaging services to Needham, Mass., to provide more resources to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and their development of life-changing drugs. Imaging technologies, such as MRI, CT and PET are a critical and growing part of patient care, including the diagnosis, staging and tracking of disease and treatment. In the development of new medicines, imaging enables a personalized assessment of disease burden and drug response. Invicro's imaging services and expanded facilities will provide more resources to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, offering next-generation biomarkers backed by world-class capabilities that support new drug discoveries for patient care that span from discovery research to global clinical trials. "We are thrilled to relocate to our new Needham headquarters and to increase our capacity to meet the demands of our customers," said Matt Silva, Ph.D., CEO of Invicro. "Invicro's mission is to visualize and quantify biological and pathological processes to better diagnose, treat and cure disease through advanced imaging applications, informatics and operations. We support important drug research and development, and increasing demand for our services requires us to grow to achieve these important objectives." The new headquarters is located at 119 Fourth Avenue in Needham, a suburb of Boston that lies within the growing biotech corridor. The facility offers 7,000 square feet of additional laboratory space over the previous headquarters, enabling Invicro to continue to scale its pharmacology, pathology, chemistry and imaging services. It also includes a new state-of-the-art MRI system that complements Invicro's industry-leading PET and SPECT applications. In addition, the move allows Invicro to increase access to radiochemistry services and therapeutic radioisotopes. Invicro's Advanced Pathology Services group expanded its laboratory footprint to complement its new 3,000+ square feet CLIA/CAP accredited pathology services laboratory in Aliso Viejo, Calif. This expansion allows the pathology team to strengthen their tissue imaging capabilities, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and novel methods that all improve visualization, sensitivity and quantification. Invicro is a global provider of imaging biomarkers, core lab and pathology services, advanced analytics and software solutions for drug discovery and development. The company operates out of eight global laboratories, clinics and sites, including Massachusetts, Michigan and California within the United States, and the United Kingdom, India and Japan internationally. About Invicro Headquartered in Needham, Mass., Invicro was founded in 2008 with the mission of improving the role and function of imaging in translational drug discovery and development across all therapeutic areas. Today, Invicro's multi-disciplinary team provides solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech companies across all stages of the drug development pipeline (Phase 0-IV), all imaging modalities and all therapeutic areas, including neurology, oncology, and systemic and rare diseases. Invicro's quantitative biomarker services, advanced analytics and AI tools, and clinical operational services are backed by Invicro's industry-leading software informatics platforms, VivoQuant and iPACS, as well as their pioneering IQ-Analytics Platform, which includes AmyloidIQ, TauIQ and DaTIQ. Invicro is part of REALM IDx, Inc., a health care company that is pioneering the field of integrated diagnostics, a new frontier of advanced clinical science that brings together laboratory medicine, radiology, pathology and sophisticated artificial intelligence to derive actionable insights that can lead to better medical solutions for patient care. Media Contact Brad Lotterman Communications Director REALM IDx, Inc. [email protected] 760-579-3509 SOURCE Invicro RENO, Nev., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Itronics Inc. (OTC: ITRO) today reported on current Company progress to its investors. Fertilizer sales through April 30, 2022 , totaled $1,077,736 , an increase of 128 percent compared to the same period in 2021. , totaled , an increase of 128 percent compared to the same period in 2021. Raw material availability for the Company's GOLD'n GRO fertilizers has improved significantly over the same period last year. "We believe the uptick in demand for GOLD'n GRO is a major opportunity for the Company," said Dr. John Whitney , founder, and President. "Our fertilizers improve crop yield and quality, which is vital in avoiding food shortages." , founder, and President. "Our fertilizers improve crop yield and quality, which is vital in avoiding food shortages." Mining company interest in the Company's Rock Kleen tailings processing technology is expanding with testing on three projects in the proposal stage. Itronics reports that auditing of its financial statements is in progress. Once Itronics U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings are current, trading of its stock will resume. "I would like to thank our investors for their continued support. Our "Zero Waste Energy Saving Technology" is designed to make the world cleaner and greener, while continuing our drive toward profitability." About Itronics Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Itronics Inc. is a "Zero Waste Energy Saving Technology" Company that produces GOLD'n GRO multi-nutrient liquid fertilizers. The Company's environmentally friendly award winning GOLD'n GRO liquid fertilizers are used in extensively in agriculture in California. Follow Itronics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itronicsinc Follow Itronics on Twitter: https://twitter.com/itronicsinc ; VISIT OUR WEB SITE: http://www.itronics.com Contact us: (775) 689-7696 ("Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains or may contain forward-looking statements such as statements regarding the Company's growth and profitability, growth strategy, liquidity and access to public markets, operating expense reduction, and trends in the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in risks, uncertainties or assumptions underlying or affecting such statements, or for prospective events that may have a retroactive effect.) Media Contact: Paul Knopick [email protected] +1-888-795-6336 SOURCE Itronics Inc. CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) announced today that Karen Brennan, the company's Chief Financial Officer, will participate in investor meetings as part of the Wolfe Research Virtual Broker Conference on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. Additional members of JLL's leadership team will participate in commercial real estate panels during the conference. Additional details and a live audio webcast of the commercial real estate panels can be found in the Investor Relations section of JLL's website at ir.jll.com. An audio replay of the webcast panels will be posted within 24 hours of the live event and will be available for 180 days thereafter. For further information, please contact JLL's Investor Relations department at: [email protected]. About JLL JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $19.4 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 98,000 as of December 31, 2021. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit ir.jll.com. Connect with us https://www.linkedin.com/company/jll https://www.facebook.com/jll https://twitter.com/jll https://www.instagram.com/jll Contact: Gayle Kantro Phone: +1 312 228 2795 Email: [email protected] SOURCE JLL-IR While Secretary, Katie pushed forward several major climate initiatives and infrastructure projects, including deployment of the nation's first-large scale offshore wind farm and the development and selection of its second and third round of procurements that will bring 3,600 megawatts of clean, affordable power to the Massachusetts grid - enough energy to power an estimated 608,000 homes. She also established an aggressive limit of net zero emissions by 2050 and oversaw more than $1 billion dollars in climate mitigation and adaptation investments. "Katie has been a visionary for Massachusetts whilst driving the state's clean energy ambitions and will further RWE's Growing Green strategy to rapidly invest 50 billion euros in clean energy technologies," said Sam Eaton, Executive Vice President Offshore Wind Development, RWE Renewables Americas. "We are excited to welcome Katie to our team and look forward to working with her to develop clean, affordable and domestic offshore wind energy for millions of American households." In her role as Head of Offshore Development (East), Katie will be responsible for overseeing all development activities along the East Coast. Her portfolio will include the development of RWE's research array in Maine which is the first offshore floating wind project in the U.S. and development of the largest lease area in the New York Bight that will generate over 3 GW of capacity and power 1.1 million homes in collaboration with our partners at Diamond Offshore Wind and National Grid Ventures respectively. With a background in ecosystem ecology and climate science Katie has held a variety of climate focused positions, including Undersecretary of Climate Change and Director of Climate and Global Warming Solutions for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. "I'm thrilled to be joining the RWE team to help accelerate the pace of offshore wind deployment in the U.S., and to create clean, renewable energy that will help us achieve our urgent climate goals," said Katie Theoharides. "I look forward to work directly on project development to help achieve RWE's significant environmental and climate goals which include leading the energy transition by expanding their clean energy generation capacity to 50GW by 2030." RWE is one of the world's leading companies in offshore wind, active across the entire value chain, from project conception and development to construction as well as operation and maintenance. The unparalleled expertise the company has earned over the last 20 years has resulted in 17 wind farms in operation. For more information, go to americas.rwe.com. For further inquiries: Matt Tulis Communication Manager RWE Renewables M +1 512 698 4043 E [email protected] RWE Renewables RWE is leading the way to a green energy world. With an extensive investment and growth strategy, the company will expand its powerful, green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts internationally by 2030. RWE is investing 50 billion gross for this purpose in this decade. The portfolio is based on offshore and onshore wind, solar, hydrogen, batteries, biomass and gas. RWE Supply & Trading provides tailored energy solutions for large customers. RWE has locations in the attractive markets of Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The company is responsibly phasing out nuclear energy and coal. Government-mandated phaseout roadmaps have been defined for both of these energy sources. RWE employs around 19,000 people worldwide and has a clear target: to get to net zero by 2040. On its way there, the company has set itself ambitious targets for all activities that cause greenhouse gas emissions. The Science Based Targets initiative has confirmed that these emission reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement. Very much in the spirit of the company's purpose: Our energy for a sustainable life. SOURCE RWE Renewables Koch wins highest EPA recognition for second consecutive year, enters Sustained Excellence category WICHITA, Kan., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Koch Industries, Inc. ("Koch") today announced that it has earned the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for 2022. This is the second consecutive year Koch has earned this award, moving the company into ENERGY STAR's Sustained Excellence category. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies; it is the highest honor bestowed by the EPA. Koch companies work to use fewer resources while creating life-sustaining essentials and everyday products that help people improve their lives. Since joining the ENERGY STAR program in 2015, Koch has maintained a high level of performance, improving energy efficiency in its businesses. As a result of Koch's efforts to achieve best-in-class energy management program and practices, Koch received six plant certifications as first-quartile energy-efficient in the pulp and paper, refining, and fertilizer industries. "Koch's recognition as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 2022, our second consecutive year earning this award, underscores our employees' commitment to stewardship in action," said Sheryl Corrigan, director of environmental, health and safety at Koch Industries. "We are humbled to enter ENERGY STAR's Sustained Excellence category, and we're excited to continue growing our energy capability in partnership with EPA. It's very much in line with the innovative work our Koch companies are doing in promoting and improving energy efficiency through new investments, technologies, processes, and collaboration." The ENERGY STAR award comes as Koch companies work toward even greater energy management and efficiency practices. While its businesses have grown, Koch has experienced a 58% reduction in production-related waste since 2012a total of 571 million poundsaccording to EPA's Toxics Release Inventory Report. Of the waste produced and reported to EPA at Koch facilities in 2020, 91% was recycled, recovered for energy, or treateda total of 372 million pounds. As one of the largest United States manufacturers and ENERGY STAR partners, Koch facilities have successfully reduced energy consumption and associated emissions not only compared to domestic competitors measured by ENERGY STAR but also compared to facilities that less efficiently manufacture imported products. In addition to its ENERGY STAR partnership, Koch has grown and advanced its supply chain business to be one of the most efficient in the U.S., repeatedly earning recognition from the EPA's SmartWay program. Since 2011, Koch has invested billions in energy efficiency projects across its more than 300 U.S.-based facilities and has implemented more than 1,500 energy efficiency projects and initiatives. One example is Koch company Georgia-Pacific's Brewton, Alabama, paper mill, which recently made nearly $500 million in capital investments to improve operations and energy efficiency. The Brewton mill then participated in an ENERGY STAR "Challenge for Industry," quickly achieving its goals in only one year before earning plant certification as the first ever integrated paper mill. Brewton is just one example of the investments and innovations happening across the Koch enterprise, which include significant investments in electric battery and energy storage technology, and in renewable energy, such as the acquisition of solar energy leader DEPCOM Power. For more information of Koch's stewardship work, visit: www.KOCHind.com/Stewardship. To read about Koch's stewardship from Sheryl Corrigan, director of environmental, health and safety at Koch, visit: experience.KOCHind.com/Stewardship. About Koch Industries, Inc. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Koch Industries, Inc. is one of the largest private companies in America, with estimated annual revenues that have exceeded $125 billion. It owns a diverse group of companies involved in industrial manufacturing, agriculture, building materials, glass, automotive components, refining, renewable energy, chemicals and polymers, pulp and paper, packaging, consumer products, electronics, enterprise software, data analytics, medical products, engineered technology, project services, recycling, supply chain and logistics, global commodities trading, and investments. Since 2003, Koch companies have invested nearly $150 billion in growth and improvements. With a presence in more than 70 countries, Koch companies employ more than 120,000 people worldwide, with about half of those in the United States. For more news and information, visit www.KOCHind.com. SOURCE Koch Industries Flood Insurance Guru leverages InsitePro for flood risk, mitigation and coverage awareness DENVER, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Intermap Technologies (TSX: IMP) (OTCQX: ITMSF) ("Intermap" or the "Company"), a global leader in geospatial content development and intelligence solutions, today announced that Flood Insurance Guru, a leading retail and wholesale broker of flood insurance, has subscribed to InsitePro, Intermap's SaaS package that delivers property-specific risk analytics for underwriting flood insurance anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, using Intermap's proprietary, global 3D elevation data. Intermap's new client is a market leader in raising property owner awareness of flood resilience and flood insurance. Flood Insurance Guru helps its clients mitigate flood damage to prevent losses and customizes insurance solutions from the private flood insurance market to cover the property's real flood risk. InsitePro's property-specific risk assessments will help Flood Insurance Guru ensure its customers understand their flood risk and buy the correct coverage. "Our goal is to help people know the flood risk, understand the risk and reduce the risk," said Chris Greene, President of Flood Insurance Guru. "This will help reduce long-term flooding on a property and help create long-term flood insurance rate stability." The U.S. private flood market has grown at a CAGR of 20% since 2016. The beginning of 2022 has shown accelerated market growth in response to a hardening property insurance market and the rollout of the National Flood Insurance Program's Risk Rating 2.0. InsitePro revenue growth has mirrored the private flood market over that period, including a 12-month growth in MRR of 38% through December 2021. "Intermap's U.S. insurance business continues its strong growth through Q2 2022," said Patrick A. Blott, Intermap's Chairman and CEO. "Flood risk is all about elevations, and InsitePro delivers flood risk solutions for broking and underwriting based on the best elevation data available. We help the insurance industry understand and diversify flood risk, which will reduce the amount of emergency funds paid by the federal government every year to help property owners, including homeowners, recover from severe flood damage." To learn more about Intermap's insurance solutions, visit www.goinsitepro.com and www.intermap.com/insurance. Intermap Reader Advisory Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "will be", "will consider", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Intermap's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties pertaining to, among other things, cash available to fund operations, availability of capital, revenue fluctuations, nature of government contracts, economic conditions, loss of key customers, retention and availability of executive talent, competing technologies, common share price volatility, loss of proprietary information, software functionality, internet and system infrastructure functionality, information technology security, breakdown of strategic alliances, and international and political considerations, as well as those risks and uncertainties discussed Intermap's Annual Information Form and other securities filings. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law. About Intermap Technologies Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (TSX: IMP;OTCQX: ITMSF) is a global leader in geospatial intelligence solutions. The Company's proprietary 3D NEXTMap elevation datasets and value-added geospatial collection, processing, analytics, fusion and orthorectification software and solutions are utilized across a range of industries that rely on accurate, high-resolution elevation data. Intermap helps governments build authoritative geospatial datasets and provides solutions for base mapping, transportation, environmental monitoring, topographic mapping, disaster mitigation, smart city integration, public safety and defense. The Company's commercial applications include aviation and UAV flight planning, flood and wildfire insurance, environmental and renewable energy planning, telecommunications, engineering, critical infrastructure monitoring, hydrology, land management, oil and gas and transportation. For more information, please visit www.intermap.com. SOURCE Intermap Technologies Corporation LaFiya Telehealth has integrated NuraLogix's Anura, a groundbreaking product that uses patented transdermal optical imaging (TOI) technology to provide contactless vital sign monitoring, into a new service offering called the "AI HealthChecker." Using the LaFiya website, app, or kiosk, patients are able to receive instant medical-grade health and wellness measurements after a 30-second video selfie. The vital sign measurements can be shared through email or SMS with regional healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment and medical advice. This integration enables patients to have a better understanding of their health, and provides medical professionals with the appropriate information to assess, triage, and recommend treatment. The "AI HealthChecker" is currently integrated into 10 hospitals, 10 medical lab centers, and over 1500 pharmacies across Nigeria. The integration of the NuraLogix's Anura into the LaFiya AI HealthChecker began on January 17, 2022, and is now fully functional. There are currently over 540 users on the "AI HealthChecker" who have tested the service and provided positive feedback. In addition to increasing access to healthcare for rural residents, this integration will also help eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTD's) across Nigeria, and will decrease maternity and infant mortality rates. Some regions currently only have one hospital within 100km serving a population of more than 35,000, leaving patients with no access to healthcare, or a lengthy travel journey. Other benefits of this partnership include lower cost of healthcare delivery, and preventing "brain drain" when talented professionals leave the region to seek work elsewhere. The next steps in this partnership are to begin the mobile version integration. LaFiya Telehealth also plans to continue to build partnerships with local health providers, hospitals, government, NGO's, schools and organizations to build models of care to support regions with few healthcare providers. About NuraLogix NuraLogix Corporation are the creators of the world's first contactless blood pressure measurement technology. Their technology provides medical-grade vital sign measurements and health risk assessments using data gathered from a simple 30-second video selfie. Their solution is targeted at use cases such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, employee assistance programs, remote elderly care, health and wellness, insurtech and more. Learn more at https://www.nuralogix.ai/ About LaFiya TeleHealth LaFiya TeleHealth is a digital healthcare platform that provides on-demand 24/7 healthcare services to its clients. From exclusive walk-in mobile station kiosks to a smartphone app, it provides patients with the ability to instantly connect with a certified doctor or pharmacist regardless of their location or financial condition. Learn more at: https://www.lafiyatelehealth.com/#/about Disclaimers: Note: In the United States, this product is for Investigational Use Only. The performance characteristics of this product have not been established. SOURCE Nuralogix JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapidly growing and profitable LFTD Partners Inc. ("LFTD Partners" or the "Company") (OTCQB: LIFD) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, leading cannabis and psychedelics-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company Lifted Made, Kenosha, WI, which manufactures the award-winning brand of hemp-derived cannabinoid products Urb Finest Flowers and psychedelics brand Silly Shruum, is now running a second shift in order to keep up with growing demand for its products. Nicholas S. Warrender, Vice Chairman and COO of LFTD Partners, and founder and CEO of Lifted Made, said, "During the past two years, Lifted Made has steadily expanded from a small 3,300 sq. ft. leased space in Zion, Illinois, to three leased spaces with a total of 24,238 sq. ft. in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which has allowed us to grow from about 10 employees to over 125. With our revenue continuing to grow and projected to hit $75 million or more in 2022, Lifted Made is now successfully running a second shift from 3:00 PM until 11:00 PM. We are very grateful for our team's pedal-to-the-floor mentality during this exciting period in our company's growth and diversification." About LFTD Partners Inc. Publicly-traded LFTD Partners Inc., Jacksonville, FL (OTCQB ticker symbol LIFD) is the parent corporation of Lifted Made, Kenosha, WI (www.LiftedMade.com), which manufactures and sells psychedelic products under its Silly Shruum brand, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products under its Urb Finest Flowers brand. LFTD Partners Inc. also owns 4.99% of CBD-infused beverage and products maker Ablis Holding Company (www.AblisBev.com), and of craft distillers Bendistillery Inc. d/b/a Crater Lake Spirits (www.CraterLakeSpirits.com) and Bend Spirits, Inc. (www.Bendistillery.com) all located in Bend, OR. Please read LIFD's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which fully describe our business and the Risk Factors associated therewith. Stay updated with our company news and product launches by subscribing to our newsletters at www.LFTDPartners.com and www.LiftedMade.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this document are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such information includes the acquisition, financing, revenue growth, profitability, and product strategies, plans and expectations of LFTD Partners Inc. and Lifted Made. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause or contribute to the actual results of these companies' merger plans, financing plans, operations, or the performance or achievements of these companies differing materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain other factors, including the risk factors set forth in LFTD Partners Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell common stock or any other securities of LFTD Partners Inc. CONTACTS: Lifted Made Attn: Nicholas S. Warrender, CEO Phone: (224) 577-8148 Email: [email protected] Website: www.LiftedMade.com LFTD Partners Inc. Attn: William C. "Jake" Jacobs, President and CFO Phone: (847) 400-7660 Email: [email protected] Website: www.LFTDPartners.com SOURCE LFTD Partners Inc. TEL AVIV, Israel , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightspin , the next-generation cloud security platform, has been named one of 10 finalists for the RSA Conference 2022 Innovation Sandbox Contest. On Monday, June 6, Lightspin will present its technology to a panel of renowned industry judges and a live in-person audience at RSA Conference 2022 in San Francisco. Since 2005, the RSAC Innovation Sandbox has served as a platform for the most promising young cybersecurity companies to showcase their groundbreaking technologies and compete for the title of "Most Innovative Startup." The competition is widely recognized as a catapult for success and the top 10 finalists have collectively celebrated 69 acquisitions and received $9.8 billion in investments over the last 17 years. Lightspin will have three minutes to pitch the panel of judges before a question-and-answer round. "While the cybersecurity industry contends with constant changes and challenges, these bold thinkers are the changemakers we need to protect the world against new threats," said Linda Gray Martin, Vice President, RSA Conference. "For the last 17 years, RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest finalists have gone on to make a significant impact, and there's no doubt that this year is any different. We're cheering on this year's finalists to carry on the competition's legacy with their game-changing ideas and I look forward to seeing the influence they make on the future." Cloud-based breaches are costly and result in millions of lost capital to an organization. Public cloud-based breaches alone cost approximately $4.80M per year. Additionally, security, compliance, and development teams are inundated with thousands of security alerts on a daily basis, but not given the proper context or meaning behind each of these security issues, or what the true impact to their organization will be if they go unremediated. Lightspin brings a better way forward through cloud security born on the graph. By applying graph theory algorithms to cloud environments, Lightspin powers end users to better understand and more accurately prioritize the risks in their hybrid environments. The platform offers a complete chain of event flow of a potential attacker - from the network entrance point, all the way through to the workload risk - to reveal the final potential impact to the environment and organization. Built from the ground up from the perspective of a potential attacker, Lightspin builds a holistic topology of an organization's cloud environment, underscoring the connections between assets, networks, and accounts. "The cloud is too complicated to prioritize risk without context, and context is only possible with graph technology, said Vladi Sandler, co-founder and CEO of Lightspin. "We empower organizations to start seeing their cloud environment from an attacker's perspective and instantly identify, prioritize, and fix any open attack paths. Cloud environments are complex, but Lightspin brings peace of mind with full security observability." The RSAC Innovation Sandbox Contest kicks off at 12:00 p.m. PT on June 6 and winners will be announced at 3:00 p.m. the same day. The panel of renowned expert judges includes Dorit Dor , Chief Product Officer at Check Point Software Technologies; Niloofar Howe , Sr. Operating Partner at Energy Impact Partners; Paul Kocher, Independent Researcher; Shlomo Kramer , Co-founder and CEO, Cato Networks; and Christopher Young, Executive Vice President of Business Development Strategy and Ventures at Microsoft. Hugh Thompson, Program Committee Chair of RSA Conference, will return to host the contest. For more information regarding RSA Conference 2022, taking place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from June 6-9, please visit https://www.rsaconference.com/usa . About Lightspin Lightspin's next-gen cloud security posture management (CSPM) platform protects cloud and Kubernetes environments from build to runtime and simplifies cloud security for security and DevOps teams. Using advanced graph-based technology, Lightspin prioritizes risks across the cloud environment focusing security efforts on the critical issues that matter most. Lightspin serves Fortune 500 customers across the globe and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel with offices in New York, NY. For more information, visit https://www.lightspin.io/ . About RSA Conference RSA Conference is the premier series of global events and year-round learning for the cybersecurity community. RSAC is where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and have access to the experts, unbiased content and ideas that help enable individuals and companies to advance their cybersecurity posture and build stronger and smarter teams. Both in-person and online, RSAC brings the cybersecurity industry together and empowers the collective "we" to stand against cyberthreats around the world. RSAC is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential, and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in cybersecurity today. For the most up-to-date news pertaining to the cybersecurity industry visit www.rsaconference.com. Where the world talks security. Media Contact: Cathy Summers Summers PR [email protected] +1 (415) 483-0480 SOURCE Lightspin Market Dynamics The global growth in liquid fuel consumption is driving the global liner hanger systems market growth. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to an increase in fuel consumption in many countries. The growth in transportation services is also leading to higher consumption of fuel in developing economies, which is increasing the need for more oil production. The cessation of world bank funding for E&P activities is challenging the liner hanger systems market growth. For instance, in December 2017, the World Bank Group announced that it would not make new investments in upstream oil and gas after 2019, except under special conditions. Learn about other drivers and challenges impacting the growth of the market. View our Sample Report Now Company Profiles The liner hanger systems market is fragmented, and the vendors are deploying growth strategies such as acquisitions and business expansion to compete in the market. The liner hanger systems market report provides complete insights on key vendors, including Allamon Tool Co Inc., Baker Hughes Co., BOTIL Oil Tools India Pvt. Ltd., DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH, Dril Quip Inc., Halliburton Co., Innovex, Maximus Completion Systems, NCS Multistage Holdings Inc., NOV Inc., Packers Plus Energy Services Inc., Peak Completion Technologies Inc., Saga-PCE Pte. Ltd., SAZ Oilfield Services Pte. Ltd., Schlumberger Ltd., TANGENTOG EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY PVT. Ltd., Tianjin Elegant Technology Co. Ltd., Weatherford International Plc, Well Innovation AS, and Wellcare Oil Tools Pvt. Ltd. Competitive Analysis The competitive scenario provided in the liner hanger systems market report analyzes, evaluates, and positions companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered for this analysis include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, etc. Market Segmentation By application, the market is classified into onshore and offshore. The onshore segment will contribute the largest share of the market. An increase in shale oil and gas E&P activities will support the growth of the onshore oil and gas equipment market. This, in turn, will drive the global liner hanger systems market in the coming years. will contribute the largest share of the market. An increase in shale oil and gas E&P activities will support the growth of the onshore oil and gas equipment market. This, in turn, will drive the global liner hanger systems market in the coming years. By geography, the market is classified into North America , APAC, Middle East and Africa , Europe , and South America . North America will have the largest share of the market. The high adoption rates of liner hanger systems in the US, Canada , and Argentina , among other countries, owing to the presence of abundant unconventional oil and gas reserves, will drive the liner hanger systems market growth in North America during the forecast period. Find out the contribution of each segment of the market. View our Sample Report Now Related Reports Subsea Production and Processing Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Oil and Gas Upstream Equipment Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026 Liner Hanger Systems Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 3.72% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 643.35 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 3.15 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, Europe, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 39% Key consumer countries US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Allamon Tool Co Inc., Baker Hughes Co., BOTIL Oil Tools India Pvt. Ltd., DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH, Dril Quip Inc., Halliburton Co., Innovex, Maximus Completion Systems, NCS Multistage Holdings Inc., NOV Inc., Packers Plus Energy Services Inc., Peak Completion Technologies Inc., Saga-PCE Pte. Ltd., SAZ Oilfield Services Pte. Ltd., Schlumberger Ltd., TANGENTOG EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY PVT. Ltd., Tianjin Elegant Technology Co. Ltd., Weatherford International Plc, Well Innovation AS, and Wellcare Oil Tools Pvt. Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by End-user Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2. Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3. Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4. Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five Forces Summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5. Market Segmentation by Application 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Application - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Application 5.3 Onshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Onshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Onshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Onshore - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Onshore - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Offshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Offshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Offshore - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Offshore - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Offshore - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 6. Customer landscape Technavio's customer landscape matrix comparing Drivers or price sensitivity, Adoption lifecycle, importance in customer price basket, Adoption rate and Key purchase criteria 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 5 Market Segmentation by Geography Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Saudi Arabia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Saudi Arabia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Saudi Arabia - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Saudi Arabia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Saudi Arabia - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 78: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8. Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.1.1 Global growth in liquid fuel consumption 8.1.2 Increase in oil and gas E and P activities 8.1.3 Increasing upstream investment 8.2 Market challenges 8.2.1 Cessation of World Bank funding for E and P activities 8.2.2 Volatility in oil and gas prices 8.2.3 Increasing investments in renewable energy 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 79: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 8.4.1 Increase in deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration 8.4.2 Innovations in liner hanger technology 8.4.3 Rise in world refining capacity 9. Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 80: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 81: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 82: Impact of key risks on business 10. Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 83: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 84: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Allamon Tool Co Inc. Exhibit 85: Allamon Tool Co Inc. - Overview Exhibit 86: Allamon Tool Co Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 87: Allamon Tool Co Inc. - Key offerings 10.4 Baker Hughes Co. Exhibit 88: Baker Hughes Co. - Overview Exhibit 89: Baker Hughes Co. - Business segments Exhibit 90: Baker Hughes Co. - Key news Exhibit 91: Baker Hughes Co. - Key offerings Exhibit 92: Baker Hughes Co. - Segment focus 10.5 DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH Exhibit 93: DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH - Overview Exhibit 94: DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 95: DEW Wartungs und Reparatur GmbH - Key offerings 10.6 Dril Quip Inc. Exhibit 96: Dril Quip Inc. - Overview Exhibit 97: Dril Quip Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 98: Dril Quip Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 99: Dril Quip Inc. - Segment focus 10.7 Halliburton Co. Exhibit 100: Halliburton Co. - Overview Exhibit 101: Halliburton Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 102: Halliburton Co. - Key news Exhibit 103: Halliburton Co. - Key offerings 10.8 Innovex Exhibit 104: Innovex - Overview Exhibit 105: Innovex - Product / Service Exhibit 106: Innovex - Key offerings 10.9 NOV Inc. Exhibit 107: NOV Inc. - Overview Exhibit 108: NOV Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 109: NOV Inc. - Key news Exhibit 110: NOV Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 111: NOV Inc. - Segment focus 10.10 Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. Exhibit 112: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. - Overview Exhibit 113: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 114: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. - Key offerings 10.11 Schlumberger Ltd. Exhibit 115: Schlumberger Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 116: Schlumberger Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 117: Schlumberger Ltd. - Key offerings About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio --Mavis Staples to Receive Peace & Freedom Award-- NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Kids Rock, the national nonprofit on a mission to transform lives by restoring, expanding, and innovating music education in public schools across the country, today unveiled the lineup of honorees and musical guests for its 20th Anniversary benefit taking place May 17 in New York City. Presented by Hot Topic Foundation, the event will be emceed by SiriusXM Hits1's host of The Morning Mash Up, Nicole Ryan. Music Industry Icon Mavis Staples will receive the Peace & Freedom Award at the event. Staples is a Blues and a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; civil rights icon; GRAMMY Award-winner; chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer; and a Kennedy Center honoree. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy's inauguration, and sang in Barack Obama's White House. Johnny Rzeznik, best known as the guitarist, front man and a founding member of rock band, Goo Goo Dolls, will be recognized as Rocker of The Year. With 30+ years together as a group, over 15 million albums sold, and 16 Number 1 and Top 10 hits, Goo Goo Dolls remain at the top of their game. Musical Director Michael Bearden, currently Lady Gaga's Musical Director, will lead this year's extravaganza featuring performances by music luminaries: Darryl McDaniels ( Run-D.M.C. ) ( ) Warren Haynes ( Allman Brothers Band , Gov't Mule ) ( ) Cassadee Pope ( The Voice Season 3 Winner ) ) Jon Secada (2-Time GRAMMY Award Winner) "We have so much to celebrate after bringing free music lessons and instruments to more than a million students across the country over the past two decades," said Little Kids Rock Founder and CEO, Dave Wish. "Our growth plans are even more ambitious as we embark on a brand refresh, certify more teachers and engage new partners to support our mission." This year's benefit will take place from 6-10 p.m. at Terminal 5, located at 610 W. 56th St. in Midtown Manhattan. Individual tickets and tables can be purchased at www.littlekidsrock.org/benefit. Proceeds from the benefit, which includes a silent auction kicking off May 10 on Little Kids Rock's website, will help fund future programming, teacher training and instrument donations. For more information, visit www.littlekidsrock.org. EDITOR'S NOTE: Limited number of working media can attend. Email credential request to [email protected] SOURCE Little Kids Rock The report put LONGi's operating revenue for 2021 at CNY 80.932 billion, a year-on-year increase of 48.27%. Net profit attributable to the parent company during the period was CNY 9.086 billion, including CNY 8.826 billion of net profit deducted from non-recurring gains and losses attributable to shareholders of listed companies. The consolidated gross margin was 20.19% and the asset-liability ratio 51.31%, down 8.07% from the previous year. In terms of results for Q1 2022, the company achieved an operating revenue of CNY 18.595 billion, up 17.29% compared to the same period in the previous year, and continues to lead the PV industry. LONGi sees significant potential for global energy transition and opportunities linked to the pursuit of worldwide carbon neutrality and has set itself the goal of achieving operating revenue of more than CNY 100 billion in 2022. Wafer & Module production sees rapid growth and shipments remain No.1 globally In 2021, LONGi achieved wafer shipments of 70.01GW, split between external sales of 33.92GW and 36.09GW for internal use and shipped 38.52GW of mono-crystalline modules, of which external sales accounted for 37.24GW and internal use 1.28GW. During the reporting period, the company's global sales performance, market share and brand influence ranked it 1st in the world, with its total shipment volume of domestic and exported modules exceeding 2nd place by more than 10GW. In Q1 2022, LONGi achieved 18.36GW in mono-crystalline silicon wafer shipments, split between external sales of 8.42GW and 9.94GW for internal use and shipped 6.44GW of mono-crystalline modules, of which external sales accounted for 6.35GW and internal use 0.09GW. As of the end of 2021, the company's production capacity for wafers, cells and modules had reached 105GW, 37GW and 60GW respectively, with 2022 capacity targets increased to 150GW, 60GW and 85GW. LONGi has issued 2022 shipment targets of 90GW-100GW (including internal use) for wafers and 50GW-60GW (including internal use) for modules. Globalization and localization strategy enables the business market to enter a new phase As a key player in implementing a globalization and localization strategy, LONGi has achieved a leading position in market share for Greater China, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the U.S., the Middle East & Africa, module sales reaching overall leadership globally in 2020 with the status consolidated in 2021. The company has now established manufacturing facilities and sales networks in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide, employing 49,967 full-time corporate staff, with 9,827 employees outside China's mainland accounting for 7.59% of the overall total. With trade disputes (WRO) and other ad-hoc issues having an impact on China's photovoltaic industry, LONGi's advantage in not relying on a single market allows it to perform consistently well and meet growth expectations. The completion of the technical transformation of existing production lines will strengthen the overall coordination of global sales in various regions, shorten in-transit time of products and further increase product shipment levels. Sustainable investment in technology R&D leads industry innovation LONGi maintains a long-term commitment to R&D in technology. From the company's listing in 2012 to 2021, the compound annual growth rate of operating revenue reached 53.52% and its total revenue increased from CNY 1.71 billion to more than CNY 80 billion, a 47-fold increase. The growth rate of R&D investment over the period is almost synchronous, totalling over CNY 10 billion. As of 2021, LONGi had secured a total of 1,387 authorized patents and invested CNY 4.394 billion in technology R&D, accounting for 5.43% of revenue, a year-on-year increase of 69.55%. In the past year alone, LONGi has broken the world record for cell conversion efficiency 7 times across various technical disciplines and laid claim to overall leadership in new high-efficiency cell technologies including n-type and p-type TOPCon and n-type and p-type HJT. The company's new solar cell technology will be put into production during the third quarter of 2022. International organisations validate LONGi's renowned brand and product quality In 2021, the U.S. Renewable Energy Testing Center (RETC) recognized LONGi as a "High Achiever" for the third consecutive year in its PV Module Index (PVMI) report and LONGi also earned Top Performer status in PVEL's PV Module Reliability Scorecard. At Intersolar 2021, LONGi was recognized as the winner in the Photovoltaics category for its high-efficiency Hi-MO 5 (182mm) series module, the award given to companies making a significant contribution to the industry via technological innovation. In 2021, LONGi was once again recognised at the TUV Rheinland "All Quality Matters" Solar Congress, with its Hi-MO 4 and Hi-MO 5 high-efficiency modules winning awards for Outdoor Energy Yield (Monofacial Group) and Energy Yield Simulation (Bifacial monocrystalline group) respectively. Promoting the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concept to achieve sustainability LONGi actively implements sustainable development efforts. In 2021, the company announced an ambitious pledge at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) to convert the company's Baoshan production base in Yunnan Province into its first "Net-zero Plant" by 2023. The announcement of the pledge will see the beginning of "Net-zero LONGi" and the establishment of a test field for the company's "Solar for Solar" sustainable development concept. 2021 also saw LONGi issue its first White Paper on Climate Action at the COP26 summit. According to the document, the company will continue to actively fulfil its commitment to promote the implementation of the four international initiatives, RE100, EV100, EP100 and SBTi. The 2021 annual report additionally states that LONGi has now reached 40.19% of renewable electricity use in its global operations and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,687,933 tons, via the three disciplines of self-owned power generation facilities, procurement of third-party power generation facilities and contract procurement of green power. As a socially responsible company headquartered in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, LONGi donated CNY 10 million to the local government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also donated CNY 15 million to the people of Henan Province to provide disaster relief following extensive flooding. Moving forward, LONGi will continue to enhance its product leadership strategy, taking the creation of value for customers as its starting point. The company will drive technological innovation with ambitious goals and continuously work toward the reduction of product cost and improvement in efficiency and quality, continuing to support high-intensity R&D investment and delivery of high-value results to global customers. Note: The financial figures in the report are quoted in Chinese Yuan (CNY). SOURCE LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Machine Investment Group ("Machine"), a real estate investment platform established in 2020, announced that it held a final close for the firm's inaugural fund vehicle, Machine Real Estate Fund I. The fundraise includes primary commitments of $245.7 million and $67 million in co-investments at the time of the final close. Investors included public & private pension funds, international investment managers, foundations, family offices and limited private investors. "We appreciate the strong support of our limited partners at this transformative time for our firm," said Eric Rosenthal, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Machine. "Launching a fund during a period of dislocation aligns well with our mandate to identify value-add and opportunistic investments across all commercial asset classes and capital stack positions. We believe we have assembled an attractive initial portfolio for our investors and continue to see tremendous opportunity within the domestic middle-market." Machine targets equity and debt opportunities, including property repositioning, the acquisition of non-performing loans, and broad special situations with a primary focus on the top 35 domestic MSAs. As of the final close, the fund has deployed 67% of committed capital, including co-investment. Select fund investments include a nine-acre office-to-residential redevelopment site in San Jose, CA; Rescue capital loan secured by two hotels in Los Angeles, CA; 470,000 SF industrial project in Jacksonville, FL; 370,000 SF industrial redevelopment in Nashville, TN; Preferred equity loan to a public hospitality REIT; 258-unit value-add multifamily portfolio in Kansas City, MO; and a 90,000 SF single-tenant office/R&D acquisition in Sunnyvale, CA. About Machine Investment Group Machine Investment Group is a real estate investment platform focused on opportunistic, distressed and special situations across the United States. Founded by former senior executives from Garrison Investment Group, Machine invests primarily in the middle market, where its reputation as a reliable counterparty, its solutions-oriented approach and extensive lender relationships distinguishes the firm from the competition. Machine's strict risk discipline, institutional operating processes and well-developed sourcing network has been cycle-tested and is designed to deliver consistent, opportunistic returns while minimizing losses. Incubation Capital Partners served as exclusive placement agent for Machine Real Estate Fund I. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as fund counsel. Prospect Avenue Partners served as strategic advisor. Contact: Machine Investment Group [email protected] SOURCE Machine Investment Group YUBA CITY, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Alexander filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man who alleges he was sexually abused by a Catholic priest when he was a young boy. The man, named John Doe in the complaint, alleges that Father Murrough Wallace and two young priests sexually abused and assaulted him when he was 10 years old. The alleged abuse took place in Holy Angels Catholic Church and School in Yuba City, CA in 1965. The man alleges Father Wallace took him to the rectory, where two younger priests held him down while the older priest sexually assaulted him. The plaintiff in this matter also accused Father Wallace of using a brass incense burner to knock him unconscious as he was fighting back against the priests. The man alleges a nun was nearby who came to his aid and that the police were called. "Our office has seen case after case where young people were taken advantage of by predator priests such as Father Wallace," said San Francisco clergy abuse attorney Mary Alexander. "This priest was a known predator, has been accused by many people of sexual abuse, and the Sacramento Catholic Church allowed him to continue to prey on young boys throughout his life." Father Murrough Wallace was a priest serving in the Diocese of Sacramento for many years, as well as other parts of California. The lawsuit, filed in Alameda Superior Court under JCCP No. 5108, names The Roman Catholic Bishop of Sacramento as a defendant as Father Wallace has died. "It's also important to know there is a window in the statute of limitations that means no matter how long ago the abuse was you can bring a lawsuit. It is open until the end of this year," Ms. Alexander added. The lawsuit is John Doe D.M. v. Doe Diocese; No. 21CV001407. About Mary Alexander & Associates Mary Alexander & Associates has been successfully fighting for its clients for years. Our attorneys have handled various child sexual abuse and clergy abuse cases, winning millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. These include a $3 million result in a clergy abuse case. To learn more, go to https://maryalexanderlaw.com/san-francisco-clergy-abuse-attorney/. If you are a survivor of abuse or know of one, please contact our law firm at 415-433-4440 and let us be of service. CONTACT: Joe Marchelewski, [email protected] SOURCE Mary Alexander & Associates Purchase means expanded footprint, additional resources for fleet services company CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ML Utilities, a premier "one-call" solution provider for fleet maintenance, compliance inspections, on/off-site repair, and management services to the utility sector, announced that it has acquired Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Cherokee Truck Equipment, LLC. Through this acquisition, ML Utilities has expanded its operational territory and scope of services, while doubling the size of its team. ML Utilities expands its footprint as a "one-call" solution provider for fleet maintenance, inspections, repair, and management services to the utility sector. The acquisition includes the addition of Cherokee's 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Chattanooga, and its 15,000 sq. ft. branch in Mableton, Georgia, near Atlanta bolstering ML Utilities' footprint throughout the region with both mobile and in-shop services. ML Utilities' team of technician's support fleet owners and customers throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. Established in 1981, Cherokee sells new and used truck equipment and specializes in truck upfitting packages for railroad operations. Additionally, their range of services include equipment diagnosis, testing, inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, as well as a full-service web-based parts and equipment division which operates in a stand-alone location, also based in Chattanooga. Providing superior customer service along with a staunch commitment to safety have long-been the focus of both Cherokee and ML Utilities. This synergistic acquisition enables ML Utilities to strengthen their position as a "one-call" solution to the truck and utility equipment industry, providing customers with more complete cradle to grave services. From building and upfitting equipment, to offering comprehensive maintenance plans, inspection services, and even disposal of used assets, customers will now have access to comprehensive support throughout their equipment's life cycle. "The acquisition of Cherokee Truck Equipment is a significant step for ML Utilities, and we're thrilled to be adding so many talented people to our family," said ML Utilities Co-Presidents Mickey Hodges and Kent Upton in a joint statement. "Similar to our purchase of Utility Equipment Service (UES) last year, this is an ideal fit, as Cherokee's culture aligns closely with ours. Their values of service and safety are deeply rooted, and we'll continue to honor their legacy every day." Cherokee Truck Equipment, LLC President Jim O'Brien added, "As we began to research ML Utilities, we found an organization that shared many of the values we hold dear. A culture of caring for our people and our customers. That means focusing on safety and quality every day, which is the ML Utilities way. I'm excited about the future as we join forces with the ML Utilities family and bring more customized solutions to our customers." Contact: Evan Himelfarb (443) 543-4260 [email protected] SOURCE ML Utilities "Monster Energy has a responsibility to support our local communities, and we are thrilled to accomplish this mission together with Walmart," said Dan McHugh, Monster Energy CMO. "This will be our third year participating in this campaign, and we hope to exceed our previous donations through new product offerings." As a third-year supplier partner, Monster Energy has donated over $135,000 to local food banks through this campaign and Monster plans on adding at least another $70,000 this year with the inclusion of Monster Energy 12-packs and Java Monster 6-packs. McHugh adds, "With seven different participating products, we are confident that there is an option for everyone to not only support our fight against hunger, but help people live healthier lifestyles with access to nutritious food." The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has provided more than 1.5 billion meals* for local food banks around the country since its inception in 2014. Fighting hunger means more than just providing a meal. It's about showing up in communities to support our neighbors in a way that makes a difference. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.Walmart.com/FightHunger. For more information about Monster Energy, visit www.monsterenergy.com and follow Monster Energy on Twitch, YouTube , Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . *Currently, $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. ABOUT MONSTER ENERGY Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the tradition, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it's the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy, including all of its drinks, at www.monsterenergy.com . ABOUT FEEDING AMERICA Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org , find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter . CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE Monster Energy Validated Measurable Residual Disease Assays are Critical for the Rapid Development of Future Novel Therapeutics for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia SPRING HOUSE, Pa., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced today the Measurable residual disease Partnership and Alliance in Acute myeloid leukemia Clinical Treatment (MPAACT), an industry-led research alliance founded in 2018 between Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), Novartis, and Celgene Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, and recently expanded with additional members Amgen, AbbVie, and Kronos Bio, is advancing efforts to establish measurable residual disease (MRD) as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a difficult to treat blood cancer with significant unmet medical need as one of the most common types of leukemias in adults and a five-year relative survival of less than 30 percent1. Clinical trials for new therapies in AML are becoming increasingly lengthy to complete based on the traditional clinical endpoint of survival. MRD is a measure of the number of cancer cells that remain after chemotherapy in patients and its presence is associated with survival.2,3 Undetectable MRD (uMRD), sometimes referred to as MRD-negativity, means that residual cancer cells were not detected using a specific and highly sensitive test. While it is frequently defined as less than one cancer cell in 10,000 leukocytes, the threshold may vary by cancer type. Formally establishing MRD/uMRD association with overall survival (OS) requires a unique collaborative effort where a surrogate clinical endpoint may aid in enabling faster development and patient access to novel therapies. Together, MPAACT and the AML academic community will contribute data across multiple clinical trials with the goal of establishing MRD as a surrogate endpoint for OS in clinical trials of new therapies being studied for AML. The Mayo Clinic Statistics and Data Management Center, an independent statistical partner led by Qian Shi, Ph.D., Rochester, MN, will perform the meta-analysis to assess association of MRD with OS. "I have been working with MPAACT since its inception and am gratified that many key academic investigators and industry collaborators in the AML field have been able to come together to pool data, resources, creativity, and intellectual strength to investigate the role of MRD as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in AML," said Gail Roboz*, M.D., Professor of Medicine and member of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, and an oncologist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "Measuring MRD as a surrogate endpoint may help forge a path to bring new AML therapies to patients quickly." MPAACT also aims to validate MRD testing methodologies including next generation sequencing and flow cytometric assays, and provide the basis for high quality and consistent testing of MRD in future AML clinical trials. The consortium looks to continue to bring together its expertise with those in the field through joint advisory boards, congress presentations and other scientific engagements. About Acute Myeloid Leukemia Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), but most often the disease quickly moves into the blood, as well. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles. Most often, AML develops from cells that would turn into white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), but sometimes AML develops in other types of blood-forming cells.4 About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. *Dr. Roboz has served as a paid consultant to Janssen. Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding research and development. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2022, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Research & Development, LLC, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. 1 National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/amyl.html on March 17, 2022. 2 Short NJ, et al. Association of measurable residual disease with survival outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol. 2020 Dec 1;6(12):1890-1899. 3 Walter RB, et al. Measurable residual disease as a biomarker in acute myeloid leukemia: theoretical and practical considerations. Leukemia. 2021 Jun;35(6):1529-1538. 4 American Cancer Society. What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)? Accessed at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html on March 17, 2022. Media Contact: Brian Kenney +1 215-620-0111 Investor Relations: Raychel Kruper +1 732-524-6164 SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson ATLANTA , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Military Appreciation Month, eight national brands are partnering with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), a nonprofit organization forging America's leading health and wellness community for veterans. National brands join forces with Team RWB to support veterans during Military Appreciation Month. Tweet this National brands join forces with Team RWB to support veterans during Military Appreciation Month. "It's an honor to support Team Red, White & Blue and their mission to provide health and wellness services to the men and women that served our country," said Jake Weatherly, CEO of SheerID. "The SheerID platform makes it easy and secure for brands to recognize members of the military with special offers and rewards. This program gives us another exciting way to show our heartfelt recognition and admiration." SheerID: As part of its dedication to men and women in uniform, SheerID is donating 10% of revenue for new military program sales during the month of May. SheerID is also working together with Refuel Agency and 15 brand partners for an onsite wellness summer kickoff event at Fort Bragg featuring over $10k in giveaways. As part of its dedication to men and women in uniform, SheerID is donating 10% of revenue for new military program sales during the month of May. SheerID is also working together with Refuel Agency and 15 brand partners for an onsite wellness summer kickoff event at Fort Bragg featuring over in giveaways. PRO Compression: PRO Compression is proud to extend their partnership through the end of the year by donating 15% of proceeds from co-branded products to Team RWB May - December. Customers will also be able to make an additional donation at checkout. PRO Compression is proud to extend their partnership through the end of the year by donating 15% of proceeds from co-branded products to Team RWB May - December. Customers will also be able to make an additional donation at checkout. Shady Rays: Shady Rays will donate 15% of proceeds from every order of patriotic styles to Team RWB. Shady Rays will donate 15% of proceeds from every order of patriotic styles to Team RWB. Alaskan Salmon Company: 100% of proceeds from all orders placed at Alaskan Salmon Company during the month of May will be donated to Team RWB. 100% of proceeds from all orders placed at Alaskan Salmon Company during the month of May will be donated to Team RWB. Neuro Gum: During the month of May, shop special edition peppermint Neuro Gum featuring Team RWB on camo-inspired packaging. Customers can also donate at checkout. During the month of May, shop special edition peppermint Neuro Gum featuring Team RWB on camo-inspired packaging. Customers can also donate at checkout. Humana Military: Team RWB will be joining Humana Military's Military Health and Resilience Collective Impact Project alongside the Military Family Advisory Network and Blue Star Families, designed uniquely to provide holistic support to military families. Team RWB will be joining Humana Military's Military Health and Resilience Collective Impact Project alongside the Military Family Advisory Network and Blue Star Families, designed uniquely to provide holistic support to military families. Yuengling: D.G Yuengling & Son, Inc., America's Oldest Brewery, announced the return of its limited-edition cans in partnership with Team Red, White & Blue as part of the brewery's Stars & Stripes program. D.G Yuengling & Son, Inc., America's Oldest Brewery, announced the return of its limited-edition cans in partnership with Team Red, White & Blue as part of the brewery's Stars & Stripes program. Savage Tacticians: Savage Tacticians is collecting donations for Team RWB during checkout throughout the month of May. About Team RWB Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is a nonprofit organization forging the nation's leading health and wellness community. Founded in 2010, Team RWB offers veterans real-life and virtual opportunities to build a healthier lifestyle. CONTACT: Margaret Britten [email protected] SOURCE Team Red, White & Blue HELSINKI, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldplay is partnering up with Neste to take steps towards the band's target of reducing CO2 emissions from the Music Of The Spheres World Tour by 50% compared to the band's previous world tour. Neste will provide Coldplay with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to help reduce emissions from air travels, while the company's renewable diesel will help cut emissions from the band's tour transports and stage power generation. In 2019, Coldplay pressed pause on their touring until it could be done in a more sustainable way. To achieve its ambition for more sustainable touring, Coldplay has explored e.g. lower-emission alternatives to power aircraft, power generators and road vehicles necessary for a successful world tour. Sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel proved the best option for these. As the leading producer and supplier of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel globally, Neste is uniquely positioned to supply Coldplay with the necessary volume of renewable fuels - produced from 100% renewable raw materials, such as used cooking oil - to reduce emissions from the North American and European legs of the Music Of The Spheres World Tour. Neste helps Coldplay work towards reducing touring-related carbon emissions with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which can reduce carbon emissions on flights by up to 80% when compared to conventional jet fuel use. Coldplay will also use Neste MY Renewable Diesel for the trucks transporting the band's equipment from one concert location to another during the tour. Neste's renewable diesel will be additionally used in stationary power generators, creating renewable, low-emission electricity for the concert. Coldplay will use Neste's renewable diesel on stage or in the logistics in altogether seven Coldplay concerts in the US and in 22 concerts in Europe. It is estimated that with Neste-produced renewable diesel and SAF, Coldplay will be able to reduce their tour transport related carbon footprint during the North American and European legs of the tour by around 50%. "We're really happy to partner with Neste to make our Music Of The Spheres World Tour as sustainable as possible. Their low-emission renewable fuels will play a major part in our efforts to minimise the tour's climate impact," Coldplay says. "We've tried to put sustainability at the center of this tour because it just feels like the only option," says Coldplay's Chris Martin. "Coldplay is one of the world's most popular touring bands, and their ambition to make their Music Of The Spheres World Tour as sustainable as possible is extremely inspiring. The world needs these kinds of changemakers to lead the way towards a more sustainable future," says Minna Aila, Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs and member of the Neste Executive Committee at Neste. "We at Neste are excited and proud to join forces with Coldplay to help reduce emissions from their world tour concerts and tour-related transports with our renewable fuels." Renewable fuels reducing transportation emissions globally Neste has been developing renewable solutions to tackle the rising climate emissions for over two decades. Over that time, Neste has been transforming from a regional oil refiner in Finland towards becoming the industry's first and only company with production facilities on three continents and capability to supply renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and renewable feedstock for the polymers and chemicals sector globally. Neste's proprietary NEXBTL refining technology enables it to process low-quality waste and residues into renewable products. The company's annual production capacity of 3.3 million tons (1.14 billion gallons) of high-quality renewable fuels and other renewable products will be increased to 4.5 million tons (1.56 billion gallons) in early 2023, and it is expected to increase further to 5.5 million tons (1.9 billion gallons) by the end of 2023. "While many solutions to combat climate change are still in early stages of development, Neste's renewable fuels are already available and widely used by cities and municipalities, companies, airlines, consumers - and now even by Coldplay, one of the most popular bands in the world - to reduce their transport-related carbon footprint. We hope their example inspires many others to start doing what they can to create a healthier planet for our children," concludes Minna Aila from Neste. Neste Corporation Susanna Sieppi Vice President, Communications Further information: Please contact Neste's media service, tel. +358 800 94025 / [email protected] (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET). More on the collaboration: www.neste.com/coldplay More on Music Of The Spheres World Tour: https://sustainability.coldplay.com/ This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/neste/r/neste-s-renewable-fuels-take-coldplay-around-the-world---collaboration-helps-the-band-towards-50--re,c3560734 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/neste/i/neste-coldplay-collaboration-press-release-photo--photo-courtesy-of-coldplay-,c3046441 Neste Coldplay collaboration press release photo. Photo courtesy of Coldplay. SOURCE Neste Luxury real estate professionals will learn, network and grow June 14-15 in Dallas DENVER, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The RE/MAX Collection, the luxury brand available to RE/MAX agents throughout the U.S. and globally, announced the keynote speakers for its 10th Annual Luxury Forum in June. Jordan Cohen, the longtime No. 1 RE/MAX agent worldwide, Dr. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights with the National Association of REALTORS, and Matt Havens, generational expert, lead an impressive lineup of industry experts who will share their insights with hundreds of RE/MAX luxury agents and guests. The business-building event will be at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas on June 14-15. Notable for his all-star client roster and industry-leading marketing efforts, Cohen is a renowned luxury specialist with RE/MAX One in California. He closed over $314M in sales volume last year, selling 79 units as an individual agent with only two unlicensed assistants. Cohen will regale the audience with first-hand experiences, as well as insights and strategies he employs when counseling his long roster of discerning clients, including celebrities and professional athletes. "We're thrilled to have Jordan join us as he generously shares his best ideas and strategies with RE/MAX colleagues," says Amber Bonasoro, RE/MAX Executive Director of Luxury. "Jordan is a true RE/MAX champion and his insights will be greatly valuable to attendees." Also speaking is NAR's Dr. Jessica Lautz, who will present her thoughts on the "Future of Home." The core of Dr. Lautz's research focuses on analyzing demographic and behavioral trends for both NAR members and housing consumers. It's a fascinating, relevant look behind the statistics and headlines. Rounding out the insight-packed lineup will be Matt Havens, a renowned business speaker known for helping audiences understand and capitalize on opportunities in the marketplace by resolving generational issues. The speaker lineup is designed to support attendees as they expand or fine-tune their skills in luxury real estate. "Right now, it's more important than ever for luxury real estate professionals to network, embrace opportunities for continued education and hear from others with a wide range of perspectives," adds Bonasoro. "Our annual Luxury Forum is a fantastic opportunity for agents to celebrate accomplishments and work toward achieving their big goals in the second half of the year." In addition to the keynote speakers, the two-day event will also feature sessions by: Abby Lee RE/MAX Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, who oversees the planning and execution of the network's U.S. and Canada national advertising campaigns and strategy. RE/MAX Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, who oversees the planning and execution of the network's U.S. and national advertising campaigns and strategy. Nimesh Patel Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Fine Properties in Texas , the network's No. 1 brokerage in a state with 250 RE/MAX offices. Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Fine Properties in , the network's No. 1 brokerage in a state with 250 RE/MAX offices. James Schwartz RE/MAX Vice President, Marketing, who leads the digital marketing, media, brand marketing and creative services departments for RE/MAX, LLC. Attendees of this signature event will enjoy unique networking opportunities and information surrounding the brand's exclusive luxury tech tool, The Luxury Launchpad. Registrants also have the opportunity to extend their education with the full-day Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation class hosted by The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Registration for the Luxury Forum is now open. An early bird rate of $319 is available until May 23. Click here to register. About the RE/MAX Network As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in almost 9,000 offices and a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.com. For the latest news about RE/MAX, please visit news.remax.com. SOURCE RE/MAX, LLC Yonkers, NY, retail complex to be transformed into preeminent outdoor lifestyle center NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuveen Real Estate, Taconic Partners and North American Properties have acquired Ridge Hill for $220 million, a mixed-use lifestyle center in Yonkers, NY, with the intention of rebranding and transforming the 74-acre property into the preeminent outdoor lifestyle center serving the northern New York City metropolitan area. Renovation plans for the 1.2 million square foot complex are still in development, but the partners will look to incorporate state-of-the-art initiatives that enhance Ridge Hill's public spaces, street design and parking amenities. They will also draw on their combined network of retailers to attract top-tier local and NYC inspired food and beverage concepts, and national luxury apparel and boutique fitness providers, building on Ridge Hill's existing experiential features to create the leading lifestyle center in the tri-state region. "We see this as an attractively priced asset in an evolving sector that fits within our well-diversified New York property focused real estate fund," said Nadir Settles, Managing Director at Nuveen and Head of the New York Property Fund. "The acquisition of Ridge Hill reflects a generational opportunity to re-position an already dominant lifestyle center that sits in the heart of one of the country's most affluent and densely populated regions." "This unique retail asset will be a great addition to our Fund and we look forward to being a part of its successful redevelopment," said Chris Balestra, President and Chief Investment Officer at Taconic Partners. Lifestyle Centers Generating Strong Foot Traffic, Superior Rental Revenues As the retail economy continues to re-open, lifestyle centers may be one of today's most undervalued retail asset classes. Conceived as a modern-day interpretation of the shopping mall, lifestyle centers are characterized by outdoor settings and multiple uses, including office, multi-housing and hospitality in addition to upscale, national-chains and specialty retail. Research has shown the top 20 lifestyle centers in the highest population U.S. markets reported nearly 8.1 million visits in August 2021, compared with 1.3 million visits in April 2020. During 2021's second quarter, lifestyle centers drew 46 percent higher rents than regional malls and 11.5 percent higher rents than super regional malls.1 Developed in 2011, Ridge Hill features a wide variety of local and national retailers, including Apple, Banana Republic, Sephora, H&M, The Container Store, and Uniqlo. The center is also home to LEGOLAND Discovery Center; a 12-screen National Amusements Showcase Cinema de Lux; Whole Foods; LA Fitness, and several full-service restaurants. Ridge Hill is located at Exit 6A off the New York State Thruway and at the Tuckahoe Road West exit from the Sprain Brook Parkway, making it easily accessible to all residents and visitors from Westchester and Putnam counties and the New York City metropolitan area. Growing Partnerships As a part of the partnership, North American Properties (NAP) will begin operations and repositioning of the property in May 2022. NAP is a boutique, full-service real estate owner/developer notable for projects such as Avalon in Alpharetta, GA; Birkdale Village in Charlotte, NC; Colony Square in Atlanta, GA; and, Newport on the Levee in Newport, KY. The partnership between Nuveen and NAP continues to grow, with Ridge Hill representing their third project together. The partners recently acquired the open-air lifestyle center The Forum on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners, GA. "Over the last decade, Ridge Hill has become a core component of the Yonkers community and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to enhance it by applying our high-touch, hospitality-driven approach toward management. We coined the term ExperienceMakers for our team years ago because making an impact on the lives of every guest we serve is in our DNA, and we can't wait to introduce ourselves to the market," said Tim Perry, Managing Partner at NAP. "We've already started working to enhance the public realm, bring technology forward in the guest and parking experience, as well as longer term unlocking the full development potential of the site. Helping to design and define this will require community engagement to determine what's missing, from a retail, as well as experiential, perspective." Nuveen Real Estate and Taconic Partners have collaborated since 2015, collectively investing more than $2 billion across over 2 million square feet in New York. The partners completed a $260 million fundraising round for their jointly sponsored value-add New York City Property Fund II in 2021. The acquisition of Ridge Hill reflects the partnership's first investment into value-add retail and an opportunity to diversify beyond its existing life science, office and industrial holdings. Together, Taconic Partners and Nuveen Real Estate will continue to capitalize on unique opportunities to reposition underutilized assets or build best-in-class products for the future. About Nuveen Real Estate Nuveen Real Estate is one of the largest investment managers in the world with $152 billion of assets under management. Managing a suite of funds and mandates, across both public and private investments, and spanning both debt and equity across diverse geographies and investment styles, we provide access to every aspect of real estate investing. With over 85 years of real estate investing experience and more than 725 employees* located across 30 cities throughout the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, the platform offers unparalleled geographic reach, which is married with deep sector expertise. For further information, please visit us at nuveen.com/realestate. *Includes 345 real estate investment professionals, supported by a further 385 Nuveen employees. Source: Nuveen, 31 Dec 2021. About Taconic Partners Since 1997, Taconic Partners has acquired, redeveloped and repositioned over 12 million square feet of commercial office and mixed-use space, as well as over 6,500 units of luxury and workforce housing. As a fully integrated real estate company with a keen eye for uncovering value, its diverse capabilities are evidenced by its multifaceted success with luxury properties, as well as adaptive reuse and urban revitalization projects. In New York City, Taconic is currently developing 619 West 54th Streetthe Hudson Research Center, 125 West End Avenue, 817 Broadway, 312 West 43rd Street and Essex Crossing on the Lower East Side. The firm also manages various real estate funds on behalf of institutional and pension fund investors. For more information, visit www.TaconicPartners.com About North American Properties Founded in 1954, North American Properties is a privately held, multi-regional real estate operating and development company that has acquired, developed and managed more than $7 billion of mixed-use, retail, multifamily and office properties across the United States. Rooted in its purpose-driven approach to development, North American Properties is creating great places that connect people to each other; cities to their souls; partners to opportunities; and individuals to experiences that move them. Headquartered in Cincinnati, with offices in Atlanta, Dallas and Fort Myers, Florida, the company has developed 22 million square feet of commercial space and 19,000 residential units in 15 states and 67 cities. In the past three years, North American Properties has launched 36 projects totaling $2.2 billion in total capitalization. In metro Atlanta, North American Properties led the turnaround of Atlantic Station and the ground up development of Avalon. Currently, the company's mixed-use portfolio includes Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia; Avenue East Cobb in Marietta, Georgia; Birkdale Village in Huntersville, North Carolina; Colony Square in Midtown Atlanta; Newport on the Levee in Newport, Kentucky; Riverton in the New York metro area; and The Forum on Peachtree Parkway. For more information, visit naproperties.com . Contact: Rebecca Vignali Nuveen Media Relations 703.505.7954 [email protected] PPS-2178748PR-E0522X 1 According to real estate firm JLL SOURCE Nuveen Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien Testifies Before Senate Budget Committee, Calls Out Amazon's Anti-Worker Practices WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien called out Amazon during a Senate hearing today for its anti-worker, anti-union practices and demanded the federal government stop awarding the global behemoth lucrative government contracts. Testifying before the Senate Budget Committee, O'Brien told lawmakers that lawbreaking companies like Amazon should not be allowed to profit at taxpayer expense while violating the rights of workers to collectively bargain. Noting President Biden made a campaign promise to only award contracts to employers who signed neutrality agreements committing to not run anti-union campaigns, O'Brien said it is time to drop the hammer on Amazon. "To put it plainly, it is wrong for our government to be giving taxpayer dollars in the form of federal contracts to companies like Amazon," O'Brien said. "You are rewarding employers who repeatedly, knowingly and purposefully violate federal labor laws, drive down wages and standards in core Teamster industries and create dangerous working environments." O'Brien noted the company was found guilty last year of illegally firing two workers after they advocated on behalf of their coworkers at an Amazon warehouse in Seattle. Additionally, Amazon broke labor law in Alabama when workers there tried to organize, forcing their election to be rerun this year. In December, the National Labor Relations Board cited Amazon for illegally threatening, surveilling and interrogating workers who were trying to start a union at its Staten Island facility. According to filings with the U.S. Department of Labor, Amazon spent $4.3 million on consultants last year alone to prevent its workers from organizing. "These kinds of actions make something very clear when workers try to organize, Amazon breaks the law. When workers raise their voices, Amazon does whatever it takes to shut them up because Amazon is terrified of the power workers have when they act collectively," O'Brien said. O'Brien spoke about Amazon's exploitative business model and its direct impact on workers. As federal safety data shows, the company's punishing pace-of-work results in worker injury rates that are nearly twice as high as that of all other non-Amazon warehouse facilities. Its employees are seriously injured at rates that are nearly 80 percent higher than the rest of the entire warehouse industry. Amazon accounts for half of all warehouse worker injuries, yet the company only employs a third of all warehouse workers nationwide. "To this committee and to the entire federal government, do your duty to protect American workers," O'Brien said. "We are watching, we are listening, and we are voting. Tell Amazon that enough is enough, and then show them you mean business. Don't give this company, or any employer, another penny until the labor laws of this land are truly upheld and workers' voices are finally heard." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610 [email protected] Josh Levitt, (845) 641-3654 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters "This time of year is historically stressful for kids and families and we typically see a spike in the number of children and youth seeking mental health treatment," said Ron-Li Liaw, MD, mental health-in-chief for Children's Colorado . "But with numbers from the first quarter of the year higher than we have ever seen before, we feel compelled to reach out to the community for help in combatting the crisis, and to provide resources for families as they wait for solutions to take effect." These numbers coincide with a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that found that 44% of American teens report that they feel "persistently sad or hopeless" up from 37% before the pandemic. The CDC study further states, one in five say they have contemplated suicide. Parents, families and the community can all play a role in urging lawmakers to take action to improve system accountability, coordination and access to mental health services. In 2021, Colorado lawmakers responded to the call for action and, upon passage of a slate of bills this month, the state is expected to allocate over $150 million of one-time federal American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding to address the mental health needs of children and youth across the care continuum from prevention to treatment. This year Colorado state lawmakers are also poised to formalize the new Behavioral Health Administration to better align all state-funded mental health and substance use programs. "Children's Colorado applauds Colorado lawmakers and Governor Polis for taking aggressive steps to invest in youth mental health. Colorado has consistently underfunded youth mental health services resulting in the complete elimination of critical resources at every level of care," said Heidi Baskfield, vice president of population health and advocacy at Children's Colorado. "It will take continued prioritization, time and consistent investment at these levels for years to come to recover from the sustained losses that the youth mental health system has experienced." Advocacy Opportunities Children's Hospital Colorado encourages every Coloradan to advocate on behalf of children, not only because it's an investment in our state's future, but because it's the right thing to do. It is time to speak up clearly and powerfully for kids' mental health needs in public policy. Become a part of the Child Health Champs advocacy network by writing letters, making phone calls, sharing social media posts and speaking up for kids' health. It takes much less time than you'd expect, and every voice matters! Reach out now to your representative and senators to urge passage of the Strengthen Kids' Mental Health Now Act (H.R. 7236), which includes reforms and investments that will bolster the pediatric mental health workforce and ensure the availability of a full continuum of care for kids. Resources for Parents "End-of-the-school-year stressors from standardized testing to prom to graduation and anxiety about summer and upcoming fall transitions all lead to increased mental health concerns," shared Dr. Liaw. "Children's Colorado hopes to provide resources and opportunities for action to ensure our kids receive the support and care they deserve." Parents, grandparents and other caregivers are "first responders" in this pediatric mental health crisis, often in partnership with teachers, school administrators and primary care providers. The severe shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and behavioral health specialists has led to access-to-care gaps for children and youth not just at Children's Colorado, but throughout the state as well as the entire United States. Children's Colorado wants to offer parents and families a number of resources to access if/when the need arises and while they wait for care. Currently, just 22% of youth who have a mental health condition with severe impairment are receiving care. ABOUT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL COLORADO Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the nation's leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and recognized as a top 10 children's hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children's Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Children's Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCION: si habla espanol, tiene a su disposicion servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica. Llame al 1-720-777-9800. CHU Y: Neu ban noi Tieng Viet, co cac dich vu ho tro ngon ngu mien phi danh cho ban. Goi so 1-720-777-9800. http://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557 Media Contacts: Elizabeth Whitehead, Children's Hospital Colorado [email protected] Pager: 303-890-8314 (key call back after three beeps) SOURCE Children's Hospital Colorado The research from McLean & Company highlights that, with only 27% of exiting employees indicating they would strongly recommend their organization to others, many organizations are losing the chance to turn alumni into advocates who view them as a future potential place to work for themselves or for others in their network. According to McLean & Company, many organizations do not think of alumni talent those who have left an organization as part of the employee lifecycle, leading them to forego leveraging relationships with this group. This perpetuates the negative social stigma commonly associated with employee departures, which can result in gaps in organizational ability to support strategic objectives related to the talent pipeline, the employer brand, and business growth. The research has also found that while alumni often desire a connection with prior employers and are open to exploring mutual benefit through their unique relationship with the organization, companies can struggle to determine how best to incorporate alumni-focused programs and initiatives into the broader organizational structure. To assist HR leaders in designing a robust, centralized alumni program, McLean & Company's newly released blueprint outlines three steps to create the alumni program that best fits their unique organizational needs: Identify program purpose and select goals This step identifies key stakeholders and target audiences, reviews strategic documents and organizational data, selects the program's goals and metrics, determines the level of support provided to alumni through the program, and drafts a program budget. Design the program structure Step two assigns stakeholder accountabilities, identifies current alumni interactions and the role of HR technology in the program, creates an alumni directory, collects data about needs and interests from alumni, assesses initiative feasibility and creates a shortlist, and prioritizes program initiatives. Prepare to implement the program The third step identifies modifications required for existing HR programs, determines training needs for relevant stakeholders, creates a communication plan and alumni program calendar, and develops an action plan to support program implementation. Employee departures do not need to mean severed ties. Rather, an impactful alumni program creates a symbiotic relationship based on meaningful connections and serves to balance strategic objectives and alumni needs. To support HR leaders in their efforts to improve upon alumni relations within their companies, McLean & Company offers various levels of support and practical resources to best suit their unique and individual needs, including DIY Toolkits, Guided Implementations, Workshops, and Consulting. To learn more about McLean & Company or to download all the latest research, visit hr.mcleanco.com and connect via LinkedIn and Twitter. Media professionals are encouraged to register for McLean & Company's Media Insiders program for more research and insights. This program provides unrestricted, on-demand access to HR, IT, and software industry content, as well as subject matter experts from a group of over 200 research analysts. To apply for access, contact [email protected]. About McLean & Company Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future. McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group. SOURCE McLean & Company NEWARK, N.J., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announced Panasonic Eco Systems North America, a division of Panasonic North America, has received the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. "Panasonic is once again delighted to receive this prestigious ENERGY STAR Award highlighting our dedication to energy-efficient indoor air quality solutions," said Naoki Kamo, President of Panasonic Eco Systems North America. "Cultivating environments where people can breathe healthy air is critical to the health of our population and being able to do so in an energy-efficient way is critical to the health of our planet." "We know it's going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers." Each year the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2022 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners. About Panasonic Corporation of North America Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading provider of Consumer Lifestyle technologies, as well as innovative Smart Mobility, Sustainable Energy, Immersive Experiences, and Integrated Supply Chain solutions. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Holdings Corporation. One of Interbrand's Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2021, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic's ideas and innovations at na.panasonic.com/us. About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizationsincluding more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts and state-level information can be found at www.energystar.gov/statefacts. Connect with Panasonic North America: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America "At Paradigm, our team is our biggest asset, enabling us to ensure the highest level of service and outcomes for our clients and the injured workers we serve," said John Watts, CEO, Paradigm. "With Kevin and Kathy, we are fortunate to have extremely talented, respected leaders with the ability to take on expanded roles that build upon long track records of success at Paradigm and in the industry. We are so proud to elevate these excellent leaders into positions that offer new growth opportunities for them and the organization. I look forward to working closely with both Kevin and Kathy in their new roles as we continue our mission of improving lives and building excellence in the Paradigm organization." Both executives will report directly to CEO Watts. "Our team is our biggest asset, enabling us to ensure the highest level of outcomes for clients and injured workers." Kevin Turner, Chief Growth Officer In his new role as Chief Growth Officer, Turner will oversee sales, account management, and product development functions for the enterprise, reflecting Paradigm's continued commitment to growth, innovation, and client service. "Kevin's combined sales, operational, and product management experience, together with his deep workers' comp sector knowledge, makes him uniquely positioned to lead Paradigm's unified go-to-market organization and to foster greater collaboration with our clients and across the Paradigm organization," said CEO Watts. "Kevin has already been instrumental in leading recent initiatives to evolve our products and introduce new solutions, a role he will be able to play even more fully as Chief Growth Officer." Turner has been a key member of Paradigm's executive leadership for the last 13 years and has more than 30 years of experience in the workers' compensation industry. He started his career with Paradigm as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Paradigm Outcomes. Following a series of acquisitions, Turner became CEO of the Catastrophic Care Management division, overseeing the entire profit & loss (P&L) for Paradigm's flagship, risk-based products. Following Paradigm's reorganization in 2021, Turner became Chief Clinical Solutions Officer, with responsibility for all of Paradigm's clinical solutions, including its case management services and enterprise product development. Before joining Paradigm, Turner was Executive Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Xchanging. During his tenure there, he managed multiple regional and national claims operations, planned business strategy, and developed sales teams, overseeing $325 million in annual revenue. Turner is also the past-president, current board of director, and a steadfast advocate for Kids' Chance of America, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship opportunities to children who need financial assistance due to a parent's work-related injury or death. Kathy Galia, Chief Clinical Solutions Officer Building upon experience gained in her previous role as Paradigm's SVP and General Manager of Clinical Solutions, Kathy Galia will now lead the Clinical Solutions business unit. In this role, Galia will be responsible for the industry's preeminent solution for workers who suffer the most challenging and expensive catastrophic injuries. She will also oversee Paradigm's case management services and personnel. Additionally, Galia will spearhead the commercialization of Paradigm's latest clinical offerings, including the HERO SevereSM and HERO EpisodicSM products, which build upon Paradigm's legacy of deep clinical expertise and accountability for outcomes. "At Paradigm, we deliver the gold standard in clinical solutions because of the commitment, passion, and expertise of our employees. In her two and a half years with Paradigm, Kathy has embodied this commitment, passion, and expertiseand has proven her ability to nurture it in others to create more effective ways of delivering current products and leading innovation," said CEO Watts. He continued, "We are proud and excited to elevate Kathy to lead our Clinical Solutions business unit. And with a background as a registered nurse and case manager, Kathy brings executive-level nurse leadership back to the executive table at Paradigm." Before joining Paradigm, Galia spent 10 years at The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, where she held a variety of strategic leadership and medical case management roles, including leading their Medical Solutions business. Last year, Galia was selected as a 2021 Women to Watch honoree by Business Insurance, a program created by the industry publication to recognize the outstanding work of women in the commercial insurance industry, including workers' compensation and risk management. About Paradigm Paradigm is an accountable specialty care management organization focused on improving the lives of people with complex and catastrophic injuries and diagnoses. The company has been a pioneer in value-based care since 1991 and has an exceptional track record of generating the very best outcomes for patients, payers, and providers. Deep clinical expertise is the foundation for every part of Paradigm's business, including its risk-based clinical solutions, case management services, high-value specialty networks, home health, and payment integrity programs. Paradigm is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, with offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.paradigmcorp.com. Media Contact Ronda Clement VP of Marketing [email protected] (727) 488-9345 SOURCE Paradigm DHAKA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- In a spirit of friendship and good neighborly relations, Bangladesh Thursday sent emergency medical supplies to Sri Lanka. At a token handover ceremony held at the State Guest House Padma here on Thursday, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and Health Minister Zahid Maleque handed over a few boxes of medicines to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sudharshan D.S. Seneviratne. Momen described the supply of the medicine as an expression of solidarity and friendship between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, at a time when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of their diplomatic relations. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh never hesitates to extend assistance to any nation in difficulties, in particular, to its neighbors for ensuring shared peace and prosperity in the South Asian region, he added. For his part, Seneviratne said Sri Lanka values the friendly relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to further strengthening it. He said the medical supplies demonstrated the bilateral relations are moving in the right direction. Essential Drugs Company Limited, the only state-owned Pharmaceuticals Company in Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceuticals Industries, have each contributed medicines worth 100 million takas as gifts to Sri Lanka, said a statement of the Bangladesh foreign ministry. It added that the medicine is expected to reach Sri Lanka in a few days. Earlier, Bangladesh provided Sri Lanka with 200 million U.S. dollars in aid through currency swapping arrangements. (1 U.S. dollar equals about 88 takas) Market Dynamics Factors such as the growing geriatric population, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases will be crucial in driving the growth of the market. However, the lack of awareness will restrict the market growth. The holistic analysis of the drivers and challenges will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge Company Profiles The PERS market is fragmented and the vendors are deploying growth strategies such as extending their product portfolios to compete in the market. The personal emergency response system market forecast report offers in-depth insights into key vendor profiles. The profiles include information on the production, sustainability, and prospects of the leading companies. The personal emergency response system market report provides complete insights on key vendors including ADT Inc., AlertOne Services LLC, Bay Alarm Medical, Best Buy Co. Inc., Careline365, Koninklijke Philips NV, MobileHelp LLC, ModivCare Inc., Nice SpA, and Tunstall Healthcare Group Ltd. Few companies with key offerings ADT Inc. - The company offers On The Go Medical Alert Systems, Medical Alert Plus, and Medical Alert Basic systems. The company offers On The Go Medical Alert Systems, Medical Alert Plus, and Medical Alert Basic systems. AlertOne Services LLC - The company offers personal emergency response systems such as On the Go Medical Alert and others. The company offers personal emergency response systems such as On the Go Medical Alert and others. Bay Alarm Medical - The company offers personal emergency response systems such as 4G LTE GPS Help Button, In-Home Medical Alert, and others. The company offers personal emergency response systems such as 4G LTE GPS Help Button, In-Home Medical Alert, and others. Best Buy Co. Inc. - The company offers personal emergency response systems through its subsidiary, GreatCall Inc. The company offers personal emergency response systems through its subsidiary, GreatCall Inc. Careline365 - The company offers personal emergency response systems through its wide range of personal alarms such as wearable pendants and others. The company offers personal emergency response systems through its wide range of personal alarms such as wearable pendants and others. To know about the vendor offerings - Download a sample now! Competitive Analysis The report includes the competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The tool uses various factors for categorizing the players into four categories. Some of these factors considered for analysis are financial performance over the last 3 years, growth strategies, innovation score, new product launches, investments, growth in market share, etc. Segmentation Analysis By Type, the market is classified into a mobile, landline, and standalone. the market is classified into a mobile, landline, and standalone. By Geography, the market is classified as North America , Europe , Asia , and ROW. Technavio report provides an accurate prediction of the contribution of all the segments to the growth of the PERS market size and actionable market insights on each segment. To know about the contribution of each segment - Download a sample now! Related Reports The telehealth market share is expected to increase by USD 109.98 billion from 2020 to 2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 30.44%. Download a sample now! share is expected to increase by from 2020 to 2025, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 30.44%. The healthcare eDiscovery market share should rise by USD 1.04 billion from 2022 to 2026 at a CAGR of 11.09%. Download a sample now! Personal Emergency Response System Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.98% Market growth 2021-2025 USD 2.25 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.26 Performing market contribution North America at 35% Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled ADT Inc., AlertOne Services LLC, Bay Alarm Medical, Best Buy Co. Inc., Careline365, Koninklijke Philips NV, MobileHelp LLC, ModivCare Inc., Nice SpA, and Tunstall Healthcare Group Ltd. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID 19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for forecast period, Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Content Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2020 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025 Five Forces Analysis Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Type Market segments Comparison by Type Mobile - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Landline - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Standalone - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Market opportunity by Type Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Asia - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ROW - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market drivers Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors ADT Inc. AlertOne Services LLC Bay Alarm Medical Best Buy Co. Inc. Careline365 Koninklijke Philips NV MobileHelp LLC ModivCare Inc. Nice SpA Tunstall Healthcare Group Ltd. Appendix Scope of the report Currency conversion rates for US$ Research methodology List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Winners exhibit a superior level of energy management while helping customers achieve efficiency WILLIAMSPORT, Md., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has been presented with a 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy for delivering programs that help improve the efficiency of products and homes for customers within their Maryland service territory. The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards are given to organizations in recognition of their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Winners of the Partner of the Year Award must demonstrate superior leadership, innovation and commitment to environmental protection through energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR. This marks the second time Potomac Edison has been awarded in the Residential Energy Efficiency Program Delivery category. Potomac Edison was one of 210 companies honored with awards from the thousands of organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. For a complete list of 2022 award winners and more information about ENERGY STAR's awards program, visit www.energystar.gov/awardwinners. "We're extremely proud of the work our team has done over the past 12 months to help customers of Potomac Edison efficiently manage their energy use while implementing programs and practices that also support a clean environment," said Linda Moss, FirstEnergy president of Maryland Operations. "Our efforts not only in Maryland, but in all of the communities we serve, are a reflection of the emphasis the company places on environmental stewardship." Potomac Edison offers its Maryland customers a wide variety of energy efficiency programs and products, including: Financial incentives when customers work with Potomac Edison to remove old, working refrigerators or freezers and recycle them in an environmentally friendly manner. No-fee home energy efficiency kits designed to save energy and reduce utility bill costs that include LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips and other items. Instant discounts on purchases for customers that buy qualifying ENERGY STAR certified appliances and lighting products. Comprehensive energy audits through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program with substantial rebates when recommended upgrades are completed. Discounts on installation of ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency HVAC equipment. For more information about Potomac Edison's energy efficiency programs, visit www.energysaveMD.com. "We know it's going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers." About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizationsincluding more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500rely on their partnership with the EPA to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR's impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts and state-level information can be found at www.energystar.gov/statefacts. Potomac Edison serves about 275,000 customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties in Maryland and 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on Twitter @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison. FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global prefilled syringes market size is anticipated to reach USD 50.83 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 11.95% from 2022 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Key factors driving the market expansion include technological advancements in auto-injectors and growing usage of prefilled syringes owing to its reduced prices per dose. Key Insights & Findings from the report: In terms of revenue, the disposable prefilled syringes segment accounted for the largest market share of 78.98% in 2021. This is owing to a high preference for patient safety, which has led to a rise in the use of disposable prefilled syringes in hospitals and home care settings. The glass syringes segment dominated the market with around 53.27% of the revenue share in 2021, because most glass prefilled syringes may administer highly viscous drugs along with can be utilized across a wide range of therapeutic areas, such as vaccines, blood therapeutic proteins, and stimulants. Diabetes segment captured the largest market share with around 53.75% in 2021. Increasing prevalence of diabetes globally along with the government initiatives. The hospitals segment captured the largest market share with around 52.39% in 2021. The growth of this segment can mainly be attributed to increasing in the number of patients suffering from various chronic ailments and the consequent rise in surgical procedures. Asia Pacific was the fastest-growing market for prefilled syringes with a growth rate of 12.96%, owing to the increasing patient population and rapid adoption of prefilled syringes in this region. was the fastest-growing market for prefilled syringes with a growth rate of 12.96%, owing to the increasing patient population and rapid adoption of prefilled syringes in this region. Prominent key players present in the prefilled syringes market are Gerresheimer AG, Schott Group, BD, Unilife Corporation, Nipro Medical Corporation, Owen Mumford , and Haselmeier AG. Read 110-page market research report, "Prefilled Syringes Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Disposable, Reusable), By Material (Glass Syringes, Plastic Syringes), By Application (Anaphylaxis, Diabetes), End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030", published by Grand View Research. Prefilled Syringes Market Growth & Trends The current COVID-19 outbreak is expected to have a substantial impact on the industry. The pandemic has resulted in a significant surge in demand for emergency supplies, medical disposables, medicines, and hospital equipment. According to American Pharmaceutical Review in December 2021, COVID-19 vaccines are being created at an unprecedented rate in response to the worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination doses totaled 7.3 billion by November 9, 2021, with approximately 30.3 million doses provided daily. As a result of COVID-19, there has been an increase in the production of COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in increased demand for prefilled syringes. For instance, in March 2022, Schott announced further investments in its pharma sector, including expanding its capacity in Hungary for prefillable glass syringe production. The increased capacity is likely to benefit the global market and provide greater supply security for major pharmaceutical corporations and contract manufacturing firms. As a result, due to the outbreak of coronavirus infection in 2020, sales of prefilled syringes increased globally. Furthermore, emergency syringes used to treat some of COVID-19's most significant side effects such as heart damage have historically been scarce. Despite the heightened demand during the outbreak, manufacturers provide various programs that identifies high-quality, protected supply bases for medications that are or could be added to the national drug scarcity list. For instance, in October 2019, Premier Inc. teamed up with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to provide phytonadione injection and emergency, pre-filled syringes of sulphate, dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, epinephrine, atropine, calcium chloride, and lidocaine to healthcare practitioners through its ProvideGx programme. These characteristics are projected to generate lucrative market growth prospects. Prefilled Syringes Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global prefilled syringes market on the basis of type, material, application, distribution channel, and regions: Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Disposable Prefilled Syringes Reusable Prefilled Syringes Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Glass Prefilled Syringes Plastic Prefilled Syringes Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Anaphylaxis Rheumatoid Arthritis Diabetes Others Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) Hospitals Mail Order Pharmacies Ambulatory Surgery Centers Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030) North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Italy Spain Asia Pacific Japan China India Australia South Korea Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Colombia Middle East and Africa (MEA) and (MEA) South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE List of Key Players in Prefilled Syringes Market Gerresheimer AG Schott Group Unilife Corporation Nipro Medical Corporation Owen Mumford Haselmeier AG BD & Others Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Smart Syringes Market - The global smart syringes market is expected to reach USD 10.2 billion in 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. In 2015, Some key factors driving the market include the rise in the patient population, the increasing number of needle stick injuries, and the spread of diseases due to unhygienic injection practices. The global smart syringes market is expected to reach in 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. In 2015, Some key factors driving the market include the rise in the patient population, the increasing number of needle stick injuries, and the spread of diseases due to unhygienic injection practices. Disposable Syringes Market - The global disposable syringes market size is anticipated to reach USD 22.81 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand due to the increasing adoption of safety syringes, technological advancements, increasing demand for vaccines along with growing adoption of self-administration of drugs are supporting the market growth of disposable syringes. The global disposable syringes market size is anticipated to reach by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to expand due to the increasing adoption of safety syringes, technological advancements, increasing demand for vaccines along with growing adoption of self-administration of drugs are supporting the market growth of disposable syringes. Dental Syringes Market - The global dental syringes market size is expected to reach USD 10.85 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 4.8% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing product innovations are expected to drive the market growth. Browse through Grand View Research's Medical Devices Industry Research Reports. About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Contact: Sherry James Corporate Sales Specialist, USA Grand View Research, Inc. Phone: 1-415-349-0058 Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com Grand View Compass | Grand View Pipeline Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Pressure Vessel Market by Type (Boiler, Reactor, Separator), Material, Heat Source (Fired Pressure Vessel and Unfired Pressure Vessel), Application (Storage Vessels and Processing Vessels), End-User and Region - Global Forecast to 2027", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Pressure Vessel Market size will grow to USD 59.5 Billion by 2027 from USD 47.1 Billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period. The increase in the requirement for the industrial equipment to hold their gases, liquids, and vapors at high pressures for industries such as power, oil & gas, chemicals & petrochemicals, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals is driving the Pressure Vessel Market. Boilers have the largest market share in pressure vessels which are majorly driven by thermal power plants in the power sector. Apart from the thermal plants, there are also other industries that are in need of pressure vessels such as the chemical sector. Advancements in technologies such as supercritical and ultra-critical technologies for thermal power generation is also building up demand for pressure vessels. These new technologies are replacing the aged thermal power plants making them eco-friendly, and energy-efficient. In the APAC region, China is contributing to the high market share. The abundance of thermal power plants in China is contributing to the growth of this market. Two units of ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plants have been approved to balance the energy supply and demand. Thus, these developments in this region are increasing the demand for pressure vessels. The upcoming projects in developing economies such as the Asia Pacific are providing opportunities for the growth of the Pressure Vessel Market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=116301805 The steel alloy segment, by material type, is expected to be the most significant Pressure Vessel Market during the forecast period. The steel alloy material segment has the largest share of the global Pressure Vessel Market. It is the most common material used in manufacturing pressure vessels when compared to composites and other alloys. The advancements in the steel alloy have improved its properties such as strength, and corrosive resistance nature. APAC region is contributing to the highest market share of pressure vessels during the forecast period. Thus, increasing the demand for steel alloys in this region. Browse in-depth TOC on "Pressure Vessel Market" 192 Tables 52 Figures 247 Pages View Detailed Table of Content Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/pressure-vessel-market-116301805.html By heat source, The Un-Fired segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period By heat source, the pressure vessels market has been segmented into the fired and unfired segments. The unfired segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. These unfired vessels are used for power generation, chemicals, food & beverages, paper & pulp, etc. applications. for instance, heat exchangers are commonly used in power generation for heat recovery options. The growth of the market is mainly due to an increase in the demand for thermal powerplant economies in the Asia-Pacific regions such as China, and India. Asia-Pacific is expected to remain as the largest Pressure Vessel Market The Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the Pressure Vessel Market during the forecast period due to an increase in the requirement of various end-user industries such as the chemical, and power sectors in the Asia Pacific region. Advancements in the technologies in the pressure vessels are creating opportunities for pressure vessel growth in the Asia Pacific region. To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Pressure Vessel Market. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=116301805 The leading players in the Pressure Vessel Market are Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises (US), General Electric (US), Larsen & Toubro (India), Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (Japan), Hitachi Zosen (Japan), IHI Corporation (Japan), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (India). The major strategies adopted by these players include new product launches, sales contracts, agreements, expansions, partnerships, and collaborations. Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting Browse Related Reports: Cryogenic Equipment Market by Equipment (Tanks, Valves, Vaporizers, Pumps), Cryogen (Nitrogen, Argon, Oxygen, LNG, Hydrogen), End-User (Energy, Chemicals, Metallurgy, Transportation), System Type (Storage, Handling, Supply) & Region - Global forecast to 2027 Power Plant Boiler Market by Type (Pulverized Coal Towers, CFB, Others), Capacity (<400 MW, 400800 MW, 800 MW), Technology (Subcritical, Supercritical, Ultra-supercritical), Fuel Type (Coal, Gas, Oil), and Region- Global Forecast to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/pressure-vessel-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/pressure-vessel.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets ITASCA, Ill. and HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- QMI Security Solutions, in conjunction with Management and Prospect Partners, has closed on its investment of Riot Glass, Inc and Campbell Corporation. With this strategic partnership, QMI - Riot Glass - Campbell are coming together to offer customers unmatched physical security protection. Uniting the QMI security shutter products with the Riot Glass security glass and framing systems creates a suite of highly engineered solutions to meet rising crime and threat levels across the United States. "We are extremely excited to join forces with the Riot Glass - Campbell team. Together we will offer customers innovative, comprehensive solutions for their most challenging forced entry and ballistic security needs." said Kevin White, CEO of QMI Security Solutions. Riot Glass is a leading manufacturer of retrofit security glass and door systems, and Campbell Corporation is a C-17 licensed glazing contractor and one of the largest dealers of Riot Glass, 3M Window Films, and other retrofit products in California. QMI is the largest security shutter manufacturer in the US. Brad Campbell, CEO of Riot Glass remarked, "This strategic partnership brings enormous benefits to our customers, our dealer base, and our employees. QMI's manufacturing and design prowess, commercial capabilities, and Chicagoland location brings added value to our companies. After having worked with Kevin and his team over the past year, we have been so impressed with their dedication to customers and relentless focus on product excellence." "Brad and his team have built a fantastic business by listening to the customer and developing groundbreaking solutions to meet their needs. We are excited to help them build on their vision and extend the Riot Glass and Campbell brands," added Kevin White. Brad Campbell will continue as Chief Executive Officer of both Riot Glass and Campbell Corporation and will become a member of QMI's Senior Executive Team. About Riot Glass, Inc and Campbell Corporation Riot Glass is a leading manufacturer of patented retrofit security glass and door systems designed to safeguard storefronts or any commercial or residential property that needs reliable fenestration protection. Building on their collective decades of experience in retrofit glazing, Riot Glass was born out of the need for reliable, cost-effective barriers that secure vulnerable entry points without sacrificing visual glass appeal. Their innovative solutions have set the standard for high visibility forced entry security. Campbell Corporation is a licensed glazing and window film contractor that specializes in energy and security fenestration retrofits for commercial and residential properties. A six-time dealer of the year for 3M Window Films and the Riot Glass master dealer in California, Campbell's reputation for excellence is well established in the commercial real estate and luxury home markets. www.riotglass.com www.campbellwindowfilm.com About QMI Security Solutions QMI is the leading manufacturer of commercial security shutters and storm protection products in North America. QMI leads the industry in customer satisfaction, product patents, delivery lead time, and in-field performance. QMI has more than 35 years of experience providing security for 40,000+ retail locations across formats, delivering front, middle, and back-of-store solutions for all threat levels. QMI products also provide forced entry protection for homes, schools, warehouses, airports, and government buildings. Loss prevention, facility management, architects, and security professionals trust QMI security products to protect people and assets at their most critical locations. QMI designs and builds its products at its headquarters in Itasca, IL. www.qmiusa.com SOURCE QMI SILICON VALLEY, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's leading hotel groups, Radisson Hotel Group, today announced its partnership with Plug and Play's Travel & Hospitality program, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that brings together the best startups with the world's largest corporations. Through this partnership, Radisson Hotel Group will strengthen its connections with selected startups, enabling the company to accelerate its innovation capabilities for future travel technologies and solutions. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Plug and Play, the largest startup ecosystem in the World, as part of our Radisson Innovation Roadmap. This partnership is vital to connect us with a large network of startups and potential partners at different maturity levels, improve our innovation ecosystem to maximize business opportunities, and develop outside-of-the-box pioneering solutions when it comes to technology and digital innovation. We see this collaboration as a way to boost our Business Transformation Plan quickly and accelerate our five-year strategic plan," says Gonzalo Carpintero, Senior Vice President Operations & Head of Business Transformation (BTO), Radisson Hotel Group. Plug and Play Travel & Hospitality launched in 2016 and has since expanded to six locations around the world. Since its inception, the travel program has accelerated over 250 startups and worked with the most innovative corporations in the industry. By working with Plug and Play, Radisson Hotel Group will gain access to top industry startups, networking opportunities with peers, and exclusive events surrounding the latest travel and hospitality technology trends. "We're thrilled to welcome Radisson Hotel Group to our ecosystem. It really speaks to their innovation culture and leadership's strategic vision to prioritize innovation during these difficult times. Hospitality technology has been a focus for our group for many years and we can't wait to help them engage with the startup community," says Jordan Bray, VP of Corporate Partnerships at Plug and Play. "Our main mission is to supercharge the Pilot/POC sourcing and implementation of new technologies for the group which will ultimately take their already amazing portfolio of hotels and customer-centric services to a new level." To learn more about Plug and Play, apply here to speak with one of our experts: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/join/ About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,700 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 660 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol . The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group's Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube About Plug and Play Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 40 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With 40,000 startups and 500 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries, including Travel & Hospitality, with offices in Silicon Valley, Geneva, Singapore, Shanghai, and Vienna, etc. We currently work with Airbus, Accor Hotels, Flight Centre Travel Group, CWT, IATA, JetBlue Technology Ventures, Marriott International, Star Alliance, Fraport, Vienna International Airport, and many more. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Honey, Lending Club and PayPal. For more information, visit www.pnptc.com SOURCE Plug and Play The significance of Ms. Black's personal achievement, the winning essay of more than 580 entries, has become a resonating symbol of progress within Wossman and the school's district, Monroe City Schools (MCS), where they have experienced the common and longstanding national challenges of teacher shortages, racial achievement gaps, and the disruptions to learning that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The topic of Ms. Black's written entry was Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, whose virtually immortal cancer cells have been patented and used without Ms. Lack's consent or compensation by the medical research community for more than 60 years. Ms. Black's entry not only demonstrates the 17-year-old's deft handling of sentence construction, but the entry also reflects Ms. Black's ability to expand her emotional awareness of Ms. Lack's story beyond what is considered by many to be a glaring, historical instance of medical exploitation to include how Ms. Lacks demonstrated a resolve to face her cancer diagnosis and live her life to the fullest. "Lacks wasn't expecting to hear such horrific news the day she walked into the doctor's office," writes Ms. Black. "Even after being diagnosed with cancer, her light never went dim. Instead, Henrietta continued to have a positive outlook on life. Remaining strong and never losing faith is essential when battling tough trials," Ms. Black wrote. A National Honor Society inductee and student athlete who admits to being shy, Ms. Black described her contest win as "Overwhelming, but I think it is a start of something; something for the future." Michelle Manuel, Ms. Black's current teacher and who has also taught the 12th grader through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, referenced how Ms. Black's writing is a reflection of her work ethic, which remained consistent throughout the pandemic's lockdown period. "I never had a day when she did not give her 100%. I mean, always. [During remote classes], She was always on camera and always working," said Ms. Manuel. Ms. Black's achievement is a symbol of hope for a northern Louisiana school district that has faced strong headwinds to academic progress. While MCS's district performance score has increased by four points since 2015, the district has maintained a "C" rating, where "A" represents the highest score. A stricter formula for measuring performance was introduced in 2018. The metropolitan Monroe area has the nation's greatest concentration of poor residents who live in high-poverty neighborhoods. Until 2018, MCS operated under the label determined by a court in 1965 of a segregated school system with cited instances of separate and unequal operating practices, apparently driven by race. The district has responded to these obstacles by investing in educator recruitment and quality curricula for all students, inclusive of expressing ideas in writing. MCS's Director for Curriculum and Instruction, Serena White, calls Ms. Black's contest win "an example of a culmination of a dream," in reference to the district's education investment. MCS has engaged The Writing Revolution (TWR) since 2017 to train teachers in the delivery of writing instruction. What started as a pilot to evaluate effectiveness, the collaboration has now expanded to include grades K-12 and virtually all subject areas. Ms Black's winning entry is based on a specific TWR writing strategy. The immediate result, in Ms. White's view, is a systemwide and consistent approach to teaching students how to effectively express facts and other ideas through writing. "[We decided to] build a system of progression in MCS that would really prepare our students to write, and write well, so that they could express and communicate their thoughts because they have amazing thoughts," Ms White adds. "I am confident that MCS will have even more strong writers like Serenity in the future," said Dr. Dina Zoleo, Co-Executive Director of The Writing Revolution. When MCS introduced the district to TWR, Serenity was in middle school. Imagine a future where every high school senior in MCS has received up to 11 years of quality writing instruction, starting in kindergarten." MCS's post-COVID-19 plan centers on a consistent factor that has helped the district make vast performance improvements: supporting teachers. "We have to invest in the people who are in front of our kids," noted Ms. White. "A computer program is not going to catch kids up from COVID we know that as a district, the absolute most important thing is that our students have more time with high-quality instructors who care about them and who can help [students] overcome their gaps." MCS's participation in programs sponsored by the nonprofit Educators Rising via the University of Louisiana Monroe not only serves as an extension of MCS's investment in teachers, but the move also supports the district's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Educators Rising encourages local high school students to become educators. Justin Overacker, one of Ms. Black's former teachers, praised the district leadership's decision to recruit young teachers from the community who share similar backgrounds with the students they would teach. Another post-COVID focus for MCS is mental health, a nationwide concern that has presented significant challenges to students and educators. Through assistance provided by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), a funding source that has also been used to support some of MCS's literacy programs, the district will establish a mental health clinic to serve constituent student populations. In addition, counseling sessions have been provided for teachers, when needed. Mr. Overacker, mindful of the challenging two-year period that the education community has experienced inclusive of the massive social inequalities that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted says Ms. Black represents a "physical manifestation" of everyone's struggle to overcome obstacles. Ms. Manuel echoes the previous point: "The stress of teaching during a pandemic and then having Serenity win this recognition, has been inspiring to me." She adds, "It's been like ... coming out of a storm and it's [now] a beautiful day." MCS has seen other visible signs of its efforts bearing fruit: the district's high school graduation rate increased from 64.4 percent in 2015 to nearly 90 percent in 2021. Ms. Black intends to enroll in the University of Maryland this fall, and study biology. While she wishes to become a dentist, she has indicated that she will continue to hone her writing skills. About The Writing Revolution Founded by Dr, Judith C. Hochman and based in New York City, The Writing Revolution's mission is to enable students, especially those from historically-marginalized communities, to develop writing skills an enabler to improved reading comprehension and the ability to think more critically so they will have enhanced opportunities to succeed in school, in the workplace, and in life. TWR trains and supports teachers and school leaders in implementing the Hochman Method, an explicit set of evidence-based proven strategies for teaching expository writing. The method builds from sentences to compositions and is embedded in curricula across all content areas and grade levels. The organization believes that improved writing skills support the improvement of overall academic performance, and will position students with stronger personal skill sets that can help to narrow the social inequality gap. TWR has positioned writing instruction as a solution to help address the students' learning loss that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Published in 2017, the book, The Writing Revolution: A Guide To Advancing Thinking Through Writing In All Subjects and Grades, was co-written by Dr. Hochman and Natalie Wexler. A top-seller within the educator community, The Writing Revolution has been sold throughout all 50 U.S. states, 36 countries, and more than 1,000 colleges and universities. Through courses, workshops, and webinars, TWR's training footprint spans North America and 17 other countries. While TWR's book and courses are available for purchase by any educator, school, district, and community member, the organization focuses its partnership work on educational institutions that are located within historically-marginalized neighborhoods. About Monroe City Schools Monroe City Schools is a school district that serves more than 8,400 students, in grades K-12, across 19 public schools in Monroe, Louisiana. Contact: The Writing Revolution 90 Broad St, Third Floor New York, NY 10004 thewritingrevolution.org [email protected] +1 (212) 206-0985 SOURCE The Writing Revolution NEVIS, Saint Kitts and Nevis, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Regency Assurance, a long-term licensed global insurance and financial services company, has announced further investment in the expansion of its network and infrastructure into South America. This will provide expatriates and companies within the region with greater access to international health plans, international life plans and financial services from its subsidiaries, including Regency for Expats, Regency Employee Benefits and Regency Financial services. Regency has also increased its personnel in the region, including their Global Assistance claims support and partner support teams. Additional support for their members also includes a direct settlement network, in partnership with Visa. This will provide all South American clients with access to their extensive payment network, ensuring that members can visit any medical facilities they wish to within the region. Stephen Coughlin, Director at Regency Assurance said, "We have long been established in South America but the increased growth in the previous 2 years has placed the region firmly as a focus for the group. We are developing our partnership and broker network to enable greater access to our products." Regency Assurance is committed to providing customers throughout the world with insightful risk managed financial and insurance products and services that will help ensure a healthy and prosperous future. This is made possible by recruiting the most talented, forward-thinking people and working with a network of highly respected international associates and brokers. Regency for Expats' and Regency Employee Benefits' range of international health insurance plans are designed to provide globally mobile individuals and corporate clients with the option of choosing the best possible medical and surgical care when at home or away, either living or working overseas. In addition, Regency Financial Services offers insurance wrapped savings and investment platforms that support pensions, retirement plans, education funds and insurance bonds globally. Stephen Coughlin continued to say, "Our aim is to establish ourselves as the best choice for expats in South America." SOURCE Regency Assurance FDA Emergency Use Authorized Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test, Colloidal Gold, Exclusively Available from Revival Health Medical Supply, Inc. Revival Health Committed to Transparency, Standardized Operating Process and Elimination of Grey Market Counterfeit Product. MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Revival Health Medical Supply, Inc. (Revival Health), a health tech, medical supply company and Department of Defense contract awardee and Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd. (Boson), a global developer and manufacturer of high-quality lateral flow immunoassay kits, announced today a joint agreement that awards Revival Health as the exclusive distributor of the Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests with sole authorization to sell in or to the U.S. The partnership comes just weeks after the Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test The strategic partnership is committed to transforming the test kit industry by offering a reliable distribution solution to eliminate price gouging and fluctuation, counterfeit and bootleg products and multiple unauthorized sales channels. As a matter of public safety, Revival Health is committed to ending the grey market for COVID tests by implementing its 8-Point Plan: A single Standardized Operating Procedure for purchase of product. Inspection and delivery through 10 authorized warehouses, nationwide. Enabling a network of authorized federal inspectors for product inspection and verification. Implementation of a real-time product tracking and authenticity solution. Elimination of sales through unauthorized distributors and warehouses. Elimination of "direct" from China sales. Standardized pricing and penalizing low price distributors and sellers. Working closely with state Attorney General offices and the FDA to prosecute offenders wherever possible. Prosecution for trademark and copyright infringement for counterfeiters and bootleggers. Eliminating the grey market for Boson goods will enhance public safety, ensure high quality and dependability of product and accuracy of information, and end fluctuating pricing. "As a leading specialist of in vitro diagnostic kits, we value our ability to provide high quality rapid tests efficiently and cost effectively. Fraudulent activity diminishes the value and integrity of the Boson brand. We believe awarding Revival Health with master distributorship helps eliminate counterfeit and bootlegged Boson products, ensuring our end users that they are always using authentic Boson products," said Changgong Zhang, General Manager of Boson. "During these times of high demand, many COVID test providers and distributors like ourselves have discovered fraudulent activity that risks the integrity of these tests. We are committed to a transparent selling process, one by which we publicize wholesale prices weekly, distribute product through ten official warehouses and keep Boson tests within a standardized supply chain so that customers can easily identify unofficial product and false claims," said Robb Fujioka, Revival Health CEO. "Without making clear and bold moves to control the import and sales of counterfeit product, ultimately the end consumersfamilies and employeespay the price by getting fake, unreliable tests. We are committed to doing our part to help drive change." The Boson Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card is an immunochromatography-based one step in vitro test. It is designed for the rapid qualitative determination of SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen through anterior nasal swabs within the first six days of symptom onset. Boson Rapid CARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Intended Uses: At-home COVID-19 antigen diagnostic test that shows results in 15 minutes. Intended for use as a serial test for people with or without symptoms, meaning the test is done two times over three days, with at least 24 hours but no more than 48 hours between tests. Can be used for people ages 14 years or older with a self-collected nasal swab sample, or ages 2 years or older when an adult collects the nasal swab sample. The tests are available immediately as two tests per box with 1,4,5,8,20, and 40 test boxes available to order. About Revival Health Medical Supply, Inc. Revival Health Medical Supply was founded to solve healthcare's biggest problem How to deliver preventative care, early. Our mission is to make home healthcare and preventative medicine affordable, accessible, and easy to use. Our platform is uniquely designed to offer a robust ecosystem of hardware (testing, monitoring, and wearables), software (tracking and analytics and EHR/EMR) and services (telemedicine and e-pharmacy) to empower everyone to lead longer, healthier lives by predicting disease onset and delivering treatment earlier. We prioritize simplicity so that our technology is accessible to everyone. Early in development, it became clear that home health care was highly fragmented and often siloed across multiple departments and therapeutic areas. As such, we set out to build a comprehensive solution that combines home testing, monitoring, telemedicine and e-prescribe backed by a health dashboard and Electronic Health Records access for an easy to use and adopt unified solution. For more information, visit www.revival.care. About Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd. Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd., as a specialist of in vitro diagnostic kits founded in 2001, develops and manufactures high-quality point of care and other immunoassay kits for the worldwide market. Our 12,500 square meter facility is operated strictly under ISO 13485:2016 and GMP guidelines. We combine the technological, material and labor resources of China and the U.S. to develop, manufacture and supply high quality in vitro diagnostic products efficiently and cost effectively. Currently, we are offering product lines of rapid tests, CLIA, and raw materials. These product lines provide immunoassays in various formats to detect cardiac markers, drugs of abuse, fertility hormones, infectious diseases, tumor markers and animal diseases. Many of our products have been approved by the China NMPA. Xiamen Boson Biotech's mission is to provide affordable high-quality products to help fight diseases and illicit substance abuse. MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Fujioka [email protected] SOURCE Revival Health Medical, Inc. RVR Adds in 11 th Store in the Carolinas 97th Location Added to the RV Retailer Family of Stores FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RV Retailer, LLC ("RVR") today announced the grand opening of a new store in Charleston, South Carolina. This new store marks the 97th store for RVR since its founding in June of 2018. 97th Location Added to the RV Retailer Family of Stores Jon Ferrando, Chief Executive Officer and President of RVR stated, "We are excited to open a new store in the fast-growing Charleston, South Carolina market. This will be an outstanding store for us with an ideal location in the market right on I-26, a great team and excellent products. This will be our 11th location in the Carolinas. We built an impressive state of the art facility boasting a 24,000 square foot facility with 18 service bays and an indoor showroom." "South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in terms of RV registrations growing 27% since 2019 from 6,100 to 7,900 registrations in 2021. The state has incredible demographics of retirees and emerging families that will make this location thrive for years to come. This store will be under our East Region run by Don Strollo, East Region President," added Jon Ferrando. "RV One Charleston is introducing an excellent mix of premium brands including Grand Design, Entegra, Forest River and East to West," said Don Strollo. "This location coupled with our stores in Myrtle Beach area have us ready to service customers in some of the most scenic RV park destinations in the eastern US." RV One Superstores Charleston is located east of I-26 and Highway 78 in Ladson, South Carolina The location is just minutes away from some of the most attractive lakes an parks in South Carolina in Francis Marion National Forest, Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. RV One and Sonny's Camp-N-Travel have been serving the local South Carolina market since 1973. To learn more about RV One Superstores Charleston and RV Retailer, please visit: https://rvonecharleston.rvone.com/ or https://www.rvretailer.com/ About RV Retailer, LLC RV Retailer, LLC is a leading recreational vehicle retail company in the United States with a focus on providing an outstanding experience for recreational vehicle customers in new and used sales, service and parts, and customer financial services. RV Retailer has 97 RV stores in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Regional store brands include: RV One Superstores, Motor Home Specialist, ExploreUSA, Sonny's Camp-N-Travel, Cousins RV, Camper Clinic, Lifestyle RVs, Family RV Group, Northgate RV, Tom's Camperland and Blue Dog RV, which sell a wide range of new and used RV brands with thousands of RVs in inventory. RV Retailer is led by co-founders Jon Ferrando, Chief Executive Officer and President, and John Rizzo, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Jon Ferrando and John Rizzo were instrumental in building America's largest automotive retailer from start-up to over $20 billion in revenue. RV Retailer's leadership team has over 250 years of automotive and RV retail industry experience. Media Contact Caroline Andrew, Senior Partner (646) 373-2899 [email protected] SOURCE RV Retailer, LLC Sand Blasting Equipment Procurement report explains key category management objectives that should form the base for sourcing strategy, including: Top-line growth Scalability of inputs Green initiatives Category innovations Supply base rationalization Demand forecasting and governance Minimalization of ad hoc purchases Adherence to regulatory nuances Cost savings Customer retention Reduction of TCO Supply assurance Sign Up for a Sample Sand Blasting Equipment Procurement Market Report: www.spendedge.com/report/sand-blasting-equipment-sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report This report evaluates suppliers based on provision for applicable insurance policy, real-time analysis, pipeline software solutions, and conduct pipeline surveys. In addition, suppliers are also shortlisted based on business needs, technical specifications, operational requirements, security compliance, regulatory mandates, legal requirements, quality control, change management procedures, pricing models, penalty clauses, SLA nuances, acceptance criteria, and evaluation criteria. Best Selling Reports: 1. Asset Recovery Services - Forecast and Analysis: The asset recovery services will grow at a CAGR of 9.49% during 2021-2025. Asia Asset Recovery Pte Ltd., TES-Amm Singapore Pte Ltd., and Iron Mountain Inc. are among the prominent suppliers in asset recovery services market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. 2. Vulnerability Management Sourcing and Procurement Report: Vulnerability Management Procurement Market, prices will increase by 4%-6% during the forecast period and suppliers will have a Moderate bargaining power in this market. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. 3. Celebrity Talent Management Services - Sourcing and Procurement Intelligence Report: This report offers key advisory and intelligence to help buyers identify and shortlist the most suitable suppliers for their celebrity talent management services requirements. Click the above link to download the free sample of this report. 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 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. Contact SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us SOURCE SpendEdge Application and network intelligence will give service providers a cloud native, scalable, and flexible option for analyzing and assuring low-latency, Quality of Experience-driven 5G services WATERLOO, ON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As Google announced today, Sandvine a leader in Application and Network Intelligence joined the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program as a Build Partner for the delivery of application and network analytics through the cloud. Through this program, Sandvine will help service providers analyze, optimize and monetize applications and deliver high quality application experiences. Sandvine's cloud-native Application and Network Intelligence solutions are being integrated into Google Cloud leveraging services such as Google Kubernetes Engine, Anthos, Google Analytics stack and Google Distributed Cloud Edge (GDCE) to extend services to the edge. By combining Sandvine's analytics and automation use cases with Google Cloud Analytics and AI/ML stack and GDC, service providers will get flexibility, scalability, and security that is customizable and cost effective. By deploying Sandvine on GDCE and Google Cloud regions, service providers can optimize the delivery of complex, latency-sensitive 5G apps such as video monitoring and surveillance; VR/AR/immersive experiences; autonomous vehicles; connected machinery; and telehealth. Sandvine's customers have begun leveraging the solution to better assure 4G and 5G services, and to guarantee the best app QoE for their enterprise and consumer customers. Lyndon Cantor, CEO, Sandvine said: "Delivering high-quality 5G application experiences requires vastly greater performance, reliability and security. We believe in the power of cloud native edge and core networks. Sandvine's Application and Network Intelligence and 5G Service Intelligence Engine (NWDAF) are available as Cloud Native Functions that integrate with Google Cloud. By moving compute, storage, and analytics closer to where data is created, service providers can deliver the enhanced speed and performance customers require, while increasing their ability to analyze, optimize and monetize 5G services for consumer and enterprise customers." To find out more about how Sandvine works with Google Cloud to tame network application complexity to optimize QoE and to monetize services, schedule a meeting with us at the Big 5G Event or contact us here. Resources 2022 Global Internet Phenomena Report Sandvine's Active Network Intelligence Portal Sandvine's 5G Portfolio 5G Service Intelligence Engine (NWDAF) 5G Service Intelligence Engine (NWDAF) Whitepaper Cloud Ready Options 5G Service Innovation and Intelligence Whitepaper About Sandvine Sandvine's cloud-based Application and Network Intelligence portfolio helps customers analyze, optimize, and monetize application experiences using contextual machine learning-based insights and real-time actions. Market-leading classification of more than 95% of traffic across mobile and fixed networks by user, application, device, and location significantly enhances interactions between users and applications. For more information about delivering superior quality of experience with uniquely rich, real-time data that can drive performance and revenues, visit http://www.sandvine.com or follow Sandvine on Twitter @Sandvine . Media Contact: Susana Schwartz Sandvine +1 816 680 1447 [email protected] Topics: Application and Network Intelligence, 5G, App QoE SOURCE Sandvine SAUSALITO, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 21 and 22, the Sausalito Art Festival Foundation will hold a benefit art sale with proceeds donated to UNICEF, the Red Cross and World Central Kitchen, providing relief for victims of war in Ukraine. "It's heartbreaking to watch the news each day and see what's senselessly happening to the citizens of Ukraine," stated Sausalito Art Festival Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Louis Briones. We discussed during a recent Board meeting that while nothing can erase the death, suffering and destruction caused by the war, we are compelled to help in the way we know best, through the beauty of art." For 68 years the Sausalito Art Festival has been recognized as one of America's premier outdoor art festivals and is a winner of countless industry awards. However, in recent years it has been shut down by the pandemic and a homeless encampment that moved into its traditional location, Marinship Park. The Foundation reached into its database of artists built throughout the years and asked them to donate work to support Ukraine; over 60 artists answered the call. The Foundation then worked with the newly formed Sausalito Center For The Arts (SCA), to use their facility to host the benefit fund raiser. SCA is located in downtown Sausalito and will be transformed into an art gallery "pop up" for the event. The event is open to the public at no charge and will represent work in multiple artistic categories. "It's been gratifying to see the artists and the SCA step-up to make this event a reality," stated Briones. We often think of art as a luxury item, but this time we're asking it to literally be a life saver." For more information visit: www.sausalitoartfestival.org Art For Ukraine will be help May 21-22, 2022 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito CA 10:00AM - 5:00PM The Sausalito Art Festival is produced by the Sausalito Art Festival Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to support the arts for the community. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Sausalito Art Festival MECHANICSBURG, Pa., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Medical Holdings Corporation ("Select Medical," "we," "us," or "our") (NYSE: SEM) today announced results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2022 and the declaration of a cash dividend. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, revenue increased 3.4% to $1,599.5 million, compared to $1,546.5 million for the same quarter, prior year. Income from operations was $104.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $202.0 million for the same quarter, prior year. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, income from operations included $16.1 million of other operating income related to the recognition of payments received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, also referred to as the Provider Relief Fund. Net income was $55.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $137.2 million for the same quarter, prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $163.8 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $258.3 million for the same quarter, prior year. Earnings per common share was $0.37 for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $0.82 for the same quarter, prior year. The definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA are presented in table VI of this release. In addition to providing key statistics in table V of this release for both the first quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, Select Medical also provided statistics for the comparable period in 2019. Select Medical believes this additional data provides insight into how it has performed in comparison to the year prior to the widespread emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 ("COVID-19") in the United States. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the duration and extent of disruption on our operations, continues to create uncertainties about Select Medical's future operating results and financial condition. Please refer to the risk factors in Item 1A and the section titled "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Results of Operations" in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 for further discussion. Company Overview Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on number of facilities. Select Medical's reportable segments include the critical illness recovery hospital segment, the rehabilitation hospital segment, the outpatient rehabilitation segment, and the Concentra segment. As of March 31, 2022, Select Medical operated 105 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,901 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Concentra operated 518 occupational health centers in 41 states. At March 31, 2022, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Select Medical is available at www.selectmedical.com . Critical Illness Recovery Hospital Segment For the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, revenue for the critical illness recovery hospital segment increased 1.2% to $601.8 million, compared to $594.9 million for the same quarter, prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the critical illness recovery hospital segment was $36.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $113.3 million for the same quarter, prior year. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA included $17.9 million of other operating income related to the outcome of litigation with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The Adjusted EBITDA margin for the critical illness recovery hospital segment was 6.0% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to 19.0% for the same quarter, prior year. Certain critical illness recovery hospital key statistics are presented in table V of this release for the first quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Rehabilitation Hospital Segment For the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, revenue for the rehabilitation hospital segment increased 6.2% to $220.6 million, compared to $207.8 million for the same quarter, prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the rehabilitation hospital segment was $42.4 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $50.5 million for the same quarter, prior year. The Adjusted EBITDA margin for the rehabilitation hospital segment was 19.2% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to 24.3% for the same quarter, prior year. Certain rehabilitation hospital key statistics are presented in table V of this release for the first quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Outpatient Rehabilitation Segment For the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, revenue for the outpatient rehabilitation segment increased 7.9% to $271.9 million, compared to $252.0 million for the same quarter, prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the outpatient rehabilitation segment increased 1.0% to $26.6 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $26.3 million for the same quarter, prior year. The Adjusted EBITDA margin for the outpatient rehabilitation segment was 9.8% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to 10.4% for the same quarter, prior year. Certain outpatient rehabilitation key statistics are presented in table V of this release for the first quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Concentra Segment For the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, revenue for the Concentra segment increased to $423.4 million, compared to $422.8 million for the same quarter, prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the Concentra segment increased 9.1% to $89.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $82.0 million for the same quarter, prior year. The Adjusted EBITDA margin for the Concentra segment was 21.1% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to 19.4% for the same quarter, prior year. Certain Concentra key statistics are presented in table V of this release for the first quarters ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Dividend On May 5, 2022, Select Medical's board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.125 per share. The dividend will be payable on or about June 1, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2022. There is no assurance that future dividends will be declared. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future are at the discretion of Select Medical's board of directors after taking into account various factors, including, but not limited to, Select Medical's financial condition, operating results, available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, the terms of Select Medical's indebtedness, and other factors Select Medical's board of directors may deem to be relevant. Stock Repurchase Program The board of directors of Select Medical has authorized a common stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $1.0 billion worth of shares of its common stock. The common stock repurchase program will remain in effect until December 31, 2023, unless further extended or earlier terminated by the board of directors. Stock repurchases under this program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions, and at times and in such amounts as Select Medical deems appropriate. Select Medical funds this program with cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, Select Medical repurchased 2,128,494 shares at a cost of approximately $51.7 million, or $24.28 per share, which includes transaction costs. Since the inception of the common stock repurchase program through March 31, 2022, Select Medical has repurchased 42,480,122 shares at a cost of approximately $466.9 million, or $10.99 per share, which includes transaction costs. Business Outlook for Revenue Select Medical reaffirms its 2022 business outlook for revenue, which was provided most recently in its February 24, 2022 press release. Select Medical continues to expect consolidated revenue to be in the range of $6.25 billion to $6.40 billion for the full year of 2022. Select Medical is also reaffirming its previously issued three-year compound annual growth rate target for revenue only, which is expected to be in the range of 4% to 6% for 2021 through 2023. Select Medical intends to address its business outlook and target compound annual growth rates for Adjusted EBITDA and earnings per common share when the labor climate stabilizes. Conference Call Select Medical will host a conference call regarding its first quarter results, as well as its business outlook for revenue and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on each of its reportable segments, on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 9:00am ET. The domestic dial in number for the call is 1-866-440-2669. The international dial in number is 1-409-220-9844. The conference ID for the call is 5892378. The conference call will be webcast simultaneously and can be accessed at Select Medical Holdings Corporation's website www.selectmedicalholdings.com . For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available until 12:00pm ET, May 13, 2022. The replay number is 1-855-859-2056 (domestic) or 1-404-537-3406 (international). The conference ID for the replay will be 5892378. The replay can also be accessed at Select Medical Holdings Corporation's website, www.selectmedicalholdings.com . Certain statements contained herein that are not descriptions of historical facts are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), including statements related to Select Medical's 2022 and long-term business outlook. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to factors including the following: developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the pandemic, additional measures taken by government authorities and the private sector to limit the spread of COVID-19, and further legislative and regulatory actions which impact healthcare providers, including actions that may impact the Medicare program; changes in government reimbursement for our services and/or new payment policies may result in a reduction in revenue, an increase in costs, and a reduction in profitability; the failure of our Medicare-certified long term care hospitals or inpatient rehabilitation facilities to maintain their Medicare certifications may cause our revenue and profitability to decline; the failure of our Medicare-certified long term care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities operated as "hospitals within hospitals" to qualify as hospitals separate from their host hospitals may cause our revenue and profitability to decline; a government investigation or assertion that we have violated applicable regulations may result in sanctions or reputational harm and increased costs; acquisitions or joint ventures may prove difficult or unsuccessful, use significant resources or expose us to unforeseen liabilities; our plans and expectations related to our acquisitions and our ability to realize anticipated synergies; private third-party payors for our services may adopt payment policies that could limit our future revenue and profitability; the failure to maintain established relationships with the physicians in the areas we serve could reduce our revenue and profitability; shortages in qualified nurses, therapists, physicians, or other licensed providers, or the inability to attract or retain healthcare professionals due to the heightened risk of infection related to the COVID-19 pandemic, could increase our operating costs significantly or limit our ability to staff our facilities; competition may limit our ability to grow and result in a decrease in our revenue and profitability; the loss of key members of our management team could significantly disrupt our operations; the effect of claims asserted against us could subject us to substantial uninsured liabilities; a security breach of our or our third-party vendors' information technology systems may subject us to potential legal and reputational harm and may result in a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act; and other factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" of the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and of the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 . Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we are under no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events, or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results or performance. Investor inquiries: Joel T. Veit Senior Vice President and Treasurer 717-972-1100 [email protected] I. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2022 (In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited) 2021 2022 % Change Revenue $ 1,546,463 $ 1,599,547 3.4% Costs and expenses: Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 1,293,449 1,407,010 8.8 General and administrative 35,403 37,513 6.0 Depreciation and amortization 49,620 51,039 2.9 Total costs and expenses 1,378,472 1,495,562 8.5 Other operating income 34,021 N/M Income from operations 202,012 103,985 (48.5) Other income and expense: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries 9,919 5,397 (45.6) Interest income 4,749 N/M Interest expense (34,402) (35,514) 3.2 Income before income taxes 182,278 73,868 (59.5) Income tax expense 45,064 17,942 (60.2) Net income 137,214 55,926 (59.2) Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 26,668 6,809 (74.5) Net income attributable to Select Medical $ 110,546 $ 49,117 (55.6)% Basic and diluted earnings per common share:(1) $ 0.82 $ 0.37 (1) Refer to table II for calculation of earnings per common share. N/M Not meaningful. II. Earnings per Share For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2022 (In thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited) Select Medical's capital structure includes common stock and unvested restricted stock awards. To compute earnings per share ("EPS"), Select Medical applies the two-class method because its unvested restricted stock awards are participating securities which are entitled to participate equally with its common stock in undistributed earnings. The following table sets forth the net income attributable to Select Medical, its common shares outstanding, and its participating securities outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022: Basic and Diluted EPS Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2022 Net income $ 137,214 $ 55,926 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests 26,668 6,809 Net income attributable to Select Medical 110,546 49,117 Less: net income attributable to participating securities 3,698 1,643 Net income attributable to common shares $ 106,848 $ 47,474 The following tables set forth the computation of EPS under the two-class method for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022: Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 2022 Net Income Allocation Shares(1) Basic and Diluted EPS Net Income Allocation Shares(1) Basic and Diluted EPS Common shares $ 106,848 130,329 $ 0.82 $ 47,474 129,010 $ 0.37 Participating securities 3,698 4,511 $ 0.82 1,643 4,464 $ 0.37 Total $ 110,546 $ 49,117 (1) Represents the weighted average share count outstanding during the period. III. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, unaudited) December 31, 2021 March 31, 2022 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 74,310 $ 130,881 Accounts receivable 889,303 941,434 Other current assets 175,826 178,536 Total Current Assets 1,139,439 1,250,851 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,078,754 1,102,710 Property and equipment, net 961,467 952,926 Goodwill 3,448,912 3,465,456 Identifiable intangible assets, net 374,879 368,850 Other assets 356,720 395,151 Total Assets $ 7,360,171 $ 7,535,944 Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities: Payables and accruals $ 942,288 $ 909,162 Government advances 83,790 20,862 Unearned government assistance 93 194 Current operating lease liabilities 229,334 234,420 Current portion of long-term debt and notes payable 17,572 24,513 Total Current Liabilities 1,273,077 1,189,151 Non-current operating lease liabilities 916,540 938,423 Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,556,385 3,738,299 Non-current deferred tax liability 142,792 156,407 Other non-current liabilities 106,442 105,098 Total Liabilities 5,995,236 6,127,378 Redeemable non-controlling interests 39,033 41,670 Total equity 1,325,902 1,366,896 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 7,360,171 $ 7,535,944 IV. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2022 (In thousands, unaudited) 2021 2022 Operating activities Net income $ 137,214 $ 55,926 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries 11,633 7,486 Depreciation and amortization 49,620 51,039 Provision for expected credit losses 67 94 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (9,919) (5,397) Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets 72 (23) Stock compensation expense 6,709 8,823 Amortization of debt discount, premium and issuance costs 543 558 Deferred income taxes (897) 420 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of business combinations: Accounts receivable (60,142) (52,225) Other current assets (4,425) (1,819) Other assets 961 2,686 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 44,627 (15,002) Government advances (62,928) Unearned government assistance 19,207 101 Income taxes 44,618 16,598 Net cash provided by operating activities 239,888 6,337 Investing activities Business combinations, net of cash acquired (6,314) (5,186) Purchases of property and equipment (39,719) (46,845) Investment in businesses (6,571) (3,337) Proceeds from sale of assets 19 37 Net cash used in investing activities (52,585) (55,331) Financing activities Borrowings on revolving facilities 280,000 Payments on revolving facilities (100,000) Borrowings of other debt 8,915 15,794 Principal payments on other debt (9,342) (9,188) Dividends paid to common stockholders (16,691) Repurchase of common stock (51,676) Decrease in overdrafts (7,608) Proceeds from issuance of non-controlling interests 5,229 Distributions to and purchases of non-controlling interests (13,663) (10,295) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (14,090) 105,565 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 173,213 56,571 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 577,061 74,310 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 750,274 $ 130,881 Supplemental information Cash paid for interest $ 52,470 $ 53,517 Cash paid for taxes 1,343 923 V. Key Statistics For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (unaudited) 2019 2021 2022 % Change Critical Illness Recovery Hospital Number of hospitals operated end of period(a) 97 99 105 Revenue (,000) $ 457,534 $ 594,872 $ 601,755 1.2% Number of patient days(b)(c) 258,129 293,118 289,217 (1.3)% Number of admissions(b)(d) 9,456 9,859 9,457 (4.1)% Revenue per patient day(b)(e) $ 1,759 $ 2,024 $ 2,075 2.5% Occupancy rate(b)(f) 71% 75% 71% (5.3)% Adjusted EBITDA (,000) $ 72,998 $ 113,272 $ 35,967 (68.2)% Adjusted EBITDA margin 16.0% 19.0% 6.0% Rehabilitation Hospital Number of hospitals operated end of period(a) 27 30 30 Revenue (,000) $ 154,558 $ 207,804 $ 220,634 6.2% Number of patient days(b)(c) 82,816 102,439 103,802 1.3% Number of admissions(b)(d) 5,836 7,131 7,182 0.7% Revenue per patient day(b)(e) $ 1,633 $ 1,853 $ 1,943 4.9% Occupancy rate(b)(f) 76% 84% 84% 0.0% Adjusted EBITDA (,000) $ 25,797 $ 50,534 $ 42,379 (16.1)% Adjusted EBITDA margin 16.7% 24.3% 19.2% Outpatient Rehabilitation Number of clinics operated end of period(a) 1,684 1,809 1,901 Working days(g) 63 63 64 Revenue (,000) $ 246,905 $ 251,961 $ 271,940 7.9% Number of visits(b)(h) 2,054,483 2,100,154 2,310,086 10.0% Revenue per visit(b)(i) $ 103 $ 104 $ 102 (1.9)% Adjusted EBITDA (,000) $ 28,991 $ 26,329 $ 26,596 1.0% Adjusted EBITDA margin 11.7% 10.4% 9.8% Concentra Number of centers operated end of period(b) 525 519 518 Working days(g) 63 63 64 Revenue (,000) $ 396,321 $ 422,840 $ 423,423 0.1% Number of visits(b)(h) 2,911,607 2,795,574 3,116,898 11.5% Revenue per visit(b)(i) $ 124 $ 125 $ 125 0.0% Adjusted EBITDA (,000) $ 66,258 $ 82,015 $ 89,469 9.1% Adjusted EBITDA margin 16.7% 19.4% 21.1% (a) Includes managed locations. (b) Excludes managed locations. For purposes of the Concentra segment, onsite clinics and community-based outpatient clinics are excluded. (c) Each patient day represents one patient occupying one bed for one day during the periods presented. (d) Represents the number of patients admitted to Select Medical's hospitals during the periods presented. (e) Represents the average amount of revenue recognized for each patient day. Revenue per patient day is calculated by dividing patient service revenues, excluding revenues from certain other ancillary and outpatient services provided at Select Medical's hospitals, by the total number of patient days. (f) Represents the portion of our hospitals being utilized for patient care during the periods presented. Occupancy rate is calculated using the number of patient days, as presented above, divided by the total number of bed days available during the period. Bed days available is derived by adding the daily number of available licensed beds for each of the periods presented. (g) Represents the number of days in which normal business operations were conducted during the periods presented. (h) Represents the number of visits in which patients were treated at Select Medical's outpatient rehabilitation clinics and Concentra centers during the periods presented. (i) Represents the average amount of revenue recognized for each patient visit. Revenue per visit is calculated by dividing patient service revenue, excluding revenues from certain other ancillary services, by the total number of visits. For purposes of this computation for the Concentra segment, patient service revenue does not include onsite clinics. VI. Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019, 2021 and 2022 (In thousands, unaudited) The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is important to investors because Adjusted EBITDA is commonly used as an analytical indicator of performance by investors within the healthcare industry. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to evaluate financial performance and determine resource allocation for each of Select Medical's segments. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income, income from operations, cash flows generated by operations, investing or financing activities, or other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and is thus susceptible to varying definitions, Adjusted EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The following table reconciles net income to Adjusted EBITDA for Select Medical. Adjusted EBITDA is used by Select Medical to report its segment performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings excluding interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain (loss) on early retirement of debt, stock compensation expense, gain (loss) on sale of businesses, and equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 2021 2022 Net income $ 53,344 $ 137,214 $ 55,926 Income tax expense 18,467 45,064 17,942 Interest expense 50,811 34,402 35,514 Interest income (4,749) Gain on sale of businesses (6,532) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries (4,366) (9,919) (5,397) Income from operations 111,724 202,012 103,985 Stock compensation expense: Included in general and administrative 4,748 5,460 6,949 Included in cost of services 1,507 1,249 1,874 Depreciation and amortization 52,138 49,620 51,039 Adjusted EBITDA $ 170,117 $ 258,341 $ 163,847 Critical illness recovery hospital(a) $ 72,998 $ 113,272 $ 35,967 Rehabilitation hospital 25,797 50,534 42,379 Outpatient rehabilitation 28,991 26,329 26,596 Concentra 66,258 82,015 89,469 Other(b)(c) (23,927) (13,809) (30,564) Adjusted EBITDA $ 170,117 $ 258,341 $ 163,847 (a) For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA included other operating income of $17.9 million. The other operating income related to the outcome of litigation with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (b) For the three months ended March 31, 2021, Adjusted EBITDA included other operating income of $16.1 million. The other operating income is related to the recognition of payments received under the Provider Relief Fund. (c) Other primarily includes general and administrative costs and other operating income, as discussed further above. SOURCE Select Medical Holdings Corporation NEW YORK, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Black Knight, Inc. ("Black Knight" or the "Company") (NYSE: BKI), in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive $85.00 for each share of Black Knight common stock owned in a mix of cash (80%) and stock (20%), subject to proration. The transaction is valued at approximately $13.1 billion. If you own Black Knight shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website: https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/bki Or please contact: Joshua Rubin, Esq. Weiss Law 305 Broadway, 7th Floor New York, NY 10007 (212) 682-3025 (888) 593-4771 [email protected] Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) Black Knight's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the $85.00 per-share merger consideration adequately compensates Black Knight's shareholders, and (iii) all information regarding the sales process and valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed. Notably, at least one analyst set a price target for the Company of $92 per share, $7.00 above the per-share merger consideration. Weiss Law has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at [email protected] SOURCE Weiss Law Founded in 1936 in Houston, Shipley Do-Nuts shops offer more than 60 varieties of freshly made do-nuts, including its iconic plain glazed, as well as coffee, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, fritters and more. The beloved brand is currently expanding rapidly into new states across the Southeast and recently entered South Carolina, with deals also signed to open up to 25 locations in Maryland. "It's been our stated goal to get Georgia into our new store pipeline, so having these deals inked is an important milestone for our growth strategy," said Shipley CEO Clifton Rutledge. "We welcome our new Georgia franchisees to the Shipley family and are counting the days until our first Georgia shop opens." The expansion is driven by two franchisee groups. Dallas-based ARFD Foods LLC, operated by Andrew Robertson and Franklin Diaz, signed an agreement in mid-March to open up to 25 Shipley Do-Nuts locations, including the first one in Duluth. Diaz, who is originally from the Atlanta area, discovered the brand when he moved to Dallas. "I was impressed with the brand love Shipley has in Texas, and after meeting with the company's new leadership, I knew I wanted to be part of growing the brand in new markets," said Diaz. "Atlanta is a dynamic city that I believe will embrace this iconic and beloved Southern brand." Also joining the Shipley family is Oziel Rodriguez, operating as Sweet Donuts Investments Inc., who has agreements to open five Shipley Do-Nuts locations. He currently owns Coal Mountain Package Store and Palapas Bar and Grill in Cumming, Georgia. "My brother worked at a Shipley Do-Nuts in McAllen, Texas, and when he moved to Atlanta, he couldn't stop raving about their do-nuts," said Rodriguez. "I was looking for a brand to expand my business portfolio and was immediately sold on the high-quality product and the outstanding Shipley team that provides a high level of support as a top franchisor." Shipley is currently in rapid growth mode, with agreements in place for more than 350 new locations throughout Texas, Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee, Florida and Colorado over the next five years. The company is actively recruiting additional franchisees in new and existing markets, including a focus on increasing its presence in Colorado and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.ownashipleydonuts.com. ABOUT SHIPLEY DO-NUTS Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Do-Nuts is a leading do-nut restaurant franchisor and manufacturer of specialty food products. Shipley franchises over 330 restaurants to a diverse group of operators across 10 states and has served its do-nuts, kolaches and beverages to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 144 on Entrepreneur's 2022 Franchise 500 list, the highest in its category. For information on franchising, visit https://ownashipleydonuts.com. Media Contact: Ashley Lennington, SPM Communications [email protected] 214-379-7000 SOURCE Shipley Do-Nuts HELSINKI , May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spektri Business Park in Espoo, Finland, a development managed by Trevian and CCP 5 - the core plus fund advised by Tristan Capital Partners, has been awarded a `Very Good' BREEAM certification as proof of the realisation of sustainable development from both an environmental and social perspective. BREEAM is the world's leading sustainability validation and certification system and reviews a host of components including health, well-being, energy, accessibility, water, materials, emissions, property management, land use, and ecology. A range of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the sustainability credentials at Spektri. In recent years, the property has switched to geothermal energy and green electricity, and the combined effect of the measures leading to a 66% reduction in total emissions. Trevian Asset Management, along with Tristan, leads the work on energy efficiency and sustainability as Spektri's real estate asset manager. Spektri engages a specialised energy manager to plan energy targets, implement actions, and report their results according to global standards. Building technology has been renewed with added automation and transition to green electricity and geothermal energy. In addition, customer satisfaction, interaction with stakeholders, and increased monitoring of the transparency and accountability of service production and contractors are prioritised. Vesa Klemettila, Trevian's Technical Director, said: "Effective solutions and measurable energy-saving and economic benefits prove that we have succeeded in Spektri's asset management. Furthermore, the BREEAM certification confirms the development activities' sustainability and sets the requirement for their continuous evaluation. At Trevian, we consider property sustainability certification the standard for our operations." Kaisa Granholm from Trevian, added: "Concrete results have already been achieved. The impact on the carbon footprint is already significant in the first years: total emissions in the first quarter of 2022 were up to 450 tonnes lower than in the corresponding period in 2020. Environmental responsibility is increasingly a criterion for our customers when choosing office space. In addition, transparent monitoring of the carbon footprint on the premises is essential for companies to implement their environmental strategy. With the BREEAM certification, we can better support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals." Spektri is owned by the CCP 5 'long-life' core-plus fund, advised by pan-European real estate investment manager Tristan Capital Partners. Additional information: Kaisa Granholm Asset Manager Trevian Asset Management +358 50 571 8300 [email protected] Vesa Klemettila Technical Director Trevian Asset Management +358 50 487 2266 [email protected] Trevian Asset Management is a Finnish investment and asset management company specializing in commercial and residential properties. The company was established in 2012 and is owned by its key personnel. The company produces actively managed real estate equity funds and asset management services optimized for its customers. The services are focused especially for institutional real estate investors, banks, and other professional investors. Trevian's assets under management near 1.0B. www.trevian.fi/en/ About Tristan Capital Partners Tristan Capital Partners is an employee-owned real estate investment manager, specialising in value-added investment strategies across all property types in the UK and Europe. Tristan's pan-European real estate funds include core+, opportunistic and debt strategies, with total assets under management of over 14 billion and a loyal client base of institutional and private investors. The company was founded in 2009 by Ric Lewis, together with a number of other professionals who worked together at Curzon Global Partners, the fund management group of AEW Europe, a pan-European real estate investment management business. The Firm's senior team and Investment Committee have worked together for over 20 years across 11 funds, with investments totalling 22bn of gross real estate assets (as at 30 September 2021). The Firm has an experienced team of 162 professionals located across eight offices in Europe (as at January 2022). Tristan's headquarters are in London, and it has offices in Luxembourg, Milan, Paris, Stockholm, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Warsaw. Tristan is the portfolio manager for Core+ funds Curzon Capital Partners III, Curzon Capital Partners IV and Curzon Capital Partners 5 Long-Life; for opportunistic funds European Property Investors LP, European Property Investors Special Opportunities LP, European Property Investors Special Opportunities 3 LP, European Property Investors Special Opportunities 4 LP, European Property Investors Special Opportunities 5 SCSp and European Property Investors Special Opportunities 6 SCSp, and for real estate debt fund Tristan Income Plus One SCSp. Please visit www.tristancap.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/trevian/r/spektri-business-park-managed-by-trevian-certified-with-a-breeam-rating--very-good-,c3560945 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Trevian HOUSTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (NYSE: SCM) will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, after the close of the stock market. Stellus Capital Investment Corporation will host a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM, Central Daylight Time. The conference call will be led by Robert T. Ladd, Chief Executive Officer, and W. Todd Huskinson, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary. Conference Call Details Via Phone: Dial 888-220-8451 (domestic). Use passcode 2120806. Starting approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call, a replay will be available through Friday, May 20, 2022 by dialing (888) 203-1112 and entering passcode 2120806. Via Live Webcast: Connect via the Public Company (SCIC) section of our website at www.stelluscapital.com, under the Events tab. A replay of the conference will be available on our website for approximately 90 days. About Stellus Capital Investment Corporation The Company is an externally-managed, closed-end, non-diversified investment management company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company's investment objective is to maximize the total return to its stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in private middle-market companies (typically those with $5.0 million to $50.0 million of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)) through first lien, second lien, unitranche and mezzanine debt financing, and corresponding equity investments. The Company's investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Stellus Capital Management, LLC. To learn more about Stellus Capital Investment Corporation, visit www.stelluscapital.com under the Stellus Capital Investment Corporation link. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements included herein may contain "forward-looking statements" which relate to future performance or financial condition. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Contacts Stellus Capital Investment Corporation W. Todd Huskinson, (713) 292-5414 Chief Financial Officer [email protected] SOURCE Stellus Capital Investment Corporation "Our goal at mitu is to represent a modern, thorough, and nuanced perspective of US Latinos, and our research series, mitu InTell, is an integral part of that commitment," said Stephen Brooks, President of mitu. "We are incredibly proud to collaborate with The MRKT to contribute insights on the financial state of Latinos, so that we may continue the conversations, content, and actions to enrich the US Latinx community." "We're thrilled to be partnering with mitu on this second edition of their InTell Series focusing on the financial state of the US Latino population. We think it's incredibly important to shine a light on the successes of the US Latino community as well as areas that have room for growth, and this study does just that!" said President of The MRKT, Marcos Barron. Third-party HyperFocus ROI conducted research among 1500 respondents equally divided between US Hispanics and non-Hispanics. The research consisted of evaluating participants for various attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors across a number of demographic segments relative to the broader topic of finance. The key areas evaluated fell under the categories of personal finance management, budgeting, taxes, financial goals, banking, homeownership, loans/credit, and savings, and were broken out by age, income, and gender. The study revealed that US Hispanics over-index in the use of technology to manage their finances: Nearly three in 10 US Hispanics (26%) invested in cryptocurrency or NFTs (non-fungible tokens) in the last year, significantly more than the two in 10 non-Hispanics (17%) who did so More US Hispanics than non-Hispanics use a budgeting app (30%) when compared to non-Hispanics (22%) to keep track of monthly expenses More US Hispanics (82%) access and manage their bank account via a mobile app compared to non-Hispanics (70%) On the other hand, the study revealed that six in 10 US Hispanics used a check cashing service in the past 12 months and six in 10 within those had a bank account. Moreover, half of those with a bank account used a check cashing service at least once a month. That means an estimated $20 billion dollars were spent by US Hispanics on check cashing services last year, which is equivalent to the 29 million US Latinos1 in the workforce spending $703 individually. The average cost of each cash checking transaction can range from 1% to 12% of the check2. On the front of homeownership, it was found that far fewer US Hispanics (46%) own their own home compared to non-Hispanic whites (73%), and slightly more than non-Hispanic Blacks (42%). Though the research found that significantly more Gen Z US Hispanics currently own their own home (25%) compared to non-Hispanic members of Gen Z (17%). Lastly, two in 10 non-Hispanics (17%) learned how to manage their personal finances from a financial advisor while nearly six in 10 (55%) learned from their parents and more than half (54%) taught themselves. For more key insights and to read the full study, visit: http://mituintell.mitunetwork.com . The first edition of the mitu InTell Series evaluated the current state of health of the US Latino across four key areas: medical health, mental health, fitness + exercise, and nutrition. Among the findings, mental health garnered the highest overall importance ratings with 65% of all respondents rating it as "very important" even though it has declined across all segments of the U.S. Latino population compared with two years ago. Other findings showed that U.S. born Latinos are reporting health issues that affect multiple generations at nearly twice the rate as non-U.S. born Latinos. 37% of the Latinos surveyed reported that the number one reason they don't have a primary care physician is their financial situation, with non-U.S. born Latinos expressing this as a barrier with even more frequency at a rate of 46%. About mitu For 10 years, mitu has been the leading digital media company dedicated to inspiring, representing, and super-serving US Latinos. As a platform built for Latinos by Latinos, mitu is committed to representing both the collective and unique experiences of the 200% generation - 100% American and 100% Latino - through their multiple touchpoints in video, editorial, social, media, and research. mitu is a proud GoDigital Media Group company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with operations in New York, Miami, Chicago, Mexico, Colombia, Belarus, and Sri Lanka. About The MRKT The MRKT is the full-service multicultural marketing and communications division of Terry Hines & Associates (THA), a leading entertainment-marketing firm for over 40 years. The MRKT offers a comprehensive approach to creating narratives and experiences that connect clients to diverse, multicultural demographics via culture and lifestyle, over stereotypes and assumptions. The MRKT specializes in reaching Latinx, African-American, and AAPI consumers, and executes campaigns with both a national and local footprint, all infused with cultural resonance. The MRKT works across several disciplines including: PR, social media, influencer marketing, experiential, grassroots, and creative (print, digital, AV) on behalf of some of the largest entertainment and consumer brands in the world. 1 https://blog.dol.gov/2021/09/15/hispanics-in-the-labor-force-5-facts#:~:text=29%20million,reach%2035.9%20million%20in%202030. 2 https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/how-to-cash-a-check-without-a-bank-account/#:~:text=Fees%20to%20cash%20a%20check,to%20cash%20a%20%241%2C000%20check. SOURCE The MRKT 2022 guidance reaffirmed CHICAGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As previously announced, TDS will hold a teleconference on May 6, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. CDT. Listen to the call live via the Events & Presentations page of investors.tdsinc.com. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS) reported total operating revenues of $1,315 million for the first quarter of 2022, versus $1,318 million for the same period one year ago. Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders and related diluted earnings per share were $44 million and $0.37, respectively, for the first quarter of 2022 compared to $57 million and $0.48, respectively, in the same period one year ago. "The TDS Family of Companies is making meaningful progress on our strategic priorities," said LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., TDS President and CEO. "UScellular is continuing to make improvements in its high-performing network and TDS Telecom is seeing good and increasing success in its fiber expansion program. "UScellular's first quarter results delivered growth in retail service revenue, driven by the positive impact of higher ARPU. We continue to focus on growth areas of the business, including prepaid, business and government, and fixed wireless. Fixed wireless gross additions increased year-over-year, and momentum continues to build in our tower business, which produced double-digit revenue growth for the first quarter. "TDS Telecom increased residential broadband connections, which contributed to strong residential broadband revenue growth in the quarter. TDS Telecom announced new fiber-to-the-home expansion markets in Montana and Wisconsin, as it continues to deploy fiber outside as well as inside of our traditional markets." 2022 Estimated Results TDS' current estimates of full-year 2022 results for UScellular and TDS Telecom are shown below. Such estimates represent management's view as of May 5, 2022 and should not be assumed to be current as of any future date. TDS undertakes no duty to update such estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that final results will not differ materially from estimated results. 2022 Estimated Results UScellular Previous Current (Dollars in millions) Service revenues $3,100-$3,200 Unchanged Adjusted OIBDA1 $750-$900 Unchanged Adjusted EBITDA1 $925-$1,075 Unchanged Capital expenditures $700-$800 Unchanged TDS Telecom Previous Current (Dollars in millions) Total operating revenues $1,010-$1,040 Unchanged Adjusted OIBDA1 $260-$290 Unchanged Adjusted EBITDA1 $260-$290 Unchanged Capital expenditures $500-$550 Unchanged The following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income or Income before income taxes. In providing 2022 estimated results, TDS has not completed the below reconciliation to Net income because it does not provide guidance for income taxes. Although potentially significant, TDS believes that the impact of income taxes cannot be reasonably predicted; therefore, TDS is unable to provide such guidance. 2022 Estimated Results UScellular TDS Telecom (Dollars in millions) Net income (GAAP) N/A N/A Add back: Income tax expense N/A N/A Income before income taxes (GAAP) $65-$215 $40-$70 Add back: Interest expense 135 Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 710 220 EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1 $910-$1,060 $260-$290 Add back or deduct: (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 15 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1 $925-$1,075 $260-$290 Deduct: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 170 Interest and dividend income 5 Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1 $750-$900 $260-$290 Actual Results Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Year Ended December 31, 2021 UScellular TDS Telecom UScellular TDS Telecom (Dollars in millions) Net income (GAAP) $ 52 $ 23 $ 160 $ 90 Add back: Income tax expense 32 8 20 24 Income before income taxes (GAAP) $ 84 $ 31 $ 180 $ 114 Add back: Interest expense 33 (2) 175 (5) Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 171 54 678 198 EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1 $ 288 $ 83 $ 1,033 $ 308 Add back or deduct: (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 23 2 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) (2) Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1 $ 289 $ 83 $ 1,054 $ 310 Deduct: Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 45 179 Interest and dividend income 1 6 1 Other, net (1) Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1 $ 243 $ 83 $ 869 $ 310 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. 1 EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (GAAP) and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income or Cash flows from operating activities, as indicators of cash flows or as measures of liquidity. TDS does not intend to imply that any such items set forth in the reconciliation above are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to Net income are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS' operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented above as they provide additional relevant and useful information to investors and other users of TDS' financial data in evaluating the effectiveness of its operations and underlying business trends in a manner that is consistent with management's evaluation of business performance. Adjusted EBITDA shows adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion, and gains and losses, while Adjusted OIBDA reduces this measure further to exclude Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities and Interest and dividend income in order to more effectively show the performance of operating activities excluding investment activities. The table above reconciles EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measure, Net income or Income before income taxes. Additional information and reconciliations related to Non-GAAP financial measures for March 31, 2022, can be found on TDS' website at investors.tdsinc.com. Stock Repurchase During the first quarter of 2022, TDS repurchased 254,102 of its Common Shares for $5 million and UScellular repurchased 363,821 of its Common Shares for $10 million. Conference Call Information TDS will hold a conference call on May 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. Access the live call on the Events & Presentations page of investors.tdsinc.com or at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3725342/CDC132CA9BF52C2B44DEED054F08A623 Access the call by phone at (888)330-2384, conference ID: 1328528. Before the call, certain financial and statistical information to be discussed during the call will be posted to investors.tdsinc.com. The call will be archived on the Events & Presentations page of investors.tdsinc.com. About TDS Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS), a Fortune 1000 company, provides wireless; broadband, video and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses, UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, TDS employed approximately 8,800 associates as of March 31, 2022. Visit investors.tdsinc.com for comprehensive financial information, including earnings releases, quarterly and annual filings, shareholder information and more. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forward-looking statements. This includes all statements about the company's plans, beliefs, estimates, and expectations. These statements are based on current estimates, projections, and assumptions, which involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that may affect these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: intense competition; the ability to obtain or maintain roaming arrangements with other carriers on acceptable terms; the ability to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs, including participation in FCC auctions; the ability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization; TDS' smaller scale relative to larger competitors; changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, or churn rates; advances in technology; impacts of costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS' businesses; the ability of the company to successfully construct and manage its networks; uncertainties in TDS' future cash flows and liquidity and access to the capital markets; the ability to make payments on TDS and UScellular indebtedness or comply with the terms of debt covenants; conditions in the U.S. telecommunications industry; the value of assets and investments; the state and federal regulatory environment; pending and future litigation; cyber-attacks or other breaches of network of information technology security; disruption in credit or other financial markets; deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions; the impact, duration and severity of public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are more fully described under "Risk Factors" in the most recent filing of TDS' Form 10-K, as updated by any TDS Form 10-Q filed subsequent to such Form 10-K. For more information about TDS and its subsidiaries, visit: TDS: www.tdsinc.com UScellular: www.uscellular.com TDS Telecom: www.tdstelecom.com OneNeck IT Solutions: www.oneneck.com United States Cellular Corporation Summary Operating Data (Unaudited) As of or for the Quarter Ended 3/31/2022 12/31/2021 9/30/2021 6/30/2021 3/31/2021 Retail Connections Postpaid Total at end of period 4,335,000 4,380,000 4,391,000 4,399,000 4,406,000 Gross additions 126,000 165,000 145,000 141,000 143,000 Feature phones 2,000 3,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 Smartphones 89,000 122,000 103,000 98,000 101,000 Connected devices 35,000 40,000 40,000 40,000 39,000 Net additions (losses) (44,000) (12,000) (8,000) (6,000) (6,000) Feature phones (10,000) (7,000) (7,000) (7,000) (9,000) Smartphones (26,000) 5,000 2,000 6,000 6,000 Connected devices (8,000) (10,000) (3,000) (5,000) (3,000) ARPU1,2 $ 49.71 $ 48.62 $ 48.12 $ 47.74 $ 47.65 ARPA1,3 $ 129.93 $ 127.14 $ 125.99 $ 125.25 $ 125.25 Churn rate4 1.30% 1.35% 1.15% 1.11% 1.12% Handsets 1.10% 1.10% 0.95% 0.88% 0.92% Connected devices 2.70% 3.08% 2.59% 2.69% 2.53% Prepaid Total at end of period 495,000 513,000 518,000 507,000 496,000 Gross additions 55,000 63,000 74,000 65,000 62,000 Net additions (losses) (18,000) (5,000) 11,000 10,000 (3,000) ARPU2 $ 34.59 $ 34.53 $ 35.05 $ 35.64 $ 35.25 Churn rate4 4.84% 4.39% 4.09% 3.66% 4.37% Market penetration at end of period Consolidated operating population 32,370,000 32,127,000 31,865,000 31,493,000 31,493,000 Consolidated operating penetration5 15% 15% 16% 16% 16% Capital expenditures (millions) $ 137 $ 321 $ 185 $ 148 $ 125 Total cell sites in service 6,899 6,898 6,857 6,819 6,802 Owned towers 4,310 4,301 4,274 4,278 4,270 1 Q3 2021 Postpaid ARPU and ARPA amounts exclude $9 million of postpaid revenue related to an out-of-period error recorded in that quarter. 2 Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) - metric is calculated by dividing a revenue base by an average number of connections and by the number of months in the period. These revenue bases and connection populations are shown below: Postpaid ARPU consists of total postpaid service revenues and postpaid connections. Prepaid ARPU consists of total prepaid service revenues and prepaid connections. 3 Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA) - metric is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period. 4 Churn rate represents the percentage of the connections that disconnect service each month. These rates represent the average monthly churn rate for each respective period. 5 Market penetration is calculated by dividing the number of wireless connections at the end of the period by the total estimated population of consolidated operating markets. TDS Telecom Summary Operating Data (Unaudited) As of or for the Quarter Ended 3/31/2022 12/31/2021 9/30/2021 6/30/2021 3/31/2021 Residential connections Broadband Wireline, Incumbent 250,100 250,200 252,100 249,200 243,700 Wireline, Expansion 40,600 36,900 32,600 28,300 24,100 Cable 204,600 203,200 202,700 201,200 199,500 Total Broadband 495,200 490,300 487,400 478,700 467,300 Video 140,000 141,500 143,100 143,200 142,700 Voice 301,700 303,700 306,300 308,100 308,700 Total Residential connections 936,900 935,600 936,800 930,100 918,700 Commercial connections 260,000 264,300 269,000 274,400 278,800 Total connections 1,196,900 1,199,900 1,205,700 1,204,500 1,197,400 Residential revenue per connection1 $ 57.95 $ 57.86 $ 57.75 $ 57.66 $ 56.97 Capital expenditures (millions) $ 105 $ 151 $ 91 $ 99 $ 70 Numbers may not foot due to rounding. 1 Total residential revenue per connection is calculated by dividing total residential revenue by the average number of residential connections and by the number of months in the period. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Operations Highlights (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 2022 vs. 2021 (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) Operating revenues UScellular $ 1,010 $ 1,023 (1)% TDS Telecom 251 249 1% All Other2 54 46 17% 1,315 1,318 Operating expenses UScellular Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion 767 765 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 171 170 1% (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 5 (69)% (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) (1) (5)% 939 939 TDS Telecom Expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and accretion 169 168 Depreciation, amortization and accretion 54 49 11% 223 217 3% All Other1 Expenses excluding depreciation and amortization 54 47 15% Depreciation and amortization 4 5 (17)% 58 52 12% Total operating expenses 1,220 1,208 1% Operating income (loss) UScellular 71 84 (15)% TDS Telecom 28 32 (11)% All Other2 (4) (6) 22% 95 110 (14)% Investment and other income (expense) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities 45 42 7% Interest and dividend income 2 3 (55)% Interest expense (33) (53) 40% Total investment and other income (expense) 14 (8) N/M Income before income taxes 109 102 8% Income tax expense 37 31 24% Net income 72 71 1% Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax 11 12 (10)% Net income attributable to TDS shareholders 61 59 3% TDS Preferred Share dividends 17 2 N/M Net income attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 44 $ 57 (23)% Basic weighted average shares outstanding 115 114 Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.38 $ 0.49 (23)% Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 116 116 Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS common shareholders $ 0.37 $ 0.48 (23)% N/M - Percentage change not meaningful. Numbers may not foot due to rounding. 1 Consists of TDS corporate, intercompany eliminations and all other business operations not included in the UScellular and TDS Telecom segments. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 72 $ 71 Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities Depreciation, amortization and accretion 229 224 Bad debts expense 26 8 Stock-based compensation expense 12 10 Deferred income taxes, net 29 27 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities (45) (42) Distributions from unconsolidated entities 19 23 (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 2 5 (Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net (1) (1) Other operating activities (1) Changes in assets and liabilities from operations Accounts receivable 14 17 Equipment installment plans receivable (18) Inventory (5) 8 Accounts payable (60) (115) Customer deposits and deferred revenues 9 9 Accrued taxes 129 Accrued interest 10 9 Other assets and liabilities (59) (69) Net cash provided by operating activities 381 165 Cash flows from investing activities Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment (271) (220) Cash paid for intangible assets (568) (1,261) Cash received from divestitures and exchanges 1 1 Other investing activities (10) Net cash used in investing activities (848) (1,480) Cash flows from financing activities Issuance of long-term debt 776 567 Repayment of long-term debt (127) Issuance of short-term debt 60 Issuance of TDS Preferred Shares 420 TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments (2) (1) UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments (1) Repurchase of TDS Common Shares (4) (3) Repurchase of UScellular Common Shares (10) (2) Dividends paid to TDS shareholders (38) (20) Payment of debt and equity issuance costs (2) (14) Distributions to noncontrolling interests (1) (1) Other financing activities (3) (3) Net cash provided by financing activities 649 942 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 182 (373) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Beginning of period 414 1,452 End of period $ 596 $ 1,079 Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (Unaudited) ASSETS March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions) Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 549 $ 367 Accounts receivable, net 1,123 1,151 Inventory, net 184 178 Prepaid expenses 109 103 Income taxes receivable 58 184 Other current assets 62 61 Total current assets 2,085 2,044 Assets held for sale 15 18 Licenses 4,686 4,097 Goodwill 547 547 Other intangible assets, net 199 197 Investments in unconsolidated entities 506 479 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,385 4,361 Operating lease right-of-use assets 1,033 1,040 Other assets and deferred charges 668 710 Total assets $ 14,124 $ 13,493 Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (Unaudited) LIABILITIES AND EQUITY March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 9 $ 6 Accounts payable 388 481 Customer deposits and deferred revenues 245 236 Accrued interest 20 10 Accrued taxes 43 45 Accrued compensation 77 137 Short-term operating lease liabilities 144 141 Other current liabilities 189 124 Total current liabilities 1,115 1,180 Deferred liabilities and credits Deferred income tax liability, net 948 921 Long-term operating lease liabilities 951 960 Other deferred liabilities and credits 770 759 Long-term debt, net 3,567 2,928 Noncontrolling interests with redemption features 12 11 Equity TDS shareholders' equity Series A Common and Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share 1 1 Capital in excess of par value 2,511 2,496 Preferred Shares, par value $0.01 per share 1,074 1,074 Treasury shares, at cost (456) (461) Accumulated other comprehensive income 6 5 Retained earnings 2,824 2,812 Total TDS shareholders' equity 5,960 5,927 Noncontrolling interests 801 807 Total equity 6,761 6,734 Total liabilities and equity $ 14,124 $ 13,493 Balance Sheet Highlights (Unaudited) March 31, 2022 TDS TDS Corporate Intercompany TDS UScellular Telecom & Other Eliminations Consolidated (Dollars in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 300 $ 40 $ 253 $ (44) $ 549 Licenses, goodwill and other intangible assets $ 4,677 $ 749 $ 6 $ $ 5,432 Investment in unconsolidated entities 465 4 45 (8) 506 $ 5,142 $ 753 $ 51 $ (8) $ 5,938 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 2,576 $ 1,722 $ 87 $ $ 4,385 Long-term debt, net: Current portion $ 6 $ $ 3 $ $ 9 Non-current portion 3,220 3 344 3,567 $ 3,226 $ 3 $ 347 $ $ 3,576 TDS Telecom Highlights (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 2022 vs. 2021 (Dollars in millions) Operating revenues Residential Wireline, Incumbent $ 85 $ 85 Wireline, Expansion 10 7 54% Cable 67 65 3% Total residential 163 157 4% Commercial 44 47 (6)% Wholesale 44 45 (2)% Total service revenues 251 249 1% Equipment revenues 26% Total operating revenues 251 249 1% Cost of services 96 97 (1)% Cost of equipment and products 28% Selling, general and administrative expenses 72 70 3% Depreciation, amortization and accretion 54 49 11% (Gain) loss on asset disposals, net 3% Total operating expenses 223 217 3% Operating income $ 28 $ 32 (11)% Numbers may not foot due to rounding. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. Financial Measures and Reconciliations (Unaudited) Free Cash Flow Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 (Dollars in millions) Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP) $ 381 $ 165 Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment 271 220 Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)1 $ 110 $ (55) 1 Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which TDS believes may be useful to investors and other users of its financial information in evaluating liquidity, specifically, the amount of net cash generated by business operations after deducting Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. SOURCE Telephone and Data Systems HOUSTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TEXEGY LLC ("TEXEGY"), a Texas-based oil and gas venture, and Chato Energy LLC ("Chato"), an affiliate of Fortify Energy ("Fortify"), today announced the closing of a transaction whereby TEXEGY has sold to Chato all of its leasehold in the South Bearhead Creek ("SBC"), Raccoon Bend and AWP fields, as well as a non-operating interest in the South Burr Ferry field for an undisclosed amount. Following the transaction, TEXEGY has retained an 18-month exclusive farmout over SBC. The transaction is in line with its strategy to focus on its the upside potential of the undeveloped proven reserves in SBC. TEXEGY Royalty LLC ("TEXEGY Royalty") holds full mineral ownership over approximately 80,000 acres, 50,000 of which are contiguous unleased acres in the Austin Chalk. "We view Chato as a great fit for our divested assets and look forward to partnering with them on the SBC farm-out. Through this transaction, we can sharpen our focus on exploiting our substantial mineral position in Austin Chalk of over 50,000 unleased contiguous acres, utilizing technical studies including fully processed 3D seismic that was shot recently over the entire footprint. Such a unique and a serious position in the Austin Chalk deserves our full attention," said Sherif Wadood, Co-Founder of TEXEGY group. The TEXEGY assets add meaningful production and cash flow to Fortify's existing portfolio of conventional, low decline assets, while also providing exposure to high quality, low risk recompletion opportunities and additional upside via the South Bearhead Creek farmout agreement." The acquisition of the TEXEGY assets fits well into Fortify's strategy of acquiring low risk producing properties, and their proximity to our existing operations along the Gulf Coast provide the opportunity for further operational efficiencies. Fortify is creating value via accretive acquisitions, current production optimization and exposure to high-quality, low-risk recompletion opportunities. We look forward to continuing this growth strategy with the acquisition of the TEXEGY assets," said Tony Schnur, CEO of Fortify Energy. Advisors Energy Advisors Group served as exclusive financial advisor to TEXEGY, and Branscomb PLLC acted as legal counsel to TEXEGY for the transaction. Seaport Global Securities served as financial advisor to Fortify, and R. Reese & Associates, PLLC acted as legal counsel to Fortify for the transaction. About TEXEGY TEXEGY was formed in late 2014 and has made a series of acquisitions of leaseholds across Texas and Louisiana. TEXEGY Royalty LLC owns full mineral rights of over 80,000 acres in the Austin Chalk. Additional information about TEXEGY can be found on the website at www.texegy.com. Kindly direct all inquiries to Youssef Shoukry, CFO, at [email protected]. About Chato Energy Chato Energy was formed in 2020 as an affiliated entity of Arena Investors managed by Fortify Energy. Fortify is a private oil & gas merchant company acquiring and managing assets across Texas, Louisiana, Utah and Colorado with a focus on low risk producing properties. Arena Investors, LP is an institutional asset manager founded in partnership with The Westaim Corporation (TSXV: WED). With $3.4 billion of committed assets under management as of March 1, 2022, and a team of over 100 employees in offices globally, Arena provides creative solutions for those seeking capital in special situations. Additional information can be found on the web at www.fortify.energy and www.arenaco.com . Inquiries can be directed to Tony Schnur, CEO, at [email protected]. SOURCE Arena Investors NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC) is excited to announce that the AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup Presented by The Farmer's Dog will air on ESPN2. The competition will be televised on Monday, May 16th at 7pm ET. This year's AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup, held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs, took place on April 2, 2022, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Dogs from across the country competed in Distance and Air Retrieve, with the top three in each receiving prize money. "Diving Dogs is a fun, action-packed competition, and we're thrilled to bring it to ESPN viewers," said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. "The excitement in the air was palpable, and we're sure that viewers at home will feel it, too." The broadcast will be hosted by ESPN's Phil Murphy, including play-by-play by sportscaster Carolyn Manno and analysis by Bill Ellis. About the American Kennel Club Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc. Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers SOURCE American Kennel Club BETHESDA, Md., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASCII Group, a large membership-based community of independent North American MSPs, MSSPs and Solution Providers, is pleased to announce a new initiative with Sandler Partners, a leading distributor of Connectivity and Cloud services. By collaborating with Sandler Partners, ASCII members will have access to their unique, and competitive portfolio of telecom, technology, and Cloud solutions. This engagement will allow ASCII members to broaden their technology portfolios with over two hundred telecom and Cloud Provider solutions, while further increasing their ability to serve their clients. "We are pleased to be working with Sandler Partners and recognize the emerging synergies between the telecom and IT industries," said Alan Weinberger, Chairman & CEO, The ASCII Group. "We are delighted to present another benefit to members of the ASCII community that will yield additional revenue opportunities for their businesses." "Being independent and private, we can work a little differently than most technology distributors," states Alan Sandler, Founding Partner. "We're free to concentrate on the relationships we build with our community educating and empowering technology professionals with impartial solutions, not driven by quota's or agendas, providing ironclad contracts, and support that allows customer service, everyone's holy grail, to always be the first and last consideration. We are grateful to welcome The ASCII Group to our community, the Sandler Partners team is ready to help you succeed." The ASCII Group is committed to helping its members meet the increasing demand for telecom solutions for their SMB clients. This new initiative with Sandler Partners will provide members an additional opportunity to expand their service offerings. To learn more about becoming a member of The ASCII Group, please visit www.ascii.com. About The ASCII Group, Inc: The ASCII Group is the premier community of North American MSPs, MSSPs and Solution Providers. The Group has members located throughout the U.S. and Canada, and membership encompasses everyone from credentialed MSPs serving the SMB community to multi-location solution providers with a national and international reach. Founded in 1984, ASCII provides services to members including leveraged purchasing programs, education and training, marketing assistance, extensive peer interaction and more. ASCII works with a vibrant ecosystem of leading and major technology vendors that complement the ASCII community and support the mission of helping MSPs to grow their businesses. For more information, please visit www.ascii.com . About Sandler Partners Sandler Partners is America's fastest-growing technology solutions brokerage and distributor of connectivity and cloud services. In 2021, Sandler Partners was included on the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies for the 12th straight year. Over the years, they've expanded beyond their telecom roots to deliver best-in-class cloud, colocation, mobility, continuity, and security solutions from 200+ suppliers through a network of 9,000+ expert technology sales partners agents, VARs, and MSPs to thousands of small, medium, and enterprise organizations nationwide. Press Contact Alysia Vetter Vice President of Marketing Tel: 800-394-2724 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ascii.com SOURCE The ASCII Group LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adding to its OB/GYN service sites already operational in Lawrenceville, Loganville, and Snellville, Georgia, The Healthy Woman will now boast Primary Care Private Practice services, offered by Dr. Barbara Joy Jones, in Gwinnett County. The grand opening celebration will be hosted by Dr. Jones and held on Sunday, May 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. EST, at The Healthy Woman Primary Care offices, located at 1130 Hurricane Shoals Road NE, Suite 800, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. The accompanying ribbon cutting will be held at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Barbara Joy Jones, DO The Healthy Woman prioritizes its patients, urging women to look forward to both Ob-Gyn and Primary Care visits, while taking advantage of its spa-like ambiance and many other services offered. Believing every woman, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, deserves to be pampered while simultaneously having access to comprehensive healthcare, Dr. Jones, a dually board certified family medicine physician as well as an on-air medical expert contributor for media outlets such as CNN and HLN, is dedicated to providing cutting edge care, often in innovative ways. After facing burnout in a previous corporate medicine setting, Dr. Jones, who enjoys motivational speaking, modeling, and being active with her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in her spare time, went into private practice and became the medical director of the primary care arm of The Healthy Woman to also enjoy practicing medicine again. "A happy doctor means happy patients," observes Jones. With the Primary Care expansion, Dr. Jones ushers in a new era for The Healthy Woman, allowing it to now exist as a complete healthcare system for the women it serves. States The Healthy Woman Founder Dr. Jocelyn Slaughter, MD Ob-Gyn, "Instead of referring [patients] to another practice for non-Gynecology medical issues, I get to keep them in the family. I send them to my friend and colleague." Under Dr. Barbara Joy Jones' leadership, The Healthy Woman Primary Care is now open and accepting new patients, as of April 2022. Press Contact: Praise Jackson, 678-654-8948, [email protected] SOURCE Dr. Barbara Joy Jones Wide-Ranging Group Includes Experts in Chemical Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Oncology, and Genetics SAN FRANCISCO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Totus Medicines, the drug discovery company mapping the universe of molecular drug interactions across the entire human genome to eliminate untreatable diseases, today announced the selection of global pharma leader Tom Hughes, Ph.D., as the chair of the company's board of directors, and revealed the appointment of four members to the company's innovative Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Dr. Hughes currently serves as president and CEO of Navitor Pharmaceuticals, and he has over 30 years of industry experience in the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Prior to Navitor, Dr. Hughes served as CEO of Zafgen, where he established the company as a leader in the biotechnology industry. Before Zafgen, he held several positions at Novartis, where he oversaw many drug discovery and development projects. Dr. Hughes is also a member of the board of directors of Viridian Therapeutics, Inc., and he serves as a member of several other scientific and strategic advisory boards. "Dr. Hughes's extraordinary breadth of experience makes him the perfect choice to lead our board his knowledge of the industry is unparalleled, and he has led many projects that brought life-saving treatments to the public," said Totus CEO and founder Dr. Neil Dhawan, Ph.D. "We couldn't be more thrilled that he is joining our team as we move forward in bringing TOS-358 to the clinic later this year." "I'm thrilled to serve as the chair of Totus' board. The company's scientists have engineered an extraordinary and revolutionary new AI-backed cell-based drug discovery platform that opens up possibilities for genome-scale screening for targets of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry," Dr. Hughes said. "Using this approach, the Totus team has already discovered a powerful, clinic-ready PI3Ka inhibitor with best-in-class potential, and they are working to enable a portfolio of programs in the area of precision oncology. Opportunities for implementation of this efficient drug discovery platform could expand beyond oncology into areas of high unmet need and societal impact, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, immunological diseases, and more." Totus is also announcing the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board, taking a different approach to the common practice of populating an SAB with experts of similar backgrounds. Instead, Totus has recruited industry leaders from different disciplines to provide strategic guidance as the company expands its platform and enters clinical trials later this year. "We have brought world-leading experts in oncology, chemical genetics, AI/machine learning, drug discovery, biology, and other research disciplines to join our Scientific Advisory Board. Our SAB leaders will play an important role in shaping our drug discovery work for years to come," Dhawan said. "Each member's specific expertise will prove crucial as we enter clinical trials and work to expand our pipeline in the future." The SAB formation advances Totus' efforts to continue to deliver unparalleled efficiency and accuracy with its groundbreaking drug discovery platform. The company's TOS-358 drug program, which treats the PI3K oncogene, will enter clinical trials later this year. Members of the Totus SAB include: Dr. Kevan Shokat, Ph.D.: Dr. Shokat is the department chair of Cellular Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Investigator with the University of California, San Francisco. He was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (2010), the National Academy of Medicine (2011), and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011). He has commercialized discoveries from his laboratory through co-founding several biotechnology companies, including Araxes Pharma, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Erasca, Intellikine, Kumquat Biosciences, Kura Oncology, Mitokinin, Revolution Medicines, and Wellspring Biosciences. Dr. Shokat's current research group is focused on the discovery of new small molecule tools and drug candidates targeting regulatory proteins such as protein/lipid kinases and GTPases, as well as RNA helicases. Dr. Chris Bowden, M.D.: Dr. Bowden is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, and he serves as strategic advisor at Agios, where he began as Chief Medical Officer in 2014. In this role, he led clinical development activities that resulted in the TIBSOVO approvals for IDH1 mutation positive acute myeloid leukemia in the U.S. Previously, Dr. Bowden was vice president product development oncology, franchise lead (Signaling Group) at Genentech. During his eight years there, Dr. Bowden was responsible for the successful development of a number of novel targeted oncology medicines, including Zelboraf for patients with BRAF V600E positive melanoma, and Tarceva for patients with EGFR activating mutation positive, non-small cell lung cancer. From 2003 to 2006, Dr. Bowden was the executive director for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) regions for Bristol Myers Squibb. Prior to his industry experience, Dr. Bowden was on the oncology faculty at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, where he participated in numerous industry and cooperative group trials. He serves on the board of directors at Ziopharm Oncology Inc. Steve Crossan: Mr. Crossan is the vice president of artificial intelligence & machine learning at gsk.ai. Previously, he led the product team responsible for putting DeepMind's technology into Google, which included data-center optimization for Google Assistant and protein folding, as well as reporting directly to DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman. Mr. Crossan joined DeepMind after several years at Google working on the Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Search product teams. In 2011, during the Arab Spring, he launched speak2tweet to open access to social media when the internet was cut off in several countries. Before this work, he left a Ph.D. in AI at University of Sussex unfinished to start a series of startups, including Runtime Collective, which later became brandwatch.com. Dr. Stephen P. Hale, Ph.D.: The founder and CEO of DG Medicines, Dr. Hale has advanced several programs across cardiovascular, oncology, immunology, and neurodegeneration in his 20+ years in drug discovery. He is co-inventor of a transformative DNA-encoded library (DEL) and screening technology that has since become ubiquitous in the industry as the gold standard for encoded-small-molecule discovery. Previously, he was the senior vice president, global head of R&D for Cambridge-based Dewpoint Therapeutics. Before that, Dr. Hale was CSO of Ensemble Therapeutics, where he built a drug discovery platform supporting six major collaborations that raised over $80 million in non-dilutive capital. He was also responsible for initiating and advancing internal and partnered programs that leveraged DNA-encoded macrocyclic compound collections and a massively parallel screening process. Before joining Ensemble, Dr. Hale was at Praecis Pharmaceuticals, where he helped advance oncology programs, including Plenaxis, which was approved for prostate cancer prior to an acquisition by GSK. About Totus Medicines Founded in 2019, Totus Medicines is mapping the universe of molecular drug interactions across the entire human genome to create life-changing therapies to end the era of untreatable diseases. For more information, please visit totusmedicines.com and follow Totus on LinkedIn and Twitter . SOURCE Totus Medicines TradeStation Crypto's free integration supports crypto adoption for nonprofits. PLANTATION, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TradeStation Crypto, Inc. ("TradeStation Crypto"), an award-winning,* self-clearing online brokerage for trading cryptocurrencies, is proud to support the United Way of Broward County, FL in accepting crypto donations. TradeStation Crypto provides a simple integration for the United Way of Broward County's website to accept crypto donations through their online portal. Donor cryptocurrency assets are added directly into the United Way of Broward County's TradeStation Crypto account. 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"We are incredibly proud of our United Way moving into the digital world by accepting donations made in cryptocurrency with the help and support from the team and TradeStation," said Kathleen Cannon, President and CEO of United Way of Broward County. "This is a giant philanthropic step for members of our community, and we are so thankful that our very own Broward County Mayor, Michael Udine, is the first to officially make a donation to our cause via Bitcoin." "The donation process was seamless, safe, and took only a few minutes," said Mayor Udine. The mayor added, "I believe in the power and possibilities of Bitcoin. I made this gift to kick off the start of United Way of Broward County's Mayors' Gala. Whether in crypto or fiat currency, I encourage everyone to consider donating to United Way of Broward County to help them with their mission in the community." To speak with a TradeStation Crypto account executive and to learn more, call 800.328.1267 or 954.652.7945. You can also open an account by visiting TradeStation.com/Crypto. About TradeStation Crypto, Inc. TradeStation Crypto, Inc. is a subsidiary of TradeStation Group, Inc. that offers self-clearing cryptocurrency brokerage services under federal and state money services business, money-transmitter, and similar registrations and licenses. For more information about the benefits and features of TradeStation Crypto, please visit TradeStationCrypto.com. About TradeStation Group, Inc. TradeStation Group companies have, for decades, provided innovative fintech decision-support analysis and order-placement tools that support self-directed traders and investors in their journey to claim their financial edge. TradeStation provides award-winning* trading and analysis platforms and self-clearing online brokerage services for stocks, ETFs, equity and index options, commodity and financial futures, futures options, and cryptocurrencies. These trading platforms are accessible on desktop, web, and mobile, as well as via API technologies which seamlessly provide access to TradeStation's brokerage environment through third-party platforms. TradeStation's offerings also include deep and growing learning content designed to build confidence among those new to investing and hone the skills of seasoned traders. In April 2022, TradeStation commissioned the Miami Bull, an 11-foot, 3,000-pound statue, presented in Miami to both honor the city and champion the latest fintech technologies that have emerged around the world, including the emergence of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralized finance. *Visit TradeStation.com/Awards for more information. SOURCE TradeStation Crypto, Inc. Zest software to build models for credit card, auto, and personal loans WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Truliant Federal Credit Union announced today that it has partnered with Zest AI, an artificial intelligence-based platform, to determine creditworthiness across consumer loan products. Zest AI is a Credit Union Service Organization, or CUSO, that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in the loan underwriting process to quickly assess risk. Its lending platform can give near real time approval using conventional and new data sources, vastly reducing the time involved in making lending decisions. "Zest AI's software will help more of our community get access to affordable loans, a major priority for Truliant. We're excited to work with a firm like Zest that shares our passion," said Alice Stevens, Vice President of Credit Administration. "It adds an additional layer of sophistication to our lending models, and creates a faster lending experience that gives us much more data to pull from for making decisions around credit worthiness." As more credit unions harness the power of AI, Truliant believes the Zest AI platform will give it a more holistic view of borrowers, allowing it to more confidently score new borrowers or those without formal credit histories and to offer more loans in underserved communities. "Credit unions want to help their members efficiently. Better risk models automate decisions so that people get loans faster," said Mike de Vere, CEO of Zest AI. "I'm excited to partner with the team at Truliant to offer affordable credit to deserving families looking to build a stronger financial foundation." Zest AI enables credit unions to move beyond legacy credit scoring methods to provide a more accurate picture of borrower risk by tapping the power of machine learning to approve loans safely and quickly. Zest-built models draw on the insights of thousands of credit variables. About Truliant Credit Union Truliant is a mission-driven, not for profit financial institution that promises to always have its member-owners' best interests at heart. It improves lives by providing financial guidance and affordable financial services. Truliant was chartered in 1952 and now serves 280,000+ members. Truliant has more than 30 Member Financial Centers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. About Zest AI Zest AI software helps lenders make better decisions and better loansincreasing revenue, reducing risk, and automating compliance. Zest AI was founded in 2009 with the mission of making fair and transparent credit available to everyone and is now the leader in software for more inclusive underwriting. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Learn more at www.zest.ai and connect with us on Twitter at @Zest_AI or Zest AI's Insights blog . Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Zest AI Experts develop highly flexible probe for inspecting offshore well casings and conductors / PEC Snake can pass through constrictions and sharp bends / Highly flexible probe for inspecting offshore wells LITTLETON, Mass., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts from TUV Rheinland have developed a new probe for inspecting corrosion of the offshore oil and gas wells. The inspection tool features a caterpillar track design, is over 1 meter long and is as agile as a snake. Unlike all previous inspection probes, the "PEC Snake" can penetrate through a 2-inch hole or a 2-inch side valve arm. The highly flexible probe easily enters through sharp bends and can still be moved into tight spots on offshore platforms, such as between the conductor and the surface casing. "The inspection tool has successfully passed its field test in the North Sea and is now available for use on offshore oil and gas production platforms worldwide," said Sergey Putintsev, Managing Director at TUV Rheinland. "The test results provide operators with important information about the degree of corrosion and the mechanical integrity of the offshore structure and help minimize the risk of well collapse." PEC-Snake enables more accurate inspection results The probe is equipped with a special "whisker" mechanism that serves as a positioning system to correctly position the miniaturized PEC sensors against the conductor and casing. The inspection is performed with pulsed eddy current (PEC) probes and is possible for both operating and abandoned wells. A 90-meter cable nearly doubles the operating range compared to other existing probes. The test results provide important information about the degree of corrosion and the mechanical integrity of the offshore structure, minimizing the risk of a well collapse. "The PEC snake is a major technical breakthrough that enables O&G operators to prevent fatal casing, conductor or entire well failure," said Riccardo Scottini, Product and Business Development Manager at TUV Rheinland. "Thanks to the smaller access and longer probe cable, the new Sonovation device can be used in many types of offshore production operations around the world." For cases where the well annulus between the conductor and the surface casing might be cemented or grouted, TUV Rheinland experts use an improved version of the previously used C-PEC probe, which is ATEX certified. This probe has been further developed specifically for accessing the borehole annulus between the surface casing and the intermediate casing. Click here for information. About TUV Rheinland 150 years of safety: Since 1872, TUV Rheinland's mission has been to make technology safe for people and the environment. From the steam engine to digitalization, the erstwhile "Verein zur Uberwachung der Dampfkessel in den Kreisen Elberfeld und Barmen" (Association for the Inspection of Steam Boilers in the Districts of Elberfeld and Barmen) has evolved into a global testing service provider ensuring safety and quality in virtually all areas of business and life. This responsibility is now shared by more than 20,000 employees, who generate annual revenues of around EUR 2.1 billion. Around the globe, experts from TUV Rheinland test technical systems and products, support innovations in technology and industry, train personnel in a wide range of professions, and certify management systems according to international standards. With safety and sustainability, TUV Rheinland is also shaping the future. Since 2006, TUV Rheinland has therefore been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com Contact us for press inquiries: Joel Pekay Telephone: +1 224 318 4098 Email: [email protected] Mariana Taborda do Amaral Telephone: +55 11 3514 5867 Email: [email protected] SOURCE TUV Rheinland NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firms Reid Collins & Tsai LLP, Grant & Eisenhofer P.A., and Gardy & Notis, LLP, as Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel in In re Renren, Inc. Derivative Litigation, Index No. 653594/2018 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., N.Y County), announce that the Renren, Inc. (NYSE: RENN) derivative settlement website has been updated to provide important new information and documents regarding the lawsuit and an upcoming Court hearing. The Court will hold a hearing on June 9, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. to consider whether to approve the proposed Settlement and other related matters in the lawsuit. Details about the proposed Settlement, related court filings, and the new hearing date will be posted to the website at www.renrensettlement.com. Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel suggest all interested parties check the website regularly for updates. Contact: GARDY & NOTIS, LLP Jennifer Sarnelli 126 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gardylaw.com Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Gardy & Notis, LLP LONDON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070) ('UPL') announced that UPL Group has acquired OptiCHOS, a naturally derived fungicide for its Natural Plant Protection (NPP) business unit. The NPP portfolio houses natural and biologically derived agricultural inputs and technologies. OptiCHOS offers farmers a new, low-risk, residue free, and bio-degradable broad spectrum disease control solution, with low environmental and human impacts. The active ingredients of OptiCHOS were developed from the chitin-rich by-products of the shellfish industry by BioCHOS, a spin-off of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. NPP's acquisition of OptiCHOS includes the registration data package and patents enabling the product to be used in mixture of a wide range of fungicides, providing the agricultural industry a variety of options. OptiCHOS has already been submitted for approval for use in the European Union and NPP expects to be able to launch OptiCHOS products across the bloc in the next few years. Outside the EU, UPL will identify other markets for OptiCHOS and launch registration and approval processes to make the product available to farmers. Mike Frank, President and COO at UPL said: "The addition of OptiCHOS to our comprehensive NPP biocontrol portfolio will enable us to further solve key global farmer pain points in an environmentally sustainable way by matching the efficacy levels of conventional fungicides with naturally-derived biosolutions. This reflects our mission at UPL to Reimagine Sustainability by harnessing the power of agriculture as a climate-positive industry. We look forward to delivering OptiCHOS-based products into the hands of farmers." OptiCHOS will be integrated into UPL's ProNutiva programme which integrates naturally based biosolutions with conventional crop protection products to offer farmers tailored and adaptable packages that directly tackles pain-points. Through this programme, farmers can ensure higher yields with lower environmental impact while also improving their economic resilience and sustainability. Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL said: "NPP is the world's largest biological platform, and UPL through its OpenAg approach continues to add new technologies to expand our range of biocontrol products. This acquisition strengthens further our entire biologicals portfolio as we continue to lead on innovation in sustainable agriculture." For more information, please contact: Reina Roets, Global Head of Marketing Communications, UPL Ltd. [email protected] Radhika Arora, Head of Investor Relations [email protected] Notes to editors: About UPL UPL Limited is one of the world's leading agri-inputs, crop protection and bio-solutions companies, headquartered in India and active in more than 130 countries. UPL is focused on emerging as a premier global provider of total crop solutions designed to secure the world's long-term food supply. UPL has a global workforce comprised of more than 75 different nationalities, with manufacturing facilities in 48 locations worldwide. UPL also holds around 12,000 product registrations and more than 1,000 patents globally, illustrating the extent of the company's focus on innovation across a diverse product portfolio. Since its inception in 1993, UPL has expanded its production and distribution footprint through its subsidiaries internationally and now has a diversified crop protection and post-harvest solution business with an established presence and leading market position in major agricultural regions throughout the world. In 2019, UPL drew together its subsidiary network under a new purpose: OpenAg, creating an open network for agriculture, activating connections across the world's agriculture system. It aims to power new levels of sustainable growth for farmers, for producers, for customers, for partners, and for societies everywhere. About NPP NPP - Natural Plant Protection, is a global operating entity housing UPL's portfolio of natural and biologically derived agricultural inputs and technologies. NPP combines six laboratories and nine manufacturing sites worldwide, ensuring agility in adding products and platforms to its portfolio, creating global crop solutions, contributing to environmental conservation, farmer resilience, and improving food value chains worldwide. SOURCE UPL Ltd. AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition") a multi-national epigenetics company plans to host a Capital Markets Day in a hybrid format on Friday, May 13, 2022, at 10 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. Volition's executive team will provide strategic updates and discuss the Company's key short-term growth drivers. Event: VolitionRx Limited Capital Markets Day Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 Time: 10:00 a.m. Eastern time In-person Venue: Siebert Hall, New York Stock Exchange To attend in person, contact [email protected] To attend virtually please register HERE Company presentations will cover: Nu.Q Vet Veterinary market opportunity (reference lab and point of care) Heska licensing deal (up to $28 million in milestone payments PLUS ongoing revenue for tests sold) in milestone payments PLUS ongoing revenue for tests sold) Other licensing updates New Product updates Nu.Q NETs Clinical Results to-date Clinical and Regulatory plan including FDA timings Market opportunity - Financial Update: Key Metrics and Considerations A question-and-answer session with management will follow the prepared remarks and formal presentation. To attend the event in-person please contact [email protected] To access the virtual event, register by clicking HERE. The event will be webcast and the presentations will be posted to Volition's website. A replay will be made available. For additional information or questions please contact Investor Relations at [email protected] or call 646 650 1351 Volition is developing simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of life-altering diseases including cancer in both humans and animals. For more information about Volition's Nu.Q technology go to: www.volition.com About Volition Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company that applies its Nucleosomics platform through its subsidiaries to develop simple, easy to use, cost effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of life-altering diseases including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis such as sepsis and COVID-19. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential to not only prolong the life of patients but also improve their quality of life. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid - an indication that disease is present. Volition is primarily focused on human diagnostics and monitoring but also has a subsidiary focused on animal diagnostics and monitoring. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory in California and additional offices in Texas, London, and Singapore, as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic and disease monitoring products to market. For more information about Volition, visit Volition's website or connect with us via Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor/Debra Daglish, Volition, [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Investor Enquiries: Scott Powell, Volition, [email protected] +1 (646) 650 1351 SOURCE VolitionRx Limited TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Westbridge Energy Corporation (TSXV: WEB) (OTCQB: WEGYF) and (FRA: PUQ3) ("Westbridge" or the "Company") provides key highlights from the Canadian Government's commitment to new strategic clean energy incentives announced in its 2022 budget announced on April 7, 2022 ("Budget 2022"). Budget 2022 aims in part to help Canadian businesses benefit from the global transition to a clean economy through investments in wind energy, solar energy, and electricity infrastructure in support of building a net-zero economy by 2050. Westbridge is expected to benefit significantly from the policy initiatives, as one of the leading Canadian solar and battery storage developers by megawatt capacity with a growing portfolio in Alberta, Canada. Highlights from Budget 2022 include: $2.4 million in 2022-23 to establish a Pan-Canadian Grid Council, which would provide external advice in support of national and regional electricity planning. in 2022-23 to establish a Pan-Canadian Grid Council, which would provide external advice in support of national and regional electricity planning. Establishing a new Tax Credit for Investments in Clean Technology of up to 30% for battery storage solutions, clean hydrogen, and other net-zero technologies. $600 million over seven years for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to support additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects. over seven years for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to support additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects. $25 million to establish Regional Strategic Initiatives to work with provinces, territories, and relevant stakeholders to develop net-zero energy plans. In a press release dated April 12, 2022, the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomed the positive news. Brandy Giannetta, Vice President of Policy, Regulatory & Government Affairs commented, "These new investments will help Canada achieve CanREA's 2050 Vision, which states that reaching net-zero by 2050 will require an almost ten-fold expansion of Canada's wind energy, solar energy, and energy-storage capacity, in addition to significant investments in other forms of electricity generation and electricity infrastructure." Stefano Romanin, CEO commented, "We applaud the Canadian Government's commitment to clean technology and new incentives for investment in clean energy. This announcement comes at a time when we are rapidly expanding our footprint in Alberta and highlights the supportive regulatory environment and opportunities we have ahead." Corporate Update The Company is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Momentum IR Corp. ("Momentum") a Toronto based investor relations and corporate communications firm, to provide investor relations and advisory services. The initial term of the engagement agreement is for 6 months with a monthly retainer of $8,000 per month. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement. Westbridge has also granted 150,000 stock options in terms of the Stock Option Plan of the Company to Momentum at CDN $0.30 per common share. These options are valid for five years and vest in four equal installments on August 1, 2022, November 1, 2022, February 1, 2023 and May 1, 2023. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval. Scott Kelly, Executive Chairman commented, "Engaging Nisha Hasan and her team at Momentum is the next step in our growth strategy as a publicly listed Company. With multiple acquisitions already completed, and a clear path for monetization, and further growth, we are committed to broadening our reach and telling our story." About Westbridge Westbridge Energy Corporation develops best-in-class solar PV projects. The Company plans to deliver attractive, long-term returns by originating, executing, and developing an international portfolio of renewable assets for investors and utilities. Management has a strong track-record with 40+ projects developed worldwide, obtaining, and executing permits on time and within budget. As one of the very few listed pure-play Canadian solar development companies, Westbridge provides its investors with valuable access to greenfield solar projects. This means the Company can invest at the earliest stage of solar energy development benefiting from the full value chain as well as the expected wider adoption of renewable energy going forward. Westbridge brings together regulators, corporate buyers, and landowners with the goal of delivering clean, sustainable electricity to end users. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Scott M. Kelly Executive Chair & Director Westbridge Energy Corporation www.westbridge.energy Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this document contains forward-looking information and statements including, without limitation, management's business strategy, management's assessment of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "potential" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. This news release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's expectations regarding the development of its energy storage sites, anticipated steps, timing and costs relating to the development of the Company's solar projects in Alberta, exits of projects, if any, if any, the Company's objectives and strategies, the ability of the Company to achieve its goals, each of which are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, regulatory, policy and social uncertainties, and availability of permits and financing upon terms acceptable to the Company or at all. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, market risks, operating history, competition, and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis dated March 29, 2022 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. SOURCE Westbridge Energy Corporation WorkForce Software earns the highest STEVIE Gold award for its modern workforce management platform, WorkForce Suite, which delivers innovative capabilities and rapid time to value to its customers around the world. LIVONIA, Mich., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the first global provider of integrated employee experience and workforce management solutions, WorkForce Software is proud to be named the winner of a Gold Stevie Award in the Innovation of the Year - Business Products Industries category in The 20th Annual American Business Awards. More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration. The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.'s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning "crowned," the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Monday, June 13. "We are honored to win the Gold STEVIE Award for our innovative workforce management and smart communication platform, WorkForce Suite, which we designed to facilitate meaningful, in-the-moment interactions between managers and their employees, wherever they are working in the world," said Sandra Moran Chief Marketing Officer at WorkForce Software. "With over 2.7 billion global deskless workers contemplating their next career move, it is imperative that companies invest in these workers and provide them with the modern technology they desire. All employees want to contribute to the success of the business they are a part of, and modern workforce technology can make that possible." WorkForce Software and its WorkForce Suite were recently recognized by industry analyst groups with distinguished honors including: WorkForce Software earning the #1 leadership position in Nucleus Research's 2022 Workforce Management Technology Value Matrix; WorkForce Software was named a Gold Winner in the Most Innovative Company of the Year Best in Biz Awards 2021 for the Company's innovative and modern workforce management and employee experience platform; WorkForce Software was a Winner in the 2021 Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Awards and received top honors for product innovation and value realized by its customers with its modern workforce management and integrated employee experience platform in the 'Best Advance in Emerging Workforce Management' category; WorkForce Software was also recognized by Ventana Research as Exemplary Value Index Leader in six categories for creating the best customer experience and delivering the best return on investment to its global customers; and WorkForce Software also earned Top Leader Placement in Info Tech's Software Reviews Workforce Management Enterprise Data Quadrant Report 2021 , the Company's end-users' evaluations and feedback earned them the #1 leader position for Best Workforce Management Enterprise (WFM) recognizing their innovative capabilities and modern workforce management product features. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2022 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. Learn more about WorkForce Software's award winning WorkForce Suite and see how their customers across industries are levering WorkForce Employee Experience to engage with all their employees and retain their valuable staff. Download the free "Make Every Moment Matter" guide and read how to improve employee experience for the modern workforce. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. About WorkForce Software WorkForce Software is a leading global provider of cloud-based workforce management solutions. The company's WorkForce Suite adapts to each organization's needs, delivering a breakthrough employee experience no matter how unique your pay rules, labor regulations, schedules, and employee self-service needs are. Enterprise grade and future-ready, WorkForce Software removes the noise from a managers' busy day, protects your organization from compliance risks, provides leadership with strategic business insights, and delivers real employee engagement at the time and place work happens. Whether your employees are global, unionized, full-time, part-time, mobile, or seasonal, WorkForce Software makes managing your global workforce easy, less costly, and more rewarding for everyone. For more information, please visit WorkForceSoftware.com. SOURCE WorkForce Software DUBLIN, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "School Furniture Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global school furniture market reached a value of US$ 4.3 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the publisher expects the market to reach US$ 6.4 Billion by 2027, exhibiting at a CAGR of 6.5% during 2022-2027. Keeping in mind the uncertainties of COVID-19, we are continuously tracking and evaluating the direct as well as the indirect influence of the pandemic. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor. Since students spend a large amount of time in schools, the selection of school furniture plays an important role in creating an effective and high performance learning environment. Unsuitable and uncomfortable desks and chairs used in classrooms can have adverse effects on the students' as well as teachers' wellness. Nowadays, institutions are upgrading their existing resources and procuring new furniture keeping in mind these factors. Growing demand for ergonomically designed furniture in order to prevent health and posture problems in children represents the key factor driving the market. Creating learning environments that keep students focussed and comfortable has become one of the primary goals of the educators, thereby positively influencing the global school furniture market. With the new age of comprehensive, interactive and dynamic teaching styles such as blended learning and flip classrooms, portable and adjustable furniture with easy reconfiguration has become a necessity. This report provides a deep insight into the global school furniture market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the school furniture industry in any manner. Competitive Landscape: The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being Herman Miller, HNI Corporation, Steelcase, Knoll, Inc. and Smith System. Key Questions Answered in This Report 1. What is the market size for the global school furniture market? 2. What is the global school furniture market growth? 3. What are the global school furniture market drivers? 4. What are the key industry trends in the global school furniture market? 5. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the global school furniture market? 6. What is the global school furniture market breakup by type? 7. What is the global school furniture market breakup by material? 8. What are the major regions in the global school furniture market? Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Scope and Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Industry Trends 5 Global School Furniture Market 5.1 Market Overview 5.2 Market Performance 5.3 Impact of COVID-19 5.4 Market Breakup by Product 5.5 Market Breakup by Material 5.6 Market Breakup by Region 5.7 Market Forecast 5.8 SWOT Analysis 5.8.1 Overview 5.8.2 Strengths 5.8.3 Weaknesses 5.8.4 Opportunities 5.8.5 Threats 5.9 Value Chain Analysis 5.9.1 Overview 5.9.2 Raw Material Procurement 5.9.3 Manufacturing 5.9.4 Marketing 5.9.5 Distribution 5.9.6 End-Use 5.10 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.10.1 Overview 5.10.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 5.10.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.10.4 Degree of Competition 5.10.5 Threat of New Entrants 5.10.6 Threat of Substitutes 6 Market Breakup by Product 6.1 Desk and Chairs 6.1.1 Market Trends 6.1.2 Market Forecast 6.2 Storage 6.2.1 Market Trends 6.2.2 Market Forecast 6.3 Lab Equipment 6.3.1 Market Trends 6.3.2 Market Forecast 6.4 Others 6.4.1 Market Trends 6.4.2 Market Forecast 7 Market Breakup by Material 7.1 Wood Based 7.1.1 Market Trends 7.1.2 Market Forecast 7.2 Metal Based 7.2.1 Market Trends 7.2.2 Market Forecast 7.3 Plastic Based 7.3.1 Market Trends 7.3.2 Market Forecast 7.4 Others 7.4.1 Market Trends 7.4.2 Market Forecast 8 Market Breakup by Region 9 School Furniture Manufacturing Process 9.1 Product Overview 9.2 Raw Material Requirements 9.3 Manufacturing Process 9.4 Key Success and Risk Factors 10 Competitive Landscape 10.1 Market Structure 10.2 Key Players 10.3 Profiles of Key Players 10.3.1 Herman Miller 10.3.2 HNI Corporation 10.3.3 Steelcase 10.3.4 Knoll, Inc. 10.3.5 Smith System For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/liv9bz Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets SHANGHAI, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today provides an update on its status under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA"). The Company was provisionally named by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the HFCAA on May 4, 2022 as a Commission-Identified Issuer, following the Company's filing of the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the SEC on April 28, 2022. The Company understands that this identification indicates that the SEC determines that the Company as well as other Commission-Identified Issuers used an auditor whose working paper cannot be inspected or investigated completely by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") to issue the audit opinion for its financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. In accordance with the HFCAA, the SEC will prohibit a company's shares or American depositary shares from being traded on a national stock exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States if the company has been identified by the SEC for three consecutive years due to PCAOB's inability to inspect the auditor's working paper. The Company has been actively exploring possible solutions to protect the interest of its stakeholders. The Company will continue to comply with applicable laws and regulations in both China and the United States, and strive to maintain its listing status on both the New York Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. About ZTO ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK:2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China. ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain. For more information, please visit http://zto.investorroom.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. ZTO may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the SEC in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (the "HKEX") in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates," "likely to" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the development of the e-commerce industry in China, its significant reliance on the Alibaba ecosystem, risks associated with its network partners and their employees and personnel, intense competition which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and market share, any service disruption of the Company's sorting hubs or the outlets operated by its network partners or its technology system. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in ZTO's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and ZTO assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Investor Relations E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +86 21 5980 4508 SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. Moscow, May 5 : A Russian Il-80 aircraft, which will serve as a strategic command post in the "doomsday" of a nuclear war, participated in a rehearsal of the upcoming Victory Day parade on Wednesday. Together with strategic bombers and fighters, the Il-80 escorted by two MiG-29 jets flew over Moscow. Eight MiG-29SMT aircraft flew past the Red Square in a Z-shaped formation in support of the Russian troops participating in the special military operation in Ukraine. Russia holds military parades on May 9 every year to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. About 11,000 people, 131 types of weapons and military equipment as well as 77 aircraft will participate in the main parade on the Red Square this year marking the 77th anniversary of the victory, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday. In total, military parades will be held in 28 Russian cities this year, involving almost 65,000 people, about 2,400 types of weapons and military equipment as well as more than 460 aircraft, he added. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Kiev, May 5 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Kiev will not agree to any deal that would lead to a "frozen conflict" with Russia, the Ukrinform news agency reported. "We will not settle for a frozen conflict... I am against it. We will definitely not have such a document," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Zelensky said that the Minsk agreements, which had put an end to the intense military stage of the Donbass conflict several years ago, proved to be ineffective. Russia withdrew from the Minsk agreements, when it attacked Ukraine on February 24, Zelensky said. The Minsk agreements, reached in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively, outlined the steps needed to end the conflict in Ukraine's eastern region of Donbass that started in April 2014. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Kiev, May 5 : Ukraine and the UK have signed an agreement on the abolition of import duties and tariff quotas, the Ukrinform news agency said, citing the Ukrainian Economy Ministry. "Ukraine and the UK have legally enshrined the abolition of import duties and tariff quotas in bilateral trade by signing an agreement," the ministry was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The preferential trade agreement, which will be in place for 12 months, is set to boost the exports of high value-added goods from Ukraine, including flour, grain, dairy products, poultry, tomato paste, honey, corn, wheat, juices, mushrooms and sugar. Last month, the European Union decided to abolish tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian industrial goods and foods. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Los Angeles, May 5 : The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to continue wearing masks on airplanes, trains, buses and other public transportation, despite a court ruling in April that struck down a national mask mandate on mass transit. "CDC continues to recommend that all people - passengers and workers alike - properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs to provide protection for themselves and other travelers in these high volume, mixed population settings," said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky in a statement. "We now have a range of tools we need to protect ourselves from the impact of Covid-19, including access to high-quality masks and respirators for all who need them," she was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 and older - including passengers and workers - properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation such as airplanes, trains, and transportation hubs such as airports and stations. This recommendation is based on the currently available data, including an understanding of circulating variants and their impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness, current trends in Covid-19 community levels within the US, and projections of Covid-19 trends in the coming months, said the CDC. "It is important for all of us to protect not only ourselves, but also to be considerate of others at increased risk for severe Covid-19 and those who are not yet able to be vaccinated," Walensky stressed. Wearing a mask in indoor public transportation settings will provide protection for the individual and the community, said the CDC. For months, the US Transportation Security Administration had been enforcing a requirement that passengers and workers wear masks. The CDC had extended the mask mandate through May 3. But a federal judge in Florida struck down the rule on April 18. New Delhi, May 5 : Argentine film director Pablo Cesar's Indo-Argentinean film 'Thinking of Him' is set to release in theatres across India on May 6, 2022. The film, co-produced by award-winning Indian filmmaker Suraj Kumar, explores the Indian Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore's relationship with the Argentine writer Victoria Ocampo. Having read the French translation of 'Gitanjali,' Ocampo idolised Tagore, and when he fell ill during his Bueno Aires visit in 1924, she is said to have taken care of him. Cesar has been making films right from the age of 13 when his older brother presented him with a Super 8mm camera and taught him the basics. He is a professor at the University of Cinema in Buenos Aires since 1992. 'Thinking of Him' stars Victor Banerjee in the role of Tagore and the Argentine actor Eleonora Wexler who will play Victoria. Raima Sen and Hector Bordoni will also be seen in the movie. Pablo Cesar has recreated the Tagore-Ocampo encounters based on the real-life story. Tagore had to stop in Buenos Aires on November 6, 1924, for medical rest while he was on his way to Peru to attend the centenary celebrations of the country's independence. Victoria came to know about it and offered to take care of him. She rented a mansion in a suburb of Buenos Aires and put up Tagore there. Speaking about his experience of shooting in India, Pablo Cesar said: "It was a unique experience to shoot in India. I have known India since 1994, although it is difficult to know all of India. But over the years, I have understood many things about the idiosyncrasies and behaviour of people from many places in India, a country that I personally admire." Sharing his thoughts about the film, Suraj Sharma said: "We are delighted that the film is finally releasing in the theatres across India and that too on the occasion of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's 161st birth anniversary. We have really been fortunate to have someone like Pablo at the helm and none other than Victor Banerjee in the central role of Tagore. "The film is about what Victoria Ocampo thought of Tagore and it is not about what you and I think of Tagore. As part of my preparation, I had to understand how much she really felt for him as a woman, and as an intellectual. She was half his age when they met, but there was something beyond mere admiration in their relationship. It was, of course, Victoria who organised Tagore's first art exhibition in Paris in 1930," added actor Victor Banerjee. Geneva, May 5 : Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasised on Wednesday that vaccines are still highly effective against Covid-19, even new variants of the disease emerging in South Africa and the US. WHO data shows that global cases of Covid-19 are continually declining, with reported weekly deaths at their lowest level since March 2020. However, the Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned at a press briefing on Wednesday that these trends don't tell the full story, Xinhua news agency reported. "Driven by Omicron sub-variants, we are seeing an increase in reported cases in the Americas and Africa. The South African scientists who identified Omicron late last year have now reported two more Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5, as the reason for a spike in cases in South Africa," he said. "It's too soon to know whether these new sub-variants can cause more severe disease than other Omicron sub-variants, but early data suggests vaccination remains protective against severe disease and death," he added. According to Maria van Kerkhove from the WHO's Health Emergencies Program, BA.4 and BA.5 have been detected in a number of countries. The WHO is still evaluating the severity of the two new variants. However, van Kerkhove said it is not yet possible to confirm whether BA.4 and BA.5 have resulted in increased hospitalizations, as any rise in numbers could be due to a general spike in case numbers in South Africa. Nevertheless, she emphasised: "Vaccines still work incredibly well against preventing severe disease and death." She also called for monitoring of, and testing for COVID-19 to continue in order for the WHO to be able to provide the public with the most accurate information and advice possible. New Delhi, May 5 : At least 20 people were detained following a clash between two communities in North East Delhi's Welcome area, police said on Thursday. A senior police official said that extra force had to be deployed in the area to avoid any additional untoward incidents. The police received a PCR call about the clash late Wednesday night and reached the spot immediately, according to the official. "The two groups were playing in park where they had an argument. This soon turned into a scuffle. A lot of people gathered but they were only trying to pacify both the groups. People called the PCR many times thinking it was a riot, but it was nothing like that," the official said, adding the situation was soon brought under control and 20 persons were detained. A case has been lodged and senior police officials had also patrolled the area. Hanoi, May 5 : Vietnam witnessed around 192,400 international arrivals in the first four months of this year, up nearly 185 per cent year-on-year, following the resumption of tourism activities as well as the number of international flights, the General Statistics Office said. In the period, visitors entering the country by air accounted for around 88.6 per cent of the total, Xinhua news agency quoted the Office as saying. Over the four months, approximately 118,300 foreign visitors to Vietnam were from Asia, up 96.7 per cent year-on-year. The number of tourists from Europe, the Americas and Oceania also saw hikes of more than six times, 15 and 19, respectively, from the same period last year. Vietnam fully reopened its borders to international visitors on March 15 as part of its efforts to revive the country's tourism and economy after nearly two years of interruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Southeast Asian nation received a record number of over 18 million international arrivals in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic broke out, according to the office. In 2020 and 2021, the number of international arrivals to Vietnam respectively plunged 78.7 per cent and 95.9 per cent, respectively. The country targeted serving over 5 million overseas tourists in 2022, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. New Delhi, May 5 : Five labourers were rescued from a factory in Delhi's Narela Industrial area where fire was reported on Thursday, police said. The national capital witnessed two fire incidents in separate places in the early hours. According to the fire department the first incident was reported from the Badli area of North-West Delhi where a fire broke out in a factory. "Fire was in melamine crockery materials in the basement of the factory comprising ground and first floor. We got the call of the incident around 1 a.m. and six fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire was brought under control by 2 a.m.," said the fire official. No one was hurt in the incident. The second case was reported from Outer Delhi's Narela Industrial area where also the fire broke out in a factory. The fire department got a call around 5 a.m. Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot. 'Five labourers were trapped inside the factory. We rescued them safely, the fire was brought under control by 7 a.m.," the official said. The cause of fire was not yet known in both cases. The police were duly informed and two separate cases were being lodged. San Francisco, May 5 : Two people were killed and another injured after a shooting incident near a private university in California, local media reported citing police. Investigators said the incident took place at around 2.15 a.m. on Wednesday In Riverside city's the 11000 block of Pierce Street near the La Sierra University, reports Xinhua news agency citing the local KABC-TV as saying. At the site, police officers found two people with gunshot wounds, KABC-TV said. One person died at the scene. The other was sent to the hospital. A few minutes later, officers were flagged down on a nearby freeway off-ramp and found another person shot several times, who was rushed to the hospital but later died, said the report. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately known. Robbery and homicide detectives along with forensic specialists have begun their investigation, KABC-TV reported. Ottawa, May 5 : Canada's merchandise trade increased substantially in March with both imports and exports reaching record highs. Following a 4.8 per cent increase in February, imports jumped a further 7.7 per cent to a record high of C$61.1 billion ($48 billion) in March, Xinhua news agency quoted Statistics Canada as saying on Wednesday. Meanwhile, exports rose 6.3 per cent to C$63.6 billion, with energy products contributing more than half of the increase, said the national statistical office. According to the agency, trade surplus with the US reached an all-time high with exports to America up by 7.7 per cent in March, largely because of higher exports of crude oil. Meanwhile, imports from the US increased by 5.4 per cent, mainly because of higher imports of energy products and motor vehicles and parts. As a result, Canada's trade surplus with the US widened from C$10.9 billion in February to a record C$12.6 billion in March. Imports from countries other than the US were up 11.5 per cent in March, reaching a record C$24.5 billion. Canadian exports to other nations were up 1.9 per cent in March to C$14.4 billion, which also constituted a record. In March, monthly service exports rose 2.9 per cent to C$11.9 billion and service imports increased 6.5 per cent to C$12.9 billion. When international trade in goods and international trade in services were combined, exports increased 5.8 per cent to C$75.5 billion in March, while imports were up 7.5 per cent to C$74 billion, Statistics Canada said. Patna, May 5 : Prominent political strategist, Prashant Kishor (PK) is to disclose his future plan and agenda on Thursday. After rejecting the Congress offer to join the party, Kishor on Monday had announced to start 'Jan Suraaj' from Bihar. However, he has not disclosed the actual strategy that he wants to execute in his native state. His 'Jan Suraaj' announcement has forced political pandits to analyse his future planning. Many of them believe that he wants to start a new party from Bihar. His 'Jan Suraaj' announcement has made the political pandits to analyse his future planning and many believe that he wants to start a political party from his home state, Bihar. Kishor during an earlier tweet had hinted about going to the 'real political masters' which means the people of Bihar. The top leaders of nearly all parties have chosen not to react much on him and do not want to give any importance to him. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he has nothing to do with Kishor. RJD leader and Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav said he does not follow news about the political strategist. Former Deputy Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Modi claimed that making a political strategy and building a connect with the people are two different things. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad said Kishor's efforts will turn into a flop show in Bihar. Even though these leaders also know the strengths of Prashant Kishor, they are at the moment trying to downplay him. The BJP leaders are well aware of what Kishor had done for them in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The Janata Dal (united) and the RJD also experienced his political skills during the 2015 Assembly elections when the Mahagathbandhan (Opposition Grand Alliance) defeated the saffron party. Kishor was successful in West Bengal, Telangana and Delhi as well. Hence, every party in Bihar is eagerly waiting for the future plans of Prashant Kishor. New Delhi, May 5 : The lack of enthusiasm among the workers is turning out to be a major challenge for the BJP in the Rajender Nagar Assembly bypoll in the national capital. The BJP has launched its campaign for the bypoll with a roadshow of party chief J.P. Nadda on April 6 on its foundation day. The Bypoll for the constituency was necessitated after AAP's Raghav Chadha resigned from Delhi Assembly after he got elected to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Last month the BJP appointed its MLA Ajay Mahawar as the Assembly in-charge for the bypolls and also in-charge of the municipal wards falling in the constituency. Sources said that not a single meeting called by the BJP to discuss preparation has witnessed hundred per cent attendance. "In the first proper preparatory meeting of booth level workers of the Assembly constituency more than one third workers did turn up. Similarly, in every meeting minimum 20 to 30 per cent workers did not turn up. In the recent seven wings of the party only 80 per cent workers turned up," a party insider said. Another party leader said that there are several reasons for this and lack of candidates is one of the main reasons. "As soon as the candidate is announced everything will be in place. In the absence of candidates, workers are showing less interest but will leave no stone unturned after the announcement of a candidate," he said. The Delhi BJP leadership claimed that the preparation for the bypoll was in full swing and workers were reaching each and every voter. "We have started a door to door campaign under the leadership of our Assembly in-charge Ajay Mahawar. We are holding a small meeting of five to seven people over tea and explaining to them about our development agenda and vision for Delhi and Rajendra Nagar. We have planned to reach out to each voter thrice before the announcement of the candidate," Harish Khurana, Delhi BJP spokesperson told IANS. Khurana also said that the party has prepared a leaflet to highlight the failure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi with facts. Los Angeles, May 5 : Streaming giant Netflix has issued a statement after comedian Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage while performing a comedy set during the streaming giant's 'Netflix Is a Joke' festival here. According to 'Variety', a spokesperson for Netflix said, "We care deeply about the safety of creators and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence." Video footage circulated during Chappelle's comedy set showing a man rushing on to the stage and tackling the performer to the ground. Chappelle has been performing a number of dates at the Hollywood Bowl in the last month. The attacker was seen getting up and trying to run off stage before he was caught and tackled by what appeared to be security personnel and members of Chappelle's team, reports 'Variety'. A spokesperson for Chappelle's production company also issued a statement in the aftermath of the attack: "Dave Chappelle celebrated four nights of comedy and music, setting record-breaking sales for a comedian at the Hollywood Bowl. This run ties Chappelle with Monty Python for the most headlined shows by any comedian at the Hollywood Bowl, reaching 70k fans of diverse backgrounds during the first 'Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival', and he refuses to allow last night's incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment. "As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show," the statement adds. "Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humour before Chappelle introduced the last and featured musical guests for the evening, hip-hop artists Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli, a.k.a. Black Star, who performed music from their new album - the first in nearly 24 years - which was released on Luminary. "Other special comedic guests last night included Earthquake, Leslie Jones, Jeff Ross, Sebastian, Jon Stewart and Michelle Wolf." Chappelle is fully cooperating with the active police investigation into this incident. Police arrested Isaiah Lee, 23, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to NBC Los Angeles. He was allegedly carrying a replica gun that could discharge a knife blade and is suspected of tackling comedian Chappelle on stage Tuesday night. He's being held on $30,000 bail. Chappelle has been a controversial figure recently due to several Netflix comedy specials in which he made jokes about transgender people. His 2021 Netflix special 'The Closer' led to company walkouts and protests last October. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos originally defended Chappelle, saying in statement that the comedian is "one of the most popular stand-ups today" and "as with our other talent, we work hard to support their creative freedom - even though this means there will always be content on Netflix some people believe is harmful." Sarandos ultimately said he "screwed up" in his reaction to the Chappelle backlash. Chappelle's attack took place just over a month after Will Smith took to the Oscars stage to slap presenter Chris Rock, who was in attendance at Chappelle's Netflix show, reportedly came on stage after the attack and said, "Was that Will Smith?" 'The Netflix Is a Joke' comedy festival kicked off April 28 and runs through May 8. Kolkata, May 5 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived here on Thursday for a two- day tour to West Bengal. This is Shah's first tour to the state after the 2021 Assembly polls. Incidentally, on this day last year, Mamata Banerjee was sworn in as the chief minister of West Bengal for the third consecutive programme. From Kolkata, Shah will reach Hingalganj in the Indo-Bangladesh border area in North 24 Parganas district. He will inaugurate six modern floating border outposts (BOP) of the Border Security Force (BSF) and also a boat ambulance to provide medical assistance in the inaccessible area of Sundarbans from Saheb Khali to Shamsher Nagar. The BOPs are named as Sutlej, Narmada, Kaveri, Ganga, Sabarmati and Krishna. The number of floating BOPs has been increased to enhance surveillance in the inaccessible areas of Sunderbans, the BSF said. After inaugurating the floating BOPs, he will also lay the foundation stone of Maitri Sangrahalaya (museum) located at BOP Haridaspur and will attend Prahari Sammelan. In Haridaspur the Union home minister will also have his lunch along with the BSF personnel and officers. From there he will head to Siliguri in North Bengal's Darjeeling district and address a public rally at Railway Institute Ground. There is also a possibility of the Home Minister having a meeting with the representatives of different political and non-political organisations based out of Darjeeling this evening. All eyes are now on his public rally at Siliguri where he is expected to give a message to the BJP workers in the state in the backdrop of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. On May 6, Union Home Minister will be visiting the Teen Bigha and will interact with the BSF personnel at the BOP Jhikabari at 9.30 a.m. in Cooch Behar district while in the afternoon, he will be meeting the MPs, MLAs and state office-bearers at Hotel Westin in Kolkata. After meeting with the BJP leaders, Shah will attend the 'Mukti-Matrika', a cultural event by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the inscription of Durga Puja on the UNESCO list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' at 6 p.m. at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata. This will be his first visit to the state after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly poll wherein the party could not defeat the ruling All India Trinamool Congress which eventually came to power again. Chennai, May 5 : The BJP and RSS in Tamil Nadu have raised objections to DMK government banning 'Pattina Pravesam', a ritual of carrying the mutt head of Dharmapuram Adheenam' in a palanquin and termed it a "political" move. In a statement on Thursday, BJP state president K. Annamalai said that there was politics behind the ban and it is also being questioned by the people. Dharmapuram Adheenam, he said, existed even before the birth of DMK ideology, hence, the party would provide all its support to it. Notably, on April 27, R. Balaji, Revenue Divisional Officer(RDO), Myladuthurai banned the ritual of carrying the head of the Mutt of the Dharmapuram Adheenam in Myladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu in a silver palanquin. The ban was issued after Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi visited the mutt. This was following the concern raised by the Dravidar Kazhagar, the ideological arm of the DMK, that allowing 'Pattina Pravesam' would lead to law and order situations in the area. The Adheenam is a Tamil word meaning a Shaivite mutt and the Dharmapuram Adheenam was to carry out the function on May 22 when it was banned by the state government. The current pontiff of the Dharamapuram Aadheenam Srilasri Masilamani Gnanasambanda paramacharya Swamigal took charge of the Mutt on December 13, 2019, and was carried on a palanquin to mark his taking charge as pontiff. A similar ritual was organised by the mutt at Vaithiswaran Kovil near Seerkazhi when the pontiff was carried in a palanquin on December 24, 2019. Annamalai said that the BJP will be at the forefront to conduct the 'Pattina Pravesam' and he was personally ready to carry the pontiff in the palanquin. He also said that the same ritual was held even when the DMK leader late M. Karunanidhi, Stalin's father, was the Chief Minister. Other than the BJP, the RSS and other organisations owing allegiance to the saffron ideology will also be conducting massive protests across the state. A senior leader of the RSS while interacting with IANS said: "We will coordinate all the like-minded organisations as well as other Mutts and spiritual centres against the government decision. This is a calculated move of the DMK government against the Hindus and the rituals of the Hindus and cannot be allowed." Meanwhile, the Vaishnavaite Guru Mannargudi Sri Sendalangara Jeeyar has strongly come out against the ban by the DMK government. In a statement, he said: "I warn this Dharmadrohi and Desadrohi government of Tamil Nadu for their anti- Hindu works. If they interfere with the works of Hindu beliefs and temples there will be strong repercussions from the Hindus." Annamalai also said that Article 23 of the constitution on forced labour that was invoked by the Myladuthurai RDO was not applicable to the religious event. He said that pupils who are carrying the palanquins consider this as a divine service to the God. An incident took place at the Masjid-e-Nabvi in Saudi Arabia on April 28. It happened while a high-level Pakistani government delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was paying respects to Prophet Muhammed during Roza-e-Rasool. They were heckled and harassed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters in Medina. The tomb of the Prophet shares the premises with the Masjid-e-Nabvi. Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb was saved from physical attack only when a Baloch politician Shah Zain Bugti along with local security personal guarded her. It was then that someone from the crowd pulled Bugti's hair before disappearing in the crowd. The incident has sent shock waves in Pakistan as well as among the Muslim community across the globe. The tomb of Muhammed has a verse of Quran inscribed at the entrance door. It reads: "O believers! Do not raise your voices higher than the voice of this Conveyor of the unseen (Prophet Muhammed), and nor speak aloud in his august court just like you speak aloud to one another amongst yourselves. In case your deeds go to waste whilst you are unaware. {Kanz-ul-Iman translation of Quran Part 26, Surah Hujurat Ayah 2." It is therefore considered a grave sin to speak in a loud voice or shout while in attendance at the sacred premises. By shouting chor, chor, (thieves, thieves) at the guests of the Royal Kingdom it has not only violated the sanctity of the holy place but is also viewed as an insult to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Muhammed Bin Salman. With the help of CCTV cameras some of the hooligans were identified and apprehended by the Medina police on April 29. Unconfirmed reports claim that at least 150 Pakistani pilgrims had been arrested and awarded a total of five years' imprisonment each, a fine of 60,000 dirhams, deportation after the completion of their sentence and a life time ban on their travel to Saudi Arabia. Former Home Minister Sheikh Rashid's nephew was arrested as soon as he returned to Pakistan and remains in police custody and blasphemy cases have also been registered against former the former premier, Fawad Chaudhary, Shahbaz Gill, Qasim Suri, Sahibzada Jahangir, Aneel Musarat and Sheikh Rashid for inciting violence. It is common knowledge that PTI activists were specially flown to Medina to conduct the act. One day before the departure of the Pakistani delegation Rashid boasted at a press conference that the delegation will be harassed by the public in Medina! It is therefore understood that it was all pre planned. On his return from Umra, eminent Kashmiri scholar and author Shabbir Chaudhary told this writer that normally in and around Masjid-e-Nabvi one could find labourers from Pakistan and of Pakistani occupied Jammu and Kashmir origin working on the premises. However, this time they he could hardly find any. Most of them had been replaced by Muslims from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. This is what Shabbir Chaudhary had already predicted in his book on CPEC titled "Is CPEC Economic Corridor or a Strategic Game Plan?" (2017), in which he had mentioned that over the years Middle Eastern countries will switch their labour force that belong to Pakistan to other South Asian countries. Shabbir Chaudhary was of the opinion that CPEC was a strategic defence plan that would upset several Middle Eastern countries as Chinses Navy would sit at their door step at the Gwadar deep sea port. This, Shabbir Chaudhary anticipated, would be unacceptable to many neighbouring countries. Hence, to punish Pakistan the Middle Eastern countries would hit Pakistan financially. The main source of remittances received by Pakistan is from the Middle East. Shabbir Chaudhary was of the opinion that once that happens, and hundreds of thousands of Pakistani expat labour returns home, it will create a massive social and economic crisis leading to serious political unrest. Well, unfortunately that opportunity has been made available now by none other than the former premier himself. The Saudi government was about to announce a ban on Pakistanis who come for Umra. It was only after Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif pleaded with the Saudi Crown Prince to reconsider his pending decision and not punish the whole nation for the wrong of a few culprits. For now, the immediate threat of Pakistani labour being expelled from Saudi Arabia might seem to have averted but this scribe is of the opinion that any future hiring of Pakistani labour for the Holy Land of Muslims is now a big question mark. Imran Khan who was brought into power by the deep state, under the slogan of economic revival for a desperate economy, is now proving to have become yet another factor in the downfall of the economy of Pakistan as in the coming months and years more than one billion dollars of foreign remittances from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and wide Middle East face a sharp decline. (Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK.) Islamabad, May 5 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claimed that his opponents have hired companies which are "preparing material" for his character assassination. His remarks also come as PTI-linked social media accounts have warned supporters of the dangers of "deepfake", videos which use a form of artificial intelligence called deep learning to create life-like but fake videos of people, reports Dawn news. "I had to face mafias, the biggest of which is the Sharif mafia... They always attack on a personal level because are indulging in corruption for the past 35 years. When someone (points out) their corruption, they attack a person's character," Khan said. The former premier said that the Sharifs had made preparations to launch a character assassination drive against him after Eid. "Now that Eid is over, you will see they are fully prepared for my character assassination. They have hired companies that are readying the material," Dawn news quoted Khan as saying. He added that 60 per cent of the federal cabinet was out on bail. "The father (Shehbaz) is on bail and so is the son (Hamza). Maryam is also out on bail and Nawaz Sharif has been convicted [while] his sons have fled abroad. So what (other) defence will they have?" He said that in a democracy, they were required to give an answer for the allegations levelled against them. "You can't come up in any democracy if you are out on bail; you can't get any position." The PTI chairman claimed that instead of giving an answer for the billions of rupees they had stolen, the Sharifs would now focus on his character assassination. San Francisco/New Delhi, May 5 : After 26 activist organisations and NGOs signed a letter to Twitter advertisers asking them to boycott the platform if Elon Musk makes content moderation changes, it has been revealed that some of these groups are funded or tied to billionaire philanthropist George Soros, former US presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. After Musk tweeted about "who funds these organisations that want to control your access to information," the reports surfaced late on Wednesday that the groups behind the anti-Musk campaign belong to wealthy Democrat donors and their family foundations, labour unions and the governments of European nations. "Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter will further toxify our information ecosystem and be a direct threat to public safety, especially among those already most vulnerable and marginalised," the groups wrote to advertisers. "Under Musk's management, Twitter risks becoming a cesspool of misinformation, with your brand attached, polluting our information ecosystem in a time where trust in institutions and news media is already at an all-time low," the groups wrote. The Daily Mail first revealed the people behind the 26 groups. One of the groups, Accountable Tech, is a Washington DC-based group led by Nicole Gill, a political campaigner and founder of the 2017 Tax March, and Jesse Lehrich, a former foreign policy spokesman for Hillary Clinton's campaign and the nephew of David Axelrod, former senior adviser to Barack Obama. Another group called 'Media Matters for America' began in May 2004 by David Brock - a former conservative journalist who turned liberal, and in 2017 was described by Politico as the 'Democrats' attack dog'. "The Clinton enforcer, who raised tens of millions of dollars and created a far-reaching web of outside groups to push her presidential candidacy, is now training his sights on Trump,' the report had said. "UltraViolet" group is backed by numerous family foundations, including that founded by Warren Buffet's son Peter, NoVo Foundation. The 'Access Now' group has its largest donor in the Swedish government's development agency, Sida, followed by Soros' Open Society Foundations. The governments of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands have contributed large amounts, as well as Canada's government, according to Daily Mail. Musk on Thursday tweeted: "Interesting. I wonder if those funding these organisations are fully aware of what the organisations are doing." The groups warned that advertising on Twitter would see their company "risks association with a platform amplifying hate, extremism, health misinformation, and conspiracy theorists". "Your ad dollars can either fund Musk's vanity project or hold him to account. We call on you to demand Musk uphold these basic standards of community trust and safety, and to pull your advertising spending from Twitter if they are not". Mumbai, May 5 : Bollywood actor Amit Sadh, who has made his debut as a voice artiste for the first-ever Hindi audio podcast of 'Batman', titled 'Batman Ek Chakravyuh', says creating his voice for the superhero was quite equivalent to the physical transformation that he attempted to do in films earlier. Amit lent his voice for Batman, Sharib Hashmi acted as Riddler, Shweta Tripathi as Barbara Gordon among others. Mantra Mugdh is the director of the audio series. Amit told IANS: "Firstly I must mention that voice acting is such a different experience and especially in the world of Batman! I think because I am a novice as a voice artiste and this is my first project, I was not too conscious of doing it, that is why ignorance is bliss at times. "But the most challenging part was finding the right chord because the microphone can hear you thinking. Every intricate detail of our voice gets captured in the mic, every moment of breathing can change our voice and tone that the character we are playing, is lying there." He said, "When we act on-screen, a silent look can speak volumes about the character, here, taking the right pause would do that. I saw the whole show in mind when I was lending my voice for Batman!" While the actor is known for his physical transformation in some of his films like 'Kai Po Che!', 'Raag Desh', 'Gold', 'Barot House', 'Operation Parindey' and web series like 'Breathe', 'Jeet Ki Zid', Amit shared an interesting anecdote in creating the voice for Batman. Amit said, "Mantra, our director was after me for a couple of days to give him the sample of voice to create a unique sound for Batman, basically that transformation from Mr Bruce Wayne to Batman. And I was like 'haan ho jayega, karta hoon'...but then when I realised that on the next page, Batman comes out and I really have to record that, I took a break." "I randomly started growling and started uttering 'I am Batman'" he said that that was the moment Mantra decided to keep that voice throughout the podcast. "But it was taxing for my voice. However, the good part though, is the real voice and our show makers decided not to engineer it in any way, it's my raw voice. The whole experience of voice transformation was similar to the physical transformation that I did earlier for my films, satisfying" said Amit. Like any other kid, Amit has also grown up watching and idolising 'Batman' but he shared what he realised one more time through the journey of playing 'Batman' that he equally felt as an audience. "Look, we all have interesting superhero characters but 'Batman' is super real for me. He is a superhero who is constantly struggling, he has his own personal issues with his addiction, emotional ups and downs and more. He is as vulnerable as any one of us. There is a 'Batman' in all of us, but he is a superhero, because he did not give up. He could be our superhero too if we fight and stay hopeful instead of giving up," Amit signed off. 'Batman: Ek Chakravyuh', also stars Anangsha Biswas, Aseem Hattangady, Ashwin Mushran, Danish Hussain, Pooja Gor, Rajat Kapoor, Sarika and, Vrajesh Hirjee. It is streaming on Spotify. Tripoli, May 5 : The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that 246 illegal migrants returned to Libya after being rescued off the coast last week. During the week of April 24-30, 246 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya, Xinhua news agency quoted the IOM as saying in a statement. As many as 4,461 illegal migrants have been rescued and returned to Libya so far this year, including 410 women and 175 minors, IOM said. Meanwhile, 114 illegal migrants have died and 436 others have gone missing on the Central Mediterranean route, it added. In 2021, a total of 32,425 illegal migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, while 662 died and 891 others went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route, IOM revealed. Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for illegal migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores. Seoul, May 5 : South Korea's incoming President Yoon Suk-yeol is still considering building a new presidential residence inside what is now the Defence Ministry compound in Seoul to reduce the distance between his office and his living quarters, an informed source said on Thursday. Work is underway to set up South Korea's new presidential office at the compound in line with Yoon's campaign promise to move it out of Cheong Wa Dae as part of efforts for "closer communication" with the people, reports Yonhap News Agency. The Foreign Minister's official residence, about a 10-minute drive from the Defence Ministry headquarters, is being already renovated as Yoon's official residence. Many expressed concern about a potential security problem and public inconveniences. "It would be hard to keep commuting," an official close to the president-elect told Yonhap News Agency, with his inauguration less than a week away. "Of course, we need to build a new residence." The official noted, however, it remains uncertain whether the new residence will be completed within Yoon's single five-year term, given budget constraints and the time needed for construction. Washington, May 5 : US President Joe Biden declared the raging wildfires lasting for weeks in the state of New Mexico "a major disaster", unlocking millions of dollars in relief for affected individuals and local recovery efforts. "A major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico," Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying in a statement late Wednesday. Federal aid can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help local residents and business owners recover from the damage of the wildfires, said the statement. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham requested the presidential disaster declaration on Tuesday. "I have 6,000 people evacuated, I have families who don't know what the next day looks like," said Lujan Grisham. Seven wildfires are currently raging in New Mexico, the most in any state, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. One of the fires, the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire, started in mid-April as two large fires and merged more than a week ago in northern New Mexico, where strong winds lasted for 24 out of the last 30 days. The fire now has burned more than 160,000 acres and hundreds of structures, authorities said. Furthermore, over 15,000 homes could be threatened this week if the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire, the second-largest fire in New Mexico in at least 30 years, continues to grow, said a CNN report, citing the Southwest Incident Management Team. About 300,000 acres of land have burned across New Mexico so far this year, more than the past two full years combined, CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller said. The situation is "a long-term event", San Miguel and Mora counties in northern Mexico said in a joint release on Tuesday. "We don't anticipate having 'control' of this fire any time soon." The wildfire season in the region normally starts in May or June but this year is dangerously early due to dire fire weather and ongoing megadrought leaving no moisture in the soil. The current wildfires in New Mexico began on April 5, according to the White House statement. On April 23, the Governor said that "half the state has a fire issue" since more than 20 wildfires were burning in at least 16 of the state's 33 counties, fuelled by gusty winds and drought conditions. New Delhi, May 5 : Attorney General K.K. Venugopal on Thursday urged the Supreme Court to lay down guidelines to prevent the misuse of the sedition law while citing the case of Maharashtra's Rana couple, who were arrested for threatening to protest outside Uddhav Thackeray's private residence. Venugopal told the Supreme Court that sedition law is valid, and its misuse has been controlled, however he urged the court to lay down guidelines to prevent its misuse. He also opposed the reference of the cases against sedition law to a larger bench. The AG defended before the Court the constitutional validity of Section 124A and the 1962 judgment of the top court in the Kedar Nath Singh case. The Attorney General (AG) submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, "misuse (of the sedition law) is controlled...the question of reference (of Kedar Nath Singh case to a larger bench) does not arise. The Kedar Nath judgment is very balanced in view of freedom of speech and security of state..." The AG urged the top court to retain the particular section (124 A) and lay down guidelines to prevent its misuse of the law. "You've seen what's happening in the country...someone was detained as they wanted to recite Hanuman Chalisa, they've been released on bail...the single most important thing is what is permissible and what is not permissible... this is very important," the AG submitted before the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli. MP Navneet Rana and her husband Ravi Rana, were arrested for threatening to protest outside Uddhav Thackeray's private residence 'Matoshree' over the escalating Hanuman Chalisa row in the state. Opposing the sedition law, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing a petitioner, submitted, "colonial masters are gone, we are masters of our own destiny...we are free...no longer subjects of the crown." The bench pointed out that many petitioners have sought a direction to refer the matter to a larger bench and asked the parties to submit their written responses. The top court scheduled the matter for further hearing on Tuesday on the point of referring the petitions against the sedition law to a larger bench. The top court gave the last chance to the Centre to file its response in the matter by Monday and added that no further extension will be granted. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, seeking an extension to file the counter affidavit, submitted that the draft is ready but it is awaiting approval from the competent authority. The top court had issued notice to the AG, seeking his assistance in the matter. The Supreme Court had in the Kedar Nath Singh case clarified that only those acts, which involved incitement to violence or violence, constituted a seditious act under Section 124 A of the IPC. The top court was hearing petitions filed by Major General S.G. Vombatkere (retd) and the Editors Guild of India and others, challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124A which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Vombatkere's plea argued that a statute criminalising expression based on unconstitutionally vague definitions of 'disaffection towards government', etc., is an unreasonable restriction on the fundamental right to free expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) and causes constitutionally impermissible 'chilling effect' on the speech. Amaravati, May 5 : The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the state government to submit a status report on the progress of construction works in Amaravati. Hearing a batch of writ petitions and a couple of contempt petitions filed by some Amaravati farmers against the state government, the high court asked the government to file the report on the progress of the works. The counsel for petitioners told the court that the government is not implementing March 3 orders of the court to complete implementation of Amaravati capital city master plan in six months. The petitioners said even months after the court order, facilities such as electricity, drainage, roads and drinking water for the developed plots given to farmers under the Land Pooling Scheme in the capital area were not developed. "The orders to complete town planning schemes under Sec 61 of the CRDA Act were willfully not implemented, which is nothing but contempt of court." They contended that even responsibilities mentioned under Schedule 3 of the Land Pooling Scheme were ignored. Senior counsel Rajender Prasad said the petitioners also brought to the court's notice statements made by some ministers and alleged that the government has no intention of obeying the court orders. The three-judge bench, however, made it clear that the court will not go by the statements made in the media and will take into account what the government does or tells the court. While adjourning the case to July 12, the court asked the government to file a status report on the works in the form of an affidavit. A bench of three judges headed by Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra had pronounced the judgment on March 3 on 75 petitions filed by Amaravati farmers and others challenging the government's move for trifurcation of state capital. The court also asked the government to hand over developed plots with all basic amenities to farmers within three months. The government was also asked not to alienate lands in Amaravati for any work other than development of state capital. Though the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government made it clear that it remains committed to three-capital policy, it reportedly decided to complete some works which could be required to continue Amaravati as a legislative capital. The YSRCP government on November 22, 2021 repealed two laws enacted last year to create three state capitals but announced that it will come out with a new comprehensive legislation. The Assembly passed Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of all Regions Repeal Bill 2021. The Bill repealed the Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of all Regions Act 2020 and the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region development Authority Repeal Act 2020 Act. The government, however, had made it clear that it had not gone back on the decision to have administrative, legislative and judicial capitals at Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Kurnool respectively. The development had come as the high court was to resume hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the two legislations made in 2020. After coming to power in 2019, the YSRCP had reversed the decision of the previous TDP government to develop Amaravati as the only state capital. This had triggered massive protest from farmers of Amaravati, who had given 33,000 acres of land for the capital and were hoping to reap its economic benefits. The farmers, women and others have been protesting against the trifurcation for more than 800 days. Jaipur, May 5 : The Rajasthan government on Thursday extended the curfew imposed in ten police stations of Jodhpur, where violence broke out between two communities on Monday night, till May 6 midnight. Internet services shall also remain suspended till further orders, officials said. Meanwhile, the situation is under control with no untoward incident being reported on Wednesday. However, the curfew has been extended as a precautionary measure, said Director General of Police M.L. Lather. Curfew rules are duly followed across the city. However, students who need to take exams, are being allowed, he added. Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Court remained open till midnight on Wednesday and granted bail to 60 people. A meeting of two communities was called on Wednesday during which both the communities agreed to maintain peace. In the meeting, BJP MLA Suryakanta Vyas demanded release of innocent people and arrest of the accused. She boycotted the meeting and warned of 'dharna' and fasting. However, after the administration assured to release innocent people, the BJP cancelled the 'dharna' and fasting programme which was to start from Thursday. Notably, as many as 141 persons were arrested by the police over the communal violence which broke out on Monday midnight, officials said. An issue over hoisting a flag had snowballed into violent clashes. Beirut, May 5 : All preparations for Lebanon's parliamentary elections "have been completed", Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi announced. "The legislative elections will take place for sure. All the preparations have been completed. The security forces are fully ready and will not hesitate to play their role," Xinhua news agency quoted Mawlawi as saying to the local media. "The problem of the distribution of electricity has been resolved for both in the polling stations and in the premises where the vote counting commissions will sit," he was quoted as saying. A total of 718 candidates, including 118 females, are running for the elections of the 128-seat Lebanese Parliament scheduled for May 15. Lebanon is in dire need to hold parliamentary elections, which is among the many conditions imposed by the international organisations and donor countries to extend support to the crisis-hit country. New Delhi, May 5: Owing to the involvement of major global powers and forces, the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, since February 2022, has been consistently shaping the contours of world politics. Ironically, Ukraine's quest to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) as a member state in search of security triggered Russia's insecurity due to a justified fear that any further eastward expansion of the NATO will bring the US-led alliance at its doorstep. Moreover, if Ukraine wants to zealously guard its political sovereignty and territorial integrity, Russia, in contrast, treats mineral-rich Ukraine as its integral part. In his essay on Historical Unity of Russians, President Putin had argued, in 2021, that Russians and Ukrainians are one people divided by artificial borders and outsiders. Besides, three General Secretaries of the Communist Party of the then Soviet Union (CPSU) such as Nikita Khrushchev (1953-64), Leonid Brezhnev (1964-82) and Konstantin Chernenko (1984-85) were either born or raised in Ukraine. Similarly, the famous dissident in the Soviet Union and Nobel Laurate Alexander Solzhenitsyn, in his last days, had advocated a "Russian Union" encompassing Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and ethnic Russian parts of Kazakhstan. Since President Putin's determination to integrate Ukraine with Russia is being fiercely resisted by the former, the issue of the Russo-Ukraine war and its resolution have already hit the portals of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On March 2, 2022, the UNGA with an overwhelming majority (141 out of 193) demanded that Russia should end its military operations in Ukraine. Furthermore, in view of the human rights violation by Russia in Ukraine, the UNGA at its meeting, held on April 7, 2022, suspended Russia from the membership of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council (HRC) through a resolution passed by the majority votes (93 in favour, 24 against and 58 abstention). Reflections on Indo-Russian ties During the entire episode of the Russo-Ukrainian war, India has stood on the side of peace and immediate cessation of violence and end of hostilities between the contending parties. In view of this, it would be worthwhile to reflect on India's reluctance to condemn flagrant violation of international law as well as human rights by Russia in Ukraine and manage a tightrope walk between the contending parties. In fact, India is the second most powerful Asian country after China that matters in world politics. Evidently, the contending parties and their allies took initiatives to woo India on their side in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. This was amply manifested by the visits of high-level dignitaries such as the Prime Ministers of Japan and Britain, Foreign Ministers of China, Britain, Russia, Mexico, Oman, Greece and Austria, the US Under Secretary of State and Deputy National Security Advisor and a Senior Advisor of the German Chancellor to New Delhi during the past few weeks. Furthermore, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, who attended the Raisina dialogue ,held in New Delhi from April 25-27, 2022, discussed the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian war on the Indo-Pacific region with India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Irrespective of these efforts of the visiting dignitaries, India has not budged from its basically neutral position on the issue. India's position could be better appraised in the context of a long-term view of its foreign policy. Historically, India had deployed non-alignment as a foreign policy strategy in the context of the Cold War to steer clear of the then superpower rivalries. It allowed India to judge every issue on merit and find freedom of expression in international politics. India's relationship with the former Soviet Union and Russia have been structured in the politico-diplomatic, economic and military spheres from the mid-1950s. While blocking the resolutions primarily sponsored by the US-led western powers, the Soviet Union exercised its veto in India's favour at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on six occasions from 1957-71. This allowed India to take the Kashmir question outside the purview of the UN, facilitated integration of Goa, Daman and Diu within the Indian Union in 1961 and helped India in liberating Bangladesh after winning the Indo-Pak war of 1971. Conversely, India had also refrained from issuing condemnatory statements against the Soviet military interventions in Hungary (1956), Czechoslovakia (1968) and Afghanistan (1979). The post-Soviet Russia has also steadily rebuilt its ties with India in diverse domains. Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India from 2012-2016 and 2017 to 2021 although India's imports dropped temporarily between the two periods because Russia wound up some of its programmes and India diversified imports. Moreover, Russia is building six nuclear reactors in India. Both the countries, through a joint venture, are producing Bramhos, a versatile missile after almost two decades of cooperation. India is also purchasing S-400 missiles from Russia. India's Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Videsh, is involved in three projects in Russia while Rosneft, Russia's state-owned oil company, owns 49 per cent of Nayara Energy which has 6000 filling stations and a large refinery in Gujarat. Furthermore, during the course of the Russo-Ukraine war, India has been buying Russian oil at discounted prices. Sino-Indian ties and Russia China has been an important factor in Russo-Indian relations. India's protracted border dispute over nearly 3500-kilometre-long border with China still stands unresolved. Consequently, much to India's dismay, China has been claiming critical areas in Ladakh as well as the entire state of Arunachal Pradesh of India. Over the years, the growing dependence of India's immediate neighbours such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Pakistan on China has almost encircled India with unfriendly neighbourhood. China has acquired maritime presence in the region by building ports in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Chittagong (Bangladesh) and Kyaukphyu (Myanmar). Irrespective of these political tensions, however, China was the second largest trading partner of India in 2021 with bilateral trade worth $110.4 billion. While dealing politically with China, Russia's neutrality, if not outright support, will always be vital for India. India's security through Quad and the US India is handling China in politico-strategic matters by relying on its membership of Quad, a group constituted by the US, Japan, Australia and India that aspires to promote the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. It is also designed to enable free navigation through international waterways such as straits of Malacca to promote international trade, prosperity and peace. The Malabar exercises or multilateral naval exercises among the Quad members have certainly been useful in boosting India's naval security. Moreover, during former US President Trump's regime (2017-21) India's weapons procurement from the US had jumped from $6.2 million to $3.4 billion. The US also was India's top trading partner in 2021 with bilateral trade worth $112.3 billion. In spite of their burgeoning ties, India cannot entirely rely on the US since the latter may not necessarily deliver in times of crisis in India's neighbourhood. In the recently-held Raisina dialogue, India expressed concern over the lack of rules-based order in South Asia. For instance, India has over $3 billion investments in Afghanistan. The US-led NATO forces had militarily intervened in Afghanistan to strengthen democratic forces in 2001 after the ouster of the Taliban. Ironically, two decades later the US allowed the same Taliban to capture power in Kabul in August 2021 leaving India's interests in jeopardy. Hence, India cannot put all the eggs in the US basket. India's policy within a broader spectrum Considering the complexities of world politics and India's national interests, there is nothing unusual about India's position in the Russo- Ukraine war. Several significant powers seem to have adopted a similar stance. Just to cite instances, China became closer to Russia even before the war. Turkey owing to strategic as well as energy security-related considerations is sticking to middle ground as Russian gas meets 45 per cent of its energy requirements. Pakistan signed a trade treaty with Russia in the middle of the war. Israel tried to become a peacemaker in the war. The United Arab Emirate (UAE) remained neutral towards Russia. South Africa blamed NATO for Russia's Ukraine war. Brazil and Mexico did not support the ouster of Russia from the HRC. Argentina has been more concerned about reducing its dependence on the US and the International Monetary Fund than condemning Russia. In substance, since India's position is no different from several other important countries, it need not be singled out for attack for taking a neutral position. Conclusion The Russo-Ukrainian war has placed India in a precarious predicament. In view of the configurations of powers and the current balance of forces in a divided world, India needs to retain friendship with the US as well as Russia to handle China while serving its national interests. India's neutral stand is not merely strategically prudent but appears consistent with its long-term policy. (Rajen Harshe is a leading scholar in African and international relations studies. He is the former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Allahabad. Views expressed are personal and exclusive to India Narrative) (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Thiruvananthapuram, May 5 : In dramatic scenes on Thursday, award-winning Malayalam director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan was arrested on a complaint from leading actress Manju Warrier that she was being threatened and stalked by him for a while. Sasidharan along with his relatives had come to a temple near his home town Parassala in the state capital district when three people dressed in plainclothes tried to forcibly take him into custody. Soon the director went live on Facebook alleging that his life was in danger as a few people were trying to "kidnap" him. He was seen shouting that he does not have faith in the system in the state and is presently living at his sister's home in Tamil Nadu, which borders Parassala. He was refusing to listen to the statement of the three people who had come to take him. But soon the local policemen arrived and news came from the Kochi City Police Commissioner that Sasidharan has been taken into custody based on the complaint by Warrier. Incidentally, it was on Wednesday that Warrier had raised the complaint, but the local Elamakara Police station officials at Kochi kept silent on who the culprit was and all that they divulged was that the complaint was against a person in the film industry. Sasidharan is now being taken to Kochi. Sasidharan in the past few days shared a few social media posts, claiming that the life of Warrier was in danger. He alleged her managers were the reason why she was in trouble. He also pointed out that she is in "custody" of some people. The 45-year-old Sasidharan began his film career in 2000 and the next year he made his first short film using crowdfunding. In 2014 he produced his first feature-length movie 'Oraalppokkam'. The film also won the award for the best Malayalam film in the International Film Festival of Kerala 2014 besides theAKerala State Film Award for Best Director in 2014. His film 'Kayyattam' in 2020 starred Warrier and was shot on an iPhone in the Himalayas and had also won acclaim. Beijing, May 5 : Short video platform TikTok is introducing 'TikTok Pulse', a new contextual advertising solution that lets advertisers place their brand next to the top content in the For You Feed. The company said that, with TikTok Pulse, it will also begin to explore its advertising revenue share programme with creators, public figures and media publishers. "Creators and publishers with at least 100k followers will be eligible in the initial stage of this programme. We are focused on developing monetization solutions in available markets so that creators feel valued and rewarded on TikTok," the company said in a blogpost. "From the very beginning, we have committed to working with our community to bring new features that enrich the TikTok experience, and we look forward to continuing that journey with TikTok Pulse," it added. TikTok Pulse is designed to give brands the tools and controls to be a part of these everyday moments and trends that engage the community. "Our goal is to build creative tools for brands to be discovered and connect with the broader communities around them. TikTok Pulse places brands at the heart of TikTok communities and alongside the trending content that is driving conversation and action," the company said. New Delhi, May 5: Prime Minister : Narendra Modi arrives in France -- the last leg of his hectic three-day, three-nation tour -- late Wednesday as several nations are now looking at India's mediation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Image Source: IANS News Even though it is being labelled just as a "brief stopover" in Paris, Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, who is himself in the thick of diplomacy to end the conflict, are bound to discuss the Ukraine situation during their talks. In a phone conversation, which according to the French media lasted over two hours Tuesday evening, Macron had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to explain the "extreme gravity of the consequences" of the escalating situation. Image Source: IANS News At the same time in Copenhagen, while making her country and European Union's position "clear" on Ukraine, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was urging PM Modi to play peacemaker in the current crisis. "We would like to see India use its influence with Putin," said Frederiksen. PM Modi reiterated India's stand for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and adoption of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the problem. Ukraine and 'regional situation' was also discussed extensively when the heads of government from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland met the Indian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the 2nd India Nordic Summit on Wednesday. "I met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Good discussions on bilateral cooperation, within Green Transition, Blue Economy, we agreed on Task Force on Energy, great potential in renewables. Also exchange on Russia's war in Ukraine, shared Norway's condemnation," tweeted Norway PM Jonas Gahr Store after his first meeting with PM Modi since assuming office in October 2021. On Monday, during his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, PM Modi had highlighted that India remains "deeply concerned" by the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict, saying that New Delhi believes that there will be no winning party in this war and everyone would suffer. "That is why we are in favour of peace. Oil prices are skyrocketing due to the turmoil triggered by the Ukraine conflict; there is also shortage of foodgrains and fertilisers in the world. This has burdened every family in the world, but its impact on developing and poor countries will be even more serious," said PM Modi. India has expressed its position on the Russia-Ukraine crisis -- including to the visiting heads of states like British PM Boris Johnson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several Foreign Ministers -- a number of times ever since Moscow began its 'special military operation' on February 24. New Delhi has maintained that its international partners have not only a complete understanding of India's position, but also share deep appreciation in favour of the Modi government. "I think it is very clear, very directly, very clearly, that with our partners, the European partners, the rest of those who are our allies at the international level are completely clear about it," said India's new Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, last Sunday. Meanwhile, talks on growing India-France strategic partnership in areas like defence, clean energy environment, space, digital, manufacturing in high-end sectors, are also expected to take place when PM Modi meets Macron on Thursday. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders after Macron was re-elected as French President in the presidential elections in April this year. India and France are celebrating 75 years of their diplomatic relations this year and the meeting between the two leaders is expected to set a more ambitious agenda of the strategic partnership. New Delhi and Paris have already made it clear that their partnership is "more relevant today than ever" as they deepen cooperation in defence and security, besides making the blue economy a driver of progress for both the countries. It is also expected that Modi and Macron will hold further discussions on jointly developing high thrust aircraft engines under the Indian government's initiative to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing and also a possible collaboration on nuclear-powered submarines. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War -- Syndicated from IANS Fatehpur, May 5 : A teenage girl in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehput allegedly consumed poison and died, a day after she was raped by a youth in her village, the police said on Thursday. The incident took place in the Chandpur police circle of the district. Fatehpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Singh said the 15-year-old Dalit girl had gone to a forested area to relieve herself near the village on Tuesday evening when she was allegedly raped. When the girl did not return home till late in the night, her parents launched a search and found her in the forest in a state of disarray, the SP said. Her family members took her to a private doctor and brought her back home after treatment. The girl, however, consumed some poisonous substance on Wednesday and died during treatment, the SP said. He said after registering a case on the complaint of the girl's parents, the accused youth has been taken into custody for questioning. The girl's body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Chennai, May 5 : The opposition AIADMK, BJP, and PMK are up in arms against the Tamil Nadu government over the two back-to-back custodial deaths in the state. Even after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's reply in the state Legislative Assembly that the policemen allegedly involved in the custodial torture are suspended, the opposition has decided to follow it up. AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has demanded strong intervention on the part of the government after the autopsy report of Vignesh, who was taken into custody by the Purusuwalkam police in Chennai on April 18 night, died on April 19 morning. While the police said that he died due to seizures, the autopsy report revealed that there were 13 injury marks on his body. After the Vice-Chairman of the National Commission of Scheduled Castes Arun Halder said that the police and the state government had tried to cover up the fact that Vignesh was a Dalit, the opposition political parties have said that strong agitations across the state will be organised against the custodial torture of people from SC/ST and backward classes by the Tamil Nadu police. The post-mortem report also revealed that his right tibia bone was fractured and a cut as deep as 3 cm was visible on his body. The report also mentioned that there were bruises on his body on the head, left foot, left eyebrow, left shoulder, and right midline on the back of the trunk. It also revealed that his cheek was swollen and there were bruises and contusions in the body on the right hand and the lower part of the right leg. The BJP has also demanded an impartial inquiry into the death of Vignesh and Thangamani, who was taken into custody by the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) of the Tiruvannamalai police on charges that he was brewing illicit liquor. While he was taken into custody on April 26 and produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody on the same day, he died on April 27 after complaining of uneasiness at Sub Jail. His family alleged that he was tortured by the police and that the local police had tried to bribe them with huge money to shut their mouths. With two killings in a spate of a week in two places of Tamil Nadu, the DMK government is facing a tough time even though Chief Minister Stalin tried to defend stating that the erring policemen were suspended and some transferred. The AIADMK, BJP, and PMK are not buying the argument from the police and the Chief Minister that action has been taken against the policemen who were charged with custodial torture. The opposition political parties want stringent action against the policemen who were involved in police torture. BJP leader Nainar Nagendran MLA told IANS: "The party will take this matter inside and outside the house and will not rest till justice is delivered to both Vignesh and Thangamani. The state home minister who incidentally is the Chief Minister will have to respond to the demands by the opposition parties and speed up inquiries into the alleged custodial deaths. Mumbai, May 5 : Celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist Florian Hurel is a renowned name in the industry. Whether it's personal styling of celebrities, editorial photoshoots or designing specific looks for a film, Florian has done it all. And his latest is styling Kangana Ranaut for her next video for the film 'Dhaakad'. Speaking about that Hurel says: "We have worked on 7 different looks for the entire video. These looks are very fashionable in nature and have pushed my creative thinking limits significantly. Every look was created keeping in mind the coherence required between silhouette, hair and makeup. "The first look, which was a black pants suit with a hat, needed to be backed up by a strong look. Accordingly I created a very strong black graphic liner with sharp contouring and muted lips. For the second outfit which was a golden dress, I used a golden foil over the eyelids in an abstract manner creating a very impactful strong eye and coupled the same with nude lips." "Third one was a purple dress, for that I created a double liner look with Swarovski stones. It was Different from usual. The fourth outfit was a bed look for which she wore a very sensual black gown with hot pink lace bodysuit. "Glossy black lids and nude lips was the look I created to complement the bed look. The fifth outfit was a black and golden kimono. The inspiration for this was a Japanese warrior look for which I created smudged black and golden strokes over the lids in order to give her the fierce look of a warrior. Sixth look, a hot pink leather corset dress for which I shifted the focus to cheeks along with the eyes to make her appearance stronger than usual." "Last but not the least, one of my favourite looks was the holographic saree for which I used a cutout from the same saree over the lids creating a look unique to my past work as well. It was the most amusing work amongst all the looks. All of these looks were different and creatively intense and these were made possible mainly due to team work and coordination," he adds. Florian recently also worked with Kangana for her reality show 'Lock Upp'. Speaking about the working experience with the Diva he says: "Working with an actor with the versatility that Kangana possesses is always interestingly different. She makes me push my limits while doing absolute justice to the passion I have towards my work. "With my experience in the industry I can say that she's one of the very few artists who possesses the courage to experiment and then own each of those not so common looks. I feel honoured to have worked with Kangana. She encourages you to express your talent as a creative artist." Florian also shares his take on the promotional music video trend in the industry. "Indeed this is an important tool to promote your film. If a music video is good it is destined to be an instant hit as it is one of a kind. I can only say this one is very different from what we've usually seen in Bollywood. Lastly I'd like to say that Kangana has raised the bar very high for creative looks and am very glad to have been a part of this challenging but absolute fun task," he concludes. Prayagraj, May 5 : The Allahabad High Court at Lucknow has directed the Uttar Pradesh government that no person, including an accused, can be summoned to a police station orally by subordinate police officials without the consent/approval of the station in-charge. The bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar Mishra and Justice Manish Mathur on Wednesday directed that in case a complaint is made at any police station that necessitates an investigation and the presence of the accused, a suitable course of action as prescribed under provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code is to be followed, which contemplates serving a written notice upon such a person, but only after a case has been registered. The bench emphasised that a person's life, liberty, and dignity cannot be jeopardised based solely on the verbal orders of police officers. In this case, a letter petition was filed before the High Court in which a girl (Sarojini) claimed that her parents (Ram Vilas and Savitri) were summoned to the Mahila Thana Police Station in Lucknow and did not return. The petition was treated as Habeas Corpus and was heard on April 8 when the government counsel informed the Court that no such occurrence had taken place at the police station. On April 13, petitioners Savitri and Ram Vilas and their daughter appeared before the Court and said that some police personnel summoned them to the police station, and when they arrived, they were detained and threatened by police personnel. On the same day, the Inspector of the concerned police station informed the Court that the petitioners had visited the police station on April 8 around 12 noon in connection with a dispute over the partition of ancestral property, and after recording their statements, they were allowed to leave the police station around 3.30 p.m. on the same day. In light of the facts of the case, the Court emphasised that there is no provision in either the Indian Constitution or the CrPC that requires a police official to summon and detain a person even without the filing of an FIR, and that too orally. Jaipur, May 5 : As many as 211 persons have been arrested with regards to the Jodhpur communal violence that broke out on May 3, Director General of Police M.L. Lather said here on Thursday. The situation is under control and the police is taking all possible measures to maintain peace and order in the city, he said, Peace committee meetings are also being organised to create goodwill among the people. Of the 211 held so far, 191 have been arrested under section 151 and 20 under other sections. Also, 19 FIRs have been registered -- four by police and 15 by the general public. According to the DGP, the general public has been appealed to maintain peace, not to believe in rumours and to immediately inform the local police officials about the rumours, he said. Meanwhile, the state government has extended the curfew imposed in ten police stations of city till May 6 midnight. Internet services shall also remain suspended till further orders, officials said. The curfew has been extended as a precautionary measure, said the DGP, adding that students who need to take exams, are being allowed. On Wednesday, the Commissionerate Court remained open till midnight and granted bail to 60 people. A meeting of two communities was called during which both the communities agreed to maintain peace. In the meeting, BJP MLA Suryakanta Vyas demanded release of innocent people and arrest of the accused. She boycotted the meeting and warned of 'dharna' and fasting. However, after the administration assured to release innocent people, the BJP cancelled the 'dharna' and fasting programme which was to start from Thursday. Patna, May 5 : Prominent political strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday finally revealed his plan -- a year to connect with the common people in Bihar before deciding to take any big political step. Kishor, while interacting with the mediapersons here, said that he will start 'padyatra' from Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran from October 2 this year and cover 3,000 km across Bihar to communicate his ideology with the people of the state and take their feedback. "The idea is to connect with the people of Bihar and understand what they are thinking about the current government and the governments in the past. In the last 30 years, two political parties with different ideologies and policies have ruled the states. Lalu Prasad led the RJD-rule for 15 years while the JD(U)-BJP combine government is ruling at the moment for the last 15 odd years. What kind of change the people of Bihar are expecting... I believe, by and large they failed to deliver good governance," Kishor said. As per the plan, he wants to communicate with 17,000 - 18,000, who are socially active and intellectuals in the state as their feedback was important for him. The idea is to include them or take support of these people for the movement in the next three to four months and then he will start 'padyatra' in Bihar. Reacting on Lalu Prasad, Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav's comments, he said, "They are big leaders of the country. Hence, it is not necessary for them to take notice of a small person like me. Even those who are commenting on me after my tweet, they are wasting their own time. I am a very small person from the state," Kishor said. "Leaders like Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar emerged from the JP movement, but we have to think about whether the goal of that movement was achieved or not. In my opinion, it was not achieved, hence, we have to deeply analyse with my team for more than 1 year before deciding to go to the people of Bihar," Kishor added. "After that JP movement, there has been no such movement in Bihar. I am not saying that our initiative would turn out to be similar to that of the JP movement, but I must say that one movement is required here in Bihar. Who has done 3,000 km 'padyatra' earlier. If we want to change in Bihar, we have to change the thinking of the people at the mass level," he said. "In the last 10 years, I was involved in making strategies for different political parties. Now, I want to start a political journey from zero in Bihar. I will go before the people of Bihar and if results are positive then we will decide for the next move of -- whether I would form a political party or not. At present, we are not going to form any political party," he stated. Reacting on his relationship with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Kishor said: "My relationship with Nitish Kumar is like father and a son, but that doesn't mean son would not choose another path. I have chosen the path of struggle. Whenever I meet with Nitish Kumar, I meet him like he is my father and he has also given respect to me like a son." In 2020, I had difference of opinion on the issue of CAA and NRC. I objected to the policy of Nitish Kumar to vote in favour of the CAA and NRC. Still, JD(U) did that. Nitish Kumar, however, convinced me that CAA and NRC would not be implemented in Bihar but I told him that I would not stay in the party with compromising policies. Due to my objection, the party expelled me," he said. After eviction from the JD(U), I started the same movement in 2020 but it was stopped due to the Covid-19. "Now, I am not saying that Covid is wiped out from the country, but the situation has improved now. Hence, I have decided to restart that initiative again from Champaran," he said. Bhopal, May 5 : Twenty four days after violence hit Khargone city in Madhya Pradesh, the state administration has decided to lift all restrictions that were imposed under section 144 after it claimed that the situation in the city has returned to normalcy. This statement was made by the Khargone district administration on Wednesday, hours after the Eid-ul-Fitr and Akshaya Tritiya celebrations were over. The decision to lift the prohibitory orders was taken on the basis of reports during a meeting attended by officials of the district administration and the peace committee (comprising members of all the communities). "The administration on Wednesday convened a peace committee meeting, which was attended by the representatives of all the communities. It was decided with the consent of all that the prohibitory orders issued on April 10 should be withdrawn immediately," Sub-Divisional Magistrate Milind Dhoke told the press after the meeting. "The prohibitory orders under CrPC 144 have ended from today itself. All the restrictions and curfew have been withdrawn. The situation that prevailed before April 10 has been restored," he said. Earlier on Thursday, the administration had announced relaxation in the curfew for 11 hours -- from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, the curfew was in place for 24 hours and citizens were asked to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Akshaya Tritiya at their homes. Curfew was clamped in Khargone after the violence on April 10 during which shops and houses were damaged, vehicles torched and stones hurled. Since April 14, the local administration has been relaxing the curfew for some hours. In the violence on the occasion of the Ram Navami procession, several people, including a District Superintendent of Police, were injured when a group of people pelted stones at each other and torched public and private property. The incident had prompted the administration to put restrictions on the movement of people in the violence-hit area with multilayer security by the state and central forces. The incident had fuelled a war of words between the BJP-led state government and the Congress, with former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh being targeted by the BJP. The issue fuelled political controversy for over four weeks on demolition drives carried out in various parts of the state, during which a house constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was demolished by the Khargone district administration on the basis of a report from the revenue department in the district. Kolkata, May 5 : The political situation in West Bengal will soon be such that the local administration will be forced to assist the Border Security Force (BSF) to check illegal infiltration and cross-border smuggling along the India-Bangladesh border areas in the state, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "I understand that without the help of the local administration it is extremely difficult to check illegal infiltration and cross border smuggling. However, I would like to assure you that the political situation here will be such that you will get that help. Pressure from the people will force the local administration to provide that assistance," Shah said, while addressing a programme on the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony of Maitri Sangrahalaya (museum) located at border outpost Haridaspur in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Thursday afternoon. Shah's comments come at a time when the West Bengal and Union governments are at loggerheads over the extension of the BSF's authority up to 50 kilometres from the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. A notification issued in this regard by the Union Home Ministry empowered BSF personnel to conduct search operations, arrest suspects and make seizures within 50 kilometres from the borders. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aware of the difficulties faced by the BSF personnel posted at the borders. "So, the Union government is trying to come out with schemes so that the personnel posted at the borders get maximum opportunity to spend time with their family members. The Union government is also making arrangements to minimise the difficulties of security personnel posted at the borders," Shah added. West Bengal Trinamool Congress General Secretary, Kunal Ghosh said, "The Union Home Minister is trying to convert BSF into a cadre wing of the BJP. He should refrain from doing so." Earlier on Thursday, Amit Shah inaugurated six floating border outposts of the BSF at Hingalganj in North 24 Parganas district and also flagged off a boat ambulance there. Kabul, May 5 : Eight people were killed and 13 others injured as floods swept parts of Afghanistan Baghlan and Badghis provinces, officials said on Thursday. In Baghlan's Dahna-e-Ghori district, four people lost their lives and eight others were injured due to heavy downpours and flash floods that swept through several villages on Wednesday night, Xinhua news agency quoted a provincial official as saying. The floods have also badly damaged or washed away some 900 houses. About 9,000 acres of farmlands were damaged due to the flooding on Wednesday night, the official added. Similarly, flash floods also claimed four lives, including two children, and injured five others in the Qadis and Ghormach districts of the Badghis, another provincial administration official said. Flooding also killed two people in Faryab and two others in the Parwan provinces on Tuesday, according to officials. Parts of war-torn Afghanistan, including the capital city Kabul, experienced downpours and flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, May 5 (IANS/ 101Reporters) Chabutara village in Madhya's Pradesh's Khandwa district has always been arid. The water-scarce summer months were particularly difficult in this primarily tribal village, with lack of water resulting in the death of cattle. Women would need to trudge miles in search of drinking water. Most villagers would leave for cities and towns to earn a living. Yet, in spite of back-breaking work for over three months, there was hardly much made to live on when they returned home. For those with cattle, it was a significant struggle. In summer, not just the larger water bodies but the wells and hand pumps, too, would not yield any water. This was the situation in not just Chabutara in Khalwa block, but also in the adjoining villages of Lakhanpur, Kekadiya, Ambakhal, Khaari. The villagers had to rely on the owners of private wells 2 km away to provide water for their cattle. For this, they needed to make a monthly payment of 4 kg of wheat to the owners until the rains arrived. Women take the lead Typically patriarchal, Chabutara had never believed in letting its women access their rights as individuals. Notwithstanding their contribution to running the household, women rarely had a say in any decision. Nor were they extended support when they needed it. Take the case of Budhiyabai. After losing her husband, Budhiyabai had returned to her parents' home in Chabutara with an infant son. But they had refused to take her back, compelling her to set up a home in a little hut all by herself. However, matters changed when she joined a local women's Self-Help Group (SHG), Durga Mahila Samuha. Budhiyabai was soon joined by Ramkali, Setibai, Rukmabai and many others, all of whom had been migrating every summer in search of work. Following the death of several heads of cattle during a particularly difficult summer, Budhiyabai decided to address the situation by appealing for help through Spandan, a local NGO that had been working with her SHG on nutrition. She took up the matter with Spandan social worker, Seema Prakash. "Water was a major problem here, but we didn't have the means to help the women," Prakash recalled. "So we took the matter up with our partner, Goonj, which is a nationwide NGO. Goonj decided to pay them in the form of 2 kg of rice (given daily) per person and clothes every fortnight, and the women went on to dig a dried-up [5-acre] pond so deep that it would hold water all through the year." "We then helped them access a government loan to opt for pisciculture," Prakash added. "The loan helped them buy fingerlings to start their venture. The women pooled in money through their SHG and bought fishing nets and fish feed for fish cultivation. In three months, the fish grew big enough for the market. Thus, the women's group earned a neat Rs 20,000 on their investment after a period of four years." Rather than exhausting the money, they decided to save the amount to return the loan. But even as their venture gathered steam, with regular harvests and the sale of fish in the weekly market, problems reared their ugly head. The women fought a long battle against patriarchy and braved many underhanded activities perpetrated by the men in the village to scuttle their efforts at financial independence. It was the consistent support of a few allies that helped them turn the tide. Fighting the odds In arid Chabutara, agriculture is rain-fed, owing to lack of water in the dry months. A few farmers, led by Sukhiram Paalvi and Gangaram Paalvi, demanded access to the waters of the lake to irrigate their farms, which the women refused. This resulted in an altercation between the women fishers and the farmers, and overnight, fish were stolen from the pond. The women were also not allowed to go near the pond to access the waters. While the women had revived an already present albeit dead pond which has been approved/dug by the government, the men had to acquire fresh licenses from environment board in the state and other government permits in order to dig a big enough pond that would be capable of supporting their irrigation needs. While they made no efforts in this direction, or even help the women revive the pond, once the pond was ready and full of water, at night they would come to steal fish or clandestinely run the motors to water their fields. Recounting their travails, Budhiyabai told 101Reporters: "They abused us for not letting them use the water. But nobody thought of the cattle in the village that were benefiting from the pond." The fight escalated into a major battle, with the men damaging the pond. The matter ultimately had to be reported to the police, who arrived and issued a warning. But this did not amount to much, given the clout of the opposing farmers. The women realised that they would have to help themselves. Dividing themselves into batches of 10, they took to guarding the pond. Soon, a village elder, Patiram Mohe, came forward to support them. In no time, the women saw other men come forward in support. But matters took time to settle down. It's been three years since the pond was restored and fish cultivated, and the women have continued to go strong. From March to May, the women regularly harvest fish for the weekly market, earning their SHG a monthly income of Rs 2,00,000. Leaving aside a sum for maintaining the pond and buying fish feed, the women share the rest among themselves. Moreover, migration from Chabutara has stopped completely. The women say that the five-acre water body is a great help for the women in the village, who use it for all their daily needs. The cattle, too, have their fill all through the year. In fact, in the three years since the pond was restored, there has not been a single death due to lack of drinking water for animals, as was common until the recent past. What's more, cattle from four adjoining villages, too, avail of the water, according to the local representative of Spandan. Change in status in patriarchal households Most significantly, while substantial earnings from pisciculture have improved the status of many households, it has imparted a sense of empowerment among the women involved. One Rakhiabai's husband, Ram Singh, whose family of shepherds could never think beyond a purdah-clad daughter-in-law, is now proud of his wife. Jeejibai's mother-in-law no longer objects to her involvement with Spandan's activities in the village, and neither is she pressured to confine herself to the family farm. Her newfound financial independence has legitimised her activities for her husband and family members, who are happy about Jeejibai carving a professional niche for herself. Similarly, Setibai's husband Chironjilal, who always quarrelled with his wife, learned to respect and help her, she says. Ramkali, who lost her husband Laxman Dhurve five years ago, now proudly heads her household. Budhiyabai, who had once felt lost and helpless with no support from her maternal or matrimonial families coming her way, now feels happy and confident, as she brings up her toddler. The women not only manage to nurture and harvest their fish, but are now helping many local youth earn a decent livelihood selling fish procured from their water body. Truly, water has breathed a new lease of life to Chabutara and its neighbourhood. (The author is a Khandwa-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.) Jaipur, May 5 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to constitute a committee to probe the violence reported in Karauli and other states during Ram Navami. The committee, he said, should be headed by a Supreme Court and a High Court judge, which would probe the "root cause" behind the violence. He also accused the BJP-RSS of cashing in on young generations' innocence and promoting violence as "they are unaware of the history of our independence struggle". "We have seen Russia getting dismantled. However, our country has stood strong during the last 70 years despite it having multiple languages and religions. Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life but did not allow formation of Khalistan. Rajiv Gandhi too sacrificed his life for the country." Those were the people who took the country to new heights in 70 years. However, the current generation is unaware of situation during independence struggle which is being cashed in on by BJP-RSS. They are setting agenda and triggering violence, he said, adding that "first, it was in Karauli, then Rajgarh (where temple was bulldozed), and now Jodhpur. Our timely action prevented riots in the state." On the Ram Navami violence, the chief minister said once the reasons are figured out, such incidents can be checked in future. Colombo, May 5 : Sri Lanka is facing a shortage of diesel as the ongoing economic crisis worsens in the island country, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on Thursday. The Minister told Parliament that the country needs 4,000 metric tonnes of diesel per day, reports Xinhua news agency. However, the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is currently only releasing 1,000 to 1,500 metric tonnes a day. Currently there is no shortage of petrol supply in the country, he said, adding that around 3,000 metric tonnes of petrol has been released on a daily basis, and that a ship carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of petrol arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday night. Sri Lanka has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Finance Minister Ali Sabry said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka only has less than $50 million in usable foreign reserves. Latest updates on Srilankan Crisis New Delhi: Bihar Minister Shahnawaz Hussain addresses a press conference regarding forthcoming Bihar Investor's meet scheduled for May 12th, in New Delhi on Thursday, May 05, 2022. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Bihar Minister Shahnawaz Hussain addresses a press conference regarding forthcoming Bihar Investor's meet scheduled for May 12th, in New Delhi on Thursday, May 05, 2022. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Bihar Minister Shahnawaz Hussain addresses a press conference regarding forthcoming Bihar Investor's meet scheduled for May 12th, in New Delhi on Thursday, May 05, 2022. (Photo: Wasim Sarvar/IANS) Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, May 5 : Bihar industry Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Thursday said that investment proposals worth Rs 36,253 crore have been received for the establishment of 555 industrial units in the last one year. Addressing a press conference to share details about the 'Investors Meet' to showcase Bihar as one of the prime investment destinations in Eastern India, Hussain said, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar is making rapid strides to forge ahead on the path of sustainable industrialisation; nurtured and promoted by an able, experienced, and proactive leadership known for his administrative abilities. "The Government of Bihar is making sincere and concerted efforts to improve the business ecosystem through outcome-oriented measures such as policy/ regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and institutional improvements." Hussain mentioned that sector centric policies introduced last year like 'Bihar Ethanol Production Promotion Policy 2021' were a success and investment proposals worth Rs 30,382 crore were received only under the ethanol policy. "Bihar is moving towards becoming the country's ethanol hub, in the first phase, 17 ethanol production units are being set up in different areas of Bihar. After the launch of Ethanol Policy 2021, the country's first greenfield grain-based ethanol unit was inaugurated on April 30 in Purnea," he said. He noted that now the Industries Department is ready to come up with Bihar Textile and Leather Policy 2022, Bihar Logistics Policy 2022 and Bihar Export Policy 2022. The Bihar department of industries is organising an 'Investors Meet' to bring together and mobilise key stakeholders across the sectors on May 12 in the national capital. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, other senior Union ministers and business leaders would attend the event. "The image of Bihar is getting transformed now, it's a new Bihar, determined and fully prepared offering a favourable ecosystem for businesses to set up and thrive. Bihar is laying down the red carpet to turn investors' confidence into reality," he said. Claiming that Bihar is an excellent locational advantage and to leverage the same, Hussain said that the department of industries has already created state-of-the-art land pools to the tune of 2,800 acres and as per the liking of a specific unit and is allotment ready. "After the pandemic many firms are planning to strengthen their supply chain and are willing to relocate their production facilities to new places where they find suitable investment opportunities and a favourable business ecosystem. Bihar is continuously working on attracting investments in recent times and is striving to become a favourable investment destination in eastern part of the country," Hussain added. Washington, May 5 : The US has assisted Kiev's forces in killing Russian generals by sharing intelligence on their location inside Ukraine, a media report said citing senior American officials. The US reportedly provided Kiev with information on Russia's mobile military headquarters, which are said to relocate frequently in the conflict zone, said The New York Times report. Kiev then combined this data with its own intelligence to carry out artillery strikes or other attacks that led to the deaths of commanding officers, sources told the paper, RT quoted the report as saying. The US officials, however, declined to specify how many Russian generals exactly were killed with America's help. They also did not reveal the methods used by Washington to acquire data on Russian command headquarters over concerns that it could hamper further intelligence gathering. The New York Times report pointed out that throughout the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, US agencies have relied on a variety of sources, including classified and commercial satellites, to trace the movement of Russian troops. The reported assistance in targeting the generals was part of a classified effort by President Joe Biden's administration to provide real-time battlefield intelligence to Ukraine, the sources said. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson has rejected the report, insisting that American battlefield intelligence was not provided to the Ukrainian forces "with the intent to kill Russian generals". Pentagon spokesman John Kirby acknowledged that the US supplied "Ukraine with information and intelligence that they can use to defend themselves", but refused to disclose any details of that data. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War New Delhi, May 5 : The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday finalised the delimitation order and submitted it to the Election Commission of India wherein it has recommended 43 Assembly seats for Jammu division and 47 seats to the Kashmir region. For the first time, nine Assembly Constituencies (ACs) have been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, out of which, six are in Jammu region and three in Kashmir. The constitution of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state had no provision for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly. As per the final Delimitation Order, out of the 90 Assembly Constituencies in the region, 43 will be part of Jammu region and 47 for Kashmir region keeping in view the provisions of Section 9(1)(a) of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and Section 60(2)(b) of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Delimitation order said. The six new Assembly constituencies in the Jammu region are expected to be carved out from Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Samba districts. The one new seat for the Kashmir Valley would reportedly be carved out from the Kupwara district. As of now there are 46 seats in Kashmir region and 37 seats are in Jammu division. "There are five Parliamentary Constituencies in the region. The Delimitation Commission has seen the Jammu & Kashmir region as one single union territory. Therefore, one of the Parliamentary Constituencies has been carved out combining the Anantnag region in the Valley and Rajouri and Poonch of Jammu region. By this reorganisation each Parliamentary Constituency will have an equal number of 18 Assembly Constituencies each," the order further said. The Commission headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, (a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India), and Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, and Election Commissioner of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir K.K. Sharma as Ex-Officio members of the Delimitation Commission met Thursday to finalise the Delimitation Order for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Commission also said that with regard to the relevant provisions of the Constitution (Article 330 and Article 332) and sub-sections (6) and (7) of Section 14 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, the number of seats to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was worked out on the basis of 2011 Census. Accordingly, the Delimitation Commission has reserved nine ACs for STs for the first time and seven for SCs. The Commission has changed the names of a few Assembly Constituencies after hearing from the people and representatives of the political parties. These name changes included naming Tangmarg-AC as Gulmarg-AC, Zoonimar-AC as Zaidibal-AC, Sonwar-AC as Lal Chowk-AC, Padder-AC as Padder-Nagseni-AC, Kathua North-AC as Jasrota-AC, Kathua South-AC as Kathua-AC, Khour-AC as Chhamb-AC, Mahore-AC as Gulabhgarh-AC, Darhal-AC as Budhal-AC, etc. In addition to these, there were many representations pertaining to shifting of Tehsils from one AC to another and some of them which Commission found logical were accepted, such as shifting of Tehsil Srigufwara from Pahalgam-AC to Bijbehara-AC, shifting of Kwarhama and Kunzar Tehsils to Gulmarg-AC and redrawing Wagoora-Kreeri-AC having Kareeri and Khoie tehsils and part of Wagoora and Tangmarg tehsils, shifting of Darhal Tehsil from Budhal-AC to Thannamandi-AC. Additionally, there were some requests for minor changes in the territorial jurisdiction of proposed ACs, which were thoroughly analysed in the Commission and a few of them, which were logical, have been incorporated in the final Order. The Delimitation Commission was constituted by the Centre on March 6, 2020 in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Delimitation Act, 2002 (33 of 2002), for the purpose of delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The Commission associated in its work, five members of the Lok Sabha elected from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. These Associate Members were nominated by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The Delimitation Commission was entrusted with the work of delimiting the Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of 2011 Census and in accordance with the provisions of Part-V of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) and the provisions of Delimitation Act, 2002(33 of 2002). Ahmedabad, May 5 : A sessions court in Surat on Thursday awarded the death sentence to Fenil Pankajbhai Goyani, who was held guilty and convicted in April this year for the murder of Grishma Nandlal Vekaria. The court described the crime as the 'rarest of rare'. The trial in the case started on February 28 this year. A total of 105 witnesses were examined and the trial ended on April 5. The government appointed Nayan Sukhadwala as the public prosecutor. The court proceedings were conducted by District Judge, Vimal K. Vyas, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Sessions Court, Surat. And the accused was declared guilty on April 21 this year as per section 302, 307, 354 (d) (1) (I), 342, 506 (2) of IPC. The 21-year-old girl Grishma Nandlal Vekaria, living in Laxmidham Society, was stabbed to death by accused Fenil Pankajbhai Goyani, in public at Pasodra in Surat village on February 12 this year. The girl's brother Dhruv Nandlal Vekaria and uncle Subhashbhai were also seriously injured by the accused. As soon as the incident was reported to the police, the police immediately rushed to the spot and arrested the accused. A video of the incident also went viral on social and news media. This incident was condemned by citizens from all over the state. After the murder, the Home Department immediately constituted a SIT consisting of a DYSP level officer and 7 other officers to investigate the crime. The SIT collected oral, documentary, scientific, co-operative and electronic evidence and released a total of 2500 pages of charge sheet in just five days after detaining the accused. In this charge sheet, 27 eyewitnesses were listed and a total of 190 witnesses were examined. 62 articles were recovered. Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi appreciated the police and court proceedings and said that the state government will never spare the perpetrators of such heinous crimes in Gujarat. "My promise to Grishma's parents to get speedy justice has been fulfilled now. The state government will take this fight forward as a result of the justice received in this incident. If any crime is committed in Gujarat, the state government will always strive to give strict punishment to the perpetrators and justice to the victims. The state government will work hard to work out a new strategy to prevent such incidents in the near future," he said. Chennai, May 5 : The Tamil Nadu state medical council will launch an app for doctors that will standardise the prescriptions and other documents like leave certificates and death certificates. The app will be launched by mid-June, according to Dr K. Senthil, president of Tamil Nadu Medical council. The medical council in a statement said that the work regarding the new app is almost ready and more features are being added to it to make it more user-friendly. The prescriptions will have details such as the name of the patient, sex, date of birth, and vital details like height, weight, blood pressure, and other medical information. The application will connect the present prescription to the old one and according to the medical council, it will help doctors maintain the medical records of the patients for a few years. Senthil told IANS: "The app will be targeting clinics, neighbourhood hospitals, and mid-cap hospitals that don't have hospital information management software." The medical council president also said that these prescriptions can be sent to the patient's mobile or can be emailed as PDF and the copy could be stored in cloud. The new medical app will lead to standard formats for medical leave and death certificates. It may be noted that in the past two years, there have been several complaints that doctors issue medical leaves and death certificates without detailing some medical information. The objective of the medical app, according to Senthil will be to set standards and help doctors follow national and international protocols and keep track of all the documents. The medical council president also said that the doctors can assess the newly-formed app from mobiles and desktops or laptops. New Delhi, May 5 : After post-Covid tremors at Unacademy and BYJU's-owned WhiteHat Jr, it is now the turn of another edtech major Vedantu which is laying off nearly 200 employees, as the heat grows on the edtech industry that is struggling to sustain their business model amid the "hybrid normal". In a statement to IANS, Vedantu which is a pioneer in live online learning in the country, said on Thursday that from over 6,000 employees, 120 contractors and 80 full-time academics or assistant teachers (3.5 per cent of its total workforce) were being "re-evaluated". "We have an annual contract with them, and at the beginning of every academic year, we follow a process of load rebalancing where we rejig pertaining to these roles, based on our growth expectations," said the company. The edtech industry in the country is going through a churning as India reopens amid "hybrid normal" and schools and colleges are now 100 per cent open. Edtech platforms are seeing a significant dip in the demand for online learning and some of such firms have either shut shops or fired employees in recent days. Edtech platform Unacademy recently laid off nearly 600 employees, contractual workers and educators -- about 10 per cent of its 6,000-strong workforce across the group. Sources close to the company told IANS last month that WhiteHat Jr asked its nearly 3,000 sales and support employees to report to either Mumbai or Gurugram (out of its 5,000-strong workforce that includes teachers which are on contractual-basis hence not full-time employees), from April 18, forcing most of them to tender their resignations. WhiteHat Jr has also shut its schools division that last year targeted to take its flagship coding curriculum to 10 lakh school students by the next academic year. According to Vedantu, "reassessment cannot be done in the middle of the year as the learning experience and continuity of the teachers throughout the year is our first priority". "With more technology intervention, restructuring of the class format, and changes in the categories, we relook at these roles of our academics and assistant teachers," said the edtech platform. "As we synchronise our growth goals for this year, we are also hiring more than 1,000 employees in various teams including more than 100 for similar positions," a company spokesperson told IANS. Currently, more than 10 lakh students attend live classes every month on Vedantu, which has more than 35 million monthly users from over 10,000 cities and more than 50 countries access free content, tests, doubts, videos on Vedantu's platform and its channels on YouTube. Earlier, in a nightmare for nearly 1,000 employees, homegrown edtech startup Lido Learning which is backed by top entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala, shut operations in February this year, forcing its workforce to seek help via social media platforms. Reports surfaced last year about BYJU's acquiring Vedantu for around $600-$700 million -- a deal that never materialised. London, May 5 : Substituting 20 per cent of beef with microbial protein -- a meat alternative produced in fermentation tanks -- could halve deforestation by 2050, suggests a study. The study by a team at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in Germany showed that fungi-based meat alternatives may help save Earth's forests. While beef farming is a top driver of deforestation worldwide, more and more forests that store a lot of carbon are being cleared for cattle grazing or growing its feed. This also increases methane -- a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Thus, eating 20 per cent less meat may also halve the carbon emissions associated with beef, revealed the study published in Nature. "The food system is at the root of a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with ruminant meat production being the single largest source," said lead author Florian Humpenoder, researcher at PIK. Part of the solution could be existing biotechnology: nutritious protein-rich biomass with meat-like texture produced from microbes like fungi through fermentation, what scientists call "microbial protein". It is made in specific cultures just like beer or bread. The microbes are living on sugar and a steady temperature, and getting out a protein-rich product that can taste like, feel like and be as nutritious as red meat. Based on the centuries-old method of fermentation, it was developed in the 1980s. The US Food and Drug Administration greenlighted a microbial protein meat alternative (mycoprotein) as safe in 2002. "The good news is that people do not need to be afraid they can eat only greens in the future. They can continue eating burgers and the like, it's just that those burger patties will be produced in a different way." The team of researchers from Germany and Sweden included microbial protein in a computer simulation model to detect the environmental effects in the context of the whole food and agriculture system, as opposed to previous studies at the level of single products. Under a business-as-usual scenario, meat consumption will likely continue to rise in the future, and more and more forests as well as non-forest natural vegetation may be doomed to extinction for pastures and cropland. The team found that swapping 20 per cent of the world's per-capita beef consumption with mycoprotein by 2050 would reduce methane emissions by 11 per cent and halve the annual deforestation and associated emissions. At the same time substituting "50 per cent of the beef consumed per person for mycoprotein would result in a more than 80 per cent reduction in deforestation and carbon emissions, and replacing 80 per cent of beef with mycoprotein would eliminate about 90 per cent of forest loss," the researchers said in the paper. "So replacing minced red meat with microbial protein would be a great start to reduce the detrimental impacts of present-day beef production," Humpenoder added. Madrid, May 5 : Andy Murray of Britain has withdrawn from the Madrid Open ahead of his match against world number one Novak Djokovic citing an illness, tournament organisers said in a statement on Thursday. Murray defeated Denis Shapovalov of Canada 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open, an ATP 1000 tournament. This is the first time the 34-year-old Murray, the winner of three Grand Slams who has had major hip surgeries, has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final. Following fine wins against two former top-10 players, Dominic Thiem of Austria in the opening round and Shapovalov in the second round, Murray was up against world No.1 Djokovic of Serbia but the organisers informed his inability to play. "Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness," tournament organisers said in a statement on social media. "Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day's play on centre court." Djokovic advances to the quarterfinals with a walkover victory where he will face the winner of Poland's Hubert Hurkacz and Dusan Lajovic. Guwahati, May 5 : An Assam Police official in Nagaon district on Thursday arrested her own fiance on fraud charges, police said. Police said that Junmoni Rabha, who is serving as a Sub-Inspector in Nagaon, came to know about alleged crimes committed by Rana Pogag, filed an FIR herself, and arrested him, a police official said, adding that the accused had reportedly falsely claimed to be a Public Relations Officer of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and allegedly duped many people of lakhs of rupees by promising them to provide jobs in the ONGC. The police official said that they seized 11 fake seals of ONGC and many incriminating documents including fake identity cards from Pogag's home. Rabha, while talking to the media, said that she and Pogag had ceremonially got engaged in October last year and planned to hold the marriage ceremony in November this year. Rabha had hit the headlines in January after a telephonic conversation of her with Bihpuria MLA Amiya Kumar Bhuyan got leaked on social media. Chandigarh, May 5 : Haryana Police on Thursday claimed to have foiled a major terror attack bid with the arrest of four 'highly radicalised Punjab-based terrorists, who were in touch with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), from the Bastara toll plaza in Karnal in a joint operation with their Punjab counterparts and Central security agencies. A large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives were seized from their possession. The accused persons were going to deliver the explosives at Adilabad in Telangana, the police said. Besides key accused Gurpreet Singh, who had met Rajbir Singh, an associate of Pakistan-based handler Harjinder Singh Rinda, in jail, the other suspects have been identified as Bhupinder Singh, Amandeep Singh and Parminder Singh, all from Punjab. They were arrested from the toll plaza when they were on their way to Delhi in a white Toyota Innova. As per the police, the four suspects were in touch with Rinda. Earlier, the terrorists supplied IEDs twice at Nanded in Maharashtra. Additional Director General of Police (law and order), Sandeep Khirwar, said the police have recovered three IEDs, one Pakistan-made pistol, 31 cartridges and Rs 1.30 lakh in cash from the arrested persons. Officials said the weapons were air-dropped using a drone at the behest of Rinda in Ferozepur, Punjab. During interrogation, Gurpreet confessed that they received the explosives from across the border. Superintendent of Police, Ganga Ram Punia, told the media that the terrorists were in regular touch with their handlers in Pakistan who sent locations to them to deliver explosives and weapons. According to forensic experts, each box carried a timer, a detonator and a battery. The detonator and timer were connected to the IEDs but they were not power connected yet. While Gurpreet Singh, Amandeep Singh and Parminder Singh are residents of Ferozepur, Bhupinder Singh is from Ludhiana. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said the explosives were supplied to the accused by Rinda using drones and they had to deliver them at Adilabad in Telangana. He said the case is being investigated and more information will be revealed after the inquiry is completed. A case under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act has been registered against the accused at the Madhuban police station in Karnal. London, May 5 : A Virgin Atlantic flight to New York was forced to turn back to the Heathrow airport in London after the co-pilot admitted that he hadn't passed his last flying test, Daily Mail reported. The plane was over Ireland when the captain was told that the first officer had not completed his training. The Airbus A330, just 40 minutes into its flight, was ordered to return to Heathrow. Passengers landed in the US almost three hours later than planned after the jet - which can carry nearly 300 passengers - was forced to wait on the runway while a qualified replacement was found, Daily Mail reported. The airline told travellers, the issue had been caused by a mistake and apologised. It also assured passengers that safety had not been compromised, with both pilots fully licensed and qualified to operate the aircraft. But a source told The Sun: "You could have cut the tension in the cockpit with a knife. The plane got as far as Ireland and then they found out the first officer was still in training." "The skipper had no choice but to go back to Heathrow and find a more experienced member of the crew. It was embarrassing for everyone and the passengers were furious," it said. The co-pilot needed a 'final assessment flight' with a training captain to be able to fly in line with Virgin Atlantic policy. His role as first officer meant he was responsible for maintaining the safety of the flight, the report said. As a qualified pilot, first officers are also meant to support the captain by communicating with air traffic control and flying the plane. Islamabad, May 5 : PTI leader and former Pakistan Minister Shireen Mazari, in a letter to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, has red-flagged the Shehbaz Sharif government's decision to appoint Rana Sanaullah as the Interior Minister, media reports said. Mazari, who was the Human Rights Minister in the Imran Khan government, has claimed that the Shehbaz Sharif-led government has appointed an "ally of terrorist groups" and an alleged killer as the interior minister, The News reported. The PTI leader has also claimed that Sanaullah, who is an "accused" in the Model Town case, is using the "religion card" against his political rivals. State Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik, while commenting on the issue, said that Mazari had not written a letter but has sent an "appeal" to the UN to "save" the PTI, the report said. "US is conspiring and a request has been sent to the United Nations. Wow, what a conspiracy," said Malik. He also questioned on what basis the PTI leaders were "appealing" to the UN. PM Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in last month after Imran Khan was removed from office via a no-confidence motion. Following his oath, PM Shehbaz had inducted 33 people in his cabinet, and among them was Rana Sanaullah. After Sanaullah had taken oath, he was made the Minister for Interior. Since his elevation to the office the PTI has claimed that the incumbent government would launch a campaign against them. However, PML-N, which is leading the coalition government, has denied that it would do so. Mumbai, May 5 : 'Bigg Boss 15' fame Tejasswi Prakash has finally entered the reality show 'Lock Upp' and her entry definitely has spiced up the content on the show. As the show is approaching the finale, the makers have tried to gain more attention by bringing the romantic element between her and Karan Kundrra. Tejaswwi entered as the warden with a special power 'Queen Card'. She shares: "Lock Upp is winning hearts and has set the social media ablaze from day one. I am ecstatic to enter the show as the power-packed warden." The actress further shares her excitement, saying: "The love I share with my fans and the show drew me here in this badass jail, and I can't wait to bring new twists and turns with the controversial kaidis and Karan." 'Lock Upp' streams on ALTBalaji and MX Player. Kolkata, May 5 : Though nothing has been finalised yet, Union Home Minister Amit Shah might meet BCCI President and former India captain Sourav Ganguly on Friday evening before leaving for Delhi after completing his two-day visit to West Bengal. "The Home Minister is scheduled to attend a cultural programme at the Victoria Memorial on Friday evening. From there he might go to Ganguly's residence in Behala and is likely to have dinner there. He might be accompanied by BJP's Rajya Sabha member Swapan Dasgupta and the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari," a top state BJP leader told IANS on condition of anonymity. Ganguly's wife, Dona Ganguly, an acclaimed Odissi dancer, is scheduled to perform at Victoria Memorial on Friday. The BJP leader also said that during all his visits to the state, Shah goes to the residence of a couple of acclaimed persons from the state. Shah's son Jay Shah is the current Secretary of BCCI. Before the 2021 Assembly elections, there were rumours that Ganguly might join the BJP. "When Shah was in Kolkata before the 2021 Assembly elections, he had expressed his desire to meet Ganguly. However, that did not happen as Ganguly was hospitalised then," the BJP leader said. Srinagar, May 5 : Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Saifuddin Soz said in a statement on Thursday that the J&K Delimitation Commission's recomendation smacks of erroneous assessment. "The Commission's recommendation of adding six Assembly seats to Jammu region and only one seat to Kashmir smacks of its pre-determined erroneous assessment of the situation. Many observers had already suspected that the Commission would play the nefarious game in tandem with the Union government," the statement read. Soz added that the Commission has failed to appreciate that a sizable number of people in Kashmir belong to social castes which carry the same stigma as STs and SCs. "Also, a glaring folly of the Commission is that it has recommended to merge the Anantnag parliamentary constituency with Rajouri and Poonch. This is an impossible situation," the statement said. "The Commission has further committed the blunder of allotting nine Assembly seats to SC/STs, of whom six belong to Jammu region and only three to Kashmir division. "My understanding is that it is still possible for the Union government to consult the state's mainstream political class in this connection," Soz said in the statement. The Delimitation Commission for J&K on Thursday finalised the delimitation order and submitted it to the Election Commission of India wherein it has recommended 43 Assembly seats for Jammu division and 47 seats for the Kashmir region. For the first time, nine Assembly constituencies have been reserved for STs, out of which, six are in Jammu region and three in Kashmir. The constitution of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state had no provision for reservation of seats for STs in the Legislative Assembly. Chandigarh, May 5 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday urged Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit to direct the state government to annul the unconstitutional agreement arrived at with the Delhi government which handed over all its powers to the latter. It also demanded a CBI inquiry into the Patiala clash which it termed a conspiracy to shatter the peace and communal harmony. A senior SAD delegation, led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, which met the Governor in the Raj Bhavan, also asked him to seek legal counsel and take appropriate action against Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and his council of ministers for violating the oath of secrecy by signing away control of the state to the Delhi government. It apprised the Governor that the agreement signed between the Punjab and Delhi governments was against the spirit of federalism. Asserting that it was for the first time in the history of the country that an elected state had ceded its administration to another state, the SAD delegation urged the Governor to direct the Punjab government not to allow the Delhi government to interfere in its internal affairs. It said no official file should be sent to Delhi for perusal, saying Punjabis would never tolerate such subjugation by the Delhi government. Badal apprised the Governor about the recent clash in Patiala and how the Chief Minister refused to take any action to avert it despite having been given notice in advance. Asserting that there seemed to be a deep-rooted conspiracy to divert attention from the failures of the AAP government through such actions, Badal said it was even more disconcerting that instead of taking action against the main conspirators, the AAP government tried to turn it into a fight between two political parties. The delegation said even now, no effort was being made to book the miscreants and innocents were being harassed. It said only a CBI inquiry or a probe by a sitting judge of the high court could unmask the conspiracy and ensure justice in the case. New Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir Delimitation Commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra and state election commissioner (SEC) KK Sharma signs the final order for Delimitation of the Un Image Source: IANS News New Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir Delimitation Commission headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra and state election commissioner (SEC) KK Sharma signs the final order for Delimitation of the Un Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, May 5 : The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir has recommended two nominated members, including one female, from the Kashmiri migrant community to the Assembly on the lines of the Pudducherry Assembly. The Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday finalised the delimitation order and submitted it to the Election Commission of India wherein it recommended 43 Assembly seats for Jammu division and 47 seats for the Kashmir region. For the first time, nine Assembly constituencies have been reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, out of which, six are in Jammu region and three in Kashmir. The constitution of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state had no provision for reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly. As per the final delimitation order, out of the 90 Assembly constituencies in the region, 43 will be part of Jammu region and 47 for Kashmir region, keeping in view the provisions of Section 9(1)(a) of the Delimitation Act, 2002 and Section 60(2)(b) of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the order said. The six new Assembly constituencies in the Jammu region are expected to be carved out from Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Kathua and Samba districts. The one new seat for the Kashmir Valley would reportedly be carved out from the Kupwara district. As of now there are 46 seats in Kashmir region and 37 seats are in Jammu division. New Delhi, May 5 : The Supreme Court on Thursday gave last opportunity to Centre to file its response on petitions challenging the sedition law, and also agreed to hear arguments on whether the case should be referred to a larger bench. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, submitted before a bench, headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, that a draft is ready in the case and it is awaiting approval from competent authority, and sought an extension to file the counter affidavit. As the Chief Justice told Mehta that 9 or 10 months ago, notice was issued on the petitions, and asked him to argue without the counter-affidavit, Mehta mentioned that fresh matters have been filed in the case and requested the court to grant more time -- given the nature of the matter and its repercussions. At this the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, said: "It is a question of law and we are sure you can assist us in the matter. What is the issue?" However, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal said he is ready to argue the matter. He said the sedition law is valid, in view of the Kedar Nath Singh case judgement (1962), which balanced freedom of speech and security of state. Urging the top court to lay down guidelines to prevent misuse of the law, he said: "Misuse (of the sedition law) is controlled... the question of reference (of Kedar Nath Singh case to a larger bench) does not arise." The Supreme Court in the Kedar Nath Singh case clarified that only those acts, which involved incitement to violence or violence, constituted a seditious act under Section 124 A of the IPC. The AG, who is assisting the court in personal capacity, said: "You've seen what's happening in the country...someone was detained as they wanted to recite Hanuman Chalisa, they've been released on bail...the single most important thing is what is permissible and what is not permissible... this is very important." The AG was referring to the case of the Rana couple in Mumbai, who were charged with sedition for wanting to recite the Hanuman Chalisa as he emphasised that the law should not be repealed, rather more clearly defined. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing one of the petitioners, submitted that the three-judge bench can consider the matter, instead of referring to a larger bench. "Colonial masters do not control us anymore. We own our own destiny... no longer subjects of the crown," he said, adding that the three-judge bench can go into the issue ignoring Kedar Nath. As Sibal added that his client's petition did not seek reconsideration of Kedar Nath, the bench, however, pointed out that other petitioners sought the reconsideration of the verdict. Sibal elaborated that Kedar Nath judgment had confused between the state government and the Centre, and quoted what Mahatma Gandhi said about sedition offence - "It is my right to create disaffection against the government". The AG countered that they have to show what is wrong with the Kedar Nath judgment, and added that the issue is not with the law, but with its misuse and abuse. Venugopal argued that individual cases can be examined, where the law was implemented in a bad way, and opposed referring the petitions against sedition law to a larger bench. "Law which is fair and valid but is implemented in an unfair and abusive manner will not make the law unconstitutional..." he said. Sibal said many changes had taken place since the Kedar Nath Singh judgment. After hearing arguments, the bench sought written submissions from the Centre and petitioners and scheduled the matter for hearing on question of reference to a larger bench on Tuesday. Giving the last opportunity to Mehta to file a written response on the petitions by Monday, the bench said it will not give any further extension. The top court was hearing petitions filed by Major General S.G. Vombatkere (retd) and the Editors Guild of India and others, challenging the constitutional validity of Section 124A which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Vombatkere's plea argued that a statute criminalising expression based on unconstitutionally vague definitions of 'disaffection towards government', etc., is an unreasonable restriction on the fundamental right to free expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) and causes constitutionally impermissible 'chilling effect' on the speech. Kathmandu, May 5 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left for home from Kathmandu on Thursday evening after his 'controversial' stay in Nepal. Rahul Gandhi had arrived in Kathmandu on Monday to participate in the wedding function of his friend, Sumnima Udas, who earlier worked with the CNN and is believed to have become friends with the Congress leader when she was posted as India correspondent for the news channels. Soon after landing in Kathmandu, Rahul Gandhi was spotted at a nightclub with some friends of Sumnima on Monday night, triggering a myriad of reactions in India with the BJP taking potshots at the Congress leader. Some even said that he was cozying with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, at the night club. But security agencies in Kathmandu and the owner of the club later clarified that the lady seen with Rahul Gandhi was not the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, but a relative from the bride's side, who recently came from the US. It was baseless to link Rahul Gandhi with the foreign diplomat, said a security official, who termed it purely as a family affair. However, despite rumours doing the rounds, Rahul Gandhi did not make any comment about his trip to Nepal. It is not known why Rahul Gandhi left for India by cutting short his trip by a day. Earlier, he was planning to stay in Kathmandu up to Friday. The marriage reception is planned for Friday evening at a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. After the controversy on Monday night, Rahul Gandhi attended the marriage ceremony of Sumnima on Tuesday evening and left for a resort near Kathmandu to spend the night and the next day. He took a regular Vistara flight to Delhi on Thursday evening, a senior security official told IANS. Mumbai, May 5 : Stepping out of the Byculla women's prison a day after getting bail, Independent MP from Amravati, Navneet Kaur-Rana, was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital after she complained of back and chest pain, officials said here on Thursday. Her husband and Independent MLA from Badnera in Amravati district, Ravi Rana, was also released from the Taloja jail in Raigad district on Thursday, from where he went straight to the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra where his wife is admitted. The couple had secured conditional bail from a sessions court on Wednesday, but they could not go home the same day as the formalities were not completed. A weary Navneet Kaur greeted the media and her supporters outside the prison with folded hands, but didn't say anything. From there she was driven to the hospital for various tests and treatment. Meanwhile, BJP activist Kirit Somaiya slammed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), calling it a government of Uddhav Thackeray's 'goons' who ensured that Navneet Kaur spent 12 days in jail because she wanted to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa', and then had to be taken to the hospital. Her lawyers said that she was suffering from high blood pressure, and chest and back pain. The Ranas were arrested from their home on April 23 after they threatened to go to 'Matoshri', the private residence of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Bandra East, to chant 'Hanuman Chalisa'. Their plan led to massive tensions as their supporters and Shiv Sena activists prepared for a conflict even as the Mumbai Police deployed heavy security. Though the couple later withdrew their plan in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai the following day (April 24), the police slapped various charges, including sedition, on them. The couple was remanded to 14-day judicial custody. New Delhi, May 5 : Consumer electronics manufacturers on Thursday said that owing to hike in raw material costs and shipment delays amid lockdowns in China, they have no option but to increase prices of consumer goods by 5-7 per cent soon for the Indian consumers. The electronics industry worldwide continues to face raw material shortage given the ongoing Covid situation in China. "In the near future, we do see a grim scenario in India if the current, 4-5 weeks delay in shipments continues," Avneet Singh Marwah, CEO of Super Plastronics Pvt. Ltd (SPPL), told IANS. "The shortage of raw materials has caused major instability in prices and as a company, we will also have to hike our prices by 5-7 per cent," he added. Smartphones, laptops, TVs, ACs as well as imported watches are set to get costlier. Industry experts said prices of these consumer goods could even go up to 10 per cent. According to Anand Dubey, CEO, Indkal Technologies Pvt Ltd, since the pandemic started, the industry has been experiencing issues in the supply chain. "The Russia-Ukraine war has only aggravated the problem as these countries are two of the largest producers of key minerals used in the manufacturing of chips," Dubey told IANS. "In fact, a prolonged period of war could result in further distress and complexities. While we have been taking many tactical measures to keep a check on the price impact of all these issues, it remains a challenge to sustain current prices," Dubey added. The electronics sector has already been raising prices by 2-3 per cent every quarter owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. With supply chain disruptions, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have also been forced to increase the prices of daily-use products. Lockdowns in China have delayed shipments across industries and consumer electronics has taken the maximum hit. In June and July, India will see major annual sales being held by e-commerce platforms. Experts are worried that the ongoing crisis can even spill over to the festive sales season. "This will definitely hit the overall demand for the sector as India is a price-sensitive market. Until stability is brought about, the end consumer will continue to see a rise in price of most products," said Marwah of SPPL, an exclusive brand licensee of THOMSON in the country. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Srinagar, May 5 : An army officer was injured after he slipped off a cliff in J&K's Baramulla district on Thursday, police said. Police sources said that the Para officer, identified as Major Ragunath was injured after he fell off a cliff in Uri sector during patrolling. "He was immediately evacuated to the hospital for treatment," a source said. New York, May 5 : In a breakthrough, US scientists have discovered a single master gene that programmes ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, overcoming a major hurdle that had prevented the development of these cells to restore hearing. Hearing loss due to ageing, noise and certain cancer therapy drugs and antibiotics has been irreversible to date because scientists have not been able to reprogramme existing cells to develop into the outer and inner ear sensory cells -- essential for hearing - once they die. "Our finding gives us the first clear cell switch to make one type versus the other," said lead author Jaime Garcia-Anoveros, Professor of Anaesthesia, Neurology, and Neuroscience at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "It will provide a previously unavailable tool to make an inner or outer hair cell. We have overcome a major hurdle," Garcia-Anoveros added. In the paper published in the journal Nature, the team described the master gene switch - TBX2. When the gene is expressed, the cell becomes an inner hair cell. When the gene is blocked, the cell becomes an outer hair cell. The ability to produce one of these cells will require a gene cocktail, Garcia-Anoveros said. The ATOH1 and GF1 genes are needed to make a cochlear hair cell from a non-hair cell. Then the TBX2 would be turned on or off to produce the needed inner or outer cell. The goal would be to reprogramme supporting cells, which are latticed among the hair cells and provide them with structural support, into outer or inner hair cells. "We can now figure out how to make specifically inner or outer hair cells and identify why the latter are more prone to dying and cause deafness," Garcia-Anoveros said. He, however, stressed that the research is still in the experimental stage. Currently, scientists can produce an artificial hair cell, but it does not differentiate into an inner or outer cell, which provide different essential functions to produce hearing. The discovery is a major step towards developing these specific cells. The death of outer hair cells made by the cochlea are most often the cause of deafness and hearing loss. The cells develop in the embryo and do not reproduce. The outer hair cells expand and contract in response to the pressure of sound waves and amplify sound for the inner hair cells. The inner cells transmit those vibrations to the neurons to create the sounds we hear. "The ear is a beautiful organ. There is no other organ in a mammal where the cells are so precisely positioned. (I mean, with micrometric precision). Otherwise, hearing doesn't occur," Garcia-Anoveros said. New Delhi, May 5 : China hosts the largest number of distributed denial of service (DDoS) botnet agents globally at 34 per cent, followed by India which hosts 10 per cent of the DDoS botnet agents, a new report showed on Thursday. Moreover, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is among the top five ASNs (autonomous system numbers) hosting DDoS botnet agents (at 5 per cent) among others, claimed the DDoS 'Threat Report 2022' by US-based tech firm A10 Networks. DDoS weapons are on the rise and the threat intelligence research team tracked 15.4 million unique DDoS weapons in 2021. "Recent events underscore the often devastating impact that cyber-attacks have on governments and businesses around the world," said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO of A10 Networks. North America has twice as many DDoS weapons per person compared to Asia, the report noted. During the second half of last year, the 'Log4j' vulnerability became a key concern for the organisations worldwide. There was an increase of over 100 per cent, year-over-year, of more obscure potential amplification weapons, including Apple Remote Desktop (ARD), which was used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On March 21, the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration issued guidance urging organisations to act quickly to protect against cyber attacks and state-sponsored cyber warfare given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Thiruvananthapuram, May 5 : The Congress party in Kerala on Thursday warned the BJP/RSS to keep away from Wayanad as it's not a fertile ground for the Sangh Parivar forces and it would be foolish to be on the trail of Rahul Gandhi. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala took strong exception to the political trail that Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani blazed in the Lok Sabha constituency of Gandhi recently. "The political upmanship undertaken by Irani at Wayanad has been dismissed by the people as all know that in the state the maximum development has taken place in Wayanad constituency. One fails to understand why she did this. This is nothing but cheap politicking and we wish to point out that Wayanad is not a fertile ground in which to play communal politics," said Chennithala. "The state BJP leadership should have told her this as Irani can play politics, but it's not good for someone who has taken oath as a Union Minister to indulge in cheap politicking. The people of Wayanad have dismissed the politicking undertaken by her," added Chennithala. Incidentally while interacting with the media that day, when asked if she is planning to contest from Wayanad, she instantly replied, "I am not Rahul Gandhi,". Wayanad district has the largest population of tribals in the state and their condition continues to be poor, despite the numerous Central schemes for their upliftment. According to the 2011 Census, the Scheduled Tribe population in Kerala is 4,84,839 (1.5 per cent of the total population). Wayanad district has the highest number of tribals (1,51,443) in the state. Superstar Suresh Gopi, a nominated member of the Upper House and whose term ended last month, in his last few speeches in parliament raised the issue of how centrally sponsored schemes for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden and for the SC/ST communities in Kerala are not getting due attention. This prompted Irani to visit Wayanad. Kochi, May 5 : A 'blue corner' notice has been issued against rape-accused Malayalam actor-producer Vijay Babu, who is presently on the run and believed to be in Dubai, Kerala Police said on Thursday. Kochi City Police Commissioner C.H. Nagaraju said the 'blue corner' notice has been issued and all steps will be done to bring him back at the earliest. Babu, according to the police, is on the run after a female film colleague, hailing from Kozhikode, filed a complaint in Ernakulam on April 22 that she was raped and beaten up by him a few times at a flat in Kochi. Soon after the news surfaced, Babu appeared live on his social media handle claiming that he was the "real victim" in this case, and that he would take appropriate legal steps against the complainant, whom he also named. The police, apart from her complaint, have registered a second case against the actor for disclosing the name of the complainant. She has also accused the actor of making her intoxicated her before the sexual abuse. Babu, while on the run, filed an anticipatory bail plea but the Kerala High Court gave him no relied, posting the case to be taken up after the summer recess on May 18. Beijing, May 5 : Concerned about sweeping Russia-style sanctions from the West, Beijing has ordered a comprehensive "stress test" to study the implications of a similar scenario for its economy, The Guardian reported. According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, an extensive exercise began around late February and early March when Western allies imposed unprecedented sanctions against Moscow after Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. Several key Chinese government agencies -- from banking regulation to international trade -- have been asked to come up with responses if the West imposed the same embargoes on China, The Guardian reported. "Those involved in this exercise use how Russia was treated as a baseline for China's own policy response should it be treated in a same fashion by the west. This stress test involves a range of methodology, including modelling," the person added. Beijing did not specify why it has asked its vast bureaucracy to carry out such an exercise, the person said. The source said that it was a "natural reaction" from Beijing given its close relationship with Moscow. A second source, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Chinese diplomats had in the past few weeks also been meeting experts to understand the trajectory of this conflict. "From Beijing's perspective, if the US-led western allies could take such measures against Moscow, they could also do the same to China. Therefore, it needs to know how resilient the country really is," said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace based in Beijing, The Guardian reported. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Washington, May 5 : The US has condemned the terror attack in the University of Karachi targeting Chinese nationals last week and has hinted at resuming cooperation with Pakistan on counter-terrorism and border security, media reports said. The Karachi attack, which left three Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver dead, was a major setback for Pakistan, but the country has also faced several attacks from across the border since August 2021 when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Samaa TV reported. Before the American withdrawal, Pakistan and the US had been coordinating border-control of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at various levels and with a varying degree of success for years, the report said. US State Department spokesperson Ned Price was asked a question about the terror attack in Karachi and the US security assistance for Pakistan, which was suspended by the previous Donald Trump administration. Ned Price first condemned the terror attack and then discussed resumption of security cooperation. "We strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Karachi University, and we reiterate that condemnation today. A terrorist attack anywhere is an affront to humanity, but for a terrorist attack to take place at a university, or at a religious site, or at some of the locations we've seen recently - that is a true affront to mankind," he said. Speaking about security cooperation, the State Department spokesperson said, "We value our bilateral relationship. We want to continue to work together in areas where we do share mutual interest with our Pakistani partners. That includes counter-terrorism. That includes border security as well," Samaa TV reported. Aizawl, May 5 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday praised the people of Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura for generating the least plastic waste as per a study by NITI Aayog, terming it a good example of responsible consumption and production. Addressing the 16th convocation of the Mizoram University in Aizawl, he said that despite busy traffic, the dutiful people of Aizawl refrain from honking and this practice is worth appreciating and may be adopted by people in other cities too. Kovind also said that with the second-highest literacy levels in the country, Mizoram is a truly modern state ready to take off for higher achievements. According to the 2011 census, literacy rate in Mizoram is 91.58 per cent. He also said that Mizoram is blessed with natural resources in abundance. "A region which is rich in biodiversity offers vast opportunities for research and development. However, it is our responsibility to strike the right balance between development and sustainability," he said adding that the environment in this state as well as the other northeastern states needs to be preserved with care. The President said that according to progress on Goal - 4 of UN Sustainable Development Goals which pertains to providing Quality Education, NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2020-21 shows that Mizoram with a score of 60 performed better than the national average of 57. "An interesting point that figured in the analysis was that the score for Goal - 4 ranked Aizawl as the top performer among all districts of the northeastern states." He urged the people of Aizawl to handhold and encourage the people in the other districts of the state to improve their social indices and participate in the process of national development. The President said that the entrepreneurship development activities and establishment of "Technology Incubation Centers" in the Mizoram University extending support to the budding entrepreneurs to nurture their ideas with innovation and creativity is a step in the right direction. He appreciated those initiatives of the university to promote innovation and transform it into enterprise. "This is the key to bring about change in our society and economy." Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, who is also Chief Rector of Mizoram University and Chief Minister Zoramthanga among other dignitaries were present in the convocation. The Mizoram University, which was set up in 2001, was accredited 'A' grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in 2019 and it was ranked as one of the top 100 Universities in India, assessed by the National Institutional Ranking Framework rankings in 2016, 2017 and 2018 under Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Education Ministry). Jammu, May 5 : To make the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) more efficient, effective and focused in its operations, the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council (AC), which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the proposal of Housing and Urban Development Department to reorganise the corporation, officials said on Thursday. The decision has been taken in consideration of the fact that JMC has grown from an initial number of 23 wards covering an area of 32 sq km to 71 wards spread over 112 sq km, without any corresponding increase in its manpower or infrastructure. Currently, against the total sanctioned strength of 2,623 posts, 1,540 regular employees are in position, whereas 1,741 workers have been outsourced with additional 724 on casual/contractual arrangement. The annual expenditure incurred by JMC on this account is Rs 106.81 crore. Post reorganisation, the JMC will have dedicated wings for administration, revenue, health and sanitation, solid waste management, building, accounts and planning, legal, veterinary, transport, informatics, engineering, floriculture and miscellaneous activities. Accordingly, some positions will be outsourced with the twin objective of hiring the staff as per requirement without much stress on the resources and ensuring association of technical experts with the corporation. Further, to provide fillip to the agency's revenue generation towards establishing a self-sustainable model of local governance, JMC will also be able to levy property tax; revise building permission fee; revise rent in respect of shops, open spaces and buildings; rationalise existing fleet/vehicles; auction materials; levy charges in respect of water filling; collect tower fee; enhance compounding fee in respect of impounded items and goods, among others. The Administrative Council also approved an additional financial grant of Rs 3.26 crore per annum for optimal functioning of the Jammu Municipal Corporation. New Delhi, May 5 : The Election Commission on Thursday issued notice to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's brother and state MLA Basant Soren in the mining lease issue. Basant Soren is the MLA from Dumka. The ECI has already sent a notice to Hemant Soren seeking his stand on charges that he issued a mining lease in the state in his favour. In the notice, the Commission said that his act prima facie violates Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, which deals with the disqualification of a lawmaker for the government contract. In April, the Commission also contacted the Jharkhand Chief Secretary, asking him to authenticate documents related to the lease allotment. The Commission has already started examining a set of documents and details furnished to it from the state government in the last week of April on a stone mining lease allotted to the present CM of the state by state authorities. Section 9A of the PR Act says that a person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, there subsists a contract entered into by him in the course of his trade or business with the appropriate government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any works undertaken by that government. On April 28, the Chief Secretary submitted an entire set of documents related to the mining lease to the poll body. The EC will examine the reply of the notice sent to Soren before taking a final view on the matter and will be sending the same to the Governor. Patna, May 5 : Political strategist Prashant Kishor on Thursday ruled out the caste factor as the key one deciding the fate of a political party in Bihar. Giving the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said: "At present, Narendra Modi is achieving the highest number of votes in Bihar but how many people belong to his caste staying in Bihar? I believe there are not many people of his caste staying in Bihar. That means, caste is not the only factor on which people can vote here." "In every caste and community, some people vote above caste and community. Besides, if I form a political party, I would not be the only one to contest the election. People of every caste and community contest elections from my party," he added. PK, as Kishor is known, also slammed the current Nitish Kumar government and the previous RJD regime. "Bihar is extremely backward compared to other states and current and previous governments are responsible for it," he said. Giving an example of 'Saat Nishchay Yojana' (seven point policies) which is a pet project of the Nitish Kumar government, Kishor said: "I was the one who prepared the Saat Nischay Yojana part 1 and 2 for Nitish Kumar government after he came in power in 2015. Now, critics are putting question marks on this Yojana but it is not my fault. My job was to prepare that policy and the execution would be done by the state government. If they failed to execute the policy, they will be answerable for the non-execution of the Saat Nishchay Yojana on ground. Please ask questions to the Chief Minister and cabinet ministers of his government." New Delhi, May 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked the President of Madagascar, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, for acknowledging India's leadership in promoting the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). In response to a tweet by the President of Madagascar, Modi tweeted, "Thank you President @SE_Rajoelina. The challenges faced by Island States due to climate change are a key focus of our efforts under the CDRI initiative to create resilient infrastructure." Earlier, Rajoelina had tweeted, "I thank Prime Minister @narendramodi for India's leadership in promoting climate and disaster resilience through this Coalition. I am convinced that our activities will be fruitful, with direct impacts on people's lives." On Wednesday, Modi addressed the inaugural session of the fourth edition of the international conference on disaster resilient infrastructure through a video message. Modi had reminded the gathering that the solemn promise of the sustainable development goals is to leave no one behind. "That is why, we remain committed to meeting the needs of the poorest and the most vulnerable by building the next generation infrastructure to realise their aspirations," he had said. The Prime Minister had also said that infrastructure is about people and providing them high quality, dependable and sustainable services in an equitable manner. "People must be at the heart of any infrastructure growth story. And that is exactly what we in India are doing," he had said. Bhopal, May 5 : Two days after two tribal men were lynched by a group of people in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district on suspicion of cow smuggling, the police have detained 14 persons for interrogation in connection with the case. Some people reached Simaria village under Kurai police station in Seoni district in the wee hours of Tuesday after coming to know of alleged cow smuggling in the area. They started beating those who were allegedly involved in the act. Two people were killed and one person received serious injuries in the incident. In protest, members of the tribal community blocked a stretch of National Highway 44, demanding justice. According to the police, the victims were identified as Dhansa (54) and Sampat Batti (60) The police said that out of the 14 persons detained, nine were held within 24 hours of the incident, while the others were detained later. The state government has provided an ex-gratia of Rs 8.5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and assured a job to one member each from their family. The incident triggered a political controversy in the region with local Congress MLA Arjun Singh Kakodiya alleging that those involved in the lynching were associated with the Bajrang Dal. The state Congress leadership has also sharpened its attack on the ruling BJP and has formed its own team to prepare a report of the incident. The incident came nearly two weeks after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the state and addressed a gathering of tribals in Bhopal on April 22. During the event, the state government had announced several beneficiary schemes for the tribal communities. New Delhi, May 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually address the inaugural session of Jain International Trade Organisation's 'JITO Connect 2022' on May 6. "At 10:30 am tomorrow, 6th May, I will address the inaugural ceremony of JITO Connect. This platform, organised by the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), will bring together young businesspersons who are doing work in different fields," Modi tweeted. Jain International Trade Organisation is a global body connecting Jains worldwide. JITO Connect is an endeavour to help the industry by providing an avenue for mutual networking and personal interactions. JITO Connect 2022 is a three-day event being organised in Pune from May 6-8 and will encompass multiple sessions on diverse issues relating to business and economy. Hyderabad, May 5 : BJP national President J.P. Nadda on Thursday claimed that people of Telangana want a change in the state by bringing BJP to power so that the state can benefit from double-engine growth. Nadda was addressing a public meeting at Mahaboobnagar as part of the ongoing 'Praja Sangram Yatra' of BJP's state unit chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar. He said that BJP's victory in the Dubbaka and Huzurabad Assembly by-elections reflect the people's mood, adding that the defeat of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in the by-elections has disturbed Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He also alleged that the Telangana government headed by KCR, as Chandrasekhar Rao is popularly known, is one of the most corrupt governments. "The Kaleshwaram project has become an ATM for KCR, a milking cow for him as he revised its cost from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 1.20 lakh crore, but not even one inch of land has been irrigated," Nadda said. The BJP chief claimed that Palamuru Rangareddy, Dindi, Nettampadu and all other irrigation projects have failed. He alleged that there is corruption in Mission Kakatiya, Mission Bhagiratha and the Harithaharam scheme, saying: "KCR government is working like a land mafia." Nadda also slammed TRS for what he calls appeasement politics and dubbed TRS as 'Telangana Razakar Samiti'. He said the government was adopting a policy of divide and rule. He also alleged that the KCR government renamed various Central schemes but the benefits of these schemes are still not reaching the people. Nadda claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is concerned for the development of Telangana. Heaping praise on Prime Minister Modi, the BJP chief said when developed countries like the US, Germany, France and Italy were shaken by Coronavirus, Modi saved the country of 130 crore population. Stating that India is changing, he said the country has become one of the biggest exporters with exports worth Rs 400 billion. Earlier, addressing the office-bearers of the party, he said that BJP has got a good chance in Telangana, as he asked the state party leaders to make use of the same. He advised the party leaders to work to strengthen the party from the booth level. He also asked them to reach out to the Dalits and interact with them to know their problems. Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, MP Arvind Dharmapuri and other party leaders also addressed the public meeting. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Amaravati, May 5 : Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Taneti Vanitha's comments on a recent gang rape incident at Repalle Railway Station have sparked a row. She stated that the accused had not come there with the intention to rape the woman. "They were drunk and they attacked the man to rob him. When she tried to save her husband, they pushed and tied her and in the process, something happened," she said while talking to reporters. Vanitha also remarked that certain incidents happen unwittingly due to psychological reasons or poverty. Her comments came after a woman was gang raped at Repalle Railway Station in Bapatla district on the night of April 30. Three persons, including a juvenile, attacked the man at the railway station and when her wife tried to save him, they pulled her aside and raped her. Police have arrested the accused. This was the second gang rape in less than two weeks. A mentally challenged woman was gang raped at government hospital in Vijayawada on April 19-20. The victim was confined to a room in the hospital and sexually assaulted for 30 hours by three contract employees of the hospital. The Minister's comments evoked strong criticism from the opposition parties. BJP's state General Secretary S. Vishnuvardhan Reddy wondered how the Home Minister, being a woman, could make such reckless comments. This is the second time in recent days that the Home Minister has made controversial comments in the wake of increasing number of atrocities on women. She earlier had blamed mothers for not being responsible for the upbringing of their children. "Without the mothers fulfilling their responsibility, it's not right to blame police or government for such incidents," she had said. Reacting to this, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, while addressing a meeting in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, asked: "In that case, what comments should be made against Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's mother considering his case and dubious record?" TDP women's wing Chairperson V. Anitha also reacted to the Home Minister's remarks. "If mothers are responsible for the child's conduct, is Y.S. Vijayamma not responsible for Jagan Reddy being in jail for 16 months," she asked. Jaipur, May 5 : At the 'Hunkar Rally' organised by the BJP in Alwar on Thursday, the party leaders attacked the Congress government in Rajasthan over a range of issues, including communal violence, temple demolition, farmers' loan waiver, law and order, power cut, unemployment allowance, pending recruitments etc. A large crowd from 11 Assembly constituencies of Alwar district participated in the rally, which raised voice against the recent cases communal violence in Karauli and Jodhpur, as well as the temple demolition in Rajgarh. Addressing the rally, BJP state unit chief Satish Poonia said that the Congress will be ousted from power in the 2023 Assembly elections. "The sound of the slogans demanding Congress' ouster has reached Delhi, which has increased the heartbeat of Sonia Gandhi," Poonia said. "Take the example of our students' experience in war-hit Ukraine to know how a government is run. A student on his return from Ukraine said that firing stopped they saw the tricolour with him. It is our good fortune that Narendra Modi's government is at the Centre," Poonia said. Further attacking the Congress government in the state, he said, "Ever since the Congress came to power in the state in 2018, people have been divided in the name of caste, religion and politics. Rajasthan was the most peaceful state, but now the situation is changing... The image of the state has been tarnished." Poonia also accused Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of allowing a PFI (Popular Front of India) rally in Kota but banning processions on Ram Navami and Hindu New Year. "There were attacks on Hindus in Karauli and Jodhpur, while the PFI is spreading its base in the state... The Chief Minister is responsible for this," he added. Alwar remains a stronghold of criminals due to the patronage of the Congress government, so the BJP has started its Hunkar Rally from here, he said. Addressing the rally, Alwar MP Balaknath said, "This is a Mughal government which we have to uproot. Congress has Mughal traits in its DNA, not Sanatan Dharma." "The culture of Rajasthan is that of harmony and love, yet we are humiliated by the actions of the government," he added. New Delhi/Lakhimpur Kheri, May 5 : As members of the Samyukt Kisan Morch (SKM) went to meet Lakhimpur Kheri victims and some farmers on Thursday, a drama unfolded on Twitter when a former member accused Yogendra Yadav of changing sides. Gurmeet Singh Charuni, one of the former SKM leaders, had tweeted that Yadav needs to clarify on which side he is. Charuni alleged that Yadav had met the "killer minister as he sympathised with his son and had said that voices of Minister's family members are still fresh in his mind, they had posed several questions and claimed to be farmers themselves". However, by late evening, he had deleted the tweet. Yadav's Jai Kisan Andolan is part of the consortium of the farmers' bodies, the SKM. Deepak Lamba, national Vice President of Jai Kisan Andolan, replied to Charuni's tweet with a graphic and a caption. "Propoganda" read the caption below which was a screen short of Charuni's tweet and next to it was "Truth" with a photo of Yadav with families of martyr farmers. Below it in Hindi was an explainer how it was on Yadav's insistence that advocate Prashant Bhushan ensured that the Minister's son did not get a bail. Yadav did not tweet or say anything. On October 4, 2021 when scores of farmers were protesting - as part of the then anti-farm laws agitation - when a car belonging to Ashish Mishra Teni, son of Union Minister of State for Home, Ajay Mishra mowed down about half a dozen people. A large delegation of the SKM visited Lakhimpur Kheri, and met the families of the victims of the ghastly massacre from October 2021 and also of the farmers who were "unjustly arrested on murder charges." "The SKM visit took place in the background of the recent re-arrest of Ashish Mishra Teni after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail. Right from the beginning, the SKM has been in regular touch with the affected families and has given them all help, including legal aid in the Supreme Court," the SKM said in a statement. The SKM delegation met the District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of Police and other officials, and raised the demands such as removal from the Union Cabinet and arrest on charge of conspiracy of Ajay Mishra Teni, withdrawal of murder charges and all cases on farmers, compensation to all those injured in the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre and full security to the witnesses in the case, and giving them licenses to carry firearms for their protection among others. The SKM delegation was led by Rakesh Tikait, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Yudhvir Singh, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Ashok Dhawale, Surjit Phul and Harinder Singh Lakhowal among others and was accompanied by several local leaders of the SKM in Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur and elsewhere. New Delhi, May 5 : The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended allowing administration of the precautionary dose of Covid vaccine before nine months for those flying abroad, sources said. At present, the Union Health Ministry has set a nine month gap after the second dose for the administration of precaution dose. The source also confirmed that this recommendation has not been made for all. So, the gap of nine months between second doses and precaution doses will continue for those in India. The NTAGI discussed and recommended this in a meeting held on Wednesday. India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and 60 plus population from January 10 this year. From April 10, all those above 18 years of age were eligible to get the precaution dose after the completion of 9 months of their second doses. Meanwhile, India's Covid-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 189.79 crore on Thursday evening. More than more than 14 lakh (14,41,596) vaccine doses have been administered till 7 p.m.. As of now, a total of 2,90,75,352 precaution doses have been administered so far in India. Guwahati, May 6 : To mark the first anniversary of the BJP led government's second term in Assam, the saffron party and its three allies would organise a diverse programme including yoga sessions, party sources said on Thursday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led BJP dominated government in the state would complete one year on May 10. Different other sources said that Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah would visit Guwahati on May 9 and 10, and he would attend various official and party events here. An Assam government official said that Shah on May 9 would hold a meeting with the Border Security Force official and would inaugurate the super-specialty hospital of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Assam Pradesh BJP President Bhabesh Kalita said that the MLAs of BJP and its allies -- Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF) -- would take stock of the works done in their respective constituencies in last one year and will chalk out the roadmap for years ahead on Friday. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister on Thursday tweeted: "We have already embarked on fulfilling our promise of providing one lakh jobs in Govt. Recruitment processes for various posts are in different stages. To begin with, we will distribute 23,000 appointment letters of Home, Health and Education Departments on 14 May, 2022." In the last year's Assembly elections, the BJP led government in Assam returned to power for the second consecutive term. The newly patented ANID technology, implemented in the hospitals in Clinerions global hospital network on Patient Network Explorer since 2017, significantly increases the security of private information when using patient medical records to evaluate study feasibility, or identifying patients for enrollment in clinical trials. The ANID technology exclusively uses fully de-identified records, wherein all identifiable personal information and patient record identifiers have been completely stripped from medical records before use, with no use of pseudo-IDs (pseudonymization). The duly authorized clinical trial manager at the hospital may however still identify eligible patients. In contrast to a pseudonymization process, which relies on storing identifying information in two separate locations (pseudo-ID and lookup table) and enables identification when the two pieces of the puzzle are combined, ANID technology involves three pieces (de-identified record, structure calculation and lookup table). This provides the fundamental advantage of using fully de-identified data which yet allows patient identification. While offering a new, enhanced level of data protection, ANID maintains all the advantages of the existing Clinerion technology, such as following HIPAA rules regarding protection against accidental identification. Query results for feasibility requests are stored in the Clinerion secure private cloud environment, which only sees aggregated counts of the patients which fit the queries. The performance of the Clinerion Patient Network Explorer is not affected, results still appear in real-time and trial recruitment remains more efficient and effective than through conventional methods. Patient data security by design is one of the core principles of the whole Patient Network Explorer pipeline, says Dr. Andreas Walter, Clinerion Chief Technology Officer. We are proud of having received the ANID patent in addition to another patent for the Patient Network Explorer infrastructure received in 2021. Clinerion has always been very clear that patients are at the center of everything that we do, says Dr. Bars Erdogan, Clinerion Chief Executive Officer. By extension, protection of patient data is also at the forefront of our concerns. This is why we came up with the idea of ANID: to ensure patient privacy. The patent EP 2017/069859, PATIENT RECRUITMENT SYSTEM, was published in the European Patent Bulletin 2022/16 on April 20th, 2022. The patent was submitted on August 4th, 2017. The related US patent is expected to be published soon. About Clinerion Clinerion accelerates clinical research and medical access to treatments for patients. We generate real-world data from our global network of partner hospitals for Real World Evidence analyses. Clinerion's Patient Network Explorer radically improves the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trial recruitment by offering data-driven protocol optimization, site feasibility evaluation and real-time patient search and identification to match patients to treatments. Clinerion facilitates the participation of partner hospitals in leading-edge, industry-sponsored trials and time savings in patient recruitment. Researchers gain access to real-time, longitudinal patient data from electronic health records for analysis. We enable pharmaceutical companies, CROs and SMOs to shorten patient recruitment and save costs by streamlining operations and leveraging strategic intelligence. Clinerions Patient Network Explorer also provides a platform for integration of diverse patient data sources into real-world data ecosystems. Clinerions proprietary technologies comply with international patient privacy and data security regulations. Clinerion is a global data technology service company headquartered in Switzerland. Clinerion website: http://www.clinerion.com Clinerions Patient Network Explorer: http://www.clinerion.com/index/PatientNetworkExplorerSolutions.html For more information, please contact: Le Vin Chin Director, Head of Marketing & Communications Clinerion Ltd Elisabethenanlage 11, 4051 Basel, Switzerland Tel.: +41 61 865 60 54 media@clinerion.com Intelvid Chile customs data confirm that 4,881 million 9-liter cases of Chilean bottled wines were shipped to the U.S. in 2021. In a year-over-year comparison, 2021 versus 2020, this correlates to across-the-board increases in value (+8%), volume (+1%), and average price per case (+7%). For bottled wines over $40 FOB per case shipped to the U.S., those figures demonstrate a growth of 25% in volume, 31% in overall value, and 5% in average case price. This comes in the wake of a five-year downturn. Julio Alonso, executive director at Wines of Chile USA, sees the upward trend continuing in 2022, thanks to the variety and quality at all price points offered by Chilean wines. While the U.S. market in 2021 saw an overall decline in sales of wines under $15, premium and luxury categories gained in market share, with Chilean wines outperforming the market in the latter case. Chilean wines registered an increase of 56% in the $50-$100 segment and 62% in the $100-plus category (Nielsen IQ, 52 weeks through Nov. 6, 2021). It is a club that more and more Chilean wine brands, such as Maquis, VIK, and Domus, are starting to join. Alonso views these wines as luxury wines, yet nonetheless competitively priced, that are helping to generate traction for Brand Chile as a whole, going on to note, Though our strong performance is due in part to unusual supply and weather conditions in 2021, one of the most significant long-term trends has been the entry of Chilean wines at the luxury level. Chile has long been known for its red wines, but white wines now account for a solid 21% of Chilean wines imported into the U.S. Chiles second most planted white variety, Sauvignon Blanc, is the third most popular white varietal sold in the U.S. Though Chile is still a relatively small player where U.S. sales of Sauvignon Blanc are concerned, Chile is now the third leading source of Sauvignon Blanc in the above-$4.50/750 ml sector (SipSource, for the 12 months ending December 31, 2021). Supply challenges for wineries in California, Europe, and New Zealand became an opportunity for Chilean wine producers in 2021 and into 2022. Again, the focus is on higher priced offerings. About Wines of Chile: The mission of Wines of Chile is to promote the quality and image of Chilean wines throughout the world. With offices in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and Chile, the organization, working closely with ProChile, develops and offers promotional and educational programs. Its members represent over 75% percent of Chiles bottled wine exports. http://www.winesofchile.org Genteel, the worlds only FDA-cleared standalone vacuum blood draw device, is pleased to jointly celebrate its 3-year anniversary collaboration with Alta Tecnologia Biomedica (Hospitecnica), a medical device company in Ciudad de Mexico, who has been distributing the Genteel line of painless diabetes products for those challenged by blood sugar testing. In 2021, an estimated 14 million adults in Mexico are living with diabetes a rise of 10% in the past two years. An additional 11 million adults in the country have Impaired Glucose tolerance (IGT), which places them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Now there is hope with Genteel. Its technology offers: Precise depth control so the lancet never touches the pain nerves Vacuum to instantly and painlessly pull up the blood drop Alternate site testing option so no more mandatory painful finger pricks Hospitecnica takes pride in its one-on-one relationship with its customers. Maria Guinea, Hospitecnicas operations manager, encourages anyone suffering from the challenges of diabetes to contact her on the benefits of Genteels technology. We are always here to help, she says, and will work with her customers to ensure complete satisfaction with the product. Hospitecnica remains the exclusive distributor of all Genteel products in Mexico. They can be reached at http://www.hospitecnica.com.mx, Calle Liverpool 174, Colonia Juarez CP 06000, Ciudad de Mexico, +52 (55) 5688 5027 Media Contact: Mary Chovanec 503-885-8115 sales@mygenteel.com Last year we combined our publishing and assessment operations and now our team works even more closely together to deliver the very best solutions for English language learners and teachers worldwide. Cambridge University Press & Assessment has launched a new extension of its brand for its English learning and assessment products around the world. The news follows last years successful integration of industry leaders Cambridge Assessment and Cambridge University Press. Every year millions of students and teachers around the world benefit from English language learning and assessment products from Cambridge. This includes Cambridge English Qualifications, courses, support and digital resources to help people to learn English and prove their skills to the world. Cambridges new look and feel for its English range also includes a promise where your world grows', which is a commitment to its customers around the world. Francesca Woodward, Global Managing Director, English says the new brand will give the organisation a strong, single identity going forward. She will be supported by Paul Colbert, Deputy Global Managing Director, English & Commercial Director. Francesca Woodward said: 'Last year we combined our publishing and assessment operations and now our team works even more closely together to deliver the very best solutions for English language learners and teachers worldwide. In the past learners and teachers have taken exams, used textbooks and digital resources from different parts of our Cambridge family, and our new single brand for English brings all of this together under one roof. It helps us to show the world that we create unique learning and assessment experiences that could only come from Cambridge.' In the coming months Cambridges new brand for English will come to life in exam centres, schools and on learning and assessment products around the world. This will be a gradual process, and Cambridge will be working with its partners and distributors to take the transition to its new look step-by-step. Woodward added: As part of our commitment to the environment were not asking our partners and distributors around the world to throw away existing branded materials. We want them to take a step-by-step approach to the transition to our new Cambridge brand for English. Ends Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. We believe that English can unlock a lifetime of experiences and, together with teachers and our partners, we help people to learn and confidently prove their skills to the world. We do this by creating learning and assessment experiences that could only come from Cambridge. Cambridge English Where your world grows Find out more at http://www.cambridge.org/english Cambridge University Press & Assessment unlocks the potential of millions of people worldwide. Our qualications, assessments, academic publications and original research spread knowledge, spark enquiry and aid understanding. Find out more at http://www.cambridge.org/what-we-do Heart to Heart International Adopt-a-Lab Heart to Heart International (HHI), a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health, today announced a partnership with Intouch Group, an EVERSANA Company, to support improvements to community health clinics in both Kansas City and Chicago. Intouch Group will provide a one-time financial contribution to HHI, which will install on-site, point-of-care laboratories at the Medina Clinic, located in Grandview, Missouri, and the CommunityHealth at Onward House clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Both facilities provide low-cost or free healthcare regardless of patients ability to pay. The two lab installments are part of the Heart to Heart Internationals Adopt-a-Lab program, which helps ensure community clinics have modern testing and diagnostic equipment, training, and protocols to treat patients with chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and more. Were grateful for this partnership with Intouch Group to support the healthcare needs of these communities, said Kim Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Heart to Heart International. Through Intouchs sponsorship of the Adopt-a-Lab program, these clinics will now be able to run tests and receive lab results during the same patient visit. This enables prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is vital for patients seeking health services at free clinics. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is essential in our communities, said Faruk Capan, CEO of Intouch Group, an EVERSANA Company and EVERSANAs Chief Innovation Officer. When Heart to Heart International brought this opportunity to us, we were all in. These clinics will now be able to make an even bigger impact on the lives of under-served and vulnerable patients seeking care. The goal of HHIs Adopt-a-Lab program is to install point-of-care laboratory capabilities in free and charitable clinics throughout the United States. Organizations that are interested in participating in the program in their communities should contact HHI. About Heart to Heart International Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.4 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. HHI broadens access to healthcare by working with U.S. safety-net clinics and providing training, laboratory equipment, supplies and volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity, a BBB Accredited charity and is on the "Philanthropy 400." To learn more, visit hearttoheart.org. About Intouch Group Intouch Group, an EVERSANA company, is a privately held full-service agency network, providing creative and media services, enterprise solutions and data analytics globally through ten affiliates in eight offices. Collectively, Intouch Group employs more than 1,500 people. With a dedication to the life sciences, Intouch is now part of EVERSANA, the pioneer of next-generation commercial services to the global life sciences industry. Contact Intouch Group at info@intouchg.com or visit them on the web at intouchg.com. About EVERSANA EVERSANA is the leading independent provider of global services to the life sciences industry. The companys integrated solutions are rooted in the patient experience and span all stages of the product life cycle to deliver long-term, sustainable value for patients, prescribers, channel partners and payers. The company serves more than 500 organizations, including innovative start-ups and established pharmaceutical companies, to advance life sciences solutions for a healthier world. To learn more about EVERSANA, visit eversana.com or connect through LinkedIn and Twitter. Media Contact: Heart to Heart International Amy Lafferty amy.lafferty@hearttoheart.org 913-320-6111 Intouch Group, an EVERSANA Company Matt Braun Matt.braun@eversana.com 414-434-4830 Through this collaboration with NABA, we aim to address current barriers to entry that Black students face when exploring a career in accounting, and to increase the number of Black CPAs within the public company audit profession. -Julie Bell Lindsay, Chief Executive Officer, CAQ Today NABA, Inc. and the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), a nonpartisan organization serving as the voice of U.S. public company auditors, announced a new programmatic partnership centered on supporting community college students successful transition to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The work of the partnership will be managed by NABA, Inc. with a grant from the CAQ in the amount of $1 million over the course of five years. CAQs investment will provide for holistic support, including resources to connect students with mentors and tutors bolstering students in their successful progression from two-year to four-year accounting programs. HBCUs make up approximately 3% of the institutions of higher education in the United States, yet they graduate nearly 20% of Black professionals. NABAs current work to build educational pathways that assist Black students in transitioning from high school and community college to HBCUs through articulated agreements is a critical component of building diverse and robust accounting, business, and financial talent pipelines. Our partnership with CAQ better positions us to engage and provide students with wrap around support services that ensure their journey to higher ed is both manageable and successful at scale. Guylaine Saint Juste, CEO and President, NABA, Inc. CAQS recent pipeline research indicates that while Black and African American community college students are most open to accounting, these numbers drop dramatically when it comes to selecting an accounting degree over other areas of business. While public company audit firms have made progress with regards to diversity, we can and must do more to diversify the talent pipeline. We need to better understand what is driving the fall-off between openness to accounting and, ultimately not pursing the degree, especially for Black community college students who in our research, showed the highest level of interest. We believe there is tremendous opportunity to do more to engage these students, said Julie Bell Lindsay, Chief Executive Officer, CAQ. Through this collaboration with NABA, we aim to address current barriers to entry that Black students face when exploring a career in accounting, and to increase the number of Black CPAs within the public company audit profession. As part of the partnership, NABA will have access to resources from the Accounting+, a multi-year, profession-led, initiative to increase the professions diverse talent pipeline and bring awareness to the professions progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The CAQs member firms Deloitte and CliftonLarsonAllen are also supporters of the NABA program. About NABA The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA, Inc.) is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black professionals in the accounting, finance, and related business professions. Representing more than 200,000 black professionals in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and the mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections to both professional and student members, fulfilling the principle of our motto: Lifting as We Climb. About the Center for Audit Quality The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) is a nonpartisan public policy organization serving as the voice of U.S. public company auditors and matters related to the audits of public companies. The CAQ promotes high-quality performance by U.S. public company auditors; convenes capital market stakeholders to advance the discussion of critical issues affecting audit quality, U.S. public company reporting, and investor trust in the capital markets; and using independent research and analyses, champions policies and standards that bolster and support the effectiveness and responsiveness of U.S. public company auditors and audits to dynamic market conditions. Kelly Pankiw, real estate advisor with Engel Volkers Venice Downtown I knew I was ready to expand my business, but in order to reach those goals and break into the luxury home market I had to realign myself with a more capable brand. Engel & Volkers Florida today announced Kelly Pankiw has left Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate to join Engel & Volkers Venice Downtown as a real estate advisor. Pankiw brings with her more than 4 years of experience in real estate, specializing in lifestyle communities, relocation and seasonal housing throughout Sarasota County. I was at a crossroads in my career, said Pankiw. I knew I was ready to expand my business, but in order to reach those goals and break into the luxury home market I had to realign myself with a more capable brand. Although KW has a luxury division, I was looking for a brand that has proven systems in place to handle luxury transactions in a professional, organized manner. Likewise, being affiliated with an office that would appeal to the affluent consumer. Engel & Volkers has earned a world renowned reputation for prowess and white-glove service. The new shop in Downtown Venice is a perfect showcase of the Engel & Volkers brand, so I have a renewed confidence in providing bespoke services for my clients from there. During her time with Keller Williams, Pankiw represented more than 100 transactions, totaling over $38-million in sales volume. Shes actively involved in the local community through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Venice-Nokomis Rotary and Rotary Club of Venice Suncoast. We are excited to bring on Kelly, said Victoria Stultz, License Partner of Engel & Volkers Venice Downtown. She fits in perfectly with our culture. She possesses strong negotiation and organizational skills along with a positive energy and professional attitude that allow her clients to feel relaxed and excited about the home buying or selling process. Kelly has built her business with integrity, reliability, and a white-glove service which fosters repeat business and customer loyalty. She is a great addition to our growing team. Stultz left Premier Sothebys International Realty in 2021 to start her own brokerage by partnering with Engel & Volkers. Engel & Volkers Venice Downtown, located at 201 Miami Ave W in Historic Downtown Venice, is the first of three planned locations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties; Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are forthcoming. Victoria has been the perfect partner for us in Sarasota County, said Peter Giese, CEO of Engel & Volkers Florida. She is aligned with our core values and attracts full-time professional real estate advisors who aspire to reach new levels of personal success in their business. Currently, the average price of homes listed with Engel & Volkers in Florida is over $1.3-million and that is due, in part, to Victoria's shop contributing to our brands market share gains in million dollar plus properties throughout the State of Florida. ### Press contact: Linzee Werkmeister, Junior Vice President, Marketing & Franchise Support Email: Linzee.Werkmeister(at)evrealestate.com Tel: (239) 348-9000 About Engel & Volkers: Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today's savvy homeowner. Engel & Volkers currently operates approximately 263 shop locations with 5,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the brand's global network of over 15,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate, yachting and aviation. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit http://www.evrealestate.com. About Engel & Volkers Florida: Engel & Volkers Florida is the Master License Partner of the global luxury real estate brand Engel & Volkers in the state of Florida. Recognized for uniquely recruiting, training and equipping some of the top professionals in the real estate industry, Engel & Volkers Floridas exclusive business model positions its franchisees at the top of the premium market to gain market share and support their bottom line. The company represents franchise locations in 42 markets: 30A Beaches, Amelia Island, Belleair, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs-Estero, Cape Coral, Clermont, Delray Beach, Destin, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers Downtown, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jupiter, Madeira Beach, Marco Island, Melbourne Beachside, Melbourne Central, Melbourne Downtown, Miami Coconut Grove, Neptune Beach, Ocala, Olde Naples, Orlando, Orlando Downtown, Orlando-Winter Park, Palm Beach, Palm Coast, Pompano Beach, Sarasota, South Tampa, St. Augustine, St. Pete, St. Pete Beach, Stuart, Tampa Water Street, Venice Downtown, Vero Beach, Wellington, and Windermere. Engel & Volkers Florida is continuing to strategically strengthen and expand its presence in premium real estate markets across the state of Florida. If you would like to know more about the Engel & Volkers brand or how to join its global networkwhich is known for demonstrating competence, exclusivity and passion, feel free to call our corporate office, located at 633 Tamiami Trl N, Suite 201, Naples, FL 34102 USA. Tel: +1 239-348-9000. For more information about Engel & Volkers Florida, please visit http://www.florida.evrealestate.com Douglas was nominated for the Semper Cares Initiative by close friend and fellow service member Ian Clark. Ian and his wife Kelly, both former Semper Solaris customers, knew Doug was the perfect nominee for Semper Cares. After being made aware of Douglas story, Semper Solaris has chosen the local San Diegan as the 2022 Semper Cares Initiative recipient for this upcoming Memorial Day event. He will be receiving solar panels free of cost, drastically reducing his electricity bill for life. You could say military service runs in Douglas E. Berrys blood. Douglas grandfather bravely served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and his father served the USMC for 30 years from 1965 to 1995. Though for Douglas, it wasnt about following in his forefather's footsteps, but about making his own mark on the world. So at 18 years old, Douglas enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, choosing the Marines not just because of his family legacy, but because of USMCs reputation. A reputation for toughness, grit, and resilience, and for forging some of the most formidable individuals in military history. Douglas time in the Marine Corps took him many places, from Camp Lejeune in NC where he would meet his future wife Megan, to serving during both Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, and to Kosovo in 1999. Though as with most, Doug's life would radically change on September 11th, 2001. Douglas served valiantly in both OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) I and II and led Marines into combat at the Battle of Fallujah. Fallujah being widely regarded as a turning point in the Iraq War and as one of the largest urban combat engagements for the U.S. Military since the Battle of Hue City in Vietnam in 1968. What I can say about it -(Fallujah)- is that it definitely showed the spirit of the American fighting manit showed the spirit and the willpower of the United States Marines and I was glad I was with them. Sergeant Major Berry is well decorated with his personal awards ranging from: The Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. As well as many others. Douglas was nominated for the Semper Cares Initiative by close friend and fellow service member Ian Clark. Ian and his wife Kelly, both former Semper Solaris customers, knew Doug was the perfect nominee for Semper Cares. To this day they both (Doug and Megan) continue to make sure were taken care ofand would always reach out to help whenever we needed it. That is who they are and that was why we nominated them. Semper Cares is an ongoing program created to help veterans and their families with major home improvements like solar panel installation completely free of charge. This Memorial Day, Semper Solaris is proud to provide the 15th Semper Cares Honoree, Douglas E. Berry, with a full solar panel system and installation! Semper Solaris is a veteran-owned and operated company located in El Cajon, CA, California that specializes in solar panel & battery storage installations, such as the iconic Tesla Powerwall. Help us continue the Semper Cares mission by spreading the word to friends and families of deserving veterans to nominate their loved ones for a free solar panel installation. Have a veteran in your life you want to honor? Go to http://www.SemperCares.com to nominate them today! Sarah Streyder, 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year "With her determination to involve military families in the voting process, especially during an election year, she is an asset to our democracy and will continue to lead our military families involvement in advocacy discussions as it affects them." Sarah Streyder, a Space Force spouse, was named the 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year today in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the military community. Though this award is in its 14th year of honoring the service and dedication of our nation's 1.1. million military spouses, this is the first year including the Space Force as one of the seven military branches to be judged. Video of the awards ceremony is available here: 2022 MSOY Ceremony. Nominated by her peers, Sarah's accomplishments include her work as part of the White Houses correspondence office team under President Obama, then later her work as part of the Department of Commerces legislative affairs team where she helped coordinate administration-wide strategy on trade policy advocacy. A gifted speaker, she has presented on CNN, Fox News, and CBS, as well as having written for USA Today, The New York Times, and Newsweek for her opinion on the military-family perspective on current issues that affect the homefront. She is currently the Executive Director at Secure Families Initiative (SFI), a nonpartisan organization with a mission to mobilize military partners, family members, and veterans to vote and advocate for their communities, especially on issues of foreign policy and national security. "SFI was founded in the belief that military spouses belong in every single policy conversation that impacts us. We do two things: encourage military spouses and family members to get involved in the process by providing information and motivation, and represent military spouses and families in those policy conversations. Whether it's talking about voting policy or even foreign policy, we know that those big conversations over war and peace directly impact us on the home front," says Sarah. "I am delighted that Sarah is our 2022 Military Spouse of the Year winner. Not only is she a shining representative for the Space Force and all military spouses, she is an exquisite example of the high caliber of MSOYs who dedicate their time by giving back to our community. With her determination to involve military families in the voting process, especially during an election year, she is an asset to our democracy and will continue to lead our military families involvement in advocacy discussions as it affects them," says Lt. Gen. Stanley Sid E. Clarke III, USAF (Ret.), Chairman of Armed Forces Insurance. Before announcing the overall 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year, the finalists from each branch of service were honored at the annual awards luncheon, which was hosted at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel and attended by military, elected, and civilian VIPs. The 2022 Branch Winners are: Monica Bassett, Army Vincent Toth, Marine Corps Sergio Rodriguez, Navy Heba Abdelaal, Air Force Sarah Streyder, Space Force Abbi McCracken, Coast Guard Cindy Meili, National Guard These Branch Winners emerged from a pool of more than 500 nominees, advancing through three separate rounds of voting and a judges' panel review. Initially, the winner of the local level Marine Corps Base Quantico Spouse of the Year award, Sarah was awarded the branch level Space Force Spouse of the Year title before ultimately being chosen as the overall 2022 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year. Sarah is a graduate from the University of Cambridge with a Master of Philosophy in Public Policy. She and her husband, Sgt. Jason Streyder, will start their first Space Force assignment in June 2022 and is expecting their first child this fall. "We're both so excited about this opportunity to help shape a brand-new military branch's culture from the ground up," Sarah said. To learn more about the award program and the winners, visit msoy.afi.org. ### About Armed Forces Insurance: Armed Forces Insurance was founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation. The company provides premium quality, competitively priced property, and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the United States and overseas. Armed Forces Insurance understands that its members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, enabling the company to offer a level of personalized service that's unequaled in the industry. For more information, visit the website at http://www.afi.org or call 1-800-495-8234, and follow us on LinkedIn,Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram. Airtower Networks (Airtower), a leading developer, owner, and operator of wireless digital infrastructure and DIF Capital Partners (DIF) are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement for DIF to be Airtowers growth capital partner and support the management team in achieving its strategic vision in building a nation-wide platform. This transaction will be the first investment in the DIF CIF III fund. DIF is a leading global independent fund manager that invests in a broad range of greenfield and operational infrastructure companies and assets worldwide. The investment will enable Airtower to rapidly expand its cutting-edge wireless network solutions to customers. Airtower designs, builds, owns, and operates a full suite of network solutions and managed services that enable in-building wireless and smart building connectivity. The timing of this investment coincides with the increasing market demand for high-quality wireless service within the vast number of buildings that require improved coverage and capacity. Airtowers vision is to become the nations largest in-building neutral host 5G and wireless network provider. The company will achieve this by delivering innovative solutions that help building owners, property developers, enterprises, and mobile network operators manage their wireless infrastructure investments, while also helping them to produce an attractive return on their investment. With clients ranging from the largest commercial real estate developers to the most technologically advanced government and private organizations, Airtower consistently provides leading edge customized solutions to meet each clients wireless needs. DIF believes that the ongoing trend of cloud migration, where companies store their data and interact with their customers, vendors, and partners in the cloud, will further increase the need for high-speed wireless internet connections. Similarly in the residential and office space, ubiquitous 5G is essential for the new generation of smart buildings. DIF is excited to partner with a well-established in-building wireless company such as Airtower and its experienced management team said Willem Jansonius, Partner and Head of Investments for the DIF CIF strategy. Airtower has experienced record-breaking growth over the past couple of years in terms of revenue, new bookings, networks deployed, and profitability. DIF is a world class infrastructure investment fund manager, and weve greatly enjoyed getting to know the DIF team. We are looking forward to partnering with DIF to continue scaling the business said Oliver Valente, Airtowers Chief Executive Officer. Were excited about the injection of investment capital and sector expertise provided by DIF. The additional resources and broad support will give Airtower the capability to rapidly scale the success weve had providing innovative wireless and smart building solutions for commercial real estate and cellular carriers said Manny Dureja, Airtowers Founder and President. Greenhill & Co served as financial advisor and DLA Piper acted as legal counsel to Airtower. Bank Street Group served as exclusive financial advisor and White & Case acted as legal counsel to DIF. About Airtower Networks Airtower has become the trusted partner for building owners, property managers, enterprises, and mobile network operators in need of future-proof cost effective network solutions and managed wireless services that help enhance communication and improve their bottom lines. Airtower Networks total managed services for smart buildings and mobile connectivity maximize building owners investment by providing communications infrastructure and 5G-ready networks. Airtower is a recipient of the Inc. 500 award for being named One of Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Airtower designs, builds, owns, and operates next-generation cellular, private LTE, Wi-Fi, and public safety networks. Clients include owners/operators of data centers, industrial, residential, healthcare, education, office, hospitality, retail, stadiums and public venues that range in size from small to Fortune 50 enterprises including the largest commercial real estate developers in the nation and the most technologically advanced government organizations. Airtower consistently provides cutting-edge solutions to meet each customers wireless needs. For additional information, please visit http://www.airtower.com, hello@airtower.com or call 1-877-327-1785. About DIF Capital Partners DIF Capital Partners is a leading global independent investment manager, with ca. EUR 10 billion in assets under management across nine closed-end infrastructure funds and several co-investment vehicles. DIF invests in infrastructure companies and assets located primarily in Europe, the Americas, and Australia through two complementary strategies: DIF CIF funds, of which DIF CIF II is the latest vintage, target equity investments in small to mid-sized core-plus infrastructure companies in the telecom, energy transition, and transportation sectors. Traditional DIF funds, of which DIF Infrastructure VI is the latest vintage, target core infrastructure equity investments with long-term contracted or regulated income streams including public-private partnerships, concessions, utilities, and energy transition projects (incl. renewable energy). DIF Capital Partners has a team of over 190 professionals, based in eleven offices located in Amsterdam (Schiphol), Frankfurt, Helsinki, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, New York, Paris, Santiago, Sydney, and Toronto. For more information please visit http://www.dif.eu. Press Release Contact: Dennissa Salazar, dsalazar@airtower.com. Were extremely proud of the fact that we have continued to invest in our parks system and see it grow, and are also fortunate that partnerships like this one allow us to continue providing more services and amenities for residents and visitors alike. AHN, County Officials Celebrate Launch of North Park Ecotherapy Trail Today at 1 PM. Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield today announced a new partnership with Allegheny County that will further promote healthy lifestyles, wellness and fun for individuals and families who visit North and South Parks this summer. AHN, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Parks officials officially unveiled a unique Ecotherapy Trail at North Park this afternoon, and a Highmark interactive experience in South Park that ties into its Because Life brand platform is expected to launch in the coming months. The AHN Ecotherapy Trail at North Park was designed to educate visitors about the health benefits of time spent in nature. Each sign along the trail inspires guests to use their senses to form deeper connections with nature, underscoring the scientifically proven health benefits of doing so, including lower stress levels, improved concentration, memory and cognition, lower blood pressure and stroke risk, increased energy levels, stronger immune systems, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, among others. The health of our communities is dependent on healthy lifestyles and environments that promote healthy living, said Allan Klapper, MD, President of AHNs Wexford Hospital. Parks offer individuals and families the opportunity to participate in healthy activities and decompress from daily stresses. We are excited to partner with the County in this exciting initiative to help park goers tap into their senses outdoors and benefit from a little ecotherapy. To experience the AHN Ecotherapy Trail, visitors simply show up to North Park and look for the signs along their walks. There are ten unique signs spread throughout the park, the locations of which can be found at https://www.ahn.org/about/caring-for-our-community/ecotherapy.html. Visitors are encouraged to look for them all, build a deeper connection to nature and feel more relaxed. Were delighted to partner with AHN to bring even more activities to our county parks, said Fitzgerald. Were extremely proud of the fact that we have continued to invest in our parks system and see it grow, and are also fortunate that partnerships like this one allow us to continue providing more services and amenities for residents and visitors alike. ### About Allegheny Health Network Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, womens health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. About Highmark Health Highmark Health, a Pittsburgh, PA-based enterprise that employs more than 37,000 people who serve millions of Americans across the country, is the parent company of Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, and HM Health Solutions. Highmark Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates provide health insurance to approximately 6.8 million members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and New York as well as dental insurance, and related health products through a national network of diversified businesses. Allegheny Health Network is an integrated delivery network comprised of 14 hospitals, more than 2,500 affiliated physicians, ambulatory surgery centers, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, a group purchasing organization, and health and wellness pavilions in western Pennsylvania. HM Health Solutions is focused on meeting the information technology platform and other business needs of the Highmark Health enterprise as well as unaffiliated health insurance plans by providing proven business processes, expert knowledge, and integrated cloud-based platforms. Lumevity, a wholly owned subsidiary of Highmark Health, helps companies transform in ways that drive direct financial benefits while improving quality and increasing employee engagement. To learn more, visit http://www.highmarkhealth.org. Contact: Ebony Montgomery, AHN/Highmark (910) 228.4617 Amie M. Downs, Allegheny County (412) 350.3711 Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against United Building Maintenance, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that United Building Maintenance, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The United Building Maintenance, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 34-2022-00318231, is currently pending in the Sacramento County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here. According to the lawsuit filed, United Building Maintenance, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, and (f) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. United Building Maintenance, Inc. allegedly failed to reimburse employees for required business expenses. California Labor Code 2802 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, Defendant allegedly failed to reimburse employees for the expenses to use their personal cellular phones and personal home offices, as a result of and in furtherance of their job duties. For more information about the class action lawsuit against United Building Maintenance, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Despite having more coal and uranium per person than almost anywhere on Earth, Australia has still managed to make some of the most expensive electricity on the planet. Mostly thanks to a pagan quest to control the weather. Australia made a big foray into renewables, but as reported by Reuters on April 13, 2022, citing a report by the Australian Energy Market Operator, Australias eastern states face black outs by 2025, if new capacity is not built to replace the Eraring coal plant. This push to shutter conventional, reliable, power plants is just one of the many energy complications that have made Australia the Crash Test Dummy of Renewable Energy says Joanne Nova. Nova will elaborate the bizarre policies and will show you How to destroy a perfectly good electricity grid in one million expensive steps for Part Two of Friends of Science Societys free, online event on the theme of NetZero + GreenGrid = The Great Regret. Novas presentation will be on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 7 PM MDT (UTC 6 hours). Link to live stream here. Part One of the event featured Australian geologist Ian Plimer discussing Climate Change: The past is the key to the present. His presentation and PowerPoint are here. As Nova explains in her presentation overview, Despite having more coal and uranium per person than almost anywhere on Earth, Australia has still managed to make some of the most expensive electricity on the planet. Mostly thanks to a pagan quest to control the weather. Find out what it takes to achieve state-wide blackouts, and a tripling of wholesale electricity prices in just five years. Laugh till you cry at the folly of a nation that controls just 1.5% of human emissions yet is trying to change the global weather by sacrificing a commodity which also happens to be its largest export earner, writes Nova. According to Joanne Nova, the free market in Australia has been so distorted that national assets that took two generations to pay off are being closed even while they produce the lowest cost electricity available. And the crowds applaud! Here in Subsidy-World, coal plant owners profit more by shutting them down than by running them, so much so, when offered millions to sell the assets, the owners prefer to destroy them instead. Nova is ruthless in her assessment. If wind and solar power were going to make it anywhere -- it would have to be in the only first-world sun-baked land that straddles the tropics. But free "clean" energy, turned out to a vandal on the clockwork efficiency of a national grid. We saved on fuel but spent more on land, batteries, storage, stability, maintenance, wages, management schemes, and transmission lines. We used to use electricity to run factories, now we use factories to run electricity grids. If we shut enough production lines, we can keep the lights on! It's such a circus that managing electricity even involves giving away movie tickets. We're planning for a thousand mini blackouts and calling it "progress". For two years Australia installed more renewables per capita than anywhere on Earth. Since 1990 Australian emissions have been cut 46% per capita -- yet we're still called Global Pariahs, says Joanne Nova. NetZero + GreenGrid = The Great Regret is the Friends of Science Societys 19th Annual Climate Science event. About Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 20th year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2). Friends of Science Society P.O. Box 23167, Mission P.O. Calgary, Alberta Canada T2S 3B1 Toll-free Telephone: 1-888-789-9597 Web: Friends of Science E-mail: contact(at)friendsofscience(dot)org Web: Climate Change 101 SSALT_IN project by Base and Power City Corp. In this light, SSALT_IN can be seen as an early step toward building a First Aid Energy Kit to support the planets rising population of climate refugees. BASE AND POWER City Corp. Named Honorable Mention in Experimental Category of Fast Companys 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards. From a 3D printed vaccine patch to an electric truck, a seawater-powered lamp, and countless other bold innovations, the sixth annual awards honor the products, concepts, companies, policies, and designs that are driving change, tackling issues from climate change to inequality, and so much more. The winners of Fast Companys 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards were announced today, honoring clean technology, innovative corporate initiatives, brave new designs for cities and buildings, and other creative works that are supporting the growth of positive social innovation, tackling social inequality, climate change, and public health crises. The SSALT_IN project by Base & Power City received an honorable mention in the experimental category of Fast Companys 2022 World Changing Ideas Awards. SSALT_IN is an alternative solar energy system model designed to meet and overcome the logistical and physical constraints that often follow in the wake of an environmental disaster. An independent energy station that can easily be set up by a single individual in even the harshest conditions, SSALT-IN speaks directly to the inescapable environmental realities of our shared present and future. Designed to be worn and/or assembled on-the-go, these energy micro-stations utilize collected energy to create radio and light signals for emergency communications, providing a viable alternative in situations where the conventional energy grid is temporarily inaccessible. This is wearable, portable infrastructure. As the world bears witness to rising sea levels, intensified tornadoes, and worsening wildfires, year after year, the call for such Wearable Infrastructure is sure to grow louder and louder; people in communities struck by such phenomena will require new solutions and approaches to survive and thrive. In this light, SSALT_IN can be seen as an early step toward building a First Aid Energy Kit to support the planets rising population of climate refugees. Now in its sixth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 39 winners, 350 finalists, and more than 600 honorable mentionswith climate, social justice, and AI and data among the most popular categories. A panel of eminent Fast Company editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 2,997 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology, health, social justice, and more. In addition, several new categories have been added this year including climate, nature, water, and workplace. The 2022 awards feature entries from across the globe, from Switzerland to Hong Kong to Australia. Fast Companys Summer 2022 issue (on newsstands May 10, 2022) will showcase some of the worlds most inventive entrepreneurs and companies tackling global challenges. The issues highlight, among others, probiotics for coral reefs, easy-to-assemble kit homes for refugees or disaster survivors, a 3D printed vaccine patch, an electric truck, a system to heat homes from the waste heat of a name-brand factory, and prosecutor-initiated resentencing for overly long prison sentences. Donguk Agos Lee, Founder and CEO, explains that BASE AND POWER City Corp. is actively pursuing projects designed to serve populations affected by climate change across the globe. SSALT_IN is one of our first forays into this realm, and we are grateful for this recognition from the World Changing Ideas Awards. Together with our CRO Yangho Shin and CTO Sungsoo Park, I look forward to sharing this project more widely, and hopefully finding new collaborators and contributors with whom to continue developing its core mission. We are consistently inspired by the novelty and creativity that people are applying to solve some of our societys most pressing problems, from shelter to the climate crisis. Fast Company relishes its role in amplifying important, innovative work to address big challenges, says David Lidsky, interim editor-in-chief of Fast Company. Our journalists have identified some of the most ingenious initiatives to launch since the start of 2021, which we hope will both have a meaningful impact and lead others to join in being part of the solution. About the World Changing Ideas Awards: World Changing Ideas is one of Fast Companys major annual awards programs and is focused on social good, seeking to elevate finished products and brave concepts that make the world better. A panel of judges from across sectors choose winners, finalists, and honorable mentions based on feasibility and the potential for impact. With the goals of awarding ingenuity and fostering innovation, Fast Company draws attention to ideas with great potential and helps them expand their reach to inspire more people to start working on solving the problems that affect us all. Our team also appreciates Trilios culture of collaboration and teamworkwere always learning from each other, our customers, partners and the broader cloud-native community. The Boston Business Journal (BBJ) has named Trilio to its 2022 Best Places to Workthe BBJs exclusive ranking of the Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their people. The 80 companies honored in BJJs 2022 Best Places to Work range in size and industry, with winners from the technology sector, retail industry, health care space, commercial real estate and more. "We are so glad to be able to celebrate this year's Best Places to Work in person. These companies signify teamwork, retention, engagement and trust with co-workers and senior leaders. Together they create a dynamic, innovative place where people want to work and grow, said Carolyn Jones, market president and publisher of the Boston Business Journal. Trilio operates in an exciting sector of tech at the intersection of cloud infrastructure and app development. The work we do to provide innovative solutions for data protection and management plays an important role in our software-driven world. Professionals who thrive on building businesses in new markets will find this an exciting and rewarding place to work, said David Safaii, CEO of Trilio. Our team also appreciates Trilios culture of collaboration and teamworkwere always learning from each other, our customers, partners and the broader cloud-native community. Knowing that this recognition comes from our employees own evaluations challenges us to keep our commitment to making Trilio a great place to work. Trilio is positioned as a leader in one of the hottest segments of IT infrastructurecloud-native computing and Kubernetes. Kubernetes containers are a popular open source orchestration system for automating software development of cloud-native applications. IDC predicts that by 2024 net-new production-grade cloud-native apps will increase to 70% of all apps created, up from just 10% in 2020. Trilio provides data protection and management software to help IT and DevOps organizations manage and protect cloud-native applications developed using Kubernetes or living in OpenStack clouds. The TrilioVault platform is designed to help customers using any Kubernetes distribution, any cloud and any storage to build resilient infrastructure. This helps customers meet compliance requirements and exceed key business objectives including: Meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for application and data availability Avoiding data loss due to planned or unplanned outages Building Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies and plans Migrating applications across infrastructure to improve cost and performance Recovering applications and data in the event of a ransomware attack Trilio launched its innovative TrilioVault for Kubernetes software in 2020, which is on its way to becoming the most trusted cloud-native data protection platform in the market. Today, hundreds of customers across the globe in telecom, defense, automotive and financial services trust TrilioVault as their backup and recovery platform. For the second year in a row, Trilio was named a Leader in the GigaOm Radar Report for Kubernetes Data Protection and a recent IDC report profiled Trilios expansion. *Trilio Team Thrives on Building, Innovation and Collaboration* Founded in 2013, Trilio started as a decentralized team and has since expanded into a global organization with employees in seven countries. Trilio looks to attract talented individuals who are builders and innovators that enjoy creating new products, programs and processes from the ground up and who share fundamental values of teamwork, collaboration and transparency. Trilio identifies and recruits talented professionals fitting this mold, both in Massachusetts and around the globe. ***For more information about career opportunities at Trilio, visit https://trilio.io/careers/*** Trilio has established a culture that nurtures professional growth and continuous learning by encouraging training courses and community engagement and sharing knowledge with each other and our customers who are on the same cloud-native journey. Ultimately, Trilio equips its staff with in-demand IT skills that provide growth opportunities both now and in the future. Trilio invests in the wellness of its employees, paying 100% of the premiums for medical, dental and vision coverage for both employees and their dependents. Trilio also funds medical deductibles through contributions to an employees Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The company has embraced employee-suggested programs such as quarterly community outreach and volunteering, a Women of Trilio employee resource group, and Summer Fridays. *About the BJJ Best Places to Work* The 181 businesses that met the criteria for office location and size participated in employee-engagement surveys distributed by Business Journal partner Quantum Workplace. Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation and benefits. Based on the results of those surveys, businesses were assigned a score out of 100 percent and ranked by Quantum. The top-rated companies are listed in five size categories extra small (20 to 49 employees), small (50 to 99 employees), medium (100 to 249 employees), large (250 to 499 employees) and extra-large (500 or more). The Best Places to Work celebration will be held in-person on June 16 at the Boston Park Plaza from 5:30pm 8:30pm. The special publication will appear in the June 17 weekly edition of the Boston Business Journal. The Boston Business Journal is the region's premier business media organization, one of 45 markets owned by American City Business Journals. *About Trilio* Trilio is a leader in cloud-native data protection for Kubernetes, OpenStack and Red Hat Virtualization environments. Our TrilioVault technology is trusted by cloud infrastructure operators and developers for backup and recovery, migration and application mobility. Customers in telecom, defense, automotive and financial services leverage TrilioVault to recover from disasters, migrate workloads, move workloads to new infrastructure and migrate to new software distributions. Trilio.io, Twitter and LinkedIn. Egnyte, a leader in cloud content security and governance, today announced that it has opened a new office in Salt Lake City. The company previously had a presence in the area as several members of the sales department are located in Salt Lake City, including Chief Revenue Officer Stan Hansen. There are also plans to scale the location across departments, most recently with the appointment of Jessica Pantages as Vice President of Corporate Communications. This office is a strategic move and reinforces Egnyte's commitment to the region as we continue to experience surging demand for our content security and governance products, said Hansen. Silicon Slopes is emerging as a strong player in the technology sector, and this new location will serve as a collaboration and innovation hub for our employees. At a time when companies are closing offices, were choosing to invest in our physical spaces as we believe they are important for creating connections while still offering flexibility. The establishment of Egnytes Salt Lake City location follows the 2021 opening of operations in India, bringing the total employee headcount to more than 900 across six offices worldwide and remote. The company is actively hiring in departments like engineering, marketing, and sales. It expects to surpass 1,000 employees later this year. Egnyte is growing at an exceptional rate, ending last year with more than $150 million in annual recurring revenue, added Hansen. With the new hybrid work environment, we have seen increasing needs for the market at large. We look forward to expanding our team in Salt Lake City and beyond so that we can further support our customers in protecting their mission-critical content. The company has continued to be recognized for its strong workplace culture, industry presence, and customer satisfaction. Over the last two years, Comparably has named Egnyte among the top 50 sales and engineering teams in the U.S. Egnyte has also maintained a high customer rating on peer-to-peer software review platform G2, retaining leadership positions in key categories such as Data Governance and Data Security. To learn more about joining Egnyte, please visit our careers page. About Egnyte Egnyte provides a unified content security and governance solution for collaboration, data security, compliance, and threat detection for multicloud businesses. More than 16,000 organizations trust Egnyte to reduce risks and IT complexity, prevent ransomware and IP theft, and boost employee productivity on any app, any cloud, anywhere. Investors include GV (formerly Google Ventures), Kleiner Perkins, Caufield & Byers and Goldman Sachs. For more information, visit http://www.egnyte.com. Our organizational mission is simple; to partner with our clients to help them achieve their greatest success balanced with an incredibly positive and productive culture, said Tim Busche, President and CEO. Innovative healthcare marketing and public relations firm, Envision Health, was chosen out of 700+ companies in the highly competitive Washtenaw area and has been recognized as one of eleven of the 2022 awardees for the Best Small Business Award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB). Envision was recognized on stage at the awards ceremony during the 18th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala on May 3, 2022. The event gathered more than 1,000 guests at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. Envision Health is a marketing, public relations, and consulting partner focused on healthcare and healthcare technology and consulting. Founded by industry experts, Tim Busche, MBA and Kelley Smith, RN, MPH and backed by a team of 35+ marketing and PR experts the company blends clinical insight and marketing and PR expertise to transform healthcare communications. Were very honored to receive this acknowledgement of our growing company and exceptional team of healthcare marketing and communications professionals, said Smith, Chief Clinical Officer and co-founder of Envision Health. Todays increasingly complex and confusing healthcare environment requires in-depth know-how. The Envision team lives and breathes healthcare, and we are dedicated to helping companies that are making a real difference in improving patients lives. The Best Small Business Award is a wonderful recognition of this work. In 2020, Envision Health was recognized as one of the awardees for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award. The organization has grown by 400% in the last four years and it continues to expand its staff, creative and operational effectiveness and has continued to expand its base clients across the globe. Envision Health services encompass everything from marketing and PR strategies and tactics, to company rebrands, to media relations. Envisions clinical and marketing experts ensure every marketing and public relations deliverable is strategically aligned, clinically informed and creatively inspired. Our organizational mission is simple; to partner with our clients to help them achieve their greatest success balanced with an incredibly positive and productive culture, said Busche, President and CEO. "And, our people each and every one of them are our 'secret sauce' and each of our clients knows it, appreciates it, and values our relationship because of it. We've worked with Envision Health since 2014 and, from day one, they've remained focused on building an excellent culture and delivering the highest quality work for their clients with a unique level of clinical and strategic insight, said Charlie Penner, Regional Director of the Michigan SBDC Greater Washtenaw Region. Awardees in this category are selected based on the following: Embodiment of the American entrepreneurial spirit Demonstrated growth and success as an emerging business Strength of the relationship with the SBDC, PTAC or SmartZone To learn more about Envision Health, visit http://www.envisionmarketingpr.com. Fairview Microwave Releases 5G Outdoor-rated Omnidirectional Antennas Weve designed our new line of 5G omni antennas to cover all of your wireless networking needs. This includes broad coverage for rural areas and other areas that are typically difficult to cover," said Kevin Hietpas, Antenna Product Line Manager Fairview Microwave Inc., an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of on-demand RF, microwave and millimeter wave components, has just released a new series of 5G outdoor-rated omnidirectional antennas that cover 4G, 5G, LTE and CBRS bands. These small form factor omni antennas are the perfect solution when broad coverage is required but traditional base station antennas are too bulky or expensive. They support 6, 7, 8 and 10 dBi gain and are also offered with fiberglass radomes (PRO series). Fairviews new 5G omni antennas offer range extension and simple deployment to build out WLAN and cellular communications networks as well as private networks. They also include heavy-duty steel mast mounting brackets for rapid deployment and feature low-cost polycarbonate or ABS options. The antennas rugged polycarbonate and fiberglass radomes withstand extreme weather and are rated to over 120 mph wind loading. These collinear omnidirectional antennas feature Type-N connectors and are suitable for SISO or MIMO operation. Additionally, models that support 2x2 and 4x4 MIMO configurations ensure double and quadruple data speeds in comparison to single-input antennas. Weve designed our new line of 5G omni antennas to cover all of your wireless networking needs. This includes broad coverage for rural areas and other areas that are typically difficult to cover. Not only are they technically superior to traditional base station antennas, theyre also economical and highly reliable, said Kevin Hietpas, Antenna Product Line Manager. Fairviews new 5G outdoor omnidirectional antennas are in-stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, contact Fairview Microwave at +1-972-649-6678. About Fairview Microwave: A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the companys ISO 9001:2015 certified production facilities in Lewisville, Texas. Fairview Microwave is an Infinite Electronics brand. About Infinite Electronics: Based in Irvine, Calif., Infinite Electronics is a global electronics supplier, offering a broad range of components, assemblies and wired/wireless connectivity solutions, serving the aerospace/defense, industrial, government, consumer electronics, instrumentation, medical and telecommunications markets. Infinites brands include Pasternack, Fairview Microwave, L-com, MilesTek, ShowMeCables, NavePoint, INC Installs, Integra Optics, PolyPhaser, Transtector, KP Performance Antennas, RadioWaves and Aiconics. Infinite Electronics serves their customer base with deep technical expertise and support, with one of the broadest inventories of products available for immediate shipment, fulfilling unplanned demand for engineers and technical buyers. Infinite Electronics is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company. It is an honor to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Family Influencers. I share Family Capitals philosophyon just how important it is to help family businesses stay strong. Family Capital recently released its worldwide Top 100 Family Influencers for Family Enterprises in eight categories. Family Capital, based in London, is an online publishing company dedicated to the global family enterprise sector. It is considered a modern house magazine for all those working in the family office/family business segment providing updated analysis of the most influential Family Offices, stories, interviews, and in-depth reporting on all aspects of the family enterprise around the world. Linda Mack was among eight Executive Search professionals to receive the Top 100 honor. Winners were determined through a readership survey collecting thousands of responses which were subsequently vetted by Family Capital. According to Family Capital, Linda Mack is among the top executive search specialists in the family office sector, having gained a stellar reputation in the industry since she founded Mack International in 2002. Linda works with many family offices and has also become a thought leader in the sector, having spoken at many conferences and events, and (contributing valuable data) by co-sponsoring (the development and distribution of) compensation surveys. Exceptionally well qualified with an MBA and FFI fellowship, Linda is a worthy influencer in the family enterprise sector. One survey participant is quoted as saying, Mack is an exceptional search specialist able to offer top level strategic advice, whichbecause of their growing complexity, most family offices need. When notified of the award, Linda said, It is such an honor to be recognized by Family Capital as one of the Top 100 Family Influencers. I share Family Capitals philosophy that there is a growing relationship between Family Enterprises and global capital markets and just how important it is to keep a sharp focus on helping family businesses stay strong. I am deeply grateful for this tribute and to be among such an esteemed group of professional colleagues in all categories. About Mack International Mack International is the premier, boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise and the investment and wealth management industries on national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360 and is credited for having coined the term expert generalist in the industry. eNvy Condominium, Now Managed by FirstService Residential The board was looking for a management company with a proven track record of successfully and swiftly delivering financial reporting with full transparency, said Trent Harrison, president, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, MidAtlantic, FirstService Residential. FirstService Residential, the leading D.C. residential community management company, has started providing full-service property management services to eNvy Condominium in Washington, D.C. Were thrilled to announce our partnership with eNvy, said Michael Mendillo, president, FirstService Residential. Our teams experience and knowledge of the local market will ensure a successful partnership with this impressive property for years to come. eNvy, an 11-story high-rise building, is home to 127 condominium units. Located in the highly sought-after Capitol Riverfront area, the building offers residents a hotel-like environment in a landscaped oasis with amazing views into the Washington Nationals Ballpark. This property boasts a two-story library as well as a rooftop deck, fitness center, 18-hour concierge service, underground parking and TV and e-lounges. In addition to being located near the metro station, residents enjoy an abundance of dining, shopping and nightlife options. The board was looking for a management company with a proven track record of successfully and swiftly delivering financial reporting with full transparency, said Trent Harrison, president, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, MidAtlantic, FirstService Residential. Coupled with FirstService Residentials ability to provide proactive support and guidance to the board are some of the reasons the eNvy board selected our team. http://www.fsresidential.com About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is North Americas property management leader, partnering with more than 8,500 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives; single-family communities; master-planned, lifestyle and active-adult communities; and mixed-use and rental properties. HOAs, community associations and condos rely on their extensive experience, resources and local expertise to maximize property values and enhance their residents lifestyles. Dedicated to making a difference, every day, FirstService Residential goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (FSV), a North American leader in the property services sector. Visit http://www.fsresidential.com. State of the Christian Church: a potent call to spiritual arms for believers to return to the basics of Christianity. State of the Christian Church is the creation of published author Fred Bernal, a dedicated Bible teacher and Christian worker for over sixty years. Bernal shares, With an eternal perspective, the pages of this book express a deep desire that the members of the body of Christ be empowered to return to the simple message of the first-century church to reconcile the world to its loving Creator for their everlasting abode with him. In an effort to bring unity, these pages will focus on the essential beliefs that can unite all believers as it identifies some nonessentials that tend to divide them. As some current aspects of todays church are compared to the early church, the reader will be challenged to rethink how todays church should redirect its priorities, energy, and resources to fulfill its divine mission to bring light and hope to all the inhabitants of the world. It is through the eyes of our Saviors own words that this comparison can be made. It is all about him. He came to announce the kingdom, to teach the principles of that kingdom to live by, and to open the door to that kingdom by taking our sins and dying on the cross for us. He is the one who desires that all his own be one. He is the one who brought the message of life after death. He is the one that desires that his children be a sanctified people. Finally, it is not a case of if Jesus were here today, but it is a reality that he will come soon to receive all who love his appearing. It is the aim of this book to help prepare his people to receive him as a sanctified church busy in advancing his everlasting purposes. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Fred Bernals new book will challenge and inspire readers who have found themselves struggling with finding connection within the modern church. Bernal offers an engaging message within the pages of this potent look at current happenings within the Christian church. Consumers can purchase State of the Christian Church at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about State of the Christian Church, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Golden Bridge Business and Innovations Awards by GLOBEE The Golden Bridge Awards is the worlds premier business awards program honoring achievements in every industry around the world. Identify, recognize, and nominate executives, professionals, and employees for their achievements no matter how small or large. The Globee Awards, organizers of the worlds premier business awards programs and business ranking lists, announced today that the last chance entry deadline for the Annual 2022 Golden Bridge Awards has been extended till May 27 due to the numerous requests for individual deadline extensions. Learn more about the 2022 Golden Bridge Awards and how to nominate here: https://globeeawards.com/golden-bridge-awards/ About the Globee Awards Globee Awards are conferred in nine programs and competitions: the American Best in Business Awards, Business Excellence Awards, CEO World Awards, Cyber Security Global Excellence Awards, Disruptor Company Awards, Golden Bridge Awards, Information Technology World Awards, Sales, Marketing, Service, & Operations Excellence Awards, and Women World Awards. Learn more about the Globee Awards at https://globeeawards.com All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Blockchain solution for car ride-sharing company The intrinsic characteristics of blockchain make it a highly versatile technology that facilitates real-time access while optimizing operations. The technology also boosts security, making it an ideal option for ride-sharing applications and supply chain management. Global blockchain development company HashCash Consultants will be offering its blockchain expertise to a European ride-sharing company. The venture marks HashCashs foray into the world of blockchain-powered shared ownership services. The concept of ride-sharing is quickly gaining momentum across the world, particularly in Europe. Apart from the apparent advantages like lower pollution and consumption of finite resource consumption due to car-sharing rather than owning, the system has quite a few challenges, which can be addressed by blockchain technology. HashCash CEO and noted blockchain pioneer Raj Chowdhury acknowledged the venture, stating, The intrinsic characteristics of blockchain make it a highly versatile technology that facilitates real-time access while optimizing operations. The technology also boosts security, making it an ideal option for ride-sharing applications and supply chain management. The setbacks in car-sharing apps that need resolution include a shortage of transparency, low data security or privacy mechanisms, and high operational costs due to centralized intermediaries. A blockchain architecture upholds decentralization, immutabilty, real-time access, and high-grade network security. All these combine to make blockchain an ideal combination against cybercriminals as well as eliminating middlemen while improving the systems operations. Further, users can also opt to pay in cryptocurrencies. Blockchain as technology guarantees quick efficient transactions, streamlining economic activities. Strengthened security features through smart contracts ensure drivers comply with the required legal standards in addition to accurate pricing models and transparency throughout the entire process, mentioned Chowdhury, who had previously spoken on blockchains potential in carbon reduction. Hashcash-designed products have been used in more than 26 nations across 5 continents. The company has been awarded top honors in blockchain development by a global business research firm and offers its expertise through both customized and white-label solutions for sectors such as BFSI, fintech, crypto, supply chain, gaming, and more. The firm recently collaborated with a Japanese automaker to integrate blockchain technology in autonomous vehicles, and a US company for metaverse development. HashCashs upcoming venture comprising blockchain integration in the ride-sharing sector will help in the propagation of the benefits of blockchain incorporation across sectors other than BFSI and crypto. Businesses looking forward to joining in on the digital revolution can look forward to using the technology for leveraging the maximum possible growth. About HashCash: HashCash is a global software company. HashCash Blockchain products enable enterprises to move assets and settle payments across borders in real-time for Remittances, Trade Finance, Payment Processing, and more. HashCash runs a US-based digital asset exchange, PayBito & digital asset payment processor, BillBitcoins. HashCash offers exchange and payment processor software solutions, ICO services, and customized use cases. HashCash propels advancement in technology through Blockchain1o1 programs and its investment arm, Satoshi Angels. HashCash offers solutions in AI, Big Data, and IoT through its platforms, products & services. HashCash solves the toughest challenges by executing innovative digital transformation strategies for clients around the world. SafeEncounter is a passion project for our team. We all know someone affected by conditions like Autism, Alzheimers, Dementia, etc., and we sought to offer a more accessible method of information sharing about these at-risk people. The Palatine Police department of the Village of Palatine, Illinois has partnered with ImageSoft to implement SafeEncounter, a dependent record program for those with disabilities that hinder communication. Crystal Iverson, President, made the announcement. The Village of Palatine Police Department was searching for a solution to help law enforcement assist the most vulnerable members of the community in times of crisis. SafeEncounter is a community database that compiles dependent records for on-the-go access for first responders. The platform provides valuable information about those with chronic conditions or disabilities which may make it challenging or impossible for the individual to accurately communicate with police. ImageSofts SafeEncounter provides law enforcement with a secure mobile database of information that can be used to identify and safely return an individual to their home. A dependents loved ones can create a user profile on SafeEncounter and grant various district police departments access to them. If the depended wanders off, gets lost, or is in an emergency situation by themselves, officers can refer to SafeEncounter and collect all the information they need to safely and effectively remedy the situation. According to Iverson, SafeEncounter is a passion project for our team. We all know someone affected by conditions like Autism, Alzheimers, Dementia, etc., and we sought to offer a more accessible method of information sharing about these at-risk people. By partnering with law enforcement, we are able to start a trend of technology-driven community policing we hope will protect both vulnerable individuals and the officers responding to calls. The new SafeEncounter Solution features: Registrant mapping for geographical identification Editable dependent profiles with a comprehensive collection of valuable information Mobile access to ensure that officers can access the platform from their squad cars Seamless integrations with existing CMS and business applications Scalability and versatility to mold to each districts specific needs and goals The Village of Palatine Police Department selected SafeEncounter due to its user-friendly interface, innovative cross-district communication, and Government-level security. Hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud, SafeEncounter safeguards sensitive information without sacrificing accessibility to the law enforcement officers who need it. ImageSoft looks forward to working with Palatine to expand the solution and assist the community. About ImageSoft ImageSoft is a people-first technology company with a passion for helping organizations grow through digital solutions. We offer Enterprise Content Management solutions alongside our family of proprietary products. We work with organizations in various industries to digitize and streamline complex processes using cloud-based solutions backed by Government-level security. ImageSoft provides customers a trusted relationship through open and transparent communication, unmatched technical support, and positive rapport that extends past business calls and meetings. For more information about ImageSoft, visit the website at http://www.imagesoftinc.com/. Intaver Institute Inc. has announced the release of RiskyProject 7.2 This is a major new version that includes many new features and improvements with existing functionality. "This is significant release that builds upon our previous version 7.1 with a focus on improvements on risk planning, reporting, usability, and performance. In particular, our customers should be happy with improvements in risk mitigation planning, new customizable dashboards, and improved capabilities with large complex schedules, said Michael Trumper, Intaver Institutes business development director, "with this release, Intaver Institute continues its vision to provide the best in class solution at unmatched value." RiskyProject 7.2 includes: customizable risk and project dashboards and risk forms, improved mitigation planning including importing of mitigation plans, improved Monte Carlo simulations, updated filtering, sorting and reporting, and additional export functionalities. Exclusive for the Enterprise version is Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) and Active Directory support, Multiple Risk Matrix depository, and Mitigation Projects. About Intaver Institute Intaver Institute Inc. is a leading innovator in the field of project risk management software and project risk analysis offering our clients unique, powerful and cost effective software solutions for schedule risk analysis, cost risk analysis and project risk management. Out flagship product is RiskyProject: project risk management and integrated Monte Carlo cost and schedule risk analysis software. Hundreds of organizations from different industries around the world use RiskyProject software for risk management and risk analysis. Among our clients are NASA, US Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, GE, IBM, Leidos, GSK, FAA, USDA, and may others. Founded in 2002 Intaver Institute is a privately held company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Throughout my career Ive put mission and members first, which makes ISEA a great fit for my leadership philosophy. - Cam Mackey The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) will have a new president and chief executive officer on June 1, 2022: Cam Mackey. Mackey brings years of executive leadership experience to his new post at ISEA, most recently as executive director of Strategic & Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP). SCIP is a non-profit professional society providing 1,500+ leaders in growth intelligence (competitive, marketing, strategic intelligence & insights) with training, education, and professional development resources. In his three years leading SCIP, he transformed programming, grew membership, and succeeded in obtaining ANSI accreditation for internal standards. Prior to leading SCIP, Mackey spent nearly two decades with the Manufacturers Alliance, where he grew his career and experience in a multitude of roles, including marketing and sales, business development, and membership. In his final role there as senior vice president, operations, he was responsible for everything the organization did that created value for members, including training, education, in-person and virtual events, and best practices. Cam has decades of experience in association management and operations, as well as proven capabilities in strategy and innovation, growing revenues, and enhancing member and stakeholder value, said ISEA Board Chair Tom Votel (president & CEO, Ergodyne). He is well-positioned to advance ISEAs mission, vision and value proposition, and ensure membership growth to support those goals. Mackey expressed his excitement about the opportunity to lead ISEA. Throughout my career, Ive put mission and members first, which makes ISEA a great fit for my leadership philosophy, said Mackey. The organization has a clear and very important mission. And it has attracted members who are both passionate and strategic about how to best serve the safety equipment industry. Im eager to get started. Mackey lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife of 17 years, two daughters, two cats and a Labrador retriever. He is a proud former music major and supporter of the arts. About ISEA The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is the trade association for personal protective equipment and technologies. Its member companies, united in the goal of protecting the health and safety of workers worldwide, are global leaders in the design, manufacture, testing, and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), which protects more than 111 million workers across the U.S. Since 1933, ISEA has been a recognized leader in the development of ANSI-accredited safety equipment standards, in the United States and around the world. ISEA works with Congress and government agencies to consult with policymakers whose decisions affect the industry. Nationwide, the safety equipment industry supports 345,001 total jobs and generates more than $71.6 billion in economic activity. In 2020, the safety equipment industry paid $5 billion in federal taxes and nearly $4 billion in state taxes, for a total tax generation of $9 billion. For more information visit safetyequipment.org. Luca Papaleo, JANUS Product Manager, LIST, said A technology provider that delivers solutions for trading and trading compliance, LIST knows the importance of risk management, and the role of effective controls. ION Markets, a global provider of trading platforms, analytics, and risk management solutions for capital markets, is pleased to announce that its JANUS Suite (by LIST, an ION company) won Best Risk Management Product at the Markets Choice Awards 2022. The annual awards, presented in New York yesterday, recognize important sectors of institutional trading and technology, namely, buy-side traders, sell-side execution desks, exchanges and trading platforms, incumbent technology providers, and emerging fintech firms. LISTs JANUS Suite comprises advanced products designed to support financial institutions in monitoring and controlling risk in real-time, across multiple assets and markets. It has two core products: JANUS Risk Manager (JRM) - a multi-asset, currency and market, real-time risk management and order validation system for exchange-traded financial instruments. JRM meets the industrys urgent need to monitor all trading activity and margin exposures in real time, without complex and burdensome limitations in configuring and receiving alerts. JANUS Central Limit (JCL) a multi-market and multi-platform limit management system. JCL brings together risk and limit controls from disparate trading systems in a single dashboard, and monitors unauthorized or incorrect setting changes. Together, JRM and JCL provide a proven combination of real-time monitoring and accurate and matched trading system controls management. Indeed, JANUS is recognized as a market leader in the risk management space, being the first and unrivaled true intraday consolidated dashboard for risk managers. Whats more, the solution can scale to meet the needs of even the largest and most complex businesses. LIST submitted the JANUS Suite for consideration in an open category in the Markets Choice Award 2022. Receiving the Best Risk Management Solution award provides further independent acknowledgment of the products versatility. JRM and JCL solve multiple problems across multiple jurisdictions, with a strong focus on credit and market risk as well as electronic execution supervision. Users can tailor the functionality and rules to fit both the regulations and the firms risk and compliance regimes. Commenting on the award, Luca Papaleo, JANUS Product Manager, LIST, said A technology provider that delivers solutions for trading and trading compliance, LIST knows the importance of risk management, and the role of effective controls. Our JANUS Suite aggregates trade and order flows across back-offices, trading platforms and clearing systems; monitors user-defined risk measures; generates alerts on limit breaches; stores risk indicators and limit breaches to support client behavior analysis. It also replicates margins as calculated by CCPs across 60+ exchanges globally. Presented by Markets Media, the Markets Choice Awards marked the 10th anniversary of the program this year. The methodology used to select the nominees and winners keeps the focus on the most important opinions: those of market participants. The Markets Media community, whose industry opinion is highly valued, adjudicate the awards through online voting. About Markets Choice Awards The annual Markets Choice Awards, organized by Markets Media, recognize important sectors of institutional trading and technology, namely, buy-side traders, sell-side execution desks, exchanges and trading platforms, incumbent technology providers, and emerging fintech firms. Having started in 2013, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards program. For more information, visit https://www.marketsmedia.com/2022-markets-choice-awards/. About ION ION provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporates. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their business for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/. About ION Markets ION Markets provides transformative technology and solutions to financial institutions dealing in equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, cleared derivatives and secured funding. Our award-winning end-to-end solutions simplify clients operations by automating the full trade lifecycle, providing tools to manage risk, and maximizing access to liquidity, while giving real-time access to critical information required for timely operational decisions and execution on a global scale. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/markets/. About LIST Owned by ION, LIST is a leading financial technology provider to the global trading community, including trading venues, market makers, brokers, asset managers, risk managers, and compliance officers. LISTs innovative turnkey products and delivery, driven by customers needs, play a key role in supporting successful business growth in todays volatile times. Continuous innovation and client partnerships around the globe have built trust in and reliance on LISTs unique real-time and data analytics capabilities. https://www.list-group.com/. JETNET has announced their 2022 JETNET iQ Global Business Aviation Summit. The 11th Summit will be held September 15-16th, 2022 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. This years Summit theme is Bluer Skies. Greener Future. Attendees will have the chance to hear from the Whos Who of business aviation. The industrys top leaders will discuss the complexities of the present, as well as the philosophies and actions required to achieve a sustainable future. Key perspectives from experts such as analysts, brokers, and C-level executives will be delivered during panel discussions and speaker events. The Summit will also allow attendees time to meet their contemporaries, network, and develop topics outside of scheduled sessions. Two-tiered pricing has begun with a discounted Early Bird Registration rate for the JETNET iQ Summit, a $200 savings, and is available through May 16th, 2022. Beginning May 17th, 2022, through September 1st, 2022, pricing for attending the event will be $1,445 USD. Registration can be found at jetnet.com/summit. Cancellation Policy Refunds will be 50% for cancellation notices received prior to August 1st, 2022, and 0% thereafter. About JETNET iQ Summits are part of JETNET iQ, an aviation market research, strategy, and forecasting service for the business aviation industry. JETNET iQ also provides independent, Quarterly intelligence, including consulting, economic and industry analyses, business aircraft owner/operator survey results, and new aircraft delivery and fleet forecasts. JETNET iQ is a collaboration between JETNET and Rolland Vincent Associates LLC of Plano, Texas, an aviation market research consultancy. About JETNET As the leading provider of aviation market information, JETNET delivers the most comprehensive and reliable business aircraft research to its exclusive clientele of aviation professionals worldwide. JETNET is the ultimate source for information and intelligence on the worldwide business, commercial, and helicopter aircraft fleet and marketplace, comprising more than 110,000 airframes. Headquartered in its state-of-the-art facility in Utica, NY, JETNET offers comprehensive, user-friendly aircraft data via real-time internet access or regular updates. Anxiety: Proven Strategies to Overcome Social Anxieties, Fears, and Panic Attacks Forever: a thoughtful and encouraging approach to coping with anxiety. Anxiety: Proven Strategies to Overcome Social Anxieties, Fears, and Panic Attacks Forever is the creation of published author Julia Finney. Finney shares, Many people who deal with anxieties know that there are varieties of proven strategies to overcoming social anxieties, panic attacks, and fears. Their main focus should be about which strategy fits them individually and accurately. A description of some of the proven strategies are within these pages and could possibly change lives. The final strategy that is described has been proven to help the most number of people overcome their situations; this strategy is from someone who always has been, is currently, and always will be the greatest provider of all time; GOD. These proven strategies will have positive outcomes when applied consistently and thoroughly. Through constant prayers, scriptural guidance, and these proven strategies, we can all overcome anxieties, fears, and panic attacks forever. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Julia Finneys new book presents a compelling look into ways to cope with anxiety through a strong spiritual life. Finneys thoughtful and encouraging approach offers a welcoming message of hope and healing. Consumers can purchase Anxiety: Proven Strategies to Overcome Social Anxieties, Fears, and Panic Attacks Forever at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Anxiety: Proven Strategies to Overcome Social Anxieties, Fears, and Panic Attacks Forever, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. MedMaster MRIGT luminaire from Kenall Our MedMaster MRIGT series is part of a larger update to our specialty lighting portfolio that allows us to provide the extraordinary level of quality and service in specialized MRI applications for which Kenall is known Kenall continues to meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suites and imaging centers, with the introduction of its new MedMaster MRIGT series. This lightweight series of easy-to-install ceiling luminaires is constructed of non-ferrous materials and remote power supplies to provide safe operation with sensitive MRI equipment. The MedMaster MRIGT is available in two sizes (2 x 2 and 2 x 4) and is NSF2-rated for easy cleaning and sanitation in healthcare settings. Made by Kenall, a company you know and trust, and protected by our 5-year warranty, the MedMaster MRIGT works with a wide variety of controls systems. Lynn Walldorf, Kenalls Product Manager, said, Our MedMaster MRIGT series is part of a larger update to our specialty lighting portfolio that allows us to provide the extraordinary level of quality and service in specialized MRI applications for which Kenall is known. Kenall has a full slate of new LED lighting product introductions planned for 2022, including the recently introduced EnviroPro IN9 for natatoriums and the MedMaster MPH headwall luminaire for healthcare facilities. Visit Kenall.com for the latest updates. About Kenall Kenall Manufacturing, a Legrand company, was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1963 and has built a reputation for durable lighting solutions of superior quality and exceptional value. Today, the company creates specialized solutions for the healthcare, cleanroom/containment, food processing, transportation, high abuse, and correctional lighting markets. Kenall luminaires are designed and manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and comply with the Buy American Act (manufactured in the United States with more than 50% of the component cost of US origin). It will be an amazing day to celebrate Saint Johns commencement with the graduates and their families in the iconic Abbey and University Church, said James Mullen, SJU transitional president. With decades of community and servant leadership Abbot John Klassen, OSB, of Saint Johns Abbey, and S. Michaela Hedican, OSB, former prioress of Saint Benedicts Monastery will deliver the Saint Johns University commencement address at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, in Saint John's Abbey and University Church. This will be the first commencement ceremony in its traditional location since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Klassen and Hedican will address the 2022 SJU graduating class of 351 undergraduate men and 22 School of Theology and Seminary graduates. The long-time leaders will also each receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of significant and lasting contributions to CSB and SJU. The honorary degree is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society. It will be an amazing day to celebrate Saint Johns commencement with the graduates and their families in the iconic Abbey and University Church, said James Mullen, SJU transitional president. There is no better setting to honor the accomplishments of this years graduating class, after dealing with two years of the pandemic, and send them off to live lives rich with purpose and meaning. Jack Fogelberg, a graduating global business leadership major from Edina, Minnesota, will be the student commencement speaker. As a student, Fogelberg worked in the SJU paint shop. During the ceremony, SJU will present its Presidents Medal to Richard Adamson, SJU vice president of finance and administration, whose dedicated career has strengthened SJU for years to come and who is retiring at the end of this academic year. The Presidents Medal is awarded to those members of the SJU community who have demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, dedication and service to the university and its mission of liberal arts education in the Benedictine tradition. Adamson has served as the SJU vice president of finance and administration for over 15 years. During that time, he has established a remarkable record and has set the university on a strong financial footing through wise management of budgets and strategic investment in the Saint Johns physical plant. About the speakers Klassen has been abbot of Saint Johns Abbey since 2000. He graduated from Saint Johns Preparatory School in 1967 and SJU in 1971. After entering Saint Johns Abbey, he obtained his Master of Divinity from Saint Johns School of Theology and Seminary in 1977. He obtained his Ph.D. in chemistry from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., then went on to teach chemistry and serve as department chair at CSB and SJU. Hedican is currently director of oblates and the former prioress at Saint Benedicts Monastery. She is also the former prioress of Saint Bedes Monastery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and former president of the Federation of Saint Benedict. Hedican is a graduate of the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, and holds two masters degrees, one in religious education from Seattle University and the other in theology from Saint Johns School of Theology and Seminary. She was named one of the outstanding Catholics of the Year in 2016 by the global Catholic newspaper, Our Sunday Visitor. NCPDP announced today highlights from its 2022 Annual Technology & Business Conference, Be BOLD. Break Barriers. The Annual Conference opened with 20th Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Jerome Adams keynote address on a lifetime dedicated to breaking through healthcare, institutional and socioeconomic barriers. Justin Jones-Fosu, world-renowned speaker and author on meaningful work and diversity, inclusion and collaboration, inspired the audience with his keynote address, which included techniques on how to bring meaning to our work and lives, and a workshop on The Inclusive Mindset. Lygeia Ricciardi, digital health and patient engagement pioneer, shared her perspective on how to empower consumers as partners in their health journey through digital information and tools. Closing featured speaker and conference favorite, Doug Long, returned to deliver his informative IQVIA Market Trends Report. Educational track sessions spanned important industry topics such as specialty pharmacy; precision medicine; 340B Drug Pricing Program; NCPDPs Real-Time Prescription Benefit Standard; social determinants of health (SDOH); leveraging big data; legal updates; ePrescribing pet medications, and more. Other conference highlights include: Pooja Babbrah, MBA, PBM Practice Lead, Point-of-Care Partners, was appointed Chair of the NCPDP Board of Trustees. Mara N. Mitchel, Vice President, Pharmacy Programs, Oscar Health, was appointed Vice Chair of the NCPDP Board of Trustees. NCPDP 2022-2023 Board of Trustees newly elected members took office: Mark Gingrich, M.S., Chief Information Officer, Surescripts (re-elected for a second term); Mara N. Mitchel, Vice President, Pharmacy Programs, Oscar Health; and Christian Tadrus, R.Ph., Pharm.D., FASCP, NSC, Independent Pharmacist. NCPDP named Sharon Gruttadauria, Director, Strategic Product Management, CVS Health, as recipient of its prestigious TIME (The Individual Member Excellence) Award. Karen Eckert, R.Ph., MPM, Director, Clinical Sales Support, Wolters Kluwer, was presented the Benjamin D. Ward Distinguished Member Award. Krystal Clay, Senior Advisor, Express Scripts, received the Rising Star Award. NCPDPs 2022 Champion Award was presented to two recipients: Lori Moore, PharmD, CAPT, United States Public Health Service (USPHS); and Paloma L. Hawry, CDC Contractor, Deloitte Consulting | Federal Healthcare. In her State of the Association report on Tuesday, NCPDP President & CEO Lee Ann Stember provided a progress update on NCPDPs Strategic Plan in the following areas: leadership in standards development; speed to standards creation; standards support for value-based care models, precision medicine and innovation. She shared an update on collaboration with SDOs and other partners, as well as the NCPDP Foundation. Also, during the State of the Association, Michael W. Bukach, R.Ph., Chair of the NCPDP Foundation, provided a report on research and projects funded by the Foundation that have proven the value and benefits of NCPDP standards. NCPDPs 2023 Annual Technology & Business Conference will be held May 8-10, 2023, at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. About NCPDP Founded in 1977, NCPDP is a not-for-profit, ANSI-accredited, Standards Development Organization with more than 1,500 members representing virtually every sector of the pharmacy services industry. Our diverse membership provides leadership and healthcare business solutions through education and standards, created using the consensus building process. NCPDP has been named in federal legislation, including HIPAA, MMA, and HITECH. NCPDP members have created standards such as the Telecommunication Standard and Batch Standard, the SCRIPT Standard for ePrescribing, the Manufacturers Rebate Standard and more to improve communication within the pharmacy industry. Our data products include dataQ, a robust database of information on more than 80,000 pharmacies, resQ, an industry pharmacy credentialing resource, and HCIdea, an innovative prescriber database that provides continually updated information on more than 2.5 million prescribers. NCPDP's RxReconn is a legislative tracking product for real-time monitoring of pharmacy-related state and national legislative and regulatory activity. For more information about NCPDP Standards, Data Services, Products, Educational Programs and Work Group meetings, go online at http://www.ncpdp.org or call 480.477.1000. ### The Open Infrastructure (OpenInfra) Foundation today announced additional speakers for its upcoming Open Infrastructure Summit Berlin in June as well as the nominees for the 2022 Superuser Award. Joining the Summit agenda are leaders from BBC R&D, Bloomberg, BMW, Ciena, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, Federal Ministry of Germany, Fungible, Nubificus, Skatteverket, Societe Generale and Vexxhost. Additional presenters, announced previously, include users from Adobe, AWS, Canonical, China Mobile, OVHCloud, Red Hat, SovereignCloudStack, Volvo and Workday. At the Open Infrastructure Summit Berlin, June 7-9, OpenInfra users and supporters will engage in more than 100 sessions around open infrastructure use cases like cloud computing, edge computing, hardware enablement and security. The Summit is focused on helping users compose, integrate and operate these different technologies at scale to solve real problems for the next decade. *** Register today: https://openinfra.dev/summit/ *** New speakers, including several Linux OpenStack Kubernetes Infrastructure (LOKI) users, presenting at the Summit include: Bloomberg team members will be talking about how they scaled multiple single-cell OpenStack clouds to now support over 10,000 virtual machines. A Summit Spotlight sponsor, Bloomberg is actively recruiting to grow their team! CienaAs a founding member of the ENCQOR 5G project, Ciena has been a key contributor to Canadas extensive 5G ecosystem. The 5G project brought together a wide network of industry leaders, service providers, academia and over 800 small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate on the creation and commercialization of new and disruptive products, processes and services. The ENCQOR 5G compute network on OpenStack is supported by Ciena in collaboration with Vexxhost, the OpenInfra Foundations newest Gold Member. BBC R&DAs climate change threatens our world, minimizing the carbon emissions created by our work is an imperative. To help with this, BBC Research and Development is building dashboards that let users of its private OpenStack cloud track the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from each of its VMs. Combining real-time data from electricity producers with metrics from the compute hosts, BBC R&D is giving users a tool to monitor, and eventually to reduce, the environmental impact of their various workloads. European Centre for Medium-Range Weather ForecastsMigration to the cloud computing paradigm has been a considerable and occasionally complicated undertaking for many organizations and companies in the last few years. Meteorology is no exception, where there is a great diversity in the adoption of cloud computing and related technologies such as microservices. ECMWF will share how Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and Earth Observation (EO) data processing close to its physical location is a perfect use case for cloud technologies and cloud storage infrastructures. Fungible, an OpenInfra Foundation Silver Member, will discuss how it is accelerating the next generation data center with DPUs. In this session, Fungible will share a few examples where it is already providing record-breaking performance and flexibility to bring hyperscale cloud benefits to the data center. Skatteverket (Swedish tax agency)Cloud and Data Center Strategists Daniel Melin and Peter Nordstrom will join Franziska Brantner, the state secretary in the Federal Ministry (Germany) for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, to discuss the role open source technologies play in addressing digital sovereignty concerns. This discussion will be moderated by Frederic Lardinois, senior enterprise editor at TechCrunch. Societe Generale, an OpenInfra Foundation Silver Member, has been migrating their traditional IT infrastructure to an OpenStack private Cloud starting in 2017 and now has more than 18,000 virtual machines distributed worldwide in four regions and eight availability zones. This session will cover the main challenges met by the Societe Generale OpenStack Feature Team and how theyre overcoming them. BMW will describe how Zuul continues to drive innovation in the automotive industry, sharing why it has chosen to operate Zuul and contribute to the Zuul community. This session will include the turning points of BMWs journey in scaling CI with Zuul, fueled by the development of Zuul v5. Nubificus will be talking about its production use case with Kata Containers, the open source container runtime. *Superuser Award Nominees* A highlight of the Open Infrastructure Summit Berlin will be the presentation of the Superuser Award. Elected by members of the Open Infrastructure community, the individual or team that wins the Superuser Award is lauded for the unique nature of their use case as well as their integration and application of open infrastructure. Meet the 2022 Superuser Awards Nominees, which include: Agricultural Development Bank of China, Department of Information Technology Ant Group, Kata Containers Team Arvan Cloud CanaryBit Daniel Bystrom Fairbanks Jiangsu Suzhong Construction Group Co., IT Team OpenMetal OVHcloud Volvo Cars Corporation Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd., IT Team Canonical and Wind River are the Headline Sponsors for the Open Infrastructure Summit Berlin 2022, and T-Systems, Vexxhost and Mirantis are the Premier Sponsors. Bloomberg, Red Hat, B-1 Systems and OVHCloud are Spotlight Sponsors. Members of the media can contact jennifer@cathey.co for information about how to cover the event. *About the Open Infrastructure Foundation* The OpenInfra Foundation builds communities who write open source infrastructure software that runs in production. With the support of over 110,000 individuals in 187 countries, the OpenInfra Foundation hosts open source projects and communities of practice, including infrastructure for AI, container native apps, edge computing and data center clouds. Join the OpenInfra movement: http://www.openinfra.dev ### PEP Selects Centric PLM to Enhance a Design and Customer- Led Strategy The user-intuitive interface and functionality really appealed to our merchandise and planning teams and the technical team were won over with the architecture and configurability of Centric PLM PEP, Africas largest single brand retailer, has selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to improve efficiencies and optimize product assortments to further business growth. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source and sell products such as apparel, footwear, sporting goods, furniture, home decor, cosmetics, food & beverage and luxury to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals. With a footprint of more than 2,500 retail stores and a workforce of over 17,000 employees, PEP offers wanted products and services at the lowest possible prices to make it possible for everyone to look and feel good. With the retailer expecting to sell more than 760 million products this year, the need to enhance their customer-led strategy to match the demand became paramount. Up to this point, a lot of our planning was based on historical sales and contributions, done in isolation across various departments and sub-departments. Assortments within each department would be created without having visibility of a complete head-to-toe customer look, says Hannes Baard, Merchandise and Planning Solutions Manager at PEP. Tobie Lourens, Business and Solutions Architect at PEP, reflects on how the business considered a variety of options before settling on PLM. PEP wanted to provide its customers with a full spectrum solution. We initially scoped for an assortment planning tool, but soon realized our teams needed full visibility and control of costs, supply chains and workflow from the initial idea through to in-store. After being exposed to Centric PLM, PEP realized it offered so much more than assortment planning. Centric PLM aligned with PEPs wider business goals, as well as being 100% flexible and configurable, with the ability to integrate with their assortment planning tool. The user-intuitive interface and functionality really appealed to our merchandise and planning teams and the technical team were won over with the architecture and configurability of Centric PLM, explains Baard. PEP plans to connect all users across the globe, with buyers, merchandisers and suppliers all collaborating within a single source of the truth. PEP Stores set ambitious KPIs for their PLM implementation based on 5 pillars: customer satisfaction, resource efficiencies, growth, operating profit and market share. After implementing Centric PLM, the business expects an increase in sales and a reduction in markdowns. With Centric PLM, our product development and buying teams can conceptualize the range, build it out and use it as a funnel to get to the final assortment that lands with the customer, says Lourens. Centric Software is delighted to partner with PEP at such a pivotal point in their journey. We are excited at the prospect of enhancing their customer-first and collaborative product development strategy. comments Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. Learn more about Centric PLM Request a Demo PEP Stores (http://www.pepstores.com) PEP is Africas largest single brand retailer operating more than 2500 stores in Southern Africa. Since 1965 PEP has aimed to delight their remarkable customers who on a very small budget make it possible for their families to live with dignity and pride. As well as clothing and footwear, PEP sells homeware, FMCG, cellular and airtime products and also offers a range of other services such as cash-backs, Capfin (for loans), funeral policies, cross-border money transfers, selected bill payments, Flash electricity tokens, and more PEP employs more than 17 000 people who are united by one of the strongest corporate cultures in the world called Sikhula KunYe (which means we are growing together). Brad Cox vice president of revenue cycle operations Physicians Resources LTD (PRL) has named Brad Cox vice president of revenue cycle operations. PRL delivers strategic and operational transformation to the revenue cycle management for physician practices to ensure all financial touchpoints are integrated and results are optimized. Brad Cox brings more than fifteen years of revenue cycle operations expertise to PRL. Brads specialties include revenue cycle management, practice performance, operations management, project management, process improvement, and team and individual development. We are thrilled to have Brad join the PRL team. As our vice president of revenue cycle operations, Brad will work closely with physician groups and PRL staff to elevate operational relationships, says Brian Hall, PRL president and chief executive officer. His depth of experience in revenue cycle operations will prove invaluable to PRLs growth. Brad derives a genuine pleasure from transforming high-potential staff into outstanding leaders. He has a successful track record of advancing operational performance through strategic planning, process improvement, and best practice patient experience improvements.To read more about Brad Cox, visit his LinkedIn Account. I am excited to join the growing team at PRL, says Brad Cox, vice president of revenue cycle operations. I am very passionate about the role people, process, and technology play in revenue cycle operations and welcome the opportunity to use each of them to enhance the total practice value for our partners. About Physicians Resources LTD PRL provides modular and full-service revenue cycle management (RCM) solutions for healthcare practices, large hospitalist organizations, and various healthcare groups. For over 37 years, PRL has delivered industry-leading revenue performance for healthcare organizations to increase revenue, reduce costs, and improve efficiency to help improve the delivery of healthcare. Our RevCycle Ecosystem is an integrated approach that connects the patient experience, clinical documentation, and financial processes to optimize revenue management. For more information visit prlrcm.com. The Prem Rawat Foundation is providing vital necessities including food, water, hygiene kits, medical supplies, sleeping bags, insulated tents and psychological support. Photo courtesy of Cesvi. Thank you to everyone at The Prem Rawat Foundation for your generous support. We are honored by your partnership and happy for the help that together we will be able to bring to the field where thousands of people are suffering. Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from supporters across the globe, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) recently increased the amount of food, water and other humanitarian aid it has been able to give those suffering from the war in Ukraine. TPRF has now provided a total of $400,000 in grants to World Central Kitchen and Cesvi both are proven nonprofit partners who are in strong positions to help people in Ukraine and those seeking refuge in neighboring countries. TPRF gave them $250,000 in grants in March soon after the war broke out. Thank you to the supporters who donated to make this aid possible. Prem Rawat and all of us at TPRF are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. Friends of TPRF have offered exceptional support to provide critical aid for people suffering from this tragic war, says Linda Pascotto, TPRF Board Chair. The TPRF grants of $175,000 to World Central Kitchen (WCK) are helping provide nutritious meals and water to thousands of people at border crossings, shelters, and in refugee camps across Ukraine and neighboring countries. To date, the TPRF grants have helped WCK serve over 16.4 million meals and be prepared to keep the effort going. World Central Kitchen is grateful for TPRFs support and belief in our mission. They share our belief that a plate of food is more than just nourishment; its hope and a sign that someone cares, said Jason Collis, WCKs Vice President of Relief. Their support will allow us to continue to provide fresh and comforting meals to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as well as those staying in the country. The TPRF grants of $225,000 to Cesvi are also helping provide vital necessities to refugees including water, food, hygiene kits, medical supplies, sleeping bags, mattresses, insulated tents and psychological support for those who are traumatized. Thank you to everyone at The Prem Rawat Foundation for your generous support. We are honored by your partnership and happy for the help that together we will be able to bring to the field where thousands of people are suffering, says Roberto Vignola, Cesvi Deputy General Manager. Since Prem Rawat founded TPRF in 2001, it has given over 160 grants totaling over $5.5 million to a variety of partner NGOs in 40 countries to help victims of natural disasters, COVID-19 and other traumas. The humanitarian grants are just one of the ways that TPRF fulfills its mission of advancing dignity, peace and prosperity across the globe. TPRFs Food for People program has provided over 4.5 million nutritious meals, clean water, and educational opportunities to underserved children and elderly adults in India, Nepal and Ghana. TPRF also offers the Peace Education Program, an innovative series of video-based workshops that have helped over 250,000 people in over 70 countries discover their own inner strength, hope and peace. Registered as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, TPRF has earned the highest rankings from independent evaluators Guidestar and Charity Navigator for transparency, fiscal responsibility, results and management. Learn more about The Prem Rawat Foundation here. Rare Cannabinoid Company launches a new 1500mg CBGA + CBDA + Full Spectrum Hawaiian CBD Oil Tincture. We formulated this Support+ tincture after receiving many requests from stores and individual customers for a high strength blend of CBGA, CBDA, and CBD. Rare Cannabinoid Company announced the launch of its 1500mg CBGA + CBDA + CBD oil tincture. The full spectrum oil is designed for immune support and contains equal parts of CBGA (cannabigerolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and full spectrum Hawaiian CBD (cannabidiol). Buy CBGA + CBDA + CBD here. "We formulated this Support+ tincture after receiving many requests from stores and individual customers for a high strength blend of CBGA, CBDA, and CBD," said a company spokesperson. "As we head into the summer season and travel increases to levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic started, we hope this supportive blend of cannabinoids will help people feel their best." In addition to supporting a healthy immune system, CBDA and CBGA may relieve occasional nausea, soreness, discomfort, and inflammation after exercise. CBD (cannabidiol) supports a sense of calm, balance, healthy joints and mental and physical well-being. A leader in non-psychoactive rare cannabinoids, the aptly named Rare Cannabinoid Company is the first to release this combination of CBGA, CBDA, and Hawaiian CBD. It was also the first to formulate purified oils of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and CBDV (cannabidivarin) as well as terpene-only tinctures. While CBD has become a well-known health and wellness product, interest in these rare hemp compounds is now growing exponentially. This is because each rare cannabinoid offers unique effects and benefits. The premium brand's most-popular products have wide appeal for their targeted benefits. For example, THCV acts like a stimulant, increasing energy and suppressing appetite, which may aid weight loss. CBN (cannabinol) is believed to be the most-sedative cannabinoid and supports relaxation and restful sleep. Meanwhile, CBG (cannabigerol) relieves pain and inflammation after exercise. Rare Cannabinoid Company sells pure cannabinoid isolate oils, full spectrum blends, as well as THCV gummies, CBN gummies, CBG gummies and CBD gummies. In addition to their most-popular cannabinoid oils and gummies, the brand specializes in unique products -- such as CBDV, which is being studied for potential benefits for autism spectrum disorder -- and this new formula of CBGA, CBDA, and CBD. For those asking "What is CBGA? What is CBDA?," Rare Cannabinoid Company explains that they are acidic precursors to CBG and CBD. CBGA and CBDA are found in abundance in living, growing hemp and cannabis plants. However, for people to receive CBGA and CBDA benefits, they must consume them in their raw, unheated form. If they are smoked, baked, or vaped they will turn into CBG and CBD respectively. The new, high strength tincture combines 500mg CBGA isolate with 500mg CBDA isolate and 500mg full spectrum Hawaiian CBD. The CBD oil is extracted from hemp plants grown on the slopes of Haleakala Volcano on the Hawaiian island of Maui. "We believe that cannabinoids work best when they are combined with each other for the entourage effect," said the spokesperson. The entourage effect is a phenomenon whereby cannabis and hemp compounds act synergistically with each other and enhance one another's effects. "By combining a high level of CBGA with a high level of CBDA and enhancing it with another 500mg of full spectrum CBD, and all of its phytocannabinoids and terpenes, this all increases each cannabinoids potential benefits." Rare Cannabinoid Company grew out of its sister brand, Hawaiian Choice, which is Hawaiis most-popular CBD brand. The husband-wife founders of Hawaiian Choice started the new company when their customers started asking about where to buy specific rare cannabinoids. At the time, interest was limited to CBN for sleep, CBG for inflammation, THCV for weight loss potential, and CBC for improved mood. However, the team knew that as more and more rare cannabinoids were able to be extracted from hemp that interest in their unique benefits would grow too. They designed the new company to offer an apothecary of cannabinoids and terpenes for people to mix and match with each other and create their own custom blends. In this way, they could offer a truly personalized health and wellness offering. Rare Cannabinoid Company was started in the first quarter of 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it grew very quickly as interest in rare or minor cannabinoids exploded. It is now the market leader in non-psychoactive rare cannabinoids, with products sold online and in around 300 locations across the United States and by prescription in Brazil. Brick-and-mortar stores interested in stocking oils and gummies of THCV, CBDV, CBDA, CBGA, CBC, CBG, CBN, and terpenes, can request a wholesale account on Wellness Orders. The website is the wholesale ordering site for both Rare Cannabinoid Company and Hawaiian Choice CBD. Rare Cannabinoid Company believes strongly in cannabis and hemp education and has a list and map of third-party cannabinoid expert advisors. Cannabis doctors, nurses, and clinics can email info@rarecannabinoidco.com to inquire about being listed as an expert advisor. Customers seeking advice for specific ailments and conditions can contact these advisors for in-person and telehealth appointments. Find a cannabinoid advisor here. Each Rare Cannabinoid Company product page also has a "scientific studies" section with links to preclinical and medical research conducted on specific cannabinoids. Learn more and buy cannabinoids here. LeAnne Matthews Stewart This class, and all our students over the last two years has adapted admirably to the challenges of the pandemic. So, Im extremely pleased we can give them the commencement ceremony theyve earned, here on our campus, said Laurie Hamen, CSB transitional president. Business executive LeAnne Matthews Stewart, the current chair of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University Boards of Trustees and a 1987 CSB alumna, will deliver the College of Saint Benedict commencement address at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in Clemens Field House on the CSB campus. This will be the first commencement ceremony in its traditional location since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stewart will address the 2022 CSB graduating class of 373 undergraduate women. Stewart will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her significant achievements. The degree is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society. This class, and all our students over the last two years has adapted admirably to the challenges of the pandemic. So, Im extremely pleased we can give them the commencement ceremony theyve earned, here on our campus, said Laurie Hamen, CSB transitional president. LeAnne Stewart is an accomplished leader and an extraordinary Bennie, and her insights will serve our graduates well. Today Stewart is the chief financial officer of Axia Womens Health in Voorhees, New Jersey. In 2021, she was named CFO of the Year by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Stewart graduated from CSB with a BA in accounting and earned her MBA from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business in 1997. She has been on the CSB Board of Trustees since 2005. In 2012, Stewart received the S. Emmanuel Renner Award for sharing her wisdom, experiences and financial resources to allow all women to receive the benefits of a CSB education. Regan Dolezal, a graduating political science major with a global business leadership minor from Woodbury, Minnesota, will be the student commencement speaker. She is a videographer for Extending the Link, an admissions tour guide, and co-host of a podcast through the McCarthy Center called I'm Glad You Asked. Last summer, through the John Brandl Scholars Program, Dolezal interned for a non-governmental organization focused on education located in Arequipa, Peru called Helping Overcome Obstacles Peru. She recently received an award as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant to the Czech Republic for this fall. Medals for loyalty, dedication and service will be awarded During the ceremony, the CSB Presidents Medal will be presented to two long-time, outstanding CSB leaders. Kathy Kurvers Henderson 85, former CSB trustee, and Susan Palmer, CSB vice president of finance and administration who is retiring at the end of this academic year, will receive the medal because they have demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, dedication and service to the college and its mission of liberal arts education in the Benedictine tradition. Henderson served on the Saint Bens Board of Trustees for 10 years, until 2021. As a certified public accountant, she chaired the Strategic Resources and Business Infrastructure Committee and sat on the Audit Committee for the CSB Board. She helped build a strong financial foundation for the college, allowing Saint Bens to fulfill its mission with excellence. In 2020, she received the S. Emmanuel Renner Award for being a leader, steward and volunteer in service to CSB. During her more than three decades at Saint Bens, Palmer has stewarded the finances of the college. Beginning as the controller in 1988, she was promoted to vice president for finance in 1999 and has brought clear vision and sound strategic operational leadership to all things CSB as well as to the colleges top leadership teams, the Presidents Cabinet and Strategic Directions Council. VHS Learning has more than twenty-five years of experience in online learning, and that experience is evident in the rich, engaging educational experiences we offer to help students earn high school credits and prepare for college and careers, said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. As high schools create student course schedules for the 2022-23 school year, students can include courses not offered at their local school, thanks to new selections from VHS Learning. The nonprofit offers students and schools more than 300 unique high school courses, which range from core subjects and unique electives to Advanced Placement and Honors options. Course enrollment for fall 2022 is open and can be found here. VHS Learning collaborates with schools of all types urban, rural, public, and private to expand their programs of study and offer instructor-led courses that might not otherwise be available locally. The program features small class sizes, certified teachers, interactive learning, and flexible scheduling with coursework that is accessible anywhere students have internet access. Adding VHS Learning courses is quick and easy, as VHS Learning provides the course instructors and curriculum, as well as its team of helpful online learning experts. Schools work with their students to schedule VHS Learning courses into their standard school day, just like any other course offered at the school. VHS Learning has more than twenty-five years of experience in online learning, and that experience is evident in the rich, engaging educational experiences we offer to help students earn high school credits and prepare for college and careers, said Carol DeFuria, President & CEO of VHS Learning. Hundreds of schools quickly and easily supplement their local course offerings by adding our online courses to their catalogs, confident in the knowledge they are providing their students with high-quality, collaborative, engaging learning opportunities. This fall, VHS Learning will offer courses in a variety of subjects, ranging from STEM to Humanities to Credit Recovery courses and more. New course additions will include World Languages courses such as AP Chinese and Chinese 3, and Computer Science and Technology courses such as Python Programming. In the Chinese 3 course, the spiraled curriculum will expand upon the skills and knowledge students developed in Chinese 1 and Chinese 2, which were introduced last fall. Course participants will explore new vocabulary and grammar lessons, and participate in a variety of activities and projects. Throughout the course, students will also gain insight into Chinese culture and discuss relevant, engaging subject matter. The full-year Honors course will prepare students for the next level of Chinese language proficiency: AP Chinese Language and Culture. Python Programming is designed to introduce Python as a beginning computer science course. It provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice coding in an online environment with engaging, creative activities. The course includes video content, discussion, practice labs, games, digital products, and projects. During the 15-week course, students will write code, design programs, and have fun along the way. About VHS Learning VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization with over 25 years of experience providing world-class online programs to students and schools everywhere. Offering more than 300 unique online courses for high school credit, including 25 AP courses, credit recovery, and enrichment courses, VHS Learning is accredited by Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), and Cognia. Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information about VHS Learning please visit https://www.vhslearning.org/ and follow on Twitter at @VHSLearning. What: The Wharton School is pleased to invite business journalists to apply for the next virtual Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists program. The June 2022 program will feature Wharton professors Kevin Werbach, Lynn Wu and Ethan Mollick who will present on Crypto and Regulation: This Could Be the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship, How AI Transforms Labor and Firm Innovation and Understanding the Myths and Truths About Venture Capital and Startups, respectively. Through intensive lectures and expert Q&A the Seminars, led by the Wharton Schools most prominent professors, help reporters gain a better understanding of key business and economic issues. For more than 50 years, the Seminars have offered participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge, network with journalists from around the world, increase their exposure to leading experts and broaden their perspectives in a stimulating environment. View the June program agenda here. When: Thursday, June 16, 2022, 9:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Where: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seminars for Business Journalists will be delivered online via the Wharton Events Portal. How: Interested journalists can visit the Seminars for Business Journalists application. Space is limited. The cost of this program is $40.00 USD. Who: In recent years, journalists from media outlets such as The New York Times, Nikkei, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC India, San Francisco Chronicle, Reuters, Fortune, Financial Times, CNN, Marketplace, BBC News, Les Echos, Bloomberg, BuzzFeed News and China Central TV have attended the Seminars. Eligibility: Applications are open to those who are employed full-time as a print, broadcast or online business journalist by legitimate media companies. Program Benefits: Todays global economy requires business journalists to have a strong foundation in business and economic knowledge. At the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, participants will: Develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of business strategy. Network with colleagues from some of the worlds leading business news organizations. Gain exposure to leading experts and establish new sources. Learn More: For complete information on the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, visit https://journalists.wharton.upenn.edu/ or contact Wharton Media Relations at communications@wharton.upenn.edu. About the Wharton School Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 100,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit http://www.wharton.upenn.edu. Zomentum Grow Sales Acceleration Application Now Integrates with HaloPSA The integration and real-time data sync between Zomentum Grow and HaloPSA enable tech partners to act faster to convert opportunities, drive sales, and create a better partner and customer experience. Zomentum, creators of the first intelligent Revenue Platform for technology partners, announced today that its sales acceleration application, Zomentum Grow, now integrates with HaloPSA, an all-in-one professional services automation (PSA) solution for managed service providers (MSPs). The integration enables customer and quote information to automatically sync between Zomentum Grow and HaloPSA in real-time, saving MSPs time when updating their PSA accounts and teams. Manually updating sales opportunity information in the PSA increases the chances of human errors and delay, said Zomentum CEO Shruti Ghatge. The integration and real-time data sync between Zomentum Grow and HaloPSA enable tech partners to act faster to convert opportunities, drive sales, and create a better partner and customer experience. Zomentum Grow is the first sales automation application to integrate with the HaloPSA platform, enabling tech partners to manage their customers and opportunities, and kick off projects right away when an opportunity is won. Together, Zomentum Grow and HaloPSA deliver a complete end-to-end solution that enables tech partners to: Avoid swivel chair data entry All customer and quote information automatically flow from Zomentum Grow to Halo PSA; theres no need for manual intervention. Improve sales productivity Synchronize products and pricing from HaloPSA into Zomentum Grow. Create new opportunities for existing customers Existing customer data is pushed from HaloPSA to Zomentum Grow, where new opportunities can be created quickly. Speed sales from quote to order All quote line items in Zomentum Grow become a sales order in HaloPSA as soon as the deal is marked won. Deliver consistent customer experience Seamless data integration supports a consistent customer experience across sales, quoting and service delivery. Were extremely excited to partner with Zomentum to offer a mature end-to-end solution that takes clients from prospects to happy customers. HaloPSA and Zomentum are well aligned as both are modern solutions built based on customer feedback and bring a different approach to the MSP space, said Tim Bowers, Product Owner of HaloPSA. With the Zomentum Grow sales acceleration app, on average, technology partners can create documents 70 percent faster and close twice as many deals with a 600 percent increase in deal value. About HaloPSA HaloPSA is a privately owned and run company that offers PSA software designed for MSPs and service providers. HaloPSA gives you the power to manage your entire business with powerful out-of-the-box functionality and strives to offer everything service providers need, all in one place. It has been developed and evolved since 1994, meaning that HaloPSA has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. HaloPSA operates out of its U.K. headquarters and has satellite branches in the U.S. and Australia. The solution is trusted by a global customer base and supports a variety of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German and more. For more information, visit our website at https://halopsa.com and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, or Facebook. About Zomentum Founded in 2018, Zomentum delivers the world's first Revenue Platform for technology partners. Zomentum's revolutionary end-to-end platform consolidates numerous tools while enabling technology partners to earn, grow and manage revenue quickly and cost-effectively. Thousands of partners across America, Europe and Australia trust Zomentum to accelerate the growth of their businesses. The Zomentum Revenue Platform fuels IT sales revenue of $500 million a year and counting. Zomentum is based in San Francisco, with offices in the U.S. and India. The company is backed by leading investors, including Accel Partners, Elevation Capital, Green Oaks Capital and Eight Roads Ventures. Learn more at http://www.zomentum.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. For many technology companies, customer service and success are just a line item on the organizational chartbut for Zonar, it is a prime opportunity to connect with our customers to build loyal and trusting relationships, Zonar, the leader in smart fleet technology, today announces it has been named an award winner in Business Intelligence Groups 2022 Excellence in Customer Service program and a bronze winner for The Stevie Sales and Customer Service program. The recognition demonstrates the companys continuous dedication to customer satisfaction within the transportation industry. Business Intelligence Groups 2022 Excellence in Customer Service program celebrates companies that achieve a well-crafted customer service department and prioritize customer growth. Zonar receives recognition as Organization of the Year due to its dedication to helping others and building long-lasting relationships with its partners. Zonar continues to perform beyond the industry standard to provide customers with the tools necessary to find their own success. For many technology companies, customer service and success are just a line item on the organizational chartbut for Zonar, it is a prime opportunity to connect with our customers to build loyal and trusting relationships, says Matt Deichman, senior vice president of customer success and IT at Zonar. We are proud that our efforts to make our customers feel valued continues to be recognized on an industry level. The customer success team at Zonar recognizes that the work does not end as soon as the contracts are signed. It is about having empathy and understanding that customers business and operational success often depends on the reliability of tools and connectivity. This mentality directly impacts customer retention, growth, satisfaction, and ease of adoption for the customer Zonars achievement as the bronze winner for Customer Service Department of the Year - Airlines, Distribution & Transportation in The Stevie Sales and Customer Service program, stems from the companys outstanding contact center, business development and devoted sales professionals. This is the second year in a row that Zonar has been honored by Business Intelligence Groups 2022 Excellence in Customer Service program. Last year the company was also celebrated by the Globee Sales and Customer Service Excellence Awards as a bronze award recipient. To learn more about Zonars recognition across the industry and recent news visit https://www.zonarsystems.com/news-events/press-releases/ About Zonar Founded in 2001, Zonar has pioneered smart fleet management solutions throughout vocational, pupil, mass transit and commercial trucking industries. Zonars mission is to enhance the safety, performance, and success of our customers by transforming the delivery of innovative insights for commercial fleets around the world. Zonar achieves this by helping fleets of all sizes maximize the use of their assets with solutions dedicated to improving compliance, efficiency, maintenance, ridership visibility, safety, and tracking. Cloud-based services with open APIs drive Zonar's smart fleet solutions by making it easy for fleet owners and managers to stay connected to their fleets and drivers and operators to dispatch. Headquartered in Seattle and part of the Continental family, Zonar also has a Technology Development Center in downtown Seattle and a distribution center outside of Atlanta. Empowering Consumers Through Mental Health Initiatives American advertisers are playing a bit of a long-term good cop / bad cop routine with the consumer public. After nearly a century of bombarding audiences' brains with slimmed down, sexed up, and entirely this way or the highway visual stimuli, brands are now turning to mental health support as a way to engage with key consumer bases particularly younger, more impressionable ones. With one in five Americans experiencing a mental health challenge, and 82% of consumers preferring value-driven brands whose principles align with their own, the (admittedly ironic) shift from hard sell to soft support is just good business. Mental healthcare a marketing goldrush for psychedelics? The picture of what legal psychedelic-assisted therapy might look like is being shaped by the brand and marketing strategies of companies hoping to sell those same psychedelic products to the masses, pending FDA approval. For these alternative treatments to have a true impact, it is important for brands not to get too carried away. The Drum Short film from Dove teaches teens about toxic media influences Idealized beauty content on social media is proven to cause low self-esteem, especially among young girls, and Dove is fighting back with a new short film highlighting how toxic both media influence and influencers can be on teen's self perception. Dove Big tech creates an employment portal for neurodivergent job seekers Microsoft has developed a career portal for neurodivergent job seekers called the Neurodiversity Career Connector. The platform also posts jobs from Google, IBM, Dell, and a handful of other tech companies. Career Connector L.L. Bean urges people to get outside for their mental health The iconic Maine-based outdoor apparel company is encouraging its shoppers to spend more time outdoors by pausing all of its own social media for the month of May, which happens to be mental health awareness month. LL Bean Creating Alternative Health And Wellness Destinations Optimal wellbeing and physical health are guiding forces in consumers lives today, informing their preferred brands and products and ultimately driving purchase decisions and loyalty. Research in PSFK's latest report indicates the boom in healthcare and wellness markets provides an attractive and exciting opportunity for retailers looking to grow their customer base and expand their services in innovative and impactful ways. Albertsons makes it easier to buy fresh food and medicine In response to a heightened consumer focus on their personal health, Albertsons Companies is expanding affordable, convenient access to wellness products and fresh food for millions of shoppers with a new supplementary benefits program. Read More Walmart and Snap debut AR lens encouraging healthy food choices Snap Scan Shop is launched in partnership with Merediths Allrecipes, Snap and Walmart and offers a shoppable solution for home chefs looking for the perfect, and perfectly responsible, meal. PSFK Walgreens opens health offerings in underserved communities Since acquiring VillageMD in 2021, Walgreens Boots Alliance has been expanding the footprint of the doctor-staffed clinics at a breakneck pace, opening a new location nearly every three days. Read More Download Today: A PSFK Guide to Health & Wellness Services 5 engagement strategies that leverage health and wellness trends to deliver superior, repeat-driven experiences. Details PSFK's Guide for brands and retailers to win loyalty and repeat spend by providing health and wellness services to their customers. For Community, By Community It is a truth universally acknowledged that consumers want to have special people around them who make them feel better. They strive to exist within an ecosystem of things that matter to them and flatter their core values and life principles. Brands that tap into and support these beneficially-focused behavioral drivers are finding they can establish loyal communities and incubate real, positive change. Reddit launches Community Funds initiative Beginning next month, Reddit is inviting communities to submit ideas to its newly-official Community Funds project. During the projects pilot trial, Reddit funded projects including a comics tournament, a community-designed musical artist billboard in Times Square, and a digital conference for history buffs, bringing them to life with financial support. Reddit New York's Hudson Valley CoHousing movement The Cantines Island intentional co-housing community in New York's Hudson Valley is one part lifestyle, one part old-fashioned neighborhood, where members are committed to governing through consensus and own their own homes, as well as share ownership of common buildings and resources according to their location and need. Cantines Island Dr. Martens brand attitude borrows from its different communities Dr. Martens creative director Darren McKoy talks to The Face about the power of community and how he finds creative inspiration for the future in the uniquely independent ways different groups of consumer communities across the globe interpret the brands ethos. The Face WhatsApp launches Communities a new vision for group chats Metas WhatsApp messaging service will now allow users to participate in larger discussion groups, called Communities. The Communities feature will include added support for file sharing, 32-person group calls and emoji reactions, as well as admin tools and moderation controls. Meta Every PSFK report now available for $495. Even the old ones. Maybe we have just the right insights to help you get smart quick on that topic you're working today? psfk.com/reports Also In The News & Opinions This Week The New York Academy of Sciences and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development have announced a call for applications for the Interstellar Initiative. The program connects early-career investigators from around the world with peers in related disciplines to address challenges in the area of basic research to elucidate the complex mechanisms of living organisms. Teams will be guided by a mentor, take part in two workshops over 6 months, and receive financial support to develop proposals for submission to international funding agencies. Scientists are defined as early-career if they have been an active researcher for 10 or fewer years. Applications to the Interstellar Initiative require: Application form (including applicant demographics, scientific background, research experience, and area of interest) Proposal (guidelines below) CV (optional) A 1,000-word proposal must be submitted that identifies a critical research question in basic research, highlights its importance and impact, and proposes a research plan for how the applicants expertise can address this question, including how they hope to improve this proposal through participation in the Interstellar Initiative. Applications are due May 24. For a full timeline, visit the information page for the Interstellar Initiative website. The National Academy of Sciences has elected APS Fellows Robert A. Bjork, Alice H. Eagly, Megan R. Gunnar, and Roberta L. Klatzky to membership in the prestigious organization. Announced May 3, the 2022 elections include 120 new members and 517 new international (nonvoting) members, for a total of 2,512 active members and 517 international members. Established under a congressional charter signed by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Scientists are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to research. All four of the APS Fellows are also charter members of APS, meaning they were among the 400 original psychological scientists who formed the society in 1988. Bjork, a distinguished research professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, is a cognitive psychologist known for his research on human memory and learning. In 2021, he and his wife, APS Fellow Elizabeth Ligon Bjork, received the APS Mentor Award in recognition of their work shaping the future directions of science by fostering the careers of students and colleagues. Bjork served as APS President from 2000 to 2001 and received the APS James McKeen Cattell Award in 2016. Eagly is the James Padilla Chair of Arts and Sciences, professor emeritus of psychology, and Emeritus Fellow of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, Evanston. Her research interests include the psychology of gender, especially sex differences and similarities in leadership, prosocial behavior, aggression, and more. She co-chaired a symposium on the cultural and biological evolution of gender at the 2011 APS Annual Convention. Gunnar is a Regents Professor, Distinguished McKnight University Professor, and distinguished teaching professor at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. Like Bjork, she received both the APS Mentor Award in 2014 and the APS James McKeen Cattell Award in 2021. (See a video recording of her Mentor Award remarks, along with those of other 2021 APS Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.) Klatzky, who served as the APS Treasurer for 20 years, is the Queenan University Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, where she researches perception and action, focusing on touch, space perception, and cognition. A recipient of the APS James McKeen Cattell Award in 2018, she discussed the intersection of sensory technology and psychological science in her May 2019 award address at the APS Annual Convention. Military Exposures & Your Health - 2022 -Issue #6 In this issue: The Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record - An introduction In caring for Veterans with concerns about military environmental exposures from deployment or in garrison/on base, VA is looking for better ways to document these exposures and link them with medical concerns to look for connections between exposures and health outcomes. An improved way to do this is with the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, or ILER. Department of Defense (DoD) environmental technicians and industrial hygienists collect air, soil, and water samples in deployed and garrison environments. They also conduct special surveys in line with Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) standards at potentially hazardous sites, such as flight lines, ships, and industrial locations like motor pools and other maintenance facilities. This information is used to monitor the health of workers and ensure they have a safe worksite. In the past, only military commanders and others at DoD could review this information through written reports and in a database called the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS). With VAs ILER, developed in 2018, VA can now access DOEHRS information in a central location and connect this information to the records of individual service members and Veterans. ILER contains information on all potential environmental hazards, not just exposures of concern. In fact, most environmental samples in DOEHRS are normal, routine air, soil, and water samples and are not health hazards. With ILER, VA staff can search for environmental exposure data by person or location through a secure portal. This can be useful for health care providers seeing a patient, or a claims manager evaluating an exposure claim. Additionally, ILER has another exciting potential application: VA can use it to study or monitor a group of service members or Veterans stationed at a certain location and time. This can be helpful if VA needs to create a registry (a collection of data that allows for research analysis on a specific population) because certain past exposures have become a health concern. ILER can be used to build the registries of the future. VA is also developing a portal so Veterans can access personal ILER information. Before rolling this out, the VA Information Technology group will conduct pilot testing and collect feedback to help develop a useful product for Veterans. ILER does have limitations. Data entry in DOEHRS did not start until after 9/11, so ILER does not have information from the eras of the Vietnam War, Desert Shield, or Desert Storm. In addition, not all collected information has been digitized and entered into DOEHRS. VA and DoD will continue to work together to expand the functions and comprehensiveness of ILER so that it can be a useful tool in assessing military exposures going forward. return to top Karshi-Khanabad (K-2) Karshi-Khanabad (K-2) was a former Soviet-era airbase located in Southwest Uzbekistan. It was occupied by U.S. forces from 2001-2005 to support operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Given the nature of the original Soviet airbase, a series of environmental site surveys were conducted during the K-2 occupation (Search: Karshi Khanabad- Army Public Health Center). Several low-level toxic exposures were documented at this site, and health complaints have garnered the interest of media outlets and Congress. In December 2020, Public Law 116-315 was passed. The VA Secretary was directed to enter into an agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to: 1) prepare a summary report of the conditions at K-2; and 2) assess the health effects in those deployed to K-2, with a final report due no later than January 2030. This agreement includes establishing a community engagement panel to provide updates to K-2 Veterans and other stakeholders, as well as provide an opportunity for K-2 Veterans and stakeholders to communicate with VA. ATSDR staff are leading the effort to prepare a summary report on exposures at K-2, with a final report anticipated by the summer of 2022. VAs Epidemiology Program within Health Outcomes of Military Exposures is responsible for assessing the possible health impacts from serving at K-2, with ATSDR serving as consultants. The Epidemiology Program has designed a prospective surveillance program, called the K-2 Surveillance Program (K2SP). K2SP includes a longitudinal health database for all K-2 Veterans and two comparison groups: one group that deployed to Southwest Asia, but not to K-2, and a second group that served during the K-2 occupation, but never deployed to Southwest Asia or K-2. K2SP will update health outcomes data on an annual basis over the next 8 years and will periodically analyze disease outcomes and causes of death during this time frame. Additionally, K2SP will provide the capability to rapidly assess any new health concerns that emerge. In early 2022, K2SP began assembling the longitudinal health outcomes database, with the initial assessment of disease outcomes planned for completion by the summer of 2022. K2SP will then begin analyzing causes of death, with a final report anticipated in late summer of 2023. For ongoing updates and other K-2 related information please go to our K-2 webpage. return to top Resources on military environmental exposures VAs Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) strives to provide the most comprehensive, helpful information to Veterans about military environmental exposures and health and about our Environmental Health Registry programs. Below is information about our exposure resources and our offices effort to make them as up-to-date, widely known, and useful as possible. Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits: In early 2021, we updated the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit web pages. You can find links covering general information, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, research, how to get care, information for health care providers, and frequently asked questions. We also advertised the registry through social media efforts; through Facebook and Google ads and other platforms, such as Rally Point and We Are the Mighty; and in 17 radio interviews across the country. In addition, the Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence within the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), an office within HOME, conducted 4 listening sessions during the summer of 2021 to facilitate two-way communication between the Center and Veterans who are interested in ongoing efforts surrounding the study of airborne hazards and burn pits. Educational Classes and Podcasts: The WRIISC offers a Veteran environmental exposure education class series virtually via WebEx. Also, the WRIISC has an ongoing podcast series for Veterans, their caregivers, and the healthcare community called Veterans Heath Matters. Twelve episodes have been produced since July 2020. Online resources: For extensive information about military exposures and health, visit Military Exposures - Public Health (va.gov). Topics include chemical, physical, and environmental hazards during military service, VA programs, benefits, research studies, and provider resources. The WRIISC also offers information about post-deployment health concerns at War Related Illness and Injury Study Center Home (va.gov). HOME offers the Exposure Ed app to help health care providers provide information to Veterans on health effects associated with certain exposures during military service. Features of the app include the ability to search for information on exposures by specific exposure name, date and location of military service, or conflict. It also includes information about potential health effects from these exposures and related VA programs and policies. This app is available for free download on Apple and Android devices. In addition, the website MyHealtheVet offers tips and tools to help you partner with your VA health care team, so together you may work to manage your health. The following articles on MyHealtheVet cover military environmental exposure topics: return to top Radiation cleanup update- Palomares and Enewetak Health Outcomes Military Exposures is following nuclear cleanup projects at the Enewetak Proving Ground at Enewetak Atoll and at Palomares, Spain. While these cleanup projects may have affected some Veterans, radiation doses at Enewetak Proving Ground and Palomares are below those known to cause adverse health effects. Enewetak Proving Ground At the Enewetak Proving Ground in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. conducted nuclear tests from 1948 through 1958. Approximately 6,000 Veterans and civilian personnel participated in a cleanup project from May 1977 through May 1980 as a part of a plan to return the atoll to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll encountered very low levels of radiological contamination, and current residents have little or no intake of residual radionuclides. VA conducts ongoing surveillance of the health care utilization and mortality experience of Enewetak Veterans. A recent review found no increased risk of either overall cancer or specific cancer mortality among Veterans due to their military service on the Enewetak Atoll. Surveillance of VA health care utilization among 2,123 Enewetak Veterans who used VA services suggests that these Veterans do not have an unusual or elevated occurrence of disease, either for malignancies associated with radiation or other circulatory or respiratory diseases. Palomares, Spain In 1966, a U.S. Air Force bomber and a tanker aircraft collided over Palomares, Spain, releasing four thermonuclear weapons. Two were damaged when they hit the ground, releasing plutonium, but with no nuclear detonation. Approximately 1,600 military and civilian personnel worked to decontaminate the site after the accident. At Palomares, the Air Force found no evidence of adverse health effects from potential radiation exposure. There are no known health effects to the local Spanish population living in and around Palomares. VA researchers investigating health outcome data have not found an increase in disease or deaths related to radiation or patterns of health care utilization suggesting increased disease occurrence. Our current knowledge about these low radiation exposures at Enetewak Proving Ground and Palomares do not support the addition of presumptive service connection for Veterans who served at these locations. Claims for benefits for Veterans serving at either location are considered on a case-by-case basis. VA will continue to monitor these Veteran populations into the future. return to top The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry Purpose and location update VAs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (AHOBPR) is designed to gather information from Veterans and service members about airborne hazard exposures and any related health conditions. It is for those who were deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, or Red Sea any time after August 2, 1990; or Afghanistan or Djibouti on or after September 11, 2001. In addition, you will be eligible to participate in the AHOBPR if you served in Syria or Uzbekistan since September 11, 2001, or Egypt since August 1990, once this feature is added to the registry programing early this summer. We encourage you to participate in the AHOBPR because it can help you better understand your health and help VA better understand and respond to Veterans health care needs. In addition, the AHOBPR: Captures information on exposures Documents this information in the medical record Can be a portal to other VA health care Please note that the registry is separate from the VA disability compensation process and is not required to file a claim. It does not confirm exposure to environmental hazards during military service. During the claims process, VA will check your military records to verify exposure to the claimed environmental hazard or qualifying military service. If necessary, VA will set up a compensation examination for you. return to top Whole health at VA Are you interested in improving your whole health, meaning not just your physical health, but also your mental health, connection to others, sleep, energy, ways to find personal growth, and more? VA health professionals across the country are part of VAs transformation to a Whole Health system of care, which focuses on personalized health plans based on Veterans values, needs, and goals and supporting overall well-being and health. VA Connection Plans, a Whole Health intervention program offered through the VISN 5 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, is a recently completed pilot program that helped Veterans set goals for their body, mind, and social connections. Martin Allen, a Navy and Air Force Veteran and post-9/11 expert with VAs Health Outcomes Military Exposures, was contacted by VA Connection Plans to participate. Allen joined the program and set goals to control his health challenges, destress, and improve his health during the pandemic. The program helped him lose 50 pounds, add walking to his exercise routine, and begin transcendental meditation. The VA Connection Plans program helped me to focus on my health goals and implement them, said Allen. Health care providers helped me with both my physical and mental health, he added. Though the VA Connection Plans program is on hiatus, you can learn more about Whole Health, create a personalized health plan, and talk to your health care provider about how you can incorporate Whole Health into your care. More Whole Health resources from VA are available at Whole Health Home, and you can find out how to get started at Get Started with Whole Health - Whole Health. return to top She Wears the Boots podcast covers military exposures Listen to the military exposures episode on VAs She Wears the Boots podcast and learn about exposures and health, how to obtain a registry exam, and information specific to women Veterans. Dr. Erin Dursa, senior epidemiologist with VAs Epidemiology Program within Health Outcomes Military Exposures, presents this episode. She also discusses research on the health of 1990-1991 Gulf War Veterans and on Gulf War illness. You can find the She Wears the Boots podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. return to top Breast cancer and post-9/11 women Veterans By Sally Haskell, MD, MS Deputy Chief Officer for Clinical Operations, Office of Womens Health, Veterans Health Administration Women Veterans who served since 9/11 may be concerned about an increased risk of breast cancer. VA acknowledges that there have been individual reports of breast cancer diagnoses among post-9/11 women Veterans in the news, and we are following this closely. Current research shows: Based on Department of Defense (DoD), VA, and other data, there is no link between 1990-1991 Gulf War service and breast cancer. We continue to track breast cancer rates among women who served during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. A 2009 study (Zhu et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009) compared breast cancer rates in military personnel to breast cancer rates among civilian women in the National Cancer Institutes Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program (SEER). The study found a slightly higher rate of breast cancer among military personnel. This may be because the military population had more known risk factors for breast cancer, such as delays in age of first childbirth or increased use of contraceptives. Another factor may be that military personnel had more access to routine screening, resulting in more identification of early-stage breast cancers, and resulting in higher measured rates. VA Mammogram Services for Women Veterans VA offers screening mammograms to women Veterans, following the American Cancer Society Guidelines. Our clinicians begin discussions about breast cancer with women at age 40. They start screening mammograms at age 40 for women who express an interest in early screening or who have a family history or other risk factors. Due to individual risks, some women may require even earlier screening. At VA, routine screening begins for all women no later than age 45. VA recommends screening yearly until age 54 and then every other year from age 55 onwards. VA offers mammograms on-site at 69 VA facilities. For women receiving care at sites without mammography, we offer screening at conveniently located community facilities. VA sites have mammogram coordinators who track women who are due for a mammogram or follow-up on abnormal results and help our patients navigate through the breast cancer screening process. VA exceeds the private sector in mammography screening rates. Like other health care agencies, we have seen some delays in routine screening related to COVID-19, but we are aggressively working to ensure all our patients are up-to-date on all preventive screenings. Oncology Services For women diagnosed with breast cancer, VA offers full-service oncology treatment that includes imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other advanced state-of-the-art treatments as needed, either on-site, or in the community. VA patients are also eligible for enrollment in clinical trials. In addition, VA is excited to be standing up a Breast Cancer System of Excellence. This will ensure the availability of nationally recognized, expert consultative services throughout VA, with electronic consultation, telehealth, and a virtual tumor board. The Breast Cancer System of Excellence will include a partnership with VA and non-VA research entities. return to top Health effects related to service at Camp Lejeune: Care, benefits, and federal research Veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune (a U.S. Marine Corps Base in North Carolina) during the 1950s to 1980s may have been exposed to drinking water contaminated with industrial solvents from dry-cleaning waste and benzene from leaking underground fuels storage tanks. VA provides health and disability benefits for Veterans, Reservists, National Guard members, and family members who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 for at least 30 days. Additionally, VA collaborates with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) on studies to determine if additional conditions may result from this exposure. Currently, VA provides qualifying Veterans with cost-free health care for the following 15 conditions: Certain cancers (esophageal, breast, kidney, lung, and bladder cancer) Multiple myeloma Non-Hodgkins lymphoma Leukemia Renal toxicity Female infertility Scleroderma Myelodysplastic syndromes Hepatic steatosis Miscarriage Neurobehavioral effects For the above conditions, family members of military personnel who lived at Camp Lejeune are eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses not already covered by their other health plans. For Veterans and Reserve and National Guard members, VA has established presumptive service connection for eight health conditions associated with exposure to contaminants in the water supply. This means VA presumes that service at Camp Lejeune caused the conditions and provides disability compensation without additional proof. These conditions are: Adult leukemia Aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes Bladder cancer Kidney cancer Liver cancer Multiple myeloma Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Parkinson's disease Read more about Camp Lejeune benefits and disability benefits. For information about the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, go to https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov/. VA has partnered with ATSDR to closely monitor the health of Camp Lejeune Veterans. ATSDR has performed a series of health studies on this population and is currently conducting its final studies: an assessment of vapor intrusion as a source of exposure to the contaminants in the water supply and a study of cancer incidence in the population. Once ATSDRs studies are complete, they will transfer the study cohorts to VAs Health Outcomes Military Exposures to continue follow-up studies on the health of this population over time. This will allow VA to update its policies regarding care and compensation for Camp Lejeune Veterans. For more information on ATSDRs Camp Lejeune studies, visit: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/health-effects.html. return to top WRIISC study on Veterans and COVID-19 Deployed Veterans may be at greater risk of long-term health effects from COVID-19 due to their deployment and exposure histories. Therefore, the War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) is planning a study to understand the health effects of COVID-19 specifically among deployed Veterans. The WRIISC is studying participants from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry who have had COVID-19 to learn about long-term symptoms, lingering effects, and how common it is for Veterans to have long-COVID. The study will include up to 375 Veterans with a documented positive test, with additional females and non-white Veterans included in the study. Researchers will interview study participants over the telephone or through a VA-approved web-based platform. The interview will include: questions about experiences during and after COVID-19 infection, current symptoms, and recent exposures a COVID-19 questionnaire from SubPopulations and InteRmediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS) the CDC Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptom Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) the Dyspnea-12 (D-12) Questionnaire the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale questions on demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors Researchers will follow-up with participants every six months through 24 months from their positive COVID-19 diagnosis. They will analyze data collected from participants to distinguish between Veterans with and without long-COVID. At the conclusion of this study, the researchers aim to determine the prevalence of long-COVID in their sampled group, characterize long-COVID symptoms and potentially associated factors, and tailor future studies regarding COVID in populations. return to top Research update: VAs Epidemiology Program, Health Outcomes of Military Exposures During 2021, VAs Epidemiology Program within Health Outcomes of Military Exposures published several peer-reviewed publications on Veterans with military service since 1990. Below are summaries of some of our publications. We reported health outcomes after 20 years using longitudinal data on 30,000 deployed and non-deployed Gulf War Veterans. The findings from this study suggest that Gulf War Veterans are not only more likely than their non-deployed counterparts to report chronic disease, but they are also more likely to report it earlier. This work continues, and we are planning a fourth survey of these study participants. The Epidemiology Program is working to better describe and understand Gulf War illness. One study found that demographic and lifestyle factors and medical conditions from before the war are strong predictors of Gulf War illness. Another study looked at Gulf War illness in Veterans who participated in the Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository as a foundation for developing a case definition. Also, the Epidemiology Program is leading an artificial intelligence analytical project to develop a data driven approach to better define Gulf War illness. Our Epidemiology Program team has also been actively assessing mortality among Gulf War Veterans and those who served during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, or New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). In an analysis of Gulf War Veterans 25 years after the war, researchers found no difference in disease mortality between deployed and non-deployed Veterans; however, female Veterans had a higher risk of suicide compared to the U.S. population. A study on disease mortality among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans compared to the general U.S, population showed a lower risk of mortality overall, as well as for all respiratory-related diseases. Additionally, OEF/OIF/OND Veterans had a higher risk of mortality due to motor vehicle accidents and suicide compared to the U.S. population. Other Epidemiology Program studies have looked at suicide among Veterans who served since 1990. In one study, homelessness and justice involvement were associated with more severe post-traumatic, depressive, and substance use symptoms among post-9/11 Veterans, along with increased rates of suicidal ideation and attempt, compared to post-9/11 Veterans with no history of homelessness or justice involvement. Another study found an increased risk of suicide among OEF/OIF/OND Veterans compared to non-Veterans. In addition, a study of OEF/OIF/OND Veterans found that reporting more than 6 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) was associated with suicide attempt after age 18 for Veteran men. For Veteran women reporting ACEs, the strongest association with suicide attempt was found for suicidal ideation or attempt before age 18. In addition to published research, Epidemiology Program staff support policy and research initiatives throughout VA. Several staff served on the respiratory presumptions review panel that contributed to three new respiratory presumptions for Veterans who served in Southwest Asia. One staff member served as co-chair of the task force to design of a new program within VAs Office of Research and Development focused on improving objective measurement of military exposures. Through these efforts, the Epidemiology Program continues to supports VAs mission to care for Veterans as concerns and exposure risks evolve. return to top Gulf War illness and a case definition Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic, symptom-based condition that affects an estimated 30% of all Gulf War Veterans. It presents as a cluster of medically unexplained symptoms that include, but are not limited to, fatigue, pain, gastrointestinal upset, memory problems, headaches, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. While many definitions have been proposed, there is no single, validated case definition for GWI. Several independent groups, including the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine and the U.S. Government Accountability Office, have recommended that VA develop a single case definition that would help VA improve the way in which GWI is diagnosed, improve the way in which disability claims are adjudicated, and improve the way research is conducted on Veterans with GWI. Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME) is supporting two innovative projects using a data-driven approach to develop a single case definition for GWI. The first is a chart review project directed by the War Related Illness and Injury Center (WRIISC) in East Orange, NJ. Medical records from Gulf War Veterans who visited a WRIISC clinic between 2001-2018 have been under review to determine a case definition that best fits the clinical presentation. The second is an artificial intelligence analytical project co-led by HOME epidemiologists and the Harvard School of Medicine that leverages pre-deployment and deployment data from the Department of Defense and medical records from VA on over 500,000 Gulf War and Gulf War-era Veterans to identify predictors and clinical correlates of GWI. These projects were recently finished and HOME is reviewing reports to decide on next steps to potentially arrive at a clinical case definition. return to top Download free viewer and reader software to view PDF, video and other file formats. On April 14, 2022, a group of writers, many with formal ties to Oxford University Press, sent an open letter to the publisher asking for accountability. That request, complete with over 800 signatures gathered publicly on Twitter, was in response to the upcoming publication of a book, Gender-Critical Feminism, by Australian academic Dr. Holly Lawford-Smith. Lawford-Smith, who has previously published work decrying lockdown measures, had already received criticism for her views on gender in the pastspecifically, for a website she launched, noconflicttheysaid.org. Dr. Eugenia Zuroski, an associate professor at Hamilton, Ontarios McMaster University and author of OUP title A Taste for China, was one of the people coordinating the letter. She said that her impetus in writing it was to call attention to what she and many others feel is a not so subtle message to embolden those who use anti-trans rhetoric. My initial reason for speaking out was alarm, as an author with the press, as an academic, and as a cis person in community with trans people, Zuroski said. The movement that promotes itself as a school of thought under the euphemism of gender-critical feminism is an organized intervention in institutional and governmental policy whose objectives are to eliminate basic human rights for trans peoplenot, as it claims, a set of philosophical ideas. The Trans Journalists Association for its part, has labeled gender critical feminism as hateful ideologya concern that the aforementioned open letter engaged with directly. The very title of her forthcoming publication with OUP is an anti-trans dog whistle: a turn of phrase designed to sound academic that serves instead as a rallying cry for people who believe that trans people do not and should not exist," the letter states. "This sleight of hand has allowed the anti-trans movement to claim that any refusal of their bigotry is an attack on freedom of speech or the free circulation of ideas in public and in the academy. Oxford University Press managing director, David Clark, sent a formal reply on April 27, defending the press decision and wrote that he wanted to clarify that the press does not advocate through its publications for any particular views, political positions, or ideologies. Equally what we publish is not reflective ofnor influenced bythe personal views of our employees. Dr. Nathan K. Hensley, an associate professor at Georgetown and the author of previous OUP title Forms of Empire: The Poetics of Victorian Sovereignty, was another collaborator on the letter. He, like many of those involved, is worried that OUP is legitimizing hate with the publication of the book. That's how the laundering of this kind of culture war polemic gains credibility in the public sphere and it's a process of transformation and the providing of cover to ideological extremism under the rubric of scholarship. And, it's disappointing to see a press like Oxford getting sucked into a process like that. Hensley is concerned that the acceptance of Lawford-Smiths book, set for release in August, is a case of profits being placed over its scholarly value, which he sees as negligible given that anti-trans rhetoric was stirred up on social media even as discussions about the letter were forming. It's clearly going to create controversy that will sell books and that effort to give scholarly cover and profit from what is essentially an unscholarly intervention into a right-wing culture war, discourse engine, he said. It devalues the real scholarship that that has appeared under the press name, in my opinion. When reached for additional comment, a representative of the press reiterated the houses stance via email: Our mission and unwavering focus on scholarly integrity guide everything we do and underpin our commitment to publishing a wide spectrum of peer-reviewed research globally, from different disciplines and viewpoints. Every academic title published by OUP is assessed by the Delegates of the Press, and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the quality of the scholarship we publish. The book was thoroughly reviewed, including a round of supplementary reviews with experts in particular areas. That review process was not disclosed, with the April 27 letter citing the confidentiality of the reviewers. For Zuroski, the issue isnt just about the lack of scholarly rigor present in the book, or any hate that may come from the books release, but that the publishing of this book calls into question the process the press uses and the role that others affiliated with OUP now find themselves in. She called the letter an act of care. Scholarly publishing, as I understand and practice it, is a set of living relations among people in a common, if broad, endeavor. A press is a community. And when such a substantial part of that community raises an alarm about harm, bigotry, and violence being enacted under the auspices of the press's productions, it merits a careful response from those entrusted with the press's operations. Zuroski is unsure what the next steps are for those who penned and supported the letter, but she said that the commitment of those in the scholarly sphere goes further than one book, by one author, with one press. We expressed our concerns and they dismissed them; we offered suggestions and they ignored them. I, and I imagine many of the cowriters and signatories of our letter, must now decide what our relationship will be to a press that had an opportunity to take responsibility for its involvement in social harm and chose not to. But the struggle against transphobia and other modes of bigotry isn't centered on Oxford University Press. We will keep mobilizing against hatred and systemic violence where it matters most. This article has been updated to reflect the current titles of Hensley and Zuroski. Chris Barton is the author of 23 books for young readers, and lives in Austin, Tex. I had a bit of a situation recently after I featured my newest nonfiction picture book in a presentation to a Texas audience of engrossed fourth graders and their unnerved teachers. By a bit of a situation, I mean it was a Very 2022 Mess that threatened to spill over into my scheduled visits to several other elementary schools in the same district. The book in question was Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates, illustrated by Steffi Walthall and published by Simon & Schusters Beach Lane Books. At the heart of things was a requestsoon followed by multiple requeststhat I instead present a different, not-related-to-civil-rights book to other local students. And behind that initial request? Fear. The details are convoluted and not terribly important. But there are two things I want you to know: 1) Through a lot of private dialogue with the librarians hosting me in the district, we worked things out, and my presentations at the other schools I visited did indeed focus on Moving Forwarda story of courage, sacrifice, teamwork, progress, and public servicein its entirety. 2) You and I can help prevent situations like this from occurring in the first place. I assume its no surprise for you to hear that theres an anti-democratic mob attacking this countrys schools, libraries, educators, and librariansunless you yourself are part of the anti-democratic mob, in which case that might not be how youd characterize yourself. (Youd be wrong.) This mob is deliberately whipping up a climate of politicized fear as it strives to cast books, public education, diversity, and the freedom to read as threats to be repelled by them rather than as resources and gifts to be treasured by us all. I dont believe that this noisy, unruly element represents the majority of us. What this element lacks in numbers, however, it makes up for in commitment to making itself heard and getting its way. But for those of us in the majoritythose of us who, among other things, oppose using intimidation to suppress ideas we dont likewhat we boast in sheer numbers, we seem to lack in commitment to putting our strengths and values to work. Specifically, I see far too little demonstrated support for the people who keep our schools and libraries going. I dont mean support only when a particular institution is under assault. Im talking about routine, proactive, never-taking-them-for-granted support. And if teachers, librarians, and the people who work with themincluding administrators and public officialsdont get a sense of that support from the broader population, what exactly is going to reinforce their resolve to do the democracy-minded thing when theyre under pressure from the aggressive and all-too-visible reactionary fringe? What I'm encouraging us each to do is pick an institution that we cherish and make sure the people at that institution know that we appreciate them and have their backs. What Im encouraging us each to do is pick an institution that we cherish and make sure the people at that institution know that we appreciate them and have their backs. (Not sure how to effectively demonstrate your support? Ask them!) For me, that institution is the Austin Public Library. At the beginning of this year, I promised myself that each month I would strive to visit a different location, send notes of support to staff members and leadership alike, and point out the APLs accomplishments to local media outlets. Ive also started attending Austin Library Commission meetings whenever I cannot because I plan to rant and rave at these meetings, but rather to visibly show that any would-be ranters and ravers wouldnt be speaking for all of us. Thus far, those meetings have been relatively uneventful. You could even say that theyve been boring (though informative!). But a willingness to show up for a boring meeting every so oftenlargely in hopes that our presence will help them stay boringis exactly the sort of commitment that Im asking for. Imagine if a dozen fellow supporters commonly showed up in this way. Or a hundred. Or more. Imagine the message that would send, both to an institution and to a mob considering setting it in their sights. So, am I saying that if only more people who live within the school district I recently visited had been willing to make their support unequivocally clearto its librarians, teachers, and administratorsthen that whole Very 2022 Mess could have been avoided? Exactly. Or, as I say in the final pages of Moving Forward, a willingness to fight for whats just and whats fair has made the United States of Alton Yatess life a work in progress. Working. Fighting. Showing up. Progressing. Whats our alternative? Grab your helmet and brush off your bike, because Along for the Ride, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Sarah Dessen (Viking), is coming to Netflix. Starring Emma Pasarow (Super Pumped) and Belmont Cameli (Saved by the Bell) as the two main characters and produced by Screen Arcade, the movie is set to start streaming on May 6. The film was written and directed by Sofia Alvarez (To All the Boys Ive Loved Before); executive produced by Erika Hampson (Ava), Sian McArthur (Pitch Perfect), and newcomer Alyssa Rodrigues; and produced by Eric Newman (Narcos) and Bryan Unkeless (I, Tanya). When Auden West (Pasarow) decides to take up her fathers (Dermot Mulroney, Hanna) offer to spend her summer before college in the quaint beach town of Colby, N.C., she is disappointed to learn that he does not have time for any father-daughter bonding while hes working on his novel. Frustrated that her summer is going south, Auden agrees to help her stepmother, Heidi (Kate Bosworth, The I-Land) at her boutique, Clementines. Unable to sleep due to insomnia, she meets the mysterious Eli Stock (Cameli) one night and finds out that he works at the bike shop next to her stepmothers store. Growing closer, the two decide to embark on a quest to help Auden experience the fun carefree teen life Auden never realized she wanted. The supporting cast includes Andie MacDowell (Maid) as Audens mother, Genevieve Hannelius (American Vandal) as Leah, Laura Kariuki (The Wonder Years) as Maggie, and Paul Karmiryan (Veronica Mars) as Adam. Since the books release in 2009, Dessen said she had several conversations about making a film version. Ive had talks with other people who have wanted to do adaptations and sometimes it just doesnt click, Dessen told PW. You can tell the person has their own agenda. But I really felt with [Alvarez] she got it and when I read the script I was like, Okay, Im good. It was like the dream team. This isnt the first book-to-film adaptation for Alvarez, who worked on the To All the Boys movie series. That was hugely helpful because that was the first YA rom-com love story that I adapted, Alvarez recalled. By the time Along for the Ride came up and I was asked if I was interested in adapting this, I felt really confident. After To All the Boys, Alvarez wanted to challenge herself further, taking on the role of both screenwriter and director. Her taking on two roles enhanced the film in unexpected ways, the soundtrack reflecting one such enhancement. For every screenplay that I do, I make a playlist to write to; they really help me get in the head space of the characters, Alvarez said. Since I was directing this movie, when I started talking to our music supervisors, Jane Abernethy and Jessica Berndt, I was like, I have all these playlists that I wrote to, and I would love to share them so you can get a sense of what I think the mood of the movie is. And they created for me a whole other playlist inspired by that. Most of the songs in the movie are a combination [of the two]. Dessen fondly recalls the moment one of the songs from the movie played in an elevator that she and her family were riding. There was just something in the air that it all came together. I was literally in an elevator in Asheville, North Carolina, in October and one of the songs for a pretty big moment in the movie [was playing]. When I hear one of these songs, its like a sign. Its one of the only scripts Ive read where it was very specific about some of the music for specific scenes. Eagle-eyed readers will spot the author making a cameo appearance, along with other people from the film crew. There was one scene they were shooting and they needed extras [due to a shortage because of Covid restrictions], and Alyssa Rodrigues, who actually read my books as a teenager, got the ball rolling with Bryan Unkeless. Shes sitting there, and [Alvarez] is like, We need somebody else for this., Alyssa .can you [join]?, Dessen said with a laugh. I was so embarrassed because the whole crew was watching but everybody was so nice. The producers were even practicing my one line with me. Fan favorite character Clyde is played by the movies art director, David S. Bridson. There was a minute where we were like, Oh, we should ask Christian Slater to do it, Alvarez said. But then I was like, You know who is Clyde? David Bridson. Look at him, hes like 65, hes covered in tattoos, wears black t-shirt shirts [and band [shirts]? to set every day. I was like, He is the guy who owns the bike shop and owns this secret pie shop in Colby. I just know it. Unfortunately, a scene that wont be making an appearance on screen is the subplot with Audens brother, Hollis, and his wife. He made it through a couple of drafts, Dessen said. He was there [for filming] but it just became too complicated. The problem weve always had with getting my books adapted is theres too much happening. But little details, such as Booty Berry, a perfume from the book thats sold in Clementines, will be appearing on screen. There are things throughout the movie that hint at the other books, Dessen revealed. My hope is that a lot of new people will come in, but I think the hardcore readers will catch the Easter eggs. Alvarez is excited for readers to experience an intimate moment between Eli and Auden driving as they steal glances with each other. I think its very evocative of that time and feels very special to me, she said. [It] just feels very exciting, like a bottled energy of youth and nostalgia. Shes also proud of a scene in the pie shop between Eli and Auden. We went to this empty warehouse and got Connect Four, which theyre playing in the pie shop, and I just let them improve, Alvarez said. That scene is meant to have this energy of two people who are strangers, but are sort of oddly comfortable with each other while theyre feeling each other out. The film may be based on a YA book, but it has a message that its creators feel will resonate with all ages. Whether you are in high school right now, or are looking back, its always been a book about the things that you miss and what does it really mean to be a whole person, Alvarez said. This movie is coming out with the pandemic behind us in a way. There are so many teenagers who missed these big life events, [along with] the rest of us. Its this whole idea of do-overs: Lets try to remake these things that we missed. Alvarez will soon be coming out with a play she wrote during the pandemic, along with other projects. And Dessens fans will be pleased to know the author has a new book idea in mind. I am making myself wait until all of this film stuff kind of dies down a little bit and my daughter goes off to camp in mid-June, so the minute I drop her at camp, I am gonna start writing, Dessen shared. Its been rough. Ive thrown a few books away and I want to be honest about that with people. This pandemic was not good for my writing. Im climbing out of it now, so stay tuned. Baker & Taylor has announced the launch of a publishing program, Paw Prints Publishing, which, B&T told PW, will publish original book content for children ages three to eight for the library and trade markets. The line was founded with the mission of sharing stories that inspire conversation and foster empathy, and that reflect the experiences of young readers from all walks of life, including those who are underserved or underrepresented. Diversity and social and emotional learning are at the heart of Paw Prints list, whose ideological coordinates were pinpointed by Amandeep S. Kochar, president and CEO of Baker & Taylor. Our intention is to operate at the intersection of DEI and SEL, he said in a statement, to give a purpose and a sense of belonging to the children who will find themselves in these books and the parents who will reflect on the books while reading to their children. We are thrilled to bring stories to market that are needed and vital to the experience of children today. First Impressions Paw Prints Publishing will release its debut titles across four series on June 28, with additional books to follow in summer and fall, for a total of 15 titles in 2022. All Paw Prints titles will be released initially in reinforced library-exclusive and e-book formats, and print trade editions of the June books will become available in September. The new line is distributed to the trade by Baker & Taylor Publisher Services. The launch titles are Forever Friends, the first novel in the Jeet and Fudge series, which is cowritten by Kochar (and marks his debut as a childrens book author) and Candy Rodo. The three-book series chronicles the adventures of a Sikh boy and his labradoodle sidekick. Rodos Mystery of the Library Cats opens the Baker and Taylor series, named for its two stars, library cats who travel to various cities in search of knowledge and a good read. Celebrating Mr. Garcias Class, a series of picture books that feature differently abled children (and are vetted by speech and language pathologists and childrens therapists), starts up with Jeremys Big Role by Matthew Silvestri. And A Not So Lonely Day by Deborah November and A Smile in Your Pocket by Jarrod Zayas are the first titles in Caring for Ourselves and the World Around Us, a series of storybook primers that are also vetted by childrens therapists and are designed to kickstart conversations about pillars of social emotional learning, including managing anxiety and loneliness and coping with such issues as food insecurity and absentee caregivers. Every title will be available in English and Spanish across formats, and each is leveled by Fountas & Pinnell and Lexile Reading leveling systems. Additionally, all of Paw Prints content will be aligned to the standards established by CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). Redefining and Expanding With the introduction of Paw Prints Publishing, Kochar told PW, Baker & Taylor returns to its roots as a publisher. The company has existed for 194 years, and gradually developed into a distribution business, he said. We are now the largest distributor of content in the library space, and we see many of our publishing partners doing excellent work bringing diverse voices and subjects to books. We decided that it is time we contributed to the cause of diversity and publish some of the stories that ought to be told. We want to utilize our platform to give kids the tools and content to see themselves in books they pick up at the library. Kochar acknowledged that accomplishing this goal will require some proactive if not remedial measures. It is very hard for kids to have a sense of belonging, he noted, when they dont recognize themselves in books. This is a problem when 52% of the main characters in childrens books are Caucasianand the second largest group represented is animals. His commitment to this mission extends beyond his role as publisher, as evidenced by his inaugural foray into writing for children. Kochar, who practices the Sikh faith and has, in his words, a full face of hair and a visually diverse identity, explained that he focused the Jeet and Fudge stories on a boy who is adopted and happens to be Sikh, but I didnt want him to be differentiated. Kochhar continued, There are more than a half million Sikh families in this country and a lot of kids face the challenge of growing up having to explain their visual identity. This series is fictionalized nonfiction that provides some education on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but is at its core a fun reading experience. Finding that balance in his own writing and in other Paw Prints books, ensuring that every young reader instantly finds belongingness at the library, and that Baker & Taylor solidifies its niche as a publisher and distributor of diverse, empathetic books that accomplish that, Kochar added, are things I am personally passionate about. In an effort to serve as wide a membership as possible, this year the Independent Book Publishers Association held not one but two Publishing University conferences in April. IBPA opened PubU with virtual programming on April 20-21, followed by face-to-face events a week later in Orlando, from April 28-30. PubU serves small presses, hybrid publishers, and author publishers (also known as self-published authors), with a motto of helping each other achieve and succeed, said CEO Angela Bole. This is a program built by the members for the members. IBPAs dual approach to its annual conference was in response to small businesses needs in uncertain and expensive times. There's a lot of people who are still uncomfortable traveling, and also, as soon as the war [in Ukraine] started, flights went up in price astronomically, Bole said. Because IBPA wanted to build a community vibe, the organization rose to the logistical challenges of scheduling keynotes and breakout sessions across multiple platforms, plus catered events and the 34th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Book Awards ceremony presented live in Orlando. (See the winners here.) Hosting a conference in Orlando was not without its complications. Planning for an Orlando PubU had begun pre-pandemic, in 2019. Three years later, Florida is a political lightning rod. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed both the Parental Rights in Education bill (known to opponents as Dont Say Gay) and the Individual Freedom Bill, curtailing workplace DEI training and discussions of race in classrooms. On April 18, a federal judge in St. Petersburg struck down President Joe Bidens national mask mandate on airplanes and public transit. Mindful of these divisive actions, IBPA released a position statement ahead of the meeting. While some dissenters canceled their memberships, Bole said that statement was, for the most part, extremely well received. All in all for the conference this year, we were over in attendance than we typically are, counting everyone who did virtual-only and people here in person, Bole said. Of a total 390 registrants, 189 opted for virtual-only sessions, while 201 chose an all-access pass to attend online and in-person. Bole added: I don't know how sustainable it is to build two conferences that we run in one month, but the staff managed with aplomb. Part of me doesn't know how we could have done it any other way. Virtual and all-access attendees sat in on breakout sessions about marketing books to schools; direct-to-consumer strategies; and how to ensure inclusive titles are distributed successfully. Stephen Green, COO of the Portland, Ore.based media group A Kids Company About, anchored the Orlando conference with his keynote on how Small Businesses Drive the Community. During the virtual component, Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, talked about Disrupting the Publishing Industry, a topic she has explored in PW. Warner spoke about mitigating waste, destigmatizing print-on-demand, and improving distribution (one of the biggest pain points of our industry). John Chrastka of EveryLibrary moderated a panel on free speech, and attorney Jonathan Kirsch delved into the nitty-gritty of copyrights and contracts. A Debate Around Ethical Hybrid Publishing Hybrid publishing came under particular scrutiny at PubU. On April 29, during the IBPA meeting, the U.K.-based Society of Authors and Writers Guild of Great Britain released an announcement, Writers unions call for reform of the hybrid/paid-for publishing sector. The press release promoted an investigation, Is it a steal?, based on a 2021 survey of 240 U.K. writers: the unions found that 94% of those who had paid to have books published lost money, typically in the thousands. Most paid over 2,000 and on average sold only 67 books, earning just 68. The white paper accuses hybrid publishers of predatory practices and calls them vanity presses: In our view, of all the publishing approaches available, a hybrid/paid-for deal is the worst option a writer can take, the SoA and WGGB report. We have seen too many cases where the hybrid / paid-for model amounts to a counterfeit approach to publishing. We invariably advise writers against it. In answer, the Authors Guild released a response to the SoA publication, allowing that the report focuses on three main hybrid publishers active in the U.K. The hybrid publishing space is larger and more nuanced in the United States. The AG acknowledged the existence of dishonest publishers, while directing readers to the guidance in IBPA's Hybrid Publisher Criteria, which outline ethical practices for hybrid publishing. The AG pointed to an urgent need to educate authors about how to make informed decisions about their path to publication in order to avoid falling prey to scams. Likewise, a statement penned by Warner, who is a former IBPA board president, that was provided to PW aimed to offer a reframe, which is that the problem is bad-faith actors using the hybrid label to take advantage of authors. The statement asserted that Hybrid publishing is not the problem and called references to vanity presses outdated. While commending the SoA and WGGB for raising the alarm about misleading business practices, IBPA stands behind its nine hybrid publisher criteria as fair business practices. (Warner also wrote about the issue on Jane Friedmans blog, and promises forthcoming detail in a May 11 post.) This dispute was taken up at PubU in a talk titled Ethical Hybrid Publishing: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest and Combating False Perceptions. Maggie Langrick, founding publisher and CEO of Wonderwelland one of the members of the working group that drafted IBPAs nine criteria in 2018spoke out against the misrepresentation of companies like her own. Langrick pointed to companies that promise things they cant deliver, and said, If any hybrid publisher does that stuff, its a problem for all of us, right? ...it really bothers me to see people dragging the name of my business model through the mud by doing those shady things. Langrick gave suggestions on how to avoid conflicts of interest and build a selective list: Youre going to have to say no to people who want to pay you money, she said. She also advised listeners to commit to transparency at every level, from service contracts to editorial assessments of submissions. Youre not there to flatter them. Youre not there to blow sunshine in their face. You need to tell them this needs work, she said. Cut the smoke and mirrors. Just be a great publisher. That advice holds up for any publisher, hybrid or traditional. Ryan Skaar is chief operating officer of NanoBio Designs LLC, whose ExpresSeed platform reduces genetic testing of seeds and harvested grains from days to minutes. The Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund, has invested $100,000 in the company. (Photo provided by Ryan Skaar, NanoBio Designs) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. NanoBio Designs LLC, a company that provides grain distributors and seed suppliers with onsite, rapid genetic detection solutions, has received a $100,000 investment from the Purdue Ag-Celerator, an agriculture innovation fund. Ryan Skaar, chief operating officer of NanoBio Designs, said new DNA testing solutions are needed because of growing regulatory oversights to label genetically modified food. The companys ExpresSeed platform reduces genetic testing from three to five days to just minutes. Skaar said the Ag-Celerator funding allows NanoBio Designs to establish its laboratory presence in Indiana. "With an established lab presence, we will be able to more effectively collaborate with Purdue University," he said. "Collaborations with Purdue and industry partners will be key to our ability to commercialize the ExpresSeed platform." Ag-Celerator, created in 2015, is a $2 million innovation fund designed to provide critical startup support for Purdue University innovators who bring Purdue patented intellectual property or Purdue "know-how" technologies to market. The fund is operated by the Purdue Foundry, with assistance from the Purdue College of Agriculture, Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization and the agricultural industry. "Purdue Agriculture celebrates and actively supports the innovation and entrepreneurship that ensures discoveries from the lab move into the fields, facilities and lives of our stakeholders," said Bernie Engel, senior associate dean of research and graduate education. Riley Gibb, director of business development for Purdue Foundry, said, "Farmers, growers and producers are always among the fastest adopters of new technologies. Their passion to strengthen crop and livestock production pushes agriculture startups like NanoBio Designs to deliver innovative technologies. We're proud that Ag-Celerator investments support those technologies." In August 2021, Ag-Celerator eligibility was opened to startups in all agricultural fields. Previous recipients of Ag-Celerator investments are AkanoCure Pharmaceuticals Inc., Heliponix, Insignum AgTech, JUA Technologies International LLC, Karyosoft LLC, Krishi LLC, LeafSpec AgTech, Ongenia LLC, Phicrobe LLC, Progeny Drone Inc., Rogo Ag LLC, Verility Inc., VinSense LLC and ZeaVaxx. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last four years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://stories.purdue.edu. About Purdue Foundry The Purdue Foundry is an entrepreneurship and commercialization hub whose professionals help Purdue innovators create startups. The Purdue Foundry is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. Writer: Madeleine Kamats Writer/media contact: Steve Martin, sgmartin@prf.org Sources: Bernie Engel, engelb@purdue.edu Riley Gibb, rtgibb@prf.org Ryan Skaar, ryan.skaar@dnp123nano.com The Breaking Through: Moving Beyond the Commercial Break on CTV report from the research firm and the provider of contextual intelligence technology took a deep dive into how brands can stand out on CTV.It found that fundamentally CTV was not immune to ad attention challenges: 70% of those in the 18-54 age range report almost always avoiding video ads on CTV.The study set out to test overlay ads on CTV to see how they stack up to traditional video ads since overlay ads offer more inventory, dont disrupt playback and can be delivered in a contextually relevant environment. A key finding of the study was that the nature of overlay ads results in a more fruitful ad experience for those most attentive, and in-market for the product. Among those who recalled the brand and were in-market for the advertised product, over 41% found the ad interesting as well as over 41% felt the ad was context-appropriate.The study also said that brands should consider leveraging overlay ads as an additional touchpoint when advertising on CTV. The study noted that overlay ads appear within the video content itself opposed to the typical ad experience where the ad is placed during a break in content. They capture audience attention, making for memorable ad experiences with a lower fiscal and time investment. The study also found finds that overlay ads were four times more memorable than video ads and could drive 72% more savings for advertisers.In addition, overlay ads helped people feel less bombarded by ads and have a lower production cost and time. They allowed for a perceived lower ad frequency, which people take notice of, and they are also more cost-effective and take less time to produce.Ad frequency fatigue was found to be creeping up on CTV with almost two-thirds of the study perceiving an increase in the number of ads shown per show. Higher frequency of CTV ads was especially apparent to younger generations: 71% of those in the 18-24 age range felt ad frequency on CTV isnt going away any time soon.Yet overlay ads did drive better brand perception. They led to a +5% increase in brand favourability, +4% increase in purchase intent and +8% felt the brand is thoughtful. Snipe overlay ads formats led to more persuasion: +35% brand favourability, +22% search intent and +22% purchase intent.A key recommendation of the study is that brands should continue innovating to new formats on CTV as concerns about video wear out and increasing ad frequency mount.Overlay ads offer an innovative solution for brands concerned about video ad wear-out and attention fatigue, noted Kara Manatt, Intelligence Solutions, MAGNA commenting on the Breaking Through: Moving Beyond the Commercial Break on CTV report. Overlay EVP ads are more memorable than video ads, they cost less, and take less production time to make.How weve been advertising to people simply just doesnt work anymore. People have second screens, skip buttons, and are just conditioned to avoiding ads when possible, added Phil Schraeder, CEO, GumGum. Creating new ad formats, like an overlay ad, gives advertisers the opportunity to connect with people where they are at and in a way that doesnt disrupt what they are there to do - enhancing the overall experience for them and boosting brand recall and favourability for advertisers. The true crime story of a Texas woman acquitted of the ax-murder of a friend in 1980 is heading to the small screen twice this year with actor Jessica Biel first taking a stab at the role in the Hulu series Candy next week. ADVERTISEMENT The former 7th Heaven star will portray Candace "Candy" Montgomery, a small-town homemaker who killed her friend, middle school teacher Betty Gore ( Melanie Lynskey ), after a torrid affair drove the two women apart. Candy, which premieres Monday on Hulu, was inspired by the real-life slaying of Betty Gore and subsequent trial of Candy Montgomery. The case made headlines after Candy was acquitted of charges despite admitting to striking Betty 41 times with an ax during an argument. The two women became friends in the late 1970s after joining the same church in rural Collin County, Texas. They sang in the church choir together along with their respective husbands -- Allan Gore (Pablo Schreiber) and Pat Montgomery (Timothy Simons). Things became complicated in 1978 when Candy told Allan she was attracted to him. Allan would later testify in court that Candy initiated an affair with him when she told him "I was attractive to her." He said he resisted her advances for two months, but eventually began a romantic relationship with her. He told the court they met up once every two or three weeks while Candy's daughter was in Bible class. Sometimes they would meet for lunch, other times they got a motel room. Allan said he decided to end the relationship about 10 months later, telling the court, "I could not share myself with Candy." FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! In court testimony, Candy said Betty confronted her about the affair on June 13, 1980, several months after it ended while the two women were visiting at the Gore residence. Candy said that when she admitted to the affair, Betty walked into the nearby utility room and came back with a 3-foot-long ax. "I don't ever want you to see him again," Candy said Betty told her. "You can't have him." Candy said she tried to leave the Gore residence and put her hand on Betty's arm to apologize to her. She said Betty pushed her into the utility room, grabbed the ax and told her, "You can't have him, you can't have him. I've got to kill you." Candy testified that Betty struck her once in the head, drawing blood, but missed her with the second swing. The two then struggled over the ax before Candy said she grabbed it and hit Betty in the head. Candy told the court that Betty tried to attack her again, so she struck her with the ax again in self defense. "I didn't think," Candy testified. "I didn't think at all. I raise it and I hit her, and I hit her, and I hit her and I hit her." Candy's lawyers argued that she killed Betty in self-defense, but prosecutors questioned why it took 41 ax blows to defend herself. A lie detector test indicated Candy was truthful when she said Betty was the initial aggressor in the encounter. The jury ultimately agreed and acquitted Candy of the charges. After the verdict, Candy said she hoped the forget and move on from the incident. "Candy is very strong," she said, speaking in third-person. "I can make it through anything." When a reporter visited her home after the trial's conclusion, she opened the door with a smile and holding a knife, UPI reported at the time. "Don't worry, I'm not dangerous," she told the reporter. But the jury's decision drew outrage from many of the spectators at the McKinney, Texas, trial. "It's awful to think someone can do something like that and go scot-free," Claudia Nelson Martin told UPI. "I don't see how a confessed murderer can be found not guilty," another observer, Jan Gifford, said. "I've been here almost the whole trial and I can't believe it. Someone forgot Betty Gore." Crowds outside the McKinney, Texas, courtroom shouted at Candy as she left, calling her a "murderer." Candy premieres Monday on Hulu and also stars Raul Esparza and Sharon Conley. HBO Max is releasing its own version of the story later this year with the series Love and Death starring Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery, Lily Rabe as Betty Gore, Patrick Fugit as Pat Montgomery and Jesse Plemons as Allan Gore. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/05/2022 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. alum Matt James has revealed when he decided he was choosing Rachael Kirkconnell on the show's 25th season and what made him fall in love with her.Matt's new book, First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations with a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness, was released on Tuesday, May 3, and the former star wrote about his fast-moving romance with Rachael on the show.Matt revealed in an excerpt of his book obtained by Us Weekly that he wanted to spend all of his time with Rachael while taping the show's 25th season, which premiered in January 2021.Matt also shared how he knew "early in the process" that he was going to pick Rachael as his winner, way ahead of the finale, which also featured his runner-up Michelle Young "In the beginning, she cut through the polished front I'd honed and into my nerdy side," Matt wrote of Rachael, according to Us."We debated who was the bigger fan of How to Train Your Dragon and Marvel movies. I observed her empathy from afar, noticed how her kindness extended beyond our time alone and to everyone else she encountered."Matt was also apparently smitten with the Atlanta native's kind heart and family values."I listened to how she spoke about her family. Conversations deepened after that. I discussed the troubled legacy I felt I had been handed," Matt shared, referring to his father's absence from his life."I told her about my own reservations about falling in love, for fear of history repeating itself."Matt wrote that Rachael "cared for my wounds" and "exposed hers in return," which enabled them to develop a sincere connection.However, Matt said he wasn't thrilled with how he was portrayed on .In fact, Matt wrote that he "barely recognized" himself when watching the show's premiere on ABC."This had been billed as 'my' season, but it wasn't, not really at least," Matt wrote."I thought I was in the driver's seat. I didn't remember handing over ownership of my story; but watching the premiere, it was clear that I had. The producers would craft my story now."Matt insisted he "deeply appreciated" the lineup of bachelorettes who had taken time out of their lives to meet him, open up on-camera and compete for his heart.However, he couldn't handle the "blatantly inauthentic dramatic twists that waited around every corner," Us reported of Matt's writing.Matt explained in First Impressions how he disliked those "stay tuned for..." teasers and the fact drama had been created "for drama's sake.""I didn't appreciate just how mean-spirited people could get with one another. The calculated conflicts wore on me," Matt wrote.Matt sent Michelle home before his final date with Rachael and ultimately gave his final rose to Rachael.The pair briefly split in February 2021 when racially-ignorant and racially-insensitive photos from Rachael's past resurfaced online, including a 2018 image of Rachael attending an antebellum-themed "Old South" party at her Georgia college with sorority sisters.Matt recalled seeing Rachael on Valentine's Day weekend that month."She didn't know about the context of the party when she chose to attend; it was just another college event in her mind," Matt wrote."She didn't offer her ignorance as an excuse. Just a fact -- she paired it with the facts of her remorse and regret. Tears streamed down both our faces. She apologized for the pain I felt."Matt said he decided to forgive Rachael, but then they didn't speak for weeks until immediately before reuniting in March 2021 for the live : After the Final Rose special.And the pair's dynamic onstage appeared tense and cold. Matt explained on After the Final Rose how he wanted to give Rachael some time to educate herself on racism in society and gain awareness."The entire conversation between us felt like it was in service of the viewers rather than each other. We caught people up. We remained noncommittal. We spoke in cold, curt sentences," Matt recalled in his book, adding how he had grown out a long beard to separate himself from his image and who the world wanted him to be."But when the cameras shut off, we strode hand in hand back to the green room. We both still felt the spark. We took the rare opportunity to speak face-to-face and agreed to keep working on us."Matt admitted that he " took advantage " of his "undefined, gray space" with Rachael after the live special and "reconnected with former flings," including a woman named Grace in Miami, FL.When Rachael found out, she felt betrayed and therefore gave Matt an ultimatum to date her -- and her alone -- or they'd be finished forever.Matt recalled Rachael telling, "I know we're not together right now, but I thought we were building toward something. You need to decide if that is what you want or not. I won't be just another girl you're talking to."Matt wasn't sure he'd ever see Rachael again after that argument, but he "pleaded, coaxed and convinced" her to meet up with him in Atlanta in April 2021.The couple apparently hashed out their issues in a parking lot while sitting in Rachael's car."We talked for four hours in that car about all of the issues that had kept us apart -- her mistakes, my mistakes, insecurities, family drama, public perception, and everything else under the sun," Matt wrote."I decided to be better going forward. She had done self-work that I hadn't reciprocated. I promised her that I was all in. It was the best decision I could have made."Matt suggested producers played no role in his reunion with Rachael or the rebuilding of their relationship amid the racism scandal. He even slammed the show for treating them poorly and seemingly not caring about their mental health.Matt recently said his relationship with Rachael is thriving due to good communication, spending a lot of time with each other, getting to know each other on a deep level, and building trust.The pair has seemingly been inseparable ever since they decided to give their relationship another shot.Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Nancy Lukasiewicz, co-founder of the Lyndon House Arts Center, died on Feb. 1 at the age of 71. She launched Athens first government-sponsored community arts program. Lyndon House is hosting a memorial service in honor of Lukasiewicz on May 15. The memorial is open to the public. This month, The Globe is set to take the stage again after a two-year long intermission. With music and the smell of food filling the air, people pop in and out of different booths that dot the land at the outdoor Brattleboro Area Farmers Market that opened for the season on Saturday, May 7, 2022, and will run every Saturday until Oct. 29. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Sluggishness, poor compliance with existing rules and little help from state public health officials crippled the response by Gov. J.B. Pritzker's administration to a November 2020 COVID-19 outbreak at a northern Illinois veterans home that claimed 36 lives, according to a state audit released Thursday. The review by Auditor General Frank Mautino contends the Illinois Department of Public Health did not identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak." For nearly two weeks after the problem was identified Nov. 1 at the LaSalle Veterans Home, IDPH officials failed to visit the site and offered no assistance. LaSalle staff testing for the virus was slow and poorly coordinated, the review said. In total, 85% of the home's 128 residents and 38% of its 231 staff members contracted the illness during the outbreak, which Mautino noted occurred when infections statewide were rising rapidly and there was yet no preventive vaccine. Pritzker, a Democrat, blamed Republicans who opposed tactics to stop the spread of COVID-19, suggesting non-compliant visitors unwittingly carried the virus into the LaSalle home. We were working against Republican elected officials who told people to defy mitigation efforts..., Pritzker told reporters at the Capitol. Republicans told them that they did not need to wear masks. They told people that they didnt need to get vaccinated. They told people that COVID wasnt serious. Those lies put peoples lives at risk, especially the most vulnerable. But an April 2021 report by the inspector general of the Department of Human Services reported that during an onsite visit, which didn't occur until Nov. 12, officials discovered ineffective, alcohol-free hand sanitizer in abundant use and no one responsible for replacing it, staff members reporting for duty by taking their own temperatures and initialing results, and scant availability and use of personal protective equipment such as face coverings. Mautino reported that LaSalle administrators had reams of COVID-19-specific guidelines for stopping the spread available from both federal and state experts, as well as long-established pre-pandemic infection control policies. Pritzker, who later acknowledged some management faults were to blame and said that as governor, I understand that these agencies are my responsibility, maintained that he held staff accountable, including firing LaSalle director Angela Mehlbrech in December 2020. However, he said that to the extent that IDPH is at fault for not providing more assistance, the agency controlled the entire state response during the pandemic's worst surge and was dealing with hot spots in every direction. But at no time during the fall of 2020 or at any time during the pandemic did Pritzker or his team suggest IDPH couldn't keep up. IDPH couldn't have been caught off-guard despite the precipitous statewide surge. The audit reports that the Pritzker administration was monitoring COVID-19 in 710 long-term care facilities across Illinois. The first week of November, 2020, only four of them reported more than 50 new cases and LaSalle was the only facility with more than 100. That was a red flag that should have generated an alert and immediate administration response, Mautino said in an interview. Rep. Lance Yednock, an Ottawa Democrat who led the House call for Mautino's audit, lamented a breakdown in inter-agency coordination which very likely led to more sickness and deaths." However, he acknowledged that the terrifying speed of infection might have rendered the best preparation inadequate. Mautino's auditors found that last year's inspector general's report had wrongly tainted Anthony Kolbeck, then chief of staff for Veterans' Affairs. Instead of tracking the outbreak, Mautino reviewed scores of emails and determined that Kolbeck reported to IDPH regularly on the situation from its inception. When IDPH didn't act, the audit said Kolbeck requested the agency make a site visit and sought information on rapid tests and antibody treatments. Kolbeck nonetheless resigned in the weeks following the outbreak's fallout. So did then-Veterans Affairs Director Linda Chapa LaVia, whom Pritzker replaced in spring 2021 with Terry Prince, a 31-year Navy veteran and former senior adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General. Steve Levin, a Chicago attorney representing 27 families who filed a lawsuit against the state for the loss of loved ones at LaSalle, said the audit's finding of extreme negligence is another painful reminder to the families that this was a preventable tragedy. He demanded Pritzker negotiate a settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle. ___ Follow Political Writer John OConnor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor DALLAS (AP) A 2-year-old boy who was attacked by a coyote on the porch of his Dallas home is recovering after surgery, and officials searching for the coyote said Thursday that three that were acting aggressively have been killed. The boy's father, Newton Thomas, told The Dallas Morning News in a text message Wednesday that his son underwent several hours of surgery and was in stable condition. The child was hospitalized in critical condition following the attack Tuesday morning. TORRINGTON A Kent EMT has been identified as the man killed in a motorcycle crash this week on his way home from the fire department. Police on Wednesday identified the rider as Torrington resident Christopher Smith, 53. Police believe Smith was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle east on Route 202 when the bike collided with an SUV that was turning left. In a Facebook post Wednesday evening, the Kent Volunteer Fire Department said members were stunned and saddened by the news that one of our contracted EMTs, Chris Smith, tragically died in a motorcycle accident on his way home from work at our firehouse Tuesday. The post said Smith covered EMS shifts for the department and described him as an exceedingly helpful and friendly person to work with. Smith was an employee of Emergency Resource Management, an EMS staffing company. KVFD extends our deepest condolences to Chris fellow ERM employees and especially his family during this very difficult time, the fire department post said. In a statement posted to Facebook, Emergency Resource Management said Smith had worked for the company for eight years. EMS was his life; working for ERM in at least five different client locations, as well as being a volunteer in Plymouth and for two commercial EMS services, the post said. He was always willing to go above and beyond to help others. He was very proud to be in EMS, very rarely would you see him in anything other than an EMS/Fire shirt. Chris will always be remembered as a big man with an even bigger heart with an outgoing personality, an infectious smile and sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking and playing video games online with his three kids. He will be deeply missed by many, the post said. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced. A person close to Smith has set up a GoFundMe campaign to go toward his funeral expenses. As of Thursday evening, $2,395 was raised of the $5,000 goal. Torrington police said officers were called to the area of New Litchfield Street just west of Hart Drive around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a car and motorcycle collision. At the scene, police found a 2019 Mazda SUV facing south on New Litchfield Street in the eastbound lane of the road. Police said the car appeared to turn into a Cumberland Farms parking lot off Route 202. The bike was found on its side within the westbound travel lane about 20 feet from the SUV, Torrington police said. Police believe the bike was heading east on Route 202 when it struck the SUV as the cars 71-year-old driver, also from Torrington, attempted to turn left into the lot. Smith sustained life-threatening injuries in the crash and was taken to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. The driver of the Mazda was also taken to the hospital for what police said were precautionary measures due to the seriousness of the crash. SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) A diplomat from the Dominican Republic had been freed four days after being kidnapped in neighboring Haiti, the Dominican foreign minister said Wednesday. The minister, Roberto Alvarez, said in a tweet that Carlitin Guillen Tatis had been released safe and sound, though he did not give further details. Kong Sam An was arrested in September 2020 and sentenced for treason, a charge his supporters say is baseless. Cambodias Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower courts verdict to sentence a 70-year-old activist affiliated with a dissolved political opposition party to jail for seven years for treason, the mans lawyer and relatives said. Kong Sam An was arrested in September 2020 for an alleged plan to bring Sam Rainsy, the exiled former leader of the now-banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), back to Cambodia. The Tboung Khmum Provincial Court handed down the original sentence to Kong Sam An, who was the CNRP chief for Memot district. He has been detained in Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh since 2020. Critics said Kong Sam Ans sentence is part of the governments efforts to stifle opposition before local elections on June 5 and the general election in 2023 to ensure that Prime Minister Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples party remains in power. Sam Sok Kong, the activists lawyer, called the Supreme Courts verdict unjust. I am very saddened by the Supreme Courts decision, he told RFA about presiding Judge Kong Srims ruling. Kong Sam Ans daughter, Kong Moly, told RFA that her father did not commit any crime. She called for the charge against him to be dropped. I urge the government to talk and dont regard us as enemy, she said. He is a gentle man, [and] he shouldnt be unjustly detained. Please release him. In April, Eap Suor, Kong Sam Ans wife, visited her husband in prison and later told RFA that he is very ill from confinement in a crowded prison cell and from malnourishment. Soeung Sengkaruna, spokesman for the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (Adhoc), said the courts verdict was politically motivated intended to persecute the opposition party. Justice has not been given to Kong Sam An, Soeung Sengkaruna told RFA. NGOs urge the ruling party, which is leading the government, to decrease the tension to avoid international criticism and open up the political space and human rights. The Tboung Khmum Provincial Court sentenced six other activists along with Kong Sam An on treason charges. They all received sentences of five to seven years in jail in February 2020, though some were released on bail, while others fled. The Supreme Court banned the CNRP in November 2017 for its supposed role in an alleged plot to overthrow the government. Key party figures were arrested as others fled into exile as part of a crackdown by Cambodia Hun Sen on his political opposition, NGOs and independent media outlets. Hun Sens CPP went on to win all 125 seats in the countrys July 2018 general election. Since then, the government has continued to target activists associated with the CNRP, arresting them on arbitrary charges and placing them in pretrial detention in overcrowded jails with harsh conditions. Meanwhile, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court postponed the hearing of former CNRP leader Kem Sokha, who is accused of conspiring with a foreign power to topple the government, for one week. The new date for the hearing is May 11. The former CNRP president was arrested in September 2017 over an alleged plot purportedly backed by the United States to overthrow the government of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for more than 35 years. The countrys Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP two months after his arrest. Kem Sokhas trial resumed in January after two years of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Judge Koy Sao granted the delay based on a request from government attorney Cheng Penghap, who cited a previous business commitment as the reason. NGOs criticized the courts move saying the postponement would also delay the deliverance of justice to Kem Sokha. Soeung Sengkaruna of Adhoc said the government lawyer did not provide details about his request for the delay, and that if the trial continues to drag on, Kem Sokha will not be able to participate in the upcoming commune elections. The delay has caused concerns over his right to get justice and political rights, he said. It will affect Kem Sokhas freedom as a politician. Am San Ath of the Cambodian rights group Licadho urged a political solution though national reconciliation. If politicians have goodwill, then they can seek a way out of this deadlock to end political crisis for the sake of the country, he said. Translated by Samean Yun for RFAs Khmer Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. An outspoken public opinion researcher who recently left Hong Kong for the U.K. did so after being questioned under the national security law, which has sparked a city-wide crackdown on public dissent and political opposition to the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Chung Kim-wah, deputy chief executive of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI), announced he had left the city on April 24, to "live for a while in the U.K.," he said in a Facebook post at the time. He told the Ming Pao newspaper at the time that he had been "invited for a chat" by the authorities in connection with a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the CCP from July 1, 2020. "It wasn't just one time, either," he told the paper. "People were telling me that I was in a lot of danger, if they were even going after Allan Au." Au, a former TVB News producer and former RTHK radio show host who also wrote columns in Stand News and the Ming Pao, was taken away from his home in Kwai Chung on April 11 on suspicion of "sedition" under colonial-era laws. Au's arrest for "conspiring to publish seditious material" came after his sacking from RTHK in June 2021 as the government moved to exert editorial control over the broadcaster. In a Facebook post announcing his departure, Chung said he didn't want to "desert" his home city, but "had no other option." Sources told RFA that Chung was initially interviewed by the authorities early in December 2021, as the authorities geared up to run the first-ever elections for the Legislative Council (LegCo) to exclude pro-democracy candidates in a system that ensures only "patriots" loyal to Beijing can stand. Followed at the airport Chung's questioning came after he was criticized by pro-CCP figures for including a question about whether voters intended to cast blank ballots in the election, which they said could amount to "incitement" to subvert the voting system under the national security law. Simon Peh, commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), said at the time that the agency was "looking into" whether or not HKPORI had broken the law. Chung later said he suspected he was being followed at the airport as he boarded a plane to leave the city. "There was a guy sitting in the corner the whole time who I had also seen at the front of the main entrance hall ... and there were people [by the boarding gate] who weren't passengers checking their phones and sending messages," Chung wrote on his Facebook page after arriving in the U.K. "It was clear that they were all from the same troop ... I don't know who they were, maybe scouts or spies," he wrote. "Members of the same species were all over the place." Chung described a near-deserted airport full of empty waiting rooms, with only around 10 out of around 80 boarding gates in Terminals 1 and 2 in visible use. The CCP-backed Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po news site described Chung's departure in an April 25 report as "fleeing Hong Kong for fear of his crimes." It once more referred to PORI's question about blank ballots, as well as the fact that Chung was questioned by police in connection with a 2020 democratic primary that later resulted in the arrests of 47 former lawmakers and pro-democracy activists for "subversion." The Hong Kong police responded that they didn't comment on individual cases when contacted by RFA last week, but that action would be taken "in accordance with the law." Questions remain over the fate of PORI in Chung's absence. 'Only lies are permitted' Chung served as assistant professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for more than 10 years, retiring in 2020 to devote himself to public opinion research work at PORI. He has always been an outspoken commentator on current affairs, social and public policy. "In Hong Kong today, there is no room for sincere speech. Only lies are permitted," he wrote after his departure on Facebook. "Hong Kong may no longer be free from intimidation for [some of us], no longer a place where we can live a normal life." Chung also expresses anger "at the constant intimidation and oppression of many of my elders and peers" and sadness over "so many younger people going to jail for daring to resist" during the 2019 protest movement and in protests over the national security law. He vowed to keep working on behalf of Hong Kong, and said the ultimate goal is to "find a way to go back home." Since Chung left, former pro-democracy lawmaker and veteran social welfare activist Fernando Cheung has migrated with his family to Canada, according to media reports and Chung's Facebook page. "I wish my esteemed friend Fernando Cheung and his family a happy life in Canada," Chung wrote on his Facebook page on May 4. According to the South China Morning Post newspaper, Cheung responded by saying he needed to focus on taking care of his disabled daughter. "I am not yet in a stable situation now, but at least it is safe, and my basic freedoms no longer need to be granted by those in power," it quoted Cheung as saying. Former pro-democracy lawmaker Bottle Shiu also confirmed Cheung's departure, the paper said. "This was what I told him when he boarded the plane: Thank you for fighting for Hong Kong until the last moment. Stay safe and take care of yourself. Fer, with countless vivid memories in the classroom, on the streets, in Legco, courtroom and prison goodbye to you," it quoted Shiu as saying. Cheung, 65, was born in Macau and moved to Hong Kong at the age of seven, where he later graduated with a social work degree from Hong Kong Baptist University. His grown daughter suffers from a rare disease, and Cheung has been a staunch advocate for the rights of children with learning disabilities for many years, as well as many other marginalized groups. He was elected to LegCo in 2004 to represent the social work profession, and again as a Labour Party member for the New Territories East constituency. He resigned alongside other pro-democracy lawmakers in November 2020 in protest at the expulsion of their colleagues. LegCo has functioned without a political opposition since. A Jan. 6, 2021 raid by police enforcing a national security law banning public criticism or organized action against the government targeted 55 pro-democracy politicians and activists, with 47 placed on notice to report to their local police station on Feb. 28, 2021. More than one year later, the majority remain behind bars, awaiting trial. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Disclaimer: Chung Kim-wah is a contractor for RFAs Cantonese Service. It's the latest set back in the island's plans to acquire more US defense equipment. An undated file phot of an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter taking to the air. Days after Taiwan confirmed its plan to acquire American-made howitzers has been delayed because of the war in Ukraine, the islands military is facing another snag in acquiring the U.S. defense equipment this time because of cost. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told a legislative session on Thursday that the asking price for the procurement of anti-submarine helicopters from the United States was "too high and beyond our capability," local media reported. The Taiwanese Navy originally set aside a budget of U.S. $1.15 billion to purchase 12 MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters made by the aerospace giant Lockheed Martin but the choppers price is understood to have increased. Chiu did not indicate how much more expensive it became but a U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agencys statement on March 15 said Spain had been cleared to purchase eight MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, plus support and related equipment, for an estimated U.S. $950 million. That means 12 choppers would come with a price tag of at least U.S. $1.425 billion. Lockheed Martin said the MH-60R is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers. There are currently more than 300 units in operation worldwide. Missiles deliverys possible delay On Monday, Taiwans Defense Ministry confirmed that the first batch of U.S.-made M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers will not be delivered in 2023 as planned as the production capacity of the U.S. arms industry has been affected by the ongoing Ukrainian war. Taiwan reached a deal last August to buy 40 M109A6 howitzers and related equipment at an estimated cost of U.S. $750 million. On Tuesday, the ministry said another procurement contract of U.S.- made portable Stinger missile launchers may also be delayed. Taiwan ordered 250 Stingers, made by Raytheon Technologies, with deliveries to be completed by the end of March 2026 but since Stingers and other hand-held missile systems are now in demand by the Ukrainian military, the completion date seems unlikely. Although Washington and Taipei do not have formal diplomatic ties, the U.S. is committed by law to help provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Those arms sales have long been an irritant in relations between Washington and Beijing which regards the island as part of China, although Taiwan governs itself. A file photo of a Y-8 Chinese military plane flying IN airspace between Okinawa prefecture's main island and the smaller Miyako island in southern Japan, taken Oct. 27, 2013, by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force. This week, Taiwan said that Chinese Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft have been put back on maritime patrol near island after one airplane reportedly crashed two months ago in the South China Sea. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a statement that on Tuesday, a Y-8 entered Taiwans southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ). An ADIZ is an area where foreign aircraft are tracked and identified before further entering into a countrys airspace. In March, the islands intelligence agency said a Y-8 military aircraft crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin, prompting the People's Liberation Army to set up a navigation exclusion zone in the adjacent waters to carry out search-and-rescue, and also military training. The alleged crash has not been confirmed by China. Khin Pa Pa Tun (R), a nursing captain at Myanmar's Military Medical Academy, and her husband, retired doctor Capt. Thin Aung Htwe (L), discuss their decision to quit the Myanmar military and join the opposition. Capt. Khin Pa Pa Tun, a nursing captain at the Myanmar Military Medical Academy, and her husband, retired doctor Capt. Thin Aung Htwe, left the military, took their two children and fled to an opposition-controlled area of Myanmar recently to join the pro-democracy movement. Thin Aung Htwe retired from a 500-bed military hospital in Meikhtila in 2009 because he no longer liked the military. The couple spoke to Khin Maung Soe of RFAs Myanmar Service from an undisclosed about their motives and experiences in the army that overthrew their countrys elected government on Feb. 1, 2021. RFA: Please tell me why you joined the anti-junta movement? Khin Pa Pa Tun: I was serving in the hospital when the coup was staged. I knew that the coup was wrong but I had to continue my work because of family reasons. RFA: Can you further explain why you left now, over a year after the coup? Khin Pa Pa Tun: The reasons they gave for the coup were not logical and I was not happy about the violence in the crackdowns and the atrocities that followed. I couldn't help shedding tears every time I saw in the news young protesters beaten up and killed. But I had to carry on with my work because it was not easy to leave and I have a family to think of. Finally, I couldnt go on working for them. RFA: How do you see the current situation of the country? Khin Pa Pa Tun: I have to say our country has become a failed state. Everything is falling apart in the health, education and economic sectors. People are being arrested unlawfully and there have been extrajudicial killings. RFA: How many other people like you are in the military? Khin Pa Pa Tun: There is a lot of discrimination in the army. Lieutenant Colonels and higher ranks have a lot more benefits than officers below them. They have become specially privileged people. They have abused authority for their own benefit and we in the lower ranks are being used as their pawns. RFA: How many officers like you think the junta is doing wrong? Khin Pa Pa Tun: There are many who pretend not to see the reality and there are some who keep on working in the interests of their families. RFA: Who do you think are greater in number: those who oppose or those who support the junta? Khin Pa Pa Tun: I think there are more officers who do not like the junta than those who support them, though they do not express their views openly. RFA: What are your future plans? Khin Pa Pa Tun: I feel a lot better now as my conscience is clear. I was quite unhappy then wearing that uniform because my conscience was not clear. RFA: Why do you think the coup was launched and what do you think of the reasons they gave for their act? Khin Pa Pa Tun: I think it was carried out in the interests of one person. And the excuse they gave was not logical. I have been in the military service for over 20 years and I have never voted in elections. I realized they fixed votes in advance because officers added in the lists names of those who are not even in the camp. That's why I cannot accept the (junta's) excuse that the voting lists were erratic. I know their wrongdoings. RFA: You must have heard about the burning of villages and the killings of innocent people in several regions and states. Who do you think is responsible for all these atrocities? Khin Pa Pa Tun: Its the leaders who gave the orders as well as those who committed the acts. The perpetrators had a choice. They didnt have to follow the orders to the letter. RFA Do you have anything to say to your fellow officers and colleagues? Khin Pa Pa Tun: Among the Four Oaths we have to say aloud at roll call every morning, theres one that says 'we will always be loyal to the country and our citizens'. I refused to say that aloud later because my conscience was not clear. I dont think we should be saying this oath if we are wearing these uniforms and serving these leaders. RFA: Can you tell me why you left the military service? Thin Aung Htwe: There are many reasons I left the service. To be honest, I am more interested in the politics of the country. I always ask myself why our country is so poor and backward. Is it because our people are not intelligent or is it because of the system? Our country has been suffering for the past 70 years because of mismanagement of a group of people. These people have not managed well. Frankly speaking they do not have the management skills. They dont have the education or experience or goodwill for the country. They only made us work for them and their families. Our education levels have gone down so badly. Our universities and colleges were once among the top in Southeast Asia but now we, even doctors, cannot get a proper job in a country like Singapore. Our local degrees are useless and we need more college degrees to be able to work there. We got into this situation due to mismanagement. RFA: What would you like to say about your decision to leave the military? Thin Aung Htwe: To speak frankly, we are very happy now. First, because we can now participate in the struggle for democracy, and second, because of the knowledge that we are no longer on the opposite side of the people. We will do whatever we can to help the people's cause. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Norzin Wangmo was sentenced to 3 years in prison in 2020 for sharing news about a Tibetan who self-immolated. Chinese authorities have released Tibetan political prisoner Norzin Wangmo, who was arrested in 2020 and sentenced to three years in prison for sharing information about Tibetans who self-immolated in protest of Chinas repressive policies, a Tibetan living in exile told RFA on Thursday. Norzin Wangmo was unexpectedly released on May 2 from a prison in Kyegudo, where she was serving a three-year term, said the Tibetan, who declined to be identified for safety reasons. Because of severe torture and ill treatment in prison, she can barely stand up on her feet. She is currently being treated at her home because she is not allowed to visit hospitals for treatment, said the source. She is still closely monitored by the Chinese government. Wangmo from Kham Kyegudo in Yushul (in Chinese, Yushu) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai province was accused of sharing information about Tenzin Sherab who self-immolated in the prefectures Chumarleb, (Qumalai) county in May 2013. The woman, who is married and has young three children, was sentenced in May 2020 after a secret trial. Her family was not allowed to visit her while she was in prison despite frequent requests to do so. Due to strict restrictions and harsh policies in Tibet imposed by Chinese government, Wangmos case did not reach the Tibetan exile community until 20 months after her arrest. Before her arrest, she had been interrogated for about 20 hours by local police, said another Tibetan who lives in exile and has knowledge of the matter. Her hands and feet were both shackled, and her family was allowed to see her only for a few minutes before she was taken into the prison, the source said. The clothes and other goods that her family brought for her were also returned. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi for RFAs Tibetan Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Uyghurs dance to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr religious holiday in front of the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region, May 3, 2022, in a video produced by China's state-run media. Authorities in Kashgar allegedly paid Muslim Uyghur men to dance outside the most famous mosque in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region to celebrate the end of Ramadan, a performance that was filmed and released by state media ahead of an anticipated visit by the United Nations human rights chief later this month. Kashgar locals told RFA that people were not allowed to pray at Id Kah Mosque but instead were organized to dance on Eid al-Fitr on May 3, as shown in a YouTube video posted by China News Service (Zhongxinwang) on Tuesday. Chinese tourists can been seen observing the dancing and taking photos in the square. A police officer from the citys Kumdarwaza police station told RFA that prayers have not been allowed at the Id Kah Mosque since 2016. The dance was organized by residential committees, Chinese Communist Party organizations that oversee neighborhood units in cities and towns across China, he said. Several of our colleagues went to the square and met residential committee officials, and they told them that they had brought people to perform Sama, the officer, who did not provide his name, said. The Muztagh and Donghu residential committees sent about 500-600 people to perform the Sama, the officer added. Several weeks before the festival, the residential committees created a list with the names of those who would attend the Sama, he said. On one list, I saw there were four to five people I knew on one floor of our building. The U.S. and other countries have accused China of waging a campaign of genocide against the Uyghurs and other Turkic communities in Xinjiang through draconian policies designed to wipe away native cultures and traditions in the region, allegations the Chinese government has angrily disputed. The filmed dance may be the countrys latest effort to show all is well ahead of the visit from U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet. Uyghur rights groups have pressed Bachelet to visit the region and release an overdue report on well-documented allegations of torture, forced labor and other severe rights abuses against the local population. The Donghu residential committee paid 120-150 yuan (U.S. $18-23) to those who went to Kashgar to perform the dance because it would take them at least half a day, the police officer said. A typical worker in Kashgar earns about 250-300 yuan a day. The Muztagh residential committee did not pay the Uyghurs, who comprise 90% of the residents in the community, to dance, he said. No one can reject the demands of the residential committees, especially in the communities where Uyghurs live, the officer said I watched the video, and I guess some people missed the Sama dance because they haven't danced it for six years, he said. Some people try to show themselves as being alive and happy thats what the residential committees want. Moreover, after 2017, people became worried about approaching the mosque, he added. There is no such thing as running to Sama now. Thats why they paid them. Uyghur musicians play their instruments atop the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, northwestern China's Xinjiang region, while other Uyghurs dance in the square below, May 3, 2022. Credit: China News Service video screenshot 'Forced to attend' In 2017, Chinese officials ratcheted up a crackdown on Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities, detaining hundreds of thousands in a network of government-run detention camps that China says are vocational training centers meant to prevent religious extremism and terrorism. Zumrat Dawut, a former Uyghur internment camp detainee who has said she was forcibly sterilized by government officials, said that if residential committee members sent notices to people via phone to appear at a particular place, they had to go to the site within 20 minutes. There is sometimes a payment for those who participate in organized activities when investigators arrive, said Dawut, who now lives in the U.S. For example, when my father went to the mosque, he was paid 100 yuan for a days stay in the mosque. Mamattohti Emin, a Uyghur who lives overseas, said he learned from acquaintances in Xinjiang that some of the Uyghurs who performed the Sama were paid by residential committees. Some of them were family members of Uyghurs in captivity, he said. They were forced to attend and warned that otherwise they would no longer be able to see their relatives onscreen. Ilshat Hassan Kokbore, a Uyghur political observer who lives in the U.S., posted a video clip of mostly men dancing in the square outside the historic mosque. A few women who appear to be Chinese tourists also are dancing. Carefully observe a group of young people in uniform French style in front of the camera, not only do they not know how to dance Sama, but they also look around, obviously they are arranged actors! Kokbore tweeted in Chinese. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has not yet set foot on the land of East Turkestan, the performance of Made in China has begun! the tweet says. If the High Commissioner for Human Rights can finally make the trip, they will see a group of Uyghurs dancing with the wind, with tears of happiness, drinking the northwest wind, singing praises, and thanking the party-state! Kokbore tweeted. In May 2021, the Xinjiang regional government invited foreign diplomats from more than 15 countries to observe live-streamed Eid al-Fitr festivities at several mosques in Xinjiang, including the Id Kah Mosque, the state-run Global Times reported. This is the first time that the Xinjiang regional government held such a reception for Eid al-Fitr and invited foreign diplomats to observe a move, officials and observers said, that showed the regions sincerity and openness amid outside slander, as Xinjiang has nothing to hide, the report said. Translated by Mamatjan Juma for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Russia may be using missiles and bombs in its invasion of Ukraine, but it has another weapon, less lethal but nevertheless threatening, pointed at the rest of Europe -- energy. Amid international outrage over its unprovoked aggression, Moscow finds itself facing a raft of rising sanctions. As it supplies the EU with 40 percent of its natural gas, Russia has fired back. President Vladimir Putin announced that "unfriendly" countries would have to pay for such deliveries in rubles. The Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom on April 26 announced it had suspended gas deliveries to Poland and Bulgaria and would not restart them until payments were made in the Russian currency, triggering outrage in the EU and accusations of "blackmail." Warsaw, which imports some 45 percent of its natural gas from Russia, said it could "manage" with the Russian taps shut. But Sofia, which imports about 73 percent of its gas from Russia, indicated it would face problems. In an interview with the French daily Le Monde published on April 28, Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov disclosed where his country hoped to get some of the missing gas -- Azerbaijan. "Very concretely, we hope for help to obtain Azerbaijani gas as quickly as possible," he said. Officially, Baku did not comment on Petkov's remark. At present, Azerbaijan supplies up to 300 million cubic meters of gas a year to Bulgaria, not a significant amount. For close to two decades, Azerbaijan has been maneuvering to become a significant gas exporter to Europe, culminating in late 2020 with the commissioning of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) carrying Azerbaijani gas through Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to Italy. TAP is the final leg of the 3,500-kilometer-long Southern Gas Corridor, which brings gas from Azerbaijan's giant Shah Deniz II field in the Caspian Sea. The Southern Gas Corridor was built to diversify the European Union's gas supply and reduce the number of EU countries that have a single supply source. In 2021, the EU imported a total of 155 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas from Russia, the world's largest gas exporter. Most of Azerbaijan's proven gas reserves, which were estimated at about 60 trillion cubic feet (1,700 bcm) in January 2021, are located in the Shah Deniz field. While gas from Azerbaijan may help EU states wean themselves off Russian gas, the volumes simply aren't enough to fully replace it. "The TAP pipeline, which carries Azerbaijani gas to Europe, and other EU efforts to reduce dependence on Russian gas imports have always been about diversification, rather than fully eliminating and replacing Russian supplies," explained Alissa de Carbonnel, deputy program director for Europe and Central Asia at the International Crisis Group. "The idea being that alternative energy sources -- however small as a share of the total imports -- ensure Gazprom is not in and able to exploit a monopoly hold over any given market," de Carbonnel said to RFE/RL in e-mailed remarks. To tap more Azerbaijani gas, Bulgaria is counting on the completion of the gas Interconnector Greek-Bulgaria (IGB), which, as its name suggest, should link the Greek and Bulgarian gas-pipeline networks. When the pipeline is launched, tentatively set for later this year, Azerbaijan will start supplying 1 bcm of gas a year to Bulgaria for the first time. "The most optimistic forecast is that construction will be completed by July this year. Then tests and other procedures should be performed. To help Bulgaria meet its urgent needs, Azerbaijani gas can be sent as soon as the test is over, and other paperwork can be put on hold. This will help Bulgaria tackle the gas crisis created by Russia, to some extent," Martin Vladimirov, a Bulgarian energy analyst, told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. The pipeline connector will run from the Greek city of Komotini to the city of Stara Zagora in central Bulgaria. The project, estimated at some 240 million euros ($253 million), is funded by participating countries and the EU. The IGB will offer other possibilities beyond shipping Azerbaijani gas. Petkov has said Bulgaria could take gas from Romania and send it to Turkey as well as back the other way via the IGB, with the hope being that both Bucharest and Sofia could reduce Russia's pressure on the gas market. EU And Baku's Growing Energy Ties Amid rising regional tensions but before Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Brussels and Baku were discussing ramping up Azerbaijani gas deliveries to the EU. "We want the volume of gas exported from Azerbaijan to Europe to reach 10 billion cubic meters," EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said at a press conference after talks in Baku on February 4 with President Ilham Aliyev. Such an increase is important "against the backdrop of shortages and rising prices in the energy market," she said. Aliyev said Azerbaijan exported 19 bcm of gas last year. This includes 8.5 bcm to Turkey and 7 bcm to Italy. It also exported gas to Georgia, Greece, and Bulgaria. Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said in March that Azerbaijan had 2.6 trillion cubic meters of gas reserves, which he said was "enough for its neighbors and European countries." "The expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor project will definitely begin, and in this direction, we have started dialogue with European countries, Western Balkan countries, and other Eastern European countries," Shahbazov continued. Azerbaijan exported 2.6 bcm of gas to Europe in the first quarter of 2022 and is expected to increase gas supplies to Europe by 30 percent in 2022. But even increased Azerbaijani gas exports will only dent the European Union's Russian gas needs, and, moreover, it is unclear whether Azerbaijan can meet its higher export targets, de Carbonnel says. "But Azerbaijan's production has been declining in recent years and it would take time to turn that around, so when TAP says it could double its capacity to 20 bcm per year in a few years' time, questions remain around what gas will fill the so-called Southern Gas Corridor," she said. An independent radio station in Budapest is set to lose its broadcasting license, renewing concerns about media freedom in Hungary. Tilos Radio's management learned that their permit would not be extended in September over what the country's media authority said were "severe breaches of regulations." Hungary's recently reelected prime minister, Viktor Orban, has been accused by the EU in the past of restricting press freedom to maintain his party's grip on power. Ali Shahvari grew up in a traditional and religious Muslim family in Iran. He was devoted to his country to the extent that he twice volunteered to fight on the front lines in the devastating Iran-Iraq War. But after one of his brothers was killed and another wounded in the 1980-88 conflict, he turned to drugs. Two decades later he found salvation on satellite television. After initially questioning the messages of Jesus Christ broadcast in Persian from abroad, Shahvari eventually converted to evangelical Christianity under a new name, Iman (Faith). But his path resulted in multiple arrests, a year in detention, and charges of blasphemy, acting against national security, and engaging in evangelical activity with the aim of attracting others to "deviant thoughts." That is because it is illegal for Muslims to convert in Iran, where unrecognized religious minorities are barred from assembling. Article 18, a London-based nonprofit organization that promotes religious freedom in Iran and advocates on behalf of its religious minorities, has documented the experiences of many who, like Shahvari, were forced to flee abroad to pursue their religious beliefs or who remain and are persecuted in Iran. The organization's latest annual report, produced jointly with other religious advocacy groups, reports more than 120 incidents of arrest, detention, or imprisonment of Christian converts, Iran's largest Christian community. The joint report says that one of the most striking trends in 2021 was the increased involvement of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in the crackdown on Persian-speaking Christians. The IRCG was responsible for 12 of the 38 documented incidents of arrests of Christians or raids on their homes or house churches in 2021. The report covering 2020-21 also notes the Iranian authorities' increased focus on cracking down on evangelism online, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei advancing a so-called "cyberarmy" to "protect" the Islamic republic from perceived threats. Following the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the Twelver Jafari School of Shi'ite Islam was named as Iran's official religion under the constitution, which also states that all Iranian laws be derived and consistent with Islamic doctrine. Three minority religions -- Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Christianity -- are constitutionally recognized, but others are not and their followers are barred from holding services or possessing religious materials in Persian. That includes Christian coverts, who are not considered indigenous Christians. "Indigenous Christians are mostly from Armenian, Assyrian, and Catholic churches, with some belonging to the Assemblies of God denomination," said Kiri Kankhwende of the U.K.-based religious advocacy organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which also contributed to the report. "While several converts have joined the Assemblies of God denomination, others belong to various evangelical house-church networks." In February 2021, Iranian lawmakers amended Articles 499 and 500 of the Penal Code, paving the way for converts to be handed sentences of five years in prison for "engaging in propaganda that educates in a deviant way contrary to the holy religion of Islam." CSW's Kankhwende told RFE/RL that the "situation remains bad and alarming" for Christian converts in Iran, and that the trend of arrests "is ongoing." Last month alone, there was a raft of cases involving Christian converts. Among them were the sentencing of three Christian Iranian men by the Rasht Revolutionary Court to five-year prison terms for "propaganda activities" related to their alleged teachings of a "deviant sect." Two of the three members of the non-Trinitarian Church of Iran -- Ayub Purrezazadeh and Ahmad Sarparast -- were arrested in September in an IRGC raid on their house church. The third, Morteza Mashoodkari, was arrested the same month at his home. Article 18 said that efforts by prosecutors to cast the three as "Satan-worshippers" due to their interpretation of the Trinity appeared to be "an obvious attempt to vilify the group and lessen public sympathy for them." Fariba Dalir, a 51-year-old Christian convert who was arrested in the summer of 2021 along with six others, began serving a two-year sentence on April 16 for "acting against national security by establishing and leading an evangelical Christian church." Dalir was sent to Tehran's notorious Evin prison the day before Easter. Four of the others, including her husband, were sentenced to 10 months in prison for membership of the banned church. Another woman, Sakineh (Mehri) Behjati, was sent the same day to serve a two-year prison sentence at Evin prison on charges of "acting against national security" through her involvement with a house church. She was reportedly later allowed to transfer to another facility in the northern city of Rasht so she could be closer to her young child. Following the arrest of Christian convert Rahmat Rostamipur in Bandar Anzali, a city on the Caspian Sea, on April 20 by 12 Intelligence Ministry agents, his wife was also summoned and interrogated and materials including Bibles were taken from their home, according to RFE/RL's Radio Farda. Rostamipour has yet to be formally charged with a crime. And in late April, an Iranian Christian pastor who was initially sentenced to death for "apostasy" but subsequently given a reduced sentence for promoting "Zionist Christianity," was returned to prison after a brief furlough following a coronavirus outbreak in his ward at Evin prison. The UN's Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has criticized the imprisonment of Yusef Nadarkhani of the Protestant Evangelical Church of Iran. It said Nadarkhani was legitimately exercising his religious freedoms, was discriminated against, and that he was not granted a fair trial or due process. CRW's Kankhwende says that Christian converts charged under the revised Penal Code have limited legal recourse. "Depending on many circumstances, including financial resources, some are allowed to employ lawyers," she said. "But it is not always possible for the lawyers to represent their clients properly." There have been cases of apparent leniency. In what was seen as a positive development, the Supreme Court ruled last year that the prison sentences of nine converts should be reviewed because their practicing of Christianity in a house church did not fit the verdict that they had harmed national security. And some converts were temporarily released from prison last year over Christmas, and others, such as Pastor Nadarkhani, were granted furloughs due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has harshly impacted Iran's overcrowded prisons. But such incidents, according to Kankhwende, "depend largely at the discretion of the secret police and the supreme leader and are sometimes influenced by Iran's relationships with the international community and the impression it wishes to convey." Iran has also been widely criticized abroad for the treatment of its recognized religious minorities, including obstructions that prevent members of faiths from attending services conducted in their native Persian. Javaid Rehman, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, in his latest report expressed concern over the "continued repression of religious minorities, including through the forcible closing of houses of worship on national security grounds." Rehman cited cases of pressure against Sunni Muslims, members of the Baha'i community, and the arrests of Christian converts despite the Iranian government's statements that religious minorities were respected and Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians were constitutionally free to perform their religious rites. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in 2022 redesignated Iran as a "country of particular concern," in part because it continues to "arrest, charge, sentence, and jail scores of Christians on charges including 'propaganda against the regime.'" Numerous efforts have been launched in support of religious minorities in Iran, including a statement released in May by 25 Iranian Christians condemning Tehran's deprivation of Persian-speaking Christians' right to work. Others, such as the online campaign #Place2Worship, decry the hurdles placed in the way of Iranian believers who want to attend religious services in their own language, giving them no option but to worship in private homes. Until Iranian converts can practice their religion freely in their home country, many are expected to seek sanctuary abroad. Atena Fooladi Helabad, whose experiences were documented by Article 18 in March, told the organization that after she and fellow church members were sentenced to one year in prison, she had no choice but to flee. After seven years abroad, she said, "I feel like a child separated from its mother, having been separated from Iran." With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Russian forces have escalated their attacks on a steel plant in the southern port of Mariupol where the last Ukrainian defenders, many of them wounded, and at least 100 civilians are still holed up, as missiles rained down on the strategically important Black Sea port of Odesa. Deputy Ukrainian Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said on May 10 that more than 1,000 Ukrainian fighters remained in the sprawling Azovstal steel plant, the last pocket of resistance after almost three months of heavy fighting that has leveled the city. "Hundreds are wounded. There are people with serious injuries who require urgent evacuation. The situation is deteriorating every day," Vereshchuk told the AFP news agency. Although the majority of noncombatants have been evacuated from Azovstal, at least 100 civilians remain inside, an aide to the city's mayor said on May 10. The presence of civilians "does not reduce the density of attacks by the occupiers," aide Petro Andryushchenko wrote on Telegram. Russian forces have so far failed to complete the occupation of Mariupol, which would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, give Russia a land corridor to the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula, and free troops up for fighting elsewhere. In the eastern regions of Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, air-raid sirens could be heard early on May 10. Oleh Synehubov, the head of the Kharkiv regional administration, said on May 10 that the bodies of 44 civilians had been recovered from the rubble of a building in the city of Izyum destroyed by Russia in March. Synehubov said the five-story building had collapsed with the civilians inside. Izyum is a key front-line node in eastern Ukraine. The Odesa city council said late on May 9 that missiles were fired into the city, destroying several buildings. One person was killed and five injured when seven missiles hit a shopping center and a depot, Ukraine's armed forces said on Facebook. The United Nations said on May 10 that the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine has edged past 7,000 since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion in February. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a statement that as of the start of May 9, 3,381 people, including 235 children, had been killed, with another 3,680 people injured. The office said that most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes. "OHCHR believes that the actual figures are considerably higher, as the receipt of information from some locations where intense hostilities have been going on has been delayed and many reports are still pending corroboration," it added, pointing to cities such as Mariupol, Izyum, and Popasna, where there are allegations of numerous civilian casualties. 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. But the head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said that the actual death toll was thousands higher than the official UN figures. "We have been working on estimates, but all I can say for now is that it is thousands higher than the numbers we have currently given to you," Matilda Bogner told a news briefing in Geneva. On the diplomatic front, the foreign ministers of Germany and the Netherlands made a surprise visit to Ukraine, stopping in the Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, where Russian forces are accused of committing war crimes before retreating last month. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock became the first German cabinet minister to visit Kyiv since Russia launched its unprovoked attack on Ukraine in late February. Baerbock announced the German Embassy would reopen in Kyiv and vowed to wean Germany off Russian energy "forever." Wopke Hoekstra, her Dutch counterpart, also made the trip as the two prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba later in the day. Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on May 10 that the Ukrainian economy was set to contract by almost one-third this year in the wake of Russia's invasion. The European Union's planned sixth package of sanctions against Russia, including an oil embargo, is "certainly a package that we need" along with energy sanctions, Zelenskiy told Slovakia's parliament on May 10 in a video address. The British Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence bulletin on May 10 that Russia's misjudging of Ukrainian resolve resulted in failures on the battlefield and stopped Russian President Vladimir Putin from boasting success during his speech at the May 9 military parade in Moscow. Underestimating Ukrainian resistance led to "demonstrable operational failings," the ministry said, "preventing Putin from announcing significant military success" on May 9. In Washington, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told a Senate committee that the United States believes Putin is preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine. There are indications Russia wants to extend a land bridge to Transdniester, Moldova's breakaway region, Haines said, adding that Putin is counting on Western resolve to weaken over time. Haines also told the committee that Putin is expected to become more unpredictable and could order martial law in Russia. Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, who also testified before the committee, said Russia has resorted to indiscriminate and brutal methods in response to Ukrainian resistance. He told the committee that neither side currently is winning. With reporting by AP, Reuters, BBC, and dpa Russian forces and the remaining Ukrainian soldiers holed up in the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol continue to fight pitched battles as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope a cease-fire would take place to evacuate more civilians from the devastated complex. After ten weeks of brutal bombardment that have turned the city largely to rubble, Russian fighters have entered the massive steel plant, where about 2,000 Ukrainian fighters and a few hundred civilians have taken shelter in the tunnels and bunkers deep beneath the surface. Russian forces have stepped up attacks against the plant in recent days, Ukrainian forces said, and may be seeking to sack it by May 9, when Russia celebrates Victory Day, the country's most patriotic holiday, commemorating the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. "Russian occupiers are focusing on blocking and trying to destroy Ukrainian units in the Azovstal area," the Ukrainian Army said in a statement on May 5. "With the support of aircraft, Russia resumed the offensive in order to take control of the plant." Mariupol's fall would be a major success for President Vladimir Putin, depriving Ukraine of a vital port, allowing Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and freeing up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. The plight of the civilians holed up in the plant with little food or water has garnered international attention and led to calls from leaders around the world for Russia to allow them to be evacuated. Guterres told the UN Security Council on May 5 that a third operation was under way to evacuate civilians from Azovstal. In joint efforts with the Red Cross, the UN has helped nearly 500 civilians flee the area over the past week. "I hope that the continued coordination with Moscow and Kyiv will lead to more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting, and aid to reach those in critical need," Guterres said. "We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes," he said. Guterres declined to give details on the new operation "to avoid undermining possible success." Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Iryna Vereshchuk, said on her social-media page that people would be evacuated from Mariupol on May 6 at noon, but gave no further details. Russia had earlier said it would open a humanitarian corridor from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Moscow time on May 5, 6, and 7 from the Azovstal plant to evacuate civilians. Though the Kremlin claimed on May 5 that the corridor was "functioning," Ukraine had not confirmed that anyone had been freed from the plant that day. Skepticism still remains about the likelihood of an evacuation as previous Russian announcements of cease-fires have failed. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett raised the humanitarian crisis at Azovstal with Putin during a call on May 5. Bennetts office said in a statement following talks between the two leaders that Putin had promised to allow the evacuation of citizens through a UN and Red Cross humanitarian corridor. In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin told Bennett that Kyiv must order the remaining Ukrainian fighters inside the steel plant to lay down their arms. 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. With Russian forces bogged down by stubborn Ukrainian resistance along all the eastern front line, a frustrated Kremlin accused the West of preventing a "quick" end to its military invasion by supplying weapons and intelligence to the country. "The United States, Britain, NATO as a whole hand over intelligence...to Ukraine's armed forces on a permanent basis," Peskov told reporters. "Coupled with the flow of weapons that these countries are sending to Ukraine, these are all actions that do not contribute to the quick completion of the operation," he said, adding that this was "incapable of hindering the achievement" of the goals of Russia's military operation. Russia appears to have already given up on its initial goal -- to take the capital and install a Kremlin-friendly regime. After suffering heavy losses during the first month of the war as it spread its forces out too thin, Russia has since regrouped to focus its efforts on taking eastern Ukraine. However, Russian forces continue to face tough resistance and suffer losses, raising doubts among many military experts that they will be able to achieve their more modest goals. Zelensky, meanwhile, launched a global crowdfunding platform -- United24 -- on May 5 to help Kyiv win the war and rebuild the country's infrastructure. "Every donation matters for victory," he said in English in a video on his Twitter page. "In one click, you can donate funds to protect our defenders, to save our civilians, and to rebuild Ukraine," Zelensky said in the video. WATCH: In the first stage of the operation to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal steelworks, which is under attack by Russian forces in Mariupol, over 150 people were brought out by bus. Those who got out told harrowing stories on May 3 of bodies strewn around the plant. Later that day Zelenskiy addressed by video a conference in Warsaw dedicated to supporting Ukraines war effort and rebuilding. Referencing the U.S.-led initiative to rebuild Europe following World War II, the Ukrainian leader called on the West to launch an analogous Marshall Plan to help his country recover from the extensive destruction caused by Russias military campaign. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the conference raised $6.5 billion for Ukraine. In discussing ways to financially support Kyiv, EU President Charles Michel said on May 5 that the bloc should confiscate and sell Russian assets it has seized and use the proceeds to rebuild Ukraine, echoing an idea already floated by the United States. The EU said early last month it had frozen 30 billion euros ($32 billion) in assets linked to blacklisted Russian and Belarusian individuals. Meanwhile, the United States announced on May 5 that it had seized a $300 million yacht in Fiji belonging to Russian billionaire Suliman Kerimov. In addition to seizures, the West is continuing to impose sanctions to weaken Russias ability to carry out its current military campaign and future aggression. A day after the European Union announced plans to curb Russian oil imports across the board, the U.K. said on May 5 that it had sanctioned Evraz, a Russian steel producer whose products are critical for the nations rail industry. Russia is using its rail network to ship weapons and troops to its border with Ukraine. Marking "another small victory," Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk announced on May 4 that 344 women, children, and elderly people were evacuated safely from Mariupol. But her announcement was clouded by a report by the Associated Press that put the death toll of an earlier Russian air strike on a Mariupol theater converted into a shelter at approximately 600 people, doubling previous estimates by Ukrainian officials. In neighboring Belarus, the armed forces began "surprise" large-scale drills on May 4 to test their combat readiness, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said. The British Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence bulletin on May 5 that Russia will likely attempt to "inflate the threat" posed by the Belarusian military's exercises with the aim of fixing Ukrainian forces in the Belarusian border area to prevent them from being deployed to the front line in eastern Ukraine. Minsk has aided Russia's invasion by allowing Belarusian territory to be used to stage the attack. Belarusian strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka claimed in an interview with AP on May 5 that he had information showing Ukraine had planned to attack Belarus, without producing any evidence. Lukashenka has been shunned by the international community since he claimed victory in a presidential election in August 2020 that the opposition says was rigged, and unleashed a wave of violence to stifle mass protests afterward. In Moldova's Moscow-backed separatist region of Transdniester, a television channel reported that shots have been fired near one if its border crossings with Ukraine. The report on May 5, which comes after several similar alleged incidents in the Moscow-backed Transdniester region since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, could not be independently verified. Kyiv has warned that Russia wants to destabilize the region to create a pretext for a military intervention in Moldova, which also borders NATO member Romania. With reporting by Reuters, AP, BBC, and AFP French President Emmanuel Macron says it could take several years for Ukraine to formally join the European Union and proposed the creation of a new political organization for European countries that share common values. Speaking in Strasbourg on May 9, Macron said the process of joining the EU under current entry rules meant it would take years. "Even if we grant it candidate status tomorrow, we all know perfectly well that the process to allow it to join would take several years indeed, probably several decades," Macron said in a speech marking Europe Day. Macron spoke after the European Commission said it aimed to deliver a first opinion in June on Ukraine's request to become a member. While the 27 EU members have been fully united in backing Ukraine's resistance to Russia's invasion, there is division over how quickly the EU could move to accept Ukraine as a member. A fast-track procedure would lead to lowering standards, Macron said, and he suggested creating a parallel entity that could appeal to countries that aspire to join the bloc. He said this "European political community" would be open to democratic European countries adhering to its core values. "Joining it would not necessarily prejudge future EU membership," he said, adding that it would not be "closed to those who left it," in an apparent reference to Great Britain. He also noted the hopes of countries such as Moldova and Georgia. Macron also warned against humiliating Russia, saying this would not serve efforts for restoring peace. "Tomorrow we'll have a peace to build, let's never forget that," he told reporters. The terms of a peace deal will be set by Ukraine and Russia, but that will not be done through...the exclusion of one another, nor even in their humiliation." Macron arrived later in Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who described Macron's suggestion of a political community a "very interesting suggestion for dealing with the big challenge we face." Britain, which left the European Union, could have a place in this political community, Scholz said. He added that the EU shouldnt stop pursuing the accession process for countries that have already begun, citing North Macedonia as an example, saying its leader had taken "very brave" decisions in recent years. "We should find a way that this bravery isn't disappointed," Scholz said. Macron said countries that had already embarked on the membership route and are close to joining should continue their path. But others not as far along, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina and others in the Western Balkans, may wish to consider joining a wider club instead. Later in the evening, Macron and Scholz showed their support for Ukraine in a visit to Berlin's symbolically important Brandenburg Gate, illuminated in Ukraine's national colors. Executive Opinion Earlier on May 9, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted that she had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and was looking forward to receiving the answers to Ukraine's membership questionnaire. "The EU Commission will aim to deliver its opinion in June," she added. Later she told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the future of Europe was also "Ukraine's future." Zelenskiy on April 18 handed a completed questionnaire for Ukraine achieving EU candidate status to the bloc's top official in his country and the document is now being examined. Giving Ukraine formal candidate status would be decided by the bloc's members, who would act on the expert advice from the commission. If approved as a candidate, Ukraine would have to go through a complex and potentially lengthy accession process that would imply meeting rigorous democratic and rule-of-law standards. In the face of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, EU officials have said they will work to speed up the accession process as much as possible. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP The European Union on May 4 unveiled a proposal to ban Russian oil imports by the end of the year as Russian forces intensified their assault in on a steel plant in the southeastern port city of Mariupol that Ukrainian forces continue to defend. There was heavy fighting as Russian forces broke into the territory of the plant, Azov Regiment Commander Lieutenant Colonel Denis Prokopenko said on Telegram. The situation at the plant is extremely difficult, but the Ukrainian military continues to defend itself, he said in the post. "I am proud of the soldiers who are making superhuman efforts to deter the enemy," Prokopenko said. "I thank the world for the colossal support of the Mariupol garrison." Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko said earlier there was "heavy fighting" involving artillery, tanks, and war planes at the Azovstal plant and said city officials had lost contact with Ukrainian forces inside. David Arakhamia, a member of the Ukrainian delegation that has held now-stalled peace talks with Russia, later told RFE/RL that Ukrainian authorities have contact with the defenders at the plant. "Attempts to storm the plant continue for the second day. Russian troops are already on the territory of Azovstal," Arakhamia said, citing Prokopenko. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied reports that Russian troops had stormed the plant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help save the lives of the remaining Ukrainians trapped in the sprawling industrial complex. "The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them," Zelensky told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a phone call on May 4. He called on the UN to "assist in the removal of all the wounded from Azovstal," a statement from his office said. Moscow pledged to halt some military operations this week to allow more evacuations from May 5-7. It has, however, reneged on previous pledges to allow for humanitarian corridors. The new EU sanctions proposed on May 4 would add more banking sanctions against Moscow and cut off some Russian broadcasters in Europe. But the EU said at the heart of the package is a phaseout of the import of Russian crude and refined oil products by the end of the year. It was formally proposed despite pushback from EU members that are heavily dependent on Russian energy imports. Shortly after the announcement Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria said they would seek exemptions from the embargo. "We will phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year," the head of the bloc's executive European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined," she said, adding, "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin must pay a high price for his brutal aggression." Von der Leyen, however, conceded that getting unanimity on oil sanctions will not be easy. The measures require approval from all 27 EU countries to take effect. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said EU countries blocking an oil embargo would be "complicit" in Russia's crimes in Ukraine. Whatever their arguments are, if they oppose (the) oil embargo, it means one thing: they play on the Russian side. They share responsibility for everything Russia does in Ukraine, full stop, Kuleba said in a video posted on Twitter. The European Union accounts for nearly a half of Russia's crude and refined oil products. But the Kremlin, in a first reaction to the EU announcement, put on a brave face, warning that the embargo is a "double-edged sword" and that the EU consumers will pay the price. "The cost of these sanctions to the citizens of Europe will grow by the day," Peskov said on May 4. Peskov said the Kremlin is looking at "various options" for its response to the new sanctions. Von der Leyen also proposed that Sberbank, Russias largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system. The EU will also ban three Russian state-owned broadcasters, she said, without naming the channels directly. According to a document seen by RFE/RL, the package also contains a list of 58 individuals sanctioned over Russia's military action in Ukraine that includes the Patriarch of Russia's Orthodox Church, a close ally of Putin's. Beyond the fighting in Mariupol, Moscow deployed 22 battalions near Izyum, an eastern city, in a bid to push into the Donbas region, the British Defense Ministry said in its daily bulletin on May 4, adding that Russia's apparent goal is capturing the cities of Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk in the east, "despite struggling to break through Ukrainian defenses." A Russian battalion usually consists of 700-800 soldiers. According to the British intelligence bulletin, capturing the two cities "would consolidate Russian military control" of northeastern Ukraine. In neighboring Belarus, the armed forces began "surprise" large-scale drills on May 4 to test their combat readiness, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said. With reporting by RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak, Reuters, AP, and AFP The regional governments of Russias Omsk Region and Kazakhstans Pavlodar Region are discussing the potential construction of a cargo port on the Irtysh River, which begins in Chinas north Xinjiang, runs between Kazakhstan and Russia, and eventually flows north into the Arctic Ocean. The Irtysh is the largest tributary river in the world and a major feeder for the River Ob. The Irtysh runs for some 4,248 km. Omsk Regional Governor Alexander Burkov and Pavlodar Regional Head Abylkair Skakov discussed increasing freight traffic on the Irtysh River this week, with investors from Omsk ready to invest from up to 100 million rubles (US$1.25 million) in the construction of a quay wall. According to Burkov, implementing this project will reduce costs for freight forwarders by 30%. An agreement between the Omsk and Pavlodar Regions has been in effect since 2015. In this period, we have already built strong cooperative ties between the regions. We are considering the construction of a cargo port to load goods from suppliers in the Pavlodar Region and their transportation on the Irtysh, Burkov was quoted as saying. Currently, lumber and timber products from the Omsk Region are delivered to Kazakhstan via river transport. In turn, crushed stone, sand and gravel mixes and salt from Kazakhstan are delivered to the Russian region via the Irtysh. The annual volume of cargo transportation is about 150,000 tonnes. Skakov said We have the only river port left in Kazakhstan, and we could transport much more cargo via the waterway. It is both faster and more economic. In recent years, cargo traffic volumes have been decreasing, but at one point we were looking at half a million and a million tons of cargo. I believe that there is great business potential here for both areas. Technical issues and barriers in this matter will be resolved jointly at the level of regional authorities and, if necessary, with the support of central authorities. Previously, Burkov repeatedly indicated the regions interest in organizing a system of river cargo transport both aimed at the Arctic route towards the Northern Sea Route, and to the south to Kazakhstan and China. In particular, in the forthcoming navigation season the Omsk Region intends to organize an experimental voyage through Kazakhstan to China. The Irtysk River (known as the Xiao Erjiang in China) runs for about 600km in Xinjiang Province, and has been used as part of the IrtyshKaramayUrumqi Canal. Providing the Chinese source of the River with trade benefits would improve the quality of water supply which is currently also used for significant irrigation projects that impact the River flow to the north. Related Reading MB Cambodia and the Viettel (Cambodia) Pte., Ltd (Metfone), two Vietnamese-invested firms, on May 4 signed a special credit package contract for 2022 to upgrade the telecoms network in Cambodia.Under this contract, MB Cambodia, a branch of Vietnams Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, will provide a credit package with a limit of up to 100 million USD for Metfone , an affiliate of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, to upgrade the telecom services network and expand operations in Cambodia.Metfone and MB Cambodia are assessed as leading Vietnamese businesses in Cambodia over the past decade.Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang described the signing of the contract as an important event since both have gained a foothold in the telecommunications, e-payment, e-wallet, and financial - banking sectors in Cambodia.He held that this partnership will help promote Vietnamese firms stature in Cambodia, thereby contributing to the two countries cooperation, especially in economy.Bilateral trade has recorded impressive growth in recent years, hitting 5 billion USD in 2020 and 9.3 billion USD in 2021, statistics showed./. Weather Alert ...Fire Weather Concerns Across Vermont This Afternoon... A very dry airmass will remain over Vermont today with minimum relative humidity values dropping into the 15 to 25 percent range by midday. The continued dry conditions have allowed fine fuels to completely dry out. Winds will be from the east this morning, then the southeast this afternoon at 5-10 mph, except over Rutland and Windsor Counties where some afternoon gusts 10-20 mph are expected. Fires could quickly grow and get out of control today due to how dry the air will be this afternoon. Scripps Health, once accused of patient-poaching by Tri-City Medical Center, plans to open a three-story, 85,000-square-foot office building and urgent care center in Oceanside on the same street as its rival. We are hoping to break ground early next year and anticipate being open for patient care in 2020, Scripps Senior Director of Public Relations Janice Collins said this week in a written response to questions. The vacant, fenced property at the corner of Jefferson Street and Vista Way is the former site of a Saturn car dealership. The proposed medical building, which would include physicians offices, examination and treatment rooms, and a multi-story parking structure, is about a mile west of Tri-City Medical Center at Vista Way and Thunder Drive. Scripps already has a three-story building with urgent care and other medical services a block east of Tri-City at Cedar Road. The new Scripps clinic at Jefferson Street will provide a broad range of primary care and specialty care services to local residents, close to home, Collins said. Advertisement We have met in open, public forums with local residents and business organizations in Oceanside to share our vision and hear thoughts from the community, she said. The feedback weve received has been positive. Scripps resubmitted its application to the city this month to address comments from departments including police, fire, traffic, engineering and others, she said. The project will require a public hearing that is yet to be scheduled before the Oceanside Planning Commission, city planner Tiffany Chen said Friday. Tri-City Medical Center officials did not respond to requests for comment. Asked about the proposed competition with Tri-City, the Scripps spokeswoman said, Our proposal to construct a new building in Oceanside is about improving convenience and access to needed services for our patients in North County. Its important that all health care providers in North County do what they need to do to serve their patients and the growing population of North County. Scripps has five hospitals, 18 clinics and several other types of facilities spread across San Diego County. Tri-City has a 38-acre campus in Oceanside on Vista Way at Thunder Drive and a wellness center on El Camino Real in Carlsbad. Tri-City is administered by the public Tri-City Healthcare District, which serves primarily residents of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista. The hospital sued Scripps in 2008 after Scripps bought the Sharp Mission Park group, and the former Sharp doctors began referring patients to Scripps hospitals instead of Tri-City. A Superior Court judge dismissed the lawsuit. Tri-City initially appealed, but later dropped the suit. Tri-City announced last year it had formed a partnership that would bring some UC San Diego Health primary care and specialty physicians to Oceanside to expand the services available in Oceanside. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl A mystery black cube was seen momentarily coming from the Sun before NASA's website had technical difficulties on live video, driving conspiracy theorists into a frenzy. Scott C Waring, a self-described extraterrestrial specialist running the UFO Sightings Daily YouTube channel, stated that NASA covered up the specific region of the Sun and shut down the website "for maintenance" as soon as the black cube appeared. NASA Cam Records Black Cube Leaving The Sun Before Site Shuts Down A small cubic-shaped object emerges for about two seconds on the bottom right corner of the Sun, as shown on a film from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, a NASA-European Space Agency collaboration project. A little, cubic-shaped puff emerges from the Sun on May 2 at roughly 1:06 p.m. GMT. Waring states in his video (per Unilad): "You can see the cube coming out of the Sun and right after that, a big glitch that covers 25 [percent] of that." The video comes to an abrupt stop, and the screen goes blank. He further claimed that the new event proves that NASA and SOHO are complicit in the cover-up. According to Waring, the space agencies are trying to hide these black cubes traveling across space to and from our Sun. "What do you think they are harvesting?" he asked per Joe.uk, before saying that the Sun could be hollow. ALSO READ: NASA Scientist Finally Decodes Sun's 60-Year-Old Explosive Secret Helioviewer, like the SOHO website, was momentarily unavailable for maintenance around the time of the observation. NASA, according to Waring, may be concealing unknown objects in orbit. While academics have previously viewed such assertions with skepticism, Waring's comment area is replete with support. One commenter felt "outraged" whenever agencies allegedly hid something like this. Another wrote: "I wonder - is it birthing this or is this taking from the Sun?" Another user suggested that these objects absorb radiation as they travel across space at high speeds. Others, though, are not convinced. One user mentioned: "If you think anyone could cover up something this big when there are countless amateur astronomers with telescopes, you are out of your mind." About the Helioviewer Initiative The Helioviewer Initiative is described on its website as "an open-source project for the display of solar and heliospheric data," which Waring also mentioned. The said project is also supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Those who don't want to damage their retinas looking directly at the Sun can use the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) to acquire comprehensive photographs at any time of day. According to its website, SOHO represents a worldwide partnership between ESA and NASA to research the Sun from its deep core to the outer corona and the solar wind. RELATED ARTICLE: Sun Throws Too Much Tantrum Lately; Here's How it Is Seriously Exceeding Predictions Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. When Californians receive their voter guides and sample ballots in the mail over the next few days, something will be missing, thanks to an error by the California Democratic Party. It forgot to tell local elections officials that it endorsed Sen. Alex Padilla in the June 7 primary, The Chronicle has learned. The partys communication to the county registrars inadvertently did not include Senator Padillas endorsement for the primary election and once discovered could not be rectified, the party said in an email to The Chronicle after being confronted with the error. Padilla was diplomatic about the error Thursday. I just have to work harder to make sure the voters are aware, Padilla told The Chronicle. I believe the party will do what it can to communicate that broadly as well. But (its) just a reminder, I never take anything for granted. The endorsement snafu matters because this is the first time that Padilla will appear on the ballot as a Senate candidate since Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed him last year to replace Vice President Kamala Harris. While Padilla has been on statewide ballots before during his term as secretary of state, he is still unknown to many voters. Nearly one in three (31%) of likely voters dont know enough about Padilla to form an opinion of him, according to a March survey by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Among all adults surveyed, 44% approved of the way Padilla was doing his job, 26% disapproved. Padilla pursued the partys endorsement with full force even though most of his Democratic opponents have raised only a few thousand dollars and have mounted meager campaigns. Nevertheless, Padilla invested many hours courting delegates personally, sending direct mailers, mounting a digital campaign and visiting local party central committees throughout the state. He won the state partys endorsement at its March convention, which was held virtually. Perhaps Padillas most well-known and well-funded candidate is Santa Barbara billionaire tech entrepreneur Dan ODowd, a Democrat. ODowd, however, is running a largely one-note campaign to criticize the safety of self-driving cars. 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. Nevertheless, the California Democratic Party is trying to make amends for its error. We are already communicating directly with California Democrats and we will do everything necessary to ensure Senator Padilla is victorious on June 7 and in November, according to the statement. Joe Garofoli (he/him) is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Tal Kopan (she/her) is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan When a local security brigade in Nigeria learned Peter Udo and his boyfriend were seen having sex in a hotel room, they seized and beat the couple for six hours and later told Udo he should be put to death. Udos mother used her family savings to enable him to flee the country and he wound up in California, where an immigration judge rejected his plea for asylum and ordered him deported because his description of the events gave a false name for the hotel where he had been captured. That order has now been firmly rejected by a federal appeals court. The judge and the Board of Immigration Appeals, which upheld the deportation order, failed to give any reasoned consideration to the evidence Udo presented, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco said Wednesday in a ruling requiring the board to review his claim that he would be tortured if returned to Nigeria. That evidence included an excommunication notice, signed by leaders of the communitys Council of Traditional Rulers, notifying Udo and his family that anyone engaging in homosexual acts is subjected to public execution and that his mother and five other relatives were no longer considered citizens of the community. Remarkably, the (Board of Immigration Appeals) did not reference the excommunication notice at all in its ruling that would have returned Udo to Nigeria, Judge M. Margaret McKeown said in the appeals courts 3-0 decision, which included a copy of the notice. Udos lawyer, David Casarrubias, said the ruling was a victory for asylum seekers. The opinion stands for the proposition that although Congress may enact laws that make it harder for asylum seekers to prevail as a result of minor discrepancies in their applications, there are other international laws like the Convention Against Torture that still have teeth, Casarrubias said. He noted that the immigration judge and the appeals board had found that Udos application was frivolous, a finding that, if upheld, would have prohibited him from ever applying for U.S. asylum. He declined to disclose his clients current location for safety reasons. Udo lived in Ikot Ekpene, a town in the southern Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom. Early one morning in 2015, a waiter came to deliver breakfast to his hotel room, opened the door without knocking and saw Udo and his boyfriend having sex, the court said. The waiter called hotel security, who detained the couple and summoned a local community security group. The group tied up the couple, took them away and beat them with sticks and metal rods for six hours, while spitting on them, throwing sand in their eyes and shouting anti-gay slurs, the court said. Udo was taken bleeding to a detention center, but he escaped and was treated at a hospital. He contacted his mother, who told him that Nigerian police had come looking for him, and that village leaders wanted him put to death. The next day his mother met him at a bus stop, gave him clothes and money and told him to flee the country. 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. At his hearing in San Diego, Udo told the immigration judge the incident had occurred at a Sheraton Hotel. When immigration officers said there was no Sheraton in the village, Udo said he had used a false name because he was afraid. But the judge found he had deliberately lied, had been unresponsive in other testimony and had failed to establish that he is gay or that he was ever harmed in Nigeria for being a gay person. But the appeals court said evidence the judge ignored, including the excommunication notice and letters and affidavits from Udos family, that leave no doubt that Udo is gay and was subjected to violent attacks in Nigeria on the basis of his sexuality. The court noted that being gay in Nigeria is a crime punishable by more than 10 years in prison. The judges conclusion that Udos application was frivolous required a finding that he had deliberately fabricated a material element of his application, McKeown said. The name of the hotel is not a material element, she said. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Investigators hired by the city of Alameda were unable to fully exonerate three police officers of using excessive force last year when they pinned Mario Gonzalez to the ground during an arrest in which he became unresponsive and later died, according to the investigative report released Wednesday. The Renne Public Law Group, which investigated whether the officers followed departmental procedure in the case, said it found evidence that the officers acted in conformity with policy while they were on the ground with Gonzalez but due to the limits of the body camera footage certain information could not be completely confirmed. The group found that the officers followed departmental policy in their decisions to arrest and initially use force to detain Gonzalez but could not completely clear the officers of wrongdoing for actions that occurred after they and Gonzalez fell to the ground, where officers pinned him for about five minutes until he lost consciousness. The groups report is the latest review into the actions of the police officers that led to the death of Gonzalez, which the Alameda County coroner ruled a homicide. Last month, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office declined to file criminal charges against the three officers because evidence reviewed by the office does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers broke any laws, District Attorney Nancy OMalley said in a statement at the time. Alison Berry Wilkinson, an attorney representing the arresting officers, said that despite the arrests unfortunate and tragic outcome, she was pleased with the findings by the Renne Public Law Group. She said that even though investigators were not able to say definitively whether the officers used reasonable force while on the ground, the techniques that they used complied with policy. The evidence reasonably supports the conclusion that the officers were attempting to avoid pressure on Gonzalezs spine or neck, the report states. The testimony and video analysis supports the conclusion that the officers had pressure on Gonzalezs back for only short periods. Attorneys representing Gonzalezs family in an ongoing federal civil rights lawsuit could not immediately be reached for comment. The suit claims that the officers were not adequately trained, supervised or disciplined. Gonzalez was arrested the morning of April 19, 2021, after Alameda police received reports of a man talking to himself in the 800 block of Oak Street. Officer Eric McKinley spoke to Gonzalez for nine minutes and then arrested him with help from Officers James Fisher and Cameron Leahy, officials said. The officers said they detained Gonzalez because he appeared intoxicated and unable to care for himself, investigators said. The officers restrained Gonzalez by putting some of their weight on his body as he lay on the ground. In body camera footage, Gonzalez can be heard groaning and the officers can be heard asking him questions and telling him to stop resisting. Gonzalez eventually went limp underneath the officers and they began administering CPR. He was pronounced dead at Alameda Hospital about 45 minutes later, according to the coroners report. Officers McKinley, Fisher and Leahy believed that they had not yet secured Gonzalez before he lost consciousness and did not think that he was in urgent distress as he lay on the ground facedown because he was answering their questions and actively resisting until less than a minute before he became unresponsive, investigators said. The officers told investigators that Gonzalez was trying to kick his legs upward, and Officer Leahy told the other officers during the arrest that Gonzalez was lifting him off the ground with his legs. They told investigators that they thought Gonzalez, who had been behaving erratically prior to the arrest, was capable of breaking free and causing harm to himself or others, and they perceived noises he was making as signs of exertion in resisting, not as signs of distress, according to the report. 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. Those assertions could not be determined to be unreasonable given available evidence and testimony, investigators said. However, the body camera footage is not conclusive on the issue of continued resistance, given that it does not show Gonzalezs lower body. And Gonzalezs verbal expressions, as shown on the video footage, could be interpreted as signs of distress, the report states. The Alameda County coroner and another forensic pathologist each did an autopsy within a week of each other and both ruled Gonzalezs death a homicide. The coroner listed the toxic effects of methamphetamine as the cause of death and added stress from the arrest, alcoholism and morbid obesity as significant contributing factors. The other pathologist, hired by lawyers representing Gonzalezs family, concluded that Gonzalez died from restraint asphyxiation. All three officers were placed on administrative leave following the arrest. They were no longer on leave as of Wednesday morning, said Sarah Henry, a spokesperson for the city of Alameda. She declined to say whether they were reinstated as a result of the investigations findings. Wednesdays report cleared Charles Clemmons, a civilian parking employee who helped the officers with the arrest, of using excessive force. Clemmons was off duty at the time of the arrest and doing a ride-along with Fisher when Fisher was called to help detain Gonzalez. The officers asked Clemmons to lie on top of Gonzalezs legs and he did so for a few minutes on an emergency basis, which is allowed by the Police Department, investigators said. Andy Picon is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: andy.picon@hearst.com Twitter: @andpicon A new study reinforces the daunting reality for home buyers in San Francisco and San Jose: Those two housing markets are among the worlds least affordable. But the two Bay Area metro areas are in rapidly growing company as the ranks of unaffordable markets swell worldwide during the pandemic, putting homeownership increasingly out of reach for middle-income buyers, researchers found. In fact, out of the nearly 100 housing markets in eight countries examined in the report, just one remained affordable when measuring home prices in relation to income: Pittsburgh. The finding that the Northeastern city now stands alone in the affordable category in the 2022 Demographia International Housing Affordability report was surprising, according to Wendell Cox, a senior fellow at the Urban Reform Institute in Houston and the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Canada, which jointly issued the report. Last year, three other cities were also rated affordable, all in the U.S. but none on the West Coast: Rochester and Buffalo, N.Y., and St. Louis. But the COVID-19 pandemic fueled a rapid shift in home markets, causing prices to grow at unprecedented rates, according to the report. Housing affordability in virtually all markets has worsened in the last couple of years as a result of the pandemic related demand shock, Cox said. This huge increase in demand relative to supply has occurred as households have sought larger houses and yards. The report, based on data from the third quarter of 2021, used the price-to-income ratio, or median house price divided by the gross median household income, to rate middle-income housing affordability. The lower the ratio, referred to as the median multiple, the more affordable a market is. Middle-income housing affordability was separated into four categories: Affordable (median multiple of 3 and lower) Moderately unaffordable (3.1 to 4) Seriously unaffordable (4.1 to 5) Severely unaffordable (5.1 and higher) Among the 92 metropolitan markets examined in Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States, only Pittsburgh remained in the affordable range with a median multiple of 2.7 and was therefore ranked the No. 1 most affordable market both in the U.S. and internationally. At the other end of the spectrum, San Francisco ranked 86th with a median multiple of 11.8, while San Jose was in 89th place internationally with a median multiple of 12.6, surpassed in unaffordability only by Vancouver, B.C.; Sydney; and Hong Kong. Among the 56 U.S. markets examined, San Francisco was 54th and San Jose 56th least affordable, separated by Honolulu. The report defined the San Francisco market as encompassing San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties, while the San Jose market included San Jose, Santa Clara and San Benito counties. Though prices vary within those metropolitan areas, at least seven figures is common: The median sale prices in the cities of San Jose and San Francisco are $1.45 million and $1.53 million, respectively. Realtor.com reports the median listing price for both cities at $1.3 million. The other figure determining affordability, median household income, is $119,136 in San Francisco and $117,324 in San Jose, according to the U.S. Census. By contrast, in Pittsburgh, the median household income is only about half those in the Bay Area cities, at $61,969, according to the U.S. census. But what makes the city affordable is its dramatically lower home prices. In Pittsburgh, the median home sale price on Redfin is $231,700, while the median listing home price on Realtor.com is $230,000. Even after accounting for pandemic demand shock, Pittsburgh reigns in terms of housing affordability because these less unaffordable markets have preserved a competitive supply of land, Cox said. That contrasts with markets such as San Francisco and San Jose, which have strict land-use rules, he said, especially urban containment regulation, which according to the report aims to curb sprawl by restricting building beyond set growth boundaries. Planners expectations that increased housing density within urban boundaries would maintain affordability did not materialize instead, affordability has deteriorated substantially in cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Sydney, the report said. In the last pre-pandemic year, all of the markets we covered with severely unaffordable housing ... had strong urban containment strategies, Cox said. Before land-use regulation became much stronger, there was little difference between housing affordability in California and the rest of the nation. California now has the biggest share of severely unaffordable markets in the U.S., including four of the countrys five highest cost markets relative to incomes, according to the report. In addition to San Jose and San Francisco, Los Angeles ranked 84th internationally and 53rd in the nation with a median multiple of 10.7. San Diego was close behind at 82nd internationally and 52nd in the U.S., with a median multiple of 10.1, while Riverside-San Bernardino was 76th internationally and 49th in the U.S. with a 7.4 median multiple. Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press 2007 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. California is a wonderful place to live, said Cox. Yet, the housing affordability-driven cost-of-living crisis is making it impossible for many middle-income households to afford a decent middle-income standard of living. That will not change without significant regulatory reform, which does not seem likely. Cox added that as major markets such as ones in California continue to become more unaffordable, inequality, poverty and overcrowding seem likely to worsen, and more people will need to seek subsidized housing. That in turn could mean that fewer middle-income households and corporate headquarters will come to California, and as more people work remotely, theyll continue to seek more affordable places to live out of state, Cox said. Recent figures from the state Department of Finance showed that Californias overall population decreased by 0.3% in 2021, only the second drop since data collection began in 1900. Experts said out-migration to other states and a steep drop in international immigration due to the pandemic were major factors in the decline. The housing report found that two other California markets were slightly more affordable than Bay Area metros, but still ranked low both worldwide and nationally: Sacramento had a median multiple of 6.7 and ranked 69th for affordability internationally and 44th nationally, while Fresno was 66th in the world and 42nd nationally with a median multiple of 6.5. Scott Sommerdorf / The Chronicle 2003 Housing affordability is critical for the surge in remote work, the report noted, but it cited data from the National Association of Home Builders showing that almost 70% of households in the U.S. cant afford the median-priced house. Although only one market met the definition of affordable in the report, Cox said the criteria remain valid. There is broad agreement among economists that much of the problem is an overly prescriptive regulatory system, he said. In my view, the answer is not to move the goal posts, but rather to make policy adjustments that reduce the huge increases in inequality that the housing market has created. Indeed, differences in housing affordability largely define inequality between metropolitan areas. Researchers offered one potential note of encouragement: The highest-cost housing markets, such as San Francisco and San Jose, could see prices flatten or decrease as people move to more affordable areas. We hope that the losses sustained during the pandemic will be quickly reversed and the increasing inequality attributable to higher house prices will become a thing of the past, the report said. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the now-confirmed 98-page draft opinion that could overturn Roe v. Wade, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito argues that the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, thus the Roe decision was egregiously wrong and has had damaging consequences. The latter can be said about the myths rooted in right-wing propaganda about abortion and the Black population Alito evoked in one of the drafts footnotes. In small print on Page 30, Alito opines that some Roe supporters have been motivated by a desire to suppress the size of the African American population, and its because of Roe that a highly disproportionate percentage of aborted fetuses are black. Peddling such a dangerous political fiction, without unpacking the few seeds of truth within it, only serves to further delegitimize the health care needs and experiences of Black women in America. And it puts the historically marginalized group at the center of a multi-pronged conservative power grab that has been years in the making. Theyve been planning this day for years, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, told me the day after the leaked Alito draft was reported by Politico. Theyve been electing people, appointing judges, everything as part of their master plan to erode democracy and set up a new system in this country that allows for them to be and I hate to say the dictator but thats the plan. Its nothing new. In Alitos footnote, he suggests a link between supporters of abortion access and those who may have wanted to suppress the size of the African American population. Antiabortion advocates have long claimed the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, was a racist intent on eradicating Black people. Its a purposeful oversimplification of the complicated person Sanger was. She embraced eugenics, the junk philosophy that only genetically superior people should reproduce, and engaged the Ku Klux Klan in conversations about birth control. But theres no evidence that she wanted to eliminate the African American population, or supported the sickening way in which the Nazis approached eugenics. Alito drops this incendiary reference in the footnote, without context, before ending it with a literary wiping of his hands: For our part, we do not question the motives of either those who have supported and those who have opposed laws restricting abortions, he writes. Hes equally concise in his reference to how a disproportionate percentage of aborted fetuses in America are Black. The most recent abortion data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is from 2019. It shows that of nearly 630,000 abortions reported by 47 states and the District of Colombia, Black women accounted for 38% of the procedures. White women accounted for 33% and Hispanic women 21%. (Unfortunately, California stopped providing abortion data to the CDC in 1998.) When compared with Black peoples roughly 13% share of the U.S. population, the abortion statistics do show an overrepresentation. Alito didnt unpack the reasons why. Thats because brevity is key in perpetuating flawed narratives. A 2017 survey by PerryUndem, a research firm that focuses on public policy issues, found that only 39% of Black women age 18 to 44 could afford birth control if they needed it that day, even at a cost of $10 or less. The disproportionate abortion rate belies broader economic and health inequities that will only get worse in the future that Alito and his conservative colleagues on the bench envision, says Monica McLemore, a tenured professor at UCSFs School of Nursing. I got very upset about that very racist talking point, that Black fetuses are overrepresented among those that are aborted without any discretion around that fact that even for Black pregnant people who want to become parents or maintain pregnancies, we already have a Black maternal health crisis, McLemore, a reproductive justice advocate, told me. Its disingenuous to say we would save more Black fetuses if abortion was banned, without completing the sentence. Completing that sentence means looking more closely at how the draft opinion could cause the dominoes to fall on lower-income women in half the country. 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 are currently 13 states with restrictive abortion laws that will go into effect if Roe is overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Nine other states have unconstitutional post-Roe restrictions that courts may no longer be able to block in Roes absence. And seven more states plan to restrict abortion access to the maximum extent permitted by the U.S. Supreme Court if Roe is struck down. Some states are even considering legislation that would make it illegal for women to obtain abortions in states where the endangered constitutional right remains protected, providing us a glimpse at how the far right plans to criminalize womens bodies. Lee saw the writing on the wall in early September, when Texas passed its six-week abortion ban except in life-threatening situations. A few weeks later, during a special panel by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Lee bravely shared her own abortion story from the pre-Roe 1960s. Back then, she was an honor student in her teens who had never been offered a sex education class. She got pregnant and obtained what she called a back-alley abortion in Mexico. Lee considered herself lucky for surviving the procedure. A lot of girls and women in my generation didnt make it, she said last fall. In the 1960s, unsafe septic abortions were the primary killer of African American women. In Louisiana, one of the trigger-law states, my mom, Natalie Phillips, has spent the past two decades working as a family physician, ob-gyn and emergency room doctor. What she told me in response to the Alito draft echoed what both Lee and McLemore said hours earlier. This is about body autonomy, she said. Were in a dangerous moment where that could be taken away. Honestly, Black women saw this coming a long time ago. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips appears Sundays. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Within 10 minutes of arriving at a lookout point in the Marin Headlands this week, I saw two whales. A third appeared six minutes later. It wasnt just luck. This time of year, you dont have to travel far to spot a puff of spray from a spout, or a fluke rising from the water. Gray whales migrate north past the Golden Gate from mid-February to mid-May, while humpbacks spend time feeding off the coast, and in the bay, from late April to October. Its been a really exciting start of the humpback whale season, said Kat Nazar of San Francisco Whale Tours, which offers tours of the bay on its catamaran. Weve been seeing them closer to the Golden Gate, and Alcatraz is very active, too. If you dont want to get on a boat, you can easily spot whales from shore, especially if you follow the lead of Bill Keener, a field researcher for the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito who has been studying whales around the Bay Area for 45 years. On Monday, Keener, a photographer and I headed to Point Bonita and two other lookout spots that make up his daily rounds above the strait, the mile-long area between Point Bonita and the Golden Gate, and in the bay itself. Keeners advice: bring a pair of decent binoculars, and head out during the rising tide, when whales swim with the currents to feed or frolic in the strait. For us, that meant starting around 12:30 p.m., two hours before high tide (check a tide table), at the beginning of a trail that leads to Point Bonita Lighthouse. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2021 Within three minutes we saw the spout of a humpback. Seven minutes later, we saw a second humpback dive under the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, its fluke rising high. After another six minutes, a gray whale arched its bumpy, mottled back right below us in Bonita Cove. Keener instructed us to identify a humpback by its dorsal fin and the dark, humped look of its back. Gray whales dont have dorsal fins, but they sometimes have what are called knuckles or large bumps along their spine. If its a gray whale its a much lower profile in the water, Keener said. But their spout is the same, like a puff of steam, 10 to 12 feet into the air. Gray whales dive for a longer time, so if you see one you may have to wait 5 to 6 minutes to spot it again. Humpbacks come up every 2 to 3 minutes, unless you see a fluke, which means theyre diving for food and may not resurface for a bit longer, Keener 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. Windy springtime conditions can make it harder to see spouts but also may give more of a chance to see humpbacks breach. Researchers think they may do that to communicate when the surface chop makes it too loud otherwise. They tend to breach and slap their pectoral fins and flippers more when its windy, Keener said. Its that smack on the water. After Point Bonita, we headed to another lookout spot on Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands right above the Golden Gate. There we saw the same humpback we saw earlier in the shadow of the bridge dive under just as a cargo ship passed within about 300 yards. From there we crossed the bridge and drove to a vista point above Fort Point to look for action in the bay. We didnt see any whales there. But three in one day seemed like more than our share of good luck. Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @taraduggan Berkeley leaders who two years ago called for defunding law enforcement found a compromise this week that recognized a shifting political landscape but frustrated some residents and observers looking for bolder reform. City Council members want to divert more nonviolent 911 calls from police officers and support more violence prevention programs, but theyre also pledging to add more officers, citing pressure from constituents worried about violent crime. A similar debate is playing out in Oakland and San Francisco. On Thursday, the City Council approved Mayor Jesse Arreguins $5.3 million plan to fund more efforts to reimagine public safety and reform the police. The city will now expand violence prevention programs and kick off a process to create more police alternatives to respond to mental health calls. At the same time, the council agreed to restore about 30 of the Police Departments frozen positions a move pushed by several council members. Arreguin called the vote an important milestone and said that Berkeley can be a model for other cities. A lot of the conversation nationally has been focused on defunding or abolishing or cutting the police department, said Arreguin, a major proponent of cutting the departments budget two years ago. We refunded and we also expressed support for other approaches. We found a balance. The votes come nearly two years after Berkeley made headlines when leaders pledged to slash the police forces budget in half. In fact, the city ended up cutting about 12% of its police budget by freezing 30 positions. At the time, all city departments were required to find cost-saving measures because of pandemic deficits. The department accounts for nearly 40% of the citys general fund with a nearly $73 million budget that will grow to about $80 million in the next fiscal year. The department currently has about 150 filled positions. City leaders in Berkeley and Oakland say police should focus more on violent crime and that most of their time is taken up with low-level calls. One way to free up officers and potentially cut down on racial disparities in policing is to move traffic enforcement away from cops. More than a year ago, Berkeley approved a plan for sweeping law enforcement reforms, including changes to traffic stops, but some of the plan has been stymied by limitations in state law. Though council members said they feel pressure from constituents worried about violent crime, a nationwide trend of rising homicides has not been clearly seen in Berkeley. The city has recorded two homicides this year compared to none last year and five in 2020. Still, council members said Thursday they received nearly 900 emails from constituents urging them to hire more cops. Dan Lindheim, a professor at UC Berkeleys Goldman School of Public Policy and a member of the citys reimagine task force, said Thursdays debate focused too much on police staffing. If this is the net result of a reimagining process in which Berkeley seems to be interested in reducing the footprint of policing, to fully fund the police seems like a bizarre result, he said. In parts of the East Bay, violent crime has disproportionately impacted Black and brown neighborhoods. And council members in Oakland and Berkeley who represent those areas have called for more police. Council Member Terry Taplin, who represents part of South Berkeley, said a homicide occurred in his district earlier this week and that hes tired of being lectured by more privileged communities that arent facing the same safety concerns. Taplin told The Chronicle gun violence has impacted him personally. He said hes had friends, cousins and loved ones slain and so hes really eyeing these proposals with a lot of scrutiny. How does keeping our police positions frozen improve my ability to protect my residents? Taplin said. Taplin ended up voting for the mayors proposal after Arreguin added several amendments that committed to restaffing the Police Department and allocated more funding to a new department of Office of Race, Equity and Diversity to study disparities in all city departments. The city manager will bring a proposal to the council to restore the positions over the next few weeks. Berkeley is already working to launch a team of social workers and civilians run by a nonprofit to respond to some mental health and homelessness calls, part of a Bay Area trend to launch alternative policing teams of unarmed civilians. But the mayors plan approved Thursday would create a new office of community safety to eventually house the citys different police alternatives. Arreguin said the citys efforts to rethink policing has been slow and methodical on purpose. Some cities have rushed into making decisions, some have backed away from reimagining, he said. Weve taken our time and really given this serious thought. 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. Arreguin said his plan lays out a framework for how reimagining public safety priorities can be implemented. The city will also begin transitioning two aspects of traffic enforcement collision analysis and crossing guards from the Police Department to public works. Arreguins proposal also commits funds to violence prevention and youth services among other programs and directs city staff to explore creating a team of unarmed community mediators. City Council will have to vote next month on how to fund the proposal, which will take several years to fully implement. Still, not all council members were on board. Council Members Lori Droste and Rashi Kesarwani voted against the mayors proposal. What is our strategy here? Kesarwani said. It feels to me that we have put everything on the table and we want to advance everything. I just think realistically that doesnt seem like an approach that is going to yield an effective public safety system. During public comment, most of the speakers spoke in favor of the mayors proposal. Speakers urged more investment in mental health support, after-school programs and violence prevention. We need to try a different approach, one speaker said. Police cannot prevent crime, they only respond to it. But some backed more officers. For Gods sake, unfreeze these positions, said one person, adding that staffing up the department is the only thing that will keep me safe and my kids. Sarah Ravani (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani I really enjoy the look on peoples faces when I try to explain Animo, a restaurant that quietly opened on Sonoma Countys Highway 12 earlier this year. Its got the feel of a Basque seaside restaurant, I say, but the chefs are more of an open book than that sounds. Yes, theres gorgeous seafood, the creatures skin and shells noisily cracked and blistered over a super-hot wood fire, as is the thing in Basque country. But you pair those dishes with kimchi fried rice, mixed with pastrami flown in from New York City, or steamed Manila clams, served with chorizo and a vibrant and fishy dipping sauce of nam jim. Thats all to say that Animo, led by owners Heidy Mu He and Joshua Smookler, is a singular sort of restaurant. Not only because of its unique menu, which is executed by the team with finesse worthy of a fine dining restaurant. What makes it notable is how well it occupies a culinary middle ground in a region where restaurants with ambition generally focus on courting tourists and Michelin inspectors. Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Top photo: Chef and co-owner Josh Smookler prepares grilled turbot, a flatfish imported from Spain, in the kitchen of his restaurant, Animo, in the city of Sonoma. Above left: Kimchi fried rice comes in a stone bowl with luxurious slabs of pastrami sourced from Katzs Delicatessen in New York City and topped with a sunny-side up egg. Above right: The rib eye steak is dry-aged for 45 days before cooking. Photos by Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Top photo: Chef and co-owner Josh Smookler prepares grilled turbot, a flatfish imported from Spain, in the kitchen of his restaurant, Animo, in the city of Sonoma. Above left: Kimchi fried rice comes in a stone bowl with luxurious slabs of pastrami sourced from Katzs Delicatessen in New York City and topped with a sunny-side up egg. Above right: The rib eye steak is dry-aged for 45 days before cooking. Photos by Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle On the contrary, without an elaborate resort setting or other high-end Wine Country touches, Animo seems engineered toward locals hoping for a nice night out to eat something special. Though for anyone outside of the North Bay, those qualities also make it well worth the drive. At its best, dinner at Animo is a torrent of sensations and little moments that will make you throw back your head in delight. In Smooklers riff on Japanese ochazuke ($45), theres the tender bite of perfect, pearlescent rice that holds its own in a dish where butter-poached lobster is the headliner. But then your attention is seized by the tiny haystacks of XO sauce, rich with savory shreds of ham and dried seafood. The rice and lobster are an island in a sea of shiitake and lemongrass tea rippling with earthy and citrusy aromas. With the aim of experiencing as much as I can, I rarely order the same thing twice when I scout out restaurants, though here I had to repeat myself with the sugar snap peas ($12). Usually, those juicy seasonal treats are treated plainly: maybe sliced into a salad or blanched to serve with beurre blanc. But here, the peas catch a direct glimpse of fire, the spots of char granting a slight bitterness that works well with their vegetal sweetness. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Another rice dish, a kimchi fried rice ($20) served in a stone bowl, is rife with elemental delights. Instead of bacon or Spam, its fortified with luxurious, rosy slabs of pastrami sourced from Katzs Delicatessen, the legendary Jewish deli in New York City. The glistening yolk of the sunny-side up egg laid on top is just waiting for you to break and stir it into the rice. The dish is a tongue-in-cheek autobiography of the chef, a Korean adoptee raised in a Jewish household in Long Island. Simple, but exceptional in all the right ways, this dish is something Id be happy to come here for just by itself. Especially paired with a glass of one of the restaurants more interesting sojus. While He, always smiling and dressed in crisp chefs whites, manages the small dining room with another front-of-house staffer, Smookler also takes any chance he can get to talk to tables. Sometimes hes toting a thoroughly marbled piece of Wagyu beef or accepting an autographed bottle from a local winemakers party. Other times, he jokingly asks if you hated the food. His self-deprecating humor, and Hes eye rolls, are as much a part of Animos ambiance as anything else. It was Smookler who talked me into ordering the turbot ($120/$140), a hefty flatfish imported from Galicia, Spain, and a frequent sight in Basque fishing villages. Here, the carcasses hang freely in the glass-doored meat fridge behind the chefs counter, destined to be enclosed in besugueras, custom grilling cages formed like the spade-shaped fish. A grilling session, punctuated by splashes of a yuzu-based vinaigrette, turns its white flesh into a silky, sumptuous mass, enriched by the fishs ample supply of collagen. Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Above left: Steamed Manila clams are served with chorizo and a fishy dipping sauce of nam jim. Above right: Grilled turbot is a silky, sumptuous meal brightened with a yuzu-based vinaigrette. Photos by Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Above left: Steamed Manila clams are served with chorizo and a fishy dipping sauce of nam jim. Above right: Grilled turbot is a silky, sumptuous meal brightened with a yuzu-based vinaigrette. Photos by Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle When delivering the dish, the chef urged me to pick out the fishs spiny fins and taste those, too. Half of the bone is charred, while velvety gelatin clings to the interior half. The bright flavor of the yuzu vinaigrette unites them. The minute pleasure of sucking gelatin off a fragile, tiny bone reminded me somewhat of eating chicken feet at a dim sum restaurant. Animos only dessert is Basque cheesecake ($16). Plump, barely burnt Basque-ish cheesecake is a fixture on Asian American bakery menus in the Bay Area, but here the dish is expressed at its most straightforward. The top is a distinct layer of blackened sugar and milk fat, while the center relaxes onto the plate with the ease of a long sigh. Cooked wedges of Asian pear are too delicate of flavor to be a counterpoint, though they do keep the dish interesting. Though Animo opened in February, theres no website, and youll have to dig through OpenTable or Yelp photos to get a sense of the menu, which changes often. What propelled it in those early days was word-of-mouth from Sonoma residents, who spoke of it with the semi-secretive air of juicy gossip. Even finding the location, sandwiched between an auto repair shop and a McDonalds, can be a challenge. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The first time I visited, I was struck by repeated scenes of different parties walking in, recognizing someone in the dining room and erupting in jubilant salutations and hugs. Everyone seemed to know each other, and they rejoiced in their possession of a mutual secret. You can tell that this space used to be a taqueria in fact, three in succession from the simple, cream-colored tiles to the open chefs counter. Its easy enough to imagine some Sonoma taquero carving bright red shards of pork off a spit in the space the wood-fired oven now occupies. Youll find little hints of that past life here, like the cactus-themed outer gate and a pylon sign that reads, under a white cover, Las Diablitas. Gone are the sombreros and lusty murals of Mayan warriors; now, the main wall by the entrance is dominated by a curious set of shallow shelves holding row upon row of rosy red apples, arranged to lend their aroma to the space. I like to think some of the taqueria vibe remains. The space surely remembers what it used to be, and perhaps that helps keep things at Animo so casual, so familial and so honest. Animo 18976 Highway 12 (between Harley Street and Verano Avenue), Sonoma. 707-721-1160 or www.instagram.com/animo_restaurant/ Hours: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Accessibility: No steps. Roomy gender-neutral restroom. Noise level: Moderate. Meal for two, without drinks: $150-$200. What to order: Turbot, lobster XO, Manila clams ($25), sugar snap peas, kimchi fried rice, any of the steaks ($48-$130). Meat-free options: Few. Drinks: Beer, wine and soju. Transportation: Street parking, with handicap parking in front of the restaurant. Best practices: Reservations required. Meats and fish are generously portioned, so bring a crew. See More Collapse Soleil Ho is The San Francisco Chronicles restaurant critic. Email: soleil@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hooleil hree of Wine Countrys most-anticipated 2022 openings all happened in the past few weeks: two luxury resorts, in Napa and Healdsburg, and a meatless restaurant from the owners of the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread. The latest installment of New in Wine Country also spotlights an oysters and Chardonnay experience, a dim sum brunch, a wine tasting room in Petaluma and more. Read on for eight notable launches in Napa and Sonoma counties. Find Aprils installment at www.sfchronicle.com/food SingleThread owners open a casual, plant-based eatery Little Saint has opened in Healdsburg at the 10,000-square-foot warehouse that previously housed the Shed. The meat-free restaurant from the owners of the fine-dining star SingleThread is one of several concepts in the Little Saint complex, which also features a cafe, wine shop and farm and flower stand. The restaurants plant-based menu includes shareable flatbreads and dips; a smoky split pea porridge; and carrots topped with shaved red cabbage, crunchy rice and XO sauce. Hyper-focused on sustainability, Little Saints bar program places just as much emphasis on crafting quality nonalcoholic drinks as it does traditional cocktails. 25 North St., Healdsburg, littlesainthealdsburg.com A Pinot-focused tasting room sets up shop in downtown Petaluma For a Wine Country destination, tasting rooms are surprisingly scant in Petalumas downtown which is why Brooks Note Winerys new 7,000-square-foot tasting room inside a former 1921 Studebaker dealership is poised to attract great interest. Paired with a cheese and charcuterie plate, Brooks Note tastings ($30-$75) focus on single-vineyard Pinot Noir grown in the cool and windy Petaluma Gap wine region, but the winery works with a limited selection of other grapes too, like Syrah and Pinot Blanc. Visitors get the chance to sip right alongside owner and winemaker Garry Brooks, who is at the industrial yet cozy tasting room daily. 426 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, brooksnotewinery.com Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Napa gets another fancy resort with $1,300 rooms Stanly Ranch, a 700-acre Auberge Resorts Collection property, has opened at the south end of Napa. Now the closest Wine Country resort to San Francisco, Stanly Ranchs biggest draw is a seven-building wellness village outfitted with cold-plunge tubs, a hyperbaric chamber and a sauna the size of a studio apartment and Bear, a 200-seat restaurant with a seasonal-driven menu. Sourcing many ingredients from an on-site farm, menu standouts include cedar-roasted steelhead trout, crispy rice and bison tartare. The largest of Auberges three Napa Valley resorts, Stanly Ranch also has multiple pools, a coffee shop and luxe, farmhouse-inspired rooms and suites with vineyard views. 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa, aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch Sonoma winerys new tasting experience pairs oysters with Chardonnay Three Sticks Winery, located a block off the Sonoma Plaza, has launched a unique wine and food pairing experience featuring oysters and Chardonnay ($95 per person). Available now through July, the tasting includes a half-dozen oysters three different kinds and one topped with caviar alongside three pours of single-vineyard Chardonnay sourced from some of the top vineyards in Sonoma. During the tasting, guests will learn about merroir, defined as marine terroir, to gain an understanding of how the flavors, textures and colors of oysters are influenced by their surroundings (just like wine), resulting in characteristics like brininess, creaminess and sweetness. 143 West Spain, Sonoma, threestickswines.com Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Healdsburg inn gets a makeover from noted S.F. designer The Madrona, a historic Wine Country inn, has reopened as a swanky, 24-room resort thanks to the vision of noted interior designer Jay Jeffers. The highly anticipated, $6 million transformation features eclectic, colorful and playful design throughout the original 1881 Victorian which includes a bar, library, dining rooms and a large terrace and former carriage house. The bucolic property on the edge of downtown Healdsburg was previously best known for its Michelin-star restaurant and longtime chef Jesse Mallgren, who has stayed on to run the kitchen. Instead of a tasting menu, the Madrona now serves less-formal, all-day fare, sourcing many ingredients from the on-site farm for dishes like a corned beet tartare and chicken paillard with spicy brown butter and toasted rice powder. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, themadronahotel.com Mexican and American dishes commingle under one roof in Sonoma Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Kina Chavez has reopened her familys Sonoma restaurant formerly known as PKB Picazo Kitchen & Bar as Kinas Kitchen & Bar. (Chavezs family also runs Picazo Cafe and the Picazo food truck.) Serving both American and Mexican food, Kinas is a tribute to the chefs Mexican American upbringing and highlights several dishes from her childhood, including her mothers pozole. The menu ranges widely from a mole burrito and birria tacos to fish and chips, Nashville fried chicken and messy fries slathered in a spicy house sauce, sour cream and bacon. The space is bright and airy with plant garlands hanging from the ceiling. Sip a mezcal or Tequila cocktail and dine in a cozy tufted banquette, on the patio or at the swanky, blue-tiled bar. 19101 Highway 12, Sonoma, picazokitchen.com Napa noodle house launches dim sum brunch Dim sum is hard to come by in Napa Valley, but Napa Noodles, from the same owners of local sushi restaurant Eikos, has begun serving a dim sum brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu featuring small plates like crispy walnut prawns, vegetable spring rolls and pork and shrimp shumai dumplings ($10-$19 per order) has been created in partnership with Empress M, a high-end Chinese restaurant that quietly opened in Napa during the pandemic. The menu will be offered from noon-3 p.m., or until supplies last. Pair the meal with brunch cocktails: a Bloody Mary topped with crispy pork belly or a Pog-mosa (Mumm sparkling wine with passion orange guava juice). 1124 First St., Napa, napanoodles.com Napa hotel adds two restaurants The Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa has added two new restaurant concepts: Little Summer and South Yard. Open for breakfast and dinner, Little Summers Mediterranean-inspired menu includes shareable snacks and plates like duck fat almonds, confit pork belly sliders with sweet potato hummus and Dungeness crab macaroni and cheese. Oven-roasted rockfish and barbecued cauliflower head fall under a small list of larger entrees, while peach flambe is served table side for dessert. The 100-seat restaurant also offers local wines, original craft cocktails and a special after-dinner treat: a flight of Taylor Fladgate Port ($165) that goes back 40 years. A homestyle barbecue concept, South Yard is set within a 6,000-square-foot outdoor space with communal seating. In addition to cooking up a variety of grilled and smoked meats in the evenings, South Yard opens up earlier on weekends with an all-you-can-eat brunch bar. 3425 Solano Ave., Napa, littlesummernapa.com Jess Lander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jess.lander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jesslander Everything I consumed at Animo, the beautiful new Korean-Basque restaurant in Sonoma, wowed me: the pungent fermented black garlic paste served with the rib-eye. The bright, sweet boquerones toast. The impossibly creamy burnt cheesecake. But the most surprising delight during my recent dinner there with Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho who published a glowing review of Animo today wasnt any of the food. It was the sool. Sool is an umbrella term for Korean alcoholic beverages. To U.S. audiences, the most familiar type of sool is soju, a distillate of fermented grains like rice or barley. But there's more to sool than just soju. There's also chungju, a fermented rice beverage that's comparable to sake, and makgeolli, a cloudy, milky, unfiltered rice brew. When we sat down at Animo, my instinct was to order a glass of Txakoli, the lightly spritzy, low-alcohol Basque white wine. Instead, at the encouragement of co-owner Heidy Mu He, I started my meal with a glass of the Yangchon Chungju ($18). Listed on the drink menu under "Korean Soju," I wasn't expecting much: I thought soju was by nature bland and harsh, like cheap vodka. But the Yangchon was something else entirely. It tasted like toasted hazelnuts and mushrooms fresh from the soil, as richly layered as an aged Chardonnay. The glass Soleil ordered, the Gamsa Blue Chungju ($16), was lighter and gentler but no less compelling. In contrast to the Yangchon's savory notes, it emphasized floral aromas and mellow fruit flavors. We were stunned by these drinks' deliciousness and their harmony with the food we ate. The Yangchon was bold enough to stand up to meats like Animo's grilled Iberico pork. The Gamsa Blue seemed an ideal match for acid-forward seafood dishes, like the punchy Manila clams with chorizo. Their indelible flavors lingered with me for days. My only experiences with sool prior to this were confined to the cheap bottles of soju that friends would order at Korean restaurants alongside bulgogi and corn cheese. Until recently, Animo chef Joshua Smookler had held a similar impression. "The sojus I'd had just tasted like rubbing alcohol," he told me. One person changed Smookler's mind: Kyungmoon Kim, a master sommelier who now imports artisanal sool into the U.S. When Kim first opened some sample bottles for Smookler and Mu He, the couple were "blown away," Smookler said. "It was very refreshing to see that sojus could taste this great." Kim's imports represent a small, obscure fringe of the Korean drinking experience. "That very generic, mass-produced soju" he calls it green-bottle soju, for the color of the popular brands' bottles "is what 99% of Koreans are enjoying today," said Kim, who was born in Korea and lives in New York. He described green-bottle soju as "a utility juice," the sort of thing that people drink when they want to get drunk. But there's a burgeoning wave of interest, which Kim is tapping into, in more traditional types of sool, the drinks that were being made before the advent of green-bottle soju. During the reconstruction period following the Korean War in the 1950s, food was scarce, so the Korean government prohibited the use of rice for alcohol production. That essentially outlawed all of the traditional types of rice-based sool. The legacy of that ban is still being felt today: Much of Korea's industrially produced soju is likely to be made with wheat, barley, sweet potato, tapioca or other grains, not just rice. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Kim started searching for something better than green-bottle about 10 years ago, when he was working at Jungsik, a high-end Korean restaurant in New York with two Michelin stars. He wanted to offer Korean beverages at Jungsik, but serving green-bottle soju there would have been like serving Budweiser at the French Laundry. It took several years of searching for the best producers throughout Korea and persuading them to send their sool stateside, but Kim eventually settled on seven. His first container arrived in New York in February 2020, just in time for restaurants to shut down. Two years later, Kim's company, KMS Imports, has become the source the best, and probably the only for high-quality, full-flavor, craft sool in the U.S. Animo's entire sool menu is comprised of Kim's imports. His bottles can also be found at top Korean restaurants around the country, including San Francisco's new Ilcha. Demand has grown so much that some of his products are now backordered. The next frontier, Kim said, is getting his sool into non-Korean restaurants too, to show how versatile these drinks can be with a range of food. Animo, which has Korean influences but is not strictly a Korean restaurant, helps prove that point. Mu He likes the Golden Barley Soju ($14) with the lobster XO, and the Won Mae ($14), a Korean plum liqueur, with the burnt cheesecake. That Yangchon Chungju could probably carry you through the entire meal, from the seafood appetizers to the hearty meat courses to dessert. In other words, yes, these are drinks well worth skipping that glass of white wine for. WASHINGTON The Pentagon says the majority of Russian forces that had been around the port city of Mariupol have left and headed north, leaving roughly the equivalent of two battalion tactical groups there, or about 2,000 troops. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that even as Russian airstrikes continue to bombard Mariupol, Moscows forces are still making only plodding and incremental progress as the main fight presses on in the eastern Donbas region. He said he has seen no change in Russian behavior or momentum as May 9 draws near. Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, the anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. There have been suggestions that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to tout a major victory in Ukraine when he makes his address during the traditional military parade on Red Square. Kirby said the U.S. still assesses that Russia is behind schedule and not making the progress in the Donbas that it expected. ___ KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: Seemed like goodbye: Mariupol defenders make their stand The AP Interview: Belarus admits Russias war drags on US shared intelligence about Moskva cruiser prior to the strike that sank it $6.5 billion raised at donors conference for Ukraine US announces seizure of superyacht owned by Russian oligarch Europeans weigh costs of cutting Russian energy over Ukraine Easy out from steel mill seen as unlikely for Ukraine troops Follow all AP stories on Russias war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine ___ OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: MARIUPOL, Ukraine -- A cleanup operation took place in the center of Mariupol even as Ukrainian fighters held out against Russian troops in the citys pulverized steel plant. The rest of the city is now under Russian control. Municipal workers, as well as volunteers, were seen Thursday clearing debris near gutted, charred buildings, including the drama theater where hundreds died when the Russian military bombed it in March. Some workers hung a Russian flag on a tall utility pole. One volunteer, who gave only his first name, Denis, said he was helping restore parks and war monuments so the city could celebrate Victory Day on Monday. Russia celebrates victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9. ___ KYIV, Ukraine In his nightly video address Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a catastrophic lack of access to medical services and medicine in areas of the country under Russian occupation. In those areas, he said almost no treatment was available for those suffering from cancer and where insulin for diabetics was difficult to find or non-existent. He said antibiotics were in short supply. Zelenskyy also said that during the course of the war, the Russian military has already fired 2,014 missiles on Ukraine, while 2,682 flights of Russian warplanes have been recorded in Ukrainian skies. He said the destroyed or damaged infrastructure includes nearly 400 hospitals and other medical facilities. ___ WASHINGTON -- Former U.S. President George W. Bush says he spoke Thursday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Winston Churchill of our time. I thanked the President for his leadership, his example, and his commitment to liberty, and I saluted the courage of the Ukrainian people, Bush said in a Twitter post, which included photos of the two men speaking by video link. President Zelenskyy assured me that they will not waver in their fight against Putins barbarism and thuggery. Americans are inspired by their fortitude and resilience. We will continue to stand with Ukrainians as they stand up for their freedom. ___ UNITED NATIONS The United Nations says a third operation is underway to evacuate civilians from Mariupols besieged steel plant and the city, which is surrounded by Russian forces. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that a third evacuation is taking place and U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said its aim is to evacuate more civilians from Mariupol and the sprawling Azovstal steel plant. Guterres said 101 civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal plant along with 59 more from a neighboring area in the first operation that ended Tuesday. He said that in the second operation, which was completed Wednesday night, more than 320 civilians were evacuated from the city of Mariupol and surrounding areas. The secretary-general negotiated the agreement for civilian evacuations from besieged areas including Mariupol with the presidents of Russia and Ukraine. Guterres expressed hope that continued cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the two governments will lead to more humanitarian pauses to allow civilians safe passage from the fighting and aid to reach those in critical need. Griffiths told a U.N. pledging conference for Ukraine in Warsaw, Poland, earlier Thursday that a convoy left for Mariupol on Thursday and expects to arrive Friday morning and hopes to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal plant. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The regional governor says a missile attack on the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region injured 25 people and inflicted wide-ranging damage. In a Telegram post, Pavlo Kyrylenko says 810 apartments in 32 high-rise buildings sustained damage as the result of an air strike Thursday morning. The post featured photos of multiple buildings reduced to rubble. Kyrylenko added that six private houses, two schools, a kindergarten and a medical institution were also damaged. He said he had not received reports of any fatalities. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The Ukrainian army says Russian troops made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. A Facebook post published Thursday afternoon on the official profile of the Ukrainian General Staff says the Russians also continue to launch missile strikes on transport facilities in order to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military-technical assistance. ___ MOSCOW The Russian military says its air force has destroyed 45 Ukrainian military facilities in the latest series of strikes. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the targets hit Thursday by the Russian air force included Ukrainian troops and weapons concentrations and an ammunition depot in the eastern Luhansk region. Konashenkov said the Russian missile units hit a Ukrainian artillery battery at its firing positions near the settlement of Zarozhne, a battery of Uragan multiple rocket launchers near Mykolaiv and four other areas of concentration of military personnel and military hardware. He said the Russian artillery hit 152 Ukrainian troops strongholds and 38 artillery firing positions. Konashenkovs claims could not be independently confirmed. ___ BERLIN German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the nation's foreign minister will soon travel to Ukraine on an official visit after the two countries resolved a diplomatic spat Thursday. The German government had traded barbs with Ukraines ambassador in Berlin after Kyiv appeared to snub an offer to visit by Germanys president. It was unclear when exactly Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Kyiv, and whether she would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking after a meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Scholz also said Germany is working hard to build new infrastructure for energy imports along its northern coast to help replace gas and oil currently delivered from Russia by pipeline. He said Germany is willing to cooperate closely with those countries that dont have direct access to seaports. ___ ROME The United Nations food aid agency is appealing for Black Sea ports in Ukraine to be open again to permit shipping of wheat and corn exports, which many poor nations depend on. The Rome-based World Food Program noted in its appeal Thursday that before the war launched by Russia, 98% of Ukraines grain exports had moved through those ports. It said in a statement that a month after the war began on Feb. 24, export prices for wheat had risen by 22% and maize by 20% thats on top of already steep rises in 2021 and earlier this year. The U.N. agency says the ports, in Ukraines south, which has suffered from heavy shelling, must resume operations to protect Ukrainian agricultural production and enable exports that are critical to Ukraines economy and global food security. It cited war-ravaged, impoverished Yemen, which imports more than half of its wheat from Ukraine or Russia, and which depends on shipping for its food imports. ___ JERUSALEM Israels Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says he accepted an apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin over controversial remarks about the Holocaust made by Moscows top diplomat. There was no mention of an apology in the Russian statement on the call. An Israeli statement says the two leaders spoke by phone Thursday and also discussed plans to evacuate civilians from a besieged steel plant in the port city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. A statement from Bennetts office says Putin promised to allow the evacuation of civilians, including wounded civilians, through a U.N. and Red Cross humanitarian corridor. Bennett spoke to Putin after a call on Wednesday with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the Israeli leader appeared to renew his role as a mediator in the conflict. That role was thrown into doubt earlier this week when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Ukraine could have Nazi elements even though Zelenskyy is Jewish, and then suggested Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins. Israelis expressed shock and outrage at the remarks, which appeared to blame the Holocaust on Jews themselves, and the government summoned Russias ambassador in protest. ___ ROME The Italian government is significantly stepping up its funding to help refugees from Ukraine who arrive in Italy. Premier Mario Draghi told a high-level donors conference, being hosted in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday by Poland and Sweden, that Italy has already allocated some 500 million euros ($550 million) to help the refugees, but now it has increased that funding to more than 800 million euros. As of this week, more than 107,000 people, most of them women or children, have fled the war in Ukraine for Italy. In addition to aid already earmarked for Ukraines general budget, Italy also plans to lend the war-ravaged country some 200 million euros more, Draghi said. In addition, Italy has spent some 26 million euros on humanitarian aid such as tents, ambulances and medicine. ___ KYIV, Ukraine The mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged local residents Thursday to leave for the countryside over the upcoming Russian Victory Day weekend. A municipal celebration set to take place from Friday to Sunday has also been canceled. I ask, if possible, on May 7, 8 and 9, that ... all residents of Ivano-Frankivsk not gather in the city, on the lake, in the park and in other public places, Ruslan Martsinkiv said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel. He claimed to have received reports that Russia is planning to continue carrying out missile strikes in the region. Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia announced that a curfew will be in force between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Similar long curfews have been put in place in Ukrainian cities near front lines over security concerns. ___ KYIV, Ukraine According to Ukrainian news agencies, a Ukrainian government body began Thursday to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan. The Reforms Office, which operates under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, was cited as saying a working group mechanism was launched Thursday to analyze the current situation and develop proposals for the plan for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine. Earlier that day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of a national fundraising platform called United24. The moves came as an international donors conference was closing in Warsaw, Poland. According to remarks made Thursday by the Polish prime minister, $6.5 billion in humanitarian was raised at the event, attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from Europe and beyond. ___ BERLIN German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in an effort to resolve a diplomatic spat between the two countries. German government officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had expressed annoyance after Ukraine made clear last month it didnt want Steinmeier to visit because of his past dealings with Russia. Ukraines ambassador in Berlin, in turn, branded Scholz an offended liverwurst for saying the incident was a problem in the countries relations. Steinmeiers office said the two presidents resolved irritations of the past during their call. Steinmeier expressed his solidarity, respect and support for the brave fight by the Ukrainian people against the Russian aggressor, it said. It was unclear whether Steinmeier, whose position as head of state is largely ceremonial, would visit Kyiv soon. The President of parliament, Baerbel Bas, who is ranked after Steinmeier but before Scholz according to German political protocol, is expected to visit Ukraine on Sunday. Separately, Scholz pledged at a Ukraine donors conference Thursday to provide the country with more than 600 million euros in additional humanitarian assistance, loans and development aid. ___ KYIV, Ukraine A Ukrainian officer leading the defense of the last bulwark of the strategic city of Mariupol has urged the global community to pressure Russia to allow the evacuation of civilians and wounded soldiers. Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, as Russian forces attempted to finish off the citys last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in the steel mills underground bunkers, many of them wounded. Some civilians are with them, too. 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. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of Ukraines Azov Regiment, said in a video statement from the steel mills bunkers Thursday that the wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to help ensure the evacuation of the wounded and civilians still in the bunkers. Addressing the world community, Palamar denounced the Russians for refusing to observe any ethical norms and destroying people before the eyes of the world. Videos shared online appeared to show the steel mill targeted by intense shelling at dawn Thursday. Data from NASA fire-tracking satellites corresponded to blazes being seen at the plant just after 6 a.m. Thursday. Russia maintains that its forces are not entering the maze of tunnels at the steel plant, but Palamar said the Russian forces are fighting in the Azovstal mill. Its been the third day that the enemy has broken through to the territory of Azovstal. Fierce bloody combat is ongoing, said Palamar. The defenders of the city (Mariupol) have been fighting alone for 71 days with the overwhelming forces of the enemy and show such endurance and heroism that the country must know what it means to be loyal to the motherland, Palamar said on the Telegram messaging app. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Finland has decided to send more defense equipment to Ukraine, saying the war-torn country has requested assistance from the European Union and NATO member states. We will increase the amount of defense materiel assistance that we send to Ukraine, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Kaikkonen said in a statement. On Thursday, Finlands president gave his approval to the Finnish governments proposal to send more defense hardware. No details on what types of defense equipment will be sent were released. Finland, a member of the EU but not of NATO, earlier sent Ukraine bulletproof vests, composite helmets, stretchers, as well as assault rifles, anti-tank weapons and combat ration packages. ___ MADRID A judge in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician-blogger accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday in the coastal city of Tarragona on an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Shariy, who has reportedly lived in Spain since 2019, was ordered to turn in his passport and remain in the country. The court said officials in Ukraine now have 40 days to formally present a request for Shariys extradition. His arrest was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, the founder of a political party considered by many Ukrainians to be pro-Russian, has been a vocal and active critic of Ukraines government. Ukrainian media reported that one of the members of the party said in February, prior to the start of the war, that Shariy had been granted asylum in the European Union. ___ WARSAW, Poland Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says that $6.5 billion has been raised at an international donors conference in Warsaw to provide humanitarian help for war-torn Ukraine. The conference on Thursday was co-hosted by Poland and Sweden and attended by prime ministers and ambassadors representing many European countries, as well as countries further afield and some businesses. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on for weeks, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown more acute. In addition to the thousands killed, millions of people have been displaced, and there are increasing reports of people being tortured and raped. ___ VILNIUS, Lithuania 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. The Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania pipeline that runs more than 500 kilometers (310 miles), comes at a time when Russia has once again tried to blackmail us using gas, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at the inauguration. Lithuanias Prime Minister Ingridas Simonyte added that any reduction or disappearance of this source of funding would have a very significant impact on the Russian economy and the ability to continue financing the war in Ukraine. The Lithuania-Poland leg is integrated with pipelines in the other two Baltic states Estonia and Latvia and Finland, and into the European Union gas transmission system. Before the pipeline was built, the four countries could only receive pipeline gas from Russia. ___ KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines government has launched a global fundraising platform so individuals can donate to help rebuild Ukraine, offer humanitarian aid, and raise money for demining. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the initiative, called United24, on Thursday. The United States and Europe, among others, have offered billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to bolster Ukraines fight against Russia. Ukraines newest fundraising drive is intended to give individuals a way to donate on their own with a single click, Zelenskyy said. ___ COPENHAGEN, Denmark Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Thursday that Russia has decided to expel four diplomats with Denmarks Embassy in Moscow. They have wrongfully become pieces in Putins cynical power play, Kofod said. It is a completely unjustified and deeply problematic decision, which underscores that Russia no longer wants real dialogue and diplomacy. Moscow said seven Danish diplomats were expelled. Danish media said that those expelled included four diplomats and three others without diplomatic status. They must leave within two weeks. Moscows tit-for-tat decision came after Denmark last month expelled 15 Russian intelligence officers who worked at Russias Embassy in Copenhagen. Several other European countries also expelled Russian intelligence officers. ___ SOFIA, Bulgaria In anticipation of a European Union embargo on Russian crude oil Bulgaria says it's looking for an exemption due to its dependence on supplies from Russia. Bulgaria's only oil refinery near the Black Sea port of Burgas is owned by Russias oil giant LUKOIL and is the main fuel supplier in the country. Still, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev told reporters that the refinery is already processing up to 50% non-Russian crude and theoretically should be able to fully eliminate Russian crude. Bulgaria, technologically, can do without Russian crude oil, but this would significantly increase fuel prices, Vassilev said. In case the European Commission weighs some exemptions, we would like to take advantage of it, because it will be in the best interest of Bulgarian consumers. Slovakia and Hungary have already asked for such exemptions. Russia stopped gas deliveries to Bulgaria last week in response to Sofias refusal to pay for it in rubles saying it violates existing contracts. Dean Preston walked the streets of the Tenderloin on a recent morning and spotted a few familiar sights: a residential hotel where he helped tenants sue their landlord two decades ago, the school where he got his law degree, the bus route he sought to preserve during the pandemic. The San Francisco supervisor is no stranger to the neighborhood. But he must now get to know the long-troubled area in a whole new way. For Preston, the Tenderloin is suddenly part of the district he represents after the citys Redistricting Task Force approved its final map of new supervisorial districts April 28. While updating the boundaries to reflect 10 years of population changes, the task force took the controversial step of moving the Tenderloin from District Six to District Five. The new map took effect immediately. Now Preston must play a leading role in confronting the Tenderloins homelessness and crime and rampant public drug dealing and use. He will do so amid a tense battle over how best to improve the neighborhood, with many moderates advocating for tougher law enforcement and progressives like Preston saying the focus must be on addressing the causes of crime, poverty and addiction. Preston takes over the Tenderloin from former Supervisor Matt Haney, who vacated his District Six seat this week to join the state Assembly. Its a big change for Preston, a democratic socialist and tenants rights activist first elected to the Board of Supervisors 2 years ago. His District Five also includes the Western Addition, Fillmore, Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square and Hayes Valley. Exactly how Preston will tackle problems in the Tenderloin which has been under the microscope in the national media and is now one of the most closely watched neighborhoods in the country isnt yet clear. But speaking to The Chronicle in the Tenderloin on Wednesday, Preston said he would not shy away from his staunchly held views on key issues such as policing and affordable housing as he tries to address the neighborhoods challenges. Twenty-nine thousand people who didnt have the opportunity to vote for or against me have been told overnight by a political gerrymandering process that Im their supervisor, Preston said of the district boundary change, which he vocally protested. Part of my task is to earn the trust of the community, and that starts by listening. Preston has not always seen eye to eye with Haney. Preston was one of two supervisors who voted against Mayor London Breeds recent three-month state of emergency to address the neighborhoods fatal overdoses and street crime. Haney supported the emergency, but Preston objected to the mayors call for a greater police presence, which only materialized as the emergency ended. Its no secret that Im not convinced that merely turning to increased policing every time we have struggles in low-income communities is productive, Preston said. Still, he supports one of the main efforts in Breeds emergency: the Tenderloin Linkage Center at U.N. Plaza that tries to connect people on the streets with treatment and housing while providing basic amenities such as showers and food. Though the linkage center has a fenced-off outdoor area where people are allowed to use drugs, Preston would like to open an official supervised consumption site, as New York City has already done. The goal would be to encourage those struggling with addiction to use an indoor space where workers can prevent fatal overdoses. Preston is not inclined to expand the role of law enforcement to get drug dealers off Tenderloin sidewalks, but is still crafting his plans to tackle the issue. He said the first step is to talk to people in the neighborhood about real solutions to public safety. I want the streets to be safe and I want folks to feel safe in the street, he said. Its a mistake to think that pushing people from one place to another or (doing) large-scale, street-level busts will have a real impact on neighborhood safety. Haney said he hoped that Preston approaches this role with a lot of humility as he tries to win the trust of Tenderloin residents. He has a lot of work to do on that, as anyone would if they werent elected by a place and then became their representative, Haney said. But I think that some of the stances that hes taken with regard to the neighborhood, I think he may need to reflect on. He cited Prestons vote on the mayors emergency declaration. Haney, who lives in the Tenderloin, said that for Preston, listening to his new constituents may mean not leading with his opinion from his own vantage point, but rather seeking understanding from the people here and doing right by them. I know he cares about the issues of homelessness and poverty, and Im sure hell focus on those issues in the Tenderloin, Haney said. The mayors emergency declaration came after Tenderloin families and businesses demanded through lobbying, letter writing and other efforts that she take more decisive action to address the deteriorating conditions there. During his walk Wednesday, Preston briefly met with Christina Tucker, a 13-year Tenderloin resident he knew from advocating for San Francisco transit officials to restore the 31-Balboa bus line last year. The bus, which passes through the Western Addition and Tenderloin, came back in a limited capacity in August after it was shut down during the pandemic. Preston came to all the rallies. He spoke. He fought for the TL, Tucker said before greeting Preston on Turk Street. I love Matt Haney, but if anybody else, Dean would be next. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Rene Colorado, executive director of the Tenderloin Merchant and Property Owners Association, said he planned to meet with Preston and other community leaders Friday. Colorado expected to explain to Preston why police particularly officers who walk the neighborhood on foot need to play a large role in the Tenderloin. 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. Youd be hard pressed to walk around, talk to residents and find someone that tells you they dont want police, Colorado said. People in the Tenderloin, including immigrants, people of color, everyone they love police and they want to see more police. But he was still open-minded about Preston overall. Im not really concerned or anxious, Colorado said. I think itll be OK once he listens to everybody. Some of the most persistent critics of the Tenderloins move to Prestons district came from leaders of the citys Transgender District, which spans six blocks in the southeastern Tenderloin and two blocks of Sixth Street in South of Market. LGBTQ community leaders feared that putting the cultural district under the purview of two different supervisors would make it harder to advocate for its political interests and get support. Preston this week asked the Board of Supervisors to designate the Tenderloin site of the 1966 Comptons Cafeteria riot an uprising against police harassment of local transgender people and drag queens as a historic landmark. We are very lucky and excited to continue our working relationship with Supervisor Preston, said Jupiter Peraza, the Transgender Districts director of social justice and empowerment initiatives who launched the effort to make the Comptons site a landmark. Preston will have to wade more directly into the Tenderloins homelessness and housing issues in time. The neighborhood and adjacent areas are filled with dilapidated single-room occupancy hotels, where the city has allowed vulnerable people to live in squalid conditions documented by a recent Chronicle investigation. After the investigation, Supervisor Ahsha Safai introduced a potential ballot measure that would create a new oversight commission for the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, or HSH, which is responsible for the residential hotels. At least six supervisors need to vote to place the measure on the November ballot. Preston said he favors the idea but balked at Safais plan to let the mayor pick a majority of the oversight commissions members. So far, this mayor and the previous mayor were the oversight for HSH. The idea that you set up a commission and then just have the mayor appoint the people to it doesnt seem like the best form of oversight to me, he said. In the meantime, he remains a strong supporter of the city purchasing buildings to turn them into new supportive housing complexes. He and other supervisors just approved turning a 74-unit Ellis Street hotel into permanent homes for the formerly homeless. He indicated that he would support adding more such facilities to the Tenderloin. If you dont have stable housing, you certainly dont have a solution to homelessness, Preston said. I am a huge supporter of creating more affordable housing. These acquisitions are not the sole part of that strategy, but they are a really important part. J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris The body of a California man reported missing after not returning from a hike to the top of San Gorgonio Peak was recovered in the San Bernardino National Forest, officials said May 2. Robert Carey Jr., 33, was found at the base of Big Falls waterfall, a popular spot near the peak, and rescuers determined that he died after falling about 80 feet, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said. Family members reported Carey missing on April 30 to the sheriffs department and said he hadn't returned from a hike on San Gorgonio Mountain. The family called Carey an experienced hiker but said he had never summited the 11,503-foot-tall peak, the tallest mountain in Southern California. Carey's mother, Bonnie Phillips, told NBC News that her son texted her before he took off for the hike. "He sent me a text. He said: 'When you wake up, go out and look at the tallest mountain you see out there. And I'll be up there. Wish me luck,'" Phillips said. "He was adamant that he was going to make it to the top of that mountain. And he did." Carey followed up with his mother from the trail and told her that he was a mile from the summit. That night, he didn't show up for the family's weekly Saturday night dinner, NBC reported. Shortly after the the family contacted the sheriff's dispatch, the department said it received a call from witnesses "reporting an unknown [subject] yelling for help in the Forest Falls area." Rescue teams were deployed to the area and conducted a search. In darkness, the sheriff's department helicopter located an unresponsive male and determined he died from his injuries. The recovery of the body was delayed until the next day due to the "danger and complexity of the recovery operation" at night, the sheriff's office said. On Sunday, the San Bernardino County sheriff's office hoisted a rescue team by helicopter to the location and they recovered Careys remains. The San Bernardino County Coroners Department identified the man as Carey, the sheriff's office said. Careys family thanked rescue personnel, the sheriffs department said. Less than two years after Google dismissed two researchers who criticized the biases built into artificial intelligence systems, the company has fired a researcher who questioned a paper it published on the abilities of a specialized type of artificial intelligence used in making computer chips. The researcher, Satrajit Chatterjee, led a team of scientists in challenging the celebrated research paper, which appeared last year in the scientific journal Nature and said computers were able to design certain parts of a computer chip faster and better than humans. Chatterjee, 43, was fired in March, shortly after Google told his team that it would not publish a paper that rebutted some of the claims made in Nature, said four people familiar with the situation who were not permitted to speak openly on the matter. Google confirmed in a written statement that Chatterjee had been terminated with cause. Google declined to elaborate about Chatterjees dismissal, but it offered a full-throated defense of the research he criticized and of its unwillingness to publish his assessment. We thoroughly vetted the original Nature paper and stand by the peer-reviewed results, Zoubin Ghahramani, a vice president at Google Research, said in a written statement. We also rigorously investigated the technical claims of a subsequent submission, and it did not meet our standards for publication. Chatterjees dismissal was the latest example of discord in and around Google Brain, an AI research group considered to be a key to the companys future. After spending billions of dollars to hire top researchers and create new kinds of computer automation, Google has struggled with a wide variety of complaints about how it builds, uses and portrays those technologies. Tension among Googles AI researchers reflects much larger struggles across the tech industry, which faces myriad questions over new AI technologies and the thorny social issues that have entangled these technologies and the people who build them. The recent dispute also follows a familiar pattern of dismissals and dueling claims of wrongdoing among Googles AI researchers, a growing concern for a company that has bet its future on infusing artificial intelligence into everything it does. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Googles parent company, Alphabet, has compared AI to the arrival of electricity or fire, calling it one of humankinds most important endeavors. Google Brain started as a side project more than a decade ago when a group of researchers built a system that learned to recognize cats in YouTube videos. Google executives were so taken with the prospect that machines could learn skills on their own, they rapidly expanded the lab, establishing a foundation for remaking the company with this new artificial intelligence. The research group became a symbol of the companys grandest ambitions. But even as Google has promoted the technologys potential, it has encountered resistance from employees about its application. In 2018, Google employees protested a contract with the Department of Defense, concerned that the companys AI could end up killing people. Google eventually pulled out of the project. In December 2020, Google fired one of the leaders of its Ethical AI team, Timnit Gebru, after she criticized the companys approach to minority hiring and pushed to publish a research paper that pointed out flaws in a new type of AI system for learning languages. Before she was fired, Gebru was seeking permission to publish a research paper about how AI-based language systems, including technology built by Google, may end up using the biased and hateful language they learn from text in books and on websites. Gebru said she had grown exasperated over Googles response to such complaints, including its refusal to publish the paper. A few months later, the company fired the other head of the team, Margaret Mitchell, who publicly denounced Googles handling of the situation with Gebru. The company said Mitchell had violated its code of conduct. The paper in Nature, published last June, promoted a technology called reinforcement learning, which the paper said could improve the design of computer chips. The technology was hailed as a breakthrough for artificial intelligence and a vast improvement to existing approaches to chip design. Google said it used this technique to develop its own chips for artificial intelligence computing. Google had been working on applying the machine learning technique to chip design for years, and it published a similar paper a year earlier. Around that time, Google asked Chatterjee, who has a doctorate in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and had worked as a research scientist at Intel, to see if the approach could be sold or licensed to a chip design company, the people familiar with the matter said. But Chatterjee expressed reservations in an internal email about some of the papers claims and questioned whether the technology had been rigorously tested, three of the people said. While the debate about that research continued, Google pitched another paper to Nature. For the submission, Google made some adjustments to the earlier paper and removed the names of two authors, who had worked closely with Chatterjee and had also expressed concerns about the papers main claims, the people said. When the newer paper was published, some Google researchers were surprised. They believed it had not followed a publishing approval process that Jeff Dean, the companys senior vice president who oversees most of its AI efforts, said was necessary in the aftermath of Gebrus firing, the people said. Google and one of the papers two lead authors, Anna Goldie, who wrote it with a fellow computer scientist, Azalia Mirhoseini, said the changes from the earlier paper did not require the full approval process. Google allowed Chatterjee and a handful of internal and external researchers to work on a paper that challenged some of its claims. The team submitted the rebuttal paper to a resolution committee for publication approval. Months later, the paper was rejected. The researchers who worked on the rebuttal paper said they wanted to escalate the issue to Pichai and Alphabets board of directors. They argued that Googles decision to not publish the rebuttal violated its own AI principles, including upholding high standards of scientific excellence. Soon after, Chatterjee was informed that he was no longer an employee, the people said. Goldie said Chatterjee had asked to manage their project in 2019 and that they had declined. When he later criticized it, she said, he could not substantiate his complaints and ignored the evidence they presented in response. Sat Chatterjee has waged a campaign of misinformation against me and Azalia for over two years now, Goldie said in a written statement. She said the work had been peer-reviewed by Nature, one of the most prestigious scientific publications. And she added that Google had used their methods to build new chips and that these chips were currently used in Googles computer data centers. Laurie M. Burgess, Chatterjees attorney, said it was disappointing that certain authors of the Nature paper are trying to shut down scientific discussion by defaming and attacking Dr. Chatterjee for simply seeking scientific transparency. Burgess also questioned the leadership of Dean, who was one of 20 co-authors of the Nature paper. Jeff Deans actions to repress the release of all relevant experimental data, not just data that supports his favored hypothesis, should be deeply troubling both to the scientific community and the broader community that consumes Google services and products, Burgess said. Dean did not respond to a request for comment. After the rebuttal paper was shared with academics and other experts outside Google, the controversy spread throughout the global community of researchers who specialize in chip design. The chipmaker Nvidia says it has used methods for chip design that are similar to Googles, but some experts are unsure what Googles research means for the larger tech industry. If this is really working well, it would be a really great thing, said Jens Lienig, a professor at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany, referring to the AI technology described in Googles paper. But it is not clear if it is working. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. DUBLIN (AP) _ Endo International PLC (ENDP) on Thursday reported a first-quarter loss of $72 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier. On a per-share basis, the Dublin-based company said it had a loss of 31 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and to account for discontinued operations, came to 66 cents per share. Two weeks ago, business leaders publicly questioned whether Elon Musk was serious in his bid to take Twitter private. Now, some of the top investors in the world are lining up to backstop his ambitions. In a regulatory filing Thursday, Musk unveiled a list of backers who collectively plan to finance more than $7 billion of the Twitter deal. The group includes top Silicon Valley investment firms Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, cryptocurrency exchange Binance, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, and the Qatar sovereign wealth fund. The infusion is a significant validation for Musk, whose pursuit of Twitter was until recently viewed as a quixotic effort to recalibrate the treatment of free speech on the social media platform, and raises the likelihood of the deal being finalized in the coming months, said Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities. "You have a who's who of Silicon Valley and the investing landscape of America behind Musk," Ives told The Washington Post. "It's not just Musk himself trying to fix Twitter." The backing of tech titans such as Ellison, a friend of Musk and a Tesla board member, solidifies the idea that Musk is intent on making Twitter more profitable. This marks a turnaround from last month, when the Tesla chief executive said in an interview at a TED conference that he was not interested in the economics of the transaction and acknowledged the deal might not work out. The investment eases some of the financial pressure Musk has absorbed in pursuit of the social media platform. The investments mean his margin loan, which allows him to borrow against the value of securities he already owns, has been reduced from $12.5 billion to less than $6.3 billion, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission filing dated Wednesday. However, Musk still must come up with $21 billion in cash he does not yet have or publicly spelled out how he will obtain. The bulk of his $268 billion fortune is tied up in his stock holdings, including Tesla, though he recently sold more than $8 billion of his shares in the electric automaker. If money is no object in Musk's purchase of Twitter, then regulators might be. The Federal Trade Commission is considering a review to determine whether the acquisition runs afoul of antitrust laws, Bloomberg News reported. It is unclear how his other companies might compete against Twitter. The agency declined to comment. The Twitter focus from Musk has investors worried about his day job at Tesla. Shares of the electric automaker slid more than 8% amid a broader market decline Thursday. Twitter stock climbed more than 2%. The Twitter board of directors signed off on the $44 billion deal late last month, giving the richest person in the world command of a highly influential social media platform. The acquisition followed weeks of talking about the necessity of "free speech," as Musk seized on the role of Twitter as the "de facto town square" and took umbrage with content moderation efforts he views as an escalation toward censorship. His posturing on Twitter, even amid his acquisition attempt, is one reason many people doubted his sincerity. Mark Cuban, venture investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, wrote in a tweet last month that he thought Musk was toying with the Securities and Exchange Commission. When reached by email Thursday, Cuban said at the time he wrote the tweet, he had no idea whether Musk would go through with the acquisition. Other experts on corporate finance focused on the initial lack of a financing plan when Musk first made the bid. His positions on free speech and how to police the site have put him relatively at odds with current Twitter leadership, raising questions about how he will steer his changes through and whether they will affect the executive suite. CNBC, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that Musk is expected to step in as temporary chief executive after he completes the takeover. The current chief executive, Parag Agrawal replaced Jack Dorsey in November. Twitter declined to comment. To steer this ship, Musk may lean on the expertise of his new backers. Ellison, who committed $1 billion, was one of the founders of business software company Oracle in the 1970s and grew it into one of the biggest technology firms in the world. In the past decade, Ellison gave up the chief executive role, purchased the Hawaiian island of Lanai, and spent more of his time backing an America's Cup sailing team. Unlike Musk, Ellison is not known for being politically outspoken. But in 2015 and 2016, he donated more than $5 million to two political action committees that supported the campaigns of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., according to donation records on OpenSecrets. A spokeswoman for Oracle did not respond to a request for comment. Sequoia Capital, which committed $800 million to the Twitter deal, has a long history with Musk. Besides backing two of his current projects, SpaceX and the Boring Company, Sequoia helped him launch one of his first companies, X.com, which eventually merged with another start-up to become PayPal. Roelof Botha, whom Musk recruited out of Stanford to eventually become the chief financial officer at PayPal, is poised to take over leadership at Sequoia this summer. Mike Moritz, who led the firm until 2012 and is now a partner, made a significant investment in X.com. "For over two decades, we have had a front-row seat to Elon's business and technical prowess," a Sequoia spokesman said. "We see, as he does, the opportunity to drive meaningful product innovation that will help unlock Twitter's full potential as a global platform that connects the world." Ben Horowitz, an investor and a founder of Andreessen Horowitz, which contributed $400 million to the new deal, said in a Twitter feed that the venture capital firm believes in "Elon's brilliance" to make Twitter "what it was meant to be." "While Twitter has great promise as a public square, it suffers from a myriad of difficult issues ranging from bots to abuse to censorship," Horowitz said. "Being a public company solely reliant on an advertising business model exacerbates all of these." He said Musk was "perhaps the only person in the world" who could fix these problems. The praise echoes that of conservatives who have championed the bid and characterized Musk as a crusader for free speech, saying he will make the platform "great again." Musk has become one of the leading champions of cryptocurrency, which perhaps explains why Binance plans to invest $500 million toward the Twitter purchase. The largest crypto trading platform in the world contacted Musk after his initial bid, and the billionaire welcomed a discussion on how crypto technology could be harnessed to improve the social media site, according to Patrick Hillman, a Binance spokesman. Hillman said the Musk team expressed interest in using blockchain technology, the foundation of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, to counter spam and fake accounts on the site. "We're excited to be able to help Elon realize a new vision for Twitter," Hillman said. Binance has drawn scrutiny from regulators who are concerned it may be used for money laundering and tax evasion. The company has said the blockchain is a safer and more transparent place to do business than traditional banks, and said it works with regulators and shares information with them when requested. Other investors include the Qatar sovereign wealth fund and Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Alsaud, who originally rejected Musk's $54.20 a share offer, saying in a tweet last month that he didn't think it came "close to the intrinsic value" of the company. Musk fired back on Twitter, asking the prince to disclose how much of Twitter is owned by Saudi Arabia and for him to spell out the nation's views on "journalistic freedom of speech." Alwaleed did not respond to requests for comment. American intelligence has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Washington Post contributing columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. Now, the prince has agreed to convert his stake in Twitter, worth nearly $2 billion, into a stake in the private company. - - - The Washington Post's Tory Newmyer contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Complaining that the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons, Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country, as the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war Wednesday by proposing a ban on oil imports. Heavy fighting also raged at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol that represented the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the ruined southern port city, according to the mayor. A Russian official denied that Moscow's troops were storming the plant, but the commander of the main Ukrainian military unit inside said Russian troops had broken into the mill's territory. The Russian military also said it used sea- and air-launched missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of resorting to the missile terrorism tactics in order to spread fear across Ukraine. Air raid sirens sounded in cities across the country on Wednesday night, and attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. In Dnipro, authorities said a rail facility was hit. Videos on social media suggested a bridge there was attacked. There was no immediate word on casualties or the extent of the damage. Responding to the strikes in his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: All of these crimes will be answered, legally and quite practically on the battlefield. The flurry of attacks comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany. The world is watching for whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use the occasion to declare a victory in Ukraine or expand what he calls the special military operation. A declaration of all-out war would allow Putin to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculation as nonsense. Meanwhile, Belarus, which Russia used as a staging ground for its invasion, announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the West is stuffing Ukraine with weapons. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon's assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around the western city of Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been no appreciable impact on Ukraines effort to resupply its forces. Lviv, close to the Polish border, has been a major gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. Weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces thwart Russias initial drive to seize Kyiv and seems certain to play a central role in the growing battle for the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that Moscow now says is its main objective. Ukraine has urged the West to ramp up the supply of weapons ahead of that potentially decisive clash. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, which had been slow at first to help arm Ukraine, said his government is considering supplying howitzers, in addition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns and other equipment it has agreed to send. The governor of the eastern Donetsk region, which lies in the Donbas, said Russian attacks left 21 people dead on Tuesday, the highest number of known fatalities since April 8, when a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed at least 59. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions. The EU's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports, a crucial source of revenue. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposal needs unanimous approval from EU countries and is likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions. They could be granted an exemption. The EU is also talking about a possible embargo on Russian natural gas. The bloc has already approved a cutoff of coal imports. Russias economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas exports. Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, said European purchases of Russian energy produce billions in revenue and support the Kremlin's war machine. Von der Leyen also proposed that Sberbank, Russias largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system. In Mariupol, Mayor Vadym Boychenko said that Russian forces were targeting the already shattered Azovstal plant with heavy artillery, tanks, aircraft, warships and heavy bombs that pierce concrete 3 to 5 meters thick. Our brave guys are defending this fortress, but it is very difficult, he said. Ukrainian fighters said Tuesday that Russian forces had begun storming the plant. But the Kremlin said that was not true. There is no assault," Peskov said. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Ukrainian Azov regiment that's defending the plant, said Russian forces have broken into the plant's territory. Prokopenko said in a video that the incursions continued for a second day, and there are heavy, bloody battles. The situation is extremely difficult, but in spite of everything, we continue to carry out the order to hold the defense, he added. His wife, Kateryna Prokopenko, told The Associated Press: We dont want them to die. They wont surrender. They are waiting for the bravest countries to evacuate them." Meanwhile, the United Nations announced that more than 300 civilians were evacuated Wednesday from Mariupol and other nearby communities. The evacuees arrived in Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest, where they were receiving humanitarian assistance. Many came with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, and we will now support them during this difficult time, including with much-needed psychological support, said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine. Over the weekend, more than 100 people including women, the elderly and 17 children were evacuated from the plant during a cease-fire in an operation overseen by the U.N. and the Red Cross. But the attacks on the plant soon resumed. The Russian government said on the Telegram messaging app that it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous such assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. It was unclear how many Ukrainian fighters were still inside, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. A few hundred civilians also remained there, the Ukrainian side said. Mariupol, and the plant in particular, have come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The Russians have pulverized most of the city in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. The city's fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. ___ Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine On Thursday, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation released its top 10 regional nominees for its prestigious award, celebrating a handful of Bay Area bars that are in the running. Within the list of honorees, five Bay Area bars were recognized in the West Coast categories, including the best U.S. bar team, the best U.S. cocktail bar and the best new U.S. cocktail bar. In San Francisco, the candidates featured best bar team nominee True Laurel, best cocktail bar nominee Wildhawk and best new cocktail bar nominee Konas Street Market. Konas Street Market, which is co-owned by celebrated bartender Kevin Diedrich and Andrew Chun, is Diedrichs second bar. The bar opened just days after an electric fire decimated Diedrichs famous San Francisco bar, Pacific Cocktail Haven, in March 2021 before it reopened earlier this year. Courtesy Kona's Street Market Of the drink menu itself, Diedrich and Chun previously told SFGATE that for Konas Street Market, they wanted to hone in on the unique flavors of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, among others, and craft libations that highlighted spirits within those provinces. I wanted to do something a little more exploratory and be able to kind of push the boundaries in terms of different regions and have that kind of learning experience, Diedrich previously told SFGATE. Beyond San Francisco, other Bay Area contenders featured Palmetto in Oakland, which is up against Konas Street Market for the title of best new U.S. cocktail bar, and Paper Plane in San Jose, which is up against True Laurel for best U.S. bar team. The list of nominees comes as a series of prestigious food awards are underway. Late last month, Forbes announced its travel guide 2022 Star Awards winners, listing 20 Bay Area restaurants among the best in the world. Earlier, the James Beard Foundation nominated Bay Area chefs and writers for their inspiring cookbooks. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation wont announce the official winners for each category until June 21. See the list of Bay Area bar nominees below. For a full list of California winners and beyond, see the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation list. Best U.S. Bar Team U.S. West Paper Plane in San Jose True Laurel in San Francisco Best U.S. Cocktail Bar U.S. West Wildhawk in San Francisco Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar U.S. West In what feels like a lifetime ago, but was really just 2019, the San Francisco Metreon had a coffee robot. But after a robo-midlife crisis and the companys decision to shift toward airport cafes, the robot disappeared shortly before the pandemic. Now, a new robot has set up shop at the SoMa mall: ROBOjuice, a kiosk serving San Francisco shop Palmetto Superfoods smoothies and acai bowls. Visiting the new robotic barista on a Tuesday afternoon, my interest was immediately piqued by the prices. While there were only four menu items to choose from, the cheapest item, a 16-ounce berry banana smoothie, was $4.95. Youd be hard-pressed to find a smoothie anywhere in San Francisco these days that cheap. The humanoid-looking robot, with acrobatically long and twisty arms and a digital face, expectantly awaited my order. I made my selection on the POS screen the aforementioned strawberry banana smoothie typed in my phone number, and swiped my credit card. I was somewhat baffled by what came up next on screen: a prompt to add a tip. Did I really need to tip a robot? Photo by Erin Ng; courtesy of Palmetto Superfoods The Palmetto CEO, who was there facilitating the launch of his restaurants robot partnership, assured me I did not. Any tips I did give, though, would apparently go to the actual humans working at the company. The robot is still in beta-testing mode, so the transaction didnt go entirely smoothly an error message popped up that the robots minders had to intervene to fix. But once the robot got to smoothie-making, things went off without a hitch. The machine grabbed a plastic cup, filled it with frozen berries and bananas from the clear cylinders behind it, then placed the cup under a faucet that spouted oat milk. Next, it moved the cup to a blending station that whipped up the smoothie within the original cup. Finally, it retrieved the cup and placed it on a revolving platform, serving my drink to me proudly with a little smile on its computerized face. The whole process took about two minutes. I had to snap on my own lid and paper straw, but the pastel pink smoothie was delicious. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, it somehow tasted one million times better than the banana berry smoothies I make at home every morning. Photo courtesy of Robojuice The reason the smoothie was so good is probably because the robot serves products from Palmetto, an established SF smoothie shop with brick-and-mortar locations in the Inner Richmond and the Marina (and sources its acai directly from Brazil). Palmettos founders, Charles Lee and Hessam Shirmohammadi, became interested in introducing new technology at their smoothie shops when they started getting popular. On a busy day at Palmetto, usually we dont want a customer waiting more than five minutes for their order, Lee said. But on a crazy weekend day, which happens every weekend now, you can wait up to 30 minutes What the robot does is now people can get their bowls in a minute, a smoothie in two minutes. ROBOjuice founder Nik Sakhno, an electrical engineer with a background in the food and beverage industry, said he wanted to partner with an existing restaurant so he could focus solely on what he does best: the technology. This way, unlike many other robot food companies, he doesnt have to split his attention by trying to create a good food product at the same time as a working robot leading to a better outcome for both elements. There are other aspects that give his company a leg up over other robot companies, in his opinion, too. Photo by Erin Ng; courtesy of Palmetto Superfoods Our technology is more affordable than other robotics companies because we build it in a different way, Sakhno explained. We have a patented self-clean blender. Its easier to blend a smoothie already in a cup than in a traditional style blender its easy to clean and maintain. At first glance, the smoothie robot can seem like a win-win. As a small kiosk that runs on robot rather than human labor, its cheaper to operate, meaning the prices are lower for customers with the added benefit of potentially being a speedier way to get a smoothie. But theres certainly some things a robot cant do like arrange acai bowl toppings beautifully, or provide warm customer service. The ROBOjuice founder freely admits that his robot needs a human to operate it, though. While the robot is currently in its soft launch phase, the Palmetto kiosk will eventually employ a runner to restock the smoothie ingredients two or three times a day, and engineers offsite will need to monitor the robot through cameras in its arms to detect if something is wrong. In that case, a human would need to come by and adjust it. Robots in the restaurant industry also tend to inspire concerns over machines replacing human jobs, but Palmetto founder Lee doesnt see it that way even though he eventually wants to bring ROBOjuice robots into his existing brick-and-mortars, too. Photo courtesy of Robojuice Our goal is not to completely eliminate staff or labor or anything like that, he said. We always think there needs to be some kind of human element in those atmospheres We're just trying to eliminate the tedious tasks, so we can elevate current staff members to do other roles that make them happier. Lee explained that social media, such as TikTok, has been a huge marketing boon for Palmetto which is something his staff of largely college students are very interested in. So with robots taking on more of the tedious smoothie-making tasks, human staff could instead focus on the more fulfilling marketing or management side of the company. Currently, the Palmetto ROBOjuice kiosk is still months away from an official launch. But for now, you can drop by the San Francisco Metreon for a smoothie or acai bowl every Friday during the month of May from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) A state commission is set to interview three finalists for Connecticut's top prosecutor job next week to succeed Richard Colangelo, who retired in March following an investigation that questioned his hiring of a budget officials daughter. The Criminal Justice Commission has scheduled a May 12 meeting to question the chief state's attorney candidates, who include veteran state prosecutors Dawn Gallo, Patrick Griffin and Sharmese Walcott. After the interviews, the panel is slated to take public comment on the finalists and appoint one of them to the post. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) One of the men convicted of murder in the street chase and fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery spoke with his former boss, the local district attorney, several times by phone in the days and weeks following the 2020 killing, according to a court document filed Thursday. Investigators found that the day after the shooting, then-Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson placed a phone call to Greg McMichael, a retired investigator for her office who initiated the deadly pursuit of Arbery. The call lasted more than nine minutes, prosecutors said in a misconduct case against Johnson said in the legal filing. The filing opposes defense motions seeking dismissal of the case. It listed 16 calls between phone numbers for Johnson and McMichael starting Feb. 23, 2020, when McMichael left Johnson a voicemail about an hour after the shooting, and ending May 5, 2020, the day graphic cellphone video of Arbery's killing leaked online. The video sparked a national outcry over the young Black man's death at the hands of three white pursuers. More than half the calls lasted just a few seconds to a minute, suggesting some went unanswered and others involved voicemails. Seven calls lasted between just shy of three minutes to 21 minutes, according to the court record. A grand jury indicted Johnson last year on a felony charge of violating her oath of office as well as a misdemeanor count of hindering a police investigation. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office is prosecuting the case, which alleges Johnson used her position to protect McMichael and his son. "The evidence shows that Johnson showed favor and affection for McMichael throughout the pendency of the case including when she was making decisions as the DA over his case, the prosecutors' legal filing said. Johnson has insisted she recused herself immediately from the investigation and turned the case over to outside prosecutors. Her attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss the charges, saying there is not a scintilla of evidence that she interfered with the police investigation. Johnson's attorney, John Ossick, did not immediately respond Thursday to phone and email messages seeking comment on the calls between Johnson and McMichael. The legal filing by prosecutors gave no details of any of the phone conversations. McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, armed themselves with guns and used a pickup truck to chase 25-year-old Arbery after spotting him running in their neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, joined the pursuit in his own truck and recorded the cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery at close range with a shotgun. The men told police that Travis McMichael opened fire in self-defense as Arbery threw punches and tried to grab the shotgun. The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery of being a thief. Arbery was unarmed when he was killed, and police found no evidence he had stolen anything. All three men were convicted of murder by a state court jury last November and were sentenced to life in prison. They stood trial again in federal court, with a jury convicting them in February of committing hate crimes. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for August. Johnson lost her reelection race for district attorney in November 2020 and blamed public outrage over the delay in arrests over Arbery's death, though she denied wrongdoing. Hours after the shooting, Johnson enlisted District Attorney George Barnhill of the neighboring Waycross Judicial Circuit to meet with local police the next day and advise them on the case. Prosecutors in the misconduct case said Barnhill decided after one meeting not to seek charges. Johnson waited until after that meeting to ask the Georgia attorney general's office to appoint an outside prosecutor to oversee the case. The legal filing says Johnson called the attorney general's office three days after Arbery's death and told a paralegal Barnhill had already accepted the case. Johnson failed to disclose, however, that Barnhill had already reviewed the case and declared the case to be self-defense," the legal filing said. "Thus, Johnson effectively chose the outcome of the case despite having a conflict. Barnhill ended up recusing himself. On April 3, 2020, when Johnson learned that Barnhill was stepping aside, there was a call from her phone to Greg McMichael, the court filing said. The final listed call between them was made on May 5, 2020, when the video of the killing got posted online. The murder trial revealed the video was leaked to a local radio station by an attorney Greg McMichael had consulted. The call consisted of Greg McMichael leaving a voicemail thanking Johnson for a referral, the legal filing said. He told her: Hes gonna run interference for me right now, and thats damn good advice, and I appreciate that very much. Greg Michael and his son were arrested on murder charges two days later. Bryan's arrest followed after two weeks. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than 2,200 dams built upstream from homes or communities are in poor condition across the U.S., likely endangering lives if they were to fail, according to an Associated Press analysis. The number of high-hazard dams in need of repairs is up substantially from a similar AP review conducted just three years ago. There are several reasons for the increased risk. Long-deferred maintenance has added more dams to the troubled list. A changing climate has subjected some dams to greater strain from intense rainstorms. Homes, businesses and highways also have cropped up below dams that were originally built in remote locations. All of the sudden, youve got older dams with a lower design criteria that now can potentially cause loss of life if they fail, said Del Shannon, an engineer who is president of the U.S. Society on Dams. The number of deficient, high-hazard dams is increasing, he said, adding that without investment in upgrades, that number will continue to rise. The actual number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition is likely even higher than the APs tally, although its unclear because some states dont track such data and many federal agencies refuse to release that information. The nations dams are on average over a half-century old. They have come under renewed focus following extreme floods, such as the one that caused the failure of two Michigan dams and the evacuation of 10,000 people in 2020. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed last year by President Joe Biden will pump about $3 billion into dam-related projects, including hundreds of millions for state dam safety programs and repairs. Yet its still just a fraction of the nearly $76 billion needed to fix the tens of thousands of dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, state and local governments, and other entities besides the federal government, according to a report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. Since 2019, California regulators have downgraded four of San Diegos water supply dams from fair to poor condition due to deterioration and concerns they could fail due to an earthquake or extraordinary rainfall. During a big earthquake, you never know whats going to happen, if this is going to hold, said Samuel Santos, a longtime resident who frequently fishes near El Capitan Dam As a safeguard, the water level of El Capitan Reservoir is intentionally kept low, meaning there is less water available amid a severe drought. These reservoirs are very important, said Republican state Sen. Brian Jones, whose district includes El Capitan Dam. We need to start spending the money on them to retrofit them, to get them up again back to full capacity. The number of high-hazard dams in poor or unsatisfactory condition has risen partly because some states have stepped up inspections and reassessed whether old dams endanger new downstream developments. New York has about twice the number of high-hazard dams in poor condition as it did in 2018, when the AP collected data for its earlier analysis. The increase came as officials pushed to assess all high-hazard dams that were previously unrated. After more than 70 South Carolina dams failed during heavy rains in 2015 and 2016, the state ramped up staffing, undertook more regular inspections and increased efforts to map potential flood zones. As a result, the number of high-hazard dams in deficient condition in the state rose by a third from 2018 to 2021. After Michigans dam failures, the state added $19 million for dam safety to its 2022 budget, plus money to hire more regulatory staff. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation providing an additional $250 million for dams, including about $200 million to repair those damaged by the 2020 floods. The plan prioritizes high-risk dams that can be ticking time bombs if they are not addressed, said state Rep. Roger Hauck, a Republican whose district experienced flooding when the dams failed. Addressing the problems posed by old, unsafe dams can be challenging. Repairs can be costly and take years to complete. Attempts to remove dams and empty the lakes they hold back can spawn legal battles and a public outcry from those who rely on them for recreation or to sustain nearby property values. A pair of high-hazard dams built in the mid-1800s near Cleveland are among those in need of major repair. Upper Shaker Lake, commonly known as Horseshoe Lake, has been drained as a precaution after it developed sinkholes and cracks. Local officials last year approved a $28.3 million plan to remove Horseshoe Lake Dam, return the area to a free-flowing stream and rebuild Lower Shaker Lake Dam. But the plan faces backlash from some community members who hired a law firm and engineering company, launched a fundraising drive, and gathered about 2,000 online petition signatures to try to save Horseshoe Lake. The lake is a beautiful, calming feature that is the central park of the Heights neighborhood, said musician Bert Stratton, a resident helping to lead the efforts. Its where people come to congregate, and they have for over 100 years. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, which manages stormwater projects, said Horseshoe Lake provides little flood-control benefit and that the district wont pay to rebuild it. People need to understand there is a major risk at this facility, including the probable loss of life if the dam blew out, said Frank Greenland, the districts director of watershed programs. ___ Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri; Casey from Boston; and Minkoff from Washington, D.C. Associated Press photographer Gregory Bull in San Diego, and reporters David Eggert in Lansing, Michigan, and Nick Geranios in Spokane, Washington, contributed to this report. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Austin has become the first Texas city to approve a pilot program that will provide a guaranteed income to qualified residents. The program will give 85 families $1,000 per month for a year. City Council on Thursday voted to approve a contract for a non-profit to manage the funding. The families who are approved for the $1.18 million program will be able to decide how to spend the money, including spending it on rent or mortgage payments, food, transportation and utilities. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the goal of the program was to prevent homelessness and that it is not a giveaway. It is investing in ourselves We can find people moments before they end up on our streets and prevent them, divert them from being there. That would be not only wonderful for them, it would be wise and smart for the taxpayers in the city of Austin because it will be a lot less expensive to divert someone from homelessness than to help them find a home once theyre on our streets, Adler said. Like other fast-growing cities in the U.S., Austin has struggled for years with homelessness as housing costs skyrocket. City leaders and Gov. Greg Abbott have feuded over how to address the issue. Last year, Austin voters reinstated a ban that penalizes those who camp downtown and near the University of Texas, in addition to making it a crime to ask for money in certain areas and at certain times. Across the country, dozens of cities and counties some using money from the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package approved in March 2021 are giving some low-income residents a guaranteed income of $500 to $1,000 each month to do with as they please, and tracking what happens. Adler belongs to a coalition called Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, which plans to use the data collected by a University of Pennsylvania-based research center to lobby the White House and Congress for a federal guaranteed income. In January, Atlanta announced it was launching a pilot basic income program that would give 300 residents $500 a month for a year. Kentucky's Democratic governor filed suit Thursday seeking to block a new state law that gives Republican officials the power to appoint a majority of members to a key ethics commission. Gov. Andy Beshear's legal challenge warns that the reconstituted membership on the state Executive Branch Ethics Commission could launch politically based, meritless investigations. The lawsuit, filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Louisville, claims the measure violates Kentucky's constitution. The legal fight comes a year before Beshear will be on the statewide ballot in seeking a second term in a state increasingly dominated by Republicans. It's the latest in a series of court confrontations over Republican-backed laws that would weaken the Democratic governor's executive authority. Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron on Thursday called the new ethics commission-related law a good-government measure and said it passes constitutional muster. Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said it prevents a governor from stacking the ethics commission with his cronies. In their recently ended session, GOP lawmakers passed the measure over Beshear's veto to revamp the ethics commission's membership. The measure, House Bill 334, gave Republican statewide officeholders the authority to select five of the newly expanded commission's seven members. The governor would appoint two members. Previously, the governor appointed all five members. Beshear's suit claims that the governor would become subservient to the new commission. Under HB334, the commission could launch politically motivated investigations without any merit, and make findings and impose civil penalties in those matters, and the governor has no power to remedy such conduct and ensure the law is faithfully executed, the suit said. Under the measure, five statewide officeholders currently all Republicans each would make one appointment to the ethics commission. Those officials are the attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor and agriculture commissioner. By stripping the governor of his executive authority to appoint the majority of the members of the commission and giving it to officers who are not the chief magistrate, HB334 prevents the governor from faithfully executing the laws as prescribed by the state constitution, the suit said. Beshears lawsuit noted that he issued an executive order giving others a role in selecting commission members. Under the order, two of his appointments were made from a list of nominees provided by the attorney general and state auditor, the suit said. Republican officials quickly defended the measure being challenged by the governor. This bill is a good-government measure that keeps partisan politics out of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, Cameron said in a statement. And it is constitutional. Im disappointed that the governor sued to undermine the independence of this important government agency. Adams praised the measure for allocating appointments among statewide constitutional officers. The governor is at his best on the occasions when he comes out of his partisan bunker, recognizes we are a two-party state and treats others with respect, Adams said in a statement. The suit seeks a temporary and permanent injunction blocking the new law's enforcement. It requests an expedited review, since the measure is set to take effect in mid-July. At that time, terms of the commission's current members will expire, and the new members will begin their terms. Beshears suit also challenges the bills removal of commission member David Karem before his term expires. Karem, a former longtime Democratic lawmaker, joined Beshear as a plaintiff in the suit. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A California measure that would allow children age 12 and up to be vaccinated without their parents consent, including against the coronavirus, cleared its first legislative hurdle Thursday. If the proposal becomes law, California would allow the youngest age group of any state to be vaccinated without parental permission. Minors age 12 to 17 in California currently cannot be vaccinated without permission from their parents or guardians, unless the vaccine is specifically to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. California state law already allows people 12 and older to consent to the Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The bill that cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee would lift the parental requirement for that age group for any vaccine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener said his bill will empower teenagers to protect their own health by getting vaccinated, but it was opposed by dozens of people who called into the committee hearing for well over an hour. Wiener's proposal is perhaps the most contentious measure remaining from Democratic lawmakers' once-ambitious agenda, after several other proposals lost momentum as the winter pandemic wave eased although cases are climbing again. State Sen. Richard Pan last month said he would delay consideration of his bill that would have blocked students from using the personal belief exemption to avoid the coronavirus vaccine. The same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration said it would postpone its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for schoolchildren until at least the summer of 2023. Pan also has stalled consideration of his bill that would block pandemic response funds from law enforcement agencies that refuse to enforce public health orders. And in March, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks withdrew her bill that would have forced all California businesses to require coronavirus vaccines for their employees. Wiener said his vaccine bill is not a revolutionary idea. It builds on long-standing existing California law about the age of consent for receiving health care. Those 12 and older currently can make decisions under certain circumstances, including for sexually transmitted diseases, abortions and birth control, along with substance abuse and mental health disorders, Wiener said. Parental consent laws for vaccinations vary by state and region. Alabama allows such decisions for children starting at age 14, Oregon at 15 and Rhode Island and South Carolina at 16, Wiener said. Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., allow children age 11 and up to consent to their own COVID-19 vaccines, and in San Francisco the age is 12 and older. We know vaccines save lives, testified Ani Chaglasian, an advocate with Teens for Vaccines. Because I did not have the authority to vaccinate myself, I lost my job, summer internship, and was unable to see my grandma when she was intubated. Arin Parsa said he founded Teens for Vaccines in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, during a measles outbreak. He urged lawmakers to pass the bill so we can live without the fear of deadly diseases taking away our futures. But Nicole Pearson, an attorney with a practice advocating for civil and human rights, said the youthful advocates dont know those times that we stayed up with you, wondering if you were going to live because of some adverse reaction you had to a vaccine. There are many solutions to this problem, and it is not removing the only people who have this knowledge to help their children ... to make informed consent, Pearson told the committee. Matthew McReynolds, an attorney representing the Pacific Justice institute, a conservative legal defense organization, said providing students with true choice would be giving them a choice to attend school with or without a vaccine. Thats informed consent and thats true choice. Children that young simply do not have fully developed decision-making skills needed to weigh the risks and benefits and make a truly informed decision, said Sabrina Sandoval, a school psychologist who opposed the measure. Kids are going to be targeted and marketed to to get the vaccines, warned opponent Dawn Richardson, director of advocacy for the National Vaccine Information Center. Senators of both political parties questioned whether Californias legislation might be affected by a recent Washington, D.C., court ruling that the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act preempts state law on minors' consent. California legislative analysts disputed the ruling. Wiener and McReynolds agreed that the decision doesnt constrain California, but McReynolds said it offers a roadmap to opponents for a similar legal challenge to Wieners bill. Democrats on the committee generally said the benefits of a fully tested vaccine outweigh the risks, while Republican Sen. Brian Jones said he fears vaccine providers may not have children's full medical history absent parents involvement. The bill was approved by the 11-member committee on a 7-0 vote, with two members of each political party not voting, and now goes to the full Senate. Other measures that are moving forward include one requiring school districts to develop COVID-19 testing plans and another addressing immunization information. LEBANON, Ind. (AP) A central Indiana man charged with murder in connection with the March death of his wife is one of three candidates who advanced in a primary election this week for a township board. Andrew Wilhoite, 40, of Lebanon received 60 of the 276 total votes Tuesday for Republicans for three positions on the Clinton Township Board, Boone County election results show. Indiana township boards consist of three members, state officials said. The local Republican primary race drew only three candidates and no candidates filed for the Democratic primary ticket, The Indianapolis Star reported. Wilhoite was arrested in late March in the death of 41-year-old Elizabeth Nikki Wilhoite. Hes been held since then in the Boone County Jail without bond. Indiana State Police have said Andrew Wilhoite struck Nikki Wilhoite in the head with a blunt object, knocking her out. He then put her in a vehicle and drove to a creek a few miles from their home and dumped her body there, police said. Police found Nikki Wilhoites body on March 26 partially submerged in about 3 feet (1 meter) of water. Court records indicate Nikki Wilhoite filed for divorce on March 17. The couple had been married for 12 years. Andrew Wilhoite's jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 29, online court records show. If he is convicted of a felony before the Nov. 8 general election, he would automatically be removed from the ballot. No Democrats have filed for the Clinton Township Board. Under our legal system, every person is innocent until proven guilty, said Brad King, co-director of the Indiana Election Division. A message seeking comment on the charges Wilhoite faces was left Friday by The Associated Press for Wilhoites attorney. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut lawmakers closed out the 2022 legislative session Wednesday night after passing juvenile crime reforms, limits on marijuana advertising and making Juneteenth a state holiday, while also expressing gratitude that things were getting back to normal after two years of pandemic restrictions. The top Democratic and Republican leaders of the House of Representatives both expressed appreciation for the normalcy of the night, which included the traditional hurried passage of bills before the midnight deadline. Its really really really special to look down and see everybody standing here because I'm not sure we all thought this was possible two months ago let alone two years ago," said House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, looking out over the House membership. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said it was important for lawmakers to get back to normal. We did some great work, he said. While public hearings and committee votes were held mostly virtually, House and Senate sessions were held in person throughout the three-month session. Lawmakers did have the option of voting from their offices. While hundreds of bills died on the vine at the stroke of midnight, per usual, many of the major bills of the three-month-long session have already cleared the Democratic-controlled General Assembly in recent days. The list includes one of the first abortion-related bills to pass in years in Connecticut. It expands who can perform abortions to include advanced practice registered nurse, nurse-midwife or physician assistant. It also attempts to protect Connecticut providers from legal action stemming from out-of-state laws, as well as the patients who travel to Connecticut to terminate a pregnancy and those who help them. Lawmakers voted along mostly party lines to revise the one-year, $24.2 billion state budget that contains roughly $600 million in tax cuts and increases state spending for a major mental health initiative and social service programs all thanks the state's best fiscal figures in decades and subsequently lots of money to spend. Connecticut is projected to end the fiscal year on June 30 with a $4.8 billion surplus. Revisions to the second year of the two-year budget passed last year include about $1 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds. We've bemoaned our inability to meet these needs for the last 10 to 15 years since the onset of the Great Recession in 2008, said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven. Now we're making good on a promise that we regretted not being able to fulfill back then. While Republicans supported many of the initiatives that passed this year, including the mental health bills inspired in part by psychological fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, they've accused the majority Democrats of squandering this unique financial opportunity to make systemic changes to Connecticuts tax system as well as spending too much. It's an accusation that will likely to come up in this year's legislative and gubernatorial campaigns. Connecticut Democrats have overtaxed our families and their immediate reaction is to overspend and grow an unaffordable government, not provide the level of relief Connecticut families are asking for now," said Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford. Lawmakers were facing a midnight adjournment deadline. While governors traditionally address a joint session of the General Assembly once the final gavel is struck, Lamont was forgoing an appearance this year. House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said some legislators were concerned about so many people gathering in the hall of the House of Representatives as the state's COVID-19 infection numbers have been climbing. He said it's maybe a tradition that's time has come and gone. Here are highlights of some key bills that passed on the final day of the session: JUVENILE CRIME Procedures for juvenile arrests are updated under a legislation that cleared the Senate. It's part of an effort to clamp down on juvenile crime in Connecticut. Among the changes, an arrested juvenile must be brought before a judge within five business days after the arrest, and courts are allowed to order electronic monitoring if the child has been charged with a second or more vehicle or property thefts. The bill also increases the maximum period, from six to eight hours, that a juvenile may be held in a lockup without a judge's order. CANNABIS ADVERTISING Tougher restrictions on marijuana advertising cleared the Senate, including barring ads from cross-border retail cannabis establishments such as the billboard ads that have popped up along the states border with Massachusetts. It prevents anyone without a Connecticut cannabis-related license from advertising the product and cannabis-services within the state. The same bill also bars Connecticut licensees from using images of the cannabis plant as well as from advertising on an illuminated billboard between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. and from advertising within 1,500 yards of a school or church. The same bill tightens rules for gifting marijuana. Some legislators have raised concerns about cannabis bazaars, where people barter for marijuana, essentially circumventing the states regulated marketplace. JOB DISCRIMINATION A bill that prevents job licensure boards from imposing blanket bans against groups of people based on their record of arrest or conviction cleared the Senate. Instead, the legislation allows such boards to review people's licensure applications individually. The boards would be allowed to deny someone a license because of an arrest or conviction only if it's related directly the person's job. DOVER, Del. (AP) The Delaware state Senate gave initial approval Thursday to a proposed constitutional amendment under which criminal offenders other than those charged with murder could be held without bail. The measure, which passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House, is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that must receive two-thirds approval by both chambers in two consecutive General Assemblies. Under the legislation, offenders charged with certain felony offenses, which would be determined at a later date by the legislature, could be held without bail under certain circumstances, including when there is a fair likelihood of conviction because the the proof is positive or the presumption great. There also would be to be clear and convincing proof that no conditions other than pretrial detention could reasonably assure the offenders appearance in court when required and the safety of any other person or the community. Supporters of the measure said it is an effort to balance the rights of criminal defendants with the need to protect public safety. At one time, the definition of a capital offense for which bail could be withheld under Delaware's constitution included crimes such as manslaughter, rape, robbery, burglary and armed assaults. That definition has since been narrowed to murder. That means the only way a judge can try to ensure that a defendant who is charged with any other crime, and who might be a flight risk or public safety threat, remains in custody until trial is to set bail so high that a defendant cannot meet it. Thursdays Senate vote came less than a year after lawmakers passed a bill requiring more people charged with serious crimes to pay cash bail in order to be released from custody pending trial. That bill established secured cash bail as the baseline to be used by judges in determining pretrial release conditions for defendants charged with any of 38 specified offenses. They include the most serious violent felonies, as well as certain gun crimes, assaults, sex crimes and domestic violence offenses. The bill, which is now law, also requires that when a judge sets bail in a case involving any of the 38 categories of offenses, the defendant must relinquish any firearms in his or her possession. Under a previous law, the presumption of cash bail as the standard for pretrial bond conditions applied only to defendants charged with committing violent felonies involving firearms, and to defendants charged with committing violent felonies while on a probation or pretrial release for a previous criminal charge. Opponents of last year's legislation, including several progressive Democrats, argued that cash bail requirements disproportionately affect low-income and minority Democrats, and that the legislation was a step backward in Delawares bail reform efforts. While establishing cash bail as the presumptive bond for specified offenses, last years bill gives judges discretion to conduct bail review hearings and to modify bail conditions as they see fit. It also includes a provision stating that it would expire upon enactment of the constitutional amendment allowing bail to be denied for crimes other than murder. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) Cyprus police detained a 25-year-old British citizen Thursday on suspicion of driving a dune buggy that struck and killed a Swedish tourist at a crosswalk in the popular resort town of Ayia Napa. A Cyprus court ordered that the man, who hasnt been named in line with police rules, remain in custody for six days until investigators are ready to bring charges against him in the death of 46-year-old Camilla Christina Pamdahl. GREENBELT, Md. (AP) A federal judge in Maryland has sentenced a Washington, D.C., man to more than 10 years in prison for kidnapping a person from a hotel and casino, a U.S. Attorney said. Christopher Allen Young, 26, was sentenced on Wednesday to 126 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit kidnapping, U.S. Attorney for Maryland Erek L. Barron said in a news release. WASHINGTON - Sitting before nearly two dozen senators and a national audience in September 2018, Brett Kavanaugh seemed abundantly clear on his views of the durability of Roe v. Wade. "It is important precedent of the Supreme Court that has been reaffirmed many times," Kavanaugh said in response to one of a slew of questions on abortion during his confirmation hearings. Furthermore, Kavanaugh underscored that the core tenets of the landmark 1973 decision were upheld nearly two decades later: "It is not as if it is just a run-of-the-mill case that was decided and never been reconsidered." Less than four years later, Kavanaugh is among the list of justices who, according to a draft majority opinion and an accompanying report published by Politico this week, is poised to overturn Roe. That apparent contrast between the then-nominee's testimony before senators and his current reported willingness to overturn the landmark decision legalizing abortion access is prompting fresh scrutiny of the Supreme Court confirmation process, in which nominees say as little as possible and senators are left to parse their language on how they would rule. It is not just the increasingly predictable and evasive answers of nominees that are prodding some senators to conclude that Supreme Court hearings have become empty theater. More and more, the confirmation votes themselves seem a foregone conclusion, with senators hewing to the party line and many using their allotted time to launch political broadsides rather than seek information. "Our confirmation process for Supreme Court justices, I think, is fairly badly broken and has become not particularly revealing or relevant about what justices will do once seated," said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I listened to several justices tell us - as candidates or as nominees - that they would have respected settled precedent. I had my reasons for skepticism given their speeches to Federalist Society gatherings or their writings. But if this becomes law, it confirms that in several cases they were not being truthful." Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska - Republicans who support abortion rights but who each voted to confirm two of President Donald Trump's three Supreme Court nominees - made it clear this week that they will feel badly misled if the draft opinion holds. And Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said simply, "It certainly raises questions about credibility and sincerity." The carefully chosen words of a Supreme Court nominee have long served as senatorial Rorschach tests of sorts, with lawmakers from both parties often taking away what they want to hear to justify their decisions. But with a majority of justices potentially on the cusp of overturning Roe v. Wade, a growing number of senators - particularly Democrats, for the moment at least - are questioning the utility of the confirmation process and whether justices who enjoy lifetime appointments can somehow be held accountable for their sworn testimony if it proves misleading. It is an increasing source of anger for Democrats, with few clear answers. Members of the Supreme Court face little direct accountability once they are sworn in. Any proposals for significant changes to the structure of the Supreme Court would face immediate and potentially insurmountable logistical hurdles. That did not stop furious Democrats this week from renewing their ideas for a far-reaching overhaul of the Supreme Court. Some argued that lifetime tenure, designed to insulate justices from political pressure, has instead become a shield to protect them from consequences. "Maybe there needs to be term limits for court justices," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. "I've never been somebody who's advocated for that. But I do think it's incredibly troubling, because these guys are supposed to be of the highest credibility and everything, and this just takes away from it." In their confirmation hearings, the Trump-nominated justices sent unmistakable signals about Roe as a strong precedent, though some critics say they were clearly giving senators just enough to enable a yes vote. Kavanaugh called Roe "precedent on precedent" and "settled as a precedent." Neil Gorsuch said: "It has been reaffirmed. A good judge will consider it as precedent of the U.S. Supreme Court worthy as treatment of precedent like any other." Amy Coney Barrett was less definitive, declining to call Roe a "super-precedent" that is largely beyond review. In recent decades, nominees have become significantly less candid about how they personally view long-standing court decisions that remain hotly contested, with the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision the most prominent example. During her 1993 hearings, Ruth Bader Ginsburg said judges should offer "no forecasts, no hints," on how they may ultimately rule on a case, for "it would display disdain for the entire judicial process." Subsequent nominees have generally followed the same principle. That ambiguity from nominees, especially on abortion rights, clearly helped the confirmation prospects of at least Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, even as Trump had campaigned on a promise to choose nominees who would overturn Roe. It was particularly beneficial for Kavanaugh, because he was set to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, a consistent vote in favor of abortion rights, and a clear message from Kavanaugh that he would vote the opposite way would have ignited a firestorm. The political backlash in the aftermath of the draft opinion that leaked this week - which Chief Justice John Roberts later said was an authentic draft, though not a finalized version - has been aimed mostly at Murkowski and Collins, who had expressed confidence that the justices would not overturn Roe. Murkowski, though she opposed Kavanaugh for other reasons, emphasized at the time she did not think he would be a vote to overturn the 1973 decision. This week, she said, "Comments were made to me and to others about Roe being settled and being precedent," adding that if a majority of justices do ultimately overturn Roe, her faith in the Supreme Court would be shaken. Collins had also repeatedly expressed confidence that Kavanaugh would let Roe stand, citing his insistence, particularly in his public testimony, that the abortion rulings were established precedent and it would be unusual to overturn such decisions. When she announced her support for Gorsuch during his 2017 confirmation proceedings, Collins relayed similar assurances regarding precedent. This week, Collins said the leaked abortion decision, if it is final, would be "completely inconsistent" with Gorsuch and Kavanaugh's public and private remarks. Still, in a brief interview with The Washington Post, Collins said confirmation hearings "absolutely" still play a vital role. "I believe that while there are certainly examples of people throughout the ages who have misled Congress during confirmation hearings, generally confirmation hearings are very useful in allowing members to flesh out a nominee's views," Collins said. "That's one reason this is so staggering, if in fact the decision turns out to be as it is." Other Republican senators were largely dismissive of the outcry from Democrats that the public had been misled by Supreme Court candidates. They argued that, as Ginsburg stressed in her hearings nearly three decades ago, nominees are ethically constrained from indicating how they would decide issues that could come before them. "Part of it is just that people don't understand, as a general rule, what precedents mean in a judge's judicial decision-making process," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a top member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn said judicial precedents are "not inviolable." Legal scholars recognize that some precedents, even long-standing ones, can sometimes be overturned, especially if they are harmful and untethered from constitutional principles. The draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito argues that Roe was such a ruling, and it spends many pages criticizing what it calls the 1973 decision's weak reasoning. "That would be like, saying, you know, Plessy v. Ferguson was settled law," Cornyn said, referring to the 1896 Supreme Court decision that found racial segregation to be constitutional. "Well, it was for a time, but then the court decided that it needed to revisit it because they decided it was wrong and needed to change." Kavanaugh, in his confirmation hearings, referred to the Supreme Court's 1954 ruling in Brown v. the Board of Education, which nullified the "separate but equal" doctrine in Plessy, in recognizing that not all precedents remain standing. But Democrats say using the term "settled" was a willfully dishonest way for a nominee to describe an opinion he was prepared to overthrow at the first opportunity. "You follow the decision that has been set forth by the Supreme Court, subject to the rules of stare decisis. And you see that time and again," Kavanaugh said, using the Latin phrase for respecting precedent. "That is part of stability. That is part of predictability. That is part of impartiality. That is part of public confidence in the rule of law that it is not just going to move pillar to post, that the law is stable and foundational." In another exchange with now-Vice President Kamala Harris, who as a senator sat on the Judiciary Committee, Kavanaugh emphasized that the system of precedence is "not a matter of policy to be discarded at whim." Other Democratic senators, however, say it was clear how nominees, particularly those picked by Trump, would rule on abortion, no matter what they pledged publicly. Their beef is largely with the senators who professed to believe otherwise and now say they are shocked. "Everybody knew that Kavanaugh and Gorsuch and Coney Barrett were going to overturn Roe," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. "I get it that, you know, nominees are very careful about what they say, but everybody knew that those votes were votes to overturn Roe." During the 2020 campaign, several Democratic presidential hopefuls offered proposals to significantly overhaul the Supreme Court, by expanding it beyond the current nine members or establishing term limits, which they argued would lower the temperature on the confirmation hearings by limiting the impact of any individual justice. But President Joe Biden, a longtime senator and former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has always been skeptical of such suggestions, and it is not clear that angry Democrats have any easy recourse or path for changing the system. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said there is little that senators can do about the existing confirmation process aside from exercising even more due diligence. For instance, Kaine said that Gorsuch had authored rulings on contraception that were "quite extreme" and that senators should have discounted Gorsuch's comments during his confirmation hearing if they appeared to contradict his consistent record. At his hearing, Gorsuch declined to say whether he agreed with the landmark 1965 decision Griswold v. Connecticut, which established a right to privacy that allowed married couples to use contraception. That right to privacy was a later basis for Roe. That does not mean the current process is a good one, Kaine added. "I think justices surprising people is not new," he said. "But justices looking at you in the face and telling you one thing and then doing something different - that's very troubling." RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Best-selling author Dave Eggers is offering high school seniors in South Dakota's second-largest city free copies of his book The Circle and copies of four books by other authors that were removed from the district's schools. School administrators in Rapid City deemed the books inappropriate for high school students and and marked the district's copies as surplus to be destroyed. The mass destruction of books by school boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking young people of South Dakota shouldnt be subjected to it, Eggers said. Every high school student should have unfettered access to literature, so if youre a Rapid City high school senior, email our office and ask for any of these titles. For every copy the school board destroys, lets add a new one to the local circulation. Valerie Brablec Seales, Rapid City Area Schools' director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, told the Board of Education that teachers requested the books and were considering using them in a new 12th-grade English course. Seales didn't say why administrators objected to The Circle, which satirizes cultures and values that have emerged in the internet age. But she said the first concerns about one of the five books were raised in August, the Rapid City Journal reported. The first question arose when one of the three high school principals sent me an image of a page in one of the books, an excerpt, and expressed concerns about not wanting it in their classrooms, she said Tuesday. She said the books were ordered and sent to a warehouse before being distributed to the district's three high schools. Copies of the five books in question were then listed as surplus and marked to be destroyed. The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to delay a decision to destroy the books in order to seek legal advice. Eggers said Rapid City seniors can receive any of the books that were pulled from the high school at no cost to them by emailing Amanda Uhle at amanda@daveeggers.net. He said the books will be shipped to students by independent bookstores. The other books that the district pulled are How Beautiful We Were: A Novel" by Imbolo Mbue, which follows a young woman from a small African village who starts a revolution against an American oil company. Also removed was Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, a graphic memoir about author Alison Bechdel's fraught relationship with her late father, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, which some schools elsewhere have banned because of its references to drug and alcohol use and sexual content. The other book removed is the Booker prize-winning Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel by Bernardine Evaristo, which follows the lives and struggles of twelve characters, many of whom are Black British women. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ATHENS, Greece (AP) For Emma Stone, acting in Bleat, a Greek silent movie with surreal and disturbing scenes of sex, death, and resurrection, was a professional challenge and a relief. Playing a young widow in the 30-minute, black-and-white film, Stone said she welcomed rejoining Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos for the limited-release project set on the Greek island of Tinos and featuring goats roaming its rock-and-thorn landscape. What I like about Yorgos would take me a very long time to answer, Stone said Thursday after a screening for the news media in Athens, and on the eve of the premiere at the Greek National Opera. In short Ill say its very rare that you meet somebody who you get along with so well but on top of that artistically (provides) the ability as an actor want to give yourself over to something and not have to worry about every small move you make. After winning an Academy Award for best actress in La La Land in 2017, Stone worked with Lanthimos in the The Favourite, and earned an Oscar nomination as an actress in a supporting role two years later. They remained friends and Stone agreed to waive her fee and participate in Bleat shot using traditional film cameras and presented with a live 36-member orchestra and choir that follows the story with a jarring and funereal score. The movie opens in a traditional, whitewashed home at a wake. There are long portrait shots of Stone and elderly mourners sitting in a room next to her dead husband, played by French actor Damien Bonnard, covered in a white shroud. After the guests leave, Stone has a moment of ecstasy with his body, bringing him back to life for several hours as she loses consciousness and appears to die. With goats looking on, the man promptly buries Stone and dances on her grave, before the roles are again and finally reversed, with Stone reappearing as he goes to bed and drifts back to death. Bleat was shot in early 2020 on Tinos that's famous for its whitewashed homes just before the pandemic triggered lockdowns in Greece and across Europe, and Stone described the experience as a welcome change. What is the point continuing to give in this kind of no offence stupid job of acting if youre not gonna keep pushing and being challenged? she said. I guess thats also true of life. The film will screened to the public for three days this week at the national opera in Athens, while Lanthimos and his associates said it could later be made available for limited release in other countries. It was important to have this projected from a traditional 35 millimeter print and incorporate live music, so that always in my mind, Lanthimos said. Its not just something that someone, you know, would watch on their laptop or on their phone. ___ Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/4VrMvg-m_PE MIAMI (AP) A one-time ally of Hugo Chavez wanted for prosecution by his socialist successor Nicolas Maduro has quietly surrendered in Miami in connection to a major bribery scheme involving joint oil ventures with foreign partners. Jhonnathan Marin was serving as mayor of the port city of Guanta in 2017 when he abruptly resigned and fled the country amid a major purge at state run oil giant PDVSA. Later, Maduros government ordered his arrest on corruption charges and banned him from running for public office. He was last believed to be living in Mexico but surfaced in Miami on April 25, where he surrendered and was released the same day on a $100,000 bond, according to court records. According to a criminal complaint, which has not been previously reported, Marin helped pay bribes on behalf of an unnamed co-conspirator who was awarded tens of millions of dollars in contracts from state run oil giant PDVSAs joint ventures with Chevron, Frances Total and firms from Russia and China. As part of the scheme, Marin between 2015 and 2018 allegedly helped transfer more than $1.2 million from a bank account in Miami to one in Panama for the benefit of two unnamed Venezuelan officials. He was charged with a single count of conspiring to commit an offense against the U.S., a lesser charge which carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison. Theres no indication in the complaint that any of PDVSAs foreign partners participated or were even aware of the bribery scheme. Marin, 43, was an early adherent to Chavezs Fifth Republic Movement and in 2008 was elected mayor of Guanta, a city at the gateway to the Orinoco Oil Belt, home to the worlds largest oil reserves and about half of Venezuelas current production. He is being represented by Michael Nadler, a former federal prosecutor in Miami who made a name for himself targeting corruption in Maduros inner circle. Nadler declined to comment but Marin in the past has rejected the accusations levied by Maduros allies as part of a political vendetta based on falsified evidence. We have nothing to hide, he said in a video posted on social media in 2019. On the contrary, this action provides us with an opportunity to say many things. Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The invasion of Ukraine means that fewer Russian tanks and other military hardware will rumble through Moscows Red Square on Monday, when the country marks its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The patriotic fervor associated with the sacred holiday, however, could be as strong as ever. This year's Victory Day won't just honor a conflict that ended 77 years ago. Many Russians will be thinking about the thousands of troops fighting in neighboring Ukraine, Signs of support for the military have grown across the country since the invasion began Feb. 24, with the letter Z appearing on billboards and signs in the streets and subways, and on television and social media. The Kremlin has refused to refer to the fighting in Ukraine as a war, instead calling it a special military operation. Some observers believe that President Vladimir Putin could use the holiday to finally declare the operation to be a war in order to bolster Russia's national commitment to the effort. A look at the significance of Victory Day in Russia: WAR AND REMEMBRANCE The Soviet Union lost a staggering 27 million people in World War II, which it calls the Great Patriotic War. The conflict, which devastated cities and the countryside, caused enormous suffering and left a deep scar in the national psyche. Victory Day is a rare event in the nations divisive post-Soviet history that is revered by all political players, and the Kremlin has used that sentiment to encourage patriotic pride and underline Russias role as a global power. The annual celebrations feature a massive military parade on Red Square showcasing the latest armaments from tanks to fighter jets to nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles. This year, the array of weapons to be displayed in the parade has been significantly curtailed from last year in an apparent reflection of the military's heavy engagement in Ukraine. FIGHTING NEO-NAZIS In ordering the invasion, Putin declared that it was aimed at the demilitarization of Ukraine to remove a perceived military threat to Russia by "neo-Nazis rhetoric condemned by Ukraine and the West as a fictitious cover for a blunt act of aggression. To try to back up the claim, Putin and his officials have pointed to the adulation by Ukraine's right-wing groups of nationalist leaders Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevych, who sided with the Nazis during World War II and their perceived use of Nazi units' symbols. The rhetoric also has been used by the Kremlin to try to bolster public support for the war amid heavy losses of troops and equipment and massive economic damage from Western sanctions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, has derided the Kremlin denazification claim. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov fired back by drawing a parallel between Zelenskyy and Adolf Hitler a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from Israel. RUSHING THE OFFENSIVE? Some in Ukraine and the West expected Putin to try to seek quick gains before the May 9 holiday in a possible attempt to present it as a decisive victory and use it as an exit from what increasingly looks like a disastrous quagmire bleeding Russia's resources and threatening its stability. After a failed attempt to storm Kyiv and other big cities in Ukraine's north in the early stages of the war, the Kremlin has shifted its focus to the eastern industrial heartland known as the Donbas, where Moscow-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian government forces since 2014. That conflict erupted weeks after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The Russian military has rearmed and resupplied its forces withdrawn from Kyiv and moved them to Donbas in an apparent attempt to encircle and destroy the most capable and seasoned Ukrainian troops concentrated there. But that offensive in the east has faced staunch Ukrainian defenses and made only incremental advances, dashing Kremlin hopes for a quick victory. Significant gains look all but impossible before May 9. In an interview this week, Lavrov said: Our military isn't going to artificially link its action to any date, including Victory Day. UPPING THE ANTE Some Russian hard-liners have criticized the Kremlin for using only a limited force and urged a nationwide mobilization effort. Some Western officials and observers believe Putin may use May 9 to formally declare a war and announce a total mobilization of the population to boost troop numbers for an offensive. Hes been rolling the pitch, laying the ground for being able to say, Look, this is now a war against Nazis, and what I need is more people," British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace told LBC Radio last week. Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, issued a similar warning Monday, alleging that Russia has covertly begun preparations for a broad mobilization. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims as nonsense on Wednesday. Russian authorities have claimed that only volunteer contract soldiers have been fighting in Ukraine, even though many conscripts were taken prisoner in the war's initial days. Russia's military has about 1 million service personnel 400,000 of them contract soldiers, including 147,000 in ground forces. Western officials estimated the initial strength of Russia's invasion force at about 180,000. The military acknowledged losing 1,351 soldiers as of March 25 and hasn't updated its casualty numbers since then. Western officials have said Russian losses were much heavier and estimated that up to a quarter of Moscow's initial attacking force was made unfit for combat. If the war drags on, the current Russian troops numbers in Ukraine could be insufficient to sustain the operations, forcing the Kremlin to rely on poorly trained conscripts or call up reservists. The Kremlin faces a stark choice between trying to win the war with a limited force or attempting to bolster its troops in Ukraine with draftees and reservists, a move that could bring public outrage and potentially destabilize the political situation. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine The Food and Drug Administration imposed new restrictions Thursday on the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, saying the risk of a rare and life-threatening blood clot syndrome outweighed the benefits of the vaccine for people who are 18 or older and can get another shot, unless they would otherwise remain unvaccinated. The FDA said only people who are unable to receive other vaccines because they are not accessible or clinically appropriate, or because individuals refused to get a different vaccine, should receive the Johnson & Johnson shot. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been associated with a rare but potentially deadly blood clotting and bleeding syndrome called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The condition usually occurs within one to two weeks of vaccination, and a commonly used treatment to address clotting, heparin, can cause additional harm. "This is not a new safety signal - it is based on updated information showing that it is a persistent safety signal," Peter Marks, the FDA's top vaccine official, said in an interview. He said other, safer vaccines that can be used to inoculate people against the coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials in December already recommended that other vaccines should be used instead of the Johnson & Johnson shot, but an additional analysis persuaded the FDA to make major changes to the vaccine's emergency use authorization, which stipulates how the shot can be used. About 18.7 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered in the United States, compared with 340.6 million of the Pfizer-BioNTech shots and 217.5 million Moderna shots. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was authorized in February 2021, a one-shot vaccine that proponents hoped would ease the logistics of vaccination campaigns globally. The vaccine was somewhat less effective in its clinical trial than the messenger RNA vaccines authorized in 2020, and instantly became the butt of jokes and memes portraying it as a lesser vaccine. Public health officials attempted to convey the message that the vaccines were all valuable and touted the benefits of a one-shot regimen. But Johnson & Johnson shots were paused in April 2021 as federal health officials investigated reports of the rare but concerning blood clotting syndrome. The vaccine campaign was restarted, but manufacturing and supply problems also slowed the rollout. An updated analysis of safety data through March 18 found that there have been 60 confirmed cases of the blood-clotting syndrome, including nine that resulted in death. Even with quick treatment, vaccine recipients can rapidly worsen, with long-term health consequences. The FDA said there were 3.23 cases of the clotting syndrome per million doses of vaccine administered and 0.48 deaths per million doses of vaccine administered. "That is not what we expect from our prophylactic vaccines in the United States," said Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. In a statement, Johnson & Johnson emphasized that this was not a new risk "and does not reflect a change in the rate of cases observed." It added that "data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine." Marks said regulators had hoped they could find a "mitigation strategy" - a way to determine who was most likely to have the rare blood clots after the vaccine, and to avoid giving them the shot. "But that has not happened," Marks said. The only pattern that has been found is that the complication seems much less likely to occur in people 65 and older, he said. Marks added that the FDA's action should not be a source of concern for people who previously received the vaccine. "This is a complication that occurs within a week or two, at most three weeks," Marks said. People who could still consider the shot include those who have an anaphylactic reaction to messenger RNA vaccines, or people who would otherwise not be vaccinated. As part of its action, the FDA updated its fact sheets for health-care providers and for vaccine recipients and caregivers. The agency said in its fact sheet for health-care providers that about 15% of the blood clot cases have been fatal. "Cases of TTS following administration of the [Johnson & Johnson] COVID-19 Vaccine have been reported in males and females, in a wide age range of individuals 18 years and older, with the highest reporting rate (approximately 8 cases per 1,000,000 doses administered) in females ages 30-49 years," the FDA said. MANISTEE COUNTY A former judges Manistee County court case has come to an end nearly three and a half years after a call to a tow truck left the 62-year-old man with a misdemeanor charge. David Parrott, former 34th District Court judge of Romulus, pleaded no contest during a status conference on Tuesday to the 93-day misdemeanor of operating while being visibly impaired. For the purposes of sentencing, a plea of no contest is treated much the same the same as if the defendant had pleaded guilty. Jordan Miller, Manistee County chief assistant prosecutor, explained in an email that the original charge was operating while intoxicated, which is also a 93-day misdemeanor but one that carries less severe consequences with the Secretary of State office. Miller said Parrott was given two days jail time with credit for two days served, as well as fines and costs totaling $926. Given that he was subjected to pretrial release conditions for two-plus years while his case worked its way through the appellate system, the judge declined to impose a term of probation, Miller said. The case proceeded in the 85th District Court before Judge Thomas Brunner. What happened? Among the conditions of Parrotts pretrial release, he was ordered to use a Soberlink Remote Alcohol Monitoring device for about a year, Miller said. A Soberlink device is a portable breathalyzer that requires the user to blow into the device up to four times in a day and the results are transmitted and monitored by the probation department, he said. Parrott successfully completed that requirement with no reported violations. Parrott was also subjected to standard conditions of pretrial release, including restrictions on his ability to travel out of state. He also attended outpatient alcohol treatment during the case. According to State of Michigan Court of Appeals documents, Parrott had left a gathering on Dec. 25, 2018 and around 6:20 p.m. he lost control of his vehicle that slid off the road. Defendant then 'backed down (an) embankment' and into a flat area that turned into a field. Defendant spent the next 30 to 35 minutes attempting to return his car to the roadway. Unable to extricate his car, a tow truck driver was called to assist him, reads part of the background of the case. Shortly after the tow truck driver arrived at the scene, he called the police because he suspected that defendant was intoxicated. A Manistee County Sheriffs Office deputy was called to the scene near Chrestensen Road and Milarch Road near the Bear Lake Township and Onekama Township line. The deputy arrived and saw Parrotts vehicle stuck in the ditch, 5 to 10 feet from the roadway and suspected that Parrott was intoxicated. He noted that defendant smelled like alcohol, had bloodshot and watery eyes and had labored speech, the document reads in part. Parrott was reported to have denied consuming alcohol and the deputy attempted to give Parrott a field sobriety test, but abandoned the test because defendant was not following his instructions. About this time, Parrott showed the deputy his badge and asked if anything could be done, the court documents show. Parrott consented to a preliminary breath test which showed an illegal blood alcohol level of 0.109. The deputy told Parrott that the test result suggested that Parrott was operating his vehicle over the legal limit, the documents state. In the documents, it shows that Parrott then said that he was going to lose a quarter of his pay, and again asked the deputy what could be done. According to his case documents background section, Parrott was arrested for operating while intoxicated and taken to a hospital where a blood draw showed his blood alcohol level to be 0.152 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Over the course of his case, Parrott objected to several aspects such as which evidence was allowed to be used in court. His motions were denied by Manistee Countys district court and he appealed to circuit court where his application for leave to appeal was also denied. However, the State of Michigan Court of Appeals granted his application to appeal. According to previous Associated Press reports, the appeals court ruled against Parrott in February 2021. The AP also reported that Parrott lost his bid for reelection in 2020, weeks after he was suspended by the Michigan Supreme Court. Accountability Miller pointed out that he is very proud of the Manistee County Sheriffs (Office that) conducted a fair and unbiased investigation in this case despite being pressured to look the other way. And I am proud of our office, who stood its ground through two-plus years of aggressive pretrial litigation including an appeal all the way up to the Michigan Supreme Court to send the right message, which is that if you break the law in Manistee County, you will be held accountable no matter who you are, Miller said. A one-time Boston mobster who served 16 years in prison before he was freed by a judge who ruled that prosecutors may have coerced him into admitting to a role in a killing he had no part in has sued the state attorney general for the return of $268,000 he says was unjustifiably confiscated. The complaint filed last week by Vincent "The Animal" Ferrara", 73, said $250,000 was earned when he acted as a facilitator between a buyer and a seller in a real estate transaction, while the other $18,000 was earned through lawful business endeavors and from Social Security. Since the money was seized from two of Ferrara's bank accounts last September, no one in law enforcement has given to Ferrara an oral or written notice of any kind detailing the seizure" or of the reason for its seizure," according to the suit filed in Suffolk Superior Court. The money was legitimately earned without any, any doubt," Michael Natola, Ferrara's attorney said Thursday. He has no other way to support himself and they are completely hanging him up." In a letter to the office of Attorney General Maura Healey dated Feb. 25 seeking the return of the money, Natola wrote that his client is apparently a person of interest in connection with a grand jury investigation, but had no additional details. Ferrara intended to use the money to invest in real estate and for other lawful business transactions to support himself and to assist his children in meeting their financial needs, the letter said. When asked about the lawsuit, the attorney general's office in a statement said the case "is in connection to a broad, ongoing criminal investigation," but did not provide details. Ferrara, a Boston College-educated former New England Mafia capo, pleaded guilty to racketeering and other charges in the early 1990s and was sentenced to 22 years behind bars. In May 2005, a federal judge said there was evidence prosecutors didnt tell Ferraras lawyers about a police memo saying a key government witness recanted his claim that Ferrara ordered the 1985 killing of Vincent Limoli, a mob foot soldier who allegedly stole drugs from another mobster. Ferraras attorney at the time said his client was innocent, but accepted the plea deal because he feared a life sentence if found guilty of murder. A hearing on the complaint is scheduled for Monday in Suffolk Superior Court. HINTON, W.Va. (AP) More than $8 million in improvements have been completed at Pipestem Resort State Park in southern West Virginia, including lodge renovations and cabin upgrades. Nearly $4.4 million was spent on renovations to the park's two lodges and cabin upgrades, and more than $3.6 million went to infrastructure improvements to the park's tram, wastewater treatment plant and campground waterline, Gov. Jim Justice's office said in a news release. JERUSALEM (AP) If, during your travels in the Holy Land, you decide to take the next step with your Palestinian sweetheart, you should notify the Israeli military within 30 days. That's what it says on page 30 of a new 97-page policy released by COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of civilian affairs in the occupied West Bank. The policy, set to take effect later this year, specifies that the "start of the relationship" is the engagement, the wedding or when you move in together. The wide-ranging policy imposes new restrictions on foreigners who marry Palestinians or who come to the West Bank to work, volunteer, study or teach, further extending Israel's nearly 55-year military rule into nearly every corner of Palestinian life. The rules do not apply to people visiting Israel or the more than 130 Jewish settlements scattered across the West Bank. Its outrageous that the Israeli military thinks it can micromanage Palestinian society to this extent, to decide whos qualified to teach at a university, who is entitled to have foreign volunteers," said Jessica Montell, director of the Israeli human rights group HaMoked. Her group filed a legal petition with lengthy objections to the policy, leading Israeli authorities to delay its implementation from May 20 until early July. The policy could also anger the United States, which has long refused to enter into a visa waiver program with Israel, in part because Israel treats Palestinian-Americans differently than other U.S. citizens. The State Department said it was studying the new procedures and engaging with Israeli authorities to understand their applications. COGAT said the procedures formalize the application process and expand the range of permitted purposes for entering the area. It said the procedures are part of a two-year pilot program and that certain parts are already being re-assessed. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, and Palestinians want it to form the main part of their future state. The new policy refers to the territory as Judea and Samaria, the biblical name favored by Israeli nationalists, including Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who consider it the historical heartland of the Jewish people. Palestinians from abroad who wish to visit the West Bank would have to list the names and ID numbers of family members and say whether they themselves own property in the West Bank or stand to inherit any. Many fear that could pave the way for their land to be seized by settlers. Its like youre informing on your own family or friends that you visit. You could be giving information that would pave the way for Israel to steal your property, said Ahmed Abofoul, an international lawyer with the Al-Haq human rights group. The policy would limit the number of visiting professors to 100 and the number of students to 150. A visiting lecturer would need to convince an Israeli military official that she contributes significantly to academic learning, to the Areas economy, or to advancing regional cooperation and peace," the policy says. In 2020, 366 European students and faculty secured grants to study or teach in the West Bank through the EU's Erasmus+ exchange program. More than 1,800 Israelis studied in Europe under the same program that year. The EU representative office in Jerusalem declined to comment on the new procedures. COGAT said the quotas apply to teachers and students who want to stay longer than one semester and will be re-evaluated from time to time. Nearly all foreigners, including those in the private sector, would be forced to leave after 27 months and then wait another nine months before re-applying for entry. They would be limited to a total of five years in the territory, making long-term employment virtually impossible. Volunteers approved by the Israeli military could come for 12 months, but would then have to wait another year before applying for re-entry. Birzeit University, one of the main institutions of higher education in the West Bank, said the policy puts Palestinian universities under siege and divests them of basic control over their academic decisions. The rules do not apply to Israeli institutions, including Ariel University, which is built in a sprawling settlement deep inside the West Bank. For thousands of foreigners who have married Palestinians and started families in the West Bank, the policy threatens to further complicate an already precarious life in which they could be separated from their families at any time. Israel, which controls the population registry, rarely approves residency applications submitted through the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank. Under the new rules, most foreign spouses would only be able to enter the West Bank on visitor permits valid for three to six months. Then they would have to leave for six months no matter if they have jobs or children in school. A small number may qualify for spousal permits renewable for up to 27 months. California-born Morgan Cooper has been navigating the system for nearly 20 years, first as a teacher at Birzeit and then as the wife of a Palestinian and the mother of their two children. She applied for residency five and a half years ago, after her first child was born. But the application is still pending and she still relies on temporary visas approved by Israel's military to remain with her family. Travel is never easy she can recount story after story of permit delays, last-minute flight changes and being stranded in Jordan and her return is never guaranteed. You normalize occupation," Cooper said, because if you don't, it will overwhelm your mind with how unjust and absurd and cruel it is." "This machine that is Israeli occupation is constantly shifting the way it works, and those rules are rarely published to us, and theyre never clear." On several occasions, Israeli border officers have suggested that she and her family, all of whom have American citizenship, simply move to the United States. Palestinians say that's the whole purpose of these rules to force them out. Even under the current system, Cooper could be deported and barred from returning at any time for overstaying her visa, for alleged security violations, or at the discretion of COGAT. When I travel out, I leave my home as if Im not ever coming back, as if I can call somebody and say heres where I put my valuables," she said. "Heres my valuable papers, heres jewelry I want, and please send me my aunts hand-made quilt. Its all together. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Following an emotional debate over a new state holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, Connecticut lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday night making it the latest state to officially recognize Juneteenth Black legislators spoke about the racial intolerance theyve seen in their lives and the importance of June 19th as a holiday to Black people. The bill passed in the House 148-1 after clearing the Senate 30-1 a day earlier, and now heads to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's desk. Yes, this bill is about a holiday but its a lot more than that, said Rep. Anthony Nolan, a Democrat from New London, who is Black. He said the legislation represents freedom for Black people that has been delayed. Juneteenth became a federal holiday last summer the first since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983. As in other states, Connecticuts legislation honors the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Texas were freed with the arrival of federal troops. It's the latest in a string of bills passed in recent years that attempt to address racial inequities, including a 2021 law that makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their hairstyle. Some Black legislators appeared to take issue Wednesday with comments made by Republican Rep. Kimberly Fiorello of Greenwich, who raised concerns about the General Assembly's unhealthy focus on race. We talk about education for Black children. There are white children that need help, said Fiorello, who is of Asian descent. While Fiorello voted for the bill, calling it a holiday for all people of all skin tones, she said lawmakers have to stop, get out of this mindset that disparities mean discrimination. Some Black legislators also appeared to take issue with Fiorello's comments that the clause in the Constitution counting slaves as three-fifths of a person actually was a step toward ending slavery, an opinion voiced by Republicans in other states in recent years. Scholars interviewed by The Associated Press have said they see no evidence the constitutional provision was intended to end slavery. Rep. Robyn Porter, a Democrat from New Haven who is Black, said she felt the need to correct the legislative record. She said the three-fifths compromise was the product of negotiations at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 about how to allot seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and how to dole out taxes based on population. There was an ulterior motive. And the fact that Black people, men, women and children, were not seen as whole individuals, whole human beings, but three-fifths for the purpose of taxation and representation. That is what the three-fifths compromise was rooted and grounded in, said Porter, as several dozen state legislators gathered behind her in support. Porter said she hoped the holiday will help to recognize Black people as whole people. The group of legislators later moved behind Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven, who spoke about growing up as a child in the South during the civil rights movement of the 1950s. She recalled how her father was leading a voter registration drive and members of the KKK came to her home to threaten her family, burning crosses on her lawn and killing the family's dogs. We hurt," she said of Black people. It is so important that we love each other for being different. Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco, R-Wolcott, cast the lone no vote in the House on Wednesday. She called Juneteenth Independence Day a wonderful thing but didn't believe it should be a state holiday, noting how state employees will have 16 paid holidays, in addition to sick, vacation and personal days, if Lamont signs the bill into law. I mean, what holiday will be next that will be paid for? she asked. "We can come up with many holidays. The story corrects spelling of Kimberly Fiorellos name from Fiorella. LAS VEGAS (AP) A church pastor and former elementary school teacher from Las Vegas has pleaded guilty to a child sex crime in a plea agreement that avoids trial and is expected to get him two to 20 years in state prison when he is sentenced Aug. 15. Reynaldo Cruz Crespin, 59, pleaded guilty Monday in Clark County District Court to attempted lewdness with a child under 14, court records show. Several other charges were dismissed. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) It's been two months since the contentious, once-a-decade process to redraw Pennsylvania legislative districts wrapped up, and now a couple hundred candidates hoping to unseat or succeed state lawmakers are rushing headlong into the homestretch of a primary election that will greatly cull their numbers. The state's legislative redistricting commission produced a map reflecting dramatic shifts in demographics and giving Democrats hope they can gain seats in a General Assembly that has been controlled by Republican majorities for nearly all of the past three decades. For many incumbents, the changes are requiring them to introduce themselves and sell themselves to thousands of potential new constituents. Going before voters in the May 17 primary election will be candidates for all 203 House and 25 of 50 Senate seats. In the House, 32 members are not seeking reelection, including a handful running for Senate or other offices. Five Senate seats, all held by members of the Republican caucus, are open because of retirement. More than 60 state representatives and four senators face no primary or general election opposition, so they effectively have already won another term, simply by qualifying for the ballot. In 24 House and two Senate districts, the incumbent faces only a primary challenge, so even if they lose their party will keep the seat. All told, voters can expect a choice in the fall between a Republican and a Democrat in about half the House and in 19 Senate districts. GOP primary challengers have targeted some veteran incumbents, among them Speaker Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County and Appropriations chair Stan Saylor of York County. In both districts, no Democrat is running. In his primary race, Cutler is defending how he has handled former President Donald Trump's defeat in 2020's presidential election, fetal tissue research funding and the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic -- maybe surprising for a Republican chosen as leader after years of being a reliable conservative vote in Harrisburg. Cutler said that voters current mood in his rural district seems driven by the pandemic, and that he has tried to direct that displeasure toward the states Democratic governor and Democratic majority Supreme Court. The concern from the electorate is very real in terms of frustration with government, Cutler said. I just think we need to focus more appropriately on the true causes. Three pairs of House incumbents are fighting it out after being drawn into districts together. In a rural area northwest of Harrisburg, Rep. Perry Stambaugh faces a GOP primary against his neighbor to the north, Rep. Johnathan Hershey. And southwest of Allentown, the battle between Reps. Ryan Mackenzie and Gary Day has raised eyebrows among fellow Republicans. Mackenzie, who has served in the Republican caucus with Day for a decade, put up a website attacking Day as greedy, gutless and insufficiently conservative on guns and taxes. Philadelphia Democratic Reps. Isabella Fitzgerald and Chris Rabb are running against each other, along with a third Democrat. A Republican is also on the ballot. In an Allegheny County district, newly sworn-in state Rep. Martell Covington has four Democratic opponents, his reward for winning a special election last month after Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey left the Legislature. Its been a unique challenge for me personally with trying to assume office and still campaign, Covington said this week, the morning after participating in two candidate forums. Its definitely been a balancing act. But its been exciting. Redistricting's effects are showing up in the Harrisburg suburbs, where two Republican-held House seats will definitely flip to Democrats later this month. GOP Reps. Sue Helm and Andrew Lewis both decided not to seek reelection after redrawn boundaries made their districts overwhelmingly Democratic. Republicans did not field primary candidates in either race. The redrawn lines have attracted four challengers to Harrisburg Democratic state Rep. Patty Kim, whose district now straddles the Susquehanna River. There are two other Democrats in the primary and a pair of Republicans facing off to run in the fall. Four state representatives are hedging their bets, seeking reelection while pursuing higher office: Democratic Reps. Summer Lee for Congress in Pittsburgh, Austin Davis for lieutenant governor and Malcolm Kenyatta for U.S. Senate; and Republican Rep. Russ Diamond for lieutenant governor. Two other lieutenant governor hopefuls, Rep. Carrie Lewis DelRosso, R-Allegheny, and Rep. Brian Sims, D-Philadelphia, are relinquishing their legislative seats. In the state Senate, unopposed in both the primary or general elections are Democrats Christine Tartaglione of Philadelphia and Wayne Fontana of Allegheny, and Republicans Pat Stefano of Fayette and Camera Bartolotta in Washington. There are five Senate districts without an incumbent. Republican Sens. Tommy Tomlinson of Bucks, Bob Mensch of Montgomery, Jake Corman of Centre and Mario Scavello of Monroe all opted against running again, as did the chamber's lone independent, Sen. John Yudichak of Luzerne, who has caucused with Republicans. Corman, the Senate's highest-ranking leader and a candidate for governor, saw his district get moved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to the West Shore suburbs of Harrisburg, where population is growing. Yudichak opted not to run again after being drawn into a district with Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Luzerne, and his seat was moved to the Lehigh Valley. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) A federal lawsuit filed against a Tennessee school system and school officials alleging a student was repeatedly sexually assaulted has been dismissed. The dismissal came after the student's attorney missed deadlines and and didn't provide case information to school system lawyers, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported Wednesday. The $15 million lawsuit was filed against Cleveland schools and school officials in December 2020. It was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs can file the suit again. The student's attorney, J. Taylor Thomas, argued against a default judgment, saying the problems were his fault. He did not respond to the paper's request for comment but said in court filings he had been unable to gather the requested information in time. School system attorney Jonathan Taylor acknowledged the dismissal but did not comment on the case or details of the dismissal. The district has generally denied the allegations in court papers. NEW YORK (AP) A leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would abolish a nationwide right to abortion has thrust major companies into whats arguably the most divisive issue in American politics. But while some are signaling support for abortion rights, many want to stay out of it at least for now. Experts say its tough to navigate these waters. Companies are facing increasing pressure from social media and their own employees to speak out. And while some of them have weighed in on issues like LGBTQ rights, voting rights and gun control, the thorny issue of abortion could prove to be more challenging. This is the hottest of the hot potatoes, said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce. While lots of issues are polarizing, this is ground zero for polarization. People are fanatically passionate one way or another. Despite the risks, major companies have waded into the abortion issue in the past. In 2019, more than 180 of them including H&M, Slack and Glossier signed an open letter that said restrictive abortion laws were against their values and bad for business. A similar letter was signed by more than 60 companies last year in response to a Texas law banning abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, forcing some women to travel out-of-state to access the procedure. Among others, jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co., the online reviews site Yelp, banking giant Citigroup and ride-hailing company Lyft pledged to cover travel costs for employees who have to travel long distances to access an abortion. When the report of the draft court opinion set off a political firestorm this week, a few companies issued statements supporting abortion rights but stopped short of taking further action themselves. Overturning Roe v. Wade will jeopardize the human rights of millions of women who stand to lose the liberty to make decisions over their own bodies," Yelp said in a statement. Turning back the clock on the progress women have made over the past 50 years will have a seismic impact on our society and economy. Many others have remained quiet. They include Netflix, PayPal, Microsoft, Patagonia, Target, Walmart and Apple, which is reportedly covering travel costs for its Texas workers through its medical insurance. Microsoft and the Chamber of Commerce, the worlds largest business federation, said it had no comment; the rest did not respond to requests for comment. The Business Roundtable, which represents some of the country's most powerful companies, said it does not have a position on this issue. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, also did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment, though its chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, posted on her personal social media accounts on Tuesday that the document represents a scary day for women all across the country. Adamson believes that many companies have held off weighing in on the Supreme Courts draft because they want to wait to see the court's final ruling. This gives companies a chance to think this through, he said, noting that companies need to make a decision based on what the majority of their employees want. Over the past few years, companies have added their voices to the Black Lives Matter movement and issues like same-sex marriage. After the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, dozens pledged to halt donations to lawmakers who objected to Congress certification of President Joe Bidens victory, promises that turned out to be largely empty. But taking a stance on controversial issues is seemingly becoming more challenging, oftentimes pitting companies against Republican lawmakers who seem increasingly eager to push back. Delta, which declined to comment on the abortion issue, was the subject of attacks by the Georgia GOP last year for its opposition to the states restrictive voting rights bill. In response, Georgias Republican-controlled House voted to revoke a jet fuel tax break that benefits the Atlanta-based company, an effort that ultimately fizzled. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last month to dissolve the private government Walt Disney World controls on its property in the state as retribution for the companys opposition to a new law critics have dubbed Dont Say Gay. On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill that would prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for their employees' abortion travel costs or gender transition expenses for employees children. State lawmakers are similarly taking aim at companies that offer help to women seeking abortions in states with less restrictive laws around abortions. Should Roe v. Wade get overturned, roughly half of states are likely to quickly ban abortion. In March, Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Citigroup, saying he would propose legislation barring local governments in the state from doing business with any company that provides travel benefits for employees seeking abortions. If enacted, Cain said the bill would prevent the New York-based bank from underwriting municipal bonds in Texas unless the bank rescinds its policy. In South Dakota, GOP Rep. Scott Odenbach suggested lawmakers might look at legislation to discourage companies from covering the costs of employees who travel to another state for an abortion, noting that the states proximity to Minnesota, where abortion will remain legal even if Roe is undone, raises cross-border issues. David Levine, a professor at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, said the legality of what states can or cant do to regulate companies who cover such costs can get murky. He said the easiest thing lawmakers can do is to remove tax breaks offered to companies who cover them. Businesses face tough choices if they continue to operate in states that legislatively ban abortion, agreed John E. Katsos, a research affiliate at Queens University Belfast in Northern Ireland, who consults with multinational companies. Katsos predicted insurance companies would raise the premium rates of companies that operate in such states, because it costs more to insure a pregnant woman and children than to cover an abortion procedure. Some corporations have long paid for their employees travel-related expenses for surgeries out of state under their medical benefits, noted Katy Johnson, senior counsel of health policy at The American Benefits Council, a lobbying group in Washington, D.C. She said she has fielded more interest from companies since the abortion ban in Texas to cover travel expenses for abortion procedures. State abortion bans might make it harder for companies located in such states to recruit college-educated workers at a time of severe labor shortages, some experts said. That might outweigh any special tax privileges that helped to entice companies to locate there. You would rather pay higher tax and have great people than struggle to recruit people to your headquarters in Texas, said Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. College graduates will have a lot of choices. And I think theres going to be a stigma and an aversion to moving to states that have these draconian laws." ____ Associated Press writers Doug Glass in Minneapolis and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report. CHICAGO (AP) A man opened an emergency exit of a United Airlines jet, walked onto a wing as the plane taxied at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and jumped onto the tarmac early Thursday, police said. Chicago Police said the passenger on Flight 2478 was arrested and taken into custody. The 57-year-old Escondido, California, man was charged with reckless conduct. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HOUSTON (AP) A man was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for fatally stabbing an 11-year-old Houston boy as the child walked home from school in 2016. Andre Timothy Jackson had chosen state District Judge Denise Collins to sentence him instead of the jury that had found him guilty of murder on Tuesday in the death of Josue Flores. Before being sentenced, the 33-year-old Jackson read a lengthy statement to Collins in which he offered his condolences to Josue's family but continued to maintain his innocence and question the validity of the DNA evidence that helped convict him. I can assure you that I'm a man with a beautiful personality... I have traditional Christian Baptist values. I have ethics and morals that I've picked up from the Marine Corps and my own experience in life," Jackson said. Authorities say the sixth grader was killed as he walked home from a science club meeting at a school just north of downtown Houston on May 17, 2016. He was only two blocks from home when he was stabbed more than 20 times. Witnesses told officers they heard loud screams and saw the boy struggling with a man. Prosecutors say they have not been able to determine a motive for the attack. Josue Flores is somebody that will always remain with us in our community because of the future that was lost. I think every parent, its their worst nightmare and we cant imagine going through this," Harris County Assistant District Attorney John Jordan, one of the prosecutors in the case, said after the sentence was handed down by the judge. Prosecutors had told jurors the boy's DNA was found on Jacksons jacket, directly tying him to Josue's death. Police say the jacket was found in the room at the Salvation Army shelter where Jackson had been living in at the time of the killing. Surveillance video from the day of Josues death showed Jackson wearing the jacket. Jackson's attorneys had suggested to jurors the small amount of DNA found on the jacket was so small that it could have been transferred onto it by someone else at the shelter. Jacksons attorneys said he didnt match the physical description of the suspect seen by people who witnessed the killing and Jackson had no history of violence. The Marine Corps veteran was first arrested weeks after Josues killing. But prosecutors dropped the charge in 2017, saying there wasnt enough evidence to try Jackson or uphold a conviction. He was rearrested in 2019 after prosecutors said newly tested DNA evidence connected him to the killing. Jackson wasnt the first person charged in the case. A 31-year-old man with a long criminal history was charged days after the killing, but that charge was dropped when detectives found evidence to support his alibi. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter at www.twitter.com/juanlozano70 DOVER, Del. (AP) The Delaware House voted Thursday to approve a bill legalizing possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults for recreational use. The legislation cleared the Democrat-led House on 26-14 vote and now goes to the Senate, which is also controlled by Democrats. Even if it were to pass both chambers, it faces a potential veto from Democratic Gov. John Carney, who has previously expressed doubts about legalizing recreational marijuana. Under current law, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by anyone 21 years of age or older carries a civil penalty of $100. That provision would be eliminated under the bill approved Thursday. Possession of recreational marijuana by anyone under 21 would still result in a civil penalty, while possession of more than one ounce of marijuana and public consumption would remain misdemeanors. The bill approved Thursday was introduced in late March as stand-alone legislation after a failed effort to pass broader legislation creating a state-regulated and taxed marijuana industry. Delaware is more than capable of successfully enacting policies for safe and legal cannabis, chief bill sponsor Rep. Ed Osienski, a Newark Democrat, said in a statement after Thursdays vote. Im grateful to the House for passing this bill and look forward to continuing this effort until Delaware is poised to establish a new, legal industry in our state. Passage of the legalization bill required only a simple majority, but legislation creating a state-licensed marijuana industry would require a three-fifths majority vote in each chamber because it would establish a new tax. Legislation that would have both legalized recreational marijuana use by adults and establish a state-run pot industry was defeated in the House in March. Members voted 23-14 in favor the legislation, but it fell two votes short of a three-fifths majority. No Republicans voted in favor of that bill, and four lawmakers, including two Democrats, chose not to vote. House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf of Rehoboth, a retired state trooper, was the only Democrat to vote against that bill. He also voted against the legalization bill on Thursday, along with fellow Democrat Bill Bush of Dover and 12 of the 15 GOP representatives. Meanwhile, a separate bill sponsored by Osienski to create a state-run marijuana industry cleared the House Revenue and Finance Committee last month and is awaiting consideration by the Appropriations Committee. Supporters of that legislation have argued that a state-controlled and licensed pot industry would curtail the black market while creating jobs and boosting Delawares tax coffers. The bill calls for the state to license and oversee a manufacturing and distribution industry and levy a 15% tax on retail sales. It would prohibit people from growing their own plants for personal consumption. Opponents have argued that legalization would lead to increased marijuana use among teens and young adults, expose business owners to liability, and result in more traffic deaths and injuries. They also say it would do little to eliminate illegal sales. The Associated Press reported in January that the legalization of marijuana in California had done little to discourage black market sales in that state, and that some California licensees are simultaneously participating in the black market whose estimated value of $8 billion is roughly double the amount of legal sales in order to make a profit. Currently, recreational marijuana use is permitted in 18 states and the District of Columbia. BOSTON (AP) The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill Thursday that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain state drivers licenses, moving the proposed change one step closer to becoming law. If passed into law, Massachusetts would join 16 other states, and the District of Columbia, that already have similar laws. MEXICO CITY (AP) Residents in Mexico City marched, danced and fired blanks from muskets Thursday to mark the 160th anniversary of the 1862 victory over French troops in the nearby city of Puebla. Known as the Battle of Puebla, the victory gave rise to the Cinco de Mayo, a holiday more celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday he is following security officials advice in managing relations with the Solomon Islands after its leader alleged he had been threatened with invasion. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament on Wednesday that opponents of his new security pact with China have threatened his country and insulted it. Sogavare did not name the opponents. Both the United States and Australia have told the Solomon Islands that a Chinese military presence in the Pacific island nation less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from northeastern Australia would not be tolerated. We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in Solomon Islands if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands, Sogavare said. In other words, we are threatened with invasion, Sogavare said. On the threat of invasion, Morrison said, Of course, none of thats true. Morrison rejected the center-left opposition Labor Partys advice to telephone Sogavare. I can tell you very clearly that I am following very carefully the advice that I get from our security intelligence agencies in how we are responsibly managing the issues in relation to this matter, Morrison told reporters. That is exactly what Im doing. Morrison said he had had contact with Sogavare "in the last few months, but did not specify when. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has promised closer engagement between Australia and its South Pacific neighbors if Labor wins elections on May 21. The fact that the prime minister hasnt picked up the phone to Prime Minister Sogavare says an enormous amount ... about what is needed in terms of that relationship, Albanese said. The government has dropped the ball on the Pacific right now, Albanese added. Morrison said last month that Australia and the United States shared the same red line when it came to opposing a Chinese military base on the Solomon Islands. Neither Australia nor the United States has said how they might respond to such a Chinese presence. Sogavare has maintained that there will be no Chinese base in his country. We are being treated as kindergarten students walking around with Colt .45s in our hands, and therefore we need to be supervised. We are insulted, Sogavare said on Wednesday. Sogavare condemned the "glaring hypocrisy of critics of his deal with China. The United States, Australia and Britain secretly negotiated a trilateral partnership announced in September that will allow Australia to obtain nuclear-powered submarines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Sogavare's criticisms "reflected the shared voice of the Pacific island countries. It also proves that the accusations made by the U.S. and Australia against China are purely double standards," Zhao said. Morrison said Australia needed to be calm and composed in dealing with the Solomon Islands. Mr. Sogavare has entered into a secret arrangement with the Chinese government, he has done that with a number of his Cabinet ministers, Morrison said. That did not come as a surprise to our government and so now we just work responsibly with our partners to manage that situation to first protect the security interests of Australia but also of the Solomon Islands, Morrison said. We are very concerned for the Solomon Islands. Were very concerned for the broader security in the Southwest Pacific. Other leaders that Ive been in regular contact (with) are equally concerned, Morrison said. Labor has condemned the China-Solomon Islands pact as Australias biggest foreign policy failure in the Pacific since World War II. Morrison said Australia remained the Solomon Islands preferred security partner despite the new pact. Australia already has a security pact with the Solomon Islands and Australian police peacekeepers have been in the capital, Honiara, since riots in November. NEW YORK (AP) New York City will pay $10.5 million dollars to settle a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by a man who spent 24 years in prison on a murder conviction that was overturned after a witness who had placed him at the crime scene recanted, city officials said Thursday. The conviction of Shawn Williams, who was freed in 2018, was the 14th overturned conviction linked to retired Detective Louis Scarcella, a former Brooklyn homicide detective who has been accused of coercing witnesses and framing suspects during the high-crime era of the late 1980s and 1990s. Williams, who is now 47, was convicted in 1994 in the fatal shooting of his neighbor Marvin Mason the year before. Absent any forensic evidence tying Williams to the crime, prosecutors relied on the testimony of a woman who said she had seen him at the scene with a gun. The woman recanted her testimony in 2013, saying she had been coerced into naming Williams as the gunman by Scarcella. The $10.5 million settlement with Williams to settle his lawsuit against Scarcella and two other officers was first reported in The New York Times. No amount of money can give me back the years they took from me, Williams said in a statement to the Times. But I am going to keep rebuilding my life and looking ahead to a brighter future. A spokesperson for New York City's law department said the settlement was in the best interest of all parties. The city has paid millions of dollars in settlements over other cases linked to Scarcella, who has denied any wrongdoing. Richard Signorelli, an attorney for Scarcella, said the retired detective categorically denies all the allegations of misconduct in Williams' case. Signorelli said the settlement agreement does not constitute any admission of liability or wrongdoing on Det. Scarcellas part. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LOS ANGELES (AP) Three men were found dead of suspected drug overdoses involving fentanyl in downtown Los Angeles, police said Thursday. Officers discovered the dead men inside an apartment after police received a call about three unresponsive men late Wednesday, Los Angeles police said in a statement. CBSLA-TV reported that a powdery drug believed to be fentanyl was found in the apartment, along with drug paraphernalia. Fentanyl is a highly lethal drug that has been cut into heroin for several years, and more recently has been pressed into counterfeit pills resembling prescription drugs. Experts link the drug to the rise in U.S. overdose deaths. A responding officer who felt ill after arriving at the overdose scene is "in stable condition, theyre running some tests, but hes expected to be released, police Capt. Steven Ruiz told CBSLA. Last month, President Joe Biden's administration released its first national drug control strategy. Provisionally, in the 12-months ending October 2021, an historic 105,752 persons are predicted to have died from a drug overdose, the document said. Synthetic opioids, including illicit fentanyl, were involved in 66% percent of these overdose deaths, it said. ATLANTA (AP) A police officer investigating a burglary call at a shoe store in Atlanta was shot and wounded Thursday by a security guard, authorities said. The security guard faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct, news outlets reported. He's being held at the Fulton County Jail. BANGOR, Maine (AP) Investigators located the remains of a Maine woman reported missing by her family almost three years ago. Police said Wednesday the remains of Cathy Pride were recovered on April 5 in a wooded, industrial area in Bangor. Pride's family reported her missing on May 8, 2019. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) Five human rights groups reported Wednesday there have been complaints of at least 338 violations of human rights during El Salvador's massive arrests of suspected gang members. The five non-governmental organizations said the most frequently cited abuse was arbitrary arrest, as well as illegal searches of homes, injuries, robbery and the death of a detainee. The majority of the cases involved young men between the ages of 18 and 30, according to the Cristosal Foundation. The roundups, begun in late March after a spike in homicides, have resulted in the arrest of over 24,000 presumed gang members. But as of May 1, only 10,885 of them have been ordered held pending trial. The government has decreed a state of emergency that extends to 15 days the time that someone can be held without charges. Rights groups have criticized the measures, saying arrests are often arbitrary, based on a persons appearance or where they live. Police have also reported being forced to meet arrest quotas. In late April, El Salvadors congress voted to grant a request by President Nayib Bukele to extend the anti-gang emergency decree for another 30 days. The original 30-day state of emergency restricts the right to gather, to be informed of rights and have access to a lawyer. An earlier report by Human Rights Watch and the Cristosal Foundation documented two cases where people died in policy custody, and found press reports of three other cases. The decree has almost certainly added to dangerous overcrowding in Salvadoran prisons, which were already at 136% of capacity in December. The government has pledged to build more prisons, but that will take time. The emergency decree came after a spate of homicides in late March, when gangs were blamed for 62 killings in a single weekend, a level of violence the country of 6.5 million people has not seen in years. Bukele has also established a raft of other measures. Among other things, they lengthened sentences, reduced the age of criminal responsibility to 12. El Salvadors congress has authorized prison sentences of 10 to 15 years for news media that reproduce or disseminate messages from the gangs, alarming press freedom groups. Gang members held at Salvadoran prisons have been put on reduced food rations, denied mattresses and frog-marched around. Bukele has unashamedly filled his social media platforms with photos of handcuffed and bloodied gang members. At the same time, he has lashed out at human rights organizations and international agencies critical of some measures. Gangs control swaths of territory through brutality and fear. They have driven thousands to emigrate to save their own lives or the lives of their children who are forcibly recruited. WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate has voted to confirm Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy, to serve as U.S. ambassador to Australia, and Philip Goldberg to serve as ambassador to South Korea. Kennedy served as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2013-17 during Barack Obama's presidency. Goldberg is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and has been serving as U.S. ambassador to Colombia. ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged international donors to sustain funding for humanitarian operations in Africa and across the world even as they respond to the Ukraine crisis. Addressing reporters in Nigeria as he wrapped up his three-nation tour of West Africa, the U.N. chief said donors should actually increase funding for global aid so as not to undermine development activities in Africa and other parts of the world. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine now a full-scale war, many countries have sent relief aid to Ukraine, which its leader President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said needs $7 billion in relief funding per month. My appeal is for those that support financially the United Nations not to divert funds from other humanitarian and development forms of cooperation to the Ukraine crisis," Guterres said. He urged donor nations to "put additional contributions for that (Ukraine) crisis and not undermine the efforts in humanitarian and development cooperations that are taking place all around the world. Earlier this week Guterres visited the West African countries of Senegal and Niger. In northeastern Nigeria where the impact of the 12-year Islamic extremist insurgency in the countrys northeast has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, 8.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, U.N. data shows. However, there are already signs that the war in Ukraine has caused a decline in donations for relief operations in Nigeria, according to Priscilla Bayo Nicholas, a nutrition specialist with the U.N. childrens agency. The situation in Ukraine is affecting us here. (It is) affecting the program in Nigeria because now most of the funding is diverted to respond to Ukraine's crisis meanwhile, we also have a nutrition crisis here, said Nicholas in Borno state, the center of Nigerias humanitarian crisis. A key step in responding to humanitarian crises globally would be to reform the global financial system designed by the rich, for the rich, said Guterres in Abuja. As we face a situation that requires urgent action, we must make greater use of all available mechanisms for the benefit of developing countries, including middle-income countries, especially in Africa, he said. While in Nigeria, Guterres visited the northeast region where he met with former extremists who have defected from the camps of the Boko Haram jihadi group and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. The jihadi insurgency in northeast Nigeria is blamed for the deaths of 35,000 people and displacing 2.1 million, according to U.N. In Abuja, Nigerias capital, Guterres laid a wreath Wednesday in honor of the 23 people who died in 2011 when Boko Haram bombed the United Nations office building in the West African country. Many of those killed were U.N. staffers. Today, the U.N. family stands in solidarity with the victims families, as well as the women and men who work at U.N. House every day, to serve and support the people of Nigeria, Guterres said. And we stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who have endured similar violence in their own communities. LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) The University of Louisville is holding public forums this month as part of its search process for a new president. Alumni are invited to a forum on Tuesday evening in the Swain Student Activities Center, the school said in a statement. A similar session on Wednesday in the Chao Auditorium at the Ekstrom Library is open to the public, officials said. Both sessions will start at 5:30 p.m. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) A superyacht that American authorities say is owned by a Russian oligarch previously sanctioned for alleged money laundering has been seized by law enforcement in Fiji, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday. A judge in Fiji earlier in the week permitted U.S. authorities to seize the yacht Amadea worth $325 million but also put his order temporarily on hold while defense lawyers mounted a challenge. The Justice Department said authorities in Fiji, acting at the request of the United States, have now served a search warrant freezing the yacht, which had earlier been prevented from leaving the South Pacific nation. American officials say the 348-foot vessel belongs to Suleiman Kerimov, an economist and former Russian politician who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2018 and has faced further censure from Canada, Europe, Britain and other nations after Russia invaded Ukraine. Kerimov made a fortune investing in Russian gold producer Polyus, with Forbes magazine putting his net worth at $14.5 billion. Defense lawyers had claimed the yacht actually belonged to another Russian oligarch. In an application in support of the search warrant, an FBI agent wrote that there was probable cause to believe that Kerimov had owned the Amadea since 2021. The vessel, which is flagged in the Cayman Islands, had turned off its automated information system on Feb. 24, the day Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The Justice Department said the seizure was coordinated by its KleptoCapture task force, which was created in March to seize assets belonging to sanctioned Russian oligarchs. In April, the Justice Department seized a 254-foot yacht in Spain owned by an oligarch, Viktor Vekselberg, with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the latest seizure "should make clear that there is no hiding place for the assets of individuals who violate U.S. laws. And there is no hiding place for the assets of criminals who enable the Russian regime. The Justice Department said the yacht is now in Lautoka, Fiji. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Researchers trying to learn what killed the first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig have discovered the organ harbored an animal virus but cannot yet say if it played any role in the mans death. A Maryland man, 57-year-old David Bennett Sr., died in March, two months after the groundbreaking experimental transplant. University of Maryland doctors said Thursday they found an unwelcome surprise viral DNA inside the pig heart. They did not find signs that this bug, called porcine cytomegalovirus, was causing an active infection. But a major worry about animal-to-human transplants is the risk that it could introduce new kinds of infections to people. Because some viruses are latent, meaning they lurk without causing disease, it could be a hitchhiker, Dr. Bartley Griffith, the surgeon who performed Bennetts transplant, told The Associated Press. Still, development is under way of more sophisticated tests to make sure that we dont miss these kinds of viruses, added Dr. Muhammad Mohiuddin, scientific director of the universitys xenotransplant program. The animal virus was first reported by MIT Technology Review, citing a scientific presentation Griffith gave to the American Society of Transplantation last month. For decades, doctors have tried using animal organs to save human lives without success. Bennett, who was dying and ineligible for a human heart transplant, underwent the last-ditch operation using a heart from a pig genetically modified to lower the risk that his immune system would rapidly reject such a foreign organ. The Maryland team said the donor pig was healthy, had passed testing required by the Food and Drug Administration to check for infections, and was raised in a facility designed to prevent animals from spreading infections. Revivicor, the company that provided the animal, declined to comment. Griffith said his patient, while very ill, had been recovering fairly well from the transplant when one morning he woke up worse, with symptoms similar to an infection. Doctors ran numerous tests to try to understand the cause, and gave Bennett a variety of antibiotics, antiviral medication and an immune-boosting treatment. But the pig heart became swollen, filled with fluid and eventually quit functioning. What was the virus doing, if anything, that might have caused the swelling in his heart? Griffith asked. Honestly we dont know." The reaction also didn't appear to be a typical organ rejection, he said, noting the investigation still is underway. Meanwhile doctors at other medical centers around the country have been experimenting with animal organs in donated human bodies and are anxious to attempt formal studies in living patients soon. Its not clear how the pig virus will affect those plans. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Voters will get to decide later this year whether to elevate the status of the Missouri National Guard by making it a stand-alone department of state government. The National Guard currently is a division of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which also includes a variety of other agencies. SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) A woman who dropped her 7-month-old son to his death from a Southern California hospital parking structure was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years to life in prison. Sonia Hermosillo, 42, of La Habra, told a judge that she was sorry for killing Noe Medina Jr. in 2011 and wanted to be reunited with her family, the Orange County Register reported. Im asking for an opportunity to be with my daughters," she said through a Spanish interpreter. Please, your honor, I know that what I did was wrong, but I regret doing that from the bottom of my heart. On Aug. 22, 2011, Hermosillo drove the child to Childrens Hospital of Orange County, where he had been undergoing treatments for several medical problems, although he didnt have an appointment that day, prosecutors said. Hermosillo removed a helmet that the boy was wearing for one condition and dropped him from the fourth story of the hospital parking structure, prosecutors said. She then went into the hospital, validated her parking and drove away, authorities said. The boy died two days later. According to trial testimony, Hermosillo had struggled with mental health issues after the birth of the boy, who had various issues including flat-head syndrome and a congenitally twisted neck. In an interview with police, Hermosillo described having hate, resentment and anger toward the infant because hes sick, prosecutors said. Hermosillo was convicted of murder last year and found legally sane at the time of the killing. Hermosillo's husband and two daughters supported her during sentencing. One daughter said her mother was not an evil person" but needed help after the boy was born, the Register reported. There is no winner here, Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger told the family. This just became a tragedy and Im so sorry for what you went through. As nearly 200 people marched for abortion rights in downtown Houston on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston)who is part of the House Pro Choice Caucusurged senators to pass a bill codifying the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that secured abortion rights. "What the Senate needs to see is that they're representatives of the people, and the majority of people support abortion rights for people across this country," Fletcher said in an interview Tuesday as the crowd chanted in Tranquility Park. "I hope very much the Senate will take what we're seeing in response to this draft and understand the importance of passing [legislation]." The demonstrations and pleas for the Senate to act came fewer than 24 hours after Politico published a leaked draft decision, later confirmed as authentic by Chief Justice John Roberts, that indicated the high court plans to overturn the Roe decision. If the vote holds in the final opinion from the court, pregnant people in Texas and dozens of other states across the country will almost immediately have fewer options to access abortion care. Fletcher, who represents Texas' 7th Congressional District, co-sponsored the Women's Health Protection Act, which passed the Democrat-controlled U.S. House of Representatives in September. It is currently awaiting action in the Senate, which is also controlled by the Democrats. President Joe Biden has previously called for Congress to pass the legislation, signaling he'd sign it into law. Fletcher attended one of two planned demonstrations Tuesday evening downtown, the first from the Houston Women's March On group. Across the street at City Hall, the Houston chapter of Democratic Socialists of America and Houston's Socialist Alternative party held another rallythis one calling out both Republicans and Democrats alike for the lack of legislation protecting abortion rights at the federal level. Fletcher did not appear to attend the Socialist rally. "They're partially responsible for the situation we're in," said Brian Harrison of Socialist Alternative to a crowd of about 200 people, referring to Democrats. "We've been defensive. [It's] because we've been fighting in courtrooms and not in the streets and in our workplaces. Organizations like the Democratic Party, they're partially responsible for why we're here." Passing the bill in the Senate will be challenging in part because Democrats would have to change the body's filibuster rules, according to Christina Wilkie of CNBC. To do that, they'll need 50 senators to agree. The Senate currently has 48 Democrats and two independents, who routinely caucus with Democrats. The rest are Republicans. In the event of a tie, Vice President Kamala Harris would break the vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged to hold a vote on the bill. Two Democrats, Sens. Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema, have since said they wouldn't support a change in the filibuster rules. Manchin had also previously voted against codifying Roe. "What I'm proposing is a different approach, an approach that won the right to choose back in the '70s, a militant approach of the feminist movement," Harrison said outside City Hall. "We have to return to mass protest, like the Women's Strike for Equality in 1970." For Fletcher, the moment represents a longstanding burden placed on women that they continue to shoulder. "It was Texas women who challenged the unconstitutional law banning abortion in Texas back in the '60s and early '70s that led us to the decision in Roe v. Wade," she said. "Texas women have been standing up for our freedoms, for reproductive healthcare and reproductive justice for years and years." Democratic governor hopeful Beto O'Rourke will hold another rally supporting abortion rights Saturday at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. Safer SF Without Boudin, the campaign behind the June 7 recall election of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, has released a new 30-second ad blasting Boudin's handling of drug-related cases. "I had to close my business after 20 years because of constant drug dealers in front of my shop," says Max Young, the former owner of Mid-Market nightclub and cocktail lounge Mr. Smith's. "Even when they were arrested, they'd be right back here." Right after Young speaks, recall organizer Tom Wolf says, "Chesa Boudin has allowed it to become a free-for-all, and at some point, you have to draw the line and say, 'Enough, you will be held accountable.'" One piece of information that's not in the ad: Young closed Mr. Smith's in September 2019, which is well before Boudin was elected in November 2019 and assumed office in January 2020. "The ad is clearly a lie," Julie Edwards, a spokesperson for the committee supporting Boudin, said in a statement. "First it falsely implies DA Boudin is responsible for the closure of a business that happened before he was even elected. That's obviously intentionally misleading which the recall knows and is refusing to correct. Second, it's irresponsible to blame a DA for a public health crisis when prosecutors do not have any control over citywide public health responses." The recall campaign told SFGATE it stands by the ad. Neither Safer SF nor Young disputed the fact that Mr. Smith's closed before Boudin took office, nor did they directly respond to characterizations that the ad is misleading. Rather, both argued that Boudin's handling of drug cases has made an existing problem worse. "The DA has openly said that prosecuting drug dealers is not a priority for him," Young said in a statement. "As a result, hes hurting small businesses and putting San Franciscos residents and visitors at a consistent, higher risk of crime and violence, especially those who live in the TL, which is filled with families, the elderly, people on government assistance, immigrants and people in recovery." "Boudin refuses to take meaningful action to address the drug crisis in San Francisco, or hold serious and violent offenders accountable," said Safer SF chair Mary Jung. "His lack of action is hurting small businesses and putting residents and visitors at risk." It is true that under Boudin, conviction rates for drug-related cases have decreased while rates of diversion to substance and mental health programs have increased. In 2019, the final year of George Gascon's tenure, the conviction rate for narcotics cases was 52.2%, and the diversion rate was 23.9%. For the two full years Boudin has been in office (2020 and 2021), the conviction rates in those cases have been 35.5% and 30.5% respectively, while the diversion rates have been 27.5% and 33.7%, respectively. Boudin's office argues that diversion leads to lower rates of recidivism than conviction and incarceration. A California Policy Lab report from 2021 found that individuals going through diversion were 10% less likely to be arrested for drug possession and 28% less likely to be arrested for drug sales after one year than were individuals convicted and incarcerated. "Finally, the ad completely ignores the work DA Boudin has done to hold drug dealers accountable and to stop overdose deaths," Edwards said. "It ignores his push for the creation of a fentanyl task force to fund new prosecutors and investigators focusing solely on narcotics cases (this funding was denied by the city). It ignores his advocacy for treatment beds and safe consumption sites. It ignores his offices prosecution of over 1,000 cases for drug sales or intent to sell (a filling rate of well over 80%, which is higher than his predecessor). "Sadly, this is not the first recall ad to mislead the public about DA Boudin. The recall is attempting to sell the voters on a Big Lie: just recall Boudin and all problems disappear. It's not just wrong, it's dangerous and takes the focus off of what San Francisco actually needs to do to make the city safer." The Boudin recall election will appear on the June 7 ballot for San Francisco voters under Proposition H. WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 757 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN KINNEY AND SOUTHEASTERN VAL VERDE COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 800 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However small hail and gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for south central Texas. The National Weather Service in Austin San Antonio has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Central Kinney County in south central Texas... Southeastern Val Verde County in south central Texas... * Until 900 PM CDT. * At 759 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles south of Laughlin AFB, or 9 miles southeast of Del Rio, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. * Locations impacted include... Del Rio, Brackettville, Spofford, Anacacho, Standart, Alamo Village, Amanda, Laughlin AFB, Turkey Mountain, Escondido Estates, and Fort Clark Springs. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging winds, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 PM CDT FOR EAST CENTRAL FOARD COUNTY... At 800 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located 5 miles south of Crowell, moving northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and two inch hail. SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of east central Foard County. To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a storm shelter, safe room, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. The National Weather Service in Midland has issued a Southeastern Pecos County in southwestern Texas... Northeastern Terrell County in southwestern Texas... * Until 845 PM CDT. * At 800 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 23 miles northwest of Terrell County Gas Plant, or 25 miles southwest of Sheffield, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Pecos and northeastern Terrell Counties. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southwestern _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX 955 AM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1030 AM CDT FOR NORTHEASTERN BURNET COUNTY... At 955 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Kempner, or near Copperas Cove, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Sunnylane and Watson. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern McLennan County in central Texas... Coryell County in central Texas... Southeastern Lampasas County in central Texas... Northwestern Bell County in central Texas... * Until 1100 AM CDT. * At 955 AM CDT, two severe thunderstorm were located over Kempner and south of Gatesville respectively, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Killeen, Waco, Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Hewitt, McGregor, Fort Hood, Kempner, Crawford, Mother Neff State Park, Fort Gates, Oglesby and South Mountain. For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Austin San Antonio has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Blanco County in south central Texas... Southeastern Gillespie County in south central Texas... * Until 600 PM CDT. * At 456 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Willow City, or 13 miles northeast of Fredericksburg, moving southeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Fredericksburg, Round Mountain, Johnson City, Stonewall, Blowout, Luckenbach, Cain City, Sandy, Willow City, Rocky Hill, LBJ State Park, Rocky Creek, Hye, Cypress Mill, Blumenthal, Eckert, Pedernales Falls State Park, Albert and LBJ National Historical Park. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for south central Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...FLOOD ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 5 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... The Flood Advisory will expire at 5 PM CDT this afternoon for a portion of central Texas, including the following county, Bell. Urban and small stream flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. However, earlier rainfall may continue to run off and cause flooding of streams and creeks as well as other low lying and poor drainage areas. Please continue to heed remaining road closures. ...A line of thunderstorms will produce strong wind gusts and small hail across portions of eastern Trinity, east central Montgomery, southern San Jacinto, northwestern Liberty and Polk Counties through 545 PM CDT... At 458 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Huntington to West Livingston to Conroe. Movement was east at 50 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Cleveland, Livingston, Apple Springs, Shepherd, Onalaska, Corrigan, Cut And Shoot, Coldspring, Goodrich, North Cleveland, Seven Oaks, Lake Livingston State Park, Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, West Livingston, Leggett, Moscow, Tarkington Prairie, Segno, Moss Hill and Romayor. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern LAT...LON 3049 9473 3019 9463 3030 9535 3072 9513 3134 9496 3133 9490 3130 9489 3128 9488 3126 9490 3123 9486 3116 9485 3115 9486 3111 9475 3111 9472 3109 9466 3110 9465 3109 9464 3106 9456 3101 9466 3049 9454 TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 265DEG 42KT 3126 9466 3071 9500 3029 9547 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Austin San Antonio has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Hays County in south central Texas... South central Blanco County in south central Texas... Northeastern Comal County in south central Texas... * Until 700 PM CDT. * At 615 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Payton, or near Blanco, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Blanco, Canyon Lake, Woodcreek, Bear Creek, Fischer, Twin Sisters, Payton, Driftwood, Mountain City, Hays, Mount Gainor, and Hays City. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail, damaging winds, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Tyler and east central Jasper Counties through 645 PM CDT... At 617 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Warren, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Woodville, Kirbyville, Warren, Fred, Spurger, Magnolia Springs, Mt. Union, Ivanhoe and Hillister. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 3087 9449 3089 9428 3078 9421 3076 9388 3048 9395 3050 9408 3052 9407 3053 9408 3053 9427 3057 9456 3069 9457 TIME...MOT...LOC 2317Z 270DEG 40KT 3066 9431 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Kaufman County in north central Texas... * Until 300 PM CDT. * At 1200 PM CDT, emergency management reported flooding in Kaufman with several roads closed. Flash flooding is already occurring. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Emergency management reported. IMPACT...Flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Ennis, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall, Combine, Talty, Kemp, Grays Prairie, Cottonwood, Oak Grove, Post Oak Bend City, Rosser, Oak Ridge and Lawrence. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Southeastern Bosque County in central Texas... Central Hill County in central Texas... Northwestern McLennan County in central Texas... Southwestern Ellis County in north central Texas... West Central Navarro County in north central Texas... * Until 315 PM CDT. * At 1214 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flooding of highways, streets, underpasses, creeks and streams as well as other poor drainage and low lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Waco, Hillsboro, McGregor, West, Italy, Valley Mills, Crawford, Bynum, Carl's Corner, Gholson, Milford, Frost, Abbott, Leroy, Ross, Malone, Penelope, Mertens and Aquilla. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northern Hopkins County in north central Texas... Southern Lamar County in north central Texas... Delta County in north central Texas... * Until 115 PM CDT. * At 1221 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cooper, or 13 miles northeast of Commerce, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Paris, Cooper, Blossom, Deport, Cooper Lake Park South Sulphur, Cooper Lake Park Doctors Creek, Roxton, Tira, Pecan Gap and Sun Valley. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for north central Texas. For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Delta, Hopkins, Hunt and Rains Counties. * WHEN...Until 330 PM CDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas including water flows over low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Commerce, Royse City, Farmersville, Cooper, West Tawakoni, Wolfe City, Quinlan, Caddo Mills, Emory, East Tawakoni, Celeste, Cumby, Como, Campbell, Hawk Cove, Cooper Lake Park South Sulphur, Cooper Lake Park Doctors Creek and Point. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. ...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO LATE SUNDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Sulphur River Near Talco, Texas. * WHEN...From Friday afternoon to late Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Minor lowland flooding. - At 11:45 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 8.0 feet. - Forecast...The Sulphur River is expected to rise above flood stage Friday afternoon to a crest of 22.0 feet during early Saturday morning. It will then fall below flood stage Saturday afternoon. - Flood stage is 20 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a West central Marion County in northeastern Texas... Northwestern Harrison County in northeastern Texas... East central Upshur County in northeastern Texas... * Until 100 PM CDT. * At 1225 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Gilmer, moving east at 30 mph. Gilmer, Ore City and Diana. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or small interior room. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Bell County in central Texas... * Until 200 PM CDT. * At 1258 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southwest of Harker Heights, moving east at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Killeen, Temple, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, Nolanville, Bartlett, Salado, Little River-Academy, Rogers and Holland. This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 278 and 297. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas. For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY Flood Advisory National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 141 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Portions of Falls, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. * WHEN...Until 445 PM CDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as well as flooded low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, Bellmead, Woodway, Mexia, Lacy- Lakeview, Marlin, McGregor, Groesbeck, Mart, Beverly Hills, Lorena, Bruceville-Eddy, Hubbard, Moody, Riesel, Coolidge, Golinda and Hallsburg. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN FANNIN COUNTY IS CANCELLED... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore the warning has been cancelled. However small hail and gusty winds are still possible across northern Fannin County. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Tornado Warning for... Central Rusk County in northeastern Texas... * Until 215 PM CDT. * At 142 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Henderson, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. * This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of central Rusk County, including the following locations... Church Hill. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Freestone County in central Texas... Northeastern Limestone County in central Texas... Southeastern Navarro County in north central Texas... * Until 230 PM CDT. * At 142 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wortham, or near Mexia, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Mexia, Groesbeck, Teague, Fairfield, Wortham, Coolidge, Trinidad, Angus, Navarro, Fort Parker State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park, Mildred, Eureka, Tehuacana, Richland, Streetman, Goodlow and Kirvin. This includes Interstate 45 between mile markers 197 and 221. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and north central Texas. For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from windows. ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN LIMESTONE COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 145 PM CDT... The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ FLASH FLOOD WARNING Flash Flood Statement National Weather Service Fort Worth TX 302 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR KAUFMAN COUNTY... New flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. However, earlier rainfall may continue to run off and cause flooding of streams and creeks as well as other low lying and poor drainage areas. Please continue to heed remaining road closures. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... Northeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas... Southern Gregg County in northeastern Texas... Western Panola County in northeastern Texas... Central Rusk County in northeastern Texas... Southeastern Smith County in northeastern Texas... * Until 615 PM CDT. * At 302 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Henderson, Tatum, New London, Joinerville, Turnertown, New Summerfield, Easton, Gallatin, Brachfield, Church Hill, Oak Hill, Concord, Monroe, Chapman, Stewart and Chalk Hill. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Eastern Panola County in northeastern Texas... * Until 345 PM CDT. * At 304 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Carthage, moving northeast at 30 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Carthage, Deberry, Gary City, Midyett, Deadwood and Front. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas. Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...FLOOD ADVISORY IS CANCELLED... The heavy rain has ended and new flooding is no longer expected. Nuisance flooding of low lying and/or poor drainage areas may continue for a few hours until the water has had a chance to recede. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures. ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL FREESTONE... SOUTHEASTERN HENDERSON AND ANDERSON COUNTIES HAS EXPIRED... The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area. Therefore the warning has been allowed to expire. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ TORNADO WATCH WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 181 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FORT WORTH TX 546 PM CDT THU MAY 5 2022 THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WILL ALLOW TORNADO WATCH 181 TO EXPIRE AT 6 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN TEXAS THIS ALLOWS TO EXPIRE 5 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL TEXAS BELL FALLS LEON MILAM ROBERTSON THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BUFFALO, CALVERT, CAMERON, CENTERVILLE, FORT HOOD, FRANKLIN, HEARNE, JEWETT, KILLEEN, MARLIN, NORMANGEE, OAKWOOD, ROCKDALE, AND TEMPLE. The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Polk County in southeastern Texas... * Until 615 PM CDT. * At 546 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, or 14 miles east of Livingston, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Alabama-Coushatta Reservation and Segno. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in League City has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Grimes County in southeastern Texas... Northeastern Brazos County in southeastern Texas... Western Madison County in southeastern Texas... * Until 345 PM CDT. * At 316 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles west of Madisonville, moving east at 55 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Northwestern Bryan, Kurten, Wixon Valley, Normangee and North Zulch. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southeastern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Southwestern Houston County in southeastern Texas... Eastern Madison County in southeastern Texas... * At 319 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Madisonville, moving east at 45 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Madisonville and Austonio. Central Houston County in southeastern Texas... Northeastern Walker County in southeastern Texas... * At 320 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southwest of Morrill, or 17 miles south of Rusk, moving northeast at 35 mph. Crockett, Lovelady, Kennard, Latexo and Weches. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO LUBBOCK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Lubbock Texas has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northwestern Cottle County in northwestern Texas... Northeastern Motley County in northwestern Texas... * Until 900 PM CDT. * At 817 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Matador, moving northeast at 40 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Matador, Northfield, and Cee Vee. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Wheeler and northeastern Collingsworth Counties through 845 PM CDT... At 818 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Texola, or 13 miles east of Shamrock, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. This storm will remain over mainly rural areas of southeastern Wheeler and northeastern Collingsworth Counties. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 3517 10017 3533 10018 3551 10013 3558 10000 3510 10000 TIME...MOT...LOC 0118Z 206DEG 47KT 3520 10001 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH The National Weather Service in San Angelo has issued a Haskell County in west central Texas... * At 819 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Rule, moving northeast at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Haskell around 830 PM CDT. Weinert around 845 PM CDT. Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Us- 277 Near The Haskell-Knox County Line. Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 845 PM CDT FOR SOUTHEASTERN STONEWALL COUNTY... At 819 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles southwest of Sagerton, or 12 miles northeast of Hamlin, moving northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Old Glory and Us-380 Near The Haskell-Stonewall County Line. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX 636 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Scurry and northeastern Mitchell Counties through 715 PM CDT... At 635 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over Colorado City, moving northeast at 15 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Colorado City, Loraine, Colorado City Airport, Inadale, Lake Colorado City, Champion Creek Reservoir, Lake Colorado City State Park, Westbrook and Buford. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 207 and 228. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for western Texas. LAT...LON 3220 10101 3247 10102 3255 10092 3259 10066 3229 10066 TIME...MOT...LOC 2335Z 216DEG 15KT 3240 10088 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH The National Weather Service in San Angelo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Northeastern Fisher County in west central Texas... * Until 700 PM CDT. * At 636 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northwest of Hitson, or 10 miles northeast of Rotan, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern Fisher County. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central County through 730 PM CDT... At 637 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Snyder, moving northeast at 30 mph. Snyder, Dunn, Winston Field and Hermleigh. LAT...LON 3253 10091 3270 10098 3290 10066 3259 10066 TIME...MOT...LOC 2337Z 235DEG 26KT 3266 10082 ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM CDT FOR NORTHEASTERN KING AND SOUTHERN COTTLE COUNTIES... At 638 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Grow, or 12 miles south of Paducah, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Damaging tornado and tennis ball size hail. SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado. IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely. Finney, Grow, Delwin, Chalk and Hackberry. To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a West central Collingsworth County in the Panhandle of Texas... Donley County in the Panhandle of Texas... * Until 745 PM CDT. * At 639 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Brice, or 15 miles south of Clarendon, moving northeast at 35 mph. IMPACT...Minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees is possible. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. * Locations impacted include... Clarendon, Howardwick, Hedley, Lelia Lake, Quail and Greenbelt Lake. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for the Panhandle of Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Pecos and north central Terrell Counties through 730 PM CDT... At 640 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 29 miles southeast of Fort Stockton, moving northeast at 10 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail. Sheffield, Iraan, Iraan Municipal Airport and Bakersfield. This includes Interstate 10 between mile markers 292 and 327. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southwestern LAT...LON 3043 10257 3058 10276 3092 10234 3097 10196 3091 10188 3089 10189 3086 10185 3080 10183 3076 10184 3075 10182 3070 10181 3068 10178 3066 10177 TIME...MOT...LOC 2340Z 225DEG 10KT 3055 10259 MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Southwestern Foard County in northern Texas... Northwestern Knox County in northern Texas... * Until 815 PM CDT. * At 640 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Grow, moving east at 20 mph. HAZARD...Tennis ball size hail and 70 mph wind gusts. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Truscott. Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The National Weather Service in Midland has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Scurry County in western Texas... * Until 730 PM CDT. * At 646 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Snyder, moving northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Snyder and Hermleigh. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for western Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR WEST CENTRAL COLLINGSWORTH AND DONLEY COUNTIES... At 647 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles northeast of Brice, or 10 miles south of Clarendon, moving northeast at 40 mph. HAZARD...Two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Minor damage to roofs, siding, and trees is possible. People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Locations impacted include... Clarendon, Howardwick, Hedley, Lelia Lake, Quail and Greenbelt Lake. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for the Panhandle of Texas. To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in Amarillo. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM CDT FOR NORTH CENTRAL FISHER COUNTY... At 649 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles north of Hitson, or 9 miles south of Aspermont, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Fisher County. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NORMAN Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Norman OK 731 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 815 PM CDT FOR SOUTHWESTERN FOARD AND NORTHWESTERN KNOX COUNTIES... At 731 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 12 miles northwest of Truscott, moving east at 25 mph. HAZARD...Two inch hail and 70 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of southwestern Foard and northwestern Knox Counties. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR SOUTHERN STONEWALL COUNTY... At 732 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 4 miles northwest of Old Glory, or 5 miles east of Aspermont, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...Two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Aspermont, Old Glory, Swenson and Us-380 Near The Haskell- Stonewall County Line. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern Texas. FOR NORTH CENTRAL FISHER COUNTY... At 732 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles south of Peacock, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Fisher County. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move to a shelter, inside a strong building and away from windows. To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO NORMAN Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ TORNADO WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Norman OK 856 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 930 PM CDT FOR SOUTHERN WILBARGER COUNTY... At 856 PM CDT, a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 4 miles south of Lockett, moving east at 25 mph. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW! HAZARD...Damaging tornado. SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible. Locations impacted include... Grayback. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... To repeat, an extremely dangerous and potentially deadly tornado is on the ground. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a storm shelter, safe room, or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW! The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a * Flash Flood Warning for... East Central Foard County in northern Texas... Southeastern Hardeman County in northern Texas... West Central Wilbarger County in northern Texas... * Until midnight CDT. * At 857 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Up to 2 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. * Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Vernon, Thalia, Lockett, Margaret and Rayland. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. The National Weather Service in San Angelo has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southwestern Haskell County in west central Texas... Northwestern Jones County in west central Texas... East central Fisher County in west central Texas... * Until 945 PM CDT. * At 857 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hamlin, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * This severe thunderstorm will be near... Hamlin around 905 PM CDT. Other locations impacted by this severe thunderstorm include Tuxedo. Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move immediately to shelter inside a strong building. Stay away from windows. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central Texas. * Tornado Warning for... Central Wilbarger County in northern Texas... * Until 930 PM CDT. * At 858 PM CDT, a large and extremely dangerous tornado was located 4 miles south of Lockett, moving east at 25 mph. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW! HAZARD...Damaging tornado. SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation. IMPACT...You are in a life-threatening situation. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible. * Locations impacted include... Oklaunion. developing. To protect your life, TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a storm shelter, safe room or an interior room on the lowest floor of a ...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL MOTLEY COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT 900 PM CDT... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However small hail, gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SAN ANGELO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service San Angelo TX 641 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Fisher County through 715 PM CDT... At 640 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Rotan, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Rotan and Hobbs. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will relay your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central Texas. LAT...LON 3285 10040 3275 10063 3279 10066 3285 10066 3297 10055 3296 10048 TIME...MOT...LOC 2340Z 224DEG 21KT 3286 10054 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH The National Weather Service in Midland has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... Southeastern Scurry County in western Texas... Northeastern Mitchell County in western Texas... * Until 730 PM CDT. * At 643 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Colorado City, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... Colorado City, Loraine, Colorado City Airport, Inadale, Dunn, Hermleigh and Buford. This includes Interstate 20 between mile markers 214 and 225. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for western For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. The National Weather Service in Lubbock Texas has issued a Southeastern Kent County in northwestern Texas... Stonewall County in northwestern Texas... * Until 745 PM CDT. * At 644 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles southwest of Aspermont, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...Two inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Aspermont, Peacock, Old Glory, Swenson and Us-380 Near The Haskell- Stonewall County Line. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern Central Pecos County in southwestern Texas... North central Terrell County in southwestern Texas... * At 644 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 29 miles southeast of Fort Stockton, moving northeast at 10 mph. * This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of central Pecos and north central Terrell Counties. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for southwestern _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SAN ANGELO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 _____ SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service San Angelo TX 716 PM CDT Wed May 4 2022 ...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 745 PM CDT FOR NORTH CENTRAL FISHER COUNTY... At 715 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles north of Rotan, moving northeast at 25 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Rotan. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for west central Texas. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move to a shelter, inside a strong building and away from windows. To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in San Angelo. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS CANCELLED TORNADO WATCH 177 FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN TEXAS THIS CANCELS 7 COUNTIES IN NORTHWEST TEXAS CROSBY FLOYD GARZA HALE LUBBOCK IN THE PANHANDLE OF TEXAS BRISCOE SWISHER THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF CROSBYTON, FLOYDADA, HALE CENTER, HAPPY, LAKE ALAN HENRY, LOCKNEY, LUBBOCK, PLAINVIEW, POST, QUITAQUE, RALLS, SILVERTON, SLATON, TULIA, AND WOLFFORTH. TORNADO WATCH 177 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR IN TEXAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES COTTLE DICKENS KENT KING MOTLEY STONEWALL CHILDRESS HALL THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ASPERMONT, CEE VEE, CHILDRESS, DICKENS, DUMONT, GUTHRIE, JAYTON, KIRKLAND, MATADOR, MEMPHIS, OLD GLORY, PADUCAH, ROARING SPRINGS, SPUR, AND TURKEY. ...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of west central Brown, northern Coleman and east central Runnels Counties through 800 PM CDT... At 715 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near Talpa, moving northeast at 45 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Coleman, Grosvenor, Valera, Glen Cove, Talpa, Echo and Hords Creek Reservoir. If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. LAT...LON 3164 9965 3177 9979 3207 9934 3188 9909 TIME...MOT...LOC 0015Z 229DEG 39KT 3176 9965 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH ...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN KING AND SOUTHEASTERN COTTLE COUNTIES IS CANCELLED... The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM CDT for northwestern _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022 _____ SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Shreveport LA 519 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022 ...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Grant, southeastern Red River, southeastern Union, Natchitoches, southwestern Ouachita, Sabine, northwestern Caldwell, Jackson, southeastern Claiborne, eastern Bienville, Lincoln and Winn Parishes, southern San Augustine, southeastern Angelina and Sabine Counties through 615 PM CDT... At 518 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 6 miles north of Arcadia to 14 miles southwest of Jonesboro to near Campti to near Many to near Rosevine to 10 miles northwest of Rockland. Movement was east at 45 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include... Ruston, Natchitoches, Claiborne, Grambling, Winnfield, Jonesboro, Milam, Arcadia, Many, Zwolle, Hemphill, Campti, Gibsland, Pineland, Montgomery, Browndell, Rosevine, Allen, Dubach and Choudrant. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for north central and northwestern Louisiana...and eastern Texas. LAT...LON 3110 9470 3127 9438 3123 9433 3130 9433 3163 9366 3186 9332 3215 9306 3275 9305 3272 9220 3209 9219 3182 9241 3158 9272 3136 9317 3136 9339 3128 9344 3128 9353 3117 9358 3116 9391 3103 9445 TIME...MOT...LOC 2218Z 277DEG 41KT 3264 9289 3211 9290 3182 9316 3159 9351 3134 9402 3107 9454 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH ...OZONE ACTION DAY... The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth area for Friday, May 6, 2022. Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Friday. You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For more information on ozone: Ozone: The Facts (www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/ozonefacts) Air North Texas: (www.airnorthtexas.org) EPA Air Now (www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action.local_state&STATEID=45&TAB=0) Take care of Texas (www.takecareoftexas.org) North Central Texas Council of Governments Air Quality (www.nctcog.org/trans/air/index.asp) ...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Tyler and northwestern Jasper Counties through 600 PM CDT... At 519 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 11 miles northeast of Corrigan to near Chester to near Seven Oaks. Movement was east at 40 mph. HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and pea size hail. Colmesneil, Chester and Rockland. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. LAT...LON 3106 9456 3105 9449 3103 9448 3103 9447 3108 9422 3099 9419 3081 9433 3081 9461 3101 9465 TIME...MOT...LOC 2219Z 260DEG 34KT 3107 9465 3093 9466 3083 9477 MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH _____ Copyright 2022 AccuWeather Indian exports of plastics in 2019-20 were at $10 billion, and are expected to reach $25 billion by 2025, Plastindia Foundation President, Jigish Doshi said on Wednesday. "The current business environment, bolstered by the launch of the government of India's 'Atmanirbhar' movement and 'Vocal for Local' initiative gives an impetus to the plastics industry to grow and provides excellent export opportunities. We are expecting that the exports would reach $25 billion by 2025," he said at an event for unveiling the logo, brochure and the goals of PLASTINDIA 2023 to be held in February 2023 here. Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister, Mansukh L Mandaviya, who unveiled the logo, assured the plastic industry of full support and an enabling environment to further boost its performance and potential. "The industry is contributing significantly to the economic development of India. We are committed to making the sector Atmanirbhar." Stating that India is poised to become the plastics processing hub of the world, Doshi said: "The industry that employs about four million people and comprises more than 50,000 processing units, is expected to reach Rs 9.1 lakh crore ($102 billion) by 2025." Plastindia Foundation said they are committed to work closely with the government and the industry to facilitate growth and to work towards innovative and modern manufacturing techniques that "will be sustainable for the environment and the economy". It claimed that "over the years, the plastics industry has reinvented itself with advanced innovations and developed environment-friendly processing and utilisation techniques that do not affect the environment". The 10 goals shared by the Plastindia Foundation include, among others, making India the number one destination for manufacturing plastics, creating employment opportunities to empower the economy of the country, to encourage new innovative techniques and to increase the processing capacity of the plastic industry. 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! The relegation of a slew of popular Labor frontbenchers and MPs to the fringes of its election campaign has dominated the chatter behind-the-scenes of the Oppositions poll push. Lending a hand: Kevin Rudd and Tanya Plibersek. Credit:Shakespeare As this column revealed, popular education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek was left off the invite list for Labors no-expenses spared campaign launch in Perth last week. But its good to see Pliberseks star appeal and undeniable ability to work a room and win inner city votes isnt lost on her other Labor colleagues. The turbo-telegenic Sydney MP has been chosen to headline a fundraiser for Bennelong challenger Jerome Laxale in the electorate next week. The seat is held by outgoing Liberal tennis champ John Alexander, who announced last year he would not contest the election. Since then, the marginal seat once held and lost by former PM John Howard has become a prime election battleground. Art Gallery of NSW head packer Brett Cuthbertson has countless memories from his 40 years working with the biggest names in Australian art, but one of the most vivid is the mortifying day he came face-to-face with a naked Julie Rrap. The high-profile contemporary artist had asked him to help carry some works into the gallery. Time to go: Brett Cuthbertson is packing in the packing room after 40 years. Credit:Nick Moir Im a 19-year-old kid. It was life-size cardboard cut-outs of her, completely naked. Full-frontal naked. I didnt know where to look. Julie just laughed and she said, Youll get used to it. Then there was Brett Whiteley - a great bloke to work with, apparently. Mothers Day, I was told recently, is just a recent American import, designed to promote consumerism. I didnt inquire too deeply, as I assumed the person making the claim was merely trying to avoid the $12.70 expense of a box of cheap chocolates and, if pressed, the expense of a wilted bunch of carnations bought from the local service station. Back in my day, wed hand make something at school. This doubled as a method of proving the recipient really was your mother. Youd bring home some misshaped clay lump, optimistically label it an ashtray, and await the response. As soon as she said, oh thats beautiful, thank you darling, youd know she was actually your mother, as no one else would be able to summon up such an optimistic review for your frankly execrable work. Available in white or avocado, its one of their Instant Gifts for Mother. Just add a ribbon. Credit:Illustration: Kathleen Adele Admittedly, the department store gift was part of Mothers Day from as early as I can remember. Newspapers and magazines were full of ads for vacuum cleaners, steam irons and mops, always labelled a perfect gift for Mothers Day. An inquiry into NSW regional hospitals has found doctors and nurses are operating in a culture of fear where they are frightened to speak up about critical staff shortages and inadequate resources, leading to significantly poorer health outcomes for patients, including premature deaths. The report recommended that the NSW government urgently engage with the federal government at a ministerial level to establish a plan to improve doctor workforce issues and review the current funding model for regional local health districts. Journalists Jamelle Wells and Liz Hayes at the inquirys hearing in Dubbo, detailing the deaths of their fathers. Credit:Louise Kennerley It also recommended a new Health Administration Ombudsman to investigate complaints about the conduct of the NSW Health and Local Health District bureaucracies, following disturbing allegations regarding the treatment of whistleblowers and the cover-up of preventable patient deaths. However, the Liberal and Labor MPs on the committee joined forces to scotch proposals for a Rural and Remote Health Commissioner, minimum required staffing levels at regional hospitals and nurse-to-patient ratios, in a move slammed by MPs from minor parties. NSW has detected another two Omicron subvariants driving a spike in infections overseas as health officials confirm at least 11,000 people across the state have caught the virus more than once. New variants of Omicron - BA.5 and BA.2.12.1 - have been detected in NSW, in addition to at least six BA.4 infections, which was first identified last week. Experts are keeping a close eye on the proliferation of subvariants, including BA.4, BA.5 and BA.2.12.1, which have driven sudden infection surges in South Africa and New York. South Africa is facing a potential fifth wave after a sustained uptick in infections, test positivity rates and hospital admissions. SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19. Credit:NIAID-RML via AP Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant cautioned against looking to the experiences of other countries to predict what may come next in NSW. The family of a missing Queensland mother whose toddler was found alone barefoot on a Mexican street say they fear the worst, as she was due to return to Australia in weeks to release her brothers ashes. Australian authorities were on Thursday working with Mexican police to find 32-year-old Tahnee Shanks, originally from the Whitsundays, who was reported missing to Mackay police on Wednesday. Shanks and her husband Jorge Aguirre Estudillo disappeared in the popular tourist destination of Cancun and have not been heard from in days. Shanks two-year-old daughter Adelynn was found alone on a city street by police, reportedly near the Chapel of San Archangel. Regions like central Queensland stand to be the biggest beneficiaries of whats happening as our economy changes and the energy mix changes in this country, shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said on a recent Gladstone trip, in which he promised 600,000 new-economy jobs, 500,000 of them for the regions. Ursula Colgan has been campaigning for a new Blackwater hospital for years. Shes been burned too many times to buy any political promises this time around. Credit:Zach Hope For his part, Prime Minister Scott Morrison last month announced more than $100 million for various Gladstone hydrogen projects. The ABC has even filmed episodes of Insiders and Q+A there. But there are no shiny new hydrogen hubs coming to the coal towns of the inland. Gladstone is a workers town and that [hydrogen investment] is great it will create jobs for people in and around Gladstone, Storch says. But what about to the west? Labor strategists have proffered Flynn as winnable, but polling suggests the party is not bridging the gap with the Coalition in Queensland the same way it is in Victoria and NSW. Last election, Labor haemorrhaged central Queensland votes to Pauline Hansons One Nation, which picked up close to 20 per cent of Flynns first preferences, and closer to 30 per cent in many inland booths. Everything here is neglected, says Ursula Colgan, a support worker and member of the local progress association, which has been pushing for a new hospital, doctors, childcare and an aged care home as part of the broader campaign to hold onto families in the age of fly-in fly-out. Whatever party gets in, they dont listen to the salt-of-the-earth people who understand whats needed. Colgan believes the census data obscures the reality of towns like Blackwater by not sufficiently accounting for the large number of FIFO coal miners who use the local services. The doctors do fine work, she says, but there are just not enough. Shes personally been waiting a fortnight for a GP. Helpfully for Labor candidate Matt Burnett, his state counterparts in Brisbane have picked the election campaign to release tenders for the new and improved Blackwater Multipurpose Health Service. Colgan says its the second time theyve spruiked the plans in the lead-up to an election, and shes not buying it, at least not yet. Loading Have any of the parties been making a compelling case for Blackwater? Mate, all Ive seen is a promise for the hospital. Not another thing, Colgan says. You turn the TV on and all you hear is about how bad ScoMo did, instead of Labor getting on there and advertising what theyre going to do to help the country. No, all theyve done is run the other party down. And the other party, they havent even advertised. Have you noticed that? As a matter of fact, yes. Labor has saturated the TV ad breaks, apparently deciding on Morrisons thats not my job quotes as the most damaging attack lines for this part of the country at this point in the campaign. Meanwhile, Clive Palmers United Australia Party screams from a bright yellow billboard, Net zero means no jobs, thanks LNP, a notable shift in tactics from the 2019 campaign, when Palmer directed his tens of millions almost exclusively to bringing down Labor. This masthead has canvassed dozens of views from several central Queensland towns, the kind of people and communities Storch, the Blackwater retailer, would consider to be Forgotten Bastards of the Inland. There is a common message which, if precariously distilled, might read something like: More doctors, better roads, less politics. The big yellow billboards of the UAP spread across the nation. Credit:Zach Hope Coal and the myriad fights attached to it are, at least in this unscientific poll, more subtle burns ever-present, though not necessarily top of mind among the locals busy with their families and businesses. Voters have had months to digest the LNPs decision to join Labor in committing to net zero, and the Adani (now Bravus) coal mine is no longer an election issue. Many are practically sceptical of net zero: The worlds population needs ever-more energy, and the metallurgical coal, rich in the Bowen Basin, will be sought after as long as humans seek steel. But the miners drinking in the Capricorn Hotel agree when if the soaring global demand for coal turns into a trickle, it would be the end of towns like Blackwater. Im not saying I dont care about the environment, but Ive built my whole life and my whole family around it, says one man who, like most coal workers employed on good money, asks his last name be kept from print. Loading Its not just me, its my father: his whole life has been mining. When its done, Ill be done by then, but my boy is 16 hes talking about it ... You cant buy a house on retail wages. A blood-soaked woman arrested on a tram near the scene of a double killing remains in hospital after a spate of violence on Melbourne streets left three people dead. Police and emergency services responded to an incident at an apartment building at the corner of Breese and Hope streets, off Sydney Road in Brunswick, about 5.20am on Thursday and found the start of a 1.5-kilometre trail of blood and two men with fatal knife wounds. One, a 59-year-old Brunswick man, was dead inside the apartment complex, while the other, a 61-year-old from Coburg, died from his injuries on the way to hospital. The stabbings came after Korey Kesici, 22, was shot dead outside his family home in Mickleham shortly after midnight on Thursday in what police said was a planned hit. Police believe Kesicis killing was not related to the two fatal stabbings. A Perth teenager has been taken to hospital after his e-scooter collided with a vehicle early Thursday morning in Guildford. The crash comes a day after Kim Rowe, 46, was killed in a blind corner collision with a cyclist while riding his e-scooter home from his bakery job at 2.30am - the second e-scooter death in as many months. The father-of-four, who was wearing a helmet, could not be saved following the crash on a footpath in Thornlie with the accident being investigated by major crash investigators. His grieving partner Tara McNally said Rowe would always be loved. He was a great dad who loved his more than life and was trying to become a better man, she said. WA Police said the teenage boy was injured around 5.15am Thursday while travelling on Meadow Street in Guildford. He was taken to St John of God Hospital in Midland where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver he collided with stopped at the scene and is assisting police. E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport in Perth. Credit:Bradley Kanaris The boy is the second teen to suffer serious injuries from the new mode of transport, with 13-year-old Calym Gilbert dying in February when the e-scooter he was on was hit by a ute at an intersection around 2am. He was not wearing a helmet at the time. The Labor Partys proposal that Australia should offer to host a United Nations climate conference with the Pacific would only be welcomed if it demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing climate change, former Kiribati president Anote Tong says. Opposition spokesman on Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese at the Smart Energy Council conference and exhibition on Thursday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Labor leader Anthony Albanese and opposition climate change spokesman Chris Bowen reiterated the plan as they attended a renewable energy conference in Sydney on Thursday morning. Bowen said offering to co-host the UNs annual Conference of the Partys meeting with Pacific Island nations would, send the message to the world that Australia is under new management when it comes to climate. Albanese said that dealing with climate change and offering to host the COP talks would also help to strengthen relations with Solomon Islands, which has just signed a security pact with China. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stopped talking to Manasseh Sogavare over concerns the Solomon Islands Prime Minister would become volatile and misrepresent the conversation. Sogavare this week claimed his country had been threatened with invasion by opponents of its security agreement with China and suggested Russia was not the aggressor in Ukraine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison with his Solomon Islands counterpart Manasseh Sogavare in 2019. Morrison was this year advised not to pick up the phone to him. Credit:Nine Australia has been critical of the recently signed security pact signed between Beijing and Honiara, fearing it could pave the way for a permanent Chinese military presence in the Pacific island nation and criticising the Chinese government for insisting the text of the agreement be kept secret. Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne have been criticised by Labor for not doing enough to stop the deal from being signed. Earlier this week the former governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Ian Macfarlane, said that young Australians should be squealing louder about the level of intergenerational wealth inequality in this country, which he said was fuelled largely by skyrocketing house prices. Macfarlanes thesis is that the original sin of the current housing boom generous tax incentives including negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts have made property investment an extremely attractive proposition for wealthier Australians, and that in turn has driven house prices through the roof. Housing has transformed from a basic human necessity into an asset class largely disconnected from the physical function it performs: providing shelter, and thats helped increase the wealth of those who already had some to begin with. Generous incentives have made property investment an attractive proposition for wealthier Australians. Credit:Peter Rae The main beneficiaries of this transformation have been older Australians who are more likely to own property, while those missing out tend to be younger. According to housing occupancy figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics based on data from its survey of income and housing conducted from July 2017 to June 2018, 37 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds are home owners, compared to 78 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds. Thats down from 50 per cent in 1971. Among 50 to 54-year-olds, on the other hand, the drop has been less dramatic and from a much higher base. While the rise in house prices has impacted homeownership rates across the board, there is a significant demographic divergence that backs up the former RBA governors analysis. Where Macfarlane misses the mark, though, is his suggestion that young Australians should speak out more. The problem isnt a lack of agitation from those locked out of the system there are few topics that spark more heated conversation among young people than the current combination of an increasingly precarious labour market and a property boom that has left them behind. The man doing Alan Tudges job doesnt know where he is. Stuart Robert, the acting education minister, told morning TV he wasnt keeping track of where his fellow cabinet minister is these days. Hes not alone. Very few people seem to know where Tudge is, although Prime Minister Scott Morrison says hell return as education minister if the Coalition wins the election. Twenty-five days into the campaign and Tudge, who holds the unusual position of a stood-aside minister awaiting a return to cabinet, has held no press conferences, issued no policies and conducted no interviews. He has not appeared alongside the prime minister or with any other ministers as they campaign around the country. Alan Tudge has not been easy to find in the campaign. Credit: The Victorian MP, who is campaigning for re-election in his safe seat of Aston, has instead run a hyper-local campaign that has been carefully documented on Facebook, far from media scrutiny. He has declined to debate Labors Tanya Plibersek on education the portfolio Scott Morrison expects him to hold if the Coalition wins the election. Monique Ryan, the independent challenger for the crucial Liberal seat of Kooyong, launched a piercing attack on Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at a debate on Thursday, accusing him of being the Treasurer for NSW, and his government of doing nothing good for almost a decade. The so-called teal independent put Frydenberg in a defensive posture at times during an absorbing hour-long debate in Hawthorn, at which the Treasurer billed climate change as one of the worlds greatest dilemmas and emphasised Australias strong pandemic performance compared with similar nations. Kooyong candidates Josh Frydenberg and Monique Ryan at Hawthorn Town Hall on Thursday. Credit:Andrew Henshaw Seeking to tie him to more conservative government figures, such as Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, Ryan described Australia as already being ruled by a minority government because of the Liberals coalition with the Nationals. She also squared off on areas considered government strengths, including financial management and foreign policy, arguing its macho rhetoric towards China had damaged the trade relationship. The legacy of Mr Frydenbergs government is going to be a toxic miasma of division, disappointment and debt, she said in her summing up, adding that real wages were decreasing, debt rising and rosy economic headline figures did not represent how people felt. Zaporizhzhia: Scores of Ukrainian civilians remained trapped in underground bunkers at a steelworks in the ruined city of Mariupol on Thursday despite Russian President Vladimir Putin saying his troops would allow them to leave safely. Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call that Russia was prepared to provide safe passage for civilians from the besieged Azovstal plant. He added that Kyiv should order Ukrainian fighters defending it to put down their weapons. Smoke rises from the Azovstal plant in Mariupol, where civilians remain trapped. Credit:AP However, a Ukrainian fighter holed up in the vast complex the last part of the port city still in Ukrainian hands accused Russian forces of breaching the plants defences for a third day in violation of a pledge by Moscow to pause military activity to allow evacuations. Heavy, bloody fighting is going on, said Captain Sviatoslav Palamar, a deputy commander of Ukraines Azov Regiment, in a video posted online. Jerusalem: A picturesque ridge in Jerusalem, steeped in ancient history, is a favourite with visitors who come to snap panoramic photographs of the domes and spires of the Old City across a wooded valley below. Many believe that the ridge is the site of the Hill of Evil Counsel, where, according to Christian tradition, Judas plotted to betray Jesus. In the not-too-distant future, if developers get their way, visitors will be able to glide down from this perch on a zip line into the green valley known as the Peace Forest. The zip line is one of a number of planned attractions billed as a tourist draw and a way to ease access to sites of historical interest. The developers also envision a cable car, a pedestrian bridge and visitor centres, along with a model farm that has already been built. A site where the City of David settler group is building a visitor centre and zip line in a Palestinian neighbourhood in East Jerusalem below the Old City walls. Credit:New York Times But the ridge and the valley beneath it run along the highly delicate seam between predominantly Palestinian East Jerusalem and the mostly Jewish western flank of this contested city. They are part of the historical vista around the Old City walls known as the holy basin, a terrain dotted with archaeological ruins and shrines of all three major monotheistic religions. Washington: The US Senate confirmed Caroline Kennedy, a former ambassador to Japan and daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, as the US ambassador to Australia, an important ally to the United States. Kennedy, 64, is an author and attorney. Her father was the 35th president of the United States, who served from 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. She previously served as US ambassador to Japan from 2013-2017 under former President Barack Obama. Caroline Kennedy has been confirmed as the US ambassador to Australia. Credit:Bloomberg She heads to Canberra as its relationship with Washington strengthens in response to Chinas growing power and increasingly assertive behaviour in Asia and beyond. Like Japan, Australia is a member of the so-called Quad grouping, along with the United States and India, which has been expanding cooperation in the face of Chinas rise. Kennedy succeeds Arthur Culvahouse, who left the position in early 2021, when former Republican President Donald Trump left office. For those who oppose abortion, the news that the court appeared ready to strike down Roe, based on the leaked draft, meant victory after decades of activism, although some worried that the draft might not be an accurate reflection of the final ruling in the case, Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organisation. Supporters of abortion rights, meanwhile, were facing a crushing defeat. They warned that the end of Roe would lead to drastic consequences for people seeking to end their pregnancies, particularly in low-income and minority communities. Maria Santoro, 69, was a college student when Roe was decided. Friends of hers had had illegal abortions, and she still remembers the sense of joy on the all-female campus that followed the courts decision in 1973. On Tuesday morning, she arrived for work at the New Jersey high school where she is a school nurse and a colleague told her the news. Its horrifying, Santoro said. Its hard to believe its happening. If Roe falls, she is ready to protest - for my daughters and my granddaughters and my friends who have had abortions. The Jackson abortion clinic at the heart of the latest Supreme Court case is known as the pink house. Credit:AP Outside the sole abortion clinic in Mississippi, Derinda Hancock, 63, surveyed the scene feeling numb. The clinic, painted pale pink, sits on a busy street in Jackson but was relatively quiet: Just three protesters stood outside, including a man holding a Killing Babies Today sign. The clinic is at the centre of the abortion case the Supreme Court is set to rule on. For nine years, Hancock and other volunteers in rainbow-coloured vests have made it their mission to put their bodies between people arriving for abortions and the protesters yelling at them. If Roe is overturned, Hancock says, Mississippi is going to be a state of forced births. Most people in the state will not have the money or be able to surmount the logistical hurdles to travel to Illinois, Hancock said, which could soon be the closest state where abortions are legally available. For years, women in rainbow-coloured vests have escorted patients at the pink house past the anti-abortion portesters. Credit:AP She had a message for people living in blue, safe states who are confident that abortion rights will be protected where they live. Dont feel like its going to be OK, Hancock said. When theyre done with all of us, theyre coming for you next. Kaitlyn Danehy-Samitz, 31, had just set up her new mobile phone on Monday when a text appeared with a headline on the breaking news of the leaked draft opinion. It felt like a swift kick to the gut, said Danehy-Samitz, who works at an engineering firm south of Tampa. She said the members of the abortion rights group she volunteers with were stuck in a purgatory between shock, devastation and asking How do we fight this? When theyre done with all of us, theyre coming for you next. Derinda Hancock, Jackson, Mississippi Serita Cox was having dinner at a California restaurant with three close friends when she glanced at her phone and saw the news. She blurted out something rather rude about the Supreme Court justices, and an intense discussion followed. One of her friends opposes abortion and said states should make their own decisions. Cox, who founded a foster care nonprofit organisation, asked who would be responsible for raising unwanted children. I can tell you none of them thought they would be responsible or that taxpayers would need to pay to raise them, she said. Her friends, she said, thought somehow, magically, they would get immediately adopted by a nice family. Meanwhile, women who oppose abortion rejoiced. On Monday night, Emily Thams, a 42-year-old nurse, was attending a council meeting in the tiny city of Willey, Iowa, where she helped push for the passage of an antiabortion ordinance. It was during that same meeting that she and her sister learned about the draft opinion on abortion rights. God was at work last night! Thams said in a text message Tuesday. It was an amazing moment. Thams and fellow antiabortion activists celebrated the news with Mexican food and a bottle of wine. It was very exciting, and I am still in shock, she said. Pamela Gesund, a retired nurse who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was never able to have children of her own. She said she used to beg women going into abortion clinics to let her adopt their babies. Gesund, 59, is nervous about the reliability of the leaked document, although the Supreme Court has verified that it is authentic but not final. Still, she says that in the battle over abortion, the tide has shifted. Women like Laura Duran, who have been campaigning against Roe v Wade for decades, rejoiced at the news it could be overturned. Credit:AP Other women who oppose abortion said they were readying for fights at the state level. Erin Sullivan, 31 and a stay-at-home mother who lives in the Detroit area, said she found it almost hard to believe that the court was ready to overturn Roe, something she had long prayed to see happen in her lifetime. But it would be just the beginning, she said, noting that Michigan Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has filed a lawsuit seeking to protect abortion rights should Roe be overturned. This is a huge win, but there is a lot of work ahead of us still, Sullivan said. This is a huge win, but there is a lot of work ahead of us still. Erin Sullivan, Detroit, Michigan Maple gold files technical report and mineral resource estimate for the douay gold project Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX-V: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G)A (\Maple Gold\ or the \Company\ https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/maple-gold-mines-ltd/ ) is pleased to announce that it has filed a technical report in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 a Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the Douay Gold Project (\Douay\) and the Joutel Gold Project (\Joutel\), which are both held by a 50/50 joint venture (the \JV\) between the Company and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. The technical report entitled aNI 43-101 Technical Report on the Douay and Joutel Projects, Northwestern QuAbec, Canadaa was prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. to support the disclosure of the updated Douay mineral resource estimate, with an effective date of March 17, 2022, and to document the exploration status of Joutel. The technical report is available on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com ) and on the Companya?s website ( www.maplegoldmines.com ). Maple Golda?s news release dated March 17, 2022, which is also available on SEDAR and the Companya?s website, summarizes key results, assumptions and estimates contained in the technical report. The Company is pleased to report that there are no material differences between the key results, assumptions and estimates contained in the news release dated March 17, 2022 and the content of the technical report filed today. Qualified Persons The mineral resources disclosed in this news release have been estimated by Ms. Marie-Christine Gosselin, P.Geo., an employee of SLR and independent of Maple Gold Mines. By virtue of her education and relevant experience, Ms. Gosselin is a \Qualified Person\ for the purpose of NI 43-101. Mineral resources have been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). Ms. Gosselin, P.Geo. has read and approved the contents of this press release as it pertains to the disclosed mineral resource estimates. The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Mr. Fred Speidel, M. Sc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this press release through his direct participation in the work. About Maple Gold Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebeca?s prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (SLR 2022) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. In addition, the Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property. The district-scale property package also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimate Readers are cautioned that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resource estimate is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum\-s \CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves\ incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 a Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources discussed herein will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. \Matthew Hornor\ B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO For Further Information Please Contact: Mr. Joness Lang Executive Vice-President Cell: 778.686.6836 Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.com Mr. Kiran Patankar SVP, Growth Strategy Cell: 604.935.9577 Email: kpatankar@maplegoldmines.com A NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains \forward-looking information\ and \forward-looking statements\ (collectively referred to as \forward-looking statements\) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management\-s best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company\-s expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.\-s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company\-s website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE American, AIM and VFEX: CMCL) Results of Annual General Meeting Caledonia Mining Corporation PlcA (the \Company\ https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/caledonia-mining-corporation-plc/) announces the results of its annual general meeting of shareholders (the aAGMa) held at St Helier, Jersey today.A The total number of shareholders present in person or by proxy at the AGM was 78, representing 35.17% of the Companya?s outstanding voting shares.A The table below shows the proxy votes received on resolutions 1(a) to 1(h), which were duly passed by a show of hands, to reappoint the eight nominees proposed for re-election as directors: Further resolutions 2, 3, 4 and 5 were also passed at the AGM so that: BDO South Africa Inc was reappointed as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and the directors were authorised to fix its remuneration; Holtzhausen, Kelly and Wildschutt were reappointed as members of the Audit Committee; and the Company was granted an authority to make market purchases of up to 10% of its share capital and to hold repurchased shares in treasury. The full text of each resolution, together with explanatory notes, are set out in the notice of AGM and management information circular dated March 22, 2022 which are available on the Company\-s website at www.caledoniamining.com. Enquiries Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc Mark Learmonth Tel: +44 1534 679 802 Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 7817 841793 WH Ireland Jessica Cave/ Andrew De Andrade Tel: +44 20 7220 1751 Liberum Capital Limited Scott Mathieson/Kane Collings Tel: +44 20 3100 2000 BlytheRay Financial PR Tim Blythe/Megan Ray Tel: +44 207 138 3204 3PPB Patrick Chidley Tel: +1 917 991 7701 Paul Durham Tel: +1 203 940 2538 Curate Public Relations (Zimbabwe) Debra Tatenda Tel: +263 77280 2131 A Featuring a green and black base with burgundy and gold highlights in the style of Boba Fetts famous Beskar armour, with an embroidered noblechairs logo in the headrest. Completing its design, Boba Fetts helmet can be found stitched on to the back of the chair. So, pull on your Beskar and sit in a throne fit for the Daimyo of Mos Espa! With adjustable lumbar, 4D armrests, a rocking mechanism, adjustable height, and recline features, the noblechairs Boba Fett Edition is ergonomically comfortable and perfect for budding bounty hunters everywhere. Winning over 250 product awards, noblechairs is the proud bearer of a long and stellar line of positive feedback from its many wonderful customers. As a company dedicated to providing a premium range of comfortable gaming chairs, all with durability and ergonomics in mind, noblechairs is a German brand that takes pride in being seen as one of the best on the market. noblechairs will no doubt continue to come up with new and exciting Star Wars inspired designs, be sure to watch this space for more fantastic products heading your way. teremana.com The Rock was in Mexico! Specifically in the town of Jesus Maria, Jalisco and his visit had a very clear objective: to inaugurate his second tequila distillery . The actor uploaded a photo to his Instagram profile where he is seen in an agave field, leaning on a pick-up. "I did not build this company with my founding partners to make a quick buck and capitalize on the popularity of tequila," explains the actor in the caption of the post. No. I built Teremana to become a LEGACY BRAND that positively impacts generations of our families and proudly serves generations of our consumers. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MIDDLETOWN Expectations are high for the return of the St. Sebastian Church Feast and festival next weekend now in its 101st year following a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic. Parishioners, community members, and others as far away as Middletowns sister city, Mellili, Sicily, annually converge on the church grounds at 155 Washington St. for the three-day extravaganza held in honor of the churchs patron saint. This years event will be held May 13-15. St. Sebastian is the patron saint of health and goodwill. Were thrilled to be back and live in person, Common Councilman and longtime committee co-chairperson Gene Nocera said. Its been a long drought for the church and for everyone else in the world. There is great expectations for the events return, said Nocera, whos already keeping an eye on the promising long-range forecast. Longtime committee members Karen Nocera, the councilmans wife; Sal Nesci and Frank Marchese have been working with a group of new people who are shadowing them. They include Portland teacher Christopher Serra, son of the late councilman Thomas Serra; Mario Mazzotta, Angie Magnano, Joanne Mercaldi and Rose Liseo. We are extremely excited to continue the successful work of the current chairs of the St. Sebastian Feast. Seeing the logistics and all the behind-the-scene work and sweat is eye-opening, Serra said. The weekend includes live concerts on the Showmobile, a carnival, array of food vendors and the running of the I Nuri on Sunday at the conclusion of Mass, and so many things that people have become accustomed to, Nocera added. Every year, the heart of the celebration takes place on the final day when the saints statue is carried in a procession, and the I Nuri runners, dressed in white with red sashes, run barefoot or in socks from the St. Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield or the Italian Society on Court Street to the church. The event is modeled after the week-long observance in Melilli, Sicily, Middletowns sister city, that dates back to 1414. Last year was the official centennial, and, although the full event was at first postponed to September, it was ultimately canceled. Instead, a Mass was held in honor of the occasion. Organizers this year will limit events held inside the church hall, where the craft fair has taken place. Devotees will still be able to visit the patron saints statue indoors before it is paraded around the block on the final day. The tradition is to place money, jewelry and other gifts and trinkets on the statute. Organizers expect between 250 and 350 participants in the I Nuri run, which steps off from both the Italian Society on Court Street and St. Sebastian Cemetery at 75 Meriden Road in Middlefield. As part of the festivities, the Middlesex County Historical Society will host a free concert by Sam Vinci and his Band at noon Saturday in the backyard of the General Mansfield House, 151 Main St. This concert of Sicilian music coincides with the exhibit, A Century of Devotion: The St. Sebastian Feast in Middletown, 1921-2021. Serra said hes proud to be part of carrying on the tradition, heritage, and sacrifice of the patron saint. There is no feeling of faith, love and community as the morning of the feast and the I Nuri run into our church. We are very much looking forward to celebrating, worshiping our faith, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, he added. In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled. Call 860-346-0746 or visit the events web page or Saint Sebastian Church, Middletown on Facebook. NEW CANAAN The suspended K-9 officer arrested twice in the past week on illegal explosives and animal cruelty charges is battling for workers compensation due to injuries he claimed occurred on the job, according to a state official. New Canaan Officer David Rivera Jr. was charged after employees of his private Naugatuck training business, Black Rock Canines LLC, alerted state police and animal control officials to concerns about his use of explosives and handling of several dogs in his care, an arrest warrant said. The clients for his side business as a police dog trainer included the city of Springfield, Mass., the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and local police departments, according to attorney Robert Berke, who is representing Riveras business partner, Daniel Luna, who is also facing animal cruelty charges. Rivera was first arrested on April 28 on charges related to the illegal storage and possession of explosives at his Stratford home. He was using the explosives to train numerous dogs at the Naugatuck property, court documents said. He turned himself in Monday night to face a second set of charges in connection with allegations that he and Luna shot and killed dogs they felt couldnt be trained and disposed of the animals on Black Rock Canines property, according to court documents. Rivera was suspended last week from his job as a New Canaan police K-9 officer when town officials learned he was under investigation by local and state agencies. His police K-9 Apollo was returned to the department and will continue his career in law enforcement, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said. But Krolikowski and other town officials have declined to answer questions about when Rivera last worked as a police officer or whether he is receiving workers compensation due to injuries he claimed he sustained on the job. Employees of Black Rock Canines told investigators that Rivera was working at the business the past several months, including when several incidents occurred that led them to voice their concerns to state officials, the warrants said. The arrest warrant alleging Rivera improperly obtained and stored explosives indicated he wanted to transition to working full-time as a dog trainer. The Workers Compensation Commission is reviewing two pending claims for Rivera that will be the subject of an informal hearing on May 16, said Richard Eighme, communications and legislative program manager for the commission. One claim lists a back injury that occurred on March 12, 2021. The other claim is related to an ankle injury that occurred on Dec, 7, 2016, Eighme said. As in most cases that come before the commission, there is no public record that indicates whether Rivera is receiving workers compensation for the two injuries, Eighme said. Claims only go to the commission if there is a problem or items that need to be negotiated between the employee and the workers compensation insurer, which is usually the employer, Eighme said. During a meeting in February, the New Canaan Police Commission denied Riveras request for supplemental pay for the period from Dec. 3, 2021 to Feb. 6, 2022. Rivera was seeking the funds based on a stipulation in the New Canaan police contract that requires the town to compensate for the difference between an officers pay and what they are receiving for workers compensation if they are out of work due to an injury. Rivera said he was also due holiday, sick, vacation and retroactive pay from when the town and police renegotiated the contract. But Commission Chair Paul Foley and former Town Attorney Chris Hodgson recommended the town withhold all payment because Rivera was denied workers compensation. Foley said there was no question that Rivera was injured, but he failed to attend required physical therapy several times. One judge was willing to approve partial payment if Rivera underwent treatment, Foley said. The three-member commission voted unanimously to deny Rivera the supplemental pay or any other pay he was owed for holidays, sick and vacation time or under the new contract. Hearst Connecticut Media Group has filed a public records request for all documents related to Riveras employment, including any filed on his workers compensation claims, which were discussed during the Feb. 23 Police Commission meeting. New town attorney Ira Bloom has declined to comment and said he was not aware of Riveras situation. Rivera filed a lawsuit against the town in August, seeking unspecified damages on claims he was passed over for a position on the departments Special Response Team because he was Hispanic. The attorney representing Rivera in the lawsuit filed documents April 29, seeking more time to provide evidence to the town in preparation of a trial. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Darien Community Association is continuing its Flats of Flowers fundraiser event sale through May 13. Customers will be able to pick up their flowers between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 24 at the associations building at 274 Middlesex Road. Cost is $22 each per flat of 48 plants from a local grower. Orders can be made at the associations website at dariendca.org. Customers can choose the type of flower, color and quantity. More information is also available by calling 203-655-9050, Ext. 10. Fifth-grader named CT finalist in essay contest Pavana Attonito, a fifth-grader at Hindley Elementary School, is a state finalist in the 30th annual Letters About Literature contest sponsored by the Neag School of Education, the University of Connecticut Department of English and the Connecticut Writing Project. Some 558 submissions were received for the 2022 competition, which asked students in fourth through 12th grade to read a piece and write to the author and explain how their words affected them. Three students were named state finalists in each of three categories elementary, middle and high school. Attonito wrote her letter to Veera Hiranandani, author of The Night Diary, and related the main characters experiences to her own, describing her Indian grandmothers kitchen and connecting to her culture and her family through culinary secrets that are passed on through generations. Attonito won a $100 gift card for her winning essay. Her essay can be read at https://education.uconn.edu/2022/04/14/connecticuts-2021-letters-about-literature-contest-winners-named/. Student wins DAR essay contest Elizabeth Abelson won first place in the 2022 Connecticut State Daughters of the American Revolution Fifth Grade Essay Contest. Abelson, who attends Ox Ridge Elementary School, tackled the topic for the 2022 contest, The Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and competed with essays by other fifth-grader across the state. Her essay was the winner of the local essay contest sponsored by Dariens Good Wifes River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The topic celebrated the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Washington, D.C. Abelson received her state award and certificate from essay contest Chair Darcy King at the recent state conference in Hartford. Chapter honorary regent Karen Polett and recording secretary Rebecca Siciliano were in attendance. Hindley to host Spring Happening The Hindley Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization will present a Hindley Happening 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7. There will be food, fun, rides, prizes and games at the event, which will be held rain or shine, at the school at 10 Nearwater Lane. To accommodate children who are sensitive to noise and activity, the PTO will open the rides at 9 a.m. for families of children with special needs. For more information, contact Hindley Assistant Principal Leslie Davis at 203-655-1323, or Lindsay DeVito at 203-451-3415. New Beginnings holds Haiti talk The rise of kidnappings as well as gang and political violence in Haiti will be the topic at a special conversation at 5 p.m. May 7 at New Beginnings Community Church, 65 Tokeneke Road. Former Haitian Congressman, entrepreneur and Harvard University graduate Jerry Tardieu will be the keynote speaker. The coordinator of the discussion will be Guy Bocicaut, owner of the Haiti Plus passport office at 9 Mott Ave., Suite 208, Norwalk. Several churches and community organizations are involved in the event, which is free. For admission and information, call Haiti Plus at 203-244-2504. RespectWorks to present info on Camp Hope The Darien Domestic Abuse Councils youth outreach program, RespectWorks, will present information about Camp Hope, a camp sponsored by The Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport that is open to children throughout Connecticut. The presentation will be on May 12 at the Darien Library, 1441 Post Road. From 7:30 until 8:45 p.m., attendees can meet the campers, counselors, the director of the camp and the clinician for the camp, as well as learn about what makes the camp a place of healing for kids ages 7 to 17. Mission Possible registration open Registration is open for the Community Fund of Dariens Mission Possible: Scavenger Hunt set for May 13 through May 15. Registration is available at www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQyNzc2. Participants can win one of three prizes, $250, $500 and $1,000. The event is sponsored by the Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road. DCA hosts talk with Julianna Margulies Actor and author Julianna Margulies will be on hand for a special paperback release of her memoir, Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life, scheduled for 7 p.m. May 10 at the Darien Community Association. A reception is set for 6:15 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by the Barrett Bookstore and the DCA. The evening will also feature a question-and-answer session with Margulies. Margulies will be in conversation with Darien resident and author Kristen Harnisch. Harnishs books include The Vintners Daughter, The California Wife and the soon-to-be published sequel, The Vintners Legacy. The cost is $30 for DCA members and $40 for nonmembers. A signed copy of Sunshine Girl is included in the ticket price as is a wine reception. Registration is available by visiting dariendca.org or calling 203-655-9050, Ext. 10, by noon May 9. Margulies, who has won an Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, is known for her roles on the long-running television shows The Good Wife and ER. She lives in New York City with her husband and son. Abilis celebrates Home Is Where the Heart Is Abilis, a nonprofit that serves and supports individuals who have disabilities and their families in Fairfield County, was recently featured in a special online program titled Home Is Where the Heart Is. The program was hosted by celebrity dancer, choreographer and fitness professional Billy Blanks Jr. It celebrated a month of activities at Abilis and provided an opportunity for the community to support the nonprofit with donations to go toward new initiatives that will improve the quality of life for Abilis community members throughout their lifespan. All of us at Abilis have been so thankful for the continued support of our organization, said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. With the particular challenges during the past two years during the pandemic, we decided to reimagine this years annual Gala and created Home Is Where the Heart Is to showcase and celebrate our Abilis program participants, their families and the community. We are having fun creating videos of dances and showcasing our very special community. To learn more and/or to donate, visit www.abilis.us and click on the Home Is Where the Heart Is banner. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NICE, France (AP) Russia's military has launched a string of attacks on Ukraine's railway network, which has been vital for moving Western arms to Ukrainian forces, evacuating refugees and exporting food. A Russian official said the aim was to disrupt Western weapons deliveries. Experts say Ukraines railways appeared to be largely spared at the start of the invasion because Russian planners wanted them to move their own troops and arms across captured territory. The latest strikes still seem to seek more to damage than to destroy the system. Here's a look at the attacks, and their significance. WHY ARE RAILWAYS SO IMPORTANT FOR UKRAINE? The largely flat country has a vast railway network, which has proved invaluable from a military viewpoint for supplying key Western arms shipments and has also helped in the exodus of refugees from Russian air assaults and land advances. Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces blunt Russias initial offensive. It also seems certain to play a central role in the battle for the Donbas in the east, which Moscow now says is its focus following its failure to take the capital, Kyiv. The U.S. and other Western allies have increased weapons shipments at the urging of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow will see any Western transport carrying weapons into Ukraine as a legitimate target. The rail attacks were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday. WHAT WERE THE LATEST TARGETS? Russian forces used sea- and air-launched precision guided missiles to destroy power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine over the past day. Some attacks were concentrated in and around the western city of Lviv, close to the border with Poland that has been a gateway for the NATO-supplied weapons. Lviv's mayor said the strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city that has seen only sporadic attacks during the war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting. HAS THE RAILWAY SYSTEM BEEN STRUCK BEFORE? A Russian missile hit a crowded train station in eastern Ukraine last month, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens more. Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children fleeing the Donbas region, had gathered at the station in the town of Kramatorsk on April 8 when a missile hit. Zelenskyy accused Russias military of deliberately attacking the station. Russia blamed Ukraine, saying its own forces dont use the kind of missile that hit the station. In late April, Russian targeted several railway junctions in the west of the country to disrupt weapons deliveries. WHAT IS RUSSIA'S PLAN? Russia seems to have largely spared Ukraines rail system at the outset of the invasion because it had planned to use it to move its own troops and arms across the country, which it had hoped to overrun quickly, military experts say. Now that they know they wont be able to use it, they are striking the rail system that is likely carrying armor and reinforcements to the Ukrainians, said retired French General Dominique Trinquand. While Russians have been conducting precision attacks on the rail network and firing expensive missiles into its power supply lines in the past week, their goal still appears to be damaging rather than destroying the network. It wont stop the Ukrainians, but it will disrupt them, said Frank Ledwidge, a former British military intelligence officer. He said the Russians also aim to undermine Ukraine's morale. It's like saying, Nowhere is safe, Your army cant protect you', We reign over your country at will. WHAT DOES THE US SAY? A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagons assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been no appreciable impact on Ukraines effort to resupply its forces. The official said it is not clear that the Russian strikes have been very accurate, and they also have not impeded efforts to get weapons into Ukraine. ___ Jon Gambrell in Lviv, Cara Anna in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France contributed to this report. ___ 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 STAMFORD A Greenwich socialite who pleaded guilty to voyeurism charges after she filmed three individuals, including a minor, without their consent, was released Wednesday after serving 90 days in prison, court officials said. Hadley Palmer, 53, had been incarcerated in the York Correctional Institution, the state prison for women in Niantic, since Feb. 4 as part of a plea agreement with state prosecutors. Assistant States Attorney Daniel Cummings said Wednesday the state had stipulated in the agreement that Palmer would serve prison time before her sentencing to ensure that she served at least the minimum sentence possible. If it had been part of her sentence, the Department of Corrections couldve cut it short and given her early release. By making it a bond raise, it assured she does all 90 days, Cummings said. Palmer was arrested in 2021 on charges including employing a minor in an obscene performance, conspiracy to employ a minor in an obscene performance and second-degree child pornography in 2017. On Jan. 19, she pleaded guilty to three counts of voyeurism and risk of injury to a minor, all felonies. Under the agreement, Palmer faces a sentence of between 90 days and five years in prison and must register as a sex offender. During a hearing Wednesday in state Superior Court, Judge John Blawie asked whether the state was satisfied with the 90 days served or if prosecutors would be seeking more prison time for Palmer. The courts question is this: Does the state now consider the 90 days that the defendant just served by agreement to be sufficient in terms of the period of incarceration you will be asking for at sentencing? Blawie asked. Absolutely not, Cummings replied. Palmer is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 2. Before she was released Wednesday, attorney Michael Meehan, who represents Palmer, asked that the court modify the conditions of her release to remove her GPS monitoring. Meehan also asked that the state strike a condition that prohibited her from owning any cellular or electronic devices. Cummings ultimately agreed, so long as all camera functionality on electronic devices be permanently disabled. The specifics of the case that led to Palmers arrest last October have not been released, after a judge in Superior Court in Stamford sealed the case. Blawie cited the presence and involvement of a minor as a reason to prevent public from obtaining information about the case, as did Greenwich police. The only information about the accusations against her come from a Feb. 1 ruling by Blawie. Although the case is cloaked in mystery, Greenwich authorities said that Palmer had knowingly photographed, filmed and recorded three individuals, including a minor, according to court records. Palmer has also been involved in a contentious divorce since 2020, court records show. Hadley and Bradley Palmer were wed in New York City in 1992 and had four children together, three of whom are now young adults. Bradley Palmer, a finance executive, is seeking sole custody for their youngest child, who is underage, according to the legal filing in state Superior Court in Stamford. They own a multimillion-dollar seaside mansion in the wealthy Belle Haven neighborhood; it was purchased in 2013 for $6.95 million and boasts seven bedrooms and five fireplaces, according to tax records at Greenwich Town Hall. Before news of her arrest, Hadley Palmer was routinely photographed at various gala benefits around the region. She grew up in southern Connecticut, and her father, Jerrold Fine, started one of the first hedge funds to operate in the financial field in Westport. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LOS ANGELES (AP) The husband of a Black woman who died hours after childbirth in 2016 sued Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Wednesday, saying she bled to death because of a culture of racism at the renowned Los Angeles hospital. Charles Johnson IV said he discovered the disparity in care women of color receive at Cedars compared to white women during depositions in his wrongful death lawsuit that is scheduled to go to trial next week in Los Angeles Superior Court. Theres no doubt in my mind that my wife would be here today and be here Sunday celebrating Mothers Day with her boys if she was a Caucasian woman, Johnson said at a news conference outside the hospital. "The reality is that on April 12, 2016, when we walked into Cedars-Sinai hospital for what we expected to be the happiest day of our lives, the greatest risk factor that Kira Dixon Johnson faced was racism. Johnson died about 12 hours after having a scheduled cesarean section that was performed in 17 minutes to deliver the couple's second son, Langston. This is sloppy. It was butchery, attorney Nicholas Rowley said. It shocked everybody that we deposed, all the health care providers, even the head of (obstetrics) here, the head of labor and delivery, looked at it and said No, Ive never seen one done that fast. Despite signs she was bleeding internally and over the desperate pleas of her husband, Kira Johnson languished for hours without being readmitted to the operating room until it was too late, the civil rights lawsuit said. At one point, a nurse told Charles Johnson that his wife wasn't a priority, according to the lawsuit. She died from internal bleeding nearly 90% of her blood was later found in her stomach, Rowley said. Her bladder had been lacerated and she hadnt been sutured properly. The hospital, which has fought the malpractice lawsuit, said in a statement that it was founded on principles of diversity and health care for all and it rejected any mischaracterization of our culture and values. We are actively working to eradicate unconscious bias in health care and advance equity in health care more broadly, the statement said. We commend Mr. Johnson for the attention he has brought to the important issue of racial disparities in maternal outcomes. Kira Johnson's death led her husband on a crusade to advocate for reducing maternal mortality, which is especially high for Black women. Before the pandemic, which increased deaths of women of color during childbirth, Black women died at 2.5 times the rate of white women, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Charles Johnson has testified before Congress and at the state Capitol in Sacramento in support of a variety of bills, including a 2019 state law that requires doctors and nurses to identify implicit bias at work, and a recent bill that would lift the cap on medical malpractice awards. Johnson would not benefit from a change in the malpractice law that currently caps awards at $250,000. The case is scheduled to go to trial May 11, though recent court filings indicated the two sides were close to reaching a settlement. The civil rights case would give Johnson another avenue to collect damages and hold Cedars-Sinai accountable. He's also seeking an injunction that would require the hospital to make changes to protect mothers and women of color. But proving a civil rights violation in health care is difficult because most laws require showing discrimination was intentional, said Brietta Clark, a professor at Loyola Law School. Compared to when civil rights laws were enacted, a lot of the kind of unequal treatment that we see in health care today does not seem to be explicit, Clark said. It does not seem to be conscious. A judge had rejected Johnson's effort to change the malpractice case to add the civil rights action, partly because deposition excerpts did not show the hospital racially discriminated in the treatment it provided. Dr. Kimberly Gregory, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the hospital, testified that she lives with structural racism every day and it prevents Black patients from receiving the same care as whites, according to court papers. She also said Kira Johnson should have gone back to the operating room sooner. Dr. Sarah Kilpatrick, chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, testified that she told Charles Johnson: Im sorry. We failed your family. ... This shouldnt have happened. Angelique Washington, a Black surgical technologist, said patient safety was out the door when Kira Johnson came into the operating room. Washington, who has more than 30 years of experience, said she routinely witnessed different treatment of Black women but was afraid to speak up. When I see my Black ... patients come in, I say an extra prayer, Washington said. I say a silent prayer that all goes well. Because you do have racism very much so in the operating room. Clark said the evidence identified by the judge as weak were more general statements and not specifically about discrimination by the provider. She said the key thing for Johnson's legal team will be to show a pattern of discrimination. Rowley said the effort to amend the case was a long shot. He has since gathered other evidence from additional depositions and will be able to seek data such as the number of Black women that have died at Cedars to support his claim in the new lawsuit. Kira died because she's Black, he said. Women of color don't get the same treatment as white women. That's a fact. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD A New York resident was killed early Thursday after he was struck by a train at the Stamford train station, a Metropolitan Transit Authority spokesperson confirmed. The victim was identified as 54-year-old Noel Smith of New Rochelle, N.Y., MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MIAMI (AP) A little-noticed federal appeals court ruling this year threatens a key weapon in the United States war on drugs: A decades-old law that gives the U.S. broad authority to make high-seas arrests anywhere in the world, even if the drugs arent bound for American shores. Its a law thats used to round up and imprison hundreds of foreigners every year, mostly poor, semi-literate fishermen from Central and South America who make up the drug trades lowest rungs. It is a waste of U.S. taxpayer dollars to have these costly misadventures as we play drug police to the world, said Eric Vos, head of the public defenders office in Puerto Rico that brought the court challenge. At issue is the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act, which defines drug smuggling in international waters as a crime against the United States and gives the U.S. unique arrest powers anywhere on the seas whenever it determines a vessel is without nationality. But how a vessel is deemed stateless sometimes gets messy. The was the case for the Costa Rican plaintiff Jeffri Davila-Reyes, whose appeal prompted the ruling. The Coast Guard chased down his speedboat in the western Caribbean in 2015 as he and two cousins were allegedly transporting five to 15 kilos of cocaine. They identified their vessel as hailing from Costa Rica, according to the FBIs summary of the investigation, but they lacked any documentation. When the U.S. asked the Costa Rican government to confirm the vessels registry, it responded 12 weeks after the bust that it could neither confirm nor refute the claim. A few weeks later the men were charged and eventually pleaded guilty to possessing narcotics on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. But a three-judge panel of the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston ruled in January that one of the laws provisions disavowing a captains claim of nationality were an unconstitutional extension of U.S. policing powers beyond Americas borders. Tellingly, almost none of those arrested under the law had ever set foot in the U.S. nor were they charged with trying to import cocaine. In Davila-Reyes case, the cocaine he was accused of transporting was purportedly headed to Jamaica. Despite the ruling that threw out his conviction, Davila-Reyes remains behind bars seven years into a 10-year sentence as the Justice Department seeks reconsideration by all of the First Circuits nine judges. In a series of recent letters to The Associated Press from federal prison, Davila-Reyes reflected on how he only got involved in smuggling as a way to escape poverty in his homeland after years of hand-blistering construction work for $10 a day. He said taking a chance on smuggling offered him $6,000. Nobody can be blamed for being born poor, he wrote. From the moment President Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1971, the U.S. Coast Guard has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop illegal narcotics from entering the U.S. Today, it spends more than $2 billion annually as part of that effort. But, almost from the start, that goal has proven elusive. Cocaine prices, a gauge of supply, have been hovering at historical lows for more than a decade as cocaine production from Colombia has soared to record highs. In a good year, barely 10% of cocaine shipments in the waters off Central and South America where the bulk of the worlds cocaine is trafficked are actually seized or destroyed, according to the U.S. governments own estimates. Despite that poor record, U.S. officials continue to tout their success at sea. A 2020 Coast Guard report said at-sea interdictions are the most effective way to combat cartels and criminal networks. Since 2017, the amount of cocaine it has seized or destroyed exceeds 959 metric tons. Prosecutions under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act exploded last year to 296 nearly five times the number a decade ago, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, which collects Justice Department data. But since each case involves multiple defendants, the actual number of foreigners detained at sea last year was 635 the highest tally since 2017. Critics of U.S. drug policy say most such smugglers fell into the job because of poverty and are hardly worth locking up for so long when legions of their poor compatriots stand ready to take their place. These are not masterminds like Pablo Escobar or Chapo Guzman, said Kendra McSweeney, an Ohio State University geographer who has spent years researching U.S. drug policies. Neither the Coast Guard nor Justice Department would comment on Davila-Reyes appeal but experts say its too early to judge the fallout from the landmark ruling. Currently Vos office in Puerto Rico is preparing 14 motions for dismissal in other boat cases on behalf of jailed defendants from Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The ruling has also been cited in at least five proceedings outside the First Circuit. Its definitely a chink in the armor, said Roger Cabrera, a court-appointed attorney in Miami seeking who has filed one of the appeals. But like most chinks, Im sure the federal government is already looking for a workaround. For now, U.S. law enforcement continues to conduct regular search and seizures on the high seas with little indication of concern. In court filings, attorneys for the U.S. government have argued in part that holding up interdictions to wait for an unequivocal denial of registry from a foreign nation before declaring a vessel stateless would be impractical. Anyone involved with bringing dangerous drugs into the United States will be held accountable, no matter their position in the drug-distribution network, said Justice Department spokeswoman Nicole Navas Oxman. ___ Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org or https://www.ap.org/tips/ The complete elimination of restrictions for Romanian tourists and supplementing access corridors, as well as customs staff for traffic fluidity in border crossing points were one of the topics discussed by the representatives of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) with the Minister of Tourism from Greece, Vassilis Kikilias. According to a press release sent by ANAT to AGERPRES on Thursday, the tourism association met with the Tourism Minister of Greece on Wednesday, during the first day of the the Greek dignitary's work meeting. The ANAT delegation was led by Dumitru Luca, chairman, and Alin Burcea, deputy chairman. "The topics discussed were about the complete elimination of restrictions for Romanian tourists, namely solving problems tied to access with their own automobile, through customs of Makaza and Promachonas. The ANAT delegation once again requested to supplement access corridors, as well as the customs staff for the fluidity of traffic through customs and received firm promises in this sense for the 2022 summer season. Following the elimination of sanitary restrictions which presumed additional checks at customs, waiting time for all Romanian tourists will be considerably reduced," the press release mentions. Furthermore, discussions were also targeting the topic of religious tourism, in order to extend the tourist season, as well as areas of interest for Greek tourists who are coming to Romania: Bucharest, Danube Delta, cultural circuits. The Romanian Constitutional Court (CCR) on Thursday explained that the law by which the special pensions of MPs were eliminated was adopted in a single day, "in violation of all deadlines," "which is a violation of the adoption procedure as a whole." According to a press release of the CCR sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, the Constitutional Court, as part of the control of laws pending promulgation, with a majority of votes, admitted the constitutionality challenge and found that the Law No. 7/2021 modifying the Law No. 96/2006 on the Statute of Deputies and Senators it is unconstitutional. CCR also noted the violation of the principle of legal certainty. More than 70 former MPs have challenge in court the Law No 7/2021 modifying the Law no. 96/2006 on the Statute of Deputies and Senators, which abolished special pensions. In February 2021, the plenary sitting of Parliament repealed the special pensions of Senators and Deputies. AGERPRES The exhibition "Stories of the past. Virtual Journey though Vanished Landscapes" will open on May 12, in the Central Hall of the National Museum of History of Romania (MNIR). According to a MNIR press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, the exhibition represents a premiere for the museum, being for the first time when new VR - virtual reality and AR - augmented reality techniques are used in such a museographic endeavour. "Two representative sites were chosen (both for the significance of the discoveries made within them, but also for the presence of exceptional artifacts originating from here in the collections of our museum and of other specialized institutions in Romania): the incineration necropolis from the Bronze Age from Cirna (Dolj County, in the south-west of Romania) and the Roman-Byzantine fortress from Nufaru (Tulcea County, in the south-east of Romania), both located in the Lower Danube area, a geographical area where archeological landscapes are (still) completely preserved," reads the release. Opened in the context of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of MNIR, the most important museum with archaeological-historical themes in our country, the exhibition is organized within the multiannual European project "e-Archaeological Landscapes of the Danube. Virtual archaeological landscapes in the Danube region", financed by the European Union through the Interreg Danube Transnational Program. The project is coordinated by Universalmuseum Joanneum - Graz (Austria) and is carried out in cooperation with national history museums in Slovenia and Hungary, as well as other cultural, museum, higher education and research institutions in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and Slovakia. President of the National Centralised Procurement Office (ONAC) Cornelia Nagy is being prosecuted by the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) for abuse of office in a case related to the illegal purchase of 1.7 million protective masks at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also indicted in the same case is ONAC public procurement advisor Ioana Madalina Hohan (former Deaconeasa), on charges of abuse of office with the receipt of undue benefits. Anti-corruption prosecutors are also probing the Giurgiu-based company SC Romwine & Coffee SRL (a tobacco and liquor seller) and the managers of several trading companies for influence peddling, money laundering, forgery and fraud. According to a DNA release, the current investigations are looking into the allegedly illegal conclusion in 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, of a public procurement framework contract for the purchase of protective masks worth over 50 million RON. Cornelia Nagy, in her capacity as ONAC president, and Ioana Madalina Hohan, supposedly acting in violation of the law, signed in March 2020 a framework agreement between OANC and SC Romwine & Coffee SRL for the purchase of 1,750,000 protective masks. The two ONAC representatives were enticed into this arrangement by the two businessmen who controlled Romwine & Coffee SRL and by the company's manager, who had connived to interpose the company in the procedure for the award of the public procurement contract, although they knew that it lacked the technical and financial capacity to honor the framework agreement. As SC Romwine & Coffee SRL was unable to meet the the contractual clauses (timely delivery of the masks), several documents were falsified to allow it to avoid the payment of 12,786,706 RON in penalties to the Romanian state. In order to secure the public procurement contracts with sanitary materials and make sure they unfold smoothly, one of the suspects allegedly paid another suspect 568,820 RON in the form of a consultancy & service and intermediation contract. "The said activities have supposedly harmed the interests of the companies participating in the procedure and of the public institutions engaged in the prevention and response against the SARS-CoV-2 infection the protective materials were intended for. Also, the companies controlled by the suspects (the one that concluded the questionable contracts and the interposed companies) obtained undue benefits worth a total of 22,906,031 RON," DNA said. On Thursday, President Klaus Iohannis promulgated the law on the ratification of the agreement by which Romania grants 100 million euros, in non-reimbursable funds, to the Republic of Moldova. The agreement between the Government of Romania and the Government of the Republic of Moldova concerns the implementation of the technical and financial assistance programme based on the non-reimbursable financial aid amounting to 100 million euros. Signed in Chisinau on February 11, the agreement is the main instrument by which Romania will provide support to the Moldovan authorities in their efforts for sustainable development, advancement through reforms and rapprochement with the European Union. The document allows the granting by the Romanian Government of a non-reimbursable contribution amounting to 100 million euros to the benefit of the Republic of Moldova, a contribution that will be payable within 7 years from the date when the agreement comes into force. It shall cease at the moment of full absorption by the Republic of Moldova of the funds made available through it. The implementation of the agreement may be extended for a maximum period of 3 years. Agerpres. President Klaus Iohannis will receive his Lithuanian counterpart, Gitanas Nauseda, on Friday, at the Cotroceni Palace, during the latter's official visit to Romania. According to the Presidential Administration, the visit of the President of the Republic of Lithuania takes place in the context of the sustained Romanian-Lithuanian political dialogue and in order to continue the close coordination regarding the security situation caused by Russia's illegal aggression in Ukraine. The two heads of state will address the modalities for the development of the Romanian-Lithuanian bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on the dynamization of the economic exchanges, on the capitalization of the existing potential in the digital field and on the consolidation of the energy security. Discussions will also focus on measures to further support Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, strengthen the deterrence and defence stance on NATO's Eastern Flank, and coordinate positions in preparation for the NATO Summit in Madrid. Collaboration at the level of the European Union, as well as in the regional formats Bucharest 9 and the Three Seas Initiative will also be on the agenda. The Presidents of Romania and Lithuania will also address issues related to the active and comprehensive support that the Republic of Moldova needs in the current context. The two officials will have one-on-one talks and officials at the end of which they will make joint press statements. AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the local ambassadors of Bulgaria, South Korea, Cuba, Libya and Uruguay, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace on Thursday. According to the Presidential Administration, at his meeting with Bulgarian ambassador Radko Todorov Vlaykov, Iohannis thanked for the recent intense bilateral dialogue, marked by visits to Bucharest by the Bulgarian president and prime minister, "which substantially boosted bilateral co-operation." Iohannis emphasised a common interest in further developing the deep-seated political, economic and security partnership between the two countries. He also reconfirmed common goals for the rapid advancement of transport infrastructure projects, ensuring the navigability of the Danube and energy interconnections, which will contribute to the sustainable development of the two neighbouring countries, creating opportunities for Danube communities on both banks of the river. At his meeting with ambassador of South Korea Rim Kap-soo, Iohannis highlighted the excellent co-operation between the two countries, emphasising an interest in strengthening the political and diplomatic dialogue and expanding economic co-operation, including by incentivising trade and investment in many areas under a strategic partnership between the two countries. The discussion with the ambassador of Cuba to Romania, Deborah Leticia Ojeda Valeden, provided an opportunity to assess the state of play and prospects for political dialogue and co-operation between Romania and Cuba. Iohannis emphasised an interest in resuming a bilateral political dialogue, as well as in strengthening economic relations and sectoral co-operation in areas such as education and health. At his meeting with Libyan ambassador to Romania Monem Massoud Omar Abdulmuli, Iohannis highlighted the possibilities of developing the political and diplomatic dialogue and resuming bilateral co-operation once the security situation in Libya permits. At his meeting with Uruguay's ambassador to Romania Alberto Antonio Rodriguez Goni, Iohannis highlighted "long-standing bilateral relations" voicing an interest in expanding and diversifying Romanian-Uruguayan economic and sectoral co-operation. Also highlighted was good co-operation inside EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), as well as at multilateral level. AGERPRES As many as 685 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, by 146 less than on the previous day, on over 20,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Thursday. Of the new cases, 74 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 - 141, and in the counties of Brasov - 57, and Cluj - 54. As of Thursday, 2,897,528 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania. - Hospitalisations - As many as 1,066 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised at specialist care facilities across the country, by 47 less than the day before; 70 of this total are children. Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 167 are in ICUs, by 12 less compared to the previous day. Of the 167 ICU patients, 151 are unvaccinated for COVID-19. - Deaths - According to the Ministry, another 21 Romanians infected with SARS-CoV-2 - 10 men and 11 women - were reported dead in the last 24 hours, including four cases previously unaccounted for. One of the deceased patients was in the 30 - 39 age group, five in the 60 - 69 age group, six in the 70 - 79 age group, and nine in the 80+ category, and they all suffered from underlying conditions. 17 of the fatalities were unvaccinated. The vaccinated patients were aged between 68 and 77. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 65,540 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania.AGERPRES Romanian Senate President Florin Citu on Thursday welcomed Polish ambassador in Bucharest Maciej Lang, on a presentation visit, hailing the significant development in the Romanian-Polish relations of late under a bilateral strategic partnership, and underscoring the need to further dialogue between the two countries, as well as coordination at all levels. Citu reiterated Romania's "firm support" to Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, as well as to the heroic effort of the Ukrainian authorities and citizens "to repel the aggression of the Russian Federation," which is a "flagrant violation of international law." Citu is quoted in a Senate press release as underscoring the need to coordinate actions in order to keep up harsh sanctions against the Russian Federation, despite the economic difficulties currently facing the EU member states. Discussions also focused on the measures taken by Romania and Poland in support of Ukraine refugees and the need for financial support from the European Commission. Citu and Lang also discussed the process of rebuilding Ukraine, "Ukraine's sovereign right to decide the course of its foreign and security policy" and the need to support Moldova's European path. Lang handed Citu an invitation to visit Poland in the near future from marshal of the Polish Senate Tomasz Grodzki. AGERPRES The Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu, announced on Thursday that he signed the order granting national air carrier TAROM a state aid worth 1.9 million euro, in order to cover the damages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I signed, today, the Minister's Order by which we grant to TAROM state aid worth 1.9 million euro! Through the sum granted from the budget of the Ministry of Transport, TAROM will be able to cover the damages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the period July 1 - December 31, 2020. The European Commission authorized this measure and is analyzing, presently, another request of TAROM for the granting of restructuring aid worth approximately 85 million euro," Sorin Grindeanu wrote on Facebook. According to a press release of the Community's executive, the 1.9 million euro state aid granted to TAROM is in line with norms regarding state aid. Due to the restrictions in force at the time, TAROM recorded a significant decrease in traffic and profitability in the mentioned period. The state aid will be rendered in the form of a capital injection. The president of UDMR (Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania, co-ruling) Targu Mures (central Romania), Kovacs Mihaly Levente, made an appeal for calm on Thursday, after the High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ, Supreme Court of Romania, ed. n.) upheld the decision to annul the Order of the Minister of National Education of 2018, through which the procedures for the establishment of the Roman Catholic Theological High School Rakoczi Ferenc II were started. "I urge all those who are concerned that the Roman Catholic Theological High School Rakoczi Ferenc II would be abolished again to be calm. We have, we had and we will have a Catholic confessional school in Targu Mures. Those who attacked the establishment of the school make proof of bad faith, are petty and do not know this city and the citizens of this city. They act according to outdated principles. (...) Although the motivation of the decision has not yet been made public, one thing is clear, and that is that we are united in sending this message: no matter who is disturbed by the existence of the Hungarian confessional school to be reconciled with the thought that, even if it were abolished, we will found it again. UDMR is still fully with students, teachers and parents. The authorization for the operation of the school in Targu Mures was regulated by an Order of minister who, at the same time, had approved the operation of an Orthodox school in Timisoara," Kovacs Mihaly Levente said in a press release. The leader of UDMR Targu Mures also said that there is a demand from the community for this school. A day ago, the ICCJ maintained the decision of the Targu Mures Court of Appeal, by which the Order of the Minister of Education was partly annulled. "Annuls the Order of the Minister of National Education no. 4.320/09.08.2018 for granting the provisional functioning authorization for the educational unit the Roman Catholic Theological High School Rakoczi Ferenc II from Targu Mures. Annuls the Order of the Minister of National Education no.4.821/30.08.2018 regarding the functioning of the Roman Catholic Theological High School Rakoczi Ferenc II in Targu-Mures," is said in the decision of the Targu Mures Court of Appeal, maintained by the ICCJ by Decision no. 2.380/03.05.2022. The Roman Catholic Theological High School Rakoczi Ferenc II in Targu-Mures was initially established by Decision no. 1.385/31.08.2015, then it was tried to re-establish the high school through a law adopted by the Romanian Parliament, and between June and August 2018, this high school was reestablished based on orders of the Ministry of National Education. The first vice-president of the People's Movement Party (PMP), Marius Pascan, announced that the Roman Catholic Theological High School in Targu Mures, "founded illegally, no longer exists today". "All the fuss of the illegal establishment and the rollercoaster started from the politicians of UDMR who made huge pressures at the level of the Romanian Government, the Parliament, the Ministry of National Education, the School Inspectorate of Mures County, the local public administration. Those politicians have deceived teachers, parents and students alike. Unfortunately, the latter are those who directly suffer the consequences. Now it is not known what will be the fate of the students, nor of the teachers within this educational unit, which has been operating illegally since 2019, nor what will happen next," Pascan said on Facebook.AGERPRES Boeing Co. said Thursday it will move its headquarters from Chicago to the Washington, D.C., area, where company executives would be closer to key federal government officials. The company said it will use its campus in Arlington, Virginia, as its new headquarters, and it plans to develop a research and technology hub in the area. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent, Boeing CEO David Calhoun said. The move marks a win for Virginias Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who campaigned last year on a promise to bring new businesses and jobs to the state. The decision to call Virginia home shows that the Commonwealth is the premier location for aerospace companies," Youngkin said in a statement. I look forward to working with Boeing to attract even more talent to Virginia especially given its reputation for engineering excellence. Youngkin retired in 2020 as co-CEO of private equity giant the Carlyle Group. He was personally involved in discussions about the move and had a prior business relationship with Calhoun, who also was an executive in the investment industry, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly. A spokeswoman for the state's economic development agency said the project will not receive any state incentives. A spokeswoman for the countys economic development office did not immediately respond to questions about whether Boeing had been offered local incentives. Boeing is a major defense contractor, and the move will put executives close to Pentagon leaders. Rival defense contractors including General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are already based in the D.C. area. Company executives would also be near the Federal Aviation Administration, which certifies Boeing passenger and cargo planes. Boeing's relationship with the FAA has been strained since deadly crashes of its best-selling plane, the 737 Max, in 2018 and 2019. The FAA took nearly two years far longer than Boeing expected to approve design changes and allow the plane back in the air. Certification of new Boeing planes will take longer too. The company has suffered financial setbacks in building a refueling tanker for the Air Force. And it has been hurt by the pandemic, which undercut travel and demand for new planes. Boeing lost $1.2 billion in this year's first quarter. Boeing's roots are in the Seattle area, and it has assembly plants in Washington state and South Carolina. The company moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2001 after an unusually public search that also considered Dallas and Denver. Cai von Rumohr, an aerospace analyst for Cowen, said there were advantages for Boeing moving its headquarters to the Washington, D.C., area or back to Seattle, where leaders again would be closer to the companys important commercial operations. Chicago does nothing for them, von Rumohr said. Boeing had 142,000 employees at the end of 2021, including 12% based outside the United States, according to a regulatory filing. The filing did not say how many work in Chicago. Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with consultant AeroDynamic Advisory, said Boeing's Chicago work force is minimal, making the move easier. Rep. Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which investigated Boeing and the FAA after the Max crashes, criticized Boeings move to be closer to federal policy makers. Boeing should focus on making safe airplanes, not lobbying federal regulators and Congress, he said. Meanwhile, many of Virginias elected officials celebrated the news. Democratic state Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw called it one hell of a catch. Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Boeings decision was a testament to Virginias skilled workforce and strong national security community. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, also a Virginia Democrat and a former entrepreneur and investor, indicated the deal had been in the works for quite some time. For well over a year, Ive been making my case to Boeing senior leadership that Virginia would be a great place for its headquarters, and late last year, I was happy to learn that my efforts were successful, he said in a statement. The company's statement thanked both Youngkin and Warner. Boeing will be following in the footsteps of Amazon, which decided to put a second headquarters in Arlington. Last month, local officials approved Amazon's plans to erect a 350-foot helix-shaped building. Boeing's decision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. NEW YORK A leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would abolish a nationwide right to abortion has thrust major companies into whats arguably the most divisive issue in American politics. But while some are signaling support for abortion rights, many want to stay out of it at least for now. Experts say its tough to navigate these waters. Companies are facing increasing pressure from social media and their own employees to speak out. And while some of them have weighed in on issues like LGBTQ rights, voting rights and gun control, the thorny issue of abortion could prove to be more challenging. This is the hottest of the hot potatoes, said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce. While lots of issues are polarizing, this is ground zero for polarization. People are fanatically passionate one way or another. Despite the risks, major companies have waded into the abortion issue in the past. In 2019, more than 180 of them including H&M, Slack and Glossier signed an open letter that said restrictive abortion laws were against their values and bad for business. A similar letter was signed by more than 60 companies last year in response to a Texas law banning abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, forcing some women to travel out-of-state to access the procedure. Among others, jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co., the online reviews site Yelp, banking giant Citigroup and ride-hailing company Lyft pledged to cover travel costs for employees who have to travel long distances to access an abortion. When the report of the draft court opinion set off a political firestorm this week, a few companies issued statements supporting abortion rights but stopped short of taking further action themselves. Overturning Roe v. Wade will jeopardize the human rights of millions of women who stand to lose the liberty to make decisions over their own bodies, Yelp said in a statement. Turning back the clock on the progress women have made over the past 50 years will have a seismic impact on our society and economy. Many others have remained quiet. They include Netflix, PayPal, Microsoft, Patagonia, Target, Walmart and Apple, which is reportedly covering travel costs for its Texas workers through its medical insurance. Microsoft and the Chamber of Commerce, the worlds largest business federation, said it had no comment; the rest did not respond to requests for comment. The Business Roundtable, which represents some of the countrys most powerful companies, said it does not have a position on this issue. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, also did not respond to a request for comment, though its chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, posted on her personal social media accounts on Tuesday that the document represents a scary day for women all across the country. Adamson believes that many companies have held off weighing in on the Supreme Courts draft because they want to wait to see the courts final ruling. This gives companies a chance to think this through, he said, noting that companies need to make a decision based on what the majority of their employees want. Over the past few years, companies have added their voices to the Black Lives Matter movement and issues like same-sex marriage. After the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, dozens pledged to halt donations to lawmakers who objected to Congress certification of President Joe Bidens victory, promises that turned out to be largely empty. But taking a stance on controversial issues is seemingly becoming more challenging, oftentimes pitting companies against Republican lawmakers who seem increasingly eager to push back. Delta, which declined to comment on the abortion issue, was the subject of attacks by the Georgia GOP last year for its opposition to the states restrictive voting rights bill. In response, Georgias Republican-controlled House voted to revoke a jet fuel tax break that benefits the Atlanta-based company, an effort that ultimately fizzled. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last month to dissolve the private government Walt Disney World controls on its property in the state as retribution for the companys opposition to a new law critics have dubbed Dont Say Gay. On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill that would prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for their employees abortion travel costs or gender transition expenses for employees children. State lawmakers are similarly taking aim at companies that offer help to women seeking abortions in states with less restrictive laws around abortions. Should Roe v. Wade get overturned, roughly half of states are likely to quickly ban abortion. In March, Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Citigroup, saying he would propose legislation barring local governments in the state from doing business with any company that provides travel benefits for employees seeking abortions. If enacted, Cain said the bill would prevent the New York-based bank from underwriting municipal bonds in Texas unless the bank rescinds its policy. In South Dakota, GOP Rep. Scott Odenbach suggested lawmakers might look at legislation to discourage companies from covering the costs of South Dakotans who travel to another state for an abortion, noting that the states proximity to Minnesota, where abortion will remain legal even if Roe is undone, raises cross-border issues. Businesses face tough choices if they continue to operate in states that legislatively ban abortion, said John E. Katsos, a research affiliate at Queens University Belfast in Northern Ireland, who consults with multinational companies. Katsos predicted insurance companies would raise the premium rates of companies that operate in such states, because it costs more to insure a pregnant woman and children than to cover an abortion procedure. Some corporations have long paid for their employees travel-related expenses for surgeries out of state under their medical benefits, noted Katy Johnson, senior counsel of health policy at The American Benefits Council, a lobbying group in Washington, D.C. She said she has fielded more interest from companies since the abortion ban in Texas to cover travel expenses for abortion procedures. State abortion bans might make it harder for companies located in such states to recruit college-educated workers at a time of severe labor shortages, some experts said. That alienation might outweigh any special tax privileges that helped to entice companies to locate there. You would rather pay higher tax and have great people than struggle to recruit people to your headquarters in Texas, said Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. College graduates will have a lot of choices. And I think theres going to be a stigma and an aversion to moving to states that have these draconian laws. Associated Press writers Doug Glass in Minneapolis and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report. WASHINGTON/SEATTLE Boeing Co. said on Thursday it will move its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, as the crisis-plagued U.S. planemaker works to repair relationships with customers, federal regulators and lawmakers. The move to Arlington across the Potomac River from the U.S. capital will also include plans by Boeing to develop a research and technology hub in the area. "The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent," Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun said. Cost cuts and a more hands-on corporate culture had raised questions about Boeing's future in Chicago, and in turn the broad direction Boeing intends to take as it tries to regain its stride. Boeing said it will maintain a significant presence at its Chicago location and the surrounding region. Boeing has been working to repair its relationship with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and lawmakers after prior CEO Dennis Muilenburg was fired in 2019 after clashing with the agency over its review of the 737 Max following two fatal crashes that killed 346 people. Boeing, a key supplier to the U.S. Defense Department, last week unveiled more than $1 billion in charges on its Air Force One and T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet programs. Boeing already has an Arlington office that opened in 2014 and has significant unused space. It is just blocks from Amazon's "HQ2" headquarters building under construction. The Chicago headquarters a 36-floor, $200 million riverfront skyscraper has also been at the crossroads of a cost-cutting campaign that has seen Boeing shed real estate, including its commercial airplane headquarters in Seattle. Boeing moved its headquarters to Chicago in 2001, leaving its Seattle home after 85 years following its 1997 merger with St. Louis-based rival McDonnell Douglas a decision that angered rank-and-file mechanics and engineers. Boeing was seeking a post-merger headquarters in a neutral location separate from those existing divisional power centers. Chicago, Cook County and Illinois awarded Boeing more than $60 million in tax and other incentives over 20 years to relocate. Those credits have expired, though Boeing was set to receive 2021 funds this year. House of Representatives Transportation Committee Chair Peter DeFazio blasted Boeing's decision to move to Arlington. "Boeing's problem isn't a lack of access to government, but rather its ongoing production problems and the failures of management and the board that led to the fatal crashes of the 737 Max," he said. Some critics viewed the Chicago move as a symbol of a company that prized near-term profits and shareholder returns over long-term engineering dominance a charge repeated after the 737 Max crashes. Once the symbol of a new Boeing, the vision of a corporate epicenter rising above its constituent parts has fallen at odds with the imperative of recapturing engineering dominance and repairing relationships with customers and federal regulators. Separately on Thursday, the head of the world's second-largest aircraft leasing company said that Boeing might need new leadership to fix a company culture that had become "totally warped." "I think it's fair to say that Boeing has lost its way," Avolon Chief Executive Domhnal Slattery told the Airfinance Journal conference in Dublin, a gathering of the world's aircraft lessors who together own most of the world's passenger jets. "Boeing has to fundamentally reimagine its strategic relevance in the marketplace," he said, adding that this would require "fresh vision, maybe fresh leadership." ST. LOUIS COUNTY Steve Goedeker says the people who bought his familys appliance retailer have trashed the old Manchester Road superstore and stiffed him on the rent. In a pending arbitration claim, the former CEO says that his old company, which took out a lease on the building in 2019, has since rendered it uninhabitable with more than $700,000 in damages to the roof, electrical system, drywall and other systems, and refused to pay for repairs. It was just a show of disrespect to the property and owner of the property, Goedeker said on Thursday. The company, now called 1847 Goedeker after the private equity group that took over three years ago, has also refused to pay its $45,000 per month rent since February, the claim says. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment Thursday. 1847 Goedeker left the building last summer when it relocated its headquarters and distribution warehouse to St. Charles. It said in a March 31 filing that it planned to sub-lease the space. Austin Huguelet 314-788-1651 @ahuguelet on Twitter ahuguelet@post-dispatch.com 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. THURSDAY, May 5, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term survival after a heart attack has improved significantly overall among Medicare beneficiaries, although poorer people and Black Americans have been left behind, a new study claims. "Our results demonstrate some accomplishments and some work ahead; we are making progress on improving long-term outcomes overall, but we are failing to reduce the inequalities in long-term health outcomes that may cause death or another heart attack," said senior study author Dr. Harlan Krumholz. He is director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation at Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn. For the study, Krumholz and his team analyzed the medical records of 3.9 million Medicare beneficiaries, average age 78, who survived for at least 30 days after a heart attack between 1995 and 2019. Nearly half of the patients were women. During the study period, the death rate was nearly 73% and the rate of hospitalization for another heart attack was 27% in the 10 years after a heart attack. But 10-year death rates fell 1.5% a year and 10-year hospitalizations for another heart attack fell almost 3% a year during the study period. Compared to patients hospitalized from 1995 to 1997, those hospitalized in 2007 to 2009 (the last three years for which full 10-year follow-up data were available) had a nearly 14% lower 10-year death risk and a 22.5% lower risk of another heart attack. The 10-year death risk was higher (about 81%) for patients who had another heart attack than for those who did not (72%), the investigators found. The study also found that hazard ratios for death and heart attack recurrence were: 1.13 and 1.07, respectively, for men versus women; 1.05 and 1.08, respectively, for Black patients versus white patients; 0.96 and 1.00, respectively, for other races (including American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, other race or ethnicity) versus white Americans. The findings show that measures to prevent a second heart attack could have important long-term consequences, according to the report published online May 4 in JAMA Cardiology. "Another notable finding is that about a quarter of the patients had another heart attack over the next decade, perhaps indicating that we need to be bolder in efforts to prevent repeat events and ensure that patients have access to the information and medications that can reduce their risk," Krumholz said in a Yale news release. More information For more on heart attack recovery, go to the American Heart Association. SOURCE: Yale University, news release, May 4, 2022 Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. August A. Busch Sr., the president of Anheuser-Busch, was suffering from heart problems and gout when he shot himself in his bed at Grant's Farm. He used a pearl-handled .32-caliber revolver he kept by his bed. UPDATED at 11 a.m. Thursday with arrest of man, additional details on boy ST. LOUIS A 3-year-old boy was in critical condition Wednesday after he found a gun and accidentally shot himself in the head, police said. The shooting happened about 1:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 3500 block of North 11th Street, police said. The scene is in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood. Police said Thursday that officers have arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, resulting in serious injury. The Post-Dispatch does not typically identify suspects until charges are filed. Police learned about the shooting Wednesday afternoon once the boy arrived at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for treatment. He had been rushed there in a private vehicle. The boy had found the gun under a mattress, police said. Police spokeswoman Evita Caldwell said the arrested man is not the boy's father. She didn't know their relationship. Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS FBI agents reported seizing more than $300,000 from the apartment of a St. Louis man involved with the citys Cure Violence program and who is now facing a charge of destroying evidence in the investigation of an April 21 homicide. The cash was mentioned in an affidavit filed Wednesday with a federal complaint charging a second man with destroying evidence in the same homicide investigation. On April 28, federal agents raided Jerome Mujaa Williams apartment in the 1500 block of Washington Avenue and seized cash stored in a box, according to court documents. Williams, 49, was charged with disposing of homicide victim Titus Armsteads Social Security card and a cellphone that held a photo of Armsteads body as well as a video clip from the time of his death. Williams public defender could not be reached for comment. On Wednesday, federal prosecutors charged Moreion Lindsey, 32, with one count of destruction of evidence to obstruct an investigation. His lawyer declined to comment. Armstead, 46, was shot about 9:30 p.m. April 21 in Penrose Park and found about 12:45 a.m. the next day face down with several gunshot wounds, authorities said. He had flown from Newark, New Jersey, to St. Louis Lambert International Airport about 8:30 p.m. and was killed an hour later. Two days before his death, Armstead sent messages to someone on Facebook saying he was still alive after being shot at in New Jersey and that he would be traveling to St. Louis for safety. A relative of Armstead later told investigators that Armstead had no ties to St. Louis and had moved with a cousin from Seattle to New Jersey to count money, the affidavit said. That relative would not explain what it meant to count money, but another relative told investigators Armstead may have been selling fentanyl and moved to New Jersey to earn more money. On the night before Armsteads death, Lindsey met Williams at a Crown Mart/Phillips 66 gas station at 3700 Union Boulevard to retrieve a cellphone, the affidavit says. The affidavit identifies another person who had arranged Armsteads travel to and accommodations in New Jersey and would routinely have cellphones activated at the gas station in St. Louis. Approximately two minutes after Armstead was shot, Lindsey called Williams cellphone and was spotted driving a vehicle near where Armstead was killed, authorities said. Lindsey and Williams vehicles were seen on surveillance video in the Carr Square neighborhood about 30 minutes after Armsteads death. Lindsey met Williams, used the cellphones camera to view the picture of Armsteads body, then handed the phone to Williams, who took it back to Williams apartment in the 1500 block of Washington Avenue, the affidavit said. About an hour later, Williams was recorded on surveillance video leaving his parking garage and then discarding something in a utility shaft/storm drain in the 1900 block of St. Charles Street, authorities said. FBI agents searched the shaft on April 28 and found pieces of Armsteads torn-up Social Security card. Cellphone records revealed dozens of communications between Williams and Lindsey in March and April, the affidavit said. Williams also had contact with the person who had arranged Armsteads travel and living arrangements in New Jersey. Lindsey had multiple instances of cellphone contact with a woman who, an hour after Armsteads killing, reported stolen the SUV that Lindsey had driven to meet Williams at the gas station. A cellphone Armstead called after landing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport was recovered April 22 along Interstate 70 near Lucas and Hunt Road. Williams worked as a Cure Violence interrupter in Dutchtown, was featured on NBC News in November and was quoted in the Post-Dispatch in February about his work with Cure Violence, a national program aimed at reducing violent crime. Williams was released on supervision in February 2021 from a 35-year prison sentence for convictions of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. In that case, in June 1990, Williams and two other men took Richard Lee Harris, 21, to East St. Louis, where Harris was found handcuffed and shot to death. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS Seven people who served on a special grand jury that indicted an investigator in an invasion of privacy case against former Gov. Eric Greitens have written a letter urging a disciplinary panel to take stronger action against St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner. The April 12 letter, obtained Wednesday by the Post-Dispatch, was sent to St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison on April 20, asking him to forward it to the three-person disciplinary panel that presided over Gardners ethics hearing last month. The letter writers were part of a grand jury that spent months investigating and ultimately indicting former FBI agent William Don Tisaby in 2019. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in March and received probation. The grand jury ended its term without indicting Gardner or anyone in her office. During our eight months of special grand jury service, our investigation resulted in the indictment of an individual who was very closely associated with Ms. Gardner, the letter said. Our work exposed us to activity and behaviors in the St. Louis Circuit Attorneys office that we considered disturbing and unethical. What we observed was not inadvertent nor inconsequential but was calculated deceit and/or outright incompetence; neither of which is acceptable behavior for a person holding this public office. The letter went on to call Gardners conduct in the Greitens case reprehensible. Our assignment as jurors was to investigate (Tisaby) but our efforts revealed prosecutorial misconduct we believed was likely indictable as well, the letter said. The fact that an ethics review was pending suggested that Ms. Gardner would indeed face severe and appropriate consequences. A St. Louis Circuit Court spokesman said the court did not respond to or forward the letter and has had no other correspondence about Gardner with those who served on the special grand jury. At last months ethics hearing, Missouris chief disciplinary counsel announced a joint stipulation that recommended a reprimand for Gardner for her failures to maintain and disclose evidence in the Greitens case. The deal still needs the approval of the disciplinary panel and the Missouri Supreme Court. Allison Hawk, spokeswoman for Gardner, provided a statement late Wednesday saying, The St. Louis Circuit Attorney has cooperated fully from the outset. We appreciate that the Office of Disciplinary Counsel conducted a fair and thorough process, and we expect the stipulation agreed to by all parties will soon become final. Hawk provided a statement Thursday attributed to Gardners ethics lawyer Michael Downey saying the release of the letter constitutes an extraordinary and extreme breach of public trust and that the former jurors should have no proper means to communicate about their former service. Downeys statement said the grand jury process allows only the prosecution to present its side of the case and that these grand jurors never heard a balanced presentation, or anything about Ms. Gardners positions. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS City officials said Wednesday they have completed $7 million in upgrades and repairs at the downtown jail, including replacing faulty cell locks that allowed several uprisings and protests in the facility last year. Detainees at the downtown jail will be moved into the upgraded cells on the third floor of the City Justice Center beginning Friday, interim Public Safety Director Dan Isom said. The renovation work now shifts to the fourth floor, and then the fifth and second floors, Isom said. Altogether, the work is estimated at $20 million. During an August meeting of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Capital Expenditures, Isom said about 70% of that total should go toward cell locks and a new control system for the downtown jail, which opened in 2002. After decades of neglect, the city is working to upgrade outdated facilities and invest in our department of corrections to ensure our corrections officers and detainees are safe and secure, Isom said Wednesday. While the issue of the faulty locks took center stage amid a string of high-profile detainee protests last year, the previous jail commissioner confirmed staff had known about the faulty locks prior to the start of the pandemic. Isom and jail Commissioner Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah took members of the news media into an unoccupied third floor pod Wednesday morning. Isom said he believes it was the first time the city had allowed journalists access inside the jail and noted it was part of Mayor Tishaura O. Jones effort to increase government transparency. The two-floor pod was lined with bright yellow doors encircling a common area with metal picnic tables in the middle and a doorway to a small recreation room in the back. Unlike in the previous floor plan, the correctional officer work space and command center is elevated and mirrored to increase security for the officers. In addition, a sally port was added so correctional officers can more easily provide detainees with things like medication and mail. Clemons-Abdullah said three TVs will be installed above the tables for the detainees. Theyll be able to listen to the TV through individual radios with headphones, decreasing the noise level and allowing officers to hear more clearly when there are disturbances or problems. The changes are huge, dont get me wrong, but I think being fair, firm and consistent is going to play a bigger role, Clemons-Abdullah said. On Wednesday, Isom confirmed that 23 people were being detained at the Medium Security Institution, commonly known as the workhouse, in a space he referred to as the City Justice Center annex. Jones made a campaign promise to close that facility, which she did in June. However, about two months later the city moved roughly 120 detainees back to the facility in the wake of uprisings at the downtown jail on Tucker Boulevard. The six-story downtown facility has a capacity of 860 inmates. Isom on Wednesday said there was no timeline for when the workhouse would be shut down but the city remains committed to closing it and working with the community to establish a new use for the Hall Street site. The two city officials also noted the jail is still severely understaffed, even with the recent hiring of six correctional officers. The commissioner said the jail is looking to hire at least 50 more officers, but would add 60 to 70 if there were enough applicants. We are facing labor crunches like many other employers across the nation, Isom said. For now, the jail is contracting with a security company to fill those gaps. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS Terrion Smith was letting people into the Ely Walker Lofts for a party on the night of March 12 when the 16-year-old was shot dead in the lobby of the Washington Avenue building. Police said the shooting appeared to be targeted. The apartment had been rented out via a short-term rental website for a birthday party. On the Monday after the shooting, March 14, St. Louis officials issued a public nuisance notice for unit 510 of the Ely Walker building, where the party had been held, citing shooting, disturbances and other unruly behavior. It scheduled a meeting March 31 with the owner: Aconcagua One LLC, c/o Asprient Properties. Aconcagua One, which owns nearly half of the condos in the Ely Walker building, lists as manager Victor Alston, the developer behind Lux Living and a prominent real estate investor. His brother and business partner, Sid Chakraverty, sits on Ely Walkers condominium association board, which manages the property. At least two other Lux employees are on the board, giving them a majority on the five-member condo association. Alston and Chakraverty have faced criticism for Lux Livings business practices, including tactics to stymie a competing development and tenant complaints about poor management at their properties. But now the brothers downtown holdings, particularly Ely Walker Lofts, are drawing new scrutiny from city officials and downtown residents. Tenants and other property owners downtown have complained about parties some, they say, rented through websites such as Airbnb getting out of control and damaging property in the 184-unit building at 1520 Washington Avenue. A party at the building last May spilled out into the street and led to an infamous incident when partiers danced on a police patrol car. Last week, St. Louis Public Safety Director Dan Isom said the city was investigating after a large rooftop party April 23 at Ely Walker lofts and planned to meet with the management team. On Monday, Ben Breit, who heads trust communications for Airbnb, came to St. Louis and appeared with city and business officials with a pledge to better identify problem rental units. He announced the platform would expand restrictions on rentals during Memorial Day weekend, a measure it is rolling out nationwide. A similar block on guests without good reviews during Independence Day weekend last year affected some 500 people in St. Louis, Breit said. St. Louis Assessor Michael Dauphin also appeared Monday to say his office is working with the mayors office and the citys problem properties unit to identify properties used for short-term rentals and reclassify them as commercial real estate. We view them as running a commercial business and essentially, when you move them from residential to commercial classification, it doubles their tax bill, Dauphin said Monday. The downtown parties and incidents have also gotten the attention of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, which is reviving ideas to regulate the industry or require licenses for Airbnb hosts. If theyre not licensed and given a permit to operate, theres no hammer to take away their license or punish them when theyre bad actors or hosts, said Alderman Tom Oldenburg. It aint ours Though there are short-term rentals through Airbnb throughout the city, the citys focus on improving quality of life downtown has for the moment focused the spotlight on the Ely Walker building and Alston and Chakraverty. Ira Berkowitz, a lawyer for many of the brothers companies, denied that his clients do any short-term rentals at Ely Walker. Theres absolutely no short-term leasing, Berkowitz said. Theres no short-term Airbnbs or anything else through my client at Ely Walker. Zero. We will not tolerate short-term leasing at Ely Walker, he said. But a company called TheSTAY had a unit advertised this week on Airbnb at a location that appears to match the Ely Walker buildings address, according to the websites map. Chakraverty is the registered agent for TheStay LLC, Missouri business filings say. Told about the Airbnb listing, Berkowitz replied that advertising is one thing. Do you have any evidence of any actual short-term leasing? If you find a posting on Airbnb it aint ours, he said. The property listing does not specifically say it is an Ely Walker unit, but Airbnbs map shows it is located where the Ely Walker building is. TheSTAY also lists Airbnb units in other buildings owned by companies affiliated with Alston and Chakraverty. Shown screenshots of the listing, Berkowitz said, There is no indication on any of these attached listings that any of them are for Ely Walker. And Airbnbs Breit, in an email Thursday afternoon, said the listing is for an entirely separate building not 1520 Washington. Breit described Airbnbs location map as approximate and could be anywhere within a 10-city block radius. Asked if TheSTAY had listed Ely Walker units via Airbnb in the past, Breit said he didnt know. Chakraverty, reached by phone Wednesday, declined to comment. As for the March shooting, Berkowitz said he didnt know if the nuisance summons was related. But he did say that it was a regular tenant who had listed the unit on Airbnb, not Alstons Aconcagua One LLC. This was a tenant of theirs that did it behind our back, Berkowitz said. We had no idea that this guy was doing it. The bigger issue, he said, is the proliferation of these guns. ... We should all be ashamed of ourselves for allowing this to happen. Singling out Ely Walker is not the answer to downtowns problems, Berkowitz said. Look at Washington Avenue altogether, he said. Its not this building, its whats happening in the city. You got kids running around shooting windows out. Tenants fight back In 2015, Aconcagua purchased 87 of the condos in the Ely Walker building, giving it just under 50% of the buildings units, according to a September lawsuit filed by several other condo owners in the building. The other owners allege that Chakraverty and Alstons Aconcagua engineered the installation of a majority of condo board members to control the building. Those board members, including the Lux employees, dont directly own condos there but are affiliated with, and are beholden to Aconcagua and serve its interests rather than those of the Ely Walker condo owners, the lawsuit alleges. They vote in a block-like manner on all business before the association, the lawsuit alleges. Aconcagua tries to maximize its rental cash flow by utilizing all of its units, frequently on short-term bases, the lawsuit says, which is highly divergent from the interests of the independent condo owners and violates condo rules. The lawsuit claims that after owners called out the short-term leases, Aconcagua changed its leases to a year but added a provision allowing signers to terminate the leases in 60 days, effectively keeping them short-term. Aconcagua has denied the allegations in responses. But conditions have grown worse recently, said Allie Byrd, a three-year tenant of Ely Walker who rents one of the units owned by a company affiliated with Alston and Chakraverty. She says she has been complaining about a leak in her bedroom ceiling for months. Her car, along with several others, had its windows bashed in after people at one of the recent parties vandalized cars in the buildings garage. Byrd said actual owners who live in the building need representation on the condo association in order to make changes. Per the bylaws, thats not allowed in that building, she said of the short-term rentals. But they dont control it very well. Its not just Ely Walker. Kevin Liese, owner of downtown bar Jack Patricks, said things have gotten worse at the next-door Bell Lofts building, at 918 Olive Street, since Alstons company took over. Short-term rentals are frequent, judging by the people arriving and departing with luggage, he said. The Bell Lofts are advertised by TheSTAY on the Airbnb site. On New Years Eve, partygoers crammed onto a balcony, one of them firing a gun in the air, toward the empty AT&T skyscraper. Several windows on the north side of the building are boarded up, visible from the street downtown. Liese doesnt remember the boards before that New Years Eve. I saw the gunfire first hand, he said. It was not straight up in the air. There was no way it was clearing the tower. Told of the incident, Berkowitz said the city has a crime problem. But he said I do not see any direct connection between short-term leasing and crime. Tenants on one-year or five-year leases, Berkowitz said, can be just as destructive. Dana Rieck and Mark Schlinkmann of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS Prosecutors on Wednesday charged a second man in a Baden neighborhood shootout in August that left a man dead. Randall O. Jackson, 28, of the 6800 block of Primrose Avenue in Pagedale, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the Aug. 11 killing of Mark Burton. Burton, 46, was fatally shot in a 5 p.m. shootout in the 8300 block of North Broadway. The day after the shooting, prosecutors charged Courtlend D. Green, 25, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Charges said Green was seen getting into a car with others and fleeing the scene. A grand jury in October returned an indictment against Green amending the charges to first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. Green and Jackson were being held without bail. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS Workers on Wednesday morning cleared the homeless camp under the Interstate 44 overpass near Cole Street downtown, the last of three sites there that the city had planned to remove. A few hours later, an aldermanic panel advanced a bill to make it illegal to pitch a tent in public rights of way. The legislation was spurred by growing concern over a separate homeless encampment along the River Des Peres near Gravois Avenue on the citys south side. At the downtown camp, residents packed belongings into shopping carts and boxes. About 18 workers were on site and hauled away the remaining items. The city originally gave the residents 10 days notice to vacate, with a deadline of Monday. On Monday, the city cleared the first two camps, displacing one or two people, according to advocates and city officials. At the encampment that was cleared Wednesday, four or five people had been staying there in recent weeks. The city had also planned to evict a camp of people about a quarter mile to the east, who have been living under a pavilion along the Mississippi River. But on Friday the city said that while it had enough shelter beds available for the 15 to 20 residents of the Riverfront Community, it would delay the sites closure until it had options that are not in group settings. The bill barring tents and similar shelters from public rights of way was endorsed 7-0 by the aldermanic Public Safety Committee and sent to the full Board of Aldermen. The measure covers streets, alleys, sidewalks, easements and other city-controlled property. The sponsor, Alderman Tom Oldenburg of the 16th Ward, said camps like the one along the River Des Peres are dangerous for the people staying there. Motorists using adjacent River Des Peres Boulevard over the years have lost control of their vehicles and swerved onto grassy areas such as those where some homeless people in recent weeks have pitched tents, he said. This is a safety issue but ... also a homelessness issue, Oldenburg said. He said once the tents are cleared, then get them plugged into the services they need. Alderman Bret Narayan, one of two committee members who voted present on the bill, said he worries what happens to those forced to leave such pop-up encampments. I just dont know where people are supposed to go, he said. Narayan, of the 24th Ward, said he also worried that the measure might prevent the city from setting up a supervised intentional encampment with some services for homeless people who wont go to traditional shelters. Several people testified against the bill in the teleconference hearing. Kennard Williams, a housing organizer with Action St. Louis, said the bill was a prime example of the criminalization of poverty and homelessness that doesnt address the root causes of either. Among other opponents were members of Tent Mission StL and Unhoused StL, two homeless aid groups. Alderman Carol Howard, 14th Ward, said she receives more complaints about tent encampments than support from residents in her south side area. Unfortunately we did not hear from those people today, she said. She added that while the city needs to offer services to help people in such camps, there also needs to be motivation to take advantage of those services. Committee chairman Joe Vaccaro, 23rd Ward, suggested allowing the encampments only in wards where the local alderman supports the idea. Alderman Bill Stephens, in whose 12th Ward the River Des Peres camp is located, said the bill puts the cart before the horse and that he has been working to find a solution. Stephens, who isnt on the committee, asked that the bill be delayed until the city counselors office compiles a report on whether previous court rulings would even allow such a ban. Posted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 4.(tncms-asset)52f4aace-ca45-11ec-965f-00163ec2aa77[0](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)c89ff4fc-c9ac-11ec-89b2-00163ec2aa77[1](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)119df9f8-c8a2-11ec-bdb7-00163ec2aa77[2](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)5397d536-c7e4-11ec-9685-00163ec2aa77[3](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)d7e13d3e-c26a-11ec-8ff4-00163ec2aa77[4](/tncms-asset) 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. Annika Merrilees business reporter Follow Annika Merrilees Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today CHICAGO A legal battle over cannabis business licensing in Illinois could overturn the states residency requirement, throwing a wrench into the already dysfunctional process and attempts to diversify the industry. The litigation is just the latest in a series of lawsuits that have kept much of the states legal cannabis industry in limbo. But there are signs the logjam may be breaking. A Cook County judge in another case has indicated she may lift a court injunction against issuing 185 pending recreational store licenses and hold a corrective lottery to remedy complaints about the licensing process. State officials also plan to issue 55 new licenses using a new streamlined process. But this new federal case could jeopardize that. At issue is whether the state can favor license applicants who live in Illinois. Federal courts have struck down similar requirements in Maine, Michigan and Missouri, potentially opening licensing to much greater competition nationwide. The lawsuit was filed by Juan Finch Jr., and Mark Toigo, who want to block issuance of new licenses until the state revises the licensing process to allow nonresidents a chance at winning. Illinois doesnt explicitly limit ownership to state residents. But in scoring applications for cannabis licenses, the state awarded five points for majority ownership by state residents, and 50 points for social equity applicants, defined most commonly as those with prior minor cannabis arrests or those living in parts of the state most harmed by the war on drugs. Without those points, the plaintiffs couldnt get the 85% of the maximum score required to qualify for lotteries for licenses. When applications first became available in 2019, Finch, a disabled African American veteran, lived in California as an active-duty sailor in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Chicago in December of 2021 and plans to apply for the next round of licenses but state law requires a resident applicant to have lived in the state for at least the past five years. An inclusive and equitable program would promote diverse candidates like me, Finch said. Instead, the Illinois cannabis program is rigged. Toigo, part owner of a cultivation license and Organic Remedies dispensaries in Missouri and Pennsylvania, successfully challenged the residency requirements in Missouri. But neither he nor Finch applied in Illinois, with their attorney John Adams saying it would have been futile to waste the $5,000 application fee. Federal judges elsewhere have ruled that state residency requirements violate the U.S. Constitutions so-called Dormant Commerce Clause, which allows Congress to regulate commerce among states. The clause does not explicitly address state residency requirements, but the courts have interpreted it to mean that states cannot interfere with interstate business. The Illinois attorney generals office countered that the plaintiffs in this case have no standing to sue, because they never applied for licenses, and the two-year statute of limitations for such a suit expired. Though Illinois legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, attorneys for the state argued, it remains illegal under federal law, preempting the Commerce Clause. More generally, they argued in court filings, the plaintiffs unreasonable and inexcusable delay shouldnt now hold up licenses for everyone else. At a hearing in April, Law 360 reported that U.S. District Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer said the state licensing requirements probably violate the Commerce Clause, but added, We cant upend the whole process in favor of someone who didnt apply in the first place. Another option would be to apply any changes in the licensing process to the next round of 55 licenses and to any future licenses. State officials agreed they would not issue any dispensary licenses until Pallmeyer rules on the matter. But theres still the matter of a Cook County case that consolidated lawsuits from nearly 70 plaintiffs. In that case, Judge Celia Gamrath recently indicated that she was leaning toward letting the state issue the 185 pending dispensary licenses and holding a corrective lottery for the applicants who say they were unfairly excluded. Chicago attorney Ashley Brandt is not involved in the lawsuit, but represents clients who won lotteries for pending licenses. He handles Commerce Clause litigation for other commodities such as alcohol and in 2020 predicted that a legal challenge to the residency requirement would be filed. These guys shouldnt have the ability to throw a monkey wrench in the process, he said. But it is a Commerce Clause violation, and you need to have this struck down for the next 55. Some states that legalized marijuana early on, such as Colorado and Oregon, previously dropped residency requirements. The question for Illinois would be what becomes of state lawmakers attempts to favor social equity applicants. Illinois officials didnt respond to a request for comment, but if residency requirements are struck down, state social equity standards could be extended nationwide. One applicant whose team won a lottery drawing for a dispensary license, Frank Cowan, said any move to redo the lotteries would be hugely damaging to those waiting to start their businesses. Companies that won the 185 provisional licenses have spent thousands of dollars on attorneys, consultants, and often to find and secure property. After a two-year delay in the process, starting over would prompt more owners to sell their licenses or open without enough money to be successful. Cowan, who is Black and originally from the South Side and now lives in Westmont, said he had a minor marijuana conviction that hindered him for years but now qualifies him for advantages as a social equity license holder. Hes partnered with Planet 13, which runs what it calls the largest dispensary in the nation in Las Vegas. If the litigation gets resolved, he hopes eventually to open the nations second-largest cannabis store in the Chicago area. 2022 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com. MIAMI (AP) The premier of the British Virgin Islands, whom U.S. prosecutors described as corrupt to the core, was given a $500,000 bond that could see him released from prison as he awaits trial on charges tied to a U.S. narcotics sting. In a surprise decision, federal court Judge Alicia Otazo-Reyes rejected prosecutors argument that Andrew Fahie may flee the U.S. and possibly engage in criminal activity if he is freed. Instead, she said he could remain in Miami, confined to the rented apartment of his two college-age daughters, if he and his family surrender their passports and he wears an ankle bracelet monitor in addition to paying the sizable corporate surety bond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederic Shadley said the government would appeal the decision, meaning its unclear when and if Fahie would be released. Fahie, 51, was arrested last week at a Miami airport during a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sting after being given what looked like $700,000 in cash, but what was in reality fake bill notes, that were to be flown back on a private jet to the British Virgin Islands on Fahies behalf. Also arrested was his ports director, Oleanvine Maynard. Fahie stood handcuffed shaking his head in disagreement as Shadley described in court how the politician had bragged in recorded conversations with a DEA informant that he had 15-20 years of criminal activity under his belt. Oh, no no no, not my first rodeo at all, NOT, MY FIRST RODEO, AT ALL, Fahie can be heard laughing in the recording, according to a government filing prior to Wednesday's bond hearing. Posing as a member of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, a DEA informant met on several occasions with Fahie, Maynard and Maynards son to discuss a deal that would send thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through the British Virgin Islands and on to Puerto Rico, Miami and New York, according to the complaint. In exchange for bribes and 10% or about $7.8 million for each 3,000-kilogram (6,600-pound) load of cocaine sold in Miami, Fahie and his co-defendants allegedly agreed to provide safe passage for the drug shipments and create a network of shell companies to launder the proceeds. So, this is the full seven?" Fahie allegedly asked the DEA informant who accompanied him to the Miami airport where he was arrested. According to the criminal complaint, Fahie told the DEA informant that he was close to a known drug smuggler on the Caribbean island as well as an unidentified political associate from Senegal whom he agreed to approach about smuggling firearms. In the course of those conversations, he asked the DEA informant to pay upward of $100,000 to settle a debt with the Senegalese man, the complaint says. Hes shown in this case that hes corrupt to the core and believes hes above the law, Shadley said. He was a public servant sworn to uphold those laws but he broke them over and over again. Fahies attorney, Theresa Van Vliet, disputed that characterization and said her client would plead not guilty when hes arraigned later this month. She asserted that because the British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory, U.S. courts have no jurisdiction over Fahie. To back up the assertion, she entered as evidence what she called a "diplomatic note, signed by an unidentified official from the premiers office in Road Town requesting his immediate and unconditional release. The request was sent to the Justice Departments office of international affairs. Fahie's former allies appear to have disavowed the letter, however. In a brief announcement Wednesday, acting Premier Natalio Wheatley said the letter was sent erroneously by a rogue official, and did not reflect the government's position. Van Vliet also presented copies of correspondence showing that the premiers office had asked Miami International Airport to provide protocolar assistance to Fahie and his wife when they traveled to the U.S. on April 24 for official business. Prior to arriving in Miami, Fahie was scheduled to travel to Barbados to attend a banking conference alongside Rep. Maxine Waters, chairwoman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, and other unidentified members of Congress, according to the correspondence. While Judge Otazo-Reyes sidestepped the immunity issue, she seemed convinced by Van Vliet's argument that Fahie's continued detention would make it impossible for him to carry out his official duties at a critical juncture for the islands, as officials weigh suspending the territorys constitution in an attempt to clean up rampant corruption. These are the most serious of duties that he could and should be performing, said Van Vliet, the former head of the Justice Department's narcotics division in Washington. Even before his arrest, Fahie was under pressure from a special United Kingdom-led commission of inquiry investigating corruption on the string of islands east of Puerto Rico home to about 35,000 people. Gov. John Rankin, who is Queen Elizabeth IIs representative to the islands and its ultimate executive authority, said the arrests prompted him to release earlier than originally intended the commission's report, which concluded that officials, including allies of the premier, fraudulently spent millions of dollars on projects of no public benefit. In a bid to clean up the government, the commission recommended suspending the islands' constitution for two years and returning the territory to home rule by officials in London. In an address over the weekend, Wheatley said he wants to avoid direct rule by Britain but supports working swiftly with Rankin and opposition lawmakers in the islands to address concerns about good governance. Direct rule is not an acceptable option to us, Wheatley said. He said it would undermine all the progress that our people have made over generations since 1950, when a local legislative body was launched. If convicted, Fahie faces a minimum of nearly 20 years in prison. Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WARSAW, Poland (AP) War-ravaged Ukraine received pledges for $6.5 billion more in humanitarian aid Thursday at an international donor's conference in Warsaw that sought to get Ukrainians urgent help while still planning for the country's post-war reconstruction. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a co-host of the conference, announced that $6.5 billion was raised in donations, eliciting applause from leaders and other officials attending the one-day meeting, including representatives from the United Nations and companies such as Google. The pledges came from countries and businesses, many of whom attended the conference at Warsaw's National Stadium in person and others who made their pledges remotely. His co-host, Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, said the sum exceeded their expectations. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown even more acute. In addition to thousands of killed in the war millions of people have been displaced. Morawiecki said Ukraine needs over 12,000 tons of humanitarian aid every day, but that only 3,000 tons are getting through. He said the conference shows that the world is not indifferent to Russia's genocidal war. Andersson said the aim was to help Ukraine both now and later. Ukraine will win this war and we will stand by your side, she said. European Council President Charles Michel said he hoped the conference could be a starting point for a Marshall Plan for Ukraine, referring to a U.S.-sponsored plan that helped revive European economies after World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the conference by video, echoed Michel in saying that funds for Ukraine mirror the Marshall Plan and repeated the hope that Ukraine could join the EU. He said funding that Ukraine is receiving would be an investment in security for the entire region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said hundreds of billions of euros and reforms are needed to build Ukraine anew and pave its way into the EU. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who attended in person, said he was grateful for the crucial help that's coming at a time when the fate of our state is being decided. He described his government's post-war plans to build back better with technologically modern urban areas and energy efficient buildings. "The new Ukraine will be an example for the world," said Shmyhal. Google and COVID-19 vaccine maker AstraZeneca joined the nations in pledging aid. Follow all AP stories on 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. The U.S. Air Force has decided to replace its 31 elderly E-3 AWACS (Air Warning and Control) aircraft with the existing E-7A Wedgetail. The E-7A first flew in 2004 and Australia was the first customer, ordering six. So far 17 E-7As are in service or on order for export customers Australia, South Korea, Turkey and Britain. The initial American order will increase that to 32 E-7A and more orders will follow because 68 E-3s were built, most of them for export customers. The American E-3s were built between 1977 and 1984 and all will be over 40 years old when the air force receives its first E-7A in 2027. The air force will order fifteen E-7As initially and may replace some of the remaining E-3s with proposed UAV-based AWACS. The 157-ton E-3s require more equipment operators and are more expensive to operate than the E-7A, especially because the E-3s are much older and the E-7A is a more recent and efficient aircraft design. The air force sees the cheaper operating costs of the E-7A covering much of the cost of buying and operating the new aircraft. Another cost-savings is the fact that Australia and Boeing paid for getting the E-7A through the expensive development process. Wedgetail is a militarized Boeing 737 transport. E-7A cruise speed is 853 kilometers an hour and it has a crew of 8-12 pilots and equipment operators, for a search radar and various other sensors. The 78-ton Wedgetail can stay in the air for more than ten hours per sortie. Wedgetail can refuel in the air and Australian Wedgetails often flew longer missions (14 hours or so) in the Middle East. The limit here was mainly crew fatigue. By 2022 Australia had spent another $443 million to upgrade its six E-7As with some new sensors and improved communications (data links with other aircraft and ground stations as well as improved encryption). The need for the upgrades became clear after several thousand hours of Wedgetail combat experience supporting operations against ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in Iraq and Syria since 2014. This was the first combat experience for Wedgetail and began before Wedgetail was declared completely operational in May 2015. Australia spent nearly two decades developing and tweaking Wedgetail and it is normal for aircraft of this type to be regularly upgraded, especially if they spend a lot of time in combat. Work on Wedgetail began in 1997 and the first ones were to be delivered in 2006. But that did not happen until 2009, when the first two arrived. By 2014 all six were available. Limited capability was achieved in 2012 but several of the electronic systems were still having some problems, causing more delays. The Wedgetail program has cost Australia over $3 billion and the suppliers have absorbed nearly a billion dollars in additional costs to fix most of the technical problems with the aircraft and electronics. There have been a lot of technical problems, many of them unexpected. It costs some $28 million a year to maintain each Wedgetail even if it is not flying. Australia was the first customer for Wedgetail and thats why the Australian program has had so many problems. South Korea, Turkey have since bought another eight Wedgetails and now other nations are interested as well. The Wedgetail radar can spot fighter size aircraft 370 kilometers away and frigate size ships up to 240 kilometers away. This dual sea and air search radar capability is essential because Australia is surrounded by water and has no land borders with anyone. The radar can also detect other electronic transmissions up to 850 kilometers away and has software and databases that can identify a large number of different transmissions. Acting as a pure AWACS Wedgetail can track up to 180 aircraft and guide friendly warplanes to 24 intercepts at a time. Smaller, more powerful and cheaper electronics made smaller twin-jets practical and the most cost- effective aircraft for tasks formerly requiring four-engine turbo-prop or jet aircraft. Even the new U.S. Navy P-8 maritime patrol aircraft is based on the Boeing 767 twin-jet airliner. India is using six Airbus A320 transports, provided by Air India, for conversion to AWACS aircraft. More specifically this is an A319, which is one of the Airbus-320 series aircraft that are similar to the Boeing 767. These twin jet aircraft often replace earlier versions installed in the 1960s four-jet Boeing-707 E-3 or four-propeller airliners like the Electra civilian airliner that first flew in 1954 and was used for the P-3 that the P-8 replaced. Only 170 Electras were built but there were nearly four times as many built as P-3s. A few Electras and nearly 200 P-3s are still in service but will eventually be replaced by twin-jet aircraft. Pakistan used the Brazilian EMB 145 twin-jet airliner for their new maritime patrol aircraft. These replaced the older P-3C aircraft. Over 1,200 EMB-145s have been built since 1992 and in 1999 Brazil offered a military version, the R-99, for use as an AWACS, maritime patrol or ELINT aircraft. Pakistan is the second customer for the maritime patrol version and ordered three. These will replace the refurbished American P-3C Pakistan received in 2007. Six are still operational but they are older, four turboprop engine aircraft that are more expensive to operate. The Italian Air Force, like many others, has switched to using smaller twin-engine aircraft for electronic support rather than the older, larger four-engine models. The latest addition to the Italian fleet is the G550 twin engine business jets for six new AISREW (Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare) aircraft. A decade ago, the equipment required to make an AISREW aircraft possible would have required a larger four-engine transport. Thats because a decade ago the size, weight, power requirements and onboard equipment operators would not work in a twin-engine aircraft. Over the last few decades, the equipment used by these electronic support aircraft has gotten smaller, cheaper, more powerful and automated. That means less electrical power and onboard equipment operators are needed. Using twin-jet business or airliner aircraft for military purposes was first popularized by Israel in 2006 when they put their first twin-jet AWACS into service. Israel used an early model G550 long-range business jet. The 40-ton Gulfstream G550 was able to carry and provide electrical power for the Israeli-made radar and electronics. The Israeli AWACS came with a Phalcon conformal (built into the lower fuselage) phased array radar, SIGINT (Signal intelligence) equipment to capture and analyze enemy electronic transmissions, and a communications system that can handle satellite signals as well as a wide array of other transmissions. Only six people were on board to handle all this gear, plus the flight crew of two. The Gulfstream G550 can stay in the air for over twelve hours per sortie, and can fly at up to 16,000 meters (51,000 feet). It's a larger version of the Gulfstream G400, which the U.S. Army used as the C-20H transport. The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy also use militarized Gulfstreams. The Israeli example made other manufacturers of similar twin-engine aircraft that there was a new market for their aircraft. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine was a long time coming and the result of bad decisions when it came to assessing enemy capabilities and the degree of domestic and economic damage attacking a neighbor might bring. The most common causes of wars are territorial disputes and overconfidence by the aggressor. The current war in Ukraine is the result of over a decade of bad decisions by Russian leaders, particularly Vladimir Putin, who has been running Russia for over two decades despite term-limits laws and continued, but futile, popular opposition. The first actual invasion of Ukraine occurred eight years after five days of popular protests in Ukraine forced a pro-Russia Ukrainian president to flee to Russia. Victor Yanukovych had won the 2010 presidential election because of promises to seek greater economic and diplomatic links with the West. At that point Russia had been interfering in Ukrainian affairs for over a decade in an effort to prevent Ukraine from becoming more Western and less subservient to Russia. Yanukovych was bribed by the Russians to renege on his election promises about closer links with the West. In late 2013 Yanukovych was supposed to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the EU (European Union). To the surprise of the Ukrainians who voted for him, Yanukovych refused to sign the EU agreement and announced he was going to seek closer ties with Russia. This triggered a popular uprising demanding he resign. At first Yanukovych tried using violence to suppress what came to be called the Maidan Revolution. Over a hundred protesters were killed but the number of protesters in Kyiv grew and Yanukovych fled to Russia. The Ukrainian parliament then voted to officially remove Yanukovych from office and an interim president was selected to arrange new elections and sign the EU agreement. Petro Poroshenko was elected president in May 2014 Russia was dismayed by the removal of Yanukovych and turned to more violent solutions to their Ukraine problems. Russia declared that former Ukrainian president Yanukovych was still the legitimate president and had him write a letter requesting Russian military assistance in Crimea, where the new Ukrainian government was threatening to cancel the lease Russia had for their naval base. Russia was providing Yanukovych with sanctuary and protection from prosecution for crimes he is accused of in Ukraine. Russia was acting on its belief that three Ukrainian provinces, Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk should be part of Russia because most of the people in those provinces were Russian speakers and could be persuaded to voluntarily join Russia. This turned out to be only partially true. Many of the Russians in Crimea were military personnel and their families, living there because of the continued use of Sevastopol as the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Russia prepared a surprise operation that involved the 22nd and 45th GRU (Military Intelligence) spetsnaz (special operations) regiments, which were part of the Russian military force but not identified as spetsnaz. There were only a few hundred spetsnaz in Crimea and Ukrainians soon were able to recognize the little green men with weapons and lots of attitude wearing uniforms with no insignia. Also identified were recently (after the takeover began) arrived members of the infamous (for brutal but effective special operations in Chechnya) Vostok battalion and an airborne unit (31st Airborne Brigade) that showed up in a lot of tricky situations (Bosnia, Chechnya, Georgia). In other words, what foreign intelligence agencies have come to regard as The Usual Suspects whenever there is an operation using a lot of special operations troops. In the Crimea all these commando type troops carried out a complex but thorough plan to disrupt Ukrainian control of the Ukrainian military bases in the area and encourage the Ukrainian troops to not resist and eventually to switch sides or peacefully leave. That worked and Russia took back the Crimean Peninsula quickly and with little violence. Russia already leased the port of Sevastopol for their Black Sea Fleet which had been based there during the Cold War. A 1997 agreement between Russia and Ukraine allowed the Ukrainian fleet to share Sevastopol and the lease was paid in natural gas from a pipeline that passed through Ukraine to East Europe. Russian leaders still believed Crimea was Russian and only became part of Ukraine in 1964 when the dispute over whether Crimea was part of Ukraine or Russia, both parts of the Soviet Union, was settled by the Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev. Since Khrushchev was Ukrainian, he was accused of favoring Ukraine in this matter. Khrushchev was loyal to the Soviet Union, not an independent Ukraine and just wanted the issue settled. This arrangement continued to bother Russian leaders, especially after 1991 when Ukraine became an independent nation. Encouraged by the success of the Crimea takeover, two months later Russia tried to carry out a similar operation in Donetsk and Luhansk. These two provinces formed Donbas, or the "Donets Basin", an area that was industrialized during the Soviet years with many Russians brought in to augment a Ukrainian workforce. While some Donbas Russians supported annexation by Russia, via an operation similar to what happened in Crimea, the majority of Donbas Russians favored being Ukrainian. Russia should have known better because Russian minorities in countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, chose to stay in new nations close to the West and with easy access to the more affluent West European nations. The Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) wanted to expel their local Russians and it took a while for these ethnic Russians to convince the elected governments that they were loyal citizens of the areas they had long lived in. There was some of this in Ukraine and Russia failed to note that most Russians in Ukraine wanted to remain there as loyal citizens of an independent Ukraine. Despite the fact that many of the Ukrainian troops fighting the Russians in 2022, and earlier, are ethnic Russians, the official Russian attitude was that most Ukrainians, Russian or Ukrainian, oppose Russian interference with Ukraine. This was first demonstrated when the Donbas takeover encountered far more resistance than the one in Crimea. Russia then had no military garrisons in Donbas and only a few Russian GRU operatives there to organize the spontaneous demands for independence. Russias first response was to send in paramilitary groups and Russian soldiers as volunteers. These volunteers were on the Russian payroll. With the loss of Crimea in February, Ukraine began mobilizing its forces and found that a lot of Ukrainians were volunteering to fight any more Russian attacks. Thats why the takeover in Donbas was halted and despite the Russian volunteers bringing in more troops and heavy weapons, the Ukrainian resistance was formidable and prevailed. A ceasefire was agreed to by the end of 2014 and, despite frequent violations by the Russians, remained in force until February 2022, when Russian troops in Donbas attempted to advance. They made little progress and now the Ukrainians are beginning to counterattack. The Russian forces are demoralized, Russian leaders have run out of ideas and the Ukrainians are not inclined to trust any new Russian peace deals. The Ukrainians want the occupiers out and that seems more likely than Russian holding on to any of Ukraine. 5 Great Reasons to Attend Streaming Media East I'm exceptionally pleased to return to in-person teaching at Streaming Media East, which will be held on May 2425, 2022 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA. I'll be producing two 3-hour workshops on May 23, the Monday before the event, and presenting and/or moderating three sessions during the event. As usual, each one is designed to give you information and skills you can put to use as soon as you get back from the event. Workshop: Advanced Codec Implementation & Production May 23, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EDT This 3-hour pre-conference session is for those who want a deep dive into the current production and implementation status of codecs like AV1, VVC, LCEVC, and EVC. During the session, I'll cover: The comparative quality of H.264, VP9, HEVC, AV1, VVC, LCEVC, and EVC The encoding time for each codec, which translates directly to encoding cost Decoding requirements, and whether decoding can be performed in software or requires hardware Available live and VOD encoders for all newer codecs, plus availability within cloud encoding platforms The implementation status of each codec respecting chip and SoC support in mobile devices and smart TVs, plus operating system and browser support The royalty structure for each codec with the help of patent attorney Robert J. L. Moore of Volpe Koenig Encoding strings for open-source and other available software, and decoding strings for playback tests Third-party projections for codec deployment and adoption You'll leave knowing when new codecs like AV1, VVC, LCEVC, and EVC will become relevant to your practice, what they will cost for encode/decode, how to encode with open-source and other options, how much bandwidth savings they will provide, and what it will cost to use them. Workshop: Affordable Gear & Workflows for REMI Production May 23, 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m. EDT Before the pandemic, most production involved multiple speakers and production teams located in the same room or conference hall. Then the pandemic hit, and most production shifted to remote production, or REMI, forcing many of us to quickly become proficient on both sides of the camera. Here's the training you wish you had before the pandemic started. It starts with production. You'll learn how to choose production tools like cameras, microphones, video mixers, and lighting implements, and how to connect and use them, including fundamental skills like white balancing, setting exposure, and framing the subjects with a DSL and camcorder. Then you'll learn how to choose and use live streaming production alternatives for connecting your speakers into a single live feed you can broadcast to your viewers directly or via social media channels like Facebook and YouTube. We'll cover on-prem software mixers like Wirecast and vMix, hardware mixers like the ATEM Mini Pro, and cloud services like easylive.io. You'll learn how these options compare quality and cost-wise, and how challenging they are to operate from a technical perspective. You'll leave knowing how to produce video that looks and sounds great, and how to convert multiple A/V inputs into a live stream you can mix on-prem or in the cloud, and distribute to viewers via social media and other available channels. Presentation: Produce AV1 with Open-Source Alternatives May 24, 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. EDT For many VOD producers, it's go time for distributing video using the AV1 codec. According to www.caniuse.com, AV1 plays in 74.25% of available browsers, plus all newer Android phones and many smart TVs and living room dongles. Meanwhile, the Alliance for Open Media released version 1.0 of the SVT-AV1 codec, joining libaom-av1 as an affordable and increasingly speedy encoding alternative. This session will explore encoding with these two open-source alternatives, testing key options like presets, threads, available rate control options, and other parameters to arrive at the optimal command string for both encoders. Presentation: Best Strategies for Reducing Bandwidth & Storage Costs May 24, 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT While video quality is typically the primary concern of streaming producers, controlling bandwidth and storage costs is never far behind. If the latter is one of your KPIs, this is the session for you. Intuitively, there are four straightforward ways to reduce bandwidth and storage costs: Trim the fat from your existing ladder Adapting per-title encoding Deploying a more efficient implementation of your current codec, and Deploying a new codec. This session shows real-world examples of all four methods so you can return to your office with definite action steps to reduce these key operating costs.. Panel: Latency and Live Streaming at Scale May 25, 11:30 p.m. - 12:15 p.m. EDT This is a panel discussion that I'm moderating. Low latency has been top of mind for most live producers over the last few years. This panel explores issues like: How audiences and applications dictate the need for low latency and your ability to deliver with low latency What factors to consider to address streaming latency What practical steps you can take to reduce it. This panel of experts discusses the key latency issues facing live streamers today, and how low you canor need togo. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 4, 2022 / Tsodilo Resources Limited ("Tsodilo" or the "Company") (TSX-V:TSD) (OTCQB: TSDRF) (FSE:TZO) announces that its request for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") was denied on May 4, 2022, by the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC"). Pursuant to National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"), the Company notified OSC on April 27, 2022, that it anticipated a delay in filing its financial statements for the year-ended December 31, 2021, and the related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and certifications (the "Annual Filings") and requested that a MCTO be issued. The Annual Filings were due to be filed by May 2, 2022. The OSC determined that the Company was not entitled to the MCTO as the Company's shares did not meet NP 12-203, Section 6 (d) requirement with respect to having an "active, liquid market for its securities in Canada". The Company will work with its auditors to complete the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements and expects to file the Annual Filings by May 31, 2022. The delays were as the result of primarily the impacts of the COVID pandemic locally (Botswana) as well as receiving license confirmations from the Botswana Ministry of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Department of Mines. Until the Company completes the Annual Filings, the Company will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults for issuers who have failed to comply with a specified continuous disclosure requirement within the times prescribed by applicable securities laws. The guidelines, amongother things, requirethe Company to issue bi-weekly default statusreports by way of a news releaseso long as the AnnualFilings have not been filed. The Company reports that: (i) there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203, and no such default is anticipated; (ii) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (iii) there is no material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Tsodilo Resources Limited Tsodilo Resources Limited is an international diamond and metals exploration company engaged in the search for economic diamond, metal deposits and industrial stone at its Bosoto (Pty) Limited ("Bosoto"), Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Limited ("Gcwihaba") and Newdico (Pty) Ltd. ("Newdico) projects in Botswana. The Company has a 100% stake in Bosoto (Pty) Ltd. which holds the BK16 kimberlite project in the Orapa Kimberlite Field (OKF) in Botswana and the PL216/2017 diamond prospection license also in the OKF. The Company has a 100% stake in its Gcwihaba project area consisting of five metal (base, precious, platinum group, and rare earth) prospecting licenses all located in the North-West district of Botswana. The Company has a 100% interest in its Newdico industrial stone project located in Botswana's Central District. Tsodilo manages the exploration of the Newdico, Gcwihaba, and Bosoto projects. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: James M. Bruchs Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Head Office Telephone +1 416 572 2033 Facsimile + 1 416 987 4369 Website http://www.TsodiloResources.com SOURCE: Tsodilo Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com: AALST-EREMBODEGEM, Belgium--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Ontex Group NV (Euronext Brussels: ONTEX) today held its annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM). Shareholders voted in favor of all proposed resolutions. Among the resolutions presented, the Company's shareholders approved several (re)appointments to the Board of Directors. These included the reappointment of Inge Boets BV, with Inge Boets as permanent representative, as an independent director, and the appointment of two new directors, all for a period of four years. Ebrahim Attarzadeh was appointed as a non-executive director and Paul McNulty as an independent director, in each case on the proposal of the Board acting on the recommendation of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee. Mr. Attarzadeh had been proposed for nomination by ENA Investment Capital LLC, one of the Company's reference shareholders. Mr. McNulty was proposed for nomination by Veraison SICAV - Engagement Fund, one of the Company's smaller shareholders. Minutes of the annual shareholders meeting can be found on the Companys website at: https://ontex.com/agm-shareholder-information/ About Ontex Ontex is a leading international provider of personal hygiene solutions, with expertise in baby care, feminine care and adult care. Ontexs innovative products are distributed in more than 110 countries through leading retailer brands, lifestyle brands and Ontex brands. Employing some 9,000 people all over the world, Ontex has a presence in 21 countries, with its headquarters in Aalst, Belgium. Ontex is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the Bel Mid. To keep up with the latest news, visit ontex.com or follow Ontex on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005930/en/ Investors Geoffroy Raskin +32 53 33 37 30 [email protected] Media Caroline De Wolf +32 478 93 43 93 [email protected] Source: Ontex Group NV Provisional data from Centers for Disease Control suggests the nation is on track to see at least 105,000 overdose deaths in 2021 up from 93,000 the year before. In central Virginia overdose deaths doubled, joining communities across the nation reeling from a historic number of people dying. Spero Health is strengthening resources in the state with the opening of new addiction treatment clinics to help meet the need for individuals to have access to lifesaving care close to home. BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spero Health, a national leader who has helped more than 30,000 patients on their journey to stable recovery from addiction, just announced the May 6th opening of a new clinic located in Chesapeake Virginia. This new clinic marks 12 locations that Spero Health has in state and joins a network of more than 75 Spero Health locations throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, and West Virginia. The Chesapeake, VA clinic is located at 4037 Taylor Road, Suite B. Spero Health is in network with Virginia Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans to ensure cost in not a barrier for individuals seeking help. Immediate appointments are available and individuals who need addiction treatment services are encouraged to call: 866-755-4258 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Expansion efforts by Spero Health reflect a strong commitment to strengthen the states resources so individuals have local access to addiction treatment services close to home. According to the Virginia Medical Examiners Office, fatal fentanyl and/or heroin overdoses increased 58.6 percent from 2019 to 2020, with 2021 numbers predicted to be even higher. Speaking about drug trends and the deadly impact, CEO of Spero Health Steve Priest said, Abuse of pain medication attributed to a sharp spike in overdose deaths in the Commonwealth over the past decade, but drug trends changed. As access to pain medication dried up synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, became the most common drugs involved in drug overdose deaths in the United States. In addition, we are also seeing an alarming rise of Methamphetamine use as a commonly cited substance people are mixing with other substances leading to even more overdose deaths. In these new communities, we want to be a solution to families, friends and neighbors who are struggling with addiction by giving them a place to turn offering immediate access to compassionate care. Spero Health strives to meet people where they are by offering a community-based approach to treatment utilizing an innovative and evidence-based integrated care model that combines both physical and behavioral healthcare services under one roof. Going into more details about the services patients can expect to receive at Spero Health, David Hayden, Senior VP of Clinical Services said, Often times people dont know where to turn or are afraid of judgement, and we want everyone to know that recovery is possible. Spero Healths goal is to engage patients where they are in their journey and personalize the program to meet their specific needs so they can stabilize allowing for interventions to support sustained recovery efforts. Patients will have weekly access to a physician or nurse practitioner, counseling and recovery support services that help link them back to the community to address other issues such as housing, food insecurity, employment and much more. About Spero Health Spero Health, Inc., is an integrated healthcare services organization specializing in local and affordable outpatient care for individuals suffering from substance use disorders with a mission to Save Lives, Instill Hope, and Restore Relationships. Spero Health utilizes an innovative evidence-based integrated care model that combines both physical and behavioral healthcare services under one roof to treat the whole patient. This integrated care model combines physician services (including medication-assisted treatment), behavioral health counseling, recovery support services, medication management and patient and family education. Its community-based approach to treatment allows patients to continue working and caring for their families as they overcome addiction. Based in Nashville, Tenn. and privately held by Heritage Group, Health Velocity Capital, South Central, Inc. and Frist Cressey Ventures, Spero Health operates more than 75 outpatient clinics located throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee. Spero Health is a national leader who has helped more than 30,000 patients on their journey to stable recovery from addiction and is in-network with Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. For more information about Spero Health, please visit www.sperohealth.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006009/en/ Ginger Jackson Spero Health [email protected] (859) 209-2296 Source: Spero Health HANOVER, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ciena Corporation (NYSE: CIEN) expects to announce its fiscal second quarter financial results on Thursday, June 2, 2022 before the open of the financial markets. The press release will be available on Cienas website at www.ciena.com. In conjunction with the announcement, Ciena will post an additional set of supporting materials to the Quarterly Results page of the Investor Relations section of its website. Cienas management will then host a live audio web broadcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern accessible via www.ciena.com. Rebroadcast Information For those listeners unable to participate in the live web broadcast, an archived version of the conference call will be available shortly following the conclusion of the live call in the Events & Presentations section of the Investor Relations section of Cienas website. About Ciena Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a networking systems, services and software company. We provide solutions that help our customers create the Adaptive Network in response to the constantly changing demands of their users. By delivering best-in-class networking technology through high-touch consultative relationships, we build the worlds most agile networks with automation, openness and scale. For updates on Ciena, follow us on Twitter @Ciena, LinkedIn, the Ciena Insights blog, or visit www.ciena.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005655/en/ Press Contact: Jamie Moody Ciena Corporation +1 (214) 995-8035 [email protected] Investor Contact: Gregg Lampf Ciena Corporation +1 (410) 694-5700 [email protected] Source: Ciena Corporation WINNIPEG, Manitoba--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Farmers Edge Inc. (Farmers Edge or the Company) (TSX: FDGE) announced today that the Companys 2022 first quarter financial results will be released after market close on Thursday, May 12, 2022. At that time, the financial results and related materials will be posted on the Farmers Edge Investor Relations website at https://www.farmersedge.ca/investor-relations/. Farmers Edge will hold a live audio webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, May 16, 2022 to discuss the Companys financial results and business highlights. All interested parties are invited to listen to the live audio webcast at https://www.gowebcasting.com/11811. Following the event, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Farmers Edge Investor Relations website. Annual General Meeting of Shareholders The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Company will be held in a virtual-only format on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Further information and materials related to the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be posted on the Farmers Edge Investor Relations website at https://www.farmersedge.ca/investor-relations-shareholder-information/. About Farmers Edge Farmers Edge is a global leader in digital agriculture revolutionizing the industry with a broad portfolio of proprietary technological innovations, spanning hardware, software, and services. Powered by a unique combination of connected field sensors, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and agronomic expertise, the Company's digital platform turns data into actions and intelligent insights, delivering value to all stakeholders of the agricultural ecosystem. Farmers Edge disruptive technologies accelerate digital adoption on the farm and beyond, protecting our global resources and ensuring sustainable food production for a rapidly growing population. For more information on Farmers Edge, please visit www.farmersedge.ca. Additional information relating to the company, including all public filings, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006289/en/ Farmers Edge Investor Relations: [email protected] (204) 992-7019 Farmers Edge Media Relations: Richard Berman [email protected] (647) 294-8372 Source: Farmers Edge Inc. Celebrating the upcoming Platinum Jubilee, leading home swapping platform will provide a complimentary day of butler service to the first 20 US-based members who agree on and stay at a home swap in London this summer. ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In honor of the Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs 70th year on the throne, award-winning home exchange platform Love Home Swap is treating the first 20 US-based members who arrange a home swap in London (within specified dates) to a day of professional butler service during their travels to London this summer, with its Live Like a Royal promotion*. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006071/en/ In honor of the Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs 70th year on the throne, award-winning home exchange platform Love Home Swap is treating the first 20 US-based members who arrange a home swap in London (within specified dates) to a day of professional butler service during their travels to London this summer, with its Live Like a Royal promotion. (Photo: Business Wire) Available for booking between May 5, 2022 through June 5, 2022, with a travel by period of May 5, 2022 through August 5, 2022, the Live Like a Royal promotion is open to the first 20 US-based members who agree to an exchange and stay at a London home on the Love Home Swap platform. Members who meet the criteria are eligible for five complimentary hours of professional butler service for one day during their stay this date will be agreed directly between the member and the organization providing the butlers. Recognized as quintessentially British, butlers are available to assist eligible members with anything from unpacking and ironing clothing, to serving welcome drinks and appetizers, to providing evening turndown service. The first five eligible US-based members who arrange a swap during this promotion will also receive a complimentary afternoon tea service for two, complete with scones, clotted cream and finger sandwiches, provided by their butler. Afternoon tea service can also be purchased as an add-on starting at 15 per person. Were thrilled to roll out the red carpet and welcome Americans back to London this summer with the full royal treatment, said Celia Pronto, Managing Director of Love Home Swap. Whether youre interested in a Victorian family home, an architect-designed space, or a cozy, light-filled apartment, youll experience London in a way you cant get from a hotel or vacation rental. And with Love Home Swap members save an average of $2,500 on their travel accommodations for a one-week trip, home swapping is an affordable and convenient solution to the high demand and rising costs were seeing globally. For over a decade, Love Home Swap has been helping travelers enjoy better vacations through the power of member-to-member home swapping, providing a hassle-free holiday without a hefty accommodation bill. With unprecedented access to thousands of great quality properties around the world, Love Home Swap's network offers something to suit every taste and style. With memberships starting at $11 per month (billed annually), Love Home Swap allows members to enjoy an unlimited number of swaps per year with more than 10,000 unique homes across the globe. Non-members can explore Love Home Swaps global community by signing up for a free two-week trial at www.lovehomeswap.com. To learn more about the Live Like a Royal butler promotion and review London homes for swapping, please click here or visit www.lovehomeswap.com/livelikearoyal. *OFFER DETAILS: Eligible for booking beginning on May 5, 2022. Book by June 5, 2022. Travel by August 5, 2022. Complimentary five-hour butler service offer is open to the first 20 Love Home Swap members that resident in the United States of America who agree to a Classic or a Points Swap with a home in London, England. Of those, the first 5 Love Home Swap members that resident in the United States of America will also receive complimentary afternoon tea service provided by their butler. Valid for new reservations only and subject to availability. Offer does not include butler gratuity or fees for additional add-on services. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited by law. Butler service provided by a third-party. Love Home Swap shall not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform or delay in performance. Terms and conditions apply and can be found here. About Love Home Swap Love Home Swap, one of the world's largest home exchange programs, is part of Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL) and its portfolio of travel businesses under the Panorama umbrella. The unique network has been helping travelers enjoy better vacations through the power of sharing for ten years through one simple idea. You choose where you want to go and a property you want to stay in, make the swap, and then sit back and enjoy a hassle-free holiday without a hefty accommodation bill. With unprecedented access to thousands of great quality properties around the world, Love Home Swap's network offers something to suit every taste and style. For additional information, visit LoveHomeSwap.com. Love Home Swap can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006071/en/ Melissa Landy (407) 626-3830 [email protected] Source: Love Home Swap BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE: IDA) will hold its 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, May 19. The meeting will be held in virtual-only format, accessible via the Internet. IDACORP shareholders may attend the annual meeting by registering for the meeting at www.proxydocs.com/IDA no later than 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time on May 18, 2022. Additional information related to the meeting is available in IDACORPs 2022 proxy statement located on IDACORPs website. During the meeting, IDACORP President and Chief Executive Officer Lisa Grow will discuss the 2021 performance of IDACORP and its primary subsidiary, Idaho Power Company, as well as company initiatives for 2022 and beyond. Shareholders will have an opportunity to vote and submit questions electronically during the meeting. Additionally, an audio stream of the meeting will be webcast live at www.idacorpinc.com, available in listen-only mode to both shareholders and non-shareholders. Webcast access information will be posted on the IDACORP website the morning of the meeting and presentation slides for the meeting will be available on the IDACORP website before the meeting begins. Following the meeting, all annual meeting webcast materials will be available on IDACORPs website for 12 months. About IDACORP, Inc. IDACORP, Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Boise, Idaho-based and formed in 1998, is a holding company comprised of Idaho Power, a regulated electric utility; IDACORP Financial, a holder of affordable housing projects and other real estate investments; and Ida-West Energy, an operator of small hydroelectric generation projects that satisfy the requirements of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile service area in Idaho and Oregon. Idaho Powers goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydropower projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Powers residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation's lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees proudly serve more than 600,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all. To learn more about IDACORP or Idaho Power, visit idacorpinc.com or idahopower.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005298/en/ Investor and Analyst Contact Justin S. Forsberg Director of Investor Relations & Treasury Phone: 208-388-2728 [email protected] Media Contact Jordan Rodriguez Corporate Communications Phone: 208-388-2460 [email protected] Source: IDACORP, Inc. Mandai Link is the market leader in Singapore for the provision of cold storage services and automated operations Singapore is a mature, sophisticated economy with incentives for cold storage development Singapore is a gateway to the ASEAN region via its strong port infrastructure The strategic purchase continues to strengthen Lineages presence in Southeast Asia, offering customers an expanded network across Asia and providing a platform for further growth in the region Brings Lineage country network to 20 SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lineage Logistics, LLC (Lineage or the Company), the worlds largest and most innovative temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider, today announced it has acquired Mandai Link Logistics (Mandai), marking the Companys market entry into Singapore. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006162/en/ Mandai is Singapore's market leader in automated cold storage; the purchase strengthens Lineages ability to serve customers in Southeast Asia (Photo: Business Wire) Mandai established Singapores first fully automated cold storage facility and has been long considered a local market leader in the provision of cold storage warehousing and distribution services, Jeff Hogarth, President Asia Pacific at Lineage, said. Tan Seng Eng, CEO of Mandai, is a visionary who made a huge bet by investing early in automation, and we are pleased that she will stay on as an advisor to Lineage. Mr. Hogarth said expanding Lineages footprint in Asia through Singapore as a major trading hub has been a long-term strategic goal for the Company. Mandais facilities, combined with our industry-leading technology and innovations, will assist customers to navigate increasing supply chain demands in Singapore and internationally. We look forward to working closely with Mandais customers on these new opportunities. Mandai serves as a one-stop hub for refrigerated food distribution in Singapore with a full range of solutions including procurement, transport and warehousing. It has a fleet of refrigerated trucks and has a facility that can house 28,000 pallets. Mandai's main facility is fully automated, has integrated solar power, and has a rainwater collection system for washing its refrigerated trucks. Mr. Hogarth said Lineage, as an internationally integrated company, was acutely focused on further building out its Asia Pacific footprint so customers could take advantage of Lineages leading global end-to-end logistics capability. About Lineage Logistics Lineage Logistics is the worlds largest temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions provider. It has a global network of over 400 strategically located facilities totalling over 2 billion cubic feet of capacity which spans 20 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Lineages industry-leading expertise in end-to-end logistical solutions, its unrivalled real estate network, and development and deployment of innovative technology help increase distribution efficiency, advance sustainability, minimize supply chain waste, and most importantly, as a Visionary Partner of Feeding America, help feed the world. In recognition of the companys leading innovations and sustainability initiatives, Lineage was listed as No. 17 in the 2021 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, the No 1. Data Science company, and 23rd overall, on Fast Companys 2019 list of The Worlds Most Innovative Companies, in addition to being included on Fortunes Change The World list in 2020. (www.lineagelogistics.com) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006162/en/ Nigel Kassulke +61 407 904 874 [email protected] Source: Lineage Logistics, LLC Failure to switch from legacy phone technology may be costly for NC businesses GREENVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- One Source, a leading provider of managed information technology services, is urging North Carolina businesses relying on Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) to switch to an alternate service before the looming August 2 deadline. In response to a 2010 order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), all POTS lines in the United States must be replaced. Multi-line services, including Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), also fall under this order. Though digital technology has grown in adoption, many businesses still have POTS service lines supporting critical functions like elevator phones, fire alarms and security systems. As the major carriers sunset their POTS services, all these functions must be migrated onto either voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines, a dedicated IP network like Ethernet or fiber or a cellular connection over the air, leaving businesses still using POTS systems potentially without these services. A significant challenge for many organizations is that POTS line systems were designed for reliability long before the internet and IP telephony became widespread, said Chris Hope, senior director of IT and security, One Source. As a result, businesses cannot simply swap out one mode of communication for another and expect systems to work as intended. It takes significant planning and assessment to ensure all systems continue to function amid the change. One Source identifies the steps they should take to make the switch successfully: Identify which services rely on POTS: Companies should complete an inventory assessment of where POTS services reside, what hardware they are using, where they are located and what the potential side effects are for temporarily interrupting those services. Determine which alternative means of communications will work best: When changing over from POTS lines, companies may need to add additional capabilities to maintain services. This could include adapters, converters for modern IP-based networks or a managed voice service. Since POTS replacements are IP-based and controlled by software, new service lines can be configured and monitored remotely. Consider the cost: Different connectivity solutions cost different amounts. Historically, renewals for POTS services increase substantially up to 700%. North Carolina businesses can expect to save between 30% to 50% on their existing POTS costs after switching to a modern IP-based network. Businesses can opt for a hybrid approach that uses internet first and cellular as a backup. The time for North Carolina companies still relying on POTS services for critical communications nearing its end, said Hope. The cost of doing nothing is becoming increasingly burdensome and will soon be even more so thanks to the looming FCC deadline. There has never been a better time for NC companies to invest in future-proofing their operations by migrating critical infrastructure to modernized systems to support business operations. Click here to learn more about copper POTS replacement for North Carolina businesses. About One Source One Source helps businesses simplify a complex technology world. One Source is the leading provider of fully-managed Communications Lifecycle Management and Managed Security Services for mid-market enterprises. Today, One Source manages more than 1,000 customers, 20,000 business locations, and over one million assets throughout the U.S. In addition to traditional Telecom / Wireless Expense Management services, One Source provides 24 / 7 local helpdesk, procures and provisions telecom/IT, and handles all service requests. One Source frequently generates triple-digit ROI for customers through contract negotiation, portfolio optimization, and ongoing expense management. In addition, One Source partners with FireEye and Cofense to bring Fortune 100 security solutions and fully managed services to the mid-market. One Sources approach empowers businesses to focus on customers and revenue-generating activities. Learn more at https://www.onesource.net/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005697/en/ Mark Van Hook Largemouth Communications for One Source P: 978.495.1851 E: [email protected] Source: One Source VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Opawica Explorations Inc. (TSXV: OPW) (FSE: A2PEAD) (OTC: OPWEF) (the Company or Opawica) announces that further to the news release of April 21, 2022, the Company has commenced drilling on the Arrowhead Property. Arrowhead Property highlights: Planned 5,000 meters of drilling on 20 targets over 15 configurations; Hosts a historical channel sample of 90.45 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) over one meter; Reports of native gold to occur in relatively small shoots; Located in the Rouyn-Noranda region of the gold producing Abitibi gold belt; Volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) gold-rich polymetallic/quartz-carbonate auriferous veins potential; and The project is surrounded by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX: AEM). Blake Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of Opawica states, The Opawica team is thrilled to begin our maiden drill program on the Arrowhead Project. The Company is well funded and able to quickly move to a phase two drill campaign as the results merit. The assays from the recently completed Bazooka Property drill program are still pending due to lab staffing delays. The lab has promised to provide the assays to Opawica in the near term, and we look forward to disseminating the results out to our shareholders as soon as possible. Historical drill holes on Arrowhead completed by SOQUEM, Groupe Minier O and Agnico-Eagle intercepted 40 mineralized zones, and were mostly mineralized with gold, although some zones reported copper and zinc. These previously mineralized intercepts enhance the property's potential for the following types of mineralization: Gold-rich VMS deposits; VMS deposits, similar to the Louvicourt mine; Gold-rich polymetallic veins, like at the Doyon and Mouska gold mines; Quartz-carbonate auriferous veins associated with regional east-west-trending faults and shear zones, like at the O'Brien, Kewagama, Central-Cadillac, Wood-Cadillac and Lapa mines. The Arrowhead Project is mainly covered by the metavolcanites of the Blake River Group. Strata are oriented E-W and present a sub-vertical dip. Volcanic and sedimentary rocks form a series of E-W trending, steeply dipping monoclinal panels. The sequences are separated by longitudinal contacts parallel to the lithologies. In the southern part of Joannes Township, the Cadillac Fault runs along an E-W axis over a lateral distance of about 150 km. In the Province of Quebec, more than 40 gold deposits that have produced over 60 million ounces of gold in the past hundred years and are associated with this major structure and its subsidiary faults*. First prospecting on the Arrowhead started in 1920 on the major shear zone located in the northern part of the property. In 1926, the exploration works consisted of prospecting, pitting, trenching and diamond drilling, mainly to test two shear zones containing quartz-carbonate veins with free gold. Gold values of up to 45.05 g/t were obtained over appreciable widths. Two main veins, designed as "A" and "B", were explored. This work led to underground exploration that started in 1936. A three-compartments shaft was sunk to a depth of 154m. Levels were established at depths of 60.96m (200 ft), 106.68m (350 ft) and 152.40m (500 ft). Drifting and crosscutting were carried out on all three levels on the "A" and "B" veins. The 609.60-metre diamond drilling program carried out in 1929 returned several gold intersections, the highest grading 13.44 g/t Au over three metres. On surface, the A vein was traced over 152.40 metres and gold values of up to 90.45 g/t Au (channel sampling) were obtained over one metre. Native gold is reported to occur in relatively small shoots and generally, where visible, in the fractures of the quartz. Both the A and B veins and most of the others on the property consist of discontinuous lenses in the shear that forms the vein zone. Figure 1 Drill hole locations Derrick Strickland, PGeo, (OGQ No. 35402) is the qualified person for Opawica Explorations and approves the technical content of this news release. *The qualified person has not verified the information on the Abitibi greenstone belt. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby and/or geologically similar properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the company's properties. About Opawica Explorations Inc. Opawica Explorations Inc. is a junior Canadian exploration company with a strong portfolio of precious and base metal properties within the Rouyn-Noranda region of the Abitibi Gold Belt in Quebec and in Central Newfoundland and Labrador. The Companys management has a great track record in discovering and developing successful exploration projects. The Companys objective is to increase shareholder value through the development of exploration properties using cost effective exploration practices, acquiring further exploration properties, and seeking partnerships by either joint venture or sale with industry leaders. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Companys exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505006084/en/ Blake Morgan President and Chief Executive Officer Opawica Explorations Inc. Telephone: 604-681-3170 Fax: 604-681-3552 Source: Opawica Explorations Inc. EPA, Department of Energy recognize real estate innovators outstanding sustainability achievements for the second consecutive year RICHARDSON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RealPage, a leading global provider of software and data analytics to the real estate industry, is proud to announce that it has received a 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. The award, the EPAs highest level of recognition, celebrates businesses that demonstrate their dedication to environmental protection through energy efficient innovations. RealPage earned the award for a second consecutive year in recognition of its Sustainability Suite, a comprehensive set of integrated energy management and conservation-related tools. The tools include RealPages AI-based Smart Waste technology, which is built to optimize dumpster pick-up efficiency, reducing trash contamination fees by up to 80% and saving properties up to $1,800 per dumpster per year. RealPage will further accelerate its energy efficient innovations through its new partnership with real estate environmental, social and governance (ESG) technology provider Measurabl. Through the agreement, announced in February, the two companies will offer integration and analytics tools that will better help property owners meet their sustainability goals. Tools such as Smart Waste, and our broader suite of Sustainability Solutions, are having a real impact on how property managers think about energy efficiency throughout their communities. Streamlining even the smallest management tasks can have major impacts on sustainability efforts, said Dana Jones, CEO of RealPage. Were honored the EPA once again recognized our efforts, and well continue to help the properties we serve get smart and go green. Focusing on sustainability not only offers environmental benefits but also benefits an assets bottom line. Thats because new technologies empower socially responsible property owners to drive incremental yield and NOI, said Zachary Goldman, Managing Principal & COO at TGM Group. Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. ENERGY STAR award winners lead their industries in the production, sale, and adoption of energy-efficient products, homes, buildings, services, and strategies. These efforts are essential to fighting the climate crisis and protecting public health. We know its going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future, said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2022 winners and more information about the ENERGY STAR awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners. About RealPage RealPage provides a technology platform that enables real estate owners and managers to change how people experience and use rental space. Clients use the platform to gain transparency into asset performance, leverage data insights and monetize space to create incremental yields. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, RealPage currently serves over 19 million units worldwide from offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit https://www.RealPage.com. About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizationsincluding more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STARs impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts and state-level information can be found at www.energystar.gov/statefacts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005008/en/ Natalie Dent PR & Communications RealPage [email protected] Source: RealPage TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Superior Plus Corp. (Superior) is pleased to announce that Superior Propane and Charbone Hydrogen Corporation (Charbone) (TSXV: CH) have entered into a supply and logistics agreement to provide green hydrogen to commercial and industrial customers located initially in Quebec, Canada (the Agreement). Pursuant to the Agreement, Superior and Charbone will leverage their collective expertise in mobile energy distribution and green hydrogen production to bring green hydrogen to the Quebec market, providing a convenient green energy option for businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions and advance sustainability goals. Under the terms of the Agreement, Charbone will provide Superior with green hydrogen from its Sorel-Tracy, Quebec facility with initial deliveries expected as early as the third quarter of 2022. Superiors industry leading energy distribution business in Canada, Superior Propane, will be responsible for delivering hydrogen directly from Charbones facility to Superiors existing and new customers. These customers include mining, power generation, transportation and industrial energy users. We are excited to finalize the Agreement and begin working with Charbone to offer green hydrogen to customers in Quebec, Canada, said Luc Desjardins, Superiors President and CEO. Our logistics network and best-in-class mobile energy distribution platform will enable Charbone to safely distribute green hydrogen and expand its hydrogen supply business. This Agreement and our relationship with Charbone aligns with our larger strategy to offer alternative energy products, including green and low carbon energy alternatives, to our customers by leveraging our existing energy distribution business. This exclusive partnership with Superior is a highly important milestone for Charbone and sends a positive market signal, that our modular and scalable regional hub concept works in the new hydrogen market sector said Dave B. Gagnon, Chairman and CEO of Charbone. The Agreement will allow both parties to produce, develop, sell and distribute green hydrogen throughout an extensive network in North America and will offer Canadian industries and others, a new clean energy solution alternative to start the energy transition now. About Superior Superior is a leading North American distributor and marketer of propane and distillates and related products and services, servicing over 890,000 customer locations in the U.S. and Canada. About Charbone Charbone is a Canadian green hydrogen group established in North America. The companys strategy consists in developing modular and expandable hydrogen facilities. Through the acquisition of hydropower plants in the United States and Canada, Charbone will be able to produce green dihydrogen molecules using reliable and sustainable energy to distinguish itself as a provider of an environmentally friendly solution for industrial and commercial enterprises. For further information about Superior, please visit Superiors website at: www.superiorplus.com or contact: Beth Summers, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (416) 340-6015, or Rob Dorran, Vice President, Capital Markets, Tel: (416) 340-6003, E-mail: [email protected], Toll Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587). Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements that are based on Superiors current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. In this news release, such forward-looking information and statements can be identified by terminology such as will, "expects", "annualized", and similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the expected commercialization and supply and logistics business opportunities related to green hydrogen, and the expected completion of the Sorel-Tracy production facility and the expected timing of such events. These forward-looking statements are being made by Superior based on certain assumptions that Superior has made in respect thereof as at the date of this news release, regarding, among other things: the success of Superiors operations; prevailing commodity prices, margins, volumes and exchange rates; that Superiors future results of operations will be consistent with past performance and management expectations in relation thereto; the continued availability of capital at attractive prices to fund future capital requirements; future operating costs; that all required regulatory and environmental approvals can be obtained on the necessary terms in a timely manner; that the Sorel-Tracy, Quebec facility will be constructed and operational in the anticipated time frame. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to: the regulatory environment and decisions; non-performance of agreements in accordance with their terms; the impact of competitive entities and pricing; reliance on key industry partners and agreements; actions by governmental or regulatory authorities including changes in tax laws and treatment, or increased environmental regulation; adverse general economic and market conditions in Canada, North America and elsewhere; fluctuations in operating results; labour and material shortages; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Superiors public disclosure documents including, among other things, those detailed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Superiors management's discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2021, which can be found at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted, forecasted or projected. Such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by the above statements. Superior does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements or information contained herein, except as required by applicable laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006325/en/ Beth Summers Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tel: (416) 340-6015, or Rob Dorran, Vice President, Capital Markets Tel: (416) 340-6003 E-mail: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-866-490-PLUS (7587). Source: Superior Plus More than 1,500 attendees from banks, fintechs, BaaS players and partners around the world to gather at TCF in London GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Temenos (SIX: TEMN), the cloud banking platform, today announced that more than 1,500 leaders from the worlds leading banks, fintechs, BaaS providers and Temenos partner ecosystem will come together at the Temenos Community Forum 2022 at the London Excel May 17-19. Registration is open, and an invitation can be requested here. The Temenos Community Forum (TCF) is the flagship event for the banking industry, and is being held in person this May for the first time in three years. The conference features expert speakers from Temenos alongside senior executives from ABN AMRO, Allied Irish Bank, Commerce Bank, EQ Bank, Flowe Bank, Mastercard and many more, together with the newest entrants in the banking landscape, such as Silicon Valleys Mbanq. Everyones Banking Platform is the theme for TCF 2022, and attendees will discover how Temenos new open platform for composable banking can power new growth opportunities, drive efficiencies at scale, and deliver the ultimate customer experience. Attendees will also hear from Temenos partners, including Platinum Sponsors Amazon Web Services and Capgemini, Gold Sponsors LTI Syncordis, ITSS, Red Hat, Deloitte, Microsoft, DXC and Tech Mahindra and more than a dozen Temenos Exchange Solution Providers such as Wise. Martin Haring, Chief Marketing Officer, Temenos, said: Banking doesnt just happen in a bank anymore, it can happen anywhere. At Temenos, our purpose is to power a world of banking that creates opportunities for everyone. Whether you are an incumbent bank reimagining the customer experience, a neo bank challenging the status quo, or a rising star in fintech providing niche offerings to meet everyday needs, Temenos is everyones banking platform. Join us at TCF 2022, and open your world up to new opportunities. Over the two-day event, TCF guests will experience more than 25 live demos and 35 interactive sessions, and learn from more than 40 expert speakers. Whether an incumbent bank, a disruptor, a retailer with eyes on embedded finance, a software developer or a systems integrator, TCF 2022 is an opportunity to: Gain insights into the latest research and trends, including open finance and collaborative business models like BaaS, the transformative power of the cloud and the increasing importance of ESG. into the latest research and trends, including open finance and collaborative business models like BaaS, the transformative power of the cloud and the increasing importance of ESG. Experience Temenos open, cloud-native, intelligent banking platform where smart banking products and services can be composed and extended to offer unprecedented speed, scale and innovation. Temenos open, cloud-native, intelligent banking platform where smart banking products and services can be composed and extended to offer unprecedented speed, scale and innovation. Discover the latest breakthrough technology and solutions, and hear directly from thought leaders such as Ivan Mazzoleni (CEO at Flowe Bank) in Walking the Talk - ESG Reality Check in Banking, and Jeff Wright (CCO at Canadian Western Bank) in Engage: Optimizing the Customer Experience. the latest breakthrough technology and solutions, and hear directly from thought leaders such as Ivan Mazzoleni (CEO at Flowe Bank) in Walking the Talk - ESG Reality Check in Banking, and Jeff Wright (CCO at Canadian Western Bank) in Engage: Optimizing the Customer Experience. Engage with peers from other banks and the broader ecosystem to share ideas and best practices. For more information and to register, visit the TCF 2022 events website. Ends About Temenos Temenos AG (SIX: TEMN) is the worlds leader in banking software. Over 3,000 banks across the globe, including 41 of the top 50 banks, rely on Temenos to process both the daily transactions and client interactions of more than 1.2 billion banking customers. Temenos offers cloud-native, cloud-agnostic and AI-driven front office, core banking, payments and fund administration software enabling banks to deliver frictionless, omnichannel customer experiences and gain operational excellence. Temenos software is proven to enable its top-performing clients to achieve cost-income ratios of 26.8% half the industry average and returns on equity of 29%, three times the industry average. These clients also invest 51% of their IT budget on growth and innovation versus maintenance, which is double the industry average, proving the banks IT investment is adding tangible value to their business. For more information, please visit www.temenos.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006009/en/ Media Contacts Jessica Wolfe & Scott Rowe Temenos Global Public Relations Tel: +1 610 232 2793 & +44 20 7423 3857 Email : [email protected] Alistair Kellie Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos Tel: +44 20 7680 6550 Email: [email protected] Source: Temenos Declares Quarterly Dividend HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. ("USPH" or the Company) (NYSE: USPH), a national operator of outpatient physical therapy clinics and provider of industrial injury prevention (IIP) services, today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022 (2022 First Quarter). HIGHLIGHTS Operating Results per diluted share, a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $0.65 per diluted share for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $0.64 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 (2021 First Quarter). For the 2022 First Quarter, USPHs net income attributable to its shareholders, a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) measure, was $8.8 million compared to $8.2 million for the 2021 First Quarter. GAAP requires the Company to include a charge for the revaluation of its non-controlling interest, net of taxes, in its computation of earnings per diluted share. Earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis, was $0.67 for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $0.21 for the 2021 First Quarter. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $17.9 million for the 2022 First Quarter, a 14.2% increase from $15.6 million for the 2021 First Quarter. See pages 10 through 11 for a discussion and reconciliation to results according to GAAP. Average visits per clinic per day in the 2022 First Quarter was 27.9, up from 27.1 in the 2021 First Quarter. Total patient visits were 1,063,519 for the 2022 First Quarter, an increase of 12.2% from 947,788 for the 2021 First Quarter. On a same store basis, visits increased 5.9% in the 2022 First Quarter as compared to the 2021 First Quarter. The net rate per patient visit was $103.00 in the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $104.72 in the 2021 First Quarter due to rate reductions implemented by Medicare in 2022. Net patient revenue from physical therapy operations was $109.5 million for the 2022 First Quarter, an increase of 10.4% from $99.3 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Industrial injury prevention (IIP) services revenue was an all-time high of $19.1 million for the 2022 First Quarter, representing a 90.5% increase over the 2021 First Quarter. Excluding $6.8 million of revenue related to the November 2021 IIP acquisition, IIP services revenue increased 22.4% period over period. Total revenue of $131.7 million for the 2022 First Quarter was 17.2% higher than total revenue of $112.4 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Physical therapy operating costs were $83.09 per visit in the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $81.18 in the 2021 First Quarter, an increase of 2.4%. On a same store basis, physical therapy operating costs per visit increased 0.4% to $81.08 in the 2022 First Quarter from $80.78 in the 2021 First Quarter. Total operating cost was 79.8% of total revenue in the 2022 First Quarter, as compared to 77.0% for the 2021 First Quarter. Total salaries and related costs were 57.1% of total revenue for the 2022 First Quarter versus 56.8% for the 2021 First Quarter. On March 31, 2022, the Company acquired 70.0% of the equity interest in a six-clinic physical therapy practice in South Central Pennsylvania (Madden & Gilbert Physical Therapy, LLC). The business generates more than $7.5 million in annual revenue and has approximately 71,000 patient visits per year. The Companys Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share payable on June 14, 2022 to shareholders of record on May 16, 2022. SUMMARY OF FIRST QUARTER RESULTS For the 2022 First Quarter, the Companys net income attributable to its shareholders was $8.8 million as compared to $8.2 million for the 2021 First Quarter. In accordance with GAAP, the revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest, net of taxes, is not included in net income but charged directly to retained earnings; however, the charge for this change is included in the earnings per basic and diluted share calculation. Inclusive of the charge for revaluation of non-controlling interest, net of taxes, the amount is $8.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for the 2022 First Quarter, and $2.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the 2021 First Quarter. For the 2022 First Quarter, the Companys Operating Results, a non-GAAP measure, was $8.4 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, an increase of 2.2%, as compared to $8.2 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the 2021 First Quarter. See table on page 11. First Quarter 2022 Compared to First Quarter 2021 Reported total revenue for the 2022 First Quarter was $131.7 million, an increase of 17.2% as compared to $112.4 million for the 2021 First Quarter. See table below for a detail of reported total revenue (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 Revenue related to Mature Clinics $ 102,321 $ 98,649 Revenue related to 2022 Clinic Additions 195 - Revenue related to 2021 Clinic Additions 6,823 149 Revenue from clinics sold or closed in 2022 199 190 Revenue from clinics sold or closed in 2021 - 266 Net patient revenue from physical therapy operations 109,538 99,254 Other revenue 872 546 Revenue from physical therapy operations 110,410 99,800 Revenue from management contracts 2,226 2,559 Revenue from industrial injury prevention services 19,068 10,009 Total Revenue $ 131,704 $ 112,368 Revenue from physical therapy operations increased $10.6 million, or 10.6%, to $110.4 million for the 2022 First Quarter from $99.8 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Net patient revenue related to clinics opened or acquired prior to 2021 and still in operation at March 31, 2022 (Mature Clinics) increased $3.7 million, or 3.7%, to $102.3 million for the 2022 First Quarter compared to $98.6 million for the 2021 First Quarter. The average net patient revenue per visit was $103.00 for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $104.72 for the 2021 First Quarter. Total patient visits increased 12.2% to 1,063,519 for the 2022 First Quarter from 947,788 for the 2021 First Quarter. Visits for Mature Clinics (same store) for the 2022 First Quarter increased 5.9% as compared to the 2021 First Quarter. Management contract revenue decreased 13.0% to $2.2 million for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $2.6 million for the 2021 First Quarter. IIP services revenue increased 90.5% to $19.1 million for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to $10.0 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Excluding $6.8 million of revenue related to the IIP acquisition in November 2021, IIP services revenue increased 22.4% in the 2022 First Quarter as compared to the 2021 First Quarter Total operating cost was $105.1 million for the 2022 First Quarter, or 79.8% of total revenue, as compared to $86.5 million, or 77.0% of total revenue, for the 2021 First Quarter. Operating cost related to Mature Clinics increased by $4.8 million for the 2022 First Quarter compared to the 2021 First Quarter. On a per visit basis, operating cost related to Mature Clinics increased 0.4% from $80.78 in the 2021 First Quarter to $81.08 in the 2022 First Quarter. In addition, operating cost related to the industrial injury prevention services business increased by $7.6 million of which $5.6 million related to the recent IIP acquisition. See table below for a detail of operating cost (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 Operating cost related to Mature Clinics $ 81,034 $ 76,221 Operating cost related to 2022 Clinic Additions 840 - Operating cost related to 2021 Clinic Additions 6,209 136 Operating cost related to clinics sold or closed in 2022 286 249 Operating cost related to clinics sold or closed in 2021 - 334 Operating cost related to physical therapy operations 88,369 76,940 Operating cost related to management contracts 1,831 2,245 Operating cost related to industrial injury prevention services 14,916 7,287 Total operating cost $ 105,116 $ 86,472 Total salaries and related costs, including all operations, were 57.1% of total revenue for the 2022 First Quarter versus 56.8% for the 2021 First Quarter. Rent, supplies, contract labor and other costs as a percentage of total revenue were 21.8% for the 2022 First Quarter versus 19.1% for the 2021 First Quarter. The provision for credit losses as a percentage of total revenue was 1.0% for 2022 First Quarter and 1.1% for 2021 First Quarter. Gross profit for the 2022 First Quarter, was $26.6 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or approximately 2.7%, as compared to $25.9 million for the 2021 First Quarter. The gross profit percentage was 20.2% of total revenue for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 23.0% for the 2021 First Quarter. The gross profit percentage for the Companys physical therapy operations was 20.0% for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 22.9% for the 2021 First Quarter. The gross profit percentage on management contracts was 17.7% for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 12.3% for the 2021 First Quarter. The gross profit percentage for industrial injury prevention services was 21.8% for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 27.2% for the 2021 First Quarter. The table below details the gross profit (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 Physical therapy operations $ 22,041 $ 22,860 Management contracts 395 314 Industrial injury prevention services 4,152 2,722 Gross profit $ 26,588 $ 25,896 Corporate office costs were $11.6 million for the 2022 First Quarter compared to $10.9 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Corporate office costs were 8.8% of total revenue for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 9.7% for the 2021 First Quarter. Operating income for the 2022 First Quarter and 2021 First Quarter was $15.0 million. Operating income as a percentage of total revenue was 11.4% for the 2022 First Quarter as compared to 13.4% for the 2021 First Quarter. The gain on revaluation of put-right liability was $603,000. As part of the IIP business acquisition on November 30, 2021, the Company also agreed to the potential future purchase of a separate company under the same ownership that provides physical therapy and rehabilitation services to hospitals and other ancillary providers in a distinct market area. The owners have the right to put this transaction to the Company in approximately five years, with such right having a $2.9 million value at March 31, 2022, as reflected on the Companys consolidated balance sheet in Other long-term liabilities. The value of this right will continue to be adjusted in future periods, as appropriate. The provision for income tax was $3.5 million for the 2022 First Quarter and $2.9 million for the 2021 First Quarter. The provision for income tax as a percentage of income before taxes less net income attributable to non-controlling interest (effective tax rate) was 28.6% for the 2022 First Quarter and 26.5% for the 2021 First Quarter. See table below ($ in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 Income before taxes $ 15,480 $ 14,830 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest: Redeemable non-controlling interest - temporary equity (2,557 ) (2,453 ) Non-controlling interest - permanent equity (626 ) (1,260 ) $ (3,183 ) $ (3,713 ) Income before taxes less net income attributable to non-controlling interest $ 12,297 $ 11,117 Provision for income taxes $ 3,498 $ 2,944 Percentage 28.4 % 26.5 % Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest (temporary equity) was $2.6 million for the 2022 First Quarter and $2.5 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (permanent equity) was $0.6 million for the 2022 First Quarter and $1.3 million for the 2021 First Quarter. Other Financial Measures For the 2022 First Quarter, the Companys Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, was $17.9 million, an increase of 14.2% from $15.6 million in the 2021 First Quarter. See definition, explanation and calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, in the schedule on pages 10 through 11. Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program (MAAPP Funds) On March 27, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The CARES Act provided waivers, reimbursement, grants and other funds to assist health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including $100.0 billion in appropriations for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, also referred to as the Provider Relief Fund, to be used for preventing, preparing, and responding to the coronavirus, and for reimbursing eligible health care providers for lost revenues and health care related expenses that are attributable to COVID-19. The CARES Act allowed for qualified healthcare providers to receive advanced payments under the MAAPP Funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, healthcare providers could choose to receive advanced payments for future Medicare services provided. The Company applied for and received approval from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in April 2020. The Company recorded the $14.1 million in advance payments received as a liability. During the 2021 First Quarter, the Company repaid the MAAPP Funds of $14.1 million rather than applying them to future services performed. Acquisition in First Quarter 2022 On March 31, 2022, the Company acquired a 70% interest in a six-clinic physical therapy practice in South Central Pennsylvania Madden and Gilbert Physical Therapy, LLC. The practices owners retained 30% of the equity interests. The purchase price for the 70% equity interest was approximately $11.5 million. The business generates more than $7.5 million in annual revenue and has approximately 71,000 patient visits per year. The Companys strategy is to continue acquiring multi-clinic outpatient physical therapy practices, to develop outpatient physical therapy clinics as satellites in existing partnerships and to continue acquiring companies that provide industrial injury prevention services. Quarterly Dividend The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share payable on June 14, 2022, to shareholders of record on May 16, 2022. Managements Comments Chris Reading, Chief Executive Officer, said, We finished the first quarter in strong fashion, despite a slow start, with visits heavily impacted by Omicron and our highest level ever of employee-related quarantines. I am very pleased with our same store volume numbers along with our cost management, with same store costs up only 0.4% on a per visit basis despite significant pricing pressure on labor and materials. We made a lot of progress in the quarter, and I am pleased with where we are as we enter a traditionally busy season for us. On the acquisition front, we expect to have another very productive year. First Quarter 2022 Conference Call U.S. Physical Therapy's management will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 9:30 a.m. Central Time, on May 5, 2022, to discuss results for the Company's 2022 First Quarter. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing 1-877-830-2598 or 785-424-1062 and entering reservation number USPHQ12022 approximately 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. To listen to the live call via webcast, go to the Company's website at www.usph.com at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The conference call will be archived and can be accessed until August 5, 2022, at U.S. Physical Therapys website. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that are considered to be forward-looking within the meaning under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements contain forward-looking information relating to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of our Company. These statements (often using words such as believes, expects, intends, plans, appear, should and similar words) involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those we expect. Included among such statements may be those relating to new clinics, availability of personnel and the reimbursement environment. The forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties, and factors, which include, but are not limited to: the multiple effects of the impact of public health crises and epidemics/pandemics, such as the novel strain of COVID-19 and its variants, for which the total financial magnitude cannot be currently estimated; changes in Medicare rules and guidelines and reimbursement or failure of our clinics to maintain their Medicare certification and/or enrollment status; revenue we receive from Medicare and Medicaid being subject to potential retroactive reduction; changes in reimbursement rates or payment methods from third party payors including government agencies, and changes in the deductibles and co-pays owed by patients; compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to the privacy of individually identifiable patient information, and associated fines and penalties for failure to comply; competitive, economic or reimbursement conditions in our markets which may require us to reorganize or close certain clinics and thereby incur losses and/or closure costs including the possible write-down or write-off of goodwill and other intangible assets; the impact of COVID-19 related vaccination and/or testing mandates at the federal, state and/or local level, which could have an adverse impact on staffing, revenue, costs and the results of operations; changes as the result of government enacted national healthcare reform; business and regulatory conditions including federal and state regulations; governmental and other third party payor inspections, reviews, investigations and audits, which may result in sanctions or reputational harm and increased costs; revenue and earnings expectations; legal actions, which could subject us to increased operating costs and uninsured liabilities; general economic conditions; availability and cost of qualified physical therapists; personnel productivity and retaining key personnel; competitive environment in the industrial injury prevention services business, which could result in the termination or nonrenewal of contractual service arrangements and other adverse financial consequences for that service line; acquisitions, and the successful integration of the operations of the acquired businesses; impact on the business and cash reserves resulting from retirement or resignation of key partners and resulting purchase of their non-controlling interest (minority interests); maintaining our information technology systems with adequate safeguards to protect against cyber-attacks; a security breach of our or our third party vendors information technology systems may subject us to potential legal action and reputational harm and may result in a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act; maintaining clients for which we perform management and other services, as a breach or termination of those contractual arrangements by such clients could cause operating results to be less than expected; maintaining adequate internal controls; maintaining necessary insurance coverage; availability, terms, and use of capital; and weather and other seasonal factors. See Risk Factors in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Many factors are beyond our control. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Please see the other sections of this report and our other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for more information on these factors. Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we are under no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, regardless of the reason the statement may no longer be accurate. About U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Founded in 1990, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. operates 601 outpatient physical therapy clinics in 39 states. The Company's clinics provide preventative and post-operative care for a variety of orthopedic-related disorders and sports-related injuries, treatment for neurologically-related injuries and rehabilitation of injured workers. In addition to owning and operating clinics, the Company manages 38 physical therapy facilities for unaffiliated third parties, including hospitals and physician groups. The Company also has an industrial injury prevention services business which provides onsite services for clients employees including injury prevention and rehabilitation, performance optimization, post-offer employment testing, functional capacity evaluations, and ergonomic assessments. More information about U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. is available at www.usph.com. The information included on that website is not incorporated into this press release. U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 Net patient revenue $ 109,538 $ 99,254 Other revenue 22,166 13,114 Net revenue 131,704 112,368 Operating cost: Salaries and related costs 75,149 63,815 Rent, supplies, contract labor and other 28,662 21,457 Provision for credit losses 1,305 1,200 Total operating cost 105,116 86,472 Gross profit 26,588 25,896 Corporate office costs 11,556 10,874 Operating income 15,032 15,022 Other income and expense Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate 339 - Interest and other income, net 46 54 Gain on revaluation of put-right liability 603 - Interest expense - debt and other (540 ) (246 ) Total other income and expense 448 (192 ) Income before taxes 15,480 14,830 Provision for income taxes 3,498 2,944 Net income 11,982 11,886 Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest: Redeemable non-controlling interest - temporary equity (2,557 ) (2,453 ) Non-controlling interest - permanent equity (626 ) (1,260 ) (3,183 ) (3,713 ) Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 8,799 $ 8,173 Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to USPH shareholders $ 0.67 $ 0.21 Shares used in computation - basic and diluted 12,937 12,870 Dividends declared per common share $ 0.41 $ 0.35 U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) March 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 ASSETS (unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,229 $ 28,567 Patient accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $2,799 and $2,768, respectively 49,335 46,272 Accounts receivable - other 18,239 16,144 Other current assets 4,040 4,183 Total current assets 95,843 95,166 Fixed assets: Furniture and equipment 60,205 58,743 Leasehold improvements 40,541 39,194 Fixed assets, gross 100,746 97,937 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 76,601 74,958 Fixed assets, net 24,145 22,979 Operating lease right-of-use assets 94,243 96,427 Investment in unconsolidated affiliate 12,422 12,215 Goodwill 443,692 434,679 Other identifiable intangible assets, net 91,546 86,382 Other assets 1,972 1,578 Total assets $ 763,863 $ 749,426 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST, USPH SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY AND NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST Current liabilities: Accounts payable - trade $ 3,272 $ 3,268 Accounts payable - due to seller of acquired business 3,203 3,203 Accrued expenses 51,121 45,705 Current portion of operating lease liabilities 30,625 30,475 Current portion of notes payable 799 830 Total current liabilities 89,020 83,481 Notes payable, net of current portion 4,128 3,587 Revolving line of credit 118,000 114,000 Deferred taxes 16,067 14,385 Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 72,162 74,185 Other long-term liabilities 4,262 7,345 Total liabilities 303,639 296,983 Redeemable non-controlling interest - temporary equity 158,008 155,262 Commitments and Contingencies U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. ("USPH") shareholders equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding - - Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 15,206,173 and 15,126,160 shares issued, respectively 151 151 Additional paid-in capital 105,205 102,688 Retained earnings 227,243 224,395 Treasury stock at cost, 2,214,737 shares (31,628 ) (31,628 ) Total USPH shareholders equity 300,971 295,606 Non-controlling interest - permanent equity 1,245 1,575 Total USPH shareholders' equity and non-controlling interest - permanent equity 302,216 297,181 Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interest, USPH shareholders' equity and non-controlling interest - permanent equity $ 763,863 $ 749,426 U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 March 31, 2021 OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income including non-controlling interest and earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net $ 11,982 $ 11,886 Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interest to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 3,824 2,681 Provision for credit losses 1,305 1,200 Equity-based awards compensation expense 1,846 1,651 Deferred income taxes 2,132 2,181 Gain on revaluation of put-right liability (603 ) - Earnings in unconsolidated affiliate (339 ) - Other 93 96 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in patient accounts receivable (4,676 ) (4,688 ) (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable - other (2,145 ) 220 (Increase) decrease in other assets (735 ) 221 Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,445 3,969 Decrease in other long-term liabilities (2,480 ) (1,743 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 11,649 17,674 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of fixed assets (2,528 ) (1,608 ) Purchase of majority interest in businesses, net of cash acquired (11,242 ) (11,747 ) Purchase of redeemable non-controlling interest, temporary equity (2,211 ) Purchase of non-controlling interest, permanent equity (99 ) Proceeds on sales of partnership interest, clinics and fixed assets 4 152 Distributions from unconsolidated affiliate 132 - Sales of non-controlling interest-permanent - - Net cash used in investing activities (15,944 ) (13,203 ) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Distributions to non-controlling interest, permanent and temporary equity (3,711 ) (5,265 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders - - Proceeds from revolving line of credit 35,000 60,000 Payments on revolving line of credit (31,000 ) (60,000 ) Principal payments on notes payable (332 ) (145 ) (Payment) receipt of Medicare Accelerated and Advance Funds - (14,054 ) Other - 12 Net cash used in financing activities (43 ) (19,452 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4,338 ) (14,981 ) Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 28,567 32,918 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 24,229 $ 17,937 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION Cash paid during the period for: Income taxes $ 81 $ 62 Interest paid $ 525 $ 298 Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the period: Purchase of businesses - seller financing portion $ 300 $ 300 Notes payable related to purchase of redeemable non-controlling interest, temporary equity $ 246 $ 4,829 Notes payable due to purchase of non-controlling interest, permanent equity $ 296 $ - Notes receivable related to sale of partnership interest - redeemable non-controlling interest $ - $ 287 Dividends payable to USPH shareholders $ 5,327 $ 4,514 U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NON-GAAP MEASURES (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (unaudited) The following tables provide detail of the diluted earnings per share computation and reconcile net income attributable to USPH shareholders calculated in accordance with GAAP to Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes providing Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA to investors is useful information for comparing the Company's period-to-period results. Operating Results, a non-GAAP measure, equals net income attributable to USPH shareholders per the consolidated statements of income less the gain on the revaluation of the put-right liability. In accordance with GAAP, the revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest, net of tax, is included in the earnings per basic and diluted share calculation, although it is not included in net income but charged directly to retained earnings. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to USPH shareholders before interest income, interest expense, taxes, depreciation, amortization, gain on revaluation of put-right liability and equity-based awards compensation expense. Management believes reporting Adjusted EBITDA is useful information for investors in comparing the Companys period-to-period results as well as comparing with similar businesses which report adjusted EBITDA as defined by their company. Management uses Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA, which eliminates certain items described above that can be subject to volatility and unusual costs, as one the principal measures to evaluate and monitor financial performance period over period. Management believes that Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA is useful information for investors to use in comparing the Company's period-to-period results as well as for comparing with other similar businesses since most do not have redeemable instruments and therefore have different equity structures. Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Results should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income attributable to USPH shareholders presented in the consolidated financial statements. U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES OPERATING RESULTS AND ADJUSTED EBITDA 2022 PERIODS COMPARED TO 2021 PERIODS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) (unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Computation of earnings per share - USPH shareholders: Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 8,799 $ 8,173 Credit (charges) to retained earnings: Revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest (153 ) (7,270 ) Tax effect at statutory rate (federal and state) of 25.55% 39 1,857 $ 8,685 $ 2,760 Earnings per share (basic and diluted) $ 0.67 $ 0.21 Adjustments: Gain on revaluation of put-right liability (603 ) - Revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest 153 7,270 Tax effect at statutory rate (federal and state) 115 (1,857 ) Operating Results (a non-GAAP measure) $ 8,350 $ 8,173 Basic and diluted Operating Results per share (a non-GAAP measure) $ 0.65 $ 0.64 Shares used in computation - basic and diluted 12,937 12,870 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 8,799 $ 8,173 Adjustments: Depreciation and amortization 3,824 2,681 Interest income (46 ) (54 ) Gain on revaluation of put-right liability (603 ) - Interest expense - debt and other 540 247 Provision for income taxes 3,498 2,944 Equity-based awards compensation expense 1,846 1,651 Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) $ 17,858 $ 15,642 U.S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECAP OF PHYSICAL THERAPY OPERATIONS CLINIC COUNT Date Number of Clinics March 31, 2021 564 June 30, 2021 575 September 30, 2021 579 December 31, 2021 591 March 31, 2022 601 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005172/en/ U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Carey Hendrickson, Chief Financial Officer email: [email protected] Chris Reading, Chief Executive Officer (713) 297-7000 Three Part Advisors Joe Noyons (817) 778-8424 Source: U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) announced: The largest acquisition in Shopifys history will create an end-to-end logistics platform to unlock fast and easy fulfillment for millions of merchants Shopify Fulfillment Network (SFN) and Deliverr are combining to remove supply chain complexity for merchants of all sizes, on and off Shopify, democratizing access to end-to-end logistics for independent brands for the first time Deliverrs technology strengthens SFNs ability to manage merchant inventory from port to porch as it travels to the warehouse network, gets distributed across sales channels, and ultimately arrives at the consumers doorstep SFN and Deliverr will power Shop Promise, a new service that offers consumers two-day and next-day delivery options with the merchants they love Shopify's logistics and fulfillment capabilities just leveled up in a big way! Weve reached an agreement to acquire Deliverr, a leading fulfillment technology provider, for $2.1B. Founded in 2017, Deliverrs hassle-free logistics network now delivers more than a million orders per month for thousands of merchants across the U.S. Fast, reliable shipping is now table stakes; it's a deciding factor for customers when shopping online, and their expectations are only growing. However, recent global shipping delays and increasingly complex supply chains have made meeting these expectations as challenging as evermerchants aren't able to fulfill orders as quickly as they need to stay competitive. Shopify is doubling down on logistics to help merchants adapt and thrive in the face of these changes. With the addition of Deliverr's world-class software, talent, data, and scale, SFN aims to become the most robust end-to-end logistics platform that gives merchants greater control of their inventory across all sales channels. Together, SFN and Deliverr will handle all of the hard stuff so merchants can focus on running their business and delighting customers. Cha-ching! So, what exactly will this look like? With Deliverr and SFN, merchants, whether or not they're using Shopify, will be able to reduce logistics costs and eliminate the hassle of managing complex supply chains. Specifically, theyll gain access to: Simplified multichannel inventory management with a single place for merchants to ship their inventory for different sales channels. These include a merchants online store, brick-and-mortar locations, wholesale customers, marketplaces including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart, and platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Demand-driven inventory placement that predicts where customer orders are likely to come from and positions inventory near that demand, so orders can be fulfilled from the closest possible location. Well get all of a merchants inventory and orders where they need to go, and fast! Reliable two-day and next-day delivery from coast to coast with an expanded network of warehouse partners, carriers, and last mile partners so that merchants always get the best service possible, no matter where theyre shipping to across the U.S. Flexible, independent logistics services that can be mixed and matched based on merchants unique needs as they scale their businesses. This includes new services for storage, freight, inventory preparation, and returns, which will be available to merchants whether or not they use SFN for fulfillment. Consumers can expect some exciting changes, too! Soon, when shopping online for their favorite brands, consumers will see a new badge on products they browse: Shop Promise. Merchants using SFN or Deliverr will have access to Shop Promise, a new benefit in early access that displays two-day and next-day delivery promises on merchants online stores and other channels. [Shop Promise offers fast, reliable delivery for your customers] Shop Promise offers fast, reliable delivery for your customers So how does this benefit merchants? This delivery promise extends beyond the online store across surfaces like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and the Shop app, helping merchants improve trust and increase sales with billions of potential customers by meeting them where they like to shop. Most importantly, Shop Promise guarantees merchants what no other commerce platform can: full ownership of their brand, business intelligence, and customer data. Ultimately, by combining our strengths with Deliverr's, SFN will offer merchants a one-stop shop for their logistics needs, from initial receipt of inventory to smart distribution through fast delivery and easy returns. We plan to integrate Deliverr with SFNs direct-to-consumer fulfillment operations and 6 River Systems leading warehouse automation technology. Our full set of turnkey solutions will connect through Deliverrs network technology, as well as Shopifys embedded software and robotics inside both Shopify and partner-operated warehouses. All together, were building a fast and reliable fulfillment offering that gives independent merchants of all sizes the ability to meet customer expectations quickly and affordably. "Our goal is to not only level the playing field for independent businesses, but tilt it in their favorturning their size and agility into their superpower, said Tobi Lutke, founder and CEO of Shopify. Together with Deliverr, Shopify Fulfillment Network will give millions of growing businesses access to a simple, powerful logistics platform that will allow them to make their customers happy over and over again. Our technology and expertise in inventory management, inventory placement, and demand chain combines perfectly with Shopifys roadmap, enabling us to now build an end-to-end logistics platform together, said Harish Abbott, co-founder and CEO of Deliverr. Shopify has been building the future of merchant-first fulfillment solutions, and our team has a track record of helping businesses of all sizes streamline their operations. Were excited to join Shopify in their mission to make commerce better for everyone while democratizing shipping and fulfillment for independent entrepreneurs. Shopify Fulfillment Network, 6 River Systems, and Deliverr will collectively form a broader logistics unit within Shopify under the group's newly appointed CEO, Aaron Brown, who has led Shopify Fulfillment Network since 2020. Read more about Deliverr and our Q1 2022 earnings report. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp. (NEO: PWWR) (Frankfurt: 77R, WKN: A3CTYF) ("AFCP" or the "Company"), a company engaged in the development and production of alkaline fuel cell heat and power systems for residential, industrial and commercial markets worldwide, is pleased to announce that Mr. Frank Carnevale has been appointed to position of Chief Executive Officer, to take office on May 10th, 2022. Building on the hydrogen fuel cell power technology and recently acquired pipeline of cogeneration assets, Mr. Carnevale will focus on developing and executing the strategic roadmap to acquire/develop additional net zero emission energy assets, strategic growth opportunities and investor awareness. AFCP is on the front lines of developing the net zero carbon economy for customers, globally. I am thrilled to continue my work to driving this energy transformation with such an integrated platform in Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp, and leverage my government and industry networks across North America and Europe. stated Frank Carnevale, Chief Executive Officer. We are linking AFCP hydrogen fuel cell technology with the development of alternate asset class energy projects, in the transition to delivering lower cost net zero emission energy. Its a win for consumers and a win for investors. On behalf of management and the board of directors I would like to extend our gratitude to Matthew Fish who took on the position of Interim, CEO. Mr. Fish will remain as a director of the Company, remarks Joel Dumaresq, Chief Financial Officer. Brief Biography Mr. Carnevale recently served as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer of a TSXV-listed company delivering PropTech and cleantech to institutional, commercial, industrial and multi-residential customers through design build thermal energy systems, HVAC and Building Controls in Canada. Mr. Carnevale had previously served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of a boutique consulting, advisory and development firm where he originated over $2.5 billion in energy and infrastructure transactions, including the development of a large wind farm, distributed energy and retrofit contracts, and mergers and acquisitions of several electric utilities. Mr. Carnevale previously served on the Executive Board of the Energy Council of Canada among several industry organizations. Corporate Update The Company announces that it has granted 2,000,000 stock options to Mr. Carnevale and 600,000 stock options to a consultant (each a "Stock Option"). Each Stock Option is exercisable for a period of five (5) years at an exercise price of $0.12 per common share of the Company. The Stock Options vest on the 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th month from the grant date in 25% tranches. In connection with the departure of Mr. Jef Spaepen, as previously announced on March 4, 2022, the Company has exercised its right to repurchase all of the 18,000,000 common shares in the capital of Company previously issued to Mr. Spaepen for the repurchase price of $100, pursuant to the founders restricted rights agreement on December 31, 2020, which was further amended and restated on July 2, 2021. Subject to Neo Exchange filings and approval, the repurchased shares will be cancelled. ABOUT ALKALINE FUEL CELL POWER CORP. The Company is focused on the development, production and commercialization of micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems based on alkaline fuel cell technology. A fuel cell is a clean electrical power conversion/generation system, akin to small power stations that provide electricity and an equivalent amount of heat for various purposes. Based on hydrogen powered alkaline fuel cell technology, our technology offers an energy source that generates zero CO2 emissions with pure water as the only by-product, making it ideally suited for residential and small- to medium-sized power markets. We believe Fuel Cell Power is well positioned to become a positive contributor to the global demand for clean energy, particularly in Europe where demand outpaces supply, and current technology remains inadequate to meet market needs. Further information is available on our website at https://www.fuelcellpower.com/ and we encourage investors and other interested stakeholders to follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Our common shares are listed for trading on the NEO Exchange (NEO) under the symbol PWWR and on the Frankfurt Exchange under symbol 77R and WKN A3CTYF. For further information, please contact: Frank Carnevale Chief Executive Officer +1 (647) 531-8264 [email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements or information. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, occur or achieve. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys technology, intellectual property, business plan, objectives and strategy. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forwardlooking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forwardlooking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE NEO EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Vast Resources plc / Ticker: VAST / Index: AIM / Sector: Mining 3 May 2022 Vast Resources plc (Vast or the Company) Company Update Tajikistan Vast Resources plc, the AIM-listed mining company is pleased to announce its participation as one of a collective group of partners in a new joint venture project (the Project) in Tajikistan with Open Joint Stock Company Korkhonai Boygardonii Takob (Takob). Highlights Near term revenue opportunity which will provide a further revenue stream alongside concentrate sales from the Companys Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania The Project is 100% financed Vast will receive a 12.25 percent royalty over all sales of non-ferrous concentrate and any other metals produced at Takobs operating fluoride and galena mine in Tajikistan Processing of stockpiled ore on site will commence in Q2 2022 Transaction Details The interest in the Project has been acquired as a result of the acquisition by a recently incorporated UK company, Central Asia Investments Ltd, in which Vast has a 49 percent interest of a 50 percent interest in Central Asia Minerals and Metals Ore Trading FZCO (CAMM) which has an agreement with Takob (the Master Agreement). Vast has an effective 24.5 percent indirect interest in the Project. Takob, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tajikistan Open Joint Stock Company TALCO, the countrys largest group of companies that represents a major part of the countrys GDP, is the owner of the operating Takob fluoride and galena mine (the Mine) in Tajikistan where the strategic fluoride concentrate is sold to TALCOs chemical division (TALCO Chemical LLC), for the production of essential raw materials required for primary aluminium production. Under the Master Agreement the Mine is to produce approximately 7,000 tonnes per month of ore containing no less than 1.5-2% lead, 1.2-1.4% zinc and 27% fluoride of which two months production has been stockpiled on site ready for processing to commence in Q2 2022. It is for note that it is reported that historically the Mine contained 30g/t silver and 1-2g/t gold in situ. Under the Master Agreement CAMM is to provide equipment, technology and technical expertise to upgrade and optimise the processing plant at the Mine, and will undertake the responsibility for the management and execution of the Project. Takob will continue to mine ore at the Mine and produce fluoride concentrate. Takob has undertaken to supply no less than 1,000,000 tonnes of ore to be processed in line with the Project that is anticipated to run with the current Resource statement for 12 years. CAMM has also under the Master Agreement been appointed as exclusive agent for Takob to market and sell all non ferrous concentrates and precious metals from Takobs Mine including but not limited to lead, zinc, gold and silver. CAMM has secured financing and is fully funded for the Project. In consideration for CAMMs financing obligations and provision of services under the Master Agreement CAMM will be entitled to receive 50 percent of net revenue from the sale of non ferrous concentrate and precious metals. In order for CAMM to provide the expertise required to fulfil its services and marketing obligations under the Master Agreement CAMM has entered a services agreement with Vast to provide the services required. Under this agreement Vast is entitled to charge for the services provided on the basis that 24.5 percent of the fees earned therefor will be left outstanding until they can be financed from revenue arising from the Project. In addition to fees receiveable under the services agreement with CAMM Vast will effectively receive 12.25 percent royalty of all sales of the non-ferrous concentrate and any other metals produced for its participation in the collective group. Andrew Prelea, Chief Executive Officer of Vast Resources, commented: His Excelency Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Rahmon declared that the years 2022 to 2026 would be the years of industrial development for Tajikistan and further declared acceleration of industrialisation to be a national strategic goal. The Tajikistan Government has demonstrated its efficiency and willingness to attract Foreign Direct Investment in industrial projects and in particular in the Mining Sector. I have no doubt that the success of our project will attract further foreign investment in Country. I wish to thank the Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan, together with the Chairman and Executive Team of Open Joint Stock Company TALCO for their assistance in closing this transaction. I would also to thank all the stakeholders and our strategic partners in Central Asia Minerals and Metals Ore Trading FZCO for giving Vast the opportunity to participate in this exciting venture that opens the door to further opportunities together in Tajikistan. **ENDS** For further information, visit www.vastplc.com or please contact: Vast Resources plc Andrew Prelea (CEO) Andrew Hall (CCO) www.vastplc.com +44 (0) 20 7846 0974 Beaumont Cornish Financial & Nominated Advisor Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com +44 (0) 20 7628 3396 Shore Capital Stockbrokers Limited Joint Broker Toby Gibbs / James Thomas (Corporate Advisory) www.shorecapmarkets.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7408 4050 Axis Capital Markets Limited Joint Broker Kamran Hussain www.axcap247.com +44 (0) 20 3206 0320 St Brides Partners Limited Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page www.stbridespartners.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 ABOUT VAST RESOURCES PLC Vast Resources plc is a United Kingdom AIM listed mining company with mines and projects in Romania and Zimbabwe. In Romania, the Company is focused on the rapid advancement of high-quality projects by recommencing production at previously producing mines. The Company's Romanian portfolio includes 100% interest in the producing Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine, located in the Apuseni Mountains, Transylvania, an area which hosts Romania's largest polymetallic mines. The mine has a JORC compliant Reserve & Resource Report which underpins the initial mine production life of approximately 3-4 years with an in-situ total mineral resource of 15,695 tonnes copper equivalent with a further 1.8M-3M tonnes exploration target. The Company is now working on confirming an enlarged exploration target of up to 5.8M tonnes. The Company also owns the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which was commissioned in 2015, currently on care and maintenance. The Company has been granted the Manaila Carlibaba Extended Exploitation Licence that will allow the Company to re-examine the exploitation of the mineral resources within the larger Manaila Carlibaba licence area. In Zimbabwe, the Company is focused on the commencement of the joint venture mining agreement on the Community Diamond Concession, Chiadzwa, in the Marange Diamond Fields. Las Vegas, NV, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Hemp, Inc. (OTC PINK: HEMP) said better latte than never as it unveiled another transcendent product that can be consumed in one big brew-tiful cup of coffee. The super potent CBD/CBG coffee enhancer absorbs rapidly in coffee and is 4 times more potent (at a fraction of the price) than other hemp-derived coffee enhancers currently on the market. The unveiling of the high potency CBD/CBG coffee enhancer was nothing short of amazing. Its high-quality ingredient combination offers 30 servings per bottle and contains a total of 10,000mg of cannabinoids (7,500mg CBD and 2,500mg CBG) in a MCT oil base. Per serving, thats 250mg CBD and 83mg CBG remarkably mixed in a wonderfully rich cup of coffee. According to Deals on Health, Over a billion people all over the world drink coffee daily. Around 150 million Americans consume coffee. That amounts to almost 50% of the US population. Thats a huge market for Hemp, Inc. to tap into. In fact, the Company is creating a stir of excitement from coffee lovers in their current customer base who are quite impressed with the distinctly delicious enhancement to their coffee. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive and timely. During a time of global despair, uncertainty and rising prices, people are longing for a sense of wellbeing and sanity to make sense of it all. This product could not have come at a better time. Imagine pouring a searing cup of coffee as the sun rises. Flavor so robust and tantalizing that it makes your palate dance with delight, all while enhancing your mood and clarity. Smooth. Bold. And only ten calories per serving. Ready to get your morning started? The CBD/CBG coffee enhancer comes in plain (natural) and vanilla flavor. The plain (natural) coffee enhancer is available now and the vanilla flavor will be available by the end of this month. A single container (7-day supply) retails for $27.95 and a bottle (30-day supply) retails for $99.95. Wholesale bulk orders are single-use packages, available through select restaurants. One popular restaurant in Santa Monica, California sold out of their first shipment in a matter of days with raving reviews. Hemp, Inc. has definitely pushed the boundaries with another powerhouse product. We made a point to go above and beyond to exceed our customers expectations while we pride ourselves in continuing to deliver the best consumable wellness products to the market without ever compromising quality or our King of Hemp brand. Living well shouldnt be an arduous task. Muscle discomfort, stress, sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on us. Our goal is to improve our customers daily lives with high quality premium products that are not only easily accessible but affordable. Hemp, Inc. never makes medical claims but hearing some of the customer feedback would make one think this CBD/CBG highly potent coffee additive is the best natural medicine available on the market. The overwhelming, positive feedback on how it helped with pain reduction, improved sleep and anti-anxiety is hard to ignore or downplay. CBD/CBG/CBN and coming soon CBDA and CBGA and other cannabinoid products are gaining incredible market share due to growing awareness and acceptance of CBD/CBG/CBN/CBDA/CBGA potential health benefits. Retailers and distributors interested in the product line should email [email protected]. Shareholders and consumers who want to purchase products can click here. Hemp, Inc. will continue to keep its shareholders up to date on all pertinent material events, product releases, production plans, and inventory availability. This is the fourth powerhouse product the Company has released from its new line of CBD/CBG King of Hemp products. The Companys sales & marketing team is currently working on large-scale orders for the companys CBDA and CBGA products. Those interested is distributing on a large-scale basis should email [email protected] or call 877-436-7564 for more information. The entire product line may include tinctures, gummies, capsules, and edibles and will come in a variety of sizes, potencies, flavors and formulas that executives foresee being in high demand. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires issuers to provide adequate current information. Financials for Hemp, Inc. are listed on the OTC Exchange. More information can also be found out the Hemp, Inc. website by visiting www.hempinc.com/hemp-financial-disclosures/. Material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties. Contact: Hemp, Inc. Investor Relations: 855-436-7688 Sales: 877-436-7564 [email protected] Source: Hemp, Inc. Monday, May 9, 2022 8:30am ET 700 University Avenue (SW corner of University and College St.), Toronto, ON Live broadcast and photo opportunity from base of rappel; option for media to rappel with advance notice TORONTO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada will host interested media for the opening of the MS Million Dollar Tower Challenge, a breathtaking new event that has raised over $4.3 million for critical multiple sclerosis (MS) research initiatives in Canada, on Monday, May 9 at 8:30am ET. The opening of the three-day event will see KingSett Capital CEO Jon Love and guests be the first to rappel off the roof of 700 University Avenue. Media will have the opportunity to interview Mr. Love and Mr. Ben Davis, Senior Vice, President, Mission at the MS Society of Canada after the rappel. For media interested in joining the rappel off the roof of the building that morning, please contact Faisal Ikram or Albert Gunnison in advance via the contact information listed below. About the MS Million Dollar Tower Challenge To donate to the MS Million Dollar Tower Challenge and support the participants as they take the leap for MS on May 9 to 11, please visit: www.mstowerchallenge.ca. Funds raised by the Tower Challenge will contribute to the MS Acts of Greatness campaign, a bold vision to raise $75 million, accelerate the pace of MS breakthroughs in Canada and empower people living with MS to live their best lives. The event will see over 150 participants across over 30 teams take the leap for MS. About KingSett Capital KingSett Capital is Canada's leading private equity real estate investment firm. Founded in 2002, KingSett has raised $13.4 billion of equity for its Growth, Income, Urban, Mortgage and Affordable Housing strategies, executing over $50 billion in transactions life to date. Currently, KingSett has $17 billion of assets under management in a $19 billion portfolio. KingSett continues to seek further opportunities to invest in a wide range of real estate properties, developments, joint ventures and mortgage lending. About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive. Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20 and 49 and the unpredictable effects of the disease will last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides information, support and advocacy to people affected by MS, and funds research to find the cause and cure for the disease, bringing us closer to a world free of MS. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 for more information, to get involved, or to support Canadians affected by MS by making a donation. Join the conversation and connect with the MS community online. Find the MS Society on Twitter, Instagram or like our page on Facebook. - 30 - Faisal Ikram MS Society of Canada (647) 362-8529 [email protected] Albert Gunnison Edelman Public Relations (647) 245-7669 [email protected] Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Washington, DC, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, North Americas Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and rsted, the U.S. leader in offshore wind energy, announced a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to construct the companys U.S. offshore wind farms with an American union workforce. A first-of-its-kind in the United States, the National Offshore Wind Agreement (NOWA) sets the bar for working conditions and equity, injects hundreds of millions of dollars in middle-class wages into the American economy, creates apprenticeship and career opportunities for communities most impacted by environmental injustice, and ensures projects will be built with the safest and best-trained workers in America. Authorized by 15 International Union Presidents and their local affiliates, the NOWA covers all of rsteds contractors and subcontractors that will perform offshore windfarm construction from Maine down to Florida. The signing of this unprecedented agreement is historic for Americas workers and our energy future. NABTUs highly trained men and women professionals have the best craft skills in the world. This partnership will not only expand tens of thousands of career opportunities for them to flourish in the energy transition but also lift up even more people into the middle-class, said Sean McGarvey, President of NABTU. The constant drumbeat of public support for unions being important to maintain and build the middle class helped secure this momentous achievement. We commend rsted, AFL-CIO President Shuler, the Biden Administration and many Congressional leaders for their help and support to make todays signing a reality and for setting forth a new framework for middle-class job creation in all energy sectors. This historic milestone is a celebration for workers, clean energy and economic opportunity, said David Hardy, CEO of rsted Offshore North America. The National Offshore Wind Agreement we signed with NABTU sets the industry standard from the beginning. Were going to build an American offshore wind energy industry with American workers, family-sustaining wages, and robust and equitable training programs to achieve this critical vision. Industry reports project that offshore wind will directly create approximately 80,000 jobs with 5.75 million-plus union work hours and tens of thousands more indirect jobs in manufacturing, maritime work, logistics and clean energy technology. Positioning the U.S. as a global offshore wind energy leader, the NOWA training and employment provisions will increase union construction workforce capabilities to build complex offshore wind energy infrastructure and propel forward a new commercial-scale domestic energy industry. Portfolio-wide, rsted has already committed $23 million to enhance or establish new programming that will prepare American workers for jobs in offshore wind. This is what it looks like to put the words high-road labor standards into action, said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. The partnership between rsted and NABTU is monumental, for the thousands of workers who will have great jobs, and for the example it sets for the U.S. offshore wind industry. The project labor agreement signed today is proof that labor and employers working together can create an equitable clean energy transition with opportunity for everyone. When we make good on our values workers rights, gender and racial justice, economic equality, and safe and healthy workplaces then we all win. This PLA meets that test and sets the bar high for working people and the planet. Clean energy jobs can and will be good-paying, family-sustaining union jobs. With diversity targets, local training programs, and workforce diversity performance monitoring, the NOWA is designed to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, while expanding opportunities in offshore wind to frontline communities. It establishes project-by-project Workforce Equity Committees to prioritize recruiting and retaining people of color, women, gender nonconforming people and local environmental justice communities. rsted and the unions are committed to working with NABTU-affiliated pre-apprenticeship programs and Registered Apprenticeship programs that already recruit directly from nonprofit programs to train and support communities of color, women and other priority groups, and the NOWA will build on this precedent. rsted operates Americas first offshore wind farm, Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island, and has the largest U.S. offshore wind energy portfolio. rsted, with its joint venture arrangements, has six offshore wind projects in development, which include approximately 5,000 megawatts, enough to power more than 2 million homes. In New England, the company and its joint venture partner, Eversource, are building Revolution Wind (704 MW), Sunrise Wind (924 MW) and South Fork Wind (132 MW). rsteds New Jersey projects include Ocean Wind 1 (1,100 MW), in partnership with PSEG, and Ocean Wind 2 (1,148 MW). In Maryland, rsted is developing Skipjack Wind (966 MW). Todays announcement builds on the developers' successful history of using union labor to deliver high quality projects in partnership with local building trades councils like the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council, the Rhode Island Building and Construction Trades Council, and the New York Greater Capital Region Council. Together, the local PLAs and the NOWA, demonstrate rsted's commitment to American organized labor as a true partner in building this new industry. ### About rsted Offshore North AmericaThe rsted vision is a world that runs entirely on green energy. Four years in a row, rsted earned recognition as the worlds most sustainable energy company by Corporate Knights, including for 2022. The company is a global clean energy leader and has the largest portfolio of offshore wind energy in the world. In the United States, rsted operates the Block Island Wind Farm, Americas first offshore wind farm, and constructed the two-turbine Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind pilot project the first turbines to be installed in federal waters. rsted has approximately 5,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy in development in five states and across seven projects. rsted Offshores North American business is jointly headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island and employs approximately 250 people. To learn more visit us.orsted.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@OrstedUS). About NABTUNorth Americas Building Trades Unions is an alliance of 14 national and international unions in the building and construction industry that collectively represent over 3 million skilled craft professionals in the United States and Canada. Each year, our unions and signatory contractor partners invest almost $2 billion in private-sector money to fund and operate over 1,900 apprenticeship training and education facilities across North America that produce the safest, most highly trained, and productive skilled craft workers found anywhere in the world. NABTU is dedicated to creating economic security and employment opportunities for its construction workers by safeguarding wage and benefits standards, promoting responsible private capital investments, investing in renowned apprenticeship and training, and creating more construction career pathways to the middle class for women, communities of color, indigenous people, veterans, and the justice-involved. For more information, please visit nabtu.org. Betsy Barrett North America's Building Trades Unions [email protected] Tory Mazzola rsted [email protected] Source: North America's Building Trades Unions MADRID, Spain and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2022 and provided an update on recent developments. Dr Carlos Buesa, Oryzons Chief Executive Officer, said: We continued to make strong progress on our clinical pipeline this quarter. In oncology, we obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for our Investigational New Drug application (IND) for FRIDA, a Phase Ib trial with iadademstat in combination with gilteritinib in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients harboring a FMS-like tyrosine kinase mutation. In CNS, we also made strong progress. We are actively recruiting patients into the Phase IIb PORTICO trial with vafidemstat in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in the USA, Spain, Germany, Bulgaria and Serbia. Vafidemstats Phase IIb trial in schizophrenia, called EVOLUTION, has continued to enroll patients. Furthermore, we are working with the most prestigious key opinion leaders in the space to finalize the design of HOPE, the first randomized Phase I/II personalized medicine trial with an LSD1 inhibitor, in Kabuki Syndrome (KS) patients, which we expect to start in the first half of 2022. Oryzon has further strengthened its presence in the US with the appointment of Douglas V. Faller, MD, PhD as Global Chief Medical Officer, and Dr Ana Limon as SVP in Clinical Development and Global Medical Affairs, both based in Boston. We finished this first quarter with a solid cash position of $28.0 million, which provides funding for further development of our exciting pipeline until 1H2023. First Quarter and Recent Highlights Iadademstat in oncology: Oryzon received notification from the U.S. FDA that its IND for iadademstat is approved to initiate FRIDA, a Phase Ib clinical trial in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) harboring a FMS-like tyrosine kinase mutation (FLT3mut+). FRIDA is an open-label, multicenter study of iadademstat plus gilteritinib for the treatment of patients with R/R AML with FLT3mutations. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and tolerability of iadademstat in combination with gilteritinib in patients with FLT3mut+ R/R AML and to establish the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) for this combination. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the treatment efficacy, measured as the rate of complete remission and complete remission with partial hematological recovery (CR/CRh), the Duration of Responses (DoR) and the assessment of Measurable Residual Disease. The study will accrue up to approximately 45 patients and if successful, the Company and FDA have agreed to hold a meeting to discuss the best plan to further develop this combination in this much in need AML population. The Phase II ALICE trial, investigating iadademstat in combination with azacitidine in AML, is fully enrolled, with a total of 36 patients. Preliminary data corresponding to the 36 months of the study were presented at the ASH 2021 congress last December, showing robust signs of clinical efficacy, with ORR of 78%, of which 62% were CR/CRi, as well as a good safety profile for the combination of iadademstat and azacitidine. The duration of observed responses was very encouraging, with 77% of the CR/CRi lasting over 6 months. The longest remission at the data cut-off date for ASH-2021 was over 1,000 days, with the patient being transfusion independent and MRD-negative. The company plans to present a new clinical update on ALICE at the EHA-2022 congress and final data at ASH-2022. New trials in combination in solid tumors are under preparation. In small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the STELLAR trial is in preparation. STELLAR is a randomized, multicenter Phase Ib/II study of iadademstat plus a checkpoint inhibitor in first line extensive disease SCLC. The company believes that STELLAR could potentially support an application for accelerated approval. In addition, the company is preparing a Phase Ib/II basket trial of iadademstat in combination with synergistic agents in platinum R/R SCLC and extrapulmonary high grade neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Both trials will be conducted in the US. Vafidemstat in large multifactorial CNS indications: Following receipt of approval for the Serbian arm of the PORTICO Phase IIb clinical trial with vafidemstat in patients with BPD, the deployment phase of this trial was completed and patients are actively being recruited in Europe and the US. PORTICO is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase IIb to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vafidemstat in BPD patients. The trial has two independent primary objectives: reduction of aggression/agitation and overall BPD improvement. The study will include 156 patients, with 78 patients in each arm, and has a pre-defined interim analysis to adjust the sample size in case of excessive variability around the endpoints or an unexpectedly high placebo rate. The trial will be conducted in 15-20 sites in Europe and US. The EVOLUTION Phase IIb clinical trial with vafidemstat in patients with schizophrenia has continued to enroll patients. This Phase IIb study aims to evaluate the efficacy of vafidemstat on negative symptoms and cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. This project is partially financed with public funds from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and will be carried out in various Spanish hospitals. Vafidemstat in monogenic CNS indications We are finalizing the preparation of a new precision medicine trial in KS patients. This Phase I/II trial, named HOPE, will be a multicenter, multi-arm, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial to explore the safety and efficacy of vafidemstat in improving several impairments described in KS patients. The trial plans to enroll 50-60 patients and will be carried out in children older than 12 years and in young adults. The company expects to start HOPE in the first half of 2022 in several hospitals and sites in the United States and, possibly, in Europe. Considering the FDA and EMA precedents in rare diseases and CNS disorders, we believe that if the HOPE trial demonstrates relevant clinical improvements, it may potentially serve as the basis for accelerated approval in the EU and the United States. Our precision medicine programs in psychiatric disease continue to progress. We have collaborations in autism with researchers at the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and the Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics (INGEMM) at Hospital Universitario La Paz of Madrid and in schizophrenia with researchers from Columbia University in New York. The results of the ongoing pilot studies to characterize patients with specific mutations to inform subsequent precision psychiatry clinical trials with vafidemstat are expected to conclude in 2022. Financial Update: First Quarter 2022 Financial Results Research and development (R&D) expenses were $4.2 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to $4.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. General and administrative expenses were $1.3 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, at the same level for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Net losses were $1.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to net losses of $2.0 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. The result is as expected, given the biotechnology business model where companies in the development phase typically have a long-term maturation period for products, and do not have recurrent income. Negative net result of $1.8 million (-$0.03 per share) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022, compared to a negative net result of $2.1 million (- $0.04 per share) for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $28.0 million as of March 31, 2022. ORYZON GENOMICS, S.A. BALANCE SHEET DATA (UNAUDITED)1 (Amounts in thousands US $) March 31st, 2022 March 31st, 2021 Cash and cash equivalents 28,028 45,157 Marketable securities 0 0 Total Assets 103,462 111,872 Deferred revenue 941 0 Total Stockholders' equity 77,296 86,896 ORYZON GENOMICS, S.A. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)1 (US $, amounts in thousands except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31st 2022 2021 Collaboration Revenue 0 0 Operating expenses: Research and Development 4,228 4,278 General and administrative 1,343 1,302 Total operating expenses 5,571 5,580 Loss from Operations -5,571 -5,580 Other income, net 3,826 3,536 Net Loss -1,745 -2,044 Net Financial & Tax -67 -89 Net Result -1,812 -2,133 Loss per share allocable to common stockholders: Basic -0.03 -0.04 Diluted -0.03 -0.04 Weighted average Shares outstanding Basic 52,761,554 52,761,554 Diluted 52,761,554 52,761,554 1Spanish GAAP Exchange Euro/Dollar (1.1101 for 2022 and 1.1725 in 2021) About OryzonFounded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European leader in epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field, with two LSD1 inhibitors, iadademstat and vafidemstat, in Phase II clinical trials, and other pipeline assets directed against other epigenetic targets. In addition, Oryzon has a strong platform for biomarker identification and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. For more information, visit www.oryzon.com About Iadademstat Iadademstat (ORY-1001) is a small oral molecule, which acts as a highly selective inhibitor of the epigenetic enzyme LSD1 and has a powerful differentiating effect in hematologic cancers (see Maes et al., Cancer Cell 2018 Mar 12; 33 (3): 495-511.e12.doi: 10.1016 / j.ccell.2018.02.002.). A FiM Phase I/IIa clinical trial with iadademstat in R/R AML patients demonstrated the safety and good tolerability of the drug and preliminary signs of antileukemic activity, including a CRi (see Salamero et al, J Clin Oncol, 2020, 38(36): 4260-4273. doi: 10.1200/JCO.19.03250). In an ongoing Phase IIa trial in elder 1L-AML patients (ALICE trial), iadademstat has shown encouraging safety and efficacy data in combination with azacitidine (see Salamero et al., ASH 2021 poster). The company has recently obtained approval from the U.S. FDA for its IND for FRIDA, a Phase Ib trial of iadademstat plus gilteritinib in patients with relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations. Beyond hematological cancers, the inhibition of LSD1 has been proposed as a valid therapeutic approach in some solid tumors such as small cell lung cancer (SCLC), neuroendocrine tumors (NET), medulloblastoma and others. In a Phase IIa trial in combination with platinum/etoposide in second line ED-SCLC patients (CLEPSIDRA trial), preliminary activity and safety results have been reported (see Navarro et al., ESMO 2018 poster). New trials in combination in SCLC and NET are under preparation. In total iadademstat has been dosed so far to more than 100 cancer patients in four clinical trials. About Vafidemstat Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is an oral, CNS optimized LSD1 inhibitor. The molecule acts on several levels: it reduces cognitive impairment, including memory loss and neuroinflammation, and at the same time has neuroprotective effects. In animal studies vafidemstat not only restores memory but reduces the exacerbated aggressiveness of SAMP8 mice, a model for accelerated aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), to normal levels and also reduces social avoidance and enhances sociability in murine models. In addition, vafidemstat exhibits fast, strong and durable efficacy in several preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Oryzon has performed two Phase IIa clinical trials in aggressiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders (REIMAGINE) and in aggressive/agitated patients with moderate or severe AD (REIMAGINE-AD), with positive clinical results reported in both. Additional finalized Phase IIa clinical trials with vafidemstat include the ETHERAL trial in patients with Mild to Moderate AD, where a significant reduction of the inflammatory biomarker YKL40 has been observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment, and the pilot, small scale SATEEN trial in Relapse-Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS, where antiinflammatory activity has also been observed. Vafidemstat has also been tested in a Phase II in severe Covid-19 patients (ESCAPE) assessing the capability of the drug to prevent ARDS, one of the most severe complications of the viral infection, where it showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in severe Covid-19 patients. Currently, vafidemstat is in two Phase IIb trials in borderline personality disorder (PORTICO) and in schizophrenia patients (EVOLUTION). The company is also deploying a CNS precision medicine approach with vafidemstat in genetically-defined patient subpopulations of certain CNS disorders and is preparing a clinical trial in Kabuki Syndrome patients that is expected to start in 1H 2022. The company is also exploring the clinical development of vafidemstat in other neurodevelopmental syndromes. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements. IR, US IR & Media, Europe Spain Oryzon Ashley R. Robinson Sandya von der Weid Patricia Cobo Saikat Nandi LifeSci Advisors, LLC LifeSci Advisors, LLC / Carlos C. Ungria Chief Business Officer +1 617 430 7577 +41 78 680 05 38 +34 91 564 07 25 +1 917 208 8293 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Source: Oryzon Genomics, S.A. Partnership aims to accelerate customers digital & network transformation journeys leveraging the unique Pluribus Unified Cloud Fabric solution SINGAPORE and SANTA CLARA, CA, USA, May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX Company, and Pluribus Networks have today announced a new partnership which will leverage Pluribus Networks unique vision of Unified Cloud Networking and their Unified Cloud Fabric solution to accelerate the digital and network transformation journey for customers across the Asia Pacific & Japan region. With Asia Pacific regions data center market slated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3 percent during 2022 2027 with investments of USD94 billion by 20271, this partnership with Pluribus Networks is timely and perfectly complements our rich data center infrastructure solutions portfolio, shared Anand Chakravarthy, Head of Business Development for Networking, Tech Data Asia Pacific & Japan. We are excited to introduce Pluribus Networks Unified Cloud Fabric solution and Netvisor ONE networking operating system, which we predict will be game-changers for our data center infrastructure customers and partners. We are delighted to welcome Tech Data to the Pluribus Partners First Program as a distributor and to tap into Tech Datas vast reach across the Asia Pacific & Japan regions Channel Partner Community, while also complementing their existing solutions portfolio, said Nitin Acharekar, Head of APAC Sales, Pluribus Networks. Both companies are aligned in our vision of incubating and growing disruptive technologies, as well as simplifying the go-to-market for all channel partners in the region. The benefits of this new partnership include: Faster time-to-market & enriched datacenter infrastructure offerings for all channel partners Easy access to Pluribus Networks uniquely differentiated network solutions Value-added services such as pre and post-sales support to partners and customers The Pluribus Unified Cloud Fabric solution is a next generation data center fabric that unifies and automates networking and distributed security across switches and servers, overlay and underlay networks and distributed cloud data centers. Based on the principles of open networking, the SDN automated fabric reduces network operations tasks by orders of magnitude, strengthens data center security with microsegmentation and enables pervasive network visibility, all at the lowest total cost of ownership. To learn more about the Unified Cloud Fabric please visit https://pluribusnetworks.com/products/unified-cloud-fabric/ To learn more about Tech Datas Modern Data Center offerings, please visit: https://asia.techdata.com/solutions/data-center-solutions/ 1 Ariston Advisory & Intelligence, APAC Data Center Market Industry Outlook & Forecast 2022- 2027, January 2022 About Tech Data Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) company, is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Were an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX 22,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram . About Pluribus Networks Pluribus Networks, the Unified Cloud Networking company, delivers solutions based on the principles of open networking and distributed, controllerless SDN automation. The Linux-based Netvisor ONE operating system and the Unified Cloud Fabric software have been purpose built to deliver radically automated and simplified cloud networking along with superior economics by leveraging white box switches from open networking partners as well as Pluribus own Freedom Series of switches. The Unified Cloud Fabric is optimized to deliver a modern cloud network fabric across distributed clouds and data center sites with rich services, automated operations, intrinsic security and visibility and no single point of failure. Pluribus is deployed by hundreds of customers, including more than 100 tier one mobile network operators, in mission critical networks around the globe. Visit Pluribus Networks to learn more. ### Washington, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced this Years Small Business Person of the Year, Jill Rae Scarbro of Bright Futures Learning Services in West Virginia, during the 2022 National Small Business Week virtual summit. This years National Small Business Week (NSBW), themed Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship, acknowledged small businesses from across the country for their resilience, ingenuity, and creativity. It also recognized SBA partners for their involvement in entrepreneurial development, disaster recovery, government contracting, financial development, and overall support for small businesses and entrepreneurship. Small businesses, like Bright Futures, have played an integral role in powering our nations historically strong economic comeback while navigating challenges from a global pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and various variant waves. Our National Small Business Week honorees reflect the strength of our nations entrepreneurial spirita spirit of community, grit, and ingenuity. This week we shine a spotlight on the impact they make on our neighborhoods, Main Streets, innovation hubs and manufacturing centers. And Im honored to recognize West Virginias Jill Rae Scarbro as the 2022 Small Business Person of the Year, said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Jill has dedicated herself to providing vital therapy services to improve lives and bring joy to children with special needs. Her small business is a valuable reminder of how much we rely on these brave entrepreneurs to give us the products and services we depend on every day. In the face of adversity during the pandemic, Jill worked with the SBA to get critical relief, pivot her business, retain her workers and find new ways to provide needed services to her customers. My great appreciation and congratulations to Jill and all our 2022 NSBW honorees for their true innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial achievements which helped our economy and communities recover. As part of the 2022 National Small Business Week virtual events, Administrator Guzman awarded state and territorial winners and industry leaders for excellence in entrepreneurship, exporting, federal contracting, lending, and disaster recovery. National Winner: Jill Rae Scarbro, CEO, Bright Futures Learning Services, Winfield, West VA Bright Futures Learning Services began in 2007, helping one child in Scarbros grandmothers kitchen. Scarbro saw a need for ABA services in West Virginia and expanded her practice to help more children throughout the state. In 2016, with the help of an SBA 504 loan, BFLS moved to their 7,300 square-foot home in Winfield, WV. In 2021, BFLS opened a second location in Hurricane, WV, and has 36 employees educating and advocating for children with special needs. Scarbro has benefited from multiple SBA programs and services, including SCORE, SBDC Counseling, the 504 Loan, Emerging Leaders Program, SBA District Office training and counseling, COVID-19 EIDL, PPP, and Debt Relief funding. BFLS was able to retain all employees and pay creditors throughout the pandemic due to the SBAs assistance. The national runner-up for the Small Business Person of the Year is Gregory Acerra of Fireking Baking Company. National Runner-Up: Gregory Acerra, Fireking Baking Company, Braintree, MA Greg Acerra, a restaurateur, started Fireking Baking Company in 1995 to provide freshly-baked European-style bread to his restaurants, clubs, and catering company. Fireking Baking Company is an innovator in the baking industry, delivering fresh and frozen baked goods through a national distribution network. Although Fireking rustic loaves are still formed by hand and baked in hearth ovens by artisan bakers, most of the bread is produced using a stress-free semi-automated artisan process. Acerra loves growing his business and seeing his people share in the success of the company. He continues to reinvest in new state-of-the-art equipment with the cash flow flexibility achieved through SBA 504 financing. As a result, Fireking Baking Companys return on investment is efficiencies in production and effectiveness in its 137 full-time and 152 temporary employees. The Fireking line has grown to include over 300 types of bread baked for food service, retail, and private labeling. --- Cosponsorship Authorization# 22-1-C. The SBAs participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. ### About National Small Business Week For nearly 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of Americas entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they are working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase Americas global competitiveness. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov Attachments Press Office United States Small Business Administration [email protected] Source: United States Small Business Administration HERNDON, Va., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysorex (OTCQB: SYSX), a preeminent U.S.-based Ethereum mining and technology company, is providing a business update to its shareholders. At the outset, I would like to thank our valued shareholders, many of whom like Bigger Capital Fund, LP and District 2 Capital Fund LP, which issued an open letter to shareholders earlier this week, recognize the significant untapped potential in Sysorex, stated Wayne Wasserberg, CEO of Sysorex. While markets have been under severe pressure over the last six or more months given economic news and world events, and this time has seen a commensurate decline in the value of crypto assets, Sysorex firmly believes in the future of the Ethereum Blockchain and the viability of our Sysorex Government Services business. Our anticipated transaction with Ostendo Technologies, Inc., slated to close later this month, is just one example of a number of strategic steps we are undertaking to potentially create substantial value during this market downturn. If our common stock was to remain at these levels following the Ostendo transaction, we would be trading at far less than one-half of book value, which is likely one of the reasons that funds like Bigger Capital and District 2 have identified Sysorex as a deep value opportunity. Mr. Wasserberg continued, From a business operational standpoint, Sysorexs footing remains strong as the Companys Sysorex Government Services division continues to execute and has seen revenue growth the last several months, which has positively impacted our bottom line. We have historically been able to supplement our balance sheet by mining more than $800,000 a month of Ethereum (ETH) on average. Although the planned sale to Ostendo of our wholly-owned data center in Upstate New York and approximately 75% of our Ethereum mining capacity will reduce our monthly gross revenue by about $600,000 on average, the addition of approximately $70,000,000 in Ostendo securities to our balance sheet is expected to place our Company in a large net-positive shareholders equity position. In turn, this supports our planned efforts to work with several New York City-based investment banks to list Sysorex on a national securities exchange by year-end. It is our strong belief that we are not at the end of the road by any means; in fact, we are nearly ready to unlock our Companys significant untapped potential. Ethereum (ETH) Mining The Company continues to successfully mine Ethereum and from October 2021 through April 2022, on average, the Company has mined approximately 236 ETH per month. Historically, the Companys ETH mining has yielded an average monthly gross of revenue of $816,951 at an average price of $3,461.66 per ETH for the same period. The Company continually seeks to optimize the value of its Ethereum holdings and while during this period the Company has been selling a percentage of its mined ETH to advance other corporate initiatives, the Company retains a substantial ETH position on its balance sheet. Recent Debenture Conversions During the past several months, the Company received a large number of conversion notices related to its outstanding convertible debentures issued in the summer of 2021. Approximately $3,600,000 of conversions have been processed to date. The remaining balance of outstanding debentures before interest is approximately $14,500,000. Whereas the volume of the recent conversion requests was substantial and had the effect of exacerbating the market-driven decline in the Companys share price, the Company has depleted substantially all of its authorized shares. The foregoing resulted in the Companys inability to process approximately $1,400,000 of pending conversions, which conversions will be honored at a later date once the Company has increased its authorized shares. As of April 14, 2022, the Company has 494,443,611 shares outstanding. The Company plans to provide an additional corporate update within the next 15 business days, which will include details related to the planned increase of its authorized shares as well as certain other corporate actions. During this same timeframe, the Company intends to address the balance of the holders of the Companys convertible debentures with the intent of determining whether such holders would be inclined to exit their holdings at a discount to current value or receive a negotiated participation in the future value of the Company. Whereas the Company has almost no available shares at this time and counsel has advised that the process of increasing the authorized shares can take approximately 90 days, the debentures should not have a material impact on the Companys share price during the next several months. Notwithstanding, the Company will seek to achieve a stand-still with its debenture holders as it pursues a national stock exchange listing. Ostendo Asset Sale Sysorex continues to work towards closing the transaction with Ostendo outlined in a Heads of Terms dated March 24, 2022 (filed on Form 8-K), with an anticipated closing date of May 24, 2022. The Company is principally selling its Upstate New York data center and approximately 75% of its GPU-based capacity currently being utilized for Ethereum mining in exchange for nearly $70,000,000 in book value equity. The addition of this equity value should substantially increase the Companys shareholders equity and the Company sees future opportunities to collaborate with Ostendo as it undertakes commercial launch of its proprietary light field, quantum photonic semiconductor-chip-based augmented reality hardware, enriching the Metaverse. In anticipation of the completion of the Ostendo transaction, as stated, the Company is in active discussions with several New York City-based investment banks to assist with the Companys anticipated up-listing to a national stock exchange. The Company will include a listing process update in its next corporate communication. The Company is also exploring mechanisms related to the Ostendo securities or the balance of its GPU assets to drive additional value for Sysorex shareholders post-closing.Sysorex Government Services Growth Sysorex Government Services, Inc. (SGS), the Companys legacy business, continues to grow. Year-to-date, the Company has invoiced nearly $9,000,000, which has allowed Sysorex to realize more than $750,000 in profit. SGS continues to leverage existing contracts to continue its traditional government services offerings and SGS management has a bullish outlook on the Blockchain space. The adaptation of decentralized ledger technology along with eventual regulatory guidance suggests that the largest potential customer for blockchain technology will be the federal government, said Zaman Khan, President of SGS. Government adoption within several of its largest departments is already impacting initiatives through the use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) to improve supply chain integrity, security, transparency, and logistics. SGS will seek to unlock value from our existing government contracts and pursue additional opportunities given the expertise we have gained through Sysorexs blockchain-related experience. SGS has three best-in-class federal contracts that are considered government-wide acquisition contracts (GWACs), continued Mr. Khan. These are ideal contract vehicles to ensure that blockchain solutions are accessible to all government agencies and branches. GWACs are unique in that they are managed by a federal agency however the contracts can be utilized by all three branches of the government, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, and the intelligence community. The contracts, GSA FSS IT-70, NASA SEWP IV, and NIH CIO-CS, can also be used in some instances with state and local governments and systems integrators. ABOUT SYSOREX, INC. Sysorex, Inc. (Company) is a data center owner and operator and preeminent U.S.-based, publicly traded Ethereum mining and technology company. The Company currently owns and operates approximately 11,000 NVIDIA GPUs generating approximately 500 Gigahash of computing power, which GPUs include thousands of Cryptocurrency Mining Processors (CMPs). These GPUs are currently online and securing the Ethereum Blockchain and generating ETH around the clock with industry leading efficiency. In addition to the mining of ETH, the Company operates its wholly owned subsidiary, Sysorex Government Services, Inc. (SGS), a business that provides information technology products, solutions and services to federal, state, and local government, including system integrators. The Company, in conjunction with SGS, is advancing strategies to leverage decentralized finance (De-Fi) and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) opportunities powered by the Ethereum Blockchain. Safe Harbor Statement All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. While management has based any forward-looking statements included in this release on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the control of Sysorex, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not limited to, the fluctuation of economic conditions, the impact of COVID-19 on Sysorex's results of operations, Sysorexs ability to integrate the products and business from recent acquisitions into its existing business, the performance of management and employees, the regulatory landscape as it relates to privacy regulations and their applicability to Sysorexs technology. Other factors that are detailed in Sysorex's periodic and current reports available for review at sec.gov. Furthermore, Sysorex operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment where new and unanticipated risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Sysorex disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise forward-looking statements. Investor RelationsCrescendo Communications, LLCDavid Waldman/Natalya RudmanTel: (212) 671-1020Email: [email protected] This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy debentures, warrants, or any other securities of the Company, nor there shall be any offer, solicitation, or sale of securities of the Company in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such an offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Source: Sysorex, Inc. Dallas, Texas, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaycaychella, Inc. (OTC Pink: VAYK) (VAYK) launched a pilot short-term vacation rental business in Cuba just outside of Havana in 2018. VAYK backed the renovation of ten Art Deco style beach properties originally built in the 1930s and 1940s now operated as vacation destinations available through Airbnb and VRBO. Since that time, the company has added a small boutique hotel in Havana. The Cuba pilot served as a model for the companys design and launch of and of an award-winning Peer-2-Peer Alternative Finance Application (APP) for sourcing financing to purchase income producing vacation properties. VAYK is a technology company democratizing access to the short-term vacation rental property market elevated by the rise of short-term rental APPs like Airbnb and VRBO. Cuba is currently hosting a tourism conference as part of a new post Covid campaign to build the economy of Cuba. VAYK is participating. Tourism is the second-largest contributor to Cubas GDP, providing 10 percent of the islands gross domestic product in 2019, and it is also the second-largest source of foreign currency. (LPL) The Cuban government expects to welcome 2.5 million international visitors this year, a goal that would bring in some $1.159 billion. (LPL) VAYK is preparing to dramatically expand its short-term vacation rental property presence in Cuba with the introduction of a new cryptocurrency strategy. Adding to the existing functionality democratizing access to financing for the purchase of short-term rental vacation properties, the next version of VAYKs Peer-2-Peer Alternative Finance APP, launching soon, will introduce fractionalized investment where multiple investors will be able to back a single short-term vacation rental project. The next version is a first step towards adding the ability to invest in short-term vacation rental projects through the purchase of cryptocurrency. VAYK has recently purchased a cryptocurrency exchange and work is underway to promptly launch the exchange. VAYK is hosting an event in Cuba later this month to baby step its way through the first cryptocurrency offering. Participation will be limited but it is not yet closed. The company is still following up with individuals that have expressed interest. The objective of the event is to raise funds through the issuance of an initial cryptocurrency to fund additional properties in the same vicinity as the existing short-term vacation rental properties in VAYKs pilot project are located. The initial cryptocurrency will also be the first cryptocurrency listed on the cryptocurrency exchange recently purchased by VAYK. Specifically, the cryptocurrency will not be an asset controlled or offered by VAYK. VAYK has backed V-Royal with a loan to acquire the existing pilot properties in Cuba. V-Royal will be facilitating the cryptocurrency offering to fund additional properties. The cryptocurrency will be listed on VAYKs cryptocurrency exchange. To learn more and keep up with the latest updates at Vaycaychella, and to access the Vaycaychella App, visit https://www.vaycaychella.com/. Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. VAYK Contact: William "Bill" Justice [email protected] (800) 871-0376 Source: Vaycaychella, Inc. TORONTO, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) (Wesdome or the Company) today announces the results from recent definition and expansion drilling of the Falcon 7 Zone, at the Companys wholly-owned Eagle River Mine near Wawa, Ontario. Historically, mineralization of the Eagle River Mine has been hosted in the mine diorite; however, the Falcon 7 Zone is hosted in volcanic rocks west of the intrusion. Hence, the discovery and subsequent development of the Falcon 7 Zone highlights the prospectivity of the volcanic rocks to host additional gold mineralization beyond the currently existing footprint of the Eagle River Mine. Recent underground development has been completed, confirming high gold grades and strong mineability. Meanwhile, drilling has been ongoing to determine the extent of the zone and to increase confidence of the gold grade distribution. Drilling has continued to return high grade gold mineralization. Additionally, the drilling has identified a number of splays and fold noses/limbs that have the potential to add significantly to the existing resource base. Highlights of the recent drilling are listed below and are summarized in Table 1. Hole 640-E-25: 90.2 g/t Au over 4.9 m core length (21.2 g/t Au capped, 3.4 m true width) Hole 640-E-31: 87.1 g/t Au over 6.6 m core length (59.5 g/t Au capped, 5.7 m true width) Hole 640-E-32: 49.8 g/t Au over 6.2 m core length (46.4 g/t Au capped, 4.0 m true width) All assays capped at 125 g/t Au. True widths are estimated based on 3D model construction. Mr. Duncan Middlemiss, President and CEO commented, "We are pleased with the ongoing drilling of the Falcon 7 Zone that provides additional high grade mining faces in a different area than the current mining primarily near the bottom of the ramp. The discovery and initial production from the Falcon 7 Zone reaffirm the potential of the surrounding volcanic rocks to host sizeable deposits of gold mineralization, and I remain encouraged with our ongoing exploration outside of the mine diorite. The Falcon 7 Zone development is an important aspect of this operational planning, as it is situated away from the main mining area at depth, thereby providing a separate work area away from heavier mine traffic. The new 355 m Level development is extending 400 m west of the mine diorite and will provide platforms to test for gold mineralization further along strike, and for parallel zones where surface exploration has returned encouraging results from a region of the mine that has historically been given very little attention. This is a prospective area and could be the next mining horizon at the Eagle River mine. The Falcon 7 Zone is an important addition to the mine as the mineral reserves grade is over 13 g/t Au and contains in excess of 100,00 ounces of gold. This extends from approximately 300 metres below surface to the 1,000-metre elevation and averages 40-50 metres along strike. The upper 300 metres will be tested with the 350-metre exploration ramp is completed. The size and grade of the Falcon 7 Zone highlights the positive impact of discovering other parallel zones in this area and the benefit for future operations. This area remains a high priority for drilling. As well, the North Contact Zone and the eastern portion of the mine diorite remain a priority for exploration this year, as does the surface drilling which continues testing targets elsewhere on the property. TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE AND QA/QC Samples are transported in sealed bags to the Eagle River Mine assay office in Wawa, Ontario. Samples are analyzed for gold using standard fire assay technique with gravimetric finish. The performance of the Wesdome Laboratory is monitored through the implementation of a quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program designed to follow industry best practices. Wesdome inserts blanks and certified reference standards into the sample sequence for quality control at the laboratory. The QA/QC procedure is described in more detail in the 2022 Technical Report filed on SEDAR on April 22, 2022. The technical content of this release has been compiled, reviewed, and approved by Aliou Sene, P.Geo., Chief Mine Geologist at Eagle River Complex of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. COVID-19 The health and safety of our employees, contractors, vendors, and consultants is the Companys top priority. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Wesdome has adopted all public health guidelines regarding safety measures and protocols at all of its mine operations and corporate office. These protocols are still in place at all sites despite the loosening of some provincial public health guidelines. In addition, our internal COVID-19 Taskforce continues to monitor developments and implement policies and programs intended to protect those who are engaged in business with the Company. Through care and planning, to date the Company has successfully maintained operations; however, there can be no assurance that this will continue despite the Companys best efforts, with the emergence of new, highly contagious variants such as Omicron. To date, the Company has been impacted by this most recent variant outbreak, with employees at both operations and corporate office becoming infected, which may negatively impact our ability to maintain projected timelines and objectives. Consequently, the Companys actual future production and production guidance is subject to higher levels of risk than usual. The Company is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available. ABOUT WESDOMEWesdome is Canadian focused with two producing underground gold mines. The Companys goal is to build Canadas next intermediate gold producer, producing over 200,000 ounces from two mines in Ontario and Quebec. The Eagle River Underground Mine in Wawa, Ontario is currently producing gold at a rate of 95,000 105,000 ounces per year. The Company is currently milling the final stockpile of ore from the Mishi Pit with 1,000 2,000 ounces expected. The recently re-started Kiena Complex in Val dor, Quebec is a fully permitted underground mine and milling operation and the Kiena Mine is expected to produce 64,000 73,000 ounces in 2022. On a combined basis, 2022 guidance is 160,000 ounces 180,000 ounces. Wesdome is actively exploring underground and on surface within the mine areas and more regionally at the Eagle River and Kiena Complex. The Company also retains meaningful exposure to the Moss Lake gold deposit, located 100 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, Ontario through its equity position in Goldshore Resources Inc. The Company has approximately 142.5 million shares issued and outstanding and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol WDO, with a secondary listing on the OTCQX under the symbol WDOFF. For further information, please contact: Duncan Middlemiss or Lindsay Carpenter Dunlop President and CEO VP Investor Relations 416-360-3743 ext. 2029 416-360-3743 ext. 2025 [email protected] [email protected] 220 Bay Street, Suite 1200Toronto, ON, M5J 2W4Toll Free: 1-866-4-WDO-TSXPhone: 416-360-3743, Fax: 416-360-7620Website: www.wesdome.com This news release contains forward-looking information, which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the future financial or operating performance of the Company and its projects. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, managements estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company has included in this news release certain non-IFRS performance measures, including, but not limited to, mine operating profit, mining and processing costs and cash costs. Cash costs per ounce reflect actual mine operating costs incurred during the fiscal period divided by the number of ounces produced. These measures are not defined under IFRS and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or cash flow from operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Companys financial performance or liquidity. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Company's performance and ability to generate cash flow Table 1 - Drill Hole Composites from Falcon 7 Zone Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) True Width (m) Au g/t(Uncapped) Au g/t(Capped at 125 g/t) 640-E-13 288.4 291.4 3.0 1.5 4.83 4.83 640-E-18 287.3 297.8 10.5 6.7 11.38 11.38 640-E-19 181.4 183.7 2.3 1.5 8.13 8.13 640-E-20 199.0 201.3 2.3 1.5 13.13 13.13 640-E-22 162.9 164.6 1.7 1.5 68.34 38.05 640-E-22 182.4 184.5 2.1 2.0 7.34 7.34 640-E-25 275.9 280.8 4.9 3.5 90.22 21.22 640-E-28 250.5 252.3 1.8 1.5 8.42 8.42 640-E-31 236.7 243.3 6.6 5.7 87.08 59.45 640-E-32 199.3 205.5 6.2 4.0 49.82 46.44 700-E-94 7.2 9.3 2.1 1.5 7.45 7.45 700-E-95 4.4 6.5 2.1 1.5 24.24 21.57 700-E-96 5.6 7.9 2.3 1.5 10.26 10.26 700-E-97 8.3 10.1 1.8 1.5 28.00 28.00 700-E-101 7.0 9.8 2.8 1.8 46.95 38.72 700-E-108 11.7 14.0 2.3 1.5 25.28 18.05 772-E-98 82.0 83.7 1.7 1.5 13.59 13.59 772-E-99 80.7 82.7 2.1 1.9 33.31 33.31 772-E-99 85.1 91.2 6.1 6.0 30.33 28.66 772-E-100 94.7 96.8 2.1 2.1 21.42 21.42 772-E-102 74.5 80.4 5.9 5.5 21.31 16.17 772-E-103 83.0 85.9 2.9 2.8 27.72 27.72 772-E-104 80.8 87.6 4.9 4.6 44.81 23.74 772-E-105 86.4 88.5 2.1 2.0 29.92 29.92 772-E-106 80.5 82.3 1.8 1.7 35.80 28.76 772-E-107 75.7 77.8 2.1 2.0 36.36 33.69 772-E-110 77.9 79.5 1.6 1.5 9.62 9.62 772-E-113 117.9 120.7 2.8 1.8 5.22 5.22 772-E-115 118.3 121.7 3.4 2.6 6.61 6.61 772-E-116 131.5 133.3 1.8 1.5 7.90 7.90 772-E-120 174.0 178.3 4.3 2.7 4.60 4.60 772-E-121 135.2 137.2 2.0 1.5 4.26 4.26 772-E-121 144.4 148.1 3.7 2.8 14.12 14.12 772-E-122 171.8 174.1 2.3 1.5 50.74 41.29 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af25badc-faea-4961-8989-78f5e2f87c10 PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9a97a7fa-879c-4979-b5f0-16b20685e9ed Figure 1 Falcon 7 Zone Drilling Source: Wesdome Gold Mines Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Canuc Resources Corporation (TSXV: CDA) (OTCQB: CNUCF)("Canuc" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the exploration program currently in progress at the Company's San Javier Ag-Au Project in Sonora State, Mexico. Silver Anomaly A soil geochemical survey has been carried out over a magnetic high feature located in the north part of the San Javier Project area. The magnetic high was detected last year in an area that is covered with shallow overburden. The 63-sample grid covered the central part of the NE-SW trending magnetic target - a target area referred to as the Silver Mountain Zone. Bonanza grade silver values have been obtained previously from massive magnetite zones associated with the margins of the magnetic high. Within the soil grid, samples ranging from 5,123 to 36,671 ppb Ag (5 to 36 g/t) define a 50 to 100 m wide trend that extends for approximately 300 m across the grid. This anomaly lies within a broad area of very anomalous silver in soils. Only 7 of the 63 samples collected contained less than 1.0 g/t Ag. The anomalous Ag trend is accompanied by a modest Au anomaly having values ranging from 38.6 to 87.5 ppb within a relatively high 2.0 to 32.5 background. Only 9 samples contained less than 5.0 ppb Au. The target area appears, from the limited outcrop observations that are possible, to be underlain by an extensive hydrothermal breccia. This 'Silver Anomaly' target has not yet been drill-tested and will be the subject of follow up work as outlined below. Gold Zone Exploration The Gold Zone is a 3 km NW-SE trending zone of deformed volcanic and sedimentary rocks containing elevated gold mineralization that has been identified across the southern part of the Company's San Javier Project area. Geological mapping has determined that the Gold Zone ranges in width from 200 m to over 600 m across the structural trend. The Company has completed 11 bulldozed cross-cut trenches at various intervals across the 3 km extent of this zone. The trenches range from 65 m to 638 m in width. A total of 3,295 m (3.3 km) has been excavated across the 11 trenches. From these trenches, 1,829 channel samples have been collected from exposed bedrock. An additional 46 samples have been collected from various locations within the trend. Individual rock samples typically have an in-situ length of 2.0 m. Gold and copper results from the first three trenches have been reported in an earlier news release (See News Release December 14th, 2021). Elevated gold and copper results are evidenced in all three of the initial trenches. Samples from the remaining 8 in-fill trenches completed across the structure (1,283 samples) have recently been sent to the lab for assay, and results are expected by June-July 2022. Confirmation of gold and copper assays across the 8 remaining in-fill trenches will elevate the geological significance of this surficially extensive zone. SJ 22-04 Hole SJ-21-04 was drilled near the center of the property and was originally designed to test a broad magnetic anomaly interpreted to be at a depth of 300 m. The hole intersected pyrite bearing stockwork quartz/calcite veining and hydrothermal breccia to a depth of 480 m and then passed through a zone of highly fractured and veined hornfels (contact metamorphic rock) with scattered andesitic dykes. From 1,033 m to 1,193 m the hole passed through porphyritic to fine grained tonalitic dykes and silicious hornfels with up to 10% sulphides (pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite). At 1,193 m the hole intersected a highly potassic altered, silicified intrusive rock containing from 2 to 15% sulphides including pyrrhotite, pyrite, marmatite and chalcopyrite. Assay results have been received for the upper part of the hole to a depth of 912 m (See News Release dated December 14th, 2021). Results have also been received for an 18 m interval commencing at the start of the altered intrusive at 1,193 m. This section contained elevated copper values (>0.04% Cu) suggesting a very fertile intrusive. SJ 22-04 has confirmed the presence of at least one mineralized intrusive underlying zones of near surface mineralization at San Javier. The geological significance of this finding will be confirmed with the Company's ongoing exploration initiatives. Copper-Gold Stockwork Zone The Copper-Gold Stockwork Zone is a zone of stockwork veining located on the north flank of a donut shaped magnetic high in the north-central part of the property, first identified in 2021. The diameter of the donut is approximately 1,200 meters. Twenty-two (22) samples have been collected from 3 locations within a 200 m wide by 600 m long zone that lies on the north flank of the magnetic feature. These samples contained an average grade of 0.38 % Cu, 0.296 g/t Au and 3.9 g/t Ag (See Table 1). TABLE 1 Metal High Low Average Au 2.731 g/t 0.296 g/t Ag 34.8 g/t 3.9 g/t Cu 1.16% 35 ppm 0.38% Mo 23 ppm 0 ppm 3.28 ppm Fe 16.67% 0.30% 7.48% The Copper-Gold Stockwork Zone is now also a focus of follow up work as outlined below. A preliminary geological interpretation suggests that this zone may be underlain by an intrusive matrix that can be structurally related to the intrusive encountered in drill hole SJ 22-04. SJ 22-04 was collared some 1,000 m to the north-west of the center of the magnetic high which defines this anomaly. Work Program 2022 An ongoing work program being executed in 2022 includes approximately 200 soil samples designed to cover the southwest extension of the strong Ag-in-soil anomaly identified in the northern part of the property (referred to above as the 'Silver Anomaly' target). Detailed geological mapping will be completed on at least 40 known mineralized zones within the property as well as along the 11 trenches excavated across the Gold Zone. Additional sampling and geological mapping will also be completed in the area of the Stockwork Copper-Gold Zone. Further drilling will initially be focused in the area of the high-grade silver and magnetic high targets that have been identified in the northern part of the property. Results from the extensive Gold Zone sampling program, which are expected by June-July, will determine the future direction and priority of drilling on the this structure. Mapping and sampling of the Stockwork Copper-Gold Zone is also designed to provide necessary information in advance of drilling. Quality Assurance - Quality Control All drill core is sawn in half with one half being placed in properly labelled bags and the other half stored at the Company's secure logging and storage facility in the town of San Javier. Quality Control (QC) samples including blanks, duplicates and standard reference materials are inserted at regular intervals in the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. For surface sampling, every 20 samples contain a duplicate taken from the last location. The samples are delivered by Canuc personnel to the Bureau Veritas preparation laboratory in Hermosillo. At the Hermosillo facility, each sample is crushed, and a 200-gram split is pulverized and then sent to the other analytical facility in North Vancouver, British Columbia for analysis. Both facilities are accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for gold and silver analysis. All samples are assayed for gold by Fire Assay with an AAS finish. Silver content is determined as part of an Aqua Regia digestion, multi element ICP-ES analysis. Samples containing more than the upper detection limit by these methods (over-limits) are re-assayed by Fire Assay with a gravimetric finish. Seymour M. Sears, B.A., B.Sc., P.Geo. is the Qualified Person for the Company, as defined by NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release. About Canuc Canuc is a junior resource company focusing on its San Javier Silver-Gold Project in Sonora State, Mexico. The Company also generates cash flow from natural gas production at its MidTex Energy Project in Central West Texas, USA where Canuc has an interest in eight (8) producing natural gas wells and has rights for further in field developments. For further information please contact: Canuc Resources Corporation. (416) 525 - 6869 [email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information. All information, other than information of historical fact, constitute "forward-looking statements" and includes any information that addresses activities, events or developments that the Corporation believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including the Corporation's strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is based on current expectations and applies only as of the date on which they were made. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Corporation to fund the exploration expenditures required under the Agreement. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in the Corporation's annual financial statements, MD&A and other publicly filed documents. The Corporation cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122785 Internet City, Dubai--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - LBank hosted the Turkish crypto community to a Cruise Dinner in collaboration with Shiba Dodge on the 24th of April. During the event, the top crypto exchange had the precious opportunity to discuss the future development of the blockchain industry in Turkey and future cooperation between Turkey-based teams and LBank. Figure 1: LBank Hosts Turkish Crypto Investors and Blockchain Influencers to a Cruise Dinner To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8378/122929_b853d45e9498dbd2_002.jpg The "LBank Turkey Community Meeting" took place aboard a yacht with about 100 people in attendance who discussed the progress of blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well as investment opportunities presented by the LBank crypto exchange. It was a fantastic gathering of industry experts, investors, Turkey's biggest entrepreneurs and opinion leaders including actor and Wideangle founder, Umut Tanyolu, Efe Acar, analyst & Wideangle co-founder as well as blockchain influencer, Mehmet Faith Kurt was in attendance. Stacks Turkey Director, Omur Cataltepe and Open Money CEO, Osman Kuzucu were also present at the event which LBank hosted in hopes to show its interest in the development of the Turkish community. In the pursuit of providing solutions and platforms for blockchain technology, LBank initiated a series of activities and seminars to help raise awareness about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. LBank, which is ranked as a top 20 exchange among other digital asset trading platforms, affirms that it will cooperate with the Turkish crypto industry leaders to model the platform's goods and services in a way that ensures they experience the best of cryptocurrency on the exchange. Above all, LBank aims to serve the global community with a crypto assets platform where they can access the best metaverse, GameFi, NFT, and DeFi tokens much earlier before it gets on other exchanges while bringing high-quality financial service to more communities. LBank also declared its intentions to continue providing better services and products in the future as it embarks on this campaign to educate and understand the needs of these regions. About LBank Exchange LBank is a leading cryptocurrency exchange that provides thousands of digital assets for Derivatives trading, Spot trading to users from all over the world. The cutting-edge global trading platform offers professional asset management services as well. With over 6.4 million users from over 210 regions, it has become one of the most popular and trustworthy crypto trading platforms. Start Trading Now: lbank.info Community & Social Media: l Telegram l Twitter l Facebook l Linkedin Contact Details: LBK Blockchain Co. Limited LBank Exchange [email protected] PR Contact: ZEXPRWIRE [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122929 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 5, 2022) - Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY) ("Riverside" or the "Company"), working with funding partner BHP, is pleased to report that it has signed an option agreement with Orogen Royalties Inc. (TSXV: OGN) ("Orogen") to acquire 100% interest in the Llano de Nogal copper project (the "Project") in Sonora, Mexico as a new property acquisition within the BHP - Riverside Sonora Mexico Exploration Financing Agreement ("EFA"). The Llano de Nogal Project will become the fifth active Work Project within the EFA. The new project will have an exploration budget of USD $1,000,000 for the initial work phase of geology, geophysics and geochemistry. Riverside previously acquired minor tenure of the Llano de Nogal district from Millrock Resources in 2019 and has subsequently worked with BHP on the Project through the EFA to consolidate a larger portion. Highlights: The Llano de Nogal Copper Project is a large porphyry Cu district located between the two largest copper districts of Mexico; Cananea and La Caridad in northern Sonora, Mexico Riverside has signed an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest of Orogen's 98 km 2 mineral tenure in the Project through the BHP-Riverside EFA. mineral tenure in the Project through the BHP-Riverside EFA. The EFA program funded Option contemplates cash payments totaling US$2.48 million and exploration expenditures of US$5 million over a six-year period to acquire Orogen's mineral tenure. Riverside will receive a 10% management fee and conduct the exploration work on the Project. Under the terms of the EFA, BHP can earn up to 80% and Riverside up to a 20% interest into Orogen's mineral concessions of Llano de Nogal by making cash payments totaling US$2.48 million and exploration expenditures of US$5 million over a six-year period with BHP fully funding all generative programs. BHP will fund all generative work to be completed in the Project through the EFA with subsequent work funded by both BHP and Riverside. If the option is fully exercised, Riverside will be entitled to acquire up to a 20% interest of the Project. Figure 1: Properties Riverside owns and is active on for copper exploration in Sonora and the Llano de Nogal district location. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/122894_f3749a928456fa01_002full.jpg Riverside also separately controls 100% of small tenures shown in figure 2 within the Project area and the overall geology and location of the concessions involved in this option. Figure 2: Tenure map showing Orogen claims. The smaller dark grey claims blocks are pre-existing Riverside claims. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6101/122894_f3749a928456fa01_003full.jpg Riverside's President and CEO, John-Mark Staude: "We are pleased to work together and progress this project to the next stage of mineral exploration and add it to our EFA program with BHP in Sonora, Mexico." About the Llano Del Nogal Riverside's Llano del Nogal Project tenure is a land package fully owned by Riverside with indications for porphyry Cu and post-mineral Baucarit middle and late Tertiary gravel cover. Riverside's tenure is located within the prolific Cananea-La Caridad porphyry copper trend. The Project is located 35 km northwest of the La Caridad mine that after 35 years of historic mining, has a measured and indicated mineral resource of over 6.4 Bt at 0.17% copper[1]. The Project is also located 60 km southeast of the Cananea (Buenavista Mine), one of the world's largest porphyry copper deposits with a total global resource of over 15Bt at 0.22% copper1 remaining after more than 120 years of continuous mining. The Orogen tenure adds an additional 98 km2to the Riverside-BHP EFA land package. Orogen's tenure displays evidence of an extensive post mineral cover with outcrops showing hydrothermal alteration within exposures of Cretaceous age altered volcanics cut by Laramide intrusions and breccias. The target zones will be worked on by Riverside-BHP through a field and geophysics exploration program in the coming months with BHP funding having been provided to Riverside as part of the signing of this transaction. Option Agreement for the Project The EFA Program is structured such that Riverside can earn up to 20% and BHP can earn up to 80% in the Project as laid out in the news release (May 16, 2019) which in this specific third party property option case by making cash payments of US$2.48 million and US$5.0 million in exploration expenditures subject to the following schedule which would give BHP-Riverside 100% ownership of the tenure, subject to NSRs: Table 1: Exploration Payment Schedule Date Cash ($US) Cumulative Exploration Expenditures ($US) Closing of transaction $30,000 - First Anniversary $50,000 $500,000 Second Anniversary $50,000 $1,300,000 Third Anniversary $100,000 $2,000,000 Fourth Anniversary $200,000 $3,000,000 Fifth Anniversary $300,000 $4,000,000 Sixth Anniversary $1,750,000 $5,000,000 During the option period, Orogen and Riverside will jointly have the right to exercise and retain any Net Smelter Return ("NSR") royalty buydown rights with respect to the Suanse claims (0.5% NSR royalty for C$1 million) and the Coyotes claims (1.5% NSR royalty for US$1.5 million). Once the Option is exercised on Llano de Nogal, the Optionee will grant to Orogen a 1% Production Royalty, of which 0.5% can be purchased for US$10 million within 10 years of the exercise date. Once BHP has funded all exploration expenditures, other than those expenditures funded by Riverside, amounting up to US$5,000,000, and made other payments to Riverside it will have earned the conditions to convert to up to a 80% owner in a subsequent JV with Riverside. Once BHP has funded all generative expenditures in the Project, Riverside can elect to fund between 10% and 20% of the remaining exploration expenditures. At any time after the Generative program ends, BHP can request Riverside to transfer its rights and obligations under the Agreement for Llano de Nogal Orogen concessions to BHP Exploration Chile SpA ("BHP") or its affiliates pursuant to the Exploration and Financing Agreement between BHP and Riverside dated May 15, 2019.[2],[3] Riverside's mineral concessions at the current time are still controlled by Riverside but may be added to BHP's earn in interest in the future. Currently Riverside controls these 100% for Llano de Nogal of Riverside. Qualified Person & QA/QC: The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Freeman Smith, P.Geo, a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources, who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided within this news release is accurate and who acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Riverside Resources Inc.: Riverside is a well-funded exploration company driven by value generation and discovery. The Company has over $4M in cash, no debt and less than 75M shares outstanding with a strong portfolio of gold-silver and copper assets and royalties in North America. Riverside has extensive experience and knowledge operating in Mexico and Canada and leverages its large database to generate a portfolio of prospective mineral properties. In addition to Riverside's own exploration spending, the Company also strives to diversify risk by securing joint-venture and spin-out partnerships to advance multiple assets simultaneously and create more chances for discovery. Riverside has properties available for option, with information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com. ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC. "John-Mark Staude" Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO For additional information contact: John-Mark Staude President, CEO Riverside Resources Inc. [email protected] Phone: (778) 327-6671 Fax: (778) 327-6675 Web: www.rivres.com Raffi Elmajian Corporate Communications Riverside Resources Inc. [email protected] Phone: (778) 327-6671 TF: (877) RIV-RES1 Web: www.rivres.com Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1https://www.southernperu.com/ENG/invrel/2021/10K/10k2021.pdf 2 https://www.rivres.com/news/2019-news/riverside-signs-us-2-000-000-strategic-funding-agreement-with-bhp-in-sonora-mexico [3]https://www.rivres.com/news/2022-news/iversideesourcesorporateutlookfor202220220112070000 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122894 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 4, 2022) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") announces that it has granted stock options to acquire up to 2,818,000 common shares to certain directors, officers and consultants. Each of the stock options is exercisable for a five-year term expiring on May 4, 2027 and exercisable until that time at a price of $0.28 per common share. The options are subject to vesting provisions, with one-third vesting and becoming exercisable on the date of grant, and one-third vesting and becoming exercisable every anniversary thereafter. The stock options are non-transferable and any common shares issued upon exercise of the stock options, are subject to a four-month resale restriction expiring September 5, 2022. About Tower Resources Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, both in B.C., are the Nechako gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton and Highland Valley Copper mines. On behalf of the Board of Directors Tower Resources Ltd. Joe Dhami, President and CEO (778) 996-4730 www.towerresources.ca Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/122837 Denis Machuel to succeed Alain Dehaze on July 1, 2022 AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange ZURICH, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Adecco Group announced today that following a carefully planned succession process, it has named Denis Machuel as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to succeed Alain Dehaze on July 1, 2022. The transition will take place following a month-long handover period during June. Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, Chair of the Adecco Group, commented: "After a robust search and a thorough selection process, the Board is convinced that Denis is the right CEO for the Group's next chapter. Denis is both a values-oriented and highly execution-driven leader. He knows how to nurture a culture of performance excellence, has a strong track record of growth and value creation, and brings relevant industry experience. The Board is committed to strategic continuity through the existing [email protected] strategy cycle, with a clear Management mandate of exceptional execution and growth acceleration." FULL PRESS RELEASE Contact: The Adecco Group, Investor Relations, +41 (0)44 878 88 88 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197818/The_Adecco_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adecco-group-appoints-denis-machuel-as-chief-executive-officer-301540246.html SOURCE The Adecco Group NASHUA, N.H., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DCS Corporation has completed an expansion of its Nashua, New Hampshire facility. The extended space is designed to support the continued growth of DCS's decade-long presence in the Nashua-area supporting U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army customers. "DCS is thrilled to build upon our presence in the Nashua area," commented DCS CEO, Jim Benbow. "Our innovative lab and office spaces encourage and facilitate collaboration as we provide ever-evolving software development support to our DoD customers." The Nashua office buildout modernizes and links existing space and captures the space in-between. A newly constructed large planning area will accommodate collaborative, in-person and virtual product development planning for DCS's multiple agile teams to include the Support Aircraft Agile Efforts. The facility also includes formal and informal collaboration areas and new innovative lab space, as well as cafe-style work areas for transiting employees and DCS customers. About DCSAn employee-owned company, DCS offers advanced technology, engineering, and management solutions to Government agencies in the national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality, and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our employee-owners allow us to ensure the success of each customer's mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation.For more information, please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com. CONTACT:DCS Corporation[email protected] 571-227-6000 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continued-growth-spurs-expansion-of-dcs-nashua-office-301541008.html SOURCE DCS Corporation CALGARY, AB, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Crescent Point Energy Corp. ("Crescent Point" or the "Company") (TSX: CPG) (NYSE: CPG) announces that its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") will be held on May 19, 2022, at the Imperial Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Calgary (700 Centre Street S.E.) at 10:00 a.m. MT (12:00 p.m. ET). Shareholders are encouraged to attend the meeting. For those unable to attend, a live webcast of the AGM will also be available. It will not be possible to vote, or otherwise participate in the meeting through the webcast. To access either the live webcast or a replay, please visit the conference call and webcasts page of the Company's website. For further information about the AGM, including access to all meeting materials, please visit Crescent Point's website. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CRESCENT POINT ENERGY, PLEASE CONTACT:Shant Madian, Vice President, Capital Markets, orSarfraz Somani, Manager, Investor RelationsTelephone: (403) 693-0020 Toll-free (US and Canada): 888-693-0020 Fax: (403) 693-0070Address: Crescent Point Energy Corp. Suite 2000, 585 - 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary AB T2P 1G1 www.crescentpointenergy.com Crescent Point shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CPG. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crescent-point-announces-annual-general-meeting-details-301540875.html SOURCE Crescent Point Energy Corp. CALGARY, AB, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB) (NYSE: ENB) (Enbridge or the Company) held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders today. On a vote by ballot during the regular business proceedings at the meeting, shareholders approved the election of all 12 nominated directors proposed by management as listed in the Management Information Circular dated March 2, 2022. Enbridge is pleased to welcome Jason B. Few and Steven W. Williams to the Board. Mr. Few has more than 30 years of experience as a business leader, entrepreneur and technology leader focusing on energy and energy transition. He is currently President & CEO of FuelCell Energy, Inc. Mr. Williams has more than 40 years of international energy industry experience, including as President & CEO of Suncor Energy Inc. from 2012 to 2019 and various roles during 18 years at Imperial Oil/Exxon. "On behalf of the Board of Directors of Enbridge, we are very pleased to welcome Jason and Steve to the Enbridge Board. They each have extensive business experience and will be excellent additions to our Board. We would also like to thank Herb for his valuable service and many contributions to Enbridge over the years and we wish him well during his retirement," stated Greg Ebel, the Chair of the Board of Directors of Enbridge. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below. Votes For Votes Withheld # % # % Mayank (Mike) M. Ashar 1,119,720,044 99.45% 6,153,930 0.55% Gaurdie E. Banister 1,119,869,199 99.47% 6,004,837 0.53% Pamela L. Carter 1,086,100,179 96.47% 39,773,857 3.53% Susan M. Cunningham 1,095,878,800 97.34% 29,995,236 2.66% Gregory L. Ebel 961,024,127 85.36% 164,851,450 14.64% Jason B. Few 1,013,646,775 90.03% 112,228,803 9.97% Teresa S. Madden 1,089,493,666 96.77% 36,381,911 3.23% Al Monaco 1,107,228,169 98.34% 18,647,409 1.66% Stephen S. Poloz 1,099,533,332 97.66% 26,342,050 2.34% S. Jane Rowe 1,119,487,346 99.43% 6,388,231 0.57% Dan C. Tutcher 1,096,541,822 97.39% 29,333,755 2.61% Steven W. Williams 1,120,420,673 99.52% 5,454,676 0.48% About Enbridge Inc. Enbridge Inc. is a leading North American energy infrastructure company. We safely and reliably deliver the energy people need and want to fuel quality of life. Our core businesses include Liquids Pipelines, which transports approximately 30 percent of the crude oil produced in North America; Gas Transmission and Midstream, which transports approximately 20 percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S.; Gas Distribution and Storage, which serves approximately 3.9 million retail customers in Ontario and Quebec; and Renewable Power Generation, which owns approximately 1,766 MW (net) in renewable power generation capacity in North America and Europe. The Company's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ENB. For more information, visit www.enbridge.com. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:MediaToll Free: (888) 992-0997 Email: [email protected] Investment CommunityToll Free: (800) 481-2804 Email: [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enbridge-inc-announces-election-of-directors-301540245.html SOURCE Enbridge Inc. Celebrating ambitious pioneers tackling our biggest challenges HERNDON, Va., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that Gabby Wong, CEO of FranConnect, was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 Mid-Atlantic Award finalist. Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who think big to succeed. Gabby Wong was selected by a panel of independent judges according to the following criteria entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact among other core contributions and attributes. "On behalf of the entire FranConnect organization, I am honored to be selected as a finalist for this prestigious award," said Gabby Wong. "This recognition is a result of our unwavering commitment to provide the most innovative growth solutions for our franchise customers and in support of the broader franchise community. Franchising is one of the cornerstones of American entrepreneurship and a significant growth engine for our economy. Our solutions enable brands to sell and expand new franchisees faster than competitors, improve unit-level operations and processes, grow revenue streams, and ultimately drive rapid expansion into the marketplace. Supporting the success of entrepreneurs is our singular mission." "It's a privilege to be considered alongside such an accomplished and innovative group of entrepreneurs in our thriving Mid-Atlantic community," continued Wong. Regional award winners will be announced on June 29, 2022. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation's most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in June 2023. For over 35 years, EY US has celebrated the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 10,000 US executives since its inception in 1986. Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners have exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of fellow alumni and other members of the entrepreneurial community in over 60 countries all supported by vast EY resources. About FranConnectFranConnect is the leading franchise management software provider. For 20 years, the FranConnect platform has served as the sales, operations, and marketing backbone for approximately 900 brands worldwide. Nine of the Franchise Times Top 10 Fastest-Growing franchise businesses rely on FranConnect to drive growth, improve profitability, and streamline operational performance. FranConnect customers span all sizes, growth phases, and industries and they grow 44% faster on average than the broader franchising market. Backed by private-equity investor Serent Capital, FranConnect is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with global operations in India and Canada. For more information on FranConnect, visit www.franconnect.com. About Entrepreneur Of The YearEntrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National overall winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year title. ey.com/us/eoy Contact: Ashley Davidson, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ey-announces-gabby-wong-of-franconnect-as-an-entrepreneur-of-the-year-2022-mid-atlantic-award-finalist-301541127.html SOURCE FranConnect JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- An organization that offers affordable housing to people who need a second chance and a program that provides financial assistance to low-income families so they can visit with their newborn babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are among seven recipients of the Florida Blue Foundation's annual Sapphire Awards. The awardees will share nearly $500,000 that will allow them to continue to focus on innovative ideas and programs to improve health equity in their communities. The Florida Blue Foundation announced the honorees at its annual Sapphire Awards ceremony on May 4 in Orlando. The Florida Blue Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Florida Blue, the state's Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. Each of the programs, organizations and individuals is making a meaningful impact in their communities related to advancements in health equity. "As a mission-driven company focused on helping people and communities achieve better health, we believe everyone deserves to have an equal opportunity to achieve their full health potential," said Susan Towler, executive director of the Florida Blue Foundation. "By recognizing and rewarding excellence and innovation in those addressing the big issues in health equity, and collaborating with others in our state, we can advance solutions and remove barriers that will help improve health care access and strengthen the communities we serve." The awardees were selected through a robust external review process for their exemplary leadership, innovative ideas and excellence. They all have a track record of success in decreasing health disparities and improving health equity, which directly contributes to positive health outcomes. Below are the individuals who were honored: Mia Jones (Jacksonville) is the chief executive officer of Agape Family Health, a nonprofit health center that provides high-quality, affordable health care services for people regardless of their ability to pay. A former Jacksonville city council member and Florida state representative, Jones is a proven community champion who is passionate about improving health equity, access and opportunities for disadvantaged populations. Her life work has been focused on bringing more health care services to people through community health centers and public schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was influential in helping increase the availability of testing and vaccination sites. Jones was recognized with a first-place award in the individual category for her efforts to advance health equity and increase access to health care services for the uninsured and underserved. The $100,000 award will support Agape Community Health Center. Watch her video here. Sonjia Kenya, EdD, MS, MA, (Miami-Dade) is an associate professor of general medicine and the director of community health programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Driven by her belief that achieving health equity requires ongoing, meaningful input from populations suffering the greatest health problems, Dr. Kenya partners with community members to develop culturally acceptable health care delivery models. She leverages her role as an educator to engage community stakeholders in training graduate health students and clinicians about strategies to deliver effective care and reduce HIV disparities among minority populations. Kenya received a second-place award and the $50,000 will be directed to the community health programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Watch her video here. Below are the organizations that were honored: Pathlight HOME (Orlando), also known as Grand Avenue Economic Community Development Corporation, provides safe housing, support services and economic opportunities to men and women in Central Florida. Having served more than 7,000 individuals, the organization utilizes the "housing first" model to provide affordable, supportive housing while also offering culinary skills training, case management services, behavioral health counseling and employment support to help formerly homeless men and women move forward in life. This organization received a first-place award and $100,000. Watch their video here. Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center (Fort Lauderdale) is an organization that provides medical care, case management, education, social services and other support to children and adolescents with chronic illnesses and development disabilities. The organization believes no parent should have to choose between basic living expenses and quality medical care and services for their child with special needs. The nonprofit is committed to reducing health disparities, increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for families of children with special needs, regardless of a family's ability to pay. The organization received a second-place award and $50,000. Watch their video here. IDignity (Orlando) is a nonprofit that helps low-income and disadvantaged people navigate the complexities and financial burden of obtaining legal identification, such as birth certificates, ID cards or license renewals, or Social Security cards. The documents IDignity obtains for its clients give them the freedom to apply for work or school, gain access to shelters, seek help from social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure permanent housing, or overcome other obstacles to becoming self-sufficient. This organization received a third-place award and $25,000. Watch their video here. Below are the programs that were honored: The Mobile Outreach Clinic (MOC) (Gainesville) is a University of Florida program that delivers health care services to the medically underserved in low-income neighborhoods and rural areas of North Central Florida. Volunteers and care coordinators work together to perform social determinants of health (SDOH) assessments on each patient, which are used to create a customized care plan to address their unique social needs. In 2021, the program increased access to telehealth, built a "street medicine program" to provide care for the unsheltered homeless, increased the number of community health workers, and continued its daily clinic care. This program was honored with a first-place award and $100,000. Watch their video here. ICU Baby's Transportation Assistance Program (Miami) supports families with a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The program offers a financial stipend to offset transportation costs for low-income families whose visits with their baby in the NICU are restricted because of financial hardship. ICU Baby's team of in-hospital volunteers witness firsthand the additional financial strain that having a baby in the NICU places on a family, regardless of their finances. This program helps ensure parents can be with their newborn when they need them most. This program was honored with a second-place award and $50,000. Watch their video here. This is the 17th year the Florida Blue Foundation has presented the Sapphire Awards to individuals, programs and organizations in community health. Since 2005, the Foundation has presented 130 Sapphire Awards, totaling more than $6.3 million. The Sapphire Awards were presented during the Florida Blue Foundation's annual two-day Community Health Symposium. This year's event focused on health equity and attracted nearly 600 people from the health care, government, higher education and nonprofit sectors. The event featured national and statewide speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities focused on identifying solutions to reduce health disparities, improve affordability and increase access to high-quality care. About Florida Blue FoundationFlorida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in our communities. More than 6.5 million Floridians have received services as a result of our community investments since our founding in 2001. The Florida Blue Foundation's programs are focused on advancing mental well-being, improving health equity, impacting food security and addressing systemic racism and resulting health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com. About Florida BlueFlorida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve more than 46 million people in 45 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-blue-foundation-2022-sapphire-awards-honor-seven-for-advancing-health-equity-provide-500-000-in-funding-301540994.html SOURCE Florida Blue Foundation WATERTOWN, Mass., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluent BioSciences, a biotechnology company focused on making single-cell analysis simple and accessible to every researcher, announced expanded early access to two new products for 3 single-cell RNA analysis. Scaled to efficiently and effectively meet diverse experimental demands, PIPseqTM T2 and T20 kits capture up to 2,000 and 20,000 single cells per reaction, respectively. Fluent is actively engaged with leading researchers in diverse fields including neuroscience, drug discovery, and cancer biology to demonstrate the unique advantages to experimental flexibility and scalability afforded by PIPseq. "We continue to execute on our mission to accelerate the understanding of biology and disease through accessible, affordable, and scalable solutions", stated Sepehr Kiani, co-founder, and CEO of Fluent BioSciences. "I am very pleased that we have been able to leverage Fluent's unique, instrumentation-free scRNA-seq platform to rapidly introduce an order-of-magnitude increase in cell capture compared to our initial T2 kits. We are poised for rapid development and deployment of new tools to address the diversity of emerging single-cell applications." Fluent has been excited to collaborate with Dr. Zev Gartner, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco to evaluate cellular diversity in human breast tissue. "We required a single-cell RNA-seq platform with a simple workflow suitable for rapid analysis of clinical specimens, that scales from small to large numbers of cells, and meets our data quality metrics", stated Dr. Gartner. "Tissues analyzed using the T2 and T20 kits have exceeded our expectations." White papers detailing these early studies are available at www.fluentbio.com, and researchers are invited to contact Fluent to learn more about applying PIPseq to their biological question of interest. About Fluent BioSciencesFluent BioSciences is a privately funded biotechnology company with a mission to accelerate the understanding of biology and disease through accessible, affordable, and scalable solutions for every laboratory from research to the clinic. Fluent's breakthrough Pre-templated Instant Partitions (PIPseq) technology facilitates near-instantaneous self-assembly of individual cells or molecules into millions of uniform partitions without the need for complex instrumentation or expensive consumables. This powerful platform enables extremely sensitive and unbiased preparation of proteins and nucleic acids for a broad range of applications including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). For more information, visit https://www.fluentbio.com/ Contacts: Ram Santhanam, [email protected] Jessie Matakis, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fluent-biosciences-expands-access-to-industrys-most-flexible-and-scalable-technology-pipseq-to-enable-sensitive-single-cell-transcriptome-analysis-in-any-laboratory-301541073.html SOURCE Fluent BioSciences ST. LOUIS, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, announced that Steven Breeden has been named District Vice President for the company's Seattle District effective July 1, 2022. Breeden will replace Paul Hansen, who plans to retire as District Vice President after 39 years with the company. Breeden has 33 years of experience in the electrical industry and has worked for Graybar since 2001. He currently serves as Director, Electrical and Industrial Sales in the Seattle District, a position he has held since 2017. As District Vice President, he will lead Graybar's business operations in a territory that includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Hawaii. "We thank Paul Hansen for his many contributions to Graybar and wish him all the best in retirement," said Dennis E. DeSousa, Graybar's senior vice president and general manager. "We also congratulate Steve Breeden on his promotion to District Vice President. He is a highly respected leader within Graybar and throughout our industry. I look forward to working with him to grow our business and serve our customers in this region." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 300 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact:Tim Sommer(314) 573-2571[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/graybar-names-steven-breeden-district-vice-president-in-seattle-301541128.html SOURCE Graybar ARLINGTON, Va., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Happyly, the innovative corporate mental and physical health technology company welcomes Kyle Martin as Chief Product Officer. Caitlin Iseler, Randi Banks and the team are thrilled to welcome Kyle to Happyly. "After meeting Kyle and feeling his passion for creating products that make families' lives better, I knew we had to work together. He is a talented product builder, designer and leader and he is the missing piece of the puzzle for achieving the impact that we strive to make with companies and their teams and families every day." Happyly founder Caitlin Iseler shared Kyle's arrival comes at an exciting time of growth and development of Happyly's user services and platform. Happyly supports members' mental and physical health and productivity, promoting micro-wins in everyday life. Aiming to release a best-in-class experience, Kyle plays a dynamic role in making the Happyly platform a resource for employee retention and satisfaction. On joining the team, Kyle noted, "Joining a company whose purpose is to improve real-life connections is a dream come true for me, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. We live in an era where work is increasingly becoming more remote, where people feel isolated and are working harder and burning out faster. I'm excited to work with this amazing team to build innovative experiences that foster real work-life balance and inspire happier days." Kyle, a human-centered product leader with expertise in building world-class consumer mobile applications and B2B SaaS platforms, has worked with companies such as Nordstrom, Home Depot, Tommy Hilfiger and Louis Vuitton. Most recently, Kyle served as the Chief Product Officer at Tinybeans, the largest digital parenting platform, where he spearheaded the creation of a new community, the launch of new consumer subscription products and a full platform redesign. Kyle is a graduate of Temple University, where he received his BA in Art and Digital Media. Currently living outside of Philadelphia, Kyle, his wife and their four children use the Happyly App daily to find parks, playgrounds and museums across the Philadelphia area. Kyle joins the team to lead Happyly's product, engineering, and user experience teams, and deliver on it's larger mission to help people spend less time planning and more time experiencing life with the ones they love. About HappylyHappyly is a physical and mental health technology company that enables individuals to connect with themselves, their families, and their communities. Happyly's proprietary technology provides its customers with curated activities and events personalized to their needs. The platform provides localized outdoor activities, volunteer opportunities, and custom vacation getaways. For more information, visit https://www.happyly.com or contact the team at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happyly-welcomes-kyle-martin-as-chief-product-officer-301540277.html SOURCE happyly PHOENIX, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Helios Education Foundation recently announced the expansion of its Board of Directors with the appointment of Jim Swanson, a top business executive and longtime education advocate in Arizona. Mr. Swanson joins 10 additional Board members, each of whom possess a strong passion for education and the shared mission of improving lives and strengthening communities through education. "We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Helios Board of Directors. Jim brings strategic business expertise with a deep understanding of the educational landscape in Arizona, including the complex school funding formula," said Helios's Founding Chairman Vince Roig. "Just as important, Jim brings a passion that is aligned with the Foundation's work of increasing student success across the spectrumfrom early literacy to college-going and college completion." Mr. Swanson is President and CEO of Kitchell, based in Phoenix, Arizona, where he oversees more than 1,100 employee-owners along with company operations in Arizona, California, Iowa, and Texas. Before joining Kitchell, Mr. Swanson was Senior Vice President at Affiliated Computers Services, where he directed operations for its education sector clients. Mr. Swanson is a tireless advocate for improving education in Arizona and beyond through his involvement in numerous organizations, including co-chair of the Classrooms First Initiative Council; board member and former board chairman of Teach for America Phoenix; co-chair of the Greater Phoenix Leadership Education Committee; and member of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools and Rodel Foundation board of directors. Additionally, Mr. Swanson is a trustee of the Barrow Neurological Foundation, a board member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and a member of the Valley of the Sun United Way Tocqueville Society. "I am honored to join the Board and ready to get to work alongside my talented colleagues to improve education outcomes among students in Arizona and Florida. I strongly believe that education is a pathway to improving lives," Mr. Swanson said. "Now more than ever, as the lingering effects of the pandemic on academic performance become clearer, Helios has an opportunity to make meaningful change." Members of the Helios Education Foundation Board of Directors have a wide range of education, business, community, and policy expertise. In addition, the board is representative, in gender, ethnicity, and geography, of the communities the Foundation serves. Helios Board members include: Vince Roig, Founding Chairman Paul J. Luna, President and CEO Don Aripoli, Ph.D. Mark Fernandez Tom Herndon Vada O. Manager Ioanna Morfessis, Ph.D. Jane LaRocca Roig, Vice Chair Maria Sastre Steven Wheeler Jim Swanson Each board member brings a passionate commitment to student success. Since 2004, under the Board's leadership, Helios has: Invested nearly $300 million in partnerships and initiatives focused on improving education outcomes in the two states we serve; Helped more than 1.4 million students participate in early learning, college and career planning, and postsecondary education programs that will help lead to success in earning a postsecondary degree; Provided professional development opportunities to more than 60,000 educators; and Awarded 27,000 scholarships. About Helios Education FoundationHelios Education Foundation was founded on four fundamental beliefscommunity, equity, investment, partnershipand with one purpose: To create opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education. For nearly 20 years, our commitment has been to education excellence and closing achievement gaps for all students. Learn more about Helios Education Foundation at www.helios.org. CONTACT: Rebecca Lindgren(602) 381-2294 | [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/helios-appoints-jim-swanson-to-board-of-directors-301541065.html SOURCE Helios Education Foundation Women's retailer to celebrate the month of May by spotlighting hometown heroes in partnership with Country Music Superstar Lauren Alaina DULUTH, Minn., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading women's fashion retailer, Maurices is dedicating the month of May to hometown heroes through a month-long campaign on maurices.com and in Maurices' nearly 900 stores. As a heartfelt thanks to educators, healthcare workers, first responders and military members, Maurices is offering an extra 10% off all purchases, stackable with other offers, in stores and online, throughout the month of May. "At Maurices, we're guided by our greater purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of women who are the heart of our hometowns," says Laura Sieger, Maurices Chief Marketing Officer. "We recognize the day-to-day impact our customers have in our communities and are proud to continue to spotlight these women who make our hometowns the place we love to call home." Over the past three months, Maurices and Lauren Alaina have honored deserving women as part of Lauren's 2022 Top of the World headline tour, sponsored by Maurices, with unique moments in select cities through the Maurices "Hometown Heroes" sweepstakes. The program spotlighted women who are hometown heroes, and who give back to their communities across the country. The winners were rewarded with a special experience consisting of the ultimate Maurices shopping spree to help them look and feel their best, tickets to Alaina's headlining concert near their hometown, and a meet and greet with Lauren. Maurices will feature these hometown heroes throughout the month of May on their social media pages and maurices.com. As another way to honor deserving women this month, anyone across the country can nominate a deserving woman in their hometown to win the Maurices Hometown Heroes contest prize package. Opening May 9th and running through May 18th, Maurices is looking for the ultimate Hometown Hero to celebrate with a 5-night, roundtrip experience to Nashville, Tennessee's signature country music event. The lucky winner will receive a shopping spree at Maurices, two VIP passes to the four-day festival, travel and accommodations, and a special meet & greet and private concert with Lauren Alaina. "It has been such an honor and the highlight of my Top of the World Tour to celebrate and recognize these women all across the country who, day in and day out, prove why they are true hometown heroes," said Lauren Alaina. "Through my partnership and as the Brand Ambassador for Maurices, to have this opportunity to continue recognizing more deserving women is humbling, and I am so excited to be able to 'TOP' it off by rolling out the red carpet for the ultimate prize back in Nashville, Tennessee at one of the biggest events in country music!" To further recognize hometown heroes, Maurices will help raise funds through in-store donations during the entire month of May. Upon checkout, customers will have the option to donate to Operation Gratitude, a nation-wide organization dedicated to providing people across the country with opportunities for hands-on volunteerism in support of military, veterans, and first responders, or to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit platform that connects public school teachers with a national network of donors excited to provide extra learning resources, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. To learn more about Maurices' spotlight on hometown heroes and to nominate someone for the "Hometown Heroes" contest, visit www.maurices.com/hometowns. About MauricesMaurices is a leading women's fashion brand offering size-inclusive clothing that celebrates feel-good fashion for real life. Offering versatile, affordable styles that take her from day to night, Maurices is a destination for denim, knit tops, loungewear, intimates, and accessories, along with dressy collections. Known for its fun and friendly service and trusted stylists, Maurices offers a warm welcoming experience in stores and is guided by its greater purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of women who are the heart of its hometowns. Maurices operates 900 stores in hometowns across the U.S. and Canada and offers even more to love at maurices.com with additional categories, sizes, and colors. For more information, please visit www.maurices.com. Connect with Maurices on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIN. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/maurices-honors-educators-healthcare-workers-first-responders-and-military-members-across-hometowns-301540532.html SOURCE maurices Paradigm Appoints Kevin Turner as Chief Growth Officer; Promotes Kathy Galia to Chief Clinical Solutions Officer WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Paradigm, the industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex health care challenges and improving lives, today announced the appointment of Kevin Turner as Chief Growth Officer and the promotion of Kathy Galia to Chief Clinical Solutions Officer. As Chief Growth Officer, Kevin Turner will oversee sales, account management, and product development functions for the Paradigm enterprise, reflecting the company's continued commitment to growth, innovation, and client service. In her promotion to Chief Clinical Solutions Officer, Kathy Galia will lead Paradigm's Clinical Solutions business unit, including the teams responsible for delivering the company's risk-based catastrophic and severe injury management solutions, as well as the case management service line, assuming the position previously held by Turner. "Our team is our biggest asset, enabling us to ensure the highest level of outcomes for clients and injured workers." "At Paradigm, our team is our biggest asset, enabling us to ensure the highest level of service and outcomes for our clients and the injured workers we serve," said John Watts, CEO, Paradigm. "With Kevin and Kathy, we are fortunate to have extremely talented, respected leaders with the ability to take on expanded roles that build upon long track records of success at Paradigm and in the industry. We are so proud to elevate these excellent leaders into positions that offer new growth opportunities for them and the organization. I look forward to working closely with both Kevin and Kathy in their new roles as we continue our mission of improving lives and building excellence in the Paradigm organization." Both executives will report directly to CEO Watts. Kevin Turner, Chief Growth OfficerIn his new role as Chief Growth Officer, Turner will oversee sales, account management, and product development functions for the enterprise, reflecting Paradigm's continued commitment to growth, innovation, and client service. "Kevin's combined sales, operational, and product management experience, together with his deep workers' comp sector knowledge, makes him uniquely positioned to lead Paradigm's unified go-to-market organization and to foster greater collaboration with our clients and across the Paradigm organization," said CEO Watts. "Kevin has already been instrumental in leading recent initiatives to evolve our products and introduce new solutions, a role he will be able to play even more fully as Chief Growth Officer." Turner has been a key member of Paradigm's executive leadership for the last 13 years and has more than 30 years of experience in the workers' compensation industry. He started his career with Paradigm as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Paradigm Outcomes. Following a series of acquisitions, Turner became CEO of the Catastrophic Care Management division, overseeing the entire profit & loss (P&L) for Paradigm's flagship, risk-based products. Following Paradigm's reorganization in 2021, Turner became Chief Clinical Solutions Officer, with responsibility for all of Paradigm's clinical solutions, including its case management services and enterprise product development. Before joining Paradigm, Turner was Executive Vice President of Operations and Business Development for Xchanging. During his tenure there, he managed multiple regional and national claims operations, planned business strategy, and developed sales teams, overseeing $325 million in annual revenue. Turner is also the past-president, current board of director, and a steadfast advocate for Kids' Chance of America, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarship opportunities to children who need financial assistance due to a parent's work-related injury or death. Kathy Galia, Chief Clinical Solutions OfficerBuilding upon experience gained in her previous role as Paradigm's SVP and General Manager of Clinical Solutions, Kathy Galia will now lead the Clinical Solutions business unit. In this role, Galia will be responsible for the industry's preeminent solution for workers who suffer the most challenging and expensive catastrophic injuries. She will also oversee Paradigm's case management services and personnel. Additionally, Galia will spearhead the commercialization of Paradigm's latest clinical offerings, including the HERO SevereSM and HERO EpisodicSM products, which build upon Paradigm's legacy of deep clinical expertise and accountability for outcomes. "At Paradigm, we deliver the gold standard in clinical solutions because of the commitment, passion, and expertise of our employees. In her two and a half years with Paradigm, Kathy has embodied this commitment, passion, and expertiseand has proven her ability to nurture it in others to create more effective ways of delivering current products and leading innovation," said CEO Watts. He continued, "We are proud and excited to elevate Kathy to lead our Clinical Solutions business unit. And with a background as a registered nurse and case manager, Kathy brings executive-level nurse leadership back to the executive table at Paradigm." Before joining Paradigm, Galia spent 10 years at The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, where she held a variety of strategic leadership and medical case management roles, including leading their Medical Solutions business. Last year, Galia was selected as a 2021 Women to Watch honoree by Business Insurance, a program created by the industry publication to recognize the outstanding work of women in the commercial insurance industry, including workers' compensation and risk management. About ParadigmParadigm is an accountable specialty care management organization focused on improving the lives of people with complex and catastrophic injuries and diagnoses. The company has been a pioneer in value-based care since 1991 and has an exceptional track record of generating the very best outcomes for patients, payers, and providers. Deep clinical expertise is the foundation for every part of Paradigm's business, including its risk-based clinical solutions, case management services, high-value specialty networks, home health, and payment integrity programs. Paradigm is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, with offices across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.paradigmcorp.com. Media ContactRonda ClementVP of Marketing [email protected](727) 488-9345 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paradigm-announces-executive-leadership-changes-301541202.html SOURCE Paradigm Korea Ginseng Corp., the top-selling ginseng brand globally, reminds women searching for wellness solutions to seek Korean Red Ginseng, which may boost blood circulation and support skin health CERRITOS, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Women's Health Month, Korea Ginseng Corporation, the world's number one ginseng brand and leading manufacturer of Korean Red Ginseng, is reminding women of the power and science of Korean Red Ginseng and its benefits for a range of health issues important to women, including support for improved blood flow, reduction of inflammation in the body, management of menopause symptoms, stronger immunity, and better skin health. "Women's Health Month is an important time of awareness for women and those who are dedicated to supporting women in their wellness journey. Increased stress, heightened burnout, disruptive allergies, less mobility, and long hours sitting while working remotely are factoring into inflammation, poor blood flow, and reduced immunity for women," said Rian (Heungsil) Lee, CEO of Korea Ginseng Corp. U.S. "Research shows Korean Red Ginseng may play a role in supporting women in addressing many of these health concerns and supporting a wide range of wellness goals," adds Lee. Through a set of time-consuming steps, unprocessed ginseng becomes red ginseng, and its healthful properties are enhanced. Within the ginseng family, Korean Red Ginseng reigns as the more efficacious, given its high levels of saponin and non-saponin ingredients (also known as what creates health benefits), which are not typically found in other types of ginseng. To reach these high-standard properties, Korea Ginseng Corporation follows an optimal sourcing process, which requires two years to condition and prepare each field for planting. This meticulous process allows each plant to grow for six years to reach its optimal state of maturity, then rests and resets each field for ten years before replanting. Korea Ginseng Corporation and its flagship ginseng brand, CheongKwanJang, represent the gold standard of Korean Red Ginseng, in part due to its thorough, high-quality sourcing process. KORESELECT by Korea Ginseng Corporation, which was recently launched in the U.S., is comprised of five benefit-focused Korean Red Ginseng products that provide targeted solutions to many of the health goals and concerns women are facing today. Key health benefits of Korean Red Ginseng for women include: Blood Circulation Support: Healthy blood circulation is integral to our overall health. Women face concerns from poor blood flow, including varicose veins, spider veins, and impact on heart and cognitive health. Researchers at the Nutritional Sciences Department at the University of Toronto conducted a study with healthy adults, in which each consumed three grams of red ginseng powder, and after 180 minutes, their blood vessels (FMD test) were measured. The study found that majority of participants had improved vascular endothelial function (e.g., improved blood flow). May Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation is the immune system's natural response to injury, illness, allergies, and increased stress. If inflammation is left untreated, the body's inflammatory response can eventually damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Powerful ginsenosides in Korean Red Ginseng target immune system pathways, which may reduce inflammation and aid in repairing the body. Menopausal Relief: For many women, the menopause transition can be a long, hard journey afflicted by a range of symptoms, such as mood changes, hot flashes, sleep disruption, and impairment of mental acuity and focus. Korean Red Ginseng offers a natural solution to women looking to ease menopause symptoms by helping to reduce inflammation and irritability, enhance energy and productivity, and support memory and cognitive performance. Skin Health Support: Our skin often mirrors our overall health. To combat skin health concerns, it's essential to take an inside-out approach to skincare. Nutrition factors into skin health. In addition to soothing inflammation that can cause puffiness and redness, Korean Red Ginseng may also reduce wrinkles and signs of aging and promote elasticity and collagen production. "Taking the active lifestyle of many women today into consideration, our KORESELECT packaging features liquid sticks and traditional capsules, making it easy to consume a premium Korean Red Ginseng product anywhere, anytime," said Lee. "Our hope is that women everywhere will feel empowered to take control of their health and incorporate the time-tested, natural solution of ginseng into their daily routines." To learn more about Korea Ginseng Corp., the health benefits of Korean Red Ginseng, KORESELECT or CheongKwangJang, visit kgcus.com. About Korea Ginseng Corp.Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC) is the world's number one ginseng brand. Established in 1899, Korea Ginseng Corporation is a highly trusted and reliable Korean Red Ginseng brand and the oldest and most reputable manufacturer in the category. The global ginseng leader provides the highest quality, traditionally-harvested Korean Red Ginsengrecognized as the more efficacious form of ginseng. KGC's family of brands include KORESELECT, CheongKwanJang, Good Base and Donginbi. KORESELECT products are a plant-based, time-tested, natural solution for core aspects of health and wellness and may support healthy blood circulation, natural energy, and immunity as well as cognitive function, skin health and reduction of inflammation. For more information visit, https://www.kgcus.com/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-number-one-ginseng-brand-celebrates-womens-health-month-301541155.html SOURCE Korea Ginseng Corporation (Tribune News Service) The Air Force Academy announced on Wednesday the death of a cadet from complications caused by a fall last month. Cadet 4th Class Christopher Scott Ryong Adams suffered "severe injuries" in a fall on April 23 during personal recreation, according to Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Paul Moga. Conner Adams, who said he is Chris' brother, posted on Facebook that Chris fractured his skull during an electric skateboarding accident. He succumbed to his injuries Tuesday. He was 23 years old. Conner has known his adopted brother since Chris was 2, he said. He was in third grade when he and his mother visited an orphanage to bring food to the children. "My mom walked in the rusty old gate as I followed behind her. Out of a mob of smiling little kids, this cute little 2-year-old Korean boy came up and hugged my mom's leg tight," Conner said. Afterward, Chris ended up coming home with the Adamses every weekend, spending time with Conner's biological brother, Colsen, who was about a month older. "I've never known any different than those two. Chris has been in our life from the very beginning," Conner said. "He always cared more about others than himself. This feels like a nightmare." Conner said that he and his family appreciate the support they have received online, saying they have seen the impact Chris had on many people and that they hope to carry on his spirit of love, selflessness and faith in God. Conner, who is 5 years older than Chris, said that the three brothers shared a very close bond. Conner joined the Air Force in 2011 and that was when he started seeking a closer bond with his brothers, both of whom decided to join the military, he said. Conner was medically retired from the Air Force in September 2015. Colsen is a second lieutenant in the Army, stationed in Germany. Conner described the feeling of seeing his younger brother get accepted into the Air Force Academy as "the proudest big brother moment ever." He was there to see Chris graduate from basic training and to see Colsen commission. The three brothers grew up in Tennessee and as their lives took them to different locations, the Volunteer State was always the place to meet for reunions and holidays. "We are heartbroken by the loss of Cadet 4th Class Ryong Adams," Air Force Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark said in a news release. "Ryong was a dedicated cadet and served our nation as an enlisted airman before his arrival at our Preparatory School. "He worked hard to join the cadet wing, and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with Ryong's family and all of the lives he touched at USAFA and in the Air Force." Following his brother's death, shared some kind words on Facebook: "It's unreal for me to imagine life without brother(S). It's always been you, me and colsen (sic). I had never thought it would EVER be different. But like I told you at your bedside, don't worry about us," he said. "I know you're prolly (sic) thinking the things you're seeing right now is probably unreal. That's how it feels for us too. I love you little brother. We will see you again." (c)2022 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) Visit The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) at www.gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Armys proposed spending plan for fiscal year 2022 is about $3.6 billion less than last years budget, though service officials said Friday that the drop in funds will have no impact on their top priorities or quality-of-life services for soldiers. This budget puts people first, maintains force readiness and continues the irreversible modernization momentum to develop next-generation capabilities to fight and win now and [in the future], said Christopher Lowman, senior official performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Army. At $172.9 billion, the Army was the only military service to release a smaller budget proposal Friday within the overall Defense Department spending request of $715 billion, which is an increase of 1.6% from last year. Defense officials attributed the Armys smaller budget, in part, to the reduction of costs caused by the drawdown in Afghanistan. The Army also expects to have 1,700 fewer soldiers in 2022, with an end strength of 1,010,500 troops. Yet, the service is requesting an increase of $1.2 billion to support personnel. That money will fund a pay raise, retirement compensation reform and recruiting and retention incentives. Soldiers would see increases in pay by 2.7%, basic allowance for housing by 3.1% and basic allowance for sustenance by 2.3%, according to a presentation of the proposal from Maj. Gen. Paul Chamberlain, director of the Army budget. The proposal also increases funding for child care by expanding access to the Army Fee Assistance Program and continues efforts to attract and retain high-quality child care providers. Army civilian workers also would see a 2.7% pay raise. Areas of the Army budget taking cuts include operations and maintenance, procurement, research, development, testing and evaluation, military construction and family housing construction. Despite the cuts, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told House lawmakers Thursday that the Army budget properly funds its six modernization priorities long-range precision fires, next generation combat vehicle, future vertical lift, network, air and missile defense and soldier lethality. The Army also looks to spend less money buying aircraft, missiles and ammunition, according to the budget overview. It requested $249 million more than last year for weapons and tracked combat vehicles, which includes upgrades for the Abrams main battle tank, Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and Stryker combat vehicle. The 15% reduction in the construction budget in 2022 was a result of a $351 million injection of funds last year for eight additional projects, Chamberlain said. But the spending request includes $100 million for barracks upgrades and 31 construction projects across the Army. The proposal also provides $3.3 million to hire case managers for the Exceptional Family Member Program, which help families with special medical or educational needs, and others to focus on the oversight of Army family housing construction and repair. Though money for family housing construction decreases by $24 million, funds for family housing operations increases by nearly $19 million. The request sits at $99 million for construction and $391 million for operations. The Armys operation and maintenance request is about $700 million less than 2021, due to the drawdown in Afghanistan and other changes in U.S. Central Command operations. At about $65 billion, the operations and maintenance proposal funds 20 combat training center rotations and puts more emphasis on the Arctic region. The $12 billion request for research and development, down by $4 billion from last year, came in part from reductions to the production quantities of Blackhawk and Apache aircraft, allowing the Army to continue the development of the future of vertical-lift aircraft, Chamberlain said. He also credited Army Futures Command for reducing the time and costs of new warfighting capabilities. He said the Army eliminated or reduced more than 240 programs and freed up billions for modernization efforts. thayer.rose@stripes.com Twitter: @Rose_Lori 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. An Army lieutenant was convicted in a court-martial for failing to comply with orders related to coronavirus prevention efforts in his units offices at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., according to base officials. However, the judge in the case declined to punish 1st Lt. Mark Bashaw for his actions. The court-martial concluded Friday in Col. Robert Cohens courtroom within the 1st Judicial Circuit, according to the Armys online court records. Bashaw pleaded not guilty. The charges stem from Bashaws actions on Nov. 30 when he failed to obey orders meant to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which violates Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, said Amburr Reese, a spokeswoman for the base. The charge, issued Jan. 12, carried three counts, two of which were combined during the court-martial, the Army said. Bashaw, an entomologist, was wrongfully present at his place of duty after failing to submit a negative coronavirus test or submitting to a test prior to reporting to work. He then wrongfully remained at his place of duty. He also wrongfully failed to obey an order to wear a mask indoors. At that time, Bashaw knew the captain in command of Army Public Health Center Headquarters Company had issued an order to telework until providing a negative coronavirus test, according to a summary of Bashaws charge sheet. "After a careful consideration of the evidence, a military judge exercised lawful authority not to adjudge punishment for 1st Lt. Mark Bashaw, Reese said. Receiving no punishment at a court-martial is not without precedent. It was unclear Wednesday whether Bashaw has been vaccinated against the coronavirus. He joined the Army in 2019 after having previously served in the Air Force, according to his official service record. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award and the Air Force National Service Medal. His Air Force records were not immediately available. The conviction will be included in Bashaws military record, which is reviewed during promotions and job placements. Reese said the federal conviction alone carries lifelong collateral consequences, including social consequences and difficulty in obtaining future employment, as criminal convictions are generally public information and frequently reported in federal and state criminal and licensing databases. Aberdeen Proving Ground is located northeast of Baltimore and has about 21,000 military, civilian and contract employees, according to the base website. STUTTGART, Germany A Ukrainian officer had an encouraging message for the contingent of U.S. soldiers that left a Ukrainian military base shortly before Russia launched its full-fledged invasion of the country in February. That (Ukrainian) officer specifically stated that the biggest mistake that the Russians made was giving us eight years to prepare for this, said Lt. Col. Todd Hopkins, deputy commander of the Florida National Guards 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Hopkins Guard soldiers are again working side by side with Ukrainian forces, this time in Grafenwoehr, Germany, as troops train to operate an array of weaponry heading to the front. The resumption of the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine mission, which was suspended in February as U.S. forces departed Ukraine for security reasons, has Ukrainian soldiers working with 155 mm howitzers, radars and other gear. Now what we're doing is were running through a streamlined course here on the new equipment that they'll be receiving, Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, head of the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, told reporters Wednesday. The goal in all of this is to get them back as soon as possible. More than two months into the war, Russian forces have encountered stiff resistance from a smaller and less formidably armed Ukrainian military. Exact casualty numbers arent known, but Ukraine has estimated that about 19,000 Russians have been killed since the start of the war. Meanwhile, Russia has struggled with the basics, such as managing the logistics required to resupply forward-positioned forces. The difficulties, which took some military analysts by surprise, forced Moscow to pull forces back from northern Ukraine to refocus efforts in the east. Ukraines military has proved to be agile and adaptive on the battlefield, something that U.S. officials say traces back to training received from Americans and other allies in the years since Russias initial 2014 military intervention in Ukraine. All of that (training) incrementally over time and all of that investment you just see how it's paid off, Hilbert said. Since 2014, 23,000 Ukrainian troops from 17 battalions and 11 brigades have trained with the Joint Multinational Training Mission Ukraine. The group operated out of a training base near the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. The U.S. invested about $126 million in efforts related to the training, Hilbert said. I will tell you they used that time very wisely, Hilbert said of Ukrainian troops. One of the key areas of improvement was in the development and enhancement of a stronger noncommissioned officer corps, Hilbert said. Some military analysts say the ability of Ukrainian forces to improvise on the battlefield could be related to NCOs who are more empowered to make decisions than their Russian counterparts. At Grafenwoehr and other European training locations, the first groups of Ukrainian troops already have completed coursework on howitzers and other weaponry. Now, the second contingent of Ukrainian troops is on site, Hilbert said. The soldiers that we are receiving here who are taking the training are absolutely motivated, incredibly professional, Hilbert said. Added Hopkins: They are absolutely focused at the task at hand and getting back to Ukraine. Training is centered on technical instruction and incorporation of the weapons systems with the Ukrainians own battlefield tactical experiences, Hilbert and Hopkins said. WASHINGTON Senators voiced concerns about the shrinking size of the Army on Thursday as Pentagon leaders acknowledged struggles with recruiting qualified young people who do not come from military families. The Armys budget request for fiscal year 2023 seeks to cut the 476,000 force to a cap of 473,000 soldiers despite previous permission from Congress to grow the service branch to 500,000 active-duty troops by 2022. Military officials have blamed the competitive post-pandemic labor market and fewer qualified candidates for the shortfall. We are in a war for talent, Gen. James McConville, the Army chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe, the panels ranking Republican and an Army veteran, described the recruiting difficulties as more serious than any recruiting challenge that Ive experienced in the years that Ive been here. He noted Army Gen. Mark Milley, now the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in 2018 that he wanted more than 500,000 soldiers to match the National Defense Strategy, a Pentagon document produced every four years that guides U.S. military policy. McConville told senators last year that the regular Army should be between 540,000 and 550,000 soldiers and stood by that number on Thursday. I think we need a bigger Army, he said. But I also think that quality is more important than quantity. The Army, like other military branches, is finding a lackluster pool of potential recruits, with only 23% of Americans qualified to serve due to obesity and other issues, McConville said. Of those who do meet recruiting requirements, 83% grew up in families that have served in the military, he said. Its nice that its a military family business, but we need this to be an American family business, McConville said. We need to attract others, we need to expose others to the benefits of serving their country. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., chairman of the committee, said he was worried the geographical scope of recruitment was narrowing as well, with most soldiers enlisting from the south and west. Its becoming somewhat insular, said Reed, an Army veteran. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told senators that the service is exploring a variety of methods to attract candidates, including boosting marketing efforts and possibly expanding the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program to expose more children to the Army. Weve got find a way to help all young Americans understand all of the great opportunities that they can have in the Army and all of the things the Army will enable them to do, she said. The Pentagon has also focused on improving retention, ensuring access to health care, child care, spousal employment, family housing and other services that will make soldiers more likely to stick around, McConville said. The Army is working on building more child development centers and using bonuses to attract higher quality caretakers for them, he said. We recruit soldiers, but we retain families, McConville said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questioned the militarys commitment to fixing military housing plagued with black mold and other substandard conditions, pointing out the Armys $1.9 billion request for construction and family housing represented a 40% decrease from the previous year. She also faulted the Pentagon for including an additional $330 million for housing on its unfunded priorities list a $5.1 billion wish list of popular initiatives that Warren said forces Congress to jack up the Pentagons budget above its initial submission. Military families need this funding, and they should get it. We need to fix our shameful military housing problem, and we need to do it as quickly as possible, she said. Either have the courage to ask for more money up front or better yet, cut something else from the budget so youve got enough room to be able to keep the promise youve made to military families. Wormuth said the Army is juggling housing improvements with an unprecedented effort to modernize its force, but she did not explain the two funding requests. We are trying to balance a number of competing demands, she said. The Defense Departments $813 billion budget request is the largest in history but would see the total military reduced by more than 10,000 troops. Congress is expected to release its initial drafts of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets annual spending and policy priorities for the Pentagon, in the next few weeks. (Tribune News Service) NBC reports a Wyoming judge has dismissed a $25 million defamation suit against Alec Baldwin filed by the family of a slain U.S. Marine. According to the lawsuit, Baldwin sent a $5,000 check to the sister of Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, one of 13 Marines killed outside of Afghanistans airport in August as the U.S. sought to evacuate Americans during the Taliban takeover, for his widow, Jiennah Crayton, and their baby. In January, he accused Roice McCollum of participating in the Capitol riots, calling her an insurrectionist and posting photos on Instagram showing her in a Make America Great again hat at the Washington Monument on Jan. 6, 2021. When I sent the $ for your late brother, out of real respect for his service to this country, I didnt know you were a January 6th rioter. Baldwin wrote on Instagram. Roice reportedly admitted in court documents that she attended a protest in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, but said she did not participate in the riots and was cleared after an interview with the FBI. She said that she and other family members received hostile, aggressive, hateful messages after Baldwins false and irresponsible, vindictive comments, demanding at least $25 million in damages for alleged defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to NBC, the federal judge did not rule on the merits of the suit, but said Wyoming, where McCollums family lived, lacked jurisdiction. An attorney for the McCollum family said the lawsuit will be refiled elsewhere. 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. South Korea, February 1959: First Lt. Frank M. Powell, right, an Honest John battery commander with the U.S. 4th Missile Command, watches as a crewman carefully readies a rocket for a test firing. When we were stationed in Virginia, I had a small book of quotes about motherhood that, along with Lifes Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr., I kept on a three-legged table in the powder room, stacked neatly on top of two National Geographic magazines. The pair of books paid equal homage to the males and females using our facilities. Besides, I figured that anyone staying in our bathroom long enough to read might as well enrich themselves while theyre at it. Id received the motherhood book years ago as a baby shower gift from someone Id forgotten. Perhaps I was feeling the kind of prenatal hormone surge that turns mortal women into teary-eyed cornballs, but I recall being touched by the gift, and envisioned my family pondering its inspirational quotes and appreciating their loving matriarch for years to come. When our military family moved from Virginia to Germany, to Florida, and to Rhode Island, the movers packed up the books along with other bathroom accessories -- a wicker tissue box cover, a decorative soap dispenser, fingertip towels, a little dish for matches and the three-legged table. In every new location, I faithfully placed the little motherhood book back in its traditional spot. Even though this routine went on for 15 years, the book's binding somehow remained crisp. Apparently, no one in my family was interested. Admittedly, the few times I tried to read the book it bored me to tears. Its heartfelt reflections about the nurturing bond between mother and child made reading the back of the antibacterial soap bottle seem far more entertaining than the perusing the books cliched drivel. Sure, Ive experienced the indescribable joys and deep-rooted connections unique to motherhood. Ive felt every saccharinely trite, sickeningly sentimental and shamelessly schmaltzy emotion when mothering my own three children. When they were young, our children gladly accepted my frequent outward displays of motherly affection, often reciprocating with cuddles. On Mothers Day, they were so excited to present me with construction paper cards and popsicle stick crafts theyd made at school, animated with crayon stick figures or strung with macaroni. However, our children grew, and now are in their 20s. Naturally, Ive stopped being the center of their universe. Ive learned that my maternal displays of physical affection have become somewhat irritating, and I shouldnt expect reciprocation, unless I want to see my adult childrens eyes roll, which I certainly do not. My son doesn't understand why I still smooch his prickly cheeks. My middle child thinks its weird that I breathe in her hair when I hug her. My youngest doesn't get why I regularly stop on the stairs to sigh at the framed photo of her as a newborn wrapped in a tiny flannel blanket. No little book of mush will make them understand what I know. Ive learned over the years that true appreciation for motherhood is best felt, not described in words on a store-bought Mothers Day card or in a schmaltzy book on a three-legged table in the bathroom. In other words, the best way to fully comprehend the instinctual and emotional feelings of motherhood is to experience parenthood for oneself. Thankfully, our three children are too wrapped up in their 20-something lives to consider procreating anytime soon, which is fine by me. In the meantime, Ill try to let it go when they act like Mother's Day is a hassle. Ill pretend I didn't hear them say, "What do you mean we're going to early church because we have to take Mom to brunch?!" Ill smile and thank them when they give me cards they hastily picked up from 7-Eleven. And Ill bite my lip when my husband blurts out his brunch order before mine. We moms can wait for our children to experience parenthood in order to be truly appreciated, because motherhood has taught us patience, selflessness and love unencumbered by conditions. When our children finally figure that out, they may not come running home to show their undying love and appreciation, but maybe, just maybe, they'll stop being the first ones to let go when we hug them. Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com, and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com BANGKOK Japan and Thailand have signed an agreement that enables Japan to export defense equipment and transfer defense technology to Thailand, with the aim of strengthening their security cooperation amid Chinas increasing presence. The agreement was reached Monday during a summit between visiting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Thai prime ministers office in Bangkok. Both prime ministers attended the signing ceremony. [The agreement] is a major step forward in expanding bilateral security cooperation, Kishida said at a joint press conference after the summit. Prayut expressed hope, saying the defense pact will help promote Japanese investment in the Thai defense industry. The agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector, apparently with Chinas growing hegemony in mind. Japan and Thailand will promote discussions on exports of specific defense equipment. Japan has concluded similar agreements with 11 other countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia. Thailand is this years chair for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Regarding Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kishida and Prayut confirmed during their talks that they would not accept the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and unilateral change in the status quo by force in any region. They agreed to oppose threats and use of weapons of mass destruction. The two leaders also confirmed their close cooperation in dealing with China, which has been heightening its maritime advances in the South China Sea. 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. CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The American military command in South Korea marked its fifth straight week of declining COVID-19 infections and reported its lowest number of new cases in 10 weeks. U.S. Forces Korea, responsible for roughly 28,500 troops, reported 146 new infections during the week ending Monday, according to an update on its website. The command counted 252 cases in the week ending April 25. The latest figure represents a significant drop from a seven-day high of 1,599 cases reported on Jan. 10 and is the lowest caseload since Feb. 21, when the command reported 119. USFK gradually loosened social-distancing requirements for its forces starting in March, after it did away with a seven-day mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated new arrivals. The command went on to lower its health protection condition in April and allowed its fully vaccinated affiliates to enjoy a wider range of off-post activities, including karaoke bars and clubs. It went on to lift its mask mandate on all installations in the same month, although individual commanders still have the discretion to require them in indoor areas. At Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas, service members were widely seen without masks on Wednesday. USFKs policy changes coincided with the South Korean government lifting its own social-distancing restrictions. Last month, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency did away with a business curfew and a 10-person limit to public gatherings. In one of its most noticeable changes yet, the government on Monday lifted its outdoor mask mandate for the first time since it became law in October 2020. South Koreans have been one of the first countries to implement a mask mandate and imposed fines for those caught without one in public. South Korea reported 42,296 new daily COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, down from the 57,464 infections a week prior, according to KDCA. The majority of the new cases, 10,242, stemmed from Gyeonggi, the countrys most populous province and the home of Humphreys and Osan Air Base, followed by Seoul, the capital city, with 6,645 cases. Vaccination rates in South Korea remain mostly unchanged since the previous week nearly 88% of the countrys population of 51 million people received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and almost 65% received a vaccine booster shot, the KDCA said in an update on Thursday. Pope Francis warned the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church not to be Putins altar boy and justify the Russian presidents invasion of Ukraine. In a Tuesday interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Francis said he spoke with Patriarch Kirill, a key supporter of Vladimir Putin and his war, for 40 minutes over Zoom. During the March 16 conversation, Francis said, Kirill was listing off all the justifications for the war from a sheet of paper he was holding. I listened and then told him: I dont understand anything about this, Francis said. Brother, we are not state clerics, we cannot use the language of politics but that of Jesus. We are pastors of the same holy people of God. Because of this, we must seek avenues of peace, to put an end to the firing of weapons. Then, Francis, who has repeatedly called for an end to the war, went one step further and challenged Kirill not to follow along with the actions of the Russian president. The patriarch cannot transform himself into Putins altar boy, the pope said. The Russian Orthodox Church, in a statement released Wednesday, responded, Its regrettable that a month and a half after the conversation with Patriarch Kirill, Pope Francis chose the wrong tone to convey the content of this conversation. The statement said that Kirill had sought to help the pope see the pro-invasion point of view, repeating Russian claims about attacks on Russian speakers in Ukraine. Kirill then told Francis that promises were not kept about NATO not expanding after the end of the Soviet era. The statement noted that the Pope said, in agreement with the Patriarch, that The Church must not use the language of politics, but the language of Jesus. Pope Francis added that we are shepherds of the same Holy People who believe in God, in the Holy Trinity, in the Holy Mother of God: that is why we must unite in the effort to aid peace, to help those who suffer, to seek ways of peace, and to stop the fire. Kirill, 75, was elected in 2009 as patriarch of the influential Russian Orthodox Church, which has more than 100 million followers. Orthodox Christianity is the dominant faith in both Russia and Ukraine - but since the war the church has contributed to a rift between Moscow and Kyiv, as Kirill has dug his heels into pro-war rhetoric. Last month the patriarch stood before a main cathedral for the Russian armed forces and called on Russian soldiers to love our fatherland . . . protect it, as only Russians can defend their country. He described those affected by the conflict in Ukraine as people of Holy Russia. They are our brothers and sisters. Hes lauded military service as an active manifestation of evangelical love for neighbors. In the past decade, Russias geopolitical ambitions have been tied up with faith, as Putin began embracing the church for political gain. The relationship between Kirill and Putin helped lay the foundations of the war as they both echoed each others rhetoric to justify Russias actions in Ukraine. As Putin used the language of faith to cloak his political and military ambitions, Kirill also used sermons to rationalize the campaign on spiritual grounds. Kirills tenure has proved divisive, as priests across Ukraine and Europe have condemned his support for the war. Nearly 300 priests and deacons of the Russian Orthodox Church signed an open appeal calling for reconciliation and an immediate cease-fire. In Ukraine, more than 320 priests signed another letter accusing the patriarch of preaching heresy and committing moral crimes by blessing the war against Ukraine, and asking church leaders to decide on whether the patriarch should be deposed. Kirill, who once described Putins leadership as a miracle of God, faces possible sanctions from the European Commission over his support of the invasion, according to Agence France-Presse. The New York Times also reported that the European Union plans to sanction the patriarch, according to diplomats who have reviewed the document. To the outlet, a senior spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church compared the sanctions to decades of repressions suffered by the church under Soviet rule. Francis also noted that he has requested a meeting with Putin, expressing readiness to come to Moscow for a meeting with Putin. We have not yet had an answer, and we are still insisting, the pope said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Wednesday that no agreements on meetings have been made, Russian news agency Tass reported. - - - The Washington Posts Chico Harlan contributed to this report. Russian President Vladimir Putin offered a rare apology on Thursday to Israel over recent antisemitic comments from Russias foreign minister connecting Nazi leader Adolf Hitler to Judaism, according to the Israeli prime minister. The reported apology came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using Nazi propaganda and antisemitic tropes to justify the invasion as Russian leaders repeatedly compare Zelenskyy to Hitler. During a phone conversation between Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the Russian president apologized for remarks made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who recently dismissed Zelenskyys Jewish faith by claiming that Hitler also had Jewish blood a discredited antisemitic claim. The Prime Minister accepted President Putins apology for Lavrovs remarks and thanked him for clarifying the Presidents attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust, according to a news release from Bennetts office. The Kremlin did not include a mention of the reported apology in the Russian readout of the call ahead of the Victory Day holiday on May 9 but included a reference to the Holocaust. Vladimir Putin and Naftali Bennett emphasized the special significance of this date for the peoples of both countries, who carefully preserve the historical truth about the events of those years and honor the memory of all the fallen, including victims of the Holocaust, according to the Kremlin. In a Wednesday interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy was asked about Russias false claim that the invasion of Ukraine is a de-Nazification campaign. Zelenskyy said Lavrov was using tactics similar to those employed by Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels during World War II. These are the showings of chauvinism and nationalism, Zelenskyy told Fox reporter Griff Jenkins. They are following the same concept of Goebbels and using the same methodology, and the reaction I think is to weaken the world to these phrases of Lavrov. Israeli officials this week had voiced anger and demanded an apology from the Russian government for claiming that Hitler, the leader of the Nazis Third Reich and the perpetrator of the Holocaust, was of Jewish ancestry. The back-and-forth comes as Russia is escalating attacks on infrastructure crucial to Ukraines efforts to resupply its forces amid assaults in the east. The situation at the embattled steel plant in Mariupol is critical as the last Ukrainian fighters in the devastated port city face constant storming by Russian forces, despite Moscows promises of a cease-fire, according to a police chief inside Azovstal Iron and Steel Works. A Zelenskyy adviser maintained Thursday that active fighting is still underway and that Russian troops who entered the plant a day earlier had been pushed out by our defenders. The supposed threat of Nazism in Ukraine has been one of the Kremlins most brazen and baseless claims since the start of the invasion. When Putin launched the special military operation in February, he alleged that Ukraine is dominated and ruled by neo-Nazis. The menacing rhetoric has gained traction in Russia over the past two months, as Kremlin supporters and state media have embraced and disseminated Putins claims. At a U.N. Security Council meeting last month, Russias ambassador to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzya, alleged claimed that Ukrainian Nazis were responsible for war crimes. That rhetoric has also been used by Lavrov, who made headlines recently when he warned that the threat of nuclear conflict from the invasion should not be underestimated. In an interview on Italian television over the weekend, Lavrov was pressed on the denazification claims, given Zelenskyys Jewish identity. Instead of answering, the Russian foreign minister waved off the matter. So what if Zelenskyy is Jewish, Lavrov said, according to a translation of his remarks, which he made in Russian. The fact does not negate the Nazi elements in Ukraine. I believe that Hitler also had Jewish blood. He added, Some of the worst antisemites are Jews. Lavrovs comments were immediately denounced by Israeli leaders, including Bennett, who called them untrue. The goal of such lies is to accuse the Jews themselves of the most awful crimes in history, which were perpetrated against them, and thereby absolve Israels enemies of responsibility, Bennett said in a statement. The use of the Holocaust of the Jewish people as a political tool must cease immediately. Yet Russia has continued to make the baseless Nazi comparison. On Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in Britain tweeted out a video falsely linking Ukraine to Nazi Germany with the hashtags #NoToNazism and #StopNaziUkraine. Who are YOU supporting? the embassy tweeted. Zelenskyy told Fox News that world leaders who say never again on World Holocaust Day each year need to be more vocal about Russias egregious and baseless claims. The Ukrainian president also said he has relayed his concern to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross that Russia wishes to destroy everybody who is still is in the Azovstal steel plant. Toward the end of the interview, Zelenskyy reiterated his request for President Biden to visit Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have visited Ukraine in recent days, but the White House has indicated that Biden has no plans to head there. Zelenskyy told Fox that he hopes Biden reconsiders. I think its very important because, you know, in our minds, in our society, President Biden is the president of the biggest democratic civilization for Ukrainians, Zelenskyy said. The Washington Posts Robyn Dixon contributed to this report. BARCELONA, Spain A leading Catalan separatist politician said Thursday that Spain's top intelligence official acknowledged that her agency had hacked into the cellphones of "some" of the dozens of politicians reported to be targeted by spyware but she said it had proper judicial authorization. Gabriel Rufian, member of a Catalan pro-independence party, spoke after he participated in a closed-door meeting with the director of Spain's National Intelligence Center, CNI, along with a select group of Spanish lawmakers. A recent report by the Canadian-based digital rights group Citizen Lab on the use of the controversial Pegasus spyware in Spain said dozens of pro-independence supporters in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region were spied upon using the software. When asked by The Associated Press, Spain's Defense Ministry, which is in charge of the CNI, refused to comment on the meeting with CNI director Paz Esteban because its contents are considered classified. Leading Spanish media, however, also reported that the director had shown committee members court authorizations for hacking the cellphones of some Catalan separatists. "They (the CNI) admit to the spying, but say that it was carried out against far fewer people than those cited by Citizen Lab," Rufian said. As for the rest of the over 60 politicians, lawyers and activists cited as hacking targets by Citizen Lab, Rufian said the CNI director "point(ed) to two possibilities: One, that it was a foreign country; or two, state agencies that are spying beyond their legal limits." The highly anticipated meeting took place at Spain's Parliament building in Madrid. The Catalan separatists, who want to carve out a new state in northeastern Spain around Barcelona, had directly accused the CNI of being behind the hacks that came to light two weeks ago when the Citizen Lab report was released. Spain's government has repeatedly said the CNI cannot tap phones without prior judicial authorization. At the same time, the government said the secrecy law shielding all CNI activities prevents the agency from confirming whether it possesses Pegasus, the spyware sold by Israeli company NSO Group. While representatives from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist party and the opposition Popular Party emerged from Thursday's meeting saying they were satisfied by Esteban's explanations, Rufian was not alone in demanding further action. "We insist that the information that we received today be declassified for the public to know, since it affects fundamental rights," said Albert Botran, who is among the politicians that Citizen Lab said was spied upon. The Spanish government has promised that both CNI and the nation's ombudsman will investigate the Citizen Lab report. In addition to the Catalan hacking case, Spain's intelligence agency is facing an uncomfortable spotlight due to another case of Pegasus hacking. Earlier this week, Spain announced that the cellphones of both Sanchez, the prime minister, and Defense Minister Margarita Robles were infected last year with Pegasus spyware. Although Spain has refused to point a finger at Morocco, the dates the phones of Sanchez and Robles were hacked last year match up with a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Amid the back-to-back scandals, plans for a public ceremony to observe CNI's 20th anniversary were postponed. Robles has encouraged the Catalans to take their hacking case to court, just like the Spanish government has, to determine who is responsible. "Only the judiciary can determine who is responsible," Robles said Thursday. "We can only take our cases to court, and in the meantime refrain from accusations." Robles has appeared to justify the crackdown on the Catalan separatists for their role in mostly peaceful pro-secession street protests organized via a secretive social media platform. The events sometimes spiraled out of control and led to clashes with police, the blocking of roads and train lines, and the closure of Barcelona's airport in 2019. The CNI, which oversees Spain's cybersecurity, only discovered that Sanchez's and Robles' phones had been hacked after the devices underwent deep scans following the revelations of the breaches into the phones of the Catalans. Previous checks found no evidence of the hacks in May and June 2021, the government has been forced to admit. Digital break-ins of phones with Pegasus have been reported and denounced in several countries. French President Emmanuel Macron was included on a list of heads of state that Amnesty International suspected were targeted last year. The European Parliament opened an investigation into Pegasus' use in the European Union, initially intended to focus on Hungary and Poland. The list of Catalans allegedly hacked also includes European Parliament members. Amnesty International, which has denounced the use of the Pegasus spyware in several countries, demanded more transparency from Spain on Thursday. "This committee, characterized for its secrecy and obscurantism, cannot be considered the appropriate venue to investigate the alleged violence of human rights," said Esteban Beltran, Amnesty's director in Spain. WASHINGTON The oldest son of former President Donald Trump has met with the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to two people familiar with the matter. The interview Tuesday with Donald Trump Jr. comes as the bipartisan House committee moves closer to the former presidents inner circle of family members and political advisers. The younger Trump is of likely interest to the committee because of his proximity to his father on the day of the riot. Donald Trump Jr. was seen backstage at the rally on the White House Ellipse that took place shortly before supporters of the then-president marched to the Capitol and breached the building. In several social media videos posted at the time of the Jan. 6 attack, Trump Jr. was seen with Kimberly Guilfoyle then his girlfriend, now his fiancee and other members of his family as his father prepared to make a speech that investigators believed rallied supporters to act violently that day. The House committee has also released text messages from Jan. 6 in which Trump Jr. pleaded with the White House to get his father to forcefully condemn the riot. We need an Oval address. He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand, Trump Jr. wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Trump Jr. is one of nearly 1,000 witnesses the committee has interviewed as it works to compile a record of the worst attack on the Capitol in more than two centuries. He is the second of Trumps children known to speak to the committee; sister Ivanka Trump sat down with lawmakers for eight hours in early April. Her husband, Jared Kushner, has also been interviewed by the committee. Other allies of the former president have defied subpoenas from the committee and been referred to the Justice Department for potential prosecution on contempt of Congress charges. One of them, Stephen Bannon, was indicted last year after he refused to cooperate. That case is pending. The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans is looking to wrap up its nearly 11-month investigation and shift into the public hearing phase. Hearings are set to begin June 9 and go on for four weeks. Lawmakers expect to bring out witnesses and present evidence in an effort to educate the public on the full scope of the attack and Donald Trumps role in it. Trump Jr. is no stranger to congressional investigations, having testified at least three times in House and Senate investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The two people who confirmed Trump Jr.s interview with the Jan. 6 committee were granted anonymity to discuss the private session, which was not announced by the committee. Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report. Boeing is moving its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Va., a sign the aerospace giant is leaning into its military wing and better positioning itself to navigate the political landscape. The move, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, comes as Boeing struggles with financial burdens related to the 737 Max, the coronavirus pandemics effect on travel, and fallout from severing ties with Russia. The company reported a $1.2 billion loss in the first quarter, and its stock is down 25% year-to-date. We are excited to build on our foundation here in Northern Virginia, Boeing chief executive David L. Calhoun said in a statement Thursday. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent. A new headquarters across from Washington will allow Boeing to assert itself in the world of national security, with more than half of the $62 billion it generated in sales last year coming from military contracts. The Arlington location will place top executives near political leaders, many of the nations top defense contractors and a stones throw from one of Boeings top clients: the Pentagon. Boeings decision shows that the Commonwealth is the premier location for aerospace companies, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R, said in a statement. Boeing is also planning to develop a research and technology hub in Arlington to harness and attract engineering and technical capabilities, according to a company statement. The hub will focus on developing innovations in cybersecurity, autonomous operations, quantum sciences, and software and systems engineering. Boeing said it would maintain a significant presence in the Chicago area despite the move. Youngkins administration has been working with Boeing for the past couple of months to lure the company to the state, according to three people familiar with the deal who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the company had planned to wait until next week to make the announcement. They said the governor, a former Carlyle Group executive, has a personal relationship with Calhoun. The state did not offer Boeing any significant financial incentive, according to the three people. Arlington County offered no incentives. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., had long casually nudged Calhoun and senior Boeing leadership about moving to Virginia. But he said he had a more serious conversation with Calhoun about the benefits last year, pointing to Virginia drawing major tech and defense companies, such as Amazon and Northrop Grumman. Warner also credited Virginia Tech, noting that the universitys new innovation campus slated for nearby Alexandria in 2024 likely also was appealing as Boeing plans its research hub. Arlington County Board Chair Katie Cristol, D, said Boeing helped to lay the groundwork for a renaissance of the neighborhood, moving its defense headquarters to Long Bridge Drive several years ago. The company recently received county approval for a second phase of construction that would add more than 131,000 square feet of office space. Boeing also donated $10 million to the county to finance construction and operation of a nearby aquatics center. They have been a pretty steadfast partner in Crystal City during a very challenging time for the area, she said. We were really concerned about Crystal City being hollowed out, but Boeing was willing to make an investment. The move comes as Boeing has faced heightened scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration in recent years, a shift that occurred after lawmakers pointed to close ties between regulators and the company after 737 Max jet crashes in 2018 and 2019. Moving executives to Washington could help to smooth that relationship, but it also could rankle front-line engineering and manufacturing staff, who have raised concerns about being overruled on safety issues by company executives and senior FAA officials. Boeing moved the headquarters of its Defense, Space and Security division from St. Louis to Arlington in 2017. The company operates a large office in the Crystal City neighborhood, less than a mile from the Pentagon and on the edge of the area that local officials have dubbed National Landing. The location is a few blocks from where Amazon is building a second headquarters that is meant to anchor development in the area. Boeings move to Arlington confirms the predictions of many National Landing boosters, who said Amazons arrival would spur economic growth in a neighborhood that had long been considered underused and underdeveloped. After a federal panels 2005 recommendation to move defense contractors, Crystal City lost about 17,000 military and defense workers who occupied about 4 million square feet of office space. Told of the companys plans to move, Ed Pierson, a former senior manager at Boeings Renton, Wash., 737 factory, said his stomach dropped. He said it will be important for executives to keep in contact with their manufacturing operations in the Seattle area and South Carolina. My immediate reaction was Chicago was very far away, and to think it was going farther away was stunning, said Pierson, who approached Congress as a whistleblower after the Max crashes. Much of the FAAs attention is focused on the 787 Dreamliner, which is manufactured in South Carolina. Quality problems with the planes have piled up, and Boeing has halted deliveries. The company said when it released quarterly earnings last week that it has submitted paperwork to the FAA that would clear the way for deliveries to resume again, but it remains unclear when regulators might give their approval. In December 2020, Congress passed a package of reforms designed to strengthen FAA oversight of Boeing and other manufacturers. The agency already had started taking a tougher line with the company under FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson, efforts that continued last year and included a review of allegations that pressure was placed on company safety experts who are supposed to act on the governments behalf. In February, the FAA announced that it would sign off on individual 787s before they are delivered to customers. Dickson alluded to the reset in the relationship when he announced that he would be retiring at the end of March, telling employees the FAAs staff had done the hard work to reinvigorate our safety culture. Chinas decision to allow the Max to continue flying to that country means the planes struggles are largely over. But the 787 continues to weigh on the company, which says production issues are likely to cost it $2 billion. An investigation into the Max crashes by the House Transportation Committee pointed to Boeings 1997 merger with rival McDonnell-Douglas and the companys subsequent move to Chicago as marking a shift in its core philosophy, placing less emphasis on engineering prowess and more on financial success. The committee pointed to profit-chasing by Boeing as the reason it decided to develop the Max to compete with new Airbus jets, rather than choosing the more costly and difficult but potentially safer approach of designing a new plane from scratch. On Thursday, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., who leads the committee, said Boeings move to the D.C. area was another step in the wrong direction. Boeings problem isnt a lack of access to government, but rather its ongoing production problems and the failures of management and the board that led to the fatal crashes of the 737 MAX, he said in a statement. Boeing should focus on making safe airplanes not lobbying federal regulators and Congress. Boeing moved its world headquarters to Chicago in 2001, but its commercial airplane division remains based in Renton, outside Seattle, where the company was founded in 1916. The Chicago move was Boeings effort to cement itself as a global aviation powerhouse, bringing it closer to customers and investors. In 2020, Boeing executives signaled that they were looking to relocate from the companys 36-floor, $200 million riverfront skyscraper, which one worker described to Reuters as a ghost town. About 500 employees out of Boeings workforce of 140,000 were in the corporate building, riling some who saw the company as disconnected from the realities of its plane production and workers. Company culture has eroded as Boeing suffered high-profile crashes that tarnished its relationship with customers and regulators, while losses have been compounded by supply chain and labor woes. But Calhoun has urged patience as the company tries to recover. We are a long-cycle business, Calhoun said in a memo to employees last week. And the success of our efforts will be measured over years and decades; not quarters. Peter Rousselot, a leader of the civic group Arlingtonians for a Sustainable Future, said the companys move to the Northern Virginia suburb would be a net positive for the county of about 240,000 people. Traditionally, Arlington has relied on a 50-50 split between commercial and residential property tax revenue to fund county services, although that ratio has been changing: Commercial taxes are now about 46%. This isnt going to magically change that, Rousselot said, but its a good step in that sense. But Rousselot, whose group advocates for more measured growth in Arlington, also said a lack of long-term planning in the county means its impossible to measure how Boeings move might affect roads, sewers and schools. Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, executive director of the National Landing Business Improvement District, said Boeings announcement solidifies the areas position as a global destination for tech and collaboration. The gravitational pull for corporations to see a home in this area is going to be really strong, she said. Its a great place to do business. - - - The Washington Posts Meagan Flynn contributed to this report. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti U.S. authorities on Wednesday charged a leader of a notorious gang behind many of the brazen mass kidnappings that have terrorized Haiti, including the abduction of 17 American and Canadian missionaries associated with an Ohio-based charity last year. The U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia alleges that Germine Joly, the leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, participated in a criminal conspiracy to smuggle firearms and munitions to the gang in violation of U.S. export laws. Joly and three others, including a U.S. citizen and two Haitian nationals based in Florida, were charged with conspiracy to violate export control laws and to defraud the United States, violating export control laws, money laundering and smuggling, according to a 28-count indictment unsealed on Wednesday. The Haitian national police said in a statement that Joly, 29, also known as Yonyon, was flown to the United States on Tuesday after a request from U.S. authorities last month. Separately, a diplomat from the Dominican Republic was freed Wednesday after he disappeared last week in a 400 Mawozo stronghold in what officials called an apparent kidnapping while he was traveling to the Haiti-Dominican Republic border. Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican foreign minister, said Carlos Guillen Tatis was safe and sound. Gangs have long been a presence in Haiti, but theyve assumed greater power in recent years, controlling large parts of the country and holding fuel supplies and aid for earthquake victims hostage mostly with impunity. Theyve filled a leadership vacuum after the assassination in July of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. By any measure, 400 Mawozo is among the most violent of Haitis gangs. The group is feared for its use of rape, extortion, assassination and the mass seizures of occupied cars and busloads of people. It has stepped over what other gangs have considered red lines, targeting churches, members of the clergy and young children. The gang demanded $1 million for each of the 17 American and Canadian missionaries with Christian Aid Ministries who were kidnapped last year while they were returning from a visit to an orphanage. After two months in captivity, the missionaries were freed they say they escaped and a ransom was reportedly paid. Analysts say that Joly ran 400 Mawozo whose name loosely translates to 400 simpletons or 400 inexperienced men in Creole from his prison cell in Port-au-Prince, where he had a cellphone, threw birthday parties for himself and dressed to the nines. He appeared virtually before Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather on Wednesday and was remanded into custody. The three Florida-based defendants were arrested in October and November and pleaded not guilty. They are detained pending trial. U.S. prosecutors allege that Joly told his U.S.-based collaborators the weapons and ammunition he wanted for 400 Mawozo, all of which required export licenses. They allege that they communicated via WhatsApp and text messages, audio notes and phone calls in some cases lasting as long as 86 minutes. Prosecutors allege that the U.S.-based defendants falsely claimed that they were the actual buyers of the weapons when they bought them at Florida gun shops, did not obtain the required export licenses and then smuggled the firearms to Haiti. Specifically, certain of the firearms and ammunition were wrapped in garbage bags, loaded into large multi-gallon drums/barrels, and then covered with various products such as clothes, shoes and Gatorade to hide the presence, they allege in the indictment. The conspiracy is alleged to have taken place from September to November 2021. Haitian police said in a statement on Facebook that a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court in D.C. charged Joly with kidnapping U.S. citizens for ransom. U.S. authorities said the kidnapping is still being investigated. James Boyard, a political scientist at the State University of Haiti, said Jolys possible prosecution in U.S. courts could shed light on the invisible figures in Haitian civil society, government and businesses that are in league with the gangs. Violent clashes between 400 Mawozo and rival gang Chen Mechan in recent weeks have left 26 people dead, including a family of eight, and uprooted hundreds of Haitians, according to Haitis civil protection agency and the United Nations. Homes have been burned and businesses, schools and markets have closed. Boyard said Joly is a symbol for 400 Mawozo and his arrest could curb the gangs power. This gang introduces itself as being untouchable, he said. Even in prison, Yonyon threw parties for his birthday. He was in a power position. . . . Neutralizing him physically and psychologically will have a negative impact on the power of 400 Mawozo. - - - Coletta reported from Toronto. South Africa: SIU welcomes order for fraudsters to pay back the money The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed an order by the Special Tribunal ordering a former assistant State Attorney, two other individuals and Ntandokazi Trading to pay back over R4.4 million, with interest fraudulently claimed for midwifery medico-legal services. On Wednesday, the Special Tribunal ruled that former assistant State Attorney Nosipho Zibani, Yolanda Tebogo Hlatshwayo, Phindile Zibani and Ntandokazi Trading to jointly pay the Gauteng Health MEC an amount of R 4 452 351,81 and a further R 135, 000 in fraudulent claims and damages respectfully. The Special Tribunal also ordered the forfeiture of pension benefits to the value of R798 939,34 held with the Government Employees Pension Fund, which belongs to Nosipho Zibani. The SIU was granted a preservation order for pension benefits on 10 October 2020, pending the finalization of the legal action. The SIU investigation in the State Attorney revealed that between 2016 and 2017, Zibani, Hlatshwayo and Phindile Zibani entered into an oral agreement to defraud the MEC through the fraudulent medico-legal schemes. Hlatshwayo purportedly issued invoices to the State Attorney in matters assigned to Nosipho as the attorney of record for the MEC when Hlatshwayo did not render such services. The invoices were purportedly in relation to midwifery medico-legal services Hlatshwayo rendered in the relevant matters. Nosipho was employed by the State Attorney as an assistant State attorney and served in the medical negligence unit. In this capacity, Nosipho was the attorney of record for the MEC in matters in which the MEC is cited as the defendant. This is where various plaintiffs instituted action against the MEC for the alleged negligent conduct of medical health professionals working in public health institutions, resulting in a child being born with cerebral palsy. A probe in the State Attorneys accounting department shows nine fraudulent invoices amounting to R4.4 million by Ntandokazi Trading, which were authorised and paid by the former assistant State Attorney. The findings prompted the launch of disciplinary proceedings against Nosipho. She resigned from the office of the State Attorney before the disciplinary proceedings commenced. Furthermore, the Special Tribunal ordered that the defendants are jointly and severally ordered to pay the legal costs on the scale between attorney and client, including costs of two counsel. The outcome of the Special Tribunal is a continuation of implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses suffered by State institutions and/or to prevent further losses. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Press Release May 5, 2022 De Lima calls Aguirre a 'certified liar', to file supplemental complaint vs him in Ombudsman Re-electionist Senator Leila M. de Lima called former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II a "certified liar" for denying allegations that he coerced former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos to testify against her. De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, maintained that Aguirre cannot be believed in his denial of Ragos's accusations against him considering that he has a history of coercing witnesses, manufacturing evidence or lying about evidence. "I say it again - Aguirre is a certified liar. He's an embarrassment to the whole justice system," said De Lima. Ragos recently issued an affidavit notarized in Pasig City on April 30, 2022, retracting his previous statements, affidavits, and court testimonies that he delivered money to De Lima and her former aide Ronnie Dayan. Ragos said that he was threatened by Aguirre into making false allegations against De Lima, explaining that he followed Aguirre's order due to threats of being detained on a crime he claimed he did not commit. Aside from denying Ragos's claim, Aguirre questioned Ragos's motive for retracting his earlier statements against De Lima, pointing to the May 9 polls. The lady Senator from Bicol said Aguirre's statement that Ragos's retraction is politically-motivated and timed for the elections is "pure speculation, a flimsy defense." "Ragos has always been under the wing of the DOJ, even retaining his position as NBI Deputy Director for the good part of the trial, at least until he finishes his cross-examination. "I, on the other hand, remain in detention here in Camp Crame. What influence can I possibly have on Ragos to be able to extract his recantation, moreso time its execution in time for the elections?" she asked. In calling to mind Aguirre's history of lying and coercing, De Lima recalled how Aguirre orchestrated the trial by publicity conducted against her both in the House of Representatives and the Senate and how he coerced DOJ employees to admit falsely that they received money and held bank accounts for her benefit. "In his effort to fabricate charges against me, he gave immunity under the Witness Protection Program to the Bilibid inmates he either coerced or bribed to testify against me during the House hearing in September 2016, even when criminal convicts are disqualified from becoming state witnesses. "Not one of them was prosecuted in court by Aguirre and his DOJ, except for Jaybee Sebastian," she said. De Lima said she will file a supplement to the Complaint she filed against Aguirre with the Ombudsman in 2017 following the release of Ragos's affidavit pointing to Aguirre as the mastermind behind his false testimony against her. "This complaint includes a criminal complaint for offering false testimony, use of falsified documents, and grave coercion," De Lima said. "Ragos's affidavit will serve as strong evidence, together with the other documents I already submitted to the Ombudsman, that Aguirre committed these criminal offenses against me when he ordered the preparation and filing of fabricated drug charges against me," she added. In a 27-page complaint submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017, De Lima accused Aguirre of fabricating the charges in the three drug cases filed against her, among other offenses. It can be recalled that Ragos's recantation came just days after confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa also recanted his allegations against De Lima in relation to illegal drug trade in a counter-affidavit filed at the DOJ on April 28. De Lima has consistently and firmly asserted her innocence in the cases filed against her. Due to lack of evidence, one of the three trumped-up drug charges against her has already been dismissed, which she called a "moral victory." The two other cases are still pending. The White House Military Office is evaluating when President Joe Biden can fly for the first time in the new presidential helicopter and what missions its ready to perform after years of delay. The office began its commissioning process after the Marine Corps declared that the $5 billion fleet of VH-92 choppers built by Lockheed Martin Corp., which was supposed to be flying by late 2020, has an initial operational capability. That designation, made in December without a public announcement, means the Marines have enough trained pilots, maintenance staff and support equipment things we need to operate the aircraft Lt. Gen. Mark Wise, deputy commandant for aviation, said in an interview. Now its up to the White House to commission the aircraft into service. A National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement that the Military Office will make a recommendation for scenarios in which the VH-92A can be utilized for Presidential transportation after completing its review. With its emblematic white top paint job, Marine One its designation when the president is on board is almost as much a symbol of the American presidency as the Air Force One jetliner. The new fleet of 23 helicopters will carry the president, the vice president, foreign heads of state and other official parties in the Washington area and abroad. Jay Stefany, the Navys acting assistant secretary for research and acquisition, said in an interview that the helicopter will probably start not with White House missions but other missions. Among the questions not yet resolved: the helicopters tendency to scorch the White House lawn when landing under certain circumstances. Its a problem that first surfaced during a test landing in September 2018. Weve been doing a series of tests to see what kinds of mitigating things we can do on the engineering side, Wise said. The results of one test will be reported in June and then there be other milestones after that to check progress, Wise said, adding that we are making pretty good progress on the scorching problem. Weve got our own sod farms where we go in and we look at grass, we do thermal tests, we do every due-diligence thing we can do to make sure that aircraft is meeting everyones needs, he said. In the meantime, Wise said, the Marine Corps is confident that it has solved flaws with the helicopters communications system and other woes highlighted in a September 2021 report from the Pentagons operational test and evaluation office. We are building presidential aircraft that provide ease of maintenance while deployed and bring improved capabilities to the global vertical lift mission, Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed said in a statement. The Navy, the parent service of the Marines, has so far spent more than $1.5 billion on the program. It placed all 23 planned helicopters under contract before last years combat testing. In a September report that wasnt released publicly, the Defense Departments testing office said the VH-92 is operationally effective for routine administrative missions, like taking the president to the Camp David retreat in Maryland or to catch a planned flight on Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington. But it wasnt effective for the contingency operation mission, a reference to emergency flights, the testing office said. It said the Mission Communication System, for example, often delayed critical communications at the beginning of contingency missions and did not adequately support timely, continuous and secure communications. The office said engine exhaust during last years test caused landing zone damage that limits the number of locations from which the Marine squadron can operate. Wise said that report was based on fairly old data. The Marines have actually corrected the vast majority of the cited flaws and made huge progress in that platform. Its tracking very nicely. The White House is very pleased with the progress. Were doing very well. The aircraft systems themselves were performing brilliantly. Bloombergs Jennifer Jacobs contributed to this report. 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. (Tribune News Service) An Illinois state auditor general review of the COVID-19 outbreak that killed 36 elderly military veterans at the LaSalle Veterans Home in 2020 blames Gov. J.B. Pritzkers Public Health department for failing to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak. Department of Public Health officials didnt show up at the LaSalle home until 11 days after the outbreak began on Nov. 1, 2020, even though department leaders had been receiving near daily updates on the deteriorating situation at the home, according to Auditor General Frank Mautinos review, which was released Thursday. The public health departments visit came only after top agency staff members were told that Pritzker was very concerned and wanted them to go to the facility, the report said. The public health departments failure to intervene early at the home after the outbreak had been detected was notable, the audit said, because all but four of the 36 residents who died were positive prior to the agencys first site visit on Nov. 12, 2020. Mautinos review, requested by the General Assembly, also said an inspector generals report ordered by Pritzker and released in April of last year that blamed management failures at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the LaSalle home was too narrowly focused on the VA and was flawed because it largely excluded the public health departments role in the crisis. That report, from the Department of Human Services inspector general, contended the significance of the outbreak was not being meaningfully tracked by the chief of staff for Veterans Affairs when, in fact, auditors found the chief of staff provided detailed information that was used by former state Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike in her daily COVID-19 briefings, the auditor general report said. The inspector general investigation also wrongly concluded that an absence of any standard operating procedures in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak was a significant factor in why the coronavirus was not contained at the LaSalle home when, in fact, hundreds of pages of guidelines existed, the state audit said. Overall, the state audit points to a massive bureaucratic failure involving the administrations response to the pandemic and the LaSalle deaths. Auditors recommended that the Department of Veterans Affairs work with the Department of Public Health and the governors office during COVID-19 outbreaks to advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of the veterans who reside in the homes under IDVAs care. The report represents a major embarrassment for Pritzker, a Democrat, as he seeks reelection in November. Pritzker won office in 2018 in part by attacking his predecessor, one-term Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, for his failure to take quick action after a series of repeated outbreaks of Legionnaires disease at the Quincy Veterans Home led to the deaths of 14 veterans. The auditor generals report recounted the failure of the state health department to respond to constant updates of growing infections and deaths due to coronavirus at the LaSalle home provided by the Veterans Affairs chief of staff, Anthony Kolbeck. Kolbeck resigned a year ago, before the release of the inspector generals report that faulted mismanagement at the Veterans Affairs agency for the outbreak. Criticisms of the VA departments handling of the LaSalle outbreak led to the resignation of the agencys director, Linda Chapa LaVia, who was accused by the inspector general of abdicating her responsibilities to Kolbeck, a nonmedical chief of staff who was also criticized in that report. Officials at the home also were fired by Pritzker, including the homes administrator, Angela Mehlbrech, in December 2020. Auditors reviewed emails and documentation and conducted meetings and determined that although IDPH officials were informed of the increasing positive cases almost on a daily basis, IDPH failed to identify and respond to the seriousness of the outbreak, Mautinos audit said, using the acronym for the Illinois Department of Public Health. From the documents reviewed, IDPH officials did not offer any advice or assistance as to how to slow the spread at the home, offer to provide additional rapid COVID-19 tests and were unsure of the availability of the antibody treatments for long-term care settings prior to being requested by Kolbeck, the audit said. Four positive COVID-19 cases were identified at the LaSalle home on Nov. 1, the initial indication of the outbreak, and Kolbeck reported them to the state medical officer at public health and the governors office that day, the audit said. By Nov. 4, a total of 46 residents and 11 staffers had tested positive for COVID-19 and by Nov. 13 Kolbeck reported in an email that 83 residents and 93 staffers were positive and that there had been 11 resident deaths and three residents and one employee were hospitalized, auditors said. It was Kolbeck, the audit said, who ultimately had to request assistance by inquiring about a site visit by public health, the availability of rapid tests and antibody treatments. It wasnt until Nov. 11, 10 days after the outbreak began, when a site visit by IDPH was scheduled after state public health officials noted the governor was very concerned and wanted IDPH to visit the home. The site visit was conducted on the following day. The audit said that while the Pritzker-ordered inspector general investigation concluded a lack of policies and procedures was a significant contributing factor to the homes failure to contain the virus, auditors identified numerous policies and procedures and therefore, there was no evidence to support that a lack of policies and procedures resulted in a failure to contain the virus. The virus hit the home very quickly with a large number of residents and staff positive within a few days. As a result, it was unclear whether non-adherence to policy caused the virus to spread so quickly or whether the rapid spread was due to other factors, including a Halloween gathering at the LaSalle home, the high positivity rate during that time in the community and guidelines that at the time did not require rapid testing before entering the facility. While the inspector general relied heavily on interviews to support its findings auditors said they collected documentation that was contrary to many of the statements used to reach its conclusions. The audit acknowledged some of the findings of the inspector general report, which noted that the initial site visit by the public health department found insufficient staff and visitor screening, lack of timely testing results, the use of a non-alcohol based hand sanitizer and improper usage of protective gear. But it said a follow-up visit five days later, on Nov. 17, found improvements in a number of areas, including staffing strategies, removal of the improper sanitizer, proper use of gowns, masks and face shields, and screening and testing for symptoms. The audit said that, all told, between Oct. 23 and Dec. 8, 2020, 109 or 85% of the homes 128 residents and 88 or 38% of the homes 231 staff had tested positive for COVID-19. In March, families and the estates of 26 of the homes veterans who died of COVID-19 or coronavirus-related illnesses began filing lawsuits in LaSalle County. The suits, which allege negligence and wrongful death, could cost the state millions of dollars. rap30@aol.com 2022 Chicago Tribune. Visit chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. LAWRENCE, Mass. (Tribune News Service) A U.S. Air Force veteran facing charges in the 1988 cold case murder of an 11-year-old girl is not expected to be arraigned in a Massachusetts courtroom until next week. Marvin "Skip" McClendon Jr., 74, was arrested in Bremen, Ala., on April 26. He is charged with the murder of Melissa "Missy" Tremblay, 11, of Salem, N.H., in Lawrence, Mass., in September 1988. In Alabama, Cullman County Sheriff Department officers assisted Massachusetts investigators with the arrest. Authorities said McClendon would not fight his return to Massachusetts to face the murder charge. His arraignment in Lawrence District Court is not expected until next week, possibly early in the week, said Carrie Kimball, spokesperson for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. A 1965 graduate of Tewksbury High School and an Air Force veteran, McClendon worked in the past as a state corrections officer and a carpenter. He was living in Chelmsford and affiliated with a 7th Day Adventist Church in Lawrence when Tremblay was murdered, Blodgett said at a press conference last week. A sixth-grader at the Lancaster School in Salem, Tremblay was found dead on the railroad tracks at the Boston & Maine freight terminal near Andover Street and South Broadway in Lawrence on Sept. 12, 1988. Reported missing the previous day, she had been stabbed to death and run over post mortem by a freight car. Tremblay's mother has since died. Blodgett said advocates from his office were able to notify surviving aunts and a cousin of McClendon's arrest. (c)2022 The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) Visit The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.) at www.eagletribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Daniel Hutchinson From The Hutch When it comes to things that take a long time, its important to look out for the defining moments along the way. Defining moments are often trumpeted as a great success a good news story in a seemingly never-ending sea of drudgery and tedium. That is the case with the Bayfair underpass which is now open, allowing egress for pedestrians and people who ride all manner of contraptions. A person can now walk, run or ride their gyro-stabilised electric unicycle right through the rising steel and concrete overpass a key part of the $262 million Baypark to Bayfair Link. Its something of an industrial safari but it signals progress on a project that has been part of many peoples lives for six-and-a-half years so far. Given that a replacement underpass was not originally in the plans for this project, it also serves as an example of the power of public opinion and wonderful, noisy, passionate protest. Without that, the underpass would not have been built. The big guns The war in Ukraine has captured the hearts and minds of many people around the world as the little guy continues to land punches against their giant invader. When it comes to little guys it doesnt get much bigger than Ed Sheeran, who has teamed up with Ukrainian band Antytila to produce a charity single a remix of Sheerans hit song 2Step. The members of Antytila have had a change of career recently they are all soldiers for now so their artistic expression needs all the help it can get. If Ukraine prevails against Putin it will be because enough people showed enough passion for the cause and the ginger ninja from Suffolk knows how to keep things centre stage. Red alert Simon Bridges has left the building and the National Party has named his replacement candidate for the Tauranga by-election set down for June 18 Sam Uffindell. In a clear attempt to broaden their diversity the party has selected someone with hair ginger no less which will no doubt claw back some of the red voters from Labour. Voters also have the choice of Labours Jan Tinetti, Acts Cameron Luxton, New Nation Partys Andrew Hollis, the NZ Outdoors and Freedom Partys Sue Grey, New Conservative Partys Helen Houghton, and the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Partys Christopher Coker. One wild card that could yet be played is that held by the wily old silver fox Winston Peters and NZ First. Peters stood successfully in the Tauranga electorate from 1984 to 2005 with National and then New Zealand First.He refused to be drawn on the subject during an interview on TVNZs Breakfast programme this week, which means precisely nothing. Nominations dont close until May 17, so Im guessing we will need to wait until the last minute to find out the answer to that question. Stay away Parliaments speaker Trevor Mallard gave Peters some airtime this week by trespassing him from Parliaments grounds, along with 150 others. His crime was to speak to protestors camped out on Parliaments lawns during the well-publicised occupation earlier this year. The protestors were there illegally by that stage and had already been trespassed so there is an argument for the latest tresspass orders, but seriously, Mallard really needs to read the room a bit better. After some sage words of advice from other MPs Peters trespass notice was withdrawn. But, like the torture tactics of sprinklers and loud music directed at the protestors at the time by Mallard, does he actually seek feedback on these ideas before doing them? Space race Ive become a bit of a space junkie lately, now that New Zealand has joined the race into the great unknown. Rocket Lab launched its latest rocket from its base in Hawkes Bay this week and Id have to say I enjoyed it way more than Putins most recent demonstration. The Kiwi-US space company has the distinct advantage of being able to fire rockets out over the ocean towards the Antarctic, but even so it was only a matter of 20 minutes before it was a few hundred kilometers above the Atlantic. The high-tech event was then rounded off with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity as Rocket Lab caught the spent rocket booster in mid-air with a helicopter. Now, thats a wild ride. daniel@thesun.co.nz Location-enabled technology may change the way Kiwis function in the future, says NZTech chief executive Graeme Muller. As cities like Auckland, Whanganui, Otautahi, Tauranga, Dunedin and Hamilton expand, leaders are considering sustainability as a key driver, he says. We are redefining what a city is and how we interact within it. With urban population growth, a pandemic, and a housing crisis to boot, its evident that our buildings, infrastructure, transport and resource management need to become more adaptable. The rise in location-enabled tech such as augmented reality, space data and GeoAI could change the way we live in the future. Tech can play its part in building adaptable and sustainable cities, Muller says. LocationTechNZ, part of the NZTech alliance, will be holding a zoom meeting about sustainable cities later today to discuss various options and new concepts. Alison Mackie, executive director of LocationTechNZ, says new location based technologies like digital twins will be key to helping New Zealand towns big and small deal with problems like traffic congestion, resource management and air pollution. Sustainability in towns and cities includes ensuring community safety and security; maintaining high quality of life for all residents; and establish a robust economic and environmental framework for continued settlement. There are examples around the world of digital tech creating faster, cleaner and more convenient commutes. In Israel, users enter their location and destination, and an algorithm calculates the most efficient journey, Mackie says. Public transport is then rerouted accordingly. The system was introduced to help fight covid, but if implemented permanently it's thought it could save $25 million a year. By 2050, it is estimated that almost 70 percent of the worlds population will live in cities, making the concept of sustainable communities an efficient resolution to the growing population. The world is seeing people innovating with location based technologies to help tackle challenges such as congestion and climate change. With an ever-increasing global population and rising urbanisation, creating safe, resilient and sustainable cities is right at the top of the agenda. Here in New Zealand we have seen the emergence of location based apps such as U Share, Link App and Parkable and designed to reduce congestion, enable car pooling and improve parking. Auckland recently ranked 9th in the 2021 Global Smart City Index and Wellington ranked 7th in the 2021 Global Safe City Index. Miracle Marsh was diagnosed with stage 1C3 mucinous ovarian carcinoma in 2022 at the age of 27. As a young working mama, I never thought cancer would be part of my journey, says the Bay of Plenty woman. She had been experiencing increased urgency to urinate, pain in her lower abdomen and pelvis, fatigue, change in bowel habits, loss of appetite and breathlessness. I also had swelling of the abdomen to the point where I looked ready to give birth. After a negative pregnancy test, she was referred for a number of scans. My GPs first thought was not ovarian cancer but liver cirrhosis. These results were slow and I chased my GP for answers and phoned almost every day to talk about my symptoms and my mental/emotional state, which was deteriorating. Different photos of Mircavle's abdomen during her journey. Eventually, Miracle learned she had a large mass and fluid in the abdomen that could be ovarian cancer. She was referred to a gynaecologist who requested additional tests, but then incorrectly told Miracle that the results were negative. Being misdiagnosed was the most traumatic part of this journey as I was told by my gynaecologist that pathology came back with no findings from the first biopsy and I was cleared for cancer, she says. After learning that cancer cells had in fact been found, Miracle had a laparotomy that removed her right ovary and fallopian tube along with a biopsy of the omentum (a large flat adipose tissue layer nestling on the surface of the intra-peritoneal organs) and six litres of ascites fluid. She finally received an official diagnosis of stage 1C3 mucinous ovarian carcinoma. She had another surgery to remove her other ovary and fallopian tube, uterus and appendix, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Though Miracles cancer was diagnosed relatively early, there is still uncertainty. Stage 1C3 means cancer cells were detected in fluid taken during surgery from her abdomen and pelvis. My surgeon told me that chemotherapy isnt always effective in my type of ovarian cancer. Thats hard to hear. Will I get to see my tamariki grow up? I really hope so. I believe and know I should have been diagnosed a lot sooner, and I know I'm not the only one this has happened to. My hope is to bring awareness to my whanau and your whanau by sharing this journey. Many voices create an impact and all wahine deserve a fighting chance. We need to make ovarian cancer diagnosis easier. Miracle undergoing treatment for her cancer. Miracle is sharing her story as part of NZ charity Cure Our Ovarian Cancers global campaign to raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms in younger women. In New Zealand, one in eight women are diagnosed under the age of 45. In women aged 20-44 years it remains the 5th most common cause of cancer death. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer founder Jane Ludemann says the survival of most types of ovarian cancer is poor unless its found at stage 1 (when the cancer is contained within the ovaries). She says thats an incredibly narrow window for early detection. Within New Zealand, Cure Our Ovarian Cancer focuses on improving outcomes for wahine with ovarian cancer through education, advocacy and support, and research. The charity also raises funds overseas for international research partners. Their international efforts focus on a rare, under-researched type of ovarian cancer which affects younger women called low-grade serous. Which is why their World Ovarian Cancer Day Campaign this year is focusing on ovarian cancer in young women. The charity has been donated billboard space in New Zealand with support of Go Media, and overseas in New York, the United Kingdom and Canada as part of their campaign. The campaign is about catching cancer early, particularly in young women. If we can help one woman to think about a symptom shes been shrugging off and encourage a diagnosis, well have done our job. We hope women will share this with their sisters, mothers, and friends to hopefully avoid the pain Ive gone through. A cool and rainy change is on its way for New Zealand. The MetService says the high pressure system that has dominated weather over New Zealand for the past week will be briefly replaced by passing fronts by the end of the weekend. Sunday and Monday are expected to be cold and wet, before another high pressure system sets up shop next week with a return to settled weather. Widespread low cloud and persistent fog have been the story along the eastern stretch of the South Island coast under the influence of the high pressure over the country. Low cloud and fog is expected for the eastern South Island Friday morning; but once winds pick up this weekend, the grey and gloomy weather clears, says MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane. Inland areas of the North and South Islands have also been a brewing pot for foggy conditions, which continues to be the case as the high pressure system holds on well into the weekend. The effects of the steady high pressure have also been felt in the unseasonably warm temperatures that have characterised the start of May for many places across the country. On Wednesday Wellington Airport recorded 21.1C, just 0.9C shy of its highest ever temperature for May (records span back to 1972). Another area of note is the lower South Island which will continue to be 5-6C higher than average for this time of year until the end of the weekend, Makgabutlane says. The approach of a frontal system late Saturday into Sunday brings a shift in gears over the South Island, with rain for the west and south, extending to parts of the North Island on Monday. The fronts also bring a cool change that spreads across the rest of the country early next week. Most people can look forward to a fresh 3-5C drop in temperatures which will be noticeably cooler than what weve been having, Makgabutlane says. The change will be a brief one, however, with another high pressure system moving onto the country next week. It will be a case of deja vu weather-wise, which may be a good or not so good thing depending on where you are in the country, Makgabutlane comments. The Ministry of Health is today reporting 8609 community cases, 386 hospitalisations and 20 deaths around the country. Today we are sadly reporting the deaths of 20 people with Covid-19, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson. The deaths being reported today include 18 people who have died over the past five days and an additional two people who have died since April 24. Delays to reporting can be associated with people dying with Covid-19, rather than from Covid-19, and Covid being discovered only after they have died. These deaths take the total number of publicly reported deaths with Covid-19 to 821 and the 7-day rolling average of reported deaths is 14. Of the people whose deaths we are reporting today; three people were from Auckland; one from Waikato; five from Bay of Plenty; two from Hawkes Bay; one from the Greater Wellington region; one from Nelson-Malborough, five from Canterbury and two from Southern. One person was under-10; one in their 50s, five in their 60s; two in their 70s; seven in their 80s and four were aged over 90. Of these people, 12 were female and eight were male. This is a very sad time for whanau and friends and our thoughts and condolences are with them at this time. Out of respect, we will be making no further comment. The number of community cases today is an important reminder that we all continue to have a part to play in minimising the spread of Covid-19 in our communities, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson. Please continue to follow public health advice to stay at home, away from school or work if youre feeling unwell. Another way to protect you, your whanau and friends is to get vaccinated, if you arent already. Its free and available for everyone aged five and over. Vaccination remains our best defence against Covid-19 and a booster in addition to first and second doses gives you greater immunity against Omicron and severe illness. Theres a much lower risk of being hospitalised if youre up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations. 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. There are 386 cases in hospital today with 10 in Northland; Waitemata: 40; Counties Manukau: 30; Auckland: 78; Waikato: 32; Bay of Plenty: 22; Lakes: 3; Tairawhiti: 0; Hawkes Bay: 14; Taranaki: 7; Whanganui: 1; MidCentral: 15; Wairarapa: 2; Hutt Valley: 6; Capital and Coast: 10; Nelson Marlborough: 14; Canterbury: 68; South Canterbury: 3; West Coast: 1; Southern: 30 The average age of current hospitalisations is 58 and there are 14 cases in HDU or ICU. As indicated yesterday, from today reporting of hospitalisation numbers in Northern region hospitals will include only active Covid-19 cases. To date, reported case numbers in the Northern region have included people who have recovered from Covid-19 but remain in hospital. The reporting of hospitalisations in other DHBs is unchanged as these already only include active cases. This change sees the number of daily hospitalisations in the Northern region reduce. This change is part of ensuring nationally consistent reporting of this data. Vaccinations administered in New Zealand Vaccines administered to date: 4,026,748 first doses; 3,978,222 second doses; 31,864 third primary doses; 2,634,272 booster doses: 261,728 paediatric first doses and 117,387 paediatric second doses Vaccines administered yesterday: 43 first doses; 82 second doses; 26 third primary doses; 1,083 booster doses; 34 paediatric first doses and 271 paediatric second doses People vaccinated All Ethnicities (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 4,056,064 first dose (96.4%); 4,006,918 second dose (95.2%), 2,629,766 boosted (70.9% of those eligible) Maori (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 521,068 first dose (91.2%); 504,116 second dose (88.3%), 235,014 boosted (54.4% of those eligible) Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people aged 12+): 281,952 first dose (98.4%); 277,078 second dose (96.7%), 140,137 boosted (56.8% of those eligible) 5 to 11-year-olds all ethnicities: 258,906 first dose (54.4%); 114,601 second dose (24.1%) 5 to 11-year-olds - Maori: 40,821 first dose (35.3%); 13,074 second dose (11.3%) 5 to 11-year-olds - Pacific Peoples: 23,505 first dose (47.6%); 6,576 second dose (13.3%) 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 (88.1%); boosted (67.5%) Auckland DHB: first dose (99.2%); second dose (98.3%); boosted (72.9%) Counties Manukau DHB: first dose (96.2%); second dose (95%); boosted (65.8%) Waitemata DHB: first dose (96.5%); second dose (95.6%); boosted (70.8%) Waikato DHB: first dose (95.1%); second dose (93.6%); boosted (66.4%) Bay of Plenty DHB: first dose (95.1%); second dose (93.4%); boosted (65.8%) Lakes DHB: first dose (93.1%); second dose (91.4%); boosted (66.1%) MidCentral DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95.2%); boosted (72%) Tairawhiti DHB: first dose (93.1%); second dose (90.9%); boosted (65.7%) Whanganui DHB: first dose (91.9%); second dose (90.4%); boosted (71.3%) Hawkes Bay DHB: first dose (97.3%); second dose (95.7%); boosted (69.5%) Taranaki DHB: first dose (94.6%); second dose (93.3%); boosted (67.9%) Wairarapa DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95%); boosted (72.8%) Capital & Coast DHB: first dose (98.5%); second dose (97.8%); boosted (79.3%) Hutt Valley DHB: first dose (96.6%); second dose (95.6%); boosted (74.8%) Nelson Marlborough DHB: first dose (96.4%); second dose (95.2%); boosted (73.2%) West Coast DHB: first dose (92.7%); second dose (91.3%); boosted (71.3%) Canterbury DHB: first dose (99.7%); second dose (98.9%); boosted (74.2%) South Canterbury DHB: first dose (94.7%); second dose (93.7%); boosted (74.2%) Southern DHB: first dose (98.5%); second dose (97.4%); boosted (73%) 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 or 16 and 17 year olds who have become eligible 6 months after having their second dose. Hospitalisations Cases in hospital: total number 386: Northland: 10; Waitemata: 40; Counties Manukau: 30; Auckland: 78; Waikato: 32; Bay of Plenty: 22; Lakes: 3; Tairawhiti: 0; Hawkes Bay: 14; Taranaki: 7; Whanganui: 1; MidCentral: 15; Wairarapa: 2; Hutt Valley: 6; Capital and Coast: 10; Nelson Marlborough: 14; Canterbury: 68; South Canterbury: 3; West Coast: 1; Southern: 30 *Average age of current hospitalisations: 58 Cases in ICU or HDU: 14 Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region only, excluding Emergency Departments): Unvaccinated or not eligible (36 cases / 15%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (5 cases / 2%); double vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (72 cases / 31%); Received booster at least 7 days before being reported as a case (117 cases / 50%); unknown (4 cases / 2%) *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. Cases Seven day rolling average of community cases: 7,684 Seven day rolling average (as at same day last week): 7,705 Number of new community cases: 8,609 Number of new community cases (PCR): 308 Number of new community cases (RAT): 8,301 Location of new community cases (PCR & RAT): Northland (207), Auckland (2,796), Waikato (543), Bay of Plenty (237), Lakes (135), Hawkes Bay (229), MidCentral (347), Whanganui (104), Taranaki (239), Tairawhiti (68), Wairarapa (88), Capital and Coast (575), Hutt Valley (242), Nelson Marlborough (323), Canterbury (1,379), South Canterbury (114), Southern (900), West Coast (76), Unknown (7) Number of new cases identified at the border: 97 Number of active community cases (total): 53,775 (cases identified in the past 7 days and not yet classified as recovered) Confirmed cases (total): 966,447 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 Number of PCR tests total (last 24 hours): 4,311 Number of Rapid Antigen Tests reported total (last 24 hours): 16,107 PCR tests rolling average (last 7 days): 3,463 Number of Rapid Antigen Tests dispatched (last 7 days as of 5 May 2022): 1.7 million The long awaited secondary school in Omokoroa is closer to reality and the community is being asked to get involved in the planning. Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti and Warren and Mahoney Architects are hosting a community engagement session about the new primary and secondary school on Saturday at the Omokoroa Library from 10.30am until 1.30pm. Tinetti says the schools are part of the governments comprehensive plan to support growth in the fast-growing Otumoetai catchment. Ongoing housing development will see 1,200 new homes in Omokoroa by 2025, and another development area in the west of the Omokoroa Peninsula is expected to deliver approximately 3,200 additional new dwellings. Local schools in established areas have been under increasing pressure as the demographics of these neighbourhoods change to include more families with school-age children, says Tinetti. Western Bay of Plenty District mayor Garry Webber says it is great to see central government stepping in alongside council to accommodate Omokoroas growth and provide fit for purpose facilities that adequately support the community. Omokoroa needs more educational facilities, in particular a high school. Hopefully both schools can be completed and open sooner rather than later. The new primary and secondary schools first announced in 2019 will provide capacity for up to 1,950 students across both schools. The new secondary school will be the first secondary school in the Omokoroa catchment area, addressing community concerns over the current travel times faced by senior students. Currently, secondary students must travel to Tauranga or Katikati for schooling. For students living in Omokoroa, their nearest public secondary school is Otumoetai College, which is 17km away. Concerned parent Jo Linthwaite started a petition in August 2018 calling for a secondary school to be built in Omokoroa because of the long hours children were spending on buses and in traffic. Her petition gained over 2000 signatures and garnered support from Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller. Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti. File image/SunLive. Tinetti says: The Government not only recognises the significant growth in our region, but is also driving solutions to achieve the best learning outcomes for our children and young people. We are currently working with Pirirakau hapu and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to plan for these schools. The relationships forged with the hapu will help to keep the educational goals of Pirirakau at the forefront of the school development, and I am excited to be attending a community engagement exercise designed to ensure the voices, aspirations, and cultural values of the Omokoroa community are considered in the development of the new schools. Webber says planning starting is positive news for the Omokoroa community. I encourage everyone to attend the community information session to understand more and ask any questions. The sessions purpose is to help ensure the curriculum and learning environments have meaning for students, connect with their wider lives, and engage the support of their families, whanau and communities, says Tinetti. The engagement session will be held from 10.30am until 1.30pm on Saturday, May 7 in the ground floor meeting space at the Omokoroa Library, 28 Western Avenue. 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. 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. Why it matters: US-China relations have continued to deteriorate over the past two years as both countries are looking to build a stronger domestic supply chain for advanced chips. Japan has the unique opportunity to supercharge its semiconductor industry, so it wants to forge a deeper collaboration with the US. Last year, we learned that Japan wants to reignite its once-dominant semiconductor industry, which has gone from producing 50 percent of the world's chips in 1990 to less than 10 percent today. Japan has 84 chip manufacturing plants but many of them use aging process technologies and are in need of expensive retooling. The Japanese government has made it a top priority to incetivize private investments in this area. Like others, its efforts are born of fears that a fragile supply chain that's mostly concentrated around China, Taiwan, and South East Asia is a threat to its national security. As a result, Japanese regulators are working on subsidizing the construction of new factories, giving tax breaks, and developing a new framework to encourage technology sharing. According to a Nikkei report, Japan is also seeking a closer partnership with the US in building a more resilient supply chain for advanced chips. This week, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Koichi Hagiuda met with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to discuss the cooperation effort, which will revolve around chiplets and process technologies beyond 2 nm. Intel plans to get there by the end of 2024, while Samsung and TSMC are aiming to start mass production of 2 nm chips in 2025. As noted by the Japanese publication, Japan has a lot to offer to the partnership, save for ASML's advanced lithography machines. This includes a number of indispensable suppliers of requisite materials and tools needed in the chipmaking process. For instance, Sumco Corp. and Disco Corp. specialize in silicon wafers, while Lasertec Corp. is the world's only supplier of equipment for verifying extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) masks and stencils for advanced chip designs. Ushio Inc. makes powerful, ultra-precise light sources that are needed to inspect chip tools and the resulting chips for tiny defects. Few have heard of JSR Corp., Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., or Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., but they make essential ingredients for chip and display manufacturing such as hydrogen fluoride, fluorinated polymide, and photoresists. Japanese companies supply around 50 percent of the world's chipmaking materials and around 30 percent of the necessary manufacturing equipment. The idea is that Japan can use this strength towards building a strong supply chain with the US, which has more chipmakers as well as an extensive portfolio of intellectual property related to semiconductors. It's also worth noting that a consortium of mostly American companies are working on an important piece of the puzzle for the future of semiconductors a standardized interconnect technology for chiplet designs called UCIe. Meanwhile, Japanese companies like Canon and Tokyo Electron are working on new chip manufacturing technologies at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology alongside American giants like IBM. Even companies like TSMC see value in a stronger Japanese semiconductor ecosystem, so it's building a 28 nm fab on the southwestern island of Kyushu. Sony is expected to be one of the customers of the new factory. An official announcement on the US-Japan chips alliance could be made in the coming weeks. WTF?! What's a government to do when its country is faced with a shortage of IT workers? Look to tech-savvy prisoners, of course. That's the path Russia is being forced to take due to so many of its computer experts leaving the country following the invasion of Ukraine. Krebs on Security reports that the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service last month announced it planned to use incarcerated IT specialists sentenced to forced labor as remote workers for domestic commercial companies, a plan that had been proposed by Russian businessmen struggling to fulfill IT roles. Russian state media reports that almost 95,000 IT vacancies have remained unfulfilled in Russia since March 21. And while that is 25% lower than the previous month, the shrinkage is only due to companies postponing projects following budgetary reviewsWestern sanctions undoubtedly played a part, too. The Russian Association for Electronic Communications (RAEC) estimates that between 70,000 and 100,000 IT specialists will leave Russia for overseas destinations, with the USA, Germany, Georgia, Cyprus, and Canada the most attractive locations. The BBC says Russia's prison system is currently home to almost 875,000 inmates. That's around 615 inmates for every 100,000 citizens, the second-highest in the world behind the US and its 737 prisoners per 100,000 people. Exactly how many Russian inmates are IT literate is unknown. According to RBC, the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service uses forced labor across 117 correctional centers in organizations within 76 Russian regions. The average salary of those sentenced is about 20,000 rubles per month, or around $281. In other Russian news, we heard earlier this week that Russian troops in Ukraine had stolen $5 million worth of John Deere farm vehicles from the country but found they had been remotely disabled, rendering the equipment useless. Why it matters: The FBI is warning individuals and companies of the high costs that come with falling for business email compromise (BEC) attacks. Domestic and international losses are estimated to have reached $43 billion between June 2016 to December 2021, and increased 65% between July 2019 and December 2021. BEC attacks usually target businesses or individuals that perform legitimate transfer-of-funds requests. They involve compromising the official emails account of high-ranking executives or suppliers through social engineering, phishing, or network intrusion. Once the criminals have access, they message the company's account department requesting a large transfer of funds. As the emails come from official sources, the requests often raise no suspicion. It's not just fund transfers that the hackers target. Employees are sometimes asked to hand over their personally identifiable details, bank account numbers, wage/tax forms, or cryptocurrency wallets, which are then used for everything from theft to identity fraud. The FBI warns that BEC scams are growing and evolving, targeting small local businesses to larger corporations and personal transactions. The uptick in incidents over the last few years is being attributed to the pandemic and more people working from home, leading to more companies conducting business remotely. The schemes made $43 billion between 2016 and 2021, and last year saw a record amount of crypto-associated BEC losses: $40 million. BEC scams have been reported in all 50 states and 170 countries. Most of the stolen funds are transferred to banks in Thailand and Hong Kong, with China, Mexico, and Singapore the next most popular locations. The FBI advises people to turn on two-factor authentication for their email accounts to protect against BEC attacks. It also says to be wary of signs that an email may be a phishing scam (misspellings in web addresses, etc.), refrain from supplying login credentials or PII of any sort via email, and monitor financial accounts regularly for any irregularities. Back in 2018, the US Justice Department announced the arrest of 74 people, 42 in the US and 29 in Nigeria, for being involved in BEC schemes. It resulted in the seizure of nearly $2.4 million and the recovery of approximately $14 million in fraudulent wire transfers. In brief: American and European shoppers interested in buying a new electric vehicle under the Volkswagen banner will have to wait until next year at the earliest to do so as demand has outpaced supply in two keys markets. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess told the Financial Times (paywalled, via EuroNews) that they are basically sold out of electric vehicles in the aforementioned regions. "And in China, it's really picking up," Diess added. Volkswagen is the parent company of several well-known automotive brands including Porsche and Audi as well as Czech manufacturer Skoda Auto. The publication's report notes Volkswagen delivered 99,000 EVs globally in Q1 2022. For comparison, Tesla in its most recent earnings report said it delivered 310,048 vehicles in the first quarter of this year. Diess said Volkswagen has a backlog of around 300,000 orders for electric vehicles in Western Europe alone. EVs and new vehicles in general have been somewhat tough to come by as of late due to pandemic-induced supply chain issues and chip shortages. Some automakers, however, aren't waiting around for conditions to improve. Ford, for example, decided to go ahead and ship select models with missing components and a promise to install them at a later date once they become more readily available. BMW, meanwhile, opted to deliver select models without touchscreen functionality on the infotainment system and refunded buyers for the missing feature. Old airplane altimeters are now the main focus of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aviation department announced that it is urging airlines to replace their aircraft's old altimeters with new ones. (Photo : Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images) An aircraft flies through London skies leaving a vapour trail on February 2, 2007 in London, England. This decision was made two years after the Federal Communications Commission released a notice regarding poorly designed wireless systems. FCC specifically targeted models that receive transmissions outside their allotted frequencies. Although the telecom agency commonly focuses on transmitters, altimeters that can't filter 5G signals are also among its main concerns. Old Airplane Altimeters To Be Replaced? According to Ars Technica's latest report, FAA now wants airline companies to retrofit their old altimeters. Experts said that they can do this by integrating the new antenna filters. (Photo : ROB GRIFFITH/AFP via Getty Images) Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion captain Wing Commander Rob Shearer's hand is seen in front of the altimeter showing the flight elevation while the aircraft searches for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, over the Indian Ocean on March 31, 2014. Also Read: United Airlines to Make Leaving on an Electric (Jet) Plane Possible in 5 Years The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed its new decision via its latest meeting with the telecom and airline industry. During their discussion, FAA said that retrofits with antenna filters should be among the main goals since changing the old altimeters can prevent 5G signal interferences. FAA added that the needed antenna filters are already in production. However, the agency explained that integrating these new antenna filters will be quite difficult since identifying airplanes with inefficient altimeters is hard, as reported by Reuters. Why Altimeter is Important For those who are not familiar with airplane altimeter, this tech is a type of barometer that measures the vertical distance to the surface. The information it provides is essential for pilots since it allows them to maintain the needed or assigned altitude during flight. Altimeters are specifically designed to detect pressure differences. It can do this using the so-called static system. There are different types of altimeters, such as the drum model, sensitive type, and the absolute model. Since these models still experience major issues, including position error and nonstandard temperature issues. If an altimeter is inefficient, it can affect the pilot's navigation performance, which can lead to accidents. You can visit this link to see more details about altimeters. Meanwhile, AerinX and Magnetic MRO decided to work together to implement a new high-tech aircraft maintenance resolution. On the other hand, Rolls-Royce's electric airplane successfully flew in 2021. For more news updates about altimeters and other techs used in airplanes, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: New GPS-Assisting Tech Unveiled by India! Here's How GAGAN Can Help Passenger Airplanes This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The next NASA Artemis I wet dress rehearsal's status will be discussed by the international space union first before it is conducted. (Photo : Joel Kowsky/NASA via Getty Images) In this handout photo provided by NASA, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B on April 4, 2022 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has already conducted wet dress rehearsals for the Artemis I, the latest lunar mission of the agency. These tests started on Apr. 1 and will still be conducted in the upcoming months. As of writing, NASA's wet dress rehearsal for Artemis I mission is taking place at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Next NASA Artemis I Wet Dress Rehearsal's Status Discussion According to NASA Gov's latest report, the international space agency wants to check the status of the next Artemis I wet dress rehearsal before the test takes place in June. (Photo : Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images) In this handout provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard atop a mobile launcher as it rolls out of High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building for the first time on its way to to Launch Complex 39B March 17, 2022 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Also Read: NASA Celebrates Teacher's Week-Commemorates Educators and Their Influence towards Knowledge "NASA will hold a media teleconference at 3:30 p.m. EDT Thursday, May 5, to discuss the status of the next wet dress rehearsal test of the agency's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft," said NASA. For those who are interested to watch the upcoming teleconference, NASA said that they will broadcast it via their official NASA LIVE website. You can hear the statements and suggestions of two NASA space experts: Cliff Lanham (NASA Exploration Ground Systems Program Senior Vehicle Operations Manager) Jim Free (NASA Washington's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate and Associate Administrator) Why Wet Dress Rehearsals are Important Florida Today reported that wet dress rehearsals are important since they allow space experts to simulate rocket launch stages without the spaceship actually leaving the launch pad. These test simulations may include filling a rocket's propellant thanks, draining the aircraft's tanks, as well as resetting the spaceship's countdown clock. The upcoming NASA Artemis I mission is still months ahead, with an estimated launch date of August. This is why the international space agency is already doing its best to conduct wet dress rehearsals that will allow them to identify any issue before the actual blast off. Meanwhile, NASA's SpaceX Crew 3 successfully return to Earth. On the other hand, NASA's Ingenuity Mars Rover was able to capture an ancient river ridgeline on the Red Planet. For more news updates about NASA and its upcoming Artemis I mission, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: NASA's Mars Rock Samples Contain Space Germs? Here's Its Probability This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Porsche is putting its hopes up and betting as much as $400 million on a developer called Group14 for its lithium-silicon EV battery venture that it is developing now. The famous German car manufacturer invested in Group14's development of the new power cell, bringing a different take on battery development for the future. Porsche Bets on Group14 with $400M Investment on EV Batteries (Photo : Porsche) Porsche announced that it is going on a new venture with battery development, but the German company is not manufacturing these power cells, but it bets on a big project for its creation. A company called Group14 is looking at a new battery technology that would forego the traditional Lithium-Ion power cell for its future ventures. The German car manufacturer announced that it is allocating $400 million to this project, and it is putting a sizeable investment in this venture by the partner company. Porsche acquired stakes for the future of battery development, and it is up to Group14's engineering to deliver the power cells on their end, saying that it will be the future. Read Also: iPhone Battery Life Could Increase Through Using EV-Battery Production Tech #Porsche is forging ahead with its drive to develop and manufacture high-performance battery cells by acquiring shares in the US company @Group14Tech, a producer of advanced silicon-carbon technology for lithium-ion batteries. More: https://t.co/LGGqdVpOwb pic.twitter.com/Bljuhv1IG7 Porsche Newsroom (@PorscheNewsroom) May 4, 2022 Group14's Lithium-Silicon EV Battery Development Group14's project is to develop a new power cell with the Lithium-Silicon components for its EV batteries, and it is something that Porsche took an interest in from the recent developments. The batteries are still under development, and the companies are producing them for its soon release, with Porsche being one of the recipients. The investment puts Porsche at an advantageous standpoint where it can improve its EVs with a new power source that aims to bring more power and range to its existing and future lineup. EV Batteries from Manufacturers Batteries come in all shapes and sizes, but not all are for electric vehicles and are capable of powering the electric car to bring range and power to its motors and other needs. There are many that are looking into developing other electric vehicle batteries apart from the traditional Lithium-Ion (Li-On), especially as it is one challenging component to source. Startups and other engineering entities look into different forms of EV batteries, with one unique take focusing on a Lithium-Sulfur base for its power cells. Other power cells that move away from Li-On claim that their power cells can last longer and hold more capacity than the traditional batteries. Another venture focuses on a "battery-free" technology that would help in no longer needing the power cell with the "BFree" initiative. Electricity powers many needs in the modern era, and these power cells are portable sources of energy in contemporary times, helpful for the take on electric cars that run on clean energy. Porsche is only one of Group14's benefactors, and it both looks at the same goal of developing a new sustainable power cell. Related Article: Swappable Solid State EV Battery Prototype Revealed by Gogoro: Instant Recharge? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Richard 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Air fryers became popular after the global pandemic started. These simple cooking devices attract a lot of consumers since they are pretty easy to use. (Photo : Cate Gillon/Getty Images) In this photo illustration a lady eats a beefburger on July 12, 2007 in London, England. Government advisors are considering plans for a fat tax on foods high in fat to try to help tackle the fight against obesity. All you need to do is put your desired food in the container and set the timer. After that, your dish is ready to eat. What makes air fryers different from other cooking electronics is that they actually no longer need oil to cook food. Because of this, many consumers tend to put anything they want inside their air fryers. However, there are some foods that are not really advisable to be cooked using an air fryer. Foods You Should Not Cook in an Air Fryer! Toms Guide and Reader's Digest provided some of the foods that are not really good for your air fryer. Most of them are commonly people's favorite: (Photo : Sean Gallup/Getty Images) An Airfryer french fries maker stands on display at the Philips stand at the IFA 2013 consumer electronics trade fair on September 5, 2013 in Berlin, Germany. Also Read: Is An Air Fryer Actually Healthier? Here Are The Details Popcorn If you want to have popcorn as your snack for your at-home movie nights, then the best thing you can do is order. Cooking popcorn using your air fryer will not turn out pretty well this gadget's normal temperature is between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still below the heat needed for the popcorn to pop. Cheese Cheese will be another issue. Air fryers are not really advisable to be used to cook burgers with melting cheese. Remember, cheese can easily burn in high temperatures. Hamburgers Since hamburgers are commonly red meat, it will be hard to achieve the crisp and juicy inner meat part if an air fryer is used to cook it. Aside from these three, here are other foods you need to avoid: Battered Foods Whole Roasts Toast Roast Chicken Fresh Greens Air Fryer Do's and Dont's Aside from avoiding foods that are bad for your air fryer, there are also other do's and dont's that you need to practice, such as the following: DO Always keep the food in a single layer. Read the manual thoroughly before using the air fryer. Always remember to use a timer. DONT's Don't place your air fryer near electric outlets. Don't leave the air fryer plugged in when not in use. Avoid using oven-safe mitts or silicone gloves. Don't use cooking sprays that are chemical-based. Don't put too much food inside the air fryer. Previously, a newly developed electronic chopstick allegedly makes food tastier without using salt. Meanwhile, Tech Times provided the food you should not microwave. For tips and tricks for air fryers and other similar cooking electronics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: #TechTimesLifeHack: Do's and Don'ts of Using an Air Fryer This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk is now expected to become the next Twitter CEO. Will this actually come true? And if ever, will it be permanent or temporary? (Photo : Photo by Hannibal Hanschke-Pool/Getty Images) BERLIN, GERMANY DECEMBER 01: SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrives on the red carpet for the Axel Springer Award 2020 on December 01, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. Ever since the billionaire purchased the social media giant, Twitter's future has been questioned by critics. Many of them were concerned about the platform's safety under the hands of Musk. Now, it seems like the new rumor about Elon being Twitter's new CEO will be another issue. Here's how it can happen. Elon Musk as New Twitter CEO? According to CNBC's latest report, there's a high chance that Musk will be the next Twitter CEO. But, if this happens, it will only be temporary. (Photo : Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Elon Musk attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. Also Read: Elon Musk's New Twitter Profile Leads To ApeCoin Surge! Did the Billionaire Purchase a Bored Ape NFT? Anonymous sources claimed that this would happen once the billionaire completes his $44 billion takeovers of the giant social media site. Based on the latest SEC filing, it seems like Musk is getting near to his goal. The Daily Mail UK reported that the Tesla CEO could secure around $7 billion from 18 investors. Musk said that one of the investors that helped him with his latest funding is Larry Elisson, an Oracle Corp co-founder, who provided around $1 billion. Aside from this, other investors, such as Sequoia Capital, Brookfield, and Qatari Holding, also chipped in to achieve the new $7 billion fund. Will Parag Agrawal Allow It? Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal hasn't confirmed if he is against or okay with Elon Musk taking over as the new chief executive officer. "Once the deal closes, we don't know which direction the platform will go," said Agrawal. As of writing, Parag has been handling Twitter for just a few months after Jack Dorsey stepped down from being the social media platform's CEO back in November 2021. Since there are a lot of things happening with Twitter, even Agrawal is now unsure regarding the next activities on the platform, such as the return of former POTUS Donald Trump. Although this is the case, the Twitter CEO is doing his best to increase the daily active users of the platform, as well as bring new products to consumers. Meanwhile, Elon Musk said that he plans to make Twitter public again. On the other hand, Musk's Twitter partner brand investigation will soon happen. For more news updates about Elon Musk and Twitter, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Elon Musk Wants Government Entities and Enterprises to Pay for Twitter This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sony has not yet teased any information about the potential specs of its rumored flagship headphones WH-1000XM5, but the latest leak suggests that it already has retail packaging. Over Reddit, many people have seen that the upcoming wearable products could be just lurking on the internet. Apparently, some sources have revealed the alleged details about its battery. Sony WH-1000XM5 Packaging Leaked on Reddit (Photo : u/Chez5160 from Reddit) The early retail packaging of the long-rumored Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones was seen recently on Reddit. Previously, early rumors showed that these WH-1000XM5 headphones would come with a new redesign on their connector. Aside from this, the speculations suggest that it will sport a thinner headband this time compared to its predecessor. However, the recent report from the Dutch news site TechnikNews is rather different. Instead of tackling more about its alleged appearance, the article focuses on noting possible details about its battery. According to the source, the rumored flagship headphones are expected to come with an improved battery life paired with ANC (active noise cancellation) feature. Judging from the retail packaging of the device, Sony WH-1000XM5 will support up to 30 hours of battery life. A previous report noted that it would have up to 40 hours of battery life, so the current leak is a downgrade, per The Verge. Related Article: Sony WH-1000XM5 Leaks: Next Flagship Headphones to Feature Less Bulky Redesign 40-Hour Battery Life and Other Rumors In another round of speculations, The Walkman Blog claims that Sony's rumored wearable devices could possibly achieve a 40-hour battery life with an audio codec like what we have seen from AAC. For instance, the XM4 model boasts up to 38 hours of battery life while the user uses the SBC codec. Other than that, the rest of the features are not used, including the ANC. The packaging of these leaked headphones also hints that they would come in 360 Reality Audio Format. The XM4 headphones have previously adopted this feature, as well as a special voice assistant support feature. As of writing, we haven't yet heard any word from Sony about its possible pricing, but there might be some lead about its value once it is released. Sony's WH-1000XM4 sits at $349.99, so the potential price of the WH-1000XM5 headphones could be just near that value. It's a matter of time before we officially see these flagships, but there's a huge chance that they will be available this year. WF-1000XM4 Previous Rumors Speaking of the previous model, Tech Times wrote that the WF-1000XM4 earbuds were rumored to have the noise-canceling capability. The leak also pointed out that they would come with 360-degree audio and a smaller case. The Walkman Blog, the source which made a bold claim about the 40-hour battery life of WH-1000XM5, has also scribbled speculation about these wearables. The tech site predicted that the value of these earbuds would be much cheaper in the United States compared to their European counterpart. Read Also: Best Gaming Headsets to Buy Under $100 | Here's Where to Find Them This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Volta Trucks, a known electric vehicle company, will be bringing its own commercial e-trucks in the United States in 2023. The EV maker is planning to introduce the Zero trucks known as Volta Zero in the said region along with the two models: Class 5 and Class 6. To bolster its manufacturing strategy in the country, it's currently searching for a potential partner that could help it produce electric vehicles. Volta Zero Trucks Are Coming to the US in 2023 According to a report by NGT News, it is expected that the first Volta Zero trucks will first enter the North American market in 2023, particularly in Los Angeles, California. For those unfamiliar with this company, it is a London-based startup that was launched in 2019. Since then, it has delivered its trademark Class 7 Volta Zero trucks across Europe since 2020. After Volta saw success on its flagship EV, it decided to launch three extra models of the same vehicle. All in all, Volta spent $241 million or 230 million to produce the 16-ton variation of the Zero Truck. The Series C funding is also intended to launch both 7.5 and 12-ton models at that time. Having said that, Volta aims to roll out these variations to the public in 2025. Related Article: RAM 1500 EV: Company Teases New Electric Pickup, Aims to 'Steal Thunder' from Ford Volta to Release 18-Ton Zero Truck It is expected that the 18-ton version of the popular electric truck will be coming next year, along with the 16-ton model. The company announced that in 2024, the production rollout will kick off. The components of the Zero Truck are not entirely from Europe. It should be noted that Michigan-based supplier Meritor is responsible for delivering its eAxle, the EV motor. Meanwhile, the Proterra, which is from California, is assigned for the EV battery supply. As part of its expansion on foreign soil, Volta is looking for a new company that will create US-made parts for its trucks. According to Electrek, the first batch of Class 7 Volta Trucks that are set to land in the US will come from Steyr in Austria. The company plans to locally build the succeeding lighter trucks in the North American region. "Since the launch of Volta Trucks in 2019 and the reveal of the Volta Zero in September 2020, we have used London, Paris, and other European launch cities, where fleets are increasingly converting to electric, to prove that our concepts align with customers' needs," Volta Trucks founder Carl-Magnus Norden said. Norden believes that their Zero trucks will be enough to satisfy the American market. They would like to know the immediate feedback for the customers once the products touch the United States. Additionally, he says that he's also eager to meet the "largest fleet customers" in NA, citing his desire to bring the full-electric Class 7 to a bigger market. Read Also: #TechCEO: Robert "RJ" Scaringe | Meet the Man Behind Rivian's Success This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/Florian Olivo) gaming NetEase, the second-largest gaming company in China and is currently the sixth-largest in the world, has finally opened its first studio in the United States. The gaming company has decided to launch its first branch in Austin, Texas, because China's very own gaming industry is slowing. NetEase Launches Studio in the US NetEase's rival Tencent was a step ahead in expanding to North America as TiMi, which is Tencent's studio that is known for the mobile blockbuster "Honor of Kings," started hiring in Los Angeles, California, back in 2020. In 2021, TiMi added a base in Montreal. The Chinese gaming companies are venturing abroad at a time when China's gaming market is coming under increasing regulatory scrutiny, according to TechCrunch. Over the past few years, China has restricted playtime for minors, slowed down the regulatory approvals for games, and imposed stricter rules on gaming content. These requirements have inevitably put a squeeze on gaming companies' bottom line. Several small studios were struggling to get regulatory licenses because they lacked the resources or financing, and they ultimately decided to turn to foreign markets for growth. Also Read: China Revises Law to Ban Internet Addiction on Children: Streaming, Gaming, and Social Networks Must Set Limits to Remain Legal In 2021, China's gaming industry racked up almost 300 billion yuan or $45 billion in sales revenue, up 6.4% year-on-year, though the growth rate was down 15% compared to 2020, according to CNBC. Given the domestic challenges, it is no surprise that China's gaming companies seek new growth avenues. NetEase's new US-based studio, called Jackalope Games, is led by Jack Emmert, a veteran of massively multiplayer online role-playing games who worked on famous titles like "Neverwinter," "City of Heroes," "Star Trek Online," and "DC Universe Online." The studio will operate independently and maintain creative autonomy in its game development and publishing, according to NetEase. The gaming company will work on PC and console games and be hiring globally, though it did not say how many people the company will be recruiting. China's Strict Gaming Laws According to SCMP, even though the Chinese government has limited children's time playing video games to three hours a week, many children are still finding ways around the restrictions. Tencent also finally got a release for the long-awaited mobile version of "League of Legends," but the new game licenses were frozen in July 2021. Video games have become more important to the country's economy, despite the long-standing hostility from the country's regulators. Some of the antagonism was in response to distrust from parents in the early 2000s, but there is also a more deep-seated wariness of the medium. The Chinese government's antipathy towards video games is because of spiritual opium. The term has been a part of China's history, as it has been used when the country rallied against foreign cultural products. The concerns about video games began to take hold in the 2000s. Worries about the impact of video games come hand in hand with fears of internet addiction, especially amongst children. The worries increased when in 2002, two boys, ages 13 and 14, set fire to an internet cafe in Beijing. The incident killed 25 people and injured 17. Related Article: Chinese Gaming Industry Sees Massive Strides as Monetization Regulations Diminish This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. RICO- How Politicians, Prosecutors, and the Mob Destroyed One of the FBIs finest Special Agents Written by: Joe Wolfinger Available In: eBook|Paperback Author Website: http://www.RICOBOOK.COM/ In October 2003 Paul Rico, a 78-year old retired FBI agent, was arrested and charged with the 1981 murder of a Tulsa Oklahoma based millionaire. Rico died a few months later in January 2004, before a trial or even a preliminary hearing could be held. An investigation by two retired agents proves two things: 1) he was a great agent and 2) he was not guilty. As long as the United States continues to summarily deport Salvadorans who break the law in the country, it will be difficult to rein in the gang violence. Mass deportations to El Salvador in the 1990s and a failure to coordinate with Salvadoran authorities make the United States partly responsible for the rise of violent gangs in the Central American country, Salvadoran observers have said. Following a wave of armed violence and murders that claimed the lives of 87 people in 72 hours, the Salvadoran government on March 27 launched an offensive against the gangs, or "maras," under a State of Exception. So far, authorities have arrested more than 21,000 suspected gang members and collaborators, leading to a drop in homicides, disappearances, extortion and other violent crimes. Salvadoran anthropologist Marvin Aguilar said the government crackdown on gangs enjoys great popular support from a public weary of the constant violence that has marred life in El Salvador for the past 30 years. Over this period, the gangs have grown out of control, increasingly aware of their own power and capacity to terrorize and dominate communities. While the successive Salvadoran governments since 1992, when peace accords that put an end to years of civil war were signed, also bore blame for the proliferation of gangs, the United States played a role by "mass deporting Salvadorans it considered a nuisance... without taking any preventive measures," said Aguilar. The emergence of the criminal gangs that plagued El Salvador and other Central American countries, such as Honduras and Guatemala, can be traced back to the 1980s in the U.S. city of Los Angeles, California, studies showed. Many Salvadorans who fled the civil war settled in L.A., gradually organizing to defend themselves from discrimination and abuse from the authorities and other Latino or African-American minorities. El Salvadors crackdown on Maras is pushing some gang members to flee across into Mexico. A Mara in Chicago told me some will try to reach for the US taking advantage of summer migration. pic.twitter.com/6GlhiIdDbB Luis Chaparro (@LuisKuryaki) April 11, 2022 The objective of these organizations changed over time, evolving into criminal gangs involved in robberies, assaults, drug trafficking, extortion and homicides. The U.S. response was to deport gang members, who brought their gang way of life to their countries of origin. The deported were young people, some of whom had not even lived in El Salvador, and they were thrown into the streets outside the airport. "The way they found to survive was to recruit young people in the poorest communities, making them see that solidarity and brotherhood could solve the problems of poverty and marginalization," Aguilar said. According to Salvadoran security and criminology expert Ricardo Sosa, as long as the United States continues to summarily deport Salvadorans who break the law in the country, it will be difficult to rein in the gang violence. "If these Salvadorans are committing crimes within the United States, they should be legally tried -- captured and prosecuted there. They should have the right to... defend themselves within the United States," Sosa said, adding that the United States "has not found an answer to the problem of the gangs and yet it wants to give us instructions -- that is not credible." Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has accused U.S. officials of being insincere when they allege Washington supports and supported the fight against gang violence in El Salvador and Central America. Blue House into the arms of the people after 74 years... On the first day of opening, what is the site? De Lima urges Malacanang to declare May 9 as non-working holiday Re-electionist Senator Leila M. de Lima urged Malacanang to declare the national elections on May 9 as a non-working holiday. De Lima, a former election lawyer, said Malacanang's failure to declare May 9 as a non-working holiday could come at a personal cost of Filipino electorate. "Anong petsa na? Apat na araw na lang at eleksyon na. Pero hanggang ngayon, hindi pa na-declare na holiday ang araw ng halalan sa May 9?" she asked. "Kasama ng milyon-milyon nating manggagawa na nagnanais bumoto sa ating halalan, nananawagan ako sa Malacanang na ideklara na non-working holiday ang May 9. It is the least we can do for our democracy," she added. The 2022 Philippine general election is slated on May 9, for executive and legislative branches of the government - national, provincial, and local, except for the barangay officials. The lady Senator from Bicol maintained that everyone should have the chance to exercise their right to suffrage without being burdened. "Voting is not only our right, it is our duty. All qualified voters should participate and make their voices known. But it should not come at a personal cost of our citizens," she said. "Hindi dapat mawalan ng kita ang ating mga manggagawa para lamang bumoto. Hindi dapat mabawasan ang panggastos ng kanilang sambahayan sa araw ng ating halalan. Bigyan natin ng pagkakataon lahat na bumoto," she added. Last month, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through Resolution No. 10784, requested Mr. Duterte to declare the national elections on May 9 as a special non-working holiday. A federal appeals court says a Baton Rouge judge correctly dismissed a lawsuit filed by a deputy who blames the national Black Lives Matter protest movement for injuries he suffered during a deadly ambush of law enforcement officers two years ago. East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's deputy Nick Tullier was critically injured in an attack that left three Baton Rouge law enforcement officers dead. He filed a lawsuit against Black Lives Matter and five of its most prominent activists, including DeRay Mckesson. +4 Lawsuit against Black Lives Matter: Tullier represented; Mckesson named; inciting 'violence against' police alleged Attorneys for one of the officers wounded in a lone gunman's deadly ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement last July claim the national Black L The suit claimed the activists' criticism of law enforcement after a white Baton Rouge police officer fatally shot Alton Sterling, a 37-year-old black man, led directly to 29-year-old Gavin Long's July 17, 2016, attack on law officers outside a convenience store and car wash near Baton Rouge police headquarters. Long, a black military veteran from Kansas City, Missouri, was shot dead by police officers responding to the attack. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson of Baton Rouge dismissed Tullier's suit for failure to state a plausible claim for relief. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans affirmed that decision in a one-paragraph ruling late Wednesday. After consideration of the complaint, district court opinion, briefs, and applicable law in this matter, we conclude that no reversible error occurred, the panel said in an unsigned order. Tulliers attorney, Donna Grodner, said Thursday she was not in a position to discuss her next move because she had not discussed the ruling with the Tullier family. Grodner, however, noted that the appellate court panels ruling was unanimous, and she said asking the U.S. Supreme Court to consider a case is an extremely expensive proposition. Baton Rouge officer's lawsuit dismissed; Black Lives Matter can't be sued, judge says BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) A federal judge has ruled that Black Lives Matter is a social movement that can't be sued over an officer's injuries d Mckesson, who was arrested in Baton Rouge during a protest following the Alton Sterling shooting but not charged by prosecutors, said Thursday hes thankful for the favorable appeals court ruling. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up This lawsuit was an attempt to silence me for speaking the truth and I will never be too afraid to tell the truth, he said. Tullier, who was identified in the suit as only John Doe Smith but whose injuries were described in detail, alleged in the lawsuit that the Black Lives Matter movement and its leaders are liable for his injuries. Tullier's lawsuit accused the Black Lives Matter activists of negligence and claimed they are responsible for Longs deadly attack because they knew or should have known that violently mentally disturbed persons would be aroused by their call to violence and retribution to police for the deaths of black men. Mckesson condemned Longs attack within hours of it occurring and said the Black Lives Matter movement began as a call to end violence and remains so. Sterlings controversial death on July 5, 2016, sparked protests in Baton Rouge and across the country. Longs ambush, which occurred on a Sunday morning, killed East Baton Rouge Parish sheriffs deputy Brad Garafola and Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald. The attack left Tullier and two other officers injured. Tullier was shot in the head, stomach and shoulder and nearly died. He still receives treatment for his injuries. Grodner also represents an unnamed Baton Rouge police officer who claimed in a lawsuit against Black Lives Matter and Mckesson that he was hit in the face by a chunk of concrete thrown during a protest in Baton Rouge after the Sterling shooting. Judge Brian Jackson threw out that suit as well, saying Black Lives Matter is a social movement and therefore cant be sued. The officers appeal is pending at the 5th Circuit, Grodner said. The family of Nick Tullier on Tuesday said that its hard to reflect on the two-year anniversary of the officer ambush that left the East Baton Rouge deputy critically injured, but that we must never forget what happened on that day. In a Facebook post on the Nick Tullier Strong page, James Tullier, Nicks father, said that the family cant celebrate the anniversary of the July 17, 2016 shooting. I know it seems like we ought to be happy, and we are for Nick is still with us fighting each and every day trying to regain his life, James Tullier wrote. But at the same time, this date doesnt have fond memories. Heroes were lost that day in 2016, Tullier wrote. Other heroes rose to the occasion to help save Nick. Blue families were shaken. I can attest to that firsthand. In his post, Tullier summarized all that Nick has been through in the past two years including the initial days after the shooting when doctors repeatedly said that his sons chance of survival was slim. He said that his son's story is not much different from other officers who the Tullier family has met since the 2016 ambush. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up All struggle every day, due to having put their lives on the line for you and me, Tullier wrote. +9 In Houston hospital, wounded deputy Nick Tullier's family gathers to celebrate recovery's daily battles Doctors didn't expect Nick Tullier to survive after a gunman shot him in the head, stomach and shoulder during the July 17, 2016 ambush that killed three other law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. A year later, the 42-year-old sheriff's deputy is still defying the odds and the grim prognosis issued after the July 17 attack... On the anniversary of the day that changed everything for his family, Tullier said that he was not asking for sympathy. But if you must cry a tear, do it for all law enforcement officers, he wrote. They continually risk their lives to serve and protect. Nick Tullier was shot multiple times in the targeted ambush on law enforcement. He has been undergoing extensive treatment in Houston, where he has made remarkable progress but still struggles with basic tasks such as forming words and moving his limbs. Public schools in Louisiana are getting more than $4 billion from three rounds of federal stimulus dollars to help combat the coronavirus pandemic, and a state Senate leader said Tuesday he wants to make sure the once-in-a-lifetime windfall is not squandered. "We will be wanting to know how you plan on spending that money," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bodi White, R-Central, told state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley. White noted that the $4 billion is roughly the same as the recommended funding for nearly 700,000 public school students for the 2021-22 school year. Federal stimulus bill means another $2.6 billion for public schools, 'We just have to execute' Public schools are in line to get a staggering $2.6 billion from the federal stimulus bill that won final congressional approval last week, mo "What I don't want to see as chairman of finance is to see the money squandered," White said. "It is a lot of money, and most of the superintendents I talked to say they have a wealth of money right now and they have a wealth of money coming," he added. "I do hope they (local superintendents) heed your warnings and advice and use the money wisely over two or three years and pay for some of the things they have wanted forever." The issue surfaced during a hearing on Gov. John Bel Edwards' proposed public schools budget, including $3.9 billion in aid to public schools. The $4 billion plus in federal aid stems from a trio of bills approved by Congress in March, December of 2020 and March of 2020. Brumley noted than 90% of the federal dollars go directly to local school districts, and state officials are not allowed to mandate how schools spend the aid. But he said state education leaders have lined up the federal money and Louisiana public school priorities, and offered guidance to local school districts "to help them think through what would be an appropriate use of those dollars." He said upgraded summer school programs, including this year to help students make up academic ground lost during the pandemic, are one of the priorities. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The $4 billion for public schools is in addition to nearly $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars for private schools and the child care industry. The latest round of federal aid, which was approved by Congress in March, includes $172 million for the Jefferson Parish School District; $145 million for the East Baton Rouge Parish School District; $63 million for the Orleans Parish school system and $64 million for the St. Tammany Parish school system. Edwards has recommended a pay raise of $400 per year for teachers and $200 for support workers $40 million per year. The superintendent said that, of teachers who leave Louisiana classrooms, 44% do so in the first five years and 61% in the first 10 years. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has asked the Legislature for twice that much $40 million to boost teacher pay and another $40 million increase to boost spending per student by 1.375%. Louisiana school board seeks to double aid requested by governor; includes $400 teacher pay raises Louisiana's top school board Tuesday voted to ask the Legislature for an $80 million hike for public schools, double the amount sought by Gov. Brumley said 71% of students are getting in-person instruction. He said a national survey showed Louisiana ranks seventh in the U. S. for in-person learning. Another 20% of students are relying on virtual learning and 9% use both distance and in-person instruction. Brumley said 2% of students have tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2020-21 school year. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the coronavirus. The roughly 1,500 inmates still behind bars, convicted by a nonunanimous jury, which has been found unconstitutional, will have the opportunity to possibly be freed under legislation advanced Thursday by a Louisiana House committee. But advocates for those convicted say they werent consulted in the deal that involves the governors office, district attorneys and some legislators. And they have particular problems with a commission, which would be created by House Bill 744, that must unanimously decide whether to allow a parole hearing for someone convicted and sent to prison by a jury that couldnt all agree on guilt. State Rep. Randal L. Gaines, the LaPlace Democrat who sponsored HB744, acknowledged that the solution wasnt perfect but one all sides could agree on. Prosecutors were worried about releasing dangerous criminals on a technicality and many were concerned that individuals would languish in prison convicted by a system nearly two-thirds of the states voters rejected in 2018 and the U.S. Supreme Court overruled in 2020. What we have now is a product that balances all the concerns of the people involved, agreed Loren Lampert, executive director for the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, HB744 allows those convicted with a non-unanimous jury verdict prior to 2018 to apply for a review by a board. A five-member commission, appointed by the governor, would include three retired appellate or supreme court justices, a retired district attorney, and a retired public defender. The five would review the case file looking at factors, such as the strength of the states case, the nature of the offense, the quality of counsel, any indications of racial animus, length of deliberations, and whether the nonunanimity was the result of jurors voting to acquit. If all members of the board agree, the person could become eligible for a parole hearing that could lead to release. Non-unanimous jury verdict bills moved out Criminal Justice committee After business was done in the Louisiana House and the representatives started trickling away late Wednesday, a cabal of Democratic members as I can tell you right now our input hasnt been heard, testified Will Harrell, policy counsel at Voice of the Experienced, a New Orleans-based group that advocates on behalf of the formerly incarcerated. VOTE wasn't asked and had issues with the proposed procedure. For one thing, the proposed five-member commission would have to all agree if the inmate could become eligible for parole after an exhaustive review of the case. Months would pass before the committee could be set up and become fully operational. For another, the Louisiana Supreme Court is considering on Tuesday what to do about those convicted under the system that has been found unconstitutional. The fear is the states high court may duck the issue on the news that the Legislature is considering a way to manage the 1,500 or so inmates convicted by non-unanimous juries. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up I dont want to give the court a way out. Let them man up," said Norris Henderson, the founder of VOTE who had served 27 years in prison after being convicted by a 10-2 jury. Nonunanimous juries were established during the Jim Crow era by Louisiana lawmakers who said the method would more easily convict Black defendants. In a statewide November 2018 ballot, Louisiana voters removed nonunanimous juries from the state Constitution. In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the system was unconstitutional and forbid its use from that moment on. But that didnt address what to do about all the affected inmates in state prison, most of whom are African Americans serving long terms, usually life sentences. Over the past few years, the Legislature couldnt agree on how to handle retroactive cases and came up with a study commission, headed by Gaines, to look at alternatives. In the meantime, two separate Louisiana court of appeals have issued different rulings on whether people with non-unanimous convictions should be entitled to new trials. The Louisiana Supreme Court is scheduled to weigh in on the issue when hearing on Tuesday in the case of Reginald Reddick. He was convicted on a 10-2 verdict of second-degree murder for the 1993 killing of Al Moliere in Plaquemines Parish. The lawyers representing most of the 1,500 folks identified as currently serving time for non-unanimous verdicts were critical of the legislative cure. The only real remedy for hundreds still incarcerated without verdicts is retroactivity and requiring the state to actually prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, Hardell Ward, managing attorney of the Jim Crow Jury Project at Promise of Justice Initiative, said in a statement. To ask those who have suffered a Jim Crow jury verdict to, without counsel, resources or adequate time, present to an unelected body some other miscarriage of justice to receive parole further maintains and promotes the ideals of the 1898 Convention, which brought Jim Crow to Louisiana. The guarantees of our laws cannot be allowed to be stolen away and this injustice can only be cured by granting the men and women in prison their right to a fair trial. Gaines pointed out that if the Louisiana Supreme Court ordered the retroactive cases be retried, then theres no need for his bill. If the high court doesnt rule, then the only procedure available would be the one outlined in his legislation. The House Judiciary committee approved the legislation without objection. The full House likely will get a chance to vote on it next week. Roses and diplomas await distribution during a small graduation ceremony for the six latest "graduates" of Courtney's Christian Preparatory School located at 3054 Evangeline Street Thursday June 24, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La. The youngsters are heading next to real school. There is an effort to expand early childhood education in Baton Rouge this coming school year in which the EBR school system plans to spend as much as $4.3 million to pay for seats at local child care centers like this one. Elon Musk is expected to become Twitters temporary CEO after closing his $US44 billion ($62 billion) takeover of the social-media firm, a person familiar with the matter said, as the billionaire inches closer to securing funds for the deal. Musk, the worlds richest man, is also the CEO at Tesla and heads two other ventures, The Boring Company and SpaceX. Elon Musk was accused of bullying Twitters top lawyer. Credit:AP Tesla shares dropped over 8 per cent on Thursday, as investors fretted that Musks involvement with Twitter could distract him from running the worlds most valuable electric-car maker. Twitter shares, on the other hand, extended gains and were up about 1.8 per cent at $US50.00, closer to the deal price of $US54.20, as investors bet that the new funding made the completion of the deal more likely. Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm will seek to restart talks with the Serbian government about the miners stalled multibillion-dollar Jadar lithium mine after its permits were revoked ahead of last months elections in the Balkan nation. We have certainly not given up on Jadar - I think its a perfect project, Stausholm told reporters after Rio Tintos annual shareholder meeting in Melbourne on Thursday. Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said the company was hopeful that common sense will prevail over its proposed Jadar lithium mine which had its licence revoked by the Serbian government. Im very hopeful that common sense will prevail and we will enter a dialogue. Rio Tinto, the second-largest Australian mining company, is seeking to develop the $US2.4 billion ($3.3 billion) Jadar mine in western Serbia as part of its foray into lithium, a sought-after battery raw material that will be needed in increasingly vast quantities as carmakers roll out millions of electric vehicles in the coming years. The bus drivers union says future strikes are possible after hundreds of Victorian commuters faced major disruptions due to a 24-hour stoppage on Friday. Around 1500 bus drivers across the state walked off the job after failing to secure a deal with transport companies Dyson and Ventura on pay and conditions. Bus drivers strike in Bundoora on Friday. Credit:Wayne Taylor More than 100 bus services across Melbournes bus network in the eastern, southern and north-eastern suburbs were cancelled. About 100 school bus services also did not run. Drivers started demonstrating at the Dyson bus depot in Bundoora on Friday morning, chanting stop the buses and waving union flags. The three-year-old girl who was left in a minibus parked at a Queensland childcare centre for six hours had been forgotten by the driver and a centre worker, even though she was the only child picked up that day. Nevaeh Austin was airlifted from a Rockhampton to the Queensland Childrens Hospital on Wednesday and underwent a deep brain scan and treatment for kidney failure, her father Shane told Nine News. By Thursday afternoon, the three-year-old was breathing on her own, and her condition had improved from critical to stable, Nevaehs grandmother Pam told Nine News. Nevaeh was found unconscious in the bus, parked outside Le Smileys Early Learning Centre in Gracemere, near Rockhampton, on Wednesday afternoon and was rushed to Rockhampton Hospital. Warning: This story contains graphic content, and the name and images of a deceased Indigenous person. A doctor who checked an Indigenous inmate before she was found dead in a prison cell has admitted to making a string of errors, including wrongly recording that Veronica Nelson wasnt withdrawing from drugs or had any medical history, after coronial investigations uncovered major failings in his paperwork. Doctor Sean Runacres arrives at the Coroners Court of Victoria to give evidence on Wednesday. Credit:Darrian Traynor Medical practitioner Sean Runacres who now works in aviation medicine was a part-time prison doctor responsible for assessing Nelson when she arrived at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on New Years Eve 2019. Speaking at an inquest on Thursday into Nelsons death in custody, Runacres conceded hed made numerous errors in his electronic records during the assessment and that those errors had the potential to put patient safety at risk. Those mistakes, he agreed, also meant hed failed to comply with his professional obligations to take accurate notes. In 15 seconds, Labors defence spokesman Brendan OConnor delivered a better attack on the Coalitions record on national security than anyone else in the party has managed over the past nine years. In his debate with Defence Minister Peter Dutton at the National Press Club on Thursday, OConnor laid out a litany of defence capability decisions taken over the past nine years that have resulted in billions of dollars wasted. Peter Dutton and Brendan OConnor faced off at the National Press Club. Credit:James Brickwood/Alex Ellinghausen He then turned to the greatest national security failure under the Coalition government: the decision in 2015 to allow the Port of Darwin to be leased to a Chinese company for 99 years. Just remember that. It was Labor in government who stationed the US Marines in Darwin, and it was Scott Morrison that flogged off the port to the Chinese. Bob Hawke and John Howard, our two most successful modern prime ministers, both built broad coalitions of support under an umbrella uniting the social and economic divides in Australia. Hawkes inclusive style and economic reforms with Paul Keating won four elections for Labor. Howard first won on the back of traditional Labor supporters called the Howard battlers while keeping the small-l liberals under his umbrella with tax reform. Former prime ministers Bob Hawke and John Howard. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen With 15 days to go before the federal election, what does Scott Morrison or Anthony Albanese need to do to win majority government? The fact is, achieving that winning edge will be a big challenge for both. So why is it so hard for the major parties to win an election in 2022? At the heart of the challenges faced by Morrison and Albanese are long-term changes in their traditional support bases and social and economic changes. These changes have been dramatic. Blue-collar working families in traditional industries have lost their job security; outsourcing has produced small business tradies and contractors struggling to survive; women are being empowered but their families have been burdened by the high costs of childcare; the myth of nursing homes providing quality care has been exploded; progressive small-l liberals have lost their home in the Liberal Party; and the influence of religion has diminished. It is a complex mix. When Nivea Perenise became pregnant in year 11, she hid the news from her school friends for the entire nine months. I felt that I would be judged, that I would be looked at differently, I felt under pressure, she said. Nivea Perenise became pregnant in year 11. Credit:Penny Stephens As Melbourne emerged from its first COVID-19 lockdown in May 2020, Niveas son Hezekiah was born, and the 17-year-old withdrew from her year 12 studies to care for her baby. Melbournes outer south-east, where Nivea lives, has about 1100 parents aged 15-20, census data shows, and some of the lowest year 12 completion rates in greater Melbourne. Last September, US Supreme Court judge Amy Coney Barrett, the final of three conservatives appointed to the court by former president Donald Trump, declared at a function in Texas, My goal today is to convince you that this court is not composed of a bunch of partisan hacks. It was a tough ask, and one that became all-but impossible to argue this week when it was revealed via a leaked draft ruling that Americas highest court is expected to overturn a nearly 50-year-old precedent by extinguishing the fundamental right of women to have an abortion in the US. The reality is that from the moment Barrett, a pro-life advocate before joining the court in 2020, replaced Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a fierce defender of abortion rights, the power of the court moved decisively into the hands of a conservative super-majority, making it only a matter of time before the landmark abortion case Roe v Wade was overturned. A crowd gathers outside the Supreme Court in Washington after the draft decision was published. Credit:AP While the draft ruling is just that, a draft, there is little doubt that the thrust of the argument will be largely echoed in the final decision. Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the leaked document, believes: Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey [which in 1992 also backed the right to an abortion] have inflamed debate and deepened division. Alito is right in one sense. Since the 1980s, in reaction to progressive victories in the Supreme Court in the 1960s and 70s, religious and legal conservative groups, in lockstep with the Republican Party, have turned the pursuit of a pro-life agenda into an all-out battle. But that deep rift has barely been reflected in the broader community. Since Roe v Wade was decided, polling has shown that fewer than 20 per cent of Americans have supported abortion being made illegal in all circumstances. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. By Grace Cocker via Today FM I remember a sense of relief washing over me. I remember sucking on a lemonade ice block, with the nurse telling my incredibly supportive father that I was the most talkative person they ever had through the door - nerves I guess. I remember laughing, not knowing how to deal with the seriousness of the situation. I remember getting McDonald's on the way home and listening to the radio as a distraction. I remember my best friend text bombing with me supportive messages, and my mum telling me to rest and breathe. Most of all, I remember not crying. Not one, single tear. Twenty-year-old me made the right call to have an abortion - and 31-year-old me still believes this to be true. Lily James has successfully argued that she was harassed by the Daily Mail after the site published no less than 51 stories about her in just four months. A complaint made by the star to the Independent Press Standards Organisation said the MailOnline had paid freelance journos to lurk outside her home, and things got so bad she eventually had to move house. Look, we understand press attention comes with being in show business, but this is way too far. Bergsten, who spotted the f*cked up encounter, told Buzzfeed: I immediately screen-recorded it because I think its important that we dont over-glorify events like the Met Gala if the standard for what photographers are being invited and the conduct of those photographers is so shockingly low. Bergsten expressed her outrage at the incident in her video, saying "Sydney Sweeney deserved better that night, and all women deserve better when it comes to being harassed point-blank" "Its definitely all part of a larger problem, and Im hoping this incident doesnt just get shrugged off." she said in the video which has now gone viral. We couldn't agree more. Bergsten did explain that it was possible that those from the New York Times and other members of the press at the event didn't hear the remarks yelled at her over the screaming of fans at the event. Many have agreed with Bergsten, with fans taking to Twitter to express their disgust at the incident. Speaker Trevor Mallard is seen during Question time and sitting of the House in the House of Representatives debating chamber in Wellington, New Zealand, on Aug. 31, 2021. (Robert Kitchin - Pool/Getty Images) 5 Trespass Notices to Former New Zealand MPs Who Attended Anti-Mandate Protests Withdrawn New Zealand House Speaker Trevor Mallard has withdrawn trespass notices for five former MPs, prompting the former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters to call for an immediate vote of no confidence. On May 2, trespass notices were sent to Peters, former Nationals MP Matt King, and others who attended the anti-mandate protests in Wellington, banning them from parliament grounds for two years. King attended the protest twice in February, making two speeches and interviewing many of the protesters. Theres no justification for this trespass notice, King said after receiving the notice. Mallard had met with the Parliamentary Service Commission to consider whether the politicians should be exempted from the notices of trespassing, but the only ones in favour were the ACT Party. Then on May 4, the trespass notices were withdrawn for five former MPs who attended or visited the protest. A total of 151 trespass notices had been sent out, of which seven had been issued to persons of interest. I have been working with Police and Parliamentary Security to constantly assess threats to Parliament, and the advice I have received is that it is no longer necessary to retain trespass notices for these five people, Mallard said in a statement. The behaviour of some individuals was clearly more egregious than others, and on that basis, it has been relatively easy to identify those persons issued with trespass notices who no longer are regarded as being a risk to the safety and security of others at Parliament. Mallard said further trespass notices may be issued as part of the ongoing police investigation and noted that while the parliament grounds were now open to the public, there were still some restrictions in place. Police stand guard as protesters against COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions gather near parliament grounds in Wellington, New Zealand, on March 2, 2022. (Dave Lintott/AFP via Getty Images) Peters said it was an outrageous insult that the speaker of the house would hold this view of himself and former colleagues. This is not, and should not, be a matter of special treatment for former Members of Parliament, he wrote in a post on Twitter. This is a matter of fairness and standing up for freedoms and democracy. Surely a current Member of Parliament can stand up and do their duty and move a motion of no confidence, he added. Peters had announced a few hours prior to the withdrawal notice that he would be seeking a judicial review of the decision. He later said it should not have taken the threat of going to court for the speaker to come to his sense. This whole issue from the start to finish has been an absolute shambles and has caused a number of people unnecessary anguish and expense, he said. The Epoch Times reached out to the office of Speaker Trevor Mallard for comment but did not receive a response. A transit officer, wearing protective gear, controls access to a tunnel near Shanghai's Pudong district during the lockdown on March 28, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) A Teacher Recounts the Misery of Escaping Shanghai A college teacher and his wife were trapped in Shanghai for 48 days during the citys lockdown, and worried about their 12-year-old boy who was at home by himself. In despair, they decided to leave and get back to their home. They went to Shanghai on March 3 for a business trip and ended up stuck there, 100 miles northeast of their hometown of Hangzhou, when the city lockdown began on March 13. At the end of April, they finally received an official permit allowing them to leave Shanghai. Later, the couple was forced to take a fugitive path to reach their destination. Stiff Regulations Sun Sixian (pseudonym) and his wife are both faculty members of a college in Hangzhou. On May 2, Sun told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times that starting on March 13, he had tried at least 10 times to get the citys approval for he and his wife to return to their home town and quarantine there instead of in Shanghai. Finally, the city agreed to let them leave, but only if Sun wrote a letter guaranteeing that he and his wife would not return to Shanghai until the pandemic was over, and the officials in their hometown agreed to accept their return. At the end of April, with proof of his hometown acceptance and his own letter guaranteeing the couple would not return to Shanghai, they still couldnt leave the city because the public transportation was either suspended or fully booked. Finally, hiring a rental car and a driver, at a cost of $907, and with the agreement of his hometown pandemic prevention office, they managed to start the trip home on April 30. The Hangzhou office staff promised to pick the couple up at the highway exit and transfer them to a local quarantine hotel. The driver would go back to Shanghai. However, things changed when they arrived at the pandemic prevention office at the highway exit to Hangzhou. A worker, wearing protective gear, walking next to barriers during a lockdown in Jingan district, in Shanghai on March 31, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) The office staff said, You have two choices. One is to have your community pick you up and transfer you to the quarantine hotel and the other is to return to where you just came from. Their letter guaranteeing they would not return to Shanghai meant they couldnt go back, so Sun contacted his residential community to ask if someone would pick them up. Half of an hour later, the community returned the call and said, Its not part of our service. We are only responsible for the isolation. Youll figure it out for yourself. Sun asked, Can I have a friend come and pick me up? The answer was no, because the couple had come from an epicenter and they must keep a distance from others, You are on your own, the community staff said. Sun immediately engaged in frantic calls to various departments to help him out, but none of his calls were answered. It was already 10:30 p.m., and the couple were hungry and were left outside the office while it was raining. They tried hitchhiking, but no one dared to pick them up because they came from Shanghai. If caught, the driver would be considered to have broken the law. The Path of a Fugitive In despair, Sun decided he would sneak away from the pandemic prevention office and its guards. Sun observed the surroundings of the off ramp and found there was a guardrail in the middle of the highway exit. He could see gaps under the guardrail. He said, I had no choice but to sneak through the gap. I took a risk. I crawled to the other side of the guardrail, but found the office was also on the other side. Sun said that he was too frightened to walk. He fell every time he tried to stand up. He continued crawling to the other side of the highway until he fell down a slope to a large orchard off the highway. There was a high metal fence surrounding the orchard. I didnt care much, I just climbed over the metal fence. It was so high and I my body was injured all over. I rolled directly onto the muddy ground on the opposite side, and then stood up and ran for about a kilometer, until I felt it was safe, he said. He obtained an e-taxi and then called his wife and told her to wait, Dont worry, I will come back for you, he said. When the e-taxi arrived, he got in, and didnt talk during the ride so he wouldnt cause trouble for the driver. When he finally got to his apartment complex, he called the community office, I am back. Youve got to help to get my wife back here so we can isolate. But, the staff said, Go to the quarantine site yourself, we cant do anything about your wife. Sun was furious, and said, If you dont pick up my wife, I wont accept the quarantine. The person said to him, You know you are violating the law. Do you know the consequences? Sun answered, I dont care. Theres no quarantine if you dont pick up my wife. The person continued to threaten him. Sun called the police to explain his situation. Finally, four people from the police station and the pandemic prevention apartment came and negotiated with him. A person looks out of a closed shop next to a neighborhood in lockdown in Shanghai, China on March 23, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) To Save His Wife, Sun Begged on His Knees You know what? They refused to pick her up. It was already past 11 p.m., she was out there alone in the rain, with so much luggage. I had to kowtow to them, Sun said to the Chinese Epoch Times. He knelt down. Sun said, I am a teacher, I have my dignity, but I had to bear such humiliation. Half an hour later, they finally agreed to pick up his wife. Sun insisted on going with them. The couple arrived at the isolation hotel at 2 a.m. on May 1. He couldnt sleep the whole night in the quarantine hotel. He said, Peoples lives are so wronged by this society. I felt that I had to speak up. He made an online video recounting his experiences, and his pain and sorrow. His video was viewed hundreds of thousands of times and received tens of thousands of comments and likes, but it was quickly blocked by the censors. His relatives and friends disagreed with his posting his story online. On May 2, the police called and told him a warning letter had been issued because he posted the video. The letter said that he was alleged to be spreading disinformation. Sun refused to sign the letter. The police warned that he would be arrested soon. Sun told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times, If I endure itbecause the Chinese have learned to swallow their own sorrowsif everyone is to endure like this, what will happen to our next generation? We people will never be able to stand up straight. Its terrible. He believes that this incident helped him to better interpret the current phenomena in China today. He said, We are sometimes the accomplices of the tyrant, with our prudent acts out of selfishness. No one agreed with me when I defended my rights. The ones who are closer to me disagreed the most. They knew I wouldnt be able to win in defending my rights against the authorities. Our entire nation is like this. We can only sing the [regimess] praises. Only one voice is allowed in the nation. Sun indicated that the disaster of what people inflict on each other is far worse than the actual pandemic. Gu Qinger and Gu Xiaohua contributed to this report. A caution sign is posted at the Castaic Lake reservoir in Los Angeles County on May 3, 2022 in Castaic, California. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Amid California Water Shortage Billions of Gallons of Water Lost to Protect Small Fish Californias multi-decade battle between farmers and the Delta smelt fish LOS ANGELESAs drought concerns prompt state and city leaders to implement water conservation efforts, a small fish has made its way back to center stage in Californias water wars, with many farmers questioning why millions of acre-feet of fresh water are being sent to the ocean to try to save it. Its a multi-decade-long battle that has resurfaced as the state limits many residents water use by 20 to 35 percent and restricts outdoor watering to once per week. The Delta smelt fisha small fish that lives in the San Francisco Estuary and SacramentoSan Joaquin Deltawas placed on the threatened list under the federal Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) in 1993. By 2009, CESA changed its status to endangered. However, for four years in a row, beginning in 2017, the fish werent detected at all in annual surveys by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). In December, thousands of Delta smelt that were grown in captivity were released into the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the CDFW to see if the species would rebound. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife released Delta smelt that were grown in captivity into the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta on Dec. 1415, 2021. (Brandon Honig/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) But the push to save the fish from extinction has become a quandary for the states farmers, who say the policies created under the Endangered Species Act to protect the smelt are creating more water waste, while draconian regulations on water pumping in the Central Valley significantly limit the amount of water used for farmland. How theyre managing the water here just makes you cry, Steve Jackson, an almond farmer and California Water Board member, told The Epoch Times. Because they are using the Endangered Species Act to reshape how water is being utilized here. Scientists have attributed the decline in smelt to a lack of freshwater outflows, since they spawn in cool, low salinity waters. As a result, the state requires a certain amount of fresh water to be sent from the San Joaquin River to the Delta and eventually the Pacific Ocean as unimpaired flows each year to improve the habitat. According to the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation, that will amount to approximately 288,000 acre-feet between Feb. 1 and June 30. One acre-foot contains around 326,000 gallons of water. Yet these water conservation efforts to try to save the smelt appear to have largely failed. Jackson said the amount of fresh water that ends up in the ocean is actually much higher, according to independent research. Nearly 9 million acre-feet of water ended up in the ocean from the Delta between Oct. 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022, according to the Water Agency, Inc., which negotiates farm water transactions in Californias Central Valley. Weve only seen a continual reduction in water that could be used here for farming, into the Delta, Jackson said. The continued use of the Endangered Species Act to force policymakers, by litigation or threat of litigation is just creating a huge issue. Scientists at the University of CaliforniaDavis, Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory work to prepare Delta smelt for experimental release in December 2021. (Tien-Chieh Hung/UC Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory) Despite controversial policies being in place for years to protect the smelt, the fish population has continued to decline. In 2015, only six smelt fish were found, and only two in 2017, according to the CDFW. In the 1970s, there were about 1,600 smelt fish recorded. But the heavy-handed policies on pumping water from the Delta remain, making it difficult and costly for farmers to run business as usual. Environmentalists have determined that pumping water out of the Delta can cause smelt to be trapped and killed. Erik Wilson, a cotton and alfalfa farmer, has experienced the effects of the smelt protections firsthand. Its been a long time, and theres been zero improvement for the smelt, Wilson told The Epoch Times. Were talking 30 years now. When we have large volumes of water flowing through the Delta, its very frustrating as someone in agriculture to see the water just go unused. And its water that is free. Its not going anywhere except the ocean. He said farmers like him arent the only ones suffering from water loss. Southern California residents whose water supply and their availability of water is often put on hold because of the smelt situation are also affected. Some farmers expected things to change during former President Donald Trumps time in office, when he signed a memorandum asking federal agencies to cut back on environmental policies limiting the amount of water flow to farmland in the Central Valley. Then U.S. President Donald Trump signs legislation at a rally with local farmers in Bakersfield, Calif., on Feb. 19, 2020. The presidential signing ushers in his administrations new rules altering how federal authorities decide who gets water and how much in California, sending more water to farmers despite endangered species in the San Joaquin Delta. (David McNew/Getty Images) However, the plan was put on hold amid legal challenges from environmental groups and the state of California. Kristi Diener, farmer and founder of the California Water for Food and People Movement Facebook group, said restricting the use of water from the Delta to protect the smelt has clear downsides. Not only must farmers leave valuable land fallow, or unsown, the water restrictions force farmers to rely more on groundwater pumping, which leads to subsidence, or the caving in of land, she said. Weve got canals that are sinking, weve got the California Aqueduct is sinking, weve got roads and bridges and vital infrastructure thats sinking because of over-pumping, and then you also dont have any dilution for contaminants in groundwater, Diener told The Epoch Times. She said farmers are paying a variety of water costs for a system theyre not even getting water from. Residents in California get their water from a few different channels, including the Colorado River, one of the major sources for Los Angeles residents. The California Aqueducta system of canals, tunnels, and pipelines that transport water originating from the Sierra Nevada Mountainsstarts from the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta, a large inland river delta and estuary in Northern California. The 444-mile aqueduct carries water to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California as part of the states water management effort. The water is stored in reservoirs before being distributed to local communities. The California Aquaduct (foreground) sits adjacent to farmland outside of Sacramento, Calif., on April 18, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) If you look back in 2017 and 2019, all of the states reservoirs were full. In fact, we couldnt have stored water anywhere except the ocean in both 2017 and 2019, Diener said. So, when youre hearing all this drought drama about climate change is making it not rain and the temperatures are getting hotter and all that, its just a bunch of noise. We had five years worth all of our reservoirs were still brimming. There is no reason why we should have water shortages right now. Farmers arent the only ones criticizing state water policies. In 2021, California water officials severely miscalculated the moisture content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack, which led to nearly 700,000 acre-feet flowing into the ocean, according to state Assemblyman Adam Gray, who recently asked the state auditor to investigate the states water resources department. This examination is timely and necessary due to what appears to be a reliance on outdated operational procedures, bureaucratic inertia, or gross incompetence, Gray, a Democrat, wrote in a March 25 letter to the chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. These failures have caused significant harm and damage to the health and welfare of every Californian. If the state remains in a drought long-term with the continued smelt protections, Jackson said its likely that there will be more restrictions put in place by local water officials. Urban areas such as Los Angeles will likely feel the pain of it the most. Theyll [implement] an extremely high penalty for use change the rate, double or triple it, so your bill might go to $300 or $400 a month, and that is what normally will slow peoples consumption, is pain in the pocketbook. Thats the future, he said. Both Diener and Jackson claimed that with the way the water is being managed statewide, we will always be in a drought. 09:44 | Lima, May. 5. The current deputy mayor will complete the period of his predecessor, remaining in office until the end of this year. The call is contained in Resolution No. 0447-2022-JNE in which the electoral system's highest entity declares the recall of Munoz Wells and nullifies the mayor's credential which had been granted to him after the 2018 municipal elections. Munoz was recalled by the JNE because he agreed to be designated member of the State-run Sedapal water company's board of directors, although he was prohibited from doing so due to the nature of his position as a municipal authority. Following his appointment, the former mayor worked as a member of said board of directors, incurring grounds for recall in accordance with current provisions. In the same resolution issued by the highest electoral court, Joseph Paredes del Alcazar was summoned to occupy the position of councilman, which will be vacant once Romero Sotelo assumes the mayoral post. Previously, Romero served as Deputy Minister of Housing and Construction, and of Housing and Urbanism, during the administrations of two former presidents. He has been a registered member of Accion Popular (Popular Action) political party since 2014. An architect by profession, he is also dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (Saint Ignatius of Loyola University) in Lima. (END) FGM/JCR/MVB A police officer carrying a barricade is seen through un-scalable fence that stands around the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on May 5, 2022. (JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) Pro-Abortion Mob Targets Pro-Life Students in Arizona as Police Stand By Anthony DeWitt attended a rally outside Arizonas capitol building in downtown Phoenix on May 3 to support his pro-life beliefs, only to find himself surrounded by an angry mob of leftist protesters and fearing for his life. DeWitt, 20, said he felt sure the protesters would have hurt him if he hadnt been open-carrying a handgun for personal protection. I was surrounded [and] didnt have much room. [The protesters] were screaming at metelling me to kill myself, that I was worthless, that my mom should have aborted me. I had water thrown at me [and] people poking me. People came up to me trying to take my megaphone. The former Arizona law enforcement cadet said he believes coming to the rally armed helped keep the protesters at bay. I want to be very clear about thisI wasnt carrying to intimidate. I was carrying for personal safety and the right to preserve my life [if] I am attacked or in fear of my life, DeWitt told The Epoch Times. Jack Fink, a digital marketing student at Arizona State University, said he was assaulted by angry protesters at a pro-abortion rally in Phoenix on May 3. (Photo courtesy of Jack Fink) I had people screaming at me to pull out my gun. People were taunting me. I had people yelling at me to pull it out and shoot them. People were yelling at me to pull it out and shoot myself. Yet, despite that, DeWitt said people were very cautious because of my gun. Other conservative students and pro-life supporters at the rally also found themselves being pushed, shoved, insulted, and even spat on by crowds of protesters whose numbers were estimated at more than 1,000. Jack Fink, 20, a digital marketing student at Arizona State University and a member of Students for Kari [Lake] for governor, said a protester grabbed his hat and another spat on him. Lake has vowed to sign pro-life legislation if elected governor. They were just mad that I was wearing a Kari Lake for Governor hat and shirt. They pushed me, took my hat, and spat on me. Later in the evening, another group that was mobbing me had all their signs in my face. I couldnt see at all, Fink told The Epoch Times. Fink said the protesters werent interested in having a civil discussion. I knew [the protesters] tend to get a little rowdy, but I wasnt expecting to get assaulted. I was pretty scared. These people were ready to fight [but] I felt I needed to be down there to record it and to let [the public] know what these people were about. Fink said several Phoenix police officers were at the scene but did not intervene. I think they felt intimidated, [so] they werent reacting to anything. People were getting in their faces, calling them pigs and [saying] all cops were bastards. Police reportedly arrested two people but did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times. Fink said he plans to press criminal charges against the woman who spat on him once shes identified. Anthony DeWitt of Arizona said he was sure hed be hurt by pro-abortion protesters in Phoenix on May 3 if he hadnt been carrying a firearm for personal protection. (Photo courtesy of Matt DeWitt) In a video that has gone viral, one protester is shouting, Conservative [expletive]! I wish you were an abortion, buddy. Leftist organizations have called upon their members to stage protests at federal buildings as the Supreme Court decides whether to strike down the 1973 Roe vs. Wade legislation that legalized abortion. The May 3 protest at the Capitol in Phoenix saw an estimated 1,500 people. The mental strain of being yelled and screamed at takes a lot out of you, DeWitt said. Other people might have been concealed-carrying, but I didnt see any other protesters carrying [weapons]. While DeWitt does not encourage people to bring firearms to political rallies unless trained, coming armed did serve a purpose. I believe I would have gotten killed without it, he said. After people started receiving vaccinations for Covid-19, many side effects have gradually emerged, such as blood clots, myocarditis, and in more serious cases, deaths. In cases of death after vaccination, people usually hear experts say that the causes of death have not been confirmed to be vaccine-related. However, the first confirmed vaccine-related death recently appeared in Taiwan, resulting in the highest-ever compensation of NT$6 million (approximately $210,000). How can we determine whether symptoms or deaths after vaccination are related to the vaccines? In addition, the vaccines seem to have been effective at preventing severe illness for some, but have they also opened the Pandoras Box, thus bringing negative effects? AZ Vaccine Has Caused Rare Blood Clots The loss of life is heartbreaking, so it is necessary to investigate the cause of death. However, the association between vaccines and deaths is a very sensitive and complex issue that involves many aspects. Therefore, prior to determining the association, it is important to identify the characteristics of people who become ill after vaccination. In the case of the AZ (AstraZeneca) vaccine, for example, two medical studies conducted in Germany and Norway respectively were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on April 9, 2021. The German study reported that 11 patients had developed rare, abnormal clinical manifestations of thrombosis after receiving their first dose of AZ vaccine, and six among them passed away. In the Norwegian study, five patients had developed thrombosis after the first dose, with three of them eventually passing away. In one case of death reported by the German study, after receiving the first dose of the AZ vaccine, a 49-year-old previously healthy medical professional experienced fatigue, myalgia and headaches in the following several days. From day five onward, he had chills, fevers, nausea and abdominal pain. And on day 10, he became hospitalized, and his blood platelet count dropped to 1/6 of the lower limit of the normal count, and his blood became hypercoagulable. A CT scan revealed multiple thromboses in his veins and arteries, including a pulmonary embolism and thrombosis in cerebral veins, the infrarenal aorta and two iliac arteries. In the end, he died after an unsuccessful treatment. In the Norwegian study, three deaths were reported. The patients were all females aged 37 to 54, and they all became hospitalized seven to 10 days after vaccination. Their platelets dropped to 1/5 to 1/7 of the lower limit of the normal count, and their blood vessels showed significant hypercoagulability, as well as cerebral vein thrombosis. Both the German and Norwegian teams agreed on the conclusion that this was a new side effect and coined it the vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). In summary, these cases have four distinctive characteristics: 1. A significant prevalence among females 2. The median age is under 40 (36 to 39 years old) 3. The time of death occurred within one to two weeks (5 to 16 days) after the first vaccine dose 4. The main symptoms include headaches 3 Key Points to Determine Causality Between Deaths and Vaccines So, how do we know that a death was caused by vaccination? To determine the causal relationship between a type of treatment and a death, at minimum, the three key points below must be analyzed: 1. Time between vaccination and death: The shorter the timeframe, the stronger the correlation. One to three days would imply a strong correlation, within one to two weeks a moderate correlation, and after one month, there is minimal correlation. 2. Whether the side effects are consistent with the vaccine mechanism: Based on knowledge of the vaccine mechanism, is it consistent with the factors that caused the death? 3. Exclusion of confounding factors: Is there a chronic disease, medication, or other trigger for the event? In Taiwans first case, where a vaccine-induced death was compensated, the patient was a woman in her 50s. The timing of the onset of her blood clot after receiving the AZ vaccine coincided with the findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In addition, the immediate cause of her death was thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, resulting in brain infarction, elevated cerebral pressure and subsequent death from cerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, she was in good health prior to the AZ vaccination and had no history of disease or chronic illness and was not taking medications that could have caused her death. After analyzing the case against the three criteria, Taiwanese experts determined that her death was vaccine-related, so it was only natural that the authorities should pay compensation. AZ Vaccines Adenovirus Vector Why does the AZ vaccine cause platelet drop and thrombosis? A team of scientists from Cardiff University in the UK, Arizona State University, and AstraZeneca published an article in the journal Science Advances, explaining the trigger for this very rare side effect. The key, they believe, lies in the vector used by the vaccine. The AZ vaccine uses a modified chimpanzee adenovirus as a vector, which attracts platelet factor 4 (PF4), a protein in the human bloodstream, to induce a chain reaction that ultimately leads to thrombosis. In contrast, the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine uses a safer human adenovirus vector, Ad26. The team used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy to take molecular-scale images of the adenovirus. They found that the surface of AZ vaccines adenovirus acted like a magnet, attracting PF4 to it (red dots on the left) and the binding is more frequent than the Ad26 used in the Janssen vaccine. Furthermore, the data confirmed that the AZ vaccines adenovirus surface is negatively charged, while PF4 is positively charged, and that the two can bind well due to the principle of positive and negative attraction. Such a conjugate is tantamount to a trigger that pushes down the first dominothe bodys immune system mistakes PF4 for part of a foreign adenovirus and starts to generate antibodies against it, causing platelet depletion. Eventually, the antibodies and PF4 clump together, triggering thrombosis. However, many details regarding the mechanism of thrombosis formation have yet to be confirmed by additional studies. In addition, there are still many unanswered questions. For instance, why are some people more likely to develop blood clots than others? Why are blood clots most often found in the veins of the brain and liver? All of these questions need to be further clarified. Pfizer Covid Vaccination Caused Myocardial Necrosis Besides the AZ vaccine, there have also been reports of deaths related to other vaccines. In October 2021, the Journal of Korean Medicine reported a case, in which a 22-year-old male developed chest pain five days after his first dose of Pfizer mRNA vaccine (BNT) and then died seven hours later. His cardiac biopsy showed multiple areas of myocarditis and extensive necrosis (yellow arrows in Figure B and D). The time between his vaccination and death was quite short, and he showed symptoms consistent with the characteristics of the Pfizer vaccine side effects, with no other confounding factors. Therefore, researchers determined that his death was related to the BNT vaccine. In addition, according to the World Health Organizations own report, 162 serious adverse events have been reported after the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Chinas Sinovac Biotech was sold in Brazil and Indonesia, including fevers, respiratory distress, headaches, and 16 cases of death. This report does not provide detailed medical records, so it is impossible to determine the causal relationship between the vaccine and these adverse events. In June 2021, according to a Hindustan Times report, the Indonesian Medical Association confirmed that at least 20 doctors in Indonesia had died after receiving the Sinovac vaccine, which was manufactured in China. Some deaths related to other vaccines have not been officially reported in professional medical journals, but that does not mean that they dont exist. There are many reasons for the lack of published materials, as such reports would involve a variety of sensitive topics and many parties, including medical institutions, governments, and pharmaceutical companies. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Irina Estyunina (R) and Evgeniy Skiyanskiy (L) at Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts in Northridge on May 3, 2022. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times) NORTHRIDGE, Calif.Irina Estyunina, an event producer in Los Angeles, and artist Evgeniy Skiyanskiy were amazed by Shen Yun Performing Arts at Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts on May 3. Its so beautiful the technology, the dance, the technique of the dance, and the history and story-telling, its everything in one package! Its pretty amazing the whole thing, said Ms. Estyunina. Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts is the worlds premier classical Chinese dance company. Along with folk dances and solo performances, the production depicts story-based pieces that tell tales from ancient times to the modern-day. Besides talented dancers, Shen Yun features a one-of-a-kind orchestra that blends traditional Chinese instruments into a classical Western orchestra and a patented animated backdrop technology that allows for seamless interaction between the dancers on stage and the background scenery. The live orchestra actually brings back memories because we grew up watching opera back in Russia, its always been a live orchestra, nothing digital, said Mr. Skiyanskiy. Because of the flawless production, they both thought the music of Shen Yun was recorded. We actually didnt realize it was live music until the intermission time. I just thought it was imported, but then we saw there is an actual orchestrawow! she said. Mr. Skiyanskiy was amazed by the companys patented method of integrating a 3D animated backdrop with the stage performance. I really was impressed by the synchronicity of the digital art with the dancers, he said. I was looking for a flaw and I couldnt find it. It was like a perfectly synchronized move going through the screen. It was amazing! Since Shen Yuns inception in 2006, its mission has been to revive Chinese traditional culture. Shen Yun says its performance this year demonstrates China before communism. In addition to myths and legends, Shen Yun also presents story-based dances depicting the persecution of Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, a meditation and spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a persecution against the practice in 1999, and adherents have since been subjected to unprecedented imprisonment, torture, and abuse. Having grown up in Russia, Ms. Estyunina said that she understands the brutality of communism. I remember the Soviet Union so I can relate. My grandparents told me a lot of stories, so I could definitely relate, she said. The dance piece depicting the state-orchestrated forced organ harvesting from Falun Dafa prisoners of conscience in China (part of the CCPs persecution campaign), was probably the one which touched me the most, said Ms. Estyunina. My motto is peace and love, thats like the base of life so we are trying to be our best, she said, Unfortunately, people kind of forget about it. And Im super happy that [Shen Yun] share it with such a huge audience. Reporting by Linda Jiang and Jennifer Schneider. 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 addresses media in front of the Subiaco War Memorial in Perth, Australia on April 19, 2021. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) Australia Pledges $2 Billion Into XL-Sized Underwater Drones Amid Beijing Threat Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton has announced a $2 billion (US$1.44 billion) investment into developing cutting-edge unmanned submarine technology amid ongoing tensions in the South Pacific region. At the same time, the minister pledged another $2 billion to purchasing state-of-the-art missile technology to protect naval vessels against anti-ship weapons. For the undersea drones, Australias Department of Defence will partner with Anduril Australia to design and manufacture three Extra Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (XL-AUV). The vessels are operated remotely, range between 10 to 30 metres in length, and can carry weapons over long distances. Such technology has been tested by the United States (Orca XLUUV) and United Kingdom (Manta XLUUV) and have been tested with tasks such as carrying out underwater patrols along pre-programmed routes, electronic spying, and anti-submarine warfare. Australia will likely benefit from the experience and technology due to the AUKUS agreement. This capability would potentially complement and enhance the agility and potency of the [Royal Australian] Navys (RAN) current submarine and surface combatant force in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, the defence minister said in a statement. The vessels would also give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) innovative mission options while presenting a disruptive and difficult undersea problem for any adversary. There is a clear need for an XL-AUV built in Australia, for Australia, Palmer Luckey, Anduril founder said in a statement. The XL-AUV will harness the latest developments in autonomy, edge computing, sensor fusion, propulsion and robotics to bring advanced capability to the RAN. The development of the drones will be a stop-gap measure to bolster the RAN before the arrival of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. Minister Dutton also pledged $2 billion into purchasing Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM Block 2), which have a range of 50 kilometres and active radar technology to help identify enemy anti-ship missiles. The first batch of ESSMs have already arrived in Australia for testing purposes, and plans are in place for production of the weapons in Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle, and Melbourne. The latest weapons investment comes after Beijing signed off a security deal with the Solomon Islands government that could open the door for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to station troops, weapons, and naval ships in the Pacific nationlocated around 1,700 kilometres from Australias northern city of Cairns. The Solomon Islands was the site of extensive fighting during World War IIresulting in more than 7,000 casualties to the Allied forcesbecause of its critical position and influence over vital sea lanes. Experts have warned that full implementation of the deal could spark similar tensions in the South Pacific akin to the South China Sea. Australian Minister of Defense Peter Dutton speaks at a news conference in Washington on Sept. 16, 2021. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Australian Defence Ministers Say Collins-Class Still Potent, No Need for 3rd Type of Submarine Defence Minister Peter Dutton has ruled out a third-class of submarine following concerns that Australia could be short-handed and face a military capability gap before the arrival of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement by 2040. Dutton, of the governing centre-right Coalition, made the comments during the Defence Debate with shadow defence spokesperson Brendan OConnor at the National Press Club in Canberra. We dont want a third class of submarines, he told reporters on May 5. I know that some commentators continue to write this (but) the clearest advice I had in relation to our discussions about whether we should go with the nuclear submarines came from the Chief of the Defence Force, the Chief of Navy, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Force to not go with the third platform. Dutton said cost was not the only problem and that buying off the shelf submarines was unrealistic. This is despite the idea being heavily promoted by a former naval officer and now-independent Senator Rex Patrick. Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin is seen during AUSINDEX 21, a biennial maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy near Darwin, Australia, on Sept. 5, 2021. (Photo by POIS Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images) I want someone to explain to me where the shelf is, he said. I dont know where the submarine shelf is If there is a used car yard down the road where theres an 86-model submarine for sale that nobody else has acquired. Id be down there in a heartbeat, but its not the reality. Lets stick to the facts, he added. The arrival of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia under the AUKUS agreement would likely be in 2040, an unsuitable timeframe considering the potential retirement of the existing fleet of Collins-class submarines, and amid the current threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the South China Sea and now the Solomon Islands. The defence minister has stated that delivery of the new naval vessels could be sped-up, while at the same time, the federal government has been busy acquiring new long-range missiles and drones. Dutton said the current fleet of six Collins-class diesel-electric powered submarines was a potent warship on par with U.S. and UK vessels. A point the shadow defence spokesperson agreed with. I would agree with Peter (Dutton) that Collins-class submarines are very, very capable boats, and to that extent, we should be happy that weve got them in the water, he said. If we could bring forward delivery of the nuclear-propelled submarines that would be a very good thing. (L-R) Defence Minister Peter Dutton, Shadow Minister for Employment and Defence Brendan OConnor. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts, AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) Both MPs agreed that current supply chain constraints limited any chance of buying existing submarine models. There are constraints within the supply chains in both the U.S. and the UK. Thats the reality, Dutton said, adding that nations were all watching Beijings military build-up and maximising their military construction in response. OConnor said that even if Australia could buy off the shelf submarines the manpower would not be available. My view on defence assets across the board is that ideally, you manufacture them here because thats a defence asset in itselfa sovereign capability. If you think about whats been delivered to Ukraine at the moment, which has been remarkable and more needs to be done, but that leads to shortages elsewhere. A child plays at sunset in the Aboriginal community of Mutitjulu, in the shadow of Uluru, in the Northern Territory (Jason South/Getty Images) Australians Sue Government Over Water Allocation to Alleged China Linked Group Traditional owners in Northern Territory, Australia, are suing the state government to grant a water licencethe largest groundwater allocation in the stateto a controversial company with alleged ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The 30-year licence gives Chinese company Fortune Agribusiness the right to use more than 40,000 megalitres, or 16,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, worth of water each year in Australia for irrigation for its fruit and vegetable project. Mpwerempwer Aboriginal Corporation has asked the Supreme Court to quash the decision, alleging that Northern Territory Families Minister Kate Wordens decision to grant the licence was seriously irrational. Given the short time between delegation and decision, and the volume and technical nature of the materials, it may be inferred the minister cannot have properly considered (certain key) factors, their court documents say. Part-owner of the Chinese company Tommy Jiang is a political donor who the Australian Strategic Policy Institute has linked to the United Front Work Department, an arm of the CCP. The United Front Work Department (UFWD) directly reports to the CCPs Central Committee. It gathers intelligence on, manages relations with, and attempts to influence elite individuals and organisations inside and outside China. Its focus is on influential people and entities that are outside the Party, especially in the overseas Chinese community. Through its efforts, the UFWD seeks to ensure that these individuals and groups are supportive of or valuable to the CCPs interests and that potential critics remain divided. The Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek has a population of 3,000. (Ross Land/Getty Images) Last April, Northern Territorys water controller granted the water license to the Chinese company, against the wishes of some traditional owners. Mpwerempwer believes that the loose wording of the conditions attached to the licence means that the carrying out of the proposal will be vastly different to what is outlined in the licence. Traditional owner Michael Jones said the conditions in the water licence give Fortune rather than the locals the responsibility for assessing cultural values. All these places were made by Ngappa Wirnkarna (rain dreaming); all these places will be affected if there is no water, Jones told The Australian. The story will still be there, still alive, the song will be there and still be sung, but we will be sad when we go to that place all dead. The story will be weaker for younger people because the places will be ruined. We take them to soakages that are gone and to country that is sick. The Australian flag is seen on the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on April 1, 2022. (Rebecca Zhu/The Epoch Times) Beijing Aggression Has Turned Australia Into Crucial Pillar of US Defense: Expert Middle powers stepping up to maintain the peace in the Pacific The emergence of a more authoritarian and militarising Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has transformed Australia into a crucial component of U.S. defence plans to maintain its influence over the Pacific. John Blaxland, professor of international security and intelligence studies at the Australian National University, told The Epoch Times that middle powers are stepping up as the United States wrestles with its position in the international community. Geo-strategically, and as a backup to the United States, Australias become more significant than ever for Americas plans and contingencies, the former head of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre said. And thats, I think, in part because of the rise of China. The emergence of a more authoritarian and powerful, increasingly militarised state that is much more prepared to throw its weight around than we had previously anticipated. A Philippine Navy special operations group (NAVSOG) on board speed boats patrols off Subic Bay, facing the South China Sea, on Aug. 6, 2013. (Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images) As a counter to Chinas increasingly belligerent behaviour, Blaxland noted that it wasnt just Australia, but also Japan and South Korea that have stepped forward in the Asia-Pacific to help maintain the security environment. My sense is that the QUAD has become more and more important, particularly the role of Japan and Australia in contributing to helping the United States maintain its resolve and assuring the U.S. of being a welcome security partner in this part of the Indo-Pacific, he said. Likewise, Chinas assertiveness has also driven a more focused multilateral response from Australia, according to Blaxland. When initially touted in 2007, the Quad was quite easily derailed by Chinese protestation. Australia gave priority to allaying their fears and showing due deference [under former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd], he said. But the reinvigoration of the Quad in recent times would not have been possible without Chinas assertiveness, particularly under President Xi. The member states now see their interests more closely aligned. Blaxland also noted that interoperability between the United States, Australia, Japan, and Korea has been increasing over the past 20 years, allowing Australia to be able to plug and play as part of a U.S.-led coalition in the region. Cut Australia from the Herd Australias support for the United States has made it a target of the CCP however, firstly via soft power and more recently through economic coercion. Blaxland believes that the latter was an attempt by Beijing to isolate Australia from the Anglosphere and its allies. I think theres enough circumstantial evidence to mount a reasonably strong case that they are trying to and have been trying to for a number of years to wean us off United States security lines. To be honest, in the last few months, its backfired, he said. Weve been a U.S. and UK ally for 100 plus years. So, if youre able to break that bond, wouldnt that be powerful? Yes, it will be very, very powerful. The comments from Blaxland follow those that Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific coordinator under the Biden administration, said on July 2021 in an address to the Asia Society. I think from our perspective, it looks at least [on] some level that there is an attempt to cut Australia out of the herd, and to try to see if they can affect Australia to completely change how it both sees itself and sees the world, Campbell said. The Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Canberra, Australia, on April 1, 2022. (Rebecca Zhu/The Epoch Times) He noted that the relationship between Canberra and Washington has deepened as a result. Were not going to leave Australia on the fieldthats just not going to happen, Campbell said. Blaxland says that Beijing has been surprised at how difficult it has been to sever AustraliaU.S. ties. Xi has miscalculated on Australia because our sense of honour and our interests are now more divergent than ever. And I dont think he appreciated how that would manifest and what the implications would be, he said. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in April that Australia is currently dealing with a very different China than in the past. Theyve been coercing; theyve been bullying; theyve been intimidating in our region, he said. This is why we stepped up. A group of Hondurans cross the Rio Grande toward Eagle Pass, Texas, from Piedras Negras, Mexico, on April 21, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Biden Administration Ends Plan to Send Veterans Affairs Staffers to Border The Biden administration has scrapped its plan to send workers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with the border crisis, a top official said on May 4. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that the administration had decided against sending VA staffers to the U.S.Mexico border. We are not making that request of the Veterans Affairs department, and the Veterans Affairs department will not be allocating resources to the border, Mayorkas told Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. A VA spokesperson told The Epoch Times via email that there are no ongoing conversations about VA health care personnel being diverted from their primary mission of providing care to veterans, but noted that the agency has deployed health care staffers during the pandemic to vaccinate certain immigration enforcement personnel, including Customs and Border Protection employees. We anticipate that we will continue to do that kind of work, the spokesperson said. Before Mayorkas answered, Murkowski said that if the proposal was going to move forward, its going to be the veterans that would pay the price. The news that it wont move forward will be a huge relief to veterans in my state, she added. Mayorkas confirmed during a hearing in April that his department was discussing with the VA sending staffers such as doctors to the border to help deal with the crisis, which is expected to worsen if the administration is allowed to terminate a pandemic-era border policy called Title 42. Our teams, our personnel have had talks with VA counterparts, Mayorkas told Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) at the time. The resources that the medical personnel from the Veterans Administration would allocate to this effort is under the judgment of the secretary of Veterans Affairs, who prioritizes the interests of veterans above all others for very noble and correct, he also said. Republicans soon introduced a bill that would prevent the VA from deploying resources to the border. Americas veterans have given everything for this country, Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), told a briefing about the bill. We cant let the resources and personnel that are supposed to be dedicated to taking care of them get ripped away because the president and his administration have so badly mismanaged our border security and illegal immigration problem. A group of 54 House Republicans also spoke out, telling Mayorkas in a letter that the proposal should be scrapped. The Biden administration plans to end Title 42, which enables the quick expulsion of many illegal immigrants, on May 23. Multiple lawsuits, though, have been lodged against the planned ending of the authority, and a federal judge recently ordered the administration not to start scaling back the authority as the cases work their way through the courts. White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a White House daily press briefing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on May 4, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Biden Has Been Struck by Trumps Hold on Republican Party: Psaki President Joe Biden has been struck by the influence that former President Donald Trump holds over the Republican Party, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Hes been struck by the hold his predecessor seems to have on far too many membersnot all, but far too many members of the party, Psaki said during a press briefing on May 4. Her comment comes a day after two candidates endorsed by TrumpJ.D. Vance and Max Millerwon in Ohio Republican primaries. Vance secured a victory in the Ohio Republican Senate primary on May 3. The race was the first sign of Trumps influence in the midterm elections in November. They wanted to write a story that this campaign would be the death of Donald Trumps America First agenda, Vance said at a victory party in Cincinnati on May 3. Ladies and gentlemen, it aint the death of the America First agenda. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) took to Twitter to call Vances victory a big moment for the Republican Party. JD represents the future of the conservative movement, as a coalition of working people, families, and people of faith, welcoming every American who believes in this nation. On to victory in Nov!, Hawley wrote. Currently, the U.S. Senate is split 5050 between Republicans and Democrats. In November, Ohio voters will choose a successor to GOP Sen. Rob Portman, who decided against running for reelection. Max Miller, a former aide to Trump, won the GOP primary for Ohios 7th Congressional District in a May 3 primary. The district is reliably Republican. Aside from Vance and Miller, pro-Trump candidates Jennifer-Ruth Green and Erin Houchin won Republican primaries in Indianas 1st and 9th Congressional Districts, respectively, on May 3. Earlier on May 4, Biden harshly criticized MAGA supporters, characterizing the MAGA crowd as the the most extreme political organization thats existed in recent American history. The president made the remark during a speech on the U.S. economy. Biden also criticized MAGA Republicans, who he asserted want to raise taxes on millions of working-class Americans while protecting billionaires and big corporations. After his speech, Biden was asked about the leaked draft opinion penned by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, which indicates that the nations top court has decided to undo the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. If undone, it would return the power to decide abortion policy to state governments. This is about a lot more than abortion, Biden said, before reflecting on the Supreme Courts confirmation process for Robert Bork in 1987, who was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to be an associate justice at the U.S. top court. At that time, Biden was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This reminds me of the debate with Robert Bork. Bork believed the only reason you had any inherent rights was because the government gave them to you, Biden said. When I was questioning him as the chairman, I said, I believe I have the rights that I have not just because the government gave them to me, which you believe, but because Im just a child of God; I exist. The issue of abortion also came up during Psakis daily briefing on May 4. When asked if Biden thinks the states should have the right to determine the issue of abortion, Psaki said, The president believes that it should continue to be federal law, that women have the right to make choices with their doctors, as it has been for 50 years. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Bury FC at their Gigg Lane ground, in Bury, Greater Manchester, England, on April 25, 2002. (Danny Lawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Boris Johnson Vows to Send Illegal Immigrants to Rwanda Despite Legal Challenge British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday defended his plan to relocate illegal immigrants to Rwanda amid legal challenges to the policy, saying its humane, compassionate, and sensible. The prime minister said he knew liberal lawyers would try to make this difficult, before promising we will get it done. Under the new 120 million deal with the east African country, some of the people who enter the UK illegally are to be relocated to Rwanda to resettle and rebuild their lives, Home Secretary Priti Patel on April 14 when she unveiled the deal. Johnsons policy director Andrew Griffith previously said it was hoped the scheme would be operational in weeks, or a small number of months, but Downing Street on Tuesday confirmed that there had been some legal challenges. Speaking in Southampton on Wednesday, Johnson said the Rwanda deal is a great deal. Of course, there are going to be legal eagles, liberal lawyers, who will try to make this difficult to settle. We always knew this was going to happen, but is a very, very sensible thing, the prime minister said, adding, You need a solution to the ongoing flow of people being smuggled into the UK in small boats across the English Channel from France. You need something that is going to say to those people, to those gangsters, Im sorry, but you cant tell your customers, you cant tell these poor people, that theyre just going to come to the UK, and theyre going to be lost in the system, because were going to find a way of making sure that they are going immediately to Rwanda, Johnson told reporters. I think thats a humane, compassionate, and sensible thing to do. Im not going to pretend to you that is going to be without legal challenges. I think I said that when I announced it, but we will get it done. It comes as the number of people who entered the UK illegally by crossing the English Channel in small boats this year passed 7,000. On April 28, the UKs Nationality and Borders Bill became law, making it a criminal offence to knowingly enter the UK illegally, punishable by up to four years of imprisonment. People smugglers facilitating illegal entries can face life imprisonment, and those who arrive illegally in the UK who could have claimed asylum in another safe country can be considered inadmissible to the UK asylum system. The new law also includes powers to process asylum seekers overseas. However, more than 500 people arrived in Kent in 16 boats on Sunday and Monday after an 11-day break amid reports of strong winds and choppy seas. Asked if Johnson was disappointed that the Rwanda deal didnt appear to deter illegal immigration, the prime ministers spokesman told reporters on Tuesday that its too early to judge what the situation will be long-term on this policy. Asked when the success or otherwise of the plan could be judged, the spokesman said: I dont think theres a fixed date obviously, there are a number of variables we need to deal with, not least some of the legal challenges which have been talked about. The spokesman confirmed that the government had received pre-action correspondence from a number of legal firms, adding, but we still maintain our hope to have the first flights take place in a matter of months. The spokesman also said that the plan was a fully legally-secure approach that has been tested and thought through. Asked whether the government was waiting for the legal challenges to be dealt with before starting flights, he said that wasnt the case, but added that because of some of those challenges its hard to put an exact time on it. The spokesman said the intention was to move ahead with this as soon as possible but we are, not unexpectedly, seeing some of these legal challenges, and in a free and democratic society we need to engage with those in the normal way. But we are still planning to move ahead with the flights at the earliest opportunity, he said. I. Stephanie Boyce, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said therere questions as to whether this scheme would comply with the Refugee Convention, whether refugees threatened with being sent to Rwanda would be able to access justice if they are mistreated. PA Media contributed to this report. U.S. Marines help to build a concertina wire barricade at the U.S. Mexico border in preparation for the arrival of a caravan of migrants at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 13, 2018. (Reuters/Mike Blake) CBP Reveals Number of Possible Terrorists Encountered at US Border U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) publicized the number of terrorism-related border encounters in the past fiscal yearsfor the first time since President Joe Biden took office. It came under mounting pressure from Republicans. Such individuals, either known or reasonably suspected to be previously been involved in terrorism, are part of a federal terror watchlist identified in the FBIs Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB). The Biden administration had previously refused to publicly reveal updates on TSDB encounters at the border, citing law enforcement sensitive concerns. Although the recent statistical release doesnt count those who evaded Border Patrol agents, the latest update indicates rising border encounters related to terrorist suspects. It shows that TSDB encounters at ports of entry by CBPs Office of Field Operations reached a peak in the federal governments fiscal year 2019 at 538 and fell in the following two years to 157 in the fiscal year 2021. The current fiscal year, ending on Sept. 30, however, is set to go beyond the number of 2021, recording so far 131 TSDB encounters, including 96 at the northern border and 35 at the southern border. U.S. Border Patrol has also recorded higher numbers of TSDB encounters during patrols at the northern and southern borders in the past two fiscal years. There have been 27 encounters in the fiscal year 2022all from the southern bordercompared to single digits of years between 2017 and 2020. The percentage of total encounters in the current fiscal year has more than doubled compared to a year earlier. Border Patrol agents apprehend a group of Cubans who just crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico into Eagle Pass, Texas, on April 19, 2022. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Republicans have repeatedly requested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to disclose the full data of the illegal immigrants encountered at the border. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and his 19 colleagues criticized in an April 14 open letter the lack of transparency from the DHS, which allegedly failed to provide detailed and comprehensive immigration enforcement data. In FY21, DHS saw more illegal migrants cross the southern border than any other year in DHS history, arguably creating a larger toll on DHS and the American people than at any point in history, the letter concludes. In a March letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Republicans on both the House Oversight and Homeland Security Committees called for to make the number of TSDB encounters public. The American people deserve to know this information and the realities of the security situation we face at our broken borders, especially where terrorists attempt to gain entry to our country, Reps. James Comer (R-Ky.) and John Katko (R-N.Y.) said in the letter. Earlier this year, Rep. August Pfluger introduced legislation to force DHS to publish the number of known and suspected terrorists trying to enter the nation on a monthly basis. An April 15 court filing shows more than 221,000 migrant encounters at the southern border in March alone, which makes it the highest in two decades. Mayorkas on 28 April told members of Congress that there were more than 389,000 gotaways at the U.S.Mexico border during the fiscal year 2021. Later on May 4, he said some of the 42 illegal immigrants who were arrested by U.S. border agents and identified as suspected terrorists between Jan. 20, 2021, and March 2022, may have been released into the United States. It all comes as the Biden administration is aiming in May to drop Title 42, a policy used under former President Donald Trump that has so far expelled over 1.7 million illegal migrants at the U.S.Mexico border due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move has fueled bipartisan fears of unprecedented migrant traffic streaming into the already overwhelmed border. A federal court on April 27 temporarily blocked the upcoming lift, until arguments for a formal injunction can be considered. Biden administration has reportedly been planning for scenarios where there could be up to 18,000 border crossings a day. Chief Justice Roberts: Supreme Court Draft Opinion Leak Is Absolutely Appalling Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said that the leak of the draft ruling that overturns Roe v. Wade is absolutely appalling during a public appearance on Thursday. Roberts told a group of lawyers and judges at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference that he doesnt want the one bad apple leaker who released the draft opinion to media outlets to change the peoples perception of the Supreme Court. He also described the individual who leaked the draft as foolish if they believe it was going to affect the final decision rendered by the court, CNN reported. The comments Thursday are the first since the Supreme Court confirmed that the leaked draft is authentic, while it also included a statement from Roberts saying he would authorize an investigation into the matter. To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed. The work of the Court will not be affected in any way, Roberts said in a statement. This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here. The draft was leaked first to Politico, which included what appeared to be a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that argued a woman has a constitutional right to obtain an abortion. It was handed down in connection to a lawsuit submitted by the state of Mississippi in its fight to keep a law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, Alito wrote, adding the decision was egregiously wrong from the start with exceptionally weak reasoning. In his later statement, Roberts asserted that the draft doesnt represent the high courts final decision or the final opinion of any of the nine justices. Republicans called for the person who leaked the draft to be punished, while Democrats focused on mobilizing their supporters to vote for pro-abortion politicians in the 2022 midterm elections. Protests also broke out in Washington, Los Angeles, and New York City. In Los Angeles, pro-abortion rioters threw objects at police and smashed windows near a federal courthouse, leading to several injuries on Tuesday evening. If Roe v. Wade were overturned, it would mean that certain states would then move to pass laws or issue rules to legalize abortion. Some Democrat governors, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, said this week that would take immediate action after the Supreme Court issues its final ruling. Police in Boston, Massachusetts, cannot detain many of the gang members because they are under the age of 14. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Child Gangs Violent Spree Shakes Up Downtown Boston A gang of young juveniles led by an 11-year-old girl is terrorizing random people throughout the popular downtown area of Boston. According to incident reports released by police, all the children are black and under the age of 14. A 13-year-old in the gang already had an outstanding felony warrant for assault with a dangerous weapon at the time of the recent attacks. Their victims were all whitewith the exception of one victim identified in the reports as a light-skinned Hispanic woman who the gang of juveniles allegedly called a white [expletive] with braids. The gang has been menacing people throughout the popular Boston Common. (George KUZ/Shutterstock) She told police the young minors began punching and kicking her after telling her she could not wear her hair in the style because she was not black. In one incident, the child gang is alleged to have entered a McDonalds outlet chanting Black Lives Matter and ordering customers to say the phrase. They also demanded free food. When the McDonalds owner asked them to leave, they spat at him with an 11-year-old lunging at him with a knife, police reports state. They then smashed the glass of the front doors to the establishment. Several of their attacks were captured on both surveillance cameras and filmed by bystanders with the 11-year-old leading some of the attacks. They included the beating of an elderly man and a violent assault of two college students that left one with head trauma. One of the children stomped on her eyeglasses after they fell off the students head in the attack. Police arrested, but then released some of the older children. In a written statement on the incidents, Boston police said they know the identity of the 11-year-old girl, but cannot arrest her because she is under 12, the cut off for prosecuting a minor under a law passed in 2018 in Massachusetts. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden also cited the law as the reason his office has had a limited response to what he called an urgent matter. Under this legislation, the primary responsibility for preventing these attacks instead falls on city, state, and community agencies, Hayden said in a statement. The law also limits their ability to detain minors under the age of 14. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Preventions, 16 percent of members of youth gangs are now under 14. Bostons Mayor Michelle Wu blames the childrens crimes on the pandemic. (Scott Eisen/Getty Images) At a press conference on the incident, Bostons Mayor Michelle Wu blamed the crimes of the children on the COVID-19 pandemic. All throughout our city right now, all through our country right now, theres an incredible amount of stress and anxiety thats translating the trauma of the pandemic into mental health challenges across every demographic, across every community. There is really a second epidemic thats coming out of this pandemic that is related to mental health, Wu said in response to a question about the level of violence by the children. Just weeks after the election in 2021, Wu imposed some of the most restrictive COVID-19 school mandates in the nation, promising to keep them even if schools reached an 80 percent vaccination rate. Her B together policy, akin to New York Citys proof of vaccine passport, drew angry protesters who camped daily outside her home. Wus unwavering vaccine mandate for city workers also led to a lawsuit filed against her administration by police and firefighters. Wu also ran on a campaign platform for what she called the demilitarization of the Boston police. At least three Boston police officers were attacked by members of the child gang, including one that suffered a bloody nose after being punched in the face by the 13-year-old with priors. Some of the kids also kicked and spat on the police and caused damage to a police cruiser, the incident reports reveal. One of the children made racial slurs and homophobic comments to one of the officers. According to a police report, one of the children said he had been set off when called a racial slur by a person he asked to buy him ice cream. Boston is one of 24 states that set minimum ages for the prosecution of children. The National Juvenile Justice Network has called on a national minimum prosecution age of 14. As part of its call, it cited a video of a police officer in Rochester, New York, pepper-spraying a 9-year-old girl after she refused to get into a police cruiser, telling the officer she wont get into the car until her father arrived. The childs school called the police after she allegedly threw a temper tantrum in class. There have been similar incidents including a 2019 video of a New Mexico cop slamming an 11-year-old girl to the ground as she sobs and begs the police officer to get off of her. The officer, who later resigned, was arresting her because she took milk from the school cafeteria. Gangs made up of similar-aged children have for over a year been committing similar crimes in other major U.S. cities including New York, Seattle, and Chicago, where a 10-year-old boy held a woman at gunpoint while stealing her car as part of a string of violent attacks by a child gang. Boston, which has few neighborhoods that are not affluent, has until recently been relatively free of violent crimes with incidents mostly confined to the citys low-income districts of Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, Hyde Park, and Jamaica Plain. Boston Common, the vestige to such iconic literary tales as Make Way For Ducklings and its iconic Swan Boats, has been a main area for the child gang. The gang has also carried out attacks in an area of Boston known as Downtown Crossing, once the citys red-light district that flourished into a tourist attraction where people flocked from all over to stare into the Christmas decorated windows of Macys and the landmark of Filenes basement. At the press conference on the child gang, Wu called for privacy for the minors and suggested some of them have mental health issues and need support services. Wu also said there is never any excuse for violence. China Courts India, Sort Of Fears of isolation and increasing Western hostility seem to have softened Chinas attitude toward India News Analysis After years of belligerence, China has begun to court India. Trade between the two countries has surgedclearly, an important trend for Beijing, which has already started to feel insecurities about its trade relations with Japan and the West. Though trade between China and India seems set to continue along its recent steep trajectory, closer relations face many difficulties. Flows of imports and exports between China and India certainly have made startling strides of late. The aggregate of trade back and forth rose a tremendous 47 percent in 2021 alone. That is the tally according to the Indian Department of Commerce. Beijings statistics are only slightly less impressive. They record a 45 percent jump. Chinese exports to India rose 49 percent. Indian exports to China rose by considerably less but still a strong 21 percent. China, with its export-driven growth model, is delighted. So is New Delhi, though many Indians have expressed concern about Indias widening trade deficit with China. In 2021 that deficit stood at the equivalent of $64.5 billion in the red, quite an increase over the $51.3 billion recorded only two years ago. Beijing has voiced a willingness to help India address the imbalance, but New Delhi is well aware that Beijing made similar assurances to the United States over many years to little effect. India, meanwhile, has introduced a commitment to substitute for Chinese products by developing domestic competition for the finished goods that constitute the bulk of what China sells in India. Beijing is less than happy about that objective but sees it as a distant concern. An employee works on the production line of solar panels for orders from India at a factory in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, on Jan. 5, 2022. (Ruan Xuefeng/VCG via Getty Images) Making this turn in trade altogether remarkable is the history of hostility between these two nations. Both nations have for some 70 years remained at loggerheads over the so-called Line of Actual Control in the Himalayas. Indeed, there have been two major exchanges of fire along this line in just the last few years. In 2017, several died in the Poklam region, and in May last year, a similar thing happened in Ladakh. There is also Indias extreme sensitivity to Chinas close relationship with Pakistan, a rival of Indias since independence in the late 1940s. Indian sources quickly pointed out during a recent visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that he had not only participated in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Islamabad but spoke of Kashmir, a major focus of Indian-Pakistani hostility. It will be difficult to overcome this history. Indicative is how none of the 70-some events planned in last years diplomatic outreach between India and China took place. Despite all this history of hostility, the roots of Chinas changed attitude are clear enough. It wants India to at least begin to substitute for important but recently threatened trade relationships China has with the West and Japan. Early signs of trouble appeared in 2019 when the Trump White House imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, tariffs that President Joe Biden has kept in place. Indeed, Bidens trade representative, Katherine Tai, continues to pressure China in ways not dissimilar to those of the Trump administration. Meanwhile, several bills circulating in Congress would restrict American sourcing in China and American investments in Chinese business. All this is a far cry from the general encouragement and forbearance shown by the Obama administration and that of George W. Bush before him. The European Union (EU) has taken a less confrontational line than the United States, but here, too, China has encountered resistance to formerly welcoming trade relations. The EU has even set itself in a kind of competition with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road). Canada has also shown resistance to growing trade relations with China, while Japan and Australia still chafe at Beijings high-handed approach to trade. Australia still faces steep tariffs just for seeking an investigation into the origins of COVID-19, while in 2010, Beijing, in anger over disputed islands in the East China Sea, temporarily cut off Japanese access to rare earth metals. War in Ukraine has heightened Chinas difficulties with these major trading partners. Washington, London, Brussels, Tokyo, and other powers that have imposed sanctions on Russia have accepted Beijings reluctance to join them, but they have noticed the continued growth in China-Russia trade. Washington and its allies have warned Beijing that it will suffer trade consequences on any hint that it is supplying Russia with arms or is helping Russia avoid sanctions. This warning from the West and Japan fuels Beijings desire to seek markets elsewhere, especially in Indias relatively large economy now that New Delhi has refused to join the sanctions regime against Russia. Of course, India can in no way substitute for American, European, and Japanese markets. Even after the impressive improvement last year, total Chinese exports to India equaled $87.5 billion. That is nowhere near Chinas $480 billion in exports to America last year or its $553.7 billion in exports to the EU. But in the circumstance, Beijing has a powerful incentive to cultivate all alternatives, especially those like India, where there is growth potential. Both India and China sincerely want to improve trade further. China needs to reduce its vulnerability to increasingly suspicious Western and Japanese trading partners. India wants to broaden its economy and foster greater rates of economic growth. These desiresneedsmay well overcome long-standing bad feelings and Indias desire to rectify trade imbalances. Still, it will take time and even longer for India to approach a substitute for any trade lost to China with Japan and the West. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A couple has captured the sighting of a rare black leopard on camera during a trip to Kenya. Jenny Varley and Graham Boulnois, from Cheshire, England, couldnt believe their luck when they spotted a rare black leopard, also known as a black pantherwhich is a melanistic variant of leopardafter their recent visit to Laikipia Wilderness Camp, Kenya. The couple had heard thered been a few sightings of the black leopard, and they managed to catch a glimpse of her on two separate occasions during their trip in March. (Courtesy of Caters News) (Courtesy of Caters News) Jenny said: This leopard is a young female and although still sometimes seen with her mother, she is becoming more independent and has been observed hunting alone. To see a black leopard was an absolutely amazing experience and something that we had previously only dreamed about as they are so rarely seen in Africa, and to have managed to take a few photographs of her at night was an unbelievable experience and privilege. This has to have been a wildlife highlight in my life, without any doubt at all. (Courtesy of Caters News) (Courtesy of Caters News) Jennys husband, Graham, says that being able to see the rare black leopard in the flesh was a truly remarkable experience. He said that, as this encounter was likely a once-in-a-lifetime event, he went ahead and filmed it. It was something that we had long hoped for and finally achieved, said Graham. The challenge of filming the encounter was that we found her at night with the only illumination coming from the spotting lights on our vehicle. So it was very demanding. This sighting will live long in my memory. Epoch Times staff contributed to this report. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Falun Gong practitioners participate in a parade to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the April 25th peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners in Beijing, in Flushing, N.Y., on April 23, 2022. (Larry Dye/The Epoch Times) Criminal, Inhumane and Unethical: EU Passes Resolution Condemning Chinese Regimes Forced Organ Harvesting The European Parliament has adopted a resolution voicing serious concerns about the Chinese regimes ongoing forced organ harvesting, while calling on its member states to publicly condemn the abuse. Parliament expresses serious concern about reports of persistent, systematic, inhumane and state-sanctioned organ harvesting from prisoners in China, and more specifically from Falun Gong practitioners, reads a statement dated May 5 following the adoption of the text. The Parliament members consider that the practice of organ harvesting from living prisoners on death row and prisoners of conscience in China may amount to crimes against humanity, it reads. A 2019 independent panel, called the China Tribunal, found that the Chinese regime had for years been killing prisoners of conscience for their organs for transplant on a substantial scale, a practice thats still going on. It concluded that such actions amounted to crimes against humanity and that the main victims were detained Falun Gong practitioners. Falun Gong is a spiritual practice consisting of meditative exercises and moral teachings based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. In 1999, adherents became the target of a sweeping persecution campaign by Beijing after the practices vast popularity was perceived as a threat to the communist regimes authoritarian control on society. Millions of detained Falun Gong practitioners around the country were essentially turned into a large involuntary organ bank for the Chinese regimes hungry organ transplant system. Falun Gong practitioners participate in a parade to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the April 25th peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners in Beijing, in Flushing, N.Y., on April 23, 2022. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) Since reports of forced organ harvesting first emerged in the mid-2000s, the Chinese regime has repeatedly denied the allegations but has also refused outside access to medical and detention facilities to verify its claims. The EU resolution noted that the regime refused to testify before the China Tribunal. The resolution further denounced the lack of independent oversight on whether detainees had given consent to organ donation, and the Chinese authorities silence on reports that families were being prevented from claiming the bodies of loved ones who died in detention. The four-page resolution, adopted by a show of hands on May 5, was the first public statement from the European Union on the issue since 2013, when the European Parliament first put Beijing on notice that the practice of forced organ harvesting was unacceptable. Besides condemning the abuse in public, the resolution said, the EU and its member states should raise the organ harvesting issue at every Human Rights Dialogue, raise the issue in engaging with partners, and take necessary actions to prevent their citizens from participating in transplant tourism to China. Relevant institutions, it said, should reconsider their collaboration with Chinese counterparts on transplant medicine, research, and training. Human Rights Not an Option The passage of the resolution came three days ahead of U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelets planned trip to China, and the European Parliament in the resolution urged the human rights body to investigate the issue during the visit. EUs top foreign policy official Josep Borrell a day earlier highlighted the issue during a parliamentary debate, saying the 27-member bloc condemns in the strongest possible terms the criminal, inhumane and unethical practice of forced organ harvesting. Respect for human rights is not an option, but a requirement in all areas, including in the challenging medical and ethical area of organ donation and transplantation, he said in prepared remarks delivered by Jutta Urpilainen, commissioner for international partnerships, on his behalf, according to the parliaments press office. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell delivers a speech on the situation in Afghanistan during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Sept. 14, 2021. (Julien Warnand/Pool via Reuters) An April medical study published in the American Journal of Transplantation identified dozens of Chinese publications where physicians took out the hearts and lungs from people for transplant without following the standard protocol for establishing brain death. This effectively meant that patients were killed for their organs and that the hundreds of medical professionals involved were acting as executioners for the state, the authors said. Borrells speech was applauded by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), who serves as the co-chairman of the International Religious Freedom Congressional Caucus. Chinas abominable human rights record, including the inhumane practice of organ harvesting of ethnic and religious minorities, will no longer be swept under the rug, he told The Epoch Times. It is imperative that the United States and her allies send a strong and unwavering message in defense of basic human rights and protections for all people. Others believe the measure is still far from solving the problem. Torsten Trey, executive director of the medical ethics advocacy group Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, noted the international communitys prolonged silence on the matter. Three years have passed since the China Tribunal concluded that China is killing people for their organs. For over two decades China has persecuted Falun Gong practitioners and probably killed over a million of them, probably more than [the fatalities] in Ukraine up to today, he told The Epoch Times. Compared to the worlds response to the war in Ukraine, the resolution has been a feeble call to a communist regime that backs up Russia in its aggression, he said. We need actions on China, not calls. China heard these calls for two decades and ignored them, he said. At this point, Europe is being challenged by the CCP: Will Europe make basic human rights and values a non-negotiable condition for partnership, or ignore the gruesome practice of forced organ harvesting from living Falun Gong practitioners in China? DeSantis Pledges Nearly $14 Million for Red Tide Research and Mitigation PUNTA GORDA, Fla.Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on May 4 his commitment to nearly $14 million in the states budget to combat red tide and fuel research efforts. The record-level funds in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget are to be distributed between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Mote Marine Laboratory, in addition to providing grants through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for red tide cleanup. If you look at the four years before I became governor, those four years, there was a total of 2.5 million dollars that was allocated to address the research and mitigation of red tide, the Republican governor said at a news conference in Clearwater. Once I make this announcement today, for my four years, we went from $2.5 million to $40 million. Protecting Florida Together has been the governors mantra on the states environmental initiatives, and he said he is putting his money where his mouth is after his executive order 19-12 was put into place 48 hours after he was sworn into governor in 2019 called Achieving More Now For Floridas Environment. At the time he signed the order, he said, The protection of water resources is one of the most pressing issues facing our state. Thats why today Im taking immediate action to combat the threats which have devastated our local economies and threatened the health of our communities. Bob Wasno, a marine biologist with the Florida Gulf Coast University, docks his boat on a beach in Bonita Springs, Fla., on Aug. 14, 2018, where hundreds of dead fish washed up killed by red tide. (Gianrigo Marletta/AFP/Getty Images) Brevis, or Red Tide, as it is commonly known, has plagued the southern portion of the gulf coast of Florida for many years. Red Tide is an algae bloom that occurs annually and can cause damage to wildlife, cause respiratory problems in humans and affect the economy of Florida. It is prevalent during August and into September. Red Tide is not new to the area. It has been around since the 1400s, when the Spaniards arrived on the Gulf shores of Florida. It is described by many scientists as naturally existing. Red Tide feeds off a variety of nutrients. When there are higher levels of nutrients, the organisms can explode into a bloom that can be spread by currents and wind patterns. DeSantis said that he has not approved and signed the 2023 budget because he is still going through it and indicated he would use the power of line-item veto. Ive got line-item veto authority, DeSantis said. Weve gotta make sure we get it right. DeSantis touted that he had done more than any governor to help put resources to work for research and mitigation efforts against red tide. While the red tide has been around for hundreds of years, the governor said he understands that now and in the future, that red tide must be dealt with. We understand that, yes, these red tide blooms have been recorded for hundreds of years. But we also believe that we need to do whatever we can to mitigate the effects, DeSantis said at the press event. We want to put resources to bear both for research and mitigation. Experts in the field agree that while red tide is a natural phenomenon that is not going to go away, new technologies and scientific advances can help control the damage it causes to marine life and humans, said Dr. Michael Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. This initiative is bringing together the best and brightest minds in science to utilize innovative approaches and technologies to determine the most effective and ecologically compatible methods for mitigating the adverse effect of red tide, he said of the new red tide mitigation technology development initiative. Crosby said he is getting requests and inquiries from all of the nation and the world on how Florida is researching red tide. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Fla. (Courtesy, Mote Marine/Facebook) The Florida model for embracing science and technology to develop innovative tools to help protect our environment is a model for the rest of the nation can followand they should follow, he told the audience. DeSantis said the funding would be allocated between multiple parts of state agencies: $4.8 million is included for The Center for Red Tide Research at Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), which he created in 2019 to improve red tide monitoring. Another $3 million is for the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative, a partnership between FWC and Mote Marine Laboratory to identify technology that would decrease the environmental and economic impacts of red tide. And a recurring $3 million a year for research is to be allocated for the next six years. This program is already underway, he said. DeSantis has also allocated $20 million to aid in the clean-up of the algal blooms that would support county government with their clean-up efforts, with a minimum of $5 million going into an emergency grant program that is operated by the State of Florida. The governor explained that during a red tide event, it will result in fish kills. What happens is, you have a bloom, you end up seeing these fish, and if you dont go up and clean it out, it exacerbates all of the problems, he said. DeSantis said funding given to red tide mitigation during his time in office was a big commitment to the issue. He also lauded Floridas status as a popular fishing destination. I mean, were the number one fishing destination in the country, so weve gotta make sure were continuing to do all that we can, he said. DeSantis underscored the importance of dealing with red tide and said he wanted to be ahead of things as much as they can, especially during tourism months and making sure the beaches were pristine. Were fortunate to have some really great places, DeSantis said about Florida beaches. Were fortunate to be Floridians, but you have a lot of people who work hard, they save, to be able to come to Florida. To have fun and to bring their families. We welcome that, and were really happy that we have such beautiful beaches here, and particularly in this stretch, some of the best beaches are right here in our own backyard. Do Conspiracies Really Exist? Murray Rothbard Thought So Commentary It is also important for the State to inculcate in its subjects an aversion to any conspiracy theory of history; for a search for conspiracies means a search for motives and an attribution of responsibility for historical misdeeds. If, however, any tyranny imposed by the State, or venality, or aggressive war, was caused not by the State rulers but by mysterious and arcane social forces, or by the imperfect state of the world or, if in some way, everyone was responsible (We Are All Murderers, proclaims one slogan), then there is no point to the people becoming indignant or rising up against such misdeeds. Furthermore, an attack on conspiracy theories means that the subjects will become more gullible in believing the general welfare reasons that are always put forth by the State for engaging in any of its despotic actions. A conspiracy theory can unsettle the system by causing the public to doubt the States ideological propaganda. Murray N. Rothbard, Anatomy of the State This essay represents a conspiracy theory (or better, a conspiracy hypothesis) about the uses of the term conspiracy theory itself. I acknowledge that the term is one of the most potent epithets that can be hurled at a writer or speaker, that it is mostly used to delegitimize and dismiss its target, and that it serves not only to discredit the claim that a writer or speaker makes but also the very investigation into purported conspiracies. The phrase represents a condensed, shorthand means of labeling a claim negatively and humiliating the claimant, disqualifying the claimant and the claim a priori. Likewise, in writing of the conspiracy behind the use of the phrase, I am hereby opening myself up to the charge of conspiracy theory. I submit that the terms conspiracy theory and conspiracy theorist are used most frequently by those on the left, who usually associate the phrases with right-wing arguments and interlocutors. Therefore, in writing this essay, I am openly inviting the condemnation of leftists. But this is intentional. In the United States, the term conspiracy theory is often credited to a disinformation or deflection campaign of the CIA in connection with the assassination of U.S. president John F. Kennedyto discredit all but the official narrative concerning that event. But the Oxford English Dictionary finds the first usage in a 1908 article in the American Historical Review and defines the compound noun as the theory that an event or phenomenon occurs as a result of a conspiracy between interested parties; specifically, a belief that some covert but influential agency (typically political in motivation and oppressive in intent) is responsible for an unexplained event. In The Open Society and Its Enemies (1952), Karl Popper was apparently the first to elaborate on the conspiracy theory idea, and the philosopher discussed it again in Conjectures and Refutations: The Growth of Scientific Knowledge (1962). In volume 2 of The Open Society, Popper introduced the phrase the conspiracy theory of society in his discussion of Karl Marxs historicist method, which he believed was grossly mistaken for its assumption that the main task of sociology is the prophecy of the future course of history. He defined the conspiracy theory of society as follows: It is the view that an explanation of a social phenomenon consists in the discovery of the men or groups who are interested in the occurrence of this phenomenon (sometimes it is a hidden interest which has first to be revealed), and who have planned and conspired to bring it about. Popper called the conspiracy theory of society a typical result of the secularization of a religious superstition, an explanation of historical causality that replaces the causal agency of the gods or God with that of sinister pressure groups whose wickedness is responsible for all the evils we suffer fromsuch as the Learned Elders of Zion, or the monopolists, or the capitalists, or the imperialists. Poppers problem with the conspiracy theory of society was not that conspiracies do not exist but rather that they are seldom successful. The conspiracy theory, he suggested, grants too much credence to the power of the human actors involved. Instead of understanding conspiracy theory, Popper argued, the main task of the social sciences should be to explain why intentional human actions (including conspiracies) often result in unintended outcomes: Why is this so? Why do achievements differ so widely from aspirations? Because this is usually the case in social life, conspiracy or no conspiracy. Social life is not only a trial of strength between opposing groups: it is action within a resilient or brittle framework of institutions and traditions, and it createsapart from any conscious counter-actionmany unforeseen reactions in this framework, some of them perhaps even unforeseeable. (307) Actions, Popper noted, have unintended as well as intended consequences. This is because they take place in a social context that cannot be fully understood by social actors. The conspiracy theory of society is wrong because it claims that the results of actions are necessarily those intended by those interested in such results. I will return to Poppers analysis below. But first I want to note a historical irony. That is, the first extended refutation of the conspiracy theory of society, Poppers, came in the context of treating Karl Marxs method and was associated with theories about monopolists, capitalists, and imperialistsleaving aside for the moment the Learned Elders of Zion. The charge of conspiracy theory is often levied by socialists and other leftists. Yet Popper suggested that historicism, or Marxs method, is a derivative of the conspiracy theory. Poppers claim that a genetic relationship exists between historicism and conspiracy theory begs the question: Is Marxism a conspiracy theory, and if so, how? A partial answer involves Marxs idea of class consciousnessthe notion that all members of an economic class share the same mentality, worldview, and intentionalityand particularly his claim that all members of the capitalist class entertain and act upon the same ideanamely, a secret, hidden intention to extract value from workers at the point of production, value which Marx measured (mistakenly) in terms of the socially necessary labor time embedded in a commodity. As Marx wrote in Capital, volume 1, chapter 7, section 2: The fact that half a days labour is necessary to keep the labourer alive during 24 hours, does not in any way prevent him from working a whole day. Therefore, the value of labour-power [what the capitalist pays the laborer to sustain his life], and the value which that labour-power creates in the labour-process [the value of the commodities he produces], are two entirely different magnitudes; and this difference of the two values was what the capitalist had in view, when he was purchasing the labour-power. (emphasis mine) In other words, all capitalists cheat all members of the working class of approximately half a days pay every single day. Marx called this methodical, routine theft the production of surplus value, which the capitalist extracts at the point of production and which is the sole source of the capitalists profit. That all capitalists hold this hidden intention and separately act upon ita fact that supposedly awaited Marx to reveal to the worldinvolves a conspiracy that is breathtaking in its scope and effect, but no more breathtaking than Marxs accusation that such massive, ongoing, intentional fraud is the basis of capitalism. The very idea of an economic class acting in concert to exploit workers is no less a conspiracy theory than the belief that a Jewish cabal runs the world. In fact, it is more suspect than the latter because it ascribes a collective, secret intention to the entire capitalist class, one that is not even voiced between the conspirators. This is simply something that every capitalist knows to do and does, regardless of any communication with other capitalists. It discounts the fact that capitalists do not, in fact, act collectively but rather in competition with each other, and that part of this competition is the competition for the resource of labor. This latter competition drives up the price of labor when it is in shorter supply, rather than depressing it. It cannot be overestimated how central this supposed phenomenon is to the Marxist project; exploitation is the basis of the Marxist requirement that the working class unite, rise up, and overthrow its capitalist overlords. It is the basis of the need for communist revolution. This need is based on a conspiracy theory (and the false labor theory of value). Yet curiously, socialists are probably the group most apt to level the accusation of conspiracy theory. As a contemporary example, take this 2017 essay in CounterPunch, written by an avowed Marxist, entitled A New Dawn for Fascism: The Rise of the Anti-establishment Capitalists. Heres the first paragraph: The world rests on a precipice. On the one hand is institutionalized exploitation and imperialist violence. The well-being of humanity continues to be severely hampered by the priorities of a small unstable capitalist class, who would prefer that the rest of usthose who must engage in a daily struggle to purchase the essentials for living (like food and a roof over our heads)remain unorganized as a cohesive class. And on the other hand, there are those who believe that the fundamental class division between the rulers and the workers is both intolerable and unsustainable, and so seek to participate in and organize mass movements for social change that will bring an end to the domination of one class of people over another. (emphasis mine) We see Marxs claim of surplus value extraction embedded in the first sentence, followed by the belief that a small unstable capitalist class intentionally aims at keeping the rest of us unorganized as a cohesive class. Likewise, the conspiracy of the capitalists is largely, contra Popper, successful. The article goes on to complain about problematic and conspiratorial, but ostensibly anti-establishment, ideas [that] have been able to sometimes temporarily supplant class-based analyses about how and why social change happens. In the rant, these are right-wing and fascist ideas that are characterized no less than thirty-six times as conspiracy theories and conspiratorial thinking engaged in by conspiracy theorists. I could point to hundreds if not thousands of examples of Marxists leveling the charge of conspiracy theory and conspiracy theorist against those who hold opposing views. This is explicable in terms of the need on the part of Marxists to divert attention away from the fact that an unsubstantiated and illogical conspiracy theory lies at the heart of Marxism itself. I return now to Poppers discussion in The Open Society and Its Enemies by noting that in referring to the conspiracy theory of society, Popper meant a thoroughgoing theory meant to explain all outcomes: The conspiracy theory of society cannot be true because it amounts to the assertion that all results, even those which at first sight do not seem to be intended by anybody, are the intended results of the actions of people who are interested in these results. (emphasis mine) It is clear from this formulation that Poppers charge does not apply to all conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories that do not purport to explain everything are not included in Poppers indictment. After all, Popper admitted, conspiracies are typical social phenomena. Popper claimed that most conspiracies fail, which implies that some conspiracies succeed. Further, conspiracy theories might explain not only conspiracies that are successful but also those that ultimately fail. Conspiracy theories, or better, conspiracy hypotheses, are merely attempts to explain outcomes in terms of attempted conspiracies. Those theories that do not aim at explaining everything in terms of a singular, overarching conspiracy are based on an acknowledgement that conspiracies do transpire and that some outcomes are the results of successful conspiracies. An attempted bank robbery is technically a conspiracy, and explaining the plot to rob a bank is technically a conspiracy theory. Likewise, conspiracy hypotheses cannot be dismissed in advance. They must remain one of the modes for understanding social reality. Why, then, are conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists so categorically dismissed and denounced? As Murray N. Rothbard suggested, the campaign against conspiracy theories is a part of a conspiracy to protect conspiracists themselves. All those who conduct conspiracies, including bank robbers, have every reason to divert and deflect attention away from their activities; only some conspirators have the power to do so. The latter have invented the taboo against conspiracy theories and propagated it. Their vassals in academia, the media, and society at large obediently enforce the taboo and routinely denigrate offenders. This is one way of keeping conspiracies hidden and conspirators off the hook. Instead of exposing them, the enforcers of the conspiracy theory taboo exonerate their felonious lords and laud them to the ends of the earth. Thus, those who aim to destroy all conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists are servants of the powerful and the enemies of truth. From Mises.org Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Domestic Fossil Fuel Production Versus Russian Aggression Commentary Nobody ever said that being president of the United States is an easy job. Whoever sits in that office has to juggle the competing demands and interests of various constituencies. The political tendency is for a president to make more promises to various societal sub-groups than he can actually do for them. Underneath all the politicking, salesmanship, and maneuvering lies an inescapable reality: A president cant be all things to all people. At some point, he needs to act praxeologically. Praxeologyliterally, the study of human actionteaches us that the central act of being is the act of choosing between various possible alternatives. As the economist/praxeologist would say, humans choose that which (at the moment, at least) they value more over that which they value less. President Joe Biden is at a point where he must make a choice thats far more momentous than the options that presidents typically face most days. His most vitally important choice today is how to deal with an aggressive, empire-seeking Russia. The survival and safety of our country and its people must be a presidents top priority. Speaking praxeologically, Biden must choose to take whatever actions are necessary to protect Americans both today and in the coming years from a rogue regime that seeks to blow up a world of peaceful global commerce and return to a more primitive goal of brute conquest. At some point, a president needs to remember that his primary constituency is the entire population of the United States of America. At a time of war, domestic policy priorities need to take a back seat to a successful policy against a foreign aggressor. The argument that Vladimir Putin is not engaged in aggression against us is disingenuous. His ruthless rape of Ukraine today and designs against the sovereignty of other lands tomorrow poses a grave threat to our European allies and to the peaceful post-World War II world order. This constitutes an economic threat against us today and a potential existential military threat going forward. Far too often, unliked leaders have been recklessly compared to Adolph Hitler. A comparison of Putin to Hitler, by contrast, has considerable validity. Both are leaders whose national pride was deeply wounded when their respective homelands lost prestige by losing wars. Hitler sought to reverse the outcome of World War I and Putin is seeking to reverse the outcome of the Cold War. In both cases, appeasement of the aggressor is not a viable policy. Just as Hitler had to be defeated so that the German people could enjoy the peaceful prosperity of the post-World War II decades of peaceful economic competition rather than destructive military conflict, so Putin needs to be defeated today to give the Russian people a chance (and its only a chanceone that could easily be thwarted by the endemic corruption in Russia) to reach their economic potential by focusing on the peaceful development of their considerable natural endowments. Biden seems to sense this. His recent approval of $33 billion of aid (the majority of it in the form of military supplies) indicates that he understands that defeating Russia in Ukraine is essential for preventing additional Russian depredations later on. However, the president still needs to shake off political habits formed over the past half-century and realize that he cant afford to let lesser considerations interfere with the primary objective of putting a decisive end to Russian expansionism. Thus, Biden should not have used his recent letter to Congress requesting more aid for Ukraine as a platform for also appealing for additional billions for domestic COVID-19 funding. Let Congress debate COVID-19 funding, but dont let the debate over that issue delay the urgently needed funding for Ukraine. Similarly, Biden should direct his climate envoy, John Kerry, to cease making aggressive statements against the natural gas industry. Kerry recently asserted, We have to put the [natgas] industry on notice: Youve got six years, eight years, no more than ten years or so [to figure out how to capture emissions, and if you dont] we have to deploy alternative sources of energy. Kerry ominously stated, No one should make it easy for the gas interests to be building out 30- or 40-year infrastructure, essentially implying that the natural gas industry should be defunct before then. This is exactly the wrong moment to push for the extinction of the natural gas industryand not just because the timetable Kerry envisions is impossible to achieve. Right now, our allies in Europe are facing great hardship as they desperately scramble to find enough energy sources to enable them to survive without Russian supplies. (And, we should point out, even the German Green Party realizes that their country needs more, not less, fossil fuels now, due to the Russian threat.) The single best domestic policy shift that Biden could make to help and strengthen our European allies would be to give American fossil fuel companies the green light to ramp up production ASAP. That would lessen the hardship that Europeans will endure in weaning themselves from Russian energy supplies. Besides helping our side in the conflict with Russia, such a policy shift would help to lower gasoline and natural gas prices here at home, too. At a time when talk of a coming recession is growing, it makes sense to let American companies capable of employing thousands of Americans produce the energy that both Americans and Europeans need. Come on, Mr. President. You know whats at stake in the Ukraine war. Let the American fossil fuel industry do its part to help our side prevail. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A pro-abortion protestor shouts at pro-life protestor Bryan Kemper (center) before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Draft Opinion Overturning Roe v. Wade Wont Have Ripples, Legal Experts Say News analysis Conservative legal experts consulted by The Epoch Times reject predictions by left-wing lawmakers that if the Supreme Court formally adopts the leaked majority draft opinion striking down Roe v. Wade, the high courts conservative majority will follow up by overturning precedents protecting same-sex marriage and civil rights. Roe v. Wade is the seminal 1973 precedent that federalized abortion policy, overriding the states and making the procedure lawful throughout the entire United States. On May 2, not long after Politico published the draft decision written by Justice Samuel Alito in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, court file 19-1392, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) raised the alarm on Twitter, claiming, As weve warned, SCOTUS isnt just coming for abortiontheyre coming for the right to privacy Roe rests on which includes gay marriage + civil rights. The radical lawmaker, known by her initials AOC, also retweeted a post by Slate writer Mark Joseph Stern. Stern wrote: Alitos draft opinion explicitly criticizes Lawrence v. Texas (legalizing sodomy) and Obergefell v. Hodges (legalizing same-sex marriage). He says that, like abortion, these decisions protect phony rights that are not deeply rooted in history. The Supreme Court has since confirmed the authenticity of the document, describing it as a work in progress. The draft opinion would not outlaw abortion, a procedure on which the U.S. Constitution is silent, but states could do so. When Roe was decided, 30 states still forbade abortion at all stages, the draft states. It remains unclear when the final version of the courts opinion will be formally released by the court. During oral arguments on Dec. 1, 2021, in Dobbs, the Supreme Court heard Mississippis call to reverse Roe v. Wade, a landmark 7-2 decision that held a womans right to an abortion was safeguarded by her right to privacy under the Fourteenth Amendment. At issue is the states Gestational Age Act, which allows abortions after 15 weeks gestation only for medical emergencies or severe fetal abnormality. Citing Roe, lower courts held that the state statute was unconstitutional. The draft opinion, which has been welcomed by conservatives and constitutionalists, has become a lightning rod for the left. Well-funded abortion groups have mobilized protesters around the Supreme Court building, which increased its security to deal with potential threats, and there have been protests nationwide. As of press time, the White House had refused to condemn the unprecedented leak of the high courts work product. After Politico published its article, President Joe Biden said, If the court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nations elected officials at all levels of government to protect a womans right to choose. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the draft an abomination, adding this monstrous draft decision is a sweeping and severe restriction of Americans rights. In the draft, Alito states that in 1973 the Supreme Court arrogated to itself the power to impose a nationwide rule governing abortion, ignoring the principles of federalism which would leave the issue in the hands of the states, where it traditionally rested. Instead, Alito contends, a results-oriented high court ignored longstanding tradition and practice and invented the right to abortionin an embarrassing, poorly reasoned mockery of proper constitutional jurisprudence. Even abortion supporters have been hard-pressed to defend the legal reasoning found in Roe, Alito writes. One high-profile constitutional scholar, John Hart Ely, wrote that he would vote for a statute very much like the one the Court ended up drafting had he been a legislator, but in his view Roe was not constitutional law at all and gave almost no sense of an obligation to try to be. Alito notes that Justice Byron White wrote in his dissent at the time that the court was mistaken. Its decision represented the exercise of raw judicial power, sparking a national controversy that polarized and toxified the nations political culture for a half-century. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Curt Levey, president of the Committee for Justice, said the left is engaged in purely hysterics right now. The drafts reasoning is very specific to abortion, and the utter lack of any constitutional basis for the original Roe ruling. This is limited to the issue at stake, but if you want to draw any larger conclusion, you could conclude that in the future if a liberal Supreme Court wants to invent a new right, they should at least go through the exercise of finding some plausible constitutional basis for that. The year 1973 was the height of judicial activism and the living Constitution and making things up, that completely loosey-goosey standard, Levey said. The Obergefell ruling, which legalized same-sex marriage throughout the country, has more of a constitutional basis than Roe ever did, he said, adding that the claim that interracial marriage will be banned by the court is nonsense because the ruling allowing it has a very strong constitutional basis. Leveys nonprofit describes itself as devoted to restoring the Founders vision of a federal judiciary governed by the rule of law and anchored by the Constitution. Jim Burling, vice president of legal affairs for the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), a nonprofit public interest law firm that has won 14 cases before the Supreme Court, was also interviewed by The Epoch Times. After noting that PLF doesnt get involved in abortion-related cases, Burling said it was his opinion that many of those now presenting a parade of horribles the draft opinion could lead to, had notor could notread it. Some of the opposition is fascinating, he said. Its probably as much a reflection on the fact that our schools dont teach people to read anymore. If the critics had read Alitos draft, they would know that the court was very careful to say that this reversal was consistent with principles of stare decisis [i.e. following precedent]. It specifically talked about these other cases, Obergefell and others, and said, this doesnt necessarily mean anything to those cases. Many of the critics of the draft believe the right of persons who are pregnant are the only rights that are under consideration, he said, adding that many Americans believe that the right of the child to be born is equally important, perhaps more important than some of the rights of the pregnant person. Press Release May 5, 2022 Bong Go pledges continuous efforts to improve healthcare system as he witnesses inauguration of the new Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Christopher "Bong" Go vowed to keep on fighting for better healthcare services across the country as he joined President Rodrigo Duterte in the inauguration of the new Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 4, in Manila City. The Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, which was founded in 1920, is a national specialty hospital for obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatric cases. It began as a ten-bed maternity clinic in Sampaloc, Manila until 1950, when it relocated to its current location in Lope De Vega, Manila. The new hospital will be housed in the Department of Health Complex, which already houses the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and the San Lazaro Medical Center. With a total floor area of 43,287 square meters and six stories, the present bed capacity of the hospital is also raised from 700 to 800. The project likewise includes the purchase of new equipment and the hiring of additional hospital staff. The project is estimated to cost PhP2 billion, including the cost of the infrastructure and acquisition of medical equipment, and is funded by DOH's Health Facilities Enhancement Program and revenue generated by the hospital. According to Go, improving healthcare delivery by upgrading current and creating new hospitals is critical, particularly in locations where medical facilities are desperately needed to meet the requirements of the Filipino people. "Ako po sa Senado, patuloy kong ipaglalaban ang pagdadagdag ng bed capacities at pagtatatag ng mga bagong pampublikong ospital," said Go. "Naintindihan ko na mahalaga talaga ang pagtatatag ng mga bagong ospital dahil may mga lugar talaga na malayo. We should continue investing sa ating healthcare system. Ako bilang inyong Committee Chair (on Health) sa Senado, patuloy ko po itong ipaglalaban," he added. Phase 1 of the project is 99.95 percent complete as of April 29, while Phase 2 is 93.19 percent complete owing to outstanding architectural work. It is expected to be finished in September of this year. The new Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital is also expected to expand its capacity to meet the growing demand for maternal and pediatric services from patients across the country, provide modern and secure healthcare facilities for mothers, newborn infants, and pediatric patients, as well as establish itself as a leading research and training center for Reproductive Health and Advanced Neonatal Health. Go, who is a foremost advocate for improving the healthcare system and services in the country, has also been pushing for several other legislative measures concerning public health. With Go at the helm, the Senate Committee on Health had already earlier sponsored and facilitated the passage of 39 laws upgrading the existing and establishing new public hospitals across the country. Go has also filed Senate Bill No. 2158 which establishes the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC shall serve as the lead agency for developing communicable disease control and prevention initiatives. It will be primarily responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in the Philippines. The Senator also filed SB 2155 which establishes the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines (VIP). The institute shall serve as the country's principal laboratory for virology research, laboratory investigations, and technical coordination of the nationwide network of virology laboratories. The Malasakit Centers Act was likewise primarily authored and sponsored by Go and was signed into law in December 2019. It establishes a one-stop shop in all hospitals run by DOH, where poor and indigent patients can conveniently avail of medical assistance from the government. To date, there are 151 Malasakit Centers that have helped over three million Filipinos and are fully operating in various parts of the country. The Malasakit Center in the old Fabella hospital will be moved to the new facility. On Labor Day, May 1, Go also joined Duterte in the inspection of the first-ever Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in San Fernando City and the groundbreaking for the Pampanga Provincial Hospital-Clark in Mabalacat City, both in the province of Pampanga. Midagri explained that the increase in farming was attributable to higher production of the agricultural (4.3%) and livestock (2.8%) subsectors, which contributed to the recovery of the countryside and the supply of food to the markets. For example, the government agency explained that the agricultural subsector recorded an increase of 4.3%. This gain was mainly driven by higher production of blueberries (+120%; due to larger surface areas for production in La Libertad, Lima, and Lambayeque), and tangerines (+22.9%; due to a larger surface area for production in Lima). In addition, the increase was also attributable to higher production of oil palm (+11.7%; due to larger surface areas for production in San Martin and Ucayali), and grapes (+10%; due to larger surface areas for production in Ica, Lima, and Piura). Also of note was the increase in banana crops (+7.7%; due to greater production in Piura, Loreto, and San Martin), hard yellow corn (+6.1%; due to larger planted and harvested areas in Piura, San Martin, and Madre de Dios), potatoes (+5.9 %, due to greater production in Huanuco, Ayacucho, and Ancash), and mangoes (+5.6%; due to greater production in Piura, Ancash, and Lima), among others. Meanwhile, the first quarter's growth in the livestock subsector was mainly due to increased production of chicken (+4.3%; due to greater placement of chicks for meat production in Lima, Arequipa, and La Libertad), and pork (+3.7%; due to an increase in cattle numbers in La Libertad, Lima, and Ica). This gain was also driven by raw cow's milk (+1.3%; due to an increase in the number of cows used for its production in La Libertad, Cusco, and Ica), and chicken eggs (+1%; due to a greater number of laying hens in La Libertad , Ica, and Arequipa). (END) NDP/SDD/RMB/MVB Elon Musk, founder and chief engineer of SpaceX, speaks at the 2020 Satellite Conference and Exhibition in Wash., on March 9, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Elon Musk Plans Crusade on Twitter Spam and Bots: New Data Reveals the Size of His Problem Twitter Inc. said that according to an internal review conducted by the company, false or spam accounts during the first quarter of 2022 represented fewer than 5 percent of its monetizable daily active users (mDAUs). What Happened The social media platform said in the Monday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it had made improvements in its spam detection capabilities, which has led to the suspension of a large number of spam, malicious automation, and fake accounts. Twitter said it intends to continue making such improvements Why It Matters Twitter said it had 229 million mDAUs, which is a year-over-year increase of 15.9 percent. After we determine an account is spam, malicious automation, or fake, we stop counting it in our mDAU, or other related metrics, said on Monday. Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk is all set to take private in a $44 billion deal. Last month, Musk tweeted that if the bid led by him succeeded, we will defeat the spam bots or die trying! Recently, billionaire Mark Cuban suggested using Dogecoin to tackle spam. Musk liked the idea of the Dallas Mavericks owner. By Shivdeep Dhaliwal 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Elon Musk arrives at the In America: An Anthology of Fashion themed Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2022. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters) Elon Musk Raises $7 Billion Additional Funding for His Twitter Deal Tech billionaire Elon Musk has secured fresh financing from a group of investors that includes a Saudi prince and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison for his $44 billion buyout of Twitter, according to a new securities filing on May 5. The worlds richest man received equity commitment letters from 19 investors, committing to pay $7.14 billion in cash or Twitter common stock (valued at $54.20 per share), according to the document. The largest contribution came from Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a billionaire and one of Twitters largest stockholders, with a $1.9 billion commitment, followed by Ellison, who agreed to invest $1 billion. Other investors include Sequoia Capital Fund, Canadian private equity firm Brookfield, asset management firm Fidelity, Qatar Holding, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and crypto exchange Binance. The Saudi prince initially dismissed Musks $54.2 per share offer, stating on Twitter that it didnt reflect the true value of the company. But now, hes prepared to contribute his 35 million Twitter shares to remain a stakeholder in the private corporation. Some investors believe that investing in Twitter is betting on Musks management rather than the companys performance. They feel rewarded by his track record as a founder and operator of businesses such as PayPal, Tesla, and SpaceX. Musk is expected to serve as a temporary CEO of the platform for a few months following the completion of his takeover, according to people who spoke to CNBCs David Faber. On April 25, Twitter accepted Musks proposal of $54.20 per share in cash, which put the firms value at about $44 billion. Musk had secured $25.5 billion in loans, backed in part by a portion of his stake in Tesla, according to the announcement. He had also promised to provide nearly $21 billion in cash. With the new money, the margin loan amount backed by Tesla shares will be reduced to $6.25 billion from $12.5 billion; the equity commitment has now increased to $27.25 billion from $21 billion, according to the filing. Elon Musks Brother Kimbal Met Ukraine Leaders To Discuss Rebuilding Projects After The War Kimbal Musk, the billionaire brother of Tesla Inc and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, held meetings with Ukraines Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his team on Tuesday to discuss rebuilding projects once the war with Russia ends. What Happened Fedorov on Tuesday revealed he had an inspiring meeting to discuss the joint projects for the after the war time as well as plans for a big rebuild. Best days are yet to come, Fedorov tweeted and thanked the Musk family for the support after Russias invasion of Ukraine. Kimbal in response tweeted to say our hearts are with you to win the war. Why It Matters Elon Musk had in February swiftly responded to Ukraines plea to provide Starlink stations after Russias invasion, with donations having gone up to thousands since then. These have been installed in hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Fedorov on Monday said daily Starlink users had reached 150,000 in just a little over two months. Starlink beams down high-speed internet via satellites in orbit to Earth, especially to remote areas, including those ravaged by war or natural calamity. Musk was reportedly close to commercially launching Starlink in Ukraine months ahead of Russias invasion. Starlink has plans to launch 4,425 satellites in orbit by 2024. By Rachit Vats 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. A drone photo showing a group of migrants react as they succeeded to get on an inflatable dinghy, to leave the coast of northern France and to cross the English Channel, in Wimereux near Calais, France, on Dec. 16, 2021. (Pascal Rossignol/Reuters) English Channel People-Smuggling Kingpin Facing Extradition to Belgium A suspected kingpin of people-smuggling operations across the English Channel has been arrested and is facing extradition. Iranian Hewa Rahimpur was detained by officers in east London on Wednesday afternoon, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. The 29-year-old, who was living in Ilford, is wanted by authorities in Belgium, where he is suspected of being a leading figure in a network said by prosecutors to be engaged in systematic human-smuggling offences using small boats. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday where extradition proceedings are expected to begin. According to the NCA, Rahimpur is accused of sourcing boats in Turkey and having them delivered to Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, and then directing other members of his criminal organisation to take them on to the northern French coast, from where migrants would be transported. The investigation began after police seized boats and outboard motors from the back of a car near the Belgian-French border in October 2021. Jacque Beer, the NCAs deputy director of investigations, said: Rahimpur stands accused of being a major player in what we would say is one of the most significant criminal networks involved in supplying boats to people smugglers. Many of the criminal gangs involved in these crossings are based outside of the UK, but where we do find they have a UK footprint we will act swiftly to disrupt and dismantle them. One of the ways the NCA has sought to disrupt people-smuggling networks is by targeting their supply of boats. Andrea Wilson, the organisations deputy director of organised immigration crime, described some of the vessels as nothing short of death-traps, held together using gaffer tape and planks of wood. People walk by fencing that was erected around the Supreme Court building in Washington on May 5, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Fence Erected Around Supreme Court Amid Abortion Protests Fencing was installed around the Supreme Court in Washington overnight on May 4 as protests over a leaked opinion regarding Roe v. Wade continue. Video footage and photographs show workers erecting the fence, which stands about eight feet high and resembles the fence the U.S. Capitol Police put up around the U.S. Capitol following the breach on Jan. 6, 2021. The Supreme Court didnt immediately respond to emailed questions about the new barrier, including how long it will remain in place. The fence replaced shorter barriers that people could easily scale. The building, which sits across First Street Southeast from the Capitol, has been closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the leaked opinion was published on May 3, protesters began gathering outside the building to voice their views on the looming decision. The draft opinion indicated that a majority of justices were poised to strike down Roe v. Wade, a decision that concluded that access to abortion was a constitutional right. Both pro-abortion and pro-life protesters have been demonstrating outside the Supreme Court, with most supporting abortion. Tensions have flared during the protests. Pro-abortion protesters at one point attacked counter-protesters. Pastor Mark Lee Dickson argues with police officers in front of the Supreme Court on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Workers move fencing to the Supreme Court in Washington late May 4, 2022. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Workers set up fencing around the Supreme Court in Washington late on May 4, 2022. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Law enforcement officers talk as they stand behind fencing that was erected around the Supreme Court building in Washington on May 5, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Chief Justice John Roberts, a George W. Bush appointee, said this week that the leak will not undermine the integrity of our operations and that the work of the court will not be affected in any way. Roberts ordered the courts marshal to investigate the source of the leak. A U.S. Capitol Police spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email that the agencys security posture is enhanced, but declined to share details on what that means. The fence being erected came after Justice Samuel Alito, a George W. Bush appointee who penned the draft opinion, canceled plans to appear at an upcoming judicial conference. The reason for the cancellation was not clear. Two other justicesClarence Thomas and Robertsare reportedly scheduled to speak at a different conference being held in Georgia on May 5 and May 6. Tourists walk through Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., on March 22, 2022. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) Florida Residents Sue to Stop Dissolution of Disneys Private Government A group of Florida residents has sued the state in a bid to stop it from dissolving Walt Disney Worlds special district status, which has allowed the company for decades to run its theme park and surrounding areas as it sees fit. The looming dissolution was triggered when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed legislation in April to end the special district and others like it. According to the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court, the measure violates the agreement that Florida entered with Disney in 1967 when the district was formed. The district currently owes approximately $1 billion in tax and utility bonds, according to Fitch Ratings. The agreement forbids Florida from dissolving the special district until any debt is paid. In other words, DeSantiss attempt to dissolve the district is illegal unless the state pays the $1 billion first, plaintiffs Michael Foronda, Edward Foronda, and Vivian Gorsky wrote. They also allege the legislation violates Disneys First Amendment rights because it was approved and signed shortly after Disney spoke out against a separate bill that curtailed or barred instruction on sexual topics to primary school students. The suit asks the court to find the new law unlawful and issue a permanent injunction that would bar the state from enforcing the measure. A spokesperson for DeSantis, one of the defendants, declined to comment on the suit. While signing the measure, DeSantis said that we have everything thought out. He later told a briefing, Under no circumstances will Disney be able to not pay its debtswe will make sure of that. During a recent appearance on Fox News, DeSantis specified that there will be additional legislation to address the matter. The details on the Reedy Creek plan have yet to be released. They will be soon. The local residents of Orange and Osceola counties will not have to bear the burden of Disneys debt, as the governor has stated. And, there is no scenario where the state would inherit Disneys debtthis is misinformation, the governors office told The Epoch Times via email. The district, comprised of about 39 square miles across Orange and Osceola counties, is located about 15 miles from Orlando. The district, in a written response to the bill, pointed to the part of the agreement about debts needing to be paid and said it expects to explore its options while continuing its present operations. Disney hasnt commented on the bill. The suit notes how Orange County tax collector Scott Randolph recently told a local broadcaster that the district being dissolved could lead to an increase in property taxes. Removing these special privileges could leave the county responsible for more than $1 billion in debt serving, in addition to the cost of coverings services Disney currently manages, like the fire department, the plaintiffs stated. The facade of the headquarters of the Department of National Defence is pictured in Ottawa, on April 3, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) Fugitive Who Died in Ontario Plane Crash Served in Canadian Armed Forces: Defence The Department of National Defence says two men wanted in Thailand for the murder of a man with links to British Columbia gangs both served in the military. Gene Lahrkamp and Matthew Dupre have been accused in the Feb. 4 death of Jimi Sandhu in Phuket and police have said they fled to Canada following the incident. Dupre was arrested in Alberta Feb. 20, while Lahrkamp was identified as one of four people who died in a plane crash that was discovered in northwestern Ontario Saturday. The Defence Department says both served as infantrymen in the army and left the military as corporals, but it could not confirm if they served together. Dupre served from October 2005 to August 2013 and deployed to Afghanistan for five months in 2010. Lahrkamp served from February 2012 to February 2018 but never deployed. British Columbias anti-gang unit, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, says its investigating why Lahrkamp was on the small aircraft that crashed near Sioux Lookout, Ont., and his relationship with the others on board. A Carnival Cruise Line ship is seen on March 27, 2020 in a file photo. (Greenwood/Getty Images) Fully Vaccinated Carnival Cruise Ship Hit With COVID-19 Outbreak Carnival Cruise Lines confirmed that it experienced a COVID-19 outbreak on its Carnival Spirit in recent days even though the company requires all passengers and staff to be fully vaccinated. The Carnival Spirit team managed a number of COVID cases during its 16-day Panama Canal journey that departed Miami on April 17 and arrived in Seattle on May 3, told The Epoch Times Thursday. There were no serious health issues, and while some guests showed minor symptoms, most were asymptomatic. Its not clear how many passengers or employees contracted the virus. A spokesperson for the company did not elaborate when asked about the figure. Carnivals spokesperson said that all health and safety protocols were closely followed including vaccination requirements and pre-cruise testing of all guests and our crew are also vaccinated and wear masks. Our protocols are designed to flex up as needed and additional measures were implemented during the voyage, including mask requirements for guests, the spokesperson said. Carnival provided transportation and lodging support for guests who needed to quarantine per CDC guidelines and that the ship departed on its next cruise on Tuesday afternoon as scheduled, said the spokesperson. Several passengers onboard the Carnival Spirit complained about how Carnival allegedly handled the COVID-19 outbreak on board the ship. I literally stayed in this room for six days, with no telephone service, they wouldnt answer the phone, Darren Siefertson, who was placed in quarantine, told CBS News this week. This ship was so unprepared and so mismanaged that many of us suffered greatly, he added. Sieferston told NewsCenter Maine that he believes about 200 people tested positive for the virus. They didnt have enough staff to handle the emergency that was happening, period, Sieferston alleged. They were overwhelmed, and they didnt have a backup course in how to handle about 200 people affected with COVID. We all suffered. About a month ago, officials confirmed that a 100 percent vaccinated cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises suffered a COVID-19 outbreak before it docked in San Francisco. On March 18, the CDC released updated COVID-19 guidelines for cruise operators, with an agency spokesman telling news outlets that it entails the agencys suggestions on social distancing, quarantine requirements, and port agreements. COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp speaks during a press conference in Atlanta, Ga.,, on Aug. 10, 2020. (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) Georgia Governor Signs Bill Barring COVID-19 Vaccine Passports Georgias governor has signed a bill that bans state and county agencies from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination. After signing the bill on May 3, Gov. Brian Kemp said that we will always stand up for the rights of our people against government overreach. The legislation, Senate Bill 345, prohibits state and local governments from mandating vaccine passports, or requiring proof that a person has gotten the COVID vaccine. The bill simply bans the ability of the state of Georgia to mandate the COVID-19 vaccinationthats it, state Sen. Jeff Mullis, a Republican and the bills sponsor, told a state Senate panel earlier this year. Previously, Georgia residents could have been excluded from governmental functions such as speaking about proposed legislation at the state Capitol or attending school, state Rep. Bonnie Rich, a Republican who sponsored the House version of the bill, said on the House floor. The legislation was altered after being introduced, including making clear that it doesnt apply in cases when an agency would violate federal law by following it. One such example is hospital systems, which are largely governed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That agency has a COVID-19 vaccine requirement in place for employees at systems that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. Another change to attempt to appease critics is a sunset provision. The law will be repealed on June 20, 2023. Mullis said he plans to revisit the matter by then, saying its possible the prohibition could be extended, perhaps permanently. Sponsors said the bill still allows school systems to require COVID-19 vaccination, although the final version says the word agency means, among other entities, every school district in the state. The final vote in the House was 9967. The Senate approved the measure in a 3420 vote. State Sen. Michelle Au, a Democrat and a doctor, was among those voting no. This bill undermines public trust in the COVID vaccine, she claimed on the Senate floor, describing the vaccines as safe and effective. Kemp, who is running for reelection, in May 2021 issued an executive order that barred state agencies from requiring vaccine passports. The new bill goes further by including agencies on the county level. Kemp, Mullis, and Rich all said they are vaccinated, but feel people shouldnt be mandated to get the jab. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. A woman holds a smartphone with the Meta logo in front of a displayed Facebook's new rebrand logo Meta in this illustration picture taken on Oct. 28, 2021. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters) German Regulator Imposes Tougher Rules on Facebook Owner Meta BERLINGermanys cartel office said that Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook, has paramount significance for competition across markets, a classification which gives the regulator more leeway to curb digital companies market power. Under legislation introduced by German lawmakers in early 2021, the cartel office can ban what it deems to be anti-competitive activities. Meta, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, operates a strong, ad-supported social media ecosystem that continues to expand and is used by a large portion of the population in Germany, the cartel office said in a statement on Wednesday. It said the new classification would form the basis for a more rapid conclusion of ongoing antitrust proceedings against Meta. In 2019, the cartel office ordered the company to curb its data collection, saying the worlds largest social network had abused its market dominance to harvest the information of its users without their consent. Meta, then called Facebook, appealed the decision, and the matter is still pending in court. The cartel office also initiated abuse proceedings against Meta in 2020 related to the links between its Oculus virtual reality products and the social media network. Even if we do not share the reasoning that has led to the Federal Cartel Offices decision, we will continue to concentrate on providing our users in Germany with the best possible experience in keeping with all the laws and regulations, a spokesperson for Meta told Reuters. By Riham Alkousaa, Nadine Schimroszik, and Rachel More Inflammation in the gums can increase susceptibility to other forms of inflammation, such as arthritis, through changes to immune cell precursors in the bone marrow, according to new research. The immune system remembers. Often this memory, primed by past encounters with threats like bacteria or viruses, is an asset. But when that memory is sparked by internal drivers, like chronic inflammation, it can prove detrimental, perpetuating a misguided immune response. our findings suggest that its important for clinicians to keep in mind how the medical history of the donor is going to affect the health of the recipient. In a new paper in Cell, researchers lay out the mechanism by which innate immune memory can cause one type of inflammatory conditionin this example, gum diseaseto increase susceptibility to anotherhere, arthritisthrough alterations to immune cell precursors in the bone marrow. In a mouse model, the team demonstrated that recipients of a bone marrow transplant were predisposed to more severe arthritis if their donor had inflammatory gum disease. Although we use periodontitis and arthritis as our model, our findings go above and beyond these examples, says corresponding author George Hajishengallis, a professor in University of Pennsylvania Dental Medicine. This is in fact a central mechanism, a unifying principle underlying the association between a variety of comorbidities. The researchers note that this mechanism may also prompt a reconsideration of how bone marrow donors are selected, as donors with certain types of immune memory caused by underlying inflammatory conditions might put bone marrow transplant recipients at a higher risk of inflammatory disorders. In previous work, Hajishengallis had partnered with co-corresponding author Triantafyllos Chavakis of Technical University of Dresden and collaborators to explore the role of innate immune memory. Their findings showed that, just like the adaptive immune systems T cells and B cells, the innate immune systems myeloid cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, could remember past encounters, becoming more responsive when exposed to a new threat. The work also pinpointed how this memory was encoded, tracing it to the bone marrow, and showed that this trained immunity could be transferred from one organism to another through a bone marrow transplant, protecting recipients from cancer through an innate immune response. While that is good news, Hajishengallis and Chavakis also believed that trained immunity could be detrimental in the right contexts. While attending a meeting on innate immunity in Greece in 2019, the two scientists brainstormed over dinner at an outdoor tavern, jotting down their thoughts on a napkin. They later formalized some of their hypotheses about this potential dark side of trained immunity in a publication in Nature Reviews Immunology in 2021. The thoughts went like this: We knew the gum disease periodontitis increased the risk of comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, says Hajishengallis. And the reverse is also true: People with the inflammatory disease colitis, for example, have an increased prevalence of periodontal disease. Different mechanisms have been proposed, but no one unifying mechanism could explain this bidirectionality. We started thinking about a possible unifying mechanism that could underlie the association between several distinct comorbidities, says Chavakis. Building on their earlier discovery related to trained precursors in the bone marrow, the researchers set out to see whether they could trace the source of the association between comorbidities to the innate immune training they already knew was happening in the bone marrow. Setting out to test this hypothesis, the team first showed that, within a week of inducing a mouse to have periodontal disease, the animals myeloid cells and their progenitor cells expanded in the bone marrow. Examining these cells weeks later, after periodontitis was intentionally resolved, the researchers did not notice significant changes in how the cells looked or behaved. However, these progenitor cells appeared to have memorized the inflammation they were exposed to, as they harbored important epigenetic changes: alterations in molecular markers that affect the ways genes are turned on and off but do not alter the actual DNA sequence. The researchers found that these alterations, triggered by inflammation, could alter the manner in which the genes would be expressed after a future challenge. The overall pattern of epigenetic changes, the researchers note, was associated with known signatures of the inflammatory response. Mice with induced periodontal disease also had more severe responses to a later immune system challenge, evidence of trained immunity. To put the whole picture together regarding the link between inflammatory conditions, the critical experiment, as Hajishengallis explains, was a bone marrow transplant. Mice that had periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, served as donors, as did a group of healthy mice serving as controls. Two hundred stem cells from their bone marrow were transplanted into mice that had never had gum disease and which had had their own bone marrow irradiated. A few months later, these mice were exposed to collagen antibodies, which trigger arthritis. Mice that received the transplant from mice with periodontitis developed more severe arthritis than mice that received a donation of stem cells from periodontally healthy mice, says Hajishengallis. And higher joint inflammation in recipient mice was due to inflammatory cells deriving from the periodontitis-trained stem cells, says Chavakis. Further experiments suggest that the signaling pathway governed by a receptor for the molecule IL-1 played a vital role in contributing to this inflammatory memory. Mice that lacked IL-1 receptor signaling could not generate the immune memory that made the recipient mice more susceptible to comorbidities, the researchers found. The work has implications for bone marrow transplants in humans, a common course of therapy in addressing blood cancers. Of course, its a great thing if you find a matching donor for bone marrow transplantation, says Hajishengallis. But our findings suggest that its important for clinicians to keep in mind how the medical history of the donor is going to affect the health of the recipient. The work also underscores that blocking IL-1 receptor signaling could be an effective approach to mitigate against these knock-on effects of trained immunity. Weve seen anti-IL-1 antibodies used in clinical trials for atherosclerosis with excellent results, Hajishengallis says. It could be that it was in part because it was blocking this maladaptive trained immunity. Follow-up projects are examining how other inflammatory conditions, may be linked with periodontal disease, a sign, the researchers say, of how crucial oral health is to overall health. Additional coauthors are from Penn, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Technical University of Dresden, Radboud University Medical Center, and the University of Bonn. Support for the study came, in part, from the National Institutes of Health and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. This article was originally published by University of Pennsylvania. Republished via Futurity.org under Creative Commons License 4.0. Herbert Marcuse Versus the Radical Youth An excerpt from Mark Bauerleins The Dumbest Generation Grows Up The following story is adapted from Bauerleins recent book, The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults. Back in April 1969, a surprisingly conservative thing happened at the ultra-progressive campus of SUNYOld Westbury when radical theorist Herbert Marcuse visited to give a lecture to the students. Michael Novak describes the episode in his memoir Writing from Left to Right: My Journey from Liberal to Conservative, which includes a full chapter on Novaks time teaching at Westbury, where he had joined the school as a willing participant in a new way of educating. The college had just opened with a small set of faculty and a hundred students or so. It was a deliberate experiment in youth empowerment. In this new institution all students would be full partners, and new ways of weaving together learning and action would be explored, Novak remembers. Here, finally, teachers would respect the finer consciousness of students, who hadnt been corrupted by the Establishment. Undergrads arrived fired up by Vietnam and youth revolt, convinced that the grownups had botched the world and wouldnt let go unless the young forced them, and they demanded that Westbury show how authentic reform works. Many of the teachers agreed. Novak was in sympathy with the protests of the time, which he paints as part of a tumultuous quest for honesty, courage, and community, but he retained enough common sense to recognize that a college needed some structure and hierarchy. The students call for equality became hatred for authority, he recalls, a full-on contempt for normality and bourgeois norms. It was ludicrous: students coming to class barefoot and dirty, ordering teachers to approve their independent projects no matter what direction they took, denying the expertise of the very professors appointed to grade and accredit them, worshipping Vietcong guerrillas and harassing teachers who seemed noncompliant (one day Novak found a note on his door threatening him and his family and signed by The Committee). The whole experience pushed Novak toward views that would land him among neoconservatives in the 1980s. Soon Novak and a few others split off to form their own college-within-the-college, in which the classics would be studied in a traditional manner. There, as provost, he could invite suitable outsiders to come and address the students, one of them being Marcuse. It was a logical choice. Nobody had better credentials than the famed German emigre, who had woven Marx and Freud together to create a compelling indictment of capitalist society in Eros and Civilization (1955) and One-Dimensional Man (1964). His thesis of repressive tolerance, which authorized minority revolutionaries to deny free speech rights to conservative foes, thrilled Angela Davis and Abbie Hoffman. Students at Westbury would love to hear him. Novak doesnt mention it, but a year after Marcuses visit, an account of it appeared in Playboy magazine under the heading Portrait of the Marxist as an Old Trouper. It was written by Michael G. Horowitz, a young journalist whod been a student of Marcuses at Brandeis a few years before. People came in droves to see Marcuse at Westbury, Horowitz stated, students and nonstudents eager to savor the man whose revolutionary broadsides have always been too delightfully apocalyptic to be anything but explosively alive. The article recounted Marcuses flight from Nazi Germany in the 30s, his patriotic work for the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II, positions at institutes at Columbia and Harvard in the 1950s, professorship at Brandeis in the 60s until his antiVietnam War stance and fervent Marxism poisoned the relationship and he had to go (Marcuse compared America in 1965 to the terror of Nazi Germany), eventually relocating to UCSan Diego. By then, Time and the New York Times had named him the star theoretician of the New Left. Student radicals who were otherwise contemptuous of anyone over thirty idolized him. The attendees at Westbury, Horowitz observed, were as crass in their adoration as the crowd cheering Johnny Winter that night at the Fillmore East. Novak himself appears in the Playboy account as the Catholic theologian whose arguments for the New Left were giving the Vatican fits. Horowitz spotted him sitting penitently on the floor, so as to be at Marcuses feet. Horowitz foresaw that the students adulation would be tested, though. He had previous experience of Marcuse, from when he was a sophomore at Brandeis. Just before Marcuse quit the campus, students had held a reception in his honor at which a revealing exchange occurred. Marcuses secretary had asked him, in an apparent reference to his formal teaching style, Why dont you ever talk to your students? But I do talk to them! he replied. Horowitz, standing right there, jumped in: Ok, lets talk! Marcuse let him proceed. What do you think of student power? the young man queried. It was a common challenge at the time, to ask educators in authority how they conceived of their students, as children to be tutored or as budding adults to be set free? Given those polar alternatives, Marcuse was unambiguous: On Vietnam, on dormitory rules, I am with you. But in the classroom, I believe in only one powerfaculty power. When we were students in Berlin, we never dictated to our professors, we listened to them. That response stuck with Horowitz, who judged Marcuses approach disturbingly authoritarian, and he didnt believe Marcuse had changed his educational views since then. What proceeded to unfold at Westbury didnt surprise him. What do you think of black studies? came a shout from the back once Marcuse took his place at the front and the discussion began. I dont believe in black studies or white studies, Marcuse answered. Theres a certain amount of material that every intelligent person should learn. As Horowitz notes, this approach could only sound hopelessly reactionary to the revolutionaries in the rooma core, a tradition, a static canon of hoary works imposed upon a rising generation in order to tame it. The logical challenge would be: What material? When I came across the Playboy article and read the account, such a challenge had an all-too-familiar ring. It was essentially the same question that was heard throughout academia in the 1980s and 90s, when multiculturalists discredited the traditional syllabus with the accusatory questions Whose tradition? Why Shakespeare? Who decides? I heard it all the time in those years and couldnt always figure out why it had so much authority, but it did. The questionersfrom 1969 through the next few decadesassumed that those putdowns fully justified displacing Western Civilization and English lit from Beowulf to Virginia Woolf and the Great American Novel, art and architecture from the Parthenon to Picasso, the music of Mozart and Stravinsky, and all the rest. This time, though, it didnt fly with the speaker at all. Marcuse didnt bother with a specific defense. He didnt offer any names or titles. For him, it was obvious what students should be learning: I am talking about the basics of history, economics, psychology, philosophy, and so on. Are these really relevant to the black student in a revolutionary situation? Marcuse acknowledged the apparent irrelevance of the traditional curriculum to kids from the ghetto, but insisted that that was all the more reason for the core instruction. The same year he had written that genuine rebellion in an advanced society required a break with the familiar, the routine ways of seeing, hearing, feeling, understanding things, a reflection, he understood, that few uneducated persons could achieve (An Essay on Liberation, 1969). Marcuse didnt go into that point at Westbury, but we can draw the implication. Without the guidance of tradition, the black student wouldnt comprehend his own situation, he wouldnt understand how radical the change must be to transform it, and hence his revolution would never go beyond fruitless gestures of resistance. But why bother preparing them? growled a student Horowitz recognized as a member of SDS (Students for a Democratic Society). For what? The white mans economics courses? If hes seen rats, junkies, and the General Motors Building, he knows all he has to know! The crowd brayed its approval. Marcuse had had enough. His tone remained diplomatic, but not his words. I detect here a growing anti-intellectual attitude among the students. There is no contradiction between intelligence and revolution. Why are you afraid of being intelligent? He gave an example of thoughtful activism at UCSD, when students added scholarly material to their demands of the administration and won a concession from the dean. He noted, too, the roles of Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau in the French Revolution, and of Marx, Lenin, and Trotsky in the Russian Revolution, thinkers all. That argument quieted the crowd. A stand-off set in. The students didnt want to go into Voltaire and Marx; they were sure theyd already got the tools of revolution. And Marcuse wouldnt back down; he was unwilling to indulge youth just because they were young. You can imagine them sulking in silence, the man they revered sounding just like their square fathers telling them to finish their homework. It was a telling encounter between American upstarts and Old World thinker, a clash over readiness, not ideas or politics. Neither side would budge. They couldnt because the debate had become too personal. The young revolutionaries wanted to hear about the tactics of the capitalists, yes, but more, they want Marcuse to endorse them, as they were at that very moment (Give us student power!), and he wouldnt do it. They were already revolutionaries, they believed, but no, he said, if they really wanted to become revolutionaries, they would have to go to their rooms and read more books. Dont be in such a hurry, youre not ready yet, this sixty-year-old man told them. This wasnt a quarrel over politics. It was a quarrel over youth. In his memory of the event, Novak saw it that way, too. He devoted only one paragraph to Marcuses performance. But while at the time that he wrote his memoir, many years after the event, he stood far from the political position of the young reporter, his version of Marcuses judgment didnt contradict Horowitzs at all: After mingling with the students, he was affronted and disgusted. At his lecture, he set aside his prepared notes and instead described the severe Prussian discipline of his own education: the classics he had to master; the languages he had to learn by exercises and constant tests. His theme was that no one had any standing on which to rebel against the pastor dare to call himself a revolutionarywho had not mastered the tradition of the West. In both renditions of the story, the master was a disappointment to his fans, precisely because he couldnt accept them as partners. Not even the tactician of repressive tolerance could bridge the generation gap. Horowitz concludes that Marcuse was a radical thinker, but lived a bourgeois life just like the rest of the Establishment, paying mortgages, getting the car fixed He talks and talks, but will never provoke a revolution. Though a despairing youth intelligentsia needs constant resuscitation, they werent going to get it from Marcuse, Horowitz decided. Novaks final remark records the impact of the gurus refusal to approve the students rejection of traditional learning: This was not at all what the students expected. From then on a chill came over quotations from Marcuse. That was fifty years ago, at the height of a great upheaval, and its amusing to look back on the turnabout that took place at this gathering of angry young men and women at the historic Long Island estate housing Westbury College. It isnt at all ironic, however, that the guru theorist of the time should be the voice of tradition, for this was Marcuses fundamental point: nothing can be more reactionary than to cut the young off from the past and overestimate their novel identity. Or, put it this way: the ruling class rejoices over a stupid revolutionary who fails to spot the machinations that hold him back. Late capitalism works in subtle ways, by a misleading commodity fetishism, for instance, and you have to read a lot in order to see through itthat was the gist. Marcuse was formed in a rigid Prussian system, yes, but personal experience wasnt what led him to locate power strictly in the professor. He didnt assign The Social Contract and Candide because his professors had made him read them when he was a student. He did so out of tried-and-true Marxist principle. It was a paradox, but no less true for that: if you want to be a canny revolutionary, you must start out an obedient student. Especially in a consumer society of relative prosperity, a compliant attitude in the formative years is necessary to the correct understanding of tyranny later onof how labor gets alienated, how bread and circuses cloud peoples class consciousness, and so forth. If you simply trust that your generation, by virtue of its unique place in history, has special insight into injustice and power, you live only in the present, and consumer capitalism loves it when you think like that. You lack the tools of revolution, youre anti-intellectual, no matter how much you fancy yourself a rogue. Nothing serves the counter-revolutionary faction better than the puffed-up rebel who ignores Marx and Trotsky, neglects Machiavelli and Rousseau, and misses out on Hegel and Robinson Crusoe (a book Marx read closely). Without the background, without the ideas, our self-satisfied subversive is unwary and undiscerning, a shortsighted resister who doesnt realize that a revolutionary wearing blue jeans and a beard is fully as coopt-able by consumer society a conformist sporting an Oxford shirt and a crew cut. Thats what bothered Marcuse about the youths who revered him. They were the opposite of what they thought they were, and few of their teachers were telling them so. Is there any better parable for the social justice warriors of today than the tale of the great leftist guru of the Sixties dressing down the ardent youth of that time? From RealClearWire Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Theyre not exactly schools, but theyre not homeschools either. They have elements of structured curriculum and institutional learning, while offering maximum educational freedom and flexibility. They provide a consistent, off-site community of teachers and learners, and prioritize abundant time at home with family. They are not cheap but they are also not exorbitant, with annual tuition costs typically half that of traditional private schools. Hybrid schools are, in the words of Kennesaw State University Professor Eric Wearne, the best of both worlds, drawing out the top elements of both schooling and homeschooling while not being tied too tightly to either learning model. Wearne studies hybrid schools and is the director of the National Hybrid Schools Project which seeks to better understand this educational approach and why its been gaining popularity in recent years. Wearne joined me on this weeks episode of the LiberatED Podcast to talk more about hybrid schools and how they are reshaping American education. Hybrid schools are as diverse as the people who launch them and the communities they serve. Some of these schools think of themselves as a group of homeschoolers that comes together in a physical building for formal learning several times a week, while other hybrid schools think of themselves as formal private schools that meet on a part-time basis. The ability of these schools to emerge in varied and spontaneous ways to meet local learning needs, and to define their communities however they see fit, exemplifies the promise of free-market education solutions and the process of voluntary exchange. The unique structure of hybrid schools makes it easier for entrepreneurial parents and educators to open one, and often enables them to avoid government regulation and oversight that can limit innovation and experimentation. In their new paper on hybrid schooling, Wearne and his colleague John Thompson, acknowledge that the autonomy and independence of these schools are among their attributes. One can imagine the policy and regulatory issues that may arise from a set of schools who custom-design themselves in ways that may make them impossible for states and localities to categorize consistently, they write. This may pose problems for policymakers, but for these schools, this bespoke nature is a feature, not a bug. These schools tend to avoid the political battles involved in startup charter schools, and are less of a financial lift to create compared to five-day, conventional private schools. In his earlier research, including his 2020 book on the topic, Wearne found that hybrid schools satisfy a rising demand by families for smaller, more personalized, more family-centered learning models rather than larger, more standardized conventional schooling. In fact, Wearne found that most of the hybrid school students in his sample had attended public schools prior to enrolling in a hybrid school, and most said theyd prefer full-time homeschooling, rather than full-time private schooling, if they could. Parents also indicated that they were much more satisfied with their childrens hybrid school than with their previous schools. The growing interest in and supply of hybrid schools across the country reflect a larger educational trend away from traditional schooling and toward innovative, decentralized solutions. Keeping government regulation and intrusion at bay will help hybrid schools and similar models expand and evolve to meet the distinct preferences and needs of local learning communities, and will introduce a greater variety of interesting and affordable educational options for families. Learn more about hybrid schools on the latest episode of the LiberatED Podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, Google, and Stitcher. And sign up for Kerrys weekly LiberatED email newsletter to stay up-to-date on educational news and trends from a free-market perspective. Kerry McDonald is a Senior Education Fellow at FEE and host of the weekly LiberatED podcast. She is also the author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and a regular Forbes contributor. Kerry has a B.A. in economics from Bowdoin College and an M.Ed. in education policy from Harvard University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children. You can sign up for her weekly newsletter on parenting and education here. This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article. Justice Alito Cancels Public Appearance After Supreme Court Roe v. Wade Leaked Opinion Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has canceled plans to make an appearance at an event on Thursday in the aftermath of the leaked majority draft opinion suggesting that Roe v. Wade would be struck down. Alito was set to appear at the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judicial conference alongside a number of other judges from the New Orleans-based federal appeals court and the district courts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas but canceled for unknown reasons, Reuters reported. Patricia McCabe, a spokesperson for the Supreme Court, confirmed to Reuters that Alito would not be in attendance on Thursday but did not give a reason as to why. A spokesperson for the appeals courts judicial council, which arranges the conference, told The Epoch Times that it does not make details about the conference public, including its location, for security reasons. Alitos no-show at the upcoming event comes just days after a 67-page opinion, along with a 31-page appendix, was published on May 2 by Politico regarding the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed the right to abortion across the entire United States. The leaked documentpenned by Alitostated that Roe was egregiously wrong from the start and appeared to suggest that the landmark ruling would be overturned by the Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority. We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled, Alito wrote in the document, which is labeled as the opinion of the Court and dated Feb. 10.It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives. While a final decision has not yet been made, if it were to be overturned, the ruling would not ban abortions nationwide, but would instead allow each state legislature to decide. Justice John Roberts confirmed the draft documents authenticity shortly after it was leaked but stressed that it was not the courts final decision or the final position of any member in the case. The chief justice also directed the marshal of the Supreme Court to launch an investigation to determine the source of the leak to Politico while appearing to rule out loyal permanent employees. To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the Court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed, Roberts said in a statement on May 3. We at the Court are blessed to have a workforcepermanent employees and law clerks alikeintensely loyal to the institution and dedicated to the rule of law, Roberts continued. Court employees have an exemplary and important tradition of respecting the confidentiality of the judicial process and upholding the trust of the Court. This was a singular and egregious breach of that trust that is an affront to the Court and the community of public servants who work here. Roberts added that the work of the Court will not be affected in any way. However, the leaked documents have sparked controversy across the United States, prompting protests by pro-abortion activists and supporters, while Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have spoken out against it. Newsom on May 4 vowed to make his state a safe haven for women from other states who are seeking abortions if Roe v. Wade. is overturned. Several states, including Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas, have recently limited abortions. Meanwhile, the identity of the leaker remains known only to Politico reporters, although many believe that a law clerk to a Supreme Court justice may be the person behind it. Alitos colleagues, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Clarence Thomas, were also set to speak separately at a similar conference in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 11th Circuit on Thursday and Friday, according to a program obtained by the outlet. It is unclear if they will still appear at that event or not. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Protesters support abortion outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 3, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Kansas August Referendum To Be First Post-Roe Electoral Clash The first ballot test of the post-Roe era will be on Aug. 2 when Kansas voters are presented with a proposed constitutional amendment that declares there is no constitutional right to abortion. The Kansas Value Them Both Amendment will be the first of at least four proposed constitutional amendments addressing abortion certain to go before voters during the 2022 election cycle. After this weeks leak of the U.S. Supreme Courts draft ruling in favor of nixing 1973s Roe v. Wade decision, efforts by pro-life activists in Colorado to get an abortion ban on this years ballot have gained traction while pro-choice groups in Michigan are staging a late drive to qualify a reproductive rights amendment for a November referendum. If the draft remains as is, the ruling itself is not surprising. All sides of the abortion debate expected the court to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy when it ruled on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization and to return regulation of abortion to the states. In anticipation of the ruling, state lawmakers across the country have been adopting legislation that would go into effect if the Supreme Court kicked abortion regulation back to the states. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy nonprofit that supports abortion rights, at least 531 anti-abortion restrictions were introduced in 40 states during sessions in 2022 after lawmakers in 2021 adopted more than 100 laws restricting abortionthe most in any year in the last five decades. According to Congressional Quarterly/Fiscal Note, of those 500-plus proposals, lawmakers in nine states have adopted 33 new abortion restrictions as of May 2. Those new laws include trigger bans that prohibit abortion from 15 weeks, approved this year in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Oklahomas new law would ban abortion at six weeks. Court rulings have suspended such trigger bans in Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, and South Carolina. Those rulings would likely be overturned in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision in the Mississippi case. A pro-life activist holds a model fetus during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on June 29, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Depending on how laws are implemented, abortion access would be dramatically curtailed in 23 to 26 states if the leaked draft ruling went into effect. Meanwhile, the likelihood of the Supreme Court tossing out Roe v Wade has also spurred lawmakers in seven states to adopt 11 bills that protect access to abortion, including New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. California lawmakers passed a law to make abortions less expensive for private insurance plans. In Colorado, legislators codified the right to receive an abortion in the state when they adopted their Reproductive Health Equity Act. In Maryland, where the legislature passed four abortion rights measures this year, lawmakers overrode Republican Gov. Larry Hogans objections to several provisions. In addition to legislative actions, lawmakers and activists on both sides of the issue propose ballot initiatives in several states that would directly appeal to voters. At least four proposed ballot measures addressing abortion are sure to be on 2022 ballots because lawmakers put them there. Three seek to restrict the procedure. In addition to the Kansas Value Them Both Amendment going before voters in August, Kentucky lawmakers have placed a similar proposed no right to abortion constitutional amendment on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. The Iowa Legislature has put a no right to abortion proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2024 ballot. The Oklahoma Senate this year also passed proposals to place no right to abortion and rights of the unborn proposed constitutional amendments on Novembers ballot. But with Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signing a bill into law that prohibits abortion at six weeks, it is uncertain if the House will advance the two prospective measures to the ballot before the session adjourns on May 27. In January, the Montana Legislature agreed to place LR-131, the Medical Care Requirements for Born-Alive Infants Measure, on Novembers ballot. LR 131 states, infants born alive at any stage of development are legal persons and require medical care to be provided to infants born alive after an induced labor, cesarean section, attempted abortion, or another method. The fourth abortion-related measure certain to be on the ballot this yearand the only one that expands abortion rightsis Vermonts Proposal 5, the Right to Personal Reproductive Autonomy Amendment. If adopted, the Vermont Constitution would state, an individuals right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine ones own life course. Lawmakers had to adopt resolutions in consecutive legislative bienniums to get on the ballot via legislation. Vermont legislators passed the resolution in 2019-20 and again in 2021-22. In Colorado, where lawmakers passed a Reproductive Health Equity Act enshrining abortion access this year, pro-life forces are nevertheless mounting a signature-gathering petition to get a proposed ban on abortion except to save the life of the mother adopted by voters in November. Angela Eicher, of the Northeast Colorado United for Life Committee, and Rebecca Greenwood, of Christian Harvest International, are sponsors of the proposed ballot measure, which was cleared for signature gathering in April. They need 124,632 valid signatures by Aug. 8 to qualify. Similar measures seeking to restrict abortion in Colorado have not fared well. In 2020, Coloradans rejected an initiative to ban abortions after a fetus reaches 22-weeks. More likely to get on Novembers ballotand be among the most-watched votes in the nationis the Michigan Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative. Sponsored by Reproductive Freedom for All, a coalition that includes the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, the proposed constitutional amendment was cleared for signature gathering in March. The prospective amendment would create a state constitutional right to reproductive freedom, which it defines as the right to make and effectuate decisions about all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care. Sponsors need 425,059 signatures by July 11 to get on Novembers ballot. MSF doctors Stig Walravens (2nd R), 33, and Yaroslav (L), 39, care for Oleh, 58, a patient on a medical evacuation train on its way to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv on April 10, 2022. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images) RussiaUkraine War (May 5): Russian Fighting Destroys, Damages Nearly 400 Hospitals, Medical Centers: Zelenskyy The latest on the RussiaUkraine crisis, May 5. Click here for updates from May 4. Russian Fighting Destroys, Damages Nearly 400 Hospitals, Medical Centers: Zelenskyy Russias invasion of Ukraine has devastated hundreds of hospitals and other medical institutions and left doctors without drugs to tackle cancer or the ability to perform surgery, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy said many places lacked even basic antibiotics in eastern and southern Ukraine, the main battlefields. If you consider just medical infrastructure, as of today Russian troops have destroyed or damaged nearly 400 health care institutions: hospitals, maternity wards, outpatient clinics, Zelenskyy said in a video address to a medical charity group on Thursday. In areas occupied by Russian forces the situation was catastrophic, he said. This amounts to a complete lack of medication for cancer patients. It means extreme difficulties or a complete lack of insulin for diabetes. It is impossible to carry out surgery. It even means, quite simply, a lack of antibiotics. In one of the most widely denounced acts of the war, a maternity hospital was all but destroyed on March 9 in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Russia alleged pictures of the attack were staged and said the site had been used by armed Ukrainian groups. The Kremlin says it targets only military or strategic sites and does not target civilians. Ukraine daily reports civilian casualties from Russian shelling and fighting, and accuses Russia of war crimes. Russia denies the allegations. ___ Pentagon: Most Russian Forces Left Mariupol The Pentagon says the majority of Russian forces that had been around the port city of Mariupol have left and headed north, leaving roughly the equivalent of two battalion tactical groups there, or about 2,000 troops. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that even as Russian airstrikes continue to bombard Mariupol, Moscows forces are still making only plodding and incremental progress as the main fight presses on in the eastern Donbass region. He said he has seen no change in Russian behavior or momentum as May 9 draws near. Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, the anniversary of the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. There have been suggestions that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to tout a major victory in Ukraine when he makes his address during the traditional military parade on Red Square. Kirby said the United States still assesses that Russia is behind schedule and not making the progress in the Donbass that it expected. Spain Frees Ukrainian Politician Facing Alleged Treason A court in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician and blogger who was arrested after being accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday near the coastal city of Tarragona under an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Citing the circumstances of the case and Shariys connections to Spain, the judge declined to keep him in custody. Instead Shariy was ordered to surrender his passport, report regularly to authorities and remain in Spain, where he has reportedly lived since 2019. The court said the measures would remain in place for 40 days in order to allow Ukraine to formally request Shariys extradition. His arrest in Spain was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. Shariy, the founder of a political party considered by many in Ukraine to be pro-Russian, has been a vocal critic of Ukraines government. As recently as Tuesday he tweeted that he had been warned that Ukrainian intelligence was trying to track him down. Ukrainian media reported that a member of Shariys political party said in February, prior to the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, that Shariy had been granted asylum in the European Union. It was not immediately possible to confirm that report. ___ UN: Operation Underway to Evacuate Civilians The United Nations says a third operation is underway to evacuate civilians from Mariupols besieged steel plant and the city, which is surrounded by Russian forces. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that a third evacuation is taking place and U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said its aim is to evacuate more civilians from Mariupol and the sprawling Azovstal steel plant. Guterres said 101 civilians were evacuated from the Azovstal plant along with 59 more from a neighboring area in the first operation that ended Tuesday. He said that in the second operation, which was completed Wednesday night, more than 320 civilians were evacuated from the city of Mariupol and surrounding areas. ___ Ukraine Governor Says a Missile Attack Ukraines Eastern Donetsk Region Injured 25 People The regional governor says a missile attack on the city of Kramatorsk in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region injured 25 people and inflicted wide-ranging damage. In a Telegram post, Pavlo Kyrylenko says 810 apartments in 32 high-rise buildings sustained damage as the result of an airstrike Thursday morning. The post featured photos of multiple buildings reduced to rubble. Kyrylenko added that six private houses, two schools, a kindergarten, and a medical institution were also damaged. He said he had not received reports of any fatalities. ___ Ukraine: Russia Made Failed Advance Attempts The Ukrainian army says Russian troops made unsuccessful attempts to advance in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. A Facebook post published Thursday afternoon on the official profile of the Ukrainian General Staff says the Russians also continue to launch missile strikes on transport facilities in order to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military-technical assistance. ___ Russia: Air Force Destroys 45 Ukraine Targets The Russian military says its air force has destroyed 45 Ukrainian military facilities in the latest series of strikes. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the targets hit Thursday by the Russian air force included Ukrainian troops and weapons concentrations and an ammunition depot in the eastern Luhansk region. Konashenkov said the Russian missile units hit a Ukrainian artillery battery at its firing positions near the settlement of Zarozhne, a battery of Uragan multiple rocket launchers near Mykolaiv, and four other areas of concentration of military personnel and military hardware. He said the Russian artillery hit 152 Ukrainian troops strongholds and 38 artillery firing positions. Konashenkovs claims could not be independently confirmed. ___ UN Says a New Safe Passage Operation Underway Around Mariupol The United Nations says a new safe passage operation is underway in and around the bombarded Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Humanitarian spokesman Saviano Abreu tells The Associated Press the U.N. is working in coordination with the parties to the conflict and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He says they will share more information when the situation allows. It is not clear how many people are part of the evacuation and Abreu would not say whether people at the Azovstal steel plant are involved. A similar joint evacuation effort brought 101 civilians out of the plant over the weekend. Another brought out people from Mariupol and other communities on Wednesday. ___ Olaf Scholz Says German Foreign Minister Will Soon Travel to Ukraine German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the nations foreign minister will soon travel to Ukraine on an official visit after the two countries resolved a diplomatic spat Thursday. The German government had traded barbs with Ukraines ambassador in Berlin after Kyiv appeared to snub an offer to visit by Germanys president. It was unclear when exactly Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Kyiv, and whether she would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ___ A 500-Million-Euro LithuanianPolish Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Inaugurated A 500-million-euro ($530 million) LithuanianPolish natural gas transmission pipeline was inaugurated Thursday, completing another stage of regional independence from Russian energy sources. The Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania pipeline that runs more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) comes at a time when Russia has once again tried to blackmail us using gas, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at the inauguration. Lithuanias Prime Minister Ingridas Simonyte added that any reduction or disappearance of this source of funding would have a very significant impact on the Russian economy and the ability to continue financing the war in Ukraine. ___ Top Putin Ally Says UkraineRussia Conflict Has Dragged On Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko admitted in a Thursday interview that the RussiaUkraine conflict is dragging on longer than expected, although he defended Moscows incursion. Asserting that the Kyiv government was provoking Russia, Lukashenko told The Associated Press he is not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on, he told the outlet, describing the conflict as a war several times in his interview. Russian President Vladimir Putin, he added, is not trying to seek a conflict with NATO and said it is Washington that is fueling the conflict. Read the full article here ___ US Gives Sweden Security Assurances If It Submits NATO Application The U.S. government on Wednesday reaffirmed to Sweden its commitment to NATOs open-door policy and will support the Nordic country during the period of a potential NATO application. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in Washington on May 4 and discussed NATOs commitment to welcoming new members and assuring European security, among other issues. Blinken underscored the importance of the Transatlantic relationship to European security and reaffirmed our commitment to NATOs Open Door policy, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a press release. Read the full article here ___ UN Agency: Reopen Ukraine Ports to Ship Food The United Nations food aid agency is appealing for Black Sea ports in Ukraine to be open again to permit shipping of wheat and corn exports, which many poor nations depend on. The Rome-based World Food Program noted in its appeal Thursday that before the war launched by Russia, 98 percent of Ukraines grain exports had moved through those ports. It said in a statement that a month after the war began on Feb. 24, export prices for wheat had risen by 22 percent and maize by 20 percentthats on top of already steep rises in 2021 and earlier this year. ___ Israel Says Putin Apologized for Foreign Ministers Hitler Remarks Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had apologized for his foreign ministers comments claiming Adolf Hitler had Jewish origins. Bennett, after a call with the Russian leader, said he accepted the apology and thanked Putin for clarifying his position. Bennett also said he asked Putin to consider allowing the evacuation of the besieged Azovstal steel works in the Ukrainian port of Mariupol. Bennett said he made that request following an earlier conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and that Putin promised to set up a corridor for civilian evacuation. ___ Russia Still Ready to Provide Safe Passage From Azovstal, Putin Tells Israels Bennett Russian President Vladimir Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call on Thursday that Russia was still ready to provide safe passage for civilians from the besieged Azovstal steelworks in the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, the Kremlin said. It said Putin told Bennett in a thorough exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine that Kyiv should order Ukrainian fighters holed up in the vast Azovstal plant to put down their weapons. Ukrainian defenders trapped at the site have clung on desperately for weeks, while some civilians have made it to safety through humanitarian corridors but others remain inside. The Kremlin earlier denied that Russian forces were storming the plant, referring to an April 21 order from Putin that they should seal it off but not venture inside its labyrinth of underground tunnels. ___ Bulgaria Seeks Exemption to Russia Oil Embargo In anticipation of a European Union embargo on Russian crude oil Bulgaria says its looking for an exemption due to its dependence on supplies from Russia. Bulgarias only oil refinery near the Black Sea port of Burgas is owned by Russias oil giant LUKOIL and is the main fuel supplier in the country. Still, Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev told reporters that the refinery is already processing up to 50 percent non-Russian crude and theoretically should be able to fully eliminate Russian crude. Bulgaria, technologically, can do without Russian crude oil, but this would significantly increase fuel prices, Vassilev said. In case the European Commission weighs some exemptions, we would like to take advantage of it, because it will be in the best interest of Bulgarian consumers. Slovakia and Hungary have already asked for such exemptions. ___ German President Called Zelenskyy to Resolve Diplomatic Spat Between Two Countries German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in an effort to resolve a diplomatic spat between the two countries. German government officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had expressed annoyance after Ukraine made clear last month it didnt want Steinmeier to visit because of his past dealings with Russia. Ukraines ambassador in Berlin, in turn, branded Scholz an offended liverwurst for saying the incident was a problem in the countries relations. Steinmeiers office said the two presidents resolved irritations of the past during their call. Steinmeier expressed his solidarity, respect and support for the brave fight by the Ukrainian people against the Russian aggressor, it said. It was unclear whether Steinmeier, whose position as head of state is largely ceremonial, would visit Kyiv soon. The President of parliament, Baerbel Bas, who is ranked after Steinmeier but before Scholz according to German political protocol, is expected to visit Ukraine on Sunday. ___ Ukrainian Officer Urges Evacuation of Wounded Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, as Russian forces attempted to finish off the citys last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in the steel mills underground bunkers, many of them wounded. Some civilians are with them, too. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of Ukraines neo-Nazi Azov Regiment, said in a video statement from the steel mills bunkers Thursday that the wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. He urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to help ensure the evacuation of the wounded and civilians still in the bunkers. ___ Spanish Judge Orders Release of Ukrainian Politician-Blogger Accused of Treason A judge in Spain on Thursday ordered the provisional release of Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian politician-blogger accused of treason in his home country. Shariy was arrested on Wednesday in the coastal city of Tarragona on an international arrest warrant issued by Ukraine, according to Spains National Court. Court documents said Shariy is accused of high treason and incitement of hatred. Shariy, who has reportedly lived in Spain since 2019, was ordered to turn in his passport and remain in the country. The court said officials in Ukraine now have 40 days to formally present a request for Shariys extradition. His arrest was announced by Ukraines security services on Thursday, who said there was reason to believe Shariy was acting on behalf of foreign entities. ___ Russia Says Western Intelligence to Ukraine Wont Thwart Its Goals The Kremlin said on Thursday that the United States, Britain, and other NATO countries were constantly feeding intelligence to Ukraine but this would not stop Russia from achieving its military objectives there. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was responding to a New York Times report that the United States had provided intelligence that helped Ukrainian forces kill a dozen Russian generals. Our military is well aware that the United States, Britain, and NATO as a whole are constantly transmitting intelligence and other parameters to the Ukrainian armed forces, he told reporters. He said this, and the supply of Western weapons, do not contribute to the quick completion of the (Russian) operation, but at the same time are not capable of hindering the achievement of the goals set. Asked what measures Russia might take in response, he said: Of course, the Russian military is doing whatever is necessary in this situation. ___ Danish Foreign Minister: Russia Expels Four Diplomats With Denmarks Embassy in Moscow Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Thursday that Russia has decided to expel four diplomats with Denmarks Embassy in Moscow. They have wrongfully become pieces in Putins cynical power play, Kofod said. It is a completely unjustified and deeply problematic decision, which underscores that Russia no longer wants real dialogue and diplomacy. Moscow said seven Danish diplomats were expelled. Danish media said that those expelled included four diplomats and three others without diplomatic status. They must leave within two weeks. Moscows tit-for-tat decision came after Denmark last month expelled 15 Russian intelligence officers who worked at Russias Embassy in Copenhagen. Several other European countries also expelled Russian intelligence officers. ___ Japan to Add 140 Individuals to Russian Sanction List: PM Kishida Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday that 140 individuals would be added to a Russian asset freeze list while an export ban will be expanded to Russian military firms. Kishida, speaking in London via a translator after a meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, added that now was the time for the Group of Seven leading nations to solidify its unity. ___ Russia Denies Troops Storming Azovstal, Says Putin Order Still Stands The Kremlin denied that Russian troops were storming the Azovstal steel plant in Ukraines southern port city of Mariupol, where Ukrainian fighters and civilians are trapped, and said humanitarian corridors were operating there on Thursday. Asked if a claim by a senior Ukrainian official that Russian troops had broken into the plants territory was true, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred reporters to President Vladimir Putins previous order not to storm it. Putin was shown on television on April 21 telling his defense minister instead to seal off the vast complex so a fly cant pass through. You were witnesses, the president gave the order to refrain from an assault. No other orders were announced and the [humanitarian] corridors are working today, Peskov said. On Thursday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a prolonged ceasefire to evacuate civilians including women and children from bunkers under the Azovstal steel plant. Russias military said it would pause military activity at the steelworks during Thursday daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to leave. ___ Russia Says It Killed Over 600 Ukrainian Fighters in Artillery Strikes Russia said on Thursday that its artillery had targeted multiple Ukrainian positions and strongholds overnight, killing over 600 fighters. The armed forces of the Russian Federation continue their special military operation in Ukraine, the defense ministry said. Over 600 nationalists and 61 units of weapons and military equipment were destroyed, it added. The defense ministry also said its missiles had destroyed aviation equipment at the Kanatovo airfield in Ukraines central Kirovohrad region and a large ammunition depot in the southern city of Mykolaiv. Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it called a special military operation to degrade its southern neighbors 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. ___ $6.5 Billion Raised at Donors Conference for Ukraine Ukraine received pledges for $6.5 billion more in humanitarian aid Thursday at an international donors conference in Warsaw that sought to get Ukrainians urgent help while still planning for the countrys post-war reconstruction. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a co-host of the conference, announced that $6.5 billion was raised in donations, eliciting applause from leaders and other officials attending the one-day meeting, including representatives from the United Nations and companies such as Google. The pledges came from countries and businesses, many of whom attended the conference at Warsaws National Stadium in person and others who made their pledges remotely. His co-host, Swedens Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, said the sum exceeded their expectations. Morawiecki said Ukraine needs over 12,000 tons of humanitarian aid every day, but that only 3,000 tons are getting through. He said the conference shows that the world is not indifferent to Russias genocidal war. Andersson said the aim was to help Ukraine both now and later. Ukraine will win this war and we will stand by your side, she said. ___ Russian Governor Reassures Residents After New Explosions in Area Near Ukraine Two explosions took place in the early hours on Monday in Belgorod, a Russian region bordering Ukraine, but there was no damage or security threat, the top official in the area said. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said he wanted to dispel apprehensions among inhabitants of the region that someone or something flew in from the territory of Ukraine. That is not the case. Our military aviation was performing combat tasks as part of the special military operation, he added, using the official term by which Russia refers to the war in Ukraine. The fact that he felt the need to reassure residents suggested a degree of nervousness among the population after a spate of fires and explosions in recent weeks at ammunition stores and fuel depots in Belgorod and other southern regions. Ukraine has not directly accepted responsibility but has described the incidents as payback and karma for Russias invasion. ___ UN: More Than 300 Evacuated From Mariupol The United Nations says more than 300 civilians from the besieged southeastern city of Mariupol and four other towns have been evacuated to Ukrainian-held Zaporizhzhia in a second successful operation to get civilians out of areas subject to Russian shelling and attacks. Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian chief in Ukraine, said in a statement that many of the civilians from Mariupol, Manhush, Berdiansk, Tokmak, and Vasylivka came Wednesday with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and are now getting humanitarian assistance. She said theyll also receive much-needed psychological support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the 344 evacuated Wednesday are in addition to the more than 150 people who were evacuated earlier this week from the bunkers under the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol, which is surrounded by Russian troops and reportedly came under renewed fire on Wednesday. No civilians were reported evacuated from the plant on Wednesday. Zelenskyy said they are trying to reach an agreement to save those remaining at Azovstal, including women and children. ___ Air Raid Sirens, Missile Fire in Ukraine Air raid sirens sounded in cities across Ukraine on Wednesday night and missile fire followed shortly after in the cities of Cherkasy, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. In Dnipro, Mayor Borys Filatov said one strike hit the center of the city. The strikes in Dnipro also hit a railroad facility, authorities initially said, without elaborating. Ukrainian Railways said none of its staff were injured in the Dnipro attack. Complaining that the West is stuffing Ukraine with weapons, Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line points across the country. Meanwhile, the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war by proposing a ban on oil imports, a crucial source of revenue for Russia. Jack Phillips, Lorenz Duchamps, The Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report. Pro-abortion signs hang on a police barricade at the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington on May 3, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Losing the People? Then Change the Rules Commentary Court packingthe attempt to enlarge the size of the Supreme Court for short-term political purposesused to be a dirty word in the history of American jurisprudence. The tradition of a nine-person Supreme Court is now 153 years old. The last attempt to expand it for political gain was President Franklin Roosevelts failed effort in 1937. FDRs gambit was so blatantly political that even his overwhelming Democratic majority in Congress rebuffed him. Yet, now court packing is a law school cause celebre. It is hailed as a supposedly quick fix to reverse the current 63 conservative majority. Recently, a rough draft of an opinion purportedly overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that had legalized abortion in all 50 states was leaked to the media by someone inside the court. That insider leak of a draft opinion was a first in the modern history of the Supreme Court. It violated all court protocols. Yet, it was met with stunning approval from the American left. The leaker either intended to create a preemptive public backlash against the purported court majority in the hope that one or two justices might cave and switch under pressureor to gin up the progressive base to fend off a likely disaster in the November midterm elections. The recent leak, however, is consistent with a left-wing assault on the court that has intensified over the past five years. Democrats have gone ballistic ever since former Presidents George W. Bush and especially Donald Trumps appointees solidified a conservative majority. During Brett Kavanaughs confirmation hearings in 2018, protesters stormed the Senate chambers in protest. The left rallied behind the now-convicted felon Michael Avenatti, who publicized crazy, wildly untrue charges about a teenage Kavanaugh. Later, in spring 2020, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) whipped up a protest crowd right in front of the Supreme Court. He directly threatened justices Neil Gorsuch and Kavanaugh. I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You wont know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions. What exactly did Schumer mean by you will pay the price or you wont know what hit you? Who or what would hit the two justicesand how, exactly? But its not just the court the left is targeting. Long-standing institutions and even constitutional directives are now fair game. At the 2020 funeral of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), former President Barack Obama crudely proposed bringing in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia as statesand with them, four likely left-wing senators. Obamas eulogy also damned the 180-year-old Senate filibuster. Yet as a senator, Obama himself resorted to the filibuster in an effort to block the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito. The Electoral College is under continued assault, especially since George W. Bush in 2000 and Trump in 2016 were elected without winning the popular vote. The founders arguments for the Electoral College are never mentioned. But the drafters of the Constitution felt it forced candidates to visit rural areas. They believed it would discourage European-style multiple splinter parties. It made voter fraud more difficult on a national scale, and it emphasized the United States of America. That is, America today is 50 unique states that are represented as such in presidential elections. The Biden administration also narrowly failed to push through a national voting law. Such legislation would have superseded the states constitutional rights to set most of their own balloting protocols in national elections. So what is behind leaking Supreme Court drafts of impending opinions, seeking to pack the Supreme Court with 15 justices, ending the Senate filibuster, adding two more states to the 60-year-old 50-state union, curtailing states rights to set their own balloting procedures, or trashing the Constitutions Electoral College? The answer to those questions also applies to President Joe Bidens promise to cancel millions of contracted federally guaranteed student loans simply by a pre-midterm election executive fiat. And how can Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas openly negate federal immigration law? How can he welcome millions to illegally cross the southern border? The answers are obvious. The hard left has detoured from the mainstream of American voters onto a radical trajectory. So it will never find 51 percent public approval for any of its current extremist and crackpot initiatives. Instead, it sees success only through altering the rules of governance or changing the demography of the electorateor both. Still, leftists should be careful about what they wish for. Latinos are historically transforming en masse into conservative voters. Leftists are also greenlighting powerful precedents for the next Republican president. He may follow their lead by simply changing any rules, laws, customs, and traditions anytime he deems them inconvenient. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A 20-year-old man drove a stolen Mercedes SUV as fast as 178 mph (286 kph) during a chase night through six counties along Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 95, on May 4, 2022. (Martin County Sheriffs Office via AP/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Man Arrrested After High-Speed Chase Authorities say a 20-year-old man drove a stolen Mercedes SUV as fast as 178 mph (286 kph) during a chase Monday night through six counties along Floridas Turnpike and Interstate 95. Deputies deployed stop sticks to flatten the vehicles tires and a K-9 named Zorro then helped secure the fleeing suspect, the Martin County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post. The chase began near Orlando and ended some 150 miles (241 kilometers) later near Hobe Sound. Deputies in Martin County, which is north of West Palm Beach, were alerted to the chase through an alert from the Florida Highway Patrol. Video footage from a sheriffs office aircraft showed the car speeding along without headlights after deputies attempted to stop it. The sheriffs office said the ground pursuit was terminated because of the dangerous speeds, but the aircraft continued to track the stolen SUV. Deputies were able to deploy the stop sticks to deflate the vehicles tires. The driver ran from the vehicle and into a wooded area. The South Florida suspect faces multiple charges including grand theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing with a disregard for safety, and obstruction. His 28-year-old passenger was also arrested. A Union Jack flag flies behind a sign pointing to a polling station in London, England, on May 5, 2022. (Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images) Millions Head to the Polls Across the UK to Elect Local Leaders Local elections are under way across the UK, as millions of people cast their ballots to select their local representatives. In England, more than 4,000 councillors in 146 councils are standing for election in major cities including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and all 32 London boroughs. All 32 councils in Scotland and all 22 in Wales are also holding elections. In Northern Ireland, voters are going to the polls across 18 constituencies to elect 90 members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson arrives to cast his vote at a polling station in London, on May 5, 2022. (Dan Kitwood /Getty Images) After casting his ballot at a polling station in Westminster early on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Boris Johnson posted a video on Twitter, in which he said he voted for his party because its Conservatives who deliver, Conservatives who get the bins collected. There have been predictions that the Conservative Party could lose hundreds of council seats as a result of the so-called partygate scandal in Downing Street, which has seen Johnson, his wife Carrie, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak fined for joining gatherings during lockdown in violation of COVID-19 laws. But Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden sought to emphasise that the elections are about local governance rather than what happened in Westminster. In a statement to mark polls opening, he said: The choice couldnt be starkerbetween Conservatives who keep council tax down and offer good services, or the opposition parties who waste money on political games and vanity projects. Education minister Michelle Donelan told Sky News that she believes Johnson, who has faced calls for him to resign over partygate, is an asset, not a liability in elections. Britains main opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria leave a polling station after casting their vote in local elections, in London, on May 5, 2022. (Daniel Leal /AFP via Getty Images) After casting his vote in Kentish Town, north London, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer wrote on Twitter: Today is our chance to send the Tories a message they cant ignore: Britain deserves better. He used his election rallying call to highlight the constant drip-drip of sleaze and scandal in Johnsons administration. Starmer said the government had broken the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus regulations they had put in place over and over again and said the Tory failure to tackle the cost-of-living crisis had been a disgrace. PA Media contributed to this report. President-elect Donald Trump and Mitt Romney dine at Jean Georges restaurant in New York on Nov. 29, 2016. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Mitt Romney on Trump: Hes Very Likely to Get GOP Nomination Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said that if former President Donald Trump decides to run for president in 2024, he will probably win the Republican nomination. I dont delude myself into thinking I have a big swath of the Republican Party, Romney, a frequent critic of Trump, told Politico on May 5. Its hard to imagine anything that would derail his support. So if he wants to become the nominee in [2024], I think hes very likely to achieve that. While its not set in stone that Trump will run for president again, the former commander-in-chief has offered strong hints in recent days. Trump hasnt formally announced his plans, saying that he would do so after the 2022 midterm elections are over. Hes also cited federal election rules regarding election donations. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), said Trump is the leader of the party, thats clear. If he decides to run, he will be the nominee. Trump, 75, said in April that his health would play a factor in whether he would run in 2024. The former president will turn 78 in 2024. You always have to talk about health. You look like youre in good health, but tomorrow you get a letter from a doctor saying come see me again, Trump told The Washington Post in April. Thats not good when they use the word again. Trump noted that hes in good health. In the meantime, Trump has used his platform to boost certain Republican candidates who have pledged support to his movement. Notably, Republican Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance secured the Republican nomination this week. I think were going to have a tremendous season. I think were going to win a lot of races with great candidates who are going to go on to big numbers in the fall, Trump said earlier this week after Vance won. Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee for president, voted to convict Trump twice during efforts to impeach him, although both attempts to convict ultimately failed. Romney said following the 2020 election: He will have an enormous impact on our party going forward. I believe the great majority of people who voted for Donald Trump want to make sure that his principles and his policies are pursued. But I think if you look at the numbers and look at the pickup that Republicans had in statehouses across the country and Congress and holding the Senate so far, versus our loss in the presidency, youd suggest that the presidential race was more a matter of a referendum on a person. Correction: A previous version of this article misattributed a quote to Romney. The Epoch Times regrets the error. YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. The Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport has extended restrictions on flights to 11 airports in the southern and central part of the country until 3:45 am May 13, 2022, TASS reports citing the statement of the agency. Restrictions will be in force in the airports of Anapa, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Gelendzhik, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Rostov-on-Don, Simferopol, and Elista. "Russian airlines are recommended to carry passengers by alternative routes using the airports of Sochi, Volgograd, Mineralnye Vody, Stavropol, and Moscow. The remaining airports of the Russian Federation operate as normal," the agency added. Russia closed part of its airspace in the countrys south for civil aircraft on February 24, 2022, amid the special military operation in Ukraine. Mother Gets 25-to-Life for Killing 7-Month-Old Son in Orange SANTA ANA, Calif.A 42-year-old woman was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years to life in prison for dropping her 7-month-old son to his death from a Childrens Hospital of Orange County parking structure a decade ago. Sonia Hermosillo gave a tearful plea to Orange County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Menninger to be granted probation. Hermosillo pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but jurors rejected that and convicted her Aug. 11 of murder and child assault causing death. I truly regret what I did, Hermosillo said through a translator. I am asking for an opportunity I want to be with my daughters. I plead with you, your honor. I know what I did was wrong and regret doing it from the bottom of my heart. If you could just give me an opportunity please. Menninger said Hermosillos son, Noe Medina Jr., was an especially vulnerable victim. Menninger also noted how Hermosillos husband had taken steps to protect their son, but that the defendant took advantage of a short moment when he was showering to take the baby to the hospital. She left a note of apology and escaped the house with baby Noe, Menninger said. Baby Noe had no way to protect himself. Menninger also said the assault included planning. She waited till she got that tiny opportunity to successfully complete the murder, Menninger said. Hermosillo may have suffered from a delusion that her son, who was born with flat-head and twisted-neck syndrome, would never grow up, but the judge said the infant was expected to be perfectly normal. Menninger noted that Hermosillo removed the babys helmet before hurling him to his death. The defendants daughter, Johana Hermosillo, tearfully told the judge that her mother was loving and caring to her before the birth of Noe changed her. She said she misses her mother, who calls her twice a week from the Orange County Jail to check up on her. Its very hard to see her this way, Johana Hermosillo said. I think about her every day. She also remembered how the whole family loved and cared for Noe. She was never the same after that happened, Johana Hermosillo said of her brothers birth. I just want my mom back. Hermosillos attorney, Jacqueline Goodman, said the babys father has continued to support her and understands she was sick. Goodman told the judge, I wish we could get to a day where we meet hurt with healing rather than blame Shes a victim in this case. The real victim is Ms. Hermosillo and her husband who lost his only son, and the daughters who lost their baby brother. Not one of them who loves this baby blames Ms. Hermosillo. Menninger rejected Goodmans motion for a new trial based on a claim that the court interpreter had to handle translationssometimes from multiple people at onceduring the trial. Hermosillo was convicted of first-degree murder and child assault causing death. Jurors in September determined she was sane at the time of the crime. The defendant made incriminating statements to police following the Aug. 22, 2011, death of her son, Deputy District Attorney Mena Guirguis said. Hermosillo told police, No, I would rather he died, and said she killed him because hes sick, and thats why I dont love him, according to Guirguis. Experts for the defense testified during the sanity phase that Hermosillo suffered from post-partum psychosis, while experts for the prosecution said she was depressed. One expert determined Hermosillo had bipolar-type schizo-affective disorder, according to the defense. Hermosillo was given credit for 3,909 days in custody awaiting trial. No Doubt Beijing Would Prefer Labor Party to Win Election: Defence Minister Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton has stood by his view that Beijing would prefer to see the centre-left Labor opposition win office at the May 21 election. Dutton, of the governing centre-right Coalition, made the comments during the Defence Debate with shadow defence spokesperson Brendan OConnor at the National Press Club in Canberra. Theres no doubt in my mind that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would like to see a change of government at the May 21 election. No question at all, he told reporters on May 5. In relation to the appeasement element, I think that if you look at all of the language of [shadow foreign affairs spokesperson] Penny WongPenny Wong believes that she can go to Beijing on a charm offensive and she could change the direction of China under President Xi, he added. President Xi, of course, would be laughing under his breath as he was entertaining his dear friend in Beijing. Dutton said the CCP would push for a Labor government to stop so-called acts of aggression like unwinding the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom in order to buy time for its current military build-up. Australian Sen. Penny Wong in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 2, 2019. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Labors OConnor responded, calling the claim a conspiracy theory. China has changed. We know its now more assertive, more aggressive, more coercive, he said. In fact, Penny Wong, who has just been verballed by Peter [Dutton], made that clear in contributions last year where she outlined the significant shift thats happened in the region. And as [former head of Australias domestic spy agency] Dennis Richardson probably the most eminent former head of security agencies said it is not in this countrys interest for a political party to attack the other major political party on the basis of appeasing Chinaparticularly when its untrue. Dutton later commented that the hard left faction within the Labor Party would break the alliance with the United States tomorrow. You can go through your colleagues one by one to see who would seek to do that, he said to OConnor. Labors conflicting position on China internally came to light following the tragic passing of late Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching, where it was revealed she endured internal party pressure for taking a firm stance on the CCP. Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells made similar claims against her colleagues in late March. While both major parties have cultivated strong links with Beijing-linked entities over the years, incidents from the Labor Party have been more overt and made headlines. A truck with a billboard ad showing Chinese President Xi Jinping voting for Labor on April 1, 2022, in Australia (Advance Australia/ Facebook) In late April, it was revealed that current Labor deputy leader, Richard Marles, advocated for Beijings increased presence in the Pacific. In a mini-book published in August, Marles wrote that any action Australia took to deny Beijing access to the Pacific on strategic grounds would be a historic mistake. Australia has no right to expect a set of exclusive relationships with Pacific nations, he wrote in Tides that Bind: Australia in the Pacific. Beijing has recently concluded a security deal with the Solomon Islands government that will allow the Chinese regimewith the consent of the Solomonsto dispatch police, troops, weapons, and even naval ships to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in the Solomon Islands, based on leaked pages from the document. Experts have warned the deal could open the door for the rapid militarisation of the region, and extend the reach of the Peoples Liberation Army from the South China Sea to the South Pacifica strategically critical position just 1,700 kilometres (1,050 miles) from the northern Australian city of Cairns. The Solomon Islands was the site of extensive fighting during World War IIresulting in over 7,000 casualties to the Allied forcesdue to the critical position of the nation and its influence over vital sea lanes. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas speaks to the media during a press conference in Melbourne, Australia, on May 30, 2021. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) No Payroll Tax Relief for 2022-2023: Victorian Government The Victorias state government will not provide payroll tax relief for businesses in the next financial year as it prioritises health spending and a budget surplus. The latest state budget released on May 3 predicted that land and payroll tax revenue for the state would rise by $4.8 billion (US$3.48 billion) and $6.8 billion, respectively, in the 2022-2023 financial year. During a post-budget Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry lunch on May 4, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas rejected the idea of relieving the states businesses of paying rising payroll taxes after two years of devastating lockdowns. No, not in this budget, he said. You might have noticed Im running a $17 billion deficit, and as a consequence, weve got to make choices to get this repair underway. Nows not a time for it. The state forecasted that it would gradually decrease deficits in the next few years and eventually hit a modest surplus of $650 million by 2025-2026. At the same time, the Victorian government predicted the states net debt to leap to $167.5 billion or 26.5 percent of gross state product by mid-2026, after accounting for the $44 billion spending on health and business support during the pandemic. To reduce the amount of public borrowing, the state government is establishing a future fund with funding coming from partially commercialising VicRoads registration, licensing and custom plate services. The treasurer acknowledged that some people might not like parts of the budget, but he said at least the state government showed how it was going to repair the fiscal position. People dine in a cafe in Melbournes central business district in Melbourne, Australia, on May 11, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) While making no apology for not providing payroll tax relief, Premier Daniel Andrews said the extra tax revenue would go toward the governments $12 billion spending package to boost the number of nurses, paramedics and emergency call-takers. No one likes to pay any tax, he said near the site of the proposed Melton Hospital. But payroll tax and land tax and stamp duty, they all pay for nurses and the more than 7000 extra health staff that are going to join us in public hospitals right across our state over the next four years. The timeline to build the Melton Hospital has become a topic of debate after it was confirmed in the budget papers that planning and detailed design would not finish before 2024-2025, plus another four years for the construction phase. Back in the 2018 re-election campaign, the Andrews Labor government promised to make a business case for the hospital. Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the Labor party was misleading Melton residents with the proposal. The governments had four years to come good on their pledge to build this hospital, to even start it. Four years later, its an empty field, he said. The Opposition also alleged that the state government disregarded small businesses as it cut off tax relief and pandemic support. Meanwhile, the real estate sector was somewhat disappointed as no changes were made to the states land transfer duty, with the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) saying the government had missed an opportunity. Stamp duty is a tired tax that the Victorian government continues to prioritise, REIV chief executive Quentin Kilian said in a statement. The state needs a review of its old property tax regime so that all participants first homebuyers, owner-occupiers, investors and renters can move forward with confidence. The Victorian government expected the stamp duty revenue to reach $10.2 billion by the end of June, a $3.5 billion increase from the last budget forecast. It is predicted to drop to 8.2 billion in the 2022-2023 financial year before bouncing back in the forward estimates. Jessica Marie Watkins (Left) and Donovan Ray Crowl (Center), march down the East front steps of the U.S. Capitol with the Oath Keepers in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. (Reuters/Jim Bourg) North Carolina Oath Keeper Pleads Guilty to Seditious Conspiracy, Obstruction Charges A North Carolina member of the Oath Keepers pleaded guilty May 4 to seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official government proceeding, one day after he was charged with two felony counts stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, unrest at the U.S. Capitol. William Todd Wilson, 44, of Newton Grove, North Carolina, filed his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta. Wilsons case was so new that his signed statement of offense wasnt posted to the federal courts electronic database for several hours after his hearing began. He signed the plea agreement and statement of offense on April 20. Up to 78 Months in Prison Wilson faces up to 20 years in prison for the two felony counts. Under sentencing guidelines that reflect his cooperation with prosecutors, his prison time is estimated at between 63 and 78 months, according to the plea agreement. Hes free on personal recognizance. No sentencing date has been set. An update hearing was scheduled for Aug. 19. According to the statement of offense, Wilson entered the Capitol at 2:34 p.m. on Jan. 6 through the Upper West Terrace doors. By 2:38 p.m., he marched through the Rotunda to the east side of the Capitol, where he joined in the center of a mob of people trying to push open the Rotunda Doors from inside the building, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement. There was no indication in the criminal complaint or the DOJ statement that Wilson was responsible for the inner Rotunda doors being opened. It was the second time that afternoon that the doors were opened from the inside. The first time, a door was opened by a protester. Wilson filmed some of the other Oath Keepers who entered the Capitol through the Columbus Doors, prosecutors said. He exited the Capitol at 2:55 p.m., having spent a total of 21 minutes inside the building. Wilson said while he was in a private suite at the Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, at about 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, he heard Oath Keepers founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes III call an unnamed individual and repeatedly implore the individual to tell President [Donald] Trump to call upon groups like the Oath Keepers to forcibly oppose the transfer of power, the statement of offense alleged. The individual denied Rhodess request to speak directly with Trump, the document alleges. After the call, Rhodes told the group in the hotel suite, I just want to fight, prosecutors said. The DOJ said that at a restaurant meeting later on Jan. 6 in Vienna, Virginia, Wilson was advised to delete any potentially incriminating material from his phone. Prosecutors said he took steps to conceal evidence from being uploaded from his phone to his Apple iCloud account and later tossed his phone into the Atlantic Ocean. Prosecutors said Wilson and other alleged co-conspirators used the encrypted messaging app Signal to communicate plans in the weeks leading to Jan. 6. In a post on Dec. 14, 2020, Wilson wrote, Its time to fight! prosecutors said. On Dec. 30, he wrote: Things are about to get real! I believe the [expletive] is about to hit the fan, and we need to be as ready as ever! Wilson drove to the Washington area on Jan. 5. He brought an AR-15-style rifle, a 9 mm pistol, 200 rounds of ammunition, body armor, a camouflage uniform, pepper spray, and a large walking stick intended for use as a weapon, the DOJ statement said. Wilson stayed at a Virginia hotel with other members of the Oath Keepers. Prosecutors said he didnt take the firearms to the Capitol but did have a pocket knife on him. Joshua James with other Oath Keepers near the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. Department of Justice/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) In advance of January 6, Wilson on multiple occasions heard Rhodes discuss the potential need for Rhodes and co-conspirators to engage in force, up to and including lethal violence, in order to stop the transfer of power, according to the statement of offense Wilson signed. With this understanding, Wilson agreed to take part in a plan developed by Rhodes to use any means necessary, up to and including the use of force, to achieve this objective. Security Not Sedition Rhodes has insisted the Oath Keepers were in Washington to provide security for speakers and VIPs scheduled to appear at protest rallies near the Capitol. He said there was no conspiracy or plan to attack the Capitol. Weapons and ammunition were brought to the Virginia hotel in case Trump enabled the Insurrection Act and lawfully called up a militia to defend the White House from Antifa attacks, Rhodes told The Epoch Times in a March interview. Rhodes had publicly advocated for Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. Rhodes said he believes the DOJ put heavy pressure on Oath Keepers member Joshua James, 34, of Arab, Alabama, to get him to plead guilty in March to seditious conspiracy. That was the only deal they would accept because thats what they want to create a false crime and to create a false witness, Rhodes said. And thats why they finally indicted me, because they got someone to agree to testi-lie. Thats the only reason I was indicted. For an entire year, they had nothing on me. So go find something and make something. On April 29, Oath Keepers member Brian Ulrich, 44, of Guyton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding. Ulrich, James, and Wilson are expected to cooperate with the governments ongoing investigation of the Oath Keepers. The Orange County Department of Education campus in Costa Mesa, Calif., on July 7, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) AG Bonta Approves Lawsuit to Remove OC Board of Education Trustee Beckie Gomez COSTA MESA, Calif.California State Attorney General Rob Bonta approved a legal challenge May 5 that seeks to remove Orange County Board of Trustee Rebecca Beckie Gomez from office for simultaneously serving on two elected seats whose jurisdictions overlap. Tustin resident Mike Tardif filed a quo warrantoa legal challenge questioning the ability of someone to hold public officeto Bontas office shortly after serving Gomez with the lawsuit on March 2. Tardif argues that the two elected bodies Gomez serves onthe OC Board of Education and Tustin City Councilare legally incompatible under a state law that claims a person who holds two incompatible public offices must forfeit the first office presumed, according to the lawsuit. Gomez has served on the Tustin City Council since 2010 and board of education since 2016. She recently won re-election for both seats in 2020but if the lawsuit is successfulGomez would be ousted from her seat on the board. Despite the allegations, Gomez claims her seats are not incompatible and disagrees with the right to sue, according to the quo warranto. She further stated that the legal challenge was not a solution to the circumstances and a legal challenge would be against public interest. OC Board of Education Trustee Tim Shaw faced a similar lawsuit in January 2021 that would have forced him to step down from the board in November for also serving on the La Habra City Council. Shaw resigned from the board to avoid costly litigation but was later reappointed in December after leaving the city council during a 31 votewith Gomez voting against his reappointment. The Epoch Times reached out to Gomez for a comment but has not received a response. Ohio Man Who Assaulted Flight Attendants Gets 60-day Prison Sentence An Ohio man who was restrained in his seat with tape after groping and assaulting flight attendants during a Frontier Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Miami last year has been sentenced by a federal judge to 60 days in prison. Maxwell Berry, 23, also was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Scola Jr to a year of supervised release after his jail time, a record of Tuesdays sentencing hearing in a federal court in Miami showed. Berry was ordered to report to prison by Aug. 1, which would be one year after he was taken into custody at Miami International Airport following the incident. Berry, of Norwalk, Ohio, had pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and faced up to 18 months in prison. The incident was captured in cellphone videos that went viral, bringing attention to the risks faced by flight attendants due to a growing number of unruly passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Berry had been drinking alcohol and went to the airplanes bathroom after spilling a drink on himself. He came out of the bathroom without his shirt on and a flight attendant helped him get a clean one out of his bag, according to a police report detailed by WPLG, a local ABC TV affiliate in Miami. After walking throughout the cabin for several minutes, Berry groped the breasts of multiple flight attendants and then punched a male attendant in the face, according to the police report. Passengers helped restrain Berry, who was bound into his seat with tape for the remainder of the flight. In an emailed statement, Berrys lawyer Jason Kreiss said the incident was truly an aberration in his clients life. Hes a really good kid from a great family, who was punished for his worst day, Kreiss added. Although we dont believe 60 days was necessary based on Maxs significant self-reform and other mitigating factors, we respect the judgment of the court. By Nathan Layne Attendees including emergency, civic, and rescue first responders partake in a cyber security seminar in Santa Ana, Calif., on May 4, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Orange County Hosts Workshop to Practice Against Real-World Cyber Security Threats SANTA ANA, Calif.Multiple local and federal agencies came together May 4 to train against cybersecurity threats in Orange County, including real-life scenarios of cyber incidents that could affect the countys infrastructure and operations. Known as the Cyber Disruption Resiliency Workshop, the training brings together agencies such as the FBIs OC Cyber Task Force, the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and others to strengthen interagency relationships for when a cyber-attack does happen. Andrew Cruthers of the Orange County Sheriffs Department Information Technology divsion speaks to attendees of an Orange County Cyber Security seminar in Santa Ana, Calif., on May 4, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Alberto Martinez, director of the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, which operates under the OC Sheriffs Department, told The Epoch Times that a cyber-attack occurs in the United States every 40 seconds. We want everyone to be together should something happen, because it has happened before, and it will happen again, Martinez said. We have to know how we are communicating, how we are coordinating, and how we are responding to a cyber incident. Members from the various agencies formed mixed-teams to respond in simulations of cyber threats to the countys water infrastructure and 911, where hackers are known to send a flood of calls to the system preventing actual emergency calls from getting answered. Were very good in Orange County where were very progressive in bringing these types of workshops together because you can see today, everyones communicating, Martinez said. Thats what we want. Thats the goal. Attendees including emergency, civic, and rescue first responders partake in a cyber security seminar in Santa Ana, Calif., on May 4, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Officials said the water infrastructure hack was chosen due to such a real-life event in Florida in February 2021 where a hacker boosted levels of sodium hydroxidewhich controls waters acidityinto the public water system. According to Martinez, its crucial for teams to identify trends from attacks. Additionally, he said, simulation training increases situational awareness, strengthens interagency partnerships, and helps find gaps in cyber response plans. Infrastructure hackers can take on a variety of forms, according to Martinez, including so-called hacktivists, which are criminal groups who use cyber-attacks to carry out political causes as well as those from various nation-states who want to hurt the United Statessuch as North Koreaand regular criminals, such as those looking to scam for monetary gain. Over 500 Kg of Cocaine Found in Coffee Delivery for Nespresso ZURICHOver 500 kg (1,102 lb) of cocaine estimated to be worth more than 50 million Swiss francs ($50.65 million) have been found in a container of coffee bean bags for Nestles Nespresso factory in Romont in western Switzerland, the cantonal police said on Thursday. Police were informed on Monday night by Nespresso that staff had found an undefined white substance while unloading bags of coffee beans that had just arrived from Brazil, the police said in a statement. Analyses showed the substance was cocaine.The substance in question did not come into contact with any of our products or production equipment used to make our products, Nespresso said in an emailed statement. As a police investigation is underway, we cannot share more details. We want to reassure consumers that all our products are safe to consume, the maker of single-serve coffee capsules said. By Silke Koltrowitz and Emma Farge A prison van arrives at the High Court on the first day of trial of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under a new national security law, in Hong Kong, on June 23, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Photographer Acquitted in Retrial, Says Hong Kong Prosecution Wasted Time and Money On April 28, Swiss-born photographer Progin Marc Gerard, 77, was re-acquitted in a lawsuit over his filming the Lunch with You demonstration in Central District, Hong Kong, in October 2019. After the ruling, Gerard said that he expected the original verdict would be upheld, and the prosecution had wasted time and money by asking for a review without any new evidence. In her judgment, Magistrate Stephanie Tsui May-har upheld the verdict of not guilty she originally pronounced a year and a half ago, and ordered the prosecution to pay the defendants legal costs. The first not guilty verdict occurred on Nov. 13, 2020, when Tsui May-har said there was no evidence that Gerard had physical contact with protestors or anyone else present at the time, that he had not assaulted bank employee Lin Nan, and so, the so-called act of aiding and abetting disorder in public places was unfounded. But the prosecution said that during the 2020 trial the magistrate ignored Gerards intentions, and requested a review. The prosecution believed that Gerards behavior was willful blindness, that Gerard had been filming social events in Hong Kong for many years, but did not consider that his closing a door would prevent or delay Lin Nan from entering the building. Hong Kong prosecutor Kelvin Tang Ming-chung said Gerard closed the door on purpose. Lin Nan, an employee of JPMorgan Chase, had an altercation with protesters when he filmed the protest crowd with his mobile phone at the Lunch with You demonstration in Central District on Oct. 4, 2019. The video shows Lin Nan walking towards a glass door, Gerard coming through the door holding a camera, and then closing it. Gerard then leans in the corner in front of the glass door and starts shooting the events at the scene. Prosecutors allege that Gerards closing the door and blocking the entrance resulted in Lin Nan being beaten, and a protester throwing an umbrella at him. According to the report by the South China Morning Post in 2020, Lin Nan was born in Xian, China, and settled in Hong Kong in 2008. He had obtained Hong Kong identity at the time of the incident. Lunch with You was one of the Hong Kong citizens democracy campaigns during the Anti-extradition Movement, and it lasted the longest. The Anti-extradition Movement started in June 2019. Magistrate Tsui May-har said in her recent ruling that she did not agree with the prosecutions allegations because the defendant, Gerard, was holding a camera to film the events and that Lin Nan could open the door and enter the building at any time. Tsui May-har said that the dispute in this case was the defendants intention when he closed the door. Considering factors such as the defendants background, interest in photography, lack of political connections, and keeping a distance from the people at the scene, she believed that the prosecutions accusation was unfounded, so she upheld the original verdict that the defendant was not guilty of the charges. Gerard believes that the verdict was a fair verdict, and he is grateful that he has an excellent team of lawyers. He said that there are many more important cases in Hong Kong, and it was a waste of time and money to review his closing a door case because the prosecution failed to provide any new evidence. Gerard has been living in Hong Kong for 45 years and has no plans to leave. He said the case had little impact on him, and he could still live as before and go out to shoot. But he also noticed the current changes in Hong Kong, such as the police dont like you taking pictures now. When he was first acquitted in November 2020, Gerard said that he had been filming major events in Hong Kong for nearly 10 years and had never taken any measures. He also said that he hadnt been worried about the prosecutions appeal. White House press secretary Jen Psaki answers questions during the daily briefing in Washington, on March 17, 2022. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Biden Confirms Jen Psaki Leaving White House, Names Replacement Psaki rumored to be joining MSNBC White House press secretary Jen Psaki is departing the Biden administration soon, President Joe Biden said on May 5. Psaki will leave the White House on May 13, Biden said in a statement. The president said Karine Jean-Pierre, currently the White House principal deputy press secretary, is replacing Psaki. Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the BidenHarris Administration on behalf of the American people, Biden said. He also said that Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect, and decorum to the White House briefing room and thanked her for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so. Psaki said on Twitter that she was grateful to Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for tapping her as the White House press secretary and praised Jean-Pierre as a remarkable woman. Jean-Pierre said the opportunity is a true honor and that she looks forward to serving the administration and the American people. Psaki had been rumored for weeks to be preparing to leave the administration. Reports say shes going to become an MSNBC employee. Asked about the reports during a recent press conference, Psaki said that she has taken the ethics legal requirements, to the highest, very seriously, in any discussions in any considerations of any future employment, just as any White House official would, and Ive taken steps beyond that to ensure theres no conflicts. She also refused to say at the time whether she was going to leave her job. White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on Nov. 8, 2021. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Psaki was a CNN employee before joining the Biden administration. Before that, she worked for the Obama administration in various roles. Jean-Pierre is a former spokeswoman for MoveOn.org and has also worked as a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. Jean-Pierre also spent time in the Obama administration. When Psaki has been absent due to sickness or other reasons, Jean-Pierre has held press briefings in her stead. The White House also announced that Anita Dunn will become a senior adviser and assistant to Biden, leaving her job at the political consulting firm SKDK. Dunn was a senior adviser to Biden until resigning in August 2021. Like Psaki and Jean-Pierre, Dunn also served in the Obama administration. On May 4, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in the United States on a working visit, participated as a keynote speaker in a roundtable discussion held at the prestigious US think tank - Atlantic Council, the foreign ministry said. May 5, 2022, 10:36 Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a discussion at Atlantic Council think tank STEPANAKERT, MAY 5, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Foreign Minister of Armenia touched upon the main agenda and emphases of the working visit to the USA, the Armenia-US Strategic Dialogue, the documents signed during the visit and the prospects of the development of the Armenian-American relations. Reference was made to the process of reforms aimed at democratic development, protection of human rights, strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Ararat Mirzoyan presented the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia's position on the negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement with Azerbaijan, and the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in these processes. The humanitarian issues resulting from the 44-day war and need to be urgently addressed were presented. During the meeting reference was also made to the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. Rev. Patrick Mahoney (front left), A.J. Hurley (rear left), Bryan Kemper(right), and Pastor Mark Lee Dickson (center), stand in front of the Supreme Court while surrounded by police and protestors on May 4, 2022 (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch TImes).JPG Pro-Abortion Protesters Hit Pastors Outside Supreme Court and Go Free WASHINGTONPro-abortion protesters outside the Supreme Court attacked four pro-life Christian activists who showed up to counterprotest. Priests for Life Director Bryan Kemper, Rev. Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust Director A.J. Hurley, and Right to Life East Texas founder Pastor Mark Lee Dickson walked together into the nearly 300-strong pro-abortion protest at about 8 p.m. The protest was on the left side of a set of barricades that took up most of the center of the Supreme Court grounds. First, an unidentified protester hit Kemper. The police came in after I was punched, he said. The person that punched me is no longer here that I can see. To protect them, police surrounded the four pastors, forming a line between them and the pro-abortion protesters. The pro-abortion protesters alternated between chanting toward the men, mocking them, and telling each other to ignore them. Whose streets? Our streets! the protesters chanted. Ignore these [expletives], one protester said. After surrounding the police line for about 15 minutes, pro-abortion protesters started walking to the right side of the central barricades. They were trying to move away from the men. The pro-life men chose to follow. Still surrounded by police, they walked to the center until police refused to allow them to move further. U.S. Capitol Police are telling us we cannot go peacefully exercise our First Amendment rights, Mahoney said. Officers told the group that allowing them to approach the 300 pro-abortion protesters would put them in danger. A.J. Hurley (rear left), Rev. Patrick Mahoney (rear left center), Pastor Mark Lee Dickson (rear right center), and Bryan Kemper (rear right), stand in front of the Supreme Court while surrounded by police and protesters on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) For several tense minutes, the four men stood surrounded by police while several protesters aggressively yelled at them. Youre instigating, one pro-abortion protester said. You walked into the middle of a peaceful protest, another said. The crowd chanted You dont matter! at the four pro-life protesters. Several mocked the men. The crowd also blamed the police. Youre instigating this, one pro-life protester said to the police. I have every right to stay here, one of the men said to the protesters. Someone in the crowd threw a small object at the four men. Then police ordered the four pro-life men to leave and moved them away from the crowd. Ive been in D.C. 30 years. And Ive never seen anything like this in 30 years, Mahoney said. He said the police werent allowing them to continue protesting outside the Supreme Court. They were telling us we couldnt go into this area and express our First Amendment rights, Mahoney said. For a moment, the four men discussed how to document the police action so they could file a lawsuit. We want to be over there to exercise our freedom of speech, our First Amendment rights, and the police are telling us that we cannot go where the others can go, and so they are treating us differently than theyre treating those, Dickson said. Then the men circled back to approach the pro-abortion protest crowd from the right, still accompanied by a large group of police officers. The police formed a line between the crowd and the pro-life men. Then the four men asked to move through the police line. Why are they allowing pro-choice people to be there, and not pro-life people to be there? Mahoney said. Police refused the mens request, citing concerns of violence if the men crossed the line. Were very confident that if we let you guys go in there, theres going to be violence, and were not going to allow this, for public safety, an officer told the men. Why cant we go? Mahoney asked. For their safety and your safety, an officer replied. Several pro-abortion protesters were on the side of the police line where the four men were. Suddenly, a female protester ran up and hit Dickson. His hat fell to the ground. Then the female protester ran a short distance away. Assault! Assault! She attacked me! She hit my head! Dickson said. Police stood around the protester and took down her information. She cried and covered her face. Meanwhile, other officers asked Dickson if he wanted police to arrest her and press charges. Dickson said to police that he would offer the protester a deal. If she said why she attacked him and apologized, he would forgive her and not press charges. If she would apologize, if she would share with me why she did it, apologize, civil conversation, like, I dont want to press charges, Dickson said. But if that situation doesnt happen, yall are kind of forcing me into that box. At first, police resisted the offer. Were not forcing you into anything. Its your decision, one officer said. What Im saying is, were not bringing her over here. Dickson kept debating with police to offer the protester a chance to apologize. The four men offered to stand six feet away while talking with the woman. I dont want to attract any more people, an officer said. We dont want any more physical violence. Then Dickson took matters into his own hands. He shouted to the protester. Maam, I would like to offer you forgiveness, but these officers are not letting me. I am willing to forgive you, but I need to talk to you, Dickson shouted over shrieks from the crowd. Police are preventing my freedom of speech and preventing my religious belief of wanting to talk to you and try to reconcile the situation without pressing charges. Police told the female protester that Dickson said he wouldnt press charges if she would apologize. At first, the female protester told the police that she would not apologize. No, she said. Pastor Mark Lee Dickson (R) speaks with the female protester who hit him outside the Supreme Court on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) But as officers told her to stand up and prepared to arrest her, she said she had changed her mind. Wait, wait! Can I change my mind? she said in a panicked tone. I would like to do that. Police brought the female pro-abortion protester close enough to talk with Dickson. The protester apologized. I apologize, she said. But when Dickson asked her why she had hit him, she refused to answer. She apologized. Are we done here? an officer said. Ill press charges, Dickson responded. Police called the woman back. But you just said I was free to go! she said frantically. Dickson then demanded the female protesters arrest. But the police didnt take her into custody. Weve not arrested her, so now well have to get a warrant. We will still pursue it if you want to, one officer said to Dickson. I wanted an explanation, Dickson said. Pastor Mark Lee Dickson argues with police officers in front of the Supreme Court on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Then he tried to debate with the police. Youre playing a game. We dont play this game, an officer replied. We abide by the law. You said whether you want to press charges, or you dont. After that interaction, the four men left the protest. As they walked away, protesters started chanting again. Whose streets? Our streets! the crowd yelled. Pro-abortion protestors shout before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Pro-Life and Pro-Abortion Protesters Shout Outside the Supreme Court WASHINGTON D.C.A few pro-life protesters started the day outside the Supreme Court, but as the day went on, pro-abortion protesters dominated the scene. At 9 a.m., the few protesters present were mostly from pro-life groups. The scene was quiet under slightly cloudy skies. Near the court, a few people from different sides discussed the issues. Asher Pate, a pro-abortion atheist visiting Washington, spoke with Bryan Kemper, a pro-life Catholic. Both were civil in their exchange. For the pair, the core of the abortion debate was why human life is valuable. Pate agreed that it is wrong to kill a sentient human being, but said he didnt believe unborn humans were sentient. I think people are using a circular argument, he said. Theyre just saying, A person is a person, and therefore we should value that. I want an answer to: Why is the person valuable? Kemper, a Catholic argued based on his faith that all human life is inherently valuable. But the two couldnt come to a full agreement due to their starting point rooted in different philosophies. It wasnt an argument. It wasnt a screaming match. It wasnt a yelling match. It was two human beings sitting there discussing an issue, Kemper told The Epoch Times of the conversation. We had a great conversation and we did agree on a few things. But reasonable conversations faded as more people arrived; the shouting grew louder and slogans replaced subtleties. Often, the same people quickly jumped from quiet defenses of their views to screamed accusations. A pro-abortion protestor shouts at pro-life protestor Bryan Kemper (center) before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) An older woman, Joan McKee, gently told The Epoch Times that she believed the pro-abortion protesters needed prayer. I just hope that somebody here, even one person, changes their mind about abortion, she said. Those people need to be prayed for. Shortly after, she screamed Dead baby! Dead baby! at the pro-abortion protesters. Then, Pate entered a shouting match with her. As the day went on, the numbers of pro-abortion protesters rose. At 1 p.m., about 50 or 60 pro-abortion protesters organized a shouting chorus. As in a rally that had gathered a day earlier, most were young women. A few left the protest line to exchange yells with pro-life protesters. God is dead because of people like you, one pro-abortion protester shouted at a pro-life one. Murder! a pro-life protester yelled. [Expletive] Kavanaugh and [Expletive] Amy too, chants started. Every pro-abortion chant lasted for several minutes and ended with an ovation of yells and applause. Few were original. Kate, a pro-abortion protester who led the chants, said it felt great. It feels like a swell of solidarity as well as sort of collective power, which I think is really important, she said. I think its the only way were gonna make any change here. Too few pro-life protesters were present to compete with the shouts of the crowd. But the protesters hurriedly changed their own chants, exchanging the word women for people in some places. If I wanted the government in my uterus, Id [expletive] a senator, several pro-abortion protesters said, as if it were a new phrase. Pro-abortion protester Alissa Greenwood said she would continue appearing at the Supreme Court until it made its decision. Ill be back, she said. Whenever I can, as long as its going. Greenwood also brought her baby along. My baby should make that decision as she grows up. She should have that as an option, she said. After hours of mostly one-sided chanting, the protest escalated with the arrival of about fifteen well-organized pro-life protesters. The black-shirted group was from Rehumanize International, a non-partisan pro-life group, said its executive director Herb Gerhahgty. Pro-life group Rehumanize Internationals executive director Herb Gerhahgty (center) leads a chant at pro-abortion protestors before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on May 4, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) We are a secular, nonpartisan organization dedicated to ending violence against human beings in all stages of life and in all circumstances, he said. Most lifted pro-life signs with messages like Atheist Against Abortion. Other signs blamed abortion on the patriarchy. For the endless shouting match, the group was armed with megaphones and drums. As they arrived, they matched the shouting crowd of pro-abortion demonstrators with pro-life takes on classic leftist chants. Hey, hey, ho, ho, Roe v. Wade has got to go, they shouted. For a moment, the drums and megaphones drowned out the pro-abortion protestors, but soon the numbers began to tell. The pro-abortion protesters surrounded the group and out-chanted them. The two groups chanted slogans at each other from feet apart until police intervened to stand between them. With the police between them, the two groups began a long chant battle. It sounded as if they genuinely believed the court case would be granted to the side that chanted the loudest. The shouting match was a debate over who would be louder, said pro-abortion protester Lauren Ellis. It shows who has more people, she said. Pro-Life Push to Overturn Roe v. Wade in the Grand Tradition of American Democracy Commentary Whats more democratic: the Supreme Court imposing a controversial abortion right on the entire country or the Supreme Court allowing that contentious issue to be debated and ultimately decided by the people through their elected representatives or voter referenda? Obviously, the people deciding for themselves is the more democratic option. But pro-abortion activistsappalled by the prospect that their precious Roe v. Wade could soon be overturnedirrationally claim that returning abortion policy to the democratic realm would be anti-democratic. Feminist pundit Jill Filipovic set the tone when she railed in The Guardian that the prospect of the demise of abortion rights in the U.S. is the outcome of years of anti-democratic organizing and nothing less than a sign of democracy in decline. What hysterical nonsense. Overturning Roestill far from certain, as the leaked early draft opinion that caused the lefts explosion of hysteria wont be the ultimate rulingwouldnt, in and of itself, make abortion illegal anywhere in the country. Rather, abortion public policy would merely be returned to the states, where it existed before Roe became the law of the land. Moreover, if Roe is overturned or significantly weakened, it will be precisely because pro-life citizens tirelessly dedicated themselves for decades to applying the tools of democracy to reverse what they consider to be a profoundly unjust imposition by the Supreme Court of an immoral public policy that has led to the deaths of more than 63 million unborn babies. In what many had considered a hopeless cause, the pro-lifers organized, petitioned their government for redress, educated, agitated, and protested against the abortion regime. Indeed, the massive annual March for Life demonstrations in Washington have been among the best-attended protests in U.S. history. Pro-lifers also willingly accepted the scorn of the media, popular culture, and many politicians in the greater cause of saving unborn lives. A minority of pro-lifers were so committed to the cause that they resorted to peaceful civil disobediencea venerable American traditionaccepting punishment under the law to highlight what they considered to be a profound injustice. Despite the profound emotionality of the issue, almost all pro-lifers have rejected violenceand the few terrible murders committed by anti-abortion fanatics were roundly denounced by movement leaders and rank and file alike. Pro-lifers also harnessed the power of electoral politics, both running for office and supporting like-minded candidates with their time, money, and votes. They experienced frustration after frustration, reverse after reverse, failure after failure, and defeat snatched by courts after democratic victories. But they never gave up. The movement became a potent political force because it could turn out voters. Pro-life concentrated political engagement became focused within the Republican Party, and ever so slowly, the worm began to turn. Like-minded candidates were elected to offices high and lowstate legislators, governors, and other state officials, as well as to Congressand sometimes the presidency. The movement achieved incremental successes, such as the federal ban on partial-birth abortion. More to the point of the current moment, the makeup of the Supreme Court shifted to the right, increasing the likelihood that Roe might one day be reversedan unlikely but by no means unprecedented event. By contrast, Roe v. Wade was itself an egregious usurpation of democracy. First, the case was based on a blatant lie. The court was told that Norma McCorveythe Roe in the decisionhad been raped and had sought an illegal abortion. Not only was that not trueshe had become pregnant in a consensual relationshipbut she also gave birth. Beyond that, the petitioners in Roe never asked the court to invalidate all state legal prohibitions. Making abortion an almost absolute constitutional right was the idea of the seven Supreme Court justices who signed the majority opinion, an act that Associate Justice Byron White, writing in dissent, properly called an exercise of raw judicial power. Finally, the decision aborted the healthy and vigorous democratic debate then ongoing about whether terminations should be legal, and if so, in what contexts. Indeed, at the time of the decision, a few states, such as New York, had already legalized abortion through democratic processes. Others had rejected its legalization outright. For example, mere months before the decision was released, Michigan voters rejected a referendum to legalize abortion by more than 60 percent. In the end, Roe v. Wade was a profound disservice to the country. Rather than settling the abortion question as the majority justices naively expected, their judicial imperialism became the genesis of the bitter cultural dislocations that have so badly strained our bonds of mutual affection. Rather than achieving political equipoise as usually happens when contentious issues are resolved democratically, at least in part because of Roe, Americans are now more bitterly divided over fundamental moral values than at any time since the Civil War. And heres the thing: If Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion wont be outlawed. Rather, the issue will be restored to the democratic sphere, where it belongs. Some states will outlaw it altogether. Others will allow more restrictions than permitted now. Some will expand abortion access through the ninth month, paid for by the government. Both sides will strive to enact national laws liberalizing or restricting access at the federal level. Frankly, it will get very ugly. But over time, if democracy is allowed to work its wonders, whatever the outcome, at least public policy will be more likely to reflect the views of the majority. And just as importantly, these policies will always be subject to change if those popular views shift. In bringing the country to this portentous moment, the pro-life movement acted in the grand tradition of social activism that has been a hallmark of the American experience. Like the abolitionists, anti-child labor campaigners, the civil rights movement, womens suffrage, the temperance movement, feminism, gay rights, labor union organizing, and so forth, pro-lifers proved that in a democracy, average people acting together in a determined cause can change the world. In a free country, theres no such thing as a hopeless cause. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. By Mary Ann Anderson From Tribune News Service At some time or another, youve probably been on a date at Red Lobster. Maybe it was your first date long ago or your last one over the weekend. Red Lobster can be romantic. The presentation is always nice, the seafood delectable, and those scrumptious signature biscuits glisten with butter and aromatically ooze with garlic. As long as you both have a biscuit, the garlic cancels itself out, so you can smooch all you want after dinner. Next time you and your significant other crave Red Lobster, you can thank a Green Frog from Waycross, down near the Okefenokee Swamp in the southern reaches of Georgia. August 1938 was hot and humid when William B. Bill Darden opened the Green Frog, a luncheonette in downtown Waycross, right beside an ever-humming railroad. The small restaurant had 10 stools and two booths totaling only 25 seats, plus the addition of a drive-up window. Before it closed in 1981, it had leaped from luncheonette to a lovely fine dining 200-seat restaurant. How did a Green Frog metamorphose into a Red Lobster? Armed with the invaluable assistance of Waycross historian, writer and dear friend, the late Robert Latimer Hurst, and with a plethora of information supplied by Darden Corp., who at one time owned Red Lobster, I jumped at the opportunity to delve into the iconic businesss history. The story begins in 1918 when Darden was born in White Plains, Georgia, the son of farmers and one of seven children. After graduating from Georgia Military College High School in Milledgeville, Darden moved to Waycross in 1935 to assist his two brothers in running a grocery business. For the next three years, he sold fish sandwiches for a nickel each at the train yards. Waycross was then and today remains a hotbed of rail activity, and the popular anecdote is that it is named for where the ways cross. In 1938, the entrepreneurial Darden, a young tadpole at only 19 years old, opened the Green Frog along with his brother Denham, whimsically offering Service with a Hop. Five-cent Cokes and 15-cent sandwiches called to those early patrons, who, at the time, were more interested in reading about Adolph Hitlers rampaging through Europe than a small drive-in opening, Hurst said. Three years later, the Japanese would bomb Pearl Harbor. With the changing of the world and with Waycross and the surrounding area becoming very military-conscious, that little sandwich stand took on a greater importance. It was not only a place to eat but a place to share with friends the latest news. Both Darden brothers served in the military during World War II. Bill Darden spent three years in the Army, primarily stationed in the Pacific. While the brothers were at war, their other brother, John, continued to run the restaurant. After Bill came home, he wed Mary Green, to whom he was married until his death in 1994. The restaurant continued to thrive. Racial segregation and discrimination were still a part of the landscape of the South at the time, even in Waycross, where it was unheard of for Blacks to share public buildings such as restaurants with whites. But the trailblazing Darden would have no part of it and courageously welcomed everyone as a guest in his luncheonette. These were the days when Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey commanded the jukeboxes, and the restaurant capitalized on softer music to be played by an early stereo system that even reached outside to the famed bamboo parking lot, reminisces Hurst. People began parking on the northeast side of the building inside the bamboo stalls that had gained the nickname giggle bushes. It was a courting paradise, and the Green Frog hosted many a romance. The 1950s were a busy time of leaps and hops for Darden. Traveling by automobile became easier and more prevalent, which brought fast food, roadside motels and the interstate system. Darden became involved in the opening of several Howard Johnsons, Bonanza Steakhouse and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises in the Carolinas and Georgia. The Green Frogs popularity puffed like a bullfrog. Bill and Mary Dardens sons, Jett, Bill, and Matt jointed the family business. As Hurst noted, Expansion brought the little drive-in stand to a post-World War II restaurant, with a new emphasis being placed on coffee lovers in the morning, a lunchtime luncheon room for the noon and evening dining for the night. It became the location for that first date, that dinner before the senior prom, that get-together after church, and just friends enjoying a banana split. Its reputation had now reached all the neighboring towns, and visitors poured in to eat at the Green Frog. By the 1960s Darden owned 25 restaurants, but inspired by the success of Garys Duck Inn, an Orlando, Florida, seafood restaurant that he bought with partners, he began to forge plans for his own brand of seafood restaurants that would emphasize fast service and affordable prices combined with quality. Darden opened the first Red Lobster in 1968 in Lakeland, in Floridas heartland, along with Joe Lee, a Blackshear, Georgia, native who worked for and learned the business from Darden. With the restaurant nearly up and running, Darden and Lee still hadnt come up with a name for the new venture, but agreed it needed to be zingy and catchy. According to lore that may or may not be true, a local printer had the menu all typeset but couldnt start the presses until the two made a decision of what to call the restaurant. Youve had success before with a colorful critter like the Green Frog, the printer had supposedly said. Why dont you call it the Red Lobster? Red Lobster is known for its seafood and iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits created with rich butter, garlic and herbs. Introduced in 1992, Cheddar Bay Biscuits instantly became a favorite of guests. (Red Lobster/TNS) The restaurant then became known as the Red Lobster Inn, but at an early point the word Inn was dropped. Such a success was that first restaurant that Darden had to expand it just weeks later to accommodate the crowds. Lee had once joked, Our biggest competition back then was the kitchen stove. In 1970, Red Lobster caught the attention of General Mills, who bought out the restaurant and expanded coast to coast. Darden continued to run the restaurants until his retirement in 1983. He passed away in 1994. And the Green Frog? Hurst summed it up, For that younger set, the Frogs Grog and the Lily Pad, lounges that were added to the restaurant, opened their doors, changing the traditional view concerning social drinking in this Bible Belt community. Old ways fell by the wayside. So after 43 years, it closed, but its reputation from that little street stand to a really fine restaurant was known far and wide. The Green Frog may have croaked for the last time, but not Red Lobster. Now independently owned, more than 700 Red Lobster restaurants dot the globe. When its date night again, hop on over to Red Lobster for great seafood served with a touch of nostalgia. (Travel for Two gives you inspiration for selecting the perfect destination for your romantic journey.) 2022 TravelforTwo.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. When Italians sit down together for dinner, a special joy combusts from their mutual love of good eating: the flavors, the steam, the memories, the dreams the edible heritage. Food is a favorite topic of conversation. And it seems every Italian has an opinion about American food. During one long Italian meal, my friend Claudia says she loves American food. Her favorites include the BLT sandwich and chili soup. Shes charmed by our breakfast culture and that we meet for breakfast. She says you would never see families going out for breakfast in Italy. But she notes that in the United States, size matters more than quality and dishes try too hard. She says that the average number of ingredients in an American restaurant salad or pasta is eight or 10 double the ingredients in the typical Italian salad or pasta. And she cant understand our heavily flavored salad dressings. If your lettuce and tomato are good, why cover it up with a heavy dressing? We use only oil and vinegar, she says. When I try to defend the fancy dishes as complex, she says, Perhaps jumbled is a better translation. My Tuscan friends laud the virtues of their regional cuisine. In Florence, I join my friend Manfredo and his girlfriend Diana for dinner. She sets a big plate of bruschetta in front of me. Each slice of toast looks like a little brown ship, with a toothpick mast flying a garlic clove, as it sails over its oily deck. We hungrily destroy the tidy flotilla. Ripping off a mast and rubbing the sail on the crusty deck, I say, My family eats bruschetta at home. But we all agree its best in Italy. Real bruschetta needs real Tuscan bread, Manfredo says. This is made with only flour, water, and yeast. No salt. It is great today. Hard like rock tomorrow. Diana says, Because the bread gets old quickly and we are a poor region, in Tuscany there are many dishes made with yesterdays bread. In unison, they labor through a short list as if it were long: Minestrone di pane, ribollita, pappa al pomodoro. Manfredo explains, Ribollita is for the poor. You cook and always stir together beans, cabbage, carrots, onions, old bread, and olive oil for at least two hours. Very filling. It is not good with fresh bread. Manfredo picks up his knife, eyeing the lasagna on the big plate in front of him. In America, a restaurant is not looking for what is good food. What is good is what sells. He sticks his knife through two steamy inches of lasagna. Real lasagna is only this thick. In USA they make it twice this thick, he says, flipping another serving on top, and they fill it with mozzarella. Then he says, There is no mozzarella in lasagna. Diana chuckles in agreement. After a swig of wine, Manfredo continues, If you go to an American restaurant and say the food is bad, you get a coupon for a free meal. More bad food. If you say the food is bad in a restaurant in Italy, you get kicked out. To get free food here, it is vice versa. You say, This is the best beefsteak I ever eat. Chef will then say, You must try the dessert. You say Oh no. He says, Here. Please. Take it for free. Diana says, In a real Italian restaurant when you complain, the chef will tell you, I cooked this as a boy the way my grandmother cooked this. It cannot be wrong. I ask, What do you think about French food? Manfredo, peppering a puddle of oil on a small plate, responds, The French make fine sauces to help the taste of mediocre ingredients. With the French there are two things great: their wine and their art. Since the time of Napoleon, they think only of their wine and their art. In the south they are like the Italians. But from Paris and north, they are so proud they are boring. Tearing off a piece of bread and dabbing it in the oil, Diana says, For me, the French cheese, it is the Italian cheese with mold. If we have cheese that doesnt sell, it gets moldy. After some days, it is perfect for the French. Raising my glass of wine, I offer a toast to Italian food: To cucina italiana! Manfredo follows that, saying magnanimously, To bacon and eggs! We all agree that American breakfasts are unbeatable. Omelets, hash browns Manfredo reminisces with a nostalgic sigh. On my last visit to New York, I gain four kilos in three weeks. Raising our glasses filled with fine vino rosso, we all say, To American breakfasts! Activists protest in response to the leaked Supreme Court draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on May 3, 2022. (Louis Chen/The Epoch Times) Roe v. Wade Is Inevitably Going Away Commentary The current uproar over the leaked draft from the U.S. Supreme Court deliberations over abortionand the rage of the pro-abortion Left over the likelihood that the conservative justices (three of whom were nominated by President Donald Trump) will now repeal Roe v. Wadeis in some ways a lot of noise about the inevitable. Roe v. Wade was a 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the whole country and made America one of the most extreme abortion systems in the entire world. Importantly, it was a court decision by appointed judgesnot legislation made by elected legislators. It was inevitably going to be overturned sooner or later. As the leaked draft asserted, Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division. Furthermore, critique of the Roe decision has come from the Left as well. Prior to joining the court, the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in a 1992 lecture at New York University, suggested Roe went too far and caused more trouble than necessary. She said, Measured motions seem to me right, in the main, for constitutional as well as common law adjudication. Doctrinal limbs too swiftly shaped, experience teaches, may prove unstable. The most prominent example in recent decades is Roe v. Wade. Ginsburg suggested that Roe could have been more narrowly drawn and less damaging to the necessary American dialogue. As the New York Post recently reported, she suggested Suppose the court had stopped there, rightly declaring unconstitutional the most extreme brand of law in the nation, and had not gone on, as the court did in Roe, to fashion a regime blanketing the subject, a set of rules that displaced virtually every state law then in force, she said. A less encompassing Roe, one that merely struck down the extreme Texas law and went no further on that day, I believe and will summarize why, might have served to reduce rather than to fuel controversy. Roe has also been undermined by the progress of science and medicine. Today, we see evidence in nearly every pregnancy that at six weeks a baby has a heart that is beating, and by 15 weeks the baby is completely human. At 15 weeks, babies typically have fully formed noses, lips, eyelids, and eyebrows, and can suck their thumbs. They can clearly feel pain. The clinical use of the ultrasound in prenatal medicine (which started being widely used in the U.S. in the 1970s) and the fascination parents have with the development of their prenatal children was a major factor in beginning to undermine support for Roe. At the same time, the development of better medical technology to keep premature babies alive has undermined the viability arguments in Roe. The medical arguments of 1973 have simply been made moot by five decades of scientific and technological advances. Further, the American people are not in clear agreement on abortion. According to Gallup, a plurality of Americans (48 percent) think abortion should only be legal in certain circumstances. Only 32 percent say it should be legal in all circumstances. A large majority of Americans reject the Democratic position favoring abortions even on the last day of pregnancy (which is clearly infanticide) as in New York and Californias current laws. A 2019 YouGov Poll found that 79 percent of American adults do not approve of late-term abortion (80 percent oppose day-before-birth abortions). These trends are true even for those who consider themselves pro-choice, with 66 percent opposing third trimester abortions and 68 percent opposing infanticide. According to a recent Scott Rasmussen national poll, four out of five Americans believe third trimester abortions should be illegal. Only 17 percent support abortion at any point. Most Americans also favor the Hyde Amendment, which blocked taxpayer funded abortions. According to a recent New Knights of Columbus/Marist Poll, 54 percent oppose taxpayer funded abortion in America, and 73 percent oppose using tax dollars to support abortion abroad, including 59 percent who self-identify as pro-choice. Modifying Roe will move America into the mainstream. In Europe, 47 of the 50 countries have limits on abortion that go into effect before the 15th week of pregnancy. Democrats who think a big fight over Roe will be to their political advantage may be in for a shock. Another Scott Rasmussen national poll found that by a more than 2:1 margin, voters favor a candidate who supports abortion only in first trimester over one who supports abortion at any time. Specifically, recent poll by the Senate Opportunity Fund found that by 46 percent to 36 percent Americans prefer a Republican candidate who supports banning abortion after 15 weeks with exceptions for the life and health of the mother over a Democrat candidate who supports unlimited abortion up until the moment of birth. However, this is not an issue of cold politicsor a callous victory lap for those who oppose abortion. If Republicans approach the issue of Roe with compassion for the difficult choices women can faceand a deep concern for having a dialogue that can lead to unifying most Americansthey will find they have nothing to fear from the debate over Roe. One final note: The arguments that the U.S. Supreme Court cannot overturn precedent and dramatically change prior decisionsor that Congress is helpless against the judiciarys supremacydo not relate to history or reality. In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 that Dred Scott, a slave who had been living in a free state, could not sue for his freedom in federal court as a citizen because no one of African descent could claim citizenship. President Abraham Lincoln was deeply opposed to this decision. He called it the law of the case, not the law of the land. As president, Lincoln refused to enforce the Scott decision. It was effectively overturned by the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. In 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-1 in Plessy v. Ferguson that states could adopt separate but equal requirements to segregate white and black Americans. That case legitimized racist southern laws and was the law of the land until it was partially overturned by Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Congress later completely rejected it in a series of civil rights laws. Would anyone seriously suggest that the Courts decisions on slavery or segregation should not have been overturned? Similarly, if most Americans believe Roes support for abortion under any circumstance is wrong, it is entirely legitimate for the current Court to reverse a 49-year-old, erred decision that has been made obsolete by modern science and medicine. We do not have to fear this debate. The pro-abortion extremists are wrong and a distinct minority. From Gingrich360.com Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Supporters stand outside the main gate of the Apple Daily offices after the company's final newspapers were printed at the printing facility in Hong Kong early on June 24, 2021. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas Clamp Down in Hong Kong Drives Exodus, Dismantles Free Press: Part 2 On March 1, Paul Harris, a well-known international human rights expert and former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, left Hong Kong with his family the day after being interviewed by the Nation Security Department of the Hong Kong Police for a cautionary statement. At 11 a.m. on March 1, Harris was accompanied by two men in suits to the Wanchai Police headquarters and questioned. He left after about two hours. According to sources, the meeting was related to the Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, a non-governmental organization founded by Harris. It is reported that he was cautioned to meet by the National Security Department of the police on suspicion of violation the Hong Kong National Security Law. During the meeting, he was asked to explain his alleged violation of national security. Some newspapers in Hong Kong reported on March 2, that after being interviewed by the police the day before, Harris boarded a Turkish Airlines flight that took off at 11 oclock that night, first going to Turkey and then transferring to the UK. Harris has always been concerned about human rights activities in Hong Kong and has publicly criticized the Hong Kong government many times. He was the first Chairman of the Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor (HKHRM), which was established in 1995 by Harris; Philip John Dykes, former Chairman of the Council of the Hong Kong Bar Association; and Chan Man-mun, former Chair Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong. Its purpose is to observe the law, policies and actions of the Hong Kong government, and to defend and promote human rights. During social movements such as the Umbrella Movement in 2014 and the Anti-Extradition Movement in 2019, HKHRM often sent members to record and observe the way Hong Kong police handled the demonstration participants. Harris, who has the reputation of human rights champion, is not only an expert on international human rights issues, but also a practicing barrister in Britain and a senior barrister in Hong Kong. He was elected Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association in January 2021. After taking office, Harris made a lot of strong remarks that attracted the attention of society and the CCP official media. He once criticized the Hong Kong National Security Law for not conforming to the spirit of the Rule of Law, and bluntly agreed with the description of the Hong Kong National Security Law as a disgrace and disgusting. The Occupy Central founder Chan Kin-man was released from prison on March 14, 2020 after completing a 16-month sentence at Pik Uk Prison in Hong Kong. He now chooses to live in Taiwan. In July last year, Chan Kin-man, a former Chinese University associate professor, posted on social media that he had accepted an invitation from National Chengchi University in Taipei to serve as a visiting professor for one year. (L-R) Pro-democracy activists Cheung Sau-yin, Chung Yiu-wa, Tanya Chan, Chu Yiu-ming, Chan Kin-man, Benny Tai, Raphael Wong, Lee Wing-tat, and Shiu Ka-chun arrive at the court before a verdict on their involvement in the Occupy Central, also known as Umbrella Movement, in Hong Kong, China April 9, 2019. (Reuters/Tyrone Siu) Kin-man said on Facebook on July 20 last year that in the coming days, besides teaching, he will retreat to write books and think about the traces of every road has traveled. The online program Kin-man study room and Kin-man lecture hall will be continued. He said, I hope to see you in Hong Kong in one year. Although Chan Kin-man was imprisoned for the Occupy Central case, after his release, he admitted that he was happy to have his freedom back. The time in prison was difficult, but he had no regrets at all. He believes that this was the price that must be paid when fighting for democracy. In April 2019, Kin-man and two other Occupy Central founders, Tai Yiu-ting and Chu Yiu-ming, were charged with three counts of conspiracy to public nuisance and inciting others to commit public nuisance. Kin-man was sentenced to 16 months in prison. After the Hong Kong National Security Law was officially implemented on July 1, 2020, Kin-man said in an interview with Initial Media, from a small prison to a big prison, the threat to the freedom of life is worse than prison. Perhaps this is one reason Kin-man chose to leave Hong Kong. Chan Kin-man returned to Hong Kong from the United States in 1993 . He was teaching in the Department of Sociology of the CUHK until he was imprisoned. For the past quarter century, he has been promoting the development of civil society in China and Hong Kong as a public intellectual. People (bottom) waving goodbye as passengers make their way through the departure gates of Hong Kong's International Airport on July 22, 2021. Twice a day, Hong Kong's virtually deserted airport fills with the sound of tearful goodbyes as residents, fearful for their future under China's increasingly authoritarian rule, start a new life overseas, mostly in Britain. (Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images) Chinas Clamp Down in Hong Kong Drives Exodus, Dismantles Free Press: Part 1 Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law in June 2020, the situation in Hong Kong has become increasingly restrictive. Faced with pressure, elites from all walks of life have chosen to leave Hong Kong. Human rights organizations point out that the freedom of the press in Hong Kong is almost destroyed, and the role of Hong Kong journalists is being redefined. Lee Ka-chiu, a policeman turned politician and the only candidate for the next Chief Executive position, held a briefing on his political platform at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 29. At least five independent media outlets, including The Epoch Times, Hong Kong In-media, Sound of Hope, GettyImages, and The Reporter were denied registration or access to interviews by campaign staff. The campaign staff said that only invited media would be allowed to enter the venue. When a reporter asked about the criteria for determining the media list, they explained that their list was different from the list of media registered under the Government News and Media Information System. Only five days before, when Lee was asked by reporters if he would commit to defending freedom of the press, he replied freedom of the press has always existed, and there is no need to use the word defense. On April 25, the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) suddenly announced that it would suspend this years Human Rights Press Awards, to not inadvertently commit legal violations. To date, the award has been given 26 times to journalists for their professional and outstanding reporting on human rights. On April 26, the London-based human rights organization Hong Kong Watch released a report stating that suppression by the authorities has led to nearly total destruction of freedom of the press in Hong Kong, and that freedom is being replaced by pro-Beijing media and the official Chinese propaganda machine. The authors believe that the role of Hong Kong journalists is changing, and the upcoming law targeting fake news is likely to become a tool for the authorities to suppress dissidents. Elites Leaving in Droves After the Hong Kong National Security Law was enacted, the media under the government was impacted, and many independent media outlets were forced to suspend operations, some were even taken to court. A large number of journalists and senior media professionals had to leave Hong Kong. On this growing list are Joseph Lian, former Editor-in-chief of Hong Kong Economic Journal; Cheng Jing-han, founder of Digital Broadcasting Corporation Hong Kong Limited; Lou Sai-leung, founder of House News and Singjai; Can Yongmei, the former Editor-in-chief of Open Magazine; Yau Ching-yuen, founder of Post 852; Ng Chi-sum and Tsang Chi-ho, hosts of RTHK; Chip Tsao, the No.1 Talent in Hong Kong; Simon Shen, scholar of international relations; Wong Chau-sang and To Man-chak, Hong Kong actors; and Shiu Yeuk-yuen, film producer and host. The most talented artists and media professionals are leaving Hong Kong one after another. In October last year, a Hong Kong expatriates association, Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), released Work and Employment Report for Recently Arrived Hongkongers. According to the report, nearly 70 percent of Hongkongers who have just arrived in the UK under British National (Overseas) (BNO) visas have university degrees or a higher education, 66.8 percent have more than 11 years of work experience, 54.8 percent had a monthly salary of more than HK$30,000 (about $3,823) in Hong Kong, and 69.4 percent self-identified as financially sound. Ah To, a current affairs cartoonist and illustrator; Michael Vidler, human rights lawyer who represented the Wong Chi-fung case; and Chung Kim-wah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) also left Hong Kong. Parting is a Forced Decision, Cartoonist and Illustrator Ah To, who is known for his criticism of current affairs, left a message on his Facebook page on April 26 saying that he left Hong Kong because he wants to continue to create for Hong Kong, but the mental pressure of creating current affairs comics in Hong Kong was too huge, parting is a forced decision. Political illustrator Ah To poses with his work Guillotine after his cartoon column in one of the citys popular news magazines was to be axed in Hong Kong, China, on July 28, 2020. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Ah To apologized to the netizens, and expressed his complicated feelings when leaving. Now the soul is left in the hometown, but the body has been exiled, he wrote. Ah To did not disclose his destination, but in the background of his uploaded picture Primary school chick, you can see Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster on the River Thames. Ah To has been engaged in illustrating current affairs comics for 11 years, and once considered giving up or transforming at the beginning of the social movement, But now is the time when Hong Kong needs current affairs comics the most and least at the same time, so I want to stick with it. I continue to walk with Hong Kong through creation from a distance, so that the history of Hong Kong in this era will not be silent. He wrote at the end of his message, May good people cherish and preserve goodness in various forms. Ah Tos real name is Ng Kap-chuen. His cartoons mainly satirize what is happening politically and in society. He has won various awards such as the Best Internet Creation Award and the Best Current Affairs Comics. His creation Battle of Golden Monsters is very popular and the character Primary school chick is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Michael Vidler, Human Rights Lawyer Left Hong Kong for the UK On April 25, human rights lawyer Michael Vidler showed up at the Hong Kong Airport and boarded a flight to the UK. He was another human rights lawyer who left after Paul Harris. At about 9:30 that night, a reporter from Wen Wei Po, the mouthpiece of the CCP, photographed Vidler at the Hong Kong Airport departure hall. In the photo, a Chinese woman, thought to be Vidlers wife, accompanied him. The reporter asked Vidler whether he had communicated with Paul Harris, the former chairman of the Bar Association who left Hong Kong after being cautioned to meet by the National Security Department. He asked why the law firm suddenly closed. Is he worried about being sanctioned by the Hong Kong National Security Law? Vidler did not respond to any of the questions. Vidler , a British national, is a well-known human rights lawyer specializing in criminal litigation. He represented Wong Chi-fung, Tsang Kin-chiu, Chu Hoi-dick, and other social movement participants, as well as the Indonesian female journalist Veby Indah who was blinded in one eye by a police projectile during a demonstration. It is reported that Vidlers law firm (Vidler & Co. Solicitors) submitted a notice to the Law Society of Hong Kong of its intention to close down on June 3 this year. Student leader Joshua Wong (L) gives a thumbs up as he exits a courthouse with his lawyer Michael Vidler (R) after Wong was released on bail in Hong Kong on Nov. 27, 2014. (Aaron Tam/AFP/Getty Images) Vidler was elected to the legal functional constituency election committee for two consecutive terms in 2011 and 2017, and participated in a silent march of lawyers who dressed in black. He opposed the amendment of Fugitive offenders Ordinance and the political prosecution of the Department of Justice. He once claimed to ask the former president of the Law Society, Lam San-keung, to withdraw his remark that a judges patriotism will not harm judicial independence. Chung Kim-wah, Deputy Executive Officer of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) was forced to leave Hong Kong. He had been interviewed by the National Security Department three times. On April 24, Chung posted on social media: I Dont want to be a deserter, but I have to avoid tyranny. He wrote that he had never planned to immigrate, My lifetime ambition and responsibility are all in Hong Kong. But at present, there is no space for sincere words, only lies and lies. For those of us who are still a bit turbulent, Hong Kong may not be a place where we can live normally without intimidation. After arriving in Britain, Chung accepted an interview with The Epoch Timess Precious Dialogues program on April 25. He said that he decided to leave Hong Kong in February this year because he could no longer speak safely and felt he had to leave before he was accused (of breaking the law) by the regime. Before leaving Hong Kong, Chung and HKPORI were repeatedly pressured by the Hong Kong Government and the CCP mouthpiece media. He said he was interviewed by the police under the Hong Kong National Security Law and was followed by unidentified vehicles. In November last year, before the first Legislative Council election after the CCP changed Hong Kongs electoral system, HKPORI conducted a public opinion poll on citizens voting intentions. The poll options included blank votes and no votes. The authorities said the poll incites others to leave their vote blank or to not vote, violating the newly revised Election Regulations. At the same time, Peoples Daily, the mouthpiece of the CCP, published an article slandering HKPORI for anti-China disruptors in Hong Kong and incitement with an academic cloak. In April, HKPORI investigated the Hong Kong peoples views on the Russian-Ukrainian war, but the CCP mouthpiece media quoted a fake questionnaire to discredit the original, claiming that HKPORI violated the Hong Kong National Security Law. HKPORI was forced to cancel publication of the investigation result. HKPORI is a well-known institute for public opinion, and was formerly known as Public Opinion Research Project of the University of Hong Kong. In recent years, HKPORI has been repeatedly attacked by the pro-Communist camp. In 2020, HKPORI conducted polls for the Pro-democracy primaries, and the office was raided by the police. The 47 people who organized and participated in the primary election were later charged with conspiracy to subvert state power under the National Security Law. This is the largest prosecution since the implement of the National Security Law. (To be continued) A flag waves outside the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission headquarters in Washington on Feb. 23, 2022. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images) SEC Lists Over 80 Companies That Could Be Booted From US Exchanges The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 4 added more than 80 companies to its list of entities that face possible expulsion from U.S. exchanges. Among those listed are some of Chinas most prominent tech companies, such as e-commerce company JD.com, agriculture-focused e-commerce platform Pinduoduo Inc., video-sharing platform Bilibili, and internet technology company NetEase Inc. Those entities now face delisting within three years if they fail to allow U.S. regulators access to their books under the Trump-era law that requires foreign companies trading on U.S.exchanges to meet U.S. accounting standards. Trump signed the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCA Act) into law in 2020 with the aim to protect investors from foreign companies that dont comply with U.S. audit standards. Under the law, foreign companies that fail to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards (PCAOB) audits for three consecutive years could potentially be delisted from U.S. exchanges. Companies that dont allow inspections by the PCAOB due to a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction are also required to prove that the companies arent owned or controlled by a foreign government. The same rules also apply to companies that trade over-the-counter stocks. Audit firms based in China have largely evaded inspection by the PCAOB for more than a decade. This is because the ruling Chinese Communist Party refused to allow for such inspections of publicly traded companies headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, claiming this was due to national security and privacy reasons. Specifically, government officials claim that such financial reports may contain data related to state-backed projects, or state secrets. Despite failing to comply with audit requests, the United States allowed for such companies to remain on U.S. exchanges. But the HFCA Act could persuade the companies to allow the audit oversight required by U.S. investors or else face delisting. New additions to the SECs list include a host of Chinese companies, such as China Southern Airlines Company Limited, NIO Inc., JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd., China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, and Chindata Group Holdings Limited. Non-Chinese foreign entities listed include Canadian Solar Inc. and Connecticut-based ReneSola Ltd. The newly added companies have until May 25 to submit evidence disputing the SECs identification. In total, there are more than 120 U.S.-listed companies set to be potentially delisted. There are currently about 250 Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, which together hold a combined market capitalization of more than $1 trillion, according to The Wall Street Journal. While Trumps law was widely welcomed by bipartisan lawmakers, including Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), who hailed it as the most significant piece of investor protection legislation passed in several years, it faced resistance in China. Chinese regulators in April offered to change the confidentiality rules for offshore-listed companies to comply with U.S.-listing audit requirements. However, those firms would still need to protect state secrets. The China Securities Regulatory Commission stated that the changes will facilitate cross-border regulatory cooperation, including joint inspections, which will help safeguard interest of global investors. Despite that proposal, the SEC is asking for Chinese companies to be fully compliant with the HFCA act. The Shell logo is seen on a pump at a Shell petrol station in London on Jan. 30, 2014. (Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters) Shell Posts Record Profit on High Energy Prices and Trading Boost LONDONShell on Thursday reported a record first-quarter profit of $9.13 billion, boosted by higher oil and gas prices, stellar refining profits, and the strong performance of its trading division. The last of the energy majors to report results, Shell joins sector rivals, including BP and TotalEnergies in making big profits from the commodity price volatility stoked by Russias invasion of Ukraine that began on Feb. 24. Shells shares rose 3.3 percent in early trading, outperforming the 1.8 percent rise of an index of oil and gas companies. It beat its previous highest quarterly profits recorded in 2008 even after writing down $3.9 billion post-tax as a result of its decision to exit operations in Russia. It is also winding down oil and gas trading with Russia. The European Unions chief executive on Wednesday proposed a phased oil embargo on Russia that, if backed by member states would be a watershed for the worlds largest trading bloc, although it has yet to work on a gas ban. It will be a tough winter if we dont have any Russian molecules coming into Europe, Chief Executive Ben van Beurden told a conference call. By the end of this year, Shell said it would stop all of its long-term Russian crude oil purchases, except two contracts with a small, independent Russian producer that it did not name. Its contracts to import refined oil products from Russia will also end, it said, adding it still had running long-term contracts to buy Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). Shell, the worlds largest LNG trader, said sales of the fuel rose by 9 percent in the quarter to 18.3 million tons. LNG is seen as crucial to ending Europes reliance on Russian pipeline gas. Shell maintains Russia assets of $1 billion in value on its balance sheet, including a dividend for its stake in the Sakhalin-2 LNG project, lubricant and retail station inventory, and a gas contract, Chief Financial Officer Sinead Gorman said. Windfalls Versus Buybacks The size of energy companiess profits have led to calls from Britains opposition Labor Party to levy a windfall tax to support people struggling to pay their energy bills because of the surge in prices. The ruling Conservatives have rejected the idea, saying it would discourage companies from investing profits in the transition to lower carbon energy. Meanwhile, Shell is providing incentives for shareholders. It said its dividend payments and share repurchases reached $5.4 billion in the quarter, part of its plan to buy back $8.5 billion shares in the first half of the year. Its dividend rose to 25 cents per share as planned. In the current environment, it said it expects shareholder distributions to exceed 30 percent of cashflow in the second half. First-quarter adjusted earnings rose 43 percent from the previous quarter to $9.13 billion, above an average analyst forecast provided by the company for a $8.67 billion profit. That compares with earnings of $3.23 billion a year earlier. Shells adjusted earnings from refining and marketing oil products leapt to $1.17 billion from a loss of $130 million in the previous quarter and a profit of $781 million last year despite volumes falling to around 1.6 million bpd from 1.9 million. Shells quarterly cashflow of $14.815 billion helped it to cut its debt burden to $48.5 billion from $52.6 billion at the end of 2021. By Ron Bousso and Shadia Nasralla The US administration is open to considering the idea of imposing additional sanctions against Russia, the country will consult on the issue with partners in the Group of Seven advanced economies, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, responding to reporters question at the White House about the EU's intention to apply a sixth package of restrictive measures against Russia, Tass informs. May 5, 2022, 11:44 US open to idea of tougher sanctions against Russia, will consult with G7 Biden STEPANAKERT, MAY 5, ARTSAKHPRESS: "With regard to additional sanctions, were always open to additional sanctions," the American leader stressed. "I'll be speaking with the members of the G7 this week about what were going to do or not do," Biden said. John Durham speaks to reporters on the steps of U.S. District Court in New Haven, Conn., on April 25, 2006. (Bob Child/AP Photo) Special Counsel: Shielded Documents Would Bolster Case Against Ex-Clinton Lawyer Some three dozen documents that the Hillary Clinton campaign and others are seeking to keep from special counsel John Durhams team would help prove the case against an ex-Clinton campaign lawyer, Durhams team said in court on May 4. The documents fit into two categories. Thirty are emails sent to or from Fusion GPS operatives. Eight were exchanged between Rodney Joffe, a technology executive represented by the lawyer, and Fusion tech expert Laura Seago. The emails and their attachments would provide important context about Fusions role in the white paper that Michael Sussman, the ex-Clinton lawyer, took to the FBI on behalf of his clientsthe campaign and Joffe, prosecutor Jonathan Algor told the court during a hearing in Washington. Inside the paper were allegations that then-candidate Donald Trumps business and a Russian bank had a secret backchannel, claims that the CIA later determined was technically implausible. Fusion performed opposition research on Trump, including helping compile a dossier filled with unsubstantiated allegations. Sussman is set to go on trial on May 16 for allegedly lying to the FBI when he said he was not bringing the information on behalf of a client. The emails would also shed light on Fusions role in promoting the sketchy allegations to the media, which recently released documents show was a major portion of their work, Algor said. Documents attached to some of emails appeared to be draft or final versions of the white paper, he added. Prosecutors hope to utilize the documents if Seago ends up testifying. We have identified Ms. Seago as a core witness that can talk to the relationships between Fusion, between Mr. Joffe, [the Clinton campaign], and Mr. Sussmann, Algor said, describing the emails as key evidence regarding relationships between the parties, such as how Fusion and the campaign were intertwined. Fusion was paid by the campaign and the Democratic National Committee through Perkins Coie, a law firm that not only employed Sussmann but Marc Elias, who also worked for the campaign. Durhams team was pushing for U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, the Obama appointee overseeing the case, to compel the parties to produce the 38 documents in unredacted form for the judge to review behind closed doors. Cooper could then determine whether the privilege claims asserted by the campaign, the committee, Perkins, and Fusion were appropriate or unfounded. If the former, they would not be allowed to be used during the trial, at least in unredacted form; if the latter, they could be utilized by Durhams team. Robert Trout, representing the campaign, argued that the emails could concern opposition research and still be able to be shielded, prompting the judge to bring up how in one email, Fusions Peter Fritsch told a reporter with Reuters to do the [expletive] alfa bank secret comms story. How is that assisting Mr. Elias in providing legal advice to the campaign? Cooper wondered. Cooper later asked Trout if he had any additional documents the campaign would want him to review that might support its position that Fusions internal communications on these issues were for the purpose of providing legal support as opposed to pure opposition research and dissemination that is not covered by the privilege. I dont, Trout said. Steven Tyrrell, on behalf of Rodney Joffe, said the emails between his client and Seago were protected by attorney-client privilege because Joffes lawyer was the same firm that hired Fusion and Sussmann was the one who recommended Joffe meet with Fusion workers. Algor disputed that notion, noting Sussmann wasnt copied in on the messages and arguing there was no evidence that Seago was being consulted in a way that afforded privilege. Sean Berkowitz, representing Sussmann, said if the judge allowed the entry of the emails, the special counsel might turn to the approximately 1,500 other documents that were withheld from subpoenas by Fusion on privilege claims. Algor promised Durhams team would not do so, at least not for this trial. Durhams team won the motion to compel. Cooper now has to decide whether he gets none, some, or all of the documents. Granting the motion to review the documents in private is not a significant intrusion, Cooper said. Whether review of the documents will reveal whether Fusion was creating work product that is covered or not covered remains to be seen. I dont know. So well have to see what the emails actually say, he added. Special Forces Surveillance Plane Over Ottawa During Freedom Convoy Was Training Exercise, Government Says A surveillance plane operated by Canadian special forces flew circles over Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy protest, but the Department of National Defence (DND) and the prime minister say it was part of a training mission unrelated to the demonstrations. The U.S.-registered 350ER King Air, outfitted with a technology suite to intercept communications and capture high-resolution images, was flying in circles over Ottawa in what a specialist says is a typical surveillance pattern, The Globe and Mail reported on April 21. Steffan Watkins, an Ottawa researcher who tracks ships and planes, told the Globe he recorded at least 15 circles over the city, and at times, the aircraft disappeared inexplicably from public tracking systems. These patterns look very much like other tracks seen over foreign conflict zones while ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] missions were believed to be under way, Watkins said. The plane was registered in the United States since Canada has yet to take delivery of the three units it purchased for a total price tag of $247 million. The aircraft are to be provided to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). DND told the Globe the flight was unrelated to the Freedom Convoy protest. The flight in question was part of a Canadian Armed Forces training exercise that was planned prior to, and was unrelated to, the domestic event that was taking place at the time, said spokesperson Daniel Le Bouthillier. This training had nothing to do with the surveillance or the monitoring of activities. The Ottawa Citizen confirmed on May 3 special forces were operating the plane, and it flew over Ottawa on Jan. 28, Jan. 29, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, and Feb. 11. Jan. 28 was the day when the Freedom Convoy trucks coming from across the country started arriving in Ottawa to demand the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Part of the justification the government used in invoking the Emergencies Act in response to the protest were claims that protesters were largely foreign-funded and wanted to overthrow the government. Testimony from parliamentary committees studying the measures in recent months revealed the movement was largely funded by Canadians, and the Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa was peaceful. CANSOFCOM is responsible for military units that can intervene on Canadian soil or abroad to deal with terrorist or hostage-taking incidents, and incidents involving biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats. Trudeau Questioned in Parliament DND cannot collect information on Canadians without special authorization from the government, and Conservative MPs raised the issue during question period on May 4. The government must invoke the National Defence Act to use the military for civilian law enforcement Did the government invoke any statute to deploy the Canadian Armed Forces in this manner? Or was the surveillance conducted without lawful authority? asked MP Cheryl Gallant. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the flight was a pre-planned training exercise and made a counter-accusation against Gallant. What the official opposition is playing with right here is dangerously close to misinformation and disinformation, when they choose to make political hay out of something that could be concerning to many people if it were true, but its simply not, Trudeau said. And I think its important and it behooves all of us in this House to demonstrate responsible leadership in how we move forward here. Conservative defence critic Kerry-Lynne Findlay pressed Trudeau on the issue, expressing disbelief that Canadas Armed Forces were just in training over Ottawa at the same time as the trucker protests. She said the apparent surveillance contradicts everything the government has said to date. Liberals didnt put soldiers on our streets, but they did put them in the air. How can the Prime Minister justify using military assets to surveil Canadians? Findlay said. Trudeau again said this was dangerously close to misinformation and disinformation designed to gin up fears and conspiracy theories. As Trudeau finished speaking and sat down, he reportedly cursed at Findlay, which led Conservative MP John Barlow to seek an apology from Trudeau during a point of order after question period. All of us in this House are used to vigorous debate during Question Period, but there is a line that should not be crossed, especially when it comes to unparliamentary language, Barlow said. Asked about the incident by reporters after question period, Trudeau declined to comment but made reference to a phrase used by his father, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, who famously mouthed an expletive decades ago when he was Prime Minister. What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say you move your lips in a particular way? Trudeau told reporters, referencing the senior Trudeaus comment, What is the nature of your thoughts, gentlemen, when you say fuddle duddle or something like that. Experiences by the numbers Perhaps science will never be capable of proving without a shadow of a doubt whether or not the afterlife exists. But science is at least capable of determining how many people have reported experiences of the afterlife. Studies also show that many of the experiencers were not previously spiritual or religious people. Though these experiences are subjective, some elements of the experiences suggest objective phenomena. Deathbed Visions Dr. Erlendur Haraldsson at the University of Iceland asked about 700 healthcare workers in the United States and India about their patients deathbed visions. Almost 500 terminally ill patients had reported similar experiences of being offered help to the other side.Surveys in North America and Europe have found anywhere from 10 to 40 percent of respondents believe they have had contact with the dead. Near-Death Experiences Near-death experiences (NDEs) are reported by an estimated 200,000 Americans per year. NDEs commonly include the feeling of leaving ones body, observing resuscitation efforts, and seeing scenes in another realm. In a 2005 survey of American doctors, it was shown that 59 percent believe in some form of afterlife. This is a much higher percentage than is found in other scientific professions, wrote Dinesh DSouza in his book Life After Death: The Evidence. Alzheimers Studies Imply Soul May Exist The brains of Alzheimers or dementia patients are often deteriorated to a point that should make normal mental functioning impossible, if there is no soul and the mind is simply a function of the brain. Yet in a study by Dr. Alexander Batthyany at the University of Vienna, 10 percent of 227 patients were found to have a brief return to lucidity just before death. Dr. Batthyany cautions that only a small number of the healthcare workers he surveyed about their patients responded, so the study has some flaws and further studies should be conducted. But he is nonetheless intrigued by the puzzle of how mental functioning could return to these patients. Out-of-Body Experiences Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are a common part of NDEs. They also suggest a soul or mind may exist separate from the body. Nelson Abreu, an engineer, OBE researcher, and former intern at Princeton Universitys Engineering Anomalies Research Laboratory, is one of the authors of a free e-book published in February, Consciousness Beyond the Body: Evidence and Reflections. He noted in the book that numerous statistical surveys over the past century in several countries (including the United States, Australia, and Brazil) in four continents, have revealed that millions of people have OBEs. A conservative estimate based on the surveys would suppose some 70 million people worldwide have had OBEs. Reincarnation Dr. Jim Tucker at the University of Virginia has a database of about 2,500 cases of children who seem to remember past lives. In some of the cases, the children recalled details about their past lives that were verified to correspond to the lives and deaths of real people. An example of Tuckers analysis of the data is his finding that about 73 percent of the unnatural deaths purportedly remembered by children are of male past-life incarnations. This correlates to U.S. statistics which show that in a five-year period 72 percent of unnatural deaths in the country were male. Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas testifies before a Senate panel in Washington on May 4, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Suspected Terrorists Who Crossed Border Into United States May Have Been Released: Mayorkas Some of the 42 illegal immigrants who were arrested by U.S. border agents and identified as suspected terrorists may have been released into the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandryo Mayorkas said on May 4. Some may be placed in removal proceedings. Some may be placed in criminal custody. Some may be cooperating with law enforcement. Some may be downgraded from the terrorist rating, Mayorkas told the Senate Homeland & Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington. Mayorkas said officials in his agency know the precise disposition of each of the 42 suspected terrorists but declined to share that information in a public setting. Instead, he offered to give a classified briefing to Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), who had been questioning him. I look forward to getting that information, Portman said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently revealed that 42 people on the terror watchlist attempted to enter the United States illegally and were arrested by border agents between Jan. 20, 2021 and March 2022. The watchlist is maintained by the FBI, which says people on it are reasonably suspected to be involved in terrorism (or related activities). In a hearing in late April, Mayorkas said he did not know whether any of the terrorists had been released into the United States, triggering criticism from Republicans. In his opening statement, Portman, the ranking member of the Senate panel, described himself as shocked when he learned about the number of suspected terrorists apprehended. Other Republicans during the hearing on Wednesday also touched on the issue. The 42 are the ones we know you caught; we dont know how many you didnt, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told Mayorkas. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the panels chairman, took a different angle regarding the watchlist. Peters said Arab-Americans, including those in the state he represents, have long endured lengthy and intrusive screening when traveling and noted that Biden while campaigning in 2020 promised to order DHS to review how people are placed on the watchlist and the no-fly list to make sure that the processes do not have an adverse impact on individuals or groups based on national origin, race, religion or ethnicity and to improve the process to remove names, when justified, from these lists. Can you provide an update on the progress of your review and when you expect changes to be implemented? Peters asked. Mayorkas said the work is underway but that he could not provide any further information at this time. The Federal Government Replaces Twitter as Our Ministry of Truth In true Orwellian fashion, the Department of Homeland Security concerns itself with decreasing the security of civil rights Commentary The announcement that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be overseeing the creation of a Disinformation Governance Board couldnt come at a better time for Americas legacy mainstream media outlets and the individuals who staff them. Still shaking from Elon Musks recent purchase of Twitter, the notion that U.S. corporate news may be further losing its grasp over complete narrative control has been enough to create an atmosphere of hysteria. Twitter was a vital part of how these outlets attempted to control the release of information. The social media platforms moderators largely served as a check on the acceptable viewpoints being discussed in the public square. Anything counter to the story presented by government-approved official news sources could be flagged by fact-checkers or outright banned by moderators for being at least partially false. Their proof? Well, the information wasnt substantiatedby those same sources. The circuitous reasoning facilitated an idea laundering operation that made sure only those stories with a stamp of biased approval made it out uninhibited. Musks move has therefore resulted in a predictable upheaval. Some have wondered whether too much freedom of speech would drive users away. Others postulated that in reality, his actions are probably just because the Tesla CEO misses apartheid in South Africa. The general sentiment of despair was matched on Twitter as thousands took to their keyboards in an effort to denounce the dangers of unmitigated freedom of speechand, often, speech in general. Elon Musks twitter account is seen on a smartphone in front of the Twitter logo on April 15, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters) As if by Providence, a mere two days later came the pronouncement that a federal government-controlled board of experts would be convening to identify potentially harmful or inappropriate information in the run-up to Novembers midterm elections. No longer would Americas newsmakers have to worry about their flock of citizens being led astray by information not directly curated and delivered by them. Media antics aside, however, the Disinformation Governance Board has frequently been disparaged as a modern day Ministry of Truth, in reference to George Orwells literary classic 1984. To see if this comparison is warranted, it is worth remembering what the main functions of that fictional body actually were, as described in the novel. In Orwells dystopian masterpiece, the Ministry of Truth was responsible for falsifying and changing the record of events to fit the ruling regimes political priorities at any given time. Importantly, the ministry was also responsible for the creation and promotion of Newspeak, a simplified language meant to replace English that would facilitate the governments control over its citizens very thought processes. Freedom of thought would subsequently be preempted, as it became linguistically impossible to articulate complex concepts or abstractions. The only thing that citizens wouldor couldthink was exactly what the government needed them to think. It may be a bit of a stretch to claim that the U.S. government is directly seeking to end freedom of thought by its creation of the new disinformation board; however, its timing with Musks purchase of Twitter and the subsequent debate swirling around the move does have important implications. At the crux of the argument over online censorship is the question of who exactly gets to decide what is true, and even more, whether disagreement over what is presented as truth is permitted in the public square. In this regard, the 1984 metaphor is very appropriate. One of the primary Twitter bannings that served as an impetus for Musks move is believed to be the platforms suspension of the satire news site The Babylon Bee. After news that Pennsylvanias former Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine was being nominated as one of USA Todays Women Of The Year, the Bee decided to also nominate Levineonly this time, as its Man of The Year. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine meets with the media at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa., on May 29, 2020. (Joe Hermitt/The Patriot-News via AP) Levine is a man who identifies as a woman, so Twitter suspended the account based on a violation of the platforms policy on hateful conduct. This, of course, raises the question about what exactly a man or a woman is. It is not the first time that Twitter has cracked down on someone it deems to be violating its postmodernist definition of gender as a fluid construct that can change at any given time. In other words, understanding the concept of gender as inherently tied to biological sex was declared outside the bounds of respectable discourse. Remember that even the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest legal body in the land, could not provide an adequate definition for woman during her confirmation hearing. Similar to how Newspeak was utilized in 1984 to halt Wrongthink(thought contradictory to the regimes narrative), Twitter enforces linguistic codes derived from a narrow ideological conception of reality to control speech on its platform. Orwellian, indeed. There are many more examples of Twitter punishing Wrongthink, as well. An article at The Federalist lists 100 opinionsand, in some cases, just objective facts that are verboten due to their inconvenience for leftist narrativesthat may have previously been flagged for misinformation. Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testifies remotely during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, titled Breaking the News: Censorship, Suppression, and the 2020 Election, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Nov. 17, 2020. (Hannah McKay/Getty Images) Political correctness serves as our own version of Newspeak. It ensures that each individual self-censors and curates their opinion, so that it adheres to the linguistic strictures of those who seek to define the bounds of acceptable discourse. If one decides to willfully break those codes, his or her ability to participate in the public conversation is revoked. Allowing genuine freedom of speech in line with the first amendment of the U.S. Bill Of Rights would clearly upset this dynamic. What about the Ministry of Truths outright falsification of news stories, or changing the record to fit the current political objectives of the ruling class? In 1984, previously recorded information that no longer adhered to the regimes narrative was sent down a garbage chute known as a memory hole. Yesterdays facts were quietly incinerated, and subsequently erased from historyand living memory. Twitter moderators have also rigorously patrolled user accounts for any deviation from the science TM, especially around the COVID-19. Many have been suspended, flagged, or outright booted for questioning vaccine effectiveness, alternative treatments, and the efficacy of masking. But the science TM has consistently changed throughout the pandemic, and what was true one day could get you banned the next (or vice versa). Perhaps the best example of this is former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson being thrown off the platform for arguing that mRNA COVID vaccines dont stop infection or transmission. At the time, this was deemed disinformation. Since then, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has subsequently confirmed that statement, although most Americans at this point either have, or know someone who has, been infected with the virus despite receiving the vaccine. COVID isnt the only issue around which speech is curtailed due to established fact. Twitter recently announced on April 22 that it would no longer be allowing any advertisements on the platform that contradict scientific consensus on climate change. Then there is perhaps the best example of media malfeasance: the Hunter Biden laptop story. Nearly every mainstream outlet denounced the latter as a false smear campaign when the New York Post initially broke it. It was even referred to as Russian disinformation. Then-presidential candidate Joe Biden made that argument verbatim on the 2020 presidential debate stage. Suppression of the Posts story likely had a significant impact on the outcome of that election. Twitter initially banned it, and even went so far as to suspend the Posts account when it originally posted the article. At this point, it should be evident that government officials, corporate newsrooms, and loyal social media disseminators in our own society are clearly not worried about the spread of mis- or disinformation. They are worried about the prospect of losing control over their ability to shape the public conversation. The motivation has always been political. There is rarely an apology for falsified reporting in the past; instead, the old story is slipped down the memory hole as the new information is subtly presented as the correct, unquestionable truth. This is exactly what happened with the reporting on Hunter Bidens laptop. In a rare occurrence, some will even proudly boast their previous falsifications as a necessary means to secure the proper political end for the public goodas defined by them. The thought of a social media platform freed from the oversight of left-wing regime-friendly moderators threatens this monopoly on narrative control. Since its founding, Twitter has dropped all pretenses of being an arena for the free exchange of ideas. Instead, it has fashioned itself into an echo chamber for promoting regime-approved narratives. In effect, it has become its own unofficial Ministry Of Truth for the online public square. Musks purchase of the platform threatens this, and the Disinformation Governance Board will help mitigate the fallout from lost narrative control. In the landscape of 1984, words have come to mean their opposites. War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength, went the official party line. Censorship is free speech seems to fit the paradigm, as well. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Trucks of The People's Convoy traveling from Indiana to Lore City, Ohio, on March 3, 2022. (Enrico Trigoso/The Epoch Times) The Peoples Convoy Says Its Going Back to Washington The Peoples Convoy trucker movement is heading back to Washington, according to an announcement published on the groups website on May 5. The convoy is planning to leave Post Falls, Idaho, on May 5, according to the website. We encourage everyone to join us in this journey back to DC, the announcement reads. The organizers noted that the convoys immediate needs are money and boots on the ground. The website also included what appears to be an updated map showing a route to Washington from Post Falls. There are no stopping locations highlighted on this map. We will update soon, the website reads. Plan to join us at any time along the route! Every person with a heartbeat should be joining this movement in securing freedom for all Americans and future generations. The Epoch Times has contacted the group, which was set up to fight COVID-19 mandates, for comment. According to the groups website, organizers are seeking to end the national state of emergency that was declared over the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the convoy traveled from California to Washington before camping out in Hagerstown, Maryland, and traveling to the Washington area for several weeks. However, the Washington police department erected barricades at highway exits, bridges, and other roadways to prevent convoy vehicles from entering the city. Enough is enough. When we go back to D.C., we are not the same convoy that went there the first time, one speaker said during a recent convoy rally, WJLA reported. We are not the same convoy that left there. We are coming back with teeth and a backbone! Earlier this week, a group of 16 convoy members filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), arguing that the decision to block them from entering the city violated their constitutional rights. MPD formed the blockades for the sole purpose of preventing American citizens from entering our nations capital to exercise their constitutionally protected right to free speech, the lawsuit reads. Of course, such action under color of state law violates Plaintiffs First Amendment rights. The lawsuit also states that the plaintiffs are hardworking Americans who went to Washington to lawfully exercise their First Amendment rights in protest of the current administrations continued state of emergency declaration and COVID-19-related policies. The lawsuit is asking a Washington district court to make the local government grant the truckers access into the city. The U.S. trucker protest was inspired by a Canadian movement known as the Freedom Convoy, which protested for weeks in Ottawa, Canadas capital city, against COVID-19 mandates. In response, the Canadian government took unprecedented action against the truckers, including declaring emergency powers, shutting down bank accounts, and targeting the convoys capacity to receive donations. Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Belarus' counterpart Alexander Lukashenko at the Kremlin in Moscow, on March 11, 2022. (Mikhail Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images) Top Putin Ally Says UkraineRussia Conflict Has Dragged On Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said in a May 5 interview that the RussiaUkraine conflict is dragging on longer than he expected, although he defended Moscows incursion. Asserting that the Kyiv government was provoking Russia, Lukashenko told The Associated Press that hes not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on, he told the outlet, describing the conflict as a war several times in his interview. Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said, isnt trying to seek a conflict with NATO and that its Washington that is fueling the conflict. Before the invasion began on Feb. 24, Belarus allowed Russia to stage some of its forces along the countrys border with Ukraine. Russia also has significant supply lines throughout Belarus, which is considered one of Russias closest allies, although Lukashenko has stated that his military wont join the conflict. Because of Lukashenkos support for his ally, Belarus has faced even more sanctions from the United States and Europe. The United States suspended all its embassy services in the Belarusian capital of Minsk after the conflict started. We categorically do not accept any war, added Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus since the early 1990s. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isnt a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun. Meanwhile, he called on Russia and the West to not use nuclear weapons, saying that such a move is unacceptable because Ukraine is right next to Belarus. It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where, he said. Whether or not Russia is capable of thatis a question you need to ask the Russian leadership. Lukashenko also said that Belarus posed no threat to its neighbors or other countries amid reports that his country carried out military exercises this week. We do not threaten anyone, and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we cant threaten we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So, the West can sleep peacefully, he said. Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych told media outlets on May 5 that Ukrainian forces have repelled Russian troops who are attempting to seize the Azovstal steelworks plant in Mariupolthe site of heavy fighting in recent days. We can say that yesterday, Russian troops entered the territory of Azovstal and were repelled by our defenders, he said. Negotiations with Russia are ongoing [on new evacuation corridors], and all the diplomatic authorities are involved. A man is silhouetted walking past a Conservative Party logo before the opening of the Party's national convention in Halifax on Aug. 23, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Darren Calabrese) Tory Leadership Candidates Claim Wrongful Disqualification as Party Reveals List of Six Contenders The Conservative Party has announced the six verified candidates that will appear on the ballot in the upcoming leadership race, but three disqualified candidates are seeking answers for their rejection, saying they met all the requirements. The party announced on May 2 that Scott Aitchison, Roman Baber, Patrick Brown, Jean Charest, Leslyn Lewis, and Pierre Poilievre made the cut. Joel Etienne, Joseph Bourgault, and Grant Abraham were disqualified, although say they provided the required $300,000 and 500 nomination signatures before the deadline. It is with great disappointment that we were advised by the Conservative Party of Canada last evening that we were ineligible to advance in the Leadership Campaign, said Bourgault, a business owner from Saskatchewan, on social media on May 2. They stated that our team did not meet the registration fees and compliance deposit of $300,000. Our team submitted $367,453 before the deadline of April 29th at 5:00PM Eastern Time. Bourgaults campaign chair Ryan Olson told The Epoch Times theyve asked for clarification and appealed the decision, noting that many Canadians who are very upset with this news [are] calling and asking for answers. Abrahams campaign says it is also seeking clarification from the party. We have yet to receive any explanation, spokesperson David Benjatschek told The Epoch Times in an email on May 3. There has been so much energy and enthusiasm behind our campaign. We owe our supporters a truthful and transparent look at the decision and their process to arrive at it. Abraham, who is from B.C. and works as an international consultant, sent a Call to Action to his supporters to help pressure the party to revisit the decision. Demand an inquiry and proof that the campaign did not meet both financial goals that were set, says the communication, which quotes an email from Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) about its efforts to get pro-life candidates on the ballot. The CLC says it was pretty excited that three out of four endorsed candidates would appear on the ballot, but the excitement turned to outrage when it was announced Abraham was disqualified. The CLC endorsed Lewis, Abraham, Bourgault, and MP Marc Dalton, but the latter was unable to collect the required amount. The CLC says it was told by the party that Abraham didnt pay a 15 percent administration fee, which would raise the required amount to $345,000, but points out that Bourgault surpassed that amount yet he was also disqualified. The CLC perceives this as an attack on the social conservatives within the party and says it will throw all its weight behind Lewis if shes the only socon left on the ballot. The campaign team of Etienne, a Toronto-based lawyer who has represented The Epoch Times Canada in the past, said they are currently communicating with the Conservative Party to repeal the decision as they had met all requirements, and would not comment further. Two verified candidates who commented on the partys decision said the disqualified candidates should be allowed to run if they met the requirements. We want a fair race. Im not afraid of a hard fight, and the Conservative party is not one that should be cancelling legitimate contestants, Lewis wrote on Twitter. Brown also commented on the issue, saying on Twitter, A party that stands for free speech should be about open exchange of ideas, not gatekeeping. Im prepared to defend my ideas to become leader. A request for comment from the Conservative Party was unanswered by publication time. Final verification was based on the requirements set out under the rules, not any prospective candidates political beliefs, Conservative Party executive director Wayne Benson told The Globe and Mail. The approved candidates have until June 3 to sign up new members, and the vote will take place late in the summer, with the results to be announced on Sept. 10. Treasurers Rule Out Increase to NDIS Levy Treasurers from both major parties have ruled out increasing the Medicare Levy to control the spiralling cost of Australias National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will hit $60 billion-a-year (US$42.7 billion) by 2030 and has pipped the budget of universal healthcare program Medicare. During the Treasurers Debate on May 4, incumbent Coalition Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and his counterpart, Labors Jim Chalmers, vowed to continue supporting the program but conceded the costs were high. The current treasurer said the NDIS accounted for around 1.2 percent of the economy and would rise to 1.5 percent of GDP in the coming years. We need to continue to fund this scheme, and we will continue to provide those services even as it becomes more expensive, he said. The NDIS is an ambitious government-funded program that seeks to finance the needs of disabled individuals in the country. The Labor opposition has ruled out a levy, saying the NDIS needed to be seen as a job-creating, prosperity creating initiative. The cost is substantial, not disputing that, but so are the benefits for individual people being cared for and for the economy more broadly, he said. The scheme, when established under former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2013, was to be funded through a 50-50 joint contribution from the state and federal governments; however, the financial burden has shifted more to the Commonwealth over the years. In 2014, Gillard attempted to address the growing costs of the NDIS by increasing the Medicare Levy (essentially a tax) from 1.5 percent of an individuals taxable income to 2 percent. Currently, the NDIS supports 520,000 individuals with those numbers projected to reach 860,000 by 2030, according to an actuarial report from Taylor Fry. While initial estimates were for the program to cost $22 billion per year, those costs could now reach $59 billion by 2029-30. By 2024, the government estimates costs to reach $33.3 billion per year (US$23.73 billion), outstripping the federal education budget and universal healthcare program Medicare ($31.4 billion in 2022-23). Several design flaws have contributed to the spiralling cost of the program, including uncapped funding grants, a growing number of participants with a wide range of conditions (notably autism), and no restraints on the type of support individuals can claim, including sex worker services or paying carers to mow the lawn. Terry Barnes, a former senior advisor to two federal health ministers under Coalition Prime Minister John Howard, warned it was impossible for the federal government to grant every wish around health funding. Its always, We can spend a billion here, a billion there, or we can do this, we can do that,' he previously told The Epoch Times. It doesnt really look at the totality of our health care. We dont take a holistic look at it. Youve actually got to make it worthwhile for people to put their own money into private healthcare, he said. But I think thats been undermined by successive governments for the best part of 10-15 years. There is this prevailing ideological mentality that every dollar spent in private health care is one dollar not spent in public health, he said. Uber Says No Need to Spend More on Labor Uber has said that they will not need to spend more in order to lure drivers back to the app, attempting to reassure investors after the companys preeminent competitor, Lyft, said that they would need to invest more heavily in labor costs after an unflattering quarterly earnings report. On Wednesday morning, Uber released its own quarterly earnings report, with results deemed significantly distinct from those of its leading competitor. You heard I think last night one of our competitors in the U.S. is having challenges, Dara Khosrowshahi said during a post-earnings call in a subtle dig at Lyft. Khosrowshahi is Ubers chief executive officer and a scion of the wealthy Iranian Khosrowshahi family, which includes a number of high-profile executives and entrepreneurs. However, Khosrowshahi noted that Ubers driver base had recovered to a pre-pandemic level, suggesting that no additional investment would be necessary to lure drivers back to the platform. On Tuesday, Lyft released a quarterly report that signified the company would have to spend more money to bring drivers to the app, as current earnings rates were insufficient to incentivize drivers to work as contractors on behalf of Lyft. This caused the companys stocks to plummet by 26 percent. Uber was not unscathed in the aftermath of the Lyft report, with the companys stock falling 11 percent in after hours trading. But Uber partially recouped these losses by moving its earnings report release from Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. By close of trade on Tuesday, the companys stock had fallen by just 4 percent. However, the Q1 report from Uber highlighted the differences between the two competing rideshare companies. Lyft reported driver earnings at $24 per hour in March, excluding a 55 cent per trip fuel charge. Meanwhile, Uber indicated that average hourly earnings for contractors driving over 20 hours per week in Q1 averaged $39 per hour, significantly exceeding Lyfts rate (despite fuel charges being included in Ubers average hourly earnings). A sign marks a rendezvous location for Lyft and Uber users at San Diego State University in San Diego, Calif., on May 13, 2020. (Mike Blake/Reuters) On the strength of this disparity in driver income, Uber has attempted to assure investors that the company will need no further investment to entice prospective contractors to hit the road again on behalf of the app. However, persistent labor concerns remain a thorn in the side of the company, which has faced legal challenges to its business model in the past. Ubers labor practices have been a longstanding subject of controversy, with critics alleging that the company uses the designation of its drivers as contractors to avoid paying benefits and assuring drivers a guaranteed hourly rate. The controversies over this matter came to a head in California in 2019, when legislators passed a law to require companies such as Uber and Lyft to employ their drivers, and the state government filed lawsuits to enforce the measure. Uber and Lyft responded by threatening to leave the state if the measures were not reversed, and both companies invested heavily in California Proposition 22, a ballot initiative to reverse the aforementioned law. Proposition 22 passed with 59 percent of the vote in November 2020, and despite subsequent legal challenges, drivers for the major ridesharing companies have continued to operate as contractors. Despite the reassuring figures about drivers average hourly income, Ubers Q1 report did not merely convey rainbows and sunshine for the ride-hail corporation. The report noted that the most recent quarter saw a dip in monthly active users from the previous quarter, though this a common seasonal trend that may or may not reflect any broader concern for the company. As of writing, Ubers stock price has fallen by over 4 percent since Wednesday morning, reflecting continuing investor skepticism despite the reassurances of the quarterly report. Jammu division will now have 43 assembly constituencies and Kashmir 47 in the 90-member house SRINAGAR/New Delhi: The Union government on Thursday got the ball rolling for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir after it published the gazette notification of the final delimitation order hours after the three-member Delimitation Commission submitted its report to the government. As per the order, which comes into effect from May 5, Jammu division will now have 43 assembly constituencies and Kashmir 47 in the 90-member house. The commission, which was entrusted with the work of delimiting the assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir on the basis of the 2011 census, recommended additional seats in the Assembly for Kashmiri migrants and displaced persons from the Pakistan occupied Jammu-Kashmir. Besides, there are five parliamentary constituencies in the UT, all with equal number of Assembly constituencies for the first time. The Election Commission of India (ECI) sources said that it may take the poll panel three to four months to prepare the new J&K electoral roll as per the newly-delimited constituencies. The decision to hold Assembly elections in the state will be taken only after that. It is speculated that the Assembly elections in J&K will be held along with those in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh later this year. Though decision to this effect will be taken by the ECI at an appropriate time, keeping in view all pros and cons including the maintenance of law and order, weather and agricultural calendar, particularly the apple-growing season and in consultation with the Union home ministry and J&K administration. The Delimitation Commission headed by the retired judge of the Supreme Court justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and comprising of chief election commissioner Sushil Chandra and J&K state election commissioner K.K. Sharma said, after consultation with associate members, representatives of political parties, citizens and civil society groups, it has been decided to reserve nine Assembly constituencies for scheduled tribes, out of which six will be in Jammu region and 3 in the valley. This is the first time in J&Ks legislative history that seats have been reserved for the STs. After the increase in the number of Assembly constituencies in the UT from 83 to 90, all five parliamentary constituencies will have an equal number of Assembly seats for the first time. Jammu and Kashmir has been treated as a single entity for the purpose of delimitation. One of the parliamentary constituencies has been carved out by combining the Anantnag region in the valley and the Rajouri and Poonch of the Jammu region. By this reorganisation, each parliamentary constituency will have an equal number of 18 Assembly constituencies each. Names of some ACs have also been changed keeping in view the demand of local representatives, a statement from ECI said. The Delimitation Commission has also asked the government to nominate at least two members of Kashmiri migrants for the union territorys Legislative Assembly, one of which should be a woman. Provision of at least two members, one of them must be a female, from the community of Kashmiri migrants in the Legislative Assembly and such members may be given power at par with the power of nominated members of the Legislative Assembly of union territory of Puducherry. The Central government may consider giving the displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir some representation in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by way of nomination of representatives of the displaced persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the order said. The Delimitation Commission set up on March 6, 2020 by a law ministry notification was initially asked to examine the issue of redrawing the Lok Sabha and Assembly constitutions simultaneously in J&K, Assam and some other northeastern states. However, when the commission had already laid the groundwork to start the delimitation exercise, the government excluded Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland from its purview for the time being. The exclusion raised many eyebrows in J&K and beyond. The Union government also extended its term by one-year in March last year and on the completion of it for another two months. Earlier this year, after putting the draft report in the public domain, the commission invited claims and suggestions between March 14 and 2 from all political parties, organizations and individuals. The commission received a total of 408 suggestions and objections which were in addition to those submitted by five of its associate members including Union minister of state in the Prime Ministers Office Jitendra Singh and Jugal Kishore Sharma, both BJP MPs from Jammu division, and their counterparts from the Kashmir valley Farooq Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference (NC). Various Kashmir-centric political parties including the NC had termed the commissions proposal of six additional Assembly seats for Jammu region and one for the Kashmir valley while reserving nine constituencies for Scheduled Castes and seven for Scheduled Tribes and making changes in the Lok Sabha constituencies totally unacceptable. They accused the commission of allowing the political agenda of the BJP to dictate its recommendations by seeking to disempower the Muslim voters particularly of Kashmir valley and Pir Panjal region of the UT. In February, Mr Abdullahs had rejected the draft report of the commission saying it "defies any and all logic" and no political, social and administrative reason can justify the recommendations. The BJP, on their part, called the commission's proposal a path-breaking initiative and a defining moment for the political empowerment of marginalised segments of J&K. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as he welcomes him upon his arrival at 10 Downing Street, in London, on May 5, 2022. (Daniel Leal /AFP via Getty Images) UK, Japan Must Work More Closely Together Against Autocratic, Coercive Powers: Johnson British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stressed the need for European and East Asian allies to be united against autocratic, coercive powers as he hailed a new defence pact with Japan. Speaking in Downing Street alongside visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Johnson said he was so glad the two nations had agreed a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) for armed services. The landmark defence partnership will see UK and Japanese armed forces deploy together to carry out training, joint exercises, and disaster relief activities, boosting the UKs commitment to the IndoPacific region, Downing Street said in a statement. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with a Guard of Honour in Westminster, London, on May 5, 2022. (Dan Kitwood /Getty Images) The UK will be the first European country to have such a pact with Japan, which currently has just two other bilateral visiting forces agreements, with the United States and Australia respectively. The British prime minister praised the strong stance the Japanese government has taken against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said, We in the UK recognise that our security in Europe is indivisible from the security, our collective security, in the AsiaPacific, in the IndoPacific region. There is direct read across from the actions of autocratic, coercive powers in Europe to what may happen in East Asia, and thats why we want to work more closely together, said Johnson, in an apparent reference to the Chinese Communist Party. Kishidas first official visit to Britain was marked with a guard of honour and a Royal Air Force flypast over Horse Guards Parade in central London. The Japanese prime minister, speaking through a translator, thanked Johnson for the warm welcome and said he looked forward to a very fruitful discussion on bilateral relationship, as well as on Ukraine and global affairs. The British government describes Japan as its closest security partner in Asia. Talks began on deepening the UKJapan defence relationship in September 2021, following on from the governments integrated review of its defence and foreign policy, which announced a tilt towards the IndoPacific region. In a keynote speech on April 27, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss called for a reboot of the free worlds approach to global security. She said a new approach is needed that is based on military strength, economic security, and deeper global alliances to usher in a new era of peace, security, and prosperity. Truss called for a global NATO with a global outlook and that is ready to tackle global threats. She said the alliance needs to preempt threats in the IndoPacific and must ensure that democracies like Taiwan are able to defend themselves. Lily Zhou and PA Media contributed to this report. Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace attends a press conference of the exercise Arrow 22 at the Niinisalo garrison in Kankaanpaeae, Finland, on May 4, 2022. (Alessandro Rampazzo /AFP via Getty Images) UK Would Defend Finland From Russia Regardless of NATO Status: Defence Chief The UK would always help Finland if it were attacked by Russia, whether or not the country was a member of NATO, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said. Wallace made the claim on May 4 on a visit to Finland, where he observed the Arrow 22 joint exercises taking place in areas around Satakunta, a region located in southwest Finland. Finland and Sweden are partners of the NATO military alliance, but not full members. The two countries prime ministers said last month they were deliberating whether they should become full NATO members, arguing Russias invasion of Ukraine had changed Europes security landscape and dramatically shaped mindsets in the Nordic region. Finlands Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen (R) and Britains Defence Secretary Ben Wallace arrive for a press conference of the exercise Arrow 22 at the Niinisalo garrison in Kankaanpaeae, Finland, on May 4, 2022. (Heikki Saukkomaa /Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images) At a joint press conference with Finnish Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen in Helsinki, Wallace stressed that alliances between European countries make us safer. He said it is entirely for the freedom of Finland to choose whether it wants to join NATO, and he was not there to lobby or direct what it should do. He added that Britain would always help Finland defend itself regardless of its relationship with NATO. He said: Do I think if Finland didnt join NATO Britain wouldnt come along to help? No. Britain will always be here in the Nordics, to be part of you, to help you, to support you. It is inconceivable that Britain would not come to the support of Finland, or Sweden, if it was ever attacked, without any big formal agreement. We are European countries who share the same values, who have deep, long histories. He added that he cannot conceive a time when we wouldnt come to support Finland and Sweden no matter where they were with the NATO debate or where they are with agreements. But he stopped short of saying whether such a move would involve British boots on the ground. Kaikkonen said that it is important for Finland to hear such messages of support from its partners. Russia has warned that it would deploy nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, if Sweden and Finland joined NATO. On the day of Wallaces visit, the Finnish Ministry of Defence said a Russian government aircraft was suspected of having violated Finnish airspace. A Mi-17 helicopter flew a distance of 44.5 kilometres (about 2.5 miles) into Finnish territory at around 10:40 on Wednesday morning, according to the ministry. Kaikkonen said the possibility could not be ruled out that the airspace breach was related to the Arrow 22 joint military drill. PA Media contributed to this report. A woman at her computer at the Games Academy of Falmouth University in Falmouth, Cornwall, England, on Jan. 29, 2022. (Hugh Hastings/Getty Images.) UKs Online Safety Bill Will Lead to Freedom of Speech Violations: Top Lawyer Everyone who uses the Internet will be affected by the British governments upcoming Online Safety Bill, which will significantly curtail freedom of expression in a way that has profound consequences, according to a leading media law expert. In a legal opinion for the freedom of expression campaign group Index on Censorship, Gavin Millar QC heavily criticised the governments upcoming legislation. The upcoming bill on regulating online spaces, which would be the first major set of regulations for the Internet anywhere in the world, was introduced in Parliament on March 17. The bill is intended to protect children from harmful content such as pornography and limit peoples exposure to illegal content, while protecting freedom of speech. Millars document is part of the Legal to Say, Legal to Type campaign, a coalition of civil society organisations and industry groups formed in response to the publication of the draft of the Online Safety Bill last year. Members include David Davis MP and Index on Censorship CEO Ruth Smeeth. Restrictions on Internet Use Millar said that the vague wording of the bill means that it is anticipated it will touch on every single UK user of social media, search engines, and other platforms within scope. Under the bill, the biggest social media platforms must carry out risk assessments on the types of harms that could appear on their services and how they plan to address them, setting out how they will do this in their terms of service. Communications regulator Ofcom will have the power to fine companies failing to comply with the laws up to 10 percent of their annual global turnover. In a 30-page document (pdf), Millar says the bill fails to recognise it could lead to Internet users freedom of expression being violated. If this legislative regime comes into force, there will be very many more restrictions on Internet use, he wrote. The bill, which received a second reading in Parliament on April 19, does not comply with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and far from the claim of the culture secretary that the bill will protect free speech it actively undermines existing legal protections in an unprecedented manner, he said. He added that his report is not a comprehensive dissection of the flaws in the bill, which are too vast to deal with succinctly. The idea that speech can be lawfully moderated without properly adjudicating on an individuals intention and the context of the speech is nonsensicalirrespective of whether your concern is terrorism, crime, or freedom of expression, he said. A single misconstrued post or an overzealous algorithm could lead to severe consequences on how UK citizens communicate with friends and family and store precious memories, added Miller. Extremely Limited Protections If material is deemed potentially illegal, he also said that social media companies could unilaterally delete illegal content, which could put victims of crime at risk if the job of law enforcement becomes harder. University students could find themselves unable to debate important topics online and comedians could even find their accounts potentially suspended over remarks that were intended to be humorous or satirical. Millar said that protections for journalism will be extremely limited and that content from international publications could be censored arbitrarily and removed from social media platforms before appeals are lodged by publishers. Furthermore, the bill would allow the scanning of private communications between journalists and sources, which would make important everyday secure communication impossible. In a previous statement to The Epoch Times, a spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport said, Nothing in the bill will stop people accessing or posting legal content, and it will boost free speech online by putting legal duties on companies and Ofcom to protect peoples right to free expression, access to journalism, and content of democratic importance. Lily Zhou contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde at the State Department in Washington on May 4, 2022. (Michael McCoy/ POOL/AFP via Getty Images) US Assures Sweden of Support Should It Submit NATO Application The U.S. government has reaffirmed to Sweden its commitment to NATOs open-door policy and said that it will support the Nordic country during the period of a potential NATO application. Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on May 4 and discussed NATOs commitment to welcoming new members and assuring European security, among other issues. Blinken underscored the importance of the Transatlantic relationship to European security and reaffirmed our commitment to NATOs Open Door policy, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Price said Blinken also thanked Sweden for its extensive humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine and discussed potential ways to provide more support to the country in conflict. They further discussed bilateral cooperation on international issues that include strengthening food security, advancing democracy, and support for the ongoing truce in Yemen. The statement made no mention of what assurances Linde had received from Blinken. The move comes on the same day that British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK would always help Finland if it were attacked by Russia, whether or not the country was a member of NATO. Naturally, Im not going to go into any details, but I feel very sure that now we have an American assurance, Linde told Swedish TV from Washington after meeting with Blinken, Reuters reported. However, not concrete security guaranteesthose you can only get if you are a full member of NATO. Finland and Sweden are partners of the NATO military alliance, but not full members. Following Russias attack on Ukraine, both countries reviewed long-held beliefs that military neutrality is the best means of ensuring national security. Theyre expected to make a decision about whether to apply to join NATO this month. Both countries are concerned that they would be vulnerable during an application process, which could take up to a year to be approved by all NATO members. Linde said the guarantees would mean that the United States wouldnt allow Russia to use any direct kind of negative activities against Sweden. Such actions would trigger a response from their U.S. counterpart. Once a country is a full member of NATO, it benefits from the alliances collective defense clause, which obliges all 30 member countries to come to the aid of any ally that comes under attack. Russia, for its part, has previously warned Sweden and Finland against joining NATO, with officials saying it wouldnt contribute to stability in Europe. Moscow said it would respond to such a move with retaliatory measures that would cause military and political consequences for Helsinki and Stockholm. Swedens defense minister said last month that an application might trigger a number of responses from Russia, including cyberattacks and hybrid measuressuch as propaganda campaignsto undermine Swedens security. In addition, Moscow has also warned that it could use nuclear weapons in the European exclave of Kaliningrad if Sweden and Finland become NATO members. From NTD News Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) speaks during an event at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on Oct. 13, 2019. (Photo by Duane Prokop/Getty Images for Wellness Your Way Festival) US Senate Hopeful Tim Ryan on Late-Term Abortion: You Got to Leave It up to the Woman Ohio Senate Democratic nominee Tim Ryan said during an appearance on Fox News that he would support having practically no limits on abortion in light of the Supreme Courts apparent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Asked by Foxs Brett Baier whether he would support any limits on abortion, Ryan responded, Look, I think what we had established in Roe is something that we can continue to work with, and I think those can be the parameters. But then again, if you get rid of what was established law which in many ways was conservative to keep that to appreciate stare decisis and make sure we appreciate the law, he continued. If we move away from that you will get states like Ohio that have some of the most extreme laws in the whole country. Where if you are a young girl, and you have been raped or there has been incest that you cantyou have tothe state, the government is going to force you to bring that baby to term and I dont think thats a fundamental value, he argued. My question was about any limits to abortion at any point, Baier clarified. Late-term, anything? Look, you got to leave it up to the woman, Ryan replied. You and I sitting here cant account for all of the different scenarios that a woman, dealing with the complexities of a pregnancy, are going through. How can you and I figure that out? In a tweet after the interview, Ohio GOP nominee J.D. Vance decried the position. Heres Kamala Harris stooge Tim Ryan defending abortion through 40 weeks, Vance wrote. This is a barbaric position anywhere in the world (even European nations typically dont allow abortion after 12 weeks). But its an especially radical position in Ohio. In a midterm season expected to see substantial Democrat losses in the House and a tough battle to retain the Senate, some embattled Democrats are hoping to use the leaked Roe v. Wade decision to galvanize their base in November. Elections this November will have consequences, because the rights of 100 million women are now on the ballot, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on May 3. Most of all, cast your ballots this November. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said, This kind of outcome is exactly what Ive been ringing alarm bells aboutand this is a five alarm fire. House Democratic Campaign Committee Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), called the abortion issue the central choice in the 2022 election. Democrat Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has been in the spotlight for her wide-reaching COVID-19 measures, also weighed in. Our work is more important than ever, Whitmer said. Ill fight like hell to protect abortion access in Michigan. However, President Joe Biden said on May 3 that he hadnt given much thought to how Democrats should change their tactics in light of the decision. What does this mean for the midterms? A reporter asked Biden. What does this mean for the Democrats argument in the midterms? I havent thought that through yet, Biden replied. Still, it remains to be seen how compelling this will be to Ohio voters. Once a crucial swing state, Ohio has increasingly come under GOP control since 2016. In 2020, President Donald Trump took 53.27 percent of the vote compared to Bidens 45.24 percent. The state legislature is dominated by GOP supermajorities in both chambers, and legislation is already on the books to trigger an almost full ban if Roe is overturned. In this milieu, Ohio voters may not be impressed by Ryans heavily permissive attitude toward abortion. Weve Seen This Before: Russian-American Grassroots Organization in North Carolina Seeks to Wake People Up to Dangers of Communist Agendas Natalya Androsova began standing in line for milk, meat, and bread when was five years old in Siberia, Russia. Standing in line didnt always guarantee that there would be food, however, because there were frequent shortages, as was the Soviet custom. Though Siberia was rich in minerals, the centralized economy left the people of the region, such as her family, working hard with little pay. Weighted with responsibilities with which most American children might be unfamiliar, Androsova combined her schoolwork with chores, and as she grew older, she found herself longing for a place that she had read about, where read freedom rang with prosperity. It wasnt until years after she and her husband arrived in America in 1999 that she saw a shadow over the Liberty Bell that had been cast by some who wanted to reduce American freedoms in the name of fairness, which she knew from first hand experience would manufacture the strained economic conditions she thought she had left behind in Russia. Never has that agenda been more pronounced as it was with COVID-19, Androsova told The Epoch Times, when she said she could see how easy it would be to transform the United States into a country with communist ideologies during a time when small businesses and churches were closed, while large, corporate chains and liquor stores remained open. I did not expect so many Americans to be so compliant, Androsova said. I realize we are law-abiding citizens, but that was clearly government overreach. In 2021, Androsova helped form the grassroots initiative Russian-Speaking Americans for Freedom (RSAF) in Raleigh, North Carolina, with other multinational American citizens whose primary language is Russian. The purpose was to bring the Russian-speaking community together, she said, to get involved in local politics. Because we all grew up in the socialist Soviet Union with the implementation of communism in our homeland, we know exactly what is happening because weve seen this before, Androsova said. RSAF seeks to educate Americans of the groups experiences under communism and how its detrimental to society, because, according to Androsova, the ideology is upon us. Censorship, Marxist propaganda, and manufactured scarcity that create dependence on government are among the signs pointing toward a communist society that has, in its initial stages, sold itself as equality for all, while in reality only benefitting the elite, she said. It seems history is repeating itself, Androsova said. The middle-class is being targeted because we are self-sufficient and dont depend on the government. The more people depend on the government, the more they will roll over and not ask questions. Weve Seen This Before And We Know Where it Leads Janna Badalian, the co-founding chair of RSAF, grew up in a family of Soviet scientists living in a university town in Siberia, where, despite being of a slightly more privileged class, she still experienced the fear, poverty, and lack of opportunity and freedoms that socialism brought with it, Badalian told The Epoch Times. And the direction the United States has taken over the last two years, Badalian said, is familiar for her. Ive experienced this first hand, and we dont want to repeat this in this great country. So thats what has motivated us to get our butts off the couch, so to speak, and start working, Badalian said. The growing reliance on governmenta hallmark of socialismnot only impacts people economically, she said, but it also kills the spirit. Seventy years of socialism in Russia fundamentally affected the mentality of people and the soul, Badalian said. The key feature is the absolute reliance on the government and the deep fear to act as a self-reliant individual, Badalian said. Badalian called it a learned helplessness. Im seeing a lot of people here expecting a lot from the government, such as free education, free health care, and free supplemental income, and I just know from my experience that nothing is free, she said. When you get a free education, you get some kind of communist brainwashing like the Communist Manifesto shoved down our throats. Children had to learn it by heart, she said. Here, its not the Communist Manifesto, but its Critical Race Theory, or some other such rubbish, she said. Every great work of literature we read and every historical event was analyzed through the lens of a class struggle: oppressed peasants or workers versus their oppressors: the aristocracy. Free health care, she said, brings a two- to three-tiered system in which ordinary citizens inevitably receive the lowest level of care, while the small party bosses receive a slightly better level of care, and the big party bosses, like our congressional representatives, get a limousine plan and access to the best doctors. Like Androsova, Badalian said she was disturbed by the blind acceptance by Americans of COVID-19 restrictions that she said proved to be utterly useless. Once the government seizes an area of your life, its almost impossible to wrestle it back out of its clutches because people become emotionally dependent on these programs, handouts, restrictions, and the false promises. A tyrants ultimate goal, she said, is to reduce its citizens to a state of dependency by eliminating the free spirit. Weve seen this before and we know where it leads, she said. The best intentions pave the road to hell, always. And we want to warn people that this great country that is now our second motherland where its heading and we want to work actively to prevent that from happening. Janna Badalian, co-founding chair of Russian-Speaking Americans for Freedom, in Raleigh, N.C., in 2021. (Courtesy of Janna Badalian) I Want My Children to Grow Up in the Country I Moved To, and Not the One I Moved From RSAFs mission, Badalian said, is also to educate voters and to endorse Republican candidates like Irina Comer, a Russian American from Moscow, who is running in the General Election for a seat on the Wake County Board of Commissioners in Raleigh, where as a result of it being an all-Democrat board for many years, she told The Epoch Times, theres been no diversity of thought. Comer moved to New York in 2010 where she graduated from the New York University Stern School of Business. She now lives with her family in Cary, North Carolina, where she owns and operates her own business brokerage company that provides business valuation services for small business owners and helps small business owners to sell their businesses. While not a glamorous office, Comer said the board and its decisions impact every major aspect of Wake County operations, including property taxes, zoning, schools, parks, libraries, and the sheriffs office. If elected, Comer said her background in finance, including public audit, financial analysis, and mergers and acquisitions, would bring much-needed experience to the board. This is a very important government body that is often overlooked, but it touches the lives of residents in many ways every day, Comer said. The more Comer said shes observed politics shift left, the more that average, middle-class families with traditional values get marginalized, she said. I was very happy to move to a red state, she said. I always wanted to move down South because I believe its a better environment to raise children. It has better values. What I found, however, was that Wake County is more of a blue dot within a red state. And with many people moving from blue states like California or New York to North Carolina, she said, with them comes their votes for expensive, left-leaning policies that weigh on the taxpayer. I want to make sure that Wake County preserves its unique character and our conservative values, she said. I want to make sure that our tax burden is reasonable, and that we think not only in terms of tax rates but also in terms of property values. We need to be mindful of both, and reduce rates sufficiently when property values rise materially. Instead of concentrating on how to get the most revenue, Comer said she wants to look at how to control the growth of expenses, while separating needs from the wants to demonstrate financial discipline. We should actively evaluate whether the money we spend is returning a sufficient benefit to residents. A tax base should always be viewed as finite, and if programs are not delivering value, then they should be cut and replaced with programs that do, she said. On the national scale, Comer recognizes the exchange of free hand-outs for censorship and infringement on individual rights, an exchange that precedes the age-old swindle. The problem is, it doesnt happen overnight. It happens little by little when our freedoms are taken away; a little bit here, a little bit there, Comer said. All the while, the media will tell its audience theres no corruption, she said. Its directly out of the Soviet Union playbook, Comer said. If you disagree with the media, a whole mob attacks you. Facts are ignored. She also wants to see the United States get back on track with its founding values at a local level. I care what country we will leave for our children, she said. I put a lot of effort to move to America, and I want my children to grow up in the country I moved to, and not the one I moved from. Irina Comer, a member of Russian-Speaking Americans for Freedom and a candidate for the Wake County Board of Commissioners, in Raleigh, N.C., in 2021. (Courtesy of Irina Comer) The Sleeping Giant Elena Gatt, also an RSAF member, grew up in Moscow and moved to California before landing in North Carolina. When speaking at events, she tells the audience, I escaped socialism twice: once in post-Soviet Russia, and then a second time in California, where she said socialist policies were being approved without notice in local municipalities. I know how dangerous it is to ignore how freedoms are being taken away bit-by-bit, she said. And then, one day, you wake up and youre under house arrest, just like we were during the COVID lockdowns. Gatt, like Comer, moved to North Carolina because she said she felt it was populated by citizens who upheld values that reflected her own. Then, people moving from blue states brought the votes for policies that created the inability to live in those places from where they chose to move, Gatt said, and like many useful idiots of the Communist Party, those who are in favor of communist schemes often think they will land with the privileged group of people on the top. Unfortunately, this is not so, as weve seen in Soviet history with the massive repression and Gulag system, Gatt said. According to some historical accounts, by 1940 the prison colonies had incarcerated up to 18 million inmates, with only estimations as to the unrecorded death toll. Anyone disloyal to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalins centralized agenda was sent to the Gulag camps, where for many, death from starvation, disease, exhaustion, and execution was their only exit. Though at times it seems as if America has been too overshadowed by socialist agendas dressed up as government assistance, Gatt said theres still hope in the Founding Documents, such as the United States Constitution. No one can argue with this, she said. Its the supreme law of the land. My hope [is] that its not shredded, as its clear that many people in power want to do. For many Americans, freedom goes unnoticed because its always been, and when its taken, its taken in increments, she said. But the Constitution hasnt changed. In any country that has experimented with socialism, Gatt said, the principles protected by the First and Second Amendments have always been targets of those who seek to implement the socialist policies. And they always argue that this time, it will be different. I still hear this, especially from young people, that this time, they will do it better, she said. Many have no idea what they are about to lose as they sit on the couch and drink beer. They dont realize how good their life is, and its because the Constitution has protected their freedoms. And thats the purpose of RSAF, Gatt said: to educate people on what it was like for those under Soviet rule and how cleverly socialist policies are sold to the public. We dont want our children living in the society we fled from, she said. For Androsova, who keeps her home stocked with groceries amid talk of possible food shortages, the idea of standing in line for bread isnt a ridiculous notion. I live by different modes, and Im always prepared, given what Ive witnessed, Androsova said. Still, shes an optimist, she said, and if a food shortage were to come, it would be a difficulty Americans could overcome. Even though it may be sleeping, America is a sleeping giant, I believe, she said. Americans will wake up to the tyrannical government and there will be push back on a massive scale. Law enforcement officers walk out of the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington on Jan. 28, 2019. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Whistleblower Discusses FBI Turf Wars, Political Surveillance, and Bureau Backlash Nearly 25 years ago, FBI agent William McGrath resigned after refusing to follow an order that allegedly would have blown a federal informants cover. According to McGrath, FBI officials retaliated against him by spreading false information designed to damage his career. Those officials were never held accountable for their actions, he said. The former FBI agent has never told his story publicly until now. The Department of Justices Office of the Inspector General (OIG) declined to comment, while the FBI did not respond to emails from The Epoch Times. Investigating a New York Politician In 1997, McGrath was a special agent who led high-profile investigations into Russian organized crime. That year, a confidential informant notified him about a prominent politician soliciting allegedly illegal financial contributions. While I was briefing the informant, the informant advised me that a New York politician had contacted the informant and requested money, McGrath told The Epoch Times, declining to name the politician. No case was ever made against the public official, who is in a more prominent position now. To my knowledge, there is nothing in the public domain to suggest that the public official has integrity issues. Because it was campaign season at the time, McGrath said he didnt find the politicians request unusual. Nevertheless, records show that the informants tip made it all the way to the attention of then-FBI director Louis Freeh. McGrath said the FBI higher-ups told him to have the informant record a phone call with the New York politician. They were hoping to reel in a big fish, he said. But doing so would have compromised the informants identity and life, he said. If the target were indicted, the government would have to turn over recorded conversations to the defendant, and the identity to the informant would be obvious, the former FBI agent explained. Internal OIG notes reviewed by The Epoch Times support McGraths claim. The notes say the informant worked on investigations involving Russian organized crime, and was of such importance to the FBI that in the early 1980s, FBI Headquarters ordered that this informant was not to be put in position to testify, which would then reveal his identity. While the informant had the freedom to refuseMcGrath referred to the person as a good citizen informant rather than someone working with the federal government to avoid prosecutionhe also may not have known the risks involved in the recorded call, McGrath said. McGrath said the FBI officials in New York were trying to use him to circumvent the informants relationship with the direct handler in Washington DC. That would violate the FBI guidelines, and can erode trust between informants and their handlers, he said. The procedures for handling informants provide for a handling agent for a reason. The procedures for handling informants are in place to protect the informants, agents and the public, he said. Nevertheless, when the New York officials insisted on using the informant against McGraths wishes, he resigned from the FBI on Dec. 5, 1997. McGrath told The Epoch Times that he resigned after careful deliberation. This thing had been going on for a couple days at least, and I had made my decision for a couple days that I wasnt going to do anything that [the informants handler] wasnt on board with, he said. And I had a feeling there was a turf war between these two field offices [New York and Washington DC], and I wasnt willing to do this inappropriate thingand I wasnt going to take the hit for not doing it. Under the impression that he was avoiding a hornets nest by resigning, McGrath was shocked and angered when the FBI said he went absent without leave (AWOL) on the day of his departure. He filed an internal whistleblower complaint in 1998, alleging that the FBIs AWOL label was retaliation for his resignation. The FBI disputed his complaint for the next nine years. Along with other arguments, bureau officials said McGraths abrupt departure was unjustified because the informants direct handler had, in fact, authorized the phone call to the New York politician. My instruction to McGrath, regarding the direction to the [confidential informant], was lawful and correct. In fact, subsequent to McGraths departure, I received a phone call from special agent Bill Mackey [the informants handler] who concurred with the decision to pursue the operation, FBI agent Raymond Kerr, one of the New York officials who pushed to use the informant, said in a 2002 signed statement. However, McGrath obtained notes from a 2002 interview OIG officials conducted with Mackey, which contradicts Kerrs statement. According to notes from that interview, Mackey did tell McGrath to refrain from using his informant until he could find out more details of the operation. [Mackey] said he was not aware of the order or that a phone call was even planned. [Mackey] told McGrath not to make the phone call until he had time to check it out, the OIG notes state. [Mackey] next heard from New York that McGrath had refused the order for the informant to make the call and that McGrath had quit the FBI. The notes say the informant was used, but did not record his conversation with the U.S. official. Without a recording of the phone call, the informant would not have to testify and would maintain anonymity, the notes say. During the discovery for McGraths whistleblower dispute, he said the FBI destroyed evidence related to his case. Records show the FBI told him they destroyed his attendance records in 2003, in accordance with their policy to only retain such files for six years. However, McGrath said those records should have been preserved when he filed his complaint less than a year after leaving the bureau. McGraths whistleblower complaint was finally successful in 2007, when the DOJs Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management (OARM) found that the FBI incorrectly labelled him AWOLordering the bureau to pay him $13,422 in legal costs and four hours of docked pay. However, the administrative process failed to take any action against the FBI officials. OARM dismissed McGraths other allegations, including that FBI officials gave him negative performance reviews and provided false information to other prospective employers. Turning to the Courts and Congress McGrath sued the FBI in federal court in 2007 over his complaints, but the case was tossed for procedural reasons. U.S. District Judge Shira Scheindlin said in her April 2008 decision that the law does not afford the same whistleblower protections to FBI agents as it does to other government employees. Congress chose not to include FBI employees in the [Civil Service Reform Act] because of the sensitive national security and law enforcement issues that might be implicated by personnel disputes within the agency, the judge said. Congress intended to bar FBI employees from obtaining any form of external review with respect to whistleblower complaints, for fear of intruding on sensitive national security and law enforcement operations. With his legal avenues apparently largely closed, McGrath has continued to file complaints with the FBI and OIG. The FBI has called McGrath as a prolific correspondent in written correspondencea term he resents because he says his complaints havent been thoroughly investigated. The whistleblower has also lobbied his elected representatives for redress over the last 10-plus yearsto little avail. However, in February the Senate Committee on Homeland Security interviewed McGrath, and on April 6 he signed a consent form for the committee to obtain information about his case from the OIG, according to records he provided The Epoch Times. The most response Ive gotten has been this recent one from Senate Homeland Security, he said. I guess theyre feeling strong enough to request documents from OIG. They could have just done nothing. Senate Committee on Homeland Security did not immediately respond to an Epoch Times email seeking comment. White House Denies US Shared Intelligence to Kill Russian Generals Pentagon spokesman John Kirby denied reports saying the United States shared intelligence to target Russian generals earlier this week. The United States provides battlefield intelligence to help Ukraine defend their country, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters Thursday. We do not provide intelligence on the location of senior military leaders on the battlefield or participate in targeting decisions of the Ukrainian military. Earlier this week, the New York Times and other outlets reported that Ukrainian forces used American intelligence to carry out attacks that killed Russian generals and other top officials. Previously, Ukrainian officials have claimed that their military has killed around a dozen generals since the start of the conflict on Feb. 24. The U.S. National Security Council (NSC) released a statement after the NY Times report, saying it is irresponsible and misleading. The United States provides battlefield intelligence to help the Ukrainians defend their country, NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson told the AFP news agency. We do not provide intelligence with the intent to kill Russian generals. Meanwhile, the Kremlin also issued an angry response and said that the Russian military is doing whatever is necessary in this situation. Our military is well aware that the United States, Britain, and NATO as a whole are constantly transmitting intelligence and other parameters to the Ukrainian armed forces, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to state-run media. Kirby also that the Kyiv government is able to combine intelligence from several sources before making decisions. He did not elaborate. Ukraine combines information that we and other partners provide with the intelligence that they themselves are gathering, and then they make their own decisions and they take their own actions, he said. It comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call on Thursday that Russia was still ready to provide safe passage for civilians from the besieged Azovstal steelworks in the Ukrainian port of Mariupol, the Kremlin said in a statement. The statement said Putin told Bennett in a thorough exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine that Kyiv should order Ukrainian fighters holed up in the vast Azovstal plant to put down their weapons. Ukrainian defenders stuck at the site have clung on desperately for weeks, while some civilians have made it to safety through humanitarian corridors but others remain inside. The Kremlin earlier denied that Russian forces were storming the plant, referring to an April 21 order from Putin that they should seal it off but not venture inside its labyrinth of underground tunnels. Reuters contributed to this report. FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) Actor Amber Heard tearfully told jurors Thursday that Johnny Depp sexually assaulted her with a liquor bottle in an alcohol-fueled rage. The March 2015 incident in Australia, where Depp was filming the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is sharply disputed and has been a focal point of the four-week civil trial in Fairfax, Virginia. The night ended with the tip of Depp's middle finger cut off, and him writing vulgar messages in blood on the walls of the house. Depp denies assaulting her in any way and says his finger was severed when Heard threw a vodka bottle at him; Heard said she'd taken sleeping pills after she was attacked and was not awake when the finger was severed. The graphic description of the sexual assault left Heard fighting for her composure as she described it to jurors. She said Depp had been angry as soon as she arrived in Australia, roughly a month after the couple had married in February 2015. He was accusing her of sleeping with co-stars in her movies, including Billy Bob Thornton and Eddie Redmayne, with whom she'd just shot the film The Danish Girl accusations she denied. The fight escalated to the point where he threw her into a ping-pong table, breaking it, Heard testified. He ripped off her nightgown, and Heard said she was naked and exposed as she was assaulted. I couldn't get up. I thought he was punching me, she said. I could just feel this pressure on my pubic bone. She thought he was assaulting her with her fist, but later figured out that she was being assaulted with a bottle, and realized that there had been numerous bottles broken in the fight. I looked around and saw so much broken glass. I just remember thinking, Please God, please dont be broken,' she said. Heard described bizarre details in the aftermath of the attack, including seeing her shredded burgundy nightgown used to wrap a raw steak that had been left out. She said that when Depp's security team finally arrived to tend to his severed finger, Depp was still trying to leave vulgar messages for her, but was trying to write them by urinating on the wall. Much of the trial testimony has been repetitive of a civil suit Depp filed against a British newspaper. A judge there ruled against Depp in 2020, finding that Heard had in fact been assaulted multiple times by Depp. But the sexual assault allegations described by Heard on Thursday were not publicly aired in the U.K trial. Depp is suing Heard in Virginia for libel over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse. His lawyers say he was defamed by the 2018 article even though it never mentioned his name. Earlier in her testimony Thursday, Heard testified that Depp surrounded himself with an entourage of enablers to shield him from the consequences of his drug and alcohol use. She described an incident that has already come up at trial, a May 2014 plane ride from Boston to Los Angeles. According to Heard, Depp was jealous and irate that she was making a movie with actor James Franco that included a kissing scene. He hated, hated James Franco, she said. As soon as Depp stepped into the private plane, he began berating her, she said. She got up and walked away, but Depp followed her. At one point, he slapped her, Heard testified. Later, she said, he kicked her, and not one person on board intervened on her behalf. I felt this boot in my back, she said. I fell to the floor. And no one said anything. No one did anything. You could have heard a pin drop. I just remember feeling so embarrassed. Depp, who testified earlier in the trial, described the incident differently. He denied that he'd drank excessively before getting on the plane, and said Heard initiated an argument and pursued him until he felt compelled to hide in a bathroom. But jurors heard a recording Heard made toward the end of the incident, in which it sounds like Depp is howling and babbling incoherently. And the jury has seen a text message Depp sent his friend Paul Bettany shortly after the flight, in which he says he's going to properly stop the booze thing because the flight got ugly." He also texted Bettany saying, Im admittedly too f- in the head to spray my rage at the one I love for little reason as well. Heard has testified that she was physically and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by Depp, typically when he was drunk or high on drugs. Depp has denied ever hitting her, but Heard's lawyers have said his denials lack credibility in part because he can't remember what he's done when he blacks out. Depp has said Heard greatly exaggerates his drinking, and that he tolerates his liquor well. Friends, family and employees of Depp have taken the stand and backed up his contention. But Heard said that's part of the problem: She said Depp has a team around him that cleans him up when he gets sick, and enables him to go about his business without acknowledging the consequences of his drinking. ___ This story has been corrected. Heard testified that Depp kicked her, not that she kicked him. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Anita Gonzalez, Georgetown University (THE CONVERSATION) Are Black audiences, actors, and producers simply conditioned to having their stories told by white counterparts? screenwriter and director Darian Lane, who is Black, wondered in a 2021 op-ed for Ebony. On TV and in film, white authorship of Black stories has long been a point of contention, whether it was David Simon writing about a Black neighborhood in Baltimore for his series The Wire or Tate Taylor writing and directing The Help. It was only a matter of time before this issue would beset the world of opera. Since Emmett Till, A New American Opera premiered at John Jay College on March 23, 2022, a Change.org petition has circulated with 12,000-plus signatories calling for the production to never again see the light of day. The reason? A white woman named Clare Coss wrote the libretto, or text, for the opera, which she based on an award-winning play she had written called Emmett, Down in My Heart in 2015. Coss concocted a fictional white female protagonist named Roann Taylor, who fails to call the police when she overhears the lynching of the 14-year-old Till. Eventually, she realizes that her silence has perpetuated injustice and she confronts the killers. Critics claim the opera elevates the guilt of white audiences while capitalizing on Black trauma. The Washington Post notes that the production joins a slew of white-authored responses to the Emmett Till murder that didnt sit well with the Black community, ranging from Bob Dylans Death of Emmett Till to Dana Schutzs painting Open Casket. On the one hand, I sympathize with the frustrating legacy of white artists telling Black stories. On the other hand, my 25 years of experience teaching African-American theater have made me acutely sensitive to the complications of authorship especially when it comes to stage productions. Whom is the opera for? When artists develop new stories about Black experiences it matters who creates the story. How might their own background connect to the narrative? What sort of audience do they have in mind? Social activist and cultural thinker W.E.B Du Bois published an essay in a 1926 issue of Crisis magazine that set out to define what constitutes African American drama. He argued that they were plays that ought to be about Black communities, by Black authors, written for Black audiences and performed near Black neighborhoods. Under this definition, Coss opera wouldnt be considered African American drama. While it was a production about the Black community, it was composed, in part, to help white audiences empathize with Black pain. And even though Coss has said the opera is intended for everyone, shes also noted that the inclusion of a white character who recognizes her slow response to racial violence was important for predominantly white operagoing audiences to see. This is the rub. Many Black artists are weary of products told from white perspectives because theres a tendency for the characters and conflicts to fall into familiar tropes. Lost are the ambiguities and inconsistencies of our unique cultural legacies. Productions like George Gershwins Porgy and Bess, where the Black experience is reflected in old tropes, still draw huge crowds. The opera which tells the story of Porgy, a disabled, downtrodden Black man who lives among drug dealers and addicts perpetuates stereotypes of Black people as addicts who are incapable of self-sufficiency. In this moment of raised social consciousness, its important to tell stories about Black injustices. But stories of joy, community, healing and wellness are just as important. So its refreshing to see newer musicals like Michael R. Jacksons A Strange Loop, which is now playing on Broadway. Jackson, who is Black, wrote a musical that plumbs the inner psyche of a character named Usher who struggles with anxieties about his queer identity and lifestyle. A chorus of colorful characters depicts his thoughts as he untangles his fraught family relationships and rebuilds his self-esteem. The complications of by The by of Du Bois argument is particularly complex in the case of both the Till opera and Porgy and Bess. Both productions feature white authors writing about Black experiences that are then depicted by Black performers. Is the author the writer, producer, director or lead performer? Many productions about the Black experience Steven Spielbergs 1985 adaptation of Alice Walkers The Color Purple is just one example that comes to mind were originally authored by Blacks yet produced by whites to accommodate white sensibilities. At the time of its release, the film also elicited controversy for depicting Black female experiences through the eyes of a white male producer and director. The current controversy about the Emmett Till opera ultimately glosses over a complex collaborative processes. As with most performance projects, many artists participated in realizing the final product. Afro-Cuban composer Tania Leon conducted the score. The Harlem Chamber Players and Opera Noire International co-produced the work. Most importantly, Mary Watkins, the composer, is Black. The composer is usually considered the core creative artist in an operatic work, and Watkins artfully uses emotional arias and music that mimics moans to draw listeners into the anguish of the mothers loss. Even though there are many artists of color involved in this project, the critics are assuming that we have had no impact on the final shape of the piece and that the playwright has somehow forced all of us to tell her story, Watkins wrote in an email interview. It is an insult to me as a Black woman and to the cast members who are African-American. Performing race One of my students once pointed out that enslaved Africans arrived in the Americas naked and were then forced to don clothing provided by the enslavers. We have been wearing garments and identities designed to conform to white sensibilities ever since. African American theater historians have long grappled with how to assess Black contributions in a country where white critics, by and large, evaluate our cultural productions. Books like African American Performance and Theater History describe how double-conscious performance styles enabled Black artists to resist stereotypical representations on stage. Hattie McDaniel, for example, played the maid in Gone With the Wind with tenacious spunk, using sassy comedy to humanize her servile Mammy role. Newer anthologies, like my edited collection Black Performance Theory, complicate notions of Black authorship and artistry. The book describes how Blackness circulates through cultural productions as vocal, physical and visual imagery which may or may not be aligned with Black bodies on stage. For example, in Emmett Till, A New American Opera, Watkins use of resonant open tones in the first few bars of Mamie Tills lament, My Son, My Child, evokes the choral singing of the African American gospel tradition. To me, the backlash against the white librettist is ultimately a waste of time. Not only is there room for works done in collaboration with Black artists, but cross-cultural, interethnic collaborations also add to the richness and versatility of performed storytelling. Du Bois wrote about Black performance as it existed within the confines of a segregated society. Theatrical performances by, for, near and about can certainly unite Black communities around collective storytelling. But I also cherish the vibrancy of storytelling that includes a diversity of perspectives. I hope to see more operas, plays and musicals that encourage conversations about Black identities without efforts to cancel those who have contributed to the effort. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/a-white-librettist-wrote-an-opera-about-emmett-till-and-some-critics-are-calling-for-its-cancellation-181459. Soaring gas prices helped drive electric vehicle adoption in the first quarter, with EVs doubling their market share to 5.2% in the U.S. But even as an all-electric future draws nearer, dont expect big profits anytime soon from the companies involved. According to Michael Farkas, founder and CEO of Blink Charging (BLNK), profitability for companies in the EV space is "unrealistic" given where the industry is right now. "People [ask]: 'Is it in its infantile state?' And I go: 'No, it's actually at its embryonic state when you look at the numbers, Farkas said on Yahoo Finance Live (video above). So it's not going to mean profitability tomorrow. If that's your expectation, then this is not the industry for you. Electric car charging at a Blink charger at a press conference at the Bowmansville service station. (Photo By Ryan McFadden/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images) 'Rewards will be there in the future' The global race to net zero has supercharged the EV charging infrastructure market, with some estimates expecting revenue to top $147 billion by 2030. However, investors have become increasingly skeptical about the medium-term growth prospects of companies that are far from profitability. Blinks stock has declined more than 35% in the last month, hitting a 52-week low on Thursday. While the sell-off has coincided with a broader pullback in high growth names, the declines have been more pronounced in the EV space. Blink rival Chargepoint (CHPT) and EVgo (EVGO), for instance, are both down more than 30% while electric truck maker Rivian (RIVN) has fallen over 25%. This is a growth industry. This is about land grab and growing out your footprint and investing in infrastructure, Farkas said. I believe the rewards will be there in the future. It's just a matter of having a long-term perspective. A lot of investors today look for the short term. Blink lags far behind competitors, including Tesla (TSLA) in the U.S., in the number of charging units deployed, though the company has been looking to expand rapidly through acquisitions. Story continues Last week, it signed a $23.4 million deal to purchase Electric Blue (EB Charging) and its 1,150 chargers in the United Kingdom, marking the companys first entry into the UK market. That was preceded by an expansion into Greece and Latin America. And last year, the company signed a nearly $24 million acquisition deal to purchase Belgium-based charging operator Blue Corner N.V. and its 7,071 charging ports across Europe. U.S. President Joe Biden (L), joined by Tritium's CEO Jane Hunter, stands next to an electric vehicle charger during an event on the Biden administration's efforts to increase manufacturing at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on February 08, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The land grab comes as countries plow ahead to reach emissions reduction targets and slow climate change. The Biden administration has pledged to reduce the number of new gas-powered vehicles sold in the U.S. by half by 2030. As part of that effort, the infrastructure bill signed into law last year sets aside $7.5 billion to build out a national charging network with the aim of making 500,000 chargers accessible to Americans. Today if you look at estimates, we have roughly a couple million charging stations deployed globally. There are a lot of them that are not viable chargers, prior technology, Farkas said. By all estimates, you're looking at needing between 120 to 150 million chargers by 2030. Really this is the beginning of the process in this industry. 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 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DUBLIN, Calif. (AP) For months, inmates and staff at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, say their calls for help were ignored. And in this aging prison of deep despair a place where sexual abuse has been rampant and authorities acted with utter indifference the cries for help had been many and varied. An Associated Press investigation revealed a culture of abuse and cover-ups that persisted for years at the all-women prison, called the rape club by many who know it. Because of AP reporting, the head of the federal Bureau of Prisons had submitted his resignation in January. Yet no one had been named to replace him, so he was still on the job. Now he was responding to the problems in Dublin but only after an angry congresswoman had called him to complain. So early March found the lame-duck administrator and a task force of senior agency officials arriving at the prison after flying in to meet inmates and staff in person. According to Dublin inmates, this was how he faced them as he toured the facility: You wanted my attention, Michael Carvajal said, so here I am. This story is based on interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the visiting task forces work, the prisons operations and the abuse crisis. Many spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation or because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The AP visited Dublin, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) east of Oakland, during the same time as the task force, the week of March 7. Lawmakers, disturbed by reports of abuse, traveled there shortly after. Carvajal and some task force members returned in April. In one sign of progress, the agency replaced both of the prisons associate wardens. FCI Dublin is one of just six women-only facilities in the U.S. federal prison system. As of April 28, Dublin had about 785 inmates, many serving sentences for drug crimes. Since last June, five employees, including former warden Ray J. Garcia, have been charged with sexually abusing inmates. Two have pleaded guilty, and the investigation continues: On March 20, a food service foreman was arrested for allegedly touching an inmates breasts, buttocks and genitals in October 2020. Since March, nine other workers have been placed on administrative leave. New inmate sexual abuse and staff employment discrimination complaints were filed during the task forces visit. FBI agents searched the prison and an employees home in mid-April, and at least six internal affairs investigators have been on site investigating claims. Carvajal, a Trump administration holdover, joined the task force for the first three days of its weeklong visit. But even as the task force was arriving, things did not seem to be proceeding in a positive direction. Officials moved inmates out of the special housing unit so it wouldnt look as full, and they lied to Carvajal about COVID-19 contamination so inmates in one unit couldnt speak to him about abuse. Those who managed to get to Carvajal didnt hold back. In one emotional scene, a woman who said she was abused by prison officials tearfully confronted him in a recreation area as he and members of the task force were meeting with inmates. She was eventually taken out of the room and offered immediate release to a halfway house. She objected. She wanted to wait so she could tell her story publicly to congressional leaders expected at the prison. But people at the prison say she wasnt able to thoroughly express her concerns. Officials told the woman that because she was a potential witness, she couldnt talk about the investigation, the people said. In another charged moment, a group of Dublin workers lashed out at Carvajal for putting Garcia in charge of a womens prison when hed already had a reputation in prison circles as a misogynist. You created this monster, one worker told Carvajal. Garcia is accused of molesting an inmate on multiple occasions from December 2019 to March 2020 and forcing her and another inmate to strip naked so he could take pictures while he made rounds. Carvajal did seem taken aback by the lack of security cameras in critical areas an issue the prisons union had been raising for six years and pledged to speed the process for installing them. But seven weeks later, not one new camera has been installed. An ongoing AP investigation has uncovered deep flaws within the Bureau of Prisons, including severe staffing shortages, inmate escapes and the mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the APs findings: Criminal misconduct: More than 100 Bureau of Prisons workers arrested, convicted or sentenced for crimes since the start of 2019, but the agency has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct, in some cases failing to suspend them after their arrests. - Staffing crisis: Nearly one-third of federal correctional officer positions are vacant, forcing prisons to use cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates, hampering the response to emergencies, including as inmate suicides. Escaping inmates: 29 prisoners escaped from federal prisons in an 18-month span, with nearly half still at large. At some institutions, doors are left unlocked, security cameras are broken and officials sometimes dont notice an inmate is missing for hours. Superspreader executions: An unprecedented string of federal executions likely acted as COVID-19 superspreader events, just as health experts warned could happen when the Trump administration insisted on resuming executions during a pandemic. Crumbling infrastructure: A rare look inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center, the federal jail in Manhattan where Jeffrey Epstein died, revealed squalid, unsafe conditions including falling concrete, freezing cold temperatures, busted cells and broken pipes. The AP's reporting has forced lawmakers to take notice. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced legislation that would require the Bureau of Prisons to fix broken cameras. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, went to the Senate floor and read AP stories into the congressional record as he demanded Attorney General Merrick Garland fire Carvajal. A few weeks later, the AP broke the news that Carvajal and his top deputy were resigning. ___ On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at http://twitter.com/mikesisak and Michael Balsamo at http://twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK A U.S. Army veteran who claimed he was wrongly jailed and charged with disturbing the peace after he confronted a pair of Norwalk police officers has filed a lawsuit against the city and the cops involved in the 2018 arrest. In a federal civil rights lawsuit filed Tuesday, Alfred Esposito contends the officers arrested him without probable cause, used excessive force when they took him into custody, violated his right to record law enforcement in public and committed other wrongful conduct. The lawsuit comes a little more than a week after the states attorneys office dropped a non-criminal infraction charge of creating a public disturbance against the 34-year-old former city resident. Alfred Esposito was arrested, handcuffed, and prosecuted without probable cause for nearly four years, merely because he was exercising his First Amendment rights, Alexander T. Taubes, Espositos attorney, wrote in a 15-page complaint. The lawsuit accuses three officers Raul Aldarondo, Edgar Gonzalez and Jose Silva of illegally and violently arresting Esposito outside a South Norwalk bar for shouting obscenities. It also charges the city with failing to properly train its officers. Mayor Harry Rilling declined to comment on the allegations in the complaint, citing the pending litigation. The arrest took place after Esposito left a Washington Street bar around 2 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2018, and saw on-duty officers Aldarondo and Silva speaking to two women in what he considered a flirting manner, according to court records. Esposito, a city resident at the time who now lives in New Jersey, said he began taking pictures to document the behavior, which caught the attention of the officers and led to the altercation. Body-worn camera footage shows Esposito yelling and cursing at then-officer Gonzalez, who was not involved in the initial dispute. This tension started because I was taking pictures of guys flirting on (expletive) duty, Esposito yelled at Gonzalez, according to the recording. Gonzalez, speaking calmly in the video, warns Esposito he would be arrested if he curses again. The video then shows Gonzalez walking away, but Esposito continues shouting and cursing at least two more times. Officers then converge on Esposito and detain him, the footage shows. Esposito, a former military police officer, was originally charged with second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer. Prosecutors later reduced the charges to a single infraction before dropping the case, which the complaint suggests is proof the arrest was unjust. The individual defendants initiated a prosecution of Mr. Esposito without probable cause and with malice because of his activities that threatened to expose their unprofessional behavior at work, Taubes wrote in the complaint. In the lawsuit, Esposito claims Gonzalez injured his neck, hyperextended his knee and aggravated a back injury he sustained in the military when the officer took him to the ground and placed him under arrest. Gonzalezs use of force was unjustified because Mr. Esposito was not resisting officers and posed no threat of danger to any person at the time that Gonzalez wrapped his arm around Mr. Espositos neck, Taubes wrote. The lawsuit accuses the officers of deliberately refusing to provide Esposito with medical attention while he was detained at the police departments headquarters, further aggravating and exacerbating his injuries. In 2019, Esposito filed a civilian complaint with the police department. But an internal investigation concluded there was probable cause for the arrest, that officers did not employ excessive force and there was no evidence police denied Esposito medical attention, according to investigative records. Police department officials and city attorneys did not respond to a request for comment. Lt. David O'Connor, the president of the local police union, declined to comment. The lawsuit states the city is liable for the damage caused by the officers because the police department does not adequately teach its officers to respect constitutional rights, including the freedom to record police officers in public. The failure to recognize that Mr. Esposito was exercising his First Amendment rights was the result of a failure to train anyone in the department in the relevant case law from the United States Supreme Court, Taubes wrote in the complaint. Esposito said in the lawsuit the officers actions have forced him to incur medical expenses, lost wages, harm to his reputation, emotional distress and other problems. He is seeking monetary damages, but the lawsuit does not include a specific dollar figure. richard.chumney@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD The endorsements for top-of-the-ticket races will be little more than a formality as Connecticut Democrats gather Friday and Saturday at the XFinity Theatre for their biennial convention. Instead, the focus will be on the lesser-known offices of secretary of state and treasurer, which together have drawn the interest of eight newcomers seeking open seats. Over the course of the two days, delegates at the convention will cast several rounds of ballots to determine party endorsements for those statewide offices, as well as this falls U.S. Senate race. Candidates who fail to earn the partys endorsement can also secure a spot on the primary ballot if they pass the minimum threshold for support. The Republican Party, meanwhile, will hold its own statewide convention this weekend at Foxwoods Casino. Candidates for Congress and the state legislature will vie for party endorsements at their own series of local conventions held around the state into this summer. How it will work The Democratic Convention will host 2,169 local party delegates from around the state, though the threshold to receive the partys endorsement will be based on the number of delegates who actually check into the convention. During several rounds of voting over two days, candidates will vie for the support of a majority of those delegates about 1,085 or slightly fewer if there are absent delegates to secure the partys endorsement. If more than two candidates for any office are able to secure the support of more than 15 percent of the delegates during any round of voting, they will qualify for a primary to be held Aug. 9. Candidates may also gather signatures to petition their way onto the primary ballot if they fail to qualify at the convention. The official rules for the convention will be adopted by a committee in charge of that process shortly before the delegates arrive in Hartford on Friday evening. Races to watch On Friday, the convention will focus on the likely coronation of U.S Sen. Richard Blumenthal as the nominee for a third term in Washington, after the senator romped to victory in the 2010 and 2016 elections. With more than $8 million cash on hand, in addition to immense personal wealth, Blumenthal has a clear path to the nomination and no Democrats who even filed paperwork for the seat with the Federal Election Commission. Its a similar story for Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General William Tong, all of whom are running for reelection without any declared opposition from other Democrats. Endorsements for those races, as well as the offices of comptroller, secretary of state and treasurer will take place during a longer session on Saturday. In the open comptrollers race created by the December resignation of former Comptroller Kevin Lambo due to health issues state Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, is widely seen as the front-runner for the partys endorsement after serving as co-chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. Joseph Taraya, a Democrat from Madison, has also submitted paperwork to run for the office. If Scanlon receives the nomination along with the partys roster of incumbents, that would leave the Democratic Party with a majority-white and majority-male slate of candidates for statewide office, and the party would likely seek to expand the diversity of its ticket through the remaining two offices. Itll be very interesting what that stage looks like at the end of the night and it will not reflect well on the state of Connecticut if the only person of color up there is Tong, and if the only woman there is going to be Susan Bysiewicz, said state Rep. Geraldo Reyes, D-Waterbury, who is the chairman of the Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. The secretary of the states race has drawn five declared candidates who are seeking to replace retiring Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, who has held the office since 2011. The declared candidates include three state representatives Rep. Hilda Santiago, of Meriden, Rep. Stephanie Thomas, of Norwalk, and Rep. Josh Elliott, of Hamden along with New Haven City Health Director Maritza Bond and state Sen. Matt Lesser, of Middletown. Reyes announced his support this week for Santiago, who would be the first Hispanic woman elected to statewide office in Connecticut. In the treasurers race, the sudden decision by Treasurer Shawn Wooden to not seek reelection last month set off a flurry of speculation about who may seek the office. Three candidates have submitted paperwork: Former Greenwich investment manager Dita Bhargava, head of the New Haven Housing Authority Karen Dubois Walton and Erick Russell, a former vice chairman of the state party from Newtown. The Democratic Party has nominated a Black candidate for treasurer in every election since 1962, prompting some to call for the party to expand its diversity through other offices. The party has not nominated any Black candidates for other statewide offices during that period. A multistate coalition of eight attorneys general including Illinois AG Kwame Raoul wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to fully cancel student loan debt owed by every federal student loan borrower in the country. The coalition urged the president to exercise his authority under the Higher Education Act to cancel more than $1.7 trillion owed to the federal government by student borrowers. "Without action, the student loan crisis will continue to get worse, stifling economic activity and weighing down families with mountains of debt that they cannot afford to repay," Raoul said in a statement. "While long-term reforms to the student loan system are desperately needed, I urge the Biden administration to take action that will provide immediate relief to student loan borrowers." A full cancelation of student debt is necessary to address the "sheer enormity of debts owed, systematically flawed repayment and forgiveness systems and the disproportionate impact of the debt burden on millions of borrowers," the coalition argued in its letter. The coalition contends that only permanent action by the Biden administration can provide the "widespread relief" that is needed by millions of federal student loan borrowers, the coalition contends. The coalition further argues that the cancelation of federal student loan debts will "reduce stress and mental fatigue and provide countless opportunities for borrowers, such as saving for retirement and purchasing new homes." Canceling federal student loan debt relief can also help close the racial wealth gap, the coalition argues. "Hardships created by the pandemic and the subsequent hold on loan payments prove we are equipped to cancel student debt once and for all," Michigan AG Dana Nessel said in a statement. "I stand with my colleagues in asking President Biden to bring this much-needed relief to millions of borrowers across the country." Along with Raoul, the coalition included attorneys general from Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico and Washington. Raoul's office has secured more than $160 million in relief for Illinois consumers defrauded by schools, lenders or servicers since 2019. Earlier this year, a $1.85 billion national settlement with Navient was announced which includes nearly $5 million in restitution payments and more than $133 million in debt cancelation for Illinois borrowers, with Illinois receiving a direct payment under the settlement of more than $7 million. The Biden administration has pushed the deadline for the student loan pause first issued at the start of the pandemic multiple times since taking office in January 2021, with the most recent extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest and collections going through Aug. 31. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Replacement of the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge could start before the end of the year. The project is expected to take several years to complete, according to Illinois Department of Transportation officials at a public meeting on the project Wednesday at Southwestern Illinois Colleges Granite City Campus. Contracts for the $360 million project are expected to be let this summer and construction could begin as soon as this fall, according to Tiffany Brase, studies and plans engineer for IDOT District 8. Its been a long time coming, she said. Im excited. When completed there will be two separate bridges for each direction of traffic, with two lanes expandable to three and 10-foot shoulders. IDOT is in charge of the bridge project, which will cost about $330 million. A companion project, a new interchange at I-270 and Riverview Drive in Missouri, is the responsibility of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Bids for that project will be let at the same time with both going to a single contractor. The estimated cost of the Missouri project is about $25 million. The existing four-lane bridge built in 1966 is near the end of its planned life. Its traffic count has risen dramatically, from about 19,000 vehicles per day in 1975 to about 51,000 vehicles per day currently. We have some construction going on right now on the river bridge, Brase said. Traffic gets backed up. It's hard to maneuver around a disabled vehicle or construction equipment when theyre out there. She said the addition of a third lane in either direction, and the wider shoulders, will be a major improvement for the span. View the I-270 project For a video on the I-270 bridge project, visit thetelegraph.com. See More Collapse The bridge replacement is part of a larger set of projects along the I-270 corridor from Illinois 111 in Illinois to Lindbergh Avenue in Missouri. The total 1-270 corridor project, estimated at about $1.2 billion, includes expanding lanes, improvements to approaches and other work on both sides of the river, including major changes to the interchange at Illinois 111. It is also one of the major priorities of local transportation and freight industry officials. Were seeing a lot of extra freight traffic in the area, Brase said. I-270 services the warehouses in the Metro East, and commuters are going back to work. The new bridge will have two separate structures. The eastbound lanes will be just south of the existing bridge, with the westbound lanes replacing the current structure. Construction of the southern bridge will begin first. It is expected to take 12-18 months, but depending on river conditions, could take as long as two years, Brase said. When the new bridge and pavement is completed, all the traffic will be moved to the new bridge, the old bridge demolished, and that pavement and new bridge will all be replaced, she said, adding both structures will take approximately the same amount of time. For decades IDOT officials have wanted to expand or replace the I-270 bridge. We looked at it once in the 1990s, Brase said. At the time the decision was mutually made between IDOT and MoDOT to do the downtown river bridge instead. There was a lot of pressure and congestion. When it was built, we moved on up to this one. Wednesdays meeting was the last public meeting on the bridge, and IDOT officials said there was a larger than usual number of people. Calvin and Ginny Jarrell, of Edwardsville, were among them. Calvin Jarrell said they just wanted to see whats happening with the project. We go to St. Louis a lot, and we mostly go over that bridge, he said. Wed like to see a new bridge because the old one is outdated, Ginny Jarrell said. Were excited to see a new bridge coming. Weve been saying that for years, When are they going to rebuild a new bridge? Also attending was Charles McConnell of Granite City. I have been interested in this since it started in 2015, he said. I was very glad to see what was going on. I think its terrific for the whole area. However, he was surprised IDOT and MoDOT would spend money on I-270 so quickly after the opening of the Stan Musial Bridge. Both are very much needed, but Im surprised so much money has been invested. Written comments on the project can be made through May 14. Comments also can be submitted online, and further information is available, via the project websites www.idot.illinois.gov/projects/i-270-over-the-mississippi-river and https://www.modot.org/i270-and-riverview-drive-interchange-project. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced lane restrictions will be encountered Wednesday through Friday on southbound I-55 at Black Lane in Collinsville. Weather permitting, the two left lanes southbound will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday while the right lane will be closed on Friday. These restrictions are needed to do work on the overhead bridge structure. IDOT District 8 Operations forces will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. John Badman|Hearst Illinois The annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including 10 who died in 2021, will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield. This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities, said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge. This memorial service is a testament to those risks and to the selfless courage of the officers who laid down their lives to keep us safe. The 10 officers killed during 2021 include: Officer Gary Steven Hibbs, Chicago Heights Police Department, March 12; Senior Master Trooper Todd A. Hanneken, Illinois State Police, March 25; Lieutenant James J. Kouski Jr., Hometown Police Department, April 3; Officer Allen Serta Giacchetti, Cook County Sheriffs Police, April 30; Officer Christopher Neil Oberheim, Champaign Police Department, May 19; Officer Brian Russell Pierce Jr., Brooklyn Police Department, Aug. 4; Officer Ella Grace French, Chicago Police Department, Aug. 7; Officer Tyler Nathaniel Timmins, Pontoon Beach Police Department, Oct. 26; Deputy Sean Ian Riley, Wayne County Sheriffs Office, Dec. 29; and Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic, Bradley Police Department, Dec. 30. In addition, Officer Joseph T. Cappello III of the Melrose Park Police Department, who died on April 24, 2020, will also be recognized. His name had not yet been officially included on the memorial. The day's observance will begin with the lineup of squad cars from around the state from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The procession will depart the fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence, for a memorial church service at 9:30 a.m. The procession will then travel to the State Capitol for the 11 a.m. ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the Illinois State Library across the street from the Capitol in case of inclement weather. The Illinois FOP State Lodge is one of the founding organizations of the Illinois Peace Officers Memorial. The other founding organizations include the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Police Association, Illinois Sheriff's Association, and Police Benevolent and Protective Association. Supporting organizations include Blue Knights of Illinois, Illinois Gold Star Families, and Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) The Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee was established in 1985. The monument in Springfield bears the names of the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. Every year on the first Thursday of May, they hold a ceremony to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. For more information, visit www.illinoispolicememorial.org The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information. Julie Laakko-Swanson/The Intelligencer In celebration of May as National Bike Month, and to illustrate the benefits of trails and the culture around them, Madison County Transit (MCT) is hosting the MCT 2022 Trail Summit on Friday, May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Leclaire Room, on the N.O. Nelson campus of Lewis & Clark Community College in Edwardsville. The summit will bring together thought leaders from across the country to speak on how the presence of trails in a community and efforts to cultivate a vibrant bike and pedestrian culture can have quality of life and economic benefits for the entire region. The sessions and panels include guests from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, as well as notable bike-friendly communities such as Davis, California and Bentonville, Arkansas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This May is cause for plenty of celebration at Terra Sur. On May 20, the Mexican restaurant will celebrate its seventh year at 920 Edwardsville Road, Troy. And of course, May 5, otherwise known as Cinco De Mayo, is another popular occasion. Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the first Battle of Puebla. Its not a federal holiday in Mexico but became popular throughout the U.S. in the 1960s as a day to celebrate Mexican heritage. Its the busiest day of the year, manager Ely Vargas said. Its our biggest and most stressful day. Vargas has been the manager of Terra Sur since it first opened and is business partners with the other owners. She is originally from Mexico, but moved to the U.S. roughly 20 years ago, and moved to Troy to raise her family five years ago. The community has been great and wonderful, Vargas said. Its been amazing. Terra Sur serves Tex-Mex and creates a feel-good atmosphere through the vibrant colors of the restaurant. The bar area is separate from the restaurant area, to provide a family-friendly atmosphere. There is also a patio for outdoor dining options. With normal hours typically being 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 12-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Terra Sur will be open 12-9 p.m. for Cinco De Mayo, since its the busiest day of the year. In recent years, Vargas has noticed an uptick of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon residents making the drive to Troy to try the restaurant. We welcome anybody and everybody, Vargas said. Its nice to see people know that were here. For Cinco De Mayo, Terra Sur has $6 16-ounce margaritas, $15 beer buckets, and $3.50 tequila shots, along with other food specials. Other restaurants in Edwardsville have drink and food specials, including Chavas, El Maguey, La Casa and Taqueria Z. Although Oaxaca Margarita Bar and Restaurant doesnt have any specials, their outdoor patio area is set up. Source Juicery will have a salted margarita mixer that comes with an alcohol of choice, a mixer and sparkling water. For Thursday, Global Brew is serving 32-ounce margarita pitchers with three flavor mix-ins and a tequila shaker to take home, while supplies last. Ask about the special Cinco De Mayo menu for taco specials. Independent candidates elected to parliament will inhibit the strong leadership Australia requires to face economic and security challenges, the prime minister has warned. But Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is taking a different tack, vowing to respect both the cross bench and a Liberal-Nationals opposition even if Labor wins a majority at the May 21 election. Scott Morrison says the coalition does not support the policies of many of the independents including stronger action on climate change. "A vote for independents is a vote for chaos, it's a vote for instability," he told reporters in Parramatta on Thursday. "(With) a cavalcade of independents, you are inviting chaos and weakness, a strong economy versus a weak economy." Mr Morrison has been accused of avoiding inner-city seats such as Wentworth and North Sydney where sitting Liberal MPs are being challenged by independents, due to his unpopularity with voters. "(The coalition has) been proven and tested in one of the most difficult times Australia face," he said. "We haven't gotten everything right, we're honest about that and not every decision that we have made Australians would agree with and the times have been difficult, but there is a choice." Meanwhile, Mr Albanese said Labor did not have the same policies on climate change as the independents and the Greens. "Our policies for 43 per cent (emissions reduction) by 2030 and what I'm interested in as the implementation of our policy," he told reporters in Sydney on Thursday. He remains open to the possibility of working with independent MPs, spruiking his past experience in the Gillard and Rudd governments when Labor worked with the cross bench. "My aim is to get people to vote Labor to elect at least 76 members of the House of Representatives ... and if that occurs, I will give respect not just to the crossbenchers, but to the other side as well," he told ABC radio. "That's the way that I operated as leader of the government in the House of Representatives during the Gillard government, treating people with respect." The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied involvement in the killing of military couple, Master Warrant Officer Audu Linus and his fiancee, Private Gloria Mathew. The couple who were planning marriage were shot and beheaded by gunmen on their way to Imo State. Nigerian Army had accused IPOB of being responsible to the murder of the couple. However, the group described the murder as abominable in Igbo land, adding that no true Igbo would hurt an in-law. In a statement on Wednesday, the groups Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, described the accusation by the Nigerian Army of IPOBs masterminding the act as laughable and fallacious. In his words: No true Igbo will hurt an in-law, how much more a married daughter (Ada) in Igbo land. Even the ancestors will avenge such wickedness. We cannot kill our sister who is about to marry, but those who killed them were those Nigerian government and its security agencies, especially the military and DSS, created to demonise IPOB and ESN. These agents of death, some of whom we have made their identities public severally, are behind the killings of these soldiers, not IPOB or ESN operatives. Powerful also claimed that the Army had always looked for occasions to attack innocent Igbo youths in order to rope them in the aftermath of the act and tag them as suspects. The Nigerian Army should leave IPOB alone because we are not unknown gunmen. The monster they created is now after them, yet they keep pointing accusing fingers at us. Our only crime is that we want to be self-determined. How come it is only in Nigeria that IPOB members are cannibals? When will they stop lying against us? Nigeria security agencies should please leave us alone. We hate bloodletting. We are not killers. God will judge all those trying to paint us black and evil for what we know nothing about, the statement added. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Mannasseh Sogavare has taken a brutal swipe at the Morrison government, ramping up his criticism of Canberra in the wake of his nation's highly-divisive security pact with China. Mr Sogavare stressed he had put the Solomon Islands on "the right side of history" with the deal with Beijing, which is likely to bring an increased military presence for China to Australia's doorstep. "What we are concerned about is the ongoing attack against the government... the glaring hypocrisy that bleeds through the strategies employed by some of our partners," he told parliament on Tuesday. Manasseh Sogavare became enraged at times when discussing the behaviour of his nation's partners in the wake of the China deal. Source: National Parliament of Solomon Islands "[They are] giving the government a hard time for no justifiable reason on sovereign decisions that we have painfully assured them that they have nothing to be concerned about. "We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by these parties." Mr Sogavare previously pointed out Australia never discussed its AUKUS security deal with Solomon Islands prior to its announcement, suggesting his nation therefore had no obligation to do discuss their China deal with their partners. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has insisted Australia has shown respect to the island nation in their response, however as "family" are justified in voicing reservations over what the deal meant for its own national security. Defence Minister Peter Dutton has for months expressed his concern over China's military threat in the region, ramping up his rhetoric in the wake of the deal suggesting Australia should prepare itself for war. Scott Morrison has stressed Australia remains a vital partner to Solomon Islands. Source: Getty But Mr Sogavare slammed the move to "attach warning of military intervention" to such criticism of the deal, saying Solomon Islands feels "threatened with invasion". "That's serious. What is more insulting with this attitude and therefore totally unacceptable is we are being treated as kindergarten students walking around with cold 45s in our hands, and that we need to be supervised. Story continues "We are insulted." In what appeared to be a pointed remark that will undoubtedly rile a highly-religious Mr Morrison, Mr Sogavare said Christians and Christian nations "are some of the biggest hypocrites in the world", while criticising the West's response to the war in Ukraine. 'Dangerous combination': Morrison responds to Sogavare's attack Mr Morrison responded to Mr Sogavare's remarks on Thursday, stressing his government's intentions to "work constructively" with Solomon Islands. "It means that we deal with these things diplomatically, we do it professionally, calmly, and rationally in dealing with the many challenges that are in the Pacific, and that's what we do every single day," he told the Today show. Pressing the PM, host Karl Stefanovic seemed unconvinced saying "some people say he's unhinged," referring to Mr Sogavare. "Either way he's seriously ticked off and that's a dangerous combination when you're in bed with China." Despite Mr Sogavare stressing Solomon Islands had made a strategic shift to China, Mr Morrison said Australia remains its number one security partner. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. A scholar at the Department of Mass Communication of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Jamiu Folarin has got a scholarship to the United States to attend the 2022 Solutions Journalism Summit holding in Utah. The summit holding in Sundance, Utah from 5th to 8th May, 2022 was sponsored by Solutions Journalism Network (SJN). Receiving the news, the vice chancellor of Crescent University, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila congratulated the beneficiary scholar and his head of department, Dr Kola Adesina on "the new feat" by his department. The scholarship award was communicated in an e-mail signed by the Chief Operating Officer of SJN,Samantha McCann and Development Operations Manager, Sonja Petrovic. The mail stated in part: "We are thrilled to let you know that you have been selected to receive a scholarship to the summit. "We heard fabulous things about your work with the educator community in southwest Nigeria through the SoJo Africa Fellowship. "We admire your dedication and enthusiasm to solutions journalism in your work and look forward to meeting you in person. "The Summit is a convening like no other. You can look forward to learning, playing and connecting with others who share your passion for reimagining the newsall in a pretty spectacular landscape". Recall that Folarin won a $2,000 grant as a 2021 Africa Fellow of SJN to mainstream solutions journalism in media education and practice in Ogun State, Nigeria. Folarin said his attendance at the summit would offer him the opportunity to learn and share his thoughts on how to effectively impact lives through solutions journalism. At the summit, he will host one of the 10 breakout conversations happening simultaneously that tends to address the question of "What collaborative strategies will enable the solutions journalism community to sustain and scale up known impact?" Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Thursday, officially declared his intention to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023. The ex- governor who is currently representing Ogun Central in the National Assembly, made the declaration at the Shehu Musa YarAdua Centre, Central Business District (CBD), Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While making the declaration, Amosun was quoted saying he is ready to serve. Today, I am formally announcing my candidacy for the Presidential ticket of our great party, the All Progressives Congress and the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I do so conscious of the immensity of the tasks that lie ahead in our country and the magnitude of the sacrifices that anybody who wishes to lead our country into the next phase must make. This is to honour a historic call and duty to lead the next phase of our collective journey to national glory. It is a duty to reenergise our faith in the future of this country even in the face of the threats to our national sovereignty by insurgents and terrorists; a duty to renew hope in our collective destiny even in the light of some doubts expressed and mobilised in some quarters about our shared fate. Present at the event were his wife, Olufunso Amosun, the representative of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, and lawmakers from both chambers of the national assembly. It would be recalled that on Wednesday, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole; and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi declared their interest to contest the for president in 2023. Meanwhile, the ruling APC special presidential convention is scheduled to hold from Monday, May 30, to Wednesday, June 1. Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has called on the federal and state governments to use the Igbo apprenticeship system to address the scourge of youth unemployment in the country. Okonkwo, who made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the 2022 edition of the All Market Conference, organised by the Ndigboamaka Progressive Traders Association in Lagos, said the Igbo apprenticeship scheme has the capacity to mop up the army of unemployed youths and engage them meaningfully. . According to him, the federal and state governments have the capacity to enter into agreements with traders and other tradesmen to provide tutelage to youths and reduce unemployment. Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (in red cap), receiving an award of honour presented to him by Ndigboamaka Progressive Market Association from Lagos State governor, Babajide San-Wolu, during the All Market Conference held in Lagos, Thursday. He said the scheme, which had proven to be a success among the Igbo people and had helped them to create wealth, can be replicated across the country with government providing the needed guarantees for start up funds. "I call on governments across Nigeria to explore the benefits of the apprenticeship system practiced by the Igbo people and use it to address youth unemployment and fight criminality. "What it takes is a policy on the placement of willing youths in businesses that will take them through tutelage for a period of time while government empowers them with start up funds upon completion", he said. According to him, unemployment has become the biggest contributor to insecurity across the country adding that for government to effectively tackle the situation, it must begin to think outside the box to see other ways of addressing the problem. "When youths are meaningfully engaged", Okonkwo said, "they rarely have time to engage in criminal activities". Adding that Nigerian youths are trainable, the United Nigeria Airline boss, said providing guarantees for start up funds will be a much needed incentive to encourage youth participation in apprenticeship. Okonkwo, who in 2020 instituted a research at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School into how to revitalise the Igbo apprenticeship scheme and reposition it to become the new model in tackling unemployment, said the report of the study, which was publicly presented in October 2021, should form part of working and policy documents of government on addressing unemployment in the country. He said: "In October 2021, the report of the study which I instituted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School into the Igbo apprenticeship scheme was presented at the university in Awka. "The report made far reaching recommendations on how to reinvent the scheme and position it as the new framework for addressing unemployment in the country. "I therefore believe that it has now become necessary for governments across the country to obtain copies of the study from the university to see how they can tap into the recommendations to develop new policies that would help them to tackle unemployment and secure our states", he stated. Okonkwo also called on traders and tradesmen across the country to open new avenues of partnership with governments in order to make the scheme work. According to him, "traders and tradesmen must also be able to help government by opening themselves to new ideas and make the scheme work so that together, we can all address unemployment which has fed insecurity across the country" "By agreeing to work with government to train our youths in trades and skills, you would be aiding the process of ending unemployment in the country. My idea is that while you train our youths, government can guarantee to provide start up funds to enable the apprentices become self-employed. That will go a long way in reducing unemployment and crime in the country", Okonkwo added. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed great astonishment over the multiplicity and quality of developmental projects by Governor David Umahis administration in Ebonyi State. The President made his feelings known on Thursday (today) while commissioning an avalanche of completed projects by Governor Umahi across the three senatorial zones of the State. The assignment was part of the Presidents 2-day working visit to the State, expected to elapse tomorrow (Friday) after a meeting with some leaders of the South east geopolitical zone in Abakaliki, the State capital. Among the projects commissioned by the President was the King David University of Medical Sciences, with its entrance double span flyover bridge, the Cancer screening and treatment centre, the Universitys medical unit/teaching hospital and the universitys administrative block and lecture rooms. Others included the completed Ebonyi International Airport Lounge, in Ezza land, named after President Muhammadu Buhari, and the ultra-modern new presidential Lodge at the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, also named after the President. Buhari who took time to explore the sizes, contents and quality of all the so far commissioned projects could not hide his surprises as he noted that Governor Umahi had set a very high standard which would be difficult for his successor to meet. While commissioning the new Presidential Lodge, the already astonished Buhari stated: Your Excellency, I think you have created a lot of problems for your successor. Governor Umahi, while introducing the medical complex/Teaching Hospital of the King David University of Medical Sciences to the President, explained that he was motivated to embark on the rare, gigantic project by his desire to create a centre of medical excellence in Nigeria, and cut down on medical tourism. The Governor ceased the opportunity to reiterate his call for a takeover of the medical complex by the federal government. Umahi said: Your Excellency, our dear President, it is in appreciation of what you have done for our country that I decided to build this centre of excellence in medicine. This medical unit and the Cancer screening centre is one kind that is not found anywhere in the country. I decided to build these in order to cut down on medical tourism. Your Excellency, let me ask again for your approval for the federal government to take over this centre because of its magnitude. I know I had asked before, and you replied that I should go and celebrate The President on arrival at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, was received by some Governors and other leaders of Southeast, from where he proceeded to the University of Medical Sciences Uburu, where he commenced his assignment. The President would be hosted to a banquet in the evening of today at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki. On Friday, he would commission some other projects, and meet with south east leaders before departure to Abuja. This is the 2nd time President Buhari visited Ebonyi in Umahis administration. The first was in Umahis first tenure when he laid the foundation stone of some landmark projects of the Governor. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Thursday, May 5, 2022 continued his engagements with stakeholders across the State. The Governor today met with Landlords in Onitsha at Sharon House by All Saints Anglican Cathedral to dialogue on issues confronting the metropolis. Landlords who attended the strategic meeting include those from Omagba Phases One and Two, GRA Onitsha Zone, Housing Estate, American Quarters, Trans-Nkisi, among others. Governor Soludo said until recently Onitsha was one of the biggest commercial cities in Africa. He regretted that the city is almost 'dead' as a result of the decadence that had set in. Governor Soludo reiterated that Onitsha, once reputed as the City in South Eastern Nigeria with the largest market in West Africa has lost that prominent position, as new businesses and investments are now moving to other neighbouring states. He stated further that this has grossly affected the value of productive assets in the city, but added that landlords will benefit more if the city is reclaimed with new investments coming in as it will ultimately add value to their assets. The Governor also revealed to his audience that in developed world, cities are planned to include pedestrians' walkways, provision of convenience in public spaces, provision of relaxation spots for people to relax and enjoy. He emphasised that his administration will restore law and order as well as re-enact the Onitsha master plan, restore the Greater Onitsha water scheme, digitilize lands and assets in Anambra State, among others. Governor Soludo also spoke about the on-going desilting of sakamori drainage. He said there are buildings obstructing the free flow of flood water and added that such illegal developers who were given two weeks of grace, risked demolition Governor Soludo reassured that no person in Anambra markets, roads and elsewhere will be allowed to collect money acruable to government as revenue. He reiterated that such monies will paid directly into the government coffers. He called on the Landlords and stakeholders to support and cooperate with the government in its determination to restore Onitsha back to its past glory. The Governor assured that if Onitsha is resurrected, Anambra State will be unstoppable in terms of the immense economic gains that will accrue to the people and government. He concluded that the ultimate goal is to make living and shopping in Onitsha a pleasurable experience for all. Some Landlords and stakeholders who spoke during the meeting include; the Chairman of Stakeholders in Onitsha North, Chief Albert Okechukwu Ibekwe, Dr. Oge Adinu, Rex-Wilson Anyaora, Azubuike Azor, Okechukwu Ibekwe, among others. In their separate speeches, they outlined some of the challenges and suggested some immediate and long term solutions such as construction of cemetery, government intervention at the Nkisi-Aroli, nipping of insecurity in the bud, dualization of GRA 3-3 road, social re-orientation, construction of flyover at Ogidi market, setting up of dedicated enforcement team, among others. 35,000 schools aim to reopen for new term BANGKOK: About 35,000 schools nationwide intend to resume onsite learning on May 17 with a plan to speed up student vaccinations. CoronavirusCOVID-19healthVaccine By Bangkok Post Thursday 5 May 2022, 09:11AM Photo: Bangkok Post Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said the ministry has measures in place to control COVID-19 infections when about 35,000 schools resume onsite classes at the start of the new academic year, reports the Bangkok Post. The measures were unveiled during an online meeting Mr Sathit had with Supat Champathong, permanent secretary for education, Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Health, and provincial public health and provincial education offices. Measures involve having parents take their children for vaccinations to lift the double dose and booster rates among students aged 5-18 to 60%. School staff were urged to explain vaccine benefits to parents to motivate them to have their children vaccinated further. Mr Sathit said the provincial public health office and local health clinics will liaise with schools to assess school public health safety levels and decided if they meet Thai Stop COVID+ standards. Schools must score more than 95% on a safety level scale before they can reopen for the new term on May 17. As for self-testing, the meeting agreed that students, teachers and school officials only need to perform an ATK test if they develop COVID-19 symptoms or are at risk of contracting the virus instead of having to take the test every three to five days as required previously. If and when an infection is detected or people at high risk of infection are present in class, there is no need to suspend the class. Mr Supat said most of the 35,000 schools will likely open for the new term on May 17. They are being monitored by various agencies including the Office of the Basic Education Commission. The Education Ministry has instructed provincial education offices to arrange sanitisation in schools and clean equipment for students. Dr Suwannachai said that from January to March, infections among children had stabilised. In April, COVID-19 cases among children aged 0-6 were higher than those in the 7-12 and 13-19 age groups, but fatalities were low. According to Public Health Ministry, at the end of last month, vaccinations among children aged 5 to 11 had only reached 50% of the estimated target. Among the 5.1 million in this age group, 2.5mn had received their first dose and 290,000 their second. Meanwhile, 4.3mn children aged from 12 to 17 had received their first dose and 3.9mn were fully vaccinated. Dr Suwannachai said if students considered at low risk of infection are found among students at boarding schools, social distancing measures would be enforced. But students considered high risk will be placed in isolation for five days and put under observation for another five days. Deputy Commerce Minister touts tourism policy success PHUKET: Deputy Minister of Commerce Sinit Lertkrai has praised the governments handling of the tourism situation through its policies, which he credits for Phuket seeing 613 new business registrations in the first quarter of 2022. tourismeconomics By The Phuket News Thursday 5 May 2022, 12:03PM The image presented with the report touting the governments success in handling the tourism situation. Image: PRD The four southern provinces of Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga in total saw 1,216 new registrations in the first quarter of this year (Jan-Mar), an increase of 51.62%, said a report shared by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket), so far shared in Thai language only. The report made no mention of how many companies in the four provinces were deregistered in the past two years. The new businesses registered included restaurants, hotels, resorts and suites, spas and other tourism businesses, the report noted. We analyzed business data in the four most popular tourist provinces in the southern region, namely Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi, and Phang Nga, which are provinces supported by government measures, Mr Sinit said. Phuket saw the highest number of new business registrations, 613, an increase of 82%, with a total registered capital value of B1.66 billion, an increase of 102%, Mr Sinit noted. Surat Thani placed second with 450 new companies registered, an increase of 35%, with capital investment of B977.1 million, an increase of 90%, Mr Sinit continued. Krabi province saw 110 new companies registered, an increase of 17%, with capital investment of B178.21mn, an increase of 64%, followed by Phang Nga, which saw 43 new companies registered, an increase of 16%, with capital investment of B66.81mn, an increase of 14%, he said. According to the report, Mr Sinit said that March-May every year was a popular period for tourism, which he called a High Season, for both Thais and foreigners, especially in areas with beautiful natural resources such as the South. But due to the spread of COVID-19 in the past two years, the business sector has been severely affected, especially in tourism and other related businesses, he noted. But in 2022, the state relaxed measures and fully promoted the tourism sector, resulting in domestic tourism, which is a service sector business, especially in the southern regions of Thailand, it has started to become bustling again, said Mr Sinit. Mr. Sinit added that the Department of Business Development had analyzed other businesses in Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phang Nga that are related to tourism, namely: Restaurant and restaurant business. Hotel, resort and condominium business Spa business Business that provides travel reservation services such as car rental services and airfares It was found that in the first quarter of 2022, tourism-related businesses in general grew when compared to the same period last year, Mr Sinit said. Compared to the same period last year, trade by restaurant businesses grew 83%; hotel, resort and condominium business trade increased by 169%; spa businesses enjoyed a trade increase of 100%; and tour and travel reservation businesses saw a 400% increase in trade. Of note, Mr Sanit did not give the base figures to indicate what the percentage increases actually represented. The above information clearly signals the recovery of the tourism sector and the country, together with supporting factors from various tourism stimulus policies, such as We Travel Together for domestic tourists and improvement of Test & Go measures for foreign tourists, Mr Sinit said. It is a signal that reflects the ability of the Thai business sector to adapt to the epidemic situation of COVID-19. It also shows a response to the guidelines for adjusting the COVID-19 disease to become even better when the situation is declared endemic in the second half of 2022 as well, he added. Government accepts Japan loan of B13.2bn BANGKOK: Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has signed a loan agreement worth 50 billion yen (B13.2bn) with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to bolster the nations COVID-19 emergency response. CoronavirusCOVID-19healtheconomicsmilitary By Bangkok Post Thursday 5 May 2022, 10:45AM Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida walk past a guard of honour at Government House on Monday (May 2) before holding talks to bolster cooperation between the two nations. Photo: Chanat Katanyu The agreement was signed at the Finance Ministry on Tuesday (May 3) by Mr Arkhom and the chief representative of Jicas Thailand office, Morita Takahiro, reports the Bangkok Post. According to the agreement, the loan is to be repaid within 15 years - plus a four-year grace period - with the interest set at 0.01%. The loan is intended to boost Thailands public health capacity, help fund COVID-19 treatment and ease the economic pressure on citizens. It was signed after Mr Arkhom exchanged diplomatic notes with Japans ambassador to Thailand on Monday. The loan will boost relations between both countries and support the recovery of the economy, the source said. Meanwhile, a Thai-Japanese joint committee will be formed to oversee a new defence agreement signed on Monday, according to Arjaree Sriratanaban, director-general of the Foreign Ministrys East Asian Affairs Department. The agreement will enable the transfer of defence hardware and technology from Japan to Thailand. Ms Arjaree said the agreement will form the framework for equipment and technology transfers, as it outlined procedures and highlighted issues which need to be considered in such transfers. As for the details on what kind of weapons [Japan] is going to transfer, they will be discussed at a future date, she said. This agreement is a step forward in promoting defence cooperation and investment, as Thailand is keen to further develop the sector, she said. The agreement had been discussed for over five years and Japan had concluded similar agreements with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Sa Ton Pho community rendered homeless PHUKET: Homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community evicted from land in Chalong and then again from land near Rassada Pier set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (May 4) in their plea to be allowed to live on unused state land. landpropertyeconomics By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 5 May 2022, 09:59AM With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub With no place else to go, the now homeless residents of the Sa Ton Pho community have set up camp in front of the new Phuket Provincial Hall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Chonthee Changruenkul, the coordinator of the Phuket Community Rights Development Network, explained that the camp comprises some 50 residents. Mr Chonthee said that the residents were pursuing their right to be granted a place to live under rights already given by the Ministry of Natural Resources following a Cabinet resolution in 2010. The Sa Ton Pho community derives its name, meaning Bodhi Tree Pond, from where the residents once lived near Phuket Zoo in Moo 3, Chalong, said Mr Chonthee. The residents lived on unused land around a natural pond in the area, which is primarily mangrove swamp, but were evicted by the landowner, he explained. The residents then were granted permission to move to 50 rai of unused land on Sri Suthat Rd, near the monkey viewpoint near Rassada Pier, but are now being asked through legal action to vacate the area by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) as there is no legal provision to allow them to stay on that particular land, Mr Chonthee said. The residents have appealed to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to change the official designated use of the land to allow them to stay. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment responded and officials came down to discuss with the provincial government to create an MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] between the Ton Pho community and related agencies to allow the residents to stay, he said. Of the 34 households that comprised the original Sa Ton Pho community in Chalong, only 23 are left. The rest of the people moved away during the COVID pandemic, Mr Chonthee noted. That still leaves 23 households, comprising 78 people, in trouble, he noted. They have no place to go, so they are asking for permission to stay at the Phuket Community Rights Center network at the entrance of Rassada Pier by building temporary housing only, Mr Chonthee said. But the land there is under the care of PPAO, and the PPAO has taken legal action against the villagers who tried to set up homes there as the official permission from the Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources given is still not being upheld, he added. So we have come here, where we will stay because we have no place else to go, Mr Chonthee said. The residents will submit yet another formal request to Phuket Governor Narong Wonciew to resolve the long-standing problem today (May 5). Of the 50 rai of state land not being used, we are asking to use only four and a half rai, Mr Chonthee said. TAT call for more hotel discounts receives tepid response BANGKOK: Hoteliers have mixed feelings about a new phase of the hotel subsidy scheme We Travel Together after the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) suggested hotels could offer a 50% discount for an additional 1 million room nights. Thursday 5 May 2022, 10:29AM A staff member cleans the pool area at a hotel in Bangkok. Phoot: AFP TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said cooperation from hotels was important to stimulate domestic trips without solely depending on a government budget, particularly when this market was being challenged by growing outbound demand driven by easier travel rules, reports the Bangkok Post. The remaining B4-billion budget for We Travel Together will be used for a 40% subsidy on 1mn room nights, while the TAT asked hotels to add another 1mn rooms to this programme, he said. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said most hotels have already reduced their room rates by 50%. With a limited budget, she said the government should instead offer a 20% subsidy, instead of 40%, to cover 2mn room nights. May is a transition period for tourism as the country can expect an average of 15,000 air passengers per day, or at least 450,000 tourists this month, said Mrs Marisa. However, the domestic market remains vital to support operators. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, acting president of the Chon Buri Tourism Council, said hoteliers might be reluctant to add their rooms to this programme because of delayed payments for participants. This problem may have been rectified recently, but some hotels in Pattaya have been waiting since December to get paid, he said. Moreover, mid-level hotels are concerned about feedback as local tourists using the privileges usually opted for five-star hotels or international chains in prime locations, said Mr Thanet. He said the TAT needs a better mechanism to help mid-level hotels benefit more than in previous phases. Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the THAs northern chapter, said hoteliers agreed to offer discounts for the scheme to spur domestic trips. But more than 60 hotels in Chiang Mai are facing delayed payments, prompting the association to try to solve the issue. Mr Phunut said Chiang Mai has to focus on domestic tourists as the province may not reap the benefits of recent inbound travel relaxations as much as beach destinations in southern Thailand. Led by Cycle Capital, round includes strategic investor TDK Ventures, and Vitro VueReal Facility VueReal Facility WATERLOO, Ontario, April 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VueReal, a leader in micro printing technology, announced today the closing of a 14.4 million USD oversubscribed Series B round of financing led by Cycle Capital. The funding will enable VueReal to expand its customer base, scale up its team and enhance its current facility. Cycle Capital, an impact investor and leading cleantech venture capital investment platform, is joined by strategic investors TDK, world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society, and Vitro, the leader in NA glass manufacturing. Investment partners in the round also include Economic Development Canada and BDC Capital's Cleantech Practice. The syndicate of investors join existing investors Samsung Ventures, LG Electronics Inc. and Veeco Instruments Inc. The new round of funding will accelerate the commercialization of VueReal's energy efficient micro printing platform and offer customers a broader range of custom display products with comprehensive use cases for AR, smartwatches, smartphones, automotive, signage and transparent displays. "VueReal's transfer technology platform is a key enabler for the adoption of next generation MicroLED displays. It is powering a new wave of displays for everyday consumer products that offer better performance while reducing their energy consumption profile. We look forward to supporting the team along their journey and collaborate with great investors including TDK, Vitro, BDC and EDC along the way" - Andree-Lise Methot, Founder & Managing Partner at Cycle Capital. "With our innovative technology and accelerating commercial traction, VueReal is set for rapid growth. In addition to the funding, this Series B Round brings significant strategic partnerships and experience to VueReal which is crucial for the next stage of growth of the company." - Reza Chaji, CEO of VueReal. Story continues "MicroLEDs' superior performance and low energy consumption is the holy grail of the display industry. However, its challenging assembly process has been the main limiting factor for many years. VueReal's microprinting solution is a real game changer and we are very excited to back the team to take the microLED industry to the next level." - Tina Tosukhowong, Investment Director at TDK Ventures. "This new Vitro-VueReal partnership will allow us to tap into new functionalities with devices integrated with our residential, architectural, and automotive glass. This is a new platform that includes display products and sensors that can augment human interaction with our glass products. This completely enhanced experience will create value for consumers that interact with our glass through touch, visualization, security, and protection from digitally enhanced glass products." - Martin Bracamonte, VP Marketing & Innovation at Vitro Architectural. "Micro-LED represents an important step in the evolution of display technology given its lower energy consumption and next generation applications. We believe VueReal's technology is poised to take micro-LED to a whole new commercial scale and are pleased to support the company with other like-minded partners to help them unlock their full potential." - Jahangir Bhatti, Director, BDC Capital's Cleantech Practice. VueReal's proprietary technology unlocks the potential of MicroLED displays by offering a scalable solution that achieves significantly increased yield and throughput. Until now, the MicroLED display market has been limited to either small or expensive large displays, and in AR applications, the displays have been limited to monochrome or low pixel resolution. VueReal's microprinting platform can extend the use of MicroLED displays to wider applications by improving the cost, performance and production throughput. "VueReal's technology enables a wide range of applications from compact microdisplays, to cost-competitive high-volume consumer displays, to fully customized displays. VueReal's microprinting solution has been validated by several major companies - including leaders in automotive and consumer electronics as well as major equipment vendors." - Reza Chaji, CEO of VueReal. About VueReal VueReal is engineering the next electronics revolution by developing and commercializing technology platforms that enable efficient, practical, and scalable production and integration of micro-and nano-devices. VueReal's solutions promise to turn the potential of micro-LED technology into reality by enabling the true-life displays needed by the next generation of smartphones, TVs, laptops, virtual/augmented reality systems, heads-up displays, instruments panels, infotainment systems, and wearables. For inquiries regarding investment, collaboration, partnership, and products, please contact VueReal at info@vuereal.com and visit www.vuereal.com. About Cycle Capital Cycle Capital is an impact investor and a leading private cleantech venture capital investment platform with $ 0.6 billion under management. With offices in Montreal, Toronto and Qingdao, mainland China, and a presence in New York and Seattle, Cycle Capital invests across North America and China in growing and commercializing companies that have developed technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and optimizing resources and processes. Cycle Capital is the founder of Cycle Momentum Accelerator and Canadian co-chair of the Beyond the Billion initiative - an international campaign to mobilize a consortium of investors who support female founders. About TDK Ventures TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company's vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as health and wellness, next-generation transportation, robotics and industrial, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com or contact@tdk-ventures.com. About Vitro Vitro is a leading glass manufacturer in North America and one of the world's major companies in its industry, backed by more than 100 years of experience. Founded in 1909 in Monterrey, Mexico, the Company has subsidiaries around the globe, offering quality products and reliable services to meet the needs of two businesses: flat glass and glass containers. Companies of Vitro produce, process, distribute, and market a wide range of glass articles, which are part of the daily life of millions of people. Vitro offers solutions for multiple markets, including architectural and automotive as well as cosmetic, pharmaceutical and toiletries. The Company is also a supplier of chemical products and raw material, machinery, molds and equipment for industrial use. As a socially responsible organization, Vitro works on several initiatives aligned to its Sustainability Model, aiming to create a positive influence in the economic, social, and environmental aspects relevant to its stakeholders, in a responsible corporate management framework. For more information, visit: http://www.vitro.com About BDC Capital BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. With over $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country's most innovative firms. It offers businesses a full spectrum of capital, from seed investments to growth equity, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who have the ambition to stand out on the world stage. Visit bdc.ca/capital. Related Images Image 1: VueReal Facility VueReal facility is capable of fabrication microLED and print them into substrate for making display products. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Press Release May 5, 2022 Pangilinan calls on US to revoke visa, block US-based property of Pinoys involved in De Lima's jailing VICE-PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Thursday called on the United States government to revoke the visas and freeze the US-based property and financial interest of all Filipinos directly and indirectly involved in fabricating drug charges which led to the imprisonment of Sen. Leila de Lima. "All those who were involved -- directly or indirectly, in this grand design to besmirch the reputation of Sen. De Lima and to demolish her politically for her crusade to eliminate social injustice in the Philippines - have utterly failed their mission. Now, they must be held accountable as what they have tried, but again failed, to do with Sen. De Lima. Justice must be served now," Pangilinan said. Pangilinan, who is chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, also thanked Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations East-Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who on May 3 renewed calls for De Lima's immediate release following the withdrawal of statements made by two key state witnesses. The US senators said "the recent recanting by key witnesses of allegations made against Senator Leila De Lima warrant her immediate release. Clearly, the bogus charges against her were, as we suspected all along, politically-motivated and based on false information." "That she has lost five years in jail due to these spurious charges is a travesty. She should be released immediately and any remaining charges should be dropped without further delay," the senators said in a statement released in Washington D.C. on May 3. "While we express gratitude to the US senators for their continued crusade to release Sen. De Lima, we also renew our call on the US government and its agencies to revoke the visas and block and freeze all the US-based property and financial interests of all Filipinos who directly and indirectly participated in the fabrication of drug charges which led to the unjust imprisonment of Sen. De Lima for more than five years." "We also thank all US-based warriors for social justice who are with us in making all Philippine government officials and individuals accountable for their direct and indirect participation in extra-judicial killings, torture, and other violations of human rights in our country," Pangilinan said. "We also call on the US government to hold to account all Filipinos who seek to destabilize, weaken, and destroy internationally recognized human rights and freedoms, such as the freedoms of religion, expression, association, and assembly, and the rights to a fair trial and democratic elections," Pangilinan said. "Palayain na si Sen. De Lima. Gusto naming siyang makasama sa miting de avance sa Sabado," Pangilinan said. In Cayuga County, May brings new growth in our farm fields and neighborhood yards. The month also brings two celebratory weeks in the business community: National Small Business Week May 1-7, and Economic Development Week May 9-13. Both events recognize contributions to our local, state and national economies. While Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of Americas entrepreneurs and small business owners, Economic Development Week serves to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere. At the Cayuga Economic Development Agency, we provide businesses of all sizes access to the resources they need to grow in Cayuga County. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, a small business is one that has fewer than 1,500 employees and a maximum of $38.5 million in average annual receipts. With 28 million small businesses making up 99.7% of all U.S. firms, small business is big business for the United States economy. As your local professional economic developers, CEDA aims to boost the vibrancy and livability in our Cayuga County communities. On our website, we invite you to view projects and startups on which weve assisted at cayugaeda.org/projects. The website makes it easy to find information about starting, growing or locating a business in Cayuga County. The "Featured Sites" (cayugaeda.org/for-site-selectors/featured-sites) portion of the website focuses on key (large) properties for business attraction. CEDA works with businesses of all sizes, so while the smaller manufacturing, office or retail spaces may not be listed online, they are still tracked within an internal database and shared with those looking to start or relocate a business. If you have a space available, make sure its listed with CEDA. You can contact us via the websites contact form or visit our staff page, cayugaeda.org/staff, to find staff email addresses. CEDA recently welcomed new CEO Bradly Broadwell. Brad has over 30 years of economic development experience at the local, state and federal levels. He has roots in Cayuga County and has managed federal and New York state labor programs here in the county. His previous experience includes economic development leadership or consulting work in North Carolina, Maryland and Vermont. He's also worked in the federal government at the U.S. Department of Commerce and overseas in Tokyo, Hong Kong and Mongolia. We are also welcoming back a former staff member, Maureen Riester. Maureen is reprising her role as economic development specialist. In this role, she focuses on retention and expansion of larger existing businesses, as well as business attraction. For the latter, she stays apprised of the available commercial sites and buildings and sells the benefits of expanding or relocating businesses to Cayuga County. She will be visiting existing businesses throughout Cayuga County to assess their needs and challenges, and making the appropriate connections to local, regional, state or federal resources necessary for them to remain in the county and grow. Both Brad and Maureen bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team and will fortify our efforts to continue to support our local businesses through the COVID-19 recovery stages. CEDA can help businesses and entrepreneurs access local or state grant funding, find a location or mentor, and assist in accessing tax incentives, low-interest loan programs and/or technical assistance. We do all of this by working collaboratively with partners and experts throughout the region. CEDA is a private sector, 501(c)(3) local development corporation established to implement a comprehensive economic development strategy for all of Cayuga County. CEDAs mission is To foster a sustainable quality of life in Cayuga County through job retention, expansion and attraction." To learn more, visit cayugaeda.org or contact one of our specialists for free and confidential assistance for your business. Devon Roblee is marketing manager for the Cayuga Economic Development Agency. She can be reached at (315) 252-3500 or droblee@cayugaeda.org. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALTON From asking God to watch over health care workers to guiding children and youth, almost a dozen separate prayers went up Thursday during the first live National Day of Prayer event in Alton since the start of COVID-19. About 60 people attended the event at the Best Western Premier, was one of several gatherings planned for the region. Others were scheduled in Granite City and Jerseyville. Almost a dozen people prayed for specific areas, including education, business, the future of youth and the sanctity of life. Paul Militzer, executive director of Community Hope Center, prayed for the church and national unity for the common good. He prayed that we would become one, that we would set aside our differences and focus on Jesus Christ and Your word. Praying for the future of youth, Keith Neuber of Kreative Kids Learning Center noted the approach of Mothers Day and that a handwritten, barely legible note saying I love you from a child brings a better response than an expensive gift. Help us to realize that children were meant to be seen, and heard, and respected, and appreciated and loved, he prayed. His prayer noted that in the eyes of children, actions speak louder than words, and if what we seek to teach children is good for them, it is good for us. Sister M. Anastasia Maher, mission lead/pastoral care at OSF Healthcare Saint Anthonys, prayed for health care facilities and workers. Bless and accompany every moment of their service, she prayed. As they seek to care for you in each human being they serve, they may again consecrate themselves and the gifts you have given them. Retired school superintendent John Pearson prayed for educators. It was noted before he started that he was wearing Chicago Cubs socks. I wish God would speed all manner of hitting and pitching to the Cubs, but it hasnt happened so far, he said before praying. He added that it has been a difficult two years for everybody, especially educators. We ask that you grant our teachers and school personnel an abundance of your wisdom, he said. Give them grace as they help students who arent thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when they seem weak. They are shaping the future in one million small but incredibly important ways every day, he continued. Bless them Lord so they may see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will impact generations to come. Tammy Iskarous, executive director of Riverbend Family Ministries, prayed for families. Our families need your presence in their lives today, she said. Some are struggling with work and finance, while others have concerns for their health, their mental health, their safety or personal relationships. She asked for help in making the best choices when hard decisions are called for. Give us hope to carry on despite the circumstances around us, she said. Help us to support each other, help us to have genuine empathy. Chaplain John Bolling prayed for the city of Alton, as well as local firefighters, police and other emergency responders. Others praying included Sara Dierker, a chaplain at Alton Memorial Hospital, who prayed for the sanctity of life; the Rev. Bill Pyatt, a retired Methodist minister and one of the events organizers, who prayed for normalcy; Jason Harrison of Lamays Catering & Cafe, who prayed for business; Mark Ellebracht, news director of Big Z Media, who prayed for the military; and TSgt. Colleen Scott of the 183rd Wing, an Illinois Air National Guard unit based in Springfield, who prayed for the Military and Government. The Marquette High School chorus sang Prayer for Ukraine in Ukrainian and Alton Mayor David Goins and Godfrey Economic Development Director Jim Mager read proclamations for the National Day of Prayer. The event ended with a recitation of The Lords Prayer. Days of prayer have been held since 1775 when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming the nation, according to the National Day of Prayer website. In 1863 Abraham Lincoln called for a day of prayer. The National Day of Prayer was established by Congress as an annual event in 1952. The law was amended in 1988 designating the first Thursday in May. For more information visit the National Day of Prayer website at www.nationaldayofprayer.org. EDWARDSVILLE Two people were charged with armed violence Tuesday in separate incidents relating to their possession of handguns during felony drug violations. Antrell A. Davis, 19, of Chicago, was charged May 3 with armed violence, a Class X felony, and unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department. According to court documents, on May 3 Davis allegedly had a Smith & Wesson SD 40 .40 caliber handgun and 30-500 grams of cannabis with intent to deliver. The weapons charge stems from his having the handgun during the drug-related felony. Bail was set at $100,000. In an unrelated case, Alex M. Friel, 46, of Avondale, Arizona, was charged with armed violence, a Class X felony; and unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. According to court documents, on May 2 Friel allegedly had a Girsan Regard MC 9 mm handgun and less than five grams of methamphetamine. The weapons charge stems from his having the handgun during the drug-related felony. Bail was set at $100,000. Other felony charges filed May 3 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Raul P. Romero, 19, of Collinsville, and Jeffrey A. Romero, 18, of Granite City, were each charged with vehicular invasion, a Class 1 felony, and aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. The cases were presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, the two allegedly reached into a Dodge Journey occupied by three people, including a 3-year-old girl, and struck one of the occupants in the face. Bail was set at $150,000 each. Daniel S. Pagan, 61, listed as homeless out of Granite City, and Arnold L. Stone, 32, of Granite City, were each charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony. The cases were presented by the Granite City Police Department. On May 2 the two allegedly entered a vacant residence in Granite City to commit theft. Bail was set at $50,000 each. Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin wants to establish term limits for statewide elected officials, create a new ethics panel and require voter identification as part of a 10-point "Reform Albany" plan. Zeldin has mentioned the need for term limits before but outlined his proposal as the first point in his reform agenda. Statewide elected officials, including the governor, would serve no more than two four-year terms. Right now, statewide officials do not have term limits. He would also overhaul the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, the often-criticized panel that was created under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Zeldin's ethics commission would be comprised of eight members, four appointed by Democrats and four appointed by Republicans. One head commissioner would be selected by the governor. Ethics commissioners would serve two-year terms, but could be reappointed. A majority vote would be required for any decisions made by the commission. According to Zeldin's plan, the panel would have subpoena power, the ability to refer criminal cases to a prosecutor and civil enforcement power against statewide elected officials, candidates for statewide offices, executive branch employees and officers, state legislators, candidates for state Legislature, legislative employees, political party chairs, registered lobbyists and their clients. Zeldin would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the March 25, 2020, directive that placed COVID-positive patients in New York nursing homes. His plan also calls for the creation of the Empire State Budget Office, which would be similar to the Congressional Budget Office at the federal level. The new office would analyze bills to help lawmakers and statewide officials "understand the costs and implications of enacting certain legislation." Under Zeldin's government reform proposal, he would strengthen the state's Freedom of Information Law by changing the presumption of denial for requests to a presumption of approval. State agencies would have to explain why requests have been denied. He is also pushing for a stricter timeline for fulfilling requests "if documents are accessible and readily retrievable." The reform plan also seeks to end the "three-person-in-a-room" budget negotiation process. For years, budget talks usually occur behind closed doors between the governor and state legislative leaders. Zeldin would end that by making the state Legislature use the conference committee process for open discussions and hearings. As governor, he would require the state budget director and other administration officials to testify before the committee. Zeldin also pledged to be more accessible to the media than his would-be predecessors, increase transparency by releasing more documents and improve the state's websites. While much of what Zeldin proposed isn't likely to stir controversy, his plan to require voter identification would likely be met with opposition, especially from Democratic lawmakers. He insists that requiring voter ID to cast ballots is "widely advocated for by New Yorkers of all stripes." He wants to enact it statewide. If that proposal is adopted, individuals would be required to present identification when casting their votes. Under the current system, voters must present identification when registering to vote. But there is no ID requirement at the polls. Zeldin unveiled his reform agenda during stops in Albany, Binghamton and Syracuse. His running mate, Alison Esposito, joined him for the announcements. "It's about following the rules, following the laws and just improving the culture and having a government you can be proud of," he said of his proposals. Zeldin, who is the designated Republican candidate for governor, is in a four-way gubernatorial primary. The other candidates are Rob Astorino, Andrew Giuliani and Harry Wilson. The primary election will be held Tuesday, June 28. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A Chicago man who was pardoned after spending more than seven years in prison for an armed robbery he didn't commit has reached a $7.5 million settlement with a northern Indiana city and former police officers, his attorney and a city spokeswoman said Wednesday. Keith Cooper's attorney, Elliot Slosar, said it is the largest wrongful conviction settlement in Indiana history and that his lawsuit exposed the systemic pattern of police and prosecutorial misconduct that exists in Elkhart, Indiana." Mr. Coopers wrongful conviction did not happen by accident nor was it an aberration," he added in a news release. Corinne Straight, Elkharts director of communications, confirmed the $7.5 million settlement, the details of which were not specified in a notice lawyers for the plaintiffs and defendants filed Tuesday in a South Bend federal court. Straight said city officials hope the settlement brings to a conclusion the obvious injustice that has been rendered to Mr. Cooper. On behalf of the entire city of Elkhart, to Mr. Cooper and his family, we regret the suffering you have experienced, she said in a statement. Cooper was pardoned in February 2017 by Gov. Eric Holcomb, who said he believed Cooper had been wrongly convicted in a 1996 armed robbery in Elkhart during which a teenager was shot and wounded. Holcomb cited the state parole boards support for the pardon, along with the backing of the prosecutor and witnesses in the case. Cooper was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the robbery, but advances in DNA testing and a nationwide offender database excluded him as the attacker and identified another person. The Indiana Court of Appeals overturned his co-defendants conviction in 2005, and Cooper was given the choice of being released with a felony record or facing a new trial before the same judge who convicted him. He elected to be released in 2006. Coopers pardon by Holcomb was followed in March 2017 by a judges approval of the expungement of his armed robbery conviction. Cooper had sought a pardon since 2009 and the deputy prosecutor who handled his trial asked then-Gov. Mike Pence in 2015 to approve the pardon to remove the felony conviction. But Pences general counsel notified Slosar in September 2016, two months after Pence became Donald Trumps vice presidential running mate, that he believed Cooper needed to first exhaust all his options in court for having the conviction overturned before a pardon would be considered. Cooper sued Elkhart, its then-police chief and three officers in November 2017, alleging that the officers framed him for the crime and nearly destroyed his life." Two of those officers are no longer Elkhart officers and the third is dead, Slosar said. At the time of his arrest, Cooper had no criminal convictions, was a married father of three and was employed and providing for his family, according to his suit. But after he was wrongfully incarcerated, his wife was forced to sell their belongings and had to live in shelters to survive, it states. Cooper, 54, said during a news conference in Chicago that he hopes the settlement will build a better tomorrow for me and my family. Theres no amount of money that can get back the time I lost, he said. Coopers lawsuit accused the Elkhart Police Department of employing a routine practice of pursuing wrongful convictions through reckless and profoundly flawed investigations that included false evidence and reports and coerced evidence. Straight said Wednesday that Elkhart's current administration and police leadership have set upon a path of accountability in that hopes that this kind of case will never occur again." BARCELONA, Spain (AP) A leading Catalan separatist politician said Thursday that Spain's top intelligence official acknowledged that her agency had hacked into the cellphones of some of the dozens of politicians reported to be targeted by spyware but she said it had proper judicial authorization. Gabriel Rufian, member of a Catalan pro-independence party, spoke after he participated in a closed-door meeting with the director of Spains National Intelligence Center, CNI, along with a select group of Spanish lawmakers. A recent report by the Canadian-based digital rights group Citizen Lab on the use of the controversial Pegasus spyware in Spain said dozens of pro-independence supporters in Spains northeastern Catalonia region were spied upon using the software. When asked by The Associated Press, Spain's Defense Ministry, which is in charge of the CNI, refused to comment on the meeting with CNI director Paz Esteban because its contents are considered classified. Leading Spanish media, however, also reported that the director had shown committee members court authorizations for hacking the cellphones of some Catalan separatists. They (the CNI) admit to the spying, but say that it was carried out against far fewer people than those cited by Citizen Lab, Rufian said. As for the rest of the over 60 politicians, lawyers and activists cited as hacking targets by Citizen Lab, Rufian said the CNI director point(ed) to two possibilities: One, that it was a foreign country; or two, state agencies that are spying beyond their legal limits. The highly anticipated meeting took place at Spain's Parliament building in Madrid. The Catalan separatists, who want to carve out a new state in northeastern Spain around Barcelona, had directly accused the CNI of being behind the hacks that came to light two weeks ago when the Citizen Lab report was released. Spains government has repeatedly said the CNI cannot tap phones without prior judicial authorization. At the same time, the government said the secrecy law shielding all CNI activities prevents the agency from confirming whether it possesses Pegasus, the spyware sold by Israeli company NSO Group. While representatives from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs Socialist party and the opposition Popular Party emerged from Thursday's meeting saying they were satisfied by Estebans explanations, Rufian was not alone in demanding further action. We insist that the information that we received today be declassified for the public to know, since it affects fundamental rights, said Albert Botran, who is among the politicians that Citizen Lab said was spied upon. The Spanish government has promised that both CNI and the nations ombudsman will investigate the Citizen Lab report. Amnesty International, which has denounced the use of the Pegasus spyware in several countries, on Thursday demanded more transparency from Spain. This committee, characterized for its secrecy and obscurantism, cannot be considered the appropriate venue to investigate the alleged violence of human rights, said Esteban Beltran, Amnestys director in Spain. In addition to the Catalan hacking case, Spains intelligence agency is facing an uncomfortable spotlight due to another case of Pegasus hacking. Earlier this week, Spain announced that the cellphones of both Sanchez, the prime minister, and Defense Minister Margarita Robles were infected last year with Pegasus spyware. Although Spain has refused to point a finger at Morocco, the dates the phones of Sanchez and Robles were hacked last year match up with a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Amid the back-to-back scandals, plans for a public ceremony to observe CNIs 20th anniversary were postponed. Robles has encouraged the Catalans to take their hacking case to court, just like the Spanish government has, to determine who is responsible. Only the judiciary can determine who is responsible, Robles said Thursday. We can only take our cases to court, and in the meantime refrain from accusations. Robles has appeared to justify the crackdown on the Catalan separatists for their role in Catalonia's illegal secession bid in 2017 and the mostly peaceful pro-secession street protests organized via a secretive social media platform. The events sometimes spiraled out of control and led to clashes with police, the blocking of roads and train lines, and the closure of Barcelonas airport in 2019. The CNI, which oversees Spains cybersecurity, only discovered that Sanchezs and Robles phones had been hacked after the devices underwent deep scans following the revelations of the breaches into the phones of the Catalans. Previous checks found no evidence of the hacks in May and June 2021, the government has been forced to admit. The hacking scandals, coming in quick succession, have left many Spaniards wondering how widespread the spying is, and which actor, or actors, are behind it. Some Catalan separatists accuse Spain of using the revelation of the hacking of top officials to detract attention from their cases. Being a victim does not preclude you from being a perpetrator when it comes to Pegasus, John-Scott Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab, told The AP on Thursday. NSOs objective is to proliferate this spyware, not to protect the security of countries. This will not be solved quietly. This will not be solved with partial truths, Railton said. There has been some partial confirmation here, and the only road forward here is more transparency. The European Parliament opened an investigation into Pegasus use in the European Union, initially intended to focus on Hungary and Poland. The list of Catalans allegedly hacked also includes European Parliament members. Digital break-ins of phones with Pegasus have been reported and denounced in several countries. French President Emmanuel Macron was included on a list of heads of state that Amnesty International suspected were targeted last year. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate GRANITE CITY Replacement of the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge could start before the end of the year. The project is expected to take several years to complete, according to Illinois Department of Transportation officials at a public meeting on the project Wednesday at Southwestern Illinois Colleges Granite City Campus. Contracts for the $360 million project are expected to be let this summer and construction could begin as soon as this fall, according to Tiffany Brase, studies and plans engineer for IDOT District 8. Its been a long time coming, she said. Im excited. When completed there will be two separate bridges for each direction of traffic, with two lanes expandable to three and 10-foot shoulders. IDOT is in charge of the bridge project and the Illinois approaches, which will cost about $330 million. A companion project, a new interchange at I-270 and Riverview Drive in Missouri, is the responsibility of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Bids for that project will be let at the same time with both going to a single contractor. The estimated cost of the Missouri project is about $25 million. The existing four-lane bridge built in 1966 is near the end of its planned life. Its traffic count has risen dramatically, from about 19,000 vehicles per day in 1975 to about 51,000 vehicles per day currently. We have some construction going on right now on the river bridge, Brase said. Traffic gets backed up. It's hard to maneuver around a disabled vehicle or construction equipment when theyre out there. She said the addition of a third lane in either direction, and the wider shoulders, will be a major improvement for the span. The bridge replacement is part of a larger set of projects along the I-270 corridor from Illinois 111 in Illinois to Lindbergh Avenue in Missouri. The total 1-270 corridor project, estimated at about $1.2 billion, includes expanding lanes, improvements to approaches and other work on both sides of the river, including major changes to the interchange at Illinois 111. View the I-270 project For a video on the I-270 bridge project, visit thetelegraph.com. See More Collapse It is also one of the major priorities of local transportation and freight industry officials. Were seeing a lot of extra freight traffic in the area, Brase said. I-270 services the warehouses in the Metro East, and commuters are going back to work. The new bridge will have two separate structures. The east-bound lanes will be just south of the existing bridge, with the west-bound lanes replacing the current structure. Construction of the southern bridge will begin first. It is expected to take 12-18 months, but depending on river conditions, could take as long as two years, Brase said. When the new bridge and pavement is completed, all the traffic will be moved to the new bridge, the old bridge demolished, and that pavement and new bridge will all be replaced, she said, adding both structures will take approximately the same amount of time. For decades IDOT officials have wanted to expand or replace the I-270 bridge. We looked at it once in the 1990s, Brase said. At the time the decision was mutually made between IDOT and MoDOT to do the downtown river bridge instead. There was a lot of pressure and congestion. When it was built, we moved on up to this one. Wednesdays meeting was the last public meeting on the bridge, and IDOT officials said there was a larger than usual number of people. Calvin and Ginny Jarrell, of Edwardsville, were among them. Calvin Jarrell said they just wanted to see whats happening with the project. We go to St. Louis a lot, and we mostly go over that bridge, he said. Wed like to see a new bridge because the old one is outdated, Ginny Jarrell said. Were excited to see a new bridge coming. Weve been saying that for years, When are they going to rebuild a new bridge? Also attending was Charles McConnell of Granite City. I have been interested in this since it started in 2015, he said. I was very glad to see what was going on. I think its terrific for the whole area. However, he was surprised IDOT and MoDOT would spend money on I-270 so quickly after the opening of the Stan Musial Bridge. Both are very much needed, but Im surprised so much money has been invested. Written comments on the project can be made through May 14. Comments also can be submitted online, and further information is available, via the project websites www.idot.illinois.gov/projects/i-270-over-the-mississippi-river and https://www.modot.org/i270-and-riverview-drive-interchange-project. JERSEYVILLE People looking for a new job or training, as well as business owners seeking new workers, will benefit from a relocated Jersey/Calhoun Employment and Training facility. An open house and ribbon-cutting were held Tuesday at 120 W. Pearl St. in Jerseyville. The office provides workforce assistance ranging from job listings to funds for training. Were very excited about this location, and look forward to look forward to serving both job seekers and businesses in Jersey and Calhoun County, Tony Fuhrmann, director of Madison County Employment and Training, which operates programs for LWIA 22, the state economic development region that includes Bond, Madison, and since July 2019, Jersey and Calhoun counties. It is very close to the center of town, a part of the city center redevelopment thats going on in Jerseyville," he said. "Its much easier for people to get to, a nice storefront. The office moved in November from its previous location in the Jersey County Courthouse. Its exciting for our community to have this resource right in downtown Jerseyville, said Jerseyville Mayor Bill Russell, one of the local officials participating in Tuesday's event. State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, D-Jacksonville, said the change is exciting. Its exciting for them to have this facility and be able to bring people in, he said. Its great to provide options for individuals. We want people to be out there working hard to make better lives for themselves. This is a good site for us, said Carolyn Taviner, career services coordinator for the site. She said it has sometimes been slow, but other employment training centers have experienced similar situations as the economy transitions out of the COVID pandemic. People are coming in, not as many as we normally have, she said. But we have all free services. People can utilize the job center to job search, to do cold calling, to do a resume. Well help them (prepare resumes) if they are not able to. In July 2019 Jersey and Calhoun counties joined Madison and Bond counties in LWIA 22, leaving the region with offices based out of Carlinville. Fuhrmann has called it a win-win for all the counties involved. The change stemmed from a 2016 audit by the economic development agencies that showed Jersey and Calhoun counties needed to join the southern group. The switch was originally expected to take place several years later, but was fast-tracked. Jersey County Board Chairman Don Little said it was a good move for the two counties. She didnt get much support, Little said, referring to Taviner under the previous alignment. I used to serve on that board. We had the opportunity to go to the office based out of Wood River. He said Madison County Employment and Training is head and shoulders above what they had before, adding the office is undergoing needed reforms. They get out, they make contacts, they are constantly marketing the services of their particular agencies, he said of MCET. Thats what you have to do. He said he believes the current job market is strong with many small business owners having difficulties finding employees. Its not that people dont want to work, but they have the exceptional ability right now to pick and choose where they want to work, he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERSEYVILLE An Italian film festival recently recognized screenwriter and filmmaker Kevin Edwards' work while already his company is working on a new film set in the 1980s. The Jerseyville native's short film, "Schmetterling," won "Best Thriller" at the Italian film festival Hollywood On the Tiber Film Awards and lead actor Ashley Pryor won "Best Actress" in the L.A.-based 13Horror.com Film and Screenplay Contest. Always Late TV shot some of "Bonnie Conway, P.I.," the new upcoming short, in Pensacola Beach, Florida, and some at Jacoby Arts Center, in Alton, where one of the actors, Ben Vogt works. Edwards also cast his father, Roy Edwards, of East Alton, in the new short. "'Schmetterling' is the German word for 'butterfly,'" explained the 2000 Jersey Community High School graduate, who lived most of his adult life in Grafton; he moved to St. Louis in 2016. "I chose that word as the title of the film and name of its primary character." "Schmetterling is a drug addict running from a killer after she witnesses a murder. Her character is a 'butterfly' in the sense that she has been locked in her cocoon and has hope that she will break out of it and make it out alive." Edwards' company submitted "Schmetterling" to several unrelated online festivals. "Each festival had a different jury made up of industry professionals who reviewed the film, but we went into the Hollywood On the Tiber Film Awards in Rome, Italy, cold as ice," Edwards said. "They had no prior knowledge of the film, but loved it anyway!" The idea for "Schmetterling" came from a loose idea Edwards had a year ago last spring. "An actor, model and friend of mine, Mackenzie Naylor, had passed away in 2018," he recalled. "During her life, she struggled with drug addiction and there were people who knew her who wrote her off because of that. Thinking about her experience made me realize how invisible drug addicts are in our society. "They are our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, family members and friends, but theyre also fighting something most of us cant comprehend," he said. "We only look at the damage they do to themselves and us. "It also got me thinking of how drug addicts are portrayed in film," he explained. "They are typically cautionary tales meant to scare people 'straight' or theyre used as fodder. I wanted to create a film where the main character was a drug addict, but you wanted to cheer for her. You wanted her to survive the film." "Bonnie Conway, P.I.," set in the '80s, is the name of the next short film in production by Edwards' media company, Always Late TV. "I love the '80s!" exclaimed Edwards, who cast his father Roy Edwards as Attorney General Harris in "Bonnie Conway, P.I." "I was born in 1982 and lived through eight years of the decade. You might say I'm still living there. "I wanted to create something light hearted after shooting such a dark movie with 'Schmetterling,'" he said. "I really love the '80s' art style, fashion and vibe. It's a lot of fun and still holds up to this day. "Bonnie Conway, P.I." will be released to the public once it is finished with its festival circuit; "Schmetterling" is finishing up its circuit run and should be available online by this summer, Edwards noted, at www.alwayslatetv.com. His company produced 10 seasons of his successful modeling contest reality/drama streaming series, "Local Ambition," before Edwards shifted to filmmaking. "It was time," Edwards said about focusing on filmmaking. "I had put so much of myself into 'Local Ambition' and felt like that story was over. "After shooting 10 seasons and spending nine years of your life on something, it's time to move on," he said. "Filmmaking has been a breath of fresh air and I enjoy it very much. I'm getting to tell different stories with different films." Visit www.alwayslatetv.com for more information. Sridhar Kumar ALTON A new strategic affiliation has been announced between OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center and SLUCare Physician Group, in partnership with SSM Health. The affiliation will bring medical and surgical specialties closer to home with the addition of Dr. Sridhar Kumar, a SLUCare cardiologist at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital who is now chief of Cardiology Services at OSF Saint Anthonys. The collaboration is designed to provide OSF Saint Anthonys patients who require a higher level of care access to SLUCare and SSM Health experts and state of the art facilities with the latest technologies and procedures offered in the St. Louis region. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WARSAW, Poland (AP) War-ravaged Ukraine received pledges for $6.5 billion more in humanitarian aid Thursday at an international donor's conference in Warsaw that sought to get Ukrainians urgent help while still planning for the country's post-war reconstruction. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a co-host of the conference, announced that $6.5 billion was raised in donations, eliciting applause from leaders and other officials attending the one-day meeting, including representatives from the United Nations and companies such as Google. The pledges came from countries and businesses, many of whom attended the conference at Warsaw's National Stadium in person and others who made their pledges remotely. His co-host, Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, said the sum exceeded their expectations. Much of the world has responded to the war in Ukraine with an outpouring of humanitarian support. But as the war drags on, the humanitarian needs in Ukraine have grown even more acute. In addition to thousands of killed in the war millions of people have been displaced. Morawiecki said Ukraine needs over 12,000 tons of humanitarian aid every day, but that only 3,000 tons are getting through. He said the conference shows that the world is not indifferent to Russia's genocidal war. Andersson said the aim was to help Ukraine both now and later. Ukraine will win this war and we will stand by your side, she said. European Council President Charles Michel said he hoped the conference could be a starting point for a Marshall Plan for Ukraine, referring to a U.S.-sponsored plan that helped revive European economies after World War II. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressing the conference by video, echoed Michel in saying that funds for Ukraine mirror the Marshall Plan and repeated the hope that Ukraine could join the EU. He said funding that Ukraine is receiving would be an investment in security for the entire region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said hundreds of billions of euros and reforms are needed to build Ukraine anew and pave its way into the EU. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who attended in person, said he was grateful for the crucial help that's coming at a time when the fate of our state is being decided. He described his government's post-war plans to build back better with technologically modern urban areas and energy efficient buildings. "The new Ukraine will be an example for the world," said Shmyhal. Google and COVID-19 vaccine maker AstraZeneca joined the nations in pledging aid. ___ Follow all AP stories on the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. EDWARDSVILLE State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, will host an Advisory Committee Meeting on the topic of higher education at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at B. Barnard Birger Hall at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, 30 N. Circle Drive. This meeting is an opportunity for those members of the community to meet and discuss issues related to higher education in Illinois, said Stuart. It is also an opportunity for those attending to learn more about the exciting progress which has resulted, in part, from my work during the recently concluded legislative session to improve higher education, as well as access to higher education, in Illinois both as a member of the House and as Chair of the House Higher Education Committee. " " The good news is most car companies will rent to people under 25. The bad news is that they'll charge them a large "young driver" surcharge. FatCamera/Getty Images At 18, you can be called for jury duty, sign up for the military draft (if you're a guy) and get married without parental consent. But one thing you may not be able to do is rent a car. This is because many companies won't rent a car to anyone under the age of 21, and those that do will often charge a hefty additional fee for the "privilege." A few companies take it even further and refuse to rent to anyone under age 25! Is this unfair? Maybe, but it's not without reason. "The minimum age is based on decades of safety and accident studies from the insurance industry that come to the undeniable conclusion that drivers under the age of 25 have more frequent and more serious accidents," says Greg Scott with the American Car Rental Association, in an email interview. Advertisement Indeed, the younger population is sadly dominant when it comes to automobile accidents. According to the National Safety Council, teens aged 16 to 19 are drivers in 6 percent of fatal accidents and 8.9 percent of all crashes, despite the fact that the same age group makes up a measly 3.5 percent of total drivers. The accident rate stays about the same until drivers hit the age of 24 when it starts to decrease. Sean Pour, co-founder of SellMax, a nationwide car buying service, further illustrates this reality. For the month of March 2022, he found that 63 percent of the 2,348 damaged cars his company had purchased were bought from drivers under age 25. "It seems harsh to bunch all youths into one category, but they [the rental car companies] care specifically about the numbers," he says. This doesn't mean that you can't rent a car as a young driver; it just means that you'll pay more to do so. The price hike is obviously attached to the increased risk of renting a car to someone under 25. Companies charge so-called youth premiums (or "under 25 fees") to only the affected renters, so that other drivers don't have to foot the bill with higher prices across the board. The "young driver surcharge" ranges from $14.99 to $35 per day, says Jessica Claros, a licensed insurance producer with Dominguez Insurance Agency. This is on top of the daily rental car charge. However, "18-year-olds should expect to pay an even higher daily surcharge, on average," she emails. Best Car Rental Options for Those Aged 18-25 The first thing to know is that state law in New York and Michigan requires companies to rent a car to anyone 18 or older (with a valid license), although they can tack on a young driver surcharge. These surcharges run around $40 per day in Michigan and $57 per day for New York. If you're in one of the other 48 states, all hope is not lost. "Some car rental companies do rent to individuals 18 or older, and some actually specialize in serving this market," says Scott. A few examples are Dollar Car Rental, which rents to those 20 and up, and Fox Rent a Car, which accepts 18-year-olds if they're active duty military on travel orders, and any licensed driver over the age of 19. In fact, members of the military should inquire with any rental car company about that little loophole. (For instance, Budget will also rent to 18-year-olds, both military and civilian, and waive the under 25 fees, provided they have government travel or purchase orders.) Many companies will rent to 18-year-olds if the rental is an "insurance replacement" while the renter's car is in the shop. Certain rental car companies (like Hertz) will waive young renter fees for AAA members, says Melanie Musson, a car insurance expert with CarInsuranceComparison.com. "So, if you're thinking about renting a car for more than a couple of days, it would be worth joining AAA to eliminate the young renter fees," she suggests. Hertz will also waive the additional driver fees for AAA members. And you'll get roadside assistance and other benefits included with your membership. Policy-holders with USAA Insurance can also avoid young driver and additional driver fees at Avis, Budget, Hertz and Enterprise. USAA policyholders can get discounts on car rental rates as well. "Active, retired and honorably separated officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. military are eligible for USAA membership," says Claros. Peer to peer apps like Turo are another good option for young drivers, suggests Patrick McCann, editor-in-chief of the site We Try Tires. "This is because the age limit is set by the car's owner. This will likely allow for a larger choice of cars if you are struggling to find a car rental company that will accept under 25-year-olds." Often, such apps require proof of personal insurance as well as a hefty deposit, so take that into account. Another option might be Zipcar, which has a special membership program for college students, who might need a car for just a few hours or a few days. For renters 18-20, the young driver fee is $1.25 per hour or $15 per day (except in New York City where the fee is $3.75 per hour or $62.50 per day). For renters 21-24, the young driver fee is $0.88 per hour or $12.50 per day ($2.50 per hour or $31.25 per day for members renting in New York City). At any rental car location or app, young drivers are wise to keep their expectations in check. That Tesla is going to be more difficult and expensive to snag than say, a more reasonably priced compact car. In fact, most car rental companies restrict what types of vehicles they rent to customers under 25. Now That's Helpful No one's getting a hot deal on a rental car in Iceland! The Nordic country's average rental car rate per week is a whopping $1,383! New Zealand, Argentina, Jamaica and Israel round out the top five, taking into account car rental and fuel charges, according to Auto Rental News. The United States is much cheaper by comparison, at "only" $604.59 per week on average. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Telecommunications industry groups on Wednesday ended their bid to block California's net neutrality law that prevents broadband providers from throttling service. In a federal court filing in Sacramento, the groups and California Attorney General Rob Bonta jointly agreed to dismiss the case. The move followed a January decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing enforcement of the 2018 law, which bans internet providers from slowing down or blocking access to websites and applications that dont pay for premium service. The case is finally over," Bonta said in a statement. With this victory, weve secured a free and open internet for Californias 40 million residents once and for all. Messages seeking comment from an attorney representing the groups weren't immediately returned. The law was signed by former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown after regulators during the Trump administration killed federal net neutrality rules designed to prevent AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and other major internet providers from exploiting their dominance to favor certain services or apps over others. In response, seven states and Puerto Rico enacted their own net neutrality policies. The most expansive effort was in California, which started enforcing the law last year, with potentially significant consequences for the rest of the U.S. In addition to barring internet providers from throttling service or charging companies like Netflix for a faster route to customers, the California law banned some forms of zero rating a term for when a cable or phone company exempts a service from data caps. Net-neutrality advocates say such programs undermine competition by potentially tilting users to the sponsored app and away from rivals. Big telecom companies fought the measure fiercely in court. They argued that the regulations can undermine investment in broadband and introduce uncertainty about what were acceptable business practices. The Trump administration sued to block Californias 2018 law, preventing it from taking effect for years, but the Biden administration dropped that lawsuit. The days of having a college diploma guarantee a good job have long been over. More and more, college graduates are not only seeing employers shrug their shoulders at diplomas, but also the job opportunities that are available to them often dont pay enough to cover their student loan debt. President Joe Biden, well aware of the college debt burden to graduates, promised in his presidential campaign to forgive $10,000 of student loan debt per borrower. But, as of this writing, that has not happened. While there currently is a pause on federal student loan repayments, that ends Aug. 31. It is not known if Biden will be able to fulfill his hopeful campaign promise. His administration is continuing to pursue it, taking a piecemeal approach while it explores its legal authority to pursue wider loan forgiveness programs without congressional support. However, more and more it is looking like the best way to avoid student loan debt is to not take one out in the first place. For many, this would mean not attending college, a thought that for a long time was blasphemous for many. For years, graduating college was considered the best, most respectable route to a good career. However, the burden of student loan debt is something that should be considered by every potential college student, along with the realization that many of the most secure, best-paying jobs are available for applicants who went to trade or vocational school instead of college graduates. Additionally, along with good jobs with good benefits, often including a pension, which is a foreign concept to many college graduates, the jobs that require trade or vocational school are good for the country. One of the things highlighted by the current state of world affairs is Americas reliance on others for things that we used to take care of on our own, such as manufacturing and infrastructure. These sectors, along with transportation, are expected to grow in coming years, and many of those jobs do not require a college degree. Instead, they require trade or vocational school. The problem for too long has been the stigma about choosing trade school over college. For decades, a four-year college degree has been looked at as the true path to success, but we are now seeing that college is not the best or most practical option for many. I am not saying college is only for those who can afford it anyone who wishes to go to college should. I am simply saying that trade and vocational schools should be viewed as respectable alternatives that should be considered by more than just those who do not want to be saddled with hefty college loan payments. Trade school programs usually offer certifications that take two years or less to complete at a fraction of the cost of a traditional college. The Simple Dollar reported that the average trade school costs $33,000, compared with $127,000 for the typical bachelors degree. Additionally, if one tries trade school and then wants to attend college, academic credits from an accredited trade school often transfer, allowing that student to bypass some college classes and thus reducing the cost. Trade schools typically offer classes in things such as carpentry, masonry, electrical work and construction management, as well as cosmetology, heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and computer-aided drafting and manufacturing. Vocational schools often offer niche training in things such as emergency services, culinary arts and medical or dental fields. All of these jobs are respectable and secure, and many pay more than a job one would get after college. Not all trade schools are the same. Some have seemingly preyed on trade school candidates, including veterans, single parents and other working adults. I would advise being very wary of for-profit schools. One such school, The Future Tech Career Institute in Chicago, is accused of scamming more than 300 military veterans and has been targeted by legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Of course, not every for-profit trade school is bad, but potential students should research the schools before enrolling and try to find better options if possible. High school students seem to be realizing the value of trade schools, as evidenced by the increased enrollment at trade schools over the last few years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. It is now time for high schools to present trade schools as a respectable option. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRUSSELS A standing ovation greeted Wednesday's announcement that Maureen Tepen has been named the 2022 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award winner for the Diocese of Springfield. God is so good; God is so good, Tepen said while fighting back tears. "I decided to be a teacher when I was in first grade, and I had this little seed in my heart that I wanted to teach kids, and to have a spot they knew they could come to be encouraged and grow. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki came to St. Mary Catholic School in Brussels to present Tepen with her award, and every student hugged her after the announcement. Tepen is the third/fourth grade teacher and fifth/sixth grade language arts teacher at the small school in Calhoun County. The genuine love Mrs. Tepen has for being a teacher shines through in the heart-felt projects she incorporates into her lessons, like the Christmas angels, self-portraits, and Mothers Day yarn flowers, said Becky Lorts, principal at St. Mary. She infuses faith-filled activities throughout all subjects she teaches," Lorts said. "Her classroom is warm and nurturing. She inspires others to grow in their faith and spirituality." Lorts said Tepen was a role model to others, "not only in words but actions." "She is a witness through her faithful participation in the sacraments," Lorts said. "As her administrator, I look to her when I need guidance and even reassurance if Im having a difficult day, because she is the epitome of kindness. "St. Mary School is very blessed to have her as a veteran teacher, and I am so blessed to call her my friend. Tepen has taught for 27 years in Catholic education: 21 years at St. Mary in Brussels, five at St. Francis Xavier in Jerseyville and one at St. John in Carrollton. She belongs to St. Joseph Church in Meppen, part of Blessed Trinity Parish. "I just love every single one of you students," she told the kids at St. Mary's on Wednesday . "You have done so much for me. You helped me to grow, and every day I get to see growth in you. "You say that I help you become the best version of yourself," she said. "But its you guys that help me be the best version of myself. God has given each of you so many talents. I want you to find that talent and live it in your life. Keep God first and foremost in your heart and mind. Each year the diocese presents the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award to an outstanding Catholic teacher who "authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic" and instills the Catholic faith into her students while embodying St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded Catholic schools in the United States. There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese: 36 elementary and seven high schools. This year the diocese's Office for Catholic Schools and Office for Communications received 72 nominations for the award, a record number. A team of former diocese educators reviewed all of the nominations, narrowing the field to five finalists before selecting Tepen for the honor. Her knowledge of the Bible and the Catholic faith is infinite, said Rachel Wilschetz-Hartman, a colleague of Tepen. Her dedication to God and her faith is exemplary. She volunteers for all the extra activities, is in charge of our missions collections, and she handmakes collection boxes and successfully encourages students to donate money for the less fortunate. I am appreciative of her patience, uplifting advice, and support throughout the years. She has influenced me to examine my relationship with God and deepen my faith. Riley Pohlman, one of Tepen's current students, described her as a loving person who helped her deal with frustration. "She spent a long time helping me, and I finally got it," Pohlman said. "She was so patient and calm the whole time. I was happy that she took time to help me." Dayton Brundies, one of her former students, said Tepen treats everyone like her own family and was someone people could turn to if they have a bad day. She is very selfless and loves donating to the less fortunate," Brundies said. "Mrs. Tepen is truly a saint and is dedicated to her religion. She has inspired me to take my religion more seriously. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 John Badman Show More Show Less 2 of 3 John Badman Show More Show Less 3 of 3 ALTON Authorities are advising people to avoid a partial building collapse in the 500 block of William Street in Alton. No injuries were reported in the collapse of the wall at the two-story brick building on Saturday. The lower level of the structure was not damaged. Disneyland tickets dont exactly come cheap, but everyones favorite one-stop-shop Target is about to make things a lot easier and less pricey for park goers who also carry Targets RedCard in their wallets. When you use your RedCard, the retailer discounts prices to singles, couples, and families who want to experience the magic of Disney for themselves, whether theyre introducing kids to the park or are planning a couples vacation to have a drink and ride roller coasters. For example, on Disneylands website, a two-day park pass for ages 10 and up that grants access to one park a day goes for $255. If you want to go to both Disneyland and Disneyland California Adventure Park in the same day, youll have to fork over another $60 per ticket. Disneyland tickets Disney Target Shop Now Enter Target, the retail store where you go in well, log on, in this case for a toothbrush and now head out with a cartful of Disneyland tickets. Head to the speciality gift cards section of the website, and youll now find a flurry of park tickets coming in at a discount. A ton of pass types are available for both the 10-and-up age group as well as for littler ones, from three-day, one-park-per-day passes to two-day, park-hopper tickets. Here, instead of paying $255 for a two-day, one-park-per-day pass for ages 10 and up on Disney, you can get the same ticket from Target and save 5 percent using your RedCard, meaning that same ticket drops to $242.25 a savings of $12.75. Or, for example, the 2-Day Park Hopper ticket with Genie+ service normally runs $355, and with RedCard, you'll pay $337.25, a savings of $17.75 per ticket. Five percent savings might seem like a drop in the bucket, but any little discount goes a long way and that $12.75 or $17.75 savings will come in handy if youre hungry or thirsty after wandering around for an afternoon (that'll get you 2-3 Dole Whips, for example). Plus, if youre multiplying times four or five people plus adding the cost of a hotel near the resort, then that adds up in a big way. Keep in mind this is online only, so dont head to the stores you can get your whole trip going at Target.com. Get the RedCard over at Target.com (itll save you 5 percent on all Target purchases, which is a great cashback rate) and get your tickets at the same time so youre all set for magical fun this summer. Espresso, contrary to what the name may make you think, isnt always fast and easy to make. The difficulties only compound if youre constantly on the move (in which case you likely need an espresso) and dont have time to make your own at home in the morning. Wacaco, a company founded in 2013, offers a solution to these issues. The Nanopresso, which is a fully handled and portable espresso machine, allows you to get your coffee fix almost anywhere. However, theres more than a few coffee machine companies claiming to be the best, so I put the Wacaco Nanopresso to the test to make sure it has the chops youre looking for in a coffee machine. What is the Wacaco Nanopresso? With the dimensions of a small thermos, the Nanopresso truly is nano, especially in comparison to the full-size machines it competes with. The Nanopresso is a manual machine that relies on hand-pumping to create the pressure necessary to make espresso, although its not as challenging as pulling an espresso from a traditional manual machine. The Nanopresso carries all of its subcomponents neatly inside of itself, almost like a Russian nesting doll, so you can take everything you need, from an espresso cup to a tamper, in a single, compact package. Once youve loaded up your coffee and boiling water, youre less than 20 hand-pumps away from fresh, crema-topped espresso. WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker WACACO amazon.com $69.90 Shop Now How much does the Wacaco Nanopresso cost? The Nanopresso costs $69.90 and comes with everything you need to get started using it. However, there are a number of useful accessories you may want to consider, such as the $33 Nanopresso Barista Kit, which doubles the amount of espresso you can make on a single fill, or the $22 coffee pod adapter. If you plan on taking your Nanopresso on an outdoor adventure, youre going to want to consider investing in a case, which costs $20. All in all, expect to spend at least $100 if you want to maximize your Nanopresso with upgrades. How well does the Wacaco Nanopresso work? I put the Nanopresso to the test in my kitchen as well as when I was out and about New York, and I was thoroughly impressed with the results. I was skeptical that the simple hand pump would create enough pressure to deliver a solid shot with a hefty dose of crema, but was pleasantly surprised to find that my first pull was just as tasty and creamy as the shots I buy at my local shop. I was also impressed by how well the onboard water tank kept the water hot; during one test I filled up my Nanopresso 30 minutes before actually pulling the shot, and although my cup wasnt piping hot, it certainly was hotter than lukewarm when I drank it. Although the espresso comes out of the machine in spurts, all the shots I pulled had a rich golden-brown color, a hallmark of good espresso, and were topped with a layer of crema. However, the crema I pulled wasnt quite as thick as what I get from a traditional machine because the splashes created by the spurts disrupt the topper. Pros and cons of the Wacaco Nanopresso Pros The Nanopresso punches well above its weight class in terms of build quality and espresso taste. Although this machine places a high priority on portability and convenience, it doesnt sacrifice taste or durability. In fact, the Nanopresso is durable and portable enough to be taken into the backcountry or on camping trips, allowing you to get barista-quality espresso when you're miles away from the nearest coffee shop. The Nanopresso is easy to use and doesnt have the same learning curve that traditional manual machines do. My first shot was just as enjoyable as the one Im drinking while I write this, and I didnt run into any issues setting it up. Also, the pump is easy to press and doesnt require any finesse, which means that you can pump out espresso without having to worry about over or under extracting. With the ability to accept both ground coffee and Nespresso pods, the Nanopresso is quite versatile. The Nanopresso offers excellent bang for your buck considering how easy it is to use, how portable it is, and how good the espresso tastes. Cons The aspect of the Nanopresso that limits its portability is the fact that it requires boiling water. Although this is true of all espresso machines, it means that the Nanopresso isnt truly powerless. Whether you choose to boil your water from the comfort of your kitchen before heading out for the day or around a campsite fire, you will need energy to boil the water that you will use to make your espresso. The Nanopresso can only make one shot at a time, unless you purchase the Barista Kit. If you do decide to purchase the Barista Kit, you should consider that its larger than the Nanopresso and will reduce its portability by increasing its footprint. While the Nanopresso has an incredible design that allows it to neatly house all of the parts needed to use it, the sheer number of little items makes them easy to misplace. While not all parts are absolutely essential, such as the cleaning brush, losing track of the coffee scoop, which doubles as the tamper, will reduce the quality of your shot. Bottom Line The Nanopresso is a great all-around portable espresso machine that can add convenience and great tasting espresso to a busy schedule. Because it requires boiling water from an external source, the Nanopresso is most ideal for people who start their mornings at home, but dont have time to make their coffee at home and also dont want to shell out cash everyday for a shot from a shop. If you bring a camping stove or the equipment needed to boil water on your camping trips, the Nanopresso can add a bit of sophistication to your campsite cookout. However, the Nanopresso may not be a great solution for someone who wants to pre-fill their espresso for later in the day, because if you dont have access to boiling water, and if you choose to prefill the tank with boiling water you have a limited amount of time (less than one hour) to pull a hot shot. Beijing (Gasgoo)- BAIC Groups premium electric vehicle brand ARCFOX postponed the effective date of the previously announced price rise from May 1st to May 16th. S HI; photo credit: ARCFOX Starting May 16th, the T and S will see a price hike of RMB5,400 ($817) on several existing trims. Specifically, the adjusted price of the T 653S+ trim and the T H trim will be RMB282,300 ($42,700) and RMB325,300 ($49,204), respectively. Meanwhile, the price of the S 708S+ trim will increase to RMB287,300 ($43,457), and the S 603H trim will be priced at RMB350,300 ($52,986). Originally, ARCFOX announced on April 6th that it had scheduled a price increase on May 1st over some of its models on the market without disclosing specific plans. The company said it would release more information about the price rise before April 30th. Notably, among the slew of new energy vehicle makers that raised their product prices in China, a few left a grace period for customers to purchase as soon as they could, but ARCFOX is the only one to postpone its effective date. In addition, the HUAWEI Inside technology-powered S HI model will officially hit the market on May 7th. 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 Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Two of Britain's biggest banks were targeted by climate change protests yesterday as activists glued themselves to chairs and heckled board members. At Barclays and Standard Chartered's annual general meetings protesters lambasted their failure to stop financing fossil fuels. At the Barclays meeting in Manchester, three people superglued their hands to chairs while 21 more interrupted chairman Nigel Higgins for more than an hour, saying it was 'morally bankrupt'. Outrage: At Barclays and Standard Chartered's annual general meetings protesters lambasted their failure to stop financing fossil fuels It was accused of 'greenwashing', a term for policies appearing to show action is being taken on climate change but which have no substance. At Standard Chartered's meeting in London, protesters wore masks featuring the face of chief executive Bill Winters sporting devil horns. Extinction Rebellion and sister movement Money Rebellion claimed responsibility for the protests, which managed to go ahead despite strict security checks. Other shareholders not associated with the campaign groups also piled in. One asked whether Barclays would stop serving companies involved in the extraction of oil and gas. Higgins said: 'No, not at the moment. We have to balance energy security, energy poverty and the climate.' Campaigners claim Barclays is the 'worst bank in Europe' for funding fossil fuels, having ploughed 15.7billion into the industry in 2021. Standard Chartered financed the industry to the tune of 4.8billion last year. Shell has hiked its dividend and is gearing up for the second tranche of its share buyback programme as it unveiled record profits. Like BP earlier this week, the group has benefited from rising oil and gas prices, and has fuelled further calls for a windfall tax on oil giants to help struggling families facing massive energy bill hikes. Shell made a record $9.1billion profit in the first quarter, almost three times the $3.2million reported a year earlier. Shell shares rose 3 per cent today and are up 35 per cent since the start of the year, while BP shares have climbed 21 per cent. Bumper profits: Like BP, Shell's results are set to foster calls for a windfall tax on oil giants Shell also took a hit from its Russian exit, albeit a much smaller $3.9billion charge than BP, which incurred a $25billion writedown from cutting ties with Russian state-owned Rosfnet. In light of the bumper results, Shell rewarded investors with a dividend of 25 cents - which is 4 per cent higher than in the previous quarter - and said it would now start buying back an extra $4.5billion of its own shares. It returned some $5.4billion to shareholders in the quarter through dividend payments and share buybacks. And it expects shareholder payouts to exceed 30 per cent of cashflow in the second half of the year. Shell shares rose 3.3 per cent to 22.97 in early trading on Thursday, hitting their highest level since January 2020, before the pandemic hit demand for energy. Last month, Shell announced it would invest some 25billion in the UK's transition to renewables, while BP committed 18billion earlier this week. In the first quarter, cash capital expenditure on renewables and energy solutions was just $985million of the total $5billion capex. It bought solar and energy storage developer Savion in the US at the end of last year, and won bids with Scottish Power to develop 5GW of floating wind power in the UK in January this year. Shell's renewables and energy solutions division made adjusted profit of $344million in the quarter, an improvement compared to $43mililion in the previous three months. That is dwarfed by its fossil fuel divisions, though, with oil production generating $3.5billion of adjusted profit and gas making $4.1billion in the quarter. Freetrade analyst Dan Lane said Shell, like BP, has fallen short from using more of the extra free cash to invest in renewables. 'Dividends are in full flow and, like BP earlier this week, so are the share buybacks,' he said. 'But, just like BP, the stream of renewables businesses Shell has been snapping up gets only a nod towards the bottom of the page. Its a growing area of the business but its still a minuscule part of Shells earnings. 'The war in Ukraine has clearly raised the need for pragmatism here though. 'Its not a simple case of swapping energy sources overnight and the transition away from fossil fuels is a much bigger task. But were it not for a Dutch court, Shell would have been even slower to enact change there. 'Once the dust settles though, investors might start to wonder why the firms climate-focused strategies are taking much longer to put into practice.' Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SEMCORP Manufacturing USA LLC, a subsidiary of Chinese paper packaging materials manufacturer SEMCORP, will set up a lithium battery separator manufacturing plant in Sideny, Ohio, United States, according to an announcement today released by Yunnan Energy New Materials Co., Ltd. (Yunnan Energy or the company), the parent of SEMCORP. Photo credit: SEMCORP According to the announcement, the project might involve an investment of around $916 million. Under the project, the facilities will be built to feature an annual production capacity of 1-1.2 billion square meters of lithium battery basement membranes, and the supporting coating equipment will be introduced as well. The company said this investment would help it satisfy the ever-growing demands for lithium separators in the U.S. market, lift operating income and profit, and increase returns to shareholders. Yunnan Energy added the local production and operation would be conducive to rapidly responding to the demands of the clients in the U.S., expanding its overseas footprints, and is of great importance to the company's globalization process. The company has already built a lithium battery separator manufacturing base in Hungary. Earlier this week, Yunnan Energy said its subsidiary, SEMCORP Hungary Korl atolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, had struck a deal with the France-based Automotive Cells Company, which agreed to purchase 655 million euros worth of lithium battery separators from the former. Defence company BAE Systems has said it expects to benefit from increased spending on defence across Europe and other markets. 'We see opportunities to further enhance the medium-term outlook as our customers address the elevated threat environment,' boss Charles Woodburn said in the firm's first quarter trading update. BAE Systems shares have performed strongly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, reaching an all-time high of 782.4p on Wednesday. Boost: BAE Systems has said it expects to benefit from increased spending on defence across Europe Today, the group's share price fell around 0.47 per cent or 3.60p to 762.00p in early morning trading, but it has risen over 50 per cent in the past year. BAE Systems said it saw opportunities in the medium term from increased defence spending in Europe and other markets as it reported first-quarter trading in line with expectations, with good operational performance maintained. The defence company said orders to date had been positive, particularly on long-term programmes such as the F-35 Lightning combat aircraft, and it continued to expect a strong year of order intake. It said many countries had announced or were making plans to increase defence budgets to counter elevated threats on multiple fronts, noting for example the step up in German spending following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It said it was well placed through its position on Eurofighter Typhoon and shareholding in missiles company MBDA, and was pursuing 'a number of significant opportunities' in the region. 'We see other nations increasing or likely to increase their defence budgets to address the threat environment and for NATO countries to move to, and even beyond, their 2 per cent of GDP commitments,' it said. Annual share price: Over the past year BAE Systems has seen its share price rise over 55% It also said the spending outlook was positive in the United States, adding that there were further opportunities in Britain, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. BAE Systems said its latest annual guidance remained unchanged, despite ongoing pressures on its supply chains, delivery lead times and people resourcing. It said sales were projected to rise by between 2 to 4 per cent year-on-year, while underlying earnings were expected to rise by around 4 to 6 per cent on a year ago. The group added that its 2021 final dividend of 15.2p per share will be paid, subject to shareholder approval, on 1 June. Woodburn said: 'Trading in the first quarter has been in line with expectations with strong order intake and good operational performance being maintained. 'Looking forward, our diverse portfolio, together with our focus on programme execution, cash generation and efficiencies, are helping us to navigate the challenging operating environment in the near term, while positioning us well for sustained top line and margin growth in the coming years, alongside accelerating our ESG agenda. 'Additionally, we see opportunities to further enhance the medium- term outlook as our customers address the elevated threat environment.' Allegra Dawes, a senior analyst at Third Bridge, said: 'Looking forward, our experts question BAEs "old-school" corporate culture and whether it can be sufficiently agile in the rapidly changing defence industry, in particular, in new areas like cybersecurity. 'They expect to face fierce competition from internet giants like Google and Microsoft. Our experts highlighted the closure of BAE's R&D facility at the Sowerby Research Centre.' Natalie Rodriguez finds it hard to believe that she will be graduating from Coconino Community College on Friday. She hopes to one day use her studies in psychology and anthropology to help children in the community where she grew up. Im like, 'Whoa,' she said of being so close to graduation "...Nobody went to college in my family. Nobody even graduated high school. Her parents immigrated to Los Angeles from Honduras, where her mom completed a third-grade education and her dad finished his first year of high school. I truly do thank them for everything, she said. They came here with nothing but what was on their backs. They still may not have a lot, but they managed to give me everything that I need to be where Im at now. High school was a given for me as Ive always been very involved, she said. She attended the Health Academy at California High School, graduating as a certified nursing assistant at age 17. Her upcoming graduation is harder for her to believe. I think college is the one that Im like, 'Whoa, thats crazy. Im doing it.' And then now Im setting an example for my little brother, who is 16. Hopefully he follows in my footsteps and he creates a career path of his own," she said. Rodriguez came to CCC in August, moving from what she described as a bad environment near Los Angeles. I feel like here at CCC, Ive grown so much, she said. She was accepted into a few universities as a senior in high school, including Northern Arizona University. Her family misunderstood the scholarship amount in the acceptance letter, however, so she took a different path to higher education. When we saw the number, we thought it was the number that we needed to pay, not what I was going to be receiving for free, she said. ....They were like, 'We can't afford it.' So I was like, 'OK, I'm going to a community college.' She started at Rio Hondo College, playing water polo, before moving to online school at Cypress College at the start of the pandemic. Rodriguez moved to Flagstaff this year, finding CCC after her girlfriend was accepted to study special education and psychology at NAU. I have found a lot of peace here in Flagstaff, she said. After graduating from CCC, Rodriguez plans to join her girlfriend at NAU next semester, using the the CCC2NAU program. Shell continue her studies in anthropology and psychology. With grants and scholarships, she said, shell be able to attend for free the first year. She hopes to one day return to Los Angeles and work as a counselor. I definitely want to go back and work with children that fall into the system of Los Angeles that they set up for their low-income families, children who may struggle with a learning disability," she said. "I want to be able to go back as a counselor to that community that I come from, to try to help those children understand that there is someone who truly does care for them. I want to be able to create resources for these children to learn in an effective environment, because the environment that theyre learning in, it doesnt allow them to focus on what they truly want to focus on." Rodriguez credits her parents with encouraging her and her four siblings (three older, one younger) to pursue education. Theyve always told us you need to become someone in this world, because were working the low-income jobs so you dont have to, she said. ...They dont really have an education, so for them to encourage education for me, it set me up for success. Her parents will be coming to her graduation ceremony Saturday, though she hasnt yet told them shes been asked to give a commencement speech. Im excited, but Im nervous, she said. She also said she hoped her story would encourage others, advising future CCC students to use the resources available to them. Being part of the LGBTQ community and being first generation, Im doing it and theres no way that nobody else can do it, she said. Everybody can do it. You can make a difference. Love 1 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. Ed Stivender, who will be in residence at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough from May 10 May 14, is celebrated for blending traditional tales with improvisational techniques. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy ALBANY A midlevel appeals court on Thursday upheld the town of Guilderlands approval of a planned Costco Wholesale store and an apartment complex near Crossgates Mall, dealing a blow to opponents and potentially clearing the way for the long-planned project to move forward. A lawyer for Save the Pine Bush, a group opposing the project, had argued in March that the development would among other things create environmental problems in the area, which is near the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. Todd Ommen, the Pace University lawyer representing Save the Pine Bush, also argued that the project had been improperly approved. But judges in the Third Appellate Division disagreed, ruling that the town and its planning board had thoroughly reviewed the environmental impacts. And even though one of seven Planning Board members had resigned before the board gave the project site approval in October 2020, six votes in favor were still adequate to make the decision. Although petitioner continues to argue that the studies upon which the Planning Board based its findings were incomplete and inaccurate, we cannot conclude that its decision to rely upon them was irrational, nor may we substitute our judgment as to the accuracy of the data presented,' the appeals court wrote. We perceive no reason to depart from our prior decision upholding the Planning Board's SEQRA determination. SEQRA is the State Environmental Quality Review Act that mandates an ecological study of such projects. The town was defended by Supervisor Peter Barber and Town Attorney James Melita. Pyramid Management Group, owner of Crossgates Mall, was defended by Robert Rosborough of Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna. The case, which was argued in March, had been placed on a fast track since Costco has said too many delays could endanger the project. Save the Pine Bush attorney Ommen said the group may try to bring the case to the state Court of Appeals, but there is no guarantee that New York's highest court will hear the case. It remained unclear on Thursday morning if the opponents would try to appeal to the Court of Appeals. The developers want to build a 160,000-square-foot Costco store and gas station next to the mall as well as 222-unit apartment complex along Rapp Road. Barber in an email said this was the second such lawsuit that has been rejected by the courts. And he noted the judges also rejected arguments about the project adding to greenhouse gases. That's because the project included provisions for walkability and public transit use in the area. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU SCHENECTADY - General Electric Co. has been quietly meeting with state and local officials in recent months about building a new offshore wind manufacturing facility in the region, along with potential government subsidies that would be available for such a venture, state lobbying records show. The behind-the-scenes talks have been happening as U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer of New York has been pressing the CEOs of GE and Vestas, a Danish wind turbine maker, to consider establishing manufacturing sites in the Capital Region. Most offshore wind turbine parts are currently made in Europe and Asia where the majority of existing offshore wind farms are located, although manufacturers are now looking to the U.S. as offshore wind becomes more popular here. A handful of turbine or turbine parts-makers have set up shop in the U.S. so far. New York is already committed to making bold investments in offshore wind, and with the federal incentives I am fighting to deliver for the clean energy sector and for manufacturing, GE and Vestas can reach new heights by choosing upstate New York for new job-creating manufacturing investment," Schumer said in a statement on Thursday. In October, Vestas was selected as the preferred supplier to two offshore wind farms being built off Long Island, the Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2 projects. The two projects will produce enough power for 1 million homes. State lobbying records show that GE executives and lobbyists with Plummer & Wigger in Albany have spoken about potential plans for a new wind turbine manufacturing facility with officials at Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm, as well as top officials at the Port of Albany and the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency. NYSERDA, the state's clean energy development agency, was also involved. The meetings were about a "prospective offshore wind manufacturing facility," the records show, although the exact location and size of the facility and other details like job numbers or project costs were not mentioned in the filings. GE makes its offshore wind turbines in France, which is also where GE's renewable energy business is headquartered. No decision has been made yet whether the company needs to build an offshore wind turbine factory in the U.S. or whether New York state would be the best location. A number of factors, including orders, customer locations and the global business environment, have to be considered. "We have regular discussions with key stakeholders in New York state on a host of energy topics that are important to us, including the future of offshore wind," GE said in a statement provided to the Times Union. "New York has been out front as a key leader in advancing offshore wind in the U.S. We will continue to engage with federal, state and local officials on this topic and other important clean energy priorities. The Port of Albany is already preparing a new site along the Hudson River in the town of Bethlehem for a $350 million offshore wind turbine tower assembly site that would create hundreds of new jobs. The towers are being made by a joint venture of two firms, Marmen and Welcon, that are supplying the towers for the Vestas turbines that will be used in the Empire Wind farms. It is unclear if GE is looking to make some or all of the components that make up offshore wind turbines at the potential new facility. GE makes steam turbines and generators used in gas-fired power plants at its Schenectady campus, which is also the headquarters for GE Power. While GE's renewable energy unit is based in France, GE also has many wind experts and engineers working out of Schenectady. Schumer has been asking GE CEO Larry Culp for months now to consider the Capital Region for a new U.S. factory that he says GE is considering for its new Haliade-X offshore wind turbines. The Haliade-X is currently built in France by GE's renewable energy unit. Like the turbines that Vestas makes, each Haliade-X unit can generate enough electricity each day to power up to 20,000 homes. Schumer also recently met with Laura Beane, head of North American operations for Vestas, asking her to consider the Capital Region for any U.S. expansion. Vestas makes some onshore wind turbine components now in Colorado, although most of its manufacturing is done abroad. Vestas officials could not immediately be reached for comment, although state lobbying records show the company's representatives have met with the governor's office to discuss "offshore wind energy opportunities" in the state. Additionally, Siemens Gamesa is planning an offshore wind turbine blade factory in Virginia. That would be its first in the U.S. Wind turbines have traditionally been made outside of the U.S. But states like New York have been requesting that companies that win leases for offshore wind farms off its shores locate manufacturing in the state as well. Gov. Kathy Hochul has supported the state's offshore wind program and the economic development opportunities it is providing to the state. Schumer has secured tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for the Capital Region to support infrastructure and job training at the Port of Albany for the offshore wind turbine tower facility. Albany is viewed as a prime location since the towers can be floated down the Hudson River on barges to a staging area in New York City for the offshore wind farms. GE has used the Port of Albany to ship its steam turbines and generators overseas as well. SINGAPORE (AP) _ Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc. (KLIC) on Wednesday reported fiscal second-quarter profit of $116 million. On a per-share basis, the Singapore-based company said it had profit of $1.86. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.95 per share. The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.47 per share. The semiconductor equipment maker posted revenue of $384.3 million in the period. For the current quarter ending in July, Kulicke and Soffa said it expects revenue in the range of $345 million to $385 million. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $388.1 million. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on KLIC at https://www.zacks.com/ap/KLIC An estimated 174,000 New Yorkers should be getting restitution of about $30 from TurboTax, which charged people to file federal tax returns that should have been done for free. Additionally, the company had blocked web searches that would have directed users to information about free tax filings offered by the federal government. Intuit cheated millions of low-income Americans out of free tax filing services they were entitled to, Attorney General Letitia James of the agreement. For years, Intuit misled the most vulnerable among us to make a profit. Today, every state in the nation is holding Intuit accountable. TurboTax is a subsidiary of the Intuit financial software provider. The agreement was reached with all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The Empire State will get $5.4 million as its share of the total $141 million in compensation the company will pay out nationwide. Additionally, TurboTax will suspend the free, free, free ad campaign. James office opened an investigation into Intuit after the ProPublica news outlet reported that the company was using deceptive digital tactics to steer low-income consumers toward its commercial products and away from federally supported free tax services. Intuit offered two free versions of TurboTax. One was through its participation in the IRS Free File Program, a public-private partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, which allows taxpayers earning roughly $34,000 and members of the military to file their taxes for free. In exchange for participating in the program, the IRS agreed not to compete with Intuit and other tax-prep companies by providing its own electronic tax preparation and filing services to American taxpayers. In addition, Intuit offers a commercial product called TurboTax Free Edition, which is only free for taxpayers with simple returns as defined by Intuit. In recent years, TurboTax marketed this freemium product aggressively, including through ad campaigns where free is the most prominent or sometimes the only selling point. In some ads, the company repeated the word free dozens of times in as short as 30 seconds. However, the TurboTax freemium product is only free for approximately one-third of US taxpayers. In contrast, the IRS Free File products were free for 70 percent of taxpayers. The Attorney Generals office found that TurboTax used confusingly similar names for both its IRS Free File product and its commercial freemium product. Intuit bid on paid search advertisements to direct consumers who were looking for the IRS Free File service to the TurboTax freemium product instead. Intuit also purposefully blocked its IRS Free File landing page from search engine results during the 2019 tax filing season, effectively shutting out eligible taxpayers from filing their taxes for free. Moreover, TurboTaxs website included a Products and Pricing page that stated it would recommend the right tax solution, but never displayed or recommended the IRS Free File program, even when consumers were ineligible for the freemium product. Under the agreement, Intuit will provide restitution to nearly 4.4 million consumers nationwide who started using TurboTaxs Free Edition for tax years 2016 through 2018 and were told that they had to pay to file even though they were eligible to file for free using the IRS Free File program offered through TurboTax. Impacted consumers will automatically receive notices and a check by mail. Intuit has also agreed to reform its business practices. That includes halting, misrepresentations in connection with promoting or offering any online tax preparation products; enhancing disclosures in its advertising and marketing of free products. They also agreed to design their products to better inform users whether they will be eligible to file their taxes for free and refrain from requiring consumers to start their tax filing over if they exit one of Intuits paid products to use a free product instead. Intuit withdrew from the IRS Free File program in July 2021. Attorney General James led the multistate investigation with Tennessee, with support from the attorneys general of Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU The bustle is on during a recent afternoon at BJs Restaurant in Beacon, and owner Barbara Sims rakes some jumbo chicken wings through a pan of coating before dropping them in a metal basket. The kitchen is soon popping with the inimitable sound of chicken frying, and a regular customer pokes his head into her domain: Ill get an order of fries with that, Miss Barbara. Coming up, says the octogenarian empress of BJs, which Sims opened in 1978 (213 Main St.). Shes an institution in a town that has seen a lot of changes in the intervening 44 years. Back then, she recalls, there were only three restaurants in Beacon BJs, Quinns and the Yankee Clipper diner and when she bought the building, it was abandoned except for some homeless people who squatted there. Sims recalls tracking down the owner, who was in bankruptcy and he sold it to me for dirt cheap. Sims fixed up the apartments upstairs, which she rents out along with several other units she owns around town and got to work cooking classic American soul food: short ribs, fried fish, fried chicken (with or without waffles), mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potato pie. Beacon has changed a lot over the years but her menu hasnt except dont expect to order chitlins these days. I used to make them, she says of the fried large intestines of a pig or cow, but they stunk up the whole place! Even as Sims describes herself as being retired the born-and-bred Beacon local worked at the New York Veterans Home at Montrose until 1991 shes in the kitchen seven days a week along with tending to the needs of her tenants. Shes legendary around town and in old media profiles for filleting hundreds of pounds of fish at a time porgy, tilapia and whiting are featured on the menu which she says used to buy herself at Hunts Point in the Bronx. Nowadays, she uses a purveyor who supplies and cleans the fish, for a very costly price, she says. Back then I couldnt afford anyone else to do it. Tom Gogola When her mother was still alive, she helped run the restaurant while Sims worked her day job and slowly built up the business. When I first opened, wed do maybe $50 in business a day, she says. But she had the tenants upstairs to cover her mortgage as she looked to the day when she could put her full attention to cooking. The story of BJs Soul Food also tells a story of the gentrification thats come to Beacon in recent years. Up through 2018, says Sims, my business was 80 percent Black people. The majority of my customers who couldnt afford to stay in Beacon (and) moved on to Poughkeepsie or whatnot, or theyve passed on. Now, about 20 percent of my people are Black. Im not complaining all the tourists and everybody else from wherever, that came into town, its all good. She says some of her better-known customers have included the Rev. Al Sharpton and others associated with the controversial case involving Tawana Brawley of Wappingers Falls in the 1980s. This was their regular place through all of that, recalls Sims. Sims comes from a family of seven children; her father worked at the old Brockway Brickyard his whole life and her mother did housework and taught Sims how to cook her homey, flavorful fare. She has two children, two grandkids and two grandchildren; one of her daughters, Brenda, works at the restaurant and will likely take over the business says Sims, though shes quick to add that she has no plans to stop cooking. Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. Ive been retired from my job (at the veterans home) since 1991, she says. Im going to work until I cant work anymore. She pauses for effect. Though I am getting a little tired of eating my own food. I havent cooked in my own house for I dont know how many years. As for her recipes, theyre a closely held secret. Dont expect a Barbara Sims Cookbook anytime soon, she says. No way! When I go, it all goes with me. The walls at BJs are adorned with civic awards from Beacon that highlight Sims entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the community, along with a Martin Luther King poster and a Hale Woodruff print from the renowned Black painters Amistad mutiny series. A bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti is adorned with a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, and Rachael Rays cooking show is on the house TV. Franks Hot Sauce are a staple at every table and booth. The places smells of coffee and frying chicken (BJs does a brisk breakfast business) as Sims holds court in the kitchen and at a booth just outside it. Shes asked if she might confirm or deny rumors around Beacon that shes a millionaire. She leans back in the booth and lets out a short, sharp chuckle. Oh, I can deny that! Now Ive got to go put that chicken on. You want something to eat while youre here? A public hearing held Tuesday night for Ulster County residents to share their recent experiences with Central Hudson drew more than 100 attendees who registered more than 45 public comments about unexpected bills from the utility and frustrations over resolving billing questions. Central Hudson has been under fire in recent months for its billing practices. The hearing, held at Kingston High School, was organized by Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. One resident, Kymara Lacrimosa, owner of Thunderhorse Hollow Farm in Ulster Park, said her Central Hudson bill reached $16,000 this spring. I became suicidal because I cant pay that bill. Im going to lose my farm, said Lacrimosa at the hearing. I cant get (Central Hudson) on the phone, I cant resolve this or come up with a payment plan. Im speaking for small farmers in the county. Youre going to lose the farms here if you dont get a resolution for us. This is not about the actual people that go and fix the powerlines, said a 70-year-old resident of West Hurley. Like others here, I have not received a Central Hudson bill in six months. When we finally got them, they were confusing. I spent hours and hours trying to correct their errors. Other attendees described frustrations over the length of time it took to reach someone from Central Hudson to discuss their bills and being charged an extra fee by the utility, ranging from $30 to $100, to have their meters read instead of an estimate. (We heard) the repeated pattern of systemic failures to get the bills right, failures of customer service systems, people telling stories of people waiting hours and hours and told it was fixed and then the next day getting bills with different numbers, said Ryan in a phone interview on Wednesday. Ive just never seen anything like this. The testimony provided at the public hearing will be submitted to the Department of Public Service investigation into Central Hudsons customer information system implementation and resulting billing errors. Some residents at the hearing said they wished there had been earlier notice for the Tuesday meeting so that additional people could have attended. Rick May of Wallkill questioned why a U.S. representative was not involved in putting together the public hearing. The theme from so many was: we hope action comes from this, we hope this gets resolved, said Ryan. We have to take these stories, the real human pain and suffering thats been caused, and make sure we get action and resolution, and that Central Hudson is held accountable. Ryan called for an investigation into Central Hudson in early March, citing several residents concerns, from not receiving bills for months to extremely over-estimated bills, to large automatic withdrawals from customers accounts without notice. Since September, at least 11,000 Central Hudson electricity customers have reported billing problems. One resident told the Times Union: Hudson Valley that their utility bill is more than their monthly mortgage payment. Our public hearing confirmed what we know to be true: that our community members are bearing the unacceptable burden of Central Hudsons inaccurate billing practices and egregious price spikes, said Hinchey in a news release. At the state level, Hinchey called on the Public Service Commission to investigate Central Hudsons billing practices and authored legislation to prohibit every utility company in New York from using an estimated billing system. Sen. James Skoufis, who chairs the senates investigations committee, opened a formal investigation into not only Central Hudson, but also Orange and Rockland Utilities, ConEd and other power suppliers. Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. Cahills office distributed a survey to every local resident, yielding over 600 additional individual complaints regarding billing, reliability, unresponsiveness, and costs associated with the company. That information, in conjunction with the statements included in this gathering, will provide the Public Service Commission ample evidence for their investigation and ensure that the utility is held accountable, said Cahill in a news release. Central Hudson in March told the Times Union: Hudson Valley that elevated bills were a result of fluctuating supply prices due to the conflict in Eastern Europe and wrinkles in a new billing system, which took effect in August 2021. A utility spokesperson said that billing cycles should return to normal this spring. For customers who have been impacted by Central Hudsons new billing system, public comments can be submitted through an online form. The Department of Public Service investigation could take several months. Based on the reports, we need to figure out how to get any penalties for the company, any policy and operational changes, and then any actual damages, like financial damages, to be recovered for customers, said Ryan. Unfortunately, it wont happen as fast as wed all like. Ryan, Cahill and Hinchey are meeting later this week to discuss next steps. In addition to the public hearing, each office has been gathering documentation of billing issues; Ryans office alone has fielded over 1,000 calls. We really need the evidence ... to get this resolved, said Ryan. We dont talk about Bruno, but we will talk about John Leguizamo, the actor who voiced the hit Encanto animated film character. He is among several guests to address college and military graduates in the Hudson Valley in the coming weeks. Leguizamo will deliver Vassar Colleges 2022 commencement address on May 22 in Poughkeepsie. The award-winning actor, writer, producer and director is married to Justine Maurer, a member of Vassars Class of 1990. Their son, Lucas, will graduate among Vassars Class of 2023; the couple also has a daughter, Allegra. Leguizamo has visited the mid-Hudson Valley campus several times, including leading a day-long event to talk to students about his craft. He also shot the limited series The Green Veil in Poughkeepsie in 2020. Lucas loves being a student at Vassar, and Justine has such a great love for Vassar, and many of her close friends are her Vassar friends, so its really special that Ill be speaking at commencement, Leguizamo said in a news release. What can students and their guests expect? Leguizamo said, I want to be funny, obviously, and I want to give the graduates something to make them feel good about themselves. However, he admitted that he still gets nervous in front of an audience. Ill prepare my speech meticulously, he said. Leguizamos family immigrated from Colombia when he was 4 years old and settled in the Jackson Heights neighborhood in Queens. He got a job at a Kentucky Fried Chicken to pay for acting lessons and found early success, soon performing standup in comedy clubs in Greenwich Village, alongside other young comics like Robin Williams. According to a news release, Leguizamo said he learned to hone his craft as a writer out of necessity because Latinx actors werent in great demand at the time. So, I started to write, and I found out there was a huge demand for stories with Latin themes, he said. And as I kept writing the offers kept coming. Aside from success from the musical Encanto, which won an Academy Award for best animated feature film this year, hes won a primetime Emmy Award for his standup comedy production Freak, and a special Tony Award for a Broadway run of Latin History for Morons. Later in 2022, Leguizamos musical, Kiss My Aztec will open in Connecticut. Leguizamo replaces Jeh Charles Johnson as commencement speaker. Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, withdrew in February amid vocal opposition from members of the student body over Johnsons stance on border control and immigration reform. I believe commencements should be joyous, tension-free events for graduates and their families, said Johnson in a news release. In my public life I managed many difficult and contentious issues. In my private life I do not seek to be the object of controversy or speak at a commencement where students will object to me. SUNY New Paltz commencement speakers Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter. Three featured guests will speak at SUNY New Paltzs commencement ceremonies on May 21 and 22: Lily D. McNair , the first woman in Tuskegee University history to serve as president when she was appointed in 2018; , the first woman in Tuskegee University history to serve as president when she was appointed in 2018; Ed Carroll , who served for more than 30 years with AMC Networks and played a central role in introducing original shows including Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Mad Men, and The Walking Dead; and , who served for more than 30 years with AMC Networks and played a central role in introducing original shows including Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Mad Men, and The Walking Dead; and Everton H. Henriques, who is an engineer, entrepreneur, chemist, and inventor in the field of plasma display technology. U.S. Military Academy at West Point commencement speaker Gen. Mark. A, Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will address cadets on Saturday, May 21 as graduation speaker. Milley graduated from Princeton University in 1980, where he recieved his commission as an armor officer from the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps. Throughout his 43-year career, he has held multiple command and staff positions in eight divisions and special forces. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) Soon after being elected to the U.S. Senate, Joe Biden was pulled aside by a Democratic colleague who wanted to know how he was going to vote on abortion. Biden explained that while he was personally opposed to abortion and would resist federal funding for the procedure, he didnt want to impose his view on others by overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Thats a tough position, kid, said Sen. Abraham Ribicoff of Connecticut. Then Ribicoff offered him some advice, Biden recalled years later in a memoir: Pick a side. Youll be much better off politically. Just pick a side. During five decades in elected office, Biden has tried to avoid picking a side on abortion whenever he could. Now that's impossible as the Supreme Court seems poised to strike down the constitutional right to abortion. A draft copy of the court's majority opinion was published by Politico earlier this week, and a final decision is expected this summer. As the Democratic president who happens to be serving when the Republicans' anti-abortion agenda reaches its crescendo, Biden is being drafted into the kind of fight that he's sidestepped for much of his career. Its not a natural role for him, despite his longtime defense of a woman's right to choose whether to end her pregnancy. Like many Catholic Democrats, he's expressed conflicting opinions on abortion, which his church regards as a sin but his political party views as a legal right. Mini Timmaraju, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said Biden understands theres a difference between his personal view and what he would do in his personal life, and what he and his party stands for in terms of protecting freedoms for the American people. Although Biden called for protecting Roe v. Wade in his State of the Union speech in March, since becoming president he had never publicly uttered the word abortion until this week, when the draft court decision leaked. And he still prefers to frame the issue around privacy and people's ability to make their own decisions free from government interference. This is about a lot more than abortion, he said Wednesday at the White House. He often references other court decisions on same sex marriage or birth control. What are the next things that are going to be attacked? It's the kind of rhetoric that he deployed successfully during the 1987 confirmation hearings for Robert Bork, President Ronald Reagan's nominee to the Supreme Court. Biden was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and he focused his questioning on Griswold v. Connecticut, a 1965 decision that allowed married couples to buy birth control. If we tried to make this a referendum on abortion rights, for example, wed lose," he wrote in his 2007 memoir, Promises to Keep. Biden's handling of the issue was a sharp contrast with colleagues like Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who said in a speech that Robert Borks America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions. No one could have ever confused then-Sen. Biden with being a culture warrior, said Jim Manley, a longtime Senate staff member who worked for Kennedy and Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. Bork's nomination was defeated, preventing a rightward shift on the Supreme Court that could have jeopardized Roe v. Wade. But there was still lingering suspicion about Biden's support for abortion rights. Victoria Nourse, a lawyer who worked for Biden in the Senate, said the distrust became an obstacle when he was working on the Violence Against Women Act, which passed in 1994 and increased protections against sexual assault and domestic abuse. The womens groups wouldnt come on board, because they thought he was weak on abortion, she said. The issue returned in 2019, when Biden was running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Biden faced criticism for his support of the Hyde Amendment, which banned federal funding for abortions, and he swiftly reversed course on his longtime position. Biden explained his shift by saying circumstances have changed because Republican-led states were enacting new abortion restrictions. I make no apologies for my last position, he said. I make no apologies for what Im about to say. It was a change that mirrored a broader shift in American politics. Michele Swers, a professor of government at Georgetown, said it used to be more common to find anti-abortion Democrats and Republicans who support abortion rights. Biden became a U.S. senator in January 1973, the same month the Roe v. Wade decision was issued, and he criticized the Supreme Court for going too far. When it comes to abortion, he told an interviewer, he was about as liberal as your grandmother." However, activist groups at each end of the political spectrum have gained influence within the parties, Swers said, creating a clearer partisan split on the issue. There's little room for politicians who hold what Biden once described as middle-of-the-road" views. If you want to move up in national politics, it is definitely harder," Swers said. I dont think that someone who took the positions that he used to take could run for president now. During the presidential campaign, Biden also promised to support legislation that would codify Roe v. Wade in law. However, there's little chance of that passing the Senate, despite the slim Democratic majority, leaving the White House with limited options to protect abortion rights. Advocates and White House officials have spent months engaged in conversations about steps that could be taken if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Some ideas under consideration include highlighting the ability to obtain abortion pills through the mail, something that the Food and Drug Administration recently approved, or finding ways to help women travel to get abortions in states with more permissive laws. We want to see more, of course," said Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood. "We want to see all of the creative solutions in their arsenal right now, particularly at a moment where were in the greatest crisis. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SCHENECTADY The financial incentives package for one of the citys most high-profile redevelopment projects is coming into focus. Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority has pledged $1.85 million to bring the hulking Wedgeway complex back online. Metroplex will provide $100,000 for immediate stabilization and repairs, which will be joined by $1.75 million in a series of additional incentives, including tax breaks. Officials hope to tap into at least $600,000 in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds. Among the projects included in the final package submitted for state approval in 2020 was $1.75 million for a fund to improve downtown building facades, said Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen. We did that with the express purpose of helping the Wedgeway building, Gillen said. Metroplex is working with Latham-based developers Cass Hill Development to restore and enlarge the two-building complex located at Erie Boulevard and State Street. Architectural drawings for the site include a large addition that would expand the building nearly a block down Erie Boulevard, a $17 million effort that will include up to 80 apartments and 14,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space in the six-story complex. 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 Daily Gazette first reported details of the financial incentive package, which was approved by Metroplex at their meeting last month. Cass Hill was granted conditional site plan approval by the city Planning Commission last month. Developers may need to go back to the drawing board over current plans for the former State Theatre marquee, which would include a retro-style backlit sign. A listing from a New Jersey-based broker on LoopNet lists the 34-unit building at $2.63 million. Cass Hill has not yet closed on the property pending final approval of redevelopment plans, which is standard practice for comparable projects, Gillen said. Following a series of heavily publicized code enforcement issues, the building has seen an exodus of commercial and residential tenants over the past half-decade and is now vacant. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY Appellate justices on Thursday upheld the expulsion from school of a former University at Albany student who school officials found sexually violated an incapacitated student in 2017. The 5-0 ruling from the Appellate Division of state Supreme Courts Third Department upheld a determination by UAlbany's Student Conduct Board that the male student engaged in sexual conduct with the female student without her consent. His actions violated the school's code of conduct for sexual assault and sexual harassment. On Thursday, justices highlighted evidence from witnesses who said the female student was highly intoxicated and had used Xanax on the night of the incident in September 2017. Substantial evidence supports the board's determination that (the male student) engaged in sexual activity with the (female student) when she was incapable of consent by virtue of intoxication and that a reasonable person in his position should have known of her incapacitation, stated the ruling, authored by Justice Michael Lynch. He was the sole dissenter in 2020, when the Third Department sent the case back to acting Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Nichols to delve into allegations that the school's former Title IX coordinator, Chantelle Cleary, was biased against the male student. That 4-1 ruling was harshly critical of Cleary, a sex crimes prosecutor for Albany County District Attorney David Soares between 2010 and 2014. Authored by Justice Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald, that ruling said Cleary admittedly altered facts in a referral report to make it appear the male "penetrated" the female student. Thursday's decision said Cleary explained at a hearing that her report stated the encounter involved oral sex and that she did not accuse the male student of using force. Neither student was identified in the ruling. "Although the foregoing indicates some misjudgment on Cleary's part, the claim of bias is not convincing, and we are satisfied that the board made its own findings as to the nature of the encounter," Lynch wrote. Lynch said an audio recording of Clearys interview of the male student supported, to a degree, the male students claim that Cleary used an intimidating tone with him. Ultimately, it did not move justices. In these investigations, the parties are entitled to be treated fairly and every effort must be made to treat them in a professional manner, Lynch stated. However unfortunate Cleary's tone with (the male student) may have been at times during the investigation, we are satisfied that the Board's determination did not flow from any bias or impropriety on the part of Cleary. Lynch said Cleary, one of four investigators on the case, handled less than half of the witness interviews. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. On the night of the incident, the male student had allegedly provided the female student and two other students with Xanax. The female said she had consumed a fourth of a beer and alcoholic juice drink. The male student said the encounter that followed was consensual. The next morning, the female student told him she did not remember the previous night. She later text-messaged him: Last night was amazing, we should do that again and sorry to freak you out this morning, I just don't remember anything that happened. At a hearing, the female student later said she knew she could not have provided affirmative consent to sexual conduct because she had no recollection it took place. Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry and Justices Sharon Aarons, John Colangelo and Andrew Ceresia supported the decision. SALT LAKE CITY U.S. officials announced what they called extraordinary steps on Tuesday to keep hundreds of billions of gallons of water stored in a reservoir on the Utah-Arizona line to prevent it from shrinking more amid prolonged drought and climate change. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation plans to hold back about 480,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Powell to maintain Glen Canyon Dam's ability to produce hydropower for millions of homes and businesses in the region. That's roughly enough water to serve 1 million to 1.5 million average households annually. Tanya Trujillo, the bureau's assistant secretary of water and science, said keeping the water stored in the reservoir would stave off hydropower concerns for at least 12 months, giving officials time to strategize for how to operate the dam at a lower water elevation. The lake currently holds less than one-fourth of its full capacity and the dam produces electricity for about 5 million customers in seven U.S. states. We have never taken this step before in the Colorado River basin, but conditions we see today and the potential risks we see on the horizon demand that we take prompt action, Trujillo said. The decision will not have any immediate impacts on the amount of water allocated for the region's cities. And it won't affect farms that rely on the Colorado River, which already face mandatory cuts in central Arizona. But it illustrates the compounding challenges facing Mexico and the seven U.S. states that rely on the Colorado River, which supplies water to about 40 million people and a $5 billion-a-year agricultural sector. There is less water flowing through the river than is consumed by cities and farms throughout the region. And the water levels in the river's two primary storage reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have plummeted substantially over the past two decades to such an extent that boaters found a decades-old dead body in a barrel exposed on Sunday. The action announced Tuesday is one of several that have been taken to shore up Lake Powell. The Bureau of Reclamation has also ordered releases from other reservoirs upstream from Lake Powell, including 500,000 acre-feet of water from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Utah-Wyoming border announced last month. Releases from Flaming Gorge as well as Blue Mesa reservoir in Colorado and the Navajo reservoir in New Mexico were ordered last year. Shoring up Lake Powell may allow water to continue flowing through the turbines at Glen Canyon Dam and keep its hydropower-generating capacity intact, but that's only one of several interests that officials are juggling in managing reservoir levels. The decision injects uncertainty into the boating and recreation industries that rely on consistent reservoir levels to operate infrastructure like docks. And it forces officials to confront that without drastic conservation measures, demand for water in growing regions will likely come up against supply constraints in a hotter, drier future. The Bureau of Reclamation announcement followed months of talks between upper basin states Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming and their lower basin counterparts in Arizona, California, Nevada and Mexico, which are already taking mandatory and voluntary cuts. Federal officials first floated the proposal last month in a letter to the seven states, which responded with a joint letter in support of the move in which they asked the bureau to adjust water accounting and how it reports lake levels when deciding on future cuts. The request centered on the fact that keeping water stored in Lake Powell will decrease the amount of water flowing downstream to Lake Mead, the Colorado Rivers other main storage reservoir. In response to concerns that less for Lake Mead would require lower basin states to take additional cuts, the bureau agreed to act as if the water had flowed downstream in calculating Lake Meads elevation. That compromise alters the implementation of agreements reached over the past 15 years triggering cuts to water users in the lower basin once Lake Mead falls to certain thresholds. It means moving forward, U.S. officials will credit Lake Mead and act as if the water kept to preserve Lake Powell had been delivered downstream when deciding how to enforce agreements effectively splintering the lakes actual levels from the levels used to determine cuts. We are going to account for the water as if it had been released. And we will do it in a way so that it will not trigger additional releases from the upper basin or additional layers of shortage in the lower basin, Trujillo said. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 COLONIE After over two years of contentious hearings between the town and a local sealcoating business, the Zoning Board of Appeals recently voted to allow the business to continue its operation. For over two years, the town of Colonie along with more than 100 residents had been attempting to shut down the operations of Empire Sealcoating, a 10-year-old business thats located on the fringe of a residential neighborhood on the west side of the Northway. The matter was made more complicated and painful after owner Ed Person, an Iraq War veteran and Albany firefighter, died by suicide on his property after a ZBA meeting in October 2020. His exact words were, If I lose this, I lose everything, Maran Person, Ed Persons wife, told the Times Union in October. Im a widow, I have two little kids, and I work a full-time job. I would like this to be settled so that I can move forward with my life. Months and numerous postponed and lengthy hearings later, the ZBA backtracked and unanimously voted in March to allow Empire Sealcoating to keep its certificate of occupancy and continue operations. The vote was brief and no board members made comments with their vote. The ZBA did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. "They clearly understood that the previous administration had an error in judgment in revoking the certificate of occupancy," said Greg Teresi, one of the lawyers representing Empire Sealcoating. "I think the board really looked at the issue and said it wasnt necessary. I got the sense they really didnt want to waste any more time on it." Person expressed relief at the ZBA's decision Wednesday. "My late husband did not do anything wrong," she said. "I was really glad to see that (the ZBA) saw the injustice that occurred when the town revoked the certificate of occupancy with no reason. Im grateful that the business is allowed to operate again." The case had been muddled over the years with conflicting information about what is, or isnt, allowed for use at the site of Empire Sealcoating, in addition to questions about why the business had been approved before but was then judged not in compliance with town codes. In 2009, Person, a Bronze Star-decorated veteran, bought a plot of land at 200 Sunset Blvd. His application to start a sealcoating business at the property was approved by the town a few months later, and for over 10 years Person ran what became a growing business while also serving on an Albany Fire Department rescue squad. But after years of vigorous complaints from Persons residential neighbors about truck traffic disturbing their otherwise quiet street, the town cited the growth of his business as a reason to shut him down. Person received a stop-work order from the town in 2019 that stated the business approval he received in 2009 was an error due to incorrect, inaccurate and/or incomplete information provided at the time of the application. The letter offered no other details to explain the decision. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. Testimonies at ZBA hearings eventually revealed why the business was being shut down: complaints about the hours of operation and the types of vehicles being driven through the neighborhood. Empire Sealcoating is about a half-mile away from the houses on Sunset Boulevard, located at the street's dead-end behind a locked fence. A gravel path to the business is lined with a wooded area, making it more secluded. But Empire's trucks have to drive through the neighborhood to get to the business; it's the only way in. For neighboring residents, the closure or relocation of the business was viewed as being entirely appropriate. One resident presented a petition with 120 signatures on it calling for the business to cease in its current location. Also, after a complaint in 2019, the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued a $960 penalty against Empire for disposing of items near a wetland area. We dont like trucks coming through, the dirt all over the houses, said neighbor Mike Fusco at a zoning meeting last year. Our neighborhood is beautiful; theres only one way in and one way out, and (Empire) affects everybody in that neighborhood. Its for the good of one or the good of many. Private attorney David Rowley, who represented the town in the matter rather than former Town Attorney Mike Maguilli, said to the Times Union in October that finding a different access point to the business that wouldn't require driving through the neighborhood would "solve a lot of problems." Teresi and Person both said Wednesday that they are hoping to work with the town or other entities, including New York state and the Airport Authority, that own the neighboring land to establish an alternative route. "The neighbors have concerns they live in a nice quaint neighborhood and there should be an effort to try to find an alternative route," Teresi said. "If you look at the neighboring properties ... they're all government entities that could provide my client with an access route to Albany Shaker Road and completely eliminate the need for them to go through the neighborhood." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PEPILLO SALCEDO, Dominican Republic (AP) In a blue bay that spans the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, fishermen from both countries recently aired grievances in a rare face-to-face meeting thanks to the efforts of marine biologist Jean Wiener. The meeting, overseen by Dominican naval officers with rifles, was no small feat for Wiener, who has been forced to work on conserving this biologically sensitive region from afar his house in Bethesda, Maryland because of rampant violence in Haiti, his homeland. Now the prize-winning biologist stood in the Caribbean heat at the mouth of a spot called the Massacre River, trying to bring together the two sides and find a solution that will not only save their livelihoods but also vital marine resources in a region under extreme pressures from climate change. The constant fishing, or overfishing, in these areas has decimated an entire ecosystem, said Rodolfo Jimenez, director of an agricultural border project in the Dominican Republic. The Haitian fishermen, standing across from Jimenez on the beach, agreed. But they also said they were not to blame for the damage in the Monte Cristi National Park in northwestern Dominican Republic. Wieners work has grown in significance over the years in large part because of charcoal vendors in Haiti who hack down trees for cooking fuel and, more recently, wade into the countrys mangroves, the tropical vegetation that is a natural barrier against the Caribbeans destructive hurricanes. It was the first trip for Wiener, leader of Foundation for the Protection of Marine Biodiversity, since November 2021, his absence largely attributed to the violent gangs that have engulfed the Haitian capital in recent years. Nominally present already and undermined further with the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the government has done little to wrest control from the gangs. For years, Wiener used to visit Haiti every month or so, but now restricts his trips to only a few times a year while being compelled to work remotely and delegate more responsibility to staff members dispersed throughout the country. Haiti is just too dangerous otherwise. So when he does come, as he did for three weeks in March, he hopscotches the country via puddle-jumper plane; travel by road is too perilous. Its a conundrum that bedevils Jean and others like him around the world. As climate change plays a greater role in contributing to conflicts, that in turns makes it more difficult to carry out scientific research and work on environmental projects that seek to offset the effects of climate change. The environmental group Global Witness released a report last year noting that 2020 saw a record number of environmental activists killed around the world; the death toll of 227 was the highest number recorded for a second consecutive year, with Colombia having the highest number of recorded attacks, with 65, and Mexico second, with 30. The extent to which failed states make it difficult for scientists and the international scientific community to work on these issues simply means it will be more difficult to solve these problems, said Peter Gleick, president emeritus and a senior fellow with the Pacific Institute, an Oakland-based research group that focuses on water issues. In several reports released in October, the U.S. signaled that climate change would occupy a central role in security strategy, a policy shift that underscores how climatic changes are exacerbating long-standing problems. One of the studies identified 11 countries that were of greatest concern, because they were especially vulnerable to climate change and unable to deal with the attendant problems. Haiti was among them. The Caribbean nation has the highest travel advisory from the U.S. State Department due to kidnapping, crime and civil unrest. Kidnapping, the State Department says, is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. The kidnappings have persisted for years, rising significantly after the 2017 departure of a U.N. peacekeeping mission. In October, a group of missionaries was abducted by a powerful gang and held for ransom. The March meeting took place at the mouth of a river with a name that harkens back to a bloody episode on the island of Hispaniola: The Massacre River, also the Dajabon River. Though named for an earlier massacre, its mostly known for when Dominican soldiers in 1937 executed thousands of Haitian families and Dominicans of Haitian descent. The antipathy toward Haitians persists today, not least with Dominican President Luis Abinaders newly launched plan to build a multimillion-dollar, 118-mile (190-kilometer) wall along the border. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. In the end, the March trip to Haiti proved fortuitously uneventfulthough danger wasnt far away. When Wiener visited the southwestern part of the country, his driver got wind of protesters plans to storm the local airport. The attack didnt happen until after Wiener flew out, a few days later: People ran onto the tarmac and torched a small plane. One day during his recent visit to northern Haiti, Wiener gave a snorkeling lesson. While wading in the surf, a pufferfish floated toward the group. Wiener gently picked up the prickly fish with both hands, walked a few steps out and sent the pufferfish into the ocean. We really know that theres a part, you know, where you can be in a classroom, Wiener said later from the hotel, where a few security guards patrolled the grounds. But it is critically important that people actually get out and touch and see and feel the environment. ___ Associated Press journalist Trenton Daniel reported from New York. __ Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TROY A solemn gathering at an art studio in the citys North Central neighborhood took place Thursday afternoon for Native Americans and their allies to mark Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. We need to remember. Its very important to think about indigenous women whove been murdered, stolen or kidnapped, said Sara Yawanawa-Bergin, a member of the Yawanawa tribe of Brazil whose native name is Nawashahu. On Thursday, U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, announced the creation of the Not Invisible Act Joint Commission on Reducing Violent Crime Against Indians. The commission is to make recommendations on reducing violent crime on Native American lands. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, but a lack of urgency, transparency and coordination have hampered our countrys efforts to combat violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives, Haaland said in a statement released Thursday Those at the gathering at 2952 Sixth Ave. in Troy said its important to get the general U.S. population to recognize the violence that has occurred against all indigenous peoples. Troy was part of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians homeland and is near the lands of the Mohawks and other members of the Iroquois confederacy. Im here to participate in the memorial and see the land, said Sandra Deer Standup, a Mohawk from Kahnawake outside Montreal. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. They were visiting the Second Avenue site in North Troy along the Hudson River where historically there had been Native American activity. Rezoning has been proposed to build an apartment complex there. Standup said that public awareness has to be raised for indigenous women and girls who have been killed or have disappeared. She said, Its left out of the media and is overlooked. Sachem Hawk Storm of the Schaghticoke First Nation said people shouldnt ignore the continuing violence against indigenous women in North America and South America. The remembrance day began several years ago to acknowledge the violence occurring against indigenous women. We still have people that dont know that, said Sachem Hawk Storm, who is married to Sara Yawanawa-Bergin and is also known as Robert Yawanawa-Bergin. He reflected on the history that is forgotten in the Capital Region and around the Northeastern states in which indigenous people were important allies to English colonists. SCHENECTADY A 17-year-old student carrying a BB gun that resembled a Glock handgun and wearing a ski mask has been charged with misdemeanor trespassing and unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds following an encounter Wednesday afternoon that resulted in some tense moments around the high school. The teen, whose name is not being released because of his age, had on a ski mask, sunglasses, gloves, and a hoodie and was carrying a small side bag in a hallway of the high school around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Police said he initially refused to identify himself to school staff, then gave a false name and refused to remove his mask. He managed to make it out of the school building, crossed a field and attempted to hop a fence, police said. At some point, he discarded the bag. The school's community engagement officers were able to apprehend and identify the teen. As they were talking to him, school staff retrieved the bag, which police say contained the imitation Glock handgun. The school district said it was a BB gun made to look like a handgun. The teen was later transported to the police department. On Wednesday night, the high school sent an email to parents informing them of the security breach and saying the teen is a high school student who was on suspension. "Safety is always a top priority," the letter to parents said. "We are grateful to the Schenectady Police Department and the (community engagement officers) for their continued partnership in keeping our school safe." In the aftermath of the incident, All of Us, a group co-founded by Board of Education member Jamaica Miles released a statement that said in part that high schooler's arrest "did not make anyone safer" but "did show the negative impact of policing our schools." The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. "It quite clearly displayed the school-to-prison pipeline, from suspension to arrest," according to the statement. "This student will now spend more time out of the classroom and, instead, in a courtroom." On Monday, City Council paved the way for more community engagement officers, also known as school resource officers, to work in the district - a proposal that has stirred controversy among city school board members and which some students and community members have protested. The city school board voted 4-3 in March to approve more officers, and Schenectady High School students staged a walkout in protest April 6. Miles was one of those who cast a dissenting vote. Under the plan, the city schools would add four officers to the two existing staffers in the district - with officers also being spread out among the middle schools. ALBANY New York is not likely to allow its first recreational marijuana sales for over a year and a half after legalization. But data from the rest of the country show that the delay is hardly an outlier: most states took between one and two years to open dispensaries. Some advocates for legalization, including strategist and coalition-builder Imani Dawson, noted that cannabis businesses and entrepreneurs with preexisting access to capital often push harder to open pot markets quickly. She doesn't think the regulators should bend to powerful players' urgency. "New York has been fighting for a legalization framework for over a decade, this isn't a new fight; they are taking time to be intentional," Dawson said. "States that move really quickly tend to overlook things that they have to then go back and fix in hindsight, or they are dealing with unintended consequences." The quickest-acting state, Arizona, had less than three months between the passage of a ballot measure legalizing pot for adult use and the first legal sales. But according to Heather Trela, a marijuana policy researcher at the SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government, the southwestern state was facing several anomalous factors. "Arizona's referendum had some very concrete dates in it for when things had to be done," Trela said, adding that instead of appointing industry regulators from scratch the state had an existing agency take the new industry on, and then leaned on preexisting medical marijuana facilities and cultivators to supply the market. On the other end of the spectrum, Maine which took four years to kick off its recreational sales was led by a governor, Paul LePage, who remained opposed to legalization, in spite of its ballot passage. "Gov. LePage vetoed a lot of things, because he didn't want it to happen," Trela said. "And then the pandemic hit, and that certainly delayed their initial plan." Melissa Moore, a director at Drug Policy Alliance, pointed out that New York also lost about half a year when the administration of former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo let months pass without selecting regulators who could kick off the process. But she thinks regulators are moving at a good pace now, and that the public perception that the process has been slow is related to how long many New Yorkers felt they had already waited for legalization. The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote. "Public opinion has been there for so long. People's sentiments, even in 2018, 2019 were like: how come we don't have this already, what is going on?" Moore said. "And the fact that there is such a robust market already in New York state, I think also leads people to think like, how come you just can't flip a switch?" Moore thinks the state has been right to tread carefully. Also, an important part of the state's regulatory process are the public comment periods, said Ryan Lepore, one of the founders of New York City's branch of reform organization NORML. Lepore said it's valuable for constituents to comment on draft rules even if it delays the roll out. But he added that many downstate consumers won't have the same frustrations as residents of upstate communities. "It's a tale of two states," Lepore said. "In downstate New York it's very easy to access (illicit) cannabis right now, it's considered almost a golden age because it's so accessible. ... Now, if you're in upstate New York, it's a very different conversation because you really don't have as many access points. Rarely do people get to go and look at the flower before they purchase it, rarely is there competition to help prices or quality control." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TROY Location scouts for HBOs The Gilded Age have scoured city rooftops seeking a perch to re-create crowds watching the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge as the city prepares for the filming of scenes for season two in August. Washington Park stood in for New York Citys Madison Square Park in 1882 when the Statue of Libertys torch was re-created for the premiere season of The Gilded Age using a combination of a wooden base and computer-generated graphics. Now it appears, the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge on May 24, 1883, will provide another historic anchor for Julian Fellowes 19th-century dramatic series. Kathy Sheehan, historian for Troy and Rensselaer County, said the scouts were out on the roof of the Hart Cluett Museum at 57 Second St. checking out possible views to re-create the dramatic event of the opening of the first bridge to span the East River. During season one, there were frequent references to taking the ferry to Brooklyn from Manhattan. There is going to be a Brooklyn Bridge scene, Sheehan said Wednesday The city has had conversations with the production company for The Gilded Age and is waiting for additional information about the start of filming and what will be needed, said Deputy Mayor Chris Nolin. The Hart Cluett Museum, which has served as a filming location, as well as a source of historic information for production designers, scouts and other staff, is embarking on its second round of walking tours that feature the buildings and locations in Troy that stood in for 1882 New York City in the nine-part series. Downtown Troys Gilded Age architecture has survived relatively intact making it a desired spot for filming. People are very excited to actually see where the cast was, Sheehan said about the reaction to private tours she recently gave for groups of retired teachers. Sheehan will kick-off planned spring and summer tours of "Gilded Age" filming locations on May 19 with a lecture at the museum followed by the first tour on May 21. There is a waiting list for the tours, but more tours will likely be added. Information about the tours is available through the museum website at hartcluett.org or by calling 518-272-7232, Ext. 18. The Emma Willard School has scheduled five tours for its June class reunions and Russell Sage College also has planned tours that Sheehan said she will be leading. 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 Gilded Age was filmed in Troy in May and June 2021 when people were emerging from COVID-19 isolation. The walking tours will focus on the first season's shooting locations. It was fun to go out and see what was happening, Sheehan said about the crowds that showed up along Second Street, Broadway and Monument Square to watch the actors and crew members at work. That enjoyment, Sheehan said, is spilling over to people whove attended the private tours and saw the inside of The Castle at 49 Second St., whose interiors and exterior could be seen during the show. Oakwood Cemetery was also used for filming, and Monument Square transformed into a Manhattan shopping district. The Rensselaer County Court House, the Troy Public Library main branch, and homes on Second and Third streets stood in for Brooklyn and Manhattan residences. Some property owners have been told their homes will be used in the second year for filming. Plans call for a return to The Castle. In addition, a church and residences around Albanys Washington Park are to be filming sites. Location scouts have also been in Saratoga County to look for spots. ALBANY Mark D. Graham, a veteran chef at many Capital Region restaurants over the past two decades, will be the head chef at the Hattie's Restaurant being developed to open in early 2023 in the historic former Lombardo's location on lower Madison Avenue. Graham has been the brunch chef at the original Hattie's, in downtown Saratoga Springs, in recent months. Hattie's and its fast-casual sibling, Hattie's Chicken Shack in Wilton, were owned by the chef Jasper Alexander and his wife, Beth Alexander, from 2001 until they sold it last year to the Business for Good Foundation. Established by marketing executive Ed Mitzen and his wife, Lisa Mitzen, Business for Good has varied interests and, as a not-for-profit, channels proceeds to work for social change in areas including food insecurity, housing instability and education inequity. BFG also owns The Bread Basket in Saratoga Springs and is developing another restaurant, due in summer 2023, in Voorheesville, where Ed Mitzen was raised. All operate under the nonprofit model. Update: 05-05-2022 | 12:10:07 The visit to Vietnam by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio from April 30 to May 1, along with the visit by his predecessor Suga Yoshihide in 2020, showed that Vietnam is emerging as one of the promising important economies in Southeast Asia, commented Pankaj Jha, Director of Indian Jindal Global Universitys Centre for Strategy and Security Research. Electronic meter production PM Kishidas visit took place nearly five months after the Japan visit by Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh in November 2021. In his article run in website moderndiplomacy.eu, Pankaj Jha mentioned talks between PM Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida, in which PM Chinh highly valued Japanese investment in Vietnam. The scholar noted that the Japanese government leaders visit aims to explore possibilities for cooperation between the two countries in areas of developing technology parks, software industry and export processing zones, bringing Vietnam into the Japanese trade network, vocational training and tourism promotion. He added that the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the facilitation of regional trade is the priority of both Vietnamese and Japanese governments. Jha highlighted that Vietnam is seeking to diversify its supply chain, adding that Vietnam and Japan can be seen as each others natural partner in strengthening regional security, trade, investment, innovation and research as well as promoting peace and prosperity in the region./. VNA Voting is under way in the Northern Ireland Assembly election. The process is taking place amid speculation of a potentially seismic result. The DUP and Sinn Fein are vying for the top spot which comes with the entitlement to nominate the next First Minister. A unionist party has always been the biggest in the Assembly, and previously the Stormont Parliament, since the formation of the state in 1921. This year a number of opinion polls have suggested that Sinn Fein will finish ahead of the DUP to become the first nationalist or republican party to emerge top. While the office of the First and deputy First Minister is an equal one with joint power, the allocation of the titles is regarded as symbolically important. A surge for the centre-ground Alliance Party has also been suggested in pre-election polls. Sir Jeffrey has stated he is confident his party will win the election. He is running for election to the Assembly in Lagan Valley, the constituency he represents in the House of Commons. The Northern Ireland Protocol has cast a long shadow over the election campaign following the resignation of First Minister Paul Givan in February in an effort to force the UK government to act over the post-Brexit trading arrangements. This action left the Executive unable to fully function. While ministers remained in post, they were restricted in the actions they could take. Unionists object to the additional checks on goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain as a border in the Irish Sea. Sir Jeffrey has said his party will not enter a new Stormont Executive unless the Government takes action on the protocol. He has also refused to say if he will nominate a deputy First Minister to serve in the event of a Sinn Fein First Minister. The other parties have rounded on the DUP, calling for a prioritisation of the cost-of-living crisis. Sinn Feins Stormont leader Michelle ONeill has said she wants to be a First Minister for all, describing the election as a moment in history and one for real change. Secretary of State Brandon Lewis urged the public to vote. He also revealed he has told the parties of the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved government after the election. The people of Northern Ireland are going to the polls today. I encourage everyone to get out there and cast their vote. It is vital that we give people the space to vote in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect, he said. I have conveyed to the parties the need for them to work together to restore fully functioning devolved institutions as soon as they can, when the count is complete. Five Assembly seats are up for grabs in 18 constituencies, with the overall number of MLAs returned 90. A total of 239 candidates are running. Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV) proportional representation electoral system. Counting will start at three centres in Belfast, Jordanstown and Magherafelt tomorrow (May 6) morning with the first results expected later in the day. The DUP won 28 seats at the last Assembly elections in 2017, just ahead of Sinn Fein which returned 27 MLAs. Next was the SDLP with 12 seats, the Ulster Unionist Party with 10 seats, Alliance with eight seats, the Green Party with two seats while People Before Profit and the TUV had one MLA each. This year the DUP has been regarded as playing it safe, running 30 candidates, while Sinn Fein is running 34. Meanwhile the UUP is running 27 candidates, the Alliance Party is running 24, the SDLP is running 22, TUV is running 19 candidates, the Green Party is running 18 and People Before Profit is running 12, as is Aontu while the Workers Party is running six candidates and the PUP is running three. The Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) and the Socialist Party are each running two candidates, while the Northern Ireland Conservatives, Cross Community Labour Alliance (CCLA), Resume NI and Heritage Party are each running one candidate. And there are 24 independent candidates. Polling stations close at 10pm. Chief electoral officer Virginia McVea has advised voters to wear masks to prevent the potential spread of Covid-19. Please bring a mask. Were trying to do everything that we can to provide as much protection. There will be some masks available but it would be great if you could put a mask into your pocket, and if youre uncomfortable using the pencils in the polling booths, we will be cleaning them, but if youre uncomfortable, bring your own pen or pencil, she told the BBC A Housing for All initiative dedicated to recruiting construction workers has been launched by the government. The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, today (Thursday May 5) launched the FutureBuilding initiative to support the construction industry. The pilot initiative - operated by an Intreo team from the Department of Social Protection, SOLAS, and Education and Training Boards - will run for 18 months. Speaking today, Minister Harris said, "We clearly have a housing crisis driven by a shortage in supply. However, as supply increases, we need to ensure we have enough people to match the demand. "This will mean supporting the industry in returning existing workers to full employment and a significant ramp-up in education and training opportunities, including commitments regarding programmes and apprenticeships and delivery of new courses." He continued: "This new FutureBuilding Initiative will see people from training agencies across the country working with Intreo in the Department of Social Protection to identify people for direct placement into employment in the sector and for referral to relevant education and training opportunities." According to Minister Humphreys, there are "huge numbers of job opportunities" in the construction sector. She said, "Through the new FutureBuilding initiative, we will be working directly with jobseekers, supporting them through training and skills development and matching them with employers. This is part of a major recruitment drive in the construction sector. Later this month, I will also launch a specific Construction Work and Skills week which will see almost 40 events held nationally to promote jobs, training and apprenticeships in construction and associated careers." Chief Executive of SOLAS, Andrew Brownlee, said, "FutureBuilding is an important and collaborative initiative to ensure the right opportunities, be that recruitment or training, get into the hands of the right people, at the right time. SOLAS - and the ETBS delivering this vital training around the country - keenly understand the urgency of this shared national goal. "Were committed to ensuring a talented pipeline of ambitious, motivated individuals pass through the Further Education and Training (FET) system and into the construction industry. Further education, training and apprenticeships have a vital role to play in building up the skills that the Irish labour market needs to address the housing crisis, a principle aim of Housing For All. The FET sector offers a diverse and dynamic range of construction courses - catering for school leavers, those re-entering the workforce, or people looking to retrain or upskill in the construction sector." A Baton Rouge sheriff's deputy has died nearly six years after he was injured in an ambush that killed three other law enforcement officers Costco can keep the parking lot in front of its new warehouse store planned at the corner of Zoo Drive and Shiloh Road. The Billings Board of Adjustment voted 4-0 to allow a variance for Costco to build its new warehouse with plans that initially didn't meet the city's new Project Re:Code zoning requirements. The company's preliminary plans for developing the site included a parking lot configuration not allowed by current zoning and as such needed special approval. "The variance allows us to relocate in Billings," Costco's representative on the project told the board. The area along Zoo Drive and Shiloh Road is zoned heavy commercial and requires that a development's principal structure be next to the road with the parking lot either behind or to the side. Costco sought the variance to better accommodate Canyon Creek Ditch, which bisects the top of the property. The ditch runs from Zoo Drive to Shiloh Road through land where the warehouse would have to be built under the heavy commercial zoning requirements. To avoid relocating that stretch of the ditch or building on top of it, developers planned the parking lot to be built around it, placing the building further back on the property. City planners worked with the team from Costco to create a number of mitigation measures as a condition to the variance that would help the property adhere to the essence of the zoning requirement if it couldn't follow it exactly. "We feel like we got it as close as we can get it to the code with this variance," said Nicole Cromwell, the city's zoning coordinator. Among the new requirements, Costco will add a number of large trees, lawn and landscaping along its frontage with Zoo Drive and Shiloh Road. The company will also build pedestrian walkways that wind through the parking area and two pavilions or gazebos along Zoo Drive. Costco has long sought to move from its current location on King Avenue West to give the warehouse more breathing room. The building it's in now was constructed in 1991 and shares space with the At Home furnishing and decor store, which used to be a ShopKo. In fact, when ShopKo closed in early 2019 representatives from Costco reached out to the building's owner a New York City-based real estate firm to see if it would be interested in selling. Ultimately the firm was unable to sell, said Brian Whalen, Costco's real estate specialist. The property at the corner of Zoo and Shiloh seemed like the best fit for what Costco wanted to do. Costco's representatives explained that the old building on King and its layout no longer fit the corporation's current standards and its parking lot, which has 591 stalls, "regularly experiences parking deficiencies, congestion and internal circulation issues." Plans for the new store include a 166,388-square-foot warehouse with a nine-pump fuel station and 852 parking stalls. Additionally, it includes space on the west side of the new building to construct an additional 25,000 square-foot modification. Costco will put the old building up for sale once the new warehouse is completed. Whelan told the board he's already had a number of parties express interest in the building and believes it will sell. Billings resident Adela Awner, who spoke at the meeting Wednesday night in opposition of the project, cited the soon-to-be vacant building as one of her big concerns. When all the Costco reps return to their homes out of state, it's Billings residents "who are stuck with the building you left," she said. Costco's hearing with the Billings Board of Adjustment was originally to have happened in April. Instead, the projects senior planner requested a 30-day delay, asking it to be pushed back to Wednesday. Costco planners had said they wanted more time to refine their proposal. Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 3 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. Finding the best SSD or solid-state drive for your specific system and needs is key if you want the best gaming PC or laptop, or even if you just want a snappy productivity machine. A slow storage drive often leads to a big bottleneck, forcing your processor (even if it's one of the best CPUs for Gaming) to waste clock cycles, waiting for data to crunch. To speed up your write and read speed, you need a speedy SSD. To figure out which is the best SSD, including the best SSDs for gaming, we test dozens of drives each year and highlight the best drives here. We've also added in a Best SSD for NAS category. Now that we're past the great deals we saw for SSDs during the holiday season, we're looking forward to the pending announcements at Computex 2022. We'll also see the first signs of PCIe 5.0 SSDs this year, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest news. Picking the Best SSD for You The latest NVMe SSDs have undercut mainstream drives on the slower SATA interface (which was originally designed for hard drives), but we shouldn't expect to see the end of SATA drives in the near future. Companies are still doing new things with SATA, like Team Group's cavernous 15.3 TB drive. Existing SATA drives will have to continue to get more affordable in order to at least compete on price, but they can't hope to keep up with newer NVMe drives on performance. Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs have become common and they're often the best SSD for gaming. PCIe 4.0 SSDs are more mainstream now that Intel has finally joined the PCIe 4.0 support party with its latest platforms. These drives increase sequential speeds dramatically (thanks to a doubling of the PCIe bus bandwidth), making them the best SSDs for those who need the fastest speed possible. For example, the Samsung 980 PRO can read and write at 7,000 and 5,000 MBps respectively, and drives based on Phison's second-gen controller promise up to 7,400 / 7000 MBps sequential speeds. But to make use of that speed today, you'll need either an X570 motherboard or B550 board on the AMD side, or a new Z690 motherboard from Intel. All that said, keep in mind that in many ways, beyond the obvious bump in sequential performance, users might not see much in the way of real-world benefits from these faster drives in typical applications like gaming or light desktop work. Naturally, file transfers and other workloads, like video editing or more heavy workloads, will benefit. It really depends on how heavily you use your drive. Quick Shopping Tips When choosing an SSD, consider the following: Pick a compatible interface (M.2 PCIe, SATA, Add-in Card): Look at your user manual or a database like the Crucial Memory Finder to determine what types of SSD your computer supports. 512GB to 1TB: Don't bother getting an SSD smaller than 256GB. 512GB provides a good balance between price and capacity if you're on a tight budget. But 1TB drives are getting significantly cheaper and 2TB drives are now more affordable than ever. SATA is slowest: SATA isn't as fast as M.2 PCIe or a PCIe add-in card, but the majority of desktops and many laptops can take 2.5-inch SATA drives and many doing typical mainstream tasks users won't notice the difference between a good recent SATA drive and a faster PCIe model anyway. For even more information, check out our SSD Buyer's Guide. Or if you're looking for an external SSD, you can check out our Best External Hard Drives and SSD page, or learn how to save some money by building your own external SSD. Below, you'll find our recommendations for drives with all three major interfaces. Best SSDs You Can Buy Today Best Overall / Best M.2 SSD: Samsung 980 Pro (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 1. Samsung 980 Pro Best Overall / Best M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3c Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,000 MBps / 5,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Dell View at Amazon View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Fast PCIe 4.0 performance and cool operation + AES 256-bit encryption + Black PCB + Software package + 5-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Average endurance ratings - Costly For those looking for the best, look no further than the Samsung 980 PRO. Samsung pairs its in-house Elpis 8nm PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD controller with the companys fastest V-NAND to unleash incredible performance. The Samsung 980 Pro serves up to 7/5 GBps of throughput and sustains upwards of a 1 million random read/write IOPS, making it the most responsive SSD weve tested. The drive comes with all the features you could want from a high-end NVMe SSD, making it the perfect drive for anyone who wants the best. Read: Samsung 980 PRO Review Fastest SSD: Kingston KC3000 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 2. Kingston KC3000 Fastest SSD Specifications Capacities: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,000 MBps / 7,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 3,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Fast PCIe 4.0 performance and cool operation + Attractive design + 5-year warranty and high-endurance ratings Reasons to avoid - Costly - High power use - Lacks AES hardware encryption If youre looking for the fastest SSD on the market, Kingstons KC3000 fills that role, especially now that Intel has stopped producing its Optane products. The KC3000 is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD that radishes out bleeding-edge speeds of up to 7 GBps of read and write throughput, along with up to one million IOPS. Similar to the Seagate FireCuda 530 and Corsair MP600 Pro XT, the Kingston KC3000 is powered by the Phison PS5018-E18 and comes paired with Microns 176-Layer TLC flash. However, the KC3000s flash is faster at 1,600 MTps than the MP600s 1,200 MTps, giving it a tactical advantage. The 2TB Kingston KC3000s endurance and performance comes out on top of the Samsung 980 Pro, but that comes at the cost of efficiency. That translates to shorter battery life for laptop applications. The KC3000 also doesnt come with OPAL-compliant AES hardware encryption and comes in a double-sided form factor at higher capacities. That means the KC3000 may not be the best pick for your mobile device, but is a fantastic SSD for those building a high-end desktop for gaming or workstation for productivity. Read: Kingston KC3000 Review Best M.2 SSD Alternative: WD Black SN850 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 3. WD Black SN850 Best M.2 SSD Alternative Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,000 MBps / 5,300 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Dell View at Amazon View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Competitive performance + Large dynamic SLC cache + Black PCB + Software package + 5-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Hot under heavy load - High idle power consumption on desktop test bench - AES 256-bit encryption not supported With ever-so-much faster random performance, a more consistent write profile, and higher efficiency, Samsungs 980 PRO earned the title as our top pick for a next-gen PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe, but WDs Black SN850 makes for a top-tier runner-up. Depending on the price, you cant go wrong with either one for your high-end gaming or workstation build. WDs Black SN850 paired with the companys new 16nm WD Black G2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe 1.4 SSD controller marks a substantial improvement in the companys SSD architecture. WDs Black SN850 can sustain speeds of up to 7/5.3 GBps and deliver very responsive random performance enabling the SSD to go toe-to-toe with our top pick. Although, that is at the cost of high idle power consumption on our desktop test bench. Also, unlike the Samsung 980 Pro, the WD Black SN850 lacks AES 256-bit encryption. Read: WD Black SN850 Review M.2 PCIe NVMe Drives These small, rectangular drives look like sticks of RAM, only smaller. They are usually 80mm long by 22mm wide, described as size 2280, but some may be shorter or longer, so make sure you get one that matches your slot. You can get M.2 drives that support SATA, but most modern desktops and laptops with M.2 slots support the faster PCIe NVMe standard. Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD: Crucial P5 Plus (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 4. Crucial P5 Plus Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: Up to 6,600 MBps / 5,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at BHPhoto View at Best Buy Reasons to buy + Competitive pricing + Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption + Blacked-out aesthetics + 5-year warranty + Software suite Reasons to avoid - Unimpressive sustained write performance - High idle power consumption - Less-than-average efficiency under load Crucials P5 Plus is an evolution of the P5 with a focus on improved performance, especially where the original P5 let us down. Built for gamers and creative professionals who want faster load times and more efficient workflows, Crucials P5 Plus is a solid PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD that is priced well for its feature set. Although it banks on value more than flat-out performance, the P5 Plus proved capable of keeping up with the best in most applications. It features a host of specialized algorithms for data protection and hardware-based, OPAL 2.0-compliant AES 256-bit encryption for data security. If you cant quite afford the Samsung 980 Pro or WD_Black SN850, the P5 Plus is a solid performing alternative thats worthy of your consideration. Read: Crucial P5 Plus Review Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Alternative: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 5. Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Best Value PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Alternative Specifications Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,200 MBps / 6,900 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years (with registration) / Up to 2,800 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at BHPhoto View at Walmart Reasons to buy + Fast sequential performance + Competitive pricing + Large and consistent dynamic cache + Attractive design Reasons to avoid - 1-year warranty without registration - Not quite as responsive or efficient as Samsung / WD - No AES 256-bit encryption - Slow write speed after write cache fills Powered by Phison PS5018-E18 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD controller and Microns 96L TLC flash, the Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus boasts some serious hardware that enabled it to shatters write speed records in our testing. Not only is it fast, with its black PCB and matching black PCB and copper tone heat spreader, but its also a very attractive M.2. At prices that undercut both WD and Samsung, its a great value for those looking to save some cash, but still, get that responsive PCIe 4.0 performance. Plus, it comes in a spacious 4TB capacity, unlike the WD and Samsung, too. But, bear in mind that at its lower price point it lacks AES 256-bit hardware encryption and comes with a 1-year warranty without registration within 90 days. Read: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Review Best M.2 SSD for Laptops: SK hynix Gold P31 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 6. SK hynix Gold P31 Best M.2 SSD for Laptops Specifications Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,500 MBps / 3,200 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Walmart View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Class-leading power efficiency + Top-tier performance + Competitive endurance and 5-year warranty + Single sided-form factor + Low cost + AES 256-bit encryption Reasons to avoid - The 2TB model is a little slower than the 1TB model - Black PCB only for 2TB capacity - Encryption is not OPAL compliant SK hynixs Gold P31 touts market leadership as the first retail SSD product to launch with 128-Layer flash. With SK hynixs newest flash reaching incredible bit density, the Gold P31 hits the market at very low pricing. Listed at competitive prices, the Gold P31 is a fantastic value that will make you think twice about spending that extra $25-$50 on the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. SK hynixs Gold P31 is great if youre looking to increase your laptop storage, not only to gain capacity but to gain battery life, too. While some drives may perform well against the Gold P31 in benchmarking, the SK hynix is much more power-efficient, which will lead to longer off-the-charger sessions. Laptop users who prioritize battery life should definitely put the new SK hynix Gold P31 at the top of their drive list. Additionally, the Gold P31's very strong write performance and ultra-high efficiency make it a well-rounded choice for many desktop users as well. Read: SK hynix Gold P31 Review Best Performance PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD: Samsung 970 EVO Plus (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 7. Samsung 970 EVO Plus Best Performance PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,500 MBps / 3,200 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Samsung View at Dell View at Amazon 30 Amazon customer reviews Reasons to buy + Solid overall performance + Black PCB + Excellent software package Reasons to avoid - Could use further efficiency optimization We're quite impressed with the Samsung 970 EVO Plus. Like the WD Black SN750, Samsungs drive carries over the same controller as its predecessor. But instead of refreshing it with the same flash, Samsung decided to switch things up a bit with its new 9x-layer flash. Just as the flash is stacked to new heights, performance hits new highs, too. The resulting drive is exactly what its name says: a big Plus. As the first widely-available retail SSD to hit the market with Samsung's latest 9x-layer flash, the Samsung 970 EVO Plus delivers the same performance as the 970 EVO, plus more. The drive consistently proved that it has some of the strongest write performance on the market and can handle tough workloads. It even beat out Samsungs own 970 PRO in a few tests, which is quite the feat considering the PRO slots in as Samsung's workhorse for workstation-class applications. Read: Samsung 970 EVO Plus Review Best Value PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD: Crucial P5 M.2 NVMe SSD (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 8. Crucial P5 M.2 NVMe SSD Best Value PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,400 MBps / 3,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Walmart View at Best Buy View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Competitive pricing + Hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption + Blacked-out aesthetics + 5-year warranty + Software suite Reasons to avoid - Runs hot - Not quite as performant as SK hynix or Samsung Crucials P5 is a mainstream PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD that has a lot of engineering put into its design with Microns in-house designed six-core NVMe controller and some of the latest 96L TLC flash available, but ultimately, the company banks on its value to entice its purchase. While it isnt as bleeding edge fast as the newest Gen4 SSDs on the market and it can get quite hot under heavy loads, the P5 still holds its own for what it is. Crucials P5 is capable of delivering sequential read and write speeds of up to 3.4/3 GBps, looks great with its blacked-out aesthetic, and comes in a slim, single-sided M.2 form factor for broad compatibility. It also comes supported with a standard 5-year warranty and average endurance ratings, along with some value adder software as a bonus. It even features hardware-accelerated AES 256-bit encryption that is OPAL complaint. But, best of all, in recent times its gotten even more affordable than ever. Gamer, prosumer, or just your average PC user looking for a storage upgrade, the Crucial P5 is priced to sell at a very lost cost, making it a solid value for those trying to save a few bucks over the absolute best SSDs. Read: Crucial P5 Review Best RGB M.2 SSD: Patriot Viper VPR100 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 9. Patriot Viper VPR100 Best RGB M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided w/heatsink Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,300 MBps / 2,900 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / 1600 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Solid performance and class-leading endurance + Attractive RGB lighting and heatsink + Available in capacities up to 2TB Reasons to avoid - Small write cache - Some lighting settings may affect performance - No SSD toolbox or cloning software When we first took a look at the Viper VPR100, we were a bit concerned about its performance. Not only was it rated lower than most Phison E12-based SSDs, but the company states it will perform slower under various RGB settings. But, when we ran it through its paces with various lighting settings, the drive displayed no such issue with our ASRock X570 Taichi testbed. In fact, it even outperformed the MyDigitalSSD BPX Pro at times with the default lighting enabled, beating its rated specs. The integrated heatshield not only adds quite a bit to the aesthetics of the Viper VPR100, but it also keeps the SSD cool under any workload. The LEDs didnt add any significant heat output, either. So, no matter what your style is, you wont have to sweat over your choice. If you're building an all-RGB rig or just a new gaming system that you want to also add a bit of color to, the Viper VPR100 will definitely light things up. Read: Patriot Viper VPR100 Review Best High-Performance High-Capacity M.2 SSD: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 8TB SSD (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 10. Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus Best High-Performance High-Capacity M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe Sequential Reads/Writes: Up to 7,000/6,850 MBps (4TB) Warranty/Endurance: Up to 5 Years / Up to 6,000 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Walmart View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Very high capacity + Uses TLC and not QLC for such a large capacity + Absolute performance remains strong Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Some performance pitfalls Sabrent is no newcomer to high-capacity SSDs. The company first hit 8TB with their Rocket Q, but now it has a TLC drive at that capacity. Currently, no other manufacturer offers a consumer 8TB TLC drive. As such, this drive offers the best of both the capacity and performance worlds, but it comes at a steep price. The Rocket 4 Plus has a powerful controller and newer flash, but there are some downsides from pushing the capacity envelope: it has lower power efficiency and weaker all-around performance than some of its lower-capacity peers. That means other drives with this controller and Microns 176-layer flash do perform better, but they dont offer nearly the same capacity. Overall, the 8TB Rocket 4 Plus is the fastest 8TB SSD weve ever tested, offering the highest performance available at this capacity point. If youre looking for a better value, though, turn to the QLC version of this same drive. Read: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus SSD Review Best High-Capacity M.2 SSD: Sabrent Rocket Q (8TB) (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 11. Sabrent Rocket Q Best Value High-Capacity M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,300 MBps / 2,900 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years (with registration) / Up to 1800 TBW Today's Best Deals View at BHPhoto View at Walmart Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Highest-capacity M.2 SSD available + Competitive performance and efficiency + Software support + Up to five-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Expensive - Slow write speed after write cache fills - Low endurance-per-GB compared to TLC - May throttle without cooling Sabrents 8TB Rocket Q slots in as the industrys highest-capacity M.2 NVMe SSD. The pint-sized monster is obviously best suited for the data hoarder on the go, but at $1,500, itll set you back about as much as a decent gaming laptop. The drive doesn't just push capacity to the highest we've seen with a slim M.2 SSD; it also impresses with great performance and efficiency, thanks to the new Phison E12S controller and 96-Layer QLC flash. That said, you can look to the Rocket 4 Plus (listed above) if you're after the fastest 8TB SSD on the market. QLC flash does have its downfalls, like lower endurance and slower write performance after the SLC write cache gets filled up during large file transfers, but the Phison E12S controller helps push the Rocket Q to deliver respectable performance. The pricing is far more amenable than faster alternatives at this capacity, too. Read: Sabrent Rocket Q Review WD Black SN770 SSD (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 12. WD Black SN770 Best DRAM-less M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 5,150 MBps / 4,9003,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Walmart View at Best Buy Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Fast performance and cool operation + Competitive pricing + Single-sided PCB at all capacities + Software support + 5-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Slow write speed after write cache fills - Lacks AES hardware encryption - Not available in 4TB Powered by WDs in-house four-channel DRAM-less architecture and packing the latest BiCS5 TLC flash, WDs Black SN770 breaks the mainstream mold. Although its peak bandwidth is a bit limited due to its four-channel controller, the SN770 still trades blows with the best, dishing out sequential speeds of up to 5.15/4.9 GBps read/write and up to 740,000/800,000 random read/write IOPS. Not only is the SN770s peak performance exceptional, but its QD1 performance is also exceptional, meaning the drive is plenty snappy. With Game Mode enabled via WDs SSD Dashboard, the Black SN770 can dish out random read speeds that rival the more costly Black SN850. It is also backed with the same endurance ratings and a five-year warranty. Overall, the WD Black SN770 delivers exceptionally fast performance and is a solid choice for both gamers and mainstream users looking for a consistent-performing SSD at a reasonable price. Read: WD Black SN770 Review (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 13. Samsung 980 Alternate Pick: Best DRAM-less M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,500 MBps / 3,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 600 TBW Today's Best Deals View at BHPhoto View at BHPhoto Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Competitive performance + Attractive design + AES 256-bit hardware encryption + Software suite + 980 Pro-like endurance and 5-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Capacities up to only 1TB - Slow write speeds after the SLC cache fillls Samsungs 980 is an inexpensive M.2 SSD that lacks DRAM, but it packs the companys fastest flash yet. While shackled down by a PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, Samsungs 980 may not be as fast as the Gen4 speed spewing monster that is the 980 Pro, but it is still a very responsive DRAM-less M.2 NVMe SSD thanks to its optimized design. Without DRAM, the SSD performs efficiently, keeps pace with many of the best PCIe Gen3 SSDs, and still boasts respectable endurance ratings. Sustained write performance may not be as strong as the WD Blue SN550s, but with a cache that is over 13x larger, Samsungs 980 shouldnt slow down to slower than rated speeds often and should offer a more responsive user experience for the majority of its life. Read: Samsung 980 Review Best DRAMless M.2 SSD: WD Blue SN570 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 14. WD Blue SN570 Best Value DRAM-less M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Single-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.1 x4 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 3,500 MBps / 3,000 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 1,200 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Competitive pricing and performance + Single-sided PCB at all capacities + Software support + 5-year warranty Reasons to avoid - Small SLC cache and weak sustained write speed WDs Blue SN570 is a solid choice for mainstream builders putting together a new system or even gamers on a budget. The Blue SN570 delivers snappy performance in most consumer work thanks to its BiCS5 TLC flash and an improved NVMe SSD controller design. This pairing makes for a forty percent improvement in sequential performance and solid gains in 4KB random read workloads, positioning it shoulder-to-shoulder against Samsungs 980. However, at lower prices than the Samsung 980 and also backed with a solid warranty, support software, and decent endurance ratings, the WD Blue SN570 is an even better value. Read: WD Blue SN570 Review Best NAS M.2 SSD: WD Red SN700 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 15. WD Red SN700 Best NAS M.2 SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x4 / NVMe Sequential Reads/Writes: Up to 3,400/3,100 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 5,100 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Walmart View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Up to 4TB of capacity + Good warranty and endurance + Consistent sustained performance + Efficient + Good pricing for 4TB of TLC Reasons to avoid - Poor peak and general performance - Old technology - No power loss protection This drive is effectively an updated WD Black SN750, which was known for its consistent performance and good efficiency, but its tailored for NAS usage. That combination makes it a nice choice for a NVMe NAS SSD, especially when coupled with TLC up to 4TB. The WD Red SN700 doesnt offer anything special for the general user, but is great for use in a NAS. The underlying technology is also starting to show its age, but that maturity is important for critical storage systems like a NAS where performance isnt as much of a focus. The WD Red SN700 also doesnt have power loss protection, although that isnt surprising as this drive isnt for an enterprise application. However, the warranty and rated endurance are strong, which makes this a good buy for the right usage, which in this case is in a NAS. Read: WD Red SN700 SSD Review SATA Drives You can get a SATA drive in the M.2 form factor, but most SATA drives are 2.5-inch models, which allows them to drop into the same bays that hold laptop hard drives. SATA drives are the cheapest and still the most popular. Best Consumer SATA SSD: Samsung 870 EVO (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 16. Samsung 870 EVO Best Consumer SATA SSD Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: 2.5-inch 7mm Transfer Interface/Protocol: SATA 6Gbps / AHCI Sequential Reads/Writes: Up to 560 MBps / 530 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 2,400 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Best Buy View at Samsung View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Reliable and responsive architecture + Appealing aesthetics + AES 256-bit encryption + Capacities up to 4TB + 5-year warranty + Software suite Reasons to avoid - Premium price Samsung continues to show us that it has the best SATA SSDs on the market. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor with top-ranking performance, great power efficiency, and all the features you could want out of SATA SSD, the 870 EVO dominates. While not as endurant as the PRO models, the 870 EVO comes with enough endurance for most users. Whether youre a gamer or a prosumer, with high capacities of up to 4TB available, theres a capacity for almost any need. You dont need to look farther for a better SATA SSD this is your best pick. Read: Samsung 870 EVO Review Best Consumer SATA SSD Alternative: Crucial MX500 17. Crucial MX500 Best Consumer SATA SSD Alternative Specifications Capacities: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB Form Factor: 2.5 7mm Transfer Interface/Protocol: SATA 3 / AHCI Sequential Reads/Writes: Up to 560 MBps / 510 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 700 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Newegg View at Amazon View at Best Buy 51 Amazon customer reviews Reasons to buy + Mainstream performance + Competitive pricing + SSD Toolbox and cloning software included + Host power failure protection Hardware AES-256 Encryption + TCG Opal 2.0 SED Support Reasons to avoid - Smaller capacities slightly slower than larger - The design could use a makeover If you dont want to dish out big bucks on something in the NVMe flavor but still want strong SATA performance, the MX500 is a great choice. As an alternative to the Samsung 860 EVO, it offers similar performance and has a strong history of reliability. Usually priced to sell, the MX500 is a top value at any capacity you need. Read: Crucial MX500 Review Best Prosumer SATA SSD: Samsung 860 PRO 18. Samsung 860 PRO Best Prosumer SATA SSD Specifications Capacities: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: 2.5 7mm Transfer Interface/Protocol: SATA 3 / AHCI Sequential Reads/Writes: 560 MBps / 530 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 4,800 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Newegg View at Amazon View at Amazon 490 Amazon customer reviews Reasons to buy + Highest SATA performance for sustained workloads + High endurance + Consistent performance + SSD Toolbox and cloning software included TCG Opal, eDrive encryption support Reasons to avoid - Extremely high cost Restrained by the SATA interface, but still need the absolute highest endurance and performance you can get? As the pinnacle of SATA performance inside and out, Samsungs 860 PRO is the SSD to buy. Like the Samsung 970 PRO, the 860 PRO uses Samsungs 64L MLC V-NAND, which helps propel it to the top of the charts in our rounds of benchmarking and makes for some incredible endurance figures. You can get capacities up to 4TB, and endurance figures can be as high as 4,800 TBW. But with prices that are triple that of your typical mainstream SATA SSD, the 860 PRO is mainly for businesses with deep pockets. Read: Samsung 860 Pro Review Add-in Card SSDs These drives are add-on cards, just like graphics cards or sound cards, so they only work with desktops with a spare PCIe 3.0 x4, x8, or x16 slot. However, because they are larger than other form factors, they have room for more chips and better cooling, making them the fastest drives around. Best Workstation SSD: Intel Optane SSD DC P5800X (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 19. Intel Optane SSD DC P5800X Best Workstation SSD Specifications Capacities: 400GB, 800GB, 1.6TB Form Factor: U.2 15mm Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.3d Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,200 MBps / 6,200 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 292 PBW Today's Best Deals View at Newegg View at Amazon View at Newegg Reasons to buy + Top-notch PCIe 4.0 performance + Ultra-high endurance ratings + AES 256-bit encryption support + 5-year warranty + Software support Reasons to avoid - Low efficiency - High cost per GB - Limited capacities You could get by with using one of our top M.2 picks for workstation use, but flash devices have rather limited capabilities in mixed workloads, so they can still bottleneck the most grueling workloads. For those who dont want to just 'get by,' but absolutely remove storage as a potential bottleneck, then Intels Optane SSD DC P5800X is for you. This is a U.2 design, so you'll find it in most workstations riding on a U.2-to-PCIe carrier, essentially transforming the drive into an add-in-card. Powered by the companys second-generation Optane storage media. Intels Optane SSD DC P5800X is a supercharged NVMe SSD that can take on nearly any workload you throw its way and ask for more. Capable of delivering sequential performance figures of up to 7.2/6.2 GBps, hitting upwards of 1.5 million random read/write IOPS, and warrantied to withstand up to 292 petabytes, Intels Optane SSD DC P5800X is the fastest and most endurant NVMe SSD weve ever tested. But its pricey, very power-hungry like its predecessors, and has limited capacity compared to its NAND flash counterparts. Read: Intel Optane SSD DC P5800X Review Best Workstation SSD Alternative: Seagate FireCuda 530 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 20. Seagate FireCuda 530 Best Workstation SSD Alternative Specifications Capacities: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,300 MBps / 6,900 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 5,100 TBW Today's Best Deals View at Amazon View at Best Buy View at Dell Reasons to buy + Very fast PCIe 4.0 performance + Very impressive sustained write speeds + Impressive endurance ratings + 5-year warranty w/ 3-year data rescue service + Appealing aesthetics + Cool operation Reasons to avoid - Costly - Lacks hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption - Less efficient than competitors The Samsung 980 Pro and WD_Black SN850 are our Best picks, but that doesnt mean they are the fastest SSDs on the market. We know Optanes DC P5800X is unearthly fast, but has limited capacity and doesnt come in the same efficient M.2 form factor. The FireCuda 530, on the other hand, is available in capacities of up to 4TB, comes in that small M.2 form factor, and delivers incredible sustained write speeds for a flash-based SSD. If you dont have that deep of pockets for Optane, or maybe just want to out-benchmark your friends, the FireCuda 530 might be up your alley. Sporting Phisons beastly, penta-core PS5018-E18 NVMe SSD controller and Microns fast 176-Layer TLC flash, the FireCuda 530 outperforms both the Samsung and WD across the board and it comes backed by better warranty and support service. However, its high-performance, endurance, and data rescue support add quite a bit to pricing, making it a very premium buy targeted for the professional crowd rather than the average gamer. Read: Seagate FireCuda 530 Review Best Value Workstation SSD: Corsair MP600 Pro XT (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 21. Corsair MP600 Pro XT Best Value Workstation SSD Specifications Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: M.2 2280 Double-sided Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 1.4 Sequential Reads/Writes: 7,100 MBps / 6,800 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / Up to 3,000 TBW Today's Best Deals View at CORSAIR View at Newegg View at Amazon Reasons to buy + Fast PCIe 4.0 performance and cool operation + Impressive sustained write speeds and endurance + Attractive design + 5-year warranty + AES 256-bit encryption Reasons to avoid - Costly - Poor Power efficiency Corsairs MP600 Pro XT is one of the fastest SSDs weve had our hands on, essentially tying the Seagate FireCuda 530 in most of our performance tests. While made of the same components, a Phison E18 NVMe SSD controller and Microns B47R TLC flash, the MP600 Pro XT comes at a much lower price point of up to $140 cheaper at the time of publishing. Of course, theres a valid reason for this lower price. The MP600 Pro XT lacks the more advanced XTS-AES 256-bit encryption, three years of Data Recovery Services, and has lower endurance ratings than its Seagate counterpart. However, most of those points are of little consideration for most. If youre looking for the best performance you can get without overspending on features or ultra-high endurance ratings that you dont need, Corsairs MP600 Pro XT is a force to be reckoned with and well worth your consideration. Read: Corsair MP600 Pro XT Review Best RGB Add-in-Card SSD: WD Black AN1500 (Image credit: Tom's Hardware) 22. WD Black AN1500 Best RGB Add-in-Card SSD Specifications Capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB Form Factor: Half-Height, Half Length Transfer Interface/Protocol: PCIe 3.0 x8 / NVMe 1.3 Sequential Reads/Writes: 6,400 MBps / 4,100 MBps Warranty/Endurance: 5 Years / N/A Today's Best Deals Check Amazon Reasons to buy + Aesthetic appeal + Competitive performance + 5-year warranty + Software suite Reasons to avoid - Not quite as fast as native Gen4 SSDs - Takes up 8 PCIe lanes for full performance - Power hog - Runs hot, but not too hot - Expensive WDs Black AN1500 is a unique NVMe SSD that combines two of the companys SN730 NVMe SSDs and pairs them into a RAID 0 with an enterprise-grade RAID controller. The drive delivers the speed of the PCIe Gen4 interface to systems that only support PCIe Gen3. The drive delivers up to 6.4/4.1 GBps in sequential read/write performance, providing PCIe Gen4-like performance over its PCIe 3.0 X8 interface - but for systems that dont support PCIe Gen4. However, while the drive offers up incredible performance, it consumes a lot of power and is rather pricey. Fortunately, endurance ratings dont restrict its warranty coverage, and there is, of course, that well-implemented RGB lighting. Read: WD Black AN1500 Review Finding Discounts on the Best SSDs Whether you're shopping for one of the best SSDs or one that didn't quite make our list, you may find savings by checking out the latest Crucial promo codes, Newegg promo codes, Amazon promo codes, Corsair coupon codes, Samsung promo codes or Micro Center coupons. To set the tone for this "conversation" we found one of the few clever Internets arguments that inspires a chuckle . . . That's funny . . . And as we've noted often during amid this politically charged debate . . . . Locals seems to have lost any perspective in this discussion. Here's one example of a recent protest that strangely seems to advocate more death for babies in the urban core . . . "Organized by the Reale Justice Network a group of Kansas City-based Black women, trans and non-binary community organizers the Rallys purpose was twofold: to protest the Supreme Courts impending deprival of human rights, and to center low-income, communities of color who will be impacted most by this action." We'll ignore their hyperbolic reporting about the turnout for an abortion rally earlier this week. More importantly, whilst we don't doubt their sincerity . . . Their argument overlooks an important fact that is best explained by this passage . . . "In many black communities, the abortion debate is inextricably tied to race in ways that white communities seldom confront. Social and economic disparities that are particularly challenging to African-Americans, from mass incarceration to maternal and infant mortality, are crucial parts of that discussion. "The best way to reduce abortions, many black people both for and against the practice argue, is to address the difficult circumstances that lead so many black women to end their pregnancies. Abortions have dropped over the last 15 years among all racial groups. But black women continue to have the highest abortion rate at 27.1 per 1,000 women compared with 10 per 1,000 for white women, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. "Those seeking to outlaw abortion lament what they see as an undoing of the fabric of black families. They liken the high abortion rates among black women to a cultural genocide, and sometimes raise the specter of eugenics and population control when discussing abortion rights, as Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court did in a recent concurring opinion." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Black Organizers Lead Mass Reproductive Justice Rally Outside Jackson County Courthouse KANSAS CITY, MO - On May 3, over two hundred Kansas Citians gathered outside of Jackson County Courthouse to protest against the recently leaked draft opinion by the United States Supreme Court - which strongly indicated that the decades-long Roe v. Wade's decision will be overturned. When 'Black Lives Matter' Is Invoked in the Abortion Debate (Published 2019) ST. LOUIS - As a pastor, Clinton Stancil counsels his black congregants that abortion is akin to the taking of innocent life. But as a civil rights activist, Mr. Stancil urges them to understand the social forces that prompt black women to have abortions at disproportionately high rates. You decide . . It was a busy day for local po-po . . . In this post we take a look at local reports on police action, court cases and the constant spate of bullets flying in KCMO. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City police investigate 2 shootings Wednesday afternoon Police in Kansas City are investigating two shootings Wednesday afternoon.One shooting was reported at Broadway Boulevard and Knickerbocker Place. Authorities said the victim, a man, was in critical condition.A second shooting was reported nearby at 36th Street and Baltimore Avenue just after 5 p.m.Police described the victim's injuries as life-threatening.Investigators said they do not know if the shootings are connected. I-470 temporarily closed for disposal of commercial grade explosive material The Lee's Summit, Missouri Police Department temporarily closed a portion of northbound and southbound I-470 Wednesday for the disposal of a suspicious device near Strother Road. At approximately 11:40 a.m., officers were dispatched on the report of a suspicious item. Kansas City man indicted for murder 3 years after deadly hit-and-run CLAY COUNTY, Mo. - A grand jury indicted a man three years after he was originally charged with murder and other related crimes. Clay County's Fugitive Apprehension Unit arrested 46-year-old Michael W. Myers on Tuesday. Myers is accused of intentionally running over James Pettijohn with his truck in Gladstone in 2019. Neighbor, prosecutor talk about fatal shooting after chase ends in Platte City The Platte County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a homicide suspect was shot and killed by police and highway patrol troopers following a high-speed police chase late Tuesday night."Well, I was really kind of frightened I didn't know what was going on," said Margie Bucher.The neighborhood Bucher has called home for 21 years was surrounded by police Tuesday night as authorities searched for an armed homicide suspect."I'm not used to murderers or anybody running around. Northeast Middle School stabbing suspect's case continued KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A pre-trial hearing for the 14-year-old charged with murder in the stabbing death of a Northeast Middle School student last month in Kansas City, Missouri, was continued Wednesday in Jackson County Family Court. Manny Guzman, 14, died from injuries sustained during an attack by another student on April 12 at Northeast Middle School. Former Leavenworth police officer to be retried in fatal shooting FOR YOU THURSDAY FEW MINUTES. WE HAVE BREAK. NOW OUT OF LEAVENWORTH A FORMER POLICE OFFICER W SHOHOT AND KILLED A MAN WLIL BE RETRIED LAST MONTH JURIS FAILED TO REACH A VERDICT AND A MISTRIAL WAS DECLARED FOR MATTHEW HARRINGTON A NEW TRIAL IS NOW SET FOR JUNE 6TH. Private security firm owner claims self-defense in downtown shooting that injured man The owner of a downtown private security firm is now charged with felony first-degree assault and felony armed criminal action charges after he shot a man in March. Criminal justice experts interviewed by KMBC 9 Investigates said this case will hinge on the argument of self-defense. Jealousy may have fueled deadly KCK shooting, wrong-way chase KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Jealously over an ex-girlfriend may have fueled the crime-spree that led to Tuesday night's high speed chase and, ultimately, a police shooting at the end of a standoff. Kansas City, Kansas, police identified that man who died following the dangerous wrong-way pursuit on I-35, Shawnee Mission Parkway, and I-435 Tuesday night. Merriam police hires extra 'co-responders' to help with mental health-related cases MERRIAM, Kan. - Five police departments in Johnson County now have an extra co-responder to help with mental health cases. A co-responder is a licensed clinician employed by the Johnson County Mental Health Center. They undergo specialized training on top of their mental health expertise to work with officers on scene. Move Over: KHP trooper's daughter raises awareness after near-tragic crash ELLIS COUNTY, Kan. - A near-tragic event prompted the daughter of a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper to raise awareness for Kansas' "move over" law in hopes of expanding it and making penalties more serious. At about 9 a.m. on April 26, Trooper Shawn Summers was conducting a routine vehicle inspection near mile-marker 144 in Ellis County. Developing . . . Once again we're mourning the death of irony in Kansas City. Today's slap in the face from mainstream media . . . KANSAS CITY STAR SEYZ SPRING RAIN SIGNALS GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE!!! A quick refresher for #TBT . . . Let's not forget this town's long history of flooding . . . The Kansas City Flood of 1951 pretty much defines the modern era . . . For Gen-Xers . . . Most of us remember our parents talking about the Plaza flood of 77 . . . And now . . . It pretty much floods in KCMO every time it rains . . . Nevertheless . . . Blaming climate change is much easier than holding politicos accountable for their dearth of attention to basic infrastructure and local sewers. And so . . . Here's the daily newspaper claiming that the sky is falling . . . "The warmer air from climate change is supercharging the atmosphere leading to heavier rainfall extremes across the United States, including the Kansas City area, according to the study by Climate Central, an independent climate change research organization. "The study analyzed 150 U.S. locations and found that 90% of them were experiencing more average rainfall per hour than in 1970. "The average change in rainfall intensity was 13%, according to Climate Central. For the Kansas City area, the change in hourly rainfall intensity was 18%. That compares to a change in rainfall intensity of 20% for St. Louis, 15% for Topeka and 12% for Springfield." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . A progressive bit of legislation has been played down in local media because of the bitter debate that it sparks. Special thanks to members of OUR KICK-ASS TKC BLOG COMMUNITY who believe that knowing about pending legislation is more important than sparing people's feelings . . . The Pride in Mental Health Act would amend existing child abuse law to include explicit protections for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their families, according to a copy of the bill obtained by Changing America. Specifically, the measure would provide recommendations for federal, state and local agencies to improve data collection related to the mental and behavioral health of LGBTQ+ youth and better identify youth who may be at risk of experiencing or already experiencing child abuse or neglect because of the their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Mental health is a growing concern for families and communities across the country, and frankly, we are failing many of our most vulnerable children on this issue, Davids said Wednesday. Davids in 2018 became the first openly LGBTQ+ person and the first Native American woman elected to Congress from Kansas. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Representative introduces legislation addressing LGBTQ+ mental health crisis Rep. Sharice Davids (D), co-chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, is prepared to introduce legislation Wednesday broadening mental health support for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. The "Pride in Mental Health Act" would amend existing child abuse law to include explicit protections for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their families, according to a copy of the bill obtained by Changing America. Developing . . . Toronto did more than just proclaim May as Museum Month this year: it also announced that admission to its 10 Toronto History Museums is now free permanently. Live debates are sometimes the only chance residents get to see political candidates answer questions in public before ballots are cast. Four new historical fiction books that will pique your curiosity, hook you on the Mitfords and satisfy with a pitch-perfect ending [May 04, 2022] Noname Security Launches Active Testing; Empowers Organizations to Shift Left with API Security Testing Active Testing allows businesses to prevent attacks and reduce vulnerabilities with every release SAN JOSE, Calif., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Noname Security , the leading API security company, today announced the launch of its Active Testing solution within the Noname API Security Platform. Active Testing is purpose-built to address specific application programming interface (API) challenges and enable organizations to adopt a 'shift left' approach to API security testing. Active Testing allows businesses to stop vulnerabilities before they reach production and innovate faster without compromising security. With Active Testing, organizations can continuously refine and strengthen their API security posture and reduce the risk of damaging breaches. APIs are critical to business transformation and lie at the heart of corporate strategies for growth and innovation. However, they also represent a considerable security risk. Traditional controls like API gateways and web application firewalls (WAFs) leave APIs vulnerable to targeted attacks or malicious abuse, making them a top attack vector for web applications. Attacks that cause data breaches or compromise performance can lead to regulatory fines, reputational damage, and lost revenue. As a result, API security should be a priority for every organization, but until now the tools available have failed to address vulnerabilities pre-production. Noname Security's Active Testing solution shrinks the API attack surface by ensuring vulnerabilities are detected before they reach production. It alerts developers instantly to business logic vulnerabilities, like the OWASP API Top 10, and its tests and simulations are based on real business logic, not fuzzing. This ensures a high degree of accuracy and relevance and minimizes false positives. Developers can deliver secure code without having to become security experts, and use APIs with confidence. Vulnerabilty remediation is accelerated, and security bottlenecks are removed, through the ability to integrate Active Testing with existing developer, IT, and security workflows and service management tools including ServiceNow, Jira, and Slack. The cost of remediating vulnerabilities is dramatically reduced when they are detected and fixed earlier in the software development life cycle (SDLC), while addressing them before they reach production allows the business to reduce expenditure on penetration testing and other third-party testing services. Further, the solution's advanced testing automation capabilities mean it can be seamlessly integrated into existing CI/CD systems, improving API security posture without interrupting the pace of innovation. Advanced customization powers tailored API security testing programs Customization is essential to fast and effective API security testing. Active Testing lets organizations easily create test suites that align with specific business objectives, with role-based access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can access APIs for testing. Active Testing also enables APIs to be grouped by business line, applications, teams, or any other parameter, allowing developers to align their development process with business needs. Similarly, Active Testing can be run in any environment, from testing and lab environments to staging. Active Testing delivers unmatched coverage, with the ability to automatically run more than 100 dynamic tests that simulate malicious traffic. Test behavior can be adjusted, and severity tailored, to accurately replicate the organization's live environment and real-world threats. Developers can also compare Swagger files to understand conformity to the original specification and how the API has evolved. The solution is quick to implement, delivering rapid time-to-value. This is a critical advantage compared to the typical time it can take to implement, test, and deploy runtime protections and remediation integrations for the production environment. These may take months to configure effectively, while a successful vulnerability exploit takes only seconds. Removing vulnerabilities before they reach production eliminates this risk and is a powerful tool to transform the integrity of an organization's code base. "Businesses need to be able to realize the power of APIs without compromising on development speed or security," said Shay Levi, Co-Founder and CTO at Noname Security. "Our Active Testing solution enables dynamic API security testing within existing development pipelines, detecting issues early in the software development life cycle where they are easier and far less costly to fix. It is highly customizable and automated, testing with the rigor and intensity the business requires without burdening developers with additional steps or requiring them to become security experts." "Unlike traditional tools, our solution understands business logic, allowing the development of purpose-built tests that deliver highly accurate and relevant results. Active Testing is revolutionary for organizations aiming to shift left with API security testing and prevent damaging breaches." Noname's Active Testing solution is available as SaaS or on-premise, providing ultimate flexibility according to the preferences of each customer. About Noname Security Noname Security is the only company taking a complete, proactive approach to API Security. Noname works with 20% of the Fortune 500 and covers the entire API security scope across three pillars Posture Management, Runtime Security, and API Security Testing. Noname Security is privately held, remote-first with headquarters in California, and offices in Tel Aviv and Amsterdam. Media Contacts EMEA Jim Pople C8 Consulting for Noname Security (EMEA) jim@c8consulting.co.uk +44 (0)7955 030191 [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] No. Medical specialists at Veterans Affairs facilities, including Montanas, arent being deployed to the Mexican border. Gina Grosso, Department of Veterans Affairs assistant secretary for human resources, told a Senate committee Tuesday there was no truth to a rumor circulating through conservative media outlets and Congress that VA facilities were losing medical staff to the U.S. southern border. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, put the question to Grosso at the start of a meeting primarily about staffing shortages in the VA workforce. So the question is this, have you or any VA representatives had conversations, or plan to have conversations, with the Department of Homeland Security to deploy VA personnel at the border to address issues resulting from the repeal of title 42? Tester said. Grosso confirmed there were no such plans. We have not been in any direct discussions with DHS on sending our employees to the border, Grosso said. She went on to say the VA has given vaccines to U.S. Custom and Border Patrol staff, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees. I would like to share that we are very proud of the work we've done helping other federal agencies that are on the border. Title 42 is a 78-year-old law that allows federal health officials to turn away migrants to protect public health. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control under the administration of former president Donald Trump, started using Title 42 to turn away migrants attempting to cross into the United States illegally. President Joe Bidens administration has kept the practice up, but faced lawsuits for doing so. The American Civil Liberties Union has sued to stop the use of Title 42, which it argues has been used not for public health, but rather to illegally shut down the asylum seekers. ACLU estimates that 1.7 million migrants have been turned back illegally. The CDC has officially announced it will end the use of Title 42 on May 23, though the decision is caught in a legal battle. Ending the policy has outraged Republicans, who warn that border officials will be overwhelmed without the use of the law to turn migrants away. DHS acknowledges that it will take extra government resources to deal with border crossings. And that it is working with other government agencies to muster a response. But conservative media and members of Congress have spun the call for resources into a crisis for Veterans Affairs. There have been bills introduced in the House and Senate to stop the VA from deploying personnel south, which the VA insists it isnt doing. Montana veterans who selflessly served our nation rely on VA facilities for critical health care services their care should not be compromised by the Biden administrations inability to secure our southern border. President Biden created this crisis on his own, and instead of trying to redirect VA personnel and resources to fix it, he needs to accept his failure, reinstate Trump immigration policies like Title 42, build the wall and secure our southern border, said Sen. Steve Daines in a press release backing a Republican bill targeting VA staff border deployments. In Montana, after the VA confirmed to the Billings Gazette on April 21 that it had suspended care at its Miles City Community Living Center, the fuse was lit on the rumor of VA staff deployments to the U.S.-Mexico border. Im deeply concerned by the VAs decision to temporarily close the care facility in Miles City while there are rumors of VA medical professionals being sent to the southern border to provide care for illegal aliens crossing over the southern border, tweeted U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale, a Montana Republican. Tuesday, Rosendale spokesman Jonathan Eberle said theyll have to take the VAs word that no employees were being deployed. Similarly, Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican on the Veterans Affairs Committee, said he hoped the rumor was nothing more. I was glad that Senator Tester asked the question about the potential deployment of VA personnel down to the border if we were to experience the removal of Title 42. So that's good news, Tillis said. I think that we would need to know if, and hopefully that was just an unsubstantiated rumor. That would make me very happy. But I think we do have to understand that, why some people reacted to it is we're talking about vacancies. We're talking about headwinds on recruiting to complete the core mission. Tillis had earlier signed onto the same bill as Daines to block a deployment VA said isn't happening. Veterans Affairs is short several thousand employees. As a result, facilities like Miles City Community Living Center are unable to provide the services guaranteed to veterans. Grosso struggled to put a number to exactly how short-staffed the VA is. Tester said the committee needed a number identifying exactly how many positions VA needs to fill. Congress is currently working on budget requests for the coming federal fiscal year, which begins in October. In Miles City, the VA recognized last December that staffing shortages were risking patient safety. The VA did a full evaluation of the facility and concluded that the safest thing to do was to relocate veterans to other care homes, possibly federally managed or otherwise. It takes 40 people to operate the Miles City Community Living Center, which cares for 14 veterans, but right now there are several basic positions open, like physical therapy, social work, nursing leadership, nurse educator, and recreation therapy. Tuesday, VA spokesman Matthew Rosine said there was no truth to rumors Miles City VA staff were sent to the border with Mexico. This is not true. This is a rumor, Rosine said. Our suspension of care at the CLC in Miles City is due to our staffing concerns. Our staff is still in Miles City. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 3 Sad 0 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. The author of Funny Boy set out to tell the story of Siddhartha, who ultimately becomes the Buddha, but he tells it from the point of view of his wife, Yasodhara. Tanzania Royal Tour is a gateway to the natural discovery of the top African destinations brought to you by Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris DMC, Kilimanjaro safari is the top vacation adventure thing to do available in Tanzania, visit Tanzania (TRAVPR.COM) TANZANIA - May 5th, 2022 - Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris DMC brings you the discovery of nature with the Tanzania Royal Tour. Her excellent President of Tanzania, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Mr. Peter Greenberg, a famous American film producer, prepared a film that represents tourist attractions in Tanzania. You can visit Tanzania, and discover nature by visiting these tourist attractions. After the film be prepared, it was inaugurated in New York City and Los Angeles. Both Samia and peter participated in premiering of the Tanzania Royal Tour film which will be then shown on the USA local Tvs and CBS TV and News travel. Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris is a reputable local Tour Operator in Tanzania, and have the best TripAdvisor reviews. Tanzania is a country located in East Africa, and bordering the Indian Ocean, whereby Tanzania's pristine beach island, Zanzibar exists. Tanzania is known for its efforts of wildlife conservation, and nature protection whereby 33% of its land is dedicated to the wildland protected area. Savanna Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere National Park, Gombe National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro are among famous wildlife safari places to visit, and Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest volcano mountain peak in Africa to climb. Kilimanjaro is among the seven summit peaks and the world's largest free-standing mountains. Kilimanjaro trekking is famous among the world's highest mountains and has active adventures to do. On the coast of Tanzania lies the Zanzibar archipelago, Mafia island, whereby they become a favorite tropical beach holiday destination in Africa. The tropical islands of Zanzibar, have Arabic influences, and Mafia, have a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs. On our latest Link tree, you can get travel advice at Now you know about Tanzania, so to go and visit attractions and discover nature, you can choose things to do according to your interest. There are several interests from Adventure travel, leisure tours, wildlife safaris, cultural tourism, historical tours, wine tours, and beach holidays. Adventure trips include Kilimanjaro trekking, Mount Meru climbing, horse riding, Balloon Serengeti, diving in Zanzibar, and many more. Tanzania is rich in wildlife safari places, and you can visit National Parks to see the big 5, and famous big cats like lions, leopards, etc. All these attractions have beautiful natural wonders to discover and enjoy your vacation. You can look at examples of fellow trip experiences at the Instagram account of @traveltanzaniasafaris Furthermore, we hereby present travel tips which help on how to prepare yourself like the best time to go, Kilimanjaro tips, and safari booking tips. Here we have Kilimanjaro routes comparison, a Kilimanjaro packing list, useful Kilimanjaro climbing tricks, hiking gears, and how to acclimatize. Kilimanjaro Tanzanite Safaris DMC has skilled, and experienced travel advisors to help you plan your vacation step by step. Also, another useful piece of travel advice is Tanzania's safari packing list and African safari tips. Here you buckle up, relax and book your vacation travel with expert voyage planners. ### A homicide investigation is underway after two people were found dead in a Bridger casino last month. The deaths of John Ahles, 33, and Marla Murray, 71, are being investigated as suspicious, according to a statement Wednesday from the Carbon County Sheriffs Office. First responders found their bodies after quashing a fire at Honest Toms Saloon and Casino on April 20. A passerby reported smoke rising out of the bar that morning, and crews from Bridger, Fromberg and Belfry brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. Ahles and Murray were pronounced dead at the scene. They were the only people in the building at the time of the fire, and no other injuries were reported. The casino was a total loss due to the smoke damage from the fire, Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan previously told the Gazette. Other details about the investigation, such as whether any suspects have been identified, the victims cause of death and the cause of the fire, are not being released at this time, McQuillan said. "There'll be more to add in the future. We just wanted to get this out here because we said we would update folks," he said. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting in the investigation, which McQuillan told the Gazette is the first homicide case for CCSO since the 2018 death of James Jimmy McGregor. Thomas Joseph Schifferns was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for fatally shooting McGregor. There is no threat to the public at this time, according to the statement released Wednesday. Love 3 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 19 Angry 3 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. Three attorneys and two localities have advanced as part of a new program for placing attorneys in rural areas of North Dakota by offering them financial incentives. The 2021 Legislature approved the Rural Attorney Recruitment Program, modeled after South Dakota's for addressing an attorney shortage in rural areas. North Dakota's seven most-populous counties have 87% of the 1,695 licensed attorneys living in the state, according to a 2021 breakdown from the State Board of Law Examiners. The pilot program of the state Supreme Court aims to place attorneys willing to work for at least five years in cities with 5,000 or fewer people or counties with 16,000 or fewer people. Attorneys "must agree to live in close proximity" to the community. North Dakota Supreme Court Staff Attorney Mike Hagburg on Wednesday provided an update to the Legislature's interim Judiciary Committee. The program's ad hoc committee last month recommended to the court the two localities that applied -- the city of Grafton and Walsh County -- be approved to participate. The program's three eligible lawyers are two in the Grafton area and one in the far southwest. The program allows a maximum four attorneys at one time. "We are looking for more participants," Hagburg said. No attorneys have yet been placed and no money has yet been spent, Hagburg said. "We're in the preparatory phase," he said. Attorneys in the program will receive an incentive of $45,000 given in five equal, annual payments. The Supreme Court will pay 50%, the city or county will pay 35% and the North Dakota Bar Foundation will pay 15%. The program is open to all attorneys, whether they plan to work or are already working in the public or private sector. It is up to each locality to reach an agreement with a participating attorney, after which a contract of obligations will be inked. Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com. 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. Russia's latest missile strikes on critical infrastructure across Ukraine have not affected the countrys ability to receive military support as aid continues to flow in. This was stated by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby at a Wednesday briefing, Ukrinform's own correspondent reports. Noting that the Russians have hit critical infrastructure targets in the west of Ukraine, including power substations, transportation hubs, and other facilities, Kirby said the U.S. sees the attacks as an attempt to undermine Ukraine's ability to rebuild its forces. He assured that despite such strikes, the United States retains every opportunity to supply military assistance, including weapons systems. According to Kirby, the United States and other Western partners of Ukraine have multiple ways to transport the necessary aid to Ukraine. "We know that material those weapons, those supplies are getting into Ukrainian hands said Kirby. He added that the U.S. is constantly changing the ways it delivers lethal aid to Ukraine. Those ways change as they must, Kirby said. Theres redundancy built into the process. As Ukrinform reported, about 250,000 people were left without electricity as a result of missile strikes launched by Russians on Lviv region on the evening of May 3. The leaders of the region and city stressed that the enemy was deliberately hitting supply chains, in particular, those for humanitarian goods from the west to the east of Ukraine. On Wednesday, May 4, the enemy struck at Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Cherkasy. Besides, reports came of a series of explosions in Mykolaiv and Brovary district, Kyiv region. Russia will likely seek to inflate the threat posed to Ukraine by military exercises in Belarus in order to prevent the Ukrainian Armed Forces from moving its forces from the north to the east of the country. According to Ukrinform, the UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update published on Twitter. "Russia will likely seek to inflate the threat posed to Ukraine by these exercises in order to fix Ukrainian forces in the North, preventing them from being committed to the battle for the Donbas," the ministry said. According to the update, Belarusian land forces have been observed deploying from garrison to the field, for exercises. "This is in line with seasonal norms as Belarus enters the culmination of its Winter Training cycle in the month of May. Deviation from normal exercise activity that could pose a threat to allies and partners is not currently anticipated," the ministry added. The Belarusian armed forces began sudden large-scale drills on May 4 to test their combat readiness. On February 24, Russian troops launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. They are destroying infrastructure and shelling residential areas of Ukrainian cities, towns and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles. The United States, the European Union and other countries have imposed sanctions on the aggressor country. Pro-Russian blogger Anatoliy Shariy, suspected by the Security Service of Ukraine of treason, has been detained in Spain, the SBU's press center has said. "Spanish law enforcement agencies detained Shariy on May 4, 2022. This became possible due to close cooperation of the Security Service of Ukraine with the Prosecutor General's Office, international partners and as a result of a multi-level special operation by Ukrainian law enforcement officers," the statement reads. The SBU said that this detention is another proof that every Ukrainian traitor will sooner or later receive a deserved punishment. The Ukrainian special service suspects Shariy of committing crimes under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Article 111 (treason) and Article 161 (violation of equality of citizens depending on their race, nationality, religious beliefs, disability and other grounds). According to SBU investigators, Shariy carried out illegal activities to the detriment of Ukraine's national security in the information sphere. There is reason to believe that Shariy acted on behalf of foreign entities. "Evidence collected by the investigation has been confirmed by a number of expert studies, which established that Shariy's interviews and speeches contain facts of his subversive activities against Ukraine. He was declared a suspect last year," the statement said. All the necessary investigative and operational measures are being taken to hold this person accountable for his actions. The occupiers are forcing residents of the Kharkiv region to leave for Russia and are trying to conduct mobilization in the occupied territories. The press service of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration reported this on Telegram, referring to Oleh Syniehubov, head of the administration, according to Ukrinform. "The head of the regional military administration said that the occupiers are forcing residents of the Kharkiv region to leave for the Russian Federation, taking away their means of communication and documents. In this way, the enemy prevents people from leaving for safe areas. According to him, in Izium, the enemy tried to mobilize the local population, forcing them to join the armed forces of the Russian Federation," the statement reads. Syniehubov stressed that the authorities are aware of the situation in each temporarily occupied settlement. "And as soon as we have an opportunity to help, we do it," he said. He said earlier that the occupiers set up a prison in Vovchansk on the territory of an enterprise whose equipment had been exported to Russia. "They use force against local residents, making them cooperate with the occupation regime. These actions continue to demonstrate that the enemy continues to commit war crimes against the civilian population. When we liberate settlements, we see both civilian casualties and the bodies of the Russian military, which they do not take away. We record all this so that no war crime is ignored by justice," Syniehubov said. As reported, according to the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, Liudmyla Denisova, Russia forcibly deported more than 900,000 Ukrainians to Russia. North Dakota lawmakers sought to tighten or change election procedures last year through dozens of bills, but the few that passed won't result in many visible changes for voters in June. The 2021 Legislature handled more than 40 such bills in the wake of the 2020 election, a trend nationwide amid former President Donald Trump's baseless claims of election fraud. Perhaps the most significant bill to pass, at more than 50 pages long, was largely an update to the state's election laws. "It really shouldn't make voters see any difference this time," Deputy Secretary of State Jim Silrum said of the bill's changes. The bill implemented language updates as well as provisions for matching absentee ballot application signatures, helping people with disabilities vote and enabling technology additions, such as QR codes for smartphones -- which could come into play in 2024 for generating remotely marked absentee ballots, when the technology is available. Burleigh County Election Manager Erika White said, "There are some good changes in there, some needed updates to the language, but nothing that should affect a voter's experience." Absentee ballots for the June 14 election are available to all North Dakota voters beginning Thursday. Early in-person voting begins as early as May 30, but varies county by county. Early in-person voting begins June 8 in Burleigh and Morton counties at the Bismarck Event Center and Disciples Church in Mandan, respectively. The bill also extends the time frame for county canvassing boards to meet, from six days after each election to 13 days, to provide more time to record in the state's central voter file who has voted. The change also benefits voters who cast a so-called "set-aside" ballot and must later present their North Dakota ID, or who must resolve signature-mismatching issues. Additional changes resulted from lawsuits in 2020 relating to the disputed residency of some candidates and a "cure" for how to resolve voters' mismatched signatures, Silrum said. One update clarifies that disputes of residency may be resolved only by a court order. Another update implements "a cure process" for absentee voters whose ballots were rejected because of mismatching signatures, Silrum said. That process entails notification to the voter so he or she can show an election official the ID used for his or her ballot application. Another change puts a 30-minute time limit on voters to mark and cast their ballots. Silrum said that law is aimed at being "proactive" against sit-in protests. He said it's "not a hard and fast rule" that poll workers will time voters in the middle of the day. The time limit has no penalty. Voters still marking their ballot when polls close have the option of casting their ballot as marked or continuing to mark it and forwarding it to the canvassing board to add in the final tally. The provision is largely for poll workers to "wrap up their night, do their reporting and get results back to the county auditor's office," McKenzie County Auditor/Treasurer Erica Johnsrud said. "The voters will know when they come in if that's applicable to them," she said of the time limit. "During the day they won't notice anything different. They can take all the time that they need to vote in the polling location." Another provision prohibits and penalizes with a Class A misdemeanor -- punishable by up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine -- the acceptance of nonpublic funds for elections, with exceptions including food for poll workers and use of private buildings for polling places. Many counties two years ago filled out applications and reported how they spent grant money from the Center for Tech and Civic Life. The group funded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg notified them in 2020 of available funds for elections, which counties used for personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer and ballot boxes. Some conservatives around the country, including some North Dakota lawmakers, questioned the funding doled out in numerous states. "I don't see this as any issue moving forward," Johnsrud said of the ban. Voting by mail Voting by mail has increased since 2016 in North Dakota. Ballots cast before the November general election increased from 38% in 2016 to 48% in 2018 to 75% in 2020, according to legislative testimony. The June 2020 election was held entirely by mail due to the coronavirus pandemic. Another bill that passed last year allows ballots to be processed but not tabulated up to three business days before Election Day, until polls close. The bill mirrored an executive order by Gov. Doug Burgum in fall 2020, when counties handled more mail ballots due to the pandemic. Some voters experienced voting by mail for the first time in 2020, "and maybe they said, 'Wow, this was pretty easy,' and they will probably continue with that because of how easy they felt it was," Silrum said. But mail ballots also brought "vitriol expressed by certain members of the ultra-right," he said. Trump made baseless claims about election fraud linked to mail ballots. One defeated bill in the Legislature last year sought to limit who could vote absentee. White expects absentee voting to increase slightly over Burleigh County's 2018 numbers. Johnsrud expects 40-45% of McKenzie County voters to participate by absentee or mail, which allows them time to research issues and vote at home without feeling rushed. "And a lot of times, you never know what the weather's going to be in North Dakota on election day," she quipped. Questioning elections Silrum said legislative races on the June ballot might be the most interesting contests. Ninety-eight seats in the Legislature are up for election, and many of them have intraparty Republican contests, including incumbents who gathered signatures to run against newcomers endorsed instead of them. The winners will move on to November's general election. North Dakota's dominant Republican Party has seen fissures in recent years between establishment and ultraconservative members -- evident at the party's convention last month in the U.S. Senate endorsement bids of incumbent John Hoeven and state Rep. Rick Becker, R-Bismarck. Hoeven narrowly won the endorsement, and Becker bowed out. Silrum said the Secretary of State's Office continues to deal with questions "about the accuracy of elections and the integrity of elections" on a daily basis. "To me it's unfortunate that some people are spending a considerable amount of their time sowing distrust in the election as opposed to working for solutions, getting involved, participating, and I hope they do participate in this upcoming election so that they can see how filled with integrity election administration already is," he said. Election officials last year demonstrated voting machines for state lawmakers during the legislative session, which Johnsrud commended. "We're always about education," she said. The June election will decide city and school elections and political parties' nominees. County, judicial, legislative, state and congressional races will be determined in November. Reach Jack Dura at 701-250-8225 or jack.dura@bismarcktribune.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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 United Nations plans to raise more than $2 billion to help Ukrainian refugees and those in need at home, and hopes to evacuate more people from Russian-occupied Mariupol. This was stated by Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths at the Donors' Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Griffiths spoke about a joint operation with the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate people from Mariupol. Read also: Video from inside filtration camp for Mariupol men released More than 100 people have been taken out of Azovstal, while more than 340 civilians from different parts of the city were removed yesterday, the official said. Today, at this moment, the convoy is heading to Azovstal, where it should arrive tomorrow morning. The organizations hope to take those who remain in this hell and bring them to safety, said the UN Deputy Secretary General. He also noted the extreme complexity of the operation. Griffiths stressed solidarity with Ukraine and stressed the need to do everything possible to reduce human suffering. The organization has approved an emergency request to raise $2.25 billion and there is hope that this money will be collected, said the UN representative. The war, he noted, caused the largest movement of refugees since World War 2 - on a scale never seen before in Europe. More than 5.6 million refugees had left for Europe, while another 7 million became internally displaced within the country. But there are many who simply cannot leave their homes, the official noted, including the elderly, the disabled, and other groups. The United Nations estimates that nearly 16 million Ukrainians are in need of humanitarian assistance. About 40% of those who left their homeland need help, Griffiths added. According to him, the UN and more than 200 humanitarian partners of the organization are working to provide assistance, attracting additional staff. Eight humanitarian hubs were set up outside Kyiv. Griffiths visited Kyiv a week ago, saw mass graves, and talked to survivors of Russian atrocities. As Ukrinform reported, the Donors' Conference for p Ukraine is being held in Warsaw today, May 5. The event was initiated by the Prime Ministers of Poland and Sweden Mateusz Morawiecki and Magdalena Andersson. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for Ukraines mounting humanitarian needs. Poland and Sweden thus seek to encourage their partners to jointly respond to the difficult humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The partners of the event are President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel. France will increase the total amount of its support for Ukraine to $2 billion. French President Emmanuel Macron said this in his video address to the High-Level International Donors' Conference in Support of Ukraine held in Warsaw on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "France will provide $2 billion in global aid in response to the needs expressed by the President of Ukraine. France will continue to act in a coordinated manner, within the EU, together with our European partners, as well as within the G7 and international financial institutions, so as to collectively respond to Ukraine's needs in the face of this war," Macron said. According to him, since the beginning of the war, France has provided EUR 100 million in humanitarian aid to fund international and non-governmental organizations on the ground. "Some 800 tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid have already been delivered to Ukraine and other countries in the region. Today, France is ready to help. In total, France provided $1.7 billion in Ukraine in 2022," Macron said. Ukrainian authorities work closely with the UN to organize a second humanitarian corridor to evacuate people from the Azovstal plant in Mariupol. "We work very closely with the United Nations to help organize a second corridor to evacuate civilian women and children from the plant's territory," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said during a press conference in Warsaw, answering a question from an Ukrinform correspondent. The Prime Minister stressed that the President of Ukraine maintained intensive contacts with the UN Secretary-General on the issue, and he himself communicated with the UN Under-Secretary-General. According to Shmyhal, Russia continues to attack Azovstal, and Ukrainians heroically repel these attacks. "Unfortunately, there are still a large number of wounded, civilians. Two days ago, two women died at Azovstal," the Head of Government said. He reminded that 156 people had been evacuated from Azovstal during the first humanitarian corridor. About 200 people are still there. We work non-stop to take them out. In addition, we work tirelessly to resolve the issue of how to save the lives of our servicemen, to bring all those who currently stay at Azovstal back to [the government-controlled territory of] Ukraine, Shmyhal said. He added that the situation at the plant was extremely difficult, many wounded stayed there. However, the Ukrainian military holds the defense heroically. "Today, the whole world is on our side, providing moral support. We work to save these people," the Head of Government summed up. As reported, the Azov Regiment fighters defending Mariupol called on the international community to evacuate civilians from the Azovstal steelworks and urged Ukraines Supreme Commander-in-Chief to take care of the wounded soldiers. On May 3, 156 residents of Mariupol, who had been hiding in Azovstal bunkers, arrived in Zaporizhzhia. On Thursday, the UN and the Red Cross sent another humanitarian convoy to evacuate civilians from the plant. Photo credit: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine ol Japan will provide $300 million in financial assistance to Ukraine. Japan's Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori said this at the High-Level International Donors' Conference in Support of Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "On humanitarian aid. We have already promised and started providing $200 million. Secondly, on direct assistance to the budget, economic and financial support to Ukraine, we have pledged and will soon provide $300 million to the Ukrainian government," he said. The Japanese ambassador added that Tokyo called on all governments to join the restoration of Ukraine when it becomes possible. He said that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi called on Asian governments to join support for Ukraine, especially financially, and impose sanctions on Russia. On May 5, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is on a working visit to Warsaw, where the High-Level International Donors' Conference in Support of Ukraine is being held. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is on a working visit to Warsaw where the International Donors' Conference for Ukraine is being held. "We continue to work on the diplomatic front. Today we work in Poland where the International Donors' Conference for Ukraine is held," the Head of Government posted on Telegram. He added that he had met with Icelands Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir to discuss the consequences of Russia's war for Ukraine and the world. "Following the energy and migrant crises, Russia creates a new threat the global food crisis. The terrorist state continues to block the Black Sea ports, obstructing Ukraine's export opportunities and creating a global challenge for the entire civilized world," Shmyhal noted. At the meeting, he also pointed out the need to extend and increase sanctions pressure. "The international community must be united as never before to put pressure on Russia and force it to stop the blockade of Ukrainian ports. Stop global food terrorism," the PM underscored. Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir expressed her strong support for Ukraine and underlined the importance of continued provision of humanitarian and financial assistance to Ukraine and continued sanctions pressure on Russia. ol Finland is set to deliver to Ukraine additional military equipment, also preparing to provide another 70 million euros in financial aid. This was stated by Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin, who addressed the Donors' Conference for Ukraine, which is being held in Warsaw on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. The contribution is yet to be approved by parliament, the prime minister noted. The head of government also pointed out that Finland is helping Ukrainians who have been forced to flee the country, including particularly vulnerable groups. Against this background, she announced the decision to allocate an additional EUR 700 million to help Ukrainian refugees in Finland. Marin also pointed to Finland's support for EU sanctions against Russia, including sanctions in the energy field. In addition, the prime minister stressed that Russia should be held accountable for violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Ukraine, and that Finland fully supports the relevant investigation of the International Criminal Court, providing it with financial and expert support. Ukraine is fighting for Europe and Ukrainians are winners in this war, Marin said, adding that Finlands thoughts are with Ukraine and that its actions are for the future of Ukraine and its courageous people. As Ukrinform reported, the High-Level International Donors Conference for Ukraine is taking place in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday, May 5. Initiated by Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki and Prime Minister of Sweden Magdalena Andersson, the conference is set to raise funds for the mounting humanitarian needs of Ukraine. Poland and Sweden thus seek to mobilize substantial pledges to support the UN humanitarian response in Ukraine and to discuss further steps toward supporting Ukraines efforts to handle the economic challenges created by the war. The partners of the event are President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel. Ukrainian and Swedish Prime Ministers Denys Shmyhal and Magdalena Andersson have discussed the issue of resolving the immediate economic and humanitarian needs of Ukraine in its war with Russia. According to Ukrinform, the head of government announced this on Twitter. "Met today in Warsaw with PM of Sweden Magdalena Andersson! Discussed resolving immediate economic and humanitarian needs and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Thank you for standing with Ukraine," he wrote. Shmyhal thanked Sweden for helping Ukraine. "Only together we can stop Russia," Shmyhal added. Both parties also discussed support in the financial and defense sectors of Ukraine. Shmyhal stressed that weapons, sanctions, financial support and the European perspective are key elements of Ukraine's future victory. "Financial support for Ukraine is an investment into the future stability and security of the European continent and the world as well. Ensuring macro-financial stability is an integral component to secure further fight against the terrorist state," Shmyhal said. He noted the crucial role of the newly created online platform of the Recovery Fund, which had been initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Ukraine Recovery Plan and the United24 Fund are a set of tools that will allow us to consolidate assistance from financial institutions, partner countries and other sources. The necessary infrastructure has been created to raise funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Ukraine," he said. Shmyhal thanked Andersson for organizing the High-Level International Donors' Conference for Ukraine. According to him, this platform for coordinating efforts in the organization of comprehensive assistance to Ukraine is viewed of being of paramount importance. In addition, the prime ministers of Ukraine and Sweden discussed energy security and ways to diversify the supply of nuclear fuel, as well as the need to provide Ukraine with state-of-the-art military weapons. Ukrainians retain a positive attitude to the soldiers who at different times and in different armies defended their homeland from enemies. This is evidenced by the tenth nationwide poll: "Ideological markers of war (April 27, 2022)", run by the Rating Sociological Group, Ukrinform reports. According to the survey, the vast majority of respondents (96%) retain a positive attitude towards soldiers with the modern Ukrainian Army. Society is also dominated by a positive attitude towards Soviet soldiers who fought against Nazism (85%) and UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) soldiers (71%). While there are regional differences in the assessments of Soviet soldiers and UPA forces, there is a complete regional and age consensus on modern-day soldiers of the Ukrainian Army, sociologists say. According to them, support for the recognition of the OUN-UPA as participants in the fight for state independence of Ukraine has increased significantly: 81% support the assumption and only 10% are against it. Since 2010, the support rate has quadrupled, and since 2015, it has doubled. Interestingly, assessing the current Ukrainian-Russian war, three-quarters of respondents believe that Ukrainian soldiers and officers today protect both the people of Ukraine and the peoples of Europe, and only 22% suggest its only the people of Ukraine that they defend, say sociologists. The poll was conducted on April 27, 2022, among the population of Ukraine over the age of 18 in all regions, except for the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. The sample is representative by age, sex, and type of settlement. Sample population: 1,000 respondents. Survey method: CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews). facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published May 5, 2022 The University of Louisiana Monroe celebrated the successes of its faculty and staff at the annual Foundation Awards for Excellence on Monday, May 2 at Bayou Pointe Event Center. The University bestowed emeriti status to two retired professors, honored six faculty and staff with Awards of Excellence and promoted 12 faculty to full professor, associate professor or tenure. The event, previously held during the fall semester in conjunction with University Week, was moved to the end of the spring semester to better highlight the achievements of faculty and staff. Were celebrating people becoming the best versions of themselves. As your president, I promise you we will create opportunities for you to further yourselves on that path, said ULM President Dr. Ron Berry during opening remarks. As faculty, staff and guests arrived, they listened to the ULM Jazz Ensemble, who performed lively and upbeat tunes. Leading the band was Dr. Eric Siereveld, who later won the Foundation Award for Excellence in Creative and Innovative Works. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Arant first bestowed professor emeriti status to Dr. John Carr and Dr. Charles Chip Holloway. The high honor gives each retired faculty member the opportunity to continue scholarly work. Carr dedicated 25 years of service to ULM as a biology professor. He is an internationally renowned researcher in the field of herpetology. A prolific writer and recognized expert on the alligator snapping turtle, Carrs research has been cited more than 2000 times, according to Google Scholar. He has collected international field experience and contributed to the research of animals on four continents. His contributions to academia are monumental, and ULM is proud that many of those contributions have impacted the understanding of our region and states biodiversity, Arant said. Holloway was a Spanish professor at ULM from 1990-2020. A skilled teacher, many of Holloways students pursued language study to become language teachers, and several mentees went on to law school, graduate school and medical school. His research has focused on Spanish dialects, specifically the dialect of the Isleno community in south Louisiana. His students have used their language and communication skills in a variety of occupations in Monroe and beyond, Arant said. The list is extensive and his influence and success are well-known. Arant then introduced faculty promoted to professor (Debra Craighead, Jana Giles, Paula Griswold, Scot Humes and Mel Mobley) and associate professor (Jason Austin, Sandy Bailey, Rebecca Hamm, Kenneth Leppert, William Rogers and Jason Smith). All new associate professors were also awarded tenure, along with Thomas Foster. The Ken Clow Award for Excellence in Research went to Dr. William Rogers, associate professor of English. The award is named after the late marketing professor who published multiple books and more than 200 journal articles and proceedings. Rogers has contributed to the research of medieval English and is dedicated to open educational resources. Not only is he helping faculty to discover and utilize these free and low-cost options, but he is also empowering his students to create such resources for their own future students, said Dr. Ruth Smith, director of the School of Humanities. Dr. Bruce Walker, program coordinator and associate professor of management, won the Florencetta Gibson Award for Excellence in Service. Named after the professor emerita of nursing, the award goes to a faculty member who is committed to service to the University in ways that positively impact the institution and community as a whole. His dedication to service is not only at the core of who he is as an individual, but also an integral part of his teaching model, as he has made volunteer projects an integral part of his classes over the years, said Dr. Paul Nelson, director of the School of Management. The recipient of the Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching went to three-time ULM alumnus Dr. Andy Allen, clinical coordinator and associate professor of radiologic technology. He was instrumental in the radiologic technology programs curriculum revision by creating 13 new professional courses, launching engaging online lecture models and writing a 14-chapter lab workbook with 31 experiments. It is an honor to see former students life achievements knowing that at one point in their education, I contributed to helping them become successful, Allen said. Siereveld received the Foundation Award for Excellence in Creative and Innovative Works. The skilled trumpet player regularly performs with four music groups, recorded two albums of his own and contributed to seven other albums. Additionally, Siereveld created the Talons for Taps program, which provides ULM trumpet studio members to perform Taps for veterans funeral services at no cost. He has grown the ULM trumpet studio in both number of students and quality of performances, said Dr. Derle Long, director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. The Alma Sewell Award for Service by Unclassified Staff went to Christina Davis, senior business consultant for the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. Named after the staff member who dedicated more than four decades of service to ULM, the award goes to an employee who is an inspiration for their exemplary service, on- or off-campus. Davis has certified more than 50 small businesses with the Louisiana Economic Development Center at ULM and conducts business workshops for area companies. During this pandemic, Davis has continued to work tirelessly to make sure local businesses stay afloat as well as provide the necessary resources to her clients and lend a listening ear, wrote LSBDC Director Virendra Chhikara in a nomination letter. Melissa Kiper Baldwin received the Judy Smith Award for Warhawk Spirit, a new award named after the late assistant director of the Office of Financial Aid who demonstrated selfless dedication to student fulfillment. Baldwin is currently an instructor in the College of Business and Social Sciences and is involved as a faculty adviser of student groups and committee member for various student-focused committees. Bringing people together, providing opportunities for our students, promoting ULM with outside groups these are the attributes of the Warhawk spirit that dwells within Melissa, said Nelson. Chief Strategy Officer Seth Hall delivered closing remarks, thanking the ULM community. I can thank you for coming to the event or I can thank you for being impactful, he said. Thank you for impacting peoples lives. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published May 5, 2022 The University of Louisiana Monroe will award diplomas to graduates at two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Both ceremonies will be in the Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The university will hold two separate ceremonies to honor the graduates of the four colleges: 9:30 a.m. - The College of Business and Social Sciences and College of Pharmacy 1:30 p.m. - The College of Arts, Education, and Sciences and College of Health Science Both ceremonies will be livestreaming on the ulm.edu homepage. For the May 14 ceremonies, guests are not limited or require tickets, and face masks are optional for graduates and guests. Graduates and guests can find more information at ulm.edu/commencement. For questions, please email commencement@ulm.edu. The chair of North Dakota's Public Service Commission has asked a pipeline operator to voluntarily undergo an independent audit on a proposed project, days after the state and federal government sued over oil spills that contaminated waterways in two states. The request by Commissioner Julie Fedorchak at Thursdays hearing on a proposed 145-mile pipeline in western North Dakota and eastern Montana came after a state environmental official suggested an audit of the projects monitoring, leak detection and control room processes. Such an audit could be done during construction of Bridger Pipelines South Bend Pipeline or once the line starts operating, said Karl Rockeman, director of the Department of Environmental Qualitys Division of Water Quality. The company can't start construction until it receives approval from the PSC, which is expected to vote on the application later. The hearing concluded without a resolution to Fedorchak's request. Rockeman's concerns stemmed from a landslide in 2016 that triggered a 14,400-barrel or 605,000-gallon oil spill from a pipeline in Billings County operated by Belle Fourche Pipeline. Some of the oil contaminated the Little Missouri River and a tributary. Cleanup of the spill is still incomplete. Belle Fourche is a sister company to Bridger Pipeline and, most importantly, operates out of the same control room, Rockeman said. Both Bridger and Belle Fourche are part of Wyoming-based True Companies. The two pipeline operators are defendants in the lawsuit, which seeks civil penalties related to the 2016 spill and another in Montana in 2015, as well as reimbursement for money state environmental officials spent responding to the North Dakota spill. Bridger late last year reached a separate $2 million settlement with the federal government and state of Montana over the 2015 spill, which leaked oil into the Yellowstone River near Glendive and forced local officials to temporarily shutter the citys water intake. Representatives of Bridger on Thursday said the company built a new, state-of-the-art control room in 2020, has a robust training program and is using new artificial intelligence technology on some of its pipelines to back up its existing leak detection methods. Bridger pushed back on the idea of a third-party audit, saying it would be redundant because the company underwent a federal audit three years ago. We did just have that third party, that different set of eyes, look into our control room and spent a significant amount of time and did provide us some insights that we have taken to heart, said Ken Dockweiler, a director at Bridger who handles pipeline safety compliance, government relations and control room operations. That would be my reluctance there. State officials, however, indicated that they saw merit in a third-party review. My thought is, government is government, Fedorchak said. They arent always on the cutting edge. I say that from a chair in government. Commissioner Randy Christmann said an independent auditor might help Bridger by going beyond the scope of a government review to suggest ideas that for very little addition, you can get the gold standard here. Fedorchak added that a third-party review could offer a fresh perspective. I think that might have value here, she said. Maybe you dont learn anything new, but at the very least youve doubled down and said to the citizens of this state, Were going to make darn sure. Representatives from a labor union told the PSC that ensuring the physical integrity of pipelines is crucial as the industry comes under attack. The 2016 Belle Fourche spill happened amid the protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline, drawing national headlines and heightening the rhetoric surrounding pipeline safety. Kevin Pranis, marketing manager in North Dakota and Minnesota for the Laborers' International Union of North America, referenced that time. It was very difficult for us in the midst of Dakota Access, when our members were on the front lines and fearing for their own safety, when a major spill took place right in the middle of construction, he said. We were frankly fearful that our members could get hurt, that protesters could get hurt or killed as a result of escalation. He added that the 2016 spill damaged the reputation of union members building Dakota Access. We had spent months and months saying pipelines are safe, we do them right, he said. Belle Fourche workers in 2016 initially disregarded the possibility of a spill when an employee noticed a discrepancy in oil volumes shipped through the line, attributing the difference to a miscalibrated meter, according to court documents. The spill was reported four days after it began when it was discovered by a rancher. The cause of that spill -- a landslide -- also came up at Thursdays hearing. Fedorchak told Bridger that mitigating that risk is one of my key issues. Bridger Engineering Director Robert Stamp said the company has taken a variety of steps to prevent landslides on the South Bend project. This is basically the flattest route there is, he said. We do not go through the Badlands. We do not cross the Little Missouri River. The elevation changes are very minimal. Bridger worked with Keitu Engineers & Consultants to review the geological stability of the proposed route. Keitu identified eight potential landslide areas in the projects vicinity and worked with a specialist, Tetra Tech, to further evaluate those spots. Stamp said Bridger would go beyond Tetra Techs findings to mitigate landslide risks and would take steps where appropriate such as regrading and revegetating terrain, as well as placing pipe in sensitive spots by boring horizontally under the surface rather than digging a trench. Stamp said the company would monitor the route via aerial surveys and ground inspections. The pipeline that ruptured in 2016 is no longer operating. Stamp said the company has idled a lot of pipeline over the last 30 years or so in these areas because of ground instability. He added that Bridger will take other steps to ensure the proposed pipelines integrity, such as X-raying its welds, loading the pipeline with water at a high pressure once its constructed to ensure it has no faults, as well as applying a small amount of electricity to the pipe to prevent corrosion. Stamp said Bridger hopes to begin construction in June and finish by the end of the year. The pipeline will extend across parts of McKenzie and Golden Valley counties. Its meant to transport Bakken crude to Baker, Montana, then farther south to Wyoming and, ultimately, to markets in Cushing, Oklahoma, which is a major oil hub. Reach Amy R. Sisk at 701-250-8252 or amy.sisk@bismarcktribune.com. 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. | By Alex Likowski In a special edition of Virtual Face to Face with President Bruce Jarrell, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, spoke with three faculty members from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law about what could be the most significant Supreme Court ruling in recent memory. Joining Jarrell and an audience of more than 500 members of the UMB community for the May 5 discussion were professors Leslie Meltzer Henry, PhD, JD, MSc; Mark A. Graber, PhD, JD, MA, University System of Maryland Regents Professor; and Robert Percival, JD, MA, the Robert F. Stanton Professor of Law. (clockwise from top left) Leslie Meltzer Henry, Bruce Jarrell, Mark Graber, and Robert Percival Its a 5-alarm fire, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington) told a crowd assembled on the steps of the Capitol on May 4. This will be the first generation of women with fewer rights than their mothers. The longtime abortion rights leader was joined that morning by dozens of other concerned, angry, and even astonished lawmakers who read the news overnight that a draft opinion in a Mississippi abortion law case, written by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, had been leaked to the news website Politico.com. Its the kind of thing that rarely happens, and it was a bombshell. In that draft, which has since been authenticated by the court, Alito wrote that the Supreme Courts 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the landmark decision that guaranteed a womans right to abortion, would be overturned. Another important decision that confirmed and modified Roe, the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision, also would be thrown out. Roe was egregiously wrong from the start, Alito wrote. The constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision. Any such right, he added, must be deeply rooted in this Nations history and tradition. Chief Justice John Roberts called the leak a singular and egregious breach of trust and was quick to note that the draft is a draft and not a final decision. But that draft appears to have won the support of five of the nine justices. Three of those justices were nominated by former President Donald Trump, and all three indicated in their confirmation hearings that they considered Roe v. Wade precedent. Some Democratic lawmakers say theyve been lied to. Even two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine expressed surprise. Murkowski told reporters her confidence in the court has been rocked. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-New York) has vowed a fight, promising a vote on a bill that would provide abortion rights protection via federal law. But with the filibuster in place, political analysts see little hope it could lead to passage of law. Even without the filibuster, its uncertain Democrats could get the 50 votes needed for Senate passage. As dramatic as the impact of this decision (Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization) might be for womens health and reproductive rights, theres even more potentially at stake. Speaking to reporters inside the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 4, President Joe Biden said overturning Roe v. Wade could unravel a wide range of privacy rights, such as the right to marry someone of a different race or a different gender, the right to have access to emergency contraception, or any other of a long list of rights previously affirmed by the court but not specifically mentioned in the Constitution and not deeply rooted in American history and tradition. Many audience members asked the experts what might happen if the courts final opinion is very similar to the leaked draft. In 25 states, like Maryland, existing laws allow abortion either in the first two trimesters or up to viability. But 13 states mostly in the South and Midwest have prepared for a possible overturn of Roe by enacting so-called trigger laws, which would effectively ban nearly all abortions almost immediately after a decision from the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Some in the audience expressed concern that in those states and in 10 others with existing restrictions, many women might lack the resources to travel to states where abortion would remain legal and would therefore be required to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term or seek a risky and unlawful abortion closer to home. Other points of discussion included possible legal measures that might preserve abortion rights if Roe is overturned, the idea of Supreme Court reforms such as term limits or restructuring, and the impact the ruling might have on maternal health. Watch the entire discussion at the link at the top of this page. North Dakota regulators have approved a water pipeline for Heskett Station north of Mandan and will soon hear a proposal for a natural gas pipeline meant to facilitate a pilot project in the Williams County oil patch. Those were two of several energy-related projects that came before the Public Service Commission on Wednesday. The three commissioners voted unanimously to permit a water pipeline for fire protection and evaporative cooling at Heskett, which is operated by Montana-Dakota Utilities. The company plans to extend a municipal water line by 2,684 feet. The project is estimated to cost $1.6 million. MDU recently retired the coal units at the power plant and is in the process of adding a second gas unit. The gas turbines operate as peaking plants, sitting idle until demand for electricity spikes, at which point they can quickly fire up. Gas pipeline The commission will hold a hearing next month for a 3-mile pipeline that will carry natural gas to be used for an enhanced oil recovery pilot project in Williams County. The pipeline will connect to an existing WBI Energy transmission line and end at Continental Resources Buddy Domindgo well pad. Enhanced oil recovery involves injecting a substance -- in this case gas -- down a well to try to boost oil production. Continental is developing the pipeline, which is expected to cost $3.55 million, according to an application the company filed with the PSC. Construction is expected to take three months. The hearing will take place June 6 at 9 a.m. in the Williston City Halls John Kautzman Chamber Room, 22 E. Broadway in Williston. Wind farm Commissioners are considering a request to upgrade a wind farm in north-central North Dakota and increase its capacity. Xcel Energy is asking the PSC to remove the limit on the Border Wind facility's capacity written into its permit. The wind farm has a 150-megawatt capacity, and its operator wants to install new blades and other equipment, which would boost the capacity to 165 megawatts. Border Winds would continue to operate at the 150-megawatt level, however, under the terms of an agreement with its power grid operator, according to an application Xcel filed with the PSC. The PSC has fielded several requests in recent years to "repower" aging wind farms with new equipment. Reach Amy R. Sisk at 701-250-8252 or amy.sisk@bismarcktribune.com. 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. Discover employs over 17,000 employees globally, which requires them to examine processes to make sure the business is running effectively. Their goal was to take all of their manual processes in order to understand, optimize, automate, or eliminate them altogether. In this report, you will see the massive benefits that Discover realized by partnering with the worlds leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, including: 800,000 labor hours saved increased ROI increased staff enablement to take on higher priority tasks Read more to learn how Discover used extreme automation and how this line of thinking and action can help transform your business. Date: 10 May 2022 - 10 May 2022 Town/City: Online Following two years of socially distanced events, the Scottish Design Awards are returning to serve the design and architecture professions face to face again. The world might have changed in that time but the need to recognise, celebrate and reward top talent, creativity and ideas remain as important as ever. Open to all architects, engineers, graphic, interior and digital designers the Scottish Design Awards celebrate class-leading work, best practice, sustainability and innovation in all its forms. For over a quarter-century the Scottish Design Awards have communicated the best of the best without fear or favour and we remain dedicated to surfacing the best talent and projects when the country has never been in greater need of inspiration. Entries open Tuesday 1 February. Bogota, May 5 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2022 ) :One of Colombia's most notorious drug lords was extradited Wednesday to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, announced President Ivan Duque. "I want to reveal that Dairo Antonio Usuga, alias 'Otoniel' has been extradited," Duque said on Twitter, calling him "the most dangerous drug trafficker in the world." Usuga, 50, was the most wanted person in Colombia until he was arrested last October in the northwest of the country after a massive military operation. Duque described Usuga as a "murderer of social leaders and police, an abuser of boys, girls and teenagers." "Today legality, the rule of law, the security forces and justice triumphed," he added. On Wednesday afternoon, a convoy of five bulletproof police vehicles transported Usuga from a prison in the capital Bogota to a military airport, where he was handed over to US Drug Enforcement Administration officials. Images shared by local media showed a handcuffed Usuga seated in an airplane alongside Colombian police and an Interpol official. Usuga was the leader of Colombia's largest narco-trafficking gang, known as the Gulf Clan. He was captured near the border with Panama following a military operation involving 500 soldiers backed by 22 helicopters, in which one police officer was killed. His arrest was one of the biggest blows to Colombia's drug trafficking business since the assassination of Pablo Escobar in 1993. Usuga was indicted in 2009 in the United States, which had offered a $5 million bounty for information leading to his arrest. The United States accuses Usuga and the Gulf Clan of illegally bringing at least 73 tons of cocaine into the country between 2003 and 2012. Following Usuga's arrest and that of another 90 suspected gang members, Duque declared the "end" of the Gulf Clan. However, four Colombian soldiers were killed in attacks blamed on the gang just days after Usuga's arrest. The Gulf Clan was believed to be responsible for 30 percent of cocaine exports from Colombia, the world's largest producer and supplier of the drug. - 'Who is afraid of Otoniel?' - Since his capture, Usuga has been held in a high-security prison in Bogota, and has been at the heart of multiple controversies. Recordings of testimony "Otoniel" gave to the Truth Commission -- an extrajudicial body investigating the decades-long conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) -- were stolen, the perpetrators unknown. Colombian police also halted one of Usuga's Truth Commission hearings, saying the Gulf Clan had organized an escape attempt. "Who is afraid of Otoniel?" read a headline on Cambio, an independent online news outlet, which claimed that some people in the Colombian government sought to silence the drug lord. The site reported Usuga would have said during his hearings that the army continued to work in complicity with right-wing paramilitaries in some parts of the country. Citing a leaked Truth Commission document, the outlet said "Otoniel" had implicated 63 people as linked to the Gulf Clan, including a former minister, a former national director of intelligence, six former governors and four former members of parliament. Family members of Usuga's victims had asked for the courts to suspend his extradition, arguing that he should stand trial in Colombia for "crimes against humanity." "They did not respect the feelings of the victims," said Marina Sanmiguel, whose husband was killed in a 1997 paramilitary raid. Usuga "could be a key person to clarify what really happened," she told AFP. But the Colombian justice system ultimately gave the green light for his extradition, Usuga's defense team told AFP. Duque vowed that Usuga would still face justice in Colombia. "This criminal was extradited to serve drug trafficking sentences in the United States," the president said. "But I want to be clear that once those are served, he will return to Colombia to pay for the crimes committed against our country." (@ChaudhryMAli88) BERLIN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will visit Ukraine in near future, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Thursday, adding that the recent phone conversation between President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was a good sign. "This is a good event. Before and after (this conversation), I had intensive conversations with the Federal president. And we have established that the result of the conversation will be that the foreign minister will be in Ukraine in the near future," Scholz said after his meeting with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) US President Joe Biden would respect Pope Francis' possible decision to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday. "I have not discussed that with him, but I would suspect that he would respect the decision of the Pope to make any travel or engagements that he so chooses," Psaki said during a press briefing when asked about the possible meeting between Putin and the Pope. Earlier this week, the Pope said in an interview with the Corriere della Sera that he is ready to meet with Putin in Moscow to help with the settlement of the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there are currently no agreements for such a meeting. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) Beijing instructed several key government agencies to carry out "stress-tests" to identify challenges China would face if the West rolled out sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia, the Guardian reported on Wednesday, citing sources close to the matter. "Those involved in this exercise use how Russia was treated as a baseline for China's own policy response should it be treated in a same fashion by the west. This stress test involves a range of methodology, including modelling," the Guardian source was quoted as saying. According to the newspaper, Beijing ordered its vast network of government bodies, including those engaged in international trade and banking, to start the "stress-test" between late February and early March, but did not disclose the reasons for it. 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 West 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. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a meeting with Swedish counterpart Ann Linde discussed the United States' support for NATO's open door policy, State Department spokesperson Ned price said in a press release. Sweden may apply for NATO membership later this month or in June while Finland is reportedly considering to apply to join the alliance on May 12, media reported. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde in Washington, DC," Price said in the release on Wednesday. "Secretary Blinken underscored the importance of the Transatlantic relationship to European security and reaffirmed our commitment to NATO's Open Door policy." Sweden and Finland have both expressed concerns about being vulnerable to Russia during the application period, which Linde alluded to during an interview after the talks with Blinken. "Naturally, I'm not going to go into any details, but I feel very sure that now we have an American assurance," Linde told Swedish tv on Wednesday as quoted by Reuters. "However, not concrete security guarantees, those you can only get if you are a full member of NATO. " According to the report, Linde, however, declined to say what assurances she had received from Blinken. "They would mean that Russia can be clear that if they direct any kind of negative activities against Sweden, which they have threatened, it would not be something that the US would just allow to happen... without a response," she said as quoted in the report. Earlier in the day Linde met with Senators Chris Coons and Mike Rounds, both members of the newly expanded US Senate NATO Observer Group. Linde in a tweet said she and Coons discussed Russia's operation in Ukraine "and implications for Europe and Sweden's neighborhood and security." Croatian President Zoran Milanovic said on Tuesday that he would block the admission of Sweden and Finland at the NATO summit in Madrid if he is the one representing Croatia. However, if the decisions are made at the North Atlantic Council by NATO ambassadors, Milanovic said he was not sure he could persuade the Croatian ambassador to embrace his position but added that "I will be chasing the sinful souls of every parliament member who votes in favour like the devil." (@ChaudhryMAli88) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) The European Commission announced on Thursday a plan to spend 52 million Euros ($55 million) on Moldova's economic reforms to raise its investment and business profile. "We remain committed to accelerate the implementation of the Economic and Investment plan to ensure Moldova's long-term recovery, and build up its resilience," Oliver Varhelyi, the EU commissioner for neighborhood and enlargement, said. The money will pay for the implementation of Moldova's association and trade integration with the EU. The initiatives aim to improve the eastern European nation's business climate and fund the green transition. This amount comes on top of tens of millions promised to Moldova as it struggles to process Ukrainian refugees. Moldova will also receive 150 million euros in the coming months under an EU loan scheme. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the expansion of Europol's powers. The motion was adopted after 480 lawmakers voted in favor, 143 against and 20 abstained. Europol will now be able "to pursue research and innovation projects, process large datasets, and help national authorities screen foreign direct investment in security-related cases," as well as "to receive data from private companies" while dealing with terrorist content or child sexual abuse materials, the statement said. The parliament noted that the new fundamental rights officer post will be established for the supervision of new powers and compliance with EU data protection rules. All EU citizens will be able to "consult personal data related to them by contacting authorities in member states, or Europol directly." "This Regulation, and the new mandate for Europol, mark a substantial leap forward in the capabilities of the Agency, in its ability to support member states, in its governance framework and, last but certainly not least, in the enhanced system of safeguards we have put in place," European lawmaker Javier Zarzalejos said. The parliament proposed to expand Europol's mandate in December 2020. The new rules will be published in the EU's official journal and go into effect after the adoption by the European Commission. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) US Attorney General Merrick Garland discussed the issue of Russia's alleged war crimes in Ukraine with that country's Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova and the justice ministers and attorney generals of New Zealand, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, the Justice Department said in a press release on Thursday. "US Attorney General Merrick Garland met virtually (on Wednesday) with Ukraine's Prosecutor General, Iryna Venediktova, together with the Attorneys General of the Five Eyes countries: the United Kingdom (UK)'s Attorney General, Suella Braverman; Australia's Attorney General, Michaelia Cash; Canada's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, David Lametti; and New Zealand's Attorney General, David Parker," the release said. The leaders received an update from Venediktova, affirmed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people amid Russia's special military operation and discussed their coordinated efforts to hold accountable individuals whose criminal actions were enabling war crimes in Ukraine, the release said. The participants in the meeting committed to continued close consultation and coordination, the release said. Garland pointed out that the United States was "continuing to surge security, humanitarian, economic and legal assistance to Ukraine" and updated the partners on "the actions the Justice Department is taking in coordination with international partners to further raise the costs on Russia, including through the Justice Department's Task Force KleptoCapture." Garland also discussed the $33 billion supplemental budget request to support Ukraine and package of legislative proposals that President Joe Biden sent to Congress on April 28 that would enhance the Justice Department's ability to hold the Russia accountable for the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, the release added. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) Russia has declared seven employees of the Danish Embassy in Moscow personae non gratae, the diplomats have two weeks to leave the country, the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday. "The (Danish) ambassador was informed that, as a response measure, seven employees of the Danish Embassy in Russia were declared personae non gratae. They must leave the country within two weeks. A diplomat of the Danish diplomatic mission was also denied visa," the ministry said in a statement. Russia also reserves the right to take additional steps in response to the unfriendly actions of Copenhagen, which will be communicated to the Danish side later, the statement added. Leaders in healthcare IT are looking for the best ways to accelerate digital transformation and keep up with the changing realities shaping healthcare. Its an abstract goal, but when we dig down a layer, were hearing that IT teams are focused on initiatives like hybrid work and the distributed workforce, running modern apps for better patient care, and of course making the shift to cloud. Read this blog post to access the top 3 takeaways from the recent HIMSS 2022 event in which leaders discussed the top trends in the healthcare industry. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) The repairman of Hunter Biden's laptop filed lawsuits against corporate media outlets CNN, Politico and The Daily Beast as well as US Congressman Adam Schiff for purposely and wrongly accusing him of spreading Russian disinformation. "After fighting to reveal the truth, all I want now is for the rest of the country to know that there was a collective and orchestrated effort by social and mainstream media to block a real story with real consequences for the nation," John Paul Mac Isaac, a computer repairman in the US state of Delaware, told the New York Post. Isaac told Fox news his life was ruined after his name was leaked to the public and he was painted as being part of an alleged Russian disinformation campaign. Hunter Biden abandoned his laptop at Isaac's repair shop in 2019, while his father Joe Biden was running to become a US president, the contents of which were later made public. Several US intelligence officials, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Directors Mike Hayden, Leon Panetta and John Brennan signed a letter expressing suspicions that emails recovered from the laptop belonging to Hunter Biden were part of a Russian disinformation operation. The emails were confirmed as legitimate by The New York Times in March 2022. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) US astronauts and Russian cosmonauts cried and hugged each other as returning commander Tom Marshburn handed over formal command of the International Space Station to Roscosmos Flight Engineer Oleg Artemyev on Wednesday. "Oleg, I know we'll be leaving the space station in good hands with you," Marshburn said. "I relinquish control of the space station to you." Marshburn is scheduled to return to earth on Thursday on the SpaceX Dragon Endurance with his NASA crew mates Raja Chari, Kayla Barron and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer from Germany, ending a mission that began in November 2021, the US space agency said. Artemyev, too, paid tribute to his colleagues. "It was an unbelievable time together, brothers, sister for me, Sergey (Korsakov) and Denis (Matveev). Peace between our countries. Thank you for friendship," he said. Artemyev will lead Expedition 67 until returning in late summer this year. The four departing US and European astronauts are due to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. They have already been replaced by NASA astronauts Kjell Lindren, Bob Hines and Jessica Watkins with Samantha Cristoforetti from the ESA. (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th May, 2022) The Biden administration has appointed a special envoy for food security to address recent disruptions to global supply chains caused by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday. "Cary Fowler, a noted agriculturalist, has joined the Department of State as US Special Envoy for Global Food Security," Blinken said in a statement. "The mission of the Special Envoy for Global Food Security is to advance US food security, global hunger, and nutrition objectives, through diplomatic engagement with allies and partners in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora." Blinken noted that Fowler is taking the post which has existed but not since 2016 at a time of "unprecedented stress on global food systems." According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, Russia and Ukraine were among the top global exporters of various types of staple foods, including wheat and corn, in 2021, while Russia was also a leading exporter of nitrogen fertilizers, the second major supplier of potassium fertilizers and the third largest supplier of phosphorous fertilizers. The organization has noted that Ukraine's food production is being threatened by factors such as disruption of logistics, loss of access to agricultural lands, labor shortages, damage to crops due to hostilities, and destruction of food system assets and infrastructure. In addition, Western sanctions on Russia have undermined the country's sales of agricultural products abroad and prompted Moscow to retaliate by freezing fertilizer exports. As a result, global food prices soared to record highs in March, and the International Monetary Fund warned in April that global food prices would likely rise further in the future due to the conflict in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and climate issues. France becomes first big European nation to grant crypto giant Binance regulatory approval Binance is now listed as a registered digital asset service provider by French stock market watchdog AMF. The move makes France the first major European nation to give Binance the greenlight. Changpeng Zhao, Binances CEO and founder, described France as very progressive in adopting crypto. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/04/crypto-exchange-binance-wins-regulatory-approval-in-france.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Binance Early life and education [ edit ] Zhao was born on September 10, 1977[7] in Chinas Jiangsu province. In the late 1980s, he moved with his family to Canada when he was 12 years of age, settling in Vancouver, British Columbia. His parents were both teachers in China. His father worked as a university instructor before he was branded a "pro-bourgeois intellect" and exiled to rural areas shortly after Zhao's birth.[8] In his teenage years, Zhao helped to support his family by working a number of service jobs, including at a McDonald's.[1] Zhao attended McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, where he majored in computer science. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changpeng_Zhao UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been visiting Senegal, Niger and Nigeria since 1 May 2022. During the visits, he has appealed for debt relief so that African governments can invest in social security and sustainable development. Jesuit economist Father Abel Beranger Ndjoumon spoke to Vatican News and urged African leaders to prioritise regional economic partnerships. Stanislas Kambashi, SJSJ Vatican City Ivorian economist and Jesuit priest Father Abel Ndjoumon Jessasi is a staff member at the Jesuit Centre for Research and Action for Peace (CERAP) in Cote dIvoire. Appreciating the UN Secretary Generals visit to Africa, Fr Ndjoumon said the debt forgiveness proposed by the UN Secretary-General would undoubtedly be a good deal for African governments. However, the fundamental problem for many countries on the continent remains that of good governance. In fact, for nearly twenty years, debt relief issues for African countries have been in discussion, and ways out of the indebtedness have been proposed by various experts, said Ndjoumon. More importantly, he thinks African governments need to first do some introspection and assessment on the decline of African economies. Africas triple crises: Food, energy and finance In Dakar, the Secretary-General of the United Nations spoke about the triple crises that threaten the African continent due to the conflict in Ukraine: Food, energy and financial crises. Speaking in Dakar, the capital of the West African country, Senegal, on his first visit to the continent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Guterres said, when discussing the socio-economic situation, it is impossible not to mention the war in Ukraine and its impact on Africa. The UN chief made the remarks after meeting the countrys President Macky Sall, who said that the war in Ukraine was a human tragedy that can have a dramatic impact on economies, particularly those of developing countries. The conflict in Ukraine is driving up global food and fuel prices; senior UN officials are concerned that rising costs will push more people into hunger and could lead to political instability and social unrest in some parts of Africa, where food prices have increased by a third since last year. Before the Russian invasion began in February, the combination of climate change, conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic was already impacting the socio-economic situation in Africa, especially in the Sahel region, which includes Senegal. Greater integration of economies Father Ndjoumon acknowledges the crises but also sees an opportunity for African countries. He believes that it is time for African governments to move toward greater integration of economies at the regional and continental levels. He insists that Africa should not rely solely on international financial institutions, important as these institutions may be for financing. This diversification of partnerships will help by opening up many opportunities for our economies. If states do not remain fragmented but can open their borders to the free movement of people, goods and services, this would unlock immense potential, said the Jesuit economist. Consequences of ECOWAS sanctions Father Ndjoumon lamented sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. He said the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS would have repercussions on the regions target economies. Nevertheless, the effects would not only be confined to countries in political transitions. They would be felt even in countries that share borders and are in business partnerships with them. By restricting the movement of people, goods, services, and financial means, the already vulnerable population would, unfortunately, continue to suffer the consequences, pain, and actions of decisions made by their leaders. In an interview with Vatican News, Ambassador Joseph Donnelly reflects on the mission before him and his recent meeting with Pope Francis. By Deborah Castellano Lubov Ambassador Joseph Donnelly is the new US Ambassador to the Holy See and is ready to work together to promote human rights. In an interview with Vatican News at his residence, the Ambassador shared about his recent encounter with Pope Francis, his appointment, and his mission ahead. Ambassador Donnelly presented his credential letters to Pope Francis on 11 April in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace. The Ambassadors main task will be to liaise between the Holy See and the US Government. Diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the United States of America were established between Pope St. John Paul II and US President Ronald Reagan on 10 January 1984. Listen to Ambassador Donnelly reflect on why Pope Francis is so loved: Ambassador Donnelly, married with two children and a new grandchild, was appointed to serve as the 12th US Ambassador to the Holy See on 24 January and was confirmed by the US Senate in February 2022. My family and I are proud to be members of the Catholic faith, and through my years of public service, the Church has been a core part of my life and my values. Donnelly was born on 29 September 1955, in Flushing, New York. Prior to this appointment as Ambassador, Donnelly served as a partner at Akin Gump in Washington. Donnelly received a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School. After having worked as an attorney in various legal studios and private entities from 1977 to 2007, Donnelly served as a Member of the US House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013, representing Indianas 2nd Congressional District. He served as a US senator from Indiana from 2013 to 2019. Donnelly was a member of the Afghanistan Study Group and has been a professor at the University of Notre Dame. In addition, he served as chairman of the board of the Soufan Center in New York, and as a senior advisor to Inovateus Solar in South Bend, Indiana. Q: What is your emotion as you begin your tenure as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See? What mission do you see before you? Ambassador Joseph Donnelly: I am incredibly honored and humbled by President Biden putting his trust in me. What I hope to do is to continue strengthening the incredibly strong bonds between the United States and Holy See, and to move our country and the Holy See forward together, to strengthen that even further in the days ahead. Pope Francis with Ambassador Donnelly Q: You recently presented your credential letters to Pope Francis. How was your time with the Holy Father? It was an amazing event to be part of because you are looking at the person the whole world sees as the primary moral center for all of us and the other part that was so amazing and fun, was that our 11-month-old granddaughter was with us. And she was entirely taken by the Holy Father. And I think the Holy Father was entirely taken by her as well. And they seemed to get along famously well. But to be with the Pope, someone who in in my country is so revered and so loved, to have the time to talk to him about issues like Ukraine, world peace, human rights, and to know we're working closely together, was one of the most special moments of my life. Q: In what areas do you most look forward to working together? What are the greatest areas where the Holy See in the United States can promote human rights? And in what areas could you work together better? Well, I know that our country, the United States, my beloved home, our goal is, in many, many ways, similar to the Holy See. Our goal is to make sure we stand up for the human rights and the dignity of every person. And so, we work closely together on issues like human rights, to ensure every person has the opportunity to see their dreams come true, to be able to take care of their family, to know that at the end of the day, there's a meal for you to eat, there's a place for you to sleep and for you to take care of your family. We look forward to working together with the Holy Father and Vatican to promote religious freedom and ensure everyone practice their own faith. We are strong believers, as the Vatican is, in protecting our planet. We've read Laudato si. This small planet that we are part of, that we've been given stewardship of, we have an obligation to protect and defend. You see now in situations like Ukraine, where there are millions of refugees coming across or refugees elsewhere in the world where opportunities for people to take advantage of others, especially through human trafficking. We want to stand together with the Church, with the Holy See, to help prevent that. We've seen so many sisters who have done incredible work around the world that have been honored by the United States, for trying to protect children and families. That's very, very important to us. I'll also mention health care. A Catholic Church-affiliated health care is a critical part of our healthcare infrastructure in the United States and around the world. We want to work together to make sure everybody has access, and to make sure everybody has an opportunity to be in good health. Pope Francis with Ambassador Donnelly Q: Pope Francis has made numerous appeals for peace in Ukraine and throughout the world. What value and importance do you give these appeals of Pope Francis on the global scale? When I was with Pope Francis, a large block of our time was about his heartbreak concerning Ukraine, about the people being killed, the bombings that were occurring, and expressing we want to do everything we can to help create peace. I know the Pope has called for a cease fire, and we support that in the United. States, but we also support that Ukraine is an independent nation. We stand with the Ukrainian nation. We stand with the Ukrainian people. Q: You visited Ukrainian refugees who are receiving assistance by the Community of SantEgidio in Rome. How was that experience for you, Ambassador? It was very emotional to be at SantEgidio and to meet almost immediately a family, a mom and dad with their baby who was less than two months old. That baby had been born in a bomb shelter underneath the hospital, and the parents took off after the child had been born to come here to Italy on a one-month bus ride. Think about bringing a newborn child first, bringing a newborn child into this world, in a bomb shelter underneath a hospital, then a one-month bus ride to a country where you have never been before. And you are at Sant'Egidio now, to try to have the opportunity to have a place to sleep, to be able to make sure that your child is safe, and that you can have something to eat. That's the situation that the Russians created by attacking Ukraine. Q: Pope Francis has written the first encyclical on the environment, Laudato si, and has written the encyclical Fratelli tutti on human fraternity. What from Pope Francis teachings has resonated most with you, Ambassador? Well, when the Pope says we need to smell like the sheep. We are the sheep. Obviously, the Pope says it much better than I do. But the Pope is suggesting that our job is to try to help all people. He is preaching Jesus message. Jesus so often was seen with those struggling the most, who are the most downtrodden. Jesus always said, whatever you do for the least of us, you do for me. And so, that's the message that Pope Francis preaches and is so powerful to the whole world. If you go anywhere on this planet, everywhere the Pope travels, he's beloved and he's beloved because people look and they say, He cares about me. He's trying to help my family. He's trying to help me reach eternal salvation. And you can see how much the Pope feels those burdens. You just have to look at Him and you can see the weight of the world literally on his shoulders. I feel very blessed to be here at this moment, not only because of the privilege of representing the nation that I am so blessed to live in, but also to be here at a time, with this Pope. Vietnam is located on an important maritime transport route in the East-West hemisphere, accounting for more than 80 percent of global freight volume. In 2021, despite the effects of the pandemic, the volume of container cargo through the countrys seaports reached 24 million TEUs, up 7 percent year on year. Nevertheless, with higher freight rates and supply chain issues, significant investment is needed to develop the countrys shipping fleet and ports. Vietnam benefits from a long coastline that borders the Gulf of Thailand, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Tonkin. The country has the second-highest number of international ports in ASEAN after the Philippines. While the speed of goods through the countrys seaports typically increases by 10-15 percent per year on average more investment is needed to overcome challenges. There are three main port cities along Vietnams coastline Hai Phong in the North, Ho Chi Minh City in the South, and Da Nang in the central region. Among the leading container ports based on cargo capacity in Asia, the Ho Chi Minh City port handles the largest share of cargo in Vietnam. Meanwhile, the northern port of Hai Phong is a major port for international container traffic. The Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HICT) can accommodate large container ships, reducing time and cost for shipments to northern Vietnam. With its strategic location, the Da Nang port manages cargo in the central region and connects Vietnam to Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. As of March 2022, the global container fleet has 6,346 ships with a total capacity of 25.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) with a total tonnage of 305,902,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT). Meanwhile, Vietnams container fleet has 10 container shipping companies, that own 48 container ships with a total capacity of 39,519 TEUs, and a total tonnage of 548,236 DWT. Currently, Vietnams shipping fleet is responsible for transporting about 7 percent of the market share and mainly operates on domestic routes and short routes in the intra-Asia region; the rest is handled by foreign shipping lines. Challenges The key challenges faced by the Vietnamese shipping industry include national policy and legislation, underdeveloped infrastructure, and low investment accessibility. Most Vietnamese shipping companies are small-sized businesses and mainly transport cargo but do not provide logistics services, leading to low efficiency in business activities. Vietnamese shipping enterprises only have ships with a capacity of 1,800 TEUs while foreign firms have vessels of over 20,000 TEUs. Compared to other developed countries, the maritime shipping time and costs are still higher in Vietnam due to its smaller capacity. In addition, due to underdeveloped port facilities, and a shortage of port operators, several ports are not able to operate at full capacity. Another challenge that concerns the Vietnamese shipping fleet is the composition of mainly older cargo ships with relatively small tonnage making them less competitive. Such ships do not meet the safety and security requirements to operate in large markets such as Europe and North America. Another concern is that the transport of goods in Vietnam and on intercontinental routes is dominated by foreign shipping lines. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the percentage of import and export goods transported by local shipping companies fell by half from 10 percent in 2015 to 5 percent in 2020. This means foreign shipping companies transported 95 percent of Vietnams import and export goods and consequently, Vietnam has had to spend a significant amount of foreign currency every year. Besides, the trends of a merger or joint alliances between large international container shipping lines have made it further challenging for Vietnamese container shipping businesses to be competitive. Vietnams regional container fleet For now, Vietnam has 17 ships with a tonnage of 600 TEU or more, of which there are 14 ships with a tonnage of 1,000 to 1,800 TEU, which typically operate on routes in Asia. The remaining fleet consists of 13 ships that are more than 25 years old, three ships more than 20 years old, and 15 ships with tonnage from 300 TEU to 600 TEU. Such ships can only run within the country making them less competitive The Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) has proposed a total investment of US$1.5 billion to buy new ships as well as rent and buy containers to expand shipping and ease supply chain issues. Having a fleet of container ships would limit the pressure of foreign shipping lines on freight rates and surcharges. It would also help ensure the countrys economic security as well as take full advantage of free trade agreements (FTAs) in the long term. As per the VLA, the investment plan will be divided into two development phases. Phase 1 will be implemented in about three to five years, focusing on investing in ships suitable to operate on intra-Asia routes such as Japan, South Korea, China, India, and the Middle East, which account for more than 60 percent of the total volume of dry goods for imports and exports. The VLA said that in the first phase, Vietnam should not only buy new assets but also cooperate with partners who have large shipping lines to share infrastructure and exchange management as well as operation technology. In the second phase, which could last about five years, after successfully operating in inner Asia with partners, investment would be needed in large container ships that can operate on major intercontinental routes globally such as the Asia America route, Asia Europe route, East-West route and so on. According to the VLA, to attract Vietnamese crewmen to work on ships, the government should also introduce policies to encourage training and exempt them from personal income tax, while allowing the hiring of foreign crew members to work on Vietnamese flagged ships. And finally, to translate investment into growth, the plan would need the cooperation of different ministries and enterprises in different sectors in order to trade goods in large volumes as well as import and export businesses. The government has also responded by approving a Masterplan for the development of Vietnams seaport system in the period of 2021 2030 with a vision to 2050 with emphasis on encouraging private investment sources to improve infrastructure capacity. An overview of supply chains, increased freight rates, and logistic costs According to the VLA, the transport of import and export of goods by sea is facing several challenges, especially due to congestion at ports and supply chain disruption, which have caused a shortage of ships and containers. Such congestion has dramatically increased freight rates, which impacts the competitiveness of all businesses. However, container availability was already a major issue in Vietnam prior to the pandemic, which has created difficulties in locating goods, as well as loading and unloading times. This has led to a compounding effect. Increased delays at European and US ports are impacting returning vessels to Asian ports, creating an imbalance. The late arrival of vessels into Asia significantly adds to wait times in Asian countries, including Vietnams Vung Tau port. Being a manufacturing hub, the situation could get worse if shipping capabilities are not able to keep up. Further, once Chinas major cities emerge from a lockdown, pent-up demand is likely to lead to an increase in goods piling up at ports waiting to be unloaded. In addition, shipping companies have continuously increased surcharges and freight rates during the pandemic, leading to higher transportation costs. This has tremendously impacted Vietnamese enterprises, leading to higher goods prices. Due to the pandemic, the growth volume in 2020 was 4 percent, slower than the annual average. Of which, the volume of container cargo through local seaports was estimated at 22.1 million TEUs, up 13 percent compared to 2019. Potential tax incentives for foreign investment This year, to improve the growth prospects of the countrys shipping industry, the MoIT has proposed several tax incentives to the government in order to further attract foreign investment. Particularly, the MoIT proposed the reduction of corporate income tax for shipping enterprises from 20 percent to 15 percent within three years and personal income tax for mariners by increasing the threshold of wages that are subject to tax. To encourage shipping companies to retire old ships that are less efficient, the ministry has proposed exemption or reduction of taxes and fees, such as registration fees and VAT, when building or buying new and specialized ships suited for transport needs. It has also suggested that the government should have coastal fleet management policies to meet the domestic transport demand, promote freight by sea, and improve connection among modes of transport. To encourage the development of specialized ships, the MoIT had requested enterprises to build or buy ships to replace foreign-nationality vessels because Vietnam would only license foreign-nationality ships until the end of 2023 to operate on domestic routes. Takeaways The shipping industry is expected to continue to grow strongly this year thanks to active import and export activities as the pandemic eases and the fact that Vietnam remains an attractive destination for FDI inflows. Although the lack of appropriate infrastructure and container capability remains the key obstacle for the countrys shipping industry to meet higher demand, major investment plans from the government have been introduced to develop its regional container fleet. Russia pledged to observe a cease-fire Thursday in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. A survey finds that half of Russians remain uncritically loyal to their country agreeing that people should support their country even if their country's actions and policies are in the wrong. And with the help of international experts, Ukraine is rushing to collect evidence of widespread war crimes, using 21st century technology to bring the perpetrators to justice. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. With the help of international experts, Ukraine rushes to collect evidence of widespread war crimes, using 21st century technology to bring perpetrators to justice. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports. Warning: contains graphic images. Contributor: Margaret Besheer Another Russian oligarchs yacht was seized Thursday as part of efforts to punish Russia over its war in Ukraine. At the request of the United States, Fijian officials took a $300 million yacht belonging to Suleiman Kerimov, the Justice Department said. Officials say the yacht is in Lautoka, Fiji. Kerimovs yacht, the Cayman Island-flagged Amadea, reportedly has been in Fiji since last month, arriving from Mexico. Defense lawyers claimed the vessel belonged to another oligarch. Kerimov had already been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2014 and 2018 for Russias activities in Syria and Ukraine. The European Union also sanctioned him. In March, the U.S. government announced a comprehensive effort to identify and seize the assets of wealthy Russians who have supported the government of Russian President Vladmir Putin, as part of the response to Moscows February 24 invasion of Ukraine. The initiative, led by the Justice Department, is called Task Force KleptoCapture. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday in a statement there is no hiding place for the assets of criminals who enable the Russian regime. He also said, The Justice Department will be relentless in our efforts to hold accountable those who facilitate the death and destruction we are witnessing in Ukraine. In April, at the urging of the U.S., Spanish authorities seized a yacht belonging to Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, the owner of the Russian conglomerate Renova Group. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure that would allow the U.S. government to sell forfeited Russian properties worth more than $2 million for the benefit of Ukraine. The measures next step is the Senate. (Some information in this report comes from Reuters.) The last thing you'd expect when you bring your car to a shop to get an oil change is to be served with a lawsuit. But that's what happened to a car owner who dropped his car off at the Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership in Michigan. An 18-year-old mechanic got in the car and drove over his 42-year-old boss, Jeffrey Hawkins, killing him. Very sad, but here's where the story gets weird. Hawkins' family is suing the owner of the car for damages. The attorney for the family explained that it is not possible for them to sue the dealership, so they are going after the car owner instead, even though the owner had nothing to do with Hawkins' death. From Fox 2 Detroit's news segment: FOX 2: Did the 19-year-old know how to drive a stick? Attorney: He didn't know how to drive a stick, and he had no license. FOX 2: Why did the dealership hire him? Attorney: That's what I'd like to know. FOX 2: You must be suing the dealership? Attorney: We can't because of a legal standard that is involved. FOX 2: You're suing the owner of the car who's getting his oil changed who did nothing in this case? Attorney: I have to do that. FOX 2 contacted the car owner's attorney, who said, "When you hand your car over to anybody including the valet or the person at the service desk at your local dealership, you better be able to trust that person. Unlike Shanghai, Beijing has yet to require that all its residents remain at home to contain the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, many people in its Chaoyang district and elsewhere are preparing for that possibility. On Wednesday, city officials closed 60 subway stations, more than 10% of Beijing's vast system. They did not say when service would be resumed, according to ABC News. Beijing, a city of 21 million people, has been on high alert for the spread of COVID-19, as restaurants and bars pivot to takeout, gyms close and schools suspend classes indefinitely, according to CNBC. People who live in "controlled" areas, neighborhoods where cases have been discovered, have been told to stay in the city, and all residents must test for the virus three times throughout the week, according to ABC. Chinese authorities reported 5,489 cases nationwide on Wednesday, of which 4,982 were in Shanghai, which has been under a draconian lockdown for weeks. Beijing reported 46 symptomatic cases and five asymptomatic on Wednesday. The city's total since April 22, what it considers the start of its omicron outbreak, is 544. Mr. Zhang, a Beijing resident, said he had bought extra food and water, even though he doesn't think Beijing will be locked down like Shanghai. He asked that VOA not use his full name because he was afraid of attracting official attention. "I have six bags of rice, two bags of noodles, and several boxes of water, instant noodles and (nutritionally dense) biscuits, and I haven't stocked up too much," Zhang told VOA Mandarin in a phone interview last week. He said he bought his groceries online because the supermarket was crowded. Ms. Yao, who lives in the Chaoyang district, told VOA Mandarin that she had been stocking up on necessities since the beginning of this year, after the Ministry of Commerce recommended that everyone do so. She asked that VOA Mandarin not use her full name because she wanted to avoid official retribution. "I have always maintained a good habit of reserving food. So I have a lot of rice, noodles and oil at home," she said, adding that she figured her family would be fine even if Beijing locked down for a month. And while Beijing has not yet closed the city, citizens' lives have been disrupted. On April 28, the Beijing Chaoyang District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital issued a notice that the outpatient and emergency departments of the hospital would suspend the admission of patients. On the same day, Chaoyang Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Beijing, announced on its official Weibo account that its emergency department would also suspend the admission of patients. Weibo is China's equivalent of Twitter. Angry Chinese netizens left more than 800 messages under the official WeChat account "Beijing Headline." "Why do you stop the emergency room as soon as there is a new COVID case, and how many people will be killed due to the secondary disaster caused by the COVID?" a netizen asked in a Weibo post. Some Beijing residents said they were not worried about a Shanghai-like lockdown. "Basically, I'm not afraid," said Mr. Wang, who asked VOA Mandarin to not use his full name so he could avoid attracting authorities' attention. "The party, government and military are here, and the people are here." However, Wang told VOA Mandarin, in mid-October last year, after one person in his apartment building was diagnosed as positive, about 600 people from more than 200 families were forced into isolation at several hotels in the Changping district for 21 days. Wang and his wife were not allowed to share a room at their hotel. What particularly puzzled and annoyed Wang was that on the last day of the mandatory hotel quarantine, in addition to routine nasal and oral swabs during testing, authorities added anal swabs to the regimen. Asim Kashgarian contributed to this report. After the regimes crackdown on protesters in Belarus following the 2020 presidential elections, some 200,000-300,000 people fled Belarus ending up as refugees in Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and a number of other EU countries. Now theyre helping Ukrainian refugees and Belarusians who are being forced to move, yet again. Maxim Moskalkov reports. Dana Preobrazhenskaya contributed to this story. An International Labor Organization survey in 80 countries finds collective bargaining agreements and practices are critical to improving working conditions, closing the gender wage gap, and in reducing inequality and discrimination in the work place. The ILO has just launched the first in a series of reports on Social Dialogue. The report finds one third or one in three workers around the world benefits from collective bargaining agreements negotiated between trade unions and employers. One of the more dramatic examples of that is the crucial role collective bargaining has played in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment and earnings. ILO Director-General Guy Ryder says the negotiating parties arrived at solutions that proved critical in protecting workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says those solutions have proved crucial in preserving essential health care, social care, and other services. Secondly, collective bargaining helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace through paid sick leave provision and the joint oversight of workplace safety and health during successive lockdowns and workplace returns. And, thirdly, and as with previous crises, collective bargaining helped save jobs, protect earnings, and safeguard business continuity. Much attention recently has been given to efforts to unionize corporate giants Amazon and Starbucks in the United States. However, the ILO report highlights the important role collective bargaining plays in developing, as well as developed countries. Lead author of the ILO report Susan Hayter says 57 of the agreements reviewed were in African countries. She says country studies found that collective bargaining in those countries is as effective, if not in some ways more effective, than in developed countries. Let me just take the example of Sierra Leone, where we did not have the employment retention measures that perhaps other countries in Europe had. And the parties sat down at the bargaining table and really sought to find a way to ensure that employment in tourism, that workers were able to come in on a rotational basis given the lockdown so that all workers could at least get some income. Authors of the ILO report say collective bargaining will be an essential tool to face the fundamental changes that are shaking up the world of work. They call the process a powerful problem-solving tool, which can be used for the benefit of workers and employers alike. Rather than being a controversial issue, they say collective bargaining should be used as a public good. More civilians have been rescued from the tunnels under a besieged steel plant in Mariupol, a Ukrainian official said Friday, even as fighters holed up at the sprawling complex made their last stand to prevent Moscows complete takeover of the strategic port city. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said 50 civilians were evacuated from the plant Friday. The Russian Interdepartmental Humanitarian Response Center said 11 of the 50 were children. The fight in the last Ukrainian stronghold, a city reduced to ruins by the Russian onslaught, appeared increasingly desperate. About 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russias most recent estimate, are holed up in a vast maze of tunnels and bunkers beneath Azovstal steelworks and they have repeatedly refused to surrender. Local authorities in Mariupol accused Russian forces Friday of firing on a car traveling to evacuate civilians from the vast steel works, killing a fighter and violating a cease-fire agreement, Reuters reported. As the drama in Mariupol continued to unfold, Pope Francis on Friday called the war in Ukraine "barbarous" because of the Christian-against-Christian nature of the conflict. He made the comment to members of a Vatican office that promotes Christian unity among Catholics, Orthodox and other Christian churches. Today, in the face of the barbarism of war, this yearning for unity must be fueled again, he said. Russian forces control all but the steel works in the devastated city on the north coast of the Sea of Azov. Mariupol has been repeatedly targeted by Russia during its 10-week offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was Russias attack that was keeping an estimated 200 civilians pinned down in the plant's underground bunkers. "Just imagine this hell! And there are children there," he said late Thursday in his nightly video address. "More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death." Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier assured Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in a phone call that Moscows forces were prepared to allow safe passage for those trapped in the steel plant, with daytime pauses in fighting through Saturday. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Ned Price expressed skepticism about Russias commitment to a cease-fire. In other news: The U.N. Security Council, which includes Russia, agreed on a statement with strong support for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres efforts to find a peaceful solution to the dispute in Ukraine. A vote to adopt the statement, which was drafted by Norway and Mexico, could happen as soon as Friday and would be the first such statement from the UNSC since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Reuters reports that Russian President Putin will send a doomsday message to the West on May 9 at an event marking the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory over Nazi Germany. A Russian foreign ministry spokesman said Friday that Russia has no intention of deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Ukraine. Russia firmly abides by the principle that there can be no victors in a nuclear war, and it must not be unleashed, Alexei Zaitsev said. Ukrainian officials from the countrys national security council said Friday that Victory Day could mean more shelling in parts of Ukraine. Since Russian troops cannot boast of any significant achievements on the front by Victory Day, the risk of massive shelling of Ukrainian cities these days is increasing, the officials wrote on Facebook. The Pentagon distanced itself from reports it had helped Ukraine sink the Russian missile cruiser Moskva. The U.S. did not provide Ukraine with specific targeting information for the Moskva, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby on Friday, adding that the U.S. does share intelligence with Ukraine. We were not involved in the Ukrainians decision to strike the ship or in the operation they carried out, he added. We had no prior knowledge of Ukraines intent to target the ship. The U.S. also rejected earlier reports that it had supplied Ukraine with intelligence to target Russian generals. On Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the reports inaccurate. The White House said Friday that U.S. President Joe Biden and other G-7 leaders will have a virtual meeting Sunday with Ukraines President Zelenskyy. The U.N.s Food and Agricultural Organization said there were signs Russia is stealing grain from Ukraine. Theres anecdotal evidence that Russian troops have destroyed storage capacity and that they are looting the storage grain that is available. They are also stealing farm equipment, said Josef Schmidhuber, deputy director of FAO markets and trade division when speaking to reporters Friday in Geneva. U.S. first lady Jill Biden arrived Friday at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania to start her European visit to show support for U.S. troops and Ukraine. After visiting Romania, she will head to Slovakia, where on Sunday shell meet with displaced Ukrainian families. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Press and Reuters. India and France on Wednesday called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi again stopping short of condemning Russia's invasion of its neighbor. India, which imports much of its military hardware from Russia, has long walked a diplomatic tightrope between the West and Moscow, notably refusing to denounce the latter or vote against it at the United Nations over its actions in Ukraine. "France and India expressed their deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine," Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron said in a joint statement after they met in Paris for talks and a working dinner. "Both countries unequivocally condemned the fact that civilians have been killed in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in order for the two sides to come together to promote dialogue and diplomacy, and to put an immediate end to the suffering of the people." However, only France condemned "Russian forces' illegal and unjustified aggression against Ukraine." The two countries said they would "respond in a coordinated and multilateral way" to the risk the conflict would intensify a global food crisis. Ukraine and Russia are among the world's main wheat producers. Ahead of the meeting, Macron's office had said he would "emphasize the consequences of the war for the international order well beyond the European Union, including in Asia" to Modi. France wants to "help the Indians diversify their supply" away from Russian arms and energy, officials added. The aim, they said, "is not to leave the Indians with no way out, but to offer solutions." Modi, who is on a European tour, told reporters after meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Monday that "there won't be any winners in this war and everyone will lose. The Elysee said Macron has an "extremely warm relationship" with Modi, who has visited France three times since 2017, while the French leader went to India in 2018. Modi invited Macron to visit India again to deepen cooperation on defense technology and the transition to clean energy. The two men embraced and posed for photographs when Modi arrived in the courtyard of the Elysee Palace, where he was also greeted by Macron's wife, Brigitte. Going into the meeting, officials described France's relationship with India as "trusting," and the joint statement reaffirmed the two countries' desire to strengthen the "strategic Franco-Indian partnership, particularly in the Indo-Pacific." Securing France's place in the region is especially important after Britain, the United States and Australia last year sealed their AUKUS security pact, dumping a lucrative French contract to supply Canberra's next generation of submarines along the way. India has bought dozens of French Rafale fighter jets and six submarines and cooperates with Paris on civil nuclear projects. French state-owned energy giant EDF wants to build six next-generation EPR reactors in Jaitapur on India's west coast. The Elysee said it was pushing hard to get that deal signed, fitting in with Macron's vow ahead of his reelection last month to renew France's nuclear industry and replace its fleet of ageing power plants. A new coordinating body proposed by the Department of Homeland Security to focus its efforts at countering disinformation has run into a buzzsaw of opposition from members of Congress. Some have characterized the would-be Disinformation Governance Board as a dystopian threat to free speech. The new working group was announced with little fanfare last week and almost immediately generated an intense reaction from lawmakers, primarily Republicans, who accused the agency of attempting to stifle free expression. A group of Republican lawmakers led by Representative James Comer, the senior Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, attacked the group in a letter that said, in part, The creation of the Disinformation Governance Board appears to double down on this Administrations continued abuse of taxpayer dollars and the federal governments powers to attack Americans who disagree with its policies, smearing them as extremists and perpetrators of mis- dis- and mal-information. Damage control efforts The attacks left DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas scrambling to defend the board in appearances on Sunday television talk shows and through a fact sheet distributed by the department on Monday. The Department is deeply committed to doing all of its work in a way that protects Americans freedom of speech, civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy, the fact sheet said. It described the board as being established with the explicit goal of ensuring these protections are appropriately incorporated across DHSs disinformation-related work and that rigorous safeguards are in place. It also stressed that the board does not have any operational authority or capability, meaning that it will not operate as a law enforcement agency. Congressional testimony Mayorkas on Wednesday appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committees Homeland Security Subcommittee and continued his effort to convince lawmakers that the new working group was designed to do precisely the opposite of what its detractors were claiming. The department does not combat speech, he said. The department is involved in protecting the homeland, protecting the security of the homeland, and we become involved (with speech) when there is a connectivity to violence. Admitting that the announcement of the group had not been handled ideally, he insisted that the purpose of the working group was to bring together the experts throughout our department to ensure that our ongoing work in combating disinformation is done in a way that does not infringe on free speech, a fundamental constitutional right, embedded in the First Amendment, nor on the right of privacy or other civil rights and civil liberties. Republicans unconvinced It quickly became clear that the departments efforts at damage control had done little to persuade some Republicans. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, the senior Republican on the panel, advised Mayorkas to simply do away with the new working group, saying, I think, quite honestly, for the good of the rest of the department, that now is a good time to abandon this ludicrous and much maligned idea. Republican Senator John Kennedy questioned Mayorkas, asking about the decision to hire Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher formerly with the Washington-based Wilson Center, to lead the Disinformation Governance Board. Jankowicz was one of many who questioned the provenance of a laptop computer containing compromising material about President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, which was made public during the 2020 presidential race, suggesting it might have been a Russian disinformation tactic. The information on the laptop has since been confirmed to be real. Free speech activists unsurprised Advocates for free speech and freedom of expression said they were not very surprised by the hostile reception the board received when its existence was made public. I think DHS really has itself to blame for the reaction, Ben Wizner, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, told VOA. They announced something that is somewhat creepy sounding, that we have a kind of government truth board run out of the Homeland Security Department, and they did not at the same time, very clearly say, Here's why we're doing this. It was terribly executed, Kevin Goldberg, a First Amendment specialist at the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization in Washington told VOA. In an area where you're talking about speech and anything relating to government involvement in speech, we want to act with precision. And this was anything but. Again, this is all compounded by the fact that it's the Department of Homeland Security, a government agency with some enforcement powers that was created specifically as a response to 9/11, Goldberg said. It's wrong and concerning on multiple fronts. Wizner said he thought the agency might want to consider Capitos suggestion and do away with the program. I don't think there would be any harm if they decided to just scrap this idea, he said. Even if it's nowhere near as nefarious as some of its critics have suggested, I still am entirely unpersuaded that it's at all necessary. However, during the course of Wednesdays hearing, Mayorkas gave no indication that he was preparing to dismantle the new organization. Tanzanias president has called for a review of the East African countrys media laws and regulations, saying she wants to ensure measures to protect journalists and open more space for freedom of expression and the media. Samia Suluhu Hassan delivered her remarks on Tuesday, World Press Freedom Day, at a gathering of journalists, government officials and others in Arusha, in northern Tanzania, according to The East African newspaper. Maxence Melo Mubyazi, an award-winning journalist in Tanzania, said he takes this as an encouraging sign after lots of arrests, lots of attacks on the press in recent years. We welcome this kind of political will from the president to review the current draconian laws in the country, said the founding editor of the online discussion platform Jamii Forums, who has himself endured arrests and jail time. He told VOA Wednesday he hoped this would ensure that at least we have frameworks in place and we dont go by the presidential decree. Melo was alluding to Hassans predecessor, John Magufuli, president from 2015 until his death in March 2021 at age 61. During Magafulis tenure, journalists were often arrested for critical coverage of government and political dissent was discouraged. Tanzanias ranking in Reporters Without Borders annual press freedom index plummeted from 71st to 124th over five years beginning in 2016. Reporters Without Borders noted in its latest report that Magufuli had become increasingly authoritarian and hostile toward media and that Hassans rise to power has brought initial hopeful signs that have yet to come to fruition. In February, Hassans administration lifted bans on four media outlets: Mseto, Mawio, Mwanahalisi and Tanzania Daima. They had been shuttered for offenses related to their coverage of alleged corruption, according to Amnesty International. And Hassan has instructed the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology to work with media stakeholders and others on reviewing laws and possibly loosening restrictions. Melo is among those being asked to weigh in on what he calls draconian measures such as the 2015 Cybercrimes Act and 2016 Media Services Act. Ive been part of the team that has been reviewing the laws, said Melo, who had previously felt their bite. He was convicted in April 2020 of obstructing police investigations, and paid a fine of 3 million Tanzanian shillings, or $1,300, rather than face a year behind bars, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. CPJ, which honored Melo with its 2019 International Press Freedom Award, noted that the charge stemmed from Melos alleged refusal to disclose the identities of whistleblowers on the Jamii Forums platform. Melo told VOA that Jamii Forums, founded as a for-profit business, now is a nongovernmental organization. We are focusing on good governance, accountability and democracy, he said. Since Hassan took office, Melo said, people on the cyberspace can now at least criticize the government or critically analyze whatever kind of statement that comes from any political figure. At the moment, journalists are now writing stories that could not be written in the past six years. When it comes to news media, indeed, the environment is slowly opening up, agreed Roland Ebole, an Amnesty International researcher. Based in Nairobi, he monitors Tanzania and Uganda. Amnesty praised Tanzanias lifting of the newspaper ban in February but also said the government must do more to guarantee media freedom going forward. A free press, Ebole told VOA, would mean Tanzanians looking into the future with most hope in terms of expressing themselves and getting information and information that would benefit them in all aspects of their lives, whether its economic, social and cultural. We are somehow optimistic, Melo said of journalists and rights activists. But, he cautioned, the laws are still there, really draconian laws. If they are not amended, they can be used by anyone who is against us. Separately, a Tanzanian government spokesman told VOA that measures could be loosened to a point. You cannot have a profession without rules to govern, like a tire moving without any control, spokesman Greyson Msigwa said in a recent interview. We must reach a place that we all agree that we need to protect the interests of media and the people as well. A pair of Palestinian attackers went on a stabbing rampage in a town near Tel Aviv on Thursday night, killing at least three people and wounding four others before fleeing in a vehicle, Israeli authorities said. Police launched a search for the assailants, setting up roadblocks and dispatching a helicopter. The stabbing, coming on Israel's Independence Day, was the latest in a string of deadly attacks in Israeli cities in recent weeks. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared recently, with the attacks in Israel, military operations in the occupied West Bank and violence at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site. The site, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, was the scene of new unrest earlier Thursday. Alon Rizkan, a medic with Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, described a "very difficult call" when he arrived in Elad, an ultra-Orthodox town near Tel Aviv. He said he identified three dead people at various locations. At least four others were wounded, one critically, officials said. Israeli media quoted police as saying there were two assailants, and as of midnight, police said they were still searching for the attackers. They urged the public to avoid the area and to report suspicious vehicles or people to them. Israel marked its Independence Day on Thursday, a festive national holiday in which people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said the attack appeared to be "the latest in what has been a string of despicable terrorist attacks that have rocked Israel." "Our commitment to our Israeli partners, to Israel's security, that is ironclad," he added. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack and linked it to violence at the Jerusalem holy site. "The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque can't go unpunished," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said. "The heroic operation in Tel Aviv is a practical translation of what the resistance had warned against." The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third holiest site in Islam and is built on a hilltop that is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. It lies at the emotional heart of the conflict, and Palestinians and Israeli police have clashed there repeatedly in recent weeks. Early Thursday, Israeli police entered the site to clear away Palestinian protesters, after Jewish visits that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed. As the visits resumed, dozens of Palestinians gathered. Scuffles broke out when the police went to arrest one of them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on the sprawling esplanade as some Palestinians sheltered inside the mosque itself. The police could later be seen just inside an entrance to the barricaded mosque. The police said they responded to dozens of people who were shouting incitement and throwing stones, and that one police officer was lightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were taken to a hospital after being struck with batons. Unlike in previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there was no rock-throwing initially. Some of those who sheltered inside the mosque began throwing stones and other objects when police entered the building. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. The recent bloodshed has been some of the worst in years. At least 18 Israelis have died in five attacks, including a stabbing rampage in southern Israel, two other shootings in the Tel Aviv area and a shooting last weekend in a West Bank settlement. Nearly 30 Palestinians have died in violence, most of whom had carried out attacks or were involved in confrontations with Israeli forces in the West Bank. But an unarmed woman and a lawyer who appears to have been inadvertently shot were also killed. As the Philippines prepares for national elections, victims of torture and abuse during the reign of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. are trying to derail the presidential candidacy of his son, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., seen as the frontrunner in the May 9 vote. A member of the far-right Oath Keepers militia on Wednesday admitted to engaging in seditious conspiracy during last year's attack on the U.S. Capitol, the latest in a string of courtroom victories for the Justice Department. William Todd Wilson of North Carolina pleaded guilty during a federal court hearing in Washington. He was the third Oath Keepers defendant to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy and obstruction charges. Several other defendants are still on track for a trial later this year, including Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers. An indictment against Rhodes and others unsealed in January is the only criminal case accusing participants in the January 6, 2021, attack of engaging in seditious conspiracy, defined as attempting "to overthrow, put down or to destroy by force the government of the United States." About 800 people have been charged with taking part in the Capitol riot in which supporters of then-President Donald Trump tried to prevent formal congressional certification of his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, attacking police and sending lawmakers scrambling for safety. Trump has made false claims that he lost due to widespread voting fraud. According to prosecutors, Rhodes had warned his group to prepare for a "bloody and desperate fight" in the days leading up to the Capitol assault. About 250 Capitol riot defendants have pleaded guilty so far. The Justice Department has obtained convictions in all four Capitol riot cases that ended in a jury trial. Most recently, a jury on Monday convicted Thomas Webster, rejecting arguments that the former New York City police officer was acting in self-defense when he struck a Washington police officer with a flagpole and tackled him. [May 05, 2022] Radisson Hotel Group Partners with Plug and Play SILICON VALLEY, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's leading hotel groups, Radisson Hotel Group, today announced its partnership with Plug and Play's Travel & Hospitality program, located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Plug and Play is a global innovation platform that brings together the best startups with the world's largest corporations. Through this partnership, Radisson Hotel Group will strengthen its connections with selected startups, enabling the company to accelerate its innovation capabilities for future travel technologies and solutions. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Plug and Play, the largest startup ecosystem in the World, as part of our Radisson Innovation Roadmap. This partnership is vital to connect us with a large network of startups and potential partners at different maturity levels, improve our innovation ecosystem to maximize business opportunities, and develop outside-of-the-box pioneering solutions when it comes to technology and digital innovation. We see this collaboration as a way to boost our Business Transformation Plan quickly and accelerate our five-year strategic plan," says Gonzalo Carpintero, Senior Vice President Operations & Head of Business Transformation (BTO), Radisson Hotel Group. Plug and Play Travel & Hospitality launched in 2016 and has since expanded to six locations around the world. Since its inception, the travel program has accelerated over 250 startups and worked with the most innovative corporations in the industry. By working with Plug and Play, Radisson Hotel Group will gain access to top industry startups, networking opportunities with peers, and exclusive events surrounding the latest travel and hospitality technology trends. "We're thrilled to welcome Radisson Hotel Group to our ecosystem. It really speaks to their innovation culture and leadership's strategic vision to prioritize innovation during these difficult times. Hospitality technology has been a focus for our group for many years and we can't wait to help them engage with the startup community," says Jordan Bray, VP of Corporate Partnerships at Plug and Play. "Our main mission is to supercharge the Pilot/POC sourcing and implementation of new technologies for the group which will ultimately take their already amazing portfolio of hotels and customer-centric services to a new level." To learn more about Plug and Play, apply here to speak with one of our experts: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/join/ About Radsson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is one of the world's largest hotel groups with nine distinctive hotel brands, and more than 1,700 hotels in operation and under development in 120 countries. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson Hotel Group portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 660 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol . The in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols were developed in partnership with SGS, the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and are designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group's Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube About Plug and Play Plug and Play is a global innovation platform. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we have built accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and an in-house VC to make technological advancement progress faster than ever before. Since inception in 2006, our programs have expanded worldwide to include a presence in over 40 locations globally, giving startups the necessary resources to succeed in Silicon Valley and beyond. With 40,000 startups and 500 official corporate partners, we have created the ultimate startup ecosystem in many industries, including Travel & Hospitality, with offices in Silicon Valley, Geneva, Singapore, Shanghai, and Vienna, etc. We currently work with Airbus, Accor Hotels, Flight Centre Travel Group, CWT, IATA, JetBlue Technology Ventures, Marriott International, Star Alliance, Fraport, Vienna International Airport, and many more. Companies in our community have raised over $9 billion in funding, with successful portfolio exits including Danger, Dropbox, Honey, Lending Club and PayPal. For more information, visit www.pnptc.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/radisson-hotel-group-partners-with-plug-and-play-301540979.html SOURCE Plug and Play [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] For years, creepy dolls have washed up on a beach on Texas's coastal bend. According to Jace Tunnell, director of the Mission-Aransas Reserve at the University of Texas Marine Institute, he and his team of researchers have found more than 30 of them since they started counting. Now they auction off the dolls in an annual fundraiser. From the Forth Worth Star-Telegram: "The first one we had found was a sex doll, the head of it. I posted a picture of it and I didn't realize that's what it was," he said. "We got a lot of followers on the page after that." Someone purchased that doll head for $35, and Mission-Aransas gave the money to a sea turtle rescue program[] "Texas coastal bend beaches get 10 times the amount of trash than any other beach in the Gulf of Mexico," Tunnell said, compared to what researchers in Florida and Mississippi found after conducting identical projects. This is due in large part to a "loop current" reaching from the Yucatan Peninsula to Florida. This current creates eddies that push debris toward the Texas Gulf, and the Coastal Bend in particular. Kenya's Marsabit county is one of the country's popular tourist attractions, but unrest generated by ethnic conflicts in the region is paralyzing economic activities, said Nuno Galma, a driver in the town. "My business is affected whenever the bandits attack our town. As a businessman when I hear gunshots, I have to run." Kenyan authorities said two major ethnic groups in the county, whose source of livelihood is pastoralism, fight over natural resources. Both groups access illegal firearms smuggled from neighboring Ethiopia. The state declared a 30-day dusk to dawn curfew to crack down on illegal firearms and ammunition. Bruno Shioso is a Kenya police spokesperson. "We have heightened surveillance because it has been declared a deserted area," Shioso said. "We have increased the number of police. We are happy because leaders in the area are now talking, they are coming out to talk, so we believe as we continue with our work the leaders in the area will also preach peace." Security expert George Msamali said conflicts across the border in Ethiopia are sparking the unrest in Marsabit, especially because of the unsecured border, which he said enables people to smuggle weapons. "Remember some communities have families across the border and the Kenya-Ethiopia border is so porous so, you'll find that people moving from Ethiopia joining their kinsmen in Kenya and fighting against the other clan," Msamali said. "It's easy dfor them to smuggle weapons from Kenya into Ethiopia and vice versa." Dozens of people have been killed in recent months in what authorities said amounts to a political struggle to control resources. Kenya Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i said the security operation in Marsabit may be extended until the state can get rid of illegal weapons in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly apologized to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for antisemitic comments made earlier this week by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov reportedly said "the biggest antisemites are the Jews themselves" and that Hitler had Jewish blood, among other long-discredited antisemitic tropes while speaking to an Italian television journalist. "The prime minister accepted President Putin's apology for Lavrov's remarks and thanked him for clarifying his attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust," Bennetts office said. A readout of the call from the Kremlin did not mention the apology, but said, "The President of Russia recalled that of the 6 million Jews tortured in ghettos and concentration camps, killed by the Nazis during punitive operations, 40% were citizens of the USSR, and asked to convey wishes of health and well-being to the veterans living in Israel. Naftali Bennett, in turn, noted the decisive contribution of the Red Army to the victory over Nazism." Lavrov made the comments in an Italian television interview on Sunday as he sought to justify Russias war. Asked about Russian claims that it invaded Ukraine to denazify the country, Lavrov said that Ukraine could still have Nazi elements even if some figures, including the countrys president, were Jewish. So when they say How can Nazification exist if were Jewish? In my opinion, Hitler also had Jewish origins, so it doesnt mean absolutely anything. For some time we have heard from the Jewish people that the biggest antisemites were Jewish, he said, speaking to the station in Russian, dubbed over by an Italian translation. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid issued a statement saying Israel would demand an apology from the Russian government for Lavrov's comments. Putin and Bennett also reportedly discussed the upcoming May 9 celebrations in Israel and Russia commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany, the war in Ukraine and bilateral issues. Some information is from The Associated Press. Former Belarusian leader Stanislav Shushkevich died this week at the age of 87. He took a part of the Soviet Union's history with him. Shrewd and wise, he was the one who put the last nail in the Soviet Unions coffin. Together with Ukrainian and Russian leaders Leonid Kravchuk and Boris Yeltsin, in the cold winter of 1991 in Belarus Belavezha forest, he signed the document that became the death certificate for the USSR. A physicist by profession, soft-spoken and accompanied everywhere by his wife, Shushkevich never regretted the collapse of the USSR, and he called the signing of historical documents in Belavezha a glorious deed. His family had been politically repressed by the Soviet Union and his grandmother, a Catholic, had made him learn to speak Polish. He spent his last days at his dacha in Belarus witnessing the brutality of the regime led by Alexander Lukashenko, to whom he lost power in 1994. It is hard to imagine how he felt about the future of his country, which adopted the white and red-striped flag, which has become a symbol of protest against Lukashenko, on the day of his own election in 1991. What we know for sure is that he did not believe that all-out assault on Ukraine, staged by President Vladimir Putin during the last days of Shushkevich life, was possible. He told me about it during a long interview in 2016 in Washington. We spoke our different native languages, he in Belarusian and me in Ukrainian, and we totally understood each other. Shushkevich considered former Russian President Boris Yeltsins decision to appoint Putin as his successor to have been a critical mistake. I think it was Yeltsins mistake to appoint Putin. But it was very well prepared by KGB professionals who know how to manipulate people. Putin was portrayed as a person on [former St. Petersburg mayor Anatoly] Sobchak's team, as an educated lawyer, as a person who has demonstrated that he can manage the KGB well." But this organization quickly lost its professionalism as a structure that cares about state security, and quickly acquired corruption as a structure that cares about the well-being of its leaders and cares for these leaders politicians, he told me during the interview. Asked how the war in eastern Ukraine, which had been going on for a two years at the time, could be stopped, Shushkevich said the war would last a long time and could not be stopped while Putin remains in power. Putin is in such a position that he cannot retreat now. All his popularity is based on the fact that he continues the work of Stalin, Peter the Great, and Lenin. These are all emperors after all. And Russia likes to be an empire, and many Russian intellectuals like it." And on the issue of Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, he said that it had no legitimate grounds to do so. It is absolute nonsense that Crimea is truly Russian, has always been Russian, and they retook what was theirs. This speaks of the dense political ignorance of the Russian population. And this dense political ignorance seeks to preserve the current Russian government, he said. The world should not forget his wisdom. Russia has announced the expulsion of seven people from the Danish Embassy in Moscow in response to a similar move announced by Copenhagen four weeks earlier. "They must leave the country within two weeks," the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said in a statement Thursday. The move came exactly one month after Denmark expelled 15 employees from the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen, accusing them of being intelligence agents. Denmark said it wanted to send "a clear signal to Moscow that we will not accept that Russian intelligence officers are spying on Danish soil." In its statement Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry added it had also denied a visa to a diplomat at the Danish diplomatic mission, and that it "reserves the right to take additional retaliatory steps to the unfriendly actions of Copenhagen, which will be reported to the Danish side later." Hundreds of European nations and other Western allies have expelled Russian diplomats and embassy staff members since Moscow launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Somali lawmakers have set May 15th as the date they will select the countrys next president. The presidential election committee, which includes 17 members from both houses of parliament, met in Mogadishu on Thursday and agreed on the date for the election. In a vote by a show of hands, the members of the committee chose lawmaker Abdiqani Ugas as the chairman of the Presidential Election Committee, and lawmaker Mohamed Kerow as its deputy chairman. The committee decided to hold the election on May 15th, just two days prior to the deadline set by international donors to cut their funding unless a new Somali government is formed. In a brief statement, the deputy speaker of the upper house, Ali Shacban, said that this marks a step forward in completing one of the last duties of parliament -- to elect the president. He said, obviously, our agenda was to elect the committee overseeing the election of the president and to set the date for the election. In the end, he said, God made it easier for us, and now you can see how well we did. The presidential election has been delayed for more than a year because of political disputes that dragged out the process of electing members of parliament. Last year, lawmakers tried to extend the term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed by two years but reversed their decision under strong international pressure. About a dozen candidates are expected to seek the presidency, including the incumbent, two former presidents and former prime minister, Hassan Ali Kheyre. While South Africas African National Congress-led government has refused to condemn Russias war on Ukraine preferring to take a neutral stance and calling for mediation the Democratic Alliance Partys John Steenhuisen isnt mincing his words. He said seeing the destruction of the towns on the outskirts of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, was heartbreaking. Steenhuisen said besides showing Ukraines citizens that there are South Africans who care, he also went there to build networks, which could help him make informed decisions. To put it in perspective, one out of every three slices of bread in Africa and the Middle East comes from grain in this region," Steenhuisen said. "Cooking oil, theyre the number one producers of cooking oil and fertilizers, which are essential to growing of crops in our own country. Theres been a 300% increase in fertilizer costs in South Africa, which is going to have a huge impact on domestic food security as well. And thats obviously also tied in with rising fuel prices as a result of the instability in the region. The leader of the Democratic Alliance said Africa is particularly vulnerable because of the high levels of poverty. There are 30 million South Africans who live below the poverty line," Steenhuisen said. "And thats obviously exacerbated by an almost 50% unemployment rate. Not everyone was pleased with Steenhuisens visit. Critics said he seemed more interested in far-off conflicts than those happening in South Africa and the rest of the continent. Well, I would say that those criticisms are frankly a little bit childish," Steenhuisen said. "Firstly, I have been to conflicts in Africa. I spent some time in Somaliland. Ive been to Mozambique. Ukraines ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, welcomed Steenhuisens visit. I think it is important from Ukrainian point of view to receive a message that some South African people are supporting Ukraine," Abravitova said. "It will also give some impetus to other political parties not only in South Africa but in Africa in general to have dialogue with Ukraine. When asked whether she would like to see South Africas president, Cyril Ramaphosa, visit, she said, Of course, yes. She added that, during a recent telephone conversation with her president, President Ramaphosa said he would visit. And I believe this visit will happen as soon as the security situation allows, Abravitova said. South Africas Department of International Relations said it was not commenting on Steenhuisens visit to Ukraine at this time. Questions sent to the spokesperson for the ruling African National Congress, Pule Mabe, about Steenhuisens allegations that the ANC-led government is not neutral but siding with Russia, were not answered. Neither were several phone calls to Mabe. Taiwan signaled Thursday that it had abandoned a plan to buy advanced new anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States, saying they were too expensive. Taiwan had earlier said it was planning to buy 12 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters, made by Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N unit Sikorsky, but Taiwanese media reported that the United States had rejected the sale as not being in line with the islands needs. Asked in parliament about recent changes to Taiwans purchases of new U.S. weapons, Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng mentioned the helicopter case first. The price is too high, beyond the scope of our countrys ability, he said. Two other arms purchases have also been delayed M109A6 Medium Self-Propelled Howitzer artillery systems, and mobile Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The Raytheon Technologies RTX.N Stingers are in hot demand in Ukraine, where they have been used against Russian aircraft, but U.S. supplies have shrunk and producing more of the anti-aircraft weapons faces significant hurdles. Chiu said they had already signed the contract for the Stingers and paid for them, and they would press the United States to deliver them. We dont view arms sales as a trifling matter, and we have back-up plans, he added, without elaborating. Taiwan says the United States has offered it alternatives to the M109A6, including truck-based rocket launchers made by Lockheed Martin called the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. Chiu said they were still considering their options on that. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, is undertaking a military modernization program to improve its capabilities to fend off a Chinese attack, including with precision weapons like missiles. President Tsai Ing-wen has championed the concept of asymmetric warfare, which involves developing high-tech, highly mobile weapons that are hard to destroy and can deliver precision attacks. U.S. officials have been pushing Taiwan to modernize its military so it can become a porcupine, hard for China to attack. China has been ramping up its own military modernization and pressure against Taiwan as it seeks to force the democratically governed island to accept Beijings rule. A global alliance was launched Thursday to support Vanuatus bid to ask the International Court of Justice to consider the human rights impacts of climate change. More than 1,500 organizations, including charities, church and student groups, from 130 countries are backing the Pacific island nations action. Vanuatu says global warming is a human rights issue. It wants the International Court of Justice to protect vulnerable communities, and the rights of residents. The courts advisory opinions are not binding but can set a precedent that could lead to tougher laws to address climate change. Solomon Yeo, from the campaign group Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, said Vanuatus case is a milestone. The Vanuatu government thinks, as do most of the worlds eminent climate lawyers, that a revised opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice has real potential to be a circuit-breaker that will lead to greater ambition under the Paris Agreement, he said. So, in the future, no one can deny that climate change is a human rights issue that impacts who are alive today and those who will follow us. Many Pacific island nations are already seeing rising sea levels and more intense cyclones. Vanuatu said it will take its case to the United Nations General Assembly in September, which will decide whether to refer it to the International Court of Justice. It would take a simple majority vote for the matter to proceed to the worlds highest court. Vanuatu and other Pacific island nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Australias national science agency. It said many were already witnessing rainfall pattern shifts, rising sea levels and changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events. Vanuatus prime minister, Bob Loughman, has called climate change an existential threat to his nation of about 280,000 people, who live across an archipelago of roughly 80 islands. Russia pledged to observe a cease-fire Thursday in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, where its forces have controlled all but a steel plant complex where Ukrainian troops are holed up along with civilians the United Nations is working to evacuate. Russia said its daytime cease-fire would continue again Friday and Saturday to facilitate more evacuations from the Azovstal site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an early morning address Thursday, said a long cease-fire was needed to evacuate the remaining civilians in Mariupol. It will take time simply to lift people out of those basements, out of those underground shelters. In the present conditions, we cannot use heavy equipment to clear the rubble away. It all has to be done by hand, he said. In Washington, State Department spokesperson Ned Price expressed skepticism about Russias commitment to a cease-fire. SEE ALSO: What we have consistently seen, and weve seen this even in recent days, is the tendency on the part of the Russian Federation to embrace a socalled humanitarian pause to cloak itself in the guise of an actor that has humanitarian concerns only to quickly and promptly resume shelling and violence, including against civilians who are trapped in besieged areas, including in Mariupol. The United Nations said Wednesday that the more than 300 civilians evacuated from Mariupol, Manhush, Berdiansk, Tokmak and Vasylivka were receiving humanitarian assistance in Zaporizhzhia. While this second evacuation of civilians from areas in Mariupol and beyond is significant, much more must be done to make sure all civilians caught up in fighting can leave, in the direction they wish, said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N.s humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine. Belarus drills Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko told The Associated Press he did not think Russias military action in Ukraine would drag on this way, as he accused Ukraine of provoking Russia and being uninterested in peace talks. Russian forces used Belarus as a staging point ahead of their February 24 invasion, operating under the pretext of military exercises as President Vladimir Putin denied he would attack Ukraine. Belarus launched its own military exercises this week, but Lukashenko said they posed no threat. We do not threaten anyone, and we are not going to threaten and will not do it, Lukashenko told the AP. Moreover, we cant threaten we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here in the West is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So, the West can sleep peacefully. Britains Defense Ministry said Thursday that with the drills ongoing, Russia is likely to inflate the threat posed to Ukraine by Belarus in order to keep more Ukrainian forces in the northern part of the country and not deploying to eastern Ukraine. Fighting in the east, south Fighting intensified Wednesday around the Azovstal steel mill. Mariupols mayor, Vadym Boychenko, said the Russians were hitting the plant with everything from heavy artillery to bombs that pierce concrete 3 to 5 meters thick. The Ukrainian fighters defending the plant said Russian troops had entered its grounds, which Russia denied. A senior U.S. defense official said that Russian military progress in eastern Ukraines Donbas region was stalled ... very slow and uneven. Russia has been launching about 40 to 50 missile strikes a day but is still wary of flying inside Ukraine. Russian forces have been meeting stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces as they attempt to advance toward Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk in eastern Ukraine, the official said. Air raid sirens went off Wednesday night across Ukraine, with attacks reported near Kyiv, in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine, and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. EU sanctions European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled new punitive actions against Russia on Wednesday that would cut off European purchases of Russian crude oil within six months and end imports of refined energy products by the end of 2022. EU members must unanimously approve the package for it to take effect. Lets be clear, it will not be easy because some member states are strongly dependent on Russian oil, but we simply have to do it, von der Leyen told the European Parliament. The proposed EU sanctions also include removing Russias biggest bank, Sberbank, from the international SWIFT transaction and messaging system, and listing high-ranking military officers who committed war crimes in Bucha and those responsible for the inhuman siege of Mariupol. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin must pay a high price for his brutal aggression. Putin wanted to wipe out Ukraine from the map, and he will clearly not succeed, she said. On the contrary. Ukraine has risen in bravery and in unity, and it is his own country, Russia, that Putin is sinking. In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden said he would be speaking with other leaders from the Group of Seven advanced economies this week about potential new sanctions against Russia. Were always open to additional sanctions, Biden told reporters. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Press and Reuters. Zimbabwes Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, David Musabayana, says the killing of Elvis Nyathi by a vigilante group in Diepsloot almost a month ago was a question of mistaken identity and the South African government has apologized for the gruesome murder. Responding to a question in parliament on Thursday posed by Senator Tichinani Matevera on Zimbabwes engagement with South Africans following Nyathis death and general violent activities targeted at foreigners, Musabayana said his government is concerned about such incidents. According to the latest edition of the Hansard, Musabayana said, The facts that we gathered are that in this particular incident, the perpetrators of the violence were looking for a particular individual who they thought was engaging in illegal activities like stealing. So it was a question of mistaken identity, according to the facts that we got from the people who attended the scene. Over and above that, with this mistaken identity, these perpetrators of violence against a Zimbabwean took the law into their own hands. It is not even within the laws of South Africa but a violation of the South African law because they took the law into their own hands - maybe what they call self help, which was inappropriate. Musabayana said the government of South Africa has apologized over the killing of Nyathi, who was beaten up and set on fire by the vigilante group in Johannesburgs Diepsloot township. He said President Cyrial Ramaphosa categorically stated that it was not the culture of South Africa to murder people in cold blood. So these perpetrators were mere criminals who murdered a Zimbabwean. Yes, it is also true that there are xenophobic attacks in the area. Even in the Limpopo area, in Cape Town and several other areas, there are reports of xenophobic attacks or the activation of these negative sentiments of xenophobia against Zimbabweans. Actually, it is targeting Zimbabweans where there are allegations that Zimbabweans are taking up their jobs. So as a Government, we are engaging South Africa but South Africa is saying no, we do not condone such acts of violence and inhuman acts of arson, and killing people. We are engaging, and South Africans are our brothers. We believe with more engagement and more education, the South Africans are also going to realise that we are strategic partners because we have huge trade happening between us. Zimbabwe is the biggest trading partner of South Africa, and besides trade partnership, we import it is in the negative in terms of Zimbabwe where we import more from South Africa than their export to us. This means that we are creating employment for the South African economy. Musabayana said he has already told his counterpart in that country that South Africans should not view Zimbabweans as people who are stealing their jobs. I highlighted that issue that South Africans should not view us as robbing them of their jobs because as it stands, our economies are co-joined in some respects where some value chains from South Africa extend into Zimbabwe. If Zimbabweans stop those value chains, it means that even the South African economy will scream, and South Africas employment would also be affected. So it is a question of understanding and continuous education of our South African counterparts so that they get to appreciate it. The other issue that we are also dealing with is the issue of Public Relations also from the Zimbabwean side where they must also appreciate that we may have different work ethics. You must also have the wisdom when you are working in an institution so that you do not look like you are out-shining everybody to the extent that you become the preferred labourer. So that is also creating problems in some of the winery plantations where most Zimbabweans are employed. Apparently, the leadership also prefers Zimbabweans to South Africans. So we continue to engage, but it is not the attitude of South Africa, policy or culture of South Africans to kill Zimbabweans because we are the same people. Reacting to a similar question posed by Senator Khaliphani Pugeni, Musabayana said there are elevated xenophobic attacks through cyber bulling activities in South Africa and other nations. He said some organizations like Operation Dudula, are using social in denouncing and encouraging fellow citizens to harass and intimidate Zimbabweans. Musabayana said, Our people are no longer comfortable staying in those countries As a Government, we continue to engage South Africans and also to encourage them to behave as Pan Africanists. As Pan Africanists, we are the same family and we must cohabitate. When you look at our people working within the region, this is not a new phenomenon. It has happened even during the colonial times. This is why we talk of Wenera and so forth. Even here we have people from other countries coming to work in Zimbabwe, but we have never encouraged such a negative sentiment which is tantamount to xenophobia. We continue to preach the good news to those who are perpetrating violence. It is not within the policy of South Africa to chase away Zimbabweans, to harass, punish or get involved in any act of violence that violates Zimbabweans or any other citizen in that country. We believe these are criminal elements and at times they are linked to the former colonialists or some people who have been trying to avenge the land reform by inciting acts of violence. It is not within the Government policy of South Africa. Like I said before, the highest level of diplomats in that country with the chief diplomat of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa apologised and denounced such acts of violence. Of late, they have been dispersing any gathering that involved xenophobic attacks. So we continue to engage and our embassy in South Africa continues to engage the South Africans whenever we believe there are some acts constituting xenophobic attacks. Operation Dudula says all Zimbabweans living illegally in South Africa should leave the country before the end of this month or face unspecified action. The Guardian has a piece celebrating John McGeoch, the often-overlooked 80s guitarist. McGeoch played with such bands as Magazine, Siouxsie and the Banshees, PiL, Visage, and was hugely influential with fellow guitarists like Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien (Radiohead), Steve Albini (Big Black), The Edge (U2), and countless others. But unlike those musicians, far fewer people know of John McGeoch. McGeoch was a Scottish fine art student and when his flatmate Malcolm Garrett (who would design artwork for Buzzcocks, Duran Duran and Simple Minds) told Howard Devoto, who'd recently quit punk pioneers Buzzcocks, that McGeoch could play all the parts of Television's Marquee Moon, Devoto was impressed. "That made me think he would be somebody worth knowing," he recalls in The Light Pours Out of Me, a new biography on McGeoch by Rory Sullivan-Burke. The pair connected and this materialised into Magazine and their revelatory debut single Shot By Both Sides. Despite the riff being a hand-me-down from Buzzcocks, McGeoch's playing on it as urgent and taut as it was fluid and melodic quickly grabbed people. Siouxsie Sioux recalled: "everyone was saying: 'who is playing guitar in Magazine?'" It captivated a teenage Johnny Marr. "Shot By Both Sides was so arresting," he tells me. "The sound and attitude was very modern it sounded like it had an agenda." The track was a line in the sand for Marr. "Punk wasn't the letter A in a new alphabet, it was Z in the old lexicon and then after was a clean slate." Read the rest. In June, Omnibus Press will be releasing a biography of McGeoch, The Light Pours Out of Me. [H/t Chris Burke] Image: Screengrab President Joe Biden on Tuesday visited an Alabama facility that manufactures weapons he said were key to fending off Russias invasion of Ukraine. He also pushed his request for $33 billion in supplemental aid for Ukraine. This report from VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell. Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo / Pool/AFP via Getty Images During Amber Heards second day on the stand in Johnny Depps defamation case against her, on May 5, she continued to characterize their time together as a cycle of loving highs and abusive lows including an allegation of sexual assault with a foreign object one month into their marriage. Heard, wearing a cream-colored shirt and navy-black jacket, wept and struggled to catch her breath as she detailed the alleged assault. Depp, in a deep-blue suit, largely kept his head down. At multiple points during the proceeding, Depp seemed to snicker. Heard also detailed an alleged incident after the 2014 Met Gala where she thought he broke her nose. Heard also described Depps resentment over her work with James Franco as a nightmare. Heard testified that Depp attacked her with a bottle in March 2015, describing her version of how Depp lost the tip of his middle finger. They got into an argument right after Heard arrived in Australia, where Depp was filming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Depp suggested they take MDMA together, which she didnt want to do. Heard said she wound up barricading herself in a room and getting some sleep. At some point during her time there, Depp started to beat her, she alleged. During the fight, Heard alleged that Depp threw bottles, littering the floor with glass. Heard alleged that her nightgown ripped off and that Depp sexually assaulted her when he penetrated her with a bottle. When Heard woke up the next day, she heard Marilyn Manson music playing downstairs. She saw blood on the walls and carpet. A painting in the house they were renting was defaced with a drawing of a penis. When Heard tried speaking with Depp, she figured out he was missing a finger. What did you do? she asked him. The alleged Met Gala incident unfolded after Depp accused Heard of flirting with a woman. When they returned to their hotel room after the party, Depp allegedly shoved and grabbed Heard. I remember he threw a bottle at me. It missed me, but it broke the chandelier, she recalled. They struggled, and Depp hit her in the face, Heard alleged. I think that was the first time I was like, Is this a broken nose? At the time I was unsure what that feeling was, but I suspected I had a broken nose, she continued. And other than that, I was relatively unscathed. But I remember my nose being swollen, discolored, and I took a picture of my face. At some point, Heard said, I made a joke about it to my friend about how bad I looked. That same month, in May 2014, Depp took issue with Heards work on The Adderall Diaries with Franco. He was mad at me for taking on a job with James Franco. He hated, hated James Franco and was already accusing me of kind of secretly having a thing with him in the past since we had done Pineapple Express together, Heard said. Depps anger about Franco boiled over on a flight from Boston to Los Angeles. He started hammering her with questions about romantic scenes with Franco. Do you have something to tell me? to You want to tell me how much you liked it? Tell me! Heard alleged Depp saying. Depp allegedly kicked her. I felt like there was a blackness in his eyes, she recalled. During Heards time on the stand, she further detailed how Depp allegedly exerted more and more control over her career and life as their relationship progressed. One alleged incident illustrating this pattern unfolded in September 2013, when she was in the U.K. to film London Fields. Depp, who also had a shoot in England, joined her in London for several days, and they stayed at the hotel where they first consummated their relationship. He got down on one knee and said, I want you to be my girl, be my girl forever, Heard recalled. She thought that if they were married, the chaos would subside. Things took a turn shortly after they left. After being invited to hang out with co-stars, Heard said she felt pressure to ask Depps permission to attend. Depp allegedly told her if I accepted the invitation and went out to a concert, that the engagement would be off, that the relationship would be off and I was foolish, naive for thinking that people could invite me to a concert in a platonic way. While these allegations have long been public, jurors selected for the trial werent supposed to have much, if any, familiarity with this case beforehand meaning theyre likely hearing Heards account for the first time. Depps $50 million lawsuit claims that her abuse allegations are false. So Heards defense and $100 million counterclaim hinge on proving that he abused her. Photo: NDZ/Star Max/GC Images Believe it or not, when you do business with Ripleys, shit gets weird. The bizarre ephemera museum conglomerate were behind Kim Kardashians 2022 Met Gala look: the actual dress Marilyn Monroe wore to sing Happy Birthday, Mr. President to JFK. Kardashian only wore the real gown for the red carpet, changing into a facsimile for the party itself. But the museum gave her a more lasting piece of Marilyniana: a big ol wad of her hair. The Ripleys official instagram has video of Kardashian being gifted a jar of Monroes hair. You can clone her, someone is heard saying in the clip, with Pete Davidson chiming in with an enthusiastic Thats awesome. In the video, she says she plans on doing some voodoo shit to channel Marilyn. Wow, this is sleeping with me every night, she says. With more familiarity with both the religion of Vodou and the circumstances of Monroes life and death, would Kim make different plans for her hair jar? The world may never know. Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage Spoilers follow for the Disney+ series Moon Knight. Welcome a new superhero to the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Scarlet Scarab. Over the course of six episodes, Disney+s Moon Knight debuted an array of firsts for the MCU, from Oscar Isaacs adorably twee British accent as museum employee Steven Grant to the seriess focus on Egyptian mythology. Finale episode Gods and Monsters added another in the form of Layla El-Faouly (May Calamawy)s alter ego. As the avatar of the Egyptian goddess Taweret, Scarlet Scarab fights alongside Marc Spectors Moon Knight and Grants Mr. Knight (both Isaac) against baddie Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), and her new identity empowers adventurer and archeologist Layla to defend her fellow Egyptians in an extraordinary way. For Calamawy, whose ancestry is Egyptian and Palestinian and whose childhood was spent in Bahrain with brief stays in the United States, her work in Ramy and now Moon Knight is a repudiation of the agent who once told her, If you cant neutralize your accent, you are never going to work in America. Calamawy recently wrapped the third season of Ramy, and is excited for viewers to see her character Dena be more messy. And although she hasnt heard anything about a renewal for Moon Knight, which was originally advertised as a limited series but then was referred to as a season in a Marvel Studios tweet, Calamawy thinks Layla is a whole mystery who could be explored in future episodes. In a chat with Vulture, she spoke about the revolutionary feeling of working with fellow Egyptians like director Mohamed Diab on the series, brainstorming costume ideas for Scarlet Scarab, and marshmallows as Laylas safe space. How does it feel to be a superhero? Thats a crazy question, because there is no answer. I remember when I got the audition, which was a really vague one line about who this character would be, I was telling a friend, Shes Egyptian; Id love to portray that. I always wanted to be a superhero, but I guess its not going to happen for me. Its cool, though. And then a month after I got it, I got a call from the costume designer Meghan Kasperlik, and she was like, We need to do a body scan of you. And I was like, Why? And shes like, Oh, you dont know? And I was like, No, I dont. And she was like, I guess Im not supposed to tell you, but youre a superhero. And I was like, What?! Oh my gosh! Its thrilling. When we were filming it, we didnt have a costume ahead of time because this is not really a character in the MCU. And so we were building it as we were filming, and once we were finished, youre just thrown into scenes with it, and I guess I didnt really have enough time to actually let that digest, what it really means. Then today when it came out, I was really excited. I got really emotional seeing all the Instagram responses and the reactions and how people feel about it, and honestly, mostly the women and how they feel. That has been what has fueled my excitement most about it. I hope that every woman out there, and Ive said it before, can feel like they can be a superhero now. As a Middle Eastern person, I remember with Wonder Woman 1984, there was this sense that the movie went to this version of Egypt that wasnt realistic and didnt engage with anything about it, which Moon Knight director Mohamed Diab has also criticized. I really loved the exchange you have with a young Egyptian girl in the finale as pushback against all those incorrect representations of the past. Yeah, I feel like its been really rare. Historically, there will be references to the Middle East and Middle Eastern characters, but you wont often find people from there in the process of it. Now theres more of this attention about what gets us closer to that feeling, and how can we most intimately get that portrayal, and its only gonna be through the eyes of people who are from there, or have lived there and experience it in that sense. And thats what made this show what it was: working with Mohamed Diab and his wife, Sarah Goher; our editor, Ahmed Hafez, was Egyptian; the music involved, the composer Hesham Nazih. Its a testament to Kevin Feige and our producer Grant Curtis for giving that space and fully hearing us if something didnt feel authentic. So many times you just feel like the space we get as people who arent white or raised in the West is that we need to be seen as some dramatic trope of where were from. To just be granted that space where were not living in this trope of the culture were from, and to have so many involved from the region for me, its revolutionary in this field. You mentioned that the atmosphere on set was very collaborative. Was there anything about Layla that changed throughout? Generally, Mohamed and I saw eye to eye on situations. I really pushed for Layla to be this modern woman. Its okay if she kisses the guy onscreen, you know? I think things are changing, and people are progressive with it all, but I did sort of hear from some people, Is that going to upset people, that shes kissing a guy? And I said, But who? Are you upset at the character, or are you upset at me, May? Because Im serving a story right now. Im always going to fight to tell a true story and a true woman, and what comes with it. Im never going to be someone who tries to abide by the society that I grew up in, in any way, because Ive done enough work to not need to do that. I think that speaks to the fact that the Middle East and North Africa are not all one place, with one set of standards or one identity. There will be pockets of people who watch this character and think, This is empowering and inspirational, I love this, and there are going to be pockets of people who dont say that. But thats anywhere in the world, right? People are like, You represent the Middle East, and Im like, No, I dont. Im from there, I grew up there my whole life, and then I moved to the States. People are going to watch me and feel like they see themselves, but not everyone will, and thats okay. I have to say, things are changing and now I feel like Im part of the tapestry and even you, all of us are part of this new tapestry of storytelling where we have that opportunity to take space and show ourselves so that more and more people can feel that representation. Because what happens when they dont feel it is they tend to put what theyre seeing down, in a way: Thats not me, thats this, thats that. And no one has to judge anyone. We all can take space. So you learn youre going to be Scarlet Scarab. You get the full-body scan for the costume. Did you have any input about what the costume would look like? We were all throwing ideas out there. Something that Mohamed was stressing and wanted was, I dont want it to just fall into this sexy costume, and I totally respected that. For me, I was like, I want it to look good and represent a touch of Egypts artistry and style, but I also want to be able to move in it and fight and all of that, and Meghan, our incredible costume designer, was like, Theyre generally not comfortable. [Laughs.] I remember trying it on when it was still kind of a cloth, and then moving from there. I would tell her, I feel like this kind of bordeaux is her color, and Id sprinkle things in, and they took everything into consideration. Once it was done, Megan flew over this artist, Wilberth Gonzalez, from New York, and he hand-painted everything except the boots, and there were eight of them. The detail is crazy, on the leggings and on the neckpiece. It turned out better than what I could have imagined, and I actually think I was throwing stereotypical ideas at them. Now when Im looking back at the pictures, Im so happy they didnt pick any of those because its so much cooler than what I would have come up with. Did the costumes golden metal wings have a physical component, or are they VFX? Theyre VFX. I have to hold the swords, and it took a while. They were like, One arm is higher than the other, and Im like, Guys, this is not easy. Im on a rock, and Im trying to do this for you! Its all part of the fun, and when you see it with the VFX, its awesome. And I wanted to fly that was a thing I was fighting for. I was like, Dont give her wings and not allow her to fly! In fourth episode The Tomb, Layla says, I dont need protection. What I need is honesty. That feels like such a defining moment for her character. What did you want to bring into that moment? Any time there was vulnerability or any intimacy with Steven, it was difficult because youre not just playing, Oh, Im into this guy. There is a lot of pain under that. That was something I spoke a lot about with Oscar. We had a Layla and Steven scene, and I was like, Somethings blocking me right now, and he spoke me through it. It happened before, and it happened in that scene, where we really spoke through what was going on and the layers because as Steven, hes in a new situation. Layla is coming with the history: This is a different person in front of me, and Im having these feelings for this person, but I also love my husband. And what we came to, and Oscar said it so well, is that whenever theres that deep love, theres pain as well. When you can sit in that, it almost just takes you. For me as an actor, and I think it happens to many, theres one moment that kind of settles in, and then it informs the rest. And I think for someone like Layla, who is an adrenaline junkie, and takes after her father, and is for the people and justice, and wants to do whats right, and is also a little morally ambiguous at times, I dont know how much honesty always was at the forefront. She could figure out what was going on, and I feel like it just got to a point where she couldnt ignore what was happening with her partner anymore. Honesty would be the only superpower in that moment because when our feelings are thrown around that way, theyll literally stop us from doing anything and overwhelm us. That was a big realization for her in terms of what she needs, to be more honest with herself. In the finale, you have a scene where you get to play two characters. Youre playing Layla, and youre playing Layla as possessed by the hippopotamus goddess Tawaret. How did you approach that? For that scene, Antonia Salib, who plays Tawaret, was coming in that day, and I was in hair and makeup, and Mohamed walks in this is 30 minutes before we film and hes like, Because in the chamber, Marc gets taken by Khonshu in that moment, I just realized because we were going to have Antonia in the chamber with me it should come through Layla. And I was like, Wait, what? That wasnt anything I had prepared for. It was one of those moments that broke me in a good way. I didnt have enough time to really work with myself, and wonder how would this come out, and try it in five different ways. I didnt have any of that. I was like, Okay! Antonia came to my trailer and we stood in front of a mirror and I said, Do you. Keep doing what you would do, and I just started to mimic her movements. They superimposed her voice over mine, but I was trying to do a British accent, just for me, to get into it. I knew that the process was painful at first, like when a god speaks through you, so I just took everything Layla had gone through that day and in that moment, let it beat her up when she comes to. And it turned out to be one of the most freeing moments ever, and I love Mohamed for it. Hes like a mad scientist. Hes not like, Yeah, this storyboard, and were following it. Maybe he is in other productions, but not here. Hes like, Yeah, this is a great idea. Do this! And after, I was like, Oh my God. That was incredible, and I surprised myself. I havent even watched the episode and I dont know how it looks, so Im not saying, Oh, its good, what I did was good. But I felt really free in that moment, and that is a gift as an actor. The candy youre eating in the scene with the forger in the episode The Friendly Type is that Turkish delight? Its a marshmallow. When I was doing the asylum scene, which was probably one of the most fun scenes for me to film, I came in, and if I have the opportunity to explore the space before, I will. And I was scouring and looking around, and Layla doesnt really have a lot in that scene, so I thought, How can I have fun? I saw this bowl of marshmallows. I dont know why I felt called to it, and I just took one. I myself was eating them, and then I thought for some reason, This is making me feel a bit safe in here. I just kept it, and when we filmed the forger scene, I was like, Can we bring the marshmallows back? I thought this was a thing for Layla, and anyone who knows her will know its a safe space for her. But no, its just a marshmallow. As a brown person, I was like, Where else can I find representation in this series? Is this Turkish delight? Is this the Persian candy gaz? That would have been so cool, if I had thought of that on the day and I was like, No, no, no. Get me Turkish delight! In the finale, we dont really get an ending for Layla. Shes there in the binding ceremony for Ammit and Harrow and when Khonshu lies and says hell release Marc and Steven, and then we dont see her again. What do you imagine Layla is doing after? Does she stay an avatar? Is she back to stealing back stolen artifacts and returning them to Egypt? Its obviously a difficult choice for her to agree to be an avatar. However, with that said, I feel like she must enjoy it to some degree, right? [Laughs.] Shes like, I can do what I love to do, even better. Thats more of what Id like to see. I made it a big point in the beginning that I didnt want to just play a woman who was in service to the man, and everyone was in agreement with that. She is serving Moon Knights story, but theres also her own inner journey. I think so much of her was wrapped up in her relationship with her father, and then Marc, and by helping him maybe redeem herself for what happened to her father, and then by the end, I saw it as her reaching this moment where she realized, I dont need a man to help me. Marc always held, metaphorically, the strength between them, if they were on any missions together, and now she has that. Im not saying I want to see a solo journey, but there is that strength when a woman finally sets into herself and is like, Oh, wow, I love being a woman, and I love women. I can see the strength, even if its not as vocal or as physical or as loud as men, and I feel like thats something I want to explore. Thats what I would. No one has come to me and said, Hey, were exploring. I wouldnt say no. [Laughs.] This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Kathryn VanArendonk is a critic who writes about TV and comedy. She gets mad when people say TV is a 10 hour movie. The Pentaverate. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix There is no denying the endurance of the humble poop joke. Next to death and sex, it stands constant. Jokes about race and gender may rise and fall. Jokes about marriage and politics and pop culture wash in and out like waves. But the human body remains, so the poop joke does too. (Or maybe it does two?) This certainty is not the sole basis for Mike Myerss new Netflix series, The Pentaverate, but its a central pillar. Twenty years ago, Myerss career was at its peak, thanks to his SNL characters, his Austin Powers movies, and his voice performance as Shrek. Myers and his personae were appealing comedic enigmas, with his incredibly rude humor and mild Canadian self-presentation, a kaleidoscopic range of characters and physical transformations, raucous offensiveness and an obsession with the gap between surface appearances and what was underneath. He was everywhere. Was this his shtick? Was this his art? Could both things be true? Then, around 2010, he mostly disappeared. While he could still be seen doing the occasional project like creating a character to host the revival of The Gong Show he seemed to be taking a deliberate break. So the question of what new Mike Myers work might look like is a fascinating one, the kind of fascinating that tips over into concerning. Resurrecting a megapopular comic sensibility years later is a scenario primed for disaster. And yet, for the most part, The Pentaverate manages to dodge calamity. The Pentaverates premise is not wholly new. Its roots are in a couple throwaway lines from Myerss 1993 movie So I Married an Axe Murderer, and the concept has stayed roughly the same: Five of the richest people in the world are actually members of a supersecret society. No one who has seen a Myers movie will be surprised to hear that he plays most of them, including a Rupert Murdochstyle media mogul, a Russian oligarch, an old British dude, and legendary music manager Shep Gordon. (Gordon is a real person Myers even co-directed a documentary about him.) Myers also plays the protagonist, Ken Scarborough, a sheltered Canadian reporter who needs to land a really big story in order to keep his job at a local TV station. You may also be unsurprised to hear that the station is called CACA News. Ken has a young colleague named Reilly (a very game Lydia West) who wants to help him keep his job. When the two of them overhear an Infowars-esque conspiracy theorist (also played by Myers) ranting about the existence of a group called the Pentaverate, they set off to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, theres uproar within the Pentaverate after one of the five members dies unexpectedly, forcing them to initiate a new member and bring in an expert investigator (British comedy god Jennifer Saunders) to look into the mysterious death. Ken manages to infiltrate the Pentaverates headquarters, which sets off an increasingly absurd and rapidly developing chain of unfolding secrets and silly miscommunications. Without that forward momentum, things could get dire. The show wants to wallow in humorous pigsties, in poop jokes and sex jokes as far as the eye can see. There are long exchanges between characters that circle several times around a suggestively named hotel, attempts at Whos on first? patter, a lingering shot of a sasquatch defecating in a hallway. (You get the sense that the shows creators really want to get the most out of those five seconds.) Beyond that, the guiding principles of The Pentaverates humor are a little timid. Myers uses the fact that Ken and Reilly are from Canada depicted here as a quaint yet comparatively sane cultural backwater to take cracks at both that country and the U.S. There are digs at conspiracy theorists and Pizzagate. There are parodies of the wealthy and powerful, with jokes about swag bags and celebrities and exclusive luxury events. While this much bathroom humor does require a certain amount of confidence, The Pentaverate feels cautious. More than anything else, The Pentaverate is a more anxious TV-show version of Austin Powers not the franchise but the character. Its core lies close to Austins sweeter, softer sides, those moments when the Myers voice truly seems to feel bad about making someone uncomfortable. Even at his most thoughtless and misogynistic, Austins central impulse is never ill will. In a similar way, the Pentaverate may be a secret cabal, but its members are also nice. As you watch Myers play a whole host of goofuses and gallants, each of them padded, rounded, stretched, or shrunk into a not-quite-unrecognizable new shape, his comedy DNA comes into focus a persona and ideology trapped in amber, then reanimated decades in the future. His sense of humor and methodology are so little changed that the series itself seems pleased but perplexed to be here. The other through-line is self-referential winking. There are some Netflix jokes in this Netflix show, about as spicy as a mayonnaise sandwich. Myers nods to both his own previous roles and those of his guest stars (including Keegan-Michael Key, Ken Jeong, and Debi Mazar), which only underlines The Pentaverates happily surprised self-consciousness. At times, the performances carry a hint of confusion well, everyones except for that of Saunders, who is stunningly unflappable. When Key hears a phrase pronounced in a way that sounds like the words Key or Peele, he turns to the camera and grins, as though he has received a party favor: Cmon now. Yes! The Pentaverate seems to say. This is a reference we all know how fun! And it is fun, a little, even though it feels like a comic sensibility that has walked onto a streaming platform and proclaimed, How do you do, fellow kids? This is a Myers show, and it offers all the comfort and eye-rolling fatigue youd expect from that, regardless of what year it is. Thats the resilience of juvenile humor: It never ages. The Critics Newsletter Sign up to get New Yorks week in reviews. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The endowment is the central Masonic ritual performed in Mormon temples. Once youve been endowed, the idea is youve got the necessary signs and tokens (a series of symbolic handshakes and gestures) to enter the Celestial Kingdom of heaven, provided you live up to the covenants you make. One of those covenants is to give everything you have to build up Gods kingdom, the church. Another is never to divulge what you see and experience in the temple (which is why Mormons tend to feel disrespected over depictions of temple ceremonies in film and TV). Before the church made updates to the ritual in 1990, there was a part where you promised to never divulge, even at the peril of your life, capped by a symbolic throat-slashing gesture. Its an effectively chilling moment, then, when we see Brenda Lafferty making this gesture in the temple on the day of her endowment in this episodes first flashback. A woman older than Jesuss sandals just put oil very, VERY close to my private parts. Brenda says to her sisters-in-law (thats the initiatory washing and anointing, another ritual thats since been updated to be, uh, less weird and invasive). It took me by surprise, too, Diana tells her. I thought they kept me in the dark because I didnt grow up LDS, but I guess they dont tell any of us. The secrecy around the temple can be quite distressing for the newly initiated (for me, it was just sort of weird and confounding, seeing how theres really nothing like it in any other aspect of Mormon life). Youre supposed to be making these, like, heavy promises to God, and you have no idea what they are or whats going to happen until you get there. Pyre has also been through the endowment and has made those same promises, but its only now that hes being confronted with their violent implications. At the top of the episode, our guy, with backup in tow, comes to his partner Detective Tabas rescue at the cabin in the woods, where its discovered that Sam Lafferty (Rory Culkin) is hiding out with his wife Sarah (Britt Irvin) and their children. Having apprehended Sarah, Pyre questions her about her sister-in-law Brendas faithfulness. Heavenly Fathers law is black or white, she retorts, and Brenda is an ugly shade of gray. She then relays the day of Brendas endowment, how Diana and Matilda, both converts to the church and therefore not real LDS women, in Sarahs eyes, encouraged her to support Brenda as another sister and ally in their private coalition of strong Lafferty women. But Sarah wasnt having it, taking Brendas irreverence in the temple as a sign of gross dereliction. According to prophets Joseph and Brigham, there are some sins beyond repentance, she tells Pyre. And the only way to forgive these sins is through the doctrine of blood atonement. Pyre says he mustve missed that lesson in church, to which she replies, It means to cleanse one of their sins by spilling their blood out onto the ground, brother. When I was growing up in Utah, blood atonement was the stuff of hushed rumor, usually brushed off as an anti-Mormon lie. More on that later. For now, Pyre has to get Sam and his sons out of the cabin unharmed, so he appeals to a shared sense of mythology around early Mormon history. You have every right to feel angry. I know how the authorities have treated our most faithful. When they slaughtered our kind at Hauns Mill, did our prophet Joseph ever fire back? Did he resort to violence? No, he surrendered, he ensured the future of our faith. Hauns Mill was a bloody massacre in Missouri where a militia attacked a Mormon settlement to drive the religious fringe group out of the state, killing multiple children and young men. And heres where the rubber meets the road. Every branch of Mormonism mainstream, fundamentalist, whatever manifests some version of a persecution complex derived from the Hauns Mill Massacre and similar stories from the Mormon pioneer days. Its the reason so many Mormons honestly feel so attacked right now whenever theres a public spotlight on the church. From outside the cabin, Pyre tells Sam that he could do the same as the prophet Joseph, surrender so this can end peacefully. But Sam is more of a militant, Brigham Young-style Mormon, so he refuses. Luckily, Pyre and his deputies are able to infiltrate the cabin without harming anyone. Back at the police station, with three Lafferty brothers in custody, Pyre finds out from Sams daughter that there was a bit of a scene the morning of Brenda and Allens wedding. Papa Ammon is in town and hes pissed to find out that Dan has run his business into the ground and risked losing the family home due to unpaid taxes and licensing. Hands on the rail, he says, whipping off his belt to administer some lashings in front of the whole family. Older brother Ron tries to intervene, but Ammon aint gonna have it from his wayward eldest. Theres only room for one patriarch in the family, he protests before raising his fists like a turn-of-the-century boxer; youre almost waiting for him to put on a bowler cap and big fake mustache and start saying bully, bully. Anyway, the following morning Dan prays with his wife and daughters and starts getting hysterical, shouting that God has appointed him the leader of the family and all that. I will do anything and go anywhere! he repeats and repeats. If theres a recurring lesson to be learned from all the Lafferty flashbacks, its that the family unit exists to serve an industry or organization (and, by extension, the patriarch in the seat of power) and not the other way around, no matter how much they teach you otherwise. Its also the lesson to be gleaned from Pyres daughters baptismal interview with their bishop, where they must pay a full tithe to the church, in addition to professing that its Gods one true church and Joseph Smith was a true prophet. Clearly still reeling from Allen Laffertys words (that hes committing his daughters to a faith that would tell them to obey men at all times), Pyre hangs back for a one-on-one with his bishop. He relays his struggles taking care of his ailing mother, then moves the conversation to the doctrinal concerns that the Lafferty case is bringing up for him. He asks about the concept of blood atonement, if its true that it comes from the founding Mormon prophets, as Sarah had told him. Now, a Mormon bishop is a lay clergyman, meaning hes just some dude in the ward whos called on a volunteer basis to lead his congregation. Most bishops are moderately successful businessmen or just, like, regular guys, a.k.a. not theologians who have a firm grasp on nitty-gritty church history or doctrine. I dont go digging into the past, and neither should you, Pyres bishop tells him. You put your trust in todays prophet, you leave these things on the shelf, and you trust that the prophet will never lead us astray. In leading with the whole blind-obedience schtick, Pyres bishop unwittingly raises the same red flags that the Lafferty case has raised, which spurs him to want to postpone his daughters baptism for the time being. Meanwhile, back at the police station, Pyre confronts Allen about his police record of unpaid traffic violations and contempt of court. What else are you not telling me? Who are you protecting? Your typical cop line of questioning. Allen says he had listened too much to his brothers about trying to beat these traffic tickets (honestly, speed traps in Utah are fucking bullshit, so this is an example of weird libertarian zealotry I empathize with. Solidarity, brother!), which got him arrested the morning after his wedding (incidentally, the same morning Brenda graduated from BYU). From here, we cut to Brenda confronting Dan about the whole thing, warning him that theyll impound Allens truck that their father gave him if something isnt done. Obeying unholy laws for daddys sake is not going to make anybody happy, here or in the next life, Dan replies. Honor your priesthood holder, says Robin, Dan says if Allen gets arrested again, he will not go to jail. See, Dans getting on the ballot for Sheriff, per his last heavenly vision, following in the footsteps of Joseph Smith, who ran for president to stop Mormons from being persecuted. (Joseph Smith ran for president at one point. Imagine if, like, Jim Jones or L. Ron Hubbard had run for president.) If a sheriff can convene a common-law jury and the court is where were headed, imagine how helpful itll be if I am the courts. As Allen explains, Brendas position in the family was eerily similar to Emma Smiths, who raised objections when her prophet husband started taking the advice of his eventual successor, the militant Brigham Young, to build up an army and spill the blood of their enemies when necessary. Allen also explains that, after his arrest, he decided it was time to distance himself and Brenda from his family, cut out on their own like Ron did. But to do that, he tells her, theyll need to start a family of their own. Brendas just accepted a job at Channel 11 News, but Allen wants her to give that up, for now, to have a bunch of babies. You have your degree; people are always going to want to hire you. My brother in Christ, thats not how degrees work! Anyway, looking back on it, Allen tells Pyre that he unwittingly put Brenda in a new cage rather than break her out of one. Our sweet wives, all being told that by having dozens of children that would somehow make them more holy, more righteous. Isnt that another surrender we push them to in the name of God? But surrendering to God is the whole idea, as we remember from our temple covenants. And as we learn from Sam, the Laffertys have a literal list of people who must surrender their blood to the ground to atone for their sins. From Robin (whose shocked and dismayed reaction to the news of Brendas murder seems legit), Pyre and Taba learn that, if there is a list, the names of the Laffertys local church leaders would be on it. They cut out in the police car to check up on these families, and the episode ends with a quick flashback to Brenda finding out shes pregnant. Shes changed by the news and wants to fight to keep the whole family together. For her trouble, shell be met with the full wrath of the male-ego God that presides over the most American of religions. Four Colombian men accused of burglarizing the homes of Asian business owners across the state pleaded guilty in a home invasion at a West Seneca home earlier this year and are slated to be deported to their home country, West Seneca police announced Thursday. On Jan. 12, an 18-year-old who was home by herself called 911 to report that she heard breaking glass and that there were people in her house. She said she ran into a bedroom and locked the door as burglars went through the upstairs rooms looking for cash and other valuables. Officers arrived two minutes after the call but the burglars were already gone, police said. At the same time, a witness called police to say she saw four people running through backyards, then into the street before fleeing in a car with out-of-state license plates. The witness followed the vehicle, which stopped at a gas station on Seneca Street where the men bailed out and began running away. Town police caught them. In the meantime, a second witness followed the vehicle to Union Road and Gembor Drive where other officers stopped the vehicle and took the two other men in the vehicle into custody. Police said the suspects were in possession of a large amount of cash, burglar tools and items belonging to the victims in the vehicle. Arrested were Luis E. Diaz Rincon, 50; Hillmer Bayona Arango, 43; Jose A. Ordonez Saenz, 46; and Cristian Borbon, 20. All were living in Queens, N.Y., and are Colombian nationals. They were being held at the Erie County Holding Center in lieu of $100,000 cash bail or bond until they pleaded guilty to felony counts of burglary. They were sentenced to time served before being remanded to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia to await deportation, authorities said. Authorities had not released information about the incident until now because a multi-agency investigation into similar schemes targeting the homes of Asian business owners was underway across the state. U.S. Border Patrol, Amherst Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff's Department, Nassau County PD, FBI Buffalo Office, Erie County DA's Office, and the New York State Police were all involved in the investigation, West Seneca police said. 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. Visitor falls on 17th-century canvas in Galleria Borghese. Rome museum experts on Thursday were assessing the damage caused to a painting by Baroque master Guido Reni after a visitor to Galleria Borghese fell against the 17th-century canvas. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the tourist, described in Italian news reports as an elderly American woman, fell onto Reni's painting of St Francis receiving the stigmata. Galleria Borghese said in a statement that the visitor "collapsed suddenly, probably due to an illness", causing a "slight superficial laceration" to the painting which was "cordoned off promptly". The large-scale work, which dates to 1610 and belongs to the city of Rome, suffered a three-centimetre tear close to the frame in the lower section of the canvas, the statement said. Several Italian newspapers including Corriere della Sera cited a "problematic" low barrier in front of the work which, according to custodians and tour guides, has caused numerous falls recently. An Erie County jury on Thursday convicted a 31-year-old Buffalo man of rape and unlawful imprisonment in connection with a brutal attack on his girlfriend in the spring of 2019. The jury found Bryam D. Bassett guilty of two counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment and one count of second-degree unlawful imprisonment. Jurors acquitted Bassett of one count of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, but convicted him of the lesser-included, second-degree charge. The jurors, who began deliberating on Tuesday afternoon, convicted Bassett of raping and restraining the woman inside their apartment in the city's Riverside neighborhood. Bassett faces up to 25 years in prison when Erie County Judge Sheila A. DiTullio sentences him on June 14. He remains held without bail. Prosecutors told jurors Bassett raped the woman inside a Shaffer Village apartment on Isabelle Street between May 5 and 7, 2019, after physically assaulting her to the point where she was "too weak to leave that apartment" on her own, Assistant District Attorney Noha Elnakib said during her closing argument Tuesday. Elnakib prosecuted the case along with ADA Justin Caldwell. Prosecutors also accused Bassett of tying up the woman with rope and duct tape and leaving her in a bedroom closet for several hours about two weeks before that. A grand jury indicted Bassett in June 2019 on two counts of first-degree predatory sexual assault and two counts of first-degree unlawful imprisonment. Before the trial, which began with jury selection on April 25, the predatory sexual assault charges were reduced to first-degree rape. The difference between predatory sexual assault and first-degree rape charges is for predatory sexual assault to be proven, a defendant must be shown to have used physical force during the commission of a rape, District Attorney John Flynn said. "It was clear that the physical force that was used here was not done at the exact same time that the rape occurred," Flynn said. Instead, prosecutors said the beating took place before the rape that Bassett essentially "beat her into submission." the district attorney said. A conviction for predatory sexual assault carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison. When police found the woman on the morning of May 7, 2019, both of her eyes were swollen shut and her head was shaved, Buffalo Police Detective Mark Costantino, the lead investigator in the case, testified. What appeared to be blood spatter was seen around the apartment, photographs of which were shown to the jury. The woman also had suffered a fractured vertebra from being stomped, prosecutors said. During a pretrial hearing, Costantino called the victim's injuries "some of the worst I've seen in my career." At the time of the crime, Costantino was a Sex Offense Squad detective and had been with the police department for 21 years. "We were disappointed by the jurys verdict, but we respect it," said defense attorney Robert Cutting, who represented Bassett along with Florina Altshiler. "We anticipate the conviction will be appealed." During their deliberations the length of which worried Flynn "tremendously," he said jurors asked to rewatch video of a roughly eight-minute interaction between Bassett and Costantino in an interrogation room in Buffalo Police headquarters that occurred prior to Bassett asking for an attorney. Jurors also asked to review medical records and photographs of the victim and crime scene taken by police. They also listened to portions of the victim's testimony read back to them, as well as all of Costantino's testimony. Reach Aaron at abesecker[at]buffnews.com or 716-849-4602. 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. Placeholder while article actions load In the now-famous leaked draft abortion ruling, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito alludes to the tsunami about to be unleashed. We do not pretend to know how our political system or society will respond to todays decision overruling Roe and Casey. And even if we could foresee what will happen, we would have no authority to let that knowledge influence our decision. In other words, the Court can break the half-century-old Roe v. Wade abortion settlement (and the Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision that reinforced it), but it will be on everyone else to pick up the pieces. The political impact especially for the midterm elections is hard to predict, but one consequence is entirely foreseeable: A decision to allow abortion bans will widen already stark health inequalities in the U.S. Removing access to abortion will have consequences for womens health in two broad categories: among those with unwanted pregnancies who go on to give birth, and among women who seek abortions despite the inevitable new laws restricting them. Advertisement If the result of a ruling is reduced access to abortion, then there is an even more urgent need to address the countrys appalling levels of maternal mortality, which are the highest among developed countries. Women are 14 times more likely to die in childbirth than they are through a legally induced abortion. Maternal mortality in Mississippi, the state whose policies are at the heart of the case before the Supreme Court, is even worse than the national average. Black women are more than three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. Reducing maternal mortality isnt rocket science. While the U.S. has plenty of obstetrician-gynecologists, it has an insufficient number of midwives and other key providers of maternity care who are recommended by the World Health Organization. Another fix would be postpartum health visits. In the U.K., the National Health Service sends a health-care visitor to homes after a birth, to check in on mothers and their babies, provide support with breastfeeding and offer advice on sleeping and vaccinations. The U.S. where more than half of pregnancy-related deaths occur after delivery, and where one in five deaths occurs between one and six weeks postpartum is the only major country not to offer universal health-care provider home visits. Advertisement The lack of guaranteed paid maternity leave also heaps stress on many new mothers, compounding postpartum pressures, and this falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable. While maternity leave varies around the world, the U.S. is alone among advanced countries in its stinginess. Norway offers 91 weeks of paid leave, France gives women 42 weeks, Canada 51 and Australia 18. The Affordable Care Act passed under Barack Obamas presidency improved maternity-care cover, but women can still face high out-of-pocket costs, depending on their insurance and where they live. Nearly half of all U.S. women report problems paying their medical bills and one-third skip care because of costs, compared to only 5% in the U.K. Women who seek out abortions are disproportionately likely to be young (the majority are in their 20s), live below the poverty line and have at least one child to look after already. Poorer women who have children are more likely to experience financial stress related to medical care with knock-on effects for maternal and childhood health and also future outcomes, whether in terms of financial earnings or educational achievement. Advertisement Unintended pregnancies are associated with higher health risks for both mothers and babies in poor and rich countries. Women with unplanned pregnancies tend to delay accessing prenatal care, leading to missed warning signs, nutrient deficiencies and other risks. They are more likely to suffer depression, and their babies are at higher risk of complications and deficiencies from maternal drinking and smoking. And its not clear that restricting abortion will curb it. In countries where it is restricted, the percentage of unintended pregnancies ending in abortion has steadily increased. Globally, abortion rates remain remarkably constant even where its prohibited. The overturning of Roe v. Wade would pose risks for women who are determined to go through with abortions. Some will do so in clandestine, unregulated clinics or through purchasing medication online. There will be ample opportunity for exploitation and abuse. Advertisement We will, undoubtedly, see an increase in deaths caused by unsafe abortion, risky and unwanted pregnancy, and children abused in foster care systems, wrote Columbia University professor Terry McGovern in the British Medical Journal in February, anticipating the possibility of a reversal by the Supreme Court. The biggest risks come in states with worse records on maternal and child health, for the most disadvantaged communities, and for Black women in particular. Since that landmark 1973 ruling, the debate over abortion has been myopically focused on the issue of where rights reside whether principally with the fetus or with the mother. That has enabled the U.S. to ignore the many ways in which both women and babies are underserved. If Alitos judgment stands, his disavowal of responsibility will ring hollow given the huge stakes and long precedent. Health among the most vulnerable will suffer unless radical measures are taken to improve access to health care and maternity support. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Online Privacy Becomes Critical If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned: Parmy Olson No Abortion Means Poor States Will Get Poorer: Allison Schrager Abortion Case Leak Shows That the Supreme Court Is Broken: Noah Feldman This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Therese Raphael is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. She was editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Democrats are holding protests, raising money and turning sound bites into viral clips on social media in response to the Supreme Courts seemingly imminent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. They have their rallying cry. But whether the energy will last and turn around a widely expected congressional shellacking six months from now depends on whether Democrats can go beyond protests and move toward the kind of electoral organizing that has made pro-life groups so successful. The prospect of the court gutting Roe could have an effect right away by getting educated Democrats off their shneids, says Theda Skocpol, a professor of government and sociology at Harvard. Theres a difference, however, between mobilizing voters and organizing them, and Skocpol and her coauthors argue in a forthcoming research paper that Democrats need to focus more on the latter than the former. There are specific groups of voters that are harder to reach and will be the ones most affected by abortion bans or more restrictive policies likely to be adopted in many states, Skocpol says: less educated, more rural than suburban, and the occasional or never-before voters. Of the 10 races most likely to determine control of the Senate, more than half are in states with laws that would ban abortion if and when Roe is overturned, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health research organization. Advertisement The worry with activists on the left, says Skocpol, is that theyll get out there and start yelling at Joe Manchin to get rid of the filibuster. Hes not going to do that. Democrats have a chance to get beyond the filibuster if they elect two or three more senators, she told me. In her paper, which she wrote with two student researchers, Skocpol compares the approaches of two of the most prominent activists in the Democratic Party over the last 15 years: the Reverend William Barber II in North Carolina and Stacey Abrams in Georgia. What evidence increasingly suggests is that when youre dealing with people who dont automatically vote, they respond to a neighbor saying something to them or to something they hear over and over again, Skocpol told me. And the right in this country has had a big advantage for quite a lot of time in that their networks reach into churches and gun clubs and the kinds of things that have taken the place of unions. Advertisement The big pro-choice organizations, she says, dont have those kinds of networks. To successfully organize, reproductive-rights organizations need to adopt the playbook of Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House who narrowly lost the governors race there in 2018. She laid the groundwork for Democratic wins in Georgias 2020 Senate runoff with an electorally focused approach to empowering Black and lower-income people, Skocpol says. She also prioritized statewide outreach, including to smaller rural counties where there were a lot of Black non-voters. By contrast, Skocpols paper notes, Barbers efforts in North Carolina were less successful. In 2014, incumbent Democratic Senator Kay Hagan lost to Republican Thom Tillis. Barbers movement has primarily used marches, protests and public events to attract media attention in order to move public opinion and thereby press politicians and leaders of all stripes to aid the poor and minorities, the paper says. Movement effects in elections are likely to be bigger and more enduring if organizational capacities are persistently deployed on the ground. Bursts of media-worthy protests are unlikely to suffice. Advertisement Both Georgia (where Abrams is a candidate for governor and which is likely to have a very close Senate race) and Ohio have enacted laws prohibiting abortion after six weeks, according to the Guttmacher Institute. They were blocked by federal courts, but state lawmakers could try to revive them. Arizona and Wisconsin enacted pre-Roe bans that were never repealed. Guttmacher also lists Florida as a state likely to ban abortions. North Carolina has a pre-Roe abortion ban in place, but its unclear how quickly it could become law. About 60% of Americans support the Supreme Courts landmark 1973 decision. But about half of the public doesnt know what the law is in their state, says Democratic pollster Celinda Lake. That represents an opportunity for Democrats, she says especially in states with competitive Senate races. Lake also offers a litany of demographic statistics: 28% of projected voters are parents of children under 18. Some 53% will be women and 100% of women have at some point been of reproductive age, she says. Abortion is a health-care issue that affects all women, she says, and its an issue they thought was none of your business and already settled. Advertisement To quote Justice Samuel Alitos draft opinion: The permissibility of abortion, and the limitations, upon it, are to be resolved like most important questions in our democracy: by citizens trying to persuade one another and then voting. More From Bloomberg Opinion: No Abortion Means Poor States Will Get Poorer: Allison Schrager Dont Jump to Conclusions About the Politics of Ending Roe: Jonathan Bernstein What Would Life Be Like Without Roe v. Wade?: Jessica Karl This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Julianna Goldman is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist who was formerly a Washington-based reporter for CBS News and White House correspondent for Bloomberg News. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Walgreens settles Florida opioid case Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Walgreens Boots Alliance said on Thursday it has reached a $683 million settlement with Florida to resolve claims that the pharmacy chain exacerbated an opioid epidemic in the state. The settlement includes $620 million to be paid to Florida over 18 years, plus $63 million for legal fees. Florida is the first state to settle its opioid claims against major pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS Health, collecting more than $1.1 billion from the two companies. The settlement ends a trial that began on April 11, after Walgreens decided not to join a combined $878 million settlement with four other health-care companies, including CVS. Walgreens did not admit to wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Florida has recovered more than $3.6 billion in opioid litigation against drugmakers, distributors and pharmacies, according to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. It will spend most of the money on efforts to mitigate the opioid crisis in the state. Advertisement I am glad that we have been able to end this monumental litigation and move past the courtroom, Moody said Thursday during a news conference. CVS Health previously agreed to settle with Florida for $484 million, while Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Abbvies Allergan unit and Endo International agreed to pay a respective $194.8 million, $134.2 million and $65 million. All denied wrongdoing. The nationwide opioid crisis has led to more than 500,000 overdose deaths in the last two decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reuters Tesla gets new judge in discrimination case Tesla got itself a different judge for a racial discrimination case brought by Californias civil rights regulator after complaining that the original judge is prejudiced against the company. Advertisement Alameda County Superior Court on Wednesday reassigned the case to Judge Evelio Grillo after Teslas attorneys said in a filing that Judge Brad Seligman wouldnt give the automaker a fair and impartial trial without elaborating. Seligman was a nationally prominent public interest lawyer who specialized in civil rights litigation before he was appointed as a judge in 2012. He represented women whose gender bias suit against Walmart was the biggest employment discrimination case of its time, but was derailed as a class action by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2011. Tesla used a procedure in California law that lets a party to a lawsuit replace a judge without showing proof they are biased. There was no immediate response from Seligmans chambers. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued Tesla in February following a three-year investigation that the agency said revealed evidence of racial segregation in its Fremont, Calif., factory. Advertisement Tesla said the case should be halted because the agency exceeded its legal authority and is engaging in a turf war with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. But DFEH told the court that Teslas move to pause the case is just a delay tactic to avoid addressing racism at its California locations. Bloomberg News Shell posted its highest quarterly earnings on record, as the company was buoyed by high oil and gas prices despite taking a $3.9 billion accounting charge on its planned exit from Russia. The last of the supermajors to report first-quarter results, Shell followed the overall pattern set by its peers. Shell's first-quarter adjusted net income was $9.13 billion, up from $3.23 billion a year earlier. The London-based company surpassed even the highest analyst estimate. Advertisement Walt Disney Co. will unveil one of the world's most expensive roller coasters this month at its Epcot theme park, underlining the importance of its Florida investments to the company and the state's tourism industry. Starting May 27, riders on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will climb into a four-seat cockpit that turns 360 degrees and travels up to 60 miles an hour, immersing guests in a story about Star-Lord, Groot and other characters from the Marvel franchise. Disney spent $500 million on the ride, according to an estimate from Dennis Speigel, an industry consultant. From news services GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Rooted in its campaign for a united Ireland, Sinn Fein was long an outsider in politics due to its links with the Irish Republican Army. With the conflict in Northern Ireland largely over following a 1998 peace deal, the movement has reinvented itself to appeal to a new generation of voters. It now stands a chance of becoming the biggest party in both the north and south of the island, making its demand for a referendum on unification harder to ignore. 1. What is Sinn Fein? The party, whose name means Ourselves Alone, was created amid the campaign for Irish home rule at the start of the 20th century. After the Catholic south won its independence from Britain in 1921, Sinn Fein continued to oppose Britains hold on the mostly Protestant north. It only began to seriously contest elections south of the border in the 1980s under a strategy known as the Armalite and the Ballot Box. (The former is a gun manufacturer). Today, its a broadly center-left party that campaigns for higher government spending, better housing and increased taxes on the rich. Advertisement 2. What role did it play in the north? During the conflict known as the Troubles, Sinn Fein was seen widely as the political wing of the republican movement that also included the Provisional IRA, though it never formally confirmed the association. The fighting was triggered by street protests in 1968 and claimed about 3,500 lives through to the Good Friday agreement. Sinn Feins leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness helped to negotiate the peace deal and moved into government in Northern Ireland. 3. How popular is Sinn Fein today? Its been the biggest nationalist group in the norths power-sharing assembly since 2003, and opinion polls suggest it will overtake the Democratic Unionists as the largest party in an election on May 5. If it does, Sinn Fein could get to choose the regions first minister for the first time since the Good Friday accord, a seismic shift in a region historically dominated by parties loyal to Britain. South of the border in the Republic of Ireland, Sinn Fein has moved from fringe to mainstream after doubling its vote between 2007 and 2016. In 2020, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail -- the two parties that have largely dominated Irish politics since the states foundation -- had to form a coalition to keep Sinn Fein out of power. Advertisement 4. Why the surge in support? Wrangling over how to keep trade flowing with EU-member Ireland after Britains departure from the European Union has made Northern Irelands position within the U.K. a major issue once more, playing into the partys key message. Brexit has also sown discord within Sinn Feins arch-rival the DUP, which has lost voters to other unionist parties and centrists. The May 5 election could help to determine the regions final post-Brexit arrangements as the assembly gets to vote on the issue in 2024 and has the power to scrap the status quo altogether. In the south, Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels support for each other since 2016 has allowed Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald to present herself as the only true agent of change. The party is especially popular among younger voters who were hit hardest by a housing shortage and have little memory of the Troubles. 5. What are Sinn Feins key policies? Advertisement Sinn Fein wants planning to begin for a referendum on reunifying the island. In Northern Ireland, its also campaigning on a promise to help voters deal with the soaring cost of living. In the republic, it wants to freeze residential rents and increase government spending on new homes. It plans to abolish property levies, close corporate tax loopholes, ensure the rich contribute more in tax and cut the official age of retirement. 6. What does it mean for a united Ireland? Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, only the British government is supposed to call a vote on unification if its seen as likely to pass in the north. There would then need to be a vote in the Republic as well. Its not clear that growing support for Sinn Fein reflects increased enthusiasm for a united Ireland: Only 32% of people backed the idea in an April poll for The Irish News, with 48% opposed. Significantly, more than half of those polled would be against unification if it meant paying higher taxes. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load As Twitter users everywhere brace for changes to their beloved platform under new ownership, no group is more anxious about Elon Musks intentions than the large and highly influential community of democracy activists and human-rights advocates in the Middle East and North Africa. And arguably, no other group has more at stake. Certainly, none has a closer appreciation of the platforms potential for both good and evil. This is the cohort that provided the world with its first demonstration of the power of Twitter by using it, along with Facebook and YouTube, to organize a revolution: The 2011-12 Arab Spring, in which social-media activism helped bring down long-serving dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen. This same cohort has also borne the brunt of the counterrevolution, in which the old establishment has reasserted its power by weaponizing the same platforms against critics. Across the region, regimes routinely unleash troll armies to harass, abuse and discredit activists women, especially and deploy intelligence agencies to surveil their social-media activities. Advertisement In recent years, the community has worked hard to persuade platforms like Twitter and Facebook to institute policies and mechanisms to protect users from harassment and keep their personal data safe from snooping by hostile governments. They have had some success: Platforms now devote resources, albeit inadequate, to crack down on bullying. Twitter introduced a special program, dubbed Project Guardian, to shield accounts most vulnerable to trolling. So it isnt hard to imagine the dismay caused by some of Musks pronouncements over the past couple of weeks. His suggestion that all real humans on Twitter be authenticated would endanger users who rely on anonymity for protection from prosecution, or worse, by malicious regimes. And his advocacy, in the name of free speech, against Twitters content-moderation policies is alarming to those who are frequently targets of hate speech. Musk has since acknowledged that anonymity is important for many. But he has clouded rather than clarified matters by tweeting: By free speech, I simply mean that which matches the law. As activists know all too well, authoritarian regimes have long since introduced laws that criminalize what liberal states regard as free speech. Advertisement In the most charitable view, Musk is merely ignorant of international realities. And he is far from alone in this. Regardless of ownership, the problem with Twitter and most Big Tech firms headquartered in Silicon Valley is a U.S.-centric approach towards what rights matter, says Gissou Nia, director of the Atlantic Councils strategic litigation project. While Twitter has made strides on outreach to activist communities around the world, it remains a fact that English-speaking audiences are prioritized on matters of content moderation and feature creation. To his admirers, Musk is guilty of nothing more than naivete in his self-identification as a free speech absolutist. But activists point out that his record on this score is hardly, well, absolute. Musk can be prickly about criticism directed at him and is not above bullying. And when one of his other companies, Tesla, was criticized on Chinese social media platforms, the automaker asked Beijing to use its censorship powers to block some of the posts. Unsurprisingly, many activists are pessimistic about Twitters prospects under Musks ownership. There will be no accountability, no transparency and no support for those of us social justice advocates who relied on Twitter to have any kind of impact, says Bahraini rights activist Maryam al-Khawaja. This is not just unfortunate, its also dangerous and it sets a terrible precedent for the future of Big Tech, which is already so bleak. Advertisement Many activists say they are loath to leave Twitter after having spent so much time and energy making it a vital implement for their work. Ive had my cursor over the deactivate your account option several times, but have hesitated, one democracy advocate told me. Theres an icon of a broken heart next to that option, which is how I would feel if the day comes when I have to leave Twitter. But like many others, he says he will close his accounts if Musk follows through on ideas that would make it too dangerous for people like us. If there is a glimmer of hope that he wont, it may lie in the fact that these ideas would be bad for business. David Kaye, a former United Nations special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression, points out that activists tend to command a huge following in countries where the platform still has great potential for growth, relative to the saturated markets of the West. If Twitter undermines its utility for its most influential users, it will do itself harm, says Kaye, who is now a law professor at University of California, Irvine. In other words, just as Instagram looks out for the interests of high-profile influencers, Twitter should work extra hard to keep the community of activists onside. Advertisement Allowing Twitter to become a free-for-all would drive away advertisers as well as activists. Some brands, worried about the platform becoming a more toxic place, are reportedly asking their agencies for guidance on whether to pull their ads. Twitter has reached out to agencies to allay these fears. Musk has said he would like the platform not to be overly dependent on advertising. But its hard to imagine how he would replace the revenue, which accounted for around 90% of the more than $5 billion Twitter took in last year. That Musk will do the right thing for profit rather than principle is a thin straw to clutch for those who are anxious about Twitters future. Its is a white-knuckle moment for activists everywhere. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Online Privacy Becomes Critical If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned: Parmy Olson Advertisement How @BoredElonMusk Attracted 1.7 Million Followers on Twitter: Trung Phan Musk Is the Wrong Leader for Twitters Vital Mission: Timothy L. OBrien This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Bobby Ghosh is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering foreign affairs. A former editor in chief of the Hindustan Times, he was managing editor of Quartz and Time magazines international editor. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load It may still be hard to believe, despite all the Russian military bungling, that Ukraine can win the war against its much bigger neighbor. Yet, as the underdog, Ukraine actually has more scenarios in which it can credibly declare victory. If it survives as an independent state which appears almost certain now that Vladimir Putin has had to scale down his military goals it will already be victorious in the worlds eyes, having held its own against one of the great military powers, and done so without any allies willing to send their troops into battle. This prospect has led Ukrainian intellectuals to start speculating about the countrys shape and direction after a victory. As Russian propagandists attempt grimly to normalize the idea of a nuclear war and rosy depictions of a victorious Russian world have faded even from nationalist narratives, Ukrainians are looking forward to playing a bigger global role as the nation that managed to thwart and humiliate the mighty bear next door. To what extent these hopes and dreams can come true depends on Ukraines Western allies as much as on Ukrainians themselves. If they fail to combine their efforts in a productive way, a scenario in which both Russia and Ukraine end up losing the war is conceivable. Advertisement Ukrainians wouldnt be true to themselves if they didnt aim high. In a recent Telegram post, Oleksiy Arestovich, the advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy who predicted the timing and character of the Russian invasion as early as 2019, described a victorious Ukraine as an undisputed regional leader of Eastern Europe if we work skillfully, he qualified the bold vision.By 2028-2035 well have a completely different geopolitical landscape in the Berlin Constantinople Kazan triangle, Arestovich wrote, calling Istanbul by its Byzantine name. Kyiv will be star shining in its center. Ukrainians lost a lot as they lived their illusions before 2014. Now, having sobered up, theyre winning back what they gave up in the last 300, 500, 1,000 years. The historical references are a natural answer to Putins justification of his aggression, also rooted in a certain reading of history. They continue the thread of Ukrainian thought that describes Ukrainians as a historically democracy-based and democracy-seeking polity and Russians as eternal subjects and slaves to all kinds of tyrants. Whats new here is a claim to a new centrality: Ukraine, for centuries a provincial backwater, now feels it has earned, or is earning on the battlefield, the status of a thought leader, a flag-bearer for Europes east and center. I believe that Ukraine will become the new Central European tiger, historian Yaroslav Hrytsak said in a recent interview. It will become a leader in the greater Baltic and Black Sea region. I think no nation other than Poland will be able to match its influence and status War is a great catastrophe. But at the same time, it creates great opportunities and enables the previously impossible. Advertisement Some of the optimistic visions for the future go even further, extending Ukraines role to that of a co-founder of a new League of Nations to replace the United Nations, which has proved unable to strip Russia of its oversize role in global security affairs. Despite what Ukrainians see as their historical, almost genetic thirst for democracy, Ukraine wont play its new prominent role as a beacon of liberalism. Zelenskiy predicted last month that post-war Ukraine would be more like Israel than the relaxed, complacent nations of the European Union. Ukrainian philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko, editor of the Ukraine World project, elaborated in a Facebook post: The EU is built on two principles: a) security imports (from NATO, especially the US) and b) a welfare state. That is, less government in the area of security (which comes from the outside) and more government in the economy (redistribution of goods, maximum regulation). Our Europeanness is already different. Security import will not work, even if we have external guarantees and even if we are in NATO. For decades to come, our security depends primarily on us. But in the economy and other areas there should be maximum freedom. Classic Ukrainian anarchism (in the good sense of the word), classical Ukrainian pluralism. That is, our European formula is the opposite of the EU formula: more government in security and less in the economy. Advertisement This Ukraine, if indeed it rises to the prominence to which its intellectual elite considers it entitled, is likely to be a thorn in the side of Old Europe; the Poland of Law and Justice, the nations nationalist ruling party, would be its closest ally. It would be no passive recipient of EU rules and dictates, and it might even harbor some ambitions to redraw the regions security architecture: Zelenskiy has already proposed a new military alliance that would operate parallel to NATO. He called it U24, referring to a goal of 24-hour response to any external threat. Thats a politically difficult target for established European democracies, but a clear indication of the kind of country Ukraine would like to be: One that is prepared to repel threats at a moments notice. Ukraine will become a militarized country, most likely forever, sociologist Yevhen Holovakha predicts. Military valor and modern weapons, however, wont be enough for Ukraine to become the regions shining star. The expectations of a new Ukrainian centrality assume a large-scale rebuilding of the war-ravaged nation, an effort on a par with the post-World War II Marshall Plan. Estimates of the economic damage inflicted on Ukraine by the invaders range from a conservative $60 billion, mentioned recently by World Bank President David Malpass, to an astronomical $1.36 trillion an amount no Russian reparations could ever cover. Advertisement Theres no question that Western nations will contribute to the rebuilding the U.S. is already offering billions for it as part of the administrations $33 billion aid package. Russia, too, likely will be forced to contribute even if the Putin regime survives the war theres no better use for the more than $300 billion in frozen international reserves. A lot depends, however, on the conditions attached to the aid; its as easy for the donors to ruin the entire program with excessively tight controls as for Ukrainians themselves to revert to the past unattractive spectacle of intertwined pridefulness and corruption. The willingness of Europeans, if not Americans, to help may also be tempered by Ukraines claims to regional leadership, backed up by the countrys size and military prowess. On the one hand, much of the infrastructure Russian troops have blown up in Ukraine dates back to Soviet times, and its demise presents an opportunity to modernize faster than Ukraine had been doing before the war given the necessary funds. On the other hand, the human losses Ukraine has borne will make an enormous project like this harder to carry out. We believe that the more Russians we kill, the better; they think the more they kill of us, the better, former deputy prime minister Ihor Yuhnovskiy said recently. And even if we lose one Ukrainian to every ten Russians, these losses will add up over time. If you think that it will be better for us if we only have women after the war, youre mistaken. You have no idea to what extent well be weakened. Advertisement A lot depends on whether the more than 5 million Ukrainian refugees make their way home after the war or elect to stay in Europe, where they have received a much warmer welcome than the Middle Eastern and African refugees who had preceded them. The receiving countries probably will need to help them get back and get settled into new housing to replace bombed-out buildings; some countries will be tempted to keep the Ukrainians instead to solve their own demographic and workforce problems. The window of opportunity Ukraine is about to get by denying Putin most of its territory is perhaps the biggest the country has seen since independence. At the same time, however, both Ukrainians and their allies will need to work hard to keep it from closing as the previous ones did. On the Western side, this means giving up the usual bean-counting and truly going out of the way to reward Ukrainians heroism and on the Ukrainian side, perhaps a certain tempering of both the newfound leadership ambitions and the ancient urge to grab the money and run. It will have to be a collaborative effort based on a shared sense of purpose. Lacking that, Ukraine could end up a loser despite holding out against all odds. That shouldnt be allowed to happen. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Israels Support of Ukraine Alliance Is Risky But Unavoidable: Zev Chafets In Germany, Scholz the Bold Reverts to Scholz the Smurf: Andreas Kluth Ukraine War Is Depleting Americas Arsenal of Democracy: Hal Brands This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Leonid Bershidsky is a member of the Bloomberg News Automation team based in Berlin. He was previously Bloomberg Opinions Europe columnist. He recently authored a Russian translation of George Orwells 1984. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Replacing Hong Kongs leader is a complicated, closed-door affair that epitomizes the central problem facing the Asian financial hub: How to balance the publics desire for autonomy with Chinas demands for control? The citys Basic Law, which came into effect the day the British left, contains the promise of a popular vote some day, but electoral reforms imposed from Beijing in 2021 made that goal even more distant. In the end, an elite group of just 1,500 people who represent business, interest groups and, above all, Chinas Communist Party will choose the successor to Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Sunday, May 8. An ex-cop and the citys former No. 2 official, John Lee, is the only nominee -- the first time in two decades Hong Kong has presented a single candidate. 1. What did China agree to before the handover? The Basic Law, or mini-constitution, codified the joint declaration signed by the governments of China and Britain in 1984 in Beijing. It enshrined the one country, two systems principle, which promised to give the city for 50 years a high degree of autonomy and protected its unique rights, such as to free speech and assembly -- rights not found on the mainland. It also had the ultimate aim of electing Hong Kongs leader by popular vote, after a candidate had been agreed on by a broadly representative nominating committee. Advertisement 2. How did Hong Kong used to pick its leader? While the campaigning looked a lot like any mayoral election, with stump speeches, rallies and policy platforms, the voting was done by just 1,200 people on an Election Committee. That body was composed of representatives from sectors covering business and industry, white-collar professions, grassroots organizations and legislators. Several of Hong Kongs billionaires also made the cut. The system was designed so Chinas favored candidate prevailed, but it was sometimes close. Former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying was famously elected in 2012 with a slim victory of just 689 votes, a number that became a derisive nickname for his lack of popular support in the city of 7.5 million people. Lam got 777 votes in 2017 to defeat John Tsang, who held a wide lead in public opinion polls and was largely backed by the pro-democracy camp. Still, the system was the closest thing to a public vote for an executive post in China. 3. Whats different now? Advertisement The Election Committee was expanded last year and given new vetting powers to ensure only patriots who respect Communist Party rule can run for office. More than one-third of the now-1,500 members will be handpicked by pro-Beijing groups. Directly elected district councilors have been dropped entirely, and in the professional sectors there will be more corporate voting, slashing the number of individuals who cast a ballot. (Critics say law firms are far more likely than individual lawyers, for example, to vote in line with China, where companies have business interests.) Steps also were taken to curb the influence of the citys property tycoons, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper. The citys Legislative Council, or LegCo, was expanded to 90 members from 70, while the number who are directly elected was reduced to 20 from 35. The Election Committee itself selects 40. Advertisement 4. Why did Beijing make the changes? Violent anti-government protests rocked Hong Kong in 2019, with Lams government seemingly losing control at times. In November that year, pro-democracy politicians won a landslide victory in district council elections -- a surprising outcome that delivered a clear message about public sentiment. The opposition was expected to build on that result in the LegCo elections, with the stated aim of using the Basic Law to unseat Lam. National Peoples Congress spokesman Zhang Yesui said all that showed that the electoral system needs to be improved to ensure only patriots govern. 5. Did anyone protest? Coronavirus restrictions and a national security law that bans subversion and secession have effectively put a halt to public marches and protests. With most of the citys formal opposition in jail, in self-imposed exile or out of office, there are few public figures left to challenge the government or China. The LegCo elections, initially set for Sept. 6, 2020, were postponed until Dec. 19, 2021, ostensibly due to the pandemic. The remaining pro-democracy camp boycotted or was banned from the race; voter turnout was only 30%, the lowest ever. The U.S., U.K. and European Union have accused China of betraying the handover agreement and sanctioned some individuals. Advertisement 6. Who is John Lee? The citys former Chief Secretary, the second-highest ranked government official. He was Beijings sole choice to run, local media including the South China Morning Post have reported. A staunch supporter of the China-extradition bill that sparked the protests in Hong Kong, he was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 for his previous role as Security Secretary in curtailing political freedoms in the city. (YouTube shut down his campaign channel in April, citing the sanctions.) He said he joined the chief executive race out of loyalty to China, love for the city and a sense of responsibility to its people. The post has been seen as a poisoned chalice: with its occupant forced to balance the desires of the public with demands from Beijing -- leaving neither side pleased. Thats likely to remain so. In outlining his policy plans, he vowed to repair Hong Kongs standing as a global financial hub, while still meeting Chinas demands on security and a cautious approach toward Covid-19. 7. Did Hong Kong ever have democracy? Advertisement No, and thats the way China wanted it. When the U.K. toyed with introducing democracy to its colony in the 1950s, then-Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai warned that doing so would be considered an unfriendly act. For 40 years, the colonial government held off, but in the 1990s, they steam-rolled through some democratic reforms before handing the city back to China on July 1, 1997. Chiefly, they implemented direct elections for half the then-60 seats in the LegCo. Even that incensed China. Lu Ping, a senior Chinese official then in charge of Hong Kong affairs, called outgoing governor Chris Patten a man to be condemned through the history of Hong Kong over the matter. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load The Solomon Islands has sent shock waves across the Pacific by signing a security cooperation pact with China. The island nation had faced pressure not to sign it from its traditional allies, Australia and the U.S., as they seek to counter Chinas growing influence across Asia. The Solomon Islands leader has insisted the pact wont undermine regional peace and harmony, and accused Western countries of treating the Solomons like children. That hasnt squelched concerns about a possible Chinese naval base just 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from Australia. 1. Whats the pact about? Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on April 19 -- the day the pact was announced -- that the cooperation would include maintenance of social order, protection and safety of peoples lives and property, humanitarian assistance and natural disaster response, to help Solomon Islands strengthen capacity building and safeguard its own security. According to an Associated Press report, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told his parliament in Honiara a day later that it will allow China to send police and military personnel to the Solomon Islands to assist in maintaining social order. Chinese warships also could stop in port for logistical replenishment. Sogavare has insisted the pact would not allow China to construct a military base -- a concern that arose after a draft copy was leaked online in late March -- and has strongly asserted his countrys right to an independent foreign policy. In a fiery May 3 speech, he said the Solomon Islands was being treated as kindergarten students walking around with Colt 45s in our hands who needed to be supervised. Advertisement 2. How did the deal come about? Chinese diplomats have been wooing Sogavare for years and he has reciprocated by strengthening relations, including a contentious decision to switch the countrys diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taipei in September 2019. That change has been one of the factors in growing domestic unrest between Sogavares government and the province of Malaita, the most-populous island with a third of the nations 650,000 people. Daniel Suidani, who leads Malaita, has been a vocal critic of the switch to decision to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Last year, anti-China protesters demanded Sogavares resignation, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported, while the Solomon Islands Herald said shops in the capitals Chinatown were looted and damaged. Sogavare asked for Australian troops to help quell the unrest even as he accused other powers of encouraging the anti-China sentiment. A few months later came the security pact with China. 3. Whats the significance? Advertisement China has long been trying to beef up its presence in the Asia-Pacific, including building up its navy and constructing military facilities on disputed islands in the South China Sea. War hawks in Australia and the U.S. have warned that this security cooperation pact could pave the way for Chinese military hardware and eventually a naval base in the South Pacific, although thats not the immediate case now. In announcing the pact in Beijing, Wang had criticized Western efforts to block it, saying: We must point out that South Pacific island countries are not a backyard of any country, still less a pawn for geopolitical rivalry. 4. What about the U.S.? The U.S. has long touted its alliances in the Pacific as part of efforts to counter the growing economic, political and military influence of China in the region. They include a new defense accord with Australia and the U.K., known as Aukus, sealed last year and an older grouping known as the Quad that includes Australia, Japan and India. President Joe Bidens East Asia czar Kurt Campbell visited the islands on April 22 and had what a White House statement afterward called a substantial discussion with Sogavare about the pact. It said the U.S. had expressed clear areas of concern and that Sogavare had reiterated his specific assurances that there would be no military base, no long-term presence, and no power projection capability for China. It added that the U.S. would respond accordingly should such a base or capability be established. Sogavare said after the meeting that the Solomon Islands wont allow China or any other countries for that matter to establish its military base here. Advertisement 5. What does this mean for Australia? The Australian government, to which the South Pacific region has long looked for support, expressed concern that the deal could undermine stability and make the Solomon Islands beholden to China. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has echoed Campbells assertion that a de facto permanent Chinese presence would be a red line, but denied there was a growing rift with Sogavares government. More immediately, the deal could become an issue in Australias May 21 national elections. Morrison has portrayed himself as tough on national security, but the diplomatic loss is providing ammunition for attacks on his governments record. Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong called the signing of the security agreement the worst failure of Australian foreign policy in the Pacific since the end of World War II. A poll published May 5 showed 71% of voters said they were concerned about the deal, but neither party was overwhelmingly trusted to resolve the situation. (Updates with Sogavare speech in section 1, Australia poll in section 5. An earlier version corrected a misspelling in headline and spelling of prime ministers first name) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load Judge approves Chauvin plea deal Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight A federal judge on Wednesday accepted a plea deal that will sentence former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to 20 to 25 years in prison for violating the rights of George Floyd, whose murder in 2020 was followed by mass protests. Chauvin is already serving a 22-year sentence for Floyds murder and last month asked a state appeals court to overturn his conviction. The killing of Floyd, a Black man, helped trigger a national movement against racism and police violence after viral video captured Chauvin kneeling on the handcuffed mans neck for more than nine minutes. Chauvin, who is White, initially pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he violated Floyds constitutional rights. But late last year, he pleaded guilty to one count of violating Floyds civil rights and one count of violating the rights of a teenager in another case; prosecutors said that they would dismiss other charges and that they would recommend a sentence to be served concurrently with his prison time for the murder conviction. Advertisement An attorney for Chauvin did not immediately respond to The Washington Posts request for comment Wednesday afternoon. Three other ex-officers from Minneapolis all present during Floyds killing were found guilty of violating Floyds rights in February after a month-long trial that spotlighted polices duty to intervene against a colleague. The jury concluded that J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas K. Lane and Tou Thao failed to render medical aid to Floyd, and it held Kueng and Thao responsible for not intervening. Hannah Knowles and Holly Bailey Atlanta agrees to pay man shot by officer The city of Atlanta has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to a North Carolina man who was shot and injured by a police officer as he was leaving an event downtown in February 2017. The Atlanta City Council on Monday approved a $999,000 settlement for Noel Hall. Hall and his family had come to Atlanta because his son was participating in a supercross event. Advertisement As he and his wife were leaving with their grandchildren around 10:30 p.m., Atlanta police Sgt. Mathieu Cadeau, who was working off duty as security, told Hall he couldnt make a left turn. When Hall made the turn anyway, Cadeau fired into the vehicle. A bullet hit Hall in the arm and exited through his chest, barely missing his heart. The police department fired Cadeau in May 2017. He was indicted in October 2018 on charges of aggravated assault, violation of his oath and reckless conduct. Cadeau pleaded guilt in early 2020 and was sentenced to 30 years of probation, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Associated Press Black-majority town's deal averts takeover After alleging that Tennessees top leaders were placing unfair scrutiny over a predominantly Black towns finances, the small town of Mason announced Wednesday it had reached a deal halting the threat of a state takeover of its finances. Advertisement The agreement, which the NAACP described as a settlement, marks a victory for town officials who had argued the state was treating Masons majority-Black leaders differently than they have White administrators who also struggled with finances. The issue began when Comptroller Jason Mumpower asked Masons town leaders to surrender their charter, pointing to ongoing years of financial mismanagement. After Mason voters refused to do so, Mumpower later said the state would take over its financial supervision. The news of the pending takeover quickly sparked national attention as many pointed out that Mason is located near the site of a future $5.6 billion Ford electric pickup truck factory, which is expected to employ about 5,600 workers at the plant, and construction of the factory will create thousands more jobs. Advertisement The 2020 Census shows Masons population at about 1,330. But that fell to less than 800 after a private prison closed recently. Town leaders quickly filed a lawsuit with the help of the NAACP hoping to stop the takeover, alleging the pending Ford plant has sparked extra scrutiny. In particular, the suit sought to challenge the states edict that Mason get approval to spend more than $100 a strict requirement that town leaders said would make it impossible to do business. Last month, Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Anne Martin denied Masons initial request to temporarily halt the takeover while the lawsuit moved through court. Under the deal, Mason officials will notify the state of any non-payroll expenditures over $1,000. Mason officials will also have to file monthly reports to the state and not weekly reports, as initially required. Notably, the deal will slash the monthly payment Mason had been paying on what it owed to its water and sewer funds from $10,000 to approximately $5,100. The agreement, which was submitted to the court Wednesday, must still be approved by Martin. Associated Press GiftOutline Gift Article A pedestrian was killed Thursday morning in Lockport in a hit-and-run with multiple vehicles involved, police said. The male pedestrian, no age given, was found lying dead in the roadway, near the intersection of South Transit and Nichols streets, at 5:44 a.m., Lockport police said in a news release. "The driver of one of the involved vehicles has since been located, however the whereabouts of the other vehicle/driver is still unknown," police said in the news release. Police withheld the victim's name, pending family notification. Police ask anyone with information about what happened to call the department's tip line at 716-439-6707. Reach Aaron at abesecker[at]buffnews.com or 716-849-4602. 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. Placeholder while article actions load Dozens killed in gun battles over 2 weeks Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Gun battles between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince have killed dozens in the past two weeks and forced thousands to flee their homes, Haitis civil protection authority and a U.N. agency said. The Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo gangs, the latter of which kidnapped a group of U.S. and Canadian missionaries last year, have been waging turf wars since April 24, killing at least 39 people and creating havoc in and around the capital. At least 23 houses were burned down, and 48 schools, five medical centers and eight markets had to close, the authority and the U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a report sent to Reuters on Thursday. Reuters Modi asks states to prep for extreme heat Indias prime minister urged states and federally administered territories Thursday to prepare heat action plans as south Asia swelters under extreme temperatures. Advertisement India recorded its warmest March in more than a century, with the maximum temperature across the country reaching 33.1 degrees Celsius, nearly 1.86 degrees above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. In a meeting with federal officials Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told authorities to take measures to avoid deaths due to heat waves and fire incidents, according to a statement issued by his office. More than two-dozen people have died in India of exposure to extreme heat since late March, as temperatures in many parts of the north, west and the east surged past 104 degrees. Reuters No-confidence vote sought for jailed leader British Virgin Islands acting premier Natalio Wheatley on Thursday proposed a no-confidence vote against Andrew Fahie in the territorys House of Assembly, saying Fahie cannot lead the territory because of his arrest in Miami last week on drug charges. Advertisement Members of the House of Assembly were discussing the proposal in a session Thursday. Fahie, 51, was arrested at a Miami airport along with the managing director of the territorys Ports Authority, Oleanvine Maynard, according to a complaint by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Reuters Death toll rises to 26 in China building collapse: The death toll jumped Thursday to 26 in the collapse last week of a residential and commercial building in central China, state media reported. Ten other people have been rescued from the wreckage in the city of Changsha, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The 10th survivor, an unidentified woman, was pulled out shortly after midnight Thursday, nearly six days after the building suddenly caved-in on April 29, Xinhua said. Rescue teams with dogs have been searching through the rubble since. At least nine people have been arrested in the collapse of what Xinhua has described as a "self-built building" on suspicion of ignoring building codes or committing other violations. Varying reports have said the building was six or eight stories. Advertisement Guinea officials order ex-leader Conde tried: Guinea authorities say they will prosecute former president Alpha Conde and 26 of his officials for violence surrounding his bid for a controversial third term in office. The 84-year-old former leader was overthrown in a coup d'etat in September by a military junta that now leads the West African country. The ex-president and his supporters are accused of several charges including complicity in murder, abductions, torture, and illegal detentions, according to documents from the General Prosecutor's Office signed by Attorney General Charles Alphonse Wright. Guinea's electoral violence in 2020 killed at least 12 people in the capital and 50 people in other parts of the country, according to the document. Robbers hit Chanel store in Paris, flee on motorbikes: Thieves armed with at least one gun robbed a Chanel watch and jewelry store in central Paris on Thursday and sped off on motorbikes, police said. The robbery took place during the day in the Place Vendome area in central Paris, the site of another high-profile robbery last year. Video footage on Twitter which Paris police said was authentic showed one robber with what appears to be an automatic weapon outside the Chanel shop on Rue de la Paix. Seconds later, three other robbers stormed out of the store holding bags, and the four sped off on two motorcycles. From news services GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load VATICAN CITY Pope Francis authorized spending up to 1 million euros to free a Colombian nun kidnapped by al-Qaida-linked militants in Mali, a cardinal testified Thursday, revealing previously secret papal approval to hire a British security firm to find the nun and secure her freedom. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Cardinal Angelo Beccius bombshell testimony could pose serious security implications for the Vatican and Catholic Church, since he provided evidence that the pope was apparently willing to pay ransom to Islamic militants to free a nun, who was eventually let go last year. Ransom payment are rarely if ever confirmed, precisely to dissuade future kidnappings, and its not known how much if any Vatican money actually ended up in the hands of the militants. Prosecutors have accused a Becciu co-defendant of embezzling around half the amount on high-end luxury items for herself. Advertisement Becciu, who was once one of Francis top advisers as the No. 2 in the Vatican secretariat of state, had withheld his testimony from the Vatican tribunal for nearly two years as a matter of state and pontifical secret. But he spoke freely Thursday in his own defense after Francis released him from the confidentiality requirement, providing the most anticipated testimony of the yearlong trial to date. Becciu is one of 10 people accused in the Vaticans sprawling financial fraud trial, which originated in the Holy Sees 350 million euro investment in a London property and expanded to cover other alleged crimes. Prosecutors have accused the defendants of a host of crimes for allegedly fleecing the Holy See of millions of euros in fees, commissions and bad investments. Becciu, the lone cardinal on trial, is accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and witness tampering, all of which he denies. On Thursday, his testimony covered the charges concerning his relationship with an Italian self-styled intelligence specialist, Cecilia Marogna. Advertisement Marogna has told Italian media that she helped negotiate the release of Catholic hostages in Africa on behalf of the Holy See. Vatican prosecutors accuse her of embezzling 575 million euros, citing bank records from her Slovenian holding company that show nine wire transfers from the Vatican in 2018-2019 for unspecified humanitarian ends, and expenditures out of the account at Prada, Luis Vuitton and fancy hotels. Marogna has said the transfers were reimbursements for expenditures and compensation for her services. Becciu testified Thursday that he hired Marogna as an external security consultant, impressed by her grasp of geopolitical affairs and the trust she enjoyed of two of Italys top secret service officials, Generals Luciano Carta and Gianni Caravelli, who accompanied her to a meeting with Becciu in the Vatican in October 2017. Becciu said he turned to Marogna for help following the February 2017 kidnapping of a Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez, in Mali. She had been kidnapped by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which has bankrolled its insurgency by kidnapping Westerners. During her captivity, the group periodically showed Narvaez on video asking for the Vaticans help. Advertisement Becciu said he had heard from the Vaticans nuncio in Colombia as well as other sisters from the nuns religious order asking for help. He said he brought the matter to Francis as well as Marogna, who he said advised him that she could work with a British intelligence firm, The Inkerman Group, to secure the nuns release. Becciu testified that Francis authorized him to proceed with the Inkerman operation, and forbade him from telling anyone else about it, including the Vaticans own police chief. Francis was concerned about the security and reputational implications if the news leaked, Becciu said. Becciu said he and Marogna met with Inkerman officials at their London office in mid-January 2018. Inkerman officials said there were no assurances of success and that the total expenditure could reach 1 million euros, Becciu said. Because the Vatican wanted to remain external to any operation, Marogna became the key intermediary and the one to receive periodic payments from the Vatican secretariat of state for the operation, Becciu testified. Advertisement Becciu said he provided Francis a preliminary oral readout of the London meeting on Jan. 15, 2018, while the pope was en route to Peru. He listened to me and confirmed my intention to proceed, Becciu testified. In a subsequent meeting with the Holy Father, once in Rome, I spoke to him in more detail about the conversation we had with the Inkermans and the sum that we should have estimated in broad terms: about 1 million euros, part to pay for the creation of a network of contacts, and part for the effective liberation of the nun. I pointed out that we shouldnt have gone beyond that figure. He approved. I must say that every step of this operation was agreed with the Holy Father, Becciu testified. Narvaez was released in October, 2021, after more than four years in captivity. Soon after, she met with Francis at the Vatican. Advertisement Vatican prosecutors say they have evidence that the secretariat of state, in addition to the transfer of 575,000 euros sent to Marognas Slovenian accounts, sent an equivalent amount directly to a British bank account held by Inkerman. Becciu also responded to claims against him concerning Cardinal George Pell, who left his job as the Vaticans financial czar in 2017 to face historic sex abuse charges in his native Australia, for which he was ultimately acquitted. Pell clashed repeatedly with Becciu during his time at the Vatican and has repeated Italian media claims that Becciu approved money transfers from the Vatican to Australia that in some way aided in the sex abuse prosecution against him. Becciu on Thursday produced two letters to refute the claims: One from the current secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, explaining that the 1.46 million euros that was wired to Australia was to pay for a domain name .catholic. And the other, a Sept. 11, 2015 letter authorizing that expenditure, signed by none other than Pell. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load BARCELONA, Spain A leading Catalan separatist politician said Thursday that Spains top intelligence official acknowledged that her agency had hacked into the cellphones of some of the dozens of politicians reported to be targeted by spyware but she said it had proper judicial authorization. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Gabriel Rufian, member of a Catalan pro-independence party, spoke after he participated in a closed-door meeting with the director of Spains National Intelligence Center, CNI, along with a select group of Spanish lawmakers. A recent report by the Canadian-based digital rights group Citizen Lab on the use of the controversial Pegasus spyware in Spain said dozens of pro-independence supporters in Spains northeastern Catalonia region were spied upon using the software. When asked by The Associated Press, Spains Defense Ministry, which is in charge of the CNI, refused to comment on the meeting with CNI director Paz Esteban because its contents are considered classified. Leading Spanish media, however, also reported that the director had shown committee members court authorizations for hacking the cellphones of some Catalan separatists. Advertisement They (the CNI) admit to the spying, but say that it was carried out against far fewer people than those cited by Citizen Lab, Rufian said. As for the rest of the over 60 politicians, lawyers and activists cited as hacking targets by Citizen Lab, Rufian said the CNI director point(ed) to two possibilities: One, that it was a foreign country; or two, state agencies that are spying beyond their legal limits. The highly anticipated meeting took place at Spains Parliament building in Madrid. The Catalan separatists, who want to carve out a new state in northeastern Spain around Barcelona, had directly accused the CNI of being behind the hacks that came to light two weeks ago when the Citizen Lab report was released. Spains government has repeatedly said the CNI cannot tap phones without prior judicial authorization. At the same time, the government said the secrecy law shielding all CNI activities prevents the agency from confirming whether it possesses Pegasus, the spyware sold by Israeli company NSO Group. Advertisement While representatives from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs Socialist party and the opposition Popular Party emerged from Thursdays meeting saying they were satisfied by Estebans explanations, Rufian was not alone in demanding further action. We insist that the information that we received today be declassified for the public to know, since it affects fundamental rights, said Albert Botran, who is among the politicians that Citizen Lab said was spied upon. The Spanish government has promised that both CNI and the nations ombudsman will investigate the Citizen Lab report. Amnesty International, which has denounced the use of the Pegasus spyware in several countries, on Thursday demanded more transparency from Spain. This committee, characterized for its secrecy and obscurantism, cannot be considered the appropriate venue to investigate the alleged violence of human rights, said Esteban Beltran, Amnestys director in Spain. Advertisement In addition to the Catalan hacking case, Spains intelligence agency is facing an uncomfortable spotlight due to another case of Pegasus hacking. Earlier this week, Spain announced that the cellphones of both Sanchez, the prime minister, and Defense Minister Margarita Robles were infected last year with Pegasus spyware. Although Spain has refused to point a finger at Morocco, the dates the phones of Sanchez and Robles were hacked last year match up with a diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Amid the back-to-back scandals, plans for a public ceremony to observe CNIs 20th anniversary were postponed. Robles has encouraged the Catalans to take their hacking case to court, just like the Spanish government has, to determine who is responsible. Only the judiciary can determine who is responsible, Robles said Thursday. We can only take our cases to court, and in the meantime refrain from accusations. Advertisement Robles has appeared to justify the crackdown on the Catalan separatists for their role in Catalonias illegal secession bid in 2017 and the mostly peaceful pro-secession street protests organized via a secretive social media platform. The events sometimes spiraled out of control and led to clashes with police, the blocking of roads and train lines, and the closure of Barcelonas airport in 2019. The CNI, which oversees Spains cybersecurity, only discovered that Sanchezs and Robles phones had been hacked after the devices underwent deep scans following the revelations of the breaches into the phones of the Catalans. Previous checks found no evidence of the hacks in May and June 2021, the government has been forced to admit. The hacking scandals, coming in quick succession, have left many Spaniards wondering how widespread the spying is, and which actor, or actors, are behind it. Some Catalan separatists accuse Spain of using the revelation of the hacking of top officials to detract attention from their cases. Advertisement Being a victim does not preclude you from being a perpetrator when it comes to Pegasus, John-Scott Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab, told The AP on Thursday. NSOs objective is to proliferate this spyware, not to protect the security of countries. This will not be solved quietly. This will not be solved with partial truths, Railton said. There has been some partial confirmation here, and the only road forward here is more transparency. The European Parliament opened an investigation into Pegasus use in the European Union, initially intended to focus on Hungary and Poland. The list of Catalans allegedly hacked also includes European Parliament members. Digital break-ins of phones with Pegasus have been reported and denounced in several countries. French President Emmanuel Macron was included on a list of heads of state that Amnesty International suspected were targeted last year. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load JERUSALEM Israels 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. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight The verdict, issued late Wednesday as Israel largely shut down for its Independence Day, marks the end of a more than two-decade legal struggle by Palestinians in the Masafer Yatta region of the southern West Bank to maintain communities they say go back decades. Without warning in the middle of the night, the Israeli High Court of Justice published a verdict with unprecedented consequences, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, which has represented the residents throughout the process, said in a statement. The High Court has officially authorized leaving entire families, with their children and their elderly, without a roof over their heads, it said. Advertisement Roni Pelli, an attorney at the association, said the verdict is final and its not clear if there are any further legal steps that can be taken. The forcible displacement of the communities could happen at any time, she told The Associated Press. The military declared the area a firing and training zone in the early 1980s. Israeli authorities have argued that the residents only used the area for seasonal agriculture and had no permanent structures there at the time. In November 1999, security forces expelled some 700 villagers and destroyed homes and cisterns, the association said. The legal battle began the following year. In its ruling late Wednesday, the Supreme Court sided with the state and said the villagers had rejected a compromise that would have allowed them to enter the area at certain times and practice agriculture for part of the year. Advertisement The military said the ruling had confirmed that the firing zone was duly declared in accordance with the Military Commanders authority, due to military and security needs. The families say they have been there for decades, from long before Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war. They practice a traditional form of desert agriculture and animal herding, with some living in caves at least part of the year, but say their only homes are in the hardscrabble communities now at risk of demolition. The occupation court just decided: My community will be destroyed, tweeted Basel Adra, a prominent activist from the area. The army can now place us on trucks, 2,400 people, and expel us from our ancient villages, one by one. The West Bank has been under Israeli military rule for nearly 55 years. Masafer Yatta is in the 60% of the territory where the Palestinian Authority is prohibited from operating. The Palestinians want the West Bank to form the main part of their future state. Advertisement Jewish settlers have established outposts in the area that are not officially authorized by Israel but are protected by the military. Last fall, dozens of settlers attacked a village in the area, and a four-year-old boy was hospitalized after being struck in the head with a stone. Israel halted plans to formally annex parts of the West Bank in 2020, but it retains overall control over the territory, with the Palestinian Authority administering major population centers and cooperating with it on security matters. Nearly 500,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, which is home to nearly 3 million Palestinians. David Mintz, one of the Supreme Court justices issuing the verdict on Masafer Yatta, lives in the West Bank settlement of Dolev. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is opposed to Palestinian statehood and routinely refers to the West Bank as Judea and Samaria, the biblical name of the region. He and other nationalist leaders view the West Bank as the historical heartland of the Jewish people. Advertisement The last serious peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down more than a decade ago. Bennetts government has ruled out any major initiative to end the conflict but has taken steps to improve economic conditions for the Palestinians. Three major human rights groups have said Israels policies, particularly in the West Bank, amount to apartheid, allegations Israel rejects as an attack on its very legitimacy. One of those groups, the Israeli organization BTselem, said that in the Masafer Yatta ruling the justices once again fulfilled their role in Israels regime of Jewish supremacy and paved the way for the crime of forcible transfer to be committed. GiftOutline Gift Article Placeholder while article actions load JERUSALEM A pair of Palestinian attackers went on a stabbing rampage in a town near Tel Aviv on Thursday night, killing at least three people and wounding four others before fleeing in a vehicle, Israeli authorities said. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight Police launched a massive search for the assailants, setting up roadblocks and dispatching a helicopter. The stabbing, coming on Israels Independence Day, was the latest in a string of deadly attacks in Israeli cities in recent weeks. Early Friday, Israeli police said a search was underway for two Palestinian suspects from the occupied West Bank. The suspects, aged 19 and 20 years old, came from Jenin, the hometown of other assailants involved in recent attacks in Israel. The town and its surroundings have seen frequent Israeli military raids and clashes with Palestinian militants in recent weeks. Advertisement We will get our hands on the terrorists and their supportive environment, and they will pay the price, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said after huddling with senior security officials late Thursday. Israeli-Palestinian tensions have soared recently, with the attacks in Israel, military operations in the occupied West Bank and violence at Jerusalems most sensitive holy site. The site, home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, was the scene of new unrest earlier Thursday. Alon Rizkan, a medic with Israels Magen David Adom rescue service, described a very difficult call when he arrived at the scene in Elad, an ultra-Orthodox town near Tel Aviv. He said he identified three dead people at various locations. At least four others were wounded, one critically, officials said. Israeli media quoted police as saying there were two assailants, and just before midnight, police said they were still searching for the attackers. They called on the public to avoid the area, and urged people to report suspicious vehicles or people to them. Advertisement Israel marked its Independence Day on Thursday, a festive national holiday in which people typically hold barbecues and attend air shows. Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered a closure on the West Bank, imposed ahead of the holiday and preventing Palestinians from entering Israel, to remain in effect until Sunday. In Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. officials vehemently condemn the attack in Elad. This was a horrific attack targeting innocent men and women, and was particularly heinous coming as Israel celebrated its Independence Day, Blinken said in a statement. We remain in close contact with our Israeli friends and partners and stand firmly with them in the face of this attack. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose government administers autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, condemned the attack. Advertisement The killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians leads only to more deterioration at a time when all of us try to achieve stability and prevent escalation, the official Wafa news agency quoted him as saying. The Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, praised the attack and linked it to violence at the Jerusalem holy site. The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque cant go unpunished, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said. The heroic operation in Tel Aviv is a practical translation of what the resistance had warned against. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third holiest site in Islam and is built on a hilltop that is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. It lies at the emotional heart of the conflict, and Palestinians and Israeli police have clashed there repeatedly in recent weeks. Advertisement Early Thursday, Israeli police entered the site to clear away Palestinian protesters, after Jewish visits that had been paused for the Muslim holidays resumed. As the visits resumed, dozens of Palestinians gathered, chanting God is greatest. Scuffles broke out when the police went to arrest one of them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on the sprawling esplanade as some Palestinians sheltered inside the mosque itself. The police could later be seen just inside an entrance to the barricaded mosque. The police said they responded to dozens of people who were shouting incitement and throwing stones, and that one police officer was lightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were taken to a hospital after being struck with batons. Unlike in previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there was no rock-throwing initially. Some of those who sheltered inside the mosque began throwing stones and other objects when police entered the building. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns. Advertisement Under informal arrangements known as the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there. In recent years, they have visited in ever-increasing numbers with police escorts and many have discreetly prayed, angering the Palestinians as well as neighboring Jordan, which is the custodian of the site. The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to eventually take over the site or partition it. Israel says it is committed to maintaining the status quo, and accuses Hamas of inciting the recent violence. It has been some of the worst bloodshed in years. At least 18 Israelis have died in five attacks including a stabbing rampage in southern Israel, two other shootings in the Tel Aviv area and a shooting last weekend in a West Bank settlement. Nearly 30 Palestinians have died in violence most of whom had carried out attacks or were involved in confrontations with Israeli forces in the West Bank. But an unarmed woman and a lawyer who appears to have been inadvertently shot were also killed. Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war a year ago, fueled in large part by similar unrest in Jerusalem. GiftOutline Gift Article Creating a mock 3D portrait of acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi drove emerging artist Claus Stangl nuts. Two pupils, two noses. Everything is completely shifted when youre trying to paint a picture to create a likeness of someone with that extra complication, the Sydney artist recalls. There was no room for error. Waititi was filming Thor: Love and Thunder at Fox Studios last June and Stangl was given just 10 minutes to shape the Instagrammable portrait. On Thursday, that artwork won the 31st Archibald Packing Room Prize. Claus Stangl with his Packing Room Prize winning portrait of Taika Waititi. Credit:Janie Barrett Hes a big, big Hollywood director with limited time and a busy schedule, Stangl says. I knew I needed to capture something [and so I just] let him perform and deliver so many poses. I just allowed Taika to be Taika in front of the cameras ... and sent him on his merry way to finish the final day of shooting. Kevin Rudd is an optimist. Which is quite the feat for anyone writing about the downward spiral in relations between China and the United States in recent years let alone for Rudd, the Mandarin-speaking diplomat-turned-Australian prime minister at times angrily torched by both countries. But before we get to Rudds view about the risk of a coming war (a real possibility), nuclear confrontation (must be considered afresh), economic self-sabotage (Xis real political vulnerability) or cyber catastrophe (rapidly accelerated), take a moment to consider one delightful scene he briefly relays. Americans are Kevin Rudds target audience for his new book The Avoidable War. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The man who would become Chinas leader ruling a closed communist regime controlling more than a billion people swaying on a vacant stage of the Sydney Opera House, belting out a tune. Not Xi Jinping. Chinas president might be confident, self-assured and instinctively assertive, as Rudd describes, but he comes across ultimately as dour and insular. The man in that empty hall was instead a predecessor, Jiang Zemin. It was a very different time, the late 1980s, before Tiananmen, artificial islands, foreign interference accusations and COVID-19, when a much younger Rudd was a foreign affairs official hosting a Chinese delegation to Australia and Jiang wanted to have some simple fun. But you can see how this experience or one that Rudd tells from years later about a boozy dinner late into the night with a group of Chinese generals who admitted a high degree of military caution about the prospect of fighting a war in Asia can give hope that peaceful accommodation might somehow be reached. Lets begin with some clarifications. When I say Bob Dylan is overrated, Im not saying hes no good at all. That would be an absurd claim. Im not even saying I dislike his work. Some of my favourite songs are Dylan songs. Nor do I doubt that Dylans influence has been profound. From Joni Mitchell to Bruce Springsteen, all the great singer-songwriters have hailed him as a pioneer. Bob Dylan, perennial perpetrator of linguistic barbarism. If people were content to praise Dylan for his actual merits, Id have no beef. What irks me is that Dylan stands at the epicentre of a tenacious mass delusion, which causes its victims to see qualities in his work that arent really there. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In all honesty, says 23-year-old Melis Layik, Im completely disillusioned with Australian politics. I dont think that voting anyone in is going to radically alter my life in the way I want it to. Young voters have long been chastised for a perceived ambivalence to politics. But Layik is far from apathetic she lost all three of her casual jobs in lockdown and struggled when the government started withdrawing payments in late 2020. She cares deeply about political issues such as the treatment of women and climate change. But her pessimism, expressed among a group of under-25s convened by The Age to discuss their vote, speaks to a truth borne out by the numbers. When the major political parties vying to win the May 21 election look out at the electorate, they see young people are vastly outnumbered. Voters aged 55 and over make up 40 per cent of those enrolled to vote in this election, compared with just 25 per cent for 18-to-34 year olds. An ageing population and a declining birthrate mean Australia has a lopsided electorate, in which older people have a disproportionate say over who will win government in three weeks time. Labors shock loss under Bill Shorten at the 2019 election was credited partly to its agenda to rein in negative gearing and franking credits. That was intended to help young people get a foot on the property ladder, but was painted by the government as perilous to property-owning older Australians, who are more likely to vote conservative. Labor has now dropped those policies. Australian National University political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard said Shortens electoral failure three years ago had set any effort towards listening to young people back a decade. Advertisement Parties are now scared off talking about issues of housing affordability, let alone things like intergenerational or climate justice, she says. I think the parties are terrified of scaring Baby Boomers. Ironically, this feeling among politicians has coincided with the brutal experience of the pandemic, which hit Australias Generation COVID disproportionately hard. Mental health issues spiralled, house prices rocketed up 25 per cent, casual workers and artists were laid off and put on government payments, schools and university went online. Many missed crucial years of self-development in socialising and travel or at school and uni. At the same time, some young Australians were awakened to politics by the pandemic. Among the group The Age spoke to about the issues that moved them, several describe being recently politicised. The pandemic kind of brought politics to light for me, I think, and like made me more politically aware, says 24-year-old Octavia De Fazio, from the seat of Scullin. Shes decided her vote, but does not want to reveal her preference publicly. Before the pandemic, she says she had never really paid attention, finding politics too complicated. But during Melbournes lockdowns, she became a daily viewer of the press conferences by Premier Daniel Andrews. I was actually interested in it as boring as they kind of can be I was engaged. Advertisement De Fazio now knows the difference between state and federal government, and what jurisdiction they have over her life. She knows who the state premiers are and has become a critical viewer of the actions and words of political leaders. Stefan, 19, a student and casual worker from the northern Melbourne seat of Cooper, is the same. He did not want his surname published due to fear for his career, but last year he found himself watching live streams of parliamentary debates for the first time. Loading During COVID lockdowns, thats when I actually figured out who our premier was, he says. Stefan, who plans to vote for the United Australia Party or the Liberal Democrats, says the biggest issue influencing his vote will be mandatory vaccination. I wish I didnt have to take as much of an interest in [politics] I wish it could take a backburner, but after seeing what happened I feel like its important now, its important to actually pay attention focus and vote accordingly. Advertisement Recent polling conducted on behalf of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald showed that cost of living was the top concern for 18-to-34 year olds, followed by climate and environmental issues. This worry about personal finances was mirrored by the young people spoken to by The Age from all sides of the political divide. De Fazio, who has a disability, says she has trouble affording the medical care she needs to get by. Not having resources and enough money to go to specialists or to physically get to those health services has been a big issue in the last few years, she says. Its been a hindrance to be able to complete my studies. Im quite lucky, says 23-year-old Campbell Rider from the inner north electorate of Wills, who intends to vote for Labor. I have a job that Im quite happy with and is reasonably well paid but I cant see myself ever saving enough to buy a home or get a home loan at this point. In Higgins, Liberal voter Mimi Campbell, 23, also says she is seriously worried about how she will afford to live when she eventually moves out of home. Our household income has stayed the same for so long. And I just wonder how Ill even afford to buy a house once Im graduated. It just seems unachievable, she says. Advertisement But even those who have managed to buy a property are worried. Jasmine Ryan, 23, who lives in the western suburbs electorate of Fraser, bought an apartment with her partner in 2020, but the cost of living, repairs and the mortgage make it hard to get by. Jasmine Ryan, 23, says the main issue at this upcoming election is the cost of living. Credit:Paul Jeffers Whilst Im so appreciative that I have a house at 23, its still a lot of pressure as a young person to be owning these things, she said. Theres times we have to cancel plans or cant have my family over for dinner or my partners family over for dinner because we cant afford the groceries to buy everyone dinner. Katherine Ellis, chief executive of Youth Affairs Council Victoria, said the rough hand dealt to young people in recent years had convinced many about how much elections matter. Instead of just smearing the opposition, propose your policies, propose why its a better option than the alternative. Thats what were after. Tom Saxton, 20. The pandemic, bushfires and floods have demonstrated starkly to young people the important role of government, with politicians and government officials becoming daily figures in their lives, she said. Bipartisan youth think tank Think Forward says political parties need to focus more on what young people need. It has been quietly lobbying all sides of politics for the establishment of an intergenerational fairness inquiry following a similar model to one set up in the UK in 2018. The proposal was recently endorsed by the influential Grattan Institute. Advertisement He grabs this teacup Yorkie and holds Boo out of the window of the moving car, and hes howling like an animal while holding the dog out the window, Heard told the court. And everyone in the car Ill never forget it everyone just froze. No one did anything. Heard said Boo belonged to Depp at the time, but she later got custody of Boo and the other Yorkshire Terrier, Pistol, when the couple separated. Actor Amber Heard speaks to her legal team during a lunch break. Credit:Elizabeth Frantz/Pool Photo via AP On Tuesday Virginia time, a psychologist testifying on Heards behalf told jurors that Depp forced Heard to perform oral sex, and that Depp penetrated her with a liquor bottle. Psychologist Dawn Hughes, Heards witness, testified that Depp performed a cavity search on the actor as he looked for a missing stash of cocaine. Depp, 58, testified earlier in the trial that he never hit Heard, 36, and that she was the one who was the abuser in their relationship. Depp, the star of the Pirates of the Caribbean films and others, is suing Heard for $US50 million ($70 million), saying she defamed him when she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse. Heard has counter-sued for $US100 million, saying Depp smeared her by calling her a liar. Lianne Kent with Pistol (left) and Elly Kent with Boo when they were in Australia with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Credit: Happy Dogz Grooming Gold Coast Heard said she stayed with Depp after the tattoo incident because he apologised and promised not to behave that way again. I didnt want to leave him. I didnt want this to be the reality, she said. Loading But, Heard said, Depp became violent at other times, usually when he was drinking or using drugs. He would hurl insults or accuse her of cheating, she said, and it would escalate to the point where he would push me or shove me down. This happened several times, she said. At the start of her testimony, Heard said it had been hard to relive their relationship in the courtroom. This has been the most painful and difficult thing Ive ever gone through, she said. The case hinges on a December 2018 opinion piece she wrote in The Washington Post. The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear Heard was referring to him. The couples divorce was finalised in 2017 after less than two years of marriage. Depp, once among the biggest stars in Hollywood, said he never struck Heard nor any woman and that Heards allegations cost him everything. A new Pirates movie was put on hold, and Depp was replaced in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, a Harry Potter spin-off. Heards attorneys have argued that she told the truth and that her opinion was protected free speech under the US Constitutions First Amendment. A state court judge in Virginias Fairfax County, outside the nations capital, is overseeing the trial, which is expected to last until late May. Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid that labelled him a wife beater. A London High Court judge ruled he had repeatedly assaulted Heard. Depps lawyers have said they filed the US case in Fairfax County because The Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant. In April 2015, Depp failed to declare Boo and another Yorkshire terrier, Pistol, to customs authorities when he and Heard flew in to Queensland in his private jet to film Pirates of the Caribbean 5. The following month, when then-agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce found out, he famously gave the couple 50 hours to take the dogs back to the US or they would be euthanised. Its time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States, Joyce said. Loading The couple complied and the dogs were returned to the US. Reuters, Staff reporters National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line: 1800 737 732. Crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 and suicidecallbackservice.org.au) and beyondblue (1300 22 4636 and beyondblue.org.au). Workers at a Starbucks store at Delaware and Chippewa held a one-day strike on Thursday, angered by the Starbucks interim CEO's comments about extending pay increases and enhanced benefits to workers at stores that are not organizing. The one-day strike was the latest clash between Starbucks Workers United and the Seattle-based coffee chain over an organizing movement that began in Buffalo and has spread to locations across the country. Another flare-up came this week when Howard Schultz, the interim CEO, talked about new employee benefits that Starbucks would roll out. "We do not have the same freedom to make these improvements at locations that have a union or where union organizing is underway," Schultz said in a Tuesday conference call with analysts. Starbucks Workers United contends Schultz's position about extending new benefits violates federal labor law. Workers from the Delaware-Chippewa location said they decided to hold a one-day strike to protest Schultz's remarks, among other anti-union activity the workers claim the company is engaging in. Starbucks posted a note on the store's door, explaining the location was temporarily closed. Members of Starbucks Workers United posted a letter of their own next to it, explaining why they walked out and pledging to return to work on Friday. "On top of everything else that we have been dealing with, we are being told that we are being excluded from benefits that we have been asking for," said Emily Bassett, an employee of the Delaware-Chippewa store since last August. "And while we cannot say this is their intention, it seems clear that they are attempting to retaliate, although we cannot say for certain, obviously." In a statement, Starbucks disputed claims made by union members, but said the company would "continue to respect the rights of those who seek unionization and those who seek to keep a direct relationship with us as we build a better Starbucks." The company challenged statements made in the letter posted on the store's door, a copy of which was posted on Twitter. The letter blamed Schultz for "threats and firings" of employees, and accused him of fueling an anti-union campaign. "We fully disagree with the mischaracterizations, baseless accusations and the falsehoods presented in their letter and are concerned with the impact such statements may have on our partners who disagree with the Workers United organizers," the company said. Michelle Eisen, a Starbucks Workers United leader, said the enhanced benefits Schultz talked about for workers at nonunion stores reflected proposals that the union has made at the bargaining table. Workers waving signs called attention to the strike at the corner of Delaware and Chippewa. The store there has been visited often by Starbucks corporate officials staying in hotels across the street during their frequent visits to Buffalo, said Roisin Doherty, who recently stopped working at the store but remains involved in union activities. Starbucks also used the store as the backdrop for a "how to vote" video distributed to local employees, Doherty said. Eisen said the strike was the culmination of frustration by workers at that location. "This store was particularly inundated with surveillance and intimidation and just put in a really terrible position," she said. Starbucks has denied using any intimidation tactics against its employees. Workers at five area Starbucks stores have voted in favor of unionizing, including the Delaware-Chippewa store, where the vote was 18-1. The vote at a store at Walden and Anderson in Cheektowaga stands at 10-10, with a National Labor Relations Board official to decide whether to count one ballot not yet opened. Workers at a store on Camp Road in Hamburg voted against union representation, but the union has filed an objection. Matt Glynn 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. The Massachusetts child protection system failed to prioritize the needs of a 5-year-old New Hampshire girl who vanished in 2019 after her father was awarded custody, according to a much-anticipated independent review released Wednesday. Harmony Montgomery suffered from a ripple effect of miscalculations of risk and unequal weight placed on parents rights versus a childs wellbeing, said Maria Mossaides, head of Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate. We do not know Harmony Montgomerys ultimate fate, and unfortunately, we may never, Mossaides said at a news conference. But we do know that this beautiful young child experienced many tragedies in her short life, and that by not putting her and her needs first, our system ultimately failed her. The review was promised earlier this year, not long after police in Manchester, New Hampshire, learned the child had been missing for two years and began a massive investigation. She is still considered a missing person. Her father Adam Montgomery said he brought Harmony to be with her mother in Massachusetts around Thanksgiving in 2019, but her mother hadnt seen her since a video conversation that Easter. Adam Montgomery and her stepmother, Kayla Montgomery, pleaded not guilty on charges related to her wellbeing. They remain in jail. A message seeking comment on the report was left with Adam Montgomerys lawyer. Investigators have narrowed the window for her disappearance to 13 days in late 2019, coinciding with the eviction of her father and stepmother and witness accounts of the family living in cars. Harmony Montgomery was born in Massachusetts in 2014 to unmarried parents who were no longer together and had a history of substance abuse, according to the report by the independent agency. Her father was in prison when she was born. She is blind in one eye and has behavioral needs, and was in the custody of child protective services in Massachusetts since she was 2 months old. She was moved between the homes of her mother and her foster parents multiple times, the report said, causing significant trauma and harm. Harmony wasnt made a priority in her own legal case, the report said, with neither the judge nor the attorneys putting her medical, behavioral and educational needs or safety at the forefront of custody discussions. The report also said they did not enforce requirements that govern the placement of children from one state into another. With the exception of the attorneys for Massachusetts child services, all of the other attorneys in the case did not object to Harmony being returned to her father without a home study and didnt have objections to the fact that he had never had an overnight visit with her that we are aware of, Mossaides said. She said the child services attorney did not make a strong enough case, though, and was hampered by the inability to effectively assess Montgomery. Massachusetts Department of Children and Families released a statement Wednesday saying it remains deeply concerned about Harmonys disappearance and agrees with the child advocate office that children's safety should be the priority not only of DCF but of all the participants in our child protection system. As the OCA report states, the Department continues to make meaningful and lasting reforms, the statement said. According to the report, Massachusetts' child services department had focused primarily on Harmonys mother, Crystal Sorey. Harmony was removed from her care several times and sent to live with a foster family. The report said that although Adam Montgomery was non-responsive for long periods of time, during the times when he appeared to be in communication with the DCF case management team, they were not able to engage him, except to facilitate his supervised visits with Harmony. Soreys lawyer, Rus Rilee, said in a statement Wednesday that despite the admitted failures in the Massachusetts report, the ultimate responsibility for Harmonys disappearance falls on New Hampshires Division for Children, Youth and Families for failing to remove Harmony from her fathers care and custody after reports that he physically abused her, for which he has been arrested. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. James Hedges Named Dean of Division of Online & Continuing Education May 5, 2022 OGDEN, Utah James Hedges has been named the new dean of Weber State Universitys Division of Online & Continuing Education (DOCE). Hedges, who has a Ph.D. in communication from the University of Utah, currently serves as the director of professional and continuing education at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, overseeing all competency-based programs and serving as the primary relationship manager with corporate partnerships. Hedges said his passion is exploring future workforce needs and developing educational solutions to fulfill those needs. The people at Weber State have a unified commitment to student success which was a deciding factor in why I chose to take this position. In my mind, this culture is crucial to executing the institutions commitment to equity and being a leader within the changing landscape of higher education, Hedges said. Weber State has a proven track record of doing great work in continuing education and digital learning, so I am extremely excited to build on that momentum. Weber States Board of Trustees approved the selection following a national search. Dr. Hedges brings a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset in developing institutional and corporate partnerships, WSU provost Ravi Krovi said. He has extensive experience in the development of customized programs and flexible pathways to meet the educational needs of adult learners. As dean of DOCE, Hedges will further the divisions mission of extending lifelong learning opportunities beyond Weber States traditional course offerings. DOCE oversees professional development courses and certifications, community education courses, concurrent enrollment, and flexible, online degrees. Hedges has worked in both faculty and administrative roles at Westminster since 2008. From 2011-14, he served as the director of the arts administration program and held the director of leadership certificate program and director of innovative learning at the college from 2014-19. He also taught speech and communications classes, giving him firsthand knowledge of the changing landscape of higher education. I think that experience has positioned me well to understand the demands on students, how busy their lives are today and the type of programming that best meets their needs, he said. I am a strong advocate for adult learners and non-traditional students and I think I bring an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset to how Weber State can meet all students where they are at. Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. FILE PHOTO: Binance app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration By Elizabeth Howcroft and Mathieu Rosemain LONDON/PARIS (Reuters) -Cryptocurrency exchange Binance has registered with France's market regulator, Chief Executive Officer Changpeng Zhao said in a tweet on Wednesday, advancing the company's plan to make Paris its European base. "It's a real stamp of quality," said Binance France's General Manager David Princay, referring to the registration with the regulator, AMF. "The perception is changing. It allows us ... to move to a new phase, which is educating (the French public) to the blockchain." Blockchain is a shared record of information maintained and updated by a computer network rather than a central authority. Major cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin rely on the technology. Princay said Binance France was now seeking a formal licence from the French markets regulator to open a regional headquarters in France. Binance claimed it was the country's top cryptocurrency exchange even before the registration. France is the first European Union country to register Binance, which is also seeking registration in Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and Austria, Princay said. In March, Binance gained licenses from Dubai and Bahrain. Last year Binance received warnings from more than a dozen national regulators, including those in Germany, Italy and Britain. Some said it was operating without a licence in their jurisdictions. Binance's CEO, widely known by his initials "CZ", last month pledged to invest 100 million euros ($105.51 million) in France and said he would grant 2 million euros for the restoration of a room at Chateau de Versailles. He also tweeted in support of French President Emmanuel Macron's re-election bid. Since its 2017 launch in Shanghai, Binance has aggressively expanded worldwide. A Reuters investigation published last month showed that in Russia, where Binance dominates the crypto market, the exchange expanded its business while building ties with Russian government agencies. ($1 = 0.9478 euros) (Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft and Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Richard Chang) The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. In 1994, Singapore caned American teenager Michael Fay for vandalism, a day after the sentence was reduced from six lashes to four in response to an appeal by President Bill Clinton. 1925: John T. Scopes 1961: Alan B. Shepard Jr. 1973: Secretariat 1994: Michael Fay 2012: Khalid Sheikh Mohammed 2016: Lonnie Franklin Jr. 2020: Facebook 2020: Tyson Foods Bat Out of Hell will return to the West End next year! It's been announced that the much-loved show, featuring the tunes of Jim Steinman, will play for a limited season next spring after wrapping up its UK and Ireland tour later this year. The WhatsOnStage Award-winning show, which follows a group of immortal teens who live in a dystopic wasteland and are embroiled in all manner of romantic frolics and fracas, has direction by Jay Scheib, choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed. Set and costume design is by Jon Bausor, with original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and UK Tour casting by Anne Vosser. The show will play a limited season at the Peacock Theatre with performances from 17 February, ending on 1 April 2023, while also planning a Las Vegas residency from September 2022. Casting for both is to be revealed. It is being performed in memory of Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on 19 April 2021, and Meat Loaf, who passed away on 20 January 2022. Tickets for the tour are on sale below. A rural Chippewa Falls man has been sentenced to three years in prison after he was convicted of a variety of crimes last year that occurred across Chippewa County. Justin J. Krause, 38, 1725 113th St., pleaded no contest in January to theft of movable property, bail jumping, retail theft, misappropriate an ID, fraud against a financial institution, and possession of meth. Those convictions stem from multiple, separate arrests across 2020 and 2021, court records show. At the sentencing Tuesday, Judge James Isaacson ordered the three-year prison sentence, along with three years of extended supervision. Krause was given credit for 13 days already served. Krause must pay $7,085 in court costs and fines, and while on extended supervision, he cannot consume alcohol or illegal drugs, or enter taverns. According to one criminal complaint, an officer made a traffic stop on July 15, 2020 in the town of Lafayette. The officer learned Krauses drivers license was revoked. When the officer asked if there were drugs in the vehicle, Krause began to sweat profusely and no longer finished any sentences. When officers searched the vehicle, they discovered a gem pack that later tested positive for two grams of methamphetamine, money inside the center console, and two scales. In a separate matter, police were contacted Feb. 10, 2021 of a report of fraud from the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center. Withdrawals had occurred from a residents bank account on three separate occasions; police later tied the theft back to Krause. In a different case, police arrested Krause on March 7, 2021, after he was observed stealing merchandise from the Lake Hallie Walmart. Krause also was arrested April 26, 2021, in Chippewa Falls after a woman reported to police that more than $900 had been fraudulently taken from her account. Krause, who knows the victims husband, admitted he had taken the debit card and used it. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Contracts Manager (Humanitarian Cash Transfer), Copenhagen Organization: Unicef Country: Denmark City: Copenhagen Office: UNICEF Copenhagen Closing date: Thursday, 12 May 2022 Contracts Manager (Humanitarian Cash Transfer), P-4, FT # 119366, Budapest, Hungary Job no: 550638 Position type: Fixed Term Appointment Location: Hungary Division/Equivalent: Field Results Group School/Unit: Copenhagen Department/Office: Supply Division, COPENHAGEN Categories: Supply Management UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up. For every child, an Education The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to childrens rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a societys most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. Strategic office context: The position reports to the Contracts Manager in the Services Contracting Centre (SCC), Supply Division based in Budapest, Hungary. The responsibilities of the Centre include the centralization of Head Quarters (HQ) procurement, and service contracting, focusing on optimizing institutional contracting of services. As part of the strategic plan and in collaboration with other UNICEF HQ Divisions, Supply Division is scaling up several strategic interventions to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and build organizational capacity related to procurement and contracting of Humanitarian Cash Transfer (HCT) related services. This will include support to UNICEF Country Offices, representation of UNICEF in the UN Common Cash system working groups, close collaborations with other UNICEF HQ Divisions. How can you make a difference? Under the general guidance of the Contracts Manager, the position is responsible for the provision of technical support to regional and country level on Humanitarian Cash Transfer (HCT) related procurement activities including knowledge management, capacity development, contracting process, implementation and management, market research and long- term procurement planning, etc. The position is also responsible for chairing the UNCCS Procurement and Finance Working Group (PFWG), as well as maintaining a close collaboration with the HCT Chief of unit in the PG Social Protection team and the HQ inter division cash team. You will be accountable for: Provide technical advice and best practice on procurement and contracting for services to Supply Division centers, Regional Offices, and Country Offices on all phases of the HCT procurement cycle. Supports review of procurement strategies and transactions. Work as part of the HQ HCT team to initiate and complete procurement process for HCT related services on behalf of CO and ensures all procurement activities comply with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures. Support to RO/CO implement procurement and contracting related preparedness initiatives including strategic sourcing, market analysis, including, in country technical support mission etc. Represent UNICEF and contribute to inter-agency procurement processes and other collaborative efforts for HCT, including UN Common cash System working groups. Provide support to the development of training materials, institutional capacity building training on Payment Agency including co-facilitating training or workshops, etc. Make recommendations for finalization of contracting processes and award of contracts; signs procurement orders/contracts up to the authorized limit, and, in cases where the amount exceeds authorized signature authority, prepares/reviews submissions to the Contracts Review Committee for review and subsequent approval by the authorized official. Conduct contracts management to ensure supplier compliance to LTAS and contractual terms and conditions. Actively contribute to the design and development of institutional policies and procedures on contracting for services; development of standards, tools and criteria for service contracting, including establishment of KPIs and reporting tools for service contracting function. Establish work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and performance of reporting staff, including active encouragement of UN collaboration approaches. Support the Contract Manager in reviewing, management and response to crosscutting strategies, reviews, assessments, consultations and improvement initiatives etc. Serves as OIC as required. Any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have... Education Advanced university degree in Procurement, Contract/Commercial Law, Business Administration, Economics, Supply Chain Management or related field. *A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 10 years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Work Experience Eight years of relevant professional work experience in procurement/contracting for high value, high risk and complex procurement / contracting of services. An understanding or working knowledge of UNICEF contracting rules or a similar UN organization is desirable. Operational experience and/or exposure to humanitarian cash transfer programme is desirable. Previous experience working at the field offices or at the HQ providing support to Field offices. Languages Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of another UN Language (preferably French or Arabic) is an advantage. For every Child, you demonstrate... UNICEFs values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA). The core competencies required for this post are; Builds and maintains partnerships Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness Drive to achieve results for impact Innovates and embraces change Thinks and acts strategically Manages ambiguity and complexity Works collaboratively with others To view our competency framework, please visit here. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Remarks: Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at: http://www.whed.net/ Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. For more information about life at UNICEF and how we hire, please visit UNICEF Career website Advertised: Apr 29 2022 Central Europe Daylight Time Application close: May 12 2022 Central Europe Daylight Time Link to the organizations job posting: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1651245948042 Human Resources Associate, Stockholm, Sweden Organization: Unicef Country: Sweden City: Stockholm Office: UNICEF in Stockholm, Sweden Closing date: Sunday, 15 May 2022 Human Resources Associate, GS6, TA, Office of Innovation, Stockholm, Sweden (Post # 119848) Job no: 550547 Position type: Temporary Appointment Location: Sweden Division/Equivalent: Field Results Group School/Unit: Office of Global Innovation Department/Office: Directors Office, OOI, Sweden Categories: Human Resources, Administration UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up. For every child, hope... The Office of Innovation (OoI) works to catalyze UNICEFs and all its partners expertise and resources against key children-outcomes bottlenecks, with a view to continuously ideate and scale the most effective solutions with transformational potential at scale to achieve the child-related SDGs. The office is doing this by continuously exploring new ways of accelerating results for children, investing across a range of early stage solutions, and harnessing internal and external expertise towards continuously iterating and finetuning the most promising solutions for children through a systematic portfolio management approach, and leveraging all stakeholders innovation energy, knowhow and resources from intergovernmental, multilateral, private sector, and non-governmental fora (think tank, academia). The Human Resources Associate is accountable for both transactional HR activities pertaining to recruitment and onboarding, administration of entitlements, staff wellbeing etc. The Job Profile covers a broad range of functions, however, depending on the context, the incumbent may focus on all or some of the areas. Therefore, specific areas of focus will be made clear in annual work plans as well as individual performance plans. How can you make a difference? Under the guidance and overall direction of the Human Resources Officer, the Human Resources Associate provides administrative, procedural, and operational support and assistance to the efficient implementation of a broad range of Human Resources functions for all categories of staff in his/her office, ensuring accurate and timely delivery that is in compliance with UNICEF HR rules and regulations. The incumbent will: Support recruitment and placement Prepares, launches, and circulates Vacancy Announcements, prepares longlisting of candidates and administers the assessments in coordination with Hiring Managers and panel (test, interviews etc.). Finalizes all the documentation (selection report etc) and gets appropriate approvals. Liaises with candidates in the various stages of the recruitment process. Provides timely feedback to candidates after each stage of the recruitment process. Initiates and follows up on reference checks and academic verifications and ensuring the completion of other background checks. Monitors, life cycle of recruitment process to update supervisor as necessary with high focus on KPIs and diversity. Supports with job classification of newly established posts. Support onboarding for newly recruited staff Once the offer of appointment is accepted, initiates the full cycle onboarding process for newly recruited staff: Coordinates with staff and hiring section to identify the start date Support on the installation with all concerned sections to ensure required equipment and access is issued in advance. Schedules induction briefings with all concerned sections/parties with the new staff. Collects feedback from staff on the process for more efficiency and effectiveness of the process. Update onboarding tracking sheet. Administer off boarding process once staff separation/reassignment is confirmed Initiates the full cycle of offboarding process. Sends clear instructions for concerned staff to start clearance process. Supports staff in finalizing required clearance documentations. Coordinates with other Operations Sections to ensure UNICEF account and equipment is handed over and Initiate separation process in UNICEF system. Schedules Exit Interviews. Updates offboarding tracking sheet. Support to HR Business Partnering Support the business partners in assisting clientele in using HR systems such as Talent Management, Agora and Achieve. Maintain and generate automated databases containing HR and contracts related statistics and generating periodic reports; and performing a variety of administrative duties (e.g. leave recording, etc.). Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing Strengthen knowledge of OoI staff on contracting processes and policies to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Assist with the development and implementation of learning plans. Policy updates and procedures to improve service delivery. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices leading to updates of standard operating procedures if needed. Others Maintains an up-to-date organizational chart for office use. Supports with implementation of office improvements in coordination with team members. Supports with organizing and administering different events and initiatives. Other duties assigned by supervisor. To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have... Education: Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work. Experience: A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible in general administrative work out of which three (3) years in Human resources required. Technical Extensive knowledge of HR principles. Computer literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools as well as good knowledge and skill in using HR systems. Ability to extract and format data and to solve operational problems. Ability to organize own work, set priorities and meet deadlines. Interpersonal and communication. Takes responsibility to respond to internal and external service needs promptly and proactively. Takes initiative to ensure that deadlines, rules, and regulations are met. Uses own discretion to address unforeseen situations. Demonstrates a high degree of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment. Demonstrates courtesy, tact, patience, and ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds. Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset. For every Child, you demonstrate... UNICEFs values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA). The UNICEF competencies required for this post are... Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness Works Collaboratively with others Builds and Maintains Partnerships Innovates and Embraces Change Thinks and Acts Strategically Drive to achieve impactful results Manages ambiguity and complexity Functional competencies: Analyzing Learning & Researching Planning and organizing Following Instructions and Procedures To view our competency framework, please visit here. Applicants must be nationals of EU countries or in possession of a valid work permit in Sweden. Please attach a copy of your work permit to your application submission. General Service (GS) staff are locally recruited staff and therefore, candidates are personally responsible for any travel and accommodation arrangements. UNICEF does not facilitate accreditation for locally recruited staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. Advertised: Apr 27 2022 W. Europe Daylight Time Application close: May 15 2022 W. Europe Daylight Time Link to the organizations job posting: https://unjobs.org/vacancies/1651064502134 Chippewa Falls Main Street was recognized for its outstanding downtown revitalization efforts at the 31st Wisconsin Main Street Awards ceremony held in downtown Fond du Lac on April 22. String Theory Studio took top honors in the Diversity & Inclusion Award at the event, which was hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). The awards ceremony recognized the efforts by Wisconsin Main Street volunteers and staff for their historic preservation and downtown economic development efforts of communities around the state in 2021. WEDC congratulates String Theory Studio for its outstanding efforts to revitalize and improve downtown, said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. A vibrant downtown is critical to a communitys overall economic development as well as the quality of life for its residents, and we commend Katie & Brit Bushman, owners of String Theory Studio, for being among the best in the state when it comes to strengthening its downtown. From our business conception we knew we wanted to make it our goal to create a place for all community members to feel safe and represented, said co-owner Katie Bushland. We love our town, and we feel passionate about increasing visible safe spaces and representation for the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC members of our community. When we opened our doors we focused on finding vendors, products, and events that fostered a sense of representation and connection. Wisconsin Main Street is a community development program administered by WEDC that targets the states historic commercial districts. WEDC provides technical support and training to the 34 Main Street communities and 83 Connect Communities to help them revitalize their business districts based on guidelines developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since the programs inception in 1987, Wisconsin Main Street community projects have resulted in the creation of more than 3,000 new businesses and more than 16,000 net new jobs. In addition, more than $2.5 billion in public and private investment has occurred in Wisconsin Main Street communities. During fiscal year 2021, despite suffering one of the most dramatic economic declines in recent history, Wisconsin Main Street communities were responsible for the creation of an estimated 357 net new jobs and 134 net new businesses in the state. Nearly 25,000 volunteer hours were dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities around the state. Chippewa Falls Main Street has been part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program since 1989. 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. A former vice president of marketing at Janesvilles Mercyhealth who reaped millions of dollars in a kickback scheme engineered with the hospitals marketing contractor was sentenced Wednesday to 3 years in federal prison for wire fraud and tax evasion. U.S. District Judge William Conley told Barbara Bortner, 57, of Milton, that the sentence she received wasnt a reflection of the person she is, but instead was a response to what she did and for how long. Were it not for the severity of the crime, I would not have imposed the sentence I did, Conley said, after sentencing Bortner to 42 months for a five-year scheme that reaped more than $3.1 million from Mercyhealth and cheated the Internal Revenue Service out of nearly $778,000 in unpaid taxes. In 2015, Bortner and her co-defendant, Ryan Weckerly, conceived a plan in which Weckerly submitted inflated invoices to Mercyhealth for services provided by his marketing firm, then kicked back the excess money he received to Bortner, who had agreed to continue using Weckerlys firm as Mercyhealths primary marketing agency. Weckerly, 47, of Sycamore, Illinois, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 17. The volume of support Bortner received from family, friends and colleagues, Conley said, was among the most he has seen for a criminal defendant. But he said in sentencing Bortner, I have to consider the severity of the crime and the length of time you committed it. Bortner said she was sorry for her behavior and said she is ashamed and embarrassed of myself. She said she was trying to be someone Im not, a super successful person people admired, which led her down the path of trying to please people and live beyond her means. But in doing so, she said, she hurt her family and her community. I will live with this shame for the rest of my life, Bortner said. Conley sparred at times with Bortners attorney, Thomas Brown, who said at one point he believed Conley has a very negative view of my client, a charge Conley denied. Instead, Conley said the driving force behind the sentence he gave Bortner was deterrence specifically of Bortner and of others like her who might consider similar schemes. Deterrence may not function well in fashioning sentences for some crimes, Conley said, but in some white-collar crimes, when the rewards versus the risks of being caught are calculated, it can be effective. If there is any benefit to deterrence its in a setting like this one, Conley said. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner argued in a sentencing memorandum for a 54-month prison sentence. Though not stated specifically in court, Brown argued for something less. His sentencing memorandum was filed under seal. But Conley said Browns memorandum argued that Bortner only faced a lengthy sentence because of the money she took, an idea Conley said could hardly be more tone-deaf. Bortner was audited in 2019 by the IRS and at that point told the agency that a company she created to disguise the kickbacks was a legitimate company that performed marketing work. But the kickback scheme continued for another year after the IRS contact, Conley noted, before Bortner admitted committing the crime. Bortner will have to pay back what she took, but the exact division of restitution between Bortner and Weckerly will not be set until a hearing in August. Brown said Bortner has pulled together more than $1.8 million to put toward the eventual restitution figure. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Best-selling author Dave Eggers is offering high school seniors in South Dakota's second-largest city free copies of his book The Circle and copies of four books by other authors that were removed from the district's schools. FILE - Author David Eggers talks about his new book, "The Monk of Mokhtar" Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 in Oakland, Calif. Best-selling author Dave Eggers is offering high school seniors in South Dakota's second-largest city free copies of his book "The Circle" and copies of four books by other authors that were removed from the district's schools. (Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle via AP, File) RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Best-selling author Dave Eggers is offering high school seniors in South Dakota's second-largest city free copies of his book "The Circle" and copies of four books by other authors that were removed from the district's schools. School administrators in Rapid City deemed the books inappropriate for high school students and and marked the district's copies as surplus to be destroyed. "The mass destruction of books by school boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking young people of South Dakota shouldnt be subjected to it," Eggers said. "Every high school student should have unfettered access to literature, so if youre a Rapid City high school senior, email our office and ask for any of these titles. For every copy the school board destroys, lets add a new one to the local circulation." Valerie Brablec Seales, Rapid City Area Schools' director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, told the Board of Education that teachers requested the books and were considering using them in a new 12th-grade English course. Seales didn't say why administrators objected to "The Circle," which satirizes cultures and values that have emerged in the internet age. But she said the first concerns about one of the five books were raised in August, the Rapid City Journal reported. "The first question arose when one of the three high school principals sent me an image of a page in one of the books, an excerpt, and expressed concerns about not wanting it in their classrooms," she said Tuesday. She said the books were ordered and sent to a warehouse before being distributed to the district's three high schools. Copies of the five books in question were then listed as surplus and marked "to be destroyed." The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to delay a decision to destroy the books in order to seek legal advice. Eggers said Rapid City seniors can receive any of the books that were pulled from the high school at no cost to them by emailing Amanda Uhle at amanda@daveeggers.net. He said the books will be shipped to students by independent bookstores. The other books that the district pulled are "How Beautiful We Were: A Novel" by Imbolo Mbue, which follows a young woman from a small African village who starts a revolution against an American oil company. Also removed was "Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic," a graphic memoir about author Alison Bechdel's fraught relationship with her late father, and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, which some schools elsewhere have banned because of its references to drug and alcohol use and sexual content. The other book removed is the Booker prize-winning "Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel" by Bernardine Evaristo, which follows the lives and struggles of twelve characters, many of whom are Black British women. OTTAWA - Canadians' movements, including trips to the liquor store and pharmacy, were closely tracked via their mobile phones without their knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic, a report sent to a parliamentary committee shows. A man looks at his phone as he walks along the Samsung stand during the Mobile World Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, on February 27, 2017. Canadians movements, including trips to the liquor store and pharmacy, were tracked via their mobile phones without their knowledge and sent to Ottawa to help it understand travel patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a report sent to a committee of MPs shows. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Emilio Morenatti OTTAWA - Canadians' movements, including trips to the liquor store and pharmacy, were closely tracked via their mobile phones without their knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic, a report sent to a parliamentary committee shows. Outbreak intelligence analysts BlueDot prepared reports using anonymized data for the Public Health Agency of Canada to help it understand travel patterns during the pandemic. The federal government provided one of these reports to the House of Commons ethics committee as it probed the collection and use of mobile phone data by the public health agency. The report reveals the agency was able to view a detailed snapshot of people's behaviour, including visits to the grocery store, gatherings with family and friends, time spent at home and trips to other towns and provinces. MPs on the ethics committee expressed surprise at how much detail the report contained, even as all identifying information was stripped out. "Questions remain about the specifics of the data provided if Canadians rights were violated, and what advice the Liberal government was given," said Damien Kurek, Conservative MP for Battle River-Crowfoot. The committee on Wednesday released a report on its overall probe into the agencys collection of phone data during the pandemic. It concluded the government should tell Canadians if it collects data about their movements and allow them to opt out. The Public Health Agency said it took safeguarding Canadians' privacy very seriously and the analysis on Canadians' movements it received "is not about following individuals' trips to a specific location, but rather in understanding whether the number of visits to specific locations have increased or decreased over time." "For example, point-of-interest data from BlueDot identifies the number of visits to grocery stores, parks, liquor stores and hospitals," a spokesman said. "All we receive is the location of the point of interest and the number of visits for a specific day." Adam van Koeverden, parliamentary secretary to the minister of health, sent the sample BlueDot report to the ethics committee on Jan. 31. It covers movements in September 2021. The report provides information on how many people were moving between specific towns, such as the border community of Abbotsford, B.C., as well as provinces and territories. It shows movements across the Canada-U.S. border, comparing travel to previous weeks and years going back to 2019. The phone locations allowed the agency to get a picture of gatherings occurring in peoples houses, such as over the Labour Day weekend. The report included a graph recording hours spent away from home in each province between Christmas Day 2020 to the week of Sept. 19, 2021. Kamran Khan, founder and CEO of BlueDot, said the companys role is to produce "infectious disease insights," not to collect location data directly from mobile devices. He said BlueDot has no interest in the movements or lifestyles of individuals. 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. "Our only goal is to help protect lives and livelihoods from infectious diseases, which requires intelligence about overall trends in populations," he said. The company procured anonymous and aggregated data from third-party vendors so there was no information about the specific device the data came from. "None of the information ever includes demographic information or specific identifiers or anything like a name, telephone number, email or address," he said. "The data and analysis that we do provide are indicators: statistical summaries of anonymous device information, such as the total number of devices travelling between two cities." The public health agency gave The Canadian Press an example of the way the data is presented to them, showing addresses of beer and liquor stores, the number of visits and the date the visits occurred. It included no names or identifying personal information. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. FILE - A worker in a protective suit swabs a man's throat for a COVID-19 test at a testing site in an office complex in Beijing, Friday, April 29, 2022. The World Health Organization on Thursday, May 5, 2022 is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. Most of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, according to a WHO report issued Thursday. The U.N. health agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the newly calculated figure as sobering, saying it should prompt countries to invest more in their capacities to quell future health emergencies. WHO tasked scientists with determining the actual number of COVID-19 deaths between January 2020 and the end of last year. They estimated that between 13.3 million and 16.6 million people died either due to the coronavirus directly or because of factors somehow attributed to the pandemics impact on health systems, such as cancer patients who were unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients. Based on that range, the scientists came up with an approximated total of 14.9 million. FILE - World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a news conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. The World Health Organization on Thursday, May 5, 2022 is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht, File) The estimate was based on country-reported data and statistical modeling, but only about half of countries provided information. WHO said it wasn't yet able to break down the data to distinguish between direct deaths from COVID-19 and those related to effects of the pandemic, but the agency plans a future project examining death certificates. This may seem like just a bean-counting exercise, but having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one, said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious diseases specialist at the Yale School of Public Health who was not linked to the WHO research. For example, Ko said, South Koreas decision to invest heavily in public health after it suffered a severe outbreak of MERS allowed it to escape COVID-19 with a per-capita death rate around a 20th of the one in the United States. Accurately counting COVID-19 deaths has been problematic throughout the pandemic, as reports of confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the devastation wrought by the virus, largely because of limited testing. Government figures reported to WHO and a separate tally kept by Johns Hopkins University show more than 6.2 million reported virus deaths to date. Scientists at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington calculated for a recent study published in the journal Lancet that there were more than 18 million COVID deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. A team led by Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3 million uncounted coronavirus deaths in India alone. WHO's new analysis estimated that missed deaths in India alone ranged between 3.3 million to 6.5 million. FILE - A worker, wearing full protective gear, moves the casket of a victim of COVID-19 to be cremated during a partial lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus at the Pontes crematorium center in Lommel, Belgium, Thursday, April 16, 2020. The World Health Organization is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years. That is more than double its official death toll. The U.N. health agency says most of the fatalities were in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. In a report released Thursday, May 5, 2022 WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus describes the figure as sobering." (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File) In a statement following the release of WHO's data, India disputed the U.N. agency's methodology. India's Health and Family Welfare Ministry called the analysis and data collection methods questionable and complained that the new death estimates were released without adequately addressing India's concerns. Samira Asma, a senior WHO director, acknowledged that numbers are sometimes controversial and that all estimates are only an approximation of the virus' catastrophic effects. It has become very obvious during the entire course of the pandemic, there have been data that is missing," Asma told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. "Basically, all of us were caught unprepared. Ko said the new figures from WHO might also explain some lingering mysteries about the pandemic, like why Africa appears to have been one of the least affected by the virus, despite its fragile health systems and low vaccination rates. Were the mortality rates so low because we couldnt count the deaths, or was there some other factor to explain that? he asked, citing the far higher mortality rates in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Bharat Pankhania, a public health specialist at Britains University of Exeter, said the world may never get close to measuring the true toll of COVID-19, particularly in poor countries. When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died, he explained. Pankhania said that while the estimated COVID-19 death toll still pales in comparison to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which experts estimate caused up to 100 million deaths, the fact that so many people died despite the advances of modern medicine, including vaccines, is shameful. He also warned that the cost of COVID-19 could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of caring for people with long COVID. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it, he said. There was not an enduring immunological condition that were seeing right now with COVID." We do not know the extent to which people with long COVID will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems, Pankhania said. ____ Krutika Pathi and Ashok Sharma in New Delhi contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic NEW YORK (AP) A leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would abolish a nationwide right to abortion has thrust major companies into whats arguably the most divisive issue in American politics. FILE - Demonstrators protest outside of the U.S. Supreme Court as law enforcement officers stand ready, May 3, 2022, in Washington. A leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion overruling the landmark Roe v. Wade decision has thrust companies into the limelight on whats arguably the most divisive issue in American politics. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) NEW YORK (AP) A leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion that would abolish a nationwide right to abortion has thrust major companies into whats arguably the most divisive issue in American politics. But while some are signaling support for abortion rights, many want to stay out of it at least for now. Experts say its tough to navigate these waters. Companies are facing increasing pressure from social media and their own employees to speak out. And while some of them have weighed in on issues like LGBTQ rights, voting rights and gun control, the thorny issue of abortion could prove to be more challenging. This is the hottest of the hot potatoes, said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce. While lots of issues are polarizing, this is ground zero for polarization. People are fanatically passionate one way or another. Despite the risks, major companies have waded into the abortion issue in the past. In 2019, more than 180 of them including H&M, Slack and Glossier signed an open letter that said restrictive abortion laws were against their values and bad for business. A similar letter was signed by more than 60 companies last year in response to a Texas law banning abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, forcing some women to travel out-of-state to access the procedure. Among others, jeans maker Levi Strauss & Co., the online reviews site Yelp, banking giant Citigroup and ride-hailing company Lyft pledged to cover travel costs for employees who have to travel long distances to access an abortion. When the report of the draft court opinion set off a political firestorm this week, a few companies issued statements supporting abortion rights but stopped short of taking further action themselves. Overturning Roe v. Wade will jeopardize the human rights of millions of women who stand to lose the liberty to make decisions over their own bodies," Yelp said in a statement. Turning back the clock on the progress women have made over the past 50 years will have a seismic impact on our society and economy. Many others have remained quiet. They include Netflix, PayPal, Microsoft, Patagonia, Target, Walmart and Apple, which is reportedly covering travel costs for its Texas workers through its medical insurance. Microsoft and the Chamber of Commerce, the worlds largest business federation, said it had no comment; the rest did not respond to requests for comment. The Business Roundtable, which represents some of the country's most powerful companies, said it does not have a position on this issue. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, also did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment, though its chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, posted on her personal social media accounts on Tuesday that the document represents a scary day for women all across the country. Adamson believes that many companies have held off weighing in on the Supreme Courts draft because they want to wait to see the court's final ruling. This gives companies a chance to think this through, he said, noting that companies need to make a decision based on what the majority of their employees want. Over the past few years, companies have added their voices to the Black Lives Matter movement and issues like same-sex marriage. After the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, dozens pledged to halt donations to lawmakers who objected to Congress certification of President Joe Bidens victory, promises that turned out to be largely empty. But taking a stance on controversial issues is seemingly becoming more challenging, oftentimes pitting companies against Republican lawmakers who seem increasingly eager to push back. Delta, which declined to comment on the abortion issue, was the subject of attacks by the Georgia GOP last year for its opposition to the states restrictive voting rights bill. In response, Georgias Republican-controlled House voted to revoke a jet fuel tax break that benefits the Atlanta-based company, an effort that ultimately fizzled. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last month to dissolve the private government Walt Disney World controls on its property in the state as retribution for the companys opposition to a new law critics have dubbed Dont Say Gay. On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced a bill that would prohibit companies from claiming tax deductions for their employees' abortion travel costs or gender transition expenses for employees children. State lawmakers are similarly taking aim at companies that offer help to women seeking abortions in states with less restrictive laws around abortions. Should Roe v. Wade get overturned, roughly half of states are likely to quickly ban abortion. In March, Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain, a Republican, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Citigroup, saying he would propose legislation barring local governments in the state from doing business with any company that provides travel benefits for employees seeking abortions. If enacted, Cain said the bill would prevent the New York-based bank from underwriting municipal bonds in Texas unless the bank rescinds its policy. In South Dakota, GOP Rep. Scott Odenbach suggested lawmakers might look at legislation to discourage companies from covering the costs of employees who travel to another state for an abortion, noting that the states proximity to Minnesota, where abortion will remain legal even if Roe is undone, raises cross-border issues. David Levine, a professor at UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, said the legality of what states can or cant do to regulate companies who cover such costs can get murky. He said the easiest thing lawmakers can do is to remove tax breaks offered to companies who cover them. Businesses face tough choices if they continue to operate in states that legislatively ban abortion, agreed John E. Katsos, a research affiliate at Queens University Belfast in Northern Ireland, who consults with multinational companies. Katsos predicted insurance companies would raise the premium rates of companies that operate in such states, because it costs more to insure a pregnant woman and children than to cover an abortion procedure. Shelley Cook | Uplift A weekly review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe that is delivered to your inbox each Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Some corporations have long paid for their employees travel-related expenses for surgeries out of state under their medical benefits, noted Katy Johnson, senior counsel of health policy at The American Benefits Council, a lobbying group in Washington, D.C. She said she has fielded more interest from companies since the abortion ban in Texas to cover travel expenses for abortion procedures. State abortion bans might make it harder for companies located in such states to recruit college-educated workers at a time of severe labor shortages, some experts said. That might outweigh any special tax privileges that helped to entice companies to locate there. You would rather pay higher tax and have great people than struggle to recruit people to your headquarters in Texas, said Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business. College graduates will have a lot of choices. And I think theres going to be a stigma and an aversion to moving to states that have these draconian laws." ____ Associated Press writers Doug Glass in Minneapolis and Barbara Ortutay in San Francisco contributed to this report. LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. FILE - A worker in a protective suit swabs a man's throat for a COVID-19 test at a testing site in an office complex in Beijing, Friday, April 29, 2022. The World Health Organization on Thursday, May 5, 2022 is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) LONDON (AP) The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 15 million people were killed either by coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems during the first two years of the pandemic, more than double the current official death toll of over 6 million. Most of the deaths occurred in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas, according to a WHO report issued Thursday. The U.N. health agencys director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the newly calculated figure as sobering, saying it should prompt countries to invest more in their capacities to quell future health emergencies. WHO tasked scientists with determining the actual number of COVID-19 deaths between January 2020 and the end of last year. They estimated that between 13.3 million and 16.6 million people died either due to the coronavirus directly or because of factors somehow attributed to the pandemics impact on health systems, such as cancer patients who were unable to seek treatment when hospitals were full of COVID patients. Based on that range, the scientists came up with an approximated total of 14.9 million. FILE - World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a news conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Friday, Feb. 11, 2022. The World Health Organization on Thursday, May 5, 2022 is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years, more than double the official death toll of 6 million. (AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht, File) The estimate was based on country-reported data and statistical modeling, but only about half of countries provided information. WHO said it wasn't yet able to break down the data to distinguish between direct deaths from COVID-19 and those related to effects of the pandemic, but the agency plans a future project examining death certificates. This may seem like just a bean-counting exercise, but having these WHO numbers is so critical to understanding how we should combat future pandemics and continue to respond to this one, said Dr. Albert Ko, an infectious diseases specialist at the Yale School of Public Health who was not linked to the WHO research. For example, Ko said, South Koreas decision to invest heavily in public health after it suffered a severe outbreak of MERS allowed it to escape COVID-19 with a per-capita death rate around a 20th of the one in the United States. Accurately counting COVID-19 deaths has been problematic throughout the pandemic, as reports of confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the devastation wrought by the virus, largely because of limited testing. Government figures reported to WHO and a separate tally kept by Johns Hopkins University show more than 6.2 million reported virus deaths to date. Scientists at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington calculated for a recent study published in the journal Lancet that there were more than 18 million COVID deaths from January 2020 to December 2021. A team led by Canadian researchers estimated there were more than 3 million uncounted coronavirus deaths in India alone. WHO's new analysis estimated that missed deaths in India alone ranged between 3.3 million to 6.5 million. FILE - A worker, wearing full protective gear, moves the casket of a victim of COVID-19 to be cremated during a partial lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus at the Pontes crematorium center in Lommel, Belgium, Thursday, April 16, 2020. The World Health Organization is estimating that nearly 15 million people were killed either by the coronavirus or by its impact on overwhelmed health systems in the past two years. That is more than double its official death toll. The U.N. health agency says most of the fatalities were in Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. In a report released Thursday, May 5, 2022 WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus describes the figure as sobering." (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File) In a statement following the release of WHO's data, India disputed the U.N. agency's methodology. India's Health and Family Welfare Ministry called the analysis and data collection methods questionable and complained that the new death estimates were released without adequately addressing India's concerns. Samira Asma, a senior WHO director, acknowledged that numbers are sometimes controversial and that all estimates are only an approximation of the virus' catastrophic effects. It has become very obvious during the entire course of the pandemic, there have been data that is missing," Asma told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. "Basically, all of us were caught unprepared. Ko said the new figures from WHO might also explain some lingering mysteries about the pandemic, like why Africa appears to have been one of the least affected by the virus, despite its fragile health systems and low vaccination rates. Were the mortality rates so low because we couldnt count the deaths, or was there some other factor to explain that? he asked, citing the far higher mortality rates in the U.S. and Europe. Dr. Bharat Pankhania, a public health specialist at Britains University of Exeter, said the world may never get close to measuring the true toll of COVID-19, particularly in poor countries. When you have a massive outbreak where people are dying in the streets because of a lack of oxygen, bodies were abandoned or people had to be cremated quickly because of cultural beliefs, we end up never knowing just how many people died, he explained. Pankhania said that while the estimated COVID-19 death toll still pales in comparison to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, which experts estimate caused up to 100 million deaths, the fact that so many people died despite the advances of modern medicine, including vaccines, is shameful. He also warned that the cost of COVID-19 could be far more damaging in the long term, given the increasing burden of caring for people with long COVID. Shelley Cook | Uplift A weekly review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe that is delivered to your inbox each Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. With the Spanish flu, there was the flu and then there were some (lung) illnesses people suffered, but that was it, he said. There was not an enduring immunological condition that were seeing right now with COVID." We do not know the extent to which people with long COVID will have their lives cut short and if they will have repeated infections that will cause them even more problems, Pankhania said. ____ Krutika Pathi and Ashok Sharma in New Delhi contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic MONTREAL - Bombardier Inc. bolstered its business jet backlog in its first quarter, ramping up cash flow as more wealthy high-fliers opt for private plane travel in the COVID-19 era. Bombardier president and CEO Eric Martel introduces the new Challenger 3500 in Montreal on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Bombardier Inc. reported a loss in its latest quarter compared a profit a year ago when it completed the sale of its rail business to Alstom S.A. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson MONTREAL - Bombardier Inc. bolstered its business jet backlog in its first quarter, ramping up cash flow as more wealthy high-fliers opt for private plane travel in the COVID-19 era. The company increased its backlog of private jet orders by US$1.3 billion or 11 per cent to US$13.5 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio the ratio of orders received to units shipped and billed of 2.5. The bookings uptick left Bombardier with free cash flow of US$173 million, far above analyst expectations of a more than US$200-million loss, though the company did still report an overall net loss. While airlines struggled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, use of business jets rose by 23 per cent in the United States and 53 per cent in Europe last quarter compared with a year earlier, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Eurocontrol. Those leaps build on large increases in 2021. Flight cancellations, wariness of exposure to the virus and surging wealth among the ultra-rich the world's 2,755 billionaires saw their combined wealth rise by US$5 trillion since March 2021, according to a January report from Oxfam International have helped drive demand for private aircraft. The taste for luxury has seen buyers snap up used business jets as well, leaving the total number for sale at 3.1 per cent of the worldwide fleet as of late February, its lowest level in more than 25 years, according to market data firm Jetnet IQ and making new products a likelier option. Meanwhile airlines captured just 80 per cent of premium travel last year, down from 90 per cent before the pandemic, according to Alton Aviation Consultancy managing director Umang Gupta. The horrific war in Ukraine following Russia's invasion poses some challenges for Bombardier, said CEO Eric Martel. Russian customers account for roughly five per cent of Bombardier backlog, according to estimates from J.P. Morgan analyst Seth Seifman. The company has cancelled orders due to Russian sanctions, but views the situation as manageable. "Despite everything going on right now with Ukraine and Russia and Western Europe, we did remain extremely solid," he told analysts on a conference call Thursday. Nonetheless, Bombardier reported a loss in its latest quarter compared with a profit a year ago when it completed the sale of its rail business to Alstom S.A. The business jet maker, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, said its loss attributable to equity holders totalled US$287 million or 12 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, compared with a profit attributable to equity holders of US$5.04 billion or US$2.03 per diluted share a year earlier. Shelley Cook | Uplift A weekly review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe that is delivered to your inbox each Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Revenue for the quarter amounted to US$1.25 billion, down from US$1.34 billion in the same quarter last year. The company said it delivered 21 aircraft in the quarter and was on track to meet its full-year guidance for more than 120 deliveries. On an adjusted basis, Bombardier lost three cents per share in its most recent quarter, compared with an adjusted loss of seven cents per share a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected a loss of three cents per share and US$1.34 billion in revenue, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. Companies in this story: (TSX:BBD.B) CALGARY - Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.'s profits more than doubled from a year ago in the first quarter, as surging oil prices pushed the Calgary-based energy company closer to reaching its debt reduction target. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. logo is seen at the company's annual meeting in Calgary, Thursday, May 3, 2012. Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. saw its first-quarter profit more than double compared with a year ago, helped by higher oil and natural gas prices. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh CALGARY - Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.'s profits more than doubled from a year ago in the first quarter, as surging oil prices pushed the Calgary-based energy company closer to reaching its debt reduction target. On Thursday, CNRL said it earned $3.1 billion or $2.63 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, up from $1.38 billion or $1.16 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. With the war in Ukraine pushing oil prices to heights not seen in years, CNRL said it now expects its net debt level to fall below $8 billion in late 2022 or early 2023. The company's net debt sat at $13.8 billion at the end of the first quarter. "It obviously depends on your forecast for pricing and lots of other factors that impact the ability to pay down the debt, but we are looking at significant free cash flow through the year," said chief financial officer Mark Stainthorpe on a conference call with analysts Thursday. "I would suggest sometime later this year or early next year." CNRL's board has set $8 billion as a "base level" of corporate debt. Once that level is reached, additional free cash flow will be allocated as incremental returns to shareholders, the company says. CNRL which is now Canada's largest oil and gas company by market capitalization paid out approximately $1.8 billion in shareholders in the first quarter of 2022, including $700 million in dividends and $1.1 billion in share repurchases. "Of note, while we thought it could have been a possibility, the company did not raise its dividend for a third quarter in a row," said Eight Capital analyst Phil Skolnick in a research note. Last year, CNRL indicated that to the extent its net debt is below $15 billion, such an amount would be made available for strategic growth and acquisition opportunities. In the first quarter, the company completed a number of acquisitions, including the remaining 50 per cent interest in the Pike lands in the Jackfish and Kirby areas in northern Alberta, and the liquids-rich Montney lands in the Wembley area of northern Alberta. On the call, CNRL president Tim McKay said the company intends to be disciplined when it comes to pursuing any future acquisitions. "Up to this point, acquisitions have always been a part of our strategy," McKay said. "However, we have no gaps in our portfolio and acquisitions need to make sense and add long-term value." CNRL reported product sales in the quarter of $12.13 billion, up from $7.02 billion in the first quarter of 2021. 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. Daily production, before royalties, averaged 1.28 million barrels of oil equivalent per day in the quarter, up from 1.25 million in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net earnings from operations amounted to $2.86 per diluted share, up from $1.03 per diluted share in the first three months of 2021. Analysts on average had expected an adjusted profit of $2.54 per share, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv. CNRL shares were trading at $80.81 on the Toronto Stock Exchange at midday Thursday, down $2.81 or 3.4 per cent. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. Companies in this story: (TSX:CNQ) Shopify Inc. is making the biggest acquisition in its history as it tries to reverse the flagging faith in its growth path that has knocked it well off the perch of Canada's most valuable company. Shopify Inc. headquarters signage in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Shopify Inc. is a Canadian multinational e-commerce company. Shopify Inc. signs deal to buy Deliverr Inc. in a deal valued at about US$2.1 billion including about 80 per cent in cash and 20 per cent in Shopify shares. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Shopify Inc. is making the biggest acquisition in its history as it tries to reverse the flagging faith in its growth path that has knocked it well off the perch of Canada's most valuable company. The e-commerce giant had already lost well over $100 billion in market capitalization in recent months before its announcement Thursday that it would buy logistics company Deliverr Inc. for US$2.1 billion pushed its stock down more than 18 per cent in morning trading. By mid-afternoon, the losses had eased to around 14 per cent, or $86.22, to $532.08, while still leaving it at price levels not seen for the company since March 2020. Shopify is pinning much of its hopes for a turnaround on Deliverr, which it bought to help deepen its inventory capabilities, broaden its storage and freight services and gain access to a new set of warehouses and couriers. Deliverr, along with other automation and logistics technology, will be used to build out a network of both Shopify-owned and third-party warehouses that can deliver packages in two days or less to more than 90 per cent of the U.S., said Harley Finkelstein, Shopify's president. "This is complicated stuff and this is stuff that is not easy to do, but that is sort of where Shopify shines," Finkelstein said, on a call with analysts. "The goal is to make fulfilment something that our merchants, particularly in the U.S., don't have to think about." Shopify spokesperson Stephanie Ross declined to share what the typical delivery time and volume Shopify's current network handles, but the company said Deliverr ships over a million orders per month across the U.S. Shopify will pay about 80 per cent of the purchase price in cash and 20 per cent in shares for the San Francisco-based business. Delivery and logistics have become increasingly important aspects of Shopify's business since the company announced it would build a network of fulfilment centres in the U.S. in 2019. The network, which includes a self-operated and leased warehouse in Atlanta, was meant to help merchants of all sizes access new warehousing and shipping opportunities and was seen as a natural progression for the company, which already helped companies manage sales and payments. However, the move placed Shopify more directly in competition with U.S. e-commerce goliath Amazon.com Inc. Keeping up has proven difficult for Shopify, which has disappointed investors in recent months. The company, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, reported Thursday a first-quarter loss of US$1.5 billion or US$11.70 per diluted share on US$1.2 billion in revenue. The result compared with a profit of US$1.3 billion or US$9.94 per diluted share on US$988.6 million in revenue in the same quarter last year. On an adjusted basis, Shopify says it earned 20 cents per diluted share in its most recent quarter, compared with an adjusted profit of US$2.01 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2021. Analysts on average had expected an adjusted profit of 68 cents per share for the quarter and US$1.25 billion in revenue, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv. Shopify is positioning the fulfilment network as an answer to its earnings woes, but the venture will be costly. Achieving two-day delivery will mean Shopify will need many warehouses in proximity at a time when such spaces are in high demand and often selling for a premium. The company will also have to contend with worker shortages and staff who are demanding increasing wages and more benefits. "It takes a lot of footprint and a lot of manpower," said Mike Croza, the founder and managing principal of Supply Chain Alliance, a logistics company used by Walmart Canada, Canadian Tire and Lululemon. "Shopify is taking this on knowing it is not an easy task, but if you have capital and good management and good plans, you can do it. It never was easy, but it's harder today." Also making it so difficult is Amazon, he said. Few companies have Amazon's precision, discipline and sophistication, meaning any rival must match its offerings and innovate in a new way to build a customer base. "It is totally doable but you need to be as aggressive as Amazon has been and have big pockets to expand and go in and takeover real estate and with job hiring and paying people a bit more," Croza said. When Shopify announced its fulfilment venture in mid-2019, it intended to spend about $1 billion over the following five years. 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. Shopify has so far spent $117 million of that total, with some of the cash covering operating losses and capital expenditures, chief financial offer Amy Shapero said, on the same call as Finkelstein. She anticipates Shopify will ramp up its fulfilment-related capital expenditures in 2022, with self-operated, leased warehouses in key U.S. regions opening in 2023 and 2024 being responsible for about $1 billion in such costs. "While this requires higher upfront spend, it pays back through operating efficiencies over time and allows us to achieve our desired margin profile more effectively than solely via partners," she said. She envisions Shopify offering one-day delivery coverage in the U.S. and enhancing return capabilities over the next three years, when she thinks fulfilment volumes will really begin to scale and Shopify will be able to handle progressively larger markets with broader needs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. Companies in this story: (TSX:SHOP) Neo Financial Technologies' Winnipeg offices in 2021. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press Files) Neo Financial is now a billion-dollar company. The three-year-old fintech that is looking to create a banking company that is not a bank, just raised another $185 million from venture capital investors to help fund the creation of new products and services. The company, founded by former SkipTheDishes founders, features dual head offices in Calgary and Winnipeg. It now has a staff of more than 100 people in Winnipeg, most hired just over the past year. The company launched with a MasterCard-branded card and a chequing/savings account all which operates online. Last month it launched an investment product with no minimum initial investment needed including the kind of wealth management services that most other firms require up to $1 million to be eligible for. Company president Andrew Chau said later this year it will be launching Neo mortgages. Its credit card and savings products have attracted very strong customer support, attracting more than 1 million clients since the company launched in 2019. Chau said the additional capital will help it build even more products to add to the growing suite that includes buy now pay later options, point of sale installment financing, and subscription-based loyalty services for both online and brick and mortar retailers. 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. The credit card features cash back and rewards features with now more than 7,000 retailers, a number that has almost doubled in the last year. Retail partners include brands like Hudsons Bay, H&R Block, Boston Pizza, Goodfood. "There has been lots growth in the past year especially coming out of the pandemic as retailers, both small businesses and national brands, look for ways to modernize their offering and service their customers," Chau said. "We have been able to be right alongside them to help the do that." The $185 million Series C fundraising round announced today makes Neo Financial the latest Canadian startup to hit the billion-dollar valuation, making it one of the quickest Canadian startups to reach unicorn status. It brings Neos total funding to $299 million. Valar Ventures continues to its lead investor, alongside new and existing investors, including Tribe Capital, Altos Ventures, Blank Ventures, Gaingels, Maple VC, and Knollwood Advisory. In addition to the fundraising round, a secondary share sale was also offered, allowing early investors and employees to sell a portion of their shares to new investors. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots. FILE - Vials of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a pharmacy in Denver on Saturday, March 6, 2021. On Thursday, May 5, 2022, U.S. regulators strictly limited who can receive this vaccine due to a rare but serious risk of blood clots. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson & Johnsons COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots. The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&J's vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans get Pfizer or Moderna shots instead of J&J's vaccine. FDA's vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency decided to restrict the vaccine after taking another look at the data on the risks of life-threatening blood clots and concluding that they are limited to J&J's vaccine. "If theres an alternative that appears to be equally effective in preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19, wed rather see people opting for that, Marks said. But weve been careful to say that-- compared to no vaccine-- this is still a better option. The problem occurs in the first two weeks after vaccination, he added: So if you had the vaccine six months ago you can sleep soundly tonight knowing this isnt an issue." The FDA authorized J&J's shot in February last year for adults 18 and up. The vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&J's because of its safety issues. As of mid-March, federal scientists had identified 60 cases of the side effect, including nine that were fatal. That amounts to 3.23 blood clot cases per 1 million J&J shots. The problem is more common in women under 50, where the death rate was roughly 1 per million shots, according to Marks. Marks said the FDA spent extra time analyzing the problem to be sure it wasnt connected to a separate issue, such as women taking birth control medications that raise their risk of clotting. The J&J vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential long-term and debilitating health consequences of the side effect. Under the new FDA instructions, J&Js vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and cant receive an additional dose. J&Js shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said. A J&J spokesman said in an emailed statement: Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine. The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&Js one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare ri sk as long as recipients were warned. COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how theyre made. Clots form in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&J vaccination not right away as well as abdominal pain and nausea. The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didnt expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections. The rollout of the companys vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&J to import millions of doses from overseas. 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. Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&J shot. ___ This version corrects the rate of blood clots reported with J&Js vaccine. It is 3.23 cases per 1 million vaccinations. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Question: Name and Position? Answer: Caleb Hamernik, Colfax County Sheriff Q: Where are you originally from? How long have you been in Colfax County? A: I am originally from Clarkson. After my military and railroad careers, I moved back four years ago. Q: Tell us about your immediate family. A: My father, Chuck, was formally the mayor of Clarkson for 22 years and currently co-owns and operates Bluebird Nursery in Clarkson with my two uncles, Tom and Mike Hamernik. My mother, Lynette, was a school teacher in Colfax County as I was growing up. Currently she is the front desk manager of 14 years at Norfolk Lodge and Suites in Norfolk. Q: What is your current occupation? A: I am a certified police officer for the City of Schuyler Police Department. Q: Why did you decide to run for office? A: To protect and preserve the Colfax County way of life that I have grown up experiencing with living in the county. My experience is through private sector, military, county and city government, to be more efficient with Colfax County Sheriffs Office's budget while providing professional law enforcement for the residence of Colfax County. Q: How are or have you been involved in the community? A: I am a member of Pheasants Forever and I volunteer and help with the Clarkson rodeo. I also assist in concealed carry permit classes in the surrounding areas. Q: What qualifies you for this office? A: I am certified law enforcement officer in the state of Nebraska. Along with my accumulative six years of management experience in the Air National Guard and Genesee and Wyoming Railroad. Q: What do you think are the top two issues in Colfax County and, if elected, how would you address them? A: Drug and alcohol abuse within the county, along with roadside safety. I would change the culture of law enforcement within the county. Working together with other law enforcement agencies as a cohesive unit to ensure the safety of Colfax County. Providing more frequent and pride drug recognition training to the officers, along with educating the residents of Colfax County of the dangers of driving while impaired. Q: What's one thing you believe the county could do better? Why? A: I believe the county can do better at being more transparent, providing better communication to its residents. County Attorney Denise Kracl has done an amazing job of keeping the county informed of any road closures and inclement weather advisories, along with general announcements. With that said, she shouldnt be the only one tasked with keeping people informed with what is going on within the county. Q: What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done? A: In 2010, I was deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, during Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, I learned about the value of other cultures and the importance of working together to accomplish a common goal. Colfax County is a place of many different cultures, but yet we all have the same end goal of living in a safe environment to raise our families. I feel the experience Ive had overseas has prepared me to ensure every person seeking assistance from Colfax County Sheriffs Office will be treated with dignity and respect. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 TORONTO - The organization that runs Toronto's Pearson International Airport is "urgently" calling on the federal government to help alleviate major delays affecting passengers at security and clearance points amid a shortage of staff. TORONTO - The organization that runs Toronto's Pearson International Airport is "urgently" calling on the federal government to help alleviate major delays affecting passengers at security and clearance points amid a shortage of staff. 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. The Greater Toronto Airports Authority says Ottawa needs to make investments to boost staffing levels and bring in more technology, as well as "streamline or eliminate" COVID-19 public health requirements to deal with the issue. Passengers have faced extremely long lines on their way to departing flights recently, while others have had to wait hours after arriving due to backlogs at security screening points. The Vancouver International Airport is also experiencing delays and on Sunday urged passengers to arrive two to three hours ahead of their flights in order to get through the security screening process. Calgary and Montreal's major airports have also been suggesting travellers arrive extra early. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which deals with pre-flight screening, said in a statement Monday that it is taking "all steps possible" to increase staffing levels. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May5, 2022. LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters in the tunnels underneath Mariupols pulverized steel plant held out against Russian troops Thursday in an increasingly desperate and perhaps doomed effort to deny Moscow what would be its biggest success of the war yet: the complete capture of the strategic port city. Rubble covers where the field kitchen stood outside of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre on March 17, 2022, in Mariupol, Ukraine. The March 16, 2022, bombing of the theater stands out as the single deadliest known attack against civilians to date in the Ukraine war. (Lev Sandalov via AP) LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters in the tunnels underneath Mariupols pulverized steel plant held out against Russian troops Thursday in an increasingly desperate and perhaps doomed effort to deny Moscow what would be its biggest success of the war yet: the complete capture of the strategic port city. The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph or announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. Victory Day is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Some 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russia's most recent estimate, were holed up at Mariupol's sprawling Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of resistance in a city largely reduced to rubble over the past two months. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped there. The defenders will stand till the end. They only hope for a miracle," Kateryna Prokopenko said after speaking by phone to her husband, a leader of the steel plant defenders. "They wont surrender. She said her husband, Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, told her he would love her forever. FILE - Rubble from the damaged Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre sits after the March 16, 2022, bombing in Mariupol, Ukraine, in an area now controlled by Russian-backed separatist forces, on Monday, April 4, 2022. The bombing of the theater, which was used as a shelter, stands out as the single deadliest known attack against civilians to date in the Ukraine war. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov, File) I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye, she said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was preventing the evacuation of civilians remaining in the plants underground bunkers. Just imagine this hell! And there are children there, he said late Thursday in his nightly video address. More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death. Smoke rises from the Metallurgical Combine Azovstal in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov) The Russians managed to get inside with the help of an electrician who knew the layout, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines Internal Affairs Ministry. He showed them the underground tunnels which are leading to the factory, Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer. The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant. An icon stands next to a military helmet at a check point in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov) The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, pleaded on Ukrainian TV for the evacuation of civilians and wounded fighters from the steelworks, saying soldiers were dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. The Kremlin has demanded the troops surrender. They have refused. Russia has also accused them of preventing the civilians from leaving. This satellite image taken by Planet Labs PBC shows damage at the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Russian forces began storming the bombed-out steel mill in Mariupol on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The renewed push to take the mill came after scores of civilians were evacuated from the plant's underground tunnels after enduring weeks of shelling. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) The head of the United Nations said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and the plant was underway. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes." More than 100 civilians were rescued from the steelworks over the weekend. But many previous attempts to open safe corridors from Mariupol have fallen through, with Ukraine blaming shelling and firing by the Russians. Meanwhile, 10 weeks into the devastating war, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putins ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village. A woman walks past tanks of Donetsk People's Republic militia in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov) Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Russian forces are making only plodding progress in the Donbas. The head of Britains armed forces, Chief of the Defense Staff Adm. Tony Radakin, said Putin is trying to rush to a tactical victory before Victory Day. But he said Russian forces are struggling to gain momentum. Radakin told British broadcaster Talk TV that Russia is using missiles and weapons at such a rate that it is in a logistics war to keep supplied. This is going to be a hard slog, he said. Injured Natalia Rudneva, 59, reacts as her son was also injured and hospitalised after night shelling in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, Thursday, May 5, 2022.(AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) On Thursday, an American official said the U.S. shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of a Russian flagship before the mid-April strike that sank it, one of Moscow's highest-profile failures in the war. The U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of warships, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the decision to target the missile cruiser Moskva was purely a Ukrainian decision. Fearful of new attacks surrounding Victory Day, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged residents to leave for the countryside over the long weekend and warned them not to gather in public places. A man carries chairs out of an office on a ground floor of an apartment building destroyed by night shelling in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) And the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. In other developments, Belarus authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview with The Associated Press but said he didnt expect the conflict to drag on this way. Lukashenko, whose country was used by the Russians as a launch pad for the invasion, said Moscow had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. Polish President Andrzej Duda speaks during a media conference during the official inauguration of the Gas Interconnection PolandLithuania (GIPL) gas pipeline in Jauniunai, near Vilnius, Lithuania, Thursday, May 5, 2022. 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. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) But he also created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the conflict and referring to it as a war a term Moscow refuses to use. It insists on calling the fighting a special military operation. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. As the battle raged there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian bombardment Thursday hit dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including troop concentrations in the east, an artillery battery near the eastern settlement of Zarozhne, and rocket launchers near the southern city of Mykolaiv. Injured Natalia Rudneva, 59, reacts as her son was hospitalised after night shelling in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, Thursday, May 5, 2022.(AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko) Five people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said, with shells hitting schools, apartments and a medical facility. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces "have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. Teenagers on bicycles pass a bridge destroyed by shelling near Orihiv, Ukraine, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) But the war has devastated the country's medical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said in a video link to a charity event in the U.K., with nearly 400 healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed. There is simply a catastrophic situation regarding access to medical services and medicines, in areas occupied by Russian forces, he said. "Even the simplest drugs are lacking. With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. 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. A girl looks through the window of a car as her family arrives from Mariupol at the center for displaced people in Zaporizhia, Ukraine, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses. In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild. ___ Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didnt expect the 10-week-old conflict to drag on this way. FILE - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addresses his supporters gathered at Independent Square of Minsk, Belarus, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky, File) MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didnt expect the 10-week-old conflict to drag on this way. He also spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine but wouldnt say if Russian President Vladimir Putin had plans to launch such a strike. Lukashenko said Moscow, which launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 partly from his territory had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Independence Palace, in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it," he said, speaking at Independence Palace in Minsk. I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on. Lukashenko's support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk. Some Russian troops were sent from Belarusian territory into Ukraine, and Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans. But in his comments to the AP, Lukashenko said he and his country stand for peace and repeatedly called for the end of the war a term the Kremlin refuses to use, calling the invasion a special military operation instead. The 67-year-old president struck a calm and more measured tone in the nearly 90-minute interview than in previous media appearances in which he hectored the West over sanctions and lashed out at journalists. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Independence Palace in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) We categorically do not accept any war. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isnt a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun, he said. Lukashenko said using nuclear weapons in Ukraine was unacceptable because its right next to us we are not across the ocean like the United States. "It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where, he said. Whether or not Russia is capable of that is a question you need to ask the Russian leadership. Russia can't by definition lose this war," Lukashenko said, noting that Belarus is the only country standing by Moscow, while "as many as 50 states have joined forces on Ukraine's side. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko listens to questions during an interview with The Associated Press at the Independence Palace in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) He added that Putin isnt seeking a direct conflict with NATO, and the West should ensure that one doesnt happen. He most likely does not want a global confrontation with NATO. Use it. Use it and do everything for that not to happen. Otherwise, even if Putin doesnt want it, the military will react, the Belarusian leader warned. Lukashenko called Putin his big brother and said the Russian leader doesn't have closer, more open or friendlier relations with any of the world leaders other than the president of Belarus. Their relationship has been particularly close recently but was rocky in earlier years. Before a disputed 2020 election sparked mass protests and a domestic crackdown by Lukashenko, he often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and abandon his countrys independence. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko speaks during an interview with The Associated Press at the Independence Palace in Minsk, Belarus, Thursday, May 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Faced with tough economic sanctions after he brutally suppressed the protests, the Belarusian leader started emphasizing a need to jointly counter Western pressure and met with Putin regularly, stressing their close ties. Lukashenkos support of the invasion has stopped short of deploying his own troops there, but it still has drawn criticism from the Belarusian opposition and calls for more sanctions on him and the country. Opposition figures say ordinary Belarusians dont support the invasion. Hundreds of them who live in Ukraine have been affected by the war, and some have become volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. Top Belarus opposition activist Pavel Latushka dismissed Lukashenko's calls for peace on Thursday, saying they "look absurd after more than 600 missiles were fired from the territory of Belarus, and the country became a platform for aggression. He added: Minsk deserves the harshest Western sanctions. Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed Latushka's sentiment, calling Lukashenko a co-aggressor and saying he is trying to change his image of an arsonist into that of a firefighter and peacekeeper." Lukashenko told AP that his country poses no danger to others, even as its military conducted drills this week. We do not threaten anyone and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we cant threaten -- we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here ... is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So the West can sleep peacefully, he said. 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. He blamed the West especially Washington for fueling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. wants to seize the moment, tying its allies to itself, and drown Russia in the war with Ukraine. It's their goal to sort out Russia, and then China, he said. Lukashenko said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was taking orders from the United States. Today its not Zelenskyy whos running Ukraine no offense, thats my point of view, maybe Im wrong," Lukashenko said, adding that if U.S. President Joe Biden said so, "everything will stop within a week. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine OTTAWA - The Royal Canadian Air Force is relocating two aircraft from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island to address a gap in Canadas search-and-rescue coverage, the result of yet another delay in Canadas troubled military procurement system. A Canadian Forces CC-115 Buffalo aircraft prepares to land at Chilliwack Airport in Chilliwack, B.C., on Friday February 28, 2014. The Royal Canadian Air Force is relocating two aircraft from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island to address a gap in Canadas search-and-rescue services. The gap is the result of a new delay in the military's new Kingfisher rescue planes, news of which comes months after the air force retired the last of its ancient Buffalo aircraft.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck OTTAWA - The Royal Canadian Air Force is relocating two aircraft from Winnipeg to Vancouver Island to address a gap in Canadas search-and-rescue coverage, the result of yet another delay in Canadas troubled military procurement system. Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger laid out the plan to base two Hercules aircraft at Canadian Forces Base Comox as officials revealed the militarys new Kingfisher search-and-rescue planes wont be ready for another three years. The delay combined with the retirement in January of the militarys last six ancient Buffalo aircraft has left the military without enough planes to properly respond to emergencies on Canadas West Coast. While the redeployment of two of the four Hercules aircraft currently in Winnipeg will help address the resulting gap until the Kingfishers are ready, Meinzinger acknowledged the move will impact the squadrons other tasks. Those include providing air-to-air refuelling to fighter jets tasked with defending North American airspace from Russian bombers and other threats, and transporting troops and equipment around Canada and the world. "As we sit today, obviously, they've got an additional line of task," he said in an interview. "So it will diminish, logically, their ability to do other tasks." The Canadian Armed Forces is facing a growing number of gaps as the military procurement system struggles to deliver new equipment before existing hardware must be taken out of service or retired. Aside from the Buffaloes, the military has been forced to retire several old naval vessels before replacements are ready. The clock is also ticking on its CF-18 fighter jets and Halifax-class frigates, both of which are already past their expected lifespans. The government receives about 10,000 distress calls a year, and while most are handled by the provinces or territories, with police and volunteers tasked with responding, the military answers about 750 of the highest-risk calls. Military search-and-rescue personnel often use specialized airplanes and helicopters to parachute or rappel into remote areas, such as mountains, the High Arctic or one of Canadas three oceans to respond to plane crashes and sinking ships. Following more than 15 years of controversy and start-stop effort to buy replacements for the Buffalo and older-model Hercules aircraft used to save Canadians every year, Canada announced in 2016 that it was buying 16 Kingfishers for $2.75 billion after tax. The deal with European aerospace giant Airbus originally said the aircraft would be operational by 2020. But technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the schedule back to 2022, while the total cost has increased to $2.9 billion. The Defence Departments procurement chief, assistant deputy minister of materiel Troy Crosby, attributed the latest delay to ongoing testing to ensure the aircraft operates as expected. Airbus is also working on proper manuals for the plane, he added. While the Kingfisher is based on the Airbus C-295 military transport used by more than a dozen countries around the world, the version that Canada is buying includes about 30 modifications to the basic design. Some of those modifications were required to meet the Air Forces mandatory requirements, Crosby said, while others were optional and added by Airbus in an apparent effort to improve its bid. Concerns about companies over-promising and under-delivering have been raised with other military procurements, most notably the Cyclone maritime helicopters being built by Sikorsky. While the Cyclones are now in use on the Halifax-class frigates after more than a decade of developmental issues and delays, software problems and tail cracks have led to a number of incidents, including a fatal crash in April 2020. 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. Crosby defended the governments process for evaluating bids for new Armed Forces equipment, describing it as a "complex business" given the nature of the technology and hardware and how it must interact with other military systems. "When we went to sign the contract in 2016, we had assessed the risk of achieving the schedule," he added. "And we put mitigation strategies in place to try to minimize that risk. Turns out the mitigation strategies werent sufficient." At the same time, he said the federal government is holding back some of the money owed to Airbus until the company delivers what it promised. Crosby would not comment on whether any legal action was being contemplated or underway. Airbus spokeswoman Annabelle Duchesne in a statement on Wednesday said the company is "fully committed to improve the situation" and that work is underway to ensure as little impact as possible on Canadas search-and-rescue services. While acknowledging the Kingfishers delay will stretch the Air Force, Meinzinger added: "We cannot and were not going to rush the aircraft. ... So its about doing that critical work to ensure the aircraft and the people are ready." This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2022. HALIFAX - Two RCMP officers who mistakenly opened fire at a man outside a rural Nova Scotia firehall as they searched for a rampaging gunman said Thursday they believed they had found the shooter and defended their actions as consistent with their training. RCMP Const. Terry Brown, left, and Const. Dave Melanson field questions at the Mass Casualty Commission inquiry into the mass murders in rural Nova Scotia on April 18/19, 2020, in Dartmouth, N.S. on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Two RCMP officers who mistakenly fired at a man standing outside a rural Nova Scotia firehall as they searched for rampaging gunman say they still believe they reacted properly and in accordance with their training.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan HALIFAX - Two RCMP officers who mistakenly opened fire at a man outside a rural Nova Scotia firehall as they searched for a rampaging gunman said Thursday they believed they had found the shooter and defended their actions as consistent with their training. Const. Terry Brown and Const. Dave Melanson made the assertion as they testified before the commission of inquiry into the mass shootings that claimed 22 lives over a 13-hour period on April 18-19, 2020. Its a great benefit to go back and say if you knew this or you knew that, said Melanson, who became emotional. I didnt have that benefit. I had a fraction of a second. On that day I gave my all. Brown said he believed he had identified a threat outside the firehall in Onslow, N.S., on the morning of April 19, based on the information he had about the shooter -- primarily that the suspect was wearing an orange reflective vest and driving a replica RCMP cruiser. Both he and Melanson fired their RCMP-issue carbine rifles from about 88 metres away, striking the building along with a monument and a sign in front of it. The pair had been searching for killer Gabriel Wortman, who was believed to be somewhere in the immediate vicinity. They stopped their unmarked car on the road near the firehall after observing an RCMP cruiser parked outside the building with a man in a vest standing near the vehicle. Both officers said they didnt see RCMP Const. Dave Gagnon, who was sitting inside the car. The man in a yellow and orange safety vest turned out to be David Westlake, the emergency management co-ordinator for Colchester County. The officers fired at Westlake, who ducked for cover and ran to safety inside the firehall. We came across a person that was identical to a description that we had a guy in an orange reflective vest standing next to a police car, Brown said. All of my focus was on that person in the orange reflective vest. Brown said he believes the situation translated exactly to training Ive done. He added that he is sorry for what Westlake and three firemen who were in the building went through. He said he had no idea the firehall was being used as a comfort centre for people told to leave their homes in Portapique, N.S., where the killings had begun the night before. At the end of the day, it wouldnt have changed my reaction, said Brown. I believed that person was going inside the building to kill people, and thats why I engaged them the way I did. Documents previously released by the inquiry say Brown fired four rounds and Melanson fired one. Two of the rounds pierced one of the stations garage doors and damaged a fire truck inside. The pair were cross-examined by lawyer Michael Scott, who represents the families of 14 of the 22 victims. Scott asked the officers whether they looked for the call sign that would have been on the side of the cruiser parked outside the firehall before firing their weapons, in order to compare it with the call sign known to be on the killers replica vehicle. My focus was on the person in the orange vest standing behind the police car on the drivers-side door, said Brown. From the distance I was at, there was no way I could read that call sign. Brown also told Scott that he yelled commands to Westlake to show his hands, but he said the man ducked and didnt comply. Westlake, however, has told investigators that he didnt hear that command and aside from gunshots only heard someone saying Get down! Later Thursday, RCMP Const. Ian Fahie testified about the minutes after he arrived at the scene of the killings of Heather OBrien and Kristen Beaton on Plains Road in the Debert area on the morning of April 19. The constable said after he and his partner arrived, they attempted to take the pulse of OBrien. He testified that moments later, an emergency medical response team member took over monitoring the woman. 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. Fahie said he brusquely told arriving firefighters to leave because of potential danger, and then, as he was monitoring the area with his carbine at the ready, O'Brien's daughter Michaella Scott also arrived. In her interview last year with the commission, Scott said she was turned back by Fahie. "This day burns in the back of my head," she had stated. "They took away my right to hold my mother's hand, to say goodbye, to tell her I loved her one last time." However, the constable testified on Thursday that while he had yelled at Scott to leave and had likely directed a profanity towards her, he had believed at the time there was still the potential for danger from the gunman. It was not safe for us. We were thinking an ambush scenario, he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. -- With files by Michael Tutton Premier Heather Stefanson is thumbing her nose at the long-standing playbook that has guided Manitoba premiers during past floods. Premier Heather Stefanson is thumbing her nose at the long-standing playbook that has guided Manitoba premiers during past floods. Former premiers Gary Filmon, Gary Doer, Greg Selinger would schedule well-publicized trips to flooded areas with media in tow, to assess the damage, reassure local officials and encourage flood fighters. In some cases, those trips included opposition party leaders. But in Stefansons case, her visits are almost secretive, since the only sign she has been in a flood zone comes from her social media feed. Premier Heather Stefanson and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk during a stop at The Narrows Tuesday. Media were not advised of the tour. (Supplied) The premier who has avoided question period several times to attend funding announcements and dodged reporters questions at news conferences last week has toured flood-hit areas in the past two days, including the Interlake, Carman, Winkler and Morden. Each time, there has been no advance notice to the media, who would typically document the tours as part of daily news coverage on this springs flooding. In past floods, news media would be informed about when and where the premier would be so they could provide coverage. This time, reporters are being told to wait and watch for the premiers tweets on her Twitter feed. "Feel free to follow along her social media," Stefansons press secretary told the Free Press Wednesday after being asked when and where the premier will tour flooded areas so a reporter and photographer could attend. "Telling journalists to simply follow the premier on social media to learn about her agenda is a practice that cannot be dissociated from former U.S. president Donald Trump," said Felix Mathieu, a political studies professor at the University of Winnipeg. Premier Gary Filmon surveys high water near Brunkild, Man. during the 1997 flood. (Jeff de Booy / Winnipeg Free Press files) The premiers Twitter feed is full of hand-picked photos from the flood zone without interruption from reporters who would inevitably ask her uncomfortable questions. Its a strategy that might do her lagging popularity more harm than good because it gives fair arguments to the opposition to attack her character and political judgment, said Mathieu. "After all, symbols matter in politics," he said. Her absences from question period over the past few weeks could damage her reputation because its something the opposition can also capitalize on, the academic said. Riding Mountain MLA Leanne Rowat and Manitoba premier Greg Selinger tour homes along the north side of Birdtail Creek in the community of Birtle to get a look at flood protection measures in 2014. (Tim Smith / Brandon Sun files) Even though the public doesnt always appreciate the theatrics of question period, "most agree, though, that this is a key aspect of our parliamentary democracy that a premier ought to deal with properly," Mathieu said. Offering the premiers social media feed from the flood zone in lieu of her answering questions shows poor judgment, opposition politicians said Wednesday. "Theres no substitute for being able to ask questions of a decision-maker directly, rather than having what you get on Twitter," said NDP Leader Wab Kinew, a former journalist. "It should be an opportunity for a premier to communicate with Manitobans and also respond to the important questions that journalists have right now," Kinew said. (Despite the rising floodwater and evacuations this week, the provincial governments flood experts and officials have not held a media briefing to answer questions from reporters since Friday.) "A free press, I think, is an important way to reach the public. People watch the news, people read the paper. They deserve to get information from elected leaders," Kinew said. Gary Doer straddles a water filled dike in place at Ste. Agathe in anticipation of the Red River crest in 2006. (Ken Gigliotti / Winnipeg Free Press files) "Its really unfortunate that, basically, the premier is going into hiding to avoid questions," Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said. "To sort of play coy or say catch me when you can is not an acceptable response from a premier, either in a pandemic or in a flood," he said. Media bulletins in the past week have announced the premier will attend rural funding announcements, including one in Russell on Tuesday, which she ditched at the last minute to tour the flood zone in the Interlake without any media notice. Telling journalists to simply follow the premier on social media to learn about her agenda is a practice that cannot be dissociated from former U.S. president Donald Trump. Felix Mathieu, University of Winnipeg professor A government news release issued later that day, to announce funding for an expanded chemotherapy unit, included quotes from Stefanson as though she had attended the Russell event. Her press secretary later clarified that had been a "mistake" and a revised news release was issued. Mathieu said it appears Stefanson has been advised to work out her schedule to restrict opportunities for the mainstream media in Winnipeg to ask her tough questions. "In doing so, she could communicate with local communities directly and benefit from local news coverage that tends to be less confrontational with politicians," he said. Manitoba premier Gary Doer views flood affected areas in the Red River basin from a helicopter in 2006. (Marcel Cretain / The Canadian Press / The Winnipeg Sun / File) Stefansons "difficult meetings with the media" may have been identified by her advisers as the main reason shes failed to gain popular support. The latest Probe Research poll, conducted in March, showed support for the Progressive Conservative government under Stefanson who replaced the unpopular Brian Pallister dropped to 34 per cent from 37 per cent. Trying to control the narrative with a social-media feed and avoiding reporters is a strategy that might pay off over the short term but wont likely have long-term positive benefits for the beleaguered premier, said Mathieu. "Not having access to the premier wont stop mainstream media from addressing these issues. The premier will have no choice but to face them sooner or later and then the questions might be getting harder and harder for the premier to address in a positive way," Mathieu said. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA Twelve of Manitobas political players have weighed in on a federal commission thats examining whether to redraw electoral boundaries, as parties wrangle over how to carve out Winnipeg ridings. OTTAWA Twelve of Manitobas political players have weighed in on a federal commission thats examining whether to redraw electoral boundaries, as parties wrangle over how to carve out Winnipeg ridings. The main points of contention surround whether to lump Winnipegs lower-income neighbourhoods together, and which rural zones should be part of city ridings. The process is in the early phase, and the commission has received a dozen comments so far all of which are from Manitobans who have either held elected office or worked for those who have. Winnipeg city Coun. Kevin Klein, for example, argued all of the Tuxedo neighbourhood should be part of the current Conservative riding of CharleswoodSt. JamesAssiniboiaHeadingley, instead of being split with the Winnipeg South Centre riding held by the Liberals. He suggested the Fort Whyte neighbourhood be moved from Winnipeg South into Winnipeg South Centre, since the former already has more people than most ridings. NDP MP Leah Gazan is hoping her Winnipeg Centre riding retains the boundaries it has held since 1997, arguing it does a good job of representing downtown communities and history. Otherwise, Gazan would welcome North Point Douglas into her riding, as it "mirrors the makeup of Winnipeg Centre in its history, demographics and interests." That idea was shared by two staffers for the provincial Progressive Conservatives. Colin Hornby, who used to work for a Tory MP, argued Point Douglas has similar "wage statistics and historical binds" as Winnipeg Centre, and it houses University of Winnipeg students. He called for that neighbourhood to be swapped with Winnipeg North, in exchange for the Notre Dame area, instead of leaving the CN Rail line as the dividing line. Hornby also advocated moving Elmwood into Winnipeg Centre, arguing "the interests and people of Elmwood have far more in common with downtown than the current changes happening in Radisson and Transcona," which are part of the current riding represented by NDP MP Daniel Blaikie. Hornbys PC colleague, Duncan Hamilton, had similar ideas for adding those areas into Winnipeg Centre and moving the riding boundaries to follow Portage Avenue, Broadway and Route 90. That would lump together Wolseley, West Broadway and The Forks with the Winnipeg South Centre riding which currently includes River Heights, arguing the areas have "much in common with the neighbourhoods across the river that they are connected to through a number of bridges." Yet, Blaikie had no desire to see his ElmwoodTranscona riding changed, arguing its current configuration does a good job of keeping similar communities together and using the Red River and Perimeter Highway as boundaries. But the riding is growing above the target for electoral districts. Blaikie conceded if changes are needed, hed rather they happen along the northern edge, instead of scooping up areas east of the city limit. NDP MP Leah Gazan (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) Neighbouring Conservative MP Ted Falk has the opposite idea, arguing "the vast majority of people in Springfield look at Winnipeg as their hub, rather than Steinbach, Beausejour or Lac du Bonnet." Falk noted his Provencher riding already has a population boom in areas such as Niverville. Nicole Forest Lavergne, a Provencher resident who used to lead the Societe de la francophonie manitobaine, asked the commission to find a way to keep French-speaking and bilingual communities in one riding. "Were losing our voice being placed with Steinbach. And so were stuck with far-right conservatives," she wrote in French. Meanwhile, Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobson urged her community remain linked with Dauphin, instead of being absorbed into the massive Churchill KeewatinookAski riding that covers the entire northern part of the province and has a relatively small population. Westman MPs Larry Maguire and Dan Mazier support that call, arguing neither riding in that area be changed. Separately, the Conservative party wrote ridings should not split any rural municipalities, and communities with economic ties should be included together when possible, so town councils and industries can more easily seek federal attention. Cindy Lamoureux, the MLA whose father represents Winnipeg North for the Liberals, suggested that riding be expanded to include part of the Amber Trails development "as it would help alleviate some confusion that has been expressed." Further north, the former reeve of the RM of Rosser Alice Bourgouin suggested her area be included in the riding of KildonanSt. Paul, arguing its links with neighbouring West St. Paul are stronger than its current SelkirkInterlakeEastman riding. The commission is still accepting public feedback, and plans publish an initial proposal "before the end of June," a spokesman wrote Wednesday. Thats far behind other commissions that have published proposed maps for British Columbia and Nova Scotia. 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. Public hearings will start in Manitoba in early to mid-September, depending on the COVID-19 pandemic. A report is then sent to MPs for review by the end of the year, and should be finalized by September 2023, though the new ridings would not actually take effect until the election that follows April 2024, to allow officials and parties time to adapt. Canada has independent commissions review provincial boundaries once a decade, usually led by chiefs and assisted by non-partisan experts. Provinces get quota largely based on census results, and Manitoba will still have 14 seats, though their shape and names might change, to ensure similar population counts while retaining community ties. Manitobas chief justice has appointed Justice Diana Cameron to lead the process, while the Speaker of the House of Commons has appointed political scientists Paul Thomas and Kelly Saunders to the committee. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca WINNIPEG - A sense of justice washed over the family of Eduardo Balaquit Wednesday after a jury found a man guilty of manslaughter in his disappearance and death. WINNIPEG - A sense of justice washed over the family of Eduardo Balaquit Wednesday after a jury found a man guilty of manslaughter in his disappearance and death. Kyle Pietz had pleaded not guilty to the charge. Balaquit was last seen on June 4, 2018, when he left his Winnipeg home to go to his job as a night cleaner. His body is still missing and police were unable to determine how he died. Eduardo Balaquit is shown in this undated handout photo. The Winnipeg man was last seen heading to work in June 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Winnipeg Police Service His son, Edward Balaquit, said the verdict helped lift a weight off the family but added closure will come when his father's body is finally found. Its good the person that was responsible for the crimes against my father is finally found guilty," Edward Balaquit told reporters outside court. "We thought the evidence would show where my dad is or if this person would finally tell us where he is. He didnt give us that information we needed and thats the piece that we really want to know. Crown prosecutors argued that Pietz killed Balaquit in an act of financial desperation. Court heard Pietz was jobless, in debt and defaulting on payments. The two men had both worked in the Westcon building. The Crown contends that Pietz killed him in the building, put his body in the back of Pietz's SUV, covered the body with boxes and disposed of it near Arborg, Man., about 120 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Cellphone records presented during the trial tracked Pietz in the area of the Westcon building and then later near Arborg. Court heard that officers found a Post-it note with Balaquit's personal identification numbers on it in Pietz's home, but investigators were unable to locate the actual cards. Balaquit's accounts were drained of $700. Police found no traces of blood in the building or in Pietz's car and home. Pietz's lawyer argued that, without forensics or a body, jurors could not conclude her client was guilty of manslaughter. Clutching a wooden crucifix, Balaquit's wife gasped moments after hearing the guilty verdict and hugged a support worker. Some members of the family testified during the trial and remained present throughout the process. "We relived every moment of that initial day and the days after," said Edward Balaquit. "Difficult (is) not a strong enough word but it was something that we thought we needed to do." Sgt. Wade McDonald of the Winnipeg Police Service said building the case was extremely challenging without Balaquit's body. "The investigators were motivated, determined. We never always got the results we wanted. We continued on for a number of years and charges were laid. And today justice for the Balaquits," he told reporters after the verdict. Every once in a while the good guys win." McDonald said the next steps will focus on locating Balaquit's body. Focus right now is on the Balaquit family, the community. We spent four years as an investigative team focusing on Kyle Pietz. Today were focusing on Mr. Balaquit. A reminder to the public he still hasnt been found. 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. Edward Balaquit said his father is missed by everyone who knew him. My dad did everything for us. He was a kind man to everyone. It (means) the world for this man to go away." Queen's Bench Justice Sadie Bond revoked Pietz's bail and remanded him into custody. Sentencing will happen at a later date. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2022. ___ This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship More rain headed for flood-hit Manitoba this weekend is not expected to impact water levels, as Interlake communities continue their fight and the Red River nears its peak. More rain headed for flood-hit Manitoba this weekend is not expected to impact water levels, as Interlake communities continue their fight and the Red River nears its peak. As levels stabilize in most areas amid warm and sunny weather, the province expects the Fisher River to retreat within its banks in Peguis First Nation around Monday. The projected peaks for most communities on the Red have been downgraded, although a disruptive spring flood comparable to major events in 2009 and 2011 is still expected. "Things are relatively better," Fisaha Unduche, Manitobas head of hydrologic forecasting, told a Thursday news conference on the Assiniboine River in downtown Winnipeg. "The good news in our short-term forecast is we dont see any major (rainfall) system developing." The province is expecting five to 10 millimetres of rain in flood zones starting Saturday, as Peguis experiences a one-in-100-year flood, said Unduche. Levels are at their highest since 1962 after the Fisher River spilled its banks last weekend, he said. More than 1,400 Peguis residents have been forced to leave their homes. Approximately 700 properties have been affected. The Fisher River and the Icelandic which has caused significant flooding in Arborg and the surrounding Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton have peaked in most places, and will gradually decline, said Unduche. Assembly of First Nations on Thursday urged the federal and provincial governments to ensure the community has everything it needs to fight floodwater and help residents. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk said the province is providing support as requested sending 25 water pumps, for example as Ottawa takes the lead with Peguis. Piwniuk said the province is currently most concerned about the Interlake. Peguis leadership inquired about having a medevac helicopter stationed in the community, a provincial spokeswoman said. Shared Health was unable to put one on standby in Peguis because the aircraft is used regularly across the province for emergencies, the spokeswoman said, adding a helicopter will be available to respond in the community should the need arise. The Free Press contacted Indigenous Services Canada, but did not receive a comment. South of Winnipeg, the Red continues to rise ahead of its crest in Emerson as early as Saturday and elsewhere by May 14. Voluntary evacuation notices have been distributed to hundreds of people whose homes have been cut off or are at risk of that happening as roads become submerged. The province lowered its projected peaks by up to three feet for communities north of Emerson and Letellier, where the forecast was largely unchanged. "As you move through the north to the floodway inlet and St. Adolphe, it is improving," said Unduche. Community ring dikes and safeguards at most individual properties in the Red River Valley are built to withstand this level of flood. Based on the latest forecast and its own modelling, the City of Winnipeg has told owners of at-risk properties they do not have to build sandbag dikes at this time. "We are continuing to monitor the situation and will advise them if and when they need to build," said spokeswoman Lisa Marquardson. Municipalities have welcomed the downgraded projections, but remain cautious. "We need to plan for the worst and hope for the best," said Chris Ewen, mayor of the RM of Ritchot, just south of Winnipeg. "Were prepared for anything, and we know exactly what could happen because weve seen worst-case scenarios." Ritchot issued an urgent call for volunteers to help build sandbag dikes at a handful of properties Thursday, as the number of voluntary evacuation notices surpassed 180. "We are in desperate need of volunteers, anyone from any community," said Ewen. No homes have been lost, he said, but some barns, sheds and garages have flooded. "Its all along the Red River, and it goes past St. Adolphe. The homes are being evacuated constantly there," he said. To the south of Ritchot, about 30 to 40 people in the RM of Morris have left their homes. "Were concerned about water levels increasing to the level where residents will lose road access," said Reeve Ralph Groening. Dave Carlson, reeve of the RM of Emerson-Franklin, said the floods main impact will be rural residents getting cut off as water flows over gravel roads. The municipalitys fire department has its water-rescue unit on standby in case residents need help. Carlson is hoping the area isnt hit by strong wind gusts as water levels peak. "It could wash over some roads. We do have quite the ocean in the northwest portion of the municipality, so were hoping not to get too much wave action," he said. "It just causes more damage to roads and pushes debris." Twenty-five municipalities and some First Nations communities, including Peguis and Fisher River Cree Nation, have declared local states of emergency. Johanu Botha, head of Manitobas Emergency Management Organization, said he is not recommending a provincial state of emergency, as officials can access funds to lead the flood response. "At this time, we have the systems and processes and programs in place to do what we need to with our current set of legal powers," said Botha. He said about 200 people from municipalities have left their homes so far, and he hopes the total stays below 500 if water levels will continue to stabilize or recede. In the Red River Valley, peak flows will likely continue for about five to seven days before a gradual decline begins around May 15, Unduche said. He expects the Red to bloat to a width of about 13 kilometres between St. Jean Baptiste and Morris. "It will take time for the water to go back within its banks," he said. 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. Some low-lying areas could still experience overland flooding toward the end of May. Environment Canada meteorologist Terri Lang said this weekends low-pressure system will dump up to 20 millimetres of rain near the Manitoba-Saskatchewan boundary, and less than 15 millimetres in the eastern half of the province. "I dont think any rain at this time is welcome, but it could be worse," she said. A further 20 to 30 millimetres is possible in parts of southern Manitoba early next week, followed by a break, Lang said. chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Manitobans continue to battle spring flooding between the Interlake and Canada-U.S. border, with hundreds more forced to leave their homes and the number of washed-out roads increasing. Manitobans continue to battle spring flooding between the Interlake and Canada-U.S. border, with hundreds more forced to leave their homes and the number of washed-out roads increasing. The fight is being helped by sunshine and the warmest temperatures so far this year, but rain is expected in flood zones again this weekend. In the Interlake, the number of evacuees from Peguis First Nation climbed to more than 1,400 Wednesday, from about 1,200 the previous day, while crews were working to avert a crisis in the town of Arborg. David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press Indigenous Services Canada said another 800 residents are expected to leave Peguis over the next few days, as community leaders and the Canadian Red Cross co-ordinate a full evacuation. "We are at the highest level that weve ever had," Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson said, after the Fisher River reached its peak. "It seems to have levelled off and it is maintaining that level." In a statement, Indigenous Services Canada said another 800 residents are expected to leave Peguis over the next few days, as community leaders and the Canadian Red Cross co-ordinate a full evacuation. Evacuees are staying in hotels in Winnipeg, Gimli and Brandon, said ISC. Hudson said more than 700 homes have flooded after an ice jam caused the swollen river to spill its banks over the weekend. Many keep careful eye on water from behind dike walls RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Nick Frechette has been working, along with two others, to stop seepage at the base of the dike surrounding his fathers home. Posted: 6:38 PM May. 4, 2022 MUNICIPALITY OF RITCHOT As far as one can drive past the closure sign on Provincial Road 200, where the Red River has become a lake, Don Clark stopped Wednesday with supplies to shore up a dike. The 74-year-old carpenter from Treherne brought the last package of oakum a tarred fibre rope meant to plug gaps at a local hardware store, as well as sealant, to his doctor. Read Full Story He said a request for military aid is on hold, after more people joined the flood fight through a public call for help and an Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs program. Hudson said he plans to speak with Ottawa about a long-term flood protection strategy for the First Nation, about 170 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Peguis resident Cindy Sutherland, who stayed behind despite a mandatory evacuation notice, doesnt know how much more she can take. Sutherland, her husband and their 18-year-old son have been pumping water out of their basement non-stop since Saturday, leaving them tired and stressed. "Were almost to our last straw. Its pushing through the basement windows and our chimney stack," she said. "Its coming in as fast as its coming out." Arborg put a hospital, care home and some residences on evacuation notice after flooding and a washout near the junction of highways 7 and 68. Non-stop operation of 10 large pumps helped reduce the water level and take pressure off Highway 68 and culverts at risk of eroding. The swollen Icelandic River was also receding. "We are cautiously optimistic that it is all moving in the right direction for us," said Mayor Peter Dueck. RCMP The Arborg area is dealing with major flooding caused by recent rainfall and the Icelandic River spilling its banks. South of Winnipeg, municipalities in the Red River Valley are preparing to hand out more evacuation notices as work continues on closing ring dikes, pumping water and stacking sandbags where needed. The province is predicting a peak similar to the major flood of 2009, with a crest in Emerson between May 7 and 10. Community ring dikes and individual flood protections are designed to withstand such a flood. The ring dike protecting Morris is surrounded by floodwater, with just one road access point after the province closed Highway 75 on the north and south sides of town. Highway 23 is closed on the west side. Mayor Scott Crick said Highway 23 on the east side, the towns highest access, is expected to stay open throughout the flood. Graphic: Today's James Avenue water levels Posted: 6:04 PM Oct. 9, 2019 Water levels in Winnipeg are measured in feet James, the level above the normal winter ice level as measured at a gauge on the Red River east of James Avenue in the Exchange District, just downstream of The Forks where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. Zero feet James is the baseline winter ice level on the Red River at James Avenue. This is the baseline for measuring river levels in Winnipeg. Read Full Story "What things will look like in a few weeks is anyones guess," he said. "Were dealing with an atypical year." Crick said the highway closures are challenging for Morris residents who commute to work, truckers who now have to take a long detour and businesses which benefit from people driving through the town. South of Morris, 72 residents in the Rural Municipality of Montcalm have been asked to leave their homes, with some choosing to stay behind, said Reeve Paul Gilmore. He said the RM has asked the RCMP to check on vacated properties and people whove stayed behind, although some roads were impassable. Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre said officers in flood zones are using pickup trucks and boats to do patrols, depending on access. Two officers working in the Fisher River region are using Sherp amphibious vehicles to travel over any terrain, he said. Loss of road access is one of the biggest problems for RMs dealing with flooding in southern and central Manitoba. Gilmore said Montcalm, which includes Letellier and St. Jean Baptiste, will probably ask the province for disaster financial assistance to repair gravel roads post-flood. The RM of Grey is also looking at making repairs to some roads which are submerged or too soft or rutted to drive on. "We need some good, hot sunny days to dry them up," said deputy reeve Rod Savage. What things will look like in a few weeks is anyones guess. Were dealing with an atypical year. Morris Mayor Scott Crick He said the flood situation is improving in Grey, where about 12 pumps were being used to protect homes in the Elm Creek and St. Claude areas. To further prepare for river flooding, the surrounding RM of Rhineland became the 25th Manitoba municipality to declare a local state of emergency. North of Grand Forks, N.D., the bloated Red River has been dubbed the "Red Sea." The U.S. National Weather Service said floodwater is about 13 km wide in places. The surface area is so large it is behaving like a lake and generating its own weather, said Scott Kehler, president and chief scientist of Weatherlogics. On Tuesday, the sprawling river spawned a breeze, a phenomenon which usually occurs on large bodies of water such as Lake Winnipeg, said Kehler. "The water heats up more slowly than the land when the sun is out. That creates a circulation where the air is flowing from the water to the land," he said. "To get it from a river, it almost never happens." Flood of 2022 Flooding on Peguis First Nation on May 4. (David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press) The Peguis First Nation Search and Rescue vehicle heads out to help on May 4. (David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press) - CP Flooding on Peguis First Nation on May 4. (David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press) - CP Volunteers prepare sandbags in Peguis on May 4. (David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press) - The Arborg area is dealing with flooding caused by recent rainfall and the Icelandic River spilling its banks. (RCMP) - This photo taken by a drone shows tractors pumping floodwater over Highway 68 about a kilometre west of Arborg on May 4. (North-East Interlake Emergency Measures Board) - Nick Frechette wades through flood waters on his dads property north of St. Adolphe on May 4. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) - The Red River has run over its banks on May 3, cutting off access to Red River Drive about five kilometres south of the Turnbull Drive and Pembina Highway intersection (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) - Red River Drive is submerged by the Red River on May 3. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) - Crews work on May 3 on collecting clay for a dike that will be built across Red River Drive to help protect homeowners. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) - Crews work on building a dike across Red River Drive on May 3 to help protect homeowners. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) - On the outskirts of Morris on May 3. (Morris RCMP) - Outside of Morris on May 3. (Morris RCMP) - Jennifer Lim poses in her yard, which is partially flooded by an overflowing retention pond, in Winnipeg on May 3. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) - Backyards partially flooded by an overflowing retention pond in Winnipeg on May 3. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) - High water levels in Elie on May 2 are threatening some homes. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - The high school in Elie is surrounded by water on May 2. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - Sandbags are made in preparation for flooding at the RM of Cartier facility in Elie on May 2. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - Sandbags are made in preparation for flooding at the RM of Cartier facility in Elie on May 2. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - A homeowner has put down some sandbags on May 2 in response to high water in Elie. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - A truck crosses a high La Salle River in Elie on May 2. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) - The swollen Icelandic River in Arborg on May 2. (Doug Anderson photo) - Flooding in the Peguis First Nation is shown in a handout photo taken with a drone on MAy 1. (Albert Stevenson / The Canadian Press) - Flooding in the Peguis First Nation is shown in a handout photo taken with a drone on May 1. (Albert Stevenson / The Canadian Press) - David Sutherland, Ron Sutherland and brother-in-law Garry Willis work on putting sandbags in front of Rons house, close to Sutherland Road and Highway 8, on April 26. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) - In Altona, crews erected a Tiger Dam large tubes filled with water to act as a flood barrier in a vulnerable area of the town on April 29. (Supplied) - PR 200, north of St. Adolfe, with water from the Red River spilling across the roadway slowing traffic down to one lane. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) - A 55+ complex in Selkirks Creekside subdivision flooded after water from a nearby creek started rising in the area on April 23. (Supplied) - A 55+ complex in Selkirks Creekside subdivision flooded after water from a nearby creek started rising in the area on April 23. (Supplied) - Forecasters are expecting rain in southern and central Manitoba this weekend and early next week, but not as much as previous weekends. Initially, it looked like another Colorado low could form, but a series of weaker low-pressure systems are now expected, said Kehler. "For us, that was welcome news," said Gilmore. Environment Canada meteorologist Jesse Wagar said scattered showers are possible Friday and into Saturday, while a second low-pressure system later Saturday and into Sunday will bring more widespread rain. She said five to 10 millimetres is possible. The Dauphin and Swan River areas could get heavier amounts. A third system could dump about five to 10 mm starting Monday, said Wagar. chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @chriskitching The Columbus High School Choir and Discoverers Band recently rocked the house at a district contest. The weekend of April 21-23 marked the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA)'s district music contest, where 17 competing schools vied for judges approvals in choir and band performances. The choir brought home one excellent rating, eight superior ratings, four superior ratings with distinction and one outstanding performance. Band brought one good, seven excellent, 18 superior, one superior with distinction and one outstanding performance. Seventy students competed in ensemble and solo performances for choir while the band sent 29 competitors across ensembles, solo performances, duets and band performances. Many performers in both groups performed in more than one category. Competitors can take home one of four ratings on a performance. Excellent means their work is above expectations. Superior means two of the three judges rate them superior. Superior with distinction means judges decided unanimously that the performance was superior. Outstanding performance, the final rating, means the performance was the best the awarding judge had seen in that category, and are uncommon. Judges work across several categories, Choir Director Jacob Ritter said. Sometimes the judges youll have for a group of three could be judging solos the next day, Ritter said. Among the choir performances was Jenna Taylor, who received an outstanding performance rating on her solo performance. That could be from anywhere between 20, 30, 40 acts in a day so that is a fantastic achievement, Ritter said. There is an honorable mention rating for outstanding performer, as well, in this case awarded to Olivia Brittenham for her solo performance. The choir overall scored four superior ratings with distinction, a massive achievement according to Ritter. Of course all the soloists are aiming for that top spot. We usually do well with superior but getting the outstanding performer is a very high distinction, Ritter added. In addition to their vocal performers, the choir brought along Lillian Hudnall, who received an excellent rating for her violin solo. While this isn't a vocal performance, it didn't quite fit in band categories either, so she was able to compete in vocal. Jarrett Peabody received the outstanding performer award for his alto saxophone solo performance. Jarrett Peabody and Becca Anderson received honorable mention for their saxophone duet as well. Band Director Jeff Peabody said hes proud of this group, and that they had more performers than usual this year, more than probably any other school in the district, and probably more than any two combined. There are just a lot of kids who really seem to be interested in music as an outlet and as a way to demonstrate they have skill at something maybe not everybody sees on a regular basis, Peabody said. The performers, Peabody added, are building skills outside of just being able to play instruments. These are kids who now have a demonstrated ability to work on an independent project with a deadline and get good strong results, Peabody said. Peabody noted that these traits will look good and carry over well on resumes and job applications. An independent project that has a deadline and that you can do it with a good strong result - that has value that will carry a long way, Peabody said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MUNICIPALITY OF RITCHOT As far as one can drive past the closure sign on Provincial Road 200, where the Red River has become a lake, Don Clark stopped Wednesday with supplies to shore up a dike. MUNICIPALITY OF RITCHOT As far as one can drive past the closure sign on Provincial Road 200, where the Red River has become a lake, Don Clark stopped Wednesday with supplies to shore up a dike. The 74-year-old carpenter from Treherne brought the last package of oakum a tarred fibre rope meant to plug gaps at a local hardware store, as well as sealant, to his doctor. Dr. Marc Frechettes low-lying, 50-acre property near Richardson Road, between the highway and the Red, has flooded almost entirely, apart from the five-or-so acres and the house behind a three-metre-tall concrete and plywood dike. Manitoba flood fight grinds on as Red River crest looms David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press Indigenous Services Canada said another 800 residents are expected to leave Peguis over the next few days, as community leaders and the Canadian Red Cross co-ordinate a full evacuation. Posted: 7:00 PM May. 4, 2022 Manitobans continue to battle spring flooding between the Interlake and Canada-U.S. border, with hundreds more forced to leave their homes and the number of washed-out roads increasing. The fight is being helped by sunshine and the warmest temperatures so far this year, but rain is expected in flood zones again this weekend. Read Full Story "If the dike does its job, no worries," said Clark, but if it doesnt, the house is "toast." Ritchot is among 25 municipalities in the Red River Valley and elsewhere that have recently declared local states of emergency, as the Red and its tributaries swell following a winter and spring of heavy precipitation. Some First Nations, including Peguis and Fisher River, have also declared states of emergency. In the valley, the Reds water is expected to peak to around 2009 levels, provincial flood forecasters said Tuesday. After Clark left Wednesday afternoon, leaving the supplies at the end of the flooded driveway for the men across the water and behind the dike, Nick Frechette, 33, walked through in hip-waders to pick up what he needed. He had been working, along with two others, to stop seepage at the base of the dike surrounding his fathers home. "You worry, because the house is right along the current, the system is right there," Frechette said, noting uprooted trees, for example, could breach the system. "So were getting some precautionary measures in place right now If there is a crack, you put a piece of plywood and some of this chemical right here to seal it and it should seal it, hopefully." RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Frechette is prepared for the long-haul, stuck in the house behind the dike surrounded by ice-cold water. Despite a scare in 2019, when the water didnt even reach the base of the dike, 2022 is the first real test of the flood protection system in the seven years his fathers lived at the property once owned by prominent business family the Richardsons, Frechette said. "Its tough as nails, the previous owner spared no expense with this. Were only worried about seepage at this point or, it climbing so high that it goes over, which I dont think it will," he said. "Even if the waters coming in from the top, well probably still be here. Were safe, you know, weve got multiple levels and its all built out of concrete." Frechette is prepared for the long-haul, stuck in the house behind the dike surrounded by ice-cold water. All the vehicles have been moved off the property, apart from a tractor and canoe, and should have enough food and water to last. "I brought a fishing rod, just in case," Frechette said. "Were staying overnight, until theres no threat anymore. This is the second threat. It raised already to a peak and then it lowered, and now with the rain and snow, were getting another peak its much higher." To the south, in the town of St. Adolphe and surrounding municipality, Mayor Chris Ewen said its business as usual, as people rally to fill sandbags and prepare other flood measures. "St. Adolphe and Ritchot as a whole, theyre resilient, theyre perseverant, they continue to do what they need to do and continue to go to work and continue to live their life and take their kids to school," said Ewen. "This is a situation lots of the municipality is familiar with. Yes, the waters are above average, from what weve seen in the past, definitely higher than what Ive seen as mayor but were still marching forward." 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. Theres been about 160 evacuation notices issued and maybe half of the people have actually left, the mayor said. Bob DeCruyenaere, 75, has lived in the town for 40 years and the area since 1962. "(During the flood of 1997), it was a madhouse around here, but since then so many properties have been raised theres not really any houses that are going to flood, its basically the roads and the outbuildings," he said, checking out the sandbag supply at the local arena. "Worst thing for St. Adolphe is if Highway 75 its the last way out if it floods, then were pretty much forced to evacuate." erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @erik_pindera Winnipegs ongoing wastewater treatment woes led to the discharge of 1.6 billion litres of partially treated sewage into the Red River in one incident last month. Winnipegs ongoing wastewater treatment woes led to the discharge of 1.6 billion litres of partially treated sewage into the Red River in one incident last month. The previously undisclosed discharge, which left the North End sewage treatment plant between April 21 and 25, was almost 20 times the size of the 78 million litres of diluted sewage released into the Assiniboine River in March, and is the equivalent of 650 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Chris Carroll, the citys manager of wastewater services, blamed the situation on that weekends torrential rain. "Ive never seen these kinds of flows coming in," he said. "We measured 20 year-high flows to the plants April 23 to 25." MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The Red River near Chief Peguis Trail, where the North End sewage treatment plant discharged nearly 1.6 billion litres of partially treated sewage into the Red River last month. The plant exceeded capacity, he said. The facility automatically diverted some wastewater to bypass some steps of the treatment process, then blend back in with fully treated effluent to leave the plant. "Everything has a capacity: a bathtub, a bridge can only handle so much weight," he said. "Sewage facilities are the same. They have a capacity that they are designed to treat to and once you hit that capacity, you have to go around it or you risk damaging it." The city did not provide exact data on the extent of treatment the 1.6 billion litres received, but Carroll estimated the sewage that hadnt been fully treated would have gone through 30 to 60 per cent of the process. Everything has a capacity: a bathtub, a bridge can only handle so much weight. Sewage facilities are the same. They have a capacity that they are designed to treat to and once you hit that capacity, you have to go around it or you risk damaging it. Chris Carroll, Winnipeg's manager of wastewater services The situation differs from a sewage spill, since it is linked to the expected operations of the treatment plant, he said. If some of the flow hadnt been diverted, the plant could have been flooded, potentially leaving most of Winnipeg without a working sewage plant for an extended period, he said. "Depending on the extent of the flooding, its not inconceivable the facility would not operate for weeks or longer. In that instance, you are getting no treatment at all," he said. "Seventy per cent of Winnipeg would not be serviced by a treatment plant at that time. That would have drastic consequences on the customers (and) on the environment." BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES First commissioned in 1937, the North End sewage treatment plant provides 70 per cent of the citys wastewater treatment. Those consequences could include sewage backup into basements, he said. Older areas of the city are serviced by combined sewers that collect precipitation and wastewater in a single pipe. The problem occurs when that system is overwhelmed by heavy rain or snow runoff and there are overflows into the rivers. But unlike those overflows, Aprils partially treated discharge isnt subject to immediate public reports, Carroll said. It is noted in monthly reports to the province. Winnipeg, province clash over sewage plant project deadlines The north end sewage treatment plant needs $1.854-billion worth of upgrades. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press files) Posted: 6:58 PM May. 4, 2022 The provincial government is bluntly ordering the City of Winnipeg to complete its sewage upgrades, with no further deadline extensions. However, the city says its the province that delayed funding on one project, while contract issues delayed the other. Read Full Story City officials could not provide data comparing Aprils discharge to previous similar events. The incident is, once again, raising concerns about health risks and environmental damage. A local water-protection activist said even diluted and partially treated sewage can contain high levels of E.coli and fecal coliform that can make people quite sick, along with high phosphorus levels that promote algae growth on Lake Winnipeg. "We need to address this urgently. This is a failure of our wastewater treatment system in Winnipeg," said Alexis Kanu, an environmental scientist and executive director of the Lake Winnipeg Foundation. Kanu noted $1.85 billion in long-delayed upgrades to the 85-year-old North End treatment plant would increase capacity. However, she said governments have been far too slow to get that work done. "We needed to have urgency on this 20 years ago, because were already hitting our capacity limits and now the latest projection on upgrading (capacity limits) is 10 years from now. We cant go through 10 more years of springs like this," she said. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Offically known as The North End Water Pollution Control Centre, the facility is the City of Winnipegs oldest and largest sewage treatment plant. The massive April discharge followed two other significant spring spills into Winnipegs rivers. Approximately 60 million litres of diluted and untreated sewage was dumped into the Red about a month after a construction-related spill poured an estimated 78 million litres of untreated wastewater into the Assiniboine. The problems must be addressed, Kanu said. "(After) a spill like this (with) only partially treated wastewater, or a spill like the one (in late April), which was untreated sewage, I think we need to say, No, this is unacceptable at any level," she said. "We live in a city where the official line is, Dont touch the river water. Thats just embarrassing. It shouldnt be that way." 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. A Manitoba Indigenous organization added its concerned voice to the conversation Wednesday. "Our citizens have expressed concern about the impacts of vast amounts of raw sewage making its way from the City of Winnipeg into Lake Winnipeg and into the north basin and the Nelson River," Grand Chief Garrison Settee of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said in a statement Wednesday. The spills cause environmental and health concerns for those living downstream, he said, urging the province and city to review the impact of the problem. Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga Sagkeeng First Nation has received $610,093 from the federal government to search for burial sites near the former Fort Alexander residential school. Sagkeeng First Nation has received $610,093 from the federal government to search for burial sites near the former Fort Alexander residential school. A private company has been conducting scans with drones and ground-penetrating radar, since July, on the reserve 100 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. On Wednesday, Ottawa announced it will help pay for those searches, as well as archival research, mental-health supports and to commemorate the missing children who attended the residential school. The communitys elders believe children were buried at the site of the former residential school, and that others might be located along the shores of the Winnipeg River. RCMP have been investigating allegations at the former residential school for a decade. A jury has convicted Kyle Pietz of manslaughter in the death of office cleaner Eduardo Balaquit, accepting the Crowns theory he killed Balaquit after forcing him to disclose his bank card numbers. A jury has convicted Kyle Pietz of manslaughter in the death of office cleaner Eduardo Balaquit, accepting the Crowns theory he killed Balaquit after forcing him to disclose his bank card numbers. Seated with her sons and other family members, Balaquits wife Illuminada clutched a wooden crucifix and cried out as the verdict was announced. Eduardo Balaquit was last seen heading to work in June 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO Jurors delivered their verdict just before 8 p.m. Wednesday following six hours of deliberations. Pietz showed no visible reaction. Justice Sadie Bond revoked Pietzs bail. He will be sentenced at a later date. Prosecutor Vanessa Gama said the Crown will seek a life sentence. Eduardo Balaquit, 59, disappeared on June 4, 2018, after leaving home for Westcon Equipment and Rentals on Keewatin Street, where he had a contract as a cleaner. His body has never been found. Prosecutors alleged Pietz, a former Westcon employee, was desperate for cash and killed Balaquit for his bank cards and numbers after the two men crossed paths at Westcon. Family members anxiously awaited the verdict, hoping jurors saw the evidence the same way they did, said Balaquits son Edward Balaquit outside court. "You never know whats going on in a jurys mind," he said. "To us it seemed pretty evident, but were pretty biased." Kyle Pietz leaves the Law Courts Building after the first day of trial in his alleged killing of Eduardo Balaquit, whose disappearance prompted massive manhunt. Eduardo Balaquit was a proud, confident man who enjoyed providing for his family, Edward said. "Its good the person responsible is finally found guilty," he said. "Through this whole process we were hoping the evidence would show us where our dad is or this person would finally tell us where he is. He didnt give us that information we needed. That is the piece we really want to know." "Every once in a while the good guys win," Winnipeg Police Service Sgt. Wade McDonald said following the verdict. "Im happy that the Balaquit family got justice today." Not knowing the location of Balaquits remains made the investigation "very challenging," McDonald said. "Thank god investigators were really motivated and determined," he said. "We didnt always get the results we wanted, we continued on for a number of years and charges were laid." With Balaquits killer now convicted, police will return their focus to finding where his body was buried, McDonald said. "We wont be giving up. We will always be looking and asking for information for the Balaquits," he said. Jurors heard testimony from three witnesses who said they saw Pietzs blue Ford Escape and Balaquits Dodge Caravan in the Westcon parking lot at the same time on the night Balaquit disappeared. Cell tower records for that evening tracked Pietzs cellphone from Westcon to a nearby Safeway and Liquor Mart, back to Pietzs Toronto Street home and then to the Arborg area all the while with Balaquits body in the trunk of Pietzs car, prosecutor Brent Davidson alleged in a closing address to jurors Tuesday. An intensive ground search in the Arborg area failed to uncover Balaquits body. Jurors were shown security video of a man prosecutors alleged was Pietz using Balaquits bank card to withdraw $700 from an ATM at an Ellice Avenue 7-Eleven store, shortly after midnight June 5, 2018. During a subsequent search of Pietzs home, city police found a sticky note stuck to the bottom of a 7-Eleven food bag in the fridge on which was written two sets of numbers and the names of two banks. It wasnt until January that Balaquits wife confirmed they were her husbands bank numbers. Prosecutors argued Pietzs presence at Westcon at the same time as Balaquit, his possession of his bank card numbers and his nighttime trip to Arborg and 7-Eleven should leave jurors no doubt Pietz killed Balaquit. "There is no doubt that the only reasonable explanation for (Balaquits) disappearance is that he is dead and there is no doubt that Kyle Pietz is responsible for his death," Davidson said. Defence lawyer Amanda Sansregret argued it was unclear if Pietz was the man depicted in the 7-Eleven video. She said jurors could not rule out the possibility Pietz "came across" Balaquits wallet, bank cards and PIN numbers in the missing mans car. "That is evidence of theft, not of the criminal offence of manslaughter. 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. "If you find he used the card, might you be suspicious of Mr. Pietz? Of course but suspicion is not proof beyond a reasonable doubt. There are other inferences available to you in this case." Court was told someone drove Balaquits vehicle to a neighbouring parking lot on the night he disappeared, where two men broke into the van and stole a wallet and credit cards. One of the men, Leslie Walker, testified he tried to use the cards at two convenience stores, but was unsuccessful. Sansregret said no one saw Pietz and Balaquit together at Westcon and there is no way of knowing if someone else was there on the evening in question. Police found no blood, DNA or other evidence of a killing at the Winnipeg business, Sansregret said. dean.prithard@freepress.mb.ca Winnipeg police are investigating two separate killings that occurred less than 24 hours apart this week the citys 17th and 18th homicides, respectively, of 2022. Winnipeg police are investigating two separate killings that occurred less than 24 hours apart this week the citys 17th and 18th homicides, respectively, of 2022. The city had recorded six slayings by this time last year. By years end 2021 there had been 43 homicides, just shy of the all-time high of 44 people killed in 2019. "Unfortunately, we are currently on pace for more than that in 2022," Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jay Murray told the Free Press on Thursday. On Young Street, between Ellice and Sargent avenues Thursday, police squad cars remained in the front and back of a two-storey triplex, which was behind yellow crime scene tape. Police had been there since around 9 p.m. Wednesday, when they attended a report of a disturbance and serious assault. When officers arrived, they found a body outside the home. The victim had not yet been publicly identified; police had not announced any arrests. Bill Crawford, 58, a caretaker who lives across the street, was about to bike out for a pack of cigarettes when he told the Free Press of alleged drug-dealing from one of the suites. "Its a down house they sell down out of there," Crawford said, referring to an illicit mixture of fentanyl and heroin combined with a cutting agent. "Lots of people in there, 24-7." Crawford said he recently told police who had responded to the home of the constant comings-and-goings and the alleged drug dealing from one of the triplexs suites. "Now this happened. Hopefully, theyll shut it down." He said the police response was large, including four squad cars on Young Street and more in the back alley. "I got home about 10:30 (Wednesday night) cops all over this place I didnt want to come outside," he said. "They were searching with flashlights." Han, an area landlord who asked his surname be withheld, said he was waiting for police to investigate the triplex. "A homicide, thats a surprise, but homicide or not, its a drug house," he said. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Forks parkade where the Winnipeg Police responded to a report of an assault on Tuesday, May 3. The reduction of student traffic from the nearby University of Winnipeg on the block due to the COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with an uptick in local drug dealing, the landlord said. However, Han added, the West End is largely a good neighbourhood. "Im lucky to have good tenants that care about the area, care about the house, care about the fact they can just walk and grab a bus at Portage Avenue." Shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday, police went to the parkade at The Forks for a report of an assault. Officers found a man injured and gave him medical care, but he was pronounced dead in hospital. Police have identified the victim as Kyle James Craik, 27, of Winnipeg, but had not announced any arrests. On Thursday, no traces of a police investigation remained in the parkade of the popular downtown tourist spot. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim," said The Forks spokeswoman Jenna Khan, noting she had no further details to provide beyond what police had provided. "The team at The Forks is co-operating fully with the authorities, as this is a police matter and an on-going investigation." The high number of homicides this year has taxed detectives tasked with investigating, as well as other police who assist in the intensive probes, including general patrol and the identification unit, the WPS said. 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 well, Murray said, theres been an uptick in gun homicides, tolling the firearms analysis section. However, police "work relentlessly to pursue justice for families and friends of those affected by homicide," he said. Murray said he could not comment on the current clearance rate of homicides this year (defined by the number of arrests made), as the investigations are ongoing. Police have asked anyone with information about either of the latest slayings to call the homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477. erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @erik_pindera The provincial government is bluntly ordering the City of Winnipeg to complete its sewage upgrades, with no further deadline extensions. The provincial government is bluntly ordering the City of Winnipeg to complete its sewage upgrades, with no further deadline extensions. However, the city says its the province that delayed funding on one project, while contract issues delayed the other. The province sent two scathing letters on April 14 about the $1.854-billion north end and $352-million south end sewage treatment plant upgrades, which the city has made public. "The citys lack of control over the project and routinely missed deadlines is increasingly concerning," the letter about the south end plant work states. The letter officially denies the citys request to extend its deadline to greatly reduce pollution in effluent leaving the plant. Winnipeg proposed the target date to meet that pollution limit be extended to Sept. 30 (instead of July 31) and the full plant compliance deadline become July 31, 2023 (instead of Jan. 31, 2023). "Repeated delays to this project have increased risks to environmental and human health, and this is not acceptable," the letter states. The city originally planned to complete the south end plant in 2012, according to the province. A city official couldnt confirm that date Wednesday, but said the original deadline was at least as early as 2015. In a separate letter about the north end plant, the province says the city "has failed repeatedly" from Dec. 31, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2019 to meet pollution compliance deadlines on that project. "The lack of a strategy to achieve compliance and complete upgrades to the facility in a timely fashion is a serious concern," the letter states. The South End Water Pollution Control Centre needs $352-million worth of upgrades. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files) Both projects are meant to reduce the amount of phosphorus released into local waterways, a nutrient that promotes algae growth. The city originally planned to finish the north end plant in 2014, before a series of provincially approved extensions. Municipal public service reports note very different reasons for the delays. One blames south end delays primarily on a contractor missing schedule milestones; another notes a request for the city, province and Ottawa to enter a funding agreement on Phase 2 of the north end upgrade has faced 2 1/2 years of delays. Coun. Brian Mayes, water and waste committee chairman, said its high time the money flows to get the work done. "Ive never seen anything like this, where (all) the political leadership is saying lets go and there still seems to be some sort of hang-up somewhere in the bureaucratic fog here. Instead of writing the letters, lets get shovel in the ground here, lets get going," said Mayes. Mayor Brian Bowman has accused the province of dragging its feet to approve the funding request, then adding conditions to its support. 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. The province has repeatedly pushed the city to consider more private involvement in the north end project, which the city rejected, Mayes noted. The matter was thought to be settled in November when Premier Heather Stefanson told media the city could make that decision. The letters ignore the fact tri-government funding deal is still not final and city ratepayers cant afford the entire tab alone, said Coun. Jeff Browaty, finance committee chairman. "To be in compliance by the timeframes theyre talking about is not fair or reasonable this has to be tri-level funded," said Browaty. In an email, a provincial spokesperson did not directly answer questions about the timing of Manitoba government funding for the north end project. The statement stressed the province is committed to getting the work done. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga Opinion CONSERVATIVE leadership hopeful and Ontario MP Scott Aitchison nailed it. Aitchison suggested on Twitter that even though the potential that the United States could be overturning Roe v. Wade is an American issue, "the blunt reality is that all too often, the political discourse we see in the United States becomes part of our politics, too." (Aitchison went on to pledge full support to defending womens right to choose also, nailing it.) But the potential erosion of abortion rights in the United States demonstrates just how precarious these rights can be. On Monday, Politico was provided a leaked initial draft of a majority opinion written by U.S. Justice Samuel Alito on Roe v. Wade, which repudiates the 1973 decision providing federal protection of abortion rights. This was later largely upheld in 1992 with Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Alito writes that: "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled." He goes on to suggest, "It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the peoples elected representatives." On Tuesday, the abortion debate was brought back to life in Canadian politics, with MPs of all stripes trying to make political points on the issue. The NDP, Bloc and Liberals took the opportunity to address the issue in Parliament, while Conservative MPs were instructed not to discuss the issue. Interim Conservative leader Candace Bergen said in a statement, "It would be inappropriate to comment on matters before the U.S. Courts. That is why Conservatives will not be commenting on the leaked opinions from the Supreme Court of the United States." Of course, that didnt stop Aitchison (and I say, good for him). The abortion question follows the announcement that there are now six verified candidates running for the Conservative Party of Canada leadership. Among them, Leslyn Lewis is the strongest social-conservative voice, and she may be able to use the uproar over Roe v. Wade to her advantage. Lewis has been the calm, rational face for pro-lifers everywhere. In a recent interview, Lewis told CTVs Evan Solomon shes friends with lots of people who are pro-choice, and they agree with her belief in supporting women who want to keep their babies (and who would argue against that?). But shes also been very clear that she wants "coerced" abortions to be criminalized, and thats where the slippery slope begins. Lewis says in her Facebook campaign page: "When I had just completed Law School and was starting my law career, articling on Bay Street, I got pregnant. From a career perspective, this was the worst possible timing. Who would hire a law student walking around pregnant? How was I even going to study for and pass the bar exam? "The pressure to have an abortion was immense. Friends went ahead and booked abortion consultations on my behalf. People told me that I didnt have a choice. It was my future, or my baby." 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. Is this what she means by coerced abortions? Does she want police arresting Planned Parenthood counsellors? Klinic staff? Doctors? Family members? She comes across as reasonable, until you start to ask questions. Lewis did reasonably well in the last leadership race, coming in third behind winner Erin OToole and Tory veteran Peter MacKay; OToole promised to give her a large role in his cabinet, then sidelined her over some of her more contentious views on vaccinations. Social conservatives in the 2020 leadership race helped Lewis raise about $2 million, and after the second ballot, she had more raw votes than either OToole or MacKay. She also had solid support in western Canada. Even if she were to lose the leadership race this time around, she is a voice that no Conservative leader can afford to ignore. Which means that abortion, and relatedly the Roe v. Wade issue in the United States, are likely going to have a hand in Canadian politics and the next federal election. Because as Warren Kinsella wrote in the Toronto Sun on Tuesday: "Abortion is back. And abortion kills Tory political careers." Shannon Sampert is the former politics and perspectives editor at the Winnipeg Free Press and a communications consultant. She was the Eakins Fellow for the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada for winter 2022. shannon@mediadiva.ca The 175,000 Manitobans who attended mass at Birds Hill Park on Sept. 16, 1984, will likely never forget the homily preached by Pope John Paul II, who said: Love of God is organically linked with love for others with mutual love. The 175,000 Manitobans who attended mass at Birds Hill Park on Sept. 16, 1984, will likely never forget the homily preached by Pope John Paul II, who said: "Love of God is organically linked with love for others with mutual love." It was an important message at the time. Given recent revelations of the churchs involvement in residential-school atrocities, perhaps it would be even more important for the current Pope to accept an invitation to visit Manitoba and extend some love. Manitoba politicians ask Pope to come here ANDREW MEDICHINI / ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTO An invitation will be extended to Pope Francis to come to Manitoba. Posted: 4:48 PM Apr. 28, 2022 An invitation will be extended to Pope Francis to come to Manitoba, the graves of children who died in residential schools and to bestow a blessing on the grave of Louis Riel. On Thursday, a motion by the Manitoba New Democratic Party called on the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to invite the Pope to the province when hecomes to Canada. It passed unanimously. Read Full Story The prospect of an upcoming papal visit to Canada came after the Vatican welcomed several First Nations, Inuit and Metis delegations in recent months, leading in March to Pope Francis issuing a detailed apology for the "deplorable" conduct of some church members who were in positions of authority in residential schools. Several groups invited the Pope to reinforce his words with a visit to Manitoba. Media reports cite sources as saying the Pope will visit Edmonton, Quebec City and Iqaluit during a four-day trip to Canada, but his itinerary hasnt been confirmed. This leads many to hope Vatican officials will consider the many reasons why Manitoba should be included. As a display of how significant a papal visit would be to Manitoba, parties in the provincial legislature set aside partisan differences and gave unanimous consent last Thursday to a New Democratic Party motion to invite the Pope to this province. Progressive Conservative government house leader Kelvin Goertzen, who hasnt had an abundance of experience in supporting NDP motions, said, "This place can be powerful, in a very meaningful way, when we do it together across party lines." If Pope Francis accepts invitations to visit Manitoba, he will find a province that is currently undertaking the hard work of reconciliation related to historic injustices to Indigenous people, many of which occurred in residential schools operated by the Roman Catholic church. Reconciliation wasnt mentioned when Pope John Paul II visited Winnipeg 38 years ago, a time when the full bleak impact of residential schools was not as widely known. Although most of Manitobas 19 residential schools had closed by then the final one, near Dauphin, remained open until 1988 it wasnt until 2015 that the Truth And Reconciliation Commission (TRC) issued a multi-volume report that gave the public reputable insight into the consequences of the government-and-church partnership that took Indigenous children from their homes and tried to erase their cultural identities in a school system that was often abusive. Andrew Medichini / The Associated Press files Pope Francis is expected to visit Canada in the coming months. Pope Francis knows all this, judging by his recent apology to Indigenous leaders: "I also feel sorrow and shame for the role that a number of Catholics, particularly those with educational responsibilities, have had in all these things that wounded you, and the abuses you suffered and the lack of respect shown for your identity, your culture and even your spiritual values." As Vatican officials choose which Canadian locales would be most appropriate for a papal visit, Metis leaders have invited the Pope to bless the grave of Louis Riel, a founder of Manitoba who was a devout Catholic and is buried at the St. Boniface Cemetery. Its relevant to note Manitoba is the province that has the largest per-capita Indigenous population. Winnipeg is also considered a hub of reconciliation, with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba now housing all of the documents collected by the TRC. A visit by Pope Francis could help Manitobans process the churchs apology, and perhaps move toward acceptance and forgiveness. For many Manitobans, a papal visit would be an answer to prayer. RE/MAX Total Realtys car show series is back in action on Monday and, according to locals, offers a variety of benefits to the Columbus community. Started about four years ago, the Columbus RE/MAX location holds a monthly car show series during the spring and summer months in which anybody with any type of vehicle can bring it to the business parking lot, 3809 23rd St. People can also stop by just to look at the different vehicles and chat with others. We've had cars, motorcycles, said Logan Bronson, a co-owner of RE/MAX who helps run the show. We've even had an airboat once. We've had stock cars, race cars, we've had a little bit of everything show up. The event has steadily grown throughout the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID was probably the year where it started to get really busy, Bronson said. I think it was because people had been stuck at home for so long, this was a good open air event that people could go to outside and look at cars and enjoy just seeing people. Last year saw an especially good crowd, both for those bringing their cars and attendees. Bronson added he hopes to see even more people come this year. The car show starts at 5:30 on Monday. The other dates are June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. The closing show will have special activities, such as food vendors and cornhole games. Bronson noted the events benefit to the Columbus community. We've had some local vendors that come and that gives them an opportunity to kind of showcase what they do; we have food trucks come, we have a snow cone truck come. It gives them the ability to get some exposure, Bronson said. There have been times RE/MAX has accepted free will offerings and other donations for the Childrens Miracle Network, which is a nonprofit that raises funds for childrens hospitals across the United States and Canada, he added. Mainly it just gives people in the community an opportunity to get out and do something a little bit different and see each other and just enjoy themselves, Bronson said. Bronson said he will be bringing his new 2021 Shelby Cobra GT500 on Monday. Hell also most likely bring a second car, such as his 68 Mustang or 2013 GT500, he said. Columbus man Terry Swett has attended all of RE/MAXs car shows and described himself as somewhat of a car collector. The one at RE/MAX, it's a real nice, easygoing show, Swett said. It's not judged and you can bring any car you can bring one that you're starting to fix up or one that's a show quality-type car, they have all different assortment of cars and quality of cars. The event allows attendees to get inspiration for their own projects, such as a car restoration, he added. Swett noted he attendees car shows regularly with his family and friends. We have a whole group of us that kind of all hang out together and just try to try to hit shows here and there. We all kind of have a big text message together with probably 10 or 15 of us. Whoever can make it that particular date, we all just head out together. Swett said he plans to bring his 63 Corvette while his wife may show off her 78 Ford Bronco to the car show on Monday. There will be new faces at the upcoming event, including that of Jeff Vaughn. Vaughn is from Columbus originally and moved out of the area after graduating from high school in 2003. After finishing college, he worked in Lincoln for 18 years before moving back to Columbus six months ago. Just wanted to move back and be closer to closer to family, still friends with a lot of people that I grew up with, Vaughn said. It was important to just come back and raise a family around those types of people. Now that hes back in Columbus, Vaughn said he hopes to reconnect with the local car community. I was active in it back in the day, but there's a lot of different faces in it now, he added. This car show's going to cater to all makes and models. It'll be interesting to see what's in the town now and just meet some new people. Vaughn said hell bring at least one vehicle to the Monday show either his 66 Mustang or his 90 Mustang. Vaughn said he likes how the RE/MAX car show is held on a weekday. Most take place on a weekend and requires people to register and be there all day long, he added. The appeal to this is it's going to be a few hours after a work day and won't have to give up a weekend day for it, Vaughn said. I love the fact that this is one that you can come in and come and go as you please. Hannah Schrodt is the news editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at hannah.schrodt@lee.net. 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. Corps of Engineers officials said the Corps contractor, LS Marine, Inc., from Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is scheduled to begin dredging the 9-foot navigation channel and placing the material at the Corps Homer Placement Site, a few miles south of Winona on U.S. Highway 61. The Corps anticipates removing around 25,000 cubic yards of river sand from the river during the dredging operation. The material is expected to be reused for a variety of construction projects within the region to include being used as general construction fill material for the roundabout road construction within Winona. An additional beneficial reuse project includes the bridge construction near Marshland, Wisconsin. Paul Machajewski, St. Paul District dredged material manager, said its great to see so many options for the river sand to be reused within the community. Maintaining the navigation channel is one of the Corps of Engineers primary missions, he said, but finding opportunities to reuse the material is a benefit that helps reduce storage requirements while reducing the construction costs since the material is free. Machajewski said he anticipates dredging activities to last for at least a few weeks and urges boaters to use caution if they are near the dredging activities. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 The FDAs proposal to ban menthol in cigarettes and cigars could prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths over the next four decades, the agency says, by reducing the appeal of tobacco. The product standards proposal, announced April 28, would prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes, and ban all flavors other than tobacco in cigars. The minty aroma and flavor of menthol increases the appeal of smoking and makes it harder to quit, the FDA says, because of its ability to reduce the irritation and harshness experienced with smoking. Menthol might make cigarettes more appealing, including among teens, and the combination of its flavor, sensory effects and addictiveness makes for a potentially fatal combination. Globally and stateside, smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, with some 480,000 tobacco related fatalities per year in the U.S. The proposed rules would help prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers and help adult smokers quit, Xavier Becerra, FDA health and human services secretary, said in a release. Additionally, the proposed rules represent an important step to advance health equity by significantly reducing tobacco-related health disparities. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009 banned all cigarette flavors other than menthol and tobacco, and halting use of the former has long been in consideration. With the FDA looking to decrease the death rate of cancer including tobacco related disease by 50% in the next 25 years, taking away menthol will be crucial. Around 30% of U.S. cancer deaths are caused by smoking, and removal of the flavor will likely lower consumption and thus increase the success rate of quitting smoking. A study published May 3 by JAMA Network looked at over 7,000 youth smokers, including those in England and Canada where menthol cigarettes were banned in May 2020 and Oct. 2017, respectively and the U.S. Taking away menthol in England dropped usage from 12.1% to 3% after the ban went into effect. In Canada, where rates were already low and a ban in place, the decrease during the same time period was 3.1% to 2.3%. In the U.S., usage actually increased slightly from 33.6% to 36.9%. Thats impressive, Gundersen immunologist Dr. Todd Mahr says of the results. It shows that if you take menthol out, they dont like to smoke. They dont like the taste. Should menthol not be an option, Mahr adds, some youth will likely be deterred from taking up smoking in the first place. Per the FDA, in 2019 there were 18.5 million users of menthol cigarettes, with youth and some racial groups, including Black and African American individuals, smoking products with the additive at disproportionate rates. The CDC reports nearly 85% of non-Hispanic Black persons use menthol cigarettes, compared to 30% of non-Hispanic white persons. Some have argued removing menthol options unfairly targets the Black community, or could lead to an underground market. However, the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council calls a ban a major step forward in Saving Black Lives, and the NAACP says it has for years been pushing to ban menthol cigarettes, applaud(ing) the FDAs latest plan to do just that. Its about time we prioritize the health and well-being of African Americans, the organization said. Mahr notes that one high profile objector to the ban the Rev. Al Sharpton receives funding for his National Action Network from tobacco company R.J. Reynolds. Among the arguments of Americans For Tax Reform which has received donations from Altria, owner of Philip Morris USA is a potential loss of some $6.6 billion in excise taxes, according to a Tax Foundation report. However, the CDC estimates smoking related illness costs the country over $300 billion per year, including $5.6 billion due to exposure to secondhand smoke. Behind the scenes there are things going on and hopefully the FDA will be able to clear the smoke, so to speak, and see behind that, Mahr says of conflicts of interests for some ban opponents. The FDA estimates a 15% drop in smoking over 40 years should menthol be eliminated, saving some 324,000 to 654,000 deaths, around a third of those among Black individuals. Of note, if the proposal is enacted the FDA would enforce the ban of menthol for manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers who manufacture, distribute, or sell such products within the U.S. Individual consumers in possession of or using menthol cigarettes and cigars, obtained from a different country or through another method, would not be charged or face legal consequences. The FDA is currently accepting and reviewing public comments about the proposed menthol ban, and listening sessions are scheduled to be held June 13 and 15. For more information, visit https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-09302.pdf. Smokers looking to quit can visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to learn about cessation services available in their state. Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When Deanna Horjus-Lang, director of the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County Campus and Community Choir, set out to choose music for the first live show since the pandemic began, she decided on pieces that highlight emotions like the heartbreak of loss, the frustration of struggle and the calmness of finding peace. I just picked a lot of that music for our first post-COVID concert, Horjus-Lang said. Nobody has gone through COVID and not been touched in some way, shape or form. So I thought, This is great music, but then this whole Ukraine thing began to happen and it just felt so unreal, so the music became even more focused on struggle. The show turned instead to a benefit concert, aimed at helping those people far away in eastern Europe as they are bombarded with Russian missiles and attacked by soldiers from the neighboring country. The performance, scheduled for 7 p.m. May 10 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 131 Sixth Ave., will have a few songs Horjus-Lang was able to dig out of the archives to fit the message of supporting Ukrainians. There will also be programs with quotes from various historical figures and anonymous texts discovered during World War II. Some of the music moved the performers to tears the first time they heard it, such as a song about the devastation from the 2005 tsunami which hit Indonesia. It has hope, Horjus-Lang said, and its not afraid to have tears, too. Kelly Alekna, a freshman at the Baraboo campus, said she was excited to perform for people again. Especially since shell be standing beside her mother, Janet Alekna, of Wisconsin Rapids, who joined the choir this year. Kelly Alekna said she has felt a connection to music since she was a small child and looks forward to conveying a message of appreciation and support for those dealing with the fallout of the Russian aggression, including their decision to end the performance with a Ukrainian prayer. I think we have a really good set of music, so Im excited to sing that, Kelly Alekna said. They kind of pull at your heart. You can feel maybe theres something difficult, but theres light at the end of the tunnel, like youre going to make it through. Horjus-Lang said the concert generally has a good turnout and is hopeful that will happen again. There will be no admission, which is a chance for attendees to provide a larger donation than if they had to pay for a ticket. The organization receiving the money is an all-volunteer nonprofit called Sunflower of Peace, which is based in Boston, and is currently focused on providing medical aid to the region. Horjus-Lang said choir member Ann Vogtschaller suggested the organization after researching groups offering aid to Ukraine. There is no monetary goal, they are simply hoping to help, she said. Janet Alekna said when she and Kelly talk about the ongoing invasion, they tend to focus on the positive news like how to help these people they see all over the news but are thousands of miles from them. She said the music can offer not only the donation, but may offer some comfort to people here, sad and worried over the conflict. A lot of the music is hopeful, Janet Alekna said. Its nice to have the music as a connector, something that makes everybody feel a little bit uplifted. Follow Bridget on Twitter @cookebridget or contact her at 608-745-3513. 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. Two notable restaurants on Wisconsin Dells Parkway will now be under the same ownership. The Del-Bar, owned by sisters Amy Wimmer and Anne Stoken, is a year-round restaurant/bar that serves mostly dinner dishes. Mr. Pancake is open during tourism season (May to September) and specializes in pancakes and other breakfast foods. Wimmer and Stoken recently purchased Mr. Pancake and will look to expand the menu at the restaurant as well as allow employees to work at both restaurants. Del-Bar public relations contact Carla Minsky called the purchase a food match made in heaven. Weve always been thinking about adding a second restaurant, said Stoken. We were exploring several options and we were good family friends with the Thompson family. They reached out to us to see if we would have any interest in acquiring this and it just made sense for us to take on a breakfast shift since its opposite from the Del-Bar dinner service. Dianne Thompson owned Mr. Pancake along with her daughter, Liz Knoop, according to Knoop's daughter Emily Olson, and sold it to Stoken and Wimmer. A release announcing the purchase also said Stoken and Wimmer were drawn to Mr. Pancake by the recipes, family, tradition and loyal customers. Both restaurants will continue their operating schedules, with Del-Bar remaining open year-round and Mr. Pancake being a seasonal restaurant. The Thompson family did a great job establishing a great business for many, many years, Stoken said. I think we had a vision on what we could do to add a new twist to it and we were just excited to put that together and kind of refresh Mr. Pancake. With the purchase, Stoken and Wimmer revamped the interior of Mr. Pancake. The floor tiles were replaced and chairs throughout the restaurant were repainted, as well as new wallpaper being installed and updates to the bathrooms. The owners were looking to create a nautical feel with the remodel, which features white and blue colors in most of the interior. No significant renovations, such as knocking down walls, were done. Customers waiting to be seated can order different Torke brand coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, espressos) as well as mimosas from a newly-installed coffee bar. The coffee bar will also include homemade pastries that can be purchased to-go, as well as specialty coffee drinks. Mimosas and specialty coffees are new under Stoken and Wimmer. Stuffed animals will continue to be sold at the waiting counter. Menu items at each restaurant will be mutually exclusive. However, the menu at Mr. Pancake is slated to expand, with items such as avocado toast, steak and eggs, and egg sandwiches, as well as homemade pastries such as blueberry muffins and cinnamon crumb cake. A lot of the menu items will be exactly the same, said Wimmer. We just got a couple new ones that weve added. With the purchase, employees of one restaurant will be able to work at the other because of the operations are at different times during the day. Wimmer said a factor in choosing a breakfast restaurant instead of another lunch/dinner establishment was so she and Stoken were not competing with ourselves. It made sense that we already had several employees who worked a breakfast shift elsewhere, said Wimmer. For us to have our employees that we rely on and are very trustworthy, to be able to have them at both places, rather than hiring all new people, it just made sense. Wimmer took over Del-Bar in 2018 from her and Stokens father, Jeff and his wife, Jane. Stoken came the next year and the two are third-generation owners, according to the release. They returned to the Dells area after working in Colorado. Wimmer said Del-Bar was opened in 1943 by the sisters grandparents, Jim and Alice Wimmer. Note: This article was updated on May 5 to correct information about the previous owners of Mr. Pancake. Although springs arrival has been slow this year, there are plenty of blooms to be found at the Dodge County Center for the Arts. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Botanical Quilt Exhibit begins Friday at DCCA, 130 W. Maple Ave., Beaver Dam. The public is invited to attend an opening reception with light refreshments from 4-7 p.m. The traveling exhibit features 25 one-of-a-kind wall quilts that were part of the 2020 Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Challenge. Quilts that are accepted into the show are first on exhibit at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show in Madison in September, then travel the country for two years before being returned to the quilt makers. Dana Casey of Nancy Zieman Productions said the 30 X 40 inch quilts with a floral theme were made by quilters of all skill levels throughout the country. Wisconsin is well-represented in this show with about 15 coming from our state, she said. DCCA Board Member Kraig Kasten said the center welcomes the opportunity to display fiber arts. This is the third time weve worked with Nancy Zieman Productions on an exhibit and theyve consistently been our highest-attending shows. Its fantastic to see people come from all over to look at the quilts, he said. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Botanical Quilt Exhibit will be on display in May and June during regular business hours on Thursdays through Saturdays. The center is hoping to add Sunday hours in the near future. If you go: What: The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show Botanical Quilt Exhibit Where: Dodge County Center for the Arts, 130 W. Maple Ave., Beaver Dam When: Opening reception Friday, 4-7 p.m. Cost: Free Info: dodgecountyarts.org Casey said she expects good-sized crowds to view the exhibit during the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio Grand Opening Events on May 12-14. The new downtown store will be hosting sewing seminars, sit and sew workshops, sewlebrity presenters and more throughout the weekend. Events will take place at the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio, Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre Fine Arts Center and The Watermark. For details, visit NancyZieman.com/Blog. Kasten said the quilt exhibit will also be a highlight of the Wisconsin Arts & Peony Festival the first weekend of June. Mill House Quilts will hold a bed turning event at DCCA during the festival at which attendees can view a variety of quilts and learn the history behind them. Deanna Springer of Nancy Zieman Productions said entries are now being accepted for the 2022 quilt challenge. This years quilt challenge theme is special for me because 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of Sewing With Nancy on public television, she said. Were celebrating Nancy, who was one of Beaver Dams biggest supporters. The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2022 Celebrating 40 Years of Sewing With Nancy Quilt Challenge entry form is available at quiltshow.com/quiltcontest. Entry forms are due June 30. Follow Kelly Simon on Twitter @KSchmidSimon or contact her at 920-356-6757. 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. The Portage City Council has approved spending about 70% of the citys share of federal pandemic relief money to fund numerous projects, including subsidizing the purchase of a new aerial platform for the Fire Department and helping homeowners replace lead pipes. Portage received $1.08 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a stimulus bill aimed to help public health and local economies recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, the City Council approved allocating $740,000 for several projects across the city. The aerial fire unit is an extendable tower attached to the fire engine and is used when the Portage Fire Department is dispatched to structure fires across the city. The current aerial platform is from 1992 and, according to Portage Fire Chief Troy Haase, is showing signs of age. The platform was already scheduled for replacement this year since the apparatus is five years beyond its replacement age. In a letter to the council, Haase outlined the National Fire Protection Association standards, which state all fire apparatus over 25 years old should be replaced. The council voted on April 28 to use $325,000 in ARPA money to help pay for the $1.4 million aerial unit, which is set to be delivered by July 2024. The remaining cost of the 2024 Pierce Enforcer mid-mount 100 aerial platform is expected to be paid for by city-issued debt and a matching federal grant. In total, the council approved eight items last week to receive $741,500 in ARPA funds. Ald. Eric Shimpach voted against the recommendations made by an ad hoc ARPA funding committee. Ald. Susan Bauer Frye abstained from the vote. Shimpach said the Finance Committee should be looking over these items before the City Council approves them. ARPA funds need to be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and projects funded by the federal dollars need to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026. Portage formed an ad hoc committee earlier this year, which was tasked to make recommendations on spending ARPA money. Ten people, including city staff, department heads, elected officials and citizen members, were appointed to the sit on the ad hoc committee in March. The ad hoc committee reviewed 19 proposals, eight of which were approved last week. Other projects Among the items the council approved was a new a voice-over IP telephone system, which will allow City Hall to manage outgoing and incoming calls over an internet connection, and a video security system for City Hall. Another item approved by the council was the allocation of $100,000 to establish a revolving loan fund which would be available to residents wishing to replace their lead water service lateral. The lateral is the portion of the water service from the curb stop to the water meter. Lead is a toxic metal which was used in the construction of most household plumbing until it was banned in 1984 in Wisconsin, City Administrator Shawn Murphy said. We dont know how many private water service laterals are lead-based, but we wish to establish an ongoing financial assistance program to encourage property owners to replace their private lead service laterals. Murphy said details of the loan program need to be worked out, but did give a broad overview of the program on Wednesday. The city would make available low-interest or no-interest loans to property owners to assist with the cost of replacing these private water service laterals with new copper pipe, Murphy said. During public comment last week, Terry Bardell said he wants there to be more citizen input on what these funds should be used for. There were two meetings held by the ARPA funding committee to discuss recommendations for the full board. Ald. Dennis Nachreiner, who serves on the committee, said he attended the meetings and did not hear from any members of the public during the April 12 or the April 16 meetings. We approved all the ones we felt comfortable with, Nachreiner said of the full list of 19 recommendations. We wanted to do something with roads. We were looking into the re-pavement of roads. Nachreiner added, We are meeting again and we will be going through more items. And if anyone has any ideas for what theyd like to see this money used for, they should come and tell us. The ARPA funding committee is set to meet next on June 7 at Portage City Hall. This isnt something we can look at for the first time in six months, Nachreiner said. There needs to be action on this. 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. Tali Nates awarded the 2022 Goethe Medal Alumna honoured for her commitment to international cultural exchange. The Goethe Institut announced that Wits alumna and director of the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, Avital Tali Nates (BA Hons 1994) has been awarded the 2022 Goethe Medal. Nates receives the prestigious medal along with multimedia artist Mohamed Abla from Egypt, and two artists from the Sandbox Collective Nimi Ravindran and Shiva Pathak from India. I feel honoured and humbled by this recognition. I've dedicated my life to education about the prevention of atrocities which is so needed in todays world, she said via email. The Goethe Medal is an official badge of honour of the Federal Republic of Germany and the most important prize in its foreign cultural policy. It was donated in 1954 by the board of directors of the institute. The medal honours personalities who are particularly committed to international cultural exchange or teaching the German language. The candidates are nominated by the Goethe-Instituts around the world in close coordination with the German missions abroad. The Goethe Medal will be awarded at a ceremony on 28 August 2022 the birthday of the eponymous Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Weimar. The award winners will present their work at the Kunstfest Weimar from 26 to 28 August 2022. According to a press statement released by the institute, Carola Lentz, President of the Goethe-Institut, said: Cultural artists and civil society actors are present in many parts of the world and actors under massive pressure. With the Goethe Medal, we honour personalities who work for the freedom of art and cross-border cultural and intellectual exchange. Natess work in Johannesburg deals with the past and present of genocide in a new way and looks with scientific precision at the roots of the Holocaust and genocides such as that in Rwanda in 1994. She looks at the roots of the two events and asks what we can learn from them with regard to current wars and human rights issues. In carefully curated exhibitions and in clear public positions, Nates makes it clear that racist crimes and genocides can happen again and that remembrance, education and education are important means of preventing them, Lentz said. Nates was born in Israel in 1961 to Holocaust survivors rescued by Oskar Schindler. She studied history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem but has lived in South Africa since 1985 and completed her degree at Wits. In 2008 she founded the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. She teaches on topics such as human rights, prejudice, racism, othering, anti-Semitism, homophobia and xenophobia. In 2016 she received the KIA Community Service Award. In 2021 she was the first South African to receive the Gratias Agit Award from the Czech Republic as well as the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Award. As a proud Witsie, she fondly remembers her time on campus: "I enjoyed the campus. I loved spending time in the library and archives, going on field trips for my research and interacting with students and professors. I remember the many lively discussions with Prof Lawrence Hamilton and my time at Wits certainly shaped my love for history and the conviction that there is much to learn from it if we just listen". Gov. Pete Ricketts said any of the legislative bills passed this last session would be historic but to have all four go through is quite instrumental. The four bills he was referring to concerned tax relief, public safety and law enforcement, investments in water and infrastructure and, finally, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Any one of those four if they happened in a session they would make that session historic, Ricketts said. But the fact that the legislation was able to pass all four of those bills in a short 60-day session is truly remarkable and this is why I think this session will go down in history. Ricketts along with State Sen. Mike Moser of Columbus spoke about the past legislative session on May 4 at The Friedhof Building, 1270 27th Ave. in Columbus. It was an incredibly historic session and, of course, Sen. Moser was a part of the team that delivered these historic results, Ricketts said. The governor first spoke about the tax relief bill LB873. The measure protects the past tax relief bill LB1107 which was first pushed through in 2020. Through the bill, residents can apply for a rebate from the state for 25.3% of whatever is paid into a given local school district in property tax, Ricketts said. That is a significant tax relief, he said. Ricketts said during his time as governor he has delivered over $8 billion in property tax relief. LB873 will continue to ensure that relief, he added. The governor also spoke about how the legislation invested more in public safety and law enforcement. Ricketts said one way was by replacing the Nebraska State Penitentiary which was originally built over 150 years ago and last renovated about 50 years ago. We need to replace it with a new facility that allows us to take advantage of practices that improve safety for our corrections officers as well as the inmates quality of life, he said. The legislation put aside money for that to be possible, Ricketts added. He said although there have been talks about renovating the old facility, which would cost around $220 million, he believes once construction starts there will be new issues with the structure that was not at first identified, effectively raising the cost of the renovation. Ricketts applauded another investment made to law enforcement by expanding the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island. He said $47 million will go toward increasing the capacity of the building to better train officers. We want to ensure our communities have the best training and the best facilities to protect our (people), Ricketts said. Ricketts also praised an investment made in the states water resources. The bill allows the state to build a canal on the South Platte River which flows from Colorado to Nebraska. The project will go to a reservoir system in Nebraska, the governor added. Ricketts said the bill will protect water as Colorado is working on multimillion water projects in the South Platte Water Basin to prevent water from leaving that state. According to the governor, Nebraska has a compact with Colorado that guarantees Nebraska minimum flows of South Platte River water throughout the year. Nebraskas entitlement is based on building a canal and reservoir system, known as the Perkins County Canal. The bill allows the Perkins County Canal to be built. This water is vital for the state as its used for agricultural irrigation and drinking water, Ricketts said. Agriculture is our number one industry in Nebraska, he said. Were the largest irrigated state in the country nine million acres. If we do not have that water to irrigate we are undermining our ability to feed our nation and the prosperity of our state. Lastly, Ricketts touched on ARPA. He said the money will go toward shovel-ready projects -- rural ambulances, nurses and behavior specialists, mental health facilities, the University of Nebraska at Kearneys nursing facility, community colleges, rural broadband and more. Ricketts said the four bills passage is truly remarkable. Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net. 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. BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) Ahead of China's Youth Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote back to a youth team working on space station construction, encouraging them to contribute more to the exploration of space and advance aerospace science and technology through innovation. Over the past years, Xi has been striving to promote the development of China's space industry and pledged to deepen cooperation with other countries in this field, which has yielded fruitful outcomes. The following are some highlights of Xi's remarks on how China develops its space industry and how the world can join hands in exploring the mysterious universe for all mankind. June 6, 2017 China has attached great importance to space exploration as well as innovation in space science and technology, and wants to use these achievements to create a better future for mankind, Xi said in a letter of congratulations to the Global Space Exploration Conference. Nov. 6, 2018 China has been committed to advancing the development of aviation and aerospace technology with other countries, Xi said in a congratulatory letter to the 12th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. Xi expressed his belief that the exhibition would vigorously boost the development of global aviation and aerospace technology, promote international exchanges and cooperation, and help ensure people around the world benefit from achievements in the field. Nov. 14, 2018 Outer space is the common wealth of humanity, and it is a pursuit of mankind to explore, develop and utilize outer space peacefully, Xi said in a congratulatory letter to the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization. China advocates joint efforts from nations around the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity, and to enhance international exchanges and cooperation in outer space on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use, and inclusive development, Xi said. China has consistently advocated the rational development and utilization of space resources and the protection of the space environment, in order to make space industry benefit all mankind, said the president. Feb. 20, 2019 Exploring the vast universe is a common dream of all humankind, Xi said when he met representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Chang'e-4 mission. China has been actively advancing international space cooperation and carried out productive cooperation with multiple countries and international organizations. Many countries contributed to the complete success of the Chang'e-4 mission, Xi said. April 23, 2020 In a letter to the elder scientists who participated in the Dongfanghong-1 mission, Xi said he is deeply moved by the fact that the participants of the Dongfanghong-1 mission have devoted their youth to the space cause and still care about the future of China's aerospace industry in their old age. No matter how the conditions change, the spirit of self-reliance and hard work should not be lost, Xi said. May 15, 2021 In a congratulatory message on the successful landing of China's first probe on Mars, Tianwen-1, Xi said, "The landing left a Chinese mark on Mars for the first time. It is another landmark progress in China's space industry development." June 23, 2021 Xi spoke with Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, the three astronauts sent into space aboard the Shenzhou-12 spaceship. "The construction of the space station is a milestone in China's space industry, which will make pioneering contributions to the peaceful use of space by humanity," said Xi. Sept. 16, 2021 In a congratulatory letter to the First International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications, Xi said China is willing to share the achievements of the BDS with all sides, promote the progress of the global satellite navigation industry, and make the BDS better serve the world and benefit humankind. April 12, 2022 When inspecting the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern China's island province of Hainan, Xi said that the launch site should continue to eye the frontier of global space development and the major strategic needs of China's space industry, and comprehensively improve its modern space launch capabilities, calling for efforts to elevate the site to world-leading standards. (Source: Xinhua) Stratis to Fund Blockchain Innovation Centre in Uganda Disclaimer: The text below is a press release that was not written by Cryptonews.com. London, UK, 4th May, 2022, Chainwire Partnership with King Oyo Foundation to develop use cases built on Stratis blockchain technologies Investment marks the beginning of Stratis Africa Stratis has entered a long-term partnership with the charitable Foundation of King Oyo, the current monarch of the Tooro Kingdom located in the South West of Uganda, with a population of approximately one million. King Oyo (Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV) is the world's youngest reigning monarch, crowned at 3 and a half. He is known for his keen interest in technology. A recent partnership with the Uganda Industrial Research Institute saw the creation of the King Oyo Science, Technology, Innovation and Industrialization park. The partnership sees Stratis fund a new blockchain innovation centre in the kingdom designed to build knowledge and blockchain development skills within the kingdom. Knowledge will be shared by developing a syllabus designed to provide relevant use case examples to spark creativity and innovative thought process around blockchain applicability. Stratis is a Microsoft-focused blockchain platform built from the ground up utilizing Microsoft programming languages (C#). The syllabus will leverage renowned development tools, such as Microsoft's Visual Studio. Participants will also be able to lean on a wealth of online knowledge thanks to Stratis' choice of utilizing one of the world's most popular programming languages. As part of the partnership, Stratis plans to locate a senior team of business and technical roles at the new innovation centre with the vision to further grow its ecosystem across Africa. Chris Trew, Founder and CEO, Stratis commented: "We're looking forward to developing a syllabus that will be taught at the new innovation center, focused on the use of Stratis blockchain technologies. We view this investment as the beginning of Stratis Africa and plan to deploy a senior team to Uganda." He added: "King Oyo is taking a forward-thinking stance on innovation that will bring new economic opportunities to the Tooro Kingdom." The partners will also collaborate on new blockchain use cases that can contribute to the more efficient administration of the Tooro Kingdom for the benefit of its population. A particular area of interest lies within agriculture. The Tooro Kingdom is renowned for its rich soils, sunshine and abundant rainfall. Stratis' management team already envisions the employment of solutions in agriculture and track-and-trace by introducing blockchain technologies to enable new intelligent resource management facilities. This will be achieved through IoT devices interacting with Stratis Blockchain technologies to create an immutable data store, containing data relating to plot usage, weather conditions, product traceability and financial detail. King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV said of the partnership: "Blockchain technologies offer new approaches to organizing societies and increasing efficiencies. In the Tooro Kingdom, we see that the immutability of blockchain has significant potential, for example, for use cases within agriculture, logistics, banking and many more." He continued: "I'm excited to be working with Stratis to further knowledge and understanding across the kingdom." Stratis has seen significant growth in new applications built using its foundational Layer 1 blockchain technologies over recent years as developers embrace the simplicity of developing in the world's most widely known programming language, C#. Innovation on Stratis is flourishing in areas like blockchain gaming (20 new games in development), DeFi (Opdex decentralized exchange recently launched) and NFTs (Stratisphere feeless NFT platform is now live). About Stratis At Stratis our mission is to simplify the adoption of blockchain technology within existing computing environments. To deliver on this mission we have built a Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform written entirely in C# and based on the Microsoft .NET Core framework. This means more than 10m developers across the world with C# skills can easily apply blockchain within their existing tech stack. Decentralized and highly secure, the Stratis blockchain offers an ideal platform for deploying decentralized applications incorporating smart contracts. Over USD 2 Billion in value has been successfully secured on the Stratis public blockchain. Contacts Careers Wales support can now be accessed in British Sign Language To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (2-8 May), people in Wrexham will be able to access Careers Wales support in British Sign Language (BSL). Careers Wales has teamed up with SignVideo, the UKs leading BSL video interpreting service, to better support the deaf and BSL community in accessing Careers Wales services. The service will initially be available Wales-wide through the Careers Wales Connect contact centre. It will later be available in-person at centres in Aberystwyth, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Llandudno, Newport, Newtown, Swansea and Wrexham. The final phase will be rolled out to all of its 29 centres across Wales. Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, said: This is a positive step forward in making Careers Wales more accessible for everyone. We are delighted to be working in partnership with SignVideo to better serve the people of Wales. This partnership will enable the deaf and BSL community to contact us for an initial discussion about their career support needs, our expert advisers will then arrange further, ongoing support as necessary. I look forward to the full roll out of our BSL service in all career centres and the vital role it will play in creating brighter futures for the people of Wales. BSL is a visual-gestural language with its own grammar using facial expressions, handshapes, gestures and body language to convey meaning. According to the British Deaf Association, there are approximately 7,200 people living in Wales who use BSL, 4,000 of which are deaf. SignVideo uses a specialist, state-of-the-art video contact centre, which is staffed by fully qualified and registered British Sign Language interpreters. The service allows customers to contact Careers Wales and Working Wales (the service for people over 16-years-old) and the video relay service interprets the conversation for the adviser and the customer. Ashley Kendall, director of business development and marketing at SignVideo said: SignVideo are thrilled that Careers Wales understands the importance of providing services which are accessible to deaf members of their community. The launch of this service will enable deaf people to receive support with their career goals on an equal footing to their hearing peers. More information about the service, and how to access it, can be found on the Careers Wales website. Mobile therapy unit to help combat violence against women in communities across North Wales A new mobile therapy unit is helping to shine a light on efforts to combat violence against women in communities across the region. Funded by Welsh Government as part of a capital grant, the unit is being run by RASASC North Wales (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre). It includes a private sitting and consultation area, with facilities to meet and have a coffee and chat with service users and where they can receive information, advice and counselling support. The aim is to support those directly affected by sexual violence and their families and the service will cover all the counties across North Wales in the medium of Welsh and English. The service will include a mix of rural and urban settings, with the aim of visiting venues such as supermarket carparks and hospital carparks to do conduct regular drop ins. It will also be used to raise awareness, providing a visible presence and target hardening products during freshers weeks and attending schools, colleges, and universities throughout the year. The need for the new unit has been demonstrated by the large increase in referrals regarding violence against women and girls in North Wales seen by professionals in recent years, growing from 178 in 2011-12 to 801 in 2021-22. RASASC NW also recognised the need for it to expand its reach across the area, and that women in marginalised communities, rural areas, or those lacking transport or internet connectivity, needed to be able to access its vital services and advice. The service will also aim to serve the LGBTQ+ community, Travelling community, BAME community and sex workers, who will be able to assess crisis drop in sessions at the main RASASC centre, as well as use the mobile therapy unit. Gaynor McKeown, Interim CEO, RASASC North Wales, said: RASASC NW are working closely with North Wales Police and the Welsh Government to combat and address the issues of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and improve access to advice and support. We have launched the new mobile therapy unit to ensure that we can reach as many communities across North Wales as possible, working with these communities to raise awareness and tackle sexual violence. RASASC NW are the largest accredited providers of support and advice services for all victims of rape or sexual assault in North Wales. Our team of qualified counsellors and ISVAs provide tailored support to survivors which is free, confidential and can be delivered face to face or remotely. Working with North Wales Police, we have identified that there are some geographical areas where victims are not accessing support. With the new mobile therapy unit and the launch of our Dont steal my Future educational programme, we are hoping to raise awareness of our service, enabling more victims and their families impacted by sexual violence to access help. Wayne Jones, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales commented: It was an honour to welcome the new RASASC NW therapy unit to Police Headquarters. RASASC NW have created a vital service that will enable communities and vulnerable individuals right across North Wales to access the support and advice that is crucial if we are to overcome the growing scourge of violence against women and girls. Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales said: My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales has tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence at its heart and this initiative will help achieve those aims. We are pleased to support both RASASC, North Wales Police and all other partners in their efforts to make our homes and streets across North Wales safer for women and girls. VAWG Lead for North Wales Police, Chief Superintendent Jason Devonport said: This is an excellent asset and opportunity to engage with all of our communities, especially some of our more rural areas, in which we know domestic abuse and sexual violence occurs and is less frequently reported. We are committed to support those people who suffer this behaviour but want to be able to bring perpetrators to justice speedily and effectively. This type of engagement and support can only strengthen the partnership approach to violence against women and girls. Minster for Social Justice in the Welsh Government, Jane Hutt said: Our commitment is clear, violence against women and girls must be stopped. Harassment, abuse and violence are daily occurrences for women and have conditioned their lives for far too long. Each year, the Welsh Government provides funding for specialist services to provide invaluable and lifesaving support to all victims of VAWADSV, this includes early intervention, preventative and educational support, perpetrator intervention programmes, Independent Domestic Violence Advocates for high-risk victims as well as therapeutic recovery interventions for the ongoing support of those impacted by VAWDASV. We are pleased to have funded the mobile therapy unit to be used across North Wales. This initiative supports our commitment that no matter where a victim lives in Wales, there is a strong public and specialist service ready to help. We want to encourage anyone concerned, triggered by or experiencing VAWDASV to seek support. As well as the new therapy unit, RASASC North Wales have been delivering training and raising awareness of the prevalence and impact of child sexual abuse and sexual violence on individuals, survivors, victims, their family and friends and society as a whole. In response to a VAWG 16+ initiative, North Wales Police funded RASASC North Wales to further develop their existing training programmes to meet police objectives to address this issue. RASASC North Wales recruited the expertise of TACTA Transactional Analysis Central Training Association, to develop this programme working closely alongside RASASC North Wales and North Wales Police. The result, Dont Steal My Future, is a powerful, impact driven training workshop, describing the widespread prevalence of sexual violence and how society can begin to change attitudes and behaviours towards women, girls and sexual violence. Lasting three hours, the workshop promotes awareness and clear learning objectives, with the aim of reducing violence, particularly towards women and girls who make up the large proportion of the population affected by these crimes. The package includes interactive learning, real life examples and lots of useful, relevant information. The end of the training features a unique pledge not to steal anyones future, so that everyone can live a life free of fear of sexual violence. Gaynor McKeown, Interim CEO, RASASC North Wales, added: In the last year we have seen a 35% increase in referrals, but we know that this is still not a true picture of the number of offences being committed. The impact of rape and sexual violence on individuals and their families can be devastating and long lasting. With survivors reporting that they feel their future has been stolen from them and changed forever. This joint initiative is an opportunity to raise public confidence and encourage people to speak out against Sexual violence, so no more futures are stolen. On Day One, Kevin J. ODonnell Jr. launched himself into a formal entry plan to develop a long-term strategy for South Middleton School District. Im really excited about being here, the Mifflin County man said on Monday during his first official school board meeting as assistant to Superintendent James Estep. Im looking forward to the opportunity of working, collaborating and planning the way forward, he said. I cant say enough about how welcoming the community has been. Every time I walk by a student, its been Hey, Good morning, How are you? The board on Feb. 7 hired ODonnell to serve as the assistant effective May 2 at a starting salary of $141,000. A Wilkes-Barre native, ODonnell, 35, has 15 years in education, mostly with the Mifflin County School District, where he was the chief academic officer before coming to South Middleton. Right away, ODonnell launched what he calls a formal entry plan to gather input on priorities from local teachers and staff to use in formulating a strategic vision for the next three to five years. In the lead-up to starting his new job Monday, ODonnell distributed a Bubbler Stop Light Survey to teachers, staff and administrators asking them to rate as green, yellow or red the issues having the most impact on district operations. Im asking folks What are we doing well?, What should we continue doing?, What should we take another look at? and then red light Please stop doing this, ODonnell said. Beyond the surveys, ODonnell spent the entire day Tuesday at the W.G. Rice Elementary School and the entire day Wednesday at Boiling Springs High School. Similar visits are scheduled for next week at Iron Forge Elementary School and Yellow Breeches Middle School. During each visit, ODonnell plans to engage teachers and students in conversation and to sit in on classroom lessons. A second round of building visits is being planned for late May. I want to have informal listening and learning sessions so that I can get to know the community and our students, ODonnell said Monday. The goal is to start trying to note trends and to develop a three-to-five-year plan on how to move the district forward from there. In early November, Estep rolled out a central office restructuring plan for the district that would enable him to mentor an assistant through the 2022-23 school year with the possibility of that assistant taking over as superintendent as early as July 1, 2023. Esteps plan called for the merging of all the job responsibilities of the director of curriculum and instruction into the new position of assistant to the superintendent. In that capacity, ODonnell will not only oversee curriculum development and professional training, but a host of other administrative functions common to the job of superintendent. In November, Estep clarified the difference between the terms assistant to the superintendent and assistant superintendent. If you title this position assistant superintendent, it becomes a position like mine, Estep said. Im a commissioned officer of the state of Pennsylvania. Under the rules for a commissioned officer, you must be given a contract of a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. The same holds true for an assistant superintendent. However, if the board titles the position assistant to the superintendent, there is no need for a contract and the person could fall under the Act 93 compensation plan for district administrators, Estep said last fall. We can bring someone in and hopefully spend at least a year, possibly two, to cycle through all the things a superintendent does and take the assistant through the process. Estep had retired in July 2021 after 11 years as superintendent of the Mifflin County School District. Estep and ODonnell have worked together in the past. I want to thank Kevin for coming in and hitting the ground running, Estep said Monday. At the time he was hired in February, ODonnell was trying to find a new home for his wife and son in the South Middleton School District. The Sentinel Monday asked for an update on this situation. We have an agreement in place with the builder whos saying our home will be done by June 8, ODonnell said. Thats our hope. Were really excited. We stop by and check on our progress every day. Joseph Cress is a reporter for The Sentinel covering education and history. You can reach him at jcress@cumberlink.com or by calling 717-218-0022. Love 1 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. This is the report delivered by Deepal Jayasekera to the 2022 International May Day Online Rally held on May 1. Jayasekera is the assistant national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party in Sri Lanka. To view all speeches, visit wsws.org/mayday. Deepal Jayasekera, Assistant National Secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) Every bourgeois government in South Asia is engulfed by the immense economic, political and social crisis of global capitalism, highly intensified by the more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the present US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. As part of an international upsurge of the class struggle, the workers, youth and rural toilers throughout South Asia have entered into struggle, including strikes and mass protests against the ruling class onslaught on their basic social and democratic rights, which is placing the full burden of the economic crisis on them. India has been caught up in the US-NATO proxy war in Ukraine, with intensified pressure from Washington on Delhi to break its decades-long ties with Moscow and closely line up with the US against Russia, as in the US-India military-strategic partnership against China. The US-NATO war drive against Russia, with its associated harsh sanctions on Moscow and the resulting breakdown of the global supply chain, has severely intensified Indias economic crisis. In this situation, the working class and rural toilers in India are entering into struggle against increased attacks on their social and democratic rights by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several million workers participated in the March 28-29 general strike. In Sri Lanka, the global crisis of capitalism finds its sharpest expression. Growing popular protests throughout the island demanding the resignation of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse have shaken the government to the core. Since April 9, thousands have engaged in continuous protests, day and night, at the main protest site at Galle Face Green, in central Colombo. These mass protests have been triggered mainly by widespread anger over shortages of essentials like fuel, cooking gas and medicines, skyrocketing prices and hours-long daily power outages. Working people, youth, professionals and the rural poor are united in this popular uprising, which cuts across all linguistic and religious communal linesSinhala, Tamil, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Christiandefying decades-long reactionary efforts by all sections of ruling class to whip up communalism to divide and weaken the working class. Now, the mass protests have reached a turning point, with the working class deciding to intervene. On April 25, about 250,000 teachers throughout the island joined a one-day strike demanding the resignation of the Rajapakse government. Three days later, millions of workers all over the country joined a one-day general strike with the same demand. This intervention on the part of the working class has further deepened the political crisis confronting the Rajapakse government. The government is hanging by a thread, effectively losing its majority in parliament, with 40 of its members announcing that they will act independently in the future. Desperate to cling to power, the Rajapakse government is biding its time and plans to unleash a brutal police-military repression against the mass uprising. On April 11, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, in an address to the nation, issued a thinly veiled threat to anti-government protesters that his government will launch a brutal crackdown if they fail to end their campaign. Just eight days later, a heavily armed police battalion opened fire on thousands of people protesting against fuel price hikes in Rambukkana, killing one worker, Chaminda Lakshan, and injuring dozens more. This shooting is a clear warning to working people and rural toilers and also an obvious signal to investors and global bankers that the government is prepared to crush any popular opposition to its harsh austerity measures. As with the government, the opposition bourgeois parties are terrified that the current anti-government uprising will develop into a militant movement challenging bourgeois rule as a whole. Sections of the ruling class and main parliamentary opposition parties, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), are working to trap dissent within capitalist rule through the formation of an interim government, which will definitely continue with same IMF-dictated austerity measures, further worsening the conditions confronting the working people and rural toilers. In this situation of the governments preparations for a brutal crackdown and opposition parties interim government trap, the anti-government popular movement faces a grave danger flowing from its lack of a clear political perspective and program to fight bourgeois rule, despite its determination and militancy. This has been clearly shown by the list of demands published by the organizers of the Galle Face protests as the alternative, rejecting the Prime Ministers April 13 offer for talks with them. While demanding the resignation of Gotabhaya and Mahinda Rajapakse, they have advocated an interim government formed from the existing parliament, excluding anyone from the Rajapakse family; empowerment of the 19th amendment to the constitution, which had made cosmetic changes to some powers of the widely hated executive presidency; a mechanism for taking back all the wealth plundered by members of the Rajapakse family and their associate officials; and holding presidential and general elections within a six-month period. Galle Face protest organizers, while promoting no politics, are actually advocating politics similar to bourgeois parliamentary oppositionthe SJB and JVPwhich are exploiting popular anger against the government to bring an alternative capitalist government to power, which will not only not resolve any of the burning issues confronting the working people, but will makes them worse. The ruthless demands of global finance capital will not be lessened but further intensified in the near future. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is actively intervening in this popular movement, advocating an independent working class revolutionary socialist program and perspective. As elaborated in its statement on April 7, the SEP, while standing squarely behind the demands of working people: Gota has to go! raises this demand: What is to replace him? It is not enough to demand Rajapakses removal . [A]s a key step in addressing the current political crisis, the SEP demands the immediate abolition of the executive presidency, which, with is sweeping autocratic powers, holds a gun to the heads of the working class. The SEP is proposing that the working class fight for the establishment of a government of workers and peasants that will be committed to socialist policies. Such a government will be established through independent organs of the working class. Our proposal to the working people is to form their own action committees at every factory, workplace, plantation and neighborhood, breaking from the trade unions, which are acting as an industrial police force against workers on behalf of the government and employers. The SEP statement on April 7 has proposed a program and policies to animate the work of the Action Committees to address the pressing needs of the masses, including the repudiation of the debt of the small farmers, fishermen, small industrialists and businessmen; for workers democratic control over the production and distribution of all essential items and other resources critical for the lives of people,; to nationalize the banks, big corporations, plantations and other major economic nerve centers; to repudiate all foreign debts; and to say, no to the austerity demands of the IMF and World Bank. The fight of the Sri Lankan working class, rallying poor farmers and other oppressed masses, for a government of workers and peasants based on socialist policies is part of a broader struggle for socialism in South Asia and internationally, to be conducted with the unity of their class brothers in South Asia and globally. Build the International Committee of the Fourth International in South Asia! In the wake of Mondays leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and abolish the right to an abortion, protests have been held in major cities throughout the country. Marches and demonstrations attended by workers, students and youth took place in several cities Tuesday, including in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California; Austin and Houston, Texas; Providence, Rhode Island; New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; Washington D.C.; and Richmond, Virginia, among other places. Organic grassroots protests, as well as others organized by Democratic Party politicians or their appendages, such as Womens March or NARAL Pro-Choice America, are planned in the coming days and weeks, with nationwide protests scheduled for May 14. A police officer stands guard after confronting demonstrators near Pershing Square following a protest outside of the U.S. Courthouse in response to leaked draft of the Supreme Court's opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade, in Los Angeles, Tuesday, May 3, 2022. [AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu] Despite the peaceful character of the protests on Tuesday, in several instances police were seen violently attacking demonstrators, press and onlookers. In downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, independent reporter and documentary filmmaker Vishal P. Singh filmed thousands of workers, youth and students as they chanted and marched in support of abortion rights. Protesters had earlier rallied outside the federal courthouse, carrying signs reading abortion=healthcare and abortion is a human right. In the early evening, hundreds continued to march, leaving the courthouse and assembling at Pershing Square where they listened to speakers and chanted legalize abortion now. After 8 p.m., federal agents driving Department of Homeland Security cars intervened in the protest and aggressively drove up, and into the crowd, forcing those in the path of the vehicle to move or risk being run over. After driving into the crowd, DHS officers, wearing body armor and wielding batons, were seen shoving protesters and press alike, demanding they back the f*ck up! Minutes later, Los Angeles police, wearing riot helmets and armed with shotguns, 40 millimeter less lethal launchers and batons, were filmed assaulting protesters. The police riot against protesters continued. In another video, a Los Angeles cop is seen chasing and throwing a protester to the ground, causing them to almost hit a fire hydrant, while his partner viciously beat back onlookers with his baton. Just after 9 p.m., Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore tweeted that the police attempted to communicate, clear [sic] and provide dispersal order to the group and that the crowd began to throw rocks and bottles at police. At 9:20 p.m., Los Angeles Police declared the protest an unlawful assembly. However, by that point, less than 200 protesters remained, and 20 minutes later the order was lifted. Some protesters mingled past 10 p.m. It is unknown at this time if any arrests were made or how many protesters were injured by police thugs. In downtown Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, hundreds of protesters, including many students, marched from the state Capitol to the federal courthouse against the Supreme Courts opinion. They carried signs that read my body my choice and we wont go back. Despite no reports of violent activity or weapons, a video obtained by the local Fox affiliate shows an Austin police officer, seemingly for no reason, throwing a young unarmed woman protester violently to the ground. The same cop pulled out his pepper spray and threatened the unarmed protesters to back up! At the same time, several other cops are seen surrounding another person who is lying on the ground. There is overwhelming popular opposition to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which would have an immediate impact on the ability of millions of working-class Americans to access an abortion. A December 2021 report from the Guttmacher Institute found that if the Supreme Court overturns or guts Roe v. Wade, 26 states are certain or likely to ban abortion, which would affect 58 percent of US women of reproductive age in the United States, or roughly 40 million people. In anticipation of the Supreme Court ruling, right-wing state legislatures, dominated by Republicans and conservative Democrats, enacted a record 108 abortion restrictions in 19 states in 2021, according to the Institute. Nine states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, West Virginia and Arizona, have laws still on the book that banned abortion prior to Roe v. Wade. There are 13 statesTexas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, the Dakotas, Missouri, Idaho and Wyomingthat have trigger bans in place. This means that if Roe is overturned, within as little as 10 days abortions in that state would be illegal. In almost every state mentioned, having an abortion would be a felony. The Democrats have responded to the provocation by the extreme-right faction of the court with impotent calls to elect more Democrats in the upcoming midterm election, along with empty promises to hold votes in Congress to legislate abortion rights that they know will not pass. The Democratic Party, a party of Wall Street and the military, has adapted to the right-wing attack on abortion rights for decades. It is opposed to any popular mobilization to defend the basic democratic right to an abortion, which would cut across its national unity campaign for war against Russia and threaten to develop into a broader movement against the ruling class. As the assault on protesters in Los Angeles demonstrates, moreover, the Democrats will respond to popular opposition with police violence. On Tuesday, the Socialist Equality Party issued a statement calling for the independent mobilization of the working class to defend the right to an abortion, connecting this struggle with a broader defense of democratic rights and opposition to the capitalist system. The statement declared: There is a profound connection between the assault on democratic rights and the massive growth of social inequality, unrestrained militarism, and the destruction for all practical purposes of a labor movement. The abolition of the right to an abortion epitomizes the protracted disintegration of bourgeois democracy in the United States, which has become nothing more than a hollow shell. Even the initial response to protests over the Supreme Court decision has further confirmed this fact. Responding to a series of threats of intervention by the US and Australia, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare warned on Tuesday that his small Pacific islands country was in danger of invasion by the allied powers. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare walks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct. 9, 2019. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein] Based on the ultimatums issued by the Biden administration and Australias Liberal-National government, backed by the opposition Australian Labor Party, Sogavares statement is entirely credible. His warning, and the belligerent reaction to it in Canberra, also highlights the escalating US-led war drive to confront China, even as Washington intensifies its proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. In an address to parliament in defence of his governments recent security agreement with China, Sogavare denounced the warnings issued by both the US and Australian governments that no Chinese military presence in Solomon Islands would be tolerated. Without naming the US or Australia, Sogavare said: We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in Solomon Islands if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands. In other words, we are threatened with invasion. Sogavares statement followed US Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbells declaration, issued on April 22 during a top-level visit to Solomons Islands, that the US would respond accordingly to any Chinese military presence in the country. Campbells threat was swiftly echoed by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who said a Chinese base in Solomon Islands would be a red line for Australia, that is, a trigger for military intervention. Defence Minister Peter Dutton has accused China of aggression and said Australia needed to prepare for war. Equally bellicose was the reaction of the Labor Party, which is using the campaign for the May 21 federal election in Australia to position itself as the most reliable and ruthless advocate of Australian and US imperialist interests. In an election debate with Morrison, Labor leader Anthony Albanese accused the Coalition of leaving our backyard unsecured, allegedly by allowing China to establish a foothold in the region. Labors shadow foreign affair minister Penny Wong described the Solomons agreement with China as the worst Australian foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since the end of World War Two. Wongs statement underscores the strategic importance of the Solomons, a country of 700,000 people and hundreds of islands in the southwest Pacific, as well as the other scattered Pacific island states. These islands became key battlegrounds in the US war against Japan in World War II, including the bloody six-month 1942-43 Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomons. That war established US domination over the Pacific, which Washington is intent on retaining, with the assistance of Australia, as part of its drive to prevent China from posing any challenge to Washingtons global power. Sogavare denounced the references in Australia to the Solomon Islands being in Australias backyard. He said backyards were where rubbish is collected and burned, and where we relieve ourselves. The Solomons PM also condemned nations that proclaimed Christian values but had waged some of the bloodiest wars in the history of our planet. That charge certainly applies to the long history of US-led wars, not least those in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Sogavare also said there were two sides to the war in Ukraine, as there had been on the 1962 Cuban missile crisis. The latter reference was in response to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who fuelled the anti-China campaign by claiming that the Solomons security agreement with China would result in our own little Cuba off our coast. As Sogavare recounted, the Cuban crisis, which raised the immediate danger of nuclear war, was triggered by the US after Cuba invited the Soviet Union to station missiles on its territory as a deterrent against a US invasion. That followed the botched American Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in April 1961 and the stationing of US missiles in Italy and Turkey within striking distance of the Soviet Union. Sogavare has every reason to warn of a military intervention and regime-change operation against his government. His government has been destabilised already by a right-wing separatist movement in Malaita province encouraged by Washington. One of Sogavares previous administrations was ousted in 2006-07 as a result of Canberras machinations which were part of a protracted Australian-led military occupation of the Solomons, the 2003 to 2017 Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Sogavare has denied any plan for a Chinese military base but that has not halted the threatening allegations against him. On the contrary, just-retired Australian Strategic Policy Institute head, Peter Jennings, who has close links in Washington, said Sogavares warning was as unhinged as Fidel Castros. Jennings said Sogavare should remember that the Cuban missile crisis ultimately left Cuba isolated from its neighbours in the Caribbean, with a mouldering economy. Jennings echoed the alarm in Washington that Australia had failed to prosecute US and allied strategic interests sufficiently aggressively in the Solomons. Jennings said Sogavares reaction to Australian and US concerns over the China agreement showed Australian politicians have been pandering to Pacific leaders with soft soap rhetoric about the Pacific family. He added: When a genuine crisis comes along sometimes we need to remind the region that Australia has security interests that need to be respected. Morrison confirmed today that he had not spoken to Sogavare since issuing his red line threat. In a bullying tone, he told reporters: We are Solomon Islands primary security partner. Morrison claimed that Sogavare had conveyed to him agreement with that proposition. The contemptuous attitude of the US and Australia towards the Solomons sovereignty exposes the fraud that the US war plans against China and Russia have anything to do with defending democracy or national sovereignty. In provoking war with Russia, Washington and Canberra have said Ukraines ability to join the NATO military alliance must be upheld, even if it leads to a nuclear World War III. However, with regard to the Solomons, national sovereignty is thrown overboard. The Socialist Equality Party is the only party in the Australian elections opposing the US-led war drive and seeking to mobilise the working class, in Australia and internationally, against it. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @SEP_Australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Unlike so many people with Twitter and Facebook accounts, I am not a constitutional scholar. I did go to law school, passed the Bar on my first try and have been practicing law since 1987 (give or take a few years when I detoured to teaching languages) but I dont have the gravitas of many of these keyboard warriors who know one thing for certain: Elon Musk is a fascist. Up until quite recently, very few would describe the founder of Tesla as a totalitarian overlord. He was considered a progressive darling who had electrified (pun intended) the world of technology by introducing a rechargeable car. Climate activists were delighted at the prospect of limiting pollutants caused by fossil fuels. Tech geeks, most of whom live in a liberal bubble, were thrilled that one of their own had become, arguably, the richest man in the world. People who hate real names were intrigued when he named his son after an algebraic equation. Everyone to the left of Megyn Kelly (which is a lot of people) loved Elon. But then he decided to buy Twitter, motivated by the tech giants biased view of free speech, and the progressives turned on him. They apparently had no problem with censorship, as long as they hated the people being censored. Many of these pretend constitutional scholars of social media also went into action, saying that since Twitter was a private company, it had every right to kick off people it didnt like. If I had a penny for every time someone parroted the googled line The First Amendment only applies to the government! I myself would have been able to purchase Twitter. These con law experts dont realize that when a private company becomes so big and omnipresent that it essentially becomes the marketplace of ideas, it acts very much like a governmental entity. If it monopolizes a certain form of speech, it can be argued that it acts like a quasi-government when it squashes certain forms of dissent. Beyond the gotcha mantra of if its a private company it can censor all it wants (no, it cant) there is the irony in liberals being so reflexively devoted to censorship when they were the ones who gave us the Free Speech movements of the 1960s. Progressives have always aligned themselves with free speech absolutism. The greatest example of that is the American Civil Liberties Union defending the rights of Nazis to march through Skokie, Ill., a town with many Holocaust survivors. The whole I hate what you say but I will die defending your right to say it was embodied by that act. Now, the same folks who used to think that the way you combat speech you dont like is with speech that you do, want to strangle dissent. Eliminate it. Call it hate speech. Flag it for punishment. Shadow ban it. Vilify it. Criminalize it. All fine, all okay. And thats why they think Elon Musk, one of the worlds greatest capitalists, is a fascist. Hes messing up their crusade to muzzle the world that disagrees with them. Punishing Disney is fascist (See a theme here?). A lot of folks who think they understand the First Amendment are attacking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a law which strips Disney of some exceptional privileges granted to it over a half century ago. Yes, those privileges also helped the people of Florida by keeping their tax burden down. Yes, those privileges had a legitimate reason to exist. But the emphasis is on privileges, not rights. And those privileges were not just limited to Disney. Other communities benefited from the self-governance provision. Disney isnt being told it cant operate in Florida. Its being placed back on the same level as everyone else, or as esteemed (and real) constitutional scholar Eugene Volokh notes, this is an extraordinary status that Disney got because it was Disney, and withdrawing that status would simply put Disney in the same position as other companies in that geographical area, and the bulk of other companies in Florida. And if youre really hung up on the speech aspect, realize that this law impacts every other district that was created, and given those special privileges, so its technically content neutral. But liberals dont see it that way. Even some conservatives are up in arms about it, but theyve generally been consistent with their constitutional critiques. Progressives, on the other hand, read their Bill of Rights through Bernie Colored Glasses, and seem to only be upset when the rights being infringed upon belong to people who vote the way they do. Whether its Elon the Fascist or Mickey the Freedom Fighter, the advice from the social media lawyers is worth about as much as their virtual degrees. But Im sure Becky in Des Moines can get you some great medicinal brownies. Christine Flowers is an attorney and a columnist for the Delaware County Daily Times, and can be reached at cflowers1961@gmail.com. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This interview with the Socialist Equality Partys two candidates for the Senate on Queensland, Mike Head and John Davis, was broadcast last night on 4ZZZ, Brisbanes community radio station. The 15-minute interview with 4ZZZs Blair Martin covers a range of essential issues, starting with the SEPs deregistration under the anti-democratic electoral laws jointly pushed through federal parliament last year by the Labor Party and the Liberal-National Coalition. The interview deals with the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine and the danger of world war, the catastrophic COVID-19 live with the virus policy of governments and climate change, as well as the conditions facing young workers, and the need for a workers government to totally reorganise society along genuinely socialist and democratic lines. The interview was broadcast locally on 4ZZZ 102.1FM and globally on ZED DIGITAL. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @SEP_Australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. This week and next, students and youth around Australia are participating in protests opposing government inaction on climate change and the degradation of the environment. Climate change protest in Sydney during bush fire emergency in January 2020 [Photo: WSWS] The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its youth and student arm, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), fully support the widest involvement of youth in actions opposing climate change and fighting to secure their futures. But we warn that the organisers of the events, School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C), are seeking to derail mass opposition and funnel it back behind the very political parties responsible for the environmental crisis. Any suggestion that the upcoming federal election on May 21 will help to resolve climate change, or any other substantive issue facing youth and workers, is a complete lie. The only party standing in the upcoming elections advancing the interests of workers and youth is the Socialist Equality Party. Our candidates warn that the great problems confronting humanityclimate change, the threat of war, poverty, authoritarianism, COVID-19can only be dealt with on a world scale and by ending the capitalist profit system which is their cause. Actions planned this month by the SS4C are deliberately narrow in focus. In the past, rallieswhich were attended by hundreds of thousands nationallywere part of global climate strikes involving millions of youth. This time, events planned are small and isolated as a deliberate attempt to smother increasingly radicalised young people. Many of the SS4C events are specifically advertised as election climate strikes with regional centres and cities not even organising events. A number of the actions are not even strikes. Instead, they are stunts outside the offices of Liberal-National Coalition members of parliament. The perspective is, in the first place, to pressure Coalition MPs. Failing that, it is the replacement of Prime Minister Scott Morrisons federal government with a government made up of the Labor Party and Greens. But the record of these parties exposes this political perspective as a cynical fraud. You cannot stem climate change by appealing to the capitalist parties which represent the same corporate interests that are responsible for climate change in the first place. The Labor Party, led by Anthony Albanese, is pitching itself as a friend of fossil fuel companies. This is part of a broader appeal to the corporations that Labor is better placed to implement sweeping austerity measures and pro-business restructuring than is the Coalition. Albanese said last month that a Labor government would not block new coal and gas mines. Labor has foresworn even its own phony half-measures of the past such as a carbon tax. The declaration of net zero emissions by 2050 under Labor is a fairy tale, which it has no intention of implementing. Greens MP Adam Bandt has repeatedly affirmed his partys aimto be a coalition partner of Labor. Despite talk of reducing emissions to zero by 2035, in practice the Greens will work with Labor on every substantive policy point in a government that would faithfully serve the mining barons. To deal effectively with the consequences of climate change, itself caused by the unbridled and deliberate prioritisation of production and profit over the needs of society and the environment, requires a complete reorganisation of society and the productive forces. Albanese and Labor have already answered that. They are for renewal not revolution. Bandt, in an address to the National Press Club in April, declared that the main task is to kick the Liberals out, stating that Anthony Albanese will be better than the current PM and that all the Greens needed to do was keep Labor on track. On climate change, all Bandt raised was an end to the opening of new coal and gas mines, which does nothing to address existing emissions, and contradicts the policy of Labor, whom Bandt is hoping to align with. The record of the Greens is for all to see. During the period of the Greens-backed Gillard Labor government, greenhouse emissions actually increased through the implementation of the carbon-tax, supported by the Greens. The crises of the past three years expose the incompatibility of capitalism with the continuation of life on the planet. Unprecedented flooding in February and March in the states of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) have laid waste to entire communities and led to 22 deaths. With no government assistance forthcoming, ordinary people were forced to fend for themselves. The floods come after the 20192020 bushfires which burned around 30 million hectares, destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and killed 34 people. As climate change worsens and these extreme weather events become more severe and frequent, the response of governments has been to invest ever smaller amounts into climate change mitigation and community support policies. This is mirrored in the abject disregard for human life expressed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, another devastating exposure of capitalism and the ruling class here and around the world. Over 7,000 Australians have died from COVID-19, more than half in the first few months of 2022 alone. The murderous live with the virus policy of capitalist governments around the world, abandoning scientifically-determined public health measures to stem the viruss spread, is based on the profit interests of a tiny, wealthy capitalist class. Students have been herded back into dangerous schools and universities as part of the reopening of the economy where they are at risk of contracting and spreading COVID. While thousands in Australia and millions worldwide have died in the pandemic, capitalist governments will have no qualms with more death as they threaten to plunge humanity into a third world war. The current conflict in Ukrainea proxy war by the US and NATO against Russiaand the US-led preparations for conflict with China, raise the spectre of nuclear war. Liberal, Labor, the Greens and the entire political establishment in Australia have lined up with US aggression, backing every provocation against Beijing and pledging hundreds of billions to the war machine. These military preparations have nothing to do with democracy or human rights. Having laid waste to entire nations, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, American imperialism is preparing a world war aimed at reversing its decline. Russia and China are targets because they are viewed as the principal obstacles to US hegemony. The drive to war comes not from the minds of individual capitalist politicians, but the objective contradictions of the capitalist system itself, between the socialised nature of production involving billions of workers worldwide and the private ownership of societys resources by a tiny handful of ultra-wealthy capitalists; and the division of the world economy into competing, antagonistic capitalist nation states. War abroad also necessitates war against the working class at home. This means to suppress anti-war sentiment while gutting workers living and working conditions to pay for ever-expanding military budgets. None of these existential threatsthe pandemic, nuclear war, climate changecan be solved on a national basis. They require international collaboration on a scientific and socialist basis. Young people must turn to the international working class as the only social force capable of ending capitalism which is leading humanity through one catastrophe after another. Workers, confronted with declining living standards, misery, mass death and war are beginning to take matters into their own hands. There is a massive upsurge in working-class militancy around the world. From increased strike action in Europe, Australia and the United States, to mass anti-government protests in Sri Lanka, Sudan and Peru, the working class is once again emerging as a powerful social force. In order to take the struggle forward, workers and youth must break free of the shackles of the Labor Party, the Greens and all the pro-capitalist organisations, including the fake left and thoroughly corporatised trade unions. All of these forces are there to channel the growing mass anger back behind the capitalist system which is the cause of the existential threat to our planet. The SEPs election campaign is aimed at winning workers and youth to the necessary revolutionary perspective of Marxism. We base ourselves on the key historical experiences of the working class in the twentieth century, including the 1917 Russian Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, and Trotskys fight against Stalinist counterrevolution. Only through the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism can a planned socialist economy based on social need, not private profit, be built. To join the fight for an egalitarian world free from war, poverty, environmental destruction, pandemics and fascism, we urge you to get in contact with the SEP and IYSSE, support the SEPs election campaign and join the world socialist movement today. Contact the SEP: Phone: (02) 8218 3222 Email: sep@sep.org.au Facebook: SocialistEqualityPartyAustralia Twitter: @SEP_Australia Instagram: socialistequalityparty_au TikTok: @SEP_Australia Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Within days of the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) dinner held Saturday night, it is clear that it was yet another super-spreader event among the elite of Washington D.C. Dozens, if not hundreds, of the more than 2,500 maskless attendees were likely infected with COVID-19 at the dinner and related parties. In effect, the dinner was a live-streamed propaganda event designed to falsely portray the pandemic as over. This was stated most bluntly by Biden himself, who remarked in his speech at the event, I know there are questions about whether we should gather here tonight because of COVID. Well, were here to show the country that were getting through this pandemic. President Joe Biden speaks at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Saturday, April 30, 2022, in Washington. [AP Photo/Patrick Semansky] By gathering over 2,500 maskless reporters, politicians and celebrities together in one room, the White House thought they could send a message that large, maskless gatherings are now safe. Instead, the event has turned out to be a disaster. The first confirmed infection was ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday evening. This was followed by an announcement Tuesday that Voice of Americas chief national correspondent Steve Herman had also contracted the virus. On Wednesday morning, CNN reported that an undisclosed number of reporters and staffers from CNN, ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, Politico, and other participating news organizations have tested positive for the virus. By Wednesday afternoon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken became the first White House cabinet official to test positive for COVID-19 after attending the dinner. Blinken also attended a dinner hosted by multimillionaires David and Katherine Bradley, as did CIA Director Bill Burns, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, homeland security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, White House press secretary Jen Psaki and several other cabinet officials, as well as reporters Judy Woodruff, Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer, John Dickerson, Jeffrey Goldberg, David Frum, Anne Applebaum and dozens more. As of this writing, six attendees at the WHCA dinner have publicly revealed their positive results, including Karl, Blinken, Herman, journalist Julia Ioffe (her third time catching COVID-19), ABC News President Kimberly Godwin, and journalist Jada Yuan. That the WHCA dinner would be a super-spreader event was entirely predictable and foreseen by numerous scientists. It took place just weeks after the massive super-spreader at the Gridiron Club dinner, which officially infected roughly 10 percent of all attendees. Ignoring experts warnings, the WHCA proceeded with the event under conditions in which the highly infectious and immune-resistant Omicron BA.2 and BA.2.12.1 subvariants are causing a new surge of infections across the US. On Wednesday, News Nodes reported 119,865 official new infections in the USthe highest one-day figure since February 22and a seven-day average of 67,159 daily new cases. According to the New York Times, COVID-19 infections are rising in 47 states and Puerto Rico, while 40 states and Puerto Rico are experiencing a rise in hospitalizations. In New York, one of the earliest states to be hit by BA.2, hospitalizations have risen threefold over the past month and on Tuesday surpassed 2,000 for the first time since late February. While WHCA dinner attendees were required to show proof of vaccination and that they had tested negative for COVID-19 that day, they were allowed to use rapid antigen tests, which are more likely to return false negatives than PCR tests. Elements of self-delusion, recklessness and criminal irresponsibility saturate the WHCA dinner, and it is hard to tell where ignorance ends and treachery begins. Not only did those in attendance endanger themselves and others. They are also the opinion makers for every major corporate media outlet, including ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC, Washington Post, New York Times, Politico and more. Throughout the pandemic, each of these outlets has continuously misled the public and downplayed the dangers of COVID-19, parroting the anti-science lies of either the Democrats or Republicans. The WHCA dinner, followed shortly thereafter by Mondays obscene displays of wealth at the Met Gala in New York City, are the latest in this deepening propaganda campaign, which has vastly intensified since the rapid global spread of the Omicron BA.1 subvariant began in late November. Particularly shameful at the WHCA dinner was the presence of White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha, who until last month was the Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. While Dr. Anthony Fauci recused himself, hypocritically citing my individual assessment of my personal risk, Dr. Jha happily took part in the sordid affair. Putting aside the conscious element of deception, many of the reporters and politicians present at the WHCA dinner themselves have no idea of the dangers posed by SARS-CoV-2. These people refuse to listen to science or act on the basis of science. They have been deluded by their own propaganda and class interests, which lend to their actions an increasingly reckless character. Evidently, none of the elites present at the dinner were aware of the fact that fully vaccinated people like themselves can suffer breakthrough infections and have nearly the same likelihood of developing Long COVID as unvaccinated people. Multiple scientists attempted to consult with the WHCA prior to the dinner, to help them install high-quality air filtration devices at the venue in order to minimize airborne transmission, but these efforts were rebuffed. A reporter who brought a carbon dioxide monitor to the dinner recorded CO2 levels upwards of 2,200 parts per million, indicating very poor ventilation and an extremely high likelihood of airborne transmission. From the standpoint of the ruling class, the most reckless element of the event was Bidens personal participation. As of his 2019 medical history report, the 79-year-old Biden takes the anticoagulant drug Eliquis, which interacts with and likely makes him ineligible to take Paxlovid, the highly effective antiviral treatment. Aware of these dangers, the White House nevertheless chose to have the US President sit maskless at the front of the room for roughly 90 minutes of speeches, jokes and awards, rendering his chances of exposure very high. Jonathan Karl himself shook hands with Biden while accepting an award. Seeking to downplay the possibility that Biden was infected during this interaction, on Tuesday the White House cited the CDCs unscientific guidelines which deem close contacts those who spend at least 15 minutes within six feet of an infected person. However, science long ago proved that airborne transmission can happen at a far distance, especially in a poorly ventilated room with maskless people. The ostentatious displays of reckless behavior show the level of arrogance that exists within ruling circles in the US. To a large extent, they really believe that COVID-19 is for the little people. In stark contrast to the reality confronting the American working class, the millionaire journalists and politicians and billionaire media executives present at the WHCA dinner will receive the most advanced treatment available if they were infected with COVID-19. Those who are eligible for Paxlovid will have it hand-delivered to them at the drop of a hat. For the vast majority of workers, particularly the over 30 million uninsured Americans, accessing treatments like Paxlovid is a bureaucratic nightmare or outright impossible. While Biden and comedian Trevor Noah made tasteless jokes about the pandemic at the WHCA dinner, tens of millions of Americans who have lost loved ones are in a state of mourning as another tracker of the official US death toll surpassed 1 million on Wednesday. This horrific milestone, already reached by other trackers, has gone largely unmentioned by the corporate media. All the publicity surrounding the WHCA super-spreader dinner has been in the hands of the same politicians and media conglomerates who took part in and helped stage the propaganda spectacle. While fabricating lies about the COVID-19 pandemic, these same reckless and empty-headed figures seek to foment war hysteria and escalate the drive by US-NATO imperialism towards a direct conflict with Russia over Ukraine. The same people, following the same pragmatic method based on a calculated indifference to social needs, are tobogganing mankind towards nuclear catastrophe. It is critical that decision-making powers be taken out of the hands of these social layers and the capitalist class they serve. The bipartisan, media-backed campaign to proclaim the pandemic over makes clear that the entire ruling class has abandoned the fight against COVID-19 and consigned the American population to unending waves of mass infections and deaths. This homicidal form of class warfare must be resisted through the building of a mass movement of the working class, in unity with workers throughout the world, fighting for the global elimination of COVID-19. The war in Ukraine is beginning to spill over the countrys borders, threatening to light the entire region on fire. The US and NATO are funneling ungodly amounts of arms to Kiev, as more than 12 million flee the violence, with masses of people pouring into the neighboring states of Poland, Romania, Hungary, Belarus, Moldova, Slovakia and Russia. Smoke rises from the Metallurgical Combine Azovstal in Mariupol, in territory under the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. [AP Photo/Alexei Alexandrov] On Tuesday, officials in Transnistria, a Russian-controlled breakaway enclave in Moldova, which borders Ukraine to the southwest, reported intercepting an unmanned vehicular drone loaded with a bomb at a radio tower. On April 26, two explosions at this and another radio transmission station in the Grigoripol district left significant damage. Also on May 3, representatives of the region, whose independence neither Moldova nor international institutions recognize, said they foiled a planned terrorist attack on Transnistrian soil. They did not provide details, but in this and all other attacks they have blamed Ukraine. Kiev insists these are Russian false flag operations. Its military just declared that Moscow is evacuating the families of Russian servicemen and officials from Transnistria, a claim that the Kremlin has not confirmed. The Moldovan government, which in March officially applied for EU membership, passed a law on Tuesday that authorizes the European border police and coast guard to patrol its borders. This creates conditions in which, depending on the course of the Ukraine war, EU security personnel could end up stationed directly across from Russian troops. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, declared Wednesday following a visit to the capital city Chisinau that the EU will significantly increase [its] support to Moldova by providing its armed forces with additional military equipment. It will also help to beef up its logistics, cyberdefense and military-building capacities. In short, the EU aims to turn the tiny country of 2.6 million, which competes with Ukraine for being the continents poorest state, into an armed camp. In addition, tensions are rising along Ukraines northern border. On Wednesday, Belarus announced it is conducting a previously unplanned review of its military readiness. It is checking both its ground and air defenses, as well as its combat plans and ability to respond to crises. Minsk, an ally of Moscow, said in February that Russian troops with which it had been conducting joint exercises would remain on its territory indefinitely. The situation along Belarus western frontier is also strained, with reports of Polish border guards harassing their counterparts with floodlights and slingshots. Last year, a massive conflict erupted between the governments of Minsk and Warsaw, when refugees from the Middle East, who were attempting to cross into the EU via the Belarusian-Polish border, were beaten back with water cannons. The most significant cross-border conflict is happening in Russia. In late April, there was a series of eruptions at military sites in three regions just to the east of UkraineVoronezh, Belgorod and Kursk. There have been unexplained fires at ammunitions and oil depots, as well as mid-air explosions near a military base, which the Russian government says were from their air defense systems responding to an attack. Residents of the region reported hearing fighter jets take off just after the blasts. A Ukrainian drone has also allegedly been shot down 140 miles into Russian territory. The Zelensky government has said that it neither denies nor confirms launching attacks on Russian territory, which is simply an underhanded way of acknowledging that it is behind these events while attempting to shield itself and its backers in Washington and Brussels from their grave implications. The weaponry, intelligence and training enabling Kiev to strike across the border all come from the United States and NATO. If Ukraine is lobbing bombs on Russia, then the American and European governments are waging an undeclared war on Moscow. On April 30, just days after these events took place, the UKs minister of armed forces, James Heappey, declared it was completely legitimate for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia. In response, Maria Zakharova, press secretary for Russias foreign ministry, said, Do we understand correctly that for the sake of disrupting the logistics of military supplies Russia can strike at military targets on the territory of those NATO countries that supply weapons to the Kiev regime? After all, this directly leads to death and bloodshed on the territory of Ukraine. As far as I understand, Britain is one of these countries. The US and the EU are consciously preparing the groundwork for a European-wide war, which will rapidly spiral into a global conflict driven by Washingtons desire to crush Russia and, above all, China. On Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to Kosovo to resolve its tensions with Serbia in order that all the western Balkans can join the EUin other words, be completely drawn into the anti-Russian war campaign. The region, which straddles the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas, is of major geostrategic significance. The same day, US Admiral and Chair of the NATO Military Committee Rob Bauer said that the alliance no longer considers itself limited by the 1997 Russian-NATO Founding Act. One of the central stipulations of that agreement is that NATO cannot station atomic weapons or build nuclear arms storage facilities on the territory of countries entering the alliance after it was signed. It also prohibits both sides from deploying large numbers of nuclear weapons on their borders. All of this is now being scrapped. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) reported on Friday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) searched through the electronic data of Americans 3.4 million times in 2021. FBI headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington D.C. (Credit: cisko66) [Photo by cisko66] The searches were revealed in the ODNIs Annual Statistical Transparency Report Regarding the Intelligence Communitys Use of National Security Surveillance Authorities for calendar year 2021. The data shows that there was nearly a tripling of these unconstitutional searches from 1.3 million in 2020. In typical fashion the ODNI report waves away this intensification of the surveillance state by claiming it was a technical matter related to vital national security matters, the details of which are never explained. The report says, In the first half of the year, there were a number of large batch queries related to attempts to compromise U.S. critical infrastructure by foreign cyber actors. This is the ninth such annual report issued by the ODNI. As with everything associated with the Orwellian world of the US intelligence community (IC), there are a large number of acronyms and terms that can be generally understood to have the exact opposite meaning of what they purport to be about. For example, this annual report was drafted by a subdepartment of the ODNI called the Office of Civil Liberties, Privacy and Transparency. However, the content of this document shows that civil liberties, privacy and transparency are nowhere to be found when it comes to the FBI and its use of US intelligence data. Contrary to the misinformation spread by the political establishment and the media that the US government has stopped its unconstitutional dragnet of everyones electronic communications, the National Security Agency (NSA) is still vacuuming up and storing a massive repository of data under the authority of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA). Under the terms of Section 702, US intelligence can routinely collect both upstream and downstream communications of both Americans and non-Americans without a warrant under the guise of targeting foreign intelligence. Even though the existence of this program was exposed to the world by former intelligence analyst Edward Snowden in 2013and he has been threatened with prosecution under the Espionage Act for itand promises were made by the Obama administration that it would be halted, mass surveillance continues. Even when the Section 702 NSA program was officially ended in 2017, it was revived and renewed by Congress and signed back into the FISA law by President Donald Trump in 2018. According to Snowden, the program was never stopped, and it has only grown more comprehensive and invasive in the nine years since he made his exposures. While the ODNI report acknowledges a massive number of searches of the NSA database by the FBI3,394,053it does not say that these queries were illegal or unconstitutional. Instead, the report presents these searches as being entirely consistent with FISA rules. In response to public outrage over the ongoing illegal spying by the US government, several corporate media sources have claimed that more than half of the 3.4 million queriesabout 1.9 millionwere part of an FBI investigation into an alleged cyber threat from Russia, as though this makes it legitimate. Although this assertion is not in the ODNI report and no details have been provided about the purported Russian threat, it is reminiscent of justifications made by the Bush administration about mass domestic electronic surveillance that violated the democratic rights of Americans as part of the war on terror. The FBI searches the NSA database for up to 10 US Person (USP) identifiers, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers, passport numbers, company names and IP addresses. These identifier queries are combined with hundreds and thousands of other search terms to find and identify individuals, their whereabouts and communications. None of the thousands of search terms are disclosed in the report. A report by the Wall Street Journal points out that the ODNI does not say that there are any systemic problems with the searches even though judges have previously reprimanded the bureau for failing to comply with privacy rules. When the Journal asked the Biden administration about the information in the report, unnamed officials said that the actual number of searches is likely far lower, citing complexities in counting and sorting foreign data from US data. In other words, there is a massive number of queries being conducted by the FBI in which there is no way to distinguish between who is a citizen and who is a foreigner. The ODNI was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 Commission Report, released on July 22, 2004, and was a central part of the assault on democratic rights associated with the illegal and aggressive wars launched by the administration of George W. Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq. The office, which was established based on a proposal from leading congressional Democrats in 2002, is headed by a senior, cabinet-level government official who is essentially a figurehead who reports to the president but is not actually in charge of the primary departments of US intelligence, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the NSA. The Biden administrations Director of National Intelligence is Avril Haines, the first woman to hold the position. Haines was the first Biden nominee confirmed by the Senate in an 84-10 vote on January 20, 2021 and was sworn in the next day by Vice President Kamala Harris. Previously, Haines served as Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy Director of the CIA under Obama. In 2015, as deputy CIA director, Haines protected the agency personnel who hacked the computers of Senate staffers during the investigation into CIA torture programs. Once the Senate issued its report, Haines was involved in redacting 6,200 of the 6,700 pages of the document. Haines also worked closely with Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and CIA Director John Brennan on the extra-judicial targeted assassination program of the Democratic Party administration. According to a report in Newsweek in 2013, Haines was repeatedly called in the middle of the night to help make the decision as to whether a suspected terrorist could be lawfully incinerated in a drone strike. Like the lawyers working in the Bush White House who came up with the infamous legal justification for enhanced interrogation techniques, Haines specialized in establishing the legal framework and guidelines for the drone assassination program, which targeted individuals for death in Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan. According to a report by In These Times, Haines is responsible for policies that made targeted killings all over the world a normal part of US policy. With such people in charge of auditing the activities of US intelligence and issuing reports that claim to ensure compliance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and enhance public understanding of intelligence activities, the only thing that is transparent is that they are engaged in covering up the criminality of US imperialism both within America and throughout the world. Nicole Pedigo is the student speaker at Lincoln Land Community College's commencement at the Bank of Springfield (BoS) Center on May 13. College commencement season begins in the area Saturday, with Lincoln College holding its final ceremony before closing its doors after 157 years later this month. Lincoln Christian University also will stage separate commencements for its undergraduate and graduate and seminary candidates Saturday. The University of Illinois Springfield, Lincoln Land Community College, Blackburn College and Illinois College will hold exercises the weekend of May 13-15. Heather Dell, who has been named the faculty grand marshal for University of Illinois Springfield commencement ceremonies at the Bank of Springfield (BoS Center) on May 14. University of Illinois Springfield The University of Illinois Springfield will hold two commencement ceremonies at the Bank of Springfield Center on May 14. See also: Longtime Springfield educator dies of brain cancer complicated by accident in Effingham County The ceremony for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will begin at 12:30 p.m. The second ceremony for students in the College of Business and Management, College of Education and Human Services and College of Public Affairs and Administration will start at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are not required for admission and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Antone Evans Jr., who will be graduating with a masters degree in computer science, has been chosen as the student commencement speaker for the 12:30 p.m. ceremony. Jocelyn Nelson, who is graduating with a masters degree in human services, will be the student commencement speaker at the 5:30 p.m. ceremony. Heather Dell, associate professor of sociology/anthropology, has been named the faculty grand marshal for both ceremonies. She joined the UIS faculty in 2000. The ceremonies will be webcast live at www.uis.edu/technology/uislive/. DVD copies of the ceremonies can be purchased at 217-206-6799 or at go.uis.edu/CommencementDVD. A complete list of events is available on the commencement website at uis.edu/commencement/. Lincoln Land Community College Nicole Pedigo of Springfield will be the student speaker at Lincoln Land Community College's commencement at the Bank of Springfield Center at 7:30 p.m. May 13. Story continues Seating will be limited, and all guests must have a ticket and will have assigned seats. A livestream of the ceremony can be accessed at www.llcc.edu/2022grads. Pedigo is graduating with an associate in arts degree with an emphasis in secondary education. Pedigo is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and plans to continue her education at the University of Illinois Springfield. See also: University of Illinois Springfield, faculty reach agreement, avert possible strike Rebecca Watts will be recognized with the LLCC Honored Alumni Award. Watts serves as a regional vice president of Western Governors University where she leads operations across a 12-state area. Rebecca Watts will be recognized with the Lincoln Land Community College Honored Alumni Award at LLCC's commencement at the Bank of Springfield (BoS) Center on May 13. Watts earned an associate degree from LLCC, a bachelors degree from Sangamon State University, a masters degree from University of Illinois Springfield and Ph.D. from Ohio University. Ava V. Austin of Virden and Megan Jamison of Taylorville are serving as student marshals. Austin is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has served as vice president of service and the Illinois Central District vice president. She will graduate with an associate in science degree with an emphasis in chemistry. Austin plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to continue her education. Jamison served as Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Epsilon Kappa Chapter secretary, was the Student Radiographers Association treasurer and was named LLCCs 2022 Outstanding Graduate. She is graduating with an associate in applied science degree with a concentration in radiography and will begin her career as a radiographer in the surgical department at HSHS St. Johns Hospital. The Rev. Glenn Shelton will be the keynote speaker at Lincoln College's final commencement Saturday. Lincoln College Lincoln College will host its 155th and last commencement at Lincoln Center on the Lincoln College campus at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony includes graduates from the Lincoln campus, as well as from Lincoln Colleges Accelerated Bridge to Education program, which includes students from the Normal, Lincoln, Peoria and Oglesby campuses. This ceremony will be the last at Lincoln College prior to permanent closure, but we are determined to celebrate our graduates in a traditional manner," said Lincoln College President David Gerlach. The keynote speaker for commencement is the Rev. Glenn Shelton, retired pastor and teacher at Second Baptist Church in Lincoln. Michael Phelon, the founder and CEO of The Outlet, a nonprofit serving fatherless youth. Phelon will be a speaker at Lincoln College's commencement Saturday. Also giving a commencement address is Michael Phelon, founder and director of The Outlet, a 501c3 nonprofit organization mentoring young men in Springfield. Providing the student address is Jacilyn Jackie Gunderson, an ABE student. The ceremony is a ticketed event. It will be livestreamed through www.lincolncollege.edu/lctv-stream. Lincoln Christian University Both commencements at Lincoln Christian University are in the Earl C Hargrove Chapel Auditorium. The undergraduate ceremony is at 10 a.m. with the graduate/seminary ceremony at 1 p.m. No tickets are required. Illinois College Illinois College's 188th commencement is at King Field House in the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center on the Jacksonville campus May 15. It begins at 1 p.m. and tickets are required. The college holds its baccalaureate service that morning at Rammelkamp Chapel at 10 a.m. The full commencement schedule is at www.ic.edu/commencement. Thomas Gayner, co-chief executive officer of Markel Corporation, is the commencement speaker at Blackburn College in Carlinville. Blackburn College In Carlinville, Blackburn College's 153rd commencement will be held outside Hudson Hall at 10:30 a.m. on May 14. A baccalaureate will be held at Bothwell Auditorium at 7 p.m. May 13. The commencement speaker is Thomas Tom Gayner, co-chief executive officer of Markel Corporation, a diverse financial holding company including insurance, reinsurance and investment operations around the world. Markel is listed on the Fortune 500 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, with 61 offices in 16 countries. St. John's College of Nursing St. John's College of Nursing will hold its commencement at Christ the King Catholic Church at 3:30 p.m. on May 13. The speaker is Damond W. Boatwright, president and CEO of Hospital Sisters Health System. This story will be updated. Jean Ann Miller contributed to this story. Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: When are commencements for Springfield, IL, colleges, universities? US Senate candidate JD Vance speaks with prospective voters on the campaign trail on April 11, 2022 in Troy, Ohio. Gaelen Morse/Getty Images A super PAC that supported JD Vance ran a secret but public website to relay info to the Vance campaign, Politico reported. The campaign of his primary opponent discovered the website and used it for intel, the report said. Vance won Ohio's primary race on Tuesday, beating out several opponents. A super PAC that supported author and venture capitalist JD Vance's bid for US Senate created a secret but public website used to relay information to Vance in a way that skirted federal law, according to a report from Politico. According to the Politico report, published late Tuesday, Republican strategist Luke Thompson wrote a memo last year informing Vance donors, including the team of tech billionaire Peter Thiel, that noted the super PAC would have to work harder because Vance was a first-time candidate and had a small operation that included only one communications staffer. Politico reported that Thompson set up a public website and uploaded to it sensitive materials, including a 177-page opposition research book that indicated areas where Vance's opponents could potentially attack him. Other information uploaded to the website included strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, lines he could use while campaigning, and suggestions for getting the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, the report said. Trump endorsed Vance in April and later appeared with him at a campaign event, Insider previously reported. Unlike political campaigns, super PACS can raise unlimited amounts of money from a variety of sources including individuals and corporations, and can use that money to advocate for or against candidates. But super PACS are not able to donate money directly to candidates, and they are not legally allowed to directly coordinate with them. Representatives for Vance's campaign did not return Insider's request for comment sent Wednesday. "We knew we were going to have less to work with from the start, so we had to take risks and be innovative to keep our donors and supporters engaged," Luke Thompson, the Republican strategist who ran the super PAC, told Politico. Story continues "That included risking having all of our research in public," he added. "But if we hadn't taken those risks, we would never be in a position to contend for the lead and for a presidential endorsement." Vance on Tuesday won the contentious primary race to become the Republican Party's nominee on the ballot in November to fill the seat currently occupied by the retiring Sen. Rob Portman, also a Republican. Vance won with just over 32% of the vote, according to data from Decision Desk HQ, beating six other Republicans vying for the position. The public website operated by the pro-Vance super PAC was published through the blogging platform Medium, according to Politico, using the username "@protectohiovaluesforms" While the pro-Vance super PAC was tracking visits to the website, it wasn't able to tell who was visiting the website, Politico reported. The campaign of Vance's GOP opponent, former Ohio state treasurer Josh Mandel, had been accessing the website and its content, the report said, and informed Politico about its existence. Vance will now face Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, who easily won his party's primary Tuesday with nearly 70% of the vote, according to DDHQ. Read the original article on Business Insider Stewart Rhodes, the leader of one of the largest extremist groups in the United States, allegedly tried to ask Donald Trump through an intermediary to allow his militia group to forcibly oppose the transfer of power on 6 January 2021. The Department of Justice made these allegations in a court submission against William Todd Wilson, another Oath Keepers member accused of trying to prevent the lawful transfer of presidential power by force last year. This intermediary, not named in the document, denied Mr Rhodess request of speaking directly with Mr Trump, said the justice department. Mr Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, was arrested on 13 January, just over a year after the attacks and stands accused of seditious conspiracy arising out of the insurrection of the US capitol on 6 January last year. He made this phone call from inside a private suite in Phoenix hotel after the militia group left the Capitol grounds, following the insurrection on 6 January. Wilson heard Rhodes repeatedly implore the individual to tell President Trump to call upon groups like the Oath Keepers to forcibly oppose the transfer of power, said the document. This individual denied Rhodess request to speak directly with President Trump. After the call ended, Rhodes stated to the group, I just want to fight. Mr Rhodes and Mr Wilson began conspiring to reject the presidential election result in early November, said the statement of offence. They allegedly hatched a plan to stop the certification of Joe Bidens victory by deploying force to prevent, hinder and delay the execution of the laws of the United States governing the process. Wilson, Rhodes, and other Oath Keepers leaders traveled together in the same car from their hotel in Virginia to Washington DC, on the morning of 6 January, submitted the justice department. Wilson stored his firearms, ammunition, and combat gear in the hotel room, left his pepper spray and large stick in a co-conspirators car parked nearby, and carried a pocket knife with gun. Story continues Wilson was prepared to retrieve his weapons for use in Washington, DC, if called upon to do so, it added. Mr Wilson, 44, pleaded guilty to a seditious conspiracy charge stemming from the 6 January Capitol riots, becoming the third Oath Keeper to do so. Last Friday, Brian Ulrich, a Georgia man affiliated with the group pleaded guilty to the same charge, while Joshua James of Alabama was the first Oath Keepers member to plead guilty in March. Meanwhile, Rhodes along with eight others, are expected to go to trial after they pleaded not guilty. So far, more than 780 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the 6 January Capitol riot. Of them, over 270 have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, while more than 160 have been sentenced. During the April Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce investor meeting, Yvette Smith was named the "2022 - 1st Quarter Acclaimed Ambassador." Ambassador Club Committee Chairman and Chamber Board Member Thomas Nutter presented Smith with the award during the monthly luncheon. "Yvette worked extra hard last quarter, earning 63 points," the chamber board noted. "Nearly triple most other Ambassadors. She earned points by attending and volunteering at things such as First Friday Coffee events, investor meetings, Ambassador Club meetings, and ribbon cuttings." Smith works for First State Community Bank. This is her first year serving as an ambassador for the chamber. Tammi Coleman, chamber executive director, explained that Smith had demonstrated reliability and a strong work ethic. "She is always pleasant, always present every time she's needed, and works hard to help us out, even when her own job has her doing double duty," said Coleman. "We are very lucky to have her as a dedicated Chamber Ambassador! "Thank you, Yvette, for caring so deeply and for working so hard," she said. "We truly appreciate you, your dedication, and your positivity. Congratulations on being the 1st Quarter Acclaimed Ambassador!" Coleman said the chamber wished to send special thanks to the 2022 Ambassador Club sponsors. Each quarter, ambassadors earn points for showing up and helping at chamber meetings and events. The ambassador with the most points each quarter wins big especially this year. The Ambassador Club sponsors donate a wide array of prizes. This year, this quarterly prize package is supposed to be valued at a minimum of $390; however, Coleman explained that most club sponsors donate much more than just a $10 gift. She said a rough calculation of this quarter's prize package proved that it was valued at at least $865. "We simply can not thank these sponsors enough for their contributions," Coleman said. The 2022 Ambassador Club Sponsors include Amped Lifestyle; Belgrade State Bank; Bow Tie Catering; Bryant Restoration; the City of Park Hills; Copper Fox Contrived; Culligan Water; Domino's Pizza; Faith Cowboy Church; Farm Bureau Insurance; Hefner Furniture & Appliance, Inc.; Home Pools & Spas; Hulsey Properties; Kindred at Home; KREI / KTJJ Radio; McIntyre Psychological Services; Mineral Area Office Supply, Inc.; Mineral Area Overhead Door, Inc.; New Era Bank; ODACS Inc.; Parkland Health Center; Parkland Health Mart Pharmacy; Pettus Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Farmington; Pharmax Pharmacy; Prairie Farms Dairy; Raggedy Annie's Antiques & Memories; Raising A Village; Ronni Conley - KBH Realty Group; SERVPRO of Farmington; Sideshow Tattoos and Piercings; Sign Gypsies Parkland; Southeast Economic Development Fund, Inc.; Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health; Southeast Missouri Family Violence Council; tpc; Twin Oaks Winery & Vineyard; Unico Bank; and United Way of St. Francois County. About the Ambassador Club The Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club operates separately from the Chamber Board. This club exists to promote investor commitment and retention by raising awareness of the chamber's benefits and encouraging participation in all chamber activities. Ambassadors are the first faces people see when they arrive at things like chamber investor meetings and events. They attend ribbon cuttings and First Friday Coffees. Ambassadors send welcome emails to new investors. They help the chamber's executive director with various office duties as needed. They volunteer at the chamber's Signature Events such as the Chamber Banquet, Sweetheart Trivia Night, and Firecracker Run. They also plan, organize, and execute everything associated with Investor Appreciation Month, including choosing the members' gifts and organizing that month's luncheon program. Ambassadors earn points by participating in all of the chamber activities. These points allow them to work toward earning the quarterly "Acclaimed Ambassador" title and, ultimately, the "Ambassador of the Year" title. Along with those titles come prizes. To learn more about the Ambassador Club and see a list of the 2022 Ambassador Club members and sponsors, visit the Ambassador Program pages on The Park Hills-Leadington Chamber website at www.phlcoc.net. Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. 6 U.S. Destinations Where Vacation Homes Have Increased More Than 50% in Value Owning a vacation home has never been more popular. The work-from-home trend has caused a boom in second home investments nationwide and even internationally, with Mexico and Italy just two of the countries seeing a surge in real estate transactions from American buyers. The median second home sale price in the country during the first quarter of 2022 was up almost 20 percent year over year, according to a new report by vacation-property sharing company Pacaso. The company also looked at the counties experiencing more than 50 percent growth in second home prices six in total and ranked the most popular ones. The undisputed winner is Valley County, Idaho, which has seen a whopping 98 percent increase in median second home purchase price compared to 2021. Home to scenic Payette Lake and the resort town of McCall, the county offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities and year-round recreation. Popular viewpoint in Ponderosa Park near McCall in Valley County, Idaho Getty Images The second spot goes to Cumberland County in Maine, with a 91.3 percent increase in vacation home prices in the first quarter of 2022. While the county comprises three urban areas Portland, South Portland, and Westbrook it is also home to many islands and coastal towns such as Cape Elizabeth that attract visitors with their laid-back vibe, breathtaking ocean views, and rich history. Gillespie County in Texas, which recorded 77.7 percent growth in its median second home price, ranks third. Located about 74 miles north of San Antonio and 83 miles west of Austin, it draws urbanites with its many wineries, picturesque vineyards, and pastoral landscapes. Rose Hip and Portland Head Lighthouse Getty Images "The permanent shift toward work from home has forever changed the way people work and is giving second home buyers more flexibility to spend time away from their primary home and office," Pacaso co-founder and CEO Austin Allison told Travel + Leisure. "Coupled with rising home price appreciation, demand for second homes in regionally driven destinations is growing faster than premier destinations, like Aspen or Malibu." Story continues The company also ranked the counties with the most second home transactions. Fannin County in Georgia was the clear winner with an impressive transaction increase of 109.8 percent from last year. Lincoln County in New Mexico takes the silver medal with 61.5 percent growth in second home transactions during the first quarter of 2022. Scenic view of dramatic sky over landscape during sunset, Gillespie County, Texas Erik Pronske/500px/Getty Images "Communities within a short drive from major metros are gaining interest as many families are looking for a second home where they can spend more time living and working," Allison added, noting that proximity to outdoor recreation and "a desire for community connection" are the leading factors in second home purchases. You can read more details about Pacaso's report and its findings here. Henry Cuellar,Jim Clyburn - Credit: Eric Gay/AP Images Representing a safe district in Congress is one of the cushiest jobs in America. Both parties normally consider incumbents untouchable, and let politicians get away with just about anything so long as they continue to kowtow to party bosses. Rep. Henry Cuellar is a master of the craft, holding court over Texas 28th Congressional district for 17 years with few challenges despite his centrist politics, anti-abortion stance, and his recent implication in a bizarre political scandal involving Azerbaijan. This hasnt been an issue for the Democratic Party, which has never made serious moves to codify Roe v. Wade into law, or even really recognized the issue exists outside of the occasional election year where it can be used as a cudgel to compel votes. Cuellar is now facing a challenge from Jessica Cisneros, a progressive who is strongly pro-choice and would almost certainly join the Squad of left-wing Democrats in the House. Shes not a long-shot, either: Cuellar beat her by just three percent in the 2020 primary, and by less than two percent in the first round of the 2022 primary, sending the race to a runoff on May 24. More from Rolling Stone Democrats now have a choice as they stare down the best-case scenario of a razor-thin majority where they have to scramble for every vote in both houses. They could A) switch out a massive liability for a fresh-faced progressive, or B) double down on the anti-choice establishment incumbent at a time when abortion rights are on life support. Guess which option they chose When people tell you you need to agree on everything, I do not agree with Henry Cuellar on everything, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), one of the most powerful lawmakers in the House, said at a Cuellar campaign event on Wednesday. We need to sit down with people who we do not agree with and try to find common ground, to do what is necessary to move this country forward. Story continues Clyburn didnt mention Cuellars abortion stance specifically, but given the current tenor around the leaked draft opinion that shows the Supreme Court is ready to overturn Roe v. Wade this summer, its pretty clear what hes talking about. Clyburn and the rest of the partys leadership including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, who have both endorsed Cueller is making the same choice theyve made with Joe Manchin for years. Theyre trusting the devil they know over the challenger who makes them uncomfortable. The strategy, as both Manchins entire career and the brief centrist revolt in the House over Bidens social spending bill shows, has brought the party nothing but hell. Cisneros, for her part, has been urging the party leadership to correct course in light of the leaked Supreme Court draft. I am calling on Democratic Party leadership to withdraw their support of Henry Cuellar who is the last anti-choice Democrat in the House, Cisneros said in a statement on Wednesday, per Politico. With the House majority on the line, he could very much be the deciding vote on the future of our reproductive rights and we cannot afford to take that risk. The establishment may be taking that risk, but Cisneros is not without allies. She has the outspoken support of not just AOC who stumped for her in San Antonio in February but top progressive senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Cisneros and Cuellars endorsements lists are about as divided as they come: Cisneros dominates with labor unions and progressive nonprofits, as well as the partys highest-ranking left-leaning figures, while Cuellar has a murderers row of party careerists and groups like the Pro-Israel America PAC. The battle between the two, then, isnt ideologically new. But with a rapidly shrinking margin of error, the Democratic establishment is still putting its money behind candidates who cant be trusted to vote with the bloc on some of the biggest issues that matter. Thats not a coincidence or a mistake its a choice. The outcome could mean that millions of other Americans lose their right to decide on something far greater. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Authorities in Potosi are investigating the death of a woman that occurred early Monday morning after she was reportedly hit by a vehicle. A press release from the Potosi Police Department states that on Monday at approximately 4:26 a.m., Potosi police officers were radio dispatched to the 8 & U-Stor-It self-storage facilities located on Highway U, near Highway 8, in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. The victim, identified by officials as 47-year-old Sandra Michele (Reed) Kean of Potosi, reportedly died as a result of the incident. Additional information about the woman has not yet been officially released, pending further investigation. Washington County Coroner Steve Hatfield said after the woman was struck by the vehicle, she was transported to Washington County Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Hatfield noted that an autopsy was performed on Tuesday. Authorities said the investigation is active and ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available from official sources. Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 5 Angry 2 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. I guess were making more news! Dolly Parton says with a delighted giggle as she hops on the phone for an exclusive interview with Billboard to talk about her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Earlier Wednesday (May 4), the Rock Hall announced she would be part of the Class of 2022, along with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon. More from Billboard Following her February nomination, Parton told Billboard that she never considered herself a rock n roller in any sense of the word, but she says shes gleefully willing to reconsider now. People usually [say] Dolly rocks or you rock or youre a rock star. I thought they just meant that I was cool, and I took that as a great compliment. But now Im going to have to take it literally! Its been a bit of a zigzag for Parton since she was announced as a nominee on Feb. 2. She initially seemed delighted but a little perplexed by the perception that she was a rock act. Then on March 14, she posted to her 5 million Instagram followers that she was respectfully bowing out of the nomination because she did not feel she had earned that right and didnt want to split the votes. The ballots had already been mailed out and the Rock Hall ruled she would remain on the ballot. Just six days ago, on April 29, she told NPR that she would accept gracefully if she was inducted. The honor comes in a particularly rich time in the 76-year-old icons career. Her book with James Patterson, Run, Rose, Run, is a New York Times best-seller. Her companion album of the same name debuted at No. 4 on Billboards Top Country Albums chart dated March 19, making it her 47th top 10 album the highest tally among all among women. Earlier this year, she received 47 global gold and platinum certifications from countries including the U.S., Australia, U.K., Canada, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. The Guinness World Records recognized her as the only artist to celebrate seven decades of top 20 hits. Story continues Parton tells Billboard she doesnt know if shell attend the Nov. 5 ceremony in Los Angeles, and she certainly hasnt thought about whom shed like to induct her, but she did indicate she already had a few tricks up her sleeve if she is there. The following interview was edited for clarity and brevity. How did you find out that you were going to be inducted? [My manager] Danny [Nozell] called me from the office and said, Youre going to be inducted. I said, Really? I said, Well, I guess Im a rock star now, jokingly. This has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride for you. How do you feel now that the voters have spoken? Well, I feel great. I feel honored that all the people that voted for me did. And I appreciate the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame people for staying there with me. I never meant to cause trouble or stir up any controversy. It was just always my belief and I think millions of other people out there too always thought the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was just set up for the greatest people in the rock n roll business, and I just didnt feel like I really measured up to that and I dont want to take anything away from the people that have worked so hard. So I just wanted to go pull out before it got started good. I found out later that its far more than that, obviously. Im very honored and humbled by [the induction], and so Ill try to live up to it. There are a number of artists who are both in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Chet Atkins. But you are only the second woman to be in both after Brenda Lee, whom you have very wonderful feelings about. Yes! And I think Brenda Lee has some great songs that would be considered rock. She was such a crossover artist. I love Brenda, she was a great, great artist. She should be in there. I found out later theres more people than I knew are in there, and I found out more about what the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame really stood for. I even have a lot of my rock n roll friends and people that are, you know, to the point of being bitter about the fact that theyre not being nominated or in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. So its like, If theyre not able to be recognized in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where do they go? I was trying to be nice and good about not trying to take something away from somebody that had truly earned it. Are you going to the induction ceremony? I dont know. If I do, Im going to sing the hardest style rock n roll song I could ever muster up just to show that I can do it. I think we all want to hear you sing Enter Sandman by Metallica. [Laughs] I dont know what Ill do. But Ill do something to make it fun and to be forgiven for my mistake. To earn my title. Musicians, historians and the music industry vote on the inductees. What do you think they saw differently in you than you saw in yourself? Because youre also getting in on your first-round nomination, which doesnt happen to a lot of nominees. I think they were smarter than me. They knew what it was all about and I didnt. When you first got nominated, you told Billboard you were going to have to put out a rock album immediately. When are we getting a rock album from you? I had actually thought about that before I even got nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ive always wanted to do a great rock album, and Im going to do that. I dont know when, but I will do one. Youve covered artists like The Beatles, Neil Young and Led Zeppelin. Who were some rock artists that influenced you? I love The Rolling Stones. Ive always wanted to do the song Satisfaction. Thats one of my husbands favorite songs. And I may have to drag Micks guys up there to help me sing it. I thought about writing a song called Rock of Ages, where I get all the great old rock nrollers, the people that I have always admired and respected. I didnt follow rock music that much, but my husband is a rock n roll freak. He loves all the groups and all the great stuff. I just liked certain records. I may do up a version of something like [Lynyrd Skynyrds] Free Bird and do my own versions of some classic things that I think would make good rock n roll songs. You posted a great photo a few weeks ago on your Instagram of you hugging Mick Jagger from the 70s. Yeah, I loved him and I love Satisfaction. Im hoping were both around long enough when I get to doing this record that hell come sing with me, and I may have to use The Rolling Stones to play behind me. I might do something like that try to get some different rock bands, some of the classic bands, to back me on some of the songs I do and then do two or three or four originals. Id like to get in with some of the great rock groups and do some things, [but] Ive been working so hard on so many things and Ive got to overcome this so-called controversy, which I never meant it to be that. So now Im in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. So Im going to have to do a rock album at some point. Now I may have to call my album Rock Star! Click here to read the full article. Gabrielle Strasser, a first grade teacher, holds a sign prior to the rally and march for abortion rights Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee. Im here for the future, so my students have a choice, she said. Hundreds marched through downtown Milwaukee Wednesday, calling for abortion rights in the wake of a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion indicating the court is poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case. The march was organized by members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee International Women's Day Coalition. Demonstrators met at Red Arrow Park for speeches before marching down Wisconsin Avenue to the Planned Parenthood clinic on N. 22nd Street and W. Wisconsin Avenue, outside of which organizers gave more speeches before the crowd marched back. "I want to share with you all today one of the reasons why I am so passionate about this," Mekenna, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation-Milwaukee, said. "And that is because three years ago, I chose to have an abortion, and I learned firsthand not only how difficult of a decision that is to make, but more importantly, how difficult it is it get access to one in the first place." Mekenna declined to provide her last name to reporters due to internet privacy concerns. In her speech, she described facing logistical challenges to getting an abortion, from having to wait 24-hours from her first appointment to receive the procedure, to having to get an ultrasound. More than 100 people listened during the rally prior to the march for abortion rights Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee. \ "Any one person who has made the decision to have an abortion has played through the mental gymnastics, the weight of not only themselves, but the guilt put onto them by society and the government," she said. "They've already played these games with themselves and they know the decision that they're making. This is not one we make lightly." The crowd, which at its peak stretched three city blocks, included protesters of a broad range of ages, genders and races. "What's going down is scary and surreal," University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student Kyla Dennis, 20, of Oshkosh, said. Maera Zawacki, 42, of Milwaukee was one of several protesters who brought flags and other items to represent the LGBTQ+ community, including . Story continues "It's going to be non-binary people like myself, and trans people, who are not going to be able to get affirming health care or quality health care," they said, explaining the efforts to curb abortion access raised a broader concern about other limitations on reproductive health care. A detailed shot of a 'Never Again' sign attached to a hanger sign during the rally and march for abortion rights Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee. If the 1973 decision is over turned, a 19th century state law would back Wisconsin doctors from performing abortions except when saving the life of the mother. More: Leak of draft Supreme Court opinion on Roe v. Wade transforms Wisconsin's political races ahead of 2022 elections More: Here are Wisconsins abortion laws and how they would be affected by Roe v. Wade decisions Mary O'Connor, 70, of South Milwaukee, said she was sad to see the continuation of the "same story." She started marching in the 70's, and remembers the era before Roe v. Wade made abortions legal in Wisconsin. "I think it's disgusting that we're still fighting for this. I think it's disgusting. Nobody has the right to force somebody to have a baby," she said. PolitiFact: Abortion-related fact checks Women and men of all ages march in the streets after the rally for abortion rights Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee. They marched to Planned Parenthood. Celestina Hertz, 19, of Greenfield, said she only heard about the march the day before, but was inspired by the number of young people who came out to march and have their voices heard. As a woman of color, she said she worried about the "domino effect" that the curbing of legal abortion access could have on her community. "Taking away a woman's right, any woman's right, especially a woman of color's right, it's just adding another wound," she said. The group is planning a second protest and rally for Saturday at 4 p.m., starting outside the Planned Parenthood on Wisconsin Avenue. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hundreds march through downtown Milwaukee, supporting abortion rights In 2016, after California passed laws making more incarcerated people eligible for parole, some people who had faced life in prison suddenly found themselves with a chance at a future outside prison walls. Pendarvis Harshaw, a podcast host and producer at KQED who grew up in Oakland, partnered with photographer Brandon Tauszik on a visual project, Facing Life, to follow eight people once sentenced to life in prison and their reentry into civilian life in California. In many cases, the people faced a completely different world than the one they left at the time they were incarcerated. They are dealing with a workplace lapse, friendship and family lapse, 20- to 40-year technology lapse, from getting a job to a new license at the DMV, Tauszik told Buzzfeed News. Everything has changed. People released after facing life sentences generally dont go on to commit other crimes, one report found. They often didn't expect to have this opportunity, and so they want to relish it and hit the ground running, Harshaw said. Harshaw, who said he first considered the intersection between prisons and journalism after working with the newspaper at San Quentin State Prison, has worked in prisons on and off since 2013. Californias state prison system, described by one writer as the golden gulag, has long been overcrowded former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the prison system to be in a state of emergency in 2003. In recent years, legislation has aimed to reduce the incarcerated population by offering parole to more people convicted of nonviolent crimes and people who committed crimes while they were children or young adults. The pandemic, and the risk of catching COVID-19 in crowded facilities, has also resulted in some people being released early. For Facing Life, Tauszik said they wanted to show what a typical person released from prison might face. We reached out to organizations, and they want to share with you the superstar individuals, Tauszik said. But we wanted to profile people who had middle-of-the-road stories, just your average experience. Robin had been in the longest, 38 years, in the Central Valley. She was a clear example of mental health issues not being checked from a young age and made some unfortunate choices. Story continues At its heart, the series is not a prison story. It's about housing, it's about communities, it's about people being replaced in their jobs by machines, Harshaw said. One thing we're realizing is that it's also a story of sentencing, before we get to how the prisons are overcrowded, Harshaw added. Talk about the sentencing beforehand, and even before that education, redlining. It's a people and society story. Were sharing their project, made with funding from the Pulitzer Center. Travielle Pope, incarcerated for 26 years and released in 2018 I basically went from living in a fishbowl, which is the prison yard, to swimming in an ocean. On April 29, 1992, four LAPD officers were acquitted of all charges related to the beating of Rodney King. Travielle watched the news that Wednesday afternoon in his bedroom. And then, like thousands of other Black Americans who felt no justice was served, he took to the streets. After accosting a Latino man with a group of friends, Travielle attacked him with a wooden board. The man later died from his injuries. Travielle, 17 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Travielle devoted his life to Christ in 2000, after just over eight years of being incarcerated. In August 2017, his sentence was commuted, and he became eligible to go before the parole board. His first day out was hectic. He was pulled in a lot of different directions by friends and family eager to see him. I was overwhelmed, because in prison, if someone walks up close to you, that means theyre trying to harm you, Travielle said. He soon found that others were willing to help him. I went to the DMV to get my ID and I didnt know how to fill out the application, Travielle said. The woman behind the counter gave him a hard time for fumbling around. He explained that he didnt mean to be difficult, but that hed been incarcerated for 26 years, and it was all new to him.I haven't even been out of prison a week yet, so I don't know the process, Travielle admitted to her. Will you please be patient with me and help me? he asked the lady. She looked at me and said, Baby, Im so sorry. Welcome home. Lynn Acosta, incarcerated for 20 years and released in 2018 Lynn was born to a two-parent household that quickly dissolved. Soon after entering the Navy at 19, she met her future husband. Lynn said the relationship quickly devolved into something that was unhealthy. Along with verbal and physical abuse, there were instances of spousal rape and infidelity. In fall 1997, an old friend of Lynns called with a message that would change their lives. Lynn, you know your husband is cheating on you? Lynn recalled him saying. Do you want me to kill him? Lynn eventually called off the plan, but Lynns former friend from California had murdered his wife. Because Lynn had knowledge of the plot, she was also arrested in June 1998 on charges of conspiracy of first-degree murder and extradited to California. She ended up serving 20 years, five months, and 22 days. Its hard to put into words that feeling of going from youre never going home, youre going out in a pine box to having a panel of two commissioners saying, We do not feel you pose a risk to public safety, Lynn said through tears. Once she was granted parole, Lynns only question was: Now what? What is life going to look like? After getting situated in a transitional home, Lynn found community in a circle of other former lifers. There is a distinct difference, Lynn said, between people that come and go in the system like its a McDonalds drive-thru, and a lifer. Since being released, Lynn has found stable employment at a Marriott and has taken strides toward entrepreneurship as a licensed physical trainer. Now Lynn is newly married and living with her husband Chris, who is also both a formerly incarcerated person and a veteran. Gary Vong, incarcerated for 18 years and released in 2018 I was born in Vietnam, I dont remember much, said Phuoc Vong, who goes by Gary. When Gary arrived in the US at 12 years old, he quickly found that overcoming the language barrier was no easy task. School was fun, I met people like myself who just came to the United States we had something in common, Gary said. As a teen living in San Jose, California, in the 1980s, he searched for community and found it in gangs. Gary received a manslaughter charge for the stabbing of a teenage rival gang member, as well as an additional gang enhancement charge, and was sentenced to 28 years in state prison. He eventually developed a fruitful connection with the Asian Prisoner Support Committee, a group he still works with to this day. I was released on Feb. 28, 2018, Gary said. While he was on his way out of San Quentins gates, an officer told him that immigration might pick him up. He became a stranded deportee. His birth country of Vietnam wont recognize his citizenship, and America wont grant him a green card as a felon. Hes in permanent limbo. Without citizenship or a green card, Gary is having a hard time finding stable employment. Hes been working at a homeless shelter, juggling odd jobs in the gig economy, and living with someone he met through mutual friends. The most recent months have brought about significant changes: Garys father died, and Gary got married. Since being released, hes also become a member of the 19th Avenue Baptist Church in San Francisco. Gary met the churchs pastor, Tom Pham, while in San Quentin. Robin Marlow, incarcerated for 38 years and released in 2018 Robin was born in Los Angeles Countys San Fernando Valley. Her fathers untimely death left Robin and the rest of the family in a tailspin. Robin, the oldest child, was soon caring for her siblings as well as her mother, who had lupus and alcoholism. At age 17, Robin got pregnant with her first daughter. When she told her mother, she was kicked out of the house, only to return under her mothers strict stipulation that Robin and the childs father get married. The union was rough and lasted four years. The end of the relationship led to a messy custody battle which Robin lost. Her lawyer advised her to get a job, an apartment, and stability, but warned that Robin still might not get her kids back. Thats when she reached a breaking point. Robin was looking to kill herself when she grabbed a knife from the kitchen, stuck it in her underwear, and said goodnight to the older woman she was caring for. But as Robin passed the womans bed, she says, she envisioned the sleeping woman as her husband. I went into a rage and I wound up stabbing her 40 times, Robin said. Screaming, Give me back my baby! The judge refused to give Robin a sanity hearing, and she was sentenced to 25 years to life without the possibility of parole. She was 21 years old. Robin was paroled 38 years later, in 2017. She got a ride from her parole agent to West Care, the transitional housing facility shed call home for the next six months. Robin had the $200 people receive from the state when they leave prison, plus another $40 that her former cellmate Nancy had sent her. She stopped in a 7-Eleven and bought a bag of chips. I remember when I handed the cashier my credit card, and she told me how much it was, Robin said, explaining that her jaw dropped in shock at the price tag. As Robin struggled with the transaction, the cashier asked, Well, how does it feel being out of prison? Robin said, I was so embarrassed that he could tell. I just wanted to crawl underneath the rocks somewhere. You can read more on these stories and more at Facing Life. More on this Eight months after breaking ground on its two personal protective equipment manufacturing plants in Broussard, SafeSource Direct produced its first glove. Now a full year after the groundbreaking the company is producing thousands of gloves every hour. SafeSource Direct, a joint venture between the Ochsner Health System and Trax Development, announced in May 2021 that it would build two PPE-manufacturing plants in Broussard. One plant, located in Lafayette Parish, produces nitrile rubber gloves, and the other, located in St. Martin Parish, will make a variety of other equipment, including masks and gowns. In the year since the announcement, the company has largely completed the construction of the two facilities. The glove facility is 400,000 square-feet, while the second facility is around 80,000 square-feet and houses the corporate headquarters. It did not take long for the facilities to begin operations, already producing thousands of masks and gloves. The quick turnaround wasn't easy, SafeSource CEO Justin Hollingsworth said, but this is only the beginning. More: PPE producer building plants in Broussard, creating at least 1,200 jobs "We've still got a long road ahead of us, there's no question," Hollingsworth said. "It's just monumental, the amount of progress we've been able to accomplish." What is SafeSource Direct? SafeSource Direct was a product of the COVID-19 pandemic. As it stands, most of the U.S.'s PPE demand is met by China and Malaysia. With COVID-19 disrupting the global supply chain, it became increasingly difficult to meet the demand for PPE across the country, placing a significant burden on the healthcare industry. As hospitals and other facilities faced severe supply issues with PPE, it became increasingly clear to the healthcare industry that more domestic production was needed. To meet that need, Ochsner and Trax launched their partnership to create a large-scale PPE manufacturing operation in Broussard. Trax provided its experience with quick construction and production, while Ochsner provided its medical expertise. Story continues Ochsner will also be the company's first customer, said Aimee Quirk, the CEO of Ochsner Ventures. "We're a partner in bringing this here and wanting to make sure it ended up in Louisiana, but we'll be a customer," Quirk said. "We'll be the first customer of this enterprise." There are several reasons why the Acadiana area was a good fit for the venture. One is that the site had already been vetted and certified through One Acadiana and Louisiana Economic Development. Acadiana's workforce was also a draw. The area has a large number of workers who honed specialized skill sets in the oil and gas industry that could transition to the PPE facilities. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette also provides graduates with degrees in fields that SafeSource Direct is looking to hire, such as chemistry or engineering. "We wouldn't have been able to accomplish what we've accomplished elsewhere in the country," Hollingsworth said. SafeSource Direct, a joint venture between the Ochsner Health System and Trax Development to produce PPE, has two plants in Acadiana. One, located in Lafayette Parish, produces nitrile rubber gloves, and the other, located in St. Martin Parish, will make a variety of other equipment, including masks and gowns. SafeSource Direct has committed to hiring around 1,200 workers across the two facilities. The company currently has around 589 employees and is hiring around 100 a month and anticipates having between 900 and 1,200 employees at the end of the year. The average employee makes around $60,000, and the minimum hourly rate is around $15. What's changed in a year? When leaders from Ochsner and Trax, alongside local and state government officials, made the announcement a year ago, the 400,000-square-foot glove manufacturing facility was largely just an unfinished slab with half a roof. Now, the space is loud and alive. Two machines are currently in operation, each one with the capacity to produce 27,000 gloves each hour. Between the two machines, the company is making four sizes of gloves. Two more glove manufacturing lines are expected to be completed soon, increasing the production capacity. In other parts of the warehouse, parts for more glove manufacturing lines sit in boxes, waiting for assembly. Eventually, the company plans to have 16 total glove manufacturing lines in the current warehouse. Then, it plans to add on another building with 20 more lines. Hollingsworth said one of the reasons SafeSource Direct was able to ramp up production so quickly was that it directly employs the workers who are assembling the machines. "Part of the reason we've been able to achieve the milestones that we've been able to achieve to date is because we're self-performing it all," Hollingsworth said. "There's very few sub-contractors in here." Business Buzz: Lafayette startup Hampr receives $5 million in funding for national expansion SafeSource Direct has committed to hiring around 1,200 workers across the two facilities. The company currently has around 589 employees and is hiring around 100 a month and anticipates having between 900 and 1,200 employees at the end of the year. The second facility, which will produce gowns, masks, and shoe and hair covers, is already manufacturing some products, though it still has a way to go to realize its full potential. It's currently housing fully-automated manufacturing lines for procedural and surgical masks, with the lines for other products being added later. The company has also yet to move into its corporate headquarters, but Hollingsworth said he expects to get the occupancy license soon to begin the process of moving in. The industry of personal protective equipment manufacturing isn't without risk. The Associated Press reported in April that several businesses that transitioned to producing PPE during the pandemic have ceased production. Federal agencies and many states gave out loans and grants to companies to help jumpstart domestic PPE production, hoping it would create a local industry. Patrick Gandy, the CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General, said he's optimistic that SafeSource Direct won't follow the trend. He said the demand for PPE is still there, even though some items like masks are no longer being used widely by the general public. "That's not what's going on here today," Gandy said. "We're employing people, we're setting an example, we're demonstrating that Acadiana and Louisiana can lead the nation in healthcare, in workforce development, and in innovation." A year after breaking ground on its manufacturing plant in Broussard, SafeSource Direct is producing thousands of gloves every hour. Hollingsworth said that the business model is solid and that many of the businesses that have ceased production were "fly by night" operations. He said that he's heard rumors that some global entities may be ramping up, but SafeSource Direct is positioned to be the only domestic large-scale PPE manufacturer. And soon, the company will be able to fully put its gloves on the commercial market once they are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is expected to happen by June. What's next? As more of its manufacturing lines are completed, SafeSource Direct will be able to continue increasing its glove output. At the same time, the company is looking to improve its processes and automate its assembly processes. At the other facility, the company is hoping to get its other products into production. Production on N-95 masks is expected to begin in the next month. Once the company completes its automated production line for hair covers, it will be the only one in the world, Hollingsworth said. The company is also working to become independent of the global supply chain woes that have plagued businesses and industries since the beginning of the pandemic. The company plans to manufacture its own SMS fabric, which is the type of fabric used in the masks and isolation gowns. "That's going to allow us complete independence from the supply chain," Hollingsworth said. CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support journalists like William Taylor Potter The company is also continuing to hire aggressively to meet its goal of 1,200 employees. It will be participating in the LEDA Job Fair May 10, as well as holding its own on May 18. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Glove, mask, PPE production is ramping up at new Broussard plants Reports of atrocities committed in Bucha, Ukraine, spiked demands for a war crimes investigation. A new Reuters report identifies soldiers and military units that were in Bucha before the retreat. One soldier was identified because his social media handle, Wolf_68, was spray-painted inside a home. A Russian soldier in Bucha while atrocities were committed left behind a straightforward clue into his identity: his Instagram handle, spray-painted on a wall inside a Ukrainian civilian's home. Reporters from Reuters spent weeks in Bucha, Ukraine, after Russian forces completed their retreat from the areas around Kyiv last month. They discovered the handle "Wolf_68" inside a home that a Bucha resident said had been occupied by a group of Russian soldiers. Video: Meet Patron, the bomb-sniffing Ukrainian dog Kirill Kryuchkov was identified using the handle, which the outlet said he used variations of on his social media accounts. Kryuchkov, who is from Pskov, Russia, posted videos on Instagram that showed Russian soldiers in a bar drinking beer and smoking hookah on April 19. Two people who knew Kryuchkov confirmed his military unit to Reuters and another confirmed he was in Ukraine. Kryuchkov did not respond to a message from the outlet requesting comment. When Reuters contacted a friend of Kryuchkov, Vitaly Shcherbakov, he said: "You can write: 'Fuck the Ukies'." The new Reuters investigation into the soldiers who were in Bucha is great, with the best part being how one guy painted his Instagram handle onto a civilian's wall. pic.twitter.com/rVwwRulegN Aric Toler (@AricToler) May 5, 2022 Reports of atrocities and potential war crimes poured out of Bucha after the Kyiv retreat, including the killing and rape of civilians as well as mass graves. Calls for an international investigation into Russia's war in Ukraine grew along with the alleged perpetrators. Story continues Reuters published its report on Thursday with new details about what happened in Bucha based on interviews with nearly 100 residents, documents left behind by Russian forces, and photo and video evidence. The outlet identified specific soldiers and military units that were in Bucha, linking some to specific acts of violence against unarmed civilians. Russia has dismissed reports about atrocities committed in Bucha, claiming the accounts are fake. Read the original article on Business Insider Haitian authorities prepare Germine Yonyon Joly the suspected head of the 400 Mawozo gang that kidnapped 17 American and Canadian missionaries last year for extradition to the US on weapon smuggling charges. (screengrab) The leader of an infamous Haitian gang responsible for mass kidnappings across the country including the kidnappings of 17 American and Canadian missionaries has been charged by American authorities. The Washington Post reports that the leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, Germine Joly, is being accused of criminal conspiracy to smuggle firearms and munitions to his gang. Mr Joly and three others including one US citizen and two Haitians living in Florida were charged with conspiracy to violate export control laws and to defraud the US, money laundering and smuggling, according to a court filing from the US attorney's office for the District of Columbia. Haitian authorities confirmed that Mr Joly aka "Yonyon" was transported from Haiti to the US on Tuesday on the request of American authorities. 400 Mawozo is one of the country's most hated and feared gangs. The group is known to use rape, extortion, assassination, and for hijacking vehicles filled with people like cars or buses. The group has also crossed lines where other organised crime outfits might hold back by targeting members of the church and young children in their attacks. When the gang kidnapped a group of American and Canadian missionaries with Christian Aid Ministry last year, the group demanded $1m for each hostage released. The missionaries were in captivity for two months and claimed they escaped, though it was reported some ransom was paid to the gang. According to organised crime analysts, Mr Joly ran the gang from inside his prison cell in Port-au-Prince. The smuggling charges stem from Mr Joly allegedly using WhatsApp to contact US-based arms dealers to acquire weapons for the gang. The arms dealers the three Florida-based defendants allegedly attended gun shows to acquire the weapons, and presented themselves as the "actual buyers" of the weapons. They did not obtain an export license for the weapons, and then proceeded to smuggle the arms to Haiti. Specifically, certain of the firearms and ammunition were wrapped in garbage bags, loaded into large multi-gallon drums/barrels, and then covered with various products such as clothes, shoes and Gatorade to hide the presence, prosecutors claim in the indictment. As summer draws nearer, people across the country have already booked vacations, planned large events, and otherwise filled their schedule in ways that they might not have been able to over the past two years. But as ready as we are for the pandemic to be over, COVID has other plans. Despite infections declining steadily for months, numbers are back on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases in the country have increased by more than 25 percent in just the last week alone. Thankfully, experts have reiterated that we're far from back to square one. READ THIS NEXT: Dr. Fauci Warns That Vaccinated People "Need to Realize" This Now. During a May 2 interview with Foreign Policy, top White House COVID adviser Anthony Fauci, MD, broke down where we are right now in the pandemic and what we might expect in the future. According to the virus expert, who also serves as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the U.S. is currently transitioning away from a full-blown coronavirus pandemic. "We are still in the middle of a pandemic, to be surethere's no confusion about that. But when I say we're out of the acute fulminant stage right now, what I mean is that cases have gone down dramatically," Fauci explained to Ravi Agrawal of Foreign Policy, noting that infections have fallen from 900,000 to around just 15,000 a day. "Our numbers of deaths per day are down to one-tenth of what they were, [and] we have many less hospitalizations," Fauci added. Of course infections are moving in the wrong direction, as indicated by the latest data from the CDC. But even with cases increasing, Fauci noted that "they're not going up in a very steep, fulminant way and they're not associated with a concomitant increase in hospitalizations or the utilization of intensive care unit beds." A similar trend was recently seen in the United Kingdom and other European countries, where the spread of the BA.2 variant caused an uptick in cases without a significant spike in hospitalizations. According to Fauci, there is one major factor keeping this recent rise in infections away from a full-blown surge: immunity. Story continues "What that's telling us is that 90-plus percent of our population has either been vaccinated and boosted or has gotten infectedor both," he explained. "This is not protecting us specifically from infection, but it seems to be protecting us from that surge of hospitalizations that stressed the health care system during previous eras of this pandemic." RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. Unfortunately, many expertsincluding Fauci himselfhave expressed concern that the situation could take a turn once we move into the second half of the year. "It is likely that we will see a surge in the fall," Fauci previously said during an April 6 interview with Bloomberg TV. "I would think that we should expect that we are going to see some increase in cases as you get to the colder weather in the fall." When speaking with Foreign Policy, Fauci said that he hopes "we don't see a major uptick [in cases] as we get into the fall," adding that there is one way to potentially avoid that scenario: vaccination. "We're going to have to wait and see, which is the reason why we're still encouraging people to get vaccinated," he said. It's not all on the unvaccinated, however. For those who have already gotten two shots, Fauci warned that it is likely time to get a third dose. According to the CDC, a mRNA booster is recommended for anyone 12 years and older who is at least five months out from their second shot (or at least two months out from their first dose if they received the one-shot Johnson&Johnson vaccine). Out of all those eligible for a booster shot, around 50 percent have not yet gotten an additional dose, per the CDC. "If you have been vaccinated and are eligible for a booster, make sure to get it," Fauci warned. "Now." READ THIS NEXT: Dr. Fauci Warns All Americans to Do This Now, Whether Vaccinated or Not. MILAN Zegnas one-brand strategy continued to drive growth at the Ermenegildo Zegna Group in the first quarter of the year, as did Thom Brownes momentum. In the three months ended March 31, revenues at the Italian group rose 25.4 percent to 377.6 million euros. More from WWD Over the course of 2021, the Zegna Group achieved a number of milestones, said Gildo Zegna, chairman and chief executive officer of the group on Thursday. In December, the group listed on the New York Stock Exchange after a business combination with Investindustrial Acquisition Corp. and a rebranding of Zegna, which reworked the logo, dropping the first name of the founder, revisiting its store concept and communications. The year 2022 was off to a good start and is now looking more challenging due to the combination of geopolitical, economic and health-related uncertainties, the executive continued. Both our brands are coping well in the face of these increased challenges, and we will continue to execute against our strategic objectives. Assuming no further deterioration or geographic extension of the war in Ukraine, a normalization of the COVID-19 pandemic in Greater China before the summer, and no other unforeseen events, the group confirmed its outlook for the year, expecting a growth in revenues in the low-teens and continued improvement to adjusted earnings before interest and taxes. This can be achieved building on the accelerated expansion achieved in 2021, when the group delivered an adjusted EBIT of 11.5 percent on revenues, exceeding its own guidance of around 10 percent. Ours is a multiyear journey, and as we continue to monitor ongoing global developments especially the recent COVID-19 spike in China we remain ahead of our plan and confident in the strength of our brands, Zegna said. Story continues The company is planning a capital markets day at Oasi Zegna on May 17 where it plans to unveil its sustainability goals and provide an update on strategy and ambitions. In the first quarter, the Zegna segment showed a 27.1 percent increase year-over-year to 283.5 million euros with robust performance in all product lines. The Thom Browne segment rose 22.3 percent year-over-year, with revenues totaling 98.1 million euros with consistent performance in both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels. Zegna-branded products, which include apparel, bags, shoes and leather goods, as well as licensed goods and royalties, posted revenues that were up 22.1 percent year-over-year to 224 million euros. The group attributed this gain in large part to the growth in luxury leisurewear and shoes, and a strong rebound of made-to-measure. Revenues of the groups textile business saw a 64.6 percent increase to 30.2 million euros. Zegna also saw a 56.8 percent increase in revenues for the third-party brands, which reached 24.4 million euros, reflecting its strong supplies capability. Thom Browne continued to attract younger consumers globally, seeing growth across all channels. In particular, the company noted that womenswear grew at a rate that outperformed menswear. By markets, North American revenues jumped 85.1 percent year-over-year to 61.8 million euros, driven by very strong demand for the Zegna brands new products and its luxury leisurewear collections in the U.S., where revenues were up 97.2 percent year-over-year. Latin America also almost doubled thanks to strong direct-to-consumer revenues for the Zegna brand. The group saw sales rise 38.9 percent to 134.5 million euros in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, with very dynamic performance in the UAE, and the U.K and France also over-performing. As Greater China slowed down since March due to the new COVID-19 restrictions, the Asia Pacific region showed mix results, reversing the positive performance recorded until February, and growing 4.5 percent to 174.8 million euros. Sales in the Greater China region inched up 0.3 percent to 142 million euros. The rest of APAC, excluding Greater China, rebounded by 27.8 percent year-over-year, as many countries lifted COVID-19 restrictions. Sales in the groups direct-to-consumer channel grew 23.1 percent to 218.1 million euros, accounting for 58 percent of the total. The Zegna brand direct-to-consumer channel was up 23.2 percent to 183.9 million euros, driven by a strong recovery across geographies, especially North America and Europe, mitigated by the Greater China Region since early March. Thom Browne saw a 22.3 percent growth in direct-to-consumer sales to 34.2 million euros, lifted by strong gains in EMEA, North America and Japan, offset by the COVID-19 related restrictions in Greater China. Revenues in the wholesale channel grew by 31.4 percent to 158.5 million euros, driven by solid gains at both brands and further enhanced by the rebound of the textile and third-party brands business lines. The company noted that its wholesale shipments to Russia, which are currently suspended, have not historically represented a material portion of the groups revenues. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. An escaped inmate and corrections officer who allegedly helped him flee had a special relationship, with physical contact beginning as early as 2020, according to an Alabama sheriff. Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton confirmed to CNN that investigators believe Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections at the Lauderdale County Detention Facility, and Casey Whitea man awaiting trial for murderhad a romantic relationship that he classified as a special before they disappeared together Friday. Authorities believe the relationship began as early as 2020 when Casey White, 38, was brought from a state prison, where hes already serving a 75-year sentence for a string of crimes including kidnapping, attempted murder and robbery, to the county facility for an arraignment in a murder case against him. As far as we know that was the earliest physical contact they had, Singleton told the news outlet, adding that inmates at the detention center told authorities that Casey White was getting extra food on his trays and privileges no one else got courtesy of the corrections officer. Police handouts of Vicki White and Casey White Vicki White and Casey White Photo: Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Although the pair share a last name, they are not related to one another. Vicky White, 56, is now being charged with facilitating or permitting escape in the first degree after authorities concluded that the corrections officer, who had been scheduled to retire on Friday, had participated in the brazen escape, according to a press conference Monday Around 9:30 a.m., Vicky White allegedly told a booking officer that she was planning to transport Casey White to court for a mental health evaluation and then was going to seek medical care after dropping him off because she wasnt feeling well, WVTM-TV reports. Although the departments policy required that at least two deputies accompany inmates at all times, Singleton believes the booking officer didnt question Vicky White because she was the officers boss. Story continues Footage released by the detention center showed Vicky White escorting the inmate to her patrol car Friday morning and placing him in the back seat and then getting into the driver seat and driving away. But rather than head to the courthouse, Singleton told CNN that the two drove to a shopping center less than 10 miles away where Vicky White had stashed a gold- or copper-colored 2007 Ford Edge SUV she'd previously purchased to aid in the getaway. "We know that there was never any effort to go to the courthouse, he said. They went straight to Florence Square parking lot, dumped the patrol car, got in the other vehicle and left. The pairs current whereabouts are unknown. Surveillance photos of Casey White Surveillance photos of Casey White Photo: Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Before Fridays escape, Vicky White had been known at the detention center as a model employee with an unblemished record during her lengthy career with the department. All of her co-workers are devastated, Singleton told CNN Monday, adding that staff absolutely felt betrayed by her alleged actions. The correction officers family, including her mother, Pat Davis, is also stunned. Davis told WAAY-TV there had been nothing unusual about her final conversation with her daughter on Friday. I talked to her that morning, Davis said. She called, asking me about the dog, because he had been sick. Vicky had been staying at her mothers home for the last five weeks after selling her own home. Davis said she texted her daughter later that day to say she planned to cook dinner that night but never heard from her again. This is just not her, she said. This is like a total day and night. Vicky Whites mother-in-law Frances White also told The Daily Beast she wondered if her daughter-in-law may have been brainwashed. According to Frances, Vickys husband Thomas White died in January from complications related to Parkinsons disease. Im just proud he wasnt still alive, cause he still thought she was a good person, she said, adding that she cant imagine her daughter-in-law running off with a convicted criminal. At the time of his disappearance, Casey White was awaiting trial in the 2015 death of 58-year-old Connie Ridgeway and was already serving a 75-year sentence for a crime spree that same year that included trying to kill his ex-girlfriend. "He stated that he wanted to kill her and have the police kill him," a police report obtained by Fox News stated of his intentions toward his ex. "His only regret was that neither was successful. He stated that if he was released he would kill the victim." The woman told WAAY-TV shes now freaking out after learning of his escape. We dont know if he is going to show up and take us out like he tried to do before, she said. The woman added that she believed she would never have to worry about him ever again after his conviction, but is now once again fearing for her life. She described her ex as a someone who is very dangerous to everybody that is around him and issued a warning to Vicky White. "If she is still alive, (she needs to) get the hell out. Run. Run as far as you can, and turn yourself in, and contact somebody. Like, do the right thing before you lose your life or somebody else does, she said. Anybody with information about Casey White or Vicky Whites whereabouts is urged to contact authorities. Rep. Henry Cuellar, left, is facing an electoral rematch against attorney Jessica Cisneros, right Alex Brandon/AP, Eric Gay/AP Congressional challenger Jessica Cisneros called out Rep. Henry Cuellar's stance on abortion. After the SCOTUS leak on Monday, Cuellar said "I do not support abortion." Cisneros called on top democrats to drop their support of Cuellar ahead of their May 24 race. Progressive Democratic House challenger Jessica Cisneros called her opponent Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar "the last anti-choice Democrat in the House," and urged top Democrats to stop supporting the incumbent over his anti-abortion stance. "As the Supreme Court prepares to overturn Roe v. Wade, I am calling on Democratic Party leadership to withdraw their support of Henry Cuellar who is the last anti-choice Democrat in the House," Cisneros told NBC in a statement on Wednesday. Roe v. Wade is the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that codified the right to an abortion into law, but the memo leaked by Politico on Monday showed that the court's five conservative judges all shared their opposition to the law in February. After the leak, Cuellar issued a statement saying he "does not support abortion," according to the Associated Press. "As a Catholic, I do not support abortion, however, we cannot have an outright ban," Cuellar wrote. "There must be exceptions in cases of rape, incest and danger to the life of the mother." In 2021, Cuellar was the sole House Democrat to vote against the Women's Health Protection Act, a bill aimed at making abortion care more accessible. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer have endorsed Cuellar, and the Texas Rep. is set to speak at a rally in Texas on Wednesday evening with Rep. Jim Clyburn. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has also endorsed Cisneros, and the senior Democrats aligned with Cuellar have stood by him as FBI agents raided his home in January. The reasons for the raid are still unclear. On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that if followed through, the move by Supreme Court justices would "inflict the greatest restriction of rights in the past fifty years not just on women but on all Americans." Story continues Cisneros told NBC that "with the House majority on the line, he could very much be the deciding vote on the future of our reproductive rights and we cannot afford to take that risk." She added that she "would be a better working partner for Democratic leadership to be able to deliver on these Democratic priorities and proposals that Democrats ran on in the last election cycle." Cisneros and Cuellar's offices did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. The two are set to face off on May 24, after neither secured the needed majority vote in a March 2 democratic primary. Read the original article on Business Insider The patrol report indicates a 2018 Kia Soul was traveling north on Davis Crossing Road, north of Missouri 32, when a deer leaped into the road. The driver, Christian E. Howell, 21, of Park Hills, reportedly veered the vehicle to the right to avoid hitting the deer, ran off the right edge of the road, hit a ditch and continued off the road before hitting a bridge rail and turning over to rest on its side. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP Hungary won't support the EU proposal to ban Russian oil unless there's an exception for imports via pipeline. "We cannot responsibly vote for it," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Facebook. Earlier Wednesday, the EU unveiled plans for a full embargo on Russian oil that would be phased in over six months. Hungary won't support the European Union's proposal to ban Russian oil unless it excludes countries that import it via pipeline. "In its current form, the Brussels package cannot be supported. We cannot responsibly vote for it," Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian foreign minister, said a Facebook video, according to the Financial Times. Earlier Wednesday, the EU unveiled plans for a full embargo on Russian oil that would be phased in over six months. But as an EU embargo would require a unanimous decision by all its 27 member states, Hungary's opposition represents a speedbump in the trading bloc's attempt to turn up the pressure on the Kremlin for its war on Ukraine. Slovakia and the Czech Republic have also voiced concerns over the Russian crude cutoff, as both countries like Hungary receive a steady flow of Russian oil from pipelines. Szijjarto said the provisions from the EU don't allow for Hungary to maintain energy security, and is too sudden of a cutoff to adequately adjust. The EU countered by allowing Hungary and Slovakia up to a year to comply with the new regulations, but both countries requested two years. Read the original article on Business Insider The Mother's Day Strike is calling on participants to call off work and curb spending in protest over the threat to Roe v. Wade and abortion rights. (Photo: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Like most people, activist Allison Kolarik found out that Roe v. Wade is poised to be overturned on Monday night, when a leaked draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito was published by Politico. Kolarik immediately started an Instagram Live so she could speak out and connect with mutuals who were also reeling from this development. (Just 30% of respondents to the most recent Yahoo News/YouGov survey felt that Roe v. Wade should be overturned, while a 54% majority agreed that abortion is "a constitutional right that women in all states should have some access to.") "My Lives are usually pretty mellow, but I was angry," Kolarik, who uses she/they pronouns, tells Yahoo Life. "And I was like, I know this isn't gonna be OK at all, so what are we gonna do?" By the time they hopped off Instagram Live around four hours later, they had their answer with a domain name secured and a website already up and running. Meet the Mother's Day Strike, a week-long call to action that kicks off on Sunday, May 8 Mother's Day and runs through May 15. In between, there will be, per the website Kolarik set up, "no work. No unpaid labor. No shopping. No restaurants. No more tolerating being treated like guests in our own bodies." The threat to the landmark 1973 abortion rights decision has already given rise to demonstrations across the country. While Kolarik is a firm believer in the right to protest, they felt that the Supreme Court news called for a different, more drastic approach one that would have economic repercussions and "hit 'em in the bank." "Marching is laughable at this point and dangerous," they say. "The people in power, they don't care. They laugh at us now, or they sic their police on us. And if you get arrested and you get a felony, you can't vote, can you? ... Writing letters to the editors brings social media traction. Great. Do you think any of them care? No. But a strike a general strike? That stops the animal in its tracks. It stops the machines." Story continues Kolarik points to Oct. 24, 1975, the day 90% of the women in Iceland went on strike refusing to work, provide childcare, cook or perform other domestic tasks to demand equal rights. Within five years of that watershed moment referred to as the "Women's Day Off" or "Long Friday" the country had its first female president. Elected in 1980, Vigdis Finnbogadottir holds the distinction of not only being the first woman to be democratically elected head of state anywhere in the world, but as a divorcee, was also the first woman in Iceland to adopt, at age 41, as a single mother. "It took them 24 hours of paralyzing the country for them to have their demands met," Kolarik says, expressing their hope to have the same impact. Mother's Day Strike founder Allison Kolarik launched the movement within hours of a leaked SCOTUS draft being published. (Photo: Allison Kolarikl) But she is also sensitive to the fact that not showing up to work is a luxury that many cannot afford. "I personally don't expect 164 million Americans that's how many [females of all ages] there are in this country to walk off of their jobs," they say. "I understand that there are single mothers and people who literally cannot miss 10 minutes of work, because it sinks them financially." For those who can't commit to a full week (or even a day) off work for the cause, the Mother's Day Strike site offers other suggestions to show support and signal boost. This runs the gamut from making a donation to an organization fighting to protect abortion rights, to planning grocery orders and gas runs ahead of the strike and suspending all purchases including suspending all streaming services for the week, which Kolarik personally plans to do from May 8 to May 15. Those with the means to do so are also encouraged to help out other strikers with rides or meals to help see them through the week; Kolarik is also hoping to set up mutual aid funds that would offer financial support to strikers in need. Related video: Protests held nationwide over Roe v. Wade Supporters are already using the hashtags #MothersDayStrike and #MothersDayStrike2022. And as Kolarik points out in a TikTok, strikers aren't limited to "just women; it's anyone who has owned or does own a uterus." And they also don't have to be mothers; Kolarik is not, though their partner has two children. That said, the Roe v. Wade news coming ahead of Mother's Day, which also marks the first day of the strike, carries significance. "It's just poetic, because isn't motherhood what these right-wing fanatics think that a woman's only purpose is?" she says. "The narrative that all AFAB [assigned female at birth] women are destined to become mothers and that's the only goal, or one of the most important ones, is absolutely caveman s***." Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. OTB TO THE RESCUE: The OTB Group and OTB Foundation are extending their support to Ukrainian refugees who fled their native country by offering long-term employment. After responding to the urgent appeal launched by UNHCR to support the people and families forced to flee Ukraine under the Russian attack in early March, the group and the foundation, which welcomed around 440 refugees, are assessing their professional background. More from WWD They expect to onboard 20 women aged 20 to 45 who are eligible and have temporary stay visas, who will be offered training and internships before signing long-term contracts with the group and its brands. They will be employed across divisions, including accounting, sales, design studios, graphic departments and more. The OTB Group is also reaching out to other Italy-based businesses to offer more job positions. Since the early days in March, the OTB Foundation has actively contributed to concretely and rapidly help people affected by terrible circumstances, especially women and children, said Renzo Rosso, founder and chairman of the OTB Group. The refugees welcomed so far received assistance, first aid, health care, necessity goods, and a shelter. But that is not enough. We have to look at the future, and especially to the social integration employment can offer. Our commitment is aimed not only at subsistence, but it also contributes to securing dignity to underprivileged people, and that comes from economic independence, too, he added. Since the beginning of the conflict, the OTB Foundation has provided the country with medicines, first-aid kits and necessity goods, shuttling back Ukrainian women and children. It also made sure that refugees could take COVID-19 tests and be vaccinated and helped them find accommodation in private houses or residences. The charity arm of the OTB group, the parent company of brands including Diesel, Maison Margiela, Marni, Jil Sander and Viktor & Rolf, has supported about 300 international projects focused on social development with an impact on the lives of 300,000 people. Story continues 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. US gave Ukraine intelligence that helped it kill several top Russian generals, report says A shell crater seen in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko Ukraine says it has killed 12 generals since the invasion began on February 24. US intelligence was crucial to helping Ukraine kill several of them, The New York Times reported. The US has stepped up its involvement in the Ukraine war by boosting intelligence sharing and weapons transfers. Intelligence provided by the US was pivotal to helping Ukrainian forces find and kill several top Russian generals, according to The New York Times. Ukraine says it has killed at least 12 Russian generals since the invasion began on February 24, including Gen. Vitaly Gerasimov, who was at the time Russia's highest-ranking uniformed officer. Russian troops losses in Ukraine have included elite troops and top generals that take years and millions of dollars to train, a BBC investigation found last month. Though the US has declined Ukrainian requests to send troops into the country, as it would be considered a direct attack on Russia, it has instead passed Ukrainian forces an increasingly rich stream of intelligence and military aid. US officials told The Times that American intelligence was pivotal in the deaths of several Russian generals. However, the US has not provided intelligence to Ukraine about the most senior Russian leaders, officials told The Times. One key data point that the US has shared with Ukraine is the location of Russia's constantly-moving mobile military headquarters, The Times reported. A Pentagon spokesperson told Insider on April 27: "We are regularly providing detailed, timely intelligence to the Ukrainians on the battlefield to help them defend their country against Russian aggression and will continue to do so." News of the deepening intelligence sharing with Ukraine shows that the US is taking a more active role in fighting Russia's invasion than it stated at the outset. Officials told The Times that the US was happy to share intelligence with Ukraine as it is often untraceable or deniable. Last month NBC News reported that the US passed intelligence on planned Russian missile strikes to Ukraine so it could move military assets out of the way, often with moments to spare. Story continues In another case, US intelligence passed to Ukraine helped their forces shoot down a Russian transport plane containing hundreds of troops, NBC News reported. US intelligence agencies correctly predicted that President Vladimir Putin was going to invade Russia earlier this year, even as Ukraine and some European nations disregarded the chance. Read the original article on Business Insider Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze attend the premiere of "Dirty Dancing" at the Gemini Theater on August 17, 1987 in New York City. Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Jennifer Grey said Patrick Swayze had "tears in his eyes" when he apologized to her at the "Dirty Dancing" screen test. The costars had a tense relationship after filming 1984's "Red Dawn." "I was just like, 'Please, this guy, enough with him,'" she said. "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey recently shared more details about her relationship with costar Patrick Swayze while on "The View" Tuesday promoting her new memoir "Out of the Corner," describing a moment where Swayze had "tears in his eyes" apologizing to her. Though there is palpable heat between them on screen as student Frances "Baby" Houseman (Grey) and dance instructor Johnny Castle (Swayze) in the classic romance, Grey has admitted that they didn't always get along because of an earlier experience working together on the 1984 action film "Red Dawn." Grey told the hosts on "The View" that Swayze would play "pranks" on her on set that she didn't like. She also said he was sometimes "late" to set in New Mexico where "Red Dawn" shot. The "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" star said Swayze acted like "the boss of everybody" working on the film. "It was just like macho and I just couldn't take it," Grey said. "I was just like, 'Please, this guy, enough with him.'" So, Grey admitted to being very hesitant when those involved with "Dirty Dancing" suggested Swayze for the role of Johnny because of Swayze's dance background. But she admitted on "The View" that during the screen test for the film, Swayze convinced Grey to change her mind about him. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a scene from "Dirty Dancing." Vestron/Getty Images "He pulled me down the hall and said to me, 'I love you, I love you and I'm so sorry. I know you don't want me to do the movie,'" Grey said, impersonating Swayze's accent and mumbling. Story continues "And he got the tears in his eyes. And I got the tears in my eyes, not for the same reason," she continued. "And he goes, 'we could kill it, we could kill it if we did this.'" She said she wasn't quite convinced, thinking he may be working her over but then, "we go in there and he takes me in his arms and I'm like, 'Oh boy.'" She admitted that from that point on there was "no competition" between Swayze and any other actor who was up for the part of Johnny. "He was like the easy chair I'd been dreaming of," Grey told "The View" hosts. Jennifer Grey. Amy Sussman / Getty Images But the actor, who recently confirmed she'd reprise her role as Baby in the "Dirty Dancing" sequel, told People in April that she and Swayze "weren't a natural match" while filming the dance movie, either. "And our being forced to be together created a kind of a synergy, or like a friction," she told the magazine, about her chemistry with Swayze, who died in 2009. Their relationship way presumably still rocky after "Dirty Dancing" because Grey told People, "I feel like if I could say anything to him now I would say, 'I'm so sorry that I couldn't just appreciate and luxuriate in who you were, instead of me wishing you were more like what I wanted you to be.'" In her memoir, Grey also goes into detail about her failed engagements to Matthew Broderick and Johnny Depp. "Out of the Corner" is available now. Read the original article on Insider A Gadsden woman has been charged with facilitating an escape in connection with state inmate David Kyle's escape last month, according to Cherokee County jail records. Susan Lemley, 40, was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center Monday by U.S. Marshals Service investigators, and according to WSFA-TV in Montgomery was extradited to the state's capitol city, where the escape occurred. She was arrested at a location in Centre. An affidavit used to get the arrest warrant accuses Lemley of assisting the escape of Kyle and transporting him to Tennessee. According to the sheriff's office, the warrants were obtained by investigators with the Alabama Department of Corrections. David Kyle is back in custody; he was captured Monday morning at a residence in the Slackland community by the U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Corrections, and Sheriffs Office personnel. Kyle, 49, was serving a 99-year sentence for the brutal murder of a Cherokee County man, Shane McKnight, in September 1998. The murder occurred in Etowah County with the trial being held the following year and Kyle being sentenced in 2000. At that sentencing, then-Etowah County Circuit Judge Roy Moore stated that if the death penalty had been an option, he would have found it appropriate. Kyle had been assigned to the Department of Corrections Red Eagle Work Center and escaped from there on April 23. Contact Gadsden Times reporter Donna Thornton at 256-393-3284 or donna.thornton@gadsdentimes.com. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden woman accused of faciliating escape Police and protesters clashed in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday night during an abortion rights rally over the Supreme Court's possible overturning of Roe v. Wade. According to Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, police were escorting a group of about 250 demonstrators marching from the federal courthouse to Pershing Square when a segment of the crowd "began to throw rocks and bottles at police. Moore said that one officer was injured. One police vehicle was seen with its window smashed, and a citywide police tactical alert was was briefly declared. Videos posted to social media showed a chaotic scene as an officer tackled a protester, nearly hitting a fire hydrant, while another officer struck protesters with a baton. A police officer wiedling a baton is surrounded by a group of abortion rights demonstrators in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Photo) Another clip showed an officer who arrived in a Homeland Security vehicle tell a female protester to "back up." The unidentified male officer is then surrounded by demonstrators. A DHS spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment. Demonstrators surround a Homeland Security vehiclenear Pershing Square in Los Angeles on Tuesday. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Photo) Abortion rights demonstrators clash with police officers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. (Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP Photo) There was no immediate word of any arrests or additional injuries. The protest was one of dozens triggered by the publication of a draft opinion by Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito suggesting the court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Thousands abortion rights protesters gathered in cities across the country on Tuesday. And most were peaceful. New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks as thousands of abortion rights demonstrators gather at a protest at Foley Square in lower Manhattan on tuesday. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) In New York City, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Manhattan's Foley Square, where New York Attorney General Letitia James joined the protest, saying that she announced that nearly two decades ago, she walked proudly into Planned Parenthood. Similar demonstrations were held in cities including Austin, Boston, Denver and Washington, D.C., where protesters rallied outside the Supreme Court for most of the day. See photos from the protests below. Providence, R.I. Demonstrators in Providence, R.I., gather on Tuesday to protest the news that the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide. (David Goldman/AP Photo) Brown University medical students attend an abortion rights rally in Providence, R.I., on Tuesday. (David Goldman/AP Photo) Reno, Nev. Protesters hold signs outside the federal courthouse during an abortion rights rally Reno, Nev., on Tuesday. (Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Protesters gather in front of the federal courthouse in Reno, Nev., Tuesday. (Ty O'Neil/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Tuscon, Ariz. Abortion rights demonstrators gather outside of the federal courthouse in Tucson, Ariz., on Tuesday. (Rebecca Noble/Reuters) A sign decorated with bloody coat hangers and names of Supreme Court justices is seen during a demonstration outside of the federal courthouse in Tucson, Ariz., on Tuesday. (Rebecca Noble/Reuters) Philadelphia, Pa. Women gather with signs during an abortion rights demonstration outside the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Abortion-rights activists and supporters protest outside Philadelphia's federal courthouse on Tuesday. (Heather Khalifa/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, File) Boston, Mass. A person holds a sign calling for the codification of Roe v. Wade during a protest at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Tuesday. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Hundreds of abortion rights activists march during a protest in downtowj Boston on Tuesday. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Columbia, Mo. Story continues A pair of young activists embrace during a rally for abortion rights outside the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday. (Maya Bell, Columbia Missourian/AP Photo) People gather for an abortion rights rally outside the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Mo., on Tuesday. (Maya Bell, Columbia Missourian/AP Photo) Houston, Texas Abortion rights demonstrators gather outside of the federal courthouse in Houston on Tuesday. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP) People demonstrate in support of abortion rights near City Hall in Houston on Tuesday. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle via AP) Denver, Colo. Hundreds of people gather in support of abortion rights at a rally outside of the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver on Tuesday. (Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) People hold up signs during an abortion rights rally outside of the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver on Tuesday. (Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) New York, N.Y. Hundreds of people take part in an abortion rights march in New York City on Tuesday. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) Protesters hold up photographs of Supreme Court justices during an abortion rights demonstration in New York's Foley Square on Tuesday. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters) San Francisco, Calif. A woman holds up a coat hanger, a symbol of the reproductive rights movement, at an abortion rights rally in San Francisco on Tuesday. (Nick Otto/AFP via Getty Images) Abortion rights demonstrators gather at a protesters in San Francisco on Tuesday. (Nick Otto/AFP via Getty Images) Washington, D.C. Pro- and anti-abortion rights activists confront one another in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) New York City-based shareholders are alleging that the embattled company's CEO Bobby Kotick, pictured here, and board of directors urged Microsoft to quickly close the deal, so that they can avoid liability for allegations that they turned a blind eye to workplace harassment. Drew Angerer/Getty Images New York-based pension funds alleged Activision's CEO and board rushed a merger deal with Microsoft. In a new lawsuit they claim they did so because they wanted to avoid liability for workplace scandals. The groups claimed the rushed deal undervalued Activision and hurt shareholder interests. Santa Monica-based video game company Activision Blizzard faces a new lawsuit from shareholders who say the company sped through its $69 billion merger with Microsoft earlier this year to avoid answering allegations that they turned a blind eye to workplace harassment. The New York City Employees' Retirement System, together with other pension funds for the city's firefighters, police, and teachers, who invest in Activision, filed a complaint with Delaware's Court of Chancery on April 26 alleging that embattled Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and his board of directors urged Microsoft to quickly close the deal, which resulted in the publisher of "Call of Duty" being undervalued. Axios was the first to report on the complaint. Through the complaint, the New York-based groups are trying to force Activision to share records that could prove whether Kotick and the board engaged in any wrongdoing while negotiating the merger deal. "Because Activision will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft after the Merger, the Merger will have the effect of extinguishing these highly valuable derivative claims against Activision's Board, and specifically against Activision's Chief Executive Officer Robert Kotick," the pension funds said in the complaint. "We disagree with the allegations made in this complaint and look forward to presenting our arguments to the Court," an Activision spokesperson told Insider. Allegations of workplace harassment and discrimination at Activision emerged last July with a lawsuit from the state of California. In July, the state of California sued the video game company, alleging equal pay violations, sex discrimination, and sexual harassment. Story continues The Wall Street Journal followed with a report in November detailing that Kotick had known about these accusations for years, though a spokesperson told the outlet the CEO would not have been aware of all the complaints. Just days after the Journal's article, Microsoft started discussing a possible merger with Activision, said the complaint. The plaintiffs alleged that Kotick was motivated to close the merger quickly to avoid taking responsibility for misconduct at his company. He was also driven by monetary reward, they claim. The lawsuit alleges that Kotick would bag a bonus of up to $22 million for only making "appropriate progress" towards specific gender-related targets at Activision via the merger. This meant that Kotick and the board had "conflicts of interest" in negotiating the merger, per the complaint. Microsoft offered in January to buy Activision at $95 per share. Activision, at that time, claimed that it was a 45% premium to its share price at that time. The New York-based plaintiffs contested Activision's claim, saying the figure did not take into account the negative impact of the scandals embroiling the company. "This deal price represents a paltry 1.16% premium to Activision's 30-day average stock price" before the date California sued Activision, the complaint said. "Given Ko tick's personal responsibility and liability for Activision's broken workplace, it should have been clear to the Board that he was unfit to negotiate a sale of the Company," the complaint said. "But it wasn't." Read the original article on Business Insider A judge has denied a bid by one of 10 teenagers charged with murder in March shootings outside Des Moines' East High School to have his case moved to juvenile court. Romeo Perdomo, 17, was charged in Polk County District Court with one count of murder and two counts each of attempted murder and willful injury. Police say Perdomo was in one of the passing vehicles from which shots were fired that killed Jose Lopez, 15, and seriously wounded two other youths standing in front of the school March 7. Under Iowa law, 16- and 17-year-olds charged with forcible felonies are automatically treated as adults in the court system, but a judge can send a case to juvenile court if the defendant shows good reason. More: Four teenaged suspects in Monday's fatal East High shooting ordered held on $1.05M bond Perdomo's lawyers in a May 2 hearing challenged a juvenile court report that recommended Perdomo, 16 at the time of the shootings, be tried in adult court. But Judge Coleman McAllister in his decision cited the seriousness of the charges, and the report's finding that any services available to Perdomo in the juvenile system would be limited in time and scope, providing no reasonable prospect of rehabilitation. McAllister ruled that would not be in Perdomo or the public's interest if he were convicted. Sentencing options in the adult court system could range from community-based supervision to imprisonment, and probation could last up to five years, more than the 18 months in the juvenile system. Some of the other teens charged in the East High case are expected to be arraigned next week. More: Six teens acted 'in concert' to shoot 15-year-old outside Des Moines' East High, criminal complaints allege Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines teen charged in East High shootings to stay in adult court WASHINGTON On Saturday, comedian Trevor Noah stood before a ballroom of 2,600 journalists, celebrities and political elites at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, and asked: What are we doing here? Did none of you learn anything from the Gridiron Dinner? Nothing, Noah said, referring to another elite Washington gathering in April, after which dozens of attendees tested positive for the coronavirus. Do you read any of your own newspapers? By Wednesday, Noahs chiding remarks at what he called the nations most distinguished superspreader event were beginning to appear prophetic as a growing number of attendees, including a string of journalists and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, said they had tested positive for the virus. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that President Joe Biden had tested negative Tuesday after attending the dinner unmasked. Psaki added that Blinken was not considered a close contact to Biden and has not seen the president in several days. The growing number of cases presented another sign of an official Washington that has largely returned to pre-pandemic routines, even as officials still urge Americans to take precautions, and has decided to live with the result. Journalists across several major news organizations reported testing positive. Among those were Jonathan Karl, ABC News chief Washington correspondent, who shook hands with Biden during the dinner, and Steve Herman, chief national correspondent at Voice of America. CNN reported that those infected also included staff members from its network, as well as NBC News, CBS News and Politico. It was unclear how many cases had been confirmed as of Wednesday evening. Steven Portnoy of CBS News, president of the White House Correspondents Association, said late Wednesday that the number of cases that have been brought to my attention now totals less than 1% of dinner attendees. He added that many social gatherings in Washington over the weekend had more lenient COVID-19 protocols than the associations dinner. Story continues The dinner required proof of vaccination and a same-day negative test, and boosters were strongly encouraged. Some of the people reporting infections also said they had attended other gatherings over the weekend. Attendees of the dinner expressed resignation as the number of confirmed cases grew over the course of the day Wednesday. Im yet another #WHCA weekend casualty, Julia Ioffe, a founding partner and Washington correspondent at Puck News, announced on Twitter on Wednesday. I knew I was taking a risk and, well, here we are! Mark Leibovich, a reporter at The Atlantic who attended the dinner and spoke briefly with Blinken at a gathering the day before, said there had been an expectation that some guests would test positive. He noted that he had tested negative for the virus Wednesday evening. There was kind of a cruise ship vibe to the dinner, said Leibovich, who was formerly a reporter at The New York Times. He added that once guests were inside the ballroom, there was no escape from the crowds. Jada Yuan, a reporter at The Washington Post who tested positive Wednesday after attending the dinner, had said at the time that the ballroom was like a horror film. No exits. Literally getting trapped between tables, Yuan wrote on Twitter. Fear of breathing near people but people are everywhere. Creeping sense that youre the only one who know this is insane. Many attendees of the event, known as the nerd prom, had undergone a good deal of risk-benefit calculation, considering whether the chance of contracting the coronavirus was worth attending the dinner and its ritzy before- and after-parties. The Post reported that some White House officials were worried that safety measures for the dinner were insufficient, and that the White House Correspondents Association had rebuffed an offer to have a company install at no charge devices that disinfect the air using ultraviolet light. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Bidens top medical adviser for the coronavirus, said he would not attend the dinner, citing his individual assessment of my personal risk. Fauci was later photographed attending a smaller outdoor pre-party before the dinner Saturday. 2022 The New York Times Company An area man is charged in St. Francois County after allegedly sexually touching a child last month. Nathan James Miller, 31, who has addresses listed in Park Hills and Farmington, was charged with one count of second-degree child molestation involving a child less than 12 years of age. According to a probable cause statement from the Park Hills Police Department, an officer received information that a female child reported Miller had touched her. The report states the child had recalled Miller touching her in private areas and said she also felt the man kiss her on the side of the mouth and the cheek. When the child asked the man what he was doing, he told her he was looking for his charger, according to the statement. The report states that an officer spoke with the childs mother. The woman reportedly told police that her daughter informed her of the incident two days later. The report states the officer asked the woman if she knew where Miller was, and she explained that a friend had picked him up. The criminal complaint filed in the case lists Millers current address in Farmington. Miller was booked at the St. Francois County Detention Center. A $150,000 bond was set in the case, and the man has since posted bond. While released on bond, Miller is ordered to comply with GPS and pre-trial monitoring. He is also prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim while free on bond. Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com Love 0 Funny 4 Wow 6 Sad 0 Angry 12 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. The leaked Supreme Court draft opinion published by Politico on Monday erupted a firestorm on one of the nations most divisive issues: abortion. In the draft opinion, Associate Justice Samuel Alito wrote, "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled." He said Roe was egregiously wrong from the start, and called its reasoning weak. Supreme Court opinion drafts are subject to change and are part of the high court's deliberative process. But analysts have maintained since oral arguments last year that it appeared likely the high court would overturn Roe, the landmark 1973 decision. A decision is expected this summer. Who would be most impacted if the landmark Roe v. Wade is overturned? Im Nada Hassanein, a USA TODAY reporter covering environmental and health inequities. Welcome to the newsletter "This is America, focused on race and identity and how they shape our lives. I spoke with experts to find out. Health professionals and policy analysts say those of color, low-income, rural and other marginalized people will bear the brunt. Those who disproportionately have trouble accessing health care, often people of color, will be most affected, experts say. But first, race and justice news we're reading: Barriers before bans, barriers after bans About half of U.S. states, concentrated in the South, Midwest and Plains, have restrictive abortion laws set to go into effect should the reversal take place. More: Pregnancy-related deaths of Black people drives increase in 2020, CDC study shows More than half of the nations Black population lives in the South, where women of color, including Hispanic women, make up a significant proportion. The Plains states also have a large Indigenous population. Days ago, the Oklahoma Legislature passed a six-week abortion ban similar to one adopted by Texas last year. Story continues We know that it's going to impact those who already have barriers to health care, even before an abortion ban, said women's health and reproductive rights policy expert Fatima Goss Graves, an attorney and president of the National Womens Law Center. Those who live in rural areas, women of color, those who have low income. If Roe is overturned, people may travel hundreds of miles to get to states where abortions are still allowed. Young and low-income people, who are disproportionately of color, may not be able to afford the cost of travel. This will be a giant and larger hurdle placed in front of them, Graves said. Most people who seek abortion care already have children. And they may not have time off work, access to child care, the things they need to be able to leave their community to get constitutionally protected health care. Center for American Progress attorney and womens health policy analyst Elyssa Spitzer noted women of color and LGBTQ people already experience bias and discrimination in health care. More: Black Maternal Health Week: 'We have to do better,' support, listen to Black moms, experts and loved ones say It is very concerning, and very alarming and would devastate access for many millions of women in the United States, she said. Subjecting women to carry an unintended pregnancy to term "is immensely painful, and arduous and a violation of human rights. Citing the Turnaway Study, which found significant harms after abortion denials, Spitzer said carrying a pregnancy to term also can pose financial barriers and barriers to well-being. It makes it much more difficult for women to escape poverty, for women to pursue the careers that they want, it imposes a change on a family structure that women might not want to undertake, she said. Racial disparities and pregnancy risks Those hurdles include increased chances of economic hardship and insecurity following birth, staying with a violent partner or raising a child alone, and threats to the well-being and development of children already in the home, the study found. "Abortion is an issue which disproportionately affects people of color," subjecting them to "totally underappreciated risks of pregnancy," said Diana Greene Foster, the lead study author and a professor at the University of California, San Francisco's Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health. More: Long drives and limited options: Indigenous women with breast cancer face harsh reality A study estimating the effects of an abortion ban on maternal death by the University of Colorado, Boulder, found that among Black women, maternal deaths could increase by one-third. Black women are already three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicines Dr. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies, said racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes are exacerbated by restrictions to reproductive rights. It creates a bias in who is able to get care and who cannot get care, she said. There are some medical conditions in which a pregnancy is very, very dangerous to the mother." More than 80% of callers to Access Reproductive Care-Southeast, which offers financial and logistical support to abortion seekers in the region, were Black, uninsured or on public insurance, and about 77% had one child already, according to a joint study last year by the organization and Emory University. The study analyzed characteristics of 10,000 callers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. We must acknowledge that Roe never guaranteed that abortion would be accessible, because for so many people that we work with, the ability to access abortion care has already been pushed out of reach for decades," ARC co-founder and executive director Oriaku Nijoku, who co-authored the study, said at a news conference Tuesday. "This is our daily lived reality." More: An 'open wound': How nurses of color fight the rampant racism plaguing their field Dr. Bhavik Kumar, medical director at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, is a physician and abortion provider in Texas, where a restrictive abortion law was passed last year, and a total ban is set to go into effect if Roe is overturned. Though Im trying to assist as many patients as possible, Im still stunned that Ive been asked to turn my back on the health and well-being of my patients, Kumar said during a media conference with Njoku and others. As a family medicine physician, I see this firsthand in my patients stories and lived experiences. Reach Nada Hassanein at nhassanein@usatoday.com or on Twitter @nhassanein_. -- This is America is a weekly take on current events from a rotating panel of USA TODAY Network journalists with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. If you're seeing this newsletter online or someone forwarded it to you, you can subscribe here. If you have feedback for us, we'd love for you to drop it here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This is America: Experts say abortion bans affect people of color most Las Vags, N.M., a town of about 13,000 people, has long served as a hub for the surrounding villages and ranches. Now it is the nerve center for a fight against wildfire. (Adria Malcolm/The New York Times) LAS VEGAS, N.M. As rushing flames neared the remote mountains where his family has lived for generations, Miguel Martinez knew he had to move fast and flee with only the clothes on his back. I left behind 25 goats, 50 rabbits, 10 chickens and two dogs, said Martinez, 71, who escaped his home in the village of El Oro this week for an evacuee shelter. I have no idea if my house is standing or if my animals are alive. I need to prepare for the possibility everything was wiped out. More than a dozen wildfires are raging this month across the Southwest, as fire season stretches earlier than ever into spring. But the countrys largest active blaze, a megafire that has ballooned across more than 165,000 acres in northern New Mexico, has evolved with such ferocity that it threatens a multigenerational culture that has endured for centuries. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times Like Martinez, many who have fled the megafire, known as the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire, are descendants of Hispanic settlers who arrived in New Mexico long before the United States came into existence. They intermarried with Native Americans, honed ways to grow crops in parched lands and preserved an archaically influenced form of Spanish that can still be heard in the aisles of the local Walmart. Speaking in a mixture of Spanish and English, Martinez, a retired musician, said his ancestors had settled so long ago in the village of Manuelitas, where he grew up in a home built by his forebears, that he was not exactly sure when they had arrived. His wife is from the Aragon family, which long ago made nearby El Oro its home, he said. It was a little bit of a shock to move to El Oro, but Im adapted now, Martinez said, reflecting on how closely bloodlines remain tied to the land in these remote settlements surrounded by pine trees and trout-laden streams. I just hope I have a village to go back to. Shaped by challenges that range from conquering armies to long economic slumps, these far-flung Hispanic villages withstood one test after another. But the worst drought in at least 1,200 years, marked by intense and unwieldy fire activity, is something new. Story continues These fires are burning down a way of life thats lasted hundreds of years, said Rob Martinez, New Mexicos state historian and an Albuquerque native whose parents hailed from Mora and Chacon, two outposts in the fire zone. (He is not related to the retired musician from El Oro.) Las Vegas, New Mexico, a town of about 13,000 that has long served as a hub for the surrounding villages and ranches, has become the nerve center for the fight against the blaze. Crews raced to the fire lines this week as ash fell from a sky shifting at times from bright blue to a surreal orange hue. As the fire continues to spread, it already ranks as the second largest on record in New Mexico, eclipsing the acreage lost to fires in the entire state in 2021. While no lives have been lost, the fire has destroyed at least 172 homes, forced many families to evacuate and remains just 20% contained. As dry weather persists, authorities warn that the fire could expand in various directions in the coming days. At least six other wildfires are currently scorching other parts of New Mexico, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and this week President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for five counties. The states blazes include the Cooks Peak fire, which has grown to 59,000 acres in Mora County, and the Cerro Pelado fire, a 29,000-acre blaze within 5.5 miles of Los Alamos National Laboratory, which helps to design and maintain the countrys nuclear weapons stockpile. At least six other wildfires are currently scorching other parts of New Mexico, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, and this week President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for five counties. The states blazes include the Cooks Peak fire, which has grown to 59,000 acres in Mora County, and the Cerro Pelado fire, a 25,000-acre blaze within 5.5 miles of Los Alamos National Laboratory, which helps to design and maintain the countrys nuclear weapons stockpile. As flames from the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak fire could be seen on ridges from Las Vegas in recent days, officials evacuated the nearby United World College, a boarding school founded by industrialist Armand Hammer, and emptied out the county jail, releasing some inmates and transferring others. Some who were forced to flee gathered in a shelter in an old middle school. Others slept in their vehicles or decamped to the homes of relatives or friends; some who had already evacuated to Las Vegas had to evacuate again when smoke filled the skies above the town. Diana Trujillo, 63, was raised in a three-room adobe home with her seven siblings in Monte Aplanado, near Mora. She said the ancestral structure survived the fire, but the double-wide trailer next door, where she had lived with her daughter and granddaughter, burned to the ground. Its a loss I cant even put into words, said Trujillo, the assistant manager of a senior center. The beautiful mountain around us, all those trees, its all charcoaled now. Paula Garcia fled Mora, with a population of about 800, first for Las Vegas and then Santa Fe. She said she had helped her 82-year-old father pack up his tools before escaping herself as the fire approached their tight-knit community. Its a place where people call each other primos and parientes cousins and relatives Garcia, 50, said. Some of her ancestors put down stakes in the area in the 1860s, moving from other parts of northern New Mexico. Garcia, the executive director of the New Mexico Acequia Association, a nonprofit that works to protect the states 700 or so acequias, or irrigation ditches, said she attributed her communitys persistence to pure grit. Weve lived there so long because of our querencia, said Garcia, a term she defined as a cultural longing, a pull, that keeps us there. Such ties to the land have origins in Spains colonization of New Mexico, which began in 1598, years before the English first settled in the Virginia colony of Jamestown. The colonists and their descendants persisted in relative isolation on the Spanish Empires northern fringe. New Mexico remains the nations most heavily Hispanic state, with nearly 48% of the population claiming Hispanic or Latino heritage. The small towns, villages and ranching outposts in the counties hit by the fire, where Hispanics account for about 80% of the population, still defy easy classification. So many families had previously left the area, largely for economic reasons, that they view it as a kind of homeland, or old country. In contrast to other rural areas around the United States that have leaned heavily Republican in recent elections, Biden carried San Miguel County, whose seat is Las Vegas, with 68% of the vote. Until the fire arrived in late April, one of the main sources of tension in Las Vegas was a recent dispute over a proposed museum exhibition about 19th-century Hispanic vigilante nightriders who had targeted Anglo land squatters after the United States took control of New Mexico. Relations between ethnic groups have evolved since then. But unlike other parts of the United States where Hispanics are viewed as newcomers and Anglos seek to defend their culture from demographic shifts, in northern New Mexico the roles are often reversed. We bought our land back in 1993, but were still considered outsiders compared to many of our neighbors, said Sonya Berg, 79, a retired teacher from Texas whose home in Rociada, a town of several hundred people, was destroyed by the fire. Still, Berg said she understood why some families remained in the area for generations, explaining that their land had been so important to her husband, who died in 2019, that his gravesite is on their fire-scorched property. Im sure well rebuild, she said. Given the fires erratic behavior, it is not clear when evacuees will be allowed back. Wendy Mason, a New Mexico wildfire prevention official, said it was the first time, at least in recent memory, that so many large fires were raging at once in the state. Mason also cautioned that more fires could start in the coming weeks. We usually dont expect much moisture until the monsoons arrive, and thats generally not until July or August, Mason said. Even if some rain falls, as it did in parts of the state over the weekend, it could be accompanied by lightning strikes that ignite other blazes, she warned. Our climate is changing, making the fire season a lot longer and more intense, Mason said. Still, Martinez, the state historian, emphasized that such challenges were part of the regions history. Mora was burned to the ground, he noted, by invading American forces in 1847 during the Mexican-American War. After that episode, the community picked up the pieces and started again. This isnt the first fire our families have dealt with, he said. 2022 The New York Times Company Malinda Harris Limberhand talks about her daughter, Hanna Harris, who was murdered in 2013 in Lame Deer, Montana. ABOUT THIS SERIES: "A Crisis Ignored" focuses on missing and murdered Indigenous women and the grassroots movement to draw attention to disproportionate levels of violence against them. USA TODAY Network reporters in nearly a dozen states worked for more than a year to examine the factors that contribute to the crisis and how laws enacted in many states and at the federal level have largely failed to address it. LAME DEER, Mont. When a police officer walked into the Cheyenne Depot, a convenience store on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeast Montana, Malinda Harris Limberhand knew this was her chance. It was July 4, 2013, and Malinda hadnt heard from her 21-year-old daughter, Hanna Harris, since shed left to watch fireworks the previous night. Malinda babied her Hanna Bear or Hanna Banana, but her youngest daughter was now a mother herself. Hanna's son, Jeremiah, was 10 months old and wasnt taking his bottle. He was hungry, and Malinda was worried. It wasnt like Hanna not to come home to breastfeed him. Leaving the counter where she worked, Malinda approached the Bureau of Indian Affairs officer. My daughter is missing, she said. When can I file a report? She said the officer told her shed have to wait 72 hours. Seventy-two hours! Malinda thought. Thats too long. I need to find Hanna now. Malinda didnt know at the time that the officer was wrong. And she didnt know then that thousands of Indigenous women go missing and are murdered at disproportionately high rates compared with other ethnic groups. The FBIs National Crime Information Center reported 5,203 missing Indigenous girls and women in 2021, disappearing at a rate equal to more than two and a half times their estimated share of the U.S. population. The real rate is likely higher; the total was deemed an undercount in an October report to Congress because of a lack of comprehensive federal data. Nobody knows how many missing or murdered Indigenous women there are, but its enough to have its own acronym: MMIW. Enough for President Joe Biden to describe it as an epidemic and for Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland to label it a crisis while calling for more federal action. Story continues A Native woman took to social media to share how her niece, alone with the familys broken-down car on a desolate Montana highway, left a scribbled note on the dash just in case she went missing. Enough for a Native woman to take to social media last year to share how her teenage niece, alone after her car broke down on a desolate Montana road, left a scribbled note on the back of an envelope. It provided her name, a description of what she wore and the time shed left on foot to seek help. If I do not make it there and you do not hear from me idk (I dont know) someone probs took me, she wrote. Enough for Native mothers and grandmothers to impress upon their daughters the need to be vigilant. Its terrifying to me, Susan Bliler, a member of the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes in Montana, told the USA TODAY Network in explaining why she took her teenage daughter to a boxing club to learn how to defend herself. One day she told me, I dont want to fight. And I just said, You dont have to fight, but I want you to know how to fight in case something happens. You need to know. You just have to. Something could happen to you. Cheryl Horn, a resident of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana, spoke about the lessons her granddaughter and friends had absorbed by an early age. She sells keychains with whistles and pepper spray for self-defense, Horn said. She and her 11-year-old friends took those keychains when they went to a Walmart in Billings. They're very, very aware of the dangers that face them. In seeking explanations for the problem, activists for missing or murdered Indigenous women point to centuries of colonial trauma and prejudicial or ineffective government policies. These entrenched within Indigenous communities higher rates of poverty, substance and domestic abuse, and other social ills that contribute to Indigenous women having a lower life expectancy rate than other groups. Those same factors can also affect the urgency with which cases are handled. Time and again worried loved ones have said their concerns were dismissed by police too busy to search for another drunk Indian. Cheryl Horn joined the fight for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women when her niece, Selena Not Afraid, went missing from Hardin, Montana in 2020. A historical distrust of police doesnt make it any easier to solve cases that may not even be reported. Nor does chronic underfunding for tribal police forces or a quagmire of conflicting jurisdictions for agencies responding to calls in and around tribal lands. Malinda didnt know any of that at the time she spoke to the officer at the Cheyenne Depot. The biggest concern shed had with Hanna came a few months earlier when Malinda had urged her daughter to leave what she said was an unhealthy relationship with Jeremiahs father. Growing up on the rez, Malinda had always felt safe. It was the kind of place where she could leave her keys in the car and her door unlocked without concern. Now, she felt certain that something was wrong. So she ignored the officers advice and began asking questions herself, on Facebook and of the customers who came to the store, a popular gathering point in Lame Deer, a tight-knit community of fewer than 2,000. Has anyone seen Hanna? When did you see her last? Who was she with? She turned again to Facebook to seek breastfeeding mothers willing to feed Jeremiah. Three women responded. Tips from her other questions started rolling in. The next day, she filed a missing person report despite what shed been told. Yet she didnt stop her own inquiries. Over the next few days, Malinda, who was 43 at the time, drove to nearby towns asking people if theyd seen Hanna. She helped organize three searches. She obtained security camera footage from two places where people said Hanna had been. She even drove a suspect to the police station for an interview with investigators. Hanna Harris celebrated only 21 birthdays. Now that date, May 5, is recognized as a national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people. We took on the role of being the investigating police officer, she said, crediting the dozens of community members who turned out to scour the banks of a creek and surrounding hills where Hannas car had been found. Malinda and her friends were determined to undertake the investigation themselves for good and for bad until she had the answers she needed. Even if they werent the answers she wanted. No waiting period for missing person report Malinda had been told wrong. Bureau of Indian Affairs protocols for cases involving a missing Indigenous woman inside Indian Country say officers should accept a missing persons report at any time, regardless of whether the woman has been missing for only a short time. BIA officials did not respond to requests for interviews about the incident nine years ago. Bryanna Fox In the first 24 hours that a person is missing, there should be a flurry of police activity, said Bryanna Fox, an associate criminology professor at the University of South Florida and a former FBI special agent. Within 48 hours, (the missing person) may not even be in the country anymore, Fox said. Or the opposite, they might not even be alive anymore. Even if Malinda had gotten immediate assistance, she faced a quandary unlike any other in American law enforcement. Crimes that occur on or near a reservation are subject to a patchwork of laws establishing criminal jurisdiction among federal, state and tribal law enforcement agencies. Whos in charge of an investigation depends on the severity and location of the crime, and even whether victims or perpetrators are Native. In Montana, generally, the investigation into a murder of a Native woman by a Native man on tribal lands falls to the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal police. If the accused is a non-Native, federal law enforcement alone would have jurisdiction. If the crime occurred off the reservation, responsibility would likely fall to a county sheriffs department. As if that werent confusing enough, jurisdiction on tribal lands isnt the same in every state or reservation. The knot of policies becomes even harder to untangle when the location of the crime is uncertain or the identity of the perpetrator is unknown. Monte Mills When Malinda filed the missing person report for Hanna, neither she nor the authorities could know yet who would ultimately be responsible for investigating the case. That can lead to something like a never-ending round of pass the buck, explained Monte Mills, professor and co-director of an Indian law clinic at the University of Montana. So what happens at the beginning of these cases, Mills said, you have law enforcement agencies saying, Well, thats not our responsibility. We dont have jurisdiction. So call the sheriff. And then they call the sheriff and the sheriff says, Well, thats not our responsibility. Call the Bureau of Indian Affairs. And they call the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and they say, Well, thats not our responsibility. Call the FBI. The FBI says, Thats not our responsibility. Call the tribe. The laws also challenge investigators, who can be stymied by limits on whom they can question and where. And while jurisdictional issues can crop up in cases anywhere city borders abut, tribal cases are complicated by vast spaces patrolled by understaffed agencies. Annita Lucchesi is the founder of Sovereign Bodies Institute based in Billings, Montana. The organization collects and analyzes data on missing and murdered Indigenous women. Annita Lucchesi founder and executive director of Sovereign Bodies Institute, an organization that collects and analyzes data on missing or murdered Indigenous women said the system doesnt work because it was never designed to protect Native people in the first place. It doesnt reflect our value systems, it does not create a safe environment for Native victims of violence to come forward, and it does nothing to address the roots of violence in Indigenous communities, said Lucchesi, who is of Cheyenne descent. So its a system thats pretty useless in terms of addressing crises like missing and murdered Indigenous people or gender and sexual violence in our communities. I was just looking for my daughter When Hanna was still missing on July 5, the day of her sister Rosies wedding reception, Rosie pushed her mother to file the missing person report. Again, Malinda said she was brushed off by officers. Although they took the report, they told her they were busy because of the holiday weekend and told her Hanna was probably drinking with friends and scared to come home. They told Malinda to come back Monday if Hanna still hadnt returned, she said. These police are here to protect and serve, but who are they protecting? Malinda recalled thinking at the time. Who are they serving? It sure isnt my family. Her own investigative efforts had started producing results. A customer at the Cheyenne Depot told her about seeing Hannas car at Muddy Creek. She used Facebook extremely popular in a remote region where cell service is spotty and messages can be sent on a low bandwidth to call for volunteers to search the area the next day. Dozens of people showed up. The volunteers joined her in walking along both sides of Muddy Creek for miles, but they found nothing. Malindas attention turned to a new tip. People on Facebook had messaged her that Hanna had been seen at the fireworks July 3 with Gina Rowland and Garrett Wadda. Both were about 40 at the time, and Hanna had gone to school with the couples children. Malinda spotted Rowlands car outside the Lame Deer Trading Post IGA grocery store. Malinda Harris Limberhand, left, and daughter Rose (Rosie) Limberhand pose wearing shirts to honor Hanna Harris, who was killed in 2013. By this time, word had spread about Hanna being with the couple. Some of the people whod helped with the search confronted Rowland, demanding answers. Malinda convinced the woman to help by telling police what she knew. She drove Rowland to the Bureau of Indian Affairs police station herself. According to police reports obtained by the USA TODAY Network, officers said they learned through a series of interviews with Rowland and Wadda that the couple had been drinking with Hanna the night of the fireworks. The three of them went to the Jimtown Bar & Casino, just outside the reservation, which is dry. Later, they stopped at the Cheyenne Depot and finally at the home of Waddas aunt, who lived on Muddy Creek Road outside of Lame Deer. The couple told officers they didnt know what happened to Hanna after they went to bed. Malinda remembers Rowlands interview with police that day being brief. Afterward, at her urging, tribal officers went to look at Hannas car. Malinda followed them, Rowland riding in the back seat, cooing over Jeremiah. Biting back her anger, Malinda noticed a cut on the other womans hand. The search of Hannas car didn't turn up anything. Vast spaces patrolled by understaffed police agencies can leave people living around tribal lands especially vulnerable to violence like human trafficking, MMIW activists say. On July 7, Malinda and more volunteers searched the hills near Muddy Creek. When Rowland and Wadda came to help, Malinda told them to leave. That search also proved fruitless. Next, Malinda drove to the bar where Hanna had been seen July 3. She asked to see security camera footage. She also obtained footage from the convenience store. One video showed Hanna with Rowland and Wadda buying alcohol and leaving together. In the other, Hanna paid for gas before returning to her car, with Rowland in the passenger seat and Wadda in back. Malinda felt no closer to solving the mystery, despite all her efforts. I always think that was the polices job, but when a mother loses her daughter, its natural instinct to do whatever you have to do to find her, Malinda said. I really didnt know I was doing the polices job; I was just looking for my daughter. By July 8, five days after Hanna was last seen, tribal officers had notified the FBI of the case, as is customary when its believed a major crime against a Native person in Indian Country has occurred. Following a new tip, another search was planned at the Lame Deer rodeo grounds, this one involving the investigators and volunteers. But after a storm rolled in, officials called off the search, though some of the volunteers remained behind. Investigators asked Malinda to identify a Nike shoe that had been found, but she couldnt bring herself to do it. Hannas sister Rosie had to go look at it. There was no mistaking the black and white high-top basketball shoe. It was Hannas. Stripped of authority to protect their people With an estimated 70% of Indigenous people in the U.S. living off reservations, the confusion over jurisdictions is only a contributing factor to the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Activists for missing and murdered Indigenous women, in addition to many scholars, say its impossible to separate the problem from centuries of suffering inflicted by the settlement of North America. Native tribes were decimated by diseases introduced by colonizers and impoverished by policies that interned them onto reservations. Later, children were shipped to boarding schools and forced to abandon their language and culture. In the 1950s, a federal relocation program encouraged Native Americans to leave reservations for cities, while simultaneously trying to terminate recognition of tribes, with pledges of support that, like previous promises, werent fulfilled. Signs hang in Lame Deer, Montana, for Henny Scott, 14, who was found dead in 2018, and Kaysera Stops Pretty Places, 18, who was found dead near a busy street in nearby Hardin in 2019. The consequences of generational poverty and all its trappings can be gleaned from a consultants report on policing in the Navajo Nation, the largest of the 574 federally recognized Indian nations in the U.S. About 40% of people living on the reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah dont have running water in their homes, the report notes; about 15,000 dont have electricity. The report connects poverty to the effects of colonialism, which it says are still experienced as drivers of critical problems in the Navajo Nation. Today, gender violence, alcohol and drug abuse, inadequate housing, needs of the mentally ill, availability of firearms, drive demand on the police. The same conditions apply on many, if not most, tribal lands along with Indigenous communities far removed from reservations, activists say. They lay at the root of the crisis by exposing Indigenous women to disproportionate levels of violence, including domestic abuse and human trafficking. For example: Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show homicide was the third-leading cause of death between 1999 and 2019 among Indigenous females age 1-34 even more than cancer, which was the third-leading cause of death among females of all races in that age range. (The two leading causes for both groups were unintentional injury and suicide.) A 2016 study prepared for the National Institute of Justice showed that 4 in 5 Indigenous women report having experienced violence in their lifetime. The numbers, drawn from a National Intimate Violence Survey, also showed that Indigenous women were 2.7 times more likely than white women to have experienced sexual violence in the previous year. In Montana, Native Americans account for 6.7% of the states population, yet they comprise, on average, 26% of its active missing persons cases. Such disparities are common in western states with larger Indigenous populations. The poverty and violence among Indigenous communities both on and off reservations affect how Natives are treated by law enforcement, said Lucchesi of the Sovereign Bodies Institute. They love the idea of Native communities that are chaotic and ungovernable, she said, because it validates a racist narrative that Native people cant govern themselves and maintain peace when all you do is run around and drink and kill each other. Its not just about seeing Native on Native crime as insignificant or not their problem, she said, adding, It legitimizes their ongoing occupation of our lands and our peoples. Mary Kathryn Nagle, a lawyer who specializes in tribal law and represents Indigenous families pro bono in missing cases across the country, said her efforts to collect evidence, transcribe interviews with suspects and encourage investigators to interview witnesses in cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women are often ignored. They can ignore these cases because whats the consequence of ignoring the death of a Native woman? What happens to you? she said. I havent seen a single person face any consequences for ignoring a homicide of a Native woman or girl. For more than a hundred years, tribal communities have sought to restore their autonomy over crimes committed on their lands; in the view of many Native advocates, the missing and murdered Indigenous women movement is an indication that more progress is needed. Judge BJ Jones, executive director of the Tribal Judicial Institute at the University of North Dakota, said its unfair to blame tribal police forces when they lack the authority to do more in some cases and often lack the funding to do the job thats expected of them. Theres simply never been an investment in enough officers, enough detectives, enough justice personnel to really deal with (some) crimes, he said, adding, I think thats why people talk about this jurisdictional quagmire in Indian Country, because tribes have really been stripped of their authority to protect their own territory and their own people by Congress. Mills, the co-director of an Indian law clinic at the University of Montana, agreed: Empowering tribal governments and empowering tribes themselves to exercise authority to protect their communities that seems like both a simple and effective approach. On Montanas Crow Reservation, five tribal police officers patrol an area of nearly 3,600 square miles bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Said one tribal leader, Anywhere else in the country, you make a phone call to police, you get a five to 10-minute response. In Indian Country, its five to 10 hours. Or weeks. At the very least, funding to improve staffing levels and training for tribal police would help make those communities safer. While the federal government has treaty responsibilities to keep tribal members safe, tribal law enforcement entities, which are overseen by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are severely understaffed and under-resourced. The Navajo Nation police department, for example, had 158 patrol officers for an area spanning 27,000 square miles when a consultant concluded in 2020 the department needed 300 patrol officers to adequately protect an area larger than 10 of the 50 U.S. states. On Montanas Crow Reservation, five tribal police officers patrol an area of nearly 3,600 square miles bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Anywhere else in the country outside of Indian Country, you make a phone call to police, you get a five to 10-minute response, said Frank White Clay, chairman of the Crow Nation. In Indian Country, its five to 10 hours. Or weeks. New federal laws and actions have attempted to address the problem. Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind. Savannas Act named for Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, who was killed in 2017 in North Dakota requires the Department of Justice to enhance training, coordination and data collection in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women. The Not Invisible Act aims to increase intergovernmental coordination. In 2019, President Donald Trump created Operation Lady Justice, a presidential task force dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous people. But experts, advocates and family members say these initiatives dont go far enough. And though the laws are on the books, an October report from the General Accounting Office noted how federal officials failed to meet deadlines imposed by the new laws for things like public education on data gathering, outreach to tribal stakeholders and the development of guidelines for responding to such cases. That really shows their level of investment, said Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute. Its not only disappointing but I dont think that would happen if this was a community of white women. In 2016, the Urban Indian Health Institute surveyed 71 urban cities across the country to provide a snapshot of the problem because they knew the federal numbers werent capturing the full picture. Indigenous activists were encouraged by President Joe Bidens appointment of Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and first Native American to oversee the Interior Department that includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The former New Mexico congresswoman has spoken passionately about missing and murdered Indigenous women. The biggest issue is racial misidentification or not collecting ethnicity, Echo-Hawk said. She told the story of a missing woman in Washington state whod been misclassified after investigators looked at a picture and guessed. I wish that was an uncommon story, but its not, she said, explaining her advocacy for police training on racial identity. They dont see it as an issue. In fact, its so integral for us to understand the scope of the problem. Other federal action includes Bidens $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan signed into law in November. Among its $13 billion outlay for Indigenous communities were $6 billion to support water infrastructure in tribal communities; about $4 billion for roads and bridges; and $2 billion for expanding broadband access, among other measures. Indigenous activists also were encouraged by Bidens appointment of Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and first Native American to oversee the Interior Department, which includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The former New Mexico congresswoman has spoken passionately about missing and murdered Indigenous women. When she announced in April 2021 the creation of a unit to investigate such cases and coordinate resources among federal agencies and Indian Country, supporters hoped it signaled real progress rather than just more bureaucratic maneuvering. Seeking an update, the USA TODAY Network tried for weeks to secure an interview with Haaland. In an October Q&A with the Washington Post, she had this to say about the units progress: The new Missing & Murdered Unit is providing leadership and direction for cross-departmental and interagency work involving missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Office of Justice Services recently selected and on-boarded senior positions that are responsible for stakeholder collaboration, continued policy development, overall performance of the unit and direct oversight of field investigations. In addition to building out its personnel, the Department is focused on increasing its infrastructure capacity, and has opened two additional investigative offices dedicated to reviewing unsolved cases in Muskogee, Okla., and Vancouver, Wash. We did the best we could The night of July 8, Malinda gathered her extended family for a callback ceremony. They laid out Hannas clothes on the floor, singing and praying to return her spirit to her body. Hanna Harris holds her son, Jeremiah, on her shoulders. Hanna was killed in 2013 when Jeremiah was 10 months old. A knock on the door interrupted the ceremony; an officer wanted to know if Hanna had any tattoos. Malinda told him she had two stars and her Indian name Amesekehae, or Pemmican woman, which had been passed through her family for generations on her back and shoulders. The officer left. Malinda told herself the question meant nothing, just an investigator being as thorough as she had been. I always thought she was alive somewhere, she recalled. I flatly refused to believe that she was deceased. You know, its a mothers worst nightmare. I wouldnt let myself believe that. After midnight, another officer came to the house. Malinda doesnt remember much of what he told her. According to police reports, Hannas body was found at the rodeo grounds in Lame Deer positioned face down, her pants unzipped, her underwear pushed down and her shirt and bra pushed up. Her body was too badly decomposed to determine whether a sexual assault had occurred or what caused her death. No arrests were made. Rowland and Wadda had left Montana for the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. In the end, the case was solved not by investigative work but by a drunken confession. In January 2014, six months after Hannas disappearance, Rowland went drinking with her former sister-in-law and told her what happened. That woman called the FBI, and Malinda soon got word that Rowland and Wadda had been arrested on murder charges. It was probably one of the happiest, happy-sad, days of my life, Malinda recalled. Police reports spelled out what Rowland told her sister-in-law. She and Wadda had been drinking with Hanna that night in a trailer. Rowland said she woke up to screaming and found Wadda forcing himself on Hanna while she screamed that she was being raped. Rowland said Hanna hit her when she tried to help. Rowland and Wadda beat Hanna until she was unconscious. Rowland dragged Hannas body outside and Wadda drove her to the rodeo grounds. In October 2014, Rowland pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Authorities told Malinda they had insufficient evidence to prove the rape that Rowland alleged. Wadda pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact, admitting he moved Hannas body. He was sentenced in 2015 to 10 years in prison. He was released from federal prison in January. Malinda said hes back in Lame Deer. People send her photos when they see him. She wishes they wouldnt. Jeremiah Harris rests on his mother's headstone at his family cemetery plot in Lame Deer. Hanna Harris was murdered in 2013 when Jeremiah was 10 months old. Her death led to Hanna's Act, a Montana state law that allows for authorizes the Department of Justice to assist local law enforcement in missing persons cases. There was no evidence, so it was her word against his, Malinda said. When we were doing our own search, we literally lost a lot of evidence because we werent professionals. We didnt know what we were doing. We lost a lot of forensic evidence, fingerprints, shoe prints, stuff like that. She finds solace in knowing that among the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women tracked by groups like Sovereign Bodies, Hannas case is unusual because the perpetrators were convicted and it led to change and greater awareness of the problem. In May 2019, then-Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed Hannas Act. The law authorized the state Department of Justice to assist in all missing persons cases and created a missing persons specialist. Hannas birthday, May 5, is now a national day of awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Every year on her daughters birthday, Malinda travels to Montanas capital in Helena to join other family members of missing or murdered Indigenous people in advocating for better communication among law enforcement agencies and more resources for tribal police to boost staffing and improve low retention rates. Montana Rep. Rae Peppers, D-Lame Deer, seated left, talks with Gov. Steve Bullock during a ceremonial signing at the state Capitol of several bills dealing with missing and murdered Indigenous people. Malinda Harris and her grandson, Jeremiah, stand on the right. I finally had my closure, Malinda said. Hannas grave sits on a hill near her mothers house. Her tombstone is dark gray and shaped like a big heart. Jeremiah, her son, is now a slender and shy 9-year-old. Both his ears are pierced, hes missing some baby teeth, and his mothers tombstone reaches to just below his bony shoulders. His laugh reminds Malinda of Hanna, but his growth remains a symbol of time passing without her. While Malinda spoke of his mother on a day last autumn, Jeremiah draped his body over the headstone and traced his small finger in the grooves that spell his mothers name. Malinda has never hidden the truth from him. Though Jeremiah knows Malinda, now 51, is his grandmother, he calls her Mom. Im the only one hes ever known, Malinda said. She wont let herself second guess her efforts in the days after Hanna disappeared. She doesnt wonder if Rowland and Wadda would have faced longer prison sentences if law enforcement had been involved sooner, or if she and the volunteers searching for Hanna had known how to preserve crime scene evidence in their desperation for answers. She cant let herself think about those things, telling herself over and over, We did the best we could with what we had. We just had nothing. Contributing: Andrea Ball, USA TODAY; Sarah Volpenhein, USA TODAY Network. Nora Mabie is a reporter who covers Indigenous communities for The Great Falls Tribune in Montana. She can be reached at nmabie@greatfallstribune.com and on Twitter @noramabie. Derek Catron is a national enterprise editor for USA TODAY. He can be reached at dcatron@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MMIW day: Why Native American women are victims at higher rates Davied Japez McCorry Whatley has been charged with second-degree murder (Screengrab/WSB-TV Channel 2) A man in Georgia was charged with murder after his eight-month-old daughter died from being left in a hot car for too long while he tried to retrieve his gun from a police department. On Tuesday afternoon, 20-year-old Davied Japez McCorry Whatley, who lives in Grayson city, went to the Snellville police department to reclaim a gun held in the property department, officials said. While conducting a background check a standard practice to make sure firearms are not released to a person with a felony conviction officers discovered a warrant issued against Mr Whatley for a probation violation. Mr Whatley at no point mentioned he had left his infant Nova in the car while being taken into custody, police said at a news conference on Wednesday. He made no statements as to the fact that his daughter was left in the car two buildings away from the Snellville police department, detective Jeff Manley said. The officer added that from the time Mr Whatley arrived at the police department until he was turned over to the Gwinnett County jail, which was more than 40 minutes, he was recorded on police body camera and dashcam. The Whatley family has contended the authorities claims arguing that the man begged the police to check on his daughter. This situation didnt have to happen. All they had to do was listen. They thought he was lying, Leticia Padilla, the childs grandmother, told WSB-TV. She added that the officers assured her son that someone would get the child. Ms Padilla said her son was eventually able to call a friend who then contacted her to inform that Nova was still in the car. Nearly seven hours after Mr Whatleys arrest, the grandmother reached an emergency room of a medical centre with Nova, who was declared dead. Officers determined the baby had been left in the car outside City Hall and that her grandmother retrieved her from the car. They can say whatever they want to. They have to cover their tracks, Ms Padilla told the television station. Mr Whatley had bonded out of jail on the probation violation charge, but was arrested again on Wednesday morning and charged with second-degree murder, said Lisa Vorrasi, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Former Democratic Party leader Howard Dean said he hopes Donald Trump is the Republican nominee in the 2024 election, arguing that the former presidents brand is in bad shape among people who arent directly in his base and that hell be more likely to lose than another GOP candidate. He is incredibly divisive, he exhausts people, hes in deep criminal trouble, and its going to take a long time apparently before that gets sorted out, Dean told MSNBCs Ari Melber on Wednesday. Trump has teased a third run for president on multiple occasions but has yet to confirm his position. Deans comments came during a discussion on Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vances victory in Ohios Republican Senate primary and how Trump-backed candidates will perform in the 2022 midterms. Dean dismissed Vance who has transformed from a self-confessed Never Trumper into one of the former presidents staunchest defenders as a second-rate writer and a huckster. He likened Vance to Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), describing them both by saying: A lot of B.S., not much loyalty to the United States of America, slick. Watch Deans comments in full here: This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Windrock Park will open its Jeep event series with its annual two-day Tennessee Mountains Jeep Jamboree this week, now through Saturday, May 7. Off-highway vehicles, or OHVs, are parked in this 2021 photo. Rural communities across the country are wrestling with the economic perks and environmental drawbacks of opening up their roads to ATVs. Interest in ATVs has only intensified as more people got outdoors during the pandemic. Jeep owners across the country will make their way to East Tennessee to participate in this off-road adventure at this one-of-a-kind trail destination. Windrock Park is the largest privately-owned off-highway vehicle (OHV) park in the United States with trails spanning over 72,000 acres, a news release stated. Jeep Jamboree veterans and first timers are expected to enjoy scenic gravel roads, boulders, ruts and mud as they challenge gravity. Those familiar with off-roading events can expect an OHV event with the inclusion of Windrocks three Badge of Honor trails. Tow points and GMRS radios are required to participate. Likewise, participants with tires over 40 inches will be turned away at vehicle evaluation with no refund. For more information on Jeep Jamboree USA, visit Windrocks website. Windrock Park is at 912 Windrock Road, Oliver Springs. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Jeep Jamboree Thursday through Saturday at Windrock Park Rapper Arrested Sentencing (ASSOCIATED PRESS) US rapper Kidd Creole has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for stabbing a homeless man named John Jolly to death in the streets of New York City. The 62-year-old rapper, whose real name is Nathaniel Glover, was found guilty of manslaughter last month after stabbing Jolly in the chest with a steak knife in midtown Manhattan, in August 2017. Prosecutors accused Creole of stabbing Jolly after becoming enraged because he thought Jolly was gay and was hitting on him. The court heard that Creole headed to his workplace nearby, changed his clothes, and washed the knife after committing the crime, before being arrested the next day. Creole pleaded not guilty and it was argued by his lawyers that he had lashed out at the homeless man in self-defense. Mr Jollys death was devastating to his family and those who knew him, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. Every life we lose to violent crime ripples throughout our entire city, and we will continue to ensure everyone in our borough can live their lives with the sense of safety and security they deserve. In addition to the 16-year sentence, Creole will also face five years of post-release supervision. He had originally faced a maximum of 25 years in prison. Im very disappointed in the way that that this whole situation played out, Creole said after learning of his sentence. Ive been portrayed as a callous and senseless [killer]which is far from the person who I am. Ive been slandered and all this made me seem as if I am a person who actually has no remorse and no repentance. Creole is a former American rapper who is regarded as one of the pioneers of old-school hip-hop, as a member of the group Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five with his brother Melle Mel. Additional reporting by AP May 4A dozen Muskogee residents lined the sidewalk at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma to voice opposition to the possibility that Roe v. Wade may be overturned. Late Monday evening, a draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court was leaked that would overturn the 1973 decision making abortions legal. The nine women and three men held up posters and coat hangars to passing cars on West Okmulgee Avenue generating some honking of the vehicles. Bonnie Pierce believes it's very likely that the ruling will be overturned by the Supreme Court. "The conservative voices are 6-3," the Muskogee resident said. "What I've read is there is credibility to the draft. It's not a final, but it's very concerning. "When I was coming up, this was an issue coat hangars. Now, my granddaughter is becoming of age where is it going to be an issue again?" Jim Haley, a candidate for State Representative District 13, was there to show his "support for women." "I absolutely support their right to health care and control of their own bodies," he said. Haley also said the draft opinion didn't surprise him when he heard the news. "The reality hit in; we sort of knew it was coming," he said. "I can't speak for all men. They have to follow their own heart, but I'm totally in support of women and women's rights." Kristin Littlefield felt a sense of betrayal when she first heard the report. "Devastated, sick to my stomach," she said. "I can't believe this is happening in this day and age." And when asked if she could talk to the nine Supreme Court justices, she had to think for a moment about what she might say. "Stare decisis," she said. "This has been settled for a long time. Uphold the law, don't make your own." Pierce, who helped organize the protest, compared the possibility of overturning the decision as a form of oppression. "Not only women but women of color are even more oppressed," she said. "They are more likely to not have the resources to go some place where abortions are legal. So if Roe falls, the threat to health care for women is absolutely real. "If people cannot choose when, where and with whom to start a family we want to be able to choose who we have a family with." May 5Staff and volunteers with Santa Fe-based The Food Depot focused their second annual Star Wars-themed May the Fourth food drive on filling the needs of wildfire evacuees. Workers at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society scurried this week to make room for displaced pets. Other local organizations are taking donations of money, food, clothes and hygiene products to distribute to those in need. "While this is a light-hearted and fun event that we are happy to host once again," Food Depot Executive Director Sherry Hooper said in a statement about Wednesday's food drive. "We are well aware of the serious events happening around us with our fellow New Mexicans." With tens of thousands of people from an estimated 15,500 homes on mandatory evacuation orders due to the growing Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fire a more than 160,000-acre blaze stretching between Las Vegas, N.M., and Mora local organizations are increasing efforts to ensure people and animals who fled their homes have the resources they need. The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management also announced Wednesday it is leading an effort with several state agencies to establish a Joint Information Task Force to provide consolidated information on wildfires and aid available to affected residents. The effort includes a wildfire website, nmdhsem.org, with a link to a disaster assistance form, and Facebook page, facebook.com/NewMexicoDHSEM. The state Office of the Superintendent of Insurance advised residents at risk of evacuation to keep important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies and health insurance cards in fireproof boxes and to take photos of each document. Residents also should include a list of medications and a week's supply in the box, the office said. After an evacuation or news of home damage, the office said, a homeowner should contact their insurance carrier to file a claim. Some insurance policies pay for additional living expenses during an evacuation. Story continues Many evacuees have sought assistance for pets that couldn't join them at a shelter or relative's home. Murad Kirdar, a spokesman for the Santa Fe animal shelter, said volunteers recently transferred animals to sites in Utah and Albuquerque to make room for at least two dozen cats that evacuated along with their owners amid the wildfire. The shelter is at capacity and doesn't have room to take in more dogs, he added, but it's still able to make accommodations for displaced felines. The shelter also is working to provide evacuees with pet essentials. "We're offering free dog and cat food, treats, cat litter, blankets, towels [and] candles. So if anyone has extra at home, we encourage them to donate it," Kirdar said. How to get help Evacuation shelters: * Old Memorial Middle School gym in Las Vegas; call 505-429-0336. * Glorieta Adventure Camps; contact Josh Nelson at 505-757-6161, ext. 713. * San Miguel County Public Works in Las Vegas; call 505-652-8728. * Penasco High School gym, contact Melissa Sandoval at 575-779-3057. * Red River Convention Center; call 575-754-1708. Pet and livestock shelters: * The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society is taking in cats displaced by the fire; call 505-983-4309, ext. 1606. The shelter also is offering supplies for displaced pets and requests donations. * The Santa Fe County Fairgrounds is taking in dogs, cats and chickens; call 505-471-4711. * The Zamora arena is being used to temporarily house livestock and horses; contact livestock inspector Matthew Romero at 575-643-6805. * The Pecos arena is sheltering livestock and horses; contact Freddy Lujan at 505-930-3986 or 505-757-3986. * The Taos County Sheriff's Posse Arena is being used to house livestock and horses; contact livestock inspector Ruben Baca at 575-770-1490. Where to donate * The Santa Fe Fire Department's Station 5, 1130 Siler Road, is accepting donations of food and supplies between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Items requested: nonperishable foods, sports drinks, children's clothing and toys, diapers, personal hygiene items and paper products, as well as animal feed, troughs, hay, bowls and crates. * The All Together New Mexico Fund is accepting monetary donations at alltogethernm.org. Grants from the fund will go to emergency shelters, food and water distribution and access to medical support. * The State Employees Credit Union is accepting monetary donations that will go to the "Northern NM Fires" fund. The credit union also is accepting nonperishable food items, bottled water, new and unused blankets, clothing and hygiene products. * Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity is accepting goods at the ReStore, 2520 Camino Entrada. Requested items: nonperishable food, hygiene products, cleaning products, feminine products, clothes, diapers and baby food. The Food Depot Disaster Relief Fund is accepting money, food, water and hygiene items for evacuees and emergency responders. Visit thefooddepot.org/disaster-relief. May 5HANOVER TWP. Echoing through the indoor shooting range at the Pennsylvania State Police Troop P Headquarters, active and retired troopers loudly cited the "Call of Honor," an oath to obey and enforce the law without prejudice. After a two-year absence, state police at Wilkes-Barre held their annual memorial service to remember troopers killed in the line of duty since the agency was created on May 2, 1905. Among the 102 who died have been 10 troopers from Troop P. The event was moved indoors due to the threat of inclement weather Wednesday. Nearly 100 retired and active troopers, their families, Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and several municipal police chiefs attended the event. Captain Patrick J. Dougherty, commander of Troop P, honored fallen and retired troopers while praising current troopers who take the oath to protect the public with their own lives. "Your sacrifice and your dedication will never be forgotten. Sincerely, I thank you in guiding us here today," Dougherty said to the retirees. Dougherty recalled the history of Troop P, which was originally named Troop B Wilkes-Barre before relocating to Wyoming under Troop P. After more than 100 years, Troop P Headquarters in March 2021 relocated to Hanover Township. Tuesday's memorial service was the first at the Hanover Township headquarters. "Although the headquarters name has changed and the facility has relocated, we are still Troop P proud," Dougherty said. Retired state police Major Michael Jordan presented Dougherty with a plaque from the state police retiree association during the ceremony. Hanover Area musical soloist Amelia Deem sang the National Anthem at the start of the service, and Hanover Area's trumpet player Almond Fusco played Taps, followed by retired state police Sgt. Todd A. Norton played "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes when fallen troopers were remembered. State police Sgt. John G. Richards read the names of the 10 troopers from Troop P killed in the line of duty. Story continues A luncheon was held at Troop P headquarters following the service. Fallen heroes Troop P troopers who have died in the line of duty are: Pvt. John Garcia, 30, shot when arresting a person in Jenkins Township on Feb. 21, 1909. Pvt. William J. Omlor, 29, was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle near Pottsville on Oct. 24, 1923. Sgt. Edwin F. Haas, 35, died of an accidental shooting on Oct. 17, 1924. Patrolman Welles G. Hammond, 23, killed when he lost control of his motorcycle while traveling to the Luzerne County Courthouse on Oct. 14, 1929. Patrolman Arthur A. Koppenhaver died July 13, 1930 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident on Main Street, Nanticoke, on April 21, 1930. Sgt. James A. Seery, 41, died from injuries sustained involving a horse on Sept. 10, 1934. Pvt. Floyd W. Maderia, 34, died Dec. 11, 1934, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident the day before. Pvt. John Broskie, 40, was shot during a robbery at a tavern on East End Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, on Aug. 14, 1937. Pvt. George J. Yashur Jr., 25, died when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic on Market Street, Kingston, during a flood on April 1, 1940. Trooper Thomas M. Kobeski, 39, died of a heart attack following a court hearing in Pittston on May 3, 2002. After being charged earlier this week with the attempted robbery of a local gas station, an area man has been charged in a separate case for allegedly breaking into the Farmington Civic Center and stealing a city-owned pickup truck. Kyle Christopher House, 25, of Bonne Terre, was charged this week with second-degree burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, first-degree property damage, resisting arrest for a felony, and fourth-degree assault/special victim. A probable cause statement from the Farmington Police Department states that an officer was dispatched to the Farmington Civic Center in reference to a burglary alarm on April 29. The officer arrived on the scene and preceded to the back, east side of the building, located on Black Knight Drive. The report states the officer parked his patrol vehicle at the back gate and began to walk around toward the back door of the facility. At that time, the officer reportedly observed the rear lights on a white Chevrolet truck (owned by the City of Farmington) located inside the fence in the water park area come on. Seconds later, the suspect, later identified as House, was seen exiting a door located on the north side of the building, according to police. House reportedly ran directly toward the truck and entered the driver's side. The officer noted in his report that he was giving House commands to stop and show his hands as the man was running from the building. After entering the truck, the report states House backed away and began to accelerate at a high rate of speed toward Liberty Street. House was reportedly unsuccessful in exiting the water park on that end and turned the truck around before driving it at a high rate of speed toward the officer's location. Before reaching the building, the report states House made a right turn and proceeded into a grassy area where he struck the fence surrounding the park, causing damage to the fence and the truck. After exiting the vehicle, House reportedly fled back into the Civic Center through the same door that he had previously left. A search of the building was conducted; however, House could not be located, according to police. During the building search, the officer reported observing an employee area where the keys to the white Chevroet truck had been stored. The officer noted the area appeared to have had all of the lockers opened and rummaged through. Through further investigation, police were reportedly able to view the facility's video surveillance. An officer reported viewing security footage of House swimming in the pool area, running through the pool area, the gym, and several other locations inside the Civic Center. House has been in custody without bond at the St. Francois County Detention Center since Saturday when he was arrested for first-degree attempted robbery after allegedly attempting to rob a local gas station, also in Farmington. According to Farmington Police Chief Rick Baker, at approximately 12:30 a.m. April 29, his department responded to the Rhodes 101 gas station on West Columbia Street in Farmington for an attempted robbery no longer in progress. "The officer spoke with an employee who stated that a white male had been sitting in the business for a while," he said. "He walked to the counter and passed an envelope to the employee. "The employee read a note on the envelope that stated he needed to give him a determined amount of money, or he would 'take care of him.'" Baker said the employee refused to give him the money, and the suspect left. Officers viewed the surveillance video and identified the subject as House from prior incidents. The next day, the Bonne Terre Police Department located the man and transported him to Farmington for questioning. He was charged with attempted robbery. Court filings show House has a previous felony conviction for tampering with a motor vehicle and is currently out on parole. Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 4 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. Associate Justice Samuel Alito sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021 Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Associate Justice Samuel Alito sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021 Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was to be a no-show at a judicial conference starting on Thursday following the leak of a 98-page draft opinion he authored earlier this year in favor of overturning two landmark decisions, Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which guarantee the right to abortion nationwide. The conservative justice, 72, had been expected to attend the conference for judges from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal court based in New Orleans, and from the district courts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas but canceled, according to Reuters. A spokesperson for the Supreme Court told the news agency on Wednesday that Alito was not attending but did not explain why the justice, who is tasked with hearing emergency appeals from the 5th Circuit, would be absent.(Spokespeople for the court likewise did not immediately respond to questions from PEOPLE.) Politico first published the leaked draft of Alito's opinion on Monday, flabbergasting court watchers and sending shock waves across the political landscape. Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the authenticity of the draft but called the leak "a singular and egregious breach" of trust in a statement issued Tuesday. A final decision on abortion access which the court is weighing in a case about a Mississippi ban isn't expected until this summer (and the justices' votes could still change). But such a ruling would effectively end the constitutional right to an abortion and place the regulations up to individual states. RELATED: Abortions Are Still Legal in the U.S. but Here's What Could Happen If Roe Is Overturned Supreme Court Justices Erin Schaff-Pool/Getty Supreme Court justices Alito's draft opinion was widely hailed by many conservatives, who have long sought to limit abortion access, often citing moral and religious reasons. But political leaders in favor of maintaining women's right to access abortion without government intrusion, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have expressed dismay on the contents of the opinion. Story continues "Republican legislators in states across the country are weaponizing the use of Roe v. Wade against women," Harris wrote in a tweet on Tuesday. "The rights of all Americans are at risk. This is the time to fight for women and our country with everything we have." RELATED: Hillary Clinton Says Supreme Court's Purported Vote to Overturn Roe v. Wade Is 'an Utter Disgrace' On Tuesday, Biden vowed to sign legislation, should Congress send it to him, that would make the right to an abortion a federal law. In a written statement, the president called on Congress to act in response to the leaked opinion, in which Justice Alito wrote that Roe "must be overruled." Meanwhile, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas are listed on a program for the 11th Circuit's judicial conference in Atlanta, which takes place Thursday and Friday, but according to Reuters it was unclear if they would attend. Judicial conferences are an opportunity for judges to network, socialize, discuss legal matters and receive continuing education, according to the Reuters report. Stephen Colbert fired back at Rep. Matt Gaetz after the Florida Republican attempted to troll abortion-rights advocates with a bizarre tweet on Wednesday. Gaetz posted a laundry list of sexist stereotypes: How many of the women rallying against overturning Roe are over-educated, under-loved millennials who sadly return from protests to a lonely microwave dinner with their cats, and no bumble matches? Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) May 4, 2022 In response, Colbert offered Gaetz a reminder of his ongoing legal issues. If that statement sounds insane, remember: For Matt Gaetz, overeducated is any woman whos already graduated high school, Colbert said. Gaetz is reportedly under federal investigation to determine if he and others paid for sex at drug-fueled parties, including an incident or incidents involving a 17-year-old girl. Although Gaetz has denied the allegations, some of his one-time associates are reportedly cooperating with investigators. See more in Colberts Wednesday night monologue: This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. HONG KONG, May 05, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On 26 April 2022, Syngenta Group (HK) Holdings Company Limited ("Borrower") has entered into USD 4,500 million syndicated three-year sustainability-linked term loan facility with a syndicate of banks from various jurisdictions led by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, China Construction Bank Corporation, Hong Kong Branch and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank. The initial size of this transaction was oversubscribed several times. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006122/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) As a sustainability-linked term loan, it is the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific loan market and has been the largest executed term loan facility in the Greater China loan market since the beginning of 2022 (according to Refinitiv). Syngenta Groups global credit ratings are "A" from Fitch, "Baa1" from Moodys and "BBB+" from S&P. About Syngenta Group Syngenta Group is one of the worlds leading agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. In more than 100 countries, the company strives to transform agriculture through breakthrough products and technologies that play a vital role in enabling the food chain to feed the world safely, sustainably and with respect for our planet. Syngenta Group, registered in Shanghai, China and with its management headquarters in Switzerland, draws strength from its four business units Syngenta Crop Protection headquartered in Switzerland, Syngenta Seeds headquartered in the United States, ADAMA headquartered in Israel, and Syngenta Group China that provide industry-leading ways to serve customers everywhere. For Syngenta Group photos and videos, please visit the Syngenta Group Media Library. Data protection is important to us. 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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006122/en/ Contacts Media Relations media@syngentagroup.com Former Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen set the early clubhouse target on day one of the Betfred British Masters on Thursday. Olesen carded six birdies and no bogeys in a superb 66 at The Belfry to enjoy a one-shot lead over Germanys Hurly Long and Chinas Ashun Wu, with fellow Dane Rasmus Hojgaard a shot further back on four under. The 32-year-old, who beat three-time major winner Jordan Spieth in their singles match at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris, is attempting to rebuild his career after he was cleared in December last year of sexually assaulting a woman on a British Airways flight in July 2019. Bogey free 66 @Thorbjornolesen tops the leaderboard with six birdies in his opening round. #BetfredBritishMasters DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 5, 2022 Olesen claimed he turned into an automaton and was not in control of his body after drinking and taking prescription-only sleeping pills before a flight from Nashville to London, following a tournament in Memphis. Theres a lot of things I want to accomplish, said Olesen, who was ranked 62nd in the world at the time of the incident but is currently 376th. You have to stay in the present, obviously, but its been a while since Ive been in the winners circle and thats my main goal this year. Ive not been working hard enough for a few years to be at that level, so I know there is a lot of work to be done. There have been certain points where you are not sure if you can get back, so it comes down to confidence and belief and there have been a few hard days. But I feel I am on the right track now and starting to get a team back together that is helping me again I think that is very important. Story continues Enjoyed the test that PGA Catalunya offered us this week. Time for the @British_Masters pic.twitter.com/WMTaOKhbRY Thorbjrn Olesen (@Thorbjornolesen) May 1, 2022 This year Ive had some good rounds where the last three or four holes I made some stupid bogeys and put myself out of contention. I feel as if Ive had chances to be in contention but just havent finished it off, really. I need to be up there a bit more to feel comfortable. Its been a long time since Ive really been able to be up there. Lee Westwood, who is both a former winner and host of the event, had to settle for an opening 72 after dropping shots on his last two holes. Creating a flyer The administrator of the Missing and Taken Indigenous People page on Facebook provided this list of information that would be helpful to create a flyer for a missing person. The administrator will create a flyer if enough required information is submitted. You will be asked for your full name, relationship to the missing person and contact information such as Facebook Messenger or phone number. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to the Seattle Times editorial board on Wednesday. She assailed the Supreme Courts draft opinion on Roe v. Wade for the violence it does to the Constitution and said it mocked the landmark decision, privacy and a womans right to choose. FALLS CHURCH Actor Amber Heard tearfully told jurors Thursday that Johnny Depp sexually assaulted her with a liquor bottle in an alcohol-fueled rage. The March 2015 incident in Australia, where Depp was filming the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is sharply disputed and has been a focal point of the four-week civil trial in Fairfax, Virginia. The night ended with the tip of Depps middle finger cut off, and him writing vulgar messages in blood on the walls of the house. Depp denies assaulting her in any way and says his finger was severed when Heard threw a vodka bottle at him; Heard said shed taken sleeping pills after she was attacked and was not awake when the finger was severed. The graphic description of the sexual assault left Heard fighting for her composure as she described it to jurors. She said Depp had been angry as soon as she arrived in Australia, roughly a month after the couple had married in February 2015. He was accusing her of sleeping with co-stars in her movies, including Billy Bob Thornton and Eddie Redmayne, with whom shed just shot the film The Danish Girl accusations she denied. The fight escalated to the point where he threw her into a ping-pong table, breaking it, Heard testified. He ripped off her nightgown, and Heard said she was naked and exposed as she was assaulted. I couldnt get up. I thought he was punching me, she said. I could just feel this pressure on my pubic bone. She thought he was assaulting her with her fist, but later figured out that she was being assaulted with a bottle, and realized that there had been numerous bottles broken in the fight. I looked around and saw so much broken glass. I just remember thinking, Please God, please dont be broken, she said. Heard described bizarre details in the aftermath of the attack, including seeing her shredded burgundy nightgown used to wrap a raw steak that had been left out. She said that when Depps security team finally arrived to tend to his severed finger, Depp was still trying to leave vulgar messages for her, but was trying to write them by urinating on the wall. Much of the trial testimony has been repetitive of a civil suit Depp filed against a British newspaper. A judge there ruled against Depp in 2020, finding that Heard had in fact been assaulted multiple times by Depp. But the sexual assault allegations described by Heard on Thursday were not publicly aired in the U.K trial. Depp is suing Heard in Virginia for libel over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse. His lawyers say he was defamed by the 2018 article, even though it never mentioned his name. Earlier in her testimony Thursday, Heard testified that Depp surrounded himself with an entourage of enablers to shield him from the consequences of his drug and alcohol use. She described an incident that has already come up at trial, a May 2014 plane ride from Boston to Los Angeles. According to Heard, Depp was jealous and irate that she was making a movie with actor James Franco that included a kissing scene. He hated, hated James Franco, she said. As soon as Depp stepped into the private plane, he began berating her, she said. She got up and walked away, but Depp followed her. At one point, he slapped her, Heard testified. Later, she said, he kicked her, and not one person on board intervened on her behalf. I felt this boot in my back, she said. I fell to the floor. And no one said anything. No one did anything. You could have heard a pin drop. I just remember feeling so embarrassed. Depp, who testified earlier in the trial, described the incident differently. He denied that hed drank excessively before getting on the plane, and said Heard initiated an argument and pursued him until he felt compelled to hide in a bathroom. But jurors heard a recording Heard made toward the end of the incident, in which it sounds like Depp is howling and babbling incoherently. And the jury has seen a text message Depp sent his friend Paul Bettany shortly after the flight, in which he says hes going to properly stop the booze thing because the flight got ugly. He also texted Bettany saying, Im admittedly too f- in the head to spray my rage at the one I love for little reason as well. Heard has testified that she was physically and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions by Depp, typically when he was drunk or high on drugs. Depp has denied ever hitting her, but Heards lawyers have said his denials lack credibility in part because he cant remember what hes done when he blacks out. Depp has said Heard greatly exaggerates his drinking, and that he tolerates his liquor well. Friends, family and employees of Depp have taken the stand and backed up his contention. But Heard said thats part of the problem: She said Depp has a team around him that cleans him up when he gets sick, and enables him to go about his business without acknowledging the consequences of his drinking. Montanas congressional Republicans praised the likely end of abortion rights under the 14th Amendment on Tuesday following a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion. The state's only statewide elected Democrat, Sen. Jon Tester, said the ruling would have devastating consequences for women. U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, the Montana Republican who founded the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, said the draft ruling indicates the end of an historic injustice. He issued a call to capture the person who leaked the ruling, saying the leak was an attempt to intimidate the court. Rep. Matt Rosendale echoed the sentiment. With that said, if the draft opinion stands, the Court will have righted an historic injustice and returned the power to the American people and their elected officials to enact laws to protect unborn children and mothers, Daines said in a press release. He later discussed how Congress was likely to respond should the opinion bear out. The opinion, authored by Justice Samuel Alito Jr., was published Monday night by Politico, which indicated five out of nine justices supported overturning the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, which recognized the 14th Amendment as securing a womans privacy right to choose an abortion. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, issued a morning press release about the leaked opinion, but declined to discuss the issue further. For nearly 50 years, women have been able to make their own private healthcare decisions without interference from the federal government. If reports are accurate and this draft decision stands, the removal of that fundamental right will have devastating consequences for millions of women across this country. Montanas at-large representative, Republican Matt Rosendale, called the opinion, if confirmed, a monumental victory for the sanctity of life, ending a half-century guarantee of federal constitutional protection of abortion. Daines said he expects Senate Democrats will try to codify the abortion rights the Supreme Court previously determined in deciding Roe v. Wade in 1973. Its highly unlikely Democrats could persuade 10 Republicans to go along with such a vote, which they would need in order to hit the 60-vote threshold required to avoid a filibuster. Without a doubt, Leader Schumer, Sen. Tester and the Democrats will try once again to pass their extreme abortion bill that allows abortion on demand up until birth, Daines said. Theres already a bill to codify the rights recognized by the Supreme Court in Roe. The Womens Health Protection Act passed the U.S. House 218 to 211 on Sept. 24, 2021, without any Republican votes in favor. However, the House passes bills by simple majority and without the threshold of a filibuster. It is possible that Democrats would try to pass a law under the guise of womens healthcare, but I dont see it passing in the Senate, Rosendale said in a texted response. Tester indicated he supports the Womens Health Protection Act, which Senate Democrats attempted to bring to a vote on Feb. 28. That vote failed 46-48, with Tester voting to proceed with the vote and Daines voting against. Also voting with Republicans was Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat. It would take all 50 Senate Democrats voting to end the filibuster to pass the Womens Health Protection Act by simple majority. Several legislative priorities for Democrats, including voting rights protections, have ended in stalemate because Senate Democrats did not vote in unison to end the filibuster. As recently as April 3, Manchin in a livestreamed speech on the Senate floor, characterized changing the filibuster as a gimmick that allows the majority party to truly steal the power of debate and the power of the filibuster from individual senators. I do not support blowing up the filibuster to further the lefts radical agenda and pass their extreme abortion bill that allows abortion on demand up until birth, Daines said. If the Supreme Court moves ahead with overturning the rights previously recognized in the Roe decision, state legislatures will be empowered to set their own abortion laws, though in Montana that would involve amending privacy rights out of the state constitution. The law of Montana should follow the will of the people which I believe is to protect unborn babies and their moms, Daines said. The Guttmacher Institute, a global watchdog of reproductive rights, lists Montana among 26 states likely to ban abortion if the Supreme Court rules those rights are no longer secured by the 14th Amendment. Idaho, the Dakotas and Wyoming are also on the list. The states closest to Montana to continue providing abortions are Washington, Oregon and Nevada. Because Montanas Legislature meets every other year, it is unlikely there will be any action on abortion before 2023. Rosendale, a former state legislator, said he expects Montanas Republican leadership will act if given the chance. I trust Gov. (Greg) Gianforte and the Legislature will do everything they can to protect and defend the sanctity of life, Rosendale said in a texted response. 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. Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 87F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow Sunny skies. High 83F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Hungary cannot responsibly support the European Commission's latest package of sanctions against Russia in its current form, the foreign minister has said, arguing that the sanctions would destroy Hungary's energy security. Speaking from Uzbekistan, Peter Szijjarto said the latest sanctions package would involve a ban on crude oil shipments from Russia to Europe with a rather short notice, which in Hungarys case would apply from the end of next year. Hungarys energy supply is currently secure and on a stable foundation, but this package would destroy that completely, making it impossible for Hungary to procure the amount of oil necessary to keep the economy running, he said. This is not a matter of a lack of political will, not a matter of intent, of duration, but simply physical, geographical and infrastructural reality, Szijjarto said. It is from Russia that Hungary can buy the necessary amount of oil via the existing pipelines, and even from a technological standpoint, only Russian oil can be refined in the country, he said. The Hungarian government cannot responsibly vote for the latest sanctions package in its current form, Szijjarto said. In order for Hungary to support the measures, oil shipments via pipeline would have to be exempted from the embargo, he added. EC Proposes Phased Oil Embargo on Russia The European Commission is presenting its sixth package of sanctions against Russia, proposing a phased ban on importing oil from the country, which would take effect over a span of six months, along with banning oil products by the end of this year, EC President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday. Phasing out Russian oil products gradually would increase pressure on Russia in response to its attack on Ukraine, but mitigate the worldwide economic fallout, Von der Leyen told the plenary session of the European Parliament discussing the social and economic consequences of the war. Meanwhile, the EU will impose restrictions on high-ranking Russian military officers who committed war crimes in Bucha or are responsible for the siege of Mariupol, she said. The EC will also bar Sberbank and another two Russian banks from the international SWIFT payment network. Three Russian state-owned broadcasters will be banned from all EU platforms and EU accountants and financial advisors will be barred from working for Russian companies, she said. Von der Leyen said Putin wanted to wipe Ukraine off the map, adding that he would not succeed, and he would pay a high price for the brutal aggression in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the EU has started drafting a large-scale reconstruction package to boost investment and reforms in Ukraine after the war, along with plans to provide short-term financial and budgetary aid, she said. The package would pave Ukraines way into the EU, she added. Jobbik MEP Marton Gyongyosi said in his address that while there was wide-spread consensus on using sanctions to put pressure on Russia, the EU had failed to address its dependence on Russian energy, and to strengthen solidarity among member states. Besides focusing on dependence from Russia as a source of fossil fuel energy, Gyongyosi proposed that EU member states should also terminate their contracts with Rosatom, the Russian state-owned nuclear energy company. Hungary should terminate its agreement on the upgrade of the Paks nuclear plant, he said. Rejecting a claim by a high-ranking Ukrainian official, a pro-government news outlet suggests Western secret services were the source of Hungarys knowledge about Russian plans in Ukraine. In a televised interview on Monday, Oleksiy Danilov, head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council said Russia had informed Hungary in advance about its plan to attack Ukraine. He also accused the Hungarian government of being openly on Russias side in the conflict and of hoping to seize Ukrainian territory as a result. The Hungarian embassy in Kiev expressed its outrage over what it described as completely trumped-up charges and urged the Ukrainian official to retract his remarks. Tamas Menczer, state secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said he understood Ukraines dissatisfaction with Hungarys decision not to supply lethal weapons, but that position will not change no matter what absurd accusations are levelled at Hungary day after day. The Ukrainian official made his statement after Pope Francis told the Milan daily Il Corriere della Sera that he had heard from Prime Minister Orban about Russian plans to end the war by May 9. In an unsigned article, Origo flatly dismisses Mr Danilovs accusations and assures its readers that Hungarys intelligence about Russian intentions and plans comes from Allied sources, rather than from Moscow. The pro-government website describes Mr Danilovs claims as untrue and argues that Hungary was not informed by Russia about its intentions concerning Ukraine. Hungarys only sources about such issues, Origo writes, are allied intelligence services. The United States briefed all NATO allies about these matters, the website continues, and Hungary was, in addition, also informed by Polish sources about Russias expected tactical and strategic moves. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story In March 2022, the volume of retail trade acccording both raw and calendar-adjusted data was 16.2% higher than in March 2021, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) reports. Compared to March 2021, the volume of sales was essentially unchanged in specialized and non-specialized food retailing. The volume of sales decreased by 0.3% in non-specialized food and beverages shops accounting for 76% of food retailing and increased by 2.4% in specialized food, beverage and tobacco stores. The turnover of non-food retailing increased by a total of 29.7% in volume. Sales volumes grew fourfold in textiles, clothing and footwear shops, threefold in second-hand goods shops, by 75% in furniture and electrical goods stores, by 59% in books, computer equipment and other specialized stores, by 13% in non-specialized shops dealing in manufactured goods and by 8.3% in pharmaceutical, medical goods and cosmetics shops. The volume of mail order and internet retailing accounting for 8.9% of all retail sales and involving a wide range of goods fell by 7.3%. The volume of sales in automotive fuel stations increased due to the mid-month surplus purchases by 51.4%. Sales in motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and accessories stores not belonging to retail data increased by 9.1%. March domestic retail sales amounted to HUF 1.375 trillion at current prices. Specialized and non-specialized food shops accounted for 44% of all retail sales, while the relevant figures for non-food retail trade and retail trade of petrol stations were 36% and 20% respectively. Retail trade volume up 10.3% in January-March The volume of retail trade increased by 10.3% in January-March 2022 compared to the same period a year ago. The volume of sales rose by 1.1% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 16.9% in non-food retail trade and by 27.4% in automotive fuel retail trade, according to data by KSH. Click here to read the full report The first missile attack on Ukraines Transcarpathia region on Tuesday afternoon was probably targeted at a railway station, a foreign ministry official told public radio. The foreign ministry is in constant contact with the Hungarian representation in Uzhorod (Ungvar), state secretary Tamas Menczer told Kossuth Radio. The attack started at 6pm on Tuesday and lasted two hours, he said. No casualties were reported, he said. It is important to note that the attack justifies our decision not to transport weapons to the war, as the deliveries could easily become a target of Russian attacks, he said. Regarding the European Unions latest sanctions against Russia, Menczer said Hungary cannot support sanctions that hit the energy sector. Some 85% of gas and 65% of oil consumed in Hungary comes from Russia, and replacement is impossible from one day to the other, he said. At the same time, the government agrees with diversifying European energy deliveries, although we can only buy gas and oil from [countries] that have it, he said. Speaking on public current affairs channel M1, Menczer said the Adria pipeline would require serious upgrades by Croatia if Hungary were to receive crude oil via that route. It would also require the alteration of Hungarian refineries to process crude other than the Russian product, and such a conversion would take years, he said. MTI Photo: Noemi Bruzak YORK -- Dr. Billy Lones, who has served as associate professor of criminal justice and chair of that department at York College, has been named the next provost of York College as of June 1. In his announcement to the campus, President Sam Smith shared, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Billy Lones has been selected as the next Provost of York College. In a season of transition from college to university I felt it was important to select a highly qualified individual who also carried the trust of our outstanding faculty. Dr. Lones educational background, career experience and time in the classroom all enrich the skills that will launch him towards serving as senior academic officer of our institution, President Smith said. Dr. Lones will focus his attention on the continuing development of our academic programs, valuing our incredible faculty, and challenging them to teach students to be prepared for their career while engaging them with a Christ-centered focus. Lones began his service to York College in 2004 and has filled various roles, including planned giving officer and dean of the online college. His most impactful and long-lasting role began in 2008, when the college added the criminal justice major, and he was asked to design the curriculum and head the program. Since its founding, criminal justice has grown into one of the largest majors on campus, currently enrolling 37 majors. Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Dr. Lones said, I am extremely grateful and humbled for the opportunity to serve as the next Provost of York College/University. It is a great honor to be chosen to serve in this role and help build upon the institution's solid foundation of academic excellence. I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, staff, students, and community as we continue to fulfill the institutional mission of transforming lives through Christ-centered education. Lones succeeds Dr. Shane Mountjoy, who recently announced he would step down from the role following the current school year. Lones completed his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at the Jones School of Law, Faulkner University in 2000. The change takes place as the institution transitions to York University, which will be complete by the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Former student and Criminal Justice graduate, Courtney (Lovelace 17) Horton, said, Dr. Lones cares deeply about his students and that care extends beyond his current students to former students like me who graduated years ago. You can tell he truly wants you to succeed in the classroom but more than that, he also wants you to succeed in life. He doesnt just want students to pass his class, he wants them to become well-rounded individuals who are able to contribute to their family, church, employer. He is a person of integrity and expects that same level of integrity and excellence from those around him. He will challenge you to grow, but will also help you develop the tools you need for that growth. Horton is currently Associate Attorney at Beasley Allen in Montgomery, Ala., but in transition to follow in her mentors footsteps when she becomes a Professor of Law at Faulkner University- Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Dr. Lones and his wife, Christi, met in 1994 at Carriage Hills Church of Christ in Montgomery, Ala., while Billy was attending Faulkner University. They graduated from Faulkner in 1997. Both began their careers at York College in 2004. Since 2008, Christi has served as a faculty member in the history department. She also serves on the city council. They have two children, Cooper (14) and Calleigh (13). SpiceJet has started flight operations linking Bhavnagar, Gujarat with Pune and Mumbai in Maharashtra from today (May 5). Additional flights on the Ahmedabad-Pune route will also begin, according to the airline. SpiceJet has begun the services under the government's regional connectivity scheme - RCS UDAN. SpiceJet will deploy its Q400 aircraft for the flights. SpiceJet is facing heat from DGCA over two back to back incidences for Durgapur bound flights. While in the first incidence, a Mumbai-Durgapur plane faced severe turbulence, leaving 2 in ICU and others injured, another aircraft return to its base location after reporting a technical snag in the engine recently. Also read: Trouble brewing for SpiceJet? After pilot ban, turbulence highlights lapses in airline SpiceJet has recently started to cover many new domestic flight routes. Earlier, the airlines started flight services between Delhi and Pantnagar, preceding that, they started flights between Gorakhpur and Varanasi as part of the UDAN scheme to increase tourism and connectivity in the aforementioned places. These new domestic flights come as part of the announcement by SpiceJet to launch 60 new domestic flights this summer. Earlier, In a statement, the airline said it will launch eight industry-first flights, which will operate on the Gorakhpur-Kanpur, Gorakhpur Varanasi, Jaipur-Dharamshala and Tirupati-Shirdi sectors, in the summer schedule. Under the UDAN scheme, financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and under-served airports and keep airfares affordable. With inputs from PTI New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday made a major announcement that from October 1, the AAP government will provide electricity subsidy to only those who ask for it. "We will give options to people whether or not they need an electricity subsidy," CM Kejriwal said while announcing the major decisions taken by the Delhi Cabinet on Thursday. The Delhi consumers at present get "zero" power bills up to 200 units of electricity and a subsidy of Rs 800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month. "The Delhi government will now ask people whether they want to avail subsidy on electricity. From October 1, only those consumers who opt for it will be provided with the subsidy," the CM said during an online briefing. Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet also approved a start-up policy which seeks to provide the youth with financial and procedural help in setting up companies and formed a 20-member task force for the purpose. Delhi cabinet has passed the 'Delhi Startup Policy' which will also help Delhi youth run a business in Delhi with the help of financial assistance provided by us: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/eY6eRw8tTN ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 CM Kejriwal also said the "Business Blaster" programme, currently being run in Delhi government schools, will be extended to college students so they could work on their business ideas with seed money from the government. "The government will provide financial help to start-ups through collateral-free loan, financial parts of rent and employee salaries. It will form a panel of agencies and experts to provide free help to new start-ups in trademark registration and fulfilling other formalities," he said. The 20-member task force, having a government officer, academics and business and trade representatives, will decide on registration applications from start-ups, Kejriwal said while addressing a press briefing. The AAP chief also expressed hope that the policy will lead to a boom in the start-up sector in Delhi. (With Agency Inputs) New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday released the sketch of a man who allegedly misbehaved with two girl students in a northeast Delhi school. Delhi Police also detained one man on suspicion of allegedly molesting two girl students inside a classroom of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation-run school. Delhi Police releases the sketch of a man who allegedly misbehaved with girl students in a northeast Delhi school. Police say that continuous efforts are on to arrest the accused soon. pic.twitter.com/WuFKjdfoa1 ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 The shocking incident happened on April 30 after the school assembly. An unidentified man had allegedly entered a classroom of the EDMC-run school in east Delhi and sexually assaulted two eight-year-old girls before undressing himself and urinating in front of the students. Police had made a sketch of the accused and checked the CCTV footage of nearby areas. They had said that there were no CCTV cameras installed in the school. Earlier, two men were detained on the basis of the sketch, but they were let go. Now, police have detained another man who bears a close resemblance to the man in the sketch. Police sources said that the man is very likely to be the culprit, all the same, they are still investigating the case. While getting the sketch made, police were told that the culprit was wearing a kada' (bracelet) at the time of the incident. They said that one of the men they caught in the CCTV footage was also wearing a kada. Meanwhile, the Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights has written to the East Delhi Municipal Commission seeking details of the action taken over the alleged sexual assault of two girls inside the classroom of the civic-body run school. The DCPCR, in its letter to Nidhi Malik, Director (Education), EDMC, said it has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports on the matter. The child rights panel said according to news reports, the incident occurred on April 30. "However, the school authorities did not disclose the incident to the police authorities which is a clear violation of Section 19 of the POCSO Act, 2012. "Therefore, the nonchalance reflected in the behaviour of the school authorities is a serious transgression of this Act and shows their lackadaisical attitude towards such traumatising incidents," the panel said. It has asked the civic body to submit details of inquiry conducted in the matter, action taken against erring officials and the precautionary measures that have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the students. The Delhi Commission for Women has also issued a notice to the police and EDMC in connection with the matter. When early voting starts Friday for the upcoming June primary, approximately 35 voters who live in a small sliver of northwestern Albemarle County will be the only county residents eligible to vote. After state redistricting late last year, the 7th Congressional District in Virginia now includes a small portion of Albemarle. Six candidates are on the ballot for the 7th Districts Republican primary June 21. The rest of the county is in the 5th Congressional District, which does not have any primaries this year. The tiny tract led to a gimmick Twitter account called, accurately enough, Small Sliver of Albemarle. The account asked the existential question why do I exist? which it answered with I was needed for population purposes. The sliver also has claimed ownership to a verse of John Denvers 1970s hit, Country Roads. The account has 373 followers, more than three times the slivers approximately 110 residents and 100 times the slivers 35 people who are registered to vote. The slivers voters make up about two-hundredths of a percent of the voters in the district. Those nearly three-dozen voters have 45 days to vote, which gives each registered voter their own day to cast a ballot. Thats if everyone registered turns out, however. With a June primary, the average turnout is 10%, so, I dont know, we might get four votes, five? said County Registrar Jake Washburne said. Its just really strange. Alan Ferguson, who lives in the sliver on Mission Home Road, said he will likely vote in the primary, but he thinks that all of the Republican candidates are too closely aligned with former President Donald Trump for his liking. Id say that Im a Liz Cheney, John McCain Republican, so until such time as these are the type of candidates the Republican party is promoting, I will be voting Democrat, he said in am email. Abigail Spanbergers policies do not give me any reason to change my plans. On the primary ballot are former teacher Gina R. Ciarcia, former Green Beret combat veteran Derrick M. Anderson, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors member David Ross, Chair of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors Crystal L. Vanuch, state senator Bryce E. Reeves and Prince William County Board of Supervisors member Yesli I. Vega. The winner will face Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a two-term Democrat, in the Nov. 8 general election. The state now allows no-excuse voting by mail and early voting and early in-person voting. Early in-person voting for the primary starts Friday and ends the Saturday before the election. Albemarle voters can cast an early ballot at the 5th Street County Office Building at 1600 Fifth Street in the registrars office during normal business hours, from 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until June 17. Registered county voters from the sliver can also vote early at the same location from 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. on two Saturdays June 11 and June 18. The deadline to register to vote in the June primary or update an existing registration is May 31. The deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed is June 10. On Election Day, registered voters in the sliver can cast their ballots at Free Union Country School, 4200 Free Union Road. We have to have three election officers at a precinct, so our veteran John Shepard and his two assistants are going to go up there on June 21 with a lot of books and probably a deck of cards, Washburne said. After redistricting, Albemarle had to get an exception to have Free Union be a split precinct from the Virginia Department of Elections. This fall, when there will be a county-wide election, were just going to have the folks at Free Union Precinct be very, very much on the alert of your 1,500 to 2,000 registered voters, you have 35 that are going to have to have a different ballot style, Washburne said. Dont give them the wrong ballot. One thing I think I can assure you is that were not going to run out of ballots this time, he said, poking fun at how his office ran out of ballots at some precincts during the last election. But Washburne, who was appointed registrar in 2006, wont have to worry too much about the November election. The little sliver primary will be his last election as registrar before he retires in August. My literary daughter said, Oh, so this is like T.S. Eliot., This is the way your tenure ends, not with a bang but a whimper, he said. Yeah, I guess. 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. ATUM Charge, India's first self-sustaining solar-powered electric vehicle charging station, is preparing to open its latest charging station in Malad (E/W), Mumbai. It is to be noted that they already have installed 250 charging stations across the country, now Mumbai is set to receive its first EV charging station, with a capacity of 5.2KW ATUM Solar Roof - the world's first electricity-generating solar roof, which is trademarked in India, the United States, and South Africa. ATUM Charge is creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable eco-system with the launch of its universal EV charging stations, reinforcing the Company's commitment to sustainability. The ATUM modules installed are 16 nos x 325 WP, generating 24 kWh per day and 8,760 kWh per year. The company rescued 51 trees from being felled and reduced CO2 emissions by 4395 kg through this endeavour. ATUM Charge in Malad caters to the youth as it also serves as a convenient co-working space. ATUM Charge offers charging on the go. Also read: EKA to bring Indias first electric bus with self-driving tech, to boost road safety Commenting on the launch of their newest EV charging station in Malad, Mr Vamsi Gaddam, Joint Managing Director, said, We are pleased to announce that, with the assistance of our specialists and R&D team, we have added a new chapter to our quest for sustainability in Mumbai, ushering in a new era of the green revolution. We need to be environmentally conscious now more than ever, and opening our new charging station in Mumbai, where people are already very aware and motivated about climate issues, is an excellent first step toward our ultimate goal of a greener, healthier India." The company is having an intimate puja ceremony to commemorate this achievement, which will be followed by a larger inauguration later. The puja was attended by Mr JP Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Visaka Industries Limited, along with other members of the Visaka family. Tata Motors recently unveiled Curvv and AVINYA concept vehicles in India, and revealed their plans to launch a range of electric vehicles with various body styles, features and prices to cater a wide range of customers across segments. The homegrown auto major, which currently leads the domestic electric passenger vehicle segment by a distance, thanks to first-generation products like Nexon EV and Tigor EV, has unveiled plans to launch 500 km EVs by 2025. Last week, the company unveiled its all-new electric vehicle architecture on which it plans to introduce multiple advanced EVs starting from 2025. The home-grown auto major aims to drive in multiple body styles on the AVINYA Concept, which is based on its GEN 3 architecture. The first generation products like Nexon EV and Tigor EV were derived from existing products with a range of around 250 km. Also read: Tata Nexon EV facelift to launch on May 11, expected to get 400 km battery range The second generation products are based on adapted architecture, where an internal combustion engine model is taken and made more suitable for electrification. The recently showcased SUV coupe concept CURVV represents the second generation of products, which is expected to deliver a 400-500 km range on a single charge. Tata will also launch the facelifted Nexon EV with long range (400 km) on May 11. Here we put together a list of top Tata electric vehicles you can expect to see in the market soon. Tata Curvv Concept The homegrown automaker has unveiled a new model christened Tata Curvv Concept and highlights the upcoming mid-size electric SUV. This new model comes with the new design language of the automaker with a LED light running across the front fascia of the vehicle. This new car is expected to come with a powertrain tuned for giving increased range as well a host of new features to aid the driver. Tata Nexon EV Long-Range Tata Nexon EV is one of the mid-size SUVs from the automaker that's been in the market since 2020 and needs an update. Considering the need, the Indian automaker plans to release a longer-range version of the SUV. The new car will have a bigger battery pack expected to have a range of 400 km per charge. It might also get a few interior and exterior upgrades. Tata AVINYA Concept The Tata Avinya is based on a completely new GEN 3 architecture, dedicated to electric vehicles only and the design of the car draws inspiration from the catamaran. As per the company, the car is a mixture of a premium hatchback, an MPV and an SUV, better explained by the car's design. The name of the car, 'AVINYA', is derived from the Sanskrit language. The Avinya concept EV will offer a minimum 500 km range in under 30 minutes and is expected to be launched around 2025. Tata Tigor EV Long-Range Tata Tigor EV debuted back in 2021 and has been in the market ever since. Now, the 2022 version of the model is in the discussion. The new updated model will come with interior and exterior upgrades and is likely to have a range of 370 km to 400 km, very similar to the Nexon EV. As per the reports, the test mule of the Tigor EV has been spotted testing. Tata Sierra EV Tata Sierra EV is one of the cars from the automakers that has been getting a lot of attention since it was first showcased in the 2020 Auto Expo. The Sierra EV is expected to be launched by 2025 as it is still undergoing development. It is expected to have the Sigma platform based on the ALFA platform used by the automakers in EVs. Tata Altroz EV Tata Altroz EV, first showcased at Geneva Motor Show in 2019, is expected to hit the markets soon. The hatchback is expected to have similar looks as the ICE version though it will likely have a similar powertrain as in the Nexon EV. The new EV is expected to have connectivity features. With PTI inputs Karnal: In a major breakthrough, four terror suspects have been nabbed along with explosives in Haryanas Karnal, said the police on Thursday. According to news agency ANI, three suspects are from Punjab`s Ferozepur and one hails from Ludhiana. The arrested terror suspects have been identified as - Gurpreet, Amandeep, Parminder and Bhupinder. An FIR has been registered into the matter. "Desi pistol, 31 live ammunition, 3 iron container with explosives, and nearly Rs 1.3 lakh have been recovered," said Ram Poonia, SP, Karnal, said. On credible intelligence input, 4 terror suspects incl 3 belonging to Ferozepur & 1 from Ludhiana detained near Bastara toll plaza. Explosives were recovered from them along with other arms & ammunition. Accused identified as Gurpreet, Amandeep Parminder and Bhupinder: SP Karnal pic.twitter.com/Jfv5TYQGDL ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 "As soon as we got a credible input, we acted on it and alerted our team. The vehicle has `DL` in its number, however, the owner of the vehicle is yet not known. The detention was made near the Bastara toll," Poonia told reporters here. The SP further informed that the accused were in touch with a Pakistan-based man who asked them to drop arms and ammunition at Adilabad, Telangana. "Accused Gurpreet received explosives sent from across the border using a drone in Ferozepur district. Earlier, they dropped explosives at Nanded," he said. The accused were in touch with a Pak-based man who asked them to drop arms & ammunition at Adilabad, Telangana. Accused Gurpreet received explosives sent from across the border using a drone in Ferozepur dist. Earlier, they dropped explosives at Nanded. FIR registered: SP Karnal pic.twitter.com/TCQR6XJFxg ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2022 The police official further said that Harvinder Singh, a Pakistan-based man has taken part in terrorist activities and has sent two consignments already. The Haryana Police is conducting further investigation into the matter. Los Angeles: Walt Disney Cos Marvel Studios takes a turn into horror territory in a new Doctor Strange movie that begins its global rollout in theaters on Wednesday. Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, a follow-up to a 2016 film that introduced the neurosurgeon-turned-sorcerer to the big screen. "I would definitely say it's the darkest and scariest that this lot (Marvel) have made," Cumberbatch said of the new film. The movie sees Doctor Stephen Strange, played by Cumberbatch, traveling into the multiverse, a realm of infinite parallel universes that each operate in a different reality. The multiverse allows for "possibilities and combinations of characters in new ways, alternative versions of characters that we know and it`s really opening the door for, I hope, a whole other series of Marvel films," director Sam Raimi said. In the film, Strange comes to the aid of America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) who is being pursued for her ability to cross the multiverse. Elizabeth Olsen`s Wanda, with her own mystical powers, also appears. The fact that Wanda and Doctor Strange use magic made the characters a good fit for venturing into horror, Raimi said. "It has elements of the spooky and sometimes the fun and scary, but it never really intends to rock the audience to their core," Raimi said. "Its not really trying to terrify the audience." The movie has sparked objections in some parts of the Middle East, according to media reports. An official in Saudi Arabia told The Guardian newspaper that Disney was asked to remove a brief clip that makes "LGBTQ references." In the clip, Chavez refers to having two moms. Disney declined to cut same-sex references in the film, and it will not be released in Saudi Arabia or a handful of other Middle Eastern countries, a source familiar with the matter said. A representative for Saudi Arabia's government did not respond to a request for comment. Cumberbatch said it was "disappointing" to hear the scene had caused a backlash. "It's just mind-boggling that were still talking about it, but here we are and I hope somehow fans of the film in Saudi Arabia of every sexuality are able to see it at some point somehow," he said. New Delhi: At a time when India is commemorating its 75th year of Independence by launching the `Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav`, India and France are also celebrating 75 years of their association. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur has announced that India will be the official `Country of Honour` at the upcoming Marche` Du Film, which is organized alongside the Cannes Film Festival, in France. This is the first year that the festival has done so and this special focus will continue annually with different nations in the spotlight at future editions. Among the highlights of this year`s festival will be the world premiere of R Madhavan`s film `Rocketry: The Nambi Effect`, a biographical drama film based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation who was falsely accused of espionage. Produced by Madhavan, the movie will be showcased on May 19. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s recent visit to Paris and meeting with President Macron takes even more significance in this context. It is in this significant diplomatic backdrop that India has been chosen as the `Country of Honour," said Thakur. At the festival, India will be establishing an Indian pavilion that will provide a platform and a forum for the world to connect with India through its films, culture and heritage. This year the pavilion`s theme will be `India- The content hub of the World`. "This year the pavilion carries the theme `India the Content Hub of the World`. It would be inaugurated on the morning of May 18, 2022. It will showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural, and regional diversities of the country and will serve as a networking platform for delegates from across the global community, aiming to establish international partnerships in film shooting, distribution, production, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication, Thakur added further. The opening night of Marche Du Films, being organised at the Majestic Beach will focus on India, its cinema, its culture and heritage. This night would be elucidated by special performances from Indian Choir bands along with Folk Music and Fireworks. The cuisine served would be Indian as well as French.With India being the `Country of Honour`, five new start-ups will be given an opportunity to pitch to the Audio-Visual Industry. Ten professionals will participate in Animation Day.India has also been given an opportunity to pitch five selected movies at the `Goes to Cannes Section`. These movies are part of the WIP lab under the Film Bazaar:`Baghjan` by Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia - Assamese, Moran`Bailadila` by Shailendra Sahu - Hindi, Chhattisgarhi`Ek Jagah Apni (A Space of Our Own)` by Ektara Collective - Hindi`Follower` by Harshad Nalawade - Marathi, Kannada, Hindi`Shivamma` by Jai Shankar - Kannada. Further, a cinema hall called the Olympia Screen will be dedicated to India on May 22, 2022, for screening `Unreleased Movies`. There are 5 Movies which have been selected under this category. A remastered Satyajit Ray classic, `Pratidwandi`, will be screened at the Cannes Classic section. This is to mark the filmmaker`s centenary celebration.This year`s Cannes Film Festival will take place between May 17 to May 26 and the organisers will be axing COVID-19 curbs ahead of its 75th edition. They won't be testing attendees, as it did last year, and will not institute a mask mandate. Bhilwara (Rajasthan): After Jodphur, now internet services of Bhilwara city in Rajasthan have been suspended for 24 hours after two persons were attacked by some unidentified people and their bike was set on fire. The incident was reported in the Sanganer area of Bhilwara last night. "An incident was reported in the Sanganer area of Bhilwara last night in which two persons were attacked by some unknown people when they were having food. Their bike was also set ablaze. We are investigating the matter," Ashish Modi, District Collector Bhilwara told media persons, as quoted by ANI. The district administration official informed that one person has received minor injuries while the other suffered minor head injuries and is in a stable condition. Investigations have been started into the matter and the district administration along with police is checking the nearby CCTV footage. The Bhilwara District Collector further appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours and maintain peace in the area. Further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, tension gripped CM Ashok Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. The state Chief Minister has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. Following the incident, Jodhpur Police issued orders imposing a curfew besides suspending mobile internet services to check the spread of rumours. (With ANI inputs) New Delhi: Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech has sought permission to conduct booster dose trials of its Covid vaccine Covaxin for below 18 population. According to a source, Bharat Biotech has sought approval from apex drug regulator Drug Controller General of India to conduct a Phase 2/3 study of Covaxin as a booster dose for the 2 to 18 years population. The study is likely to be conducted at six placed which also includes AIIMS Delhi and Patna, the source said. Under the national vaccination drive, vaccines Covaxin and Covishield are being administered as precaution doses to above 18 plus population. India began administering precaution doses of vaccines to the healthcare and frontline workers and for above 60 from January 10 this year. Later, all those aged above 18 were also included. As per the Health Ministry report on Wednesday evening, so far 2,88,62,660 precaution doses have been administered among the eligible beneficiaries. Meanwhile, India`s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 189.60 crore with over 12 lakh doses being administered by Wednesday evening as per the ministry report. ALSO READ: DCGI gives emergency use nod to Covaxin for kids aged 6-12 amid fourth wave scare New Delhi: The court, generally, considers a person who commit a crime and the one who destroys the evidence, as criminals in the eyes of law. But what if an animal destroys the evidence of a crime committed by a human. In a peculiar incident in Rajasthan, a monkey fled away with the evidence collected by the police in a murder case. The stolen evidence included the murder weapon (a blood-stained knife). The incident came to light when the police appeared before the court and they had to provide the evidence in the hearing. The hearing was about the crime which took place in September 2016, in which a person named Shashikant Sharma died at a primary health center under Chandwaji police station. After the body was found, the deceased's relatives blocked the Jaipur-Delhi highway, demanding an inquiry into the matter. ALSO READ | Shocking! Two killed after JCB tyre explodes while air being refilled - Watch here Following the investigation, the police had arrested Rahul Kandera and Mohanlal Kandera, residents of Chandwaji in relation to the murder. But, when the time came to produce the evidence related to the case, it was found that the police had no evidence with them because a monkey had stolen it from them. In the court, the police said that the knife, which was the primary evidence, was also taken by the monkey. The cops informed that the evidence of the case was kept in a bag, which was being taken to the court. The evidence bag contained the knife and 15 other important evidences. However, due to the lack of space in the malkhana, a bag full of evidence was kept under a tree, which led to the incident. New Delhi: RJD President Lalu Prasad on Wednesday (May 4, 2022) hit out at the BJP and the RSS for trying to instigate people on the loudspeaker and Hanuman Chalisa row. Lalu Prasad, who was granted bail recently by Ranchi High Court in fodder scam case, was admitted in AIIMS Delhi due to illness. He was discharged on Wednesday afternoon and reached his daughter Misa Bharti`s official residence in the national capital. "It is extremely unfortunate... wrongful things going on in the country. It is just like breaking the country. Why are you going near the mosques to read Hanuman Chalisa? If you want to read Hanuman Chalisa, read it in the temples. They (BJP and RSS) are trying to instigate people of a particular community to react to it so that they could do riots. Such a situation is very bad for the country," he said. On a possible alliance with Nitish Kumar in Bihar, Lalu Prasad said that there was no such political scenario appearing before him. ALSO READ | Loudspeaker Row: 1500 mosques, 1300 temples get permission for usage in Maharashtra , says state police Asked to react on the claim of Tej Pratap Yadav who said that he had secret talks with Nitish Kumar, Lalu Prasad said: "Tej Pratap is my son and I am the chief of the party so I would take the decision and not him." Lalu Prasad, who looked healthy and in a pleasant mood while interacting with media persons, also said that he will go to Patna after one week. New Delhi: Ahead of assembly polls in several states slated this year and in the year 2023, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to convene a meeting of its office bearers from all across the country in Rajasthan`s Jaipur on May 20 and May 21. The party's national chief JP Nadda will chair the meeting, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address it virtually, said an ANI report. Notably, the discussions and deliberations regarding the poll preparation for the states scheduled to go to the polls soon would take place in the meeting. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka are scheduled to go to assembly polls within a year. Narendra Modi had taken oath as prime minister for a second term on May 30, 2019. "A meeting of office bearers from all across the country will be held in Jaipur on May 20 and 21. We will discuss various issues including organisational strength and issues of current importance," BJP Rajasthan in charge Arun Singh told ANI, adding that the agenda of the meeting will not be limited to the topics already decided. Arun Singh is further quoted as saying, "It will depend on the discretion of the party president." Sources said that state presidents and general secretaries have been asked to come prepared with a detailed outline of work undertaken by state units, adding "A detailed discussion will be held regarding the initiatives undertaken by the party to strengthen its organization since its foundation." They further told ANI that the discussion will also include the success and feedback of eight years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, the party`s current strengths at the booth level, and strategies and plans to be implemented in the coming days. The meeting holds significance as it will be the first physical meeting of these key leaders responsible for running the party's organisation nationwide since COVID-19 broke out in early 2020. The meeting organised in the Congress-ruled Rajasthan is politically significant as the party has been striving hard to corner the Gehlot government over a host of issues, including recent incidents of communal violence in several places. Notably, the Congress is also holding its three-day "Chintan Shivir" from May 13 to 15 at Udaipur in the state. A day after the party's brainstorming session ends, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi will address a public meeting at Baneshwar Dham in Banswara district on May 16. Rajasthan will go to the Assembly polls in the second half of the next year. (With Agency Inputs) While a draft opinion leaked Monday indicates the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn the 50-year-old landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that guarantees the federal right to abortion, access to abortions in Montana will remain the same unless and until things change at the state level. Montana has its own state Supreme Court opinion ensuring the access to pre-viability abortions the 1999 Armstrong ruling. But thats being challenged right now in the state's highest court. Unlike 13 other states, Montana does not have whats called a trigger ban, meaning there are not laws that kick in to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade falls in June when the U.S. Supreme Courts final opinion is expected. But proposals in the 2023 legislative session are likely to attempt to limit access to abortions even more than bills that became law last year. In 2021, the Republican-majority Legislature passed four bills that change access to abortion in the state. However, following a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood of Montana, three of those laws are on hold while the legal challenge plays out. The laws blocked for now would ban abortions after 20 weeks gestational age; require a woman to be informed of the option to view an ultrasound before an abortion; and require informed consent before a drug-induced abortion and block providing the medication through the mail. There's a fourth law included in the lawsuit filed last August, to prohibit health insurance plans sold in the federal exchange in Montana from covering abortion care, but it's not part of the preliminary injunction. When Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen asked the Montana state Supreme Court to overturn the preliminary injunction, he also asked the court to reverse its 23-year-old ruling in Armstrong. That ruling, authored by former Justice James Nelson, found that the privacy provisions in Montanas Constitution ensure women can access pre-viability abortions. In his brief to the court earlier this year, Knudsen called the Armstrong ruling a deeply flawed tribute to unrestrained judicial activism. Nowhere in Montanas constitutional text is there a right to elective abortion. Instead, the framers intentionally excluded abortion from the Constitution and left to the Legislature the prerogative to permit, prohibit or regulate it, Knudsen wrote. But a group of delegates who crafted the states Constitution also filed a brief with the court, explaining that their intention was to ensure it would be left to the judiciary to determine what Montanas right to privacy entailed, as it did with Armstrong. The delegates never intended the scope of these fundamental rights to be subject to the partisan, political vagaries of the legislative and executive branches. Instead, these rights exist beyond the reach of politics and therefore must be construed by our states only nonpartisan branch: the judiciary, the March brief from delegates Mae Nan Ellingson, Lyle Monroe and Bob Campbell and saff member Rick Applegate read. The AG's office has filed their own brief disputing the delegates, with a brief reading in part "All the evidence at and around the convention points unequivocally in one directionthat abortion was not constitutionalized." Nelson's opinion in the 1999 Armstrong v. Montana case confirmed the states Constitution, Article II Section 10, contained a right of privacy allowing a woman to seek a pre-viability abortion in consultation with her health care provider free from government oversight. When you come to the right of individual privacy, the Montana Constitution is broad and protects privacy where the federal Constitution does not, Nelson said. The (Montana) court was very careful in Armstrong to render its decision on independent state grounds, based on the Montana Constitution, not the federal Constitution. It cannot be challenged in federal court. When a state court decision is based on state law, its pretty well bulletproof. That may leave Montana as a legal island, Nelson said. Most surrounding states have older constitutions than Montanas 1972 edition, and lack specific rights to privacy. However, some Republicans in the state have also called for a re-write of the Constitution, specifically citing abortion as one of the reasons why. I suspect we will see a full-on attempt in the next session of the Legislature to change the Montana Constitution to amend out that right of privacy, Nelson said. " ... (Kalispell Republican Rep.) Derek Skees has called the Montana Constitution a socialist rag that needs to be thrown out. In an emailed statement Tuesday, Martha Fuller, the CEO and president of Planned Parenthood of Montana, made clear abortion is still legal in the state. We are here to tell you: Abortion is legal and is still protected in Montana by both our state constitution and by legal precedent, Fuller said. While Fuller said the leaked draft opinion confirms our worst fears, it was not unexpected. While we have seen the writing on the wall for decades, it is no less devastating, and comes just as anti-abortion rights groups unveil their ultimate plan to ban abortion nationwide, Fuller said. She added Planned Parenthood has been preparing for every possible outcome in this case. PPMTs health centers remain open, abortion is currently still legal, and we will continue to fight like hell to protect the right to access safe, legal abortion, Fuller said. At the state Legislature, the GOP majority thats increased over the last several sessions has a party platform that says, We affirm our belief in traditional family values and support the preservation of innocent human life at every stage of life, in all circumstances, beginning at conception through natural death. Pointing to that platform, state Rep. Sharon Greef, a Republican from Florence, said she expects to see bills brought in Montana next year similar to those in other GOP-led states, like Texas ban at six weeks. I do think there will be bills, said Greef, who is not seeking re-election but has been a leader in bringing legislation to limit abortions. Greef also said she would expect legislators to try again if any of the bills under the preliminary injunction are struck down. While Republicans have held a majority in the Legislature for a decade, theyve also had a Democrat in the governors office for much of that time who served as a veto block on any abortion legislation they passed. That was until 2021, when Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who in part campaigned on limiting access to abortions, took office. Greef said while there might be slightly less GOP support for abortion legislation that went farther than whats been proposed before, she still believes with a Republican majority and this being one of the planks in the platform, I still think Republicans will support any bill that can protect the most innocent. Greef said she is looking to the U.S. Supreme Courts final opinion, which she hopes will overturn Roe v. Wade. Her connection to abortion legislation is personal, she said, with an adopted daughter who was born in January 1972, the year before Roe. Greef said her daughter was able to contact her birth mother, who told her she would have had an abortion if it was legal then. Greef said she hopes women who become pregnant but do not want a child would consider adoption. You see what some people call a bunch of cells and then you see this beautiful woman that was saved because abortion was illegal, Greef said. To me, abortion is murder. Its no different than taking the life of an adult. Other Republicans in the Legislature said leadership would meet soon to discuss possible legislation for the upcoming session. There arent any bill drafts in yet seeking to change access to abortion in the state, but its still early in the process. Democrats, who are a minority in the Legislature, issued a statement Tuesday anticipating upcoming legislation from the other side of the aisle. If this decision holds, Montanans right to access abortion care is under greater attack than ever before, read a statement from House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, of Helena, and Senate Minority Leader Jill Cohenour, from East Helena. It is clear that some politicians will not stop until they can control even the most intimate aspects of our private decision-making. Our states Constitutional right to privacy has never been more critical, and Montanas Democratic legislators will fight tooth and nail to defend it. Across the aisle from Greef is Helena Democratic state Rep. Mary Ann Dunwell, who at a recent reproductive rights rally shared for the first time her story about getting an abortion when she was in her 20s. It was 1981, post-Roe, but Dunwell lived in Louisiana and doctors there could not connect her with abortion services. I dont know why, Dunwell said Tuesday. At that point in time it didnt dawn on me that maybe they were afraid of repercussions. Dunwell eventually found a clinic in Beaumont, Texas, and made the three-hour roundtrip alone, driving herself. At the time she couldnt afford a motel or even to eat a meal out on the journey. I dont want women to have to travel and have trouble accessing care and feeling so much alone, Dunwell said. If the U.S. Supreme Court rules how the leaked draft opinion indicates, Dunwell said she worried women in states around Montana with trigger laws Idaho, Wyoming and North and South Dakota will be in similar situations to what she experienced. Or that Montana women would need to travel to Washington or Oregon if Armstrong falls here. I think this will disenfranchise the lower-income folks who cant afford to find access through underground channels and it horrifies me to think that we could be going back to that, Dunwell said. Dunwell said that she would look at bringing legislation to codify access to abortion in Montana, but acknowledged that Republicans are just a few seats shy in the Legislature from holding a super-majority and that passing anything like that was unlikely. In a joint statement, GOP leadership in the Legislature said they were awaiting the courts final opinion. The court must issue its ruling based solely on the text of the U.S. Constitution. We will wait for the courts official and final decision rather than comment on an improperly leaked draft. Roe v. Wade was wrong from the day it was issued and we hope and believe that Life will prevail, the statement from Senate President Mark Blasdel and House Majority Leader Sue Vinton said. In a statement posted to Twitter, Gianforte said he was "outraged" by the leaked draft opinion. He also said he was "hopeful ... that Roe v. Wade will be put into the vault of history and that the American people and their elected representatives will be empowered once again." Nelson said the Monday night leak of a draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion was dumbfounding. Im betting heads are rolling in the Supreme Court because of that, Nelson said. Panels of judges routinely propose ways to settle cases and circulate the drafts in search of support or improvement. The other judges may propose alternative arguments, or withhold support until some particular issue gets addressed to their satisfaction. But the matter stays within the courthouse until the judges are ready to issue the final opinion, along with any final concurrences or dissents. If a justices clerk, or someone on the IT staff, or even a disgruntled justice leaked the draft, it indicates a huge breach of protocol and tradition. Nelson said historically, Supreme Courts are defined by the chief justice of the time, as in the Burger Court led by Chief Justice Warren Burger when Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. Current Chief Justice John Roberts will likely have this decision become a major part of the Roberts Court. I suspect hes concerned about his legacy, and this case will go down as a landmark bad decision of all time, Nelson said. Women will not stand for it. And if Republicans think they will gain any voters, theyre crazy. It shows he (Roberts) doesnt have much power to rein in runaway justices. Siliguri: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday made a big announcement that the Centre will implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) on ground the moment the Covid-19 wave ends. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a reality, and it will be implemented soon, the Union Home Minister said, making it very clear that the controversial citizenship law is back on the Centre's agenda. Amit Shah said this while addressing a gathering in West Bengal's Siliguri city. During his speech, Shah asserted that the BJP would not rest till it uprooted the tyrannical rule of the TMC and restored democracy in Bengal. Addressing a public rally in Siliguri town of North Bengal, he also said that the saffron party would continue to fight against the cut-money' culture (extortion), corruption and political violence. Shah accused the ruling TMC in Bengal of "spreading canards" about the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and said that the law would be implemented once the COVID-19 pandemic ended. "I want to thank the people of north Bengal for raising BJP's tally in Bengal Assembly to 77 from three. The BJP won't rest till it uprooted the TMC's tyrannical rule, he said. "We had hoped that Mamata Banerjee would rectify herself after being voted to power for the third time. We waited for an entire year for her to rectify herself, but she didn't change. It is the ruler's law that prevails in the state," he stated. The Union Home Minister claimed that Banerjee always misled Gorkhas for vested political interests. "Didi has always misled Gorkha brothers and sisters. I have come today to tell them that if there is one party that thinks in the interest of Gorkhas, it is the BJP," he said. "We have given assurance that a permanent political solution to all problems will be found within the limits of the Constitution," he added. The CAA was at the heart of massive protests in parts of the country in late 2019 and early 2020, months before the Covid outbreak spurred lockdowns and other restrictions. The law, widely criticised as discriminatory as it makes religion a factor for nationality, seeks to fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim immigrants who came to India from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan before 2015. Critics say the law, along with a planned National Register of Citizens or NRC, will result in lakhs of Muslims losing their citizenship. The Centre, however, asserts that no Indian will lose their citizenship. Haryana police on Thursday arrested four terror suspects associated with pro-Khalisatani militant group Babbar Khalsa from Karnal. Out of these four, three suspects are from Punjabs Ferozepur and one hails from Ludhiana. The suspects were attempting to transport arms, ammunition and a huge amount of explosives to Telangana. In today's DNA, Zee News makes an analysis of a big news update that poses a big threat to the countrys unity and safety, the Pakistani link in this conspiracy and the background of these terror suspects. Who is the mastermind of this terror racket? According to the Zee Media sources, the mastermind of this conspiracy is Harvinder Singh Sandhi Rinda, who is based out of Pakistan presently and is operating from there. The four suspects who were arrested today are Gurpreet, Amandeep, Parvinder and Bhupinder. As per the police, Gurpreets link with Harvinder was established through a middle man named Rajvir, who introduced him to the latter. Notably, Gurpreet has been to jail once before and that is where he met Rajvir. All the four suspects were later introduced to Harvinder Rinda and were working for him only. The Pakistani link According to the primary investigation, Haryana police have said that all the four suspects have a connection with the Pakistan based pro-Khalistani militant Harvinder Rinda and have worked with him for a long time. During the police interrogation, the suspects revealed that they had earlier transported an arms consignment to Maharashtra for Rinda. The present consignment order also came from Rinda which had to be transported to Telanganas Adilabad, for which they were offered a handsome sum. Harvinder Singh Rinda and ISI As per Zee News sources, Harvinder Singh Rinda has been given the responsibility to rekindle the pr-Khalistan movement in India and for this purpose, Pakistan's spy agency ISI is not only backing Rinda but has also been safeguarding him for a long time. The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement seeking to create a homeland for Sikhs by establishing a sovereign state, called Khalistan in the Punjab region. The proposed state would consist of land that currently forms Indias Punjab and a part of Pakistan. Rinda, who is working on the revival of this separatist movement, has a wide and well-built network of militants in South Asia and has already established over 120 sleeper cells in India alone. It has also been reported that Rinda was involved in 2021s Ludhiana Court blast. How does Rinda transfer arms and explosives to India? The biggest question around this conspiracy is how is Pakistan able to transport the arms and explosives to India despite tight and stringent border security. The answer is simple- Drones Pakistan and its terrorists are transferring the said arms and ammunition with the help of a drone. They have created a proper mechanism which involves the use of a mobile app, through which, the location of the place where the drone had dropped the weapons is sent to these suspects. In this case, the zero location was Ferozepur in Punjab. These weapons were dropped in the fields of Akashdeep, a friend of Gurpreet, one of the arrested terrorists. Following the location, the four terrorists picked up weapons and RDX and then left for Telangana, but on intelligence, input caught them in Karnal. New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's office on Wednesday (May 4, 2022) said a fake WhatsApp account was created in his name and the matter has been reported to authorities concerned. "Some miscreants have created fake account in my name with profile photo and sending messages to MPs and others from nos. 7862092008, 9480918183 9439073870. Matter has been reported to authorities concerned. Plz ignore calls/messages from these & other numbers & inform my office," the Speaker tweeted. Some miscreants have created fake account in my name with profile photo & sending messages to MPs & others from nos. 7862092008, 9480918183 & 9439073870. Matter has been reported to authorities concerned. Plz ignore calls/messages from these & other numbers & inform my office. Lok Sabha Speaker (@loksabhaspeaker) May 4, 2022 The Odisha Police has arrested three people in the state for their alleged links with cyber criminals who created the fake WhatsApp identity of the Lok Sabha Speaker. The trio had sold pre-activated SIM cards to the gang and one of it was used to create the fake WhatsApp account by using Birla's picture available in public domain, parliamentary sources aware of the development had said. Last month, a person impersonating as Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu had sent messages to people, including VIPs, seeking financial help. His office had then alerted the Ministry of Home Affairs. New Delhi: Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her Independent MLA husband Ravi Rana, who triggered the Hanuman Chalisa row in Maharashtra, were released from Mumbais Byculla Jail on Thursday. Navneet was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a medical check-up right after their release and was admitted to the hospital later, reported ANI. Pictures released by news agency ANI show Rana getting inside the hospital for her check-up. Mumbai | MP Navneet Rana released from Byculla Jail and brought to Lilavati Hospital for a medical check-up pic.twitter.com/379YTFnIif The announcement led to a huge political uproar in Mumbai with Shiv Sena leaders vehemently opposing the couple. The politician couple was arrested on April 23 after they announced the recital of Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackerays residence Matoshree. Mumbai | Amravati MP Navneet Rana admitted to Lilavati Hospital after being released from Byculla Jail today. Mumbai | Amravati MP Navneet Rana admitted to Lilavati Hospital after being released from Byculla Jail today. Navneet Rana was admitted to Lilavati Hospital on Thursday soon after her release from Byculla jail. The politician was taken there for a medical check-up. According to ANI, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited her in the hospital. About the release, Mumbai`s Borivali Court on Thursday issued the release order of Navneet Rana and her husband, Ravi Rana, MLA. The legal process of furnishing Rs 50,000 each for the Rana couple`s surety amount has been completed in court. From the Borivali court, one team of lawyers of the Rana couple left for Taloja Jail for the release of Ravi Rana, and another team for Byculla Jail, where Navneet Rana was lodged. Navneet Rana`s lawyer had dropped a copy of her release order in the bail box placed outside Byculla Jail. Navneet Rana and Ravi Rana, who was granted bail on Wednesday morning, were not released from jail yesterday as their release orders could not be obtained from the concerned magistrate court in due time. On Wednesday, Navneet Rana, who was arrested on charges of sedition and promoting enmity, was shifted from the Byculla Jail to the JJ Hospital for her spondylosis treatment. Later she was taken back to the jail in the evening. Rana`s lawyer provided details of her health and wrote a letter to the Superintendent of Byculla Jail on Monday stating that she has spondylosis which is increasing due to continuously sitting and lying on the floor in jail. He said that Rana needs to undergo a CT scan so that the doctors can understand the seriousness of her condition, adding that the jail authorities denied permission for the same. The couple was booked in two FIRs lodged on charges of sedition, promoting enmity, and assaulting a public servant to prevent discharge of duty. Mumbai: MLA Ravi Rana on Thursday alleged that prison officials did not pay attention to his wife and independent MP from Amravati Navneet Rana when she complained of health issues and requested hospitalization. Ravi Rana, MLA from Badnera in eastern Maharashtra's Amravati district, was released from Taloja prison in Navi Mumbai around 4 pm on Thursday. Two hours earlier, Navneet had been released from Byculla women's jail here. Both had been arrested by Mumbai Police for `sedition' and `promoting enmity between different groups' on April 23 following their call to recite the Hanuman Chalisa outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's private residence `Matoshree' here. A court granted them bail on Wednesday. After walking out of prison, Ravi Rana visited Lilavati hospital in suburban Bandra where Navneet Rana was admitted after release. A video clip from inside the ward, which showed him consoling her as she lay on the hospital bed and wept, went viral. Earlier, as he headed for the hospital, the MLA showed a copy of Hanuman Chalisa which he was carrying to the media persons. "I am going to check on her condition. She had been requesting prison officials for the last six days that she be admitted to a hospital, but they did not pay attention," Ravi Rana said, alleging that her health issues were neglected. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya accompanied Rana when he went inside the hospital to meet his wife. As per her lawyer, Navneet Rana was suffering from high blood pressure, body pain and spondylitis. Paris: India and France on Wednesday expressed serious concern about the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights in Afghanistan while calling for an inclusive and representative government in the country. Issuing a joint press statement after the talks between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two countries "reiterated their strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan." "India and France expressed serious concern on the humanitarian situation and violation of human rights and reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing respect for its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs," the joint statement read. "They called for an inclusive and representative government, and respect for the rights of women, children and minorities," the statement added. Reaffirming the UNSC Resolution 2593, which was adopted in 2021, the two countries also emphasized that there should be "zero tolerance for the use of Afghan territory for spreading terrorism in other parts of the world," while also agreeing to work together in this regard, including at the UN Security Council. The UN resolution 2593 which was adopted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on August 31, 2021, just days after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, demands that Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any other country or to shelter and train terrorists. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban`s return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women and minorities.Afghanistan is also grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. The joint statement came on the final day of the three-day Europe visit of PM Modi, during the course of which the Prime Minister visited Germany and Denmark, before making a brief stopover in Paris. "In sum, it was a short but substantive visit," Foreign Secretary Kwatra said, adding, "for us a path for accelerated progress in the relationship lies ahead of us."He also informed that Prime Minister Modi has invited President Macron to visit India at the earliest possible opportunity. PM Modi emplaned for India after the conclusion of his engagements in Paris on Wednesday (local time). Taliban stops issuing driving licence to women in Kabul: Reports In another development in Afghanistan, the Taliban regime has stopped issuing driving licenses to women in Kabul and other provinces, media reports said. The ban comes at a time when the country suffers from a devastating humanitarian crisis, with an acute shortage of food and other essential supplies. Before the Taliban takeover, women in Afghanistan could be seen driving in some of the major cities of the country including Kabul. However, the Taliban has now stopped distributing driving licenses to women, local media said. Notably, the situation of human rights in Afghanistan has worsened since the collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban`s return to power in August last year. Although the fighting in the country has ended, serious human rights violations continue unabated, especially against women.In a recent decree, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan banned girls from attending school above grade sixth leading to worldwide condemnation. The Taliban leaders have since said that the move was taken because of an apparent "shortage of teachers" and that the right of girls to study beyond grade sixth will be restored "shortly" Afghanistan is grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. Srinagar: Indian Army's outgoing GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen D P Pandey said he had come with a philosophy of breaking cycle of violence in Kashmir, and did very well on this front. In the last three decades it's the first time the number of active terrorists has gone below 200 and today it's 130-140 said Lt Gen D P Pandey Outgoing GoC 15 Corps. Talking to reporters at the Armys 15 Corps headquarters in Srinagar, the commander said that the wrong terminology was being used like Kashmir problem. The fact remains that there was a problem in Kashmir which we along with the people and cross-section of society have largely been able to overcome. Today, peace has started to become a permanent feature. Though some, rather very few people wont be happy with the peaceful atmosphere, and they will keep on trying new methods to disrupt it, there will always be joint countermeasures to defeat such elements, he said. He said, We worked on two fronts: one to neutralize terrorists and ensure surrenders in live encounters and prevent youth from joining terror ranks. The Commander said in past over a year, 100 youth were saved from joining terrorism, which he said was a big achievement. I came here with a philosophy of breaking the cycle of violence" in Kashmir and succeeded to a large extent. But it was nothing unique but continued what his predecessors did in the past. He said this time media had covered it freely what the army was doing, and it came in notice of genral public. The GoC said be it Rashtriya Riffles in the hinterland or the soldiers on the LoC, both were an intimate part of the Kashmiri society. Both faced challenges together and succeeded, he said. About the achievements, he said that on one hand, they kept killing terrorists that too top commanders while ensuring surrenders during live encounters, and on the other, efforts were made to ensure youth are prevented from picking up arms. In last over a year, some 100 youth who had either joined terrorism or were about to join, were brought back to live a peaceful life. This indeed is my achievement. Rest, carrying out operations against terrorists needs to be counted, GoC Pandey said. He said that the human intelligence grid had become stronger people now in Kashmir don't want terrorists around them today, Jammu and Kashmir police received more human intelligence than technical intelligence and terrorists including Over Ground Workers are being isolated none other than the society itself. My endeavour had been that no mother, sister or daughter should cry in pain for just somebody picking up arms and getting killed in encounters, the outgoing GoC 15 Corps added. About American weapons including steel-piercing weapons entering Kashmir, General said that some ammunition is found here which was used in Afghanistan, but the number is very less and countermeasures through drills, etc were already put in place to meet such challenges. Yes, some American weapons have entered Kashmir but it's not a challenge anymore., he said. Hybrid terrorists were a challenge some nine months ago, but not now. It was difficult early to identify a government servant, a shopkeeper or a student aged 15 or 16 indulging in militant activities. But as of now, society is so vibrant and such people are being identified in a jiffy. Parents too are keeping a close watch on the children so that they dont tread a wrong path, he said. On ceasefire pact and its benefits, he said it was never a challenge for the army but people on either side of the fence used to suffer. Today, people on both sides of the border are living a peaceful life which is a good gesture, he said. We have worked and reached out to people and stopped recruitment which is a big achievement and in the future we must keep this peace intact and that will be a challenge. ALSO READ: Delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir comes to an end On 30th April, a highly anticipated award ceremony- India's Most Trusted Brands 2022 was conducted at Radisson Blu, New Delhi. Veteran actor Arbaaz Khan presented the awards to the winners. The award show presented the honour to India's leading and most trusted brands under various categories. The winner under the Immigration category was Mr. Rajiv Arora (Founder and CEO, Nationwide Immigration Services) who received the award for Best Immigration Consultants of India 2022. Also in the honourable mentions were Mrs. Ishwar Devi (Director, Nationwide Visas) who received the award for Powerful Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 and, Ms. Meenu Arora (Director, Nationwide Visas) for Wonder Woman of the Year Entrepreneur 2022. The awards were given in reference to the company's exponential service and growth in the Immigration industry since its establishment. As the economy recovers from the effects of the pandemic, so does the demand of immigration. Nationwide Visas have been fulfilling those dreams of applicants from all across India. Since its establishment, Nationwide have been consistently catering to the industry with an impeccable record of successfully assisting their clients in immigrating worldwide. Their team of experts help applicants to immigrate worldwide under the categories of business, residency-by-investment, and citizenship-by-investment. They also provide top-notch services in the areas of work and family visas. The company already has a niche in Canada immigration services, where it assists individuals seeking residency through various immigration pathways. Nationwide Immigration Services have multiple office branches all over India and Canada, with their head-office being situated in New Delhi. Recently, they opened their new on-site branches in Gurugram, Noida, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Receiving the award Mr. Rajiv Arora (CEO and Managing Director) says, I could not have imagined this tremendous growth without my team and my mother who play an exceptional role in helping the company achieve such heights. The company is also known as Canada PR masters and fairly so. They have a niche in dealing with Canada's Permanent Residency Visa and have processed hundreds of PR visa applications successfully. With a reputation as one of the greatest immigration service providers, Nationwide Visas is a one-stop solution for all Canada Visa immigration questions. Whether you wish to migrate to Canada through the Express Entry, the PNP programs, or business and study visa categories, Nationwide Immigration Services can help you achieve your immigration dream. Last year, Nationwide Visas received the third edition of International Fame Awards for the Team Brand Icon award for Best Immigration Consultants in India. Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood bestowed this honour to Mr. Arora for the outstanding service that his company is providing in the Indian immigration industry. Earlier too, Nationwide Visas have earned honourable mention by Forbes for being one of the top immigration consultants in Indian market and have been awarded Best Immigration Consultants in India for Canada along with Most Trusted Visa Brand in India (2018). The organisation has worked tirelessly in this last decade for these monumental achievements for their continued and approachable solutions to visa and immigration. And hence have become the No.1 choice for all immigration related services. (Sponsored Feature) Jodhpur (Rajasthan): Curfew in Jodhpur - which was imposed following incidents of violence in the district - has been extended till May 6, as per an order issued by the District Police Commissioner. "The curfew imposed in Jodhpur Commissionerate area on May 3 has been extended till May 6...Raikabagh Palace Bus Stand and Raikabagh Railway Station have been excluded from the curfew," read the order. Mobile internet remains suspended Restriction in internet availability continues in the region. "The decision to resume mobile internet services will be taken after assessing the law & order situation. Currently, mobile internet services remain suspended," said Himanshu Gupta, Jodhpur District Magistrate was quoted by ANI. Who all the exempted from the curfew Students and teachers appearing for examinations have been exempted from the curfew. Also, personnel engaged in medical services, bank officials, judicial officers, and media personnel are exempted. "Newspaper hawkers will also be allowed to distribute newspapers," the order added. 140 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence that erupted in the district hours before Eid. "Currently, the situation is peaceful. Till now, around 140 persons have been arrested and 14 cases have been registered. A meeting was held with Bharatiya Janata Party leaders today and they have suspended their protest for now," said Hawa Singh Ghumaria, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). The agitation that led to the curfew Tension gripped CM Ashok Gehlot's hometown Jodhpur hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police station areas of the city. There was agitation over putting up religious flags on the Jalori gate circle in Jodhpur, which led to stone-pelting in which five policemen were injured. The state Chief Minister has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. Following the incident, Jodhpur Police issued orders imposing a curfew besides suspending mobile internet services to check the spread of rumours. The situation was brought under control in the early hours of Tuesday with heavy deployment of police but tension escalated again in the morning after prayers at an Eidgah. Shops, vehicles and houses were pelted with stones near the Jalori gate area. Members of the minority community were installing Eid flags and they put up a flag on a roundabout alongside the statue of freedom fighter Balmukund Bissa. This led to a confrontation as members of the other community alleged that a saffron flag, which they had put up there ahead of Parshuram Jayanti, had gone missing. The issue snowballed into stone-pelting and clashes, officials said. The police rushed to the spot to control the situation during which five policemen were injured, the police said. The police had to lob tear gas shells to disperse the mob. Mobile internet services were suspended in the area to check the spread of rumours, the officials said. Take stern actions: CM Gehlot Following the incidents of violence and communal tension in Jodhpur, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has been monitoring the situation in the town as well as in the state, sources in the Ministry said here on Wednesday. CM Gehlot has directed officials to take stern action against those responsible for the violence, irrespective of their religion, caste or class. He also accused the BJP of inciting communal violence in Jodhpur. New Delhi: Amid buzz about Karnataka cabinet expansion, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday (May 5) said he is ready to visit New Delhi to discuss it whenever the BJP central leadership calls him. When asked about clarity on cabinet expansion or rejig, Bommai said, "You (media) create things and you ask for clarification on all self made stories....I haven't said anything else...What he (Shah) has said is he will speak to all other leaders in Delhi and communicate to me, once he tells me, I'm ready to go (to Delhi), that's all. According to PTI, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to the state, the Karnataka CM said that Shah will communicate to him the BJP top brass' decision about the cabinet exercise. As per media reports, after the state cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on May 5 was postponed to May 11, speculations are rife about a possible expansion or reshuffle of the Ministry. The strength of the Karnataka cabinet is 34, out of which currently five positions are vacant. Amit Shah was in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where he participated in various events. His visit came amid rumours of possible leadership changes in the state ahead of Assembly polls in 2023. However, many top BJP leaders have rejected reports about Bommai's replacement, PTI reported. The news agency reported that Shah also assured Bommai that there was no question of a change of guard in the southern state. "Amit Shah has given a clear direction to the Chief Minister not to bother about the leadership change, which people are talking about. He told him to go ahead and focus on development. We will contest elections on development, due to which we are successful," sources told PTI. He also told Bommai that former Karnataka chief minister B S Yediyurappa will also join him to secure victory in the upcoming polls. (With agency inputs) The students at Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School in Corvallis once known as Jefferson then Jaguar Elementary received a special visit Thursday afternoon: Kathryn Jones Harrison herself, who laid eyes upon the school for the first time. The school held a dedication event for the 98-year-old member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, with more than 300 students, staff, community members and relatives of Harrison in attendance. Students lined up in the gymnasium, where the event was held, and introduced themselves one at a time to Harrison. Principal Beth Martin said the kids had been asking when Harrison would arrive since the moment they got to school. The students have been learning about Harrison throughout the school year, and they designed a quilt representing what they took away from her story. Each square of the quilt has a word on it, including respect, restoration, powerful and community, with a quote from Harrison in the center. It says, Help me do and say what will help my people today. Harrison didnt live an easy life; she overcame poverty, an abusive foster home and an abusive marriage to eventually help her tribe regain federal recognition during a time when the Eisenhower administration refused tribes formal recognition. She transformed it from a poverty-stricken community to the healthy, thriving group it is today. Throughout her life she had 10 children and graduated from the Lane Community Colleges nursing program at the age of 50. From there, she spent her life working to strengthen her community. Her story of resilience is one we are all inspired by, Superintendent Ryan Noss said. When our students enter Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary School, we want them to feel inspired. This name change does that. In 2020, the Corvallis School District set out to change the names of three schools, including what was then known as Jefferson Elementary. The campus was named for President Thomas Jefferson, who laid claim to hundreds of human beings despite famously declaring all men were created equal and fathered numerous children with Sally Hemings, a Black woman enslaved by him. Luhui Whitebear, co-vice chair of the Corvallis School Board, said this name change puts words into action to honor the people whose land we live on. Even more significant, she said, is the fact that Harrison grew up right here in Corvallis. Noss said the district wanted to select a name for that school that would inspire students, honor Indigenous people and peoples connection to the land and represent someone who did social justice work and made significant contributions throughout their life. Harrison checks all of those boxes, he added. To say shes an inspiration is an understatement, Martin said. The principal said she recognized the pain as well as the celebration that brought the school to this moment, and would make sure students knew all sides of the story. The telling of our honest history is something we are committed to, she said. During the ceremony, the tribal council sat at the front of the room and some members made speeches about Harrison. Cultural representatives from the tribe performed an opening and closing drum song. Tribal council Vice Chair Chris Mercier spoke about how he has known Harrison longer than anyone else on the council, and how she inspired him to be a leader in his community. When you have a school named after you, that pretty much means youve done something with your life, Mercier said. Because your name is attached to something with a future of ambition. 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. Once the opening prayer, song and speeches were over, Harrison addressed the crowd. She told stories about her life and what she remembers about growing up in the area. Im just overwhelmed, humbled and thankful, she said. Youre going to get tired of me coming to see you. Joanna Mann (she/her) covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_. 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. Lakhimpur Kheri: Lakhimpur Kheri will once again become the hotbed of controversy on Thursday (May 5, 2022) when representatives of 25 farmer unions from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, along with Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait, hold a key meeting in the district to discuss their "next move", reported IANS. Farmers union members are also expected to meet local authorities seeking a speedy trial in the case. Farmer leaders claim that MoS for Home Ajay Mishra Teni continues to remain in office despite past assurances from government of looking into the matter. Teni`s son Ashish Mishra is the main accused in the Kheri violence case. He had allegedly mowed down four farmers and a journalist. Advocate Harjeet Singh, representing farmers in Kheri court, said, "Farm union leaders from four states will assemble in Kheri to support their farmer brothers lodged in jail for alleged lynching of three BJP workers. Their families said that `officials are pressuring them in jail to change their statements against the minister`s son`. Rakesh Tikait and other farm union representatives would be meeting the district magistrate and police chief." Manjeet Dhaliwal, district president of a farm union in Shahjahanpur, said, "We demand immediate security for witnesses. Two attacks on witnesses have already taken place and there has been no action yet against the accused despite an FIR." Further, a maha panchayat is also expected to be held in Kheri on May 10 -- the day that coincides with the next date of hearing in Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, when the court is expected to frame charges against Ashish and the other accused. New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Station House Officer (SHO) Tilakdhari Saroj, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old gang rape victim in Lalitpur district, on Wednesday (May 4, 2022). Prayagraj Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Prem Prakash said SHO Tilakdhari Saroj was arrested from near the Allahabad High Court. The 13-year-old girl, allegedly raped by four men over three days, was sexually assaulted again by the SHO of the police station where she had went to file a complaint along with a relative. ADGP Prakash said on a tip-off from his Kanpur counterpart, a police team was pressed into the service and searched for him on the basis of his mobile phone location. The official informed that the SHO was changing his mobile phone at the time of the arrest. At first, the police was able to trace his location to Banda, then Chitrakoot and finally in Prayagraj. After questioning a man close to him, the SHO was arrested from near the High Court there, he said. ADGP Prem Prakash said it appears that he was looking for some legal assistance. The accused cop was handed over to the police team, which will bring him to Lalitpur. Soon after the arrest, the SHO was heard saying on TV channels that he was innocent and sought an impartial inquiry into the incident. The officials informed that the police have arrested six people in the case till now. The incident came to light after the victim narrated her ordeal to an NGO, which approached the superintendent of police. Following his intervention, an FIR was registered on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed the UP government and said, "The gang-rape of a 13-year-old girl in Lalitpur and then her rape by the police in-charge when she went to file a complaint shows how genuine law and order reforms are being suppressed in the noise of "bulldozers". If police stations are not safe for women, then where will they go to take complaints?" she said in a tweet. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Amid a row over loudspeakers, Maharashtra Police on Wednesday (May 4, 2022) said that it has given permission to over 1,500 mosques and 1,300 temples in the state for the usage of loudspeakers. Maharashtra Police also informed that they have taken preventive action against 2300 persons across the state. The police also issued CrPC section 149 notices against 7000 persons. Permission for use of loudspeakers given to approximately 1,500 mosques and 1,300 temples in State (excluding Mumbai). Preventative action taken against more than 2,300 people. Notice under section 149 CrPC given to around 7000 persons on 3rd-4th May, said Maharashtra Police yesterday. Permission for use of loudspeakers given to approximately 1,500 mosques and 1,300 temples in State (excluding Mumbai). Preventative action taken against more than 2,300 people. Notice under section 149 CrPC given to around 7000 persons on 3rd-4th May: Maharashtra Police ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2022 150 MNS workers arrested for creating 'communal tension' Meanwhile, a total of 150 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party workers were arrested in Nashik district of Maharashtra for creating "communal tension" in the district, informed local police officials. The arrests are part of `Preventive actions` undertaken by the state police to maintain a law and order situation amid MNS chief Raj Thackeray`s appeal to play Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker outside mosques. "150 MNS workers have been arrested so far for creating communal tensions in Nashik. Preventive actions are being taken against those involved in such activities. Police have been deployed in all sensitive spots to ensure law and order situation," said BG Shekhar Patil, Inspector General of Police, Nashik on Wednesday. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set for another foreign visit. But this time it's just across the border to the neighbouring country of Nepal, and only for a few hours. On May 16, the PM will make a brief visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. According to Nepal Prime Minister's Press advisor Anil Pariyar, PM Modi will visit the Himalayan nation at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba. During the hour-long trip, Prime Minister Modi will pay a brief visit to Lumbini in western Nepal on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Lord Buddha's birth anniversary, the official said. It will be Prime Minister Modi's first Nepal visit after his re-election in 2019. Prime Minister Deuba is also scheduled to participate in the programme along with his Indian counterpart. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, is yet to make an official announcement about the visit. Deuba was in Delhi last month in his first bilateral visit abroad after becoming prime minister for the fifth time in July 2021. During the visit, which was aimed at injecting fresh momentum into bilateral ties, Deuba held talks with Modi on a number of key issues, including the boundary issue. "A renewed opportunity to deepen the special ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Twitter ahead of the Modi-Deuba talks in April. Nepal is important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and the leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old "Roti Beti" relationship. The landlocked Himalayan nation shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: A medical intern from Delhi set herself on fire at a park in Noida on Wednesday (May 4), a police official said. As per PTI, the officials suspect the 23-year-old woman, who was doing her internship with a hospital, was battling a mental illness. A hand-written note was found at the spot where the woman, a resident of Delhis Greater Kailash, immolated herself, they added. "Police recovered a two-litre empty bottle of diesel, a purse, a mobile phone and a hand-written note. The note purportedly stated that she was ending her life as she was upset over a mental health condition," an official told the news agency. The official from the Phase-2 Police Station said the information about a woman setting herself on fire at a park in front of a housing society in Noidas Sector 93A was received around 4.30 pm. The official added that the local police reached the spot and "later, forensic experts also reached there". The officials said that the woman was suffering from depression. It is yet to be known what triggered the medical intern to take the extreme step, the police said. The womans family has been informed and further legal proceedings are underway. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: As Prashant Kishor announced Padyatra in Bihar, a senior BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP from Bihar`s Madhubani Hukumdev Narayan Yadav on Thursday called him a businessman who has sought fame, reported ANI. Speaking to ANI, Narayana said that people should stop calling Prashant Kishor a poll strategist and call him a political businessman instead. "Don`t call Prashant Kishor a strategist, he is a political businessman and it is not right for people to discuss businessmen in such an important way. It is not an important thing. He runs the business by roaming around and these days he has not got any business, so he started a new business to get some fame, Hukumdev said. Targeting Kishors padayatra idea from Mahatma Gandhi`s ashram in West Champaran, the former BJP MP said that it is his illusion that kickstarting his journey from the place would get him the vision of the freedom fighter. The statement came after Kishor, earlier today, put a halt to the speculations of his launching a new political party and said he will embark on a 3000 km `padayatra` that will start from Mahatma Gandhi`s ashram in Bihar`s Champaran on October 2. Adding that Kishors vision wont work in the Indian political landscape, BJP MP said, "In my political journey of 60-62 years, I saw many people and I also saw many political businessmen. Many people have come and gone. Many will come and go but one thing I say is that if those travelling from Champaran of Gandhiji`s place believe that they will get the vision of Gandhi, then it is their illusion. "It took years to become Gandhi and Gandhi is not made in a day. Lohia Ji had said that Gandhi comes in 1000- 2000 years. I have seen the time of Gandhiji, Ram Manohar Lohia, Deendayal Upadhyay, Jayaprakash Narayan and now the Prime Minister of India is Narendra Modi," Hukumdev Narayan added. Earlier today, Kishor said he will launch a `Jan Surraj` (Good Governance) campaign in the next three to four months into which he will rope in eminent personalities of Bihar who want to bring about a positive change in the state. "In the coming three to four months, I will meet most of these people personally and discuss the methods to implement the idea of Jan Suraaj (good governance). My experience says that nearly 90 per cent of people agree that there is a need for a collective new effort," he further added. Earlier, Prashant Kishor was in talks with Congress for joining the party to revamp it for the 2024 General Elections, however, the deal was sacked after weeks of buildup. (With ANI inputs) Srinagar: After the Delimitation Commission submitted its final draft on Thursday (May 5), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti called it an extension of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Rejecting the Commission and its proposed changes, Mufti said that the draft was a follow-up of the abrogation of Article 370, adding that she does not trust the Commission. "Delimitation commission has become an extension of BJP; we reject this delimitation report as we dont trust it. This is nothing but only an attempt to disempower the people of Jammu Kashmir", said Mufti. Since day one, PDP has opposed the commission saying that it's constituted after the abrogation of Article 370 and said it's a deliberate attempt to disempower the people of the union territory, she said. People's Democratic Party is not the only regional party of Kashmir that has criticised the working Delimitation commission but all other regional parties along PAGD (Peoples alliance of Gupkar deceleration) have also rejected the proposal earlier given by the Commission which includes the three elected Member parliaments of the National Conference (NC). Pertinently, Delimitation Commission sets 90 Assembly Constituencies in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 43 will be part of the Jammu region and 47 for the Kashmir region. While 9 Assembly Constituencies have been reserved for STs, out of which, 6 are in Jammu region and 3 in Kashmir. Commission says one Parliamentary Constituency has been carved out combining Anantnag and Rajouri and Poonch of Jammu region. The delimitation commission order will come into effect from the date to be notified by the Central Government. Kathmandu: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returned home on Thursday after concluding his personal visit to Nepal, days after his viral Nepal nightclub video triggered a war of words between his party and the ruling BJP. The Kerala Congress MP had reportedly gone to Nepal to attend a wedding party at a nightclub in the Himalayan nation. According to Congress sources, he was in the country to attend the wedding of a Non-Resident Nepali businessman's daughter Sumnima Udas. Rahul had also visited the famous tourist hub of Kspakerthmandu Thamel and the cultural city Lalitpur during his visit to the country on Monday. A purported video of Rahul attending a nightclub sparked controversy in the media as the video went viral. We had extended an invitation to Gandhi to attend the wedding of my daughter, Bhim Udas, Sumnima's father who also served as Nepal's Ambassador to Myanmar, had said last week. The BJP alleged that Rahul was at a nightclub when his party was "exploding", evoking a sharp response from the Congress Party which said he was in Nepal to attend the marriage of a journalist friend, and that is not a crime. Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Gandhi was in Nepal for a private wedding function and had not gone there uninvited. He also said it is not a crime to attend a wedding of a friend or a family member. Sumnima, a former CNN correspondent, got married to Nima Martin Sherpa on Tuesday. A reception was held on May 5 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bauddha, the bride's father Bhim said. Some other Indian VVIPs also attended the wedding. Earlier in August 2018, Gandhi had visited Kathmandu on his way to Kailash Mansarovar. Udaipur: Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi will address a public meeting at Baneshwar Dham in Banswara district of Rajasthan on May 16, a day after the party's brainstorming session ends here. The party is organising its "Chintan Shivir" here from May 13 to 15. The two leaders will address the public meeting on May 16 following the inauguration of a bridge by Sonia Gandhi, said a PTI report citing party sources. Beneshwar Dham is located on the confluence of three rivers--Som, Mahi and Jakham. It is a pilgrimage place for tribal people. On Wednesday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was again in Udaipur to inspect preparations for the Chintan Shivir, adding The preparations for the Chintan Shivir have started, it will be held on May 13, 14 and 15. Our senior leaders from all over the country will come and we will sit and talk, and whatever decisions will be made, they will come in front of you. Notably, Bharatiya Janata Party is also convening a meeting of its office bearers from all across the country in Rajasthan`s Jaipur on May 20 and May 21. The move is to strengthen organisation ahead of assembly polls slated this year and in the year 2023 in several states. The party's national chief JP Nadda will chair the meeting, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address virtually, said an ANI report. The discussions and deliberations regarding the poll preparation for the states scheduled to go to the polls soon would take place in the meeting. Notably, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka are scheduled to go to assembly polls within a year. "A meeting of office bearers from all across the country will be held in Jaipur on May 20 and 21. We will discuss various issues including organisational strength and issues of current importance," BJP Rajasthan in charge Arun Singh told ANI, adding that the agenda of the meeting will not be limited to the topics already decided. (With Agency Inputs) New Delhi: Amid reports of several incidents of communal violence and clashes from across India, two Hindu sisters from Uttarakhand have sold their land to Muslims for Eid to fulfil their fathers last wish. Anita and Saroj, who hail from Uttarakhands Udham Singh Nagar have donated their 2.1 acres of land to Muslims for Eid. According to Times of India report, Anita and Sarojs father Lal Brajnandan Rastogi, who was a farmer had passed away in his late 80s in 2003. After his death, the land went to his daughters. Both the daughters recently came to know about their fathers last wish from their relatives. As per their relatives conversations, Brajnandan Rastogi wanted to donate a piece of his land to his 'Muslim Brethern' but was hesitant to tell his children. After learning about their fathers wish, Anita and Saroj discussed the matter with their family about selling the land and then came down to Kashipur to fulfil the formalities of land transfer with the help of their brother, Rakesh. As per the media report, Saroj lives with her family in Meerut, whereas Anita lives in Delhi. According to Rakesh, his father believed in communal harmony and wanted to donate his land to the Eidgah so that more Muslims could be accommodated while reading Namaz during festivals like Eid. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Trinamool Congress government takes strict action against illegal activities regardless of political colour, unlike Uttar Pradesh. Speaking at a state government programme here, she said, "A tortured woman who has been trying to lodge a complaint has again been tormented in Uttar Pradesh. In Bengal, nobody dares to do something like this. Here, we take strict action against those involved in illegal activities without looking at political colour." The Trinamool Congress government has also been facing criticism over a series of alleged rape cases. Attacking the BJP-led central government for hiking prices of petrol and diesel, Banerjee said, "The Centre is defrauding common people by fuel prices. New Delhi: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will contest the upcoming byelection from Champawat, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) confirmed on Thursday (May 5). The bypoll is slated to be held on May 31 while the results will be announced on June 3, ANI reported. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami to contest the upcoming bye election from Champawat: BJP Voting will happen on May 31 and the counting of votes will take place on June 3. (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/mU0UBH0b9C ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2022 In April, BJP MLA Kailash Chandra Gahtori resigned from the Champawat seat, making way for Dhami. Earlier, soon after Dhamis swearing-in as the Uttarakhand CM for a second consecutive term, Gahotri had offered to step down. "It will be an honour for me if the chief minister contests from Champawat", he had said. Dhami lost his Khatima seat to Bhuvan Chandra Kapri of the Congress in the Uttarakhand Assembly elections held this year. To continue as the CM, he needs to become a member of the state assembly within six months of being sworn in. On March 23, 2022, Pushkar Singh Dhami had taken oath as the Uttarakhand CM for a second consecutive term at a grand ceremony held at the Parade Ground in Dehradun. The event was attended by BJP top brass, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah. The BJP came back to power in the hilly state by bagging 47 out of a total of 70 assembly seats. It was the first time in the state's 21-year history that a party was elected to power for a second term in a row. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday has issued an alert on the possibility of a cyclone on the Odisha coast in the coming week. Urging the public to not panic, an IMD scientist stated that a low-pressure area may be formed in the South Andaman sea and its neighbourhood around May 6. The low-pressure area will move in the northwest which will further intensify into a deep depression after 48 hrs, i.e., on May 8. THUNDERSTORM WITH LIGHTENING AND GUSTY SURFACE WIND SPEED REACHING 30- #40KMPH LIKELY OCCUR OVER SOME PARTS OF DISTRICTS OF BHADRAK, JAJPUR, KANDHAMAL, CUTTACK , NAYAGARH, KHORDA (INCLUDING BHUBANESWAR), GANJAM, GAJAPATI, NAWARANGPUR, KALAHANDI, DEOGARH DURING NEXT 3HRS pic.twitter.com/nGM98Ww5qX Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar (@mcbbsr) May 5, 2022 Cyclonic circulation yesterday around Andaman sea will repeat tomorrow and move towards the north-west. The system is very likely to intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours and move in the north-westward direction, Umashankar Das, Senior Scientist, IMD told ANI. Meanwhile, the state government has reviewed the preparedness for the cyclone. Here is the latest update on the developing Odisha cyclone New Delhi: Only last week, Mamata Banerjee had accused the BSF of entering villages, killing people and throwing them on the other side. Ask them to take state police into confidence while working on any operation, she instructed her police, in what had led to a fresh slugfest between the Centre and the Trinamool Congress government. Mamatas rant was against the Centres decision to authorise BSF to undertake search, seizure and arrest operations within a 50-km stretch, up from 15 kms, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam. And on May 5, Union Home minister Amit Shah sent a subtle message to the TMC supremo by beginning his two-day Bengal visit by attending a BSF event in North 24 Parganas. I understand that without the help of local administration, it is difficult to check infiltration and cross-border smuggling. But I would like to assure you that the political situation here will be such that you will get that help, he quipped. In fact, Shah is scheduled to attend a number of BSF events during his stay in Bengal, apart from meeting BJP leaders to take stock of the state unit. What transpires between Shah and senior border officials would in all likelihood be kept under wraps, but it assumes immense significance given Mamatas hostility against the Centre. All eyes would also be on how the Union Home minister plans to rejuvenate the directionless and infighting-plagued state unit. Shahs visit to Bengal is the first since the BJP suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of TMC in the assembly elections last year. The debacle was followed by massive violence against BJP workers and widespread desertion, including by its MLAs. In such a situation, Shah has his task cut out. Lets have a look at the major challenges before the Chanakya: Intense factionalism From being a major contender in the 2021 assembly polls to its near-complete rout in the municipal elections held earlier this year, the BJPs fortunes have witnessed a rapid slide in just a few months. The problems have multiplied ever since Lok Sabha MP Sukanta Majumdar took over as president of the Bengal BJP unit from Dilip Ghosh. Majumdar wanted a complete overhaul of the partys organisational structure in Bengal. However, he ended up angering several other MPs and party leaders, who quit the BJPs WhatsApp groups, expressing displeasure at being left out of the state committee. In retaliation, Majumdar had dissolved all departments and cells of the state unit and expelled some dissenters. But the rebels have grown stronger with each passing day. One of the disgruntled leaders is Bongaon MP Shantanu Thakur, who belongs to the influential Matua community, riding on whom the BJP gained a foothold in South Bengal. The Matuas, who trace their origin to Bangladesh, are also upset with the BJP for the delay in implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act. Demoralised cadre Soon after the TMCs victory in the assembly elections last year, massive violence broke out against BJP workers. Many were killed; thousands of homes and properties were looted, burnt and captured; women were raped; while thousands more fled their homes to escape the violence. All this while, the role of police remained questionable. Most leaders were nowhere to be seen during the onslaught, leaving the grassroots level workers to their fate. Kailash Vijayvargiya, in-charge of the BJP in Bengal, hasnt returned to the state ever since the election results. Workers felt neglected, and were often forced to renounce the BJP or join the TMC to return home. As one post-poll violence victim had lamented, Everyone wants a share in victory, none in defeat. In such a situation, one of Shahs major challenges in Bengal would be to boost the morale of his disillusioned workers. Defections Several BJP bigwigs such as Mukul Roy and Babul Supriyo have quit the party, often over differences with the state leadership. But what has the party worried is that these leaders have also taken with them a sizeable chunk of workers and supporters. A large number of district and lower-level leaders have headed for the BJPs exit door, and the state leadership has no plan to stop the exodus or arrest the slide in performance. All it can do now is hope that Amit Shah comes up with better ideas to keep the flock intact so the party can put up a good fight in next years panchayat polls. Organisational overhaul What the BJP lacks the most in Bengal is an acceptable local face who can take Mamata head-on. BJP insiders admit that too much reliance on central leaders sends out the message to the electorate that the party has not been able to groom local leaders. Though former Mamata aide Suvendu Adhikari has shown the intent, this is one area that needs to be addressed by Amit Shah on an urgent basis. Soft stance against Mamata? Many BJP workers view the central leadership as being soft on Mamata in their quest for a Congress-mukt Bharat. This in turn encourages TMC workers to attack BJP supporters, they say. In such a situation, rather than mere lip service, Amit Shah will have to adopt a more aggressive stance against Mamata so as to gain the confidence of his party workers. Lucknow: BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Thursday strongly opposed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's upcoming visit to Ayodhya on June 5 and warned that he will not be allowed to enter the holy city till he tendered a public apology for humiliating north Indians. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is the BJP MP from Kaiserganj Lok Sabha constituency and one of the top leaders of the Ram Mandir movement, said in a tweet, Will not allow Raj Thackeray, who humiliates north Indians, enter the Ayodhya border. He must apologise to North Indians lest I won't allow him to enter Ayodhya. I have requested UP CM Yogi Adityanath as well not to meet him until he seeks an apology: BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh on MNS chief Raj Thackeray visit to Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/DfqwUG9r6D ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2022 Before coming to Ayodhya, Raj Thackeray should apologise to all North Indians with folded hands, he said. In a series of tweets, the BJP MP also requested Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not to meet Thackeray till he apologised to the North Indians. I request Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Ji not to meet Raj Thackeray until he publicly apologises to the North Indians, he said. We've been watching since 2008, they brought to the fore the issue of 'Marathi Manush', 80% of contribution to Mumbai's development is of those who aren't from the city. They should rectify their mistake: BJP MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh on MNS chief Raj Thackeray visit to Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/GLFINFsI8I ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) May 5, 2022 The MP also categorically said that the Thackeray family had no contribution to the temple movement. "From the movement for Ram temple to its construction only Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and the common man have had a role. The Thackeray family has no role in it," he said. Brij Bhushan was also an accused in the controversial Babri Mosque case, which was felled by kar sevaks' in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. On April 17, Thackeray in Pune had announced he would visit Ayodhya on June 5 to seek the blessings of Lord Ram. "On June 5, I will go to Ayodhya along with other MNS workers to have darshan of Lord Ram. I appeal to other people also to come to Ayodhya," Thackeray had said in a press conference. I have not gone out for a long time, was his reply when asked about the purpose of his visit. Speaking to the media later at the event, Thackeray questioned RSS' contribution too in the temple movement. "How many kar sevaks' lost their lives for this? It is because of the Supreme Court and the central government that the Ram temple is being established there. So, I want to go there in the early stages (of construction). Later, once the temple is ready, everyone will visit it again," he said. (With Agency Inputs) Bhubaneshwar: There is only one bird of this species that exists in the whole wide world. And that's in our very own Odisha! The world's only White grey-headed swamphen can be found in the Mangalajodi wetland, which is around 70 km from Bhubaneshwar, according to media reports. The prestigious Wilson Journal of Orinthology carried this finding as an online early article titled First report of diluted plumage in grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus) and a review of colour aberrations in swamphens, reported a newspaper article. The colour of the bird - which has an almost all-white plumage because of genetic dilution - lends it its rare element. As per the media report, a team of three researchers - wildlife warden of Khordha Subhendu Mallik, associate professor at Shakti Nanda and assistant conservator of forests - identified the purpose. Researchers say that some colour aberrations have been observed in Indian birds. But none was observed in the grey-headed swamphen or purple swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus), which is a common resident bird throughout India. These birds are usually purplish-blue in colour with a large red bill. But the team of researchers found out that the bird in Odisha has the aberration. Subhendu Mallik, the corresponding author of the article, told the Times of India that when they photographed the bird in 2020, they knew that it is a grey-headed swamphen. "But we suspected it to be an albino because of its white body and reddish eye. After going deep into the subject and consulting with international ornithologists, we concluded that it is not an albino. The white colour was the result of a dilution process, he told the Times of India. New Delhi: The initial share-sale of Venus Pipes & Tubes will open for public subscription on May 11. The public issue, comprising sale of 50.74 lakh equity shares of the company, will conclude on May 13. The bidding for anchor investors will open on May 10, according to the red herring prospectus (RHP). Proceeds from the public issue will be used for financing the project cost towards capacity expansion and backward integration for manufacturing of hollow pipes, to meet working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. The company has about six years of experience in manufacturing of stainless-steel tubular products in two broad categories -- seamless tubes & pipes; and welded tubes & pipes. The company under the brand name "Venus" supplies its products for applications in diverse sectors including chemicals, engineering, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, power, food processing, paper and oil and gas. It is one of the growing stainless-steel pipes and tubes manufacturers and exporters in India. SMC Capitals is the sole book running lead manager to the issue. The equity shares of the company are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE. Los Angeles: Actress Amber Heard thought it was "a joke" when Hollywood star Johnny Depp reportedly slapped her for the first time when she asked about one of his tattoos. Heard is being sued for defamation by her ex-husband Depp over a 2018 op-ed she wrote about being a victim of domestic abuse and she took the stand at Fairfax County Circuit Court for the first time in the trial, when she recalled how the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' allegedly got violent after she questioned him about the 'Wino Forever' tattoo he has on his arm, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Heard, who is counter-suing Depp, said: "It changed my life. We were sitting on the couch. We were having a normal conversation, there was no fighting no argument no nothing. He was drinking. I didn't realise at the time but I think he was using cocaine. There was a jar of cocaine, a vintage jar of it. I ask him about the tattoo he has on his arm. "To me, it just looks like black marks. I didn't know what it said. I said 'what does it say.' He said it says 'wino.' I didn't see that. I thought he was joking. I laughed. And he slapped me across the face. And I laughed." "Because I didn't know what else to do. I thought, this must be a joke. I didn't know what was going on. I just stared at him, kinda, laughing still, thinking he was gonna start laughing too. He said 'You think it's so funny b****?' " The 36-year-old actress said Depp then hit her again and she fell. She continued: "It was clear it wasn't a joke anymore. I stopped laughing. He slapped me for no reason. Second slap, I know he's not kidding. I just stared at him. I didn't move or freak or out defend myself. I just stared at him because I didn't know what to do. And he slaps me one more time. Hard. I lose my balance." Heard said she knew straight away she "had to leave" her husband, but he cried and promised not to do her again. She said: "I knew it was wrong and I knew I had to leave him. I wish I could sit here and say I walked out of that house... and stood up for myself. I wanted to believe him. I believed there was a line he wouldn't cross again and that was it." New Delhi: Actor Kartik Aaryan has amassed a massive fan following in the last few years - all thanks to his boy-next-door image. Last year, Kartik's alleged fallout with Dharma Productions honcho Karan Johar over Dostana 2 surfaced, however, the actor didn't react back then. Dharma Productions' Dostana 2 was announced in 2019. KJo's film was all set to feature Kartik alongside Janhvi Kapoor and debutant Lakshya. But looks like it has now gone to the back burner and no new announcement has been made ever since Kartik's exit from the project. In his latest interview with Indian Express, Kartik Aaryan was quizzed over his differences with the industry people, to which he replied saying, "I just focus on my work. Thats all I would like to say on this. Look at my line-up." He was also asked whether there exists a lobby of filmmakers against him, to which he said, "What happens, at times, is people make baat ka batangad. There is nothing more to it. No one has so much time. Everybody just wants to work, do good work. Other than that, things are just rumours." Indirectly, Kartik quashed all fallout rumours with KJo. Last year, Dharma Productions released a statement over Dostana 2. "Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence - we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin DCunha. Please wait for the official announcement soon," it read. On the work front, Kartik is these days busy promoting upcoming film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which happens to be a sequel to Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa. It was directed by Priyadarshan. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is helmed by Anees Bazmee and stars Kartik along with Kiara Advani and Tabu. New Delhi: Kajol and Ajay Devgn's darling daughter Nysa attended singing sensation Dua Lipa's concert live in London. She enjoyed with her gang of friends and inside pictures were shared by one of her pals Orhan Awatramani. He dropped a few lit photos from the London concert. Wearing a smouldering black deep-neck blouse with denim, Nysa upped the glam quotient. Check out her pictures from the Dua Lipa concert which saw thousands of fans chilling and enjoying the music. Recently, she partied with Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia's daughter Mahikaa along with friend Orhan Awatramani. The inside party pictures flooded the internet and needless to say why! Nysa Devgan celebrated her 19th birthday on April 20 this year. The popular star kid has already many dedicated fan pages to her name. Recently, Nysa was spotted at FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week 2022 and her pictures flooded social media. Ace designer Manish Malhotra took to Instagram and dropped a stunning photo of Nysa Devgn in his latest collection - Diffuse. Kajol and Ajay Devgn's daughter went to Singapore for her higher education but is currently with fam jam in Mumbai. She did her schooling at Mumbai's Dhirubhai Ambani International School and is enrolled in the United College of Southeast Asia in Singapore. New Delhi: 7th Pay Commission Latest update-- Central government employees might be up for some more good news in the month of July. As per media reports, the government might announce another round of hike in the Dearness Allowance in the coming months. The Dearness Allowance of central government employees is revised twice a year. The first is given from January to June, while the second comes from July to December. Now that the first increase in dearness allowance for the year 2022 has been announced in March, new reports are stating that the next revision in July is likely due to the increase in the AICP Index. AICPI index figures is instrumental in DA revision decision. In December 2021, the AICPI figure stood at 125.4. But, in January 2022, it declined by 0.3 points and fell to 125.1. The All-India CPI-IW for February, 2022 decreased by 0.1 points and stood at 125.0 (one hundred twenty five). On 1-month percentage change, it decreased by 0.08 per cent with respect to previous month compared to increase of 0.68 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago. For the month of March, there was a jump of 1 point. The AICPI index figures for March stands at 126. How much DA is likely to be hiked in July? If reports are to be believed, there could be a further four percent hike in DA. This means the total DA could reach upo 38 percent. It may be recalled that the Union Cabinet had on March 30 hiked Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3 per cent to 34 per cent to compensate for the price rise, benefitting over 1.16 crore central government employees and pensioners. The additional instalment is be effective from January 1, 2022. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission. With the recent announcement, the hope for the next DA hike, which usually is stipulated for the month of July, has also taken pace. However, one bad news could be that the DA hike, scheduled for July may not be announced. Good news for Hyderabad MMTS travellers! The first class ticket prices for Hyderabad MMTS (Multi-Modal Transport System) has been reduced by 50 per cent from today (May 5). This discount is applicable for first class single journey passengers only, as announced by the Ministry of Railways. The decision has been taken to give respite to commuters who are facing the burden of rising fuel prices in India. After the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, RTC bus fares have also gone up and passengers are facing difficulties. At a time like this, reducing MMTS ticket prices seems to have brought relief to travellers. Also read: Mumbai local train AC, first-class ticket prices reduced by 50 percent starting today Reduced ticket prices: The MMTS first class ticket price for 1km-10km, which was earlier Rs 50, has now been reduced to Rs 25. The MMTS first class ticket price for 11km-15km, which was earlier Rs 65, has now been reduced to Rs 35. The MMTS first class ticket price for 116 km-25 km has been reduced from Rs 100 to Rs 55. The MMTS first class ticket price for 26km-35km, which was earlier Rs 145, has now been reduced to Rs 85. The MMTS first class ticket price for 36km-45km, which was earlier Rs 155, has now been reduced to Rs 90. There are currently 86 MMTS trains running on the Greater Hyderabad Suburbs. These trains run for about 50 km between Secunderabad-Falaknuma-Lingampally-Tellapur-Ramachandrapuram. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway, said MMTS has reduced first-class ticket prices to provide cheaper travel along with faster services to suburban commuters. Travellers are urged to take advantage of this opportunity. India is facing increased temperature and proportionately increasing power supply demands across the country. To fulfil this increasing demand for power generation, the country needs an uninterrupted coal supply. To facilitate this supply, the Indian government has cancelled 40 trains, consequently cancelling 1081 trips of express and passenger trains. These trains have been cancelled till 24 May to facilitate the supply chain. The cancellation of trains is expected to free up routes for faster coal wagon movement, preventing a power outage. It will also ensure that coal from Chattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand is delivered quickly. The railways had cancelled multiple trains earlier for a similar reason. Earlier, they said that this is an interim measure and cancellations have taken place in non-priority sectors and less busy routes. Many passengers had to face inconvenience due to frequent cancellations during the summer break. Also read: Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail: First RRTS Trainset to be handed over on May 7 Of the cancelled trips, 1041 are from the coal-rich South East Central Railway (SECR), while 40 are from Northern Railways. On April 29, the government of India cancelled over 600 trains to fulfil the supply of coal. A total of 533 coal rakes are put on duty. For the power sector, 427 rakes were loaded on April 28. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India said that coal obtained from imports is being pushed to priority sectors rapidly, owing to severe heatwave conditions in the country. Here's the full list of cancelled trains: In a conversation with ANI on April 29, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Director (Operations and BD), N Srinivas, spoke on the coal supply situation in India and said, "Whatever amount of coal is being imported and reaching Indian ports, we are moving it to priority sectors." Thiruvananthapuram: In dramatic scenes on Thursday, award-winning Malayalam director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan was arrested on a complaint from leading actress Manju Warrier that she was being threatened and stalked by him for a while. Sasidharan along with his relatives had come to a temple near his home town Parassala in the state capital district when three people dressed in plainclothes tried to forcibly take him into custody. Soon the director went live on Facebook alleging that his life was in danger as a few people were trying to "kidnap" him. He was seen shouting that he does not have faith in the system in the state and is presently living at his sister's home in Tamil Nadu, which borders Parassala. He was refusing to listen to the statement of the three people who had come to take him. But soon the local policemen arrived and news came from the Kochi City Police Commissioner that Sasidharan has been taken into custody based on the complaint by Warrier. Incidentally, it was on Wednesday that Warrier had raised the complaint, but the local Elamakara Police station officials at Kochi kept silent on who the culprit was and all that they divulged was that the complaint was against a person in the film industry. Sasidharan is now being taken to Kochi. He, in the past few days shared a few social media posts, claiming that the life of Warrier was in danger. He alleged her managers were the reason why she was in trouble. He also pointed out that she is in "custody" of some people. The 45-year-old Sasidharan began his film career in 2000 and the next year he made his first short film using crowdfunding. In 2014 he produced his first feature-length movie 'Oraalppokkam'. The film also won the award for the best Malayalam film in the International Film Festival of Kerala 2014 besides the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director in 2014. His film 'Kayyattam' in 2020 starred Warrier and was shot on an iPhone in the Himalayas and had also won acclaim. San Francisco/New Delhi: Apple has sued Santa Clara-based "stealth-mode" semiconductor startup Rivos and two former employees, Indian-origin Bhasi Kaithamana and Ricky Wen, for allegedly stealing trade secrets to build a chip lineup. In a lawsuit filed in California, the iPhone maker said that Rivos allegedly launched a "coordinated campaign" to attract Apple employees and encourage them to copy confidential documents before quitting. Apple employed Kaithamana for nearly 8 years, from September 2013 until August 2021. "During his tenure with Apple, Kaithamana was a CPU implementation engineer, responsible for managing CPU design for Apple's SoCs (system on chips)," the lawsuit said. Osmania University-graduate Kaithamana was responsible for, among other things, designing and developing proprietary and trade secret physical structures for carrying out critical functions in Apple's ARM-based SoCs. The lawsuit alleged that before leaving Apple in August 2021, Kaithamana copied a series of spreadsheets, presentations, and text files onto an external USB drive under the name "APPLE_WORK_DOCS". Wen also allegedly accessed files related to Apple trade secrets, including "files related to Apple's unreleased SoC designs, and then made a copy of his company-issued computer's hard drive just before leaving the company". "The sheer volume of information taken, the highly sensitive nature of that information, and the fact that these employees are now performing the same duties for a competitor with ongoing access to some of Apple's most valuable trade secrets, leave Apple with few alternatives," the lawsuit read. Rivos was founded in May 2021 to design a full stack computing solution based on custom-designed reduced instruction set computer-based SoCs that will compete with Apple's ARM SoCs. "Since June 2021, over 40 former Apple employees have joined Rivos. Rivos continues to target Apple engineers, with more departures occurring this month. A majority of these former Apple employees were design engineers, developing Apple's cutting-edge proprietary and trade secret SoC designs," said Apple in its lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Rivos encouraged employees to copy troves of work-related documents before leaving. "Rivos began a coordinated campaign to target Apple employees with access to Apple proprietary and trade secret information about Apple's SoC designs," the lawsuit claimed. Many of the employees who left Apple to join Rivos were "trusted by Apple with its most sensitive trade secret SoC designs and technology". "Many have taken Apple's proprietary and trade secret information with them," said the company, which is also asking for monetary damages. Lviv: Complaining that the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons," Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country, as the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war on Wednesday by proposing a ban on oil imports. Heavy fighting also raged at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol that represented the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the ruined southern port city, according to the mayor. But a Russian official denied Moscow's troops were storming the plant, as Ukrainian commanders claimed a day earlier. The Russian military said it used sea- and air-launched missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of "resorting to the missile terrorism tactics in order to spread fear across Ukraine." Air raid sirens sounded in cities across the country on Wednesday night, and attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. In Dnipro, authorities said a rail facility was hit. Videos on social media suggested a bridge there was attacked. There was no immediate word on casualties or the extent of the damage. The flurry of attacks comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany. The world is watching for whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use the occasion to declare a victory in Ukraine or expand what he calls the "special military operation." A declaration of all-out war would allow Putin to introduce martial law and mobilise reservists to make up for significant troop losses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculation as "nonsense." Meanwhile, Belarus, which Russia used as a staging ground for its invasion, announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons." A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon's assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around the western city of Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been "no appreciable impact" on Ukraine's effort to resupply its forces. Lviv, close to the Polish border, has been a major gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. Ukraine has urged the West to ramp up the supply of weapons ahead of that potentially decisive clash. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, which had been slow at first to help arm Ukraine, said his government is considering supplying howitzers, in addition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns and other equipment it has agreed to send. The governor of the eastern Donetsk region, which lies in the Donbas, said Russian attacks left 21 people dead on Tuesday, the highest number of known fatalities since April 8, when a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed at least 59. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the US have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions. The EU's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports, a crucial source of revenue. "We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposal needs unanimous approval from EU countries and is likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions. They could be granted an exemption. The EU is also talking about a possible embargo on Russian natural gas. The bloc has already approved a cutoff of coal imports. Russia's economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas exports. Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, said European purchases of Russian energy produce billions in revenue and support the Kremlin's "war machine." Von der Leyen also proposed that Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system. In Mariupol, Mayor Vadym Boychenko said that Russian forces were targeting the already shattered Azovstal plant with heavy artillery, tanks, aircraft, warships and "heavy bombs that pierce concrete 3 to 5 metres thick." Over the weekend, more than 100 people, including women, the elderly and 17 children, were evacuated from the plant during a cease-fire in an operation overseen by the U.N. And the Red Cross. But the attacks on the plant soon resumed. The Russian government said on the Telegram messaging app that it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous such assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. Dailymirror [Sri Lanka] by Andrew Fidel Fernando * 4 May 2022 On Sri Lankas streets, fuel queues and gas shortages are the conspicuous markers of the nations economic duress, but in the homes of many working people, parents have been cutting back on their childrens nutrition for months. Some children, including many under five, have been forced to skip meals entirely, putting their cognitive and physical development at serious risk. Every day is a battle. Hunger and heartbreak usually win. Doctors have begun to report that in some rural areas, pregnant women are not gaining weight as they usually would. Medicines have become prohibitively expensive. Transport is going the same way. And education - so often seen as working peoples only ladder into a higher social stratum - has been profoundly compromised as a result of all of the above plus a paper shortage and steeping costs of stationery. "Medicines have become prohibitively expensive. Transport is going the same way. And education - so often seen as working peoples only ladder into a higher social stratum - has been profoundly compromised as a result of all of the above plus a paper shortage and steeping costs of stationery" There is enormous suffering. But the suffering is largely cordoned off to the lower classes. In Colombos glitzy bars and restaurants, on the party rolls, deep into the morning, fueled by imported booze, the rowdy queues around the counter not the type in which several have died, or hundreds of thousands have withered in. In the car parks outside the clubs, Benz and SUVs gleam in the wetness of an early monsoon shower. These vehicles are worth what a housemaid or a construction worker might make in a lifetime. Sri Lankas monstrously inept government had allowed the crisis to deepen until a seventeenth tango with the IMF became viewed as the only possible way out, and so far, no real surprises as to who is being asked to take the initial hit. Sri Lankas new finance minister Ali Sabry, a Rajapaksa attendant hailing from the higher echelons, has indicated the country will roll back the tax cuts President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instituted in late 2019. This will raise government revenue substantially, so is being hailed as a step in the right direction. But such a move would also raise VAT from 8% to 15%, meaning that unless adjustments are made elsewhere in the tax system, necessities that are already out of reach for many will slip from the grasp of many more. The IMFs programme is expected to bring a slashing of government expense in the coming months. There will be pain in the short term, is the call from those who have long supported another trip to Washington. For now, what belts must tighten appear to be pressing more forcefully against hard flesh and bone, than against the bulging tums. As the previous (Yahapalanaya) governments tax policy is reinstated, there has been little acknowledgement of the economic pressures that had been felt by the lower classes on that governments watch. In fact, it had been the rising cost of living in the two previous years that had helped make Yahapalanaya so unpopular, the Rajapaksas felt a coup had become politically feasible by late 2018. The slashing of taxes Gotabaya Rajapaksa effected a year later helped precipitate the present crisis. But as economist Umesh Moramudali notes these tax cuts and exemptions were prompted largely by lobbying from corporates as well as professional groups. In failing to centre the needs of working people, successive governments have battered, then broken them. "Sri Lankas monstrously inept government had allowed the crisis to deepen until a seventeenth tango with the IMF became viewed as the only possible way out, and so far, no real surprises as to who is being asked to take the initial hit." Where to, now? The IMF programme will put in social safety nets eventually we are told, but so far, while people who have starved for months continue to see their household consumption plummet week-on-week, such mechanisms have not made it from the hypothetical ether into the real world. When taxes that would put the burden of government revenue on the rich - such as a wealth tax - are proposed, liberal economic groups claim that such a thing is unworkable because of capital flight (i.e. the moneyed will just move their wealth overseas), and evasion, among other reasons. Part of the argument here, is that the wealthy are too powerful to tax this way. No universe exists in which there is sufficient political will to make a wealth tax feasible. And while the more liberal of the economists ask what alternatives the left might provide to an IMF programme, there is little offered in the way of alternatives that would see the wealthy truly bear the cost of the crisis. Could the capital gains tax be bolstered? Can income tax become far more onerous at the top levels? Why has collection of even the taxes that exist in law been so poor for decades? These are questions it may be worth turning up the volume on. There is stark injustice written into almost every Sri Lankan story, but what is particularly galling about this moment is that it is the working and middle classes who have led the ongoing nationwide protests, and it increasingly appears as if it will be they who will be worst affected by the coming austerity. This is worth dwelling on. Working people have funnelled their economic pain into an unprecedented movement whose primary aims are political. There is far more contrition over having brought the Rajapaksas to power again among these people, than among those higher up who were beneficiaries of the madcap borrowing-and-spending cycles that helped bring the economy to its knees. And there is perhaps a national moment now, where Sinhalese ethno-nationalism is up for review, the influence of the Buddhist clergy is being questioned, and vital narratives about how Tamils and Muslims have been burned by the majority are gently beginning to emerge. While it is activists and progressives who have led these conversations, they have not, so far, fallen upon deaf ears. Even deep in the rural south these ideas have entered daily conversation, perhaps for the first time. "There is far more contrition over having brought the Rajapaksas to power again among these people, than among those higher up who were beneficiaries of the madcap borrowing-and-spending cycles that helped bring the economy to its knees" The one thing that might be said for Sri Lankas wealthiest classes, is that while they have historically been happy to lay in bed with racist governments so long as their economic aims align, they are ostensibly of the view that racism is no good. But of course there is little reflection as to how the stratified economic world which they have shaped creates precisely the kind of inequality that nationalist politicians prey on through patronage. Gifts of trishaws, government jobs, basic housing, and rice packets would work less well on a population for whom greater opportunities abound. The failure to deliver equality has long been entwined with failures of democracy, and the nation has plunged repeatedly into its appalling spirals. The IMF process has already begun. But how does Sri Lanka break its destructive cycles, both political and economic? If protecting the islands most vulnerable classes is not at the very heart of the coming economic project, if there is no serious sharing or redistributing of wealth and power, then what hope the peoples movements have inspired is likely to wither. And a population, already distressed, could be shoved further into a dark alley. In those corners, fascism has been known to lurk. * (Andrew Fidel Fernando is author of the award-winning Upon a Sleepless Isle, and a cricket writer for ESPNcricinfo) The Jackson County Sheriffs Office in a press release reported the arrest of Sneads resident Johnnie Lee Williams, 58, on multiple charges during a traffic stop on May 2, 2022. Officials said deputies stopped an individual at the intersection of Butler Road and Sand Ridge Church Road for a traffic violation. The alleged violation was not specified in the release. During the traffic stop, it was discovered that the subject, later identified as Johnnie Lee Williams, also had a warrant for his arrest in Georgia, the release continued. When deputies attempted to take the Williams into custody, he physically resisted and fled the scene in his vehicle. After a short pursuit, deputies lost sight of the vehicle. The JCSO located the suspects vehicle on Little Zion Road a couple hours later, it stated. The K-9 Tracking Unit was requested and deployed, and after five hours of searching for the suspect, Williams was located and taken into custody. Johnnie Lee Williams is charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, and is a Fugitive from Justice for a warrant in the state of Georgia, the release continued. Jackson County Sheriff Donnie Edenfield noted the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Service, the Sneads Police Department and the Decatur County, Georgia Sheriffs Office in apprehending Williams. Southeast Health congratulates Amith Skandhan, MD, internal medicine hospitalist, for recently receiving the Award of Excellence for Service in Hospital Medicine from the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM). Dr. Skandhan was honored with the award for his work and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the initial stages of the pandemic, he realized there was a tendency for institutional isolation. Larger institutions with more resources could create evidence-based medicine-directed protocols and policies backed by human and supply chain resources. Dr. Skandhan created and moderated a weekly check-in platform for the Alabama state hospital medicine-program directors forum through the Society of Hospital Medicines (SHM) Wiregrass chapter. Through this forum, the group tackled patient flow, supply chains, lab supplies, hospital personal protection equipment (PPE) development, autoclaving PPE, sharing care pathway, etc. This forum particularly helped smaller institutions with limited resources caring for a disadvantaged patient population. The panel was also able to bring the health policy committee of the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Department of Public Health involved in this forum and address pressing policy and procedural constraints like medication availability, PPE distribution, and alternate sites of care, among others. During the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and the following vaccine hesitancy, he led the creation of a grassroots healthcare advocate group for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Alabama through multidisciplinary discussion forums. Vaccination rates in Alabama were the lowest in the country at one point. He led a project that surveyed all the religious institutions in Alabama for common causes of vaccine hesitancy. This empathetic approach and data analysis helped the chapter leadership tailor a specific presentation addressing common issues in the community. The virtual-live event was attended by religious community leaders and the health Policy committee of the Alabama legislature and led to constructive, judgment-free discussions. This recorded video has been shared extensively across state lines. During a crisis, the community often turns to its spiritual leaders. Dr. Skandhan wanted to ensure they were up to date on truths and myths about the potentially deadly virus. This approach empowered grassroots community leaders with evidence-based data to have discussions in their communities. Additionally, in the pre-pandemic times, Dr. Skandhan organized a meeting with the Chair of Health Policy at the Alabama State Legislature through the SHM platform. The panel also included eight state legislators as they discussed the health challenges facing the residents of Alabama. Dr. Skandhan has been working with the department of Hospital Medicine at Southeast Health since 2011. Since then, he has taken numerous leadership roles at the hospital and with the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM). He has an upcoming appointment as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. He also serves as the director for Physician Integration for Southeast Health Statera Network, the health systems Accountable Care Organization (ACO), and the medical director/physician liaison for the Clinical Documentation Integration (CDI) program. Dr. Skandhan co-founded the Wiregrass Chapter of SHM in 2014, which covers southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Under his leadership, the Wiregrass Chapter has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Rising Star Chapter in 2014, the Outstanding Chapter Award in 2019, and the Outstanding Chapter of the Year in 2021. He was also awarded the Most Engaged Chapter Leader Award in 2020. Additionally, he was named a Top 10 hospitalist in the country by the American College of Physicians (ACP) for the year 2018. It is no longer necessary for Vietnam to request coronavirus test results from foreign entrants as it only causes more trouble at arrival, a medical expert said. As currently ruled, anyone entering Vietnam must be tested negative for the new coronavirus within 72 hours if the test is done via the PRC method and 24 hours if via rapid testing before departure. The rule is applied to all entrants arriving by air, sea, or road. Arguing that the regulation is no longer necessary, Nguyen Lan Hieu, director of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, said there are now very few countries still requesting a negative test from foreign arrivals as the pandemic has been put under control globally and very few countries are applying the zero-Covid policy. "Testing does not carry much value these days and only serves the purpose of referencing," he told VnExpress. The rule only causes more trouble for those that want to come to Vietnam. "It needs to be removed soon so that everything could actually get back to normal," he said. Vietnam announced to scrap the medical declaration requirement for all foreign entrants from April 27 and domestic medical declaration from April 30. Inside Vietnam, experts and officials have more than once suggested the Ministry of Health adjusts Covid-19 prevention protocols now that the disease is no longer as dangerous as before and a majority of Vietnamese people have been immunized. In August 2020, the ministry issued protocols in order to contain the Covid spread, warning people to wear a mask, disinfect their hands, keep a distance from each other, avoid crowds and complete health declarations. Given the complicated development of the pandemic, the protocols became a mandate and those who failed to follow them would be dealt with according to the law. Hong Kong: 321 COVID-19 cases recorded The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating 321 additional COVID-19 cases, of which 148 were detected by nucleic acid tests and 173 were identified via rapid antigen tests. Among the new cases, 17 are imported while the rest are locally infected. A total of 1,193,086 people have contracted the virus since the onset of the fifth wave of the epidemic, involving 9,120 deaths. Meanwhile, the Government made a restriction-testing declaration to cover Lung Lok House of Lower Wong Tai Sin (II) Estate, requiring people in the restricted area to undergo compulsory testing before the specified deadline. For information and health advice on COVID-19, visit the Government's dedicated webpage. This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. SNc Channels: Search About Salem-News.com May-05-2022 12:49 TweetFollow @OregonNews U.S. Supreme Court Poised to Reverse Roe v. Wade Thirteen states have trigger laws that would automatically ban abortions. (SAN FRANCISCO, CA.) - A leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion in the Mississippi case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, indicates that the Court is poised to reverse the 1973 landmark decision of Roe v. Wade. Dobbs would not ban abortions. Rather, individual states would decide whether and when abortions would be legal. States could continue to allow them and Congress could ban them. The draft is not the final decision which would probably not be released until this Summer. The expected reversal was foreshadowed when the Supreme Courts refused to enjoin the Texas anti-abortion law (Whole Womans Health v. Jackson). Actually a reversal was likely once conservatives Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett became Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. Thirteen states Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming have trigger laws that would automatically ban abortions in the first and second trimesters if the landmark case Roe v. Wade were overturned. Other states are expected to ban abortions in the wake of Dobbs. Women who want to terminate a pregnancy will have three choices: travel outside the state, manage their own abortion at home using FDA-approved pills or less-safe methods, or carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. I was born and spent my early years in Massachusetts when abortions there were illegal, birth control was prohibited, and unmarried mothers were stigmatized. I remember stories about pregnant women sent ostensibly to visit relatives but really went to New York where abortions were legal. Those without means oftentimes resorted to self-induced abortions by using a coat hanger or other object causing serious injury and even death. The coat hanger became a symbol of self abortions for those women who went to desperate lengths to terminate a pregnancy because they lacked access to an abortion. Anti-abortion laws disproportionately affect minority and low income women. Abortion rights are about equality; restrictions on abortion are the latest in a long history of treating women as second-class citizens. Reversing Roe v. Wade wont change the number of women who will seek abortions; it will just block their access to getting them safely. _________________________________________ United-states | Health | Women | Most Commented on Articles for May 5, 2022 | A segment of a road expected to be a part of the future 13C National Highway in Dong Nai Province. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan A total 44 hectares (108.7 acres) of forest may be lost if a national highway is built through a Dong Nai world biosphere reserve, according to the provincial transport department. The 13C National Highway, spanning 86 kilometers, including over 55 kilometers running through the southern Dong Nai Province, would have two segments pass through areas under Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve. If the highway is expanded into two to four lanes, around 44 hectares of forests in the region would have to be cut down to make room for construction, according to a report from the Dong Nai Department of Transport. Instead of letting the highway run through the forest, Dong Nai's transport authorities have requested to divert it at a provincial road intersection, building a bridge over that Dong Nai River and another one over the Be River. The new section, spanning 25 kilometers, will run through Dong Nai's neighbors Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc. While the additional segment would make the highway longer than originally planned, it would keep the world biosphere reserve intact and provide more opportunities for residential and industrial areas to flourish by the sides of the highway, the department said. Previously, Binh Phuoc Province proposed to build Ma Da Bridge and upgrade an existing provincial road into 13C National Highway for better connection in the region. But Dong Nai has proposed for a readjustment to the plan, fearing the construction would encroach on and impact its biosphere reserve. Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, spanning over 100,000 hectares, is part of the Truong Son ecosystem. It was named a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2011. Dong Nai has the largest forest coverage in southeast Vietnam at 169,000 hectares. The five-ton truck burst a tire on a section of the expressway in Long An's Tan An Town, causing it to scrape against street barriers, leading to the fire. Driver Nguyen Cong Sang saw fire on the side of the vehicle at around 12:30 p.m. as he delivered oil barrels from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. Sang stopped the truck and rushed out immediately. A few minutes later, the fire grew bigger as oil spilled onto the street, and it spread along 100 meters of the highway, resulting in heavy traffic jams on the route from HCMC to Long An. The fire damaged the roads surface, trees and the barrier system. The total cost to fix the damage is estimated at VND2 billion ($87,500), Nguyen Van Thanh, head of the Road Administration No.4 under the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, said Thursday. The repair work is expected to be completed this weekend, he added. The fire caused no death or injury, but burned down the entire truck. HCMC Trung Luong Expressway, the only high-speed road connecting the southern metropolis with the delta, has seen traffic increase by 30 percent and more than 200 accidents since toll collection stopped in January 2019. The 62-kilometer, four-lane expressway allows vehicles to travel at a maximum speed of 100 kph. HCMC boasts one of Asia's 100 best bars Bartenders of Stir Bar in HCMC prepare cocktails for guests. Photo courtesy of Stir Stir Bar in Ho Chi Minh City was the only Vietnamese representative to break into the 2022 Asia 100 best bar list compiled by industry experts. Located on Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1, Stir ranked 84th on the list compiled by William Reed Business Media, a leading magazine and digital media company headquartered in the U.K. The 2022 list is created from bar experiences across the voting period between June 2020 and January 2022, inclusive of those in voters' home city or country. Stir is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and has a small and cozy space suitable for couples, with prices from VND250,000 ($11) per person. The bar offers a wide range of classic cocktails prepared by famed mixologists who have received two prestigious awards: "World Class Vietnam 2019 Champion" and "World Cocktail Battle 2019 Champion." "Asia continues to prove itself as a region for impressive craft cocktails. Asian countries with an emerging craft cocktail scene to watch out for hotspots like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Nepal," said Mark Sansom, director of content for the rankings. This year, Coa in Hong Kong was named the best bar in Asia, followed by Singapore's Jigger & Pony and Hong Kong's Argo. Last year, Ne Cocktail & Wine Bar in Hanoi, Summer Experiment on Ly Tu Trong Street in HCMC's District 1 and Hybrid in the central beach town of Nha Trang made it into the list. HCMC, Vietnam's southern metropolis, reopened bars, karaoke parlors and dance clubs on Jan. 10 after a long time of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time in four years, the United States and Cuba held talks in Washington focusing on migration and the implementation of the U.S.-Cuba Migration Accords. Such meetings had been held semiannually, after the first in a series of bilateral agreements was signed in 1984. The meetings were discontinued after U.S. immigration operations at the embassy in Havana were curtailed following anomalous health incidents among some employees. On April 21, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Emily Mendrala led the U.S. interagency delegation, and Cubas Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio led the Cuban delegation. In a written statement, the State Department said, The U.S. delegation highlighted areas of successful cooperation on migration, while also identifying issues that have been obstacles to fulfilling the goals of the Accords. There has been a significant increase in the number of Cubans seeking entry into the United States in recent months via both maritime and land routes. Cubans depart their country for a range of reasons, but we know that the root causes of irregular migration include a lack of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, citizen security, and a lack of economic opportunity. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said that resuming migration talks between the United States and Cuba provided an opportunity for important discussions on mutual compliance with migration accords and the commitment of the United States and Cuba to safe, legal and orderly migration. Among the topics discussed were compliance with U.S. immigration law, migration via both land and sea, migration trends, repatriation of citizens, and embassy functions. The State Department said the discussion of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Havana included resumption of immigrant visa services on a limited basis starting in May, current American citizen services, and current issuance of emergency non-immigrant visas. Enabling safe, legal, and orderly migration between Cuba and the United States remains a mutual interest between the United States and Cuba, the State Department declared, and is consistent with U.S. interest in fostering family reunification and promoting greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. The United States is increasing pressure on Russia by expanding financial sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals who abuse human rights, as well as those who are attempting to facilitate the evasion of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and its partners. The State Department designated Khusein Merlovich Khutaev, Nurid Denilbekovich Salamov, and Dzhabrail Alkhazurovich Akhmatov, under Section 7031(c) for their involvement in gross violations of human rights perpetrated in the Russian Federations Republic of Chechnya against human rights defender Oyub Titiev. The State Department took steps to impose visa restrictions on 587 individuals under a policy that covers officials in the Russian Federation involved in suppressing dissent. The State Department announced additional action to place visa restrictions on 48 individuals who threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine. Ten of them are purported authorities of the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic or Luhansk Peoples Republic involved in human rights abuses in Russia-controlled areas of the Donbas since 2014. The State Department also took steps to place visa restrictions on 17 Belarusian nationals for undermining democracy in Belarus. These individuals harassed and intimidated strikers supporting the pro-democracy movement in Belarus and worked to expel students for participating in peaceful protests. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, designated a number of entities and individuals for attempting to evade or to facilitate evasion of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and its international partners. These include Russian commercial bank Transkapitalbank and a global network of more than 40 individuals and entities headed by U.S.-designated Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev. The primary mission of some of these organizations is to facilitate sanctions evasion for Russian entities. Also designated were 16 of Bank Otkrities board members, along with Bitriver AGa major cryptocurrency mining companyand several of its subsidiaries. Treasury can and will target those who evade, attempt to evade, or aid the evasion of U.S. sanctions against Russia, as they are helping support Putins brutal war of choice, said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. The United States will work to ensure that the sanctions we have imposed, in close coordination with our international partners, degrade the Kremlins ability to project power and fund its invasion. ELKO An Elko man sentenced 16 years ago for attempting to leave the scene of an accident that injured an Elko Police Department officer is scheduled to be paroled this month. William L. Kerr was 35 when he was arrested in August 2005 following a police chase during which he drove a minivan through town on the wrong side of the road and rammed a patrol car. Officers broke off the chase twice during the hour-long incident because of Kerrs erratic driving, then-police chief Clair Morris said. Morris said the minivan intentionally drove into oncoming traffic. Police Chase: Suspect rams patrol car; officers injured ELKO - Three Elko police officers were injured Thursday evening after a chase with an ex-felon who drove through the city on the wrong side of Its very fortunate he didnt kill someone last night, Morris told the Elko Daily Free Press. Once he almost hit pedestrians and other vehicles. At that point in time the officers had no choice but to get him off the street. The minivan slammed into the drivers side of a patrol car, injuring a police sergeant. Two other officers were injured as they attempted to arrest Kerr. All three were treated and released from the hospital. Kerr already had quite an extensive criminal background, Morris said at the time. Four months earlier, he was accused of shooting his way out of a clothing store in Elko. The owner of Guys and Gals called police about a shoplifter and slipped out of the building, locking Kerr inside, then-police chief Mike Smith said. When he found himself locked in, Kerr started breaking things and used a firearm to shoot the window to allow him to escape, Smith said. He was already a convicted felon at the time of that incident. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 5 ELKO A Wells man who has been arrested on drug charges four times in the past three years was arrested again early Thursday morning in downtown Elko on a charge of possessing methamphetamine for sale. Douglas R. Burkeybile, 61, was pulled over by police around 2:50 a.m. after driving away from a motel. Police said they recognized him from booking photos and knew he did not have a drivers license. According to an officers statement, they searched him and found a plastic lid with a brown and clear, wet substance on its face, which police said is known to be used for mixing illicit substances. A search of the vehicle also turned up several tadpoles of meth in the drivers side door compartment, each weighing 2.5 to 3 grams. Police said the quantity and packaging of the meth indicated an intent to sell, and that individuals will often sell illicit controlled substances at casinos during late hours of the night. Burkeybile was booked on one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of selling, transferring or attempting to sell a controlled substance. His bail was listed at $25,000. Two passengers were in the vehicle. One of them, Keikilani D. Joseph, 42, of Wells was also arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance. According to Elko County Jail records, Burkeybile was arrested July 7, 2019, in Carlin for trafficking a controlled substance; July 16, 2019, on Interstate 80 for felony possession of a controlled substance; August 26, 2019, at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital for possession with intent to sell a controlled substance; and April 7, 2022, on Lamoille Highway for felony possession of a controlled substance. The Nevada Department of Corrections lists a 2008 conviction for drug trafficking and a 2017 sentence in Elko County for felony possession. Burkeybile also received a prison sentence in 2010 for theft and 2011 for assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced twice in 2014 for being a habitual criminal but both cases were overturned. According to jail records, Joseph was also arrested Jan. 1 in Wells for felony possession of a controlled substance and failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Her bail on Thursdays charge was listed at $5,000. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 ELKO The search for a missing 19-year-old from California entered its second week Thursday in a remote part of southern Elko County. Aidan Clune of Sonoma County was driving on U.S. Highway 93 south of Wells when he left his pickup and walked into the hills, according to the Elko County Sheriffs Office. Searchers from several agencies have been following tracks by ground and air. They have followed Aidans tracks for over 10 air miles through the rough terrain, stated Undersheriff Justin Ames, but the actual ground they covered has probably been twice that distance. The footprints are becoming harder to find and officials have reduced the size of the team looking for him, but they plan to conduct another large search effort on Saturday, Ames said Thursday. Sheriff Aitor Narvaiza has been involved in the search on horseback, and dogs have been used as well. Also searching are members of the White Pine County Sheriffs Office, Nevada Fish and Game, BLM Rangers, Elko County Search and Rescue, Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, the Civil Air Patrol, and volunteer searchers. The sheriffs office has not specified the exact location of the search, but will do so after Saturdays effort if Clune has not been found by then. Wintry weather such as last weekends is expected to return at the beginning of next week. Clunes mother wants the public to know that her son has brown hair and brown eyes, is 5-foot 8-inches tall and weighs about 125 pounds. He was believed to be wearing a black North Face coat and black, high-top sneakers. Anyone who has seen Clune or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call Elko Central Dispatch at 775-777-7300 or the sheriffs office at 775-738-3421. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 7 Angry 0 A giant oil painting measuring 190x490cm describing Dien Bien Phu Campaign On this occasion, a giant oil painting measuring 190x490cm describing Dien Bien Phu Campaign and another with a measurement of 89x89cm featuring a portrait of General Vo Nguyen Giap that took four years to be completed (2017-2021) will be introduced to viewers, reported Saigon Online. The painter spent 10 years taking several trips to Dien Bien to meet and talk with war veterans and read many books and documents on nine years of the Anti-French Resistance War in the north. He then created hundreds of paintings and sketches for the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. The display reflects the 56 days and nights of the Dien Bien Phu campaign and highlights the Vietnamese military forces heroic struggle to destroy the entire group of fortresses of the French colonialists in the locality, and the frontline porters contributors to the battle. The Dien Bien Phu Campaign lasted from March to May 1954 under the command of General Vo Nguyen Giap. Vietnams victory on May 7, 1954 led to the signing of the 1954 Geneva Accords in which France agreed to withdraw its forces from its colonies in Indochina./. Shrimp processing for exports. (Photo: VNA) Exports were worth 17.9 billion USD, up 15.6 percent year-on-year, while imports totalled 13.9 billion USD, down 2.3 percent, reported VNA. Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of nearly 4 billion USD, 3.2 times higher than a year earlier, the ministry reported. Aquatic exports saw the highest growth during the period, surging 43.7 percent to reach 3.6 billion USD. Shipments of key agricultural and forestry products exceeded 7.4 billion USD and 5.9 billion USD, up 10.5 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, those of husbandry products plummeted 19 percent year-on-year to 105.4 million USD. Photo for illustratin (Source: qdnd.vn) Five export items with revenue exceeding 1 billion USD included coffee, rice, fruits and vegetables, shrimp and timber products. Notably, exports of coffee and shrimp stood at 1.7 billion USD and 1.3 billion USD, a year-on-year surge of 59.4 percent and 38.6 percent, respectively. Export value of tra fish went up 89.6 percent to 894 million USD. The US remained Vietnams largest importer with nearly 4.9 billion USD, accounting for 27.3 percent of the market share. Some 68.2 percent of Vietnams exports to the US were wood and timber products. China came second with over 3.2 billion USD, representing 18.1 percent of total shipments. Vingroup to issue international bonds in May According to VOV, Vietnams largest private economic conglomerate Vingroup is scheduled to issue international bonds worth US$525 million in the first phase in May 2022. VinFast, an affiliate of Vingroup, has announced an MoU on its factory construction| in North Carolina. (Photo: Vinfast) Each bond will have a face value of US$1 million and will have a five-year maturity, said Vingroup. Vingroup last year endorsed a decision to issue international bonds worth US$1.5 billion. Much of the sum will be used to expand VinFast, the group's vehicle division and Vietnams first fully-fledged automobile manufacturer. In early April, VinFast said that its Singapore-based parent company had filed an application for an initial public offering (IPO) with US securities regulators, after the company announced its plan to invested US$4 billion in an electric vehicle factory in North Carolina. VinFast, which started operations in 2019, is penetrating the US market, hoping to compete with automakers and startups by launching two electric SUVs and a battery-rental model to reduce unit prices. HCM City needs at least 59,600 workers in Q2 According to the Center of Forecasting Manpower Needs and Labor Market Information HCM City (Falmi), Ho Chi Minh City needs 59,600-65,500 workers in the second quarter of the year as the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control. Employees are at work at a factory in HCMC - Photo: Thanhnien.vn State-run firms in the city are facing a shortage of a mere 1.2% of the total needed employees, while non-State enterprises are badly in need of a staggering 89.6% of the total and foreign-invested companies expect to recruit an additional 9.2% of the total, reported Saigon Times. The city is in need of workers mainly in the fields of commerce-service, industry-construction, agro-forestry-fishery, mechanical electronics, food processing, information technology, finance-banking, logistics, lodging and catering, healthcare and education, Lao Dong Online reported. Meanwhile, the northern region is facing a serious labor shortage in the information technology (IT) sector. Ngo Thi Ngoc Lan, director of Navigos Search North, said that demand for IT workers has soared, while there is not enough experienced staff, making recruiting talent challenging. Echoing the view, Vu Quang Thanh, deputy director of the Hanoi Job Service Center, said that many tech firms are planning to expand their reach in 2022, so demand for tech workers is expected to be high. As the IT sector is less affected by the pandemic, hiring is on the rise. Many firms need to fill up to 10,000 positions of IT programmers, computer network experts, software engineers, IT system administrators and cloud engineers. Vietnam Cultural House inaugurated in Veneto (Italy) The Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association in the Veneto region, north Italy, has recently inaugurated the Vietnam Cultural House in Venice and handed over the project to Vietnamese students in Venice, reported VOV. Renato Darsie, president of the Italy - Vietnam Friendship Association in the Veneto region, granted the right to use the Vietnam Cultural House to a representative of Vietnamese students in Venice in the presence of Ambassador Duong Hai Hung. (Photo: VNA) Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Renato Darsie, president of the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association in Veneto, highlighted the significance of the project which, in addition to the teaching of Vietnamese at Ca' Foscari University, helps contribute to promoting cooperation and cultural exchange between Italy and Vietnam. Renato expressed his hope that through the Vietnam Cultural House in Venice, cultural exchanges and cooperation between Vietnam and Italy, or with the Veneto region, would be furthered in the near future. Taking the floor, Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung thanked the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association in Veneto for their efforts to set up such an important facility for Vietnamese people, especially students, in the locality. The opening of the Vietnam Cultural House in Venice is an important event in the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Italy, contributing to enhancing cultural understanding between the two countries and building a bridge for the future of bilateral relations, he noted. The Ambassador said he hopes that Vietnamese students will organize cultural events about Vietnam in the coming time to introduce to Italian friends, and at the same time to encourage young Vietnamese people to come and study in Italy. Currently, approximately 50 Vietnamese students are following different training courses in Venice./. Phoenix TV: According to reports, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said at the parliament of the country on April 29 that the security agreement with China was needed because an agreement with Australia was inadequateadding his country knew the cost of war and would not be part of any militarization of the Pacific. He also criticized Australias signing up to the AUKUS defence alliance with the US and the UK without consulting Pacific Island countries. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavares words are very true. His statement has reflected the shared voice of Pacific Island countries. It also proves that the US and Australias accusation against China is purely double-standard. What China and Solomon Islands conduct is normal security cooperation. It is intrinsically different from the practice of certain countries that creates regional tensions by forming small cliques for underhand maneuvers, and patching up military blocs to incite arms race, escalate nuclear proliferation risks and provoke bloc confrontation. The US should save the time of passing judgement on and willfully interfering in normal cooperation between other countries for earnestly fulfilling its commitment to remove unexploded World War Two ordnance and doing more concrete things for the people of Solomon Islands. Reuters: The US Securities and Exchange Commission added many Chinese firms to its list of firms facing potential expulsion from US exchanges. Whats the Chinese governments comment? Zhao Lijian: We have taken note of the situation. Chinese securities regulatory authorities have communicated with US regulatory authorities over this. To my knowledge, it is a step in enforcing domestic law for US regulatory authorities to add certain Chinese companies to the relevant list. It doesnt mean these companies will inevitably be delisted. Whether they will be delisted in the US depends on the progress and outcomes of cooperation between Chinese and US auditing and regulatory authorities. China is committed to resolving auditing and regulatory issues concerning US-listed China Concept Stock companies through equal-footed cooperation, which is in line with the interests of Chinese and US capital markets and global investors. Both Chinese and US regulatory authorities have recently said to the press that they are maintaining close communication over auditing and regulatory cooperation and are working for progress in this area. We look forward to seeing cooperative arrangement reached by the two sides that conforms to regulatory requirements and legal provisions in both countries. Yonhap News Agency: First, the DPRK reportedly launched a ballistic missile to the eastern waters of the Korean Peninsula yesterday. What is Chinas comment? Second, the inauguration ceremony of the newly-elected president of the ROK will be held on May 10. Will Chinese officials attend? Who will it be? Zhao Lijian: As to your first question, China has noted relevant reports and the fact that the DPRK has yet to release any information about it. Maintaining peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and promoting the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue meets the common interests of all parties in the region. We hope relevant parties will work in the same direction, conduct meaningful dialogue as soon as possible, and explore balanced and effective ways to resolve all parties concerns. As to your second question, the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol is a major event of our friendly neighbor the ROK. China and the ROK are maintaining communication over the attendance of a high-level representative at the inauguration ceremony of President Yoon Suk-yeol in the ROK. We will release information in due course. Please stay tuned. Associated Press of Pakistan: After Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, President of Pakistan, Speaker of the National Assembly, Foreign Minister and other top politicians visited the Chinese embassy in Islamabad and offered condolences over the death of Chinese teachers in a suicide blast in Karachi. Do you have any response? Zhao Lijian: After the terrorist attack at the Confucius Institute in Karachi University, Pakistani President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Speaker of the National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Justice Movement) Chairman Imran Khan, members of the National Assembly and the Senate, and other senior government officials and political party leaders went to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to convey condolences. Pakistani people from all sectors also condemned the terrorist attack and mourned for the victims. This further demonstrates that the China-Pakistan all-weather friendship is deeply rooted in the heart of the people and is the consensus of the ruling party as well as the opposition. It also shows that the plot of terrorist forces to undermine the two countries mutual trust and cooperation will not succeed. The Chinese side will work with the Pakistani side to conduct a thorough investigation, reveal the truth, bring the perpetrators to justice, and give an explanation to the people of both countries. China attaches importance to Pakistans commitment to comprehensively strengthening security measures for Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan and stands ready to work together with the Pakistani side to ensure safe and smooth progress in bilateral cooperation and prevent similar incidents from recurring. Anadolu Agency: I want to ask you about Michele Bachelets planned visit to Xinjiang. Is the date determined? How is the preparation work by the UN delegation going? Do you have any updates? Zhao Lijian: China welcomes the visit to China, including Xinjiang, by High Commissioner Ms. Bachelet in May. The two sides are having consultations over the specific arrangements. The preparatory team of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights arrived in China on April 25 to prepare for the visit. They entered through Guangzhou and went into quarantine according to relevant COVID-19 prevention protocols. AFP: A question on the tariffs that the US is imposing on Chinese imports. These tariffs are due to expire in July. What are Chinas expectations in this regard? Zhao Lijian: We have taken note of relevant reports. I would like to point you to our competent department for the specifics you asked about. I need to stress that China-US economic and trade cooperation is mutually-beneficial in nature. There is no winner in a trade war or tariff war. Tariffs imposed unilaterally by the US are not in the interests of China, the US or the whole world. Shenzhen TV: The International Monetary Fund recently revised down global growth forecast for 2022 to 3.6 percent. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: Amid geopolitical turbulence and ongoing COVID-19, the world economy is in a grave situation and the livelihood of people and the socioeconomic performance of all countries have been seriously impacted. Economic recovery has understandably become the shared aspiration of people in all countries. In response to uncertainties and instability, Chinas economy is contributing positive energy to world economy, and its role as a refuge island, safe haven and stabilizer has become more prominent. The first-quarter statistics show that the Chinese economys momentum of recovery and development has continued, and foreign trade and investment has sustained sound growth, showing strong resilience and vitality. We stand ready to work with all parties to make continuous positive contributions to stabilizing global industrial and supply chains, promoting world economic recovery and boosting global confidence in development. I also want to stress that the recovery of world economy calls for joint efforts of the international community. Regrettably, we have seen that in the face of languishing and vulnerable world economy, a handful of countries, including the US, are preoccupied with their self-interests and have kept increasing unilateral sanctions. Facts have proven that sanctions cannot guarantee peace but only make world economy worse. Its the people that have to bear the consequences of those sanctions. As the biggest economy in the world, the US should care more about the right of people around the globe to subsistence and development and do more that is conducive to global economic recovery and global supply chain stability. China News Service: During the consultations between the US and the UK on the Indo-Pacific in early March, the two countries had talks on how they can cooperate to reduce the chances of war over Taiwan and to explore conflict contingency plans for the first time. What is Chinas comment? Zhao Lijian: There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. This is a historical and legal fact, and a consensus of the international community. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas internal affair, which brooks no interference by any foreign country. The root cause of the new round of tensions across the Taiwan Strait lies in the Taiwan authorities attempt to solicit the US support for Taiwan independence and some US individuals intention to contain China with the Taiwan question. For some time, the US has been playing the Taiwan card more often and hyping up Taiwan-related issues with certain countries in an effort to make the Taiwan question an international issue. Their relevant actions endanger the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and represent a step further down a very dangerous road. The US and relevant countries should stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, abide by the one-China principle, and handle Taiwan-related issues prudently. Phoenix TV: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin called China a pacing challenge and Russia an acute threat at a Senate hearing on May 3. Chair of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said that We are now facing two global powers, China and Russia, each with significant military capabilities, both who intend to fundamentally change the current rules-based order, and the potential for significant international conflict is increasing. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: US senior officials have spouted off pacing challenge from China at every turn and wantonly accused China of attempting to change the rules-based international order. But what they are worried about is that the US hegemonic order is affected, and that the rules of the gang set up and packaged by the US as international rules to contain and suppress other countries are challenged and rejected. China has always been an advocate of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. China has always pursued a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and a military strategy of active defense. Chinas military development is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and does not target any other country. The growth of Chinas military power is nothing less than the growth of the worlds forces for peace. In contrast, the US military expenditure ranks first in the world, accounting for about 1/4 of the worlds total and equivalent to the combined military spending of the next nine countries behind it. The US recently proposed a Fiscal Year 2023 national defense budget request of $813 billion. What is the US up to with its massive military spending? An obsession with might makes right and the law of the jungle will not make America stronger, nor will it make America safer. What the US should do is to abandon the Cold War mentality and hegemony and view the development of Chinas national defense force in an objective and rational way. It should stop hyping up the China threat theory and using China as an excuse for its military expenditure increase and military expansion. Bloomberg: The US is considering imposing new sanctions on Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. for violations of human rights. This would be potentially the harshest measures so far against a Chinese company. The sanctions are related to alleged human-rights violations by China against Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Zhao Lijian: We express grave concern over relevant reports and are closely monitoring relevant developments. Hikvision has already made a response. It needs to be stressed that China firmly opposes the US using human rights and other excuses and abusing state power and domestic law to wantonly suppress Chinese companies. On the US allegation that China violates the human rights of Muslims in Xinjiang, as the Chinese side has repeatedly stated, it is the lie of the century concocted to smear and malign China. The US should take Chinas concern seriously and stop the bullying practice of using all sorts of pretexts to sanction and suppress Chinese companies and harm China's interests. The Chinese government will resolutely defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Reuters: The US Secretary of State has postponed his announcement of the US China strategy after he contracted COVID-19. Whats the Chinese governments comment? Zhao Lijian: We have noted the relevant reports. We wish Secretary Blinken a speedy recovery. We have no comment on a speech that has not yet been delivered. I want to stress that sound and steady relations between China and the US, permanent members of the UN Security Council and the worlds largest economies, serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and meet the shared expectation of the international community. History and reality show that China and the US both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with President Biden. The two sides agree that China and the US should respect each other, co-exist in peace and avoid confrontation. President Biden reiterated that the US does not seek a new Cold War with China; that it does not aim to change Chinas system; that the revitalization of its alliances is not targeted at China; that it does not support Taiwan independence; and that it has no intention to seek a conflict with China. The China-US relationship is now at a critical crossroads. We hope the US side will act on President Bidens positive remarks and abandon the obsolete Cold War mentality and zero-sum game. The US should work with China to earnestly implement the common understanding reached by the two leaders to enhance communication, manage differences and focus on cooperation, so as to bring the bilateral relations back to the track of sound and steady development at an early date. Reuters: Just now you said China is an advocate of world peace. Whats China been doing recently in terms of talking to Russia about the idea of stopping its war in Ukraine? And also have there been any more high-level talks between China and Ukraine? Zhao Lijian: Chinas position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. You may have noted the recent interviews the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers had with Xinhua News Agency, which are readily available. Both Russia and Ukraine appreciate Chinas impartial and objective position on the Ukraine issue. China will continue to play a constructive role on this issue. We hope to see an early end to the conflict. It is also our hope that relevant parties will stop adding fuel to the flame. Parties to the conflict should sit down and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation. CCTV: We noticed that the US has proclaimed May 5, 2022 as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. It stated that for far too long, justice for Indigenous communities has been elusive; we must never forget the thousands of unsolved cases; and all levels of government should support efforts to increase awareness of the issue of missing or murdered Indigenous persons through appropriate programs and activities. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: I have noted the relevant reports. The population of Native Americans, who used to be the main inhabitants of North America, decreased sharply as they were slaughtered and expelled. Today it only accounts for two percent of the US population. The US government grabbed about six million square kilometers of land from Native Americans, which is around two thirds of the nations whole land area. It is no exaggeration that the US was founded upon the tragic suffering and accusation of blood and tears of the Indigenous groups. This is the US original sin. Even today, the Indigenous communities nightmare continues. The risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 is roughly three times higher among Native Americans compared with whites, while the risk of death is approximately double. They suffer from lack of access to clean running water, healthy food, basic public utilities, as well as systemic underfunding of relevant medical services. These historical debts and present difficulties need to be taken seriously and addressed. An awareness day is hardly enough. Still less should it be exploited for political show. The US styles itself as an open and free nation of immigrants. Actually, racial discrimination is a deep-seated illness it has never properly cured or even treated in earnest. It is a country of rampant white supremacy, with a chasm between ethnic minorities and whites. For the former, basic human rights is a luxury very often beyond their reach. According to the Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households in 2020, African Americans rank much lower than white Americans in such social and economic aspects as education, employment and income. In terms of imprisonment, black female Americans are twice likely to be imprisoned than white female Americans and black male Americans are six times more likely to be imprisoned than white male Americans. Minorities such as the Asian community and Muslims are often discriminated against or violated. From March 2020 to September 2021, a total of 10,370 hate incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islander persons were reported to Stop AAPI Hate. The Council on American-Islamic Relations received 6,720 complaints nationwide last year involving discrimination against Muslims in a wide range of areas including immigration, employment and law enforcement. It seems that the country of immigrants proclaimed by the US is in fact a country of white immigrants. The US should discard its arrogance and prejudice, deeply reflect upon its historical debts, take concrete steps rather than make publicity stunts to win the trust of ethnic minorities, including the Indigenous people, and the international community. China Daily: According to US media reports, a US cybersecurity institution said that Chinese government-linked hackers have tried to steal sensitive data from some three dozen manufacturing and technology firms in the US, Europe and Asia. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: The US, while groundlessly accusing China on cyber security issues, has launched mass surveillance and cyber theft with world-leading cyber technologies. A few days ago, an annual transparency report released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence shows that the FBI conducted up to 3.4 million warrantless searches of Americans electronic data last year. In addition to violating the privacy of American citizens, the US also conducts mass wiretapping and cyber theft against other countries, including its allies and partners. Recently, a Chinese cybersecurity company released a series of reports revealing that the US government conducts malicious cyber activities against many countries around the world, including China. The US has not made any explanation for this. One cannot whitewash himself by smearing others. Facts have long proven that no country has a better claim to the titles of hacking state, surveillance state and cyber theft state than the US. The US should deeply reflect upon itself, stop cyber theft targeting China and other countries and discrediting others on cyber security, and be a truly responsible actor in cyberspace. Relevant institutions should also show professionalism and avoid becoming accomplices of the US to fabricate disinformation and discredit other countries for political purposes. Beijing Daily: A webpage of the US Department of State wrote recently that Chinese government officials and media amplify Kremlins propaganda, conspiracy theories, and disinformation about Ukraine. What is your comment? Zhao Lijian: I noted that the Chinese Embassy in the US has responded to this. Accusing China of helping Russia spread disinformation is in itself textbook disinformation. The article made up by the US once again proves that the US deserves to be the top creator of lies. China has always been a victim of the US disinformation campaign. From the labels of so-called genocide and the Wuhan virus, to the allegations of cyber attacks and overseas military bases, the US has thrown dirty water on China for too many times. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the US has waged disinformation offense against China non-stop. You may still remember that a senior official from the White House National Security Council fed media the so-called information that China had prior knowledge of Russias special military operation. Then another senior official, on condition of anonymity, alleged that Russia requested assistance including weapons and equipment from China. These so-called revelations, though with verbally graphic accounts, have all been debunked by facts. Just days ago, the Xinhua News Agency released an article titled Falsehoods Spread by the US on the Ukraine Issue: A Reality Check in both Chinese and English, which clarified the truth with solid facts and substantial data item by item. I recommend this article to all of you. Anyone that has read it will get the answer to who is fabricating lies to smear others, distort facts and mislead the public. To conclude, I want to stress that as the culprit of and the biggest force behind the Ukraine crisis, the US government should face up to and reflect on its due responsibility for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and work with the international community for the political settlement of the crisis as soon as possible. Reuters: Just now you said China hopes to see the end of the conflict as soon as possible. Does China hope that it means Russia returning Ukraines sovereign territory that it had before the war started to it? Zhao Lijian: The Chinese side has elaborated on its position on the Ukraine issue on many occasions. We believe that all countries sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected and all sides legitimate security concerns should be respected and addressed. The volume of foreign currency sales by Ukraine's population exceeded the volume of its purchase by $237.8 million in April, which is lower than the March figure of $357.4 million, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reported. According to the data on its website, net sales are still formed due to non-cash currency in the conditions of the almost complete ban on its purchase by the population introduced by the National Bank since the beginning of the war: in April, the volume of currency sales decreased to $252.6 million from $375.3 million in March, while purchase volumes are up to $8.6 million from $18.6 million. In the cash market, the volume of transactions even decreased, despite the NBU permission to banks from mid-April to sell foreign currency in volumes not exceeding its purchase. If in March banks sold $72 million to the population, then in April $62.7 million. The volume of purchases of foreign currency from the population on the official market also decreased in April to $68.8 million from $71.3 million a month earlier. At the same time, in general, bank customers bought more non-cash currency in April than they sold: the net purchase amounted to $419 million compared to $165.1 million in March. In general, since the beginning of this year, the population has sold foreign currencies by $28.2 million more than they bought, while bank customers, on the contrary, bought it by $2.84 billion more than they sold. According to the NBU data, turnover in the official cash foreign exchange market in March-April fell by more than 20 times compared to February, and by more than 30 times compared to December. The volume of sales of non-cash currency decreased by an average of half compared to pre-war levels, while the volume of purchases fell by almost two orders of magnitude. Suppliers to not be able to comply with new PSO in gas market profile association The Regulation on Public Service Obligation (PSO) in the natural gas market, which came into force on May 1, 2022, poses significant threats to the market and consumers, since most suppliers will not be able to renegotiate contracts with NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy in accordance with its terms, the Energy Suppliers Association believes. "The PSO Regulation establishes rules that are unprecedented in their negative impact unenforceable for suppliers, in particular in the context of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, as well as openly directed in favor of one beneficiary Naftogaz Group," the Association's letter to the President's Office, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Energy and NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, to which it refers in a message on the website on Wednesday, says. According to members of the Association, suppliers will not be able to fulfill, in particular, the requirement to provide a bank guarantee to conclude an agreement with Naftogaz. They explain this by the lack of free working capital due to the low margin stipulated by the current contracts with Naftogaz Trading LLC, as well as by the drop in the level of payment of the population for the consumed gas during the war to 55%. "In order to provide a bank guarantee, suppliers need to attract loans, which are currently impossible to obtain from banks," the Association notes. In addition, again due to the fall in settlements, suppliers will not be able to comply with the requirement of the provision to limit the amount of supplier arrears for used gas, which should not exceed 10% of the cost of gas supplied in March. In addition, the Association is convinced that the completion of the new PSO on September 30, that is, before the start of the heating period, creates risks for its stable passage. "There is an objective threat that after the PSO completion, the price of gas will rise and suppliers will not be able to supply consumers with gas at the price included in the base annual tariff," the Association says. Its participants called the approach to the development of a new PSO unbalanced, since, in their opinion, gas suppliers in the problem of non-payments bear all the economic and legal risks of the new mechanism, while other market participants will be completely "insured" against such debts. Civilian casualties from February 24, when Russia started the war against Ukraine, to 00:00 on May 3, amounted to 6,635 civilians (6,546 in the report a day earlier), including 3,238 killed (3,193), the Office of the High Commissioner United Nations Human Rights Organization (OHCHR) has said on Wednesday. "OHCHR believes that the actual figures are considerably higher, as the receipt of information from some locations where intense hostilities have been going on has been delayed and many reports are still pending corroboration," the UN said in the document. According to it, this concerns, for example, Mariupol (Donetsk region), Izium (Kharkiv region), and Popasna (Luhansk region), where there are allegations of numerous civilian casualties. "Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes," the UN said. According to confirmed UN data, some 1,162 men, some 738 women, 84 boys and 71 girls killed, while the gender of 72 children and 1,111 adults has not yet been determined. Among the 3,397 wounded were 82 boys and 71 girls, as well as 169 children whose gender has not yet been determined. Compared to the report the day before, one child was wounded. OHCHR said that in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as of midnight on May 4, there were 1,599 (1,562) killed and 1,260 (1,236) wounded in government-controlled territory, and 101 (101) killed and 392 (389) wounded in territory controlled by self-proclaimed "republics." In other regions of Ukraine under government control (in Kyiv, as well as in Zhytomyr, Zaporizhia, Kyiv, Sumy, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy and Chernihiv regions), the UN recorded 1,538 (1,530) killed and 1,745 (1,728) wounded. The daily summary has traditionally stated that the increase in numbers from the previous summary should not be attributed only to the May 3 cases, since during this period the office verified a number of cases from previous days. Occupiers shell residential areas, center of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region at night, at least six people wounded - town mayor On the night of Thursday, May 5, Russian occupiers shelled residential neighborhoods and the center of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region; multi-story buildings, a school and a kindergarten were damaged, with at least six wounded, according to city mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko. "Another rocket attack on Kramatorsk. Sneakily, at night, on residential areas and the central part of the town. At least three five-story buildings, a school, a kindergarten were seriously damaged. Preliminarily six people were wounded," he wrote on Facebook on Thursday morning, adding that information about casualties and destruction is being clarified. Some 25 civilians wounded as result of Russian missile strike on Kramatorsk At least 25 wounded civilians is a consequence of an aircraft missile strike inflicted on Thursday night by Russians in Kramatorsk, head of the Donetsk regional military administration Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote in a telegram channel. "A total of six of the wounded need medical care in the hospital," he said. According to the head of the regional military administration, rockets damaged nine residential buildings, a school and numerous objects of civil infrastructure. President of the European Council Charles Michel is currently not ready to name a specific date for the consideration of Ukraine's application for EU membership on the agenda for EU leaders and intends to do this when "this is the best moment." In an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine, Michel explained that after the European Commission hands over its opinion in June, the issue will be further considered in the European Council. "In Council it will be my responsibility in my capacity to assess when we will be ready to put a topic on the agenda of the European Council I'll consult with all actors in order to assess when this is the best moment when we will be prepared to hold this debate at the level of the European Council... is it a June or is it later I'm not able to define answer today," he said. At the same time, the President of the European Council recalled that Ukraine's application is already going through all the necessary procedures at an accelerated pace. "In fact, we took a quick decision, in a few days after the application by Ukraine we decided immediately to task the European Commission to issue the opinion. Usually it takes 8-9 month. De-facto, here we took a decision in a few days and give a mandate to prepare the opinion," Michel said. Asked whether it is possible that Ukraine will be granted membership before all the necessary reforms have been carried out, he said that "this is very clear that this is a process which based on reforms because the question about membership is related to the common approach on fundamental elements the rule of law, the independence of justice, the fight against corruption, the single market, the economic reforms." The proposal of the European Commission regarding the sixth package of sanctions with an oil embargo on Russia because of the war it unleashed against Ukraine will be supported by all member states of the European Union, European Council President Charles Michel has said with confidence. "I can assure you that I'm working very hard with my team and with my colleagues in order to make sure that we will be able in very short term to take united position on the proposal putted on the table by the Commission," he said in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine. Michel recalled that "systematically in the past there were some concerns that we would not be able to be united." "We were systematically able to adopt united position. And, of course, it required some negotiations, talks, decision. We need the support of the 27 governments. A few weeks ago I said publicly in the European Parliament that sooner or later oil and gas would be part of the sanctions. This is an important step This is Commission which makes a proposal but these are the governments, this is Council which takes a decision," the President of the European Council said. Vereschuk: Some 344 evacuees, incl those from Mariupol, arrive in Zaporizhia Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Iryna Vereschuk said that the 344 people evacuated, including those from Mariupol, had already arrived in Zaporizhia. "Today, 344 people have been evacuated as part of the Mariupol humanitarian corridor. These are women, children and elderly people from Mariupol, Mangush, Berdyansk, Tokmak and Vasylivka. All of them have just arrived in Zaporizhia. Another our little victory," Vereschuk wrote on Telegram on Wednesday. She thanked the staff of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. "Thanks to the staff of the humanitarian convoy: drivers and employees of the State Emergency Service. The Mariupol humanitarian operation continues," she said. Zelensky congratulates Bennett on Independence Day of Israel, informs about situation in Mariupol President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett on Independence Day, the parties discussed the situation in Mariupol. "Negotiated with Prime Minister of Israel Naftali Bennett. Congratulated him and the people of Israel on Independence Day. Informed about the rebuff to the aggressor, about the critical situation in Mariupol," Zelensky wrote in a telegram channel on Thursday night. Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft rolls out from the company's Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 4, 2022. The spacecraft will make the trip to the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station where it will be secured atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for Boeing's second Orbital Flight Test (OFT-2) to the International Space Station for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-20220504-PH-GEB01_0020 larger image Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Zelenskys address to Danish people: How people will live on our continent is being decided in Ukraine right now Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the people of Denmark on the anniversary of its liberation from the Nazis, said that today in Ukraine it is being decided how people will live on our continent. "Today you celebrate the anniversary of the day that was a dream. It has long been a dream of freedom and peace. This dream has become a reality. Five years. It was on this day that the five long years of Nazi occupation of your country came to an end. They lost. And freedom won. Life won. Denmark and the whole world then celebrated and hoped that such a brutal war would be the last and that no one would want to destroy peace anymore," Zelensky said. However, as the head of state stressed, war has come again. "But the war came again. It is here and now. It is in Ukraine. And it is not going to stop on our land. And it has already become as brutal as that war, the victory in which we all remember every year in May," he said. "The Russian state is not yet ready to stop the war. They still dream of capturing Ukraine and other European countries. They still dream that freedom in Europe must disappear. But their dreams must not come true. The dream of peace must come true. Our and your dream. Just like it was 77 years ago. Right now in Ukraine it is being decided how people will live on our continent. Whether there will be peace. Not only for us, but also for our neighbors, for you and us, " the president noted. According to him, no one knows yet how long the war unleashed by Russia will last. "But I believe that our Liberation Day is approaching," Zelensky said. He also thanked the Danes for weapons, sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine's accession to the EU. Foreign Ministry: We hope that Hungary to contribute to unity in EU, including in terms of introducing embargo on oil from Russia, providing Ukraine with military assistance The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine hopes that Hungary will contribute to unity in the EU, including in terms of introducing the embargo in relation to the oil of the Russian Federation and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine, speaker of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko said. "We hope that Hungary will contribute to unity in the EU, including in terms of introduction of embargo on Russian oil and the provision of military assistance to Ukraine," Nikolenko told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday. He noted that Russia struck with missiles Zakarpattia - the Ukrainian region, bordering Hungary and on the territory of which the large Hungarian community of Ukraine lives. According to the speaker, this is another evidence that the war concerns not only Ukraine, but also Hungary, no matter how much Budapest tried to ignore this fact. "Missile shelling leaves no doubt: Russian evil can only be overcome by joint efforts. It is not worth hoping that political concessions will quench the aggressive appetites of Russia. Putin does not distinguish nationalities when he orders his troops to destroy people. There are no partners or allies for him. He will definitely cause an insidious blow. This is only a matter of time and circumstances," he said. Nikolenko recalled that Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has already noted that without peace and security in Ukraine there would be no peace and security in Hungary. "With a blow to Zakarpattia Putin brought the war closer to the Hungarian border. We in no way want the Hungarian people to experience those horrors that Ukrainians go through now. At the same time, Europe does not exist in vacuum. Each European country should make efforts to establish peace. Providing assistance in stopping Russia in Ukraine, Hungary will strengthen first of all its own security," he said. Earlier, the Secretary of State of the Foreign Ministry of Hungary Tomasz Mentzer said that a missile blow to the Volovets station in Ukraine indicates that in Hungary they made the right decision when they have decided not to send weapons to war. Seven civilians were injured as a result of shelling by Russian invaders of the territory of the Holy Assumption Sviatohirsk Lavra in the city of Sviatohirsk, Kramatorsk district, Donetsk region on Thursday, the information policy department of Donetsk regional prosecutor's office reports. "On May 4, 2022, the Russian armed forces launched an airstrike on the city of Sviatohirsk, Kramatorsk district. Once again, the Holy Assumption Svyatohirsk Lavra, which for many centuries was a haven for peaceful Christians and now sheltered refugees from the Russian armed invasion, fell under the occupiers' sight. As a result of the shelling of the territory of Lavra, the dormitory building was damaged. According to preliminary data, seven civilians were injured," the report says. Currently, police investigators and employees of the State Emergency Service are working at the scene. Full information about the affected and damaged infrastructure is being established. Under the procedural guidance of the Sloviansk District Prosecutor's Office, a pretrial investigation is carried out in criminal proceedings on the fact of violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). President of the Bundestag Barbel Bas wants to visit Kyiv, Der Spiegel reports. "She wishes to travel to Ukraine at the invitation of her colleague Ruslan Stefanchuk to honor all victims of World War II and hold political talks with him, a Deutschen Presse-Agentur spokeswoman said Thursday. As speaker of the Bundestag, the SPD politician holds the second most important position in Germany after the federal president," Der Spiegel reported Thursday. A high-level international donor conference is being held in Warsaw to raise funds for Ukraine, which needs help because of the war unleashed against it by Russia. The conference was initiated by Poland and Sweden with the support of the European Union. It is attended by Prime Ministers of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Sweden Magdalena Andersson and Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Presidents of the European Council Charles Michel, European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Deputy Secretary General of the UN Martin Griffitz. Opening the event, Morawiecki said: "I am glad that we are united. This is one of the key messages which we want to convey to the external world Your presence here shows that we are not indifferent to suffering caused by this brutal, unjust and genocidal war, and that we will do everything in our power to stop Russia and to ensure Ukrainian victory." The Polish Prime Minister said that the international community continues to provide political, military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The situation continues to deteriorate. Russian attacks on civilians, killings, rapes, torture, refusal to create safe humanitarian corridors and forced deportation further worsen the situation, he said. Morawiecki said that Ukraine needs more than 12,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid every day, while now the country receives only about 3,000 tonnes through international efforts, which is less than 25% of what is needed. "More funds for food, medicine, hygiene items and other equipment are urgently needed. I hope that today's conference will allow us to mobilize those funds," he said, expressing expectations. In conclusion, the Polish prime minister said: "Dear Ukrainian sisters and brothers, dear President Zelensky, dear Prime Minister Shmyhal, dear Denys. We are know very well that today you are fighting not only for your homeland, independence and freedom, but also for ours. We will continue to support you in every possible way. You will win this war, we will win together. Together we will demonstrate that European values are not empty words, but they are backed with action." Sweden will provide an additional $23 million to support humanitarian organizations in Ukraine, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has announced. "Today, at this session, we will focus on urgent need to mobilize funding for humanitarian response in Ukraine... Sweden today will provide an additional $23 million to support humanitarian actors in Ukraine," she said at the High Level International Donor Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. Andersson said that Ukraine is in dire need of humanitarian and financial support, as well as military equipment. "Dear Prime Minister Shmyhal, let me express my deepest admiration for the courage of the Ukrainian people. My heart go to all Ukrainians who are suffering from this war... Ukraine will win this war and we will stand by your side," the head of the Swedish government said. The issue of providing Ukraine with M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS multiple-launch rocket systems is very urgent, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny has said. "We are in regular communication with Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. Traditionally I informed my American colleague about the operational situation... I emphasized the renewed use of cruise missiles by the Russian aggressor... Thus, during the day of May 3 the enemy used 14 cruise missiles fired from strategic bombers TU-160 from the Caspian Sea... As for the north, eight cruise missile launches on our territory were recorded during the past day. Therefore, the issue of providing Ukraine with M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS multiple-launch rocket systems is very relevant," Zaluzhny wrote on his Telegram channel on Thursday. According to him, the main goal of the Russian armed forces' rocket attacks is to disrupt logistical routes for supplies of military and technical aid to Ukraine. Zaluzhny also told Milley that the main efforts of the enemy had shifted to Luhansk direction, where fierce battles continued near Popasna, Kreminna and Torske, and that Ukrainian defense forces were switching to counteroffensive actions in Kharkiv and Izium directions. "I am deeply grateful to our partners for the assistance provided to Ukraine. We are successfully overcoming all difficulties related to mastering new types of armaments and equipment thanks to cooperation and support at all levels. Today our military not only intensively learns how to use and maintain NATO weapons, but also shares its combat experience with partners," the Commander-in-Chief of the AFU said. The Russian Armed Forces continue shelling Kharkiv's residential areas despite the success of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the northern direction, head of the Regional Military Administration Oleh Synehubov said. "Despite the fact that our Armed Forces have pushed the enemy away from the city to the north, the enemy continues to terrorize the civilian population. These strikes are not targeted, the occupier strikes residential areas, thereby causing harm to civilians. It can fly to any neighborhood, to any yard, to any playground. Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to be on the streets without an emergency," Synehubov wrote on his Telegram channel. According to him, the occupiers continue shelling Kharkiv with MLRS and artillery. During the day, Pyatykhatky, Zhukovsky village, Saltivka and Pivnichna Saltovka were hit. Already in the morning there was shelling of Pivnichna Saltivka. There were no casualties. The Russian military is "filtering" Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied or surrounded territories of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova reports. In a post on her Facebook page on Thursday, Denisova noted that information has been received from partner human rights organizations about an extensive network of places for "filtering" Ukrainians. "In the temporarily occupied territory in Donetsk region, 'filtration' is carried out in the city and district departments of the so-called Ministry of Internal Affairs of the DPR in Donetsk, Mariupol, Makiyivka, Starobesheve, Manhush, Bugas, Bezymianny, as well as in the filtration camps in Dokuchaivsk, Mykilske, Manhush, Yalta (Manhush district), in Donetsk pretrial detention center... where the filtering procedure is more stringent," the Ombudsman said in a statement. According to Denisova, in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region, "filtration" is carried out in the city and district departments of the "LPR Ministry of Internal Affairs", as well as in "filtration camps" in Perevalsky district of Luhansk region, located on the basis of the former Chornukhinska penal colony No. 23. The Ombudswoman said that Ukrainians who voluntarily or forcibly left the settlements where hostilities are being fought, or fell under temporary occupation, are subjected to "filtration". "This procedure is carried out before forced deportation to the Russian Federation," the Ombudsman said. Denisova said that residents who have passports of the Russian Federation and the so-called LPR and DPR are not subject to "filtering". "The purpose of 'filtering' is to conduct a census of the surviving population to clean up unreliable in accordance with the lists of employees of state institutions, utilities, ATO/JFO participants, Ukrainian activists provided by the collaborators, and to check people for loyalty to the Russian authorities," Denisova said. According to her, as part of this procedure, Ukrainians are interrogated, they are fingerprinted, examined for tattoos, their mobile phones are checked. Some people, as Denisova noted, have to wait for this procedure for several days. "In case of passing the 'filtration', a person is issued a 'pass', giving the right to move around the territory of the self-proclaimed 'LDPR'. Later, Ukrainian citizens are sent to economically depressed regions of Russia. At the same time, Ukrainians receive documents prohibiting leaving Russian regions for two years," the Ombudsman said. Denisova said that Ukrainians who have not passed the "filteration," are being taken away in an unknown direction, there is no information about them. "Men of military age are placed in 'filtration camps', most often ATO/JFO members, former servicemen and law enforcement officers, pro-Ukrainian activists. One of the goals of placing and keeping men in these 'camps' is to replenish the exchange fund. There, all men are subjected to torture and humiliation, are kept in inhuman conditions," the Rada Commissioner for Human Rights said. Romania will allocate EUR 70 million in assistance to support the economy of Ukraine, Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said. "The Romanian government has taken a number of measures to support Ukrainian refugees. These measures include the allocation of more than EUR 70 million to support the economy of Ukraine," he said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. Previously, the Romanian government allocated more than EUR6 million to support Ukraine, and also allocated humanitarian aid, he said. The country has also liberalized the transit of Ukrainian exports across its border, especially for agricultural products, the official said. Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park is among the most closely monitored glaciers in the world. In 1968, the United Nations selected Peyto as a reference glacier for the International Hydrological Decade research initiative. Ever since, teams of scientists have traveled to the Canadian Rockies regularly to conduct field work and calculate changes in the mass of the glacier, providing the scientific community with a longer and more detailed data record for Peyto than most other glaciers. In most years, Peyto has lost far more mass than it gained, according to data published by the World Glacier Monitoring Service. Experts say, Peyto lost about 70 percent of its mass during the past 50 years. The extent of the change is visible in satellite imagery acquired by the Landsat program. The natural-color images above show the glacier in 1999 and 2021. As the glacier has thinned and narrowed, the terminus has retreated by about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles). A growing lake of meltwater now sits near the terminus. Most observers attribute the ice losses to rising summer temperatures. In 2021, this area faced a record-breaking summer heat wave, while wildfires raged west of Banff National Park. According to some scientists, heat-absorbing soot from wildfire smoke has been accumulating on top and may be accelerating the rate of ice loss. Winter snowfall accumulation, in contrast, has remained roughly the same over the decades. Some experts estimate the glacier will lose about 85 percent of its current mass by 2100. Meltwater from the glacier helps sustain the North Saskatchewan River, and the degradation and eventual loss of this glacier could have significant impacts on people in Alberta and Saskatchewan who are accustomed to using the river's water. The retreat is not limited to Peyto Glacier. Notice in the wider version of the image how several other glaciers in the Wapta Icefield have also lost significant area since 1999, including Yoho Glacier. NASA Earth Observatory image by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland. Additional Imagery Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Austria will provide Ukraine with another EUR 41.96 million to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries, Austrian Federal Minister for Women, Family, Youth and Integration Susanne Raab has said. "Austria will provide a further EUR 41.96 million or $44.2 million from its foreign disaster relief fund via Austrian and to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and its neighboring countries. EUR 15 million of this funds will go directly into the support of women and children. For one thing it is particularly the women and children who are suffering from this senseless war and to require a particular humanitarian assistance, as well as protection from violence and human trafficking," Raab said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. Japan will soon provide $300 million to the government of Ukraine, Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Matsuda Kuninori said. "As for humanitarian aid. We have already promised and started to provide $200 million. Secondly, with regard to direct assistance to the budget, economic and financial support to Ukraine, we have announced and will soon provide $ 300 million to the Ukrainian government," the ambassador said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. In addition, he noted that Tokyo calls on all local authorities in Japan to join the restoration of Ukraine when it becomes possible. Hungary ready to take part in full restoration of schools and hospitals in Kyiv region - Szijjarto Hungary is ready to take part in the complete restoration of schools and hospitals in Kyiv region or another region of Ukraine, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. "We are ready to take part in the full restoration of schools and hospitals in Kyiv region. Of course, if the Ukrainian authorities ask for another place, we are ready," he said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. In addition, he noted that Hungary is ready to provide mobile homes to those who move to the west of Ukraine and is ready to start deliveries at any time. "We are ready to provide 1,000 scholarships to students who had to leave Ukraine at Hungarian universities so that they can continue or complete their studies," the official said. Also, Hungary is ready to provide treatment for wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Hungarian hospitals without any restrictions on the number. "We are ready to provide hospitalization to 140 children from Ukraine in our specialized hospitals," the foreign minister added. He pointed out that in general, this provides for financing of EUR 37 million. The war in Ukraine and the blockade of Ukrainian ports by Russia, which unleashed this war, threaten the economic collapse of agriculture in Ukraine, the country that feeds 400 million people, David Beasley, the Executive Director of the UN World Food Program (WFP), said speaking via video link at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw. "So we ask Russia: please, we will have famine all over the world if we do not open these ports and give passage to help people around the world. This is a critical issue for Ukraine. And most importantly, this is a critical issue for the rest of the world over the next 8-12 months and next year," Beasley said. He explained that if the ports are not opened right now, that when the crop is harvested in July and August, there will be nowhere to store it, because the elevators and storage facilities are full. The expert stressed that in this case the consequences would be worse than the currently observed increase in food prices, fuel prices, and the cost of freight. "And we are seeing catastrophe after disaster. And we know what happens when we don't reach the people 'inside.' It costs us 100 times more than 'outside,' we saw it in the Syrian war," he said, citing recent study of Germany. Before the Russian military invasion, Ukraine monthly exported about 5 million tonnes of agricultural products through the ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv, but now, due to their naval blockade by the Russian Federation, it can transport about 500,000 tonnes of grain monthly. Poland will help Ukraine strengthen its defense capability, the relevant memorandum was signed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. "Poland will help Ukraine strengthen its defense capabilities. Today we signed a relevant memorandum with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki," Shmyhal said on the Telegram channel on Thursday. The heads of government also discussed the possibility of increasing exports from Ukraine. "The blocking of Ukrainian seaports by Russia could lead to a global food crisis. He proposed creating 'green corridors' on our common border for grain exports," Shmyhal said. At the same time, among the main issues of the meeting was the strengthening of sanctions against Russia and the seizure of frozen Russian assets. "In the future, this should become a new model of world security, so that the aggressor knows that all his assets will be confiscated and transferred to the affected country. We must implement this together," he said. Kuleba: Anti-Semitism among Russian elites has long history, only way out for Lavrov is to publicly apologize to all Jews Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid were outraged by the anti-Semitic statements of Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov and urged him to publicly apologize to all Jews. "Israeli FM Yair Lapid and I are both outraged by FM Lavrov's antisemitic remarks. I emphasized that antisemitism has a long track record among Russian elites. The only way out for FM Lavrov is to publicly apologize before Jews around the world. Antisemitism cannot be tolerated," Kuleba said on his Twitter. Earlier, in an interview with the Mediaset television company, Lavrov said: "He [Zelensky] puts forward an argument: what kind of Nazism can they have if he is a Jew. I could be wrong, but Hitler also had Jewish blood. It means absolutely nothing. The wise Jewish people say that the most ardent anti-Semites are, as a rule, Jews. The family has its black sheep, as we say." Fighting on the territory of Azovstal metallurgical plant in Mariupol, besieged by Russian invaders, is still going on, the invaders are still on the territory of the plant, captain, Deputy Commander of Azov regiment Sviatoslav Palamar has said. In a commentary to Channel 24 journalists, Palamar said the occupiers have been at the plant for the third day and all this time fighting has continued there. "No one knocked out anyone, they [the Russian occupiers] are at the plant. Heavy fighting is going on," the journalists of the television channel said, citing Palamar. Earlier, Adviser to the head of the President's Office Oleksiy Arestovych said the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of May 5, pushed back Russian troops from the territory of Mariupol Azovstal plant. "We can say that yesterday Russian troops entered the territory of Azovstal. They were driven out by our defenders. What is happening now we are summarizing information, because there is a lot of it, and it is contradictory. There are a lot of emotions around, but we cannot afford to give unverified information," Arestovych said on the air of the national telethon. At the same time, he said that information regarding the continuation of fighting in the area of the plant is being specified. Steinmeier's office on his talk with Zelensky: Irritation is thing of past (Updated) Presidents of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier agreed to maintain close contact following a telephone conversation on Thursday, Steinmeier's office said on its website. "Both presidents described the conversation as 'very important and very good.' Irritation is a thing of the past," the office said in the release. According to it, the federal president expressed his solidarity, respect and support for the courageous struggle of the Ukrainian people against the Russian aggressors. Germany from the very beginning supported Ukraine financially, economically and militarily in its defense struggle and is united in solidarity with Ukraine, the office said. "Germany remains a strong ally of Ukraine. There will be an official announcement about the details, I can only say that the hope of the Russians for a split in the unity of Europe in support of Ukraine is useless," Steinmeier said. Deutsche Welle, citing the Steinmeier office, also said the dispute over the German President's visit had been settled. A team of volunteers and employees of Feldman Ecopark (Kharkiv region) came under fire from the Russian army during the evacuation of African buffaloes on Friday, May 5. "One person killed. Two people were severely wounded. Doctors are fighting for their lives. The dead guy was only 15 years old. He helped his parents in feeding and evacuating animals. Blessed memory to the hero! This is the sixth victim from our team," the founder of Ecopark, MP of Ukraine Oleksandr Feldman said on his Facebook page. Astra Zeneca allocates another $3 mln for humanitarian support to Ukraine - Vice President AstraZeneca has allocated another $3 million for humanitarian support to Ukraine, increasing the total amount allocated for these purposes to $10 million, AstraZeneca Vice President Hans Sijbesma said. He noted at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday, the company is allocating an additional $3 million in humanitarian support to Ukraine. According to him, AstraZeneca previously allocated $7 million for these purposes, including donations to the Red Cross and for medicines. Pro-abortion Activists Going to Justice Alito's Home -- Pro-lifers Will be Present to Show Support for Justice Alito Fairfax County Police have been alerted and intend to have a police presence at Justice Alito's home in Alexandria, VA NEWS PROVIDED BY Randall Terry May 5, 2022 WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /Standard Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry states, "Justice Alito has shown both personal courage and judicial integrity in his first draft to overturn Roe v. Wade. We are confident that neither he or the additional majority of justices will not be bullied into altering their decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We will stand with him at his home, and on the political battlefield in which this war against children will continue to rage. The pro-abortion thugs have shown their true lust for violence outside the Supreme Court in the last four days; we hope they will not be violent outside Justice Alito's home." For media attending, Randall Terry and other pro-lifers will be available at Justice Alito's home for comment. Media can also contact them via 508-974-3794. SOURCE Randall Terry CONTACT: 508-974-3794 France will increase its total support to $2 billion, President Emmanuel Macron has said. At the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday, Macron announced that France will increase its total support to $2 billion to meet the needs voiced by the President of Ukraine. France will continue to act in concert within the EU, with its European partners, as well as within the G7 and international financial institutions to collectively meet the needs of the Ukrainian state in the face of the catastrophe of this war. According to the President, France has allocated a total of $1.7 billion for Ukraine in 2022. "The humanitarian needs of the population and the economic situation of the country call for a new effort by the international community which meets the needs linked to the destruction of civilian infrastructure," Macron said. Italy increases support for Ukrainian refugees to over EUR 800 mln, to support Ukraine's budget worth up to EUR 200 mln PM Italy has increased support for Ukrainian refugees in the country to more than EUR 800 million and will support the budget of Ukraine in the amount of up to EUR 200 million, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has said. "Italy has already allocated about EUR 500 million to support Ukrainian refugees in our country. I am pleased to announce we have just increased that amount to more than EUR 800 million. We have transferred EUR 110 million to support the Ukrainian general budget and are planning to lend up to EUR 200 million more," Draghi said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. He said Italy donated $26 million to international organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF and UNHCR. "We are donating humanitarian and medical goods, including ambulances, tents, medicines. Ukraine deserves all the support we can give. Italy will continue to do its part," Draghi said. Germany, which recently provided Ukraine with a EUR 150 million loan, is rapidly preparing another such loan, the German chancellor said at the High-Level International Donor's Conference for Ukraine in Warsaw on Thursday. "We will provide much-needed liquidity to the budget of Ukraine. Recently, a special loan of EUR 150 million was allocated. Another loan of EUR 150 million is being prepared on an accelerated basis," he said. Scholz said, as part of bilateral development cooperation, Germany had already provided EUR 122 million to Ukraine to address the economic and social consequences of the war. "And we intend to provide another EUR 140 million for development financing," the chancellor said. According to him, Germany also undertakes to allocate an additional EUR 125 million for humanitarian assistance and actions aimed at increasing the resilience of Ukraine to Russian aggression. "Today is the 71st day of the war in Ukraine. And with every day that has passed since Russia attacked Ukraine, with every atrocity committed by Russian soldiers, our resolve and unity only grows stronger. We are determined: Putin must not win this war. And he will not win it," Scholz said. He said the key to this is joint action: when imposing sanctions against Russia, in strengthening defense and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The chancellor also said Germany has been the second largest donor of financial support to Ukraine for many years. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, one of the organizers of the donor conference, said that it managed to raise $6.5 billion in total. Deputy Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Smyrnov met with a delegation of the international non-governmental human rights organization Amnesty International headed by Secretary General Agnes Callamard. "The Deputy Head of the President's Office said Ukraine needs strong support from the international community in documenting war crimes committed by Russia on the territory of our state. According to him, the International Criminal Court is already investigating cases that examine evidence of Russian crimes during the war in Ukraine, but the inevitability of punishment for officials of the aggressor country should also be inevitable," the presidential press service said. Smyrnov noted the importance of creating a special criminal international tribunal that would be able to quickly assess the evidence of the crimes of Russian aggression against Ukraine. "Active multi-level consultations continue at various international platforms on the need to create and launch a mechanism for such a tribunal," he said. He also said that last week the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved two resolutions calling for the creation of an international tribunal. "The representation of Ukraine at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the President's Office is involved in the negotiation process with the allied countries, with which the model and forms of work of such a tribunal are being discussed," Smyrnov said. "Considering the obviousness of all the signs of aggression, all the evidence that the civilized world has seen, of what terrible crimes the aggressor country resorts to Russia, in my opinion, an assessment of this fact should be given as soon as possible. And all the military-political leadership of the country the aggressor must bear strict and inescapable responsibility for this," he said. He said that among the issues discussed was the location of such a tribunal. "We are for it to be located in Ukraine. In Bucha, Irpin, Borodianka or Kyiv. Ukraine is ready to provide full technical and organizational support for the work of such a tribunal," Smyrnov said. He said that now the new tribunal should not be overloaded with a large number of competencies in order to avoid a conflict of jurisdictions with other international judicial institutions. However, time will have to show how quickly the existing international institutions will be able to evaluate the compelling evidence of Russian war crimes against Ukraine and its citizens. "The society of Ukraine, its citizens tortured by Russian war criminals, all those who have experienced any form of suffering as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine, Ukrainian business has been destroyed everyone is waiting for an answer to these questions. And this legal assessment must be given within a reasonable time, politically, in a global context, and legally in a judicial one," Smyrnov said. Kallamar, in turn, said Amnesty International strives to focus the attention of as many countries as possible on the problem of the war in Ukraine. In particular, the organization plans to interact with representatives of the media and civil society. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson issues of defense support for Ukraine, as well as joint international legal events. "I am in touch with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Today I thanked him for addressing the Verkhovna Rada. We discussed future joint international legal events and developments. Some issues of defensive support for Ukraine were also touched upon," Zelensky said Twitter on Thursday. In turn, according to a statement published on the website of the British government: "The leaders discussed developments on the battlefield and the Ukrainian armed forces' requirements, including the provision of longer-range weaponry to prevent the bombardment of civilians." Johnson and Zelensky agreed to have another phone call in the coming days. The Russian occupiers do not stop conducting offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone in order to establish full control over the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and hold the land corridor between these territories and the occupied Crimea, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said. It is noted that the Russian army is trying to regroup and take measures to replenish ammunition and fuel, as well as improve the tactical position of its troops. "The enemy continues to launch rocket attacks on transport infrastructure facilities in order to prevent the movement of humanitarian cargo and military and technical assistance. The use of mortars and artillery along almost the entire line of contact is not stopped," the AFU said on Facebook on Thursday. It clarifies that the enemy did not take active actions in Volyn and Polissia directions, and in Siversk direction he is engaged in equipping positions in the border regions of Kursk region. "In Slobozhansk direction, the enemy tried to restore lost positions in the area of the city of Kharkiv, carried out an unsuccessful offensive attempt in the area of settlement of Stary Saltiv," the General Staff said. They said that due to the constant sanitary losses of personnel, the enemy is building up the system of medical support for the troops, using a network of civilian medical institutions in the temporarily occupied territories of Kharkiv region. Thus, on the basis of Kupyansk city hospital, the invaders equipped a hospital. In addition, it is reported that the occupiers do not stop trying to improve the tactical position of their units in the area of the city of Izium, they will carry out artillery shelling of nearby settlements, but they have no success. "Because of significant losses, the enemy withdrew a unit from the fourth Tank Division of the first Tank Army and the 106th Airborne Division of the Russian armed forces for restoration," the AFU said. They said that in Donetsk direction, the enemy tried to capture Popasna, take the city of Rubizhne under full control and provide favorable conditions for continuing the offensive in the directions to Lyman and Severodonetsk, but was unsuccessful. In Pivdennobuzhsk direction, the enemy concentrated his efforts on fortifying positions, replenishing stocks of ammunition, fuel and material and technical means. It is noted that the occupiers are also taking measures to replenish the losses of personnel through the accelerated training of military personnel under the contract. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a videoconference meeting with the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, who expressed support for Ukraine and its people in the fight against the Russian aggressor. Bush told Zelensky that his courage is very important for his continued success. If he does what he does, he will always have the U.S. support if Ukraine continues to fight as it is now. Bush said that, noting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the president in the confrontation occupiers. He said Ukraine has been taken over by forces that want to kill innocent people. The fact that Ukraine stands firm inspires Americans. According to Zelensky's press service, in a conversation with Bush, he said Ukraine feels real help and sincere support from the United States. The Ukrainian leader also recalled the tragic events in the United States on September 11, 2001, noting that at that time many Ukrainians sympathized with the American people and shared the pain of relatives and friends of the victims of the terrorist act. At the end of the conversation, the head of state invited the 43rd U.S. President to visit Ukraine at a convenient time for him. Ihor Zhdanov, Information Defence Project , Open Policy Foundation Informational Defence of Ukraine provides a daily review of the military-political situation in Ukraine as of the past day of May 4th, based on an analysis of open sources. PLEASE NOTE! Our first review was published on February 26th. All experts of the Information Defence of Ukraine project work free of charge, on a volunteer basis. We need your help. Each of your charitable donations is important to us. How to help our team, please, see the link at the end of this review. 1. The Armed Forces of Ukraine heroically restrain the enemy's attacks in the decisive battle for the Donbas. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy continues to conduct offensive operations in the Eastern Operational Zone. The command of the russian troops is trying to increase the pace of the offensive attacks in the East of Ukraine in order to come to the administrative borders of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions , as well as to develop an offensive attack in the Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih areas. In the Izium direction, the enemy is trying to seize the initiative and conduct offensive operations in the direction of Izium-Barvinkove. Moreover, the enemy is carrying out artillery shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of the settlements of Hrushuvakha, Nova Dmytrivka, and Kurulka. In the Slobozhanskyi direction there is an enemy group consisting of separate units of the 6th General Army of the Western Military District, the 41st General Army of the Central Military District, the coastal troops of the Baltic and Northern Fleets. Invaders continue to inflict air and artillery strikes on Kharkiv. In the Donetsk direction, the main efforts of the enemy are focused on the offensive operations in the settlements of Lyman, Orikhove, Popasna, Velyka Novosilka, Huliaipole, Komyshuvakha. and Orikhiv. Near the Estuary in the Donetsk region, the russian occupiers unsuccessfully tried to gain a foothold in Oleksandrivka during the day. In the direction of Severodonetsk, they attacked Voivodivka, but were unsuccessful. russians wanted to capture Orikhovo near Popasnaya, but failed. In order to neutralise the Ukrainian defence forces, the russian occupiers are firing along the entire line of the contact line. In Avdiyivka, Kramatorsk, Severodonetsk, Mariupol, and Huliaipole, air strikes are being carried out. In the Novopavlovsk direction (administrative borders between the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions), the occupiers fought near Novosilka, but sustained losses and retreated. In the Pivdennyi Buh and Tavriia directions, the occupiers, forces of separate units of the 8th and 49th Army, the 22nd Army Corps, the Black Sea Fleet Coast Guard, and the Airborne Forces are fighting to hold the temporarily occupied territories and create conditions for inadequate actions in the directions of Kherson - Mykolaiiv and Kherson - Kryvyi Rih. For the second day in blocked Mariupol, the russian troops are storming the Azovstal plant, in the dungeons of which remain the Ukrainian defenders and civilians who have not yet been evacuated. The assault began on Tuesday, May 3rd, after the partial evacuation of civilians from the plant. On Wednesday, russians broke into a factory that had been bombed and shelled. The total combat losses of the enemy from February 24 to May 4 were: combatants - approximately 24,500 (+300) people were eliminated, tanks - 1077 (+15) units, armoured combat vehicles - 2610 (+43) units, artillery systems - 491 +16) units, MLRS - 163 (+1) units, air defence means - 81 (+1) units, aircraft - 194 (+0) units, helicopters - 155 (+0) units, motor vehicles and tank trucks - 1867 (+ 24) units, ships / boats - 10 (+0) units, UAVs of operational and tactical level - 303 (+12), special equipment - 38 (+0), cruise missiles - 87 (+3). 2. Information summaries, reviews and assessments of foreign, Ukrainian intelligence and think tanks. According to the UK intelligence review , russia has deployed 22 battalion tactical groups near Izium to invade the Donbas in the near future. Despite the difficulties with the breakthrough of Ukrainian defence, russia is likely to intend to go beyond Izium to capture Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk. The capture of these places will strengthen russian military control over the northeastern Donbas and become a springboard for efforts to cut off Ukrainian forces in the region, the statement informed. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the occupiers plan to "celebrate" The Victory Day in ruined Mariupol instead of Donetsk, russian propagandists also say that May 9th will be a "holiday" in the occupied Mykhailivka, in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Central Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine stated that russians are inflaming the situation in Transnistria in order to use it as a psychological attack against Ukraine and are looking for ways to disperse the Ukrainian army. 3. The russian occupiers are violating international humanitarian law and committing genocide against Ukrainians. International and national investigation into the genocide of the russian occupiers against Ukrainians. Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova in the Telegram has announced the completion of the first stage of the investigation in Irpin - an inspection of russian war crimes committed in the city. According to Iryna Venediktova, now Irpin has been comprehensively processed by Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine together with investigators of the National Police and DBR, 228 witnesses have been interrogated so far, law enforcement officers have received testimonies about 7 shootings of civilians and their burial places. Two more burial places with people killed by russians have been found. In the village of Shybyne (the Kyiv region), police exhumed the bodies of two people, including a 10-year-old girl who died from shrapnel wounds as a result of an enemy shell in the house. The body of a 58-year-old man was also found, who was shot dead by the occupiers near his house. Investigation of the Associated The Press informs that the russian attack on the Drama Theater in Mariupol resulted in more deaths than was expected, approximately 600 people were killed inside and outside the building. The russian invaders are launching missile and bomb strikes on civilians, towns and villages. In the evening of May 3rd, russia's Tu-95 or Tu-160 strategic bombers launched a missile strike from the Caspian region. Approximately 18 missiles were fired at the infrastructure of the Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Kyiv and Zakarpattia regions. Missile strikes were also inflicted on the Odesa and Donetsk regions from other means. In the Vinnytsia, Kyiv and Zaporizhzgia regions, the missiles were neutralised by air defence systems. On the night of May 4th, the Sumy and Mykolaiiv regions were shelled, in the morning in the Donetsk region the Avdiyivka Coke Plant was shelled for the second time, the Donbas and Kherson region were under constant fire. In the Kirovohrad region: missiles hit a traction substation, no casualties. Another missile was neutralised by air defence system. In the Odesa region: in the evening of May 3rd, three missiles were shot down by air defence, but there are hits in infrastructure facilities in the Artsyz territorial community of the Odesa region. No one was injured in the morning. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, in the evening, there were two rocket strikes on the railway. Traction substation was destroyed. One person was injured. In the afternoon of May 4th, russians from Hrads fired on two villages in the Velykomykhailivska community. In the Zakarpattia region, in the evening, a rocket hit the power substation of the railway station, there were no casualties, and the distribution gas pipeline was damaged. The Lviv region: last night a rocket hit on electric substations inflicting serious damage. There was a delay in the trains schedule. Two people who were near the place of the explosions were injured. The Sumy region: since the evening of May 3rd, russians have fired three times on the territory of the Sumy region from their positions from abroad. At about 7 am on May 4th, an enemy helicopter was deployed along the border in the Sumy district. The Kharkiv region: at night, there were light shellings on the outskirts of Kharkiv; nobody was injured. During the day, the occupiers fired on Derhachi, Zolochiv, Bohodukhiv, and Chuhuiiv. During the day, there were 6 wounded (Kharkiv, Zolochiv, Pervomaiskyi) and one person died in the Donetsk community of the Izium district. The Luhansk region: on the night of May 4th, there were shellings of Lysychansk and Novodruzhesk, as a result of which two civilians were killed and two were wounded. 49 people were evacuated. Four missile and bomb strikes were fired on Severodonetsk, Rubizhne, Lysychansk and Zolote. The enemy also shelled the Lysychanskyi, Severodonetskyi, Popasnianskyi and Hirske communities. 45 houses and other objects were damaged. Donetsk: on Tuesday night, russians fired on the Avdiyivka Coke Plant, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20. Marinka was fired upon with incendiary shells, and a fire broke out in the private sector. In the area of the village Novomykhailivka, there was shelling for almost one hour. The Kherson region: the situation in the region remains difficult, there were explosions and shelling in the region at night. The Mykolaiiv region: one of the districts of Mykolaiiv was attacked at night. There are no victims. 4. Evacuation of civilians, exchange of prisoners. The Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that the russian occupiers will allow people in their own cars to join the evacuation column with people from Azovstal, which was moving under the auspices of the UN on May 1, 2 and 3. However, russians did not allow those who wanted to leave Tokmak, Berdiansk and Vasylivka in the Zaporizhzhia region to join the evacuation column. 5. Political and socio-economic situation in Ukraine, economic losses due to russian aggression. The government and society demonstrate unity, patriotism and faith in victory. In the Ivano-Frankivsk region, it is planned to build about 100,000 square metres of housing for families who lost their homes due to the war. Economic losses due to russian aggression. As of May 2nd, the total amount of direct damage inflicted on Ukraine by the russian war reached almost $92 billion. In particular, in more than two months, Ukrainians have lost almost 90,000 private cars. Avdiyivka Coke Plant is in the process of conservation after the shelling by russians, people continue to work there providing support for industrial facilities. Approximately 100,000 tons of grain were taken out or destroyed by the russian invaders from the Luhansk region, the sowing works have not started. The Luhansk regional military administration reported about this. AB InBev has relocated the production of Chernihiv beer to Leuven, Flanders, because of russian aggression. Signs of recovery of the Ukrainian economy. April's sales of new cars picked up slightly against the background of March. This was reported by AUTO-Consulting. Thus, 1242 new cars were sold. This is almost twice as much as in March 2022. But comparing to April 2021, the decline remains catastrophic - 87%. Restoration of infrastructure in the de-occupied and war-affected areas. Ukravtodor restored the connection between Kyiv and Zhytomyr on the Warsaw route. Vodafone restored mobile communications in 71% of the Kherson region after the russian occupiers damaged the equipment. The chairman of the Mykolaiiv regional military administration Vitalii Kim reported that water supply in Mykolaiiv will be restored by May 15th. 6. International support and assistance to Ukraine. Political support for Ukraine. According to Bild , the leader of Germany's largest opposition party CDU Friedrich Merz met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Ukraine. Austrian Minister for EU Affairs and Constitutional Affairs Karoline Edtstadler said that Ukraine's accession to the EU could not be achieved in the next five to ten years. Euractive writes about this., Military assistance to Ukraine. The United Kingdom will hand over Malloy T150 drones to the Armed Forces of Ukraine that are capable of delivering heavy equipment to the front lines. At least 81 of the 90 howitzers the US government has decided to hand over to Ukraine are already at the disposal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. An unnamed Pentagon official said this in a comment to CNN . Approximately 90,000 of the 144,000 rounds of ammunition have already been handed over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu has threatened that arms supplies from the NATO countries to Ukraine are considered a "legitimate goal" of destruction. This was reported by the russian agency " Interfax ". Shoigu has said that NATO vehicles with weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces, which arrived on the territory of this country, will be destroyed. The Bulgarian Parliament has approved a decision to repair Ukrainian military equipment at defence enterprises, but they will not provide weapons and ammunition. Financial assistance to Ukraine. The head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen proposed to start work on an ambitious reconstruction package for Ukraine, which will pave the way for Ukraine's future in the European Union. The President of the European Commission announced this during a speech in the European Parliament on Wednesday. European Truth has reported . Humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The United Kingdom is handing over another batch of mobile generators for the needs of Ukrainians: the first part of 570 generators - the UK handed almost 200 over to Ukraine in April. The number of children and young people who left Ukraine because of the war and were admitted to schools in Germany has risen to almost 92,000. 7. Statements, provocations and fakes of Russian aggressors. Operational Command South (Pivden) reports that in Tokmak (the Zaporizhzhia region), the russian military began to sew and disguise the uniform of the Armed Forces. Provocations by such deployed units are to discredit the Ukrainian military in the occupied territories and secret subversive group attacks on the contact line possible. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the russian president, called the news that mobilisation could be announced in russia on May 9th a nonsense. russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an interview with russian propaganda media Radio Sputnik there were Israeli mercenaries" who were allegedly fighting on the side of Ukraine's "nationalist battalions. russia's Chief Rabbi, Berl Lazar, has been shocked by russian Minister Sergei Lavrov's statements that Jews are the fiercest anti-Semites, and urged him to publicly apologise for the words. russia's propaganda agency RIA Novosti has accused Ukrainian mortars of practicing "black magic" and backed up a comment by the cultural studies expert Ekaterina Dais. 8. Political and socio-economic situation in russia, the impact of international sanctions on it. New sanctions and restrictions against russia. The European Commission has submitted to EU member states a draft of a new, sixth, package of sanctions against russia for invading Ukraine. This was reported by the Austrian agency APA. According to diplomats, the document provides for a gradual ban on imports of russian oil for six to eight months. Exceptions should be made for Hungary and Slovakia, which are heavily dependent on russian oil. They should be allowed to continue importing until the end of 2023. Hungary will agree to new energy sanctions against russia only if the import of crude oil from russia through the pipeline is exempt from them. This was stated by Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Szijjarto, according to the portal 444.hu. The sixth package of EU sanctions against russia during the war may also include 17 companies in the defence industry, as well as companies that helped russia circumvent earlier sanctions. As part of a new sanctions package, the UK has banned its companies from providing services to the russian clients, including consulting, auditing and PR. The negative impact of sanctions on the russian economy. Against the background of the EU and US sanctions against russia after its invasion of Ukraine, oil refining in russia continues to decline - in April it decreased by 7% comparing to March, to 670 thousand tons per day. In the 1st quarter of 2022, timber harvesting in russia decreased by 2.4% to 68.9 million cubic meters; the main reasons are the ban on exports from the country of raw wood from the beginning of 2022, as well as wood raw materials for plywood. The US company Emerson is leaving the russian market and is looking for opportunities to sell its plant in the country. *** The Open Policy Foundation (hereinafter - the Foundation, http://openpolicy.org.ua ) is a well-known public organisation that conducts analytical research and information campaigns, in particular on Ukrainian and foreign policy, protection of the rights of young people from the temporarily occupied territories to receive higher education in Ukraine. With the beginning of the russian aggression, the Foundation's experts, together with other leading Ukrainian analysts, have joined a team to implement the Information Defence of Ukraine project. Experts of the project prepare daily reviews of the military-political situation in Ukraine in Ukrainian, English, and Russian, the first review was released on February 26th, moderate the telegram channel Information Defence of Ukraine, https://t.me/info_defense_ua . For three months now, we have been working on a volunteer basis, free of charge in the conditions of hostilities, sometimes under the sounds of air attack sirens. If you like our reviews and want to continue to receive a quality analytical product that describes the objective picture of the Ukrainian-russian war, we ask you to provide charitable assistance to our team. Help in UAH: you can transfer the money to the Oschadbank card 5304 0999 9952 1978, on the name of Ihor Zhdanov. Help in USD: you can transfer to the account 1. Beneficiary name (exact name of bank account holder): Ihor Zhdanov ( ) 2. Beneficiary city and country: City Kyiv Country Ukraine 3. Name of bank: Acc. 04-095-334 PJSC State Savings Bank of Ukraine 4. IBAN number: UA513226690000026207001378162 6. Swift number: COSB UA UK KIE 7. Full address of bank (street, city and country): Hospitalna str., 12 G, Kyiv, Ukraine 8. Other information (Bank code, ABA number, BSB number): Intermediary bank: Citibank NA, New York, Swift: CITIUS33 Thank you for each of your donations, it is very important and necessary for us. Glory to Ukraine! ZDOROVI, humanitarian aid initiators, deliver the necessary medicines and medical equipment to more than 10 regions of Ukraine every day Last week, the Ukrainian National Humanitarian Aid Agency ZDOROVI received two mobile hospitals from partners in France. "They will help Ukrainian doctors save lives when every second counts. Rescue them where equipment or facilities are usually lacking to provide the necessary medical care. These mobile hospitals in hot spots are like islands of hope, the agency notes. One mobile hospital consists of 7 tents, and its technical equipment allows for the widest range of medical interventions from surgery for the wounded to help for women in labour. Since Russian occupiers are primarily shooting at peaceful villages and cities, without hesitation to cover even children's hospitals and maternity hospitals with fire. Most of the civilian hospitals in the battlefields have been destroyed: in particular, according to Serhiy Haidai, head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration, there has not been a single medical facility left in the Luhansk region in the first 43 days of the war. In such conditions, each mobile hospital is able to save hundreds of lives of adult and young Ukrainians. In addition to mobile hospitals, during the war the ZDOROVI agency has already collected more than 100 tons of medicine and medical instruments and delivered them to medical institutions throughout Ukraine. Recent deliveries include Philips patient monitors brought to hospitals in Mykolayiv and Kyiv Oblast, medicines and chemotherapy chairs for the Kirovohrad Oncology Center, and modern medical equipment for the recently liberated Russian hospital in Trostyanets, Sumy Oblast. Today, ZDOROVI is a team of 16 people, who used to bring into life changes for better healthcare before war, but now they are working 24/7 exclusively to ensure that Ukrainian hospitals and medical centers receive humanitarian aid quickly, on time and in line with their real needs. The National Agency actively cooperates with many countries around the world, including the United States, Germany, France, Switzerland, Great Britain, Poland, Slovakia and others. "In the first days of our humanitarian mission, we were able to quickly get first aid for hospitals thanks to international organizations with which we previously implemented projects for medicine. However, after that - the list has expanded significantly. Others who wanted to help were convinced that we could be trusted with cargo of any size, regardless of the final destination - even delivering it to frontline hospitals. We can say with confidence that Ukrainian doctors now have a lot of friends in these countries. After all, this is how we call those who come to the rescue during challenging times," said ZDOROVI. In Ukraine, from the first days of the war, a large-scale volunteer movement and a humanitarian aid movement were formed. However, to become a part of it, it is necessary to gain the trust not only of donors, but also of the recipients of aid. If the agency managed to receive the first cargo thanks to the previous cooperation with international partners and medical institutions, only trust itself helped to grow to the current scale. It is the result of the most transparent working mechanisms, detailed photo and video reports and constant communication with all parts of the process - along the entire path of the cargo to the hands of the recipients. The agency comments that an important condition for the well-established work that they needed to do in the first days of the war was the organization of logistics on the territory of Ukraine itself, as well as a system for the effective distribution of the aid received where it is acutely needed. The first person to entrust ZDOROVI with medical aid from abroad, Thomas Humprey, notes: What people dont realise about humanitarian missions with this level of complexity is this: there may be tons of aid coming in, but if those tons dont reach the places where they are most needed, then the people who need it most suffer. According to the agency's founder Nataliia Tulinova, doctors and volunteers work miracles, saving lives in extreme conditions. But their heroism alone is not enough: Ukraine needs help. We have all done a lot together, we still have many opportunities today, but we need your support each of you. Every donation you make, be it a financial financial contribution or medical aid shipment, is a chance to save lives of innocent people and another step towards victory over the racist invasion that threatens not only Ukraine but the world! Join the fundraiser: PayPal: https://bit.ly/3vp1hFr Wise n.tulinova@zdorovi.agency +380502720902 Western Union (USD) Nataliia Tulinova 4130 6301 8002 0811 (UAH) Nataliia Tulinova 4678 0800 9031 0397 Jordan's King Abdullah II will visit Washington on Friday for talks with US President Joe Biden. By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The total production at Azerbaijan's Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) block of fields amounted to 39 million barrels during the first quarter of 2022, BP Azerbaijan has said. In January-March, the total production on the block of fields amounted to 434,000 barrels per day. Of this, the Chirag field accounted for 25,000 b/d, Central Azeri for 106,000 b/d, West Azeri for 112,000 b/d, East Azeri for 70,000 b/d, Deepwater Gunashli for 79,000 b/d and West Chirag for 42,000 b/d. At the end of the quarter, 137 wells were producing oil, while 37 wells were used for water and eight for gas injection. In addition, ACG completed three oil producer wells. During the reported period, ACG delivered 1 billion cubic meters, or an average of 12 million cubic meters per day of ACG-associated gas to the state of Azerbaijan, primarily at the Sangachal Terminal, and to SOCARs Oil Rocks facility. The remaining associated gas produced was re-injected for reservoir pressure maintenance. The company spent about $133 million in operating expenditure and $396 million in capital expenditure on the ACG activities. Several major liftings were safely completed at this site during the quarter. These included the main power generator exhaust structure, the flare base section, and the gas injection compressor lifts. Moreover, in the first three months of the year, the Shah Deniz field produced more than 6 billion cubic meters of gas and more than 1 million tonnes of condensate. The existing Shah Deniz facilities production capacity is currently about 72 million standard cubic meters of gas per day. During the quarter, the Shah Deniz field continued to provide deliveries of gas to markets in Azerbaijan (to Azerkontrakt), Georgia (to GOGC), Turkey (to BOTAS), and BTC Company in multiple locations. Around $759 million were spent on operating expenditure and around $88 million in capital expenditure, the majority of which was associated with the Shah Deniz 2 project. BP opened its first office in Baku in June 1992 and has since then contributed to Azerbaijans oil and gas sector through operating projects such as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG), Shah Deniz, Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP). The contract for the development of the ACG oil fields was signed on September 20, 1994, and took force in December. The contract for the development of the ACG block was extended to 2050 in September 2017. The shareholders in the ACG project are BP (operator, 30.37 percent), SOCAR (25 percent), MOL (9.57 percent), INPEX (9.31 percent), Equinor (7.27 percent), ExxonMobil (6.79 percent), TPAO (5.73 percent), ITOCHU (3.65 percent), ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) (2.31 percent). The contract on the development of the Shah Deniz gas field was signed in 1996. Shareholders of the Shah Deniz project are BP (operator, 28.8 percent), TPAO (19 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), and PETRONAS (15.5 percent), LUKOIL (10 percent), and NICO (10 percent). Bashagha's appointment was in opposition to prime minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, who was installed following painstaking United Nations-led talks just over a year ago. On Thursday, the cabinet led by Bashagha met in the southern desert town of Sebha, 650 kilometres (400 miles) south of Tripoli. "We are keen to carry out our work as the legitimate Libyan government emanating from the legislative authority," Bashagha said. "After chaos and tyranny, a new era begins today," he added. The rival adminstrations are the latest political split since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. On Wednesday, Bashagha repeated his intention to assume office in the capital, while stressing his commitment to a "peaceful option" to achieve this. Dbeibah, in Tripoli, has said he will only hand power to an elected administration, but polls scheduled to be held in December were indefinitely shelved. His political rivals say his term ended with the postponement of the elections. Bashagha is backed by Khalifa Haftar, the eastern military strongman who led a failed bid to seize Tripoli in 2019-20, and who maintains control of several oil installations. The creation of two governments echoes Libya's troubled period of double administrations between 2014 and 2021, when the oil-rich nation was ripped apart by civil war. Oil production, the country's main source of income, has again been hit by political rifts with a wave of forced closures of oil terminals by groups aligned with the eastern camp, who want power transferred to Bashagha. A Russian army helicopter violated Finland's airspace Wednesday, the defence ministry said, as the country mulls a potential NATO membership bid, which it hopes would be speedy. Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin said Wednesday that should Helsinki apply, alone or together with neighbouring Sweden, she hoped the application process would be completed as quickly as possible. Helsinki is holding talks with key members of the alliance to obtain security guarantees during the application period, which could last several months, Marin told a joint press conference with Nordic leaders in Copenhagen. Meanwhile, UK defence minister Ben Wallace, who was visiting Finland Wednesday pledged the UK's support in the event of an attack on the Nordic country. "I cannot conceive a time that we wouldn't come to support Finland and Sweden, no matter where they were with the NATO debate or where they are with the agreements and I think that is what really binds us," Wallace told journalists. "We would do whatever we need to, to support Finland," the minister said during the trip to Kankaanpaa in the southwest of the country. He was in Finland to attend a military exercise dubbed "Arrow 2022". According to Finnish media reports, the government's decision could be made in the next few days. The latest polls suggest a large majority of Finnish MPs and the public are in favour of joining the Atlantic Alliance, a change in opinion that has come about since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finnish President Sauli Niinisto is to announce his personal stance on the issue on May 12. Finland was ruled by Russia for 108 years before declaring independence in 1917. It fought off a Soviet invasion during World War II before a peace deal saw it cede several border areas to Moscow. The Nordic nation remained neutral during the Cold War in exchange for Soviet guarantees not to invade. On the Swedish side, the government and parliament are due to present a security policy review including viewpoints on NATO membership on May 13. Stockholm is also currently holding consultations with NATO countries, with its foreign minister travelling to the US and Canada this week. Experts have warned that Finland and Sweden would likely be subjected to Russian acts of interference as they consider whether to join NATO as a deterrent against aggression from their eastern neighbour. Hostile acts such as cyberattacks are also considered likely, according to analysts, who have however said that the risk of a military attack is low. The Russian airspace incursion on Wednesday morning was a "Mi-17 helicopter" which flew about four to five kilometres into Finnish airspace, a ministry spokesman told AFP. It was the second such airspace violation this year, following an incursion by a civilian transport plane belonging to the Russian army, which briefly entered Finnish airspace on April 8. Four Russian fighter jets violated Swedish airspace in early March near Sweden's strategically located island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. And on Friday, a Russian spy plane crossed the Swedish border near a naval base in the south of the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Russia said its forces would cease fire at the Azovstal steel plant in the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and open a humanitarian corridor for civilians for three days beginning Thursday. "The Russian armed forces will from 8 am to 6 pm (Moscow time, 0500 GMT to 1500 GMT) on May 5, 6 and 7 open a humanitarian corridor from the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant to evacuate civilians," the defence ministry said on Wednesday. "During this period, the Russian armed forces and formations of the Donetsk People's Republic will unilaterally cease any hostilities," the ministry said in a statement. Civilians that have been sheltering at the plant will be allowed to travel to Russia or Kyiv-controlled territory, the statement added. Mariupol is one of the most battered cities in Ukraine. A group of Ukrainian forces are still holding out at the plant. Ukraine has accused Moscow of launching a "powerful" assault on the industrial zone, the last redoubt of Ukrainian forces in the city. The mayor of Mariupol said that contact had been lost with Ukrainian forces holed up in the plant amid "heavy fighting" with Russian troops. The Russian army said Tuesday its forces were using artillery and planes to target Azovstal, accusing Ukrainian troops of using a pause in fighting to once again take up their combat positions at the plant. Search Keywords: Short link: Clashes erupted between Israelis and Palestinians at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Thursday, after a 10-day cooling of tensions at the holy site, Israeli police said. The Israeli police said they had repelled "dozens of rioters" who had been "throwing stones and other objects" at the security forces. An AFP correspondent said there was a large police presence in front of the mosque, while the Palestinian Red Crescent had yet to report any casualties from the violence. The clashes came on the anniversary of Israel's 1948 independence and followed a tense period in which the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the Jewish festival of Passover and the Christian holiday of Easter overlapped. Since mid-April, clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians have wounded nearly 300 at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound. The site is Islam's third-holiest. It is also Judaism's holiest place, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. Palestinians have been angered by an uptick in Jewish visits to the compound, where by long-standing convention Jews may visit but are not allowed to pray. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has said the his country "will not change" this status quo. Last week, the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas threatened Israel with rockets and synagogue attacks if Israeli forces carried out further raids on the site. "You should be ready for a great battle if the (Israeli) occupation does not stop attacking Al-Aqsa mosque," said Yahya Sinwar, Hamas chief in the Israeli-blockaded Palestinian enclave. A raid by Israeli police into the compound last month sparked widespread condemnation from regional leaders. Jordan, which manages Jerusalem's holy sites, accused Israel of upsetting the long-standing status quo which allows all faiths to worship at their sacred sites in the city. The mounting violence since March 22 has killed 12 Israelis, including an Arab-Israeli police officer, and two Ukrainians in four separate attacks inside Israel. Two of the deadly attacks were carried out in the Tel Aviv area by Palestinians. A total of 26 Palestinians and three Israeli Arabs have died during the same period, among them perpetrators of attacks and those killed by Israeli security forces in West Bank operations. Search Keywords: Short link: Defence chiefs from West Africa's ECOWAS bloc began a two-day meeting Thursday aimed at boosting military cooperation in a region that has suffered hundreds of attacks this year alone. Among the 15 members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc are Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger -- deeply impoverished nations struggling with jihadist insurgencies. Coastal states Ghana, Benin and Ivory Coast are worried about spillover across their borders. Addressing the region's military representatives in Ghana's capital Accra, Ghanaian Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul said insecurity from armed groups and criminal networks was on the rise. Nitiwul urged more intelligence sharing to better monitor militants and armed groups who were themselves also exchanging information across borders. "As professionals, we must resolve to bury our differences imposed by nationality, culture, ethnicity... and forge ahead with greater collaboration," the minister said. "One of the expectations of this meeting is to achieve a common understanding of the threats." The minister said that in three years the region had suffered more than 5,300 terror-related attacks claiming around 16,000 lives. More than 840 attacks took place in the first three months of 2022 alone, he added. After military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, ECOWAS suspended those countries and imposed some economic sanctions. But the bloc allowed representatives of those countries to participate in the security meeting due to the urgency, Nitiwul said. Since it began in northern Mali, a jihadist insurgency involving Al-Qaeda affiliates and Islamic State militants has spread to Niger and Burkina Faso. Jihadist regularly carry out attacks in northern and eastern Burkina Faso, killing more than 2,000 people since 2015 and displacing almost two million from their homes. Niger's Tillaberi region, a vast area on the borders of Burkina Faso and Mali, has been the scene of bloody attacks by both groups since 2017. Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum has initiated dialogue with jihadist leaders in a bid to keep the peace. But military efforts continue, with some 12,000 soldiers fighting in anti-jihadist operations, especially along the more than 1,400 kilometres (850 miles) of borders with Mali and Burkina Faso. Search Keywords: Short link: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Mali could collapse if a UN peacekeeping mission withdrew, but suggested an option could be to replace it with an African Union force backed by a tougher operating mandate. Guterres made the suggestion in an interview with the French radio station RFI ahead of a key decision on the future of the UN peacekeeping force in Mali. The Security Council next month is to determine whether to renew the mandate of the Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), one of the UN's biggest peacekeeping operations. "The true situation is that without MINUSMA, the risk of the country's collapse would be enormous," Guterres said in the interview, broadcast on Wednesday and Thursday. "I am not going to propose that this mission be ended because I think that the consequences would be terrible. "But it (MINUSMA) is operating in circumstances that really call for (not) a peacekeeping force but a strong force (entrusted with) enforcing peace and fighting terrorism," he said. "This strong force has to be an African force, from the African Union, but with a Chapter Seven Security Council mandate and obligatory financing," he said. Chapter Seven of the United Nations Charter permits use of armed force in the event of a "threat to the peace." MINUSMA, which has a current deployment of 14,000 troops and police, was created in 2013 to help support the fragile Sahel country in its fight against jihadist insurgents. But the force has often been criticised for being shackled by a mandate that has left it unable to intervene robustly. As a result, the security onus is thrust on Mali's poorly-equipped armed forces, according to this view. Most of the contingents in MINUSMA come from African governments. Guterres said he was aware of the scale of the UN's task in Mali. MINUSMA has lost 170 members since 2013, many of them killed by roadside bombs or in ambushes. "It really is a very difficult... situation for us," he said. Rights problem He pointed to what he called "very difficult cooperation" between Mali and MINUSMA on the question of human rights. Last month, several hundred civilians were killed in central Mali by government forces and foreign operatives, which may have been Russian, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Mali denies this, and says its forces eliminated more than 200 jihadists. However, the UN says it is still awaiting permission from the authorities to send investigators to the region. Next month's decision in New York comes in the context of a breakdown in relations between Mali and its traditional ally, France, which over the past nine years has stationed thousands of troops in the troubled Sahel state, backed by helicopters, jets and drones. Those forces are being withdrawn from Mali after the two countries fell out following a military coup in August 2020. The pullout may have implications for MINUSMA. The UN's mandate authorises French forces to support the mission "when (it is) under imminent and serious threat." Search Keywords: Short link: A total of 1,745,408 preparatory school students have been examined since November in Egypts initiative for the early detection and treatment of hepatitis C, according to the Ministry of Health and Population on Thursday. The initiative, which is running for the fourth year in a row under the larger 100 Million Healthy Lives presidential initiative, aims to screen 2.5 million preparatory school students during the 2021-2022 school year, said the ministry. The current school year will end later this month. The initiative is set to continue next year. According to the ministry, 166,427 students have been screened for hepatitis C in Giza followed by 160,070 students in Cairo, 136,537 students in Sharqiya and 128,931 students in Beheira during the current phase of the initiative. The examinations are being carried out by 419 medical teams from the General Authority for Health Insurance, the ministry said. Students who test positive for the virus are referred to the authoritys nationwide liver centres to obtain the required treatment free of charge, the ministry affirmed. The ministry has announced that millions of preparatory and secondary school students as well as university students have been tested since the launch of the initiative in 2018. Over the past two years, 9.5 million students have been screened under the initiative, a top ministry official told the state-owned Akhbar El-Yom newspaper last August. The country launched the initiative for early detection and treatment of hepatitis C and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 2018 and screened over 60 million people out of Egypts 102 million population. In July 2020, the health ministry announced that Egypt has become the first country to succeed in becoming free of hepatitis C thanks to the national initiative to end the infectious disease. The country has also screened millions of people under several health initiatives launched over the past few years under the umbrella of the 100 Million Healthy Lives presidential initiative. This includes an initiative for the early detection of anemia, obesity and dwarfism among primary school students, an initiative to support womens health, and an initiative for the early detection of genetic diseases. In March, Egypt also launched an initiative for the early detection and treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - liver cancer, the sixth most prevalent cancer in the globe. Egypt is also considering launching an initiative for the early detection of autism in children aged two and older, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar said early in April. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron developments in the Ukraine crisis as well as Egypts scheduled hosting of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November. This comes especially in light of the prominent role of Egypt and France regarding climate and environment issues, Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement. El-Sisi discussed regional and international issues with Macron in a phone call on Thursday and congratulated the French president on winning the latest elections. Macron won a second five-year presidential term with 58.5 percent of the vote against far-right rival Marine Le Pen during the run-off on 24 April, becoming the first French president to be reelected in 20 years. Macron thanked El-Sisi affirming his keenness to continue enhancing their coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern and on regional and international developments. France is also committed to continue strengthening cooperation with Egypt in various fields and supporting El-Sisis tireless efforts in achieving sustainable development, the statement cited Macron as saying. He also reiterated Frances commitment to back the Egyptian role in preserving peace and security and consolidating stability at the regional and international levels. For his part, El-Sisi reiterated the importance that Egypt attaches to fostering strategic cooperation with France at all levels and intensifying consultations and coordination with France in the future on the various political, security, military and economic issues of mutual concern. The Egyptian president affirmed that this would help to preserve security and stability in the Middle East, the Mediterranean Basin, and Africa. The two presidents discussed issues of bilateral cooperation between Egypt and France and agreed on bolstering the strategic relations binding the two countries at all levels, the spokesman said. This is the second official phone call between the two presidents since Macron was reelected. In a phone call on the day of reelection on 24 April, El-Sisi congratulated Macron, hailing the close, growing, and historical relations between Egypt and France. El-Sisi also expressed his aspiration to continue consultations and mutual coordination on regional and international files of common interest. Cairo and Paris share warm bilateral relations and consistent visions regarding a number of regional issues, including the Libyan crisis, and coordinate on global challenges such as counter-terrorism and irregular migration. France has sizable investments in Egypt, with about 160 French companies operating in the Egyptian market in various fields. According to the French Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, the volume of French investments in Egypt exceeds 5 billion. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to $3 billion in 2020 up by 20 percent from 2019. Furthermore, France has invested 4.6 billion in Egyptian infrastructure projects, including 800 million in government loans, 1 billion from the French Development Agency and 2 billion in bank loans guaranteed by the French state. Cairo and Paris also share financial interests that included massive arms deals. Between 2016 and 2020, French arms sales to Egypt increased by 44 percent, compared to the period between 2011 and 2015. Egypt is the second largest customer of French arms after India, with military purchases focused on Rafale jets and advanced electronic surveillance systems. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Egypt in April called on France, as current president of the European Union Council, to provide economic and political support to help Egypt mitigate the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Later on the same month, 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 the global crisis. Moreover, France and Egypt share similar priorities regarding climate change, manufacturing of electric cars and the localisation of green hydrogen industry, said Frances Ambassador to Cairo Marc Barety in December. Egypt is preparing to host COP27 in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh next November while coordinating with international partners on the preparations for the conference. Egypt has repeatedly affirmed that it will work through COP27 to enhance international action against climate change at all levels to achieve the goals of the Paris agreement and will highlight the need for securing funding to help developing nations with mitigation and adaptation efforts. Search Keywords: Short link: Israeli authorities announced Thursday the expropriation of 22,000 dunums (about 5,436 acres) of Palestinian-owned land to the south of Jericho city in the occupied West Bank, according to local sources. Younes Jaafar, a Palestinian rights activist, told Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) that the land expropriated by the Israeli military order belongs to the village of Sawahera Al-Sharqiya, and is part of the E1 Israeli colonial project. The project, initiated first in 2012, is aimed at isolating Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank and disrupting the territorial contiguity between the northern and southern parts of the West Bank. Israel uses the Absentee Property Law to claim the lands it forced the Palestinians to abandon in the 1948 and 1967 wars. It also deploys a range of tactics to declare all unregistered lands left out by the Ottoman and British authorities and believed to be two-thirds of the West Bank as possible state land. This came hours after Israeli occupation police forces stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque Thursday morning and occupied it to allow for settlers to enter the mosque, according to media reports. Search Keywords: Short link: A powerful government-backed Libyan militia on Thursday rejected accusations of killings, torture and forced labour, insisting it upholds the law and threatening to sue Amnesty International for its report. Amnesty on Wednesday had accused the Stability Support Authority (SSA) of a string of abuses, including "unlawful killings, arbitrary detentions, interception and subsequent arbitrary detention of migrants and refugees, torture, forced labour, and other shocking human rights violations". The SSA said it "upholds Libyan law" and holds its members accountable for "any illegal act". The group also said it "reserves the right to sue Amnesty International for defamation and slander against the Libyan state and its official institutions". The SSA, created under a decree by former prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj in January last year, is led by Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, one of the most powerful men in the North African country's capital Tripoli. Amnesty said al-Kikli, known as "Gheniwa", had been appointed despite a "well-documented history of crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations committed by militias under his command". Libya plunged into violent lawlessness in 2011 with the NATO-backed revolt that toppled longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Armed groups have vied for control of territory as a string of interim governments have come and gone. Many such groups have been integrated into the state, partly in order to access a share of the country's vast oil wealth, and rights organisations have often accused them of abuses. The country is now once again split between two rival governments. In March, United Nations investigators said that serious rights violations including possible crimes against humanity were continuing with impunity across much of the country. Search Keywords: Short link: By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline that takes Azerbaijani oil to Europe via Turkey exported about 6.7 million tons of crude oil in the first quarter of 2022, the pipelines operator BP Azerbaijan has said in its recent report. The oil was loaded on 68 tankers exported from Turkeys Ceyhan terminal. From January-March, about $9 million was spent on operating expenditure and about $4 million in capital expenditure on the BTC project. Overall, BTC exported over 509 million tons of crude oil loaded on 5,007 tankers to the world markets since the pipeline became operational in June 2006 till the end of the first quarter of 2022. On 23 March 2022, BTC reached a significant milestone by loading the 5000th tanker of oil transported from the Sangachal terminal near Baku across Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ceyhan in Turkey. The BTC pipeline currently carries mainly the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli crude oil and the Shah Deniz condensate from Azerbaijan. Other volumes of crude oil and condensate also continue to be transported via BTC. Furthermore, in the first three months of 2022, the Sangachal terminal exported more than 57 million barrels of oil and condensate to world markets. This includes about 51 million barrels through BTC and around 6 million barrels through the Western Route Export Pipeline. On average, around 71 million cubic meters of Shah Deniz gas were exported from the terminal daily. Gas is exported via the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the SCP expansion system, and via Azerbaijans pipelines connecting the terminals gas processing facilities with Azerigas national grid system. The daily capacity of the terminals processing systems is currently 1.2 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, and around 100 million cubic meters of gas, including 81 million cubic meters for Shah Deniz gas. Likewise, the daily average throughput of the South Caucasus Pipeline was 56.2 million cubic meters of gas during the quarter. The South Caucasus Pipeline spent around $14 million in operating expenditure and around $0.3 million in capital expenditure. The SCP has been operational since late 2006, transporting Shah Deniz gas to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The expanded section of the pipeline commenced commercial deliveries to Turkey in June 2018 and to Europe in December 2020. The South Caucasus Pipeline was built to export Shah Deniz gas from Azerbaijan to Georgia and Turkey. The pipeline starts from the Sangachal terminal near Baku. It follows the route of the BTC crude oil pipeline through Azerbaijan and Georgia to Turkey, where it is linked to the Turkish gas distribution system. The BTC pipeline is a transport line for Azerbaijani oil from the Caspian Sea to the port of Ceyhan in Turkey, and then to European markets via the Mediterranean Sea. The official opening ceremony of the BTC oil pipeline took place in Turkey in July 2006. The total length of the pipeline is 1,768 km, of which 443 km pass through the territory of Azerbaijan; 249 km to Georgia; 1,076 km to Turkey. The projected capacity is 50 million tonnes of oil per year or one million barrels per day. Light oil produced at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field is transported via BTC. The Sangachal terminal is an oil and gas terminal that receives, processes, stores, and exports crude oil and gas produced from all currently operated BP assets in the Caspian basin and has room for expansion. The terminal includes oil and gas processing facilities, the first pump station for the BTC oil pipeline, the South Caucasus gas pipeline (SCP) compressor, and other facilities. Sudanese security forces on Thursday killed a protester when an armoured vehicle ran over him during the latest rally against last year's power grab, medics said. The unidentified protester was killed by the "vehicle belonging to the forces during rallies in Khartoum" headed towards the presidential palace, said the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, a pro-democracy group of medics. Anti-power grab demonstrators routinely target the palace, where the ruling Sovereign Council is based along the Nile River. The demonstrator's death brings to 95 the toll from the crackdown on anti-power grab protests since the October military takeover led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the doctors' committee said. Regular rallies have taken place against Sudan's latest power grab, which derailed a political transition period set in motion after the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The military power grab drew wide international condemnation, including the suspension of vital aid, and upended a transition to civilian rule in one of the world's poorest countries. The United Nations, along with the African Union and regional bloc IGAD, have been pushing to facilitate Sudanese-led talks to resolve the crisis. Senior officials from the United States, United Kingdom and other Western countries have urged Sudanese factions to participate in the UN-AU-IGAD process and warned against any delay, according to an April 29 EU statement. "They underscored that international financial support for the Sudanese government, including debt relief, could only follow establishment of a credible civilian government," it said. Otherwise, "Sudan might lose billions of dollars in development assistance from the World Bank, and that Sudan's IMF programme and $19 billion in associated debt relief would be imperilled," it noted. Last month, Sudanese authorities released several anti-power grab civilian leaders arrested in the crackdown. Burhan has pledged to free political detainees to set the stage for talks among Sudanese factions. Search Keywords: Short link: Local and regional elections were being held across the UK on Thursday that could prove historic in Northern Ireland and heap further pressure on embattled Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The contest for the devolved assembly in Belfast could see a pro-Irish nationalist party win for the first time in the troubled history of the British province. The results, expected from Friday, could have huge constitutional implications for the four-nation UK's future, with predicted victors Sinn Fein committed to a vote on reunification with Ireland. Voters are electing councils in Scotland, Wales and much of England, with Johnson facing a potentially pivotal mid-term popularity test. Poor results could reignite simmering discontent within his ruling Conservatives about his leadership, after a string of recent scandals. Jeopardy The prime minister voted in central London with his dog Dilyn, while the main UK opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer cast his ballot in the north of the capital with his wife, Victoria. Johnson, 57, won a landslide 2019 general election victory by vowing to take the UK out of the European Union, and reverse rampant regional inequality. Despite making good on his Brexit pledge, the pandemic largely stalled his domestic plans. But his position has been put in jeopardy because of anger at lockdown-breaking parties at his Downing Street office and the steeply rising cost of living. The polls, which close at 2100 GMT, should also point to whether Labour poses a serious threat, as it tries to make inroads across England despite defending the many gains it made at the last local elections in 2018. Labour is bidding to leapfrog the Conservatives into second place in Scotland, behind the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), and remain the largest party in Wales, where 16 and 17-year-olds are eligible to vote for the first time. 'Sea change' The contest for Northern Ireland's power-sharing assembly is set to capture attention, after numerous polls put Sinn Fein ahead. A University of Liverpool poll reported Tuesday it remained on target to win comfortably with over a quarter of the vote. The pro-UK Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and cross-community Alliance Party were tied for second. Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, said there was a feeling the election "really is momentous". "It will be a sea change if a nationalist becomes first minister," she told AFP. Sinn Fein -- the IRA's former political wing -- has dialled down its calls for Irish unity during campaigning, saying it is "not fixated" on a date for a sovereignty poll, instead focusing on the rising cost of living and other local issues. Party vice president Michelle O'Neill, who voted in County Tyrone, west of Belfast, has insisted voters are "looking towards the future" with pragmatism rather than the dogmatism that has long been the hallmark of Northern Irish politics. "They're very much looking towards those of us that can work together versus those that don't want to work together," she said. Power-sharing? In Belfast, municipal worker John Potts, 56, said a border poll was low down people's priorities. "Let's get Stormont (the Northern Ireland Assembly) up and running, let's sort out pay and health and education and the pandemic, and then we can have a wee chat about the constitution," he told AFP. O'Neill's DUP rivals have sought to keep the spotlight on possible Irish reunification in the hope of bolstering their flagging fortunes. In February, its first minister withdrew from the power-sharing government in protest at post-Brexit trade arrangements, prompting its collapse. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said after casting his vote that his party would not form a new executive unless London rips up the trading terms, known as the Northern Ireland Protocol. "Words alone will not be sufficient," he told reporters. "I will not enter an executive until that action is taken." Deliver In England, the Conservatives are predicted to lose hundreds of councillors and even control of long-time strongholds in London to Labour. Johnson has tried to sideline the so-called "partygate" scandal that last month saw him become the first British prime minister to be fined for breaking the law while in office. In Scotland, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon is hoping that a strong performance in contests for all 32 local authorities can lay the groundwork for another independence referendum. Johnson has repeatedly rejected the push for a second poll, after Scots in 2014 voted by 55 percent to 45 percent not to break away. Search Keywords: Short link: Heavy fighting raged Thursday at the shattered steel plant in Mariupol as Russian forces attempted to finish off the city's last-ditch defenders and complete the capture of the strategically vital port. The bloody battle came amid growing suspicions that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a major battlefield success _ or announce an escalation of the war _ in time for Victory Day on Monday. That is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany. Ten weeks into the devastating war, Ukraine's military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putin's ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village, as Moscow struggles to gain momentum in the Donbas, the eastern industrial heartland that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. In the most searing example of how Ukrainian forces have slowed Russia's progress, Ukrainian fighters _ 2,000, by the Russians' estimate in recent weeks _ were holed up in the tunnels and bunkers under the sprawling Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol, the last pocket of resistance in a city largely reduced to rubble over the past two months. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped inside the plant. Ukraine said its fighters drove back a Russian thrust on the plant, which was also being heavily bombed from above. Videos shared online appeared to show the steel mill targeted by intense shelling at dawn. ``The Russian troops entered the territory of Azovstal but were kicked out by our defenders,'' Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Ukrainian television. ``We can say that the fighting is ongoing.'' The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant. A Ukrainian officer leading defenders inside the last Mariupol bastion pleaded with the world to pressure Russia into allowing more civilians to be rescued along with wounded troops. About 100 civilians were evacuated over the weekend. ``Wounded soldiers are dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment,'' Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, said in a video statement. Mariupol's fall would be a major battlefield success for Moscow, depriving Ukraine of a vital port, allowing Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and freeing up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. Some analysts have suggested Putin may use Victory Day to expand what he calls the ``special military operation'' and declare all-out war. That would allow the Russian leader to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. The Kremlin has dismissed such speculation. Ahead of Victory Day, the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew that would be in force from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Similar long curfews have been put in place in other Ukrainian cities near the front lines for fear of attacks. In other developments, Belarus' authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, defended Russia's invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but said he didn't expect the conflict to ``drag on this way.'' Lukashenko, whose country was used by the Russians as a launch pad for the invasion, said Moscow had to act because Kyiv was ``provoking`` Russia. But in the interview, in which he seemed to direct his comments to the West, he created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the conflict and referring to it as a ``war'' _ a term Moscow refuses to use. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. As the battle raged there, Russian forces shelled elsewhere in the Donbas and kept up their bombardment of railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country to try to disrupt the supply of Western arms, which have been critical to Ukraine's defense. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. Five people were killed and at least 25 wounded in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks damaged houses and a school. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces ``have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine,'' and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses. In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild. Belarus announced the start of military exercises Wednesday, stirring fears that the Russian ally might jump into the war. Britain's Defense Ministry said that it does not believe the drills pose any immediate threat to Ukraine but that they could be used to tie down Ukrainian forces in the north and prevent them from joining the battle for the Donbas. Search Keywords: Short link: The apps recommend potential partners at random based on distance, appearance, education and even religion. Christian Date, for example, promises chaste encounters by requiring users to input their church, pastor, date of baptism, volunteer activities and favorite Bible passage. There are more than 200 Korean-language hookup apps available on Google Play, and millions of people use them. One called Amanda, short for "I don't meet just anyone" in Korean, has accumulated 1 million users all by itself. Users are drawn by the discreet nature of the enterprise. One 24-year-old university student said, "I'd like to meet a graduate from a top university and I feel awkward asking my friends to set me up with someone like that. Some blind-dating apps display the academic information of other applicants, so I can just pick one." The low cost of the apps also makes them preferable to expensive matchmakers for those looking for serious relationships. Most dating apps are free to sign up and charge only a small amount per match. Some are free for all, others discriminate. Sky People is free for women, but men can only sign up if they went to prestigious universities or are lawyers, doctors or work for major conglomerates, which has to be certified. Amanda, meanwhile, practices a dubious form of mob justice by requiring photos to be rated by other users before an applicant can join. There are also concerns that users are vulnerable to criminals of one kind or another due to the weak ID verification. In June, a 31-year-old man was arrested on charges of defrauding seven women of W310 million after posing as a wealthy businessman on dating apps (US$1=W1,105). In fact he was an old lag with a rap sheet as long as his arm. Actress Jung Ho-yeon, who shot to global fame starring in Netflix's hit Korean series "Squid Game," attended the Met Gala in New York on Monday. The gala, one of the U.S. fashion industry's biggest events, raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The annual event has been held since 1948, with the exception of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, celebrating a different theme each year. This year's theme was "Gilded Glamour," a reference to the Gilded Age, a time of rapid economic growth after the American Civil War. Jung, a model for luxury brand Louis Vuitton, appeared in the brand's navy mini dress, leather boots and accessories. The draft decision was leaked on the same day The Washington Post reported that Republicans in Congress are uniting behind a plan to pass a bill that would ban abortions after fetal cardiac activity can be detected. That would set the ban around six weeks, a stage at which many women do not yet know they are pregnant. Any such bill would face a difficult road in the Senate, as Democrats are certain to use the filibuster to prevent it from passing. The case in question, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, is a challenge to a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, but Alito's draft ruling reaches beyond the specific questions raised by the Dobbs case to overturn 50 years of judicial precedent. "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled," Alito wrote. "The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely -- the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment." Late Monday, the news organization Politico released a leaked draft of a decision by the high court. Written by Associate Justice Samuel Alito, one of the court's most conservative members, it explicitly overturns two previous court rulings, Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which are the basis of the federal protection of abortion rights. The Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization, estimates that 26 states are likely to significantly restrict abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. The Center for Reproductive Rights, a group that supports access to abortions, estimates the number to be 25. A number of states have some combination of trigger laws, old anti-abortion laws still on the books, and anti-abortion laws passed in the wake of the Roe decision despite being in clear conflict with the Supreme Court's ruling. Thirteen states have trigger laws that ban nearly all abortions if they go into effect. Nine more states have laws on the books that were invalidated by the Supreme Court's 1973 decision in the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights case, but can be enforced if Roe is overturned. If the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court overturns federal abortion protections, as a draft decision leaked on Monday night suggests, access to abortion in at least half of the U.S. states is likely to be sharply curtailed -- in some cases, immediately -- by so-called trigger laws that automatically go into effect in the event of such a decision. Abortion Rights Groups React In their public reaction to the news, some abortion rights organizations chose to stress that the opinion is only a draft and may not express the court's final decision. "We don't know if the document as reported by Politico is legitimate, and we don't know if it represents the views of a majority of the Supreme Court," said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, in a statement. "What we do know is that if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade it will be an unjustified, unprecedented stripping away of a guaranteed right that has been in place for nearly five decades. It would represent the most damaging setback to the rights of women in the history of our country." Others seemed more prepared to assume that the draft reflects the likely outcome of the case. "This leaked opinion is horrifying and unprecedented, and it confirms our worst fears: that the Supreme Court is prepared to end the constitutional right to abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade," said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in a statement. "While we have seen the writing on the wall for decades, it is no less devastating, and comes just as anti-abortion rights groups unveil their ultimate plan to ban abortion nationwide." Abortion Opponents React Groups in favor of more restrictions on abortion, or of outlawing the procedure altogether, were pleased with the direction of the draft ruling. In a post on its website, Texas Right to Life, a group that last year spearheaded a law that effectively banned abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy in Texas, called the opinion "a clear, bold, categorical rejection of Roe." "The atrocity of Roe v. Wade stained the moral fabric of our country for nearly 50 years. Today's encouraging news indicates that Roe soon may be gone. Yet, new attacks on Life will emerge," the group added. "If the draft opinion made public tonight is the final opinion of the court, we wholeheartedly applaud the decision," said Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, in a statement. "The American people have the right to act through their elected officials to debate and enact laws that protect unborn children and honor women. If Roe is indeed overturned, our job will be to build consensus for the strongest protections possible for unborn children and women in every legislature." Patchwork of Laws By overturning the rulings in Roe and Casey, the Supreme Court would effectively make the federal government silent on the issue of abortion, leaving it up to individual states to determine the legality of the process. The attitude of states toward abortion broadly mirrors their political leanings, with states supporting the Republican Party more likely to have bans in place, and states supporting the Democratic Party more likely to allow broad access to abortion. During his term in office, President Donald Trump promised that he would appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe. Although none of his nominees -- Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett -- explicitly said that they would vote to overturn the ruling, their appointments to the court set off a flurry of legislation in the states. Last year, more than 100 pieces of legislation restricting abortion access were passed in various states, some plainly in conflict with Roe. At the same time, many states with Democratic-run legislatures passed laws codifying the right to an abortion. If the draft ruling is finalized by the Supreme Court, the likely result is that in the U.S., women's access to abortion will be highly dependent on where they live. In the Northeast and on the West Coast, women will have relatively easy access to care, with abortion providers in multiple locations in every state. However, in the Deep South and parts of the Midwest and Mountain West, women could be forced to travel hundreds of miles to get access to an abortion provider. According to the Guttmacher Institute, a woman in Louisiana would face a one-way drive of 1,071 km (666 miles) to reach the nearest legal abortion clinic. In Florida, the average drive would be 925 km (575 miles), and in Montana, it would be 617 km (384 miles). KYODO NEWS - May 5, 2022 - 21:47 | World, All, Japan Japan launched a trading platform Thursday in Bangkok to increase exports of Japanese foodstuffs to Thailand and further promote Japanese cuisine there. The establishment of the Japan Food Export Platform came as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government plans to increase the country's annual export of agricultural, forest and fishery products to 5 trillion yen ($38.58 billion) by 2030 from over 1 trillion yen in 2021. Japanese farm minister Genjiro Kaneko said at the launch ceremony that Thailand is an "indispensable country" for significantly increasing Tokyo's farm exports, citing the high popularity of wagyu beef and Japanese strawberries in the Southeast Asian country. The minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries said Japan's farm sector needs to "alter its structure so it can make profits abroad." Japan plans to set up food export initiatives in eight countries and territories -- including the United States, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the European Union -- by fiscal 2023. Japan rolled out platforms in Los Angeles and New York in late April. With the platforms, the farm ministry aims to significantly boost exports of Japanese farm products and foodstuffs in partnership with Japanese diplomatic missions abroad as well as overseas offices of the government-backed Japan External Trade Organization. In a meeting with Kaneko earlier Thursday, Thai farm minister Chalermchai Sri-on said the talks "are a good opportunity to strengthen the agricultural relationship between Thailand and Japan." With the two countries marking the 135 years of diplomatic ties this year, Chalermchai hailed long-term bilateral, trilateral and international organization-level cooperation in the agriculture area, according to the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Kaneko will travel next to Singapore where he is set to attend a similar ceremony. KYODO NEWS - May 6, 2022 - 00:46 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed in principle Thursday on a defense cooperation pact as part of their efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, in a veiled counter to an increasingly assertive China. A reciprocal access agreement, when signed, would enable faster deployment of their troops and allow them to engage in joint training and disaster relief efforts. Japan recently signed a similar RAA with Australia. Kishida highly appreciated Britain's increased involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, and the two leaders expressed "strong concern" about unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China seas and "rapid but not transparent" military build-up and activities, the Japanese government said. The two leaders agreed to resolutely counter such unilateral attempts or economic coercion, the government said, without singling out China, the world's second-largest economy that has been attempting to expand its sphere of influence with its military and economic clout. "Ukraine may be tomorrow's East Asia," Kishida said at a press conference in London after meeting with Johnson. "Russia's aggression is not an issue only for Europe. The international order encompassing the Indo-Pacific is at stake." In that respect, Kishida said, "It is a major outcome that Prime Minister Johnson and I reached an agreement in principle" on the defense pact. Russia's invasion of Ukraine was another major agenda item for the summit talks. Japan, for its part, has raised the alarm about the ramifications for Asia of the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, especially in light of China's perceived desire to seize Taiwan, by force if necessary. Kishida and Johnson agreed on the need for their two countries and other members of the Group of Seven nations to lead the international community in maintaining sanctions against Russia and extending support to Ukraine. Expanding Japan's sanctions regime, the assets of more Russian banks and about 140 additional individuals will be frozen and an export ban will target around 70 additional military entities, Kishida said. Japan will also ban Russia-bound exports of goods using advanced technology such as quantum computers, he said. The G-7 leaders are expected to discuss further sanctions later this week, U.S. President Joe Biden said, after the European Union unveiled plans to phase out Russian oil imports by the end of this year. Throughout his five-nation trip to Britain, Italy, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, Kishida sought coordination with his counterparts in responding to the Ukraine crisis and achieving a "free and open" Indo-Pacific. London, in particular, has been strengthening its commitment to the region in view of its economic and geopolitical importance. The broad agreement on defense cooperation with Japan apparently reflects Britain's tilt toward the Indo-Pacific. An RAA, together with an acquisition and cross-serving agreement that enables nations to share ammunition and supplies, serves as the foundation to enhance security cooperation. Trade was also another topic as Britain, which exited the EU in 2020, is now seeking to join the 11-member Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Japan is a member of what is formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and has welcomed Britain's planned accession. Japan will work with Britain in persuading the United States to return to the trade deal following its abrupt withdrawal before it took effect under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, Kishida said at the press conference. In Thursday's summit, Johnson told Kishida that he expects the British government will lift its import ban on Japanese food by the end of June, according to the Japanese government. Such restrictions have been in place since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. Kishida and Johnson also confirmed they will work together in helping Asian nations develop renewables in their transition to green energy and providing alternative supplies to Russian oil and gas. KYODO NEWS - May 5, 2022 - 09:35 | All, World, Japan Nearly 80 percent of people in Japan think the burden on Okinawa in hosting the bulk of U.S. forces in the country is not fair compared with other prefectures, a Kyodo News survey showed Wednesday. The nationwide mail survey, conducted ahead of the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's reversion to Japanese administration on May 15, found that 58 percent of respondents supported transferring some of the U.S. military facilities outside of the southern prefecture. But 69 percent opposed relocating the bases to areas where they live, although 79 percent believe the burden on Okinawa was unequally large. Okinawa remained under U.S. rule until 1972 even after Japan regained sovereignty in 1952 following the country's defeat in World War II. It is home to 70 percent of the total acreage exclusively used by U.S. military installations in Japan despite being about 0.6 percent of the country's total area. In the poll, 51 percent said they believe U.S. bases in Okinawa should be reduced significantly, while 6 percent responded they should be totally removed. Forty percent said the bases are fine as they are. Okinawa remains important for the United States as it serves as a strategic hub for its military operations in the Pacific, as China's presence expands and the North Korean nuclear and missile threat grows in the region. Okinawa is also near Taiwan. Japan and the United States are pushing for the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in a residential area of Ginowan to the less populated coastal area of Henoko in Nago. But the transfer has met with strong opposition from people in Okinawa, many of whom have urged that the air base be moved out of the prefecture. The poll found that 64 percent are not supportive of the current relocation plan, which dates back to a 1996 Japan-U.S. agreement on returning the land occupied by the Futenma base. Of the 64 percent, about a quarter believe the base should be relocated outside of Japan, a quarter think it should be moved out of Okinawa to another prefecture, while a fifth said it should continue to be used. The survey also found that 65 percent think the security alliance between Japan and the United States should remain as is, but 22 percent believe it should be strengthened and 11 percent said it should be weakened. The poll was conducted on 3,000 randomly selected people aged 18 and older from March to April with valid responses received from 1,958. KYODO NEWS - May 6, 2022 - 04:34 | Japan, All, Coronavirus Japan will further ease in June border controls implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and bring them on par with other Group of Seven nations, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday. The infection situation has been stabilizing in Japan and the government will consult with public health experts before reviewing the country's COVID-19 measures "in stages," Kishida said at a press conference in London, without giving further details. Japan initially enforced an effective ban on the entry of nonresident foreign nationals late last year, drawing criticism at home and abroad that the measures were too strict. The government has gradually been easing the rules, currently allowing up to 10,000 people a day to enter Japan. Visitors are limited to businesspeople, technical interns and students, while foreign tourists are still not allowed in. Calls have been growing in the business circle for easing the travel restrictions. Members of a Japanese government panel recently said the country's travel controls should be normalized "as soon as possible." Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Japan had been keen to boost tourism as a driver of economic growth, with a goal in 2020 to attract 40 million foreign visitors. Japan's strict border controls as well as similar measures by other countries amid the global health crisis, however, made the target unachievable. In parallel with the nation's border controls, many Japanese people continue to wear masks even when outdoors, although it is not mandatory and a substantial portion of the population has received vaccines. In contrast, many people in the United States and Europe now walk outside mask-free, with some indoor settings including schools also not requiring masks. Kishida was in Britain on the final leg of his eight-day tour that also took him to Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Italy. Prior to his meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Kishida called for investment in Japan as he aims to rejuvenate the Japanese economy. "Invest in Kishida," the Japanese leader told an audience at the City of London, or London's primary financial district. To achieve his goal of creating a new form of capitalism, Japan's revival as an international financial center is needed, Kishida said, pledging to boost investment in human resources, innovation, startups along with green and digital technology. "I will promote bold monetary policy, flexible fiscal policy and growth strategies that would trigger private-sector investment," he said. The yen's sharp depreciation has become a headache for resource-poor Japan. Before the pandemic, Japan reaped the benefits of sharp gains in foreign tourists but with the strict border control steps in place, such tourists have been unable to enter the country to take advantage of the weak yen. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Thirty years have passed since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Greece. Over these years, the two countries successfully cooperate in many areas, in particular, economy, culture, sport, education, etc. Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). Greece was the first European Union member country that wanted to directly import gas from Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan State University of Culture (ASUCA) has hosted an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The event was attended by the members of diplomatic missions operating in Azerbaijan. Speaking at the event, the Greece Ambassador Nikolaos Piperigkos stressed the importance of cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Greece. The ambassador noted the great opportunities for cooperation in the fields of theater and music. In conclusion, Mr. Nikolaos Piperigkos expressed his gratitude to the curator of the photo exhibition dedicated to Greece Aydin Sadiknov. A new project "Sanki Antika" was presented to the guests of the event. The project featured colorful paintings by students of the Fine Arts Department. The art works were inspired by Greek mythology. At the same time, famous photographer Aydin Sadikhov presented his series of photographs "Chronicle of Myths". The theme of ancient myths and old urban legends takes a special place in the photographer`s work. The exhibition included 20 photographs that captured Greece's magnificent sights soaked in mythology including the Aphrodite statue, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. The photographer provided insight into each photo work. Notably, Aydin Sadikhov is the author of many interesting international cultural projects and photo exhibitions. His photo works have been successfully held in Hungary, Greece, Poland, Israel and other countries. Next, SABAH group students presented the excerpt from Sophocles's tragedy "Oedipus" while Cadenza Contemporary Orchestra performed Iannis Xenakis's music pieces. Then, the Theater faculty students performed Sirtaki Greek Dance. All project participants were awarded with certificates. KYODO NEWS - May 5, 2022 - 14:46 | All, World, Japan Japan's industry minister showed a negative view Wednesday about keeping pace with the European Union over its plan to ban oil imports from Russia as an additional sanction against Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. "Japan has limited resources and it is difficult for us to immediately align ourselves" with the EU, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Koichi Hagiuda told reporters in Washington after meeting with senior U.S. officials. His remark came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the regional bloc is proposing to ban all oil imports from Russia by the end of this year. "It is necessary for countries to do what they can do to keep pace," Hagiuda said, while adding his government wants to "share the same direction" after U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his intention to hold talks among the Group of Seven nations by the end of this week on imposing more sanctions against Russia. In his meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm earlier Wednesday, the two shared "the importance of maintaining energy security" amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started in late February, according to their joint statement. Hagiuda said he told Granholm that each country has a different energy security situation and each country's stance is important. To reduce dependence on Russia in the energy field, Japan asked the United States to increase liquefied natural gas output, Hagiuda said, adding that Japan is considering providing loans to Japanese firms which take part in the U.S. LNG projects. In resource-poor Japan, Russia accounted for 3.6 percent of its crude oil imports and 8.8 percent of LNG imports in 2021, according to Japan External Trade Organization data. The two also expressed an intention to collaborate in realizing net-zero carbon emissions, as they work jointly to develop cutting-edge clean energy solutions in areas that include offshore wind, geothermal energy, hydrogen and nuclear power. Hagiuda separately agreed with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to cooperate in boosting research and development of semiconductors, which are used in many fields including the defense industry, and their supply chains. Under the basic principles on semiconductor cooperation, the two nations will also collaborate in diversifying semiconductor production capacity, increasing transparency, coordinating emergency response on shortages and promoting workforce development, according to their joint statement. Hagiuda and Raimondo also agreed to aim for an early launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a regional engagement initiative that the Biden administration is promoting amid efforts to push back against China's increasing economic clout. Aerial photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows a view of Lingang new area of the Shanghai free trade zone. (Xinhua/Ding Ting) SHANGHAI, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The administrative committee of Lingang new area of the Shanghai free trade zone (FTZ) has announced that United Overseas Bank (UOB) China is expected to open in the third quarter of this year. The landing of the first foreign bank shows that foreign investors are full of confidence in the development prospects of Lingang and China's financial market, according to the administrative committee. UOB China said it will continue to provide one-stop financial services for Chinese and foreign enterprises with its business network strength in ASEAN, while focusing on creating cross-border financial innovation solutions with the policy advantages in Lingang. BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China's flagship telescope, slated to be launched at the end of 2023, is expected to provide humankind with fresh knowledge about distant galaxies, mysterious dark matter and dark energy, and the past and future evolutions of the universe. WIDE-FIELD TELESCOPE Chinese Survey Space Telescope, also known as the Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST) and Xuntian Space Telescope, is a space-based optical observatory for astronomers to carry out sky surveys, capturing a general map or images of the sky. The CSST is a bus-sized facility with a length equal to that of a three-storied building. It has an aperture of two meters, a bit smaller than the Hubble Space Telescope, but its field of view is 350 times larger than Hubble in area, said Liu Jifeng, deputy director of National Astronomical Observatories Of China (NAOC), in an exclusive interview with Xinhua. "The field of view is the area of the sky a telescope can see at one time," said Li Ran, project scientist of the CSST Scientific Data Reduction System. Hubble's field of view is approximately one percent of the size of a fingernail at an arm's length, thereby the telescope, in its thirties, observed only a tiny fraction of the sky, Li added. The CSST, under construction, has a three-mirror anastigmat design that helps it achieve superior image quality within a large field of view, according to the researchers. Also, it is a Cook-type off-axis telescope without obstruction that can, in principle, achieve better precisions in photometry, position and shape measurements when properly sampled. "It has an advantage for survey observations since it can scan a large part of the universe fairly quickly," said Zhan Hu, project scientist of the CSST Optical Facility. The CSST will be installed with five instruments including a Survey Camera. The main focal plane of the camera is equipped with 30 81-megapixel detectors that will take images and spectra of roughly 17,500 square degrees of the median-to-high galactic latitude and median-to-high ecliptic latitude sky in multiple bands, according to the researchers. Other four instruments mounted on the CSST are designed to observe individual objects or small fields, like mapping star-forming regions of the Milky Way, obtaining instantaneous color of fast varying objects such as comets and spinning asteroids, studying the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and galaxies and star formation in the nearby part of the universe, and direct imaging of exoplanets in the visible. CSST is likely to be the largest space telescope for astronomy in the near-ultraviolet and visible in the decade before 2035, Zhan said. Li used the analogy of photographing a sheep flock to explain CSST's capabilities. "Hubble may see a sheep but the CSST sees thousands, all at the same resolution," he said. FLYING WITH SPACE STATION The telescope, during its normal observations, will fly independently in the same orbit as China's space station but will maintain a large distance apart. China is scheduled to complete the in-orbit construction of its space station by 2022. Zhan said the telescope was designed, in its initial plan, to be mounted on the space station, but there would be disadvantages such as vibration, potential contamination, stray light and line-of-sight obstruction from the space station. Later, a bold design was adopted -- putting the telescope in the orbit of the space station but keeping them far away from each other during normal operations and docking it with the space station when necessary. The CSST can dock with the space station for refueling and servicing as scheduled or as needed, making its maintenance more affordable than Hubble. The U.S. space agency NASA launched space shuttles in five servicing missions from 1993 to 2009 to perform repairs, replace parts and install new instruments for Hubble. The CSST is expected to start scientific operations in 2024 and has a nominal mission lifetime of 10 years, which could be extended in principle. UNRAVELING COSMIC MYSTERIES The CSST will take pictures of 40 percent of the sky and transmit massive data back to the Earth that scientists all over the world can study, Li said, adding that its main objective is to address the most basic problems about the universe. It will observe well over one billion galaxies and measure their positions, shapes and brightness which may help explain how those galaxies evolve. "We have known that our universe is expanding with an acceleration and we can calculate its current expansion rate, but it's still unknown what causes the acceleration," said Li. "CSST observations may offer answers and unveil new physics." The telescope will also be able to help determine the upper limit of neutrino mass and shed light on the mysterious dark matter and dark energy. They're believed to account for the majority of mass-energy content of the universe. The versatile telescope can undertake many more intriguing studies such as drawing galactic dust map of the Milky Way, observing how super-massive blackholes are gobbling up surrounding materials, exploring exoplanets and discovering new peculiar celestial bodies. "The orbital period of Uranus is more than 80 years. Hubble has made observation for many years. The CSST could continue the work to examine how Uranus moves in one complete period," Li said. "The telescope can bring China's research in optical astronomy to the forefront of the world and help cultivate world-class Chinese scientists," Li added. "It can also take breathtaking visible pictures, allowing the public to directly feel and understand the universe." BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A black-necked crane, coded V021, has had a year to remember. Rescued near a national nature reserve in southwest China's Yunnan Province last spring, the young crane had been injured. It was left alone during its flock's migration journey. Wu Heqi, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), tagged it after a week in care to monitor its flight speed and movement by satellite, and bid farewell to it. The "V" on the tag stands for victory, symbolizing hopes for its successful return to the wild and to its migration destination, Wu explained. In China, black-necked cranes migrate to breeding grounds in the second half of March and arrive at wintering grounds from mid-October to November. They are first-class protected animals in China and the world's only cranes growing and breeding on the plateau. The number of cranes at the nature reserve in Yunnan has steadily increased in recent years with conservation efforts. Crane guards, monitoring facilities and electronic fences in the reserve protect their wintering grounds. V021 was the first black-necked crane monitored by Wu's team using satellite tagging technology to help researchers accurately track the crane's flight altitude, speed, ambient temperature and migration routes. Since 2004, the team has tracked hundreds of birds, including more than 10 black-necked cranes, with satellite tags. This tracking shows several national nature reserves in southwest China's Guizhou and Yunnan provinces provide stopovers and destinations on one of migration routes of black-necked cranes, Wu said. The nature reserve in Guizhou was V021's wintering ground last year. It arrived in November. This April, V021 arrived at a wetland in southwest Sichuan Province, a main terminal for black-necked cranes in summer. Last year, it enjoyed the summer in another national nature reserve in northwest Qinghai Province. The reserve is a main breeding ground and habitat for black-necked cranes. Once a resort, in April 2018, it was permanently closed to public, so as to further protect its waterways and grassland. Recent years have seen an obvious improvement in the reserve's ecological environment, with lake water becoming clearer and vegetation recovering. And the number of black-necked cranes breeding there has also increased. The continuously improving ecology may also be the reason why V021 chose to stay here for over a month, said Zhang Tongzuo, a researcher at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology under the CAS. Reserve staff and researchers in China are exploring new ways to provide better protection to black-necked cranes. In recent years, Qinghai has continued to promote the wildlife protection and nature reserve and wetland construction, contributing to greater biodiversity and the growing population of the cranes in the province. BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- China will surely win the war against COVID-19 with its scientific and effective epidemic control policy that will stand the test of time, according to a meeting of the top leadership on Thursday. The meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee was chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. The meeting analyzed the current epidemic prevention and control situation, studied priorities and made arrangements for relevant work. The meeting said China has withstood the most challenging COVID-19 control test since the anti-epidemic battle of Wuhan, and has secured progress with nationwide concerted efforts since March. MOUNT QOMOLANGMA BASE CAMP, Tibet, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientific researchers on Wednesday established an automatic meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of over 8,800 meters, the world's highest of its kind, on Mount Qomolangma on the China-Nepal border. It has replaced the station sitting at an altitude of 8,430 meters on the south side of the mountain, set up by British and U.S. scientists in 2019, to become the world's highest, according to the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Including the new weather station, eight elevation gradient meteorological stations have been set up on Mount Qomolangma -- one of the main tasks in China's new comprehensive scientific expedition on the world's highest peak at a height of 8,848.86 meters. Follow Xinhua's correspondent to the Mount Qomolangma base camp. Produced by Xinhua Global Service NANCHANG, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Despite the impact of COVID-19, Fresenius Kabi (Nanchang) Medical Devices Co., Ltd., a German-funded company in east China's Jiangxi Province, maintained steady expansion, with its exports up 7 percent in 2021. Hu Jialu, deputy general manager of the company, attributed this growth to China's effective epidemic control measures and its support policies for foreign companies. Due to the epidemic's disruption of logistics, the company was once unable to receive raw materials or deliver products to customers, Hu said, adding that local authorities opened a "green channel" so that the company could maintain normal operations. This is not the only foreign enterprise in China that has received government support in weathering epidemic headwinds. Japanese-funded Nanchang Sanyou Eco Technology Co., Ltd., which makes bamboo products, also benefited from the local government's policy support. After a resurgence of COVID-19 started in Nanchang in March, the local government dispatched special personnel to the company to help maintain smooth production and ensure effective prevention and containment, said Wu Jinling, deputy general manager of the firm. A series of policies have been rolled out involving logistics and supplies to aid pandemic-affected businesses, including foreign-funded enterprises, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said last month, adding that the ministry has engaged relevant departments and local governments in helping foreign companies solve the problems. Chen Yu, deputy director of the economic and trade development bureau of Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone, said they have formed a special team to provide point-to-point services for local enterprises, helping them balance virus prevention and development. "A sound business environment boosts our confidence in investment, which is one of the reasons why our company has stayed in Nanchang for 20 years," Hu Jialu said. Hu noted that Fresenius Kabi (Nanchang) has been working to expand its cooperation with local raw material suppliers in China and raise the market share in the Asia-Pacific region. Thanks partly to the sound business environment, Jiangxi's foreign trade surged 29 percent year on year in the first quarter. Of the total, the value of foreign-invested enterprises accounted for 23.8 percent. HOUSTON, May 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared wildfires lasting for weeks in the southwestern state of New Mexico "a major disaster," unlocking millions of dollars in relief for affected individuals and local recovery efforts. "A major disaster exists in the State of New Mexico," said the White House in a statement. Federal aid can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help local residents and business owners recover from the damage of the wildfires, said the statement. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham requested the presidential disaster declaration on Tuesday. "I have 6,000 people evacuated, I have families who don't know what the next day looks like," said Lujan Grisham. Seven wildfires are burning in the mountain state, the most in any state, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. One of the fires, the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire, started in mid-April as two large fires and merged more than a week ago in northern New Mexico, where strong winds lasted for 24 out of the last 30 days. The fire now has burned more than 160,000 acres (64,750 hectares) and hundreds of structures, authorities said. Furthermore, over 15,000 homes could be threatened this week if the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire, the second-largest fire in New Mexico in at least 30 years, continues to grow, said a CNN report, citing the Southwest Incident Management Team. About 300,000 acres (121,406 hectares) of land have burned across New Mexico so far this year, more than the past two full years combined, CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller said. The situation is "a long-term event," San Miguel and Mora counties in northern Mexico said in a joint release Tuesday. "We don't anticipate having 'control' of this fire any time soon." The wildfire season in the region normally starts in May or June but this year is dangerously early due to dire fire weather and ongoing megadrought leaving no moisture in the soil. The current wildfires in New Mexico began on April 5, according to the White House statement. On April 23, the governor said that "half the state has a fire issue" since more than 20 wildfires were burning in at least 16 of the state's 33 counties, fueled by gusty winds and drought conditions. Wildfires have become a year-round threat in the U.S. West and they are moving faster and burning hotter than ever due to climate change, said an ABC News report, citing scientists and fire experts. ISLAMABAD, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed grief over the loss of lives and property in the recent floods hitting different parts of Afghanistan, the Prime Minister's Office said on Thursday. The prime minister expressed solidarity with the Afghan caretaker government and the people, and extended condolences to the bereaved and victims' families, the office said in a statement. The prime minister announced that Pakistan is sending emergency aid to flood-stricken Afghans, according to the statement. "We are with the Afghan people in this difficult hour and will provide them every possible assistance," said the statement. Sharif also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations, to help the displaced Afghans by providing food, medical aid, and shelter. The recent floods, according to the prime minister, could worsen Afghanistan's humanitarian situation. Afghan officials said Thursday that eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured in the floods that swept parts of Afghanistan's northern Baghlan and western Badghis provinces on Wednesday. A dust storm hit Baghdad, Iraq, on May 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A dust storm swept through much of Iraq on Thursday leaving one dead and more than 5,000 people in hospital with respiratory problems, according to the Health Ministry. "The hospitals throughout Iraq received more than 5,000 people suffering from respiratory problems, 2,000 of whom were registered in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, in addition to one death," Sayf al-Badr, spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Health, said in a statement. An Iraqi patient receives medical treatment at a hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, on May 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) The number of people hospitalized could increase, while most of the cases left the hospitals after receiving treatments, the statement added. Iraqi meteorologist Sadiq Attia said on his Facebook page that Thursday's dust storm, which came from eastern Syria at midnight, would abate within the next few hours in Baghdad, and it is now heading towards the southern desert. Iraqi meteorologists and health officials have warned of the impact of the increasing storms on the health and lives of citizens in the absence of solutions. A dust storm hit Baghdad, Iraq, on May 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova International Mugham Center has hosted a gala concert as a part of the Baku International Jazz Day. The Culture Minister Anar Karimov, public and cultural figures were among the guests of the evening. TV and radio host, Honored Cultural Worker Rahib Azeri spoke about the history of the Azerbaijani jazz which dates back to the 1930s. The revival of jazz in the Land of Fire started thanks to the active efforts of great national composers Gara Garayev and Tofig Guliyev. The first jazz orchestra in Baku was created by them. This orchestra, called the State Pop Symphony Orchestra, became the basis of Azerbaijani jazz. The foundation of Azerbaijani jazz is associated with the name of the legendary musician Vagif Mustafazadeh. He was one of the founders of the new music trend called "jazz mugham". The music style reached its full fame in the 1950s and 1960s under the influence of composer Rafig Babayev and his Gaya Quartet. Dizzy Gillespie, the legendary American jazz trumpeter, reportedly lauded Mustafazadeh for creating "the music of the future". Nowadays, Azerbaijan sees growth in the number of talented jazz artists, including Aziza Mustafazade, Isfar Sarabski, Salman Gambarov, Nurlan Novrasli, Rain Sultanov and others. National jazzmen successfully perform at international music events. In addition, numerous jazz festivals are held across the country bringing together internationally acclaimed jazz musicians from all parts of the Earth. Next, jazz lovers enjoyed spectacular performances of the country's leading jazz musicians including People's Artists Jamil Amirov, Salman Gambarov, Honored Artist Ruslan Huseynov, young talents Ulviya Rahimova, Narmin Mammadli, Nijat Aslanov, Firudin Gamidov, Afshin Alizade, Arslan Novrasli and music band "H3 Collective". A unique jazz interpretation of "Karabakh shikestesi" by the young musician Mukhammed Allahverdiyev was met with great interest. The audience was also pleased with the performance of accordionist, People's Artist Enver Sadigov, who performed a medley of famous hits. The gala concert ended with the performance of the Bakuba Band led by the Honored Artist, percussionist Tofig Jabarov. The performance of the incredibly talented musicians Firudin Gamidov (trumpit), Nijat Pashazade ( bass guitar) and Afshin Alizade (keyboard) and Nijat Mammadov (flute) left no one indifferent. As part of the celebration, jazz concerts were held by the Culture Ministry in the International Mugham Center, the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater from April 29 to May 4. Media partners of the event are Azernews.az, Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.Az. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari attend a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria on May 4, 2022. Guterres on Wednesday pledged further support to the Nigerian government for ending terrorism, saying the world body will also mobilize more funds to the country's humanitarian response plan. (Photo by Peter Oba/Xinhua) ABUJA, May 4 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday pledged further support to the Nigerian government for ending terrorism, saying the world body will also mobilize more funds to the country's humanitarian response plan. Guterres met Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Nigerian capital Abuja as part of his three-nation visit to Africa. He promised that the UN will mobilize an additional 351 million U.S. dollars to a current plan in support of the country's humanitarian efforts in the country's northeast region, which has been suffering from terrorist activities. "We are very active in support of the humanitarian efforts of the Nigerian government and that is why we have called for an additional 351 million dollars as part of the overall 1.1 billion for the humanitarian response plan for Nigeria," said the UN head during a meeting with Nigeria's top officials. Guterres also told reporters at the State House that his visit to Nigeria focused on addressing security challenges in the most populous African country, Lake Chad, and the Sahel. Buhari, in his response, said Nigeria remains grateful to the UN and some world leaders for their steadfast partnership in fighting terrorism, adding his country and the African continent were concerned that the Russia-Ukraine conflict would crowd out other issues, but the UN head's visit clearly showed "the world has not forgotten us." He also noted that the Nigerian government has started a gradual and steady process of resettlement and reintegration where local people are encouraged to return to the country's northeast region. Earlier on Wednesday, Guterres attended a wreath-laying ceremony for victims of the 2011 bombing by Boko Haram at Nigeria's UN House in Abuja. During the visit to Nigeria, the first since he took office as UN secretary-general, Guterres said the United Nations is committed to alleviating the suffering of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the northeastern state of Borno, where he visited some camps for IDPs and transit areas of repentant Boko Haram militants in the restive Borno. Since 2009, Boko Haram has been trying to establish an Islamist state in northeastern Nigeria, extending its attacks to the Lake Chad Basin, where the group has posed enormous security challenges. NEW DELHI, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Four people including a woman were killed after a car they were traveling in skidded off the mountainous road and fell into a gorge in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, officials said Thursday. The accident took place on late Wednesday night in the Chupadi area of Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. "Last night a car carrying four people skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge killing all of them on the spot," an official of Himachal Pradesh's disaster management department said, adding that the bodies have been retrieved from the gorge. According to the official, the victims were returning home after attending a wedding in a nearby village. Deadly road accidents are common in India, which are often blamed on overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving. Around 150,000 people are killed every year in around half a million road accidents across India, officials said. According to federal minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, the Indian government has set a target to reduce road accident deaths by 50 percent by 2024. SYDNEY, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Authorities of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) is urging people to get vaccinated ahead of the flu season, as influenza cases have more than doubled in recent weeks. The latest NSW respiratory surveillance report issued on Thursday showed there were 1,024 new influenza cases in the week ending April 30, compared with 478 cases in the previous week. The proportion positive has increased from 3.1 percent to 5.5 percent. "Alongside the increase in flu cases, we are seeing more people with flu presenting to and being admitted to hospital, including among young children," said NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant. Chant noted young children should be particularly cautious, as many children have had little or no exposure to flu over the last two years due to the COVID-19 public health measures. "We strongly encourage parents of children aged between six months and five years old to get them vaccinated without delay." Meanwhile, the health authorities added the flu is circulating widely in the community, coinciding with ongoing high levels of transmission of COVID-19. Residents were told it is safe and convenient to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. COLOMBO, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has lost around 1 million taxpayers following tax cuts introduced in late 2019, Finance Minister Ali Sabry told the parliament on Thursday. The minister said that the country had 1.5 million taxpayers in 2019, which declined to 1.036 million in 2020. "By the end of 2021 the number had fallen to 412,000 taxpayers. It is a big problem," the minister said. The minister said there were 29,000 businesses that paid value-added tax in 2019. By 2021 the number had gone down to 9,082. The 2019 tax cuts cost the Inland Revenue Department approximately 601 billion rupees (1.65 billion U.S. dollars) in tax revenue. People work outside of damaged houses after a heavy rain in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, May 4, 2022. Eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured as floods swept parts of the northern Baghlan and western Badghis provinces on Wednesday, officials said Thursday. (Photo by Mehrab Ibrahimi/Xinhua) PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured as floods swept parts of the northern Baghlan and western Badghis provinces on Wednesday, officials said Thursday. In the Dahna-e-Ghori district of the northern Baghlan province, four people lost their lives and eight others sustained injuries in downpours and flash floods that swept through several villages on Wednesday night, provincial director for information and culture Mawlawi Mustafa Hashimi asserted. The floods have also badly damaged or washed away some 900 houses, the official added. About 9,000 acres of farmlands were damaged due to the flooding on Wednesday night, the official further said. Similarly, the flash floods also claimed four lives including two children and injured five others in the Qadis and Ghormach districts of the western Badghis province on Wednesday, provincial administration official Mawlawi Baridad Sabiri said. Flooding also killed two people in the northern Faryab and two others in the eastern Parwan provinces on Tuesday, according to officials. Parts of war-torn Afghanistan including the capital city Kabul experienced downpours and flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday. People work outside of damaged houses after a heavy rain in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, May 4, 2022. Eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured as floods swept parts of the northern Baghlan and western Badghis provinces on Wednesday, officials said Thursday. (Photo by Mehrab Ibrahimi/Xinhua) Children walk through flood water after a heavy rain in Baghlan province, Afghanistan, May 4, 2022. Eight people have been confirmed dead and 13 others injured as floods swept parts of the northern Baghlan and western Badghis provinces on Wednesday, officials said Thursday. (Photo by Mehrab Ibrahimi/Xinhua) ULAN BATOR, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring on Thursday issued a warning of strong winds and yellow dust storms. Strong winds and yellow dust storms are expected to hit Gobi desert provinces in southern part of the country such as Dundgovi, Umnugovi and Dornogovi, and the eastern province of Sukhbaatar on Thursday, with wind speed expected to reach 18-24 meters per second, said the weather monitoring agency. The agency warned the public, especially drivers and nomadic herders, to take extra precautions against possible disasters. Dust and snowstorms are common in spring in Mongolia, one of the few nomadic countries in the world. A total of 10 people, mostly nomadic herders, lost their lives due to heavy dust and snowstorms that swept through large parts of Mongolia in March 2021. SYDNEY, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Australia's national airline, Qantas, has struck a 614 million Australian dollar (about 444 million U.S. dollar) deal to buy airline service company Alliance Aviation Services in a bid to grow its servicing of the resource sector. The deal, announced on Thursday, would see Qantas purchase a remaining 80 percent stake in the company after buying 20 percent at the beginning of 2019. The deal would see Qantas acquire Alliance's fleet of around 70 Fokker jet aircraft, each with a seating capacity of 100. The Fokker is well suited to small-scale charters, such as flying workers out to Australia's remote mining sites. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said acquiring the remaining shares in Alliance would allow the airline to better compete in Australia's aircraft charter industry. "Alliance's fleet of Fokker aircraft is perfect for efficiently serving resources customers in Western Australia and Queensland. They also have a big inventory of spare parts that would significantly extend the practical life of a combined fleet of around almost 70 Fokkers," said Joyce. Pre-empting anti-competition pushback, Qantas advised Australia's peak competition watchdog, the Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC), detailing the anticipated benefit to customers the deal would have. "The resources sector continues to grow and any new tender for airline services will be very competitive." "It makes a lot of sense for us to combine with Alliance to improve the services we can offer, which is positive for both airlines as well as the traveling public." The deal has received full approval from the Alliance board of shareholders and is expected to go ahead following approval from the ACCC. PARIS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France will offer a 2-billion-U.S.- dollar aid for Ukraine during the international donors conference held in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, French presidential palace the Elysee announced. In 2022, France has released a total of 1.7 billion U.S. dollars towards Ukraine, Macron said, adding that the country's support will be at 2 billion U.S. dollars, or an additional of 300 million U.S. dollars. "France released 100 million euros for humanitarian aid, which is used in particular to finance international organizations and NGOs present in the field. Already, 800 tons of humanitarian and medical goods have been sent to Ukraine and to the countries of the region", Macron said. "France will continue to act in a concerted manner within the framework of the European Union, with our European partners, also within the framework of the G7 and international financial institutions", he noted. The international donors conference for the support towards Ukraine was held on Thursday hosted by Poland and Sweden, gathering heads of state and government, the European Union and international organizations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. More than 6 billion euros ( 6.3 billion U.S. dollars) were gathered at the international donors conference in support towards Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told the press. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars) SAN SALVADOR, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Mass deportations to El Salvador in the 1990s and a failure to coordinate with Salvadoran authorities make the United States partly responsible for the rise of violent gangs in the Central American country, Salvadoran observers have said. Following a wave of armed violence and murders that claimed the lives of 87 people in 72 hours, the Salvadoran government on March 27 launched an offensive against the gangs, or "maras," under a "state of exception" set by the country's Constitution. So far, authorities have arrested more than 21,000 suspected gang members and collaborators, leading to a drop in homicides, disappearances, extortion and other violent crimes, according to official sources. Salvadoran anthropologist and political analyst Marvin Aguilar said the government crackdown on gangs enjoys great popular support from a public weary of the constant violence that has marred life in El Salvador for the past 30 years. Over that period, Aguilar told Xinhua, the gangs have grown out of control, increasingly aware of their own power and capacity to terrorize and dominate entire communities. While the successive Salvadoran governments since 1992, when peace accords that put an end to years of civil war were signed, also bore blame for the proliferation of gangs, the United States played a role by "mass deporting Salvadorans it considered a nuisance... without taking any preventive measures," said Aguilar. The emergence of the criminal gangs that plagued El Salvador and other Central American countries, such as Honduras and Guatemala, can be traced back to the 1980s in the U.S. city of Los Angeles, California, studies showed. Many Salvadorans who fled the civil war settled in L.A., gradually organizing to defend themselves from discrimination and abuse from the authorities and other Latino or African-American minorities. The objective of these organizations changed over time, evolving into criminal gangs involved in robberies, assaults, drug trafficking, extortion and homicides. The U.S. government's response was to deport gang members, who brought their gang way of life to their countries of origin. The United States fueled the problem of violence and insecurity, since the deported "were young people, some of whom had not even lived in El Salvador, and they were thrown into the streets outside the airport," Aguilar said. "The way they found to survive was to recruit young people in the poorest communities, making them see that solidarity and brotherhood could solve the problems of poverty and marginalization," Aguilar added. According to Salvadoran security and criminology expert Ricardo Sosa, as long as the United States continues to summarily deport Salvadorans who break the law in the country, it will be difficult to rein in the gang violence. "If these Salvadorans are committing crimes within the United States, they should be legally tried -- captured and prosecuted there. They should have the right to... defend themselves within the United States," said Sosa. Instead, the United States appears to be pursuing a policy of exporting its problems. At the same time, the United States has criticized El Salvador's offensive against the gangs, expressing "concern" over alleged human rights violations. The United States "has not found an answer to the problem of the gangs and yet it wants to give us instructions -- that is not credible," said Sosa. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has accused U.S. officials of being insincere when they allege Washington supports and supported the fight against gang violence in El Salvador and Central America. DENVER, United States, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Denver's gold-domed state capitol building was surrounded by thousands of screaming abortion rights activists Tuesday, as news of the U.S. Supreme Court's probable reversal of a women's right to abortion rattled Mile High residents. The high court's leaked draft opinion, which would strike down the landmark Roe v Wade 1973 opinion that protects a Mississippi woman's right to an abortion, has caused an uproar across the country since it was reported Monday. Thousands of Coloradans showed up Tuesday afternoon and stayed into the evening. Local news provider 9NEWS called it the largest gathering in the Colorado's capital since the Black Lives Matter protest in 2020. Despite the anticipated ruling, 22 states and the District of Columbia protect abortion access through state constitutions, legislation or court decisions, according to a database from the Center for Reproductive Rights. By Azernews By Sabina Mammadli Mass nationalism-driven protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have spread across Armenia over the recent weeks. It seems that the Armenian opposition is ready to take every step back to block the promised peace deal. By rejecting peace in the region, these protestors in Armenia practically demand a new war. What they fail to reason with is that the only way to the normalization of the regional situation is the signing of a peace treaty, as well as the recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Similarly, talking on the matter in an interview with Day.az, French historian, participant of the international conference "South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation" at ADA University on April 29, Maxime Gauin, noted that only in case abandoning revanchism and irredentism, Armenia will receive the economic benefits necessary for its development. President Ilham Aliyev's peace agenda is a rational approach to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. I would even say that such an approach is the only guarantor of Armenia's existence. Otherwise, even wider isolation awaits Armenia and the country would be overwhelmed by hemorrhagic emigration, which would make the country disappear from the world map, the historian said. Citing the words of ex-President Robert Kocharyan who claims that after the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia will be economically dependent on these countries, Gauin points out that Armenia has never had economic sovereignty. Further, the Frenchman reported that Armenia was created as a barrier between Azerbaijanis and Turks and existed as a nominally independent state from 1991 to 2020 as such a barrier. He added that all countries in the region have a huge benefit from interacting with each other, whereas Armenia continues to be in senseless self-isolation. EU replaces Minsk Group Tracking the normalization of the ties between the parties, one can not overlook the shift between the failed Minsk Group to the current tangible presence of the European Union. According to President Ilham Aliyev, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has never been part of the agenda between Azerbaijan and the European Union, because the Minsk Group dealt with it. He also noted that today everything has changed. Commenting on the presidents speech, Associate Professor at the University of Malmo (Sweden) Kamal Makili-Aliyev noted that the EU is expected to strengthen its mediation. Similarly, he noted that today the EU has a great advantage in terms of the negotiations process and mediation, mainly because the OSCE Minsk Group has always stood in its way. There was a kind of gentlemen's agreement with the OSCE that only the Minsk Group was involved in the conflict, so the EU could not actively participate in the process. But as soon as the OSCE Minsk Group ceased to exist de facto, the EU immediately became more active, he specified. The professor noted that the change of realities gave the opportunity for Europe to build relations with Azerbaijan separately from relations with Armenia. The new realities have indeed been accepted in the region, which can be felt in the intensification of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. At the initiative of European Council President Charles Michel, trilateral meetings with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan were held in December 2021 and April 2022. The final communique issued in Brussels on April 6 did not include the term Nagorno-Karabakh, conflict and the Minsk Group, which is quite natural and is clear evidence that the European Union has accepted the realities of the post-conflict period. New realities The speech of President Ilham Aliyev at ADA University was very significant and put an end to the internal and external agenda, Azerbaijani political pundit, head of the South Caucasus Club of Political Experts, Ilgar Valizada said. Valizada noted that talking about support of Ukraines territorial integrity, Azerbaijan makes it clear that we have always wanted other states to take the same position towards us. The pundit noted that such a tough and purposeful policy of the leadership of Azerbaijan in the issue of the return of the territories occupied by Armenia forced the states that vaguely formulate their position towards us to recognize the realities that have always existed. Namely, that Karabakh is Azerbaijan, the territories of Azerbaijan cannot be a subject for speculation, and the inviolability of our borders cannot be questioned. "At a meeting with foreign experts, the president once again emphasized our country's support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as Moldova and Georgia. Azerbaijan does not recognize artificial formations created in the territories of these countries. But for the future, our foreign partners should People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) An exhibitor works at a Chinese enterprise's pavilion at the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) An exhibitor talks with a visitor at a Chinese enterprise's pavilion at the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) People visit the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, the United States, on May 4, 2022. With the participation of nearly 1,100 exhibitors from all over the world, the 2022 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) kicked off here on May 2 and will conclude on May 5. (Xinhua/Xu Jianmei) MEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in New Delhi on Thursday after completing a three-day, three-nation visit of Germany, Denmark, and France. According to government sources, he would report to work promptly and hold seven to eight meetings during the day, as well as chair a key review meeting for the monsoon season and heatwave readiness. During his three-nation European visit, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with freshly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron to address a variety of bilateral matters, including defence, space, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties, as well as regional and global challenges. "My trip to France was brief, but quite successful. I had the opportunity to speak with President @EmmanuelMacron about a variety of topics. I appreciate his and the French government's warm welcome "Before leaving, the Prime Minister sent out a tweet. During his tour, PM Modi held multiple high-level meetings with the leaders of Germany, Denmark, and France, as well as connecting with the Indian diaspora in all three countries. During his tour to Germany and Denmark, the Prime Minister met with business leaders in both countries. On Monday, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Berlin and conducted bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz before attending the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The Inter-Governmental Consultations, according to the Prime Minister, were fruitful. India and Germany signed a total of nine agreements, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, in which Germany agreed to provide India with an advance commitment of 10 billion euros in new and additional developmental assistance until 2030. The Indian Prime Minister landed in Copenhagen on the second day of his tour, where he met with his Danish colleague Mette Frederiksen and discussed bilateral matters such as bilateral trade and environmental cooperation. PM Modi meets French President Macron, discusses Ukraine-Afghanistan situation PM Modi meets Iceland PM ; discusses boosting ties in trade, energy, fisheries Modi government will give big relief amid rising inflation, more than 1 crore people will get direct benefits Hyderabad: Telangana Congress unit chief and MP Revanth Reddy has made a surprising revelation about the woman seen with Rahul Gandhi at a nightclub in Nepal. Justifying the reports that are going viral on social media, he has admitted that the woman seen with Rahul Gandhi in the club is none other than China's ambassador Hou Yanqi. Speaking to the local media, Revanth Reddy said That Rahul Gandhi had met the Chinese ambassador at a nightclub in Nepal. It may be recalled that recently a video of former Congress national president Rahul Gandhi with a woman at a nightclub in Kathmandu had gone viral on social media. A journalist had questioned Telangana Congress chief Revanth Reddy about the claims being made by BJP leaders. Reddy responded by saying that BJP leaders do not have an understanding of social and family values. He also confirmed that Rahul Gandhi, a fan of Arundhati Roy and a supporter of Jamia miscreants, had gone to Nepal to attend the wedding of former CNN journalist friend Sumima Udasi. During his visit, Rahul also attended a dinner party, where he was seen with a woman. Giving the identity of the woman, Revanth Reddy said she was none other than the Ambassador of China. Revanth Reddy, while clarifying on Rahul Gandhi's meeting with the alleged Chinese ambassador, said, "The video of Rahul Gandhi and the Chinese ambassador meeting went viral on social media platforms. It didn't all happen secretly or behind closed doors. Kathmandu is not a restricted territory or an enemy nation. You don't even need a passport or visa to enter Nepal. In such a situation, an unnecessary issue is being made about Rahul Gandhi who has gone to attend his friend's wedding, while there is nothing like that.'' Revanth Reddy is considered to be the special of Rahul Gandhi. In such a situation, Revanth Reddy's admission that the woman seen in the video with Rahul is a Chinese ambassador can increase the problem of the Congress party. Because Congress claimed that he had gone to Nepal to attend his friend's wedding. It was not a political tour. Media group India Today had also recently done a fact check in the defence of Rahul Gandhi. According to her report, the woman seen in the video is not a Chinese ambassador, but a woman from Nepal, who is a friend of the bride. Quoting Rabin Shrestha, CEO of the Lord of Drinks pub in Kathmandu where Rahul Gandhi went for the party, India Today wrote in its report that the woman seen with Rahul is not a Chinese ambassador. Rahul Gandhi was at a nightclub when Mumbai was under seize. He is at a nightclub at a time when his party is exploding. He is consistent. Interestingly, soon after the Congress refused to outsource their presidency, hit jobs have begun on their Prime Ministerial candidate... pic.twitter.com/dW9t07YkzC Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 3, 2022 Two videos of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi partying at a nightclub in Nepal on Tuesday (May 3, 2022) went viral on social media. In the viral video, Rahul is seen with a woman. Social media users have claimed that the woman is China's ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi. In one of the videos, Rahul Gandhi is seen looking at the phone in front of the liquor bottles. At the same time, in the second video, he is standing with a woman and is also seen whispering to her. Digvijay Singh's attack on CM, said- 'Why is the bulldozer not running at the house of the killers of the tribals?'" Why TRS wants to conduct 'drug test' of Rahul Gandhi? Did the Congress leader take drugs in Nepal? Deadly attack on Amar Ujala journalist in Punjab, miscreants fled BUCHAREST: Germany's reliance on Russian energy has decreased dramatically. During a visit to Bucharest, German President Frank Walter Steinmeier stated that Germany's reliance on Russian energy resources has been significantly reduced. According to reports, Germany's dependence on Russian oil is currently 15%. Steinmeier spoke at a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday. The Romanian President stated that his country is in favour of the European Commission's planned ban on Russian oil, which would be phased in over six months. Bucharest authorities are currently working on long-term solutions that can be implemented quickly, according to Iohannis. "Romania wants to be a key player in fulfilling the EU's strategic goals for diversifying its natural gas supply," he stated. The two presidents also discussed the assistance provided to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, support for the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia joining the EU, and Romania's expectations for Schengen membership. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree imposing punitive sanctions on persons and businesses for their "unfriendly activities" in the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. The Russian government has been given ten days to create a list of sanctioned individuals. Colombian President warns, Threats against leftist candidate taken 'seriously' Curb on freedom of expression harms Pakistan's ability to progress: Blinken Joe Biden supports abortion as a "fundamental" right Amritsar: India's help to Afghanistan, which is facing starvation after the Taliban capture, has attracted the attention of the world. India is helping fight hunger by sending wheat to Afghanistan. In this episode, a delegation of the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) has come to India to understand how it can so well procure wheat for Afghanistan as well as carry out its testing and transportation. is giving. The United Nations (UN) World Food Program delegation visited Amritsar in Punjab to understand the entire process of sending wheat to Afghanistan. Dr. Stephanie Hurd, WFP's loss prevention officer, said the delegation has come to India to be briefed on the wheat procurement process. Let us inform that India has so far sent 10,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and its target is to deliver 50 thousand metric tonnes of wheat. Sandro Banao, Commodity Specialist at the United Nations, World Food Program has said that, 'We are here to see the initiative taken by the Indian government for the people of Afghanistan.' Praising India for assisting Afghanistan with humanitarian aid, he said, 'Sending wheat to Afghanistan is a very kind step by India.' After 3-nation European tour, Prime Minister Modi arrives in New Delhi India's business activity increases sharply in April, rising to 57.9 from 53.6 in March PM Modi meets French President Macron, discusses Ukraine-Afghanistan situation NEW DELHI: On his way back from the second India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped in France on Wednesday. Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on a one-on-one basis and at the delegation-level to discuss a wide range of subjects, including the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan. The two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including defence cooperation, space collaboration, the blue economy, civil nuclear cooperation, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also discussed how to work together to make the India-France Strategic Partnership a force for global good by taking stock of regional and global security outlooks. The visit of the Prime Minister to France "demonstrated the deep affection and goodwill that exists not only between the two countries, but also between the two leaders." Prime Minister Modi has also extended an invitation to President Macron to visit India as soon as possible. During the meeting, France reiterated its unequivocal rejection of Russian forces' unlawful and unjustified aggression against Ukraine. India and France have voiced grave worry about Ukraine's continued conflict and humanitarian crises.They "unequivocally" condemned civilian casualties in Ukraine and demanded an immediate halt to hostilities so that parties can engage in conversation and diplomacy to put a stop to the people's suffering. Both countries emphasised the importance of upholding the UN Charter, international law, and states' sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders reviewed the situation in Ukraine's regional and global ramifications and decided to further coordinate on the subject. PM Modi meets Iceland PM ; discusses boosting ties in trade, energy, fisheries PM Modi: India committed to meeting needs of poor, vulnerable through infra PM Modi to attend second India-Nordic Summit Jaipur: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has asked former Congress national president Rahul Gandhi to visit Jodhpur in Rajasthan. He has said that Rahul should advise CM Ashok Gehlot not to fall into the politics of appeasement. Violence erupted after a clash between two groups after a large number of Muslims took to the streets after Eid prayers in Jodhpur. According to media reports, in the conversation, BJP's state in-charge and national general secretary Arun Singh has said that, 'Rahul Gandhi had explained Hindutva and Hindutva in Rajasthan. He and Priyanka Gandhi should come to Rajasthan and see the violent incidents. He should instruct the state government to maintain law and order and not indulge in politics of appeasement. He said, 'I urge Rahul Gandhi to return from Nepal as soon as possible and come to Rajasthan to take stock of the situation and give instructions to take action against the criminals. If the Chief Minister is also involved in this, then action should be taken against him too. Along with this, appealing for peace in the state, he has held the Rajasthan government responsible for the violence. Regarding accusing the BJP, he said, 'We have heard such allegations before. Akhilesh Yadav had also said this in Uttar Pradesh, where there were continuous riots before 2017. The Rajasthan government is also doing the same thing. Should the CM resort to leveling allegations to hide his failures? Lalu Yadav to tie up with CM Nitish! RJD chief himself made this big statement CM Yogi bid farewell to his mother after spending 2 nights at home Will Azam Khan stay in jail or will he get bail? Today the decision of the High Court can come Lucknow: The war of words between the Samajwadi Party national president and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal is intensifying. Azam Khan has now become a big issue in this ongoing tussle in the Samajwadi Party (SP). In this sequence, today again Shivpal has targeted Akhilesh Yadav in a warning manner. He said that on the issue of Azam Khan, he will now meet Sant Hriday CM Yogi Adityanath. Talking to the media, Shivpal said, "Akhilesh Yadav says that I should go to the BJP soon... Now let's say we should strengthen the organization... So we are empowering our organization back. Shivpal said that he had contested the election on the Samajwadi Party symbol. But now that Akhilesh Yadav is not convinced, we will strengthen our organisation. After this, what Shivpal said is enough to speculate and speculate in the state of UP. He further said, "Further consideration will be given after Azam Khan's release from jail. Yogi ji is the saintly heart in the BJP along with the CM and will take the Chandauli and Lalitpur incidents seriously and take strict action. I will meet the Sant Hriday Chief Minister over other incidents including Azam bhai." 'You will make our children terrorists, you will make them fight Hindus', Congress leaders chased away by Khargone riot victims Rahul Gandhi partying with 'Chinese ambassador' in Nepal's pub, Congress leader himself confesses truth Digvijay Singh's attack on CM, said- 'Why is the bulldozer not running at the house of the killers of the tribals?'" Hyderabad: The ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) in Telangana has questioned former Congress national president Rahul Gandhi about drug tests. It is reported that posters have been put up in Hyderabad, saying whether Rahul Gandhi is ready to take the 'White Challenge'. The special thing is that the campaign named White Challenge was started by Congress itself. Recently, Rahul's visit to Osmania University also came under the scanner. However, the Telangana High Court has dismissed the petition filed regarding permission for the programme. According to media reports, TRS working president KT Rama Rao posters have been put up in Hyderabad. Through this the question has been asked 'Rahul ji, are you ready for the White Challenge?' A photo of Rahul's visit to Nepal has also been put in the picture published with the news. Recently a video surfaced, in which Congress leaders were seen in a club. According to the report, Congress MP Revanth Reddy started the White Challenge in September 2021. He had alleged that the havoc of drugs is increasing in Hyderabad. Along with this, he had asked politicians and actors to appear in the drug test themselves. The special thing is that the person appearing in this test could nominate three other people after accepting the challenge. Deadly attack on Amar Ujala journalist in Punjab, miscreants fled 'Won't let Raj Thackeray enter Ayodhya...', declares BJP MP, kept this condition" DMK MPs come forward to help Sri Lanka facing economic crisis, to donate one month's salary Kathmandu, May 5 A Nepal Police official has been accused of misbehaving with one of the election commissioners at the Election Commission. Consequently, the official has been sent back to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further investigation and action. A commission source says SP Dipendra Shahi, stationed at the joint election cell established for the local elections to be held next week, misbehaved with Election Commissioner Janaki Tuladhar after the vehicles carrying them collided with each other on Wednesday afternoon. The source says the commission has already written to the Ministry of Home Affairs to launch an investigation and action. Hong Kong: CE thanks Mainland support team Chief Executive Carrie Lam thanked the Mainland medical support team at an appreciation and farewell ceremony organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today. Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said the support team members put aside their duties and left their families and friends in March to join the frontline to treat patients when the epidemic situation in the city was at its worst, which fully embodies the selfless spirit of "when trouble occurs at one spot, help comes from all quarters" and compatriotism. She expressed the most heartfelt gratitude to the Mainland medical support team on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR. Mrs Lam also pointed out that with the full support of the Central People's Government and the Mainland medical support team, as well as the co-operation of various sectors of society, the fifth wave of the epidemic in the city has seen a continuous decline and come under control. Hong Kong citizens are gradually resuming normal activities and the admission of new COVID-19 patients to the medical system has also been enhanced. The treatment centre for COVID-19 at AsiaWorld-Expo also turned to standby mode yesterday. Mrs Lam emphasised that the Government will never take the situation lightly but endeavour to make the best of the experience gained in fighting against the epidemic alongside the Mainland support team. The Government will fully implement the strategy of preventing the importation of cases and the resurgence of domestic infections to fight and win this battle against the epidemic, she added. At the request of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Central People's Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government arranged for the medical support team to come to Hong Kong to assist in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, supporting the city in fighting the unprecedentedly severe epidemic situation during the fifth wave. The medical team comprised 391 healthcare professionals from different disciplines in 25 Mainland medical institutions. During their stay in Hong Kong, the Mainland medical support team worked closely with the Hospital Authority's (HA) healthcare team to enhance admission capacity of the treatment centre for COVID-19 within a short period of time. The support team also worked with the HA team to promote deep integration of Chinese and Western medicine. Apart from jointly assessing the condition of patients, both Chinese and Western medical teams worked together on duty to discuss, formulate and provide integrated Chinese and Western medical treatment. More than 1,200 COVID-19 patients recovered under their care and were discharged. Both teams also exchanged experience on clinical care, application of Chinese and Western medicine, rehabilitation treatment, etc, which laid down a more solid foundation for deepening medical co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Deputy Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR He Jing and Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan also attended the ceremony. With the last batch of the Mainland medical support team departing today, the Regal Airport Hotel will be converted back to a designated quarantine hotel on May 10, providing an additional 1,000 rooms. This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Azernews By Sabina Mammadli Azerbaijani Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva, French ambassador to the Eastern Partnership Brice Roquefeuil, and French ambassador to Azerbaijan Zacharie Gross discussed the importance of joint efforts and cooperation to contribute to the normalization of the regional situation. At the meeting, Sabina Aliyeva briefed the guests on the ombudswoman's mandate and its multifaceted activities in the human rights protection sphere. They exchanged views on the role of national human rights institutions in ensuring peace in the region. Further, the sides discussed the activities carried out by the commissioner during the war and in the post-war period, such as fact-finding missions, cases of gross violations of human rights, norms, and principles of international humanitarian law by Armenia during the Second Karabakh War. The guests were filled in on comprehensive measures taken by the Azerbaijani state for the return of IDPs to their native lands liberated from Armenian occupation and the threat of mines in Azerbaijan's formerly-occupied territories, as well as the complete destruction of homes that are preventing the return of about one million IDPs. The ombudswoman also expressed concern about the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis, who had been missing since the First Karabakh War. Description St. Francis Community of Faith for All People an inclusive catholic community is hosting it's annual fundraiser on May 14th with May 21st as the rain date. The theme of the fundraiser is Mind, Body and Spirit. We will have vendors and guest speakers and raffles all promoting wellness. If you are a vendor and would like to take a table please contact me. Come one come all no matter your belief we can all learn new ways to get and stay healthy. The Wellness Fair will be outdoors and will start at 10 AM and end at 3 PM. A donation at the start of $3. The location is 560 Old Bethpage Road Plainview NY 11803 contact me for more information 631 538-4564 Key Insights Gold mining stocks pulled back together with the price of gold. Kinross Gold was under pressure due to its exposure to Russia, but the company managed to reach a deal to sell its Russian assets. AngloGold Ashanti stock is valued at less than 10 forward P/E, which is cheap for the current market environment. Gold has recently suffered a serious pullback as traders focused on rising Treasury yields. At the same time, S&P 500 is trading near yearly lows, so demand for safe-haven assets may increase soon. In this market environment, its time to take a look at some gold mining stocks. Kinross Gold Kinross Gold is currently trading near yearly lows. The companys assets in Russia have served as the main bearish catalyst for the stock. However, Kinross Gold has already arranged a deal with Highland Gold and will sell 100% of its Russian assets for a total consideration of $680 million in cash. The company has also decided to sell its 90% interest in Chirano mine in Ghana for $225 million. The sales will decrease Kinross production in the upcoming years, and the company will present its new guidance when it reports its first-quarter results. Meanwhile, the stock is trading at just 10 forward P/E, which is cheap compared to major peers, and it looks that many negative catalysts have been already priced in by the market. AngloGold Ashanti Another major gold mining company that is trading at less than 10 forward P/E is AngloGold Ashanti. The stock is mostly flat year-to-date, and the recent pullback was caused by the material sell-off in gold markets. Any bet on a gold mining company is also a bet on the price of gold, so AngloGold Ashanti stock will need more support from gold markets to have sustainable upside. It should be noted that AngloGold Ashanti will release its first-quarter results on May 9, and this release will serve as an additional catalyst for the stock. For a look at all of todays economic events, check out our economic calendar. Story continues This article was originally posted on FX Empire More From FXEMPIRE: Daniel Adeboboyes professional football future will bring him back home. Bryant's Daniel Adeboboye runs after catching a pass during a game against New Haven in 2018. Bryants senior running back was selected by the Toronto Argonauts with the 15th overall pick in the Canadian Football League Draft, which was held Tuesday night. More: Bryant football holds spring practice with optimism as it heads to a new conference More: Bryant University makes official its move to the Big South for football Adeboboye heard his named called midway through the second round and will return to his native city. The Argonauts were East Division champions last season at 9-5 and are 17-time league champions, including their most recent title in 2017. Toronto was founded in 1873 it's the oldest franchise in the CFL. Adeboboye impressed at the CFL Combine, earning himself a projected selection inside the top 20 picks of this draft. The 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pound back finished his college career seventh in school history in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Hes expected to report to Argonauts training camp ahead of their preseason opener in late May. Adeboboye's impact Adeboboye closed with 509 rushing yards and six touchdowns through 10 games last season. That followed an abbreviated spring 2021 during which he averaged 111.3 rushing yards over four games and earned All-Northeast Conference honors. The Bulldogs were a combined 9-6 in Adeboboyes final two seasons, including 7-4 in league play. Adeboboye emerged as a viable pass receiver out of the backfield in the 2021 fall campaign. He posted 29 catches third on the team for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Adeboboye accounted for just 20 receptions through his first 24 career games, adding a valuable skill that should be utilized at the next level. Adeboboye enjoyed solid games against two of Bryants best opponents last season. He rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown in the opener against the University of Rhode Island, a team that spent the majority of the fall in the national top 25. Adeboboye added three touchdowns two rushing, one receiving against a Duquesne team that tied the Bulldogs for second place in the Northeast Conference behind Sacred Heart. Story continues Adeboboye prepped at The Hill School in Pennsylvania before being recruited by Bryant. His father, Dr. Tai Adeboboye, is a Baptist pastor in the Toronto area. His mother, Marian, is a cofounder of an international ministry service with ties to the Ontario capital and Nigeria. CFL picks another RI athlete Adeboboye was the fourth player from the American college ranks selected in the CFL Draft. Syracuse linebacker Tyrell Richards was picked first overall by Montreal, which completed a trade with Edmonton to move into the top spot. Richards is a native of Brampton, a city in Ontario. Adeboboye was the second player with state ties to be tabbed by the CFL on Tuesday. University of Rhode Island linebacker L.B. Mack III agreed to a free-agent deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers earlier in the day. Mack will join the defending Grey Cup champions after a six-year career with the Rams he closed inside the programs top five in sacks and tackles for loss. bkoch@providencejournal.com On Twitter: @BillKoch25 This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Bryant's Daniel Adeboboye selected in Canadian Football League Draft VANCOUVER, BC, May 5, 2022 /CNW/ - BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. (TSXV: BILD), a growing omnichannel building material retailer, today announced that it will report first quarter 2022 financial results before the market open on Monday, May 30, 2022. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's financial results at 9:30 am EST on the same day. BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc (CNW Group/BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc.) BuildDirect First Quarter 2022 Financial Results Conference Call When: Monday, May 30, 2022 Time: 9:30 am EST Live Call: (888) 664-6392 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8659 with confirmation ID: 23177864 Replay: (888) 390-0541 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8677 (Toronto) with entry code: 177864 The replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call until 8:59 pm EST on June 6, 2022. The conference call will also be available via webcast on the Investor Relations section of BuildDirect's website at https://ir.builddirect.com/events-and-presentations. About BuildDirect BuildDirect (TSXV: BILD) is a growing omnichannel building material retailer. BuildDirect connects North American home improvement B2B and B2C organizations, and homeowners with quality building materials and services through its robust global supply chain network. BuildDirect's growth trajectory, strong product offering, and proprietary heavyweight delivery network are delivering value today, solidifying its position as an innovative player in the home improvement industry. For more information, visit www.BuildDirect.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/builddirectcom-technologies-inc-q1-2022-conference-call-301540027.html SOURCE BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2022/05/c3424.html (Bloomberg) -- China may soon reveal more policies intended to rescue the economy after top leaders vowed to meet growth targets without compromising on the countrys stringent Covid Zero strategy. Most Read from Bloomberg Actions to promote investment, shore up exports and support technology platform companies are all on the table, state media outlets reported Thursday. The Peoples Bank of China also said late Wednesday it would conduct normalized financial supervision over online platforms, echoing language used last week by the Communist Partys Politburo, the top decision-making body. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Thursday vowed to deepen reform, too, by promoting cross-border financing and investment -- both to encourage the flow of more foreign capital into China, and to spur domestic firms to go global. The foreign exchange regulator also pledged in its statement to prevent and resolve any external shocks and risks to safeguard a stable foreign exchange market. The media reports and government agency statements come days after the Politburo issued its sweeping pledge to support the economy, which is in the throes of the countrys worst coronavirus outbreak since 2020. Authorities deployed strict lockdowns in places like Shanghai and Jilin province to contain infections, measures that have pummeled factory activity and consumer spending, imperiling the governments growth target of about 5.5% for the year. Read More: China Lockdowns Wreak Havoc on Economy as Xi Pledges Support The state media reports dont contain much detail about specific actions, which are likely to come from various government departments and agencies over coming weeks. However, some of the highlights from the reports include support for technology platform businesses, possible easing of real estate curbs and a boost in fiscal spending. Story continues Beijing cant rule out the possibility of increasing this years fiscal deficit to boost infrastructure spending, according to one report in the China Securities Journal citing Wang Qing, an analyst at Golden Credit Rating The government could use special government bonds and policy bank bonds to promote infrastructure projects, or ease more curbs on the property sector to spur demand, the newspaper -- which is owned by Chinas official Xinhua News Agency -- cited analysts as saying In a separate front-page report, the China Securities Journal said the economy may have bottomed out in April and should start to recover this month Authorities are expected to roll out measures to support the technological innovation of internet platform companies, according to a report in the official Economic Daily newspaper Tech platform businesses are key in stabilizing growth and ensuring employment, the newspaper said, reiterating comments made by the Politburo last week that urged for regulation supporting the healthy development of the sector. The report also parallels the PBOCs Wednesday remarks (Adds statement from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange in paragraph three.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Chinese, Russian cenbanks to discuss use of national payment systems FILE PHOTO: People wearing face masks walk past the headquarters of PBOC (Reuters) - The Chinese and Russian central banks will discuss the use and promotion of their respective national payment systems in both countries, Beijing's envoy to Moscow told the TASS news agency in an interview published on Thursday. "Regarding the promotion and use of the Mir and China UnionPay national payment systems in both countries, this question will be decided by the two sides' central banks at consultations," Zhang Hanhui said. Mir and UnionPay are among the few options left for Russians to make payments abroad since Russian banks were isolated from the global financial system in response to what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Visa Inc and MasterCard Inc are among the many Western companies to have suspended operations in Russia. China has refused to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine and has criticized the unprecedented Western sanctions on Moscow. The two countries have bolstered ties in recent years, including announcing a "no limits" partnership in February. The ambassador said China would make use of a clearing bank for operations in yuan on Russian territory to ensure the sustainable development of national trade, which Russia expects to reach $200 billion by 2024. He also said that China and Russia were not advocating for the rejection of U.S. dollar and euro settlements in bilateral trade. (Reporting by Reuters) Company announces partnership with IICA, presence at Aspen Ideas: Climate MIAMI, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Climatecoin, the creator of the world's first regulated digital carbon asset, announced its soft launch at an investor event in Miami on April 23. The event featured remarks from special guests Francis X. Suarez, Mayor of Miami, and Kristin Smith, executive director at the Blockchain Association, as well as a keynote address from Javier Manzanares, recently announced co-CEO of Climatecoin. The event boasted more than 250 attendees from across the world, including government and business leaders from the U.S., Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Climatecoin today also announced a new partnership with the Instituto Interamericana de Cooperacion para la Agricultura (IICA) and its upcoming presence at Aspen Ideas: Climate. Climatecoin's Ximena Caminos (CCO), Francisco Benedito (Cofounder & Chairman), Pedro Lopez (co-CEO), and Javier Manzanares (co-CEO) with Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez (center) at the Climatecoin investor event in Miami on April 23, 2022. "As an epicenter for climate change and a leader in the burgeoning crypto movement, Miami offered the perfect venue to introduce Climatecoin and its transformative potential to the world," said Javier Manzanares, co-CEO of Climatecoin. "Today marks the beginning of a global investment movement that will help neutralize and reverse Earth's climate threat by democratizing climate finance and harnessing the power of technology and global collaboration to deliver real climate solutions." Coinciding with the soft launch, Climatecoin signed a new deal with the Instituto Interamericana de Cooperacion para la Agricultura (IICA). The IICA stimulates, promotes and supports the efforts of its 34 member countries, including the U.S., to achieve their agricultural development and rural well-being goals. Through the tokenization of carbon credits via Climatecoin's proprietary digitalization technology, the partnership highlights the contribution of 1.8 billion tons of CO2 in Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) across 32 countries in the Americas, excluding the U.S. and Canada, for potential offsets in sustainable projects. Story continues "Our partnership with the IICA is momentous for Climatecoin as well as for the projects and people the IICA supports," said Pedro Lopez, cofounder and co-CEO of Climatecoin. "It will enable a new level of global coordination and cooperation that will strengthen the resilience of rural territories, fuel sustainable economic growth, improve international and regional trade and contribute to the wellbeing of rural communities around the world." Climatecoin has also signed a separate Cooperation Agreement with the provincial government of La Rioja, Argentina, which will make available 1.5 million hectares of native forests for tokenization through Climatecoin. As Climatecoin prepares for a hard launch in the fall, executives from the company will be on site at Aspen Ideas: Climate, running from May 9 - 12 in Miami Beach, Fla. Francisco Benedito, cofounder and chairman of Climatecoin, will participate in a conversation with other climate leaders to introduce Climatecoin's innovative, sustainable and transparent platform at an adjacent event hosted by Reefline, in partnership with Faena Art, at the Faena Forum in Miami on May 11. The event is open to media and the public. About Climatecoin Climatecoin is the creator of the world's first regulated digital carbon asset. Run on a carbon neutral blockchain and backed by high-quality carbon credits, Climatecoin will fund credible and impactful decarbonization projects across the globe, providing investors and climate advocates with a meaningful investment to offset their carbon footprints. The company aims to unleash a global investment movement to neutralize and reverse Earth's climate threat by democratizing climate finance. Learn more at climatecoin.com. ClimateCoin (PRNewsfoto/ClimateCoin) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/climatecoin-investor-event-attracts-government-business-leaders-from-across-the-world-301540813.html SOURCE Climatecoin BRATTLEBORO, Vt., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Omega Optical Holdings, LLC, ("Omega" or "the Company"), a leading precision optics platform backed by Artemis Capital Partners ("Artemis"), today announced that Ms. Debbie Gustafson ("Ms. Gustafson") has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Ms. Gustafson not only brings decades of executive leadership at the forefront of photonics and semiconductor industries but also a strategic discipline rooted in the "Voice of the Customer" across the optics and photonics value-chain -- from semiconductor fabs to life science instrumentation. As highlighted by Omega's three acquisitions in 2021, Omega has moved with urgency since partnering with Artemis to execute upon its vision to be a leading global thin-film coating company by harnessing proprietary process knowledge to design and manufacture critically enabling solutions for its partners high-value needs. Ms. Gustafson's depth of market insight and diversity of functional area executive expertise gleaned from posts ranging from her former tenures as a field service engineer and technical sales professional to CEO of a Hamamatsu Business was too compelling not to enlist in Omega's ambitious strategic plan. Omega Board Chairman, Peter Hunter, said, "Ms. Gustafson brings precisely what we need for Omega's next chapter: world class technical and commercial experience, unparalleled industry insight and connectivity, and an obsession with our customers. It's a natural fit." Ms. Gustafson commented, saying, "For more than 35 years, I've worked at the 'front of the curve' in various advanced technologies. While I've long known of Omega, I can say with confidence that the Company finds itself today in a rare strategic position as a leading independent player in Optics & Photonics technologies. In a world demanding more and more from its wireless technologies, I'm thrilled to help Omega, its key customers, passionate team members, and Artemis, realize their vision for the Company." Ms. Gustafson has more than 35 years of experience in the industry at companies like Teradyne, Entegris, and Energetiq Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and an MBA in Management from Bentley University. Story continues Omega Optical Holdings Omega Optical Holdings is a leading precision optics platform whose brands design and manufacture precision optical filters, coatings, diffractive optics, and infrared components to enable mission-critical applications for global OEM customers in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, industrial analytical instrumentation, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and more. Omega Optical Holdings mission is to help our customers get the right photons to the right place at the right time. For more information on Omega, please visit: www.omega-optical.com Artemis Headquartered in Boston, MA, Artemis is a specialized private equity firm focused on acquiring and partnering with differentiated Industrial Tech companies, whose people and products enable and accelerate a healthier, safer, more connected, mobile, productive, and equitable world. For more information, please visit: www.artemislp.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/debbie-gustafson-appointed-to-omega-optical-holdings-board-of-directors-adding-decades-of-photonics-industry--technical-sales-leadership-301541090.html SOURCE Omega Optical Holdings, LLC SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Few members of the Democratic Party hold as much influence as House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC). And now, hes back out on the campaign trail, putting his thumb on the scale of some of Democrats most highly watched 2022 primaries. He stopped in Ohio over the weekend to stump for Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) ahead of her successful rematch against progressive activist Nina Turner. Then he popped by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) in San Antonio, whos facing a May 24 runoff election with progressive candidate Jessica Cisneros. In deciding what races to get involved in, Clyburn said hes factoring in a few things. Hes evaluating candidates records and whether they have beenor would bereliable votes for the Biden agenda. But hes also scoping out a more subjective factor: style. House Progressives PAC Backs a Trio of New Candidates I look at the record and the demeanor Style means something. Substance means everythingbut style means something, Clyburn told The Daily Beast in an interview on Sunday. To Clyburn, style is a matter of decorum. He doesnt like low blows or name calling. He believes in lawmakers having good manners. And though two progressive challengers are currently on the losing end of his influence, he said its not about pushing for more moderate lawmakers. Im regarded as pretty liberal by everybody except those people who seem to think that being progressive means insulting people, he said. I don't want to be insulted. So, I treat people as I want to be treated. So, on style, if youve got to be yelling all the time and calling people names, if thats what makes you a progressive, I ain't one, he added. But if its your voting record and the programs you support and that you propose, nobody is any more progressive than I am. The congressman also pointed to Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Wisconsin Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (D) as examples of progressives he supports. While his pitch for Brown was expected, stumping for Cuellar wasnt as obvious a play, as many of Cuellars traditional backers have been absent following an FBI raid on the congressmans home in January. Story continues Jim Clyburn Has Plenty of Power With Joe Biden. Is He Actually Using It? Leading up to the March 1 primary, Cuellar faced a degree of political isolation. But the Department of Justice has since said he is not a target of the investigation, according to his lawyer, potentially improving his political standing. Cuellar has also drawn ire from Democratic circles for being a part of the unbreakable nine pact of House Democrats that blocked passage of the Build Back Better Act until the bipartisan infrastructure bill was passedand for being the lone House Democrat to vote against codifying Roe v. Wade into law last year. That position has grown newly contentious after Tuesdays news of a Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade. Cuellar defended his anti-abortion stance in a statement, arguing abortion must be rare & safe and noting he does support exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother. Cisneros on Wednesday called on Democratic leadership to withdraw support of the congressman. But as of Sunday, Clyburn said he regards Cuellar, one of his deputy whips, as a reliable vote for Democrats priorities and appeared Wednesday by his side. I give him a lot of credit for the success weve had getting the Biden agenda done People who are not required to agree with me on everything. He doesn't agree with me on everything. But he supplements my position, Clyburn said. Shontel Brown Defeats Nina Turner in Tense Ohio Rematch And while progressives have at times pushed back against national figures attempting to shape the outcomes of Democratic primaries, Clyburn says his visits are like providing a reference check for the job, and to tell voters about his experience working with a given member. When I run for re-election, as I'm running now, I bring in people within my work in Washington to validate what I'm saying. And that's all that's going on here, he said. At stake in these races writ large is Democrats chance of keeping control in the House, which is at risk this year as the partys agenda stalled and redistricting turned some races against their favor. Clyburn says he believes the partys chances of keeping the House are improvingbut said whether or not we succeed depends a lot on what happens between now and Labor Day. There's nothing that's given. So were going to work as hard as we possibly can and hopefully, hopefully, we'll succeed, he said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Elon Musk. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Elon Musk secured an extra $7.1 billion backing for his proposed Twitter takeover, a regulatory filing shows. Musk said in a previous filing he had already secured $46.5 billion in financing. Among the new backers is Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a Twitter investor who initiallly opposed the deal. Elon Musk has secured a further $7.1 billion in backing for his proposed acquisition of Twitter, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) document filed on Wednesday shows. Among the backers listed on the filing are Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a current Twitter investor, who promised to commit a total of $1.9 billion worth of shares to back Musk's proposed buyout. Larry Ellison and cryptocurrency exchange Binance are also listed as backers, the latter having promised $500 million. Musk said on April 21 that he had secured $46.5 billion in financing for his takeover bid. Musk's offer to buy Twitter values the company at $44 billion. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is the founder of Kingdom Holding Company, the largest private investment holding company in Saudi Arabia, with $13 billion worth of assets under management as of 2018. Prince Alwaleed lost billions during the 2008 financial crisis, but profited hugely in the years after, rising to become the richest man in the Arab world. However, in 2017, Prince Alwaleed was among scores of royals rounded up by the then newly-minted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of a major anti-corruption drive. On April 14, before Twitter accepted Musk's bid, Prince Alwaleed tweeted that he didn't believe Musk's offer matched Twitter's value. "Being one of the largest & long-term shareholders of Twitter, @Kingdom_KHC [Kingdom Holding Company] & I reject this offer," he said. Musk responded to the tweet, asking: "How much of Twitter does the Kingdom own?" and "What are the Kingdom's views on journalistic freedom of speech?" Musk has described himself as a "free speech absolutist" and said he wants to buy Twitter because of its "potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe." Read the original article on Business Insider By Azernews The Azerbaijani-UK relations are on the upswing, Azerbaijan's Deputy Health Minister Rasim Ismayilov told a health cooperation event between the two countries in Baku on May 4. The deputy minister noted that British ambassador to Azerbaijan James Sharp made a huge contribution to the development of these ties. He also opined that the development of Azerbaijan's social sphere has always been the focus of attention of the president. "The development of the public healthcare remains one of the most important tasks. Thanks to the attention and care of ??President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has managed to easily overcome the COVID-19 pandemic," Ismayilov stressed. He added that among the measures taken were the supply of medicines and medical equipment, an adaptation of the existing healthcare facilities to the treatment of COVID-19 patients, as well as the construction of modular hospitals in a very short time. "All these are vivid examples of the leadership's attention to the healthcare sector," the deputy minister added. Further, he noted that the ongoing event will also promote the development of friendly relations and interaction between the two states. Meanwhile, economic and political cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK is steadily developing. iStock British scientists have trained a robot chef to taste ingredients during food prep with the long-term goal of streamlining and even improving future meal production. The development of robotic chefs will play a major role in busy households and assisted living homes in the future, Muhammad Chughtai, senior scientist at Beko plc appliances, said in a statement. The discovery marks a big step toward automating culinary tasks, which could be transformative to both household and global sustainability initiatives, but could also cut jobs for human cooks. This result is a leap forward in robotic cooking, and by using machine and deep learning algorithms, mastication will help robot chefs adjust taste for different dishes and users, Chughtai said. Chughtais company worked with University of Cambridge researchers to help their robot chef understand whether food is sufficiently seasoned at various stages of the chewing process, according to their study, published in Frontiers in Robotics an AI. As people chew and release both saliva and digestive enzymes, their perception of a foods flavor changes and the robot chef is now imitating this human sensibility, the authors explained. Welcome to Equilibrium, a newsletter that tracks the growing global battle over the future of sustainability. Were Saul Elbein and Sharon Udasin. Send us tips and feedback. A friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe here. Today well examine the ongoing litigation and settlement efforts regarding the Flint water crisis. Then well look at why Volkswagen probably isnt quitting coal, as well a look at the affordability of rooftop solar installations. More time for Flint victims Residents of Flint, Mich., may get more time to join the $626 million water crisis settlement that seeks to compensate victims who suffered from widespread lead poisoning in 2014. While roughly 50,000 people submitted preliminary applications or a share of the settlement with the state of Michigan, the city of Flint, McLaren Flint Hospital and Rowe Professional Services, thus far, only 13,000 official claims have been filed, Michigan Radio reported. Story continues And time to do so is quickly running out, as the deadline to file a claim is May 12. What was the Flint water crisis? In April 2014, the city of Flints drinking water source changed from Detroits water network to the adjacent Flint River. That resource was not properly treated, and corrosive river water damaged the citys pipes, causing the release of lead and other pollutants into Flints drinking system. A year and a half later, Flint returned to Detroits water system. Hundreds of millions earmarked for children: U.S. District Judge Judith Levy gave final approval for the $626 million settlement in November. About 80 percent of the settlement funds were earmarked for plaintiffs who were children during the time of the water crisis, because children are particularly at risk of enduring long-term health impacts from lead exposure, Michigan Radio reported. Risks and expense: The complexity and volume of this litigation present significant risks and potentially great expense to all parties if the cases were to be tried, Levy wrote in her opinion in November, cited by the Detroit Free Press. TRIALS AND TRIBUNALS Levy is presiding over a federal lawsuit whose trial began in February, Michigan Live reported. The families of four children are suing two engineering companies for alleged negligence in the citys water crisis, according to Michigan Live. Trouble focusing, bouts of rage: On Tuesday, the parents of one of these children Riley Vanderhagen, who was an infant at the time of the crisis described their daughters trouble focusing and her alarming bouts of rage, Michigan Live reported. I worry about her anger, her father said of her now eight years old. She goes from super happy, and then she doesnt get something she wants, and her head pops off. Criminal proceedings are also ongoing: Cases are underway against several defendants, including former Gov. Rick Snyder (R), who was charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty, the Detroit Free Press reported. Nine people have been charged in connection with the Flint Water Crisis, announced by the Michigan Solicitor General in January 2021, local NBC affiliate Mid-Michigan Now reported. The Michigan Supreme Court began hearing the arguments of three of the defendants on Wednesday, according to Mid-Michigan Now. And as for the settlement? Extra time may be on the horizon. During a Tuesday court hearing, Special Master Deborah Greenspan who oversees the claims process said she may submit a recommendation to Levy for an extension in the coming days, Michigan Radio reported. It will likely be helpful to the entire process to provide a bit more time for individual claimantsand for the lawyers to finish compiling all the information, Greenspan told Michigan Radio. BURN, BABY, BURN? Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess announced on Wednesday that the scarcity of natural gas supplies owing to tensions with Russia might force his company to keep powering its factories with coal for longer than expected, CNBC reported. Really a threat: Diess had been asked how concerned he was about gas supplies from Russia being shut off, CNBC reported. Thats actually really a threat because its very hard to predict whats going to happen, he said. Sudden hesitation: Here in Wolfsburg [Germany] we still have coal-fired power plants which we wanted to and we are converting into gas, Diess told CNBC. Its all prepared but now we are a little bit hesitating, and we will look and see how the situation is going to develop, he added. Delaying the shift: Volkswagen can deal with the uncertainty by slowing its transition, according to Diess. We can, [for] a little bit, prolong our coal-fired plants hopefully its not for too long, he said. Then we would like to change to gas once the supply is secured. Rising tensions: Diess spoke against the background of a new proposed E.U. boycott of all Russian oil though not of natural gas by the end of 2022, as our colleague Zack Budryk reported. While Congress passed legislation last month to ban energy imports from Russia, the European Union has been more hesitant to do so, as the bloc relies much more heavily on Moscows oil and gas supplies. Rooftop solar leaps ahead While much of the discussion over clean energy tends to focus on consumers, rooftop energy is also becoming increasingly appealing to big investors, according to energy investment expert Chaim Lubin. Lubin told Equilibrium that investors see solar as beating out traditional energy sources and even large-scale solar and wind creating an investment cycle that increases solar panels availability and affordability. Investors see an opportunity: Lubin runs the renewable energy mergers and acquisitions program at Chicago-based investment bank Lincoln International, helping solar companies get private equity investments. Last month Lubin helped Utah-based rooftop solar installer ION Solar secure an investment from Blackstone Credit and Energy Impact Partners, according to a statement from his bank. Lubin said ION represents an emerging middle market of solar companies doing rooftop installations. These are from $50 million to $1 billion per year in revenue companies in the sweet spot for big investment deals, and that didnt exist before probably three or four years ago, Lubin added. Some of the rooftop advantages: Rooftop panels are appealing to investors because they require no additional investment or infrastructure, Lubin said. Utility-scale solar or wind, by contrast, requires investors to install a whole bunch more new substations into our additional grid infrastructure for a lot more costs, he explained. He also noted that theres much more diversity in the size of rooftop companies, offering more affordable options for consumers. STATE-BY-STATE AFFORDABILITY With home energy costs rising, and the break-even point for rooftop solar at between 11 to 12 cents per kilowatt hour, Lubin argues solar panels now make financial sense across much of the U.S. The U.S. average is 13 cents per kilowatt hour, and even the least expensive regions have averages within the break-even zone above 11 cents, according to the Energy Information Agency (EIA). States where solar makes the most sense: In California where on average, a homeowner is paying 25 cents per kilowatt hour in electricity bills of course it makes sense to put up solar, Lubin said. New England is also particularly ripe. Its energy costs average a whopping 24 cents a kilowatt hour, based on EIA data. In Hawaii, with the EIA charting average costs at 38 cents per kilowatt hour, residents are paying almost three times the solar break-even price. The widespread convergence of rising electricity prices and falling solar installation costs has helped convince big investors to pour more money into the sector, Lubin said. Changing perceptions: Solar suffered for decades from the perception among both buyers and investors that it could only succeed if homeowners get enough of a rebate or enough of a tax credit, Lubin said. And the perception that rooftop solar is a fragile business, dependent on easily-revoked local incentives, also made it very difficult for installation companies to secure the loans or investment necessary to grow, he noted. Those views have shifted: Investors are now able to look at it and say, OK, this is a sustainable business model, and thats when you start to see the capital flow in, Lubin said. Wednesday Worries Forever chemicals in childrens toys, more heart attack deaths for black and poor people and wind powers expansion means more danger for migratory birds. Some eco-friendly childrens products contain toxic forever chemicals: study Many childrens products, such as upholstered furniture, clothing and pillow protectors, including those with green certifications, may contain harmful forever chemicals that were not listed on the labels, a new study has found. Black, low-income patients dont benefit from lower rates of heart attack death Black and low-income patients are continuing to die at the same rates after heart attacks even as the population at large sees their 10-year survival rates climb, according to a study in JAMA Cardiology. Danger at the intersection of migration paths and wind power Ideal spots for wind energy tend to correspond with ideal pathways for migratory birds with often deadly results, particularly as they descend into the rotor-swept zone to rest for the night, according to a study in Conservation Letters. Please visit The Hills Sustainability section online for the web version of this newsletter and more stories. Well see you tomorrow. VIEW FULL VERSION HERE For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. $100 Million Commitment to Invest in Proptech Startups and Partner with VCs to Bring Leading-Edge Technology to Affordable Housing Residents & Communities Fairstead Ventures will Prioritize Investments in Decarbonization, Energy, & Sustainability NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairstead, a purpose-driven, vertically integrated real estate company committed to sustainable development and the creation and preservation of high-quality housing, announced the launch of Fairstead Ventures today. This $100 million initiative will focus on strategic investments and deploying leading-edge technologies across Fairstead's affordable housing portfolio, which is on track to grow to over 30,000 units over the next year. Fairstead (PRNewsfoto/Fairstead) "The creation of Fairstead Ventures advances our dedication to fundamentally changing the standards in the housing industry, particularly at the intersection of sustainability and affordability," said Jeffrey Goldberg, CEO of Fairstead. "By utilizing our capital and expertise in private equity and venture investing, we will bring innovative solutions to affordable housing nationwide." Fairstead named Aki Karja the company's Director of Proptech to realize Fairstead Ventures' vision to sustainably retrofit aging affordable housing stock with the latest technology solutions while creating state-of-the-art new developments. Fairstead Ventures will act as a strategic investor piloting innovative products and services and scaling new and proven technologies to enterprise level. "For too long, affordable housing has been underserved in tech, even though the impact could be immense," said Aki Karja, Director of Proptech. "I will be looking for innovative new startups to invest in and pilot at our properties, as well as VC firms to partner and co-invest with, to green our communities and improve the health of our residents. I am honored to work with the Fairstead team to ensure affordable housing benefits from advancements in the tech industry and bring our leadership team's vision to life." Story continues Fairstead Ventures has already leveraged some of its funds towards innovative pilot programs and strategic partnerships. Fairstead entered into a strategic partnership with Enviro Power, a Hartford-based energy-tech company, to develop and deploy their SmartWatt Boiler cogeneration technology. Additionally, through a partnership with Kwant AI, Fairstead has deployed an AI safety and productivity platform while redeveloping Park 79, a shuttered illegal hotel that Fairstead acquired and is converting into affordable housing for seniors on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The launch of Fairstead Ventures is part of Fairstead's $500 million equity commitment announced last fall to strategically grow the company's operations, including expanding its multi-family housing portfolio and enhancing the firm's proptech, sustainability, and community impact programming. About Fairstead Fairstead is a purpose-driven vertically integrated real estate developer specializing in creating sustainable, high-quality housing. The firm's national footprint includes more than $6 billion in assets and identified pipeline. With offices in New York, Maryland, and South Carolina, Fairstead's team manages 90+ communities across the country and runs its comprehensive real estate platform, which includes acquisitions and development, venture capital investments in proptech, design and construction, energy and sustainability, property management, marketing, and leasing. The firm also administers one of the industry's most proactive community impact programs to provide on-site support services to residents. For more information, visit www.fairstead.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairstead-ventures-launches-to-drive-innovative-technology-solutions-for-affordable-housing-301540976.html SOURCE Fairstead TALLAHASSEE With the dust still settling from a legislative session where Gov. Ron DeSantis polarizing agenda of bills was easily approved by Republican majorities, the scene now shifts from the Capitol to the courthouse. The trail was blazed recently with a federal lawsuit looking to overturn the states new parental rights law branded Dont Say Gay by opponents which was filed within days of DeSantis signing the measure. More challenges are waiting in the wings to legislation focusing on immigration, abortion, elections security, campaign financing, and discussion of race in schools and the workplace. Gov. DeSantis and the Legislature spent a tremendous amount of effort this session betraying their promises of limited government and instead created policies that are increasingly cruel and unreasonable exercises of power, said David Tilley, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. The ACLU of Florida is watching, as are our coalition partners. And we will all see DeSantis in court, Tilley added. For Gov. Ron DeSantis, scene now shifts from Capitol to courthouse DeSantis touts 'free' Florida: A defiant Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis opens legislative session touting Florida as 'free' Governor's wish, a command: Florida GOP leaders unveil new bill with election law changes sought by DeSantis Florida special session coming: Gov. DeSantis vetoes congressional map, calls Florida lawmakers back into session Florida has long had a revolving door, with new laws reviewed and analyzed in courthouses, and taxpayers footing hefty legal bills. But since DeSantis took office in 2019, the tenor of the legislation and the lawsuits theyve drawn have taken on a more nationalized tone, fitting for a governor viewed as having presidential aspirations from a state which has sued the Biden administration twice over federal border policy and immigration and three different times over COVID-19 requirements all in less than a year-and-a -half. The latest lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody came Monday when Florida joined Georgia and Alabama in accusing the Biden administration of failing to properly deport undocumented migrants who commit crimes. Story continues A week earlier, Florida joined 20 other mostly Republican states seeking to halt the federal mask requirement on commercial aircraft and public transportation. Gov. DeSantis' courthouse record not so hot Still, DeSantis won-loss record in court hasnt been great. He was on the winning side when the U.S. Supreme Court in January blocked Bidens vaccine requirements for workers at larger companies. But hes lost lower court fights over his push to regulate social media companies, crack down on undocumented immigrants with a sanctuary cities ban, and impose new criminal penalties on demonstrators, the so-called anti-riot law. And just recently, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker delivered a blistering, 288-page ruling that gutted central parts of last years Florida elections law, striking down new limits on third-party voter registration groups, restrictions on ballot drop boxes and banning the handing out of water or snacks to people lined up to vote. Governor asks, he gets: Florida House approves new limits on talk of race in schools, workplaces sought by DeSantis So-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill signed: DeSantis signs into law what critics call the 'Don't Say Gay' bill Lawyers aplenty: Amid praise from conservatives, Florida Gov. DeSantis also drawing lawsuits Walker also took the unprecedented step of putting Florida into pre-clearance status under the Voting Rights Act for the next 10 years, citing what he said was the states history of repeatedly, recently and persistently working to deny Black Floridians access to voting. The state will appeal Walkers ruling, with DeSantis lashing out at the judge nominated by former President Barack Obama, who also blocked the anti-riot law now on appeal. DeSantis accused Walker of performative partisanship. The governor similarly dismissed the first of what could be a cascade of new lawsuits coming the states way saying that claims in a federal lawsuit filed by opponents to the parental rights law have no merit. How DeSantis reshaped Florida's Supreme Court: Before controversial policy push, Gov. Ron DeSantis first reshaped Floridas highest court Always ready for appeal But DeSantis held out the possibility of a loss at the trial court level. He vowed to seek a reversal by appellate justices, the same path hes taken over the past year following other setbacks. The conservative-leaning, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal, which hears cases from Florida, Georgia and Alabama, has 20 judges, 13 of whom were appointed by Republican presidents, including six by former President Trump. DeSantis said some lower court judges will seize on a cause du jour, and potentially stretch the law, to make a political statement. I dont think thats going to happen in this case, DeSantis added about the parental rights case, which has been assigned to Tallahassee-based, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, a Trump-nominee. But the bottom line iswe are going to defend this vigorously. Lawyers for LGBTQ organizations, parents and students who sued argue that the new law, set to take effect July 1, violates constitutional free speech and equal protection safeguards. They also conclude that classroom discussion is censored on matters involving sexual orientation and gender identity not just in early grades, but for all students based on an undefined age-appropriate standard. Constitutional violations a likely claim Similarly, alleged constitutional violations are likely to prove the backbone of lawsuits expected to be filed in coming weeks over new measures which could punish companies that help transport migrants to Florida, halt most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, impose new restrictions on discussion of race in schools and workplaces, and limit out-of-state contributions to ballot initiatives. Once DeSantis is sent the legislation by lawmakers and enacts each new measure, advocates are ready to file their lawsuits, they say. Congressional redistricting, which DeSantis has enflamed by vetoing plans approved by Florida lawmakers, has already drawn state and federal legal challenges, which are likely to continue no matter the outcome of a special session, set to begin April 19, where the Legislature is being tasked by the governor to redraw boundaries. But even if defeated in court, DeSantis aggressive stance on topics that animate a conservative voting base are seen by many analysts as proving to be a winning strategy for him. DeSantis a liberal victim? Maybe not And while DeSantis often casts himself as a victim of liberal-leaning judges, thats not always the case. The Legislatures new $3,000 cap on out-of-staters contributing to ballot initiatives was seen as an effort to revive a contributions law signed by DeSantis last year but which was blocked by Winsor, the Trump-nominated judge who earlier was Floridas solicitor general under Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi. Opponents feared the initial, broader restriction on donors wouldve effectively ended Floridas more than half-century tradition of citizens groups being able to get measures on the ballot. Winsor concluded that contribution limit violated the First Amendment. Similar free speech issues are being raised by the ACLU with the new version of the campaign cap, also likely to go before Winsor. First Amendment issues are also certain to be in play with eventual challenges to how discussion of race takes place in classrooms and work places. Other federal voting rights laws and commerce protections could be central to lawsuits involving a new investigative force pursuing claims of election fraud and penalties on transportation companies and others that assist with migrant relocation, bills the governor called for lawmakers to approve. Advocacy groups say they are poised to respond to DeSantis bill-signings. Mark Prada, a Miami immigration attorney, said the latest strike at migrants is not only damaging to a vulnerable community, but crafted so that it will confuse enforcement. Its critics include the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, which called the measure vague and rife with dimensions that are likely to prompt legal challenges. All in all, my quarrel is that the drafting of the bill reflects a poor understanding of immigration, which causes broad, harmful consequences and possibly even achieves results not intended by the drafters, Prada said. John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on Twitter at @JKennedyReport This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida Legislature: DeSantis' wish list comes true, faces challenges ReportLinker The Global RegTech Market size is expected to reach $22. 3 billion by 2027, rising at a market growth of 19. 8% CAGR during the forecast period. RegTech is an amalgamation of the words regulatory and technology. New York, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global RegTech Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Application, By Vertical, By Deployment Mode, By Organization Size, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2021 - 2027" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06273376/?utm_source=GNW It uses advanced technologies to manage regulatory processes in the financial industry. Its objective is to assist businesses in complying with rules in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Machine learning, biometrics, cloud computing, big data, and blockchain are all examples of advanced technology used in RegTech. Data analytics, regulatory monitoring, risk management, reporting, regulatory compliance, and fraud detection are also important RegTech tasks. Regulatory organizations in Asia-Pacific, the United States, and Europe are always seeking ways to collaborate with the fintech sector around the world. Furthermore, this strong desire to engage between the fintech community and regulators strives to create a win-win situation for both businesses and governments. The Global Financial Innovation Network (GFIN), for example, was formally founded in January 2019 by an international coalition of financial regulators and affiliated organizations with the goal of fostering financial innovation in the interests of consumers. Furthermore, the GFIN aims to provide an effective way for innovative companies to communicate with authorities, assisting them with novel business models in several jurisdictions. As a result of the increased collaboration between national regulators and financial institutions, the RegTech industry is expected to rise over the forecast period. As government policies and country rules change, considerable demands to increase the quality of reported data across numerous regimes and jurisdictions continue to emerge in the industry, propelling the RegTech market forward. In Europe, for example, RegTech is gaining steam in the European Parliaments MiFID II legislation and is likely to expand dramatically in the next years. Furthermore, this law attempted to ensure consistency across investment services across the European Economic Areas 31-member states (EEA). COVID-19 Impact The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial influence on the RegTech business, leading to a rise in the uptake of online and digitalized financial services around the world. Additionally, governments of numerous countries have implemented nation-wide lockdowns to prevent the disease from spreading any further. As a consequence, RegTech providers offering software-as-a-service platforms gained popularity during the pandemic. Thus, the global health crisis ended up becoming one of the most important factors of growth for the RegTech industry. The world economy is in the midst of one of the worst financial crises in history. Banks and financial institutions are also at the forefront of the fight against online fraud and money laundering. However, COVID-19s economic, sociological, and logistical constraints have significantly hampered their ability to successfully monitor and prevent fraud. Market Growth Factors Growing Demand for Faster Transactions Interbank transactions can be speed up using blockchain technology. Many financial institutions are considering blockchain technology as a way to speed up transactions, reduce error rates, and eliminate reconciliation. Blockchain is best suited to the payments industry, where it can help reduce multiday settlement cycles to real-time, thereby improving and enhancing transaction operations, enhancing companies capabilities for AML, KYC, and regulatory compliance data, and the faster transactions and settlements can help a financial institution and its customers transact easily while eradicating the intermediary charging fee to speed up the process. This can help banks save time and money on labor-intensive procedures with their clients and currency transactions. Concerns Regarding GDPR are Boosting the Demand for RegTech The GDPR requirements have become obligatory for consumers personal data due to the expansion of RegTech, which is altering the regulatory landscape by providing technologically enhanced solutions inside the financial industry. As a result, GDPR regulates the use of personal data and gives individuals the right to object to profiling, which is likely to open up the lucrative potential for the industry in terms of establishing trust and increasing service loyalty. As a result, GDPR for some personal data-related activities is mandated by law, RegTech solution providers are incorporating GDPR into their offerings, and the industry is likely to increase in the future years. Market Restraining Factors Threat to Cybersecurity and Consumer Data Privacy Financial service businesses risk and compliance management functions, with a focus on cybersecurity and data-related threats. Cyberattacks are more likely to occur as a result of the adoption of new legislation and the growing number of data networks, digital apps, and mobile users. The rising use and integration of RegTech into compliance and regulatory systems could result in new security risks as the process of integrating and extracting data from numerous internal and external sources continues. Similarly, collaborating with several new vendors and granting them access to a companys systems could introduce additional risks. Technology governance, system change management, risk assessments, technical controls, incident response, vendor management, data loss prevention, and employee training are all areas where RegTech technologies can help. Component Outlook Based on Component, the market is segmented into Solution and Services (Professional and Managed). The solutions segment acquired the largest revenue share in the RegTech market in 2020. RegTech solutions can help financial institutions automate anti-money laundering activities, streamline and automate KYC data collection methods, detect and analyze key rules and related changes over time, and more. These solutions assist businesses in meeting real-time regulations and compliance needs, improving customer experience, managing risk, and making appropriate recommendations. Using third-party RegTech services can help companies save money on regulatory compliance. Application Outlook Based on Application, the market is segmented into Risk & Compliance Management, AML & Fraud Management, Identity Management, Regulatory Reporting, and Regulatory Intelligence. The regulatory intelligence segment garnered a promising revenue share in the RegTech market in 2020. The technique of constantly monitoring and tracking multiple regulations and compliances is known as regulatory intelligence. RegTech suppliers provide a real-time inventory of numerous regulatory requirements, which can be used to identify and comprehend regulatory changes. RegTech solutions process targeted data and information from many sources, evaluate it, and produce an output that describes the risks and possibilities for developing the best regulatory approach. Financial institutions embrace of RegTech solutions makes it easier to manage to change regulatory environments and reduces the risk of non-compliance. RegTech solution vendors are using AI and machine learning to automate the tracking of global regulatory data. Vertical Outlook Based on Vertical, the market is segmented into Banking & Capital Markets, Insurance, and Non-Financial. The insurance segment registered a substantial revenue share in the RegTech market in 2020. With considerable technology breakthroughs, the insurance sector is rapidly changing. RegTech solution adoption is gaining steam as these firms begin to use RegTech to monitor regulatory compliance and automate reporting, as well as improve their data management skills and mitigate risks. Insurance is a type of risk management that entails the fair transfer of loss risk from one organization to another in exchange for a payment. As a result of massive digital transformation projects, the insurance industry is quickly adopting RegTech. Investment and solvency regulations, claim settlements, distribution channel challenges, and data clarity issues are all key issues facing the insurance sector. Deployment Mode Outlook Based on Deployment Mode, the market is segmented into Cloud and On-premise. The cloud segment acquired the largest revenue share in the RegTech market in 2020. Customers pay according to their consumption patterns; hence cloud computing services turn fixed expenses into variable costs. Customers can choose from a variety of cloud-based solutions to meet their needs. Customers can start or discontinue whatever services they choose with these solutions, depending on their current needs. These solutions allow businesses to adapt to their changing contexts with ease. The adoption of cloud-based solutions has risen in recent years. Reduced physical infrastructure, cheap maintenance costs, and data accessibility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere and at any time are all advantages of the cloud. SaaS is developing as the best practice for firms searching for cost-effective functionality, due to advances in cloud technology. RegTech companies cloud-based solutions include the ability to edit data sets and reorganize them as needed for various customers or as regulatory requirements change. Organization Size Outlook Based on Organization Size, the market is segmented into Large Enterprises and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs segment observed a substantial revenue share in the RegTech market in 2020. Although the adoption of RegTech has been relatively low in SMEs in the past, this trend is likely to break as SMEs understand that implementing RegTech would help them cut costs significantly. Since SMEs operate on a much smaller budget than large enterprises, the cost-effective nature of RegTech is bound to be appealing to them. The application of RegTech is also likely to save SMEs time. Regional Outlook Based on Regions, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific region emerged as the leading region in the RegTech market with the maximum revenue share in 2020. Many growing economies in the Asia-Pacific are embracing new technology to comply with processes for improving the efficiency of financial systems, and many countries in this region are doing so. RegTech software is expected to be adopted at a rapid rate throughout the region. Due to the increased use of new technologies, substantial investments in digital transformation, the rapid expansion of domestic firms, broad infrastructure development, and rising GDP of various nations, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing RegTech market. FinTech solutions are being implemented across numerous corporate processes in rapidly rising economies such as China, Japan, Singapore, and India to offer effective solutions. The major strategies followed by the market participants are Partnerships. Based on the Analysis presented in the Cardinal matrix; IBM Corporation and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited are the forerunners in the RegTech Market. Companies such as NICE Ltd., Broadridge financial solutions Inc., Trulioo, Inc. are some of the key innovators in the Market. The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include ACTICO GmbH, Jumio Corporation, MetricStream, Inc., NICE Ltd., Thomson Reuters Corporation, Wolters Kluwer N.V., IBM Corporation, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, Broadridge financial solutions Inc., and Trulioo, Inc. Recent strategies deployed in RegTech Market Partnerships, Collaborations and Agreements: Jan-2022: Trulioo formed a partnership with PassFort, a global provider of software-as-a-service regulatory technology solutions. Together, the companies aimed to provide enterprises to digitally upgrade KYC as well as KYB procedure, across the world. Additionally, this partnership would offer worldwide coverage and flexibility, to adapt and perform onboarding and risk observation of any product as well as any type of consumer anywhere from the globe. Nov-2021: MetricStream came into partnership with CUBE, a global SaaS RegTech pioneer. This partnership focused on allowing consumers to utilize CUBEs automated regulatory intelligence along with the MetricStream Platform, enabling enterprises to generate rich analyses and obtain deep insights for driving business judgments. Additionally, this partnership aimed to provide exclusive coverage of international adjustment to MetricStreams global consumer base and utilize CUBEs 10 years of expertise and experience in upgrading regulatory data into regulatory intelligence. Sep-2021: NICE Actimize signed a strategic partnership agreement with Tata Consulting Services, the largest IT services company in the world. Together, the companies would bring the right combination of data analytics, domain expertise, world-class solutions, agility, and scale to help consumers to upgrade financial crime management and adherence function. Jul-2020: IBM formed a partnership with Ascent, a provider of AI-based solutions. Through this partnership, the companies aimed to combine RegTech solutions to help financially as well as banks sectors to manage to increase and growing administrative needs. Additionally, the integration of the Ascent platform with OpenPages with Watson which capitalized on natural language procedure and AI algorithms to recognize and analyze beyond 1.5 million paragraphs of directorial text from the countrys industries in Financial Instruments Directive II. May-2020: NICE Actimize joined hand with Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services. Together, the companies aimed to enable Infosys to provide its top-notch delivery abilities and resell NICE Actimizes end-to-end financial crime software solutions within the cloud or on-premises ecosystem to an increasing consumer base across the world. Additionally, an integrated cloud portfolio would also help in minimizing the price of ownership. Apr-2020: IBM signed an original equipment manufacturing agreement with Fenergo, the leading provider of digital transformation. This agreement would enable the companies to develop a solution that integrates Fenergos CLM portfolio with IBMs RegTech offering of anti-money laundering as well as KYC solutions, developed in Watson. Feb-2020: Jumio formed a partnership with CIMB Bank Philippines, a Malaysian universal bank. This partnership aimed to deliver suitable, easy, and hassle-free digital enrolling solutions to Filipinos. Additionally, this partnership aimed to allow a secure and smooth onboarding experience while holding a high level of data privacy as well as meeting local adherence essentials. Acquisitions and Mergers: Feb-2022: Trulioo took over HelloFlow, the innovative no-code, drag-and-drop builder. This acquisition aimed to propel the transportation of an improved end-to-end character platform by integrating Trulioo GlobalGateway with a complete portfolio of onboarding workflow, orchestration, and risk administration abilities. Dec-2021: Jumio completed the acquisition of 4Stop, the leading data marketplace and orchestration hub for KYB, KYC, compliance, and fraud prevention. This acquisition aimed to integrate 4Stops technology within Jumios solutions to allow the enterprise to maintain the whole consumer identity lifecycle with a single, cooperative platform that would enable rapid combination and arrangement within an easy and instinctive API layer. Jul-2021: Broadridge Financial Solutions took over Jordan & Jordan cloud-based Execution Compliance and Surveillance Services assets. Through this acquisition, the solution enables traders & brokers to adhere adequately to regulations including Consolidated Audit Trail and SEC Rules 605/606 to enhance abilities across trade surveillance, detection of fraud, and best execution. Sep-2020: Jumio took over Beam Solutions, an anti-money laundering platform. This acquisition aimed to combine Jumio with Beam AML within its KYX technology platform to build a complete digital portrait of every buyer consumer. Additionally, this acquisition aimed to enhance its standing in the anti-financial crime sector. Product Launches and Product Expansions: Nov-2021: NICE Actimize introduced IFM-X, Dark Web Intelligence. The product delivers instant fraud elimination so FSOs can accurately alleviate consumer account takeover attempts, combat card fraud without causing extreme consumer friction, and block mule activity. Additionally, IFM-X utilizes observable technology that delivers targeted, monitoring, and constantly updated intelligence planted across pre-fraud and post-breach scenarios. Scope of the Study Market Segments covered in the Report: By Component Solution Services o Professional o Managed By Application Risk & Compliance Management AML & Fraud Management Identity Management Regulatory Reporting Regulatory Intelligence By Vertical Banking & Capital Markets Insurance Non-Financial By Deployment Mode Cloud On-premise By Organization Size Large Enterprises Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) By Geography North America o US o Canada o Mexico o Rest of North America Europe o Germany o UK o France o Russia o Spain o Italy o Rest of Europe Asia Pacific o China o Japan o India o South Korea o Singapore o Malaysia o Rest of Asia Pacific LAMEA o Brazil o Argentina o UAE o Saudi Arabia o South Africa o Nigeria o Rest of LAMEA Companies Profiled ACTICO GmbH Jumio Corporation MetricStream, Inc. NICE Ltd. Thomson Reuters Corporation Wolters Kluwer N.V. IBM Corporation Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited Broadridge financial solutions Inc. Trulioo, Inc. Unique Offerings Exhaustive coverage Highest number of market tables and figures Subscription based model available Guaranteed best price Assured post sales research support with 10% customization free Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06273376/?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 Canadian Institute for Health Information OTTAWA, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Throughout the pandemic, hospitalizations and visits to emergency departments (EDs) due to eating disorders have surged among young women in Canada. New data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that the pandemic has taken a significant toll on the mental health of children and youth, with hospitalizations for young women with eating disorders age 10 to 17 increasing by nearly 60% since March 2020. This represents an increase from about 52 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in 20192020 to 82 hospitalizations per 100,000 people in 20202021 and is in direct contrast to the general decrease in hospitalizations and ED visits for most other conditions among the rest of the population in Canada. CIHIs release shows that youth living in less-affluent neighbourhoods had higher rates of ED visits and hospitalizations for mental health disorders than their peers from more-affluent neighbourhoods. However, the opposite trend was observed for youth receiving hospital care for eating disorders, with youth from the most-affluent neighbourhoods hospitalized more than twice as much as their least-affluent peers. The increase in hospitalizations for youth due to an eating disorder during the pandemic is striking and concerning. It is also a significant under-representation of the true increase because research shows that eating disorders arent just a disease of the affluent, said Dr. Leanna Isserlin, Psychiatric Director, Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Program, CHEO, a pediatric health care and research centre in Ottawa. Many young people from marginalized communities and less-affluent neighbourhoods have difficulty accessing treatment for eating disorders and would not be reflected in these data. Marked differences were also observed in the experiences between young women and young men. Young women age 15 to 17 were twice as likely to be hospitalized for a mental health disorder as their male peers. Story continues In addition to an increase in hospital care for eating disorders, CIHI also observed an increase in the rates that young Canadians are dispensed mood and anxiety medication over time. As well, about twice as many females age 5 to 24 were dispensed these medications compared with their male peers in 20202021. This is a trend that predates the COVID-19 pandemic and has been consistently observed over the last 5 years. Theres no doubt the pandemic has put significant strain on the mental health of all Canadians including youth. The substantial uptick in hospitalizations for eating disorders weve seen in young women emphasizes how critical it is for our health systems to prioritize early interventions and prevention methods in the form of timely access to mental health services, said Tracy Johnson, Director, Health System Analytics, CIHI. The findings in this release highlight the wide-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth, and provide insights into the larger mental health picture in Canada. -30- About CIHI The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing essential health information to all Canadians. CIHI works closely with federal, provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders throughout Canada to gather, package and disseminate information to inform policy, management, care and research, leading to better and more equitable health outcomes for all Canadians. Health information has become one of societys most valuable public goods. For more than 25 years, CIHI has set the pace on data privacy, security, accessibility and innovation to improve Canadas health systems. CIHI: Better data. Better decisions. Healthier Canadians. Media contacts media@cihi.ca For English inquiries: Stephanie Bright For French inquiries: Claire Brassard SAO PAULO, BRAZIL / ACCESSWIRE / May 5, 2022 / The contemporary world of today is experiencing the rapid expansion and development of cryptocurrencies. Despite prior resistance towards the acceptance of digital assets, the realization of versatility and intense competition for Web 3.0 has influenced conventional financial institutions to reevaluate the use of digital currencies in the hope that these assets will propel banking institutions into a new era of innovation and efficiency. As part of its efforts to contribute to this burgeoning breakout of automation, the Dubai-based investment firm, ICICB Group, has positioned itself at the forefront of the digital transformation across major industries. ICICB is entering the realm of the crypto space within Latin America, where priority of innovation is still lacking in financial sectors through the launch of an innovative digital bank in Brazil. ICICB, Thursday, May 5, 2022, Press release picture The high-tech investment specialist, ICICB, has featured prominently in successfully incubating novel methods and initiatives with a focus on the ongoing digital financial revolution. They have established a global presence in over 26 countries due to their dynamic ability to exceed client expectations. With a diverse set of licenses ranging from FinTech to hedge funds and a variety of other financial permits, the group's profits have increased from US$800 million to US$1.4 billion by the end of 2021. ICICB is constantly leveraging smarter technologies to improve client experiences across multiple industries. ICICB will soon launch its one-of-a-kind crypto bank in Brazil, harnessing cutting-edge automation and artificial intelligence. The firm obtained a license to open a digital bank and cryptocurrency exchange in Brazil, with the goal of improving access to financial services for businesses and institutions. The ICICB's mission includes absorbing the growth in blockchain solutions and transmitting the benefits to emerging markets like Brazil. Story continues With its digital bank, the innovative giant plans to offer a vast array of services that the firm has mastered from other global markets while paying keen attention to client requirements in Brazil. Among the many services and products that the bank prepares to provide is fiat-crypto conversion, ATM services, retail banking, monetary remittances, trading leveraged by AI, credit facilities, as well as stable exchange rates, the custody of crypto and fiat, decentralized crypto wallets and other prosperous innovative products. To ensure the highest level of regulatory compliance, ICICB implements a robust AML compliance framework. Moreover, the investment pioneer has implemented policies to counterbalance the risks associated with trade in crypto assets to provide a sense of security in Latin America. Furthermore, the Group has asserted that big data and machine learning will be used to gain a better understanding of future trends, changes, and motivations of their ideal client base. As a result of this, ICICB's Brazilian crypto bank will develop a competitive and diverse solution that provides tailored financial services based on clients' aspirations. ICICB aims to redefine the ease and simplicity with which banking transactions are conducted in a crypto and fiat lifestyle. Overall, the Group has a long track record of generating revolutionary new businesses and propositions with rigorous discipline and pace, spanning the entire scope of potentials, from initial strategy to technical development. The launch of the crypto bank will be a significant milestone for ICICB's emerging growth in the digital financial world. About ICICB Group ICICB is an investment holding company specialised in financial services and investment offerings. Emerging as one of the fastest-growing multinational investment companies, they are based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The group serves a variety of industries including digital banking, consulting, medical care, commercial real estate, and more. Over the past few years, ICICB's mission has been the development and advancement of digital technology, integrated with everyday life to increase efficiency and sustainability. For more information, please visit https://www.icicb.com Contact: ICICB info@icicb.com SOURCE: ICICB View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/700293/Leading-Investment-Holding-Company-ICICB-Announces-the-Launch-of-an-Exciting-Digital-Crypto-Bank-in-Brazil (Bloomberg) -- Nomura Holdings Inc. needs to boost the competitiveness of its retail business, analysts say, after the segment posted lower profit than smaller rival Daiwa Securities Group Inc. for the first time in more than a decade. Most Read from Bloomberg Nomuras retail division must shift more aggressively into wealth management to make it more resilient to market turbulence, according to Jefferies Financial Group Inc. Japans biggest brokerage should also step up its efforts in areas like digitalization, Morningstar Inc. says. Nomura is still only halfway there with wealth management, said Hideyasu Ban, an analyst at Jefferies in Tokyo. It has to move faster. The division, which has thousands of employees offering individual clients investment advice and other services, posted pre-tax profit of 5.2 billion yen ($40 million) for the three months ended March 31. Thats an 80% drop compared with the same period last year. Nomuras full-year retail business profit also fell by more than a third to 59.2 billion yen. Nomura Chief Financial Officer Takumi Kitamura said the pandemic, central bank policy and Russias invasion of Ukraine hurt investor sentiment. Read more: Nomura Falls Most This Year After Earnings, Buyback Disappoint Daiwa, Japans second-largest brokerage, recorded ordinary profit of 6.7 billion yen in its retail business for the three months ended March. While the category is slightly different from Nomuras pre-tax profit, analysts say theyre roughly comparable. Its the first time Daiwas figure has been higher than Nomuras since at least the April-June quarter of 2011, based on publicly available comparable data. Story continues The reversal indicates Daiwa has gone slightly ahead of Nomura in building sources of stable retail income, according to Ban of Jefferies. Our strategy has been right, Eiji Sato, Daiwas CFO, said at a press briefing last week, pointing to the firms push into wealth management. We managed to achieve this much profit in the face of major market adjustment. Nomura will press ahead with efforts to strengthen investment consulting services for retail customers, said Go Sugiyama, Nomuras head of retail. As the industry leader, Nomura will continue to transition to a sustainable business model centered on consulting in the retail part of our business, he said by email. This will result in higher client satisfaction and awareness of the importance of investing for asset formation. The brokerages retail unit has for years played the role of a shock absorber for overseas mishaps, such as the 311 billion yen hit last year from the implosion of U.S. family office Archegos Capital Management. On average, the business has generated more than a quarter of Nomuras annual revenue over the past 10 years. The brokerages overseas operations lost money in eight of those years. Top management should really focus on the firms core strength, said Michael Makdad, an analyst at Morningstar in Tokyo, speaking of the retail business. Nomura kind of takes it for granted and focuses too much on building up the wholesale side at the expense of fortifying and expanding retail. The pandemic has also accelerated the move toward online broking, so Nomura needs to improve in this area, Makdad said. Nomura has been working to shift its retail business into U.S.-style wealth management as traditional stockbroking grows less profitable in Japan due to price competition. But Daiwa has moved slightly faster than Nomura in making this transition, according to Makdad. Expanding in this area would make the business less vulnerable to market downturns. Japans benchmark Topix index of stocks fell 2.3% in the three months ended March, its second straight quarterly decline. Nomura is prone to taking hits when the market moves sharply, said Kengo Sakaguchi, a financial analyst at Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. It needs to earn more stable income. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2021 came to a close, Plexus Worldwide (Plexus), a leading health and wellness company based in Scottsdale, celebrated numerous sales and philanthropic milestones with its team members, customers, and Brand Ambassadors. In addition to fulfilling more than four million orders to customers worldwide and generating more than $500 million in total gross sales during the year, Plexus donated over 7.4 million meals to needy families and supported 61 different volunteer opportunities resulting in a total of 1,594 volunteer hours donated. "We are humbled that Plexus was able to reach so many people worldwide with our initiatives last year," said Tarl Robinson, Founder and CEO of Plexus Worldwide. "The personal involvement and more than 1,500 hours of volunteerism by members of our team is inspiring, and the donations we raised this year, which includes donating 7.4 million meals, is truly remarkable." The donation of 7.4 million meals is part of the company's Nourish One global campaign to fight food insecurity. By connecting people with nutritious food and those needing support through Feeding America and Mary's Meals, Plexus provides an avenue for Brand Ambassadors, customers and team members to make an impact. Through Nourish One, for every serving of Plexus Lean purchased, the company donates the monetary equivalent of one meal to global partners dedicated to fighting hunger. Through this initiative, Plexus has donated 30 million meals since 2018, and in 2021 alone, Plexus donated a total of over 7.4 million meals. Plexus employees volunteered 1,594 hours to help nonprofits during 61 volunteer different activities spread out across the calendar year. Plexus provides 16 hours of paid volunteer time to all their team members, encouraging them to be active and contribute to their communities. One of Plexus' largest initiatives is Global Giving Day in which they motivated people around the world to donate their time at food banks in their communities. Plexus employees, customers, and Brand Ambassadors were seen nationwide in the United States as well as worldwide in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and Canada volunteering and supporting local charities. The staff at Plexus headquarters also held a food drive for St. Mary's Food Bank and donated 2,817 pounds of food; the equivalent of 2,347 meals for those in need. Story continues During the holiday season, team members raised thousands of dollars for the Phoenix Children's Hospital's toy drive and fulfilled 95 Christmas Angel tags for the Salvation Army. Plexus was also the 2021 presenting sponsor of all events hosted at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, which was recently named the best park in the nation. Through all their initiatives and paid volunteer hours, Plexus donated a total of more than $1.5 million to non-profit organizations in 2021. "We have a company philosophy that we call One Plexus. It's the idea of a shared commitment among our staff to care for one another, treat our customers and Brand Ambassadors as family, and to be involved members of our communities," said Alec Clark, founder and President of Plexus Worldwide. "I'm so proud that as our company has grown into one of the largest direct selling companies in the world, we continue to place hope, health, and happiness at the forefront of all we do." The company's success in 2021 did not end there. It released 20 products worldwide and shipped 4 million orders to customers and Brand Ambassadors. Plexus also added 120 new fulltime staff members, as well as welcomed an impressive 214,000 new Brand Ambassadors to start their own independent home businesses this year. Earlier this year, Plexus Worldwide was recognized by Direct Selling News as the 28th largest direct selling company in the world with revenues of more than 500 million. Additionally, the company was recognized at the Phoenix Business Journal's Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards and was named the 10th largest privately held company in Arizona and #11 on its list of fastest-growing companies in Arizona. The Better Business Bureau also named Plexus a finalist for this year's coveted Torch Awards for Ethics which recognizes companies that demonstrate their commitment to business ethics and integrity. Plexus Worldwide provides hundreds of job opportunities for the local community and is committed to engaging in philanthropic endeavors to give back to the community. The company sells millions of wellness products to its Customers and Brand Ambassadors each quarter in its mission to support a healthy lifestyle. Plexus products include four categories: gut health, weight management, skincare, and nutrition. About Plexus Worldwide: Plexus Worldwide, LLC, is a leading Health and Happiness company featuring health and wellness products that enable people to improve their lives and well-being. With hundreds of thousands of independent business owners ("Brand Ambassadors") worldwide, Plexus is among the top 30 largest direct sales companies globally, according to Direct Selling News. Plexus products and opportunities help individuals meet their health and financial goals. For more information about the company, visit www.plexusworldwide.com . For more information, contact: Josh Weiss 10 to 1 Public Relations 480-789-0743 josh@10to1pr.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/plexus-filled-more-than-4-million-orders-donated-more-than-7-4-million-meals-and-volunteered-1-594-hours-in-2021--301540792.html SOURCE Plexus Worldwide LAKE FOREST, Calif., May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantum Fuel Systems (Quantum), a fully integrated alternative energy company, has been selected by Certarus Ltd. ("Certarus") to deliver industry leading virtual pipeline trailers for natural gas with a total value of approximately $22 million (USD). The trailers will be delivered in Q3 and Q4, 2022. Certarus ordered Quantums VPLite45/40 trailers, which have a gaseous capacity of approximately 472,000 standard cubic feet and weigh less than 59,000 pounds fully loaded. Quantum has been selected by Certarus to deliver industry leading virtual pipeline trailers for natural gas. Certarus has again ordered Quantum's VPLite45/40' trailers, which have a gaseous capacity of approximately 472,000 standard cubic feet and weigh less than 59,000 pounds fully loaded. The VPLite45/40' is certified for use in the U.S. and Canada and is the industry-leading choice for customers who need a smaller, lighter trailer that can be more easily maneuvered in tight areas while still hauling the most gas in the industry in a 40-foot container. "Quantum has been a partner with Certarus since 2017, and we are excited to continually expand this partnership, be an integral part of their growth and supply additional trailers in 2022 to Certarus to support their mobile, low carbon energy distribution fleet," said Mark Arold, President, Quantum Fuel Systems LLC. "Certarus is growing rapidly to meet the increasing need for safe, reliable, and mobile energy solutions. Our ongoing partnership with Quantum has helped us to build the largest fleet in North America that can deliver compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen directly where it is needed. These additional Quantum VPLite45/40' trailers will increase the capacity of our network to ensure that our industrial and utility customers receive a secure supply of low carbon energy they can count on," said Curtis Philippon, President & CEO of Certarus. About Quantum Fuel Systems LLC Quantum Fuel Systems LLC is engineering the future of alternative fuel storage by designing, developing and bringing innovative transport trailers, and industry-leading Type 4 cylinders for hydrogen, CNG and RNG to market. Quantum is at the forefront of the industry with decades of experience in gaseous fuel storage and systems solutions. Learn more at www.qtww.com Story continues About CERTARUS Certarus is the North American leader in providing on-road low carbon energy solutions through a fully integrated compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen platform. Certarus safely delivers clean burning fuels to energy, utility, agricultural and industrial customers not connected to a pipeline. By displacing more carbon intensive fuels, Certarus is leading the energy transition and helping customers lower operating costs and improve environmental performance. With the largest fleet of mobile gas storage units in North America, Certarus is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for low and zero-emission energy distribution. For more information, visit www.certarus.com. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantum-fuel-systems-awarded-substantial-natural-gas-virtual-pipeline-trailer-order-contract-by-certarus-ltd-301539515.html SOURCE Quantum Fuel Systems Simon Yates is preaching patience as he prepares to launch another tilt at pink in the Giro dItalia. The 29-year-old Lancastrian is once again among the favourites to win the first Grand Tour of the year ahead of Fridays opening stage in Hungary. This is the fifth-consecutive season the Team BikeExchange-Jayco rider has made the Giro his primary target, prioritising it over the Tour de France, and it might just be his best chance to win it. There are many things that keep bringing me back, Yates said. Its just a race I enjoy racing. We have a lot of Italian staff on the team, our service course is (in Varese), and I really enjoy the atmosphere in the team when we all come together and try to win the Giro. I think its a race that suits me well, its a very difficult race with lots of climbing. For a few years, it has seemed like Yates focus on the Giro has been about trying to recapture the magic of 2018, when he won three stages in the opening two weeks and spent 13 days in the leaders pink jersey before breaking on the same day Chris Froome launched his race-winning stage 19 attack. Yates, who went on to win the 2018 Vuelta a Espana after that disappointment, rode to eighth in the 2019 Giro before being forced to abandon the race due to Covid-19 in 2020, but last year he recovered from a slow start to take a stage 19 victory and finish third overall. Story continues I think Ive learned patience, he said. You need to be quite calm. The race is three weeks. You can always go back to 2018 where we really went after it in the first and second weeks and then fell apart in the third. But even last year I had some problems with my hamstrings in the first week but still came good towards the end, managed a stage and arrived on the podium. Youve got to have an eye on the big picture, be patient and wait for the race to come to you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simon Yates (@simonyatess) With reigning champion Egan Bernal out injured, 2019 winner Richard Carapaz is the favourite at the head of a strong Ineos Grenadiers team, but the bookmakers have Yates ahead of Joao Almeida and Mikel Landa as the man most likely to challenge the Ecuadorian. Ill let you guys make that decision, Yates said. I think the riders are just anxious to start. There are others who will be competitive. Take it back to last year. Id won the Tour of the Alps (coming into the Giro) and I kept reading I was a massive favourite. Romain Bardet won the Tour of the Alps this year and Ive heard nothing about him so I think theres a few guys flying under the radar. With over 50,000m of climbing and just 26.6km of time trialling in the entire three weeks, this Giro looks like one for the mountain goats who struggle against the clock. That is a category which has often included Yates, though he has improved on his time trial bike markedly, as shown by his fifth place on stage four of Paris-Nice in March. All across Italy chasing a dream, beauty all around, and lots of hard work. Just one thing in mind: Verona in Pink Attraverso l'Italia, attraverso un sogno, attraverso bellezza e fatica. In testa solo il Rosa. In testa, Verona.#giro #giroditalia pic.twitter.com/f2LuAUxbmw Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) April 29, 2022 A couple of weeks after that, Yates suffered illness that forced him to withdraw from the Vuelta a Catalunya. His only race since then was last weekends Vuelta Asturias, where he took impressive wins on stages one and three, but lost more than 10 minutes on stage two. I feel good, he insisted. I won two good stages and the sensations are good. The second day was my first exposure to some really hot conditions and in the past Ive had some difficulties with my first exposure of the year. But Im not worried. Well see once the race starts. By Azernews Azerbaijans First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff Col-Gen Karim Valiyev has inspected the combat readiness of military units, stationed in Kalbajar region, the ministry reported on May 5. Valiyev inspected the organization of the troops service and combat duty, as well as the social and living conditions of the servicemen. Furthermore, it was noted that all the necessary conditions have been created to maintain the combat readiness of troops at a high level. Having met with the military personnel on combat duty in the Kalbajar section of the state border, Karam Valiyev enquired about their concerns, awarded servicemen, who distinguished themselves in the service, and wished them success in their further service. Following that, an official meeting with the command staff of the Army Corps was held. Valiyev informed the command staff of the tasks delegated to the army by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. In the end, instructions of the defense minister on conducting the military exercises in accordance with real combat conditions to increase the combat capability of the units, as well as the use of weapons and combat equipment more effectively taking into account the methods of conducting the modern combined-arms battle were delivered to the military personnel. It should be noted that Azerbaijan continues to improve combat training, as well as the social and living conditions of servicemen serving in the liberated lands. Azerbaijan continues building new military units and facilities on its territories liberated as a result of the 44-day war with Armenia in 2020. Several new military units were inaugurated in Azerbaijans liberated Aghdam, Zangilan, Lachin, Khojavand, Khojaly regions. Azerbaijan has been opening military units in liberated regions to ensure the better reinforcement of its borders since the second Karabakh war. Following the liberation of its territories from Armenias occupation, Azerbaijan started constructing military units and other military infrastructure in these lands to ensure the region's security. Washington's top diplomat used the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to knock the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong governments for media restrictions and alleged harassment of journalists and dissidents worldwide. Citing data compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based non-profit advocacy group, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called China the biggest threat to press freedom in terms of the number of journalists under detention because of their work. "We've been deeply concerned about what we're seeing from the PRC in terms of its misuse of its technology to try to do things like increase surveillance, harassment, intimidation, censorship of PRC citizens, of journalists, of activists and others, and that includes abroad," he said, using the acronym for People's Republic of China. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Chinese government officials, Blinken said, "are using the free and open media - that we ensure that are protected in democratic systems - to spread propaganda, to spread disinformation. "It also appears that they are further using these systems to stalk, harass, to threaten critics who are outside the PRC's territory," he added. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), of which China is a member. Hong Kong has separate representation at Unesco. China's embassy in Washington rejected Blinken's criticism as "an attempt to pressure China with unfounded allegations", which "exposes the US side's hegemony, bullying and double standard on media and press freedom". Story continues "The Chinese government protects the rights and interests of journalists and citizens' freedom of speech in accordance with the law, and gives full play to the supervisory role of the media and citizens," Liu Pengyu, the embassy's spokesman, said in response to a request for comment. Blinken's remarks come several weeks after United States prosecutors unveiled charges against a Chinese national over an alleged scheme backed by Beijing to pressure a former pro-democracy protester out of running for Congress. The lawsuit accused Chinese national Qiming Lin of plotting to fabricate derogatory information about the targeted victim, whose description closely matched Xiong Yan, a former student leader of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 who later joined the US military as a chaplain and is now running for a US congressional seat in New York. This file photo taken on June 24, 2021 shows an Apple Daily journalist holding freshly-printed copies of the newspaper's last edition to be distributed to supporters gathered outside their office in Hong Kong, as the tabloid was forced to close after 26 years. Photo: AFP alt=This file photo taken on June 24, 2021 shows an Apple Daily journalist holding freshly-printed copies of the newspaper's last edition to be distributed to supporters gathered outside their office in Hong Kong, as the tabloid was forced to close after 26 years. Photo: AFP> The case against Lin was one of three indictments announced by the US Department of Justice, which also brought charges against a former pro-democracy campaigner in the US, who allegedly worked with Beijing's Ministry of State Security. Blinken did not name any Hong Kong or mainland Chinese journalists, saying only that the detained individuals identified by CPJ include eight from Hong Kong. The CPJ database includes former senior employees of the now-closed Apple Daily, who were charged last year under Hong Kong's national security law. It also includes Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist who worked as a television anchor for Chinese state media for a decade before being detained in 2020. Blinken spent much of his address on Russia's war against Ukraine and journalists killed or injured in the conflict, including Vera Hyrych, a correspondent with the US government funded Radio Liberty, who died when a missile hit her apartment building along with other air strikes on Kyiv last week. Russia's defense ministry said the next day that it had carried out airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital, during a visit by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, with "high-precision" weapons . Blinken called the Kremlin's refusal to call its invasion of Ukraine a war evidence that Moscow lacks confidence in its cause. "The mere fact of calling what is happening in Ukraine by its name - a brutal, unprovoked aggression, as opposed to the Orwellian special military operation - that risks getting anyone who does that 15 years in jail," Blinken said, referring to rules that the Kremlin promulgated after invading its neighbour. "Again, among many other things, [this is] not evidence of a government or leadership that actually has confidence in itself," he added. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2022 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2022. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. TORONTO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - William F. White International Inc. (WFW), a Sunbelt Rentals company, is pleased to announce we are joining forces with Movietech Camera Rentals Ltd., a leading independent camera, lens and grip rental specialist for the film and television industry in the United Kingdom (UK). This was made possible through the acquisition of Movietech by Sunbelt Rentals. William F. White International, a Sunbelt Rentals company, and Movietech join forces in the UK Film and Television rental market (CNW Group/William F. White International Inc) This is a significant move for WFW, kicking off its international expansion to meet the growing demands for content worldwide, driven by international streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Crave, Netflix, Disney+ and Apple TV+. "In 2019, WFW sold to Sunbelt Rentals with the view of expanding the business into international markets. By leveraging the financial horsepower and economies of scale that Sunbelt Rentals brings to the table, we have taken a significant step towards achieving our goals," says Garin Josey, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, WFW. "We are excited to make this inaugural move with Movietech, a company that shares our culture, vision and passion for the industry." Movietech was established in 1991 and has bases at Pinewood Studios and Great Point Seren Studios in Wales. Says Movietech Chairman, John Buckley, "We are delighted to join the team at Sunbelt Rentals. Having enjoyed a long-standing relationship with our friends and colleagues at WFW in North America, we are certain this represents a perfect opportunity for Movietech to offer a scaled-up version of the respected boutique-style service we are known to provide. "With our existing team, supported by the amazing teams at WFW and Sunbelt Rentals, Movietech now has a fantastic platform to grow our range of product and services, with the breadth and depth necessary to impact this diverse and dynamic production market. We look forward to delivering these resources to new and existing customers and the wider filmmaking community." Story continues The senior team will remain with Movietech to ensure a smooth integration of the business and look after its clients, with WFW Vice President, Camera and Virtual Production, Trevor Huys, overseeing the operations. "Our business revolves around the relationships we have with our clients. They trust us," says Huys. "This is what we see and know of Movietech, having worked with them in the past. With a shared purpose and set of values, our employees and clients will only benefit from our combined reach and expertise. We are looking forward to the future!" Huys is an Associate Member of Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC) and American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). William F. White International Inc. Founded in 1963, William F. White International Inc. (WFW), a Sunbelt Rentals company, is Canada's most iconic provider of production equipment to the entertainment industry. With offices across the country, the company services productions of all sizes from coast to coast and houses an extensive state-of-the-art inventory, including camera, lighting, grip, power, specialty equipment, location support, virtual production volumes, and over 1.4 million square feet of production-ready studio properties, in addition to a 23-acre Backlot situated on a 90-acre plot of land complete with 30 storefronts and five interior sets. We MAKE IT HAPPEN! With a passionate team of 20,700+ rental experts, a growing network of over 1,250 locations across North America and the United Kingdom, and an extensive equipment fleet that exceeds $13.2 billion, Sunbelt Rentals helps professionals and do-it-yourselfers get things done. With a highly diversified offering of equipment, solutions, and services available, we assist customers extend their capabilities, complete projects on-time, and handle times of crisis. No matter if you are in commercial, industrial, residential, or municipal industries, we are constantly advancing the idea of what an equipment company can do for its customers. To find out what we can do for you in North America, visit sunbeltrentals.com and sunbeltrentals.co.uk for the United Kingdom. Movietech is the UK's leading independent provider of professional image capture solutions and quality engineered production equipment for the cinema film, television, advertising and music industries. Renowned for high levels of customer service and technical knowhow, Movietech has been around since 1991 and draws on a team with experience in filmmaking and filmmaking technology stretching back over 50 years. Movietech is based in Pinewood Studios and Great Point Seren Studios in Wales, UK. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/william-f-white-international-and-movietech-join-forces-in-the-uk-film-and-television-rental-market-301541335.html SOURCE William F. White International Inc As proof that Leslie Linton has always felt comfortable with animalsespecially large ones topping half a tonher mother, Sharon, shows a picture of the girl as a toddler. Its taken from the back so the viewer can barely see the binky, or pacifier, in the mouth of the 18-month-old child. But there she stands, wearing work jeans and boots, inches away from a line of cattle eating grain on the ground. Animals are second nature to her, her mom said. Its all shes ever known. Leslies lineage includes farmers on both sides of her family tree, going back several generations. As the 14-year-old eighth grader continues their tradition, those associated with the 74th annual 4-H/FFA Fredericksburg Junior Livestock Show and Sale suggested she be interviewed for a story about the event, which starts Friday. She lives and breathes this, said Rob Minx, a volunteer with the Stafford Livestock 4-H Club, of which Leslie is president. She really is one kid who takes full charge, full responsibility of her animals. Its a year-round thing for Leslie. The event was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic and offered on a limited scale to virtual buyers last year. For this years show and sale, the 66 members of 4-H and FFA clubs and their families, leaders and volunteers throughout the Fredericksburg region and supporters are excited for activities to return to normal, said Krystal N. Williams, the 4-H and youth development agent in Spotsylvania County. Showmanship events for the young exhibitors, age 919, start at 2 p.m. Friday at Meadows Event Park in Doswell. Activities continue Saturday morning with judging of goats, sheep, swine and beef, starting at 9 a.m. Theres a barbecue at 12:30 p.m., then the annual salewhen buyers from farm agencies and businesses, as well as members of the communitybid to pay three or four times market value for livestock shown in the ring. Leslie is exhibiting four animals: Barley and Pearl, a pair of Hampshire-cross lambs; a Black Angus heifer aptly named Onyx; and a Gelbvieh-Angus cross steer, Bronco. Shes contacted about a dozen buyers and invited them to attend, realizing if you want your animal to go at higher prices, you have to put in the effort. While many exhibitors buy young lambs or calves and raise them to maturity before taking them to the show and sale, Leslie has her own herd of about 30 cows and calves as well as some sheep. Shes always spent a lot of time at the farm of her late grandfather, Paul Linton, in Sumerduck, where she and her parents, Kevin and Sharon, also have cattle. The three work together as a team, the mom said, after the adults finish their full-time jobs at Greenline Service Corp., off Tidewater Trail in Spotsylvania County. Leslie lives in Fauquier County with her parents, but joined the Stafford club because her friends and cousinsincluding the Tate and Terrell relatives on her mothers sideare in Caroline County and attend shows from Fredericksburg south. Leslie continues to get off the school bus daily at the home of her grandmother, Carol Linton. The well-spoken teen gets feed buckets ready, then works with the beef cattle and sheep, walking them through fields filled with spring buttercups. She started attending shows as soon as she was old enough, working with sheep and pigs in the peewee division until she turned 9 and her father said she was old enough to handle cattle. Shes glad she met her goal of showing all four speciesgoats, sheep, pigs and cowsbut wont get into the ring again with a goat. They are stupid, she said. Its bad to say that but they are not for me. Sheep are much more easygoing. Goats are hyper, like it has to be their way, not your way. Shes learned that cattle need constant work to get used to a halter and feel comfortable walking around a show ring. When a photographer took pictures of Onyx, the heifer seemed out of sorts and Leslie either rubbed her belly with a comb attachment, at the end of her show stick, or looked her in the eye and said, Will you calm down? Shes had her share of kicks and cuts. Last year she showed a steer that didnt want to be led around at first, then he became like this big old puppy dog, she said. While showing him at the State Fair, the steer got spooked and dragged her six car lengths. It messed up ligaments in her hand and reminded her that big animals can cause big injuries. Shes learned other lessons on the farm as well, said her mother, including intimate details of the facts of life. Leslie helped deliver a 94-pound calf and pushed a cows prolapsed uterus back in place. She knows how to castrate livestock and drive farm equipment. Leslie also accepts another cold reality that other 4-H and FFA members sometimes have struggled with: the fate of their project animals. If youre on a farm, you gotta know if you get a steer, that youre not going to keep it for the rest of its life, she said. Minx said that can be a painful lesson for first-time exhibitors and veterans. These kids, they have to know their animals are entering the food chain, he said. At the end of the sale, when they gotta go back there and take that halter off them, theres generally some tears, even from the veterans. Its a learning process. Leslie and other exhibitors also learn the financial responsibility of feeding and caring for their animals. The expenses typically are deducted from the sale price, then the profits often go into college funds. Leslies situation is slightly different. She brings some of the female cattle back to the herd for breeding, then she sells off male calves. She does the same with sheep, always looking for the next lamb to show. Most of her money goes into savings, but she does let herself buy something pretty. Not clothes, accessories or shoes. Ill save it until I see a lamb or a cow that I like, and then I buy that, she 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. Electric school buses will be coming to Fredericksburg City Public Schools, thanks to a $2.6 million grant awarded to the division by the Virginia Department of Environmental Qualitys clean school bus program. The grant will offset the purchase of 10 electric school buses and is part of more than $14 million being awarded by VDEQ to public schools throughout the state to replace diesel buses with electric. Ten other school divisions will receive the grants, which VDEQ announced Wednesday. The clean school bus program is funded by the Volkswagen environmental mitigation trust, which was established in 2017 for each state by federal court order according to the terms of a settlement agreement over allegations that Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act. Fredericksburg schools applied for the grant to support the purchase of 10 buses in January. School Board Chair Katie Pomeroy said she is thrilled about the grant. Since 2020, FCPS has been actively investigating ways our school district can improve our energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint, she said. Replacing 10 diesel school buses with electric buses will have a huge impact. Not only will this be a step towards lower emissions and cleaner air, but it will be a tangible way to demonstrate to our students that we care about sustainability and the health of the earth they will inherit from us. The city school division has 37 school buses. 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. VIRGINIA Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera is finally talking. Mostly about excellence in education. Last month, the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C.a respected right-leaning think tankhosted the secretary as she talked about the future of public education. Lets applaud the positive first. Guidera is committed to addressing learning loss, especially as it has affected children over the past two years. We need to start talking about learning loss, she said, and our students urgent need for learning recovery. We suspect that shell have a lot of support for that, as Virginias school districts, teachers, administrators, and business leaders have been strategizing since early in the pandemic to deal with this problem. Guidera also wants to focus attention on students who are most behind. Our work will be focused on achieving measurable results, meeting every student where she is, and prioritizing those that we know are furthest behind, she said. Again, great. We hope that she starts by talking with Matt Hurt, the director of the Comprehensive Instructional Program in Wise, one of Virginias poorest areas. That program has produced the most significant jumps in reading scores in the commonwealth. Guidera wants parents to know that they are valued, and she is going to ensure that teachers are better equipped to engage parents. The Department of Education will be launching a new Parent Resource Center, she said, which is focused on ensuring parents are informed and confident partners and champions in their childs education. Terrific. Teachers will be your biggest supporter. Their greatest complaint is that parents too often arent involved in their childs education. And Guidera is also adamant about doing assessments right. Bipartisan legislation this session, she said, establishes a workgroup around the development of a state-of-the-art assessment that will embrace both a commitment to proficiency and to growth. Bring it on. Assessments are an important tool in any educators toolkit. And if Guidera and her team can create ones that are easier to read, understand, and take action on, I dont suspect that shell get too much pushback from teachers. Especially if a new assessment leads to fewer tests that are currently burying students. Now, lets call out the troubling. Guidera and her team have made clear their disdain for the hardworking teachers and educators in Virginia who every day strive to educate the 1.2 million students in our K12 schools. Heres what she had to say at the very start of her talk. AEI ... provide[s a] unique forum to develop not only ideas, but also relationships. And this is particularly important for conservatives in an overwhelmingly liberal education sector. This is simply fanning the culture war flames that suggests conservatives are on the right path, and liberals, however that is defined, are the enemy of academic excellence. Balderdash. This sort of language has got to stop. Everything that Guidera wants to do taps into things that Virginas schools are already working on, and have been working on since long before Glenn Youngkin became governor. Second, Guidera and her team are, in their own words doubling down on ending divisiveness. This is not about banning things, she said. This is about not having indoctrination happening in our classrooms. You know, this is about stopping teachers walking into a classroom or teachers walking into a bias training, where they see the words white guilt and white privilege on a bulletin board. How often does this happen in classrooms? We suspect not very often at all. And when it does, its most likely in classes designed to deal with these issues. Guidera and Youngkin are chasing a boogeyman. If she and Youngkin have the evidence, put it on the table. Instead, they ignore FOIA requests to expose what their Orwellian tip line is finding. She claims she wants her own children to be uncomfortable in school because theyre learning things that are making them think and ask questions, and see things from a point of view that theyve never had before. If thats so, then quit making it so hard for people to look at history honestly and talk about the ways race and color and gender continue to affect every one of us today. Stifling these discussions is all about banning thingsthings that make her and Youngkin uncomfortable. Yes, Guidera is talking excellence. Like her ideas, however, educators reaching for excellence is hardly new. Instead of telling teachers where theyre wrong, try listening to them. No one is fighting excellence, madam secretary. Quit pretending they are. At just 17 years old, Christopher Fens didnt realize that his life would change for the better. Fens didnt know that once he picked up the baton to lead the Richmond Youth Orchestra, the group would be surprised at his talent. The cellos stopped in awe a third of the way during a performance, and Fens asked in confusion why the musicians stopped. You can actually conduct! they said, and his response was So why did you stop? It was at this moment that Fens conducting career was beginning to grow. For the past 20 years, Fens has served as conductor of the Fredericksburg Concert Band, a group that has grown from roughly 40 to 50 members to now 60 to 70 members. In celebration of his anniversary, a concert titled Conductors Choice will be held Saturday at James Monroe High School. The program will include A Festival Prelude by Alfred Reed, Culloden by Julie Giroux, The March From 1941 by John Williams and many more. A lot of us knew that his 20th anniversary was coming and the board of directors wanted to pay a tribute to our conductor, said Jennifer Kabza, president of the board of directors and a flutist. The theme allowed him to speak on why each piece was specific to him. This is his chance to exhibit his pieces and why. For Fens, each song in the concert holds a special importance during his musical journey. For instance, A Festival Prelude reminds him of the first time that he conducted at 17. The March From 1941 reminds him of the first CD that he owned of John Williams. Robert Jagers Esprit de Corps pays homage to Fens time in the Marine Corps. Whether it is celebrating past members, first moments of conducting, fond memories with the Marine Corps, Fens is excited to share these recollections with the audience through music. Every song has a special meaning to me, said Fens. Im truly honored that theyre willing and accepting of me to be able to do a concert of some of my favorite tunes. And some of my most memorable tunes are the ones that mean the most to me. Fens first started out in the group as a graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2002, Fens was asked by his then professor, Dr. Terry Austin, to conduct for the group. Dr. Austin said, Is this something youre interested in? I said absolutely! said Fens. So I got the contract information, and I call back and set up an appointment to see the band rehearse just before Christmas. And then I set up an interview right after Christmas. And then it was an audition where I came in, I conducted a rehearsal, and everybody asked me questions. And then a week later, I was contacted and invited to be the conductor. And so Ive been with them ever since. After Fens became the conductor, the band has had nothing but high praise for him. Words such as inspiration, sincerity and positivity are some of the words that the band has used to describe Fens. He demonstrates just the right balance of humility, humor and instruction, said Kabza. He instantly has a good rapport with people and brings a presence of excellence to a room. The concert will also debut a piece that the band commissioned to perform. The Falcon of Egypt by Rossano Galante is described as a bold, romantic and heroic work that takes the listener on a musical journey through the eyes of an Egyptian falcon. The song The Falcon of Egypt was commissioned because it is a technical composition that shows off the abilities of the group. It does not use traditional western harmony, but instead utilizes the Phrygian mode to capture the essence of Egypt, said Kabza. Were really excited to have the world premiere of it at our concert on May 7, said Fens. Its never been performed before other than the Fredericksburg band. This is the second time the band will perform with an audience since the pandemic began. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. at James Monroe High School. Im incredibly thankful and humbled and honored that the band tolerates me, said Fens. To me, Im just another member of the band. Theyve accepted me and my whole family as well. Kabza agrees. It is not often that a music organization continues a contract with a conductor for 20 years, but when you find that special someone, you do whatever it takes to keep him on the stage with baton in hand. 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. Bishop Brian Maas will be the keynote speaker at Midland Universitys 2022 commencement ceremony. The graduation event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Wikert Event Center on the MU campus. Maas has been bishop of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) since 2012. He is grateful for the opportunity to speak to Midland graduates. There are 7 billion people who could have been chosen to be the commencement speaker, so I am very honored and privileged to have this opportunity, Maas said. I enjoy public speaking, and I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity. Maas earned his bachelor of arts degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and master of divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School. He earned a second master of divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1997 to 2006. He was pastor of First Lutheran Church in Lincoln from 2006 to 2012. Maas will end his term as bishop in August and become vice president of mission and spiritual care for Immanuel. The bishop expressed his appreciation for university students. I enjoy connecting with young adults, and this is such a prime time in their lives, Maas said. They are getting handed some problems we didnt solve, and some new problems we created. They are our hope going forward. Maas served on Midland Universitys board of directors for several years and believes Midland students are well prepared for their futures. They are trained not only for a career, but for a vocation and building a life, Maas said. They have faced challenges along the way like floods and a pandemic, and there is a much different workforce facing these graduates than it was four years ago. But facing those challenges has equipped them in a way previous classes werent. It appears graduates are entering a robust job market, but theyll encounter unresolved issues in the world, too. Maas wants them to trust what theyve learned as they face challenges. They are stepping into a more divisive and polarizing world, Maas said. My hope is they will be a voice and a presence to help mitigate some of that and help unify our world. I encourage them to lean on what they have learned at Midland and not just accept what is, but ask what could be. The bishop knows a degree doesnt mean a graduate knows everything. But I do want them to understand that even if the world seems overwhelming, they have been trained and are well-equipped, he said. Maas expressed pride in the university. Midland is the most diverse campus in the state and continues to grow both in its learning and extracurricular activities, Maas said. I hope the graduates feel a strong sense of accomplishment on this day. I want to offer encouragement as they step out into the world and give them a sense of confidence for what Midland has prepared them for. 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 Taliban has repeatedly boasted of defeating its rival, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) militant group, and bragged about establishing complete security in Afghanistan in recent months. But a spate of high-profile attacks claimed by IS-K militants in recent weeks has punctured the Taliban's narrative that it has restored law and order in the war-wracked country. Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban has waged a ruthless crackdown against IS-K militants and their followers. But IS-K has remained resilient and has launched regular attacks on Taliban fighters and officials. Experts say IS-K is seeking to undermine the Taliban-led government and expose its failure to provide security. The Taliban has long portrayed itself as a stabilizing force that can bring peace to Afghanistan. In the 1990s, during its first stint in power, the Taliban used brute force and repression to pacify large parts of the country following a devastating civil war. "The IS-K's primary aim is to prevent the Taliban from transitioning into a [functional] government from an insurgency," said Abdul Sayed, a Sweden-based researcher who tracks IS-K. The Taliban has struggled to make that transition as it grapples with a freefalling economy, international isolation, and widening internal rifts. IS-K attacks have further challenged the Taliban's hard-line rule. "The Taliban cannot formulate a comprehensive counterterrorism policy as long as they operate like an insurgency and fail to grow into a government acceptable to Afghans," he added. 'Defeated And Suppressed' Since seizing power on August 15, the Taliban has constantly downplayed the threat posed by IS-K, which first emerged in 2015. "Without doubt, Daesh has been defeated and suppressed," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi last month, using an Arabic acronym for IS-K. Mujahid said IS-K's bombings of mosques and schools were "symptoms of its weakness and defeat." But a string of deadly IS-K attacks in recent weeks, mostly targeting religious minorities, have busted the Taliban's claim. IS-K claimed responsibility for an April 22 blast at a mosque and religious school in the northern province of Kunduz that killed at least 33 people. The day before, IS-K said it was behind an attack on a Shi'ite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif that killed at least 12 worshippers and wounded scores more. Several other major incidents, including a bombing at a mosque in Kabul that killed up to 50 people on April 29, have gone unclaimed, although they bear the hallmarks of previous IS-K attacks. Sayed says IS-K militants are employing urban warfare and guerilla tactics to sow chaos. "These attacks are aimed at proving that the Taliban's seizure of power has been a failure," he said. In the last four months of 2021, IS-K carried out at least 119 attacks in Afghanistan, up from 39 during the same period in 2020, according to a recent report published by Sayed. The attacks included suicide bombings, assassinations, and ambushes on security posts. Of those, 96 targeted Taliban officials or fighters compared with only two in the same period in 2020, Sayed adds. He says that marks a significant change from last year, when IS-K was primarily targeting civilians. On April 24, IS-K claimed to have killed Mawlawi Abdul Fattah, the head of the department of petroleum and mining in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. Reccardo Valle, an Italian researcher tracking IS-K, says Fattah was among at least a dozen Taliban fighters and officials who have been targeted in recent months. In November, IS-K militants stormed a military hospital in Kabul, killing at least 20 people, including a prominent Taliban commander. A month earlier, IS-K militants targeted a memorial service for Taliban spokesman Mujahid's mother, killing several people. Nationwide Hunt Many IS-K fighters are former members of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group, which was thrown into disarray and driven out of its bases in Pakistan's northwestern tribal belt by a massive military operation in 2014. Disgruntled members of the TTP, also known as the Pakistani Taliban, founded the IS-K in eastern Afghanistan in early 2015. But IS-K soon found itself fighting turf wars with the Afghan Taliban. Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the rivalry has intensified. The Afghan militants have waged a nationwide hunt for IS-K members and even targeted the country's small Salafi minority to curb alleged support for the group from among its members. Experts say IS-K remains a key security challenge for the Taliban. Zia Ur Rehman, an independent Pakistani journalist who tracks militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, says IS-K is aiming to weaken "the Taliban's claims that they are a force of stability in Afghanistan and the region." "They are also trying to use their status as the most potent militant group operating against the Taliban inside Afghanistan," he said. The Pentagon says the majority of Russian forces that had been around the port city of Mariupol have left and headed north, leaving roughly the equivalent of two battalion tactical groups there, or about 2,000 troops By Azernews The Azerbaijani Army land forces rocket and artillery units have conducted live-fire tactical drills, the Defence Ministry reported on May 5. The drills were held in line with the approved annual training plan, the report added. The artillery and rocket units that had been dispatched to the assembly points took up shooting positions. Imaginary enemy targets were destroyed by the troops' precision fire during the drills, which were performed in close to real combat conditions. The main objective of the exercises is to improve the modern combat capability of rocket and artillery unit commanders, as well as to increase professionalism and the combat skills of personnel taking into account the experience gained in the second Karabakh war, the ministry underlined. Azerbaijan periodically holds drills to improve its military personnels combat readiness. The drills also aim to improve interaction and combat coordination between the servicemen during operations, as well as to develop commanders' military decision-making and unit management skills. Earlier, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry reported that the servicemen will participate in over 30 international drills and competitions in the 2022 academic year. The servicemen will join the Eternity-2022, EFES-2022, Indestructible Brotherhood- 2022, Winter Training 2022, International Army Games - 2022, and other international training and competitions, which will have a positive effect on the improvement of their professional skills, the ministry said. Moreover, the servicemen are expected to participate in various international seminars and conferences in 2022 as well. Colorado Springs is responsible for identifying a site for a passenger rail station that would serve Amtrak and intercity commuter trains, and the staff has narrowed the options down to four sites in the downtown area. You voted: After hundreds of concerts throughout Southern Colorado, the Veronika String Quartet will say goodbye. And fittingly, they'll go out on a strong female note. Their final season, titled "Muse, She, the Empowering," features works written by, dedicated to and inspired by women: "VSQ has been founded as an all-women group; it has been run by women for over 30 years; women are the majority of our audience," reads a press release. The group's last performances are Friday at Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo, and Saturday at Colorado College's Packard Hall. Floyd Tunson didnt think a piece of art he made more than 25 years ago would still be so relevant today. The Manitou Springs-based artists installation Hearts and Minds, from his Endangered series, was created in the mid-1990s as a response to the gun violence that took the life of his youngest brother, Randolph. The 23-year-old was killed by Denver police in 1974. It was devastating for me and my family, and our little community, said Tunson, who grew up in the 50s and 60s in Denvers Five Points neighborhood. It wasnt just grief, but anger and bewilderment. When that happens in somebody elses family, its not just the family thats affected, but all those people who are involved in that persons life. He poured his anguish into the immense mixed-media work, which stretches 26 feet wide and 13 feet tall, and had to be done in pieces. Its images of guns, bulls-eyes and young Black men address the impact of gun violence on young people of color. Decades later, its an issue that still frequents headlines, and always feels like deja vu to Tunson. Im angry its still going on, he said. I dont see it stopping real soon. Its painful to watch it continue to evolve and go on with police killing unarmed young Black men. I never thought at this juncture in my life I would witness this going on in our society right now. I dont know why any Black person with any intelligence would not be angry. IF YOU GO What: "Floyd D. Tunson: Hearts and Minds" When: Through July 9 Where: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St. Price: $5-$10, free students and teachers with ID, 12 and younger and FAC members; 634-5581, fac.coloradocollege.edu Something else: "Endangered," the multi-disciplinary project presented alongside "Hearts and Minds," with Tomas Doncker & the True Groove All-Stars, performances June 17-18 Tunsons installation is on display beginning Friday at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, which acquired the piece in 2020, and will be up through July 9. It stops you in your tracks. It is shouting. It is making its message so clear, said Michael Christiano, FACs director of visual arts and museum. Floyd has that magical blend of technical mastery and conceptual heft in this particular work that is of such scale and detail. For Christiano, the piece also sparked a bigger idea to use it as a jumping off point for a larger conversation about gun violence and Black men. Endangered is a multidisciplinary performance-based project featuring several voices responding to Tunsons work, including musician Tomas Doncker, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and videographer William Murray. The project will run in video form in the galleries through the duration of the exhibit, and culminate in two live performances by Tomas Doncker & the True Groove All-Stars on June 17 at the FAC and June 18 at CCs Armstrong Hall. Creative work by CC and Colorado Springs School District 11 students, made in response to Tunsons installation, also will be displayed. I think of when I did the work and its still very relevant with the gun violence, Tunson said. I wish it wasnt. That means wed be in a better place. Contact the writer: 636-0270 If you go What: "To Our Heritage," by Veronika String Quartet, featuring works by Alexander Borodin, Lera Auerbach and Dmitri Shostakovic When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Where: Friday at Ascension Episcopal Church, 420 W. 18th St., Pueblo; Saturday at Packard Hall, 5 W. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado College Price: $25, $20 military, $10 students, masks required at Packard Hall; veronikastringquartet.com Something else: Pre-concert lectures by Mark Arnest, 6:45 p.m.; receptions to follow both shows Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on awarding employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Interior Ministry, who distinguished themselves in extinguishing a fire in the Azersun industrial park. By Trend Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil promises Czechia will spare no effort to ensure the expedited accession of Associated Trio countries in the EU, Trend reports citing 1TV. During its EU presidency, the Czech Republic will do its utmost to support Associated Trio countries (Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine) to secure their fast-track EU membership. We keep supporting the Eastern Partnership format, established in Prague, stated the Czech Senate President during his working visit to Georgia. Czech parliamentary delegation led by Senate President Milos Vystrcil arrived in Georgia on May 1. By Trend Moderna Inc on Wednesday reported $6 billion in first-quarter revenue from its COVID-19 vaccine that breezed past estimates, and said it expects vaccine sales to be higher in the second half of the year than in the first, Trend reports with reference to Reuters. The company's shares rose 6.8% to $156.46 before the opening bell. The results eased some worries about vaccine sales this year as an increasing number of people globally receive a complete vaccination course. Still, future sales remain uncertain as countries relax pandemic curbs, cases fall in some regions and the need for annual booster shots remains unclear. Moderna, like rival Pfizer, maintained its full-year sales forecast for the vaccine at $21 billion. The bigger drugmaker also stuck to its forecast for its COVID pill, signaling a dearth of new sales contracts for the drug. read more Moderna's vaccine is based on messenger RNA (mRNA), the same technology that is also used by Pfizer, and recently gained authorization for a second booster dose in the United States. U.S. regulators granted authorization for boosters of both vaccines in March for people age 50 and older, citing data showing waning immunity and the risks posed by Omicron variants of the virus. read more Moderna Chief Executive Officer Stephane Bancel told CNBC that he hoped people, especially those at high-risk of disease, would get a booster dose in the fall. Moderna's COVID shot has propelled it from a developer of experimental vaccine technology with no approved products to a vaccine maker with billions of dollars in sales. Sales of its vaccine rose to $5.9 billion in the first quarter from $1.7 billion a year ago. Total sales of $6.1 billion beat estimates of $4.62 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. The company said it expected to test a booster shot to target the Omicron variant, in addition to the original coronavirus, in a late-stage trial in the second quarter. Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He teaches Mexico/U.S. Border Studies and U.S. Military History. Lora Thomas, at the podium, and other Douglas County commissioners talk about their opposition to a proposed bill on collective bargaining for county employees on April 22. When anyone seeks counsel regarding abortion from Rabbi Jay Sherwood, leader of Temple Shalom, Colorado Springs largest Jewish synagogue, he cites Jewish law, which, he maintains, subscribes to an undisputed rabbinical conclusion that life begins at birth, not at conception. Sherwood points to the Talmud, the main source of Jewish religious law and theology, referencing the unborn baby as mere water within the mother before being born. And, if a pregnant woman miscarries at the hands of another, its considered to be case of property damage, he says. Since the Talmud was created between the second and fifth centuries, rabbinical experts have permitted abortion when the mothers life is in danger and sometimes mandated it, Sherwood adds. Sherwood's position points to a well-known but often underreported fact about religious views on the highly emotional and contentious issue of abortion: Not all religions oppose the procedure. Indeed, the major religions' theological tenets offer different perspectives on central questions that define life, notably the point of conception. And the leaked draft of a majority opinion that strikes down Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey is poised to highlight anew the deep divisions not just among the major religions, but also within them, particularly if the fight shifts to the states. Its just going to be one more massive issue thats stoking the cultural wars, said Jeffrey Scholes, director of the Center for Religious Diversity and Public Life at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Scholes believes the impending Supreme Court decision, assuming it overturns Roe, will only embolden both sides. Scholes also sees a kind of ecumenical response members of different faiths banding together to either oppose abortion or support it, deploying arguments couched in religious language. In a way, the issue solidifies that unity on each side because it touches on religion, politics, women's personal rights, medicine, morality and philosophy, he said. Each side has an enemy, and that always bonds people together, Scholes said. Youre either pro-life or pro-choice, and theres not really anything in between. There are debates within the sides over late-term abortions, but it brings different groups together over and against the opposite side. While polls show that conservative Christians, including evangelicals, Catholics and Mormons, tend to vote for candidates and issues that back their views on abortion, Scholes said liberal Catholics led the organized opposition to abortion in the 1960s. Evangelicals didnt join public dissent until the late 1970s after the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case legalized abortion nationwide, said Scholes, who also chairs the school's philosophy department. That birthed what Scholes calls a weird unity of evangelicals standing side by side with Catholics, a relationship that holds strong to this day. We just assume evangelicals have always been against abortion, but thats not so at all, he said. All denominations have wavered on this issue and have not been consistent. The Bible does not mention abortion, he said, and different religions and denominations interpret biblical texts differently. He noted that Christians who object to abortion usually maintain that life begins at conception and contend that abortion constitutes murder and often refer to the Fifth Commandment: Thou shalt not kill. For Sherwood's Jewish faith, the debate for centuries has revolved around the definition of that phrase when the mothers life is in danger. Some Jews believe it means cases in which the mother faces the possibility of dying, while others say the wording encompasses the mothers physical, mental, spiritual, emotional or financial health being in danger. And while Jewish law says people need to follow the law of the land, whatever the law of the land is doesnt change Jewish law or thought, the rabbi said. How an individual reacts to a law that is passed or overturned is a different question, he said. But Judaism talks about how abortion is permissible, and what a Supreme Court or Congress or a legislature does or doesnt do doesnt change what Judaism says. Indeed, many Jews also do not oppose abortion. A majority of Muslims, meanwhile, take a conservative approach to abortion. But Arshad Yousufi, a longtime member of the Islamic Society of Colorado Springs mosque, said Islam does not completely prohibit the procedure. In ancient times, people, if they didnt want a child, theyd just kill the infant, he said. While saying he is not a scholar, Yousufi said Muslims agree that life begins at conception, since Adam, the first man God created, was a lump of clay until God breathed a soul into him. Thus, Yousufi said, a fetus is considered human at 120 days or four months of gestation, which is when abortions are banned. He said miscarried remains must be buried. But, he added, in every religion "there is a spectrum. The issue for Muslims is not simple, he said. Women can say they have a right over their own bodies, but whether they have a right over the body inside their body is disputed, Yousufi said. Mixed Christian views Abortion is considered a grave evil and a sin in Catholic Church teachings, noted Julie Bailey, vice president of the nonprofit Pikes Peak Citizens for Life and director of the Respect Life Apostolate for the Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs. Our Catholic faith has always had as a central teaching and the bishops of the United Sates have reaffirmed this at every meeting that abortion is a preeminent social justice issue, she said, adding that is based on the belief that the life of every human being is made in the image and likeness of God. Thats also a foundational principle in the advocacy work at Focus on the Family, said Nicole Hunt, a life-issues analyst and spokesperson for the international evangelical multimedia communications organization based in Colorado Springs. We believe each person possesses inherent dignity and worth, and that begins in the womb with a preborn baby, she said. Hunt points to a psalmist describing God knitting together the person in the mothers womb, and God telling the prophet Jeremiah that he knew him and consecrated him before he was born as biblical support for the conviction. But Jonathan Hall, senior pastor at First Christian Church, which is part of the Disciples of Christ, said men have been oppressing and trying to control womens bodies since Genesis, the first book of the Bible. Hall describes his congregation as a diverse church with wide-ranging views and no creed. I think its a doctrinal or theological matter that we trust women to make their own decisions, believe in women and empower them, he said. Thats where we need to focus our attention, Hall said. Trying to legislate morality is not the way to do it. We should look at Scriptures and pray, and that to me is where the decision should be made. Look to your heart. It should not be made by other people. Hall's argument shows a subtle change in emphasis focusing on the welfare of the mother or of the woman, instead of the life of the child. Scholes, the university professor, said abortion-rights proponents who also identify as spiritual, view abortion as a womens- health issue that involves parity for the poor and answers a call to aid women in need. They consider it a religiously moral issue to not have the baby and care for someone who is in need and struggling, he said. What's clear is that forces for and against abortion are beginning to mobilize, anticipating a state-by-state fight that offers conservatives the opportunity to prohibit or restrict abortion. Progressives, meanwhile, are preparing to play defense. In 1967, Colorado became the first state in the nation to decriminalize abortion in cases of rape, incest or maternal harm. It is now one of just seven states that provide abortion throughout the entire pregnancy. Against this backdrop, both anti-abortion advocates and abortion-rights supporters of different faiths have united to promote their side of the conflict. Its created the opportunity for us to put aside our theological and doctrinal differences to work together, with the understanding that theres something special about the human person from the very earliest moments after fertilization, said Bailey of Pikes Peak Citizens for Life. Hunt of Focus on the Family agrees that Christians who object to abortion need to fight even harder now. "If Roe v. Wade is overturned, there's a good chance every state will decide abortion policy, and instead of one big national fight, we'll be trying to win the hearts and minds of people in every state," Hunt said. "We're going to need all hands on deck." After months of debate and amending, a bill to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products passed the state House Wednesday with a list of added exemptions. House Bill 1064 aims to curb youth tobacco and nicotine use by prohibiting the sale of flavored products such as vapes, e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco beginning in 2024. Since its introduction, the bill has been changed to exempt hookah products, premium cigars and pipe tobacco. The House approved the bill in a 35-27 vote on Wednesday, sending it to the Senate for consideration. During the vote, bill sponsors described youth tobacco use as an epidemic in Colorado that requires immediate and severe action. We have a whole generation that has become addicted to these products and we have a whole generation that continues to become addicted to these products, said bill sponsor Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. The way to addiction has been through flavors. We have to do something about that, and thats what were doing here. In Colorado, 28.9% of high school students use electronic vapor products like vapes and e-cigarettes, according to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2019. Of tobacco users between 12 and 17 years old, 81% said they started by using flavored products and 79% said they use a product because it comes in flavors they like, according to a federal study. Supporters of the bill said it is essential to protecting the health of Colorados youth, but opponents said the added exemptions are unfair and contradict the bills mission. On Wednesday, all Republican representatives and four Democrats voted against the bill. Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, said lawmakers approved exemptions for special interest groups such as the wealthy who smoke premium cigars, but ignored concerns from others. When this bill originally started, it was all about protecting health, Holtorf said. Now, because of special interests, we want to make exceptions. You start to compromise even the basic, original intent. What are we really doing? Holtorf proposed a failed amendment to exempt rural and frontier counties from the ban. Other Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to exempt menthol cigarettes, unstamped cigarettes and all products sold in age-restricted stores the last of which passed in committee in March but was reversed by a different committee in April. During a public hearing on the bill, businesses stood in firm opposition to the ban. Several owners and employees of local vape and tobacco stores said 98% of their tobacco and nicotine products are flavored, meaning the ban would force them to go out of business. Others said the ban would lead to tobacco and nicotine users buying flavored products online or out of state, taking away the tax revenue from Colorado. The ban as drafted was expected to decrease state revenue by $37.1 million in 2022 and $38.6 million in 2023, according to state estimates. Theres no way to control this, said Rep. Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, who introduced most of the amendments trying to limit the ban in the House. Theres no way to control how you have access. However, supporters such as doctors, parents and teenagers described a dire state in Colorado with frequent vaping in middle and high schools. Some youths who testified during the public hearing spoke of children vaping during class and blowing smoke into their backpacks, while others said theyve heard rumors of their peers providing sexual favors to adults over 21 in exchange for vape cartridges. Were coming up to a point where not only our school staff is overwhelmed, but also families along with students, said bill sponsor Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. This is not only something we need to do for our kids, but its something we need to do for the state. Under the bill, any store caught selling prohibited flavored tobacco or nicotine products would be subject to the same penalties as a retailer caught selling to minors. The bill would also appropriate $10 million to the Department of Public Health and Environments Prevention Services Division, which would award two-year grants to organizations providing wraparound services in communities disproportionately affected by targeted tobacco and nicotine marketing. The Colorado Senate and House combined to pass three bills Wednesday that aim to address the unprecedented rise in thefts of catalytic converters across the state. In Colorado, thefts of these exhaust emission control devices increased by more than 5,000% from 2019 to 2021, going from 189 to 9,811 reported thefts annually, according to the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority. In Denver, the thefts rose by 15,000% in the same timeframe from 15 to 2,359, according to data from the Denver Police Department. Catalytic converter thefts are happening nearly every day in our communities, said Rep. Adrianne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, who is sponsoring two of the anti-theft bills. By preventing catalytic converter thefts, well make our communities safer and save Coloradans money and time spent replacing these expensive parts. Without a catalytic converter, vehicles become legally and sometimes functionally inoperable. Because of the massive rise in thefts nationwide, it is difficult to replace catalytic converters, leading to weeks- or months-long wait periods for parts that can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. On Wednesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 179, which would allow civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter thefts, including fines ranging from $200 to $15,000, depending on the number of violations. Senators voted 30-4 in support of the bill, sending it to the House for consideration. Under the bill, civil penalties would apply to any tampering of a vehicles emission control system, including using or selling a vehicle with a tampered emission control system and using or selling parts that bypass the emission control system. These regulations would go into effect in 2024. We know that many of the individuals engaged in car theft and other auto-related crimes are repeat offenders, said bill sponsor Sen. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs. This bill would make it easier to impose civil penalties on people who have been repeatedly found guilty of tampering with emissions systems. All fees resulting from SB-179 would fund a grant program created under the proposed House Bill 1217 a bill to create an annual $300,000 grant program to raise awareness of catalytic converter theft through public information campaigns, theft prevention, victim assistance and catalytic converter identification and tracking efforts. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed HB-1217 in a 6-1 vote Wednesday morning. The full Senate is scheduled to hold its final vote on the bill on Thursday. Also on Wednesday, the state House gave final approval to Senate Bill 9, which would require auto part recyclers to consult with a national database to determine whether a catalytic converter has been stolen. The bill would allow more law enforcement resources and agencies to investigate the thefts, including the Commodity Metals Theft Task Force. SB-9 passed the House in a 53-9 vote and will now be sent to Gov. Jared Polis for consideration. Though all three bills enjoy bipartisan support and sponsorship, only Republicans voted against them on the floor. Opponents to the bills have criticized that they wouldnt address supply issues that result in long wait times and expensive replacement parts. However, supporters said action needs to be taken on all fronts to address the thefts. This is not a small issue, this is a chronic problem in our state, said Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, R-Douglas County. My family has been affected by this. It was about nine weeks and a $5,000 insurance claim, with some of that being out of pocket. This is a step in the right direction. Although it is undisputed that intentionally spitting on a police officer is a crime, Colorado's Supreme Court justices on Tuesday grappled with whether a La Plata County woman was properly convicted of a felony for her spitting or if she committed a less serious infraction. A jury found Cheryl Lynette Plemmons guilty in 2017 of three counts of second-degree assault, which is a felony, for spitting on two officers who had initially arrived to conduct a welfare check. She spat the officers inside her home and once inside a patrol car. Colorado outlaws the act of placing first responders in contact with saliva, blood or feces if there is an "intent to infect, injure, or harm." Plemmons testified that, by spitting, she had wanted to convey the message of "Please dont hurt me, please dont take me to jail." But the government attempted to prove that Plemmons actually had an intent to harm. As the prosecutor told the jury, "She wasnt spitting on them for funsies she was spitting on them because she wanted them to be harmed. District Court Judge William L. Herringer gave jurors an instruction defining the term "harm." Under the law, Herringer said, it meant "psychological or emotional harm" that could include fear, anxiety or "other type of significant distress" from contact with bodily fluids. In addition, Plemmons need not have intended to cause "permanent or long-lasting" damage, but rather "psychological or emotional harm that is not fleeing or minimal in nature." That instruction was the focus of Plemmons' appeal. "This case is about the meaning of harm. Im asking this court to hold that harm refers to exclusively physical injuries," Deputy State Public Defender Jacob B. McMahon, representing Plemmons, told the justices. To hold otherwise "invites unconstitutionally discriminatory enforcement by allowing the state to arbitrarily select misdemeanors and felonies for substantially the same conduct." McMahon was referring to the fact that there is another prohibition in Colorado law against spitting on first responders. In contrast to the felony law, which requires an intent to infect, injure or harm, someone is only guilty of a misdemeanor if they spit with an intent to "harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm." The justices puzzled over how to draw a clear line between two offenses that sound similar, but have different criminal consequences. "What does it look like to prove, as this trial judge said, that someone had to commit a significant injury? To significantly alarm someone emotionally versus to less significantly alarm someone emotionally?" wondered Justice Melissa Hart. Until 2015, it was a misdemeanor offense to spit on an officer with the intent to infect, injure, harm, harass, annoy, threaten or alarm. The legislature that year took the first three intents and created a new felony . As proposed, Senate Bill 67 would have simply left any act of spitting on first responders as a felony, but legislators amended the measure to avoid over-criminalizing actions like spitting on the boots of a firefighter. The Supreme Court, however, found no clear direction from the legislature about how to interpret intent . Justice Monica M. Marquez was concerned that, without a meaningful distinction, district attorneys could charge someone with either a felony or a misdemeanor on a whim. "We are potentially giving too much discretion to prosecuting authorities to take two defendants, each of whom spits in an officers face, and treat them entirely differently. Im worried about that," she said. Assistant Attorney General Patrick A. Withers indicated it was possible to distinguish the conduct. He rejected McMahon's attempt to paint "harm" as exclusively physical. "Indeed, when the Rolling Stones sang, 'Whos that woman on your arm? All dressed up to do you harm,' no one asked how the womans clothing would cause her companion physical pain," Withers wrote in the government's brief. Withers instead believed the "harm" in the felony law meant a "substantial" harm with greater "duration or intensity" than mere annoyance. "Youre asking us to pack a lot into a single word, harm," interjected Marquez, adding that those descriptors appeared nowhere in the instruction given to Plemmons' jury. "You spit on someone, you cause them great emotional upset, they're concerned. That seems like the definition of an intent to alarm," said Justice Richard L. Gabriel. "I guess I have a constitutional concern about leaving it for the jury to decide whats significant and the prosecutor could charge whichever." In February of last year, the state's Court of Appeals upheld the jury instruction, believing it made clear that spitting in a manner that created a risk to the officer spitting in their face rather than on their shoe adequately communicated what "harm" meant. McMahon acknowledged that people, including police officers, can be rightfully upset when spat upon. "But the law isn't in terms of are you really traumatized or are you only minorly traumatized. If you intend to freak someone out ... you have alarmed them." The justices agreed to hear Plemmons' appeal only to review the correctness of the trial court's definition of "harm," and relatedly whether there was enough evidence of harm to sustain Plemmons' convictions. Plemmons had also sought review of the Court of Appeals' determination that the felony law was not so vague as to be unconstitutional. In Plemmons' view, the meaning of "harm" was ambiguous and could lead prosecutors to, as Marquez and Gabriel suggested, arbitrarily charge a person with either a felony or a misdemeanor. The Supreme Court declined to review constitutionality, but individual justices nevertheless felt they could consider the constitutional implications of a vague law in their decision. "The legislature was pretty clearly trying to get at whats a significant problem in the real world which involves a lot of pathogens and police officers and others who have people in custody have to worry about those pathogens," said Justice William W. Hood III. "The trauma that comes with being spat on arguably exceeds that trauma that one might experience even if one gets punched in the face." But when it came to the meaning of harm, he added, "all roads seem to lead to ambiguity for me." The bill to address the state's fentanyl crisis, House Bill 1326, got some money and clean-up work during a Wednesday morning Senate Appropriations Committee meeting. Eleven of the 12 amendments offered to change the bill were adopted by the committee, which then voted 6-1 to send it to the Senate floor for debate. The lone "no" vote was from Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling. The bill's co-sponsor, Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley, voted in favor. The one amendment that didn't succeed was an attempt to remove the "knowing or should have known" language from the bill, a reference to the way criminal charges would be filed against those who possess fentanyl. Law enforcement and district attorneys have complained that requiring someone to knowingly possess fentanyl in order to be charged with a felony would be practically impossible to prove. Expect to see that amendment again when the bill reaches the Senate floor, which could be as soon as Thursday morning. The legislation is the General Assembly's sweeping attempt to confront fatal overdoses, which have surged nationwide over the past several years, as fentanyl, which is stronger than heroin and lethal in small doses, became an increasingly dominant presence in the illicit drug market. A clear pattern has emerged in the past few weeks, based on debates among legislators. Broadly speaking, legislators appear amenable to a compromise legislation that makes possession of 1 gram of a drug that contains fentanyl a felony. They are also open to allocating additional money to law enforcement to investigate fentanyl overdoses. Legislators must decide on two other questions: whether to eliminate a three-year sunset provision that applies to the bill's felony language and whether to delete the bill's provision that triggers the felony charge only if the person knew or should have known there's fentanyl in the drug. The Appropriations Committee work follows last week's hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The major changes to HB 1326 as approved by Appropriations Wednesday addressed money. The committee approved an amendment to add $10 million to the bill, to pay for treatment and detox programs. Another $5.8 million is directed to the state Department of Public Health and Environment, for opiate detection tests, the bill's education campaign, regional training and a study on the health effects of the bill's enhanced criminal penalties. Also, $7 million will go to the division of criminal justice in the Department of Public Safety. Hospitals and emergency rooms will receive free opiate antagonists that includes Naloxone and Narcan and the state will pursue federal funding for those antagonists, under another amendment approved Wednesday. In what seems to be an effort to force Vail Resorts Inc. to the bargaining table, the Vail Town Council late Tuesday approved a resolution to move forward with condemning a 5-acre parcel in East Vail that was previously approved for an affordable housing development. A video of the meeting shows a packed council chamber, and many of the attendees included blue-shirted Vail Resorts employees. The council approved the resolution, 4-3. The next step is to engage in good faith negotiations with Vail Corp., town spokeswoman Suzanne Silverthorn said. The condemnation process involves multiple steps, so 'possible' remains an appropriate descriptor. Mayor Kim Langmaid declined comment Wednesday and plans to meet with the town attorney in the coming days, Silverthorn said. Vail Resorts appeared primed for a possible legal showdown, but declined to say Wednesday if any legal action was planned. Our company is deeply saddened and disappointed to see the Town of Vail choose to condemn land for an approved affordable housing development. We relied in good faith on the Towns 2019 approval of this housing after an exhaustive public review process, Bill Rock, executive vice president, said in a statement. If you move forward, it is sure to cost the town millions of millions of dollars, money that could be used for things like affordable housing or wildlife mitigation, Chris Romer, president and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, told the council Tuesday. Vail officials said the $17 million development would add 165 units of desperately needed workforce housing and is shovel ready. In 2017, the Town Council with the unanimous recommendation of the Towns Planning and Environmental Commission agreed to rezone the 23.3-acre parcel to allow for development on the 5-acre plot for an East Vail Workforce Housing Subdivision. The area is known as Booth Heights. The development was approved by the Town Council in 2019. The town actually joined Vail Resorts in defending the decision before a judge. The case was settled in 2019, when District Judge Russell Granger ruled the Town Council neither exceeded its jurisdiction, nor abused its discretion in its decision to approve the development application. Several council members and Langmaid said the issue is over a herd of bighorn sheep that uses that area as part of its winter range. The plans feature a wildlife mitigation plan, including a $100,000 mitigation fund to be used by the Town and the Town Council for the enhancement and protection of the bighorn sheep habitat, according to the final court order. Vail Resorts officials cite luxury homes being built in the same area, wondering why council members dont appear to be concerned about sheep habitat when it comes to luxury home developments. The Town Councils decision (Tuesday) is a complete reversal of their actions of just two years ago, said Rock. The Town of Vail has not attempted to block any of the new home construction, or condemn any of the more than 100 luxury homes, in the same sheep habitat. Instead, the Town of Vail has only singled out land approved for affordable housing for condemnation. The action of the Town Council (Tuesday) is unprecedented in Colorado. It is unprecedented for a municipality to use the power of eminent domain to block affordable housing. Council member Jen Mason acknowledged that the town is in a terrible housing crisis, according to a Vail Daily article, and said she hopes the town and Vail Resorts can use the good-faith negotiation period called for in the resolution to reach an agreement that wont require the lengthy, and expensive, condemnation process. By Trend Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili will attend the International Donors Conference for Ukraine in Poland, Trend reports citing the Georgian Government Administration. During the visit, Garibashvili will take part in the high-level international donor conference "For Ukraine", which will be hosted by the prime ministers of Poland and Sweden in partnership with the presidents of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. This conference will serve to mobilize substantial pledges to support the UN humanitarian response in Ukraine and to discuss further steps toward supporting Ukraines efforts to handle the economic challenges. Moreover, Georgian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilya Darchiashvili will take part in a charitable session planned as part of the conference. The number of outstanding bills lawmakers in Colorado must address before the legislative session adjourns at midnight May 11 is slowing starting to drop. On Monday, 303 bills awaited completion. As of Wednesday morning, it's down to 287. Of the 16 bills lawmakers addressed, four were postponed indefinitely, bringing the total number of bills killed this session to 108. Out of the 368 that have been acted on, the governor has signed 127 and another 47 are awaiting his review. Lawmakers since Monday have also added four more bills to the work remaining in the 2022 General Assembly session. That brings the total to 655, according to the Office of Legislative Legal Services, with 417 bills in the House and 238 in the Senate. The latest four introduced were all in the Senate, including a bill to change how property taxes are calculated and which would provide a small refund to offset property tax increases expected in the next two years. The biggest marker of progress compared to earlier this week comes in the form of the number of bills awaiting committee action. As of Monday, that stood at 216. That sum was down by more than 50 as of Wednesday morning. The major bills still awaiting final action on Monday are still waiting. Those including bills on fentanyl, collective bargaining, TABOR property tax and refund bills, flavored tobacco, paying back PERA and the unemployment insurance trust fund, raising the age from 10 to 13 for criminal charges for juveniles and the major environmental legislation on air quality. One of two bills to pay back the UITF, Senate Bill 66, was postponed indefinitely by the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on a party-line vote Tuesday. That bill would have paid back the $1 billion federal loan the state had to take out to pay unemployment benefits during the height of the pandemic. Winn-Worth Betco and the Lake Mills Chamber Development Cooperation partnered with the Lake Mills Community School to host a career exploration day with the high school students on April 13. The partnership aimed to expose every freshman through senior to careers of their interest. Rachel Rognes, the LMSD counselor, sent out surveys to students to gauge their interests in specific occupations. Based on the results, Winn-Worth Betco executive director Melissa Michaelis and LMCDC executive director Cassie Johnson gathered 11 local employers in the students fields of interest. They give 45-minute presentations at the end of the school day. According to Michaelis, the goal is not just to expose the students to careers, but to have the local businesses build relationships with the kids to let the kids know that you can do what you want in a small town. The students also had the opportunity to submit a question they wanted to be answered by the presenter. Those who did so were entered into drawings for Lake Mills Bucks. The partners started this annual project, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, in 2017. The event has taken different angles, including in the form of panels. This year is the first time presenters had the opportunity to have their own rooms and more one-on-one discussion with the students. Michaelis noted that she and Johnson cannot always find professionals for all the careers students request, but they attempt to find a representative in a similar profession. I think its good to expose kids to the variety of jobs that are available in Lake Mills and the surrounding area and open their eyes to possibilities of living and working in Lake Mills after getting whatever training and education they want to pursue, said Johnson. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Chicago Abortion Fund Executive Director Megan Jeyifo was at a comedy show when a rapid-fire series of news alerts and text messages lit up her phone: A draft U.S. Supreme Court opinion leaked Monday indicated the majority of justices plan to overturn Roe v. Wade, threatening abortion rights throughout much of the nation. The nonprofit leader was at first outraged and then sorrowful. But suddenly, also on her phone, she saw that donations were pouring in from donors who were just as angry and terrified at the prospect of waning abortion access around the country. Weve been preparing for this, said Jeyifo, whose organization funds abortions as well as transportation, lodging, child care and other costs associated with travel for the procedure. Our language has been when Roe falls, not if Roe falls. The landmark 1973 Supreme Court case has established the right to an abortion nationwide for nearly 50 years. But if Roe were to be overturned, the matter of abortion rights would be decided by individual states. While abortion will still be legal in Illinois which has ensconced reproductive freedoms in state law experts anticipate that more than half the states in the nation would ban or significantly chip away at the right to terminate a pregnancy. This includes every state surrounding Illinois. It felt like a gut punch, said Planned Parenthood of Illinois President and CEO Jennifer Welch. I was stunned that the Supreme Court appears poised to ignore 50 years of settled law. Welch predicted that anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 additional patients could travel to Illinois each year to terminate a pregnancy if abortion rights are overturned. This is on top of the ever-increasing number of patients who already cross state lines to come here for the procedure. Nearly 10,000 people came from out of state to have an abortion in Illinois in 2020, according to the latest data available from the Illinois Department of Public Health. This was a 29% increase over the previous year, when about 7,500 patients traveled here for the procedure from another state. The number of abortions here for out-of-state women has risen every year since 2014, according to state health data. While the news of Roes potential demise was shocking, Welch said her agency has been preparing for this possibility for the past five years by increasing the number of health centers, expanding access at facilities, creating a new telehealth program and launching the biggest fundraising campaign in the agencys history. We are proud to say that abortion is still safe and legal in Illinois, Welch said in a written statement. This is a devastating blow for the millions of people who will suddenly find themselves in an abortion desert; facing a daunting dilemma travel hundreds of miles to access an abortion, seek an illegal alternative or carry a pregnancy to term against their will. We will continue to fight so that everyone can access the fundamental reproductive health care they need and deserve no matter what. In Chicago, officials were considering ways to make the areas around abortion clinics safer for women walking in and out, Northwest Side Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said Tuesday. He said options might include strengthening city ordinances that create protected zones around clinics where anti-abortion protesters arent permitted, or organizing community groups to escort patients to and from the clinic doors. With many neighboring states now likely to outlaw abortions, we need to make sure Chicago remains a safe place for women to turn, Ramirez-Rosa said. Weve seen extremists outside these clinics so its incumbent upon us to make certain were doing what we can to ensure that safety. As for the Chicago Abortion Fund, Jeyifo said her organization already faces a huge increase in need, as many states have in recent years enacted more burdens on abortion access including restrictions on clinics, gestational limits and mandated waiting periods before a patient can have an abortion. Our callers have been living in a post-Roe world for decades, she said. This is the reality so many people already face. In 2018, the organization provided funds for roughly 180 people seeking an abortion; in 2022, more than 500 people on average are calling for financial assistance each month, she said. In March, those calls for assistance came from 25 different states, she added. So far, the fund has been able to help every request thats come in for the past three years, Jeyifo said. But if Roe falls, she worries that demand might start to exceed their budget. The thought that some patients could be turned away brought tears to her eyes. We are already strained, she said. Im thankful for the outpouring of support. But Im wondering how we sustain it. Protecting preborn life As local reproductive rights advocates prepared to battle more restrictions, anti-abortion activists in Illinois rejoiced at the prospect of Roe crumbling. Kevin Grillot, executive director of March for Life Chicago, applauded the rollback of abortion rights protections, which have led to the deaths of millions of preborn children and caused irrevocable harm to their families. Now is the time to return decision making back to the states, he said in a written statement. The majority of Midwesterners support protecting preborn life and should have the right to do so. The Supreme Court draft opinion, which was obtained by Politico, states that Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. The draft majority opinion was signed by Justice Samuel Alito, and the Supreme Court on Tuesday confirmed its authenticity. The case at hand was Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which tested the constitutionality of a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks. The draft decision would essentially overturn both Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, another landmark Supreme Court decision affirming abortion rights. The court is expected to rule on Dobbs v. Jackson over the summer. Assuming the draft decision stands, Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League Executive Director Eric Scheidler said he was thrilled at the prospect the people will soon be granted freedom of choice when it comes to setting abortion policy in their state. The impact on Illinois, though, will be indirect, Scheidler said. In 2019, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Reproductive Health Act, establishing abortion as a fundamental right for women statewide. The state has among the most permissive abortion laws in the nation and serves as an oasis for the procedure in the Midwest, where almost all other states are far more restrictive. But Scheidler expects most adjacent states particularly Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri will enact near total bans on the procedure if given the option. The already climbing out-of-state abortion rate in Illinois will skyrocket, he predicted. Soon, in many states, unborn children will be welcomed back into the human family, recognized as our brothers and sisters and protected by law, he said. In other states, like my home state of Illinois, these children are under constant threat. Our task now is to bring this expansion of human rights the fundamental right to life to every state. Richard W. Garnett, law professor at the Notre Dame Law School, said that if Roe and Casey are overruled, the matter of abortion regulation will shift to political and legislative contexts. He added that he expects this would result in laws that better reflect the complex views of Americans on this topic. It is important to remember that the Roe and Casey decisions imposed on all 50 states one of the worlds most permissible abortion-law regimes, he said, and that those decisions prevent reasonable regulations of abortion that most Americans including many who support abortion rights support. If Roe and Casey are overturned, Geoffrey R. Stone, law professor at the University of Chicago, said many women who up until now had a right to an abortion in their own states no longer will. While the number of women traveling to have an abortion would rise, so would illegal abortions, he said. Which is terrifying, because the world of illegal abortions was a nightmare for women, said Stone, author of the book Sex and the Constitution: Sex, Religion and Law from Americas Origins to the Twenty-First Century. Massive influx Dr. Erin King is an abortion provider and executive director of Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, Illinois, a few miles from the Missouri border. Just last week, she saw patients from Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Alabama. All journeyed to southwest Illinois to have an abortion due to various restrictions in their home states, she said. They had to travel, stay a few days and travel back for me to hand them some pills that are safer than most over-the-counter medications, she said. Their travel to and from my office was exponentially more dangerous and the expense astronomical to access abortion. Even though reproductive rights are generally well protected in Illinois, she predicted the influx of patients from other states will make appointment times and providers more difficult for in-state patients to access. The current providers that focus on abortion care have been preparing for years, but there is no way any of us will be prepared for the sheer number of patients that will be trying to access care, she said. Patient traffic is already increasing this year and we are seeing patients traveling from much farther distances and with ever increasing funding and travel support needs. A few months ago, Hope Clinic and Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region partnered to open the Regional Logistics Center, a centralized location in southern Illinois where patients can get assistance with travel needs like finding transportation, booking lodging and setting up child care. Case managers there arrange travel, connect patients with funding, help them find a place to stay and overcome other common barriers to accessing abortion care, especially those that come with traveling long distances. We knew this opinion was coming and while its not official, it brings us one step closer to an impending public health crisis, said Yamelsie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region. No matter what, with our partners, we will fight for what little is left of abortion access in Missouri and push forward to expand in Illinois where abortion access is protected beyond Roe. In downtown Chicago, a small group of protesters stood on the wet ground of Federal Plaza on Tuesday, beating drums and waving flags whipped by the wind. Some held signs saying, Abortion on demand & without apology. I am heartbroken that this is where we are, said Caitlyn Hana, 27, of the Hyde Park neighborhood. I am scared for the future. Not only for women but everyone in this country if we go backward. Chicago Tribunes Stephanie Casanova contributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LA PORTE CITY The superintendent of Union Community Schools has been disciplined by the state board that licenses educators for alleged failures in an investigation of teacher misconduct. Travis Fleshner, who was recently hired to begin leading Aplington-Parkersburg Community Schools this summer, received a written reprimand from the Board of Educational Examiners at its April 22 meeting. He had been under investigation for his handling of the case of former Union Middle School teacher Mark Hookham. The teacher resigned in April 2021 while district officials were investigating allegedly inappropriate email exchanges with two students at the middle school in Dysart. In March, the state board suspended Hookhams license for at least five years. According to the settlement agreement in Fleshners case, the board investigation led to charges that he created conditions harmful to student learning and, as an administrator, failed to protect the health and safety of staff and students. I know what I was asked to do throughout this process (of investigating Hookham) and I know what I was advised to do by legal counsel and followed that, Fleshner said in an interview. Settlement documents indicate investigators came to the conclusion that he did follow counsels advice and that Fleshner does not admit to the violations it outlines. He acknowledged, though, if proven they would be grounds for the discipline agreed to. Theres lots of dialogue back and forth between parties, and it was determined that the reprimand was the best course to go forward, he said. Fleshner also agreed to complete a course in allegations of child sexual abuse and grooming within one year. Additionally, he will review circumstances surrounding the complaint and statutory expectations with an Iowa Department of Education official. The superintendent said he is not leaving Union Schools because of the state boards investigation. There was no correlation between the two, he said, suggesting everything was fine when he applied for the Aplington-Parkersburg job. It was just an opportunity that presented itself. Randy Strabala, interim superintendent in Aplington-Parkersburg, said every candidates past was looked at and discussed during the Board of Educations superintendent search process. The state investigation into Fleshners handling of the teacher misconduct case came to light through the process. We were aware of it, he noted. The search company had done the vetting. The board discussed everything, they were aware of it and they explored it all the way around. The districts board approved a three-year contract with Fleshner on Feb. 21 and a first-year salary of $147,000. Strabala said the educational examiners reprimand doesnt change anything. It was anticipated that there would probably be some type of discipline, he explained. The Union Board of Education went through a search process after accepting Fleshners resignation Feb. 21. On April 18, board members approved a contract with John Howard. He is currently the secondary principal at Independence Community Schools. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Duke Fuqua About : This week s founder, Scott Edinburgh, is attending the annual Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC) conference. As a member of the AIGAC Board of Directors, Scott had the pleasure of meeting with admissions directors from top MBA programs including HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan, Chicago Booth, Columbia Business School, UVA Darden, Berkeley Haas, Michigan Ross, Yale SOM, London Business School and others at our annual conference.The conference gives a great opportunity to catch up with top schools, find out what is on their minds, discuss top MBA application trends, learn about upcoming MBA essays and gain a sneak peek into the 2022-2023 MBA application season.Though the AIGAC conference is still going on, would like to share some takeaways from day one where admissions directors from a few top programs including, Berkeley Haas and UVA Darden discussed what is top of mind for their programs. These themes play a role both in how candidates are evaluated and in how curriculums are being updated.Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, has been guiding clients for 15 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2 by leading sources including Poets & Quants.We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers._________________ By Trend The UK government expanded its anti-Russian sanctions blacklisting the VGTRK broadcaster and certain journalists from Russia for covering the events in Ukraine, according to a statement by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office made public on Wednesday, Trend reports with reference to TASS. The restrictive measures which involve a ban on entering the country and the freezing of bank accounts if such are discovered were imposed on journalist Nailya Asker-Zade, war correspondents Yevgeny Poddubny, Alexander Kots, Dmitry Steshin, TV anchor Mikhail Leontyev, presidential aide and chairman of the board of directors of Channel One Maxim Oreshkin. Additionally, restrictive measures were introduced against Russian truck producer Kamaz, CEO of the Otkritie Bank Mikhail Zadornov and Sovcombank CEO Dmitry Gusev. The British government also stressed that within the framework of the new restrictions, the Russian companies would lose the access to the UKs management consulting, accounting and PR services. "Our professional services exports are extraordinarily valuable to many countries, which is exactly why were locking Russia out. By restricting Russias access to our world-class management consultants, accountants and PR firms, were ratcheting up economic pressure on the Kremlin to change course," Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said. The statement noted that the UKs accountancy, management consultancy, and PR services make up 10% of Russian imports in these sectors The UK Foreign Office also blacklisted Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Nikolay Pankov, Irish journalist Bryan MacDonald who works for RT and Director of the Victory Museum Alexander Shkolnik. The sanctions were also imposed on the InfoRos news agency and the Strategic Culture Foundation and SouthFront internet resources. Double, double, gargoyles and rubble: There are witchy doings and evil twins aplenty in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the spookily unhinged new entry in the Marvel Cinematic uh, Universe? Multiverse? Whatever were supposed to call this increasingly hydra-headed Disney content behemoth, it has rarely ventured in a direction this playful, this ghoulish, this exuberantly grotesque. Thats another way of saying that the latest Strange brew full of mangled extremities, gouged eyeballs and other freaky flourishes is the satisfying handiwork of the director Sam Raimi, whose long-overdue return to feature filmmaking is no less welcome for being tied to Hollywoods most continually fatted cash cow. Raimi, of course, comes to this assignment with no shortage of Marvel movie history under his belt. An early throwaway Spider-Man joke gently reminds you that he directed the original Spidey film trilogy (2002-07), though hes steered clear of the many subsequent chapters, including last years hugely successful Spider-Man: No Way Home. That dizzying adventure, with its trio of Spider-Men wreaking meta-havoc on the MCU cosmos, was in some ways a warm-up act for all the multiverse-rattling chaos in store here. Written by Michael Waldron (Loki), Multiverse of Madness begins with a giant octopus attack and spreads its narrative tentacles from there, yanking us into an alternately goofy and grisly story that pauses every so often to unleash a tidal wave of grief. Some of that grief is expressed, with a stiff and handsomely goateed upper lip, by Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, superb as ever), the sardonic neurosurgeon turned mighty red-cloaked sorcerer who still carries a torch for his former lover and colleague, Dr. Christine Palmer (a game if underserved Rachel McAdams). But the real weight of this storys emotional anguish is shouldered not by Strange, but by his old friend Wanda Maximoff (a spectacular Elizabeth Olsen), who as dedicated MCU scholars with advanced degrees in WandaVision studies will know has drawn on her formidable powers to blot out the trauma of her many unbearable losses. That trauma still haunts Wandas dreams (she has nightly visions of her lost twin sons), and it now runs the risk of obliterating her soul. Determined to transform her shattered fantasies of a happy family life into a reality, Wanda, aka Scarlet Witch, has set her sights on conquering the multiverse specifically, one of the many parallel universes in which a more carefree version of herself might settle down in undisturbed domestic bliss. Its a heartrending vision, the kind that Faustian bargains are made of, and it floods the scripts sometimes inelegant, herky-jerky plotting with unexpected rivers of human feeling. Olsen, with her fiery magenta eyes and a devil-horned tiara, offers a terrific performance. Shes chillingly persuasive as a woman so devastated by her grief that shes willing to inflict her own brutal casualties to overcome it. So emotionally dominant is Olsen here that Cumberbatchs Strange sometimes feels less like a hero than a villains foil, which is honestly all to the good. Stranges mission is simply to prevent Wanda from succeeding in hers, and to that end hell team up with a mysterious, multiverse-traveling newcomer, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez, appealing if bland), who soon sends them flying through one interdimensional portal after another. Along the way, he also leans on some familiar characters, including his wizardly colleague Wong (the invaluable Benedict Wong); his old frenemy Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor); and an alternate version of Christine who serves as a pesky reminder that love really is the most inescapable force in the multiverse. Raimis sheer passion for his material can sometimes overwhelm the coherence of his storytelling, and his unfashionable sincerity doesnt always mesh with the breezy quip-a-minute tone that is the Marvel enterprises preferred comic idiom. I mean those both as compliments. Some overly busy cross-cutting and a few flubbed punchlines are a small price to pay for a filmmaker with enough of a vision to make you briefly forget that youre watching another assembly-line product. That may not sound terribly inspiring, but in the context of an overall series where movie magic seizes hold only in fits and starts, it can feel downright heroic. GREENSBORO Greensboro Symphony Orchestras music director will step down next year after 20 years of beautiful music-making. Maestro Dmitry Sitkovetsky, the symphonys music director since 2003, announced Thursday his retirement at a Greensboro Symphony Orchestra board meeting. After 20 years of beautiful music-making with the beloved Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and world-class soloists, I have decided to step down as music director of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra at the end of next season, he said in a news release. Sitkovetsky was the symphonys seventh music director since its founding in 1959. His last season with the symphony will be the 2022-23 season that ends in May 2023. A native of Russia who is now an American citizen, Sitkovetsky discovered Greensboro when he appeared with the orchestra as guest violin soloist a year before being selected as music director. He succeeded Stuart Malina, who had served as music director for seven years. Sitkovetsky is a fourth-generation musician, the only son of renowned violinist Julian Sitkovetsky and world-famous pianist Bella Davidovich. He began studying the violin as a young child. At age 22, he left the Soviet Union and enrolled at the Julliard School in New York. In Thursdays announcement, Sitkovetsky said that the Chamber series, Sitkovetsky & Friends, gave the audience a rare chance to hear great soloists in the intimate setting of the UNCG Recital Hall. I feel now that the GSO has entered a new era of excellence with the fabulous Tanger Center, he said. It seems the perfect timing for a new impetus and new ideas to take over. GREENSBORO State health officials are seeing increases in four key metrics they use to determine how COVID-19 is spreading and affecting health systems. And North Carolina isnt alone in seeing a resurgence of the coronavirus. Nationwide, cases have been gradually rising for the past month. New York City this week raised its COVID-19 threat level and encouraged residents to voluntarily wear masks. Also, coronavirus cases are continuing to increase in California, prompting one health official to warn that the state is heading into the next wave of the pandemic. Health officials say the latest uptick is being fueled by a rapidly emerging lineup of omicron subvariants each apparently more contagious than the last. While few are calling for mask mandates and other extreme measures yet health experts wonder if its just a matter of time before the country struggles with how to handle another new wave of infections. At the moment, locally and across the nation, the number of new cases hasnt reached a concerning level. In fact, Guilford Countys COVID-19 community level spread remains low, according to metrics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Statewide, its the same story. While the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals across the state increased, the number was manageable 373 for the week ending April 30. Thats compared to 256 the previous week, according to data released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Newly-reported cases also increased with 12,509 confirmed in the state through last Saturday up from 9,800 the previous week. In Guilford County, public health officials reported 271 new cases on Wednesday 2,169 total and no deaths. Locally, 32 coronavirus patients were being treated on Wednesday in Cone Health hospitals, according to the Greensboro-based health system. Of those patients, 26 are unvaccinated and six are fully vaccinated. The percentage of all emergency room visits statewide for patients with COVID-19 symptoms slightly increased for the first time since the beginning of March. It was 3% for the week ending April 30, compared to 2% the previous week, according to the DHHS report. Another metric that health experts are watching closely is the number of COVID-19 virus particles found in wastewater, which has been shown to be an early indicator of how quickly the virus may spread without relying on individual test results. In the states latest report, 12.2 million coronavirus particles were found in wastewater samples last week up from 11.3 million the week prior. To put that into context, 100 million COVID-19 particles were found in wastewater samples in late January during the peak of the omicron surge. Throughout the pandemic, health officials have been touting vaccines and boosters to reduce the risk of infection as well as curtailing severe illness and death. To that end, at least 53% of North Carolinas vaccinated population have received at least one booster shot or additional dose of vaccine, the DHHS report showed. Also, 76% of adults have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, and 38% of children ages 5 through 17 have been given at least a dose. The Tribune News Service contributed to this report. LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukrainian fighters in the tunnels underneath Mariupols pulverized steel plant held out against Russian troops Thursday in an increasingly desperate and perhaps doomed effort to deny Moscow what would be its biggest success of the war yet: the complete capture of the strategic port city. The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph or announce an escalation of the war in time for Victory Day on Monday. Victory Day is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Unions triumph over Nazi Germany. Some 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russia's most recent estimate, were holed up at Mariupol's sprawling Azovstal steelworks, the last pocket of resistance in a city largely reduced to rubble over the past two months. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped there. The defenders will stand till the end. They only hope for a miracle," Kateryna Prokopenko said after speaking by phone to her husband, a leader of the steel plant defenders. "They wont surrender. She said her husband, Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, told her he would love her forever. I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye, she said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack was preventing the evacuation of civilians remaining in the plants underground bunkers. Just imagine this hell! And there are children there, he said late Thursday in his nightly video address. More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death. The Russians managed to get inside with the help of an electrician who knew the layout, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines Internal Affairs Ministry. He showed them the underground tunnels which are leading to the factory, Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer. The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant. The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective. Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, pleaded on Ukrainian TV for the evacuation of civilians and wounded fighters from the steelworks, saying soldiers were dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment. The Kremlin has demanded the troops surrender. They have refused. Russia has also accused them of preventing the civilians from leaving. The head of the United Nations said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and the plant was underway. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes." More than 100 civilians were rescued from the steelworks over the weekend. But many previous attempts to open safe corridors from Mariupol have fallen through, with Ukraine blaming shelling and firing by the Russians. Meanwhile, 10 weeks into the devastating war, Ukraines military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putins ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Russian forces are making only plodding progress in the Donbas. The head of Britains armed forces, Chief of the Defense Staff Adm. Tony Radakin, said Putin is trying to rush to a tactical victory before Victory Day. But he said Russian forces are struggling to gain momentum. Radakin told British broadcaster Talk TV that Russia is using missiles and weapons at such a rate that it is in a logistics war to keep supplied. This is going to be a hard slog, he said. On Thursday, an American official said the U.S. shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of a Russian flagship before the mid-April strike that sank it, one of Moscow's highest-profile failures in the war. The U.S. has provided a range of intelligence that includes locations of warships, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the decision to target the missile cruiser Moskva was purely a Ukrainian decision. Fearful of new attacks surrounding Victory Day, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged residents to leave for the countryside over the long weekend and warned them not to gather in public places. And the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. In other developments, Belarus authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, defended Russias invasion of Ukraine in an interview with The Associated Press but said he didnt expect the conflict to drag on this way. Lukashenko, whose country was used by the Russians as a launch pad for the invasion, said Moscow had to act because Kyiv was provoking Russia. But he also created some distance between himself and the Kremlin, repeatedly calling for an end to the conflict and referring to it as a war a term Moscow refuses to use. It insists on calling the fighting a special military operation. Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. As the battle raged there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian bombardment Thursday hit dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including troop concentrations in the east, an artillery battery near the eastern settlement of Zarozhne, and rocket launchers near the southern city of Mykolaiv. Five people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said, with shells hitting schools, apartments and a medical facility. Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said that Ukrainian forces "have largely stalled Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, and intensified Russian airstrikes on transportation infrastructure in the western part of the country have failed to stop Western aid shipments to Ukraine. But the war has devastated the country's medical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said in a video link to a charity event in the U.K., with nearly 400 healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed. There is simply a catastrophic situation regarding access to medical services and medicines, in areas occupied by Russian forces, he said. "Even the simplest drugs are lacking. With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24. At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses. In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild. Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: 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. By Trend Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the arrival of Eid Al-Fitr and expressed determination to develop relations with Iran, Trend reports citing IRNA. Sharif called for taking advantage of the opportunity to reinforce brotherly relations with Iran. He also wished health and success for the Iranian president and dignity and welfare for the Iranian nation. Its that time of year when hordes of people thunder along two blocks of Fuller Avenue every Saturday hunting for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and other items as the Downtown Helena Farmers Market gets underway. April 30 was the opening day for the open air market that traditionally runs through the last weekend of October. Its where Helena friends and neighbors meet every Saturday, said Peter Strauss, board chair of the market. Strauss said the market, which started in 1974, is the longest-running consecutive farmers market in Montana. He said 40 vendors were at the April 30 opening and even though it was a little chilly, he said shoppers were champing at the bit to get outdoors. Strauss said there are changes to this years market that include a new look, new energy and new logo. He said the market has formed a partnership with Intrepid Credit Union, which is helping with marketing in order to entice more people to the market. He said it runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, but adds there are some vendors and shoppers who arrive at 8 a.m. And he said the market will run 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 26-Sept. 27, in East Helena at Main Street Park. Strauss expected the market to easily top over 100 vendors. Youre not going to get better fresh vegetables and produce, he said. This really is farm to table. He said attendance was impacted when the COVID-19 pandemic threw everyone for a tizzy the past couple years. I do not know if we fully recovered last year, but recovered this year, he said. Were going to have a ton of people down there. The market ended its season early in 2020, when in July of that year the city of Helena revoked its permit at the request of Lewis and Clark Public Health, which said event organizers failed to meet the requirements of a health order seeking to limit the spread of COVID-19. Strauss said products at the market must be Montana made, Montana grown or have Montana value added. He said the market has received a grant to have double benefits up to $30 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. He said there will be vendors for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program as well. Strauss discussed a few of the new offerings this year: He said St. Peters Health will have a nutrition booth on what do with fresh fruits and vegetables. The market will also have nonprofit days on the third Saturdays from June through September in which nonprofits can set up booths. The market has become a member of Downtown Helena, a nonprofit business membership organization that promotes the downtown area. A ribbon cutting is planned for May 14. For more on the market, go to: https://www.helenafarmersmarket.com/ or call 406-437-1855. Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. 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. Helena Public Schools will provide a $15,000 retirement incentive to 29 of its highest-paid teachers as the school district faces a projected general fund budget shortfall of millions of dollars in the coming years. The Helena Education Association and its members proposed the incentive out of a desire to recognize and reward our veteran educators for their many years of exemplary service, including their contributions throughout the pandemic, the association and the school district said in a joint statement provided to the Independent Record. The school district offered the incentive to a maximum of 30 eligible teachers retiring in the spring of 2022 or 2023, and the deadline for them to give notice was Feb. 25. Ten teachers will receive the incentive this year and 19 will receive it next year. The incentive will be added to any other termination pay to which the retiring teachers may be entitled. According to the school districts Business Services Administrator Janelle Mickelson, the teachers who were eligible for the retirement incentive have an average annual salary of about $80,000 each. She said some of their positions might remain vacant and the rest will be filled by less-experienced educators who will receive an annual salary of $46,000 to $48,000 each. Although the move will come with an upfront cost paid out of the general fund, school district officials said it is expected to save a combined total of about $900,000 over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 schools years. Officials expect to see additional savings in future school years, depending on how teachers move through the pay scale. It does help our veteran teachers. I think it is an incentive for them to make a life choice, school district Superintendent Rex Weltz said. Its also a way that we can control our upper-level salaries. Weltz said the school district needs a blend of teachers who are in the early, middle and late stages of their career, and too many of them are currently at the high end of the pay scale. The early retirement incentive is a tool or mechanism to help control where that weight lies, he said. Nearly 40 longtime Helena educators received a retirement incentive of $25,000 each in 2020, after school district officials determined that the general fund budget would soon be in the red unless significant adjustments were made. "It's counter-intuitive to incentivize our veteran teachers to retire, but financial solvency requires that we have an equal distribution of teachers throughout the salary matrix, a balance of teachers starting their careers and master teachers with decades of experience," said Luke Muszkiewicz, chair of the school district's board of trustees. School district officials recently projected a general fund budget shortfall of $3,612,602 for the 2022-23 school year, though they plan to use their remaining coronavirus relief funds to make up the difference. The budget shortfall is projected to be $5,326,494 to $6,590,771 for the 2023-24 school year, $6,089,484 to $6,843,945 for the 2024-25 school year, $6,467,623 to $7,197,240 for the 2025-26 school year, and $6,494,078 to $7,308,118 for the 2026-27 school year, depending on whether voters pass general fund levies for those years. Editor Jesse Chaney can be reached at 406-447-4074, or find him on Twitter: @IR_JesseChaney. Concerned about COVID-19? Sign up now to get the most recent coronavirus headlines and other important local and national news sent to your email inbox daily. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The last nails are pounded while final coats of paint are brushed on. Cowboy hats and pioneer skirts are laid out. Trailers sit loaded down in driveways with an assortment of historical props. Helena-area high school students are busy putting the final touches on their floats in preparation for the 98th Annual Vigilante Day Parade on Friday. This year marks the parades return to its traditional format running through downtown Helena. In 2021 a Reverse Parade was held as people drove by floats that were set up at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds to better comply with COVID-19 restrictions. While last years format ensured the continuation of the parade, students are ready for the return to normalcy. Weve seen an increase in students wanting to get involved in things everything from clubs to the Vigilante Parade, said Brett Zanto, Capital High School principal. Students are wanting to get back to normal. Kids have been pretty let down the last few years, said Connor Rispens, a senior at Helena High School. Its a lot cooler to sit on the sidewalks downtown and hang out during the parade. The parade was pretty hectic last year, said Taylor Parisot, a junior at Helena High School. Having the parade go back to how it normally is will be a good time. The Vigilante Parade was started in May 1924 by Helena High Principal Albert J. Roberts, who wanted a safe alternative to class rivalry shenanigans that were raising safety concerns. The parade immediately became a beloved community tradition and has continued for nearly a century. Everyone looks forward to it (the parade) all day, said Rispens. I remember getting out of school early and sprinting from the middle school to downtown, said Parisot in remembering attending the parade when he was younger. The annual parade calls for high school students from the Helena Public Schools system to build floats centered on historic Helena themes. Students are given seven different categories to choose from, including American Indian, historic Helena, pioneer life, Helena business, famous people, mining transportation and antique vehicles. According to Zanto, approximately 75 floats will comprise this years parade menagerie that will weave its way through Helenas historic downtown. The float Parisot is working on will commemorate the Mann Gulch Fire that took place in 1949 along the Upper Missouri River in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness. As part of the float building process, students are required to research and write an essay detailing the historical significance of their float theme. Parisot explained that his float crew spent a lot of time researching the landscape of Mann Gulch as well as the airplane the smoke jumpers leapt out of to ensure they recreated the scene authentically. Parisot also shared that their float will have the added special element of being towed by an actual fire engine, thanks to the generosity of the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. Rispens, on the other hand, is helping build a float depicting the cabin of "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski, who once resided in the Lincoln area. He shared that this is a new float theme for the parade. We spent a lot of time researching pictures of the cabin to try to replicate it as best as we can, said Rispens. Zanto emphasized that the parade requires the hard work and collaboration of students and staff alike. This collaborative effort, Zanto explained, instills valuable skills in students to use later in life for college and/or career building. Parisot explained that because the rest of his float crew participates in track and field, theyve only been able to work on their float later in the evenings for the past week. Nonetheless, the students have been there to support each other, said Parisot. Throughout its nearly century-long history, the Vigilante Parade has maintained a reputation as one of Helenas most unique events. Its about peoples connection to the past, said Zanto. For people who have lived in this community their wholes lives, they remember visiting the same establishments and going to the same attractions that are depicted on the floats. Its a pretty cool experience to be on floats that I remember seeing as a kid, said Parisot. For the students, participation in the parade also leads to the creation of fond memories. Theyll look back and remember building their floats and being with friends, said Zanto. Its fun to be with friends working on something for the community, said Rispens. I would get so excited for the parade, and I want to make kids feel like how I did when I was younger. The Vigilante Parade is scheduled to begin at noon on Friday at the intersection of 11th Avenue and Last Chance Gulch. Floats will proceed through downtown Helena along Last Chance Gulch to Broadway; northeast on Broadway to Park Avenue; and north on Park Avenue to the parades end point at Gilbert and Benton Avenue. Its great to see the return of the parade in its traditional form, said Zanto. It takes the hard work of staff and students to keep putting this event on and I hope it continues to grow in participation numbers. I want to do my best to make sure everyone realizes that this parade is still a big deal, said Rispens. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Queen City Ballet Company & Conservatory will bid farewell to five senior dancers, some of whom will go on to professional dancing careers, with its spring performance of "Alice in Wonderland," a more than $60,000 production replete with lavish costumes, an ornate set and a 12-foot long Cheshire Cat. The show premiers Saturday at 7 p.m. with an encore performance slated for Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Helena Civic Center. "It's unlike any of the other performances we've ever done," Queen City Ballet Company's Ballet Mistress Jillian Rogers said in an interview during a dress rehearsal Monday evening. And Rogers should know. She has worked as ballet mistress for the past five years and was a student in the company as far back as 2001. Senior dancer Sam Stutz is 18 years old and has been with the company the past nine years. Stutz is playing the White Rabbit in this weekend's production. Though he will be attending the University of North Carolina's School of Fine Arts to study ballet, he said he will never forget his hometown company. "I'll definitely be coming back," he said. "I couldn't leave this place." Fellow senior dancer Elinor Goehring, a 16-year company veteran, said Queen City Ballet is irreplaceable. "It's always been what I needed in my life," Goehring said. "I've tried other things, but nothing is as perfect." Goehring is playing the lead role of Alice and said the part places just as much of an emphasis on acting as it does on dancing. "I'm stepping far out of my comfort zone," she said. Goehring plans to attend Virginia's Hollins University in the fall and double major in dance and English. Stutz said he has enjoyed playing the cartoonish role of the White Rabbit. "The show is very silly," he said. "I like it; I think it's fun to play those zany characters." Another senior, Kaden Pfister, was initially intended to play the role of the Mad Hatter, but recently signed a contract to perform with the Texas Ballet Theater Company. As a result, Queen City Ballet Artistic Director Campbell Midgley said she brought in a guest artist, Jeremy Studinski, a dancer with Colorado Ballet. Three other senior dancers are set to perform in this weekend's shows: Lizzie Johnson, Kaitlyn Ruch and Brooke Woodmansey. Midgley said while this weekend's production is a reprisal of 2019's performance, the company has added new elements, including new audio and visual effects and a new opening scene in Act 2. Stutz said he hopes theatergoers appreciate his company's attention to detail. "I think the audience can sometimes underestimate the amount of work that goes into these shows," he said, citing the moving set pieces, numerous props and hours of rehearsal. "I hope they'll be blown away by the professional quality and attention to detail." Those interested in attending either the Saturday evening or Sunday matinee performance can purchase tickets on the Helena Civic Center website (www.helenaciviccenter.com) or at the door. Ticket prices range from $15 for economy seating to $35 for box seating. VIP tickets that include drink service are $50. More information can be found at www.queencityballet.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. Kay Satre, Lois Fitzpatrick and incumbent Siobhan Hathhorn were elected Tuesday among eight candidates to fill three seats on the Helena Public Schools board of trustees. And the tax levies for the elementary school district and the high school district both appear to have squeaked by, with the latter winning by 17 votes after overcoming earlier results showing it would fail. However, there are 135 provisional ballots that remain to be counted, which could still turn the tide. Connor Fitzpatrick, Lewis and Clark County elections division supervisor, said people had until 5 p.m. Wednesday to come in and rectify provisional ballots. He expected those ballots to be counted by Monday. He said he is asking the Montana Secretary of States office if a recount is necessary for the high school levy. Luke Muszkiewicz, Helena Public Schools board chair, expressed appreciation to voters early Wednesday. These local levies make all the difference when it comes to attracting and retaining the finest educators in the state, he said in an email. Our dedicated staff deserve our continued investment. All three school board seat winners are educators, with Satre and Lois Fitzpatrick both having ties to Carroll College and Hathhorn serving as a teacher and principal at area schools. Satre was the top vote-getter, according to unofficial results posted online by the Lewis and Clark County Treasurer/County Clerks office. Satre got 8,096 votes, or 21.71%; Hathhorn received 7,362 votes, or 19.74%; and Lois Fitzpatrick garnered 4,930 votes, or 13.2%. Incumbent John H. McEwen will not get another three-year term, as he finished fourth with 4,274 votes, or 11.46%. Others in the race included Robert J. Durrant, Kalli Kind, Matt Gorecki and Greg Guthrie. I certainly feel excited and very honored to have been elected by my fellow Helenans, Satre said Wednesday, adding her congratulations to Hathhorn and Lois Fitzpatrick. Im excited, honored and looking forward to what is next. Satre said she wants to look at COVID-19-related effects on learning and the stresses on the community. Its going to take some concerted attention and effort to make sure we are addressing some of those impacts, Satre said. She said budgets and facilities are always on the docket of concerns. She said Helena will need to address shifts in population, noting Helena High School lost students when East Helena High School opened. Hathhorn, who said she was out removing campaign signs Wednesday, said she was excited and also super thankful she had good support from the community. I am ready to get to work and get some work done for the district, she said. Hathhorn said the district budget will be a top priority. She said the elementary school budget is not in super good shape. She said she also wanted to look at academic achievement by students, saying there was a slump during COVID-19 and she was waiting for end-of-year-results. She would like to continue to focus on getting the district back where it should be and commensurate with other AA schools. Lois Fitzpatrick said Wednesday she was thrilled and also surprised, but I am thrilled about winning a seat. A lot of people were in that race and it is quite an honor and I am going to do my best to live up to the confidence that the citizens have given me. She said her top goal is to support the students, staff and faculty of the schools. The two school levies appear to have passed, but not with an overwhelming majority. The elementary mill levy, which raises taxes on a $200,000 home by $3.62 annually and will generate a total of $160,302, passed with 52.19% of the vote. The high school levy, which raises taxes on a $200,000 home by $5.97 annually and will generate a total of $291,836, got 50.05% of the vote and won by 17 votes, 7,884-7,867. In the first round of votes posted online by the elections office, it was behind by 28 votes. According to the Montana Secretary of State's website, the trustees shall canvass the vote at its first regular or special meeting after getting the certified tally sheets from all the polls of the district. Connor Fitzpatrick, the elections division supervisor, said he thought Tuesday night went well, except for one glitch. It was his first election night for Lewis and Clark County and he did not have access to post the results online. He said he had to contact technical support for help. That was on me, he said. But he said overall he was pleased. If I was a citizen on the outside looking in, it went well, he said. The equipment worked as it should have. East Helena Public Schools Incumbents Scott Walter and Marcia Ellermeyer won the two seats up for election on the East Helena Public Schools board of trustees, according to unofficial results. With provisional ballots yet to be counted, Walter secured 33.25% of the vote with 1,160, while Ellermeyer locked up 25.31% of the vote with 883. Juliet Hahn has received 22.04% of the vote with 769, and Tristan Ulmer got 18.89% of the vote with 659. "I'm very excited to have won," Walter said. "I'm very humbled and appreciative of the district." Ellermeyer said she is thankful to the voters and is "excited to continue to serve." Walter is a bridge engineering manager for the Montana Department of Transportation and has been on the school board for 15 years. Ellermeyer works as an account executive and has been on the school board for 21 years. Both incumbents said in interviews Tuesday night the results felt like confirmation of their hard work. "Fortunately, we've been lucky enough to be a part of all the good work the district, board and community have done," Ellermeyer said. "There has been a lot of growth, and I think what sparked that growth was the strength and health of the district." Both agreed that the rapid growth of the district comes with both opportunities and challenges. "It's a great problem to have," Walter said. He said the will of the voters is pretty clear: "the community was pleased with our efforts and wants to see us continue." Walter congratulated fellow candidates Hahn and Ulmer. "They were great candidates, and I really appreciate them making the decision to run," he said. Ellermeyer agreed. "It's amazing and always great to see folks want to be involved in our district," she said. Other area races Robert Bennett and Constance Horder won in a three-candidate race for Trinity Elementary School Trustee District 4. Beth Lamping and Rick LePage won for fire service area trustee for Tri-Lakes, and Kajetan Bauer and Joane Bayer won for rural fire district trustee for Canyon Creek, according to the unofficial results. Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021. Love 6 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. Phil Drake Assistant Editor/Reporter Follow Phil Drake Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today They came from all walks of life. Ranchers, lawyers, housewives, ministers, teachers, auto dealers, a college professor, a graduate student, a beekeeper. And they came from all corners of the state and political persuasions. In January 1972, 100 ordinary citizens gathered in Helena to write a new Montana State Constitution. There had been no shortage of folks who wanted to be involved 515 campaigned to be delegates. Twenty-three-year-old reporter Chuck Johnson was there to cover it for The Associated Press. He would go on to be a political reporter for more than 45 years, most of it at the Capitol. Today, Thursday, May 5, at 4:30 p.m. Johnson will give a talk at the Montana Historical Society Rewriting Montanas Constitution: How it Happened. This is the first talk in a four-part MHS lecture series The Montana Constitution at Fifty at 4:30 p.m. every Thursday in May at the Montana Historical Society (https://mhs.mt.gov/). By a very slim margin, Montana citizens ratified a modern constitution June 6, 1972, with a strong bill of rights, environmental protections, sunshine laws and other major reforms. The constitution passed by 2,532 votes, or 50.55% to 49.45%. It replaced the 1889 Constitution drafted by the mining industry, when Copper King W.A. Clark had presided over the constitutional convention. One thing that was really different about the ConCon delegate group was 19 of the 100 were women, said Johnson. In the previous Legislature, just two of the 159 legislators were women. And women would have a dramatic impact on what went into the Constitution, Johnson said. The League of Women Voters played a huge role, he said, both lobbying for a convention and then a number of members were elected as delegates. Another dramatic change was a decision to share the power even though Democrats had a clear majority. And they decided to sit in alphabetical order, rather than splitting the chamber into different political parties sitting on opposite sides of the aisle. Half the committee chairs were Democrats and half were Republicans. They de-politicized things and it was important because whatever they came up with in the end had to be approved by the voters. The timing was right for change, said Johnson. On Thursday, he will talk about some of the dramatic events taking place in Montana and nationally that were altering the political landscape. For instance, extremely bad air pollution in Missoula and the heavily polluted Clark Fork River were major impetuses behind including the right to a clean and healthful environment in the Declaration of Rights. Johnson will also share some first-hand observations and insights about the exciting dynamics, debates and personalities. The new constitution called for some dramatic changes in government including: more citizen participation, an independent redistricting commission, more transparency and open records. One example, said Johnson, is that previously when legislative committees went into executive session to vote on whether to pass, amend or reject a bill those meetings had been closed to the public. The new constitution took those debates out of smoke-filled backrooms, he said, which, it turns out, really were smoke-filled. What Montana was doing drew national news coverage. A Time Magazine reporter called it A Peoples Crusade. We have such stellar speakers, said MHS Outreach and Interpretation Program Manager Martha Kohl, of the May programs. In addition to Johnson, retired legislator Carol Juneau, will be part of a panel discussion May 12: Indian Education and the 1972 Montana Constitution. Also on the panel is Joyce Silverthorne, who served as Director of the Office of Indian Education at the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. from 2012 through 2016, and Mike Jetty, Indian Education Specialist with the Office of Public Instruction. Indian Education for All is really, really unique, said Kohl. No other state has that in their constitution. May 19: Women and the 1972 Constitution with Diane Sands addresses how women were vital to the campaign for a new constitution. A Montana State Senator and former State House Representative, Sands directed the Montana Womens History Project from 1975 to 1990. Many of the women delegates talked and roomed together and strategized, said Kohl. And they did a lot of work to pass it. It was a real grassroots effort. Delegate Betty Babcock, former First Lady of Montana, was a huge advocate of the constitution and really, really worked for it. A number of the delegates were members of the League of Women Voters, who identified constitutional reform as the most critical step toward a more open, efficient and democratic state government. They worked closely with the American Association of University Women and other womens groups to ensure adoption. Closing out the series, former legislators Dorothy Bradley and Bob Brown are part of a panel discussion: May 26: Before and After the Montana Constitution of 1972. Joining them is Evan Barrett, a historian of the 1972 Constitutional Convention. Sunshine Laws were a huge change according to people who served under both constitutions, said Kohl. The new constitution required that all votes at the Legislature will be recorded. Previously politicians could vote one way and tell their constituents they voted the opposite way. Prior to the new constitution, citizen lobbyists were pretty much unheard of, said Kohl, except for the League of Women Voters. Constitution scholars think very highly of our constitution. The Constitution matters because it is the fundamental law of our state. It still guides our legislation. It affects peoples lives directly, right now, today. And it matters historically because there are some remarkable lessons looking back. You had 100 ordinary people from many different walks of life, who are not in politics come together, and they took their job very, very seriously and they left us this beautiful document. How could that not matter. All 100 delegates signed the constitution. All talks are in the MHS Auditorium, 225 N. Roberts St. Also live streamed, or find the archived recordings on the MHS YouTube Channel. Disclosure note: This writer is a member of the League of Women Voters. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Montana Attorney General's Office on Thursday announced it is appealing a district court judge's decision that found a legislative referendum to elect Supreme Court justices by region unconstitutional. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, in a separate motion, also asked the Montana Supreme Court justices to recuse themselves from hearing a case that could ultimately decide the future route for their re-elections. Voters deserve the opportunity to decide for themselves how Supreme Court justices are elected. Judges should not deprive Montanans of that opportunity, Knudsen, a Republican, said in a press release Thursday. The GOP-controlled Legislature passed a bill last year to put the question of electing justices by districts on the 2022 general election ballot. A group of voters, public officials and the League of Women Voters of Montana challenged the law in court, citing a similar ballot measure attempted by the Legislature nine years earlier that was also struck down in the courts. In that case, known as Reichert, the Supreme Court ruled the state Constitution requires justices to be elected on a statewide basis, considering the statewide reach of its decisions. Citing the earlier ruling, Gallatin County District Court Judge Peter Ohman also struck down the 2021 Legislature's attempt to eliminate at-large voting for Supreme Court justices. If the Legislature wanted to amend the state Constitution, it should have gone through that process, rather than through a ballot initiative, Ohman wrote. The Reichert case also provides a repeat scenario for Knudsen's request for the justices to recuse themselves. Two justices in the Reichert case had recused themselves and a third explained they were not seeking re-election, Knudsen wrote in the motion dated May 4. The remaining four justices ruled any district court judge who would replace the justices would potentially have interests in the outcome of how Supreme Court justices are elected, and therefore decided against disqualifying themselves. Knudsen argued in the motion that the current Supreme Court should forgo the court's earlier decision and step away from the case. "The state respectfully submits that all seven justices of this court none of whom have announced an intent to retire must recuse from this case," the motion states. "District court judges chosen at random from those not otherwise disqualified can adjudicate this case without those disqualifying interests." The judiciary and state GOP officials, Knudsen's office especially, have had a contentious past year. The Attorney General's Office publicly said it would disobey a ruling quashing a subpoena for Supreme Court records, and the justices also shot down a request by the Attorney General to disqualify themselves from hearing a case on their own records. Knudsen's office later appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the nation's high court declined to hear the case. "Their motion to disqualify the court is pretty hollow," Jim Goetz and Cliff Edwards, attorneys for the plaintiffs, said in a statement Thursday. The appeal is up against a tight deadline for the Supreme Court to issue a ruling. The deadline for the Montana Secretary of State to certify statewide ballot issues to election administrators is Aug. 25. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. Housing affordability, development and Montanas changing character topped the list of issues Montanans identified as serious problems facing the state in a poll commissioned by University of Montana researchers last month. A striking majority of poll respondents identified lack of affordable housing as a problem in Montana, with 77% calling the issue extremely or very serious. Development sprawling into what were once ranches or open lands was identified as an extremely serious or very serious problem by 55% of respondents. A similar segment of respondents, 57%, said growth and development is happening too fast in their communities. Crown of the Continent and Greater Yellowstone Initiative director Rick Graetz said in a release discussing the survey that its results indicate Montanans are anxious about the effects the states increasing popularity is having on their communities. Growth is important for Montanas economy, but decision-makers should also consider some of the anxiety we are seeing over its pace and impact on the land, Graetz said. This survey shows Montanans clearly want to keep our state livable, affordable and continue efforts to protect open lands and wildlife. The initiative, housed under UMs geography department, works with issues around the Crown of the Continent, a Northern Rockies ecosystem that includes Glacier National Park, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes stretches of central and southern Montana bordering Yellowstone National Park. Montanas overall population rose by 10% between 2010 and 2020, according to U.S. Census data, with particularly fast growth around urban areas such as Bozeman and Kalispell. Gallatin County, home to Bozeman, led the pack in terms of growth rate, adding new residents at three times the statewide rate. Many parts of Montana have also seen considerable home price appreciation in recent years, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The median single-family home price in Bozeman was $725,000 in March according to the Gallatin Association of Realtors, up from less than $500,000 two years ago. The median sales price in Flathead County in March was $609,000, according to Montana Regional MLS, up from $345,000 in March 2020. A researcher presenting before lawmakers last November said part of the affordable housing crunch can be attributed to demand outpacing supply, with the states inventory of housing units increasing by 7% over the last decade not enough to keep pace with population growth. The poll found that Montanans living in areas with the fastest growth rates tend to feel the greatest measure of unease about growth and development. About 70% of Missoulians polled said growth is happening too fast, as did 74% of respondents living in the Bozeman/Butte area. Approximately two in five respondents living in Great Falls, Billings or rural markets categorized the pace of growth as about right. Two firms, one Republican and one Democratic, conducted the survey. The poll surveyed 500 likely voters and reports a 4.4% margin of error. Pollsters conducted the survey by telephone and online between April 4-10. UM has commissioned surveys taking stock of voter attitudes on a similar suite of public land and conservation issues every other year going back to 2014. Montanans are slightly less likely to say clean water, clean air, open spaces and public land are a primary factor in how they decide whether to support an elected public official than they were then 44% this year, as compared to 48% eight years ago but more likely to consider themselves conservationists. In 2014, 67% of respondents considered themselves conservationists. That number in 2022 is 79%. Republican pollster Lori Weigel of New Bridge Strategy, who participated in an online presentation highlighting some of the surveys findings Tuesday, said theres overwhelming support for measures to mitigate growths impacts to wildlife, particularly along migration corridors. Weigel said such measures include constructing wildlife crossing structures, providing incentives for private landowners to conserve some of their land for wildlife habitat, and managing and conserving large blocks of public land to protect wildlife migration corridors. A majority of poll respondents said they were on board with the America the Beautiful Initiative. Sixty-six percent said they strongly or somewhat support that proposal. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they strongly or somewhat oppose it, and another 9% said they were unsure or refused to answer the question. About one-third of the respondents to the survey described themselves as Republican, one-quarter identified as Democrat, and the remainder, 43%, described themselves as independent or something else. A question about the long-stalled Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, which was described as an effort to ensure hunting and fishing access, safeguard streams flowing into the Blackfoot River, add nearly eight thousand acres of existing public land to the Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Mission Mountains wilderness areas, and create two new recreation areas and sustain timber harvest and habitat restoration, also garnered support from a majority, 83%, of respondents. That act, which U.S. Sen. Jon Tester introduced for a third time last year, is stalled due in part to the new wilderness designations, which Sen. Steve Daines opposes. Some environmental groups, including the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, are also opposed to the act, saying it gives away too much by expanding logging projects that could proceed without public input. A new question evaluating voter attitudes about how recreational marijuana taxes are used also showed strong consensus among Montana voters. Voters approved adult use legalization initiatives in 2020 and non-medicinal marijuana became legal for adult use on Jan. 1, 2022. Pollsters explained that one-third of the taxes generated by recreational marijuana sales are dedicated to maintaining state parks, improving trails and recreation opportunities, expanding public access and conserving wildlife habitat at risk of development, and asked respondents whether they support that allocation. A considerable majority, 82%, said they would like to maintain that use of recreational marijuana taxes rather than redirecting those funds to other purposes. According to figures from the Montana Department of Revenue, adult-use marijuana sales are expected to generate $8.7 million of state taxes in the first quarter of 2022 alone. This story is printed with the permission of the Montana Free Press. The original story can be accessed here. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Hong Kong: Daily reports help virus monitoring The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today said the requirement for residential care homes (RCHs) to report newly confirmed COVID-19 cases daily helps the department to continuously monitor the infection situation of each individual care home. The department made the statement today in response to media enquiries about the Government's new requirement for residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for people with disabilities to submit daily reports on newly confirmed cases at a specified time. It said that although the overall epidemic situation has been subsiding recently, the risk of a resurgence of cases in RCHs is still high, as can be seen from the emergence of newly infected cases in the care homes lately and the relatively low rate of residents having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. To effectively prevent a resurgence of the disease in the RCHs and a potential sixth wave of the epidemic, the department issued letters to all the care homes in April, requesting them to submit daily reports on the positive cases found by rapid antigen tests or newly confirmed cases on the previous day through the forms of daily reporting of new COVID-19 cases at residential care homes provided by the Centre for Health Protection starting April 1. The department noted that the information will help the health authorities make appropriate isolation or follow-up arrangements for residents and staff as soon as possible. It also made it clear in the letter that the RCHs are still required to complete and submit the forms even if no additional confirmed cases are found. This requirement aims to avoid epidemic loopholes due to omission of reports from the RCHs, which may lead to delayed isolation and serious consequences. Meanwhile, the department amended the codes of practice for RCHs, requiring them to strictly implement the measures. It repeatedly reminded each care home or operator by phone in April to seek assistance from the department if they encounter any difficulties when submitting the daily report forms. With the new code of practice taking effect on April 8, the SWD provided a grace period of more than one week. As at April 19, around 90% of the some 1,100 RCHs have completed the daily submissions on time, while 129 RCHs failed to do so and were issued warning letters on April 22. The Government thanked the care homes sector for its commitment to taking care of the residents as well as its contribution and devotion during the epidemic. Measures to enhance the anti-epidemic capabilities of RCHs to fight the ongoing epidemic are being explored and implemented, and the Government appeals to the sector for its support and co-operation. This story has been published on: 2022-05-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. India-headquartered QuadLabs Technologies, a premier travel technology company, has launched Konnect.travel, the worlds most affordable and most powerful on-cloud Travel CRM & Mid-Back-Office. Konnect.travel is an on-demand system for travel agents to manage their customer, bookings and financial ledgers. Its is a one-stop solution for all post sales management of bookings, business rules and automation of the business processes. Bookings from multiple sales channels can be managed at one place and processed till the final documentation & reconciliation with suppliers and customers. Konnect.Travel has an inbuilt CRM (customer relationship management) for client management, inquiry management and supplier management. It offers booking management for managing booking queues, importing PNR, and all after-sales activities. It has a full-fledged financial system to automate accounting and reconciliations. Gaurav Chiripal, CEO, said: The industry is on its way to bounce back after a pause for 2 years. Travel agents globally have understood the need of technology to manage their business and scale up with minimum cost. After serving some of the biggest OTAs & TMCs in the industry for past 15 years, we are very excited to launch Konnect.Travel at absolutely no cost to our SME customers. This will allow the agencies to have the best of technology to manage & simply their operations from one single system. Konnect.Travel & its features will be revealed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to be held in Dubai from May 9 to 12. Travel Agencies can visit Konnect.Travel and register themselves for a lifetime free subscription. QuadLabs said it is inviting all travel agencies globally to be a part of the change and maximize the use of technology in their operations. TradeArabia News Service CASEY Cinco de Mayo, typically a time of celebration at Mexican restaurants, is particularly significant this year for Cilantros Grill & Cantina in Casey. The restaurant and its 16-foot-long, 8-foot-tall metal taco are marking their first Cinco de Mayo in this Clark County community, where they both debuted last fall at 25 N.W. First St. on the south edge of downtown. Owner Hector Mendoza of Terre Haute, Indiana, who has two other Cilantros locations, said when he decided to open a Casey location, it seemed fitting to place a giant decoration out front. "Everything is a 'Big Thing' in Casey, so we wanted to fit in town," Mendoza said, referencing the world's largest and just-for-fun giant objects that Bolin Enterprises, Inc. of Casey has built in recent years as a tourism draw for this community as part of the "Big Things, Small Town" program. He added that his favorite "Big Thing" is the World's Largest Rocking Chair. The rocking chair was the center of attention Saturday when motorcyclist Brett Cue jumped his bike form the seat of the chair to a ramp constructed near it After considering different design options for his decoration, Mendoza said he chose a taco because it is an iconic image and would tie in well with Cilantros offering a wide variety of tacos. He commissioned Jalcraft artisan Alejandro Martinez of Tonala, Mexico, to create the giant taco, as well as two palm trees, tables, and chairs for the dining room at the restaurant. The 800-pound metal taco filled one-fourth of the semi-trailer that delivered it last fall to Cilantros, Mendoza said. A small tractor with a lift and 10 people were needed to move the taco into place, work that attracted the attention of a lot of curious onlookers. Mendoza said he was immediately impressed by the colorful metal slices of lettuce, tomato, radishes, peppers, onions and cilantro that fill the taco. He said they are vivid up close and at a distance. "You can see all the little details," Mendoza said. Curiosity in the giant taco has continued beyond the installation day. Mendoza said he has seen area residents and "Big Things" tourists take photos of this decoration, with several of them pretending to try to lift or eat the giant taco. Mendoza said he has been pleased to see many of them stop to eat at Cilantros. "You see a lot of people out there taking photos with the taco," said Casey City Clerk Jeremy Mumford, adding that lunch is usually a busy time for photos. Mumford said there had not been a Mexican restaurant in Casey for a few years, so he and other local Cilantros customers have appreciated being able to dine on tacos and other Mexican food in their small town again instead of having to drive to restaurants many miles away. Mendoza said he was drawn to Casey by many residents from this community traveling to dine at his restaurant in Terre Haute. He said he has been honored that Casey area customers have taken the time to get to know his staff members by name. Mendoza said he looks forward to Cilantros being able to celebrate its first Cinco de Mayo, which marks the Mexican army's May 5, 1862 victory over France, with his customers. "We've been happy to be here in Casey. The most friendly people you can find are in Casey," Mendoza said, adding that residents there have had a lot of practice at hospitality recent years while hosting visitors to the "Big Things." "They always welcome them." Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Folks, 43, was convicted by a Macon County jury in March of both first-degree murder and personally discharging a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of the 22-year-old victim. Presiding Judge Thomas Griffith imposed 25 years for the murder charge and 30 years for the weapons charge. The prison terms are to be served consecutively, with no possibility of parole. Prior to handing down the sentence, Griffith considered a handwritten petition from Folks arguing ineffective assistance of counsel, in which the defendant brought up several points he said proved his contention: That defense attorney Diane Couri had lied to me about the bullet (that killed Sanders) being a hollow point; that he had provided a list of character witnesses and witnesses to the events in question and that she had not produced them for the trial; that she pressed him to plead guilty to second-degree murder; that when she took over as his counsel after his previous attorney, Scott Rueter, was elected state's attorney she had not filed motions to suppress evidence including identification of his photo in a photo lineup shown to witnesses. Griffith said the point of whether the bullet was a hollow-point was not important, but asked Couri to speak to each allegation in turn. She said serving subpoenas to the people on Folks' list had been difficult because some of them could not be found quickly, and he had not been willing to delay his trial to give her more time to find them. As for the plea agreement, she said that as his attorney, her duty was to act in his best interest and she had advised him that accepting the plea was in his best interest but he had not agreed. The motions to suppress some of the evidence, Couri said, were frivolous and she could not file them. Ultimately, Griffith's decision was that Folks' petition lacked merit and that several of his points had already been considered during the trial. Folks had also asked that his legal counsel be dismissed and to represent himself for the sentencing, which Griffith denied. You're making this request solely for the purpose of delay, Griffith said. The rule is that a defendant is entitled to a fair trial, not a perfect trial. Before Griffith passed sentence, Folks' stepfather, Keith May, spoke on his behalf. He said his stepson had played the organ at church, had helped his mother, who has several health issues, and had run errands for her, had been employed full time and served in the Army, though he was dishonorably discharged for his refusal to handle guns. Members of Sanders' family also provided victim impact statements. The first to speak was Khemuel Sanders, Shemilah's uncle and twin brother to her father, Shemuel. It hurts so bad because I can't see her no more, he said. He thought of her as his own child, he said, because she was born shortly after his infant daughter died. Speaking directly to Folks, he said I loved Shemilah so much and you took that from us. Another uncle, Aaron Oldham, had difficulty speaking due to emotion. He said the last time he spoke to Shemilah was the day she was shot. Also speaking to Folks, who had been a friend of the family with whom both the Sanders brothers and Oldham had known since they were all children, he said, I wasn't sure I was even going to come today, but I felt you needed to see my face. I don't have hatred in my heart. You know me. Sanders' father, Shemuel, recalled arriving at the hospital the night she was shot, with some hope that she might pull through, only to find that she was brain dead. They were originally told by hospital officials that they weren't going to be allowed in to see her because of COVID-19 restrictions, but Sanders said he begged them to let him in anyway, and eventually they did. They were told she could hear what they said, so the family prayed for her and, he added, when they finished praying, a tear ran down Shemilah's cheek. Hearing that caused several members of the family to break down. We didn't want to go through this," Shemuel Sanders said of the court proceedings. That's why we wanted you to take the plea deal. All I wanted was for you to tell me you were sorry, but you showed me you don't have a heart. To Trebor Green, the father of Shemilah's two children, one of whom was a nursing infant when she died, Shemuel Sanders said, We're going to help you take care of them babies. You have a family here. Folks asked for permission to turn and face the family when he was given a chance to speak, which Griffith granted. He told them that he was sorry for their loss, and thinks of them and Shemilah every day, but maintains that he was not the one who shot Shemilah. I'm not the one who did this, he said. After the hearing was over, Shemuel Sanders, flanked by Shemilah's mother, Tamika Oldham, and his brother Khemuel, said it would have been impossible to get through the last two years without the family. In response to their loss, Shemuel Sanders founded the Shemilah Outreach Center, which seeks to teach young people job skills and steer them away from trouble because, he said, the gun violence in the streets must be stopped to prevent other families from this kind of tragedy. I can't really say how I feel, he said. It's not a win-win situation for nobody. Not for us, not for (Folks') family. I just wish this never happened. I wish that the outcome could have been different for my daughter. I wish my daughter was here. Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter 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. DECATUR Community members came together on Wednesday evening to discuss what is needed to achieve peace in their hometown. Based on research conducted by students at Millikin University, the success of any effort begins with young people. Anything we do needs to start with the youth, making sure they have everything they need to succeed in life, Millikin senior Gerald Lenoir. It can be better. Lenoir was one of the researchers who reviewed Decatur arrest data. We went over probation, IDJJ (Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice), diversion and detention, he said. Lenoir said he decided to join the criminal justice field to offer an African American male presence. I want to see more people like me, he said. The Decatur Peace Summit on Wednesday at the Salvation Army was the third meeting in a series of four. The topic for the event, Where are we now?, addressed the needs of the community and youth. You cannot have a peace hub without a general understanding of what peace is, what peace looks like, what peace feels like, said Keyria Rodgers, director of Millikin Universitys Criminal Justice Department and director of Teen Justice with Illinois Juvenile Justice Commissioner. This is all leading up to the first community-wide restorative justice meeting, Rodgers said. For their research, Rodgers and her classes spoke to members of the community as well as focus groups. People said what it is they wanted to see as far as resources that we can bring to Decatur, she said about their findings. Information was provided on the juvenile justice system and the state, including programs associated with arrests. The community was invited to Wednesdays meeting, so we can continue to have discussions and dig deeper, Rodgers said. We still have a long way to go in Illinois. The keynote speaker for Wednesday's discussion was Heather Canuel, who holds four titles all aimed at bringing inclusion and progress to the youth and other members of the community. As an organizer for Illinois Humanities, she provides grants in humanities and arts. She is also an organizer for the Illinois Coalition of Education in Prison. I help hire teachers to go inside of prisons, Canuel said. The Women's Justice Institute is also listed on her resume. The organization attempts reach women who have lived through life altering experiences, "and to be able to open up and to give them resources, to build that self-esteem, to let them know they are not alone, Canuel said. As a founder of Art from the Heart, she hosts sessions in Decatur for children whose parents have been incarcerated. Canuel spoke about the resources while telling her story, which included giving birth 18 years ago while handcuffed to a bed after she was arrested. She also talked about the impact of Illinois laws on women and youth and the various resources available for the Decatur community. Theres all kinds of programs that Decatur qualifies for, she said. But theres not a lot of resources and not a lot of hope either. The fourth summit will be the first community-wide Restorative Justice meeting, scheduled for Aug. 4, at the Salvation Army. All of these summits are leading up to the creation of a Peace Hub for Decatur, Rodgers said. The way to do that is to make sure there is an actual community unit. For more education and understanding of the focus, a free training on diversity, equity and inclusion will be available to the public in June. Information on the training will be coming soon. The training is valued at $20,000, according to Rodgers. The discussions will include biases, privilege, discrimination, harassment, trauma and other topics. Its going to be pretty intense, said facilitator Nicki Bond. The community is invited, especially law enforcement, firefighters, healthcare professionals and others impacted by the current state of the environment. If you want your voice to be heard, this is the place to be able to come, Bond said. Were going to create an inclusive and safe space to be able to have dialogue and conversation. Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983. Follow her on Twitter: @donnettebHR 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. ST. CHARLES A former guard at a juvenile detention center in St. Charles has been found guilty of prompting detainees to intimidate and attack each other, officials said. Michael M. Klimek, 46, of Yorkville, was found guilty by a jury last week of official misconduct and aggravated battery in a public place, Kane County State's Attorney's Office officials said in a news release. In January 2016, Klimek, a guard at Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles, facilitated and encouraged certain juvenile detainees to physically attack other juvenile detainees and stood idly by during the attacks, prosecutors said. He was acting in his official capacity when he engaged in the acts, officials said. A youth who was beaten in the shower by two other detainees reported the incident to a therapist, who filed an incident report and launched an investigation, Kane County Assistant State's Attorney Margaret O'Brien said. The youths were able to enter the shower after Klimek unlocked the door for them, according to prosecutors. Klimek is due back in court on Aug. 8 for sentencing. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 EDWARDSVILLE Deon January had a message for Amazon on Tuesday: You failed to protect her son and five others who died in a tornado at an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in December. January spoke during a news conference hosted by her attorneys, who last month filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on behalf of her late son, 28-year-old DeAndre Morrow. The lawsuit is against Amazon and the companies that oversaw construction of the warehouse damaged by the tornado. "Amazon had plenty, plenty of time to alert everyone and they failed to do that and they need to be held responsible," January said. As she cried talking about DeAndre, she was comforted by her husband, Jerrett, and her daughter, Jerriah. "It's difficult, day by day as a Mom," January said. "It's not OK. It's not OK." January said her son wanted to open businesses such as coin laundries and car washes. He wanted to help the homeless. Amazon released a statement last week that defends the company's actions. "The tornado that hit our delivery station was extreme and very sudden, with winds that were much like the force of a category 4 hurricane, and we believe our team did the right thing, moving people to shelter as soon as the warning was issued," according to an email from Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel. "The storm in Edwardsville last fall was a tragedy and our teams on the ground continue to support our employees and the broader community as they work to recover," Nantel said. Along with January, the other speakers in the news conference at Mount Joy Baptist Church in Edwardsville included one of her attorneys, Ben Crump who is known nationally for representing George Floyd's family in Minneapolis and delivery drivers who survived the tornado. They criticized Amazon's actions before the tornado and since. "People died because you put profit over safety," said Crump of Tallahassee, Florida. As a companion to the wrongful-death lawsuit, an emotional distress lawsuit has been filed on behalf of four drivers who survived the tornado against Amazon and the companies that oversaw the construction of the warehouse. Other plaintiffs are expected to be added to the lawsuit, according to Jennifer Hightower, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs. Morrow and five others died when the warehouse walls and roof collapsed in an EF3 tornado packing winds of up to 150 mph at about 8:27 p.m. on Dec. 10. The 1.1 million-square-foot building was on Gateway Commerce Drive near the intersection of Interstate 255 and Interstate 270. Amazon drivers recall night of tornado A driver who survived the tornado, Jamarco Hickman, 32, of Godfrey, is one of the plaintiffs who spoke Tuesday. Hickman described that night of the tornado: "Hearing those walls collapse. The sounds of the loud roar of the tornado, when it slammed into our building. And you just don't know, anything could fly at you. "My fear of death, I could just not put into words. I was terrified. My co-workers were terrified." Hickman said he has not received any assistance since the tornado. He lost his job and his 2015 Hyundai Elantra was totaled by the walls that collapsed at the warehouse. Teresa Haley, president of the NAACP of Illinois, said she hopes someone hearing Hickman's story will donate a car to him. Hickman said he has suffered financially and mentally since the tornado and that he is getting counseling because he is depressed. The Edwardsville Community Foundation received a $1 million donation from Amazon the day after the tornado, but a representative from the group could not be reached for comment on Tuesday about how the money is being used. Another driver, Jada Williams, 26, of Glen Carbon said she rushed back to the warehouse after hearing from her cousin about tornado warnings. "As soon as I put the van in park, the building just started falling down," Williams said. "I honestly thought the building was going to keep falling." Williams says she now has trouble getting sleep. "It's like every time I try to go to sleep, I jump up and think about what happened in the building," she said. Amazon warehouse didn't have storm shelter Crump said Morrow's family and the surviving drivers are like "little Davids" going against the "Goliath" of Amazon. "You are wrong, Amazon, and we have to speak truth to power," Crump said. "Amazon is one of the most powerful entities in the world and these families, these victims, with the community here in Edwardsville" are standing up to the company. Crump said he found it ironic that you can buy a storm shelter on Amazon's website but the retail giant didn't have one in the Edwardsville warehouse. He noted that two people also died in an Amazon warehouse in a tornado in Baltimore in 2018. Crump said he and the plaintiff attorneys are representing those "who were tragically affected and injured in that catastrophe that happened here in Edwardsville that we believe was completely preventable if Amazon lived up to its words. And those word's were, 'We aim to be Earth's safest place to work. We are committed to the safety and well being of all Amazon employees every day.' "But that wasn't true on Dec. 10." The Occupational Safety and Health Administration last week announced that it would not issue a citation against Amazon because the retail giant "met minimal federal safety guidelines for storm sheltering." OSHA said it recommends Amazon make the following changes: "Ensure that all employees are provided training and participate in emergency weather drills. Include site-specific information in severe weather emergency plans. All audible warning devices and locations of the device should be clearly identified in the severe weather emergency plan and readily accessible." OSHA said its investigation showed that a megaphone at the Edwardsville warehouse was locked in a cage at the time of the tornado and was not accessible. Instead, managers verbally told workers to go to a bathroom in the building. Crump said OSHA made a "scathing" report of Amazon's actions. "And that report completely contradicted Amazon's statement about being the safest place on Earth for employees to work and that their employees are their most valuable commodity," he said. A previous wrongful-death lawsuit was filed earlier this year on behalf of Alice and Randy McEwen, the parents of 26-year-old Austin McEwen, who died in the tornado. The four others who died in the tornado are Clayton Lynn Cope, 29, of Alton; Etheria S. Hebb, 34, of St. Louis; Larry E. Virden, 46, of Collinsville; and Kevin D. Dickey, 62, of Carlyle. BND reporter Megan Valley contributed information for this article. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 President Joe Biden likes to say that we are locked in a global battle pitting democracy against autocracy. In Seattle last week, he described a phone conversation he'd had with Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader argued that democracy doesn't work anymore. Among other things, Xi said, democracy requires consensus, and mustering a consensus takes too long in a fast-moving world. Only autocracies are equipped to meet the extraordinary challenges of modern times. Biden, as he does every time he tells the story, dismissed the idea that democracy is passe or unworkable. But I've begun to wonder whether Xi might be on to something. We Americans often treat our liberal democracy as a national religion, and routinely assert, as if no evidence were needed, that it is the most moral, just, effective and admirable system on Earth. But few would deny that there's been some disturbing evidence to the contrary in recent years. The Jan. 6 riot, of course, was a low point. Then there was the chaotic, inefficient, politicized response to the pandemic. The continuing legislative paralysis in Washington. The strongest evidence of democracy's weakness, however, has got to be the tepid U.S. response to climate change over the last 25 years. An epochal, Earth-threatening catastrophe is barreling toward us, poised to upend life as we know it. As one of the world's wealthiest countries and greatest historic emitters of carbon, we obviously should be leading an urgent and aggressive charge to protect the planet. But we're not. Elected officials have no incentive to support policies that require pain and sacrifice today in exchange for future gain. Pay twice as much for gas? Don't drive? Don't fly? In most cases, courageous politicians who supported such policies would be voted out of office. What's more, too many Americans believe the climate crisis is terribly exaggerated, despite a scientific consensus that it's not. This anti-intellectual strain has always existed in American political culture, but the number of science-skeptical voters seems to have grown during the Trump years. Even post-Trump, we face a deep, bitter, partisan polarization. A dysfunctional Congress. An ongoing effort to undermine the 2020 election. An assault on voting rights. Add to that a host of long-standing structural problems. A system that allows congressional district lines to be manipulated for partisan advantage. Campaign finance laws that let mega-rich Americans and giant corporations spend unlimited amounts to influence elections. An anachronistic Electoral College and filibuster rules that are undermining the notion of majority rule. And good luck fixing these problems. Making reforms and passing laws in a country this divided is extremely difficult, and amending the Constitution is nearly impossible. A newly empowered conservative Supreme Court won't make it easier. In recent years, Freedom House, which rates and ranks democracies around the world, has downgraded the U.S. so that it now ranks close to Panama and Romania, and 10 points below "traditional peers" such as the United Kingdom and Germany. And it's true that the United States has never lived up to its own lofty ideals. Liberty, equality, fairness, the evenhanded rule of law these are aspirations, not yet achievements. But here's the flip side: Despite democracy's glaring flaws, autocracy isn't the answer. Those who see hope in the Orbans, the Le Pens and the Trumps, much less in the Xis and Putins, should think again. Freedom House, for the record, says China is "increasingly repressive" and is "tightening control over all aspects of life." Describing Russia, Freedom House refers to "loyalist security forces, a subservient judiciary, a controlled media environment, and a legislature consisting of a ruling party and pliable opposition factions." These are not the conditions under which most people would choose to live. But beyond that, there's no evidence despite Xi's assertions that China or any other autocratic country has a much better track record on addressing climate change or solving its domestic problems. The unsatisfying reality is that democracy is difficult work. Americans need to fix the Senate. Disentangle money and campaigns. Ban gerrymandering. Restore democratic norms. To do so, citizens must understand the issues, vote their consciences, agitate for change and act cooperatively, even with opponents. We have a long distance to go (and with regard to climate change, very little time). But democracy is a long-term project. It doesn't come wrapped in bright colors with a bow around it. You've got to fight for it. Nicholas Goldberg is an associate editor for the Los Angeles Times. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The Food and Drug Administrations move Thursday to ban menthol cigarettes should have been a moment of unfiltered elation for Mignonne Guy. Instead, she was fuming over the gaslighting that followed. Yesterday, I was on fire, said Guy, chair of the Department of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, who specializes in medical racism and health inequities. She was angry over the misinformation and disinformation on social media and other platforms intended to spark African Americans to defend an indefensible product. Nearly 85% of all non-Hispanic Black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes; 30% of non-Hispanic white smokers use menthols, according to the FDA. I want the public to know theyre being targeted again, Guy told me Friday. She anticipates a long legal fight ahead by the cigarette industry against this proposed ban. But if Black lives truly matter, we need to look askance at cigarettes, which disproportionately kill Black people. African American men have the highest rates of lung cancer in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The tobacco industry, Guy said, went from forcing us to grow and pick the tobacco to really targeting us to use the tobacco. In an interview with VCU News, she called the proposed ban which would also prohibit characterizing flavors in cigars historic and long-overdue action to protect all of our nations children, advance health equity and save lives, especially among Black Americans and other populations that have been targeted by the tobacco industry and suffered enormous harm from the predatory marketing of these products. When I committed to studying tobacco as a graduate student, it was solely for this moment, Guy said. I learned very early on that the tobacco industry manipulated menthol products to increase their addictiveness, that they targeted Black, low income White, LGBTQ+, and young people to use these products that, if used as intended, they would likely die from. My goal, she said, was to contribute to the body of evidence that would lead to the ban of menthol cigarettes and put a stop to the industry preying on Black communities. The marketing of menthol cigarettes to Black consumers was made easier by redlining and housing segregation. I grew up in a household where menthol cigarettes were smoked. Kool a brand that would have a jazz festival named after it appeared to be the brand of choice. The cooling effect of the menthol made the cigarettes easier to inhale, making for a more pleasant experience. My parents managed to quit. But it was too late for my father, Wilbert Williams, who was diagnosed with lung cancer before his death three decades ago. Stoking Guys ire Thursday was the alliance between cigarettes and some Black leaders, including Al Sharpton, who acknowledged in an article in The New York Times that his National Action Network has received financial support from the tobacco industry. Sharpton, in a letter to Susan Rice, the Domestic Policy Council director, wrote that the menthol ban would have unintended consequences and severely target and harm African American smokers, who overwhelmingly prefer menthol cigarettes. A menthol ban would impose serious risks, Sharpton wrote, including increasing the illegal sale of smuggled, black market menthol cigarettes as well as the street sales of individual menthol cigarettes loosies and in turn place menthol smokers at a significant risk of entering the criminal justice system. Sharpton knows better. Yes, Eric Garner, after being accused of selling loosie cigarettes, died from a chokehold by a New York City police officer in 2014. But to cynically turn this tragedy on its head is to ignore tens of thousands of African Americans who die of tobacco-related deaths each year. The targeting and harm of Black people by the cigarette industry is not an unintended consequence. The FDA ban would apply only to manufacturers and retailers. As the agency states: The FDA cannot and will not enforce against individual consumer possession or use of menthol cigarettes or any tobacco product. And state and local law enforcement agencies do not independently enforce the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, the FDA stated. Or as Guy told VCU News: This fearmongering cannot hide the fact that it is the industry itself that preyed on and caused so much harm and death to Black Americans through the targeted marketing of menthol cigarettes. This is not a question of criminalizing Black smokers; it is a question of saving Black lives. Numerous organizations have endorsed a menthol cigarette ban, including the NAACP, the Congressional Black Caucus and a broad coalition of 77 public health, medical, education and community organizations. No Black activist should dare defend a product that has taken so many Black lives. Disregard the smoke and mirrors. Williams: Twitter weaponized free speech. If Musk loosens the reins, he jeopardizes democracy. Michael Paul Williams a columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary "for penetrating and historically insightful columns that guided Richmond, a former capital of the Confederacy, through the painful and complicated process of dismantling the city's monuments to white supremacy." Williams: 'That could be me.' Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation is a supreme moment for the American dream Michael Paul Williams a columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Commentary "for penetrating and historically insightful columns that guided Richmond, a former capital of the Confederacy, through the painful and complicated process of dismantling the city's monuments to white supremacy." Michael Paul Williams is a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va.; read more of his columns on Richmond.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Sun and clouds mixed. Near record high temperatures. High 96F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. The expansion of a Bristol, Tennessee corporation will create more than 50 jobs in Sullivan County. Tri-City Extrusion, Inc. (TCE) announced a $30.8 million expansion project Thursday to construct a new 120,500-square-foot facility at the Bristol Business Park. In a press release from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announcing the project, Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable tipped his cap to all the partners who helped keep the aluminum extruders expansion local. This project was very competitive and hard-fought, which proves that our best companies are other states best prospects, which is why we spend the effort we do on existing industry services, Venable stated in the release. The teamwork of the city of Bristol, BTES, and NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership with our partners at TNECD and TVA was a key factor that led to todays announcement. Bristol Tennessee Mayor Mahlon Luttrell applauded the city and states attractiveness to businesses. Our record as a pro-business, high-quality-of-life city, county and state is a winning one, Mahlon said in the release. Just as TCE has built its reputation as the extruder of choice, we believe we are the business location of choice. Tom Anderson, economic development director for Bristol, Tennessee, said the jobs the project brings with it are good paying and will require skilled labor. He also acknowledged the combined effort, referenced by Venable, to keep TCEs growth local. We all came to the table with something to make sure that when they did expand that they expanded here, Anderson said. TCEs new facility will expand manufacturing operations, increase distribution space and allow upgrades to manufacturing equipment. With the added jobs, the metal supplier will employ nearly 200 people in Bristol. According to Anderson, TCEs expansion is one indicator that the future of economic development in Bristol and Sullivan County is a bright one. Our retail sector is extremely strong, Anderson said. Our housing market is growing. Industrial wise, logistically we make sense for a lot of companies. Several more economic development projects will be announced in the near future and will bring hundreds of additional jobs to the county, Anderson said. According to the announcement, TNECD has supported 45 economic development projects in Northeast Tennessee over the last five years that have resulted in roughly 4,200 job commitments. 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. Nine Southwest Virginia localities combined to report a 120% increase in new COVID-19 cases during the past week while Northeast Tennessee recorded a 15% rise, with more than 500 total new cases. There were 262 new cases across Southwest Virginia during the past seven days, compared to 119 during the previous week, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Washington County Virginia reported 57 new cases last week, compared to 29 the week prior. Scott County reported 51 new cases, Smyth County had 43, Tazewell County 32 and the city of Bristol had 20 new cases, up from 14 the week prior, according to VDH. We have anticipated that we would see a rise in cases, similar to what some other parts of the country are experiencing, although we do not expect to see a corresponding rise in hospitalizations or deaths, Breanne Forbes Hubbard, population health manager of the Mount Rogers health district, said. There are a few factors that may be contributing to the uptick in cases - there are several omicron sub-variants circulating nationally that appear to spread more easily; people may be experiencing waning immunity from prior infection or vaccination; and people are gathering together for spring holidays and celebratory events. About half of the regions population remains unvaccinated and only about half of them have received booster vaccinations, according to VDH. The best way to protect yourself and your plans for the coming months is to get vaccinated and stay up to date on your boosters. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about whether or not you should get a booster right now. It continues to be important for folks to stay home when sick, and please get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, Forbes Hubbard said. Three counties Dickenson, Lee and Russell -- actually reported fewer total cases over the period due to some record-keeping changes and are shown as having zero new cases. The increase in cases reported for May 4 is due to an error by a reporting laboratory sending duplicate cases which VDH has identified and excluded. This error slowed the verification process for cases, resulting in a batch reported on one day instead of over the last few days, according to a statement on the state health department website. The data, including the seven-day average changes daily (by 10 a.m.) and the rates will change every day depending on the number of cases counted in the previous 7 days. Today, for instance, there are negative numbers, reflecting the health department's work to remove duplicate records and transfer cases to appropriate jurisdictions. On Thursday Dickenson County was shown with 3,314 total cases since the pandemic began, which is nine less than the 3,325 reported last Friday. Lee County reported 6,183 total cases on Thursday, 25 less than the 6,208 reported last Friday. And Russell County reported 6,855 total cases compared to 6,867 last Friday. Minor adjustments to data havent been uncommon over the past two years. Northeast Tennessee new case rates were relatively unchanged except in Sullivan and Washington counties. Sullivan reported 100 new cases up 19% - while Washington County totals rose 24% to 62 new cases over the period from April 24-30, the most recent figures reported by the Tennessee Department of Health. Coinciding with these increases, the seven-day testing positivity average is up in many areas after dropping below 5% last month. Sullivans rate was highest in the region at 9.9% last week and was based on an average of 124 tests daily while Washington County Tennessee was 8.8%, based on 101 tests per day. Three other Northeast Tennessee counties were above 5%, the target to limit community spread. Tennessees positivity rate was 8.1% while Virginias climbed past 10% to 10.6% on Thursday. Virginias Mount Rogers Health Districts testing rate was 8.3% on Thursday, while the LENOWISCO district was 5.7% and Cumberland Plateau was 3.8%. The Centers for Disease Control on Thursday continued to rank all the counties and cities of this region as having low levels of community spread. Ballad Health System treated 26 COVID positive inpatients at its hospitals Thursday and continues to average in the mid-20s to low 30s, a spokesperson said. Since the pandemic began in 2020, about 26% of all residents of far Southwest Virginia have been diagnosed with the disease based on data from the Virginia Department of Health. The highest rate was in Norton where a third of residents have had the disease, followed by Smyth County with 29%. Buchanan County had the lowest rate at 24%. The average rate is 30% in Northeast Tennessee with six of 10 counties at 30% or more, Cocke and Greene counties had the highest rates at 32% while Sullivan was at 29%, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. 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. Dubais recently-opened farm-to-table restaurant, Teible, located at Jameel Arts Centre will host a series of culinary masterclasses as part of the Dubai Food Festival line-up from May 9 to 10. It will showcase skills used in the complex world of fermentation, and the creation of low-waste sourdough. Priding itself on a no-waste, locally sourced approach, Teibles kitchen ensures all ingredients are used to their full potential through use of fermentation, pickling and preserving, and for the first time, Executive Chef Carlos Frunze and Executive Pastry Chef Sheerin Ghaffar will be hosting masterclasses to educate budding chefs and eager home cooks on how to minimise waste in the kitchen through fermentation. The first Low Waste Sourdough Masterclass with Chef Sheerin will take place on May 9 at 1pm, and invites attendees to delve into how to make a simple sourdough starter from scratch, as well as its alternative uses by repurposing the discarded products all with the aim of educating participants on how wastage can be minimised in a simple and effective way. Fermentation Masterclass On May 10, the Fermentation Masterclass with Chef Carlos will take place at 3pm and will highlight the main pillars of fermentation, as well as compare the reactions of fermentation on different ingredients such as vegetables, dairy products, and the liquid form. The interactive masterclass will provide first-hand exposure to the mechanism and benefits of fermentation in depth, allowing attendees to gain knowledge on fermentation, and to experience the flavour profiles the process creates. Both masterclasses are priced at AED550 ($150) per person to attend. Registration is essential and slots per class are capped at 10 people. Bookings can be made by e-mailing [email protected] Teible is located at Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8am to 4pm and 6pm to 11.30pm daily and is closed on Tuesdays.-- TradeArabia News Service A leaked draft majority opinion that suggests the Supreme Court is poised to overturn federal protection of abortions has added fuel to an already hotly-debated subject, sparking impassioned responses across the nation on both sides of the issue. Those sides and the national debate were evident in Bristol Wednesday morning as anti-abortion and abortion rights advocates took to West State Streets sidewalks near the Bristol Regional Womens Center. Protestors on both sides of the issue regularly line the sidewalks, but the turnout appeared to be larger on this bright spring morning. If the leaked opinion, published Monday by Politico unfolds as expected, decisions on abortion laws would shift to individual states. In the draft opinion Justice Samuel Alito, who reportedly penned the document, said the landmark cases Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey were wrongly decided and that decisions on abortions should be returned to elected representatives. Roe was on a collision course with the Constitution from the day it was decided, the draft opinion reads, "and Casey perpetuated its errors, and the errors do not concern some arcane corner of the law of little importance to the American people. Rather, wielding nothing but raw judicial power, the Court usurped the power to address a question of profound moral and social importance that the Constitution unequivocally leaves for the people. Anti-abortion advocates who dotted the sidewalks near the Bristol Regional Womens Center in Bristol, Tenn., Wednesday welcomed the news. Roe was an evil decision. Its an unconstitutional decision and they should absolutely overturn it, said Erika Schanzenbach, who has demonstrated near the womens center once a week for the last nine years. Schanzenbach said shes feels compelled to use her voice to speak up for who she called pre-born children. The primary thing is that I am a Christian person and Gods word tells me to love my neighbor as myself and if my life were in danger, Id want other people to speak up for me, so I come out here to speak up for them, she said. Schanzenbach is part of an informal group comprised of individuals and local church members who hope to divert women seeking abortions at the womens center to a nearby crisis pregnancy center. Were actively seeking to make contact with women who are planning to abort, Schanzenbach said. We want to talk to those women. . . We want to help. If theres resources that they need, we want to help them find those, but we want to also share the gospel message with them. Schanzenbach said help could come in the form of financial assistance for things like rent, or baby care items. She said the group also knows couples who are willing to adopt children. She recalled one woman she met elsewhere who needed help with an immigration attorney. So we helped her pay the immigration attorney so that she could get a green card and could provide for her baby, she said. On the edge of the womens center parking lot, members of the Bristol Pink Defenders stand guard. The pro-choice group has, for a few years now, been helping shield womens centers patients as they come in, blocking out the sound and sight of the anti-abortion advocates. Wednesdays anti-abortion protest activities were relatively calm, Rowan Skeen said. Other than the occasional call out from an anti-abortion advocate or from a motorist passing by, it was mostly quiet. In previous years, though, and as recently as last fall, Skeen said patients have been harassed and heckled by anti-abortion protesters while entering and leaving the clinic. Theres also been known clashes between the two groups. Theyre trying to bully people into giving birth, Skeen said. And its important to protect people from that, because theyre invading their privacy, they write down their license plate numbers, and we just do our best to prevent that as best we can to give people a peaceful doctors visit. In that effort, the group erected fabric barriers that stretch around the lot and close a fabric gate as patients pull in to block the view. Near the edge of the entrance, a large speaker plays low background noise, ready to be turned up if anti-abortion advocates begin to yell. At times, Skeen said, protesters use bull horns and sound amplifiers. There have even been people who have used ladders to access the centers roof to see and be seen. Skeen and other group members believe their efforts have been effective. Their presence makes it difficult for people to harass and trespass, which is why its so calm now, but I am afraid that it might not stay like that, Skeen said. News of the leaked draft opinion was met with contempt, but without disbelief. There were a lot of emotions, but surprise wasnt one of them, John White said. I think the important thing is that we make sure people know that you cant ban abortion, said Stephanie Rosenwinge, you just make it unsafe. . .A lot of us have mothers that remember high school friends dying from coat hanger abortions. My mother can tell you stories. We just want people to be safe. We just want women to have access to safe health care. Rosenwinge said she has a granddaughter. And I worry for her future. More than a dozen states, including Tennessee, have trigger laws in place to take effect should Roe be overturned. Within 30 days of Roe being struck down, the Tennessee law would make providing an abortion a felony. The law falls short of a total ban, though, leaving an exception for when a pregnancy puts a mothers life at risk. Rosenwinge and other Pink Defenders were part of a group of approximately 100 people who gathered in support of womens rights at Founders Park in Johnson City, Tennessee Tuesday night. Rosenwinge said she was shocked at the turnout at the spur-of-the-moment rally. You think you cant do anything locally and then you see that sort of activism and you see the turnout and it gives you a little hope. It gives you a little energy, Rosenwinge said. It kind of energized me. Hey, you know were starting conversations. Were making a difference and sometimes thats all you can ask. Sometimes you feel all gloom-and-doomy with some of the things you see on the news and then you see that last night and theres your glimmer of hope. While the leaked draft opinion indicates the Supreme Court is likely to overturn Roe, Schanzenbach and other anti-abortion advocates say theyll continue to persist in their efforts. We dont know what their ruling is actually going to be, Schanzenbach said. Weve all seen the document, but we dont know if thats going to be their opinion that they actually issue, so I dont treat it like its a for sure decision. Its not legislation, its not law, said Tim Vernot, who stood across from the entrance of the womens center. Vernot and fellow anti-abortion advocate Harrison Murphy acknowledged that even a ban on abortions wouldnt put an end to them. Abortion will not end until the people repent and find murder heinous in their sight as it is in Gods sight, Vernot said. At no point do we stop preaching the gospel and condemning murder, Murphy agreed. Even if its completely outlawed, the people of Bristol, and I know even Abingdon, everywhere, the majority of them would still be perfectly fine with murder. Should the Supreme Courts final decision unfold as expected and Tennessees trigger law goes into effect, Schanzenbach said she still would not be totally satisfied. That doesnt end the work that needs to be done, because even if Roe is overturned, we still dont have protection for our preborn human beings, so theres a lot of work to be done regardless of what they decide, she said. We need to protect preborn children in the same way that we want ourselves to be protected, she later elaborated. Its very selfish of us to say I want laws against homicide to protect me, but I dont want laws against homicide to protect the lives of children. Were not looking for a bunch of new laws, we just want laws against murder to apply equally to everyone. As for Skeen, she said, Im mostly going to cross that bridge when it happens, because I dont know what we can do and what the future holds, but well hopefully be able to do something. Across the state line in Virginia the future of abortions is less clear. Generally regarded as a blue state until last fall, Virginia has no trigger laws, meaning abortion would remain legal in the commonwealth, but that could change. In a Tuesday statement, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin condemned the leak, saying he was in disbelief that the sacred confidentiality of the Supreme Court would be violated in this manner. Sadly, this leak was done in order to cause chaos and to put pressure on justices and elected officials, he went on to say. Its premature to speculate on what the Supreme Courts decision will be; however, we learned from listening to Virginians over the last year that we have much common ground on this issue. I am pro-life, and I have been very clear about that since the day I launched my campaign. In the past, Youngkin has advocated for bills that would ban abortions after 20 weeks, the period during gestation at which a fetus is believed to feel pain. Hes also said he believes in exceptions for cases of rape and incest, and when a mothers life is in jeopardy. The Supreme Court is set to make its final decision on the matter in June. Until that time, Youngkin said, his administration will focus on getting a state budget passed. Virginias liberal camp, however, has vowed to block any attempt to criminalize abortions in the commonwealth. While Republicans snagged a majority in the House of Delegates last fall, Democrats still hold the Senate, and control what legislation makes it onto the Senate floor. Virginia Democrats are deeply committed to protecting Virginians right to an abortionand ensuring that the commonwealth will not be pushed back to the restrictions of the 1950s and 60s when it comes to womens equality, Susan Swecker, who chairs the Democratic Party of Virginia, said. We will fight every single effort put forward by Governor Youngkin and Republican leadership to criminalize abortion and will ensure that Virginians have access to the health care and reproductive health care they need. If Democrats retake the majority in Virginia, Swecker said, we will enshrine the protections of Roe v. Wade into our Constitution. Virginia Del. Israel OQuinn and Sen. Todd Pillion, who represent the area, could not be reached for comment on the issue by press time. In a statement issued on Tuesday confirming the draft opinions authenticity, Chief Justice John Roberts said, To the extent this betrayal of the confidences of the court was intended to undermine the integrity of our operations, it will not succeed. The work of the court will not be affected in any way. Roberts said he had instructed the marshal of the court to launch an investigation into the source of the leak. The statement noted the draft opinion does not represent a decision by the court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case. The Supreme Court is expected to announce their final decision in the case in June. A New York man accused of illegally bringing rattlesnakes into Tennessee nearly five years ago is ready to stand trial in Sullivan County. Longtime rattlesnake wrangler David Richardson, owner of the traveling West Texas Rattlesnake Show, was cited in June 2017 by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for possessing wildlife without a permit and for violating state law in the housing and transportation of the venomous snakes. Richardson was in Sullivan County to perform at the Bristol Fair when he was cited. Now, the Syracuse, New York resident, who believes he is innocent, is ready to face a jury trial later this month after denying multiple plea bargains and demanding a jury trial, he said. Theyre not going to make a criminal out of Rattlesnake Dave, Richardson said. Im not a criminal, and I did not break the law. In February 2018, a grand jury indicted Richardson, now 75 years old, and brought on an additional charge for endangering life, according to lead prosecutor Kristen Rose, assistant district attorney in Sullivan County. Richardson faces a total of seven charges, including five counts of violating state law in reference to the housing and transportation of the snakes. Despite being denied a permit by the TWRA in 2017, Richardson said he completed the permit application and paid the applicable fee in order to bring his rattlesnake show to Bristol, Tennessee. He also contends that the additional charges dont apply to him as an out-of-state temporary exhibitor. I submit I had a permit because the law grants the permit, Richardson said. I claim that the law granted me the permit. Richardson says he has been doing the rattlesnake show for three decades, taking the show to more than 30 states, and has never been bitten. His trial in Sullivan County Criminal Court is scheduled to begin May 26. TWRA officials have been reluctant to speak on that matter since the case is still pending. Richardson said he will appeal any conviction. 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. Two Harry M. Arndt Middle School students may be charged for spreading a threat via social media, officials say. The threat caused the middle school to be evacuated and searched Wednesday morning. The Catawba County Sheriffs Office is waiting on approval from the North Carolina Office of Juvenile Justice to charge the two students with making a false report concerning mass violence on educational property, a press release from the sheriffs office said. Capt. Aaron Turk said the process to charge juveniles is more involved than with a typical arrest. The sheriffs office must submit a request for the charges to the N.C. Office of Juvenile Justice. The N.C. Office of Juvenile Justice will then send back petitions for the charges if approved, he said. On Wednesday, Harry M. Arndt Middle School students were moved to neighboring St. Stephens High School as the potential threat was investigated, a news release from Catawba County Schools said. The students waited around two hours before being allowed back into the school. There was an increased law enforcement presence at Arndt throughout the remainder of the school day, the release from Catawba County Schools said. Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown said the evacuation was precautionary. Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the building had been searched and cleared by law enforcement. Nothing of a threatening nature was found in the school, the release from Catawba County Schools 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. A suspect decided not to plead guilty to second-degree murder during Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, instead pleading not guilty to first-degree murder and moving forward with a trial. Steven Staples, 33, of Charlotte, had negotiated terms with District Attorney Scott Reillys office to plead guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Andres Moscotte. The plea would have given Staples a sentence of 26 to 32 years in prison, Assistant District Attorney Nancy Lee said. Moscotte was killed on Jan. 23, 2020, at his home on 22nd Street NE in Hickory, according to court documents. Shortly before his appearance in court on Wednesday, Staples decided he would no longer take the plea deal. I will tell the court at this time that we had some plea negotiations in which the defendant, through counsel, counter offered to the state, Lee said. We agreed to accept that offer. However, the defendant has now decided he does not want to follow through on his counteroffer. Staples lawyer, Laura M. Baker, said she told the district attorneys office on Tuesday that Staples had informed her he wanted to proceed with the trial. Lee said the state would not be offering Staples any more plea deals. Staples was arraigned on the charge of first-degree murder and entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday. The trial is set to begin on Oct. 10, Lee said. Catawba County Superior Court Judge Gregory Hayes asked Staples if he understood the maximum sentence he would be facing for first-degree murder would be life imprisonment if found guilty. Staples said he understood and wished to proceed. Four of Moscottes family members were present for Staples appearance on Wednesday. Staples also has three pending murder charges in Mecklenburg County, according to court documents. Jalen Jakee Witherspoon, 23, was also charged with Moscottes murder in January 2020. 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 work for organ and trumpet commissioned as a tribute to former Hope College President Dr. Gordon Van Wylen will be performed on Sunday, May 8, during a concert that is part of Hollands May 7-15 Tulip Time Festival. Van Wylen, who died on Nov. 5, 2020, at age 100, served as the colleges ninth president from 1972 until retiring in 1987. Fanfare for the Nations by composer Dr. Brenda Portman was commissioned in his honor by Dr. Timothy Pennings, a former member of the colleges mathematics faculty. Gordon Van Wylen has been one of my personal heroes/role models. Since meeting and getting to know him when I came to Hope College for my job interview in 1987, I have held him in high regard, and kept up a friendship with him over the years, he said. So I thought it would be neat to dedicate the commissioned piece to him. Pennings noted that Fanfare for the Nations draws on The Navy Hymn (Eternal Father Strong to Save) and We Gather Together, with the themes having been chosen to reflect dimensions of Van Wylens life and service to the nation and college. Van Wylen was a submarine officer during World War II, and the hymn We Gather Together is of Dutch origin. Pennings emphasized, though, that the new composition isnt only an amalgamation. It incorporates the two hymns, but is much more than merely an arrangement. It is a new creative work, he said. I also appreciate that it allows each instrument to shine. Fanfare for Nations premiered on Friday, Nov. 19, at the St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo, with a performance the next day at Calvin University, which was Van Wylens undergraduate alma mater. The May 8 concert in Holland, titled Dutch Organ Music Old and New (1521-Today!), will take place at 7 p.m. at Hope Church. Tickets are $15, and are available through the events listing on the Tulip Time Festival website; if tickets remain, they will be sold at the door. The program will feature Rhonda Sider Edgington, organist, and Jonathan Ruffer, trumpet. Sider Edgington, who was an accompanist at Hope for several years, is an organist at Hope Church, an instructor at Calvin University and an international concert artist. Ruffer plays in the St. Andrew's Cathedral Brass band and is an instructor in the Department of Music at Hope. Pennings taught at Hope from 1988 to 2012, and subsequently became chair of the Department of Mathematics at Davenport University. He had previously commissioned works for the Hope College Faculty and Student Collaborative Ensemble (2016) and the West Michigan Flute Orchestra (2021). CHARLESTON Eastern Illinois University plans to hold three spring 2022 commencement ceremonies on Saturday in Lantz Arena. Eastern reported that students from the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology will march in the 10 a.m. ceremony, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at 1 p.m., and College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education at 4 p.m. Students from the Graduate School will walk with their respective colleges during each ceremony. University President David Glassman will preside over the days ceremonies. Each ceremony will feature a special guest speaker who will present the official Charge to the Class. The 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. graduates will hear from Carl Mito, former EIU board member and retired managing director of investments at Oppenheimer & Co. in Chicago. Mito has volunteered in many ways at EIU, including as a member of the School of Business Advisory Board and the EIU Foundation. He and his late wife established the Carl and Marion Mito Excellence in Finance Endowment Fund in 2003 to help the School of Business. Graduates at 4 p.m. will hear from Katie Anselment. She was active in EIU Student Government as an undergraduate, earning her bachelors in political science. Upon graduation, she worked for the Illinois House of Representatives through the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program. After five years on legislative staff, she became a corporate contract lobbyist. She was then hired by EIU in 2012 as its government relations director. Student commencement speakers for the day will be Marie Koch, 10 a.m.; Jerimiah Boyd-Johnson, 1 p.m.; and MaryAnn Catt and Esperanza Murillo, 4 p.m. During the afternoon ceremony, special recognition also will be given to Grant Sterling (philosophy) and Jeff Stowell (psychology) as Distinguished Faculty Award recipients. This award is presented annually by the Faculty Senate to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, professional research/creative activity and service. Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud 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 - Move aside Aquafina, Evian, Mountain Valley and Fiji. Chicago is introducing its own brand of water, Chicagwa, sourced from the expansive freshwater body that is Lake Michigan, and processed through the citys water treatment plants. In other words, Chicago tap water in a can. A limited run of Chicagwa tap water will be packaged in cans featuring six colorful designs created by local artists, from a hot dog in a boat to a depiction of the Chicagos historic Water Tower, where the unusual branding campaign was unveiled Tuesday. The cans will be given away free at various events throughout the city this summer and at locations including Real Good Stuff, Wieners Circle and Mannys delicatessen. The idea is not so far-fetched. While brands like Evian and Fiji are sourced from a natural spring and an artesian aquifer, respectively, PepsiCos Aquafina and Coca-Colas Dasani are essentially purified tap water. The citys latest marketing effort highlights Chicagos access to Lake Michigan the fourth-largest freshwater lake in the world and an increasingly important asset as climate change exacerbates water shortages in other regions. Last week, Los Angeles declared a water shortage emergency and imposed unprecedented usage restrictions amid a worsening drought. Chicago taps into the second-largest Great Lake and abundant freshwater resource with two of the largest water treatment plants in the world the Jardine plant near Navy Pier and the Sawyer plant in South Shore. The city produces 750 million gallons of water per day, sells its water to 120 suburbs and distributes it across Chicago through 12 pumping stations, according to Andrea Cheng, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water Management. The pro bono Chicagwa campaign was developed by Chicago agency Quality Meats Creative, and will also feature digital billboards across the city. The cans were produced by Great Central Brewing Co. While Lake Michigan is Chicagos greatest natural resource and a source of civic pride, packaging the drinking water as a way to market the city is not without its risks. A 2018 Tribune analysis found that nearly 70% of Chicago homes that used a free city-supplied testing kit found dangerous lead in their drinking water, with nearly 3 in 10 testing above 5 parts per billion, the maximum allowed in bottled water by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The primary cause of the lead contamination is the aging connections between many Chicago homes and citys water distribution system. Chicago required the use of lead service lines between street mains and homes until Congress banned the practice in 1986. Were very aware that there are concerns about lead in drinking water, Cheng said Tuesday. And were working diligently with City Hall to create equitable plans that leverage new federal funding to remove the lead service lines that were installed until 1986. Chicago has beefed up its marketing efforts this year, hoping to rebuild its battered brand as it seeks to recover from the pandemic. The city, which welcomed nearly 61 million visitors in 2019, fell to 16 million in 2020 and was projected to attract just under 29 million last year, according to data provided by Choose Chicago, the citys official tourism arm. The citys image as a crime capital has also flared up during the pandemic fairly or unfairly as Chicago saw upward of 800 homicides last year, the deadliest total since 1996, according to Chicago Police Department data and other sources. In January, the city launched the Chicago Not in Chicago guerrilla campaign featuring video of a faux New York City bus tour highlighting the many ways Chicago has influenced the Big Apple. The campaign video tour, which was met with some derision, was supposed to travel next to London, but the planned sequel has yet to materialize. Whether the new Chicagwa campaign holds water remains to be seen. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When we heard the incredible news tonight we dropped to our knees and said a prayer as a family in gratitude for all the lives that will be saved. And then we said the pledge of allegiance. The flag looks different after this ruling - it shines even brighter. Kheta is said to be a 500-year-old quilting heirloom practised exclusively by Shershahabdi women. Today, Kheta embroidery work is getting popular among non-Shershahabdi people with many women formerly associated with making Beedis taking to Kheta work to earn a decent livelihood. Sami Ahmad | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles BIHAR Razia Khatoon of Kishanganj district of Bihar is getting 45 days of training in Kheta embroidery work. The training will be completed on May 14 and is done under Project Samarth, a scheme for capacity building in the textile sector carried out by the government of India. Earlier, she would make Beedi (plant leaf cigarettes) as a livelihood. She said Kheta has given her a chance to get rid of the health hazards that making Beedi brings on. For several workers like Razia, the Kheta embroidery work, after acquiring proper training, is expected to be an alternate livelihood instead of the hazardous Beedi rolling job. Believed to be a 500-year-old quilting heirloom practised exclusively by Shershahabdi women, today the Kheta embroidery work is getting popular among non-Shershahabdi people. Earlier, the intricate embroidery work was done on the layers of pre-used print Sarees and chequered Lungis etc, however, today the use of new clothes for making Khetas is widely done. Shershahabdi is a term used for Muslims of the Seemanchal area of Bihar who were settled in the region by emperor Shershah Suri. They are said to be ethnic Pashtuns mixed with local Surjapuris, Ashraful Haque, a Shershahabdi, who co-ordinates with the Kheta weavers, told TwoCircles.net. Kheta is so intricate and organised that officials from Delhi first refused to believe it as a handcraft. When a live demo was done, they were immensely impressed. After the efforts of the local member of parliament Dr Mohammad Jawed, who raised this question of Kheta in the Parliament, we have got this opportunity to train our women not only in making more vibrant Khetas but also make them aware of its marketability, he said. To make Kheta embroidery work as a source of income, the artwork is being introduced in new forms with the use of new clothes. This embroidery work is now done on bedsheets, notebook covers, bags, pillow covers, mufflers, table clothes and handkerchiefs etc. As of now, seventy thousand workers are believed to be associated with this artwork. Noticeably, unlike other embroidery works, Kheta avoids figurative depictions which are considered to be forbidden in Muslim culture. The colours used for Kheta are generally bright like red, green, yellow, blue, and purple. Razia, 24, is a Shershabadi woman, and like every other Shershahabadi female, she knew a bit of Kheta. She expressed her happiness in learning new designs and colour patterns of Kheta. She used to earn around 1$ per day by Beedi making. She now hopes to double her income by part-time Kheta making. More than the money she is happy as she considers Kheta work as Izzat wala kam (a respectful job.) Another trainee Rulekha Khatoons husband is a migrant labourer. Khatoon is 25-years-old and is doing Kheta work regularly for the last six years. She learnt the technique from her mother and grandmothers. Earlier we used to make Kheta only for family purposes like dowry and gifts etc. This training showed us that we can sell our work too. I hope to earn Rs. 3000-4000 per month with the work of 3-4 hours, she said. 47-year-old Tajgara Khatoon is a top trainer of Kheta. She told TwoCircles.net, A needle and some threads are required to do wonders in Kheta embroidery but not without great painstaking concentration. Shershahabdi women learnt it naturally but this training is giving them a wider range of patterns. Inderjit De and Saumya Pande of Zameen Astar Foundation write in their paper on Kheta embroidery, The term Kheta stands for straight running stitches in the local dialect and refers to both embroidery and the product. In its similarity to the word, Khet meaning farm, the term Kheta may resemble the meticulous lines of the paddy fields. According to the website involved in the promotion and marketing of Kheta, the array of designs offered by Kheta resonates with ripples of water, materials used in building make-shift huts, flowers, dry fruits, leaves, among many more. Yuman Hussain is the executive director of Azad India Foundation which is actively involved in promoting Kheta and arranging training for workers. Yuman told TwoCirles.net that the training helps in benchmarking the skill level and understanding the quality control. It formalizes the knowledge transfer and helps in keeping the next generation interested in continuing the quilting practice. The training also provides the trainees with an artisan card with benefits like insurance and access to participate in different exhibitions. On average, a Kheta artisan can make 4 to 6 quilts (96 x 60 size) in a year. They can earn anything between Rs 10000 to Rs 30000 per year depending on how many quilts they are making, sizes of quilts, the skill level of quilting etc, she said. Yuman rued that even though most Shershabadi women know how to make Kheta, the supply of skilled artisans is less. The work needs to be done on both sides to build awareness in the market and a supply chain base for these quality quilted Khetas, she added. Sami Ahmad is a journalist based in Patna, Bihar. He tweets at @samipkb Q: What exactly is the Cinco de Mayo celebration about? People told me that its not Mexicos independence day, so what is it? L.O. Answer: Answer: Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May in English) commemorates the 1862 victory of a small Mexican militia over the French army at the battle of Puebla, near Mexico City. It is often confused with Mexicos Independence Day, which is celebrated Sept. 16. According to History.com, in the early 1860s, Mexico was in dire straits financially after several years of internal in-fighting. Benito Juarez, a lawyer and member of the Zapotec tribe, an Indigenous group, was elected president in 1861. The country had to default on payments to various European countries. As a result, Britain, France, and Spain sent their navies to Veracruz demanding payment. Britain and Spain worked out a plan with Mexico and went home. France, under the leadership of Napoleon III, invaded with the intent of setting up an empire in Mexico. In 1862, on Cinco de Mayo, a poorly armed, outnumbered militia, led by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, was able to stop and defeat a well-outfitted French army of 6,500 soldiers, which ended the French invasion of Mexico. The victory is remembered as a glorious moment for Mexican patriots. The battle lasted from daybreak to early evening, and when the French finally retreated, they had lost nearly 500 soldiers. Fewer than 100 Mexicans had been killed in the clash, History.com said. Cinco de Mayo is recognized throughout Mexico, but it is most heavily celebrated in the city of Puebla and its surrounding region. Additionally, U.S. cities with large Mexican populations recognize the day with cultural festivities. Putting together an emergency supply kitAlthough hurricane season doesnt officially begin until June 1, its never too soon to put together emergency plans and an emergency supply kit. Here are some suggestions from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Management. Emergency supply kits should contain enough non-perishable food and water to last each family member three to seven days. Other essential items include: First-aid kit Weather radio and batteries Prescription medicines Sleeping bag or blankets Changes of clothes Hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant Cash or checkbook Pet supplies including food, water, leashes, bedding, muzzle and vaccination records Face masks and hand sanitizer Residents should stay informed during severe weather by using a battery-powered radio for weather and evacuation information and should know evacuation routes in their community. When asked to evacuate, residents should leave the area immediately. For more information on hurricanes and overall emergency preparedness go to ReadyForsyth.org or ReadyNC.gov. Thank youThank you to everyone who helped to make our shred day at Fries Memorial Moravian Church a huge success. All proceeds will be sent to the Moravian Board of World Missions for the Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic. The next shred day will be Sept. 17. 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. A Winston-Salem man driving a U-Haul van is accused of leading police on a high-speed chase on U.S. 52 North after an armed robbery, authorities said. No injuries were reported. The incident started at 11:02 a.m. Wednesday when officers received a call about an armed robbery in progress at SM Communications in the 3600 block of Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem police said. Investigators said that Isaac Jamal McIntyre, 24, of Ogburn Avenue entered the business with a gun and demanded cellphones from the clerk. McIntyre is accused of forcing the clerk to the rear of the business and demanding that the clerk open a locked cabinet that contained multiple cellphones. McIntyre is accused of stealing Apple iPhones valued at $9,000 and an undisclosed amount of money before leaving, according to an arrest warrant and police. On the way to SM Communications, officers encountered McIntyres vehicle at the intersection of Germanton and East Hanes Mill roads, police said. Officers attempted to stop McIntyres vehicle, but McIntyre did not stop his U-Haul cargo van, police said. Officers pursued him onto U.S. 52 North into Pinnacle, police said. During the chase, speeds reached more than 100 mph. McIntyre left the highway at exit 129 and drove onto the 600 block of Pinnacle Hotel Road, police said. The van left the road and collided with a patrol vehicle as McIntyre was attempting to turn around. McIntyre then jumped out of his vehicle, and officers chased him on foot before arresting the man, police said. McIntyre is charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and felony fleeing to elude arrest, police said. McIntyre also was served with outstanding orders for arrest from Forsyth and Montgomery counties. He was taken to the Forsyth County jail with his bond set at $290,000. McIntyre is scheduled to appear Thursday in Forsyth District Court. The N.C. Highway Patrol investigated the crash. Forsyth County sheriffs deputies and King police assisted in the vehicle chase, police said. Anyone with information about the incidents can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish language line at 336-728-3904. Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem Forsyth County also is on Facebook. The Text-A-Tip line at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police. 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 Georgia man was indicted Monday on charges that he illegally used the identities of seven Forsyth County residents to forge deeds and have their property fraudulently transferred to him. That same man accused a volunteer with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center of assaulting him and using a racist slur back in April 2016. Isaiah Robert Louis Baskins Jr., 31, of Downing Circle in Macon, Georgia, was indicted by a Forsyth County grand jury on seven counts of common law forgery, two counts of identity theft, one count of accessing government computers to defraud and one count of preparation to commit housebreaking. Indictments allege that between December 2018 and September 2019, Baskins used the names and addresses of six people and the social-security card of another person to forge deeds that he presented to the Forsyth County Register of Deeds so that he could transfer those peoples real property over to him. He also is accused of having a bolt cutter and replacement locks as a way to break into properties. Indictments also alleged that he illegally accessed computers at the Forsyth County Register of Deeds in order to carry out his fraudulent scheme. The defendant acted without authority, with deceit, and with the intent to injure and defraud, the indictments said. Doris Stubbs is one of the alleged victims and she filed a lawsuit against Baskins in December 2019 in Forsyth Superior Court. According to the lawsuit and an affidavit that was attached, Stubbs, who lived in New Jersey, owned a vacant house on Claremont Avenue. She said in an affidavit that she got the property in 1999 through a deed signed by her late husband and that in 2018, she allowed her niece to stay in the house. The lawsuit said that Isaiah Baskins, Whitnee Watkins, who is identified as his wife, and Robert Baskins, falsified deeds in an effort to transfer properties to a fake company called Piedmont Equity Investors. Through that company, the properties were transferred to innocent third parties, the lawsuit said. The company was not registered with the N.C. Secretary of State, according to the lawsuit. Isaiah Baskins, Watkins and Robert Baskins were accused in the lawsuit of creating fake notary seals. The names of the notaries were fake. The three defendants then rented the house to unsuspecting individuals, the lawsuit alleged. Judge Richard Gottlieb of Forsyth Superior Court ruled that the deed was invalid and Stubbs won her property back. At the time of the lawsuit, no criminal charges had been filed. According to court records, Robert Baskins and Watkins have not been criminally charged. On Wednesday, a young girl answered the phone that is associated with Isaiah Baskins. When a reporter with the Winston-Salem Journal identified himself, the girl hung up. A second call to the number went directly to voice mail and Baskins did not immediately respond to the message left. Isaiah Baskins is also facing charges, including first-degree forgery, in Bibb County, Georgia. The charges are pending. Details were not immediately available about the charges. His listed attorney, Ashley Deadwyler-Heuman, did not return a message seeking comment. A message left with the Bibb County District Attorneys Office was not immediately returned. The incident at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center happened on April 14, 2016. Baskins said he had gone to the hospital for an appointment for his daughter, who was 3-weeks-old at the time. He told reporters at a news conference in June 2016 that his daughter had a heart condition and had gone through two heart surgeries. Baskins said the incident started when the volunteer complained about his two other children making noise in the lobby on the seventh floor. He said the volunteer kicked and pushed him and used the N-word. Baskins recorded seven minutes of the confrontation and posted it to YouTube, where it went viral. The volunteers attorney, David Freedman, who died last year, denied the allegations. The medical center dismissed the volunteer and issued an apology. But the criminal charge against her was dismissed in September 2016 after Baskins failed to show up to court. 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. The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company's smokestacks in downtown Winston-Salem will be lit red during the month of May in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, according to a news release. The N.C. American Indian Health Board announced that it plans to observe Thursday the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. According to the news release, May 5 is the birthday of Hannah Harris, a Cheyenne woman who went missing in 2013. The health board said that thousands of native women and girls go missing each year and most of those cases remain unsolved. An American Indian woman is ten times more likely to go missing than other people. Many of these women and girls become victims of human trafficking, the lawsuit said. "Designate the month of May as a time of prayer for those missing and for their families," the news release said. "Mother's Day is an excellent time to lift these women in prayer." 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. By whatever device, be it an iPhone app, an electronic subscription on a laptop, a television feed or old-fashioned paper and ink, news feeds fairly roiled Tuesday morning with (leaked) word that the U.S. Supreme Court stands poised to overturn Roe v. Wade as early as next month. A sampling of headlines, updated every few hours, read this way: Report suggests Supreme Court will overturn U.S. abortion law Roberts says court will investigate leak of draft Roe vs. Wade opinion If Roe vs. Wade is overturned, whats next in North Carolina? At this moment in time, no matter whether you dropped to your knees to rejoice or roared with righteous indignation, no one can say. But this much is certain: those who would suffer most will be poor and female, and in the New South same as the Old South many of those will be Black. Safe for now If Roe vs. Wade requires definition or explanation highly unlikely save yourself the next eight minutes. (Hint: Roe vs Wade is not a debate on two different methods for crossing the Yadkin River. ) It is, or was, a 50-year precedent that established a womans right to an abortion until about week 24 of a pregnancy or when a fetus is viable outside the womb. If overturned as the leaked opinion suggests it will be, laws commonly referred to as triggers passed in more than a dozen states will take effect and severely restrict (or ban outright) access to abortion. Those states include Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. North Carolina, for now, has a Democratic governor in Roy Cooper and just enough Democratic votes in the Legislature to stave off attempts to override most of Coopers vetoes a tenuous safeguard for abortion rights here. In practical terms in a post-Roe world, that would leave North Carolina a destination point for desperate women from across the South. A Greyhound ticket from Atlanta to Charlotte runs about $31. Just getting here is no guarantee for access, however. Nine of the states 100 counties have clinics that offer some abortion services, which means even native Tarheels face significant hurdles including costs related to time and travel. More than 25,000 women have abortions in North Carolina each year, and per surveys, one in five already come here from out of state. And as per usual, the poor face greater hardship due to a lack of access to reliable transportation and economic opportunity. Some stats, per a 2014 questionnaire conducted by the Guttmacher Institute answered by more than 8,000 abortion patients, worth considering include: 75% of those seeking abortion are low-income with 49% living below the federal poverty level and another 26% within shouting distance of it; 60% of women seeking an abortion were in their 20s, 25% in their 30s; The proportion of adolescent patients declined by one-third between 2008 and 2014; Data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the South leads the nation in terms of its poverty rate defined as a family of four living on less than $25,000 annually or an individual with less than $10,000 per year at 13.6%, And for single-parent households headed by women, the poverty rate is nearly one in four 24.9%. Whos likely to suffer most? Possible road map A look at another era when government dictated reproductive rights to women provides a road map for how this might go. The national eugenic-sterilization movement spanned the 1930s through the 1950s North Carolina was a disgraceful outlier as we ramped up forced (and coerced) sterilizations in the 50s and continued through the late 60s long after other states discontinued the practice. Any surprise who suffered most? More than 7,600 North Carolinians were sterilized largely against their will between 1929 and 1974, when the Legislature formally outlawed eugenic sterilization. They were overwhelmingly poor and female, more than 99 percent. In the early years between 1929 and 1940, sterilization orders roughly corresponded to racial demographics with 79 percent of the victims being white and 21 percent black. By the 1960s, though, the percentages were grossly out of whack 64 percent of those sterilized under state authority were black. How will things play out post-Roe? Its impossible to predict with certainty. But if North Carolina legislators rush headlong to stand with Mississippi and Tennessee, we all know who will pay the heavier price. 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. AXTELL For Savanah Ellis, May 7 is opening day. Thats when she will unveil her artistry on the basement walls at First Presbyterian Church. Her deft hands and her paintbrush have transformed that room into a tapestry of Mother Nature, with a woodland scene, visions from the sea, a snowy mountain peak and Calvary, with Christs garment fluttering from an empty cross on a lonely hill. A sketch of the Last Supper adorns the wall over the counter where church suppers were once served. Small Bible verses dot that wall, too. My goal, always, is how can I reach people through my art?" said Savanah, a junior at Hastings College who hopes someday to be an art museum curator. She was approached in February 2021 about sprucing up the church basement by her brother, the Rev. Logan Ellis, pastor at the church. The church had received a grant from the Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation for a project connected with community engagement. Initially, the church governing board (the session) had requested funds for a new outdoor playground to be used by Wyldcatz, the churchs community after-school program for grades K-6, but the foundation told us to dream bigger, so we thought, Lets take this basement space and transform it. Axtell doesnt have a great place for kids to gather. We wanted to create a space for kids, where they could play and enjoy activities, Ellis said. Envisioning an idea It was a promising idea, but that church basement was cobwebbed and full of boxes. Dug by church members around the time the church was founded in 1883, it was the site of potluck suppers and childrens activities until the church built an addition south of its sanctuary several decades ago. The basement had to be cleaned out before Savanah could begin painting. Dont let him fool you, she said. It was a mess. Ellis sat down with his sister and envisioned what she might create. They first talked about four separate murals, one on each wall, but I said, Im going to create a whole model, and when I told Logan, he was enthusiastic, Savanah said. She spent seven hours creating a tabletop model of what she envisioned. It was quickly approved by the session. Painting begins At last, the space cleared, Savanah purchased $500 worth of indoor house paint and supplies from Menards. The nice thing about the walls was they didnt require a special paint. We had to prime them, but thats normal, Ellis said even though covering those periwinkle walls with a white base coat was a chore. Finally, last May, Savanah covered the floor, raised ladders, opened the cans of paint, dipped her brush into the paint and got to work. She worked at her own pace, four to six hours some days, and 14 hours straight other days, mostly weekends. Its hard for me to leave a project. I want to get it all done. Id get in the groove and Id keep working. It wasnt best for my physical or mental health, but its what I do, she said. As an artist, thats who I am. She worked around her summer job at the Beaver City pool, and she took a month off after the family dog died. I was really sad. I couldnt paint, she said. In August, when classes at Hastings College resumed, her painting resumed, too. She painted primarily on Saturday nights and Sundays. Young evaluators As she painted, children would come down and watch Savanah create mountains and the ocean and the brook in the woodlands scene. The kids watched it unfold step by step, Ellis said. It was awesome to watch their different reactions. Savanah made alterations as she painted. She restarted the first scene three times. She changed the background twice. The painted trees werent working, but on the third try, they clicked, she said. The woodland scene had no animals at first. Then, on a whim, she added a bunny. As she looked at it, she said to herself, I think it needs a friend, so she painted a second bunny. She has an online pen pal in the Dominican Republic, and he has informally adopted that bunny as his buddy. There are a few hidden messages in the project, too, which she did not divulge. Im happy with it, considering the scale and size. A few things couldve been done better; I may come back and re-do them in five years, she said. She also produced a four-minute video of the project from start to finish. Desire to create Savanah, of Beaver City, has been creating artwork since she was a child. In the fourth grade, she made weaver bowls out of yarn wrapped around rope. She was assigned to create just one basket, but she made about 15 so many that the next year, the art teacher asked her to help others. She also spent many hours in the art room at Southern Valley High School, from which she graduated in 2017. She did her first mural in collaboration with another high school student. She painted a pumpkin patch in Beaver City and a mural at the Oxford Theater there. She did a mural of shipwreck and the famous Great Wave at the pool in Beaver City. In Hastings College, she did a unique mural on the floor of the Black Box Theater at the request of a friend, a drummer who did his senior music recital there. He came to me and said, I have this idea. I did four murals, but put them together as one big mural called the Burst of Life, she said. She worked on that floor for 40 hours over just three days. I woke up at 9 a.m. and got to the theater at 9:30 a.m. I didnt take any breaks. I had to get it done, she said. She worked 14-hour days without a break. At 2 a.m. I went home, ate tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, took a shower and fell asleep at 4 a.m. The next day, Id do it all over again. Everything hurt. I was so sore, but it has a special place in my heart, even though I knew after his recital it would be painted over, she said. I always go above and beyond. I always say, Ill do it, and then I do more than I anticipate. Capstone project The basement walls will likely win raves from the community, but Savanahs art must also pass muster with the faculty at Hastings College, where she is in the Honors Program. Honor students must do whats called a capstone project, a major year-end undertaking, so she will also have an art show titled Sonder in the church social hall next weekend. From 3-6 p.m., visitors can see her paintings from 2016 to the present. They include her family home in Beaver City, the church, human figures, flowers and more. She will speak about her work at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., an open house begins for the Hastings College community, with a presentation at 7 p.m. Sonder is a noun that means the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complete as your own, she said. I want people to think about that in their own way as they see this exhibit. This is not a universal exhibit. Everyone has something special about them. They are the main character in their own life. Ellis diverse interests are as rich as the color on the church basement walls. Shes fascinated by South Korea and its art, too. Shes double-majoring in studio art and international relations, with a minor in history. While she hopes to become a museum curator, I would love to do museum installation work someday, too, she said. Savanah will spend the summer with her sister in Omaha and work at The Upstream Brewery in The Old Market. In September, she will travel to the seaside village of Lahinch in County Clare, Ireland, which has a sister program with Hastings College. During her two months there, she will paint what else? a mural. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The 36-year-old Lincoln man who was found dead with "unexplained injuries" in a grocery store parking lot last November died of an accidental narcotics overdose, according to authorities. A passerby found Joshua Rainey dead in a pickup truck Nov. 22 outside the Super Saver at Edgewood Shopping Center near 56th Street and Nebraska 2. Police in November said he had a contusion on his head and labeled Rainey's death "suspicious," but an initial autopsy revealed no obvious sign of death. Now, Lincoln Police Capt. Todd Kocian said, Rainey's death has been ruled accidental in nature. The investigation into the incident is closed, Kocian said. 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. Pat Leach, who has led Lincoln City Libraries since 2008, has announced plans to retire. Leach, who has worked for the city's library system since 1979, will step down at the end of August. I am so proud of the people who make up our library staff, and of their ability and commitment to serve the people of Lincoln, Leach said in a news release. I want to thank the many people who have been our partners throughout the years, especially those who served on the Library Board and through the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries. It's been an honor to be the Library Director in this city that so clearly values lifelong education. Leach got her start as a part-time assistant while still in college. She also served as South Branch supervisor and as the Youth Services librarian before being selected as the library director by then-Mayor Chris Beutler in 2008. Current Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird praised Leach for her leadership, especially during the pandemic, as the libraries added curbside pickup and reserved appointment times. "We wish Pat all the best as she turns the page on this chapter of her career amounting to more than four decades of service to the City of Lincoln and our public libraries," Gaylor Baird said in the release. "Her true love of literature and passion for lifelong learning touched thousands, and we are grateful to her for leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit our community far into the future." The mayor said she plans to conduct a national search for a new library director. The new director will inherit the effort to replace the aging Bennett Martin branch downtown with a new, state-of-the-art facility. Leach earlier this week told the Journal Star that a potential bond issue to pay for a new downtown library has been pushed back at least three years, largely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. A Native group said it's disappointed in Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird's decision to approve a large housing development near Wilderness Park. The mayor announced Wednesday that she will sign off on the zoning changes and land annexation that will allow the Wilderness Crossing development, which includes 162 single-family homes, 134 town homes and 205 apartments, to be built on about 75 acres south of Pioneers Boulevard between First Street and U.S. 77. The land, which is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln, is across the road from a Native sweat lodge on private property that's within the park's borders. A group of Native community members who oppose the development set up a prayer camp early Monday. That group, the Niskithe Prayer Camp, said in a statement Thursday that they are "disappointed that the mayor decided to support this project rather than protect the spiritual and environmental integrity of this land." Members of the group met with Gaylor Baird on Tuesday to discuss their concerns, and she said Wednesday that she looks forward to working with them in the future to build a more inclusive community. But she said she will approve the development, which passed the City Council on a 5-2 vote, noting that both the owner of the property slated for development and the owner of the land that includes the sweat lodge, "have the right to use their land as they wish within guidelines." Gaylor Baird also said that previous modifications made by the developer and city planners had already addressed some concerns about the development. The Niskithe Prayer Camp group disagreed, however, saying their input was not included until design of the development was essentially finished. "(W)e disagree that the existing modifications to the design of Wilderness Crossing represent a responsiveness of the developer to Native peoples concerns," the statement said. "Responsiveness to our concerns would have meant we were actually brought to the table and engaged with over the 5-year lifespan of this development, which we were not. Responsiveness would have required asking the Native American community direct questions about accommodations to protect the sweat lodge, and that did not happen." The group said that had they been asked, they would have suggested a minimum 300-foot setback from South First Street, removal of the easternmost proposed homes or adding a park directly across the street from the sweat lodge. "The developers may yet decide to be responsive to our requests, and for that we pray and remain hopeful," the statement said. "However, in our eyes, their interactions with us thus far cannot be called responsive, nor considerate, nor respectful." Kevin Abourezk, a leader of the peaceful prayer camp, said the camp with seven shelters will remain for now as the group evaluates its next steps. Abourezk said the group has talked directly with the diocese and had a good dialogue, even though the diocese rejected its suggestion that it end its agreement to sell the land to developer Sam Manzitto Jr. and consider an alternative sale proposal. He said the group has not yet approached Manzitto Jr., but that could be a next step. Abourezk said the group continues to be in contact with the mayor's office and, "we're hopeful we will achieve some kind of solution," to protect the sweat lodge in Wilderness Park. The statement from the Niskithe Prayer Camp also said the group is heartened and hopeful by the relationships it has established with the mayor and her staff, particularly new mayoral aide T.J. McDowell, who leads the citys One Lincoln initiative to foster equity, diversity and inclusion. "We have secured (the mayor's) commitment to ongoing dialogue and she has ensured us that she will work with us to put in place legal protections for sweat lodges and other sacred sites," the statement said. "In our ongoing dialogues, we will advocate that Kathleen Dankers land, also known as the Fish Farm, be given protections and that the current land uses there, specifically the sweat lodge, be allowed to continue unimpeded. We will also advocate for a Native American city cabinet. We envision a cohort of tribal peoples who will work together on issues impacting Native peoples in the city, and place Native Americans at tables where vital planning conversations occur." Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. Bessie Dragoun was 17 in the spring of 1910, when she left her job at an Omaha glue factory and ran away. She wanted to see the world, she said after getting arrested in Sioux City. The jailer asked: Then why come here? Oh, the girl answered, to see Halleys Comet. Eleven decades later, at her home near Minneapolis, Kathy Latuff read the short account at the bottom of an inside page in the Sioux City Journal -- and the grandmother shed never known came into even clearer focus. For most of her 69 years, Latuff knew only what her mother -- who spent her first decade in an orphanage -- had known about Bessie Dragoun. Almost nothing. She attempted suicide, Latuff said. And she got put away. End of story. The story started getting longer, and more interesting, a few years ago. Latuff logged onto Ancestry.com to try to learn more about her grandmother, who she thought was named Elizabeth Gamble. She found nothing. Last year, she visited Omahas Graceland Park Cemetery, where she knew other family was buried. And she found her grandmothers grave, but under the name Bessie Weatherby. All of a sudden, I let out a yelp. There she was, in the ground. Now Latuff and her niece, Valerie Young of Wisconsin, could start scouring the internet and working their phones and making Bessie Weatherby more three-dimensional. Were able to get newspaper articles and follow her life and say, Wow, youre an amazing woman, strong and brave. And adventurous. After trying to see some of the world in Sioux City, she went even farther, working as an elevator operator in Seattle, living with a naval officer in San Francisco, traveling by train around the West. What a fascinating life she led. I think her problem was she was born 100 years too early. She wasnt going to be content living in Omaha. She led a troubled life, too. A year after her arrest, she gave birth to her first daughter, Lucille, who was raised by family. In 1919, she had Latuffs mother, Evelyn, who ended up in an orphanage as an 11-month-old. All she would have of her mother was a photograph, and two pieces of jewelry. The next year, the 27-year-old tried taking her life and was sent to the Nebraska Hospital for the Insane, now the Lincoln Regional Center. She lived there for 15 years, not knowing her father was gunned down in a Chicago robbery, or her firstborn died at 22 from diphtheria, or heart failure had taken one of her sisters. Bessie Weatherby, 41, died at the hospital in 1936. Latuff and her niece were thorough in their research. Earlier this year, they contacted the Lincoln Regional Center to request Weatherbys records, and were so impressed with how they were treated they wanted to make a donation, said Rachel Johnson, the centers religious coordinator. Johnson had an idea. How about using the donation to plant a tree of hope and recovery in the centers arboretum, dedicated to the centers past, present and future patients? Recovery is grounded in hope. Sometimes hope is the only thing we have. I think that for what we do, hope is the foundation. Hope that people can get better, hope that people can leave, hope that theres a better life. They also made arrangements for Latuff and Young to visit the 150-year-old, tree-filled campus on the southwest edge of Lincoln, to see where Weatherby had lived for more than a third of her life. It was a sad time for Bessie and her life here, Young told a small crowd Thursday gathered in the arboretum. And it was painful to read that file, frankly. But what we decided was this can't define Bessie, this record alone, and we need to find out more about her life. It made sense to visit during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, Latuff said. By telling their familys story, she wanted to let her grandmother know they feel no shame or embarrassment that she lived here, and she hoped other families would be encouraged to tell their stories, too. Latuff and Young placed a small paving stone -- dedicated to the memory of Bessie (Dragoun) Weatherby -- at the base of the newly planted burr oak. Were so happy that theyre allowing us to come here to honor her, celebrate her, Latuff told the crowd. And that shes not defined by the last chapter of her life. Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter 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. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday he is following security officials advice in managing relations with the Solomon Islands after its leader alleged he had been threatened with invasion. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare told Parliament on Wednesday that opponents of his new security pact with China have threatened his country and insulted it. Sogavare did not name the opponents. Both the United States and Australia have told the Solomon Islands that a Chinese military presence in the Pacific island nation less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) from northeastern Australia would not be tolerated. We deplore the continual demonstration of lack of trust by the concerned parties, and tacit warning of military intervention in Solomon Islands if their national interest is undermined in Solomon Islands, Sogavare said. In other words, we are threatened with invasion, Sogavare said. On the threat of invasion, Morrison said, Of course, none of thats true. Morrison rejected the center-left opposition Labor Partys advice to telephone Sogavare. I can tell you very clearly that I am following very carefully the advice that I get from our security intelligence agencies in how we are responsibly managing the issues in relation to this matter, Morrison told reporters. That is exactly what Im doing. Morrison said he had had contact with Sogavare "in the last few months, but did not specify when. Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has promised closer engagement between Australia and its South Pacific neighbors if Labor wins elections on May 21. The fact that the prime minister hasnt picked up the phone to Prime Minister Sogavare says an enormous amount ... about what is needed in terms of that relationship, Albanese said. The government has dropped the ball on the Pacific right now, Albanese added. Morrison said last month that Australia and the United States shared the same red line when it came to opposing a Chinese military base on the Solomon Islands. Neither Australia nor the United States has said how they might respond to such a Chinese presence. Sogavare has maintained that there will be no Chinese base in his country. We are being treated as kindergarten students walking around with Colt .45s in our hands, and therefore we need to be supervised. We are insulted, Sogavare said on Wednesday. Sogavare condemned the "glaring hypocrisy of critics of his deal with China. The United States, Australia and Britain secretly negotiated a trilateral partnership announced in September that will allow Australia to obtain nuclear-powered submarines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Sogavare's criticisms "reflected the shared voice of the Pacific island countries. It also proves that the accusations made by the U.S. and Australia against China are purely double standards," Zhao said. Morrison said Australia needed to be calm and composed in dealing with the Solomon Islands. Mr. Sogavare has entered into a secret arrangement with the Chinese government, he has done that with a number of his Cabinet ministers, Morrison said. That did not come as a surprise to our government and so now we just work responsibly with our partners to manage that situation to first protect the security interests of Australia but also of the Solomon Islands, Morrison said. We are very concerned for the Solomon Islands. Were very concerned for the broader security in the Southwest Pacific. Other leaders that Ive been in regular contact (with) are equally concerned, Morrison said. Labor has condemned the China-Solomon Islands pact as Australias biggest foreign policy failure in the Pacific since World War II. Morrison said Australia remained the Solomon Islands preferred security partner despite the new pact. Australia already has a security pact with the Solomon Islands and Australian police peacekeepers have been in the capital, Honiara, since riots in November. 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 "What trial should prove, what we anticipate it will prove, is very much the same thing that the state is alleging. But for the fact my client had no intent to kill anybody," defense attorney Michael Fitzpatrick said. The boundaries of District 2 looked a lot different the last time voters went to the polls to choose a state senator. Previously comprising all of Cass County and portions of Sarpy and Otoe counties, District 2 now stretches deep into Lancaster County, extending as far west as 70th Street between A Street and Van Dorn Street following the redistricting process completed last year. Other area legislative races In Southeast Nebraska there are seven legislative districts on the primary ballot. In addition to District 2, there are four other Southeast Nebraska districts on the ballot this year. District 24: Patrick Hotovy of York and Jana Hughes of Seward. District 26: Russ Barger, George Dungan III, Bob Van Valkenburg and Larry Weixelman, all of Lincoln. District 28: Roy Christensen and Jane Raybould, both of Lincoln. District 46: James Michael Bowers, Danielle Conrad and James Herrold, all of Lincoln. Two districts feature incumbents with no challengers: Myron Dorn of Adams in District 30 and Tom Brandt of Plymouth in District 32. In districts with two candidates, both will advance to the Nov. 8 general election. Residents of Lincolns easternmost neighborhoods now share a state senator with more than a dozen small towns stretching to the Missouri River. The top two vote-getters in Tuesdays primary election will advance to the November general election to represent the new district beginning in 2023. Those candidates are incumbent Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood, Janet Chung and Schuyler Windham, both of Lincoln, and Sarah Slattery of Plattsmouth. Schuyler Windham Windham was intending to run to replace Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, who will leave office as District 26 state senator at the end of the year. Once she was moved into District 2, the registered Libertarian decided to continue her campaign, which has its foundation in her previous work as a legislative staffer where she said she learned to work with senators and lobbyists to find solutions. The 29-year-old attorney said she would work to ensure folks are not drowning in taxes if elected, calling it an issue thats important to both urban and rural voters: I dont think anybody should have their house taken away from them if they cant pay property taxes. Windham also plans to push for criminal justice reform and marijuana legalization, which she said is important to voters of all ages, and would provide relief to taxpayers. Shes also a supporter of guns rights, particularly so-called constitutional carry, and cutting red tape through occupational licensing reform. Windham said former Sen. Laura Ebke, who switched her registration from Republican to Libertarian, is a mentor, and someone who could work with all sides in the Legislature something she wants to emulate. She ended up being the mediator in the Unicameral in that way, and Im optimistic we can get beyond party politics, collaborate and find common ground, Windham said. Our children are watching, and its a little frustrating to see some of the cattiness on the floor, she added. We need to be better role models. Sarah Slattery A self-described working-class single parent and small business owner, Slattery said shes running for others in District 2 like herself. I just havent seen a lot of representation from my district that wants to help working families, Slattery said. Thats my main motivation. Were a pretty big portion of the district and we get overlooked by policies most often. A lifelong resident of Plattsmouth, Slattery, a registered Democrat, says she has name recognition in the eastern half of District 2, and is working with volunteers to help voters in Lincoln get to know her. Redistricting has reshaped the legislative seat, she said, forming it into a diverse socioeconomic collection of communities from urban, suburban and rural areas. Slattery said the issues remain the same, however: Access to quality health care, expanded rights for workers, and ensuring a quality public education. A professional chef and school nutrition director, Slattery added she also wants to work to expand the school breakfast and lunch programs. During the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government paid for the program before recently discontinuing it. We have seen an impact on the performance of kids at school, parents not having the stress of having to pack a lunch, she said. If the federal government isnt going to step up and do it, we should provide universal school meals in Nebraska. Slattery noted that District 2 has never elected a woman to represent them at the Capitol. In her first foray into politics, Slattery said she hopes to become the first. Im a regular person running to represent regular people, she said. Im just a person who loves helping and serving others. Janet Chung A career in commercial property management, telecommunications and at Lincoln Electric System, plus experiences with nonprofit organizations across the Capital City has prepared Chung to bring people together to work for the common good. The 60-year-old former chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Party said the increasing divisiveness of politics in the Cornhusker State pushed her into running to represent District 2. People are seeing the TV ads and feeling the partisanship, said Chung, who described herself as a product of public education. They feel we should be working together instead of being divisive. Chung said if elected she would work to bolster education in Nebraska, provide support for workforce recruitment and retention, fund infrastructure development and expand public services. She added she was also interested in policies related to water conservation, preserving natural resources, and taxes issues where she could learn from and work with others in the Legislature. I think my community service and my experience will be helpful for getting these policies implemented at the Legislature, Chung said. As she has campaigned, Chung said many voters in the far eastern reaches of Lincoln have expressed surprise that they are now in the same district as neighboring Cass County. Chung said she would strive to represent those constituents, as well as all people of Nebraska, if elected. Thats the kind of elected official I will work to be, she said. Robert Clements Clements was appointed to the Legislature by Gov. Pete Ricketts in 2017 and later won election to a four-year term in 2018. A registered Republican who works as a banker, insurance agent and tax preparer, Clements is the chair of the Legislatures Rules Committee and serves as one of nine senators on the Appropriations Committee. While the 2022 session saw the Appropriations Committee working to spend $1 billion in federal dollars, Clements said he has worked to be a friend of the taxpayer keeping close watch on state spending. The incumbent state senator also was successful this year in shepherding a bill that increased the amount of property exempt from inheritance taxes, reducing rates and eliminating the tax for heirs 21 years of age and younger. I feel I have made a difference, especially in tax relief and controlling government spending, he said, adding he will continue to pursue those policies as well as other conservative causes, including banning abortion. Clements said while District 2s geography has shifted, it still resembles the previous districts mix of suburban and rural, he said. I have been introducing myself in the Lincoln and Lancaster County areas new to the district, but it is quite similar, I would say, he said. Ive been glad to represent District 2 and Im looking forward to continuing to do that. Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. Gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster does not plan to attend a deposition planned Friday at the Johnson County District Court in his legal fight with state Sen. Julie Slama. Herbster's campaign spokesperson Emily Novotny said in a text message that scheduling the interview for Friday was "clearly intended to take Charles off the campaign trail just days before the primary election." She confirmed that Herbster, who heads Conklin Co. and other businesses, will be campaigning in western Nebraska Friday. Herbster filed a defamation lawsuit against Slama last month, after the Nebraska Examiner reported allegations from eight women who said Herbster had groped them in recent years. Slama was the only named accuser at the time, but another accuser, Elizabeth Todsen, has come forward and used her name since. Slama filed a counterclaim alleging battery. Court documents at the time showed she gave notice to depose Herbster on May 6. As of Thursday morning, Slama's attorney Dave Lopez said that Herbster was "under a current legal obligation to appear at the Johnson County courthouse to testify under oath at 9 a.m. tomorrow." Lopez said that was still true Thursday afternoon, and that Herbster has made it clear that he won't attend. In her statement, Novotny accused Lopez of "playing politics with a very serious matter" and pointed out that Lopez is listed on corporate documents for Jim Pillen for Governor. Slama has endorsed Pillen, a hog producer and University of Nebraska regent, and Herbster has framed the allegations in public statements and a TV ad as a political hit job devised by Pillen and his most prominent backer, Gov. Pete Ricketts. Herbster's lawyers filed new court documents Thursday, including a motion to quash the deposition notice and seek a protective order that limits his deposition to "scheduling at a mutually convenient time" after they file a response to Slama's counterclaim. The filing echoes the campaign's belief that the other side was playing politics when it chose May 6 for the deposition, as well as its claims that the allegations from eight women are part of a coordinated effort. "Defendant's counsel unilaterally noticed the deposition to be taken on May 6th in an effort to create annoyance, oppression and undue burden upon Plaintiff," the filing reads. "Defendant's counsel immediately publicized the noticing of this deposition for political purposes." The lawyers also noted connections between Lopez and Pillen and took aim at the law firm he works for, Husch Blackwell, alleging a conflict of interest that makes it inappropriate for Lopez to serve as Slama's attorney. The firm, his lawyers wrote, served as counsel for Herbster and his companies and didn't disclose the conflict or potential conflicts, including its involvement with Pillen and the Republican Party. Slama's lawyers responded in a court filing that there's no support for a motion to disqualify Slama's counsel and that Herbster hadn't filed a motion to do so. Husch Blackwell, the objection reads, has never represented Herbster. Herbster's filing includes multiple attachments, including affidavits from Herbster and campaign manager Ellen Keast. In his affidavit, Herbster said he is "more than willing to sit for a deposition at a convenient time," but that sitting for one now would "secure one of the ulterior motives" he believes is behind the allegations: an attempt to interfere with his gubernatorial run. In another filing, Herbster's lawyers asked to include new allegations that Slama has "compounded" the defamatory claims "through further false statements" from her and Lopez since the lawsuit was filed. They allege a statement Lopez issued and Slama shared on Twitter was "false and defamatory," inappropriate under court rules, and part of a "broader scheme to disseminate false and defamatory allegations against Herbster" to benefit Pillen. "Charles W. Herbster looks forward to clearing his name through the appropriate legal venues at times agreed to by both sides, just like any other serious legal matter," Novotny said. "He will not play Mr. Lopez's political games." In a statement and objection released Thursday afternoon, Lopez said that Herbster was served with 11 days' notice to appear for the deposition and suggested that they may pursue sanctions. "Notwithstanding this legal obligation, Herbster has confirmed he will not appear," Lopez said. "Nebraskas court rules for civil discovery provide for sanctions against parties who fail to appear at properly noticed depositions." Herbster's Thursday filings, Lopez said, "contain misstatements of fact or plain misapplications of law." The release also included a statement from Slama: "I am appalled at Charles Herbsters blatant disregard of Nebraskas judicial process. Charles Herbster sexually assaulted me and then sued me for telling the truth, but now he refuses to actually show up for his own deposition. I look forward to holding Herbster accountable through the judicial process." Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 The University of Nebraska at Kearney was established 117 years ago to support the growth and development of the state, largely by educating teachers who would, in turn, educate the next generation of rural Nebraskans. Nebraska needed, and UNK delivered. We were a solution with lasting benefits across the state. Even today, one in seven Nebraska teachers have a UNK degree. Colleges and universities have an important economic impact, and community leaders across Nebraska in the early 1900s knew that. They fought to be home to UNK. But while we saw a very localized economic impact a century ago, the reach of UNK today is much broader. It is UNKs mission to be one of the nations premier undergraduate institutions, with excellent graduate education, scholarship and public service. Our vision requires us to engage with the community and public interests. Nebraska has a new workforce need. Rural areas need more doctors, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists and the full range of allied health professions. Our University of Nebraska Medical Center colleagues have documented the shortage of health care professionals. Fourteen Nebraska counties do not have a doctor. What happens when you are sick, and there isnt a doctor nearby? You drive to the county that does have a doctor, and you spend your dollars there. That is money leaving your community. When moving to a new community, people want jobs, good schools and access to health care. Our rural communities need that. UNK has been working for some time to expand health care education in rural Nebraska. We know that beginning professionals are more likely to take that first job in the area where they completed their training. We need to train doctors and nurses outside of the metropolitan areas if we want them to work outside the metropolitan areas. One indication of our excellence in undergraduate education is the high placement rate of our students in professional health care programs. Last year, 75% of our medical school applicants were accepted, when the national rate is about 10%. Fully, 98% of our students are accepted into nursing programs, and 100% of our students are accepted into dental school. The list of success goes on. UNK students are successful because of our teacher-scholar model, with faculty who are engaged in their academic disciplines. We have excellent development, support and advising for our health science students. We have a range of learning communities that support student development. We are built to help students succeed. In 2015, we opened the Health Science Education Complex to provide a new home to UNMC programs in allied health and nursing. It quickly filled and now is bursting at the seams. Program graduates are starting their careers in rural Nebraska. Nebraska needed, and UNK delivered. This spring, the Legislature and Gov. Pete Ricketts approved our proposal to establish a new facility on UNKs campus representing five UNMC colleges, including medicine, public health and pharmacy. We have been working with UNMC to develop this larger vision. With the leadership of Ted Carter and the Office of the President, we are securing funding including donations for a new building that will bring these new and expanded programs to Kearney. Sens. John Lowe and Robert Hilkemann, who championed our legislation, and John Stinner, who is chair of the Appropriations Committee, understand the importance of health care in rural Nebraska, and they fought hard for this. The new Rural Health Education Building isnt just about Kearney. It is about health care in rural Nebraska. We are already conducting pipeline programs across the region, and were going to expand development and scholarship support to engage students in communities from Scottsbluff to Norfolk. Those are the young people who want to serve in their home communities, and that is where the jobs are waiting for them. Students come to UNK because they want to get into the UNMC programs. They also want to study and prepare for careers in health care and long-term care management, psychology and counseling, kinesiology and sport sciences, and more. The close partnerships weve had with UNMC for decades, from pre-nursing to the INBRE medical research program to KHOP and more, complement each other. As we develop a facility and programs that specialize in rural health, we will draw students from beyond Nebraska. Drawing more students to Nebraska is good for all of us. With your continued support, we will deliver. Doug Kristensen is chancellor for the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 YORKVILLE An Illinois teen allegedly nearly hit multiple vehicles Tuesday during a police chase on Interstate 94 before crashing a stolen vehicle and trying to run away from an officer. Eric Warfield, 17, of Zion, Illinois, was charged with three felonies: attempting to flee or elude an officer, driving or operating a vehicle without owners consent and second-degree recklessly endangering safety. He was also charged with five misdemeanors: theft, carrying a concealed weapon, obstructing an officer, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to a criminal complaint: A Racine County Sheriffs Office deputy pursued Warfield Tuesday evening after clocking him going 105 mph in a 70 mph zone. Warfield was driving a blue Jeep SUV heading north on I-94. The vehicle was reported as stolen by the Mundelein (Illinois) Police Department. Warfield swerved in and out of traffic, cut off vehicles, and reached speeds of 118 mph. The deputy ended the pursuit because of Warfields dangerous driving. Later Tuesday night, a separate Racine County Sheriffs Office deputy observed Warfield turn around by using the center median on Highway 20. Warfield was traveling at a high rate of speed and was followed by a pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed. The deputy followed the vehicles and recognized the pickup truck driver as a clerk at a local gas station. The clerk told the deputy that he was following Warfield because Warfield stole $28.76 worth of gas from the station. The vehicle ended up running off the road and crashing on the 1300 block of Grandview Parkway, just southwest of where the interstate passes over Highway 20. The Jeep suffered major damage. The deputy saw Warfield and another person running away from the crashed vehicle and chased them on foot. They continued to run while the deputy repeatedly commanded them to stop. Warfield tripped and fell, dropping a loaded gun, a black Glock. The deputy reported that Warfield ran after the gun, at which point the deputy yelled for Warfield to stop or he would shoot. Warfield stopped, went to the ground and was detained. Warfield did not have a valid drivers license. The deputy searched Warfield and found a THC smoking device with liquid THC in it. During an initial appearance in court Wednesday, May 4, Warfield was given a $15,000 cash bond, according to online court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RACINE A Milwaukee man who was accused of attacking three men at or near Regency Mall pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday. Jordan Springfield-Burnett, 24, pleaded not guilty to a felony count of physical abuse of an elder person intentionally causing bodily harm, three misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and two misdemeanor counts of battery all with repeater modifiers. A status conference was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 5. When asked about the alleged assaults, Springfield-Burnett reportedly told investigators, Things arent good right now. Allegations Officers were dispatched to Regency Mall, 5532 Durand Avenue, at approximately 3 p.m. on Dec. 27 for a report that an elderly man was being assaulted in a bathroom. The victim said he heard someone enter and then stand behind him. He walked to the sink and then was punched from behind. The victim was treated for a laceration on his cheek and an injury to his shoulder. Two days later, on Dec. 29, officers again responded to the Regency Mall on a report of someone being assaulted in the parking lot. The victim said that he had just left the mall when a man punched him in the back of the head and the face. The suspect was chased by security but got away. On Jan. 2, an officer was sent to Home Depot at 2429 S. Green Bay Road for a man being assaulted in the north parking lot. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the man, who said he was walking through the parking lot when he was approached by another man who asked him when the mall was closing. He gave an answer and started walking away when the man began punching him in the back of the head before fleeing. On Jan. 4, Springfield-Burnett was taken into custody. 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. WIND POINT While the Legislature as a whole has seen an exodus of sitting elected officials not seen since World War II, another local member of the Wisconsin Assembly has announced he is seeking reelection. State Rep. Bob Wittke, R-Wind Point, announced Wednesday that he is seeking reelection. He was first elected in 2018, defeating Democrat John Lehman by nearly 10 points, and defended his seat two years later against a challenge from Democrat August Schultz by 17.3 points. Wittke previously served as president of the Racine Unified School Board before joining the Assembly. Wittke represents Assembly District 62, which spans from Wind Point to the east and near Waterfords eastern border to the west including Caledonia, Raymond and Wind Lake, with a jut down to include much of the West Racine neighborhood. In a campaign announcement, Wittke said, I will be seeking reelection to be your representative for Assembly District 62. We are currently collecting signatures for nomination papers to place me on the November ballot. If you have received nomination papers in the mail and have collected signatures, please have them filled out and signed and returned by May 15th. If you would like to help collect signatures please email me at wittkeforassembly@gmail.com and I will either email or hand deliver nomination papers to you. Every signature helps! As of the beginning of this month, 30 of Wisconsin Legislatures incumbents announced they would be retiring, not seeking reelection or would be running for a different office; equal to more than one-fourth of all 118 lawmakers. Thirteen Republicans and 10 Democrats in the Assembly are leaving; four Republicans and three Democrats in the Senate are out. Reporting from Todd Richmond of the Associated Press is included in this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MILWAUKEE Parents and teachers may often tell young students to reduce, reuse and recycle, and it may or may not stick. But Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brent Suter telling them the same thing? Perhaps theres a higher chance of it sticking. Suter had students from Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties chanting those three environmentally-focused R words as well as go, planet, go on Tuesday at American Family Field in Milwaukee. I hope the kids go home and say Hey, Mom, I want to start composting. I want to use less plastic. What can we do? I hope that happens and I kind of hope Im annoying to the parents, maybe, Suter said, laughing. Suter, who holds a dual degree in environmental science and public policy from Harvard University, was one of the speakers Tuesday at AmFam Field, where approximately 360 students from nine elementary schools gathered as a culmination to the inaugural Waste Free Crew educational initiative providing educators in southeastern Wisconsin with instructive modules for fourth, fifth and sixth graders to learn and discuss environmentally-friendly practices. The Milwaukee Brewers, SC Johnson and environment-focused nonprofit EarthEcho International partnered to create the Waste Free Crew initiative. The effort is part of the long-term collaboration between the Brewers and SC Johnson to build awareness and educate fans about the importance of sustainability efforts in everyday aspects of life. The program launched on World Water Day, which was March 22, and enrolled 4,000 students. Eighty-three teachers from 55 area schools incorporated the materials into the classroom teaching. The materials, which consisted of guided lessons, handouts and multimedia, covered topics such as what plastic is and how its made, what the different types of plastic are and how we can reduce and reuse plastic. The Waste Free Crew Day at AmFam Field Tuesday brought sixteen southeastern Wisconsin sustainability organizations that taught students at tables stationed throughout the club and terrace levels about various environmental topics through presentations, exercises and hands-on activities. Students from Racine County were Evergreen Elementary fifth graders and fourth-grade students from Gifford School, Goodland Montessori and The Prairie School. Students from Kenosha County were fourth graders from Frank Elementary and Salem Elementary. The session concluded with a lunch and speeches from Suter, SC Johnson Chief Communications Officer Alan VanderMolen and Founder of EarthEcho International Philippe Cousteau, Jr., in the seating bowl of the field. VanderMolen told the students to recycle their plastic cups used at lunch. The plastic cup collection has been an initiative already implemented at AmFam Field; the plastic waste is instead to be used for SC Johnsons Scrubbing Bubbles packaging. Cousteau told the students a dangerous existing myth is that only adults can change the world. Thats a dangerous myth because thats not true, Cousteau said. The only ones who can really change the world, are you. Thats the truth. Stations David Reske, fourth-grade teacher at The Prairie School, said the event was beneficial for his students because they were able to learn about what organizations in different areas of Wisconsin are doing to limit sewage, limit plastic waste and treat water. He said highlights for the students were learning about rain barrels and finding some things can be recycled that may not have been as obvious, such as milk cartons. It doesnt take a change of how you do things, its as simple as throwing it in the other bin, Reske said. Laura Buska, communications coordinator and Respect Our Waters program manager for Kenosha-based Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network, which had a table at the event, said she hoped students are engaged and having fun during her groups presentation. What happens to the land, happens to the water, Buska said. We hope to send the messages of less lawn, more native plants. People should be landscaping with a purpose and feeding the bees. We should be planting their food. 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. If inflation remains high and interest rates rise, the economy will be a major factor. 2. Yes. If the nation goes into a recession, it will be the issue on the minds of most voters. 3. No. Inflation will likely moderate by then; if so, the economy wont be a major issue. 4.No. All the turmoil involving Russia and Roe v. Wade will probably take center stage. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the economy will play with voters at this point. Vote View Results Killeen, TX (76540) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High 93F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Killeen, TX (76540) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High 93F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will become overcast later during the night. Low 71F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. See which counties have the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Nebraska using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. KEARNEY Alyse Pflanz calls financial literacy a superpower. When students learn to make smart decisions with their money, it sets them up for success throughout their lives and helps them avoid the stressors that impact many adults. If we can teach students to manage their money better at a young age and develop an economic way of thinking, theyll continue to make wise decisions as they get older, said Pflanz, a lecturer in the University of Nebraska at Kearneys Department of Management and coordinator of the business teacher education program. Pflanz also serves as director of the Center for Economic Education at UNK, a position that focuses exclusively on advancing economic and financial literacy in the state. Part of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education, the center is a valuable resource for current and future K-12 teachers and students, ensuring they have access to high-quality curriculum and programming promoting money management, budgeting and investing. Pflanzs goal is to make economics and personal finance more fun. We want to make it as easy as possible for students to learn these important life skills, she said. One of our biggest focuses is training teachers to teach economics and personal finance in a way that students enjoy. TEACHING TEACHERS The Center for Economic Education offers a variety of professional development opportunities and training workshops for K-12 educators that enhance their ability to teach these concepts. For example, about 20 teachers were on campus in December for an Investing 101 workshop where they learned how to address this topic in an engaging way. Its important to have a resource like this in central Nebraska. The Center for Economic Education provides access to a greater number of students and teachers and creates equitable opportunities across our state, said Tennille Allison, the college and career readiness coordinator and FBLA adviser at Kearney Public Schools. Instead of driving two or three hours to Lincoln and Omaha, teachers can stop by the UNK College of Business and Technology for assistance, saving them time and money. Because the center is funded primarily through donations, grants and sponsorships, these services are offered free of charge. We know teachers time is valuable and it can be difficult to attend workshops and professional development with everything else they have on their plates. Instead of them having to pay to attend our events, we incentivize their attendance with a stipend, Pflanz said. Allison called the center an important asset for area educators. The Center for Economic Education can support teachers in finding reliable, credible and valuable curriculum, lessons and activities to support this content, she said. This, in turn, provides value to the students because they get to use high-quality materials and have engaging experiences to learn about financial topics. That support will be even more impactful in the years ahead. State lawmakers approved a bill last year that requires high school students to complete at least one course in personal finance or financial literacy prior to graduation, beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. This legislation is a huge win, according to Pflanz. But that also means schools need to prepare their teachers and make sure theyre confident in their ability to teach all those students, she said. In response, Pflanz is launching a four-day Personal Finance Institute in July that allows teachers to gain national certification in this area. Teachers are also able to register for graduate credit as part of the institute, which is sponsored by the Nebraska Credit Union League. SCHOOL PROGRAMS The Center for Economic Education provides learning opportunities for students, too. Thousands of high schoolers compete in the Nebraska Economics Challenge, Nebraska Personal Finance Challenge and Stock Market Game each year, and UNK hosts its own Loper Business Invitational. That event brought nearly 250 students from 24 schools to campus in February to network, develop their job interview skills and test their knowledge in a variety of business-related areas. The Loper Business Invitational helps students prepare for the FBLA State Leadership Conference and DECA State Career Development Conference. Last week, UNK hosted a Nebraska Personal Finance Challenge regional competition, with five high school teams qualifying for the event based on their performances on the online exam. Each team presented a family financial plan to a panel of expert judges. Additionally, Pflanz and the Nebraska Council on Economic Education recently partnered with Funding the Future to bring the nonprofits financial literacy tour to Grand Island Senior High School. Sponsored by Centris Federal Credit Union, the April 29 event included a rock concert and personal finance lessons for students. Other concerts occurred earlier this spring, including one Pflanz helped plan at Adams Central Public Schools. The center also works with students and teachers in the Grand Island Senior High Academy of Business and Education and hosts Family Financial Fun Nights for elementary students and their families. These events, which are expanding to Kearney Public Schools in the fall, include hands-on activities that teach participants about money management. The in-school savings program is another teaching tool for area school districts that allows students to learn about investing. Each school partners with a local bank, which provides money students use to open a savings account. Thanks to sponsorships, all of these programs are offered at no cost to school districts and participants. We never want cost to be a hindrance, Pflanz said. UNK BENEFITS The third branch of the centers mission supports preservice teachers and other UNK students. UNK senior Taylor Bunde, a business education major from Hastings, has benefited from this programming since her freshman year. Ive had several opportunities to develop my resume, build my inventory of teaching resources and grow through professional development opportunities, she said. From assisting with the Loper Business Invitational to co-presenting during the FBLA Fall Leadership Conference, Ive gained additional leadership skills and increased my involvement in education. Bunde also attended the Investing 101 workshop, where she gained knowledge that will be incorporated into her future classroom lessons. Because of the Center for Economic Education and the opportunities it has provided, I feel even more prepared and confident to enter the world of education, said Bunde, who student taught at Gibbon Public Schools this semester. Pflanz is currently working on a couple programs specifically serving UNK students. Bacon and Egonomics will be a breakfast event where Lopers discuss current economic trends and network with finance professionals, opening the door to internship and job opportunities. During Economics by the Pint, students, faculty and community members are invited to talk economics while enjoying cold beer and live music. The first session is scheduled for Sept. 9 at Upper Room Brewery in Kearney. It will be the best economics class you never took, Pflanz said. Pflanz also created a local Financial Advisory Network to connect students with professionals and further promote financial literacy in K-12 education. We know financial and economic literacy changes the way people see the world and their roles in it. For the students and teachers we serve, a thorough understanding of economics will contribute not only to their personal success, but to the successes of the businesses, institutions and governments in which they participate, she said. This is why we are so passionate about educating young people about an economy they will work in, benefit from and ultimately inherit. The Nebraska Council on Economic Education oversees five centers at colleges and universities across the state, with the UNK location established in 1985. They reached more than 14,500 Nebraskans and provided over 115,000 hours of economic and financial literacy training in 2020-21. For more information on the UNK Center for Economic Education, contact Pflanz at 308-865-8482 or apflanz@unk.edu. Bessie Dragoun was 17 in the spring of 1910, when she left her job at an Omaha glue factory and ran away. She wanted to see the world, she said after getting arrested in Sioux City. The jailer asked: Then why come here? Oh, the girl answered, to see Halleys Comet. Eleven decades later, at her home near Minneapolis, Kathy Latuff read the short account at the bottom of an inside page in the Sioux City Journal -- and the grandmother shed never known came into even clearer focus. For most of her 69 years, Latuff knew only what her mother -- who spent her first decade in an orphanage -- had known about Bessie Dragoun. Almost nothing. She attempted suicide, Latuff said. And she got put away. End of story. The story started getting longer, and more interesting, a few years ago. Latuff logged onto Ancestry.com to try to learn more about her grandmother, who she thought was named Elizabeth Gamble. She found nothing. Last year, she visited Omahas Graceland Park Cemetery, where she knew other family was buried. And she found her grandmothers grave, but under the name Bessie Weatherby. All of a sudden, I let out a yelp. There she was, in the ground. Now Latuff and her niece, Valerie Young of Wisconsin, could start scouring the internet and working their phones and making Bessie Weatherby more three-dimensional. Were able to get newspaper articles and follow her life and say, Wow, youre an amazing woman, strong and brave. And adventurous. After trying to see some of the world in Sioux City, she went even farther, working as an elevator operator in Seattle, living with a naval officer in San Francisco, traveling by train around the West. What a fascinating life she led. I think her problem was she was born 100 years too early. She wasnt going to be content living in Omaha. She led a troubled life, too. A year after her arrest, she gave birth to her first daughter, Lucille, who was raised by family. In 1919, she had Latuffs mother, Evelyn, who ended up in an orphanage as an 11-month-old. All she would have of her mother was a photograph, and two pieces of jewelry. The next year, the 27-year-old tried taking her life and was sent to the Nebraska Hospital for the Insane, now the Lincoln Regional Center. She lived there for 15 years, not knowing her father was gunned down in a Chicago robbery, or her firstborn died at 22 from diphtheria, or heart failure had taken one of her sisters. Bessie Weatherby, 41, died at the hospital in 1936. Latuff and her niece were thorough in their research. Earlier this year, they contacted the Lincoln Regional Center to request Weatherbys records, and were so impressed with how they were treated they wanted to make a donation, said Rachel Johnson, the centers religious coordinator. Johnson had an idea. How about using the donation to plant a tree of hope and recovery in the centers arboretum, dedicated to the centers past, present and future patients? Recovery is grounded in hope. Sometimes hope is the only thing we have. I think that for what we do, hope is the foundation. Hope that people can get better, hope that people can leave, hope that theres a better life. They also made arrangements for Latuff and Young to visit the 150-year-old, tree-filled campus on the southwest edge of Lincoln, to see where Weatherby had lived for more than a third of her life. It was a sad time for Bessie and her life here, Young told a small crowd Thursday gathered in the arboretum. And it was painful to read that file, frankly. But what we decided was this can't define Bessie, this record alone, and we need to find out more about her life. It made sense to visit during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, Latuff said. By telling their familys story, she wanted to let her grandmother know they feel no shame or embarrassment that she lived here, and she hoped other families would be encouraged to tell their stories, too. Latuff and Young placed a small paving stone -- dedicated to the memory of Bessie Dragoun Weatherby -- at the base of the newly planted burr oak. Were so happy that theyre allowing us to come here to honor her, celebrate her, Latuff told the crowd. And that shes not defined by the last chapter of her life. Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter Two people charged in a major La Crosse drug bust will need a significant amount cash to get out of jail. La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge Scott Horne set cash bail at $500,000 for 30-year-old Raphiel D. Kuntu and $250,000 for 24-year-old Paige Roberts, both of La Crosse, during a Wednesday bond hearing. According to a pair of criminal complaints, La Crosse police found illegal drugs with a street value of $600,000 in their possession after two controlled buys. Kuntu faces 11 felony and two misdemeanor charges, including multiple charges of possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana with intent to deliver, four separate counts of a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place. Roberts faces faces 12 felony and one misdemeanor count, including the same drug, firearms and trafficking offenses as Kuntu. She also faces charges of harboring a felon and fleeing an officer. According to the criminal complaint, police used a confidential informant to purchase 114.4 grams of methamphetamine for $1,800 from Kuntu on March 16 and 114.7 grams of methamphetamine for $1,900 from Kuntu April 13. Police obtained a search warrant for Kuntus and Roberts residence at 1021 Fifth Ave. S. The complaint says police were concerned about their past history of fleeing and destroying evidence and decided to arrest the two outside the residence. While conducting surveillance April 27, police observed Kuntu get inside a vehicle operated by Roberts. When police attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Roberts allegedly accelerated on King Street at a high rate of speed. Police broke off the pursuit for safety reasons. Kuntu exited the vehicle a short time later and was arrested at a 322 Ninth Street S. address. Roberts was located a short time later in a nearby alley and placed under arrest. A search of the two residences reportedly found 22.06 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.98 pounds of fentanyl, 25.9 grams of cocaine and 11.98 pounds of marijuana. Police also reportedly found four handguns and $20,000 in cash. La Crosse County assistant District Attorney Eric Sanford said a high cash bond was necessary for Kuntu. Sanford said Kuntu has few ties to the area and that a staggering amount of controlled substances was recovered. Hes clearly a for-profit drug dealer, Sanford said. Public defender Araysa Simpson told the court that her office is still trying to arrange defense counsel for Kuntu, who faces up to 290 years in prison. Roberts was represented by attorney Nathan Otis. He argued for a much lower bond amount and said Kuntu bore most of the responsibility for the alleged drug trafficking. There are some pretty stark distinctions between her and Mr. Kuntu, Otis said. Its pretty clear that its a situation of Mr. Kuntus making. Otis said Roberts is a lifelong resident of the La Crosse area and doesnt represent a flight risk. Sanford asked Roberts bail to remain at $250,000. He said Roberts attempted to flee officers and was already out on bond for other drug charges. He said Roberts faces over 200 years in prison if convicted of all charges. It would be naive to think that Miss Roberts was blind to everything Mr. Kuntu was up to, Sanford said. Kuntu and Roberts both have preliminary hearings set for May 13. Love 2 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. Support for stationing police officers in schools was about the same among white and non-white Wisconsin residents surveyed this year by the states police union, even as there continue to be sharp differences by race in perceptions of police violence. The 10th annual Wisconsin Professional Police Association survey found that 63% of respondents believed school-based officers often referred to as school resource officers, or SROs increase school safety. Researchers found no statistically significant difference in that level of support by race. Five percent believed the positions decrease school safety and 25% said they did neither. The rest were not sure. WPPA executive director Jim Palmer said this group asked about SROs for the first time this year because they continue to be a contentious issue and because the union wanted to test assertions made by activists about how non-white people feel about SROs. Frankly, we were surprised to see that a majority of both whites and minorities appear to believe that school resource officers increase school safety, he said. That certainly contradicts the representations of those that have advocated for removing school resource officers in communities such as Madison. In December 2020, the La Crosse School Board voted to phase SROs out of the district after an investigation into the program found it disproportionately impacted marginalized students and contributed to the school-to-prison pipeline. The district reduced the amount of officers employed by the school district from five to three in 2021 and down to two starting this summer, and its the goal of the district to only need a police liaison occasionally called to the schools. The boards decision has since been met with some pushback. A group of students started a petition this spring to keep SROs after a string of threats at a high school, and maintaining police in schools was a signature issue during last months school board race. Similarly, the Madison School Board removed SROs from the districts four main high schools in June 2020 in the wake of protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and after years of anti-SRO lobbying led by local social justice group Freedom Inc. Those opposed to having police in schools point to disproportionately high arrest and school discipline rates for Black students and say the presence of officers fosters the school to prison pipeline. Cross-racial agreement on police in schools didnt extend to issues of police violence. Seventy-eight percent of non-white respondents agreed that police violence against Blacks or African Americans in Wisconsin is an extremely or moderately serious problem, while only 51% percent of whites felt the same. Similarly, white respondents were more than twice as likely (50%) as non-white respondents (21%) to see the killings of minorities by police as isolated incidents. However, similar percentages of whites and non-whites rated racism in society as a major or somewhat of a problem, although non-white respondents were more likely to say it was a major problem. Response to such race-related questions wasnt much different from last years survey, which asked the same questions. Palmer said the differences between white and non-white respondents may suggest areas where law enforcement may have re-evaluate its minority outreach efforts or reconsider the ways by which it communicates with communities of color. The WPPA again this year includes a perceptions-versus-reality section in which it sought to dispel myths about police shootings. Both the 2021 and 2022 surveys asked if the majority of people fatally shot by police last year were armed and whether the majority of people shot by police were Black or members of another minority group, and in both years respondents answers didnt match reality. Sixty percent of respondents, including 40% of non-white respondents, believed the majority of people fatally shot last year were armed. In reality, 100% of them were, according to WPPA.Fifty percent of white respondents and 69% of non-white respondents also believed that the majority of people shot by police last year were non-white. In reality, six of the 27 people shot by police last year were non-white, according to WPPA. The figures tend to line up with other data on police shootings. Since 2015, 111 people have been shot and killed by police in Wisconsin, according to the Washington Post database of fatal police shootings. Sixty-five were white, 24 were Black and all but five or six of them were armed. Black people account for about 7% of the population in Wisconsin, according to U.S. Census data. But the rate at which Black people are shot by police roughly corresponds with the rate at which they are arrested for violent crimes. About 45% of those arrested for aggravated assault last year in Wisconsin, for example, were Black, according to state Department of Justice Statistics statistics. Nationally, 209,848 white people and 129,346 Black people were arrested for violent crimes in 2019, according to FBI statistics. The unions online survey of 1,119 Wisconsin residents was conducted by the St. Norbert College Strategic Research Institute from Feb. 11 to Feb. 21 and was weighted to reflect the states demographic profile. Its margin of error is plus or minus 5 percentage points. Tribune reporter Olivia Herken contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Mayo Clinic researchers have found artificial intelligence significantly increases the chance of detecting existing precancerous polyps during screenings. Researchers, including Mayo Clinic Health System La Crosse physicians Dr. Genci Babameto, Dr. Davinder Singh and Dr. Daisy Batista, looked at the rate of polyp detection during colorectal cancer screenings, conducted both with and without the use of AI. A total of 230 patients at eight medical facilities in the U.S., U.K. and Italy were observed between Feb. 2020 to May 2021. Each study patient underwent both a traditional and an AI assisted colonoscopy on the same day. The former method had a 32.4% miss rate for finding precancerous colorectal polyps, while the later had a miss rate half that at 15.5%. False negative rates were 29.6% for traditional colonoscopies and 6.8% for those using AI. Having correct detection, says Batista, is essential in removing the polyps before they become cancer. (The technology) enhances what we are able to do, Batista says. The AI technology was able to detect smaller and flatter polyps in the proximal and distal colon, the study found. And while most colon polyps are not of concern, late discovery can be fatal. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death on both a national and global level. Per the World Health Organization (WHO), there were around 1.9 million colorectal cancer cases and 916,000 deaths worldwide in 2020. Patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage have a five-year survival rate of around 90%, which drops to 73% for those whose cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or surrounding tissues or organs. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 17%. Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net. 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. The pandemic interrupted Hamilton Elementary Schools Minutes in Motion participation for two years. But for 2022, students were back in the groove, boosting their mental and physical health through the joy of movement. Gundersen Health Systems six-week Minutes in Motion program, which concludes May 8, encourages individuals, teams, classrooms and workplaces to clock 30 minutes of movement each day, for a total of 1,260 minutes per person. Hamilton Elementary joined the program in 2019, and after a hiatus because of the coronavirus, 10 classrooms in grades K-5 joined this years challenge. Sara Jackson, community school coordinator for Hamilton, says teachers and staff find the program valuable for a number of reasons, including enhancing social and emotional learning, which the coronavirus crisis had a very noticeable impact on. The isolation during the pandemic almost froze social and emotional learning in time, Jackson says. As a result, Jackson says, some of the grades were two years behind on the typical levels of social emotional learning (SEL) skills, which could be overwhelming and frustrating. And yet these skills are more important than ever, she says. This program provides us another way to give our students tools to help with their overall wellness while reinforcing healthy habits, Jackson says. We want to partner and utilize any support and resources from the community which will help support our students to be as available as possible to learn. The program has inspired students to hold each other accountable, provide encouragement and inspire teamwork, she says, especially with a class party prize on the line for the winning classroom. Minutes in Motion is just one way Gundersen has engaged with Hamilton, Jackson says, noting the hospital has a long history in supporting the varying needs our students, families and community. Hamilton Elementary strongly believes in engaging with community partners to provide expanded and enriched learning opportunities as a way to increase successful student and family outcomes, Jackson says. The program also allows teachers an opportunity to integrate real life experiences in their lessons, Jackson says, with math skills in play to tabulate individual and classroom minutes. Minutes in Motion also complements other forms of exercise, like gym class or sports. We know that physical activity is essential for every individual and helps us show up as our best self, no matter the age, Jackson says. All Minutes in Motion participants who reach 1,260 minutes can submit their minute logs at the end of the challenge for a chance to win prizes, including a $500 cash grand prize. Visit gundersenhealth.org/mim for more information. Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net. 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. Twenty-four high school seniors were honored and received college scholarships Wednesday night through the Tribunes Extra Effort program. The reception at the Lunda Center at Western Technical College in La Crosse attracted more than 150 people and was the first in-person ceremony for the 26-year program in three years. Students this year received the largest Extra Effort awards yet, the result of the program partnering with the La Crosse Community Foundation over the summer and donors from throughout the community joining steady long-term donors. Overall, nearly $80,000 in scholarships were presented. The support has been phenomenal, and the Class of 22 students are benefitting, said Bob Heisse, executive editor of the Tribune. Our sincere thanks to every donor who is boosting the Tribune Extra Effort fund in the foundation. Students planning to attend four-year colleges were awarded $3,000 total scholarships, to be split over two years; students planning to attend two-year colleges were awarded $1,500 total scholarships, to be split over two years. Three students received their scholarships directly from Western Technical College, UW-La Crosse and Viterbo University. Rusty Cunningham, former Tribune executive editor who built the Extra Effort program over more than two decades, served as master of ceremonies Wednesday night and told the students: Its an honor to celebrate your strength and courage to overcome obstacles and serve others. Your stories have inspired tens of thousands of readers in our area and beyond. Cunningham recognized two groups that dont enough recognition or thanks parents, family members and friends of the students, and educators throughout our region. Each student received a framed copy of their story in the Tribune along with a scholarship. Jamie Schloegel, executive director of the La Crosse Community Foundation, thanked new and continuing donors and praised the students. The La Crosse Tribune Extra Effort Fund is now one of 60-plus other scholarship funds we administer but it is still unique in that it is the first at the foundation designed specifically to recognize and support students who have had to overcome significant obstacles in their young lives, she said. Schloegel said new donors include an anonymous contributor with a $15,000 gift, a new sustaining donor who has committed up to $10,000 per year and continues inviting others to give, and even a bequest. Yes, someone believes so much in the value and importance of this program that they have named it in their estate plans! she said. The following students received Extra Effort scholarships: Derek Erdman, Brookwood Sabrina Vang, Holmen Joe Adorjan, Onalaska Genevieve Haugen, Westby Brianna Zenke, Luther Sydney Goth, La CrossRoads Erikka Thomas, Whitehall Catherine Hurlburt, Arcadia (awarded the Viterbo scholarship) Alli Edie, Sparta Melissa Flynn, G.E.T. Cammie Leer, Viroqua Mckenna Obert, De Soto Morgan Dayton, La Crescent-Hokah Leah Mattingley, Logan (awarded the UW-La Crosse scholarship) Kylee Gander, West Salem (awarded the Western Tech scholarship) Dominic Keivel, Bangor Bree Doll, Prairie du Chien Faith Kanieski, Aquinas Daisha Page, Melrose-Mindoro Bryan Rivera, Cashton Hannah Eveland, Blair-Taylor Karina Bronson, Central Betsy Olson, Black River Falls Braden Zingler, Tomah Presenting scholarships on Wednesday night were Schloegel representing the foundation, Brent Smith of Johns, Flaherty & Collins; Kent Handel and Regina Siegel of Trust Point; Dr. Ann Brice of AAUW of La Crosse; Mary Jo Werner; Cunningham; Quinn Devlin of Marine Credit Union, and Heisse. Chancellor Joe Gow presented the UW-La Crosse scholarship, President Roger Sanford presented the Western Tech scholarship and President Rick Trietley presented the Viterbo scholarship. To support the Extra Effort program visit www.laxcommfoundation.com. Checks can be written to Extra Effort Fund and mailed to the Foundation at 401 Main St., Ste. 205, La Crosse, WI 54601. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 On paper, Wisconsins statute banning abortions which has never been repealed but has been unenforceable for nearly 50 years after the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade would once again become the law of the land if the court repeals Roe this summer as expected. In practice, the future of abortion in Wisconsin could play out in the courts for years to come. Attorneys and other legal experts on both sides of the question were still processing Justice Samuel Alitos leaked majority opinion and formulating strategies Wednesday. But a few legal avenues were emerging. Abortion-rights groups, for example, could argue that the Wisconsin Constitution guarantees the right to privacy, the same basis upon which the high court found the U.S. Constitution protected a womans right to abortion. Groups could also argue that the state Constitutions recognition of a right of liberty also protects a womans right to choose an abortion. On the other hand, a group opposed to abortion could bring a lawsuit in the opposite direction to declare that unborn children are persons entitled to protection under the Wisconsin Constitutions right to life, said Dan Lennington, deputy counsel at the conservative legal group Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty. Wisconsins suspended abortion ban isnt the only state law that would be in play. A related statute prohibits abortions after the fetus has reached viability the same standard established by Roe but carves out an exemption for women whose health could be endangered by continuing the pregnancy. Abortion-rights groups could argue the health exemption extends to a womans emotional and mental health. Another avenue abortion-rights proponents could argue is that a Wisconsin law that has lain dormant for so long, like the 1849 statute that bans abortions in all cases except for when the mothers life is in danger, not for rape or incest, is unenforceable. A legal theory known as the desuetude doctrine allows statutes that havent been enforced over a period of time to lapse. Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has cited that doctrine as a way to challenge the states long-suspended ban. Kaul stopped short of saying whether the Department of Justice would challenge the ban, saying agency attorneys are examining all options. Still, he predicted very significant litigation. This is a hugely important issue, UW-Madison law professor David Schwartz said. I would expect a preemptive lawsuit seeking a declaration clarifying the ban is still valid and enforceable. I think it will be a big mess. The venue for resolving those arguments, the state Supreme Court, is currently dominated by conservative justices. But in 2023, with conservative Justice Patience Roggensacks upcoming retirement, liberals have a chance to gain a court majority. Conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley once called abortion a holocaust of our children, though she made those comments in the 1990s and later apologized for them. Fellow conservative Justice Brian Hagedorn, who has sometimes served as a swing vote, once wrote Planned Parenthood was a wicked organization more committed to killing babies than to helping women and said Roe should be overturned. For now, Lennington said, The only thing preventing a district attorney and the police from investigating and prosecuting a crime under the abortion statute is Roe v. Wade. Up in the air Wisconsins three district attorneys in counties with abortion clinics havent said whether they would enforce the ban, though Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm told multiple media outlets he doesnt believe prosecutors and law enforcement will want to get involved in abortion enforcement. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne did not respond to a request for comment. Kaul told the Wisconsin State Journal on Tuesday he has no plans to enforce a ban. In any case, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it would stop providing abortions in the state if Roe is overturned unless courts have determined the states ban cannot be enforced, spokesperson Mike Murray said. But if nothing is done, emergency room doctors faced with a pregnant woman in distress would have to call their hospitals attorneys to see if they can legally perform an abortion, he said. Youre going to have attorneys probably playing a pretty significant role in whether or not incredibly sick pregnant women can get the health care they need in Wisconsin, Murray said. We certainly do not think the abortion ban should spring back to life. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A second Dane County judge has ordered Republicans who launched former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gablemans ongoing review of the 2020 election to halt the destruction of public records. Dane County Circuit Judge Valerie Bailey-Rihn issued the order Wednesday, noting that she is astounded that such a decision was necessary, given that Gableman, who was hired by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, to lead the review last year at a cost of $676,000 to taxpayers, should be well aware of Wisconsins public records law. Attorneys for Gableman have said the former justice is exempt from retaining records and his office regularly destroys records deemed irrelevant or useless. Im just astounded because the Office of Special Counsel is composed of somebody who apparently should know better, Bailey-Rihn said to attorney Ronald Stadler, who is representing Vos in the case. Christa Westerberg, an attorney for American Oversight, said there is evidence that Gableman deleted records between June 1 and August 30 of last year. She added that the organization has received just 27 pages of documents from Gableman in response to the request. Stadler, who has said all available records have been provided, said he, the Assembly, Vos and Assembly Clerk Ted Blazel, who is also named in the case, have no ability to prevent Gableman from deleting records. Im just struggling with the idea that somebody is above the law and why should I not tell you to tell him what the law is? He should know it, Bailey-Rihn said. It sounds like its necessary for me to order you to tell him to not delete records, which frankly astounds me because there is some evidence that these records have been deleted, Bailey-Rihn added. Now I dont know when. Is that continuing? I dont know. Whats the explanation for that, other than your clients cant control their contractors? Stadler pushed back against comments that the Assembly or Vos has no control over Gableman, adding that the former justices interpretation of the law will be vetted in a separate case. In that case, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington ordered Gableman to not delete or destroy any records that may be responsive to American Oversights original request. I dont think its necessarily accurate to say that anyone is thumbing their nose at the law or thumbing their nose at either court, Stadler said. I think theres a dispute as to what the law provides and what it covers. An analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Council back in October found that deleting such records, even by a state contractor like Gableman, violates state law. Speaker Voss ever-expanding list of excuses they dont exist, theyve been deleted, we cant control our contractors for failing to produce records to which Wisconsin citizens are legally entitled dont ring true, American Oversight senior adviser Melanie Sloan said in a statement. Next, hell claim the dog ate them. This deliberate effort to deprive the public of information undermines our democracy and the rule of law. American Oversight has filed three cases against Gableman, Vos and the Assembly seeking public records related to Gablemans review of the 2020 election. Vos, who had previously indicated plans to begin wrapping up Gablemans review by the time his contract expired at the end of April, said last week Gablemans office will remain open as we guarantee the legal power of our legislative subpoenas and get through the other lawsuits that have gridlocked this investigation. Vos extension of Gablemans contract came one day after former President Donald Trump, who has continued to make unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud in states like Wisconsin in the 2020 election, issued a statement pressuring state Republicans to keep Gablemans review open. A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. Only 24 people out of nearly 3.3 million who cast ballots have been charged with election fraud in Wisconsin. Gableman has issued subpoenas to local and state election officials, the mayors of the states five largest cities and two companies that make vote-counting systems, Election Systems & Software and Dominion Voting Systems. Many of the subpoenaed parties have rejected Gablemans requests for in-person meetings or documents, while the former state Supreme Court justice has also withdrawn some requests, including one filed with immigrant rights group Voces de la Frontera Action. Gablemans subpoenas have been met with a slew of legal challenges, with Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul filing a lawsuit in October challenging Gablemans authority to demand in-person interviews. Kaul has argued demanding private interviews outside a public setting is illegal. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 RACINE There is no law in the State of Wisconsin that makes gay marriage legal. Marriage between two people of the same sex in Wisconsin is only legal because of a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. A smattering of other states, including Minnesota since 2013, allow it in their state laws, something Wisconsin has never done. A leaked draft of a potential new Supreme Court ruling that could lead to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, published by Politico on Monday, indicates that gay marriage could again become illegal in Wisconsin if the current nine justices on the Supreme Court are asked to rule again on gay marriage. Narrow When gay marriage was legalized by the nation's highest court seven years ago in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, it was by a vote of 5-4. Regarding gay marriage being legal in Wisconsin, Theres no statutory component to any of this," said Staci Duros, a senior legislative analyst with the nonpartisan Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau. Duros said that if the Supreme Court was to overturn gay marriage in the same way it appears ready to rule on abortion rights, then same-sex marriage likewise would become illegal in Wisconsin. It is not clear what kind of effect such a ruling would have on same-sex marriages that have occurred since 2015 in Wisconsin. Likewise, if Roe v. Wade is overturned, performing an abortion or having an abortion performed would be a felony in Wisconsin, with no exceptions for rape or incest, and only a limited exception if the mother's life is in danger. The leaked draft, penned by Associate Justice Samuel Alito and confirmed to be genuine by Chief Justice John Roberts, states the decision in Roe v. Wade was "egregiously wrong." In effect, by Alito's reading of the law, since abortion is not explicitly legalized in the U.S. Constitution or in an amendment, then the 1973 court that legalized abortion via Roe v. Wade should have its decision overturned. Speaking about the leaked draft, Lauren MacIvor Thompson, an assistant professor of history and interdisciplinary studies at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, who is an expert in legal history, told the Macon (Georgia) Telegraph, "If this is the final outcome, this is the first domino in a series of challenges that will take place to other human rights, and those will be under attack and vulnerable. If Alito's reading of the Constitution is held consistently, other landmark court cases that provided other rights nationwide could be at risk of being overturned. Other rights guaranteed by the court but not explicitly allowed in laws nationwide include the rights to marry someone of a different race (Loving v. Virginia, 1967) and access to contraceptives (Griswold v. Connecticut, 1965). Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, a Racine Democrat who is a member of the state LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, said it is not clear if the Wisconsin Legislature will act to codify the right to marriage for same-sex couples. In terms of next session, its hard for me to say what actions could be taken," Neubauer said in a Wednesday telephone interview. Regarding LGBTQ-related legislation, "We havent seen support or action (from Republicans) in the past," Neubauer said. For now, however, Neubauer said this is not a priority, as she focuses on generating support for keeping abortion legal. The draft is still a draft Were taking things one step at a time. Neubauer plans to speak at a rally on the issue at 10 a.m. Saturday on Monument Square in Downtown Racine. She tweeted later Wednesday, "I grew up hearing about my grandma volunteering at womens health clinics before Roe. She later taught high school sex ed and served as Chair of PP MN (Planned Parenthood Minnesota). She experienced bomb threats at the clinic where she volunteered, but despite everything, she continued the work. Today we face the most significant threat to reproductive rights in fifty years. I will not let my grandmothers work and the work of generations who have fought for the right to control their own destiny be in vain." Laws legalizing abortion or gay marriage in Wisconsin could not be passed without at least partial Republican support and OKs from the current GOP leaders of each house of the Wisconsin Legislature, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, whose office did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The Legislature is not scheduled to meet in general session until next year. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A 28-year-old Somers woman is accused of taking part in an elaborate money laundering scheme involving stolen vehicles from numerous states. Casha T. Griffin was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering of more than $100,000 on Wednesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court. On March 15, a Kenosha County Sheriff's deputy responded to Neumiller Woods Park, 8100 12th St., for a report of license plates found in the area. Upon arrival, the deputy found plates belonging to a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk that had been reported stolen out of Milwaukee County, according to the criminal complaint. A Kenosha County Sheriff's detective later spoke with his counterpart in Milwaukee County, who told him that in the past year, 20 vehicles have been stolen from General Mitchell Airport. The vehicles being targeted were reportedly high-end Dodge Hellcats, Dodge Ram TRX and Jeep Trackhawks, some of which had onboard GPS that showed they were in the area of 12th Street and Green Bay Road in Somers near Neumiller Woods Park, according to the complaint. About a week later, a sheriff's deputy responded to Hawthorn Apartments, 5802 10th Place, for a report of a Dodge Ram TRX that had been parked for several days with a broken window. The complex is located in the area where the stolen vehicles were located by GPS. When the deputy arrived, the Ram TRX was gone, but while canvasing the area he located a parked white Ford Transit van with an Alabama plate. The deputy conducted a traffic stop of the van, and the driver, Diaunte D. Shields, said he was visiting Griffin, his girlfriend, and denied knowing anything about a Ram TRX, according to the complaint. A vehicle registration check on the van's plate reportedly was associated with Prospect Motors LLC in Adamsville, Ala. When a Kenosha detective made contact with Prospect Motors, the company reportedly stated that the plate was issued to Griffin, who was going to work as a wholesaler buyer of vehicles for Prospect Motors out of the Chicago area. Prospect Motors reportedly stated Griffin stopped all communication with them after receiving the dealer plate and has not gone to any vehicle auctions or done any wholesaler buying for the company. While conducting surveillance on the apartment complex, a detective copied the white van's identification number and located a BMW next to the van with temporary Georgia plates registered through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to Griffin and a car rental company owned by her boyfriend, according to the complaint. When the detective spoke with an agent of the National Insurance Crime Bureau about the VIN on the white van, it was reportedly revealed that the VIN was never created by Ford Motor Company and is fraudulent, suggesting it is an stolen vehicle. A Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) report on Griffin showed that her account was flagged in August 2021 for suspicious cash payments "where the source is unknown and the activity is out of pattern given employment and her history," according to the complaint. Griffins FinCEN reportedly showed that from Nov. 27, 2021, to Dec. 21, 2021, Griffin had $81,370 of suspicious account activity in that one month alone. On April 6, a U.S. Postal inspector informed the detective that a priority U.S. passport addressed to Shields was delivered on April 4 at a Pleasant Prairie address, where both Shields and Griffin receive mail. The Sheriff's Department continued to investigate the situation and obtained a warrant for the Hawthorn Apartments unit that was executed April 26. Griffin was arrested in her unit. Money, items found Inside the unit, hundreds of thousands of dollars of designer clothing, shoes, jewelry and items far beyond her means were recovered, according to the complaint. Numerous electronic devices used to steal vehicles by programing blank key fobs, vehicle scan tools, cash, 4.5 grams of marijuana and a receipt for a Barth Storage unit were also found. The white van with the fake VIN was also found at the residence. Investigators also obtained a search warrant for the storage unit. Found inside the unit were a pistol that had been reported stolen, a modified rifle, tool boxes, a lock pick set and signal jammer devices, according to the criminal complaint. Another warrant for a residence in the 8500 block of 90th Avenue in Kenosha was issued, and a credit card-making machine, license plates and a firearm were located inside, according to the complaint. Griffin is also facing felonies of operating a vehicle without an owner's consent, altering or removing a vehicle's identification number as party to a crime, counterfeiting vehicle titles as party to a crime and theft of moveable property valued over $10,000 as party to a crime. Court Commissioner Loren Keating set Griffin's bond at $100,000 on Wednesday afternoon at intake court. A preliminary hearing is set for May 12. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Black GOP Candidates Are Tapping Into Voter Frustrations in 2022 Election Cycle There are 12 Black Republicans running in statewide races across California this election year. Come June 7, when the primaries are held, many of them already longshots without local or statewide political experience will likely be eliminated from competing in the November general elections. Either way it goes, some of the Black Republican candidates California Black Media (CBM) has spoken with say they have already made a difference. They entered their races to represent Californians who are frustrated with the policies coming out of the Democratic-run Statehouse and Legislature in Sacramento and their ideas and opposition on problems from homelessness and affordable housing to education and the environment have already begun to influence political conversations at the state, county and municipal levels across California. ADVERTISEMENT I really think 2020 woke up a lot of people to get involved in legislation find out how a lot of things work, said Pastor Brian Hawkins, a San Diego native and San Jacinto city councilmember who is a Black Republican candidate running to defeat U.S. Congressman Raul Ruiz. Ruiz is a Democrat representing Californias 36th Congressional District but due to redistricting is running to represent the 25th Congressional District. People are starting to question political motives, people are questioning the education system, the model thats been the same for hundreds of years. So, I think people are hungry for something different and this gives us an opportunity, he said. Recently, CBM spoke with another Black Republican candidate Shawn Collins who is running for governor. Critics say Collins attempt to become governor is ambitious because he is barely known in the states political circles and last week the California Republican Party endorsed another candidate, former California State Senate Minority Leader Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), for Governor. But Collins, 41, an attorney, dad, and U.S. Navy veteran who lives in Orange County, says his message is connecting with people. I tell people that Californias problems are so big right now, they transcend politics, he said. And what I mean by that is there are certain issues in this state right now that impact you whether youre a Democrat or Republican. ADVERTISEMENT Last week, Collins spoke with CBM about his decision to run for Governor of California. Here is an excerpt of our conversation. It has been edited for concision and clarity. Why are you running for Governor? My primary motivation is my family my wife, and my four young children. Im genuinely concerned about my children, being able to start lives and develop careers here in California because the state has become so anti-business. The governors race excites me because I track our K through 12 education. California is ranked 40 out of 50 states. How is that possible? This is the fifth largest economy in the world. We have a budget of over $300 billion. We have a surplus of over $31 billion and our teachers, are some of the highest paid in all of America. You have to ask: why is our public education system so bad? How do we fix it? It is one of the first things Ill focus on when I become Governor. The Hoover Institute has been tracking this program in Dallas in the community that I grew up in, actually. They incentivize high-performing teachers in other school districts to come to lower income communities and try to make an impact. They say, right now only two out of 10 kids are reading at their grade level. If you can get that up to four out of 10, theres $50,000 attached to that. Its in its second year right now and test scores have already dramatically improved. What do you think about the growing school choice movement that a lot of conservatives support? Ive always been an advocate of school choice because it puts pressure on the school district to perform. If they dont perform, their schools will lose funding. What gives you the confidence that you as a Republican can win in California, one of the most Democratic states in the country? Well, Ill start with my background, you know, first of all, Im not your traditional Republican. Theyve never seen any Republican candidate like me. And what I mean by that is I was not born into the Republican Party. Youre looking at a person that grew up in a very Democrat household. My dad was in electrician, and he was a single father because my parents divorced when I was three years old. My mom gave my dad primary custody because she was very intimidated by having to raise two young boys by herself. How do you convince Black and other minority voters to support your candidacy? I grew up in difficult circumstances, so I understand the hurt that average Californians are feeling right now. I can use that personal experience to implement policy that will make substantial changes to individuals lives. How is your plan for tackling homelessness better than what Democrats have done? Democrats have thrown $13 billion at the problem over the past five years, and its gotten worse. We have to stop this housing first policy. The assumption is that if you can provide a home for every single homeless person in the state of California which is in excess of 160,000 at this point the security of a home will somehow transform them. When you look at the breakdown of our homeless population in the state, roughly a third are homeless because of life circumstances, meaning they lost the job, or some type of catastrophic economic event. Thats one-third. the other two-thirds are drug addicted or mentally ill. So, if youre talking about a housing option for that one-third, okay, Youre on the right track. My policy would be to have more drug addiction and mental health services. If the drug addict or the mentally ill person says, I dont want your help, then we have to implement tough love. You have to accept the help or go to jail, but you cant live on the street because thats not compassion. Public safety is a big issue right now. A lot of conservatives are slamming criminal justice reforms and calling for tough-on-crime policies again. What is your take? We have to have accountability built into our criminal justice system. Criminals talk. I know that because I grew up in a community where criminals talked. And if people know that they are not going to be held accountable, they are emboldened to go out and commit crimes. How is it effective to implement tough-on-crime laws and lock more people up if rehabilitation programs are not built into the correctional system? For me, rehabilitation is important. We have to have programs in place whereby incarcerated people can learn a vocation, a trade or skill. If a person just goes to prison and they hang out there for a certain period of time and they pick up no skills, they have nothing to offer society when they walk out. When you walk out of the doors of that prison with no skills, youre obviously going to return to a life of crime. Rehabilitation needs to be intelligent. California 22 Primary Election: Black Candidates Running for Statewide Office On June 7, California will conduct a primary election the first opportunity for voters to elect candidates in newly drawn districts based on the 2020 US census. Registered voters will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot no later than May 9, with the option to return it to a secure drop box, or vote in-person up to 10 days before the election for those living in Voters Choice Act (VCA) counties. For those not registered to vote, same day registration is possible up until 8 p.m. on Election Day. The candidates running to fill eight statewide constitutional offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State (SOS), Attorney General, Controller, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer) and one California US Senate seat will be listed on all primary ballots. The primaries for the four positions on the Board of Equalization, the 52 US Congressional, 80 State Assembly, and 20 State Senate seats are listed based on district. ADVERTISEMENT There are 40 State Senators. They serve staggered four-year terms. Twenty of them representing even-numbered districts are up for election this year. Statewide, there are 145 elections being held to fill these state and federal offices. California Black Media (CBM) reports that 55 Black candidates are running in 37 of the elections. Thats 25.5% of the races. Blacks make up 5.8% of Californias population. In nine of the contests more than one Black candidate is competing. Party affiliations represented are: 36 Democrat, 11 Republican, 4 No Party Preference, 2 Nonpartisan, 1 Green and 1 Peace and Freedom. In six statewide contests, 12 Black candidates are on the ballot. Two candidates are incumbents. One is Dr. Shirley Weber, who was appointed Californias first Black SOS by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, replacing Californias current junior U.S. Sen Alex Padilla. This will be the first time Weber has run for office statewide. The other is Tony Thurmond, Californias second Black State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He was elected in 2018 in a close contest. There are no Black candidates on the ballot running for Attorney General or Treasurer. ADVERTISEMENT Governor Running for re-election as the states chief executive officer, Newsom faces 25 other candidates on the ballot. Four of those candidates are Black. Shawn Collins is a Republican, an Attorney, and a Navy combat veteran. He says, We can and will make California the best place to start a small business, give parents a real voice in their childrens educations, and bring compassion and law and order together to end the human tragedies on our streets. Serge Fiankan is an entrepreneur and has a No Party Preference designation. He says, As your governor, I will change the status quo and address the real problems we are facing with measurable actions. Woodrow Woody Sanders III is an Entrepreneur/Director/Engineer and has a No Party Preference designation. Sanders passion is for restoring Californias crown as the best state in the union. Major Williams is a Republican Businessman. He ran as write-in candidate during Gov. Newsoms recall election and received 8,965 votes. His campaign slogan is, Its time to think major. Lt. Governor Incumbent Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is running against field of seven candidates. Angela E. Underwood Jacobs is a Black Republican Businesswoman/Deputy Mayor running against her. Jacobs was the first African American woman elected to serve on the Lancaster City Council. Secretary of State Shirley Weber has six opponents for SOS. Before her appointment, Weber served four terms as an Assemblymember representing Californias 79th Assembly District. She is committed to making California the national leader in running inclusive, trustworthy, and transparent elections expanding the franchise to more of our citizens, ensuring election security and empowering voters to make informed decisions. She is the only Black candidate running for SOS. State Controller State Controller Betty Yee is termed out this year. Among six candidates running to replace her is Malia Cohen the first African American woman to serve on the board of Equalization. Cohen wants to make sure the tax code is fair, that people understand tax incentives are out there to benefit the working class. I am running because I am committed to equity, empowerment, hope and opportunity for all Californians, Cohen told CBM. Superintendent of Public Instruction There are six candidates running to replace incumbent Tony Thurmond as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As the chief of K-12 education in the state, Thurmond was instrumental in marshalling the efforts of the Department of Education to help school districts deal with systemic inequities that the pandemic put a spotlight light on. He is running to achieve his vision that by 2026 all California students will be literate by third grade. For Thurmond, Black student achievement and student achievement in general have been major priorities. Among his challengers is Black public and charter schoolteacher Ainye E. Long. California Insurance Commissioner Incumbent Ricardo Lara has eight challengers vying to be the next Insurance Commissioner. Three of his opponents are Black. Veronika Fimbres is a transgender nurse running as the Green Party candidate. Fimbres, a Black Navy veteran, has pledged to use the bully pulpit that would come from being insurance commissioner to push for universal health care in the state. Jasper Jay Jackson is a paralegal running as a Democrat. His goal is to deliver transparent and speedy services to the people of California. Vinson Eugene Allen is a medical doctor and businessman running as a Democrat. Allen says, I will personally address consumer issues and work with insurance carriers for a fair solution to disputes. US Senator The office of US Senate will have two separate contests on the June 7 ballot. One contest is the regular election for the full six-year term beginning January 3, 2023. The other contest is a special vacancy election, to complete the unexpired Senate term of Vice President Kamala Harris. Sen. Alex Padilla who was chosen by Gov. Newsom to replace Harris will be competing in both contests. In the full-term contest, he faces 22 opponents. Five are Black. And in the special vacancy contest he has seven opponents. Two are Black. Black candidates in the full-term US Senate race are: Akinyemi Agbede a mathematician and Democrat; Myron L. HallPodiatric Physician and Republican; Daphne Bradford, an education consultant and No Party Preference candidate; Deon D. Jenkins also has No Ballot Designation and No Party Preference; and John Thompson Parker, a Social Justice Advocate representing the Peace and Freedom Party. Candidates Hall and Bradford are also running in the partial/unexpired term contest. In the June 7 primary election, the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (at least 50 % plus 1), a general election must still be held. CBC Speaks on Draft SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade On May 3, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the draft majority opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization case that eliminates the constitutional right to abortion established nearly 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade: ADVERTISEMENT If, in fact, this opinion is issued, it will fundamentally change us as a nation. Overturning Roe v. Wade will have disproportionately devastating impacts on communities of color, marginalized groups already facing discriminatory obstacles to health care, and will resonate globally. Elections have consequences, said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. To the women of America, I speak directly to you: Your right to make personal health care decisions is still the law of the land. And while this opinion marks an unprecedented attack on our womanhood, the Congressional Black Caucus will continue fighting to protect every womans bodily autonomy. It is time to abolish the filibuster and pass the Womens Health Protection Act. It is critical in this moment to remember the human tragedy of this decision. A womans right to govern her body is a fundamental human right, which must be enshrined in law. The radical right stole two seats on the Supreme Court. And now the so-called majority apparently plans to rob women of their long-held reproductive freedom, said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. We will not go backward. Today the women of this country have gotten the first view of a leaked document from the Supreme Court, that basically describes the destruction of Roe V Wade. Is there any doubt that this majority right-wing Supreme Court is poised to finalize a decision that will be devastating to poor women, and minority women in particular? This decision is closer to finalization than not. Despite the pending decision, women must fight with every breath of life, to resist, resist, resist, said Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee. Access to abortions is essential. While this draft decision is not final, it is a devastating attack on womens rights. Overturning Roe and Casey will be detrimental and disproportionately harm Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities already facing systemic discrimination, said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Commitee. We have seen State legislatures across the nation pass draconian laws infringing on peoples bodily autonomy. Banning abortions will not stop abortions. It will only prevent people from accessing abortion care within our healthcare system and force them to seek other alternatives. We must fight to ensure that all have the right to reproductive freedom. We all knew the odds, but it is nonetheless shocking to see a Court move towards overturning 50 years of precedent in a stunning revocation of our right to have an abortion, said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. If accurate, this decision will deal a shattering blow to millions, especially low-income people and women of color. Every American should have the right to make their own personal health care decisions that impact their lives, health and futures. It is chilling to think this court is unwilling to protect those rights. But just as important: this is NOT an official ruling. Abortion is still legal. Now more than ever, the U.S. Senate must preemptively codify Roe into federal law by passing the Womens Health Protection Act. Lives depend on it. In my nearly 30 years in Congress, I have watched Roe and Casey endure waves of coordinated, direct attacks on their legality, said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. And today, it appears that the same court that established the right to an abortion as precedent is poised to senselessly strip it away. Let me be clear: the right to have an abortion is fundamental, and the decision to have one should remain solely between a woman and her physician. It is important to note that this reported decision is only a draft, which means abortion is still legal right now. But it is equally as important to note that an official decision is likely imminent, which means were running out of time to act. The House has done its part to codify the protections offered by Roe by passing the Womens Health Protection Act. The Senate must now take up this bill immediately and send it to President Bidens desk. ADVERTISEMENT This apparent draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade represents the most disastrous and significant setback in access to abortion care this nation has seen in 50 years. This draconian ruling would strip away a womans freedom to her own choicesabout her healthcare, her body, and her agencyand undercuts what has not only been established law for half a century, but a precedent rooted in basic principles of justice and personal liberty, said Congressman David Scott, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Should this ruling be finalized, I am disheartened that our grandchildren must face the same battles of two generations past. Now, we must do everything in our power to stand up for womens healthcare and fight for their equal treatment under the law. We must enshrine abortion rights into law. Every woman, regardless of her background or socioeconomic status, deserves the right to make her own medical decisions. That is why I was proud to vote for the Womens Health Protection Act last fall to protect reproductive rights at the federal level. These reports make it abundantly clear why the Senate must immediately pass that bill and send it to President Bidens desk, said Congressman Bobby Scott, Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee (VA-03). I am deeply troubled by reports that the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade in the coming months, said Congressional Black Caucus First Vice Chair Congressman Steven Horsford. While this decision is not final, it would be an outrageous break with 50 years of precedent. Nevadans voted to enshrine protections in our state Constitution that safeguard a womans right to a safe, legal abortion by an overwhelming margin in 1990. But without federal protections, many states will deny women this right. We cannot allow that to happen. Thats why I will continue advocating for a womans right to choose in Congress. The Senate must act to get the House-passed Womens Health Protection Act to the President for his signature immediately. This is gut wrenching. From this draft opinion, a majority of the Supreme Court is set to overturn Roe v. Wade and rip up 50 years of precedent and womens rights, said Congressional Black Caucus 2nd Vice Chair and Co-Chair of the Democratic Womens Caucus Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. I cant stress enough the dangerous effect this will have on women and families across the country. We are already seeing states pass abortion bans to restrict reproductive freedom. And this opinion will only speed that process up. Let me be clear: abortion bans dont ban abortions, they just ban safe abortions. Those cheering this on do not live in reality. It sends a message that you dont believe that women should have autonomy over their own bodies or that you dont trust us to make our own health care decisions. Furthermore, the United States has a maternal mortality crisis, and it disproportionately affects Black women and other women of color. Striking down Roe v. Wade would cause maternal mortality to skyrocket. While this news is devastating, we cannot give up this fight. In September 2021, the House voted to pass the Womens Health Protection Act which would codify the vital protections in Roe v. Wade. Its time for the Senate to act now to pass this much-needed legislation. We dont have to wait for the Supreme Court to issue its final ruling, and we cannot sit on the sidelines any longer. Too many lives are at stake. In the meantime, remember: this is a draft opinion, abortion remains legal, and it is still a right. Motherhood is a gift to many women, including myself; but it should never be involuntary. Forcing women to carry a pregnancy to term deprives us of our autonomy and equality, said Congresswoman Alma Adams, co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. This draft opinion is terrifying, and confirms what we already knew: that this extreme Supreme Court is hostile to women. Just as important, however, is that abortion is still legal, its still a right, and its still available in the United States. No matter what, I will continue to fight to make our right to choose the law of the land. Overturning Roe v. Wade will set womens rights back generations. The impact of this unjust decision will be felt especially by Black women, low-income women, and rural communities. We must pass the Womens Health Protection Act into law, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. This is not to mention the United States shameful maternal mortality rate and inequitable access to care. We must codify the right to a safe abortion for women in every single state. I will continue the fight to ensure womens access to healthcare, including abortion. Black and brown folks have been sounding the alarms for years and none of it was hyperbole. Our fundamental right to abortion care is under attack, and the draft majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade shows that the stakes could not be higher. We must be clear: abortion care is still legal in America, but Congress must legislate to protect this fundamental human right and codify it into law, said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Chair of the Abortion Rights and Access Taskforce of the Pro-Choice Caucus. We know that our most vulnerable communities will bear the disproportionate brunt of any decision restrict and deny access to abortion care particularly Black, brown, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+ and low-income people. We must legislate as if our lives depend on it, because they do. The Senate must move with urgency to abolish the filibuster and pass the Womens Health Protection Act without delay. The horrifying draft SCOTUS opinion would not only end the constitutional right to abortion but threaten other constitutional rights, said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Its also a unique threat to DC women. A Republican Congress could ban abortion in DC. The draft opinion by the Supreme Court is a devastating blow to womens reproductive rights, said Congresswoman Terri Sewell. A womans personal health care decisions should be made between her and her doctor. The Senate must immediately pass the Womens Health Protection Act to ensure that women everywhere can access a full range of reproductive health care services. Cedars-Sinai Open Doors Art Exhibition On April 27th, 2022, Vice-Chair of the Smithsonian Art Museum, Robert C. Davidson Jr., led a virtual panel discussion called Open Doors: A Conversation of the Healing Power of Diversity in Art. Revealing work from over two dozen Black artists, this exhibition is a timeless cross-generational project that shows a variety of contexts, both, socially and aesthetically. ADVERTISEMENT The purpose of this panel was to commemorate Cedars-Sinais new art exhibition dedicated to showcasing Black artists. For generations, artists have referred to the work of their predecessors to serve as a blueprint guiding them toward new possibilities. The idea for Open Doors began when Anne Burford-Johnson walked the halls of the Plaza Level while waiting for husband Chas F. Johnson (Executive Producer of CBS NCIS) to finish a procedure. Anne found solace in admiring the works of famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, however, she noticed something. While this art was beautiful, she didnt see herself, or anyone that looked like her, in them. I noticed there was very little or no representation of my culture as an African-American in the art, shared Burford-Johnson. After I returned home and my husband was well, I [knew] I wanted to give back in some way. [So] I said, Lets will our art to Cedars-Sinai. The Johnsons are proud of their art collection, which has art that spans over forty years. Because of them, Cedars-Sinai is able to display Phoebe Beasleys Streetcar Line in their medical center. Other art donations came from members of The Brain Trust of Cedars-Sinai, an organization led by professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, Keith Black, MD, dedicated to providing philanthropic research. Portrayals of Black life and history showcase the breadth, the multidimensionality, and the wholeness of Black life, past and present. The exhibit highlights a spectrum of artists within various generations, showcasing the diversity within the Black community while serving as the visual reclamation of Black history. We aim to celebrate past artists that have opened doors while amplifying the present artists that push their vision and values forward. We hope for this exhibition to serve as an entry point to shift how to engage in the world around us and enlighten and inspire viewers of all backgrounds, said a representative from Cedars-Sinai. This exhibition is an important entry point dialogue at Cedars-Sinai, Nicole M. Michell, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer said. The portrayal of the Black experience from the spectrum of artists represented will shift how we think about the healing impact of art. Its a pathway to engaging in the world around us. K.C Miller, Senior Principle Gifts Officer at Cedars-Sinai, who assisted in securing the donations and loaned art stated that Open Doors is a true win for the organization. ADVERTISEMENT The Open Doors exhibit will be up until August 2022. You can see this exhibit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Blvd. #2900A, Los Angeles, CA 90048) at the South Tower, Plaza Level, adjacent to the Plaza Cafe. Govt Agencies Say They Want More Black Californians to Access Jobs, Training Last week, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency, San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, and the Riverside County Workforce Development Board held a summit at the March Field Air Museum in Riverside to discuss persistent employment and labor challenges. The main challenge, they say, is achieving equity. A vital component for the equitable economic and sustainable future of California will be determined on the vision and strategic investments in fast growing regions like the Inland Empire, said Angelo Farooq, Chair of the California Workforce Development Board. ADVERTISEMENT We are proud of the multitude of High Road apprenticeship grants for employers/workers that our board has been making in the region and its continued impact to support quality jobs for the local economy, Farooq added. Equity has become a national buzzword. But what does it mean in when it comes to labor and employment? The state says it aims to make that definition clear and make it work for all Californians, particularly African Americans. Inclusive and equitable. Lets talk about those two words because I love them and I hate them, said the events keynote speaker Secretary Natalie Palugyai of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. I hate them because they get watered-down and thrown around, and people really dont even know what theyre talking about anymore and when people throw those words out, I want to know exactly what they mean because if they dont mean something behind it, were actually not going to get to those lofty goals. Palugyai provided her own definition for what these goals should look like. Getting people in the door, thats equity, said Palugyai. If I have an African American population and they arent participating in my program, but they represent 10% of my region, what am I doing? Palugyai said that the state, traditionally, has not invested in these efforts in an equitable way. ADVERTISEMENT Lets just be really frank about this; economic development, state investments, infrastructure, [and] workforce training and development has been done the same way for a long time and what has really changed? Palugyai asked the room full of workforce officials and sponsors. The summit panel consisted of workforce representatives from the state and both Inland Empire counties, as well as community leaders throughout the region. They all spoke about the importance of equity while acknowledging the systemic challenges theyve faced in that pursuit. The Economic Policy Institute, and other sources tracking job data, say Black unemployment in California remains higher than the statewide average. At the state level, the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency wants regional offices to maintain some independence to help encourage participation from the Black community. We havent been great at outreach, Palugyai admitted. During COVID, we learned that the only proper way to do outreach is through community organizations that are connected to the people were trying to serve. The old ways of us doing it are just not cutting it anymore. She brought up an example of the state supporting regional equity efforts: the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) which would provide aid to counties based on their needs following the COVID-19 pandemic. You want outreach from the people who look like you that are probably going to understand you more, Palugyai said. In Riverside County, these challenges are prevalent, according to Leslie Trainor, Deputy Director of the Riverside County Workforce Development Centers. However, she reports that they have been working on said challenges. One of the things we did was look at the numbers of the customers that were serving because we wanted to make sure that we were at least serving the number of African Americans in proportion to the number of African Americans in the general population of Riverside County and we are in fact serving a slightly higher percentage, said Trainor. She admitted there are systemic issues to tackle. Patrick Ellis, Chair of the Riverside County Workforce Development Board, emphasizes that just getting Black people jobs is not enough to solve the problem. I dont think we can achieve equity if we dont pay a lot of attention to job quality, said Ellis. We have a lot of poor people in California, and we have a lot of poor people in the Inland Empire. Most poor people work, often more than one job. Trainor said that the Riverside County Workforce Development Centers can offer help with upskilling, resume updating, mock interviews, and job searches but some people are not aware of these services. Because of this, Riverside County Workforce Development Centers are looking to connect with the Black community through Black-led community-based organizations, as is the plan for the states workforce development programs. The state and the two Inland Empire counties plan to make this summit an annual event. Haji Malcolm on Reflective Consciousness: Reasoning Radically and Rightly in Our Times In this month of raising up, remembering and reflecting deeply on the life and legacy of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, I want to share an excerpt on his concept of reflective consciousness from my forthcoming book, The Liberation Ethics of Malcolm X: Critical Consciousness, Moral Grounding and Transformative Struggle. Haji Malcolms core teachings, he tells us, is rooted in three moral imperatives: wake up, clean up and stand up which I have translated as critical consciousness, moral grounding and transformative struggle. Haji Malcolms moral imperative to wake up is an urgent call for an expansive conception and cultivation of consciousness. In addition to his stress on religious, historical, cultural and social consciousness in the cultivation and development of critical consciousness, an awake and engaged consciousness, is his emphasis on reflective consciousness. Indeed, reflective consciousness is an aspect of consciousness that is infused in every other form of consciousness which he advocates and advances. ADVERTISEMENT By definition, waking up as critical consciousness is a reflective consciousness and thus, whether we are talking about religious, historical, cultural or social consciousness, the principle and practice of reflection or reflectivity is present in Haji Malcolms ethical teaching. Nana Malcolm values reason and reasoning highly, and he constantly challenges his audiences to reason with him, to think deep and with self-determination. Reason, for him, attains the level of a moral obligation. It is part of his struggle against both ignorance or unawareness and unrestrained passion that make us unable to reason rightly and critically in our quest to think deep, understand ourselves, issues and the world and live good and meaningful lives. Clearly, Haji Malcolm here stresses the role of teaching and learning of truth, of gaining knowledge of and self-consciously living that truth, and using knowledge in the interests of liberation and the elevated life. And he also stresses reason and knowledge as a means of developing a self-discipline which restrains passion without denying the role of emotions like love, loyalty, respect and righteous anger at evil, injustice and oppression. Again, Haji Malcolm engages reflection on life as an ethical obligation and compelling urgency in his liberation ethics and practice. Indeed, the practice of liberation, for him, begins with waking up and thinking seriously and continuously about our lives and the obligations, understandings and urgencies that must be confronted, engaged, and attended to in rightful and fruitful ways. In this regard, he wants African people to think, not simply in routine ways that the established order teaches and expects of us, but rather in liberated ways, in ways that enhance the anchoring, orienting and advancement of our lives and liberation struggle. Thus, he states in a lecture at Harvard in 1964 that as a people in oppression and resistance, African Americans, and by extension Africans as a whole, must break from the system of thought imposed by the oppressor and develop a new logic, a new system of reflection. For the lessons of their history and daily lives in oppression and resistance teach them that What is logical to the oppressor isnt logical to the oppressed. And what is reason to the oppressor isnt reason to the oppressed. He wants us to be self-reflective, but also socially reflective. ADVERTISEMENT Thus, when Haji Malcolm asks us to think for ourselves, he is speaking of thinking independently from the established order and interdependently within and for community, using our own culturally and ethically grounded values and standards. But, Nana Malcolm also wants us not to be coerced or unduly influenced even by our community members, but to think for ourselves in personal and collective ways. For there is no real interdependence in freedom without an independence that allows each of us to think freely. Nana Malcolm unmasks, critiques and condemns established order claims and practices as untrue, oppressive, deceptive and hypocritical. He will not allow the established order to boast of its claimed democracy when Black people are, in truth, victims of democracy, rather than among its beneficiaries. For far from being a genuine democracy, it is, he argues, a deceptive form of the tyranny of the racist majority, nothing but disguised hypocrisy disguising oppression as freedom; pervasive and persistent police violence and mass incarceration as public safety needs; and injustice and inequality as problems created by the victims themselves, rather than the victimizers. Haji Malcolms emphasis on thinking below the surface of things and deeply is also reflected in his description of the oppressed beginning to wake up to the nature of their oppression. He says the victims are waking up. Their eyes are coming open. They are beginning to see what they only used to look at (added emphasis). This seeing rather than simply looking at speaks strongly to Haji Malcolms emphasis on critical reflection, deep thinking rather than viewing things superficially and insufficiently. A Kawaida reading of Nana Malcolms ethical teachings on reflective consciousness suggests that he advocated not just a rational reasoning, but also a moral reasoning, rooted in an ethics of struggle for good in the world. In such a Kawaida reading, to have a reflective consciousness is to be thoughtful in at least two senses of the word, to be contemplative in mind and considerate in heart. Thus, Haji Malcolm says in a lecture at UC Berkeley, Im speaking from my heart and you get it exactly as the feeling brings it out. Furthermore, he says uniting thought and feeling, I am speaking as a Black man. And Im letting you know how a Black man thinks, how a Black man feels . . . . The ancient Egyptian word ib captures this dual and interrelated meaning, for it means both to think and to feel, to imagine and sense. And one of the greatest sources of moral failure as defined by Maatian ethics is to be or become iwty-ib literally devoid of mind and heart, i.e., lacking the capacity and will to think and feel; that is to say, unable to be rightfully rational and morally sensitive concerning things of moral and social importance. But as always, Nana Malcolm does not want us to just think and feel without action, but to act also and to do so in rational, radical, morally-grounded and morally sensitive ways. He would thus agree with Nana Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah that Practice without thought is blind; thought without practice is empty. Nana Nkrumah, who received Haji Malcolm with warmth and great respect and whom Haji Malcolm constantly praised, argued that it is from the environment and living conditions of the African people . . . that the intellectual content of our philosophy must be created. That is to say, our disciplined and focused thought must be rightfully attentive to and developed out of the lived experience and life conditions of the people. Here, Osagyefo Nkrumah is talking about thinking deeply and carefully about the conditions and needs of the people, their political education, mobilization, organization, confrontation and liberation. And Haji Malcolm finds common ground in this emphasis on thinking deeply, carefully and caringly about his people and especially those he calls the downtrodden and oppressed. Min. Malcolm, then, wants a reflective consciousness in the service of the liberation of the people. And whether it is the development and application of a formal philosophy or an everyday philosophy we use, Nana Malcolm teaches an emancipatory philosophy which calls for and cultivates a reflective consciousness that is born of struggle, contributes to the liberation and good life of the people, and advances the African tradition of righteous resistance. Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org. Heres a Mothers Day Gift Guide for 2022 It goes without saying that Mothers Day is 360 days a year, but since its only officially celebrated one day a year, its a good idea to go all out to find those unique gifts. Here are a few choices that we feel will make her special day, even more special. Giving B(l)ack Just Got a Whole Lot easier! Do you want to send a gift to someone you care about with curated gift boxes you can choose from, or you can Build Your Own Giftbox featuring premium, well-designed Black-owned brands! Five percent of the companys consumer gift box sales and marketplace sales are donated to charitable organizations doing work in and for the Black community. BLK & Bolds Rise and GRND A great gift for the coffee-loving moms out there is BLK & Bolds Rise and GRND coffee blend. This fair-trade certified coffee is roasted in the Midwest, but sourced from Ethiopia and Honduras. The company also contributes 5% of their profits to make a domestic social impact to support at-risk youth, both locally and nationally. ADVERTISEMENT GUIDE BEAUTY This multi-award-winning GUIDE Wand helps creates a luxurious, jet black eyeliner. This device makes it easy to draw on a wing and tightline eyeliner. The Wand boasts a replaceable, soft, and flexible precision tip applicator thats gentle on the eyes. The easy-to-hold handle steadies the hand to make even rushed eyeliner application a cinch. Its also a game-changer, as it makes advanced, pro-artistry techniques achievable for anyone. https://www.guidebeauty.com/products/guide-eyeliner-duo-eyeliner-and-applicator CARTER MOVE MUG This is the mug. A travel mug designed to amplify the senses and engineered to fit your travel needs with a snap-in splash guard and slim width, you can now enjoy coffee at its fullest on the go. https://fellowproducts.com/products/carter-move-mug CURVD ADVERTISEMENT CURVD is a mission-oriented consumer houseware products brand founded in 2019. It exists to redesign everyday houseware products with everyone in mind to create a world that includes all the underrepresented communities. https://www.curvd.com/ MILK MAKEUP Bionic Blush, hydrating liquid blush is an award-winning 90% natural liquid blush that can be blended sheer or layered for a more intense payoff, infused with hyaluronic acid, mushroom extracts, and vegan collagen for a hydrated flush of color. This product is 90% natural, vegan, clean, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, and gluten-free. https://milkmakeup.com/products/bionic-liquid-blush?variant=41249139654841 FENTY Defying categorization, Fenty Eau de Parfum is spicy and sweet all at once and is designed to be worn by all people, for all occasions. Rihanna worked alongside world-renowned LVMH Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier to create Fenty Eau de Parfum, a one-of-a-kind scent that cannot be categorized into a traditional olfactive family. It combines magnolia and musk with tangerine, blueberry, and hints of Bulgarian rose absolute, geranium and patchouli. https://fentybeauty.com/pages/fenty-eau-de-parfum @fentybeauty, @badgalriri, #FENTYPARFUM, Images That Changed Our View 30 Years of Reflection The video that captured the beating of Rodney King was profound in so many ways. For the very first time, the nation witnessed police brutality in a raw form as filmed, not by a member of the media, but rather from an average citizen. And marginalized communities of color now had evidence of what we had been saying for years law enforcement used unlawful tactics and tended to target Black males and used excessive force without cause or care of discipline. The proof was there. The video was broadcast for all to see. Then came the trial and the acquittal of the officers. The date was April 29, 1992. ADVERTISEMENT In 1992, I was serving as a deputy mayor of Los Angeles and found myself just as astonished as the next person to have seen the beating of Mr. King replay in my head as the not guilty verdict was read in court. The two did not equate. As an individual, I knew this was wrong. As a community, it was too much to just shake off. Tensions between the police department and the Black community had grown to a tipping point prior to the Rodney King beating and the trial, and eventual dismissal of charges against the police officers, was too much to accept. Since the 1992 civil unrest, I have gone on to represent South Los Angeles and surrounding communities as a representative in the State Assembly. I was selected to chair the Assemblys Public Safety Committee where I have authored legislation with the intent of reforming policing by creating better standards of conduct and essential training for law enforcement. I carry with me the images of the tragic beating of Rodney King and the memories of outrage from the community to help guide policy that strengthens ties between police officers and the communities they serve. One main take away from that time is violence and criminality would forever be caught in the act by anyone with a video recorder or cell phone. And though technology now plays a major role as evidence in court, the judicial system and police policies remain antiquated and prejudiced. George Floyd, Eric Garner, and so many more have videos that serve as proof that we still need to work on police reform. ADVERTISEMENT Incremental changes have occurred by consent decrees mandating change and some by other external forces like community groups calling for change. Some change has taken hold by having the right leadership in place but changing a culture of policing that has its roots in slave capture is not something that happens overnight. Last year, Governor Newsom signed into law my bill AB 89 creating new standards of training and conduct for law enforcement recruits, including prison guards. My bill, also known as the PEACE ACT, requires a college degree and ups the age limit of new officers to 21 from 18. This adds more training, life experience, and mental discipline giving officers a better chance to deescalate situations rather than taking impulsive and lethal actions when not needed. As a community we must demand that law enforcement communicate better with our civic leaders and work with community-based organizations to better relationships. We must all be responsible for improving our neighborhoods and communities. And we must learn from the past to create a safer and brighter outlook for everyone to thrive. We should work to ensure that a repeat of the tragedies, pains, and sufferings that occurred in 1992 never happen again. Laurent Departs CSU to Retire in New Orleans Many members of the Southern California region have expressed sadness, yet love and appreciation, when learning that Dr. Michael Laurent is retiring and moving from sunny Los Angeles to the more variable climate of New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Laurent has been both a licensed marital family therapist and a licensed psychologist in the L.A. area for over 30 years. Within those 30 years, he has served as a tenured professor at CSU-Northridge and CSU-Dominguez Hills. At CSUDH in Carson, California, he founded one of the first Black Mens Support Group designed as a psychotherapy group for Black men in college. He went on to provide clinical psychotherapy in Southern California to many individuals and couples. But, his specialty area was always working with African American men. ADVERTISEMENT He has been called by many national and local organizations to speak about working with Black men and he often appeared on TV and radio in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. Dr. Laurent is proud of his record as a professor. He has taught Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality for many years and has tried to continue much of the mentoring he received from Joseph White (considered the Father of Black Psychology), Leo Buscaglia (the Love Doctor of the 1970s and 1980s) and Dr. Walter Brackelmanns (TV psychoanalytic family/couples therapist in the 1980s). Dr. Laurents experience with CSUDH culminated in his service as chair of the Marital Family Therapy Department for the past seven years. His presentation to Yale University on Psychoanalytic Family Therapy to African American Couples has still been seen as one of their most interesting presentations. His Black Mens Group continues to this day with many of the original members now providing such counseling to young Black males. Politically, over the years, Dr. Laurent has joined forces with other advocates of Black Lives Matter, Driving While Black protests, and the American Civil Liberties Union at both local and national levels. He leaves behind many friends and loved ones to join other friends and loved ones in the Big Easy. But, when he goes, he knows there will be a whole lot of good left behind. In his retirement he is scheduled to finish two long-awaited books, continue community activism in New Orleans, start a new podcast, and do a lot of dancing at festivals and funerals. As he leaves, he wishes everyone in SoCal much love and many blessings. Majority Whip Clyburn Shocked After Congresswoman Bass Takes Him to L.A.s Skid Row Clyburn: Ive seen poverty, but Ive never seen anything like this. House Majority Whip James Clyburn has concluded a trip to Los Angeles to see in person the condition of Black men and women in a city where they make up less than 9 percent of the population, but nearly 40 percent of the homeless. Clyburn is the Majority Whip and the third-ranking Democrat in the United States House of Representatives. He is also the highest-ranking African American in Congress. At the invitation of Congresswoman Karen Bass, Clyburn was given an intimate, up close and personal tour of Skid Row. Bass is hoping that Clyburn will see the need that Los Angeles has for more funding to help combat the issue of homelessness. ADVERTISEMENT I think that a lot of people around the country do not realize the gravity of the problem here, said Bass. And the fact that the extreme disproportionate numbersBlack folks are 9% of the city and 40% of the people in tents. For him to see the concentration of African Americans living downtown in extreme poverty that I have often said, Ive seen refugee camps that dont look as bad as Los Angeles streets. And so I know, knowing his stature, knowing his connection to the White House, I want Clyburn to see whats happening in LA and to elevate the issue with people to see how serious it is. Clyburn was serious and quiet while looking out the window as he was driven through the heart of Skid Row in Central City East. This could not exist without institutional failure and lets just call it personal tolerance, said Clyburn. And Im not too sure that if more people were to see this, they could tolerate it. I dont know how you do it. Clyburn also visited Los Angeles Community Action Network (LACAN), a grassroots organization in Skid Row working to ensure the human right to housing. He, Bass, and 8th District Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson met with Pete White, LA CANs founder and executive director. It was essential for the highest-ranking African American in Congress to come face-to-face with a housing crisis that politically possesses more questions than answers, said White. As a resident of South Carolina, scenes of poverty were not new, but the Skid Row concentration and tentscape left him silent. ADVERTISEMENT In reflecting further on what he saw in Skid Row, Clyburn referred to Alexis de Tocqueville, the 19th-century French sociologist, who said when talking about the United States, that what made the country great was not that it is more enlightened than any other nation, but rather because weve always been able to repair our faults. So what I saw today is another threat to the greatness of America because we seem not to be able to repair the faults, said Clyburn. Ive seen poverty, but Ive never seen anything like this. Bass also arranged for Clyburn to meet with formerly and currently unhoused Black men and women at United Coalition East Prevention (UCEP), an organization that works to prevent and reduce the impact of substance use in Skid Row. Lamar, 42, broke down into tears explaining the difficulty that he is having accessing services while living in Skid Row. A former drug dealer who turned his life around in 2012 and had gotten a job, Lamar thought he had a better opportunity to move to Memphis with his brother and his wife, but when his wages were garnished, he couldnt afford it and ended up back in Skid Row. So now I am back here and its been hard on me, shared Lamar. I try to get out of it. I was in the rapid rehousing program and they said I had to move over there and then over there. Then they changed my worker. I get discouraged after a while going through loops and stuff. I did everything they asked me to and I still havent received my housing. I am really not trying to go back and do anything bad. Lamar lives in a tent with his partner and pitbull. 26-year-old Adelene shared her experience of arriving in Skid Row at the age of 16 after her mothers boyfriend gave her an ultimatum to either have sex with him or get out. She came to Skid Row from Pennsylvania. A lot of people say that people choose to become homeless, said Adeline. I did not choose to. My moms boyfriend winded up being a sex trafficker and if I didnt have sex with him, he said I had to leave. She continued, My mom told me not to come back and so I didnt see her for the next five years. Fighting back tears, she tells Bass and Clyburn that its been 10 years and she thought shed be over it. Adelene said that prior to coming to Skid Row she was in the hospital and a nurse told her to go to Skid Row when she found out she had nowhere to go. They [hospital staff] even offered to call a taxi for me. They had me stand in line at Union Rescue Mission. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson asked her which hospital. Good Samaritan. Adelene credits UCEP and a woman at the Union Rescue Mission for helping her to get from Skid Row and into the Covenant House in Hollywood. The Covenant House provides housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness. It felt like a safe haven, but at the same time, it didnt feel as safe as the Skid Row community because in Hollywood, there was a lot of like sex work going on at Sunset and Western. And there was [sic] a lot of very suspicious men that are always willing to give you a ride somewhere. Adelene says that shes had permanent housing for the past five years through Ruths Place, which provides permanent supportive housing for youth and young adults, families, seniors, individuals with special needs, and other low-income households. The conversation took a grim direction when the subject of overdose deaths came up. There was an argument amongst the group over which drug was killing more peoplemethamphetamine or fentanyl. The study that the countys just released, about 73 percent of overdoses deaths are meth deaths, shared Charles Porter. Fentanyl deaths have increased. Meth deaths have been consistent over the last few years. The only spike has been with fentanyl deaths because fentanyl is showing up in everything. Adelene said the drug use was so bad that people were overdosing every day and that once her roommate died of a drug overdose while Adelene slept in the bunk bed below her. Bass added, Every time drugs come up, Mr. Clyburn and our colleagues try and focus on opioids, [and] I always try and change the language because if you just focus on opioids, youre not going to address the other drugs. It has to say opioids and other drugs. Bass and Harris-Dawson were surprised to hear the group advocate for zero-tolerance policies over harm reduction models when it came to drugs. Harm reduction is touted as a way to meet people where theyre at. Harm reduction emphasizes education and mitigation strategies, especially for substance abuse. The goal is to prevent deaths and disease by providing clean syringes, medications that help curb addiction, and other judgment-free treatment support like providing naloxone to reverse an otherwise fatal overdose from opioids. Members of the group, some who are former drug addicts, arent impressed with the models effectiveness. Its a double-edged sword, but it is what the county wants to adopt, said Social Model Recovery Systems CEO Bruce Boardman. As a person in long-term recovery thats been part of an abstinence-based model for more than 30 years, I appreciate the abstinence-based model. I do not that think that if someone would have introduced me to a harm reduction model I would be here today I think I would have been dead. I think we should change harm reduction back to zero toleranceperiod, said Michael Remson, 56, a former Skid Row resident who now works with the unhoused population. When you get into a programsuch as where I work nowto tell someone the effects of drugs but you can still come into the facility high and drunkwhat good does that do? Thats just saying its okay. Before, years ago, if you come in here high or drunk, you aint getting in. And I think you have a much better success rate because you know the people coming in the door arent high. And thats what harm reduction saysI can come back and keep smoking. Wheres the bottom, asked Bass, agreeing with the group. Bass also spoke about working to get the amount of time that a person can stay in treatment for substance abuse being changed from 30 days to a year under the Affordable Care Act a move the group was excited to hear about. At the end of the discussion, Clyburn thanked all of the participants for sharing their stories and being candid about what Los Angeles needs to realize impactful and meaningful change. Adelene shared with Bass that she was surprised to see her in person at this meeting. Its wonderful meeting you, said Adelene. I was just in a panel with Congresswoman Barbara Lee and your name came up. And I saw a commercial on you and I said I am voting for you and so right now, when I sat down and looked and saw you sitting here, I said no way. You make me wanna be better than I was yesterday. I just love you. Bass hopes that Clyburns visit moves him to help her bring more funding back to California to help repair the fault. Majority Whip Jim Clyburn Comes to L.A. in Support of Karen Bass for L.A. Mayor Black faith leaders also voice their support and vow to encourage members to vote in the upcoming election Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC), the third most powerful leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, urged Angelenos to support Karen Bass for mayor of Los Angeles on May 3, at an event hosted by Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. at the L.A. Sentinel. During a prayer breakfast and press conference with pastors of the citys largest African American churches, Clyburn related the national significance of electing leaders like Bass and how it positively impacts campaigns of Black Americans across the nation. ADVERTISEMENT I want you all to let people know what Karen Bass as mayor will mean to them, their families and their communities. I think if you succeed in pulling this off, you will demonstrate to communities all over this country that they cant outspend us, he declared. Clyburn encouraged the ministers to alert their congregations to expect ballots in the mail starting Monday, May 9. Also, even though June 7 is Election Day, ballots can be completed and mailed before that date. I learned growing up that we have to be intertwined as a community. My dad (who was a pastor) had three books in his pulpit, recalled Clyburn. One was the Bible, one was a hymnal and the third was a book that he put together of every registered voter in our precinct. He made it his business to contact everybody in the book every election day. It would be sinful if all of your parishioners were to get the ballot and you not preach about it. Lets get this done! Noting his personal relationship with Bass, Clyburn added, When I got the chance to work with Karen Bass, I saw in her someone that is dedicated to making this countrys greatness accessible to all the citizens, but also affordable to citizens. Of all the housing in the world, no matter how many units you build in Los Angeles, if people cant afford it, it might as well not be built. Thats what her candidacy is about, and Im happy to be here today and do what I can. Next, Bakewell introduced Bass, who rose to outline the main areas she will focus on upon becoming mayor. Remarking that L.A. is at an inflection point, the candidate listed the top issues that concern most citizens homelessness, crime and profound income inequality. ADVERTISEMENT Addressing homelessness, Bass said, L.A. has become so unaffordable that people are living on the streets. Were watching places where we grew up that due to gentrification, the adult kids cant afford to live there and have to move out of town. Bass also mentioned campaign spending by her closest opponent, Rick Caruso, which has totaled $23 million on advertising more than any mayoral candidate in the citys history. The good news is he spent all of that money I have not spent a dime and all he did was catch up with me. You would have thought he would have run me over with a truck by now. Im sure that has frustrated him, she said. To illustrate her point, she noted that the Police Protective League, the union that LAPD officers belong to, just purchased a $500,000 media buy to support Carusos campaign and attack Bass with false messages about her platform such as she wants to defund the police. Youll see those hits coming in an effort to drive down my numbers, but youll begin to see mail and TV ads from me in the coming week, said Bass, who added that she was grateful for the support and prayers of the pastors. Among the clergy in attendance Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the AME 5th Episcopal District; the Rev. Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, president of the Western Baptist State Convention; and the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard, assistant director of USC Cecil Murray Center for Civic Engagement and pastor of Word of Encouragement Community Church. Were pushing souls to the polls and souls to the mailbox. We understand whats at stake. Everything is at stake and we believe, in this time, that Karen Bass is the right woman for the job of mayor of Los Angeles today and [we] look forward to making history on June 7th. The faith community is behind her, asserted the Rev. K.W. Tulloss, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California. Voicing similar comments, Pastor Doug Nelson of True Baptist Church said, We have seen the past works of Karen Bass. Weve seen the good work shes done in our communities. Weve seen the schools shes built, and the driving out of liquor stores. Because of the past work shes done we have evidence shell be a great mayor. Were sending our members to the mailbox because God has called Karen to be the mayor of Los Angeles! Others in attendance were Pastor J. Edgar Boyd of First AME L.A., Pastor R.A. Williams of McCoy Memorial Baptist, Pastor Ken Walden of Holman United Methodist Church, Pastor Edward Anderson of McCarty Memorial Christian Church, Pastor Joyce Reece Kitchen of Emmanuel-Turner AME Church and Bishop Marvis Davis of First Baptist Church of Venice. Also on hand were Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Herb Wesson, Ward EDC Executive Director Jacqueline Dupont-Walker, and West Angeles CDC Executive Director Belinda Allen. Staff Writer Devyn Bakewell contributed to this story. Project to Help Non-Profits Gain Access to Almost $200B in State and Fed Funds Non-profit organizations across California will be able to apply for funding from a pool of cash created with an initial investment of $15 million from two foundations. The money will help local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) gain access to almost $200 billion in federal and state funding coming down the pike for economic development projects. The Center at the Sierra Health Foundation, a Sacramento-based organization that promotes health and racial equity, and the James Irvine Foundation, a private San Francisco-based philanthropic nonprofit that advocates for Californians who earn low wages, are the first two foundations investing in the fund called the Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI). ADVERTISEMENT CEMI will strengthen nonprofits working in marginalized communities and help them secure and influence the use of public funds designated to reduce economic and environmental inequities, said Chet P. Hewitt, President and CEO of Sierra Health Foundation and The Center. This year, California is expected to receive close to $200 billion in federal and state funding. The money will be sourced from the American Rescue Plan ($43 billion) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ($56 billion), as well as the states Community Economic Resilience Fund ($565 million) and its budget surplus ($46 billion). This is a much-needed investment for community-driven organizations particularly those that support the most vulnerable Californians. Historically, they have not been invested in the same manner as larger organizations. Many of them were affected throughout the pandemic and need this fiscal and operational support. My hope is that there will be intentionality to be inclusive of the organizations that can have the greatest impact in our communities, said Kellie Todd Griffin, Convenor of the California Black Womens Collective, an organization of more than 1500 Black women leaders in various professions from different regions of the state. CEMI is expected to begin funding the CBOs in the summer of 2022 with $14 million from the James Irvine Foundation and $1 million from the Center at Sierra Health. We have a golden opportunity to make sure these investments reach community-based organizations that best know the infrastructure their communities need for economic growth that is inclusive and resilient, said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation. Howard says the funding from CEMI aligns with the James Irvine Foundations mission of supporting low-income workers because it helps grassroots organizations and community advocates participate in the planning and decision-making that goes into the distribution of public funds. ADVERTISEMENT We need an economy built on inclusion, equity, and dignity for all work and workers and that starts by making room for diverse leaders to have a say in how these once-in-a-generation investments shape their communities futures, Howard continued. The CEMI funding will provide technical assistance and training to the CBOs that qualify to build their capacity and infrastructure and build models for what community-driven economic development looks like, according to the Center at Sierra Health Foundation. The funders of CEMI say they believe the organizations they support will grow into a strong network that can drive more equitable economic development policy, regulation and accountability at state and local levels. The California Endowment (TCE), a private foundation with headquarters in Los Angeles, has also committed to investing in CEMI. TCE is a 56-year-old foundation that supports programs that improve the health care of Californians living in underserved communities. The availability of state and federal funding provides California with an important opportunity to address critical health and economic challenges for the most vulnerable Californians, said Dr. Bob Ross, President and CEO of TCE. This potential can only be realized by investing in community-led change, Ross added. Gov. Gavin Newsom praised the foundations for taking a leadership role in making a difference in the lives of Californians who need help the most. This initiative will help grow the capacity of committed organizations to continue their important work in communities across the state. This will be especially important as we focus on COVID-19 recovery and creating a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all, the governor said. Hewitt says the project will result in transformative change in California. The past few years have laid bare the impact of long-term disinvestment in poor communities. We must do all we can to position community institutions to grow power and create opportunity for the places and populations they serve, he said. Scott Becomes Youngest Black Playwright to Receive Sardis Portrait Broadway is changing and the issues of diversity and inclusion continue to bring powerful, new voices to the forefront. One of those creatives is Broadway playwright, Keenan Scott II, who wowed audiences and critics, this year, with his punch-in-the-gut play, Thoughts of a Colored Man. Producer Kandi Burruss recently announced that Scott will be the youngest African American playwright to be honored with a Sardis portrait one of the most enduring and coveted theatrical traditions. In the theater community, this is a great honor because Sardis is a Broadway institution and has amassed over 1,200 caricatures of famed faces,connected to the theatre industry with approximately 900 portraits on display. Scotts portrait will go up at Sardis in the next few months. ADVERTISEMENT I cant tell you how proud it makes me that our brilliant Keenans face will be up on the walls of Sardis alongside incredible luminaries from the theater community present and past, said producer Burruss. It is truly an honor both for Keenan and our show, Thoughts of a Colored Man. When Thoughts of a Colored Manopened on Oct. 13, 2021, it made history as the first Broadway show to be written, directed by, starring and lead produced by Black men. Scott was chosen to be a part of the 2021 TED Fellow cohort to be among a global community of artists, inventors and scientists. His latest work, The Migration LP, and new original musical, The Return of Young Boy, is currently being developed at New York Stage & Film, while his other stage plays are in various stages of development. He is a part of the creative team of the miniseries, A Luv Tale by Sidra Smith, now on BET+. He is also developing an array of projects for television and film, currently developing a pilot with UCP of NBCUniversal and adapting a novel by JJ Bola called The Selfless Act of Breathing with BRON Studios. Sensors were adjusted on ride where teen fell to death Sensors on a Florida amusement park ride had been adjusted manually to double the size of the opening for restraints on two seats, resulting in a 14-year-old boy not being properly secured before he slipped out and fell to his death, according to an initial report released Monday by outside engineers. The average opening for restraints on the seats on the 430-foot (131-meter), free-fall amusement park ride located in the heart of Orlandos tourist district was 3.3 inches (8.3 centimeters). However, the opening of the restraint for the seat used by Tyre Sampson was as much as 7.1 inches (18 centimeters), and the one for another seat was 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters), according to the report commissioned by the Florida Department of Agriculture, which is investigating the accident. Sampson was only 14, but already 6 feet, 5 inches tall (195 centimeters), and well over 300 pounds (136 kilograms) when he slipped out of his seat as the ride plunged to the ground at speeds of 75 mph (about 121 kph) or more. ADVERTISEMENT An inspection of the seats showed that sensors used to activate safety lights on the two seats, indicating the harness safety restraints were in place, had been adjusted to allow for the wider openings. As the ride slowed down, Sampson slipped through a gap between the seat and safety harness, the report said. The cause of the subject accident was that Tyre Sampson was not properly secured in the seat primarily due to mis-adjustment of the harness proximity sensors, said the report from Quest Engineering and Failure Analysis, Inc. The Orlando Free Fall ride, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, didnt experience any electrical or mechanical failures, the report said. The release of the report marks the initial phase of the investigation into the teens death, and we are far from done, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said at a news conference in Orlando. The report said there were many other potential contributions to the accident and that a full review of the rides design and operations was needed. ___ ADVERTISEMENT This story has been edited to correct the name of the ride to Free Fall, not FreeFall. CHENGDU, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Fuel assemblies are the core of nuclear reactor. Engineers and researchers of Nuclear Power Institute of China in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, have worked for years to develop China's own fuel assembly of commercial nuclear power plants. On Oct. 27, 2019, the first batch of 20 groups of CF3 fuel assemblies with independent intellectual property rights were loaded into nuclear power plant. The achievement marked that China has mastered the technology of high-performance nuclear fuel assembly. It is worth mentioning that over 70 percent members of the R&D team are young people. The young generation of the R&D team will continue to engage themselves in Chinese nuclear power plant development. Photo taken on April 26, 2022 shows members of a R&D team in Nuclear Power Institute of China in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Members of a R&D team work in a laboratory of Nuclear Power Institute of China in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 28, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Members of a R&D team work in a laboratory of Nuclear Power Institute of China in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 28, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Members of a R&D team work in a laboratory of Nuclear Power Institute of China in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 28, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) Produced by Xinhua Global Service South L.A. Commemorates 30th Anniversary of Civil Uprising All across South Los Angeles, observances were held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the civil uprising, which occurred from April 29 to May 4, 1992. The defining event, triggered by the acquittal of acquittal of four White LAPD officers charged with the horrific beating of Black motorist Rodney King, resulted in the deaths of 63 people along with the property damage totaling $1 billion. As the city embarked on rebuilding neighborhoods destroyed by fire, many community leaders and law enforcement officials united to heal emotional wounds by establishing relationships. The 77th Street Area Community-Police Advisory Board (C-PAB), who spearheaded one of those efforts, gathered with C-PAB representatives from South L.A. to the San Pedro to reflect on the progress of the improved communication over the last three decades. ADVERTISEMENT An official ceremony was held on April 28 in the courtyard of the 77th Street Police Station. With Denise K. Smith, 77th Street C-PAB co-chair, serving as emcee, the crowd of 50+ shared insight about the significance of the occasion. Marveling on the C-PABs advancement, Pastor Tyrese Cagle said, Thirty years ago, we didnt have community engagement. We didnt have community talking to law enforcement and law enforcement leaning on community. So, you should give yourselves a pat on the back. Bishop Grover Durham, a member of Southeast C-PAB, noted, Im excited to be here because now I see things from a different perspective. Thirty years ago, I was anti-police. Now, today Im pro-life and to God be the glory. We have a group that prays everyday for the police department. We stand behind our officers. Insisting that the LAPD of 1992 no longer exists, Durham said police officers accompany him to give food to the poor and that he witnessed officers taking money from their pockets to assist people in need. Anything I can do to make your job easier, let me know. It takes all of us working together, Durham said. Dr. Kathy Cash of Determined To Know Christ Ministries recalled that she was working in West L.A. when the unrest started. With her mother on her mind, she attempted to drive to Slauson Avenue and Figuroa Street to her moms residence. But, as I was approaching Western Avenue, I couldnt go any farther [east]. All I could do was go back, said Cash. She returned to her employers home in Bel-Air and watched the incident on television. The following morning, she was able to reach her mother, who was fine. ADVERTISEMENT When we look at what happened 30 years ago from then to now its about love, remarked Cash. The Lord gave us two commandments love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. That covers everything. Were not going to get anywhere unless we have love. The program speakers included Deputy Chief Gerald A. Woodyard, LAPD South Bureau commanding officer; Mona Sutton, Harbor Area C-PAB co-chair; Bernita Walker, 77th Street Area C-PAB and clergy member; Pastor Tyrese Cagle, 77th Street Area C-PAB and clergy member; Pastor Clyde Powe, United In Peace Rides; Commander Jay Mastick, South Bureau assistant commanding officer; and James Moysonete, Southwest C-PAB member. Following the ceremony, the group traveled to the corner of Florence and Normandie, the flashpoint of the uprising. After offering prayers and brief remarks, the members released dozens of white balloons to symbolize the groups commitment to peace. Study assesses taking of Black homeowners property in 1960s Residents of a Black neighborhood in north Georgia lost more than $5 million on their properties when their homes were destroyed and replaced with university dorms and parking lots more than 50 years ago, according to an analysis by University of Georgia professors. The study of the loss to homeowners in the Linnentown section of Athens, Georgia, was reported last week by the Athens Banner-Herald. The city of Athens used eminent domain to force Black families out of Linnentown in the 1960s as part of an urban renewal plan. It sold the land to the state Board of Regents, and dorms and parking lots for the University of Georgia went up after the homes were razed. ADVERTISEMENT The UGA experts looked at what the lost properties would be worth today and what residents received for them, according to the Banner-Herald. They also assessed the amount of appreciation lost by the displacement to other properties. They were not able to capture the impact on employment or education or the emotional trauma of being forced to move, said Jerry Shannon, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and the Department of Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics. Shannon recently presented the report to a group tasked with redressing the neighborhoods destruction. The Athens-Clarke County mayor and commission are also expected to review it, and it could be used to allocate funds for projects such as affordable housing. Teacher under fire for cotton, cuffs in class on slavery Rochester school officials are investigating allegations that a white teacher told his class of mostly Black students to pick seeds out of cotton and put on handcuffs during lessons on slavery in a seventh-grade social studies class. It made me feel bad to be a Black person, student Jahmiere ONeal told news outlets. The teacher has been put on leave while the school system investigates the allegations. They came to light after an appalled parent posted on Facebook that her daughter was confronted with the cotton-picking lesson Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENT He made a mockery out of slavery, the mother, Precious Tross, who also goes by Precious Morris, told news outlets later. I dont have a problem with you teaching our kids about slavery and what our ancestors went through and how they had to pick cotton, she said. Our teachers back in the day told us that, but they dont bring in cotton and make you pick cotton seeds out of cotton. School officials havent identified the teacher. Teachers union President Adam Urbanski told WXXI-AM that if someone departs from what they should be doing, they should suffer the consequences, but due process has to be allowed first. Tross and Vialma Ramos-ONeal, who is Jahmieres mother, said the teacher let white children refuse to take part in the cotton-picking while not letting kids of color opt out. I immediately was like, `Oh, Im not doing that, said Morris daughter, JaNasia Brown. And then he was like, `Do it. Its for a good grade. On another occasion, the teacher brought in handcuffs and shackles, according to the students. Tross said that when her daughter balked at putting them on, the teacher threatened to send her to the principals office or the school counselor. ADVERTISEMENT The parents are calling for the teachers firing and for his teaching license to be revoked. School Principal Kelly Nicastro told parents in a letter that school leaders take these allegations very seriously, and a statement from the school board called them extremely troubling. In a district of Black and brown students, it is important to be sensitive of the historical framework by which our students are engaging and learning, board President Cynthia Elliott said. About half the School of the Arts students are Black. Voter Registration in Georgia Possibly Cut by Website Change A change in a government website that used to make voter registration automatic in Georgia may have resulted in a sharp drop in people registering as they obtained drivers licenses. A review of data by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that the share of Georgians who registered through the state Department of Driver Services fell from 79% in 2020 to 39% last year. Pictures of the departments website show that before January 2021, drivers had to check a box to decline to register or update their voting information. But the website changed last year so that voters had to click Yes or No when asked if they wanted to register. ADVERTISEMENT However, the intent of the program is to register drivers by default, not give them an option. The share of unregistered Georgia adults had fallen sharply since automatic registration began in 2016, adding more than 1 million people to the voting rolls. Its really not true automatic voter registration, Eliza Sweren-Becker, an attorney for the Brennan Center for Justice told the newspaper. This seems like a good example of the importance of automatic voter registration in its proper form. Automatic registration takes some of the stumbling blocks out of the way of voters to help them participate. The Department of Driver Services recently changed the website again to make voter registration the default option, but its unclear if that will change registration rates. The opt out is more prominently displayed than in prior years. The department said its up to drivers to decide. They make the choice. The question is still the same, and if that person wants to make a choice, that is their choice to make, said department spokesperson Shevondah Leslie. We cannot say that changes to the website made a difference. One million fewer people participated in automatic voter registration last year, though many of them are likely already registered, according to department data. About 95% of eligible Georgia voters were registered in 2020, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. ADVERTISEMENT Still, the change means that people turning 18 or moving to Georgia for the first time may have missed out on getting registered. Democratic U.S. House members Carolyn Bourdeaux, Nikema Williams and Sanford Bishop wrote letters Wednesday to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland citing extreme concerns about decreases in automatic registration. This steep decline raises serious questions regarding access to the ballot in this years election, including the possibility that voters may believe they are registered to vote but are not and are therefore unable to exercise their constitutional right to vote, they wrote. The three requested an investigation, notification of voters whose registration information wasnt updated, and provisional ballots for affected voters in the May 24 primary. A new voter who moved from Florida last year, Jackie Harder, said she tried to register when she got her Georgia drivers license but later received a notice saying she wasnt registered. This is such a significant drop. I dont know why that didnt raise all kinds of red flags, said Harder, a Blackshear resident who later registered with a paper form. If people are being disenfranchised, whether due to human or technological errors, that is a big problem. In response to questions about automatic registration, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called it a false political narrative. It remains easy to register, easy to vote, and hard to cheat in Georgia, Raffensperger said in a statement Tuesday. All states are required to offer voter registration opportunities at drivers license offices under a 1993 federal law, but automatic registration is not required. A new study has found that all dogs have different personalities even dogs of the same breed. Elinor Karlsson studies genetics at the University of Massachusetts. She co-wrote a report about the study, which appeared recently in the publication Science. Karlsson said, Every dog really is an individual. Karlsson noted there is a huge amount of variation even between dogs that look the same. At a New York dog park, dog owners told The Associated Press about the different characteristics of their pets. Elizabeth Kelly owns an English springer spaniel. She called her dog friendly, but also kind of the queen bee. In other words, her dog likes to act like she is in charge of other dogs. Suly Ortiz owns a yellow Labrador. She described her dog as calm, lazy and shy. Rachel Kim has a dog that is a mix of several breeds. She described the animal as super independent and loving. Dogs first became friendly to humans around 14,000 years ago. But the idea of dog breeds is much more recent. Around 160 years ago, humans began to breed dogs to have certain physical qualities, such as fur texture and color and ear shape. Karlsson said her aim was to learn how much a dogs breed affects their behavior. The answer? Breed does not decide an individual dogs personality. Karlssons team gathered information from 18,000 dog owners and studied the genetic code of over 2,000 dogs. The researchers found that some qualities are based on genetics. However, there is no guarantee that two dogs of the same breed will behave in the same way. For example, they found golden retrievers that do not retrieve. To retrieve is to get and bring something back from a place. Some breeds, such as huskies and beagles, may be more likely to howl or make a long, loud barking sound. But many of these dogs do not howl, as owner observations showed. In addition, the researchers were not able to link aggression to a certain breed. Jeff Kidd studies genetics at the University of Michigan. He was not involved in the dog project. He said the connection between dog breed and behavior is much lower than most expected. Adam Boyko studies genetics at Cornell University. He also was not involved in the dog research. He noted that Karlsson and her team organized the most data ever about dogs. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting by the Associated Press. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. Words in This Story breed n. a kind of dog, cat, horse or other animal that has been produced by matching two parent animals based on their traits variation n. a change in the form or condition or amount of somthing characteristic n. the special qualities or traits of a person or thing lazy adj. not liking to work hard or be active shy adj. nervous or uncomfortable about meeting new things or people personality n. the way of behaving that makes a person or thing different from another person texture n. the way something feels when you touch it bark n. a short loud sound made by a dog A new housing center for the Vaticans Swiss Guard force will reportedly accommodate both male and female members. The purpose of the force is to guard the residence of Pope Francis, as well as all official entrances to Vatican City in Rome, Italy. Currently, only males are permitted to serve in the Swiss Guard. A Swiss organization is raising money to build the new housing center also called a barracks. The organization signed an agreement with the Vaticans Secretary of State on May 4. An official with the Foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard told Reuters the agreement calls for the new barracks to have single rooms with private bathrooms. The barracks where the Swiss Guard now live is a shared space. The official, Riccardo Boscardin, said there were two reasons the new barracks will have the ability to separate Guard members. One is because COVID hit when the project started and the second is the possibility of integrating women into the guard, he said. When asked about the possibility of women joining the force, Boscardin said, this decision is not ours, but exclusively that of the Vatican and the pope. The rule requiring Guard members to be male goes back to the year 1506, when the force was created. Members must also be Catholic, unmarried and have Swiss citizenship. The 85-year-old Pope Francis has already named women to several high positions in the Vatican administration. In March, he introduced a new constitution that permits any baptized Catholic, including women, to head most Vatican departments. The Foundation of the Pontifical Swiss Guard is seeking to raise about $46 million to replace the current barracks, Boscardin told Reuters. He said work was expected to begin in January of 2026. That date was chosen so members would not be displaced during the 2025 Holy Year, when millions of visitors are expected to travel to the Vatican. Boscardin said the site of the current barracks will be kept or rebuilt exactly as it is now. He noted that the new barracks will look a lot like the existing one on the outside. But he said building a new, environmentally friendly barracks will cost much less than repairing the existing one. Im Ashley Thompson. The Associated Press reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for VOA Learning English. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story accommodate v. to provide what is needed or wanted for something residence n. where a person lives integrate v. to combine two or more things to make something more effective exclusive adj. not shared with everyone baptism v. a religious ceremony held when a person officially enters a religion replace v. to take the place of something else displace v. to make someone or something leave their usual place or postition site n. the place where something happens We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. WAHOO The men who served on the submarine Wahoo SS565 have held reunions every two years all over the country. But they had never gathered in the community that bears the same name as their beloved submarine. So it was fitting that they decided to hold their final reunion in Wahoo at the site of a monument to another submarine that bore the same name. We thought we should go to Wahoo, said Tom Young, one of four men responsible for organizing the reunion April 29 at the Wahoo SS238 memorial, part of the Veterans Memorial on the Saunders County Courthouse grounds. Young, who lives in Hamstead, New Hampshire, served on the Wahoo SS565 in 1955 and 1956, just one deployment during his 20 years in the Navy. The first Wahoo submarine sunk during World War II on Oct. 11, 1943, during an air and sea attack in the LaPerouse Strait in the Sea of Japan while returning home from patrol. The 80 men on board, including Robert L. Jasa of Wahoo, died. The wreckage was discovered in 2006 by Russian divers. Anyone who served on the second Wahoo was proud of the name because of the sacrifice paid by the Wahoo SS238 crew, said Ed Banda of Glendora, California. The original Wahoo lost all hands in combat, said Banda, who served on the Wahoo SS565 from 1967 to 1970. The Wahoo SS565 veterans are well aware of the reputation of the first submarine that bore the name Wahoo. It had the highest kill rate, said Steve Ploeckelmann of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The second Wahoo submarine, this one tagged SS565, was in operation from 1952 to 1980. Young and the rest of the 16 men who gathered for the reunion from all parts of the country served on the submarine at one time during their Navy careers. The day before the reunion, Young and the other three members of the organizing committee were in Wahoo for pre-planning. They stopped by the Wahoo Newspaper office to talk about their experiences on the Wahoo SS565 and the Navy, as well as the reunion. Young said all submarine sailors volunteer for duty on a submarine. Were a special breed, he said. Submariners are the elite of the fleet, Ploeckelmann said. He was on the Wahoo in 1975-78. Less than 2% of sailors qualify for submarine service, according to Banda. Once they raise their hand to volunteer, the sailors undergo rigorous training to qualify for submarine duty. It can take up to a year to earn your dolphins, the symbol of submariners. That is the ultimate goal, to get your dolphins, Young said. Submariners are trained for specific jobs on the submarine, but also cross-trained to do everyone elses job, said Bill Smith of Lake Hughes, California. Working in such close quarters, undersea for long stretches of time, forges a bond between submariners. The camaraderie on the sub is incredible, said Smith, who was on the Wahoo from 1974 to 1978 at the same time as Ploeckelmann. Its a family. You knew someone had your back in case something went awry, Banda said. Many have told Smith he was crazy to choose to be a submariner. But he said the tightness of the group was what drew him to the submarine service. That is what I thought was the best thing, he said. Because of these close bonds, all submarines have reunions, Smith said. This reunion will be the last, however, as many of the veterans are aging and no longer able to travel. Also, their numbers are dwindling, said James Gee of Marble Falls, Texas. The Wahoo SS565 was known as an attack sub, or a hunter/killer, Banda said. The whole purpose of the boat was to deliver arms and torpedoes, Ploeckelmann said. The reputation of those who served on the Wahoo SS565 was as storied as the submarine itself. Ploeckelmann recalled pulling into Puerto Rico and learning that sailors on a nuclear submarine were told to steer clear of the Wahoo crew because they had a reputation for fighting and winning. Do not engage, was the announcement from their commanding officer, Ploeckelmann said. There was also a rivalry between diesel and nuclear submarines, which caused heated exchanges during leave when sailors from both types of submarines were in the same port, Banda said. While these submariners may have been part of the reason the Wahoo had a reputation for toughness, they were quietly reverent when the ceremony took place on Friday. Smith tolled a bell as Ploeckelmann and Banda read the names of each sailor who had served on the Wahoo crew and had since passed away. The bell was an actual piece of the Wahoo SS565, which was given to the Wahoo Veterans Club several years ago. Many were sad to know this was the last time the Wahoo sub vets would gather for a reunion. I thoroughly enjoy these events, said Gee, who served on the Wahoo in 1959-60 during a 24-year Navy career. Ed Kitt of Las Vegas was the only Marine at the reunion. He served on the Wahoo SS565 in 1959 as a cryptologist. Because of his job, he was not actually listed on the ships manifest. Kitt recalled an incident when the Wahoo got caught near Russia as their commander took photos with the submarines periscope. Things got pretty hairy, he said. We had to go down and laid for 52 hours to avoid (the Russians), he said. The entire crew had to remain silent. They couldnt eat or smoke to avoid being detected by sonar. While they were on the bottom of the ocean, they could tell the Russians were throwing torpedoes above them that they were told were fake. But most didnt believe that. They said they were fake. They were not, said Kitt, who went on to a distinguished career as an educator after he was discharged from the Marines. Also in attendance were Bruce and Lois Steyer of Lincoln. Bruce served on the Wahoo SS565 from 1959 to 1962 as an electronics technician. His wife, the former Lois Pearson, is a Wahoo native who graduated from Wahoo High School in 1962. The couple met after Bruce had completed his Navy service. Steyer remembered signing a book as the Navy prepared to send one of the Wahoos torpedoes to the city of Wahoo for the memorial, which was completed in 1962. Clark Hill, who served on the Wahoo SS565 in 1962, also remembered the torpedo donation. After the ceremony, the submariners and their wives gathered for lunch at the vets club. They were very impressed by the Veterans Memorial at the courthouse. Its probably one of the nicest memorials in the country, said Young. Its amazing what Wahoo has done. While local residents would like to think the submarines were named for the Saunders County capital, the name Wahoo came from a type of fish found in the waters of Florida and the West Indies. At the time, all submarines were named after fish, Banda said. Young said a new Wahoo is being built. Wahoo SS806 could be ready in about four years. When it sets sail, a new set of submariners will learn the legacy the name Wahoo signifies in Navy history. The Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce plans to move into a new building just after receiving $3.4 million from the state to bolster its efforts to support minority entrepreneurs. The Chamber, currently located on Commerce Drive, is looking at purchasing and renovating an existing 15,000-square-foot space on Verona Road in Fitchburg. The project is worth around $5 million, said Chamber CEO Jessica Cavazos, and would be funded by a capital campaign that the organization plans to unveil in a matter of weeks. The need for expansion comes as the Chamber has reached a membership of around 643 businesses in 24 Wisconsin counties, Cavazos said, with those numbers only slated to grow as the organization plans not only to hire several employees to increase its outreach efforts in rural communities, but also build on a program that offers small loans. Those efforts are supported by the $3.4 million grant, which comes from the states Diverse Business Assistance program first introduced by Gov. Tony Evers last October. That and the move came as the pandemic highlighted the disparities minority businesses have faced in comparison to their white counterparts for decades. The dream that (the Chamber) had in 2017 is becoming executable, said Cavazos during an informational session about the project Wednesday night, adding that the organization has operated at its current location for around five years. The project, which Cavazos referred to as a business incubator space known as The Gateway, would offer members, a majority of whom are Latino, space to develop their ideas and get the educational support they need. The Chamber chose Fitchburg because 30% of its membership resides there, she said. And according to data from the city of Fitchburg, around 17% of the municipalitys population is Latino. A rendering by Midwestern architect Shive-Hattery features office and conference room space, classrooms for educational activities, a small retail area modeled after the State Street Pop-Up shop initiative (Culture Collectives) and a commercial-grade kitchen. The classrooms would support the Chambers Tu Empresa incubator program, Cavazos said, adding that the kitchen would provide space for training and food preparation for entrepreneurs looking to open a restaurant or food cart. Five area businesses would help provide the food. Before such renovations can move forward, the city of Fitchburg needs to approve rezoning of the Verona Road property, as well as a permit to allow for the kitchens construction, Fitchburg economic development director Mike Zimmerman said. The space is currently zoned under a Business Highway District classification, he explained, but rezoning under the General Business District classification would allow for the intended uses. The Fitchburg Planning Commission plans to take action on the rezoning and permit on May 17. If the Commission likes what it sees, it will vote to recommend both agenda items to the Fitchburg City Council for final approval the following Tuesday, Zimmerman said. We think (the project) is a wonderful initiative that will be a win-win for everyone, Zimmerman said during the Wednesday session. Its unclear whether the city helped fund the Chambers move, but Cavazos said the organization has been in talks with companies such as American Family Insurance and CUNA Mutual Group to garner support. The Meijer Foundation has committed $50,000 already, Cavazos said. Both businesses have been heavy supporters of development projects on Madisons South Side including the $25 million Black Business Hub and $38 million Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Cavazos said the Chamber is also looking for help from its eventual neighbor, nonprofit restaurant Little Johns owned by Chef Dave Heide, to see how the two organizations can best accommodate the entrepreneurs using the kitchen. Meanwhile, the Chamber will operate using the hybrid model it has used amid the pandemic, offering both in-person and virtual meeting and appointment options, Cavazos said, adding the organization plans to close on the new building sometime in June. 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. With time running out in the 2022 legislative session, Georgia lawmakers took up a bill to regulate raw milk. An amendment suddenly got tacked onto the House version of the bill, although the new wording had nothing to do with dairy. The language called for legalizing the use of strips that test drugs for fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid fueling a wave of fatal overdoses across Georgia and the U.S. The amendment, said Sen. Jen Jordan, an Atlanta Democrat who sponsored it, was a commonsense solution to save lives. The revised milk bill passed overwhelmingly on the last day of the General Assembly session. If the bill doesnt draw a veto from Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia will join a growing list of states decriminalizing the use of fentanyl testing strips as the drugs scourge has spread across the nation. Governors in New Mexico and Wisconsin this year signed bills allowing test strips in those states, and legislatures in Tennessee and Alabama recently passed similar legislation. In Pennsylvania, although a state law prohibits test strips, the mayors of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have ordered bans on prosecuting people possessing them. The states attorney general said he wont charge people for having the test strips. Alaska state health officials, horrified by a surge of overdose deaths, have started giving out free test strips. A vending machine in Ohio offers the fentanyl-detecting devices alongside naloxone, a medication for reversing overdoses. But the Florida legislature balked this year at a bill that would decriminalize the testing strips. Fentanyl test devices prohibited under drug paraphernalia laws adopted decades ago remain illegal in about half of states, drug policy experts say. Many public health and addiction experts, though, promote the rapid testing devices as whats known as a harm reduction tactic to help prevent overdose deaths from illicit drugs that users may not know are laced with fentanyl. We hope all the states would come to realize the dangers of contamination are so high and that fentanyl test strips empower a person taking drugs to know whether they have fentanyl, said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. Street versions of fentanyl, an approved painkiller thats being produced illegally, largely come into the U.S. from Mexico. Fentanyl is up to 100 times as powerful as morphine. It is commonly found in what is sold as heroin often taking its place entirely. It also can be mixed into cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit street pills sold as opioid medications substances that many buyers are not expecting to contain fentanyl. The spread of fentanyl has helped lead to a stunning rise in drug overdose deaths. Synthetic opioids including fentanyl were involved in about two-thirds of U.S. drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period that ended in November 2021. And three-quarters of overdose deaths from cocaine last year were associated with fentanyl, Volkow said. Fentanyl is so potent that it can stop your breathing at very low doses, she said. The fentanyl epidemic also has exacerbated racial inequities, Volkow added. From 2019 to 2021, fentanyl overdose deaths more than tripled among teenagers and surged fivefold among Black teens, according to an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data produced by the advocacy group Families Against Fentanyl. Last month, the Drug Enforcement Administration sent a letter to federal, state, and local law enforcement officials warning of a nationwide spike in fentanyl-related mass-overdose events. Fentanyl is killing Americans at an unprecedented rate, said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. Already this year, numerous mass-overdose events have resulted in dozens of overdoses and deaths. The testing strips are inexpensive, costing about $1. A drug user can take a small quantity of the substance, add water, and dip a strip briefly into the solution. If one red stripe appears on the strip, fentanyl is present; two stripes mean none of that drug is found. A downside is that the test strips dont gauge the amount of fentanyl in the drug. Still, the strips are effective in detecting very small amounts of fentanyl, said Brown University epidemiologist Brandon Marshall, part of a team that has studied illicit drug users and the devices in Rhode Island. Many of the participants who tried the strips, Marshall said, discarded the substance if fentanyl was present, used the drug with someone else present, or had naloxone available during use. A similar study of North Carolina intravenous drug users found 3 in 4 people indicated that fentanyl strips made them feel better able to protect themselves from overdose. In South Carolina, which has made fentanyl test strips available, the state sends an anonymous survey to anyone who receives them. Sara Goldsby, director of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, said survey responses indicate that people who use the strips report using fewer drugs, with some choosing not to use the drugs altogether, and that they feel safer in preventing overdoses. The testing strips, Browns Marshall added, are not going to be a silver bullet to address the overdose crisis, but they can be an important tool to help people stay safe. In Georgia, where the testing bill awaits the governors approval, public health officials said fentanyl-related overdose deaths jumped after the start of the covid-19 pandemic, doubling between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, compared with the same span in 2019 and 2020. And fentanyl-related overdoses recently spiked in Savannah, Georgia, according to Dr. Jay Goldstein, medical director of the emergency department at Memorial Health. He said that many overdose patients said they were surprised at the potency of the drug they had consumed, but he fears that giving them strips wont stem its use. Sad to say, but some users want fentanyl in their drugs because it gives them a more intense high, though the risk of crashing and burning is much worse, he said. Current drug paraphernalia laws may discourage states or organizations from applying for grants to buy test strips or creating programs to distribute them, said Jon Woodruff, senior legislative attorney for the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association. But in many states that havent decriminalized the strips, people who possess the papers arent being prosecuted. In Georgia, people can be charged, but its generally not prosecuted, particularly if its these testing strips, said Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, which supported the testing strips amendment. Despite the current Georgia prohibition, the Atlanta Harm Reduction Coalition organization said it distributes the strips to individual drug users and other community members. Meanwhile, families in Georgia who have seen loved ones die from fentanyl overdoses support making the testing strips more available. Doreen Barr of Fayette County in suburban Atlanta lost a son to a combination dose of heroin and fentanyl seven years ago. She has set up a nonprofit foundation in Ryan Barrs name to educate people about addiction. Barr said she believes testing strips can save lives. Why not have the fentanyl strips? she said. Cocaine or a fake pill can have fentanyl in it. One time could kill you. If they had a test strip, maybe they wouldnt take it. KHN South Carolina correspondent Lauren Sausser contributed to this article. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. USE OUR CONTENT This story can be republished for free (details). THURSDAY, May 5, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- In an estimate that far exceeds reported totals, an expert panel appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) said Thursday that there were nearly 15 million more deaths worldwide during the first two years of the pandemic than would normally have been expected. That compares with an official tally of 6.2 million COVID-19 deaths reported by countries in 2020 and 2021. "These sobering data not only point to the impact of the pandemic but also to the need for all countries to invest in more resilient health systems that can sustain essential health services during crises, including stronger health information systems," WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said in a news release. "WHO is committed to working with all countries to strengthen their health information systems to generate better data for better decisions and better outcomes." While most of the excess deaths were caused by COVID-19, other deaths occurred because the pandemic made it more difficult to get medical care for conditions such as heart attacks, the panel reported. Deaths during the first two years of the pandemic were concentrated in 2021, when more contagious variants swept across the world. Total deaths worldwide in 2021 were about 18% higher or 10 million more than would have been expected without the pandemic, according to the findings. The panel also provided estimates of excess deaths compared to official COVID-19 deaths in individual countries, with significant differences in Egypt (12 times higher), Pakistan (eight times higher) and Mexico (two times higher). In the United States, about 930,000 more people than expected had died by the end of 2021, compared with the 820,000 COVID-19 deaths officially recorded over the same period, The New York Times reported. India accounted for nearly one-third of the excess deaths globally 4.7 million but the Indian government's official figure through the end of 2021 is 481,080 deaths. The WHO team's estimates were ready in January, but their release was delayed because India disagrees with the methodology for calculating deaths in that country. Russia was another country with a huge discrepancy. It's official tally of about 310,000 COVID-19 deaths by the end of 2021 was much lower than the excess death toll of nearly 1.1 million estimated by the experts. "It's absolutely staggering what has happened with this pandemic, including our inability to accurately monitor it," expert group member Dr. Prabhat Jha, an epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto, told the Times. "It shouldnt happen in the 21st century." In releasing the panel's figures on excess deaths, the WHO called for greater investment in death reporting. It pointed to estimates that six of every 10 deaths worldwide were unregistered before the pandemic. "When we underestimate, we may underinvest," said Dr. Samira Asma, the WHO's assistant director general for data, analytics and delivery for impact, the Times reported. "And when we undercount, we may miss targeting the interventions where they are needed most." More information Visit Johns Hopkins for more on COVID cases and deaths. SOURCES: World Health Organization, news release, May 5, 2022; The New York Times Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. MIAMI (AP) A one-time ally of Hugo Chavez wanted for prosecution by his socialist successor Nicolas Maduro has quietly surrendered in Miami in connection to a major bribery scheme involving joint oil ventures with foreign partners. Jhonnathan Marin was serving as mayor of the port city of Guanta in 2017 when he abruptly resigned and fled the country amid a major purge at state run oil giant PDVSA. Later, Maduros government ordered his arrest on corruption charges and banned him from running for public office. He was last believed to be living in Mexico but surfaced in Miami on April 25, where he surrendered and was released the same day on a $100,000 bond, according to court records. According to a criminal complaint, which has not been previously reported, Marin helped pay bribes on behalf of an unnamed co-conspirator who was awarded tens of millions of dollars in contracts from state run oil giant PDVSAs joint ventures with Chevron, Frances Total and firms from Russia and China. As part of the scheme, Marin between 2015 and 2018 allegedly helped transfer more than $1.2 million from a bank account in Miami to one in Panama for the benefit of two unnamed Venezuelan officials. He was charged with a single count of conspiring to commit an offense against the U.S., a lesser charge which carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison. Theres no indication in the complaint that any of PDVSAs foreign partners participated or were even aware of the bribery scheme. Marin, 43, was an early adherent to Chavezs Fifth Republic Movement and in 2008 was elected mayor of Guanta, a city at the gateway to the Orinoco Oil Belt, home to the worlds largest oil reserves and about half of Venezuelas current production. He is being represented by Michael Nadler, a former federal prosecutor in Miami who made a name for himself targeting corruption in Maduros inner circle. Nadler declined to comment but Marin in the past has rejected the accusations levied by Maduros allies as part of a political vendetta based on falsified evidence. We have nothing to hide, he said in a video posted on social media in 2019. On the contrary, this action provides us with an opportunity to say many things. Follow Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Update: The man has been identified and contacted by police and there is "no threat or concern to the general public," Lt. Paul Bauman said in a statement Thursday morning. Madison police said they are seeking to identify and speak with a man after suspicious activity was reported in the Hill Farms neighborhood on Monday afternoon. At about 3:30 p.m. Monday, police were notified of the activity, which they did not detail, Lt. David Meinert said in a statement. Police said they would like to identify and speak with the man in the accompanying picture. Police ask that anyone with information on the incident contact them at 608-255-2345. Tipsters may remain anonymous by contacting Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or P3Tips.com. Individuals contacting Crime Stoppers can receive a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest. 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. Secretaries and custodians are calling on the Madison School District to give them bonuses tied to attendance that had been approved for most other staff by the Madison School Board in November. Whats more, some staff members who were affected by a nearly four-month outage of a system used to log hours worked, known as Kronos, have still not received pay missed due to that outage. In November, the School Board approved temporary bonus incentives for teachers, substitute teachers, special education assistants, substitute special education assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, bilingual resource specialists and school security assistants. But custodians and school-based secretaries were not included. The bonuses, which are scheduled to be paid weekly for some staff and monthly for others through June 17, were meant to attract and retain staff amid a worker shortage that has plagued the district throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The payouts range from $250 to $500 for staff who have 85% attendance minus holidays unless their absences are COVID-19 related. Favian McMurray, a building custodian at Spring Harbor Middle School and secretary at Local 60, a union that represents custodial, maintenance and food service workers, said her co-workers are feeling underappreciated and called the lack of bonuses for custodians unequal treatment during the boards regular April meeting. By leaving out some of our lowest wage earners, it has become an equity issue for the more vulnerable. Us hourly workers are already owed back wages from the Kronos outage that started Dec. 11, 2021, she said. By not paying us, the administration violated a Wisconsin state statute that mandates employers pay for all wages within 30 days. Some of the districts lowest-paid hourly workers have been missing out on overtime and other types of additional compensation since mid-December after a ransomware attack on the company the district uses for payroll management services. McMurray said, in an interview Thursday, that a grievance was filed with the district in April and a number of employees filed claims for unpaid wages with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development around the beginning of March. Employees were told by the district that they would receive backpay connected to the Kronos outage on March 25 or April 8, but a number of employees have yet to receive their back pay as of Thursday. McMurray said she has yet to hear back from the district since speaking at the April board meeting. Heavy reliance District spokesperson Tim LeMonds told the Wisconsin State Journal in January that about 1,000 employees use Kronos to record work time and attendance and that the district relies very heavily on Kronos to ensure employees are paid correctly. The employees, ranging from security aides to food service workers, have continued to get their base pay but, LeMonds said in January, any additional overtime or shift differential pay, or pay they earn when working a different district job, had to wait until Kronos was up and running again. The district has assigned staff to exclusively work on compiling timesheets to immediately reconcile hours when Kronos is available for end users, LeMonds said in a January statement, and is planning to add additional staff to meet the needs of the Kronos outage recovery. A number of those assigned staff members are school-based secretaries who added the task of tracking overtime and shift differentials among staff to a workload that includes COVID-specific duties such as contact tracing. Extra duties Diane Kopan, a lead secretary at Franklin Elementary, spoke during the April board meeting, flanked by fellow staff members, as she described her additional duties during the pandemic. She organized school material and food pickups for hundreds of students while schools were closed during the 2020-21 school year, and tracked student attendance often through lengthy phone calls to families. Once schools opened, secretaries have added contact tracing and behavior calls to their regular duties, she said. We are perplexed as to why our particular group was denied the opportunity to earn the bonus pay that our colleague have, she said. We, as the school secretaries, are asking that we be reconsidered, and our bonuses be retroactively paid in line with nurses. The district did not respond when asked why employees affected by the outage, which lasted until late March, havent been sufficiently paid for overtime and shift differential pay, as McMurray claims. The district also did not respond when asked if secretaries and custodians can expect to receive bonus pay in line with other staff. 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. UW-Madison chancellor finalist Ann Cudd is troubled by the statistics that show a large swath of the public believe leading research universities are headed in the wrong direction. Top research universities need to both ensure and better communicate that most of their students actually graduate on time and their return on investment is, financially and socially, very highly beneficial, she said. By doubling-down on messaging, Cudd said institutions can build a more diverse student body and continue to attract top faculty and staff, too. Cudd spent a day on campus Wednesday, greeted by sunshine and 60-degree weather for the first time in whats felt like weeks. Shes used to sporadic springs, having spent most of her academic career at the University of Kansas, Boston University and most recently at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is wrapping up her fourth year as provost. Cudd, the third of five finalists on campus this week, made the rounds with students, faculty, deans, Regents and others in a series of meetings. She also took questions during a public forum at the Memorial Union. The other finalists are: Marie Lynn Miranda, a University of Notre Dame statistics professor and former provost; Jennifer Mnookin, law school dean at the University of California Los Angeles; Daniel Reed, a University of Utah computer science professor and former provost; and John Karl Scholz, provost at UW-Madison. At Pitt, an institution of nearly 35,000 students spread across five campuses, Cudd said she sees many similarities with UW-Madison. She said UW-Madisons system of shared governance, where different groups offer feedback on major issues, seems very healthy, just like Pitts. In the end, of course, sometimes decisions have to be made, Cudd acknowledged. While taking consultation from all groups, ultimately, not everybodys perspective is going to be equally well served by the decisions but at least they will all be heard. To reverse UW-Madisons decline in the national research rankings and offset a trend of declining state financial support, Cudd suggested leaning into the universitys strength in health research. She also proposed more partnerships with industry, growing professional and online masters degree programs, and incentivizing large, team-based research projects that will net big federal grants. Theres money in sustainability efforts, too, Cudd said, noting a venture capitalists $1.1 billion gift to Stanford University on Wednesday that will fund a school focused on climate change and sustainability. College students are energized by sustainability, and schools should do more to encourage cross-disciplinary opportunities, as well as develop realistic plans to reduce their carbon footprint. Pitt has prioritized building closer connections with underserved communities near its campuses, she said. Community engagement centers developed over the last five years connect faculty and students with community members in need of services, such as physical therapy. The university has shown it values community-engaged scholarship by developing promotion and tenure standards that take this type of work into account, guidelines which she said she helped write. Academic leaders must walk the walk and not just talk the talk when it comes to diversity, Cudd said. At Pitt, shes focused on recruiting more diverse faculty through cluster hiring, a strategy UW-Madison has also used to employ more scholars of color. We need to be able to say to our students and faculty: You belong here, youre included here, we embrace the diversity that you bring, she said. Cudd, whose academic background is as a philosopher, also signaled a willingness to correct historical wrongs with Wisconsins Native American tribes. We cant go back to some kind of romantic past but moving forward does require some kind of acknowledgement and reparation, she said. What form that would take I cant say now without engaging with the communities. [Editor's note: In an earlier version of this story, UW-Madison chancellor finalist Ann Cudd was misquoted on her style on shared governance.] The only woman running for U.S. Senate in battleground Wisconsin hoped to separate herself from her Democratic challengers on Thursday by being the first on the air with an ad hitting incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson for supporting the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade. Sarah Godlewski recorded the ad in Washington, D.C., outside of the U.S. Supreme Court after the leak of a Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The Senate race in nearly evenly divided Wisconsin is one of the most hotly contested in the country, with majority control of the split Senate at stake. Abortion rights will be a key issue in the race, with Democrats hoping anger over the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade will motivate voters to deny Johnson a third term. Johnson, who has supported bills limiting access to abortions, on Tuesday went further than some Republicans have since the opinion leaked. He said in a statement that if the draft ruling overturning Roe v. Wade becomes final, I would agree with that outcome. Many other Republicans have been less direct, instead lambasting that the draft ruling was leaked instead of directly addressing the opinions merits. Godlewski, who polls have shown is trailing in the crowded Democratic primary, goes right after Johnson in her new ad. Im at the Supreme Court, where it looks like Ron Johnson is gonna get exactly what he wants, she says in front of the court. Overturning Roe v. Wade. Reinstating Wisconsins cruel abortion ban. And putting doctors in jail. Wisconsin has an 1849 law on the books that would make the performing of an abortion a felony, except to save the life of the mother, but that is trumped by the federal right to an abortion established by Roe. That state ban is expected to be challenged in court if Roe is overturned. Godlewskis campaign said the ad is running statewide as part of a six-figure buy. Wisconsins primary is Aug. 9. Godlewski, the state treasurer, is the only candidate in Wisconsins Senate race who is endorsed by Emilys List, a group that backs female candidates who support abortion rights. She was in Washington, D.C., on Monday to participate in an Emilys List conference when the draft memo was leaked. She capitalized on that by holding a news conference Monday night outside the court and recording the ad, the first by a Senate candidate in Wisconsin since the leak. Other top Democratic candidates Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson have similar positions in support of abortion rights. Barnes has been the frontrunner, but a Marquette University Law School poll released last week showed that the race is tightening. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, more Wisconsin women are expected to order abortion pills through the mail and carry out their own medication abortions, an alternative to surgical abortions that at clinics is on the rise. Youre going to see self-managed medication abortion just soar overnight, said Ingrid Andersson, a nurse midwife in Madison and co-founder of Pregnancy Options Wisconsin: Education, Resources and Support, or POWERS, a group that assists people seeking abortion. Wisconsin Right to Life also anticipates more women obtaining abortion pills by mail to use on their own, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made easier in December, spokesperson Gracie Skogman said. A Wisconsin law requires providers to dispense the drugs in person, but people can circumvent the process by ordering pills in other states or from Europe. We are concerned with the rise of women obtaining medical, or chemical, abortions by the mail, Skogman said. Women who have complications from medication abortions mainly excessive bleeding that can mimic a miscarriage sometimes go to emergency rooms, making ERs an opportunity for potential new regulations sought by abortion opponents. Weve been thinking, potentially, of strengthening reporting requirements in ERs and similar settings, Skogman said. Pro-Life Wisconsin promotes abortion-pill reversal, or giving the hormone progesterone to women who regret their decision after taking the first of two abortion pills, spokesperson Anna DeMeuse said. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists doesnt support the practice, calling it unproven. Opinion leaked A draft opinion leaked this week suggests the U.S. Supreme Court in coming weeks will overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling legalizing abortion. That means an 1849 Wisconsin law banning abortions except when the mothers life is in danger could take effect, though the ban likely would face immediate legal challenges. The new environment might lead more Wisconsin women to travel to abortion clinics in Illinois or Minnesota, where abortions would remain legal, as some already do because those states currently have fewer restrictions. Dr. Douglas Laube, who provides abortions at Planned Parenthood in Madison, said this week he and other doctors are looking at setting up a clinic in South Beloit to continue providing abortions to Wisconsin women. Medication abortions could also become more common. The process involves taking mifepristone, approved by the FDA in 2000 for abortion, along with misoprostol a day or two later. Mifepristone stops the pregnancy growth by blocking progesterone, and misoprostol makes the uterus contract to complete the abortion. Pill abortions accounted for 54% of all abortions nationally in 2020, up from 39% in 2017, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. In Wisconsin, where the Department of Health Services refers to the process as chemically induced abortion, the method accounted for 39% of all abortions in 2020, up from 21% in 2017. Overall, Wisconsin had 6,430 abortions in 2020, down from 6,511 in 2019 and a reported peak of 17,986 in 1988. Under the table? Laube said that if Wisconsins 1849 abortion ban takes effect, some doctors might continue providing abortion pills clandestinely. Wisconsin is one of 19 states where doctors must be physically present when administering the medications, meaning the interaction cant take place via telehealth. In states without such laws, the FDA in December said the pills could be permanently provided by telehealth, a move that had earlier been allowed temporarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That means women in states with telehealth abortion bans can travel to any location in the other states to receive pills, according to The New York Times. People can also order the pills through groups such as Aid Access, run by Dutch doctor Rebecca Gomperts. European doctors prescribe the pills, which are shipped by a pharmacy in India, according to the groups website. Self-managed medication abortions give women an option they didnt have before Roe v. Wade, even though it skirts some state laws, Andersson said. The procedures arent counted in official reports on abortions. A medical journal study led by Gomperts last year, which called the process safe and effective, reported on more than 57,000 requests for pills from the U.S. through Aid Access in March 2018 to March 2020. This is a safe option, Andersson said. Its not a 100% legal option, no. POWERS, which supports abortion, adoption and mothers keeping babies, makes abortion doulas available for women undergoing medication abortions at home. Those who experience worrisome bleeding are encouraged to visit Planned Parenthood clinics for medical assistance, Andersson said. Some hostile ER providers or first responders might be suspicious about womens symptoms, wondering if bleeding stems from miscarriage or medication abortion, she said. Support offered Skogman, of Wisconsin Right to Life, said some medication abortion providers tell women to say theyre having miscarriages. We are most concerned by the fact that they are openly instructing women to lie when theyre seeking necessarily medical care, she said. Boosting reporting requirements at ERs could help address the situation, she said. Skogman said the organization plans to educate women about the risks of medication abortion and work to boost assistance, such as emergency housing grants, for women facing difficulty pregnancies. We want to focus in on supporting those women so that they do not feel the need to turn to abortion pills by the mail or cross state lines into Illinois to obtain an abortion, she said. 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. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California, which has a economy larger than all but four countries and where much of the world's technological innovation is born, on Wednesday became the first state to formally begin examining how to broadly adapt to cryptocurrency and related innovations. Following a path laid out by President Joe Biden in March, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for state agencies to move in tandem with the federal government to craft regulations for digital currencies. It also calls for officials to explore incorporating broader blockchain computer coding into the government operations. Evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency technology is potentially an explosive creator of new companies and new jobs and new opportunities, said Dee Dee Myers, a senior advisor to Newsom and director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. So there are a lot of opportunities, she said. Theres also a lot of unknowns in the industry and so thats another reason we want to engage early. Newsoms order says the state home to Silicon Valley and financial innovators like PayPal and Square should be out front in figuring out how to adapt to new technologies. Too often government lags behind technological advancements, so were getting ahead of the curve on this, laying the foundation to allow for consumers and business to thrive, Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement. California has about 39 million residents and its economy is more than $3.1 trillion, larger than the United Kingdom and India. Newsom said his order is a step toward making it the nation's first state to establish a comprehensive, thoughtful, and harmonized regulatory and business environment for crypto assets. Cryptocurrencies, which are built on blockchain database technology, have exploded in popularity in recent years. About 16% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrencies and the percentage is much higher among younger men. Biden's executive order in part asks the Federal Reserve to consider whether it should create its own digital currency. Blockchain creates the underlying transparency of a decentralized but publicly viewable ledger. The technology can also be used to record other types of information, such as property records. The records are held on many computers that together form a global network so that no one and no institution can control them. There is heavy disagreement about the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, even among some of the world's richest people. Elon Musk is an avid supporter of dogecoin while Warren Buffet recently said he wouldn't pay $25 for all of the world's bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Each bitcoin is currently valued at about $38,000 but fluctuates wildly. Californias approach will help to legitimize the technology and bring it into the mainstream, said cryptocurrency skeptic Hilary Allen, a financial regulation professor at American University in Washington, D.C. But she doesn't think it's the best approach for the state and its residents. She said private investors are most likely to benefit, while state government should seek simpler technological solutions rather than turning to technology that is by its very nature complex and inefficient. While this approach will create more of a market for crypto ... it is unlikely to produce the best outcomes for users of public services in California, Allen said. California may be first to try to develop a comprehensive approach, but Ohio was the first to attempt to accept virtual currency for government services in 2018, though the program was soon discontinued because few people used it. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, said in February that his state would begin accepting cryptocurrency for government services later this year. California lawmakers are among many around the the U.S. who have offered related legislation. But a bill by Democratic Sen. Sydney Kamlager to allow California to accept crypto assets for state services failed in its first committee this year and a similar bill by Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is stalled. Similar measures have been introduced in Arizona, Wyoming and other states. Despite the potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency, Newsom's order says California should take the lead in figuring out how to adapt to the technological evolution. His order builds on a July 2020 report by the California Blockchain Working Group, which examined the use of blockchain along with its risks and benefits. California that same year created a new Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from what had been the Department of Business Oversight, with a goal of evaluating emerging risks and opportunities while protecting consumers. Newsom's order calls for the department to develop guidelines for disclosures by companies when they offer financial products and services related to cryptocurrencies. It will also provide guidelines for state-chartered banks and credit unions regarding crypto-related products. The department will respond to consumer complaints, work with crypto companies to resolve consumer complaints and take enforcement action when needed. It will also publish consumer education materials, including advice on avoiding crypto-related scams and frauds. Newsom's order directs a separate agency to solicit proposals for how best to use blockchain to help the state and the public. It is critical that we engage early with industry and start learning the pros and cons of innovative technology early, said Amy Tong, secretary of California's Government Operations Agency. We can take the next steps towards getting ahead of the curve and harnessing potential of these tools to make government better. 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 Hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and staff came out City Park to enjoy student performances, informational expo, games and food in the sunshine on Wednesday evening. Engage in Education was planned as a celebration of the students, teachers, staff and parents of Twin Falls School District. SHOSHONE Signal work is expected to begin next week at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard (U.S. Highway 93) and Fillmore Street/Bridgeview Boulevard. This is part of a larger pavement rehabilitation project scheduled to occur this summer on Blue Lakes Boulevard from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. In the coming weeks, crews will complete preliminary foundation work on the traffic signal. A total signal replacement will occur at the intersection after the paving on US-93 is finished later this summer. Being able to start the initial foundation work now will help expedite the construction timeline and further reduce impacts to motorists traveling through this busy corridor this summer, said ITD Project Manager Steve Hunter. No lane adjustments or changes to current traffic patterns will occur with the signal replacement. We are not altering how motorists travel through the intersection, just replacing the traffic signal, foundation, and associated components, stated Hunter. Motorists are encouraged to watch for lane reductions and crews in the area. Most signal work will occur during daytime hours. In conjunction with the signal replacement, ITD will improve the pavement on Blue Lakes Boulevard starting in June. More details about construction will be shared at an upcoming public meeting: from 57 p.m. on May 19 at Twin Falls High School. For individuals not able to attend the meeting in person, an online option will be available on the project website. To learn more about the project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/us-93improvements. As part of Governor Brad Littles Leading Idaho initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idahos budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on the Blue Lakes project is paid for with ITDs portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) After alleging that Tennessee's top leaders were placing unfair scrutiny over a predominantly Black town's finances, the small town of Mason announced Wednesday it had reached a deal halting the threat of a state takeover of its finances. The agreement, which the NAACP described as a settlement, marks a victory for town officials who had argued the state was treating Mason's majority-Black leaders differently than they have white administrators who also struggled with finances. This settlement agreement is a good thing for the citizens of the town and its a good thing for African Americans across the country, said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. The issue began when Comptroller Jason Mumpower asked Mason's town leaders to surrender their charter, pointing to ongoing years of financial mismanagement. After Mason voters refused to do so, Mumpower later said the state would take over its financial supervision. The news of the pending takeover quickly sparked national attention as many pointed out that Mason is located near the site of a future $5.6 billion Ford electric pickup truck factory, which is expected to employ about 5,600 workers at the plant, and construction of the factory will create thousands more jobs. The 2020 Census shows Masons population at about 1,330. But that fell to less than 800 after a private prison closed recently. For far too long, weve seen highways going through our cities in our community, or hostile takeover by states," Johnson said. Heres an opportunity for the citizens to retain their charter, implement best practices and participate in the opportunities that the economic development were bringing for this community. Town leaders quickly filed a lawsuit with the help of the NAACP hoping to stop the takeover, alleging the pending Ford plant has sparked extra scrutiny. In particular, the suit sought to challenge the state's edict that Mason get approval to spend more than $100 a strict requirement that town leaders said would make it impossible to do business. They set up Mason to fail, said attorney Van Turner Jr., president of the NAACP Memphis branch who represented Masons town leaders. Last month, Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Anne Martin denied Mason's initial request to temporarily halt the takeover while the lawsuit moved through court, which Turner called a blow but said being able to keep the case alive and come to an agreement is a significant victory. Under the deal, Mason officials will notify the state of any non-payroll expenditures over $1,000. Mason officials will also have to file monthly reports to the state and not weekly reports, as initially required. Notably, the deal will slash the monthly payment Mason had been paying on what it owed to its water and sewer funds from $10,000 to approximately $5,100. The agreement, which was submitted to the court Wednesday, must still be approved by Martin. Masons agreement to a new corrective action plan is a significant step in restoring the towns financial health," Mumpower said in a statement. Most importantly, if Mason follows this plan, taxpayers can know their leaders are being good stewards of their money. According to the comptroller's office, Mason has not submitted its annual audit on time since the 2001 fiscal year and financial statements from 2004 to 2016 were essentially un-auditable." Budget deficits have mounted, from $126,659 in the 2016 fiscal year to $481,620 in 2020. 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 WASHINGTON (AP) The oldest son of former President Donald Trump has met with the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to two people familiar with the matter. The interview Tuesday with Donald Trump Jr. comes as the bipartisan House committee moves closer to the former president's inner circle of family members and political advisers. The younger Trump is of likely interest to the committee because of his proximity to his father on the day of the riot. Donald Trump Jr. was seen backstage at the rally on the White House Ellipse that took place shortly before supporters of the then-president marched to the Capitol and breached the building. In several social media videos posted at the time of the Jan. 6 attack, Trump Jr. was seen with Kimberly Guilfoyle then his girlfriend, now his fiancee and other members of his family as his father prepared to make a speech that investigators believed rallied supporters to act violently that day. The House committee has also released text messages from Jan. 6 in which Trump Jr. pleaded with the White House to get his father to forcefully condemn the riot. We need an Oval address. He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand, Trump Jr. wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Trump Jr. is one of nearly 1,000 witnesses the committee has interviewed as it works to compile a record of the worst attack on the Capitol in more than two centuries. He is the second of Trumps children known to speak to the committee; sister Ivanka Trump sat down with lawmakers for eight hours in early April. Her husband, Jared Kushner, has also been interviewed by the committee. Other allies of the former president have defied subpoenas from the committee and been referred to the Justice Department for potential prosecution on contempt of Congress charges. One of them, Stephen Bannon, was indicted last year after he refused to cooperate. That case is pending. The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans is looking to wrap up its nearly 11-month investigation and shift into the public hearing phase. Hearings are set to begin June 9 and go on for four weeks. Lawmakers expect to bring out witnesses and present evidence in an effort to educate the public on the full scope of the attack and Donald Trumps role in it. Trump Jr. is no stranger to congressional investigations, having testified at least three times in House and Senate investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The two people who confirmed Trump Jr.s interview with the Jan. 6 committee were granted anonymity to discuss the private session, which was not announced by the committee. Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report. 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 LVIV, Ukraine (AP) Complaining that the West is "stuffing Ukraine with weapons, Russia bombarded railroad stations and other supply-line targets across the country, as the European Union moved to further punish Moscow for the war Wednesday by proposing a ban on oil imports. Heavy fighting also raged at the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol that represented the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the ruined southern port city, according to the mayor. A Russian official denied that Moscow's troops were storming the plant, but the commander of the main Ukrainian military unit inside said Russian troops had broken into the mill's territory. The Russian military also said it used sea- and air-launched missiles to destroy electric power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine, while artillery and aircraft also struck troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia of resorting to the missile terrorism tactics in order to spread fear across Ukraine. Air raid sirens sounded in cities across the country on Wednesday night, and attacks were reported near Kyiv, the capital; in Cherkasy and Dnipro in central Ukraine; and in Zaporizhzhia in the southeast. In Dnipro, authorities said a rail facility was hit. Videos on social media suggested a bridge there was attacked. There was no immediate word on casualties or the extent of the damage. Responding to the strikes in his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: All of these crimes will be answered, legally and quite practically on the battlefield. The flurry of attacks comes as Russia prepares to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, marking the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany. The world is watching for whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will use the occasion to declare a victory in Ukraine or expand what he calls the special military operation. A declaration of all-out war would allow Putin to introduce martial law and mobilize reservists to make up for significant troop losses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the speculation as nonsense. Meanwhile, Belarus, which Russia used as a staging ground for its invasion, announced the start of military exercises Wednesday. A top Ukrainian official said the country will be ready to act if Belarus joins the fighting. The attacks on rail infrastructure were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the West is stuffing Ukraine with weapons. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon's assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around the western city of Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been no appreciable impact on Ukraines effort to resupply its forces. Lviv, close to the Polish border, has been a major gateway for NATO-supplied weapons. Weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces thwart Russias initial drive to seize Kyiv and seems certain to play a central role in the growing battle for the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that Moscow now says is its main objective. Ukraine has urged the West to ramp up the supply of weapons ahead of that potentially decisive clash. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, which had been slow at first to help arm Ukraine, said his government is considering supplying howitzers, in addition to Gepard anti-aircraft guns and other equipment it has agreed to send. The governor of the eastern Donetsk region, which lies in the Donbas, said Russian attacks left 21 people dead on Tuesday, the highest number of known fatalities since April 8, when a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed at least 59. In addition to supplying weapons to Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. have sought to punish Moscow with sanctions. The EU's top official called on the 27-nation bloc on Wednesday to ban Russian oil imports, a crucial source of revenue. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The proposal needs unanimous approval from EU countries and is likely to be the subject of fierce debate. Hungary and Slovakia have already said they won't take part in any oil sanctions. They could be granted an exemption. The EU is also talking about a possible embargo on Russian natural gas. The bloc has already approved a cutoff of coal imports. Russias economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas exports. Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, said European purchases of Russian energy produce billions in revenue and support the Kremlin's war machine. Von der Leyen also proposed that Sberbank, Russias largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system. In Mariupol, Mayor Vadym Boychenko said that Russian forces were targeting the already shattered Azovstal plant with heavy artillery, tanks, aircraft, warships and heavy bombs that pierce concrete 3 to 5 meters thick. Our brave guys are defending this fortress, but it is very difficult, he said. Ukrainian fighters said Tuesday that Russian forces had begun storming the plant. But the Kremlin said that was not true. There is no assault," Peskov said. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the Ukrainian Azov regiment that's defending the plant, said Russian forces have broken into the plant's territory. Prokopenko said in a video that the incursions continued for a second day, and there are heavy, bloody battles. The situation is extremely difficult, but in spite of everything, we continue to carry out the order to hold the defense, he added. His wife, Kateryna Prokopenko, told The Associated Press: We dont want them to die. They wont surrender. They are waiting for the bravest countries to evacuate them." Meanwhile, the United Nations announced that more than 300 civilians were evacuated Wednesday from Mariupol and other nearby communities. The evacuees arrived in Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest, where they were receiving humanitarian assistance. Many came with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, and we will now support them during this difficult time, including with much-needed psychological support, said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine. Over the weekend, more than 100 people including women, the elderly and 17 children were evacuated from the plant during a cease-fire in an operation overseen by the U.N. and the Red Cross. But the attacks on the plant soon resumed. The Russian government said on the Telegram messaging app that it would open another evacuation corridor from the plant during certain hours on Thursday through Saturday. But there was no immediate confirmation of those arrangements from other parties, and many previous such assurances from the Kremlin have fallen through, with the Ukrainians blaming continued fighting by the Russians. It was unclear how many Ukrainian fighters were still inside, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. A few hundred civilians also remained there, the Ukrainian side said. Mariupol, and the plant in particular, have come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The Russians have pulverized most of the city in a two-month siege that has trapped civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat. The city's fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas. Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: 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. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A document leaked to Politico, a draft U.S. Supreme Court ruling, appears to show that the court plans to overturn the 1973 landmark cases of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Those two cases established that the U.S. Constitution protects the right to seek an abortion. Overturning them would restore a system in which states determine whether abortion is legal or illegal. It will mean a legal patchwork where abortion is permissive in many states, but illegal in others. We already know the Idaho Legislatures position on the matter. In 2020, the Legislature passed and Gov. Brad Little signed a trigger bill making abortion a crime with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother if the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturns Roe. Criminal punishment will be a felony of two to five years in prison and apply to the person performing the abortion, not the woman. Doctors and those who assist could have their licenses suspended or revoked. And if the doctor believes the woman may commit self-harm if forced to carry the pregnancy to term, that is specifically excluded as a defense. This horrible law may send medical professionals to prison. But it will not stop abortions. Simply declaring abortion illegal isnt going to stop unwanted pregnancies. Couples will still have unwanted pregnancies for which they will seek an abortion. That means abortions still will be happening; theyll just be happening out of state, in Oregon, Washington and Nevada, or under dangerous conditions at home, or in underground clinics. We know this because this is how things were before Roe. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee in March said his state will protect Idaho residents access to abortion procedures as he signed a bill solidifying some health care workers ability to perform abortions and forbidding Texas-style punishment for providers. Planned Parenthood clinics in Washington and Oregon reported in April that they are preparing for a potential surge in patients from Idaho seeking reproductive care and abortions. In 2017 the most recent year data was available 1,290 abortions were performed in Idaho, the Guttmacher Institute reported, according to previous reporting in the Idaho Statesman. Thats 0.1% of all abortions performed in the U.S. that year. The Guttmacher Institute is a research organization that supports abortions. Sexual abuse and incest that result in pregnancy will not stop, and neither will the continued erosion of a womans right to govern her own life. In the bigger picture, this changes the playing field for women at every level of income, education and employment. Because of Idahos law, only women who can afford to travel to Oregon and Washington will have access to a safe, legal abortion. Women who have to remain in Idaho are likely to turn to more dangerous means, as has happened throughout history. As it is, health care is expensive and not universal in the United States, leaving many young and low-income women without health insurance. The de facto effect of an abortion ban could be forcing these women to carry an unwanted pregnancy to birth. The Legislature has not prepared for this by establishing systems to allow low-income women to afford raising a child. It has established a law that allows a woman to surrender their child to the state within 30 days of birth. And the Legislature has not taken steps, like ensuring better access to birth control, to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. This would have been a far better and more humane means of reducing the number of abortions than seeking to use prison sentences to deter them. We recognize that many believe abortion is tantamount to murder, and that those morally opposed to abortion view this as a tremendous victory. But it is not a victory. It is likely to mean a whole lot more suffering, mostly by women in the most vulnerable circumstances. It may reduce the number of abortions a little, but probably not by much. And the abortions that continue will be dangerous, and sometimes deadly for the mom, in many places. Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion expressing the consensus of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members J.J. Saldana and Christy Perry. Not all opinions are unanimous. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 3 A Bassett man will spend 15 years in prison in the shooting death of another Bassett man described by police as an attempted robbery that resulted in a senseless murder. Douglas Hampton Gillespie, 27, of 8 Grace Drive, Apt. 3 in Bassett, was sentenced to 40 years with 25 suspended by Judge G. Carter Greer Wednesday in Henry County Circuit Court to an amended charge of Felony Murder, and eight years and four months of a prior sentence was reinstated due to violation of probation to be run concurrently with the murder sentence. Naomi Ramsey, who identified herself as Gillespies grandmother, took the witness stand prior to sentencing. She limped badly across the floor and had to be assisted to the witness seat by a bailiff. Hes a good person, but he gets with the wrong people, Ramsey said. Drugs were involved and he was taken out of state and didnt have a weapon. He is a follower and was scared because he was threatened several times. Although Greer admitted Gillespie accepted responsibility for his involvement in the crime he questioned the defendants actions after 39-year-old Robert Wayne Williams was shot six times and left for dead. Gillespie knocked on the door and got them in and then after Williams is shot he steps over the dead body when he leaves, said Greer. So he ends up in Texas and two others are in California. Im not sure hes an innocent stooge. The charges against Gillespie, Daniel Adam Fish, 38, of Sunset Drive in Martinsville and Ashleigh Nicole McCallister, 25, of Martinsville, stem from a call at 10:38 p.m. on June 5 to the 911 Communications Center that said someone had been shot at 7 Grace Drive, Apt. 14, in Bassett. Deputies found Williams with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds, a Henry County Sheriffs Office release stated. The Medical Examiners Office in Roanoke ruled the cause of death to be homicide caused by a gunshot wound. A criminal complaint on file in the Henry County Circuit Court Clerks Office by Henry County Investigator J. Hatcher states that when deputies arrived on the scene, they found Williams with several bullet holes in his torso. Hatcher stated one of the witnesses inside the apartment said that Gillespie entered the apartment ahead of two masked suspects who had a firearm, and one shot Robert [Williams] before fleeing. Hatcher also wrote that after he was apprehended in Live Oak County, Texas a few weeks later, Gillespie admitted to Investigator Harper that Danny [Fish] shot Robert [Williams] and then brought him to Texas. Fish and McCallister were arrested by the Arcata Police Department in Northern California during the month following the shooting and extradited back to Virginia. Greer said he had to consider a 12-year-old girl who is still struggling with the death of her father. He [Gillespie] did not pull the trigger and theres no evidence he had a firearm, but he gained entry and had to know that no good was going to come of it, Greer said. And Williams was shot and killed, and for what? Greer asked Gillespie if he had anything to say before he sentenced him. My cousin [Fish] has be at gunpoint, Gillespie. Im responsible for what I did and I have mental health conditions and need my medication. Gillespie was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2016 by now-retired Judge David Williams for burning down a house on July 4, 2015, but nine years of the time was suspended by Williams on condition of indefinite probation. Greer took over the sentencing phase of Gillespies murder case when Williams retired earlier this year. Gillespie was also ordered to pay $3,167.53 in court costs and $3,379.67 in restitution to the Williams family to help pay for the cost of his funeral. Fish was sentenced last month to 35 years with 17 years suspended and ordered to pay $8,163.63 in court costs and restitution. McCallister is charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony an is due in Henry County Circuit Court on September 23 to have her trial date set. Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 2360. Follow him @billdwyatt. 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. Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypts Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement for the development of major port projects along Egypts coast, Zawya reports. Per the first deal, AD Ports Group develop will operate, and manage a multipurpose terminal in Safaga seaport in a consortium with the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals Company, the commercial arm of the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation. The Abu Dhabi group, according to the second agreement, will develop, operate and manage cruise ship berths and terminals at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga ports, and to provide support services to help extend cruise tourism in Egypt. The company also indicated that it will develop plans for cruise ships lines linking Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba, the UAE-based port operator, backed by the sovereign wealth fund ADQ. These new deals follow that of March. The AD Ports Group signed deals with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals related to the development and operation of Ain Sokhna Port, a major international gateway for Egypt. Conakrys public prosecutor, appointed by Guineas ruling junta in 2021, announced on Wednesday charges against former President Alpha Conde and some 30 former senior officials under his presidency, including murder, torture and kidnapping. Among the personalities targeted by the prosecution and appearing on a list communicated to journalists by prosecutor Alphonse Charles Wright are, in addition to Mr. Conde, who was overthrown by the military in September 2021, a former president of the Constitutional Court, former presidents of the Assembly, a former prime minister, and a host of former ministers, deputies, and security service officials. According to the indictment, the magistrate has given instructions for the purposes of legal proceedings by way of denunciation against Mr. Conde and 26 other personalities for murder, assassination and complicity, enforced disappearances, detentions, kidnappings, torture, intentional assault and battery, rape and sexual assault, and acts of pillage. In light of the prosecutor generals submissions, the investigations appear to be aimed primarily at the last two years of the Conde presidency. The magistrate said in a message that the prosecution was launched following a complaint from the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), a collective that led for months from October 2019 the protest against a third term of Alpha Conde. The repression of these protests, often brutal in this country accustomed to political violence, has resulted in dozens of deaths, almost all civilians. This mobilization did not prevent Mr. Conde, who in 2010 became the first democratically elected president after decades of authoritarian or dictatorial regimes, from being re-elected in October 2020 after having the constitution amended earlier this year. Germany will stop training Malian soldiers as part of the European Union mission in Mali (EUTM) but remains willing to contribute to the UN peacekeeping mission (Minusma) if the conditions are right, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday. Relations between Mali and the West have deteriorated sharply since the ruling junta in Bamako postponed elections indefinitely in February and entered into a cooperation agreement with the private Russian paramilitary group Wagner. France and its partners involved in the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel announced in February their decision to withdraw their military forces from Mali, deeming it impossible to cooperate with the junta. While Bamako once again demanded this week the immediate departure of the French soldiers, whose departure is still to be spread over several months, Christine Lambrecht indicated that Berlin would stop participating in EUTM, while leaving the door open to the retention of German peacekeepers. I expect the UN to create the conditions for us to continue to participate in the UNMIS. We are willing to continue our mandate, she said after a council of ministers in Meseberg, near Berlin. The bodies of 24 migrants who drowned after their boats sank off the coast of east-central Tunisia were thrown back into the sea at the end of April, a judicial source said Wednesday. From 22 to 30 April, four boats left the coast of the region of Sfax have capsized off this city. In total, the bodies of 24 migrants were washed ashore after being reported missing initially, while 97 other people were rescued, said AFP spokesman of the court of Sfax, Mourad Turki. The 24 bodies, including women and children, were transferred to the morgue of the regional hospital of Sfax, the only one to receive the remains of migrants who died in the region. The morgue has received in recent months 92 bodies of migrants who died at sea, all from sub-Saharan Africa, of which forty are piled up on the ground for lack of space, said Turki. According to him, the morgue has filled up because there is no more room to bury the bodies in the cemetery for migrants in the region of Sfax. Tunisia, one of the main departure points for migrants who want to reach Europe illegally, has been struggling for years to bury the remains of drowned candidates. The majority of the countrys municipalities refuse to take in charge the remains of migrants. Nearly 2,000 migrants went missing or drowned in the Mediterranean last year, compared to 1,401 in 2020, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In Ethiopia, a Tigrayan general, a former commander in the African Union mission in Somalia, died in custody. He had been arrested with other senior officers in the early days of the war in Tigray in November 2020. Rebel authorities in Tigray are calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death. General Gebremedhin Fikadu, also known as Wedi Necho, had been a leading figure in the Ethiopian army. On Tuesday, the external affairs office of the tiger authorities called him a martyr when it announced his death in custody on May 2 and called for an independent investigation into his death, which it said followed the suspicious deaths of two other generals, as well as hundreds of tiger officers and soldiers. A former Amisom sector commander, he was the head of communications for federal troops when the war broke out. Before that, he had commanded Ethiopian troops in Liberia and then on the Badme front during the war against Eritrea between 1999 and 2000. He was arrested on November 11, 2020, along with 16 other senior officers at the start of operations in Tigray. They were accused of sabotaging communications between the federal command and the northern commander. General Wedi Necho, in particular, was accused of trying to get explosives to the rebel authorities. Last year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission met with him in prison and deemed his conditions of detention acceptable. Vials of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a pharmacy in Denver on Saturday, March 6, 2021. On Thursday, May 5, 2022, U.S. regulators strictly limited who can receive this vaccine due to a rare but serious risk of blood clots. Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots. The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&J's vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans get Pfizer or Moderna shots instead of J&J's vaccine. FDA's vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency decided to restrict the vaccine after taking another look at the data on the risks of life-threatening blood clots and concluding that they are limited to J&J's vaccine. "If there's an alternative that appears to be equally effective in preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19, we'd rather see people opting for that," Marks said. "But we've been careful to say that compared to no vaccine this is still a better option." The problem occurs in the first two weeks after vaccination, he added: "So if you had the vaccine six months ago you can sleep soundly tonight knowing this isn't an issue." The FDA authorized J&J's shot in February last year for adults 18 and up. The vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&J's because of its safety issues. As of mid-March, federal scientists had identified 60 cases of the side effect, including nine that were fatal. That amounts to 3.23 blood clot cases per 1 million J&J shots. The problem is more common in women under 50, where the death rate was roughly 1 per million shots, according to Marks. Marks said the FDA spent extra time analyzing the problem to be sure it wasn't connected to a separate issue, such as women taking birth control medications that raise their risk of clotting. The J&J vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential "long-term and debilitating health consequences" of the side effect. Under the new FDA instructions, J&J's vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and can't receive an additional dose. J&J's shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said. A J&J spokesman said in an emailed statement: "Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine." The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&J's one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare ri skas long as recipients were warned. COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how they're made. Clots form in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&J vaccinationnot right awayas well as abdominal pain and nausea. The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didn't expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections. The rollout of the company's vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&J to import millions of doses from overseas. Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barre syndrome. Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies' two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&J shot. ___ This version corrects the rate of blood clots reported with J&J's vaccine. It is 3.23 cases per 1 million vaccinations. Explore further Pfizer hopes to submit little-kid vaccine data by early June 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A simple blood test that can be given by general practitioners (GPs) could help diagnose ovarian cancer faster and more accurately, particularly for women under the age of 50, according to research funded by leading women's health charity, Wellbeing of Women. The study, undertaken by Dr. Garth Funston, Dr. Chloe Barr and Professor Emma Crosbie from the University of Manchester, Dr. David Jeelvan and Professor Sudha Sundar from the University of Birmingham and Dr. Luke Mounce from the University of Exeter, investigated whether a type of protein found in the blood, human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), could help identify ovarian cancer more accurately and save other women from unnecessary and often invasive tests and procedures, such as physical examinations and biopsies. The study has been published in the journal, Cancers. Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women in the UK with around 7,500 new cases every year. Almost one in five new diagnoses (18 percent) are in women under the age of 50. Currently, women with suspected ovarian cancer undergo a blood test to analyze the level of a protein called CA125 in their body. A high amount of this protein can be a sign of cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as menstruation, pregnancy, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Nine in 10 women with raised levels of CA125 in their blood, who are then subject to further tests, do not have ovarian cancer. Meanwhile, some ovarian cancers may be missed if levels of CA125 are too low. This can result in diagnosis occurring when the cancer is more advanced. Researchers studied blood samples collected from 1229 patients over a 12-month period. Samples were tested for HE4 and the team investigated the diagnostic accuracy of HE4 alone and in combination with CA125. The study concluded that HE4 levels, when analyzed alongside the current CA125 test and within an algorithm, could improve the detection of ovarian cancer, particularly in women under the age of 50. A larger-scale study is now recommended to confirm these findings. Dr. Funston, an Academic Clinical Fellow in General Practice at the University of Manchester, who was awarded the inaugural Transformational Research Award by The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition in 2021, said: "While our results require validation in a much larger sample, these findings are extremely promising. Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose at an early stage, as symptoms are often non-specific, including bloating, pain and feeling full quickly after eating. We also know that the current blood test we use to investigate symptomatic women for ovarian cancer in primary careCA125is less accurate in younger women. "We hope our research can contribute to a change in how quickly ovarian cancer is identified. This is especially exciting as there has been little progress over the years towards developing more accurate ovarian cancer testing approaches for use in primary care." Previous studies have highlighted HE4 as a promising cancer biomarker, but until now, tests have only been conducted in groups of women in hospital when a pelvic mass has already been detected. It is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. for monitoring remission. Professor David Williams, Chair of the Research Advisory Committee at Wellbeing of Women, and based at The Institute for Women's Health, University College London, said: "The potential impact of this research is significant. About 21 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day and we know the earlier cancer is detected, the more likely treatment will be successful, so giving GPs the ability to detect potential cases more quickly is vital. "This is the first time that HE4 has ever been evaluated in a primary care setting, so it will be exciting to see larger-scale studies implemented to further assess its effectiveness as a diagnostic aid. Earlier diagnosis will have important implications for women's treatment, care and ultimately, survival." Explore further Blood test can help GPs spot ovarian cancer in women with suspicious symptoms More information: Chloe E. Barr et al, The Performance of HE4 Alone and in Combination with CA125 for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer in an Enriched Primary Care Population, Cancers (2022). Chloe E. Barr et al, The Performance of HE4 Alone and in Combination with CA125 for the Detection of Ovarian Cancer in an Enriched Primary Care Population,(2022). DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092124 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain No one wants to stay in an emergency room or a hospital bed any longer than absolutely necessary. But heading home too soon can make patients feel like they're walking a tightrope without a net below them. Now, a growing number of hospitals have started offering services that bridge this gap. A few of them started before 2020, but the pressures of the pandemic, and new flexibility from Medicare and health insurance companies, have prompted a massive acceleration in the past year and a half. Whether they're called post-acute care at home, hospital at home, completion at home, observation at home, patient monitoring at home, or other names, these new offerings aim to help patients safely avoid or shorten a hospital stay. But there's still far to go before they're available to everyoneand health policy decisions in the next few months could play a big role. "Across the nation, people are trying to figure out how virtual care and home visits can help with keeping patients out of the hospital or sending them home as soon as it's safe to do so," said Grace Jenq, M.D., the geriatrician who directs post-acute care services at Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan's academic medical center. "This is really about making sure that the right care is provided at the right place at the right time." Jenq leads a growing team of 12 physicians, dozens of nurses and a range of other health care professionals who have helped Michigan Medicine extend its nationally known care into more patients' homes since spring 2020. Signs of success Jenq's team runs five programs, and are developing two others, that can serve a range of patients depending on their health status and insurance coverage. Most include in-home visits by physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and others, supplemented by virtual connections between visits. Nearly all the programs allow patients to monitor their blood pressure, blood oxygen, temperature, pulse rate and weight, and complete daily symptoms surveys from home, using a kit of Bluetooth-enabled devices and a digital tablet that beams the data to a team of nurses and health providers. One of the programs, called Patient Monitoring at Home, relies mainly on this type of monitoring. Most of its patients participate for several weeks, and some for months. A new analysis compared to the patients' hospital and emergency care use in the six months before and after they entered the program. Hospital readmissions dropped by 64% for the 462 patients studied. "This Patient Monitoring at Home program helps cover what I call the 'voltage drop' between hospital and home," said Ghazwan Toma, M.D., a family medicine physician and geriatrician who heads the program. "In the hospital their vital signs are checked every four hours and nurses check on them often, then they go home and often there's nothing." His team fills that gap for as many as 150 patients on any given day, keeping an eye on vital signs and symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and standing by to intervene if they see a troubling trend or if something unexpected happens. The program has included many COVID-19 patients, freeing up hospital capacity for other patients at critical times without compromising patient health or safety. Toma notes, though, that some commercial monitoring-at-home organizations have very high ratios of patients to the nurses monitoring them, unlike Michigan Medicine's program. Important policy decisions coming soon But Jenq, Toma and others across the nation worry that the momentum they've built up over the past year and a half could slow, if health policy doesn't keep up with the innovations they've made. They're keeping a close eye on the fate of a Medicare waiver program, and telemedicine rules, that could expire as soon as July along with the federal COVID-19 public health emergency, unless Congress takes action. There are currently bills before the U.S. House and Senate. Michigan Medicine is one of 95 health systems in 34 states, which have a total of 215 hospitals currently taking part in the Medicare Acute Hospital Care at Home program, which started in late 2020 under a special waiver as part of the response to COVID-19. Right now, hospitals that meet the program's standards for in-home and remote care can be paid as much for Medicare patients' care at home as they are for in-hospital care for the same patient. Jenq notes many other hospitals may want to take part, but don't want to launch unless the federal program gets extended so they can get paid for home-based post-acute care for patients covered by Medicare and Medicaid. In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, Michigan Medicine has worked with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to establish ways to bill for home-based post-acute services for some of its members, depending on where they live and what their medical condition is. Because Michigan Medicine is part of an Accountable Care Organization called POM-ACO, the programs may also help it achieve goals for reduced readmission and better preventive care for Medicare participants. Encouraging providers to refer The Michigan Medicine team is also working to educate more of their provider colleagues about the potential power of these programs to help patients continue their care in familiar surroundings, while freeing up hospital bed capacity and easing emergency department capacity crunches. That buy-in is critical, because in order for a patient to get referred to a post-acute care home-based service, a hospital-based physician or emergency physician must agree that the patient is a good candidate. Soumya Rangarajan, M.D., M.P.P., the geriatrician who serves as medical director for Michigan Medicine's hospital-level care at home, recently gave a Grand Rounds talk to Michigan Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine faculty and trainees, as part of encouraging more in-house referrals. She shared data from studies conducted in the United States before the pandemic, and from the experience in Europe and Australia, where national health care systems actively facilitate hospital-at-home care. On the whole, she said, "these show equivalent quality of care, with lower cost, and greater patient satisfaction, compared with in-hospital care for the enrolled patients." She also noted that in the 19th and early 20th centuries, receiving care from visiting providers at home was the normbut that the rise of hospitals as hubs of advanced services and specialized providers all but ended the idea of a "house call" to check on an ailing patient. "Right now, some emergency providers and hospital-based physicians may hesitate to make a referral because they may feel patients may not qualify medically," she said. She and her colleagues often consult with providers about specific patients to determine what services they might need to support their transfer from the emergency department or observation unit to home, or their safe discharge from hospital care to home. They describe the range of services that can be provided in patients' homesincluding daily physician or advanced-practice provider visits, intravenous medications and fluids, point-of-care blood testing, ultrasound imaging, physical therapy and more. This adds to the skilled nursing visits that have long been a mainstay of post-hospital care, and specialized home pharmacy programs for patients with very complex needs. The program also includes immediate on-demand audio connection to a provider around the clock for emergencies. Even if a patient might qualify, they must be covered by an insurance plan that participates in the program, and must live within the area served by the Michigan Medicine team or the local emergency medical organizations they partner with. These criteria can vary by program. Getting the kit of monitoring equipment into patients' hands before they leave the emergency department or hospital, and educating them on what they should do with it and what other services they can receive at home, is also critical. Jenq notes that hospital-based providers who write referrals for conventional home care that the patients themselves must follow up on once they get home may not realize how many of those patients don't actually get that care, or face delays, because of difficulties finding agencies that accept their insurance or have adequate staffing. A career opportunity for providers The rise in home-based post-acute services has spurred hiring of nurses who are interested in working from home as patient monitoring and case management specialists, and of physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who can make the near-daily "house calls" needed to provide truly hospital-level care. It's also meant adding more registered nurses, and physical and occupational therapists, to provide in-home care. "Providers are really interested in this model, which is new and innovative and gives them a chance to connect with patients in a different space," says Jenq. For providers looking for a career change or a new kind of connection with patients, the national trend toward more of this kind of care could mean new opportunities. Looking to the future Rangarajan notes that the Michigan Medicine team is working to expand access to home-based post-acute care further, including ways for some outpatient clinics to directly refer a patient to the service without needing to send them to the emergency department or for a hospitalization. Less-intensive services, such as an app-based way for some diabetes and hypertension patients to keep their care teams up to date on their condition, are also being rolled out. Toma notes that for patients who have their own wearable devices that can collect health-related data, a new program is being developed to let them transmit those readings to their Michigan Medicine providers. But more research is needed on how well different programs actually work, and whether the short-term post-acute intervention has long-term effects on outcomes and costs, without diminishing patient satisfaction or safety. Telehealth researchers at the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation are helping do some of that research. At Michigan Medicine, readings from at-home monitoring and notes from home visits go directly into the patient's electronic health record. But around the country, some post-hospital programs run by a large employers or commercial entities are cropping upand may not communicate with the health system where the patient received their inpatient or emergency care. Jenq also expects that as awareness grows of home-based options for more advanced care, patients and their loved ones will begin asking providers what's possible for them. "We and other hospitals are amping up what we can provide at home, so it's absolutely a good idea for patients who are hospitalized or in an emergency room to talk to their doctors and nurses about this, and the team can tell you whether you're appropriate for the available programs," she said. "When patients initiate the conversation, then we create plans uniquely tailored to them, and work to keep them at home if that's the best option for them." Explore further Hospitals can care for Medicare patients at home in pandemic Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A Monash University-led study has found a promising new treatment for patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, the second most common form of dementia in the under 60sresulting in a stabilizing of what would normally be escalating behavioral issues, and a slowing of brain shrinkage due to the disease. It is the second clinical trial to show that the drug, sodium selenate, may slow cognitive decline and neurodegenerative damage that is the hallmark of many dementias including Alzheimer's Disease. Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a rapidly progressing destructive disease and can occur in people as young as 35 years of age. It is characterized by behavioral disturbances and personality changes and can be highly disruptive and distressing for both patients and their families. Currently there are no treatments or cures for bvFTD and typical survival is 57 years from diagnosis. The Phase 1 trial run in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the only one in Australia targeting non-genetic bvFTD, and one of a handful worldwide, showed that the drug, sodium selenate is safe and well-tolerated in patients with bvFTD over a period of 12 months. Importantly, the majority of patients receiving sodium selenate showed no change in their cognitive or behavioral symptoms, and reduced rates of brain atrophy over the trial period. The results from the trial, led by Dr. Lucy Vivash, from the Monash University's Department of Neuroscience, have just been published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions. In almost half of the cases with bvFTD, the damage to the neurons in the brain is caused by the build-up of a protein called tau. This protein is a major target for research in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias, as a way to reverse the neurodegeneration caused by this tau accumulation. According to Dr. Vivash, sodium selenate upregulates an enzyme in the brain that effectively breaks down the tau protein. "We have previously shown, in a Phase 2 trial, that sodium selenate given to patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease resulted in less neurodegeneration than in those who did not," she said. Importantly those patients in the trial with higher levels of selenium, a breakdown product of sodium selenate, in their bloodstream showed less cognitive decline. The research group is now conducting a larger study at many hospitals across Australia and New Zealand to further test whether this drug is beneficial for patients with bvFTD. More information: Lucy E Vivash et al, A phase 1b open label study of sodium selenate as a diseasemodifying treatment for behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's & Dementia (2021). Lucy E Vivash et al, A phase 1b open label study of sodium selenate as a diseasemodifying treatment for behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia,(2021). DOI: 10.1002/alz.050979 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Polygenic risk scores (PRS) are promising tools for predicting disease risk, but current versions have built-in bias that can affect their accuracy in some populations and result in health disparities. However, a team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China, have designed a new method for generating PRS that more accurately predict disease risk across populations, which they report in Nature Genetics. Alterations in a gene's DNA sequence can produce a genetic variant that increases the risk for disease. Some genetic variants are closely linked to certain diseases, such as the BRCA1 mutation and breast cancer. "However, most common human diseasessuch as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression, for exampleare influenced not by single genes, but by hundreds or thousands of genetic variants across the genome. Each variant contributes a small effect," says Tian Ge, Ph.D., an applied mathematician and biostatistician in the Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine at MGH, and co-senior author of the paper. PRS aggregate the effects of genetic variants across the genome and have shown promise for one day being used to predict individual patients' chances of developing diseases. That would allow clinicians to recommend preventive measures and monitor patients closely for early diagnosis and intervention. However, a PRS must be "trained" to predict disease risk using data from studies in which genomic information is collected from large groups of individuals. While many disease-causing variants are shared, explains Ge, there are important differences in the genetic basis of a disease between individuals of different ancestries. For example, a common genetic variant that is associated with a specific disease in one population may have a lower frequency or even be missing in other populations. When a genetic variant linked to a disease is shared across different populations, its effect size, or how much it increases risk, may also vary from one ancestral group to another, explains Ge. PRS trained using data from one population therefore often have attenuated, or reduced, performance when applied to other populations. "A major problem with existing methods for PRS calculation is that, to date, most of the genomic studies used data collected from individuals of European ancestry," says Ge. That creates a Eurocentric bias in existing PRS, he says, producing substantially less-accurate predictions and raising the possibility that they could over- or underestimate disease risk in non-European populations. Fortunately, investigators have increased efforts to collect genomic data from underrepresented populations. Leveraging these resources, Ge and his colleagues created a new tool called PRS-CSx that can integrate data from multiple populations and account for genetic similarities and differences between them. While there's still significantly more genomic data on individuals of European ancestry, the investigators used computational methods that allowed them to maximize the value of non-European data and improve prediction accuracy in ancestrally diverse individuals. In the study, the investigators used genomic data from individuals in several different populations to predict a wide range of physical measures (such as height, body mass index, and blood pressure), blood biomarkers (such as glucose and cholesterol), and the risk for schizophrenia. Then they compared the predicted trait or disease risk with actual measures or reported disease status to measure PRS-CSx's prediction accuracy. The study's results demonstrated that PRS-CSx is significantly more accurate than existing PRS tools in non-European populations. "The goal of our work was to narrow the gap between the prediction accuracy in underrepresented populations relative to European individuals, and narrow the gap in health disparities when implementing PRS in clinical settings," says Ge, who notes that the new tool will continue to be refined with the hope that clinicians may one day use it to inform treatment choices and make recommendations about patient care. PRS-CSx could also have a role in basic research, says the study's lead author, Yunfeng Ruan, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. It could be used, for example, to explore gene-environment interactions, such as how the effect of genetic risk would depend on the level of environmental risk factors in global populations. Even with PRS-CSx, the gap in prediction accuracy between European and non-European populations remains considerable. Broadening the sample diversity across global populations is crucial to further improve the prediction accuracy of PRS in diverse populations. "The expansion of non-European genomic resources, coupled with advanced analytic methods like PRS-CSx, will accelerate the equitable deployment of PRS in clinical settings," says Hailiang Huang, Ph.D., a statistical geneticist in the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit at MGH and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute, and co-senior author of the paper. Explore further New tool better predicts COPD risk for people of non-European ancestry More information: Yunfeng Ruan et al, Improving polygenic prediction in ancestrally diverse populations, Nature Genetics (2022). Journal information: Nature Genetics Yunfeng Ruan et al, Improving polygenic prediction in ancestrally diverse populations,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01054-7 Sampling wastewater can be time-intensive. Credit: John Eisele/Colorado State University A community's sewage holds clues about its COVID-19 burden. Over the course of the pandemic, wastewater surveillance has become an increasingly popular way to try to understand local infection trends. Microbiologists Susan De Long and Carol Wilusz met and became wastewater aficionados in April 2020 when a grassroots group of wastewater treatment plant operators asked them to develop and deploy a test to detect SARS-CoV-2 in samples from the sewers of Colorado. De Long is an environmental engineer who studies useful bacteria. Wilusz's expertise is in RNA biology. Here they describe how wastewater surveillance works and what it could do in a post-pandemic future. How is wastewater monitored for SARS-CoV-2? Wastewater surveillance takes advantage of the fact that many human pathogens and products of human drug metabolism end up in urine, feces or both. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 shows up in surprisingly large quantities in feces of infected people, even though this is not a major route of disease transmission. To figure out whether any pathogens are present, we first need to collect a representative sample of wastewater, either directly from the sewer or at the point where what engineers call "influent" enters a treatment plant. We can also use solids that have settled out of the wastewater. Technicians then need to remove large particles of fecal matter and concentrate any microbes or viruses. The next step is extracting their nucleic acidsthe DNA or RNA that holds the pathogens' genetic information. The sequences contained in the DNA or RNA act as unique bar codes for the pathogens present. For instance, if we detect genes that are unique to SARS-CoV-2, we know that the coronavirus is in our sample. We use PCR-based approaches, similar to those used in clinical diagnostic tests, to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Characterizing the nucleic acid sequence in more detail can provide information about viral strainsfor instance, it can identify variants like omicron BA.2. Currently, the vast majority of wastewater surveillance efforts are focused on SARS-CoV-2, but the same techniques work with other pathogens, including poliovirus, influenza and noroviruses. Before the pandemic, one application was monitoring for rare poliovirus outbreaks in areas where polio vaccination is ongoing. Wastewater can also be monitored for signs of various drugs to give insights into the level and type of drug use in a population. A lab technician prepares to process wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection at Colorado State University. Credit: John Eisele/Colorado State University Where does the data go? During the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the National Wastewater Surveillance System specifically to track SARS-CoV-2 across the country. Over 800 sites report data to this NWSS system, but not all states and counties are currently represented. Many state agencies, like the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and cities, like Tempe, Arizona, have their own dashboards for reporting data. Some companies performing wastewater analysis report data on their own dashboards, too. In our opinion, the NWSS represents an exciting first step in monitoring population health through wastewater. Similar systems are being established in other countries, including Australia and New Zealand. What does wastewater data really show? SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater from large populations are an excellent indicator of the infection level in a community. The system automatically monitors everyone who lives in the sewershed, so it's anonymous, unbiased and equitable. Importantly, it is also impossible to track the infection back to a particular person, household or neighborhood without taking additional samples. Wastewater surveillance doesn't rely on the availability of clinical tests or people reporting their test results. It also picks up asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases of COVID-19; this is critical because people who are infected but don't feel sick can still spread COVID-19. In our opinion, wastewater testing is increasingly important as more COVID-19 tests are done at home. And because vaccination has also led to more mild and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, people may be infected without getting tested at all. These factors mean that clinical case data are less informative than earlier in the pandemic, while wastewater data remains a consistent indicator of community infection level. So far, you can't accurately predict the number of infected individuals in a community based on the level of virus in its wastewater. The stage of someone's infection, how their body responds to the virus, the viral variant, how far a person was from where the wastewater sample was taken, even the weather can all affect the amounts of SARS-CoV-2 measured in sewage. More than 800 sites that cover populations of various sizes report COVID-19 wastewater numbers to the CDC. Credit: CDC COVID Data Tracker, CC BY But scientists can infer relative changes in infection rates. Watching viral levels go up and down in sewage provides a glimpse of whether cases are rising or falling in the community as a whole. Because SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in wastewater days or even weeks before outbreaks occur, wastewater monitoring can provide an early warning that public health measures may be warranted. And trends in the signal are importantif you know levels are rising, it may be a good time to reinstitute a mask mandate or recommend working from home. At present, public health officials use wastewater monitoring data along with other information like test positivity rates and the number of clinical cases and hospitalizations in the community to make these kinds of decisions. Data from sequencing can also help detect new variants and monitor their levels, allowing health responses to take into account the characteristics of the variant present. In smaller populations, such as in college dormitories and nursing homes, wastewater monitoring can detect a small number of infected people. That can sound the alarm that targeted clinical testing is in order to identify infected people for isolation. Early detection, targeted testing and quarantining are effective at preventing outbreaks. Rather than using clinical testing for routine monitoring, administrators can reserve disruptive clinical tests for times when SARS-CoV-2 is detected in the wastewater. What will monitoring look like in the future? Widespread and routine use of wastewater monitoring would give public health officials access to information about the levels of a range of potential infections in U.S. communities. This data could guide decisions about where to provide additional resources to communities, like holding testing or vaccination clinics in places where infection is on the rise. It could also help determine when interventions like masking or school closures are necessary. In the best case, wastewater monitoring might catch a new virus when it first arrives in a new area; an early shutdown in the very localized area could potentially prevent a future pandemic. Interestingly, researchers have detected SARS-CoV-2 in archived wastewater samples collected before anyone had been diagnosed with COVID-19. If wastewater monitoring had been part of the established public health infrastructure back in late 2019, it could have provided an earlier warning that SARS-CoV-2 was becoming a global threat. For now, though, establishing and operating a national wastewater surveillance system, particularly one that includes building-level monitoring at key locations, is still too costly and labor-intensive. Ongoing research and development efforts are trying to simplify and automate wastewater sampling. On the analysis side, adaptation of PCR and sequencing technologies to detect other pathogens, including novel ones, will be vital to take full advantage of such a system. Ultimately, wastewater surveillance could help support a future in which pandemics are far less deadly and have less social and economic impact. Explore further CDC turns to wastewater data to track COVID's spread This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. THURSDAY, May 5, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term survival after a heart attack has improved significantly overall among Medicare beneficiaries, although poorer people and Black Americans have been left behind, a new study claims. "Our results demonstrate some accomplishments and some work ahead; we are making progress on improving long-term outcomes overall, but we are failing to reduce the inequalities in long-term health outcomes that may cause death or another heart attack," said senior study author Dr. Harlan Krumholz. He is director of the Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation at Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn. For the study, Krumholz and his team analyzed the medical records of 3.9 million Medicare beneficiaries, average age 78, who survived for at least 30 days after a heart attack between 1995 and 2019. Nearly half of the patients were women. During the study period, the death rate was nearly 73% and the rate of hospitalization for another heart attack was 27% in the 10 years after a heart attack. But 10-year death rates fell 1.5% a year and 10-year hospitalizations for another heart attack fell almost 3% a year during the study period. Compared to patients hospitalized from 1995 to 1997, those hospitalized in 2007 to 2009 (the last three years for which full 10-year follow-up data were available) had a nearly 14% lower 10-year death risk and a 22.5% lower risk of another heart attack. The 10-year death risk was higher (about 81%) for patients who had another heart attack than for those who did not (72%), the investigators found. The study also found that hazard ratios for death and heart attack recurrence were: 1.13 and 1.07, respectively, for men versus women; 1.05 and 1.08, respectively, for Black patients versus white patients; 0.96 and 1.00, respectively, for other races (including American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, other race or ethnicity) versus white Americans. The findings show that measures to prevent a second heart attack could have important long-term consequences, according to the report published online May 4 in JAMA Cardiology. "Another notable finding is that about a quarter of the patients had another heart attack over the next decade, perhaps indicating that we need to be bolder in efforts to prevent repeat events and ensure that patients have access to the information and medications that can reduce their risk," Krumholz said in a Yale news release. More information For more on heart attack recovery, go to the American Heart Association. SOURCE: Yale University, news release, May 4, 2022 You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan wont grant a request by the states comptroller on Wednesday to immediately make $3.5 million available to pay for training to prepare medical professionals other than physicians to perform abortions when a new law takes effect this summer, a spokesman said. Michael Ricci, the spokesman, said in a statement that the Republican governor firmly believes, as stated in his veto of this partisan measure, that non-licensed physicians should not be performing these medical procedures. Suddenly releasing taxpayer dollars for this purpose would run counter to those concerns about setting back the standards for womens health, Ricci wrote in an email. Comptroller Peter Franchot, the state's tax collector who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, cited a leaked draft this week of a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that suggested the courts conservative majority is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade the landmark 1973 decision legalizing abortion. Given the significant danger the impending Court decision has on millions of women and families, I am calling on you to immediately release the $3.5 million restricted in the Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget to provide funding for abortion care training programs at community-based and hospital-based provider sites, Franchot wrote in a letter to the governor, who is term limited. The comptroller said in a statement after his office was informed of the governor's position that he hoped Hogan would reconsider. We can afford to get this done now, and it's critical that Maryland remains a national leader in protecting women's rights, freedom and health care, Franchot said. If the Supreme Court overturns the Roe ruling, at least 26 states are likely to outlaw abortions, including neighboring West Virginia, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights advocacy group. Demand for abortion care will dramatically increase as a result, and Maryland must and should be prepared to provide these critical services, Franchot wrote. The comptroller called on the governor to release the money for training at community-based and hospital-based provider sites. Ricci criticized the comptroller for raising the issue during the height of tax season as he campaigns in a crowded primary. When our office is receiving dozens of calls each week from frustrated Marylanders seeking (tax) assistance from the Comptrollers office, it is deeply concerning to see he is distracted and campaigning on the taxpayer dime, Ricci said. The Maryland General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, approved legislation this year to expand abortion access by lifting a state restriction that only physicians provide them. Hogan vetoed the measure, but lawmakers overrode his veto. The new law will enable nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants to provide abortions with training. It also creates an abortion care training program with state funding. The law mandates state funding for training in fiscal year 2024. The legislature also restricted $3.5 million for use in the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, to get the training started sooner though the release of those funds will require the governor's approval. Planned Parenthood of Maryland has pointed out in testimony before the legislature that Maryland already has a shortage of providers in rural parts of the state. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LANSING, Mich. (AP) Eligibility for a Michigan fund that reimburses crime victims and their survivors for health care costs and funeral expenses would be expanded under a bill passed Wednesday by the Legislature. Michigan has the lowest application rate nationally for accessing victim compensation funds and in 2018 about a third of applications were denied in the state, according to data from the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a nonprofit organization that works to support crime victims and reduce incarcerations. Current law allows funding eligibility for victims, a person who was harmed intervening on behalf of a victim and certain family members or representatives affiliated with a victim. The new legislation refines the language of who can apply and would allow reimbursement for primary caregivers of victims. Those who a crime victim was a guardian or primary caregiver of also would be eligible. Others would include roommates and those the victim was frequently dating. The current law requires claimants to file for reimbursement within one year of the crime. The claimant is not eligible if the crime was not reported to law enforcement within 48 hours. Critics of the restrictions argue that the financial implications of holding a funeral for a loved one, seeking psychological help and recouping from time lost from work after victimization are not always at the forefront of peoples' minds when healing. Under the legislation passed Wednesday with bipartisan support, the 48 hour rule would be removed and victims would have five years to file. The bill now goes to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Victims of criminal sexual conduct under the age of 18 must file a claim by their 19th birthday to be eligible for reimbursement under the current law. The legislation would bump up the age to 28 if a claimant has cause for the delay. The cap on the total amount each claimant could receive would be increased to $45,000, up from $25,000, and applications for reimbursement for funeral expenses would increase to $8,000, from $5,000. The legislation will bring support to those in the state that need it most, bill sponsor Rep. Bronna Kahle said in a news release. Michigan crime survivors stood up as one and demanded change. Todays victory was made possible because of their courage and persistence, the Adrian Republican said. With these reforms, we are proving to the nation that Michigan can adopt proven solutions to stop cycles of victimization." Anna Liz Nichols is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Nichols reported from Lansing. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma joined Texas this week to form a region that parts of a nation divided over abortion care might look like if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling. While abortion providers across the country have been bracing for the possibility that the high court's new conservative majority might further restrict abortion, that has especially been the case in Oklahoma, where lawmakers have passed a half-dozen anti-abortion measures this year. A bill signed into law on Tuesday by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is similar to the law passed in Texas last year that led to a marked increase in women going to neighboring states, including Oklahoma, to get abortions. It prohibits doctors from performing an abortion after fetal activity is detected in the embryo, which experts say is typically after about six weeks and before many women even know they are pregnant. And like Texas' law, it is enforced through civil, not criminal, courts and relies on civilians to inform on one another. Abortion providers in Oklahoma said they are prepared for the law to take effect and have been helping women get appointments at clinics in neighboring states. I think something we realized in September (when the Texas law took effect) is that we are already living in a virtual post-Roe world in our region, said Dr. Iman Alsaden, the medical director of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates clinics in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. We have seen people go to extreme lengths to access abortion care: driving all night, doing whatever they can to get the basic health care they need for them and their families. We have been seeing what a post-Roe future looks like in this region of the country already, and its unbelievable. The Oklahoma Supreme Court declined to temporarily stop the law from taking effect, although the court is still considering a legal challenge. Stitt's signing of the bill, along with the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is considering weakening or overturning its Roe v. Wade decision, led more than 100 people to protest on Tuesday at the Oklahoma Capitol. I honestly and truly never thought we would actually get here," said Sophia Fults, 22, a University of Oklahoma student from Tulsa who held a sign that read: Keep abortion safe, legal and accessible." Honestly, I was just shocked and I'm still kind of shocked and disgusted. So many women are going to be harmed because of this. It's just horrendous." The new law authorizes abortions if they are performed as the result of a medical emergency, but there are no exceptions for if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Like the Texas law, the Oklahoma bill would allow private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. After the U.S. Supreme Court allowed that mechanism to remain in place, other Republican-led states sought to copy Texas ban. Idahos governor signed the first copycat measure in March, although it has been temporarily blocked by the states Supreme Court. Stitt earlier this year signed a bill to make performing an abortion a felony in Oklahoma, but that measure is not set to take effect until this summer, and legal experts say its likely to be blocked because Roe still remains the law of the land. One of our main responsibilities in government is to protect life, and that has been our deliberate intention," said state Sen. Nathan Dahm, a Republican who wrote the bill to make abortion illegal. I believe here in Oklahoma we'll do everything we can to protect life from conception." The number of abortions performed each year in Oklahoma, which has four abortion clinics, has declined steadily over the last two decades, from more than 6,200 in 2002 to 3,737 in 2020, which were the fewest in more than 20 years, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In 2020, before the Texas law was passed, about 9% of the abortions performed in Oklahoma involved women from Texas. Before the Texas ban took effect on Sept. 1, about 40 women from Texas had abortions performed in Oklahoma each month, the data shows. That number jumped to 222 in September and 243 in October, according to the most recent data available. Clinic operators in Texas saw about a 40% decrease in the number of abortions performed there after the law took effect, and Oklahoma operators say they expect similar declines, said Zachary Gingrich-Gaylord, a spokesman for Trust Women, which operates clinics in Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas. In Texas, weve seen that many clinics were able to retain around 60% of their pre-SB 8 patient volume, and it seems reasonable to expect something similar in Oklahoma," Gingrich-Gaylord said, referring to the Texas law by its state Senate bill name. The primary reason to think that we may see far less volume than that is the chilling effect caused by the (Supreme Court) leak that may add to confusion for patients seeking abortions." According to state health department data, about 47% of abortions performed in Oklahoma in 2020 were for women who were less than six weeks pregnant. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 THURSDAY, May 5, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- If you have a history of cancer, fear not -- researchers report that you aren't at increased risk for severe COVID-19. But the same may not be true for current cancer patients. In the study, the researchers analyzed the electronic health records of nearly 272,000 adults diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020, at more than 700 hospitals and 700 clinics in the United States. Of those patients, nearly 18,500 had a history of at least one cancer diagnosis, including more than 10,400 who were diagnosed with cancer within one year before their COVID-19 infection. We found that recent cancer diagnoses were associated with a 17% increased risk for death and 10% increased risk for hospitalization, said study co-lead author Youngran Kim, from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. However, a history of cancer more than one year before COVID-19 diagnosis was not significantly associated with increased mortality or hospitalization. Our study also confirmed other risk factors and racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among COVID-19 patients with cancer," Kim said in a center news release. While recent cancer patients were more likely to be hospitalized and to die within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis, they were not significantly more likely to end up in intensive care or to be put on a ventilator than patients without cancer. Among patients with a recent cancer diagnosis, those with advanced blood, liver and lung cancers had a particularly high risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes, and those who had received radiation or chemotherapy treatments within three months before coronavirus infection also had a higher risk of death after COVID diagnosis, according to the study published May 4 in the journal PLOS ONE. It also found that cancer patients who were older, Black, on Medicare and/or lived in the South were significantly more likely to die after COVID-19 diagnosis, and that diabetes and heart, liver, and kidney disease were also associated with an increased risk of death after infection. In this particular study, we not only confirmed general findings about worse COVID-19 outcomes for cancer patients, but elaborated on subgroups of cancer patients that were not overly impacted," said study co-lead author Liang Zhu, a researcher at UTHealth Houston. "This is an important finding for the health care system, as they intervene based on the appropriate risk assessment and for cancer survivors to understand their specific risks associated with COVID-19," Zhu said in the release. "As the pandemic evolves, however, we may need to revisit this topic at a future time." More information For more on cancer patients and COVID-19, see the U.S. National Cancer Institute. SOURCES University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, news release, May 4, 2022 You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange. A Missoula man will serve no additional time after a jury cleared him of criminal charges stemming from a road rage incident last fall. Cody S. Johnson, 31, was charged with four felonies: assault with a weapon and three counts of criminal endangerment. He was found not guilty of all four counts in a Missoula District Court three-day trial that wrapped up on April 22. Johnson spent seven months in jail. He was released from custody at the conclusion of the trial. Public defender Will Managhan pointed to a lackluster investigation by law enforcement as being vital in proving Johnson's innocence in the trial process. Initial reports given by police initially painted Johnson as the aggressor, but evidence pointed to the contrary, he said. Missoula County District Judge Robert "Dusty" Deschamps III presided over the trial. Missoula Chief Deputy Attorney Matt Jennings prosecuted the case. On Oct. 16, 2021, Missoula dispatch received seven separate calls reporting gunfire in the Northside neighborhood at the 1700 block of Cooley Street. Officers met with a woman, Mercedes Green, who told law enforcement she was driving eastbound on Mullan Road when a silver passenger car pulled out in front of her. The car slammed on its brakes, nearly causing a collision, according to charging documents. The vehicle, determined later by authorities to be registered to Johnson, eventually let Green pass but then proceeded to follow her home. When Green got back to her house, charging documents allege that Johnson retrieved a gun and fired three times out of his window at Greens mother and other people standing in the roadway, then drove away. Johnson was initially charged with attempted homicide, but that was modified to the assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment charges. Video footage shows the complainants, who Johnson didn't know, start closely following him, laying on the horn and yelling profanities, Managhan explained. "It's apparent that it's not Cody Johnson doing the road rage, it's these complaining witnesses," Managhan continued. Johnson was leaving his office around 10 p.m. on Mullan Road near Missoula Bone & Joint and was traveling home when the conflict started, Managhan said. He lives a block or two from where the incident occurred. The parties eventually ended up in the trailer court where the shots were fired. Video surveillance obtained through a neighbor shows a roar of profanities being flung at Johnson by the complainants in the case, and Johnson audibly saying "don't assault me" and asking the others to back up, Managhan said. Johnson was at a stop sign and telling them to back away, which prompted him to fire shots into the ground. Through slowed-down footage and still images, Managhan's investigator identified Johnson was clearly shooting at the ground, Managhan said. Whether or not Johnson made the right decision in firing shots wasn't the question, Managhan said. Instead, it was whether his actions were criminal. His defense raised justifiable use of force arguments. "(Johnson) fired three warning shots into the ground, he never shot at them," he said, adding the detectives tasked with investigating the case didn't adequately slow down and review the footage. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 2 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. Rather than sitting in the classroom on Tuesday, students from Sussex School scattered across the Missoula community, taking advantage of the warm spring weather, to complete acts of service for their annual Ecothon. While all students participated in projects, the seventh graders had a slightly different undertaking, which was equal parts restoration and public art. The crop of students painted the large turtles in the wading pool at Sacajawea Park in partnership with Missoula Parks and Recreation. In all of Missoula, we just need more color, said Keira Kujawa, a seventh-grade student at Sussex. The group of students painted the five large turtles colors of the sky throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. They were led by Sussex art teacher Janaina Vieira-Marques, who specializes in public art. Their project is meant to represent the landscape and acknowledge the community's connection to Big Sky County, Vieira-Marques said. Sussex has been doing that for 35 years now through the Ecothon," Vieira-Marques said. "Were just excited to do something for the community. Students gathered in different groups to paint their turtles and played in the sun while waiting for the first coats to dry before taking off the tape. One turtle displayed striking shades of orange and red, while another across the pond had more subtle shades of blues and purples representing dusk. To mimic the sky, students moved borders of painter's tape ever so slightly each time they changed colors, so the shades appeared to fade into one another. You have to be especially when youre painting really careful because it gets everywhere, Kujawa said. Art is just so creative. You can be so creative and dont stay in the lines but then you sometimes need to stay in the lines. Its like a balance between being creative and staying out of the box and staying in the lines. They painted the heads and legs of the turtles brown to represent the earth. Overall, the turtles added a nice pop of color to the previously dull pool. Usually if these turtles were painted theyd just be like a rust color, or like this gray, said Gab Wium, who pointed to the concrete floor. Sussex kindergartners started the day with a neighborhood clean-up surrounding their school, while first- and second-grade students helped out with projects at Free Cycles. Third- and fourth-grade students spent much of the day with Missoula Parks and Recreation doing cleanup and yard work at Playfair Park. Over at the Moon Randolph Homestead, fifth-grade students helped with land restoration projects, spread mulch and improved picnic tables. Sixth- and eighth-grade students went to the MPG Ranch and planted seeds native to the area. We are proud that our students have upheld this tradition for so many years, said Sussexs Head of School Joellen Shannon. One of the core values of our school is for our students to experience the value of community participation by being active and engaged citizens. They take away a lot of important learnings from the day and it is our hope that they leave our community just a little bit better. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 6 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. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A lawsuit challenging Minnesota's restrictions on abortions that was set to go to trial next month has been delayed indefinitely, under an order from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The appeals court said late Tuesday that the lawsuit, filed by Gender Justice and other groups that support abortion rights, can't proceed while the state's appeal over which parties have legal standing to participate is pending. It's not clear how long that appeal will take. The trial was due to begin June 27 in Ramsey County District Court before Judge Thomas Gilligan, who had expected it to take three weeks. If the U.S. Supreme Court follows through on a leaked draft opinion to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, abortion will still be legal in Minnesota. A 1995 state Supreme Court ruling known as Doe v. Gomez established a right to abortion under the Minnesota Constitution. But Gender Justice and its allies are challenging a list of restrictions that Minnesota has enacted over the years, including a 24-hour waiting period, a requirement that minors notify both parents before getting an abortion, and a requirement that only doctors can perform abortions. The lawsuit relies in part on precedents set in Doe v. Gomez. We know our case will ultimately move forward to the merits, said Jess Braverman, legal director for Gender Justice. The question now is when. We are weighing all available legal options at this time. Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office is fighting the lawsuit, told reporters Wednesday that he strongly supports abortion rights. But he said his office has the legal obligation to defend all state statutes, and that changing the laws should be up to the Legislature. I want to be real clear: there's not one of these impediments to abortion that I would have voted for as a legislator, said Ellison, a former state representative and congressman. I would have voted against all of them. I think they're all bad policy." Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico is highlighting its support for proposals that would route an international rail line through its Santa Teresa border crossing, capitalizing on Mexico's unease with disruptions along the Texas portion of the U.S. border with Mexico. Mexico had considered a route through Texas, but in recent days officials have said they can no longer rely on that state. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, in April required all commercial trucks from Mexico to undergo extra inspections, tying up traffic and causing millions in losses. The administration of Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that it will send a delegation of economic development and transportation officials to Mexico City next week to explore opportunities to expand commercial infrastructure at the San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa crossing, about 20 miles (36 kilometers) west of El Paso, Texas. New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes said the state has already requested a U.S. presidential permit for a rail bypass route through Santa Teresa. Separately, she said a study on expanding infrastructure at the New Mexico crossing is near completion. She said recent disruptions at Texas crossings change the outlook for Santa Teresa. They have issues with pollution and wait times and security, Keyes said of Texas' border entry points. We have the opportunity to really envision what a dignified port of entry would look like." Mexicos Economy Secretary Tatiana Clouthier was more forceful last week on the fate of a proposed rail line linking the Pacific coast port of Mazatlan in Mexicos Sinaloa state with the U.S. and Canada. I dont think were going to use Texas anymore because we cannot put all our eggs in one basket and be held hostage to those who want to use trade as a political issue, Clouthier told a business conference. We are going to look for another connection point. Mexican diplomats followed up Tuesday in Washington with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and touted a rail line linking Mexican seaports on the Pacific with the San Jeronimo-Santa Teresa crossing in New Mexico. Some truckers have reported waiting more than 30 hours to cross during the Texas state inspections. Others blocked one of the worlds busiest trade bridges in protest. Abbott, who is up for reelection in November and has made the border his top issue, fully lifted the inspections after reaching agreements with neighboring Mexican states that outline new commitments to border security. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Butte will be losing its daily commercial flights to and from Denver in late June at least temporarily. SkyWest Airlines notified officials at Bert Mooney Airport in Butte that its daily United Express flights to and from Denver will be temporarily suspended after June 30 due to an ongoing pilot shortage. The move comes only six months after the flights began. Bert Mooney Airport Manager Pam Chamberlin told The Montana Standard on Wednesday airport officials feel confident the flights will resume at some point but could not say when that might occur. The daily SkyWest flights from Butte to Salt Lake City operated through Delta Airlines are not affected, she said. SkyWest had already cut its Saturday and Sunday flights to Denver through United Airlines in early March due to the pilot shortage, but now flights on other days of the week will be suspended. The reduction is a result of the ongoing pilot shortage that has affected regional airlines across the United States, which has been worsened by COVID, Bert Mooney Airport said in a statement also released Wednesday. We have enjoyed a long-term relationship with SkyWest Airlines and believe that providing our support for them to adjust their schedules to help passengers maintain access to the National Air Transportation System, the statement said. While we are disappointed the United Service to Denver will be temporarily suspended and we regret any inconvenience this may cause and hope the community continues supporting our airport for air travel. SkyWest and United Airlines have announced numerous flight and route reductions this year due to the pilot shortage. Its affecting the smaller communities the hardest, Chamberlin said. For more than 30 years, Delta had daily non-stop flights from Butte to Salt Lake City through SkyWest branded the Delta Connection, but Butte had sought a second destination city for years. It got its wish last summer when it was announced SkyWest would start providing Butte flights to and from Salt Lake City and Denver starting in January 2022. The U.S. Department Transportation sealed the three-year deal by choosing that proposal for federal subsidies over one by Boutique Air that would have provided flights to Seattle and either Bozeman or Billings. Under the deal, SkyWest would provide a combination of 13 weekly round trips to Denver International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport and receive an annual federal subsidy $997,186. The flights started in January and the arrangement was to run through December 2024. United announced in March that it was cutting routes to 29 cities this summer because its partner, SkyWest, did not have enough pilots to fly them. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 One of us is a Republican legislator representing rural Gallatin County. The other is a Democratic legislator representing the city of Missoula. Despite our political differences, we are committed to taking action to end the crisis at the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs. The State Hospitals problems are not new. For more than a decade, federal investigators and disability rights advocates have sounded the alarm about persistent human rights violations against the Hospitals residents. Avoidable falls, preventable deaths, untreated illnesses and broken bones, over-reliance on restraints both physical and chemical, chronic understaffing this has long been the reality for the facilitys residents. As legislators tasked with oversight of Warm Springs, we frequently hear from families who are understandably terrified for the well-being of loved ones who end up there. The first step is to stop warehousing people with neurocognitive disorders, like dementia and traumatic brain injuries, at the State Hospital. The most common source of violations is the wing being used to house people with neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injuries. Although these residents often do not have a psychiatric diagnosis, under Montana law they can still be involuntarily committed to the state psychiatric hospital if a judge finds they are "unable to care for their basic needs. This standard is low enough that virtually anyone living with dementia is at risk of being involuntarily committed. National experts who have testified before our legislative committee have expressed shock at how Montanas outdated treatment model compares to other states. In legal filings, the State itself has referred to the placement of people with dementia at the State Hospital as "unfortunate." Its time to stop kicking the can down the road. With input from medical professionals, disability advocates, families of residents, the Department, and community care providers, we are introducing bipartisan legislation to (1) end this misuse of the State Hospital and (2) fund medically-appropriate places for Montanans with neurocognitive disorders to receive quality, dignified care instead. Of course, quality care costs money. DPHHS is currently studying increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates. With these updated rates, long term care facilities will no longer be forced to reject these Montanans for financial reasons. Furthermore, a major, soon-to-be-completed renovation of the Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center in Lewistown will allow more people living with Alzheimers and related dementias to receive specialized care in a facility that's designed to meet their unique needs. We may be from opposing parties, but we are totally unwilling to engage in the usual political blame game. This is a problem that affects our entire state. Montanans deserve solutions, not partisan attacks. Once signed into law, our legislation will provide a dignified, medically-appropriate safety net for Montanans living with dementia and traumatic brain injuries. Danny Tenenbaum (D-Missoula) represents House District 95, Jennifer Carlson (R-Churchill) represents House District 69. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CONNELLY SPRINGS A local middle school teacher is raising money for a trip to the Ukrainian border this summer to bring supplies and relief to refugees displaced by the ongoing Russian invasion. Jeffery Barrett, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at East Burke Middle School, said he felt compelled to do something when images of the invasion first began flooding his television in February. Night after night, I have watched the endless streams of refugees flee their homes on the nightly news with little to nothing on their backs except what they are wearing, he said. Many of these innocent refugees are children and babies. I saw the same scenes in Bosnia and Iraq where I was deployed during my military career. Enough is enough. I refuse to stand by and do nothing. Barrett knew his experience as a veteran would be an asset on the ground in Ukraine. My first thought was to take an early retirement and pick up a weapon and fight, he said. Then it hit me, raise money, fly to Poland, rent a van and buy baby diapers, formula and baby food. Barrett, along with Mark Perrou of Valdese and Eric Flemming of Oceanside, California, are working to raise $30,000 to pay for supplies to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Ukraine. The trio plan to fly to Warsaw on June 13, rent a van, fill it with baby supplies and drive to the border. According to Barrett, all of the money raised will be used to buy supplies for refugees. None of this money will be used for personal expenses. That is coming out of our pockets, Barrett said. So far, Barrett, Perrou and Flemming have raised approximately $26,000 toward their goal, but said that money in excess of the $30,000 goal is welcome and will be used to buy as many many supplies as possible to help displaced Ukrainians. I feel strongly about what we are doing, Barrett said. We are not trying to save the world, but we are trying to help make a small part of the world a better place. Barrett said the group also is looking for a point of contact who can help them get across the border into Ukraine. He said that while the group is well aware of the risks of entering the war-torn country, they hope to at least get as far as Lviv, a little more than 40 miles east of the border with Poland. To donate to Barretts relief mission to Poland and Ukraine through his GiveSendGo campaign, visit https://givesendgo.com/G2Z86. Jason Koon is a staff writer and can be reached at jkoon@morganton.com. Backers of a plan including demolition of two buildings on East Park Street that have served as the Butte Rescue Missions thrift store took another run at commissioners who voted it down a week ago. But it was the same exact proposal and the same exact vote. The same eight commissioners who rejected it last week did so again Wednesday night, only this time, the 8-4 vote sticks. Procedurally, because last weeks vote was taken during a committee of the whole meeting, it wasnt official until action was taken during a regular meeting such as the one held Wednesday. That also made it eligible for new motions. Commissioner Jim Fisher, who was on the losing end last week, asked that the proposal be reconsidered. He urged others on the council to back the plan, and Bill McGladdery, president of the board that oversees the Mission, also asked for support. Under a proposed pact, the county says it would pay the Mission about $38,500 for the parcels at 123-125 E. Park St. and then demolish the buildings along with an adjacent, caved-in building at 135 E. Park St. it has been aiming to tear down since 2019. All three are unsafe, county officials say. The councils decision a week ago meant at least a temporary reprieve for the now-vacant thrift buildings, but it left the Mission with ownership and liability for structures it has vacated and a county official has formally tagged as dangerous. McGladdery told commissioners Wednesday night the Missions ownership and liability for the buildings were starting to affect donations that allow the Mission to provide shelter and food for the homeless in Butte. J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bows chief executive, reiterated previous statements, saying the plan was the best move for the Mission, the county and taxpayers, and his administration was only carrying out ordinances about dangerous buildings that commissioners had enacted. But at least a dozen people, including preservationists at heart or by profession, have urged commissioners for several weeks to save the thrift buildings. Among other things, they say old Uptown buildings are part of Buttes history and fabric and too many have been torn down in recent years. Several commissioners have opposed the demolition part of the plan and none wavered from their votes last week. A few have suggested the county pay the Mission for the parcels and then figure out an alternative to demolition. Those of us on the prevailing side of the vote last week I think the biggest issue we had was simply with demolition, said Commissioner Michele Shea. I dont have a problem with the sale of the building, I have a problem with the demolition being tied to it. Commissioner Shawn Fredrickson noted the city had taken on a privately owned vacant building at 135 E. Park so it could be torn down. I do worry that this is going to set some sort of precedent where the county is buying buildings to tear them down, he said. It feels like that. The eight commissioners voting against the proposal again were Shea, Fredrickson, Josh ONeill, John Riordan, Eric Mankins, Bill Andersen, Cindi Shaw and Dan Callahan. Those supporting it again were Fisher, Justin Fortune, John Sorich and Hattie Thatcher. Riordan did suggest a possible next move. Really, when you look at it, we havent sat down four or five of us (commissioners) could sit down the executive branch and see if we can hammer this thing out and get it done, he said. This game keeps going on and Id like to see it finished and Ill tell you what my vote isnt going to be to demo these buildings so I think that we need to get creative and come up with something. When a county officially formally tagged the thrift buildings as dangerous last week, it started a 60-day time frame that owners be it the Mission, county or anyone else have to present and at least start an abatement plan. But the deadline can be extended. Gallagher said he does not want the county assuming ownership if it cant tear down the buildings because they are unsafe, it would cost too much taxpayer money to make them safe and the county would be liable if they collapsed or someone got hurt. It is my position that we let the Rescue Mission decide on what they would like to do moving forward, he told The Montana Standard on Thursday. But, he said, I have no problem meeting with commissioners to discuss. McGladdery told commissioners Wednesday night that the numbers of homeless are increasing in Montana and in Butte. We have people literally sleeping in chairs at night because we dont have space for them, he said. And as we have tried to raise funds to expand our facilities on East Platinum, people (donors) are now starting to question, What is the financial liability youve got with those thrift store buildings and what is happening? he said. At least one person has offered to buy the buildings for $55,000, but the Mission says it has received no written offer and county officials say it will take hundreds of thousands of dollars to abate the properties. But they say they must be abated soon. The Mission could sell the buildings but says as a nonprofit, it cant afford to make repairs or pay for demolition itself. McGladdery suggested commissioners just vote for the proposal so the Mission could focus on its main mission serving the homeless. McGladdery said commissioners have heard from preservationists a lot in recent weeks but there are other constituents in the community, including the homeless. I have thought about, do we just get the vans filled up today at the Rescue Mission and bring those constituents up here so you can see who your decisions are impacting? he said. Brayton Erickson, an executive director of the Mission, said Thursday that board members will continue to discuss possible next steps. We would welcome offers from the community on how to solve this problem, he said. Love 3 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. Butte police reports Car used as weapon Late Wednesday night, police were called to the 100 block of Pearl Street to investigate a disturbance. According to her boyfriend, Kristine Bridget Hanley, 51, of Butte allegedly tried to run him over with her car but he was able jump out of the way. She then hit another car. Officers found her on Virginia Street and she was arrested for felony partner or family member assault with the use of a weapon, felony assault with a weapon, and felony criminal mischief. She also had warrants out for her arrest for the misdemeanor offenses of theft and criminal mischief Cited once again Also late Wednesday night, officers arrived in the 200 block of South Dakota Street to investigate an unwanted person at a residence. Turns out the unwanted man was Thamuhd Abdullah Ahmed, 70, of Butte, who reportedly had been told more than once that he could no longer enter this particular property. Ahmed came down from the attic and was jailed once more for misdemeanor criminal trespass to property. Child endangerment On Monday night, officers were called to investigate a possible intoxicated driver who almost hit a vehicle in the parking lot of Taco Bell, 2939 Harrison Ave. When police arrived, the car, driven by Jacquelyn Daniel Hackney, 29, of Butte was located across the street. There were two children in the car, a four-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy. An officer suspected she was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and she reportedly failed on-site sobriety maneuvers. Hackney was arrested for misdemeanor DUI, first offense, and two felony offenses of child endangerment. Arrest warrants Just after 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man staying at the Ramada by Wyndham, 2100 Cornell Ave., was told he was no longer welcome at the motel. When officers arrived, John Jeffrey Nugent, 55, of Butte appeared to be intoxicated and was refusing to leave. He was wanted on a $100,000 warrant out of Missoula County and was taken to jail. Officers from the Yellowstone County Detention Center brought Melinda Kathleen Hollow, 43, of Butte to the Butte Detention Center on Tuesday afternoon. Hollow, who had warrants for her arrest out of Butte, had been arrested in Billings for the felony offenses of criminal contempt and revocation of sentence. Brandon Matthew Kaario, 44, of Butte was picked up at around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Front and Montana streets. Police had received a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on a sidewalk with the driver sound asleep. Kaario reportedly told the officer that he ran out of gas and thats how he ended up on the sidewalk. He was taken to jail without incident as it appeared the Butte man had a felony out-of-jurisdiction warrant for his arrest out of Fayetteville, Tennessee. Morning discovery A woman living in the 900 block of Iowa Avenue discovered Monday morning some damage done to her 2006 Ford Taurus. She believed it occurred while out shopping. Fence debate Late Monday morning, two men, neighbors in the 700 block of South Main Street, got into a heated debate about a fence. So much so, the police were called. The two men agreed to quit arguing and go their separate ways. Hit and run At around noon Monday, a report was filed on a hit and run of an unattended vehicle, a 2022 Toyota Sienna, at the Hampton Inn, 3499 Harrison Ave. Windows busted The back window on a Ford pickup parked in the 1700 block of Grand Avenue was broken sometime Wednesday afternoon. It was discovered around 7 p.m. Monday that the rear window of a 2007 Dodge Caravan had been busted while parked at the Legion Oasis, 3400 Hill Ave. Sometime early Monday morning, three windows of a residences in the 1800 block of Massachusetts were shot at either by a pellet or BB gun. One window was completely shattered. Girls fighting Two juvenile girls, ages 12 and 13, were reportedly fighting Tuesday morning at East Middle School, 2600 Grand Ave. Both were cited for disorderly conduct. Trailer taken It was reported at noon Tuesday that a 14-foot enclosed trailer was taken from a lot located west of Walmart. Sexual assault Early Tuesday night, an inmate at the Butte Detention Center reported a sexual assault. The case is under investigation. Damaged items At around 7 a.m. Wednesday a man allegedly damaged the front door of his mothers residence in the 2800 block of Edwards. A fence at Quilici Glass, 730 S. Arizona St., was damaged by a vehicle sometime early Wednesday morning. License plate theft A license plate was taken sometime Wednesday morning from a Ford pickup parked in the 2000 block of Argyle. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 3 Angry 7 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. Courts have their hands tied: most sex offenders in Spain cannot wear ankle tags These control devices are limited to cases of gender-based violence against a partner in Spain Remote controlled ankle and wrist bracelets have been used for years in Spain with great success in preventing abusers from breaking restraining orders. There are currently 2,600 convicted criminals controlled by these geolocation devices, but a loophole in the Spanish law means that they can only be assigned to men who have abused their partner or wife, leaving all other sex offenders untracked. The current legislation does not provide for the use of these devices in other situations of gender violence, such as sexual assault or for cases of domestic violence, and only a few rare exceptions have been made in Spain, when the crime has been particularly heinous or has involved a young child. Given that the perpetrator of the vast majority of these crimes lives in close proximity to the victim, it seems incredible that these extremely effective devices arent used more widely. See also: Benefits increased for children orphaned due to gender violence in Spain According to the Action Protocol for telematic restraints, the objective of these bracelets is to improve the safety and protection of victims and generate confidence to be able to address their recovery", since they dissuade the aggressor and document possible violations of restraining orders. Both the victim and the abuser wear these devices, which alert when the man approaches the woman. These limitations could all be about to change, however, thanks to the law of comprehensive guarantee of sexual freedom, which is being processed by the Congress of Deputies at the moment. While the governments original bill did not include the measure of telematic control systems, several parliamentary groups have presented amendments to remedy the situation, and it looks likely that in the near future, judges in all abuse cases will be permitted to assign ankle or wrist monitors when they see fit. Now read: Spain reaffirms its commitment to the fight against gender violence Image: Wikimedia Commons Bettendorf resident Maggie Tinsman was the first woman appointed and then elected to the Scott County Board of Supervisors in 1978. She went on to serve 18 years in the Iowa Legislature as a Republican, where she came to be known as a moderate and an advocate for women elected to public office. And although she says she didn't campaign on the issue, she supported a woman's right to choose an abortion. She exited the Legislature in 2006, but her stance would make her an anomaly in a Statehouse in which in 2018 no Senate Republicans voted against a bill that would've prevented abortions after a fetal heartbeat could be detected. A ban that would outlaw abortion after about six weeks, before many women know they are pregnant and before the fetus can survive outside the womb. "I'm opposed to abortion, actually," Tinsman said. "However, I firmly believe that government should not be dictating to women regarding this procedure, and rather, I think the medical profession, the woman's religious beliefs, and the conscience of the woman herself should be involved with what to do in such an extreme situation." Tinsman entered elected politics five years after Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision the U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to overturn, which affirmed a woman's right to an abortion before a fetus is viable outside the womb, usually about 24 weeks of pregnancy. At that time, Tinsman had nearly graduated from the University of Iowa with a master's degree in social work while in the thralls of raising three children, volunteering for service organizations and local schools. And the issue of abortion had yet to rise to the level of political prominence, debate and polarization of other seemingly more important issues at the time like the death penalty. "I don't even remember the words Roe v. Wade in college," Tinsman said. According to Gallup, opinions on abortion access haven't changed much since 1975. Then, 54% of Americans believed abortions should be legal under certain circumstances, while 22% believed it should be legal under any circumstances and 21% believed it should be illegal in all circumstances. In 2021, those numbers were 48%, 32%, and 19%, respectively. In Des Moines, Tinsman became known as a moderate Republican who, according to the Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief at the time, "fought Statehouse obesity with a crate of pedometers and believed government could do a lot of good for the young and vulnerable." Tinsman said she tried not to campaign on abortion access because of its divisiveness. "When people asked me where I was, I told them, but I never went door to door saying, 'This is what I want to do (relating to abortion),'" Tinsman said. "I went door to door talking about education." Tinsman narrowly lost a 2006 primary challenge from the right to an opponent who, according to reports at the time, criticized her decision to oppose a ban on gay marriage. Tinsman said she couldn't remember if her opponent had brought up abortion during the campaign. Despite leaving politics, Tinsman's stance on the issue came up as recently as 2020, in which former congressional candidate Bobby Schilling claimed, without any evidence, that Tinsman "brought Planned Parenthood to Bettendorf." Tinsman supported his opponent, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Ottumwa. During Tinsman's time in the legislature, Democrats and Republicans switched or split control over the government's three branches. She said that could be one reason she didn't remember whether abortion came up during her tenure in the Iowa Legislature. "It didn't seem to me it was on the agenda much," Tinsman said. "If it was on the agenda, I don't know if it ever got up for a vote. I can't remember that. I think I would have remembered if it did. I think the majority felt that that's not the government's responsibility." Since leaving office in 2006, Tinsman said she's been largely focused on overseeing advocacy efforts against human trafficking and electing women to the legislature and has not been involved in the abortion debate in Iowa. But asked to reflect on the issue, Tinsman said on abortion, like other issues, fewer people are willing to buck their party. "I think the very super conservative Republicans have made it a big deal and brought it up a lot, but I don't think all Republicans are like that, or all Democrats," Tinsman said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MUSCATINE After spending three days surveying downtown Muscatine, a five-person contingent from the Iowa Economic Development Authority emphasized building on strengths to improve the city. During an in-person presentation designed to identify strengths and weaknesses, comments revolving around signage, housing, streetscape, and marketing were discussed. The contingent will issue a written report in a few weeks, and work with the city as improvements move forward. Downtown is on the map in Iowa, Jim Thompson, a member of the team, told about 50 people who attended the presentation. We have more money to give communities than ever in my history working at the Authority. During the downtown assessment, which costs $2,500, the team interviewed stakeholders, toured the community and visited local businesses. The team will also provide short-term and long-term recommendations. The five members of the team are all experienced experts in the field of community development and two were design experts. Thompson said this was his first visit to Muscatine and he liked how the downtown works with the rest of the city. During the discussion, he said about 6,500 workers live and work in town; about 10,000 live outside of Muscatine and work in town, and about 5,000 live in Muscatine and work in another city. He said Muscatine's downtown was on the upswing and there were many good things going on. He also said the citys relationship with the Mississippi River was great, and the group recommended building on that. As a community, you could talk about all the things you used to have, or you could appreciate what you do have, he said. Build on the good things and lets keep striving for what you want. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 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. WEST LIBERTY West Liberty Foods plans to build a new plant and offer its current 23-acre facility to the city in exchange for public financing. Officials told the city council the company has outgrown the facility that has served as its home since 1943. West Liberty Foods raises about five million turkeys annually. Iowa ranks seventh in turkey production, and West Liberty Foods provides 40% of the turkeys produced. The West Liberty plant employs about 900 workers, a number that would increase to 1,100 with the new plant. An estimated 393 residents of West Liberty work at the plant, which makes about $659 million annually and has about a $55 million payroll. At Tuesday's meeting, West Liberty City Council gave its approval for West Liberty Foods to seek a $25 million United States Department of Agriculture meat/poultry processing expansion grant to help offset the cost of the projected $100 million facility with $50 million of additional equipment. West Liberty Foods president Brandon Achen said the company is looking at several 25-acre lots in and near West Liberty that could be used to construct the new facility, which would be about 200,000 square feet. Construction is expected to take 18 months. We intend for it to be close to the city of West Liberty so our team members are able to easily get to work in case they need to go by foot, Achen said. The council approved supporting West Liberty Foods bid for the USDA grant. The deadline to apply is May 11. Once the grant money is secured, the company will look into additional ways to offset the cost of the new facility. Achen said there has been no discussion to date about a tax-increment-finance district, but the company would ask for some financial assistance to construct the new facility. Brian Melhus, general counsel for West Liberty Foods, gave a presentation on the plan. He said the companys goal is to create the greenest and cleanest protein facility in the world. He said the plant is currently working to become carbon neutral and the new plant would use an anaerobic digestion process to turn methane created from the turkey production into power. The new plant will include solar panels and a wind turbine to provide green energy. The project has been in the works for about 10 years. We are at a crossroads as a company, he said. Our biggest challenge right now is that we have an aging plant downtown. It makes continued growth in that location impractical. He said there would be many benefits for West Liberty, including increased property values and reducing the wear on streets inside the city from industrial traffic. Melhus said the hope is to afford the new facility by increasing production. There will be an increase in the number of jobs at the plant, but the number of difficult or hard-to-do jobs will decrease due to increased automation. During the discussion, Melhus asked people attending the meeting to give ideas of what the city could do with 23 acres in the heart of the city. Some of the ideas included new businesses, park areas and new residences. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 0 DES MOINES Iowa Democrats are pledging to reform their famous presidential precinct caucuses in an attempt to keep their first-in-the-nation status or close to it. The state party Wednesday announced plans to make the every-four-years caucuses for winnowing the Democratic presidential hopefuls more accessible and simpler, but offered no details. National Democratic Party leaders are in the process of reorganizing Democrats presidential nominating schedule for the 2024 elections. No longer is Iowa Democrats prized first-in-the-nation status a given, as all states are being allowed to apply for consideration as one of the early voting states. The Iowa Republican caucuses, however, are likely to remain first in the nation regardless. Iowa Democrats sent a letter to national leaders making the case for why Iowa should remain first, or at least among the first few states to cast its choices for president. In that letter, state leaders pledged to make changes to the caucuses in hopes of addressing issues that national party leaders have raised: primarily, that caucuses can be difficult for some people to attend and participate. We recognize that changes must be made in order to make the caucuses more straightforward and accessible, Scott Brennan, the Iowa Democratic Partys representative on the national rules and bylaws committee that is exploring the changes, said during a news conference Wednesday. And we indicate in the letter that we are willing to make significant procedural changes, as well as expand ways to participate. Neither Brennan nor state party Chair Ross Wilburn offered specific changes that Iowa Democrats will propose. They said the letter sent Wednesday is just the first step in a robust application process to remain an early-voting state. In June, the state party will submit to the national rules and bylaws committee its formal application for consideration as an early-voting state. At some point in late June, the state party will have an opportunity to make its case to national leaders, Brennan said. Weve got a lot of work to do ahead of us in the next few weeks, but I'm going to fight like hell for Iowa, Wilburn said. And Im going to look forward to making our case before the rules and bylaws committee. Caucuses are different from primary elections because participants are required to physically attend caucuses at a prescribed time and location, and the events often can last for hours. This has raised concerns that the caucus process can exclude people who are unable to commit to physical attendance. Critics also contend Iowas electorate the state is 91 percent white, according to census figures is not representative of the Democratic Party nationally. In the letter to national party leaders, Iowa Democrats say the states caucuses are worthy of a first-in-the-nation status because they require presidential candidates to engage in grassroots campaigning, and that candidates do not need to raise hefty amounts of money to advertise in Iowas media markets. The letter also argues that Iowa and the other current early-voting states New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada collectively are representative of national Democratic voters. Wilburn said the state party plans to engage Iowa stakeholders to explore substantive changes to the caucuses that would make them simpler and more accessible. Its important to us to continue to evolve Iowas caucuses so that as many people as possible can participate in this proud tradition, Wilburn said. Pressure from national political leaders of both major parties to remove Iowas first-in-the-nation status has been around for years. But that pressure increased exponentially after the 2020 Democratic caucuses, when a new results reporting program designed by a private company failed, leaving the state party without official and complete results for weeks long after the candidates had left for last-minute campaigning for New Hampshires primary election. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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. WASHINGTON Immediately following a report that United States Supreme Court justices would overturn Roe v. Wade, Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California leaders announced that they would work on putting the right to an abortion in the state Constitution. But California has been bracing for the Supreme Court to dump the 1973 precedent long before Politico published the leaked draft. Newsom, a Democrat, signed a proclamation on reproductive freedom in May 2019 that welcomed people seeking the procedure to California and reaffirmed peoples right to terminate a pregnancy. Since a Texas law allowed citizens to sue people who help someone obtain an abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detectable, around six weeks of pregnancy, California has initiated a number steps to ensure it is a sanctuary state for abortion services. Other states have drafted legislation inspired by the Texas law, which went into effect on Sept. 1, 2021. In March 2022, Newsom signed a law that prohibits health insurers from imposing co-pays, deductibles or other cost-sharing requirements for abortions and abortion-related services. California was already one of six states that required health insurance plans to cover abortion services. In September 2021, Newsom signed laws to heighten privacy around abortions and declared California was a reproductive freedom state. One requires information on the procedure and similar ones to be sent to a patient exclusively, rather than to additional members on a health plan, such as guardians of minors. Another law penalizes individuals who post personal information about other people who work for or go to reproductive health centers. Californias constitution already protects the right to privacy, which applies to abortion, through a 1972 voter-approved amendment. In September 2021, more than 40 organizations that support the right to access an abortion formed the California Future of Abortion Council with the support of state lawmakers. The council recommends policies that strengthen the ability to access an abortion and make California a safe haven for the procedure. What we really should be prioritizing in terms of the Legislature is investments. Investments not in just our abortion providers, but in funds and community-based organizations that are doing the work right now to increase access to care, Lisa Matsubara, general counsel and vice president of policy at Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, told The Sacramento Bee. PPAC is part of the California Future of Abortion Council. California is a sanctuary for seeking an abortion Roe v. Wade and the 1992-case Planned Parenthood v. Casey affirmed that states could regulate, but not bar, abortions before fetal viability. Viability is when a doctor determines a fetus could probably survive outside of the womb, usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy. People in California would be able to seek an abortion without the federal protection. Under California law, people can have the procedure before fetal viability without restriction. An individual can have an abortion after that if they and their doctor feel their health or life is in danger. Access to medication abortion through telemedicine has given Californians who cannot get to a provider, like someone in a rural community where health care centers in general are sparse, the ability to terminate an early-stage pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lifted a restriction that required people to go in-person to obtain those medications during the pandemic and has allowed pills to be sent via mail going forward. The big difference would be that providers could see an overwhelming uptick in people coming from out of state. California could see up to a 3,000% increase in the number of people coming to the state for the procedure if the Supreme Court allows states to totally ban abortions, according to an analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit that studies the impact of reproductive health policies. Most of those people would be driving from Arizona. It is highly unlikely that percent is approached because the analysis assumes that all people who are between the ages of 15 and 49 and presumably could reproduce would seek an abortion. The analysis is based on driving distance in which the closest abortion provider for these people would be in California. Since California is also a transportation hub, it is likely that people beyond driving distance would consider coming, Matsubara of PPAC noted. California already has people arriving from out of state for abortion care. For example, Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez requested a $3 million injection from the countys Board for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte to bolster its services. Its health centers have seen 80 people from out of state since July 2021, per a release on April 29, 2022, before the draft was leaked, and anticipated a greater influx. Were one of the most friendly states in terms of getting reproductive care, Matsubara said in reference a Guttmacher Institute review of policies nationwide. National abortion response The draft of the Supreme Court majority opinion is for Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, a lawsuit surrounding a Mississippi law that outlaws abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy with limited exceptions. In the draft, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the precedent set by Roe v. Wade was egregiously wrong from the start. I remember the days when abortion was illegal, when we would pass the hat at Stanford to collect money so a classmate could go to Mexico for an abortion, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, said in a release on Tuesday. Overturning Roe would return us to those dark ages where women dont have safe, open access to reproductive care. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. confirmed the drafts authenticity but said it does not represent a final decision in a statement on Tuesday. He directed the court to launch an investigation of the leak. The Guttmacher Institute predicts 26 states are likely or certain to ban abortions in some capacity if the Supreme Court guts Roe v. Wade. Since that precedent was set 49 years ago, 2021 saw the most number of abortion restrictions signed into law of any year, the Institute found. Its time for Congress to get off the sidelines and protect womens fundamental right to choose, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in a release. He urged passage of the Womens Health Protection Act, which would put the right to an abortion into federal law. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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. The June 7 primary election is quickly approaching and so is its voter registration deadline. The last day to register to vote before the primary election in California is May 23, according to the California Secretary of State 2022 California primary page. Register to vote online or pick up a paper application at any California Department of Motor Vehicles field office, post office, public library, government office or county elections office. To receive an application by mail from the Secretary of State, call 800-345-8683. What do I need to register to vote? The California voter registration application will ask for your driver's license or identification card number and the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have any of the listed materials, leave that space blank on the application and a voter identification number will be assigned to identify you as a voter, according to the website. To register online you'll need: Your driver's license Your California identification card number The last four digits of your social security number Date of birth You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of California to vote in its elections. Those 16 to 17 years old can pre-register. To check your registration status, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. What If I miss the registration deadline? If you miss the May 23 registration deadline, you can still go to the polls. You can conditionally register to vote and cast your vote with a provisional ballot, according to the website. Your ballot is then counted once your eligibility and information is validated. Visit your county's elections office, a vote center or satellite office designated by your county elections official up to Election Day to start the process. Do I need to register to vote again? You only need to register to vote again if you changed your name or political party preference, according to the California Secretary of State's website. What if my address has changed? If you have a new address, you can register again on online, submit a paper voter registration application or send a signed letter to your current county elections official with your date of birth and current address (regardless if it's in California or not). There's no need to update your information if you've already updated your new address at the Department of Motor Vehicles or the U.S. Postal Service. Wildfire season predicted to be very active As much as 90% of the central and western United States is currently experiencing drought conditions with little relief expected in the near future. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. According to a tweet published by Ryan Chan on May 5, 2022, China PLA Navy aircraft carrier Liaoning conducts flight operations with J-15 and Z-18 in the southwestern waters of Okidaitojima, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Chinese PLA Navy's aircraft carrier Liaoning (Picture source: Japanese MoD) The Liaoning or Type 001 is the first aircraft carrier that was commissioned into the Chinese Navy. The Liaoning is a refurbished ex-Ukrainian aircraft carrier that China purchased from Ukraine in 1998 as an unfinished ship. The ship was rebuilt and commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as Liaoning on 25 September 2012. Its Chinese ship class designation is Type 001. In November 2016, the political commissar of Liaoning, Commodore Li Dongyou, stated that Liaoning was combat-ready. It is conventionally powered, has an estimated full load displacement of 60,000 to 66,000 tons, and reportedly can accommodate 36 aircraft including 24 Shenyang J-15 fighters, six Changhe Z-18F anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, four Changhe Z-18J airborne early warning helicopters, and two Harbin Z-9C rescue helicopters. The Liaoning lacks aircraft catapults and instead launches fixed-wing airplanes off the ships bow using an inclined ski ramp. The aircraft carrier has a length of 306.4 m (1005 ft 3 in), a beam of 74.4 m (244 ft 1 in), and a draft of 9.6 m (31 ft 6 in). She can reach a top speed of 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph). The Liaoning aircraft carrier is armed with the Flying Leopard 3000 Naval (FL-3000N) missile system and Type 1030 close-in weapon system (CIWS). Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is supported by ASW rocket launchers. As the U.S. gives away billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine, it is putting stress on defense contractors as the Pentagon looks to backfill the militarys supply of weapons, The Hill reported. President Bidens trip to a Lockheed Martin facility in Troy, Alabama, highlighted a bipartisan sentiment that making sure the U.S. can maintain its own supplies is as important as ensuring Ukraine can defend itself against Russia. But replenishing Washingtons stockpile of weapons will be an uphill battle, as experts warn the defense industry is not primed for a wartime surge in production. The U.S. has sent $4.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden administration. Of this, the administration has used presidential drawdown authority to provide $3.4 billion in weapons from the Pentagons stockpile since September 2021. Replenishing the U.S.s stockpile was one of the main issues that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was asked about when he testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense about his agencys fiscal 2023 budget request. The Pentagon chief said it was very critical to ensure that Washington wont dip below minimum stockage levels for critical munitions. He added that the Pentagon has been encouraging manufacturers to open supply lines to increase production. Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet said in an event hosted by The Atlantic Council that his company is working to expand productions of weapons that it manufactures. In addition to the 5,500 Javelin anti-tank missiles that the U.S. has sent to Ukraine, the company also manufactures the Patriot missile defense system, and parts of the Stinger missile mainly created by Raytheon. The defense industry has been faced with some of the same challenges that other industries have amid global supply disruptions. Biden highlighted the fact that the industry has been impacted by the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips. He noted that each Javelin missile includes about 200 semiconductors. But the bigger issue, according to experts, is that the defense industrial base is geared toward producing what the U.S. needs in peacetime. Retired Maj. Gen. John Ferrari, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), explained that industry tends to wait for the Pentagon to award contracts to build systems. Compounding the problem is that the government has been more interested in divesting from procurement and investing in research and development, which sends a signal to industry not to spend big on legacy systems. Mark Cancian, a former Pentagon official who is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that every weapons system that needs to be backfilled is different. Some weapons can be ramped up quickly, but other weapons, like the Stinger surface-to-air missilesthe U.S. has sent over 1,400 to Ukraineare not in production as the Army had been moving to retire the weapon. Greg Hayes, the CEO of Raytheon Technologies, which makes the missiles, said that the company wont be able to ramp up production of the missiles until 2023 due to a redesign and lack of parts. All of this comes as the White House and Congress work together to get as many weapons to Ukraine as they can. A civil disobedience march, led by opposition MPs Gegham Manukyan and Anna Grigoryan, started Thursday morning from France Square in downtown Yerevan. But the situation became tense for a while when some of the marchers tried to block the oncoming traffic as well. The police did not allow this, and Manukyan told the marchers not to enter into a dialogue with the police. Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that actions of civil disobedience have started again in Yerevan Thursday morning. Protesters are again paralyzing a number of streets in the capital Armenian capital. On Wednesday, Resistance Movement coordinator Ishkhan Saghatelyanthe National Assembly deputy speaker from the opposition "Armenia" Faction and a representative of the Supreme Body of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party of Armeniaannounced that their fight should be intensified and encompass the whole of Armenia. He called on the people of the provinces to resume protests and demonstrations in the provinces Several roads were closed off Wednesday in the provinces as well, and virtually all bridges in Yerevan were blocked by the protesters. Peaceful acts of civil disobedience began in the Armenian capital on Monday, and a number of streets were closed off. In addition, opposition rallies are being held at downtown Yerevan's France Square since Monday. YEREVAN. Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in the United States on a working visit, on Wednesday participated as a keynote speaker in a roundtable discussion held at the Atlantic Council, the prestigious US think tank. The Foreign Minister of Armenia touched upon the main agenda and emphases of the working visit to the USA, the Armenia-US Strategic Dialogue, the documents signed during the visit, and the prospects of the development of the Armenian-American relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Reference was made to the process of reforms aimed at democratic development, protection of human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and the fight against corruption. Mirzoyan presented the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, Armenia's position on the negotiations on a comprehensive peace agreement with Azerbaijan, and the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in these processes. The humanitarian issues resulting from the 44-day war in the fall of 2020 and need to be urgently addressed were presented. During the meeting, reference was also made to the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey. Erdogan: Stances of Turkey and Kazakhstan on resolving Ukrainian crisis coincide Armenia PM lays wreath to cross-stone in memory of Armenian Genocide in Netherlands Armenia PM arrives in Netherlands Resistance Movement organizes march through central streets of Yerevan Georgia submits second part of questionnaire for EU accession talks Resistance Movement holds another rally on France Square in Yerevan Shanghai subway shut down amid COVID-19 outbreak in city Consultations on Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral cooperation planning held in Yerevan Emir of Kuwait accepts PM and government's resignation Macron urges Hungarian PM to agree to embargo on Russian oil imports Borrell hopes for conclusion of agreement on EU oil embargo against Russia US State Department comments on protests in Armenia Turkish Defense Minister urges Greece to solve bilateral problems through dialogue Armenia has new head of mission to NATO Iran considers Turkey's construction of dams unacceptable Dollar, euro fall in Armenia France ambassador: We support Armenia government efforts to establish peace in region EU Delegation head urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to refrain from 'conspiratorial thoughts and plans' Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrives in Turkey Ruben Rubinyan, several envoys discuss Armenia-Turkey normalization process Ambassador-at-large: Armenia 6-point document transferred to Azerbaijan includes Artsakh status, security issues 35 people apprehended so far during Tuesdays civil disobedience actions in Yerevan Japan imposes sanctions on 71 Russian companies Turkey plans to open consulate in occupied Armenian Shushi city of Artsakh Police apprehend opposition marchers near Lake Yerevan 26 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia past 1 week Armenia 2nd-President Kocharyan, ex-deputy PM and now lawmaker Gevorgyan court session is held behind closed doors Armenia Resistance Movement coordinator: Any incident of violence is reprehensible to us Situation gets tense during Resistance Movement march in Zeytun district of Yerevan Over 200 injured in mass protests in Sri Lanka Unidentified Indians fire rocket-propelled grenades at police department Armenia premier heads for Netherlands on official visit Armenia ex-President Kocharyan, former-deputy PM and now MP Gevorgyan trial to reconvene Azerbaijan establishes new border protection organization New South Korean president urges North Korea to denuclearize Azerbaijan FM says he had 2 telephone conversations with Armenia counterpart Resistance Movement kicks off marches in Yerevan Azerbaijan FM says Armenia's proposals cannot be called proposals Azerbaijan MFA: Armenia authorities have not refused to normalize relations despite opposition protests Azerbaijan hopes to get 7 villages in Armenia Bayramov: Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed in Karabakh Azerbaijan FM speaks against Armenia opposition China's central bank cuts yuan against dollar to new low in a year and a half Azerbaijan ignores points added by Armenia on agenda of forthcoming talks Process of including Armenian church in UNESCO World Heritage List is discussed in Irans Isfahan Armenia defense ministry: Azerbaijan MOD lying once again American Armenians stage demonstration outside Armenia consulate Newspaper: Notification to be sent to Armenia Patrol Guard Service head today Quake hits Georgia-Azerbaijan border zone, also felt in Armenia Biden signs Lend-Lease Act to defend democracy in Ukraine Newspaper: 44-day war military casualties parents are summoned for questioning at Investigative Committee EU considers additional funds for eastern countries for a deal to ban Russian oil Armenia PM to visit Netherlands Germany's finance minister warns that wage increases could further fuel inflation Ursula von der Leyen travels to Hungary to persuade Orban to support sanctions on Russia NEWS.am digest: Armenia marks May 9, Shushi liberation; Azerbaijan opens fire on Sotk gold mine Ursula von der Leyen says unanimous vote on key areas of EU policy no longer makes sense Resistance movement marches through central streets of Yerevan US First Lady meets with Slovak President North Korea urges citizens to strictly adhere to antiviral measures in connection with COVID-19 Armenian TV host dies after falling into river Javelin manufacturer to double production of anti-tank missile systems Sri Lankan Prime Minister submits his resignation to the President Marukyan: There should have been half million people on streets now if people really wanted change of power in Armenia Russia envoy to Armenia: Everyone should avoid steps that could aggravate situation Oil prices drop in Saudi Arabia after COVID-19 outbreak in China Armenia army general staff ex-deputy chief: I will say its a lie if someone says it was possible to win 44-day war Georgia condemns presidential elections in South Ossetia ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party official says authorities plan to divide Armenian diaspora Azerbaijan continues attempts to appropriate Armenian Dadivank Monastery Bitcoin is trading at a low since the summer of 2021 Armenia ambassador-at-large: Whoever says 'they want Artsakh to be part of Azerbaijan' probably wants it Turkeys Erdogan to attend Teknofest in Azerbaijan System Of a Down members welcome opposition Resistance Movement actions in Armenia (PHOTOS) Journalist attacked in Baku 19 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia in past 5 days Novak: Russia has already started selling oil to a number of new buyers Putin: NATO countries did not want to hear Russia Two Chinese ships enter Japanese territorial waters China assures Australia of peaceful intentions in cooperation with Solomon Islands Holy Etchmiadzin clergy visit Victory Park memorial in Yerevan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: Let us live for new victories Armenia ex-defense minister: Wedding at Mountains ideologically impossible after change of power NATO Secretary General urges Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine Karabakh negotiation process did not fail under Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan, says Seyran Ohanyan Armenia ex-defense minister: Resistance Movements breakthrough moment already passed Karabakh President visits Stepanakert Memorial on May 9 anniversaries Armenia Investigative Committee chief on including PM Pashinyan as defendant: We have just accepted proceedings Heavy snowfall recorded in Armenia rural community, in May! Karabakh President: Shushi is in captivity again, Artsakh must always be Armenian and impregnable Armenias Pashinyan to Russias Putin: Memory of great past obliges us to strengthen our inherited friendly ties Armenia PM arrives at Victory Park accompanied by enhanced security Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan: For stateless servile creatures, cost of peace is homage paid to enemy Azerbaijanis desecrate Armenian church in occupied Togh village of Artsakh (VIDEO) Armenia PM: Blood of our martyrs who gave their lives to Motherland should not be forgotten Armenia premier, president, others are at Victory Park Armenia marks May 9 Armenia PM visits Yerevan military pantheon Zelenskyy and German Parliament Speaker discuss heavy weapons supply to Ukraine Bloomberg: Hungary continues to block EU oil sanctions against Russia The Polish authorities have already built more than 50 km of a fence on the border with Belarus, reports RMF24. At the same time, Polish border guards recorded the first attempts to damage the structure. According to the border service, a gap about 30 cm wide was cut in one section of the metal fence, while an attempt to dig was found in another place. The authorities admit that this could have been done by Belarusian border guards or migrants, reports RMF24. The Polish border service believes that the operation of the facility will be less problematic when the authorities install cameras and motion sensors. Earlier, Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said that full-fledged barrier structures on the border with Belarus would be completed in June 2022. He specified that the length of the structure will be about 180 km, and the height of the walls will be at least 5.5 m. The migration crisis on the EU-Belarus border began last summer after the Belarusian authorities loosened control over refugee flows amid worsening relations with the West. The situation escalated on November 8, when about 3,000 illegal immigrants turned up near the Polish-Belarusian border. These people came from the Middle East and Africa. They legally flew to Belarus, after which they headed towards Poland and the Baltic countries in the hope of getting into the EU. This opposition has always run away from the truth. Artur Hovhannisyan, secretary of the ruling majority "Civil Contract" Faction in the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, stated this Thursday during the traditional press briefings in the NA. Reporters asked whether the MPs of the ruling force knew what disclosures Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was going to make Wednesday, speaking in the parliament, and which he did not make. "This opposition has always run away from the truth, and yesterday's incident was no exception. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted in his speech that he will say his wordlooking into the eyes of the opposition, so that they better understand that truth and reconcile with it," Hovhannisyan emphasized. According to the ruling power MP, when the time comes, the PM will say what he was going to say in parliamentbut in the presence of the opposition. "Unless, of course, they run away again," Artur Hovhannisyan added, referring to the parliamentary opposition. An oppositions march led by Levon Kocharyan, the son of Armenias second President Robert Kocharyan, and opposition MP Aram Vardevanyan, got underway in Yerevan. The police are calmly accompanying them. The marchers informed the law enforcement that their march will reach France Square in downtown Yerevan. The marchers are chanting "Struggle" and "Unity." Subsequently, they started singing the patriotic song "Wake up, son!" But at some point the situation became tense near, and a scuffle broke out. A large number of police officers arrived at the scene, and they began to forcibly apprehend the protesters, who were yelling, "Nikol, traitor!" referring to PM Nikol Pashinyan. The police were attempting to apprehend MP Vardevanyan as well; but a little later they released him. The law enforcement managed to reopen the road, and the march continued on the sidewalk. Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that actions of civil disobedience have started again in Yerevan Thursday morning. Protesters are again paralyzing a number of streets in the capital Armenian capital. On Wednesday, Resistance Movement coordinator Ishkhan Saghatelyanthe National Assembly deputy speaker from the opposition "Armenia" Faction and a representative of the Supreme Body of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party of Armeniaannounced that their fight should be intensified and encompass the whole of Armenia. He called on the people of the provinces to resume protests and demonstrations in the provinces. Peaceful acts of civil disobedience began in the Armenian capital on Monday, and a number of streets were closed off. In addition, opposition rallies are being held at downtown Yerevan's France Square since Monday. A peace agreement with Azerbaijan also means a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) issue. Secretary Armen Grigoryan of the Security Council of Armenia stated about this at Thursdays press briefing at the government. According to him, Armenia sees this decision in ensuring the safety and rights of the Armenians of Artsakh. "Based on that, it is necessary to accept the status of Karabakh. And based on that, there need to be security guarantees. We do not know what institutional guarantees there will be. If we come to a decision and see that the safety and rights of the Armenians [of Artsakh] are ensured, we will agree," Grigoryan said. He added that in response to Azerbaijan's five points, Armenia's proposalsconsisting of six pointswere received. "These two packages should be combined and discussions should start. There is understanding on this matterboth from Azerbaijan and other international partners. Armenia has noted that in order to have a comprehensive peace agreement, the Karabakh issue must also be resolved. I have not seen Baku publicly reject our proposals," the Armenian official emphasized. Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov took part in a ministerial round table on regional cooperation for energy security, diversification and transition to green energy in Sofia. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister highlighted the energy dialogue with the European Union after President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson in February this year, APA reports. He said that the main areas of the energy dialogue are decarbonization of the energy sector, energy transition, energy efficiency, expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor for additional gas exports to Europe, including hydrogen, production and export of other types of green energy. The Southern Gas Corridor has proved its strategic importance in a short period of time, providing European consumers with uninterrupted and profitable natural gas during the energy crisis, and Azerbaijan is determined to continue playing the role of a reliable energy supplier for both the region and Europe. To date, 11.6 billion cubic meters of gas have been transported to Europe through TAP. During the first four months of this year, 3.5 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas were delivered to Europe - 3.1 billion cubic meters to Italy, 0.3 billion cubic meters to Greece and 0.1 billion cubic meters to Bulgaria. At current export rates, our gas supplies to Europe will exceed 10 billion cubic meters by the end of the year. The minister also spoke about Azerbaijan's plans for decarbonization and the transition to green energy and ongoing projects. "Along with huge reserves of natural gas, our renewable energy potential has created great opportunities for further development of a progressive energy dialogue with the European Union," the Azerbaijani minister said. Finland is ready to stop gas supplies from Russia, Reuters reported, citing the Minister for European Affairs of Finland Tytti Tuppurainen. Finland's government said on 28 April that it would not accept Russia's demand to pay for gas in rubles, which could lead to a halt in gas supplies, as has happened with Poland and Bulgaria. Finland's state-owned gas operator Gasum is due to respond this month to a letter on the rouble payments from Russia's Gazprom. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the deadline for its response is May 20. The country must also announce as early as next week whether it will join NATO, which Russia opposes. "Finland is prepared for the possibility that gas deliveries from Russia would end," Finland's Minister of European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen told Reuters. He said Finland has taken measures, including the use of alternative energy sources, and the government also recently announced that it would lease a floating LNG terminal from Estonia. Roughly 60-70% of the gas used in Finland originates from Russia. However, it accounted for little more than 5% of the country's total energy consumption last year, Statistics Finland's preliminary data showed, with oil, wood-based biomass and nuclear power being the main sources of energy. Most natural gas is used in industrial production, gas markets expert Heikki Lindfors of Finnish Energy interest group said. "The share of gas in Finland's total consumption is small in percentages, but it is used by industrial sectors in which it cannot be easily replaced," he said, adding some companies could end up having to stop their production. The largest user is Finland's chemical industry, which includes energy group Neste's oil refining activities in Porvoo.